This is NOT a job for superheroes

Slipping in unnoticed

2012-01-17T10:09:00.006+08:00

Now that the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona has started, and a good part of the Philippine population is fixated on the issue, I can't help but remember this. After all, it's easier to slip in when no one's looking --

Vigilance is key.

(Not) Easy like Sunday morning

2012-01-10T10:55:00.006+08:00

It was an early Sunday morning like no other. Yahoo and Perdita, the pups we had acquired just four days earlier, were beginning to warm up to their new home, and at around 6:30 a.m. I peered through the window to check up on the little pooches -- they were quietly horsing around.

I went back to my room and emerged again about half an hour later. Wanting to play with the two, I walked over to the area that was their temporary corner. Seeing that the gate was ajar, I made a mental note to bolt it the next time and to tell the others in the house to do the same.

"Yahoo! Perdita!" I called out in sing-song, anticipating some hide-and-seek game, which I didn't really expect to take up that much time as our house doesn't have many hiding spots.

As I passed the garage, I saw that one of the wooden planks which had been used to cover the narrow opening under the main gate was not in place. At this I semi-panicked, for the puppies could have easily slipped through the opening without much effort and wandered around the neighborhood. So I made my way quickly around the rest of the house, still calling out their names. Behind closed cabinet doors, underneath the car, inside every nook and cranny I could find around the yard and heaps of plywood and old chairs -- no sign of the pooches.

My heart sank as I concluded that they made their way out the gate and must be roaming the streets by then. Quickly I ran out the gate and walked to the nearest corner. No sight of any puppies.

"Yahoo and Perdita are missing," I told my mom quietly back at the house as I got the car keys and drove out of the garage. I went slowly down the street, hoping they hadn't been nabbed, run over or attacked by bigger dogs that were common sightings on these parts.

"Diyan lang po kami nakatira," I told a woman who was sweeping the pavement outside her home, gesturing toward our house. "Nakawala ho yung dalawang tuta namin ngayon-ngayon lang. May nakita ho ba kayong umaaligid dito?"

She said no, and after describing the two and asking if she could keep her eyes peeled for them, I hopped back into the car and proceeded to make my way around the neighboring streets. My thoughts raced: They're not at the kitchenette at the corner... where else could they have gone? They're bound to be hungry by now... Could they have been dognapped so fast? God, please keep them safe... oh, how could this happen?!

After circling the block and asking several more people -- including a dog-walker in the next street -- for help, I went back home, dejected. It was now about 30 minutes after I first discovered that the two were missing. Could there still be hope of finding them? How far away were they by then?

Breakfast was one sad affair. My mom was worried, too, and had a hard time coming to terms with the loss. We tried to comfort one another in some way, discussing how excruciatingly tough it must be if the situation involved children and not animals.

"Sana hindi sila gawing pulutan," I said, feeling hopeful that fellows who fancied canines for their "beer accompaniment" figured out that full-grown dogs would make for a full platter while pups would fall short of that.

While going through almost the entire range of emotions (denial, self-blame, pity...) in the next few minutes, my sister -- who tends to say the most inappropriate if not the most irrelevant things in many instances -- said, "Baka nagtago sila dun sa kwarto ni....!" (referring to our house helper).

Smiling gently, I said the door was closed and dismissed the idea, but to at least show that her idea counted, I got up to check the maid's room just the same.

As I made my way, I thought, This early I'm already resorting to wishful thinking... because I thought I could hear some very faint whimpering.

I stopped and simply listened. Nothing. Gosh, I'm already hallucinating or whatever you call the auditory kind of hallucination... I told myself.

A few seconds later, I thought I heard another whimper. I pressed my ear to the wall. Wait a minute! What am I doing?? This is a wall! How could a puppy be inside a wall? I reprimanded myself, half-amused by what I was doing.

I called my mom and asked her to come out and check something. I told her what I thought I heard. We kept still and waited.

We stood there, alert for any sound, then... it came.

A soft whimper from somewhere and we couldn't figure out where it was coming from! Beside us was solid wall, beneath us the pavement. Looking down, I saw a drain -- too small for a puppy to enter. I removed the cover just the same, puzzled that the sound seemed to be coming from there -- at the same time overjoyed with a renewed hope since, after all, it wasn't only me hearing those puppy sounds! They must be alive then!

Can you imagine how it must feel to hear the whimpering of your beloved tiny pets and yet not know where it was coming from? Well, to make a long story short, we searched and searched and figured out that Yahoo and Perdita were trapped underground. And we somehow had to free them.

After giving my brother a call and explaining what happened, my mom and I nervously kept calling the little ones' names, as if telling them not to give up, that we were going to get them to safety soon (how, I had no idea, but I had visions of miners trapped underground and being dug out and rescued).

Within minutes, my brother arrived -- and with three other men in tow, each carrying some tool or contraption. (They reminded me of the Ghostbusters and the A-Team for a moment there). Boy, was I relieved to see them! They came equipped and looked like they were ready to handle anything!

Okay, so I don't end up dragging you through every detail of this story about my precious pooches and their rescue, we discovered that the two came upon a hole and -- like any curious young ones -- decided to explore it.

They were small enough to fit in, and in they went, one after the other. Then they realized they couldn't get out and their only course of action was to express their fear and discomfort -- hence, the whimpering.

The guys estimated the location of the pups based on their whimpers (plus the guidance of a flashlight which illumined the little tunnel enough to show their position) and we decided that hammering the cement was the only way to get them out.

A few minutes later, this was the opening through which Yahoo and then Perdita were pulled out -- hind legs first! Needless to say, I looked away for a few moments as the sight of their tiny bodies being pulled out (and the possibility of serious injury) was unbearable. *shudder*

I heard one cry as her body was apparently being pulled out, then I saw Yahoo scampering away fearfully after being rescued. She took refuge beside the garbage bin which was next to a heap of stones, visibly shaking from the experience.

Then came Perdita, who showed the same tail-tucked-in, ears-down, eyes-wide-open and body-shaking demeanor after being pulled out. I scooped her up and held her close for a few minutes. No words can describe how I felt during those moments! All I can say is that I have a new respect for mothers who hold it together when their children are temporarily missing (wandered off at the supermarket or mall, kidnapped by some unscrupulous characters, got lost in a crowd... and other such scenarios before being brought back to their parents)!

I brought Perdita and Yahoo back to their designated quarters, held them for a few more minutes, "talked" with them with the most affectionate (and devoid of scolding) tone I could muster. They were, after all, scared by what they had just experienced.

In about five minutes, the two were horsing around again as if nothing happened, with no idea what they put us adults through! They're just like children...

After the incident, the hole was temporarily covered using a hollow block, then a few days later sealed with a wire covering nailed in place. No more adventures for the little ones!

By now anyway, they've grown big -- too big to even squeeze their heads into that hole. But their horsing around -- more like wrestling -- with each other will seem to be a lifetime preoccupation. And I wouldn't have it any other way :-)

A canine code red... and a few other things

2012-01-07T09:11:00.003+08:00

Sometime last week, I realized that our 3-month-old puppies -- the two tiny litter mates I acquired with much care and planning, and with much consideration for their well-being -- have a stronger attachment to our household helper than to me. It was somewhat painful but more because I couldn't understand why than because of some desire to be the only object of their affection and loyalty. I had discovered the reasons since then -- and am working on solutions -- so I don't feel as bad anymore. But first, some stories -- first of which is how they came to be part of our home.

I was walking back to the office one afternoon from a grocery where I purchased a snack when I caught sight of some dogs on leashes walking about near an abandoned building. "Abandoned" is probably not a suitable word because it turned out that the man who owned the dogs has made the building his home -- and the dogs, apparently his source of income.

A few moments later some pups emerged, prancing about as fast as their tiny legs could, and I thought, "Ooh, puppies! How cute!" It just so happened that my family was really on the lookout for a puppy since it had been over a year since Sabrina had died. And we wanted one just like her -- a mongrel, not some high-maintenance breed like a German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Bulldog or even one of those kinds that had to be groomed a lot (Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier and the like). We wanted a dog to stay outdoors and preferably one that was reasonable on the budget.

I approached the canines, conversed with the man who owned them and struck a deal. That night I told my mother about my discovery, and we arrived at the conclusion that it would be better to take two pups instead of just one (two would mean the presence of a playmate!). So, preparations were made, which was fun but also time-consuming because it had been 15 years since the last time we had a puppy at home (Sabrina died at age 14).

All the preparations were made (I swear, at some point it must have been what anticipating the arrival of a baby was like!), and on November 23, a Wednesday, I brought the two litter mates home! We named them Yahoo and Perdita.

They were shy and somewhat withdrawn, to say the least. Their favorite spot, besides the old carton box that we provided for their little "house," was a corner which seemed to serve as a refuge for them -- especially Yahoo -- whenever one of us visited them to bring food, to play, give them a pat, to coo their names. But the attempts at first were futile, since they would either scamper to their box and remain out of sight or sit in the corner and act disinterested every time somebody dropped by.

"Pa'no kaya kung isa lang binili natin? Eh di ang lungkot-lungkot niya lalo? Buti magkasama pa din silang magkapatid..." were some of our remarks after observing the inseparability and forlorn expressions both wore (except when they were roughhousing when they thought nobody was watching them through the flimsy curtain through the windows). They always slept huddled together, with one's paw over the other's head, or one's body slung over the other's back.

Within a couple of days they were wearing collars (pink for Perdita, green for Yahoo) and running around more enthusiastically. They even lapped up their milk faster and dared to venture out of their designated space and looked happy about it. (I decided that being introduced to the experience of walking with a leash would have to be for later. Too many new experiences one after the other can't be all that good for the little ones so soon after being transported into a still unfamiliar place, away from their mother and original owner.)

I had decided that Sunday -- four days after arriving home -- would be the day to bring them to the vet for a check-up. Two days after the pups arrived, our house helper pointed out worms in their poo! They did, after all, live on the streets during the first couple of months of their life, so this shouldn't even be surprising.

Sunday afternoon at the vet. This is how Perdita looked while waiting for her and Yahoo's turn (Yahoo was somewhere in the box, too):

As it was a Sunday, there were more patients, as expected. Dogs would bark simultaneously once in a while, and on one such instance, here's Perdita's reaction to the noise:

You can see Yahoo lying in there, still oblivious to what was going on (or probably choosing to snooze to cope with the new experience). When their turn came, all went well -- no anxiety-inducing crying or spirited attempts to scamper away, just a couple of whimpers when stool samples were taken. They had loads of worms, the doc said! So that was dealt with.

Anyhow, I'll hit the "publish post" button even though I haven't even gotten to what I was supposed to really blog about in the first place. Something happened at home on the morning of this visit to the vet, the "code red" referred to in the title up there. But the excitement of the morning will have to be for another day's blogging -- soon, I hope!!

A parody that hits the bullseye

2011-12-21T21:54:00.007+08:00

This movie scene has been humorously messed with numerous times! Here it is once again and this time, it provides a summary of the developments in the fight for a culture of life in my country this year.

Mini-bio in motion

2011-11-14T21:19:00.007+08:00

The story behind the making of this video

The Queen of Pop

2011-11-14T00:32:00.007+08:00

Uh...Pop Control that is. That's Hillary Clinton, whose relentless push for universal access to abortion is quite known.

She's coming to Manila once again, and though it's a mere one-day visit and it's supposed to celebrate some treaty's anniversary, how can she pass up the chance to give a boost to the RH cause here, especially when more and more Filipinos are opening their eyes to the truth and learning more of the truth about RH legislation, population control and why these are not the solution to poverty.

But don't take my word for it. Do more research on the history of "reproductive health" -- read up on the NSSM 200 (that stands for National Security Study Memorandum 200, a formerly classified then now declassified document that reveals quite a lot), and see what you'll dig up about Margaret Sanger and International Planned Parenthood Federation.

For starters, check out an article to get some insights on Clinton's Manila visit from Filipinos who are in the know when it comes to the whole reproductive health affair because for years they've been living in a country that's been immersed in the RH lifestyle -- the US.

Quotes:

"She has stated again and again that reproductive health must always include access to ‘safe, legal, and rare’ abortion. I hope the anti-RH people in the Philippines will show her that we Filipinos do not want this for our country, that we Filipinos are baby-loving and family-oriented people. I hope there will be a very big rally to show Hillary Clinton we don’t need her telling us Filipinos how to live our lives. The Philippines is a sovereign country and liberal laws in the U.S. have no place in our culture!"

"What is there to say? Hillary’s known for her liberal views, especially her famous words that reproductive health and reproductive rights include the right to abortion. I’m sure if she spends any time there at all, this will be one of the top items on her agenda. That’s a given."

Full story here

Ring action for today

2011-11-13T10:02:00.013+08:00

The Pacquiao-Marquez boxing match in Vegas happens in a few hours, and since I don't relish real fighting (okay, it's considered a sport, but what transpires is no cartoon or video game either, so people really do inflict pain on each other and it always ends up with real injuries), below is the kind of boxing I'd much rather go for :-)

To Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao, do your best and let your sportsmanship, humility and unparalleled skill shine once again!

Okay, I just came across another boxing clip, this time featuring Buster Keaton, whom I first heard about from my old penpal nearly 20 years ago but just never had the chance to look up till today. Hilarious! I'm sharing it here as well --

No hands, no problem

2011-11-12T19:53:00.018+08:00

At just about this time a week ago, I was having dinner with someone who ate with her feet. That doesn't sound like a very pleasant meal to partake in, does it? I'd surely have the same impression had I not been the one chatting over lettuce soup and (my) baked fish in olive oil with a person whom I believe is worthy of much respect beyond the common respect that each human being deserves.

Jessica Cox was born without arms, and before she reached her 28th year she had already been swimming, scuba-diving, doing taekwondo, and driving with a no-restrictions driver's license. Then in 2009 she obtained her pilot's license. Now, this is just a fraction of the activity she's been engaged in, about which you can discover more here and here. But what I really think is important about this opportunity presented to me to spend a few hours with Jessica is the way I experienced starting off trying to overlook a physical condition and eventually forgetting that it's there without even trying.

A few of us met Jessica -- a Filipino-American who was in the country on vacation -- at her hotel to do an interview. I think it was when she casually flicked on an air-conditioning switch which was around eye-level using her foot that I began to feel a strange mix of "Oh, inconsiderate me, I should've done that" and "Wow, she can do that." After that was the interview during which she related stories of growing up in the US with her parents and two siblings, doubts she had experienced and assurances she had been given over the years, the traveling she's been doing to get her motivational message across to those who could benefit from it, and basically the wonderful upbringing that her parents carried out.

It was easy to lose sight of the fact that physically she was incomplete, but boy, what grit. And yet, I sensed no overly aggressive sentiments or any kind of defensive attitude that could have been a natural outcome of being regarded as "too different for comfort" -- which is very well a possibility given most societies' lack of understanding of special conditions or exposure to differently-abled people. But Jessica was composed, well-adjusted, pleasant. By the end of the interview, though her physical condition remained, what was more pronounced to me was her character.

I was momentarily reminded of her special condition, though, after she got some postcards to autograph for us. I was surprised for a few seconds, then thought, "Oh yes..." because prior to the interview I had seen pictures of her brushing her hair, putting on contact lenses and writing with a pen -- all using her feet.

We talked a lot over dinner, and though I was initially surprised the moment she took a sip of the soup from the spoon (of course, brought to her mouth using her right foot), it became unnoticeable to me right after that. Too bad we couldn't really take our time during the meal on account of another appointment that left less than an hour for dinner.

I can't even say that it was a memorable dinner, though I will never forget it. By the time of the meal, I had already grown accustomed to her -- the whole person -- so that whatever "spectacular" thing about such an experience may have normally stayed with me, simply went to my heart. That does sound somewhat cheesy, but I think spectacular things simply go up and fade away easily, while experiences that make their way into the heart stay and are felt in some ways long after they happen.

And the autographed postcard she gave me -- I guess it's simply a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and what heights we can reach when perceived obstacles are regarded as gifts and are used as stepping stones. Since one of the photos on the postcard shows the Pope, I'll let that be a reminder that it's with faith that everything begins -- even the belief that one can write with a pen despite the absence of hands.

If 'there be dragons'...

2011-11-06T23:33:00.027+08:00

... brandish your sword and slay them! That would be the classic response -- if one were dealing with the kind that breathed fire and challenged lion-hearted gentlemen in pursuit of a mission.

But 'dragons' in the movie I was fortunate to watch in its advance screening pertained to nothing of the sort. Pursuit of missions, however, and the call to be lion-hearted in some way were indeed somewhere in there.

There Be Dragons, written and directed by the same man behind the acclaimed The Mission and The Killing Fields, revolves around the life of a saint who lived and died not too long ago -- the 1900s -- thereby making the situations he experienced and the circumstances he found himself in not too different from today's. I take some kind of reassurance from the fact that this "saint of the ordinary" (as St. Josemaria Escriva has come to be known) lived through contemporary music and cinematic trends, had a glimpse of the uniting effect of things such as the Olympic games, saw how nations became divided during the 20th century's two world wars, and basically saw the changing lifestyles of families and entire societies before he died in 1975. But through it all, he lived his faith and showed us the way to do it -- and he was right in the middle of the modern world, not behind some monastery's walls centuries ago.

In fact, in the movie Escriva is set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil war of the 1930s and though not really a war movie, There Be Dragons brings out a number of elements that result from man turning against fellow countryman. One scene that I find immensely striking depicts the Spanish priest and his companions after they witness the execution of another priest -- Fr. Lazaro -- by the anti-clerical Republicans. The contrast in how they respond to the scene they had just witnessed is fascinating, with everyone understandably enraged by the injustice happening around them, and everyone except Escriva calling the murderers "swines." The priest acknowledges their fury but points out things they need to hear.

"Not swines -- men, like us."

"Men?! What did Fr. Lazaro ever offer them but love?!"

"We have to pray, first pray for Fr. Lazaro and then for his murderers."

"But they're murderers, and they took pleasure in it!"

And Escriva confronts the young man, quite forcefully: "What do you want to do to them if you could, truthfully, and wouldn't you take pleasure in it?"

Faith is a gift, he tells his disheartened companions, "and God has called us to manifest it in love here on earth. Unwavering love for every child of God no matter who it is, no matter what side, no matter what circumstances."

"Even when they are wrong?" one of them asks, incredulous.

"Yes! Even if they are wrong."

Tall order? Certainly, and it is this theme of love and forgiveness -- even when circumstances make them nearly impossible -- that resonated with me. These days, when the news day after day is about shootings, bombings, insurgents killing hostages, fathers taking their children's lives, and siblings fighting over seemingly petty things, forgiveness sounds like such an alien idea. So, hearing words such as those uttered by the Spanish priest in the film was a welcome and refreshing change. And, it doesn't stop there, for the movie also shows how the power of forgiveness breaks the chains of the past.

Much as St. Josemaria is the central character, it is his friend Manolo Torres who comes out being the focus as the story unfolds, for it is around Manolo and his son, Roberto, that much of the story's crucial elements revolve (let me point out that writer and director Roland Joffe wrote the fictional father and son characters into the story). It is, after all, the journalist Roberto who sets off doing research on Escriva for a book and inadvertently makes discoveries linking the priest to his father. The synopsis actually shows partly why the tagline being used for the movie is those words attributed to Oscar Wilde -- "Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future." Okay, it's a bit unusual that I'm providing the synopsis midway through this piece, but here it is just the same:

The film tells the story of London-based investigative journalist Roberto Torres (Dougray Scott), who visits Spain to research a book about Josemaría Escrivá (Charlie Cox), the controversial founder of Opus Dei. But, Roberto hits a wall, both professionally and personally, when his most promising source—his own father, Manolo Torres (Wes Bentley) turns out to be his least cooperative one. Roberto begins to unearth his father’s toxic secrets when he learns that Manolo was not only born in the same Spanish town as Josemaría, but, that they were childhood friends and attended the same seminary. The two men take radically different paths in life, with Josemaría dedicating his life to his faith while Manolo is swept into the brutal and tumultuous Spanish Civil War. Manolo descends into a dangerous and jealous obsession when the beautiful Hungarian revolutionary Ildiko (Olga Kurylenko) doesn’t return his affections and instead gives herself to the courageous military leader, Oriol (Rodrigo Santoro).

As Roberto continues to unearth the secrets of Josemaría’s life and Manolo’s mysterious anger, their overlapping journeys are revealed with the truths and sorrows of their past choices, which compels Manolo to confront his own secret with one last opportunity of forgiveness.

Intriguing, huh? It suffices to say that the film is mighty unpredictable. Let me say, too, that parents will find in the story moving scenes that zero in on the need to forgive and ask for forgiveness not only in matters concerning social and political struggles, but in terms of their relationships within the family. As someone in the movie said, "When you forgive, you set someone free -- yourself."

A week or so after watching the premiere, I chanced upon a YouTube video that had someone involved in the movie's production saying that There Be Dragons isn't for any sole group of people, like only for believers or only for Asians. The movie is "100% about humanity" and it touched the hearts of everyone on whom the producers "tested" the film. Even director Joffe said that it's a story for "every human being" -- who feels, who thinks, who has a family, who feels angry, feels the need for revenge, who feels love, wants love or needs love. Well, is there anyone who has not felt infuriated or who does not yearn to be loved, even just a little bit? Now, after thinking more about the film, I agree that it is for everyone -- because the sentiments presented in it and the struggles that all of us wrestle with at some point in our lifetime -- are universal.

Movies have come and gone, and many have touched on similar themes. Jealousy, hate, revenge, violence. But most of them end there, with little or no elements presented as to how true redemption can be found. They're all about dragon-slaying -- the roaring, action-packed kind. But facing one's personal dragons -- challenges, whether it's envy, cowardice, isolation, a weak faith... -- and slaying them are probably what this movie will make you ponder. That, and how saints and sinners fully live their humanity as they come to terms with their past and carve out their future.

* There Be Dragons will be shown from November 9-15 at SM North, Trinoma, SM Megamall, Glorietta 4, South Festival Mall, SM Southmall.

* * * * * * * * * *

There Be Dragons official trailer

Roland Joffe discusses his film

Fatherhood angle of the film on CBCP for Life

More interesting stuff plus other videos on Dragons.ph

Brother, brother

2011-11-01T20:28:00.004+08:00

"Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero."
- Marc Brown

I came across this quote from this blog post at Main Squeeze

Where is the love?

2011-11-01T13:03:00.010+08:00

Depending on what decade you were born, hearing "Where is the love?" is going to remind you of either a rap song with quite a timely reminder of the state of the world today, a tune from the 1970s, or this song from the late '90s. But neither prompted this piece that asks such a question.

About a week ago, I lost something.

I was going to wash my hands in the ladies' room so I took it off, placed it beside my bag, made a mental note to remember that it was there, hand-washed, hand-wiped, then did a few more things before heading out the door. Obviously, wearing the "finger piece" wasn't among them.

I remembered about it only when I was out of the mall already, on my way home, as I noted that something about my hand looked different.

"Where is it??" I thought, my heart sinking. Where is the love? I half-joked around, telling myself that it wasn't just any piece of jewelry but one that I tried to use as a reminder of sorts -- the reason for everything that's good in the world. The reason why we get back up again after falling into self-indulgence.

The thing that makes people put the interest of others above theirs.

The motivation for going against the grain when going with the flow would be so much easier.

The reason why we have saintly souls -- canonized or otherwise-- we celebrate and thank every year on November 1.

The reason why even though the self-sacrifice that happened on Calvary 2,000 years ago seems utterly insane, it makes sense.

And because of carelessness, the little reminder I would sometimes wear on my fingers was gone.

It wasn't that expensive, and I knew where to buy another piece. But I didn't buy another piece and I won't.

The experience later reminded me of a story one of my sisters mentioned about growing up. She said that the only time our mother would give her and our other siblings new pencils was upon being shown the little, almost completely used-up Mongol that needed replacement.

"Kaya kailangan mo talagang ingatan ang lapis mo at itatago mo hanggang ang liit-liit na. Hindi mo wawalain," she remarked.

I also thought of the instance related by an old friend who apparently knew how to take care of his things. He learned as a child not to take his toys for granted because of something his mom said while he was growing up -- something like "Ay, hindi kita ibibili ng bago kung di mo iingatan ang mga laruan mo!" (I won't buy you new ones if you don't take care of your toys!)"

If one knows that it will be easy to get a replacement -- whether it's a toy, pencil, piece of jewelry or anything else, even something of a much higher cost -- I think the tendency would be to take things for granted. Makes me wonder if it's the same when it comes to relationships... say, if people make it possible to escape the commitment involved in something that's meant to be life-long (say, marriage), would man hold on to that commitment with conviction?

One thing's for sure: even though the metal reminder on my finger is gone, it's no excuse not to engrave the word and everything it stands for in the heart.

As for getting a replacement, the lesson might be lost as soon as it's on my finger again. So, let the lesson remain. This may be an even stronger reminder of Love than a piece of metal can ever be.

For moms and dads

2011-10-08T23:04:00.005+08:00

Tools, tube tops and the truth

2011-09-19T21:26:00.009+08:00

Is there possibly any man in existence who has told a woman something like "When you wear that tube top and those tight shorts, I become so focused on your brilliant ideas, your intelligence" or "Seeing you in a bikini always makes me want to get into your brains and never fails to bring out the gentleman in me."

Based on what I know about men, they're quite visual. And that's all I'll say about it. Plus the fact that I appreciate the "built-in" differences between men and women, and that with the help of one another, each man and woman can eventually achieve being the best version of himself/herself.

Interested in the topic? Here's an interesting article:

Sex objects: Pictures shift men's view of women

Looking at images of women's bodies activates the part of men's brains associated with using power tools. Photograph: Getty

Men are more likely to think of women as objects if they have looked at sexy pictures of females beforehand, psychologists said yesterday.

Researchers used brain scans to show that when straight men looked at pictures of women in bikinis, areas of the brain that normally light up in anticipation of using tools, like spanners and screwdrivers, were activated.

Scans of some of the men found that a part of the brain associated with empathy for other people's emotions and wishes shut down after looking at the pictures.

Full story

When photographs were more precious

2011-09-19T20:27:00.011+08:00

An online friend pointed out sometime ago the notion of telling kids nowadays that television programming didn't always use to be a 24-hour affair. The TV signed off at night after playing the national anthem, and the screen went blank (or showed that "static image" or whatever you call it) till the programs resumed the following morning. Oh, and there was a time when we actually got up from our chair and walked to the television set if we wanted to change the channel (which during that period was one of only 5 or 6 choices).

To help kids develop an appreciation for the various tools, devices and the general lifestyle they have, it might be good to tell them about camera film as well. "We didn't take 150 shots in a span of 20 minutes; we carefully chose what to shoot before shooting, we aimed, and waited a few minutes before taking the next shot. Then we made a trip to the camera store to have the film developed and again we chose carefully before deciding which shots to have recopied to give to family and friends. We even counted our money before deciding whether to buy a 12-, 24- or 36-exposure roll of film if we knew there was going to be a party or any special occasion soon. Oh, and there was no need to charge batteries for the camera because cameras back then didn't need batteries -- they worked fine on their own."

How's that for a teachable moment with your little ones?

Old pictures can be a joy (or a laughing trip) to peruse. Thanks to the internet, I found some really old ones of famous people. Some of them are harder to recognize than others.

I wonder if the tall one was the guy underneath all that fur as Chewbacca...

Guess who. He was so familiar but I had to take a peek to finally get his name.

Not that hard to figure out, but I like the shot -- Elvis Presley with fans.

Few will probably guess who the violet-clad dude is (here with his grandmother).

Charming even as a little girl -- Audrey Hepburn.

Captured in this 1957 photo are George (14), John (16) and Paul (15). I have no idea who that other one is.

Cat looks over Marlon Brando's shoulder.

If you haven't figured out who the bespectacled lad and the violet-garbed hippie-looking guy are, maybe you can try to guess some more -- then scroll down to see if you guessed correctly :-)

* Boy wearing glasses -- George Clooney

* Hippie dude -- Eric Clapton

Maybe he needed to get something out of his system

2011-08-28T22:30:00.000+08:00

It looks to me like he succeeded!

Are adults there to adulterate?

2011-08-28T22:17:00.011+08:00

I would certainly think not. But sometimes I can't help but feel that adults are responsible for corrupting that which is innocent. Who else can be held responsible for treating children as if their childhood were a stage to be skipped? A child--unless introduced to grown-up things too early--naturally tends to be child-like. Would a little girl flash a come-hither look or gyrate like a burlesque dancer if she weren't exposed to such concepts in the first place?

So, why are such things happening?

10-year-old girl poses seductively for French Vogue

Little girls gone wild: Why daughters are acting too sexy, too soon

French company blasted for marketing 'sexy' underwear for four-year-olds

I thought it would stop at that pole-dancing kit for kids several years ago that was briefly marketed online before being pulled out due to numerous protests ... or the padded bras for toddlers after that which didn't really take off. But it looks like marketers will stop at nothing if the glare of big bucks becomes too hard to resist!

As for that last item above about "kiddie lingerie," I came across something written by a mom who reacted to it. Here's an excerpt:

Instead of talking about if this is right or wrong, how horrible the sexualization and sexploitation of childhood is, how our daughters are being damaged by messages coming at them so early that their ability to be beautiful and sexy will define their worth and that their not-yet developed sexuality will be a performance for others instead of something innate….

Let’s desconstruct what this is really about, because I heard some absurd things when this was discussed:
2. “Saying that a woman wears pretty undergarments because they expect to be undressed for sex, also bad.” And “not always why I wear it… I would say it’s made to make me feel (when properly fitting, of course) feminine, sensual, attractive, etc”.

What I said, for the record, is that the ‘lingerie is gift wrapping for sex’. There are definitely women who like to wear lingerie for the sake of wearing lingerie, sex or no sex. Fancy bras and panties are a perk to being a grown woman. But I think it is safe to say that the majority of people wearing lingerie, the majority of times they wear it, is to be seductive in the boudoir and to be gazed upon. Now we have a children’s version, which makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit. Let’s remember, Victoria’s Secret was created by a man, to make a more comfortable and easy shopping experience for men buying items for their romantic interests. The lingerie market was created and largely exists for sex and seduction, to be gazed at while wearing garments that accentuate the adult body in a sexual manner. Wearing lingerie is about sex or feeling sexy. And none of that has to do with being a five year old.
5. “I don’t think I would have had any idea I was being sexualized, and since my parents would never have let me pose in my underwear in a public forum under any circumstances (and it never would have occurred to me to want to), I don’t think anyone else would have had the opportunity to sexualize me either.” And “If no one involved, including the children, notice it happening, then how is it happening exactly?”

That is the beast of sexualization, isn’t it? Children don’t understand that it is happening to them. How would they? That doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. If I have a pot boiling on the stove and I leave the room as it boils over, I may not see it happening, but I still have a mess to clean up. Sexualization doesn’t have to take place in public, and sexualization is not the same as sexual abuse.
6. “I think saying ‘my daughter wants to be like me and she may by any means she chooses EXCEPT the things I do because they make me feel pretty’ is…bizarre. Girls are allowed to want to be attractive.”

I think all living creatures are looking for acceptance, and a part of that comes from being found attractive. But in girlhood, that shouldn’t come from being sexy. Trying on Mommy’s dresses and make-up and painting toes is one thing – both totally normal and age appropriate, while keeping in check the focus and emphasis on “being pretty”. Trying on mini, child version of the type of lingerie Mommy would wear to seduce Daddy while away on an anniversary weekend? Not okay. Disgusting, really.

Playing with hairstyles and clips and updo’s – totally normal and age appropriate. Sitting at a photoshoot getting a Brigette Bardo bombshell updo to model lingerie made for kids? Are ya kidding me? Not. Okay.

There are some things adults do because they are adults that have no place in childhood.
It is all about allowing our children to be children, and not rushing them in sexuality and adulthood. It is about seeing the value in our girls enjoying and thriving in girlhood. If we do that, we’ll be raising a great bunch of young women.

Couldn't add anything more to that!

Shortening your travel time?

2011-08-02T14:35:00.002+08:00

... your travel time on earth as a pilgrim, that is :-)

"Don't you worry about the situation..."?

2011-07-20T20:10:00.015+08:00

Well, of course worrying won't solve anything.

But first, some pictures...

What happened? Why were those people out in the streets? Why were students holding placards bearing such messages? What's with the thumbs-down sign?

It was a press conference on July 15, called by the interfaith Pro-Life Coalition. About what? Find out here

That young man and woman seated at table and who represented different youth groups had quite a lot to say. Read all about it here and here

On the 25th, something good will happen. On the same day that President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivers his State of the Nation Address, this will also take place...

Loving the 'popcorn'

2011-07-17T21:58:00.004+08:00

"Popcorn" was how it was called -- the crackling sound one heard when playing a vinyl record no matter how new (or newly cleaned) it was. But of course the more cleaning a record needed, the noisier it usually was.

I got a kick out of playing a video over and over through dinner tonight. My mom seemed to enjoy it, too, since the song was from the 1950s and she was quite familiar with it. That was the time of turntables and record needles -- and popcorn.

As if to really get into the yesteryear mood, I was using my small notebook to play the video -- hence, producing a "transistor radio-like" sound quality and making the whole experience more realistic.

Here's Frank Sinatra's "Young at heart" from 1954 --

Are you afraid of the dark?

2011-07-16T23:42:00.011+08:00

I was not aware that African-American women today experienced feelings of insecurity concerning their skin color.

I didn't know either that whatever shade of brown their complexion happened to be, mattered so much as to elicit a comment such as "You’ve gotten so dark. But don’t worry, you’re still pretty” not from a Filipino or some other race with an equally colonial outlook when it comes to physical attributes, but from a fellow African-American (or so I assume).

These were unknown to me till I came across this penned by Javacia Harris Bowser (I find her first name charming so I just had to mention it).

Her essay reminds me again of the somewhat disdainful attitude with which many Filipinos regard dark skin. Never mind that we live in the tropics where skin protection from the scorching sun is a necessity. Some women just need to have their milky white complexion whether it's bleaching soap or some whitening cream that will work the magic!

Well, ranting isn't the aim here -- just a reminder that while nobody will ever be satisfied in this life, skin color ought to be the least of one's concerns in a world where things like potable water and equitable distribution of food resources still elude many of us.

This will probably put things in the proper perspective, or at least make you smile at the sight of happy, charming kids (click on the Kayumangging kaligatan graphic to enlarge).'

"Who disturbs my slumber?"

2011-07-10T15:21:00.005+08:00

Vintage with value

2011-07-09T20:53:00.005+08:00

"You can call, you can text, you can post..." said Jeremiah Junior over the radio this morning as I drove to my destination, referring to the assortment of choices listeners have should they want to request a song for him to play.

Funny how the voice was so familiar, yet the things he was saying reflected a different era. Different from what? Well, different from the era in which "texting" and "posting" were unheard of. Specifically, the 1980s, when the only way to request a song -- or to get to talk to the jocks on board for anything -- was by dialing a number on the telephone. It was something I knew well.

Now, however, things are done pretty differently, and I had my taste of it a couple of years ago. I was logged on at Yahoo Messenger and I decided to add one of DWRT's jocks on my buddy list (can't even remember his name). He was online!

We chatted a bit. Then I went, "Can I request a song?" and he said to go ahead.

"Can you please play Rock the Casbah?"

Some more chitchat followed...then in less than 2 minutes I could hear the familiar intro of the classic tune from The Clash! Boy, what a pleasantly strange feeling I got. It was like getting accustomed to years of hour-long driving to whatever destination I had, then adjusting to the 20-minute MRT rides and going "Huh? It's my stop already? I'm there!" when it was time to get off.

"This is cool. I get to request a song and I don't even have to make a call," I told myself.

At the same time, part of me thought, "That was too easy. Walang challenge."

After all, before all this texting, posting and online chatting became part of life, one had to do a lot more just to have a chance to hear your requested song on the radio. Well, it was nothing close to hard labor or anything of that sort, but compared to how easy it is to get things done nowadays with the aid of technology, things back then seem now like a lot of work -- and I mean that in a good way. People worked hard for what they wanted to accomplish.

Back then to get a chance to request a song, one walked over to the telephone (no cordless for us at the time), and dialed the number. I'm talking about rotary-dial phones, which is significant in terms of getting accustomed to waiting till the deed is done. One can't not develop even just a bit more patience in the course of repeated dialing on a rotary-dial phone (no "redial" options either). Also, you must remember that groupies, music freaks and other such individuals apart from you are probably trying to do the same thing at the same time, so a busy signal becomes quite familiar before you finally get to hear a ringing sound (hurray!!).

Then, when the request is finally made, it is then time to wait for the song to be played, which can take almost forever. If you plan to record the song, of course you will have set the cassette recorder prior to that and are in for a long wait, all set to press the record key. This may seem trivial now, but to any youngster who grew up during the times of "rewind/fast forward" (cassette recorder) rather than "track __" (CD player), a lot more effort was involved to get things done, even if the goal was merely to record a song and to find it in a cassette tape later on. (Also, due to all this preparation, the song finally hitting the airwaves almost always elicits a squeal of delight.)

For the present generation, sifting through one side of a cassette tape to find a particular song (instead of simply clicking on track number so-and-so on a remote for a CD player) would probably be akin to going through a card catalogue (one that involves dozens of drawers and hundreds of index cards) to find a book rather than looking it up online and having the computer do everything for them to locate the book.

So, much as I was thrilled by the novelty of getting to request a song and hear it right away -- and with nothing as much as a few strokes on a keyboard -- the fact that it was too easy made the excitement superficial (and short-lived). Still, it was a thrill. And it made me appreciate all that "work" that growing up in the '80s entailed. Okay, it may have been just repeated dialing on a rotary-dial phone, but little did I know that such a device two decades later would signify much more than "vintage." Try "challenge."

So, maybe I'll YM that jock again sometime, request another song, and get ready for a few seconds of excitement upon hearing it. I guess I can't expect much more when things come too easy.

"If life throws you lemons..." revised

2011-07-09T01:02:00.005+08:00

Down in the dumps? No? Well, don't wait to have a bad day before checking this out:

Beyond silver hair and walking canes

2011-07-07T00:36:00.004+08:00

Here's a light-hearted take on commitment and day-to-day self-giving. I love it -- eyebags and all!

The brave bunch

2011-07-06T22:00:00.010+08:00

On Friday last week, the campus of the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman saw some action.

Supporters of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill -- a piece of legislation that proposes taxpayer-funded, State-guaranteed procurement and distribution of the "full range" of birth control supplies and services -- held a demonstration to manifest their position. But that's not really what I'm blogging about.

Sure, rallies like this are noteworthy. But even more amazing is when a small group of students swims against the current and demonstrates a stand, which, till that day, had been regarded as the unpopular one on campus.

UP has long been known for fostering an environment of activism, encouraging the habit of speaking one's mind and standing up for one's beliefs. And on Friday I was pleasantly jolted back to this reality, that voicing out one's convictions was something I would witness on campus that day. I had no idea, though, that seeing the first signs of this freedom of speech would be so exhilarating.

As I entered the campus, from afar I saw patches of red on huge acacia tree trunks; coming closer I saw red ribbons and pieces of cloth tied around the trunks, some bearing the ubiquitous "No to RH Bill" stickers. What joy! "There is hope!" was my first thought upon setting eyes on the crimson representations of opposition to an oppressive proposed law that others seem to welcome with open arms, either out of ignorance, anger at perceived control freaks, misplaced idealism, or sheer disregard for the ones to suffer from such a measure.

I also spied the stickers on street lamps, waiting sheds, jeepney stops and other structures around the academic oval. Oh, joy! Never had I associated the "No" symbol (you know, the red circle with the diagonal line to indicate something forbidden) with fun or freedom more than when I was still in the habit of watching "Ghostbusters" cartoons on Friday nights in the '80s.

After driving around campus some more -- stopping several times to take snapshots -- then talking to some folks, I headed home. What an exhilarating experience! Who knew ribbons and stickers could have such an effect?

But it didn't end there. An RH march was scheduled in the afternoon, and I knew about a planned counter-activity that would express opposition against the RH bill around the same time. Nothing big, nothing spectacular. Still, I was thrilled that there were students in my alma mater who believed so intensely in their life-affirming principles that they would work so hard to make sure these principles were demonstrated in a campus that merely went with the flow as far as RH legislation was concerned.

They came from the direction of C.P. Garcia. When they appeared -- mostly garbed in red (the chosen color) -- each was holding a bunch of red balloons. A few of them had balloons attached to a piece of manila paper bearing the "No to RH" icon (the same one with the red circle and slash).

Pretty soon the group was nearing the oval, a few meters away from the AS steps, where a crowd of 100+ RH supporters along with some curious bystanders were gathered, listening to speeches.

As they turned and casually made their way toward the ongoing program, I couldn't help but admire these young souls even more. Not even curious gazes and clapping seemed to daunt them; as they approached the group gathered at the steps and I realized they were really headed straight for the people, anxiety momentarily enveloped me. But it left me right away as soon as I saw the gutsy bunch stop, UP Against RH-marked balloons still in hand, and linger as they probably wondered how to execute the release of the balloons as swiftly as possible (placards, after all, were attached to some of them).

Well, it wasn't much of a tough choice; all they had to do was pick a spot and let go. And let go they did, amid simultaneous cheering (why the anti-human-rights-of-the-unborn dudes were cheering, I couldn't say) and chanting of "Ipasa, ipasa....RH bill...." or something. Up, up and away went the balloons, with a few getting stuck in the canopy provided by lovely branches of the huge acacia tree, and one bunch attached to a "No to RH" sign being grabbed by someone who obviously thought nothing of claiming something as his even if it didn't belong to him. Oh, well.

What a display of composure and courage this bunch exemplified. And it wasn't because they were a brash, fearless lot. They weren't; they felt uneasy, and representing the silent majority the way they did was quite the challenge. For a moment there I had visions of David vs. Goliath, all because next to the people milling about the area, either actively taking part in the ongoing program or simply hanging out disinterestedly nearby, the group seemed to me like a child full of hope and idealism beside a much bigger, washed-up, jaded, overconfident grownup. And guess who triumphed?

I'm sure the deed was regarded by some as a senseless act, but when one knows it's backed up by conviction and a sincere desire to let truth and goodness prevail, it makes perfect sense.

What makes no sense is letting the news release about an event (the RH march) see cyberspace for over 24 hours when what it describes in detail (and in the past tense) are the happenings of the event that did not happen (translation: the RH march was originally scheduled for June 25 and was cancelled due to bad weather, yet a news release describing what "happened" was on a news and events website till some of us called their attention to it). Anyway, more details about that can be found here.

(If I may add, another thing that makes no sense to me is blowing up the official count of attendees in an event to, say, 800, when photos as well as eyewitness accounts show the actual count to be 200 at the most. If RH people were more truthful about such details, they would probably sway more people to their side)

Still, while inconsistencies on the other side continue, the side of Life remains dedicated to the truth. Even if truth for one day were symbolized simply by beribboned trees...

... or a bunch of red balloons.

Read a news story about the event here

Related story here

Paper view

2011-06-29T09:54:00.016+08:00

This "log cabin" is a classic. I merely handed over boxes of various sizes to Petrufied and she transformed them -- with the help of transparent tape, glue, scissors and rolled up pages of an old phone book -- into this fascinating plaything. Some kiddies had some fun with it, too.

I tried my hand at crafting simple playthings out of what normally would be considered "junk," like old magazines. There are stacks of glossies at home which, though, still leafed through occasionally, would probably be better off discarded.

But it can be difficult to part with old magazines, even if many of them were acquired at huge discounts (think Booksale and Filbars). So, I got some of them and worked the scissors!

You can do the same with your kids for a few hours of creative fun. Sure, they may have their coloring books, drawing paper and jigsaw puzzles. Toys that whir, light up, beep and make all sorts of fascinating sounds may be part of the lot, too. But it's good to give them opportunities to develop their imagination by helping them see that almost anything can be transformed into play -- and playthings.

Magazines are there to be read and to learn from, but viewed a different way, they can be the stuff of paper hats, boats and even jewelry!

Fashioning some paper necklaces and bracelets for your little girls can also be turned into a teachable moment when it comes to discussing femininity, doing things at the proper time and related issues. How? Let's say a child wants to put on makeup or wear high heels just like mom and other adult women she sees. If you don't really care about the child, you'll let her do anything she wants. She may put shadow on her eyelids, demand a pair of heeled mules or don blinding bling when you go out, and you give in to her and hardly bat an eyelash. But if you genuinely care that she grow up into a fine young woman with a solid character and sound values, you'll take time to explain to her things she needs to understand -- like how certain things are done at the proper time.

While cutting up these magazine pages and linking them into a chain for a pretty necklace, you can tell her that while you have your pearls and other precious stones in your jewelry box, little girls like her can wear children's jewelry, which you're making right now. There are, after all, things to look forward to, like wearing makeup and jewelry, going out on dates, holding down a job, paying bills, getting married, raising children... (though I wouldn't call paying bills something to look forward to, but you get the picture) while for the present, being a child is what is for her to do! When the right time comes, those other things -- grown-up things -- will be part of her life as well.

So, for the moment, it's paper necklaces and bracelets she'll enjoy making and wearing, and she can even choose what part of the comics page she'll make for her jewelry!

Some tips: do assist the child if she's still too young to handle a pair of scissors properly. We don't want any cuts as a result of this crafting session! And, since little hands are still mastering those fine motor skills, some paper strips may end up being uneven and being linked together in crooked ways. That's alright! Though anything worth doing is worth doing well, I think the more important aim in this case is having fun with your little one while imparting invaluable lessons during the fun. Also, even if the jewelry pieces are far from perfect, your child won't mind if you won't. But if you praise her for her efforts and a job well done, she's sure to remember it.

"Oasis of life"

2011-06-28T21:42:00.007+08:00

In May 2010, actor and producer Eduardo Verastegui hosted a United for Life congress to benefit the construction of a pro-life medical center. An "oasis of life in the middle of a desert of death" was how he referred to the planned facility, since it was to be built in an area in which 10 abortion centers were located.

Now, the Guadalupe Medical Center is a 5,000 sq. ft-facility that caters to the needs of pregnant women and their unborn babies, in many cases providing pre-natal care services for free. The 10 abortion clinics are still there (within a one-mile radius of the center, to be more precise), but the presence of the pro-life facility has been responsible for hundreds of babies and their mothers being saved from the consequences of abortion, according to the director of a pro-life counseling center near Guadalupe Medical Center.

It's plain to see that Eduardo Verastegui is out to help make the world better for women and children. Read the story here

* Photo from Eduardo Verastegui official website (Spanish)

Fine dining

2011-06-22T13:52:00.007+08:00

Thought-provoking messages in 5 minutes.

The Times of your Life

2011-06-22T13:11:00.017+08:00

I still remember the day I got a crystal-clear but non-verbal reminder that I sorely need to get back to regular exercise.

It was a Tuesday and I was in the halls of the House of Representatives. Thanks to Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao, I realized just how out of shape I was. I hoped for an exclusive interview and I got it. That it was less than 5 minutes is irrelevant; I got my answers and that's all that mattered.

But one thing I learned is that the world boxing champion walks really fast. I had to trail him from the plenary hall to his office in the adjacent building, and so as not to lose sight of him, I had to semi-run. Hence, by the time his party and I slowed down outside the building elevator, I was nearly out of breath (but of course trying to conceal it).

Small (and irrelevant) details aside, below are several articles I recently wrote for CBCP for Life, the portal launched by the media office of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines not too long ago which focuses on life and family issues and which contains not just news reports but Church documents, position papers of different groups, videos, podcasts, and many other resources necessary for anyone who wants to know more about and understand the issues. Expectedly, there's quite a lot you can read about House Bill 4244 or the reproductive health (RH) bill here since this piece of legislation is right smack in the middle of the whole issue.

Does the RH bill really promote freedom of choice? Can we call it a truly pro-women measure? If we're so family-oriented and life-loving, why is there such a thing as an RH bill that is even getting the rabid support of some dudes on our shores? Here are some articles, starting with the one containing Rep. Pacquiao's briefly stated insights, to shed more light on the proposed measure. Please feel free to share with others --

Commercial interests, lack of information behind support of RH

MANILA, June 3, 2011―Sectors that stand to gain materially from a reproductive health law are among the supporters of House Bill 4244, asserted Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao.

When asked why something like an RH bill is being proposed by Filipino lawmakers and being supported by many despite being a naturally life-respecting and God-fearing people, the solon said that this can be attributed partly to the presence of big companies in the local birth control industry.

“Sa tingin ko ‘yan ay suportado ng mga naglalakihang companies dito sa atin―’yung mga gumagawa ng mga condoms, pills. Iyon ang sumusuporta dito para lumakas ang [business] nila.”

Based on the DKT International website that detailed figures concerning the Philippine market, the company’s program in 2010 sold over 40 million condoms, over 27 million oral contraceptives, over 1 million injectable contraceptives, and over 30,000 IUDs.

Full story

* * * * * * * * * *

RH Bill is anti-women, anti-human – lawyer

MANILA, June 18, 2011—Though often touted by its proponents as a necessary measure that responds to the needs of women, the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill is nothing like the pro-women piece of legislation its supporters make it to be, asserted a lawyer during a four-hour forum at the Sta. Isabel College, Manila.

“Marami diyan ang nagsasabi na pro-women sila. ‘We are for women, they say, but I tell you, nothing can be more anti-women than the RH bill. Bakit? Sino ang pinapalagok ng pills? Babae. Sino ang nagkaka-kanser? Babae. Sino ang ginagamitan ng condoms? Babae,” said Atty. Marwil Llasos, one of three representatives of Filipinos for Life.

And yet who basks in the pleasure everytime, he asked the audience. “Mga lalaki.”

No self-respecting woman should support the bill “because it violates your personhood. Ang babae sa ating pananampalataya ay minamahal, inaaruga at inaalagaan,” he said to the audience, composed mostly of female high school and college students as well as faculty members, who at this point responded with thunderous applause to Llasos’ statements.

The lawyer, also a staff apologist of the Defensores Fidei Foundation, expressed misgivings about the controversial bill for its apparent basic assumption that persons are incapable of self-control and of understanding truths about human sexuality.

Full story

* * * * * * * * * *

Lawyer blasts RH bill’s coercive nature

MANILA, June 20, 2011―The absence of respect for freedom of conscience in House Bill 4244 is among the reasons for one lawyer’s opposing the P3 billion measure.

In a June 17 forum on the RH bill held at Sta. Isabel College, Atty. Marwil Llasos of Filipinos for Life cited the provision concerning refusal to extend reproductive health services (Sec. 28. Prohibited Acts), which states that while the conscientious objector’s refusal due to ethical or religious beliefs is acceptable, he is required to “immediately refer the person seeking such care and services to another health care service provider within the same facility or one which is conveniently accessible who is willing to provide the requisite information and services.”

In other words, if a doctor refuses to perform a vasectomy, for example, because he believes this to be unethical, the bill compels him to refer the patient to another doctor. The lawyer pointed out that this still goes against the first doctor’s conscience “because what you are prohibited from doing directly, you are mandated to do indirectly.”

“At mas imoral po ‘yon. Bakit? Kasi kung siya lang ang gagawa ng paglabag sa kanyang konsensya―halimbawa, nagbigay siya ng condom o pills, nag-perform siya ng vasectomy o naglagay siya ng IUD sa isang tao, siya lang ang nagkasala. But if he is going to refer to another doctor, dalawa na silang nagkasala,” Llasos pointed out.

Full story

* * * * * * * * * *

RH Bill shows State’s failure to protect women

MANILA, June 21, 2011―The State is remiss in its duty to protect the people’s right to health, based on the facts presented by pro-lifers in a June 17 forum on the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill or House Bill 4244 at the Sta. Isabel College, Manila.

Atty. Jo Aurea Imbong, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Legal Office, alluded to a constitutional violation that the State is committing by mandating the distribution of dangerous drugs and devices as part of its family planning program.

Article II Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.”

The government has been carrying out its family planning program since the mid-1970s, facilitating the distribution of artificial contraceptives and now seeking to pour additional billions of the national budget into a proposed measure to ensure the swift procurement and distribution of the “full range” of contraceptives and reproductive health services despite established findings of grave side-effects.

“Ito po ang mga devices na pinamumudmod sa ngayon,” Imbong began, enumerating a list of drugs that are easily accessible to anyone in the local market in spite of serious health dangers that these pose, which the lawyer briefly explained.

Full story

Here, kitty, kitty

2011-06-22T12:36:00.010+08:00

A sighting I had less than a week ago was yet another reminder that I really should have my camera with me at all times.

What is it with these car owners who decide to embellish their vehicles with this cutesy feline character? And they're not feminine-looking vehicles at all -- one I spotted at a parking lot several months ago was a sort of pickup truck, though I have the impression that this is a company vehicle. It probably does deliveries for Sanrio or some other affiliate.

The latest sighting was a shiny, sharp-looking purplish pink four-door number about which I can remember nothing else. I was driving along Edsa, and I just happened to glance at the vehicles on the opposite lane and spot that standout just as it was passing me. It may have been a girly shade of purplish pink, but the car seemed to be fully loaded (how I can tell that with just a 3-second look is beyond me). Still, it would have been nice to get a snapshot of it.

Nothing, however, can beat the first Hello Kitty-adorned vehicle I saw not far from where I live, which I remember from time to time with much fondness. When there's horrendous traffic and rude drivers to contend with, sightings like that one can make my day and actually ease a disgruntled spirit.

He who has faith...

2011-06-22T12:29:00.002+08:00

“He who has faith has... an inward reservoir of courage, hope, confidence, calmness, and assuring trust that all will come out well -- even though to the world it may appear to come out most badly.”

B. C. Forbes (1880-1954), finance journalist/founder, Forbes Magazine

In any language

2011-06-04T23:41:00.008+08:00

Here's a TV ad I saw and was charmed by recently, thanks to someone who pointed it out via YouTube. I think no matter what language or dialect the person watching it speaks, the sentiments will be perfectly understood. That's the way the language of the heart works.

To give and to keep

2011-06-04T23:13:00.008+08:00

"Among the things you can give and still keep are
your word, a smile and a grateful heart."

- Zig Ziglar, motivational author & speaker

The trashing of a treasure

2011-06-04T22:39:00.008+08:00

There have been times that I felt that my own people (lawmakers, to be precise) were selling my country, its heritage and its future to foreigners. It can be quite disturbing (and painful in some way) because aren't public servants supposed to take care of the public? Aren't the people whom they should be serving?

Lately I've been having that feeling again due to developments in legislation. Not a day goes by that I don't think of the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill, partly because reporting the developments concerning this issue is part of my job. But the more I learn about it and the more I understand the tiniest details about its history and provisions, the gloomier I feel about my own government leaders apparently putting other interests above protecting the country and its people. I mean, they can't all be ignorant of the facts.

Then just this week I attended a House committee hearing on the proposed divorce bill. What else will our elected leaders push our people to accept?

Below are articles I recently wrote that shed more light on the issues and developments:

More funds for RH mean less for basic services -- solon

MANILA, May 30, 2011―Allocating millions of pesos for House Bill 4244 means slashing the budget that would have otherwise been spent on education and other basic services, said a member of the House of Representatives in a recent press conference.

Full story

* * * * * * * * * *

RH Bill redundant, similar to int'l agreement

MANILA, May 26, 2011― Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez has underscored the redundancy of a portion of the Reproductive Health bill during interpellation in Congress on Wednesday.

Full story

* * * * * * * * * *

Curb corruption, not population to kill poverty -- pro-lifers

MANILA, May 27, 2011―A legislative measure that regards members of a huge population as the cause of poverty does not provide a proper solution, say pro-lifers who were present at this week’s plenary debates at the House of Representatives.

Full story

* * * * * * * * * *

RH legislation a "cultural intrusion" -- lawyer

MANILA, June 1, 2011—While the formulation of Philippine laws is essentially based on the needs and conditions of the country’s citizens, the crafting of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill cannot be attributed to Filipino lawmakers but to foreign organizations, said Atty. Jo Aurea Imbong, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Legal Office.

Full story

* * * * * * * * * *

Divorce a gross injustice to children

MANILA, June 3, 2011―The cost of divorce on children was among the crucial points repeatedly brought up at Wednesday’s Congressional committee hearing on the divorce bill sponsored by Gabriela Representatives Luzviminda Ilagan and Emerenciana de Jesus.

Full story

Because "11 maternal deaths daily" continues...

2011-06-04T22:19:00.005+08:00

...to be used to justify a piece of legislation that will mandate taxpayer-funded procurement, promotion and distribution of the "full range" of birth control drugs and devices -- and tax-funded provision of all birth control services -- here's something to make believers in the Reproductive Health Bill think more about what they are supporting:

There's another eye-opening video -- courtesy of Filipinos for Life -- about this issue, but that one is likely to remind you of Darth Vader :-)

Turning kitchen warrior

2011-05-29T19:42:00.013+08:00

I cringe at the thought of washing the dishes. Oh, let me correct that: I cringed at the thought of washing the dishes. Had I blogged about it yesteday, the present tense would have been appropriate. But our household helper coming back today seems to make all the difference as to my sentiments toward this chore...

It is really something I am still trying to understand. Several days ago, I felt I needed help. I had come to dread the hour or so before lunch time or dinner time only because that would mean I would have to do the dishes soon after. I didn't understand the change in sentiment -- I had come to like dishwashing and to accept it as a normal part of family life (only when our househelper is away for days or weeks, though).

I had even looked forward to carrying out this duty especially when I had been gone the whole day and thus would only have the dishwashing as my contribution to the upkeep of the home for that day.

But about a week ago started the dishwashing-dreading. "I need help in making dishwashing more appealing," I told some online friends. Till then I had already gone through quite a lot of musical genres to accompany me at the sink (Beatles, classical, movie themes -- but I had grown fond of Vivaldi and Mozart playing in the background while I worked the suds; they seem to emphasize the dignity of housework somehow, and bolster my enthusiasm for the task at hand). But procrastinating till almost midnight before finally facing a dirty stack of china meant I needed help!

"Dance the cha-cha while washing the dishes?" someone suggested. That was an amusing thought, and to my mind it posed a challenge in keeping the suds off the floor.

"Why don't you play 'Handel's Messiah' while you're at it?" another one proposed. I had done that before, I replied, but yes...it did put a certain "ooomph" into my spirits every time I was all set to conquer the dirty dishes and helped me remember the truth that every kind of honest work carries with it a certain dignity. So, no matter how menial household chores seemed to feel at times, listening to the Halleluia chorus was a welcome reminder of work well done being a good thing to offer to the One who blessed me with hands to work with in the first place.

Somehow the Hail Mary -- the words that the Angel Gabriel uttered to the mother of Jesus when it was made known to her that she had been chosen for a very special mission in the story of salvation -- found its way into the conversation. I had asked for a Tagalog translation and someone provided it. I figured, since I hadn't memorized it, might as well work on it while scrubbing dinner plates.

Feeling irked by the prospect of dishwashing got me really thinking. I mean, if I could enjoy chores one day and almost loathe them the next, where's the stability in that? And what if it graduates to more important things, like marriage? It's a fact that marriage is no walk in the park and that efforts are necessary to live it as it is meant to be.

Just like dishwashing, living one's lifelong commitment is bound to feel boring once in a while. Should that be surprising? I suppose not (so why am I puzzled by my sudden desire to flash the "talk to the hand" stance at dirty dishes that await me?). Maybe because knowing it and experiencing it are two different things. And though I uttered no vows to declare a lifelong commitment to dishwashing, the same principle stands: the beauty of keeping at it regardless of how one feels about the whole thing. I hope a married person gets to read this sometime in the midst of a rocky stage in the relationship, and take home the point that marriage indeed is a bed of roses -- which means the presence of thorns. And they will make themselves felt from time to time. But that doesn't take away the beauty and the value of the bouquet that is meant to last a lifetime.

I doubt it if I'll ever think of household chores as beautiful bouquets of roses, but who knows? When mopping the floor -- even when done for one's family -- gets to feel too much like drudgery, one's imagination can actually save the day and issue reminders that go beyond "This, too, shall pass." Reminders such as "We can do no great things; only small things with great love." And how can that not make a mop, a dirty dish or a sponge look like a challenge worth conquering (and a conquerable challenge at that)?

The Swiss I miss

2011-05-23T20:18:00.007+08:00

I had been wanting to blog about ordinary everyday stuff but couldn't seem to find enough time or a few leisurely minutes to do it.

Now that I have a few minutes for some leisurely blogging as I let dinner be digested, all I can think about is.... chocolates! And, since my mother right now is watching some tennis match featuring the world's former #1 but still decidedly the best player -- he does elevate the level of tennis somehow -- Roger Federer, combine chocolates and Federer and what have you got?

That one up there is a behind-the-scenes peek of a Lindt truffles TV commercial. And the one below is the "extended cut" of the finished product. I've never even tasted Lindt chocolate, and though I used to be more picky as far as chocolate is concerned, I've come to feel a special affinity to what local makers produce. There is just a special kind of satisfaction that comes with finishing a box of Curly Tops that I can never explain :-)

So, here is the 1-minuter featuring the Swiss Mister and the little brown delectable spheres:

He's a (life-) lover and a fighter

2011-05-20T11:20:00.006+08:00

I've bookmarked some articles that reveal just what Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao is made of, but yesterday's editorial cartoon from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and a recent news article from CBCP News will have to do for now. More to come soon!

Boxing champ Pacquiao uncovers Lagman's misleading claims of amended provisions

MANILA, May 19, 2011—In what started out as a seemingly one-sided debate Wednesday between a neophyte and a veteran legislator, with the newcomer looking hesitant in some instances, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman ended up admitting to the newbie that certain provisions of the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill he had been claiming amended were, in fact, still intact in House Bill 4244.

Full story at CBCP News

Blackbird

2011-05-14T11:08:00.005+08:00

Music is moonlight in the gloomy night of life.
-- Jean Paul Richter, German Romantic writer

Truth on live TV

2011-05-14T10:51:00.003+08:00

Just a quick post on a crucial issue. For those who are interested in the truth, read and watch.

Pro-lifers demolish pro-RH arguments in TV debate
MANILA, May 10, 2011—It was a dynamic discussion on sex education, population and poverty, health issues and the beginning of life as representatives of different sectors debated on Sunday night's "Harapan/ RH Bill: Ipasa o Ibasura" on ABS-CBN.

After the bill's primary author, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, kicked off the debate with reasons why the measure ought to be approved, Paranaque Rep. Roilo Golez pointed out serious health factors that made the bill's reproductive health measures objectionable.

Besides stressing the link between contraceptive use and breast cancer according to the World Health Organization and the US-based National Cancer Institute, Golez expressed concern over the perceived protective power of prophylactics against sexually transmitted diseases.

As an example he cited Thailand, where the high contraceptive prevalence rate has not curbed the incidence of AIDS, now numbered at some 600,000 cases.

"Bakit ganon? Kung totoong tama ang RH eh bakit ubod ng laki ang kanilang HIV cases?" he asked.

Full article at CBCP News

You can watch the video of the May 8 debate here

Red corner

2011-05-08T13:43:00.008+08:00

Since Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao has displayed commendable sportsmanship again in today's boxing match with Shane Mosley, coupled with the fact that he won...

CONGRATULATIONS, MANNY PACQUIAO!

Why we can't just chill about pills

2011-05-07T19:29:00.009+08:00

There's been a lot of talk about contraception over the years, and more so lately -- oral contraceptives in particular -- because of a slip of the tongue perhaps.

Here' something that puts a comical twist to the resulting scenario among the proponents of a certain legislative measure that, if passed into law, means State-sponsored, State-promoted distribution of the full range of birth control drugs and devices nationwide.

But then after the chuckles and guffaws, one ought to get down to business and do something about the situation because, really, playing with the lives of women -- and trying to justify it in some way -- is a serious matter.

In case you're not up to date on this issue, or are feeling like it's got nothing to do with you, then try thinking of it as depriving yourself of the truth. Now who relishes being deprived? And think about it -- being informed is one way of being empowered.

For starters, check this out to gain some perspective on some developments on the issue (and bring yourself up to speed about three quasi-celebrities in the process).

Then know more about what transpired at a press conference which tackled this hot issue. An excerpt from "Cancer risk of oral contraceptives ignored by RH advocates":

When asked to comment on the continued push for tax-funded promotion and distribution of contraceptives despite Cabral’s recent admission and despite the Pill’s being categorized as class 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization (WHO), [Rep. Luzviminda] Ilagan remarked, “Well, all that it said is that it increases the risk. So according to doctors, well…say in my case, I was told that I should not use the Pill [due to a condition], or women who smoke should not use the Pill. Then they have other choices. That’s the principle ― that you have a wide range of choices. The RH Bill is not against natural family planning.”

When asked to confirm if she would still continue to promote the bill with the provisions on oral contraceptive promotion intact despite the established health dangers, the congresswoman was evasive.

Full story here

Reality, accompanied by the valse

2011-05-06T22:02:00.006+08:00

Makes you think, huh?

Learn more at Filipinos for Life

Life around the world in 5 headlines

2011-05-06T21:50:00.004+08:00

Here's a look around the world without leaving your living room (or wherever you are as you read this). In just five stories one gets a picture of the varied perspectives on the value of a human being's life. There's more good news than bad here; fortunately, there's always hope as long as one is alive! But one sure can see red sometimes, especially when getting news of the latest scheming measures that a certain global organization is up to again.

So, how's life around the world? Get a glimpse from these excerpts (followed by links to the full articles):

They direct their book to those who, having received a devastating diagnosis, have decided, or are still in the process of deciding, to continue their pregnancy knowing that their baby’s life is expected to be brief. Yet their positive and encouraging approach to these heartbreaking realities paint the choice of abortion as a sad mistake and a missed opportunity for emotional growth and healing.
.....
Because of the shared pain, courage, faith, and, often, wisdom of the mothers and fathers who relate their experiences, any reader can achieve a better understanding of what it means to be a mother and a father:

“As a mother, I have always felt that it was my job to identify what my children need and give it to them. Sometimes those needs are simple and straightforward–clean laundry, a healthy meal, a hand to cross the street safely. Maggie’s needs were not like those of my sons. She needed us to give her a safe and peaceful transition from one world to the next. Carrying Maggie to term did that for me–it gave me the opportunity to ‘mother’ her until she didn’t need me anymore.” ~ Alessandra (p. 345)

"A Gift of Time: Continuing your pregnancy when your baby's life is expected to be brief" at MercatorNet

**********

Roger Kiska of the European Center for Law and Justice said he was “overjoyed” by the new Hungarian constitution, calling it a victory for democracy, for life and the family, and for Hungary. Kiska said he found “shameful” the attempts by the European institutions to undermine the Hungarian government, a government overwhelmingly approved by popular electoral vote. “I hope that Hungary stays strong in its convictions because what is at stake, life and the family, are too high a price to pay simply to appease the bureaucrats in Brussels.”

"New Hungarian Constitution recognizing life 'from conception' signed into law" at LifeSiteNews

**********

The UN is about to ask governments to fund the vaccination of every girl in the world against the sexually transmitted disease HPV, human papillomavirus. The controversial campaign could cost as much as $300 per person, totaling billions.
Dignitaries who launched the campaign at the UN in mid-April included a prominent African first lady, leaders from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the American Cancer Society, and the contraceptives manufacturer PATH.

"UN wants billions for STD vaccination scheme" at C-FAM

**********

This is disgusting. CBSLA News has glorified an elderly woman selling suicide kits as “death with dignity.” From “91-Year-Old Grandma Sells Suicide Kits To Help Terminally Ill Die With Dignity”:

Meet Sharlotte. Like a lot of grandmothers, she likes to keep busy. But while some grannies sit and knit scarves and afghans, this 91-year-old has a decidedly different hobby. She makes suicide masks… Sharlotte, who sells her controversial kits for $60, demonstrated how they work in front of our cameras.
.....
Opponents to changing the law point to one of Sharlotte’s clients, a 29-year-old Oregon native. He wasn’t suffering from a terminal illness. He opted out because he was tired of dealing with his chronic depression. His suicide touched off a major controversy. And now, a group called Californians Against Assisted Suicide wants to stop Sharlotte and her masks.

"Media pushes suicide assistance" at Secondhand Smoke

**********

The meeting between the 7-year-old boy and the 31-year-old man began awkwardly, as meetings of strangers often do. But then young Jacob Kowalik sized up the adult, and began to drop his guard.

They played tic-tac-toe. They talked about hockey. Jacob and his parents invited Marshal Davis to their house for pizza, Jacob's favorite meal.

There also was a gift, a husky dog stuffed animal, though it wasn't for young Jacob. It was FROM him, a small token of thanks to this man who'd given Jacob a gift that the boy was too young to fully understand.

"Jacob's donor: Bone marrow transplant forever alters two lives" at MSNBC

From within

2011-05-03T08:54:00.006+08:00

People are like stained-glass windows.
They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,
but when the darkness sets in,
their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light
from within.

- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Swiss-American psychiatrist and author

The truth will ALWAYS come out

2011-04-27T21:05:00.008+08:00

RH Bill pusher Cabral admits contraceptive pills pose higher risk of cancer!

That is the essence of the DZIQ report on ex-DOH Sec. Esperanza Cabral's interview regarding the safety of oral contraceptives. Either the writer needs to review his notes on evaluating the main and crucial points of a story and reflecting these on the head, or he needs reminding that no amount of propaganda will hide the truth forever.

The said bill's proponents insist that contraceptives are medically safe, huh?

They are demanding that oral contraceptives be classified as "essential medicines," huh?

And, they are mandating the use of taxpayers' money to fund the purchase, promotion, distribution and provision of these "medically safe essential medicines" nationwide, huh? To help the poor, huh?

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer:

DZIQ: Oral contraceptives have ‘more health benefits’—ex-DoH chief

INQUIRER.net

Posted date: April 27, 2011

MANILA, Philippines – Oral contraceptives have more health benefits than bad side effects, said former Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral in an interview with Radyo Inquirer Wednesday.

When asked whether it was true that oral contraceptives posed a higher risk of breast cancer, Cabral answered in the affirmative but quickly added that “all medical products have good and side (bad) effects.”

“Oral contraceptives have bad side effects but there are more good effects,” Cabral said.

She said that taking oral contraceptives may lower the incidence of certain cancers such as endometrial cancer by 50% and ovarian cancer by 40%.

She also said that using oral contraceptives may prevent some breast diseases, pelvic inflammatory diseases, ectopic pregnancies, could help regulate blood flow during menstruation, which could prevent anemia, provide protection against arthritis and osteoporosis.

Cabral is a known supporter of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, which promotes the use of artificial methods of family planning.

The RH bill has come under fire from the Catholic Church, which has branded this piece of legislation “immoral.”

For the full report, listen to DZIQ 990AM

Danica Hermogenes, Inquirer.net

Tropical smiles

2011-04-25T13:00:00.000+08:00

The cover alone can make one hanker back to carefree days of childhood. Did you ever experience splashing about in a swimming pool (or at the beach) and not wanting to get out of the water till your teeth were chattering and lips were turning blue? The mere smell of chlorine beckoned to me every time, and it usually took wrinkled fingers to get me out of the water :-)

Only five days to go till the end of the month, but summer ends a long time from today! Practically a whole month -- or more -- of skin-scorching sunshine and sweltering humidity. Well, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the sun :-) In the meantime, let the infectious smile of this 12-month-old baby cool you down.

"I thirst" in another context

2011-04-24T20:46:00.013+08:00

It's easy to take some things for granted.

My regard for elections has changed several times. In fact, I was pretty much ho-hum about it until I realized what sacrifices some people were willing to make just to be able to cast their vote during the national elections. When I learned that exercising the right to take part in choosing the country's leaders on foreign shores meant many hours -- even days in some cases! -- of walking on dusty roads and rugged terrain to the polling centers, I decided that I was taking things too easy.

Then I recalled that women did not use to be regarded as deserving of the right to vote, which the original Women's Movement fought to change. What countless others had to fight to achieve I was definitely taking for granted.

Another thing I didn't use to appreciate was water. Who would even give a glass of water a second thought when all his life it was just there flowing from the faucet or stored in the refrigerator for the taking, anytime? Well, thanks to those television documentaries, I was enlightened. Imagine entire towns not having access to something as basic as potable water, while in some parts of the world water pipes that burst would be left for days like that or leaky faucets would be nothing out of the ordinary. Why, plants in my area are more fortunate to be getting regular "showers" when families in many hard-to-reach rural areas can't even get a drink!

Well, just a while ago I was pondering the tall glass of iced water that accompanied me as I went online. I had debated with myself whether it would be Dalandan Fruit Soda or plain water that would go into the glass, as this allegedly caffeine-free and "made with real fruit juice" beverage had a way of quenching one's thirst so effectively, I could imagine my throat and airway going "Ahhhhh!" in exhilaration if they could talk every time I downed an ice-cold glass of this drink on a hot day. I chose the water because it's common knowledge that the brilliant makers of any soda work their magic on the product so that any drinker -- after the initial thirst-quenching -- would eventually end up feeling more thirsty and wanting more! I've been feeling this myself. So water it is, with big blocks of ice! It may be tasteless, but it's pure, it won't keep me awake at night, it's got no chance of giving me a sugar high, and it addresses near-dehydration perfectly.

While downing my iced drink, I chanced upon an article on the Wall Street Journal that made me realize yet again that we really can take things for granted. Now it's ice cubes. For those who appreciate iced beverages, check it out:

When it comes to ice, size does matter, not to mention shape, density and clarity. If you prefer your Scotch on the rocks, beware: Small, brittle ice will quickly dilute years of cask aging. No one wants a Bruichladdich slushie.
But large cubes or spheres of ice will melt more slowly, bringing your drink closer to the temperature of the ice without over-diluting it. Larger pieces, such as spears the length of a glass, are ideal for keeping tall, carbonated beverages chilled. And there's a place for pebbled and crushed ice, too: mint juleps, swizzles and many tiki drinks wouldn't be possible without them.

Pretty interesting, huh (even to me, who has never heard of and has no idea what a Bruichladdich slushie is)? I must admit that these days when the tropical temperature is becoming more pronounced, I couldn't care less about the shape and density of the ice cubes that go into whatever I'm drinking. I'd be happy with a cold drink. Period. But then, when I remember the villagers in remote areas in Africa or South America (or even my Asian neighbors) that have to wait for humanitarian projects to be concluded to be able to get a taste of clean water, I'm simply contented with a glass of room-temperature water. My throat may not be exhilarated, but it can do wonders for the soul.

* Photo by Dave Kennard

On the third day

2011-04-24T00:05:00.000+08:00

Happy Easter!

Some interesting questions and answers pertaining to Easter here

Bravery

2011-04-21T13:08:00.002+08:00

"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting;
it has been found difficult
and left untried."

- Gilbert K. Chesterton

Not your ordinary banquet

2011-04-21T10:56:00.011+08:00

In looking through art works depicting the Last Supper that Jesus Christ shared with his apostles, I noticed that almost all of them showed the youngest, John, leaning closely against Jesus. Some of them, too, included a figure with a small pouch close by -- portraying Judas Iscariot, the keeper of the group's purse.

It is easy to limit oneself to the obvious elements in the scenes leading up to Christ's Passion, but go beyond these and the love and affection of Jesus for his disciples (and for all mankind) become so enriching, especially for these days when going deep into last few days of Christ's life on earth is recommended.

Below are excerpts from In Conversation with God, Vol. 2: Lent and Eastertide, by Francis Fernandez):

THE LORD’S LAST SUPPER
1. Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his Apostles.
Holy Thursday brings to mind the Lord’s Last Supper with the Apostles. As in previous years, Jesus celebrates the Passover with his own disciples. But this time the celebration would have singular characteristics, as it was to be the last Passover of the Lord before his transit to the Father and because of the events which were to take place immediately following it. Every minute of this Last Supper reflects both the Majesty of Jesus, who knows He is to die the following day, and his love and affection for men.

The Passover was the principal Jewish feast and had been instituted to commemorate the liberation of the Jewish people from Egyptian domination. This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as an ordinance for ever (Ex 12:14). Every Jew is obliged to celebrate this feast to keep alive the memory of the birth of the People of God.

For the special arrangements Jesus turned to his favourite disciples, Peter and John. These two made all the preparations with the greatest care. They took a lamb to the Temple and made a sacrifice of it. Then they returned to the house where the meal was to take place, to roast it. They also prepared water for the ablutions (John 13:5), the bitter herbs (which represent the bitterness of slavery), the unleavened bread (in memory of their ancestors who had to interrupt their baking in the sudden flight from Egypt), the wine etc. They made a special effort so that everything would be just right.
These preparations remind us of the great pains we should take to prepare ourselves for each Mass we attend. Here the very same Sacrifice of Christ is to be renewed, wherein he gave himself for us; we too are his disciples, taking the place of Peter and John in their reverent and careful preparations for the Solemnity.
...

What Christ did for his own may be summarised in a few words from St John: he loved them to the end (John 13:1). To-day is a particularly appropriate day for meditating on the love Jesus has for each one of us, and how we respond to it: in regular dealings with him, in love for the Church, in acts of atonement and reparation, in charity towards others, in preparation and in thanksgiving for Holy Communion, in our desire to co-redeem with him, in our hunger and thirst for justice...
2. Institution of the Holy Eucharist and Priesthood.

And now, while they are eating, quite likely towards the very end, Jesus becomes at the same time serious and simple, simultaneously lucid and uttering deep truths in an attitude the Apostles recognise and know well. He remains silent for a few moments and then institutes the Holy Eucharist.

Our Lord anticipates in sacramental form — my Body …given up: my Blood.., shed — the sacrifice which is to be consummated the following day on Calvary. Until now God’s covenant with his People has been represented by the paschal lamb’s being sacrificed on the altar of holocausts, at the traditional feast for the entire family that they call the Paschal meal. Now the Lamb being offered up is Christ himself (1 Cor 5:7); his, the Blood of the new and everlasting covenant. The Body of Christ is the new banquet for which all the family congregate: Take this and eat.
...

Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist to strengthen us in our weakness, to accompany us in our loneliness, and as a foretaste of Heaven itself. At the door leading to his Passion and Death, he ordains things in such a way that this Bread will never be lacking until the end of the world. For Jesus, on that memorable evening, gave his Apostles and their successors, the bishops and priests, the power to renew this marvel until the end of time. Do this in memory of me (Luke 22:19, 1 Cor 11:24). Together with the Holy Eucharist, which has to last until He comes (1 Cor 11:26), he instituted the ministerial priesthood.
...
3. The ‘New Commandment’ of Our Lord.

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (Liturgy, Washing of the Feet, Fourth Antiphon, John 13:35).
Jesus tells the Apostles of his imminent departure. He is going to prepare a place for them in Heaven (John 14:2-3); meanwhile, they will be united to him in faith and through prayer (John 14:12-14).

It is then that he announces the New Commandment, which has already been proclaimed on every page of the Gospel. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12). Since then we have learned that charity is the way to follow God most closely (St Thomas, Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians, 5, 1) and the quickest way to find him. The soul understands God better when it lives charity with greater refinement, for God is love; and it is ennobled more and more in the measure in which it grows in this theological virtue.

The way we treat those around us is the feature by which we will be known as his disciples. Our degree of union with him will be seen in our understanding for others and in the way we are of service to them. For recognition as his followers, He does not speak of their reaction to his being raised from the dead, or any other obvious proof but of this one: that you love one another (idem, On Charity), Many ask them selves if they are in love with Christ, and go searching for signs to be able to discover and prove that they love him; the sign that never deceives is fraternal charity... It is also the measure of the condition of our interior life, especially of our life of prayer (B. Baur, In Silence with God).
...
This Holy Thursday we can ask ourselves, as we come to the end of this period of prayer, if those people around us where we spend the greater part of our lives know that we are disciples of Christ by the amiable, understanding and welcoming approach we have in dealing with them; if we try never to lack charity in thought, word or deed; if we know to make things up with them when we have treated others badly; if we show those around us many signs of affection, such as warmth, appreciation, words of encouragement, fraternal correction when necessary, the habitual smile and good humour, details of service, and a little help of the sort that goes unnoticed ... This love is not something reserved for important matters, but must be exercised above all in the ordinary circumstances of daily life (Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et spes, 38).
With the Passion of Our Lord so close, let us recall both Mary’s dedication to the accomplishment of God’s Will and her service to others. So great is Mary’s love for all mankind that she, too, fulfilled Christ’s words when he affirmed: Greater love has no man than this, that he should lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13) (J. Escrivá, Friends of God, 287).

Art work:

1) The Last Supper, Duccio di Buoninsegna

2) Last Supper, Walter Rane

3) Christ Washing St. Peter's Feet, Ford Madox Brown

Nothing tender about legal tender

2011-04-16T07:05:00.008+08:00

"How did the word 'monies' come about? Where did it start?" I asked a friend a few months ago.

"I don't know," she replied.

"Ask your friends. C'mon, try to trace where the word came from," I persisted, amused and amazed that new words keep cropping up and finding their way into mainstream usage. "Wonky" didn't use to be in anyone's vocabulary, and how come "interwebs" had to be coined when "Web" was just fine with its monosyllabic convenience? But "monies" I didn't mind. I liked the word "monies" and got a kick out of being able to use it, every time. I must admit that I use it in such a way that the word is the last one in the statement because as far as the subject-verb agreement is concerned, "...monies is..." and "...monies are..." both sound awkward to me.

Syntax notwithstanding, the concept of money being the root of all evil has occurred to me several times lately. I don't fully agree with it; I think "Love for money is the root of all evil" is closer to the truth, though I don't completely agree with it either. What I agree with completely is that taxation makes a lot of people miserable. Another thing I am convinced about: taking pains to know where your money goes is part of being a responsible person. Go by a budget, count your change, research on organizations which you choose to help financially. And practice vigilance when it comes to expenditures using taxpayers' money.

Check it out -- the first is an animated interpretation of the Beatles' "Taxman," followed by a simple accounting -- to the tune of the Imperial March, a relaxingly laid-back ukulele version -- of what Filipino taxpayers' money will fund should the RH bill be passed.

The story of a sign

2011-04-14T21:42:00.000+08:00

The power of words...

H/T: MommyLife

Power

2011-04-11T20:30:00.002+08:00

"He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love."

-- Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968), civil rights activist

A postscript for March 25

2011-04-11T19:53:00.004+08:00

Since I started only recently to catch up on reading classics (I am within the pages of The Hobbit, thanks to Petrufied), all that I know and appreciate about Lord of the Rings is based on Peter Jackson's work of art. Hence, I was totally clueless about certain dates having significance in the story that gave a whole new meaning to the word "precious"-- dates such as March 25. Reading "It's no coincidence that the ring is destroyed on March 25" on Lunch Break felt like how it used to be when I discovered yet a new piece of trivia about, oh say, one of Duran Duran's members (circa 1980s), or when I watched Witness to Hope for the first time -- a documentary about John Paul II, based on the book by George Weigel -- (around the late 1990s), or after I read articles explaining the meanings of certain scenes and symbols in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ (post-2000) -- obviously each on a different level. But a deeper appreciation can be had when one learns something new. And this is what happened to me a while ago.

Frodo and Sam's journey to Mordor may have been thrilling on the big screen, but Tolkien's deep understanding of the story of salvation has made it more than a literary masterpiece.

Read "It's no coincidence that the ring is destroyed on March 25"

If you're happy and you know it...

2011-04-10T18:07:00.008+08:00

Better late than never... so here's the cover of the magazine's March Issue. We're big on things natural, homemade, "low-tech" at Baby -- ideas, play things, concepts that are more real than manufactured images, authentic than contrived, nature-based than commercial. I guess you could say that we do our best to keep things real. So when it comes to the covers, we strive to remain as genuine as possible in presenting the babies. Only natural blush on the little ones' cheeks, not too much sparkly accessories that spell "high-end" or "expensive" and nothing that would make the child look like an adult. Class does not have to be equated with luxury.

I love the way the paper garland gives the child a close-to-home look (I'm not sure what exactly that means, but I liken it to being down-to-earth and really friendly). These were made from pages of old glossy magazines, and 9-month-old Amara had a ball crushing them in her hand (good thing we made several for the shoot!).

In the course of completing this issue, the pursuit of happiness was on my mind a lot. In fact, some of the things that Rev. Fr. Eugene David (one of the people I interviewed for an article on the search for happiness) said makes for substantial rumination. I had asked him about what he thought of the oft-used line that goes "Gawin mo kung ano'ng makapagpapaligaya sa 'yo (Do what will make you happy)." His reply:

"I remember a quote from St. John Bosco which summarizes my thoughts on this matter. He said 'Run, jump, shout and do whatever you like as long as you do not sin.' I would then add something to the dictum you mentioned to make it complete: 'Gawin mo kung ano ang makapagpapaligaya sa iyo basta huwag kang lalabag sa utos ng Diyos at huwag kang mananakit ng iyong kapwa' (Do what will make you happy as long as you do not disobey the commands of God and you do not hurt your neighbor)' ...It does not matter what you want as long as you are happy and contented with your life without offending God and anybody else."

"Only in God will [man] find fulfillment and happiness because he will find soon enough that he exists and is created for the sole purpose of loving and uniting himself to God, who is the only one who can fill his emptiness."

Is it surprising, then, that insulting others, or prioritizing huge profits over time spent with the family, or maintaining an illicit relationship makes one feel miserable at some point? It seems that no matter how much we try to deny it, doing the right thing and finding happiness are meant to go hand in hand.

So, if you wanna be happy for the rest of your life...

The volt-in for Life

2011-04-10T09:16:00.007+08:00

March 25 was first established as the "Day for the Right to be Born" in El Salvador in 1993. Since then several other nations (many of them in Central and South America, but also including European countries and the Philippines) have been commemorating the date with their own festivities to mark what is now known as the "International Day of the Unborn."

It is fitting that the day of the solemnity of the Annunciation was chosen to mark a day dedicated to the rights of unborn people. And what a remarkable day it was in Manila this year, for the people were called to what was dubbed the grandmother of all rallies against the RH bill -- "Filipinos Unite for Life," a prayer rally in which not only the Catholic faithful took part but people professing other faiths as well. It was a huge gathering and, for me, an exhilarating one.

I took photos but I'm posting as well photos taken by Tito Robert, Haggai de Cena, Elmer Baguioro, and Corinne Medrana. [Click photos to see larger versions]

View from the stage of the Quirino Grandstand after the program had started. It was a hot afternoon but it didn't matter!

Petrufied and I parked inside Intramuros then proceeded on foot to the grandstand. Among the many who were walking with us were two nuns. They reminded me of "the living saint," of course.

Taken at past 4:00 pm. Still quite a lot of space on the grounds at this time, but at around 6:00, 6:30, the crowds swelled to over the "tens of thousands" that most mainstream media outfits reported.

The man's sign says "Stand up for human life, this is for our own achievement of peace" in Tagalog.

Each has a place under the sun. "How can there be too many children? That's just like saying there are too many flowers. - Mother Teresa" reads one sign. Another goes "The contraceptive lifestyle destroys the family."

She had a ready smile for me!

Blowing in the wind -- CFC Kids for Christ flag

More signs of the times. Left: Pregnancy is not a disease... Pills & condom are certainly not the cure! Right: Poverty is treatable...but not by pills & condom.

Real pro-life fellas are happy, can you tell?

A quick snapshot of some "groupies" :-)

Former TV host Christine Jacob-Sandejas, one of the speakers at the event, had her whole brood with her.

Representatives of different religions declaring their support for life and family and their opposition to the RH bill.

Petrufied and I originally did not plan to stay for the Mass, but praying with the people and celebrating the Eucharist at this most crucial time became top priority.

Read about the event here

Another account can be read at Filipinos for Life

The homily given by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales is here

The truth is in here

2011-04-09T20:53:00.013+08:00

I can't pinpoint exactly what incident or event triggered it, or if it can be attributed to a single incident, but I've never been happier about the way the pro-life crusade has been going than how it has been the past several weeks. It seems that more and more people are getting involved, speaking up, and making their presence felt in the move to keep life-affirming principles prevailing in Philippine society.

Rallies and collective demonstrations are just among many ways to speak up, but the February 13 and the March 25 prayer rallies -- at the PICC grounds and the Quirino Grandstand, respectively -- indicate that the call to stand up for life and family and to reject the RH bill do not go unheeded! I have yet to post pictures of the two events, but I think this video produced by Filipinos for Life is more important as it shows just what the bill is about. It's always good to see the bigger picture.

If you're not familiar with the personalities in Philippine politics, the individual photos show congressmen and congresswomen who are mostly pushing for the imperialist piece of legislation; one photo shows Paranaque Rep. Roilo Golez, who is courageously defending life principles. A few images are of a head of a women's NGO, another advocate of women's rights at the expense of the rights of unborn people.

Learn the truth here:

YouTube may have banned the video several times already, but should you be unable to view the above in the future, go to Gloria.tv to watch it.

For a deeper look into the issue, see Population Research Institute's Steven Mosher's piece on LifeNews.

Coming soon

2011-03-20T15:28:00.003+08:00

Am stepping out of the house in a few minutes, but wanted to post something about the March 25, 4pm event. So for now it's the just a graphic. I checked out the Pro-Life page and couldn't find any details yet. I'll supply those first chance I get!

Chicken crosses the road

2011-03-14T20:17:00.005+08:00

One thing I had been planning to blog about without actually going through with it was chickens. At one point, our house helper brought over a trio of chickens from her hometown and we transformed what used to be our dog house into a chicken house. "What a racket chickens make" was one of my first discoveries about the feathered creatures.

Another discovery I made later on was that hens tend to gang up on a lone rooster when they're all still on their growing-up weeks. Then when they reach adulthood, the tides change! It's the rooster then that throws its weight around, dominating the females come mealtime and shooing them away to have most of the rice to himself. What a bully. I'm not sure if these are the rules of the game in the world of chickens, but it's what I saw among the three that made our yard and garage their home for over a year.

I never really got to be "friends" with them because they seemed to always be scared by my mere presence. So, all that I learned about chicken life I learned from a distance. Pretty soon they had to be given away when the moving truck came. There would be no room for feathery animals in the new place we now call home.

Here's something about chickens that I saw in an interesting blog called The Daily Brouhaha, with some additional parts from The Gathering.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a CHANGE! The chicken wanted CHANGE!

OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.

GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.

BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time , the heart warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its life long dream of crossing the road.

ANDERSON COOPER-CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.

COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road...

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.: I envision a world where all chickens will be free to cross roads without having their motives called into question.

JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.

VOLTAIRE: I may not agree with what the chicken did, but I will defend to the death its right to do it.

CAPTAIN KIRK: To boldly go where no chicken has gone before.

The hunger and the greed

2011-03-13T21:12:00.016+08:00

The two words "information" and "communication" are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things.
Information is giving out; communication is getting through."

- Sydney J. Harris, American journalist and author (1917-1986)

What's great about information in this day and age is that it's not limited to the written word any longer. Those of us who are more visual in our tastes have the advantage of learning about things via videos. Check these out -- the first tackles the question about why people in some parts of the world are starving through a short but nicely done video; the second is a straight-to-the-point explanation as to why a statement such as "Contraceptives cause abortion" is not inaccurate at all.

I hope some communication takes place with this blog post...

Posting these two videos has made me rethink the whole matter of calling the birth control pill and other contraceptives "essential medicines" -- which proponents of House Bill 4244 or the so-called Reproductive Health Bill are insisting on as part of this piece of legislation. When one labels drugs and devices that have resulted in the death of unborn babies and in health problems for women as "essential," it does sound silly when one considers how the most basic of all needs -- food -- is lacking in many parts of the planet. And it's not because of overpopulation -- in itself a myth.

(Too) Loud and clear

2011-03-12T17:49:00.008+08:00

"Pabayaan mo na. Malapit na naman silang matapos eh." (Just let it be. They'll be done soon anyway.)

Ah, yes, we've been saying that for the past three months, I muttered.

What's there to let be? The auditory assault that results from the boombox-playing right at this moment next door, where a construction has been going on even before we moved to our new home in October last year. I'm not sure if it's only in Manila (or only in the Philippines even), but where there's a residential construction going on, there's bound to be really loud music playing as well.

Let me write from the outset that the issue here may not be a matter of decibels but of musical tastes. But first, a backgrounder...

It was October when we moved to this new neighborhood. It's not a gated community which would normally have strict guidelines regarding loud music or visitors entering-exiting the village. By then, the lot beside ours was well into constructing what looked like a huge two-storey house. And by then, the daily banter of the workers wafted into our living room window; music blasting from some player drifted into our abode as well. But usually we were too preoccupied with housework to notice. After all, we had just moved, and there was unpacking to do, painting jobs to watch, furniture arrangement/disposal to decide on, more unpacking to do, missing things to look for, and still more unpacking to do.

I think it was towards Christmas that the din next door started to be really noticeable. Still, patience was practiced, owing largely to the spirit of the Season of giving.

The new year came and the house next door was still far from complete. Not only that -- we had to contend with more noise on a daily basis: the cement mixer at work, the jackhammer doing its nerve-wracking work, various power tools whirring about, and other things construction workers probably take for granted but which would drive normal people to either whine in exasperation or yell invectives in sheer annoyance.

"Bakit ba kailangan nilang magsigawan pag nag-uusap eh magkakatabi lang naman sila? (Why do they have to yell at each other when they talk when they're just beside each other?)" I asked my mom one day, irritated by the non-existent moderation in the workers' conduct of conversations.

"Sanay sila sa maiingay na makina kaya kahit hindi na naka-on ang makina, linalakasan pa din nila ang boses nila (They're used to noisy machines so even though the machines are turned off, they still talk at the top of their lungs)" she explained, half-amused.

I understood that machinery was a normal part of every construction site. And talking is a normal part of everyday life at work. But what really got to me was the noise blasting from the music player day in and day out. It was fast, usually techno or metal. Sometimes they had some Pinoy ballads playing for some emo moments. But must they up the volume that half the barangay would hear it? Sometimes, it wasn't even 8am yet and the drum beats of some song would already be vibrating over the fence.

So one morning not long ago, when some techno-pop tune pierced the air yet again while I was savoring my breakfast (it was shortly before 7am), I walked to the telephone and gave the barangay hall a call. After describing the situation, even mentioning that I had already talked with the foreman once and kindly requested that they turn down the music because they may not notice that it becomes loud enough to awaken my mother in slumber many times, I was told to wait and that somebody from the barangay accompanied by a policeman would drop in on the rowdy dudes.

Smug, I waited. I savored the moments leading up to the abrupt ceasing of the music, which came around 10 minutes later. Ahhh silence. Everyday since then felt like a normal day. My family and I felt like normal persons.

Until today, when loud music greeted us again at breakfast. What was the occasion? Had they all awakened with amnesia? I'm not sure what the reason was but I'm glad I had to be out of the house till mid-afternoon. Upon coming home, it was reasonably quiet...until a little later when the techno drum beats were at it again, prompting my exasperated query about the resurrected noise and eliciting the "Pabayaan mo na..." reply of our house helper.

Right now, no musical instruments can be heard over speakers. But one of the dudes has taken to singing a capella at the top of his lungs every few minutes. Sigh. Pabayaan na. Well, it is a weekend. And we did have a two-week break or something like that from the auditory assault. Pabayaan na.

Come Monday morning, let's see. In my opinion, a mindset like "pabayaan na" can be a manifestation of mercy and patience. On the other hand, it can also be an excuse for letting things just slide by when the right thing to do is to take a practical measure.

Let's see if the sound of silence prevails come Monday morning.

* Illustration by Royston Robertson

The quick and the dead

2011-03-02T07:05:00.006+08:00

Talk about using words to influence a desired outcome. In this case, I'm not too sure of the persuasive power of the word "deadline" on writers to finish a piece of work by the designated date. Owing to the changing times, some writers -- particularly younger ones, "slacker" types, or those who have not been ingrained with the importance of virtues such as punctuality and diligence -- don't seem to really take deadlines seriously.

Interesting bit here about the word, from the Online Etymology Dictionary:

deadline
"time limit," 1920, Amer.Eng. newspaper jargon, from dead + line. Perhaps influenced by earlier use (1864) to mean the "do-not-cross" line in Civil War prisons, which figured in the Wirz trial.
And he, the said Wirz, still wickedly pursuing his evil purpose, did establish and cause to be designated within the prison enclosure containing said prisoners a "dead line," being a line around the inner face of the stockade or wall enclosing said prison and about twenty feet distant from and within said stockade; and so established said dead line, which was in many places an imaginary line, in many other places marked by insecure and shifting strips of [boards nailed] upon the tops of small and insecure stakes or posts, he, the said Wirz, instructed the prison guard stationed around the top of said stockade to fire upon and kill any of the prisoners aforesaid who might touch, fall upon, pass over or under [or] across the said "dead line" .... ["Trial of Henry Wirz," Report of the Secretary of War, Oct. 31, 1865]

Well, personally, I regard the word "deadline" with sweet fondness every time we're done putting an issue to bed. But in the midst of finishing a difficult article during crunch time, I always wish this concept did not exist at all. Hence, the following is something I truly enjoy watching when the deadlines (at least for the time being) are over!

Other angles to the story

2011-02-08T21:04:00.006+08:00

Without a doubt, people who are bent on letting their cynicism be known or making their less-than-well-thought-out remarks be heard will be doing just that over the next several days -- what with today's incident involving retired military officer Angelo Reyes providing a convenient target for their opinion-making preoccupations.

Disappointed (and at one point, momentarily infuriated by) over some comments I've come across on Facebook, I decided to keep off the usual sources of information about the case for now. I went over to the Wall Street Journal and saw an article that tackles the incident in a more extensive manner (as opposed to the usual "parochial" perspective and method that characterizes most Filipino reporters' and feature writers' style of exploring a topic).

The writer could have been more accurate had he written "A former Philippines military chief caught up in a corruption probe died after reportedly shooting himself in the chest..." since in the same article he does state that autopsy results are still being awaited before officials confirm whether or not the death was self-inflicted. Still, the article does provide a wider perspective on the matter of graft and the fight against it in Asia.

Read Retired General's Death Follows Philippine Graft Probe
Wall Street Journal

Overloading on cuteness

2011-02-06T10:25:00.004+08:00

For now, just a photo of the magazine's February issue! Can you feel the love? :-)

(Clockwise, from top left: 9-month-old Marco, 6-month-old Cross, 12-month-old Range, 12-month-old Ginger)

Sometimes the truth hurts

2011-02-06T09:30:00.010+08:00

And who relishes the experience of being told things that one doesn't like hearing, even if it's the truth? Well, I suppose the appreciation of being told the truth -- when this is for one's own good -- comes much later (or a bit later, depending on the personality and level of maturity of the person concerned), because... well, pride can get in the way (or a lack of understanding about certain things).

But then I'm grateful there will always be people who share what they know and not keep the truth to themselves. Jason Evert, one such person who has become well-known for his engaging and inspiring talks about love, dating, sex, the male and female psyche, and related topics, gives his insights to a small group of guys and girls on the way women present themselves and the perception of men. In a way it urges women to have more confidence in themselves as women who have much more going for them than externals and who are worth getting to know deeply. An excerpt:

"A woman isn't longing to be gawked at, she wants love. If a girl says 'I want both,' to be loved and gawked at.. the bottom line is, choose one. You will get what you want, choose wisely, and make your decision. The problem is, the world has kind of decided towards 'I want to be gawked at.' Because they don't have the confidence that if they dress in a more modest way, guys will approach them. It shows -- from a guy's perspective -- it shows insecurity. It's like 'Why do you have to throw yourself at me? Don't you think there's something about you that I would come to learn about that would make me want to get to know you more? And so for a guy, it shows a lack of confidence. Girls think 'I'm confident, I'm proud of my body.' But it's like, are you proud of the rest of who you are?"

What's great is that Jason Evert is coming to Manila this month (with a day having him swing by Iloilo)! Real Love Revolution 2011: Romance without Regret consists of several activities that'll give everyone a chance to attend at least one of his talks! The lowdown on the Feb. 24-27 schedule:

Now who would settle for a semblance of love when real love is within reach?

Black cars

2011-02-05T20:00:00.002+08:00

"Guwapo eh."

That was the reply of a young dude when I asked him why he opted for black upon deciding on his car's color when it's a pretty well-known fact that black vehicles figure in road accidents more often than non-black ones.

So, "guwapo" eh? Since I've noticed the past two or three months that there seems to be an increasing number of black vehicles (sedans, SUVs...) on Metro Manila's streets -- at least during those hours that I'm on the road -- does that mean more and more people subscribe to this belief? I certainly hope not! And while we're at it, let me point out that it seems a pretty logical expectation that anybody whose vehicle of choice is a black one not be surprised by near-collisions, bumps, dents, and lots of honking at him/her especially while driving at night. Also, due to this logical expectation, it would follow (the way I see it) that anybody who drives a black vehicle would take it upon himself to drive more cautiously and not increase the chances of figuring in an accident by driving as if he were designated SuperManic Driver of the Month.

Admittedly, I've had my scrapes (metaphorically speaking) with black cars on account of the "King of the Road" driving style of the other party, so when I saw this curious-looking black Honda parked somewhere near our home, I was touched. I seriously doubt that the owner had road safety in his mind when he decided to have the car reworked to its current appearance, but it sure does the job! One could spot it a mile away! Whoever you are, hats off to you! :-)

Commercial appeal

2011-02-05T10:38:00.006+08:00

Okay, a quick post, but one which I hope gives you much inspiration by way of ideas, relief, comfort, reassurance, a laugh or whatever it is that's needed most at the moment.

Here are a couple of advertisements that are among my favorites. Good humor does work wonders and keeps the creative juices flowing :-)

(And below is a bunch of quotes about humor and laughter which I simply compiled)

Humor is an affirmation of dignity, a declaration of man's superiority to all that befalls him. ~Roman Gary

A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs - jolted by every pebble in the road. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious. ~Peter Ustinov

Humor has a way of bringing people together. It unites people. In fact, I'm rather serious when I suggest that someone should plant a few whoopee cushions in the United Nations. ~Ron Dentinger

Every survival kit should include a sense of humor. ~Author Unknown

* * * * *

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. ~Irish Proverb

What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul. ~Yiddish Proverb

When people are laughing, they're generally not killing each other. ~Alan Alda

Remember, men need laughter sometimes more than food. ~Anna Fellows Johnston

Laughter is an instant vacation. ~Milton Berle

They braved the cold, young and old

2011-01-27T07:59:00.015+08:00

This is one of the many signs held up during the recent March for Life, which marked the 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court case that decriminalized abortion in the United States. Frankly, the first time I heard about the March for Life being held to commemorate such an incident, my initial reaction was one of bewilderment: Why celebrate such a horrid thing? Then I understood that it was meant to remind Americans of the grim consequences of that 1973 case and to prompt people everywhere to work for a culture of life despite the backing of the law for depriving some members of society of the basic right to life.

The 2011 March for Life in Washington DC was held on Jan. 24 and was estimated to have been attended by some 250,000-400,000 people. Below are some more photos, taken by Victoria Gingras, Matt Kassens, Generations for Life, and the person who took the photos for a National Catholic Register article.

The main banner...

One of the misleading catch phrases in the pro-abortion movement...

A simple and thought-provoking reminder...

Another reminder, this time of government policies that don't belong in civilized society...

I suppose this is the main street on which participants marched...

Can't add anything to this...

The baby in the sign sure looks a lot like the lady holding the sign...

Something that even Dr. Seuss has pointed out...

Very heartening to see a diverse crowd...

For more photos and coverage, go to St. Blogustine, MommyLife, Generations for Life, National Catholic Register, and Caritas in Veritate.

Moptops in (plastic) motion

2011-01-25T09:19:00.004+08:00

I've been thinking of these four a lot lately.

And there's been a Lego display and play area in SM Megamall the past couple of weeks.

So... enjoy!

Noteworthy quotes

2011-01-25T09:12:00.002+08:00

"Our science tells us there is a unique, never to exist again, human individual in a mother's womb. Why, in America, have we come to the place where we can kill that individual to solve our problems?" -- Raymond Ufford, M.D.

* * * * *

If you choose to destroy:

- the children born or unborn, you destroy love and the future
- the sick or disabled, you destroy compassion
- the elderly, you destroy wisdom, respect and the past

Can we really do without these? Have you never been young, sick or injured? Will you never be old in someone's eyes? Therefore, do unto others as you wish to have done to you.

-- Anne Bauer, M.D.

Source: Physicians for Life

When the future looks bright...

2011-01-25T08:25:00.005+08:00

... why don't the pessimists simply wear shades? Why do they work to spread darkness around the world?

This seems to be what leaders of the "free world" have been doing for some time now. It's no secret now that the present US administration is consistently calling for universal access to the procedure in which unborn babies are deliberately killed. Can they not be satisfied with having their own babies killed? Must they now extend their reach to the lives of people living in other parts of the world?

A nation that kills its own children is a nation without hope, said the late Pope John Paul II. I wonder how the current US president and his supporters regard the growing life inside a mother's womb. A blob of tissue or some other similar concept that defies science? But then why am I surprised? The president is known for having a low regard for the lives of others, betraying a hint of discrimination and an ignorance of the principle of equality. Here's an excerpt from an entry I wrote two years ago about the March for Life:

I think this year's March for Life takes on an even deeper significance because the United States's new leader is one who seems to discriminate against some persons as far as recognizing and respecting their dignity is concerned. It is very saddening.

I find it quite disturbing that the person occupying the highest office in that country advocates allowing a newborn to die instead of being given life-saving medical attention, if the baby happened to survive an abortion. In essence, that's what Pres. Obama said when he -- as a legislator -- repeatedly struck down the Born Alive Infant Protec tion Act, which extends legal protection to an infant born alive after a failed attempt at induced abortion. For him, the law should let a baby who survives an abortion be left alone to die. And just now I learned from this 2002 article that Obama also "opposed measures to criminalize those who transport minors across state lines for the purpose of obtaining an abortion." Isn't this tantamount to protecting old men who prey on minors from arrest? I realize this article is six years old, but if it's accurate, and unless Obama has changed his stance on the matter, the time element is irrelevant.

This is the much-celebrated new leader of the "Land of the Free"?

To be sure, I'm not in a ranting mood. So what caused this post that dwells on the American president's anti-human-rights-for-pre-born-babies position? Well, while link-hopping to search for news and pictures of the just-concluded March for Life, I came across a striking statement. From the Jan. 22 article:

"President Barack Obama is marking the 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark decision on abortion by calling the procedure a constitutional right he's committed to protecting."

With a leader like that, the country's citizens had better take to heart that adage which says that what's necessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing. Doing nothing ought not to be an option, and in doing what's right, it pays to look to a civil rights advocate for some guidance:

"The time is always right to do what is right."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

The search is on

2011-01-17T10:56:00.010+08:00

Remember this? It's one of the many commercials that debuted during last year's Superbowl:

Charming huh? Well, I recently learned that there are several equally inventive but simple ads in the series. Such as this one, which I really love:

Creativity knows no bounds when it's guided by sound values. And how expensive can such a simple production be? Hardly any cost, and you leave your audience smiling--with a positive brand image in their minds whether or not they're aware of it.

Let's see how the commercials at this year's Superbowl coverage fare...

Of feline 'guests' and other creatures

2011-01-17T10:17:00.008+08:00

Well, hello there, blog! It's been quite a while....

These days I'm thinking more about animals that roam the earth--more specifically, undesired animals that frequent our home. Kittens are cute, but when their grownup counterparts drop by our house and come and go as they please--acting as if it's the designated hang-out venue for feline creatures--it is irksome to me. Check out the laid-back animal here:

This and several other cats have been spending a lot of time on our premises the past couple of months--snoozing on the cemented ground, under the car (ON the car, too, no doubt, based on the trail of paw prints from hood to windshield to roof!), near the dirty kitchen. And the nonchalance with which this particular cat gazed at me as my steps awakened it while it napped on a stack of dusters, simply bothered me. Oh, hi there, it seemed to say quietly as my presence obviously did not make a difference on the creature's plans. Don't feed them! advised friends and family. We don't, I told them, but they still come back and hang out.

Well, that happens when you don't have a dog. But at least there's not a mouse or rat in sight, owing to the tambay cats. We have ants, though, which I'm dealing with thanks to a recommended deadly weapon, the Terro Ant Killer. I've yet to get a picture of the trail of tiny crawlers feasting on the fatal liquid...

We do have winged creatures that we see every morning inside the house, and they are most welcome.

They aren't real, though, but the picture is a peaceful and relaxing one. Not a bad scene to greet one while having breakfast. We get our fill of the chirping of birds (real ones) every morning; fortunately, there are still many of them flying about in the neighborhood, and they choose to rest once in a while on the steel bars outside our living room windows. A welcome sight indeed, and the kind of tweeting that I like!

Oh, night divine

2010-12-25T16:32:00.003+08:00

A blessed and joyful Christmas to all

Source: That artist woman

Anticipation

2010-11-28T00:01:00.004+08:00

This work of art is by an Estonian artist named Ain Vares. It's called "Angel Proclaims the Good News" -- yet another rendition of that night when shepherds were told by an angel of the birth of the promised Redeemer.

That the birth took place in the simplest of circumstances -- no fanfare, no elegant or even comfortable accommodations, probably not even a pillow for the baby or the mother -- is noteworthy. Save for some people who were aware of and kept the prophecies at heart, the birth passed unnoticed. Needless to say, there was no "advent season" back then to remind people that the arrival of the awaited Redeemer was close at hand.

Advent is essentially the time of preparation for Christmas Day. What kind of preparation? Well, much like what happens when, say, you've decided on an out-of-town trip and it's about a month before departure time ... or you're in the thick of preparations for a wedding ... or maybe you and your friends are looking forward to a party or some other kind of get-together. It's about getting ready for whatever's needed for the trip, the wedding, the party. Most importantly, it's the anticipation that comes with it as the date of the event approaches; also, the hope that things will turn out great.

Advent, then, is the time for getting ready for a meaningful celebration of the day when a most important figure was born, the emphasis being on interior preparation. Let's put it this way: when you know that an important guest is arriving at your house, don't you do a bit of dusting, get rid of clutter, fluff up throw pillows and probably make a mental note of what's in your refrigerator that you can offer? Spending the four weeks of Advent is somewhat like that -- "cleaning house" and decorating a little to be able not only to receive the Guest well, but to appreciate his coming.

Advent could also be the time to know more about the Guest whose arrival is of particular significance. Knowing and understanding what makes him a not-so-ordinary figure is, I think, the only thing that would enable us to make meaningful preparations for his arrival -- as well as to experience the deep joy that accompanies the season.

Integrity

2010-11-24T21:21:00.001+08:00

"To be persuasive we must be believable;
to be believable we must be credible;
to be credible we must be truthful."

-- Edward R. Murrow (1908-1965), American journalist

Precious child

2010-11-16T21:01:00.007+08:00

Talk about dreamy.

"French country" is how I call it -- the theme that characterized a precious baby girl's 1st birthday celebration I attended a few days ago. "Sweet soiree" couldn't have been more apt (which is how the mom referred to the gathering in the invitation). Here are some snapshots I took around the place. How nice and refreshing it is to be in a kiddie party that is devoid of the usual cartoon characters, fastfood table fare and eardrum-blasting banter of overzealous hosts. This was one pleasant gathering that celebrated a sweet child's coming into the world.

This is all I have time for

2010-11-16T20:50:00.004+08:00

Well, hello there, blog! :-)

Okay, good looks notwithstanding, this man is beautiful based on the kind of convictions he has been declaring in his testimonies since becoming more in touch with the essentials of life. He used to be quite superficial (his words) and didn't exactly make outstanding professional choices. Here he is relating an experience that changed his life.

He starts his storytelling at 1:04; you can go to that right away and skip the "fandom" footage that takes up the first minute :-)

Sunny side up

2010-09-24T09:17:00.004+08:00

Sabrina

2010-09-17T22:32:00.012+08:00

There's a downpour in progress, with clapping of thunder every few minutes. Normally, by this time, Sabrina my little dog would be curled up inside the house beside me as I worked on the computer (on the floor beside my bed if it happened to be bedtime already). The sound of thunder has always terrified her, giving her a forlorn expression as long as the heavy rains poured and the thunder kept at it.

Today, however, Sabrina is nowhere near me. She isn't scared of anything anymore. She died yesterday -- she was 14 years old.

She had been slowly deteriorating the past year -- cataract building up in one eye, the same happening in the other eye though at a much slower pace. Around 6, 7 months ago, only one eye seemed to be providing her vision, but the cheerfulness remained. Sense of hearing obviously waning, too, it would be easy to creep up on her and give her a playful tap, watching as she was jolted by my sudden presence. And the cheerfulness would then show up again. The only thing that could dampen her spirits was a thunderstorm. The first clap of thunder would send her walking toward the laundry area door and tapping her nose on it so we would let her inside.

But last week she started refusing food; she drank some water at first, but a couple of days later she would only take sips. Pretty soon the weight loss was apparent and the cheerfulness was gone. Even with hardly any water intake, she vomited the little fluid that I gave her. And despite the weight loss, her sides seemed to be bloated. On the first visit, the vet advised that if she should again expel the fluids given her, no water was to be given (she was completely not eating for days already).

But even before this first visit, it was tough seeing Sabrina always lying down, or seated but just staring into space, probably aware (with as much "awareness" as an animal could have) that something was very wrong. Well, she would stare a lot because her vision was considerablyl impaired. When she did manage to get up once in a while, it was done with a huge effort, and walking was a wobbly affair.

I came to terms with the fact that my pet would have to go soon; she was, after all, 14 years old -- pretty old for a dog. I was just thinking of the best way to handle the situation -- best, meaning thinking things through, weighing all the factors, not doing anything drastic.

Wednesday morning I brought her to the UP veterinary hospital to find out what was wrong with her, only to be told that the lab was closed on Wednesdays. What was I to do? Let Sabrina live through another 24 hours of no-food-no-water existence? Watch her struggle to get up when she wanted to sleep in some other spot? That's when the vet instructed me about the water thing. "She's still alert," she remarked. She did suggest confinement in another facility, but I declined. So okay, make it through another day and we'll have the necessary tests performed.

But by Wednesday night, after much deliberation and a little help from friends plus some insights from my brother and mother, I had decided that having Sabrina put to sleep would be the best option considering her age, the possibility of surgery and the chances of recovery, the "quality of life" if she did manage to recover from the possible surgery, the time and money that caring for a recovering animal would entail -- plus the fact that all my time away from work would be needed for the move (we are in the process of packing then moving to a new home). It was really her age that was most significant. That, and the prospect of prolonging the suffering she had been going through the past week. I figured, I wouldn't even have any tests performed on her -- I mean, what for? Those were simply for my curiosity. It would be kind of nice to know what was causing the bloating and why she couldn't eat and drink... but I decided that was inconsequential now. I wasn't sure, though, if a hospital would consent to putting an animal down without knowing what was wrong with it.

So Thursday morning, I again brought Sabrina to the hospital. Our house helper was with us and I sure am thankful for her presence. I had made up my mind -- Sabrina was better off being put to sleep permanently. If she were a human being, things would be totally different. If animals were capable of living or even just understanding redemptive suffering, things would be totally different.

We ended up drawing some blood for a blood test. More agony (for Sabrina and for me). Waiting more than half an hour for the results. Learning it was something in the liver that was causing the problem. Listening to the vet recommend confinement and say that in 2-3 days, my pet could either improve or further deteriorate, depending on her response to the IV fluids and medication.

At this point I wavered in my decision to have Sabrina's suffering swiftly ended. I did think about it, I did weigh everything, but when I told the vet about my preference to have Sabrina euthanized and how I came to the decision, I faltered. And started getting tearful

I excused myself and told her I would call someone to consult. I ended up calling two people whose opinions I valued. They had opposing views about the matter, and I felt even more torn...but just for a few moments. In the end, I listened to the one who believed the same thing I did. I think I just needed to hear it from someone else, because I already knew what had to be done.

I got back to the vet and gave her my decision. The thing is, even though I felt more confident about the choice I made, I dreaded it more than ever. I suppose because I said it with finality.

At least my tearfulness inspired some compassion. Between the time my eyes first welled up and the phone calls I made, a nice lady approached me and told me that she, too, had to have one of her dogs euthanized the previous year. "So I understand how you feel," she said with such empathy and kindness, teary-eyed to meet my by-then-slightly-puffy eyes, that I really did feel understood.

There was a form to fill up and sign. Payments to be made at the cashier's window. Did those in a daze. What comforted me was that other clients whose pets were to be euthanized shortly were often in the same shape as I was, according to the vet student who sympathetically answered all my queries through it all.

When I carried Sabrina to the table and gently stroked her for the last time, I experienced another sense of doubt. When the vet came in holding the syringe with the purple liquid and I glanced at Sabrina, I felt as if I were betraying my pet. But I knew these feelings were just...feelings. Feelings come and go, but choices are more reliable -- when made with careful deliberation, which is how I went about mine concerning my pet. I was simply saddened because I was about to lose the faithful four-legged friend I had had for 14 years. And I felt that I was speeding things up.

Thank God it was over in seconds, just like the vet assured me it would be. No pain for Sabrina; she just drifted off to a permanent sleep.

* * * * *

The rain is down to a drizzle, and the thunder is gone. There's nothing to do but get accustomed to the change of having no furry animal seeking refuge when the first clap of thunder makes itself heard. It is one of many changes one will continue to experience through life. Thing is, I doubt it if I'll ever hear thunder without instinctively getting up to go to the door to let someone in.

A special edition

2010-09-12T21:59:00.007+08:00

I can't help but think back to days when the cover shoots I took part in normally involved people whom society refers to as "celebrities." Whether I was a freelance/staff writer assigned to interview the subject, or one of the editors tasked along with the rest of the team to come up with a striking cover concept, having a celebrity as part of the package always meant a certain degree of... shall we say, "studied spontaneity" in front of the camera. At least in my experience. I say this because I now have the benefit of perspective, seeing things in the context of the kind of pictorials I have been taking part in since joining Baby Magazine three and a half years ago.

Capturing images of a person accustomed to kleig lights, to doing and saying things for a crowd, and to the attention/open admiration of fans, is radically different from that of a person who is still beginning to get acquainted with his immediate surroundings. There is also a world of difference between being able to tell someone to hold a certain pose (and to ask him to do the pose again) and being at the mercy of a little person who has no concept of poses and to whom requests of poses will make no sense.

A model is trained to project in front of a camera; a baby goes about with complete spontaneity. Which is why when a baby ends up flashing a most adorable and animated expression, while still being natural -- and long enough for the photographer to capture it -- it is always a cause for celebration and thanksgiving!

The cover shoot for Baby mag's September issue took place on a Tuesday afternoon. We decided to do it at the family's home instead of the previously decided play facility in a shopping mall so as to put 19-month-old Tio completely at ease. We wanted him relaxed, comfortable and happy. I think we succeeded in that.

For one thing, his entire family was there (even an aunt and cousin dropped by to join the fun). Also, there was no need for him to adjust to a new environment since he was completely familiar with everything in sight. The only "new elements" were the Baby mag staff who were there plus photographer Karen Ilagan.

So, when it was time to play over at the "little blue playground thing" in the garden, Tio was all set and raring to go! His mom said the Little Tikes play set was part of the boy's physical therapy sessions for months, which started when Tio was barely a few months old.

Obviously, he was having the time of his life :-) The minutes we spent out in the garden, after all, were during the latter part of the shoot, after he had warmed up considerably and was probably regarding the whole experience as mere play. Here he is with his mom as we were about to wrap up --

Earlier, he probably found it weird that we seemed to be trying to keep him entangled between his mom's knees and attempting to have him stay on the floor the whole time! He was pretty dynamic, though! He wiggled, he crawled, he broke away from his mom, then for some moments he would smile, stick out his tongue, cover his mouth or wave at his "fans" who wear cajoling him the whole time. Then we moved him back again, far enough from the camera in case he broke free and crawled his way toward the photographer. This was the routine for quite a while.

Photographer Karen was one patient shutterbug! She gamely waited, slid across the floor to catch a good angle, called out to Tio to coax a smile, shot away, called out some more, laughed with us everytime the little boy did something amusing. And she was quick to keep shooting when Tio -- as I personally had been hoping and praying for -- stayed put for close to a minute, I think, seated beneath his mom's legs, looking happy and animated. Was it going to be a good shot?

I think we got six or seven shots framed almost perfectly, in the way we were hoping for. We selected what we deemed the best one, where the charming 19-month-old boy with the extra chromosome that made him even cuter, looked absolutely happy and contented, just like the way a child who is loved and cared for by his parents and siblings ought to look.

Baby magazine is published by Marathon Publishing Co. and is sold at major National Bookstores, all SM baby department stores, Babyland (Robinsons Galleria, Shaw Blvd. near Cherry Foodarama and Eastwood Mall), Bufini, Mio Magazine Shops, selected Powerbooks outlets, and Big & Small Co. Shangri-la Mall.

Chock full of sweet delectables

2010-09-06T08:23:00.003+08:00

"All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!"
- Lucy Van Pelt, Peanuts

You can regard chocolate from quite a number of viewpoints -- from the perspective of dentists, parents, children, dieticians, bakers, in the context of calories, caffeine, diabetes, romantic overtures, get-well-soon wishes, cacao plantations, Belgium and Switzerland's exports... and a host of others, depending on your train of thought.

One thing is certain: chocolate can inspire the cutest ideas.

I'm not sure how I'd feel biting into something like this, though:

And I'm glad to know that chocolates were considered a great gift idea for men (at least in advertising) at some time:

Obviously those brown delectables even inspired humor in highly esteemed writers:

"There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate."
-- Charles Dickens

Scratching the surface

2010-08-05T06:48:00.005+08:00

I had planned to write something to put the video in perspective and leave you with more than just a commercial to watch. But I just noticed the time and so writing will have to be for another time, for time won't give me time (this time)! :-)

Sometimes you just can't help but wonder...

2010-07-28T17:44:00.007+08:00

... if some people put too much chemical substances into their systems, thus resulting in permanent damage to the brain. Or, if they had such a traumatic childhood to the point of wanting to destroy all potential life sources and to deprive all mothers the chance to parent their children despite the odds.

Months ago, members of some groups frantically attempted to obtain an abortion for a Nicaraguan during her pregnancy as she underwent treatment for cancer. The woman, Amalia, completed the treatment and just recently gave birth (the child, however, died soon after being born).

In spite of the outcry by abortionist organizations in February against the rejection of abortion by Amalia's doctors, her husband says they are happy with the treatment she has received. However, Amalia is reportedly devastated by the loss of her child because "she was so excited about her pregnancy."

Rejoicing over the pregnancy was apparently not among the abortion lobby's sentiments (easily inferred from the unrelenting efforts to have the unborn baby killed). But wait, now that the baby is dead, the abortion-happy fellas are expressing concern that the chemotherapy may have harmed the baby that they themselves were eager to fatally harm!

...now that the baby has died, abortionist groups are reportedly demanding that an autopsy be done, paradoxically threatening legal action if the chemotherapy given to Amalia is found to have harmed her child.

You really can't help but wonder about these people who, incidentally, advocate...uh, the right to choose.

At least Amalia's husband seems to be unfazed by the out-of-this-world demand.

"I don't know that they are going to do an autopsy, but that should be a decision of the family," he stated.

According to the article, Amalia will continue her treatment on an outpatient basis.

Full article and background information at LifeSiteNews

-----------------------------------------

Shodding a pig (or piglet) in boots is silly. But it sure is cute! I don't know what the connection is between this photo and the article above... I guess that shodding a pig and what the abortion groups are doing are both senseless. But at least the former is cute.

I guess the lengths to which people against human rights for the unborn go to advance their cause -- and the obvious lack of logic in their thinking process -- is so serious, I wanted to lighten the mood with the help of a charming animal.

Unreachable ?

2010-07-28T17:07:00.005+08:00

What a cool website The Foundation for A Better Life is. Loads to read, well-thought-out videos to watch, disarming posters that feature people who demonstrated heroism in their own ways.

Here's one of my favorite TV spots, titled "Reach":

Check out The Foundation for A Better Life

More TV spots here

A new page in history

2010-07-01T09:07:00.007+08:00

The 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines, Benigno "Noynoy" C. Aquino III, was sworn in yesterday.

Full text of his inaugural speech:

Filipino (original)

English translation

Tatay, Dad, Papa

2010-06-20T10:21:00.005+08:00

Why are men reluctant to become fathers?
They aren't through being children.
-- Cindy Garner

I have no idea who Cindy Garner is, but what she said makes a lot of sense -- and could serve to open the eyes of any man to whom those words apply :-) So, I am putting them here. Along with the following videos. The first is a sweet, subtle piece of encouragement; the second, a more direct reminder of why dads are sorely needed by their children, and how they can best guide their little ones.

Happy Father's Day to all fathers, future fathers, and fathers in spirit!

When one lets the dark get the best of him

2010-06-20T10:11:00.005+08:00

You've gotta have hope. Without hope life is meaningless.
Without hope life is meaning less and less.
-- Author Unknown

Well, it seems clear what the person below lacks, among some other things.

He probably should also check out The Foundation for A Better Life more often.

Kevorkian: “The Single Worst Moment of my Life … Was the Moment I Was Born”
By James Tillman and John Jalsevac
June 15, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) -- "The single worst moment of my life . . . was the moment I was born." So says Dr. Jack Kevorkian in a recent interview with CNN.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the journalist conducting the interview, confessed that the remark left him speechless – especially since Kevorkian offered the strange and macabre confession without any provocation or lead-up question.
Gupta writes that, “Throughout the two-and-a-half hour interview, [Kevorkian] fluctuated wildly between being downright combative and hostile to being sweet and fatherly.”
The journalist also mentioned Kevorkian’s “crazed rants,” “often about the Ninth Amendment to the Constitution, complete with a defense of James Madison and trashing of Thomas Jefferson.”
The interview is part of the lead-up to Kevorkian’s Thursday interview at 9 PM EST on Larry King Live.
Kevorkian or "Dr. Death" has helped approximately 130 people kill themselves. He also spent 8 years in prison for the second-degree murder of Thomas Youk, who was in the final stages of Amytrophic Lateral Scelerosis at the time of his death. Kevorkian had given Youk the lethal injection himself, and, in a videotape of Youk's death, dared authorities to try to convict him.
Kevorkian told Gupta that he believes his case should have been heard by the Supreme Court, because the issue of assisted suicide is a constitutional issue. Everyone, says Kevorkian, should have the right to kill him or her self.
"They just don't get it in Oregon, " he says. "Or in Washington state or Montana, the other states," where assisted suicide is currently legal. Assisted suicide is only legal in these states if someone has a terminal illness.
"What difference does it make if someone is terminal?" he says. "We are all terminal."
Five of Kevorkian's victims were found to be healthy after autopsies were performed.

Full article at LifeSiteNews

Antidote in pages

2010-06-20T09:41:00.003+08:00

As I had included some news about the new Harry Potter mini-park on this blog just recently, this, from LifeSiteNews, naturally caught my attention:

Book Teaser: 'Harry Potter and the Paganization of Culture' by Michael O'Brien
Reviewed by John-Henry Westen

June 17, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Master story-teller and artist Michael O’Brien – the man to whom CNN went when they needed comment on Harry Potter - has penned the definitive work assessing the Potter phenomenon. This book is essential reading for all parents whose children have read or are considering reading the wildly popular offerings by J.K. Rowling and similar works such as Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series.

Although an analytical work, the reader will be captivated from the must-read preface.

O’Brien's earlier work, “A Landscape with Dragons,” delineated authentic Christian fantasy literature from its counterfeits. Now, in “Harry Potter and the Paganization of Culture,” he fascinatingly contrasts Potter-world with C.S. Lewis’s Narnia and Tolkein’s “The Lord of the Rings,” and the character of Harry Potter with Frodo Baggins.

O’Brien’s analysis will enable parents whose children have consumed Potter to comprehend the problematic messages which have been fed their children and give them the points and arguments which can serve as the antidote.

The book goes beyond Potter, however, to address other bestselling series such as “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer and Phillip Pullman’s “The Golden Compass.”

In addition to these and other fantasy books, O’Brien reviews the films which they have spawned.

In all, the author’s new book teaches Christians how to discern harmless fantasy literature and film from that which is destructive to heart, mind and soul.
Those wishing to purchase a copy of the book may get FREE worldwide shipping and a 10% discount by noting “LSN discount” at the final stage of the purchase process and wait for the email acknowledging your discount prior to completing payment. (Each book purchased will also result in a donation to LifeSiteNews.com) Click here.

Don't worry...

2010-06-17T23:01:00.007+08:00

Source: The Foundation for A Better Life

Get your broomsticks ready!

2010-06-14T21:59:00.007+08:00

It looks like experiencing Ollivander's and Hogsmeade -- and snapping up one's own Gryffindor scarf -- is going to be a thrill for travelers to a certain mini-park :-)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opens on June 18.

Visit the website

A slideshow of released images of the new theme park here

Photo (and more information) from Hollywood Dame

Are you going with the high-tech flow?

2010-06-14T21:24:00.005+08:00

I have often wondered how -- amid all the apparent advantages of growing up in this age of computerized, push-button and automatic everything -- children and teens will learn the art of waiting.

How would one teach his child the virtue of patience when things can be accomplished quickly and easily? Need to find a piece of information? Go look it up in a library. Need to find a book? Head for the card catalogue and look for it. Need to talk with a friend on the phone? Go to the telephone and dial his number.

Want to play a song from an audio cassette tape? Hit fast forward or rewind till you find it (and learn estimating in the process).

Planning a meet-up with friends? Set a time and place (no "bahala na, will text you later" option). Wait if someone is 5, 10 minutes late (no "wru?" option and no re-sending the message 3 minutes later out of impatience when there's no reply).

Looking for entertainment? Create your own games, make your own playthings, use objects around the home and transform them into a bridge, a bahay-bahayan, a fort for the toy soldiers... the options are endless. Use your imagination.

Want to make a "Happy birthday!" or "Welcome home!" streamer? Get some Manila paper, pencils, colored markers, crayons, and use your creativity (no computer-aided printouts).

Want to communicate with people from foreign countries? Write letters by hand, seal the envelope, go to the post office and mail the letters. Then wait at least a month for a reply. Be patient.
The way I see it, there's a lot that today's world has to offer kids, but these kids are somewhat deprived. Of what? Well, unless their parents are pro-active and discerning, they miss out on opportunities to learn and grow in patience. There are invaluable life lessons that cannot be learned from texting messages and spending hours on Facebook.

Check out Baby Magazine's June issue for some insights on all this high-tech gadgetry surrounding our children and (almost) taking over our lifestyle. More about it from Petrufied.

The irony

2010-06-03T19:04:00.003+08:00

Some things strike me as ironic, and I can't help but be amused.

Take the sight of a young man and his female companion. It's not uncommon to see a guy walking hand in hand with his girl, but what makes the picture look silly (to me, at least) is the unmistakably woman's bag slung over the man's shoulder (sometimes it's a handbag). Most likely manifesting his interpretation of gentlemanly courtesy, the boyfriend thus dons the feminine item, whether it's a floral tote, an LV-emblazoned purse, or one of those trendy baguettes that are absolutely unflattering on the male form!

It may look silly, but I can appreciate efforts on the part of men to demonstrate courtesy. And maybe these young men (and their female companions, obviously) are unaware of codes of conduct such as that which considers a man's carrying a woman's purse to be an absolute no-no. I don't know where such rules are written, but it is simply not done (this, of course, does not include cases wherein the woman's bag weighs a few hundred pounds and the owner obviously needs assistance in transporting the thing).

But what I really find ironic is something I often witness at the MRT station.

So you have the purse-donning man and his girlfriend (thereby "hands-free," thanks to her boyfriend), standing in line, awaiting the next train.

As sounds of the approaching train reach them, they get into position. He guides her to stay in front of him; sometimes she is somewhat beside him while still in front of him, his hand usually on her shoulder.

When the train finally arrives and slows down, all the commuters on queues rustle and press against each other, shoulder to shoulder, as much as they still can, given that there is no more space left between bodies that are visibly getting ready to charge into the soon-to-open doors of the train. One can observe that it looks like a bunch of football players -- sans helmets and gigantic shoulder pads -- psyching themselves up for a tackle. By this time, the girlfriend is normally right in front of the purse-carrying boyfriend.

As the door opens, the purse-carrying boyfriend guides his purse-free companion in a way that looks as if he is pushing her toward the wave of people exiting the train directly in their path. This is a seemingly endless stream of commuters who show no mercy when they make their way out of the train, since nobody wants to get stuck inside and miss his stop.

Meanwhile, the sight of the floral tote-carrying man coaxing his girl in front of him to push on and make her way into the train against the oncoming river of people seems odd. For one thing, she looks like some sort of shield, there to protect the man behind her who has his hand on her shoulder, making sure she is not swept away by the human river heading the opposite direction. What kind of a man would do such a thing, putting a lady in harm's way? And not just any lady -- his lady.

At this point, the tote, satchel or whatever caters to the woman's fashion tastes seems like a suitable symbol in this scenario. He is the boyfriend, but the manly duty of protecting the fairer sex is not being carried out. He is being the lady here -- hence, the purse on his shoulder or slung over his arm or wherever the feminine item is best positioned.

Is this not ironic? A man makes the gesture of relieving his girl of her belongings, then when it comes to that which requires his protection and guidance, he coaxes her to take over. Hmmm.

In cases like this, it seems fitting that she be garbed in shining armor.

* Painting by Alphonse Mucha ("Heraldic Chivalry").
* Cartoonist unknown.

A reminder for these times

2010-05-28T06:36:00.005+08:00

"A dead thing goes with the stream;

only a living thing can go against it."

-- G.K. Chesterton

Reasons and seasons

2010-05-24T19:28:00.003+08:00

Well, a lot has happened the past several weeks. Work has piled up, the sweltering heat has become a daily "force" to reckon with (and made daily productivity a mighty challenging goal), campaign season came and went, and the national and local elections took place. Now we have a President-elect and the inevitable post-election controversies.

It was a very eventful past month, and much had me quietly pleading for divine intervention. Needless to say, the outcome of various undertakings didn't go the way I would have wanted them to; other situations had me seeing just why God is spelled with a "G" instead of a "g" and that entertaining even for a moment the notion that a creature would know better than the Creator is plain silly (and more importantly, indicative of a lack of faith).

Still, some situations continue to be baffling while keeping me hopeful that we shall one day see the entire tapestry of life's goings-on, understanding and appreciating the non-intrusive orchestration of events by the One who knows all things, as well as the reasons behind those events.

As for less complex matters, the reason behind the appearance of this fuschia-clad baby on the cover of our current issue is clear and simple: she is endearingly cute!

That's Kara Judielle Sacrez in all her lacy cuteness, photographed by Kristin Rodriguez of Little People Lifestyle Photography at Cupcakes by Sonja.

Baby magazine is published by Marathon Publishing Co. and is sold at major National Bookstores, all SM baby department stores, Babyland (Robinsons Galleria, Shaw Blvd. near Cherry Foodarama and Eastwood Mall), Baby & Co. (The Podium and Power Plant Mall), Bufini, Mio Magazine Shops, Procreation Shangri-la mall, Big & Small Co. Shangri-la mall.

Bible vs. cell phone

2010-05-18T18:58:00.002+08:00

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several time a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing.

Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!

When Jesus died for us, he was thinking of YOU and ME!

H/T: MommyLife

Four-legged buddies

2010-04-26T17:51:00.010+08:00

A delightfully touching (if confusing at first) photo, from Cute Overload:

Check out the toddler and his feline friend with their version of a WWF match: