Disorganized Arrangement

Welcome Again

2009-12-14T03:58:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would be back writing again.

As you can see the greetings down, it was three years ago already.

Anyway I would just like to greet everyone MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Write Here Waiting

2007-07-14T02:07:00.000-07:00

Soon.

GREETINGS

2006-12-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

Mindset

2006-12-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

I got caught being a victim of what I have been warning those I was hitting balls with. It is really very hard to change something you have been used to. Learning guitar is also like learning to play tennis. If there is no one to guide you with the correct strokes you will end up acquiring awkward or unorthodox styles. Sometimes it is really not that bad because even with the unusual or ugly looking style some were able to perform very well.

Through some of my journeys in the web I found some video sites like YouTube featuring some musicians playing guitar. Then I tried those who might be playing "Jeux Interdits" (the one I have been trying to learn). Luckily there are a lot of them in that site, but I found out that I have been playing it wrong all that time. Thinking that I can imitate the way they play it, I also found out that it is not that easy. I already develop a habit of playing it differently. Now I am struggling because I want to play it the way they are doing it. In other words I am virtually back to zero with a lot of things to correct and I am not sure if it is possible to correct the way I am playing it.

To describe it, when I play it I usually do it finger by finger while when I saw this good guitar players they are playing them using some chords making the transition smoother. These videos are very good tool to help me correct and improve myself. Although I am aware of this mindset trap, my eagerness to learn the piece prevail upon me. Anyway, now I have something to work on to correct myself.

Inching

2006-09-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

I do not know if I have used the right term.

It started when one day I just noticed when I looked into the mirror that I have developed two ugly looking bulges in my waistline. Besides I just learned that I have gained a few pounds. Something might have contributed to this. Then I thought that I might have been doing something that through the days it just add up and without me knowing it, this is the result.

I told myself that if this is the result of something that developed slowly, so I thought of reversing the process. I also develop some routines that would inch me back to my former weight and figure, like altering my eating habits, and although I don’t have time to have a rigid exercise I make it a point to take advantage of some opportunities to do it like not using the elevator and walking my way to the office (besides once or twice a week I play tennis).

Later on, I thought of applying this process of inching to my other lifestyle, like spending, savings, cleaning up, reading, etc. There are a lot of things that we are not usually aware of that we may be inching towards good or bad things. Sometimes we just tend to be indulged too much into those things that gives us too much pleasure, not realizing the consequences.

Now the important thing is that I have pointed the inching part to the positive side. Hope if you will read this, you can also gain something from it.

Chances

2006-07-23T04:36:00.000-07:00

There are times when you really feel so helpless and depressed. Times like you seem to be so worthless and immobile. You are so incapable that even imagining the possibilities and opportunities, you can’t think of anything. You want to move on, fight and enlighten yourself, but frustrations and hopelessness is weakening you. Even if you try to reach out, there’s no one there. Your head is spinning out of so many things.

Honestly I know how does one feel. That is why I am imagining those who are without jobs or livelihood in our country. We have some friends who already went home and continue to be in touch and they are telling us how hard to cope with day to day living. How much more those who really have nothing. Those who have families (with many children) and plenty of mouths to feed. And that is speaking only of food, but what about clothing, shelter and education? You can say that they are feeling the same way as what I have mentioned above.

Could it be that there are those who are just lucky? Some have more chances, even without having to strive or exert effort are doing better in life. Is life really a race wherein those who are faster to grab the opportunities are the ones who get ahead in life. We can’t say that these people (above) want something more, I am sure they are wanting or wishing to have just enough. Life is different now compared to that some years before, where you can live decently even as a farmer, laborer or a factory worker. I can remember that in our neighborhood on those days, there are those who earn their living, not even as being regularly employed, but by being on their own as a carpenter, plumber, mason, barber, watch repairman, vendor, etc. And from those jobs, they were able to raise their children and most of them were able to produce successful professionals and businessmen.

Now, even doubling our effort or having to work even both as parents, we find it really very hard to cope with day to day expenses. One could be just as lucky if you have a stable job or business. I just can’t imagine those who don’t have or just lose their jobs. Much more, I cannot imagine myself being one (not again).

Life really is all about chances (or maybe choices). The ones you create for yourself and those you can create for others.

World Cup 2006

2006-07-07T02:18:00.000-07:00

Football World Cup 2006 is almost over and is now down to the last two, meaning the FINALS. That is between Italy and France. I am sad my favorite team BRAZIL didn’t make it. They are the hot favorites at the start of this tournament. Anyway, so far it is a good tournament. Sadly also, I cannot enjoy it because I was not able to watch the game live.

As for this post, I would just like to make some suggestions regarding the format wherein after the game is tied even after the bonus 30 minutes each for both teams the game should be decided by penalty shoot outs. I wish they could come up with better way to break the tie. Penalty shootouts is very hard and cruel to both the teams (especially the players) and the fans.

I am thinking the following suggestions:

The first suggestion is to remove the goalkeeper. Allowing both teams to score as many points during regular play both without any goalkeeper.

The second is that each team will be given an advantage of 11-9 number of players at the first 2/3 part of the extra time in each half. The last 1/3 part (of each half) both teams can even the number of players. The idea is that to remove the disadvantage for the first team availing of the 11-9 ratio besides to allow the referee the same decisions in allowing extra minutes in the end for injury times as in the regular play.

As to future World Cups, I would like to suggest that those countries who until now have not have the chance to participate or make it to the World Cup finals be given the chance to have a tournament of their own. The Champion to be given the chance to play in the finals. This will be considered great by those countries wishing and dreaming of making it to the finals. This will revitalize the interest of other countries in football and encourage them to improve further their team and allow them the once in a lifetime chance of being in World Cup finals.

These are just some humble suggestions. I just really love sports.

Gentlemen Among Us

2006-07-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

I like it when two people shake hands before a match, look each other in the eye with a smile and you can feel the sense of respect being given. Then I like it better that after the match the same act of respect is also readily given.

I like it when one suddenly speak in front of a noisy crowd arguing or quarrelling on something and shouted the word "Gentlemen", then everybody stopped followed by a complete silence. This means that these people understand the importance of the word and to be worthy of being one.

I like it when one readily acknowledge mistakes or acts of wrong doings at the same time knows how to save face by doing something to correct them. The same is true if he is a member of a group.

There is one good reason why we enjoy watching movies and sports competition. Because it is there where we can see "Great Men" and/or "Champions". We see those qualities of a man that we want to see. Characters that we wished we have in ourselves and most of all how we want those who have done excesses, abuses and other bad things punished. We even applaud or let us just simply say approve it "kapag binabatukan ng bida yong kontrabida". It is simply saying doing to them what they properly deserve.

Then normally after watching good movies we go home feeling good and feel somewhat influenced by the good things we have just watched, wanting to apply them in our day to day life. Therefore I must say that we always wanted to see the triumph of good versus evil. But sometimes we don't really have to watch sports or movies. In our day to day life, we can see some people like them. These are people who make great influence and without realizing it they somewhat become role models. It is but normal not to allow or let people make abuses and make it difficult for them to take advantage. Normally the better treatment would be putting them to shame, but most of the time the general reaction would be shying away from them making them isolated. You just don't want to be identified associated with those kind of people.

Now, I am wondering if we are living in "normal times". The way things are happening right now is really very disappointing. There seems to be no sense of good values being exhibited especially among our leaders. It's the numbers game as they keep on saying. As if what is good and bad or what is right and wrong is determined by who are in your side. So the battle is between those who are supporting and those who are against. It is not "I am innocent" or "I did not do anything wrong" that is being said, but it is "there is nothing you can proved."

The situation could be likened to a game wherein there is a team whose players (maybe some) are playing dirty and of course they are also winning and would eventually be the Champion. The other teams as expected would be protesting but the committees or the officials handling the game seem to be not concerned and just let the games to proceed as it is. So the other teams can choose from playing on with the game, play it also dirty themselves or leave the game and quit.

I just hope that some few good men come to their better senses and think of the future of our country. There is really a need to repair our damaged institutions and so much repair is required. Whether we disagree on what ways to pursue for our development, the most important thing is that we should all agree that we will not allow other people to take advantage or commit wrong doings at the expense of further damaging our institutions.

Education: Some Suggestions

2006-06-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

The sad reality is that education in our country is like justice. If you are poor, if not difficult, you will also not get it. It’s always been a problem and you can really see and feel the disparity between public and private education in our country. And as I have read in the newspaper it is even worsening especially in terms of statistics of those who can express themselves and able to do simple arithmetic.

I have suggested earlier here in my blog with regard to “slow learners” in our elementary level. Grouping them and allow them to go on their own pace in order for them to be able to really learn instead of competing or keeping pace with their brighter and more active classmates.

Let us say for example, you can see grades like this:

Math I = 75%
Math II = 75%
Math III = 75%
Math IV = 75%

I assume these grades might also be due to the generosity of the teacher, not wanting to give failing grades and allowing all students to pass and the only requirement is for him/her to attend his/her classes regularly.

What I would like to say is, why not just allow the student to stick to Math I for example (I am speaking here of “slow learners”) and allow these students to learn the basic well (maybe master them if they have to) instead of teaching them the complexities of the subject learn the whole course up to the end. They may not be able finish the school year reaching Math IV, for example, but at least they have learn something, instead of reaching or finishing Math IV and did not really learn anything. It is really very important, especially for them, to have stronger foundation. Even when I am teaching or training beginners in sports I also apply this principle: to learn the basic well and establish and build a strong foundation.

Another thing I would like to suggest, if we could only have somebody (maybe even more) from this group (slow learners) to come up successfully and maybe become also teachers. I believe they will be in better position to help this group, having gone through the hardships of being one. They will be in better position as to their dedication and perseverance to really help these children. I believe most educators who develop programs for the school are too smart and too intelligent but to the disadvantage of poor and/or slower students because their programs are geared more towards the brighter students.

The problem in education (especially in elementary level in public schools) has been with us year in and year out. Might as well we really take the challenge and really do something about it. Mine is only some humble suggestions. I also dream of becoming a teacher before. I ended up here living and reaching now half of my life doing overseas job. I hope there would really some concerned groups who will be able to solve the problem.

"The Forbidden Game"

2006-05-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, I have a chance to watch it being played. That was the first time I found myself wanting to learn the guitar. Do you remember the Champion cigarettes commercial? This was also featured there being played from beginning to the end.

At that time, nobody was willing to teach me. I found myself just being curious and watch others play. I don’t even have my own guitar, that is why there is really no chance that I will learn it myself.

A friend of mine have shown me the first part of it, but that’s it. I got stuck with the first part of it and until the beginning of this year I still have not find the chance to learn it.

Lately I also saw it in the satellite channel Mezzo being played by Filomena Morietti. This woman is really very great in playing the guitar.

Thanks that I have learn to use the google search. Finally, I was able to find the particular site where I could find the piece I wanted. Happily, I began to study and practice with it. There are some part where it is very difficult. But I just love to play it.

I must say, I still have not able to play it well even if I’ve found the whole piece. Whenever I found the time, I try to practice and practice. Even with this one, I am trying to really make good and learn it the best I can.

Someday, I want to impress myself. Hope I could also learn to really play it well that I can also perform well to show others I know how to play the guitar.

In case some of you want it also I have posted the site below.

http://www.fretplay.com/tabs/a/anonymous/les_jeus_interdits-tab.shtml

How to's ...

2006-05-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

(This is something old and copied, but I find it helpful and interesting)

How To Be a Good Wife

This is allegedly actual text from an American home economics text book, circa 1950.
Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know you've been thinking about him and concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.
Prepare yourself. Take fifteen minutes to rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gather up school books, toys, paper, etc. Run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order; and it will give you a lift too.
Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they're small), comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.
Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him.
Some Don'ts: Don't greet him with problems and complaints. Don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day. Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest that he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.
Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.
Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or other pleasant entertainment. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to unwind and relax.
The goal! Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax in body and spirit.
________________________________________

http://www.vocks.org.uk/jokes/stories/goodwife.htm

How to make and keep your wife happy
By Highblood

I AM now 73 years old and have been married for almost 50 years, but I am still interested, if not more so now, in how to make my wife happy.

I don’t refer to money or other material things to give to her, of which I have little, anyway. I have in mind the important things that have to do with a wife’s real and lasting happiness.

When I was very young I read somewhere that the best way to make your wife happy was to treat her as you handle your new car. I got married later, but I could not put the advice to a test because I could not even afford a battered car.

So I played along with what I saw and heard from other husbands. This, of course, was unreliable because some husbands act only for show while others tend to brag about how they treat their spouses, faithfully or otherwise.

I managed later to buy a new car on installment. I was eager to handle it the way it was supposed to be handled, and to discover how I should properly treat my wife.

I found myself on the right track when I opened the owner’s manual that came with the car. It said, ‘‘Congratulations for acquiring this ______ (brand of car). We have designed and built it with COMPLETE SATISFACTION in mind."

The manual reminded me of the day my bride and I marched down the aisle, I knew then that I was completely satisfied. I beamed with pride as relatives and friends congratulated me, their eyes glued to the beautiful vision beside me.

This, I thought, must be the correct way to regard a new car and a new wife: show them off to friends and relatives with complete satisfaction.

From the dealer’s shop, I drove my car straight home and parked it in front of my small abode. I must have tooted the horn too loudly because in no time at all, my wife was already beside me saying her “ahs” and “ohs” as she beheld my princely carriage.

In the corner of my eye I saw my neighbor and his spouse open their window to see what the ruckus was about, only to shut the window almost immediately and rather noisily. But I didn’t mind. I was excited over my new car.

The first thing to do, I said to myself, was to take my car’s picture with my wife for posterity. Then I would bring it on Sunday to our priest and take its picture with my wife watching the priest bless the car, also for posterity. Then I would paste the pictures in my wife’s wedding album.

There was nothing like recording properly this rare event in my life.

As I studied the manual, I wondered why there was no book on how a wife should be handled. The manual said many things about how to maintain and service the car, the kind of gas and oil to feed it, and the frequency and regularity of servicing it.

There was nothing like this as regards wives. I wanted to be fair to my wife, so I tried to see if there were any pieces of advice in the manual that could be applied to her. I found many.

As the days went by, I found myself spending all my free time with the car rather than with buddies and my usual private pursuits after work, if you know what I mean.

I would smoothe my hand on my car’s sheen and flick an imaginary dust particle off its finish. I would inspect it for a smudge on its body, even though I had just washed, rinsed and waxed it, which I realized I was doing too often. I even bought two sets of the best seatcovers and the best air fresheners for it.

I was embarrassed to realize that I had not given the same attention to my wife and had not bought her a single dress or bottle of perfume. I resolved to be more attentive to her. I had no excuse about the perfume, but I reassured myself that the reason I didn’t buy the dress was that her size, like her age, kept changing all the time.

I spent hours peering at my chariot’s body, fenders and bumpers. I was forever twiddling with the steering wheel and stick shift, and lifting the hood to inspect the engine and all the whatsamacallits in order to know how they worked.

I enjoyed running the engine, engaging and disengaging the gears, and listening to the motor purring like a kitten. And I was doing all these at home where I was now spending quality time with my wife.

If it were possible, I would have told my car how much I liked it and wanted to spend more time with it. If perchance I hadn’t said the same things to my wife, I resolved to do so soon.

Before going to work, I would sit behind the wheel and enjoy the thought that my car and I were about to go and face the world together. I saw for the first time that it seemed not fair for me not to take along the wife out into the world once in a while instead of leaving her to the drudgery of housework.

I was extra careful with my car. I didn’t want it bumped. A dent on it would be bad, but a two-inch gash on its body would be disastrous. I would park it in the shade to preserve its beauty even if I had to walk a mile to my destination.

I did not want to lose it, so I would park it only in a safe location.

The guy who knew how to handle a new car and would apply this expertise on his wife was a genius. He was completely satisfied and proud of his new car, he devoted much time to it. He was fastidious about it.

He wanted it safe, and he did not want it damaged. He did not want anyone to steal it or his heart would break. He was so devoted to it that if it were possible, he would love it, as if his only goal were to make it happy and contented.

Then, inevitably he asks himself: What have I been thinking about and doing and not doing for that little woman in the house?

My wife knew my sentiments for my car. She would sometimes roll her eyes, mystified perhaps by the special, if not excessive, attention I was constantly giving to the car. But she never complained or felt jealous.

On the contrary, she was glad because she knew that I had changed. Above all she saw that I was now trying harder to be nice and loving to her.

Because of this she became happy as ever and we both became more contented and close to each other.

You guys out there: Get a new car--go in debt like me if necessary--and follow my example, and you’ll have a more wonderful woman in your house.

There is a bonus, which is that you’ll become a better husband yourself.

In time, however, my car aged and deteriorated. It now had bulges, it wobbled, and it had creaks here and squeaks there.

Its performance went awry. In the United States they throw such a car into the junk pile or trade it in for a newer one. I did not give up.

I had its body rebuilt and repainted and its bumper, engine and other moving parts replaced. I added more chrome parts to its body to make it more beautiful and attractive. I had it reconditioned by the best auto specialists and clinics. Soon it was again purring like a kitten.

I looked at my wife and saw that she also had seen better days. She was aging, she had bulges now, she was unstedier on her feet, and had creaks here and squeaks there. Even her attitude had changed. If I smoothed my hand on her shoulder, flicked an imaginary speck from her hair or fussed about her cheeks, she moved aside because such things were ‘‘childish.’’

Time had changed her, but in the Philippines, it is illegal and unkind to think of discarding an old wife or to look for a young replacement.

But I also did not give up. I brought her to medical specialists and clinics. She had operations like varicose vein removal, a little face-lift and hysterectomy, which I joked removed her hysteria.

I encouraged her to visit beauticians, therapists, masseurs and other people she hoped would improve her looks and remove her bulges, creaks and squeaks.

My trouble and expenses were well worth it. Regardless of the result on her overall appearance, my wife was confident, perhaps deluded, that all those ravages of time on her had disappeared.

In fact, I assured her that they were gone. Soon she became better in many ways. She performed better in the house. She became more peppy and indispensable to me and the children.

Her disposition became more pleasant and her spirits higher. Above all, she learned to be more forgiving of my faults which had multiplied in time.

In short, my wife became a better person. She was like good wine that became sweeter and gained fuller flavor with age.

©2001 www.inq7.net all rights reserved

Authorities 2

2006-05-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

It should be good to know that whenever authorities come into the picture it brings sanity to the whole situation. And they will make sure that everything is alright when they exited the scene and bring a sigh of relief to everybody. You cannot expect to please everybody but at least you can rest assure that the matter has been given deep consideration and due fairness without any compromising deals in the middle. They have to make a decision one way or another, no need for excuses that he cannot judge it either way, taking into consideration the timing as well. This way, they are giving the message that they are not leaving room for anybody to abuse. Of course what I am talking here is under an ideal situation.

Now I want to talk about the current situation.

Remember the garci issue. A presidential spokesman out of nowhere presented two cd’s telling us that one them is genuine and the other is the fake. You can sense what he is up to. Trying to prove or save something or someone. Another thing is the impeachment process. Wherein they just concluded that what they are doing is the right process or interpretation of “initiating an impeachment complaint”. So on and so forth until we reach to E.O. 464, CPR and P.P. 1017. What do all of these tell us. That these people suddenly find it easier and gaining more and more courage to interpret the law into their favor. Not even a recent Supreme Court decision will stand in their way as in the “people’s initiative” issue. Imagine, even an election lawyer has the courage to say that a regional trial court judge has no right to judge or issue decision regarding this issue. Well I can understand if he will bring the matter to higher court for clarification. But that is how brave these people are. A government that is suppose to implement the law to the best way they can.

Really, it all goes down into who is doing it out of good faith. And we can really sense it easily who is doing out of it. I hope justice will prevail in the end, with the help of real “authorities” who will take charge in the end.

Authorities

2006-05-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

So do we really have the chance to feel happy with the way things are happening in our country especially the way our people and the government are behaving.

We can say that a lot of things are really very frustrating and you just feel not happy about. I can say that I feel more unhappy on the government side. People around the president are not really doing their jobs properly. They seem to be doing their jobs “for the president” and not for the country.

I guess we should learn so much from our children. Watching our children play, you can’t help but notice that never we have experience or observe from them that they side with those who cheated. They always chose to exclude or refuse to play with those who take advantage or made their way by cheating.

As in our current situation, we should have been relying on our “authorities”. Authorities I would mean those people who are suppose to be doing the right thing in order to decide or do the right thing for our problems.

One of these problems is to resolve the legitimacy of the president. So much should have been discovered with the coming out of the “garci tapes”. But some of our so called “authorities” chose to be silent or what we called as “play safe”. They are contented into being promoted or place in their current high positions. The revolving policy seems to be working for the president.

I am very much disappointed with regard to our military and police officials. The military officials especially when they refuse to disclose what really happened. For me I would be happy if they can clear the president convincingly. At least they should have really made an investigation and reported that no such thing (cheating) happened and the matter should have been resolved and they have done their job professionally. The people could really observe if the report were that convincing and were done in good faith. So the earlier they have made their actions the better for us also. But they have chosen to play it safe and they have done a very good job to their president. Nothing much for us Filipinos, nothing much for our country.

I do not like also their idea of having to follow the chain of command principle. For me it would have been better if this is just secondary. I would prefer that being a professional soldier or really out of exhibiting their being “the authority” they should have done what they believe to be the best thing, and that is to report what really have happened. In my opinion, there is really something there that they have chosen to be silent about. For if they are really confident that there was really nothing happened, they should have say so confidently and convincingly. I would also like to say that they shouldbe willing and should feel proud to follow the chain of command, not just made to follow because they have to. They should feel proud of their leaders and believe so much in them and this will make our milatary institution much more stronger.

Another thing is regarding our police officers. Why are they as if acting like as if they have a mission or purpose in performing their jobs? And it is very obvious that they are doing them likewise to their president. Dispersing rallies should not have been their primary objective. They should just be staying neutral and secure the place for the safety of the people. And there is also a difference between people trying to topple “the government” and trying to bring down a president or wishing her to resign. They are really showing their bias being readily sold to the idea that these people are “destabilizers”. They are not my idea of people of certain “authority”.

My idea of a good leader is that of believing with the ability of his/her chosen people to do their jobs in implementing laws, rules and regulations professionally. And everybody should be tested including himself/herself as a leader.

What is happening today is that being right or wrong is decided by how many will be in one’s favor not really with that is good or bad. The way they are interpreting the law and the constitution is the way that will be to their advantage.

I wish the “REAL AUTHORITIES” do come out and assert their being in authority to solve our country’s problems especially what is happening right now.

No True Winning Ways

2006-03-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

I am sure you are familiar with the situation when a tv or a computer is not working, simple fix would be banging on top of it and if you are lucky, picture will appear and for us we will be contented and feel that that is enough and we can go on with it. Sad to say, that is my observation about us, as a people, government or nation.

Instead of really working hard to make a good movie, we concentrate on advertising and make the people believe that it is a good movie.

Instead of exercising and doing all the healthy habits to look good (or beautiful), we simply use make-ups and other cosmetics.

Instead of eating the right kinds of food (diet) to lose weight, we simply go to a doctor and undergo liposuction and other remedies.

Instead of cleaning the kitchen to get rid of pests like cockroaches, we simply use insecticides to kill them.

Instead of preparing and doing the hard work, we simply bribe our professors in order for us to pass the examination.

and a lot more examples of this kind.

What I would like to say here is that we fail to do things to improve the situation. Instead of directly solving the problem, we tend to get rid of it by just focusing on other things. In ideal situation, as in the first example regarding the tv, the right way to do it is to have a clear understanding of the problem by having a thorough check on all of its parts and systems. Just like how the “professionals” of “engineers” do it. Remove or replace the “parts” that is causing the problem, and finally anticipate that it can happen again in the future, that is why it is very important to prepare some ready solutions or formulate or make a system that would lessen the chance of this happening again. It seems that we won things just by default or the opponent losing it rather than improving ourselves and win it by good performance.

I am not really an expert and I cannot really express in good words those things running inside my mind. What I would just like to express is my frustration regarding what has been happening now and again in our country. We are really not addressing or answering the challenges and problems in our country. We have been like this for a very long time. I rate ourselves in this generation as failures. We have not even produce good leaders and fail to give good directions in our lives. It is about time to at least give the future generation easier time by addressing these things. It only requires good faith in what we intend to achieve. Then I will start hoping again, especially for our children.

just want to greet everyone...

2005-12-24T10:55:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Officiating

2005-06-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

I always believe that there should be somebody to intercede between two people or parties whenever there is a dispute. As in every game the importance of officiating plays a major role in order that players are guided of what is and isn't allowed and conduct the necessary requirements of the game. Penalties are also slapped on the players to keep them honest and impose discipline during the game. A foul is a foul, and a call should be made at the proper time. The lesser is the role of the 'officials' the more we can assume that the game is going on smoothly. The more ugly the game gets the more active participation of the officials is required.

In our lives, I also believe in the importance of 'officials' in the conduct of our day to day activities. Not only for us ordinary citizens but in all sectors most importantly the people in the government. These people (police/soldiers, judges, etc.) must always reflect the highest degree of professionalism, respect, honesty, integrity and fairness. We can always feel safer and more comfortable seeing 'officials' doing their job well and at the same time we citizens are also being disciplined and can conduct our business and activities smoothly.

Sad to say, this is not the current situation. I am more saddened on the fact that these 'officials' could be seen as being used and appear to be just there not doing their jobs. I do not believe that what we need is a good leader. I believe that most importantly now what we need are good men in uniform and in robes to do their jobs and do them right.

I always want to enjoy good games. Moreso I also want to enjoy good living. We never have the chance of telling good stories to our children for a long time. Time and again we have these same problems. Maybe not in our time. I hope our children could tell a different story when their time comes.

If I have the Time (and maybe also the Money)...

2005-05-29T03:56:00.000-07:00

Enroll again finish my studies and earn a diploma.
Take a short course in electronics or automotive as an additional skill.
Take up cooking lessons to learn how to cook my favorite dishes.
Take up programming lessons
Take up formal guitar lessons
Visit my old school and donate something that it needed
Take up seminar in starting one's own business
Visit and meet my relatives and old friends
Write a book about my interests, especially in sports
Have our own tennis court
Teach my children how to play tennis
Enroll my family for a swimming lesson
Hold a reunion of my family in our old house
Take my family to a vacation in another province (or country)
Take a trip or tour to another place on my own
Take a trip or tour to another place with my son
Take my wife for our second honeymoon

I listed here most of the things I plan to do once I stop working here. This will be some sort of a checklist and I will create another list of those which I have done later. Some of them really need just the time or the chance but the others would involve some amount of money. I will be adding some more as I come to think of it.

To be In The Zone

2005-05-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

In one of our tennis sessions, I can’t believe it myself one time the way I play. I suddenly became so active and play aggressively well and produced some remarkably magnificent shots—running towards every ball and return it perfectly well. Then another friend commented, “He is just in the zone.” I suddenly become curious about the term.

Doing some research here are some definitions I found.

* - Being in the zone generally means being in a state in which your mind and body are working in harmony. You're calm yet energized, challenged yet confident, focused yet instinctive. "The zone really refers to when you're performing automatically,"

* - Being in The Zone is when everything goes right! You feel great! You’re on top of the world. Somehow you’re magically in the right place at the right time and everything is working out just like you want. To be in the flow is to be dialed into your natural state of clarity, presence and personal power. It's being free of tension, worry and draining emotions. It's living with a sense of ease, vitality and deep inner calm.

* - The Zone is the place of feeling good. It goes by many names. On a roll. In the flow. In a groove. Steamin’ Jivin’ Clickin’ Rockin’ or Cookin’. Many different names, one essence, one feeling.

As an athlete I always wanted to be in it. It feels great and the more you exert much effort the more it feels great and just the way they were mentioned above. As a spectator I also want to see an athlete or both competitors in such situation. This makes the game more exciting and could bring the crowd to wild cheers and thunderous applause.

In theory, it is possible that someone can practice and work out ways in order to be in the zone, the same way that some sports strategists also were able to develop ways to break the rhythm or put you out of it. In my opinion I hate it when a competitor use the latter in order to win matches. I always wanted to see athletes bring out the best of himself as well as of his opponent.

Badminton Fever

2005-01-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

During the past few days, the weather here in Saudi Arabia seems to be so cold and sometimes when we are playing outside (tennis) it seems that we were not able to sweat it out because of the weather. We enjoy the game more during relatively humid conditions as perspirations come out and we can feel that playing the game as a form of exercise is really working.

Therefore our group decided to try indoor sports as badminton. There is an old squash court which has not been used for a long time and we asked permission from the management to convert the place into a badminton court and it was granted.

Everybody was so excited and we bought the necessary equipment and rackets in order to start playing. Soon we realize it is not that easy. Our mindset being used to playing tennis is different and we have to adjust in practically many aspects of the game. Tennis involves different strokes and spins and you have to bring your whole body and arms up to the shoulder and waist into action. Badminton on the other hand relies more on wrist actions and you have to watch the ball's inconsistency (travel very fast when you are hit with a smash, but slows down as it hits the ground). At first, we were caught at having to slice and put top spins into the ball or sometimes totally not hitting it.

But I can say that it is all fun and I think it is also worth trying as a new sport to play especially with the current weather. When I go on vacation I am planning to play this game also with my family. There is nothing more enjoyable as a past time or games you play with your family.

Thankful

2005-01-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

First of all I would like to thank those who have become my friends and considered me as their friend here in the blog world. I am really very very grateful for all of your support and comments that made my days meaningful and blogging more worthy to enjoy.

Just to let you know, I am starting to be little by little or slowly having some changes in my lifestyle. This is because of some influence gathered from what I've read in some entries from different Blog sites (personal, health, cooking, things to learn, etc.).

I did not enjoy much of my younger days nor have I improve myself much being an OFW . It's only lately that I found myself learning a lot of things that I should have done before. It was always been year-in and year-out and going home and coming back. I just seem to be contented on just letting time just go by.

I have a lot of good start last year, one of them learning to have a Blog of my own for me to write what I want to say about myself and people and things around me. This year I hope I do a lot of progress. There are lots of you who have been really inspiring.

'Tis The Season

2004-12-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

I often tease my wife whether she will choose me to come home without money during Christmas Season or I can just send the money and spend the season without me. She will then tease me back that she doesn’t care even if I will have to spend my lifetime away from home just that I will not fail to send money back home. And then I will stare at her and she will stare back at me tying to find out if she is serious or not. We will then laugh and tease each other again until we turn to another topic.

I knew how much my wife loves me. The proof is there for instance whenever I arrive for vacation and she will lock me inside our room for hours (of course she is inside too). Up to this time, I am happy that we still have too much to long for each other. That’s why she has doubts about how can I last that long without “it”. I told her that if she were a washing machine that I use to wash my clothes, when I am away I manage to wash my clothes manually by hand.

There are lots of things I can think of that would remind me of happy times together. And in times like this, when it will be the best time to celebrate the Season with the family, all I can do is think about it. Accept that life is not that easy. While other people have “ups” and “downs”, I am very thankful that what we have is “being away” and “happy times together”.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYBODY

SANTI'S RETURN

2004-12-14T16:05:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody! I have been out for quite a long while. It seems so much things happened in the Blog world. I did not really go on vacation as Ting Aling thought, I am just quite busy the last few days and have to set or arrange some things for myself.

Anyway, here I am announcing that I will be actively Blogging again in a few days and I have to say that I missed you all guys.

Gotta take a little time...

2004-11-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

(I will try to be back as soon as I can. Meanwhile, I'm leaving you with this song. Most part of it speaks of how I feel)

I want to know what love is
(by Foreigner)

I gotta take a little time, a little time to think things over
I better read between the lines, in case I need it when I’m older
Now this mountain I must climb, feels like the world upon my shoulders
Through the clouds I see love shine, it keeps me warm as life grows colder
In my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far, to change this lonely life
I want to know what love is, I want you to show me
I want to feel what love is, I know you can show me
I’m gonna take a little time, a little time to look around me
I’ve got nowhere left to hide, it looks like love has finally found me
In my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
Can’t stop now, I’ve traveled so far, to change this lonely life
I want to know what love is, I want you to show me
I want to feel what love is, I know you can show me
I want to know what love is, I want you to show me
(And I wanna feel) I want to feel what love is
(And I know) I know you can show me
Let’s talk about love – I want to know what love is
The love that you feel inside – I want you to show me
And I’m feeling so much love – I want to feel what love is
No, you just can’t hide – I know you can show me
I want to know what love is (let’s talk about love), I know you can show me
I wanna feel it too – I want to feel what love is
I wanna feel it too, and I know and I know – I know you can show me
Show me love is real, yeah – I want to know what love is

Sacrifice

2004-11-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

Queen takes pawn
Pawn takes Queen
Knight takes pawn, and Checkmate!

I learn to play chess at the age of six and I used to frequent our local barber shop where my father also used to hang around and also play the game. It is not hard for me to learn the game and the more I watched, the more I understand how to win games. I also started to learn how to make a "sacrifice" and usually in this game, those who are doing it seems to be having an exhibition and it also makes the game more exciting. That's how I understand sacrifice then, as simple as exchanging major pieces with minor pieces or giving up as many pieces in order to achieve your goal: to checkmate the King, or sometimes only just to have enough compensation and gain slight advantage in exchange for the lost pieces.

At age 20, this was the time I first experienced to be "sacrificed". One of my mother's co-workers announced that there is an opening for work in Saudi Arabia. As we are having financially difficulties then, my mother talked to me and that means I have to stop studying and take this job to help the family. Let me just tell here that I did not feel being "sacrificed" then. I was willing and feel very excited about it, but I have to admit that I also feel sad and worried for being away for the first time and did not know yet what it feels like living in another country. It was quite a mixed feeling.

But I did not really find it hard at first as there were also many Filipinos that welcomed me here and they were very supportive and friendly. Besides, at that time we were always busy and there's a lot of overtime work. It was really a very wonderful feeling when I first sent my first salary back home. My first homesick started only after I first make a LD phone call since I was able to talk to every member of the family. But because of the compensation I tried to tell myself that I can and I have to stand it.

Years and years past and now I already have my own family and I am still here. I just thought that this is the life chosen for me. I don't see myself to have any success if I try my luck back home yet. I still have to make a "sacrifice" and as long as we are still allowed to work here I will have to bear it for my family.

In Best Thing(s)

2004-10-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

I do not know if we can be faulted with regard to the way we spend our earnings for the family. Most of us indulge in buying appliances, jewelries, toys, etc. as much as we can afford and treat our own families extravagantly when we are on vacation. One reason is that we would like to compensate for our long absence and our way of expressing our love for them within a short period of time as we know that at a certain date we will again leave them to work again abroad. Another thing is that we want our kids to taste or experience those things which we did not have when we are growing up. This cycle continues over the years and now we have realized that we should have read the books of these people very much earlier. Some of our colleagues here are almost nearing retirement but they said all is not too late.

Now, I am planning to have these books:

“Wealth Within Our Reach” by Francisco Colayco
"Pwede Na! The Complete Pinoy Guide to Personal Finance" by Efren Ll. Cruz.
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki

One of the most important things discussed in their books is the importance of achieving “Financial Literacy”. Most of us do not really know how to handle money. I also read something like (and I should have known this) after you have received your earnings it is important that you have to “pay yourself first” which is simply just what we called as “savings”. I am not saying that we have not saved before or we are we not saving something for the future. What we are not aware is that there is a better way to handle and make the most out of our savings.

Quoting Colayco he says "Achieving financial independence isn't an option, it's an obligation," he says. "Wealth generation is a lifelong process. It is something that is built over time. It is planned for, periodically adjusted and executed with a firm hand. It needs clarity of thought and vision. It needs you to be financially literate." But I am not really aiming of becoming wealthy or having too much. I would just like to have a stable source of income and be with my family, the sooner the better.

As for other things, I realized that it is also very important to invest in good health and good relationships as with family and friends. Do I need to say where I can get these information?

Slow "Fast"

2004-10-13T05:46:00.000-07:00

Maybe tomorrow (Thursday) or Friday is the start of Ramadan here, the period where Muslims fulfill one of their obligations to do fasting for a whole month. That is no food nor drinks from the break of dawn till sunset. During this month, most of the stores open later at night till the early morning before dawn.

I have been thinking that I might as well try fasting myself. Since I came here, it is either I was gone on vacation during this period or we non-Muslims have to hide when we feel like eating or drinking. I have read some articles on the benefits of fasting but I do not want to discuss it here as I might lead you to wrong information since I am not an expert on this. May I just invite the likes of Dr. Emer or Ting-Aling if they can share something on this. They said that the intentions and benefits could be both physical and spiritual.

I have experienced being hungry for a long period but not intentionally as undergoing fasting. Out of curiousity I intend to experiment on myself how far can I go. I will be doing the same thing as I did when I tried to quit smoking.

(Not) Too Late to Learn the Guitar

2004-10-02T05:32:00.000-07:00

I am trying to learn the guitar again. Actually, before I left the Philippines to work here, I already know some simple chords but still cannot play a decent tune or music. Now that a friend of mine who went home for good gave me his old guitar I have decided to have it a try again.

During one of my vacations, I bought some chordbook and I also found some instructional manuals on how to play the guitar. At least what I am aiming for is for me to play something which I can appreciate not really to become a good musician. Some sort of a challenge where I will have to struggle in a field I know I am not good at. But as a consolation, my singing and knowledge in playing the guitar goes together, in other words they are both bad--out of tune, bad timing, etc.

I am just wondering why there are those who really excel and perform well in this field. There are also those who are (though I am not sure of the proper term and spelling) "mawido" - one who is capable of learning things in an instant. You just have to show him how and he can easily manage to learn it all by himself. A natural talent as they say and as if they are just waiting for the moment and it will just comes out. And since they are playing it from their heart, they can get the audience feel what they want to feel.

Well I just have to accept that there are really those who are born to perform and play the music well and I belong to those who are born just to appreciate them. But still I have to try, learn, play and appreciate it in my own way.

Ineffectiveness of Laws and Punishment

2004-09-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

The President again granted reprieve to those scheduled for execution this year. I am not really in favor of capital punishment but if it is in the law might as well implement it put it for a good purpose. Sadly, only in the Philippines where you have a death penalty that seems to be useless. To think that drug offenders are subject to death penalty but there we have so much proliferation of drugs and crimes involving drug addicts.

Here in Saudi Arabia, the reason this punishment is effective is that those convicted criminals subject to capital punishment are immediately executed. That is not to say that it is applicable to all, only to those whose convictions are without any doubt. There also those which do not have clear indication of guilt towards the accused which is subject for further review. In the Philippines, even if the perpetrators are caught fighting it out with the authorities there is always this presumption of innocence when they are brought into court. Almost always the horrible incident has already been forgotten but the case still has to go on at a snail's pace afterwards still has to be subjected for automatic review by the Supreme Court and further still subject to being reprieved by the President.

***

Another thing is that Filipinos are prone to useless debates and unnecessary litigations. We as players or athletes, resort only to what the rules and/or officials have to say. If an umpire or a referee decides on a certain point it is for us players to obey the decision and go on with the match. That is not to say that the referee or umpire is free from any liability if he commits abuse or grave errors in officiating. That is what I wish we could also apply in real life. Obey first then complain later. What is happening now is that so much time and money are usually wasted only in the name of fighting for ones rights. What I would like to say is that we can still do this by putting responsible officials to do the job and having enough safeguards to avoid abuse and to punish the offending officials. I know that this is debatable but I would just like to say that I prefer this kind of setup.

The Toilet

2004-09-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

The toilet or comfort room as we all popularly called it has been with us and it seems that we really cannot live “comfortably” without it. As you visit any home (a friend or a relative, or anybody) there is greater possibility that you will have to use one. And you cannot help but make an assumption on what kind of personality the owner has by simply having a quick observation of his/her toilet.

But this is of course on a private level, as in only one family is using the toilet. Now let us assume there is this one public toilet and that the people here do not know each other and they just come and go without having any communication. Everyday use of the toilet, you will notice how each individual differs on the way he/she uses it before and after. And as the days go on, there are those who show concern and try to clean it while there are those irresponsible ones who just use it and doesn’t care if they leave it dirty. As they go on, you can just imagine who will succeed in having an influence over the other.

In reality, most of us Filipinos are in this situation. There is a constant struggle to influence others to act responsibly and to follow the rules. Each day there is a tendency for people to test these rules and insist their own way of living as they please themselves. We may come to think sometimes if we just let them with their manners and just go on with our own lives. But considering the above example, we can’t escape the fact that we will also suffer if we allow this. Ane even if we succeed in influencing them to do the right thing, the effort of making them maintain this attitude is another constant struggle.

Oh Yes I'm a Great Pretender

2004-09-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

(Just laughing and gay like a clown…)

To all those who are enjoying the company of their families. To all those who are enjoying the comfort of their homes. To all those who are able to enjoy fun and games with their friends and relatives. To all those who can celebrate important occasions like Christmas, Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc. together with all those previously mentioned, I would like to say you are very lucky or at least luckier than somebody like me.

I believe you know what “homesickness” means but I bet most of you doesn’t know what is it really like to feel homesick. Maybe some of you have gone to experience this, but I would say that’s maybe for a short time and not having to experience it year after year. There are times the attack is so strong that you just feel like going crazy. I have to admit there are times also that I feel like crying, maybe I did cry or haven’t notice there are tears in my eyes for being helpless and cannot bear the pain of longing to be with your love ones. These are mostly in times of solitude and having a feeling of self pity. Ever imagine being very ill and feeling very weak, you just wished that someone would be there to care for you. But no you are all alone to take care of yourself. You have to stand up and cook for your food otherwise you find yourself weaker and prolong the agony. That’s why if it can be avoided, it surely is very hard to get sick.

In all of my stay here I never told my family that I have been sick or have been homesick. I always tell them that I’m OK and there is nothing to worry about. I do not really want them to worry about me. I would just have to endure all the longings and loneliness the best way I can on a day to day basis. And with all of those years that have passed, it is either that I just get tougher or realize that I just have to accept this situation in exchange for the chance to give better future for my family.

Same is true with the way I deal with my friends here. I am just not sure if they are also acting the same way like me. But when we get together, jokes are all around.

Maybe all of these situations are already known, the difference is that the others have already shown and told their experiences. This is the first time I told mine while I just continue on pretending.

Caught(?)

2004-09-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been into some situations where it seems like somewhat embarassing or you find some difficulties and you wish you can find at least a little way to get on with it. Some of these are my personal experiences and the others have been related by some friends. The first one I believe is the most common.

1) While walking in a street you suddenly saw someone you're sure you knew but you just can’t remember when and where you met him/her before. Most importantly you can’t even remember his/her name. The worse thing is that he/she saw you also and now come smiling towards you calling your name.

2) In contrast to the previous one, you are all-smile to greet someone whom you thought you knew, but eventually he/she isn’t.

3) You are very eager to go and your friend or somebody is also very eager and insisting to tell you a story. His/Her energy shows that he/she really meant to tell it no matter what.

4). After waiting for so long lining up a very long queue and when it is finally your turn the woman in the counter will tell you, you are in the wrong window.

5) Not knowing which exit to go up through an underpass (Quiapo or City Hall). Sometimes going up the same exit twice or thrice and a vendor is wondering what is happening to you.

6) Slept on the bus and you found out that you are way passed your destination.

7) You found out you left your wallet after eating in a restaurant.

8) You woke up late, took a bath hurriedly and dressed up. Suddenly on your way to saying goodbye to your wife you found out that it was Saturday (no work).

SONA: Now is the Time

2004-09-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

Now is the time for the President to address the public regarding the State of the Nation. Now that we are experiencing a crisis like this. She doesn’t have to wait for her next schedule, this is rather what the people need now. Something that we can hold on for the sacrifices we will make and a rallying point to pour our resources to help the government.

What the people is waiting is for the government to explain the reasons why we are experiencing this problem. The president must show an act of sincerity and leadership by laying out all her cards and deal with people responsible for these problems. In declaring the State of Nation, there is no room for spins, cover ups and excuses. The solutions should include genuine reforms and safeguarding mechanisms both in short and long term ends and not just any measure they could come up to increase revenues.

This is not an opportunity for the opposition to bring down this government or for the current administration to show off as if what they are occupying is a throne. This is the best time to set aside political differences and cooperate with one another.

Now is the time for unity, for humility, for discipline, for perseverance, for us to work harder and efficiently, and a lot more that we can contribute to help our country.

Something About Myself

2004-09-12T05:29:00.000-07:00

I think it is about time that I should tell something about myself, or at least tell about how my mind works or its sense of direction. The reason I chose “DA” as my BLOG name is that it indicates how I behave myself in real life. I know it is not a good trait but I can’t help it. I would say that it is just my style.

I don’t care how I look, my things are not organizedly arrange and I don’t put them in any particular order. Although I’m like this, I must say I maintain a good hygiene and certain standard of good living.

Another one of my traits is I am always curious in solving every problem or in making things work better or at least wish them to be solved. Usually I am very observant and look at some pattern or behavior then attempt to develop some kind of way on how to make them better. This is brought about by my getting obsessed with mind games and puzzles. I love to learn all the tricks there is in solving them and I won’t stop till I am satisfied with the solution. Although you can say that I am not an expert or do things scientifically or with certain methodology, but I have a good sense of absorbing and appreciating good things and learn mistakes from experience.

I can say generally I consider myself as deserving to be second best. I cannot say I can be a good leader but willing to work beside him/her. I am not a good comedian but works better on his/her side for good sense of humor. I am not always the best athlete or gamesman, but I can always say that I can always give a good competition. I am not a good cook but I always find ways to make my food taste better.

I don’t expect that you will always find my ideas here right or good, sometimes you might find it weird. This is one good thing about BLOGGING, you can really say what you want honestly and without inhibitions.

Initially, I intend to lay down things here to satisfy my curiousity and be my own critic to my ideas. If it so happen that somebody out there would find some things here useful or share some of their own, it is I who is supposed to be glad and thankful.

HAPPY BLOGGING TO EVERYONE

Helping the Government

2004-09-05T05:05:00.000-07:00

It is really been the habit of the government to charge us for their losses and most of the time, we haven't seen any real recovery. The government is again planning to raise prices of energy coming from Napocor and SSS is at the same time going to raise the monthly contributions of its members. These are aside from their plan to impose further taxes and raising fees on some government services.

Can't we have any option or something that can be done in order that we can get our money's worth. If for example we hire a contractor to do some repair in our house, there will be a contract, for them to do their job and some service and on our part for us to put up the money to pay for them after "satisfactory" doing their service. Either party would then have a recourse if ever a problem arises.

But in reality, there seems nothing like this regarding our relation with the government. Most of the time we are in the losing end and suffer the consequences of their inefficiencies. I cannot recall if there was any official who have ever been charged or punished, either by being inefficient or guilty of corrupt practices. The only thing you can hear is that the official involved would be transferred or removed from his post.

Will it always have to be like that. Everytime, we should help the government to recover their losses. Can we not even be entitled to know what happened, how and why a certain agency incurred such losses. Of course there's always some investigation, but the truth is there have never been any success in finding who is responsible. What they always have are reasons, or if there has to be somebody who should be responsible the finger is always pointed away from them.

Can we ever feel that it is just right to help our government?

Crises...Wishes

2004-09-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

The country is in crisis. The government is finding it hard to cope with worsening budget deficit and facing difficulties in finding further financial source for the next budget. In simple words, the government have no money.

I wish the government would be able to solve this problem and obtain further assistance from foreign creditors in form of further loans and assistance in order that the government can recover and would be able to perform its function for the people. The government in cooperation with the congress said they will be coming up with a noble act as some sort of sacrifice by lessening by a certain percentage their pork barrel and performing austerity measures. We should be thankful to them because they are doing the best they can. I wish this crisis will be over soon and then it will be back to normal (for them).

On the second thought, I wish that this problem gets worse and the government would not be able to obtain further loans and assistance from outside or any sources. I would also wish that the government completely collapse became inutile for lack of funds. No I would like to change that they have been like that for ages, at least most of them.

I know that the people will suffer. But we have been suffering for a very long time. And this cannot be blamed on the government alone. We are also part of this through our action and inaction, through our sins and/or our tendency to easily forgive and/or let go those who have continuously committed "sins" or "crimes" in all of its form (big and small). It is not good that this will just go on. We simply let the problem be forgotten or passed just because we have felt a little comfort or because it has no or only a minimal effect on us. I think it is about time that we suffer the consequences. Let the pains, difficulties and hardships be felt. Let us realize that there is really something wrong not just with the things around us but also among ourselves. I wish because of this we would be awaken, united and really find a way to solve this whole thing, not just (again) survive it.

Ready(?)

2004-08-31T05:48:00.000-07:00

We used to hold a 'despedida' party whenever a colleague of ours decided to go home for good. This was in the early part of our stay here and the situations then were better than today. Some can be said to be lucky as they were able to established a good business or were still able to land a good job despite their age.

This time it's different. I can't remember now when was the last time we held a 'despedida' party for somebody. Not that nobody now was leaving but the situation does not warrant any celebration. There are those who will be leaving or have to go because of illness or sometimes because of family problems. It feels very sad when you see some colleagues who have to go because of illnesses. All our lives we dream of spending the fruit of our sacrifice of being away from our families, longing that someday we will go home for good and stay with our families with enough savings to keep us moving.

Most of us here are waiting for the moment, but you will feel that nobody is raring to go. We have been here really for almost or more than half of our lives. One of my colleagues told me that when he first left the Philippines her daughter was five years old. Now he told me her grand-daughter with her daughter is now five years old. Most of his children have now finished their education, but still he said he doesn't feel it is time to go. It's difficult to live in the Philippines and as much as possible and as long as we are able and are allowed to work here we just keep on going and just enjoy a vacation every year.

I hope when the time comes, it is either the situation in the Philippines improve or we can have even just enough to make a living together with our families.

OLYMPICS: The Greatest Show on Earth

2004-08-29T00:49:00.000-07:00

I hope and I wish it always remain this way. Every four years this is the time when and where we will be able to see the best athletes from around the world compete in their particular events to determine who is the best in the world. I hate to see something which would destroy these games like doping, scandals and cheating.

The first day of the competition is the one very memorable to me. Of course, the opening was very great but the first event, cycling, is how I wish all other games should be conducted. Except for some minor accidents, everybody did their best, have to struggle for some time and at the finish line everybody congratulated each other especially the winner. You can see the respect each participant give to each other and show how much they love their profession.

Another impression I would like to make is regarding the officials. Every athlete is given medal if they came out best for their particular event. I wish they would do the same thing with the officials. Everytime, we only notice the players or participants and give less attention to the officials. But every game cannot be complete without these officials. Though I admire those who did their job well I am very disgusted with those who acted irresponsibly. Every athlete spent so much time and dedication just to prepare for this event. The officials should see to it that the athletes will really have the chance to prove to themselves who deserve to be the winner. It is very unfortunate if the outcome will be affected by the decision or lack of decision of some officials. In my opinion there are some events which the officials should give attention on improving the scoring system to determine the winner. These are in gymnastics, diving, boxing, and tae-kwon-do. Usually the results in these games are controversial because most of the time it is perceived that the officials are the ones who are involved in the outcome.

I would also like to make an impression regarding the attitude of some players or athletes. It is as if “winning” is everything for them. Too much pride blinded them and this is not good for the sports. I hate it when I see a participant lose interest or suddenly stopped and quit just because he/she has no longer have the chance for the medals. I love those who even if they are more than four hours behind still strive and feels very very happy reaching the finish line. There are those who really handle defeats very well.

Lastly, I would just like to make some comments regarding our participation in this Olympics. Though I was only able to see one match, that is one match in tae-kwon-do, I have to say that I love the performance of this girl, the sixteen year old participant Ms. Rivero. Though she lost her match I can see that she did her best.

Every four years or especially after the games, we can always hear how disgusted our countrymen that our athletes again failed to win a gold medal. Some analysts have given their opinions on what is wrong with our preparations and on how we choose our atheletes. I would just like to add my one cent.

I think our officials should concentrate on establishing and improving sports programs and facilities for the athletes. Our approach is the reverse. I can see that our officials usually scout their talents first. Then train him/her the best way they can and there they go to the Olympics. My point is that the tools, facilities and techniques should be there first so that we can invite the interest of a larger pool of atheletes. We should follow what Romania is doing, a very small country but they are able to produce the best gymnasts in the world not only once but every time they compete they are competitive.

Everytime we can hear so much offer from individuals who will give millions of pesos to whoever wins a gold medal in the Olympics. I want to see if these individuals are sincere with their offers. Why not at least half of these pledges be put in the process of establishing and developing sports programs in the country. They should help the atheletes more in achieving their goals rather than rewarding them only when they have achieved it. We can start with those sports which we have the best chance of winning and then build up on to other sports as we gain progress. We do not have to hurry, what is important is that we are moving forward and making progress.

Though I love to see one of our athletes win a gold medal or see the country’s flag being raised at the top, I would like to say that we still have a long way to go to achieve this. The competition is getting tougher each time and this is not like some sort of lottery. Luck plays only a small part of it, always it has to be how well you have prepared for it. I hate it when our officials hope for a medal in some events when our athelete's best performance is way below the standards of other country's athletes. What is important is that we improve our chances everytime we participate and not just hope for a gold medal out of nothing.

Realization

2004-08-25T04:34:00.000-07:00

There are many things I learned ever since I come to know Blogging. Aside from being updated and read the news in different perspectives, there are also those experiences shared by others which could be of help or could be applied on your own.

There was this entry I read in CafeineSparks regarding "Fathers and Sons" which really strikes me. It is good that I come to know this and made me realize about my situation. I know I have always been away and understand that I am not fully fulfilling my share of being a father. I saw also the fact that I experienced the same thing from my childhood, on longing to be and wanting to have a good conversation with my father. Not that we are not close, but there seems to be something and I am always aloof to approach him, always it is to my mother.

Now without realizing it, it seems that I am doing the same thing to my son. It is better when he was still young, where everything he wishes was to play and I could do that to him all day. As he is growing up, I notice that he is more with his friends and I can see myself when I was in his age. That tendency to be wanting or as if waiting for a chance but could not express it. One thing though that I am very thankful is that despite my absence as a father, my wife is doing a good job of guiding them and bringing them up as good kids.

On my next vacation, I want to do something about it. I will have to find a way that we can be more at ease with each other.

Quit Smoking: How Did I Do it

2004-08-22T04:35:00.000-07:00

After twenty years, I finally was able to say no and I am happy I've done it. I am writing this so that maybe some of you (smokers) can have an idea and try it yourself if you also want to quit.

It is really a matter of choice, some sort of change of a lifestyle. This is one of the most important factor which can affect the success or the failure if ever you will also decide to quit smoking. Some can be said to try quitting just because somebody tell them or maybe one of the main reasons, conscious about ones health. Some reasons like I have to quit because it is very expensive now, or your wife or your mother telling you she doesn't like it so you have to stop it. There are some other more reasons, and what I want to say is that if your reason falls under one of these, I would say you are closer to failure than success. It should be that no other factors or persons could be the reason, but it has to be a decision coming from you. These external factors or influence can add to the pressure and the more they are putting you in pressure the more you would find reasons to smoke. I do not recommend patches or artificial cigarettes as these intend to cheat yourself. Also, you have to admit that the process of quitting will not be as easy as you want it to be.

I started it by using the delay-by-one-hour-a-day technique. This means that I have to postpone lighting one cigarette by one hour. After that I can smoke again as much as I want. The next day it will have to be two-hour postponement. Let me just remind you that it is always the second stage which will give you a problem. Then third day it will be three-hour, and so on and so forth. You will notice when you try this especially when you reached half-day postponement that you will feel something strange like being a little excited or your heart beating faster than normal. You should always remember this feeling and you have to say to yourself that this is a very good feeling. This is what I told myself that is why it became easier for me to quit.

You don't have to repeat the process continuously, usually after three or four postponement you will feel that it seems that your body is now ready to quit permanently. If not, you just have to continue it and the utmost will be trying to delay it for one day. So if you are in this stage and you have successfully avoid lighting a single stick for one day, you just have to say to yourself again that this is a very good feeling and you are glad you have not lighted a single stick.

As I've said the second stage usually is the crucial stage and as long as you are successful in passing this stage you will be more successful. It is actually a mind-set and this is the most important step in this process. At this stage it is better that you have convince yourself that you are already a non-smoker.

You have already passed the first day, after the first day you will be fine and you will tell yourself that if you light a single stick at this time you already have one day sacrifice and it is not a good idea to waste this and you will now attempt to pass one week.

My experience is that it is usually the second period (day, week, month, etc.) on which urges are stronger. But as I've find out, after successfully reaching the third, my conviction became stronger.

If you reach the second week you will again be fine and you will tell yourself that if you light a single stick on this day you will just waste one week of sacrifice, and you will try to pass one month.

If you reach the second month you will again be fine and you will tell yourself that if you light a single stick at this time you will just waste one month of sacrifice, and you will try to pass two years.

It has to be progressive like this as you have to convince yourself that every success you made should be followed by a longer challenge. Remember: starting from day one your mind-set is that you are no longer a smoker.

Finally, it has to be a continuous awareness that a single stick can ruin everything you have done. So it is important also that at any period you can just waste every inch of sacrifice you have made.

Here are some tips that can help you:

1) Avoid drinks that are usually good while smoking, like coffee, softdrinks, etc. Avoid also activities or situations which will induce you to smoke.
2) If your urge seems to be getting strong, frequent some place or do something where it would be not good reason to smoke like theaters, hospitals, libraries, etc. Or have a chat with your grandma or your child. There are some activities though like playing chess, mahjong, and other boardgames which can induce smoking.
3) Be or at least pretend to be an enviromentalist, that you are concern about the environment.
4) Complement your program by having a regular exercise (a simple breath in, breath out exercise is a good start)
5) Avoid near a smoker if you can, especially during the early stages. If you are a drinker do not allow yourself to get drunk or if ever you get drunk it is better to go to sleep right away than staying awake and make conversations. Usually trying to stay awake induce smoking.
6) Do not have a diary of your progress, always you have to be or act as if you were a non-smoker before.

These are the things I did and I am glad I quit and this is my third year now without a single smoke. I hope this can also be of help to others.

Go Here! Come There!

2004-08-21T03:42:00.000-07:00

I read back my previous posts to see if I wrote them right. A sigh of relief, I told myself, not bad.

I am now on my sixth of my stay here and with only a month of vacation per year, I've just found out that I have been here for a very very long time. I remember when our superiors used to be Americans or British, at that time almost all the communications are in english. But now because of the country's Saudiization program communications in english become minimal. The Americans were all gone and there are some few British left. We are accompanied now with few Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi. Each one has his version of the english language. You can hear such words as, "You no go, I no go." And sometimes I did not noticed that I am beginning to speak the same way to, because if you speak it correctly they will not understand you.

This Blogging is a good release for me. Not only that I can practice my writing I am also enjoying to get to know some nice and/or some are even great people.

On Education

2004-08-18T23:22:00.000-07:00

Unlike Tito Rolly who said he never dreamt of being a Teacher (but who is a successful one now), teaching used to be one of my dreams (though not really the one I really would like to be). But still, I really want to be part of any educational institution someday, either as a member, donor or active participant.

I've heard the government is studying to implement that kindergarten be made compulsory. This is instead of adding another year in High School. Before this, there was the Bridge Program.

While I commend the government for the effort in the improving the educational system, I still wish that some modifications be made for the effectiveness of teaching and for the real benefit of the children.

Elementary school students (especially in Public Schools) from Grade One to Grade Six are usually grouped into sections. On the next school year, it is either the student be promoted to higher section because of his good performance or to a lower section. My idea is that one whole school year is too long. What is happening is that it is either that the slow learner has to catch up with his classmates or the better student has to wait for his other classmates (depending on the way the teacher handles it).

Why not have the student undergo periodic evaluation (weekly or monthly the shorter the better) and then apply the promotion/demotion grouping on each period. I believe this is for the benefit of the children as the slow learner will really have to "learn" the lesson before going to the next or the better students can go as fast as he can. The school should then create a different set of learning goals for the "slow learner" and the "better students".

Another thing I would suggest is that besides giving scholarships to deserving students, the government should also give livelihood or employment opportunity to their parents or guardians especially those belonging to indigent families.

On Responsibility

2004-08-18T00:20:00.000-07:00

Now that I have my own BLOG, it seems that I am now lost on what to say. I visited Doc Emer's BLOG and got an idea regarding "social responsibility."

Last month I've watched 'Le Tour de France'. I was amazed on how beautiful this country is. This is one of things the tournament is attracting a lot of people. One of the things I noticed is that along the road there is this adjacent river with its water flowing in the direction towards the city and wow they have maintained to keep this very long river very clean. Our own Pasig River comes to my mind. I just thought if only we were aware of the consequences of every action we are doing, we would also be proud to have a beautiful Pasig River. Pasig River is only one of them, you can also mention Hinulugang Taktak and also you can notice that beaches seems to be moving farther away from Manila. Did you know that just across Baclaran church used to be a Beach resort? Now not only reclamation move them farther but also oil spills and other forms of water pollution.

Going back to Pasig River, we cannot help to ask ourselves, "What happened?" A little imagination would lead us to think that it is all because of some thought to be insignificant action. One would say, "It is a very big river, a small piece of garbage could not harm it." Not knowing thru the passage of time, plus other persons have also the same thinking, what would you expect. Besides, the government allowed several companies to be built along the sides.

I am a sports minded person and more often I compare life to a game. There are three elements if you want to have a good game: good players and the officials and if you have these two you will surely have one group of lively audience. I am always awed by how the great players conduct themselves. They are aware that many fans are looking up to them and their actions can influence their behaviour. So it is not just they have to play their best but also has to see to it that they conduct themselves properly win or lose. Officiating should also be strictly by the rules otherwise the whole game will be ruined.

Police work plays also a very big part in our lives. They are the "referees". They are the ones who will have to see to it that what we are doing are within the bounds of the law. Not only that these policemen should do their jobs but they also have to do their jobs right and professionally. They should know their duties, know what to do and know if it is the right time to do it. Tolerance and understanding is good but it is better to take action when you know it is getting too much.

These are just few examples, one which deals with the environment and the other one with the people around us. So if we have to live our lives (like a good game), we cannot always afford to be tolerant and irresponsible. Little things, no matter how insignificant, has the capability to start a big problem.

Nothing is as good as...

2004-08-17T05:08:00.000-07:00

...a good yawn and stretch in the morning when you wake up.

...a loud burst of laughter from your friends on your jokes.

...reaching the itchy part of your back.

...waking up and the first thing you see is the good smile from your own little daughter/son.

...sitting next with a young beautiful lady in a very long trip.

...the smell of your favorite food being cooked by your wife, your mother or your grandmother.

...watching your family really enjoy eating the food you prepare (cook) for them.

...being able to answer questions in a TV quiz show ahead of the others.

...a good massage after tiring onself in a game (basketball, tennis, etc.)

...a warm welcome and greetings of "we missed you" arriving from a vacation.

...being quoted by others.

...some people are praising you, not knowing you were around.

...listening to a long story from your "Lolo" or "Lola" whom you've not seen from a long time.

...being able to save someone's life.

...receiving plenty of comments to this entry and adding some of their own

Welcome To Me

2004-08-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

At last I've created my own BLOG. After being a BLOG hopper for so long and contented on posting comments to different BLOGs I decided to create my own. Now I can say freely what I really want to say.