Cheese anyone?

I was taking my daily meal routine here at my rented flat when I happened to watch a tele-series from TFC. Along with the tele-series was the song entitled "Kung Alam Mo Lang" with Louie Heredia as the singer. I found the rendition to be interesting hence I have linked the above title to a site where this song can be heard. This I dedicate to any lost souls who may have accidentally browsed this blog. Lost souls whom I may or may not know...A lost soul who , in one way or another, has been an integral part of my life-story.

regards,
geraLd=

Happy Birthday Mama Mary...

Today is the birthday of Mama Mary.

In Bicol Region, we call her as the Ina.
The Patroness of the Bicolandia.
Through her willingness to carry out God's plan,
The Christ was born and was made man...
This coming Friday will be the beginning
Of the weeklong feast of the Virgin of Penafrancia.
To all the Bikolanos out there, Viva la Virgen to all of us.

regards,
geraLd=

Showing the Best Smile that I can Give...

I may not smile as captivating as your beloved actors and actresses do, yet, mine comes from the heart.

I may not be wearing the best clothes as I see you today, but what you see of my clothes is not what you see of my spirit.

I have never dreamed of becoming a problem to You. What I do today, I have just learned in order to survive in this chaotic world.

I should also be enjoying a better Life like most of the children in this world. Yet, I never bother to complain and instead present the best possible smile that I can share with You...

For I do believe that You and I can both make some difference in changing this world where we both live.

gerald

Being Ninoy...

Today, August 21, is the death anniversary of Ninoy Aquino Jr. On TV, his quest for democracy through his previous speeches are continuously being shown. We have learned that all throughout, he remained firm with his idealism that Filipinos are worth dying for... Or are we? 1983, the date when he was assassinated at the tarmac, is quite a long time that have passed and yet no such maturity can be seen among us. We said that the existing administration is corrupt and yet, we are not willing to choose one rightful candidate to oppose it in the forthcoming election. We are so united with our crave for a good governance and yet, we are so divided to support it. I believe that we know that there is only one post for the position of the President. I also believe that we know that the opposing candidates that are planning to challenge the administration comprises of almost eight parties. Hence I also believe that we are familiar that one eighth is far more smaller than one. As an example: assuming that 25% is in favor of the administration while 75% is in favor of the opposition . With one standard bearer for the administration's side, then they easily get a 25% vote. On the other hand, each opposition candidate will be sharing the 75% opposition vote which in turn(for a candidate of eight) will be around 9% vote only for each opposition candidate. Given that we all know about these things, then why are we still heading for this dilemma? Isn't it right to deduce that we, ourselves, are the problem? So in turn, are we worth dying for?

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Video deleted from Youtube...

Just recently, I have attached a video of the Philippine President Arroyo's State of the Nation address to one of my blog. That video clip has been posted at Youtube for quite some time now yet, after I attached it to one of my write-ups, it's gone. I don't have any intention so as to mock around the existing government in the Philippines. I just want to awaken the eyes of the Philippine voters as to to how great Nations are being governed and how our country Philippines is...

I'll bet: The result of this forthcoming election will be of no difference from the previous Philippine elections.

Yesterday was the last day of filing of all the party list applicants for the forthcoming election in the Philippines this coming May. A whooping 264 party list registered with one of the party list to represent the cock-fighters in the Philippines. It may sound great or funny but, one thing is certain, the Filipino people are not yet mature with respect to correct politics and good government governance. Is the cock-fighting one of our primary concern to nationhood as a whole? I don't think so... Then why do we need to consume some time in filing these irrelevant groups? We are so much defocus on how to maneuver our country away from this great abyss of disintegration. We don't know what we are doing hence I'll bet...There will be no great difference as to the outcome of this election from the rest of the elections that were held in the Philippines. Sad to say but We, the Filipino people, are still not yet ready to have this CHANGE.

The Forthcoming Philippines' Election...

I was watching the TV Patrol when I saw this project of ABS-CBN entitled "Ako ang Simula". I am glad that the Filipino Youths are actively involved and are determined to get the right people for the government post. One thing that I have observed though is the lack of idea by the voters as to the type of qualifications and recovery plans that they should be asking from the "applicants". As a voter, it is their right to achieve the best service that they can get from these politicians. With this, I have written some of my wants from the government post applicants,
Qualification:
1. I am looking for a candidate who has a background and experience in terms with the law, the market or economy, and the project management. As a government official, the law will be an integral part in ensuring that their decisions will be aligned to the rights of the people and of the country. On the other hand, these applicants should also know the current economic situation both of the country and of the world. These applicants should have an idea on how to maneuver the country away from the recession. They should either have some proposals in terms with the business livelihood that can be imparted to the Filipino people. The applicants should have some expertise in project management. Project Management is needed in order for all of the projects to be initiated, planned, executed, monitored, controlled, and closed as smoothly as possible. This with the consideration of the scope, the time, the cost, the quality, the experts(who will do the project), the communication, the risk, and the procurement of the project.
2. Good moral standing. Nowadays, most of the government officials are being reported with anomalous activities or corrupt transactions. We, the Filipino voters, should remember them and avoid them the next time they ask for our vote. Always remember that anything that is not aligned to morality is immoral and should not be considered for these government posts.
3. Dedication and love of the Philippines and of the Filipino people. They should be men for others.
Plans for the Country and the Filipino people:
The suitable candidate should be able to attack the following problems:
a. Poverty - the candidates should be able to define why there is poverty. Given that there is poverty, what are needed to eradicate this poverty? Their recommended solutions and time-lines in solving poverty. Clearly declare whether each of the recommended solutions will permanently eradicate poverty or just temporarily. If temporarily, what will be their recommended next solution. Basically, the root cause of Poverty is the existing high unemployment rate in the Philippines. Only quite a few companies are available for the people to work on.
b. The presence of Terrorists such as Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao - the candidates should be able to provide a concrete plan on how this problem will be solved permanently. Talks have been tried for quite some time and yet no good result can be seen. Total annihilation should now be the focus together with the time-line for the execution. Amidst all this, a plan as to how the nearby ordinary people will be cleared out of danger should also be presented. The easiest way to execute the eradication of these bandits is through the use of air power. Through this, the casualties on the side of our military will be prevented. I'm sick of these repetitive occurrences of bombings and casualties among military and civilians. Enough is enough.
c. Red tape - I have observed that a person here in Singapore will only need around 10 to 15minutes to fully process his transaction to any Singapore government agencies. If these candidates got elected, what will be their plans, how will they execute it, and the time-line for the solution to be fully executed, how to ensure that these will be permanently in effect.

d. Poor country roads - How to ensure that the roads that will be built will last at least 5years before cracks to appear. What kind of monitoring and penalties will be imposed?
e. Education - Currently, our schools have limited materials and amenities to support our students. What are the candidates' plans in order to solve the problem and the time-line.

f. Corruption - If in case he/she or any of his/her officials were found to be guilty of corruption, what will they do to correct it? Will they resign from post? Immediately? Or will it be needed for us, the voters, to hang them or subject them to guillotine as a punishment for wasting and robbing our money? I think these punishments are just fair punishment to the acts of stealing that our beloved officials have been doing in their respective posts.

Let us be more demanding of the services that they can give. Some of the common comments that I heard from the Filipino voters that were interviewed on TV were as follow:

1. I voted for him or her because she seems to look so nice. - It is not the appearance that matters. It is the plan that they will be presenting that matters.
2. I voted for him because he gave us noodles. - Giving noodles prior the election is a form of a bribe. Don't vote for this people who will be doing this act. So what if no candidate will be voted for any of the government post. That simply means that no candidates are eligible for the post.
3. I voted for him because he's "maka-masa". - Again, ask for their plans and time-lines in solving the problems that we have. If they have none, being a "maka-masa" is nothing.

4. I voted for him because his campaign ads taught me the importance of washing my hands. - yes, it may be good that he taught you that but, again, teaching somebody the importance of washing the hands is not such a great deal. It is simply part of their pledged service to the people. What they should be doing should be their planned actions towards the dissemination of the cheap or free medicines (but of good quality!) to those poor Filipino people who are in need.

On the side of the media, I do hope that they will show some National speeches coming from well established countries around the world. This is for the Filipino voters to know what kind of government services should they be asking from these Candidates.

Always ask for more. We, the Filipino people deserves more of their service!!!

Itaguyod and panibagong pananaw ng isang tunay na Pilipino!!!

geraLd=

Choosing the suitable President and Officials of the Philippines

As an OFW, it is but natural for us to be considered as the ambassador of the Filipinos' here in Singapore. I found it to be so shameful as I answer Singaporeans' query regarding President Arroyo's excessive spending. Add to that the poor presentation of her project plans and targets during her recent SONA. As I compare her presentation versus the presentation that was made by Singapore's Prime Minister, her report is a failure. No concrete presentation as regards with the Problems that are to be corrected by the President. No Analysis as to the cause of the Problem. No Planned actions to attack the problem. No time-line on when the problems will be settled either permanently or temporarily..Her presentation solely bears positive figures and yet no visible result can be seen. I do hope that TV Stations in the Philippines will air the SONA that was being given by other well established countries such as Singapore. This is for the Filipinos to know how the Government should be governed.

Itaguyod ang panibagong pananaw ng pagiging isang tunay na Pilipino!!!

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The funeral cortege of former Pres. Cory Aquino: My tears came naturally by: Joey de Leon

Wala na sa piling ng mga Pilipino,
Tinig ng awiting Mga Kababayan Ko,
At lumisan na rin noong isang Sabado,
Inang nagpalipad sa awiting Bayan Ko.

Ako'y sumasaludo, paalam Pangulo,
May isa 'kong lihim, kay tagal itinago,
Sa lahat nang inabot kong mga namuno,
Tanging ikaw lang sa luha ko'y nagpatulo.

Marami ang nalungkot sa iyong pagyao,
Magalang ang lahat at puno ng respeto,
Nagpasalamat pa nga Kapamilya sa 'yo,
Dahil kanilang himpilan naibalik mo.

Subalit ano itong nabalitaan ko?
Nangyari noong Lunes, a-tres ng Agosto,
Habang inililipat ang mga labi mo,
Ika'y parang nabastos sa isang TV show.

At ang napakasaklap at masakit dito,
Ang nambastos pa'y kapamilya ng anak mo,
Napanood ito ng tao at publiko,
Kakaunti na nga, ngunit lahat nahilo.

Sabi ng TV host na mainit ang ulo
Pagkakita sa video na kanyang kasalo,
"Sandali, meron akong ano... sa'ting ano...
Hindi naman sa ano," nagkaanu-ano!

Ayon sa Internet, meron pa s'yang nasambit,
"Sana pakitanggal muna 'yan sa'ting traffic..."
At 'di maaalis sa iyong pag-iisip,
Ang parada ng patay ang pinaliligpit!

At dagdag pa daw ng naghahari-harian,
"I don't think na dapat n'yong ipakita iyan..."
Nasaan naman ang paggalang, o nasaan?
Mga sinasabi natin minsa'y pag-ingatan.

At 'di pa nangimi nang sumunod na araw,
Pinilit pa ring ginawa n'ya ay tama raw,
Mga nakarinig 'di na nakagalaw
At ayon sa iba sila na la'y napa-wow!

"... Pero ako, totoo 'ko eh ... ", sabi kuno,
Totoo nga at totoo ring walang modo,
Pwede namang sabihin itong pa-sikreto,
Kaya't wala na rin mga paliwanag mo.

"Kung ganyan, pakita na lang 'yan!", ang hamon pa,
Para bang ang prusisyon nila-"lang - lang" lang ba,
Ang pangasiwaan ay pinapili pa n'ya,
Sumunod ang himpilan, nung August 5 wala s'ya.

May mga komentong pwede nang pang-harapan,
"On camera" baga sa TV ang tawag d'yan
At kung sensitibo man ang gustong bitawan,
Pagpasok ng commercial, hintayin mo na lang.

Matutong magbaba muna ng mikropono
At saka idikta lahat ng iyong gusto,
Lagi kang mataas lahat daw takot sa 'yo,
Ratings lang ang mababa — totoo ba ito?

The breaking news breaks your heart — at 'yan ang bawi mo,
Nang mahalata mong sumablay ang pasok mo,
Pero sigurado ika'y maa-abswelto,
'Di ba ikaw rin ang may-ari ng network n'yo?

Nung Hueves nag-apologize sa diario naman,
O, akala ko ba wala kang kasalanan,
Tapos ng angalan, sunod paliwanagan —
COMPLAIN before you EXPLAIN ka na naman!

O ito kaya ay isa na namang "glitch" lang,
Tulad ng "two-zero" 'di na natin nalaman,
O ito ay maliwanag na kabobohan?
Sa tingin ng marami, mahirap lusutan.

Ang sabi ng iba — istupidong mayabang,
At giit ng iba — istupidong mayaman,
Mayaman man o mayabang ang tiyak diyan,
Napakayaman n'ya sa kaistupiduhan.

Buti pa ang apat na honor guards ni Cory —
Sina Malab, Laguindan, Rodriguez, Cadiente,
Walong oras tumayo sa ulan at viaje,
Ang lahat ay tiniis at walang sinabi.

Samantalang ikaw na may bubong sa ulo,
Komportable ka lang sa malamig na studio,
Nang kapirasong libing sa TV sumalo,
Angal at inis ang sumambulat sa iyo.

Maaari din namang pabayaan na s'ya,
Subalit ang nangyari'y mabigat talaga,
Namayapang pangulo'y huling paalam na,
'Di mo pa pinagbigyan ... hoy, nag-iisa ka!

At nais ko lang sabihin at ipagyabang
Sa mahigit na s'yam na libong tanghalian,
Sa limang pangulong sa Bulaga'y dumaan,
Kahit isa wala kaming nilapastangan.

p.s.: the above writing was made by Joey de Leon and was forwarded to me by a friend. I share the same opinion and observation with Joey regarding Willie's arrogant and disrespectful tirades both with the Former President's wake and the poor Filipinos' plight to poverty. Being an OFW, I don't find his antics towards the contestants', which mainly came from poor Filipino families, situation as funny. His show glorifies the dumbness and poor decisiveness of the Filipino people on the Television. Imagine what impact this will portray to Foreigners who may think that with 1000 peso bill, the Filipinos (as a whole) will do anything from dancing up to the point of being mock around by the giver ( such as Willie.). I am not a fan of the two noontime shows yet I find Joey to be more opinionated...

Itaguyod ang panibagong pananaw ng pagiging isang tunay na Pilipino.

geraLd=

Filipinism...

This morning, the spirit of EDSA People Power has been enliven up once again. Throngs and throngs of Filipino people were seen waiting along the road as the truck which bears the body of Former President Cory Aquino passed by. It was a hair raising experience to see Filipino people being united once again. An occurrence that has been becoming rare nowadays. I just hope that what happened this morning will last forever! I do hope that we Filipinos will rise as we wave the Flag high enough with pride! Former President Cory and the EDSA 1986 have led the way, it will be up to us, the next generation, to continue the trail.

Mabuhay!

Gerald F. Eduardo

Ignatiana days...

The month of July reminded me of the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It was during this month when the week-long Pintakasi Festival at the Ateneo was being celebrated. It involved games among the first year up to the senior high school students of the Ateneo. I fondly reminisce those days when we had the campfire during the night till the wee hours of the next day. It was fun specially during the Ateneo's 50th anniversary when some of the famous alumni of the Ateneo de Naga graced the Pintakasi event. I think that was the last time when these alumni: Raul Roco, Luise Villafuerte, and Jessie Robredo came and graced the school's event together (politically free!). After that, they have parted ways with Jessie Robredo joining Raul Roco's party instead of his relative Luise's. Those were the days when the Bikolano's dialect was being greatly promoted by the then President Fr. Raul Bonoan, S.J. It was during those days when the then lanky young Professor Danny Gerona published the book which fully defines the Bikolano's strong spirit, magnificent character, beautiful dialect, and rich culture. I miss the Ignatiana days, I miss the Ateneo's four pillars, I miss the Bikolandia... From Isarog, to Bikol land, to lofty Mayon peak, our flag is carried flying high in victory or defeat! One Big Fight to the never ending economic plight of my fellow Bikolanos back home....Keep up the courage, continue the cause of uplifting further our region!

Kobe's Tour in Singapore...

This coming July 22, Kobe will be visiting Singapore. He is bound to present the new line of Nike Shoes and perform some basketball training clinic. The ticket for this event have been given out as a complimentary. Unfortunately, all of the tickets for this event are already distributed out. But, luckily enough, my cousin was able to grab two complimentary tickets this morning! Hopefully, I will be able to get some clear photos which I aim to post here in this blogpage.

Value Life...

Once I have thought less about the fragility of Life. For me, Life is like to an adventure that you can take on with risk...Yet, last Sunday, I have realized how vulnerable it is from its surroundings. How, in a blink of an eye, one will be gone irreversibly. From this, it is clear that we must be responsible with our decisions.. Decisions whose outcome may materialize some time in the future. We are the master of our own and yet we depend with our surroundings regarding our future. ...

Being a Registered Mechanical Engineer in the Philippines...

It's been quite a long time now since I passed the board exam for the Registered Mechanical Engineers in the Philippines. Quite a long time have passed and yet even now, I still can't find any reason or purpose why the Board exam is needed in the Philippines. As per my experience, the card that comes with being a "Professionally certified" does not differentiate a person from those who do not have one during job searching(both in the Philippines and overseas, except in the Arab nations.). The only thing that I remember about this card is that it needs to be renewed after every three years. Renewed as in paying all the so-called dues... Dues for what? For trying to meet both ends during the board exam preparation? For trying to absorb every possible formulas and theorems that might popped out during the board exam? Or was it for this simple card which bears my name under the logo of the Professional Regulation Commission and a simple note which says Registered Mechanical Engineer. Quite so expensive huh. The only time that I found this card to be useful was during the time when I need to leave an ID at the canteen(of a company where I was applying with...) in exchange for a spoon and fork. Such a pity isn't it?

Imagine those poor students in the Philippines who have spent most of their families' meager properties and wealth just to be able to take this exam. It will be much more better if the students have just allocated the money for their job hunting expense. Afterall, both those with card and no card will just be treated equally during the job interview... The Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers(PSME) together with the Professional Regulation Commission(PRC) should convene and discuss the importance of being a board passer with the Companies both in the Philippines and abroad. They should act ASAP! If its purpose is to Regulate the so-called Registered Mechanical Engineers in the Philippines, then, they should impose it! If its purpose is to show that the card bearer is certified, then, they(PSME and PRC) should promote it! Else, this card will lose its essence. Else, more and more new Mechanical Engineering graduates will opt not to take this board exam since this will just be a waste of time...

Michael Jackson: Dead at 50...

I have just heard from the news the demise of one of the most influential music pop star of the 80's and 90's..That is, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. His real life maybe one of the most chaotic among the famous but, his accomplishments in terms with the music craftmanship and showmanship will be legendary.

Hence we say thank you for the music and the show Michael...

Farewell...

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen...

Good evening people. I just came from the movie house. I have watched this movie entitled Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and it's been so great!!!! I watched in awe starting from the beginning of the movie until the very last part of it. The graphic artists have continuously made a great job in showing the full luster of these robots' transformations. It's like watching a rubik's cube with its pieces rotating simultaneously without any human intervention. On the otherhand, the storyline unfolds smoothly from the beginning till climax. You will never think that there will be such a smooth flow of a storyline using robots. My only comment though was this so naive and sometimes irritating nuisance of Leo(played by Ramon Rodriguez). I hope that in the next movie, this guy will be limited to just some simple ignorance.. As he would say "Dios Mio..".

Sam Witwicky(played by Shia LaBeouf) once again became the main reason for Autobots and Decepticons' battle here on planet Earth. For Sam holds the key to an ancient myth regarding this source of energy known as the "matrix" which long before have been protected by the Primes(the ancestors of Optimus Prime).. This matrix have been buried here on earth by the ancient Primes. To further protect it from landing to the hands of the bad elements, the ancient Primes have decided to sacrifice their lives by making their own metallic alloy as its seal. Since the "matrix" is a good source of energy and is the main key to activate a tool for sucking the energy of the sun, the Decepticon's(headed by the ancient leader named The Fallen) have tried to regain it.. The future now depends to Sam, Mikaela(played by Megan Fox), Sector 7 Agent Simmons(played by John Turturro), the US Marines, and the Autobots...The movie also unfolds the future of Optimus Prime...

The movie became much more exhilirating with the soundtracks coming from Linkin Park. Kudos to all the Production team. This movie have also showcased the American Products such as General Motors, Chrysler, Hammer and its fighter planes. The right time to advertise them up this recession...

regards,
geraLd=

The effects of A(H1N1) scare!!!

Since last week, the Singapore immigration have imposed to quarantine all people arriving from the Philippines. This has been made after a sudden rise of those people being afflicted by this virus in the Philippines( to date, around 340 people...) have been reported. The quarantine period will last from five days to seven days, depending with the result of the laboratory tests that will be made to these people. As a result, our company have also released an advisory as regards to those employees who will be visiting the Philippines. The advisory states that all people who will be quarantined will be given an unpaid sick leave. Also, prior to visiting the Philippines, the employee should first need to inform the HR. This is to ensure that there will be an accounting of people who may be subjected to isolation. In connection with this recent development, all of the budget airlines, whose route includes the Philippines, have experienced a massive plunge in sales. On the OFW's point of view, this will inhibit us from visiting our family back in the Philippines with ease.. Let's just hope that this will finally be over...

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Happy Father's Day!!!

Today is the day of all of the Fathers around the globe. Happy Father's day to all of you.

Whew!!!Got blasted with my PC's collapse!!!

Since last night, I have been tinkering my laptop after it collapsed...Fortunately, I was able to recover it using the Recovery Manager. But the fuss is, I need to re-install the softwares and applications that I have previously installed..Bum!!!Whew! Windows7 is a bit sensitive to some installations that it sees as a malicious software.. Anyways, back to business people..

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Happy Birthday Dr. Jose P. Rizal!!!

Today, June 19 is the birthday of the Philippine's National Hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal. It is his 148th birthday! If our National Hero is still around today, what reactions might he have about his country? With this continuous protest that is happening in Manila regarding the Con-Ass, he might regret the sacrifice that he have made previously. Nothing have changed greatly since his demise. Nothing have changed except for the color of his former ancestral house in Calamba, Laguna which have been repainted with green(from its former greyish concrete color.). A change in which for sure will anger the National Hero given that He's been a solid Blue Eagle till His death in Bagumbayan. Kidding aside, We as a Filipino must show that we have improved towards the betterment.

We need to refocus our vision for our Country...That is, if we still dream of bringing our Country to the First World...

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