tagahasik

Save the Birds and the Marshland

2011-06-09T02:38:00.000-07:00

Cities are never complete without its share of parks. Most if not all of these parks have evolved, and the result of intensive planning, imagination, consultation and financing. Rare are places untouched by development and yet is the envy of many cities wanting to lure “the wild” in their now concrete jungles.

Such a place can then be a gem especially when located right beside the famous bay that hosts the best of sunsets. Just beside the Manila bay is some 175 hectares of marsh land and this area happens to be a major sanctuary of migratory feathered friends during the summer months to escape the bitter cold in the different continents.

To convert this area into a modern space fit for human commerce, as planned, would surely destroy this rare gem and forever forfeit our opportunity of blending nature with modern structures.

A compromise to allow a channel and a bridge in the critical Las Piñas-Parañaque Coastal Lagoon would serve the highest good; instead of the outright P14billion reclamation of some 635 has. where concrete would soon reign supreme and damn the bird sanctuary once and for all.

At the moment, bird enthusiasts and eco-tourists claim that the place is the home of endangered Philippine wild ducks and a major stopover of egrets from China and other rare birds. A newspaper article even claims that according to Michael Lu, head of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, an average of 5,000 to 7,000 birds can be seen on a single day.

Why waste this wonder in the very heart of the Metropolis especially at a time when most countries or cities for that matter, take advantage of every unique aspect found in their locality? The regular appearance of the whale shark or “butanding” in Donsol is a good example. Tourists from all over now regularly include Donsol as among their places of interests.

Why not the marshland right before a cruise along the Manila bay, then the world famous sunset?

Aside from becoming a major source of revenue, the marshland can also be a window to best practices in efforts at mitigating climate change.

morning after...

2011-06-05T22:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, it seemed like ages when I last posted. It feels like I've hybernated through the season...or seasons! Last time I checked it was February. Anyway, I'm back and here's hoping to share more of my thoughts...on anything and everything soon.

Bamboo Reforestation in Antipolo that was?

2011-02-10T18:11:00.000-08:00

Two years ago today, the Rotary Club of San Lorenzo in Makati would have been, or will still be(?) the proud proponent of a reforestation project in areas straddling the now almost denuded mountains of Antipolo in Rizal particularly a watershed.

Propagating the giant bamboo variety and planting the species all over the water shed will greatly enhance vegetation, land stability, protection of the watershed and provide a source for sustainable livelihood among farmer folks in the area.

The livelihood cum environmental protection project is estimated to sustain some 250 families in fringes of the Sierra Madre Mountains. This will also ensure a clean source of water for MetroManila and surrounding areas.

Above that, the Rotary Club's project included the 3H or what they termed as Health, Hunger and Humanitarian components in their project.

That was the idea when they broached the program funded by the Rotary International to the tune of US$300,000.00.

To seal the deal, a Memorandum of Agreement was then concluded between the Rotary Club of San Lorenzo and te farmer folks through the Nasamasabaca (Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Barangay Calawis).

The latter is a cooperative under the Department of Labor and Employment formed by former workers/employees headed by Lito Matienzo or Ka Lito to many. The organization will oversee the implementation and provide the needed labor, also as its counterpart.

Immediately after the signing, the NASAMASABACA in compliance to the timelines, built the nursery and prepared for the arrival of the seedlings. It was learned later that some seedlings were actually distributed by the Rotary Club to farmer folks, who unfortunately according to officers of the Coop, were not members of the organization and definitely not from the area.

Nothing more was heard from the Rotary Club of San Lorenzo (Makati).

Many would ask, "how can the project go wrong, we even have experts on the matter and even talked on the wonders of the bamboo; and that it would be appropriate in these parts?"

For one reason or another, the folks are asking whatever happened? They can only wonder..."and we did our best to support the program and the Rotary..."

The Governor of Rizal, Casimiro Ynares Jr., was just ecstatic during a photo shoot in the mountains when the Club, the Coop and the Barangay Officials posed for posterity almost two years ago today.

comforts and modern existence?

2010-10-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

“Look ma, I’m wired too!”

For the mothers of this generation I guess that would solicit a dismissive hmmm...”you are indeed son”, referring to the 6 year old with earphones plugged to both ears. But what if it was some 20 years ago? A mother would surely raise an eyebrow and, “what are those son? Those things can get you electrocuted and probably leave you deaf! (That is if one survives from the shock and charring effect of 6 volts!) Get those things off your ears!” And as if to complete the rebuke, this would be followed by a stare and a loud “now!” Oh, not to forget the “and I mean it!”

Technology really has arrived and...well, it has made its presence not only felt, but rightfully claimed its place, or more appropriately - throne. Yes Virginia, it has! Some 20 years ago, it was a multi-deck component. To complement the divider is a “betamax” (I bet the kids of today would wonder what I’m talking about). What about the phonograph on the side with a selection button for speeds of 45, 33 and 77?

Not long after “walkman” came striding by and from then on, everything became handier, or smaller. In place is the MP3, or for cars we can now use the USB with at least 500 songs. With the kind of traffic in MetroManila, you still have 300 songs unplayed and you’re already securely parked at destination.

The small house can now boast of an entertainment center whilst before, only a few would venture into investing a fortune on a Telefunken. That entertainment center would of course be the toast of 6 year old Junior happily shooting away with his water gun while daddy is outrageously belting it away with the neighborhood toughie with the magic mike!

Comes Monday and still nursing a hangover daddy walks into the office a bit late and is greeted by officemates with nary a glance but volunteers “how was your weekend?” “Great.” And everyone is back glued to their monitors for the rest of the day. It is like walking into a cold storage.

By the time you get home by 9pm everyone is settled securely in their “cockpits” with the kids going for the “kill” while mommy is also before a monitor and waves a hand seemingly suggesting: just a sec, I’ll attend to you. You say: “halloo their son!” The little boy looks up as if momentarily distracted as the zombies are about to ruin the lawn….

You get cleaned up looking forward to dinner and healthy bonding, voila, dinner is served (seemingly hours ago, in fact)! Mommy keeps on hollering for the kids to come to the table but everyone seems to be busy or simply uninterested.

The monitors and everything electronic have taken the place of human interaction. “Eat when you’re hungry…kids, there’s food on the table mommy will join you later as soon as I’m done with this.”

Is that a phone vibrating?

copy cat

2010-10-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

"...you're nothing but a second rate, trying hard copy cat!" - immortalized by Cherry Gil in the movie Bituing Walang Ningning

Plagiarism is synonymous to copying, lifting, stealing, illegal use, breach of copyright and bootlegging. That, courtesy of New Microsoft Office Word Document, can be accessed by right clicking the mouse. If that is not plain and simple, I don’t know what is. There are two aspects here: how the information was acquired, and where it was taken.

Keeping with the definition still, there is no mention even in the Encarta Dictionary (version) of how big or how small the plagiarized article is. In other words, theft will be theft no matter how small the item is, that is if we go by the same analogy.

This is the current issue the Philippine Supreme Court found itself when one of its Justices was allegedly accused of plagiarizing works by authors on the issue involving comfort women seeking compensation. The women’s claim is based on atrocities committed during the last world war.

In their petition to the High Court, the women, who are in the twilight years of their lives, want the Philippine Government to seek an apology from Japan, an aggressor during World War II in the Pacific theater.

The ethics committee of the Supreme Court, according to news and accounts of columnists in the broadsheets, dismissed the case against the Justice due to “lack of merit”. The accounts claimed that (Justice) Del Castillo’s researcher forgot to make the necessary acknowledgments in writing the ponencia and thus didn’t have ”malicious intent”.

How can a material escape the scrutiny of the writer if it was not his to begin with? How can a researcher pass off something that was not his, as his own? And worse, make his principal believe he (the researcher) was that impressive without the Justice taking notice, or much less raise a brow?

And to cap it all, the decision of the ethics committee tasked to look into the mess said it was a simple case of bad footnoting.

Should there be malice on the part of the perpetrator for plagiarism to be called a crime? If the hand is in the cookie jar and no permission was granted, what is that?

Under the Intellectual Property Act, there are the so called protected and unprotected works. Then again, it would have been decent had the author been acknowledged.

That said will the High Court then have the moral authority to punish those who called attention to the unethical copying?

Recently a business magnate resigned from the Board of Trustees of one of the prestigious Universities after he was accused that his speech was a hodge podge of lines from famous people. Even if the speech was made by a writer other than himself, he took sole responsibility and saved the institution.

August 10, 2010

2010-10-14T01:35:00.000-07:00

August 10, 2010 was an ordinary day with the extraordinary combination of three 10s. And if that was not enough, couples around the world took it as the best time to get hitched. To my understanding, the date would be for easy recall more than anything else, or at least to the forgetful mind.

Our 10-10-10 was spent treating the kids to the Philippine Ballet theatre’s “Romansa” at the CCP last Sunday afternoon.

The graceful and powerful performances were more often poignant interpretations of Romansa by some four or five local talented choreographers, and equally exquisite rendition by PBT talents. I swear I was even moved to tears when love at its height comes to a tragic end. Oh, how can love be so deeply felt, and much more when taken away? Ballet does that to me. My kudos to the PBT and to Stanley Cañete’s interpretation! Whew, talk of talent!

The wife and I still high on Romansa, decided to cap the day with an early dinner at Dencio’s bar and Grill at nearby Harbor Square with the kids in tow.
It is here right after dinner and while enjoying time with the kids that we were treated to another 10-10-10 world class performance by the salisi gang. The wife’s hand bag was just sitting on one of the chairs and when about to bill out, voila, it was gone!

Later it was revealed, courtesy of Dencio’s cctv, that there were a couple of guys and ladies trying to reserve a table for a group the following day; in fact, while simply distracting the receptionist and some waiters. A guy conversing over the phone walks in, passes over the target bag a couple of times, and quickly dives for the bag like a raptor on a hapless prey.

The guy passes the bag to a lady with a bigger bag and they’re gone in a zip.
The sad part was an off duty waiter was on one of the tables outside and saw the whole incident. He instantly reported the “transaction” to the guard who easily apprehended the lady. Squirming and feigning maltreatment she was able to break free, allegedly because according to the guard, the waiter was not around.

The guards at the harbor square at that time, around 6:30pm failed in their job, that of protecting customers. It was a shame, first they were able to apprehend, but did not know what to do next. There were uniformed guards as well as guards in barong huddled together. They looked menacing when together, but even then, failed to respond appropriately to the situation. And that after numerous reports of salisi gang in the area which I learned later.

Attempting to report the incident to the nearby police station across the street (that one housed by the CCP) again, another 10-10-10! The Harbor Square was out of their jurisdiction! That’s the Pasay Police, and the incident took place in Manila, a few meters from the former, in fact, across the street!
10-10-10 anyone? Well, it could be worse.

The incident also allowed me to learn a trick or two when confronted with a similar situation.

a prayer

2010-09-19T18:40:00.001-07:00

(the folowing was posted in the niner's yahoo site)

By the time this gets posted I'm sure Pilong will be on his way to Baguio, a
long, gloomy and rainy trip. He sent me a text message last night that he
should be going home today as his father was rushed to the hospital yesterday
due to persistent coughing and sudden weakness.

Atty. Swanny is at the SLU Hospital as of yesterday.

For most of us, hearing of a sick folk back home or the passing away of another
become common during these times.

Not very long ago we were all out having fun and in most instance with complete
disregard of parental leave, or that the blessing was induced by a simulated
excuse and our joy can only be with complete abandon. We were on top of the
world!

We were young, and yes, we were "immortal"! Such is the beauty as we mature,
picking up a few lessons along the way; for some, the lessons are far and
between. One lesson we all must face is that everything comes to an end…even
those we hold dear. Thus is the law of nature, what goes up, must come down.
What is given is taken back…

Some kids learn much earlier. For me it was the passing away of a much beloved
and loyal dog named Rock when I was growing up in Baguio. All throughout my
childhood, Rock was there, until one day, the dog too, must go. My folks
consoled me.

Then we learned to confront and accept sickness, or worse, death as part of the
cycle. Difficult as it may seem, it is written. When it was my folks' time, I
had my brothers and relatives. Friends were a constant source of companionship.
And God provided the strength.

I pray, as we've all done these past days, that a member of our family be given
that respite. Deep in our hearts we can only be grateful in the love of our
Creator. And strong as we are, we even seek to absorb some of the pain to
carry.

A few seconds in contemplation will always reach the ears of the Great Provider.
And as we pray for our batch mates' folks, Ephraim's included, let us do so for
Atty. Swanny Valdez, 82, and all others needing one, for speedy recovery.

Let us also thank Him for Frank's ma who recently turned 89!

Cheers!

Be well everyone.

in my face

2010-09-09T00:34:00.000-07:00

What’s in a facebook, that which millions have given their time, and for some, cost them their life story, at least?

As one not very much inclined to subscribe to this social networking site, it would be interesting to be a part of it and find out firsthand what draws many, including politicians and public figures, to dispense a few words, or to many, to a gold mine of ideas.

Or am I putting so much to it that to many, it is plainly keeping in touch!

Honestly, an officemate, much younger than this bloke was convincing enough, and actually opened one for you-know-who! Not that age has something to do with it, but opening up to new dimensions should be the option. On that score, I am always curious. So there I was, amazed when a hundred names jammed my yahoo inbox on the first two hours and almost half the number the following day.

Whew, that fast! Amazing, and some already posted messages on my “wall”. And they have a language unique in style, the product of evolution? Or in text lingo, jejemonic...

As many have gravitated to that lifestyle, I may soon be a convert...and even love it, or not at all. Whatever the reason, this is not the 1920s.

sad day in manila...

2010-09-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

(The following is a forwarded email which I lifted en toto and would like to spread. Right now there's just too much negative vibes out there; it's time we put that botched hostage drama in Manila behind us, learn from the incident and generate positive energy. This corner too, mourns with the families of the victims.)

The Filipino today
By Alex Lacson

After the August 23 hostage drama, there is just too much negativity about and against the Filipino.

“It is difficult to be a Filipino these days”, says a friend who works in Hongkong. “Nakakahiya tayo”, “Only in the Philippines” were some of the comments lawyer Trixie Cruz-Angeles received in her Facebook. There is this email supposedly written by a Dutch married to a Filipina, with 2 kids, making a litany of the supposed stupidity or idiocy of Filipinos in general. There was also this statement by Fermi Wong, founder of Unison HongKong, where she said – “Filipino maids have a very low status in our city”. Then there is this article from a certain Daniel Wagner of Huffington Post, wherein he said he sees nothing good in our country’s future.

Clearly, the hostage crisis has spawned another crisis – a crisis of faith in the Filipino, one that exists in the minds of a significant number of Filipinos and some quarters in the world.

It is important for us Filipinos to take stock of ourselves as a people – of who we truly are as a people. It is important that we remind ourselves who the Filipino really is, before our young children believe all this negativity that they hear and read about the Filipino.

We have to protect and defend the Filipino in each one of us.

The August 23 hostage fiasco is now part of us as Filipinos, it being part now of our country’s and world’s history. But that is not all that there is to the Filipino. Yes, we accept it as a failure on our part, a disappointment to Hong Kong, China and to the whole world.

But there is so much more about the Filipino.

In 1945, at the end of World War II, Hitler and his Nazi had killed more than 6 million Jews in Europe. But in 1939, when the Jews and their families were fleeing Europe at a time when several countries refused to open their doors to them, our Philippines did the highly risky and the unlikely –thru President Manuel L Quezon, we opened our country’s doors and our nation’s heart to the fleeing and persecuted Jews. Eventually, some 1,200 Jews and their families made it to Manila. Last 21 June 2010, or 70 years later, the first ever monument honoring Quezon and the Filipino nation for this “open door policy” was inaugurated on Israeli soil, at the 65-hectare Holocaust Memorial Park in Rishon LeZion, Israel.

The Filipino heart is one of history’s biggest, one of the world’s rare jewels, and one of humanity’s greatest treasures.

In 2007, Baldomero M. Olivera, a Filipino, was chosen and awarded as the Scientist for the Year 2007 by Harvard University Foundation, for his work in neurotoxins which is produced by venomous cone snails commonly found in the tropical waters of Philippines. Olivera is a distinguished professor of biology at University of Utah, USA. The Scientist for the Year 2007 award was given to him in recognition to his outstanding contribution to science, particularly to molecular biology and groundbreaking work with conotoxins. The research conducted by Olivera’s group became the basis for the production of commercial drug called Prialt (generic name – Ziconotide), which is considered more effective than morphine and does not result in addiction.

The Filipino mind is one of the world’s best, one of humanity’s great assets.

The Filipino is capable of greatness, of making great sacrifices for the greater good of the least of our people. Josette Biyo is an example of this. Biyo has masteral and doctoral degress from one of the top universities in the Philippines – the De La Salle University (Taft, Manila) – where she used to teach rich college students and was paid well for it. But Dr Biyo left all that and all the glamour of Manila, and chose to teach in a far-away public school in a rural area in the province, receiving the salary of less than US$ 300 a month. When asked why she did that, she replied “but who will teach our children?” In recognition of the rarity of her kind, the world-famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States honoured Dr Biyo a very rare honor – by naming a small and
new-discovered planet
in our galaxy as “Biyo”.

The Filipino is one of humanity’s best examples on the greatness of human spirit!

Efren Penaflorida was born to a father who worked as a tricycle driver and a mother who worked as laundrywoman. Through sheer determination and the help of other people, Penaflorida finished college. In 1997, Penaflorida and his friends formed a group that made pushcarts (kariton) and loaded them with books, pens, crayons, blackboard, clothes, jugs of water, and a Philippine flag. Then he and his group would go to the public cemetery, market and garbage dump sites in Cavite City – to teach street children with reading, math, basic literacy skills and values, to save them from illegal drugs and prevent them from joining gangs. Penaflorida and his group have been doing this for more than a decade. Last year, Penaflorida was chosen and awarded as CNN Hero for 2009.

Efren Penaflorida is one of the great human beings alive today. And he is a Filipino!

Nestor Suplico is yet another example of the Filipino’s nobility of spirit. Suplico was a taxi driver In New York. On 17 July 2004, Suplico drove 43 miles from New York City to Connecticut, USA to return the US$80,000 worth of jewelry (rare black pearls) to his passenger who forgot it at the back seat of his taxi. When his passenger offered to give him a reward, Suplico even refused the reward. He just asked to be reimbursed for his taxi fuel for his travel to Connecticut. At the time, Suplico was just earning $80 a day as a taxi driver. What do you call that? That’s honesty in its purest sense. That is decency most sublime. And it occurred in New York, the Big Apple City, where all kinds of snakes and sinners abound, and a place where – according to American novelist Sydney Sheldon – angels no longer descend. No
wonder all
New York newspapers called him “New York’s Most Honest Taxi Driver”. The New York City Government also held a ceremony to officially acknowledge his noble deed. The Philippine Senate passed a Resolution for giving honors to the Filipino people and our country.

In Singapore, Filipina Marites Perez-Galam, 33, a mother of four, found a wallet in a public toilet near the restaurant where she works as the head waitress containing 16,000 Singaporean dollars (US $11,000). Maritess immediately handed the wallet to the restaurant manager of Imperial Herbal restaurant where she worked located in Vivo City Mall. The manager in turn reported the lost money to the mall’s management. It took the Indonesian woman less than two hours to claim her lost wallet intended for her son’s ear surgery that she and her husband saved for the medical treatment. Maritess refused the reward offered by the grateful owner and said it was the right thing to
do.

The Filipina, in features and physical beauty, is one of the world’s most beautiful creatures! Look at this list – Gemma Cruz became the first Filipina to
win Miss International in 1964; Gloria Diaz won as Miss Universe in 1969; Aurora Pijuan won Miss
International in 1970; Margie Moran won Miss Universe in 1973; Evangeline Pascual was 1st runner up in Miss World 1974; Melanie Marquez was Miss International in 1979; Ruffa Gutierrez was 2nd runner up in Miss World 1993; Charlene Gonzalez was Miss Universe finalist in 1994; Mirriam Quiambao was Miss Universe 1st runner up in 1999; and last week, Venus Raj was 4th runner up in Miss Universe pageant.

I can cite more great Filipinos like Ramon Magsaysay, Ninoy Aquino, Leah Salonga, Manny Pacquaio, Paeng Nepomuceno, Tony Meloto, Joey Velasco, Juan Luna and Jose Rizal. For truly, there are many more great Filipinos who define who we are as a people and as a nation – each one of them is part of each one of us, for they are Filipinos like us, for they are part of our history as a people.

What we see and hear of the Filipino today is not all that there is about the Filipino. I believe that the Filipino is higher and greater than all these that we see and hear about the Filipino. God has a beautiful story for us as a people. And the story that we see today is but a fleeting portion of that beautiful story that is yet to fully unfold before the eyes of our world.

So let’s rise as one people. Let’s pick up the pieces. Let’s ask for understanding and forgiveness for our failure. Let us also ask for space and time to correct our mistakes, so we can improve our system.

To all of you my fellow Filipinos, let’s keep on building the Filipino great and respectable in the eyes of our world – one story, two stories, three stories at a time – by your story, by my story, by your child’s story, by your story of excellence at work, by another Filipino’s honesty in dealing with others, by another Pinoy’s example of extreme sacrifice, by the faith in God we Filipinos are known for.

Every Filipino, wherever he or she maybe in the world today, is part of the solution. Each one of us is part of the answer. Every one of us is part of the hope we seek for our country. The Filipino will not become a world-class citizen unless we are able to build a world-class homeland in our Philippines.

We are a beautiful people. Let no one in the world take that beauty away from you. Let no one in the world take away that beauty away from any of your children! We just have to learn – very soon – to build a beautiful country for ourselves, with an honest and competent government in our midst.

Mga kababayan, after reading this, I ask you to do two things.

First, defend and protect the Filipino whenever you can, especially among your children. Fight all this negativity about the Filipino that is circulating in many parts of the world. Let us not allow this single incident define who the Filipino is, and who we are as a people. And second, demand for good leadership and good government from our leaders. Question both their actions and inaction; expose the follies of their policies and decisions. The only way we can perfect our system is by engaging it. The only way we can solve our problem, is by facing it, head on.

We are all builders of the beauty and greatness of the Filipino. We are the architects of our nation’s success.

To all the people of HK and China, especially the relatives of the victims, my family and I deeply mourn with the loss of your loved ones. Every life is precious. My family and I humbly ask for your understanding and forgiveness.

on my honor...

2010-08-02T21:45:00.000-07:00

This morning as I scanned the papers, I was moved to tears upon reading the story of the 24 Boy Scouts who perished in a plane crash somewhere in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Madh, near Bombay, 47 years ago. They were to attend the 11th World Scout Jamboree in Marathon Greece. Please allow me to share some of the accounts as lifted from the article in the Manila Bulletin of today.

In the Sub-Camp at Antiochis where the Philippine contingent was to set up its base, “fifty-mile winds struck knocking down tents and spraying sand and dust everywhere, sweeping and destroying many fixtures. Nature herself was crying and sending a somber atmosphere in sympathy at the ill fate which befell the noble Scouts…”
The account featured in the paper on page F-1 had a subtitle: “Breaking their promise:” It was a promise to parents and friends that they would return… But as tragedy makes no leave, it was the lives of these young Scouts (and other passengers in that flight) that have been snuffed on July 28, 1963.

Determined to fulfill the duty to participate, the Philippines on August 3, 1963 sent a token contingent composed of three Scouts.

The president of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Fernando E.V. Sison, in conveying his message to parents and kin said in part: “My friends, it is not given to man to bring the dead back to life. But perhaps it would be wrong or amiss for me to say here that in more than just a symbolic way, these Scouters and Scouts are not dead. They live, and shall continue to live in our midst. Their spirit of honor, of loyalty to God and Country, their allegiance to the Scout Law of helping people at all times, this spirit of honor did not perish in the Arabian Sea; this spirit of honor came back to us with these mortal remains. And this spirit has entered into thousands of young hearts who look forward to their Scouting days of yesterday.”

In behalf of the parents, Antonio C. Delgado, father of Scout Jose Antonio Delgado, responded: “For this is the other side of the coin of grief, The glory. The honor. The triumph. …In the forefront of these boys’ minds were always held as shining goals the noble ideals of the Scout oath: ‘honor …duty …God …country! These boys kept their honor; and they kept the faith; and they gave their all for their country…and I am sure they kept themselves in the friendship of God.”

At the center of Tomas Morato their monument stands proud, and as I pass that rotunda, I am always reminded of my scouting days, what it has done for me; and my responsibilities as a Scout.

And as I grieve for them and their parents, deep in my heart, I know their lives did not go to waste.

Once more, on Laiban Dam

2010-07-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

The plan to build the Laiban dam that would effectively inundate major portions in the mountains of Tanay Rizal and displace several upland tribes, was scuttled early this year after a failure in the meeting of the minds between the Maynilad Water Services and the conglomerate San Miguel.

Another group is interested in constructing the collosal dam coming up with the same volume of water for MetroManila’s daily requirements for decades, proposing a lower construction cost...err to the government, and of course to be shouldered by the unsuspecting consumers. Are we not already paying for the rehab of Wawa dam?

The administration of P-Noy has already spoken and it would look into better alternatives with the consumers in mind as a priority concern, not the cost and definitely not the untold damage it would cause the environment. There are alternatives, one of which is the rehabilitation of the Wawa Dam; and the reforestation of surrounding areas, which should expand to bigger portions of the Sierra madre ranges.

The recent destructive floods hitting MetroManila and Central Luzon could not have been prevented by bigger dams as earlier mentioned, and in fact, the unmitigated or sudden release of water from the dams due to continuous rains was the major culprit.

Most of our rivers empting into Laguna Lake and into Manila Bay are heavily silted, of course, from denuded forests. It’s not the forests’ fault, but of illegal including legal loggers. Replacing century old trees will not cut! Not replacing them at all is even worse.

We will always run out of water during the long dry spell without the trees. And we will always de inundated like the effect brought about by Ondoy and Pepeng without the trees.

Why not spend on rehabilitating the old Dams, dredge rivers and reforest our countryside? Why not indeed?!

yamato - drummers of japan

2010-07-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

Staring at the Skydome of SM City North EDSA was the least imposing structure that crystallized in my mind as I scanned the night sky in Quezon City last Saturday, July 10, 2010. But it didn’t really matter as the lawn and small trees (and lighted later) along the walkways allowed my mind to wander aimlessly as I stood under the drizzle protected by the glass roof waiting for the gates to open by 7:30 p.m. , and the time was just 5 p.m.

This is one of the rare opportunities that I would not pass, to watch the Yamato Drummers of Japan live – for free together with my family. So I allowed the wife together with the kids to while the time away and take in something in the mall while I made sure we got tickets for the performance even if we had to squat on the floor. The roof deck garden was just amazing.

By 7:30 p.m. those without reservations were finally allowed to enter (those with reservations were allowed to enter much earlier - 7 p.m.) and the long wait together with a thousand others filled the venue, and to my surprise was able to accommodate 1,200, and comfortably!

The show started exactly 8 p.m. with a representative from the Japan Embassy extolling the troupe’s origin, the tour around the world, sponsors and finally the Philippine-Japan Friendship Month. We were also introduced to two Japanese words, Wadaiko (which means Japanese drums) and Yamato, once the ancient capital of Japan. And Yamato was also the name of Nara, a prefecture where the group originated and the birthplace of Japanese culture.

Taiko drumming is an ancient practice and they believe in the power of the drums. The troupe was founded in 1993 by Masa Ogawa and has performed in over a thousand shows to a million people in more than 20 countries around the world.

We were soon seated way before the lights were deemed when the first beat hit the leather held tight on ancient wood. It was percussion meant for the heavens to hear, as in the olden times.

And how can I not feel in awe when the rhythm could only but be pleasing to the gods. Electrifying. The audience did not think twice and soon joined in when sought by the drummers to participate. Obviously, even the performers immensely enjoyed their act.

The harmony produced by the different drums, both in size and in sound, and struck in martial arts fashion was likewise a show meant to delight.

The evening was not simply a cultural performance it was a gala at its best. An encore even followed after a standing ovation from the crowd. Pictures where then allowed to be taken after with the performers.

As we walked into the night after the show, everyone seemed elated and enriched by a conquering troupe.

Come to think of it, in the olden times a drummer signals an anounncement, be it the welcoming of a guest, marching off sldiers to war, or simply the openning of the palace gates, or the farewell to a royalty...they surely openned our hearts and minds that night. The kids, I am sure, will remember that night for a very long time.

More of this kind please...

(pictures herein were lifted from wikipedia and those posted by on-line ticketing outlets)

insight

2010-07-08T02:15:00.000-07:00

Campaign contributions are reported by candidates after the elections. This is fine. And the only law that limits campaign spending is the P10 per voter rule. That means with 50 million voters, a candidate is limited to P500 million. Spending beyond that becomes illegal. That much is clear.

As we have seen in the last campaign leading to the elections this year, there seems to be no limit a private individual can contribute.

On the one hand, contributions are of course anchored in altruistic belief. A contributor longs for good governance, delivery of justice and equality for all which the contributor believes are embodied in the candidate’s program of government. The contributor cannot expect anything less.

On the other hand, the candidate-elect’s obligation is the delivery of good governance. It is simply a reflection of what the great majority wants – he or she simply inspires them to work on and deliver equality, justice, development… and freedom from poverty – nothing less.

Should a contributor (giving a whopping P10 to P15 million) be rewarded or appointed to a position, he or she must be very good, and very rich. What if the appointee-contributor did not give money for the campaign should we be led to believe that he must be the right guy for the job (proposition).

Granting that the appointed (contributor) is really the right guy for the job (and he gets appointed) should we then ignore the fact that he gave money for the campaign? If it was not a campaign where money was donated, should that contributor be expected to receive or be assured of something in return?

There are laws that protect donations, and there are conditions.

My only concern is what do I tell my kids when they ask “where does the line dividing altruism and betting begin”?

That contributor sure is a numbers guy.

walk

2010-07-06T19:17:00.001-07:00

It is believed that walking can enhance one’s way of thinking, or at least motivate one to think. And what better way to do the walk than in the morning when the sun is just right and the air is…well fresher.

Have you noticed that at some point one gets ideas just by walking to the workplace or at least figures out how to break down a problem and find solutions to smaller puzzles and in the process solve the bigger puzzle, if not a perplexing scenario.

For others still, a walk allows the creative juices to flow.

Walking is an exercise and constant thinking, including imagination or visualizing, many believe, can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Exposure to the sun in the morning also strengthens the bones.

If these are some of the wonders provided by walking, why then the rush to our workplaces? Slow down, pace the walk, appreciate your surroundings, and enjoy the opportunities provided by the morning walk.

one step at a time

2010-07-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

The confiscation of 148 illegal “wang wangs” and blinkers in 6 days in MetroManila after P-Noy’s edict in his inaugural speech is not a bad call. In fact, it is very welcome. It could be the signal of the reforms the Filipinos have been waiting for.
To some, the effort is pure show and is puny if at all, as compared to real reforms in government.

Looking into the proliferation of these devices, we get a glimpse of a bigger picture, or to be blunt about it, a mess, and growing by the minute.

First, the use of these devices announces an official or an important function, or in many instances in exigencies obvious enough, such as a fire truck rushing to a scene, an ambulance racing to save a life. Or even police officers in hot pursuit. Of course we see in western movies plain clothes police officers in their vehicles receiving a distress call, he then calls for back up, turns on the siren with flashing lights and bolts from the slow moving traffic, cuts across to the incoming lanes and…and the rest is Hollywood stuff.

In this jurisdiction there are several laws which prohibit the use of sirens and blinkers on private vehicles. Those allowed to install these devices in their vehicles are police cars, ambulance vehicles and fire trucks. The laws so far cited are PD 96, RA 4136 and Administrative Order 122.

The reason to allow certain vehicles to be equipped with sirens and special lights are obvious, but to arrogate the authority unto private vehicles and the privilege or right by its owners to zoom in and out of traffic is arrogance.

If indeed there is reason to pass other vehicles on an emergency mode, one only needs to turn on the hazard, and headlights for good measure.

At the moment, drivers in the metropolis almost always give-in to an “emergency” situation, of course reluctantly. And every time a heavily tinted SUV blares its wang wang in deep traffic, passions flare bringing with it rising blood pressures almost always hitting the stratosphere! Inconsiderate? Arrogant! Both.

The illegal wang wangs and attitudes displayed by the owners only complicate matters, though a problem by itself; the even bigger problem is the traffic mess in MetroManila.

One step at a time? For now, I salute P-Noy for initiating change, change that begins with and involves discipline, even on the streets.
We always want change, and with a new President willing to take on the challenge, what have we got to lose? We can turn things around, your choice.

Bayan Park Part II

2010-06-15T01:45:00.000-07:00

Baguio City - The morning was comfy cold last Saturday June 12, 2010 with the sun already high attempting to break free from the overcast now engulfing the heavens. Surely the day will not go by without the rains pouring hard later.

It was nine in the morning and half a dozen senior citizens were already at the
site together with three barangay kapitans and a representative from the
Philippine National Police clearing selected areas within the patch where we
also intended to plant 50 grown Gemelina trees. The saplings were courtesy of
the Benguet Corporation Forestry Division through Danny L's connection.

This is our second year of planting in this area.

It turns out the early crowd, enthusiasm etched on their faces, were there to
assist some 15 gals and seven Stouthearted Men in that day's activity. Between
us, planting 50 trees became literally a "walk in the park".

After a few minutes' introduction and light banter, work began earnestly and
with much levity the job was done just beyond an hour. Much of the time was
consumed on photo ops.

The saplings were about two feet with good roots, prospects of survival was
high, as observed by the kapitans. With the rains, and the variety, we expect
to see them grow by another foot or so by the end of the year. What about the
brush fires in summer? "Our plan is for electrification of the park, fencing
and hopefully a night guard", said one of the kapitans.

Tall order but with the right people in the City Council," we can do it", he
added.

By 10:30 everyone converged by the covered court where we found young guys
displaying prowess in the hard court. Soon after, hot chow found its way to the
court beside the Barangay Hall, fresh from our all time fave - the Tea House.

Pusta ako, George Caburao said:" pansit yan, fried chicken at lumpia"! What can
I say? The guy is right. True enough, plans can be done to the letter, reuse,
reduce, and recycle…hahaha, not the menu for cryin out loud! But then again the
fulfillment right after planting, early lunch was the best deal one can have.

The girls have plans and so the boys left to their own, dispersed early to
prepare for a ball game later in the day. Harry and yours truly still in high
spirits paid nearby Gethsemane a visit.

Voila! Surprise of surprises, the dilapidated buildings that marked the side of
that mountain have all been torn down.

A lone façade behind barbed wires (still) stand mute witness to a once lively
compound to some twenty kids run by the Gethsemane Orphanage which funds have
dwindled through the years.

Harry and I felt the sudden silence of the surrounding dark mountains save for
the softly blowing wind and could only guess; and so text messages travelled
fast until Ron H. texted me later in the afternoon that the kids are temporarily
billeted at the Children's Ministry some 500 kms in Barangay Maligaya, Mabitac,
in Laguna. Ron explained that he will be informed as soon as the orphanage
resumes in Baguio.

On a brighter note, the trees we planted at the Gethsemane grounds are now much
taller sans the cheerful kids that took care of them. We can only hope, for
now, if it is also any consolation that the perimeter fence will be some sort of
protection, and in the remotest of plans, be spared from future development in
the area.

It rained in the afternoon like blessing, soaking the grounds while giving
sustenance to the newly transplanted saplings. Elsewhere in Baguio, the Boys'
High Alumni was winding up its affairs for the day at the Gonzaga Building.

Our appreciation goes out to the Barangay Kapitans comprising 13 barangays of Bayan Park, the Senior Citizens of East Bayan Park lead by Mrs. Olarte and the Philippine National Police for their support and enthusiasm in our shared
passion;the SMF and the Girls of '79 for the continued effort at making Baguio
a better place;Eric Rondez for coordinating; Danny L for the trees; Geoffey P
for the lunch and the rest of the guys who travelled to be part of the fun,
thank you.

(For this activity, the streamer and the shirts are of last year's vintage (REUSE). Although the idea remains the same (RECYCLE?)the tree planting's budget was much smaller (REDUCED?). - renea

summer

2010-05-19T02:27:00.000-07:00

In a couple of weeks, that is if PAGASA’s forecast hits the mark, we’ll be experiencing rains. Surely this is welcome news especially in the agricultural sector but not necessarily so for some, like construction. The changing seasons, we brace them or we suffer the consequences…

But for children summer means fun, and more fun no matter. So growing up in Baguio, where most of the country’s denizens flock to during this time, I guess it was much like the rest. Children will always find ways to enjoy, be it in the beach, the mountains, or even in crowded streets.

Children are universal, where adults will seek…places etched in their minds. Children will savor the moment, while adults will plan. The innocence of children will shield them from frustration, while adults most often find reason for frustration.

Just last weekend, we found ourselves in Splash island which is just a few minutes drive into the SLEX. Take Southwoods exit turn right then left after the Church. The kids, including the parents just had a blast!

A couple of weeks earlier, Caba in La Union was our destination together with family and relatives on my mother side. The day was perfect at the resort and despite the heat, coconut leaves swayed in the wind. The blue sea was calm with small waves ebbing gently on the gray sand dotted with shells and pebbles. By late afternoon as the crimson sun rested on the horizon, tiny crabs would peak and crawl before they get drawn into deeper water.

The pictures speak better.

national elections 2010

2010-05-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

The grim and bloody forecasts on election day was a dud – and gladly so!
The early turnout of voters trooping to yet longer lines with very limited PCOS or the Precinct Count Optical Scan machines in polling places did not in any way dampen or deter the spirit of the great majority which clamors for change.

The presence of police and government troopers in known hot areas pre-empted outbreak of election related violence though there were still incidents, mainly isolated after the polling places closed on May 10, 2010.

The day after was marked with proclamations and celebrations for the victorious; and conceding candidates for those vanquished.

The automation of our elections has brought a new day in our long history of fraud tainted exercise. Many of our soothsayers, of course, have been proven wrong by the speed with which the numbers were delivered and in the process erasing doubts and aspersions of malice supposedly to be perpetrated by the comelec itself and alleged losing candidates. In the past as in today, we only have winners and the cheated.

Some losing candidates this early already took the opportunity to announce their bids in the next elections and even hinted on their plans while waiting. This was a rarity in past elections. Modern technology specially the use of the media has taken its rightful place in these parts. It really looks good on the screen to act like a statesman and that’s the farthest most can do, especially after spending billions.

And after all has been said and done, it’s time to clean up their acts…and begin with the volumes, albeit tonnes of posters, streamers and billboards now strewn all over. Trash, that is. And hopefully, next time around, there won’t be posters and streamers nailed on the trees.

abstract

2010-05-06T23:19:00.000-07:00

A myopic insight into our society would readily reveal that we discriminate. From the color of our skin to the school we graduated from, we identify who our friends should be or should not be.

Early on our parents would tell us what school we should go to. Even employers seek only the crème of the crop from the few top universities to the point of discriminating the “other universities”.

Head hunters would only take graduates from the top schools, Ateneo, UP, La Salle, UST. Newspaper ads even boldly go to the point of identifying the schools and announcing that if one is not a graduate of these schools, he or she need not apply.
There is no argument, the schools have honed and polished their graduates to the point that we begin to envy them, simply because realize we’re not.

We as a people have nurtured this belief that true enough, our leaders even captains of industries should come from the elite of society. Of course gone were the days when one made it on his or her own despite the lack of formal education, nevertheless, these same institutions would readily give a honoris something just so an endowment can be arranged. It works both ways.

This corner did not vote for Erap during his resounding election victory, but then I could not agree with the manner he was booted out. It was in the grand scale of total disregard of the majority which voted him into office. Of course Erap was the face of poverty, or so he claimed. Civil society or the noisy few miserably failed in that score. And it greatly failed by installing the likes of which perpetuated massacres for political exigencies.

It is sad how at times we can be cruel to our kind, just because we don’t like his face or that habit, or that he came from the other side of the fence. It may not be the schools’ fault at all, but seemingly, the very institutions turned a blind eye every step of the way. Not one spoke against the odd ad placement, not one spoke against seeming discrimination among employers, why not indeed!

It is no wonder then that as top universities jockey for recognition (locally of course), we find this country, which they supposedly serve, in a quagmire.

roles we play

2010-05-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

Three days to elections. And the air is thick with speculations: that there will be a failure of elections; that the high tech machines will eventually malfunction (like the time it was tested just a couple of days ago); that violence will mar the preparations; that there will be a massive blackout and a whole lot of scenarios.
The sad part is these announcements of grim predictions have been repeated day in and day out by no other than ranking government officials.

Of course, the main and ultimate beneficiary of either scenario would be the President. A resultant hold over will prolong the powers of the incumbent. Who knows, a martial law can even spice up the situation?

President Obama could not even hold his piece when he voiced out clean elections. In Europe, there is the problem in Athens, in Southeast Asia there is the Thai political problem escalating by the day. Can there really be a contagion in matters like these?

Well, America believes there is a problem in these parts.

Do we really need a neighbor to tell us we have a problem? Or are we simply playing out a role expected of us?

save the trees

2010-04-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

Most candidates, including party list representatives in the May 10, 2010 elections, should hang themselves, at least, in shame.

I say this not only because it is Earth Day, but to dramatize the brazen attack and wanton disregard for the hapless trees lining the islands and roadways becoming billboards of these candidates. And to secure their places on the unreliable memories of man, the candidates’ posters are nailed in place.

At times how I wish I could pull down these posters (even if it were not nailed) and just burn them! But then that would be two counts of violations: one would be against the candidates’ right to free speech; and the other would be for the burning - a violation of a relatively new law on clean air act. Right, even if what you’re burning is trash, one can be cited for violating the law, and do damage to the ozone layer at the same time.

I really wish the trees could be spared, and not only during election time, but throughout the year even from tubero and pest control ads and the like. The situation is pathetic and I pity the trees. The candidates should lead the crusade to save the trees, let alone the forests, which most politicians “protect”, for their own interests anyway, but that’s another story.

It’s barely six months after the “Ondoy” tragedy when we sorely missed the trees and the protection it could have afforded us. We vowed to plant more trees, and here we are again, destroying what’s left of the trees....as if “Ondoy” never came.

And soon after the elections and in time for the rains, when all the streamers and posters will have served their purpose, surely, these same materials will find their way into the sewers and once more clog them inducing floods of even greater proportions. It really doesn’t have to take an Ondoy to flood the Metropolis; it takes clogged drainage and irresponsible people, including those who remained silent to bring about a catastrophe.

Yes, Virginia, sad to say, man-made.

When all the trees in the mountains have been chopped even the mighty dams cannot stop cascading waters from flowing down into the valleys and there find its level. We are not victims of a harsh environment; we are victims of our own folly, and greed.

And as we witness and experience floods of great proportions and earthquakes of untold intensity, including extremes in the climate, we should all hang ourselves in shame. If we don’t, the following generations will make sure they (un)learn from us – how’s that for a legacy?

So please, politicians and candidates, walk the talk! Stop the desecration.

the smile on your face

2010-04-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

What’s a face without a smile? Then again, what’s sadness without tears? What’s a threat without fear?

Every day we are confronted with varying circumstances that trigger different responses. And an individual too can have a unique reaction from the rest, or from a general conception. One can be pushed to anger while another can simply be amused. Another can sulk after a bitter break up while the other can find opportunities to discover things he or she never even dared dream about.

Emotions are responses that can make, or unmake us. It can ruin our day, or it can be an opportunity to shine; either way we have that choice. We can smile a lot, be positive and in the process influence the way we think and do things. We can even be a positive influence to others who may for one reason or another be suffering from an “incurable” emotional baggage.

However we put it, life is too short to waste on “trivial” reactions or emotions” which can be avoided and still live a full life. Take the situation of Ms. Jealous who spent most of her waking hours putting every cent of anger and every penny of plotted revenge into that tiny piggy bank. Sooner or later that piggy bank will not be able to hold all those nickels and dimes; it will spill out.

We are like batteries running out every day, every minute, and every time an effort is focused on anger or unproductive effort, we give up that opportunity to do something worthwhile. We give up that chance to discover the best in us.

Resolve to make efforts at harnessing that energy into productive use. And then the world begins to have color, after all, this is a great life, and the only time we have!

defense

2010-03-30T01:03:00.000-07:00

Work, mainly has sidetracked me from this site. There has been a lot brewing lately, especially in the field of politics. Figures from the different weather stations among our presidentialbles have started to dip, but surely the figures will surge and show true colors immediately after the elections.

Then there was the much awaited fight between Pacman and Clottey in Texas last March 13 at the multibillion dol stadium - home of the Cowboys. A magnificent defense there by Clottey. It was like rounding up the coaches in the middle of the prairie while the whole Indian nation attacked systematically armed with bows, arrows, machetes and spears, and the blood curdling war cry.

Seemingly outnumbered and outmaneuvered, Clottey submitted to a power-punching Pacman scoring all the way from round 1 to the end, save for a round. In the end Clottey and most viewers claimed that it was the speed and constant pummeling that did him in. There was indeed no time to position and set the motion for a counter. That’s boxing.

How I really wish it was that way with our country’s economic progress, executed according to plan, unbroken momentum in developing resources, devastating blows against poverty, inequality, escalating prices of basic goods and services…and so on. Like the Pacman, there were just a number of calculated risks taken.

On the contrary, we cannot even come up with a poor imitation of the defense put up by Clottey. The vast majority wallows in poverty, open to the changing extreme weather patterns, pummeled by the constant and ridiculously escalating costs of commodities, and open to machinations during election time. It is also unfortunate that the vast majority has given up the fight a long time ago. They are now resigned to their fate, toiling daily just to put something in their growling bellies. That is life.

Clottey was far luckier, and even with his recent loss, his stars are still aligned, unlike my defenseless countrymen.

Again, we have the elections to turn to, it can be a decisive event or it can spell another round of vicious attacks from the punches of “well meaning” politicians.

This time around, why not open our eyes while in defensive position and aim for even just a few right blows, instead of just flailing with closed eyes!

the work place

2010-03-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

The carbon imprint left behind by this generation will, by no means, allow future generations, yet unborn, to point that accusing finger and lay the blame as the impact of our failure will be felt long after we’re gone.

This is the reason why mitigation measures are so imperative at this point no matter how insignificant they may seem to others. All efforts, including debates, are raging and not without positive gains.

We all can contribute and put in every effort we can, starting from our homes. The next stop is where we usually spend most of our time, the workplace.

At our office, it cannot be helped that my boss who happens to be a child of the old school, relies so heavily on paper; that is for communication. The process begins with the drafting, the rewriting and finally the copy for transmittal, and all those to be furnished.

Despite efforts at making a convert, my officemates and I make it a point to save used paper and recycle them to the fullest. Among us, we make full use of the intranet and the email for communicating. We also make sure that appliances including lights are turned off when not in use, and take all opportunities to use the stairs instead of the elevators when visiting other offices for errands.

We also encourage others to do the same as we talk about our practices openly. What’s yours?

Laiban Dam no more

2010-03-05T00:51:00.000-08:00

This corner is only too glad there will be no Laiban Dam - that is if what the papers say is true. Not very long ago that was what the proponents wanted the public to hear, but then negotiations continued behind closed doors. Yes, in secrecy, probably so that the “sanctity” of the P50 Billion plan would not be bungled or scuttled.

The embers though have not died down, glowing as if proclaiming that time will come MetroManila will finally seek that needed supply supposedly impounded behind Laiban. Soothsayers believe that if the Laiban were built the foreseen problem of acute water shortage could be prevented.

That water shortage is imminent. First: the Sierra Madre Ranges are now denuded. Second, the old impounding dams are silted, holding just enough water.
Without the forests, water will simply cascade into the valleys. Without the forests top soil will be carried together with the cascading water. That is destruction, siltation, desertification and zero environmental concern, let alone protection. We have in our hands the sure formula to annihilation, unless we act on now.

It is not a grim prognosis; this is elementary.
Water levels in our dams are record lows and if the El Niño persists, we will have dry river beds with no water to fill our dams…no water and no power from the generators.

All is not lost.

On the brighter side, this is the best time to dredge the dams in preparation for the onslaught of the rainy season and the expected record breaking water volumes that will surely fill the dams. This is the time too to prepare the saplings for a massive tree planting activity surrounding and beyond the dams.

The government can fund these activities, what are the carbon credits for? Or simply, why not prioritize these projects, it’ll cost less, provide employment and expect continuous supply of water? Is this not the real sense of sustainable development?

Granting that the Laiban is pursued, surely, it will be filled with water and silt, from the denuded mountains of course. And in time, another dam will be proposed.

Have we not built enough monuments to our epic avarice?

loans and policies

2010-03-01T18:07:00.000-08:00

Brace yourself when applying for an auto loan from the banks, as I’ve found out, “lawyers and policemen” are bunched together and classified as “high-risk”. This, the loan officer vaguely attempted to explain and added that “another committee will handle the application….”

“You’re just upset”, an officemate declared. Well, why shouldn’t I be? As I groped for some semblance of logic, my officemates volunteered that lawyers like policemen are in the “high-risk careers. That may be true. But in my mind I asked “so what, I’m the one applying for a loan, not my wife?!”

Maybe I was being irrational or impertinent in my quest for an answer when I tried to ponder on the matter; the same officemate said: “I do not have the patience to explain.”

They’re missing the whole lesson. So where does the applicant come in? Why was the focus on another person when even the manager explained that I’m qualified to take out a loan? Is this not discrimination on account of affiliation? For cryin’ out loud, my wife has a bigger monthly take home!

If no one is going to speak out, who will? So I cancelled the loan from that bank and told them what I felt. The policy, if true, is unfair: to my wife, and to the applicant.

And then the officemate as if to console: “I will not want to be a lawyer.” That could be good, even better. But then I stopped there, she could one day find someone in her life who might happen to be a lawyer and that they will need a loan.

This is one of the things I do not wish even on my enemies.

On the brighter side, my insurance company Eastern Seaboard finally settled (after four months) the issue of my submerged vehicle brought about by Typhoon Ondoy declaring a “total Loss”. They will soon issue a check after I’ve completed some documents. The check will then even out my earlier loan, and keep some for a replacement car.

calamities and insurance policies

2010-02-22T22:13:00.000-08:00

Writing has indeed become a therapy of sorts; it allows one to ventilate a (de)pressing concern, it relieves, and somehow helps one to take stock and bring about a sense of focus. But of course publishing is another matter. This is partly the reason for the temporary cessation of my blogging.

The center of my ire for the past couple of months is my car insurance – Seaboard Eastern. The go signal given by the insurance company for the dealer to proceed with the repair and restoration of the Ondoy submerged car took ages, four months. Of course I did a lot of pleading and begging. The belated action in turn delayed the procurement of the necessary parts by the dealer from its source overseas and assured me that the car would be ready by April...if lucky.

In the meantime, I have been paying for the amortization and spending for transportation. Lately, I asked the bank, (Union Bank) if it could “reclaim” the car and pursue the insurance. Should there be any excess, as the car is not even a year old, that it be turned over.

I haven’t heard from the bank ever since. Come to think of it, the insurance was their in-house and my policy had the “acts of god” clause written all over it.

Not about to give up, I phoned the loan supervisor of the bank and asked for a moratorium while waiting for “developments”. I got a month’s reprieve. Not bad, at least there’s someone listening and willing to do something. I will not forget that kind gesture and will always put in a good word.

So, there. I am currently in possession of a piece of paper called policy. If justice can grind in its own slow sweet time, why not an insurance claim.

By the way, why are the likes of Ondoy and calamities called “acts of god”? As sure as day, insurance like calamities are man made. They just play on probabilities.

saplings burned

2010-02-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

A destruction, an annihilation that only man can provoke, only man can prevent.
-- Elie Wiesel

I was speechless last Saturday February 7, 2010 upon seeing the charred remains of some trees we planted late last year in Bayan Park during a revisit.

It was disheartening not only for me but for our group as well.

How can this be when it was just a stone’s throw from the Barangay Hall.

My only consolation was that the group was still willing to plant more trees the next time around. We will not stop.

homecoming...

2010-02-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. ~Elisabeth Foley

Coming home to Baguio for the weekend last week was simply full of anticipation. I had two days to accomplish three goals: a reunion with a barkada whom I have not seen for the past 32 years or so, the homecoming of our High school and that of a neighboring school.

The barkada
Our lives after second year college simply drifted apart. That was some 34 years ago today. In that barkada there was Junior, Rimond, Manny, Nelson, Rey, Dean, Romy, Bert, Sonny, Raul and Mike ( both my brothers), and Leo (bless his soul)…

Our barkada, like most, was refuge, if not a stage from and for almost everything. The barkada was a neighborhood group and so the members also composed our basketball team winning almost all our outings three years in a row in our barangay and adjoining barrios.

When it came to girls, we were like a pack of wolves on a prowl – strangely, the “ideal” girl was scrutinized by everyone in the group. Sadly, we were a bunch of amateurs when it came to the opposite sex. We could have died as a pack long time ago in the woods had we been pursuing a meal.

During parties we were all there, from the benefit dance to kasalan, binyagan, you name it. More often we would find ourselves in one of the member’s house. But we liked hanging out at kapitan’s place. Kap, as we fondly call him, was the father to two girls almost our age.

Kap’s flat was an old wooden house underneath massive Pine trees but had a commanding view of a large clearing fronting the house. There we would spend hours riding Junior’s quarter horse alternately, at times in tandem. During summer the nights were longer and we would wait for the stars before we left.

One could imagine how a basketball team, after a game would munch on anything the host would offer. I guess we ate much of their month’s supply in one sitting. Mrs Kap was always a gracious host; almost always wondering about our presence whether it was the cozy reception accorded us or her girls…and at times ventured to suggest that we were prone to barking and – a good sign we would not bite, she said. Oh well, we always thought she was referring to askals thereabout…

Junior remained in the territory and so he was first on the list. But this came about after several exchanges in email to a common friend who led me first to Rimond who is now tucked in not-so-far away Singapore. The winds then brought my emails to the scent of his older brother somewhere in the Middle East who also copied our email to Junior. The latter sent me a text message which was actually our initial communication after decades.

And so last weekend I dropped by and asked him to pay for the cab fare to which he was only too willing! A good sign the brotherhood was still intact as if the long years of parting never happened. Save for the fact that he’s now put on weight, nothing really changed.

The whole morning we exchanged endless stories covering most of the period we were apart and reminiscing over barako. Lunch seemed like a feast, it never felt that good on Saturday.

It was 3 o’clock and time to scoot off to list no. 2.

The Homecoming Part I
I reached the tambayan a little past three. The afternoon sun was bearing down somewhere in the west and the air was cold. The girls were preparing for the Homecoming dance contest early in the evening.

Len was busy over the phone hurrying everyone to be ready as Vicky was busy sewing the sequin over black pants; and Joji was pampering her face.

Though the girls were my batchmates in highschool, they belonged to an all girls’ school while I come from the other side, an all boys’ campus. They invited me this time, and I was only too willing to reciprocate, drive for them, take pictures and heap the necessary praises.

During high school days we didn’t even have a JS prom, we didn’t know each other as I was wont to indulge with anything to do with girls. Tough guys stuck to their kind, or so we thought and of course, it was because our interests were far off.

Honestly, we glanced their way every time an excuse came up like a sudden gust of wind their skirts wanting to take off like a kite leaving them busy with - what to protect, the hair or the skirt? We glanced with squinted eyes, focused for that perfect shot.

It was the best we could do. At one time, in my mind I had this new found “courage” and thought I should wink at this girl who has captivated me. Our paths crossed, I did wink and believed I got her attention….but something buckled. As if I’ve lost that air of control….it just departed me. I had to pretend for the rest of the school year that it was the tic, nothing personal and that nothing was directed at her to seek that much needed attention. Think of the flickering eyes - close to epileptic. It was pathetic!

The school days seemed endless we were resigned to longing and hoping that a summer love would, could bloom; only to find our “affairs” fade much faster than the first wind can blow the Dandelion and scatter the seeds far far away. We didn’t even come close to knowing their names.

Oh, the confused youth in me. But the barkada was always there to temper the grieving heart. The lessons often repeated were as cruel as the first, and yet the safety nets were in place.

And so last Saturday was different. The girls, we mingled, we laughed and we reminisced. How can it not be one big homecoming indeed? The homecoming was right there, where we left off.

Of course the girls romped off with a prize for their dance number later in the evening but above all, the homecoming was just in celebration of another milestone – a long running friendship. Girls, thank you for that wonderful treat.

Homecoming Part II
Immediately after visiting the trees we planted at Bayan Park, I have to beg leave from the girls so I can join the boys. Not that they wouldn’t release me, but because I really wanted to be with them.

And so off to list no. 3, the old Boys High campus at Gonzaga. The structure remained the same, except for improvements here and there.

The gym, now resurfaced, was the arena of our high school life. It is here where we came of age, where the games were played, where the songs reached high heavens, where the dances rocked Gibraltar, where the bully met his counterpart, where the meek found confidence, where friendships blossomed, where declamations reverberated, where identities were created and at times were egos shattered.

The gym housed our classrooms but not for high schoolers anymore. This is now the home of the College of Law, with a library where the gymnastics gym used to be. The comfort room on the left wing is now much illuminated with lots of ventilation and bright colored tiles. We used to call it the “dungeon”. There is now an access from the dungeon out into what used to be the practical arts rooms. Having this access is now like going out into the courtyard. Not as menacing as what we had then.

It was the Second day of the Homecoming, lunch was plentiful and everybody seemed gripped in conversations, some tables had five occupants, there were groups of a dozen or so, most in their batch t-shirts. A table was also reserved for teachers and professors. Obviously the young turks to the veterans were having a good time.

Even on the second day, introductions were still going on. You’ll have to excuse the term but in time, this bunch will belong to the “old boys club”. Not to suggest the elitist in anyway but simply because the alma mater is now co-ed.

The nominations and election run smoothly until around 5 o’clock. The 15 Board Members were immediately inducted into Office, the pictures taken and they were off into their first meeting.

No matter the number, the homecoming was still a success judging from the faces of those who were there. Though the outgoing President (Henry Tenedero of Batch 76) intimated that success of a homecoming is in the numbers, he however explained that it can be otherwise. But still we have to work on pulling the group together.

This year’s reunion was sponsored by Batch 60 and Batch 85. Next year it would be the turn of Batch 61 and Batch 86.

An approach according to Dean Dela Peña of the College of Engineering would be to link Batches where ever including overseas orgs, as long as the group composed of Boys High graduates. In turn, the Boys High Alumni becomes a part of the University Alumni, a much bigger family.

If reunions serve memories in a platter, a much bigger family can be that vehicle for change towards nation building.

The wind was now much colder and getting late. On the way back I must admit: homecomings only remind us but the bonds among friends will always be there. We have to touch base every now and then – for life!

fogey speaks up on beloved baguio

2010-02-01T01:34:00.000-08:00

There’s no stopping the fogeys when it comes to reasons of the heart. Theirs is the beloved Baguio of yesteryears which in their minds is being squandered by no less than its favorite son.

In an email, which I will not identify at this stage, shouts “dapat nang maimpeach ....walang nalalaman kundi amoy nang pera.” In the email lingo, all caps can mean loud and with the directness of a command. The email writer claims to be an “advocate for senior citizens and vendors”.

He explained that he has “no personal dispute with the mayor” then began a litany of gripes on matters affecting the city’s trash collection, attempts at hindering the view at Mines View Park, the constant cutting of Pine trees, the alleged leasing of a “heritage” reportedly to Koreans and the envisioned casino right in the middle of Camp John hay.

The very short email (first in Pilipino then a second one in English) advocated for the election into office of clean and honest officials. He said let us not be intimidated by these corrupt officials.

The guy obviously pines for a Baguio that he remembers, a City smelling of Pine scent, clean and above all, the bygone times of honest and dependable public officials.

By this the fogeys are expecting the young turks to clean up the mess. And that’s pronto! I really hope Baguio's electorate has gone full circle on this one, and we can only hope for a better Baguio.

moving on...

2010-01-28T19:55:00.000-08:00

Patience and fortitude conquer all things.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

It’s been four months now since Typhoon Ondoy wrecked most parts of MetroManila. And that’s how long it took the insurance company to issue a Letter of Authority (LOA) to proceed with the necessary repairs on my car.

The car was to be a year old when Ondoy unleashed its fury submerging almost everything on sight.

I wanted to believe that the submerged car was a small price to pay compared to what the others experienced which in most instances, there was the lost business, a house and even a loved one.

A week or so after Ondoy, people just moved on with their lives, picked up from where they were disrupted, and took everything with a grain of salt (at least for most I know of).

Lucky for us, we were all together when it happened and the kids, young as they are, did not encounter or suffer any trauma brought about by the flooding. We did pray and I believe God held us together body and spirit.

Going back to my car, it was just the other day that the insurance Company issued an LOA. There was no satisfactory reason given for the long over due repair despite my protestations. With my limited knowledge when it comes to the cause and effect of flooding on motor vehicles, I readily assumed that by this time damage just mounted beyond that initially caused by Ondoy. And so did the estimate on the damage.

After consulting with the car dealer, I was informed that it would take at least two months that is if the right components would arrive on time. Since we’re still paying the amortization of the barely one year old car, I wanted to cut on the losses by surrendering the same to the bank, the financing agent. The prolonged wait has definitely stretched my budget, not to mention my patience. The uncertainty of a future date put almost everything on hold.

Unknown to many of us is the untold cost of inaction. Always we hear of someone putting off doing this or that because of the tremendous cost involved in puting a plan into action, or buying a gadget for a certain objective. And when that episode, that which is sought to be prevented suddenly materializes, the damage can be so devastating that the cost of repair or replacement could be mind boggling. In truth, it would have cost us a fraction had we ventured and invested on the preventive aspect. And then of course, the whole exercise would not have been in vain. In the case of the effects of climate change, the damage can be very costly, at the least.

Going back to the car and the bank, if I surrender the car, the bank would pursue the insurance for whatever value. That would leave us without any IOUs, free of any liability and probably be inclined to put our hard earned money into productive use - until I called the bank’s representative. I guess I’m in for another ride. Whew!

Stay tuned for the next episode guys…

baguio's sports program

2010-01-18T00:30:00.000-08:00

Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision. - Muhammad Ali

An attempt by an unknown Korean sponsor to develop the Baguio Athletic Bowl was scuttled recently owing to alleged irregularities.

What comes to light, before politics and parochial concerns rule the day, is the current state of the athletic bowl. That is the issue. And that corner in Burnham Park, at a glance, is a monument to the City’s sports program (or the lack of it).

Even in Roman times, sports and competition played an important role in the molding of the youth and its character. Leaders are usually the product of long physical training. Youths honed in these facilities also develop mental toughness that comes from hard work and dedication to succeed.

With a poorly maintained athletic center, the opportunity to hone the youth of today is lost forever. In the mean time, the young loses interest in sports and in competition. The productive years and yearning for heroes are then directed to other endeavors, more often in the absence of a connection to sports or anything to do with similar activities, result to vices and the like. With the podiums empty, there’s no one to emulate.

In first world countries, sports are inculcated among the kids as early as schooling age. In other parts, the future of a child immediately upon birth is already foreclosed from any personal interest to a life in sports designed and based on their physical attributes, and from their genes. Then Adolf Hitler also dreamed of an Aryan race, supreme even in sports. (if only to emphasize that a country's sports program also marks a country's international standing among nations) Of course Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympics proved him wrong.

Without a venue for sports and competition, much less a program, Baguio City is at the losing end. And for Baguio’s claim to be an educational center in the Region, it must be willing to focus its efforts on sports and the development of the youth in general.

So what if the Koreans build that state of the art athletic venue? It can even be a “Build Operate and Transfer” scheme. Parks or any part owned by the City, public in character, including the Athletic Bowl is said to be beyond the commerce of man. A city government without the much needed resources, but with the genuine concern for the youth can always develop the place and put in place a MOA protective of the youth, the sports development program and the sanctity of the government property. Even local commerce stand to gain in a perfectly hosted event, just like the Olympics where countries vie for that rare honor.

If not for the interest of non-locals, the Baguio people would not have realized the significance of that place, and only because the athletic bowl has been host to many meets, but not necessarily for athletic events. It has served the needs of devotees, concerts and on an ordinary day, a perfect and convenient parking lot.

At best, the city pundits can only debate on the prospects and rage, as in the past. Our local leaders, I believe, have no one to emulate. Theirs was a period where the Baguio Athletic Bowl was just that, a place.

A stadium can only be as worthy as its host; and it can only be called as such when athletes meet every now and then to compete; when hoards converge and excitement reach high heavens in support of their athletes; and only when its stands are filled to the rafters can we proudly say “I was there, I saw him run! or I brought home a gold from this place.”

It is the modern day battlefield of brains and brawns and where characters are forged. But sadly, for the youth, it is a window of opportunity that closes after the events.

manila in sepia

2010-01-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

If you haven't the strength to impose your own terms upon life, you must accept the terms it offers you. -- T. S. Eliot

Many among our older folks would readily claim that late in the sixties the Philippines was at its peak and second only to Japan, economically that is. That must be a great time; and they continue to brag the peso was just a little below the all mighty U.S dollar then.

As if a silent movie in sepia then began to reel in my mind depicting the era and the kind of lifestyle those folks were in. Automobiles in Manila and major cities, factories churning volumes of produce for local and export, busy ports laden with shipment and human traffic, employment for those who wanted to start early on, university students brimming with pride, lush green forest in the country side cut only by modern highways, a functioning railway system with dreams of connecting the entire archipelago, a vibrant agriculture fully sustaining its populace, government housing projects and surfacing state of the art buildings,…technology transfers become the issues of the day, among others.

Manila was already a melting pot being the gateway to the Pacific. Foreigners involved in international trade watched the movement of shipment through telegraph with their products moving across the seas while enjoying Filipino hospitality. The famous Manila Bay sunset was witness to toasts made for some success of the day or transaction of sorts at the glitzy Manila Hotel lobby. They were there, diplomats, Hollywood screen idols and merchants from all over, including politicians.

In my mind the tranvia of old criss-crossed the City streets and served its purpose to the hilt.

Fast forward circa 2010, MetroManila streets are much wider now though still bursting at the seams with vehicular traffic most of the day and the humidity adds to the intensity of modern day drama on the streets. Big buildings hug the landscape. Smog shades the morning sun. Honking vehicles and the seeming Vietnamization of the streets now paint our roadways. With motorbikes jockeying for position among cars and buses, travel has become hazardous, both to vehicular and pedestrians. In a span of two or three years the number of motorbikes has increased in exponential dimensions. Well, in the countryside we have multitudes of tricycles. Now in Manila we also have “kuliglig-powered bikes” plying the streets. An observer once said: “wherever I see tricycles in town or city centers, the growth of that place either is nil or will take ages, if ever.”

In Vietnam, streets are choked with motorbikes and occasional SUVs and cars. In a few years I see a Vietnam with more cars and less of the two wheeled contraption. In highways to the country one sees busses and trucks busily ferrying both passengers and products. Even the mighty Mekong Delta and its many tributaries serve as vital link to progress. Watchers claim that Vietnam’s economy has leaped in bounds this past decade. Even its sports program has shown tremendous success producing gold medal haul in the recent ASEAN games, much more than Manila’s.

At times one really cannot help but see the progress a neighbor makes while commiserating with the kind of baby steps our country has made all these years. It is now time we leave the memories of the sixties to the older generation for their solace; and for the current generation to make a difference.

With the elections fast coming up, this corner hopes we can make another “baby step” towards progress, and hoping still, we can make changes – for the better, beginning with the kind of leaders we will choose.

on being big

2010-01-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

Big doors swing on little hinges.
- W. Clement Stone

Will anyone bet his bottom peso on “how long will it take before the ever growing (or over growing?) Mall changes the Philippine landscape forever”?

With the penchant for betting, Filipinos surely will strike pay day soon; but in the long run, be at the losing streak.

This corner is not really against “bigness” but is there no limit to growing big at the cost of being the sole entity and could also be the subject of malfunction? Can you fathom the efforts a government will do to sustain the viability of a mismanaged enterprise? There would be employment to think about, taxes owed to the government, and even the supply chain. One can imagine a paralyzed system, or even a state of temporary comma.

Is this like leaving everything to the private sector, and the government’s justification for its existence rests mainly on being the next employer, sustaining its employees simply from taxes alone?

What if that growing enterprise finally ventures into transportation, and even speculates on the thought of managing communications as well, or power generation and transmission including distribution? What if with its huge resources, it decides to control water supply?

No I don’t think so, that would be too ambitious, though not impossible. What if they pave everything on site so as to prevent leaves from gathering on the beautiful sidewalks?

Come to think of it, potted trees, synthetic of course, are washable and can even be placed indoors or disposed of when faded. And yes, children on weekends will have a beautiful park inside the malls, complete with bird sounds and water cascading on rocks.

With no alternatives to a weekend destination, I guess the malls will surely save the day. Capitalism at its best!

And then we leave to government the environment for its battle cry!

If other people build towers for the sheer record of it, why not become big just for the sake of being big?

adiue 2009

2010-01-07T00:43:00.000-08:00

(a note to my fellow niners marking a colorful 30th anniversary after graduating from high school)

The December 31 6:41p.m. "Greetings and best wishes!" of Raul Calica sealed last
year's 1,325 messages setting a record high over 2004's 1,223 figures. Raul's
posting likewise wrapped up last year's colorful 30th anniversary of the
seventyniners etching yet another milestone in reaching out to its members.

Since its debut in January of 2004, the Yahoo group with 124 registered members,
continue to reach out to a little less than 300 class members.

The instant messages on our yahoo group criss-crossed continents in different
time-zones and posted the highest number of messages last year mostly on matters
pertaining to preparations for the 30th reunion, the raising of funds,
activities and gatherings preceding the reunion and progress leading to the
December affair. On an ordinary day, it's the kumustahans and hellos of friends
and classmates. At other times it's the greetings and condolences extended.

Noted among those accomplished by the SMF last year were: the joint Tree
Planting activity with St. Louis Girls High Batch 1979 in Bayan Park last
September; the co-sponsorship of a fun run dubbed "30 for 30" in the first week
of December; donation of construction materials (worth P20,000.00) to the
victims of typhoon Ondoy (worst hit); donation of a wheelchair; Christmas out
reach program at the Gethsemane Orphanage; and cash allocation (P15,000.00) to
three of our less fortunate brethrens.

All these through the leadership headed by U.S. based Bernie F. and basically
through the yahoo group, our instant connection where ever we were.

Looking back, it was in 2004 when the yahoo group was conceptualized by Jahnee
and Ric, separately operating outside the Philippines, so the seventyniners can
have a "home". It was also at this time when the concept of a Foundation was
born. Then, it was also in 2004 when the initial talks for a Silver Jubilee
started. Exchanges and postings peaked in March of that year registering 399 in
all.

Being a "new kid on the block," the yahoo group served pretty well its members
even in its infancy stage which started with "what are you doing now, bro?" to
"what's your best memory or experience in high school?" Word got out and slowly
more joined the "party".

The SMF at this time was also taking shape: brainstorming on the entity itself
took center stage, then the call for volunteers to serve as the first directors;
there was also a debate on the basic rules including initial contribution to the
foundation; these while preparations where underway for the silver jubilee.

The following year 2005 registered 1,156 messages and everything began to fall
into place. More and more members of the batch were being accounted for.

By this time, more photos found its way into the "album." The house is finally
a home.

Every year thereafter, peak level of communication was felt except in 2008
registering the lowest with a total for that year at 570 posts. I guess it was
the calm felt before the storm. More postings resumed in January the following
year (2009) with exchanges centering on high school recollections, especially
about teachers and attempts at locating batchmates; and preparations for the
30th anniversary.

For the past six years a total of 6,190 messages were posted with year 2009
grabbing the lion share at 1,325 messages or roughly 21.40% share. Distributing
last years stats will give the 124 registered members an average of at least 10
postings each.

Brethrens, I guess the numbers tell us what we're up to. We beat this figures
and the 35th will be another, if not a more colorful event.

As we leave 2009 behind, I guess it's not too late for a New Year's reso, with
the resolve to continue reaching out and the prayer that our next batch of
leaders will continue and even do more in carrying the SMF into the future! For
the year that was, we owe each other, and our leaders, a warm congratulatory
pat!

Well done, bros!

resolution for 2010

2010-01-03T22:41:00.000-08:00

Adiue 2009, hello 2010!

Honestly, taking off for the New Year is like any other big bodied plane taxiing down the runway, one must gather speed and the right momentum for lift off. Well, not all are made like rockets - shooting from its launch pads. If the makers of the wide bodied models have “economies of scale” in mind, getting heavier during the holidays is not by choice…err force of circumstance is more like it.

Thinking of the new year and my relevance to this world is rather hazy so trying to picture myself fitting into this world will be like going back to basics – say like a new year’s reso?

Looking back, I told myself prior to last year to exercise. I just couldn’t do it so I told myself exercise the brain (instead), read more and write more! That was attainable in many ways; hmmm… lull moments at the office are fertile zones for exercising this particular field, except for the writing part which would take more flexing of the left and right spheres of the brain. Generally, this resolution of exercising the brain will be beneficial in the long run, first: one looks busy all the time in the office and secondly, no other tasks may be assigned to you…of course as you are already deep in the scheme of things.

Thirdly, this would be a good reason to celebrate at the end of the year for being able to accomplish something…or nothing at all (from another’s perspective).

That was the year past.

This year is time for “walk the talk.” This corner has blogged on about the environment and certain incidents involving family, politics, sports and the like.

This time, I intend to venture deeper into doing more for the environment and that would mean more trees (planted) for this year! Along the way, I hope to encourage more people and hopefully, institutions to take up the cudgels for Mother Earth.

I see three approaches to healing the earth. One is by not being a part of the problem; the other is by being part of the solution. And third, by taking on both. Which would you be?

Let us make a difference.

3 days in Baguio

2009-12-18T01:25:00.000-08:00

Friday was sunny and tempered with a comfortable 11 to 13 Degrees Celsius above zero when Philip and I entered Session Road in Baguio City. It was 6:30 in the morning. I said we’re home brother. First thing we did, after the night drive, was visit relations, breakfast then straight to the Court of Appeals, our “tambayan”.

The Court of Appeals is a gated compound with several refurbished old cottages of the American vintage and a big lawn on the far right where a kiosk is perfectly located. Cottage six will house the seventyniners for the three days. The place was in the heart of the City.

Not long after we’ve settled, a tall and lean guy walked in with the familiar gait. There was no mistaking, it was Ver, up early and ready to help in the packing of gifts which were deposited the day before.

Then came Arnel, followed by Mandy, Ed Cabanayan, Janee, Chito, Noel Briones, Manny D and spraken deutche Ohtee. Work on the mountain of goodies was so fast with so many hands moving, no one noticed, everything was done. Lots of cheerful talk and yarns of tall tales filled the cottage on end with digital Cs flashing.

Later in the morning, more marched in; there was Don, then Arnold Manuel, Manny Diaz, Ron Hidalgo with wife, Danny L., Bobby, and coach Rolly Mesina of team SeventyNiners. Pasky the paparazzi walked in. There was just so much energy in the tambayan that with a single spark the whole place could easily go up in flames. The build up must be the result of long years of separation. The place was ALIVE!

A short walk to Engineers’ Hill, along the Talipapa, one can find a place to eat local dishes the likes of papaitan, tinuno, kilawen, pinakbet, digu…you name it! Food looked never that good, and even if it did not, the company alone was enough to tide the hunger for another day.

The cottage was once more abuzz with several more walking in. It was a typical tambayan with the coffee table turned into tagay table. Manga ken bagoong, washed down with gin ayus!

A pick up truck dropped in and delivered 24 Pine trees for the following day’s tree planting in Gethsemane. The size was just right for transplanting and with a little care from the children; the trees will surely survive ‘til the next wet season. The delivery was courtesy of Benguet Corporation Forestry Management thru bro Danny L.

As the day slowly turned into night the guys drifted and promised to be back for more kantyawan. Pasky promised he’ll bring over more bottles – of the best kind. He earlier planned to bring the bottles to the stag party, but I guess his heart took the better of him not wanting to waste the night away. It was contagion of the good kind.

The night started young and all were gathered around until smoke swayed each to move into smaller clusters.
Then the guests, the Girls High batch of 1979, led by Len Oliva-Ding, added glitter to the stories-filled evening. Joc then took the guitar and strum the cold spell away. There were lots of reminiscing, hugging and friendly pecks as more found their way to the CA compound. It was a beautiful night.

And that was just the first day.

The following morning, the first batch bringing with them the trees, left for Gethsemane orphanage some 20 minutes drive to Bekkel. At the Gethsemane, children were already singing Christmas songs to welcome the niners. Slowly our numbers increased and so after a short talk from Janee on the caring for trees, off we went each child with a manong from the niners and planted their trees.

This was immediately followed by lunch, songs and finally the giving of gifts. Like in the past, it cannot be helped; the kids were just so happy that seeing them in that state just melts the heart. And like in the past, not even with the colossal dams of Ambuklao and Binga can stop the tears from spilling over and down into the valley below. And we thought we’re supposed to be grown ups, and yet the scene always seemingly touches the soul. Oh…the kids. And we know…we were once kids like them, and to be smothered, given attention, even for a few minutes, orphans that they are, will feel so blessed. I am sure they will cherish this moment. Sharing time, effort and some is so fulfilling.

We had to leave before we cause another cascade and flood the Metropolis like Ondoy courtesy of our tear ducts.

Like the barkada of long ago, we soon retreated to the tambayan. We were then treated to a display of how it is done in boot camp. Raul Tumada with the unusual notoriety seemed like barking orders at the top of his voice not unlike drill sergeants do, until I realized the boys were simply exchanging fairy-tales at the foyer. Some say he is reformed, and I can only affirm. Raul, Daniel Boac and Philip jestingly exchanged unpleasantries too – just like the kids we then were much to the entertainment of everyone now inebriated happily. Noel Carrera just walked in.

Oh, the child in all of us.

Then we were once more reminded of the culminating activity of the reunion, the Stag at the Cordillera House in the evening. Come as you are…and we came as we were. Some came in flip-flops, others in shorts, and in collarless shirts. But for some, it was a night of nights, and so they came in their dancing shoes and smelling of the latest manly scent.

Upon approaching the entrance at the Cordillera House, one is greeted by a 6x12 tarpaulin emblazoned with our sections: science, niners, bombers, chargers, dees and the eagles, also suitable for photo ops. More tarpaulins inside greeted us with the names under our respective sections. Cocktail was at the lower deck.

“Pare, ano na nga pangalan mo?” That was Patrick Atos feigning confidence as he approached Dean Gil Espiritu, thinking he was a batchmate. Lo and behold, we look much older than our professors and teachers.

Then to my dismay I suffered from a sudden attack of senior moment finding myself telling Mrs. Coloma in her face I was never under her class as I did not remember the face and could not also put a name. “Lastog” was the response I got from her; with her frail body and obvious age she swung a hefty right hook just above my stomach– and then I recalled her name. Ahh, Abdomen…Mrs. Coloma po!

Mr. Mina was in praises of the group for coming up with a big number. He still looked just like he was way back. “You have here a very potent group, with your numbers you can influence; write our congressman, the mayor, on matters concerning issues of the day…” Mr. Mina explained.

Mrs. Mina still looked sharp and the same, no change. Mr. Mayo is now sporting white hair and looks his age. Mr.Fernandez was there and still wears (I believe) the same black leather jacket. Yes, of course, Mr. Andal was there with everyone echoing, “heto pa sayo! At heto pa! At isa pa!” with the matching karate chops here and there.

Ms. Pacis was so delighted that she voiced out her longing for a partner and asked everyone to help her in this endeavor. She wanted to leave early and so was asked “If you leave now, ‘mam, how can you find a partner?” And her answer was: “Well boys, that’s your assignment”. Ms. Caballero and Mrs. Del Val were also there to grace the occasion.

There was no escaping; Mr. Molina joined us from cocktails to the dancing floor to the beat of our genre.

But before we hit the dance floor, Danny N brought the house down with his piece complete with props and demo all in comic fashion. But of course, he did not fail to acknowledge our mentors’ contribution to the molding of who we are now.

There was singing which was won hands down by the eagles and even came with the biggest delegation. The science section came with the least people. There was an award for the most number of kids – Geoffrey got that one, seven children. Arnel A. bagged the award for being a lolo with the most apos, 2. Then Joc was heavy favorite for still looking the way he was back in high school, still with the baby face. And for being hitched very recently, Ces Zulueta was the guy.

Our teachers were so proud that they beseeched the group, the SMF, to continue with what we’ve started. And not to be outdone, Mrs. Coloma, believing in our cause, is seeking a donation from the Foundation to help sponsor the education of poor kids in her School.

As dinner was slowly being consumed, faces appeared on the screen. Then, it was Bernie’s speech on video. In a capsule he explained our mission, our vision and the progress we’ve made. Nice one, Bernie!

Then it was the DI’s turn to coax the cold feet into the groove. However, for some, it was back to the booze and more reminiscing…perfect. As if the three days weren’t enough, the boys just have to have more time! And like in the past, Manny D. the alpha male, led the pack into the night foraging for young ones, of course, they ended up carousing “young once” in his favorite nook.

That was the second day.

Nursing a bad hangover once more, it seemed like a lazy morning. Yes, I saw Bel Abalde and Ed Espejo. Oh yes, there was Edgar Mortiz, nope – Portiz! Lapses…

And it was too early to say that the day was going to drag. The crowd just came in starting 9a.m. Again the tambayan came to life, this time with children all over the place.

The order of things: first it was the colorful parachute for shade that was spread on the lawn then hoisted, then the plastic stackable chairs. Then the food was brought in. Everything was in place, the green lawn, the parachute, balloons of different colors, tarpaulin announcing the reunion and the happy but (still) subdued crowd. The day was perfect, the sun coming in and out of clouds, comfy cold weather with most in small circles while some contentedly reminiscing or contemplating something.

The previous night’s activity still lingered in my mind. I remember the lights were turned off as George Campos spoke the names of our dear departed brothers. Arnel and Harry then lighted candles for each name. There were eleven; then the names of our departed mentors were likewise remembered.

Back to the family day: the games began, it was a riot, and the seeming nonviolent trip to Jerusalem (musical chairs) turned into a full contact sport.

The chairs were the first casualties among scratches and bruises. Then there were “get me” contests both for members and children. But all done in the spirit of camaraderie. Ed Florendo, together with the better half, was just delighted he was there. He said it was “well worth the trip”.

Jun Ursua said he was bent in joining this activity, though he bought his ticket much earlier his superior still wanted the upper hand at the last minute. Jun flew all the way from Dubai and joined the activities. “I won’t miss this for anything”, he believed.

Rollie Obusan was the usual silent type. But yes, for the record, he was still hot item among the girls the previous night, so with Danny L. Hmmm…come to think of it the girls were 30 years too late. (Kami naman! Ehem, that’s for you LongP)

Lunch was laid on a long table with the choices becoming sources of distraction to healthy living, but what the heck! The black forest courtesy of Chona (Geoffrey’s better half) was a hit! Food galore!

The program ran smoothly to the end thanks to our professional host. For pictures, Jojo Lamaria (batch 76) was there.

The company was great, food was great, and the weather was just perfect – after 30 long years. How can it not be right?

And so like any fairy tale, stories must come to an end, but this time for the niners it was a renewal and a commitment to brotherhood, for brothers and by golly, more of events like this as we pursue our place in the sun!

That was the third day.

-30-

save mt.pulag, sacred mountain

2009-12-09T23:23:00.000-08:00

Photo by Benedict Kwok

Did you know that Luzon’s highest peak, Mt. Pulag, at 2,922 meters above sea level is home to 528 documented plant species? It is also the natural habitat of the endemic dwarf bamboo, (Yushania niitakayamensis) and the Benguet pine (Pinus insularis) and among its native wildlife are 33 bird species and several threatened mammals such as Philippine deer, giant bushy-tailed cloud rat, “bowet,” and long-haired fruit bat. Mt. Pulag is the only place that hosts the 4 cloud rat species.

This must be paradise on earth.

And did you know that the peak of the second highest mountain in the country is the center point to three Provinces in the North, namely: Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya?

To the people of Benguet Mt. Pulag is a sacred place. I believe it is a gift.

It is one of the most diverse biodiversity of the Philippines, including the 185 grams dwarf cloud rat, Carpomys melanurus, a rare breed (endemic to the Cordillera) and the Koch pitta bird among its endangered denizens.
Spanning 11,500 hectares, Mt. Pulag is a known unique mountain ecosystem that embraces several mountain peaks straddling portions in the three provinces.

A large part of Mt. Pulag, despite being designated a National Park since 1987, is now threatened by steady development including and not limited to conversion to agricultural lands, timber production, hunting, and increased tourism.
In a report of the DENR it was said that big portions surrounding the National Park are now being cleared to give way to vegetable farms with the use of backhoes. The research mentioned in a news report claimed that Benguet’s protected forests and watershed are being threatened by the encroachments.

Francis Basali of the DENR Planning Office in the Cordillera has recently embarked on a program to save Mt. Pulag from devastation caused by timber poaching, wildlife hunting, bio-prospecting activities and unregulated infrastructure buildup for tourism. Foremost in the destruction of the Park is the expansion of vegetable farms, and it “has reached alarming levels”.

This will be a daunting task, and I am sure a Herculean task. But to save a mountain, we must share the burden. Let us speak out against the destruction, appeal to the farmers and even call out to government officials to help save the forest park. It is a jewel in this part of the country and preserving this park is our responsibility.

We can call on our lawmakers to do more for the preservation and probably come up with viable programs both for the inhabitants and the environment. Mt. Pulag is our heritage and it will speak well to the next generations if we did our share in preserving the place.

Soon, there will be no mountains to summit and feel the clouds around you, if only to feel the serenity, if we fail in our mission.

we remember

2009-12-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

(It's reunion time for our batch in high school and it's been 30 years. So come December 11 to 13, 2009 all roads, as far as we're concerned, will lead to Baguio, home of our alma mater. The following is a note to my batchmates which was posted on our site.)

Wow! Names just keep popping out from the well of yesteryears…followed by
deeds. Clear and fresh, I can even remember some of the faces, still with
reddish pimples.

The days of endless formation of lifetime bonds started early on marked by the
copying of each others' assignments before classes in the morning, the endless
styles in cheating, the foolish attempts at the laboratory with the mixing of
chemicals, the soldering of the names on work benches to immortalize the fact
that we were there, all in the pursuit of knowledge.

Colors were limited to long white polo shirt and blue pants. Haircut was once
every month, and the hair not to touch the tip of the ear and the erect collar.
Dashing. Promising? Hmmm…could Rizal have pictured them earlier on while
exiled in Germany, or in Dapitan? Amusing.

Remember the solidly reverberating "…ang mamatay nang dahil sayo" if only to
punctuate the love for country?

PE was in white shirt and navy blue shorts, running all the way to the Melvin
Jones Grand Stand for football. O, the glee of youth, the years spent in the
Silver Smith, the desperate chasing of the tossed ball in freshman year, the
marbles and the text cards still hanging on to the boy…

Then suddenly turning into the gladiators of yore summoning courage to do battle
at the Cathedral grounds for a round of "kalbitim dyay lapayag na!" to the brave
hearts – daringly shop-lifting at D&S.

Then the black Custombuilt if not a pair of Chuck Taylor's came, and to the
ruggedly rugged, the Road Runner of discarded tires completed the ensemble.

The names…where's Calixto Catbagan, William Cabitac, Jerome Salipan, Noel Rio,
Valencia of Hangar....

Lunchtime was for the songfest and the dancefest which brought out the talents,
well not for everyone, and certainly the cheers of faculty and some guests
including Mrs. Coloma.

Basketball, o the all time rave and passion of the true blue blooded (whatever
that means)! For some, well, it was still the spiders, and their own mysterious
world.

Names…where's Sherwood Piluden, where is Cesar Garcia, Cesar Zulueta?

Then suddenly, there were creatures worthy of notice, GIRLS! Why does the heart
seem suddenly to emerge and speak of unspoken passion? Oh why indeed such
foolish actions displayed at the wrong time and before the wrong crowd? The boy
is now…taller!

Graduation! Finally, these young boys will spread their wings, a wider horizon,
opportunities, and more confusion. "Finally, they're leaving" says a faculty.
"Nope, not until after they've mixed cement and worked on the façade of this
building", says another.

But where's the yearbook? "Who cares", the faculty answered in unison, all in
tears – of joy? All just a memory now. They all made us stronger.

And where indeed have they gone… Raul Castro, Joseph Galang, John Cancio,
Victorino Santos…

We remember, and we will not forget...'til we meet again.

"my president"

2009-12-02T22:03:00.000-08:00

If the elections were held soon, hands down: Noynoy will be a runaway winner for president! This is the overwhelming result of an informal survey conducted among taxi drivers began immediately after the Ondoy and Pepeng typhoons by yours truly. I just wanted to hear what they have to say, and share the data with you.

As a result, ten out of ten drivers would go for the son of iconic couple Ninoy and Cory.

Chief among the drivers’ reasons is that the guy, Noynoy, cannot possibly besmirch his folks’ reputation and legacy. Or at least, they believe so. And that’s logical thinking.

Secondly (and this is as far as they can go) “we’ve had enough of the bright people, but where are we?”

A second choice is “Gibo”, but always trailed with “…he is sincere, bright, young, comes from a wealthy family, but is the administration’s bet.” Come to think of it, I guess he was the only candidate who spoke against, albeit, condemned the perpetrators in the most gruesome act now known as the “Maguindanao massacre.”

Now it’ll just be a matter of time before a movie of the same title would be made. That is if the producers, the “shades couple” can take in threats to their lives. As of this writing, even the Supreme Court and the DOJ Secretary have already received their respective (share of) threats and all the way down to the Judge and prosecutors; and the recent news is that the RTC in the locality is now vacant.

Going back to the survey, the other contender is Manny Villar. He’s got money, they say, and so has the guy claimed. The only problem, according to the respondents, is that “we’ll wake up one day and find everything in concrete…and brace ourselves for more floods.” Not that his development projects caused the recent floods, but surely with unabated developments, tracts of land will have to be bulldozed and more trees will have to go.

And while this is being written, the COMELEC has just announced that 75 percent of the 99 candidates vying for the top post are not serious…

not everyday

2009-11-26T22:37:00.000-08:00

Like any other day of the week, I listen to the morning talk show over the radio on the way to work. Two things touched me deeply and I guess the many listeners out there felt the same way, although in different degrees.

First: the massacre in Maguindanao where 57 unarmed people including women, were ambushed, killed and buried in a mass grave wide enough to include the vehicles they rode in. The massacre was so gruesome that even a Quentin Tarantino film, graphic in every gory detail, will pale in comparison.

The carnage was perpetratd in the most dastardly act imaginable that even a heartless soul will not even dare attempt to visit upon his nemesis. And this is the modern day era, where man has gone leaps in technology, visited space, discovered cures for diseases long ago known to have no cures, and age where news in one corner of the world can be heard and seen on the other side – real time, and so on…and on.

One can only pray for the victims in that tragedy, and their families surely tugging at the conscience of every man or woman, wherever, whatever the color of skin and belief, for justice!

This corner will never be able to console the loss of the bereaved members, but this voice cries out for justice. And I join the millions out there aghast at this incident. I condemn this atrocity.

I’ve heard of people arming themselves in Mindanao since I can recall, and the seeming helplessness of innocent civilians in that savagely beautiful place, a place touted to be “a land of milk and honey”; and it only brings to light the position of our national leaders in the perpetuation of armed and dangerous groups for exigencies only they know. There is that brazen resolution to hold on to power at all costs in the time honored cycle of symbiotic relationship.

The massacre in the Philippine’s troubled south is the picture of all that can be wrong. It is a sad day for mankind. It is an indictment of our government.

The second subject that touched my heart today is the story of the latest CNN Hero – Efren “Kuya Ef” Peñaflorida. As I was listening over the radio, host Mike Enriquez of DzBB coaxed Kuya Ef into talking about himself; and why always the mention “we” in espousing his advocacy.

Looks like our 2009 CNN Hero is very down to earth and definitely is not wont to bask in his new found glory. With the $100,000US prize money from the CNN, he said he will buy more books and put up a proper school for his young and poor wards.

I have not seen the entire CNN ceremony held in Kodak Theater, Hollywood, but I am truly proud of this guy, just like the rest of the awardees who are truly heroes in their respective fields.

In his acceptance speech he said:

“Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry…

“Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.

“So to each and every person inside in this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed.

“Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve.

“As I always tell (to) my co-volunteers … you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be.”

I am just touched every time someone does something good for someone; in this case educate the poor kids on the streets. An advocacy of Kuya Ef that when scrutinized will face all sorts of obstacles from day one. He did it and is bent on changing something, one day at a time.

The efforts of Efren and that of his team are to be emulated, and in the same token, this same movement is again an indictment if not a strong message to our government’s inadequacy, a monumental failure to deliver on education. A necessity owed to the vulnerable citizens, the children. Education is a basic need, especially if we want our a better future, a need to succeed in an ever changing world.

Then again, one cannot rely on government alone for our country to move forward, we need heroes, ordinary people having that love for fellow man and country.

Yes, “we are the change that this world needs…”

pacquiao becomes the philippines

2009-11-19T17:39:00.000-08:00

“You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'”
- George Bernard Shaw

After successfully tagging Miguel Cotto in the third and fourth rounds recently in a main card bout in the heart of Sin City and finally putting an end to a 12 rounder on the dying minutes, the Pacman finally earned his berth in the history of boxing greats.

Seven titles in seven divisions, Manny "Pacman" Paquiao, by no daoubt, is now acknowledged as the worlds greatest pound for pound boxing sensation of this era. The 145 pounder started his career in the 105 division and took on top favorites, including ring icons along the way.

Literature on his feats and greatness abound. What more can I say, save for the fact that he’s Filipino and proud to be born in this part of the globe.

Manny has been known to be magnanimous in victory, he prays to God, and is aslo a patriot.

He is, time and again, described by those around him as hardworking and always gives his best. He is also known to have a big heart and reaches out to the needy.

A world class warrior, always true to values and discipline.

His talent and attitude both on and off the ring has also made him an effective endorser. A role model.
One of a kind!

Manny comes from a country so stressed with heavy politicking, with so many poor people struggling everyday that his motorcade (today) winding in the busy and often traffic-clogged streets of Manila will surely relieve and inspire millions of fans seeking a change.

In the end, it will be Manny's and Manny's story. For as Mr. Shaw explicitly announced "life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

And so as a country, we must create ourself, and transcend challenges. The story begins from within each of us.

dam the laiban?

2009-11-04T19:07:00.000-08:00

Power! Did you ever hear of men being asked whether other souls should have power or not? It is born in them. You may dam up the fountain of water, and make it a stagnant marsh, or you may let it run free and do its work; but you cannot say whether it shall be there; it is there. And it will act, if not openly for good, then covertly for evil; but it will act. - Olive Schreiner

a portion of the Sierra madre on the Aurora side lifted from the official websie of San Luis Town

Experts predict that an impending water crisis will hit Metro Manila – unless something is done pronto!

This scenario is akin to the proverbial Sword of Damocles hanging precariously over our heads.

Whether we like it or not, experts say our current sources will not be able to cope with the ever growing demand.

At this point, any layman will articulate the same sentiment, knowing fully well the onslaught against our forest reserves and the ever-growing population and its needs in the metropolis.

This is the very foundation of the proposal to put up the Laiban Dam in the mountains of Rizal along the Sierra Madre Range.

The MWSS, the regulatory body mandated to oversee our water supply, believes that the construction of the Laiban Dam is an unsolicited proposal and does not require a single centavo from the government.

The proposal, according to MWSS Administrator, went through a rigorous screening with the different government agencies, and that “the procedures covering this type of unsolicited proposal have been approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) and the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), he added.

"The dam project, estimated to cost $1 billion, is the biggest infrastructure project in the country and once completed, it would add 1,900 million liters per day (MLD) to the water supply of the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding provinces by 1,900 MLD to meet the projected demand of 5,619 MLD by 2015.

"The MWSS official website explained “All that an interested party should do if it is serious in competing for the award is to purchase the same tender documents and MWSS opened such one-week period for competitive challenge on July 2, 2009."

I believe this is the crux of the matter; the MWSS Administrator wants experts, IPs and activists alike, to “purchase the same tender documents” whatever that means.
“No serious contender appeared to buy the tender documents, or even file a letter of intent, despite the fact that the MWSS provided for a period that is longer than what is provided under the NEDA JV Guidelines.
“Instead of finding a suitable challenge, Allado lamented, what materialized was "was a flurry of unfounded, fabricated and false charges that wormed their way into the media. I deplore this binge of erroneous and misleading allegations."
The Administrator added that "Proprietary information shall, however, be respected, protected, and treated with confidentiality. As such, it shall not form part of the tender and related documents."

Since there was no “contenders” during that small window, the MWSS is now “boxed in” in all its legalities and are probably not allowed to think out of the box, so to speak. Probably it does not have a program of its own, and maybe tied down by the sheer weight of bureaucracy.

There is the clamor from experts (which must be heeded) that there can be a less costly way of bringing about that added supply. There is the rehabilitation of silted dams, construction of smaller units instead of a monumental and expensive one, never mind if it threatens to inundate parts of Rizal and adjoining areas (like that in Pangasinan recently), not to mention displacement of indigenous peoples in the area, submerging of tracts of land and the destruction of already endangered flora and fauna.

And all this time, what we need is an honest to goodness reforestation project, the protection of these areas and education of all stakeholders, knowing full well even then that there was an impending water shortage. If these were at least done ten years ago, much belated than the conceptualization of the Laiban Dam, then much of the flooding in the metropolis and nearby areas could have been prevented.

The construction of the Laiban Dam is not the only solution to an impending problem, it poses a more serious problem, even in the short run.

of bomb shelters and bombshells

2009-10-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

There is a saying that there are two kinds of leaders: one that is led by the masses, and one that leads the masses.

In an announcement made recently by a presidentiable in the 2010 elections, he definitely made it clear, without saying that he falls within the former category. It was a stunt made for the books.

First, he bolts from a political party, which is a statement in itself. To my mind, the majority of the young do not understand the workings of a political party and therefore, being in one party or another does not signify anything. My generation, I guess, has been brought up in the belief that it is popularity that counts. To make matters worse, the political party serves no other purpose other than positions in committees, i.e., chairmanship and padrino in either of the Houses.

The presidentiable would like to breathe life into the clamor of the young, “enough of the parties.” He scores and makes an impression, at least to the majority of voters, the “young crowd,” that he is in sync with the trend and that he can read the pulse without trying.

Second, he does not announce to what position he will be running for. This is where the problem lies. The presidentiable holds his guns in the hope that the public fill in that vacuum. He wants to be a “winner.” A leader without a party and yet loved by the people, chosen by the people, for the people and… directed by the people.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer in the latter portion of its editorial said, which I quote in part:

“But the third way of reformist politics does not wait for the people’s response. And wait is exactly what Escudero has signaled he would be doing. At his news conference, he made some extraordinary statements that can be construed as reform-oriented: about the need not to belong to any party, or the necessity for a politician not to be beholden to any group.

“But then he asked the public for one thing, time to make a decision, whether or not to contest the presidency, on his own.

“This does not sound like a man seized by passion, willing to stake everything on his political convictions. Instead, it sounds like he is waiting for public clamor to fill the void of a party-less present.”

A leader at the helm does not buckle in times of need. He decides fast, he leads.

That “bombshell” of an announcement happens to be a bomb shelter.

He is young, he is liked by many. Maybe in time. For now, we choose our leader…not the other way around.

death in manila bay

2009-10-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”
- Nathaniel Branden

Major dailies today carried telling pictures on their front pages of an 18 feet female whale shark reportedly found by fishermen early yesterday morning, still alive, at the breakwaters of Manila Bay.

The whale shark, locally known as Butanding, was towed by the fishermen to shore and reported the find to a nearby radio station. The Philippine Coast Guard got wind of the incident and towed the shark, which was dead by this time, to its headquarters and informed the Office of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau.

Necropsy revealed the shark ingested plastic products and rusty nails.

More tests on its blood and tissue samples are being conducted to determine if the shark was poisoned. Environment Secreatary Lito Atienza, for his part, already directed the testing of the waters for possible toxins.

Edwin Alesna, chief of the fisheries, quarantine and wildlife regulations section of BFAR, said his office was looking into the possible causes of death of the whale shark.

The death of another whale shark in our waters, and in Manila Bay is not a good sign. The shark could have been deliberately poisoned, it must have been sick, or floundered in toxic waters brought about by tons of trash found in Manila Bay. And the poor whale shark could also be the victim of weather change.

I really hope the death of this creature will not go in vain. We should be reminded of our responsibilities to take care of the environment. Every time trash is irresponsibly allowed to float into our canals, that piece, small it may be, eventually find its way to Manila Bay where it wrecks havoc on the ecosystem; if not, it clogs up our canals and can cause major flooding. Let us be responsible.

Going back, a whale shark is the biggest fish in the ocean, though the Butanding is not considered a whale. The Butanding grows to a length of 20 meters and can weigh as much as 34 tons and is speculated to leave to a hundred.

Whale sharks spend their day mostly feeding on planktons, krill, small fish and squid near the water surface.

According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources has classified whale sharks as vulnerable species, meaning they face high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future.

In the Philippines, whale sharks are legally protected since 1998 under the Philippine Fisheries Code (Republic Act 8550). The law bans the fishing or taking of rare, threatened or endangered species like whale sharks. Violators can face imprisonment up to 20 years and a fine of P120,000.00.

A generally gentle and solitary creature, the Butanding is not in anyway dangerous to humans. Again, I am reminded of the Green Peace, lawyer Tony Oposa, and the many crusaders for our environment. It is sad when one of God's creatures fall prey to man's indifference, our folly.

the schackles of belief

2009-10-21T02:09:00.000-07:00

There is a steady flow of US dollars into the country, this despite the decreased overall volume of exports compared to the previous year. The reason for this is the steady flow of remittances from our modern day heroes, the overseas foreign workers (OFW). As of last count the estimate is said to reach some P12 billion annually, and this despite the projected decrease in the number of OFWs in less technical jobs.

It is a "source of pride" however of this country that we do not just have an abundance of technical people and those in the services oriented industries but we also have professionals. In the race for cheaper labor, our countrymen (heroes) lose out to our neighbors who would ordinarily demand less from employers. That is globalization. Then again, our highly paid professionals would also compete in the market and can lower their pay demand.

The smaller but increasing number of professionals readily off-set a decreasing number of less paid OFWs, and this situation accounts for the continued flow of the all mighty dollar.

Going back to our heroes, a lot of our industries would very much like to cash in on the remittances business; there is the real estate, the banking including investment houses and even the government. Aside of course from the taxes, the government too, wants a share in this multibillion remittance from the OFWs so as to invest in government instruments.

It is rather the bane of this country that our economy is not driven by small and medium businesses. We are not the entrepreneurial lot. The OFWs are then constantly wooed not only because of the numbers but because a great majority being at a loss when it comes to managing their finances.

Money remitted is more often directly plowed into the economy by dependents as consumers, and not as investors or managers of small businesses. Even savings take a back seat as soon as the beneficiaries receive their regular monies.

The priorities, in almost every household, evolve around rental or amortization on the houses, bills for utilities, shopping (mostly going beyond the needs), tuition fees, and even on acquisitions, and extracurricular activities. There is also the sudden change in lifestyle.

In certain cases, there are families that continue to benefit but unfortunately, these same families break apart in the process. There is the social cost that weighs heavily on our families and the society in general.

I have seen many attempts too, to educate OFWs and their dependents to properly manage their hard earned cash. There are success stories and there are also failures along the way.

The culprit, as commonly repeated by experts: inculcated almost throughout our growing years is the very statement from our folks, intentionally or unintentionally that one “should study well so that you can end up with a high paying job”. This mindset completely seals our future to any other endeavor except as employees, never for once, given the thought that we can be entrepreneurs or captains of industries, much less the opportunity to think other than being subordinates. This is our dilemma, a phenomenon by itself. There's less harm if the statement should end after "...study well", period.

There is a lesson to learn from this and a reason for us to open the minds of our children to opportunities beyond employment. Seek their interests, motivate and support them in the best possible ways we can. Schooling will always be a part of their success, but involving them and exposing them to commercial activities at an early stage can be a positive building block that will guide them - for some, sooner than you will know.

pictures

2009-10-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

We do not remember days; we remember moments. ~Cesare Pavese, The Burning Brand

Memory is a child walking along a seashore. You never can tell what small pebble it will pick up and store away among its treasured things. ~Pierce Harris, Atlanta Journal

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~From the television show The Wonder Years

Memory... is the diary that we all carry about with us. ~Oscar Wilde, "The Importance of Being Earnest"

And even if you were in some prison, the walls of which let none of the sounds of the world come to your senses - would you not then still have your childhood, that precious, kingly possession, that treasure-house of memories? ~Rainer Maria Rilke

The faintest waft is sometimes enough to induce feelings of hunger or anticipation, or to transport you back through time and space to a long-forgotten moment in your childhood. It can overwhelm you in an instant or simply tease you, creeping into your consciousness slowly and evaporating almost the moment it is detected. ~Stephen Lacey, Scent in Your Garden, 1991

To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward. ~Margaret Fairless Barber, The Roadmender

A happy childhood can't be cured. Mine'll hang around my neck like a rainbow, that's all, instead of a noose. ~Hortense Calisher, Queenie, 1971

Pleasure is the flower that passes; remembrance, the lasting perfume. ~Jean de Boufflers

how close can we get?

2009-10-14T00:56:00.000-07:00

[a note to my fellow niners in the aftermath of typhoon ondoy]

“Charity begins at home, but should not end there”
- Proverb

On an ordinary working day a tall dark lanky man would stroll into the City Hall lobby as if on business. He would not dare ask anyone for anything but simply dodge his way into the crowd hoping to find Bobby in his office.

This unassuming guy is actually in his mid-forties, like you and me. His bearing does not in anyway betray his intentions, but for most part, one will readily assume that he has completely abandoned any perception of self image, much less, hygiene.

On another occasion in another part of the City, a jolly guy would walk up to Bobby and doesn’t mind asking for that few remaining pleasure puffs. “I can’t deny him that,” Bobby still lucid, would animatedly impart. “I would then give him twenty pesos and at times ask him to go wash up”, Bobby explains while the smoke gets in his eyes.

Surrounding tables were likewise engulfed in their own chatter while the band in the far corner tries harder to be more convincing. Smoke was in the air and the night was noisy from the rain outside.

“He used to work on contract basis involving manual labor especially street diggings and errands for a few pesos for whoever needs his services and most often for very short durations. I guess he just conked out,” Bobby laments after draining his fourth bottle as he signaled the waiter for yet another round. I did not stop him.

These guys do not really have a regular place even for a night. If lucky they get to return to a spot in Melvin Jones where most everyone in the dead of night would stumble upon them mistaking these guys for garbage in a pungent corner.

Dark alleys in the business district are the ideal locations to hang out but could be very irritating when people including cats stray in the night.

At times, the tall lanky guy would seem to buy a piece of pie at Tea House and if chanced upon by Geoff would get off with something to fill his empty groaning stomach.

These guys rove in constant search of an unknown significant connection and most often find solace upon their retreat in a corner only to gaze into oblivion, no cares in the world. And in all likelihood, move on to the next forage to pacify a hunger that could be mistaken for anything other than the need to eat. The mind sometimes can be a powerful tool.

The clothes, including the foot ware have obviously seen better days. From a far their looks alone would portend the stench which one knows hot water will not easily wash away.

Soon it would be Christmas, not for celebration or jubilation in Christ’s birth, but another cold and bitter month to suffer. It was bad enough in June when the rains started pouring every so often. The pavements evidently cold loses their allure and the cartons, even the invitingly thick ones are of little value during these nights. And tropical depressions can be just as depressing and cruel.

Ondoy’s visit last September 26 followed by Pepeng the week after did not come unannounced, and it was not a reunion of long lost friends in this mountain city, but rather the combined wrath of Mother Earth scorned. Such wet and very cold visitors they have been, lashing out at most of Luzon even leaving many homeless and grieving, our two guys now joining the many faceless victims of these typhoons.

Soon enough, if and when their stars align - teasing them in a way, Carlito Cabinta, and Edwin Niduaza will pound the streets once more, and their paths will cross. Surely that will be how it will happen, and there will be no sense of community between them. “Ha’n lang nga duwa, talo dan pards”, Bobby lamented. “Malagip mo ni Lito Cerano?”

“Sorry ‘tol, di ko maalala.”

“Batchmate dyay pards.”

Once upon a time, they prayed amen to St. Louis, fooled around in high school, chased ball in the gym, recited in class, marched during CAT, and they also fumbled in PE - just like everyone else.

The stars must have played a cruel prank on these guys and dealt the wrong cards at one time or the right cards at the wrong place. The games go on but our guys folded up long ago.

The grime now coloring their skins could well be the only worldly possession they covet, aside from the tattered clothes on their backs. Physically, one could be a changed man, but our guys carry with them the never ending emptiness that fills their daily existence. It is that void which only kindness can allay and may fill up, and to them it seldom comes, if ever.

“Inya ngay aramiden tayo, pards?”

“Basta ada mangited ti mausar nga badu, syak maka amun; syak lang kanayon nga papanan dagitoy,” both thumbs pointing towards himself as Bobby gestured now approaching a higher level of intoxication.

It was time to bill out and the weather outside sucked. “Tumbigat ngarud, bro, sa Burnham na lang tayo magkita.”

“Kitaek, bro, syak ti team leader tumbigat, magmula umaga hanggang magdamag kami on duty.”

“Teks teks ngarud.”

Brothers, how close can we get?

[Si Bobby ay kasalukuyang team leader ng Public Order Safety Division (POSD) na naka talaga at sumasakop sa malaking bahagi ng Lungsod ng Baguio. Sila ang tagapagpatupad ng mga batas alituntunin sa kalye at pamilihang bayan. Kasama si utol ng magkaulayaw kami sa bar na matatagpuan sa kanto ng Trancoville at Ledesma ika-11 September 2009.]

P47B reasons and the laiban dam

2009-10-12T01:32:00.000-07:00

Columnists and politicians in the aftermath of Ondoy now believe that the construction of the Laiban Dam as early as six years ago could have prevented the recent floods in MetroManila. Some still believe that it’s not too late. A columnist even ventured that the San Miguel Corportation, a major proponent, did not pull out of the contract as earlier claimed and as published in major newspapers.

All these announcements after the calamity, to my mind, is plain propaganda to revive a P47 billion project. Or could it be a multibillion peso hindsight?

The proponent even claims that the construction would include the “reforestation” of that part in the Sierra Madre Ranges. This in itself is an admission of the state of the Sierra Madre.

Let us look at some of the facts which are readily available in the internet.

The proposed project, aims to supplement the long term water supply requirements of Metro Manila by constructing a dam utilizing the Kaliwa River Basin in Tanay, Rizal; and in order to avoid the risk of possible water shortage in the future considering the increasing water demand. The Kaliwa River basin is situated east of Metro Manila.

This Project, as envisioned, is intended to serve an estimated population of about 5.50 million or equivalent to 690,000 households and to serve the areas of Rizal Province, southern Metro Manila and to improve and supply the existing service areas. Construction will take five years from 2010 to 2015.

Estimated to cost PhP 47.93 Billion, the dam will provide an average yield of 21 cms (cubic meter/second) or 1,830 MLD (million liters per day) of water supply and approximately 25 MW for hydropower generation.

The major components of the project are as follows:
• 113 m. high rockfill dam
• 13 km.-3.60 m. dia. Tunnel & pipeline
• 30 megawatts hydropower plant
• 2400 MLD water treatment plant
• 10 km.-3.60 m. dia. Tunnel & pipeline to Taytay Reservoir
• 120 ML reservoir & pressure control station at Taytay
• 100 MLD Pumping station & 20 ML reservoir at Antipolo
• Trunk and Primary Distribution Mains
• Right-of-way acquisition and relocation of about 4,000 plus affected families including site development of proposed 4,424 hectares resettlement site in San Ysiro, Antipolo City, proclaimed as resettlement site under Proclamation No. 2480.
More facts: it is said that the Feasibility Study and detailed engineering for the Project were already completed in 1980’s including the construction of the diversion tunnels. It is said that during that time some of the affected families were already compensated of their above-ground improvements and several titled properties have already been purchased. The River Diversion Tunnel was constructed in 1984.

The Project, including the supposed relocation, as contained in MWSS Board Resolution No. 195-89, was deferred in 1989 in lieu of equally important projects, the Angat Water Supply Optimization Project (AWSOP) and the Umiray-Angat Transbasin Project (UATP).

However, Presidential Memorandum Order No. 10 dated August 5, 1998 was issued by then President Estrada mandating MWSS to immediately resume the implementation of the Laiban Dam Project.

There you have it, or as the facts are presented.

Now, one is led to believe that the Laiban dam has become a necessity despite the contrary belief of experts to rehabilitate other silted dams at the moment which can deliver the same amount in terms of water volume and current. Had the Laiban been built as planned, do you think it would be filled with silt at this time, and water would have naturally ran over it and still deliver the same devastating floods? And considering the cost, I am sure, only a few would have benefited from the exercise (with the floods delivering yet the same damage?).

If that money, or even a portion of the P47billion, was used to reforest the Sierra Madre Ranges (or that portion alone involving 28,000 has.) as early as 1989, forget the dam, do you still believe Ondoy could have delivered such devastating floods in the Metropolis and adjoining areas?

blame game and ondoy

2009-10-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

“Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.”

- John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Blame all we want on Typhoon Ondoy for the tragedy. But after the dust, or the ebb of flood waters, we know we only have ourselves to point at.

It was a tragedy waiting to happen. The typhoon was a natural occurrence, and just one among many to regularly visit this part of the globe. Ondoy was part of our rainy season.

What is tragic is that we were never prepared, and worse, we brought it upon ourselves. Greed is the root cause of our atrocities against Mother Earth.

The wanton destruction of our forests for all the reasons we can think of; the pollution and clogging of our waterways; our poor choices and the weak or neglected policies of officials and our governments, are among the varied monumental intentional failures that stare us in the face.

It is a sad fact that lives become numbers in the never ending statistics in the scheme of things. And it is bad enough when most victims are the innocent, the children.

There is truth to the now familiar saying that the Filipino is resilient. As proof, we tend to be victims of our own folly done to ourselves over and over. We seem never to learn from our mistakes, and we even call it tragedy.

Government officials easily give in to the lure of easy money when a developer seeks a favor beyond the books. The unabated illegal logging, quarrying, construction of gigantic structures, and the like can be checked, but the powerful always get away with their evil deeds. Meanwhile, even the small items thrown on the streets can, in time, clog even the mighty Pasig River and pollute the beautiful Manila Bay.

Our environment can only take so much. And to extract so much without replenishment would be very costly. Yin and Yang is the interplay between forces that always seek balance, disrupt the harmony and you have the perfect formula for disaster.

We cannot go on pretending all is by chance. We have to make the right choices.

aftermath

2009-10-08T02:17:00.000-07:00

What’s there to learn? I guess this should be the question that could possibly be the answer to all the disasters, natural and manmade now striking parts all over the world.

Just recently, typhoon after typhoon visited the Philippines that caused floods in most parts of the metropolis and outlying provinces. Laguna de Bay days after typhoon Ondoy claimed villages along its shores with water rising as high as ten feet.

To date, thousands have been left homeless now staying in public schools and gymnasiums and available community centers. Grieving relatives abound, trying to find a sense in this tragedy.

Classes and even offices have been disrupted. Cleaning up efforts seems like a never ending task. Disaster councils have proven they are in a state of … disaster as well.

Messages of sympathy from all over keep pouring in. Relief operations continue with more volunteers giving time and effort. Kind hearted souls too, keep the checks and envelopes coming.

The blame-game among different sectors has likewise begun. Obtuse politicians too, will not be sidetracked. They want to be on the campaign trail ahead of everyone wanting to hug the lime lights with their announcements, forgetting that most of the voters have yet to come to grips with their losses.

And the story goes on and on… but this time we should be better off and blessed with a new perspective. Or we can choose a life based on the same premise – that life is a game of chance. Are we ready to change?

Post mortem of the events should play an important role, a guiding post and a reminder.

Everything around us now is a physical manifestation of all that is wrong, if we despair. But if we look again, we see the spirit alive and kicking! We see resilience, the will to go on and to better ourselves. What’s wrong with starting all over and be the new you?

thank you madam President

2009-09-25T01:21:00.000-07:00

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William A. Ward

The cat is finally out of the bag, in a manner of speaking. That small patch owned by the government insurance system, within the Convention Center in Baguio will not be given to the nearby mall giant which earlier envisioned the rise of a modern complex housing both residential and commercial spaces in that area.

This was a timely gift of no less than her Excellency the President, GMA, to the City on its centennial celebration this year. The President obviously was able to convince the GSIS and the mall magnate to leave the forest park alone.

For a time there the fate of that patch, involving several hundred pine trees, remained a pawn in the hands of those who command power, seemingly unmindful of the irreparable damage it will cause to the environment. The City officials did its utmost to protect that small forest (including getting sued); the citizenry likewise held protests and vigils, a number wrote letters to people “high up there”; and others burned the night candles pounding on the typewriters (the younger ones hitting the keyboards emailing and blogging).

All is well that ends well - at least for now. That’s one forest saved from the ravages of development.

Madam President, that’s one gift Baguio and its people will always remember and appreciate. And every time you come to visit this mountain hideaway, you will surely be rewarded many times over with the clean fresh air, the beauty and of the thought that you’ve done your part in preserving the City of Pines. It's your gift to everyone, even to the unborn. That's how big it is, Madam. And for those who love Baguio, we all deserve that patch, a reminder of our vigilance, no matter how small our voices.

A good one hundred years to Baguio!

mountain of gold

2009-09-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

Mining is like a search-and-destroy mission.
- Stewart Udall

The good news: there will be funds (for investments) early next year as the world finally comes out of recession!

Hold your horses. I’m not about to talk of more good news or the absence of it either. This corner is however alarmed by a recent news article and the subject of a broad sheet column which delved on the topic of mining.

The news article explained that despite the challenges on the way to next year’s elections, the Government intends to corner P$15 billion in mining investments by 2015. Now that’s a big amount!

Meantime, members of the Philippine chamber of mines believe that the upcoming elections in 2010 will not affect the projects lined up, minimal at the most.

The President of the chamber claimed that greater demand for metals in China and other Asian markets like India should keep the mining sector interested for investors.

“As of September 2009, mining investments have totaled $2.1 billion since 2004.” This was “when the Supreme Court allowed complete foreign ownership of mining ventures”, the news item explained.

It cannot be denied, mining is a very destructive industry. And the modern method of extracting is usually by way of strip mining or open pit mining as it is called. It is cost effective though the top soil is however gone leaving a scar on the face of the earth. Yes, mountains can be leveled and topography forever changed. Mountain or mole hill, they’re the same; it’s the motivation behind.

I’ve seen a rehabilitated mine after it was closed down in Germany several years back. The top soil was returned to where it was originally scraped from and reforested. The animals found in that area were likewise taken cared of during the existence of the mine and also returned to the area as soon as the trees were already grown. Ants and other insects were also housed and returned top their former habitat. All these, of course came at a great cost. I guess that is the reason why explorations and exploitations are best done in third world countries.

Back to the Philipines: At the moment it is heartening to note that some Local Government Units are up in arms against the opening up of large tracts of land in their areas; or the issuance of permits to big mining companies, both local and foreign. There is also the issue of indigenous people and ancestral domain. Self determination is now high on the priority list of the local government units.

In the seventies and early part of the eighties, mining boomed in many parts of Benguet, mineral prices were soaring, there was employment, life was good (at least to most never heard of places before), children were off to school, wives were trained in allied skills, traders traveled to sell their wares, local governments were happy; and the economy surrounding these mining camps were generally vibrant. Even churches thrived in these areas. Union leaders were courted by local officials come election time.

After the boon, and when most of these companies closed shop, it was different. Rivers were polluted. Mountains were denuded, and worse, gone. Thousands were displaced, unemployed, schools shut down. Medical care earlier provided by these companies was likewise closed. There was rampant looting in most of these camps. Cooperatives which boasted of millions in banks from their captured workforce were in a single day wiped out. Tales of woe abound and keep haunting residents of former camps.

For a bar of gold, one moves tons of earth, and for several bars, mountains. Along with it are the different animal and insect species and the flora which took centuries to evolve. For a truck load of coal buried several meters underneath, mountains are likewise leveled. Beautiful beaches are destroyed and later abandoned, not without its continuing deadly effects on coastal areas. All for that fat cash. Sad to note, only for the few, the rest will have to share a meager portion, which of course dries out not long after.

At what cost are we, as a people, willing to pay. Is it worth the environment, the forests and the rivers, the lost culture and its inhabitants, the simple life….? What’s the trade off, where, when?

While our government grapples for priorities towards development, it cannot and should not be allowed to trample on the bounty given to everyone for the sake of a few. Mining cannot be the answer to the proffered excuse of poverty in these parts. Mining is not the answer we’ve all been waiting for. Like logging, it should not be for a handful which can bloody afford that license. Governments, local and national, must work together to find lasting, albeit sustainable solutions to our growing needs.

Mining depletes, and mining has a short life. Mining destroys more than it builds.

There was a time when I drew a line between responsible mining and mining. Mind you, accidents do happen, and when it does, even that thick line is obliterated. Long after a mining accident, the pernicious effects linger on rendered complicated in the face of a global changing weather pattern.

september to remember

2009-09-16T03:08:00.000-07:00

(to the niners on the occassion of their tree plantng September 12, 2009 at Bayan Park, Baguio City with the girls of St. Louis, also of 79)

Baguio City - Days before our intended tree planting date, two typhoons were
already spotted within the country while low pressure areas were set off
unleashing torrential rains in most parts of Luzon. Calls for a resetting and
cancellation of the intended activity hanged in the air as late as Saturday
morning.

Saturday morning was however unusually calm with heavy ominous clouds
threatening to unleash yet another round of non-stop rains specially in Baguio
where 16 boys and 26 girls gathered at around 8AM at the far end of Lake Drive
in Burnham Park before proceeding to the site. Shirts in shades of light to
dark green were given out while some took the opportunity to pose for clicking
cameras. Judging from the looks of it, the spirit was high and definitely
nothing can stop the momentum set much earlier.

A green streamer said it all: September to Remember, Joint Tree Planting
Activity of Batch 79.

Everyone came prepared, with tools and rain gear.

Upon reaching the site, barangay officials including a forester from the City
Environment Office awaited the former high school batch mates. Seedlings
already a foot and longer were earlier delivered and placed beside the road-
also awaiting the planters.

The site was a 3-hectare area managed jointly by the City and the Bayan Park
Management and Advisory Board. The latter is a composite undertaking among
several Barangays in Bayan Park bent on preserving the area as a forest patch.

The place is an island by itself with the basketball covered court and barangay
multi-purpose building as the only structures in the area. Surrounded by a
circumferential road, the area remains an oasis seemingly threatened by the
unabated closing in of continued construction of more dwelling places in the
area.

As the group approached the area, everyone immediately dug in with the number of
trees allotted to each, taking advantage of the "small window of opportunity"
before another onslaught of unbridled rains.

As soon as the last of the trees, some 130 in all or thereabout, were firmly
planted, the group then converged at the covered court for the short informal
program. And as if timed, it started to rain. "A blessing for the day's tree
planting, I guess", said one of the participants.

Tea House lunch was just perfect and more than enough. As the rains made its
presence felt, bonding looked like everyone was having hearing problems,
sufficient reason to get closer. From here, the boys decided to proceed to
their 4PM basketball game with their closest rival, which unfortunately again
succumbed to our much feisty team, of course powered by a handful of imports
from younger batches of boys' high.

Meanwhile, the girls decided to have coffee at the former Olympian Lanes which
is now one of the famous chains of restaurants called Jack's. Barako and a
choice from assorted pastries made up for a rainy cold afternoon.

At around 5PM, the boys once more gathered at Tamawan for a night filled with
familiar country songs courtesy of a local artist and lots of kaldeng!
Suggestions too for the December affair poured in, but not after laying down
concrete steps to be taken on how to protect the trees and sustain them were
discussed.

The boys promised "we'll repeat this in grand fashion come December" and
definitely with more familiar faces. Arnold Manuel commented, let's use the
streamer again and tweak the wordings this time to read, "September to
December!" Why not indeed? You were all represented guys, only, the girls
missed(?) your company.

SMF and SLGHS 79 tree planting

2009-09-14T00:03:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, September 12, my batchmates of St. Louis Boys’ High and representatives of St.Louis Center Girls High School, also of batch 79, trooped to Bayan Park in Baguio City to plant some 130 assorted trees.

Despite the inclement weather, the group gathered at Burnham Park 8AM and proceded to Bayan Park. The activity signaled the beginning of our batch’s 30th anniversary which will culminate in December.

At the same time, the activity was both groups’ gift to Baguio on its Centennial this year. The tree planting cum reunion also touched base with my elementary classmates at the SLU Laboratory School.

For the Boys’ High batch, this is our second tree planting activity; the first was at the sinking portion below the Baguio General Hospital 20 years ago this year.

The affair ended at Tamawan with lots of country music, great company and good food. Cheers!

endangered species

2009-09-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

A year or so ago I saw similar signboards of this nature along Commonwealth Avenue. Built with sturdy materials (G.I. sheets and pipes) they were painted in green with clear white letterings. The message is loud and clear. The announcements were evenly spaced on the island along Commonwealth Avenue.
The cost of putting up the billboards, as in any other advertising or promotional endeavor I am sure, is always less than the actual project.
Judging from the looks of the promo, the budget for the project must be huge and probably enough to cover tracts of land with the intended trees. The project of this magnitude, or as I imagine it, could well be the epicenter of environmental enlightenment!
I wonder where the trees have been planted. Or the seemingly expensive signboards for that matter.
I guess even signboards fall prey to poachers.
[The picture above was taken recently inside Splash Island, a private property in San Pedro, Laguna. I believe it is the last of that species.]

tree planting

2009-09-08T02:57:00.000-07:00

Rains these past days have been relentless. And nights have been visited with thunderstorms and strong gusts every now and then.

There will always be two sides to a coin: a boon to agriculture, and bane to other sectors. Or at times, too much rain can also damage crops, then again, a time for our denuded mountains at least, to turn green during these times. And if lucky, can coax the germination of seeds into saplings that turn into trees.

Oh, the rains. It casts a spell as old as time, it forms land masses, it destroys, it nourishes… and it soaks.

Come morning of Septemebr 12, if it pours like spears, our tree planting group will have to cancel. What irony when what the trees need is water, lots of it! I say, what better way to get soaked!

We always find a reason for doing something. What’s wrong getting soaked and having fun planting trees?

This corner's looking forward to a productive weekend in the mountains.

manila bay

2009-08-27T02:51:00.000-07:00

The Manila Bay is everyone’s business.

Do we really need a Tony Oposa, a lawyer and Ramon Magsaysay awardee, to remind us of the bay’s importance and the state of depredation it is in?

Yes! We need people who can stand up to real issues, issues that matter, issues that affect us, issues that will persist and haunt even the next generation – unless we do something about it. Yes, we can do something about the trash dumped into the Manila Bay, the stink that pervades the air, the unsightly tons and tons of garbage, the bad reputation we get (read: the kind of people we are), and the seeming absence or lack of concern for the environment.

We need people like atty. Oposa in our everyday lives to remind us of our responsibility towards others and the environment. We need the likes of people who will not compromise.

At the moment, Manila Bay represents our struggle. At most it is the figurative representation of the state of our economy, our political system including our state of health.

Unless we put our acts together, Manila Bay can only be the picture of a fast fading promise of a golden sunset. And to witness the dying sun, we have to breathe westerly winds that suffocate. Air that kills.

Truly we die every day, but let there be no guilt when we finally leave.

a note to the niners

2009-08-20T02:28:00.000-07:00

(The following is a note to my highschool batchmates of Boys' High of St. Louis University. We will be celebrating our 30th anniversary this December. In the mean time, we intend to start our activities with a tree planting activity in Bayan Park, Aurora Hill as a gift to Baguio. This year, 2009, happens to be Baguio's Centennial.)

Hi Bernie, Sonny, Ephraim, and the rest! September will be just fine come rain or shine. And for the place, any available space not designated for construction, or zoned accordingly, will be great.

No park or place for meditation can ever be complete without a tree. The shade it provides, the oxygen that nourishes, the green that calms the eyes, gives rest to the weary, holds the ground firmly, and retains water; the leaves that suck carbon and harmful agents in the air… are but a few of the reasons we have to do this.
Remember the time we go home to Baguio, the early morning bus already snug into port, and as we step out into the bone-chilling mountain air we are immediately embraced by Pine scent? We know we are home.

Like fledglings, the nest will always be cozy.

Natural elements, and otherwise, exact its toll on our beautiful City, but the time for reckoning is now…no sense delaying.

Way back during ROTC days I remember an episode.

It was a Sunday and like any other, we did the formation and the usual left-right-about face routine not knowing that a special mission awaited us. Sounds like a covert mission? Anyway, when the order came in, we were asked to march single file armed with short bolos and some with the folding small shovel -- not knowing the destination or the mission (I could only presume it was one of those civic duties like cleaning an area – I prefer clearing operation). I was among those up front as the file was in alphabetical order. Upon reaching a high point in Aurora Hill I saw our queue stretch all the way back to SLU. Enemies will not stand a chance I told myself. We then left the residential area and soon entered the woods, in what I presumed was the battlefield and each handed 20 trees -- to plant! That was a load since we were pressed against a hill, and muddy. It was the rainy season. But we were soldiers and it was the frontline. We had to plant those trees at all cost, came the order. Some of the trees, I recall, did not make it, some strewn all over the trail as others could not carry 10, much more 20. Many of us didn't have the strength to bury those saplings properly. But mind you, a great number stands strong in that place, some less than 30 years old to this day, a monument to a muddy Sunday morning.

Feeling proud planting more than ten, I sort of compared the feat to that day at Iwo Jima. Not that I was there, but that battle as immortalized by Joe Rosenthal's photograph of the raising of the US flag on top of the 546 ft. Mount Suribachi by five Marines and one Navy Corpsman says it all.

It was a secret feeling I still nurture and share with my comrades in tree planting and that day in Busol was indeed a glorious day!

I want to relieve that feeling come September 15, at Bayan Park -- what about another stand? Shoulder to shoulder…and the girls of 79 can join us too! Bring the kids as well.

letter to Ballsy

2009-08-20T02:16:00.000-07:00

The following is a forwarded e-mail (with a note) I got from a friend. The letter will speak for itself.

“For young fathers like me, I would like to share with you a birthday letter of an imprisoned Ninoy Aquino to his eldest daughter Ballsy (Ma. Elena) on her 18th birthday sometime 1973. Touching and incredibly heart warming to those who could relate. 3 days later in 1983, Ninoy was gunned down by an assasin at the then Manila International Airport (now the Ninoy Aquino International Airport). Yesterday August 18 was Ballsy's 54th birthday.”
Tomorrow, Aug 21 marks Ninoy's death anniversary

Ninoy’s letter to Ballsy

August 18, 1973
Ma. Elena C. Aquino
25 Times St., Quezon City

My dearest Ballsy,

I write you this letter with tears in my eyes and as if steel fingers are crushing my heart because I wanted so much to be with you as you celebrate your legal emancipation. Now that you have come of age, my love, a voice tells me that I am no longer young and suddenly, I feel old.
An old poet gave this advice very long ago: ‘when you are sad, remember the roses will bloom in December.’ I want to send you bouquet of roses, big red roses from my dreamland garden. Unfortunately for the present, my roses are not in bloom, in fact they have dropped all their petals and only the thorns are left to keep me company. I do think it is fitting to send you a thicket of thorns on this memorable day!
I am very proud of you because you have inherited all the best traits of your mother. You are sensible, responsible, even-tempered and sincere with the least pretenses and affection which I vehemently detest in a woman. I am sure, like your mother, you will possess that rare brand of silent courage and that combination of fidelity and fortitude that will be the life vest of your man in the tragic moments of his life.
During my lonely hours of solitary confinement in Fort Magsaysay , Laur, Nueva Ecija last March and April with nothing else to do but pray and daydream, with only my fond memories to keep me company, I planned a weekend barrio fiesta for you in Tarlac for your 18th birthday. I fooled myself into believing that my ordeal would end with the fiscal year. I planned to invite all your classmates and friends and their families for the weekend.
The schedule called for an early departure by bus from Manila and the first stop will be Concepcion , where lunch will be served by the pool. And after lunch, you were to visit the Santa Rita Elementary School to distribute cookies and ice cream to the children of that public school where you were first enrolled. I guess sheer nostalgia prompted me to include Santa Rita. We were only three then: Mommie, you and I. Those were the days of happy memories, little responsibilities, tremendous freedom, a great future ahead and capped by a fulfillment of love. You are the first fruit of our union, the first proof of our love and the first seal of our affections.
From Concepcion we were to proceed to Luisita for the barrio fiesta. I intended to invite a friend who could roast an entire cow succulently. Swimming, pelota, dancing and eating would have been the order of the day. Sunday morning was reserved for a trip around the Hacienda and the mill and maybe golf for some of the parents and later a picnic-lunch on Uncle Tony’s Island . Return to Manila after lunch. I am afraid this will have to remain one of the many dreams I had in Laur.
Our future has suddenly become uncertain and our fate unknown. I am even now beginning to doubt whether I’ll ever be able to return to you and the family. Hence, I would like to ask you these special favors.
Love your mother, whose love for you, you will never be able to match. She is not the greatest mother in the world, she is your sincerest friend. Take care of your younger sisters and brother and lavish them with the love and care I would like to continue giving them but am unable to do so. Help Noynoy along and pray hard that he will grow to be a real, responsible man who in later years will protect you all. You are the model for your three younger sisters. Your responsibility is therefore great. Please endeavor to live up to our highest expectations. .. Be more tolerant to Pinky, more accessible to Viel, our little genius-princess, and more charitable to Krissy, our baby doll, and make up for my neglect.
Finally, forgive me, my love, for not having been an ideal, good and thoughtful father to you all as I pursued public office. I had hopes and high resolve of making up, but I am afraid my destiny will not oblige. I seal this letter with a drop of tear and a prayer in my heart, that somehow, somewhere we shall meet again and I will finally be able to make up for all my lapses, in the kingdom where justice reigns supreme and love is eternal.
I love you,

Dad

a round for Mother Earth

2009-08-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Our mission is, in truth, historic and world changing - to build, over the next fifty years and beyond, a global low carbon economy. And it is not overdramatic to say that the character and course of the coming century will be set by how we measure up to this challenge - Prime Minister Gordon Brown (19 November 2007)

It is indeed welcome news to hear that the widening of MacArthur Highway from Tarlac to Pampanga will still push through, only this time the old trees lining both sides will not be harmed in anyway. The main road will be for fast moving vehicles while service roads will be incorporated on both sides separated by the trees, for much slower vehicular traffic.

That Highway once completed, I am sure will be a model of what a green highway is all about. This corner is only too glad to note that the concept was from the drawing boards of Architect Palafox, a known environmentalist.

On equal note however, is the sad fact that some 100 trees were hastily chopped. Of course the contractors knew that they were racing against time. The DENR for its part of course denied that the trees should be cut down; they explained that the permit was for the DPWH to ball. And when was the last time an almost century-old tree survived the operation? And balling for these old trees, without my saying, will be an exercise in utmost futility.

I am not sure how others misconstrue what God meant when He said: man should have dominion over everything…

Going back, residents in the area and motorists who will be taking the Highway will surely benefit from this development. And the rest of the country should stand proud. This is certainly one idea that should be emulated.

Hats off to Sen. Madrigal, whom I heard took the cudgels, the artists who painted the trees with the human form to dramatize the plight of the trees, the many columnists who wrote and commentators who spoke against the plan, and finally to the DPWH and the DENR for acceding to a better idea, and likewise, to the vigilant.

We have won a round for Mother Earth, for now, but let us not rest on our laurels…

remember tita cory

2009-08-10T00:27:00.000-07:00

Tita Cory has now joined the ranks of the immortals. She left a special place in the hearts and minds of millions on this plain. Her departure, though planned as a private affair, was still marked with the ceremonies fit for a much loved royalty, for she is one. Never mind the state funeral for departed leaders (let’s leave that to the politicians) – even if she really deserved one.

To my mind, it is not how one leaves this earthly place, but what one left behind.
She left a legacy. She is now an icon. Yes, of democracy. I remember vividly People Power in 1986, it was not an isolated incident in Manila as others would have claimed. Baguio and other cities in the country were part of that revolution, one that changed the course of our history.

Yellow confetti too, rained on the streets of Baguio, over the heads of those who clamored for change. The small winding streets were filled to the rafters with people rejoicing and would still brave another cold day or night should the stand-off in the capital go another day or so. The Baguio Cathedral opened its doors to everyone.

My old man on that day led a delegation of mineworkers into the streets together with other folks. They too, clamored for change, better living conditions, a stable political climate, and hopefully a better future.
Cory was already a symbol of fortitude.

To my mind, Cory was both the modern day fictional Don Quixote and the Pied Pier of Hamelin rolled into one. Don Quixote because she battled the windmills and the latter, because everyone followed the musical pipe.

Dainty Restaurant, a Baguio landmark then, was always abuzz with politicians, media personnel and most everyone who wanted to speak and simply would like to hear what the doyen in the crowd would say. They always converge at that place over cups and cups of coffee to be updated on anything.

Cory united a country fragmented and its people already at the verge of total surrender from the long rule of a dictator.

The Yellow Fever reigned and tested not long after with several coup attempts from the right wing, all failing at its doorsteps.

Through it all, Cory stood by the people, for the people.
She cared as a mother would, she cried and still she loved.

Sadly, our loss is also our gain.

We will remember and carry on. Good bye Tita.

make it count

2009-08-07T01:11:00.000-07:00

Life is short. And as soon as one learns of this, he or she may just be another wandering soul. Lucky is he who discovers light long before the end of the tunnel.

Life in this age is a hurried game, and people tend to view life and how it is lived in different perspectives. For some, one must act immediately -- almost on impulse; for others, it should be taken one day at a time. Either way, the individual’s purpose, I believe, must first be laid out, or even sought before one takes on the pacing with which he or she intends to attain a goal or objective. The search for a purpose alone, for some, takes a life time.

Experts on matters i.e., purpose, productivity, meaning and the like abound. I guess they all mean one thing. That life is short, and it must be lived in the most meaningful way.

This brings me to the dawn of time. How was life during the prehistoric age? Did those cavemen contemplate life? Am I wasting my life pondering the past?

Anyway, when one comes to this point, I guess we just have to slow down, take stock and proceed from there. I’ve no answers at the moment and life is just too great to waste.

Every time I feel I’ve to take stock (never mind the slowing down), I am reminded of our graduation song back in high school: “One Little Candle”. Did you know that this song was popularized by the likes of Perry Como and Chicago? Anyway, why wait for the light at the end of the tunnel…

It Is Better To Light Just One Little Candle
than To Stumble In The Dark.
better Far That You Light Just One Little Candle,
all You Need Is A Tiny Spark.
if We'd All Say A Prayer That The World Would Be Free,
a Wonderful Dawn Of A New Day We'd See...
and If Everyone Lit Just One Little Candle,
what A Bright World This Would Be.

when The Day Is Dark And Dreary
and We Know Not Where To Go;
don't Let Your Heart Go Weary,
just Keep This Thought In Mind...

it Is Better To Light Just One Little Candle
than To Stumble In The Dark.
better Far That You Light Just One Little Candle,
all You Need Is A Tiny Spark.
if We'd All Say A Prayer That The World Would Be Free,
a Wonderful Dawn Of A New Day We'd See...
and If Everyone Lit Just One Little Candle,
what A Bright World This Would Be

macarthur park?

2009-07-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. ~Native American Proverb

Calling on Sen. Loren Legarda, the environment needs you! We, together with the residents of the affected areas in central Luzon need you. The trees and the rest of the filipinos need you!

How else can the migrating birds in Central Luzon be assured of a haven, a sanctuary in our country enroute to their destinations if they see fast speeding cars zooming here and there along the big highways criss-crossing these islands? It will be difficult to find big and sturdy branches and familiar ones on which to perch.

A total of 5,442 trees along the highways in Apalit to San Fernando in Pampanga, Bamban to Capas and Tarlac City to San Manuel in Tarlac Province have all been identified in a permit (or death warrants if you may) issued as early as April 22 this year and duly signed by no other than Secretary Lito Atienza of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The trees have been shown and proven to have been standing in the way of progress. Guilty. For being so, they are to suffer the supreme penalty of death!

The DPWH was deputized to carry out the sentences of those marked. Though not all will have the same fate, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, at least 1,282 will be balled (slow death) while 4,164 trees will be felled outright (a not so quick death as far as man is concerned, at times the stump is left to rot).
As of Friday last week 82 trees have already succumbed to the razor sharp buzzing chainsaws, the inquirer reported.

The trees serving not only as Pampanga’s heritage and safety buffer for those living alongside, they also absorb the carbon dioxide emitted by cars speeding along the highway and protect the lungs of thousands within the area.

Those massive trees along the MacArthur Highway, still according to the Inquirer account, were planted under the leadership of Eusebius Julius Halsema when he was district engineer of the province between 1914 and 1916.

In their own way and to attempt a stay if not a permanent one, artists in Central Luzon came together to voice their disapproval and disdain over the executions(as the saying goes, death brings people closer). While some have painted the trees to magnify the call to stop the felling of trees, others have taken to the stage, this early, to lament man’s folly – all in the name of progress.

Why not a pusoy game along the highway by barangays or any other card game like in most lamays, call on all the hustlers, this way money could be raised in no time. I bet it'll be far superior than the $100US a plate dinner in evening formals. At the same time, the wake, make that continuing as in every night, by the road is typical filipino. This action will surely call attention! Let everyone pitch in, some will serve "sinampalukan - pang morningan style" while others would simply gawk. Mere presence would say it all - for the love of trees!

The influential Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, initially, according to the Inquirer, put up a protest but eventually gave in. What has trees got to do with their businesses anyway? I guess even Henry Sy with his box-type practical buildings even saw through that. Strange, but more often, wisdom shines late in the day. Well, better late...

The MacArthur Highway, already an alternate to the NLEX, should be a model of reengineering with innovative traffic management while being the centerpiece of modern highways that include trees in its panorama – a green highway. Why not? What's wrong with being innovative?

Truly, if a one time cost of P700 million will set the stage for a modern MacArthur that will serve the needs of the Tarlac and Pampanga areas, then that will be a pittance compared to the social costs we are about to face.

Easing traffic, by the way, is discipline and management. Zoning? We don't have that in the Philippines, save for ordinances in city and municipal council records. Highways are where you see the town centers, the market and the plaza. Oh, yes put in large malls, too, they're our new geographical and political landmarks. Expect that Sunday traffic will be heavier than usual.

Lest I be diverted, Baguio City too, is in the same predicament. Some one thousand trees within the Convention Center are in mortal danger from the gray jungle about to spring forth should the arrangement between the GSIS and SM Group materialize.

That small patch of Pine in the heart of the City is an oasis in this time of global warming. It represents our stand against man’s folly and indifference. Let's save it!

The Halsema trees lining the MacArthur Highway will be gone soon and in its place would be a monument to the invasive glitter of progress. Not even 30 trees for each felled Macarthur tree, as the permit states, will make a difference, not now, not ever.

What have you, our dear Senator, Secretary and the rest, to say? Save the environment, heal the world. Enough of the motherhood statements! One does not have to be at the helm to make a difference.

In closing, allow me to share the words of Mohandas K. Gandhi, he once said: there is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed.

QC wildlife park

2009-07-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing - just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park?
- Ralph Marston

An article buried in the inside pages of the Philippine Star of July 7, 2009 was a flicker of hope in this time of global warming and political quagmire besetting our country.

The article entitled “DENR to make QC wildlife park a ‘biodiversity showcase’”, in my mind, is one big story deserving of a front page if not a banner story. However treated and for whatever reason, for those who are concerned about our environment, the piece is surely welcome and timely.

The article claimed that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources plans to transform the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center (NAPWNC) in Quezon City into a “biodiversity showcase.” Secretary Lito Atienza of the DENR explained that “a model biodiversity conservation area in an urban area where people, particularly the youth, can learn more about the Philippine biodiversity and appreciate the necessity of protecting them.”

At the moment, the NAPWNC, according to the article, is a favorite weekend destination for families and an educational spot for students. It boasts of wide picnic grounds, a lagoon and a wildlife rescue center where some of the country’s endangered or threatened wildlife species are undergoing rehabilitation and care.

As far as I can remember, this place is in a sad state of neglect and is in dire need of rehabilitation. The large track is surely ideal for recreation and definitely, one need not go far as it is in the heart of MetroManila.

And this could be the reason why the DENR Secretary finally decided to spruce up the place, make it an ideal destination and in the remotest of possibilities, a substitute to the ever-growing “mall mentality” of this generation. Well, why not, that’s where the “action” is, as the young would suggest. I say, try the outdoors for gimikan, and for a change!

For this plan (which I pray would materialize), I forgive the Secretary for his past Executive stance while then Mayor of the City of Manila when he forcefully rammed the civic minded and environmentalists to the ground and pursued the construction of an edifice right at the small forested area known as the Mejan Garden. That act, to me, was unconscionable. Anyway, the park was returned to its stewards after his term and much has been done to reforest the (irreplaceable) trees.

And to firm up the vision of a biodiversity showcase, the Secretary signed a memorandum of Agreement with Palafox and Associates to facilitate the preparation of the NAPWNC conceptual master plan that will include detailed site engineering, landscape architectural design and urban design, the article claimed.

If I recall, Felino Palafox is a deeply committed environmentalist judging from his defiance to cut down trees within the SBMA area when asked to design and put up a Casino right in the middle of a forest. I believe he lost that contract and a series of news articles came up in the big dailies where the proponent of the construction did a lot of damage control (well, at least, to my mind). Palafox’s company is renowned and their designs are “green.”

Anyway, it would be refreshing to note that (still in the news article) the Philippines, the DENR said, has long taken pride in its diverse natural wealth – the country has more than 14,000 species of plants, 9,000 of which are flowering plants.

It also added that the Philippines rank fifth in the number of plant species, fourth in bird endemism, which means that these birds are found only in the Philippines. We also rank fifth in mammal endemism.

The news item also claimed that, there are around 3,000 species of trees that thrive in the country (and that; these) trees (maybe some) are found in the park, 100 of which are endemic to the country such as Narra, Molave, Kamagong and Ipil.

This corner is looking forward to a beautiful spot in QC, hopefully in the near future. That park, when rehabilitated, should be one giant stride towards awareness to bring the environment within our consciousness and its importance to our everyday life.

We have a beautiful country; we just have to nurture, preserve and enjoy the blessings!

Saving a patch of pine

2009-07-13T01:33:00.000-07:00

(i am posting here without permission the following article written earlier by Ramon Dacawi of the baguiocitydotcom, which i believe, should reach as many as possible....)

So the Government Service Insurance System is determined to clear that tiny patch of pine beside the Baguio Convention Center. The mini-forest stands in the way of its plan – with Shoemart – to build a four-building, 13-floor condotel complex. .

The infrastructure project is dubbed “Baguio Air Residences”. That label for a come-on simply won’t fit and would be ironic . The Baguio air would not possibly be enhanced with the conversion into concrete of even a tiny forest near or within the concreted heart of a small, crowded city badly yearning for breathing space and pining for clean air and the vanishing scent of pine. .

Not all the 967 trees there would be cut, we’re told. Some would remain and others balled and replanted somewhere. Given the sensitive nature of our Benguet pine, however, they would not survive replanting when they are matured. Those in the patch are over 30 years now. That’s why they were balled when they were young, the size of Christmas trees, when their roots hadn’t jutted out of the balled soil.

Still, their growth remains stunted. They never fully recovered from the shock of balling, hauling and replanting that provided an instant landscape of green for the historic Karpov-Korchnoi World Chess Championship series in 1978.

Yet they are what we have, environmental sentinels still standing within the concreting heart of the “City of Pines”. Small and lonely as it is, the pine stand still gives that refreshing juxtaposition of green – and breathing space - in a once unique, temperate upland wonder now feeling so incomplete and choked by the continuing sprawl of steel and cement.

We long to have that green patch remain as such. Not so much for nostalgia of us the older ones. It’s to serve as a monument for the younger and future ones to know their city’s formative years, when Baguio was one neighborhood unlike any other down there.

Left untouched, the pine patch would be our saving grace of sorts – from the future blame and the recurrent one visitors and returning Baguio boys and girls hurl at us for what we did or did not do to mangle the fond memories of a paradise we all share.

The accusation of neglect really hurts, and more so when it is inflicted by those we grew up and went to school with, before they left to find their places in the sun. The knife cuts deep each time visitors saddle us with the same leading questions, even if the continuous urban decay is partly due to their yearning for a home – or business - up here. That yearning for a piece of Baguio triggered subdivision and business investments from down there. Blame it on the lure of a place triggering its undoing.

We, common Baguio folk, can hardly inflfuence major environmental and infrastructure development policies for our own city. These are laid down for us in Metro-Manila. Neither do we have the power of the purse to buy and preserve what remains of the pine forests and vacant spaces.

Beyond trying to wax nostalgic or romantic, the helpless hand-wringing, lip and nail-biting, what do we do? Two things: pull at the heartstrings of GSIS and/or have the city buy the mini-forest for posterity.

First is to present the same argument the GSIS used in 2002. That was when it bought, for over P40 million, “Parisian Life”, a painting by national hero Juan Luna in an auction by Christie’s in Hongkong. When GSIS members protested the purchase, GSIS officials rightfully and keenly put forth the argument of reason.

GSIS, its leadership correctly pointed out, also insures national heritage, in this case the priceless work of a national artist and patriot. .

In the same vein, Baguio is national heritage. The area where the mini-pine forest stands, the Baguio Convention Center lot and even the Luneta Hill where SM Mall now stands, are part of the national heritage that Baguio is. The whole area was the Government Center, a complex of buildings built by the American colonial government. It became the center of national governance in summer, when the lowland heat was unbearable, That’s how Baguio became the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

One may argue that except for the rotting and abandoned Casa Vallejo, nothing remains of the Government Center that is worth saving as national heritage.

Even then, that tiny patch of pine may not be dispatched as a worthless carbon sink blocking the way to urban development. It serves as a breather, a refreshing open space amidst the thickening, sickening and expanding jungle of concrete and traffic.

Sparing the patch would be GSIS’ fitting gift for Baguio’s Centennial this year. After all, this city is national heritage, owned not only by us who live in it but by all Filipinos and visitors, whoever and wherever they are.

After all, GSIS won’t have to buy the mini-forest, unlike in the case of the Luna painting. GSIS acquired the Government Center by the stroke of a pen, through a Presidential Decree issued by President Marcos.

What we, as individuals, institutions, GSIS members, expatriates to and from Baguio, and visitors can respond to the call for civil obedience for the environment through letters and appeals that may pull at the heartstrings of GSIS. Through our lobbying, the GSIS leadership, given its admirable sense of propriety, values and heritage, may eventually deem the pine patch as valuable as “Parisian Life”.

Second, the city may consider wielding its power of eminent domain. It can purchase that patch of pine for public purpose and use - as a park that the city council declared to be so. The forceful and effective environmental group Nature Conservancy, sometimes in tandem with governments, has been doing it since the .50s - buying and preserving prairies, swamps, forests and other natural habitats.

Meanwhile, my friend Bryan Aliping and other health buffs can jog daily around the mini-forest with sweatshirts and placards declaring that that patch of pine is too precious to be sacrificed in the name of business and economic enterprise – and more urban congestion, traffic and smog. (e-mail: ecowalkmondax@gmail.com or mondaxbench@yahoo.com for comments).

By: Ramon Dacawi BENCHWARMER
Email: ecowalkmondax@gmail.com
Posted: June 21, 2009 07:21:13 AM GMT(+8)

Baguio needs you – now

2009-07-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

(The following is an article which came out in the BaguioCityDotCom, an online publication about Baguio and the surrounding areas. This corner cannot help but echo Mr.Ramon Dacawi’s sentiment on the matter -- a burning issue. His call is universal, non-confrontational and I believe - acceptable to all parties. )

Are you Baguio?

Chances are you are. The target of the question is inclusive. It’s to whom it may concern – like a shotgun blast. .

It’s not limited to those who are Baguio by birth, upbringing, education, career, retirement or residence.

It’s for anybody who had been up here – be it for a vacation, a conference, a romance, a wedding, a honeymoon or whatever.

It’s also for those who haven’t been up here, yet swear they’ll make that trip sooner or later, if only to feel whole and complete, even if they see Baguio different from what they had heard or read. .

If you’re any of the above, then you’re Baguio. We owe it to tell you about a seemingly innocuous and unimportant development that may also mean a lot to all of us.

It’s about pine, particularly a patch of over 900 standing near the heart of Baguio. The small, green pine stand rose beside the Government Center. The Center was built at the turn of the last century, as seat of the national government in summer, when the tropical heat is unbearable in Manila. (That’s how Baguio became the country’s Summer Capital).

The forest came from young trees which were balled somewhere and replanted to provide ambience for the 1978 World Chess Championships between Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi. Karpov won that one, and we now hope to win this one.

By a stroke of the pen of then President Marcos, the Government Service Insurance System acquired portions of the Government Center, including the lot on which the pine stand grows.

It’s alarming that GSIS is determined to replace the green patch with a four-building, 13-story condotel complex in a joint venture with Shoemart, the mall chain that also built on Luneta Hill where the Pines Hotel used to be.

Baguio needs that patch of pine more than it does another concrete business enterprise being added to the urban congestion and sprawl. A condotel dubbed “Baguio Air Residences” would run counter to Baguio’s over-all come-on as the place where you want to live in because of its temperate climate, pine-scented air and natural landscape.

Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr.and the city council want to keep the patch as is – a park for whoever is and will be Baguio to access and enjoy, a counterpoint to the smog and crowding triggered by “utak semento” and commercial enterprise.

Like you, GSIS can and might become Baguio, too. It can scrap the condotel project and save and preserve the patch of pine – and its own dignity, as system with values intact for national heritage. .

By its own admission, the GSIS does not only insure government workers and property. It said sowhen, in 2002, it bought “Parisian Life, a painting by national hero and artist Juan Luna. for P42 million. Criticized by some of its members for the purchase in an auction in Hongkong, GSIS said it does not only insure its members; it also insures national heritage.

Makapasangit. It’s a tear-jerker to hear that argument of reason.

So is Baguio a national heritage. It’s status as such is not limited to its history and titles - as the country’s Summer Capital, Flower Garden City, Honeymoon Paradise and City of (vanishing) Pines. Access to parts of Baguio that were and are still government property and serving public purpose, such as forests and open spaces should not now be limited to those who are fencing us out of them, especially if these were acquired by them without cost, and without our knowledge and consent.

Up close, yet ignored in the push for concrete and exclusivity, is the personal sentiment of millions of Filipinos about Baguio being a personal, family, collective and inclusive heritage – whether they come up here by and sleep in a bus or in a Mercedes and stay in their own vacation houses or check in at a condotel.

We who walked Baguio’s forests in hunts for mushrooms and wild strawberries, swam and fished its creeks, sold its weeklies, shined its shoes, or got a shiner from a fistfight at Mt. Mary’s feel they, too, are Baguio who rowed boats at Burnham Park, rode ponies at Wright Park, studied, courted, loved, married, honeymooned or parted ways, raised kids and then left with memories. Or stayed and settle down with us up here.

They, too, are Baguio who will come after us. Saving the patch is more for them than for us who now pine for the lost scent of pine.

So we’re all Baguio, because this city is inclusive, a melting pot tries to live by the sense of fair play that is (or was) the mark of a Baguio boy or girl. So shall GSIS be, too, if it can spare and bestow that tiny pine forest as its gift for Baguio’s Centennial. With a change of heart, the green patch would be GSIS’s proud patch for being Baguio, for saving national heritage. After all, Baguio is not GSIS. Or SM.

Lest it forgets its hierarchy of values, let’s write, petition and even beg GSIS if we must, before the patch of pine is lost or become an enclave of those who can afford, something we now feel Camp John Hay, even with the city’s conditions for its open access, is turning into. Igorots of all sizes, from all walks and all over, by blood, birth, heart, sentiment and choice did petition GSIS when they met April last year in Banaue, Ifugao for the seventh Igorot International Consultation.

If not, we can let our kids and grandchildren – who will be affected the most by what we do (or not do) with the environment they will inherit - break open their piggy banks to start a campaign to help the city buy that patch. The city, under its power of eminent domain, can expropriate a piece of property for public use – to offer us common folk equal access and space in this concreting urban landscape.

Are you Baguio?

By: Ramon Dacawi
BENCHWARMER
Email: ecowalkmondax@gmail.com
Posted: June 27, 2009 12:02:23 AM GMT(+8)

Manong Mon, the writer, happens to be one of this corner’s mentors while with the Baguio Midland Courier and the Baguio Cordillera Post in the City of Pines way back. A prolific writer, he is also a pioneer and a leading proponent of the Baguio Regreening Movement. A ponyboy, an avid environmentalist, he is also known as a lover of Baguio, and a compassionate soul to the needy.

the voice in my heart

2009-07-02T01:24:00.000-07:00

He that planteth a tree is a servant of God, he
provideth a kindness for many generations, and
faces that he hath not seen shall bless him.- Henry Van Dyke

Is it true that the City of Baguio is being sued as a result of a botched plan between the government insurance fund and the SM group to “develop” a piece of land currently devoted to a patch planted to trees fronting the Baguio Convention Center?

Being the business giant, and the new geographical if not political landmark in every corner of the country, the SM group only wishes to modestly put up four 13 storey-condotel buildings and a commercial complex within the 1.4 hectare area, right across the SM mall now complacently perched on the highest point in the city’s business district.

The arrangement is for the SM group to finance and undertake the project while the GSIS will provide the property.

Included in the package supposedly, will be the redevelopment of the Sunshine Park in Burnham complex and the rehab of the Convention Center.

Citing environmental concerns, aside from the fact that it is a water table of sorts, the City landscape cannot anymore take in several high-rise structures and in the process invite heavy traffic to the point of choking arteries, not to mention pollution. Against all these, the City headed by the Mayor and the denizens stood pat proclaiming the forest must stay.

For its part, the City is not only willing to part with the trees it is also willing to pay for the property through an arrangement where the revenues from the lease of the Camp John Hay, which is owned by the City, would somehow find its way to the coffers of the GSIS. That, according to newspaper accounts, would allow the City to be able to pay for the property owned by the GSIS. The current manager of the Camp however is hard put. It has been remiss with its duties to the City.

To date the trees are said to be close to a thousand. If plans push through, 549 trees will remain on site; 105 for balling; and 313 trees will be served their “death warrants”.

As I see it and most will surely agree, the slow grinding wheel of justice, for now, will surely stave off pollution, congestion, provide water to a portion of the population, and prevent the felling of trees.

Like children, if taken cared of properly, will in time be sources of pride. Trees for their part, if given the chance, will provide and nurture us in our old age, lend beauty to our surroundings and stability to the grounds we stand on.

This corner, together with similarly minded people, may not have all the arguments to mount a monumental stand against the giants in business and those in power up in Government, but that forest stand in that corner of Baguio must stay!

Actually, I may not even have an argument, but there's this small voice crying out in my heart for every tree that is harmed. They belong, in this world, like every child.

chicken

2009-06-25T01:43:00.000-07:00

Sometime third quarter of last year I decided to put into action my desire to be entrepreneurial. I pondered and finally decided, with the help of friends, to raise free range chickens.

"Why chickens?" Friends asked, to which I said "why not?"

One reaches “the farm”, as I call it, after crossing a knee-deep river (in summer) in the mountains of Boso-boso. The river rages wild during the rainy season.
Yes, Virginia, we don't have a bridge. It was claimed by the river years ago. The farm, just on the other side of the river, is teeming with cogon in one side and a patch devoted to camote on the other.

The roughly 2,000sq.m. fenced farm houses some 600 chickens. The brooder is contained in a small barn on a gently sloping hill.

To save on cash we used secondhand fishing nets bought along the highway on the way to Cardona in Rizal. Stitched together they make fantastic fencing material.

I bought the first batch of 200 chicks early this year. They were followed two weeks later with the second batch and yet another after the 7th week.

At this time, there are now some chickens ready for harvest.

I am keeping my fingers crossed this Sunday at Filinvest weekend market and hoping it will be a sunny day.

tula 2

2009-06-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

Once more, the heart pines for home…or so it seems. He must be speaking from the heart like a volcano emitting small amounts of debris, a phenomenon to forestall an immediate explosion, or for some, pending a big one.

Then again, I have always believed that home is where the heart is. How then can one explain the longing for physical presence in another place - even in the midst of his family?

Ahh…the mystery of our behavior! Is it the sense of belonging? Is it the big hurdle when confronted with a sudden change of environment and lifestyle (in middle age)?

After the “cost-benefit analysis”, which I am sure he did, my friend AFG went for the jugular, so to speak. Anyway, let us allow him space…and let time be the judge of his fate. We are but witnesses to this unfolding play.

Is it written, or does one carve his destiny? Again my friend writes, and he said:

tols,

ang pilipinas kahit ito'y lunga ng mahihirap
masaya at katuwa-tuwa

ang amerika ay lunga ng mayayaman
masaya at nakakatuwa
para sa mga puting instrumento ng kayamanan nito
ngunit sa mga bubwit na nangingitim ang kilikili
kakaramput ang kasiyahan
di lang makauwi sa sinisintang bayan
dahil ayaw masabihan na naghirap sa dayuhang bayan.

sana'y magkaraoon ng pagkakataon
na ipayaman sa mga dayuhan na may karapatan ding sumaya ang dayuhang kayumanggi
ngunit paano gagawin iyon kung mismong kababayan ang magluluklok sa iyo
upang manatiling lugmok sa iyakan.

nais ko ng bumalik sa kinalakihang bayan
lalo na sa bundok ng kalawis
ngunit maraming bumubulong na mahirap ang bayan
magtiis lamang sa bayan ng mga puti at balang araw ay sasaya din

sana nga'y dumating sa panahon na iyon
na natutuwa ang kalooban sa bayang dayuhan
lugmu na ang mga mata sa kakatingin sa malayo
naduduling sa katitingin sa sayang di makimkim

ang buhay amerika
masaya at malungkot
pero kahit saan mo ilagay
mas matimbang ang lungkot
dahil di ka makahalakhak
ng sinlakas ng halakhak ni ben david
tahimik lang ang halakhak
dahil baka hulihin
ng pulis na nagmamasid
sa bawat kilos ng dayuhang bansot.

amen.

plant that tree

2009-06-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

“God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved the birds and invented cages.”
-Jacques Deval

Despite the seeming apathy and all the possible challenges, it is heartening to note that there is now a growing concern over the environment and that so much effort and finances are being poured into awareness and activities to mitigate, if not put a stop, to the damage continuously being perpetrated on the environment.

Last Friday, June 5, 2009, was World Environment Day.

And to highlight the event, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources took the opportunity to showcase the country taking a whole page ad in the major dailies. In the lower portion of the page amidst the color was a black and white photo of kids and superimposed are the words “Let us take care of our environment. Our future depends on it.” A timely commercial, words reaching out, and the colors expressing the abundance of such a blessing.

The thoroughly researched infomercial was not short on statistics about our forest, water, coastal and marine resources, divergent biodiversity and mineral resources.

Wow, our country is paradise! Even our tourism ads both in print and cyberspace are not short on the beauty and the never ending possibilities of eco-tourism activities in the country, all the way from Batanes to the tip of our country. Beautiful sites: from beaches to mountains, from the spectacular to the unique, and from our food to the myriad traditions of the highlands to the lowlands. One can only be in a constant state of amazement at what we truly have.

The ad of the DENR likewise informed readers that our country is “the 5th mineralized country in the world; 3rd in gold; 4th in copper; 5th in nickel; RP has about 20% of the world’s total nickel resources, it is considered the oil of the Philippines.”

There are “9 million hectares or 30% of total land area of potential sites having metallic mineral deposits; 5 million hectares of potential sites for non-metallic reserves; And that there are US$40 billion total value of minerals found in the 9 million hectares and US$1 trillion estimated value of untapped mineral deposits,” the announcement also explained.

I am however disturbed by the manner in which our wealth (as explained), hidden by centuries of forest cover and irreplaceable corrals of the Philippine deep, is being advertised and valued. Is this to induce a mindset that the untapped wealth is up for grabs? Are we being conditioned that soon all these minerals will find their way to the highest bidder? Is this an invitation to investors? Is the government opening up the floodgates reminiscent of the gold rush in America?

Are we looking at Compostella Valley in Mindanao in a larger scale?

As far as I'm concerned, mining in Compostella Valley is the current state of the industry in the country today, and pardon my saying so. It is a representation of all that is wanting, a sense of order, a state of neglect, destruction, exploitation...greed.

There are just a handful of licensed mining companies and they are supposedly supervised by an agency under the DENR, the rest of the operations, if they are called that, are unsupervised, aside from the fact that they contribute to the steady pace of environmental degradation and the mounting statistics of those maimed and killed.

A strong advocate of the environment yesterday appeared in a captioned photo of a national daily. She is believed to have planted millions of trees nationwide and advertised her campaign painted on green metal sheet welded to g.i. pipes planted securely all over the country. She wrote a book and even organized a network of similarly minded youth several years back.

The lady poltician, with her stature, can really do so much against atrocities perpetrated against the environment; speak out against the destructive process of mining, call on all stakeholders (especially the local governments); speak out against the construction of a firm in Subic within the heart of a forestland; mobilize a true community-spirit in rehabilitating the Pasig river and all other waterways in the country; she could also have spoken against the bulldozing of a portion of the Mejan Garden in the heart of Manila, or put her foot against the expansion (even in the face of the financial meltdown)of an aircraft-parts company in Baguio which moved into a Pine forest and eliminated trees in the process. The company eventually laid-off some two hundred workers recently.

Logs being hauled and transported are still seen on highways on board long beds to its destination (log ban?) unhampered, as if it was a government project with the announcement on its windshield “do not delay”. Chainsaws still buzz and rule the countryside. Even poachers are protected by armed men.

The list of atrocities against Mother Earth is endless, but we are all stakeholders in this race towards its destruction.

The issue will rage on and off, but at the end, when the dust of destruction settles down we learn that it is our only place, the only gift and after all else, our only legacy.

Find that time, plant (wherever) and nurture that tree.

tula

2009-06-05T00:25:00.000-07:00

Ang salaysay dito ay idinaan sa pamamagitan ng tula ng aking kaibigan na ngayon ay sumaiState na. Akala ko lang na masaya na siya sa kinaluluklukan, akala ko lang pala. Kaya heto, aking ilalabas ang kanyang tula, at itatago ko na lang siya sa inisyals na AFG. Ang kanyang tula:

ang buhay, bow!

alas sais ng umaga.
kumalembang ang tono ng cellphone.
hudyat ng paggising.
kailangang makandarapa sa cr
upang ideposito ang isinaksak sa bituka ng nakaraang araw.

sa trono ako'y nagiisisp
ako ba'y maliligo? o ipagpaliban na lang sa hapon?
malamig ngayong umaga, nagyeyelo ang tubig panligo
bukas na lang ako maliligo.

pagkain ng dayuhan ang aking agahan
gusto ko ng pinoy food kaso walang mabilhan
cereal, oat o chips ang siyang inihain
maghanap ka ng tapsilog
mumurahin ka ng taga luto
matrabaho ang tapsilog
marami pang gawain.

ako'y magmamaneho
patungong opisina
mercedez ang sasakyan
animo'y mayaman
ngunit hand over lang
sa naawang kamag-anakan

ingles ang salita sa opisinang tinatamasa
ang dilang banyaga mahirap isalita
marami ang inglisero sa opisinang sinasanto
ngunit pasulatin mo bali-bali ang sulat nito.
magaling nga magsalita ng banyagang dila
bopols naman kung pasulatin mo
pinoy pa ang tatama sa sinulat na akda
baligtad na talaga ang mundong nagluluksa.

alas singko na, oras na ng uwian
unahan lumabas sa pintuang parang duyan
panay man ang tulak mo babalik pa rin sa pinanggalingan
walang overtime dahil ayaw bayaran
ang boss mo sa opisina lang bida
paglabas ng opisina
kahit sampalin mo'y di aalma.

pagdating ng bahay
kumain ng maaga
dahil kailangang matulog
dahil gigising ng maaga.

buhay amerika
masarap mithiin
kung ikaw ay nasa pilipinas
kung dumating ang panahon na ikaw ay lalakbay
sa bansa ng mga dayuhan
siguraduhing itaas ang kilay
dahil sa ingles lang sila magaling.

bow.

how

2009-06-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

How can you stop Con Ass from pushing through?
How can you stop the roads from getting clogged?
How can you stop the rain from falling down?
How can you stop A-H1N1 from spreading?
How can you stop the menace of drugs?
How can you stop global warming?
How can you stop the denudation?
How can you stop the pollution?
How can you stop the violence?
How can you stop the lies?
How can you stop poverty?
How can you stop the war?
How can you stop hunger?
How can you?
How?
?

No matter, it's still a beautiful world.

one day on the streets

2009-05-29T01:56:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday I was to visit the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to do a particular research and knowing that it would be difficult to park in the premises (or that I just didn’t know where), I decided to commute from Cubao.

And so I took a cab from Cubao to the SEC building along EDSA. That was fast and convenient. After completing my task, I took a short walk to the corner and hopped on a G-liner bus bound for Quiapo. This is neat, I told myself, cold (with the aircon) and a movie of Arnold Swarzeneger playing on the video. What a way to spend an official day, at least on my way back to the office.

Not long after, or somewhere near Green hills, we were all asked to disembark and wait for another similar bus. As this was announced, I immediately concluded that the air-conditioning unit must’ve broken down judging from the rising temp – surely enough, it was so.

No sooner than I’ve set my foot on the sidewalk, I could already feel the heat building up and by the time I was actually waiting for the next bus the heat just engulfed me. “What’s a few minutes”, I tried to convince myself “before the next bus?” Not long after, another bus was on sight.

Again, with a/c and a video on board. But of course the distance was not without the usual Manila traffic, and we were cruising, or shall I say inching our way, from one traffic light to the other when I felt like dozing.

The hum of the engine and the slow moving bus was a perfect lullaby gently rocking me to sleep.

It was near the McArthur Bridge when I came to with the bus moving towards the SM in Manila beside the City Hall. I decided to alight and take a ride to Ermita. It was then that I discovered the area was in the midst of a traffic jam.

It was midday and the sun was above leaving no shadows below. The heat was, to my belief, at its peak. The day was humid and thick with pollution. Honk here and there, an armored vehicle traveling on the wrong side and expectedly met with resistance, more traffic. The sidewalks were filled with pedestrians seeking the shaded portions. The turo-turo personnel are now unmindful of the traffic outside and busy with the lunchtime crowd.

I walked towards the City Hall but not after grabbing camote que placed on two small paper plates. It looked good and the smell reminded me of long ago of those warm afternoons spent at home with the lola cooking by the kitchen. I guess it was the survival instinct that kicked in, food, just in case I get stuck somewhere. The thought of my lola was a denial of the seeming chaotic surroundings. I’ve to escape the traffic mess and the only way was to navigate my way to the underpass and make it to Intramuros to get another ride to Mabini.

Manila, my Manila!

Was I imagining things? Did I just mention that it was a survival course, right out of the books in boot camp? Nope, but that is the reality. Everyday, ordinary people in MetroManila are exposed to and confronted with the heat, the pollution, at times, even to muggers add to these the possibility of getting hit by a passing car, a speeding motorcycle, a cotong cop, name it and you got it!

My reality was suddenly broken by the siren of two motorcycle riding cops escorting a bigwig probably to a meeting somewhere. That lucky bloke in the heavily tinted SUV must be enjoying the cold temp inside while speeding and witnessing the parting vehicles as they zoom by. No wonder they do not have a concept of heavy traffic along major routes, and perhaps the same reason why government hotshots cannot come up with solutions as they never encounter problems.

Blah! Me and my myopic mind, truth is this guy must be going to an urgent meeting, just unmindful of what’s going on around this thickly populated metropolis.

Yes, I got through to the other side and yes, it took another dyip to Mabini in that sweltering heat just before 2pm.

In a few hours it'll be time to leave...just another day in Manila.

concern of the day

2009-05-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.
-Charles De Gaulle (1890 - 1970)

These past days media and every common tao I know of (including those I do not know but within hearing range) talk about the frenzy whirling about that steamy sex scandal involving high profile personalities.

The scandal I believe would have died a natural death if not for the evidence taken by a hidden camera while the lovers sought and provided earthly pleasure to each other. At this time, allegedly, the short segments have found their way to the U tube including (of course) reproduced videos which have thus far generated endless discussions and seemingly intelligent attempts at clinical discourse on the psychiatric well being of either or both of them, or simply just another sex video. Freud must be beaming elsewhere at this time with his theories!

The blabber has become by now a common fare and is also the reason I shun away from my daily doze of news while on the way to the office. There’s just so much talk about the private affair or affairs of those involved. For a change, music is a welcome treat.

But then again, I am bothered by the public hearing conducted by the Senate on the matter. The core of my disbelief is what can possibly be gained by an inquiry (in the pretext of) “in aide of legislation”? Is there really something to be learned from all these and possibly come up with a well crafted law (that would reverberate in the Halls of Congress for a long time) that would criminalize perversion, or the showing of it? Don’t we have enough laws in place? Or am I just missing out on something, aside from the fact that I’ve stayed away from the brouhaha?

Pardon my ignorance on the matter, but I believe the scandal does not deserve time and space in the Senate. If those involved were ordinary people, would they deserve the limelight, much more so the precious time of our esteemed legislators which I believe are (so much) saddled with national concerns i.e., poverty, fiscal deficit, unemployment, big time smuggling, graft and corruption, climate change, more taxes (and the list could go on…and on).

Are the hands of the police, on this matter, tied with the intricacies of the law because those involved are popular? What’s so special with these people that our Senators cannot leave this matter to the proper agencies of government, and least, to the bar of public opinion?

What have they really done that the Senate committee should lend dignity to the affair? I am at a lose here.

The personal tirades of a TV personality cum Senator against the suspect earlier on speaks well of the former’s personal conviction; but to drag the whole mess to the Halls of the Senate and spend the people’s money over other pressing matters of the day is another. I hope I am wrong here.

Several issues come to fore: first, the values of those involved; and secondly, the priorities of our legislators.

Honestly, aside from my ignorance on the matter, it is not for me to cast aspersions on the character or the values of those involved in the scandal. Wherever they have found themselves in, they have only themselves to blame. Both sides have burdens to carry from hereon and the hard lessons are theirs to learn, that is if they are inclined. The opportunity also offers a lesson or two for all.

As for the Senators’ intentions, or their wishing to craft a law on the matter, we can only wait, and watch; I am sure they know what the masses need and they have the wisdom to discern the priorities. I am not of the belief that our attentions have been carefully and craftily diverted by our legislators (who simply seek at the same time the milage) to the popular, and their misdeeds – with reference to the scandal, of course!).

Democracy gives us the opportunity to choose our representatives. And the good part is we always have a way to make amends -- through another election. Hopefully, another lesson we have to learn.

And for the scandal, it’ll come to pass…for we have our own lives to live.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

white beach

2009-05-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

Facing the west, one’s heart is captured by the sheer beauty of fading light as dusk hands over the landscape to night. Such is the eloquence of a sunset while this witness sat along White Beach, Puerto Galera last Saturday, May 16, 2009.

With the setting sun the air was now much cooler as the wind gently whispered a yet promising night filled with stars and the sound of rushing water healing the achy bones of this traveller.

To hold beauty even for a fleeting moment, one is brought closer to the Creator, even if only to express gratitude.

The truth of the matter, no words will suffice to describe the grandeur of nature. At times when we allow ourselves to relax and simply let the senses do the roaming, we begin to see, feel and experience that which we miss on the everyday rush.

So for that experience with nature, the family hit the road to Puerto Galera at around ten in the morning of Saturday taking the South Luzon Express Way (SLEX). Exit was along Calamba and soon found ourselves – lost! We should have taken the left turn after the exit. Since we were already there, a quick drive-by tour of the home town of our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal wouldn’t hurt.

The house of Dr. Rizal, sporting a new paint job, stands proud just beside the street. One cannot miss it. After a few tips from helpful Calamba “yellow-boys” who courteously directed us, we were soon back on track. I thought I missed the direction/signage, but according to the yellow boys, the sign was taken off as it blocked the traffic lights. So much for that.

Anyway, the Star Toll, formally called Southern Tagalog Arterial Road Tollway or Calabarzon Expressway, is a 42 kilometer 4-lane toll road that cuts across Batangas from Sto.Tomas. Soon, I heard, the Star Toll will be connected to the tip of SLEX by-passing Calamba or Turbina where a bottleneck usually occurs due to the heavy flow of traffic from the South especially from Bicol on entering Manila.

Our weekend getaway was the product of a resolution from the San Beda barkada/classmates of my wife which regularly meet at the Jollibee in Ortigas annually. More specifically, it was a penalty of sorts for Vice-Governor Estee Aceron of Oriental Mindoro who happens to be missed these past years in those meetings, and so she hosted this weekend splash. All is well, and forgiven. And she even hosted a dinner recently in Cubao during one of those very rare occasions, of course, to introduce the beau.

Not that Estee is remiss in her social functions with friends, but the truth of the matter being that she is one of the most loved and admired public officials I know of. Dedicated and sincere, a true public servant. True to form -- duty comes first.

And as in many planned outings, some did not make it due to one of several reasons. Tintin (together with hubby and kids), of course, was understandably busy with high profile client broadcaster/journalist Ted of the giant TV network. Attys. Gary and Amor were likewise occupied with the demise of a relative.

As the saying goes, “the show must go on” and upon reaching the Port of Batangas, Pia was already there with son Raco; brother Joli and cousin Kier.

We left our cars at the port and took an outrigger bound for Puerto Galera.
Except for the drone of the engine, it was smooth sailing reaching the island in just about an hour.

The place looked like a small Boracay, sans the fine white sand, instead we found an off white rock salt-size sand with lots of scattered pebbles. (This time around, allow the pictures to paint those thousand words.)

Accommodation for the night at White beach is not a problem. There are lots of inns and lodging houses in the vicinity. Bars and turo-turo type of restos abound.
Dive shops here and there, boats for rent and a milieu of activities including snorkeling, island hopping, banana boats and the like.

The following day, we visited the Sand Bar and did some snorkeling, fed the fish to attract them and lots of wading by the shore. The kids just had a blast playing all day building sand castles and collecting stones and shells. We stayed ‘til 4:30 p.m. in time for the last boat out.

For this trip we would like to acknowledge the assistance of Maricar, Estee's staff, for arranging the accommodation; Agbing's Beach Resort for the warm reception; Cathy for the boat ride; and again, Estee, thank you.

of zoobic and...highways

2009-05-18T02:19:00.000-07:00

The road to Subic in Zambales is paved (not only with all the good intentions), and is set to international standard. This we discovered very recently taking the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway, more commonly called the SCTEX, on our way to discover for ourselves the Zoobic Safari for the much advertised encounter with the big cats.

On this voyage last May 3, 2009 were the three kids, Carlo, krista and Keno; moi and hazel and our guest Father Jurgen Omerborn whom we fondly call Father O. He is German by birth and lives in Papua New Guinea.

We took the new highway (SCTEX), which branches out at the tip from the very used and recently renovated North Luzon Expressway, or the NLEX. With the introduction of the superhighway, travel time to the North, to Bataan and Zambales has been greatly reduced. Add to this the lesser fuel consumption …of course, after paying the toll fee!

The road itself cuts across the picturesque fields and hills of central Luzon making the trip both relaxing and pleasing to the sight aside from the fact that the roads are of superior quality. The kids were in awe of the distant mountains as we leave the plains of central Luzon towards Zambales hewn in blue and shaded by clouds directly above, which easily brings to mind big old calendars with chosen scenes of unspoiled beauty, probably in Europe or some other distant country. But no! This is right here, and now.

One cannot really help but notice the backdrop especially if one is regularly exposed to our major cities and highway system where markets and capitolios alongside residential and industrial areas are prominently and supposedly conveniently positioned – along the highways. Supposedly alert eyes (for survival) should be on the road if not on fellow travelers on vehicles and, doubly cautious of human traffic (to include dogs, chickens, cows and carabaos prowling the roads). Such is not necessarily the case on the SCTEX, for now.

Anyway, lest I be diverted, this topic is about our recent trip to Zoobic Safari some two-hour drive from Balintawak in Quezon City. From the NLEX we took the exit after Dau to SCTEX. We then drove the Tipo-Subic expressway to the Subic Bay Free Port Zone.

"We should have delayed this trip until at least after the fight of pacquiao" I beamed while cutting across the Candaba wetlands. Hazel with the patience of Gibraltar said "let's hear what's on the radio." Just after a few minutes and translating to english so Father O would understand the frenzy over the radio (while also attempting to hush the kids), I was momentarily silenced trying to believe that the fight was over...yep, the "hitman from manchester" just got hit by a fiery left. He was down on the canvas out cold.

After the fight, which I believe is one for the books, the talk slowly shifted to Shumacher and other great athletes.

Dark and ominous clouds now hovered above threatening our trip.

The whole of Subic is believed to be larger than the total land area of Singapore. And like the latter, it has a natural port (at Subic, natural barriers enclose the shipyard), an international airport and lots of forests.

So, going straight to the Zoobic, one encounters the rare white tiger, an array of serpents, rodents, Arabian camels, crocodiles, ostrich and wild boars. Monkeys too, abound. The Savannah inspired sanctuary allows one a wide range of exotic and farm animals, including dogs.

The Safari ride is the climax, an encounter with tigers in a huge cage where the visitors ride in a mesh protected jeep exposed to the tigers along the short distance. The tigers more often, begging for a chunk of meat or chicken, would clamber up the roof of the jeep.

Tired of the animals, visitors can lounge at the cafeteria and/or browse the souvenirs in one of the bunkers. Shows are also a common faire where the Aetas, (who trained U.S. Special Forces) display their jungle survival skills.

Then there’s also the circus type of shows where animals, both wild and domesticated, are lined up for a parade and show. By early evening and after the photo-ops and waiting, we were once more off and heading back to Manila.

A quick dinner along the NLEX, and a tall cup of coffee seemed so inviting after a day's tour. Choices could range from any of the gasoline stops, and name the restos.

After the stop, the kids were again fully charged and excited to reach home.

We hope you enjoyed the trip with the family, Father O. Another interesting place will be up on the screen as soon as you land in the Philippines. Tata for now.

...thrill of victory, agony of defeat

2009-05-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

“The price of greatness is responsibility.”
-Winston Churchill

photo lifted from zimbio

Tilting heavily and with the pay out ratio at the last minute of 3 to 1 favoring the camp of Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, still the fight was expected to run the course. Hatton, the “Hitman”, a known body puncher is very much expected to, well -- slug it out.

The Pacman’s camp predicted a third round knock-out, while the Hitman’s camp anticipated the former to fall by the seventh.

The clash between east and west has come and gone and while this is being written, money of pay-per-view is still being tallied. The Pacman is guaranteed a $12M pot while the man from Manchester is to take home 10M, still without their share from HBO pay-per-view and take from respective local channels. Count in the endorsements of these warriors, and more.

The Pacman has never failed to amaze people even from his earlier fights. Much has been said about him and much has been thrown on his foes. The British press for one is not particularly excused from such notoriety as obviously they have been rather harsh with the dismal showing of the “Great white hope.”

The Hitman has recovered from the physical blow but not really from the emotional and psychological impact of that hard left, a stunning blow if you may. To date, he has not made up his mind on whether to hang his gloves when asked what his future plans are. He said it’s not been easy since that night, and even added that he cannot bear to watch the replay. The now infamous left-hook by the Pacman earned not only millions in dollars but new fans as well on that side of the globe.

One of Manny’s earlier critic and fan was the former journalist, political analyst and sports writer Teddyman Benigno (God bless his soul). He once said Manny has the heart of a fighter and he actually predicted that the Pacman will make it big in the arena of boxing. That was many years back even before Manny suffered his first (or was that second) defeat in his career as a pro.

The Pacman is known to engage his adversaries adeptly not only on the ring but way, way ahead even before he actually meets his nemesis. He is a quick study and knows his enemies. A firm believer in the saying: “keep your friends close, and your enemies closer?” He has the skill, the discipline and the heart.

He is known to work his ass out, and actually begs for more, it’s Freddie Roach, his coach, that controls, or tempers, the tempo of his training.
How can one not be endeared to a Pacman, when the attributes that make for a national icon are all there, God fearing, humble, generous, a guy who wears his heart up his sleeve. Not every day do we meet a guy who offers all for the love of God and Country.
During the promotional tour of the fight, he charmed the British press by proclaiming that he is from Scotland and he was there to fight for freedom…a line from Wallace, the 14th century freedom fighter depicted in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart. And a Brit writer said “he is not governed by money or fame. He is just a man who happens to be very good at what he does. For him and certainly his people, it’s not just about the money. It is about doing a nation proud.”
And Joaquin Henson summed it by saying: “It’s easy to understand why Pacquiao is now not just the property of the Philippines but the pride of the world. He is now an icon, a national treasure, a hero…hail!

Will he now be willing to pay the price, the responsibility that comes with being a true champ?

ilocos

2009-05-04T00:37:00.000-07:00

“The journey not the arrival matters.” - T. S. Eliot

Parsimonious may, somehow describe the lot (as many believe), but definitely not what the Ilocos Region has to offer when one visits the land called “Marcos country”.

The North has so much to offer to visitors, from its delicacies, historic landmarks to the rich culture including the arts.

And this traveler was like a child, if not drunk trying to imbibe the never ending myriad of colors, structures and tastes that abound in the region after attending a
wedding (April 25) in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. The wifey was ninang to the newly wed couple. After that ceremony, it was a mad dash to the north together with mother and our three kids; Noel, Vangie and their son Chad -- yep nine, in one ride!

Looking back, the Ilocano country is a known cradle of heroes against the tyranny of Spanish rule even as early as 1589, in what is now known as the Dingras uprising. This was followed by the Pedro Almasan revolt in San Nicolas in 1660. In 1762, Diego Silang led a series of battles against the oppressive colonizers. When he died from an assasin’s bullet, the widow Gabriela continued the cause. She was later captured and eventually hanged.

In 1807, there was the sugar cane brewers’ (basi) protest against the government’s monopoly of the wine industry. In 1898, the church excommunicated Gregorio Aglipay for refusing to cut off ties with the revolutionary forces of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Aglipay then, unperturbed, established the “Iglesia Filipina Independiente”.

History has it that to gain more political clout and reportedly due to the growing population of the region during that time, a Royal Decree was signed on February 2, 1818 dividing Ilocos into the provinces of Sur and Norte. Soon thereafter, the provinces of La Union and Abra were born.

The revolts may have somehow slowed the complete control of the region but definitely not after churches and bell towers were erected in many parts. This was in line with the Spanish mission of bajo las campanas. Town plazas were not spared from being converted as garrisons and shadowed by imposing bell towers.

Behind all that defiance, however, was the concession to accept the structures – for what they are -- symbols of change. Take in the religion, a new way of life.

Standing proud even today in these provinces, are the churches, its towers and even communities as they were during the colonization of these provinces. In Vigan (City capital of Ilocos Sur), one is treated to a preserved section of the city (heritage site) known as Calle Crisologo. Cobble roads and old buildings with big airy windows on both sides, reminiscent of an era. Calesas drive past carrying tourists to and from.

About two hours from this City one reaches Laoag, the Capital of Ilocos Norte. Along the way, somewhere in Paoay, an old church stands erect, this is the Church of San Agustin. Instead of bricks, the church with a big front lawn was built using corrals.

In Laoag, the Sinking Bell Tower still stands, though favoring one side. It was however unfortunate that we reached the capital by nightfall due to the many attractions along the way and failed to see this leaning tower. We spent the night in that lovely hotel in Vintar Road, the Palazzo de Laoag courtesy of my next door office mate Stephen Ablan. He gave a discount plus reserved two rooms for us. Breakfast was great, and mind you, it was well worth it.

Along the Pasuquin road, stores on both sides of the highway sold salt and suka. All that was needed was the chicharon as there was bawang being sold by the bundles nearby, the small but the strong kind known throughout. This garlic is the superior kind though expensive compared to the big ones imported from Taiwan and China.

Coasting along we finally got to Cape Bojedor Lighthouse. Bucolic is the right word, and from that vantage point, one commands the view of China Sea rushing to the shores of Burgos. It was rainy that day and so the picture did not connote any semblance of the tropics that easily come to mind where the coconut leaves gently sway to the wind proffered against blue sky dotted with puffs of white on a warm day.

But then again, having a different scenario was not that bad.

A mute witness to passing ships and the changing tides, this old lighthouse is a monument to the changing times. It was hazy to foggy, rather cold and the wind was blowing wet when we got there. The shore was foaming white on the rocks from the ebb and flow. It was a different winter. To the left was a verdant green. The thick foliage could not be better than anytime of year.

A few more kilometers up ahead, and departing from the highway, we were confronted by the imposing windmills of Bangui. Though white in color, turning green is the way of the future, alternative power source! At the moment, it is the only windmill farm in the country.

By dusk we were all exhilarated from the sites and exhausted making the return trip a quiet one compared to the boisterous kids earlier on. By sunrise the following day, we were back in Manila looking forward to another week ahead – after a half day’s rest.

horse sense

2009-04-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

Look back at our struggle for freedom,
Trace our present day's strength to it's source;
And you'll find that man's pathway to glory
Is strewn with the bones of the horse.
Author Unknown

What is it with horses that make them appealing?

An unknown author once said “A horse is poetry in motion”.

As a kid I have always dreamed of having a horse -- married to that fantasy of galloping into the wild expanse and towards the west by day’s end.

Is this a western influence culled from too much John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson or even Lee Van Cleef movies? Or was it an exposure to the likes of Lito Lapid and Chiquito? Of course the younger generation will subscribe to Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, Dermot Mulroney, Lou Diamond Philips and others in Young Guns. What about Hugh Jackman with Nicole Kidman in Australia -- a show of superb horsemanship. Tom Cruise and Nicole found themselves earlier as immigrants in Far and Away in the land of the brave, home of the free.

And for book worms there are lots. Among those which I came across thrilled me to the last pages, i.e., the Horse Whisperer and the story of Sea Biscuit.

The tough guys in westerns were never without the horses. And of course the slew of western films can never be without the guns, the wide brim or ten gallon hats. And not to forget, the well worn boots with spurs.

High noon, if not just about sun set, would be where the encounter between the hero and villain meet for the “draw”, and the usual shoot out among allies ensue. The setting would normally be on the main street in front of the sheriff’s office, yes, right across the salon. Bars are reserved for jaw-breaking brawls and flying bodies after a swig of Tequilla or rhum.

The horses, yes, the horses!

Horses are beasts of burden. They transport people, pull carriages, plow the field, race for their owners, model for a country life-style setting, round-up cattle or sheep, as breeders and a host of other things.

So, horses will always fill a void in the lives of kids and even of adults. In other parts, horses even play an active role in the healing of patients as a form of therapy.

Even the mere image of a horse can win or cause the down fall of a people. In high school literature, we came to know of the Trojan horse – not yet the virus. To cut the long story short (thanks to wikipedia for the condensed version), after a fruitless 10-year siege of Troy, the Greeks built a huge figure of a horse, in which a select force of men hid, (the present day Navy Seals). The Greeks pretended to sail away, and the Trojans pulled the Horse into their city as a victory trophy. That night the Greek force crept out of the Horse and opened the gates for the rest of the Greek army, which had sailed back under cover of night. The Greek army entered and destroyed the city, decisively ending the war.

My kids love horses, and my little girl at one point even wanted me to buy a pony. Whew, what a tall order! Anyway, after lots of cajoling, she relented and settled for sketches, and so the two other boys followed suit and asked for more sketches. I gamely explained, “that, I can afford…to do”.

And the only time to experience horses is at the Wright Park in Baguio. Haven’t been to other places with horses save for one sports bar along Quezon Avenue. One gets to bet on any of the horses on the wide screen. So, visiting lola would occupy the top of the list in the itinerary when the kids go home to Baguio…and insist we visit the Wright Park since we’re already there. Every so often I would explain to the kids that it’s a novelty, as in Expensive – yes with a capital E.

Looking back and growing up in Baguio, we had this friend, Ben, who had a dozen or so horses and he would allow the barkada to ride the gentlest, while he would take on the aggressive steed. Although at times, we rode the quarter horse bare back – it was so much fun. On occasion Ben would do stunts and we’d all fall back and watch in awe. Ben was a skilled rider, he and the horse as one – jinba ittai.
The whole bunch would go to the Amistad farm in Camp 7 along Kennon Road and take turns. At times we found ourselves at Kapitan’s sprawling lot nearby. There we would enjoy the horses as well as the merienda in the company of Kap’s two lovely daughters, Rosalie May and Shirley Ann. The pair rode with ease- lovely site. The cold air permeating the late afternoon was our hint, so off we went – alas, not with the daughters! And definitely not into the wild blue yonder!

Like millions out there, I know of a thousand reasons for doting on horses.

Helen Thomson summed it up by saying: “In riding a horse we borrow freedom.”

something new...in baguio

2009-04-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

After that hiatus I’m back, hoping to write more about the myriad things happening in and around. Well, writing some, in a way, has now become therapy of sorts, a release, and a form of exercise. Without which, I feel there is something amiss.

That long break consisted of going home to Baguio with the family for the Holy week, and a side trip to the Bencab Museum along Km. 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan, Tuba Benguet – my topic for this writing.

One cannot miss this building sitting on a promontory on the way to the famous Asin Hot springs. Open from 9am to 5pm daily except Mondays. It’s on the left of the road just after the wood carving community.

If you ask me, the woodcarvers of asin are artists themselves, a tradition handed down from their ancestors, just take a look at the products on display at the shops and readily you'll see what i mean. The act of carving by itself, is performance art, and the end product another.

Oh! Going back to the museum... It’s a modern edifice with an imposing façade and the unmistakable red name emblazoned on it. Upon entering, one is already captured by the faces on the wall looking back at you. Seemingly asking: "so what have you done with your time?"

Inside, one is overwhelmed by the use of natural light, open spaces and the sense of uncluttered pieces. There is the feeling of ease as one examines the different collections. The picture frame windows on one side form a wall showcasing the view beyond the building of skies and mountain ridges complementing those made by man, a kaleidoscope of beauty…

The veranda allows one to experience the soothing air made cool by undulating expanse of mountains and forests, allowing one to take stock and thank the Great Maestro up above.

The building houses several galleries which boast of collections of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera (Bencab), tribal artifacts and indigenous crafts of the Northern Philippine highlands, furniture, implements and weapons.

A floor is devoted to contemporary arts consisting of paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture of known artists. In one enclosed gallery appears a caveat to those who enter that the pieces therein might be offensive to the sensibilities (or something to that effect) – the erotica gallery. There is the museum shop which sells art books, paper products, highland arts, textiles and other souvenir items. One can even purchase a Bencab umbrella.

The Larawan hall, according to the guide, serves as a function room for the workshops, meetings, seminars and film showing. The open terrace is used for receptions and sculpture shows.

At the bottom of the building is Café Isabel overlooking a duck pond beyond which, are mountains stretching all the way to China sea, which on an ordinary day would simply be hazy and so distant. Across the pond is a vegetable patch with organic produce. The brochure also claims that beside the mini-forest is a source of spring water. Peacocks and various birds and other farm animals are among the residents of the place.

Café Isabel, by the way, is managed by the same people operating Café by the ruins in nearby Baguio, just below the City Hall.

On the day we were there, the morning rain just poured its blessings making the air much cooler and, well, a great time to savor that kamote bread slowly drowning it with honey-sweetened lemon-grass tea by the big open windows of the café.

The kubo in the center of the pond was off limits at that time as, according to one personnel, the railings are yet to be put in place. Practically, if one loses balance on the path, he/she can either fall in the pond or the ravine on the other. The railings would be well worth the wait. And for that, a return trip with the kids to the museum will be great.

rhythm of the rain

2009-03-17T01:33:00.000-07:00

Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. – Charles Dickens

The alarm was to go off at exactly 4:30 this morning but minutes before that I was already awake and conscious of the rain outside. The air was much cooler and soon it will be dawn.

It was a pleasant feeling to lie still and allow thoughts to run free, completely detached - just for the moment.

The rain however, would not be shut out and my thoughts danced to the rhythm played outside.

As far back as I can remember, rains always give me that feeling of comfort, it stills my spirit. It brings calm and reassurance.

As a boy in Baguio, I recall rain would always pour heavily during afternoons from May to early October. Afternoons would be spent in the comfort of home playing make-believe. Wrapped in sweaters with pillows strewn all-over, we would conquer space in our flipped to the side-table-of-a rocket-ship a.k.a. starship Enterprise and “go boldly where no one has ever gone before…”

After the rains, the grass and leaves would be so green and the asphalt road beyond our gate would be so clean. Canals would still be flowing with clear effluent enough for us to float small debris and allow them to race to the sewage opening down the street. We would then scour the place for snails and frogs and wonder at their characteristics. Worms would still be crawling across the paved garage and at times, involuntarily allow themselves to be taken by hungry birds.

On most occasions our old man, who loved his kitchen, by this time, would have prepared a steaming arroz caldo with tokwa’t baboy on the side and the usual chopped onion leaves, kalamansi and black pepper. That was his favorite among others. Above all, he just loved cooking and putting a smile on our faces.

We would relish on the treat and once energized, run off to catch spiders from dusk ‘til early evening and store these creatures in compartmentalized matchboxes. If rain persisted, we would find ourselves lying by the sofa back home in front of the TV.

I guess the memory of my childhood lingers on and is triggered every time it rains, even to this day. Some of my friends whom I met much later are just amazed at the kind of reception I would bestow on a down pour. Of course, those who live in Manila, like in Espana, would have an entirely different view. I guess most would be looking forward to a boat ride right after the rains.

A week or so ago, summer was declared to have officially started, and the days and nights are expected to be much warmer and humid at times. The warm weeks are expected to last until late May, when the rains begin to trickle in. But then again, weather conditions now, can be so unpredictable. Early rains can be expected even during the summer months…just like this morning.

According to the weather bureau, that’s the PAGASA, the “strengthening of the North Pacific High Pressure Area as manifested by a ridge extending over Luzon, and the weakening of another High Pressure Area over Mainland China during the past days indicate the termination of the northeast monsoon season or ‘amihan’”.

“The prevailing wind pattern called the easterlies (wind coming from the East going to the West) is expected to bring warm temperature in the coming days. However, the passage of the easterly wave and the tail-end of cold front will still affect the eastern sections of the country. “ Whoa…! (whatever that means.)

As of today, the PAGASA said there is no tropical cyclone existing within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

It’s just the rain…during summer.

new stone age - angono

2009-03-09T01:33:00.000-07:00

Ever so often the Key to the Future lies in the Past! - rick helders

The jungle came to life as the mist slowly lifted and the sun pierced the foliage. It's going to be another warm day. Bird calls filled the air while the rustling of the leaves masked thousands of insects and predators.

A couple of women then moved down the path and gathered fruits along the way. One tried to shove a fallen log hoping to gather larvae and large worms from underneath.

Back at the cave, young men huddled for a ritual before setting off. This time of year would normally guarantee a large deer for a day’s hunt. Armed with spears and tenacity, this seasoned band of hunters can tell the animals’ movement through the changing seasons.

The day before, some five kilometers from the cave, a trap was set where a wild boar was sighted. A shallow trench was dug and sharpened stakes at the bottom were secured upright. A false floor then covered the top. To the natives, this kind of trap was readily perceptible.

A week ago just outside the cave, a middle aged member of the tribe chiseled the rock wall engraving upon it the shape of an animal. He would come often to this side to duplicate this activity. Scores have already been drawn on the wall but by other men before him. His ancestors also did the same, long before they can find a reason for doing so.

The drawings on the wall did not really serve any purpose, but simply to announce to nomads that a tribe lives there and that they have been there for sometime. It really takes time to carve those figures.

Nights under a full moon will find these members of the tribe retelling stories of long ago as dying stars would streak across the heavens. The spoken word, by this time, was already among the means to communicate.

During the onslaught of torrential rains, the caves carved from centuries of volcanic activity, would keep the tribe safe and warm.

This is circa 3000B.C. and similar though much sophisticated civilizations were known to have existed elsewhere. There was China, the Egyptians, the Indus Valley and the Sumerian, probably among others.

Our ancestors were very much like the peoples and cultures in Southeast and East Asia. They were primarily hunters, fishers and food-foragers, with nothing much save for flaked stone tools.

This period is also known as the “New Stone Age” where sea faring Malays from what is today Indonesia, came to our shores. They brought with them polished stone tools, boat building, bark and animal skin cloth making, pottery, rice planting, the process of cooking food in bamboo tubes, the techniques of making fire.

A second wave of sea farers came over and is believed to be the ancestors of today’s Ifugao, Bontoc and Mangyans and other tribes. Animist religion and jar burial were introduced. Earliest metal tools of the period are made of copper, bronze, iron and gold.

The drawings on the rock wall in the eastern border of MetroManila is now known as “The Angono Petroglyphs” and it has been included in the World’s Inventory of the Rock Art, through the auspices of UNESCO, ICCROM, and ICOMOS. It has been declared as a national cultural treasure by virtue of Presidential Decree 260 in 1996. It received the greatest recognition as a nominee for the “100 Most Endangered Sites of the World” by the World Monument Watch List. The preservation and development of the Petroglyphs is a collective effort of the National Museum of the Philippines, World Monument Watch Fund, American Express International, the Department of Tourism, and Antipolo Properties, Inc.

Discovered in 1965 by national artist and acclaimed muralist Carlos “Botong” Francisco from Angono, this cultural heritage site dates back to circa 3000 B.C. and is the most ancient Filipino, or more aptly, prehistoric Filipino work of art. Previous archaeological finds yielded fragments of earthenware, obsidian flakes, and shells.

Human and animal-like figures are engraved on the rock wall made of volcanic tuff. These figures are considered the oldest known art works in the Philippines.
_______________________________________________

In search of a place to experience last March 1, 2009 for our family outing, one that is not far from MetroManila and one that is definitely not expensive, we zeroed in on the “Petroglyphs” in Angono. The wife learned of this from a reading somewhere, and from my acquaintance who recently visited the place.

It took us some 30 minutes drive from Sta. Lucia in Marcos Highway taking Imelda Drive then to Ortigas Extension towards Angono in Rizal.

Our mandatory stop was the Balaw-balaw Restaurant and Gallery. A must see place. (There are other places of interest nearby and I shall relish in them in another episode). From this art and exotic resto another 20 minutes uphill drive will take you to the well paved and wide roads on top of the Sierra Madre ranges with a panoramic view of MetroManila. The skyline of Pasig is the nearest from this vantage point.

Branching from the road to the left is a short dirt road that leads to a mountain wall. On the foot is a tunnel which leads to the otherside, believed to have been carved by natives from Mountain Province commissioned several years back using hand tools. We first left our car by the tunnel’s mouth and simply tried to feel the tunnel. It was cold and windy very much unlike the temperature outside, hot and humid.

The 110m. tunnel, we thought at first was “the tunnel” where the petroglyphs were. We searched in vain and somehow resigned, after a while, to the thought that much of the walls have been vandalized and instead hearts and the words love have been superimposed on the treasured engravings. The names of the modern day carvers are now forever etched on these walls, mute witnesses of their young love.

At the other end, still on foot, the kids were immediately in awe of the foliage. “Mommy, daddy, this is Jurassic Park, there can be dinosaurs out here…!” By this time, I said we better be heading back to the car as it was left blocking the entrance.

After enjoying the tunnel once more, a guy popped from nowhere and said “why don’t you take your car to the museum by the petroglyphs?” “We can?” in unison with the wife.

This is funny, ignorance uncovered: and we can’t even distinguish a tunnel from a cave, what more for the petroglyphs from the markings inside the tunnel? So we did take the car and what do you know?
The first sign of the heritage site is given away by the very first signage after the tunnel, away from the public and very much hidden from the madding crowd.

So you see, dear reader, there is little known facts about this cultural landmark. Then again, we have once more confirmed that the travel is always as exciting as the destination.

(many thanks to wikipedia and short write-ups which are readily available in the internet. i would also like to thank jaja, my office mate, her friend sugar and their buddy, for doing a follow-up on this historic site, and for sharing me their pictures a week later, and to the unknown guy who popped up from nowhere, if not for him, my family would not have discovered the actual rock wall and the caves. special thanks also go to the guards who dutifully render service so that others can be a part of our past, our culture, our heritage. - tagahasik)

...yesterday

2009-02-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

Good days are to be gathered like grapes, to be trodden and bottled into wine and kept for age to sip at ease beside the fire. If the traveler has vintaged well, he need trouble to wander no longer; the ruby moments glow in his glass at will.--Freya Stark

Most, if not all, are somehow rich with happy memories of their childhood growing up somewhere. It may be long ago and yet the way the stories are retold it would sound like it was just yesterday, like scooping ice cream from the bucket and handing it over without melting – it rests perfectly still on the cone, as cold as the day it was frozen.

That stage in our lives comes only once, and once behind, there’s no way we can go back, much less retrieve stored nuggets.

Hearing Francis Kong speak during a school orientation for parents last year, he said: “create those moments for your children.” Coming up with that event can be the product of imagination – something out of the ordinary. Francis explained that long trips can be coupled with a CD or tape while on a long drive – this will give the kids an opportunity to link that event with the song and or, the song with that event.

True enough, one can be creative and seize opportunities to make memories instead of allowing circumstance to dictate on those moments. Nothing wrong with that scheduled and much awaited vacation.

Spontaneity can also be the mother of that moment, like saying yes to a sales agent where a “touring” can be arranged. Why not bring those kids along, pack those sandwiches, bring extra shirts and who knows, it can be an impromptu excursion.

So this we did when the family was invited to see the coastal condos in Cavite. The site was nestled in a secluded cove along the rugged coast of Ternate some 90 Kilometers from Manila. Driving through the forest with the windows down was fun for the kids; birds of different feathers were spotted here and there, bird calls piercing the eerie silence.

From the forest, one emerges high up in the mountain with the grand vista of the open sea and the cove below. The warm wind making its way from the wide blue expanse stirs one to unspoiled beauty. A communion with God.

Once there, the agent toured us to the different condos with varying sizes. The tour was not without the familiar hospitality, and there was lunch. The wife was so enamored with the place that she wanted to live there. As they say, the best way to a man's (or woman's) heart is throught the stomach.

Designed as a second home, the agent explained that the place is also a resort complete with the amenities for the good life.

The Mediterranean designed condos rests perfectly on an elevated portion by the cove which commands a view of the horizon while the forest provides the green canopy. Our country is so blessed to have beautiful sites, lots of places to discover and experience.

As expected the kids just loved the wide open spaces, of grass fenced in by forests, and the beach.

The smiles and laughter etched on the kids were just enough to convince us that we made the right decision of taking on that tour. As for the condos, the kids just loved it but the truth of the matter: it will take ages before we can afford a unit, and the visit was enough to fill a bottle of memories.