A Balikbayan's Proverbial Tell-Tale

An Ode to a Love

2011-03-31T14:28:00.002+03:00

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The sun is sinking
my Eyes are sobbing
- as it cries my parting to you...
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The Sun is missing
my heart is breaking
- as it beats my longing to you...

Soon, the sun is rising
my lips be uttering
- the special LOVE i'll cherish on you.

* I took the photo sometime in 2007 one late (and lonely) afternoon @ the Corniche of Sharjah in UAE.

The Best Gift to Give

2010-12-19T19:16:00.014+03:00

So there. Christmas is just around. And in the advent of the red day, I am having mixed emotions. Happy, in such a way I'm home by this time of the year when I used to only dream for the same back in Dubai. But not very Happy, because barely after losing my job abroad, I lost my local job as well, (w/ still pending dues owed to me by both, and only a Magic Wand could seem to turn my painful waiting into a much-needed pay-cheque) Sad, for in this regard, I fail short of warm present or cold cash for my army of inaanak and their minions who are destine to pop-up like a springed-clown inside a box o'er here - in our well-visited-house in Marikina. But not very sad, had since I keep the faith on Pastor Don Moen's Song's "God will Make a Way"…..
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In the light, or in the absence of the above, I asked the Lord to grant me the wisdom and serenity on how the poor me could reach out on someone in a rich and special way. And true. The Lord has big ears to those who call upon His name. He has spoken to me through the pages of our Daily Bread w/c has been my constant companion lately while sipping my morning coffee. Let me share to you these few gift-suggestions:
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1.The Gift of Visit: an aging or a sick friend or relative might be badly needing one. Who knows? it could be your last reunion together. Nevertheless, your presence on an ailing person's side, is a source of healing, smile and strength.
2.The Gift of Affection: decent hugs, kisses and pats on the back is as sweet as a honey. Just be genuine when giving one, and you'll see...
3.The Gift of Laughter: Readers Digest says it’s one of the best medicine. Be not like the Grinch who stole the Christmas. Be like Santa instead who give away smile to the young and young at hearts. Talking here of Funny stories and wholesome jokes shared.
4.The Gift of a Written Note: It needs not to be in a Hallmark Greeting card, a brief thoughtful handwrittenote in a simple paper will do. Far more better than your virtual words & letters posted in Facebook.
5.The Gift of Compliment: Sincerely said, "you look great today" or "you are Special" could make a difference and would make others feel good. Who hasn't fond of receiving praises or compliment?
6.The Gift of Prayer: If you really is busy as a bee, and your from million miles away, Prayer has the amazing power to connect, binds, protect, change and heals. Next to Love, it's the next best you could offer this Season and onward. So wherever you are, and whatever you, "Let's Give our Prayer without ceasing" (as the Bible says).

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They are Priceless, and they are Free. and there are more. in reflection, why not ponder and share to your love ones the best gift you’ve ever received? THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE first given by "the Messiah" thousand Christmas days ago.
HAPPY GIVING FOLKS! =)

Super PacMan Returns (the p-2)

2010-11-30T13:22:00.001+03:00

Manny! Manny! Manny!
Our Super Hero so to speak, has just renew his winning and send his army of adoring fans in cloud nine again. This, after earning his incredible 8th World Title in Arlington Las Vegas 3 Sundays ago. Don Manny "the Destroyer" Pacquiao no doubt is the Man!, the real Pride of Pinoys and the rightful heir to the throne of another boxing legend Mohammad Ali. Adding to our super Hero's bloody Collection, another Mexican Fighter was stripped of fame and glory, - the nearly paralyzed Antonio "Tornado" Margarito this time - after Pacman's mouthful of punches, so speedy and solid, landed w/o ado on all parts of the tall man's face, body and internal organs. News says, whilst Mexico's deglamourized gladiator is holidaying in the hospital for a complete make-over, ours is having a thanksgiving concert in Vegas, singing and partying there like a rockstar as if no eye-closing combat happened 2 gory days ago in the same US state.

Money, Money, Money

On a lighter note, behind the success of the Man are the equally famous women of his life (other women, not included). Talk of Manny's first lady - Dona Jinky's Pacquiao's alleged sky-is-the-limit shopping of the world's expensive Hermes bag, whereas Dona Dionisia is on her knees, lighting candles and calling on all the Saints and Angels while crying a river and collapsing the same time, in fear and agony for the son's only life - all for the sake of maintaining stardom and nobility for the country, and yes, more and more fortune that continue to propel their growing clan in the pedestal.
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For the love of a mother who fret too much, a posh car is said to be the great son's token, forget not his unwavering gift of charity to all those who queue before him. Money, it seems, is synonymous to Manny these days. Heck, even a gradeschooler knows it: the Lotto's grand prize is no match to the People Champ's one-time salary making him among of the top 10 of the Planet's richest athlete.

Fight-Fight-Fight

Our Hero seemed to have tested and tasted everything. He's now in the prime of his career and in the peak of his success. And he has the mortal combat AKA Boxing and supporters of all kinds and motive to thank for. Yet, despite the frenetic call for his early retirement, Farewell to the sport that made him the richest and the greatest is still a long-way in his vocabulary. In fact, Combat Promoter Bob Arum and Maverick Coach, the husky-voiced Don Freddy Roach is itching to schedule the Fighting Congressman for a next fight intended to outshine his last. Among the possible brave contender is Yuri Foreman of Israel and yes, ANOTHER MEXICAN FIGHTER Juan Manuel Marquez for a reunion fight; but the gore-loving audience is wildly cheering Pacman to silence the talkative Black-American Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Exactly Where, When, with Whom and How Much is not a question. Our Super Hero was born to give the Philippines a new merit, his family an extra riches, his name a renewed fame, his audience a wild entertainment that promise to record another chapter in History. This is, if he could keep the skull and sanity in its fighting form, the Neuro-Doctors or the brain-expert warns. Nobody wants to see PacMom and PacMan in a pathethic rendition of Petta.

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Come his next Fight, Let us all pray for our hero's safety.

----to be continued
photocredit: ram lacandazo

A Stranger in One's Paradise

2010-11-17T11:01:00.013+03:00

A New Discovery
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In my recent love-affair with Nature-Tripping here, I have found a weekend get-away out of the City's madding crowd. Not too distant, nor too pricey. I was smitten by its virginal beauty, captured by creative wonder. Such is a shining example of how God works greater with men.
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The haven I am referring to is exactly where that healthy girl in green is sitting in peace and solitude, - unmindful of the chaotic world outside her. Well, not your typical attraction, but there's something there that made it special, the kind that you would want your love ones to see. Albeit, due to the location's enormity and height, it would ask an open mind & a pair of willing legs - healthy for the spirit and body, anyway. Thus: before the claws of media market its cultural uniqueness and environmental awareness in the mainstream, let me take you there while I'm going to -
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Aeta's Field, Forever...

The Paradise' long and winding road is Dusty, Rocky and Grassy....
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And the narrow path is dotted with smiling cum waving children whose skin color, hair type and faces mirror one another. Their deep-brown eyes talks, gently confronting yours as they hail you with gusto. I was astonished. mystified. humbled. and yes, - entertained. Right in my front are the new breed of lingering aborigines kept and beloved by Barrio Secovia, province of Pampanga. Contrary to popular belief, they aren't naked and w/o the legendary bows and spear. Real people in real sense. Living a meager, yet less-complicated life. Shy, but genuinely friendly. They embraced the community after escaping the notorious Mt Pinatubo's mega-million spewing of burning ashes and lavas that ravaged their former tribal homes decade ago. After few minutes drive from Nayong Pilipino in Clark,

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The Gate of a Tailor-Made Paradise opens...
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and Welcome us to a journey of a lifetime inside the Paradise Ranch - a 50 hectare joint eco-tourism project of the Philippines and America. The temperature inside is tantamount to Baguio City, so cool for Wedding, ...cooler for Honeymoon...ideal for recreations...perfect for retreat w/ the Prayer Mountain atop. The cost of native bungalows, small villas, lake houses and cottages is fair to one's pocket.

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Nested at the peak of the infamous Clark Air Base is a million dollar panorama of the entire Clark Zone. The sight of nearby cities and towns is breath-taking. The hills and mountains so picturesque, the rivers and volcanoe, an eye-candy. Yet, the vista is just a tip-of-the-iceberg because there's more to discover inside,... there's -
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More than meets the eye,

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Garden-fresh air is in abundance, green-leafy bushes are well-manicured, red soil is fat and skillfully landscaped. Butterflies of all colors spread their wings freely and just like me, they are besotted by the grace and fragrance of Earth flowers around. The kid in me squeal all the more when I spotted life-size ostrich, marching ducks and proud peacocks in orchestra with the exotic birds' intermittent hummings and musical chirpings. These and more are what made up the hidden Sanctuary. In the midst of them are -
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The special workers,
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the bare hands who turned the formerly dry prairies into a Greenland. The men and women in Blue who used to be naked, and armed w/ bows and spears. They are the parents and siblings of the younger Aetas we've rubbed elbows with near the Gate. This Paradise was made for, and by them. While Non-Governmental-Organization abroad has made the funding, the Natives has provided the meaning. The Ordinary has become ExtraOrdinary with the intimate merging of the two.

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Report says, the Aetas are dedicated workers and proficient on their fields. They know how to innovate their craft. Plus: they are approachable, jolly and courteous. You won't get lost. You wont get bored with their company. But wait, there's more: not all employee w/ curly hair and bronzed skin are Aetas, some are AmerAsians w/c you could easily mistaken for their purely-pinoy blooded counterpart. The Ranch has been a medium to reunite them with their long lost American parent. They too plays a vital part for their good command of English to the delight of foreign guests. Most of them are visible during school breaks. And as I gladly -
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Look Forward,

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I wish and hope the Ranch will endure the test of times, so more younger generation would come to visit, support the noble cause, and be inspired by the brain and workforce behind - so as to learn, share and promote to others the very essence of -

Tree-Caring,

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- and Tree-Planting for the Future.
I've been to someone's Paradise. But because I was made to feel at home, I'm a stranger no more

(The Attraction is open to public 7 days a week, P50 entrance. For xtra info: contact 045-8898245/46)

The Silent Witness

2010-11-02T18:37:00.003+03:00

A month before the dreaded Halloween, I went out to practice photoshooting around our not so peaceful neighborhood. Along w/ my almost stolen SLR, my bored but watchful eyes have chanced on a rusty yellow truck left standing in careless abandon.

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It was forsaken in an open street for a week or so I guess, to the delight of the fun-starving community children who came in troop from somewhere - always ready & always willing to storm our formerly peaceful pavements. The big toy, undoubtedly, had offered the little boys something newer to enjoy.

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For blogging purposes, I visually challenged myself to execute some papparazi shots from few meters away. Thanks to my soon-to-be-obsolete telephoto-lense, I was able to arrest (I think) the boy's natural display of wonder, agility and pride in rightful angle.
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IN- OUT-UP-and- DOWN…
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From the looks of it, the kiddoes have had seemed to perfected the art of indoor plunging and bending,
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of leaping & trekking the outer and uppermost corner,

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of sitting like a dignified "King" from inside,

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and like a nobel "Frog" from outside,
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Oh yes, the unruly little bunch of exhibitionist, err… acrobats are promising and full of life not to mention their inborn know-how in exploring their fullest potentials - with the poor truck, of course as the defenseless medium and silent witness of their kiddy actions & "crimes".
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Ah if only a Truck could speak I'm pretty sure it has lots of messy & smelly stories to tell….
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Up-close and personal, take a look at some of the invaders who've made up my pre-Halloween post.

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From Malaysia w/ Love

2010-10-20T13:09:00.072+03:00

Hi Guys, Hows life treating you these days?

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Suffice to say, I was invisible (again) in the blogging world. But nope, I wasn’t in Malaysia. Been there though last December of '09. So before I resume with my head-shaking Balikbayan Tales, let me bring you, to and share you the headshaking one I had in KL.

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Exploring the Indoor

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The sun is yet to ascend in Malaysia when our aging airplane landed. Immigration & commercial counters are clogged still so frantic passengers have no choice but to snooze their sleepy head while waiting to be embarked. Had since im no-fan of snoring, I opted to prime my photoshooting tasks. Problem is: who would give me shots where I'm all by myself? So I cruise for a living soul awake.

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Meeting a buddy

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Luckily or not, I've met "Kuya Juanito" who flew from American-Embassy in Baghdad. KJ has to lose his precious job in the war-torn Iraq so as to save his precious body parts or torso where left and right canyon and suicide-bombing are typical in public places and streets.

Like yours truly, he wishes to forget his destiny for a day by window-shopping in the beautiful Kuala Lumpur - and bring home some fridge magnet as souvenir.

[his, @the airport gate 1-- >] [<--mine @the Airport gate 2]

Trekking the Outdoor

@the Terminal, a state-run train took us to the navel of the Capital

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@ the expressway, views are dramatic, landscape are amazing enough to revive our jetlagged senses after an 8 hours journey in the clouds. Such verdant Greenfield attraction gave me vague memories of our then virgin forest (now raped) as seen in the countysides.

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@ the City, urban setting on the other hand, reminded me of Singapore's fineness. Dang, I love to live here.!

@a cheap resto', a taste of local dish complement our experience.
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And of course, windowshopping in one of its largest mall will always be a part of every tourist' agenda.

Where are the Petronas?
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They say, you never been to the Country without paying a a visit to her famous landmark. The 1,483 ft. Twin Tower, once the Earth's tallest structure embodied Malaysia in the Tourism Map which, Ive been itching to photoshoot - and to critic.

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Seek and you will find
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Funny, we kept on asking on how to get to Petronas but we never knew we're already inside them. We are swallowed by thy greatness, consumed by its wholeness akin to prophet Jonah of the Bible's breath-taking swimming inside the belly of a big fish (or is it a whale?). Pastly, we ejected ourselves unto the giant's mouth and meet the Twin face to face. Not the best structures but still worthy of superlatives. To record my proof of visit, I order, nay... asked my buddied photographer to give me a good angle. But since the tower is a tower, KJ was able to capture only the bottom part.
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As I people-watched, I noticed...
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busy feets come and go, and busy eyeballs of two amigos (in photo) are rolling busily as well from one direction to another. They stood-by next to us while we are craning our necks against the Tower. On our side, they gossiped the wristwatches hiding in their respective pockets.

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"Spell T R O U B LE", (my instinct), I fear for my laptop in my backpack & other valuables so I tipped my gullible-looking buddy, "Wag mo sila pansinin, mahirap na, baka nakaw yan" . To my shock, they retorted w/o ado: "HINDI KAMI MAGNANAKAW!", with their eyeball turning sharper & wider this time. Yes, they are full-bloodied Pinoy through and through, fortune-seekers out-there I mistaken for a Bahasa-speaking ones. But why I wouldn't? we are the local's spitting image, but wait, Malays are well-to-do citizens right?, and they won't stoop down into this. The duo might be among the multitudes of undocumented alien selling undocumented stuffs to survive. I owed the brown Amigos Sorry for my sudden Paranoia. But I cant be blamed for vilifying potential scam/scammer when I had fair shares of those.
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From Malaysia to Manila
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We're in K.L. for 9 hours, and had rat race with time to catch our connecting flight to Manila. Its hard, but exciting to be a newbie in other country. Harder if your buddy thinks he's walking in Luneta. More exciting when his slow-wandering legs would almost cause us to miss the waiting train and plane. K.Juanito, my photographer and buddy is worthy to be recalled for taking my vivid moments in Malaysia. Noteworthy even for going away with my Nikon SLR Cam.
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And because I walk faster than he does, I was able to claim it back just before he vanished in the thin polluted air.

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Back to the Philippines, Back to my Portal

2010-05-05T21:48:00.005+03:00

MISSING

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Hey there! Your all MISSED. Dang!, 4 months of hiatus. My longest and lamest since this freaking site first saw the light of day two years ago. Im back anyway, and would return again in your respective portals in a day or two (promise).
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Surely, there'r LOTS of restoring and storytelling to do. Don’t worry guys, I'll be making my close-to-rotten entries SHORT this time – so are 3 pages for each sufficient enough?..how about 5?... hehe

STRIPPED
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Speaking of comeback, well, I just, free myself (at last) from the infamous modern hero title upon bidding my immortal 'Maa-salam (or goodbye) to my Dirham-paying job a day before 2010. Suffice to say, I was, for the last quarter, have joined the minion of jobless turned penniless ex-expat living in the country.

No more OFW perks and burdens, i.e., credit cards, fine dining, accommodation & global recreation, cargo boxes to fill, remittances to send home, among expensive others. So there. After barely a decade of tough encounter with U.A.E.'s notorious smell, sights, sun, and sands, I decided to pack my aging suitcases and fly. There was no weepy farewell though when I left Dubai's sinking paradise, and when I casted myself back to the el-nino cum la nina prone land of ours. I'm here FOR GOOD and FOR REAL this time (I think). I used to have nothing however, when I first set foot there, except perhaps of my many dreams - that seemed to remain a dream when my contract expired.

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BUSY

And so beside being pre-occupied with myriads of carnal opportunities available in this election-hit Island, my eyes – were busy as well peeping-out for veteran pickpockets preying on their potential victims; my ears – on loud burping of overweight policemen, of screaming hawkers & illegal peddlers; -my skin - on the touch of sightless beggars, of showerless streetchildren and the more showerless vagrant psychotics (taong grasa); my nose - on the stinking ten peso per pee restroom, etc. I was, beside contemplating of how my poorer life would eventually become, was quite busy too experimenting on how my new blog header for a new theme should look like.

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SORRY
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Not only for resurrecting my sleeping portal in a usual dismal & acerbic manner, but also for hibernating this long with nary, a notice. But hey, I labored much on how to wrestle & win over my inner demon on the so-called writer's block attack. Had my geeky thoughts re-organized, 'be back dancing again the tune just like the good o'l days..
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THANKFUL
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To my loyal online buddies who have given me final warning to get out of my box & blog again (or else my name will be finally broom away).. thanks thanks :). On that note, my page 3 rank in google remain solid and standing as ever reminding me of the overstaying trapo's in our circus-inspired government. Ah, Writing will always be my love, my blogsite a home, my fellow a family. GLAD IM BACK!
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(photocredit: my ala-david the coconutter photos were taken yesterday in our rooftop by a nephew)

my wishes for you..

2009-12-24T18:12:00.009+03:00

Hi buddies,

BLESSED HOLIDAYS! Such a busy season, yeah? Let me set aside whatever it is that hinder me these days from blogging so as to send you my brief Yuletide wishes.

“To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.”

Acknowledgment: Nancy/Yomyom

Mahbrook U.A.E!

2009-12-08T08:00:00.005+03:00

WOW, 38 record-breaking years!, :D

And for my nearly one-nerve wrecking cum sanity-losing decade of encounter w/ your Sun, Winter and Sands …. and crazy pursuit of your Gold, Wonder and Glory, it is just patriotic and proper (i suppose) to utter the immortal Thank you and CONGRATULATIONS Dear UAE on the occasion of your NATIONAL DAY !

Her Color Rocks,

All 7 emirates were awash with the flag's colours as festive atmosphere swept the nation. And to embody their overwhelming joy and pride to the extra-ordinary success of then nameless land turned super-wonderland, The Locals or Emiratis, have painted their beaming FACES w/ Red, Black, White & Green....

- draped and flaunted their sleeping vessels on its semi-artificial but pearl-rich waters,

- dyed and zoom past their proud and spine-chilling AUTO's in major avenues all bearing hues and replica of the same....

Accordingly, the Colors connotes the strong elements of peace-honesty-bravery-power-courage-hope-joy-love-optimism-defeat of enemies AND determination (whew!).

The Spirit Rules,

- and rightly so, the elements are justified in the young one's stately countenance,...

- and that of their equally-privileged elders, ...

The Star was born,

Since its primitive dominion from British Empire and humble forming of its own Federation (or Sheikhdom) in 1971 by his Excellency, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the small nation has a BIG legacy to look-back on its 38th.

For while keeping their bygone and fleeting traditions alive, the country had missiled to unprecedented fame, fortune and progress after ONLY FEW years of incredible scientific discoveries, and man-made experiments….and experiments...and experiments. With the lending or rather paid hand, muscles and brain of United Color of Benetton Expats from across the globe who plane themselves into its shores, settled, planted, and reaped abundant fruits to its desert and embrace it like its genuinely theirs.

Transformation happened. Magics weaved. And yes, people flocked. The anglo-population blooms to a greater extent, spreaded evenly in different horizons. Suddenly, there are 1st and 2nd generations of Expats everywhere who choose to grow older alongside her promise of charms, of wealth & security. The locals, in fact were outnumbered, but their elite position and power has never wane.

Recent Unpleasantness,

But akin to a carrot dangle in a wooden stick, this Country also had its fair share of sharp edges cloaked before the eye-candy background. No. I'm not here to rant on boiling summer or racial bigotry at work, neither on the increasing numbers of fugitives awaiting for food and mercy on the Embassies, nor of the very-high-cost of housing thats goin' through the roof. Its about the recent media expose' engulfing the region before the Red-letter day. The Emirate of Dubai who took the lead in shaping the world's highest, tallest, and biggest architecture & engineering ever conceived by men is said to be taking the lead too in terms of an oversized foreign debt.

Economic doomsters had forecasted its dismal future. International panic triggers and leaked into the mainstream. The controversial 59 billion dollar debt came-out in the picture and scare the hell out of the western investors. Mega-projects had gone bust due to recession. Businesses, - real estate and tourism sectors in particular were badly hit to the low-point of shutting down. Retrenchment follows. Countless Expats left the country in credit card arrears. Shopping malls turned ghostly and so the taxi stands. Rude Drivers became rare. Traffic moves., among others....

True to its Colors,

Against all scorning, disputes and odds, UAE's quest for the best and brightest remain. And the way the society rejoices last National Day is just one cool example on how it DEFY the image-spoiling allegations. It would continue to live its Dream, however difficult, albeit wishful. True to what the colors of the National Flag stood for. And after all, this country, my 2nd country and home, really have nothing else to Fear and to lose either - It was once BARREN, QUIET and SIMPLE, remember?.

photocredits: moody, time out & gulfnews

Rubbish Tale 2: “Save the Beasts & their Children”

2009-11-29T09:38:00.018+03:00

Deaths of a HallMark,
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In line with the horror caused by power greed-related massacre in Maguindanao, another terrifying news is worthy to fear and hate these days. This grisly one however, is happening in the dry boondocks of Arabs. Talk of CAMEL’s death in silence - the friendly Beasts who've been strutting and adorning the wilderness since the ancient time of Pharaos & Phropets.

The Great Ride,

I was starstrucked the first time I rubbed elbows w/ those cute monsters in flesh. Had goosebumps when my soft bottom touches its hard and mishapen top. While the hunchback is hot, the sagging throat is cool w/c serves as their built-in thermos. The ride reincarnates me the Kingship of 3 Christmas Maggi's who were heralded by the Star of Betlehem. Not everybody's blessed to see the "biblical horses" beyond the Saudi postcards and desert-shoot movies, or in the packet of that aging cigarrette brand of ours -

Yet in the dawn of modernity the animals were overlooked, remissed of its olden meaning & present-day importance. They are now collapsing on their frail knees, ONE-AFTER-ANOTHER. Their breeds are dying and if the blatant disregard continues, they are sure to face extinction.

Heck, today’s mortals, apparently, are either blind or deaf to check on their muted screaming in pain and wincing in agony - and dreadful falling in the burning sands. Thanks to the alarming News and Images that came-out of late, and to UAE-based Scientist Ulrich Wernery who were among those who first documented the gruesome findings enough to exhort the snoring authorities, individuals and business sectors on supermarket-bag spewing - so as to save the remaining wildlifes and landscape from further doom.
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Choked, Starved & Poisoned,

Do you think the dead-meat sighting below an excellent omen of Camel's candidacy for eternal retirement?

Dr. Ulrich detaching plastic craps from a camel's carcass

Messy Affair,

Upon post-mortem exam, a generous dose of non-biodegradable waste are found hoarding in the beasts' super-size abdomens. By acceptable stupidity, the animals, who would practically eat anything their big eyes saw were smitten by those toxic mistaken for chow to fill their hungry tummy. By an unacceptable stupidity, the same were ditched in-all recklessness by supposed smarter type of creature called humans - whose natural flair for messing the environment WHENEVER and WHEREVER they wishes to - are notorious and promising from generation to generation. TSK.

A tastebud of potential camel "chow" left in the open...

Its Now or Never, ...

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Hope this Garbage-eating of Camels will cease - and so Men's careless abandon and bad habit w/c dies hard. VERY HARD. IF NOT, then there are 2 Options left for tomorrow:

1. enjoy 'em while they last.

2. just enjoy 'em seeing in the movies and postcards (because they will never ever be beyond postcards anymore). :(

PhotoCredits: Randy Sokoloff/GulfNews

Related Article: Rubbish Tale 1: Smelly Truth

Banyagang Gubat

2009-11-22T14:03:00.005+03:00

...and because I'm becoming very good w/ hiatus lately, my tale for the week is of something very bad, just read it thru the rhyme -

Sa minsan kong pagsisipilyo,

May dumapo sa batong-lababo,

"Waaa!" kay-itim na paa

ehiptong herodes maghugas pala

At ang “tronong” pinagharian ng iba?

Ah di bale na,

karumal-dumal nasilip nitong mata

Lakbayin nalang natin

Kadilimang sulok ng salang-hardin

Wag lang pasaklot sa takot

Sa pugad ng indyanong tapis ng kumot

Malakapreng balahibo,

pantaas nilang saplot

Sa dako pa roon,

nagpipistang mga miron

may sabong ng negro't hapon

Hiyawan, palakpakan

may singkit ring nagkakalmutan!

Dahilan ng mapulang bakbakan? -

agawan sa lumang plantsahan

Kantina ma’y samut’-saring amoy

Walang panama bagoong ng Pinoy

Mga kutsarang kamay,

Namumulaklak sa kaning may kulay

Kailangan ang abilidad sa pagilag

Pag mumo sa ere pinagpag,

- sa pisngi’t baro mo siguradong lalapag

Hiningang di maatim langhapin

Lenggawaheng tenga'y ayaw tanggapin

Malatikbalang na tawa,

wala sa tonong kanta

Mga paang mistulang

nangangabayo sa kalsada

O Matayog kong Akomodasyon:

Ikaw ba sami'y Konsolasyon

o parusang Kunsumisyon?

Gantimpala kaya ang kadawagang ito

Nang pinili kong talikdan Inang bayan ko?

Dirhamo sa gintong Puno ng mga Arabo

Kaytinik ng sanga tungo sa rurok mo,

Sa probinsyang payak namin,

Mainam pa yatang bukid araruhin.

(In retrospect of the nerve-wrecking "jungle" I and my fellow remittance heroes had to combat & survived for years. I heared from an "x-con" mate, the prison break-inspired building were closed down for commercialism upgrade. -so it is now, but a mere creepy memory).

Fright Night that was

2009-11-08T08:14:00.005+03:00

Hiatus & Horror,

Hi Guys! Pardon AJ for the mini-hiatus. 'cant help but to work like desert donkey these days eh. Its no-easy to become a corporate slave in sandyland when its dry, dreary and creepy. I'm freaking tired,.. torn.. tattered. 'Been wanting to unlock the golden chain long-tangled in my very neck so i could play and live freely naman my one and only life the way i want it to be. But then again reality bites like those stubborn tiny leeches on my foreign bed. No way for homesickness, lame excuses or sick grudges esp if bills back home are greater and eternal as ever. Now thats what I called SHOCKING !

Yep. Im behind sked again in posting something terrible for Holloween. But let me catch-up. I enjoyed spooky stuff more than a fat kid enjoyed eating burger or ice-cream. See, my inborn thirst for webblogging and hunger for bloghopping would always find its ways to you en to me.

Speaking of shocking, who says the pagan celeb' of the living-dead is not well-observed in Mid-East, huh. As per the Fright Nite Parties I poke around, I could testify how the reserved Arabs unveiled and propped themselves w/ gory costumes side by side with the more holloween-party veterans from West, Asia & Africa. They too fancy fake bloods, vampire teeth and cobwebs, and so Dracula, Matilda and Freddy Kreugers, among horrible others. They LOVE the experience of scare, of chase, [and of massacre] by of course, bladeless ax or chainsaw. I should know, I was once a Haunted House Actor here for 3 nail-biting years (oh well, ...that's another shocking story :)

. .
- this was taken @Tourist Salsa Club in Abu-Dhabi w/ some of the night's

hot goblins and witches who provided the event with

some hair-raising moment and bone-chilling entertainment,

Ps:(its my real cute face, not a mask, huh :).

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Horror for a Cause,

Outdoor, Pinoy-heroes in town celebrate the event in a more noteworthy ways upon braving the ghostly desert of of Hatta in Dubai for "GABI NG LAGIM" show ff: the the perennial success of muslim-intimidating litsunan sa disyerto and acccoustic-trippings in haranahan sa disyerto of recent years. It was a cool mix of Horror, Humor & Drama sponsored by valiant men of FORAC or Filipino Off-Road Auto Club. The proceeds of which funded the distressed OFW's - the runaways who are sheltered for months and years there in the congested (and chaotic) Philippine Embassies - as well as the Country's victims of twin Grim-Reapers Ondoy and Pepeng.

Fright Night that was...

photocredits: txs Brando & nukehead.

Si pareng Erap Talaga (p-3): The Rise, Fall, Rise,... of an "Ex"

2009-10-25T14:39:00.040+03:00

his magic lives...
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72 yrs old Erap hasn’t learnt his lessons “inside”, has he? Or maybe he was just ill-advised [again] by the country’s over-staying Trapo's. The aging champ of the masses became man of the hour anew after endorsing his 2nd bid to his very-much-missed Presidency come May 2010, dubbed by himself, and duly parroted by the ever protector-son Jinggoy as "the last performance of his life" – the same chiefhood his legendary Dad earned in ‘98 and lost-fast in ‘01 due to high-profile cases of loot or Plunder which he both renounces and keep mum anyway, but cause to oust and house-arrest him, however.
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the gaiety went on….
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Tondo, Manila: That vote-rich town where a number of his gangster movies were shot was a perfect place to herald his head-shaking comeback to the most polluted jungle in the Planet, (politics what else) as evident to gazillion of local fans and [critic says] pay-rolled followers from various parts of flood-inundated Metro who flocked in there to help-crutch their Idol’s re-building of “castle in the sky” for the poor and the oppressed.
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the odds continues…
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Im-no really an ANTI of super-someone responsible for my first name. The truth is, I had great popcorn time with many of his retro films in my then lazy and carefree afternoons. But hey, who would’nt smile now to his shameless pandering on GMA's almost bankrupt and arrogant leadership?, - and in his macho way of pontificating about dishonesty & morality while many of HIS are also being held in question?. If the aging Erap would make a younger Joseph (me) smile :), the armed-militia up there in the mountain FROWN over his public paging last week. The feared MILF regarded his re-election plan as form of threat to only revive the old animosity between them & the state in reminder of the former's combat policy in Mindanao w/c kills thousands of warring solders and displaced millions of grief-stricken tenants.
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the quest remain....

My bad for recapturing long-burried memories of our corrupt-culture days. Hence, it is the past which always stirs the present. Half of these bad memories are source of our cynicism and anger, other half of our misgivings and distrust. They could make and break us, - as a Nation and as an Individual. And so while we pride ourselves in the daily servings of political dramas and bickering by the aspirants and spectators alike, may the right wisdom and choice is what to Lord over us this time. An added slap in an already red face hurts even more, right?
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...to be continued
photocredit: Jun Aquino/Roby Villabona
Related Article: si-pareng-erap-talaga-p-2

Writing on Water

2009-10-19T12:04:00.025+03:00

Under the Sea,
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While Pinoys in Luzon battle to keep their heads above the water, the noble men of Maldives have nosedived theirs in free-will last Saturday to co-sanction a pro-climate Resolution aim at saving the country in Indian Ocean and the rest of Island-country like ours from feared extinction.

The historical deep-blue sea plunging or wet meeting by 13 ruling Knights of the world's lowest-lying Archipelago was captain by the Chief-swimmer himself, President Mohamed Nasheed who says "there was a less talk but more action done" - foremost is the signing of a covenant with the United Nation to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions blamed for rising sea levels and spoiling the Earth's Temperature in general, thus came the boiling term Global Warming.

As we all know, this ecological issue of the Planet if not given full attention, would sure to beckon higher tides and wider landslides in the VERY near future and swipe for good the tourist-haven Island of Maldives off the Map. Unfortunately, the closest examples to pop-up in a foreign mind these days is the current turmoil in our very own R.P. - the equally-green rich Island who turned brown by Muds of late - courtesy of endless cutting of trees and rotting of rivers by no other than its supposed considerate and responsible citizens. TSK.

The President of Maldives co-signing a "life-changing" Resolution in the

presence of Legislators, and in the preying eyes of Wild Fishes and Coral Reefs (and TV Camera).

The Wet Signing
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May this resolution in black and white down there be played-true and alive by adults of today for the sake of younger ones tomorrow (if there will ever be) so it wont just become another Law of the Land written in Water.

photocredits: google

Sick Joke in Sick Times

2009-10-12T15:31:00.075+03:00

"RUN PETER, RUN!"

Nah, they are not running for relief goods, but Yeah, they are racing against time and tides.
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It seems, Paranoia and Bad Rumor are merging very well for denizens of Bgy. San Manuel in Panggasinan - the beautiful & farm-rich province in Luzon being the latest target of loot, murder & rape by this newest Grim Reaper name "Pepeng". In the latter’s onslaught, Video footages of dashing and screaming locals were recorded as part and parcel of another shocking catastrophy in the country.

We can’t blame them,

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Upon investigation, the extra-scenes of chaos in the land of salt [and now murky water] is courtesy of an unknown prankster whose deadly text message reads: "San Roque DAM is cracking and breaking". Upon the notion that a water explosion is looming, their terrified emotions were fed, their horror grew bigger and taller all the more. For some, however, tidal wave mugging won't kill them, but stampede and heart attack would.

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Why not Run with the flow?

Had the text message turned word of mouth is true, the frightening volumes of waters to be emitted by this controversial 17 years old giant Dam would sure to devour them fast, much as they witnessed how the Grim Reaper butchered their shelter and assets in the blink of an eye. Soon escaping the false advent of "Hell and High water", they found themselves a mere laughing stock in the finish line, first by the psychotic-prankster who circulated the malicious rumor, second by humor-hunger viewers who labelled their presence of terror as silly, and absence of mind as pathetic. Poor Peeps.

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And WHOse the freaking Joker?

I bet, even the smartest of psychic and brightest of crystal ball would find it impossible to pindown the culprit who may only be smiling from a distance while sipping hot coffee. And while their kind are plenty nowadays, they who gets duped are ALSO plenty nowadays. TSK.

The Bad Karma,

However, in the event of culprit's arrest, the suggested sentence for him or her is TO DIVE and SWIM San Roque's raging Dam for days - WITH NO RUBBER-BOAT, FOOD or LIFE-VEST SUPPORT. Fair? (lol!)

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I researched 3 intimidating Factors to potentially rupture a firm water reservoir :

1. a Terrorist Attack.

2. a super Tyhpoon w/ matching Earthquake or Tornado Attack.

3. Attack on the Government fund aim to safeguard the facility's wellbeing. (this is more scary!)

BE BRAVE PANGASINENSE !. We look forward to seeing you rising from your flood of testing too. (Hope my love ones would remain safe and sane outhere, - and yours as well).

photocredit:PDI
...to be continued

An Expat’s Proverbial WALK-tale

2009-10-08T12:09:00.026+03:00

"March Onward, Ye Pinoy Soldiers",

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Tomorrow, an armies of Pinoy Expatriates in UAE’s 7 Emirates will be joining forces in Dubai Safa Park to take part in the Philippines humane goal of late: "crutch the crippled, clothe the stripped, and feed the typhoon's starving and deprived".

And because Friday is sleeping day here, Bagong Bayani should pledge not to stay very late in their Thursday Nite Gimmicks so to heed the alarm clock’s early screaming on Friday.

A handful of heroes are to expected to disembark from the Capital’s mainland (Abu Dhabi) as well as from the hilly sides of Al Ain, Umm Al Quwain & Ras Al Khaimah- 4 farther Emirates from the venue, approximately 3.5 hours drive away. While the remaining 2 Cities, the laidback Ajman & Sharjah (where I live) require only an hour to go there w/c means, I gonna get more sleep. :) But to heck with the freaking sleep, gimmicks or travel time, - personal sacrifices is a MUST these days. And what Bayanihan Spirit of ours stood for if we couldn’t set aside those carnal pleasures, nor shell-out extra generosity for the ill-fated kababayan back home?. TIP: Forget not the sneaker, the shades, the water and yeah the sun-block lotion for the sunray-allergic skin. More importantly, forget not to bring our United Colors of Benetton Friends, Officemates or Flatmates. The more participants the merrier our funds, SO LET's BRING 'EM ON!.

Ugh, J.B.'s Coming??

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Meanwhile, to dispel the ugly rumours thrown against her by do or die netizens, Jacque Bermejo, the Dubai-based Pinay behind that notorious Facebook shoutout might strut the desert too [in metallic armor and helmet, I guess] so I'll have my SLR cam ready for a photo-opp with her, in case. JB's name apparently, were cleared by the Cyber-Police who oath to combat that Internet vermin (if there's any) for pesting not just JB's political family name but for triggerring Pinoy's legendary Paranoia anew.

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Event Registration Fee is Dhs. 50. Drop-off points for in-kind donations are designated in diff areas, and be airfrighted the same day, c/o of LBC Cargo. A Free Event-Tees will be given by major sponsor Giordano. To those who spearhead this Walk for A Cause Project meant to launch a thousand helpful feet, Wow. This is indeed another Expat Tale so noteworthy to Tell.

The Great Flood that was

2009-09-30T10:44:00.010+03:00

And so mother nature fumes,

- and whipped her wrath in our disaster-prone Island AGAIN. Harder her lashing this time. Giving no mercy! Sparing no one! Claiming hundreds of lives and tens of thousands of homes.

The society's privileged and lowly were altogether marooned and turned captives inside their own house & rooftop for 12 hours of incessant rain causing the floodwater to rise. A picture of crying, hungry, & terrified souls were captured by the world's camera and shy previous records of Tragedy in the Philippine history. Suddenly, there were an unprecented feeling of Pain, Death & Hopelessness around the formerly blissful Capital. Till date, many are still waiting for Basic Needs or Rescue Teams to come. To those who have pledged to..and gave helped already, - YOU ARE THEIR HERO!
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"Missing" the Storm,

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In irony, whilst my heart brake for them, I sort of missed the piercing of storm, the gushing and streaming of wind and rain. My bad. But I covet its “magic”, minus the harm. Been out… away, and because wet days in the Desert is as rare as an honest politicians, and dry spell experience here matches a Holy Week Penitents’ belting of bare back under a burning soil. The sattelite images of this shocking event brought to us alive those -
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Gut wrenching scenes,

Gritty portrait of which reminds me of my raw life in my hometown Pasig and Marikina – 2 badly-hit Cities of Ondoy/Ketsana in the Metro. The worst in 4 decades, after Milenyo's equaly barbaric attack in 2000 and that of Frank in Western Visayas last year. While I also seek everyone’s continued prayer and lending hand to help end the victim's hunger, fear & torments, i am recapping my own semi-tragic tale back then - had my wet past played a good part in shaping the core of my sunny being today. I will never ever forget the day I saw the -

Diaspora of People,

It was a dark period for my family and for the entire neighborhood. Yet, in the advent of ominous clouds and raging water approaching pastly our town's high roads and ceilings, I was a carefree boy who would laugh and leap at the depthness of the abyss, explore its mystery, and delight at those wet, weird and “wonderful” moments which petrify the others from a distance. When our dry land turned into a brown sea, I enter a whole new world and I was thrilled...overwhelmed, but not with -

The Aftermath,

'it caused when all it left are stubborn muds and bleeding wound casted to my family's possessions & emotions - and scar sculpted deeply to my townsmen's memory - bearing testimony to the great deluge that was. It was another tale of desperation to which we as always rise above. The period of restoration and withering was gruelling and long, but throughout the same hard years of warfare w/ many storms & aftermaths, we have learnt to master our virtue of patience, willpower & faith to God. The same goes for the injured and -

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Survivor of this year's tragedy,
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Amidst the battery of test and tug of war between hope and despair, of life and death, I witnessed too how my fellow countrymen of yesterday and today, remain grounded in their feet, holding each other's hands and strengthen one's another's arms. they would give as much as they could. What a selfess, moving and humane sight to behold!

And from a safer ground, my young eyes feast at those act of goodness, ...and love.

Related Article: An Inretrospect
For Phil Help Hotline: click here (thanks Aethen)
For UAE: Pls email nhelmorona@yahoo.com (Migrante Dubai Chapter)

Shades of Gray 3: An Ode to a Kin

2009-09-15T15:19:00.007+03:00

Pardon for the mini-hiatus and for not seeing me hopping in your portal/s lately. This blog pauses to recollect the passing of a first cousin whom I grew up with in Pasig. She’s being mourned there, wept there, and shortly, be laid to rest. How grim and morbid the world is!,. I just had a gray post about her mother (my aunt +) not long ago, to which I even asked her to read the same.

May the Eternal Grace & Peace be upon the soul of Lourdes "Undet" ,- my cousin who was once full of dreams, laughter and life in her healthy days . And to drown my ugly sorrow for not making it there, I wrote past this lameting poem in the mid of the night barely after seeing her face in my dream; in Tagalog (as she found me “alien” talking in English). Wherever she maybe, this is for her -

paglisan

Paalam na aking Pinsan,

Kababata ko't Kaibigan

Kay aga mo kaming nilisan...

luha

Luha nga nami’y baunin,

Kailanman di lilimutin
Sa puso ka nakatanim ...

ngiti

Mundo mong kaysungit
Kurot, sabunot nya’t pasakit
Bakit ngiti ganting palit?…
sigla

Bigla ko tuloy naalala,
Halakhak mong nagiisa
Dating ika’y masigla pa...
kanser

Bago katawan ay anayin
Kanser ikaw ay lamunin
Naging kalansay sa paningin…
laban

Mata ko may’ di nasilip
Paghihirap mong sinapit
Sa laban mong anong lupit…
giting

Ako nama'y pinahanga
Sa giting mo raw na pinakita
Tinukod tuhod kahit mahina …
habilin

PAUMANHIN mahal na Pinsan,
Pagbalik sa abo'y di nasilayan
Huling Habilin mo’y hahawakan.

****

I hope the Single Mom would read this from somewhere else. And may the Lord Bless the little Children she left behind. (+)

Si Pareng Erap Talaga (p-2)

2009-09-04T12:09:00.011+03:00

They say Humor is a serious thing. And I so I became sucker for one. 'Guess we all need barrel of laugh these days hah. We need special character i.e., Mirriam or ERAP to give us a lift out of their amusing rhetoric for which they are [also] known.

Let me share you two of my fave' Humors I pirated from Erap's notorious Joke Book. I had goosebumps after having gone through it. Not for the very young & frail of heart, so read & smile at 'em at your own risk.
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Erap & Son
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Son: Dad, what is the difference between the words Confident and Confidential?
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Erap: Hmm, you're my son, and I am very Confident about that. Your bestfriend Buknoy, He is also my son, But that is Confidential.

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Hehe..(Thanks for the English version kuya Rudz).
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COOL? How about the next JOKE down?.....

****

Erap & The Jar

The aging Erap went to his Doctor’s Office to get a sperm count. The doctor gave him a jar and said “Take this jar home and bring me back a sample tomorrow.” The next day, Erap re-appears at the doctor’s office and gives him the jar, which is as clean and empty as on the previous day. The doctor asks what happened. The smart Erap explains..

“Well, doc, it’s like this. First I tried my right hand, but nothing. Then I tried with my left hand, but nothing. Then I called my ex-gf and tried it with her right hand but nothing. Then with her left, but nothing. She even tried with her mouth, but nothing. First with the teeth in, then with the teeth out. Ahh..still nothing!. Hell, we even call the sexy lady next door, and she tried it with both hands, and mouth too, but ugh, nothing”.

The Doctor was shocked. “You asked your NEIGHBOR”? The now frustrated Erap replied, “Yep, but no matter what we tried, WE COULDN’T GET THE DAMN JAR OPEN!”
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HA! HA!.HA! It's not what you & me think... This sick joke is misleading isnt it !?, 'Thought I'll be "GOOD" this Ramadan. Pardon me! Have a fun-filled week anyway. :D

related post:

si Pareng Erap Talaga (p-1)

what mirriam says

Si Jim, si Jeff atbp (p-2)

2009-08-29T14:36:00.008+03:00

....the continuation

Unlike Jim, I met Jeff personally and tasted the ravage of his scams. The maverick gangster was our neighbor before he wander and plunder from one street to another. To describe him a little, - he is talk dark, slim, who would smoke like a cogon’ (grass used for thatching) causing His lips to black and so are his gums. After what he did, I avoid now those who own one. The superstition on someone having maitim na gilagid (black gums) seemed so TRUE in his case. (what you think? )

Speaking of nerve, guts and LIES. Man, this Guy has TONS of it. “I am a product of decent school (i.e., San Beda & Mapua) and of big-paying corporation” are just among his fabricated lies meant to pillar his evil motive. Truth is: he was an undergrad from a school I even never knew existed, has been jobless, visa-less and passport-less for a year or so after absconding from a travel agency who sponsored his toxic visit in the country. The Agency also stake claim to victimhood after this Guy left their business in danger, and them, in debt.

“I am smart, I wont be duped!”…

“Don't bank on your confidence” my friendly tip. You never really know when he will strike and how you’ll fall in his trap - he is damn good in the lying field. Anybody saw Channel 2's (Kalye) documentary on hypnotism?. It also ring true on his case. A good acquaintance of mine find himself withdrawing cash from his credit card upon the hypnotic’s command, while mine w/c I hardly saved for a new laptop and mobile had gone missing :(. The [supposed] bday gift for myself were replaced w/ anger and disappointment by the money-sucking crook. He betrayed my trust, battered my kindness. And I was so stupid to believe & entertain the thief, lier, and god knows what else. I was freaking mad. But once melted by his drama when he does it w/ matching tearjerk. I did gave him the chance to change. "Start a new life, I plead". After the shedding of crocodile tears, however, he went back FAST to his “job”, had better prospects, gain more earnings - and more raging enemies at that. Dang!, I can't believe he would feed his Kids in such a way.

His victims are growing…

Jeff’s looting case breed each time he would knock at someone’s door and befriend a stranger in the street. He was a salesman yesterday, a businessman today and a Kabayan-in-need tomorrow. Vanguard your emotions!, - there is he would play. Dont be fooled w/ his tactics, - he works like an Agent of a Pre-need Plan. Woe to his latest prey - an old woman who labor 14 hrs a day, 7x a week in a small chinese resto'. I was saddened to know she's never been home for many years, but more saddened to find out that this Jeff duped her too. He's been hunted as well by his housemates and landlord, after collecting the rent - and running it away. I know. I've spoken and barter bad stories to a number of them. Japok's name & photo was longtime sent to Police for blotter. But the case had since turned cold. As of this writing, He remain at large and in "business". Tsk.
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In memory of Jim, Jeff & their League, I came up with this slogan I dedicate to every Pinoy, (OFW especially)...

"Saan man tayo sa mundo

Doble-ingat sa manloloko

Ingatan ipon at pitaka nyo

Huwag basta magtiwala,

sa Kabayan man o Banyaga,

Nang sa huli di maging kawawa"

Si Jim, Si Jeff at Ibpa… (part 1)

2009-08-24T15:06:00.007+03:00

Haaay... Pinoys in the Emirates are in troubled water again. And the name we've been struggling to re-build were jeopardize - besmirched, and tainted anew.
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Thus, I set aside my Ramadan reflections this month for a more grave but unholy issue - talk about JIM & JEFF - our erring Kabayans of the season. The duo's alleged [cash-related] crimes have been the cause of shaking-heads in our scandal-prone community and an added source of PAIN and yes, HATE among their robbed-prey (count yours truly).
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My blogsite's been itching to expose their plundering case. I was only reluctant due to its sensitive nature and in thought of my non-Pinoy readers. As possible, I 'd shun away from this tale of humiliation & indignity as it is tantamount to milking my own blood and vilying my own state. I am uncomfortable as much as you are. I made a pact w/ myself, however, not to ‘cry wolf’ had my facts were’nt valid and proofs arent’ strong. W/ hodge-podge of follow-up reports drawn against J & J by the Media, Internet, and the victims themselves, I know I'm not barking @ the wrong tree. And w/ the negative impact to every OFW san the moral damage this notorious Jeff has personally given me, i decide to finally break my silence and surface out of my shell - for ~~VENDETTA~~ justice, honor and public awareness' sake. I post ‘em here now without fear & prejudice. NOW or NEVER.

Kabayan, Kabayan, Bakit mo Ito Ginawa??

Si JIM
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According to his Resume', 31 yrs old Jim Abanto Miranda have been working in the Country since 2006 and later was employed as a Relations Officer for a Dubai-based financial industry. He has proven himself an absolute jerk few weeks ago after allegedly sprinting-away his loot, leaving his Pinoy Officemates in real mess and in distress. How much the rowdy cat dragged from their Company? JUST Dhs. 250 thou or a staggering 3.3 Million Pesos - serious cash more than enough to pay the investment & leisures of his dream.

A month after I had emails of his alleged looting case, his "saintly" mug shots were headlined on Balitang Middle East. I did call and speak to the raging bro of JIM's beleaguered colleague - "Solon", who is a new fellow in Town. He was asking for immediate SUPPORT in disseminating the shocking info' aim to trace the newly-millionaire's whereabouts back home.
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Had the latter's sis was the one who recommended the said culprit for the job - whose duty includes encashing checks upon his sister's endorsement. He feared now for her future as she was the one facing the very wrath of their Employer who seemed not to ever want Pinoy workers anymore. Imprisonment's looming like a dark cloud to that lady and to the rest - once Jim's looted million not returned. "Good Job", Jim. Look what you've done. Tsk.

Up Next ... SI JEFF -

Rubbish Tale 1: Truth Smells

2009-08-19T05:36:00.011+03:00

Each living and non-living thing has a story to tell. “They” that lived with me in this decaying part of the City, certainly have one to share.

Location: Al Khan St. in Sharjah: (City of Forbidden Silver)

When my big sis' Bing chose to left me here for Canada, I was thrown into a new building to join a sharing flat. Eventually, my excitement of living-out in a new jungle (aka setting) had turned sour - when the pedestrian-friendly pavements I walk and run each Office day start showing-up its true color out by its stark and “smelly” truth - both AMUSING & IRRITATING.. I tell you.
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They are common & familiar sights, scene-stealing from dusk till dawn, and been begging my mobile to hand them a photo-shoot ...
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Like a suspected rapist in the darkened corner, they've been smiling and winking @ me the moment I rush my feet through them…

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And like a starving vagrant outhere, I am too, was smitten by her charm - and potentials...
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I can't blame him, Because if you cares to look, you’ll see their stereotype are not always an eyesore..
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but some of them could actually keep your earthly treasures...

and would help you laid your tired back after a long day...

some of it could be your health-buddy outdoor,….

or intimate partner indoor..

Everyday, THEY and MORE are basking in glory there for the wandering eyes to see, and for the diligent hands to grab - all COST & TAX FREE.

BE WARNED, ... HOWEVER.

They are either second or third-hand, so might be plagued already with crawling bugs or stagnant germs. Therefore, the smart choice belongs to those who are dirham-pinching nowadays on whether or not they take them home - prior to City's "Concerned" Department advent.

Dang! 'Guess I’m back on my crazy week. Whose freaking toilet bowl is that by the way?

Related Article: Silver no More in Sharjah

From INDIA w/ Love (part 1): “Babies from the Roof"

2009-08-12T11:50:00.014+03:00

As an antidote to a murky week that was, I'll be posting series of Odd Tales I plowed [this time] from the beautiful soil of Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai. And because I normally wallk and rub-elbows with gazillion of them in this country, It is just ethical or rather “safe”, to say No Pun intended in the issue.

The Ritual...
Baby-dangling scenes were captured anew in a remote village of Maharastra giving the global viewers a good shock of their lives. The same triggers intense media scrutiny calling the circus show, nay,.. the pagan rite to stop it's public staging immediately.
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The poor toddlers, as young as 2 years, were on the verge of loosing their tiny tonsils due to wild screaming as Ritual Masters in the shrine's rooftop dangled ‘em up in the presence of a rejoicing crowd and throw ‘em down - to a stretched canvas sheet held in pride by a cluster of faithful “catchers” waiting 50 FT. below. Their respective Moms on the other hand, also looked-up and waited for their naked little ‘angels’ or capeless super-babies to plummet fast like a shooting star. Perhaps praying to Gods that their fragile newborn would land the sheet safe, sound – AND ALIVE.

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The ancient folklore, I found out, have been a common practice in Western India by its Hindu-Muslim aborigines. In fact, a much-awaited event for 500 freaking years now - most noted in rural corners where child mortality rate counts the highest. The Fall (they say) ensures GOOD HEALTH for the Baby and PROSPERITY for the Family.
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So far, no injured little limbs, bones or torso were reported dismembered, injured or broken, and because of that, the throwing-ritual lives on ...

UNBELIEVABLE! (the no-injured babies, I mean) ...to be continued

Shades of Gray 2: That Lady in Yellow

2009-08-05T11:30:00.009+03:00

It was 1986. Rain just fell and sky was bright. The Dictator’s despotic tenure in the Palace by the River, were numbered. I was dressing-up for my afternoon class when suddenly, commotions leaks from outside. I peeped through our windowpane and check where the torrent of squeals are hailing from. I witnessed a lion’s share of frantic feet, big and small, all casted towards the town's center street. Could it be a Fire or a Gang-war that made ‘em (my neighbors) dumped their chores and flee their homes? “The wife of Ninoy’s coming”!.. yelp an omen-believing Elder.
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CORY!, CORY!
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From a distance, I stood in dignified silence while my tribesmen are chanting a woman’s name. (My freaking folks are a picture of blood-hungry spectators cheering for clashing Gladiators in a Mortal Combat). The ear-defeaning chant of theirs get bigger and heavier as the Party’s campaign-float drew closer. Finally it passes our respective border and in the blink of an eye, conquered each and everyone. Lean and small, I was overshadowed by the tall and fat ones, so I needed to crane my neck like a giraffe to grab a better glimpse of that simple-looking woman in geeky glass whose short hair’s wavy, skin's flawless tipping-off a wealthy background.

An Encounter w/ a Hero,

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To my delight, she gave a me quick nod and a sweet smile as she does generously for everyone. I sighted: her two hands are diligently making an L shape - for FIGHT or “Laban” accordingly, to which everybody (except for me, I guess) have gladly mimic on the spot. Incredible! My young mind wonders "what kind of charisma this woman possessed to freak and enchant my townsmen?".

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As for me, what star-strucked me the most is the vivid paint of the blouse she’s wearing - a beautiful YELLOW, so eye candy and magnetic - eventually became a special symbol of her extraordinary legacy in the concrete jungle that is Politics. Soon I learnt, she is the Leader in disguise who beckon thousands of feet and hands in unity and spearheaded 'em to revive freedom & democracy. The grieving mom and widow of a noble man who became the prime instrument in ousting the country's tyrannic-aging ruler and his Imeldific-shoe collector wife to leave the High Office they and their loyal cronnies had occupied & looted terribly for 20 years.

it was a defining moment. 23 years ago when I first saw her, the President. and the rest, they say is History.

Tie the yellow ribbons,

From million miles, I could only see her now in TV and in print. Lifeless and colorless this time after a month-long of battle and defeat with the Big C. She's being mourned greatly, missed sorely by millions of Local & Global Filipino as patented by showers of yellow confettis and ribbons everywhere - to both lament and honor her passing. I could also see "crocodile tears" amongst those who sobbs and siffs. Those who question her indecisive leadership in social and economic reforms. Those whose expectations she "failed" when the agrarian program fell short in ending land domination of the Elites. Those cynics and hecklers who joked and guffaws upon the rumors of her alleged "hiding" beneath the bed to shield her head of bullets in the apex of an opposing military coup', ...among others.

Against all odds and tides, that Lady in yellow remain affloat and in usual kind self - respected, beloved, remembered and shining as ever - even in her sickness and in death. The International Merits Awards she garnered during her time are nothing compared to the hearts, spirits and souls she has earned - "Us" whom she taught and inspire to believe again in the moving power of Hope, Faith and Integrity. OF FIGHTING A GOOD FIGHT TILL THE VERY END.

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I am one of those who say "Salamat po and PAALAM Tita CORY".

Silver no more in Sharjah

2009-07-30T14:18:00.008+03:00

Following to arrest of Men who are sporting long hair and short pants, Dubai’s cousin Emirates and more conformist rival SHARJAH (the place where I labor & live @present) had spewed the other day its militia of undercover police agent aka C.I.D. (Criminal Investigation Dept) in their newest task of clamping-down and impounding silver ornaments found in the wrist, ears, lip, neck and yeah, nose of its male occupants and visitors. This after being taken & lectured "inside”. Click here for some more shocking info..
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Weird as it sounds, the news of re-enforcing the old Islamic law had given the strong gender a lump in the throat. Thus, a non-fiction script was made by me, inspired by the rant of my fellow "in the name of free but risky journalism" Blogger in this part of the land.

"Take out those Silver, man .. Its too Gay!"

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Me: sadeeq (friend), time to get rid of those metallic chain out of your neckline, otherwise the two of you will be apprehended by CID.

Khalid: No way!, My granny gave me this necklace as a gift and it mean so much to me.

Me: But authority’s science project says, silver necklaces and its kind are a gateway to homosexuality. I heared, it cost ‘em a whopping $2B/year to rehabilitate gays through education & hormonal injections.

Khalid: I am not a Gay, and I’m not a criminal! And I don’t think my granny gave this just to turn me into one.

Me: Fine. Just cloak your hippie-effects under your shirt while in Sharjah, and bring it out when you’re in Dubai or AbuDhabi.

***

"It's Haram"....who says?
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Me: So you're an Asian, ...and an “ex-con”.. are you horrified?
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James: Yeah. I was seized without knowing WHY? The law's meant for Muslim male or not, young and old.

Me: So you’re telling me you’re ignorant of this existing 8 years decency law?.
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James: Are’nt they'r blind as a bat?, Straight guys w/ heavy silver are rampant in the streets. Teen-age boys are even prancing with it. Nobody has ever told me wearing it is haram!. (bad).
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Me: So are you questioning Sharjah’ s ala-Saudi style of veiled practice?
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James: At least public awareness is a must, prior to catching.
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Me: And the point of origin must as well inform the newbies of specifics, yeah?
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James: I wondered too, why they are seemed lenient here with Queer men in kandura (long white robe) wearing eyeliner & foundation, but not with men wearing silvers. Insanity & hypocricy at it's best. I'll go for gold next time.
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****

Perhaps, this is the "Be Roman while in Rome” cliche is all about w/c I rephase to "Be Sharjaites while in Sharjah”. Now I think of living-back in the open, but more chaotic city of Dubai - or better live this baffling country for good. :D
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BUT WAIT...

Aren't the "catching-department" missed the glittering fact - that the Shiekdom's Biggest and Oldest Gold & Silver Souq (market) stood strong in Sharjah, indeed a thriving industry for decades now - and have been a famous landmark and tourist attraction in the region? Ditto, Isnt it ironic, the male species can actually buy those Silvers here, but can't wear it here?

....my big mouth's JUST ASKING.

Harry Potter and the Half-Slept Audience

2009-07-26T13:08:00.018+03:00

J.K. Rowling, the famous Brit Novelist behind the phenomenal Harry Potter series ensnared the world once more via her top-selling 6th book turned movie "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince", stars U.K's richest teenboy Daniel RadCliffe. As projected, the latest installment akin to its predecessors, had ruled and raked money in the Box office.

But I Guess not after reading this, or after you watching it,….

Been ages since I last critic or bombard a giant film. I was kind of wheelchair-bound in doing so for no apparent reason. Albeit the fact I’d spent an exorbitant amount of moolah (in pesos, dollars & dirhams) - more than enough to buy hundred kilos of NFA rice for my family’s family - just to freaking amuse or to forget myself at least for a day there in the company of big screen.

But not making me or my friends sleep and snore inside,…

Much as my riveting Title for the same had spoken loudly for itself, I find it “timeworthy” to surface from my usual hibernation and reunite myself anew in doing what other fellow blogers are very good, [and like me] are very bad in doing - Movie Review. Heck, I need to eschew now from throwing too many flowery words to heighten the movie’s creepy beckon on one’s dying wallet. So for those of you who’d ear-on its by-mouth review, you know what I mean. While for those of you who had seen it on the silver screen, you knew you’d just, - ugh, drained-down your hard-earned bucks in w/c you better save during this cost-cutting times.

But Harry and the Half-Blood Prince not all dark, bad and bland,….

I am armoring myself now from the ire of Harry’s legion of delirious Fans who would die for his and his cohort’s broomsticks and magical wands. The movie, san the countless snore-inducing epilogue, could however fill your eyes in those stunning special effects, such as the 'Death Eaters' pocking the gray skies. I cant help but marvell as well the breathtaking medieval-theme settings and props. Saved likewise by the veteran artist of yesteryears, led by the wizzard boy's Nemesis No. 1, the EvilLord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) who became more notorious in his signature wig hair (rebonded i suppose) and the granny stage actor who just came out of the closet, the great Prof Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) who was massacred by the former with the helping hand of skeletal Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) - Harry's Nemesis No. 2. The other bunch of young English Actors also did their role well as Teenagers possessed with magic, potion, and raging hormones. Evidently, the teenage sorcerers grew up very fast - smarter, riper, stronger, but not the same CUTE kiddoe's anymore.

But then again,

Seeing Harry and Hermione’s (Emma Watson) BestFriend RON (Rupert Grint) “unfriendly” countenance on-screen triggers the audience to nap all the more as if they are inside their own house. Ron's "under-the-dosage" facial expressions and big almond eyes is infecting, or to rephrase: annoying. Like a sleepy spell so hard to resist. Dang!, those snores and bended heads around me are pretty distracting. I should stay in the cinema's front seat next time. :D

Rating: 3 zzzsnoring stars.

"Nawawala" si Inshira

2009-07-22T11:36:00.022+03:00

Today, I received a FWDD Email Re: Tulong at Inpormasyon kung nasaan si Inshira. E-Mail's rundown, as follow..

“Tumawag po ang mga magulang ni Inshira Calauto sa SOS.org at Tulong Bayan para humingi ng Tulong. Ang kanila pong anak ay nawawala mula pa noong July 17. Ang dalagita ay estudyante ng IPSR. Kung natatandaan natin si Inshira ang nanalong Ms. OFW noong July 10.

Huli sya nakontak nung hatinggabi ng Byernes sa bandang Mursalat. Pagakatapos nun, wala nang balita sa kanya. Kung sino po ang may alam, narinig, pagdududa kung nasaan si Inshira, pakibigay lamang po ang inpormasyon kay Jay Evora. – 050749-8743 o Peping Calauto – 0501652276 (magulang) . Kung maari lamang po, ipakalat ang panawagan na ito sa mga kapwa Pilipino. Ipagdasal natin sya na malayo sa kapahamakan. Ps: Tagalog ang ginamit na salita sa sulat na ito dahil sa sensitibong dahilan".

Critical and poignant as it sounds, the mail’s now jumping from one’s inbox to another. Knowing Pinoy's Bayanihan spirit in nature. Yet peering through its content, I spotted several loopholes. The fact it was tightly edited and cleverly worked-out, I smell something fishy. Is this another case of money sucking hoax on Internet?. (JUST ASKING). The highlighted ones are what seeped-into my nerves. Check it out before the mastermind of this suspected online crime would clone you in the image of the boy who cried wolf, or fleece you of something in the future.

Loopholes, Loopholes:

SOS.org or Science of Spirituality: the only source who got link . This SOS reminded me of Tom Cruise’ Scientology Cult of sort. Im not sure if the site’s merely promoting itself. Im sure, however, its irrelevant here.

Tulong Bayan: never heard of the group’s backround or activities. No credible link even.

IPSR School: never heard it likewise. Is it here in the UAE? I could count the number of Pinoy School here by my ten fingers. Why the heck it has no phone or website to coordinate w/?

Mursalat: I wonder badly too if this area or street ever existed in the face of Seven Emirates, or is it in the Emirates?.

Jay Evora & Peping Calauto's mobile: I've been frantically dialling their local numbers for 3 hours now. But they and their ghostly cellphone are dead as a nail. They must be on-guard 24/7, yeah?. Damn! No e-mail add. No fax no. Nothing to PM them in case the girl's sighted.

At least the e-hoax, err..the e-mail’s intent for Pinoy readers Only. Good enough to shield our already tattered reputation abroad. But TO PRAY for something I doubted if true is insane. Im not exactly immune to the call and bargaining of pishing Scam. But for people like me who’d been duped once, or rather twice, it pay to become suspicious next time. What about blogging for these virtual Syndicates and Sharks? Really, they are overflowing on my list. "Parang bigas na umaapaw sa lalagyan, kailangang kalusin na". And nothing will gladden my heavy heart but to expose their ugly presence and modus to the world. This hooligans will see.

Lest Inshara's "missing"-case is genuine, lets all hope the beautiful girl is OK. Lions and vultures are rampant everywhere and in best form to devour her. Sayang naman siya.
"

Ps: I cant google search her name and the beauty-contest she'd won - It's freaking blocked. And before anonymous peeps would counter me back, THIS JUST AN OBSERVATION from someone's so pissed in E-Hoax. Im not saying this is one. FEEL FREE TO GIVE LIGHT.

Speaking of missing, you maybe wondering where was my cute old template c/o Twinkle. After a year or so of exposing my ehem, cute photo in there, I decided to put it to rest,... for "a change". Thanks again to my friend's unique graphic talent and kindness, Naku di nya na ko gagawan ulit, hehe!.. A new AJ banner from you would be most welcome then.

Ours too, will come to pass…

2009-07-15T15:18:00.013+03:00

So a celebrity’s sudden or “unexpected” death breeds lot of buzz, huh’. WHY NOT?. In as much as the world’s semi-friendly media and its army of well-geared paparazzi feed us with tons of freaking updates and eyeball-grabbing images daily, their saga will last to reign amongst us, "like a fine wine which gets better as time passes".
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True enough. A major chunk of our time have been splurged in tailing the star’s footprints of successes and scandals. We were there in the course of their life and death, or rather in their life after death. Their metaphors are frozen alive in our memories. Enchanting and Immortal as ever. Their magic could moved us by a long shot, struck our chords in the drop of hat – and w/ no effort snatch the little, but so precious time out of our hands. Ironically, they're not even aware we exist.

Hey, Not Just the Stars,

So WHO and WHAT else devour our time, talents and energy.? What liabilities accounts our best assets? … Name it: Work, Worries?, TVs, DVD’s? Gossips, Gimmicks? Rumors, Humors? Check-out what’s eating you. Hence, If you’re hooked to at least one of ‘em, then I assume, your resources are misused; robbing yourself of personal gain, and placing behind your family’s moral welfare. Count-in the social circles - or what this irritating Pirate-themed Facebook says “MATEYS” you rub elbows with. Arrr!! How’s ye’ shipmates doin’!?...How’s their loot, I mean LIFE lately?!
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Guess, you mirror AJ @ Nite-time,…
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Upon hitting my pillow, a still-small voice would confront me with this guilt-triggering question: “How did I spent my day? How was your parents? sibs? better-half? foes? When was the last time you say Hi to an old friends, or Hello to an aging, dying relatives? Gossip your stories or pray a good prayer for them. Am I serving my life’s “sentence” or purpose well in this Planet?. Then another voice would reply, "Damn it AJ, you’re not!, much as you suspect they had snubbed and took you for granted!

Guess, those voices are my twin-conscience who sees me nowadays as a remote-controlled android, commanded and enslaved by life’s temporal pleasures and earthly concerns – i.e., this ancient curse called JOB, self-seeking illusions I mistaken for vision, the nonsense chattings (OK trippings and flirtings) with Martians or "walang magawa sa buhay na mga Tambays" of virtual space (you’re not the one Im referring to, don’t worry :D) among others.
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We maybe near, yet so far...

And if we are literally far, i suggest better be near while WE or THEY are still around. Life's fleeting. Everybodys’ changing. Time’s running. We knew it. So isnt it cool to Mellow, if not to dump for good those unhealthy craps and gray-hair giving vices and busyness?, and heart instead what matters most. Believe me you'll be especially remembered and followed like the stars.

Dang! its past 3 in the morning, Time out for this endtime preaching. Had a long day, ...a meaningful one though.

How’s yours?

Ma'as-salam Max

2009-07-06T14:41:00.006+03:00

While the world said its tearful GOODBYE to the King of Pop, I said mine in Arabic to an Indian dude. (He too like MJ, will be sorely missed. But our parting time isn't tearful though, oh yeah, bec my bud's still alive and kicking! :D)

So after seasons of battling homesickness doldrum, he had, w/ mixed emotions, packed his stuffs and stepped-out of the Arab ground. I gamble he went for the rightful pick– FAMILY. Possibly at this moment, they are busily unwinding together in restoring what was mislaid. Could be a casual dinner perhaps, a leisure stroll, or series of bedtime stories w/ kid’does. Whatsoever, all I could picture are eclectic grins on their faces whilst sipping the glory of divine times together. His attendance in the environs of his once deserted home, I claim, would fortify the body and spirit of the guy’s ailing Mom. Sure well, because Maximo’s presence on someone’s side is a source of blessing. Fond of making people special, his approach is as cool as cucumber and amity’s as good as gold because it knew no border.

My profound gratitude to you for having been my no. 1 fan-reader of my every WeBlogs when I started it on Friendster 3 yrs ago. Your then prejudiced remarks had stirred my sanity to post much as I could come hell or high water so as to earn you ear-clapping comments.:D Pronto, your extra wish is my command! – and man, here you are, modeling into my writing canvas; and though, I’ve been siesta-deprived, I remain energized while painting your “left-overs” with cool colors.

Kudos for the unwavering compassion in you w/c accessed the depressed, my run-away-Kabayans-in-need, in particular. Ghee, I’l be missing your charity as well (lolz!). But hey, how could you be so bold & intrepid in disclosing your plot of mimicking my journalism style, ha?? You are unrivaled in your own remember so confession does belong to me, - I, point in fact, aspire to grab a slice of your unassuming nature that's far-more attention-grabbing.

(me, tita rox, daughter ai, couples nancy, rmel, bing & mel, max & jojo)

(top photo: Max w/ my 1 yr old niece Jen, 3 yrs old nephew Yom)

BTW, T.Y. for the Giordano Tees in this NY’s eve photo; And will I put behind your valor in tossing-down some pretty servings of Tequila w/o qualms?. You genuinely aim to celebrate the Red-Day with us. So from me and my then Pinoy housemates here in the Emirates, we say CHEERS to you & God Speed :)!

Photo-shooting “Freedom”

2009-06-15T17:24:00.031+03:00

Barely a week after our very own "Independence Day" were, for 111th time, commemorated, my blogging head remain wordless, brain’s empty as my eyes ogle slothfully before my virus-plagued PC. I ponder what to write in honor of the occassion - and of my History Professor who once taught our snoring class to never disregard the red day of liberation in the Calendar, even we, then the nation's hope and future aged or desert the Philippines for good.

Because myself is yet to be liberated from the yoke of my own "slavery" in its many forms and types, I resolved to post some of my 2008 vacation snapshots, which i find relevant for my kinda' late topic. The same I fortunately swim through the pool of my digi-photos which are all screaming to be published.

AJ the paparazzi,

Kindly note, the stolen shots I got here were taken in JUST ONE DAY from a tourist bus I rode in one of my “I badly need to enjoy” trip back home, there in Manila’s thickly-populated suburb. Luckily, my "hidey-hole" is well-elevated and well-tinted, perfect for my snooping task and great for concealing my prowling eyes from the latent wrath [and ugh, stone!] of my both blundering and innocent targets.

The virtual evidence I squirrel away, albeit are common "attraction" in the Island questions the faith & loyalty of even the most patriotic Pinoy alive as the pix attest the sad truth that ours, the so-called land of happy and free we're still the same chaotic state centuries ago - in dire need of cultural transformation - and the same kind of people, - in dire need of character renewal.

It is no secret, we're not yet FREE from -

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- lowly neighbors who embody the country's deep and abiding poverty...
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of ordinary citizen who've been fed up and worn-out in outliving each day ...
. of men and women who defy the road's peace and order rules ...
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of assylum seekers promdi' smitten by the capital's charm but ended-up the city's eyesore ...
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of society's bandits and thugs who are good at making headlines by their own criminal darkside..

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of troubled young people who trail the outlawed path and emulate the self-governing stance of their seniors....

Care for Change, anyone?

Pardon my pessimistic thoughts. And for sounding like Im vilifying my own "ningas-kugon" race and conflict-prone community. But hey, im just practicing transparency and FREEDOM of expression here. Inshalla' (God's will) when I return home and take street photos next time, I'll be seeing Freedom or Independence na in a positive angle and in better light.

I'll let you know. T.G.I.F.

An InRetrospect

2009-06-06T22:59:00.015+03:00

To rest my freaking senses (and yours as well), I am giving you something light and cute for the weekend - My very own scandal.. este, my story as a young boy many moons ago :)

So If Superman can spin-back the Earth for real, I would ask him to stop it during my naïve days. Back to the time where my world is small yet filled with genuine smile, animation and fondness; Where fun and adventure rule over petty grudges and worries; and when the heart is full of marvel to experience the unknown. Above all, when the future is emancipated from life’s grim uncertainties.

“The Missing Pandesal”

How can I overlook nanay’s morning embrace when I was 5? Her tap in my back and sweet caress is like the warmth of a rising sun grooming me for the joy of a new day, and of my regular breakfast - plain rice swamped with sweetened coffee, altered with freshly-baked pandesal (bread) in melting butter. The latter she would asked me to enjoy with little (and to speculate, breakfast-deprived) peers outdoor. I comprehend thru her the essence of SHARING & GIVING – even at sometimes, or at most times, nothing left to my tiny hand at all - like what happened to my pandesal that morning. I remember coming back to her and said: "Mother, Mother, I learned as well the value of grip and vigilance". :D.

“AJ’s Pet"
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The untimely murder of my First pet is one of my eardrum-braking scream recorded when I was 7. Mine is not the usual one - A chicken mistakenly known as crow for his deep black feather and long beak causing my superstition-loving neighbors to name him Uwak (Tagalog for crow). My peculiar bird, to my great horror and dismay was gunshot by a cold-blooded assassin which I failed to probe and murder-back (kidding). Dinner time. I remain in grief-mode and in tears. Not only for my chiken’s sudden exit, but incensed by the fact that an uncle double-murdered, cooked and served his chopped limbs to my very front. Did AJ consumed it? Not certain. But what I'm sure about is I LOVE TINOLANG MANOK (and my pet, -my poor turned delicious pet - was prepared to me in such a way). :(

“My Big Day”

I muse over the day when my doting Tatay would asked me to choose between goin’ for a local Karate film with P20 in the pocket (something P200 now) or a food treat at home for my special day. Clever me at 8, I opted for cash & film - knowing my fave’ auntie (+) who has a heart of gold would still make for me her sticky rice (biko) and chinese noodle specialty (pansit) – “for long-life” she whispered, her generous way of covering the normal absence of cake, ice-cream and balloons in my bdays (which father, i understand can't afford back then). It was a Cool bid. One of the bestest treat or trick present I had. Hapi pouch + Hapi belly = HAPI-BDAY to me! To my late Aunt Remy, if she read mine thoughts from a distance, Txs for making my many bdays complete, and noteworthy :)

“Monster Wheel”

Home-town Feast. Lots of games, funny shows and rides. I’ve been an avid patron of the event that I would hunger myself at school just to save moolah and pay for the fiesta' carnival gimmicks. But there is this one attraction-ride I learnt to curse after giving me an indescribable tremors at 9. The illustrious Ferriswheel of George Ferris. I dare thought suing the Genius behind, and make his creepy invention be held liable for my acrophobia. Last Dubai Eid Festival, I did attempt facing my fear of open height with another round of FW ride. Alas, the emotional pay-off I had 20 years ago, just went exactly the same. Heck the irony, I’ve been 100,000 ft. above the ground by airplane several times (more than my age actually) and im feeling cloud nine (but this ..@!# mechanism!). As an adult at least, I no longer sh*t my pant!.:D
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"Rainy Day Connection"

“Rain, rain go-away, come again another day!” My young fellow’s ritual song as they care to play in dry soil. But not my rhyme when I was 10 and below. I fancy on heavy rain w/c cascade similar to a waterfall flowing fastly over my head. Dang! I badly miss those wet days of merriment and careless abandon when the nature touches closely my skull, skin and carefree spirit - and when I madly spool my naked body (picture here a dog freed by the master) in thick beds of grass, of fading brown mud, and tough wind. My parents, ah they could outshine the rage of thunder and lightning as they lo and behold their precious son (me), in they think disgusting, for me is divine state.

I freaked-out to the fullest when our town's rice-field metamorphosed into an exciting swimming ground for there is where I can dip my legs and bathe liberally all the way, - oblivious whether I swim-deep with "non-humans" and gulp the “mineral” from the natural water.

***

Just Another Woman in Shame

2009-05-26T17:51:00.025+03:00

Sex, Lies & Videotapes of Pinay Celebrity continues. Spicier this time. Water Pls!
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Give way to the Queen,

I remember, Sunshine Cruz’ lip-smacking short film set an action-star hubby in wrath; Criselda Volks’ "i pay you by myself" casino scandal is addicting as well as tearjerking; Ethel Booba’s flaunting of her glory in the presence of a Giant BF (and they say, mongoloid) is comic and dumb. My favorite Angel Locsin and Jennilyn Mercado's xxx at least was a hoax.

To oust and shy ‘em all, we all heard this Katrina Halili’s burlesk video courtesy of Vicky belo’s flirting boyfriend - the famous Dr. Hayden Kho who confessed he did it so with careful and malicious intent. But wait, what’s this Dr. Belo’s own rumored videotape with her psychotic ex-bf aiming even to dethrone that of Katrina and the rest? Ugh. I could imagine her rival’s wide grin then. :D
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Feast thine eyes!

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Thereafter we’ll proceed grilling the remaining and much-awaited 36 (or was it 38?) “hayden” collection of blue videotapes that are yet to be released for our viewing pleasure & entertainment. I wondered who the lucky girls are. For all I know, beautiful and sexy babes is Doc Hayden’s type. But I don’t know if Pokwang or Bb Gandanghari have made it on the list (corny joke). But one second, arent the two beauties just went under the knife too?
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Oooops don’t mistaken me for being showbiz & scandal junkie ha. I plead guilty though. I once jumped the freaking bandwagon of uzis and peeping toms who salivate to see this notorious KH & HK you-tube scandal. Pirated CDs of which, I heard sells like a hotcake and caught the Pinoy Expat community abroad like an Australlian wildfire. Sikat rin dito yan sa Emirates!. Saved by U.A.E’S internet-law on blocking forbidden sites, and saved as well by a porn collector Kabayan who had taught me the art of unblocking those. Ang Pinoy pa, pagdating sa diskarte ...

No to “Hayden”?
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But I guess my pair of virgin eye’s contented with all those pesky news- which is tantamount to saying - I dont need extra carnal knowledge on how [the now] repentant skin Doctor hoodwinked his circle of girlfriends he one-nite-stand with the Careless Whisper background, - and duped with his notorious “hayden” camera.
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Holier than thou critics on the other hand, reviled the act and branded the doctor's preys as sluts, “makati pa sa higad” and bitches. Tsk. Tsk. Kawawa naman sila, Their greatest humiliation is only someone else’ entertainment lang. I believe it would take a decade to undo the moral damages the spicy video had caused them (and their family) even they shed tears, cried foul and lip the immortal word ...“I AM A VICTIM”.
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To the rescue, Senator Bong, in frown eyebrow, had spoken and proved that chivalry isn’t dead yet in the Philippines. He vilified the doctor-architect of the crime being “the highest kind of pervert whose good in making pig out of the women”. But some doubts if he really inspire the future perverts, errr… the younger generation with his heroic bravado and stellar examples - barely after his alleged own scandal leaks in the banketa of Divisoria and Quiapo – a day after his manly anger were unleashed - denying him of some "pogi points" from potential voters by May 2010.
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But knowing majority of pinoys who always been a sucker for gossip and scandal...
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The Numbers Are Growing,

I was whiling my time away In Ajman BayWalk when I met this Guy with a braided-long hair who sings and play drums for a dubai-based band. (Our english-translated chit-chat, below)

Guy: Pare, Have you seen Katrina-Haydens video?

Me: NO, not yet, why?

Guy: You know what? I have mine too in my mobile.

Me: Oh really!?, that must be HOT!, …may I see? (hehe)

Guy: Sure. Here. But Its only images...

Me: Whew! 'cant imagine your GF’s would pose for you like they are Playboy cover girl ha. You are naughty dude. But how about the video?

Guy: My drunk buddy who took the film kept it. I am yet to grab a copy.

Me: Whatt? aren’t u worried he'd one day gossip it to others or upload that (images) and those (film) in the internet?

Guy: I'm not, and I don’t care. Im not much exposed in there, anyway.

Me: Cool, … it’s your partner, yeah?.

- end of story -

He left me flabbergasted as to WHY there are are guys like him who regal other people (stranger in particular) with their sexcapades - and WHY the hell there are some ladies who consent them. Scandal like this, oh, - good source of Man's Fame,..and of Woman's Shame.

Dang! I guess we'll be hearing more Hayden and Katrina in the future...

MONSTER MOMS: A post-Mother’s Day Special '09

2009-05-17T16:00:00.044+03:00

Shucks, this is late. Let me catch up with a shocking one then, hehe :D

Lots of goods have been written about MOMS. She who would love & care unconditionally, They who would live & die for offspring. There’s no one else like mums really - They are beyond description. But not all mom's the same. Some got a BIG heart, Some are heartless, ruthless too.

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Freaked, Wicked…and Morbid -
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Last year, I blogged on 3 Extra-ordinary Moms who had given birth in 3 mind-boggling ways. This year something morbid, or rather, morbid mothers have piqued my interest. Their psychotic stories are both gripping and intriguing. Check whose on my list - and see for yourself how "unmotherly" they once were..
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The Baking Moms,
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In Ohio, China Arnold was arrested in 2008 for “toasting” her infant (+) inside the microwave oven after a drinking spree. She denied the charges even a post-mortem test of her baby's crisped torso confirmed - it was all courtesy of a heating device. Her Attorney must won the case otherwise she might be asked to choose between getting fried or roasted by Ohio county’s electric chair. But China's insane case is not unique,

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In Virginia, Elizabeth Otte also languid in jail in 2000 for committing the same baby microwaving crime. Her defense: "I had seizure attack and mistaken my newborn (+) for milk that needed warming". Her accuser: “a person under seizure would find it impossible to wrap a small baby like a shanghai roll, put him in the oven and operate its control”. My Verdict: She's lying!. Pls. Microwave her along with Mommy China.
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The bathing Mom,
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In Houston, before things eventually turned sour, Andrea Yates was a promising young woman. She graduated with highest honor, earned a nursing license and married an engineer from NASA. She seemed to have everything. Until depression whisper to her ears like a demon, "drown 'em to death" - which she perfectly did in one dipping. Questions swirl in the minds of many: is it because she can’t undo no more the pain of momhood or she just missed her Swimming Captain days? My verdict: Whatever bugged her, she did a GORY crime. Drown her too.!
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The Running Mom,

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In NewYork, Marybeth Tinning was a familiar sight in Trauma Centers. She would be seen running hysterical in emergency rooms with one of her sick or dead babies cradled in the arms. While Medical staff despises her, others felt pity. Who wouldnt? Think of her 13 years (1972-85) habitual conception and then rush those toddlers to hospital breathless suddenly - with no valid reasons. My Verdict:A life imprisonment is too lenient for the waisted young life of 9 (+). Unless this panic-stricken mother has a cat life, I'll b delighted to make her breathless - 9x.

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Care for some more erring Moms?...

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K, Meet The Dancing Mom,

In New Jersey, after delivering/dumping her "toy" in the toilet, Melissa Drexler ate salad and returned to the dancing floor as if nothing happened. Horrified schoolmates say's she was just "her usual self" - jolly. Everybody (including her BF) thought she was just fat. Why the hell no one's aware the 130 lbs, 18 yr old girl was preggy and on-her-way?. The notorious prom mom was detained after a school janitor discovered a freshly-dead infant tangled with his untrim navel inside a thrash bin. Right after baby-slaughtering, the partying mom even requested "The Unforgiven" song of Mettalica to be played. My Verdict: Could someone snatch her out of the jail then flush her to her school C.R. .!
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The Shooting Moms,

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In Oregon, Diane Downs put her three children aged 3, 8, & 7 in the car, shot and kill one of them. To save herself from sure incarceration, she invented a story by fingerpointing the fatal shooting to highway robbers or Carjakers. One of surviving child, albeit weak and dying with injuries had spoken in tears - "it was mom!". To which Dianne confess: "I became infatuated with a married man - and he didn't want my kids with us". My Verdict: (Calling carjackers, kidnap this lady and gun her down - with her man, of course!)

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DANG! why is it Kid-does-Killing for these moms are just akin to re-touching their make-up and changing bra, ha?. We heared it. THIS EVIL IS HAPPENING - around us or beside us - in our community maybe, next to our door, perhaps. We dont know. But we knew we could save a precious life from their lunatic tormentor who could be a guardian, a parent- a mom.

CHILD ABUSE HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE

Ever heared the tale of a young girl locked by mom alone for seven years in a remote farmhouse in Germany?. Tsk. Tsk. She was extremely disturbed and pale as a vinegar when found. Selfish mum denied her sunshine rays and of chance to see the world outside her braced-window - accordingly for being illegitimate. Silly, isnt it? My Verdict: The mother who had borne her out of wedlock has to be locked in that same dark cellar for 7 years also. With sunshine privilege yes, but WITH NO food or water.

Not only in America and Europe we could read about monster moms. 3rd world, or what PGMA called 2nd world country such as ours are more regular in the news - normally for throwing fetuses wherever the "I'm not yet ready" mother wishes. Late last year, there was this Pinay who feed her kids with poison because she got no rice or bread to serve 'em. Some at least did kept their children alive - and make them helpful to the family by selling their young body to perverts or to begging syndicate; and if they're very young for the "business" who cares?, let them roam the street freely like a vagrant psychotic till a speeding vehicle mashed the poor kiddoes' wholeness over. Ouch!.

OH, Speaking of fetuses, nothing could beat India's grim record. Heard of Babies' bodies found in abandoned well, apparently aborted because they were, ugh FEMALE. An alarming Half million of these unborn were aborted each year in the thickly-populated India over the past 2 decades, revealed my source . CREEPY!? ...NO, - WICKED!..

***

You light up the life,

In as much as I have gazillion of related crime to report, l'll pause for now. I'm turning monster na rin e. Hope NO mum here would run after their freaking footsteps. And who am I to judge? I dunno' exactly what caused these woman to harm & murder their own flesh and blood - the gift of life they once nurtured and endured "inside".

I can't help but feel thankful for having been blessed with mother who had given me an unwavering T-L-C (san the occasional pinching, and yelling), - where it remain constant through the test of times and of my changing character .:D To all the moms out here, hey, Txs for giving your sons and daughters the same. By your safe pair of hands they too, will continue to see the light of the day. And by keeping your gentle fire burning, they would always be enlightened, warmed, in the darkest and coldest of night .

PhotoCredit : Google/Wikipedia

Related Article:

PACMAN: the SuperMan (p-1)

2009-05-05T12:45:00.023+03:00

Our Pinoy SuperHero’s back!. Even faster. Even stronger. And yes, even RICHER!.

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KUDOS to his super Kamao, to the might and power of of his in-born speed and steel-like abs honed & perfected by his then hardships, training & discipline. Don Manny Pacquiao, the emerging and the yet to beat pound by pound Superstar of the ring had once again invaded the headlines.

And as he re-market the boxing talent of Filipino People abroad & catapulted anew the Philippine's tainted name to fame - barely after “slaughting” the British Hitman (whose now hit for retirement) in two-brief but incredible rounds, his new winning gave another glory for the country, and no doubt feed the cultural soul of every Pinoy. He continue to champion the heart of masses & elites, and earn applauds by pro's & anti's. And despite the ridicule & mocking thrown at him by critics caused by his carabao english, intimidating looks & flawed decisions in the past, he remain an icon, a noble figure - idolized by young & old, dear by men & women, by gays & lesbians alike, admired [and envy] by pinoys and non. ALL, it seems including the disgruntled ones who have given up completely the Philippines.
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I too, love the adrenalin of Boxing. But just a semi-fan. I dislike seeing 2 brawling gladiators in swelling blackeyes, bloated lips, deformed nose while spitting bloods in the very presence of rabid crowd who yell & cheer in pride as the duo exchange fatal blows and knocked-out one to the ground . Neither I'm a 100% fan of Manny. Yeah, because I cant’ plane myself to Pacquiao Family’s Gen-San Mansion to queue with those army of poverty-stricken fans and home-based supporters for his equally-famous “balato”, (charity) hehe

So after all the rah-rah, the nitty-gritty!...

One Crimeless & Sinless Day

If the on-screen Superman could wind back the Earth, our beloved Pacman's much-paid & much-watched fight this time had reportedly clear roads and empty streets in each corner of the regions as all feets & eyes were led to pay-per view T.V. For the first time in history, the Philippine Archipelago have become a crime-free zone (at last!). Las Vegas’ Sin City, the venue, on the other hand said NO to sinning during the contest proper. What’s up with England? (oh, never heard). The evening of May 2, or rather the daytime of May 3, indeed was reverred. If proven true: isn’t the world wonderful?, and the Heaven could smile at least for a day? (That is if Heaven is a boxing or Manny's fan).:D

- to be continued..

The Paranoid NoyPi

2009-04-23T08:00:00.007+03:00

Gee, I was freaking busy out of town here in the Capital (AbuDhabi) that I need to give you a repost entry for the weekend (1st published Nov 07). Catch u later...

***

If there’s one concern I can severely recollect amongst Pres. Gloria’s SONA (State of the Nation Address) - It's her goose-bump giving homily on PARANOIA. The beleaguered, but happy President of ours quoted the same as a timely Paradigm in the course of the dreaded S.A.R.S’ unprecedented outbreak in the whole of Asia, particularly in the Philippine's mainland.

The Greek word Paranoia was first introduced to me by an Ingliserong colleague in Call-Center way-back in Ortigas, Manila. I could evoke how my agent-colleague went berserk while calling us “Paranoid” everytime our pasaway na gang rampaged around her booth. To comprehend what she, our freaking prey alleged, I consulted the Wikipedia and found out: this psychotic P is a term used to describe a delusional state. Had since our neutral actions were misread as hostile, - our poor fellow herself is Paranoid.

The same goes with my buddy Mike. In 2004, we inadvertently boarded a small ferry to Palawan and there where his Paranoia was revealed to me. He’d rather be sleepless and thirsty and would remain solid in saying no to food or water offered-in kind by strangers during our 15 hours of marine voyage. He suspected we’re sailing with tribal “Pirates” that would go for our belongings as well as our internal body organs while we are sleeping, thus we must be on guard 24/7 or else will be thrown breathless in a shark-pested sea - after those nerds partake their shares of the loot. (what a repulsive thought of my friend!).
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Moreso, if you resemble our suspicious, irritable, introverted, depressed, jealous, selfish and bitter assembly; Welcome to the Club then - because not doubt, PARANOIA dwells in you. The notorious personality disorder unknowingly nurtured by every John DeLaCruz, by every one anywhere. A type of disease more horrific & deadly than the virus SARS. A widespread problem since time immemorial in which the victim of such find it difficult to distinguish what’s real and what's not. Oddly enough, it is present in a doom and gloom mentality - in the absence of mirth and of joy. Hope it won’t took ages before men of today unearthed the cure. Further, here's other instances of Paranoia in our typical, daily lives:
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· An acquaintance popped-up. (its for favor)
· Unresponded emails & texts. (we’re not cared for)
· A spouse went home late. (he/she’s “playing fire”)
· A politician just won an electoral seat. (corruptions will rule after)
· Our workmates on their Tribal lingo’s. (they’re talking silly against us)
· A Balikbayan neighbor/relative came back (we deserved a pasalubong)
· We’re sitting-down next to a goon-looking guy. (he’s a holdaper/a serial killer)

....THESE and MORE!

Flags, Tires, Effigies were set ablazed (and creepy enough, even human in flesh) by the hands of those whose self/cultural egos were “impaired”. Paranoia had reached its toll by claiming peoples lives and ruining relationships. Bitter experiences and personal past history have had played major role on this grave behavioral-issue. Hence, no matter how serious and unmanageable it sounds, HOPE may rule still only if one renew a distraught mind.

Let's trim-down our vines of pessimism. Let good thoughts control us.

TGIF!

Author Marcus says “The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind."

When Award Rain, It Pours…

2009-04-15T17:02:00.028+03:00

For the last quarter, not only I've been SPAMMED left & right. I was TAGGED, & AWARDED too.

The Thrill of First Time
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I remember my neophyte days in blogging when my "Empire" starts in scratch, I could still feel the joy of being recognized the first time, the fun of earning one and the thrill of giving what I received. I used to flaunt ‘em, thought even of framing a bigger print-out of the same. That’s how I was proud & engaged then. Till one day, soon my Page Rank reaches 4 & my traffic count thousands after a year or so (brags), the screaming Tag awards of mine were silenced out of the blue and broomed-out of my chocked sidebar for good. Well, saved by two (2) loyal emblems I won from joining a bloody Poll & one (1) c/o of my template designer Twinks.

Ever wonder where the heck are my supposed replies?, and where my freaking prized collection was? - ah, eh.. they were kept inside my heart :D.
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Hitherto, I was armalite again with newer bunch of friendship chain recently permeating the webblogging air. Why is it the new badges from you can't be found or wasnt mentioned here?, or why I seemed not doing my part of passing 'em to deserving fellow right away?. Do I became a snob? Nope. A sloth? Yes. Did I just erased them?. Not yet. (lol!) at least when I do, it must come with a good mix of emotions, comic and drama, ask my beautiful Chair Awardees :D

I blog these days according to my mood. In fact, I recycle-bin a number of pay-per-post offer and widgets from penny-pinching Advertisers - so to shun myself of deadlines when I rather bloghop than posting my own. But Hey, im not shutting my door on those cute tokens of yours in the future - AJ will always welcome them. So keep on giving & I’ll keep on receiving, (just... receiving) hehe....

Awards! Awards! Who hath given you? -

This came by my be-dimpled young sis Stacey whose pretty looks when maddened could turn hooligans into ashes. Read her pink warning sign to find out. (May you not turn me into one sis, haha). Txs for the medal.

The illustrious Neno Award was delivered to me before & after Lenten by 3 promising young gents who also happened to be newfound dudes namely:

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1.dencio - who shocked, I mean astonished, the conservative member of blogging community upon publishing his bare story on U.P. Oblation Run as part en ritual of their Frat. Check his and his brave comrades uncommon valor here (was of course censored by himself) :D

2. jay, - Engineer Jay, unlike myself is a Math Wizz. But like me is an advocate of human interest, culture & photography and that of David's - left America and Blog the Philippine as told in the Phil-Am boy's Coconuter.

3. ruph, a fellow bean-counter in the Emirates whose honest-to-goodness article on OFW in Dubai was featured & commended in GMA 7's kuwentong kapuso segment. We're goin' to Eyeball sooner & eat beef shawarma @ the Burj. Had since his paycheck is heftier than mine - His treat!, right ruph? :D

S' NJ (Nereus Jethro), the brilliant man behind the legendary Desert Aquaforce, gave me this months back. At the rear of his nugget of wisdom & professional achievements by the Red Sea is a humble, adorable & simple man. Such a thoughtful guy too, - he Tag me once a month :(

Hours after posting this entry,

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Bb. Edsie buzzed & informed me I got an extra one to hide, err.. to flaunt. This transparent statue, so prim & proper . Txs a lot sexy! Oh, I wish its real. :D.

Thank you's, Sorry's - & my Vendetta

With held thoughts, I apologize to many others whose kindness I seemed to ignored, whose forwards I unconciously remissed. It may took me ages but rest assured, they'll be given justice one by one. As the Bible says "good efforts are not in vain". As per my subject today, I know, I know, I had broken some rules - but to echo what I just said they will be justified too in due time - my freaking way, my style :D.

OK. Let me roll my sleeve and jump to work for the three-pages ala-Term Paper Tag and pass it to those who have brutally Tagged me and those who are about to Tag me in days ahead. A personalized Award, once the 3 pages Tag is done awaits. Think Im sick in the head & playing with you?? Oh Well, let's see... :D.. Had you failed to do so, BAD!... YOUR NAME WILL BE PURGED IMMEDIATELY.

Biro lang po. :D ...

A million THANKS for your unwavering support & leniency. T.G.I.F!

"Lord, Can I prune my Cross"?

2009-04-08T12:05:00.056+03:00

It’s Lenten. Time out for worldly musings and absurd rantings :D.

Meet Joe

As you pauses and behave with me this quiet week, I have something cute (and heavenly) for each & everyone to ponder. Just pardon my made-up script for this one ha, - and spare as well the freaking character “Joe” in the starring role. At the end, you’ll gather: the parable is not the poor guy’s prophetic yarn alone, - It could be ours. ….. or that of our neighbors and love ones’. And as the time of spiritual reflection prompt us to be Good and Holy, and had this timely piece touches your heart, then feel free to forward the message -
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No Cross No Crown, No Pain No Glory,

Mortals are said to be created in the image and likeness of God. And like Jesus-Christ, we too walk this fallen world with a wooden CROSS that stood by stubbornly in our shoulder. And whilst the thing looked short and lighter for some, it looked tall and heavier for the rest..

“Joe” think his is heavy so he thought of bargaining with the Lord...
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To which the Almighty Father replied, “you were given a free-will son, PRUNE it as you like”.

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Exactly what the clever joe did. After the shedding and trimming, he continue walking the race.
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that with a lightened one, he could overtake his uncomplaining but equally hardened fellow by a long shot - who managed to maintain their drive and balance against all odds.

Yet again, tormented by his pickle and contradictory nature, Joe who seemed to master the guts of an open conversation halted in the middle, and re-bargain shamelessly with the Lord...
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"As you will my dear son", thus saith the Lord once more. So whilst his peer struggle to stay afloat, he made himself busy in pausing & cross-pruning.

. .
indeed, his love for prunning fulfilled his heart's delight..."for this is only what my body could hold, and what my spirit could take, he murmurs"...

.brimming with confidence and pride, he pressed on with a newfound strength -

True enough, w/ a shorter and lighter cross, he is now stone-throw away to the Finish Line. As per the King's rule however, Joe has to pass a "deep-dark hole" dividing the Heaven from the Earth. He should intersect safely that burning, daunting corner down under using his cross that chaperone him throughout the long, and tiring journey.

"Welcome Loyal, and Faithful Servants...Come and Take your Crown" (the Lord calls)

Yet, he had seemed to over-prune the same that it couldnt bridge him to the other side.

.Now he had sensed the purpose of a big, fat wood God appointed to buddy him. He supposed to keep its size and tolerate its weight for a serious purpose.

Joe learnt his lesson - too late though. The Gate of Heaven had closed. And he missed his crown.

He ended up a loser. Apologetic and repentant. I ain't sure of his 2nd chance to re-start the race. In as much as I believe, he had already reaches the margin of life and death.

Shame & Creepy, we seemed to mirror ourselves in Joe. Christians who disdain life's battles. Sons & Daughters of the Father who disobeyed His will and disciples who lose Faith. Human who chose to remain in comfort zones & in fleeting carnal pleasures over what's righteous, peaceful and eternal..

***

Christ and the Cross

The story of Jesus is far more interesting. To His Cross, He was nailed. His pain more fiercing, more dreadful even. He became a Man who had to march in agony on the way to crucifixion and death there in Calvary. And we were acquainted to the fact that He died to save you and me - for us who are good at sinning and in complaining.

He was wounded, mocked, bruised, savagely whipped and robbed. And as the cruel scourge came down upon His frail back, He moaned in torment yet did not whine. He did not resist arrrest even He knew the reason of His afflictions and would-be murder, the very purpose why he had to carry such a terrible cross; why He had to stretch his arms, bleed and die in hunger and in thirst. Our Redeemer and Saviour has taught us a shining example. And until this very moment help us carry the larger part of our own freaking cross. What a loving friend, a wonderful mentor, a Marverlous God!

An excerpt from one of my fave' worship song says:

“Thank you for the Cross, the Mighty Cross
That God Himself would die for such as Us
And everyday were changed
into your image more and more
Yes by the Cross, we’ve truly been transformed”

***

credit: whoever own the graphics, tx too. god bles u. :D

Boyet Fajardo: Barumbadong Filipino

2009-03-30T09:31:00.009+03:00

Enter the Dragon,

March 13, ‘ 09: Barely after the yelling cum kneeling incident at Duty Free Fiesta Mall in Paranaque, BF’S name had skyrocketed to hall of fame or to rephrase: to hall of hate & horror.

His was the talk of the virtual town these days. The latest object of ridicule & cold ranting lately. And with the ongoing petition aim at banning his 20 year olds designs and still unfamiliar brands, he is now joining socialite Malu Fernandez and their fellow army of tyrant in "the most reviled Pinoy" category.

Boycott the Dragon,

In related news, while NAIA's fact-finding committee investigates, BF apparently renounced the credit-card signing dispute he drew in the very presence of CCTV video that you-tubed his skillfully-executed rage - a tool that could/would jeopardize his money-making craft in due time. But the past victims of the latter's badmouthing & finger-pointing had testified: the last was not actually his first to display his personal demon concealed behind the usual business smile & corporate attire of his. In a drop of hat, the guy, i mean the gay who partnered with the country's A-lister & well-heeled, has found himself in a firing line, for two (3) weeks in a row has been grilled & eaten alive by angered filipinos in all walks of life - by www critic like yours truly.

Bye Dubai, Dragon!

Naku,! He’s eyeing on Dubai pa naman as potential market for '09. Sino pa kayang Juan Dela Cruz ang susuporta sa mga RTW collections nya after the video footages of his scandal caught the web like a wildfire. He just lose the marketing and purchasing power of the "Bagong Bayani" na galit sa mga barbarians. "Vindicated na kami" sabi naman nga mga taga-DDF (Dubai Duty Free) dito na nasampulan niya rin noon ng kanyang pamosong "creative outburst" (katarayan in layman's term). The story very much confirmed na hobby na ng damuho na magbuga ng apoy kung kailan at saan nya gustuhin. Certified globe-trotter & trouble-maker talaga si BF ano. Pasensya na Rivera (alalay ni BF na animo'y rebultong nakamasid lang habang napoposes ang amo nya) - di ubra iyong palusot nyong gutom at pagod lang sya sa biyahe! aba, di ba sya umidlip o nilantakan man lang ang masasarap na pagkain sa eroplano? Now, i doubt if your boss is a genuine jetsetter.

Knowing the Dragon

Prominente raw dati pa ang damuho. I am just wondering why most of us never seemed to know him - well, not before this shameful episode of oppression spew grumbling and/or complaints all over; not till his virtual captors gave no qualms in torturing him with terrible words like pig, faggot, "sisa", halimaw ATBP. Hayan tuloy, muling naglabasan ang mga Katipunero, Hukbalahap, MILF, NPA at iba pang kilusang protesta. Listening to most of them nga made my hairs stand. I have purposely looked as to why this mongol, behave in such a way...

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Ah, Iyon naman pala nagumpisa din siya sa wala.

Dating nag-apprecentice sa mga kilala, (pero di mayabang) na cou-turier. Tulad din ng marami sa atin, nagself-supporting para makakuha ng diploma at marating ang ambisyon. Naging O.F.W rin siya. Rumaket din kase ang damuho ng ilang taon sa Singapore bago umuwi at “sumikat” sa Pinas.

Pardon my rant, pero kung ang mala-mongoloid na si Ms. Malu ay hinayaan ko na lang noon na ihawin ng mga katotong bloggero, this time, 'kaguilty namang walang akong mablog para sa isang ito. Lalo't pang-aapi na sa tulad kong maliit ang pinag-uusapan.

Lesson from the Dragon,

Although I don’t find his existence (and contribution) significant, I had this strong urge to connect with the mainstream. Giving the moron a fair fight, nagapologize with matching crocodile tears na rin naman ang kabayo, este ang tao sa TV. Nakapagturo naman kahit paano ng BIG at HARD lesson ang barumbado. Na pinatunayan niyang totoo ang karma (at nakakatakot ito).

So Marvin Fernandez AKA the terrified clerk.. whew!, sikat ka na rin tsong. That is one day you will be hard to forget huh'.. Sana lang sa susunod wag ka basta hahagulgol at luluhod. Ikaw naman masyado kang nagpapasindak sa mga katulad nya. Sabi nga ng isang TV program, Kung may katuwiran, ipaglaban mo". Hayan tuloy ...

Ah, Enough of this crap!. I'm no longer pissed. To BF, and to all freaking commenters, thanks guys for making me smiling in an otherwise gloomy day. :D Till next scandal, ..

Related Article:

Abandoned CARS, Anyone?

2009-03-22T16:55:00.007+03:00

To my fun-loving fellow who “scared” me with Meme’s & TAG assignments lately, "Shukran Kha-teer Sadeek" (Maraming Salamat Kaibigan). But then again my pathetic excuse. I’m no-really in the good mood to spill my left over secrets today eh, so maybe (just maybe) my phobia with the same will be combat next month :D. On a more serious note, I am ranting instead on this image-tarnishing news on -

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Abandoned cars by Flyaway motorists

(Manong Jay Hilotin writes). Please click here for xtra story.

While aboard an Airplane to U.A.E from Manila, the equally shocking but projected news, was first delivered to me by a nosy parker seatmate whose annoying British accent could magnet terrorists lurking in the plane. Our tête-à-tête, as follows:

Man: "Hey, you heard of thousand cars abandoned outside Dubai Airport Carpark last December"?

Me: "WHAT?!, what’s that again",? I replied (in my bastardized American accent)

Man: "C'mon, you should know. Last quarter there’r cars recoup daily by the Authorities. Christmas Day was said to be the worst. They uhm,.. found two dozens?. Tsk. Tsk. Dubai is emptying out man" (says he in an arrogant-looking countenance this time)

Me: "You’re not kidding, aren’t you?.. Dubai, the land of gold and promise? Oh, the number's insane, I suppose".

Man: "If I were you, better hit the back issues of xpress4me.com as soon we landed, you’ll see".

Which I did, to dispel my suspicion.

And OMGosh! My gossiper seat-mate was (seemed) pretty right. My wandering eyes caught scores of dust-covered photos online. Then when I threw my jet-lagged self to the road that day and the ff: day to attest the car-dumping rumors, I can't help but to big-mouth (as well) what I saw:

1. the Highway Nightmares mellow. 2. Shopping Mall queue for proud taxis dropped. 3. the figure of tourists/job hunters had slowed down.

UAE or its no.1 Emirates Dubai, however, is not yet to regain her former Ghost-town title but smiling doomsayers says the issue is just a tip of the iceberg, "patikim" in pinoy slang; both are tantamount to saying - the worst thing is yet to come ugh'. Am I espousing the ill-omened euphemism of the doomsters? NOpe. AM I intensifying the so-called publicity blitzkrieg (attack) by the country's paparazzis? I'm not sure.:D Sans the annoying cultural barriers & bigotry, minus the ethnic group's unwanted sounds & smell, I remain grateful about many good things in this region. For one, It gave me shelter, For two, my bread and butter, For three, it gave me big-big lessons in life.

Among the big lesson I learnt is the Art of belt-tightening and the Art of saying NO to credit card for credit.

When the news broke-out, Dubai's popularity was threatened. The country's image-consultants, on the contrary, had vehemently denied the allegations calling it malicious and rubbish. HECK. With whats goin' on, do they really think its JUST a work of stupid minds? a fierce campaign against a blosomming City? Can't they hear the Earth are upto neck with trade and industry problems and so the humanrace? Back to UAE, can't they see - the country's main assets (the expat workforces) are departing daily from 3 giant terminals barely after losing career & residency? cant they see more, yes MORE are feared to be joining the line-up.

Lesser Job Means Lesser People & Lesser Cars

On a lighter note, In the sad exodus of the re trenched and the axed, the remaining resident-commuters have had their bittersweet revenge finally. And those self-important cabbies I exposed in one of my blogs earlier? Oh, well,hey are [now] the ones running and bidding after their [now] proud passengers, (“BEH BUTI NGA SA INYO!”) :D

Kidding aside, I fancy the idea of having lesser cars on the street because there would be lesser honking and hollering, and there would be lesser Drivers that flirts with death. And most importantly, parking will no longer be an impossible dream.

Fast & Furious Facts on Cars

CARS, Deluxe Cars such as those Benz & 4 x 4, apparently, is an ultimate symbol of an Expat’s tax-free salaries. It is something they could drive here bumper to bumper with the moneyed locals. For many, it is a badge of an high earning-status and credit power. For the other many, it is something they couldn’t easily gain or mortgage back home.

So when the region's opulence and opportunities dwindles in the advent of global crisis, and when dubai's spell start to lose its magic and fade its shine, the unfortunate casualties of the on-going redundancy program of the Planet, - THEY, who are jobless & hapless at the moment, - and THEY, who used to cash-in excitedly on the Emirate’s promise of easy living are now said to be deserting their loaned-cars at the Airport's dark corners – so they could FLEE or rather FREE their worried selves from "behind bar experience" which is imminent after defaulting on those shark-loans.

Moreover, here's some xtra facts :

3.62 million expats are heading home.
1,500 visas were cancelled every day
62% of homes occupied by expatriates
60% fall in property values predicted
50% slump in the price of luxury apartments
25% reduction in luxury spending among expats
3,241 cars were taken back by the banks in 2008
8% decline in population are predicted this year

***

Care for more stagnant CARS? Check THIS one.

***

speaking of leaving, our good blogger-friend Yanah, bids her first Adieu to Dubai. Have a safe flight tommorow. Remember that God Provides. Ma-assalam (Goodbye) for now, Insahalla' (God's will) we'll see you again!. :D

I remember a Friend

2009-03-14T15:10:00.012+03:00

And because I just pledge not to exercise my hiatus potential again, I resolve therefore to publish an old emo’ poem for some of you to ponder or to relate otherwise. Wish I could finish na someone's term paper (yep, AJ is also a ghostwriter) in between my nerve-racking job, so I could proceed with my impending TAGS and shades of gray posts this boiling month of March. Hence, you'll about to see my new cute thumbnail image peeping at your respective portals sooner or later... :D

Hope you'll enjoy this freaking piece as well. My kind regards,

The First time ever
I gazed into your eyes
I mirror a reflection of myself
& the Fear that dwells inside
haunt me -
When all of my heart,
You hold it through your hands

In darkest weather
& in deepest despair,
I witnessed your care - so rare
like a farmer uprooting a frail tree
He cling and thrust its core
to Earth’s soil firmly

You emerged too like a rainbow
looms o’er cloud of my dire sorrow
oh, a lovely token of new tomorrow

Such stubborn fondness
washes away my dreariness
suddenly,
my world’s not gloomy...
as it used to be

But we swim against great tide
it disjoint our spirits aside
akin to a frantic yell
awaking us from spell of our tale

Birds come & go, ..human so
when you flew back to your nest
I remain at rest - why?
"You are my wings, & I can’t fly" !

Till the day my hair’s grown gray
My sweet thought of yours
won’t go astray

For it is good to remember
a Friend I dear forever!

***

- that emo' shot of mine was taken in Dubai Media City Sept of last year....(wala lang)

***

PS: speaking of remembering a friend, may you THINK ABOUT one of our good fellow HERE in the MidEast who are badly needing HELP!..Txs Mr & Mrs Thoughtskoto, esp to Doc RJ for the BAYANIHAN post. With many hands that are better than one, YES WE, PINOYS CAN !

[Sa] Bahay ni Lota

2009-02-24T10:12:00.064+03:00

Somewhere in the hilly City of Antipolo stood my cousin Lota's "haunted" mansion.

This. A product of her and her Architect hubby’s years of rich imagination and willpower, of their strong-savings and dogged determination.

There. I came, saw and conquered it the first time as part of my Holiday-sojourn last NY in the capital.

That. My back-home tale for today. TULOY PO KAYO!

(my actual conversation w/ my very-kind cousin-in-law)
Occular inspection proceeds..

While To safeguard the million-peso premises, the backside features two local men and one imported WOLF! awww!

And if you thought Ate Lota’s so-called mansion is all but peaceful, pristine and a perfect haven to distress, then think again ….

Because the ground floor of the same is just like a mouse trap to a more intriguing 2nd level –

Where factory of children comes in all shapes, looks, & heights – and are imminent in every dens and corners, apparently designed to hail & amuse the prying guest (like yours truly) by their mysterious wit and charms so gullible and menacing the same time.

They were dime a dozen. And hardly I couldn’t identify anyone. Who are they?!, “I asked” Who breeds them? “I wonder”. They say their freaking blood runs on mine. So I should love 'em even the most unlovable among them, (lol). How would I know? I've been out & away and these kiddoes courtesy of my no-to family planning kinsfolk multiply their legacy so fast. Thus, for a balikbayan 2nd-Uncle or a young grand-dad (for some) who just landed to this uncanny part of the house, each would vie for my attention.

The bigger ones are promising: they gossip good and would run for your change in betting cards. The medium, ah they are more of a gung-ho attitude. They would slide, glide, karate and pillow-fight, (matira matibay!). The smaller ones are the reserved type; just they would howl, hoot, and frown as they stare-at and bodyguard the rest. So Lo, and behold: the immaculate mansion (I thought) was converted into a gambling mecca and a wrestling arena of minors. And because there were no elderly police or arbiters around, I guess you knew that I served one of my purpose well.

.
And what else, is my other purpose?.. Oh yah, after bantering with the host, the latter started blowing the whistle and w/ delight she scream: “Children, “here comes your Sta Claus”. Gee, how respected and convincing my cousin Lota was!... in the blink of an eye, the great queue was formed in my very front.
.

to which, I readily and heartily complied,..

.
Yes. I had to pay the formation in an amount that hurts [a bit]. For a moment, my hands were tied, - my wallet, battered, my pocket, bruised. I was left w/ nothing but incredible memory. The kiddoes whose heart shines pure were in hues of joy and ectasy. I could just see it in their eyes and in their smile. While I revel in the newfound freedom being the man of the hour. Such a humbling & rewarding experience.
.
My cousin Lota’s house is not an Orphanage. But yes, its kinda’ like that. Here is where most of her/our emerging clan [in-need] young & old, usually comes for aid and call this big house theirs. Chaotic maybe, but It will always be a home, a shelter (and a kitchen if may add) to many.
.

.
From it, comes a powerful energy to reach out, to keep and reunite our roots and fruits. And I pride myself to be the one who got the nerve to write and tell the world this -
.

Oh, wait, you maybe wondering where the heck my [house-owner] kin was !?

You won't believe this, ....she was amongst those who queue, hahaha :D.

Txs for the reunion invite, cuz'... you're all missed :D

pardon this xtra shots -

(and more to come....)

Happy Hearts Day Mahal

2009-02-15T14:59:00.030+03:00

Nah. The Valentine greetings intended-not for that botoxed-tiny actress (sori Jimboy). It, [FYI], belong to my sweet, pretty (and yeah sexy) GF and my lucky (or unlucky?) future wifey [AF] is the code. We too, chose to call each other “Mahal” over the ants-triggering sweetheart, darling, baby, honey, cupcake, cookies, pudding - name it, ..name yours hehe..:)

For Cupid’s Day yesterday, I am putting my mounting paper works OFF my messy desk so I could, in the very name of Insanity, nay.., of Love, weave w/ focus this honeybee-triggering poem as special token of my distant, yet near, of my flawed, yet genuine affection to a dear woman I just left and missed behind. mahal this is 4 u,...luv u :)

.....

Naalala mo pa ba?
humaranang gitara
at nagtahing musika
sa puso nating dalawa

di ba’t saksi mga tala
mga anghel man o diwata
nang gabi kong napitas
OO mong wagas ?

kay lamig ng hangin non...
balabal mo’y bisig ko
pandong mo’y palad ko

kalyeng walang tao
hawak-kamay nating tinakbo

paglipas ng taon…
ng mahabang panahon
ng pagdito ko’t pagparoon

sa binuno mong hinagpis

sa pagibig mong labis

tunay at walang kawangis

.
anong higpit ng pagtangan
sa pangakong nabitawan
di ko man narinig
pagkabog ng iyong dibdib
di ko man nasilip
pagdaloy ng luhang impit

sa minadaling tula
nais sanang ipakita

mundo ko ngayong bago

dati'y sira't lugmok ito

pusong nang-iwa't nagbalik sayo

pusong pinalaso ni kupido
pusong bawat araw sisigaw nito:
Happy Hearts Day Mahal ko !

... and now the reason behind this shameless & fearless piece,.....the luv of AJ's freaking life :)..

* To all my equally sweet [and loving friends], HAPI HEARTS DAY too; to my Ate Bing (the one who brought me here in Dubai), Hapi valentines B-day; likewise to my Toronto-based Kuya, Jojo (missed seeing him in a decade)....Remember that in the same way, YOU're all CARED FOR by me, in a different way, LOVED :)

- back to work...

Hiatus King Returns!

2009-01-31T18:31:00.008+03:00

OK, Time-out for “King” AJ’s Break. I’M BACK. And badly I missed everyone. Hope you missed me too. BTW, Merry Christmas-Happy New Year!!!
.
Knowing you, knowing me
.
I KNOW I was sort of hermitizing myself lately. Hard to pin down, freaking tardy even to send you the Yuletide greetings. Fellow netizens, virtual friends, to you who’ve been so nice and so patient checking-out for my new rants and litany of personal woes, THANK you, thank you talaga!…And to those who PM me with purging notices, May you not return/exchange our “candle” of camaraderie. I just, a moment ago re-commit my hectic life to blogging-addiction again so I’d appreciate if you could retain my cute name in your sidebar :D
.
Jesting aside, I DON’T’ KNOW If you guys have had the ff: 1. wonderful celebration 2. watched-out your diets & pockets 3. If your fingers and torso’s still in-tact upon observing our country’s merriest/brightest or rather, most expensive/most explosive season. Hope all’s well that ends well with everyone. I had a great one. And even the turbulent Holidays hit my senses and pocket hard, my experience on giving and sharing (and yes, lending) has been liberating and noteworthy. Every single experience counts. Every meeting with new and old friends was held dear. Lots of great memoirs to remember in time. Soon, I’ll connect the dots. Please watch out….
.
Stop bitching strangers (pardon the term)
.
As for my blogsite, my Feung Shui’ gurus chided me to mellow (if not to cease) my acerbic wits during this period of losses & hunger. However, those eerie fortune tellers cant’ just take away my in-born other side eh, - so kindly bear, because amidst AJ's tear-jerking pieces comes MORE of those bullying rumors & humors for this year of the Bull, err..of the Ox. I, myself need barrel of laughs to forget the misery & bad news around.
.

Obviously, here’s another back to my portal post. And obviously I got another frantic adjective glued to my self-invented name. I think of making a game here asking my readers to narrate or countdown the freaking taglines I used everytime I went for my habitual hiatus (aka laziness) w/c is a common blog-crime I committed :D
.
You maybe wondering….
.
Where the heck I’ve been for a couple of months?
.
Answer: PHILIPPINES. YAHOO! I went home for my BDAY, Christmas, & NY breaking the chain of my last year’s post. pls click here and here. 'Can’t blog & counter you back because my “no-room for emotions” work compelled me to operate like there's no day after tomorrow - this before and after I left for my annual leave last 12th December. Unfortunately, can’t blog even @home had since our ageing PC & Internet connection in Marikina often than not races with our backyard’s mushrooming snails.
.
Speaking of snail,
.
My nerve's turned freaking slow upon my 1st week of heroic-return in the UAE. Could'nt tow (my just last-last week's) happy-go-lucky self back to Office where hills and valleys of dumped paper-works await. But I was Blank. Crippled. Wretched. Cant’ explain. Reality bites and so is HOMESICKNESS. Never felt our rented room this quiet - and ghostly. Dang!..where'r are the people?? Where's my mom's frantic rantings and her grandkiddoes screaming? ..but I was saddened all the more knowing they left me for good in this promised land ..And the "unseen" are what accompanied me now (w/c is another story)...OH, missed too the love of my life and all those booze sessions and sleepless jamming with my "Tara, Gimmick tayo" 'tropa (which is also another story). Why is it time flies fast when you’re enjoying.? !
.

Adapt or Perish?

With dreams that are yet to achieve, bills that are yet to settle, and for the sake of those who love me and hate me, I RETURN and opted for the first one. I invite you once more to walk with me in this blogsite as my journey continues, and as my quest remains...

UP NEXT….

- EB/Non-EB w/ Bloggers
- Holiday Reunion Galore’
- Peeps, Places & Photos

No Holds Bar for Barrack

2008-12-01T18:43:00.100+03:00

(HECK! Its Christmastime yet the tidings I'm bringing you is RE: the wildest game of Tigers & Dragons in the Planet - the Politics. Hapi Holidays anyways! May we altogether think about the jobless, hungry, and dying this Season, I suggest we dont eat, spend and party much. Let's Save & Share instead! :D.) I'd like to thank my new virtual bud, daydream believer and Doc RJ of OZ for the early comments when this freaking post was by mistake published last week. Here's the amended one :)

A LOOK @ THE MAN: And so Uncle Sam has a new Head of State. A fresh start. After 8 long years of Bush' in the dark, Barrack's here to re-unite Americans into the light. Kings, Presidents and Prime Ministers from across the globe had congratulated the man with a perfect smile for the historic victory to the world's most elite, most powerful, most pressured (and yeah, most dangerous) Office in the government. Hence, The Black Man’s dwelling to the White House is a dawn of 'new era, they say.
.

W/o further ado (bec this post is past due i know), here'r the towering political figures I picked, their statements courtesy of News Syndicates’ Reuters & CNN. W/ my purest of intentions [and with no holds bar], these are what my busy head captured for my rush updating lately. They are screaming to be published before the farewell of '08. And had since the next opportunity for its kind will be years for the taking, I chose not to ignore the screaming's essence & relevance during this global retrenchment & cost-cutting times.

A LOOK @ THE FLAGS : Beside learning names of UN Flags like what grade-schooler does, isnt it cool we "grown-ups" would know as well the current names of Commanding Chiefs behind those banners?..and what the United Color of Benetton Leaders have just expressed for mankind's common good, - their citizen's (and yeap,) theirs.

.
A LOOK @ THE LEADERS: (From left to right pls)

.
FROM EUROPE & WEST

Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd (Australia), Steven Harper (Canada) & Gordon Brown (UK)

Pres. Dmitry Medvedev (Russia), Chancellor Angela Merkel (Germany) & Pres. Nicolas Sarkozy (France)

FROM MID-EAST & ASIA

Pres. Manmohan Singh (India) Prime Minister Yousouf Raza Gilani (Pakistan) - in between the two warring nations is Pope Benedict XVI (Vatican City)

Pres. Lee Myung-bak (Korea), Foreign Minister Rais Yatim (Malaysia) & Hu-Jintao (China)

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (Iran), Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni (Israel) & President Felipe Calderon (Mexico)

Pres. Hosni Mubarak (Egypt), King Abdullah Fahad (K.S.A) and Hamid Karzai (Afghanistan)

TO AFRICA

Ex-Pres. Nelson Mandela (South Africa), Pres.Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe) & Pres. Mwai Kibaki (Kenya)

FROM THE TERRIBLE TRIO:

Perhaps, it wouldn’t hurt if I add a dash of salt to all that sweetness ugh’. (Our expelled turned arrested turned free-man ex-Pres. Estrada have also spoken in behalf of another impeachment regular, - his successor turned foe turned redeemer Pres-Arroyo). This is how the Guys' jabber & prattle in comic, racist and bullish mood were made of. Oh, this kind of thinking is both grim & dangerous. While its true that there's a very thin line dividing arrogance, air and confidence - their tactlessness and candor is commendable, though. But AJ''s ain't sure if they're playing personal or politics when they said ...
.

The action-star Erap, flanked by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (Italy) & Militant Ayman al-Zawahiri (Al Qaedae's No. 2 Leader after Bin Laden)

***
Want some more on Pres. Obama? pls click here

My Father, The Dreamer

2008-11-16T16:32:00.097+03:00

My Father,
.
[Ptr] JAIME, SR., is a Man-of-Dream. He should be named after "Joseph The Dreamer" not me. He neither hobnob with Kings or Pharaos of Egypt nor had interpreted omens in Dreams, but he’s being man of duty, humility, diligence and determination [san his temper, frowning and love for onions] are all inspired by the Biblical Josh. (Oh, he is also a copycat of his two sons, - gorgeous, :D
.
But his childhood and prime of youth was ugly. A by-product of a war-torn clan, he was denied, or rather robbed of schooling. Academically my Tatay maybe short but talking of dreaming and/or serving his family & community, the poor man stood-out.
.
He's damn good at trade w/c doesn’t obliged much thinking. With beefy muscles toned in the province' farmyards, he could defy the toughest of river and stiffest of mountain for our chow (aka food). He won't mind getting wet, soiled or bruised. He's the man!
.

As a young boy though, I’ve learnt a number of his pains, sense some of his fears and saw a few of his cries while he dotingly provides. When I (& my 5 sib's) grew older, our basic needs also grew and loom-fast like that of Jack’s beanstalk. So he had to abide with the slaveman’s motto: “Turn the Night into Day, the Day into Night”, otherwise we, the frantic ducklings of his will miss the chow for the day, and the ff day. He would risk his life and limb so we could receive and live..

.
The Dreamer,

Decade later, my father quits an underpaid job and applied for then infamous Saudi. Armed with only scant knowledge, he was Illegally recruited. While his overseas dream crashed, his hard-earned money disappear. The crook, that soul-less crook behind the scam also vanished in the thin air. Yep, the swindling took away his job & penny but not his passion in dreaming of a better life for us. So from selling the crappest of health-product in the streets to running an obsolete tri-cab to nailing a neighbor's house, he amazingly pushed our way to College.

I was a University Freshman when he was "promoted" in a Bank as Toilet & Floor Hygiene Manager by actually scrubbing/mopping 'em all by himself - this after coffee servings & other related errands. Had he knew the typewriter or computer, he'd probably be sitting among the white collar workforce in the bank's executive chairs (yeah, he dreamt of corporate too) but to no avail...

When Dreams come True

Each & Every misfortunes or what he called "trials" deter him not from weaving dreams. Decade later, his vision and ambition materializes one after another atoning his past incompetence and flops. We got Scholarship. Earn Degrees. A License. A rewarding post. Bought a House. Drove a car. And another decade later, his extra dream came true. - WE rode the world's top Plane and conquered the beauty of West, Mid-East & Asia. He's been to Canada and South Korea. The rest of us to U.S., Japan, Singapore, Hongkong, UAE, Oman, Iran, Taiwan, Qatar, Thailand et.al.,

For a once helpless and on-the-breadline household like ours, who would imagine we'd one day walk in those splendid destinations w/c remain "a castle in the sky" for many. Half of his kiddoes are now raising theirs in snowy lands. Half bound to follow. In this light let me congratulate my Tokyo-based Sis [Phine] for passing w/ flying color her Managerial Exam in Connecticut,USA and for my Dubai-based sis (Bing] for obtaining their Canadian Immigrant Visa joining sooner our eldest sis in Calgary [Gem] and my older bro in Toronto [Jojo].

My father the dreamweaver, would've been so proud of the family's blessings & good news. We owe to him what we are, and where we are today. And we're just blessed to become an instrument in filling the holes that once was there in his life. Now he's reaping what he sow. To return the Glory to the very One who made his Impossible Dreams possible, he committed his enduring Life to the Lord when he became a Pastor. His dream, err..his calling gave him the privilege to stand & speak before the erudites and affluents of society. The type of people he once fear & shy. Occasionally upon invitation, he would be heared exhorting over the radio.

I am glad to transport myself when events unfold dramatically during my father's sunset years. His humble experience & wisdom has taught me/us that Dreams has Power only when it is made of 3 Important Elements: Prayers, Faith and Hardworks.

Lastly, I breathe life on Father's young Dream when he saw me playing the piano and writing English Articles & Poetries. But if there is one special dream to complete his JOY - is the very moment his favourite son will march the Altar with his God's best.

I dream of it too, Father :)

Virus is in the Air

2008-11-10T22:42:00.021+03:00

Hi Peeps! Forgive my blogging-deficiency these days. Aside from my inertia of laziness, 'was out of my PC eh. So in as much as I fancy to keep my blogs running, looping & hopping, I find it difficult to function it on average. You know of late, I was kinda’ molested by this freaking…

Symantec & Trojan Virus who just knocked and re-knocked our Office-P.C. Such a stubborn this latest-brand of Internet-Bugs!; and the duo of destruction were good enough to egg-on our “download-Master” aka I.T. to press-release a disturbing statement: “Guys, Guys, hang on for the green light @your social-networking sites, we’re installing Kapersky, [the virus buster] aim to punch the nerve-racking twosome of S & T Virus out of our internet-systems". You heared it right, your role-model AJ’s one of those minion of paid millions who boldly blog & google @work. But of course, I’ll bail out my endangered reputation by also telling: my "crime of passion" went w/ discreet penitence, discipline and permission :D then -
.
ABC and You-Tube Virus did arrested my under-house-arrest nephew & niece who find a singing cum dancing playmate in the company of our touch-screen Laptop @home. So sneaking my fingertips near their talented bestfriend-toy is an impossible task. Bad, the toddlers, this early, had already shown terrible signs of net-addiction!. Alarming, isn’t it? (I should speak to their parents).. then -

Winter Virus in the same manner, affected my blogging career had since November is the dawn of winter in the U.A.E. And because majority of her considerate citizen have yet to learn the art of covering their frantic mouth while coughing & sneezing, expect hay-fever, cold and flu to become rampant these days. And I am nothing, but an easy prey. Oh, if only your screen have ears, you could hear my monstrous barking, & sniffing as of this posting.*sniffff*

Sound as if the 3 Viruses did a decent job of barring AJ from his creative pursuit hah, - esp in terms of authoring something spooky for my favorite Holloween. I have had many creepy thoughts in the mind and its not too late, I guess, to post them in due time. Meantime, stay alive for this cute one – a virus-related email courtesy of my shoe-collector dude from the States. .

Poor Cat. Oh, well, that's another brand of Virus that kills. Txs for this gory one William.