Nine Mornings

Just completed nine Simbang Gabi masses after a very long time. A believer of plenary indulgence, I embarked on the goal of attending all nine masses because I had a petition for God. 

Some like to call that a selfish motive but I beg to differ. Most of the time, I ask for something in exchange for a certain sacrifice and I get even more than what I pray for. That's lesson number one when you're talking about God's grace. He always gives more than what you take or ask.

So what do I have to show apart from a mild case of sleep deprivation, an acne breakout, and a new-found appreciation of the morning sun? Well, I got a renewed look at this thing called 'Christmas' and a reminder of why we're celebrating it in the first place.

Listening to a Jesuit deliver a homily is always a privilege. Listening to them nine mornings straight is a luxury. 

One thing I got from their combined homilies is that our salvation history is full of people who, far from being servile robots, wrestled with their inner selves before acceding to God's plan. Mary, the penultimate example of obedience, was also among those who fought through reluctance and fear prior to saying yes. As Catholics, we take consolation in the fact that following God's will is not an isolated incident but is something we share in common with the saints and sinners of yesteryear.

What's good about this whole 'exercise' though is that it reminded me once again why we're celebrating Christmas. Most of the time, we become inundated by the message in the media about what Christmas must be: It is about family, about presents, about giving, about Santa Claus. Frankly, it isn't.

It is and will always be about Jesus Christ and the story of how he came down to save us. 

Simple isn't it? But, most often, the simple things are the ones we usually forget.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Binay

BINAY (noun) slang.
- an act or instance of exerting one's power, authority, or influence
- a self-aggrandizing action undertaken for the pleasure of exercising control over people
- a state of mind in which an individual comes to believe that privileges are rights and are to be expected
- a person who uses public funds and programs to promote themselves
- a politician who believes that political dynasties should be the norm and that qualifications for public office are overrated

Definitions are courtesy of Dictionary, Conservapedia, Globalvoicesonline, and my own.

Where Will You Be When The Bubble Bursts?

A chilling essay from Forbes.

Main thesis below. Here's the link to the full text. Thanks to Jesse Colombo for not buying into our self-made hype.

While household debt levels are fairly low at 35 percent of GDP, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Philippines’ central bank, has been using this as an excuse to encourage banks to lend even more aggressively to consumers and businesses in order to spur further rapid economic growth. 

Simply stated, the Philippines’ central bank is actually trying to inflate a credit bubble, which is very alarming and reminiscent of the pro-credit growth policies of the Greenspan Fed during the 2002 to 2007 credit bubble...

The Philippines’ bubble will most likely pop when China’s economic bubble pops and/or as global and local interest rates continue to rise, which are what caused the country’s credit and asset bubble in the first place. The resumption of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s QE taper plans may put pressure on the Philippines’ financial markets in the near future. Another global economic crisis (as I expect) also puts remittances at risk.

Get Real Philippines

Get real Philippines.

Get real Philippines.

I discovered this site middle of this year and I have never looked back since. One thing I liked about it is that it lives up to its name.

Get Real Philippines is a blog which features incisive essays on the political landscape of our country and more. It doesn't mince words, doesn't hide under false pretenses, doesn't strive to make friends. Its essays say it as it is, providing insightful analyses on the issues that plague this nation. 

One common accusation of the site is that it's too gloomy. But that's precisely because it aims to portray a more accurate picture of the Philippines, far from what the heavily manufactured press releases of Malacanang present and equally far from the junk being shown in the news.

Simply put, if you want to be a conscientious Filipino, you can start by adding this site among the many you visit in the internet. Peace out.

Never "Just This Once": Standing By What You Stand For All The Time

I first came across Professor Clayton M. Christensen in a Reader's Digest article entitled The Bottom Line On Happiness that came out in the publication's March 2011 issue. The article talked about "using the tools of business to create a life of fulfillment and integrity". 

The article as a whole was eye-opening but I was especially struck at a particular passage which resonated with my decision early this year to leave my second employer, BPI Family Savings Bank. 

In this excerpt, Professor Christensen talks about knowing your principles and standing by them. He acknowledges the all-too-real phenomenon of the slippery slope, which provokes professionals, especially bankers, to give in to and rationalize brazenly unethical practices both in their personal and professional lives. 

My thanks to this blogger for the transcript of the article. I got this excerpt from his site. Here goes:

Another Idiot In Congress Reveals Himself

Need I say more?

MANILA, Philippines — In coming to boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao’s defense, a colleague in the House of Representatives has proposed an unprecedented idea: Exempt him from paying income taxes for the rest of his life.

Valenzuela Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo has filed a bill to save Pacquiao, who is also Sarangani representative, the trouble of paying income taxes for as long as he lives, for the outstanding honor and pride the “People’s Champ” has given to his countrymen. Read more...

Then another...

MANILA, Philippines—Independent lawmakers led by Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza have filed a bill that would stop the government from dipping its hands into boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao’s hard-earned winnings and those of other national athletes who win prizes and awards in international competitions.

Atienza’s bill provides tax exemptions for prizes of both amateur and professional Filipino athletes in sports competitions sanctioned by international groups or certified by the Philippine Sports Commission. Read more...

Happy New Year

For us Catholics, the new year happens today, the first Sunday of Advent. In a way, it's fitting. It's best to start the year during the month when we are most happy and when we are also renewing ourselves for the coming of the Christ.

For the employees in Philam Life, particularly their salespeople, the new year also happens today, December 1. Again, it's fitting. Since all their production this month is for next year's quota rather than this year's, the holidays are not marred by anxiety and worries over how to meet one's targets.

For me, I'm going to consider this month as my new year as well. It's fitting for the same reasons I've said above.

This post is brought to you by WLTKLMTSMWKB (Wala Lang. Trip Ko Lang Magsalita Tungkol Sa Mga Walang Kwentang Bagay).

Hamburger America

I finally saw Hamburger America in its entirety. Finally.

I first took notice of this film back when I was still in Taguig. I was browsing for a book in Fully Booked's branch in High Street when I came across this film being shown in one of their screens.

Hamburger America is the first food documentary I've watched. It features interviews of the people behind some of America's unique burgers. In fact, I've already mentioned the film in one of my previous posts.

One of the things that caught my attention was the fanfare that characterized each burger. People were willing to wait in line to have a taste of the burgers featured. Another was the sense of tradition imbued in each burger. The burger restaurants were already in the business for a long time and, as such, never saw it wise to tamper with what made their burgers so delicious.

Perhaps, if I have the time, I'll get to make my own food documentary. There must be restaurants in Davao City teeming with tradition, history, and, of course, good food.

OFWs And Taxes

I had an interesting conversation about OFWs and taxes earlier this week. 

My colleague and I were visiting a government agency for a sales call and became the recipients of a colorful and passionate monologue from their head.

The topic revolved around whether or not the income of OFWs are to be taxed. 

The head posited the question of fairness. Local workers and overseas workers essentially do the same tasks. The only difference is that the former pay taxes and the latter do not. The irony is that remedies, legal or otherwise, to address the issues faced by our OFWs cost money. The money is borne by taxpayers in the Philippines. Simply put, taxpayers are covering the costs - from blood money, travel expenses, bridge financing schemes, and livelihood grants - incurred by workers who are not paying their corresponding dues.

He rebutted the presumption that the exemption is acceptable in the light of the heavy flow of remittances from abroad. In this case, it's not the government which readily benefits but the businesses, schools, travel agencies, and shopping malls which profit from the purchases of the family receiving the remittances. 

On the other hand though, the BIR has its reason for the exemption. There's the issue of possible double taxation since OFWs are presumed to have paid taxes already in their country of work. Though double taxation is not prohibited per se, still, the agency operates under the rule of tax reciprocity which states that:

With the tax reciprocity rule, Filipinos working abroad are taxed for incomes received there and are exempt from paying income taxes in the Philippines, in the same way that foreigners working in the Philippines are taxed here for incomes sourced within the Philippines and are also not required to pay income taxes anymore to their home country.

To be honest, I don't have my own opinion on this one. I don't even want to judge which side is more correct (owing to my relative ignorance of the subject matter).

How about you? Are OFWs to be taxed?

Mark Of The Devil

Gross.

Actually, it's not a wart or an infection. It's a result of my arnis session last Saturday. It's a cross between a callus and trapped blood. 

In other words, I had a wound that bled underneath a toughened patch of skin. The blood couldn't escape so it stayed there and gave the patch its dark red-brown tinge.

I also had this when I was in college and it took me almost two years after I stopped learning arnis for the patch to go away. 

It does look better in real life, though. Still, I think I won't be showing my palm to anyone soon.

The Day Of Nothing

The Americans have this peculiar, if somewhat obscure, holiday when everyone is encouraged to do nothing. According to Wikipedia:

National Nothing Day is an "un-event" proposed in 1972 by columnist Harold Pullman Coffin and observed annually on January 16 since 1973, when it was added to Chase's Calendar of Events. Its purpose is to provide Americans with one National day when they can just sit without celebrating, observing or honoring anything.

Again, it's somewhat odd but it highlights one feature of modern life that has become pervasive to a fault: we're all too busy doing something. It has reached a point when we instead feel guilty when we haven't done anything "productive" for the day. When we take a leave from work, it has to be because we are going to do something or go somewhere.

The day of nothing aims to rectify that. It encourages us to be lazy, complacent, to waste time. But that's not its only point. I believe it encourages us to be more introspective, to reflect on where we are in our respective lives. Inactivity pushes us to be more mindful, to put everything that we do in perspective, to retreat in order to come back strong.

I guess the Buddhists are onto something: that in doing nothing, something is made. Someone is instead reborn.

Diego

This is Diego Llorico, a segment producer for one of the country's leading comedy shows, Bubble Gang. 

He is better known, however, as Diego, a gay social outcast who is, literally, the butt of jokes. He is often depicted as ugly yet ignorant of this fact (though his skin is relatively flawless compared to people suffering from acne). He is the character whose job is to accept the harsh, homophobic, and sexist jokes of the show.

It is fascinating how such a character was conceptualized and how Diego managed to endure well into the show's second decade on television. Perhaps, a study ought to be conducted on how the country's collective psyche has spawned such a character and how Diego has influenced society as well. 

For all of Diego's misplaced confidence in himself and his beauty, he is portrayed oftentimes as the victim, a beacon attracting harassment and discrimination from those around him. For all the contempt that is showered on him, he takes it in stride. There's no redemption for Diego as the camera rolls again for another scene. 

It is equally fascinating how the show's producers have made us laugh while watching Diego get bullied. It is probably because we cannot empathize easily with Diego, a homosexual with a "homely" face. As earlier mentioned, he is an outcast, deliberately left outside of our circles, one who we cannot identify with, let alone defend.

Then again, perhaps we'll grow old and see Diego for what he really is. Maybe then, the jokes won't be as funny anymore as we begin to be more critical. By then, we'll be left admitting that the joke was really on us.

Revisiting Arnis...Again

I wrote about coming back to practice arnis after a year-long hiatus. That one-year respite eventually turned to four years.

Last night, I did finally muster the enthusiasm to wield a stick again. Earlier last week, Nino Ortonio, a classmate and one of the wisest guys I know, invited me back to practice. That, and because I was free Saturday night, finally made me go.

The new gym of the MK is the YMCA gym. It is stifling hot and humid. But there's space to spar and a wall-to-wall mirror as well.

The newly-minted instructor is Dennis, one of my batch mates during my Level 2 Exam back in 2008. Seeing him instruct us, I couldn't help but imagine what I would have become if I had stuck around a bit longer, if my right shoulder didn't hyper-extend itself and made me more hesitant.

Right now, I'm still trying to master the basics. Nino did a good job reviewing me on the bigay-tama, palis-palis, defense application, and so on. My target is to catch up with the rest for the Level 2 Exam next month. Good luck to me.

Kali!

Anti-Epal Giving

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

- Matthew 6:1-4

Several days ago, I visited Facebook again (to change my profile picture) and was browsing through my news feed. As usual, right after Yolanda, almost everything was about solicitations for cash donations and relief goods. I was impressed that, this time, there were many options to choose from on how to help.

Others also posted pictures or notes of themselves helping out in giving, repacking, and otherwise spending their time prepping relief goods for delivery. Others posted prominent politicians in the act of doing a photo ops session: handing out a check to a relief organization  or a package to another victim. While nothing can be done to de-politicize the latter (as you know, most politicians cannot be shamed into dropping the epal act such as Binay, Roxas, Marcos et. al.), I have something to say about the former.

The formal definition of epal points to one who likes to always be in the scene or be given attention in things that don't concern them.

But being an epal is not confined to politicians but can extend to those in the private sector. Epal also points to people who make a show of their generosity. Simply put, one is also an epal if one gives not solely to give but to get attention or compliments from others.  The Gospel, fortunately, has something to say about this.

In this time, the look-at-me generation, such epal-ing often takes place in our online social networks, where the purity of one's intention to help is sullied or questioned by one's act of posting notices of their generosity online. So the end result is that you have these tweets, status updates, and selfies of people doing humanitarian work, all of which are catered to solicit as many likes and comments as possible. That brings the term "attention whore" to a whole new level by adding a bit of "charity" to a rather narcissistic (not to mention pedestrian) act.

Am I discouraging such brazen acts of self-promotion? Of course, not. This isn't my business. Besides, if tweeting that you're helping the poor gets someone to help as well, that's good. 

It's just that we've somehow twisted the act of giving to revolve around us instead of around others. We've succeeded to make our generosity glorify us instead of glorifying the One who blessed us so that we can give. 

Happy Sunday everyone.

Time To Run For Congress

Hooray! The pork barrel has been slain!

In a landmark decision that could spell the end of political patronage, the Supreme Court on Tuesday declared unconstitutional past and present congressional pork barrel laws as it ordered the criminal prosecution of individuals who had benefited from the schemes over the past two decades.

- Philippine Daily Inquirer, November 20, 2013

Of course, we still have to be vigilant lest our notoriously crafty congressmen and senators find a way to circumvent the judgment. But still, this is quite a victory and it affirms what the rest of the Filipino people know about the pork barrel. 

I've always been impressed about the US electoral system (despite its shortcomings), where an ordinary school teacher can run for Congress and have a decent shot at winning a seat. Without the pork barrel, the same thing can happen to us.

First, without the incentive offered by the pork barrel, many of our current elected officials will lose the motivation (not to mention the financial means) of running for a post. The void will be filled by those whose hearts are more sincere.

Second, this decision levels the playing field. Without the pork barrel, candidates are forced to win votes not through buying them but by actually marketing their capabilities to a hopefully more discerning public.

Third, without the pork barrel, political dynasties can now be readily toppled in favor of a more democratic arena. Without the cash cow, most dynasties cannot expect to fund their campaigns come election time.

This is a very exciting time in Philippine politics and I'm so glad to have been a witness to this momentous event in our history.

Pause

Last Tuesday was the last day of enrollment for the second semester of UM's law school.

I didn't enroll. 

Lest you assume the worst, my grades were okay and I wasn't kicked out. I just thought that I had to take a break to focus on some other things more important than schooling.

They say that law school is a jealous girlfriend and they're right. It takes too much of one's time. My mistake last semester was that I took on quite a load of subjects despite knowing that I was going to find a job soon. True enough, by the time August rolled on, I was adjusting to my new company while studying like a full-time law student. It was crazy.

My press release to my friends and classmates was that I was burned out and that I had something else to do that required more time. Allow me to explain myself:

1.) Burned out - I've said the reason why. What many people don't know was that I was on probationary status last semester for not getting a Quality Point Index (QPI) of 80 during the second semester of my first year (I blame my teachers who rarely show up in class). The pressure was on and it was the first time in my academic life that I was staring down the barrel of failure. 

2.) Something else to do - There are several items on my to-do list that require my attention. First, I need to focus on my career and where I am going. Second, I need to sell that food cart that's languishing in the garage. Third, I need to start work on my idea of selling Jopoy's Hopia (more on this later). Fourth, I need to write that freakin' leaflet that's been in the back of my mind since 2009. Fifth, I need to build my networks and start mingling more frequently with my friends.   

Sir Jerson and Pastor Ace had cautioned me that most people leave law school and never come back. Without the necessary momentum, people put off going back until they never do.

I hope that doesn't happen to me. I am still very much interested in becoming a lawyer someday. There are just some wrinkles in my personal life that I need to iron out first. 

Besides, what's the rush?

Generosity

I'm a Catholic so the concept of tithing struck me first as odd. 

Tithing, according to Wikipedia, is the voluntary giving of one-tenth of your income to either the church or to charity.

The first encounter I had with this practice was when my parents told me about it. As members of the Couples For Christ, a Catholic lay organization, they practiced this. As for me, I went by the dictum that I am only obligated to give according to what my conscience dictates. Most of the time, my conscience dictated that I be charitable to myself.

I did improve over time, eventually resolving to give at least Php 100.00 every time I go to mass. But still, since I've started working, giving one-tenth of my pay is something I only think about. 

Last Friday, during a prayer meeting with the Lingkod Ng Panginoon community, we had a talk about Christian giving. It was probably apt considering the recent havoc created by the typhoon Yolanda and the accompanying call for material relief. In the talk, our speaker mentioned tithes (which are also known, in other cases, as pledges, love offerings, etc.). The sharers in turn talked about how generosity begets more generosity from God (The classic incentive to giving which I frown upon. Simply put, you don't give simply because you want to receive more in return. That's narcissistic motivation, not Christian charity).

What did touch me with that talk was the mention of Catholic couples who adhere strictly to this practice despite the many priorities that hound their paychecks. The question there was: if they can do it, why can't I? 

I may be responding to the call for tithes in the wrong way but now I'm challenged to start practicing it. Basically, I'm doing it because I want to prove that, hey, I can be prudent enough in managing my finances so that I can give tithes and be more generous. 

Perhaps, by doing so, I'll be a better Christian and learn another thing or two about my faith.

Paano Kantahin Ang Lupang Hinirang

Salamat kay Nathan sa pagpabahagi nito.
Tanong: Tumindig ka ba at nilagay ang kamay sa dibdib noong ikinanta na?

Going Cashless

Homeless beggars in Sweden now sell magazines by accepting credit card payments instead of spare change. 

Amazing.

Back in my high school days, I ran across a magazine article depicting the future of monetary transactions. The author boldly proclaimed the coming of the cashless society. It was pure science fiction if it weren't for the fact that the technologies he mentioned were already existing.

He talked about more comprehensive online bank transactions, cellphones being used as alternative e-wallets (people could just swipe them at machines to pay their bills), the demise of the checking account, the rise of better debit cards so you won't have to look for loose change, the ubiquity of handheld terminals among vendors to facilitate electronic purchases, and the like.

It was a fascinating read but, for a resident of the Philippines, it was still quite far-fetched. I mean, can you really expect a mango vendor to sport a nifty gadget that accepts ATM or credit card payments?

Still, it's nice to dream. Moreover, Sweden has shown us that such a cashless society is now their reality.

Graffiti

Found on the wall of an abandoned building near San Pedro Street, Davao City:

Beginning Of The End

Yolanda has come and gone. In its wake lies havoc and death.

This is the beginning of the end. The fury of nature is soon to be felt. The consequence of our disregard of our environment is upon us.

In the next couple of years, storms will be stronger and deadlier. Death tolls will be higher. More infrastructure will be destroyed. Still, our government will be reacting to these disasters the best way they know: sound the alarm, brace for the worst, provide relief in the aftermath.

Nowhere found in that response is a creative and ambitious solution aimed at mitigating the risks and alleviating damage. I'm talking about massive infrastructure projects to hold out the sea, relocation plans for coastal cities, more stringent building codes to withstand super typhoon winds, more resistant farm architecture, better food security practices, and the stuff.

Worldwide, talks among nations on how to deal with climate change has devolved from prevention to adaptation. Our leaders are resigned to the fact that, despite our technology, we cannot avert the effects of global warming, that the best way to respond is to adjust. 

Earlier this year, Mayor Bloomberg of New York City has unveiled an initiative to make the city more resilient to climate change. 

Filipinos are also known for resilience, to rise up when adversity beats us down. But human spirit can only go so far. 

When it fails, we will look up to our elected leaders for a way out only to find that they are as bewildered as us. I hate to be the pessimist but when the days come, our incompetence and greed will be our undoing.

Skyscraper Of The Future

There's the news about a new skyscraper in Korea which claims to be nearly invisible once completed, thanks to nifty cameras and projectors.

I, for one, sense the growing trend towards making monolithic towers less imposing and more discreet. In fact, I predict that the next generation of skyscrapers is going to look like this:

My thanks to this site for the picture

That's a mountain. And yes, our buildings are going to like these: giant mounds supporting dense foliage and trees with numerous residential or commercial cells clustered underneath. As we march towards a tomorrow of scarcer resources and higher energy costs, we're going to look to nature for inspiration. 

None of the glitzy steel and glass towers we have now will be any good in that future. Instead, in our cities will rise man-made structures mimicking our forest's ability to control climate. Materials will now include self-healing structures capable of growing and adapting to stresses and changes in displacement. Our buildings will work with the environment instead of imposing their will against the latter.

By then, mankind will know how to live with nature again.

Pretty cool, right?

No One's Bad At Math...Unless They Say So Themselves

When I was young, I never thought I wasn't good at math. Sure, I said that math is not my strongest suit. But that was it. I could do math but I couldn't grasp the concepts as fast as the other guys. 

This Atlantic article shows a truth which debunks the myth that math is only for those born with genetic ability. One excerpt follows:

So why do we focus on math? For one thing, math skills are increasingly important for getting good jobs these days—so believing you can’t learn math is especially self-destructive. But we also believe that math is the area where America’s “fallacy of inborn ability” is the most entrenched. Math is the great mental bogeyman of an unconfident America. If we can convince you that anyone can learn math, it should be a short step to convincing you that you can learn just about anything, if you work hard enough.

The article goes on to explain that teaching math to youngsters is one part of the challenge. The other, and more crucial part, is convincing them to adopt the right mindset, to believe that no one is "born dumb" and that anyone can master the subject through sheer hard work.

I guess one flaw in my generation's education was that many of us went to Math class with varying degrees of preparedness and the teacher couldn't or didn't account for this. Some excelled while others inevitably wallowed in self-pity, assuming the convenient excuse that one's weak in Math. 

Hope the article by Miles Kimball and Noah Smith, The Myth of 'I'm Bad at Math', changes this perception.

Electric Cigarettes

Actually, I was thinking twice of writing this post. 

It probably appears that I'm promoting smoking. On the contrary, I want smokers to actively seek out electric cigarettes so they can quit this vice.

My first sight of an electric cigarette was when Sir Harold, one of my officers, brandished his own during a car ride. I was initially perplexed at the vapors but I couldn't smell anything except a faint scent reminiscent of the smoke produced by a fog machine. 

He shared that he switched because electric cigarettes were "healthier": no smoke, no tar, no fumes. Also, he didn't smell dirty afterwards and he could "smoke" in the confines of his car.

What interested me though is that the nicotine content in the cigarette can be calibrated so that anyone interested in quitting the habit can do so by gradually tapering off the nicotine levels over several weeks. One can lower the nicotine content of his electric cigarette every other day so the act of kicking the habit isn't so jarring and upfront.

Compare that to others who go cold turkey immediately and you'll appreciate why electric cigarettes offer a distinct advantage in quitting permanently.

Halo-halo Sa Digos

Sorry don't have a picture.

Earlier this week, I had another encounter with Digos City's local variety of the Filipino dessert: Halo-halo. I had one in the bus terminal and the Halo-halo served struck me as weird.

It had the common ingredients: shaved ice, ice cream, kaong (sugar palm), nata de coco, sweetened banana, sugar, beans, and evaporated milk. What differentiated the serving though was the addition of cookies and peanuts, which added to the texture but unfortunately didn't sit well with my taste buds.

Anyways, if that's how the local people like their Halo-halo, who am I to judge?

Donya Ina

And Michael V does it again. 

He's made another memorable character.

As a satirical commentary, Bitoy's character pokes fun at the habits embraced by the youth and turns them over to reveal what they really are: desperate, misguided yet funny attempts at self-idolatry and world fetish. Donya Ina represents the quintessential matriarch who ridicules the follies of this generation and makes us see the error - and humor - of our ways.

Check out the official and un-official Twitter page of Yna Moran:

YNA MORAN (OFFICIAL)
YNA MORAN (UN-OFFICIAL)

Prepare to laugh.

NGSB

NGSB. No Girlfriend Since Birth.

That's me. If you're a girl, that's NBSB: No Boyfriend Since Birth. Both are phrases which are factual in use but are derogatory in meaning. No, probably not derogatory. More like expressions of pity. 

In a previous post, I've talked about the probable reasons why I'm still single: Having a significant other is not a priority for me. I'm suffering from inferiority complex which I don't know I have. I'm contemplating priesthood. 

None of these though prove to reassure people that I'm okay being single, that I'm being happy with just me. Still, people ask me why and they have this look upon this face as if they're consoling someone whose entire family just died. In an airplane crash. On his birthday. While the rest of the passengers in that plane survive injury-free.

Perhaps, they have a point. Ma'am RN, for one, gave her best rendition of a caring sister while telling me that not having someone to love makes the heart go cold and hard until it stops beating. Ma'am Alav was more direct, asking me if I was gay. Sir Ramy went on sometime ago of the need to have a girlfriend so I won't miss out on life (especially if I become a priest).

As to that, I say that I'm aware I'm missing out. But like all things, the opportunity cost is also balanced by the benefits I've enjoyed so far. I have more time with my family, with things I really care about. I can do stuff without looking over my shoulder. I can know myself a bit more every day.

Eventually, I may meet someone. But until that time comes, I'll relish the moments of my single life.

So now, whenever someone asks, I belt out an excuse which I got from Henry: "Kailangan ko munang matutong mahalin ang sarili ko bago ako magmahal ng iba." 

It's not really truthful but it's convenient and people respect it much more than my actual reasons.

Barangay Election

I am a disenfranchised voter.

I went to the school, checked the records for my name, and found nothing. 

To be honest, I don't feel anything at all, which only shows how little the barangay elections matter to me. I don't know the candidates (except for Kuya Jong Montales, a fellow lector back when I was still reading in San Pablo. He's running for kagawad). Worse, I don't even know what's their say about the issues at hand.

Still, you have to be surprised at how many choose to run. Despite the tepid pay, many aspire to get these positions. Surely, there are "perks" that we common mortals don't know of (but can guess anyway). Or it's probably because the barangay posts are the next steps to the city/municipal/provincial positions then finally the big league of national candidates: the Senate and the Presidency.

Perhaps, one reason why the barangay elections mean so little to me is that I don't feel the pulse of the barangay. I've never heard of barangay officials (in our area anyway) tinkering about ideas on local governance or pushing for radical measures to improve communities. In the barangay, where innovative social programs can be implemented with minimal risk and maximum reward, there is no compulsion among the local political leaders to change ways, to experiment, or to redefine progress. 

Most, if not all, are simply content administering bureaucratic functions and preparing for the next election.

Given this scenario, can you understand now how little I care?

Networks

"Develop your network."

That's probably the most important advice I got from a client last week. John Paul, a colleague, and I were on a sales call and the client, having noticed that we were young, mentioned - no - stressed this to us.

Earlier this year, Sir Rey, one of our bosses in the office, gave me his own piece on the importance of networks. Looking to increase his circle of acquaintances, he joined the Rotary Club, promptly subjecting himself to the weekly meetings and the monthly association dues that came with it. Over the years, he had benefited from the move, both in terms of his career and of the number of people he can approach regarding some personal concerns. What impressed me the most was how he could interject names or refer personalities in a conversation effortlessly.

There was also this guy, a real estate developer, who can arrange for a deal fast because he knew all the significant brokers in the city. He was also fascinating to talk with and you could imagine how much power he wielded mainly by hanging on to this network of friends, family, and professional colleagues. After all, brokering is not a matter of high IQ but is chiefly about relationships.

I want to get to that level too. How I wish I could simply barge into any office and immediately exchange pleasantries with a familiar face. How I wish I can strike a conversation just as easily as the next guy. Admittedly, despite my job, I'm still an introvert at heart and, sometimes, an outcast. 

Still, it's fun to dream what I can be. So watch out world. I'm getting there.

Trust

I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.

-Friedrich Nietzsche

Trust is a precious commodity. I bet every unfaithful lover caught in the act can attest to this. As for me, I can honestly say that I'm a very trusting person and I've been burned several times because of this.

What is trust? Trust, as defined, is the "firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something." It not only refers to my belief of the veracity of your statements but also my belief that you'll adhere to your character and principles despite adverse circumstances or my absence.

A teacher of mine once remarked that he can never trust a student again the moment that student breaks his trust. He confided that he is probably the most trusting person in the world but once someone betrays his trust, that someone can never get it back. Ever.

The same goes for me. There have been times when I believed in someone enough to know that he or she's going to do the right thing. Then the moment comes when that person thinks, "Just this once..." and does the act.

Then the inevitable happens. I discover the act. My trust in the person is broken. I never look at the person the same way. At worst, I burn the bridge and that person is dead to me. At best, I remain civil but the road to renewed friendship is not in the cards.

I can forgive if I want to but trusting that person again is something I can no longer do.

Sembreak 2013

Never complain about a trip while you're still on the trip. Save it for later. That's the rule from hereon.

Went to Mati last Saturday. Woke up at 3:15AM. Went to McDonalds Victoria Plaza. Arrived at 4:30AM. Waited for another hour before the gang was complete. Group included Sir Ramy, Sam, Mikko, Divine, AJ, Banisa, Tron. 

Couldn't sleep during the trip to Mati. Engaged in small talk with Sam, Sir Ramy, and Mikko. Stopped briefly at the spot overlooking Sleeping Dinosaur for the requisite photo ops. Off to Banisa's place for breakfast. Corned beef, hard-boiled eggs, fried bangus, rice, coffee, chorizo, bananas. 

At around 10:30AM, went to Ding's place for lunch. Lechon baboy, chicken curry, kinilaw, rice. Some maja blanca, espasol, watermelons for dessert. More guests from BPI arrive.

Off to Dahican. Late afternoon. Got lost before arriving at the resort where our room was. Small room, grossly overpriced at Php 3,000.00. Screen windows. Built with light materials. No private shower or comfort room. Really sleepy at this time. Pretty hot weather. Sweating all over. 

Set up tent. Talk some more. Try to get some sleep to no avail. Finally, off to go for a swim with others. Laundry shop ruined swim suit. Swam a few laps. Then off to watch the Skim Boarding event at another resort (Boring).

Back to resort to rinse off. No water on taps. Hiked to neighboring resorts but no water still. Someone double-parked behind Sam's car so we couldn't get out.

Off to Alex's house for dinner. Stopover at his aunt's house to rinse off and change into dry clothes. Nice dinner: barbecue, lamb, pansit. After dinner, visit at a convenience store to buy water. Back to resort. Tent set up earlier was wet inside because we didn't cover the top with the tarp. Set up another tent.

After some time, off to Sibala Beach Park for the night party. Overheard some discussions regarding the budget. Party starts. Realized (again) that I'm not a party person. Disco lights can trigger epilepsy. Loiters to the nearest bench with Sir Ramy. One on one talk about work, career, and other stuff. Raining all night.

At 12:00 midnight, starts walking to the car. Going home. Doesn't volunteer to drive (Really sleepy and no confidence in my skills). Back to Davao. Miss my bed. Dreamt I was still in Mati.

Really grateful for another weekend with friends. Also thankful that nothing happened. Amazed at the generosity of the people who hosted us. Still, I wish circumstances would be better next time. 

Animal Cruelty

Earlier this month, news broke out of a video gone viral showing three girls crushing a puppy to death. Of course, the reaction was instantaneous. Some vilified the girls while others called for a manhunt. Others also called for draconian measures to punish the girls.

My reaction, although the same, is not that strong. Perhaps it's because I'm also guilty of my own acts of animal cruelty when I was growing up. I guess we all are in varying degrees.

One memory that stands out was when we cooked a house lizard for fun. My playmates and I were daring one neighbor kid to eat the lizard (he didn't). That's why we did the deed. 

Another memory was when one of our puppies was close to death and was very lethargic in its movements. I 'tried' to coax him back to action by rolling him across the garage floor. 

Still another was the time I caught a frog and had it dissected in class.

In sum, I was also guilty of causing hurt and pain, the essence of being cruel. But one redeeming factor for me was that I learned quite early this life lesson: that it is never right to inflict pain and suffering to anyone or to anything.

I believe all of us go through this stage, the point in life where we become cruel without realizing that we are. I don't know how this comes about. Some may trace it to faulty parenting or peer influence. But we do grow up and when we do, we realize our errors.

The tragedy here then belongs to those people whose callousness borders on the inhumane, whose ignorance has given way to tolerance and sadistic delight.

Am I angry at these girls? Obviously, yes. But I also pity them for what they have become.

Looking Out To The Sea

Let me share a morning habit.

During my daily commute to work, I cross the Bolton bridge and, upon crossing, I stare out of the jeepney window, fixing my gaze to the sea. Sometimes, the sea is brown after a heavy rainfall and, most of the time, it's blue as the sky. Amidst the polluted air and the noisy roars of car engines, the scenery is something I revel in. The sea is a picture of peace and calm.

On the average, this brief sightseeing trip takes five seconds but it's one of the highlights of my morning. Sometimes too, there's the awkward moment when the pretty girl across you thinks you're staring at her when, in fact, you're staring at something else. Nasty looks have come my way because of this habit but it continues to be one of my simple joys.

Try it sometime if you're crossing the Bolton bridge. Maybe, the sea might whisper something to you in return.

Tropfest

My thanks to Roslyn for sharing this clip.

It's an entry to Tropfest Australia. As a background, Tropfest is a short film festival/competition and is staged in various cities across the globe.

Right now, I'm having a good time watching entries in Youtube, many of which are so good. Like in everything else, a lot of things happen when you're forced to be sweet and concise in your works. Mediums such as the short story and the short film are perfect examples of this observation.

Salt

In the movie Salt, the final scene involves Evelyn Salt and agent Peabody engaged in a tense conversation on board a helicopter. Salt relays to Peabody the truth behind the Russian sleeper spies and convinces him to let her go. Peabody does so and Salt jumps out and into the Potomac river.

What made Peabody risk his career by letting the protagonist go? He believed in the heroine and, furthermore, he believed that she was the only one who could track and shut down the other Russian cells that his government had never detected.

I'm just thinking about this in relation to the pork barrel issue. What if a citizen just went on a mission to kill all the members of Congress who are implicated in the scam? Like Salt, he'd simply be doing what is definitely in the minds of the public right now. What if that citizen had nothing to lose, similar to the character of Frank in the movie God Bless America?

What would be the reaction if he, in fact, succeeds? Will he be regarded as a hero? A villain? A vigilante who chose to commit the sins that we only dream of doing? An outcast who's lost his faith in the system?

These are indeed dark times. 

Copycats

Disappointing.

Just watched The Company's performance in the ABS-CBN concert Kanta Natin To.

In an event meant to highlight Pinoy music, originality, and talent, the group sung Pentatonix' Evolution of Music (Something I wrote about in another post).

Actually, I've got no problems with them singing their own version of a foreign group's hit. But they could have simply performed OPM.

Instead, they became copycats for the night.

They're probably thinking right now that no one would notice. Well, to that, I honestly think the original version is way better than their rendition.

God Bless

Yes, I'm aware that I'm fixated at what should be immaterial stuff. 

Back in college, Ma'am Riza had shared to us her favorite pique: the statement "God Bless". Being the grammar guru that she is (and also the Humanities Division Head at that time), she could not let this slip away. 

According to her, the verb "bless" is a transitive verb and, thus, requires an object which, in this case, is a person. So it should not be "God Bless" but "God Bless You". That's in keeping with grammatically correct English.

Being the obedient student that I was, I promptly looked for opportunities to chastise my fellow students. In truth, I relished the moments when I said, with Solomonic authority, to my peers: "It should be God bless You."

Of course, I didn't know then that I was being a hoofed mammal of the horse family for doing so (let's keep this post clean, shall we?). Eventually, I think I grew tired of this game and began accepting, instead of correcting, these verbal niceties in life.

Soon after, I had a change of heart. 

The statement is in fact "correct". God is God and what is otherwise an incomplete statement is rendered full by its subject. Perhaps, the greeting is meant to be what it is, not a simple greeting that Divine Providence bless solely you but that He bless everyone, not only you but the entire world. In this case, "God Bless You" is but an artificial artifice which detracts us, limits us, from the immense encompassing power of the statement "God Bless". "God Bless You" is the antithesis to the affirmation of God's unbounded generosity.

Okay. Off to bed now. Good night. God bless.

Finally, A Reason: Why We Talk Too Much About The Insignificant And Inane

Some people have commented that the amount of noise generated by a change is inversely proportional to the complexity of the change

- Poul-Henning Kamp

Ahhh. The things you find in the Internet.

Ever wonder why chatters are the loudest when the issues being discussed are so small? Just think about all the showbiz shows you've watched. Or the minute changes in the city that the local government is trying to implement. Or the choices in your wardrobe that has to pass through the critical eyes of your entire band of friends (or frenemies).

Always, when the issue is small, there are a lot of opinions bouncing around. But when the opposite is true, hardly anyone musters a reply. 

I remember back when I was in my first company and we were in the process of reviewing and revising our brochures. After we've done a draft or a copy, I'd pass it along the sales team for possible comments and recommendations. I dreaded that part, not because I was frightened of the team, but because I knew dozens of revisions would come my way: each had their own say about our work.

I'm guilty about this too and you could probably notice my prior rants on the seemingly mundane dotting my posts. But when it comes to the big stuff? The stuff that really matters? I'm silent.

Such is human nature. That's why I'm grateful to have come across an Atlantic article giving a rational explanation as to why we do this after all.

Here's the link: Why We Can't Help Ourselves from Caring About Things That Don't Matter

A Rally

Quote of the day: A peanut vendor strolling around Rizal Park was selling his nuts with an apt slogan, " Mani...Mani...Mani ng pagbabago."

This morning I was in my first rally after a very long time. The crowd was noticeably smaller than I imagined it to be. If you were part of the media, you wouldn't be impressed. I guess not that many people would want to wake up early on a holiday to walk under the sweltering heat of the sun.

Anyway, I'd just like to share some thoughts about the PR coup the president's team concocted last week. Last Friday, the president rang the headlines by allegedly saying it's time to abolish the pork barrel. However, the fine print merely explained that he's introducing another variant of the same system, this time with more checks in place. Many rejoiced prematurely because of the news. But some were also skeptical at this last-minute ploy to quell the Million People March the following week.

For the record, it's about time that lawmakers do what lawmakers do: legislate instead of proposing funding for projects via the pork. The same goes for the president. Despite being the executive head of government, the president should be stripped off the pork. He should also be accountable for the funds that his office uses.

To cap this post, here's the full text of ADDU President Fr. Joel Tabora's speech this morning (Got this from his blog):

Excuses

I went to CREBA's Mindanao Housing Summit last Friday and I was slightly turned off by the ROD's reply to the issues presented by the association.

The first module or talk delved into discussing the concerns involving the LRA (Land Registration Authority) and the ROD (Registry of Deeds). The representative for the LRA was quite safe since only seldom do the CREBA members have something to transact with the LRA. The representative for the ROD, Deputy Registrar of Deeds for Davao City Jorlyn Paralisan, was unfortunately grilled under the spotlight since the brunt of the problems with land titles lies with the ROD.

Powdered Water

Yes. You read that right. Humanity has invented powdered water.

It goes by the name of Solid Rain and is a polymer capable of absorbing huge amounts of water, transforming into a gel-like substance in the process. Just picture an industrial-grade baby diaper and imagine it being placed across acres and acres of soil.

Solid Rain is used to store and release water for crops in arid regions. As the article boasts: "The water is then retained for up to a year, and it will not evaporate, run off into the soil or go anywhere until it’s consumed by a plant’s roots."

More information from this link courtesy of modernfarmer.com.

And here courtesy of dailymail.co.uk.

Bait And Switch

I didn't know this sales method was still being used.

Last Wednesday, while walking pass Lachmi, a sales guy by the name of Michael of Hilton Marketing approached me and gave me an offer: a free TV/Radio card.

I didn't know what that was but since it was free, I went with him. We proceeded to what he called a showroom, their office in the second floor of the Lachmi Building where it featured rows of appliances.

Another sales guy approached me and I braced myself for something familiar. You see, my mother had an experience before when she was subjected to the same routine. First, she was enticed by the offer of a free appliance and, by the end of the sales talk, she had purchased an entire showcase. She did return all of the things she had unwittingly purchased (through her credit card) but, still, it was a close call.

First thing they asked when they made me sit on the massage chair was to fill out their application form. Second, they asked for my ID. Third, they asked to see my credit card. When they asked me this, I was wary so I showed it to them and promptly tucked it back in my wallet.

By then, I was wondering where my free TV/Radio card was so the second sales guy engaged in small talk, beginning with the topic of him accidentally impregnating a girl (he's gay). After a few uncomfortable moments, the acting began. Michael came back with a stash of envelopes and told me I was entitled to a raffle draw. All I had to do was pick out an envelope, open it, and see if I got a prize. I picked one and got a Php 2,000.00 discount coupon. Michael and the sales guy went to their routine and gushed that this was too good to be true. 

The second sales guy showed me the appliances that was subject to discounts and Michael then showed their promo, claiming that they were offering about a hundred thousand worth of appliances to me for the low price of Php 58,000.00 or something. It was for a limited time only and all I had to do was give them my credit card.

At this point, I was tired of the entire charade (I had to go somewhere else) and politely declined the offer, justifying that I had no need for their stuff. I also didn't like the fact that the entire sales effort was built on deception right from the start. 

Of course, I did get my free TV/Radio card in the end, courtesy of Michael. But, then again, why would I want one anyway?

PNoy And Pork Barrel

I'm sorry if I jump on the bandwagon here. I usually shy away from writing about political issues because of this. Since all the journalists out there are writing their respective sides on the issue, it's best to absorb their opinions in silence. Besides, all I have to say is just my personal aggregation of their opinions anyway. 

So much for the intro. I'm writing now because I'm dismayed and disappointed at what I saw in the news. So. So. Dismayed.

I Am Here

"I am here."

At one level, it's a common expression of one's location. At another, it's a poignant assertion of one's existence.

It's similar to the quote popularized by the movie Avatar, "I see you." The quote was given a distinctive meaning and meant that one perceives another's entirety of being, including the other's motives, intentions, and more importantly, character.

In a similar way, the phrase "I am here" is profound for it encapsulates man's drive for purpose, the meaning which drives him from passivity to action, to wrestle with life itself. It's the starting point of creativity as he recognizes his existence as his reason to be human however he may put it to be. For one to say "I am here" is a recognition of one's capacity for change.

In a way, the second meaning of the expression is similar to the first. As said, the first meaning confirms geographical location and the second also confirms that I am in the world. I am grounded in this reality. I am fixed at this point on the face of the earth. I am alive.

I am here. Nandito ako. Naa ko diri.

Now, Paolo, let's stop procrastinating and do some household chores.

Let's Go!

While riding a jeep today, I saw a father caressing a Mini 4WD toy car in his hands while his son sat across him, not minding him at all. I guess the kid was too young (or probably wasn't born yet) to appreciate the craze that swept the country a decade ago. 

Arrested Development

This is not a review. This is simply a heads up for those who haven't come across this show.

Yesterday, I finished watching the final episode of Season 3 of Arrested Development. 

Though my mind is still reeling at watching four episodes in rapid succession, I have to say, like the rest of its fans, that I'm impressed. Like how one critic puts it, each episode is built on the dysfunctional tendencies of each character who inevitably contributes to the comedic chaos that ensues. In sum, the show is an intelligent comedy that one can binge on any day.

My favorite character to hate is of course Tobias Funke, the suspiciously gay married guy who was formerly a psychologist (before he lost his medical license) and is now an aspiring actor. He's got to be the most infuriating character ever because of his utter lack of self-awareness and obliviousness to his actions and demeanor. He's the biggest contradiction in the show, considering his background in psychology against his stupidity or his being dimwitted. 

Definitely, the show is a must-watch. 

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll start watching Season 4.

I Think I've Been Had...Again

Yesterday, I bought an electronic mosquito repellent, a device that emits ultrasonic sound to ward off mosquitoes. I was getting annoyed at the insects lounging in my room and wanted to strike back.

Several hours later, I was suffering buyer's remorse. 

Lingkod Ng Panginoon

Lingkod Ng Panginoon (LNP) is a Catholic lay organization composed of single professionals. It's main mission is to bring Christ to the workplace. 

My first touch with the organization was when Ma'am Che invited me along to a talent showcase of sorts. Actually, she had invited all the single guys in the office but I was the only one interested enough to go with her. 

That first encounter with the group was utterly forgettable. I met a few familiar faces in college and that was it. You could say I wasn't into LNP then because I didn't need it. Yet.

Ice Creaman

If you're walking down Rizal Street, you may have come across this restaurant/ice cream shop. It's directly across Merco Bolton and right beside Mandarin Tea Garden.

I discovered Ice Creaman last 2010. Like many others before me, I was curious if they offered rice meals on top of their desserts. Because I was already fed up with Jollibee, Taps, Merco, Mandarin, and the various fried chicken eateries or burger bars in the vicinity, I tried Ice Creaman. 

I never looked back since.

Getting Old

I'm getting old. This thought occurred to me this morning when I looked back at the things I did before that I couldn't do now. 

Last night, I vowed to wake up early to resume jogging. This morning, I woke up at the right time but went back to sleep immediately. Waking up early was now an impossible task.

I've stated before that I don't drink unless I'm invited. Now, I try to avoid situations that require social drinking. I don't welcome karaoke nights anymore either because they impinge on my sleep (and I don't sing). 

One classmate told me that this cliche is always true: that you always pay for the sins of your youth.  

In other words, whatever you do to your body now will exact its price once you're older. Even though he's still in his early thirties, he's already falling prey to various maladies from his previous vices. So he definitely knows what he's talking about.

Getting old then, at least for now, is not exactly seeing the wrinkles in your face or the spots on your skin. It's first accepting the limitations of one's body and mitigating the damage by cutting off the activities that one once enjoyed. It means letting go of youth's frivolities and turning oneself to other more healthy and meaningful forms of entertainment. 

Bente Sais

Gandang lalake. 

I so love myself. 

Renovations

Some things I intend to do with the house before 2015. Since I'm no longer paying rent, I might as well compensate my parents for accommodating me:

Do A Canal Makeover
Dredge canal, cover canal with concrete slabs, transfer soil to depressed parts of the home lot, landscape frontage

Polgas At Garapata
Have a new doghouse built, have a veterinarian do a hard-core clean-up of the dogs' fleas and ticks ( I believe they have services like these)

Second Floor
Replace the rotting wooden floor planks on the second floor

Ceiling
Replace the ceiling on the ground floor

First Floor
Put tiles on the floor (subject to the homeowners' approval, of course)

Tote Bags

Last Monday, I bought a tote bag, a "lady's accessory". It wasn't a fashion statement. I was simply being practical. 

Back in college, we had this one classmate who sported spiked hair and a gangster image. What struck me however was his choice of apparel. He was bringing a tote bag. Not the ordinary bag, mind you, which had a sling and was otherwise inconspicuous. Instead, he brought a bag with gold metal links adorned with intricate royalty patterns reminiscent of Luis Vuitton or Chanel. To say he was breaking a convention was an understatement.

As for me, I think I got tired of backpacks, small sling bags, and pouch bags so I bought a tote bag. So far, I haven't regretted my purchase. All my things fit inside and I can see and reach all my items with just one stroke of the zipper. 

The purchase also is a social experiment for me - Would people notice? If so, what would be their reaction? Would they assume that this is a telltale sign of homosexuality? Or would they assume the opposite instead? Finally, will I spawn a trend later on of guys carrying tote bags instead of cumbersome backpacks? If so, how will it affect the behavior of the product's current market, the ladies?

To close, I remember something I read about a man who, against societal norms, chose to use an umbrella. Back then, umbrellas were only for women and you weren't a man if you used one. He ended up being harassed by the public but, eventually, his example soon spread like wildfire across the civilized world.

I fancy my preference of the tote bag will bring the same result.

I Have AIDS

Provocative title huh?

Actually, AIDS here stands for Acute Income Deficiency Syndrome. 

Papa coined the term last May during my niece's baptism and surmised I'll be suffering from this later. Back then, I was fresh from my resignation and was still enjoying my honeymoon phase.

But yes. It did strike me. I got sick.

Pentatonix

First time I heard them sing was when I saw their Youtube MTV "Radioactive". First reaction was, "Hmmm. Okay."

However, this new video, discovered by my father, blew me away. It's so unfair that among the billions in the world who cannot sing (like me), five individuals loaded with such talent would find each other and...you know. Blow other people's minds. 

Check out the video and try to tell me I'm lying. Try.

Feedly

I have been using Feedly for some time now and I'm feeling quite comfortable. 

I relocated to Feedly last June after Google announced it was discontinuing Reader. The relocation was seamless thankfully and, after which, I became a fan of the service. 

Feedly, like Google Reader, "is a news aggregator application for various Web browsers and mobile devices running iOS and Android, also available as a cloud-based service. It compiles news feeds from a variety of online sources for the user to customize and share with others". - Wikipedia

Check out how neat the interface is and you'll be perplexed why other websites cannot be aesthetically appealing like it:

Plus, it's fun to use.
There you go.

"Some Men Just Want To Watch The World Burn"

Bruce Wayne: Criminals aren't complicated, Alfred. Just have to figure out what he's after.

Alfred Pennyworth: With respect Master Wayne, perhaps this is a man that *you* don't fully understand, either. A long time ago, I was in Burma. My friends and I were working for the local government. They were trying to buy the loyalty of tribal leaders by bribing them with precious stones. But their caravans were being raided in a forest north of Rangoon by a bandit. So, we went looking for the stones. But in six months, we never met anybody who traded with him. One day, I saw a child playing with a ruby the size of a tangerine. The bandit had been throwing them away.

Bruce Wayne: So why steal them?

Alfred Pennyworth: Well, because he thought it was good sport. Because some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.

- The Dark Knight (2008)

As a Mindanawon, a citizen of the Island, I am frustrated. 

The past weeks have been filled with bad news, particularly the bombings (And would you believe it? These happened during Ramadan!). The authorities are still investigating these incidents but everyone knows who the perpetrators are: Muslim terrorists. 

Since time immemorial, these groups have been the bane of Mindanao. Where others strive for elusive peace and development, there are elements which root for power and destruction. Where others hope for unity across cultural diversity, some dream of a xenophobic utopia. 

Many authors have dwelt on the various factors motivating these individuals and fueling their evil intentions. Still, it's freakin' frustrating that when peace is almost at hand, incidents like these happen in clockwork fashion. It's infuriating to witness meticulous and hard-won steps in gaining peace being swept away by the anarchist deeds of the deluded Moro.

That begs the question: what's wrong with these people?!