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?!

Job Hunting For Life

Allow me to correct something I mentioned to a manager several months ago.

Earlier this year, I misquoted something from Richard Bolles' book What Color Is Your Parachute? During my exit interview, I had told her  that an average professional will change jobs at least eight times in his career (I can't recall why I included this in our conversation but I think it was related to her being connected with just one company during her entire career to date). 

The right answer is three to five times. Here's the entire passage from the book:

Here is the overwhelming, overarching truth: you 

Are going to have to go job-hunting

Many times in your life.

Lucky you, if that is not the case!

But the odds are overwhelming that it will be.

According to experts,

The average worker, under 35 years of age,

Will go job-hunting every one to three years,

And the average worker over 35 will go

Job-hunting every five to eight years!

And, in this process, so the experts say,

We will each of us probably change careers

Three to five times, as we go.

My superior must be very lucky indeed. She's with the same company since her early twenties. As for me, I've just been through my second job hunt and I don't know if there are more to come. 

Still, even if I have to live those moments again, I'll still do the same things. I'll take that job in Taguig City. I'll leave it to go back to Davao. I'll take my second job and leave it again like I did. 

Each resignation was a leap of faith, a flight to uncertainty, and every job hunt built my character.

The hair-splitting anxiety of not knowing where to go and the excitement of the hunt are things I cannot regret. The life lessons from those times are indispensable.  

Still, some are lucky enough to be already content with their first company. 

Some of us, though, want to grow some more.