by witsandnuts on April 18, 2009
I’m re-reading this interview by Jessica Zafra with Senator Mar Roxas when he was still Trade Secretary. It’s one of the interesting articles comprising The Flip Reader (I got my copy from Powerbooks when I was vacationing last December; it’s a very good read). On page 126, it says:
Mar Roxas is at Segafredo Cafe in Greenbelt. The shoot is done, and we are sitting down to pasta and pizza. He’s on the phone with the ex-girlfriend who lives on our street. He says he’s friends with all his former girlfriends. “Come and join us. What are you doing? Ghost? You’re sitting at home on a Saturday night, watching Ghost? Come out, we’re having dinner.” She passes on the invitation. He puts away the cell phone and turns his attention to the spaghetti.
“If you marry,” I point out, “Everyone will conclude that it’s for political reasons.”
He shrugs. “Maybe I won’t marry at all.” Through the glass walls he observes the people walking past the restaurant. “Look at that. Young love. Walking hand in hand on a Saturday night. Don’t they know it’ll end badly?” Then the Philippines’ most eligible bachelor laughs. He waves to the waiter and orders dessert.
Now, guess what? Senator Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez are getting married before 2009 is over.
Popularity: 4%
by witsandnuts on March 5, 2009
by witsandnuts on February 12, 2009
The vote enlistment for OFWs for the 2010 election started last February 1. This will run until end of August. There are reported complaints though (as expected) about the requirements, especially the necessity of personal appearance. Those who live and work far from Philippine embassies and consulates will find this unappealing. Although I live within reasonable proximity to Philippine Embassy (and in case not, if there’s a will, there must be a way), I don’t feel going for the enlistment.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Philippines. Not that I’m being lazy either. But there’s this initial not so optimist feel of what for? The governance that I’ve witnessed after each election is vicious. I remember one discussion with the locals here. They’re giving praises as to how educated the Filipinos they meet are, and they wonder why the househelpers and cashiers (in the malls) they meet are seemingly educated. “Most of them are college graduates. But maybe they find it necessary to leave Philippines for a while for a number of reasons. Not always the major reason, but for the better pay.” I said. “But what is your government doing? Philippines has a very good education system, you produce world class professionals, what’s wrong with your government?,” they asked. OMG, Prez GMA help! Kidding.
Our discussion went on and on and I found myself re-awakened with what’s happening and that I love my country despite all these. They say I sounded hopeful. At least. Here they source out expats to assist them technically. They are aware of their flaws for the time being. But they take pride in having a government run by honesty (besides the oil, I said) . And that is true.
The afternoon before my flight back to UAE, I chanced to check Welbart (coined form of Joel Bartolome) exhibit in Art Center, SM Megamall. This is a one man exhibit with SONA theme showcasing the works of Camille Dela Rosa. In my shallow understanding of arts, I did look at the nudity-based illustrations as naked truths and reflections of Philippine government.
[keep reading…]
Popularity: 8%
by witsandnuts on January 22, 2009
I’ve watched the video of his inauguration through NY Times yesterday. It’s very moving, isn’t it? But there’s one that moved me more. Here’s an excerpt from the letter which President Obama wrote for his daughters Malia and Sasha, few days before moving to White House.
I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’t have let you have. But I also know that it hasn’t always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn’t make up for all the time we’ve been apart. I know how much I’ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.
When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that’s why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.
I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.
(Complete text of the letter)
Popularity: 5%
by witsandnuts on August 14, 2008
It took me only a few weeks to become accustomed to the frequent offers of free sweets and samosas in the company’s pantries (each floor). Whenever a colleague passes a certification exams, birthday celebrations (except for me, I preferred to celebrate it at home and only with Filipinos), cricket games victory, farewell, when a wife of an Indian gives birth, etc. – samosas and/or any form of sweets are shared to all usually in the afternoon.
[keep reading…]
Popularity: 4%
Man, the Emirates has become one heck of a place to live nowadays ( if...
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Camels say they’re in Morocco, not in Abu Dhabi
The housewarming cake
