Sentiment to the Impending Crisis in Sulu

Today marks the 69th day ordeal of the three abducted workers of the International Committee of Red Cross in Sulu. Think of the ordeal and the difficulties the victims and the families are experiencing right this moment. Each one calling for an end to this crisis. Hoping that one day, they'll just remember this day a nightmare that needs forgetting. An ordeal that needs healing.

The Italian embassy, the Swiss embassy and the Philippine government should somehow move a little forward to come-up with an immediate resolution to stop the shehanigans of the politicians, uniformed personnel and the un-shameful bandits of Mindanao.

All concern entities should now move towards resolving this age-old issue on kidnapping for ransom which seemed has become a livelihood for this criminals. A spit to their faces; A heinous deed that has become a smack to these cause. It is inevitable to feel there should be a way for the concerns, government in particular, to liquidate these pseudo-bandits in Sulu and whole of Mindanao.

Opportunities lost. Such primitive problem is causing so much loss of opportunities; funds that would have better used in livelihood for the poor locals. But, worse, they add-up to the problems. An ever decreasing potential of the country to promote foreign investments because of these recurring problems of peace and order.

In the hope that today be a better day for their situation and the peace of my Homeland, Mindanao, I remain prayerful.

 

BuzzNet Tags: Age Old Mindanao Conflict,Bereaving,Blogging,Dream of Peace in Mindanao,Emergency,Emergency Assistance,Ethnic,GRP-MILF Peace Talks,Indigenous Peoples,Islam,Kidnapping,Law,Law and Order,Mindanao Rebellion,Mindanao Secessionist Problem,Mountains,Only In The Philippines,Oppression,Peace Process,Peasants,Politics,Prospects Mindanao Peace,Safety,State of the Nation,War in Mindanao,information environment,peace talks,poverty,Abu Sayyaf Group group,age-old kidnapping livelihood and practice,Andreas Notter,Barangay Pasil,Catacutan,civilians armed to kill kidnappers,community participation vs. kidnappers,cost of ICRC kidnapping,crying ICRC hostages,Dick,Abu Sayyaf Group on the run,Dr. Ritchie Sorilla,Dr. Sorrilla,Eugenio Vagni,fishy smell,ICRC bullshit,ICRC hostages security,Red Cross,Zamboanga City

Joana Change - Re: OFWs as New Heroes of the Nation

Hehehe. I find it amusing that all OFWs have the same insight towards working abroad - out or not out of choice.

Linked to my blogmate's most recently posted article, I even found Ms. Malu Fernandez mentioned.

There, I thought Dr. Jose Rizal was jealous he's been replaced as the national hero of the country. Nevertheless, I would like to think he ushered the true meaning of patriotism, is in fact sacrificial for the benefits of the family and ok, the country.

Find more thoughts and comments in J. Villanueva's post regarding the Joana Change.

Technorati Tags: Joana Change,J. Villanueva Cabrera,OFW,Reality Change,New Heroes of the Philippines

Confusing Language

I don't know about you but I find this to be very humorous.

GUEST ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IN ONE OF A FILIPINO PROGRAM EVENT:
   ORGANIZER: "Please acknowledge the Mayor, he was late. There, he just passed by."
   EMCEE:        "I would like to acknowledge the arrival of the late Mayor who just passed away."

I found this from one of JBSolis' blog entries. It reminds me how tricky English language can be sometimes; Especially when it's not your regular lingua.  When I was younger, I was always confused with some of the English words like why is the boutique word a lizard in the Philippines. Or, one of my grannies who we youngsters always thought of her as remnant of the World War 2 era, used to marry the suffix 'ize' into one of native dialect just to make one English word out of it. Like, "irogize' which would now mean - to move something. "Hey kid, IROGize that block of wood away from me! Why are you staring at? me?! You wanna make phan out of me? you wan to be funist? scolded? very painful? ha? ha?".

Ok, i made that out but she made it sound like that! Water is sometimes pronounced, "WOTiR!" making it sound like a glass of water stirred with sugar! In my language, there's no distinction between the sexes. There is no HE or SHE. Sometimes one old local folk, also a remnant of the Old World War 2, will utter a paragraph of phrases about the lady president (in English). And, made it sound like he's talking about the first gentleman and his  lady president but he's not. I sometimes make the same mistake. =P

Technorati Tags: Lingua Franca,Blogging,Language,English Translations,Filipino English

Season of Bad Fate

In as much as I always want to write of happy thoughts and happy affairs. My mood and my spirit is now pulled down by the news of a shootout between the police and the hold-up gang armed with automatic weapons and grenades that took place in Manila just recently (December 7, 2008). A shootout crossfire so deadly it left sixteen people dead including ten of the robbery gang members, the news confirmed.

A father and his seven years old daughter on board a passing sports utility vehicle were hit in the crossfire and few moments later died. They were among the six civilians, collateral on that police operation. The Two other people manning a truck near the office of the transport firm also died from gunshot wounds. And, a men's fashion designer who was just on his way home from a Christmas party was also caught in the cross-fire.

What saddened mo most is the death of the father and the daughter. The father just went home for vacation to be present on his seven years old child's birthday. Who would have thought this dreadful event would left a weeping and wailing mother. A mother full of questions as why her spouse and child had to die. Why has she been left alone now? What would she be doing with her life now - that she's alone. Asked by this mother and wife as she hugged their pillows and kissed her daughter's school ID. What's is not more heart-breaking sight to see than this? And considering the time of the year this fate had occur.

What gives me more discomfort, is the speculations that again the p-o-l-i-c-e again had made some inaccurate mistakes. I have this frustrating doubts and fear that in such cases like this, accuracy of neutralizing situations is a quality questionable from the part of the forces. This is not the first time in the police force, when a civilian is undeniably part of that collateral damage. One civilian always has to die every time their is a shoot out like this one. Containing the situation accurately and swiftly should be a skill to be mastered by our forces to spare the lives of a civilian. One civilian's death is inexcusable. It is excusable because no one will answer to a collateral damage - especially not in the kind of justice system Philippines has.

On the contrary, the criminals, it is them that they would not care who their bullets will hit when they pull some triggers. Imagine an aimless shower of bullets from them - anybody could be hit of course. And they had to be neutralized - swiftly. Nonetheless, a question is asked. From whom did this bullets that ceased the lives of the innocent passers-by come from? Doing ballistic analysis, I wished this question will be answered honestly by the authorities.

LiveJournal Tags: Assault against violence,Christmas,collatera,crime,Family,justice,Opinions,Patriotism,Philippines,Politics,Rant,Safety,Terrorist,Violence

No Sweat for Manny

Wow! A sweet victory! And, a sweet surrender for Oscar who didn't wait to be knocked out.

We always believe in an old boxing cliche that says, ""the good big man will always beat a good little man". That was not the case happening on Pacquiao - Dela Hoya fight in the night of December 6. Indeed, this was David slaying Goliath in trunks and gloves.

Pacquiao, who started in boxing in the flyweight division, proved to be agile and fast which ultimately, proved too strong for the heavier De La Hoya - the golden boy. Added to his victory, Pacquiao with his signature moves, plays the elusive boxer which by the way inherent among intelligent athletes. Pacquiao, a reigning lightweight at 135 pounds worked out and moved to meet De La Hoya's 147 pounds stature.

The Pinoy's agility over the game again proves his dominance on a stirring upset of the game. The fate of the fight, which was backed up by a remark uttered by Manny's coach Freddy Roach sometime in the middle of the rounds saying, "Don't get lazy on the play", proves perseverance and stamina matters in the game such as this one.

Again, Manny, blankets his victory to millions of Filipinos watching over his games. An endeavor, model to every Filipino man and woman in this everyday battle in life - back home and abroad.

Some of the games recap can be read from this link. You can always browse Youtube for this famous Manny-Oscar fight.

Other Reference:(http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/boxing/blog/2008/12/de_la_hoyapacquiao_roundbyroun.html)

del.icio.us Tags: Boxing,Cable TV,Games,Online Streaming,Pacquiao,Sports,Watch Manny Pacquiao Vs. Oscar Dela Hoya

Chowking! Indulge My Appetite

Yeah! Here's another every common topic in town. And, every one eats Chow-king.

One of my favorite topic to talk about when I'm hungry is - food! What else should I be musing about? My mind's probably loose right now. {--,}  I'm hungry and my ordered food from Chow-king Restaurant has not arrived yet.

Calling the restaurant has been the most convenient yet costly way of bringing down your lunch to the office. Well, not that costly but you loss the point of working your ass hard to save a penny to send back home. The people on the other lines are extremely friendly too. Well, you'll know by the tone of their voice they had a bad day but what the heck, it's always a good thing to cheer up people - even if it begins from a customer. Well, I'm a testified believer that when a customer is happy he will hail the people who served him and he will even write a blog entry about them. Hehehe.

The one in the picture is a beef mushroom wanton noodle - my lunch today! Good when it's served warm and a little bit of chili curry dipped with a little bit of soy sauce. Chow-king foods are known to have served lacking a little bit of salt because not every one likes it salty of course. Each person has a distinct taste when it comes to salty tasting food. This thing cost twenty-one Dirhams per order which will of course save you plenty as much as thirty-four dollars a week, one hundred thirty six dollars a month. Hehehe. Whew! the Chili sauce is hot!

Well, I am one of those people here in Dubai where one of the passion is food. And its not a good way to save a penny. It's always very cost saving bringing along with you everyday food for lunch - there will not be much dinner-left overs in your home. I find it very effective when I'm tight budget, no really, I mean when I'm really on tight budget, to be able to save money. It's usually a habit for a Filipino OFW like me to prepare food earlier at home to bring and consume the next day or two. Preparation is usually in the evening, and usually by bulk. One or two cups of plain rice in a topper-ware container for each day of the week.

Depending on your mood to share chit-chat around other office people, it will usually take you a total of thirty minutes to eat this thing which of course can be eaten in just a matter of sixty seconds. You don't have to drink water - it's in it already. Hehehe. You don't have to worry about the noodles entangling around your tonsils inside your mouth. You can have Maju pull that out that strings of noodles for you. Hehehe.

The thing comes good with Siopao too! Cost eight Dirhams ($2.18) in UAE.

Technorati Tags: Chinese,Chowking,Dubai,Fastfood,Food,Health,Noodles,Occasion,Party,Philippines,Pinoy in UAE,UAE,Siopao

Congratulations UAE - It's 37th National Day

Congratulations UAE for the 37th Anniversary as a nation of peace and prosperity.

However difficult it is living alone here in the UAE, I am still thankful for the opportunity of work and for the chance of better life for my family back home.

UAE, despite few problems the expatriates are facing, is still truly a country of equal opportunity and growth for as long as you have the guts to grab your heart's desire. People have many problems here, I'm no exception, but I always examine the condition back home before I begin to think or become vocal about it. Like for example, before I even begin to complain about the traffic condition, I always remember the condition of my own home-town's roads and streets. And, hopeful the same condition will happen one day in the Philippines.

This country is beautiful. And, many of its locals are respectable and honest. I think honestly and respecting one's belief and principles is the key to a nations growth and peace. One principle UAE is modeled. Wherever you go, you will still face problems anyway.

Everywhere or whichever company you will go, there will always be antagonists and challenges around. And, one sure way to make expatriate's stay worthwhile, endure homesickness is to find all possible ways to enjoy your self with the camaraderie of others. Might it be a fellow Filipino or not, there are good sides of people too.

I am sure the Filipino community of UAE is ever thankful and as well sharing the pride this nation has achieved for thirty-seven years of challenges and opportunities.

Well, at least I got a day holiday off to relax and contemplate my plans in the coming seasons. Government offices are entitled fifteen-days off and other private offices will have a two day's off in the coming days.

(Photos credits to http://fiveprime.org, http://experiencingtheemirates.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html & http://ofwzone.com

Technorati Tags: Career,Dubai,Home,Party,Patriotism,Philippines,Pinoy in UAE,Work,Opportunities,Living,OFW

Coherence

Because I am lazy, I always missed out coherence in writing sometimes leading to my own confusion. I usually had to reread several times my posted blogs before I will realize my writing is like an uneven painted wall. I always have a habit of firing words and forget nevertheless, I am comfortable doing it that way. It is the coming back that I always feel awful reading it because I knew then I was not doing a good job. But, rather forgetting the discipline of a writer - coherence.

My mistakes too were attributed to not having observed to select the right words for what I meant. I knew selecting the right words for the things I needed to say has to be precise - giving the correct meaning to my thoughts. Why is the English language not so convenient to use sometimes but rather, how do you call it, meticulously necessary?

Coherence is I think the soul of what we are trying to write. While you give your readers a chance to breath through paragraphing, we make sense through it all by observing coherence. Imagine a torso of a man whose spinal chords are weak, they would appear bendy and the threat that they would fall off. All writing must be in harmony with nature. Breathing like a free flowing water.

I've heard this a millionth of times since my school days. Well, I had few literature teachers, having to speak Carabao English most of the time, is very aware of the coherence in writing. I haven't mastered this technique though. And, I continuously committed the mistake of not having to observe this.

So from definition by ANSWERS.COM:

It is the way a writing is logically layed out and connected. If it was an essay, one thing leads on to another, for example one paragraph leads on to another-the main ideas of each paragraph seem to connect but still make sense. this makes the reader feel that your writing is constantly flowing.

It also means you are very consistent in your writing. consistently and continuously through your writing you can connect each paragraph some how, that you can consistently write concisely as well. You can also consistently write in formal English. You can express yourself clearly and continuously through your essay for example.

Technorati Tags: philippines,Lingua Franca,IELTS,Blogging,Language,Rant,Work,Opinions,Lingua,Stress-out,English

Old Photos from the Old Family Chest (Part 2)

 

I don't like it when old photos depict vague untold stories. Un-captioned. I would appreciate to receive any comments from any of my cousins out there regarding this photo. The family lineage could be from that of the Pastorals, Ceniza, Guňez or Fontanosa - I just really don't know.

I'm quite puzzled because nobody in the house recognized the persons wed in this photo either. Nevertheless, I think the couple had good and bad times in their lives. I only wish they had been strong and went through the hard times.

According to my grandmother, this photo was taken sometime during the 1930s. And I forgot to take down notes of everything she told me. There have been lots of photos discussed that day I guess - that's why.

I was actually going to collect old family photos to scanning, restoration and archiving to CD but never got the resources when I was still back home. The materials however original and better always tears-out and aged. When you put them into CD it can be viewed multiple times over the ages. Especially when published such as this one. :-)

Pictures from Home

 

Photos grabbed from my sister Jennifer of Davao, Philippines. Dusk of November 9, 2008. My mother's birthday. No sweeter place like home. Mountain APO shown at hundred miles distance.

My Bus Route 19 Al Muteena

 

Nakita ko sa lumang baul na ilinathala ko nung isang taon na nakalipas. Hindi ko nai-post:

"Sa Bus Pauwi...

Alas saes na ng hapon nang pinili ko'ng sumakay ng Bus Route 19 papuntang Hor Al Anz. Malayo ang iikutan sa papunta sa tinitirhan namin ng kapatid at tatay ko. Pero hindi ko na inisip ang mahabang oras at nakakapagud na biyahe pauwi. Inaaliw ko nalng ang sarili ko sa pag-iisip sa mag-iina ko. Magdadalawang taon na ang bunso ko. Makikilala pa kaya ako nun? nangulila ako sa asawa't mga anak ko.

Nakaka-aliw ang creek na dinadaanan ng bus habang binabaybay ang creek road. Eto na yata ang pinaka 'most pictured spot' ng Dubai.

Mga material na bagay; papuntang Bur Dubai, makikita mo mga naka-display na mga computers, Laptops, CCTVs, Restaurants, magagandang babae, iba-ibang lahi at kung ano ano pa. Sa haba ng biyahe at congested na traffic, makakabuo ka ng pangarap kung di ka mababagot o masusuka sa sangsang ng amoy ng mga tao sa loob ng bus. Minsan, masarap makipag-patayan sa loob sa bigat ng mga problema mo araw-araw sa Dubai at pagkamuhi mo sa amoy nila.

Consuelo ko: Mga bagay na natatandaan ko sa bahay; mga katabing pinoy na nakakakwentuhan. May mga kanya-kanyang istorya ang mga pinoy dito. At madalas ay napupulutan mo ng aral. Pagpasok ng Shindaga, hindi pa tapos ang hassle. Nakaka-stress ang traffic. Dalawang oras mahigit ang biyahe galing Karama papuntang Al Muteena. - (July 2007)"

Sa ngayon, lumipat na kami ng Karama. Lumipat na rin ako ng trabaho sa Deira side ng Dubai. History repeats itself pero medyo relaks na "on the way home".

Davao: Mt. Apo Grandeur

Photo taken during the morning of February 2005. This was taken sometime 6:00 in the morning while me and Ronna is taking a regular walk while she was pregnant for our second baby.