Bush-Gloria against shoes, and the year of the Ox

Just within the week the shoe attack against outgoing US President, George Bush rattled the international media. We have heard of some leaders from merely getting slapped or worse even ambushed, but shoe attack? This is really historical, America never cease to amaze us!

With this scenario, I have some questions such as:
1) I'm just wondering why of all things could be thrown to Pres. Bush was a pair of shoes? Iraqi journalist, Muntazer al-Zaidi jumped up as Bush held a press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, shouted “It is the farewell kiss, you dog” and threw his footwear. He's a journalist, he could throw his microphone, videocam, notebook or even a cellphone. For him to take of his shoes??? Was his seatmates clueless at all to have someone next to you taking off his shoes, especially during a very important affair such as that one? I just remember the words that he called Bush a dog. Throwing footwear is usually associated in penalizing our misbehaved pets, although I'm not a psycologist but I this is the nearest I could get on why the attacker chose the shoe rather than his media paraphernalia. Also, soles of shoes are considered the ultimate insult in Arab culture. After Saddam Hussein’s statue was toppled in Baghdad in April 2003, many onlookers beat the statue’s face with their soles.
2) There were two shoes thrown to Bush consecutively and not at the same time. They say that the secret service or the President or his bodyguards are the wold's elite when it comes to security, but during that event they just acquired a flanked grade in defense. What if it was a knife, or a bomb, or just anything that is fatal? With Bush's aggresive fight in Iraq, haven't they thought that his enemies could really go more dangerous, especially when he'll be visiting that place?
3) So what will happen to Muntazer? I think he was held in custody by the security but what will be his penalty? I believe the attacker was even considered a hero just because of that by some of his native allies, so will he just simply be released? If not, what sanctions will be given to him?

Just last night as I watched my local news on TV, the jobless OFWs were doing the same thing to a picture of Pres. Gloria Arroyo because they wanted to express their remorse in her failure attempt to put them back to work. Considering the OFW remittances makes our Philippine economy stable, the support and attention are really scarce. It's obvious that they would rather talk about "Cha-cha" or 2010 elections rather than facing the real music - global economic crisis.

It was also expressed last night by some grocery store operators that there is a shortage of delivery in some holiday products, seemingly a product hording scheme in order to sell their products at a higher price. In a separate interview, it was assured by DTI that they will look in to this matter and impose sanctions on those businessmen practicing this scheme.

Things really seemed to go worse either in local or abroad, but I hope things will be better. For this I have googled some Chinese Astrology for next year. You may believe on this but actually this is a fun part, dealing with choices. I myself is fond of reading this items just to boost my confidence (the good part in the prediction); whereas for negatives, I just pray and be more cautious in dealing with my choices. So here it goes...

The year of Ox, the heavenly stem and earthly branch are both earth. The earthly branch consists of hidden elements water and gold. The global economy will begin to recover from the financial meltdown. 2009 is a year of opportunities with the emergence of many new global empires following the collapse of big names like Lehman Brothers. Under the new administration of Barack Obama (self element earth person), the Wall Street stock market will recover faster than expected as Barack Obama enters his peak luck cycle. We will see world major economies put aside their differences to overcome the financial crisis. The full impact of the unison can be seen in the second half of 2009.

The property market of United States will continue to recover as 2009 is the year of earth. Employment statistics will improve as United States’ job market bounce back from the financial meltdown. This will in turn lead to an improvement of the world’s stock market. However, many major corporations will also undergo restructuring or even a change in leadership. For further predictions on the luck cycle of key CEOs of key Wall Street corporations, please subscribe to our website updates.

Despite the recovery of stock market, some Asian economies will persist to slowdown. A major event will strike in a key Asia region in 2010. We will release further details concerning this event in the coming year.

• The Chinese year typically starts from February 4 and ends February 3 the next year (although it can vary by one day). That means if you were born in January 1960, you need to look at forecast for the birth year 1959.
• A Ba Zi forecast based solely on zodiac (year) is only 15% of the complete forecast incorporating a person's date and time of birth.

If you're curious about your astrology please refer to this link http://www.masterandygoh.com/content/2009-year-ox-chinese-astrology-ba-zi-forecast

As for the dogs, I will make your life easier since I also fall on this group, sorry guy's there's really special treatment

Dog

1934(76), 1946(64), 1958(52), 1970(40), 1982(28), 1994(16), 2006(4)

This is a year of ups and downs for those born in the year of dog, similar to those born in the year of ram. However, the impact is less as compared to the year of ram. On the positive side, this is one of the best ruling years for you to fulfill your dream. You will be given opportunities to expand your business or even excel in areas you have been planning for years. You will receive a sudden fortune of unexpected wealth. On a negative note, if your wealth is represented by the wood element, 2009 will be an unfortunate year for you. Misfortunate such as operations, break-ups, accidents will befall on you.

The final bout between the Alumni and Makati Basketball Teams

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Alas! The long wait was over as the basketball tournament had just been concluded last December 13, 2008 at the Taft Gymnasium. Two games were set: MBA-JD versus Manila and Alumni versus Makati. It was unfortunate that Manila was sanctioned with default giving the MBA-JD an immediate seat to the 2nd runner-up (the Manila team was not able to complete their line-up prior to the event); however, having witnessed their previous game it would have been a very interesting game to watch. Nevertheless, the championship between the Alumni Paladins and Makati Marksman was able to stir up the heat. It was somehow expected to have the Makati Marksman at the championship since they've won the same title last year but I guess things were more difficult this year. It was the first time to have an alumni team battling along with our students during a sportsfest, especially for basketball. Indeed they have not even failed bringing their audience to cheer them during the games, probably one of the reasons they have performed astonishingly with zero defeats throughout the entire Olympics. So watching them at the last game was indeed entertaining especially during the last quarter where Makati Marksman always managed to inch up its score to put the Alumni Paladins in such excruciating and heart-pounding situation.

Sweat to sweat, the game went really hard as each players from both separate teams exerted extreme efforts in making good scores just to assume a favorable lead and it was just a matter of few time left when the Alumni got the best opportunity to beat the previous hailed champion of GSB Olympics.

Definitely the hardwork of Alumni has been paid off who is now our Basketball Champion for GSB Olympics 2008! Kudos to the Alumni Paladins!

Here we are at last! GSB Olympics Championship

The long wait is over! Since the opening of the GSB Olympics last November 15 up to the Championship night this Saturday. Timing is great as we just come after the victory of Pacman over dela Hoya, the conclusion of the Philippine Survivor, and the series of bountiful Christmas festivities, so when will be the most exciting day than December 13, 2008?

Our apologies for those hassles caused by strict re-enforcement of ID policy from the security department and rest assured that it's for the better purpose so kindly be reminded to bring your IDs upon gracing the event.

Again, thank you to all players of all sport events: bowling, volleyball, badminton, billiards and basketball. We also would like to extend our utmost gratitude to the faculty members who have allowed us to do announcements during our registration campaign, the success of this activity is for all of us to cherish as we gear our students with sufficient opportunities.

Also to our alumni who continually keep in touch and still manage to join student activities and fund-raising projects such as this one.

Lastly, thank you to all members of the Student Council - Makati, Ortigas, Manila and MBA-JD. I know it's very hard for us to manage our schedules and still having a good rapport with you guys is indeed overwhelming. We still have another term to go and yes we can do more good stuff to our fellow students. Let's support the exciting GSB Night of the Manila Student Council, coming soon!

Revisited David and Goliath in Pacmam and de la Hoya Boxing match

It was really expected that last December 6, during the boxing fight between Pacquiao and de la Hoya, crime rate will be zero. The announcement of this match glued all spectators of both boxing legends and even have made numerous predictions of how the boxing match would turn out to be, most of them favoured the Mexican. Even Filipinos were separated on their views and thinking of this fight more of mismatch due to very distinct physical attributes such as height, weight and years of experience. On the other hand, Pacman never showed any qualms of pursuing this fight, perhaps his most ambitious attempt so far in his boxing career. Just like David and Goliath, the small but courageous Pacman, who was David in the ring, proved that it was a matter of passion that ceases all measurements!

Better days to come

Now I got a nice title to start and have you ever wondered that this seemed to be irrelevant? Indeed it is December and few days from now we'll be feasting on the date that we have been waiting for, Christmas! It was said to be every BER months wherein people would feel so christmasy: people are becoming nice, generous, thoughtful, and other beautiful and unexpected events that would make us anticipate the holidays season even more. It was indeed promising that we have witnessed the historic political triumph of the first African-American President of US, but just few days earlier than his confirmation of the election results, we already have experienced a prologue of mishaps such as the global economic crisis that aches almost all countries in the globe, the political drama local and abroad, and many more in which one or the other affects our current situation. Are we really getting near to Armageddon?

It has been 2 months now since I left my job for the purpose of dealing more with my passion and aiming for career development. It was indeed hard but I came to think that I need to be fair with my company because I no longer feel the excitement of reporting to the office, thus make me become unproductive (definitely not me). So I decided to leave and as days pass by, as I needed more time for soul-searching, series of events as stated earlier puts me into such a depressing mood. Though I even have my family's support but it seemed that fate and dreams are tougher to merge and be realized. It was really depressing that sometimes I would just wish to have a magical genie and asks for big fortunes. I also even think that the world is unfair because of the news and as how I observe those corrupt government officials, insane celebrities, and just any other apathetic homosapiens getting an extravaganza in their lives! Why does it seemed to be very hard to be successful for most of us who even seemed to deserve more than them? Why can't we be all lucky? Currently, I feel bad because I'm like a bum and I never intended to be for a long time. Just after knowing my plans, I'm back on track scouting for my dream job and this time I am even more enthusiastic. My country needs more working and inspiring men.

Yes this is perhaps one of ways to express myself and release further my tension. I know there are more people who might even be more in trouble, as empty-pocketed like me. I may not need to go to Quiapo just to pray for a miracle, but I believe perhaps God is even reading this blog right now. One thing I have learned during my seminary formation (yup read my profile), nothing would go wrong as long as you are with Him. I am praying that amidst the scary statements of the economists, we can still see hope afterall we have probably know this by now that we just have to open our eyes wider. So don't be depressed and smile, opportunities will always be there but we just have to work harder this time. Soon all things will be running smoothly, don't ever lose hope. "Better days to come, better days to come" recite this as we watch news and let this words strengthen our efforts in order to achieve our goals.

Buried alive: 4th Impeachment case against Pres. GMA?

This is probably one of the sequels in our political drama where people are becoming frustrated than ever. For simple laymen such as myself, would even puke out due to very sensational publicities from either of the camps (pro or anti Gloria) are doing. There are really a lot of strings attached to 2010 elections, scams, murders and so much more than even up to know are not yet concluded. Why? I lost my interest in politics due to lack of sincerity and credibility of our government officials. It is very frustrating that later we would witness how their own personal political interest surfaces and be of their real concern rather than showing the truth! Why don't they just have the balls to stand on their principles?!

Let me just provide you the impeachment matters as I have referred on my reliable source, GMA 7 News and perhaps let you decide. Sometimes I even wonder that it would be great to restore the legislative system before when the greater people just decided by themselves rather than represented by some nincompoops either in the senate or congress. I just really hope they rot in hell! I rather call them hoodlums than officials. People familiarize yourselves with these people and be more intelligent by replacing them next elections.

SUMMARY OF 2008 IMPEACHMENT COMPLAINT
Prepared by Atty. Neri Javier Colmenares
Bayan Muna General Counsel


The impeachment complaint that will be filed is in accordance with Art. XI section 2 and 3 of the Constitution. It is a verified Complaint, in the name of the Filipino people and for the Filipino people, to impeach and bring to trial Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, for her betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption and other high crimes.

The Complainants are:

Jose De Venecia III, Editha Burgos, Erlinda Cadapan, Rolex Suplico, Josefina Lichauco, Harry Roque, Renato Constantino, Jr., Henri Kahn, Francisco Alcuaz, Rez Cortez, Virgilio Eustaquio, Jose Luis Alcuaz, Leah Navarro, Danilo Ramos, Concepcion Empeño, Elmer Labog, Armando Albarillo, Roneo Clamor, and Bebu Bulchand


Its complaint’s main causes of actions are:

I. NBN-ZTE

RESPONDENT COMMITTED BETRAYAL OF PUBLIC TRUST AND BRIBERY WHEN SHE (i) ABETTED AND/OR TOLERATED THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME IN REGARD TO THE ANOMALOUS “ZTE NATIONAL BROADBAND CONTRACT", (ii) KNOWINGLY AND WILLFULLY OBSTRUCTED, IMPEDED OR DELAYED THE APPREHENSION OF SUSPECTS AND THE INVESTIGATION OF CRIMINAL CASES ARISING FROM THE SAME, AND (iii) PARTICIPATING AND GIVING SUPPORT TO OR APPROVING THE NBN-ZTE BROADBAND CONTRACT DESPITE HER KNOWLEDGE THAT THE SAME IS TAINTED WITH GRAFT AND CORRUPTION.


II. HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

RESPONDENT COMMITTED CULPABLE VIOLATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION, BETRAYAL OF PUBLIC TRUST AND OTHER HIGH CRIMES BY EXPLICITLY AND IMPLICITLY CONSPIRING, DIRECTING, ABETTING, AND TOLERATING WITH IMPUNITY AS A STATE POLICY, EXTRAJUDICIAL EXECUTIONS, INVOLUNTARY DISAPPEARANCES, TORTURE, MASSACRE, ILLEGAL ARREST AND ARBITRARY DETENTION, FORCED DISLOCATION OF COMMUNITIES AND OTHER GROSS AND SYSTEMATIC VIOLATIONS OF CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS AND ENGAGING IN A SYSTEMATIC CAMPAIGN TO COVER-UP OR WHITEWASH THESE CRIMES BY SUPPRESSING AND OBLITERATING THE EVIDENCE, BLAMING THE VICTIMS, TERRORIZING, INTIMIDATING AND PHYSICALLY ATTACKING WITNESSES, THEIR RELATIVES, LAWYERS AND SUPPORTERS, AND HUMAN RIGHTS WORKERS.

III. NORTHRAIL

RESPONDENT COMMITTED CULPABLE VIOLATION OF THE CONSTITUTION BY ENTERING INTO THE NORTHRAIL PROJECT WITHOUT THE REQUISITE APPROVAL OF THE MONETARY BOARD AND WITHOUT GIVING PREFERENCE TO FILIPINO LABOR AND INVESTMENT.

RESPONDENT, BY APPROVING THE OVERPRICED NORTHRAIL PROJECT, VIOLATED SECTION 3 (G) OF RA 3019.

IV. THE MT. DIWALWAL PROJECT

RESPONDENT BETRAYED THE PUBLIC TRUST BY SELLING THE COUNTRY’S GOLD RESERVES IN MT. DIWALWAL TO THE ALREADY CONTROVERSIAL ZTE CORPORATION UNDER THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT THAT ARE GROSSLY DISADVANTAGEOUS TO THE COUNTRY’S INTERESTS.

V. FERTILIZER SCAM CONSTITUTIVE OF GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

RESPONDENT COMMITTED GRAFT AND CORRUPTION, BY PROFITING FROM THE FERTILIZER SCAM, VIOLATED SECTION 3 (B) OF RA 3019.

VI. BRIBERY OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

RESPONDENT COMMITTED BRIBERY WHEN SHE AUTHORIZED THE DISTRIBUTION OF BRIBE MONEY TO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS IN EXCHANGE FOR THE HASTY REFERRAL OF THE PULIDO IMPEACHMENT COMPLAINT TO PREVENT THE FILING OF GENUINE IMPEACHMENT COMPLAINT.

VII. ELECTORAL FRAUD IN 2004 CONSITUTIVE OF BETRAYAL OF PUBLIC TRUST AND GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

RESPONDENT BETRAYED PUBLIC TRUST BY TAMPERING WITH THE RESULTS OF THE 2004 ELECTIONS.

RESPONDENT COMMITTED GRAFT AND CORRUPTION, THROUGH HER INVOLVEMENT IN THE “HELLO GARCI" SCANDAL, VIOLATED SECTION 3 (A) OF RA 3019.


FOR THE NBN-ZTE DEAL

There were many irregularities in the NBN ZTE transaction. Among the irregularities was the lack of proper bidding procedures before awarding the contract to ZTE. The acts of the DOTC in awarding the contract to ZTE, without competitive bidding and in blatant violation of the law on procurement, was the act of respondent Arroyo. The President not only failed to implement the law, she, more importantly, violated the law which she was tasked to do.

All the elements of the crime of direct bribery, through the second mode—i.e., where the gift is received in consideration of an act which does not constitute a crime—are present in the transaction, to wit:

a) Respondent is the President of the Republic of the Philippines;

b) Respondent accepted the promise of bribe money from ZTE officials, as Chairman Abalos told the ZTE officials that the President is waiting for the money promised to them;

c) Respondent accepted promise of bribe money so that the ZTE-NBN deal, which is clearly overpriced, will push through;

d) The approval of the ZTE-NBN deal is connected to the performance of her official duties since she was the approving authority to the contract.

HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s culpability and responsibility for the extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture and other human rights violations, through her state security forces including the AFP and the PNP are clearly established. It is well to stress that the political killings and disappearances are concentrated in Southern Tagalog, Central Luzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Ilocos and the Cordillera – places that have been identified in Oplan Bantay Laya as “priority areas" and where “counter-insurgency" military operations are most intense and sustained. Several victims have survived their ordeal and lived to tell the horrors of state terrorism against its very own people.

The evidences in the disappearances of Jonas Burgos, Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño point to the AFP as responsible for the said disappearances. Even the Court of Appeals has declared that the AFP took into custody Sherlyn and Karen and ordered the Philippine Army to surface both students. In the case of the abduction of the Manalo Brothers, the Supreme Court itself has affirmed the responsibility of the AFP in the abduction and torture of Reynaldo and Raymond Manalo.

That the killings and disappearances form part of a policy under Pres. Arroyo’’s counter insurgency program has been confirmed by UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston who declared that “One response has been counter-insurgency operations that result in the extrajudicial execution of leftist activists. In some areas, the leaders of leftist organizations are systematically hunted down by interrogating and torturing those who may know their whereabouts, and they are often killed following a campaign of individual vilification designed to instill fear into the community"

The attacks on communities, various sectors such as the media, church people, and party list groups, and many other heinous human rights violations are not only criminal acts but also acts intended to preserve Pres. Arroyo’s stay in power and an abuse of her powers as president and therefore a ground for her impeachment.

In the case of Pastor Berlin Guerrero, the Court of Appeals quoted the Supreme Court which chastised the Department of Justice for prostituting the office of the prosecutor for the abuse of procedures to harass political opponents of the president. Prof. Alston on the other hand while dismayed at the enthusiasm of the executive in filing cases against dissenters, bewailed the lack of investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators of extra judicial killings and enforced disappearances.

Pres. Arroyo also violated human rights through the implementation other policies such as the Calibrated Preemptive Response, Proclamation 1017 imposing emergency rule in the country, and EO 464.

NORTHRAIL PROJECT

Respondent committed culpable violation of the Constitution by entering into the Northrail project without the requisite approval of the Monetary Board and without giving preference to Filipino labor and investment.

During negotiations and after the contract was signed, allegations of overpricing and questions on the feasibility of relocating 40,000 residents started to hound the project.

According to reports, the North rail reconstruction costs US$15 million per kilometer, more expensive than the ground-breaking 2,000-km Qinghai to Tibet system, which only cost US$3.6 billion, or US$1.8 million per kilometer. A substantial part of the initial down payment allegedly went to kickbacks and payoffs. Since 2004, the Philippine government has reportedly paid out P1.4 billion for the project that has yet to commence, with interest payments amounting to a massive P1 million a day.

It was said that the amount of $125.75 million (P6.5 billion) has already been advanced out of the $503-million funding, and yet the project, scheduled to be completed in May this year, appears to be heading nowhere. The loan was allegedly contracted without the approval of the Monetary Board as required by Section 20, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution.

Under the agreement, the China National Machinery and Equipment Corporation Group (CNMEG), a Chinese corporation, was designated as the prime contractor of the project. This designation was made without providing qualified Filipino contractors and corporations the opportunity to bid for the project.

Moreover, the contract was entered into in violation of Sections 10 and 12 of Article XII of the Constitution which gives preference to Filipino labor and investment.

The contract did not even go through competitive public bidding, which not only prejudiced the rights of qualified Filipino contractors and corporations, but blatantly violated the provisions of the Procurement Reform Act. While admittedly, there are exceptions where competitive public bidding may be dispensed with, these exceptions do not apply in the selection of CNMEG as a contractor.

Furthermore, by approving the overpriced Northrail Project, Pres. Arroyo violated Section 3 (g) of RA 3019.By giving the Northrail project to the Export-Import Bank of China, respondent not only committed culpable violation of the Constitution, but also violated Section 3 (g) of RA 3019, which provides:

(g) Entering, on behalf of the government, into any contract or transaction manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the same, whether or not the public officer profited or will profit thereby.

The said project is manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the government for the following reasons:

a. It is grossly overpriced;

b. It is based on a grossly inflated estimate of the project cost in the amount of US$ 503,000,000, for a 32.2 kilometer length of rail line, or an average of nearly US$ 16 million (P900 million) per kilometre, exclusive of the costs for clearing, relocation, and resettlement of informal dwellers occupying the railroad Right of Way;

c. It provides for an interest rate of three percent (3%) per annum on the amount of the loan, which is much higher than the rate on other loan packages the Republic of the Philippines could have availed of;

d. It provides that the Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the People’s Republic of China, and that any suit, legal action or proceeding arising from the agreement may be brought before the courts of that country, without prejudice to the Export-Import Bank of China commencing any action, at its option, against the Republic of the Philippines or its property in any other jurisdiction. Such one-sided concession unduly favors the Export-Import Bank of China and is extremely onerous to the Republic of the Philippines.

e. Article 5 of the agreement provides that control over the proceeds of the loan is not placed with the Republic of the Philippines but is retained by the Export-Import Bank of China. This prevents the funds from becoming part of the National Treasury in contravention of the Constitution and applicable laws.

MT. DIWALWAL MINING PROJECT

Respondent betrayed the public trust by selling the country’s gold reserve in Mt. Diwalwal to China’s already controversial ZTE corporation under the terms of an agreement that are grossly disadvantageous to the country’s interests.

Respondent herself signed through her agent, Trade Secretary Peter Favila, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ZTE effectively giving away 90 percent of the country's gold reserve in Mt. Diwalwal, Compostela Valley.

The country stands to lose in the agreement because based on a P200-million study conducted by the Philippine Mining Development Corp., the gold reserve in Mt. Diwalwal is worth at least $1 billion. The government, under the agreement, is only entitled to 10 percent of the find while ZTE, an entity which virtually has no experience in the mining sector, gets the lion share of 90 percent. For this, respondent is likewise liable for graft and corruption.

Moreover, the respondent, through her agent, Sec. Peter Favila, betrayed the public trust when she agreed to a provision in the five-page MOU requiring that the deal should be kept from the Filipino people.

Electoral Fraud, Fertilizer Scam, Bribery in the Sham Pulido complaint

Other than the above, Pres. Arroyo also committed bribery when she bribed members of Congress to dismiss the genuine impeachment complaints in favor of the sham Pulido complaint. She also committed impeachable offenses for her involvement in the fertilizer scam, and electoral fraud in 2004 by tampering with the election results of the presidential election and by her involvement in the Hello Garci scandal.

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

Complainants ask that the impeachment complaint be immediately referred to the House Justice Committee so that a genuine processing of the complaint is undertaken, and that the House of Representatives approve the same and therewith draft the Articles of Impeachment so that a trial in the Senate may be undertaken to find out whether indeed Pres. Gloria Arroyo committed the impeachable offenses charged and therefore should be removed from office for the said acts.

8 Signs of Christmas

Ok this will be my second list of 8's and allow me to be consistent with my following observations that Christmas is indeed fast approaching.
1) BER - definitely once the last part of the months' name turned to BER, it's definitely Christmas. Everybody would perhaps be doing a lot of reservations for their Christmas parties as well, we simply have to be prompt or else we might run out of alternatives where to held our festive corporate function.
2) Cold - Literally there will be a series of rains, floods and anything that we can associate with coldness. In a tropical climate such as our country, the months near Christmas is actually the start of rainy season so anywhere you go you can expect raincoats, umbrellas, and jackets to be on sale. Figuratively, people will try to overcome coldness by doing the next in our list.
3) Unexpected call, invitations or just people getting in touch - Do you still remember when was the last time you talked or even received a text message from your friend/s? When all occasions, only during Christmas when you can really expect to clog your inbox message. You would also find to have a difficulty of reaching them by call since a lot of people are doing this, especially during Christmas eve. Observe that every Holidays, text messages can be expected to be received with delay and this is very often during Christmas and New Year. I guess this is also the time for our "frienemies" (friend and enemies at the same time or by season) or estranged someone to actually confront us and would try to rekindle the good relationship we have with them.
4) Christmas Sale - 50% to even to an unbelievable freebie are spreading like spilled water in the malls. Posters, banners, tv ads, and many more are depicting big savings and attracts you to immediately consume your 15-day hardwork to an hour of shopping spree. Then probably too late for us to realize that we still have another 15 days to live.
3) Christmas lights - when during ordinary days where some streets in Manila could be so dark, this Holiday probably be a way for us to assist our government in lighting our areas. Also a reason that may sometimes be over-dramatically applied by some of us who almost would like to appear their homes as if it were a giant bulb!
2) Christmas songs / albums - I am one of those who collects Christmas album because one thing is for sure, it will always be a pop music during Christmas. Even our old folks can perhaps be proud to put Nat King Cole or late singers into play in our surround and base sound systems and we can't complain because that's the way Christmas songs are. Also from local to international music, we can expect our favorite performers to have their own version of "Oh Holy Night", "Joy to the World", and many more.
1) The moment we see Christmas hams, fruit cakes or just even a witness of long lines in the grocery stores, definitely people are preparing for their Noche Buena or Christmas Dinner. Also the moment we become conscious that some of our favorite foods are becoming expensive, it's really one occasion we cannot just pass by without being guilty of gluttony!

So here are the signs we are probably seeing right now as we have few days to go before Christmas. I have stated things that are really obvious and which all of us can actually relate well but I just hope that amidst our hectic preparation of making this Holiday Season truly a success, always remember that Christmas is not about how much we can spend in terms of monetary value but the real essence is how we can truly identify to the real meaning of Christmas and that's the birth of Jesus and for who we should pay the best tribute of all. Philippines is indeed one country who celebrates Christmas probably the longest. We are also good Church goers for we even come to hear the Rooster's Mass or Misa de Gallo. I believe that this is really the real sign of Christmas where people are becoming kinder, happier and truly a Believer!

2008's 8 Most Important People in Philippine Entertainment

The year 2008 is a success to our local entertainment industry, perhaps we have almost celebrated a lot of projects from our idols but I can say there are really those who seemed to hit the jackpot this year and are still deemed to continually receive enviable paychecks by next year. So let me just provide the 7 people who I ranked to have succeeded this year. The criteria are based on the the extent of their exposure plus their projects' magnitude of success within the year. Let me start from number seven so that I can put a little more excitement as we go through with the list.

7) KC Concepcion - This femme fatale is indeed worth of wait. A lot of people anticipated her projects from commercials until she had an initial share in the box office hit movie, "For the First Time". It grossed P14 million during the first showing day of the movie and she is even an official songstress with her debut album , a.k.a Cassandra. Definitely next year we'll be hearing more from her and let's wait if we can see a movie that will re-unite her mom and dad, Sharon and Gabby.

6) Sarah Geronimo- She is indeed a multi-media princess of today's generation of stars. From her successful movie tandem with John Lloyd up to her series of singing stints both in local and abroad.

5) Regine Velasquez - From her very stable and successful career, the Songbird finally got her own personal triumph with her love life. Then we can also commend her share with Kim Sam Soon's sky-rocketing tv ratings, plus a very good and interesting album entitled Low Keys.

4) Dingdong and Marian - they both share this year's success and even perhaps sharing something more together. Aside from their tandems they even have their own separate gimmicks such as commercials. Just now, they are certified box office couple for their movie "One True Love", plus the the very successful tv series: Marimar and Dyesebel.

3) Judy Ann Santos - no one can stop this girl getting more. Aside from her culinary skills, entrepreneurial projects, the inclusion of "Ploning" in the Academy Awards in foreign movies category is indeed something we Filipinos can truly be proud of.

2) Charice Pampenco - the success of this singer is one concrete proof that a real talent need not to be expensive, just the right opportunity. Now she is performing internationally along Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocceli and her ultimate idol, Celine Dion. She was even interviewed by extremely influential people in US such as Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey. We just can't wait until she finally achieves a number 1 rank in the US Billboard chart.

1) Manny Pacquiao - nearly few days before his match with Goldenboy, Oscar dela Hoya, Pacman is indeed considered a modern hero for us Filipinos and it will be a great treat that could help us temporarily forget both our political and economic depressions if he would win his match. Anyway, whatever will be outcome of his fight, still Pacman deserves this position. By the way, it is official that Manny will be the cover model of the Readers Digest for next month and it was said to be working good with the publishing's subscription sales.

Again the list is just based on my own perception and you may either agree with me or not. I may not be a columnist or a reporter in media but I guess we are all entitled with our own opinions and rest assured that this was done objectively and based on my keen observations. The list is definitely a result of my own share of participation by watching their movies, reading articles about them, buying their original CDs, and many more.

Cheers for Vodka!

Party, party, party. Definitely a lot of people are busy right now organizing their parties for offices, schools, and personal functions. From the food menu that they will splurge on and other crazy games, drinks will definitely a fun stuff for everyone to anticipate. Yup, I started with malt beers, actually with soda, as my first party beverage. For some people they prefer hard liquors such as rums, brandies, vodkas and other foreign liquids that would drowse them. Maybe it really varies with regards to taste, such as myself who prefer vodkas over the rest. I like its ability to compliment ordinary sweet drinks and then to convert it to something aggressive like Bloody Mary. It's also safe in terms of smell, so people hardly notice whether you got drunk unless you behave to be drunk.
Vodka is a distilled beverage. It is a clear liquid which consists of mostly water and ethanol purified by distillation — often multiple distillation — from a fermented substance, such as grain (usually rye or wheat), potatoes or sugar beet molasses, and an insignificant amount of other substances such as flavorings or unintended impurities. Vodka usually has an alcohol content of 35% to 50% by volume.It also has a health related benefits. According to an Italian research, in a preliminary research, two shots a day of vodka is comparably helpful to combat diabetes.In fact, it can be used to ward off mellitus diabetes, or non-insulin dependent Type 2 diabetes. This was discovered by the researchers of the Biomedical Engineering Institute of the National Research Council (CNR) of Padua, in collaboration with the researchers of the Department of Experimental Medicine of the Padua General Hospital.
Also for a better experience, try changing your beers, leave it to your grandpas and just enjoy the clarity and exciting taste of vodka. My suggested brands are: Absolut, if you want it to be plain and if it's too strong for you just add your clear cola (Sprite / 7up) or tonic water, Smirnoff flavoured vodkas like the blueberry and lemon, and there's also Arctic Melon vodka. Hint: Vodka is best serve ice cold. So drink up and be cool on with it.

Christmas bazaar spots

Hi there! Have you run through your Christmas list? Have you figured it out what and how much to give to your family, friends, officemates, and just to anybodyelse? Don't freak out, giving should not be stressful but should instead be an opportunity for you to relax and enjoy the ambiance of the Yuletide season. Anyway here are my suggestions so that it would not only be enjoyable, and exciting
1) Avoid giving generic gifts such as mugs or pens. Believe me, they already have a cabinet full of those. Stop being sentimental, try to be more logical or practical by providing them gifts that would excite them. Gift certificate is one good choice. Aside that you have your range of preference with regards to price. Your recipient would also enjoy that since they have power to choose. Another good thing about listing, you have enough time to think of all people you care most and probably budget your gifts accordingly.
2) With the list, where are the great places where you can buy these stuff? Probably in a bookstore, in a specialty shop like antiques or sports house. Remember to become more wise not just by spending your money but also your effort and time!
3) Assuming that everybody will be on vacation this Holiday Season, when will be the best time for you to give them. Christmas gifts are preferred to be received and meant to be unwrapped on Christmas Day and not a month after. Target your due on Christmas parties or reunions as much as possible. It would also be ideal just to meet them personally during weekends. Think as if it is bar hopping, this time it's house hopping.
So that will be all to help you make a good plan with your generous activity. Again guys, it's the thought that counts and the moment December 25 strikes our calendar all people who we are connected to would somehow expect to be remembered. Let's not fail them and make this season something to cherish.

Merry Christmas!!!

Update on GSB Olympics: Basketball and Volleyball

Came November 8 and the Makati Student Council started the event with an opening ceremony as attended by Vice-Dean, Prof. Pia Manalastas, who gave the opening remarks while the president of the Makati Student Council, Mr. John Paolo Jose, gave the Introduction of the event. Sportsfest is indeed a good avenue not just to improve physical endurance but furthermore to establish good rapport among students. The events are widely participated by all campuses: Makati, Manila, and Ortigas. Also we have invited the DBA (those who are taking doctoral in business) degree students, MBA-JD (those who are taking the law and MBA course), and the alumni of GSB. The first day featured the games between Ortigas and Alumni, which favored the latter. Then followed by MBA-JD and Manila, the game also favored the latter team with such intense scoring results.

In its second streak, two events are held on November 15 and these were volleyball and basketball. Basketball aligned its first game between Ortigas and Manila which gave another win to the latter team. On the second game of basketball, it seemed that the winning remained in favor with Alumni. This made both Alumni and Manila teams with 2 consecutive triumphs while putting Makati, Ortigas, and MBA-JD in upset. Meanwhile, the mix team of volleyball have a best of 3 game between MBA and MBA-JD only. For th first face-off, MBA-JD left the MBA in an instant shock of beating. Due to that, MBA toned their muscles a bit and gave MBA-JD two consecutive defeats which gained them the prize as best team in volleyball.

The days are indeed excruciating but definitely exciting, tomorrow will be the bowling and billiards game at MOA. Wondering who will be our winners and losers? Come and visit us at 1000H in at the Bowling Center, ground floor of the mall. See you!

What's in your Christmas list?

Hi guys probably been wondering where to buy your gift now. Anyway, I'm sure by now there are many bazaars set up in you areas but the most convenient will be in the malls but if you are thrilled strolling to various Christmas kiosks then go for it. I myself is now doing my holiday spree and I just wanted to help you out as well. I'm sure you are one of those people, admittedly, have used to getting lots of gifts but also have considered recycling due to unquantifiable stocks of that kind Well we earnestly thank those givers but rest assured that we really do appreciate them by sharing your gifts to those who we find be needing it more. Anyway here are the suggestions to all our generous givers in order to minimize the possibility of this thing to happen According to popular website in the internet, "All things Christmas.com, the following items will definitely be the best purchase to give this Holiday Season and we want you to express your preference on them by feeding the specific details. Let's say for magazine subscription it would be Time magazine. So are you ready? Go.

Have you ever tried?

"You know what? You can't make it",or perhaps, "it's totally impossible", these two statements are really absurd. Before it was said that metals can't fly, but what did the Orville and Wilbur invented? They just made an airplane, a steel aircraft that makes people fly. How do we consider historical events? Isn't it whenever we have recorded our firsts and by achieving what-we-so-called triumphs, these are indeed extraordinary. When things come from figment of imagination and do daring stuff to challenge the fact, especially if it ifs for good, change is indeed moral.

For the past few years of my life, I believe I was so idealistic of becoming a successful man in business. I said perhaps getting the best course, good school, nice grades and various medals can make my dream to be certain. However, these are not guarantees as you go to the real world of business. When the economy is fluctuating and even worsened by political quandaries you may just can't help to think how and why your teachers in college had been giving you useless information and brain-squeezing quizzes. So it's as if your were freshman once more, discovering how things are really going on in the corporate world. Admittedly, I'm ne of those people who just dared to accept a job for the reason of just earning and not really considering will I ever stay long in the job. Perhaps this dilemma is common to young professionals and even to the employers as well. I can say that I made myself considerate to my bosses, for five years I have had two jobs. These two are very much in line to my course in college and I have had earned satisfactorily but I just can't help to think that I am indeed lost, as if I were one of those men in the survivor series. So I decided to move on with my life without really knowing where will I go. After a month of reigning from my bread and butter, I became a bum with a lot of issues. Well I have applied numerously but the thing is, I can't find that job that would truly make me feel excited. During my lucrative time spending, I have been reading self-help books such as entrepreneurial biographies, business behavior development, and even spiritual discernment. Now, I,m back on track and simply know what I want. All past few days I have been praying so hard for the right opportunity to come. Before it even came to a point that I became very bitter and grumpy about everything but I was just thankful that miracles do happen, we just really have to open our eyes and be more persevering. You probably been wondering what I am doing now or will be doing to this my so-called good job, well I still can't tell you because I still have my final interview with their big boss but I know that this was really for me.
If I have remained my previous jobs, I would never know that my dream is afterall possible. I thank Obama for this, I thank Cory for this, I thank the Wright brothers for this, I thank those people and things who and which made me stronger to achieve my dreams one at a time. As simple as the cliche, "try and try until you succeed", but it is really an overwhelming challenge to all of us. As for now, I'm making my move but how about you? Have you ever tried?

Obama's USA's historic President-elect!

Since 2 days ago as if Philippines were part of USA states, all news programs have been covering and reporting important details of the 2008 USA Presidential Election. Good for them, it only took them within 24 hours to know the results unlike here in our country where election protests still continues even the term have already expired. But how significant really is this event to us? Some economists even say that Pres. Obama might even implement some economic plans for USA that would affect our country's BPO industry. Well still is to early to comment on this but let's just say that high hopes are set for him. Expectations to him is comparable to our former Pres. Corazon Aquino, who everyone thought "She's the One", yet numerous coup d' etat occurred. Will this be the same fate for him?

Obama in Philippines

Finally, as expected by most Americans, Barack Obama wins in U.S.A. making him avail number 44 in US Presidential roster. This is even more historic as it makes him the 1st Black-American President of U.S.A. Philippines: So what? Well, we all know that based in our history, we Filipinos, have been benchmarking our lifestyle with the Americans. They say that is due to the shared experience our forefathers had with them during World War 2. Since then, we have been coordinating with them that even seemed that we are almost losing our identities as Filipinos. Well people may argue more on this issue but why do you think Obama makes the best choice for most Americans on this presidential race? Time is indeed changing and even some newscasters in America have pointed out how different will it be for them to have such a liberated President. But I guess Americans are good "Change-ERS" and have always been open-minded on things. This is what I think will be a good example for our politicians in 2010 Elections. Most will clamor change but how significant and how real will they be, let's wait and see. (you may click on the highlighted texts to direct you to the details of USA election courtesy from CNN)

Is US ready for CHANGE?

The US Elections is definitely arousing our global interest. For the past months, even non-American voters such as I, people all over the world were glued on how a black man can out-stage the popular Senator and former first lady of Bill Clinton, Hillary. Now his battle continues as the November 4 Presidential elections is fast approaching. His triumph would mean a lot not just because it historical, for he would be the first black-American President, furthermore because He proposes to make a lot of changes such as in tax and in American regulations. For the conventional, mostly who supports his predecessor George W. Bush and adversary John Mccain, this would spell trouble especially to the current economy that US is facing. They believe that this is not the opportune time to have radical changes and even promote "socialism" throug redistribution of wealth (as one of the economy boosting plans of Barack). Giving Barack the chance to lead US may definitely change America and whether he's doing a better move than McCain, perhaps America can give him a wise try. Why not? They have 2 Bush as Presidents already so perhaps it won't be bad to shift for a change. McCain is good but sometimes same menu won't give the same thrill of deciding for the best option unless you would choose what's really unusual. I am confident that either ways, US economy will be in good hands for these 2 presidential candidates but making Obama the president would mean so much more. This proves racial discrimination in US had finally come to an end. After all, the most famous celebrities in US are even blacks so why not for a President this time? America has nothing to lose, if they are afraid that Obama might make wrong decisions well he will not be the first one right? Gosh, what are they so frantic of they still have the senate and other local leaders. So if ever I'll be given a chance to vote now, I'll go for him. Brack Obama is educated, with reputable political experience and definitely American!

So what's your Hallo-win Plan?

I used to remember how typical my both "All Saints' Day" & "All Souls' Day" were back when I was obliged to accompany my mom to the cemetery, but now she's in the U.S., so I guess I'll be having a different one this year. I recall, after the cemetery we just gather in our home and enjoy a sumptuous meal prepared by mom to be shared with the rest of my clan. The holidays also served as our reunion, eerie right? Well, perhaps just to have a head-count of those relatives who are still alive, kidding aside. Nowadays, as people are becoming more liberated and impersonal to some traditions such as myself, we are looking forward to some events such as parties or just a long weekend of stress-busters by watching a movie, talking to friends, having beach get-aways and divulging to wide-menu of food treats.

Perhaps, gone are the days when Filipinos were so religious, or those who pretended to be one, who observes these particular days as-if-Holy Week! We have accepted that trick-or-treating is the new gimmick which I believe to be helpful especially to a very stressful lifestyles that we deal today. It was said that Halloween started in the earlier years to be more of a ceremony to acknowledge the dead souls who once believed to pass the earth during these days. As time progresses and as mix in cultures occurs, beliefs and traditions evolves to become more appealing and practical. I believe it will come a time in our country that we would no longer visit the cemeteries as of often as we used to. As almost all commodities increases, people would think that gassing-up for cemetery visits would no longer be practical or perhaps even healthy. Besides, in religious sense, praying can be more useful regardless of location.

Another fun part are the ways we express our interest to scare ourselves. I'm sure by this day, you have bought/rented numerous horror films in DVDs. I myself was even annually glued to a Halloween-special of the defunct "Magandang Gabi Bayan" as hosted by our Vice-President, Noli de Castro. I admit that I easily have goosebumps upon watching horror flicks or just listening to scary folklore and I just really find them entertaining, though sometimes I even hardly fall asleep.

Whatever we used of doing or planned to change of doing this year, just remember our loved ones who were with us and unfortunately passed away. Pray- pray for their souls, pray for our own souls as well.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Sign up for GSB Olympics SY 2008-2009

Dear Fellow Students, the Graduate Student Council is now searching for athletes in the upcoming GSB Olympics. From this week onwards, you may expect council officers doing some room to room announcements and will distribute registration forms to your respective class officers. We are encouraging everyone to please take this opportunity to extend your contacts and most importantly be physically fit! This event is also a fund-raising project that will aid future student development activities. Let me also take this opportunity that this project is also open for sponsorship. Very enticing packages awaits our generous sponsors such as the wide arrays of media mileage and promotions, very timely for the last quarter of the year.

So register and become part of the sporty Green Archer's Team!

DLSU-GSB Inducts the Student Forum Officers S.Y. 08-09

The officers of the GSB Student Council from Manila, Makati, Ortigas and MBA-JD campuses/program took their oath of office in St. La Salle Hall of GSB’s RCBC Campus last September 26, 2008. The oath-taking ceremony was made solemn by a mass entitled “One Spirit”, a healing mass for the term ahead. It was officiated by Rev. Takele Tesfaye, a fellow MBA student. Present as guests were Ms. Evelyn Esparago, Director of the Office of Student L.I.F.E and Mr. Voltaire Mistades, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs, who led the oath-taking. The occasion will not be a success without the usual support of Ms. Pia Manalastas, our Vice Dean; Prof. Dennis Berino, GSB Makati Campus Coordinator; and Ms. Khristine Ignacio, Graduate Students Programs and Services Coordinator. Thanksgiving dinner and socials were held after.

By: Rhea Pabustan, President of the Manila Student Forum S.Y. 08-09

Strong Hearts-a-Beating - The First Bar Operations Experience

Strong hearted men and women have filled up the North and South Conference Rooms of the Angelo King International Center for the past three Sundays of September.

Yes, a strong heart fully depicts the passion of service that the volunteers and organizers displayed in handling the very first bar operations of the MBA-JD Program of DLSU-FEU. Each person carries out a task that aligns to one simple purpose: help the barristers. From Saturday night until the afternoon of Sunday these individuals are manning the hotel, expecting errands left and right and conquering lack of sleep throughout the process. Not only that, they have to keep themselves in one piece and stay afloat during the bar operations despite the pressures of assignments galore, gimmick time compromised, and even family hours missed. Needless to say, the two days are physically taxing.

To overcome all of these, it takes a committed person to set aside one’s own needs away for the meantime, and make way for the more urgent need of the barristers. Indeed, one cannot fully circumscribe each sacrifice that the volunteers and organizers give every Saturday and Sunday of September.

But the volunteers and organizers work as a team. In the dramatis personae of the bar operations, the barristers are the graduates of the school who are about to take the bar. Each barrister has a runner. The runners are the barrister’s assistants whose role is to ensure that the barrister feels comfortable. Their activities include everything from preparing food to running errands as well as delivering review materials to the barristers. In the hotel operations, there is also the academics committee that comprises of top-notch students. These law students are the ones who are consulted by the barristers to help them recall certain legal provisions and principles of the subject matter they are taking.

What lumps the whole operation together are the hotel, logistics and food committees. These are the pilots that course the processes, ensuring that the barrister’s requests are delivered efficiently and effectively without detriment to the runners and the academics committee. Facilitating all of these is the support of the school’s management, professors and personnel. Everyone is working as a team that the whole team effort is such an inspiring action to see.

But as mentioned, the purpose remains simple: help the barristers. The volunteers and organizers are not searching for the cure of AIDS nor are they endeavoring to stop global warming. Still, this is service at its very raw but concrete form. It may not make the world a better place to live in, but it surely impacts the lives of the progenitors of MBA-JD of the school – in the long run, the institution becomes stronger as its graduates are empowered. In effect, the persons involved, in whatever way are perpetuating the concept of paying it forward.

As a result, these people who are serving someone with the goodness of their strong hearts are bound to receive karmic benefits that come back in multi-folds at their time of taking the bar – and so long as this practice is continued, our school will make a beautiful history that repeat itself with strong and gracious hearts-a-beating.

Truly, a resounding applause with a big and sincere thank you is in order to all those who assisted in the bar operations!

By: Mary Rocelyn Lim, 3rd yr student of mba-jd program

Ateneo-La Salle duel a throwback to Crispa-Toyota

by Jasmine W. Payo
Source: INQUIRER.net | September 20, 2008

http://www.ngetstudio.com/UAAP/news/?id=5733

It's a rivalry reminiscent of another fabled feud from yesteryear.

In many ways -- for Ateneo coach Norman Black and La Salle mentor Franz Pumaren, at least -- the UAAP championship showdown between the Blue Eagles and the Green Archers feels like a throwback to the celebrated PBA clash between Crispa and Toyota.

"The only thing I can really compare [the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry] to in the Philippines is Crispa-Toyota, as far as rivalry where two teams really go at it," said Black.

"The atmosphere is electric. If you attend an Ateneo-La Salle game, you tend to look up. Coaches aren't supposed to do this, but every now and then we steal a moment, and just look around and say to ourselves that this is unbelievable. Half of the arena is green, the other half is blue and everybody is standing up."

And if talks and ticket sales were any measure, expect another record-breaking number of die-hard fans to troop to the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday when Game 1 of the best-of-three Finals series kicks off.

"It has become a social event already," said Pumaren. "It's a place where you want to be seen. Days before and after the game, it's the usual topic. If you didn't watch it, you feel like an outcast in the office or in school."

Black, who witnessed the Crispa-Toyota rivalry while playing as a PBA import in the early '80s, recalled the emotional on-court confrontations.

"The coliseum was half-Crispa, half-Toyota -- you really have two groups fighting one another," Black said in Friday's Scoop Forum at Kamayan Padre Faura.

"Back in those days, the personalities involved were very popular. There's (Toyota's) Sonny Jaworski, Mon Fernandez, Francis Arnaiz on one side and (Crispa's) Abet Guidaben, Bernie Fabiosa and Atoy Co on the other. Those guys were really personalities. They were bigger than actors and actresses at that particular time. It was pretty intense."

For Black and Pumaren, however, it's the competitive nature of both schools that spawned the bitter basketball bouts between the Archers and the Eagles.

"It has always been the subject of debate which is the better school," said Pumaren. "Sports is another avenue for the schools to find out who's better, that's why it's generating so much attention."

"It's about the two schools more than anything else," added Black. "The student bodies, the alumni, one school thinking it's better than the other -- it has grown over the years. It also helped that over the years, La Salle has a very strong basketball program and Ateneo also has a good program. So it's only natural that we battle it out on the court also."

Hear ye, hear ye, GSB scouts new athletes for its Olympics in November

You've read it right folks! As the UAAP is ongoing and as our official Green Archers Basketball Team heats up the sport coliseums, the Graduate school also intensifies its school year thru various activities organized by student fora. This year, the annual Sportsfest is handled by your enthusiastic student officers of Makati GSB.

So do you want yourselves to be included in the roster of players and avail a free sporty uniform? Do you want to test your vibratos for cheering your favorite athletes / teams? Do you also want to sponsor our activities and see yourselves along with the top companies of the Philippines who supports DLSU sport events? Then keep posted on further announcements about this activity as we promote healthy lifestyle in its most exciting and heart-pounding experience!!!

080808 - My Day

August is perhaps one month I will enjoy most for this year. First, it is the last month that will hint everyone that "Ber" months are fast approaching. I'm such a Cristmas person and probably one of the first people who gets thrilled by just thinking of Yuletide Seasons. Second, we have 2 consecutive holidays - Ninoy (August 18) National Heroes Day (August 25), well the Holidays were moved to Mondays in order to provide opportunity to spend longer weekends. Third, it will be my second time to experience my special day that most feng-shui experts would agree that it will be my best days in a lifetime! I was born August 8,1982, so it I was 6 yrs old when I had my 4 "8s"(08-08-88) which are considered infinitely lucky number similar to "0". Couple of days from now, I'll be turning 26 and it will be on 08-08-08. If lotto would only allow repetitive numbers, I would certainly bet on this. Well, it's not that I am supertitious and I let my life run by it but it is just nice to evaluate that your luckiest day will be very near. There's nothing wrong to boost your optimism, especially at times when you just simply need a push. I know greater things are in stored for anyone who seeks his betterment, I just feel that on that day it will simply tell me that this kind of events are rare opportunities that you should simply should not miss and feel yourself as important as any rich guy on earth. Well, I don't have a party as grandiose as similar to Hollywood's celebrities but you know what? I won't trade my day to them, this day together with other birthday celebrators on August 8, will simply be one significant historical event of our lifetime.

Contraception, is it really helping us to improve family planning?

Gone are the days when we usually seek approval from our parents for every endeavor that we will be taking. Probably brought by the accepted idea of independence and intelligence. Admittedly, I still do remember to ask permissions from my mom or dad whenever I'll be buying toys, for the simple reason that they have the money, right? As for now, I have my own resources and ways in which I can actually achieve my wants and needs even without their approval. I even don't seek their advise anymore for simple decisions such as purchasing medicines, cellphones and anything else such as contraceptives.

I believe it was during the opening of the millennium where we have started to accept openly the idea of family planning thru scientific approach. Nowadays, getting paraphernalia such as condoms are so marketable. You can even see a daytime advertisement on t.v. with regards to it. It even promotes the "in" thing among teens, that's why it comes in various flavors and textures. Just recently, this is probably another issue being raised amidst rice shortage and toxic waste contamination of waters in our country. Practical members of the society clamors for realism and not hypocrisy. They are suggesting for the Roman Catholic Church to stop snubbing the proposal of the Solon towards population control. During these times when TV series, such as the likes of"Desperate Wives", ""Gossip Girl" plus many more, are promoting pre-marital sex is just like an ordinary event similar as to buying pandesal every morning for breakfast. Then I wonder, is this really the future we have hoped for? Is this the life we would like to teach our children, to sexually affirm their feelings in order to secure their flimsy and temperamental relationships? There's nothing wrong with family planning, but the ways on how we are promoting it is definitely disturbing. I can bet that even a five year old boy can buy a condom with no question asked. How many can actually attest that whenever you purchase condoms, that you'll be asked regarding your age? Whatever they are promoting whether it may be a condom, IUD, pills, injectibles or whatsoever the real problem of the country are not being solved by contraception. Population should not be a disadvantage, rather the provision of sufficient opportunities, rights such as education, impedes progress. In a corporate setting, we are all taught that humans are the most vital element of it, therefore it could apply similarly to any country's governance. Number against quality that is the issue here. Whether to have 2 or 12 children, without our capacity to provide even a single one's need would definitely make this country worse even before. We need to answer the problems directly and that is graft and corruption that continually decays our government.

People don't be misled by sensational propaganda, we have to use our brains! We simply have to follow the rules, it may be vague to you but let me just tell you there's a single prescription to all international maladies, be kind and learn it from the Bible. I am not a saint, but I can tell you that it was made without prejudice to race, to environment, to culture, to gender, and it was simply believable. You may not like your pastors or priests, but judge your faith and not with theirs.

Now tell me, is contraception really the doze that we need? Can family planning be really attained by it? I say, "No!"

Mama is in States

I still remember that my mom packs my snacks for school. She even initially made me convince that going to school will be as easy as playing toys. I remember she taught how to simply write my name few days before the start of my classes in kinder (yup I did not go to nursery, where it is now required). i may not have the best packed snacks but I always have my best toys with me during P.E. I was really sickly then so I can't really compete physically to my classmates so instead I have my toys brought to school by my tito. Yes, I had a guardian until I reached Grade 1. From those regular days, I always had expected my mom to give me something every time she had been to work. Yes, I really expected her and actually even from my dad. My brothers told me that I was their favorite and though as much I don't want to admit it to them, but to myself I know they were right but I have to defer since I have to protect myself from those intrigues or whenever my brothers and sister teased me for being such a spoiled kid. One event was really memorable, it was my birthday, I was turning 8 then, I was actually sick and I was confined in my room (my room is actually with my parents until I reached college). All I have asked her is big teddy bear, so huge that it was half of my size. Well she bought me that one, seemed easy? Well, every birthdays that I had, timely that there were strong storms and my mom doesn't have a car where she came from Manila and still had to be home in Bulacan. Actually there were really a lot of favors i have asked from my mom, sometimes I don't really have to ask for them, she has this sheer instinct of knowing things that I like though at times I was so really hesitant to them from her. Probably she know me so much as I stayed beside her in bed until I graduated from college. Funny to realize that among her children who have studied in Manila, it was only me whom she made it a point to actually live in Manila, not even to my sister. She really watched me grow and was even so scared for every choices I have been engaging in since college when I had actually realized that I have to be independent. It was actually hard for her, I know that and I was not even sensitive about it. maybe just this year, when I started talking to my mom and have been more open with her about the things I want to do. One weekend, when I visited her in our province and told her the reason why I seldom go there, I was able to confide some things which i believed made her realize that I am indeed a grown-up. I simply told her that I'm not getting any younger and I need a space for myself because I simply have to prepare myself emotionally, financially, psychologically and every aspect of my life that I simply have to establish myself more just like her and dad. As much as I wanted to keep them beside me always but I have to accept the fact that each member of my family has his/her own life that needs to be set free. from that day on, I was entrusted by mom to actually be in-charge now of myself. Well, I'm proud to say that she also did the same thing. She went to USA last July 5, I was the only person accompanying her up to the immigration. I felt partly sad but I know she'll be getting more exciting activities there than in here. The last time I talked to her, she was really so energetic and felt she was young again. Of course she misses us but she also has some relatives there to help her out too. Besides, I get to talk to her in daily basis. One thing I have her convinced, to do things she never did while she was taking care of us. She was indeed practical, now she plays casino with my tita very often. I know by time she can be more comfortable there. There are also less stress as she's one particular person who likes to think most of the times. She's a really good planner, evident to what we are now. I love my mom and this is why I am writing this, I want to tell the world that she's one best woman I can ever have in my life.

My doggy, Jaja

Probably she, is one girl I could really stand for whatever happens aside from my mom and sister. She's loud and my dad can really easily get irritated every time she barks at someone, but as I usually & candidly tell him "Pa, she's a dog she really barks". Well, I really have intended to start with my blog about my dog because I believe that this is really personal and definitely not too personal.

Any dog lover would agree that it is not really complicated to raise a dog compared to a rel child but I guess it's a good start for a bachelor like me. I learned how to be responsible and be able to attend to her simple needs such as her fave shampoo, treats or by just simply walking her outside our gate. (I can't really stroll around our subdivision 'coz there are really a lot of stray dogs and which they could just attack on her) Yes, I am very much protective about her. I don't even plan to have other dogs breed on her, I believe that engaging her to studs might just ruin her great physique. Jaja is neither fat nor thin, she has a medium built and a lot of people could say that she seemed to be very fit and sculpted for a labrador. Well, I guess she gets involved to my diet as well as I favor more on fish, vegetable, fruits and I really stay away from sweets. I'm really health conscious, especially my parents both have distinct illnesses which if I won't be taking care of myself thru good diet, I can inevitably acquire as well.

My mom told me that my dog is really spoiled because I love buying her stuffs like toys, collars, food, toiletries (yup she has one set of them). Most of all she's the only dog allowed to roam inside our home. I always see to it that she gets her regular vet check-up. I don't have a certificate for she was a gift and in the Philippines, this is not really normal (a general practice). However when inflation is now attacking all consumers, I can't help to wonder that maybe it's about time for us to somehow decreases the taxes of those dog owners or pet lovers. After all, we consider them as family members and will forever be dependent on us right? It is indeed costly to provide any pets plus to consider that there are laws requiring that their welfare be taken care of. I just hope this will be strictly implemented but I guess it won't really be just easy.

In one of our provincial houses in Bulacan, my dad keeps his huge dog named Brownie. He's really huge and was an efficient guard dog but as time pass by and as all of us are unable to regularly check the house, an intruder just broke in to our lot and unfortunately our dog was poisoned. yes, we have a suspect and though the only thing we could claim against them are things taken from the house, but as for the Brownie??? I hope justice will be served and I hope though as far as I know that dogs don't have souls, I wanted to think that he's with the angels.

I hope things will improve especially now when all concerns about environment and animals have started to surface. I hope I can sustain my ability to provide everything for Jaja. She makes me sane after a week loads of work and stress. I guess her noisy barks breaks through my problems. She may not be aware but I thank God for having her.