Maguindanao Massacre : 59 dead

December 2, 2009 at 7:48 am · Filed under Uncategorized

59 dead: All civilians in Maguindanao. How’s this one: for the records? What a shame!

For a country with so many warlords, election violence is just an everyday affair. The sudden loss of 59 innocent lives is too much to bear. These pictures will speak more.

The prime suspect belonging to the “untouchable” Ampatuans was taken into custody on Thursday (Nov. 26), 3 days after the gruesome murder. As usual, denial of the century words “”The reason I came out is to prove that I am not hiding and that I am not guilty,” suspected Andal Ampatuan said to the local reporters.

My teeth was again grinding,wheeww! And who do you think killed those innocent people? Who allowed the use of the backhoe obviously owned by Maguindanao province with painted name of the Governor which happened to be an Ampatuan too? Magic?

For a country known to be a haven of warlords specifically in Mindanao, this senseless killing will never stop. The troubled long-running Muslim separatist rebellion should be put to a halt once and for all. HOW? Only a leader with strong political will can waive the “magic wand.” Now that another election is just around the corner, will killings of the same kind be stopped? Only time can tell.

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Storm named Ondoy “visits” the Philippines

October 13, 2009 at 12:43 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged

A country visited by storm more than a dozen times, The Philippines. The recent one was “Ondoy”, internationally named “Ketsana”, left millions of people homeless, and dead bodies beyond recognition. Most of the flood victims lost everything in the flood. What will happen next to these people? Their homes were washed-away by raging floodwaters and rampaging landslides.

The people have been informed to move in another place as the result of the recent government’s pronouncement of its incapability draining the floodwaters in a month’s time. The many flooded villages and towns are no longer fit to be inhabited by families because safety is no longer assured. With the continuous released of water by the dams, coupled with more rains coming, danger is always in the offing.

These homeless people are again an added burden of the government. Where will the government resettle them? A question until now remains a question.

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Race against Time!

September 3, 2009 at 12:45 am · Filed under chess, games

Scheduled to compete for the annual Shell chess championship game, my daughter Jerika was in a hurry because she woke up late and might miss the free ride provided by the municipal government.  It was a windy 8th of August, 2009 and nearly a hundred participants from our municipality joined the annual Chess event.  Pass 8am, I thought my Jerika was already late but alas, the driver was nowhere to be found.  Around 9am the driver arrived with a big bus enough to accommodate the raging elementary and secondary student participants with their respective buddies. Off they went to SM city: the venue of the chess championship game.

Teeth-grinding day

I did not go with my Jerika because I have so many things to attend to at home. Jerika arrived at around 9pm and was happy to announce she won 3.5 games out of 4. Not bad for an amateur player. And since the championship was scheduled for two days for the 7 games, the Sunday of August 9 was another teeth-grinding time. The game was scheduled to start at 10am and the driver was again nowhere to be found:  t’was already pass 8am.  A furious me asked the head of the group about the late driver…again. And this time, it’s no longer funny. The scheduled game was the final 3 and the venue was an hour ride from our municipality. Imagine the time to be raced? It’s already passed 8 plus another hour plus the traffic, blah, blah, blah…I was already fuming mad. And since I don’t want to waste the game, I decided to commute and go with my daughter despite my busy schedule. And since there were other players who were also soon-to-be champions, I told them to go with me and not mind the transportation expense.  Off we go: 24 participants plus me and my two daughters, a total of 27.

Race against time

We rode a half-full  jeepney fifteen minutes before nine. Remember, the final “lap” was to start at 10:00am.  And since the jeepney was doing lots of stop-over to look for more passengers, I decided to transfer to a big bus to race against time. And t’was the right decision because we arrived at pass 10am and again, we ran till we dropped.

Arrived safely and… won


chosen-pic2

We arrived at SM at around 10:30 and hurriedly told the participants to rush to their respective chess tables notwithstanding the pressure of being tardy.  My Jerika was able to manage a tie in spite her only 10 minutes remaining game. And the rest of the 24 were all winners in their own right. Imagine the pressure, but it’s worth it. My Jerika won 6 (5 plus two ties) games out of 7.

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First Day at Nursery School

July 28, 2009 at 11:17 am · Filed under Family, nursery school

My Jeulyanna’s first day at nursery school was a big step towards her achieving a normal life. However, there are circumstances that need to be handled with care because she is not the usual student whom you can wake up at the wee hours of the morning.  Getting her to prepare at an early morning hour makes my heart cry because I know she needs that sleep. But I can’t also sacrifice her right to learn not just the basic ABC’s but also the needed mingling with normal kids.

Building her skills

If only my Jeulyanna is as “normal” as the other kids in the nursery school, she will experience no stress at all. But I will do my part in helping her cope with the “normal” attitude of her schoolmates.

When books were distributed, I can’t help but shed some tears (of joy) seeing my Jeulyanna reading (as if she was truly reading-lol).  At least her being a book lover never fades. Give her candies or cakes or any fancy food, she will still go for books.

I help her read but she will insist on her “expertise”. Instead of me teaching her, she will ask me to say what the picture is all about. In short, she will point to a certain picture and ask me to say what it is instead of me doing the “questioning” (LOL).

My Jeulyanna is now looking forward to seeing her “mam” and the kids in school every morning. As usual we are always late.

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Cotabato Bombing-July 5, ‘09

July 6, 2009 at 11:32 am · Filed under cotabato, religion, terrorism

I was shocked to hear about the recent bombing in Cotabato City.  Although killing was just a usual “affair” there, this bombing was nerve wracking because it was done in broad daylight during the 8:00 to 9:00am mass just outside the Immaculate Cathedral. I can’t imagine the scene if the bombed was detonated in a throng of people outside the church.  Wheew!

Evil on Earth!

I know evil is everywhere but for a truly religious country like the Philippines, I can’t fathom why unjustified killings  like this is happening.

Another religious war?

Hope not!  Cotabato City is the center of Mindanao and people from different religions like Christians, Muslims, Hindus,  Buddhists, and other denominations are harmoniously living here  although differences sometimes resulted to an outcry, this does not justify the killing.  The recent bombing makes Cotabato City the center of attention after the AH1N1 scare.

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Top 25 Provider on oDesk!

June 2, 2009 at 9:15 pm · Filed under home based work ·Tagged , ,

A feat I can’t believe I achieved in just a few months of working hard. I received the good news today – June 2, 2009 at around 8:40pm.  To prove I’m telling the truth — not bluffing LOL  -> see the badge at the right (THIS WAY PLEASE –>)

The Story

On January 2008,  I asked our Heavenly Father to give me an additional income to support my family. I bargained HIM for a job that will not cost me a penny in going to and fro – in short- no transportation expense at all.  A sideline work that will make use of my talents and yes, a sideline that may somehow allow me to mingle and be with my children any minute any hour of the day – 24/7. But sad to say, HE did not grant it. I did not blame Him though. I settled to writing articles.

Imminent Plant Closure

The Company in which I am employed as an administrative assistant told me about the imminent plant closure.  Out of  one hundred plus workers, only three will stay – Me, the manager and the warehouseman. A recession of sort…

Prayers Answered

This was the time the Lord answered my prayers (remember my January request?). He showed me the way to oDesk. A Catholic magazine in which I am a regular subscriber “told” me about oDesk. I joined their forum and there I voiced out my request for a work sideline that will somehow help me augment my income – again for my family.

ODESK helps…

I immediately searched for the website and yes, applied but was hesitant at first because of …. never mind. I again consulted the Kerygma catholic magazine forum for answer…and YES, they told me to go ahead and apply as it was a very legit offering.

Without any much ado, I applied and was hired in less than a month.

Will be with oDesk until….

I reach the age of “maturity” – (150 years old and counting…) LOL…

THANK YOU ODESK!

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What is Green Funeral?

April 21, 2009 at 1:43 am · Filed under environment

Gossip mongerers will surely “spread the cheapness, no respect at all, and all sort of oppressing words” to the bereaved families if Green Funeral is applied. In this scenario, the materialistic instinct still prevails. Have you noticed that it is very costly to die than be alive? It is because the rich including the poor are so keen on giving the most sophisticated, and glamorous casket coupled with expensive burial services to the max for their dead love one. I’m just wondering, is this a requirement to reach the so called heaven? If only this concept is challenge by the beauty of going green, surely the materialistic views will now be a thing of the past.

Just what exactly is Green Funeral?

From the word “Green“, it simply connotes being Earth-Friendly, Environment-Friendly and all things and ways that may save our beloved planet earth from “destruction”. We are killing our mother earth slowly and would you believe…SURELY?

Oh my, and how do we exactly stop the slowly but surely “killing” of our mother earth?

There are many ways, but I will tackle this Green Funeral thing. Green funeral is simply the treating of the dead body without the usual pumping-in of embalming fluid. Going green is easy and very cheap. The less resources needed makes it easier for the dead body to become a natural part of the earth when buried. But sad to say, this is still not appreciated by many.

Here are few of the many ways to go Green during funeral:

• Direct burial. an A.B.S (automatic burying style) no visitation and viewing therefore no toxic embalming fluid.
• Refrigeration. If the bereaved families want a last view of their dead love one, they should “refrigerate” the body (not in an ordinary refrigerator)
• Less or no cars during funeral procession. Inform the mourners about the importance of walking as an exercise.
• Use biodegradable casket such as cardboard (A CARDBOARD???? A cardboard, yes my dear but this is not the usual cardboard of milk products or whatsoever. This is purposely made to replace the costly casket. Cloth shroud may also do wonders.
• Request to receive financial donations in lieu of the usual flowers. The dead cannot bring those lovely, imported flowers to his destination. You will only give the bereaved families trash to clean after the burial. What a waste.
• Don’t use cemented burial tomb. Remember, cement is costly and untidy to look at.
• A tree (may I suggest fruit bearing) instead of a tombstone – as a way to remember the dead. Isn’t it sweet to see them still “growing” even if already dead?

Green Funeral or the Traditional Way

It’s just a matter of choice. Just don’t forget to inform your conscience that it is very practical and environment friendly to go green instead of doing the annihilating traditional funeral.

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Congratulations Graduates of 2009

March 23, 2009 at 11:34 pm · Filed under college degree, graduation ·Tagged , , , , ,

Its been 18 years now. I was once a graduate too. Receiving my hard earned college degree was not that simple. I experienced all sort of hardships from being a working student to becoming a young mother “all-in-one package”. If you find it impossible to carry this incredible load, I did it with flying colors then. My grades never suffered in spite of not studying. My time was pre-occupied with baby sitting after school (I was in the top ten list of graduating students with high grades).

My hard earned Cum Laude Medal

My hard earned Cum Laude Medal

Early motherhood syndrome

I did not intend to pass the motherhood responsibility to my parents because it was me who chose my fate, but my parents particularly my beloved mother was very supportive. I was hesitant to accept the financial help at first, but because of the early “motherhood syndrome” (no enough money to buy baby’s stuff and the like), I accepted the help with an endless thank you.

Summer graduation

I did not experience the usual graduation parade, the receiving of diploma and all sorts of graduation ceremonies because I completed my degree – Summer of 1990.

Another Graduation

Last March 2008, I again experienced graduation but this time t’was my eldest son. He graduated Cum Laude receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education major in Mathematics. The subject that I dreaded before but my son completed it with flying colors.

Talent

Where did he get his talent? Hmmmm, but of course, from me. Don’t bother to argue or else….Just kidding. How about my hubby? Let’s see….he was a Civil engineering undergrad and was very good in mathematics. No further questions please…but speaking of other subjects…of course t’was me.

Anything to change?

Good memories to reminisce again and again and again…Need to change something?  My hubby only (just whisper the name to prevent leaking).

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What is Mid-life Crisis?

March 2, 2009 at 11:46 pm · Filed under Family, health & safety

Discontented with life, too many problems, children are no longer that exciting, same with the husband, feeling bored…blah…blah…blah…How will you treat this kind of thinking? Hmmm…upsss, I’m not referring to myself. I love my children very much. I’m referring to those who are experiencing such feelings. The first thing that comes to my mind is Midlife crisis.

What exactly is midlife crisis?

According to Wikipedia, “Midlife crisis is a period of dramatic self-doubt that is felt by some individuals in the “middle years” of life, as a result of sensing the passing of youth and the imminence of old age. Sometimes, transitions experienced in these years, such as aging in general, menopause, the death of parents, or children leaving home, can trigger such a crisis. The result may be a desire to make significant changes in core aspects of day to day life or situation, such as in career, marriage, or romantic relationships.”

My sister’s daughter told me yesterday that her mother (my sister) was having an “impossible” tantrums. My sister was telling her children that she will leave them for good, that she don’t like them anymore, she hates her husband, anything that has something to do with her husband was a big NO to her. I told Chriselle to just understand her mother. That her mother needs comforting words instead. But after our conversation, I was worried though. It’s not that easy to calm down with such a depressing news.

Long time no see

I did not see my sister for almost 17 years now. During the wake of my mother last 2003, she was not present because of financial constraints. After one year, she went to Singapore as a domestic helper but was not that lucky with her employers. She was lucky though to return alive (without any penny in her pocket). She worked for almost one year with no compensation whatsoever. It was me who fed her family. But at least I’m happy she returned safely and was reunited with her family.

Not the other way around

I don’t want to think the other way around. I instead prefer to call it midlife crisis. My younger sister was experiencing this “era” of her life. Me and Liza would like to help her but she is a one-hour-plane-travel-away. We agreed to call and text her regularly with comforting words. Although this is not enough, at least as her sisters, we care, really care. Maybe if money and time permits, I will visit her and personally talk.

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Toughest cabbage and bitter gourd

February 10, 2009 at 10:55 pm · Filed under gardening ·Tagged , , , ,

Uupsss, a hanging snake? Nope, its a bitter gourdGardening

I love gardening. It is my dream to have an entire hectare of vegetables and herbs within reach. For a start, I planted 300 seedlings of cabbage, chili peppers, and tomatoes in my backyard. I also planted at least 50 pcs. each in front of my office.

Not so friendly weather

It took 4 months before I see the real thing. But sad to say, the weather was not that friendly- the entire garden was washed out. Nothing was left “standing” but three in my office.

Toughest veggies

Please take a look at these pictures… So lovely that you will say it’s a green rose instead of cabbage. And the other plant…can you guess what is it? Well, yes, its a different kind of bitter gourd. Wonder why there was a bitter gourd instead of tomatoes and chili peppers? Well, my fellow employees planted it without my knowledge. But it’s fine, at least I can share some of the harvest.

Is it a rose, a green rose?

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