Mayon Volcano

It was already past dawn, the sun have already risen in the horizon, throwing its reflection into the sea. It was a bit blinding, but I managed to take a snapshot of the glowing orb. But even before the sun came out the pier was already crowded with buses and all sorts of vehicles queuing for the ferry ride to Catanduanes. So were we.

Just before the crew allowed us to board the boat the clouds thinned out of Mayon Volcano and showed her trademark slopes. Like taking cue from the sun, the volcano rose and showed its shape to the fullest. Of the many travels I made into Albay Province, this is one of the rarest moments to see the volcano clearly.

As we boarded the ferry, I can’t escape the temptation of taking some more shots of Mayon.

Thank you 'heads fans

The Eraserheads concert went through last Saturday and was cut short since they needed to rush Ely to the hospital (hope he'd be fine by now). Nope, wasn't anywhere near the venue (sigh). That's why I'm thanking the hordes of 'heads fans for posting videos on youtube. That's the next best thing I could get for the experience.

Ebook Freebie

While waiting for my kid at school I usually find reading a pleasant and fruitful way of spending time at the waiting area. So I managed to gather this collection of more than two dozen ebooks and book summaries that I wish to share with you. Every month I'm giving away a title and you can get your copy by sending me an email: glagamayo@yahoo.com. It's totally free, don't worry. The only thing I'll be asking from you is that you post a comment here about your thoughts on the material. Happy readings.

Chugging along the railroad

I was back in Brgy. Palasan Concepcion in Sariaya, Quezon when I chanced upon grade schoolers on their way home. The cheapest and fastest way to get to where they were going home to was to ride the skates.
These makeshift trolley runs along the railroad. These are made of wooden carts running on bearings. Many are powered by a gasoline motor about less than a horsepower. As you can see, a skate doesn't leave the "station" until its overflowing with passengers.
There's a driver who collects three pesos discounted student fare and five pesos for regular passengers. For this ride, the skates will ferry their passengers for about three kilometers. In a usual run, the skates can go all the way to Lucena City.The longest run that these skates made was from Sariaya to Los Baños, Laguna when a group of foreigners tried to ride the skate up to the University of the Philippines. Care to try one yourself?

Beijing Olympics Opening

Spectacular. That's one word to describe it. The Chinese government stopped at nothing to make everything work. Every Olympic host from Athens to Sidney, each city tried to present the best opening. Who could ever forget the bow and arrow lighting of the Olympic flame during the Barcelona games, or the pageantry displayed in LA.

The Chinese tried everything in there arsenal to create the spectacular that was the opening. Here's my take on the opening:
1. Synchronization - the two thousand and eight drum beaters and the the rest of the performers were dead on their cue. The choreographers found it necessary to let everyone wear ear pieces.
2. It was an occasion to remind the world of China's contribution to civilization, from fire works to paper, to kite flying.
3. Use of China's most abundant resource: its population. Just how many performers were there? Lets you remember those old footages of mass calisthenics.

But at the background were some problems encountered mostly by the international journalists. Two Japanese journalists were literally beaten up in Tienanmen Square even if they got permission from the government to report from that location. The Chinese Olympic Committee apologized for this but it's damage already done. Before that was the issue of internet access.

There's also that issue of air pollution. Haile Gebrselassie pulled out of the marathon because of Beijing's smog. Several American athletes arrived in Beijing wearing face masks for protection. Though the government tried to alleviate the situation but its now obvious their efforts failed.

Before writing this post, Katerina Emmons of the Czech Republic won the first gold medal of the Games in the women's ten meter air rifle competition.
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I was flipping the TV remote between the Olympic opening ceremonies and CNN because about three time zones away conflict is brewing between Russia and Georgia. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili was on CNN explaining their view of Russia's support to South Ossetian separatists was a sign of aggression and calls on the international community to be aware of the situation. At this time, the conflict have spread across Georgia up to the capital Tbilisi.

Bonifacio Shrine

There are very few monuments or historic places dedicated to Andres Bonifacio. His monument in Caloocan City had been targeted to be removed during the construction of the light rail. Fortunately it didn't happen. A little to the south, at the Balintawak interchange, a smaller monument can be found. It is so small that I never knew it was there.

Bonifacio founded and lead the Katipunan, the secret organization that revolted against Spanish rule. As the Katipunan's Supremo, he organized the different armed groups giving rise to the eight rays of the sun found in the Philippines flag. There's even a student organization, the Plebians, who holds Bonifacio in the highest regard.But as Filipinos we seem to fal short in paying homage to him.

When he was ironically tried for treason and was executed, the military detail simply left him and his brother, Procopio, where they'd fallen. Farmers too pity to bury him. almost everybody else forgot where his body was. Until Manuel Quezon went there simply as a media event. It was only Manila Mayor Villegas who erected a marker which still stands today. The efforts of Maragondon Mayor Andaman made the fitting homage to his final resting place.

Today the Bonifacio shrine is accessible from the highway going to Caylabne through Ternate. The place is great for meetings and fellowship. The memorial is nicely crafted with the statue of Bonifacio, bound but unwaiveringly defiant, as he faces the firing squad.

Visit the Bonifacio shrine at Brgy. Pinagsanjan, Mt. Hulog, Maragondon, Cavite

Pueblo por la Playa

The travel from PALCON Cooperative in Sariaya was a bit long. We entered the side roads of Pagbilao anticipating what’s in store for us. When we finally got a glimpse of Pueblo por la Playa from the distance, we all knew we’re in for a surprise.

We had to park all vehicles near the entrance, and a shuttle, more like an over stretched golf cart, took us to our villas. It took two of these shuttles to get all of us. The JICA group had their large suitcases with them.

The name of the place was indeed appropriate, there’s the beach, swimming pool, and the design of structures were distinctly Mexican. After unloading in our indigo colored villa, we were taken to the coffee shop, Oaxaca. The place was cozy, umbrella covered coffee tables are arranged overlooking the pool. Tables, chairs, and fixtures (even the floor tiles), carries a lot of Chicano symbolism. Before we had our seafood dinner, our generous host, Cong. Alcala, joined us. In the morning Toshiro took a quick dip in the pool. Obviously not satisfied with the still water, he trasnfered to the beach. Jimmy took a stroll along the shore. You can see him in on the pictures here, but only if you enlarge it. Our host joined us again during breakfast. Afterwards he started heading back home, all of sighing about not having another day in paradise.

Shopping Experience Rant

Sunday is supposed to be a fun day. It’s for rest, enjoyment with the kids, and some time to prepare for next week. That’s why we decided to get to the supermarket to get supplies. So off we went to Robinsons Supermarket at BigR Junction. It’s the nearest one in our place.

We got some iced tea mix that the kids love, a big can of milk, and some of the usual kitchen items. We also got some cheddar cheese since we were thinking of making grilled pizza that the kids enjoyed. We already got some pizza crust and sauce at home that’s why all we need was sweet ham to top it.

We got all that and other things plus a whole roasted chicken for lunch. We then went to the check out counter. We chose the one with the shortest queue, of course. There was a mother and daughter tandem ahead of us. I decided to take the boys out of the line since they were already getting restless and stayed near the grocery entrance. So my wife had to take care of the purchase. When those ahead of us were done I thought it was only a matter of scanning all our items and paying the bill. I was wrong.

A few minutes later, the girl at the counter was gone. Our items weren’t scanned yet. I asked my wife what was happening and she said she doesn’t know. Just then the counter girl came and was finishing with some credit card receipts. It took some time again before she started scanning our items. When she was done my wife paid half of the amount (milk is quite expensive nowadays) and half paid through her credit card. It was always the same way we did it. Then there was trouble again. The counter girl had already punched the numbers and swiped my wife’s card when she noticed that they were out of thermal paper. Again it was taking the whole process too long. That’s strike two, I said to myself.

There was a guard nearby, so I asked him for the supervisor. It was obvious that the guard heard me since I was about a meter away. But he acted like he didn’t. He turned around, started talking to his radio. I asked him again. He turned to me and asked what the problem is. I said your counter girl hasn’t prepared her things and I’m asking for the supervisor. The guard said it’s their responsibility, not his. That annoyed me. I asked for the supervisor again. He turned away and left. No supervisor came.

There was this bagger boy at the counter. I asked him to get the supervisor since he wasn’t doing anything yet and we were still waiting for the thermal paper. He left and came back still without the supervisor. This is really frustrating. I thought since Robinsons is a BIG corporation, they can build this huge building, put in a security system complete with guards and surveillance cameras, and yet seem to forget one important thing: CUSTOMER SERVICE. It was obvious there wasn’t any.

After some time a small roll of thermal paper came and the counter was able to finish the transaction. And still no supervisor came. I went to their supposed customer service counter and asked for the supervisor. Another girl asked me what’s wrong. I didn’t tell them, I was really getting frustrated. They said they’ve already called the supervisor but it was taking so much time. After a while I gave up. I said I don’t want to get hypertensive on this one. I don’t think their supervisor is going to show up anyway.

I asked the guard at the exit what time it was. He politely said it was 11:25. I said thank you and we left.

If Robinsons, a big corporation, can’t handle this kind of thing then what’s the point of going to their store? I won’t mind if I get this kind of delay at a sari-sari store. Small stores don’t have all the resources that Robinsons has. But at the sari-sari store near our house, the tindera always tries her best not to delay her precious customers. Because that’s us to her, PRECIOUS. So what’s the point of returning to Robinsons? They may be the nearest large retail store, but they’re certainly not the best. I’ll take my purchases somewhere else.

57peso diesel: a cabbie's rant

I knew I was going to be late if I don't speed up so I haled a taxi, jumped right in and told the driver my destination. It was quiet when all of a sudden the driver said (translated): "57 pesos for diesel". I was amused by the unsolicited remark but what the heck. He continued: "What do they want us to do?". That part alone says it all. Gasoline is dancing at about 59pesos. A few months ago diesel was about 10-15 pesos below gasoline prices. Now the difference is only about 2pesos.

Let's look at recent events: Dubai crude went up to $137.91 per barrel this month from $119.5 in May. While very recent reports say price of fuel is declining, its effect cannot be felt here now. We've already increased our fare from a minimum of 7.50pesos, into an interim of 8pesos, and finally 8.50pesos for the first four kilometers. While almost everybody is burdened from soaring prices (including all basic necessities like food), the big three oil companies are raking in billions of pesos in profit (2007 profits: Pilipinas Shell - Php4.12B, Chevron Philippines (Caltex) - Php2.75B, Petron - Php5.94B)

The driver continued (still translated):"Yesterday, I was going to pay for my electricity bills, I had two thousand pesos on me so I decided to give all of it. But Meralco didn't accept my payment. They said I had to pay for all my arrears. Do they want me to steal from them instead?" I just kept quiet.

I saw this as a snapshot of the Filipino state of mind. What are they really up to against amid the rising cost of living. I just hope we could survive all these.

source of added info:

http://beta.ph.news.yahoo.com/star/20080709/tph-oil-companies-roll-back-541dfb4.html

Philippine Star - Thursday, July 10

Batman, take 2

Like I promised the kids, we went to watch the Dark Knight last night and here's my post about it. I really have to apologize that I've written a longer post. I just can't help myself. I also apologize for focusing more on Joker than the bat.

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Ledger’s Legacy

He has a laugh, but unexpectedly minus the tinge of lunacy offered by Romero. How about Nicholson’s stare, the one that condescends and spells mayhem? He doesn’t have that. Take off the make-up and erase that scarred smile we may be surprised to find a man, but that man would all the same be a criminal mastermind.

Heath Ledger’s Joker offered us a new take on the villain. While the film “The Dark Knight” is the second Christian Bale Batman and also featured the life, love, and perversion of Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), we can’t escape the sick humor that is Joker. Ledger died before this movie was shown; many say this is worthy of a posthumous Oscar. I wouldn’t disagree. From wads of script he completed the formation of a new character by breathing personality into it. I believe this was Ledger’s swansong.

It was indeed disturbing the way Ledger carried his Joker. It was villainy at its darkest, one that does not hesitate to sacrifice accomplices for a clean getaway. His Joker weaves the grandest of criminal plans, anticipating his enemies’ moves like in a game of chess, 4 to 5 moves ahead. He has this sick way of entertaining his captive audience, asking them if they like to know how he got his smile of scars; and always under the duress of a knife ready to slit into their cheeks.

Slit cheeks for a smile, a different origin indeed. Hailing from a violently dysfunctional family, Ledger’s Joker has this memory of how he came about and greatly made an effect on his personality. “Why a gloomy face?” often using his father’s line to strike fear into his captives.

He has humor; he wouldn’t be the Joker if he doesn’t have one. But it’s dark and loaded with provocation. His idea of a joke is to push the whole of Gotham into disarray. His recipe for chaos is moral dilemma; we have to kill in order to save ourselves. He is very good at it. He is so good that he was able to shove Harvey Dent into a vengeful rampage, a grave departure from being the White Knight of the law.

He frightfully preaches to his enemies. He exudes diabolical wisdom and distorted philosophy. I don’t mean to be irreverent but if Confucius turned out to be bad he would’ve definitely became the Joker.

I repeat, Ledger’s Joker is not Romero’s nor Nicholson’s. It was simply his. If ever a third Batman of this series will be made, a Joker appearance is not remote. I just hope the new Joker will live up to Ledger’s legacy.

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Batman Quotes

Die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain – Harvey Dent and Batman

One man or the entire mob? He (Joker) can wait – Batman

When you’re good at doing something don’t do it for free – Joker

Some men just want to see the world burn – Alfred

Do you want to know why I use knives? Because guns are too fast – Joker

What were you thinking, that everyone in this city is exactly like you? – Batman on Joker

We thought we can be decent men in undecent times – Harvey Dent Two Face

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The film is dedicated to the memory not only of Heath Ledger but also of Conway Wickcliffe, the effects technician that worked on Batman Begins (2005)

Highway Daredevil

We were driving along Maharlika Highway in Quezon Province yesterday and we noticed this truck. One of the passengers was hanging out on one side. He was obviously trying to rearrange their cargo in transit which turned out to be live animals. His stunt was outrageously stupid. One side swipe from the opposite direction and his body will be picked up in pieces within a kilometer stretch.
So why didn't they simply stop on the road side? Are their schedule is so tight that they can't afford a stop? that's how they love their job, even to the point of making unnecessary risks.

Jeepney Art

What do you do when caught in a traffic jam? Trying not to inhale too much of vehicle fumes. Well, that’s one, but in Metro Manila you simply can’t help admiring the art work on the sides of the jeepneys. When I was still in grade school I remember jeepney decorations on the hood with miniature airplanes and horses. It was almost the same for all jeepneys at that time. Until the Patok jeeps emerged.
The Patok was noticed in the 1980s mostly plying the Rizal routes. They are notorious for booming music and fast, almost reckless driving. They also brought into prominence their distinctive body art works. While many jeepneys had their birth places in Malabon, Cavite, and San Pablo, these jeepneys came to maturity as the Patok, becoming a jazzed up, spruced up handsome jeepney that many passengers prefer.
Jeepney art work started out as decals, stickers with pre-printed slogans and drawings. It soon became customized as ingenious artists produced artworks from cut-out vinyl stickers and combined together to form a unique sticker. Many of these early art stickers were made to depict sceneries and icons. Hand painted art work were also present, and its quality mostly depended on the artist. But when the airbrush came, quality as well as creativity came to play a big role.
Paint brush images are now common nowadays. Some jeepneys would have images of wives or children on the driver’s door panel. On the side is where the artwork becomes cool and sometimes nasty. Art styles also became wild, ranging up to surrealism to depict fantasies of beautiful women and futuristic hedonism.
The jeepney artworks will continue to be a regular attribute of the public conveyance vehicle, and may be its redeeming feature. With the continuing high prices of fuel (these jeepneys run on diesel, btw), people will not have second thoughts about using the jeepney.

Monday Traffic

A few Mondays ago, about 6 in the morning, my daughter and I went to our usual spot to wait for our ride. This picture is what we saw that morning, fading our hopes to get to our respective places of destination early. The bottleneck was at the crossing/junction. Since we were supposed to turn right, many of the queuing vehicles were occupying our lane so we also suffered their plight.

I just can’t understand how these bottlenecks emerge. Shouldn’t there be some cause before bottlenecks form? Well, in this particular case, there isn’t any obvious cause. Does this mean that the roads are getting smaller? Or is it the other way around, that there are too many vehicles on the road nowadays?

Of course, this snag in vehicular flow is not limited to the streets where I pass; it’s almost every where in Metro Manila. I just don’t know what the MMDA are doing about it. For one thing, it looks like MMDA is only focused on infrastructure as a solution. If this observation is correct then that would be too bad. Information should also be part of the solution starting with drivers’ education. So if you think you have some answers, why not put some here at the comments.

Help! I'm stuck

So what do you do when you're stuck in a meeting that you're sure will go on for the rest of the the day and you can't get out of? I really don't know, the meeting I was referring to was yesterday and I'm asking anybody out there for suggestions. The snacks served was good, though. But then the topic that requires my attention will be tackled in the latter part of the session. Ho hum.

I took out my mobile and started playing Tetris. After a while I was starting to misplace the blocks and it was game over. What's next? Engage another guy in a conversation, someone who looks similarly bored? Nope not a good idea. Let's see, how about doodling? Makes me like a grade schooler.

Let me know what I should do next time I'm into this same situation. Put your messages here.

How to get to Kuta Square

When we finally decided to go to Kuta Square, we had to transfer rides from the tour bus into a Komotra. There's a strict law against long vehicles driving into Kuta so the Komotra became a necessity, except when you like to use your own car. The Komotra is simply a jazzed up Canter configured to seat several passengers all in one trip. We were several in our group so you could just imagine loading the vehicle with multi-nationals.

A ticket is issued for the trip. Bus loads would simply fill the smaller vehicle then drive to the beach. The traffic into Kuta is very similar to the traffic going towards Cubao or Megamall here in the Philippines.

Batman

Ever danced with the devil under a pale moonlight? So says Jack Nicholson's joker in the 1989 Batman. Me and the kids watched this movie a couple of nights ago and I must say that it's still one of the best of the Batman series. It feels very raw especially with Tim Burton's direction and the way Michael Keaton portrayed Bruce Wayne with an almost disturbed personality.

Now, a new Batman movie (the Dark Knight) is coming very soon with Christian Bale continuing as the Caped Crusader and the late Heath Ledger as the Joker. Many see Ledger's performance in this latest Batman movie as his best worthy of a posthumous Oscar.

Let's hope we can get a glimpse of the movie which will be shown in theaters on July 18. I know my kids will bug me indefinitely on this one. It's a must see.

The vendor

Commuting around Metro Manila could literally be a drag. The heat, smoke and slow pace seemed to offer no hope at all. Sometimes we console our selves with the basic indulgence of a fishball. Yep, that street food that many attribute as source of food-borne diseases. Imagine almost everybody re-dip their morsel of kikiam or squidball into the sauce after they have already taken a bite. It's like french kissing everybody in a grand scale less the actual touching of the lips.

But there are ingenious vendors who employ some basic marketing techniques in their presentation to rid the street vending industry of this stigma. Take the case of my suki along Aurora Avenue near Anonas St. the fishball, or in my case the squidball, is served on disposable aluminum-lined paper dishes, sauce is added directly on your order. The iconic tuhog stick is also there.

See my suki vendor here wearing a bonnet not because its a bit cold but because its a replacement for a hair net. Also, basic tools include stainless or aluminum utensils that are almost immaculately clean.

Missing Bali

I was walking along the shore at Capari Point in San Vicente, Palawan about two months ago when I can’t help remembering the lively beaches of Bali. The fine white sand with shells strewn by the waves was just the same as in the famed Indonesian island but minus the crowd. Wish I could come back. Why the wish? You won’t know if you have not been there. I’ll try my best to explain and tell you more about Bali in my next posts. But in this one, let me just give a sigh of recollection of things I did and was not able to do in the chicken shaped island. How was I able to get there? The office sent me on training in Indonesia. Whoever made the training design was really a God-send for including Bali as one of the places to be visited.
You know what, I left my rubber boots in Indonesia with the belief that I may come back again. Too bad I did not leave them on Bali, to be specific if the belief turns out to be true.

The silent but beautiful beach at Caparii Point, San Vicente, Palawan

At the farm

Last week I went on travel to a farm in Sariaya, Quezon (that’s about 126Km South of Manila). I enjoyed myself with fresh fruits and some time with friends.

Johnny de Villa’s farm looked like a fruit picker’s dream come true. Despite the fact that tropical storm Frank wreaked havoc in many parts of the country, every tree in Johnny’s are bearing fruit, practically and metaphorically. Pickers are busy with the green mangoes (not the Indian variety, but the Philippine ones). He has the Pico and Carabao mangoes. One mango weighs a quarter of a kilogram.

For refreshments, we had coconut juice, nice for the kidneys. There are also jackfruit and avocado. By the way, if you’re gonna make some guacamole try to squeeze some lemon on the avocado to keep it from tasting bitter when you store it. The action of the enzymes on the avocado is checked by the acid from the lemon. Squeezed lemon is also good for all ingredients in a tropical fruit salad.



From the left: Johnny de Villa, Jun Carriaga, Boy Ferrer and Fenny Rojas

Don't lose your mobile

Are you a victim of pickpockets or holdup inside a public transport? Or do you know anybody who is? I am a victim myself, lost my Motorola L6 during a holdup in a jeepney early last year. My wife, also a commuter, oftentimes witness actual pickpockets at work inside a vehicle. And she has almost always tried to warn the hapless victim, putting herself at risk in the process.

Here's my take on mobile safety, all from experience.
1. When inside the jeepney, try to observe how people are seated. Oftentimes, pickpockets would try to crowd their victims; one accomplice would pose as the immovable passenger, pressing the actual pickpocket and the victim closely (let’s call that person as the presser). If you notice this arrangement with one end of the long seat virtually empty (jeepneys tend to seat 7 up to 12 persons on one side), and three to four persons pressed uncomfortably on the other end, chances are someone’s gonna lose something.
2. In the above configuration, the presser looks away from the scene while the pickpocket intently looks at his victim’s face, making sure the victim is unaware of his “operation”. One signal from the victim that he is sensing what’s going on and the pickpocket aborts the operation.
3. Try to figure out passengers who are communicating with their eyes, these are not pickpockets; these are people who will declare a holdup real soon. Oftentimes the seating arrangement would have someone behind the driver or at the front seat. Another is near the exit end. And another somewhere in the middle. If you happen to catch a glimpse on these, “para” or “sa tabi lang po” should be said in the next second.
4. Back to the pickpocket, they happen to have an empty bag or knapsack on their lap. This is used for cover. Always try to find the hands of the person seated next to you. If one hand is missing not because it was amputated, it is surely behind the empty bag trying to pry loose you mobile.
5. Do not keep you mobile in a belt holster. You’re an easy target if you do so. My officemate’s N70 was taken from his holster.
6. Always be aware of your surrounding, I’m not talking about a ten meter radius, the immediate half meter will do. Or better yet don’t let your mind wander off or try to get a glimpse of the girl seated across you, be conscious of people with you on a jeepney, especially the one next to you.
7. Before leaving the office for that jeepney ride home, try to put your mobile in silent mode. Try not to be tempted to use it while already seated inside the ride. Some people would use it as a music player, play games, or simply use it for its real purpose, but whatever reason you want to use it, its better to hold it off 'till you’re in the safety of your home. You say “don’t text while you drive”, but because I don’t have a car to drive then it’s “don’t text while you commute”.

Is there no one else?

And Manny Pacquiao became the WBC lightweight champion after flooring David Diaz in the ninth round. By this time many articles are written and posted about the fight so I don't have to add some more insights; besides, I'm not a boxing analyst myself. So let me just point out some peculiar things I've noticed off the ring.
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In-box - If you watch Eat Bulaga at the Kapuso Network, all streamers and placards are called collectively as the in-box. During the fight there were so many, and here's some that I saw:
1. MEXECUTIONER
2. Names of Morales, Barreira, Marquez, and Diaz crossed-out and a kicker that says: Is there no one else?
3. #1 Lb 4 Lb Fighter
4. (the most curious of all) Manny Pacquiao, Will you marry me? (held by a guy)
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Champ with the Champs - The Boston Celtics squad came to have their picture taken with the WBC Champ. Sam Casell and Kevin Garnet made their faces prominent with Pacquiao.
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David Diaz - After being helped up, Diaz was asked what was in Pacquiao's arsenal that did him, he gave this answer: He was fuckin' fast.
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Where to next? the 140 junior welterweight division
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visit wikipedia and see that they've already included the Pacman in their list of boxing quadruple champions

an ostrich egg named lulu

A few weeks ago I brought home an ostrich egg. I was so excited myself since it would be he first time the kids will see a humongous hermitically sealed yolk. It was a Saturday and only about 6:00 am when I arrived. The kids were still asleep.

I first went to see Kuya and Butchoy. Kuya was already struggling to wake up when I brought in the heavy egg. He blurted out in amazement and immediately woke up Butchoy who almost jumped out of bed.

In the other house, Ate was also asleep. But when she saw the egg her eyes opened a bit bigger than before. Every body crowded around. Each one trying to get a feel of the shell as each one tries to box each other’s hand out. I told them that each of them should take turns in warming the egg if they want an ostrich for a pet.

It was a joke of course. I hated the last ostrich I saw. My intention for the egg was to make leche flan out of it.

An hour later they were still crowding around the ratite egg. By this time they were already calling it Lulu. Lulu? It was on a makeshift nest of old towels. They said they were now ready to take turns sitting on the egg. I asked why they have to wrap it up. They said it’s like the balut. I almost fell where I was standing.

Then the fateful time came. I readied the llaneras with sugar caramel, prepared two cans of condensed milk and the steamer. All I need to do is to make a hole on the shell and let all the content out. I set the egg on a small bowl for it to stand steadily on one tip. I poked the egg using a knife and in a twisting motion I succeeded in making a small hole. With a clean barbecue stick I tried to beat the egg while still in the shell. When I thought that the egg was beaten enough, I shook the egg letting its contents splatter on a kawali.

Mixed the egg with condensed milk. It was very difficult to beat thoroughly; I had to do it carefully or the egg will spill out of the kawali. I gave up on producing a uniformly textured mix. I went on portioning the mixture into the llaneras, loosely covering them with foil and unto the steamer. While doing this, Kuya was already in tears and accusing me of killing Lulu.

They all promised not to eat Lulu. But in the evening, when the leche flan that was once an ostrich egg named Lulu was already chilled, they couldn’t help tasting, and then enjoying a llanera each, of what was once a pet candidate.

a dad's log

I've been thinking why I need another blog. The first blog is about our high-school class (batch86.blogspot.com) wherein I don't contribute much often. The second is about my passion in the country's dairy industry(udder-wise). So a third would be something special.

Many blogs are often written by people who simply love to write and allow themselves to be exposed. Dangerous and fun at the same time. Some have the same topics and perspectives. Maybe this one will not be different.

In our inextinguishable desire to be apart from the rest, we consider looking for means to have a different view of the world, using different lenses as Seth Godin puts it. And what better view for me than what I really am, a father who brings kids to school.

Of course it indicates that I don't have a car (lucky for me?). Allow me to tell you where i'd get my inspiration. For those who have already experienced the agony and anguish of commuting to and from work, there are a lot of interesting things you can pick up on the way. Be it the bold lettered headline from the newspaper read by somebody seated accross you in a jeepney, or the loud mouth who seem not to mind other people hearing their intimate (often comical) secrets.

And of course there's always the joys of being a father.

Hope you'll get to read my posts and do visit me often.