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)