This Christmas is indeed very different from the past two Christmases that I had since I graduated from college. Indeed, this is the “thinnest” in terms of finances, since I work as a part time faculty, and I didn’t have the usual Christmas bonuses and gifts that I had two Christmases ago. More unfortunate is the fact that I wasn’t able to get my December salary from PNU. What a pity. O well, if it means “serving the Filipino people” then I’d be glad—but let’s face it, it’s just the pathetic system.
So much for the bitterness. As I have mentioned, this Christmas is indeed very much different from the last two…It’s happier and more bountiful—in terms of blessings. It’ll take me a lot of time to list them down one by one, but allow me to enumerate some of them (skip boring parts, if you wish to)
1. This year was a phenomenal year for me. “Phenomenal” because once again, I was able to prove to the world and to myself that I can break barriers; that I can free myself from the prison walls. Indeed, I was able to unravel the bigger (and real) world of an educator, in a real school, in a real university
2. Despite living alone, God has been a provider and protector. Through out my stay in my “flat” (I prefer calling it cave) God never left me and I was able to survive. There would be days that I would be financially down (particularly because the salary in PNU is 10 days delayed on the average) but in the brink of hunger, God would always be there to send what I need. I look forward to another year—though I really pray that I can move to a better place, one with my own CR. Hehe
3. I was able to adapt to my new environments. Well, even if I’m a PNU alumnus, I still had a lot of adjustments—from student to faculty. In the case of La Salle, I didn’t have that much of a problem. The people are friendly, although of course there are some who are not so warm. But as Kay would always tell me, “keri lang”.
4. The SK praise and worship team’s fund raising concert was a blast! It’s not something new. We prepare concerts almost every year, but this year’s concert was a blast because we were the ones responsible from planning to arranging to marketing. I also felt that we have somehow elevated our skills in playing the instruments, singing new songs, and using these God-given talents to praise Jesus.
5. Healthy family. Another year has passed, and God has been very kind to our family. Nobody got seriously sick (although old age begins to manifest to my parents) Kay would observe that our lifestyle has evolved. Yeah, even if we weren’t richer than before, I think we weren’t as hungry as before as well. Nevertheless, a healthy body is more than enough to be thankful about.
Whether we feel blessed or depressed, this season is something to be thankful about, since it reminds us of one great love that God has offered to us. I am not perfect, nor am I holy, but I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. God Bless us all. =)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Why the Thais can…
Contrary to what Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Golez thinks of Thais, I think they are more politically “mature” than us. Amazingly, within a matter of two years (or so) they were able to topple two corrupt and questionable prime ministers (Thaksin Shinawatra and Somchai Wongsawat).
I can’t help but envy the power of democracy in their country. Yeah, some may think negatively about the “rash” actions of Thai protesters, but isn’t that what democracy is all about? (Although this is sometimes taken into different levels; to some extent, negatively.)
I can’t help but ask, “Why on earth can they do it twice in such a short period of time? Why can’t we? Why in the world is the impeachment case always blocked in the lower house?”
Oh well, probably the Thais never stopped to embrace democracy (is it probably because this country has been in the hands of monarchs for the longest time?) while Filipinos (I assume) have grown tired of it.
Whenever people discuss about political issues (particularly on the streets, in barber shops, in tapsilogans, etc.) I would usually hear, “E wala namang nagbabago e [nothing has changed]”
Indeed, Filipinos have become apathetic over political issues in the country. This, I think, is the most prevalent reason why we can’t unseat the illegitimate and corrupt president (yeah, more than Thaksin and Somchai) who clings tightly in Malacañang.
I can’t help but envy the power of democracy in their country. Yeah, some may think negatively about the “rash” actions of Thai protesters, but isn’t that what democracy is all about? (Although this is sometimes taken into different levels; to some extent, negatively.)
I can’t help but ask, “Why on earth can they do it twice in such a short period of time? Why can’t we? Why in the world is the impeachment case always blocked in the lower house?”
Oh well, probably the Thais never stopped to embrace democracy (is it probably because this country has been in the hands of monarchs for the longest time?) while Filipinos (I assume) have grown tired of it.
Whenever people discuss about political issues (particularly on the streets, in barber shops, in tapsilogans, etc.) I would usually hear, “E wala namang nagbabago e [nothing has changed]”
Indeed, Filipinos have become apathetic over political issues in the country. This, I think, is the most prevalent reason why we can’t unseat the illegitimate and corrupt president (yeah, more than Thaksin and Somchai) who clings tightly in Malacañang.
Monday, December 1, 2008
In support of Ms. Mercado
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not going to merely spread my comments and [violent] reactions towards the Jennilyn Mercado-Patrick Garcia issue.
I’m not usually a “showbiz” person (and my students, friends, and family know this for a fact) But allow me to express my deep vexation towards Patrick Garcia and his coward acts.
First of all, I would like to express my support towards the decisions made by Ms. Mercado to move to America and have her child be far away from the guy who claims to be the child’s “father.” Secondly, I would like to express my awe to Mr. Garcia (the nerve)
Pro-life and pro-family people would strongly disagree with my arguments. They would say that it’s the child’s right to be in contact and know his/her parents. Moreover, they would say that for the sake of the child’s welfare, the parents should be given the rights to spend time with the child.
However, with the poorly-made decisions and alibis made by Mr. Garcia that led to the current situation, I believe that the decision of Ms. Mercado to raise the child by herself far outweigh the benefits of having the child be in contact with a coward and pretentious father—who is very much prone to repeat the same abandonment in the future.
Didn’t Mr. Garcia turn his face around and left Ms Mercado with the entire burden during pregnancy up to delivery? This, I believe, is more than enough ground to say that Mr. Garcia should not be given any privilege to be with Ms. Mercado’s child. The only contribution Mr. Garcia gave to Ms. Mercado is his sperm; no more no less.
Dereliction of responsibilities as father is a crime (or the root of a crime, at least).
Moreover, didn’t he accuse Ms. Mercado of having sexual relationships with another guy (in the persona of Mr. Mark Herras), and that he argues that the child isn’t his? Why is it that recently, he claims the child as his? Such a lame excuse adds up to the causes why this guy shouldn’t be given legal rights to be with Ms. Mercado’s child.
I can’t help but wonder, what really is the goal of Mr. Garcia? Is he probably trying to gain publicity, so as to revive his lost career? Is he trying to show “at least I tried” to the public?
(NOTE: The information regarding this issue are gathered from news items. The veracity of the facts may be questionable as we don’t really know their personal lives. At the end of the day, this blog addresses young couples in general—ahem** I hope I won’t eat my words in the future…)
I’m not usually a “showbiz” person (and my students, friends, and family know this for a fact) But allow me to express my deep vexation towards Patrick Garcia and his coward acts.
First of all, I would like to express my support towards the decisions made by Ms. Mercado to move to America and have her child be far away from the guy who claims to be the child’s “father.” Secondly, I would like to express my awe to Mr. Garcia (the nerve)
Pro-life and pro-family people would strongly disagree with my arguments. They would say that it’s the child’s right to be in contact and know his/her parents. Moreover, they would say that for the sake of the child’s welfare, the parents should be given the rights to spend time with the child.
However, with the poorly-made decisions and alibis made by Mr. Garcia that led to the current situation, I believe that the decision of Ms. Mercado to raise the child by herself far outweigh the benefits of having the child be in contact with a coward and pretentious father—who is very much prone to repeat the same abandonment in the future.
Didn’t Mr. Garcia turn his face around and left Ms Mercado with the entire burden during pregnancy up to delivery? This, I believe, is more than enough ground to say that Mr. Garcia should not be given any privilege to be with Ms. Mercado’s child. The only contribution Mr. Garcia gave to Ms. Mercado is his sperm; no more no less.
Dereliction of responsibilities as father is a crime (or the root of a crime, at least).
Moreover, didn’t he accuse Ms. Mercado of having sexual relationships with another guy (in the persona of Mr. Mark Herras), and that he argues that the child isn’t his? Why is it that recently, he claims the child as his? Such a lame excuse adds up to the causes why this guy shouldn’t be given legal rights to be with Ms. Mercado’s child.
I can’t help but wonder, what really is the goal of Mr. Garcia? Is he probably trying to gain publicity, so as to revive his lost career? Is he trying to show “at least I tried” to the public?
(NOTE: The information regarding this issue are gathered from news items. The veracity of the facts may be questionable as we don’t really know their personal lives. At the end of the day, this blog addresses young couples in general—ahem** I hope I won’t eat my words in the future…)
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