Manila: How the mighty are fallen!

(Calle Escolta during American Occupation of Manila)

"The Pearl of the Orient", "Queen City of the Pacific", "The Paris of the East" - these are just some of the titles given by the world to Manila before it became the second most destroyed city of the World War II. Manila that was once the most beautiful, healthiest, and safest city in the Far East is now just a shadow of her old glory.

(Binondo Area)

Through the Royal Ordinance by King Philip II of the Monarchy of Spain, Manila has became the new capital of political, military and religious power of the East Indies colony of the Spaniards. With this victory, the Islamic Kingdom of Maynila were eventually converted to Christianity, and a new fortified city known as Intramuros was built to house the seat of government of Spain. Missionaries arrived eventually which was followed by the establishment of schools and churches spreading throughout the city and beyond.

(Sto. Domingo Church and Santo Tomas Plaza, Intramuros)

(Pasig River, Magellan Monument, Aduana Building, Santo Domingo Church, Jan. 15, 1925)

During 15th to 18th century, Manila was the center of trade in the Orient. From Asia to the Americas and Europe travelling across the Pacific, the Caribbean and the Atlantic, the Manila Galleon have truly made its reputation in maritime trade. The route made by the Manila-Acapulco trade was not only the longest in its time but also the first global trade route in history.

(Manila Galleon used in Manila-Acapulco Trade)

(Downtown Manila has resemblance with European cities)

(Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, Early 20th Century)

Early 1900s, the U.S. troops took control over the city following the defeat of Spain. And from being another magnificent european-inspired city, Manila was changed to a grand metropolis of the modern American Age. During this time, American government commissioned Daniel Burnham to create the master plan for the city. With monumental buildings like of Washington DC, boulevards like Paris and canals like Venice, Manila was a masterpiece of the early 20th century.

(Finance, Legislative and City Hall building, Luneta)

Burnham plan for Manila was never completed. War came unexpectedly. Just ten hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Manila suffered from aerial bombardment. Knowing that they could not afford losing the city, the American declared Manila as an Open City to spare the city from death and destruction. Despite this, the Japanese Imperial Forces continue to bombard Manila. The Battle of Manila has been the most brutal, sorrowful and the most difficult period of our history.

(Philippine Legislative Building after World War 2)

(Buildings and Bridges burnt)

After the war, the city of Manila underwent The Golden Age. It was revitalized and became once again the Pearl of the Orient. As the home of the first and finest (during its time) international airline in Asia, Manila became THE place in the region to come for shopping, entertainment, leisure, business and even to obtain higher education. But after several decades of its re-establishment, these characters of Manila are gone with the wind.

The city that is full of promise before became the city of what we know today. Congested, unorganized, polluted. These might not be the proper descriptions for all districts of the city but that's how I see most of it. Discipline of the people I believe is what's lacking for Manila. You see, people are throwing their garbages everywhere, men are urinating everywhere, they're spitting everywhere, and there's more! there are lots of robbers, snatchers and crooks in most places. Even those who are in public office steals what's should be for the development of the city and its people. The traffic are depressing. Buildings are sprouting everywhere. Public facilities and domains are poorly maintained. And where we are now? Manila was left far behind by its neighbouring cities in the South East Asia. It is just sad to see Manila in this state, knowing her glorious past, it would've made her truly the Queen City of the Pacific.

*** I am a Filipino. I have nothing againts the city of Manila or its people. I just want to share my thoughts and I do not intend to cause harm to anybody with my post. ***

Daranak Falls

This is part of our Tanay Nature Trip.

My second time to go to Daranak Falls and it still fascinates me. Daranak falls can be found at the foot of Tanay mountains in Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. To get there, from Tanay Market, you can either rent a jeepney or trike or if you're a little adventurous, you can ride a jeepney bound to Sampaloc and alight on the street with the signange "To Daranak Falls" at the left side of the road, and from there you can walk until you reach the end of the road where the entrance of Daranak Falls.

A fee of P20 per person is charged which I think is worth since the premise is very well-maintained. Upon entering, you will cross a river by a not so hanging bridge (hehe) and from there, you will already hear the rush of the falling water and the sound of people enjoying the . There are cottages, restrooms, shower rooms and even a store inside for your convenience.

The place is pristine. Tall trees surrounds the area. And the falls is like heaven's curtain brought down on earth. It really looked like those places in fairyland or for us Filipinos the most closest comparison is the Engkantadya in 'Okay ka Fairy ko!' TV series. That's why I wouldn't be surprise if this location will be use for fantasy TV series or movies with the same theme.

It's interesting to know that Daranak come from tagalog word "dumaranak" which means flowing. But instead of dumaranak they used daranak to shortened the name.

Calinawan Cave

This is part of our Tanay Nature Trip.

Like me, many are not aware that Tanay Rizal have lots of natural wonders. One of these is Calinawan Cave that is located at Barangay Tandang, Kutyo, Tanay, Rizal. I just knew this place when my friend sent me a website link where some of the natural tourist attractions of Rizal are listed. And at that moment, we started to plan out of going to these places as soon as possible. Hindi kami atat. Haha.

From EDSA crossing (Starmall), we took the van bound for Tanay Rizal and from Tanay Market, we hire a jeepney to bring us to our destinations. It is much advisable to bring your own car when you're a group going here because there are no available public transportation to and from this point. Or you can hire a jeep or a trike from the market just like what we did. Going to Calinawan Cave will take you 15 to 30 minutes from the market. And there are few houses along the way where you may ask for the right direction getting there so you don't have to worry.

It is my first time to get into a cave and it really excites me. The moment we get off the jeepney, we started walking to where we believe the entrance of the cave is located. Then I heard these kids that offered us earlier to be our guide that we rejected asking each other, "San sila pupunta? (Where are they going?)". Not knowing that the very entrance of the cave is a small ground hole that we missed even if we walked beside it. And yes, it seems like we really need a guide. Hehe.

I like the fact that the entrance to this cave is partially hidden since from what I've learned from the internet, this cave is once a hideout of the Filipinos during the Japanese occupation. It deceived us really. So we hire one guide for the tour and the moment you get closer to the entrance, you will see this little hole that is dark inside and feel this cold humid air coming from the cave. Its kinda creepy at first. Hehe.

The rock and mineral formations inside is marvelous. It's good to have a headlamp or a flash light here because some parts of the cave are unreachable by the sunlight. There are passages in the cave where you have to walk sideways or downcast  which adds drama to your exploration. After less than 30 minutes of walking inside, we came out in this two large rocks that are around 30 feet high which is a great scene for photo ops.

Prepare P20 as registration and any amount for the guide.

Mt. Batulao

The cool breeze same as of Tagaytay plus the spectacular view of the mountain range and fields around Mt. Batulao sets her as my most favorite mountain I've climbed so far. I fell in love with this mountain the first time I saw it when I'm browsing the internet for Caleruega. Then the dream of getting there started to flow in my spirit.  And fortunately last November, I had the chance to make this dream a reality.

Though the plan of climbing Batulao has reached me shortly before the scheduled date, I did not hesitate to join. Kasi naman baka abutin na naman ng matagal na panahon bago ulit magka-schedule dito kaya sige sugod na! Haha. Anyway, I joined the second batch of our group that will trek during the night since they are occupied during the day just like me, so its kinda convenient on my part. To get there, we took the bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas in Pasay Terminal. It costs us P110. After a 3 hours trip, the bus dropped us off to Evercrest Golf Club Resort (Jump-off). You may hire a tricycle that will take you to the end of the road. But in our case, we decided to get there on foot.

It is my first time to do a night climb, and it's really exciting. The main advantage of hiking at night I think is that you will not get tired easily and you can reach the summit in less time since you have a little photo opportunity, hehe. Not like the first three climbs I had, there was no rain that night. And the view of constellations are just magnificent to behold. The trail is very well-established but it is important that you wear long pants or tights since Mt. Batulao is mostly covered by cogon grass. Our night trek was fun and 'cool', thanks to the cool breeze of Batulao and to our newly met friends Reg, Kat and Jessa. They've also shared their night snack with us. Hehe, ang PG (Patay-gutom). We reached Camp 10 at 130AM and I think we slept at 3AM.

At the morning, Mt. Batulao greeted me with her panoramic view of boulder formations as well as the plains of Cavite and Batangas. A great view plus a hot coffee in the morning is just perfect to start the day. We started our ascent to the summit at 1030AM and got there after an hour since we spent most of our time in posing for pictures. Haha. My most favorite part of the trail is the roped segment that is part of the old trail. There are also stores on some part of the trail that sells water, mountain dew soda, buko juice and even halo-halo. Kulit di ba! Hehe.

All in all, Mt. Batulao is perfect for anybody who wants a minor climb with beautiful views to see.

Philippines: For Sale

(Nickel Mining in Surigao)

I don't quite understand how the government can just ignore this destruction that the mining companies are causing our environment, in our own land. Yes, most of the mining companies are foreign-owned, so it's not a big surprise for me to see images like this. Pero nak naman! Is our government blind??? Don't they have any concern for the indigenous people's living in this part of the country that struggle for the very life of their communities, their children? Don't they have any concerns for the next generation of this nation? Ano nalang ang aabutin nila kung sinisira na natin ang sa totoo lang ay dinatnan na natin dito? Lagi nalang bang pera?! pera?! pera?!


The government's always statement regarding this matter is that "it is for the national interests" but the question is "who's nation are we talking about?". Is this the nation of the people living in Luzon? The nation living in Metropolis? Is Surigao or Palawan not part of this nation?

(Blue skies and... is that blue sea water I'm seeing from afar?)

(Polluted water caused by mining)

Nasaan na ang daang matuwid mo PNoy? The way his administration works, it's look like they're more concern with foreign investments and giving all we have, yes! all we have than to safeguard the interests and the lives of our countrymen. What can I say? God save the Philippines from its own government.

Nosebleed

Kapag ikaw ay nagsasalita ng English, ang tingin sayo ng mga tao ay matalino, may-kaya, edukada, sosyal, magaling, elitista. Pero kung Filipino, ikaw ay mahina, probinsya, salitang kalye, salitang para sa mahirap, para sa mga tindera sa palengke, para sa tagapag-hugas ng pinggan. At kung ikaw ay ganito mag-isip, isa ka sa mga Pilipinong hindi nag-iisip.

Walang wika ang mas mababa kaysa sa isa. English is not greater than the Filipino language. Our language is our pride. Our expression. It is our identity. Filipino language is the heart of our origin. It reflects the intellect, ability and creativity of our ancestors. It has its own system, own form. And in fact, there's a lot of words in Filipino language that has no direct translation into English. It is NOT the language of the uneducated.

I am not against the use of English language in our country. It is in fact, our advantage to others. But if its use would cause us to think that the Filipino language is less than the English, then we have a problem. Yes, we need this language. It has been and continues to be the medium of instruction in our country. It is the primary language used in our education system, of business, government, medicine, print journalism and even of the military and police. But then again, this does NOT mean that Filipino language is for the ignorant.

Senator Lito Lapid's request to the Upper House to make their debate on the RH Bill delivered in Filipino language has been a big issue. Why? I don't see anything wrong with that. Is it in the rule of Legislation branch? Or if maybe it's in the rule that everything should be written and delivered in English for them to be universal, but can't we give our very own national language a chance? Isn't it better to have the debate in Filipino so that everyone could understand clearly what it's about? So that everyone can relate? Remember that President Noynoy Aquino uses Filipino in his first State of the Nation. And it works. And I'm glad he did that. See? Pwede naman yon.

Maybe I can't blame those people who think this way. Maybe the idea is politically and socially dictated. And so the bigger problem I believe is the society itself. The problem is the orientation and the outlook our society instilled in us - that everything foreign is better. If we speak in English, mas sosyal. That's what is favored in schools. Some parents even talk to their children in English as they grow. And so giving their children head ache learning Filipino subject.

Both language are important. We should not deny our children learn to speak Filipino. And let us not be a victim of colonial mentality. While the Filipino language continues to evolve, so we must also continue to offer our talent and knowledge to our country with humility and competence, regardless of language we speak.

Pedring's Ravage

 

It will all be over. God is with us.

'Pedring' is one of the worst typhoon my home province had ever encountered. Several towns are still submerged in flood waters and is barely subsiding. Let's pray for the safety of everyone who are affected by the typhoon.

Mt. Maculot

Sa sobrang  lakas ng ulan nung Saturday, akala ko hindi na kami matutuloy mag-climb sa Maculot. Pero buti nalang at kasama namin sila Ron at nahiya kaming mag-cancel. Hehe. At yun na nga, kahit gano pa kalakas ang hagupit ni bagyong Mina, hindi pa rin kami napigilan. Nakarating kami ng bus terminal sa Buendia ng mga bandang 8:45AM, at sa palengke ng Cuenca alas-onse empunto. Late kami at walang-wala na sa schedule. Haha.

Sa palengke na rin kami nag lunch para bawas dalahin sa itaas. Ahi! Sa sobrang lakas pa rin ng ulan, ni ang paanan ng bundok na aakyatin namin ay hindi ko na makita. Kaya kahit mga tindera sa palengke eh nagtataka kung ano bang nakain namin at sobrang desidido kaming umakyat. Pero eto kami, dedma. Ahaha. Sumakay kami ng tricycle papuntang jump-off at nagparegister sa baranggay outpost. After several minutes, we're ready to ascent!

Nung una yabang-yabangan ako, mabilis pa ko maglakad. Pero ng nararamdaman ko na ang bigat ng bag ko, walang pang 10 minutes, hingal na hingal na ko. Yak! Ang bilis kong napagod. Wala ring saysay ang nabili naming kapote sa vente, mas makapal pa ang plastic labo. Haha. (Nagreklamo pa eh bente nga lang yun) Kaya ayun basa din ako. :(

Half way to the campsite, ramdam ko na ang panginginig ng tuhod ko. Siguro dahil narin sa ulan at basang-basa na ko. (Weh, ang totoo wala kasi akong exercsie. Ehe.) Minsan hirap na hirap din ako i-angat ang sarili ko sa matataas na part dahil sa bigat ng bag ko. May mga trail na umaagos ang tubig dahil sa ulan. Meron naman sobrang tataas ng pagitan. Ibang-iba talaga 'to sa mga unang akyat ko, bukod sa bumabagyo eh tanghali narin kasi kaming nagsimula paakyat kaya hinahabol namin ang liwanag.

The trail is very well established from the jump-off to the Rockies. Hindi ko lang alam dun sa kabilang side (Grotto). Meron ding mga stations na pwedeng pagpahingahan when you get tired along the way. I think there are about 6 of it before the campsite which is a great relief dahil sa tagal kong hindi umakyat eh ang bilis kong mapagod.

Cooking dinner has been a great challenge for our group since we only have 1 stove. Samahan mo pa ng masungit na panahon eh mapapadasal ka nalang talaga para makaluto. Pero mabuti na lang at may magaling kaming cook (at si Alvin yon, hehe) at kahit papano eh nairaos namin ang aming hapunan. Lights out!

Sunday morning has been a relief. Paambon-ambon nalang at wala ng masyadong ulan. And the best of all, wala ng fog! Yipee! Nung sabado kasi para na kaming nasa langit sa sobrang kapal ng ulap sa paligid. Hehe. At ayun, we ate our breakfast at hindi na namin pinalampas ang pagkakataon at nagpunta na kami sa Rockies! Weeee!

The Rockies. Do you see mountaineers going down the trail?

The Rockies is 5 minutes away from the campsite kaya walang kahirap-hirap ang pagpunta. (Naks! Ikaw na!) You will have to cross a narrow path and climb on the steep rocky trail going up. It's a bit challenging lalo na sa may mga takot sa heights but surely all efforts are worth it when you get to see the view on top of the Rockies. Breathtaking indeed!

My estimated budget was roughly P500 for the transpo and food. Pero eto, P1,200 ang nagastos namin sa hindi malamang dahilan. Haha. But at the end of the day, this amount is worthless compared to the joy and fulfillment God has blessed us in this climb.

Mt. Maculot on the background. (Cuenca Public Market)

Notes:

Bus (JAM) from Buendia terminal to Lipa - P124
Jeep (bound to Lemery) going to Cuenca market - P20
Tricycle from market to jump-off - P20
Registration - P10

***Thanks to Shelly for my pictures. Siya ang naging tour guide ko at photographer sa taas ng Rockies. Hehe. Thanks Alvin for the dinner and breakfast. Thanks Chito sa pagpapahiram ng tent at cookset na sana sinama mo na ang stove, haha. At thank you sa iba pang nakasama ko sa pag-akyat. (Ron, Grace, Aldino, Jojo, Kuya Eboy, Monch) Until next climb!

E-Trikes for a Sustainable Future

If Makati has their E-Jeepneys, Mandaluyong on the other hand has their E-Tricycles. Oha! Oha! When I was working in Makati, I was able to ride on these E-Jeepneys everytime we're taking our lunch in Landmark or Glorietta. These E-Jeepneys aren't charging fees/fares to its passengers, rather, they have this small donation box behind the driver's seat for those who may want to give. (Mahiya ka naman magbigay ka! Haha)

Then here came E-Trikes. One morning I got a chance to ride on one of these public vehicles going to Boni Avenue in Mandaluyong. The engine is so quiet that you won't even distinguish the difference when it is running and when it is not. Very comfortable seat and runs so smooth that it's like riding on a limo. (Wow parang nakasakay na ko sa limo, hehe) And the best of all, they just charge the same fares of ordinary tricycle. Galing 'di ba!

While E-Jeepneys can accommodate up to 12 persons, E-trikes have seats for 8. Much better compared to the ordinary trikes that can only accommodate 4-5 persons. These electrically-powered vehicles are not only environmentally-friendly but also can save a lot of money to our country from foreign fuel imports.

I'm impressed with this project. It's giving me a sense of assurance that somehow, city governments are concern in minimizing air pollution in the city. Though there are still lot of things to do before realizing the full benefit of this project, its a good start towards cleaner air and a more livable environment for Manila. Great right?

Harry Potter and Twilight

Harry Potter is all about confronting fears, finding inner strength, and doing what is right in the face of adversity. Twilight is about how important it is to have a boyfriend.

--Stephen King

Pasintabi sa mga Twilight fans.. blog ko to. Haha..

Emotional Conclusion - Harry Potter

Emma Watson saying goodbye to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II at the world premiere.

-ooh man. This is sad. :(

*Reblog from Kimpoy.

The Amazing Marcelito Pomoy

Have you heard his voice already??? Grabe! Mapapahiya ang mga totoong babae sa boses nya! Haha. When I first saw him on the stage of PGT 2 during auditions, I admit in-underestimate ko sya agad. Oo, masama na ko, haha. Atleast I'm honest. But then... when he started singing, napa-nganga nalang ako. His voice quality and range is almost identical with the Songbird! Lalo na nung inabot nya yung highest note sa "Narito Ako" ni Regine. I really can't believe my eyes!

Anyway, para sa mga hindi pa sya naririnig, panoorin nyo nalang tong performance nya sa ASAP Rocks, at tingnan natin kung hindi ka mawala sa katinuan! Haha. Galing!

Kaya din nya kumanta ng panlalake. Pero mas nakakabilib kasi sya sa pambabae nyang boses. At lilinawin ko lang po, si Marcelito po ay straight na straight na lalake. Hindi po sya Gay. Maganda na yung malinaw. Hehe.

Buffalo Wings

Bakit ba andaming gustong-gusto ang Buffalo Wings? Hindi mo naman maintindihan ang lasa. Sobrang maasim na maalat na sobrang anghang.

Takbo! Takbo! Takbo!

Napansin ko lang... napakadami nang nagpapa-marathon ngayon. Dati MILO lang. Ngayon samu't saring kumpanya at NGO's ang nag-oorganize ng Fun Run. Eto namang mga tao, tuwang-tuwa naman sa pagbabayad.

The IMAX experience!

Sooooooo huge! Ang galing-galing. Haha. Nanood kami ng advance screening ng Transformers last Tuesday sa SM North Edsa. Yes, expensive pero worth it naman. Pati minsan lang naman :)

The first thing na napansin ko pagpasok ko sa IMAX eh yung screen nya. Ang laki laki laki talaga! Tapos naka-curve sya unlike the standard screens used by the others na flat lang. Sa unahan kami naupo nung una... at napasubo yata kami. Ahaha. Kasi sa sobrang lapit namin sa screen eh halos lamunin na kami ng pinapanood namin. Tapos hindi ko makita lahat, kailangan ko pang lumingon sa kaliwa at sa kanan para makita ko ung buong picture. Eeerrrggg. Badtrip. Minsan naduduling pa ko pag sobrang bilis ng eksena. Ehehe.

After 30 minutes, lumipat kami sa bandang likuran sa mga bakanteng upuan. At ayun, kita ko na rin yung buong screen. Ang napansin ko lang, ang maganda lang kapag nasa harap ka eh pakiramdam mo nasa paligid mo lang ung objects sa movie at parang you're "in" the movie talaga. Kapag nasa taas ka naman, although 3D pa din naman pero laging nasa harap mo lang yung objects. Siguro dahil nakikita mo yung borders ng screen at yung mga upuan sa harap mo. But still, you will feel that the actions is just right in front of you. Pakiramdam ko talaga kasama ko sa labanan ng mga Autobots at Decepticons. Haha. Galing!

The whole IMAX experience is so great. But how it differs from the usual Digital 3D? Hmmmm... The screen maybe??? Haha. Hindi ako sure. Siguro ang pinaka-napansin ko sa IMAX experience eh yung feeling mo nagmomove yung upuan mo, yung parang naka-angat ka while the picture is moving. Hehe, nakakatuwa. :) Minsan feeling ko mahuhulog ako. The picture almost looks so real na mapapa-iwas ka talaga minsan kapag may objects na feeling mo matatamaan ka. Haha. And the sounds??? It is just amazing!

Can't wait to see Harry Potter again in IMAX. Weeeeee~!

Pause

Minsan ba naisip nyo na sana may powers kayo na patigilin ang oras at ang lahat ng tao eh naka-pause at kayo lang ang naka-play? (dvd? pause and play, haha wala akong maisip na ibang term)

Bukod sa gusto kong i-kiss ang crush ko (ikaw na ang may crush! haha, parang bata) ng hindi nya alam, lagi ko 'tong naiisip kapag nagigising ako ng 6:50AM at 7AM ang pasok ko. Haha.

Teka! Teka!

I just realized that I'm getting so serious about my last few posts. Hehe. It's been raining for 3 days now! Grabe! Hindi tuloy kami natuloy maglaboy sa Makati. :( at malamang na ma-postpone din ang pagba-bike sa Nuvali. :| Haaaayyyy... kumanta nalang tayo.. ♪ ♫ walang tigil ang ulan, at nasaan ka araw? ♪ ♫

RH Bill - Do we really need it?

I will not speak religion here.

House Bill 4244, otherwise known as The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011 is long been talked-about proposal in the Lower House. Personally, I haven't read its full context. But what I know is, our constitution has already provided us policies for reproductive health and responsible parenthood---- and all we have to do is to fully enforce it. (Article II: "Declaration of Principles and State Policies" and Article XV: "The Family")

So, what about it? What is reproductive health?

In its plain meaning, reproductive health (RH) refers (or ought to refer) to a person's health in both body and mind, in the mature and responsible use of his or her reproductive organs and faculties; its primary concern is the safe, licit and natural generation and proper upbringing of a new human being (a child). As used in House Bill 4244, "reproductive health" is not concerned with the safe, licit and natural generation and moral upbringing of any new human being. Its main thrust is the very opposite---- how to prevent pregnancy and reproduction through contraception and sterilization. The bill, strictly speaking, is an anti-reproduction bill.

Then maybe you're wondering, "If that is true, then why are our legislators still pursuing this bill?"

First, the international society specially the United States is pressuring the government to treat the subject of population growth control as a matter of paramount importance. And when a law of population control is passed, massive funding support from international organizations will pour on our politician's pockets is guaranteed. Our RH politician's primary concern is our people's well-being aren't they? That is what they say.

Second, supporters says that this bill is needed to prevent maternal death during pregnancy and childbirth. They claim that 10 poor women die everyday from complications during pregnancy or child birth. If that is correct, can't this complications be treated or aren't these preventable? Can't our government just put the allocated fund for this bill in obstetrics care and medical personnel? It seems that they much like interested to cure child- bearing---- which is not a disease.

Another thing: safe sex. Sex without responsibility. Sex as a mere exchange of sensation or pleasure. Clearly, it destroys the main purpose of this gift - the union of man and wife sharing with each other the highest power within their nature, to become the means of transmitting new life from God the Creator. But I'm not saying that married couples have to breed like rabbits, or to have sexual intercourse at all times. Remember that man is gifted with intellect and will. And he has the power to control his urges.

Senator Francisco Tatad is right when he wrote in his article "The Truth and Half-Truths About Reproductive Health" that the State has the right to define the duties of the citizen and the duty to recognize his rights. It may tax him to its heart's content, expropriate his most valued piece of land for public use, and send him to war in defense of the flag. But it may not tell him how to live the truth of his person-hood or how to manage his personal relationship with God. The State may not tell a citizen how to think, how to feel, how to worship, how to hope, how to believe, it may not tell him how to love, and be loved, how to embrace his wife, or father her child. The State may neither promote nor prohibit the private use of contraceptives, without violating the absolute privacy of the most intimate aspect of a couple's family life. This is the clearest reason why the State cannot be a party to a program of contraception and sterilization.

While the supporters are claiming that this bill is against abortion, their bill clearly declares on Section 3 that "the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner". We all know that abortion is illegal. Yet RH bill protects those who do this crime.

Another point from our pro-RH congressmen: Overpopulation is a hindrance for progress. Reasonable? The few aren't always richer. Macau has the highest population density in the world with 18,428 inhabitants per square km. yet they are progressive. Monaco has a population density of 16,754 inhabitants per square km. but its GDP per capita is among the highest. And let's not forget our neighbors Singapore and HongKong. Singapore with 6,489 inhabitants per square km., third highest in the world but they have the highest GDP per capita in all of Asia. HongKong with 6,407 inhabitants per square km. has GDP per capita that is second highest in Asia. I believe the problem is not overpopulation. The problem lie elsewhere. No rich couple has suddenly become poor just because they chose to have children. On the contrary, so many poor families lifted themselves from poverty because of their children.

What if the birth rate drops? Would it transform the Philippines into a welfare state? Would it make people more morally upright, less pleasure-seeking, self-indulgent and selfish? I don't think so.

"If we could correct our mistakes, and put good governance in place, then there is much hope. How people conduct themselves is the critical issue, not how many they are." -Senator Francisco Tatad

Semana Santa

Nakakalungkot lang na sa panahon ngayon, hindi na masyadong binibigyan ng importansya ang pagsasakripisyo sa panahon ng semana santa.

Naaalala ko dati, bawal talaga mag-ingay pag alas-tres na ng Good Friday hanggang sa Salubong. Napapagalitan pa ko ng lola ko kapag nagbubukas ako ng radyo. Kasi nga, we are commemorating the death of Jesus. Pero ngayon, may nag-iinuman at meron pang nagvi-videoke. Dati rin, halos ang mga tao nasa bahay lang kapag Maundy Thursday hanggang Black Saturday. Pero ngayon, nasa Galera, Boracay at kung saan-saan pang galaan. Jesus was somehow lost in Holy Week. And it's sad. Holiness was now hardly felt in the air.

I wish we can bring back the "Holy" in Holy Vacation Week.

But he was pierced for our rebellion,
Crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.


Isaiah 53:5

CamSur Watersports Complex

Nung una akala ko ang CWC eh nasa tabi ng dagat, o ng lake. Yun pala nasa gitna ng Capitol compuond. Hehe. At napa "OH?? (with matching panlalaki ng mata)" talaga ako nung malaman ko na ang first-class complex na 'to eh operated ng local government. Ang galing! (hindi ko naman minamaliit ang gobyerno, nasanay lang kasi ako na kapag ang gobyerno nagpapatakbo ng business, it's either napapabayaan o nebebenta) But really, kudos for the local government of camsur. It is such a wonderful place.

Naisip ko nga, "Dati naririnig ko lang kay Dyan Castillejo ang CWC. Napapanood ko lang dati sa Sports Unlimited and now I'm here! I'm here!". Ang sarap mag-wake. Yun nga lang masakit sa braso sa una. Mantakin mo ba namang hilahin ka ng kable. Tapos dapat sa una mahigpit yung hawak mo sa cable, kasi mabibitawan mo talaga kung hindi. Ok din naman ang price, P160 yata per hour, nakalimutan ko na. Hehe. For 2 hours, you can use the pool for FREE. Oh di ba pwede na!

Ako yan naka blue!

Naks! Ganyan ang tamang pag-ikot.

Meron namang magtuturo how to do wakeboarding. Sa una as beginner, yung naka-luhod muna. Then if you think kaya mo na ng nakatayo, you can try. Yun nga lang I think it's really not that easy as it looks. So 1st hour namin we tried yung nakaluhod, then for the second hour dun naman kami nanggulo sa nakatayo, pero dun kami sa beginner pa rin syempre. Hehe.

Medyo nakakalito sa una kasi hindi mo pa alam ang gagawin. Sasabihin sayo nung trainor na wag daw hilahin yung cable eh ang kaso kapag palubog ka na ang tendency hihilahin mo talaga yun di ba! haha. Pero after several times of trying, nakuha ko na rin sya at tama nga si kuya, "wag hilahin ang cable". Kasi kapag hinila mo sya, lalo kang lulubog. Sayang nga lang na twice lang ako nakatawid. Kung kelan naman kasi kaya na namin ni Monch at nag-eenjoy na kami tsaka lunch break na pala. Hayyy. But atleast we've experienced na nakatayo. Hehe.

It's been a fun-filled day with my friends. Sinulit talaga namin ang bakasyon sa CWC. Sabi nga, minsan lang yun. Maghapon kaming nagbilad sa araw. (kaya pagbalik namin sa Manila para kaming inihaw, hehe) Tinry din namin yung mga activities sa Lago Del Rey. Swimming, Trampoline, Obstacle race, kayaking. Ang saya!