Ten (10) Things To Give (As Well As Want To Receive) This Christmas

I am back! After the many birthday parties given to me by my various groups, relatives and friends, my neurons seem to be working alright for another blog post..

And since I always start the month of December in festive mode and mood, what a better way to continue the celebration than to write about, yes, Christmas..

I was reading through my December issue of Readers Digest Canada few hours ago when I’ve stumbled on this cartoon page, which shows a kid telling Santa “I won’t be writing you this year – you can find my list on my blog” in the Last Laugh section. (Photograb below)

Photograb from Readers Digest Magazine Canada (December 2009)

And since the whole magazine joyously talked about Christmas stuff, giving, and other philanthropic endeavours, I might as well talk about the Yuletide Season in yet another festive (or sarcastic) mood by literally giving you a list of what I want and what I suggest everyone to get as Christmas gifts for themselves or for their love ones..

Okay, cut me some slack people.. I know I am 28 and I am too old to come up with a list for Santa but this is not for the old stinky fat white chimney guy.. And yes, I know that Santa is a fictional character who sits his ass and eggs to boil in 365 days and only goes out his cave during Christmas eve (the only date in the Calendar when he goes for a sleigh ride with the equally fat-assed Rudolf the runny nose reindeer)

Before, I’ll go too far writing why I dislike Santa, Here’s a list of the things I want or rather suggest you folks to have as presents on Christmas eve this year..

Kids, you can pick one from my list and ask your folks (not Santa) to buy one or bulk for you as Christmas gift..

1. NHL Jersey. I am a big hockey fan and I cheer for the Flaming C of Red.. So, regardless of the team you’re cheering and betting, a new NHL jersey of your favorite “pucker” (be conscious about the spelling.. It’s “P.U.C.K.E.R.”) is always a good choice for a Christmas present.. Although, it’s pretty costly and can even be more expensive than a one-day wage of the giver, what counts the most is the smile you put on someone else’s face when they unwrap their gifts..

Just be sure that the NHL team you’re cheering for is winning more and sucking less.. Otherwise, it’s always a shame to put on your jersey when you go watch the big game..

2. PlayStation Portable Go (PSP Go).. It’s the new and refined version of the old and slim PSPs.. Of course, it is still manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment and was released on the 1st of October this year and is commercially available after the Hallow’s eve.. For more of the PSP Go’s specification an functionalities, click here

3. Snow Board.. Since winter has finally arrived and is here to stay for quite a long time (7-9 months), what a way to enjoy weekends, after-school and after-work hours than to go out and play in the snow.. Afterall, no one wants to have winter pounds without doing some workout..

But before snowboarding, it would not hurt when you have to have your Insurance first, just so things will be alright when you and your snowboard stumbled along the way to some medical terms like, X-Ray, MRI, CT Scan, halo brace, and oh, anesthetized skulls..

4. A Portable Blu-Ray Player. Yes, Panasonic and CES developed the first portable Blu-Ray Technology Player mid this year and it’s out in the market.. What’s the edge of this technology over the portable DVD player? Well, let me talk techy here.. Fundamentally, Blu-ray’s video play and playback quality are in High-Definition (HD) with resolution of 1080p against 480i resolution of a regular DVD..

Blu-Ray’s another perk can upscale old and/but compatible DVD players to 1080p for enhanced motion picture (but not in HD)..

Another reason why you should get a portable Blu-Ray player this Christmas is its storage allotment. If single layer DVDs can hold 4.7 GB and double layer discs hold 8.5 GB, Blu-Ray drives have 25 GB and 50 GB for its respective layers..

5. A perculator.. Coffee and of course, tea are always the best beverages during the cold months.. So it won’t hurt if you include a coffee maker or a perculator in your Craiglist.. Afterall, a Venti size Espresso Chocolate Truffle from Starbucks would Make you $5 poorer (that’s including tax), and a large Cap Double Double from Tim Horton’s would make you $3 poorer (again, that’s including tax).. Admittedly though, Starbucks is my guilty pleasure and yes, I’ll soon be working with Tim Hortons..

So why not wish for a perculator where all you have to do is go to the grocery store and buy a bucket of brewed coffe beans for $10 that would last for few weeks than spend the same amount for two cups of coffee on a daily basis.. (Not unless you own a Starbucks or Timmys store)..

6. A Round Trip Ticket for an Out-of-Town Holiday.. Yes, who doesn’t want to go on a Holiday.. Although this idea seems to be just a wishful thinking, I guess, if all is well with the finances, then, it’s a good gift that someone can give to their families or to themselves.. Sometimes, we all need to take time out, chill out, unwind and give ourselves time and peace or all hell break loose..

If on a tight budget, then the best alternative is to book a hotel in the nearest city you haven’t visited for a while, get a full tank, hit the road and rev up for a holiday.. Just be sure that the weather comes to term with your plan..

I’ve included this in my list because the idea of spending Christmas in a hotel room this year sounds cool and rewarding.. I might go to Banff or Edmonton..

7. A 1-Year IMAX movie pass.. The power of the 3D and it’s sorround sound system.. Winter movie line ups are always the best.. You can make the whole family enjoy a popcorn and pop with your IMAX movie pass gift.. For sure, the vermins in diapers will love every movie they’ll see in those Robocop-inspired 3D glasses..

8. iPhone 3GS.. Upgrade your or someone else’s phone.. The iPhone 3GS technology is a “mutation” of the old iPhone units..

With all its touch feature and functionalities plus video capability, the iPhone 3GS is a perfect gift for a techy nerdist.. true to Apple’s claim, it’s the fastest iPhone ever..

But if you’re on a tight budget, trust me, an Apple gift card is just as perfect as giving the hardware itself..

9. 1-Year Gym Membership.. If you have issues shedding those extra fats and weights or have friends who are as fat-assed as Santa Claus himself, a year gym membership is considered a gift for a cause.. Trust me, giving gift like this is a Lord’s work.. Not only that you’re saving yourself or anyone from heart attack, obesity or even early passing, but you’re doing a great job showing that you care much getting fit and being healthy..

10. A Bible.. You must be saying, “WTF!” or “WTH”, but hey, it’s the only portable library in the whole wide world where the accounts of the birth and death of the reason why we celebrate Christmas are written..

I am not a big religious fellow, but if Chrstians have the reasons to celebrate Christmas and do their wish list, the bible told so perfectly..

Dig this, “No one can spell Christmas without Christ and thus can spell Satan without Santa!”..

In finishing, more than the monetary value of the gifts we give, the thought that we’re sharing our blessings in our humble way is more important.. As humble as when Christ himself choose to be born in a manger rather than in a heater-equipped room..

IT’S SHOUTOUT TIME

Okay, this is surely a very long blog with a lot of people I really would like to thank for remembering my birthday, giving me gifts, throwing parties for me and greeting me with well wishes.. But since I don’t want my readers to get tired reading a lengthy post, you people know who you are, so I leave this blank line _____________________ for you to assume that you’re one.. Kiddin’!

Thank you!!
JUST SO YOU KNOW
Am giving you one of my trivia this time with my quotation, “No one can spell Christmas without Christ and thus can spell Satan without Santa!”..

The Big 2-8

It’s my BIG 2-8, and as early as yesterday, December 3, I have been surprised and greeted by many people..

At church (Deer Park United Church) last night, the family of Lolo Bonie & Lola Carmen Pablico bought and brought some pizzas, chicken fingers, fruit platters and pops and gave me a surprised party with the Choir..

It was a night of singing, merry making and food..

What made it worth remembering more than the thought that it was my first birthday party ever in Canada, was when everyone tried to guess my age and most of them said I’m 21.. Atleast, either it is an ironic compliment or it really is how I look, I’m glad to be 7 years younger-looking than my real age.. 21 is not bad afterall..

Yes, this is just the Part I.. There are some more parties that my friends planned and organized for my special day..

You might be eager to ask how does it feel to be 28.. I would say, pretty much like when I was 27..

I Condemn The Maguindanao Massacre

MANILA, Philippines – Forty-three persons – including a politician about to file her and her brother’s certificates of candidacy (COCs), as well as journalists covering the event – were confirmed killed when heavily armed men waylaid the group on its way to the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Maguindanao.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Information Office chief Lt. Col. Romero Brawner confirmed that as of yesterday afternoon, ground troops had recovered 21 bodies – 13 women and eight men – from the massacre site in Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan town.

Supporters of Buluan Vice Mayor Toto Mangudadatu and Mangudadatu Vice Mayor Eden Mangudadatu and their

companions were on their way to the Comelec office to file COCs at around 10:30 a.m. when they were blocked at a checkpoint manned by some 100 Maguindanao police personnel and armed civilian volunteers allegedly led by Datu Unsay town mayor Datu Andal Ampatuan Jr.

Ampatuan was not available for comment.

Reports from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division reported that a certain Police Senior Inspector Dicay of Shariff Aguak accompanied Ampatuan. Three vehicles owned by the Mangudadatu’s were found burned.

Toto Mangudadatu, who was not with the convoy, is reportedly eyeing the gubernatorial seat in the May 2010 elections and had asked his wife to file his COC.

Aside from Bai Eden, the other victims were identified as Genalyn Tiamzon-Mangudadatu, the vice mayor’s wife who was raped before being killed; lawyers Connie Brizuela and Cynthia Oquendo and her father, Bai Farinah Mangudadatu; Faridah Sabdulah; Manguba Bai Mangudadatu, Toto’s aunt; Farida Mangudadatu, Toto’s youngest sister.

The journalists were identified as Ian Toblan, Leah Dalmacio, Gina dela Cruz, Joy Duhay, Andy Teodoro, Mac-Mac Areola, Bart Maravilla of Bombo Radyo Koronadal, Henry Araneta of dzRH Cotabato, Bong Reblando of Manila Bulletin and Neneng Montano of local radio dxCP.

Also reported killed were Rasul Daud, driver of Mangudadatu, Wahida Ali Kaliman, Farida Sabdula, Zorayda Vernan, Victor Nuñez, Zaida Abdul, Pinky Balayman, Ella Balayman, Rahima Piopo, Abdullah Hajji, Patrick Pamansan, Meriam Calicol, a certain Unto and a certain Chito, and eight others who were not included in the list.

Toto said his wife and her companions left Buluan town at about 9 a.m. on board several vehicles and were flagged down by armed men at Barangay Kauran in Ampatuan, Maguindanao some 30 minutes later.

“Six members of the group that was to bring my certificate of candidacy to Shariff Aguak were beheaded by the gunmen that flagged them down at a portion of a highway near Shariff Aguak. The police and the military have to do something,” Mangudadatu told Catholic station dxND in Kidapawan City.

“I opted not to provide armed security escorts to the group to avoid possible tension during the filing of my COC,” he added.

The Mangudadatu clan is known to have a long-running feud with the family of Maguindanao’s incumbent Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., who police said is known to have his own private army.

Brutal death

Reporters have been trying to get information on the incident from the spokesman of the 6th ID, Col. Jonathan Ponce.

He, however, has not responded even if his staffers have confirmed that he is just inside the Army camp.

Sources from the Army’s 601st Brigade said unidentified armed men indeed flagged down several vehicles at a portion of the Cotabato-Isulan Highway in Kauran area, which is at the boundary adjoining Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

The provincial police director of Maguindanao could not be reached for comment.

The tension worsened when text messages started circulating that the gunmen executed and killed four of the reporters who were with the group.

Local officials in towns at the border of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat said they still have to confirm from barangay leaders the veracity of the text messages that four journalist that accompanied the wife of Mangudadatu had been decapitated.

A source who requested anonymity said the victims were shot at random, and some were decapitated with chainsaws.

The same source added that the killers used a backhoe to dig mass graves where the victims were buried.

Brig. Gen. Medardo Geslani, chief of the army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, said they are now validating the reports.

Palace up in arms

Malacañang expressed shock and outrage over the executions and vowed that justice would be served.

Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said the Palace is still trying to determine the facts behind the incident.

“We are in shock and total outrage,” Claudio said. “Justice will be served and the perpetrators will be punished, whoever they are.”

Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Jesus Dureza recommended to President Arroyo to immediately declare a state of emergency in Maguindanao.

“This is a gruesome massacre of civilians unequalled in recent history. Even women and working mediamen were not spared. I grieve for my friends in the media and all those killed while doing their job,” Dureza said in a statement.

“There must be a total stop to this senseless violence and carnage. I strongly recommend that a state of emergency be imposed in the area and everyone disarmed. Anything less will not work,” he said.

Claudio said he had a brief meeting with ARMM Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan at the Palace to discuss Sulu politics.

Ampatuan was accompanied by outgoing Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison and other local officials. They sought a meeting to be assured of fair arbitration from the leaders of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD, as Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan is also fielding his own local slate against Arbison’s group.

He said there was no discussion about Maguindanao politics.

NUJP condemns abduction of mediamen

Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) condemned the abduction and death of their colleagues.

“We demand that government, from Malacañang to the (ARMM) and Maguindanao, and its security forces, move swiftly to resolve this crisis and ensure that no harm befalls the hostages; and, if true that violence has been inflicted on some of the hostages, to ensure swift justice on the perpetrators, no matter who they are,” the NUJP said in a statement.

“Taking hostage someone about to file a certificate of candidacy is, by itself, a brazen challenge to efforts to strengthen our admittedly fragile democracy. And, if true that a local government official and a police officer are involved, then it says a lot about how far government has gone to eradicate the warlord politics that continues to reign over many of our provinces, very often the poorest and most underdeveloped,” the NUJP added.

“But to take hostage journalists who were merely going about their job of informing the public worsens the already heinous crime and elevates it into an assault on the Constitution itself and the freedom of the press and of expression it enshrines, and the people’s right to know which these freedoms serve,” NUJP said.

Pimentel: Send the Marines

At the Senate, minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. recommended sending the Marines to Maguindanao to control the peace and order situation.

Pimentel condemned the killings, which came on the heels of the filing of COCs for local and national posts.

He also said that the military should take control of the area to avoid further bloodbath.

“It’s going to lead to a bloodbath unless the government steps in. Arrest and jail whoever is responsible even if he might be a warlord. Send the Marines if need be,” Pimentel said. –With John Unson, Edith Regalado, John Paul Jubelag, Jaime Laude, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Christina Mendez, Paolo Romero – By James Mananghaya

Source: PhilStar
——–
As a former part of the Philippine’s “fourth” state of the government, the media group, I join the active, retired, and budding newsmen, local and international media agencies and organizations in condemning and mourning the brutal political killings of 43 innocent lives of political leaders, mediamen and innocent Maguindanaon..

I hope that the Philippine government through the leadership of Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be tough enough to punish the perpetrators regardless of their political affiliations and give the bereaved families the justice they deserve..

Justice delayed is justice denied!!

My Shot at H1N1 Influenza (Not The Vaccine)

(Sketch by Li Yu)

I am sick for the second time in two weeks.. It’s not H1N1 anyway, but just to be sure, I’ve decided to undergo a 7-day self-quarantine.. It’s hard to miss a week of work but rather than spreading the virus, I’d rather play safe for everyone else’s security..

I’m sure it’s just a regular flu as I’ve been precautious not to get into close contact with people since the H1N1 outbreak few months back, but again, for everyone’s safety and peace of mind, I am willing to sacrifice my week-worth of salary..

What’s funny about the H1N1 hype is that it made me realize that the media as the “extended” state of the government still do the thing that they’re best known for – to sensationalize the news and create a public panic.. I should know because of my media background..

On the other hand though, as the news have been played like a horror movie sound effects scaring people to stupidity, my personal awareness skips up a level from being less-caring to being rationally thinking..

Admitedly, few years back, I’m a big “for-all-I-care” guy who ignores health news and bulletins coz I find them like another police report or a celebrity gossip that the reporters are trying to sell like fruitcake, but after the Swine Flu ga-ga, I can never be sure these days.. H1N1 has claimed lives after lives and the virus is in its strong killing form and is believed to be mutating.. Although, literally, the news made it really worse than the actual scenario, I’d say it helped though to make people more cautious and vigilant about caring themselves and for the others..

Few days ago, while on a weekened sojourn, I came across an article that has a thing to say about The Swine Flu to this effect, “H1N1 is just like an ordinary flu that we can get away with it.. People just need not to panic but instead push themselves to learn a thing or two on how to avoid it..” (I am sorry but I forgot the name of the broadsheet and the author)..

Yes, H1N1 is not here to stay for long and won’t take lives piece after piece until the last warm body breathing becomes numb.. Trust me, we just have to be really equipped with the basic knowledge to fight its spread.. Well, atleast, even if we can’t fight its much alarming spread over the television, radio and prints, then we can start within ourselves and our homes..

So, in sharing, I would like to give a list of helpful information I’ve read on how we could avoid H1N1 or any other regular flu:

KNOW THE PORTALS. A health professional stressed that knowing the point of entries for virus is essential.. Since the transfer is commonly airborne, people should know how can and when can virus gets into someone’s immune system.. The portals include the mouth, the nose and open wounds.. In similar cases, these are the prone areas for viral transfer because they are literally “open” and are directly connected to major internal organs, which blood flows and circulates..

Be sure to practice regular brushing, flossing and gargling.. And as much as possible, avoid too much talking in public places.. A good homemade gargle is the salt solution as its effect is the same as commercially formulated gargles..

Clean your nose with a lukewarm-dipped cloth, handkerchief, or a cotton buds.. When in public, sneeze on your sleeves and cover your nose during cold weather.. You can also use nasal sprays or decongestant if you feel the first sign of having colds and flu..

Open wounds should be cleaned and sanitized using antiseptic solutions and regular washing, and cover the wounds using gauze pads medical/elastic bands.

THE HANDS’ MAGIC. Although literally hands can perform tricky (or sometimes fake) magics, the hands’ magic comes from its touch.. I am not talking naughty hear people so spare your dirty minds for later posts.. In order to avoid lossing its magical powers though (Figuratively speaking), be sure to wash your hands regularly with soap and water.. This is in fact the best defense against any flu..

On a personal note, I’ve discovered that it won’t hurt to let someone push the train or the bus botton open.. Few months ago, I would always be the first commuter to run into the train/bus door to hiss it open as if there was a prize of being the first guy to hop out.. Recently, I would wait until someone do it for the rest.. I’ve figured out that it’s the best way to avoid catching infections especially that the bus/train is a communal resource.. I’ve also done the same in publicly accessed doors on mall elevators and escalators.. It is helpful that there are hand sanitizing machines mounted in many public shared facilities, but there’s no safer way to clean your hands than soap and water for 20-30 seconds on a regular basis..

Another physician (which, again I forgot the name) told a news crew that as much as we can avoid, we are not allowed to touch our faces and others’ faces if our hands are not clean.. That the only time for us to do so is during shower and bathing times.. I guess, the statement is very self-explanatory..

BALANCE DIET AND PROPER EXERCISE.. As always, diet and exercise play vital roles in developing someone’s immune system.. The basic role of eating is defined according to the food pyramid and your Body Mass Index, but it would not hurt to consult a dietician or food experts depending on your lifestyle.. The Internet allows you to google further literature on finding your right food to eat.. Atleast, don’t miss to eat a serving of fruits and vegetables plus fibers, of course..

Exercise doesn’t mean that you need to hit the gym.. The traditional walking, cycling or jogging is still encouraged.. Engaged in individual or team sports to encourage every one in your family to get fit.. Play basketball, freesbie or tennis and save money for the gym membership and fees.. There is no more rewarding than to spend time with the family after a long day work.. Again, I encourage you to google related articles on exercises if you want to have a professional fitness training..

HAVE A SWINE FLU SURVIVAL KIT. In the December 2009 issue of Men’s Health Canada, the President of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Ted Epperly, M.D., enthused that make sure that you have the essentials in your medicine cabinet.. These include, fever and pain reducer capsules or tablets, cold medicine, electrolyte drinks and hand sanitizers containing 60% ethyl alcohol with a moisturizer such as aloe.. Epperly added that a surgical mask is also a wise precaution but not all masks protect against H1N1.. The N95 respiratory masks, which studies show are 75% effective is recommended..

The health expert recommended to strap on a mask if you’re in public or around infected people; toss it after one use and wash your hands immediately..

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.. Like any other health tips, consulting your doctor is one of the best on the list.. I grew up being sickly so my folks would always take me to the physician, and like any other kid, I was afraid of injection.. It took me painful weeks before I had my first injection and it took me months of braving the pain before having my first tooth extraction.. It was only when I met a car accident and damaged my neprons that I bravely asked my folks to rush me into the hospital, and true to my instinct, I did urinate blood and have been confined for three weeks giving enough time for the doctors to decide whether I’ll go through a major surgery or not.. Good thing I didn’t have to..

So, when I decided to leave my small town and live in the capital city, plane ride away from home, I had a high fever that was so timing with the Dengue Fever epidemic in the Philippines.. Being alarmed and a little bit insane, I’ve decided to run to three different hospitals for my blood chemistry on a single day.. After three CBC tests confirmed that I am negative of Dengue Fever, I still told the doctor at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital that I want to be confined even for overnight just to be safe.. The doctor told me, “Leonel, I’ve been your doctor since 2005 and I know if you’re ill and you’re paranoid.. In this case, you’re insane, go home and get a bed rest.”

The reason why I shared this story is to let my younger readers, yes, those that are in their “kidulthood” not to be afraid of doctors and know that we don’t call them “Doctors” for nothing.. Although, they do not guarantee 100% recovery in many cases, at least, we get help from professionals with specific specializations..

Ask the doctors the right questions and give them the right information, and there you can get immediate help that you could not get from your mom’s bowl of chicken noodle soup..

DRINK.. Now don’t be silly.. I am not talking about going out to party and get boozed up or cranked.. I’m talking about drinking essential fluids to flush out the toxins from our immune system..

While water remains to be the most recommended fluid we consume on a daily basis, a cup of decaf tea and coffe would do no harm.. Hot beverages like tea an coffee are known for their antioxidants, which helps boost the immune system and invigorates the body..

Juices that are high in Vitamin C should aso be part of the morning meal or in every meal.. Remember that in the colder months, we get lesser amount of sunlight, so look for beverages that are loaded with Vitamin D too..

VITAMINERALS.. Ask your doctor what is the best vitamin for your type of body, activities and lifestyle, although naturally, we get vitamins and minerals from our food intake, there are commercially and clinically proven vitamins and immuno-boosters that could help optimize our energy and keep us fit and healthy..

During the Flu season, Vitamin C is a must..

H1N1 VACCINATION/FLU SHOT.. Reader’s Digest Magazine Canada Editor-In-Chief, Robert Goyette said, “More than 50 million doses of the newly developed H1N1 vaccine have been ordered…there is a concern that H1N1 could potentially mutate into something severe.”

Goyette added that he ignored past calls for vaccination thinking it was only for the old and the sick but this year, he will be the one to get in line to get a flu shot.”

Okay, you might be wondering why I listed “vaccination” last.. Personally, I have several issues on the H1N1 Flu shot.. I would go for the regular flu vaccine but not for the H1N1.. Why? Because honestly, the vaccine have not been 100% test-proven and there have been much buzz and news about its side effects.. Plus, it contains Mercury, Formaldehyde and Octoxynol which we all know are poisonous substances.. Click here for the rest of the story..

And there have been much vaccine doses recalls for the past two months, so I personally take this whole vaccination thing as a “testing”, only the developers are using human as specimen instead of mice or other laboratory specimen.. I don’t know.. Don’t get me wrong.. Who can tell, but for those of high risk for H1N1 such as pregnant women; children 6 months though 4 years old; parents, siblings and caregivers of children less than 6 months old; children and adolescents 5 through 18 years old who have underlying medical conditions; and health care workers, I’ve included the flu shot in my list..

IT’S SHOUTOUT TIME
Congratulations to the new Mechanical Engineer, Cristopher Rumbaoa, M.E. Break a leg brother in looking for a job..
The whole Zone 6 Basketball Team of Poblacion 2, Pasuquin is proud of your achievements..

Big thanks to Tita Tet for the cold and pain meds, to Ate Laila for the soup, antibiotics and the orange juice, to Tita Lydia for the basket of fruits (oranges, persimmon & green pears), loaves of multigrain bread and black berry juice.. I should be well in no time..

JUST SO YOU KNOW
In April 2009 a novel flu strain evolved that combined genes from human, pig, and bird flu, initially dubbed “swine flu” and also known as influenza A/H1N1, emerged in Mexico, the United States, and several other nations. The World Health Organization officially declared the outbreak to be a “pandemic” on June 11, 2009 (see 2009 flu pandemic). Source: Wikipedia.com

I’m Not A Charitable Institution

I’m Not A Charitable Institution!! Let me set things straight.. And I am warning everyone that the next texts you read might be against your liking..

I am having big trouble telling some abusive people that I am not a Charitable Foundation neither I am a Bank, well atleast – not anymore.. It’s not that I don’t wanna give, share or help but like most of these “ever-asking-for-mercy-people”, I am also in dire need for help and trust me, with the recession still beating everyone like hell I’d take anything that other people would “voluntarily” offer..

My days of generosity and charity have long been gone.. Why the shift?

Because I’ve experience helping people how to catch fish but they’ve wanted much more than that.. They’ve also wanted me to do just everything that the only comfort they want is swallow the catch.. They want to skip battling and braving the hardship and are eager to get straight into the most comfortable part without sweating their butts and armpits out.. I am speaking figuratively people..

Listen to this, I have a friend who was a very intelligent man way back High School, but was not able to finish his university degree because he got his girlfriend pregnant while in campus.. Being young and agressive, I’ve tolerated his deeds, because I have done the same thing too.. Liquor, women and gambling.. So (again, figuratively) we covered each other’s butt..

What differs us is that I was able to finish my university degree and land on a good job, while he decided to be a key player in the “Baby Factory Industry”..

So, to cut the story short, he has four kids, which I just recently knew.. (the second born died during his girlfriend’s pregnancy)..

Being the financially well-off best friend, I did help out buy milk, diapers and medicines for his eldest when he was about a year old (because my buddy is a jobless gambler, drunkard, warfreak and, a total dependent asshole from overseas aide given by a relative)..

I did not bother spending much more than my expected expenses at all though I know kids’ stuff are relatively costly (especially reformulated toddler’s milk) because I am willing to help.. Besides, I am the kid’s godfather.. Although I did not do it on a regular basis, I’d say, I’ve spent few bucks for the vermin in diaper’s energy drink, toys and a lots more as if I am the dad.. Things I haven’t done to my own daughter..

When I left my hometown in 2005 for another call of duty, my friend and I lost communication and the last thing I heard about him, his girlfriend and their kid is that they’ve moved somewhere in Southern Manila.. It took five years for us to brush elbows again, and what should be the best time to catch up with those best buds’ conversation over beer about quarter life and future plans turned into a disaster.. It turned out to be a classic case of two best pals, one whinning and asking for mercy and the other one listening with decreasing interest when the complains he hears is all about financial problems..

Five years gone and he has three kids.. He went somewhere in the dry lands of Arab Kingdom few years back (and is still there) to work and earn for his kids but he still womanizes (atleast, that’s what his family told me), so nothing good happened.. I should cut him some slack, but for him to ask financial help from me for his kids is an overkill.. It’s an abuse and I don’t tolerate “utility friendship”..

Although I know I could somehow help, there’s no better way to do it than to let him realize his negligence as half of the parents whose responsible in providing for their offsprings, and his negligence as a husband (or a common-law partner) to his girlfriend.. That there’s more to life than womanizing and leaving the security of his family behind like throwing a used cloth in a hamper basket..

What’s funny about it is the thought that he exhausted all his resources just to get my number and phone in anytime he wants, waking me up in the middle of my sound sleep just to beg for mercy, or worse, to pass the paternal responsibilities that he should be doing, by asking for financial support for his children.. Whoaw!! What a nerve?!

What’s more funny and unacceptable is the idea that he surely enjoys that 15 minutes of sensual bliss of concieving poor brats but fears the responsibility of raising them up hands-on like a real father.. It really makes me want to smack him off his feet to shake his neurons to work..

What he did not realize is that change is inevitable, and that’s given.. People change either for good or for worse, it is still everyone’s call to reform or deform themselves.. In my friend’s case, he resists change making him the same old good fuck*r yet irresponsible baby-maker.. In my case, I’ve changed being generous to stingy.. Common yoh, it’s recession and who wants to give away money in an instant? Atleast, I know I don’t.. Besides, my friend is very able not to work his ass out and prove that he can take responsibilities at hand..

Now, he must realize that I am not a charitable institution.. I’ve done much generosity and giving; and I don’t need appreciation by asking me to spend some more and share with his paternal responsiblities.. I wasn’t there when they fornicate, why would I be bothered spending for his kids? Unless should there have been “profit sharing” during the concieving, then I would spend without even being asked..

Joking aside, I can give friendship a shot if it can turn a playful boy into a prim man; but I can cut strings and burn bridges if that’s the only way to turn a foolish man into a wise boy..

A man who commits error in redundance is no more than an asshole..

If life itself can’t give everything we want, so can’t I.. And like the old Filipino statement says, “Hindi ako kawang-gawa!”

IT’S SHOUTOUT TIME
Happy birthday Kuya Jaimz Gallantes.. Keep the “patatas” industry growing.. We need more fries.. LOL..

Thanks to souljah mate, Day Pajarillo for the plate of fries and for the two rounds of MGD.. More than liking the basement suite, I’d say, beers and chocolates is a BIG NO-NO!

JUST SO YOU KNOW
On a survey conducted by YahooAnswers.com the main reason why men leave their families and children behind is that they are insecure & wanna know that they still “have it”, and that mid-life crisis takes hold.

Weekend In Edmonton

It is where Canada’s “Leisure-and-Pleasure Mall” is located, and it is the home of “Capital X”.. If you can’t still dig it, it’s where the “Oilers” house is..

People, I’m talking about Edmonton and it’s famous West Edmonton Mall..

I’ve been to Alberta’s capital several times last summer but I did not have much time to go roam around the city.. But last weekend, my tennis team (Senen, Michelle, Eric, Lorena and I) drove all the way from Calgary down south to Edmonton to play indoor tennis and to watch the Pacman-Cotto fight Pay-Per-View courtesy of Kuya Sam (Blaza).. Well, thanks to the Pacman, I’ve had a breather and for two straight days, I left my problems behind..

Although the drive was uneventful as Jensen (the name of the GPS) wasn’t able to locate our exact destination, the almost one-hour stroll in North West and South West Edmonton was fun because we fed our starving tummies with laughters pointing directions after directions and running around in circles, until Jensen finally worked its purpose..

A little after lunch, there goes Kuya Sam waiting for the gang.. Thanks for the quick bite he offered, coz we got time to stroll and enjoy some shopping (I window shopped) at West Edmonton Mall.. And since I am stingy as hell, seeing the “leisure” features of the mall is more than fulfilling a shopping list..

(The only photo I took while strolling at the West Edmonton Mall)

Except for the aqua spa, the artificial beach inside the mall, the mechanical dragon in the movie house entrance, and the ship and submarine displayed in the atrium, I wasn’t pleased with the sea lion show..

Let me explain why.. I am an animal right advocate and I believe that animals should not be kept in captive for the purpose of entertainment.. Although, there’s a lecture on animal rights before the show, it’s ironic that the management allows such exploitation to happen.. Seems like it’s alright for young kids to pay and watch the seal show, but to me, there’s a bigger body of water where an equally bigger chance of life awaits the seal, more than the aquarium..

Still at the West Edmonton Mall, i ran into my pals from Calgary doing some weekend shopping.. We also met Odette and Ashley who toured us around the mall..

Then, after almost five hours of malling, we head back to Kuya Sam’s house where we joined a group of fellow Filipinos waiting the Pacman-Cotto match.. I had oranges and steamed veggies for dinner while the others feasted on a deer meat that Kuya Sam and his hunting group caught the other day.. The night was filled with laughters and stories while we watched Miguel Cotto suffered from Pacman’s wrath.. While the game was slowly on Pacquiao’s side, beers and spirits made most of the spectators lose their sanity in celebration.. And what other way to celebrate a Filipino Pride than to belt it out with a videoke..

Everyone was off to bed at 3AM..

The following morning, Kuya Sam lead the group for a tennis game at Kinsmen Sports Center, but since we did not place a reservation and the four adjacent tennis courts were converted into a formal baseball class ground for kids, we were not able to play.. We head to the locker room, took a shower and enjoyed the warm waters instead.. It took us three hours to enjoy the pool and the sauna, until we decided to head back to his pad to take a quick bite and head back to the Flames City for a long drive.. At 5PM, the team rolled out and I didn’t know what happened next.. The last thing I remember doing was scratching a BINGO card that Senen bought from ESSO before we hit the freeway..

I was only awaken by a cold breeze near the City of Airdrie when Senen parked the car just passed across an intersection to piss.. That’s only when I realized, I’m almost back to the City of Calgary (which up to now I call the City of Calvary), and that I had a blast spending a weekend in Edmonton..

IT’S SHOUTOUT TIME
Happy birthday to my cousin, Philippe Batuyong, to Engr. Gary Cepe and to Dr. Ramiro Plopino and to Ms. Lorena Rosete.. You guys enjoy your day..

FYI: Lorena is the only person at Kuya Sam’s house who cheered for Cotto.. Suck it up lady.. LMFAO..

Thank you to PacMai for being a fan of this site.. Huwag na init ulo baby.. LOL.. To Tita Wing and the rest of my former housemates in Pasig, thank you for frequenting this site)..

JUST SO YOU KNOW
Edmonton is one of Canada’s sunniest cities with about 2,300 hours of bright sunshine per year. In June, Edmonton enjoys up to 17 hours of daylight per day! Source: Edmonton.com

Surprised!

I Am Surprised!

Yes people.. Our Choir Conductor at the Deer Park United Church, Loise gave me an early birthday/Christmas present..

Guess what? It’s a 1989 Saturn guitar..

It was well taken cared off, well polished, and what else could best describe it rather than saying it’s a “vintage collector’s item”.. Oh well, not that vintage though coz 1989 is just like 21 years ago, but considering it survived that long and still looked very much like a brand new one makes it valueable..

Just the thought that the guitar was made when (or even before) I turned 8 years old and was handed down to me now, barely a month before I turn 28, is like having an old rockstar giving me his precious possession.. Astig!! Astig!!

So, to Loise, thanks a lot and don’t worry, I’ll keep your gift safe and well taken cared off, the way you kept and took care of it in the last 21 years..

Happy Birthday To The Future Mrs. Aguinaldo

I usually do my shoutouts right after a blogpost, but since today is a very special day for my very special lady, I’ll break my own rules.. (Seems like this is the thing I am better at doing.. LOL)..

So, despite being indisposed, there’s no valid excuse why I wouldn’t post a blog today, November the 11th because it is my girlfriend, Leizl Malapira’s birthday.. And for those of you who are asking who she is, she’s my wife-to-be.. She’s my High School batchmate.. And yes, I did court her wayback ‘98, but it took more than a decade until our paths crossed again.. But who can complain? Life’s chances are sweeter the second time in many cases.. Well, probably, in most of my cases..

To The Future Mrs. Aguinaldo (that’s her picture below)

Happy birthday!! I won’t mention how old are you, so don’t worry.. And, what a better way to make you smile today than to say, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

And THANK YOU for being there for this hard-headed boyish (not childish) freak..

“Bacefooking” Facebook

Seems like everyone’s in Facebook hype nowadays like minute by minute, anyone can just post a shoutout and express how they feel, what they wanna eat, how drunk they were during last night’s party and the long list goes on..

I’ve got a shot on this..

Let’s roll back time people.. Imagine if in the 60’s/70’s (where Internet wasn’t as readily available for public usage) and our forefathers would wanna do a shoutout to express what were they thinking an what were they up to.. Can you picture the inconvenience if they would resort to using the megaphone and announce their public shoutouts like, “Adam Smith wants chicken stew for dinner” or “Faye Wong is a lazy ass today” or the more disgusting one like, “Brenda Maige thinks that John McKnight is a douchbag”, “Pete Rogers is an id**t” or the swearings like “Hazel Masters says F***, I hate my life”.. Would it sound cool if those shoutouts were done using a megaphone? Think again..

How about if someone liked your grandpop’s megaphone shoutout? Then, I guess, they would still use the megaphone and shout out back “Lordie Mayers likes Shannon Gravador’s megaphone message status”.. Funny eh, but life complications might have doubled up by now if our elders have done their public shoutouts literally with the help of public systems announcement tools like megaphone..

So, today, with the Internet so much available and selling like a hotcake in the market, everyone can just post their message status.. Pretty convenient, is it not? In my case, I can just post whatever I want in my message status box like, “Leonel Aguinaldo is dropdead gorgeous” (atleast it is more regal to brag in cyberspace than publicly announce it with a megaphone) or if I want something, I can just easily lift a finger, work the keyboards and post “Leonel Aguinaldo is looking for a Flames Game Seasons Tix” and and or if I’m listening to a podcast, I can just easily share the link to everyone that “Leonel Aguinaldo is listening to a podcast in http://magicradio.fm” and right there and then, the people in my list could follow the link and get hook up to the same podcast that I am listening..

But here’s the downside; and when I say downside, it’s really the most disliked or perhaps irritating part..

Let’s roll back time once more with the megaphone story.. Imagine if in the 60s/70s era, your grandpa’s friend met a new acquaintance.. It would be disgusting if he uses the megaphone and publicly announce that “Rob Franklin is now friend with Rudolf Redneck” or your grandma has a new boyfriend, it will be too loud to shout out “Ash Haul is in relationship with Stupe E. Deity” or “Rita R. Deed is married to Sir A. Yulo” as it was like shouting “Fire!” inside the movie house, making people panic..

Consider living in those era, then you just don’t want to disturbed the people in the ‘hood by telling them loudly that you’ve got a new friend or you are married to someone or you had turkey breast for lunch.. Your disturbed neighboor might shove your sorry a** if you do it in the middle of the night while they are trying to get a goodnight rest..

Another example is if your pop was listening to Elvis Presley? Then it would be troublesome to use the megaphone to tell everyone that “Andy Lim is listening to the King of Rock and Roll in 98.5RNR FM”.. What if your neighboor hates Elvis? Then your pop might be held at gun point begging for his life to be spared.. Dangerous eh?!

See? It was not at all clever for our ancestors/elders to have a megaphone as a household necessity if they have frequently used it as a “social networking tool”.. Too many lives would have been claimed by now because of public disturbance..

Now, thanks to Science and Technology that everyone regardless of age is virtually building their kingdom in social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter..

But then again, these social web portals are not yet as secured, as safe and as perfect as we wanted them to be, especially Facebook..

I’d say, the megaphone idea is funny disgusting but wait until you’re a Facebook netizen.. I don’t have anything against the site, and let me tell everyone that I am an active Facebook user, but just the thought that my notifications come in like Noah’s great flood story is much more disgusting than the megaphone idea.. I mean, who cares if my friend adds a new friend who is a total stranger to me? I don’t see the need for my friends to receive a notification whenever I add a new one, or vice versa.. Who cares if my buddy Jay Udaundo adds Lina Llamas”? Who cares if my ex-girlfriend (who is in my friend’s list) has a complicated relationship? Who cares if “Glen Moore had spring rolls for breakfast” or if “Shelly Darlington was hammered like hell last night in a Pool Party”? I don’t..

For sure, Facebook integrated the “notification functionality” with a good purpose of building a strong network, but who wants to receive bulk and irrelevant notifications in their emails? At least, I don’t.. No one needs to be notified all the time if their friend adds up a new friend in their list or if a friend’s friend commented on their message status.. Who is interested in strangers anyway?

Didn’t Facebook see it a time-wasting for their users to be deleting unnecessary notifications from their emails? Didn’t they see it useless for their netizens to be getting pissed off reading notifications mentioning total strangers’ names? In this case, their purpose is defeated as it turned out to be irritating than helping..

Plus, people are encourage both consciously and unconsciously to do crimes like raid a bank in Maffia Wars, steal farm products in FarmVille, and gamble like hell in Texas Hold’em Poker.. I Know it’s virtual but if I am correct, the age limit for Facebook users is as young as 13 years old.. Not that old to be exposed with “crime-provoking apps”.. I’m sure no parent would want their 13-year-old boy to rob a bank or steal a farm tructor.. Not that I am pessimist, but interactive multimedia platforms nowadays are highly demanded for plain “social networking and gaming”.. Well, that’s what I thought..

Now, tell me what is your shot on this.. Post a comment below and don’t use megaphone..

(All names except for Elvis Presley and all websites mentioned in this post are fictional)..

IT’S SHOUTOUT TIME
Happy birthday to my High School batchmate, Hazel Orque and to Aristotle Nacino.. Hope you folks had a blast..

JUST SO YOU KNOW

Mark Zuckerberg (photo above) founded Facebook with his college roommates and fellow computer science students Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes while he was a student at Harvard University.[5] The website’s membership was initially limited to Harvard students, but was expanded to other colleges in the Boston area, the Ivy League, and Stanford University. It later expanded further to include any university student, then high school students, and, finally, to anyone aged 13 and over. The website currently has more than 300 million active users worldwide. Source: Wikipedia.org

(Photograbs from Wikipedia.org)

I’ve Got My Hair Cut For Free

Finally.. After ages, I’ve got a haircut.. Seriously, it is the first haircut I had since June.. If not for the free treat from Ninang Alfie and for the thought that today marks my 9th month of “staying” (I don’t want to use the word “living” in this case) in Canada, getting a haircut is not part of my financial burden.. C’mon, who needs haircut during the recession? I don’t!!

(My new haircut)

So, all summer, I was sporting a long straight and curly-end hair like I don’t feel uncomfortable, but just the thought that getting the scissors work on my hair will costs me 20 bucks is a much more uncomfortable feeling.. It’s like suicidal..

(Bad hair day, before haircut)

My friends would always comment that I am ugly and that they would encourage me to get a haircut but I tell them to stop rubbing the “ugly thingy” in coz I knew since the beginning of time that I am not goodlooking.. And so, they were fed up and didn’t mind me at all growing my hair long, although sometimes they would give attention to my out-of-style hair and curse in disbelief that I am not doing anything to look better but I would always tell them that atleast I do not smell stinky like many Canadians.. (Ehem, it’s true.. Don’t get me wrong Canucks)..

But while waiting for a very good friend to board a bus this afternoon, she asked me to get a haircut.. If not with the thought that she’s leaving for Drayton Valley for good, I would have not cut my hair stupid because a thicker hair helps give me warm during the winter season, but I wanted to show her that I am still an obeying brother to a big sister who knows what’s best for her younger sibling.. And that even she’s choosen to go far away, I would still obey and respect her the way I’ve done before..

And since, it’s exactly my 9th month in Calgary (but up to now, it is still more of a Calvary to me) I’d taken that haircut request as a gift to myself for continously taking the risk of living the hard-knocking Canadian life, braving the crazy weather, facing every sunrise without regrets and watching every sunset with gratitude..

IT’S SHOUTOUT TIME
Thanks to Ninang Alfie for the free haircut.. To Ate Laila for the food (can’t resist adding winter weight with your good cooking) Now, I need 600 bucks to go back to the gym..

Another big thanks to Cherame Ralar for the wishes of having a good and long lasting relationship with my beautiful girlfriend, Leizl.. So, I guess everyone knows the news eh?! Don’t worry, she’s in good hands.. Happy birthday too..

To Charity Ann Ugalino, you’ve given your best, I am sure there will be next time and the best time for things to happen the way you’ve expected them to happen.. I still wish you good luck and be hopeful.. Your time shall come soon and I’m sure, you’ll come out stronger and wiser making your momma proud..

JUST SO YOU KNOW
Leonardo Da Vinci did not invent the scissors. There have been examples found of Roman scissors in the modern form, from long before Da Vinci lived.
Whilst Da Vinci is most frequently credited for inventing scissors with two separate pieces of metal attached at a central pivot point, tools with a similar look and function, yet clearly a different tool, have been dated in 1500 B C, long before Da Vinci was born. They were just basically the same tool but with a different name for them. Source: WikiAnswers.com