It was a worldwide relief that the Catholic Church has already found a new pope to take the helm of Vatican, and to lead 1.1 billion Catholics worldwide (myself included). After the second casting of votes of the 117-man conclave, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, 78, was elected the new Holy Father. This was recorded as one of the shortest conclaves in the history of the Catholic Church.
He is Cardinal Ratzinger no more. Hail to thee, Pope Benedict XVI.
I will post Pope Benedict's XVI translated homily during the funeral mass of our beloved John Paul II. It is a very good read and reflection piece. Taken this from Cardinal Ratzinger's fansite (to my surprise, even Cardinals have fansites!). Here goes:
Cardinal Ratzinger's Homily at John Paul II's Funeral Mass
"He Roused Us From a Lethargic Faith"
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 8, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the homily Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger gave at John Paul II's funeral Mass today in St. Peter's Square.
* * *
"Follow me." The Risen Lord says these words to Peter. They are his last words to this disciple, chosen to shepherd his flock. "Follow me" -- this lapidary saying of Christ can be taken as the key to understanding the message which comes to us from the life of our late beloved Pope John Paul II. Today we bury his remains in the earth as a seed of immortality -- our hearts are full of sadness, yet at the same time of joyful hope and profound gratitude.
These are the sentiments that inspire us, brothers and sisters in Christ, present here in St. Peter's Square, in neighboring streets and in various other locations within the city of Rome, where an immense crowd, silently praying, has gathered over the last few days. I greet all of you from my heart. In the name of the College of Cardinals, I also wish to express my respects to heads of state, heads of government and the delegations from various countries.
I greet the authorities and official representatives of other Churches and Christian Communities, and likewise those of different religions. Next I greet the archbishops, bishops, priests, religious men and women and the faithful who have come here from every continent; especially the young, whom John Paul II liked to call the future and the hope of the Church. My greeting is extended, moreover, to all those throughout the world who are united with us through radio and television in this solemn celebration of our beloved Holy Father's funeral.
Follow me -- as a young student Karol Wojtyla was thrilled by literature, the theater and poetry. Working in a chemical plant, surrounded and threatened by the Nazi terror, he heard the voice of the Lord: Follow me! In this extraordinary setting he began to read books of philosophy and theology, and then entered the clandestine seminary established by Cardinal Sapieha. After the war he was able to complete his studies in the faculty of theology of the Jagiellonian University of Krakow.
How often, in his letters to priests and in his autobiographical books, has he spoken to us about his priesthood, to which he was ordained on November 1, 1946. In these texts he interprets his priesthood with particular reference to three sayings of the Lord.
First: "It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain" (John 15:16). The second saying is: "A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). And then: "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love" (John 15:9). In these three sayings we see the heart and soul of our Holy Father. He really went everywhere, untiringly, in order to bear fruit, fruit that lasts.
"Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way!" is the title of his next-to-last book. "Rise, let us be on our way!" -- with these words he roused us from a lethargic faith, from the sleep of the disciples of both yesterday and today. "Rise, let us be on our way!" he continues to say to us even today. The Holy Father was a priest to the last, for he offered his life to God for his flock and for the entire human family, in a daily self-oblation for the service of the Church, especially amid the sufferings of his final months. And in this way he became one with Christ, the Good Shepherd who loves his sheep.
Finally, "abide in my love": The Pope who tried to meet everyone, who had an ability to forgive and to open his heart to all, tells us once again today, with these words of the Lord, that by abiding in the love of Christ we learn, at the school of Christ, the art of true love.
Follow me! In July 1958, the young priest Karol Wojtyla began a new stage in his journey with the Lord and in the footsteps of the Lord. Karol had gone to the Masuri lakes for his usual vacation, along with a group of young people who loved canoeing. But he brought with him a letter inviting him to call on the primate of Poland, Cardinal Wyszynski. He could guess the purpose of the meeting: He was to be appointed as the auxiliary bishop of Krakow.
Leaving the academic world, leaving this challenging engagement with young people, leaving the great intellectual endeavor of striving to understand and interpret the mystery of that creature which is man and of communicating to today's world the Christian interpretation of our being -- all this must have seemed to him like losing his very self, losing what had become the very human identity of this young priest. Follow me -- Karol Wojtyla accepted the appointment, for he heard in the Church's call the voice of Christ. And then he realized how true are the Lord's words: "Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it" (Luke 17:33).
Our Pope -- and we all know this -- never wanted to make his own life secure, to keep it for himself; he wanted to give of himself unreservedly, to the very last moment, for Christ and thus also for us. And thus he came to experience how everything which he had given over into the Lord's hands, came back to him in a new way. His love of words, of poetry, of literature, became an essential part of his pastoral mission and gave new vitality, new urgency, new attractiveness to the preaching of the Gospel, even when it is a sign of contradiction.
Follow me! In October 1978, Cardinal Wojtyla once again heard the voice of the Lord. Once more there took place that dialogue with Peter reported in the Gospel of this Mass: "Simon, son of John, do you love me? Feed my sheep!" To the Lord's question, "Karol, do you love me?" the archbishop of Krakow answered from the depths of his heart: "Lord you know everything; you know that I love you." The love of Christ was the dominant force in the life of our beloved Holy Father. Anyone who ever saw him pray, who ever heard him preach, knows that. Thanks to his being profoundly rooted in Christ, he was able to bear a burden which transcends merely human abilities: that of being the shepherd of Christ's flock, his universal Church.
This is not the time to speak of the specific content of this rich pontificate. I would like only to read two passages of today's liturgy which reflect central elements of his message. In the first reading, St. Peter says -- and with St. Peter, the Pope himself -- "In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word (that) he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all" (Acts 10:34-36). And in the second reading, St. Paul -- and with St. Paul, our late Pope -- exhorts us, crying out: "Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved" (Philippians 4:1).
Follow me! Together with the command to feed his flock, Christ proclaimed to Peter that he would die a martyr's death. With those words, which conclude and sum up the dialogue on love and on the mandate of the universal shepherd, the Lord recalls another dialogue, which took place during the Last Supper. There Jesus had said: "Where I am going, you cannot come." Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied: "Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow me afterward" (John 13:33,36). Jesus from the Supper went toward the Cross, went toward his resurrection -- he entered into the paschal mystery; and Peter could not yet follow him. Now -- after the resurrection -- comes the time, comes this "afterward."
By shepherding the flock of Christ, Peter enters into the paschal mystery, he goes toward the cross and the resurrection. The Lord says this in these words: "when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go" (John 21:18).
In the first years of his pontificate, still young and full of energy, the Holy Father went to the very ends of the earth, guided by Christ. But afterward, he increasingly entered into the communion of Christ's sufferings; increasingly he understood the truth of the words: "someone else will dress you." And in this very communion with the suffering Lord, tirelessly and with renewed intensity, he proclaimed the Gospel, the mystery of that love which goes to the end (cf. John 13:1).
He interpreted for us the paschal mystery as a mystery of divine mercy. In his last book, he wrote: The limit imposed upon evil "is ultimately Divine Mercy" ("Memory and Identity," pp. 60- 61). And reflecting on the assassination attempt, he said: "In sacrificing himself for us all, Christ gave a new meaning to suffering, opening up a new dimension, a new order: the order of love. ... It is this suffering which burns and consumes evil with the flame of love and draws forth even from sin a great flowering of good" (pp. 189-190). Impelled by this vision, the Pope suffered and loved in communion with Christ, and that is why the message of his suffering and his silence proved so eloquent and so fruitful.
Divine Mercy: the Holy Father found the purest reflection of God's mercy in the Mother of God. He, who at an early age had lost his own mother, loved his divine mother all the more. He heard the words of the crucified Lord as addressed personally to him: "Behold your Mother." And so he did as the beloved disciple did: "he took her into his own home" (John 19:27) -- "Totus tuus." And from the mother he learned to conform himself to Christ.
None of us can ever forget how in that last Easter Sunday of his life, the Holy Father, marked by suffering, came once more to the window of the Apostolic Palace and one last time gave his blessing "urbi et orbi." We can be sure that our beloved Pope is standing today at the window of the Father’s house, that he sees us and blesses us. Yes, bless us, Holy Father. We entrust your dear soul to the Mother of God, your Mother, who guided you each day and who will guide you now to the eternal glory of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Original text in Italian; translation issued by Holy See]
--------------------------------------------------------------
Trivia trivia: Based on my research, it is really not compulsory for a new pope to change his given name. Name changing of popes were more like a tradition (not sacred, though) than a rule. The new pope may always opt to retain his given name. The first pope to change his name was John II (533 A.D.). He changed his name because his given name, Mercury, was taken from a Roman god. He chose John II to honor former Pope John I, whom he admired the most.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Monday, April 18, 2005
A tribute to heroes...
This is a brief entry that simply aims to honor our brethren in the streets who never cease to lend a helping hand in times of trouble.
I was driving home from my lady’s house when my car fell in a deep pothole on Pedro Gil Avenue. Pedro Gil is really famous for its potholes because engineering people there just don’t stop digging. They must be looking for the Yamashita Treasure or something. Anyway, I got stuck in that pothole for a few minutes. I tried to get out but my tires just screeched and I never succeeded.
Luckily, a driver of an FX taxi stuck in traffic I created approached my car and tried to help. He jokingly uttered, “Swak kayo sa butas Sir ah. Marami talagang nabibiktima diyan eh.” Surprisingly, he stepped out of his FX taxi and tried to help me out by pushing my car backwards. I also tried to accelerate backwards while he pushes the car, but it won’t budge because the hole was deeper than we thought. Then suddenly, more men, around 6 or 7, helped out in the pushing. Thanks to them, I managed to get the car out the pothole. It was totally unexpected, and I really appreciate their help.
Bayanihan is far from dead. This culture stays in the Filipino psyche wherever and whenever they may be. Even the most dreadful catastrophe or the most advanced technology could not take this positive trait out of the Filipinos. The incident that occurred to me last Friday just made me realize that it feels good to be in your native country. Because of guys like them, I never give up hoping for a bright future for the Philippines. It is in guys like them that I am proud of being a Filipino. Mabuhay kayo!
Trivia trivia: The movie “Constantine” was based on the comic book “Hellblazer.” The producers decided to change the tile to Constantine so as not to mix it up with the movie “Hellraiser.”
I was driving home from my lady’s house when my car fell in a deep pothole on Pedro Gil Avenue. Pedro Gil is really famous for its potholes because engineering people there just don’t stop digging. They must be looking for the Yamashita Treasure or something. Anyway, I got stuck in that pothole for a few minutes. I tried to get out but my tires just screeched and I never succeeded.
Luckily, a driver of an FX taxi stuck in traffic I created approached my car and tried to help. He jokingly uttered, “Swak kayo sa butas Sir ah. Marami talagang nabibiktima diyan eh.” Surprisingly, he stepped out of his FX taxi and tried to help me out by pushing my car backwards. I also tried to accelerate backwards while he pushes the car, but it won’t budge because the hole was deeper than we thought. Then suddenly, more men, around 6 or 7, helped out in the pushing. Thanks to them, I managed to get the car out the pothole. It was totally unexpected, and I really appreciate their help.
Bayanihan is far from dead. This culture stays in the Filipino psyche wherever and whenever they may be. Even the most dreadful catastrophe or the most advanced technology could not take this positive trait out of the Filipinos. The incident that occurred to me last Friday just made me realize that it feels good to be in your native country. Because of guys like them, I never give up hoping for a bright future for the Philippines. It is in guys like them that I am proud of being a Filipino. Mabuhay kayo!
Trivia trivia: The movie “Constantine” was based on the comic book “Hellblazer.” The producers decided to change the tile to Constantine so as not to mix it up with the movie “Hellraiser.”
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Eyesore on Philippine TV
As I was watching my favorite Sunday noon time program SOP (trivia: SOP means Sobrang Okey Pare. But now, the network uses it as an acronym for seasonal tag lines such as “Summer’s Only Party,” etc.), I was surprised to see performer KEITH MARTIN onstage with Ogie Alcasid and Kyla. I thought he already left the country for good after staying off the limelight for quite some time.
But no. Keith Martin never left the country since performing on a major concert at the Araneta Coliseum (I think) about a year or two ago (or is it three?). I thought after months of vacation and partying in the posh streets of Manila, he got tired of the slow and third world life in the Philippines and decided to leave for his homeland… But nah. He lingered. He stayed. I heard he even purchased a condominium unit in a luxurious residence site in Makati.
I also hear that he still performs weekly in some five-star hotels and casinos in Manila and other Metropolitan cities. And he has this VJ girlfriend. In fact, I saw this couple around December last year at Greenbelt 3. My lady and I took the shabby taxi cab they rode on the way. Even the taxi driver was surprised to have Mr. “Because of You” as his passenger that evening.
Does he have the necessary papers? I recall that sometime last year, a reporter from ABS-CBN attempted an ambush interview with our “overstaying” foreign performer. All she received were skirts and kilts, and she never really got the answers she needed. And as an icing on the cake, Martin even made derogatory remarks about the reporter’s line of questioning. He even called the entire interview “stupid,” if I recall correctly. What a way to pay back the people that resurrected his career.
I was appalled to see him around in shows and other programs in local TV. I have to admit that his song “Because of You” became the national anthem of Filipino lovers because we are natural suckers to melodrama and romance. However, after a few months of making to the top of the Filipino music charts, economically speaking, there was a diminishing marginal utility for the song once it is aired and heard over and over again. The enthusiasm for the song slowly waned, and eventually diminished. And after multiple revivals from the country’s best singers (e.g. Jed Maddela, Kyla), I think his version has already been forgotten.
His attempts for a follow up were rather futile. He made a follow up album, but I don’t think it even reached platinum in record sales. His second single did not touch the hearts of Filipino romanticizers the same way Because of You did. Even in the Philippines, he is a familiar “one-hit-wonder.”
I really don’t know what his plans are in the country, but I do believe that he does not deserve as much attention as the other premier native vocalizers. In fairness, Keith Martin has a wonderful voice, but that is not a reason for him to stay in the country longer than expected. Are the immigration officials into this?
This just reflects our negative culture of colonial mentality in the arts. Even though his music was hit several years ago, Keith Martin’s presence was embraced by Filipinos by the mere fact that he is foreign. He was not the first one to do it on Philippine soil. Remember David Pomeranz? And the latest: the Cascades?! They capitalize on nostalgia and Western appeal just to revive their already forgotten careers. What hurts more is that we Filipinos get to pay them their value centuries ago even if their value in their native homeland is nil at present time.
Well, the bottom line is I don’t know why he is still here…
But no. Keith Martin never left the country since performing on a major concert at the Araneta Coliseum (I think) about a year or two ago (or is it three?). I thought after months of vacation and partying in the posh streets of Manila, he got tired of the slow and third world life in the Philippines and decided to leave for his homeland… But nah. He lingered. He stayed. I heard he even purchased a condominium unit in a luxurious residence site in Makati.
I also hear that he still performs weekly in some five-star hotels and casinos in Manila and other Metropolitan cities. And he has this VJ girlfriend. In fact, I saw this couple around December last year at Greenbelt 3. My lady and I took the shabby taxi cab they rode on the way. Even the taxi driver was surprised to have Mr. “Because of You” as his passenger that evening.
Does he have the necessary papers? I recall that sometime last year, a reporter from ABS-CBN attempted an ambush interview with our “overstaying” foreign performer. All she received were skirts and kilts, and she never really got the answers she needed. And as an icing on the cake, Martin even made derogatory remarks about the reporter’s line of questioning. He even called the entire interview “stupid,” if I recall correctly. What a way to pay back the people that resurrected his career.
I was appalled to see him around in shows and other programs in local TV. I have to admit that his song “Because of You” became the national anthem of Filipino lovers because we are natural suckers to melodrama and romance. However, after a few months of making to the top of the Filipino music charts, economically speaking, there was a diminishing marginal utility for the song once it is aired and heard over and over again. The enthusiasm for the song slowly waned, and eventually diminished. And after multiple revivals from the country’s best singers (e.g. Jed Maddela, Kyla), I think his version has already been forgotten.
His attempts for a follow up were rather futile. He made a follow up album, but I don’t think it even reached platinum in record sales. His second single did not touch the hearts of Filipino romanticizers the same way Because of You did. Even in the Philippines, he is a familiar “one-hit-wonder.”
I really don’t know what his plans are in the country, but I do believe that he does not deserve as much attention as the other premier native vocalizers. In fairness, Keith Martin has a wonderful voice, but that is not a reason for him to stay in the country longer than expected. Are the immigration officials into this?
This just reflects our negative culture of colonial mentality in the arts. Even though his music was hit several years ago, Keith Martin’s presence was embraced by Filipinos by the mere fact that he is foreign. He was not the first one to do it on Philippine soil. Remember David Pomeranz? And the latest: the Cascades?! They capitalize on nostalgia and Western appeal just to revive their already forgotten careers. What hurts more is that we Filipinos get to pay them their value centuries ago even if their value in their native homeland is nil at present time.
Well, the bottom line is I don’t know why he is still here…
Monday, April 04, 2005
Farewell to thee...
, 
Let me offer this entry to our beloved Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla), who passed away at around 3:47 a.m. Sunday, 3 April 2005 (Philippine Time).
A certified record holder for being the most traveled, not to mention the most approachable, loved and omnipresent Pope, truly he has touched the lives of billions of people, even Non-Christians.
Truly he will remain in the hearts and minds of Christians wherever they may be.
John Paul II, thanks for the wisdom, strength and love you've shown us in your 26 years of Papacy.
Now, you are with God...
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Disturbed...
Though I tried several times, I can’t seem to convince myself to write a decent article. I should have written one on how our Filipino Boxing Hero Manny Pacquiao managed to survive the most gruesome 12 rounds of his fighting career. Or my stand on VAT. But no…
Probably it’s the holiday season. Since yesterday, Monday, I can’t think of anything else but how to maximize my 5-day vacation, considering that I am more than 80 kilometers away from my lady (because she’s going to Agoo, La Union for her usual family vacation) and our Baguio family trip was cancelled due to financial constraints.
First, I thought of watching all the movies I missed last year via VCD or DVD. Second, I plan to make Visita Iglesia in the Tagaytay-Batangas area with my friends… Third, maybe an island getaway will do. But I think the third is somewhat impossible at this point because probably all resorts now are fully booked from north to south.
Well I hope I get to enjoy my Holy Week stay. Thank God we will not report to office tomorrow, Holy Wednesday, but per our administration office, we should be in “on-call” status. Hopefully, we don’t get to receive calls tomorrow.
Happy Easter to all of us…
Probably it’s the holiday season. Since yesterday, Monday, I can’t think of anything else but how to maximize my 5-day vacation, considering that I am more than 80 kilometers away from my lady (because she’s going to Agoo, La Union for her usual family vacation) and our Baguio family trip was cancelled due to financial constraints.
First, I thought of watching all the movies I missed last year via VCD or DVD. Second, I plan to make Visita Iglesia in the Tagaytay-Batangas area with my friends… Third, maybe an island getaway will do. But I think the third is somewhat impossible at this point because probably all resorts now are fully booked from north to south.
Well I hope I get to enjoy my Holy Week stay. Thank God we will not report to office tomorrow, Holy Wednesday, but per our administration office, we should be in “on-call” status. Hopefully, we don’t get to receive calls tomorrow.
Happy Easter to all of us…
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Assault on Precinct 13th... with a Pinoy Flavor
The Abu Sayyaf has done it again. I guess Commanders Kosovo, Robot and Global had prepared for their last hurrah. And they were, once again, successful in putting up a great show. Once again, the country was shaken by horrific events initiated by these natural-born killers.
Yesterday, 14 March 2005, around 6 in the morning, just when most of us are getting ready to go to work or come to class, and just hours before the new PNP Chief is installed, Abu Sayyaf inmates headed by Kumander Kosovo placed their detention cell, Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig, under siege. Their initial plan was to escape, however, jail guards managed to contain them inside the prison, and were able to call for back up before they could run scot-free. The early morning skirmish resulted in the death of two jail guards and two Abu Sayyaf men.
After massive exchange of gunfire, Abu members declared ceasefire and offered talks. They initially wanted Robin Padilla to be the lead negotiator. Talk about terrific casting. Unfortunately, Robin is taking a vacation in Australia with his wife and children. Governor Parouk Hussin of ARMM and Party List Representative Rajiv Hataman offered their services to be lead negotiators. Perhaps Abu men had no second opinion for the Bad Boy of Philippine Cinema, thus anyone else will do.
Surprisingly, government gave three deadlines yesterday: first was at two o’clock in the afternoon. However, the negotiators demanded more time so they were given an additional hour, extending the deadline to 3:00 pm. Again, negotiators demanded more time and government once again relented. They gave a 10:00 pm deadline. However, it was once again extended up to the next day. The Abu men even demanded for food before participating in the talks. By their demands, they epitomize the Filipino term “balahura.”
Alas, government men saw the light 24-hours after the first gunfire was shot. The crisis management team gave two final deadlines: one was at 5:30 am, and the final ultimatum, at 8:50 am. After this, they decided that they have already “exhausted” all efforts to negotiate. I don’t know if it’s just vigor, but I think it took too long for them to be exhausted. The head of the Crisis Management Team, Sec. Angelo Reyes, finally decided to take on them by force. At around 9:00 am, the PNP Special Action Force slowly but systematically infiltrated the cells, threw tear gas where even the policemen themselves got teary-eyed, opened fire and by the grace of God, defeated the Abu men.
As of 11:00 am today, the PNP has declared the end of jail stand-off, with 22 reported fatalities on the side of the detainees. These included Abu Sayyaf leaders Commander Kosovo, Commander Robot, and Commander Global. Just like how many action movies end up, the bad guys die in the end.
Special thanks to Abu Sayyaf’s penchant for media exposure, we have, once again, witnessed real-life action. Not just that. It also made us view a glimpse of our weaknesses, security-wise. In these fateful two days, two flaws were evident: a) the incapability of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to guard prison cells; and b) the seemingly weak and slow decisions of our crisis managers.
Incidents of jail break and escape attempts happened several times before. However, no one really knows why this security breach problem still persists.
As far as I recall, Abu Sayyaf and their terrorist partners Al Qaeda are known escape artists. Abu Sabaya, Khadafy Janjalani and Fathur Al-Ghozi are just some of the successful terrorist escapees. And these men are not just some Abu Sayyaf apprentices. They were leaders. Big Fishes. Real-time bandits. Terrorists. However, the seemingly lax security of their detention cells set them free again. And these were in different occasions. The only saving grace for these instances was that Abu Sabaya and Fathur Al-Ghozi were already killed by the military and the police after months of search.
I think we have had enough instances of jail break for us to demand changes in the way we handle our detention cells. Much reform is needed to be done in this area.
Another issue that I have noticed in this “show” was the apparently weak ability of our crisis managers to make a choice on who or when to talk with hostage takers. In this incident, I couldn’t believe that we would waste time and effort to talk with people who killed at least hundreds of men, women and children, and ravaged, kidnapped and decapitated locals and foreigners. I think that by mere common sense, we can easily surmise that these people do not need reprieve. They should not be given the privilege to negotiate.
But of course, we must consider the rule of law and the right of every individual for due process. But I think it should not have taken much time. These Abu men deserved only one ultimatum, not five. They deserved just one day of stardom, not two. If they do not want to negotiate by the given time frame, that just means they do not want to negotiate at all. Decision-makers should show their firm stand to avoid a sequel to this “movie.”
I was on my way to the office when I saw the Abante headline: “PNP, pinaglalaruan ng Abu Sayyaf.” I think with this headline, the crisis managers were not perceived to be merciful, though they were perceived to be toys being played by the terrorists. I think the extended deadlines made our men look more like weaklings.
Even if the Abu Sayyaf men were defeated in the end, they were somehow triumphant in making us realize a very painful reality that we are facing not just a fiscal crisis, but also a security crisis. The Abu Sayyaf assaulted not just on our prison cells, but more importantly on our security egos. After this, I think our crisis managers should consider a firm policy on these kinds of situations. I just hope a “sequel” won’t take place.
Yesterday, 14 March 2005, around 6 in the morning, just when most of us are getting ready to go to work or come to class, and just hours before the new PNP Chief is installed, Abu Sayyaf inmates headed by Kumander Kosovo placed their detention cell, Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig, under siege. Their initial plan was to escape, however, jail guards managed to contain them inside the prison, and were able to call for back up before they could run scot-free. The early morning skirmish resulted in the death of two jail guards and two Abu Sayyaf men.
After massive exchange of gunfire, Abu members declared ceasefire and offered talks. They initially wanted Robin Padilla to be the lead negotiator. Talk about terrific casting. Unfortunately, Robin is taking a vacation in Australia with his wife and children. Governor Parouk Hussin of ARMM and Party List Representative Rajiv Hataman offered their services to be lead negotiators. Perhaps Abu men had no second opinion for the Bad Boy of Philippine Cinema, thus anyone else will do.
Surprisingly, government gave three deadlines yesterday: first was at two o’clock in the afternoon. However, the negotiators demanded more time so they were given an additional hour, extending the deadline to 3:00 pm. Again, negotiators demanded more time and government once again relented. They gave a 10:00 pm deadline. However, it was once again extended up to the next day. The Abu men even demanded for food before participating in the talks. By their demands, they epitomize the Filipino term “balahura.”
Alas, government men saw the light 24-hours after the first gunfire was shot. The crisis management team gave two final deadlines: one was at 5:30 am, and the final ultimatum, at 8:50 am. After this, they decided that they have already “exhausted” all efforts to negotiate. I don’t know if it’s just vigor, but I think it took too long for them to be exhausted. The head of the Crisis Management Team, Sec. Angelo Reyes, finally decided to take on them by force. At around 9:00 am, the PNP Special Action Force slowly but systematically infiltrated the cells, threw tear gas where even the policemen themselves got teary-eyed, opened fire and by the grace of God, defeated the Abu men.
As of 11:00 am today, the PNP has declared the end of jail stand-off, with 22 reported fatalities on the side of the detainees. These included Abu Sayyaf leaders Commander Kosovo, Commander Robot, and Commander Global. Just like how many action movies end up, the bad guys die in the end.
Special thanks to Abu Sayyaf’s penchant for media exposure, we have, once again, witnessed real-life action. Not just that. It also made us view a glimpse of our weaknesses, security-wise. In these fateful two days, two flaws were evident: a) the incapability of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to guard prison cells; and b) the seemingly weak and slow decisions of our crisis managers.
Incidents of jail break and escape attempts happened several times before. However, no one really knows why this security breach problem still persists.
As far as I recall, Abu Sayyaf and their terrorist partners Al Qaeda are known escape artists. Abu Sabaya, Khadafy Janjalani and Fathur Al-Ghozi are just some of the successful terrorist escapees. And these men are not just some Abu Sayyaf apprentices. They were leaders. Big Fishes. Real-time bandits. Terrorists. However, the seemingly lax security of their detention cells set them free again. And these were in different occasions. The only saving grace for these instances was that Abu Sabaya and Fathur Al-Ghozi were already killed by the military and the police after months of search.
I think we have had enough instances of jail break for us to demand changes in the way we handle our detention cells. Much reform is needed to be done in this area.
Another issue that I have noticed in this “show” was the apparently weak ability of our crisis managers to make a choice on who or when to talk with hostage takers. In this incident, I couldn’t believe that we would waste time and effort to talk with people who killed at least hundreds of men, women and children, and ravaged, kidnapped and decapitated locals and foreigners. I think that by mere common sense, we can easily surmise that these people do not need reprieve. They should not be given the privilege to negotiate.
But of course, we must consider the rule of law and the right of every individual for due process. But I think it should not have taken much time. These Abu men deserved only one ultimatum, not five. They deserved just one day of stardom, not two. If they do not want to negotiate by the given time frame, that just means they do not want to negotiate at all. Decision-makers should show their firm stand to avoid a sequel to this “movie.”
I was on my way to the office when I saw the Abante headline: “PNP, pinaglalaruan ng Abu Sayyaf.” I think with this headline, the crisis managers were not perceived to be merciful, though they were perceived to be toys being played by the terrorists. I think the extended deadlines made our men look more like weaklings.
Even if the Abu Sayyaf men were defeated in the end, they were somehow triumphant in making us realize a very painful reality that we are facing not just a fiscal crisis, but also a security crisis. The Abu Sayyaf assaulted not just on our prison cells, but more importantly on our security egos. After this, I think our crisis managers should consider a firm policy on these kinds of situations. I just hope a “sequel” won’t take place.
Carlo J. Caparas might be interested in making this into a movie...
-------------------------------------------------------------
Trivia trivia
Did you know: Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig houses at least 400 inmates, and 129 of them are Abu Sayyaf members. It would be a real crisis if all of them participated in the recent jail break.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Why women should be equally happy...
I just got this from an e-mail from a lady officemate:
Why Men Are Happier
-Your last name stays put.
-The garage is all yours.
-Wedding plans take care of themselves.
-Chocolate is just another snack.
-You can be president.
-You can never be pregnant.
-You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
-You can wear NO T-shirt to a water park.
-Car mechanics tell you the truth.
-The world is your urinal.
-You never have to drive to another gas station
rest room because this one is just too icky.
-You don't have to stop and think of which way to
turn a nut on a bolt.
-Same work, more pay.
-Wrinkles add character.
-Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental -- $100.
-People never stare at your chest when you're
talking to them.
-The occasional well-rendered belch is practically
expected.
-New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
-One mood -- all the time.
-Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
-You know stuff about tanks.
-A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
-You can open all your own jars.
-You get extra credit for the slightest act of
thoughtfulness.
-If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can
still be your friend.
-Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
-Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
-You almost never have strap problems in public.
-You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
-Everything on your face stays its original colour.
-The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe
decades.
-You have to shave only your face and neck.
-You can play with toys all your life.
-Your belly usually hides your big hips.
-One wallet and one pair of shoes one colour for
all seasons.
-You can wear shorts no matter how your legs
look.
-You can "do" your nails with a pocket-knife.
-You have freedom of choice concerning growing
a moustache.
-You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives
on December 24 in 45 minutes.
True, true. However, I strongly believe that with the current trends of society, women have aready matched up with men in terms of contentment and happiness. It is interesting to note that some of the points that were mentioned in the forwarded email are no longer applicable:
-our country has already produced two women presidents
-"Vanity" has already become an issue on men and the birth of "metrosexuals" have introduced men into shaving more than the face, plucking, and "doing" nails more fashionably.
-Recent studies have shown that male pregnancy is possible...
In addition, I made my own list of "why women should be equally happy, if not happier."
-you can legally cry on sad movies
-vanity is not misconstrued as homosexuality
-though you may be the real culprit to a crime, the likelihood of you committing the crime is still lesser.
-it is not humiliating to be a nurse
-you just nag and cry to get what you want
-you have the authority to nag your guy at least once a month and justify it with “it’s a girl thing, honey.”
-you can come in pairs in comfort rooms.
-some people will be afraid of you if you develop your biceps.
-you have the privilege of being courted and pleased
-you are exempted from the ROTC
-your chest can get you off the hook.
-your shoes are less expensive and have more variety
-you have all the reasons to be late
-you are entitled to mood swings
-it is normal to receive flowers and carry them in public places
-you can sweet talk your way out of a traffic violation
-ED doesn't bother you at all
-you can be "happy" more than "ONCE" a night
Women rock!!! Hehehe…
Booyah…
-----------------------------------------------------------
Trivia, trivia
Did you know: Nida Blanca used her real surname (Jones) as her maiden name in the hit 70's sitcom John en Marsha. Thus, Dely Atay-atayan's complete name is Doña Delilah Jones.
Why Men Are Happier
-Your last name stays put.
-The garage is all yours.
-Wedding plans take care of themselves.
-Chocolate is just another snack.
-You can be president.
-You can never be pregnant.
-You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
-You can wear NO T-shirt to a water park.
-Car mechanics tell you the truth.
-The world is your urinal.
-You never have to drive to another gas station
rest room because this one is just too icky.
-You don't have to stop and think of which way to
turn a nut on a bolt.
-Same work, more pay.
-Wrinkles add character.
-Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental -- $100.
-People never stare at your chest when you're
talking to them.
-The occasional well-rendered belch is practically
expected.
-New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
-One mood -- all the time.
-Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
-You know stuff about tanks.
-A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
-You can open all your own jars.
-You get extra credit for the slightest act of
thoughtfulness.
-If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can
still be your friend.
-Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
-Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
-You almost never have strap problems in public.
-You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
-Everything on your face stays its original colour.
-The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe
decades.
-You have to shave only your face and neck.
-You can play with toys all your life.
-Your belly usually hides your big hips.
-One wallet and one pair of shoes one colour for
all seasons.
-You can wear shorts no matter how your legs
look.
-You can "do" your nails with a pocket-knife.
-You have freedom of choice concerning growing
a moustache.
-You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives
on December 24 in 45 minutes.
True, true. However, I strongly believe that with the current trends of society, women have aready matched up with men in terms of contentment and happiness. It is interesting to note that some of the points that were mentioned in the forwarded email are no longer applicable:
-our country has already produced two women presidents
-"Vanity" has already become an issue on men and the birth of "metrosexuals" have introduced men into shaving more than the face, plucking, and "doing" nails more fashionably.
-Recent studies have shown that male pregnancy is possible...
In addition, I made my own list of "why women should be equally happy, if not happier."
-you can legally cry on sad movies
-vanity is not misconstrued as homosexuality
-though you may be the real culprit to a crime, the likelihood of you committing the crime is still lesser.
-it is not humiliating to be a nurse
-you just nag and cry to get what you want
-you have the authority to nag your guy at least once a month and justify it with “it’s a girl thing, honey.”
-you can come in pairs in comfort rooms.
-some people will be afraid of you if you develop your biceps.
-you have the privilege of being courted and pleased
-you are exempted from the ROTC
-your chest can get you off the hook.
-your shoes are less expensive and have more variety
-you have all the reasons to be late
-you are entitled to mood swings
-it is normal to receive flowers and carry them in public places
-you can sweet talk your way out of a traffic violation
-ED doesn't bother you at all
-you can be "happy" more than "ONCE" a night
Women rock!!! Hehehe…
Booyah…
-----------------------------------------------------------
Trivia, trivia
Did you know: Nida Blanca used her real surname (Jones) as her maiden name in the hit 70's sitcom John en Marsha. Thus, Dely Atay-atayan's complete name is Doña Delilah Jones.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
A Past Revisited...
Time to get mushy…
Even I cannot believe it myself. Until now, the thought of us together still overwhelms me. But I have to admit, life has its own way of bringing things into the right direction. Let me take this opportunity to narrate the history of the Jervin-Bubbles love affair in commemoration for it’s first year... I know it is quite overdue but I will write it anyway.
I met her around six years ago, June 1998. It was the freshmen orientation hosted by the University Student Council of our college alma mater, UP. We met during the block orientation, and no, it wasn’t love at first sight. Not even at second, nor third, nor fourth… Honestly, my first impression of her was quite snobbish. And bossy… har har har...
After a few classes and some more orientation, I realized that she wasn’t that bad at all. I even realized that this lady is approachable and friendly. Eventually, we became friends. And for some reason, we became phone buddies.
We would talk on the phone for hours about school, and some other stuff that normal boys and girls our age talk about. We sometimes share homework like most classmates do during free time. We talked almost every other day during our first year. But as I recall, there was not even a bit of physical attraction involved. We just talked… As friends… That’s all.
During second and third year, we took two different paths in student life. She took the political life, became student council leader and went active in various student organizations. Me, I took the simpler life. I joined organizations, and often I just hanged out with block buddies and played cards during free time. Thus, the lengthy heart-to-heart talks were suddenly cut short to more important sessions. At that time, I realized that we were different. We still see each other often, but that is simply because we’re classmates.
We graduated college together, along with the rest of the block. We even had a picture together. But there was nothing more. I really thought our communication would end after graduation.
Fortunately, by the workings of some forces of nature, our paths have crossed once again. In January of 2003, I got employed in my current agency and heard that she is also being considered in the other office, a floor lower than my office. For some reason, I got uber-excited. In February, she was employed in that office.
During the first few months together in the workplace, we seldom see each other, most of it only during 6 o’clock, when we’re about to hit the bundyclock and go home. I didn’t know what actually went in my mind, but I just realized that we needed to rekindle the old friendship.
I recalled that on gimmick evening, I realized that I had this duty to take good care of her because I was the person who knows her very well among our officemates. This self-imposed duty eventually became a norm. Everytime we’d go out with office buddies, It became my responsibility to take her home. This norm gradually became a feeling. A feeling that at first, I couldn’t really understand. All I knew before that stage of confusion was that I liked this lady and I want to be not just her office guardian, but her best friend. I even compared myself with the rest of her guy friends and I sometimes jokingly say that I will be the closest guy friend she’ll ever have.
I needed to explain and contest myself before finally realizing one thing: I like this fine, sweet young lady, not just as my best friend but something more. For months, I hid this feeling inside because I didn’t want to destroy our smooth-sailing friendship.
After months of repression, contemplation and introspection, consultations from several jedi councils of love, evening prayers and lamentations, and various external factors (e.g. jealousy over dates with other men), I finally decided to confide in her about how I truly feel. And I wrote them all down on her birthday card. Yes, her birthday card. I know I somehow destroyed that joyous occasion by giving her the gift of confusion and disorientation. Well, I had no other chances and opportunities to write her a letter, and I felt the timing was perfect.
After weeks of lengthy discussions on the terms of reference (this is a military and bureaucratic term for courtship), on the 15th of February, I became the happiest man alive. During our date in Antipolo overlooking Metro Manila, she finally answered all my prayers. And since then, my life was finally complete. And the rest was history…
Happy Anniversary to my Lady (Feb. 15)… Here’s to many more years of blissful life together.
Booyah…
Even I cannot believe it myself. Until now, the thought of us together still overwhelms me. But I have to admit, life has its own way of bringing things into the right direction. Let me take this opportunity to narrate the history of the Jervin-Bubbles love affair in commemoration for it’s first year... I know it is quite overdue but I will write it anyway.
I met her around six years ago, June 1998. It was the freshmen orientation hosted by the University Student Council of our college alma mater, UP. We met during the block orientation, and no, it wasn’t love at first sight. Not even at second, nor third, nor fourth… Honestly, my first impression of her was quite snobbish. And bossy… har har har...
After a few classes and some more orientation, I realized that she wasn’t that bad at all. I even realized that this lady is approachable and friendly. Eventually, we became friends. And for some reason, we became phone buddies.
We would talk on the phone for hours about school, and some other stuff that normal boys and girls our age talk about. We sometimes share homework like most classmates do during free time. We talked almost every other day during our first year. But as I recall, there was not even a bit of physical attraction involved. We just talked… As friends… That’s all.
During second and third year, we took two different paths in student life. She took the political life, became student council leader and went active in various student organizations. Me, I took the simpler life. I joined organizations, and often I just hanged out with block buddies and played cards during free time. Thus, the lengthy heart-to-heart talks were suddenly cut short to more important sessions. At that time, I realized that we were different. We still see each other often, but that is simply because we’re classmates.
We graduated college together, along with the rest of the block. We even had a picture together. But there was nothing more. I really thought our communication would end after graduation.
Fortunately, by the workings of some forces of nature, our paths have crossed once again. In January of 2003, I got employed in my current agency and heard that she is also being considered in the other office, a floor lower than my office. For some reason, I got uber-excited. In February, she was employed in that office.
During the first few months together in the workplace, we seldom see each other, most of it only during 6 o’clock, when we’re about to hit the bundyclock and go home. I didn’t know what actually went in my mind, but I just realized that we needed to rekindle the old friendship.
I recalled that on gimmick evening, I realized that I had this duty to take good care of her because I was the person who knows her very well among our officemates. This self-imposed duty eventually became a norm. Everytime we’d go out with office buddies, It became my responsibility to take her home. This norm gradually became a feeling. A feeling that at first, I couldn’t really understand. All I knew before that stage of confusion was that I liked this lady and I want to be not just her office guardian, but her best friend. I even compared myself with the rest of her guy friends and I sometimes jokingly say that I will be the closest guy friend she’ll ever have.
I needed to explain and contest myself before finally realizing one thing: I like this fine, sweet young lady, not just as my best friend but something more. For months, I hid this feeling inside because I didn’t want to destroy our smooth-sailing friendship.
After months of repression, contemplation and introspection, consultations from several jedi councils of love, evening prayers and lamentations, and various external factors (e.g. jealousy over dates with other men), I finally decided to confide in her about how I truly feel. And I wrote them all down on her birthday card. Yes, her birthday card. I know I somehow destroyed that joyous occasion by giving her the gift of confusion and disorientation. Well, I had no other chances and opportunities to write her a letter, and I felt the timing was perfect.
After weeks of lengthy discussions on the terms of reference (this is a military and bureaucratic term for courtship), on the 15th of February, I became the happiest man alive. During our date in Antipolo overlooking Metro Manila, she finally answered all my prayers. And since then, my life was finally complete. And the rest was history…
Happy Anniversary to my Lady (Feb. 15)… Here’s to many more years of blissful life together.
Booyah…
Friday, February 11, 2005
I act my age...
A friend from an e-group sent me this link... I just tried it out to see if I am acting my age... And this was the result:
In my first test, I originally got the age 25. My lady also got the same score. However, just for the sake of putting it in my blog, I took the test again. The resukts posted a 2-year difference from my original score. This just showed that I am quite on the right mindset. Believe it or not, I am acting my age!!!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Trivia trivia
Did you know: PNP Chief General Edgar Aglipay is not just a Police Officer. He also took up law at the Ateneo de Manila University, and took up Masters in Business Administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman. How's that for credentials?
You Are 23 Years Old |
23 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax. |
In my first test, I originally got the age 25. My lady also got the same score. However, just for the sake of putting it in my blog, I took the test again. The resukts posted a 2-year difference from my original score. This just showed that I am quite on the right mindset. Believe it or not, I am acting my age!!!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Trivia trivia
Did you know: PNP Chief General Edgar Aglipay is not just a Police Officer. He also took up law at the Ateneo de Manila University, and took up Masters in Business Administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman. How's that for credentials?
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Fearless Forecast 2005
Kung Hei Fat Choi!!!
Our Chinese brothers and sisters are once again celebrating the new year. This year marks the year of the Rooster. They mentioned that the year of the rooster is a much better year for us than last year, the year of the monkey. Well, all we can do is wait and see… Hoping is also a good action…
I have read several predictions for the coming year, those general predictions to predictions per year of birth. I was born on the year of the dog and based on the predictions I have read, it is not a very good year for us dogs. My lady was also born on the year of the dog and with us together, it is more likely to be a “not-so-good-year” for us.
Well, I have also made my own predictions for the coming year:
Rooster – success, success and more success in the coming year since it’s your year. Try to wake up a little earlier this year to make your boss proud. Join competitions to win big bucks for your boss. Be careful, because I’ve heard, Danding Cojuangco’s breed is the strongest rooster in town.
Dog – Try not to stay up late because it’ll wake the others. Wag your tail if you’re happy and try not to bite if you still haven’t taken necessary medications. It might cost your boss big bucks for medication of your victims. Try to look beautiful. You might want to join fashion shows or beauty contests.
Pig – Stay away from Batangas and La Loma, place where people not only kill you, but cook you. Afterwards, they parade you in the streets, then devour what’s left of you. Also, be careful for your boss might develop high blood pressure over you. Avoid extremely hot areas. You wouldn’t want to call it the year of the pork, do you?
Rat – Stay away from bacon-bit-looking food. They might be poison. Never name your daughter Dora. You are unlucky in the food business. People might perceive your food chains as untidy and Stay in the sewerage and cleaning industry.
Ox – Rich people like you better over the pig because they say, you are leaner and contain lesser cholesterol. You will be lucky if El Matadero won’t kill you after a battle. Try not to climb trees because you can’t.
Tiger – Some might want to try to please you by giving food or taking photographs. Don’t be fooled or you might end up with a circus or zoo job. Some friends like the Lion might get jealous because you are in the Chinese calendar and they are not.
Rabbit – This is a very good year for you. If you run fast, you shall overtake the turtle. But if your get too confident, you might be overrun. Stop the humping and get down to business, you maniac!
Dragon – you are the luckiest this year. In fact, you are lucky every year. However, you are a mythic creature. You are non-existent. Try not to enter into conversations because they might not realize you’re there.
Snake – Since when did the snake become good? They bite, they inflict poison, and they scare. Try entering into onerous transactions. You might get away with it like you got away from persuading Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Better not mess up this time.
Horse – Agile, and competitive. You are to be loved by thousands of old and middle aged males… That is, if you try to compete and win over Windblown. I almost forgot! Windblown has already retired. Stay away from faraway rural areas. I’ve heard tapang kabayo is starting to become a delicacy in some provinces.
Ram – Try venturing into the textile industry. You’re lucky to have the raw materials for it. Stay away from trees. Some Rams just die of starvation because they get stuck in branches of trees for weeks.
Monkey – Try to outsmart the turtle but you will always emerge the loser. Luckily, the turtle is not part of the Chinese calendar. So you only have to compete with either the rabbit or the dragon. It is good for you to do business, but never engage in monkey business.
These are only my personal predictions for the coming year. So they might not have a direct impact on the person born on that year.
No matter how many forecasts, predictions and analyses we read or hear, all that matters is the way we handle life. In the end, we are the ones who shall decide whether we make the predictions true or not.
Happy Chinese/ Lunar New Year to all my Chinese brethren.
Ciao…
Trivia trivia
Did you know: Singers Eric Clapton and Rod Stewart are born in the year of the Rooster.
Our Chinese brothers and sisters are once again celebrating the new year. This year marks the year of the Rooster. They mentioned that the year of the rooster is a much better year for us than last year, the year of the monkey. Well, all we can do is wait and see… Hoping is also a good action…
I have read several predictions for the coming year, those general predictions to predictions per year of birth. I was born on the year of the dog and based on the predictions I have read, it is not a very good year for us dogs. My lady was also born on the year of the dog and with us together, it is more likely to be a “not-so-good-year” for us.
Well, I have also made my own predictions for the coming year:
Rooster – success, success and more success in the coming year since it’s your year. Try to wake up a little earlier this year to make your boss proud. Join competitions to win big bucks for your boss. Be careful, because I’ve heard, Danding Cojuangco’s breed is the strongest rooster in town.
Dog – Try not to stay up late because it’ll wake the others. Wag your tail if you’re happy and try not to bite if you still haven’t taken necessary medications. It might cost your boss big bucks for medication of your victims. Try to look beautiful. You might want to join fashion shows or beauty contests.
Pig – Stay away from Batangas and La Loma, place where people not only kill you, but cook you. Afterwards, they parade you in the streets, then devour what’s left of you. Also, be careful for your boss might develop high blood pressure over you. Avoid extremely hot areas. You wouldn’t want to call it the year of the pork, do you?
Rat – Stay away from bacon-bit-looking food. They might be poison. Never name your daughter Dora. You are unlucky in the food business. People might perceive your food chains as untidy and Stay in the sewerage and cleaning industry.
Ox – Rich people like you better over the pig because they say, you are leaner and contain lesser cholesterol. You will be lucky if El Matadero won’t kill you after a battle. Try not to climb trees because you can’t.
Tiger – Some might want to try to please you by giving food or taking photographs. Don’t be fooled or you might end up with a circus or zoo job. Some friends like the Lion might get jealous because you are in the Chinese calendar and they are not.
Rabbit – This is a very good year for you. If you run fast, you shall overtake the turtle. But if your get too confident, you might be overrun. Stop the humping and get down to business, you maniac!
Dragon – you are the luckiest this year. In fact, you are lucky every year. However, you are a mythic creature. You are non-existent. Try not to enter into conversations because they might not realize you’re there.
Snake – Since when did the snake become good? They bite, they inflict poison, and they scare. Try entering into onerous transactions. You might get away with it like you got away from persuading Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Better not mess up this time.
Horse – Agile, and competitive. You are to be loved by thousands of old and middle aged males… That is, if you try to compete and win over Windblown. I almost forgot! Windblown has already retired. Stay away from faraway rural areas. I’ve heard tapang kabayo is starting to become a delicacy in some provinces.
Ram – Try venturing into the textile industry. You’re lucky to have the raw materials for it. Stay away from trees. Some Rams just die of starvation because they get stuck in branches of trees for weeks.
Monkey – Try to outsmart the turtle but you will always emerge the loser. Luckily, the turtle is not part of the Chinese calendar. So you only have to compete with either the rabbit or the dragon. It is good for you to do business, but never engage in monkey business.
These are only my personal predictions for the coming year. So they might not have a direct impact on the person born on that year.
No matter how many forecasts, predictions and analyses we read or hear, all that matters is the way we handle life. In the end, we are the ones who shall decide whether we make the predictions true or not.
Happy Chinese/ Lunar New Year to all my Chinese brethren.
Ciao…
Trivia trivia
Did you know: Singers Eric Clapton and Rod Stewart are born in the year of the Rooster.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)