¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

This year, time really flew fast. It seems like only a few days ago when I was on the last-day-of-the-year mode for 2007. Surreal. All brought about by the workings of the Gregorian calendar that let us live twelve months a year.

In 2008, things came in a blink. But they never left in an instant, they lingered. Impressions, lessons, hobbies, and - best of all - friendships.

This year, I finally felt like I am my own man – or independent so to speak. For years I have been living far away from my parents. And now, starting my own career gives me the sense that I am driving my own brand new car. Planning ahead makes me freak out, but my being ambitious makes it a very exciting game. Career plans. Investments. Future commitments. Yayks.

I’m now a banker, but in the university I was trained to be a scientist. I took MBB – that is, Molecular Biology major in Banking (it’s so funny how it fits). Being a trained scientist, it always thrills me to try new things. This year, I was a fist-timer in a lot of stuff. Surfing, dragonboat racing, swimming in Manila Bay, food tripping in China town, running 10km in a race (sorry I am weak), trekking Pinatubo, drinking almost 7 days in a row, enrolling in a Spanish class and never finishing it (pero intiendo, hablo, escribo un poco español), booking and paying for plane tickets and cancelling it a few days before the flight, birthday by the beach, fish-feeding in Anilao, blah blah blah... and the list goes on.

For 2009, I expect life to be much more exciting. New things to try, new places to go, new people to meet, same old good friends who make such awesome company, career growth, and more money (hahaha).

I initially wanted to write my own comprehensive year-end report like my friends have done. However, it’s now 9:20 a.m. and – guess what – I have work today. C*t* never sleeps.

I’m off to work now, happy new year to all!

Lifeaholism

First of all I would like to greet everyone a merry, merry Christmas. Before I get started, I would like to make you laugh. Click on the link below and wait for it to load. It’s a surprise Christmas greeting. Thanks to Chester, Lawrence, Flaegil, and Jayson for their unfading support. Clap clap clap!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/92MPG5NWEFzBOscn

As always, this year’s Christmas is a day away from my family. But I shouldn’t fret as I am used to this, and I need some time alone after some stressful weeks at work and with friends. Anyways, my mom and dad are just a phone call away.

‘Tis the season to be chubby, fa la la la la la la la la la...

Christmas season is a time when people like to eat and drink and hate to exercise. It might be due the colder temperature, or the festive atmosphere, or the plethora of sweets and all types of calorie-loaded goodies given as gifts. Or in my case it is the lure of spending sleepless nights with my lifeaholic circle friends over buckets and buckets of beer, a pitcher of ice, and a glass. Well, when January comes, it’s time to shape up for the hot hot summer!

Being a lifeaholic

Sorry Chester, but I am the first one to write this new word in cyberspace. All future references shall cite me. Just kidding mate. All work and no play make Andrew a dull boy. So, so true. Work is so stressful. My company’s motto goes ‘C*t* never sleeps’ – and I don’t get enough sleep either. But I don’t mind getting my eye bags bigger or my headache more occasional as long as I am learning fast and becoming a better yuppie.

My stress levels are always high, so I always look forward to fun-filled weekends. Good thing I have dragon boat racing to keep my muscles from getting atrophied. Paddling in Manila Bay has never been this exciting, though I really had to make do with the filthy water. But hey, I guess I am already immune to whatever pathological bugs there are in the bay. Next year, the dragon boat races for the first quarter will be in Subic and Boracay. Hooray!

Being a lifeaholic – correct me Mr. Canoy if I am wrong – is striking a balance between work or study and play. And by saying balanced, I mean to study or work hard and play thrice as hard. That’s why my friends and I always exercise, drink, and enjoy our weekends. And we are not the shoddy type of students or yuppies at all.

Isang Pinggang Pansit!

Nakakatawa! This sketch in this year’s Live AIDS of UP Diliman’s Samaskom brought down the house. The delivery of the monologue by three different characters – a loser girl, a diva girl, and a gay kid – made the segment totally hilarious. Watch this in youtube (search ‘isang pinggang pansit’) and for sure you’ll spend the next ten minutes laughing your lungs out.

Happy 2009!

Watch out for those fireworks, and for those resolutions that may never be realized. Some say that the new year is a new life. Come one, we all have heard that big fallacy a gazillion times before. Lifeaholics would say that the new year is another good year to enjoy and be merry. Be positive. Be a lifeaholic!

Merry Christmas to all...

Something to add up laughter this season... Enjoy!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/92MPG5NWEFzBOscn

(Just paste the link to your browser.)

Brought to you by Chester, Flaegil, Lawrence, Jayson, and yours truly.

How to set-up a TV anti radiation loop according to my lola

When I went home to my lola's place in the province last month, I saw another of her inventions: lola's television anti radiation ground loop.

To do this, get an empty cup that is made of plastic which is a perfect insulator. Fill it up with good soil and avoid mixing in too many stones as it will diminish its anti radiation potency. Buy yourself an anti radiation TV filter - make sure it has the wire with a metal rod ending - and install it to your TV set. Place the cup with 3/4 soil beside your machine at a distance of at most one foot. Finally, bury the rod ending in the soil inside the cup. Finally, you are safe from all the radiation that comes out from the TV screen, the soil sucks it all out.

Failed blog material? Quite. Don't get me wrong, I love my lola. It's just that she has her own ways of making sure the family is safe always.

And by the way, she changes the soil once a week. Don't forget to do the same. And never get the soil wet - it's dangerous she says.

badjaos

When I was a kid, docking to the port of Cebu on a ship has always been a spectacle - the badjaos in small bangkas would swarm the ship begging people for money and food. The best part is when they dive - young and old - into the water to search for a coin thrown by an alms-giver on-board.


Amusing at first glance, but their prolonged presence deserves pity.




I was on vacation last week and I took the same ship from my hometown to Cebu. And on the docks of this Queen City of the South were found the same badjaos on their small bangkas, begging for food and money as they also do.

I Love You, Goodbye

(My ultimate emo song choice)

Wish i could be the one
The one who could give you love
The kind of love you really need
Wish i could say to you

That i'll always stay with you
But baby that's not me
You need someone willing to give their heart and soul to you
Promise you forever, baby that's something i can't do

Oh i could say that i'll be all you need
But that would be a lie
I know i'd only hurt you
I know i'd only make you cry
I'm not the one you're needing
I love you, goodbye

I hope someday you can find some way to understand i'm only doing this for you
I don't really wanna go
But deep in my heart i know this is the kindest thing to do
You'll find someone who'll be the one that i could never be
Who'll give you something better
Than the love you'll find with me
Oh i could say that i'll be all you need
But that would be a crime
I know i'd only hurt you
I know i'd only make you cry
I'm not the one you're needing
I love you, goodbye

Leaving someone when you love someone
Is the hardest thing to do
When you love someone as much as i love you

Oh i don't wanna leave you
Baby it tears me up inside
But i'll never be the one you're needing
I love you, goodbye

Baby, its never ganna work out
I love you, goodbye

(by Nina)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ol3gE2YQLs

UP Dragon Boat Team

Join the UP Dragon Boat Team. All UP students and alumni, and even non-UP but are eager and interested to try the sport are welcome. Please reply to this post if interested.

I'm back!

It has been a long time since my last blog post, and I can say that life has been a blast!

What's with me these days? Well aside from work which is always consuming yet fun (Citi never sleeps... I can attest to this, hahaha), there are some other things I am busy with.

Dragon boat... I am now a member of the UP Dragon Boat Team. I started training a couple of months back in Manila Bay - yes in those filthy waters. But the sport is fun, and the people I am with are awesome as well. We had our first race last Sunday. We didn't win because most of us are newbies - but we shall win in the next leg. Training is tough, but it is all for the good.



Spanish class in Instituto Cervantes... Que tal? Muy bien! Estudio hablar la lengua espanol. Hahaha. I love to learn other languages. It gives me a global perspective and of course prepare me for future career plans.

Food tripping... My latest craving is Chinese food in Binondo. How I miss the street food in UP Diliman. Yum yum.

Studying... Yes, I miss studying. Too much work makes you dumb sometimes. Good thing my department in Citi has this training program that gives you the opportunity to study banking and finance which I needed badly. Too bad I wasn't allowed to take accounting and economics when I was studying molecular biology and biotechnology (huh?).

The Value of UP Experience

First published 6 June 2008
The Manila
Standard Today
INTEGRATIONS
maya baltazar herrera
Voyage


There are no children here.

This week, I went to a meeting at the UP School of Economics and I came
away with renewed belief in the value of the UP experience.

If you speak to anyone from UP: a student, professor, alumnus - you will get
no Latin slogans or apologies about how the school teaches values in spite
of its outward materialism. This is not a student population that thinks about
basketball games or memorizes school songs. This is not a school that
chooses one statement to drill into the minds of its students.

This is not, of course, to say that UP does not care about values. It is that
UP, in its own inimitable way, believes that values cannot be force-fed.
The statue of the naked man that guards the entrance to the campus in
Diliman best represents UP's approach to all education and the respect for
students that is the center of its educational philosophy. All who come to
this university, regardless of origin, bring themselves naked, carrying nothing
but their thirst; like the proverbial empty teacup, making an offering of self,
waiting to be filled.

Adults

For many students from private schools, the first lesson that is learned
here is that this is a school for adult education. There are no children here,
and that is why no parents are allowed either at freshman orientation or
during enlistment.

The spirit of the oblation lies not in a mother or a father offering up his
child to the world, it is that of the newly adult, freely offering of his self.

I remember quite vividly that moment that drove home how different the
UP education continues to be. It was my daughter's first semester in
university and she had invited a group of her high school friends to our
house. One of them asked a classmate whether she had gotten her parents
permission form approved for that weekend's outreach activity. From the
UP population around the table came the mock horrified responses of:
"Permission? " and "Outreach?"

I thought about it and realized that all of these students were, in fact,
legally adults. I thought it interesting that only the UP students appeared
to appreciate this fact.

Even more interesting was the "outreach" comment. I think back to my own
university years and the last three years that my daughter has been in UP
and am certain there is no lack of civic activity. There are medical
missions, house building projects, tree planting, community work and barrio
work and so on. I realize now that the reaction was not to the activity as
much as it was to the use of the word.

One of the most important differences of the UP campus from all the other
campuses my children considered going to is that this campus has no walls.
Many parents fear this. They are afraid their precious children will not be
protected from the ills of society in a campus that is so open to the rest of
the world.

But UP is open to the world in more ways than just not having the physical
walls.

Community

Being in UP means much more than being a student. This campus is
enmeshed in a community. This community is made up not only of the
transient population of students who go home each night. It includes the many,
many students who lay their heads on dorm pillows each night, enduring time
away from families in the firm belief that this campus will bring them closer to
their dreams. This community includes the families of faculty and employees
who live on campus. It also includes the many people who work not for the
University, but nevertheless work on campus. This community includes the
lady who remembers the brand of cigarette you smoke and automatically
hands it to you in the morning. It includes the gentleman who remembers you
like pepper on your egg sandwich or the one who knows you will dip your fish
balls into two of his sauces, who patiently waits for you to eat your three
sticks before being paid. It includes the woman who saw all her children
through college by selling peanuts every day on campus.

To a UP student, the daily heartbeat of the school is never far away from
the realities of the country. The word outreach suggests that civic activity is
something outside of the normal, something you do once in a while. It must be
immensely difficult to think of community as a thing apart when your campus
experience brings you face to face with all of the world's realities every day.

Character

All of this probably explains that unmistakable sense of self that you will
find from students who come from this campus.

Here is a campus where all have the same opportunities to learn. But also,
here is a campus that will give all the same opportunities to fail. There are no
guidance counselors who will chase after you because you have been skipping
classes. The attitude this university takes is that you must take the initiative –
for learning, for seeking help, for realizing you need help.

That is not to say that no help exists. But it is help that is not forced upon you.

This is a university rich in both introspection and conversation. On this campus,
the student is constantly exposed to people--faculty, administrators, community
members, and other students who care deeply and passionately about the world.
The conversations are almost never purely cerebral. A single graph can provoke
comments about government policy and its effects on people.

As a result, UP is home to a student population that looks at the world and cares.
It is easy to see pictures of protesting students and dismiss it as radicalism. But
there are few campuses in this country where students go beyond a passing curiosity
about what is happening in the world beyond their own lives. There are even fewer
universities where students not only care but also actually believe they have a
responsibility to make a difference not in some hazy future but today.

And that, I believe, is what truly forges character. Character is not molded by
speeches or long classes in ethics or theology. Character grows from within. It
begins by being handed the keys to your own self and being told you are in charge;
you now have power over yourself and your own actions and with that power, you
take on responsibilities.

Each student in this university goes through his own unique voyage of discovery.
On his voyage, as he decides what he cares about, what he will fight for and what
he will sacrifice, he crafts his own personal values. That is what education is truly about.

Dragon Boat 101 in Manila Bay

The Dragon Boat is a very long and narrow human-powered boat used in team paddling sport called dragon boat racing. Originating in China, racing events using these decorative boats are usually held during the Dragon Boat Festival which is a national holiday in the country.

Here in Manila, the way to ride the dragon is to go to Manila Bay. I tried it last Saturday, and it was a whole lot of fun.

At 5:30 am, my friends and I were already in the bay near Manila Yacht Club along with other rowers and newbies like most of us. There were a lot of rowing teams around. We even saw the Philippine women's team all in pink crocs. Our group of newbies and wannabees was invited by he UP Rowing Team (thanks to Chester). Among the team's members is Manix Abrera, creator of the famous Kiko Machine comics.

We waited an hour until we got our boat, and I was bursting in excitement when I got on it. Such enthusiasm made me disregard how filthy the water was. In our first few rows (and I was only rowing as if I knew how to), the boat glided gracefully along the garbage-laiden water in the Manila Yacht Club docking area, until we got a bit farther and the water became less dirty - but still not clean knowing it is Manila Bay.

We stopped for the basic lessons that included the parts of the paddle, how to row, and some jargons used in the sport. Then we rowed further applying the new lessons learned - and we were so good at it. I felt all my back muscles (we were taught it is wrong to use our arm muscles for force) struggled to keep up with the pace. I was breathing in and exhaling at every row, listening to the caller to say 'at ease' for the next few lessons or reminders. Now my body is aching, but I'm definitely doing it again next Saturday.

Dragon boat racing (or in my case it was just rowing) is much fun. It keeps you fit and takes away all your inhibitions, including your disgust for filthy water. And oh, if you ever ask if dragon boat rowers take a dip in Manila Bay, it is true as an initiation. In fact, I can't believe I did it myself. As an ex-molecular biologist (I'm now a banker), I could imagine all sorts of flora and fauna thriving in the murky water. But it didn't matter, I could do some immunity boost.

But on a different note, if dragon boat racing becomes very popular, it may serve as one of the impetus to clean up Manila Bay and Pasig River. For sure, this will become a more attractive sport with clean waters around.

What's up?

There were rare moments when, amidst the plethora of things in my head (most of which is work), I got to ask myself 'Dude, what's up?'

That's weird. But I find the question a valid one. In this life in which time has no other direction but to go forward (no time machine, unfortunately life is not science fiction), people really need to take a break and ask themselves what they are up to.

Some people are up for money, some for popularity, some for power, and many for all of the three mentioned - who doesn't want to be rich, popular, and powerful? All of us want to be better in one way or another, and this desire is not in any way bad.

While some people want to catch up with time (they are such stickler to their schedules), some choose to wait. I have chosen to wait several times. God knows how many minutes, hours, and even days I have wasted waiting for plants that did not flower and bear fruit(remember, I used to have a garden when I was young), people that didn't come, and dreams that didn't happen (I confess, I daydream a lot even during my classes in the University).

I'm tired of waiting. Now all I want to do is to ride with time, savor every second of it, make the best out of every ticking of the clock. No distractions. No what if's. No second thoughts.

I'm tired of waiting. I'm eager of what's ahead. I want to dive and make a big splash to the future.

----------

Sounds a bit emo? Well not really. I'm just refraining myself from writing another blog on politics and economics (as if I know anything much about them these days for all I do is work, work, and work... and some gimmick with friends).

Surfing @ Zambales

One of the greatest things about the sport of surfing is that you need only three things: your body, a surf-board, and a wave.

Lost

My mom used to tell me that I'm very good at losing things. I couldn't disagree with her on this. Besides, she's my mother and she probably could remember all the instances of me losing things from ballpens, to a pair of pants, to even my entire school bag.

Just this week, barely a month after I called a friend 'burara' for losing his phone, I lost mine - for the third time around. Talk about backfire.

I'm still using the same number, but my phonebook is empty. Too bad my overdependence on phone memory has arrested my brain's ability to memorize phone numbers.

So friends, if you text or call me, please introduce yourselves.

--------

It has been a long time since last I wrote a serious blog. Lost my writing skills lately.

moments by the pond (a.k.a. tabing-ilog moments, haha)

When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing - just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park? - Ralph Marston

L-R: Paolo, Cielo, myself, Jean, Alana, Josef, Juancho at Canyon Woods (click photo to enlarge)

Summer Teambuilding Jump at Canyon Woods Tagaytay

If all my friends were to jump off a bridge, I wouldn't follow. I'd be at the bottom to catch them when they fall.

L-R: Josef, Jaja, myself, Alana, Paolo, Jean, Cielo (click photo to enlarge)

Summer Beach Jump

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world. ~Ada Louise Huxtable

*From L-R: Trisha, Alana, myself, Paolo, Cielo, Jean

Usapang Peyups

Andrew is such a loser, he's answering this survey. Wahahaha.

Yikes, it has been two years since my graduation. I'm getting old!

1. Student number?

- 2002-36517

2. College?

- College of Science

3. Ano ang course mo?

- BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (actuallly, it's BS MBB, which stands for BS Molecular Biology and Banking)

4. Na-kickout ka ba?

- Nope. Ulirang estudyante. Hehe.

5. Saan ka kumuha ng UPCAT?

- Sa probinsya!

6. Favorite GE subject?

- South East Asian Studies. Cool yung topics and the teachers were good. And walang pressure. Uno-able.

7. Favorite PE?

- Skin diving with Sir Mencias! The best! Took it in my second semester when I was first year. Tagal na nun!

8. Saan ka nag-aabang ng hot girls sa UP?

- I have to say most of them are in Econ and BA. Some are in AS. But I don't usually go sight-seeing. Haha.

9. Favorite prof(s):

- Sino pa, di yung thesis adviser ko na si Dr. Cynthia Saloma. She's a terror at sobrang tindi sa class at sa lab. But she's the best mentor one can have in MBB. Sadly I can't apply my molecular biology in Citibank. But at least, I developed the attitude to be competitive and to learn things fast.

10. Pinaka-ayaw na GE subject?

- Geog 1. I was absent more than six times at late. La kong masyading natutunan. Pero uno-able sobra.

11. Kumuha ka ba ng Wed or Sat classes?

- Yep. P.E during my first two years. But di na nung third and fourth year since I was already working on my thesis. Geek.

12. Nakapag-field trip ka ba?

- Once lang, sa South East Asian Studies. Guess where... in Binondo!

13. Naging CS ka na ba or US sa UP?

- Yep.

14. Ano ang Org/Frat/Soro mo?

- PMHS (active at the start lang, second year yun), College of Science Student Council, at iba pang mga bagay-bagay

15. Saan ka tumatambay palagi?

- PMHS tambayan sa Owl's Nest, natutulog sa College of Science Student Council office, CS library para mag-aral at mag-power nap, laboratory sa MBB (geek), sa dorm ng mga kaibigan, sa mouse room ng MBB (ew)

16. Dorm, Boarding house, o Bahay?

- Tried all. I prefer the apartment. Mas may privacy.

17. Kung walang UPCAT test at malaya kang nakapili ng kurso mo sa UP, ano yun?

- Economics or BAA. I was planning to shift but I found my blockmates fun and the things I'm learning in MBB exciting.

18. Sino ang pinaka-una mong nakilala sa UP?

- My roommate. Yikes, I forgot his name na.

19. First play na napanood mo sa UP?

- Not in UP but in CCP with UPSA, it was Spoliarium.

20. Name the 5 most conyo orgs in UP:

- Haha. Baka papatayin ako ng mga kaibigan ko.

21. Name 5 of the coolest orgs/frats/soro in UP:

- Marami.

22. May frat/soro bang nag-recruit sa yo?

- Meron, but joining a frat was never among my priorities.

23. Saan ka madalas mag-lunch?

- Lutong-Bahay nung first year; take out sa CASAA nung second year; FA cafe (closed na ngayon), FA siomai stall, or baon nung third and fourth year. Madalas din ako nakikikain sa lab, dami kasi food sa LMCB. Haha.

24. Masaya ba sa UP?

- Super. Probably the most memorable four years of my life ever.

25. Nakasama ka na ba sa rally?

- Oo, once during my first year and I was staying in Kalayaan. We marched from UST to Mendiola. That was out of curiosity. That was my first and last.

26. Ilang beses ka bumoto sa Student Council?

- Three times. I needed to vote because I was candidate (but I lost nung fourth year, which was just fine).

27. Name at least 5 leftist groups in UP:

- There are some 'left-leaning' groups in UP. But I am never sure if they are truly leftists. Got friends there and they are nice people.

28. Pinangarap mo rin bang mag-laude nung freshman ka?

- Haha. Yep.

29. Kanino ka pinaka-patay sa UP?

- Wala. Haha.

30. Kung di ka UP, anong school ka?

- Ateneo de Manila University

Chasing pavements

In the few weeks that passed, all my days were in black and white. Well, not that I'm all gloomy and cold. I just felt weird that all I can appreciate is music. Reading, drawing, writing... I've taken a break from all these. Maybe because music - songs - express things one is not brave enough to tell. And music is always there with you no matter what stage in life or mood you are in - sad, happy, heartbroken, in love, struggling, homesick, daydreaming... take your pick.

Chasing Pavements (Adele)

i've up my mind
dont need to think it over
if im wrong i am right
dont need to look no further
this aint lust i know this is love

but if i tell the world
i'll never say enough
cos it was not said to you
and thats exactly what i need to do
if i end up with you

should i give up
or should i just keep chasing pavements
even if it leads no where,
or would it be a waste
even if i knew my place should i leave it there.
should i give up
or should i just keep chasing pavements
even if it leads nowhere

i promised not to talk about poltics...

The CBCP got it right this time. The bishops’ statement on our country’s looming political crisis upholds the constitution by respecting democracy’s due process and respecting the separation of the Church and the State. With it they did not only fulfill their duty as pastors of the people, but also gave a gentle reminder to everyone involved that they lay aside personal interests and put forward objectivity: to the politicians who, most often than not, are driven by partisan lines rather than principle, to the media which are prone to personal biases and sensationalism, to the people who are easily swayed by calls to put the constitution in their own hands.

I cannot argue enough that the CBCP echoes the sentiments of the silent majority, of the many hardworking employees of Makati alienated and inconvenienced by rallies held in the business district, of ambitious students in our universities learning all they can to become better citizens in the future, and of millions of other Filipinos in the provinces marginalized by Imperial Manila. All of these people want lasting change that will never and can never happen – as the EDSAs teach us – by simply unseating a president. True change happens when people uphold the law and strengthen national institutions. This means that law-breakers are tried in courts, not in the streets.

The challenge for everyone amidst this crisis is to act with common sense; that is, to assume an objective outlook on the issue, to look beyond political biases, and consider some lessons in history before taking things in our own hands. It is worthwhile asking ourselves “Is another EDSA going to change anything?”

Not much really. In the same way as cancer is not successfully treated with one dose of medicine and a weak body, rooting out corruption and promoting transparency require strengthening democratic institutions and call for a change in people's attitudes - especially among our leaders.

One egregious figue in yesterday's rally in Makati is that Erap was there. Wait, was he the president ousted seven years ago by EDSA 2? Talk about politics.

Stop, look, and listen

Stop, look, and listen. Sounds like the old nursery rhyme I learned when I was four. But in the hustle and bustle of a young adult's life (I can't believe I'm calling myself as one - I was only starting in the University six years ago!), I can't help but stop at some corners and enjoy the momentary pleasure of stillness while the traffic light is red. Once it turns green, life goes on again as it does every single day. And from there I go speeding up or slowing down, until I finally reach and stop again at the next corner.

You see, bad traffic is not at all bad - at least when you talk about it figuratively.

Not again another political circus

These days, the country is again faced with yet another political turmoil. Year after year, month after month, day after day, what fills the news and keeps politicians busy are their own problems, leaving the very tasks they are elected for in the sidelines. This leads many to ask: What’s new?

The new political hot potato is the alleged graft that occurred in the aborted NBN-ZTE project that was supposed to connect and modernize, through internet broadband, all government offices of the country. While its goal was undoubtedly advantageous for government efficiency and economic growth, the process by which the deal was carried out was purportedly tainted with overpricing by government officials.

Now the issue has compounded to become a crisis, as politicians started pointing fingers, protesters with familiar faces who are always anti-government started agitating their usual sentiments in the streets, and ordinary people – albeit not completely informed – started concluding that it’s again timely to unseat a President extra-judicially.

While I don’t believe that officials implicated in this ‘scandal’ are all innocent, I am neither convinced that those who are pointing their fingers have hands untarnished of any misconduct. This lack of trust has led many to conclude that all this noise is just another political baloney. To put it more bluntly, what’s going on is just another political circus where government personalities are figuratively dressed as clowns, doing their acts, hiding their real skin with stylistic make-up and outlandish costumes – and they make us all laugh, if not frustrated.

Young people like me are starting to ask: Have we not got tired of this? For once in our youth, we are hoping to see change happening in our godforsaken country and leaders worth emulating who are working together to make things better. But our hope appears to falter as whatever progress achieved by the country is always wiped out by never-ending political hurdles – most of them unnecessary.

Young people today are confused who’s telling the truth, what to expect, when to stop hoping. Gloomy it may seem, but we can all learn one good lesson out of it: may we not follow the footsteps of today’s generation of ‘leaders’.

Mission: Tubbataha Reef

Declared a UNESCO heritage site, the Tubbataha Reef is a marine ecosystem located in the middle of Sulu Sea and south east of Puerto Princesa in Palawan. This isolated sanctuary is a reserved haven for diverse marine life ranging from the smallest plankton to thriving corals, rare marine mammals, sea turtles, sharks, manta rays, and sea birds.

Being part of the world-renowned Coral Triangle, the Philippines occupies a crucial role in marine life conservation, and Tubbataha Reef is one of the country’s most precious natural jewels. This marine park is well-known among conservation scientists and diving enthusiasts because of its rich biodiversity and pristine and untouched beauty. Preserving this natural treasure requires support from everyone, especially from the people blessed by its bounty. Further, international attention will put it in the world map and definitely boost its chances showcase a biodiversity paralleled nowhere else in the tropical world.

The Tubbataha Reef is the sole entry from the Philippines for the search for the seven wonders of nature. Sadly, other unique and beautiful places in the country as Mt. Mayon, Hundred Islands, Chocolate Hills, and Taal Lake that are likewise worthy for nomination are not in the list.

The voting process is ongoing at the New 7 Wonders website (http://www.new7wonders.com/). Your vote is your crucial contribution to conserve and treasure one of nature’s best wonders.

You may also visit Tubbataha Reef Marine Park’s official website.

Philippine economy soars to 7.4 percent GDP growth, highest in 31 years

One thing to be happy about: the Philippine GDP rose to an unprecedented 7.4 percent last year 2007. Unbelievable, but it deserves some credibility as, personally, I have seen and felt some improvements happening around.

Agriculture, industrial, and service sectors were the star performers. These brought positive gains that brought the entire economic figure upbeat.

Change is happening, and I only hope this will be sustained. And to do so, everyone must do away with self-destructive antagonism and look ahead to a brighter future.

Seemingly herculean - but definitely possible.

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(from http://www.nscb.gov.ph/sna/2007/4thQ2007/2007hi4.asp)

Philippine economy soars to 7.4 percent GDP growth

In an environment of benign inflation, low interest rates and a strong peso, the Philippine economy sustained its impressive streak of lofty growths that started in the first quarter of the year. Fourth quarter growth of GDP stood at 7.4 percent from 5.5 percent last year, propelled by the robust performances of Trade, Agriculture and Fishery, Private Services, Construction and TCS, with the rest of the sectors posting positive growths.

On the demand side, increased household spending and investment in construction were the main drivers aided by the accelerated growths in government consumption, export of non-factor services and investment in durable equipment. The 3.0 percent contraction in the level of NFIA pulled down GNP to a lower growth of 6.5 percent compared to the GDP growth.

The seasonally adjusted GDP, now on its 27th quarter of positive growths, accelerated to 1.8 percent from 1.0 percent in the previous quarter. Likewise, the seasonally adjusted GNP, which has also been on positive territory since the second quarter of 2003, sped up to 1.4 percent from 0.9 percent in the third quarter.

On the production side, the sustained GDP growth in the fourth quarter was bolstered by the fast expanding Services sector whose growth of 9.0 percent from 8.4 percent in the same quarter last year is the highest since 1982. Likewise, Industry went up too at a higher pace of 5.8 percent from 3.6 percent the previous year, albeit slower than during the first three quarters, mainly because of the deceleration of Manufacturing. With favorable weather conditions during the quarter, Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry (AFF) also accelerated to 5.8 percent from its year ago rate of 1.7 percent.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, AFF contracted by 0.1 percent in the fourth quarter after three quarters of robust growths while Industry rebounded to a 0.5 percent expansion after suffering a 0.4 percent contraction last quarter. The positive growth was attributed to the strong growths of Construction, Mining and Quarrying, and Electricity, Gas and Water. Services sector came in strongest as it posted an all time record growth of 3.3 percent. The phenomenal growth was brought about by the brisk retail trading during the fourth quarter combined with the strong performances of Private Services and Finance.

The economy continued to keep pace with the population growth in the fourth quarter of 2007 as per capita GDP grew by 5.3 percent from 3.4 percent, per capita GNP by 4.4 percent from 4.0 percent, and per capita PCE by 4.2 percent from 3.8 percent.

NFIA in the fourth quarter declined by 3.0 percent from a 12.4 percent gain in the same quarter last year as compensation inflow declined anew by an even higher rate of 3.3 percent from only 0.2 percent in the third quarter. This was aggravated by the deceleration in Property Income from 32.0 percent last year to 18.9 percent, and the growth in Property Expense by 4.4 percent. The fourth quarter recorded the first quarter of negative growth of NFIA since the fourth quarter of 2002.

The Filipino Monkey is finally caught!

The rogue fugitive that almost started another war of America against another middle-eastern Islamic threat that is Iran is finally caught! The Filipino Monkey, as it is popularly known by seafarers, caused trouble in the busy Strait of Hormuz of the Persian Gulf when it sent malicious radio message to a US Navy warship.

“I am coming to you. You will explode in a few minutes” chattered a voice over Channel 16 in the radio, sending the US navy to an almost offensive mode against Iranian patrol boats.

Lucky for both sides, not a single ammunition was fired.

A day after, the Filipino Monkey was caught eating banana in the White House. He's now behind bars.





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Now enough of nonsense. I was only amused and at the same time bothered by the term Filipino Monkey. Why call it such? I searched the internet and found nothing much about its etymology. Wkipedia says that a "Filipino Monkey" is a pseudonym used by radio pranksters in maritime radio transmissions since at least the 1980s, especially in the Persian Gulf. These pranksters make odd, confusing, or even threatening calls on VHF marine Channel 16, which is the shipping and maritime International Emergency Distress Frequency.

Nonetheless, at least America got its monkey. But hundreds out there are still in the loose.

Top 400 universities in the world

UP is bottom-dweller....But I don't think UP, and all other top universities in the Philippines, are that bad. It's just all about funding I suppose, and access to pioneering technologies. Nonetheless, we have better students than other universities out there - and this is true.

383=	Leibniz Universität HANNOVER	Germany
383=	Technische Universität BRAUNSCHWEIG	Germany
383=	CONCORDIA University	Canada
386=	NORTHEASTERN University	United States
386=	KUMAMOTO University	Japan
388=	Università degli Studi di PAVIA	Italy
388=	Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu KIEL	Germany
390=	ISTANBUL Technical University	Turkey
391=	Université PARIS V - Descartes	France
392=	Universität MANNHEIM	Germany
393=	Universitat de VALENCIA	Spain
394=	University of SIENA	Italy
395=	University of INDONESIA	Indonesia
396=	Martin-Luther-Universität HALLE-WITTENBE...	Germany
396=	GEORGIA STATE University	United States
398=	University of the PHILIPPINES	Philippines
398=	SOGANG University	Korea, South
398=	National CENTRAL University	Taiwan

Click here to view the website.

The day the pond turns green

When I was a kid, I was always fond of plants. Vegetables were my favorite - I planted beans, ampalayas, squash, watermelon, singkamas, talong, sigarilyas... Okay, the last three were a joke, I'm not going to sing Bahay-kubo here.

But anyway, I have a green thumb, so seeds I had sowed (what a term) almost always made it to germination and early planthood (sorry, I hated my Botany classes so pardon the term). However, I never got to reap my harvest because my grandmother, who hated vegetables growing in the backyard garden, would always weed them out like they were worthless weeds. She never appreciated my gardening, so I changed my hobby to collecting spiders, guppies, tadpoles, and crablets. It was fun, until grandma - again - found it cataclysmic to keep bottles with creepy crawling and floating creatures in the living room cabinet.

It almost ended my romance with nature. There was no way I'm going to bring or raise any creature - plants and animals included - in the house, except for cats who are bloody boring for me. Then I started reading books that taught me to imagine.

Daydreaming has always been one of my favorite hobbies. Sometimes I go flying over the Himalayas and stand atop the world's ceiling unfazed. On some days I'm in outer space light years away from earth preparing to set foot on a newly discovered planet suspected of harboring extra-terrestrial intelligence. At times I'm a member of a royal family - a prince - riding on my horse and clad in shining armor. No wonder I love fiction books and movies, and surrealism. Strange sometimes, but these things made my world more colorful.

But I'm no fool. I'm just a dreamer whom some people call hopelessly romantic, thinkers call an idealist, pessimists call a fantasizer. I'm a star-gazer. How I admire the great astronomers who deciphered the intricate puzzles of the universe.

I have grown aloof after all these years of flying. Maybe it's time to go back to gardening and grow vegetables in my backyard. Or start once again collecting creatures of all sorts and put them in small fancy bottles.

But now life is more complicated than pursuing a childhood hobby. I think the way to go is to become a bit less insensitive to the world, to people, to my own self, lest the day arrives when the pond turns green and every beautiful thing in it choked and deprived of oxygen and sunlight.

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Oh you probably won't remember me, it's probably ancient history,
I'm one of the chosen few who went ahead and fell for you.
I'm out of vogue, I'm out of touch, I fell too fast, I feel too much.
I thought that you might have some advice to give ...
On how to be ...
Insensitive.

Announcing the Universitas Youth Conference 2008 in UP Diliman

This is the third conference of the organization and is open to everyone. For this year, we have corporate bigwigs as speakers. Surely, this will be another worthwhile event.

Hope to see you guys there (",)

Vote for Tibbataha Reef as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World

When it comes to natural wealth and beauty, Philippines is never wanting.

Vote for Tubbataha Reef in the Global Online voting for the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Currently, it is ranked No. 34, behind Ganges River of Bangladesh (No. 3), Mt Everest of Nepal (#4), Maldives (#12), Niagara Falls of Canada (#18), Bora Bora Island of French Polynesia (#23), Great Barrier Reef of Australia (#28) and Grand Canyon of USA (#31).

Vote thru the http://www.new7wonders.com/nature.