rashidsmom

CINEMA ONE Originals Part 1

2011-10-19T11:01:00.011+08:00

Here are 5 of the 1o finalists to the:

Cartas de la Soledad (letters of Solitude)

a film by

Gutierrez M. Mangansakan II

Six Degrees of Separation From Lilia Cuntapay

a film by

Antoinette Jadaone

Di Ingon Nato

a film by

Brandon Relucio and Ivan Zaldarriaga

BIG BOY

a film by

Shireen Seno

My Paranormal Romance

a film by

Victor Villanueva

The 2011 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Festival is showing at the Edsa Shangri-la Plaza Cineplex on November 09 to 15.

Life is too short

2011-05-25T10:17:00.002+08:00

"Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you."

A lot of people go by the motto, "Life is short so spend it with the people you love." So I do. I really do. Even though I'm busy, I make time to see, talk, write to, spend even just a few minutes with the people I adore. And I am so so so very glad they do the same.

Obviously, if I don't spend time with you, I don't love you. Obviously, if you don't spend time with me, you don't love me. It's simple enough and I feel no guilt or sadness over this. Neither should anyone actually. Again, life is too short to spend it suffering the presence of people you intensely dislike or who don't like you.

It is sad, I will admit, that the people I should love and who should love me are the very ones who suck the happiness out of me. My happiness and my money, I'd like to add. Do you have people like that in your life, too? I call them Dementors.

snatched from http://www.topazhorizon.com/

48 years ago

2011-01-18T09:54:00.002+08:00

and a happy new year to you too.

the last time i updated here was 48 years ago. seriously. a year and a few days of not blogging. must be the change in zodiac signs.

K.A.R.M.A 2

2009-12-07T12:10:00.002+08:00

October... November... just passed me by like a breeze.. I was just so busy with everything that I thoroughly neglected blogging. Have been traveling non-stop to places I have already forgotten and only photos can remind that I was indeed there physically.

With every cell in my body I grieve for everyone we lost in the Ampatuan Massacre. Not only for people, I also grieve for Maguindanao which has never been given the chance to shine. I have called it my hometown and feel safer there than in my own home in Davao City. So, yes, I grieve that it's again receiving all the negative headlines, gory photos and news bites.

It's been a hellish few weeks for everyone here.

KARMA is indeed a very bad bitch to run away from.

Let's continue praying for the 57 dearly departed souls and thousands more Maguindananaons in limbo amidst the Martial Law issuance.

For once, I am at a loss for words.

YMPN Statement

2009-11-25T14:47:00.003+08:00

YMPN Statement on the Maguindanao Massacre

The YOUNG MORO PROFESSIONALS NETWORK strongly condemns the barbaric killing of more than 40 innocent men and women in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on November 23, 2009. Such acts are truly UN-ISLAMIC.

We grieve with the families of all victims and join them in calling for JUSTICE. We urge those in power to allow JUSTICE and PEACE to prevail.

In these difficult times, we pray for our FAITH to grow ever stronger. May we find the STRENGTH not to give in to hatred. May we find the COURAGE to continue doing what is GOOD despite the evils around us. May POSITIVE CHANGE become a reality in Mindanao and elsewhere.

May we allow the ALMIGHTY to rule our land and our hearts.

Let's do B.L.A.C.K

2009-11-24T09:46:00.003+08:00

For the longest time I have been very vocal about the senseless killings, graft and corruption in my hometown in Maguindanao and consistently blogged about the stupidity in our local politics. And now this...

It's a sad sad time not only for my brothers and sisters but also for the rest of Mindanao.

Please display this black ribbon in your blogs, Tweeter account and Facebook accounts as we, in unison, mourn the victims of yet another atrocity in the hands of merciless politicians.

Amidst the sadness let us all not lose hope my dears. I am at a loss for words.

Inna lillahi wa inna lillaihi rajiun.

PS: Thank you Avel for the photo.

Eid-ul Adha

2009-11-22T09:34:00.001+08:00

Eid-ul-Adha ('Celebration of Sacrifice'), also known as the Greater Eid, is the second most important festival in the Muslim calendar. It marks the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). It takes place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Although only pilgrims to Makkah can celebrate it fully, Muslims elsewhere also mark the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.

The Hajj is the Fifth Pillar of Islam and therefore a very important part of the Islamic faith. All physically fit Muslims who can afford it should make the visit to Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, at least once in their lives. Every year around 2 million Muslims converge on Makkah. They visit a shrine in the city known as the Ka'bah, built by Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma'il (Ishmael) at the command of Allah (God). It is a place for all who want to reaffirm their faith.

Eid-ul-Adha celebrates the occasion when Allah appeared to Ibrahim in a dream and asked him to sacrifice his son Isma'il as an act of obedience to God. The devil tempted Ibrahim by saying he should disobey Allah and spare his son. As Ibrahim was about to kill his son, Allah intervened: instead Allah provided a lamb as the sacrifice. This is why today all over the world Muslims who have the means to, sacrifice a sheep (alternatively a goat or cow can be used), as a reminder of Ibrahim's obedience to Allah. They usually share out the meat with family and friends, as well as the poorer members of the community. In Britain, the animal has to be killed at a slaughterhouse.

Eid-ul-Adha is a 1-3 day celebration and in Muslim countries is a public holiday. It starts with Muslims going to the Mosque for prayers, dressed in their best clothes, and thanking Allah for all the blessings they have received. It is also a time when they visit family and friends as well as offering presents. At Eid it is obligatory to give a set amount of money to charity to be used to help poor people buy new clothes and food so they too can celebrate.

Happy Eid kapatids!!

Remember When

2009-11-15T18:38:00.007+08:00

With the prodding of good friend Cris, I dragged my butt out of bed and joined him at Tatay Rene Lumawag' s photo exhibit at the SM City last Saturday. Majority of Tay Rene's photos were in black and white and most of them were of historical events that would make one candidly reminisce the past, whether happy or sordid. I especially liked the Pikit bakwit photo he took and the one with the many faces of Digong and also, the one of the San Pedro church bombing. 30 images that speak about Tatay Rene's love of his art.

The exhibit opened on November 12, the 5th death anniversary of

his son Gene Boyd who was gunned down on November 12, 2004, as he was returning from shooting the sunset at the pier in Jolo, Sulu.

Lumawag’s exhibit of 30 images of Davao/Mindanao history in the last 25 years, provide the viewer glimpses of historical events that some people may have forgotten or chosen not to remember.

-Mindanews

THE Tatay Rene

Visit the exhibit at the SM Entertainment Center till the 17th.

Peace & Light!

End Exploitation and Trafficking.

2009-11-12T10:47:00.003+08:00

The MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) campaign is an award-winning multimedia initiative to raise awareness and increase prevention of human trafficking and exploitation. MTV EXIT was launched in Europe in 2004, in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Sida, and expanded across Asia with USAID in 2007. To date, MTV EXIT has produced many MTV documentaries and other programming on trafficking, including Traffic: An MTV EXIT Special, presented by Lucy Liu; Inhuman Traffic, presented by Angelina Jolie; over a dozen localized language versions presented by Asian celebrities; short films; public service announcements; and animation. MTV EXIT and Radiohead collaborated on an anti-exploitation video for their song All I Need, which premiered across MTV’s global network on 1 May 2008. For more information see www.mtvexit.org.

MTV EXIT will be ending the Philippine Tour at SM City Davao’s Parking Area on November 21 and features ITCHYWORMS and Moymoy Palaboy.

watch na tayo mga kapatid!!

Peace & Light!!

I am in CDO for MBS 3

2009-10-23T10:14:00.003+08:00

The Cagayan de Oro Bloggers (CDO Bloggers) group is set to play host to the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3, which will be held on October 24, 2009. With the theme, “Mindanao: Bag-Uhon Ang Panan-aw,” the MBS 3 aims to uphold the beauty and strength of the island and to expunge the negative notions the world has about it.

Nearly 300 bloggers from all over Mindanao, new media advocates and experts, Mindanaoan leaders and other stakeholders will converge in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao on October 24, 2009 for the much-awaited 2009 Mindanao Bloggers Summit, which aims to uphold the beauty and strength of the island and to expunge the negative notions the world has about it.

It’s all systems go for the Cagayan de Oro Bloggers (CDO Bloggers) as they play host to the much-awaited Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3, an annual gathering of Mindanao-based bloggers, IT industry experts, community leaders and new media advocates, on October 24, 2009 at Pearlmont Inn, Limketkai Drive, Cagayan de Oro City. Roughly 300 bloggers are expected to attend this year’s summit.

With the theme, “Mindanao: Bag-Uhon Ang Panan-aw,” (Changing The Way People See Mindanao) the event aims to uphold the beauty and strength of Mindanao, to highlight the diverse cultures and fascinating tourist spots that are uniquely Mindanao and to provide a platform where bloggers and other new media practitioners can discuss concerns related to Mindanao – all with the help of new and emerging technologies.

Expected to grace the summit are United States Embassy’s new Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett, Atty. Adel Tamano, Agusan Lone District Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Plaza and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Tinnex Jaraula.

Considered unprecedented in the Philippine blogosphere, a top ranking United States Embassy dignitary is set to deliver the keynote address. Bassett’s trip to CDO will be her first trip to Mindanao since assuming office in June. She previously served as DCM in Mexico.

Other speakers during the whole-day affair include Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Tinnex Jaraula, Agusan Lone District Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Plaza and Atty. Adel Tamano.

Google’s Philippine representative Aileen Apolo, whose talk will focus on beginners, Digital Filipino’s Janette Toral, who will discuss blog advertising and Lyle Santos, who will talk about making money online will also be present. Representatives of other blogger groups including those in Davao City, General Santos City and Zamboanga will also give updates.

The Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3 is generously supported by SMART Communications Inc., Nokia, Syntactics, Inc., STI, Rafting Adventure Philippines, MakatiAve.com, Majesty Sales Center, Havaianas Philippines, OLX Philippines Free Classifieds, Clara Shoppe, ASTERISK Events and Communications, RG & K Construction, Paguia’s Cottages, ThePacificaCompanies.com, The Site, Spruce, The City Government of Cagayan de Oro, Office of CDO First District Rep. Rolando “Klarex” Uy, SM City Cagayan de Oro, Ultra Craft Advertising Corporation, Magnet Advertising, Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental and the Mindanao Bloggers community. Media partners include Papa Ardie’s Concepz, STI, ABS CBN, MOR 91.9 and HOT FM 106.3.

K.A.R.M.A

2009-10-19T17:07:00.004+08:00

Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind...what we sow is what we reap. And when we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success.

I will put the Law of Karma into effect by making a commitment to take the following steps:

1. Today I will witness the choices I make in each moment. And in the mere witnessing of these choices, I will bring them into my conscious awareness. I will know that the best way to prepare for any moment in the future is to be fully conscious in the present.

2. Whenever I make a choice, I will ask myself two questions: "What are the consequences of this choice that I am making?" and "Will this choice bring fulfillment and happiness to me and also to those who are affected by this choice?"

3. I will then ask my heart for guidance and be guided by its message of comfort or discomfort. If the choice feels comfortable, I will plunge ahead with abandon. If the choice feels uncomfortable, I will pause and see the consequences of my action with my inner vision. This guidance will enable me to make spontaneously correct choices for myself and those around me.

~Deepak Chopra~

What goes around comes around”, or Karma is a term that comprises the entire cycle of cause and effect. The sum of all that an individual has done, is currently doing and will do. The effects of all deeds actively create past, present and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain in others. In religions that incorporate reincarnation, Karma extends through one's present life and all past and future lives as well.

In Islam there is no thing as karma, but it's commonsense that if you do wrong then people will treat you wrong. Nothing much divine about it, it’s human nature.

On a boring night my friends and I got to argue about some heavy stuff. The topic of the evening was infidelity and adultery. After a few glasses of cheap wine, we waxed philosophically on the deep existential questions of love and betrayal. Can anyone ever find true love with an adulterer? And if you're the lucky/unlucky one to woo someone away from their significant other, can you ever be sure that they won't be wooed away again from you?

I'm of the opinion that adulterers and the people who "lure" them into adultery always get their due. So no one who's ever been hurt by this form of betrayal has to do anything exceptional to their unfaithful lovers to get back at them because the heartbreaker is bound to get hurt sooner or later.

Harsh huh? I don’t make the karma rules, I just write about them.

MALAYSIA. Theme Parks

2009-10-18T14:18:00.007+08:00

Sunway Lagoon (Bandar Sunway)

Enjoy a host of water and land attractions at this theme park located in the suburb of Bandar Sunway. Each of its themed sections offer fantastic rides and attractions. The Waters of Frica takes one on a fantasy journey into the wilderness of this continent. The Wild Wild West (which was the first ride I went on) transports you into a cowboy town, where more adventures awaut. Enjoy the stunning view of the entire lagoon from the world's pedestrian suspension bridge at 428 meters.

Entrance: All Parks. RM 39.90 (Adults), RM 26.90 (Children). Dry or Wet Park only: RM 27.90 (Adults), RM 19.90 (Children).

Opening Hours: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mondays-Fridays); 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Weekends, Holidays and Malaysian School Holidays). Closed on Tuesdays.

Tel: 03 - 5635 8000

Getting There: Take the KTM Komuter Train to the Subang Jaya Station or Putra LRT to the Kelana Jaya Station. From these stations, taxis are the best mode of transport to get to the park. Nearest landmark is the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall.

MALAYSIA Series. Modern Landmarks.

2009-10-18T14:05:00.004+08:00

PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) standing majestically at a height of 451.9 meters, is a renowned icon of modern Malaysia, Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous Skybridge on the 41st floor of an exciting “top of the world” feeling. The towers are the centerpiece of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), consisting of the state-of-the-art Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Suria KLCC shopping mall, a five-star hotel, an immaculately landscaped KLCC Park as well as a mosque. The area is a major draw for visitors and locals alike.

Entrance: Admission to the Skybridge is free, on a first come, first serve basis. Visitors are advised to queue for tickets before 10:00 am as only a limited number are allowed daily.

Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Tel: 03-2331 8080 / 2331-7619

Getting There: Take the Putra LRT to the KLCC Station. Entrance is via the Petronas Twin Towers Lobby (Concourse Level)

Happy Deepavali!

2009-10-16T16:03:00.001+08:00

October 17.

Every seventh month of the Tamil lunar calendar, Hindus all over the world celebrate a festival known as Deepavali or Diwali. The word “Deepavali” is a Sanskrit term meaning “Row of Lights”. It is a time when they commemorate the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness.

Today, Hindus celebrate Deepavali by lighting oil lamps all around their homes. The oil lamps symbolize the removal of darkness within human hearts by replacing it with light. Celebrations begin on the eve of Deepavali when family members gather in the house of the elders. It is a time for families to end feuds and settle misunderstandings.

Ohm Shanti.

useless post. bad trip times three.

2009-10-15T15:02:00.009+08:00

For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson.

sobrang badtrip.

ang buhay nga naman. pag nagpapakabait ka na sya namang dating ng mga walang kwentang taong gustong sirain ang buhay mo. kasalanan ko na rin siguro kasi masyado akong mabait at mapag bigay. kakapagod palang mag alaga ng taong di ka nirerespeto ano? oo medyo weird nga ako pero sana naman walang bastusan diba? ikanga ng kaibigan kong si floie, "mabuting galit ka parati at matapang para di ka pagsamantalahan ng iba."

hindi rin. sobra akong suplada noon at ayun pumangit lang ako. panay simangot. pero tama siya, wala ngang nang aasar sa akin noong araw. takot siguro. ngayon masayahin na ako. at may mga nang aasar na at pinapalampas ko lang. sayang ang galit.

*****

nag apply ako ng credit card. first time ko. ever. sabi ng bangko siguradong aprub na raw kasi kumpanya kong bonggang bongga ang nag endorso.

dumating na ang mga credit cards dito sa opisina galing sa bangko. ang saya ng mga ka-opisina ko. yehey. may credit card na ako. first time ko. ever.

tinawagan ako ng HR. sabi di raw ako kasali sa mga naaprubahang card. bakit kaya? bad trip.

pinatawagan ko ang credit card section ng isang dabarkads ng nanay ko na siyang manager rin ng nasabing bangko dito sa davao.

ang rason daw na di ako biniyayaan ng nasabing soshal na card ay...... muslim raw ako at marami raw akong kaapelyedong may "bad" accounts.

bakit pa kasi ako nag apply. ayan na badtrip lang ako.

*****

may babaeng Marinela na tumawag sa akin nung isang araw. magpapa appointment raw kasi may ididiscuss na investment opportunity sa akin. eh kasi mabait ako at di ako marunong humindi sa tao, nag agree akong mag meet kami. syempre kasi matanda na ako at makalimutin na ay nakaligtaan kong tandaang may meeting pala kami nung hapon na iyun.

tumawag siya kinabukasan at nagtatalak na ininjan ko raw siya. galit. nagtanong rin siya kung muslim ako. sabi ko, "opo muslim po ako." ang sabi ba naman sa akin (pasigaw) ay ... "kaya pala!" sabay bagsak ng telepono.

mabuti na lang at nag yoyoga na ako ngayon. magaling na akong magtimpi at mag inhale exhale ng malalim. gusto ko mang magalit ay kasalanan ko naman talagang nainjan ko siya. kaso di ko namang kasalanang muslim ako eh. wag naman sana mag generalize. nyeta naman eh. oooohhhhmmmm. di po ako galit. akala niyo lang yun. *sabay kasa ng baril*

haay... peace and light pa rin sa inyo kahit badtrip ako.

Yoga. 2009 Philippine Yoga Asana Championship

2009-10-15T11:18:00.005+08:00

Plastics & Eco Bags in Davao City

2009-10-13T10:49:00.012+08:00

THE most popular plastic in the world, polyethylene is resistant to water, acids, alkalies and most solvents. This makes it suitable for use as shampoo containers, children's toys and even bulletproof vests. Its other uses include films or sheets for packaging, shower curtains, unbreakable bottles, pipes, pails, drinking glasses, insulation for wire and cable, moldings, coatings and lamination.

It's also used for cloth, tarpaulin, polyethylene tanks and containers with high capacity of up to 12,000 gallons, welding rods, implants (for chin, cheeks and jaw line reconstruction or cosmetics), plastic used in motorbikes, canoes and kayaks, foams, linear fittings and even hula-hoops.

Discovered by accident in March 1933, polyethylene has since become an industry of its own. Its most common use is as plastic bags. An estimated 500 billion to one trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide every year. In the US, an estimated 12,000,000 barrels of oil are required to produce the 100 billion plastic bags used annually. Retailers spend an estimated $4 billion on their plastic store bags, passing the cost on to consumers.

Plastic bags are everywhere for people's convenience. They are oftentimes bought from a store at the entrance or within a market place. They may be given free by the stall-owners of the market to buyers of merchandise. They are located most times at the paying counters of department or grocery stores for the convenience of customers.

Introduced only 25 years ago, plastic bags are accumulating in our environment at an alarming rate. Also, despite the mistaken belief that plastic bags decompose and disappear, they actually slowly break down into toxic bits that pollute our oceans, rivers, lakes and soil. In addition, countless animals, most notably marine mammals, choke to death after mistaking plastic bags for food.

In other countries, such as India and Pakistan, the use of plastic bags has been banned. In India, plastic bags were choking its cows, which are considered sacred in that country. In Islamabad, Pakistan used plastic bags are found in abundance in the streets and are responsible for clogging drains and sewerage lines. In Islamabad`s rural areas, these bags decrease the productivity of the arable land because they do not rot or turn into compost. (See http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Polyethylene)

The move to ban the use of plastic bags in Davao City may become effective only if a national law is enacted prohibiting the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of plastic bags. The plastic bag menace may already be in Davao City and elsewhere judging from the indiscriminate waste disposal practice of the Davaoenos.

Bringing your own eco bags to the grocery has not yet picked up in Davao City. Majority of the malls and groceries still use their plastic bags when packing items. SM does the green eco bag thing but only on Wednesdays. They should do it daily though. It's a lesson learned from Ondoy's wrath in Manila. We should ALL use our reusable bags when doing the rounds in our malls.

Sales ladies and cashiers at other malls (G-Mall, Victoria Plaza and others) still look at me funny when I hand them my eco bags for my stuff. Sometimes they even refuse to use them but eventually give in after a couple of minutes of mindless persuasion.

Davao legislators should pass a law on using eco bags now. I've read Pilar Braga commended SM for their green bag advocacy. Bonguyan made s privilege speech on the overuse of plastics. Maybe more should follow suit.

Their efforts are laudable. But frankly, it is doable for everybody to do their share in significantly lessening the amount of plastic bags wasted via shopping. We should commend and encourage similar efforts and campaigns by local establishments. Let us call on other local supermarkets, groceries, and malls to encourage the use of reusable bags for their shoppers.

A concerted effort by Davao shoppers will create a big and remarkable impact on the amount of solid waste we generate. Plastics are difficult to recycle. The disposal of plastics are also a big environmental concern.

Bring your reusable ecology conscious bags to the malls and refuse using plastic bags NOW. Besides it's more chica and fashionable than those icky plastics right?!

Here are my grocery bags...

my Mother Earth Bags which are sooppeerr cheap (they have a mulitply site where you can order)

my kids Bazura Bag

some recent purchases from Malaysia (so cute but can't hold those small items kasi baka malaglag sa mga butas ng bag)

Send me some photos of you and your chic eco bags while at the mall and I'll post it here. Promise!

Peace & Light chic shoppers!

New Website

2009-10-10T13:38:00.001+08:00

i have something new cooking up at our new Malaysia website.

please do visit us there.. will have it up and running in the next few days.

here's the link again >>>>

ADAT MALAYSIA.

Shameless Plugging: Fashion Institute of Design and Arts

2009-10-10T07:29:00.005+08:00

even if i do field work and get all down and dirty all the time, there are moments when i do clean up and look like a decent woman. believe me this is a rare occurrence. but yeah, it does happen and some friends and officemates almost always do double takes when i dress up and comb my hair :)not coz i look swell and model-like but like i told you - - i seldom make an effort to beautify myself. and combing and primping come far and in between.

here's a favor for a friend... do join her in her new school Fashion Institute for Design and Arts (FIDArts) . they are all about fashion, make-up and everything that goes with it. a first of its kind in Davao City.

what you waiting for? call them na and book a class! maybe you'll be classmates with my daughter :)

peace & light!

MBS 3 Updates

2009-10-09T12:34:00.002+08:00

from the Mindanao Bloggers website:

Unprecedented in the Philippine blogosphere, a dignitary of a foreign mission will be taking part in the 3rd Mindanao Bloggers Summit this month. The United States Embassy, whose ambassador has been known to frequent Mindanao on many official trips, will be represented by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Leslie A. Bassett, who will deliver the keynote address on 24 October 2009.

Originally, U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney had enthusiastically agreed to grace the MBS3. Unfortunately, Ms. Kenney–who had earlier met with the Mindanao Bloggers in Davao–had to beg off due to urgent matters this month. But, we’re very happy to welcome Ms. Bassett to MBS3 and Cagayan de Oro City. According to her office, this will be her first trip to Mindanao.

The newly-appointed DCM arrived in Manila on 26 June 2009, after previously serving as DCM in Mexico. She has been assigned by the U.S. State Department to Botswana, Colombia, Israel, South Africa, El Salvador and Nicaragua. In the State Department, Ms. Bassett worked for the Under Secretary for Political Affairs and at the National Security Council. She is a distinguished graduate of the National War College, holds a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, and received her undergraduate degree in International Relations from the University of California at Davis.

We look forward to a meaningful meeting with DCM Leslie Bassett, and a wonderful experience with all participating bloggers at MBS3 in Cagayan de Oro this month!

RP flag's 9th Ray?

2009-09-27T17:38:00.002+08:00

and you think this will solve the problem in Mindanao??!!

*****

By MARIO CASAYURAN

September 23, 2009, 6:15pm

This came after the two panels reconciled the disagreeing provisions of the two versions of the bill amending the Flag and Heraldic Code.The bicameral conference committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives approved Tuesday the addition of a ninth ray to the sun in the Philippine flag.

Sen. Richard J. Gordon, chairman of the Senate panel and principal author of Senate Bill (SB) 3307, said the approval of the measure would foster greater unity among Filipinos regardless of religion.

‘’We are a country that has had a conflict with our Muslim brothers for the last so many decades. I think this is a bid step towards reuniting our country, recognizing the contributions of our fellow countrymen, Muslim Filipinos. We should recognize their deeds in our country,’’ Gordon said.

Included in the Senate bill was Gordon’s proposal to add a ninth ray to the sun in the Philippine flag to acknowledge the courage, bravery and integrity of Muslim Filipinos who fought for the nation’s independence.

SB 3307 proposed amendments to Republic Act 8491, or ‘’An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and Other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines.’’

‘’This is a great step in recognizing the fact that we had Muslims such as Lapu-Lapu, Sultan Kudarat, Amai Pakpak and Sorongan who kept fighting the Spaniards long before this country thought of a revolution against Spain. This would foster unity, making sure that nobody is excluded. If we are to have national unity in this country it must begin with our flag, it must be symbolized in our flag,’’ Gordon said.

‘’We take an amendment of the law here but we actually amend the mindset of our countrymen and bring the nation back to its original posture, one that will not accept tyranny. And we should give credit where credit is due,’’ Gordon stressed.

Members of the bicameral panel were Gordon, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and their House counterparts, Reps. Del de Guzman, chairman of the House panel; and representatives Ma. Carisssa Cocoluella, Salvador Escudero III and Roman Romulo.

doon po sa amin.

2009-09-23T15:52:00.005+08:00

this weekend i'm off to an aunt's 7th day gaygayan (prayer for the departed) in Pagagawan (now Datu Montawal) in Maguindanao. so looking forward to seeing my relatives in my fathers side. will be traveling with the big boys (Teng and Pipo).

eternal rest grant unto Babo Tigs and may Perpetual Light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

Eid'l Fitr. 09.

2009-09-20T07:47:00.002+08:00

Eid'l Fit'r Al Mubarak to all my Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world.

Forgive me for my shortcomings and

blessings be upon your household and all those dear to you.

Takbir!

Hodge Podge for August

2009-09-10T14:56:00.012+08:00

August was an amazingly full month. Hectic. Fun. Stressful. It was a hodge podge full of writing deadlines, photoshoots, PTA meetings, family gatherings, travels. road trips and of course Ramadhan.

I tore an ankle ligament while playing volleyball for my daughter’s school PTA team. Since I used to play professional volleyball when I was younger I was confident I could do it again. Didn't realize it was a full two decades and 10 pounds heavier sharing a slower metabolism and weaker bones. Ergo, a twisted ankle and fell flat on my butt spewing obscenities much to everyone’s dismay. Embarrassing. Trust me.

Doctors verdict: Partially torn ligament.

Doctors advice: REST. Less walking. NO RUNNING. No strenuous activities (?)

Fine. When your work entails you to run around chasing fast-paced diplomats - the NO RUNNING advice seems ludicrous. What to do?

Sarah’s decision: Disregard the handsome doctors advice, go on as if nothing happened and overdose on pain medications to keep the pain at bay. So there. Problem solved. I’m doing okey so far. Good luck to me.

(here's my foot looking like a ripe star apple :)

*****

I did 2 manila trips both for family reasons. The MNL sojourn included a mixture of family events and a little bit of fun. I had to squeeze in a little bit of fun. Just a little bit. My mother-in-law celebrated her 71^st birthday so I lent a hand by being emcee for the night.

For work, there were 2 local travels to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, General Santos City and an aborted trip to Dapitan to visit Dakak and the first ever Mindanao Theme Park. One was to cover the ambassadors visit and the latter for the Tuna Festival.

I heart Bongao. I really really do. always puts a smile to my face. Eventhough the Sea Air ride form Zambo to Bongao is a killer, I still give it 10 thumbs up for perfect-place-to-chillax. Bongao is one of the best places I have been in the Philippines. I don't advise it for the high maintenance kinda person though. It's a good backpacker place with it's fresh virgin beaches, kind people and cheap everything. I would like to buy a piece of land and relocate there in the future. In 8 years maybe.

(Being goofy at the Sanga-Sanga Airport Runway. With a little view of Bud Bongao)

Gensan on the other hand holds a special place in my heart since I was born there. My first serious relationship was with a guy from Gensan (out of topic but a good one for a separate entry). Its vibrant, colorful, booming and very laidback. Pretty much like a small Davao City. My kinda place. And did I mention I was born there?

*****

Ramadan season is always, I mean ALWAYS the best time of the year for me and my family. It's a time for reflection, of forgiveness, of new beginnings and sad endings. This year was a major breakthrough for me since I let go of something that was heavily dragging me down. Ramadan made it easier for me to let go. Prayers made me realize that I was holding on to something that was already slowly slipping through my fingers. And it felt good. So damn good. This year I had to limit myself to still a few days of fasting due to the pain medications. Maybe next year I can complete the entire fasting season. InshaALLAH.

*****

Last hurrah for August was a very interesting yet sudden but jampacked 5-day Malaysia trip. Sponsored by Tourism

Malaysia

, I was lucky enough to have been invited as a participant to their Mega Familiarization in conjunction with their Merdeka Celebration 2009.

A treasure trove of different cultural heritages harmoniously co-existing, Malaysia touches the heart of anyone who visits. A shopping mecca for different tastes in gargantuan proportions . It was the first time I saw such fashionable Muslim women in their head scarves and wafts of silks and jerseys. Decades old architecture in perfect condition. Truly a mixture of the old and modern. Hip and cultural. Chic and Ethnic.

Just touching the tip of the iceberg here and will update soon about my entire ttounge wagging trip. But suffice it to say that Malaysia has left a huge dent in my heart and I can't wait to go back.

Aku chinta Malaysia!

(Colorful hotel buildings at Genting)

(Genting Highlands Indoor Theme Park)(Petronas Towers in all its glory)

Ramadhan Kareem

2009-08-19T11:32:00.002+08:00

Friday, August 21st marks the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

I wish all my Moro brothers and sisters sincere Ramadan Greetings.

Whether Muslim or not, this is a good time for all of us to reflect on who we are, how we live, how we wish to be perceived and especially, how we treat others specially those less fortunate and the suffering.

Ramadan is always a time of reflection. To take stock of oneself and one's life. It is also a time to remember the true spirit and meaning of Ramadan. It is NOT the time to change the days into night and night into days. It is not the time to troll the malls after the fast has been broken. It is however the time to remember the teachings and examples of the Prophet (SWT).

Ramadan Kareem kapatids!!

and then she was gone

2009-08-01T06:54:00.004+08:00

SALAMAT.

be inspired

2009-07-29T12:39:00.003+08:00

my friend Bong shared this on his facebook page today. awe inspiring.

when you feel like giving up, think of others who are in much worse state than you are.

wake up call for those who always have something to complain about.

saksak sinagol *updated

2009-07-29T09:15:00.005+08:00

i can't seem to find the proper English term for my entry so i will leave you guys to give me a translation for it (please do leave me a comment).

****

as usual, work is a killer for me but i'm not complaining since i do love what i do. the kids have just recuperated from the dreaded influenza and they are slowly gaining back the strength they lost. mom is fine. i, on the other hand have luckily avoided the virus that has been plaguing almost the half of the city by overdosing on alkaline ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). it's like i'm just hanging in there on a thin string of good health. H1N1 just waiting for me to slip and fall :)

***

i'm keeping a close watch on former President Cory's health situation. she is an awesome human being. i feel for her kids. to show my support i have attached on this blog a yellow ribbon link to beepinoy.com. also added the ribbons on my twitter and facebook pages. i also use one (i personally made) at work. la lang.

***

i have attended 2 burials in the past week. i hope there isn't a third. death usually comes in three's, or so they say. i was designated photographer for my friend's fathers burial. i couldn't take proper shots since there was this nagging feeling that each shot i took was an infringement on that someone's private time to grieve.

but i did take photos of the kids running around.

and here's one that really made me cry. before my friend threw the rosary on her father's grave she cut it in two. i wasn't able to ask her why she did it though.but the expression on her face as the beads of the cut rosary hit the coffin was so agonizing. it was just so painful to watch. the priest said that the final chapter of one's life is the most important one. and that death is something to look forward to and one that should not be feared. i still fear death. dread the sadness that goes with it.

***

on a happier note, my niece Ria is set to give birth in the next few days to a little bundle of joy. i'm all giddy and excited to be a lola (rolls eyeballs) again. Rashid is more excited at the prospect of a playmate since he's the only boy in the household. he already has a boxful of hand-me-down toys for his new nephew. Tito Rashid. he likes the sound of that.

it's Blue's debut next week so i'm busy planning a party of sorts. difficult to do when she's usually the party planner/event organizer of the family. kids are growing older so fast. i can hear them growing in their sleep even!

***

i am in LOVE with Mozilla's Add-ons. just look at the background of my homepage. ain't it cool? they have different designs that suit your every mood and emo.. loving the Grunge Peace design today. will maybe use the Gay Pride flag color palette tomorrow. who knows!

***

after all the drama and sadness, for now, i'm chanelling all the good vibes that i can get my sanitized hands on. i've noticed that too much drama has morphed me into an inefficient, jaded old hag. enuf of that~~ as my daughter Nina would say, "I hate drama, it's so dramatic!"

***

will be traveling non-stop again in the next few weeks so the blog updates will be resigned to photos and more hodge podge of ideas that i can fit into the few minutes of break time.

praying for good health, safe travels for all my kapatids.

peace & more light palanggas!

Tete`-a-tete´ with the Ambassador

2009-07-21T00:46:00.005+08:00

seven of my blogger friends from the Mindanao Bloggers Network in Davao were fortunate enough to be invited to a very informal chat with Her Excellency Kristie Kenney at the American Corner of the Ateneo de Davao Library.

i've always covered the ambassador in all her visits these past year but have never actually sat with her personally. so it was rather disconcerting to be on the other end of the camera lenses being photographed with her.

our topics ranged from facebooking, blogging, travels, basketball team preferences and a lot more. it was a nice exchange of free flowing conversation.

it was fun. i had fun. my friends had fun. and i'm quite sure she enjoyed herself too (read the ambassadors post in her blog).

i was criss crossing two different events that's why i looked so frazzled and all.

here are some photos to share with you. more on my facebook page.

peace & light at 2 am, Davao time :)

(L-R: Ria Jose, Brendel Balaga. Blogie Robillo, HE Ambassador Kristie Kenney, Migs Hipolito, Lyle Santos, Rhodilee, Me and Jaime Haw)

(i have too much teeth :)

Holiday Today

2009-07-20T07:36:00.005+08:00

Happy Izra Wal Miraj to all my Islam brother and sisters. . Today is the Night Journey and Ascension of Prophet Mohammad corresponding to the 27th day of Rajab, 1430 Hijra of the Islamic Lunar Calendar.

This is recognized as a legal Muslim Holiday by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1082 and Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 81-1277 dated November 13, 1981.

Izra Wal Miraj is celebrated each year by the whole Muslim world via a festival for families, the Lailat al Miraj. Parents bring their children to mosques where the little ones are told the story and pray with the grown-ups.

Wassalam.

Peace and Light!

ps: thanks Bariles for the data :)

Travel: Sarangani

2009-07-17T10:53:00.008+08:00

(La Union White Water Rafting/Tubing, Maitum, Sarangani)(South Point Divers, Tampuan Point, Sarangani)

(South Point Divers, Tampuan Point, Sarangani)

(South Point Divers, Tampuan Point, Sarangani/
Photo by the great Gutzy Tuazon. Taken 15 feet under)

(South Point Divers, Tampuan Point, Sarangani/ Photo by Chip Arnaldo)

(La Union, Maitum, Sarangani)

(Rosal Beach Front, Gumasa, Sarangani)

was in and around Sarangani and General Santos City just this week and was fortunate enough to have visited wondderrffuull beaches, diving and white water rafting sites. the local government of Sarangani just recently celebrated the Sarangani Bay Fest which showcased their amazing fine white sand beach fronts and other water attractions. poised to be Mindanao's Boracay, Sarangani sure does have envious spots to visit.

here are a few photos i took when i was there. will definitely go back with the kids next time.

note: what is lousy about being a photographer is that NO ONE takes photos of you and all the photos i have are of my feet, legs or whatever part of the body my camera catches :( bummer.

here's a photo of manong right in front of me while i was traversing the bamboo bridge above the raging river. syempre i couldn't take a photo of myself coz i was busy trying not to fall.

peace and light every all!

(photos are all mine unless otherwise attributed)

IDP Update: BAKWIT.ORG

2009-07-09T14:02:00.004+08:00

from good friend Charina Sanz of Comstrat:

We're pleased to announce that a new website had been set up called www.bakwit.org (Reporting Internal Displacements in Mindanao).

The site is a pro-bono initiative of Manila journalists to help bring attention on the plight of Mindanao IDPs in cooperation with Mindanao Comstrat, Mindanews, PECOJON, CCJD, NUJP, IWPR, I-WATCH. It is intended to be an information hub on all related data, situational analysis and reports on the IDPs.

Right now, the site contains only a slideshow of photos but the web administrator will be uploading more content in the days to come in the form of published articles, commentaries, analysis, statements, reports from CSOs, photos, etc. Contributions are welcome. Just email bakwit@bakwit. org.

This is still an offshoot of the the "State of the Bakwits" Joint Coverage of Mindanao and Manila journalists on the plight of IDPs held from June 29 to July 1.

300,000 IDPs in Maguindanao

2009-06-22T16:40:00.005+08:00

copy pasted verbatim from the MILF Official Website - LUWARAN.COM

**********************

According to the latest estimate, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) or evacuees as a result of the military offensive against the MILF is put at 300,000 or 60,000 families. This number excludes all those people who braved shelling, bombing, and strafing near or in the vicinity of their dwelling and decided to stay for bad or worse. This number did not stop here as fresh evacuation were lately registered in the towns of Datu Piang, Guindolongan, Talayan, Datu Saudi, and Talitay, all in Maguindanao, due to the continuing skirmishes between MILF mujahideen and government troops.

Hardest hit by the fighting and mass exodus of people is the town of Datu Piang (formerly Dulawan), a prominent place even during the early American colonial period in Mindanao.

With this figure, practically one-third of the people of this province are displaced and in evacuation centers.

This number of IDPs excluded those from other provinces like North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat. At the height of the fighting in August-September last year, the number swelled to more than 600,000.

Available figure said in Lanao del Norte showed that 20,735 families or 100,000 evacuated their homes. But fresh evacuations are taking place in several municipalities particularly near the boundary with Lanao del Sur.

Reports said the condition of the IDPs is steadily worsening due to lack of food and medicines, lack of good supply of water, poor hygiene, and the coming of the rainy season.

The supply of rice from international aid agencies has always been not enough. The shortage is compounded by reported flaw in the supply scheme which gave in to irregularities. On two occasions, the MILF has called the attention of these agencies about the irregularities in the distribution of these supplies which involved “workers or insiders” in their conduit non-government organizations (NGOs), some local government officials, and traders.

The MILF attested to the integrity of these international aid agencies in discharging their duties and functions, but it asked them to validate the reported anomalies and to plug every weak point in the systems of distribution.

Lately, an Army checkpoint in Datu Saudi had intercepted 221 sacks of rice with the marking “World Food Program” being diverted to local traders.

The rice supply was found to be part of the relief assistance intended for the internally displaced persons for the month of May. Local media reports said that some unidentified individuals allegedly in cahoots with local traders bought the rice supply at cheap prices from the refugees and sold them to the markets at regular or higher prices.

****************************

peace & light to displaced brothers and sisters. even sadder news for the women and children.

no running.

2009-06-17T15:35:00.003+08:00

i was asked to run for public office today. me. i couldn't help but laugh. giggle is more like it. i wanted to smack the person who was sent to talk to me. he was offering a sparkling new pick-up truck as a goodwill gift too. barking at the wrong tree ain't? that was when i was reminded that the 2010 elections were coming faster than a bullet train. the bullet train that would cost the Maguindanaoans hundreds of millions of people's money. what i wanted to tell this clueless person was.. "you can go back to your boss and please tell him to shove his pick-up truck up his dirty a@#%^&%."

hehe no I didn't say that, bit I was tempted to sooo bad.

the "messenger" said I could sleep on it and give him an answer in a day or two. he reassured I would be "properly" compensated for my "enlisting" in their party. i was assured of a sure win, he said. sure win my foot!!

a whole gamut of cousins, uncles, brothers, sisters are preparing their armada for the 2010 elections. kanya kanyang gimik na ang pinag-iisipan (they're cooking up all sorts of gimiks). at least they're starting early.

politics has never been my thing, it was my fathers though. but not mine.

I'm happy where I am. content taking the jeepney or taxi to work and coming home to my lovely children and spending weekends in the playground. I have fought tooth and nail to have this simple life and no amount of new cars and an assurance of money can lure me into that kind of lifestyle ever again.

so the answer is - i'm not running. just gonna walk and enjoy the breeze and take photos of flowers and people on my way to that elusive peace in Maguindanao. optimisim is the way to go. i have some friends with me so i'm thinking we can do it :)

peace & light kapatids..

Updates on IDP Situation in Maguindanao

2009-06-03T08:33:00.002+08:00

With all the hoopla going around about 2010 presidentiables, Hayden Kho and his red bandanna, Borat's boo boo at the MTV Awards, John Lloyd confessing his love for Ruffa G.. some of us have lost track of our Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) still languishing in evacuation areas in and around Maguindanao. Just recently there have been shelling and military disturbance in evacuation sites.

Not much anymore is being written in the news about them. Maybe others think its old news. But they are still there. Here is a link by a friend, Romy Elusfa about updates on the IDP situation in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. I will be going there in a few days to document and take photos so I can share it here..

A report on what is happening in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

50,333 families of displaced persons in Maguindanao due to the Government's war against MILF.

However, instead Civilians claim that the Government's Military commited atrocities against them.

Report on Humanitarian Crisis in Datu Piang 2 June 2009

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Law & Government news report

M.A.R.A.W.I

2009-05-22T17:09:00.002+08:00

heading out to the Islamic City of Marawi then Iligan City for back to back photo and video coverages.

all friends out there please show me some love.. or maybe just coffee na lang. we might get into trouble with the love :p

sms me!

ps: taking my fur coats and scarves with me. photos to follow

peace and light

G

2009-05-21T16:56:00.003+08:00

my gay guy came for a visit. casting some color in the otherwise drab scenario that has been my week.

i miss having gay people around me. they always make me feel better.

thanks G for the visits.

photo borrowed from Las Tres Estrellas

rashid: mom, is tito girard really gay?

me: yes dear he really is gay.

rashid: (rather seriously) so, why is he so macho?

me: it baffles me too :)

cancer

2009-05-15T15:45:00.002+08:00

i hate it. i hate it with a vengeance. i f*&^%$@in HATE IT and if I can give up my life just so that they find a cure for it i'd gladly do it.

i just wanna shrivel up in a corner and cry myself to sleep.

going on a much needed hiatus.

Surya Namaskar

2009-05-07T16:29:00.003+08:00

... or Sun Salutation (lit. "salute to the sun"), is a common sequence I do a few minutes after waking up. standing on the mat half groggy with sleep and disoriented I take a few deep breaths with my hands on my rib cages to feel them expand.

breath deeply. ujayi. then into the prayer pose , raised arms pose, standing forward bend, equestrian, four-limbed staff, salute with the eight limbs pose, cobra, downward dog, equestrian, cobra pose, downward dog, standing forward bend, raised arms then back to prayer. exhale.

first few sets. tightness in my shoulders, heaviness of my butt :), strain in my neck.

concentrate on the breath.

i hear Dara, my neighbors bird squawking.

concentrate on the breath.

sweat starts to drip.

i feel the heat in my ribcage.

zoning out, i start to feel oblivious of my surroundings.

5 sets more. no more tightness.

more sweat. almost done.

sweaty and spent, I fold the mat and smell my mom's daing wafting in my nostrils.

bogchi.

peace & light!

photo courtesy of: cairns yoga academy

yoga stasis

2009-04-24T14:00:00.003+08:00

my yoga instructor Fritz is out of the country but he did give me assignments on asanas that i needed to improve on. basically i have not done any of my assigned tasks. i do my sun salutation series' but can't seem to move on to the back bends and inverts. i know i'm distracted what with the recent relationship status change (let's not get into that pleeze) and my son on vacation (for a month!) and the usual work-travel routine and.. and.. and..

i can almost hear my my friend Girard ranting in my ear... "excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses excuses.. yada yada yada crap again!"

yes, i'm guilty.

ohhhmm.

peace & light!

working moms

2009-04-24T10:03:00.006+08:00

a high school friend and i got to talking while waiting in line during Rashids enrollment. to wile the time, our conversation led to being working moms. as she was a career woman like myself, she couldn't help mentioning the travails of leaving kids at home in the morning and seeing them again at night. she felt guilty for doing that. honestly, a catholic or Islam society dictates that mothers should stay home and care for the kids. being a new mom, she felt guilty. i told her i did too before when i was younger.

guilt. it comes without warning, suddenly you feel as if you have been punched in the stomach. most working mothers feel guilty at one time or another. they may be running late for a parent teacher conference and interpret the look of other parents as a condemnation of your working, after all, they felt the conference was important enough to be on time for. one time, i felt a wave of guilt when my son made an innocent comment, “mom, all the other mothers bake cupcakes, why do we need to buy cookies from the store." this candid remark made me rush into the bathroom to cry. he actually didn't mean it but i was so overcome with a blanket of guilt that i had to let it out.

whether we're at home or in the office, a woking mom is always thinking of where she isn't or what she could or should be doing there. you're always a guilty mom because you feel as if you're never quite there. very true, right?!

a study completed by The University of Texas in 2005 did not find any developmental problems in children whose mothers worked outside the home. Dr. Aletha Huston, the study’s director states, “The mother is an important source of care then, but she doesn’t have to be there 24 hours a day to build a strong relationship with her child.”

some of the points of the study include:

infant development is not delayed when a mother works outside the home.
a mother’s personality, including their beliefs and the quality of their parenting was more important than the amount of time spent with their child.
working mothers spent more time with their children on days off.
working mothers spent less time on household chores and leisure activities.
there were no differences in social behavior, cognitive ability and language development whether mothers stayed at home or worked.

my mom was a working mom too and they say working moms breed working moms. i remember her always leaving for somewhere with her bags parked at the front door. she was often in remote areas helping some indigent community or on a medical/dental relief effort in far-off places. i rarely saw her but when i did we always had a blast. i and my brothers were basically raised by a working, single mom but we turned out okey. i seriously think she did a hell of a great job.

bottomline is.. children will thrive based not on how much time they spend together,with their mothers but on the quality of time spent together. mothers that are comfortable with their decision, are confident in their abilities and provide loving and nurturing homes have the best chance of raising well-adjusted children, whether they work outside the home or stay at home.

following are photos of my "super" mom during her travels.

(in one of her climbing trips to Mt. Apo)(smoking her way to world peace :)

(during our Pikit relief efforts)

peace and light!!

what have you done for your earth lately?

2009-04-22T09:28:00.006+08:00

c'mon share with me your earth-friendly practices whether big or small. here are some simple things my kids and i do in our quest to take care of our mother earth:

i don't use anything made of leather (dead animals) anymore. have passed on (*sob) my uber trendy leather bags to my mom and use vinyl, canvas, plastic and recycled material bags now. ditto for leather shoes (*more sobs).

we recycle. my mom makes a mean compost of food waste and now her garden is greener. literally greener.

we segregate and reuse. we also recycle old clothing by cutting it up for dishrags and dustcloths—this also cuts down on paper towel use.

we go to the grocery with our eco bags and hardly have our stuff put in plastic bags. it's trendier. do try it out at your friendly neighborhood SM stores. the managers of stores find it so cute that they actually GIVE us their ecobags to use (Marks and Spencer, SM, etc.)

we sew our own canvas bags. purchased canvas cloth from the textile store in Uyanguren and sewed away. the girls love it so much they sew almost everything now.

we pocket our trash or just place them in our bags and wait till we get home and unload. in my opinion, teaching kids to be responsible garbage throwers will go a long way.

we print less and e-mail or use electronic files instead.

we use energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for our most-used lights. although they cost more initially, they save money in the long run by using only 1/4 the energy of an ordinary incandescent bulb and lasting 8-12 times longer.

my grandmother planted shade trees (mango, talisay) and painted our house a light color.
did you know that reductions in energy use resulting from shade trees and appropriate painting can save up to 2.4 tons of CO2 emissions per year? (each tree also directly absorbs about 25 pounds of CO2 from the air annually). cool right?

how about you? HAPPY EARTH DAY mon amours!!

peace and light!!

Eid'l Adha Now a Philippine Holiday

2009-04-15T10:31:00.003+08:00

Philippine president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared November 27-28 as Public Holidays in the observance of the Eid'l Adha or the Feast of the Sacrifice which is observed by the Muslim Community.

This is the first time that the entire Filipino nation will be observing this holiday, and the second Muslim holiday to be observed nationally. The first Muslim holiday being observed is the Eid’l Fitr or the Festival of Breaking the Feast.

The new holiday will also make the last week of November as a four-day work break as November 30 (monday) will also be a Holiday (Bonifacio Day).

Allhamdulillah!

power surge

2009-04-08T15:48:00.004+08:00

my family has been in Davao City since I was very young. my parents originally settled in General Santos City but during martial law, my father was arrested, sent to prison and soon released and so they saw it fit to transfer to this city - which was a free zone and a safe haven for me and my brothers. we have lived in this subdivision since then. we were the only muslims here. when friends, relatives would look for us they didn't need directions. all they needed to do was ask "where is the house of the muslims" and the entire village would point them to our direction. we were very easy to locate back then. we never wreaked havoc or caused any discomfort to our neighbors. to this day, we are still very good friends with a lot of them and still even attend parties in each others houses. it's a mutual respect sorta thing.

fast forward to this era. almost all big muslim clans abound in my hood. maranaos, tausugs, iranuns, maguindanaons.. they're all here. maybe there is a certain prestige in living here since it's one of the oldest subdivisions in the city. i wouldn't know though. i've lived here forever that i'm oblivious to whatever reasons they conjure. anyway, some of my fellow moro home owners have been very naughty in this hood I call home. actually they have been naughty in the entire city. a majority of our neighbors and friends have sold their lots and houses just to keep away from these naughty moro brothers and sisters. even the local school here have students who have been pulled out and transferred by their parents since they feel their kids aren't safe around these naughty brothers' thugs wielding their high-powered guns even during recess and dismissal time when they pick up the naughty brothers' kids. Mayor Duterte has explained this on his weekend show and I laud the big guy for his efforts.

they cause trauma after trauma for hotel owners (subject of my next post.. this is juicy), co-shoppers at the mall, co-drivers in traffic and so on. just a slight altercation with these naughty naughty boys and girls can cause you your life maybe.. maybe.

i am concerned. for everyone in my neighborhood who may have been suffering in silence. can't blame them for being scared.

i believe everyone can co-exist. this is not an exclusive area.

it's all about respect, the right values and a good solid upbringing.

what say you?

peace y'all.

it is a choice

2009-04-01T17:07:00.002+08:00

I received this from a very good friend today. when grey clouds cloud your sky, it's good to hear kind words from people you love. thank you dear.

you have moved on. That's the more important part. I'm sure you emerged better. Loneliness, like happiness, is a choice. Besides, what choice do you have especially that your hands are more than just full. So keep your spirit high, sweetie.

peace & light.

big 7-0

2009-04-01T09:20:00.004+08:00

mom turned 70 last wednesday. we threw her a party. all the people that are important to her were there. she was beaming with joy, i could tell. i'm glad we made her happy.

we all had tons of fun. i was emcee so i had to dress the part (which i rarely do). my brothers said i actually looked good all cleaned up (he he).

big shout outs to blue, eeza and the kids who conceptualized, did the give-aways, presentations, decors and more. also to all my cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, friends who were there... DAGHANG SALAMAT.

(mom, me and my siblings. it's obvious that i'm the doof :)

Harvard Conference 2009

2009-03-29T01:18:00.005+08:00

The Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR), a student-run organization at Harvard University, extends a special invitation for students to participate in the HPAIR 2009 Business Conference. For almost 20 years, HPAIR has organized the largest Harvard student-run academic and business conferences at Harvard and in Asia annually. We draw approximately 700 undergrad, graduate, and working professional delegates from top institutions around the world, in addition to professors from the Harvard Business School and leaders of various corporations around Asia.

This summer, HPAIR will host the Business Conference “Braving New Frontiers: Tomorrow’s Ventures Today” in Tokyo, Japan in August 2009. Attracting hundreds of talented students and young professionals, our conference provides a comprehensive analysis of the current and future developments of economic trends in Asia. Our forum for discussion provides opportunities to engage and interact with leaders from around the globe to gain knowledge and insight into a broad spectrum of industrial development and advances. Our goal is to offer a rigorous academic program and continuous forum of exchange to facilitate discussion about the most important issues relevant to the Asia-Pacific region.

Want to:

PARTICIPATE in HARVARD’S largest annual student events in Asia,

ENGAGE in discussions regarding critical trends that Asia and the global community face today,

INTERACT with students, professors, and professionals from around the world,

in Tokyo, Japan?

Then apply to be a student delegate of HPAIR 2009 Business Conference!

Early Deadline is: April 1st, 2009

Earth Hour

2009-03-20T08:45:00.003+08:00

Global conservation organization - World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) is collaborating with the Department of Energy, The Green Army and the Switch Movement for a call to participate in EARTH HOUR. A global effort to mobilize more people in the fight against global warming and climate change.

They are urging everyone to take part in EARTH HOUR 2009 by joining the call to turn off lights for an hour.

Earth Hour is a massive social movement aimed to mobilize action against climate change through the simple act of turning off lights.

It's just an hour. Join na tayo. Let it be a time to bond with the kids. Open those game boards and play with your children, brothers, sisters, moms, dads. By spending quality "no-lights" hour you not only help in the call for climate change but maybe also discover something new about that special someone(s) in your lives.

8:30 PM
MARCH 28, 2009
LET's SWITCH OFF ALL OUR LIGHTS

muslim mindanao website

2009-03-19T15:22:00.002+08:00

please click on the photo to go to the url link.

this website was recently launched by the AIJC and it has been very useful for development workers like myself.

was just wondering why there isn't substantial data on maguindanaoans. from what i read it was mostly maranao and tausug info.

i hope they update soon.

on a different note....

it's my mother's 70th birthday soon and the entire family is abuzz with preparations. hence the blog hiatus.

if you know me and my mom ... please send her a text message of greeting on the 25th of March. i'm sure she'll appreciate it.

peace and more light mga kapatid!

under water

2009-03-12T16:32:00.002+08:00

i am soooper dooper swamped with work :(

sorry for the long hiatus on the posts my dears.

btw, for my readers from manila, please do check out the Chicago Popcorn Store at the SM Mall of Asia. I swear by them and adore the owners :)

Here are some reviews about them that are good:

Blogie's Post
Dessert Comes First

See ya!

Peace & more Light!

(photo credits: Dessert Comes First)

So Sad.

2009-02-27T16:11:00.003+08:00

from Cathy Babao and Chuvaness

Subject: Fwd: Details of Accident in Ateneo de Manila Grade School

I couldn't sleep last night thinking about the two families. Grabe, it's a tragedy for both. I couldn't help but think that the son(s) of the mom who hit Amiel has to pull out of Ateneo, too. I couldn't imagine going everyday to the place where my mom had taken another boy's life- even if it was accidental.

My good friend (whose son is the classmate of Amiel) was right there and witnessed the horrible, horrible accident. The mom who hit Amiel was in an old Hiace van, waiting for her son to come out. She had a driver, and when the driver saw her son, he went down from the van and left it idling. The cars in front of the van moved already, a big gap was left in front of the van, so the cars behind the van began blowing their horns to make the van move. THe mom went down to move the van. That's when she accidentally stepped on the gas, instead of the brakes, rear-ending the car in front of her, which in turn, hit the car in front of it. The impact was strong, but that wasn't when Amiel was hit.

The mom, in her panic, then reversed very quickly. She didn't see Amiel and his yaya crossing behind her van, looking for their own car. That's when she hit the boy and the yaya. She didn't even realize that she had hit two people, she kept going in reverse, even if the other drivers and bystanders were screaming for her to stop.

They had to extricate poor Amiel from under the van. My friend's driver was one of the people who helped carry him. When my friend saw him, she knew at once that he was gone. She saw his things scattered on the ground, even the hotdog he was eating right before the accident.

The first texts I got about the accident grossly misrepresented what had happened. They made it appear that the car was speeding, etc. Grabe, let us really, really pray for the mom who hit Amiel and her family. I can't imagine what she is going through. I can't imagine what Amiel's parents are going through as well. I so hope that the last time they saw him, they were able to kiss and hug and tell him how much they love him.

May the good Lord always protect and watch over our children. And let us take every opportunity to let them know how much they mean to us.

I too have a son and I just cannot imagine losing him this way. The news feed on television last night gave a wrong version of the Amiel story and my initial reaction was anger. Anger towards the irresponsible mother who ran over the little boy. After I got to read this entry from Chuvaness' site I felt empathy for the mom who was driving. I'm pretty sure she's remorseful and very very sad.

My prayers are with both families now.

Rashid hates it when I bring him to and from school since his school gate is just a few meters away from our home. But still, I do it everyday and whenever I can. Better safe than sorry right.

Moro Fashion

2009-02-25T08:38:00.004+08:00

A showcase of the sights, colors and sounds of one of the continent's oldest and grandest cultures.

A celebration of the old and the new, remembering and renewing, ancestry and modernity.

Various cultures abound in this island, each proud of his traditional bearing.

Convergence in A.I.M. to see that difference means the same.
Same in threading our way to weaving a common global vision.

There are more ways of skinning a cat right? Peace through fashion? Why not!?

True. Very True.

2009-02-23T14:24:00.002+08:00

The Oscar best picture winner "Slumdog Millionaire" is the story of a Muslim boy, who makes the unlikely protagonist in a story of rags to riches and the power of love. Despite the Mumbai attack in 2008 last year, the movie humanizes the Muslims of Mumbai even if they are discriminated against by the Hindu majority as the Muslim protaganist in the movie, Jamal, is orphaned in an anti-Muslim riot and the Muslims in the movie come from the lowest rung of Mumbai society and are portrayed as living in a gangland environment probably because they never got a fair shake as a discriminated minority in India (sounds familiar?).

In the Philippines, the Muslims are hardly portrayed as successful individuals either in movies or in popular culture or in sports. So what does that say about Christian Filipinos ingrained prejudices against Muslims, i.e. the Moros? For example, no Muslim can now ever win in Senatorial elections with a national constituency but lets hope Adel Tamano can win in 2010 (but in order to win he has to de-emphasize his being a Muslim so even if he wins he loses).

-received in an email today from Sec. Ishak Mastura

Protect Yourself. You Deserve It.

2009-02-23T11:45:00.005+08:00

Over dinner last Saturday, Maida, a good friend who is an OB-GYN mentioned to me and my other neurotic friends about the new cervical vaccine. After giving us a rundown on its advantages, all of us at the dinner table agreed to get the vaccine ASAP. It's more like a flu shot dispensed through an injection to the arm or something..

For more info please go to their website at HPV.com.ph

This is a requirement for all you friends of mine. Let's get healthy and get that shot today.

Cervical cancer is caused by a virus.
This common and highly infectious virus is the human papillomavirus or HPV.

Experts believe that a vaccine which protects against HPV infection has the potential to address a growing and only partially met need in cervical cancer control.

i heart you

2009-02-17T13:53:00.005+08:00

dear angels,

mom woke up to dozens of notes and balloons all over the house this morning. there were cute "i love you" notes in the toilet, on the banister of the staircase, on top the coffee maker, in the kitchen and even the pitcher of water in the refrigerator. mom was so touched she cried alone in the dining room for a few minutes. made sure you guys weren't around to see her do that.

for a long time she has tried her best to be a responsible mom. balancing work, home and civic-oriented duties to the point of exhaustion sometimes. hoping you'd grow up to be kind, soft-hearted and courteous individuals.

this morning she looked back at the few years she's been with you and it finally dawned on her that maybe.. she did a good job of raising all of you.

you're all very smart and intelligent even though she doesn't regularly sit with you to study your lessons. you're positive and very patient and never once throw tantrums when you don't get to buy the nice things all your classmates have. you settle for the cheap stuff mommy can afford. you even reassure her that it's okey to be clothed in ukay-ukay most of the time. actually you guys DO look so fashionable in them. ha! you're content with riding the jeep in your uniform and don't complain about walking in the "baha" when heavy rains come. you dont mind sharing each others clothes and even borrow mine when the mood hits you.

mom knows you're all at home now. cooking up whatever you can find in the freezer so that i can have an early dinner when i get home. thank you dears.

you've all been the best things that has ever happened in my life and i thank the Almighty i have all of you to share this lifetime.

thank you for giving mommy the best gift she can ever receive on her birthday.

love forever,

Mother

Duguan Kaming Lahat

2009-02-11T10:19:00.005+08:00

On my last day in Manila I joined Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) Chair and good friend Baibonn Sangid at the Red Cross for a mass blood letting and show of support for the ICRC development workers abducted in Jolo, Sulu. There were a lot of us YMPN members and more Moro friends from all over the greater Manila area who gave their support for our civic efforts. Spearheaded by our balik-Islam sister Toni Leviste, the event was very organized and fun at the same time. Suki ehtnic band Bailan played their music while everyone filled up forms, blood typed and donated.. some even danced with the band while waiting for their turn at the donation table.

(Toni Leviste, Sen. Gordon and YMPN Chair Baibonn Sangid)

It felt so goood to be of service but minus a few CC's of blood :)

Did I already mention I hated needles?

Upping the Peace Antenna*updated

2009-02-06T09:47:00.004+08:00

(guests Sec Razon, Ambassador Kenney, Klaus Preschle, Steven Rood, Maria Ressa)

(Bailan sings..)

I'm here at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) for this. Seriously, it's so action packed and star-studded that I can't even take proper pictures.

Photos to follow when I download and stop ogling Diether Ocampo of the Kids Foundation.

In attendance are.. Ambassador Kenney of the US Embassy, Secretary Sonny Razon, ABS-CBN's Maria Ressa, OPPAP's Asec. Nabil Tan, Berna Lomotan of the Beacon Global Network, Steven Rood of the Asia Foundation, Klaus Preschle of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation, Cristopher Wright of the British Embassy, Karen Davila moderating.. and more.

Can't talk bakwit and peace when he's looking at me like this hehe. I'm so jologs it's embarassing. Sorry!

peace.

panahon na naman..

2009-02-05T14:27:00.003+08:00

bigay na.. wag na mahiya.

email me.

serbey of da mant op Feb

2009-02-03T14:14:00.002+08:00

My Lakbayan grade is B-!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

I need to move around the Visayas islands more often..

peace na light pa..

Designing Peace: A Show of Imagination

2009-02-03T08:59:00.002+08:00

DESIGNING PEACE: A SHOW OF IMAGINATION

05 february 2009. discussions. politics and culture

mcad. museum of contemporary art and design

school of design and arts.dls—college of st. benilde

950 ocampo st., malate, manila

536-6752 ext. 135 to 138

sda@dls-csb. edu.ph

www. dls-csb.edu. ph

PROGRAMME:

1000 Welcome Remarks

Architect Gerard Torres, Dean, School of Design and Arts

Bro. Victor Franco, FSC, President, College of St. Benilde

1015 Keynote Address

Albert Alejo, SJ, educator and Mindanao peace activist

1030 Teng Mangansakan, Mindanao-born artist

1040 Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, pioneer grassroots organizer and DSWD Secretary during the years of "all out war in Mindanao"

1050 Jarius Bondoc, columnist, Philippine Star

1100 OPEN DISCUSSION

Moderated by Lorenzo Tan, Vice-President, World Wildlife Fund Philippines

1120 Grace Nono, Mindanao-born artist

1130 Karen Tañada, peace activist

1150 Dr. Rustom Bharucha, dramaturg, theorist, writer based in Calcutta, India

1200 OPEN DISCUSSION

Moderated by Corazon Alvina, Director, National Museum of the Philippines

1230 LUNCH BREAK

1400 Keynote Address

Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC, President, De La Salle University

1415 Dr. Nereus Acosta, Mindanao-born politician, academic, environmentalist

1425 Lav Diaz, Mindanao-born artist

1435 -Speaker to be confirmed-

1445 OPEN DISCUSSION

Moderated by Marian Pastor Roces, independent curator and symposium convenor

1500 Jagath Weerasinghe, archaeologist, writer, artist based in Colombo, Sri Lanka

1510 Dr. Jan van Alphen, Director, Museum of Ethnography, Antwerp, Belgium

1520 Manuel Quezon III, columnist, Philippine Daily Inquirer

1530 Ricky Carandang, broadcast journalist, ANC (ABS-CBN)

1540 OPEN DISCUSSION

-Moderator to be confirmed-

1600 COFFEE/TEA BREAK

1615 Gary Granada, Mindanao-born artist (to be confirmed)

1625 Bart Guingona, artist and partner in a Mindanao initiative

1635 Hon. Rufus Rodriguez, Representative, Misamis Oriental (to be confirmed)

1645 Malou Jacob, artist and Assistant Executive Director, National Commission on Culture

and the Arts

1645 OPEN DISCUSSION

-Moderator to be confirmed-

1500 TEN MINUTE WRAP-UP

Marian Pastor Roces, symposium convenor

a-mey-zing

2009-02-02T10:16:00.002+08:00

you should see this.. you SHOULD really see this!

"this is a super hi-definition 2009 inauguration photo. Zoom in and watch it focus. Then zoom some more and wait for focus. This picture was taken with a robotic camera and weighs in at 1,474 megapixels. It was a Canon that pulled together over 200 individual shots."

clickety click this to get to the link.

copied this interesting entry from CHUVANESS who i read almost on a daily basis.

Exploring childrens expressions of PEACE.

2009-01-31T22:12:00.005+08:00

reposting this from my cousin Teng Mangansakan's website:

I am exhibiting a video installation Unsa ang Dagway sa Kalinaw? Ngin i palas a Kalilintad? Ano ang anyo ng Kapayapaan? at the newly opened MCAD, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Desat the College of St. Benilde, De La Salle University system, P. Ocampo St., Pasay City.

The exhibition an accompanying symposium on Designing Peace: The Role of the Imagination in Conflict Resolution will be held on the 5th of February 2009.

My work is an exploration of the forms, shapes and faces that Peace assumes in children’s imagination across areas devastated by armed conflict in Mindanao. I visited schools in Central Mindanao and asked the pupils one basic question: Ano ang anyo ng Kapayapaan? From blank pieces of paper, there emerged myriad expressions of hopes, dreams and aspirations for a peaceful Mindanao –free of violence, conflict and constant fear.

Shariff Kabunsuan now "New Maguindanao"

2009-01-29T09:20:00.006+08:00

What the &*%$@!

I'm hacking this from Carol Arguillas of MINDANEWS. She won't mind. She knows aylab her :)

(photo credits: again, Ms. Carol of Mindanews Salamat Po)

ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan has appointed officers-in-charge for governor and vice governor and 10 board members for what they now refer to as “New Maguindanao” – actually the “old” Maguindanao before Shariff Kabunsuan was carved out of it, a carving out declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.........

And here's the greatest joke of all...

Appointed Officers-in-Charge (OIC) for Governor and Vice-Governor are Vice-Governor Datu Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan and Mamasapano Mayor Datu Akmad Ampatuan, respectively. Board Members are Datu Russman Sinsuat, Datu Asnawi Limbona, Datu Nashrullah Imam, Bai Narriman Ambolodto and Datu Talib Abo Jr., for the 1^st District while 2^nd District has Datu Sarip Ampatuan, Datu Puti M. Ampatuan, Datu Nuali M. Ampatuan, Datu Tasmi Borquira Datumanong and Datu Abas Pendatun Jr......

Now how many red fonts did you see in the paragraph above? I can't seem to stop laughing.. I swear this is so freakin' hilarious.

OHHMMM. Join me, as we channel some peace of mind...

2ND PHILIPPINE ULAMA SUMMIT

2009-01-25T00:52:00.003+08:00

After a series of consultations with the Ulama from all over the country where they discussed and endorsed the draft by-laws prepared by a technical working group and which contains among others provisions on the name and purpose, mechanism of membership and organizational structures, more than 200 Ulama are set to meet and approve the by-laws and subsequently launch the first National Organization for the Ulama during the 2nd National Ulama Summit in January 26-29, 2009 at the Imperial Palace Suites in Quezon City, Philippines.

The historic First National Summit of Ulama in the Philippines, held early this year, produced a consensus among its ulama participants from the different regions of the Philippines towards the creation of the first “national umbrella organization” that will serve as a vehicle for the attainment of unity among Muslim religious leaders and scholars. This is part of a three-year project dubbed, “Empowering the Ulama of the Philippines,” organized by the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) with support from the British and Netherlands embassies.

Invited to deliver plenary lectures are Dr. Abdullah Saeed of the University of Melbourne, Dr. Hisham Hellyer of the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies, Prof. Dr. Din Syamsuddin of Muhammadiyah, Dr. KH. Achmad Hasyim Muzadi of Nadhlatul Ulama, and Hji Alami Musa of Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS).

Time: January 26, 2009 at 6pm to January 30, 2009 at 6pm
Location: Imperial Palace Suites
Street: Tomas Morato street
City/Town: Quezon City
Website or Map: http://www.pcid.org.ph
Organized By: Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy

*reposted from Moro Network (please see link on my sidebar>>> over on the right side of this page :)

The Aloha Spirit

2009-01-21T12:18:00.003+08:00

The SHAKA sign - It consists of extending the thumb and pinky finger while keeping the three middle fingers curled, and raising the hand as in salutation with the back of the hand facing the person that is being greeted; sometimes the hand is rotated back and forth to emphasize the sign.

Hawaiian locals use the shaka for various meanings, like "all right", "cool", "smooth", etc. Residents of states other than Hawaii who use the shaka may describe it as meaning "hang loose" and in California, the symbol itself is more commonly called the "hang loose" sign rather than the "Shaka" sign. It is also used to convey what locals in Hawai'i call the "Aloha Spirit," a gesture of friendship and understanding between the various ethnic cultures that reside within Hawai'i. It can also be used to signal a "hello", "goodbye", " 'till next time", "take care", "Alright!"

See an old post of mine about Hawaii and the shaka sign.

Ain't OBAMA the coolest?

Mahalo cuzins!!

I {State Your Name}

2009-01-20T08:53:00.002+08:00

The 44th US Chief Executive takes oath today.

Good Luck Pareng Barack.

There is hope after all.

Sana Pinas makahanap na rin..

3 ICRC Aid Workers Abducted in Jolo

2009-01-16T09:07:00.004+08:00

Last night's late night news pegged these three {Andreas Notter (Swiss), Eugenio Vagni (Italian) & Mary Jean Lakaba (FIlipino)} went missing in the area of the Sulu Provincial Capitol

This morning, and a few minutes ago I received an sms message from my good friend/schoolmate Penny S. which went..

"please include in your prayers my aunt, Mary Jean Lakaba and 2 other Red Cross volunteers that they will be released soon."

That is always the fear when relief efforts are done by aid workers in far-flung areas. There is always that dark cloud looming overhead, warning us to be extra careful. But then the euphoria one feels when helping others just overtakes the need for caution sometimes..

Please include them in your daily prayers..

Nominees for The Body Shop Foundation. No they aren't looking for make-up artists rolls eyeballs

2009-01-15T14:51:00.004+08:00

Looking for NGO's promoting environmentalism, community trade, human rights, animal rights and organizing CSRs (corporate social responsibility) for nomination to the The Body Shop Foundation Asia Pacific Grants Programme 2009.

If you're interested.. please read below.

Good luck mga kapatid!

Note: I know the document is kinda microscopic so if you're like me who needs a magnifying glass to read then please click the link right below this sentence.

TBS Foundation Asia Pacific Grants Programme 2009

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Other Periodicals & Report Foundations

crap crap and more crap.*updated

2009-01-14T16:35:00.008+08:00

now what the hell nonsense is this!!!??? i mean c'mon.. *trying my best not to swear*

OOHHMMMMMMM.

*thank you Danurasana for the info below

Malaysia backs down from yoga ban

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – Malaysia's prime minister said on Wednesday Muslims should still take up yoga, reversing an outright ban that has drawn widespread protests amid concerns over growing Islamic fundamentalism in the multiracial nation.

Malaysia's National Fatwa Council, comprising Islamic scholars, told Muslims at the weekend to avoid yoga because it uses Hindu prayers that could erode Muslims' faith.

But the decision drew a sharp rebuke from many Muslims and even Malaysia's sultans, or hereditary rulers, who said that they should be consulted on any matters involving Islam.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi moved to contain the damage, telling the national news agency Bernama that Muslims could carry on doing yoga but minus the chanting.

"I wish to state that a physical regime with no elements of worship can continue, meaning, it is not banned. I believe that Muslims are not easily swayed into polytheism," he said.

OKEY FINE! Grabe naman kayo koyah.. yan na lang nga ang libangan ko gusto niyo pang okrayin.Kainez ha :)

istatus riport January 2009

2009-01-14T10:15:00.010+08:00

this weekend even with the dreaded flu virus, i hitched a ride with my brother around North Cotabato and Maguindanao. my agenda was to do an "ocular" evaluation of the status of the evacuees.. to confirm reports that they are still there and to assess whatever needs to be assessed. in short.. i just needed to see for myself. i admit i have been remiss with the relief efforts but hey i'm only human and i DO get sick once in a while :)

besides i was bored at home. my friends facebook walls were filled to the brim with my comments so that was a clear sign that i had LOADS of time on my hand. kids were practically pushing me out of the door!

here's a status report..

Midsayap still had evacuees along the highway but they seemed to have settled themselves into the area and looked quite comfortable enough. they were drying fish and had sari sari stores everywhere. galing ng Pinoy talaga.

the Buisan warehouse in Pikit looked next to deserted since evacuees were concentrated in far-off areas now. it was still too early for the barbecue at Nestor's barbikyuhan so we hied off to Pagalungan instead to look for food.

Pagalungan had no evacuees.. none. But we did stop at Babo's store to eat pastil laced with umami and to catch up on some new gossip with my cousins there. oh, how i missed that place.

(with nephew Abe)
(pre-requisite thugs in the back of the pick-up truck)

Datu Montawal was the same unmoving place. nothing new there but the sparkling cars at the Mayor's house. honestly, while the munisipyo got poorer their garage seems to get bigger. hhmmm.

Kabacan, of course, holds a soft spot in my heart. i adore the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) peeps. and kudos also to the new USM president Dr. Derije for his new appointment. i wanted to visit one of my dad's wives in the university but changed my mind at the last minute. didn't want to spread my virus.

passing through Matalam enroute to Paglas i remembered a brother telling me he had plans of running for mayor in Matalam. another one of us succumbing to the salacious power of politics. goodluck with that. i must admit infrastructure in that place is way better now.

my sister and i have a running joke that when the road gets really bad and the potholes on the highway get bigger.. you would know that you were entering the town of Paglas. that still holds true. i ribbed the Vice Mayor through an sms message about having his roads repaired and all i got was his usual "oo naman bai." he's nice. and good looking too. he's a nephew so don't get any bright ideas (silly you)!!

we stayed in Paglas for a while just to catch my breath since my meds were losing their magic touch and the fever was once again making its prescence felt. the bed in my sister's house looked enticing but we had to trudge further.

Datu Piang was still a sight to behold. really. i couldn't take photos and the depression hit me like a bullet train. the evacuees were still all there. scattered around like a hundred marbles on the floor. i felt so bad that i gave instructions to my brother to take me home.

it still hits me. no matter how many times i see them.

my 100.

2009-01-13T12:01:00.007+08:00

apologies. since i am sick and at home with the most dreaded flu virus, this explains the boredom. i am doing my prerequisite 100 list for the new year.

every year i make my 100 list and try to compare it with my last years list to see if i still have my morals and values intact. along with this, of course, is more nonesense about my everyday life. i'm glad i still write a lot of nonesense. humor makes the world go 'round.

rashidsmom's 100 in 2008:

1. i'm into voices like chocolate.
2. i love working and i love my job.
3. i'm most comfortable in jeans and a ratty shirt.

4. i love listening to music.
5. i sing out loud to show tunes. with hand gestures.
6. i dance to tv advertisements, much to my children’ dismay .
7. i miss my lola.
8. i treat my nieces and nephews like my own children.
9. i wait for the day i'm finally emancipated from my cellphone.
10. i pod. a lot.
11. i don't own a tv (in manila), have 1 in davao but not in my room.
12. i don't eat fastfood anymore..
13. used to love fries. with mayo.
14. i drive like a madwoman.
15. i’m into going deep into the war-torn mountains just to see my cousins.
16. because they make me proud that they’re fighting for our children’s future.
17. i want a car soon.
18. i have two things i need to do in order to feel fulfilled.
19. one involves people. the other involves verbs.
20. i don’t smoke anymore. Hurrah!

21. i seriously think I have ADD.
22. i seriously think you’re crazy for reading this list.
23. i heart dibidi's and anything by tarantino makes me want to light up.
24. i drink a pitcher of water every morning.
25. my dad calls me “lady.”
26. i prefer cotabato over ibiza.
27. ditto honolulu over los angeles.
28. i can do without a beauty parlor, spa, nail salon.
29. ive smoked pot a few times when i was younger.
30. i found out it made me paranoid.
31. i don't use anything made of leather anymore.
32. i still believe in soulmates.
33. and that he’s out there somewhere.
34. i love seeing my articles, but not under somebody else’s byline .
35. i’ve been a ghost writer like forever.
36. the fortune teller told me i was a priestess in central asia in my past life. i died a violent death.
37. she also told me i would be with a man with a black car.
38. i don’t know anyone with black cars who are good-looking.
39. this frightens me.

40. i do yoga twice a day.
41. but i’m not a Buddhist.
42. i want an arabic tattoo of my kids names,
43. and i'd put it on my back.
44. i love reading. I read almost everything.
45. even the labels on cans and shampoos.
46. my mom is the bestest.
47. my dad is an asshole.
48. i love watching my kids when they sleep.
49. i overanalyse newscasts. so no one likes to watch the news with me.
50. richard gere is a scream. but i prefer al pacino.
51. i have a weird habit of biting my lower lip.
52. i love to shop for shoes.. but Pinoy shoes don’t fit me.
53. my daughter nina is a book addict.
54. she is an artist too.
55. my second, andrea is a whiz at math.
56. i hated math when i was in school.
57. rashid is a whirling dervish.
58. he makes me dizzy.
59. my cousin Teng is the best documentary filmmaker of all time.
60. i believe in karma.

61. and i love travelling.
62. and backpacking.
63. i really appreciate people who are open-minded,
64. and cultured and grammatically correct.
65. my good friends are gay people (literally and figuratively).
66. i write better when i'm sad.
67. i have 250 pages of an unfinished novel in my hard drive.
68. its been tweaked and re-tweaked for three years.
69. id like to finish and publish.
70. and move back to Pagalungan with my kids.
71. i can't bake.
72. but i can knit.
73. and i can sew too.
74. i'm better moving than still.
75. i love watching movies. alone.
76. i've read macbeth thirty times.
77. but still cant seem to remember the lines.
78. i'm allergic to shrimps.
79. ditto mosquitos.
80. i prefer casual to dress up.

81. i own silk scarves older than me.
82. i love children,
83. and equally love the way they smell.
84. they intrigue me.
85. i am Islam,
86. but catholic school educated.
87. im not very religious,
88. but i have residual catholic guilt.
89. i used to make my own crockery.
90. i make my own candles too.
91. i like planes and plane food.
92. ditto travelling.
93. these days, i rarely do i go out at night, that’s coz I’m sleepy at 9pm.
94. writing is the only thing that keeps me from screaming invectives out of my window.
95. if i had paris hilton’s money, i would be travelling all over the world incognito.
96. and stashing money in everyone’s pockets back home (that would be fun).
97. i have discovered what it means to be happy,
98. and they teach me something new each day.
99. i fight for peace for a living.
100. i'm weird ... and I like it that way.

Serbey of da mant.

2009-01-06T10:35:00.012+08:00

I got this from my friend Roxanne's multiply site. For lack of better things to blog about, i'm posting this here. For those waiting for updates on our relief efforts please bear with me, my laptop that holds all the photos is in rehab (meaning it crashed and its being fixed).

Survey na!

BUDDIES OF THE YEAR? Ras Lidasan aka Joe D' Mango. Used to be the baddest of the bad boys, now he prays five times a day and gives good advice. He's a great yaya too.
YOUR SONG(s) FOR 2008. “I’m Yours” , “Make it Mine” and "Lucky" by Jason Mraz. Love the beachy tunes. And some Rachel Yamagata for chillaxing.

LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD (longest friend(s). Good friend Maluh and Mannyboy.
NEWCOMER AWARD - COOLEST NEW FRIEND. Ogie Braga, playwright extraordinaire.
HIGH POINT (s) OF THE YEAR?
(1) Rashid and I seriously having a grown-up conversation about kindness;
(2) smiles on children during relief efforts; and
(3) Andrea getting her period at last .
LOW POINT OF THE YEAR? Hmm.. the “please-sagpa-me-moments.” Too trashy and to post.
BEST HOLIDAY. The long Christmas break. Got to catch up on sleep and bonding time with ze gang.
BEST MOVIE FOR 2008. There were a lot but since I am too tired to think I'm settling for Kung Fu Panda.
BEST RELATIONSHIP? I discovered that Bluey is a magnificent person. Beautiful, emotionally intelligent lady.

VALENTINE'S DAY DATE. Seriously? Nada. None. Zilch. Valentines day is sooo overrated!
RESTAURANT(s) OF THE YEAR
Davao - Picobello at the 5th/F of Gaisano Citi Mall, Ilustre St., Davao City (photos below)
Manila – Savarin Restaurant, 33 Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. Tengy and I love the Aligi Angel Hair Pasta.
Pikit - Nestor’s Barbecue. The best native barbecue chicken I have experienced. Juicy, tangy and burnt just the way I like it.

BIGGEST douchebag AWARD. My dad still holds the best douchebag award ever. But I love him regardless. I don’t have a choice now do I?
BEST DECISION MADE THIS YEAR. Have more kids. NOT! hehe. Stay healthy. Which meant DAILY yoga asanas.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR? Be kinder, work harder, be a better mother and finally get that car I so deserve.
MOST STUPID IDEA WHEN DRUNK. Huh? What the... hik. Who’s drunk? Maybe world domination and the death by ant bites for bigots.
MOST MEMORABLE FIRST(1) Riding on a speedboat to a remote island in Tawi tawi at maximum speed. Felt like I left my conscience at the pier sa sobrang bilis.

(i'm in the white hat. yes that microscopic thing right there)

BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR. I think I learned to be a better person. I think lang ha. And I lost weight *dances*
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION. Sabta ang bugo!. I will try to understand, albeit difficult, that people of low intelligence cannot help when they say and do stupid things.
GENERAL FEELING FOR 2009. Calm, peaceful, optimistic, hopeful. Seriously.

Happy 2009!

2008-12-31T16:50:00.003+08:00

and to usher in the year of the OX, i have changed my blog header photo. my talented daughter Nina created this for me on MS Paint in less than 15 minutes. it's so me.

i have such amazing kids :) *stage mom mode*

daghang salamat to all friends who have been part of my 2008. i cherish your presence in me and my kids life.

Happy New Year dears!!

bonne Année !

buon Capodanno !

einen guten Rutsch ins Neujahr !

Anovayan Mayor!

2008-12-29T10:00:00.004+08:00

This entry will infuriate most of you i'm sure. This is what they call the "Nouveau riche " syndrome. You can take the person out of the dumpster but you can never take the dumpster out of the person. Or something to that effect.

"At around 1:30 PM today, at Valley Golf and Country Club, Antipolo City, Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr., Mayor of Masiu City, Lanao del Sur, his father, Secretary Nasser Pangandaman of the Department of Agrarian Reform, and company, beat my defenseless 56-year-old dad and my 14-year-old brother to a pulp because of some stupid misunderstanding on the golf course....."

The entire distasteful event can be read here at Decidido's blog.

I'm betting my sweet arse this case is getting dumped in the near future. I just watched the ABS CBN evening news and the DAR Secretary was interviewed after he played golf with PGMA's son. The news segment also quoted Dureza saying that an investigation is ongoing to find out kung sino talaga ang naunang nambugbog.

Picture this... Mr Dela Paz holding a golf umbrella .. the Pangandaman's with their high caliber guns and goons. Sino ang agrabyado sa picture na ito? Hilarious ain't?

..awaiting violent reactions now...

Peace & Light from the Heart

2008-12-24T10:21:00.005+08:00

MARAMING SALAMAT, MUCHAS GRACIAS, WASSALAM and THANK YOU to all of you who have visited my site. I hope I have been an inspiration to some even though I have stupid entries every now and then.

SALAAM to all my Bangsamoro brothers and sisters who still continue to struggle. Peace is still out there for us.. to family and friends who have been my source of inspiration in this chaotic yet inspiring year, my eternal gratitude.

In this time of merriment, let us not forget to say a prayer or two for all our less fortunate brothers and sisters wherever they are in any part of the world. Let us continue to thank the Eternal Being for all the gifts bestowed upon us. Share a smile and a handshake to someone who needs it. Love more and be cheerful despite the struggles you are going through. Life is good. Loving is even better.

Happy Holidays my dearests.

Peace and Light from this household to yours.

not coherent. just random

2008-12-18T11:09:00.003+08:00

i am always near tears these past few days. a simple song heard over the radio, a child on the street, an old lady, even just an e-mail could trigger me into a crying bout. and for the life of me i can't seem to concentrate on anything now. it's like a long staying virus i'm usually chirpy and smiley all the time. maybe because almost everyone around me is sick. and i dont mean the colds-cough kinda sick. a friend has cancer, an aunt just recently underwent an operation for lung cancer, another one very close to me is undergoing a biopsy for throat cancer.. and on and the list goes. it's so frustrating.

i was supposed to go to the IDP areas for another round of relief efforts but can't seem to put my foot down and organize it. writing deadlines have been piling up. i have declined more than 5 party invitations and i don't even blog that often anymore. can't seem to shake it off.

this is supposed to be the season of joy... and all i feel is the exact opposite. Rashid has a christmas presentation in a few hours, dressed as a reindeer he is going to sing "The Twelve Days of Christmas".. i'm forcing a smile and trying my best to be chirpy..

mommy chirpy. bad entry. venting so i can function properly. sorry guys. will be better tomorrow.

peace & light.

seeking prayers.

2008-12-15T12:59:00.002+08:00

I'm so sad. My good friend has cancer. She has a 10 year old darling of a child. Hardworking, kind, soft- hearted, religious, she has been supportive of all my endeavors since the day I met her. Her first chemotherapy session is on the 18th. Please help her and include her in your prayers.

Peace and more Light.

late night conversations.

2008-12-09T10:58:00.004+08:00

me: palangga, what would you like for Christmas?

rashid: can it be not material things mom?

me: hhmm, I was expecting you'd ask for something like a new PSP or a toy car, but yeah, what is it...

rashid: (closes his eyes and puts his hand in prayer position) i wish... i want... mom to stay home all the time and not keep traveling around. i wish to eat dinner with mom everyday till the day she's very old and can't eat anymore.

ouch.

*sigh*

ako? sure ka?

2008-12-03T16:09:00.004+08:00

i was invited to speak at an ateneo student’s forum on human rights in the next few days.

i was like, “what the……”

are they drugs?

do they know what they’re getting into?

me, speak in front of a whole gym filled with students and make a stupid fool of myself?

i can do small crowds.

a medium crowd even!
really now. if you’re interested to know..

i did say Yes.

the good Paring Bert endorsed me so i couldn’t let him down.

OOHHHMMM.

i need to channel calmness.

OOOHHMMM.

i promise not to be dorky and not embarrass myself.

i promise not to trip on my own two fumbly feet.

i promise to be normal.

i promise.

really now just thinking about it makes me wanna vomit.

maybe it’s my time to shine.

but i don’t wanna shine.

i wanna be my old boring, matte self.

no shining whatsoever.

see this is how I get when I’m nervous.

i act stupid, write stupid.

Very very stupid.

can someone please take a photo of me while i stutter on stage? sil vous plait?

Mindanao Week of Peace

2008-12-02T16:12:00.006+08:00

hectic hectic hectic.

the mom was busy zig zagging from a MEDCo exhibit at SM City to an Intra Faith and Peace Building Workshop with fellow Young Moro Proffesionals at another venue. there was Duyog Mindanao and a lot of facilitations here and there. Tomorrow she has another workshop for "strengthening facilitative leadership capacities of ARMM partners." mouthful.

pasko na so kelangan ng nanay ng maraming raket :)

good thing is she met a LOT of friends who, like her, work for the ever-elusive peace in Mindanao.

and why is she writing in the 3rd person? weird.

photo uploading in a bit.

Philippine Yoga Asana Championship

2008-11-24T12:30:00.002+08:00

I was supposed to go to this. Wanna join for the sake of joining lang. Maybe do a bit of networking with other yoga practitioners. There are only a handful of us in Davao now and it is getting to be a lonely practice.

Unfortunately, I already maxed out my frequent flier miles and don't have enough to get a free ticket to Manila.. and besides work is toxic*sob*

This was supposed to be my Christmas gift to myself *sob ulit*

Oh well. Maybe next year.

Namaste.

now lookie here.

2008-11-22T18:28:00.003+08:00

Global Voices Online used some photos of mine and also mentioned moi in one of their articles. KEWL. First time my advocacy photos were used by another person/agency. Oh, my work photos don't count.. they're published all the time :) nakanang...

Go check their website na! I know you wanna. Click here sil vous plait.

Peace & Light kapatid.

Duyog Mindanao

2008-11-21T21:57:00.004+08:00

Duyog (Cebuano for Solidarity) Mindanao is a convergence of various initiatives to address the humanitarian crisis and to call for the cessation of hostilities in Mindanao. The initiatives are expressions of solidarity from various institutions, groups and communities in Metro Manila, Luzon and the Visayas with all the peoples of Mindanao amidst a public opinion grossly apathetic to the situation and ignorant of the roots of the conflict in Mindanao.

Join the Peace Caravan? click here!

Sign the Peoples' Petition for Peace in Mindanao here! (Note: you don't need to have a care2.com account to sign the petition.)

If you're interested to share anything or be part of this worthwhile endeavour please email them at cppb@iidnet.org and check out their website here.

I will definitely be joining the Mindanao leg of Duyog Mindanao.. And will give all of the boxes of relief goods I have in my living room to them.

Tara sama na kayo sa min.

Kapayapaan sa inyo Kapatid.

An Art Exhibit on Peace and the Mindanao Conflict

2008-11-19T09:40:00.003+08:00

Piece for Peace: An Art Exhibit on Peace and the Mindanao Conflict on November 26, 2008, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm, LRC Lobby, DLS-CSB Taft Campus.

The exhibit will feature the works of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde students. Proceeds of the sale will be donated to the I-pledge Mindanao (DLS-CSB fundraising effort for Mindanao).

For confirmation of attendance, feel free to contact them at telephone number 5267441 local 258/266 or email at mepski@gmail. com.

photo credits: The Womens International Perspective

Panalo ang BAYOT.

2008-11-17T12:35:00.003+08:00

Ogie Braga's "Ang Bayot, and Meranao at ang Habal-Habal sa Isang Nakakabagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte" lead actor JOEY PARAS won Best Stage Actor in a Non-Musical Play recently at the 21st Aliw Awards 2008 . The festivities was held last November 11, at the Manila Hotel’s Fiesta Pavilion.

Galing ng Bayot! Congrats Ogie and Joey! Kudos to you both.

Kelan ang Mindanao run natin?! *wink wink*

(Joey aka Bambi the Bayot in all his glory :)

pasasalamat.

2008-11-16T12:38:00.011+08:00

work and life in general have been so toxic lately that i forget to thank the Eternal Being for sending over kindred souls that make existence on this otherwise chaotic life special. and since Christmas is approaching us like a freight train on drugs, allow me to make an early mention to some of those who have made life a hell of a lot easier.

like i always tell my kids.. wag kalimutan magpasalamat. kahit late na.

to my mom who is my guardian angel on earth.
Pop for being crazy.
brothers C and D who keep me on my toes all the time.
wicked half-sister M for being who she is.
Eez, Kai, Abe, Darl who adore me regardless how stupid i can be.
Pogs for loving me.
Maluh, my good friend since pig tails for keeping me grounded.
Teng for being the only person in my family who thinks like i do (miss you).
good friend Joe for pestering me all the time.
officemates who never cease to laugh at my corny jokes.
friends, aquaintances who have helped in our relief efforts.
Adam who sweeps my cubicle and keeps it spic and span for the OC that i am.
Ann who cleans our house and washes our clothes.
Manang Carmen who sells me turon just the way I like it.
Miray my suki for choosing new dibidi copies of cd's I can't live without.
and to four adorable, smart, intelligent children
who are the reasons i wake up to a smile every morning..

i love you, namaste, salamat.

Sarah RN

2008-11-15T19:33:00.004+08:00

I’m in Manila and at the hospital being the good person that I am :)

Traveled from Zamboanga to Imperial Manila last Friday and returning to Duterte-land in a fortnight.

My kids’ heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Larry Acuna of the Asian Hospital for taking care of our patient. Kisses to the very courteous but efficient nurses Jan, Joy and Joel. Daghang Salamat.

This probinsiyana is tired.

Looking forward to sleeping in my own rickety bed with Rashid back home.

Peace & Light mga peeps!

(this is where i am staying for the weekend. if you look closely you can see me, my patient, and the South Super Highway out the window)

bamboo me.

2008-11-10T10:13:00.007+08:00

(that's me the dork. and him the dreamboat. sigh.)

i just had to post this. yes, it's kinda nonsense but it was loads of fun. i have to have my ME time right? so here's a ME TIME post for y'all.

it was an uneventful weekend. a good friend who is an events organizer requested i help her out in a concert she was staging. so, i took my trusty cam and traveled out of town with her crew after lunch.

we picked up the band at the airport. fed them. checked them into their hotel. did the usual motorcade rounds.. yada yada yada. uneventful.

concert proper brought in close to 5 thousand people. positioned myself right in front of the stage so i could take proper documentation for the organizers. took good shots. clickety click away. hello! they were good eye candy so i'm not one to complain. in the middle of the 15-song drama bamboo was still in the zone. jumping and banging his body on the stage with contortions only a Cirque-de-Soleil acrobat could maneuver. then out of the blue he sat in front of me while singing this forgetful song (oh now i remember! it was Probinsiyana).. was that my heart pounding on my chest? or was that Vic Mercado beating the life out of his drums. bamboo sat a few inches from me and sang to me for a good 20 seconds. i could feel the spotlight and the vidcam for the vidiwall on us. he just sang away. while i smiled and took pics. and smiled. and took more pics of his nose, sweaty face and expressive eyes. i looked like a dork. a big, ugly, stupid looking dork!

oh well. there goes my 20 seconds of fame. back to reality probinsiyana.

Peace and Light!

He's THE Dream

2008-11-05T13:18:00.005+08:00

he genuinely adores his family , goes trick or treating with his kids, holds his wife's hand everywhere. and he has this authentic smile.

he's a dream in my book.

peace and light.

(photos snatched from Yahoo)

fingers crossed

2008-11-04T08:04:00.003+08:00

...... and wishing that Pareng Barack wins today.

See latest stories on Yahoo! News

Muchas Gracias.

2008-11-03T12:44:00.002+08:00

(oh yes, they gave me a microphone :)

Wassalam, Thank You, Gracias, Daghang Salamat

..... to these very generous people who have helped in big and small ways to make the 2-day Twin Bill Run of Ogie Braga's Plays at the CCP a big success..

OGIE (you're a Gem!)
good friend Cris Cayon
UP Repertory
The Cultural Center of the Philippines
Dr. Steven Rood and The Asia Foundation
Young Moro Proffessionals Network
Mindanao Bloggers
friends
colleagues
journalists
blogger friends
and every single one of you who reads this blog..

I THANK YOU *holds my hands together and bows*

Peace unto you.

4th Pikit Relief Efforts.

2008-10-28T08:47:00.011+08:00

2 weeks in Bongao, Tawi Tawi, a few days in Zamboanga, a full-packed bloggers overload in GenSan and a very rewarding sunny day in Pikit, North Cotabato. that comprised my October of 2008. my butt barely hit my office swivel chair at all.

i woke up to a screetching alarm at 3 am. was in a cold room, under some thick blankets in a hotel. was disorganized at first. wondered where the hell i was. as i looked at the bed beside me i saw 3 girls cramped in a double bunk bed. and then i remembered. i was at GenSan. the morning after the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit. chattee, dulce and tiara were my roomies. have to wake up. have to meet my mom in Pikit at 8 am for another round of relief efforts. had to drag my heavy butt to the banyo.

got to Barangay Paidu Pulangi with my mom's Lions Club crew at 9:30. was met by my suki, the good looking vice mayor Don and some uncles and aunts. i was fatigued, sleep-deprived, tired but still functioning. i had to hop into the front seat of the dumptruck again just so that the military won't stop the driver. face value daw as my mom calls it. i call it beauty. plain and simple (nyehehe please don't take me seriously i still lack sleep).

as usual, nawala ang pagod ko when i saw the kids at the evacuation areas. my mom and i gave out biscuits and cornick (care of Rebisco) to the young ones while the locals were preparing our lunch. i tried to appear stoic but lost control once i saw the children. even if we bring truckloads of food, i still feel kulang pa rin for everyone there. oh well, had to practice restraint just so i wouldn't cry.

let the photos speak for themselves.

(our entourage. promise i told them we didn't need the road security :)

(first faces as we were going in)

(when they look at you like this it would be impossible not to feel sad)

(oh yeah that's me up there on the truck! i'm so macho davah?:)

(and that's my mom with the orange scarf. ain't she the coolest!?)

awwwwwww

2008-10-25T11:18:00.006+08:00

Pierre (jesterinexile.blogspot.com)

yahoo i'm in GENSAN!!

now currently sitting in at the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2 here at the Family Country Hotel.

i'm touched.

really I am.

3 speakers mentioned me, my blog and the efforts I do with the bakwits of Mindanao.

and i thought my readers were composed only of Girard, Teng and maybe a handful of friends. I don't carry an adsense account (i don't even know how to go about it) and have nada information on page ranking chenes. i just blog about the nonsense i do everyday, my yoga practice and of course my children. i didn't know i made any type of waves in blogosphere.

ripples of change i want to do (yoda-like?).

peace starts with a smile. and of course page views :)

namaste and salaam to everyone who visits this page. leave me a comment.

(nakanang.. posing with Mayor Acharon)

We are Off to GenSan

2008-10-24T11:29:00.003+08:00

Fresh from my very fatigue-ridden trip from Bongao, Tawi Tawi.. I am off to MBS2 in General Santos City.

This is ME time now. Wala munang work.

Will be chillin with fellow bloggers.

Seeyah! Peace and more Light

CO-PRESENTERS:
City Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr.
Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio
NOKIA
Department of Tourism XII
ABS-CBN Regional Network Group
Bariles Republic
Gen. Santos City Tourism Association
SOCCSKSARGEN Blogers

GOLD SPONSORS:
Friendster
Globe
AMA Computer Learning Center
Grab A Crab Restaurant and Coffee Club 101
Gregoria Printing Press

SILVER SPONSORS:
Nokiahost.Com
Asia United Bank
Family Country Hotel & Convention Center
East Asia Royale Hotel
Fine Pixel Advertising
IDEAS

BRONZE SPONSORS
GenSan Sale.Com
Blogging from Home Book
Pacific Seas Seafood Market
Generals Logimark Exponent
Prints and You
Writing Edge.Com
Forest Lake San Carlos Park
Rolee Bakery & Cafe
Jehzlau Concepts
Techykid.Com
Jaypee Online.Net
Blue Media Communications
International Container Terminal Services, Inc
Shalom Wizard Academy
Dreamworld Travel and Tours
Sta. Cruz Seafoods, Inc.
Dellosa Design Build Services
Kristan Bookstore
DOLE Philippines

Husky Bus Lines
Shakey's Pizza
Family Brand Sardines
Gaisano Mall of GenSan
Chowking - KCC
Jollibee National Highway
Procter & Gamble Philis., Inc

Mega Sardines

CCP Twin Bill Official Poster

2008-10-23T06:22:00.005+08:00

Here is our official poster for the twinbill plays at the CCP. See you there!

ps: click on the link so you can see the microscopic fonts :)

Peace & Light!

Magsukol

2008-10-18T21:12:00.010+08:00

Assalamu Alaikum from Bongao, Tawi tawi, the islands of carageenan, virgin beaches and hospitable friends.

I took an hour and fifteen minutes SeaAir flight this morning from Zamboanga. The flight was uneventful. 18 passengers including the pilot and first officer. Dozed off as soon as the doors closed. Woke up an hour later to very generous turbulence. Generous 'coz it actually felt like the air was hitting the plane on one side and the pilot was forcing the aircraft to stay in place. More like being in a blender on low speed. Can’t seem to word it basta I felt like the bangus I had for breakfast wanted to come up and say hello to my pink shirt.

Bongao population more or less is around 50 to 60 thousand people. It's so far down south that it's sort of a stones throw away from Malaysia. Bongao is the capital of the province of Tawi-Tawi. An hour and a half plane ride from Zamboanga and about 18 hours by ferry or boat.

If time permits I would love to visit Simunul Island where the first Mosque in the Philippines was built by Sheik Karimul Makhdum. If I still have time:(

Aylavet here!

(Bud Bongao)(took this while i was in another kumpit {local speedboat})

Buy Your Tickets NOW. Now Na!

2008-10-16T12:39:00.004+08:00

Ang Bayot, Ang Meranao, at ang Habal-Habal sa Isang Nakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte" and "Ang Mga Mananahi" will be re-staged at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Shows are at 4pm and 8pm.

Tickets are now available at the following ticket centers:

UP Repertory Company - 0915-5881782 (Z); 09166125404 (Gelene); Ogie (09187797982; 0926-8122336)
Young Moro Professional Network (YMPN) - g108 Jocfer Bldg. Commonwealth Avenue QC. c/o Aradelria Belleng 0920-6529066

UP Office of the Student Regent, Vinzon's Hall Basement, UP Diliman c/o Shan
UP Muslim Student Association, Vinzon's Hall, UP Diliman c/o Tani Basman
CCP Box Office

Tickets cost a mere Php 250. 00 (Ogie says its the amount of 2 Starbucks coffees). If you want to make reservations or give donations, please do not hesitate to call Ogie Braga at 0918-7797982 (ogiebraga@yahoo.com) or the UP Rep representatives at: 0915-5881782 (Z); 09166125404 (Gelene).

Help us support the remaining IDPs languishing in the evacuation areas in different parts of North Cotabato and Maguindanao.

rashidsmom

CINEMA ONE Originals Part 1

Life is too short

48 years ago

K.A.R.M.A 2

YMPN Statement

Let's do B.L.A.C.K

Eid-ul Adha

Remember When

End Exploitation and Trafficking.

I am in CDO for MBS 3

K.A.R.M.A

MALAYSIA. Theme Parks

MALAYSIA Series. Modern Landmarks.

Happy Deepavali!

useless post. bad trip times three.

Yoga. 2009 Philippine Yoga Asana Championship

Plastics & Eco Bags in Davao City

New Website

Shameless Plugging: Fashion Institute of Design and Arts

MBS 3 Updates

RP flag's 9th Ray?

doon po sa amin.

Eid'l Fitr. 09.

Hodge Podge for August

Ramadhan Kareem

and then she was gone

be inspired

saksak sinagol *updated

Tete`-a-tete´ with the Ambassador

Holiday Today

Travel: Sarangani

IDP Update: BAKWIT.ORG

300,000 IDPs in Maguindanao

no running.

Updates on IDP Situation in Maguindanao

M.A.R.A.W.I

G

cancer

Surya Namaskar

yoga stasis

working moms

what have you done for your earth lately?

Eid'l Adha Now a Philippine Holiday

power surge

it is a choice

big 7-0

Harvard Conference 2009

Earth Hour

muslim mindanao website

under water

So Sad.

Moro Fashion

True. Very True.

Protect Yourself. You Deserve It.

i heart you

Duguan Kaming Lahat

Upping the Peace Antenna*updated

panahon na naman..

serbey of da mant op Feb

Designing Peace: A Show of Imagination

a-mey-zing

Exploring childrens expressions of PEACE.

Shariff Kabunsuan now "New Maguindanao"

2ND PHILIPPINE ULAMA SUMMIT

The Aloha Spirit

I {State Your Name}

3 ICRC Aid Workers Abducted in Jolo

Nominees for The Body Shop Foundation. No they aren't looking for make-up artists *rolls eyeballs*

crap crap and more crap.*updated

Malaysia backs down from yoga ban

istatus riport January 2009

my 100.

Serbey of da mant.

Happy 2009!

Anovayan Mayor!

Peace & Light from the Heart

not coherent. just random

seeking prayers.

late night conversations.

Nominees for The Body Shop Foundation. No they aren't looking for make-up artists rolls eyeballs