Government Relief And Rehab Program According to My OFW Friend #PersonalStory

Last November 8, 2014, my OFW friend came over in my place just to tell me about the killer typhoon Yolanda that damaged the Visayas region especially Tacloban. His personal version why it happened and the way the government treated such emergency situation.

He told me that the Pinoy Administration was not ready to act in case huge national disaster befalls our country. And, they need advance planning for every facet of government administration. His sentiments are well received by my own views about this subject matter.

Truly, Pinoy Administration has planned for rebuilding Tacloban and other places, but it takes them a long time to implement. At present, Yolanda survivors are clamoring the ways our government treated them. It’s their lives that has been damaged; their livelihood that has been ravaged and they need support from the government to start all over again.

After a year of relief and rehabilitation by the government, still, majority of the victims are not fully revive by such program. The rate of their action programs are very slow compare to the things that the victims needed. The slow-paced rehabilitation for them tends to give negative result on the government side. Even though how the Pinoy Administration tried to pacify the situation, political elements are bringing more chaos and demonstrations.

This coming January 2015, the Pope from Vatican City is scheduled to visit Tacloban and the government’s trying other places to finish like the airport, roads and other infrastructure. The local officials of Tacloban are not in full cooperation with the present administration that made this place as media arena and a time for the government to hasten the job in Tacloban for Pope’s visit. Besides for finishing the roads, it must be repaired completely.

Planning, coordination among government agencies and local officials, proper inventory and distribution of relief goods are crucial in ensuring that aid reaches the intended beneficiaries immediately. Audit of typhoon Yolanda relief operations released last September, the Commission on Audit (COA) noted that more than a month after Yolanda pummeled the Visayas, P736.3 million out of the P740.2 million in cash donations for Yolanda survivors remained unused and deposited in the bank account of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Most of COA’s adverse findings had to do with poor inventory, storage and transport of relief goods, which in some instances, resulted in relief goods getting wasted and much-needed help getting delayed.

To make sure that funds are immediately used to assist survivors of calamities, COA said that implementing agencies must come up with a program of work for the efficient use of disaster funds.

“When activities among concerned agencies are well coordinated and strategies in project implementation are improved, disaster funds will immediately cater to the purpose for which they are intended.”

It is a must to all government official leaders to plan ahead of time, search for solutions to all facets of the government management system. Therefore, Filipino leaders are the prime mover of every natural disaster that may occur within the framework of their responsibilities.

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Pnoy Administration: In The Eyes Of My Canadian Friend #PersonalStory

The other day, my friend coming from Canada called me up to have a bonding time for the two of us. We're doing this for a decade now, when both of us, are actually at the Philippine soil. Before, when I was working in Dubai City, I called him up regularly to extend some news that he passionately love, Philippine Politics.

I went to pizza restaurant and waited for him for two hours, that I nearly went home waiting for him. But, when I saw him, my anger was washed away by tsunami and bear-hugged him saying, “I miss you friend.”

He looked at me squarely without saying a word. We seated facing each other and he started to eat. I picked a slice of pizza and ate it too. No words coming from both of us. After finishing the two 12-inch pizza, I observed him totally. He wryly smiled at me and said, “How are you my friend?”

I said, “I’m okay and you?”

My question triggered his emotion to tell me his observation about the Philippines.

“Friend, I thought our country’s well and productive as of this moment, because of the present Administration. But I was wrong.” He continued his sorrowful storytelling while I listened to him.

The first subject matter he discussed about was the traffic congestion along EDSA that he encountered while coming from his resident in Quezon City. “Of course I know how much money is lost due to non-productivity from traffic. Now adding to that, the misery of inflation due to the MRT3 breakdowns was not even benefiting the economy coz it went to the drain perfectly. And after all this, we still have horrendous traffic affecting every sector of Metro Manila. I mean, the medicine that was supposedly to cure the disease just accelerated the progression of the illness.

The Pnoy Administration’s not at all concerned with what was happening with MRT3 train system and the riding public. He assigned Joseph Emilio Abaya as DOTC Secretary but nothing’s changed from the onset of his management. The maintenance people cannot give proper solutions to the breakdowns every now and then. So, what they’re doing was wasting their time and energy when dealing with this kind of problems.

I admit Mayor Joseph Estrada broke the status quo and after this truck ban thing, hopefully something good will come out of this crisis. But why are people complaining? It’s not because they are resistant to change, it’s because the truck ban was not well thought of. There simply was no alternative ports; Subic and Batangas ports just don’t have the capacity (combined capacity is only 1/4 that of Manila ports). The national government should construct a big port that can take up at least 50% of the load of the Manila Ports to make it profitable and economical for all stakeholders and this just might ease up traffic a bit.

The truck ban caused traffic jams from different areas in Manila alone. The businesses were getting thinner every day for their revenues.

Mayor Erap should have consulted the MMDA and the Mayors of neighboring cities before implementing this truck ban because, at present, all neighboring cities in Metro Manila were suffering for his mistakes. Not only that, the truck ban affects the entire nation as far as trade movement is concerned.

The Pnoy administration’s apologizing to the public about the MRT3 mismanagement of its operations and the traffic congestion brought by this truck banning.

The government must instantly and immediately apply their total concentrations and actions when dealing with these problems. It must have a plan beforehand to combat these kinds of crisis when worst comes to worst.

I asked him, “How do you know these…all that’s happening in the Philippines?”

“Well, my friend, remember, my father is a news anchor in Canada?” He stopped for a moment looking at me bewildered and said, "Didn't I tell this?"

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Pnoy's Term Extension, What About My Dreams? #PersonalStory

I’ve been working as Overseas Filipino Worker, OFW for short. I stayed for almost 20 years abroad, dreaming to sustain my family back home. At present, I’m staying here in the Philippines for good besides my family. And here’s the story told by the media people.

Because of President Aquino’s outspoken attitude towards his political party, news of his plan to extend his term spreads like wildfire. Political analysts, opposition leaders, and other concerned citizens aimed their arsenals to counteract his plan. They wanted to stop him in becoming a dictator, as what they believed.

At present, news from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) turned down plans to amend the constitution to give way for President Aquino to extend his term beyond 2016. Likewise, Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr said, “the national elections will proceed in 2016 because the only way for the electoral exercise to be postponed is through charter change (Cha Cha). There may be some adjustments, but we will have elections in 2016.”

With its present situation for Aquino Administration, more “doubting Thomases” are always on guard for his whirlwind media news. While many of his detractors are fighting back for his plans, his focus is dwindling continuously due to his appointed official failure’s development of their government divisions to the fullest. Like the continuous breakdown of MRT3-EDSA train operations that doubled the expenses for not properly maintaining its operations. That said, DOTC Secretary Emilio Abaya should be smart enough to project the MRT3 management.

Maintenance from Hongkong, Independent Train Experts will inspect as Technical Audit for MRT3 train system. They will totally check the whole system and finding the solutions as expert’s recommendation.

Another setback for President Aquino’s the impeachment complaint against him was under the Senate hearing. Moreover, President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Senior Solicitor Florin T. Hilbay as Acting Solicitor General to succeed Francis H. Jardeleza who was appointed as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court last August 20. Senior Hilbay, the 40-year old lawyer with almost 15 years of law practice will carry upon his shoulders all the government cases before the courts and tribunals in the Philippines.

While the country’s political leaders are focusing on this “term extension;” the Chinese government’s busy constructing structures to the territorial waters, which is against the agreement. Moreover, until now, it’s been unsolved. Despite the warning of the Philippine government to China, still the Chinese continues asserting its bullying attitude towards its claimants.

While doing the development of other sectors, the Aquino Administration must focus on crime rates which gaining its ground continuously. Also, traffic congestion must be addressed immediately, for it caused negativity in the overall impact on the economy.

With all these hindrances to the living condition of the citizens, still poverty resides within the boundary of the majority. What will be the outcome of the Aquino Administration in the future? Time can tell, maybe positive or negative?

Well, really, can’t believe why I had to work in a faraway place while the Pork Barrel system makes them rich. I suffered discrimination because of chasing my dreams abroad; the dreams that I can’t find here in my own native land.

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World Cup 2014: Ramblings Of My Football Fanatic Friend #PersonalStory

"Football comes with a craziness inside of you," my friend told me when I suddenly bumped him at the mall. We dined inside the restaurant and still, he's uneasy that he wanted to tell me. Again, he looked at me and opened his pouting,kissable lips.

"It’s as simple as that. Nothing is as life-affirming as saying “because I want to.” But that makes this a very short article for you, you know. And I’d be cheating you of some valuable insights, isn't it?"

I nodded while sipping my beer thinking something different of my friend.

"So let’s start at the beginning. Football started in the Rudyard Kipling movie “The Man Who Would Be King,” starring Sean Connery. The bored but resourceful natives decided to get rid of the ruler by playing football in the King’s courtyard…using the King’s head as a football.

How I don’t know, but it became an event that involved the best 32 teams in the world, each team consisting of 11 grown men wearing satin shorts.

That’s my version at least, but the satin shorts are certainly one main attraction. Then there are the jerseys (we shopped, argued, bargained, and bought a set of yellow jerseys that retains heat like aluminum foil, but damn it, we look good!), the boots, the shin pads, the deep-heat cream and sunblock.

The football ritual I cherish is packing for the game. I prepare two days before, just in case the microwavable jersey isn’t washed properly or a sock is missing, I still have time to buy a new set.

And since I can’t predict the weather (it rains every time we play), I have to pack two pairs of boots – the six studs for wet ground, the 13 studs for a hard surface.

Then for 48 hours I watch football on TV. Watching football is one reason why I play football. Next to playing a great football game, the best thing in life is watching a fantastic match.

Another reason why I play football is because I hope, for one shining moment, to become Maradonna, Cartona or other great footballers. In reality, the gulf between them and me is like...it’s not even funny…it’s like a squirrel trying to play chess with Gary Kasparov.

Liverpool’s great manager Bill Shankley said it best. His famous mantra – “Football isn’t a matter of life and death, it’s more important than that” – is something only footballers understand.

I love to play because I’m hanging out with my friends, but we’re hanging out with a purpose. Instead of getting wasted, we’re there every Sunday to lay waste to any dumb schmuck who dares to challenge us.

Yes it does get personal, yes it does get ugly and violent sometimes, and on the field is where you discover the true worth of your friend, and your worth as a man. Are they going to back you up? Are you going to back down? They can talk the talk, will they fight the fight?

You can bring the girlfriends and wives to the bars, and our womenfolk also watch the games. On the field, however, it’s just us guys. Free from chores, talks, routines, laundry and cotton buds. Free to scratch your crotch, to spit, to cuss and to create.

Football’s visceral attraction for me is that it is all-consuming. There’s nothing like it, not movies, not sex, not parties. For 90 minutes when I’m on the pitch, nothing else matters.

I play because it makes me young. Because it makes me love my friends more. Because I want to.

Men often fantasize about all political and military disputes being settled by a football match. It’s not a bad idea, but then we’d all be ruled by Brazilians, wouldn’t we?

Free to samba everyday? That’s not a bad way to live...isn't if friend?"

I nodded again, thinking something crazy, and said to him, "Come, we need to energize."

He stood up at once and said, "Where to....World Cup 2014?"

I answered, "I'm a loyal fan of USA Football Team."


United States 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Roster


Player Position Club
Tim Howard GoalKeeper Everton
Brad Guzan GoalKeeper Aston Villa
Nick Rimando GoalKeeper Real Salt Lake
DaMarcus Beasley Defender Mexico Puebla
Geoff Cameron Defender Stoke City
Fabian Johnson Defender 1899 Hoffenheim
Omar Gonzalez Defender Los Angeles Galaxy
Matt Besler Defender Sporting Kansas City
Timothy Chandler Defender 1. FC Nürnberg
John Brooks Defender Hertha BSC
DeAndre Yedlin Defender Seattle Sounders FC
Michael Bradley Midfielder Toronto FC
Jermaine Jones Midfielder Beşiktaş
Kyle Beckerman Midfielder Real Salt Lake
Alejandro Bedoya Midfielder Nantes
Graham Zusi Midfielder Sporting Kansas City
Mikkel Diskerud Midfielder Rosenborg
Brad Davis Midfielder Houston Dynamo
Julian Green Midfielder Bayern Munich
Clint Dempsey (c)Forward Seattle Sounders FC
Jozy Altidore Forward Sunderland
Chris Wondolowski Forward San Jose Earthquakes
Aron Jóhannsson Forward AZ

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So, This is Young at Heart? #PersonalStory

Young Love Story


“He always seems to have a bone to pick when it comes to me?” thought Marie Ivy, while relishing the soft touch of breeze under a tree. She’s there for almost one hour, waiting for Jack Ramirez – her true love since childhood. She looks around and focuses her sight to a knife-carved-heart-shaped-image in the trunk of a tree. It’s written “Jack loves Marie”. She remembered that day when Jack kissed her softly and said the words “I love you” after etching the portrait. Also, on that day, she’s complete, assured of herself and happy for the love of Jack had upon her.

The clouds forming its shape into different forms, while the flock of birds flying in every direction. They’re flying to the tune of Marie’s heartbeat; a loving heart with no on else there inside – only Jack and nobody else. Even Marie couldn’t understand why the field with multicolored flowers swings to the tune of the soft breeze. “A lovely feeling and a lovely day!” murmur Marie while savoring the moment of her thought.

“Marie, you’re the only girl in my heart and I promise...that your love will serve as my inspiration and my undying love, be with me until the day we die.”

“Nobody can replace my love for you...and no one else in this world can stop loving you,” Jack pledged while embracing her and these words were whispered into her ear, feeling the rhythm of joyous warmth of her being.

She recalled that moment of happiness deep within her soul, that her love for Jack bounds no limit. She answered, “I love you too Jack...deep within my heart, you’re the only one I love...’till death do us part”, while embracing Jack tightly giving way to her unending love for him.

She looks at her wrist watch “Ten minutes past eight in the morning” she’s thinking silently feeling the restlessness inside of her heart. She compose herself and sit down comfortably reminiscing the past. Marie touches the trunk of the tree and wanders for herself, “It’s the tree who knows everything about our love and dreams. The leaves keep our secrets and the trunk witness the foundation of our true love with each other.”

Suddenly, she looks at a far distance, "It's Jack, my love..."

Yes, he comes for me... truly it's Jack Ramirez with a little angel together with his beautiful wife to say goodbye to her.

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You Can’t Lose Weight by Talking about It, You Have to Keep Your Mouth Shut! #PersonalStory

You Can’t Lose Weight by Talking about It, You Have to Keep Your Mouth Shut

As told by my “never-ending-fatty-guy” friend who loves to eat food and enrolled at famous fitness gym.

If you nod one chin and a couple more second the motion, you know it’s time to go on a diet. Unfortunately there’s nothing like a diet for improving your appetite. Nowadays though, there is no need to suffer alone because you can join a group and suffer with others. Organizations of weight watching thin people are out there ready and willing to help you fight the battle of the bulge. The first thing you have to learn is that goodies are the baddies.

Setting: Fitness Gym

At one meeting, an instructor held up an apple in one hand and a bar of the chocolate in the other. Tell me about this apple,” he said. “What are its good points in relation to our diet?” Hands were raised and answers like “low in calories,” “healthy” and “high in fiber” were offered. Then with a look of disdain he turned to the bar of chocolate and reeled off all its bad points. “Apples are not only far healthier,” he said, “they are less expensive. I paid 20 pesos for this one bar of chocolate.”
A plaintive voice echoed from the back of the room. “I’ll give you 50 pesos for it!”

At another meeting, one man was disappointed because he had only lost a few pounds in his first week. He told the others that a friend of his had boasted he’d lost ten. The instructor tried to encourage him by explaining that slow weight loss is likely to be more permanent.

“Is this friend of yours a doctor?” he asked.

“No.”

“A dietitian?”

“No,” the man mumbled. “I think he’s just a liar.”

Beware of cheating; you will usually be found out. While a man was attending a meeting of the Weight Watchers Club, someone broke into his car and stole a packet of biscuits and three bars of chocolate. Most of us only want to lose a few pounds or a stone or two at most. Consider the will power involved when these super slimmers’ decided enough was too much.

There are plenty of different diet books and internet offers on the market ranging from the obvious to the ludicrous. There’s the garlic diet, for instance, where you eat lots of garlic with everything: burgers, pizza, ice cream and even grilled chicken with unlimited rice – you don’t lose any weight but you look thinner from a distance. The pill diet, the 30-day diet is popular too – that’s the one people decide they’ll start…in 30 days.

Of course, there are a few hard and fast rules known to all regular dieters. For instance: (a) the calories in a bar of chocolate are cancelled out if taken with a diet drink; (b) if you eat something and no one sees you eating it, it has no calories; (c) when you eat with someone else the calories don’t count if they eat more than you do. Also, it’s a myth that the Heart Association has given out a diet that lets you eat hot dogs and ice cream and lose weight. A spokesman says this diet crops up every six months or so. They don’t know who starts it or why.

Salad is, of course, the mainstay of any diet and it’s a fact that it takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it in the first place. It’s just a pity that celery has all the flavor of polystyrene. At the end of the day it’s down to will power.

A friend decided that the way for him to stay fit and slim would be to take yoga lessons. He was determined to learn through self-discipline to stop overeating. When I asked if it was working, he happily replied, “Well I’ve gained five pounds but I’ve disciplined myself not to feel guilty about it.” There are a few alternatives to dieting; you could always place the fridge door handle two inches from the floor or solve your weight problem like never eating for a week or more.

And then, thankfully, there will always be people who accept the way they are. A fat man at a confectioner joked: “Inside of me, there’s a thin man trying to get out but I usually manage to subdue him with a couple of éclairs and a croissant. But, if you want to slim down and all this talk of dieting has made you feel hungry, remember those immortal words: “You can’t lose weight by talking about it. You have to keep your mouth shut!”

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Monster Under The Bed Story #PersonalStory

Monster Under The Bed Story

As told by my “macho friend” who has courage to turn upside-down the best fighter on our planet called Earth. He told me at:

7:00 am Sunday:

I woke up with a feeling of discomfort, knowing, that my bad dream last night bothered me a lot. I knew that somehow, dream isn’t real after all, especially bad dream. It’s my day-off today and I’ll be doing some planned household chores.
My wife kisses me goodbye and the two kids rushing to kiss goodbye too. She whispers in my ear teasing, ”We’ll be back soon and don’t forget your planned escapade”. I answered back, “Okay, enjoy the symposium and take good care of the kids.”

7:20 am:

It’s been 20 minutes past seven and I moved to start my first chore inside our room when suddenly, I heard an unusual sound coming from under our bed. I stopped for a while, not knowing what to do. The unusual sound continues that I ran to the door to open it, but it’s locked. I opened the window and I felt the cold breeze rushing under my skin. And, suddenly, I heard a thing crashing in the floor. I checked it and it’s the family portrait of my parents taken during my childhood days. The unusual sound continued, piercing my ears and as I stared at the picture, I remember my father, telling a story of the monster under the bed that stimulated my fear even stronger. I sat at the floor relishing my fear to subside. I asked myself. ”It’s a true story or not? The monster came back? Why there’s unusual sound under the bed?

7:45 am:

I composed myself thinking that I had to finish my chores before my wife’s back and to eliminate my fear. I pulled the comforter, bed sheet, pillows above our bed and slowly peeked under. Do you know what I saw? Again, I lay down in bed thinking my conclusion of the event.


8:10 am:

Really, I am 45 years old now, and children stories are not real. Amen.

8:20 am:

Therefore, my presumptions: That my wife locked the door with the intention to frightened me and storing the remote-controlled device under the bed. She knew that I am afraid (during my childhood days) the story of the monster under the bed. She switched-on the toy after leaving the house; and, the best of all with my conclusion: It means my wife intended me to sleep until they’re back! My wife truly loves me!

8:30 am:

Oppppppppppsssss! Before I forget, ahhhhhh, before I sleep again, today is my day! My wife needs me tonight! That’s a signal for sure! Who cares for the monster under the bed? Are you?

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Just Another Day of My Life as An OFW #PersonalStory

Just Another Day of My Life as An OFW In Dubai City


I complained to the personnel manager about the irregularities of the job procedures and the discrimination that loomed within the operations department that I was managing, but ironically, it was me, was branded as troublemaker. They couldn’t sack me officially because I hadn’t done anything wrong, but they made life as awful as they possibly could.

I couldn’t live with it all so I just left. I’d already been asked by another establishment if I wanted to transfer to act as an Operation Manager of a newly constructed food establishment. I’d decided I couldn’t go because of some personal reasons and government restrictions. But then I thought why not? I’ve nothing to lose. I went for another place which was just the break I needed, and I forgot all about my old job. The whole thing opened the door to other opportunities and I was able to think about what I really wanted. It changed my life for the better and I got out of the rut I was in.

My attitude is that if you have talent and you’re willing to have a go at different things, something like that doesn’t really matter. It’s only a few people’s subjective opinion of you, and others will think you’re great. You shouldn’t let it defeat you as long as you know you’ve done nothing wrong. And, if you’ve done something wrong and has been sacked, however, this is the time to admit it to yourself and do something about it in the future, whether it’s improving your job or life. But whether you deserved to be given the boot or not, you’ll still have the problem of explaining why looking for a job.

Unless you’re asked, don’t volunteer that you’ve been sacked. Gloss over it if you can. Say there were no prospects in the job – that’s true after all. Or, you can say you had to leave to find a job because there was no way of getting out for interviews. Avoid mentioning the bad things that will go against you. Some people feel duty-bound to confess all, but they shouldn’t. Concentrate on the positive things about yourself. It’s a blow to your self-esteem but you’ve got to look at the future and be positive.

It’s probably less of a blow to the ego when your department is made redundant and you’re not the only one who’s been picked out to go. It was easier because the whole line of business went, so whether I was good or bad never arose. But when you see your friends going to work in their suits, you still can’t believe that you’re not doing that job.

It really brings it home how fragile things are. Individuals are expendable. My motto now is “Be prepared.” I keep my management skills up and my living expenses down so if I was fired tomorrow I know I could live on what I could earn from my abilities. In today’s climate, you’ve got to be flexible. OFW job’s not permanent when you want the right thing for you to do. But if you’re a “yes-to-all –kind-of-person,” foreign employer will stick you at the bulletin board until retirement with further grave discrimination as a bonus.

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Summertime, Who Cares? #PersonalStory

Summertime, Who Cares?

As told by my “homebody-friend” who loved to stay indoors and promised not to spend his valuable time at the beach.

Summer time is difficult time. Sweat glands work overtime. Things get under the collar. The heat is unbearable. The dryness in the air is uncomfortable. And, the tendency to snap, with or without provocation, is only natural. That is the bad part.

But there is a good part to summer too – the silver lining to the “clouds” so to speak. And that is, there are many new and novel things one can do during this time. You only have to look around for options and watch out for opportunities.

You will find out that things are not as bad as they appear. In fact, while attempting to beat the heat, you may well be discovering a new persona in you and building up your self- image. And as it may well happen, you will not only enjoy the summer but even look forward to it next time.

Take to the water. The soaring mercury levels might have deprived you of the pleasures of jogging in the morning or walking in the evening or both. But never mind. There are other equally healthy diversions.

Swimming for example. Many clubs in your area offer, at about this time every year, discounts on memberships that entitle you, among other things, to a dip in the pool.

Or water sports. Try your hand at water surfing, ice skating or other water sports in your area. No matter if you have never worn that entire fancy outfit or handled all that fancy equipment. There is always a first time. And there are crash courses available that will put you on the right track fast enough.

Look around and learn. This is the time to update your professional skills. Try your hand on other computers lessons; photoshop, video making, blogging and internet browsing for other subjects you’re interested in. Or, join a language class – Chinese Mandarin, Arabic, French, German or English if you find there is need to brush up. Or how about music? There are good teachers in your area who provide private lessons for a moderate fee. There could be a hidden potential in you that may surprise even you. Guitat, Sitar, perhaps? Or piano…voice lessons?..or even plain old humming that could be honed, under the right guidance, to some singing skill that is truly professional.

In short, anything to experiment and to touch the limits of the unknown…even if it starts off with a limited purpose. It will not only drive the blues away but keep your disposition chirpy…even in humid days.

When you are on a voyage of self-discovery, you become charged and motivated. The beckoning goals become all consuming.

Who cares about the summer anyway?

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Please Forgive My Ignorance #PersonalStory

It's my day off that I went to Golden Fork, a Filipino Restaurant at Al Riqqa Street, Dubai City. I met my friend who joined me and we ordered Bulalo and bread. While waiting for our food, he told an amusing story, is it really amusing?

####

My experienced before the onset of this computer age. Right now, I can say that I am quite a bit awkward when I remembered those happy days, am I?

There comes a time in every man’s life when he has to accept the fact that he is just about as dumb as he looks. And there is no time when a person feels dumber than when he is shopping for PC.

I experienced this not-so-funny story of my life when computers were starting to engulfed the whole world including our place. And, here’s my story, long, long time ago.

To prove my point, and to earn the dubious distinction of being one of the last living human being to get on-line, I have spent quite a bit of time looking for a PC, which is, of course, the technical abbreviation for Pretty Confusing.

Computer shopping at that time can be confusing for one of two reasons: You do not understand computer technology and you really are an idiot. Unless you are a computer literate, which means you speak a language that in no way resembles English, it is virtually impossible to figure out what anything means. I offer as an example the following list of common computer terms, along with what most normal people think they mean.

1) Windows – those glass things on the sides of houses and buildings that you see outside.

2) Mouse – those creatures swarming our kitchen during the night.

3)Megabytes – huge mouthful of food

4)Power chips – those potatoes in fast food

That is why, when you are in a computer store and a member of the computer support staff is telling you all about a particular system and the hardware, and the accessories that is included, you will probably be standing there thinking, “This thing comes with a light generator or flashlight?” What you really need is a screwdriver – vodka, orange juice over ice – to help you get through this ordeal. In lieu of that I offer the following computer tips for dummies – people who do not know computer in today’s generation – which come with my personal guarantee: If you believe any of them, you are an even bigger dummy than I am.

1) Don’t try to hide your stupidity. The fact that you are totally ignorant about computers will be obvious approximately 1.5 seconds after you open your mouth. Instead, introduce yourself to a friendly computer salesperson and say; “I am a dummy.” Repeat this three times. Then prostrate yourself in front of him and beg for help. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a limbo.

2) Never refer to computer salespeople as nerds. Not only do they have feelings, but they are there to help you. And they can get terrible revenge for your insensitivity by hooking you up to a system that, with the right software, will blow your top the moment you log on.

3) If you do not buy a computer soon, you will die. That is because technology has advanced to the point where people cannot live without PC’s and it is a must.

4) When you finally buy a home computer, you should learn how to use it. The best way to do this is to go to Computer Dummy School. The store from which I am buying my wonderful new system, for example, offers a six-hour class for people who are just as stupid as I am. Or, find another person to teach you the basic of being a fool. And, of course, I’ll probably spend the whole time looking out the Windows, reminiscing “Oh that was long ago, I am crazy now.”

I smiled like Mona Lisa effect but deep inside I was laughing out loud (LOL). If you are reading right now, maybe, just maybe, you’re thinking that I’m using my home computer? You’re wrong! I’m using my sleek laptop with gadgets and accessories that I never imagined before.

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How to Survive When You're Sacked #PersonalStory

When my friend got sacked from his job, he approached me and we talked about it. While telling his "not-so-interested-story," I really had to show that I care, listening to him means a favor returned. His first sentence was:

"Getting the sack is far from being the end of the world." I felt guilty because I thought that he wanted to "throw the world" at me. But instead, continue reading.

Even if you don’t like your job very much, the last thing you want is to be sacked from it. Having the control over your destiny snatched away, finding yourself suddenly without an income, with no structure to the day and no friends in familiar surroundings, having to explain to future employers and the rest of the world why you weren’t wanted. It hurts and it’s messy.

The degree of hurt depends very much on your own resources and what you’ve got tied up in the job; someone whose sense of status is dependent on their position is going to take being sacked much harder than someone who derives their sense of worth from other, entirely separate things. And the person with a life-style (and debts) to go with the position is going to be more adversely affected than someone more flexible. But, however able you are to cope with the eventual outcome the moment the axe actually falls, even if you have been expecting it – always comes as a shock.

Even when in your heart of hearts you know it’s coming, you kid yourself for a while and think you must be paranoid. Even though, as I found out later, everyone knew when it finally happened it came like a bolt out of the blue. It was awful. I thought I was going in for a meeting to discuss some routine business and a few moments later I realized that business was me. It’s horrific to have to go through that.

Despite the shock I felt upset but somehow my instinct for self-preservation took over. I did felt damaged inside, but I used that time to work out what I wanted and managed to pull myself together. I went icy calm. I asked for an explanation, put my own case forward and maintained dignity throughout, which was good, it helped me think clearly. I said I should be paid off because I’d done valuable work. I knew work wasn’t the problem. This was politics. My new boss wanted his person in my place. I showed spirit and a sense of fairness, but I wanted compensation for what I’d been through.

I got the money right then – a very substantial amount. My superior just wrote a cheque. That sweetened things; it makes you realize you’re worth something. Really, it all went fairly decently and everyone involved was very pleasant about it. Employers want to be eased out of a situation like that because nobody likes it.

Surviving the actual sacking and getting what you think is fair... is one crisis over, but next comes the longer process of recovery.

The next six weeks were awful. You feel angry, shocked, depressed and miserable and you doubt yourself; it’s very upsetting being rejected. And I missed the place; you’ve lost something and you have to mourn. It takes time and you need to be easy on yourself and go at your own pace. At first I couldn’t look people in the eye. I was ashamed. But when I started telling others about what had happened. I found that lots of people had been in a similar position. That helped me cope. In my field of work these things usually happen because your face doesn’t fit, not because of incompetence.

After that I felt a sense of relief. It was summer and I was free. I had time to think out what I wanted to do next. And I told myself I was good. I had existed before and during the sacking and I was going to go on afterwards. So I thought of other ways of operating.

So, I did find another job of my interest and it was good for me. I got my confidence back. I hadn’t fallen off the edge of the world after all and I could keep plugging away. Also, I realized, I felt happier working in a big organization, so, after about a year, a well-paid job in a large firm was molding me positively.

After a half-hour-listening to this man, I felt embarrassed for what I'm thinking about...I thought the reversed otherwise.

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Strategies in Getting Rich #PersonalStory

A suggestion from my OFW friend who happened to be the most extravagant person in the world, negatively, a "nothing-to-prove" person but with guts to talk really big.


It isn’t easy to make a fortune the old-fashioned way, no matter what you’ve heard.

It means learning a trade, then slogging your way up the corporate ladder from cleaner to messenger to vice president, and so on. Nor is it any easier getting a bright idea and starting a business. Bright ideas by themselves are worth nothing.

Even if the idea is brilliant – like making small cars with giant rubber bumpers to reduce the danger and severity of accidents on the highways – it is a long road between conception and making a fortune.

So, why not make your fortune the easy way, by osmosis? No having to develop real estate, or drill for oil, or trade options – all those things you don’t have the foggiest notion about. All you have to do is sidle up to a proper billionaire, and “presto transfuso” you will make a fortune by osmosis.

Here’s how:

1) Selecting the Target: Identifying your target billionaire is the first order of business. This is complicated by the fact that many billionaires and millionaires are protected by phalanxes of secretaries and yes-men who guard them with their lives. You will have to get your billionaire on the outside, either when he leaves the office or when he is on vacation. There he is now. He is the little gentleman sitting in the back of the stretch limousine talking through a speakerphone to his driver, Simeon. He is telling Simeon that he wants to stop for a moment at a particular shop. It is now that you have to strike.

2) Positioning Yourself to Osmosis: The billionaire instructs Simeon to pull up in front of the boutique displaying the purple pongee polo outfit. You must move quickly. As soon as his car slows, you begin strolling in the direction of the boutique. As the billionaire walks up to the window, you move in close, right next to him. You can feel the heat from his cashmere hand-tailored jacket and the warmth from his Caribbean tan. He’s the genuine article alright, maybe $100,000 or $500,000 million or 900,000,000.00 Euros, etc. A big one. He’ll never miss a small fortune. Even his accountants won’t notice anything awry for a month or so. Gently, ever so gently, you bring your arm in contact with his. Not so he thinks you are strange or fruity, but just as if you are another interested party, a man of similar tastes and breeding who is also into purple polo outfits. There, you can feel it now, the sudden surge of power as hundreds of thousands of dollars course between the billionaire and yourself. It is a heady experience, and for a moment, you may feel flushed, as if you have earned it all yourself. Not to worry. You have not. You are still the same person you were, only richer as the moments go by.

When you think you have reached your goal – in this case a modest to large fortune – disengage from the billionaire just as smoothly and discreetly as you began, and move toward the curb. You will find a car and driver waiting for you. Your own car. Not as large or fine as the billionaire’s – maybe it’s a Mercedes and he has a Rolls – but a car and driver nevertheless, befitting your new station in life. Get in and say “Home Mike.” Perhaps when you run your stake into tens of billions, you can have a driver named Michaelangelo; but for now, it’s Mike.

In the second instance, you spot your billionaire while he is on vacation. Though your accommodations may be quite different – he has a penthouse suite, you have a modest single overlooking the parking lot – there are places at the Caribbean you have in common. The Rendezvous bar, for example – the one by the pool with thatched roof and the fantastic pina coladas. It is five in the afternoon, and the billionaire has left his yacht and is sitting at the bar with his two well-groomed blondes in attendance. Fortunately, the blondes are both parked to his left. You take the seat to his right and order a yellow bird. His ears perk up at the mention, and he wonders what a yellow bird is. When the drink arrives, the billionaire looks up.
“Excuse me,” he says, “but what is a yellow bird?”

“Try it,” you say. “It’s pineapple juice and 12 different kinds of exotic rums.”

You proffer your drink, as if to say, “Here, taste. Don’t be frightened.” Skeptical at first, the billionaire finally succumbs to his curiosity and reaches for the drink. It is at this moment that osmosis takes over. As the billionaire’s lips touch the glass and he drains some golden liquid from it, large blocks of stock from both the New York and American exchanges somehow are transferred to the glass and find their way to your account. They are not even on margin.

When you return home, you will be greeted with new respect by your broker. But for now, it will suffice that your room has been changed to ocean-view 12, and that an attractive brunette at the end of the bar is batting her eyes at you.

Making a fortune through osmosis is as easy as that. And now that you have the hang of it, you can meet billionaires and millionaires on vacation, in fancy restaurants, and at the club. In fact, that is why most people on their way up join clubs – so they can sidle up to other billionaires and continue to augment their fortunes. It is the American way? A Filipino way? Or, a worldwide phenomena? I suppose.

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Remembering Fashion Show Models #PersonalStory

I remembered my best friend the other day. She’s the most beautiful lady I’ve ever mingled with during my college days. She told me about what she felt while attending a fashion show – in a ringside seat. Read her musing, by way of “pouting your lips while reading.”


My trying-hard female friend’s musing about the fashion show and its models.

For a minute I thought the models had lost out. Or maybe I was facing the wrong way. The huge blot of passionate pink behind me deserved a second look, if not a few hundred more. Her dress, if I may refer to it in passing, was a magnificent monstrosity of ruffles, beads, ruches and stitches; her face a palette from one of Van Gogh’s particularly crazed moods.

Or should I turn my chair East, and face the multicolored splendor of “Pity-ya”? (Apologies to Michelangelo).

The 48-degree angle was also nice. Apart from the slight discomfort, owing to half-sitting on my neighbor’s lap. I would enjoy looking at the lady with white skin.

Or should I…

“Could you, for God’s sake, sit still lady?”

“I’m so sorry,” I say sweetly, “but I thought this was the real show.”


What is it about attending a fashion show that makes all of us declare war on sense and sobriety? As if attending a voodoo session, we dress and do up our faces to look like creatures possessed, who will any minute begin to writhe on the floor and roll their eyes to some throbbing mumbo-jumbo, as if to exorcise the little green monsters in the head. Thank God for the smudge-proof mascara, moisturizing eye shadow, and long-lasting lipstick. What would we do without these small mercies in life?

The thought of other women on stage, beautiful, lissome, with never-ending legs, dressed in exotic clothes, like rare birds of paradise fluttering provocatively on glossy branches, seems to rob us of all objectivity. Instead of being mere spectators to an event, we try to become the objects of attention ourselves.

There is nothing wrong with dressing to kill; it’s a happy death indeed that comes from the lethal arsenal of good looks combined with good taste. But when a public appearance becomes an occasion to plume one’s insecurities, the brighter the better, taste goes for a toss.

There is no point in envying the models on stage; it’s their business to look good, they are there because they look good. So, how about sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the show, instead of being in a constant state of anxiety whether anybody is looking at you or not?

Each woman has her own kind of appeal, and while it may not be the kind to set the sky on fire, it’s not going to work for her either, if she hollers the battle cry and dons war-paint every time another beautiful woman is around.

The idea is not to simply draw attention, that’s the easiest bait for anybody to bite, but to draw the right kind of attention, and that can be achieved by an honest appraisal of your looks, the suitability of certain fashions for your body, and a healthy dose of self-esteem.

And there are times when it is infinitely more pleasurable to put your feet up, give up the unequal struggle and enjoy a chance to see rather than be seen.

Like they say, if you can’t join them, dear readers, give them a big hand.

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