God-Given Administration

"Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way."

- Hebrews 13:17-18, NIV

May our LORD, Almighty God continue to bless you po, in leading His church to its salvation.  Your leadership inspires us to continue fulfilling our sacred duties to our God and to our LORD Jesus Christ.

Heneral Luna 2015

Isang linggo na ang nakakalipas nang mapanood ko sa sinehan ang pelikulang mula kay Jerrold Tarog--- ang Heneral Luna.  Nabanggit ko sa isang komento sa isang social networking site na nainis ako pagkapatos mapanood ang pelikula.   

Hindi na ako makikisawsaw sa isyu na tila naging highlight ng pagpapalabas nito:  ang tinanong ng isang estudyante (at naging komento ng napakaraming sumakay sa isyu) ukol sa hindi pagtayo ng karakter ni Apolinario Mabini sa buong kahabaan ng pelikula.

Inaamin ko na hindi rin ako gaanong maalam sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.  Kung mayroon man sa napakaraming pakikipaglaban natin sa kalayaan ang pinaka-tumatak sa isipan ko na itinuro sa akin sa paaralan, ito na sigurado ang mga panahon nina Gat. Jose Rizal at Andres Bonifacio--- ang huli bilang nakapanig sa mas mabilis at mas maingay na kilusan habang ang una ay pinili ang mas tahimik na paghihimagsik laban sa mga dayuhan.

Si Heneral Antonio Luna ay mas nakilala ko lamang ngayong napanood ko ang pelikula.  Sa likod ng pangalan na nababasa ko lang sa mga aklat-kasaysayan noon, tulad nina Apolinario Mabini, mas napakilala ng pelikula ang karakter at paninindigan ng mga bayani noong panahon ng unang republika ng Pilipinas.  At hindi lang mga bayani ang nailantad ng kwentong ito kundi maging ang mga maituturing nating "nagtaksil" sa inang bayan.  

Maganda ang produksyon sa kabuuan.  Hindi nakakabagot, hindi nakakainip.  Sa sarili ko lang na pananaw, mas epektibo marahil na naitawid ang mensahe kung hindi gaanong nahaluan ng 'komedya' ang pagsasakatuparan ng pelikula.  Marahil ay pilyo lang talaga ang bayaning heneral pero obserbasyon ko sa mga kasabay kong nanood (na karamihan ay mag-aaral), tila naaagaw ang atensyon nila ng parteng nagpapatawa kaysa malalim na mensahe na dapat itawid sa mga manonood. Hindi na rin ako magpapaka-teknikal.  Para sa akin, sapat nang naipakita ang mga "dugo" na dumanak maging ang ilang ulo na "sumabog" para mailarawan kung gaano ka-grabe ang sitwasyon sa panahon ng gera.  Hindi na mahalaga kung gaano ito ka-natural kapag nakita o sinuring mabuti.

Sa pelikula ay hinangaan ko nang lubusan ang paninindigan ni Heneral Luna.  Kung paano niya sinasagupa nang buong tapang ang bulok na sistema ng kasalukuyang gobyerno ng bansa.  Kung gaano kasigasig niyang nilalabanan ang makasariling ugali at pagkakani-kaniya ng mga Pilipino na silang dapat unang nagkakaisa para sa kapakanan ng sariling bayan.

Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ako nainis pagkatapos mapanood ang produksyon--- dahil ang sakit nating mga Pilipino mula pa noong unang republika (o marahil mas nauna pang panahon) ay siyang sakit pa rin natin ngayon at tila mas lalo pang lumala.  Ano nga ba ang magtutulak sa atin para ganap na maisulong ang kapakanan ng buong bansa natin at hindi tayo magkani-kaniya?  "Negosyo o kalayaan?  Bayan o sarili?"--- ang mga katanungang hindi madaling sagutin ng karamihan sa ating mga Pilipino.  Marahil madaling sabihin ang pipiliin pero ibang usapan na naman kung ito ay gagawin na.  Sa ganitong mga pelikula ay pansamantalang napupukaw ang damdamin nating makabayan pero paano natin pananatilihin ang alab ng damdaming ito hanggang sa makamit na nga natin ang isinisigaw ng alab na iyon sa kalooban natin?  Madaling mag-isip.  Madaling mangarap.  Pero gaano nga ba kahirap isakatuparan ang pangarap natin bilang isang lahi at isang bansa?

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Mga linyang tumatak sa isipan ko mula sa pelikulang Heneral Luna:

"May mas malaki tayong kalaban sa mga Amerikano--- ang ating sarili."

"Ganito ba talaga ang tadhana natin? Kalaban ng kalaban, kalaban ng kakampi? Nakakapagod."

Remembering Good Teammates (RGT)

the SUPER boss knows how TEAMS should be. Happy birthday, sir! :)

(FREE ADVERTORIAL)
by: Jon Magat

"There is no "I" in "TEAM""--- this one-liner has struck me the first time i read it.  I found it in my college choir's rehearsal room board, reminding the young ones on how a team should be.  This I felt in the numerous companies I have previously worked for, and the present is not an exception.  There are people who will remain in your mind and heart, not because of their personal achievements displayed on their job titles, but for the contribution they bring to your professional life.  This eventually affects your personal life as well, and gives a positive impact on how you see things around you.

An all-around guy.
In my 3 years of stay in the real estate industry, I have learned many new things.  Yes, this field is rather new to me, and having supportive bosses made learning a lot easier.  Here I met a boss who is like our projects--- "within reach."  He has a load-full of tasks in his hands but when you see and approach him, he is like our competitor--- "happy to serve!"  He faces the cameras pretty well too and when detractors get so active in pestering us, my boss also gets tireless in facing them bravely, like that investigative show in one network--- "hindi namin kayo tatantanan!"

A boss and a "father."
In spite of his busy schedule, he sees to it he has time for his team mates.  He is that "father" figure (pardon me but it's the essence of the title not the age, haha) of our department, and I know that he extends his time figuring out the things he is not really an expert at, just to give us the assurance that "we are all in this together."

A pro-friend.
He has a great contribution to my real estate career, that I can not deny.  Too bad, I seldom hear his LOLs anymore since he not only transferred department, he transferred to a different building as well.  But I am thankful that he still serves as my rants springboard ('coz everyone dear to me in the office have left me already).

To the jolly boss who is brilliant in all he does, happy birthday, Sir Richard G. Tay, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the support you have extended me, even if you are not my direct boss any longer. *cheers*

Mini-Family Reunion

It was fun visiting Jollibee-Ligaya branch once again as cousin Faith's firstborn son celebrated his 2nd birthday.  While the celebration was very near our place, it was delightful seeing some distant (literally) relatives attending the party.  Jameson and family came from Las Pinas, while Tita Peng and An's family drove all the way from Pampanga.  Of course it was extra good seeing cousin-balikbayan Faith who now works and resides in London.  My little girl enjoyed the party, participating in the kids' activities and even asking me to take photos of her with the mascots.  Marco had three mascots in his party!  Wow... gracing his 2nd birthday bash were Hetty, Twirlie, and of course, the ever-witty Jollibee!  Being the supportive daddy that I am, I stayed in front (activity area) most of the time to be with my little girl.  So I was called to participate when it was time for the parents' game.  It was a fun-filled gathering.

From leftmost top, clockwise: Aya with the birthday boy Marco and his parents; kids enjoying the game "my boat is sinking"; Aya with Twirlie; Aya with Jollibee; Aya with Hetty

After the party, wifey and I took Jameson's family to LRT-Santolan station where they will ride going back home.  My relatives' next destination is Tagaytay Highlands but too bad, we won't be able to join it since our little girl will be having her final exams this coming week.

Twelve.

a decade and two years of blogging: 03.03.03 stories...

Today marks the 12th anniversary of my personal blog, 03.03.03 stories... so much have been written, and over a decade of stories have been told.  My blog remains as it was--- simple, personal blog.  It neither converted into a marketing avenue, nor it became totally neglected.  I still feel writing about the things that are happening in my life, but this time less frequently as compared to the blog's earlier years.

My blog witnessed my life 12 years ago.  It served as my springboard to my rants, it served as the record of my life's momentous events, it recorded my childish thoughts, serious life-reflections, my heartbreaks, my happiness, up to my fatherhood.  While my blog continues to count years, I just had to smile whenever I turn back the pages of this online journal.  Too many memories, while you ask "where has the time gone?"  From 2003 to date, I had 5 jobs including the present.  That excludes the 3 different works I've done overseas plus 1 volunteer work.  I had 3 home addresses.  And I had numerous air trips, including a 16-hour "alone" international flight.  I witnessed one major "break-up" and within this twelve years, I have become more aware of the income-expense economics.  

I am amused with a one-liner thought that until now gives my face a good grin--- because it sums up the reality that each passing year brings to us.  When looking back at your journal gives you a moment to reflect, then smile... then wish that you could turn back those happy times, and take another course to avoid the lonely ones...

"It is amusing to note that everyday nothing changes, but when you look back, it's all different."

Thank you, blog, for being with me through the years.  Happy 12th birthday, 03.03.03 stories...

Gong Xi Fa Cai

I was strolling around Starmall during lunch break and I passed by this area where there's a Chinese New Year set up.  "Lucky" items are being sold and a tree with hanging "ampaws" is also present.  But what really caught my attention are the big Year Signs that forecast your 2015 "fortune."  I don't believe in fortune-telling but I always find it amusing.  Here's my year sign, and my 2015 "destiny" foretold:

Hahaha!! I just had to laugh at it especially the last item on the list.  Let's see. :P

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our Chinese friends and relatives!

Reminiscing The Good Old Times

Today, I went back to my alma mater.  This time, I was with my two girls.  The real agenda in visiting the old school was to proceed to Radyo Agila for a business matter.  Took my two girls with me while coordinating the live interview of one of our executive officers in the company where I am currently working.

Generally, it was a good experience.  My boss was fascinated with the facilities in Central (To God be the glory) and was impressed with the following of the radio program where he guested.  Tita Lou Medina hosts the weekly program, Gabay Ng OFW International, airing over DZEC 1062kHz, every Saturday at 8 in the evening.  The radio program talks mainly about OFW matters, news around the globe that affects our modern-day heroes, current issues concerning our overseas workers and other interests that OFW families may benefit from.

My two girls, especially my little girl enjoyed her stay inside the studio.  Perhaps a future in the broadcasting industry where her dad used to work?  Let us see! ;)

Looking back, I can just say that time flies real fast.  My little girl is now beginning to take a glimpse of what I used to do, and where I used to go during my younger years.  I feel happy about this.  My two girls seeing my "world" when both of them aren't in my life yet.  I'm sure they appreciate it just as I appreciate our past activities when we were still singles.

throwback... flashback... looking back... however you call it, it always feels good reminiscing the good old times. ;)

Catching up with grade school classmates

I am so excited to see my classmates from grade school, at least my grade 6 classmates.  I've been to three schools during my elementary years.  The last school I went to was also where I finished my high school.  So some of the classmates I met today were also my HS mates.  Nonetheless, it still feels different being in a group that identifies the grade school years.

I was texting Joy & Binky for the meet-up time and venue.  When I arrived in Bale Capampangan, I was delighted to see some of my classmates already there.  Good times catching up and being updated with each other's lives.  And of course, those memories that are worth re-telling... Lots of laughs!

with Frel, Kuya Dong, and Allin

with Joy & Binky

with Jeff & Albert

with Warren, Albert & Marlene

6-Olive class, UAGS: group photos at Bale Capampangan with dennis dj & ana marie - January 24, 2015

We planned for the next event:  the REAL UAGS grade 6 class '88 reunion.  We will be inviting the other section as well in this next event.  We only had two sections in grade 6 anyway and it will be great to see the others as well again. I hope we can also invite some of our teachers.  Looking forward to it!

First Iloilo Trip for 2015

At the height of the papal visit, I, together with two office mates, were tasked to report to work and get interviews from our stakeholders in Iloilo.  Not that I'm complaining but sometimes, I really am in awe how decisions, sudden at that, come at a very unpopular time.  Anyhoo, I get to offset my two-day official business, and yeah, get to see Iloilo again.

Parc Regency Residences offers the biggest subdivision swimming pool in Pavia, Iloilo.

My new experience for this Iloilo trip is having a bunch-full of selfies along Diversion Road.  I got the chance to walk from our city office to our hotel and the nice view of the bridge along the said road is very inviting for self photography:

"...you're my end and my beginning even when I lose I'm winning 'cause I give you all of me..."

This Iloilo trip is definitely not my last for the year 2015.  I am so looking forward to my birth month as I will be coming back to this province but this time won't be doing business matter.  Family time, yeah!

Another first for this particular Iloilo trip before I end my blog post today, Dinagyang fever:

Parc Regency Residences open House with theme:  Dinagyang Festival

Week Number 2!

Borrowing Toni Gonzaga's popular greet, "Hello Philippines and hello world!"  It is already the 2nd week of 2015 and just like that, week 1 has passed.  Still can't get over some of the news that the first week brought to us:

Paris Attack - at least 12 people died after gunmen attacked the offices of a satirical magazine in Central Paris.  More details of this story here: Journalists, police among 12 dead in ‘terrorist attack’ at Paris weekly.

Meanwhile, in Manila...

LRT-MRT fare hike - The Department of Transportation and Communications has increased the fares for both the LRT & MRT starting January 4th. Palace stood by the fare hike, citing improvements on the rail transit services.  But the public is displeased with this development.  The issue even reached the congressmen and senators and some of them are appealing to President Aquino to suspend the fare hike.

On another face of the news, oil price continues to rollback.!  That's is good news to all motorists but yeah, bad news for traffic.  I guess it is the balance of things.

Funniest news I heard so far this year is Kanye West diehards' ignorance of Paul McCartney. Well, joke or not, but the numerous tweets tell me these fans were seriously inquiring.  Whatever your take on this 'news,' for me it is head-shaking.  At an era where google is very handy, almost all questions in this world can now be answered.

my nephew enjoying the barbecue i grilled on new year's eve, 12.31.2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!