This side of Perry

Women's tennis album - Australian Open 2012

2012-01-27T09:12:00.000+08:00

Women's tennis album - January 2012

2012-01-18T22:26:00.000+08:00

It's more fun in the Philippines! - 2

2012-01-10T21:35:00.000+08:00

It's more fun in the Philippines!

2012-01-08T10:15:00.003+08:00

As soon as they released the new tourism slogan "It's more fun in the Philippines", doubters of our fellow Pinoys' originality immediately scoured the web for hints of what inspired it. Thanks to Google, critics are quickly led to vintage tourism posters from Switzerland.

And again accusations of plagiarism flew. But unlike in the Pilipinas Kay Ganda/Polska travel ad fiasco, I think this one is forgivable. Visually, it is not even close to the original posters, although admittedly, the same concept is used. Besides, the old Swiss posters are over 60 years old. If you search farther back, you will find an older (circa 1926) Swiss ad poster that says "In the Alps". Our tourism office could have channeled that into "In the Apo".

Definitely, the tourism officials/consultants could have been more creative. "It's More Fun in the Philippines", or IMF-Philippines. Could it be a Freudian slip or a subliminal message that the IMF controls the Philippines. Many will not disagree.

To the economists it could mean the International Monetary Fund. Movie buffs could mean the Impossible Mission Force.

The kidnap victims wish they'd be rescued by the IMF, while the IMF wish they could rescue the country.

The hostage thinks "I M F*cked in the Philippines".

The tourism department could also use the campaign "Come, there are MILF in the Philippines!" and I'm sure many will come.

But wait, we can still salvage the IMF franchise. We can refurbish it to say "Come, IMF^* in the Philippines!" and I'm sure many will come.

Onli in da Pilipins! Ahh, that could have been the better campaign slogan.
------------------------------
^*In My Face

Change your name, change your life?

2012-01-01T14:51:00.006+08:00

Image by jimmywayne via Flickr

An Internet site espouses a philosophy that gives a new insight into the "powerful influence names have through the mathematical principle." The website says hidden forces are revealed in a philosophy that combines the idealism of the east with the practicality of the west. They believe the energies in your names create your life, your personality, your likes and dislikes, your ideals, and the conditions and experiences you will attract. The Kabalarian Philosophy offer services and educational resources to understand their meaning, harness their power, and help you fulfill your life's calling.

So, what does 'Perfecto' mean? According to their quick on-line analysis:

The name of Perfecto gives you a clever, quick, analytical mind, but you suffer with a great deal of self-consciousness, lack of confidence, and much aloneness because of misunderstandings.
Your idealistic and sensitive nature gives you a deep appreciation for the finer things of life and a strong desire to be of service to humanity.
There are times when you experience inner turbulence at your inability to say what you mean.
It is far easier for you to express your deeper thoughts and feelings through writing than verbally.
You find pleasure in literature, in poetry, and in your ideals and will turn to them when you feel you have been misunderstood.
Although the name Perfecto creates an interest in the deeper aspects of life, we emphasize that it limits self-expression and friendly congeniality with a moody disposition.
This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the heart, lungs and bronchial area.

Cool! Though I'd say around 75% correct. What does 'Perry' mean?

The name of Perry makes you dynamic, restless, independent, ready to accept challenges, and outspoken.
You enjoy change, travel, and new experiences.
Reacting against injustice, you go out of your way to assist in creating fairness.
You are very creative and promotional, and work intensely to carry out your plans.
Though you have limitless enthusiasm for new ventures, you lose interest quickly once things become routine, as you dislike being forced to attend to detail and do monotonous work.
Although the name Perry creates an active mind and a restless urge to explore new ideas, we emphasize that it causes a blunt expression that alienates others.
This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the solar plexus, and tension or accidents to the head.

Whoa! Spot on. So if I'm blunt and I alienate others, is my name to blame? Nah! A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T08:07:00.000+08:00

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Women's tennis album - Laura Robson

2011-12-29T22:48:00.001+08:00

Women's tennis album - November 2011

2011-11-30T18:35:00.001+08:00

Pacquiao-Marquez III. A win is a win

2011-11-13T14:44:00.001+08:00

A win is a win but this one is disappointing.

I watched the Pacquiao-Marquez III fight at an SM Cinema. I was not feeling very well this weekend but I mustered enough strength to watch what every Filipino will be following too. As if a foreboding of things to come, the first fight in the undercard was boring and the satellite signal was jittery. This is not turning out right, I thought.

Then the main event started. The two fighters were tentative. It is as if after 24 previous rounds, both are still feeling out each other. The first quarter of the fight were like sparring rounds. Neither one would take it to the other. This is perfect for Marquez, I thought.

Marquez clearly had the blueprint on how to beat Pacquiao. He may have just exposed how to fight a swarming Manny. Crouch low, stick out your hands, stay out, and counter punch at will. Fight in spurts, don't tee up, limit toe-to-toe exchanges. Unlike against the taller fighters he fought before, Manny was punching low, not up. Bradley might learn a lot from this.

While the two seemed to exchanged toe-to-toe, with Pacquiao's superior hand speed, he seem to unleash more punches, but Marquez landed the cleaner, more accurate ones. The judges must have been impressed by the greater number of punches. If they had the benefit of slow motion replay, they will see that many of Manny's punches landed on air.

By the fourth round, I slowly sank to my chair anticipating an unthinkable Pacquiao loss. What if?

I felt sick again. The sickening feeling was exacerbated by the senior citizen on my left who suddenly became unFilipino. He started to root for Marquez. Jeering at every Pacquiao miss, and cheering for every Marquez connection. I wanted to ask him to shut up. Worse, I wanted to do to him what Pacquiao was failing to do to Marquez. At least I wanted to shout at him 'Pinoy ka ba?'. He might have just shot back at me, 'Oo, kaya doble cara ako!'.

By the 11th round, I thought Pacquiao had to knockdown Marquez to steal a win. No knockdown came but I think he did enough to salvage a merciful draw. When Michael Buffer announced the decision, I was to first to jump and whoop it up immediately after hearing the the words 'and still...'. Manny eked about a majority decision.

A split second after, the rest of the audience followed after realizing that our boy won. I whooped it up to the face of the unFilipino to my left. I was not surprised to see him wildly jumping and shouting too. He suddenly became a Filipino again. Typically Pinoy.

PS. If Marquez cannot accept the outcome of the first two fights, he will never accept this one either. He may have a point this time although this one's arguably a draw.

White hair chronicles - Smokin' Joe Frazier, RIP

2011-11-08T16:33:00.001+08:00

"Joe Frazier is the greatest fighter of all time, next to me", said Muhammad Ali. Coming from the greatest himself, that is the ultimate testament to the greatness of Joe Frazier.

Frazier and the heavyweights of his time hooked me to the sport. As a little school boy during the golden days of boxing, I was awed by the the size and power of the great fighters.

Ali was confident, brash, charismatic and glib. On the other hand, Frazier's silence could be mistaken for humility. In many ways, his smaller size compared to the giants endeared him to the the fans. He was the silent underdog.

I remember his fights with George Foreman. He was the little man but the favorite in those fights. Frazier won almost of his fights by KO, yet when he tangled with George it was as if he fought four men. He got clobbered with seemingly slow but definitely sledgehammer-like blows.

But Joe will always be associated with the Ali trilogy. The last fight being the Thrilla in Manila. Unlike in these days when people have to cough up hundreds of pesos to see the fights live on Sundays or else endure tons of commercials; fights in Frazier's time were shown live on free TV. And with no commercials, at all.

My father was going to watch the Thrilla live in Araneta. He had bleacher tickets that still cost a princely sum back then. The fight was held on a school day. I was in a government run school and we were still under martial law. Many students were also anxious about the fight, and to our surprise the usually uptight school authorities allowed us to watch the fight. They even provided a small TV.

It was great back and forth fight, richly deserving to be dubbed the fight of the century. Great result for boxing. But bad result for Joe Frazier. RIP, Smokin' Joe.

PacMan scores KO!

2011-10-24T21:23:00.000+08:00

click for image source:

The PacMan once again scores a KO (or in Tagalog nakascore kay KO). The latest 'victim' is a 22-year old culinary arts student Kat Ordonez (her initials are KO, see?).

News reports say that the PacMan attended the baptism, actually he was the godfather, of KO's son. Gossip flew that PacMan was really the child's father. Immediately, denials were quicker in coming than Pac's 1-2 combos.

I'm sure Pac has stood as ninong to countless children. But why is the paternity of this one being attributed to him? And why does the issue refuse to die despite the denials of all concerned?

It could be one or any combination of the following:

Filipinos are by nature gossips.
The PacMan has done it before. In 2003, he admitted having a one-night stand that led to a love child, and a legal battle.
The more they deny, the more are revealed. They denied the Krista affair, but now Jinkee said "I trust him, because he promised he will not get involved with anyone anymore after Krista [Ranillo]." So, there was really a Krista affair!
Jinkee offered a Hermes bag as reward for proof that there's another woman. She seemed so cocky sure no one can prove anything. But now with preponderance of circumstantial evidence, she says she was joking.
Jinkee reacts by saying "Suwerte ko I'm the original, not the other woman.". So there is another woman!
The baptism (and the reception) was a hush-hush affair, even to Jinkee, who was not made ninang.
The boy is named King. PacMan has daughters named Princess and Queenie.
The other ninongs are PacMan's close friends, Lito and Phillip.
Filipinos are quick to notice Pac's resemblance to the children (I can't tell, though).
This is all just a ploy to distract Pac in his preparations for the Marquez fight.
Add your reason here.

Women's tennis album - October 2011

2011-10-19T22:00:00.000+08:00

White hair chronicles - Dennis M. Ritchie, RIP

2011-10-18T22:01:00.000+08:00

Dennis M. Ritchie passed away just a week after Steve Jobs died. In a week's span, the world lost two giants of the computing world. But Ritchie's death almost came unnoticed. Maybe the world was still mourning for Steve. But most likely, the world hasn't heard of Dennis M. Ritchie. Who is he anyway? To the non-techie, the low-profile Ritchie is the creator (along with Ken Thomson) of Unix and the C programming language (with Brian W. Kernighan). Unix, of course, is the precursor of Linux and MacOS (there's the connection to Steve); while C is the language which is perhaps the most widely used programming language.

I tried to learn C back in the old days, when the world has not yet heard of Linux. I had the C Programming book which was cheap, thin and printed on newsprint unlike today's expensive, thick, glossy computer books. It was simple, but elegant. I also had the similarly printed C-Answer book.

I originally thought that Kernighan was the father of C, since he got top billing in the book (K&R C). Through wikipedia, we later learn that Kernighan actually attributes the design of C entirely to Ritchie.

No doubt Dennis Ritchie was low-profile, as indicated in the billing of their book. Despite his legendary contributions, few knew about him. I read somewhere that if Gates or Jobs are the Buzz Aldrins of IT, then Dennis Ritchie is a Michael Collins. His role was equally important even if he stayed away from the limelight. Now, the young ones will ask who the heck are Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin? But that's another story.

Goodbye, Steve. RIP

2011-10-06T09:01:00.003+08:00

"Death is very likely the best invention of life. All pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure, these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important." - Steve Jobs (1955-2011)

Goodbye, Steve. RIP.

The Ten Most Hated Jobs

2011-10-01T15:51:00.000+08:00

A recent article at CNBC draws on a survey of hundreds of thousands of employees which determined the 10 most hated jobs. Despite the hard job put in by teachers and nurses, it may be surprising that they didn’t make the list.The jobs in the list are not the low level jobs. The survey found that limited growth opportunities and lack of reward caused more dissatisfaction than the low pay, long hours, and thankless tasks.

The pain then, is psychological. It’s the lack of direction and meaning in what they do that is the problem. People know that they are capable of contributing more but the hierarchical bureaucracy prevents them from doing it.

The Ten Most Hated Jobs:

Director of Information Technology
Director of Sales and Marketing
Product Manager
Senior Web Developer
Technical Specialist
Electronics Technician
Law Clerk
Technical Support Analyst
CNC (computer numerical control machines, e.g., lathes) Machinist
Marketing Manager

I know a friend who though not from an IT department, performs IT tasks for his group. He can claim to perform four (maybe more) of the jobs listed above. He must hate his job, I thought. When asked about it, he said the respect of his peers and co-workers keep him going. The top heavy bureaucracy bears down on the staff and only the deep camaraderie and the common desire to contribute make the employees function. Wow, their director of IT must be hating his/her job more, I assumed. On the contrary, my friend says the managers love their jobs as much as the staff hate them. The clueless supervisors/managers can go on leave full time and it won't make a difference. My friend hopes they give it a try.

Floyd may not weather Manny

2011-09-20T05:30:00.000+08:00

For all his posturings about him being the greatest, Floyd Mayweather, Jr.'s refusal to commit to fight Manny Pacquiao betrays his insecurities about losing that 0 loss record. While the whole boxing world wants to witness the fight, Floyd himself wants none of it. In news item from Reuters.com, Floyd said he doesn't need Pacquiao.

Despite his masterful but controversial conquest of Victor Ortiz, Floyd talked about his dominance in the past tense. "I don't need him. Where was Pacquiao in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 when I was dominating the game? He never asked me (for a fight) when I was in my twenties or when I was in my teens." For the information of Floyd, who is now 34, in 1996 Manny fought at 113 pounds or 18 below Floyd's fighting weight then.

Floyd added that "a fighter just don't get to 25 years old and all of a sudden he becomes great," referring to Pacquaio. Maybe he just heard of Pacquiao when Pacquiao was 25 in 2004. At that point, Pac still fought at 126 and Floyd at 135. Pacquiao's star was on the rise having begun the streak against Mexicans that earned him the Mexicutioner tag. But Pacquiao's ascent to stardom actually began 2 1/2 years before when he wrested the crown from Ledwahba.

Maybe Ortiz before the headbutt made Floyd realize what pressure Pac can bring to him. Maybe Floyd suddenly felt he can be hit now. That's why he is keeping his distance. Shrewd kid.

Mayweather-Ortiz shows Floyd true side - good, crude, and rude

2011-09-19T05:31:00.001+08:00

I spent P501 yesterday to watch the satellite feed of the Ortiz-Mayweather tiff at the Gateway Cinema. It was money well spent. The undercard was superb. I finally got the chance to see young Mexican legend in the making, Saul Canelo Alvarez, fight. His handlers seem to take good care of his young career, careful not to feed him to the old lions just yet. At this point, he still doesn't have what it takes to get past the likes of Cotto and the other veteran super welterweights.

I also got to see Erik Morales fight again. At this stage of his resurrected career, watching him fight is like watching an old Erik Morales fight in slow motion. His body, though not flabby, doesn't have the abs present in most other 140 pounder. His is the body of an old man. He won convincingly against a late substitute but not after being threatened in the early rounds. I'm glad he won the race to be the first Mexican to win titles in 4 weight divisions. He does not have the same arrogance exhibited by Barrera and Marquez.

Now the Mayweather-Ortiz fight started out as the mismatch indicated by the 5-1 fight odds. No matter how hard Ortiz tried, he cannot get inside the crafty defense of Floyd Jr while getting repeatedly pummeled with hard rights. In the 4th, he managed to get Floyd on the ropes but he was still not connecting cleanly. In a fit of disgust, maybe, he intentionally head butted Floyd, promptly earning him a point deduction. Then the bizarre happened. He apologized-kissed Floyd-touched gloves-tried to kiss Floyd again-while the referee glanced towards the timekeeper-and-BOOM-BOOM-Floyd connects with a 1-2 left right combo that floors him.The left photo shows a clueless Joe Cortez.

It was not an illegal punch. The headbutt was illegal. But the ending soured further Floyd's image. It was sucker punch, but worse than the one Floyd did to Mosley. And of course Ortiz, with a guaranteed US$2.5 million, won't protest the outcome. It was inevitable anyway. The bizarre events just made ended it sooner.

The fight should be an eye opener for the PacMan-Roach tandem. They should prepare for Floyd's fast right straights. They should plan ways to penetrate the shifty shoulder rolls. And most importantly Pac should learn to always put his hands up to prevent those sucker punches. In the Mosley fight, PacMan acceded to all the Mosley touch glove gestures. Against Floyd, he should touch gloves with arms straight out in front.

I stayed on to watch the post-fight interview. Floyd went into an expletive laden rant against veteran broadcaster Larry Merchant. He initially rambled on about thanking God, blah-blah, but Merchant cut him off to ask why despite being in control of the fight he had to resort to that unfair 1-2 combo. Then Floyd shockingly began his tirade. Perhaps it was his way to avoid the tough questions about the Pac fight.

This just shows the true side of Floyd. He is a good fighter, probably the best of this era. In the eventual Pac fight, Floyd will be the odds-on favorite. But this also shows the true nature of Floyd. In the run up to this fight, his supporters attribute his aberrant behavior to his marketing savvy. They say his bad boy image sells tickets. Maybe. But what about his cheap shots? He sucker punched Mosley too. When asked about his behavior and his unexciting fights and his avoidance of a Pac fight, he throws off in a rant. He is not selling fights in those post fight interviews. He just shows who he really is.

Now compare that to Pacquiao. Pac touches gloves when asked. He even picks up opponents he just floored. At times he refuses to knock out a completely helpless foe but still manages to give an entertaining fight. When asked about a possible Mayweather bout, he replies gracefully about it being a promoter's job and fighting who is lined up for him.

Compared to our Pacman, Floyd the fighter is good, but as sportsman, he is crude and as a human being, he is rude.

Women's tennis album - US Open 2011 part 2

2011-09-10T07:29:00.001+08:00

Women's tennis album - US Open 2011

2011-09-03T07:14:00.000+08:00

Women's tennis album - August 2011

2011-08-26T19:31:00.001+08:00

White hair chronicles LXVII - Acronyms pa rin!

2011-08-16T21:42:00.008+08:00

The nostalgia brought by UPCAT and school acronyms lingers. I remember acronyms shared over inuman sessions then. As those drinking sessions were ever smoke-filled, drinkers thought of what the cigarette brands really mean. And here are the cheesy acronyms:

CAMEL - Can A Man Ever Love?
CHESTERFIELD - Come Home Every Saturday To Eat Ripe Fruit In Every Lonely Day
HOPE - Hold Onto Prayer Everyday
MARLBORO - Man Always Remembers Love Because of Romance Only

After a few bottles, the cheesy, romantic acronym discussions will turn to foreign places:

BURMA - Between Us, Remember Me Always.
CANADA - Cute And Naughty Action that Develops into Attraction
CHINA - Come Here I Need Affection
EGYPT - Everything's Great, You Pretty Thing!
FRANCE - Friendships Remain And Never Can End
INDIA - I Nearly Died In Adoration.
ITALY - I Trust And Love You
JAPAN - Just Always Pray At Night
HOLLAND - Hope Our Love Lasts And Never Dies
KENYA - Keep Everything Nice Yet Arousing
KOREA - Keep Optimistic Regardless of Every Adversity
LIBYA - Love Is Beautiful, You Also
RUSSIA - Romance Under the Sky & Stars is Intimate Always
YEMEN - 'Yugyugan' Every Morning, Every Night

Of course, local spots are just acronyms, too:

BALIWAG - Beauty And Love I Will Always Give
CEBU - Change Everything But Us
IMUS - I Miss U Sweetheart
MALABON - May A Lasting Affair Be Ours Now
MANILA - May All Nights Inspire Love Always
PARANAQUE - Please Always Remain Adorable, Nice And Quiet Under Ecstacy
PASAY - Pretty And Sexy Are You
PASIG - Please Always Say I'm Gorgeous
TONDO - Tonight's Our Night Dearest One

And it will get hotter:

PHILIPPINES - Pump Hard. I Love It! Please! Please! I Need Erotic Stimulation

A few more bottles and the talks will turn naughty. Here's a supposed coded message of OFWs returning home. The husband will just say PLDT in the voice tape. And it means:

PLDT - P*ki Linis Dating T*ti

The joke continues - the wife in turn, will telegraph just one coded word, BPI, which means:

BPI - Bilis, P*ki Inip

Then the discussions will focus on the print on the amber bottle.

SAN MIGUEL PALE PILSEN BOTTLED BY - Sa Aming Nayon May Isang Gago Uminom, Eh Lasing. Pati Ako Lasing Eh, Pati Ikaw Lashing, So Eng Nangyari Bawat Order, Trouble Trouble Lashing Eh! Di Ba? Yahhh!

Of course, the word acronym is just another acronym:

ACRONYM - A Coded Reduction Of Names, Yielding Meanings

White hair chronicles LXVI - Taga UP Diliman ka kung...

2011-08-15T22:01:00.001+08:00

More than a week after the UPCAT brought down a flood of memories, the reminiscences continue to pour. thanks to the Facebook page Taga UP Diliman ka kung... that has gone viral. Less than a week old, its members has doubled to over 17k over the weekend.

Nostalgic former UP students posted their memories of their Diliman days on topics ranging from their student numbers to their favorite professors. The hottest topic continues to be the one started by Bibeth Orteza. Her post 'E paano namang nabububuko kung matanda ka nang taga-UP Diliman?' elicited close to 2k comments so far.

A very funny post, to UP students at least, is about the acronyms of other schools. To my friends from other schools, please don't take this against UP people. After all, you may say UP stands for Useless People.

Anyway, the newest favorite FB page of UP Diliman people jokes that the acronyms stand for:

ADMU - Ang Daming Mali sa UPCAT;
DLSU – Di Lumusot Sa UPCAT;
UST – UP Sana Tayo;
FEU – Failed Exam sa UP;
MAPUA – Meron Akong Panaginip: UP Ako;
PUP – Pekeng UP;
CEU – Cannot Enter UP;
St. PAUL – Sana Talaga Pumasa Ako sa UPCAT, Lord;
and my favorite,
UE - UP ng mga ngongo.

White hair chronicles LXV - UPCAT and other memories

2011-08-06T14:31:00.002+08:00

In a note in their cool Facebook page, Diliman Republic gave some sensible advice to parents of UPCAT takers. The thread comments remind me of my own UPCAT days. Much more now, 'cause I'm at the University Shopping Center whiling my time away via this post, while waiting for my son to finish his stab to be admitted at the country's premier university.

When I took the UPCAT many years ago, I don't recall having traffic extending all the way to Quezon City Hall. The Ikot ride cost only 15 centavos and there were no Toki rides yet. The jeepney fare from San Juan to Katipunan was 25 centavos. There were Manila Bus (the Love Bus), JD (with wooden bodies), and DM (rolling coffins) buses. I particularly liked the JD because its lower ceiling made the overhead rail easier to reach. I was much shorter then. Taxi from Cubao to Diliman was just P5.

By daily allowance then was just P5 but it afforded me transport fare and lunch at Rodic's. There were houses in Area2 that offered unlimited rice. Some burly students pay just P1.50 for a plate of menudo spiced with chili sauce to make it last all the way with five plates of rice.

I also remember the first time I set foot on the campus. The expansive UP Campus would hold anyone in awe. The grand buildings where many great, brave minds studied and taught are inspiring. I was still in grade school then when my father, on a nostalgic mood, took me to the campus and told me, 'This is where you'll study college". My reaction was "Ang layo naman". Our house was within walking distance to my elementary school and UP took forever to reach. Imagine passing from Araneta Avenue to Quezon Avenue with almost no traffic but in a seemingly endless sea of grass. Parang field trip sa layo. There were not many buildings then along Quezon Avenue. It was just cogon in the Bopis Center (Kidney Center, Heart Center, and Lung Center). The BIR road was not even there yet.

Fast forward to present. UPCAT review centers command big business now. The say less than 20% of the throng who patiently waded through traffic and human lines make it. Many office buildings line up East Avenue, Quezon Avenue and Katipunan. Traffic won't make your trip a breeze. Taxi from Cubao to Diliman will set you back by at least P100, more if you have the bad luck of being stuck in traffic, much more if you have the double bad luck of chancing upon the batingting powered taxi meter. Nowadays, Mang Inasal and other food establishments have rice-all-you-can promos.

Times have changed. The world has gotten smaller. But the crowded UP Campus will still hold anyone in awe. The grand buildings where many great, brave minds studied and taught are still inspiring. After all, UP is still the premiere school.

Women's tennis album - Wimbledon 2011 part 3

2011-07-02T11:24:00.005+08:00

Women's tennis album - Wimbledon 2011 part 2

2011-06-28T06:36:00.000+08:00

Women's tennis album - Wimbledon 2011 part 1

2011-06-24T15:56:00.000+08:00

White hair chronicles LXIV - Jose Rizal@150

2011-06-22T21:43:00.004+08:00

The younger kids now know who Jose Rizal is but it stops at that. My generation is replete with stories of Rizal's genius and love for country. We remember the tale of Rizal throwing his remaining slipper to the water after losing the other half in the currents. There are also the tales of the moth and the lamplight, how he made champorado from left-over rice, how he operated on his mother's eyes, how he excelled in fencing, the arts, and in writing, and how he dramatically faced the muskets when he was executed.

Many stories maybe are apocryphal. That's the stuff that makes heroes, anyway. But notwithstanding Veneration Without Understanding, Rizal is our hero. And in this age, we need heroes that transcend time, politics, and personal desires. The fact that the Americans sponsored Rizal's ascendance to the exalted throne of National Hero does does not diminish his achievements and heroism. Nor it does not make him undeserving to be called such.

Rizal's being born from society's upper class does not preclude him from being the national hero. His martyrdom alone continues to inspire. Such ability to inspire has no class prerequisite.

So to remind my family, especially my two sons, aged 14 and 8, of who Rizal is, we trooped to the Luneta last Sunday. My young sons personal heroes range from Rafael Nadal to John Lennon to Ozzy Osbourne. We were surprised that despite the inclement weather, throngs of student were also there. I told my sons, that when Rizal turns 200, a bigger celebration will be organized. Perhaps they will also be at Luneta with their grandchildren and they should tell them that here lies a man whose heroism is truly profound. He did what he did despite the grim consequences, not for revenge or personal ambition, but because it was the right thing.

Women's tennis album - June 2011

2011-06-20T21:17:00.003+08:00

White hair chronicles LXIII: IBM and La Salle @100, Pinatubo@20, Duran@60

2011-06-19T23:12:00.000+08:00

Last June 16 was an important day for several reasons. This white hair chronicler's penchant for trivia was whetted by the anniversaries occurring on this date. While the younger set might not see the significance of these events, I have witnessed history made by the celebrators of this date.

First, IBM and La Salle celebrated their 100th anniversary. Because of its proximity to my house, maybe I would have studied in La Salle if I had not been accepted in my original choices for high school and college.

I have used IBM machines for the longest time. While I typed my thesis on an IBM Selectric typewriter, my younger office mates have not used a typewriter at all. In college, I learned COBOL programming using punched cards. Punched cards were a major source of IBM's revenues. The university computer then was an IBM mainframe (I don't think there were other brands). Then at later work I also used IBM's AS/400 using AIX. Then of course much later, IBM/Lenovo laptops.

Roberto Duran, a very durable fighter whose career spanned 5 decades, celebrated his 60th birthday. Today's fight fans see fighters who carefully select opponents to preserve their records. Duran belonged to an era where everyone fought everybody else. Those were boxing's golden days.

And of course, we remember June 16 as the date of Mt. Pinatubo's explosion. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the explosion that helped slow down global warming for at least several years and changed our landscape (political and geological) by forcibly ousting the Americans.

Women's tennis album - French Open 2011 part 3

2011-06-04T06:56:00.001+08:00

Women's tennis album - French Open 2011 part 2

2011-06-01T14:02:00.001+08:00

Women's tennis album - French Open 2011 part 1

2011-05-29T07:31:00.002+08:00

Women's tennis album - May 2011

2011-05-23T06:31:00.001+08:00

The Pacquiao Non-Knockdown in Pictures

2011-05-18T18:24:00.007+08:00

The following screencaps of the 10th round Pacquiao knockdown in the Mosley fight show that it was really not a knockdown at all. Referee Kenny Bayless later apologized for the miscall. Mosley stepped on Pac's foot, and as Pac stepped back, Mosley pushed (not punched) Pac away.

The 'knockdown' woke up PacMan and it made the remainder of the fight interesting. He was already in the middle of the ring several seconds before the start of the 11th, eager to resume the fight, while Mosley's seconds were still on the ring.

Despite the call, two of the judges gave PacMan the round, while the third gave it to Mosley 10-9. PacMan can do no wrong.

If PacMan seemed to grope for the right combinations in the middle rounds, he definitely groped Paris right after the fight. PacMan is a god.

Manny Pacquiao deified

2011-05-11T06:02:00.001+08:00

What Manny Pacquaio wants, Manny Pacquiao gets.

When PacMan demanded yellow gloves for the Mosley fight, yellow gloves he got, even if traditionally only black or red gloves are used. He also requested his fans to wear yellow to support what he calls the biggest fight of his life - the fight to eradicate poverty. And us fans wore yellow alright as requested.

Ironically, PacMan's declaration of war against poverty came at the heels of the news that he is now the wealthiest lawmaker in the country and the news (yes, it made news) of Mommy Dionisia's request for a multi-million peso designer bag. And with the U$25M earnings this time, he has undoubtedly won his fight against his own poverty many times over.

PacMan should have pounded on Shane to drive home several points. One is that his new metaphorical weapons, the yellow gloves, are effective. The second point is that he is more effective in beating fighters that Mayweather has also beaten.

The metaphor was lost in this fight. The soon-to-be-40 veteran Mosley was clearly overmatched against PacMan. It was a shame mostly, is how many describe Sugar's performance in the sweet science of boxing that led fans to bitterly boo on occasions. If PacMan is to fight Filipino poverty like he fought Mosley, many will be unsatisfied with the end result. Pacman was too chummy with the opponent that they spent more time giving high fives than exchanging blows. While it can be said that Sugar shamed mostly himself, Pac could have pressed on more. Statistics show that he threw fewer punches here than in previous bouts. Pac landed only 727 punches in this fight compare to the more than 1,200 in Clottey and more than 1,000 vs Margarito.

Is this a sign that PacMan might be slowing down? Thoughts like these are heresies to Pac diehards. They refuse to admit that it is possible at all, even when most athletes peak at 30 and start a downhill decline after that.

The omnipresent PacMan is at the forefront of many things. He sings, he acts, he guests at talk shows, he endorses products, he has numerous business interests, he parties, he plays ball, he is a politician. He is everywhere, revered by all.

When he gets angry, people tremble. Kenny Bayless, the referee that has umpired Pac fights the most number of times, may have done his last Pac fight when he erred in calling a Pac knockdown. He immediately apologized to Pac when there was no need to do so. The ringside judges were so in awe of Pac despite the lackluster fight that they disregarded the knockdown ruling. In any other occasion, a knockdown merits at least a 10-8 score. As indicated by the scores, one judge gave a only score of 10-9 for Mosley, while the two others still gave 10-9 to PacMan.

PacMan can do no wrong.

Women's tennis album - April 2011

2011-04-29T16:05:00.000+08:00

White hair chronicles LXII: 50 years of human in space

2011-04-15T17:34:00.000+08:00

This week marks the 50th anniversary of man in space. On April 12, 1961, Russia's Yuri Gagarin made a 108-minute orbital flight aboard the Vostok 1. Gagarin's short stature (5'2" or 1.57m), on top of his outstanding training and intellect, made him the prime candidate for the post, considering the space challenged (pun intended) cockpit of the spacecraft.

Today, commercial space tour flights are just around the corner. Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic accepts booking for a place in their future space flights. Tickets are at a hefty $200,000 (8.7 million piso) or about the price of two second hand luxury cars of Pnoy, or half of Mikey's purported share in the SFO house that he sold. Come to think of it, Mikey and wife can go buy tickets to space with their earnings from the sale.

Summer's here! Fire prevention reminders should stay.

2011-04-13T18:29:00.000+08:00

After saying last month that summer will be delayed, Pag-asa finally declared that summer is here. The weather agency advised that summer has officially started. It further said that summer will be cooler this year, and boldly predicted that a wet Holy Week looms. How's that again? Is Pag-asa back to its hopeless ways?

The weather really seemed fickle in the first quarter. Not that we're complaining. The cold spell lasted a bit longer early this year. Then some parts of the country got flooded due to heavy rains. Then summer got late. Pagasa attributes all these to climate change.

But through it all, Pagasa sustained the credibility it got after a change in management early in Pnoy's term.

With summer delayed, I think the government should sustain or reiterate this April the fire prevention consciousness efforts traditionally made during March. The light material in many houses are tinder dry by now. I noticed that there are more fires this month than in March.

I hope the prediction of a wet cuaresma holds true. Until then, how about running those fire prevention reminders again?

Women's tennis album - March 2011

2011-03-31T20:34:00.001+08:00

Truly the most gullible people in the world

2011-03-26T07:52:00.002+08:00

The mosquitopress.net is obviously a parody blog site. In its own little way it manages to give a big stinging bite. The short, light-hearted posts (it's a tumblr site, a microblog platform) merit a long thought and hit their target heavily.

One of its posts claims that a Harvard study ranks the Philippines first among the world’s most gullible races.

Now, do we really need a study to verify that? Undoubtedly not.

Proof positive that we indeed are the most gullible race is Ms. Carmen Pedrosa, a Philippine Star opinion column writer. She picked up the mosquitopress post and opined that "...we better take it seriously. ...We are gullible because we are not able or do not question information. We prefer to believe what other persons tell us."

Congrats, mosquitopress.net. Hahaha.

When in Lucena...

2011-03-08T06:38:00.007+08:00

My three day working trip to Lucena went well. Although there is already an SM mall here, I think the city is still untarnished my urban amenities, making my trip here a welcome respite from the city sights.

Going to Lucena, one can take the wifi-enabled bus. Yes, there is such a thing - the JAC Liner on Kamias, Quezon City. The wifi can take off some of the boredom of the four hour bus ride.

While in Lucena, you can stay at Star Garden Tower Hotel. There are other bigger hotels but this cozy setup along Quezon Avenue is within the vicinity of most other places of interest in the city.

One must try Buddy's. Their specialties are the noted pancit lucban and longganisang lucban. Aside from these two staples the restaurant also offers an eclectic menu ranging from pizza to chicken barbecue.

There are the ubiquitous McDonald's and Jollibees, but still to invade this peaceful city are the coffee shops and pizza inns. Instead, Lucena is also home to Zymurgy Cafe. The Lucena young crowd frequent this thriving shop. Their specialty is the spicy ribs, which comes in varying degrees of hotness ranging from 1 to 9. I thought of going for the 9, but my dinner companion who hails from Bicol went for the 5. I thought if someone from Bicol takes 5, it is best to be modest and also take a 5.

The spicy ribs no. 5 was very good. But I feel I could go for no. 9. That's what I'll have next time.

White hair chronicles LXI - Amparo Munoz

2011-03-03T06:39:00.001+08:00

In the '70s I was a young student at a government-run school. We were made to line up along Quezon Avenue in Diliman to wave and cheer at a motorcade of Miss Universe contestants. So, very early on I was part of the hakot brigade. Instantly I liked two contestants, Miss Finland (Joanna Raunio) and Miss Spain (Amparo Munoz). So, very early on I had an eye for beauty and I knew I preferred tisays. And back then, I knew how to pick winners. Miss Finland went on to win runner-up honors to the eventual Miss Universe, Miss Spain. My concept of beauty has changed over the years, but the two beauties are still etched in my mind.

Miss Finland made a movie here in the '70s where she played a mermaid. Nerds back then had cheap thrills at the quick side breast glances and the inevitable nip exposures. After her brief local movie career, nothing much was heard of her.

But Miss Spain always stayed in my generation's consciousness. The Internet helped a lot in that. She usually crops up in the news because of her nude movie appearances and the apparent sad life she lived after being Miss Universe.

This white haired chronicler is once again reminded of Miss Spain Amparo Munoz because she died last Sunday, February 27. May she rest in peace.

Women's tennis album - February 2011

2011-02-28T07:33:00.004+08:00

White hair chronicles XL - EDSA@25 Parang kailan lang

2011-02-24T12:29:00.004+08:00

At EDSA's silver anniversary we will relive the stories that made the event an international icon. Parang kailan lang, I was a young government employee, part of the hakot brigade ferried to support Marcos in the Batasan canvassing. Partly as childish mischief, I transferred from the silent hakot wing to the noisy and boisterous anti-Marcos side. Our delegation head mildly chastised me for endangering myself and his job if government agents (he said there were many) were taking photos. But more than mischief, I felt it was my Filipino duty to show whose side we were on. We have found our voice and it was rising to a deafening crescendo. It is now time for us to speak that one voice again.

Parang kailan lang. The images I remember are juxtaposed to today's realities -Jim Paredes' hair are all white now. Joker Arroyo now a grumpy old man. Enrile is still at the center of government after jumping from side to side. Kris Aquino has gone from sweet to sour (may asim pa?). Gringo from Rambo to hiding to Senate. The Marcoses from bitter to bittersweet, back in the power center. Ferdinand Marcos from heel to hero (malibing kaya sa Libingan ng Bayani?). I have gone from black haired mischief maker to white haired mischief maker.

If VP Binay decides to allow Marcos' burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, I propose to change the name of Libingan ng mga Bayani to LBM (Libingan ng mga Bayani at Marcos), to express dissatisfaction at an excretably sh*tty move.

Parang kailan lang. The generals now in the controversial military fund scam must be young captains or majors then. Presumably they were reformists but one of them went from Ligot to limot, I hope he goes straight to Lagot.

Parang kailan lang. Our iconic revolution has become a model that many nations will emulate even 25 years after. Myopic historians will use what happened to us two and a half decades after as counter arguments for similar uprisings. It is our duty to make the spirit of EDSA matter. It is a positive development in history despite the many negative events that transpired hence.

Parang kailan lang. Many will argue that we have not changed at all. Maybe! But even with perceived failures or unfulfilled promises, we should not forget what EDSA was all about, lest we drift back to silent apathy.

Congrats to the Filipino Flash

2011-02-23T06:19:00.002+08:00

Congratulations to Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire for the very impressive win over the feared Mexican warrior Fernando "Ko-Chulito" Montiel. The screen caps show the grotesque shape of Montiel's head at the moment of impact of the fateful left hook.

I was rooting for Donaire but I was half expecting a Montiel win despite his being a huge underdog. It turned out that the more than 2-1 odds was well deserved. What was surprising was the quick violent ending.

I think the referee erred in allowing the fight to continue after Montiel seemed to beat the count. Maybe the referee, when he motioned Donaire to a neutral corner, didn't see Montiel's convulsive twitches. But when Montiel fell again as he was trying to get up, it was enough again to stop the fight. Then when the dazed Montiel didn't respond when ordered to come forward, it again should have been enough to wave off the fight. But instead, the referee just wiped the gloves and let the fight continue. Only when the hapless Montiel defenselessly ate two more Donaire bombs that the fight was stopped. Had the fight been closer and went on longer, I'm sure that referee would have done Montiel more favors.

Lost in the euphoria of the win are the side stories leading to the fight. There were rumors that Donaire was a pound overweight and was given an hour to shed off the weight. The rumors led to speculations that he could climb the ring dehydrated. It could also be the reason why the odds dropped from 4-1 to 2-1.

There was also a slight issue over the hand wraps, reminiscent of the Margarito-Mosley fight. Donaire tweeted that Montiel's camp asked a re-wrap. I'm not sure how he tweeted with a gloved hand.

What's next for the Filipino Flash?

He dislodged Sergio Martinez for third place in the pound-for-pound list. He is the youngest in the top five. With Pacquiao and Mayweather (inactive) advancing in years, he is ready to be the top P4P. Experts give him good chances over the younger kids in the top ten like JuanMa Lopez. He might be on top for a long reign.

I hope there's an alias change. There's been a Flash before, Flash Elorde, the most successful Filipino boxer before Pacquiao stormed the scene. The Filipino Flash monicker for Donaire is doubly unimaginative.

Next, I hope he reconciles with his family. No matter what.

I also hope he talks less. I know he walks the talk. But he talks too much. Sound bites are better. Talking less will also make him sound more humble. Stay humble. Don't be airy Donaire. The fans will love you more.

A warrior comes clean in last battle for honor « Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

2011-02-12T18:59:00.004+08:00

The final words of Angelo T. Reyes
A warrior comes clean in last battle for honor « Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

White hair chronicles XXXIX - Mubarak, from hero to heel in a generation

2011-02-12T08:12:00.002+08:00

I was still in school when Egypt's Hosni Mubarak swooped into power after Sadat's assassination. Like a rock, Mubarak, has not moved from that position for close to thirty years now. In 1986, a few years after Sadat's sad death, we toppled our own immovable rock. We'll be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the event that inspired many other peaceful revolutions including this one in Egypt that removed a rock.

Back in those days, Mubarak, a war hero in his own right, heroically kept the peace that Sadat pursued. Mubarak's strong rule tactics maintained the peace. And in so doing, his nation and the world tolerated his clinging on to power.

The immovable rock eventually gave way to the irresistible force. We don't know if Barack told Mubarak to move like when they asked Marcos to cut and cut cleanly a generation ago.

Back then my niece was born. This year, she is about to become a mother herself. From hero to heel in a generation.

From Hello Angie to Hero Angie?

2011-02-11T07:38:00.007+08:00

I got your back, Ma'am

For whatever his reason might be, Angelo Reyes' suicide should not make him a hero. He was a hero alright in his stint in the military For that alone he should be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. But please don't make him a hero for stalling the corruption investigations.

Those playing the sympathy card now in the light of the corruption investigations are doing the nation a disservice. Reyes deserved his day in court, they say. But he didn't want it. He didn't want to be investigated. In fact, he tried to stop the investigation by filing charges against the senators. He was asked to attend another hearing on that fateful date. But he begged off, only to take his own life.

When accused of receiving pabaon (send off money), all he could say to his accuser was "Ako ba'y naging ganid? Ako ba ay suwapang?", as if reminding his accuser that he shared the loot generously. That to many is a tacit admission.

If the investigations stop, his death makes him a hero only to the masterminds and beneficiaries of the corrupt system. Ironically, he will be a true hero if we ferret out the truth and cleanse the entire system in the course of the investigation and the ensuing legislation. I don't have problems with that.

Yet another women's tennis album - views from down under 3

2011-01-31T06:00:00.001+08:00

Yet another women's tennis album - views from down under 2

2011-01-25T05:40:00.001+08:00

Yet another women's tennis album - views from down under

2011-01-20T14:40:00.005+08:00

Yet another women's tennis album

2011-01-17T05:40:00.002+08:00

First for this year. The lull before The Australian Open 2011.

Puerto Princesa, Palawan, December 2010

2011-01-16T15:15:00.007+08:00

Some pictures from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, December 2010. The rest of the album is here.

Crazy. Karma is a b****.. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!

2011-01-13T23:44:00.006+08:00

No one is on Lebron James side in the way he handled his split with the Cavaliers. That is until they started winning and the Cavs owner and fans became cry babies.

Maybe Lebron thought he found redemption when the Cavs lost badly last night. That's when he thought karma caught up with the Cavs and he bitched about karma being a b**** via a tweet.

Lebron's team ironically, promptly lost their next game, shutting down the chance to break the NBA's longest road win streak. The Cavs may have the latest laugh but they should forget attributing James' loss to karma. And this is not a post about karma getting James. Filipinos have a verb for it. Nakarma. I see a lesson here. I don't want karma to come after me.

UPDATE: In the loss, Lebron injured his foot and they lost their next game.It looks they need Dan Gilbert to rant to bring karma back to him and for Lebron to get out of this funk.

The new generation currency, not perfect, but still very good

2010-12-21T10:42:00.001+08:00

The recently released new generation currency was immediately showered with ridicule in the blogosphere. Expect PNoy bashers to pick this up and heap it upon the other perceived missteps of this clumsy administration. Such is the power of the blog, social networking sites and freedom of speech (and to nitpick).

Imagine if we had blogs and social networks back in Marcos’s time. People could have howled against the misspelled scientific name of the Philippine eagle on the 50-centavo coin. We did not. Instead, folks collected them to try to cash in when it becomes a collector’s item. I lost my collection and as far as I know, it did not become rare.

What’s wrong with the new bills? Nitpickers say the new 500-peso bill does not precisely pinpoint the Puerto Princesa Subterranean Park on the inch-tall Palawan map. They won't forgive the use of a bigger marker to locate the site. They also point to the more obvious error in the location of the Tubbataha. But nitpickers must understand that the marker would have been obscured by the small mother of pearl design had it been near the correct location. A security feature would be lost and printing over the marker would be more difficult.

The critics also lament the missing Batanes island. A nitpicker wonders why Batanes, a very beautiful place, is not on the currency. Placing a dot that would be Batanes would make the map even smaller on the 2.5" tall bill. Maybe he has an idea how to depict the beauty of Batanes on a dot. Some purists also decry the color of the beak of the blue naped parrot on the 500-peso bill, as if the bill is a page off an ornithology textbook.

The taxonomists may have a point. Scientific names are italicized - to denote that they are scientific names and not the local names. Perhaps the bank officials have not read anything with scientific names, or if they have, they are not perceptive enough to notice what the taxonomy purists say. But the taxonomists are overreacting when they demand a pullout. The upper cased second name is forgivable. It is correctly spelled. Even if the scientific name is not italicized, it does not appear on the same line as other names. Its placement below the local name suggests (to me, but maybe not to bank officials) that it is a scientific name. Besides, the wikipedia article they refer to say that while the first name is always capitalized, the second name is not. That means the second name is not always capitalized, meaning there are times when it could be capitalized. It's a different matter if it said 'the second name is always not [capitalized]'.

The overreaction against the new currency overshadows the enthusiasm shown by Rico Hizon when he emceed the introduction of the new bills at the Palace. All these negative attitude over the new currency is even more misplaced than the Tubbataha on the bill.

This is your currency, deal with it.

All you nitpickers, if you really feel strongly against the new money, please give all your new bills to me. They are ok with me.

White hair chronicles XXXVII - Kenkoy

2010-12-04T05:52:00.003+08:00

The Facebook campaign to change one's profile picture to a cartoon character from his childhood caught on among many of my FB pals. The campaign says it is an invasion of memories and aims to stop violence against children. Though I still don't know how that helps, I changed my profile picture to Kenkoy.

I remember Kenkoy from Liwayway magazine back in my grade shool days. Today not many knows who he is. Perhaps even some remember Kenkoy as the character in Mike Hanopol's Mr. Kenkoy. But Kenkoy came way before that. In Pinoy idiom kenkoy connotes a funny man.

Turning to the trusty web for the roots of Kenkoy, we stumble to this blog. The blog says Kenkoy "was a debonnair, bombastic, irreverent, hilarious, and best-loved ... "' Kenkoy's outfit kept up with the times but his trademark hairstyle, slicked back and reflecting a four-paneled window, remained. I think Kenkoy best personifies Juan dela Cruz.

Women's tennis album - Elena Dementieva

2010-12-02T11:41:00.001+08:00

My second favorite tennis player, Elena Dementieva, has retired at 29. She never won a major but she won the singles gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She reached her highest ranking (no. 3) just last year. She retired as world no. 9. To my mind she was at the top 2 in the beauty department when she retired last October, just behind my favorite Ana Ivanovic.

Biggest jackpot won

2010-11-30T05:40:00.001+08:00

Finally, the biggest lotto jackpot has been won! A lone bettor placed a bet on the 6 winning numbers and won more than 3 quarters of a billion pesos. Wow! That will make someone extremely happy while disappointing millions who now have their dreams of winning shot down. Many people have lost a small fortune chasing down that jackpot

Malacanan's decision to take back control of the PCSO is right, considering the legalities around it. But I think it was ill-timed. They should have waited for the jackpot to be won. In the previous administration, whenever a big jackpot was won, many people believe that the Palace had a hand in it. This time will not be different.

I contributed largely to the pot. I won some but I bet some more. I also churned out lots of statistics on the winning numbers. I will post them later.

White hair chronicles (XXXVI) goes to Lubang

2010-11-29T19:21:00.002+08:00

This white hair chronicler went to Lubang Island last week after being last there 18 years ago. I spent vacations there many summers ago. The white hair generation remembers the splendid island's claim to fame, Japanese WWII soldier Hiroo Onoda, who was found there 1974 after hiding in the jungles from the end of the war in 1945 until his surrender. A brave, if not lonely, straggle for 29 years.

My mother traces her roots to the island. I went back because a grand aunt died. She was 92. She used to be the eldest person on their street. The distinction now belongs to her younger brother, 87. Their father and mother both born in the 1800s lived up to their 90s. This white hair chronicler surely has the longevity genes.

The island is smaller than Siquijor. It has better beaches but is less developed for tourism. Needless to say, it has tremendous tourism potential. An evening at Lubang night is very similar to Siquijor's, minus the blaring videoke bars. A roll on-roll off boat takes you there from Manila's Pier 6. Once you set foot on the island, you'll feel transported back in time. Just 6 hours after boarding the boat at the hustler-filled pier, laid back Lubang lifestyle will lull you sleep.

I stayed a mere 15 hours. I will be back.

low tide

el fraile

their version of the tricycle looks like a baby jeepney

Lotto winners by the numbers

2010-11-19T06:20:00.003+08:00

Using available data from PCSO covering the lotto (6/42, 6/45, 6/49, and 6/55) draws from January 2, 2002 to November 19, 2010:

Number of draws - 3,039.
Number of draws jackpot was won - 649.
Number of jackpot winners - 908.
Number of times with more than 1 jackpot winner - 171.
Biggest jackpot won -PhP 347,836,903.20 (shared by 2 winners on Feb 22, 2009)
Smallest jackpot won - PhP 3,000,000 (2 times)
Most number of winners in a draw - 21 (they shared the PhP 4,748,265 jackpot on Feb 27, 2007)

These numbers suggest that during GMA's term, Filipinos steadily learned how to predict lotto winners. From 55 winners in 2002 winning an average of close to PhP 23 million jackpot, the number of winners grew to a high of 160 in 2007, averaging just over PhP12 million in jackpot. The number of jackpot winners in the last 6 months of GMA equals the total for the year 2003.

This means there is an unsung GMA legacy. There were clearly more lotto winners under her. The numbers do not indicate that there are more bettors. Conspiracy theorists smell a stink and they have other theories.

Pacman gobbles up the money too!

2010-11-17T06:29:00.003+08:00

While many Pinoys queue up in snake lines to chase the 450+ million peso lotto dream, Pacman, in pocketing $20M, earned an equivalent to TWICE that jackpot in his latest fight. He even got shortchanged by PhP40M because of the rise of the peso. And he did that by beating up a known cheater who ridiculed his friend and trainer's illness. Talk about being paid handsomely while getting revenge.

The only sensible fight for Manny now is against Mayweather. There is no use in fighting an even bigger guy next. Who could that be? Sergio Martinez? Paul Williams? or Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.? Shane Mosley? I think Chavez Jr. is too green but he makes up for it by being huge. And his being a another Mexican can make the fight very marketable.

Or, Pacman can fight the welterweights again. Perhaps they should have a derby like the middleweight super 6 to determine the next Pac opponent. Berto, Alexander, Bradley, etc. should participate.

A Mayweather fight may not materialize. Just yesterday, Floyd had another run in with the law. Meanwhile, Pacman's star power has reached the TMZ. The gossip website carried a story about his injuries in the Marg fight. The website had earlier posted a video of Manny's star power when he was mobbed by fans at LAX.

Here are screen caps from his recent fight. The man in blue Pacman shirt looks like Kenneth Duremdes. In the next picture, the lady beside Jinkee looks like Dra. Belo. Then in the last photos, we see the smile on Marg's wife turn to a concerned look before the fight ends.

Update: There are those who think that this is the best time for Manny to hang his gloves and quit sport altogether. He is on top of his game, his legacy and body are well intact. There is a Facebook fan page set up for those who think so too. Visit the page and click on like if you share the same opinion.

Pacman gobbles up the Tijuana Tornado

2010-11-15T06:22:00.001+08:00

As expected, Manny Pacquiao won over Antonio Margarito, despite giving up 17 pounds in weight, 5 inches in height, and 6 inches in reach. Margarito is the biggest opponent Pacman ever faced, while Pacman is the smallest Margarito opponent in 15 years. The sportscasters who covered the fight never ran out of superlatives in talking about our sports hero. This should goad the egoistic Mayweather into accepting a fight.

The victory will be the talk of the town for at least a week. We will be discussing not just the boxing win per se since the Pacquiao phenomenon transcends over many aspects of Filipino life. Pacman's interest in show business, other sports, product endorsements, and politics mean Filipinos will be talking about many other highlights of the fight.

- The inclusion of politicians in his entourage leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Panira talaga ng eksena pag kasama ang may sabit.

- I saw an overly excited Kenneth Duremdes waving a flag in the crowd.
- Dr. Belo is doing a tremendous job on Jinkee. She now looks prettier than her identical twin sister.
- The singer who sang the Philippine national anthem was doing it right until the last 2 words, but I'm nitpicking.
- Still the surest way to make men stand erect is make voluptuous blondes wearing pekpek shorts sing the national anthem.
- Margarito's son looked nervous before the fight but his parents were beaming. Perhaps he knows what happened to Pac's previous victims. His parents surely know what 3 million dollars is.
- Pacman may have indicated that he is losing interest in boxing. He did not go for the knockout and said they are not there to kill each other. What happened to the killer's instinct that Pacman fans knew?
- Pacman is a big loser from the appreciation of the peso. His 20 million dollar purse is now effectively 40 million pesos lower. But it is still like winning the biggest lotto jackpot ever twice over.
-Pacman is the man! Unlike before the Barrera fight when nobody, even Michael Buffer, cannot pronounce Pacquiao, everybody knows how to say Pacquiao.
some photos from Yahoo

GrandLotto 6/55 odds - 1 in 28,989,675

2010-11-11T18:02:00.000+08:00

Lotto Game

Lotto 6/42

MegaLotto 6/45

SuperLotto 6/49

Grand Lotto 6/55

Numbers in Pool

Chosen

No. of combinations

5,245,786

8,145,060

13,983,816

28,989,675

Amount needed to bet for all combinations

P 52,457,860

P 81,450,600

P 279,676,320

P 579,793,500

The biggest jackpot prize ever in Philippine lotto will go to the Grand Lotto 6/55 bettor(s) who will conjure up the winning 6 number combination from a pool of 55 numbers. The total number of possible combinations is just under 29 million. The odds of winning are insane, but more insane odds were those of the defunct PowerLotto 5/55+1, which the Grand Lotto replaced. In the old Power Lotto, the odds are 1 in 35 million, and a ticket costs 50 pesos. The Grand Lotto tickets cost just 20 pesos. The old PowerLotto gave the least bang for the buck.

Despite the odds, expect dreamy eyed Pinoys to queue up the betting booths. Even more perplexing are the multiple winners that normally crop up in the megamillion draws. Whenever multiple winners share the top prize, many believe that Palace people, especially in the previous administration, dipped their hands into the money pool. But people don't mind and continue to dream on. After all, 20 pesos can buy a dream.

White hair chronicles XXXV - Wellness is in, all for a happy ending

2010-11-03T20:22:00.001+08:00

I had some quick local travels to various destinations these past few weeks. I noticed some peculiarities which I didn't notice in the places I've been to before. For instance, Tacloban now implements jaywalking laws and I think it has the most number of drugstores per capita. Tuguegarao must have the highest density of tricycles in the country. Cebu is open to businesses that Mayor Lim enjoys closing. Legazpi, a very clean city like Palawan, has many unabashed tricycle drivers/pimps.

A common denominator in all these cities is the apparent wellness (read: massage/spa) boom everywhere. I saw many establishments have sprouted all over the country. A friend has even taken a new short-lived career as a manager of one of these services in Metro Manila.

I think no city beats Dagupan city in this aspect. I saw at least a spa/massage clinic in every block in downtown Dagupan. And they are fully booked well into the night. That's a sharp contrast with General Santos City. Sure there are massage/spas around but they don't have the level of activity as in the other cities.

It's been a generation since the initial massage business boom back in the college days of this white hair chronicler. The industry now has taken a more professional tack. There is no more stigma in being spotted within the vicinity of Lighthauz, Emerald, Maalikaya, Crown, Macho and the like. This white hair chronicler and his generation indeed truly need the soothing experience the wellness spas offer. A happy ending is still welcome.

Now, that's a good business name. Happy Ending Massage Parlor - HEMP. ;)

White hair chronicles XXXIV - A gleek not too glad with Glee

2010-11-02T06:16:00.003+08:00

I like Glee. Not just its music but also its effort to foster tolerance of gays, minorities, unwed moms, and (musical) geeks. Filipinos have added reason to like it with the entry of Charice.

I am surprised that not a whimper has been raised by some sectors on the oversexed themes of late. I thought the show got away with it last season. Now it pushes the envelope further.

I am no prude and I have no problem with the mature theme - if the show is about adults or at least college life. There is a wealth of comic material in oversexed characters. I love the adult characters and situation in The Big Bang Theory and How I met Your Mother. But Glee is about high school although the actors are definitely beyond their college years. Our high school students are 12-16 years old. Are we saying that the Glee culture is acceptable behavior for our high school kids?

Ok na sana, may miss lang! (It would have been okay, but for Mai Mislang)

2010-11-01T09:44:00.003+08:00

Many welcome PNoy's push for the use of social networking sites in governance. After all, Filipinos are early adopters. But I'm sure nobody foresaw the diplomatic faux pas that can ensue from over confident government underlings.

Definitely, Mai Mislang was out of bounds when she tweeted her displeasure about the wine served at the state dinner. Her tweet about the crossing Vietnam's streets as the surest way to day can be forgiven for it could have reflected more on her non-ability to properly cross a street. Her tweet about 'walang pogi dito' was in Tagalog. It might not immediately offend the Vietnamese as they can counter - maganda ka ba? - 'Bạn nghĩ bạn là đẹp? '

I doubt that the Vietnamese would have noticed her tweets if not Filipinos had pointed them out first. Who among the Vietnamese follow her anyway? But trust some Filipinos' ability to find ways to denigrate a countryman. Much more so if she works for PNoy.

Mai Mislang has since deleted the offensive tweets. She has even deleted her account. Even her Facebook account is deactivated, at the least. She has apologized. She has learned her lesson the hard way. Her immediate boss, Ricky Carandang, has swept the matter under the rug. Vietnam didn't mind the tweets at all.

It is the social networking people who are quick to pounce on PNoy and his team. Not long after Mai's apology, a bogus Facebook account surfaced. If this gathers critical mass, Mai will be back to singing the blues in no time.

White hair chronicles XXXIII: Back from bangus country

2010-10-31T10:30:00.000+08:00

I just came back from a four-day travel to the bangus capital. Early on in the trip, I was excited to partake bangus concoctions that Dagupan City has to offer. Our group's eating communally allowed me to sample bangus done tocho, salipicado, sisig, kilawin, steak, and of course the trusty daing. By the second night I had bangus up to my ears. I am starting to grow a bangus belly.

Our dining group have senior citizen-card bearing members. But even if all the senior citizen cards have been presented, the waiters invariably ask if all cards have been given, apparently asking for mine.

The white hair also commands preferential treatment. On the way back to Manila, we stopped by Calasiao to buy their famed puto. Our motley group of a dozen or so buyers swarmed a stall among the so many lined up along the block. I was at the back of the throng that rattled the sales girl. I asked how many pieces were in a kilo of puto, yes they are sold by weight. Being at the back, I expected to be attended to much later. I wandered down the block to survey what other fares were sold. But in no time at all, those in front of the line were calling me to go back. Apparently, the rattled sales girl had prepared a kilo of puto and kuntsinta for me. She said it was the order of the matanda or old man.

Is Manny losing focus?

2010-10-27T06:41:00.001+08:00

While on official travel to Dagupan City (where Lenox Hotel is the place to stay-their rooms are really spacious), I read this morning that everyone's alarmed over Manny Pacquaio's shape into weeks before his fight against 'Chea-tony' Margarito.

Well, everybody from his promoter to his chief trainer and the press. But of course, not Manny himself and his throng of sycophants. At 31, Manny has reached his peak. Is he now on the inevitable decline? He was unable to dispose off Clottey early in his last fight while sustaining welts himself. Is he just losing focus because of his numerous commitments? Anybody else would focus on a $15million job, with prospects of twice more if the Gayweather fight happens.

When Manny said while deep in training that he misses Congress, it's an indication that his mind is starting to wander off. Maybe he just misses his wife, who looks even better now after a procedure under Belo. Whatever it is, Manny should train his mind and body towards this fight. Congress and Jinky can wait.

White hair chronicles XXXII - the latest in fashion, the pekpek shorts

2010-10-19T06:12:00.006+08:00

My generation has been around long enough to have witnessed the rise in hemlines to the plunge of the necklines to the baring of the midriff to the exposure of the back to the haltering at the top. All these invariably meant more skin uncovered. The lesser fabric used was a bonanza to skin whiteners and lotion product makers.

The latest fashion trend I noticed, skimpy as it is, does not necessarily expose more epidermis. Formerly often seen just in women's tennis and volleyball, it has transcended beyond the courts onto regular Filipina fashion. It divulges the bulges and gives men the urge to pedicure camels. The crotch, er, the crux of the matter I am talking about is pekpek shorts.

Known elsewhere as skinny shorts, the even shorter versions are aptly renamed as pekpek shorts around here in Manila. Vulgar as it may sound, people unabashedly and frequently use the term. It will be in the mainstream in no time at all, if it isn't there yet.

There is a Facebook fan page for it. There is an urbandictionary.com definition for it. Google returns a whole lot of pictures about it. Here are some.

Hopeful for Pag-asa

2010-10-18T12:24:00.001+08:00

This space has been been a tough critic of the state-run weather bureau. We ran a series of posts calling Pag-asa hopeless. When President PNoy replaced the bureau's chief, people hoped that indeed may pag-asa pa sa Pag-asa. People wanted the new Pag-asa to succeed not only for us to receive better forecasts but also for Pnoy's first presidential acts to be proven right. After the media success of the anti wangwang-drive, many of Pnoy's succeeding directives are met with cynicism.

So what's new with Pag-asa? Aside from having a new chief, they are now issuing hourly status reports during a major weather disturbance. This is a dramatic jump from the former 6 or 12 hour reports. They also post updates in their new twitter account.

For typhoon Juan (internationally known as Megi), I noticed that Pag-asa tries to be as precise as possible. Instead of a forecast that cuts a wide swath across the archipelago, the forecast stopped short a little north of Manila. We used to have forecasts of typhoons said to affect Batanes to Bicol. And more often than not, Manila had fine weather despite (or in spite of) the projection. It's good to note that so far Pag-asa is spot-on its forecast. Congratulations, Pag-asa. Keep on the good work!

Tuguegarao via Airphilexpress

2010-10-05T06:09:00.046+08:00

I've never been to Tuguegarao so I eagerly welcomed the opportunity to travel there last week. I read last summer that the highest recorded temperature in the Philippines was observed in that city. I anticipated hot days ahead despite the rains in Manila. After all the place's name could have from two words in a local dialect, "tugui" or hot and "aggao" or day, meaning hot day. It could also be from "tugui" (hot) and "araw" or sun or day.

I took the Airphilexpress turboprob Bombardier Q400. The plane's exterior was freshly painted but its interior particularly the upholstery needs a makeover. The airlines quick turnaround time leaves no time or ground crew to clean the cabin between flights. The plane does not smell fresh inside. I wish I took the Cebu Pacific Airbus flight instead.

Tricycles are the most common means of public transport here. The tricycle driver told me that the fare is P20 but I have to pay for all five passengers that his tricycle could carry if I am in a hurry. And my office is a bit far so I have to add a little more. I took the bait and paid P150. His impish smile upon taking my money told me that I had been had. Later, office security guards told me that the fare is only P50.

The city surely has the most numbers of tricycles per capita in the the country. There are so many of them that they implement a color coding scheme, just like the number coding in Manila. And they call the tricycles "try-xi" to make it sound like taxi.

Although I've never been to Tuguegarao before, the progress is palpable. I could feel the bustling energy. The plane had some Asian tourists. I wonder what interesting places the city has to offer. I later learned that there's a casino somewhere in the export processing zone. Ah, that's why.

I remember the Youtube video of 2 Americans who speak perfect Tagalog driving a taxi in the Philippines. They drive a taxi but they use it like a jeepney with one acting as the 'kundoktor'. Their route is supposed to be Isabela to Tuguegarao. No, I did not see them in Tuguegarao but here's that video.

Airphilexpress is no express at all

2010-09-22T09:33:00.000+08:00

I'm bound for Tuguegarao via Airphilexpress. I'm kind of excited because the plane they use for that route is a Bombardier Q400, a turboprop. It's been quite a while since I've taken a turboprob. I used to take the DC-3 on flights to Mindoro. DC-3s are the commercial version of the trusty C-47, that reliable WWII vintage airplane. I'm also used to the Islander planes that PAL used in the short haul flights from Cebu. I've also ridden in a 5-seater Cessna plane. I love turboprops because of their short takeoffs. You're up in the air in no time at all.

But this Airphilexpress flight to Tuguegarao was scheduled to leave at 7:20am. They announced it will be 8:00am instead, and another announcenment was made saying we'll leave at 10am.

The thrill of the plane's short takeoffs is negated by this long wait. Airphilexpress used to have a quick turnaround time. PAL has rubbed its old ways on his sister company.

US Open 2010 Women's tennis album - semifinals

2010-09-11T10:53:00.001+08:00

US Open 2010 - women's tennis album 3

2010-09-09T22:44:00.000+08:00

Easy does IT

2010-09-08T06:29:00.029+08:00

My Tacloban trip went smoothly. I was able to install the programs and configure the computers much more quickly than in other trips. That always happen when everyone does their jobs as they're supposed to. Easy does IT.

So I had more time to tour the city. After almost twenty years since my first trip here, I notice that urbanization (as indicated by the numerous fastfood chains and other restaurants), has slowly crept in.

I also surmise that Tacloban folks love their medicine well. There must be more Mercury drugstores here per square kilometer than any other city in the Philippines. Counting the other drugstores as well, there are more drugstores here than elsewhere. I also noticed that there are a few from out-of-town med reps that stay in my hotel.

Tacloban is almost as clean as Palawan and Legazpi. This city has pride just like Cebu. They strictly implement the no jaywalking rule and other traffic rules. Tricycle drivers are also careful not to pick up fare in restricted zones. I tried crossing a not so busy street, and I was reminded by traffic aides to please observe the no-crossing signs. I gladly complied. I wish Metro Manila does the same.

US Open 2010 - women's tennis album 2

2010-09-07T21:17:00.004+08:00

US Open 2010 - women's tennis album

2010-09-03T07:01:00.001+08:00

White hair chronicles XXXII: Tacloban - I have returned

2010-09-01T18:08:00.001+08:00

I had a USAID-funded project in Tacloban City almost twenty years ago. That project started a string of other projects that involved traveling, but Tacloban was among the first. When I had the chance to work briefly in East Africa ten years ago, I was reminded of Tacloban though I'm not sure why. Now I'm back in Tacloban for my current work, and I realize why I thought of this city while I was in Dar Es Salaam.

Dar (10 years ago, at least) is a quiet city. It was just recovering from a horrendous terrorist bombing. When I wanted to while away the time, I looked for a mall or a moviehouse. The small malls (actually boutiques) closed early. And the entire city had just 4 moviehouses, all showing Indian Bollywood movies. It had no tall buildings but it had a busy international port. The people were proud of their heritage. You could feel the nation's soul.

That picture reminded me of the Tacloban I knew. Quiet. People are off the streets by 9pm. No fastfood chains, no department stores. And a noisy port near a public wholesale market.

That was then. Now there's a Gaisano's and a new Robinson's mall just outside the city. There are several Jollibees and the usual fastfood chains. There is even mild traffic in the morning. It is still far from the buzz of activities in other cities but it is getting there. One thing I notice though, many hotels have sprouted (and degenerated) since then. But it is still hard to find a good Tacloban hotel. The reviews at Taclobanhotels.com are spot on.

But it is nice to have returned.

YAWTA - yet another women's tennis album

2010-08-30T15:16:00.000+08:00

Comic Con 2010 Megamall

2010-08-25T06:03:00.028+08:00

The local comic con is alive and well but the cosplay scene is even more vibrant. In the tradition of Dr. Sheldon Cooper and friends, my sons exhibit the same interest for comics. Vito and Popoy not only follow the story and characters, they also draw them well. And judging from the many pictures of Vito with nubile cosplayers, he may be following a more familial tradition.

SWAT: Silang Walang Alam sa Tactics ; Sugod, Wait, Atras, Takbo (Tayo'y Takot)

2010-08-24T05:50:00.002+08:00

It could have been Manila's chance to prove it's world class. Instead, we broadcast live to the world our laughable SWAT - Silang Walang Alam sa Tactics who went Sugod, Wait, Atras, Takbo Tayo'y Takot.

The police mishandled all aspects of the case from the hostage taker's gripes to the televised carnage and it's aftermath. There were comic relief moments in the tense assault. They took a long time to smash the bus windows. Either the windows were the toughest plexiglass or they used the softest sledgehammers. Naghiraman pa sila kasi parang iisa ang maso nila. Then twice, cops lost their grip on the sledgehammer, hurtling it into the bus. Parang comedy. I think I heard them laughing on TV.

The excuse they gave PNoy was untenable. PNoy said the the police had to do a hasty assault since the unit that had the capability was not close to the bus. Whoever fed PNoy that line did him a disservice. They had the whole day to bring in the unit that had the capability. They bungled it. Period.

The Marcos legacy

2010-08-22T22:05:00.000+08:00

Two news items that hogged the limelight recently can be attributed to the Marcos legacy that GMA tried to perpetuate for herself. One news item is that of the publicity seeking military general who aired his gripes in the media. He ranted on radio and TV about his 'demotion' and repeatedly talked cryptically as if threatening of something. Kasalanan ni Marcos iyan. Marcos spoiled the military. Since then, the uniformed guys have their more than enough share of public tantrums. GMA coddled the military too, thus we have this anky-panky general. It's a good thing that PNoy stood firmly on the issue.

The other news item is about Kris's marriage. Had Ninoy not died, Kris would have had a father doting on her and guiding her in her teenage years. But with a tragic death like that of Ninoy's, the public wave of sympathy buoyed Cory to the presidency. That wave lead the nation to tolerate Kris's antics. After all she is a hero's daughter. The least we could do, in gratitude, is to put up with her idiosyncracies. Kawawa naman, eh. Kris masterfully rode on that for years. So the way Kris is acting now is kasalanan ni Marcos yan!

Papogi points

2010-08-20T05:55:00.062+08:00

PNoy scored many pogi points when he exposed the excessive pay of GMA appointees to a government corporation. He went on to ask them to resign. Now PNoy allies in the circus called the senate similarly want to score pogi points by shaking down other executives of government financial institutions. Led by chief clown Drilon, the senate questions the perks and privileges of the Bangko Sentral's Monetary Board. I would understand the questioning if Drilon was in Mars the past 20 years. But he has been around the political/government scene since I can remember. How can he not know about these perks? Why the fuss only now? Papogi points.

I agree there is imbalance in the government pay scale, much more so for the line bureaus. But the so called perks and privileges of some agencies have been there for so long. Taking them away will be a loss to those enjoying them. Increasing the low pays of the others will be more Pareto optimal. Increasing the welfare of many need not involve decreasing the welfare of others.

Wala pa ring tatalo sa Alaska!

2010-08-19T06:25:00.000+08:00

Congrats to the Alaska for effortlessly winning the Fiesta PBA conference over San Miguel. I am a longtime SMB fan but I felt all throughout the series that SMB was not in it. For one, the coach is a known choker. He just could not close out games. If they lead by less than 10 going into the last quarter, I always expect the other team to catch up.

So the most talented team got a so-so talented coach. So Alaska, a great team with a great coach, had excellent chances to win it all. Whereas before, SMB had 75 percent of the crowd going for them, Alaska and other teams like Talk and Text, now command more fans. Clearly, losing despite a talented lineup eroded the fan base. The coach has to go.