Hindi na pogi si Ogie at kung bakit basketball hero si Elmer Reyes

Hindi magkandamayaw ang sanlibutang Bedista nang magising noong Lunes (Peb. 23) at tumambad ang ulat sa Inquirer hinggil sa umano’y desisyon ni Ogie Menor na tuluyan nang hubarin ang kaniyang kamisetang pula at lisanin ang koponan ng aming mahal na San Beda.

Kataka-taka, kabigla-bigla. Omigod, anong nangyari kay Ogie? Anong klaseng toyo ang pumasok sa kokote ni Menor na minsang binansagan ng ating kapatid sa panulat na si Peter Atencio na “genuine school pride” dahil sa nagpatato raw ito ng imahen ng leon sa kaniyang dibdib bilang pagpapatunay umano nang kaniyang pagmamahal sa kaniyang alma mater na kaniyang nabigyan ng anim na korona sa NCAA basketball.

Hindi ko kilala si Ogie Menor. Wala na ako sa Pilipinas noong makopo ng Red Lions ang pinakamimithing korona noong 2006.

Naka-mohawk daw o gupit Mister T -- kung tawagin sa aking kapanahunan – itong si Menor kung kaya’t napakabangis nang dating nito sa court. Kumbaga, hitsura pa lang, sindak na ang kalaban.

Minsan ko lang napanood nang personal kung paano nga ba maglaro itong si Menor nang suwertehing sa San Beda gawin ang mga laro ng Philippine Basketball League noong Enero 6 at napasabak ang kaniyang koponang Burger King laban sa Harbour Centre.

Maliksi, walang takot sumalaksak at may tira sa labas itong si Menor. Para siyang si Jeffrey Cariaso o si Dondon Ampalayo o maging ang nasirang Arnie Tuadles noong nasa Toyota pa ito.

Para rin siyang si Jolas noong naglalaro pa ito sa Mama’s Love at ang kaniyang mala-punkistang buhok at mala-demonyong (tama kaya itong pagsasa-Filipino ng salitang “daredevil”?) galaw ang siyang pumupuno sa Rizal Memorial Coliseum noong panahong ang PBL ay kilala pa bilang PABL o Philippine Amateur Basketball League.

Ang angking galing at championship experience ni Menor na rin marahil ang dahilan kung bakit siya napili ni Coach Rajko Toroman na mapabilang sa national developmental pool na binuo para makapasok ang koponan ng Pilipinas sa London Olympics sa 2012.

Sa labas ng court, mukha namang simple at walang ere itong si Menor.

Nanananghalian kami nina Kuya Jay Labayo, Mike Abasolo at Ryan Arambulo sa cafeteria ng San Beda nang makita naming pumasok si Menor, dala-dala ang kaniyang inorder na pagkain at walang imik na pumuwesto sa kabilang mesa.

Dahil nga isa syang basketball celebrity, may mga lumalapit sa kaniya’t binabati siya na sinuklian naman niya nang ngiti at tango.

Natuwa rin ako na ganon ang nakita kong ugali ni Menor… high flying pero down to earth… parang si Samboy Lim. Malayo sa mangilan-ngilang basketbolistang hindi pa nga sumisikat e may baltik na sa ulo.

Fast forward tayo sa Pebrero.

Nanlumo ako nang lumabas ang ulat na umayaw na sa national team si Menor at tanggihan nito ang alok na kontrata ng Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas.

Hindi raw maganda ang kontrata. Nagalit pa nga raw ang kuya ni Menor na si Romar – na naririto rin daw sa Dubai at nagtatrabaho bilang personal trainer sa Fitness First – dahil “unfair” raw ang kontrata. Mas gugustuhin raw ni Menor na makipagsapalaran sa PBA kaysa sa magpahinog sa Philippine team.

Naalala ko tuloy ang panukala ni Jenkins Mesina na gawing honorary member sa DesertBedans si Romar dahil ito raw umano ang dahilan kung bakit nanatili sa San Beda si Ogie.

Hindi ko na binasa kung ano ang naging reaksyon ng mga kapwa ko Bedista sa forum ng PEX o Bedista.com. Pero nakasisiguro ako na hati ang opinyon sa naging desisyon ni Menor.

Gaya nang nabanggit ko, nanlumo ako sa ginawa ni Menor. Huwag na nating himayin ang nilalaman ng kontrata. Siguradong pera-pera lang yun.

Ang alam ko, isang malaking karangalan ang mahirang sa national team – ang magsuot nang unipormeng may nakakabit na bandila ng Pilipinas.

Pagkakataon na sana ni Menor na umangat mula sa pagiging “genuine school pride” at maging “genuine national pride”.

King Caloy Loyzaga #4

Kung nabansagang “Pambansang Kamao” si Manny Pacquiao, maaari sanang matawag na “Pambansang Basketbolista” si Menor at posibleng mapantayan pa niya ang narating ng pinaka-astig na Red Lion na si Caloy Loyzaga na minsang nahirang na isa sa mga pinakamagagaling na basketbolista sa buong mundo pero iba nga ang gustong takbuhing career path nitong si Ogie.

Wala akong balita kung ano na ang mga sumunod na pangyayari dahil sa masyado akong naging abala sa trabaho at hindi ko nakausap ang aking mga “usual suspects” sa San Beda kung kaya’t mistulang bagyong Milenyo ang dating sa akin nang ulat ni Cedelf Tupas sa Inquirer na tumiwalag na rin sa San Beda itong si Ogie.

Dito ko na muling binisita ang Bedista.com. Gusto kong magkaroon ng ideya kung ano nga ba talaga ang nangyari. Siguradong may malaking dahilan kung bakit ganito na ang kinahinatnan ng isyu.

Sa isang thread na nasimulan sa site, may nagkuwento doon na ginipit raw ng San Beda si Menor dahil sa desisyon nitong kumalas sa national team. Nahiya raw ang mga opisyales ng San Beda kay Manny Pangilinan kung kaya’t pinilit umano nilang kumbinsihin si Menor na manatili sa national team. May kuwento ring pinatanggal raw ni Manny Pangilinan si Menor.

Dahil na rin sa mga samu’t-saring ispekulasyon, ikinandado ng mga moderator ng forum ang thread. Tama lang rin ang ginawa nila dahil sa puro nga naman tsismis pa lamang ang tinatalakay doon. Natatakot ang mga mods na baka mabasa nang kalaban ang mga nangyayaring alingasngas sa loob.

Wika nga ni San Beda assistant coach Ed Cordero nang magkausap kami sa kapihan ni Rachy Cuna, maraming tao sa NCAA na walang ibang pinagkakaabalahan kundi ang alamin kung paano patataubin ang San Beda.

Sang-ayon ako sa ginawa ng mga Bedista.com moderators na i-lock ang thread subalit nang lumabas na sa Inquirer ang balita, nag-iba na ang usapan. Hindi na siya tsismis. Isa na siyang isyu na dapat pag-usapan at resolbahin.

May nagsabing propaganda lang daw ang sinulat ni Cedelf Tupas. Sabi nang isang mod na “booster” rin daw ng Red Lions, nakausap raw niya si Menor na nagsabing wala raw siyang naalalang may nag-interview sa kaniya. Meron ring nagsabing maaaring may kinalaman raw ang isang Charlie Dy na isang baskeball players’ agent ayon sa kaniya umanong profile sa Friendster.

Ayaw naman daw umanong magsalita nitong si Menor at ayon sa isang mod, wala ring gustong magsalita sa isyu.

Pero maraming hindi papayag na palampasin na lang basta-basta ang isyu.

Bagama’t napakalayo ko sa Mendiola, inulan pa rin ako ng e-mail mula sa mga taong nag-aakalang alam ko ang “inside story”.

Sa totoo lang, habang isinusulat ko ito’y wala pa ring linaw kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari.

Naging malinaw lang na nagsinungaling si Menor sa isang “booster” nang sabihin nitong hindi umano niya maalalang nagpa-interview siya sa Inquirer.

Ayon kay Cedelf na hindi naman natin kilala pero sumagot sa aking e-mail bilang kortesiya sa isang mas nakatatandang kasama sa pamamamahayag, kaharap pa niya ang kaniyang mga editor sa Inquirer nang makapanayam niya si Menor sa telepono. Naka speakerphone pa nga ang kanilang usapan kaya’t dinig na dinig ng mga Inquirer editors ang kanilang usapan.

Hindi rin daw tumugon ang Rector-President ng San Beda na si Fr. Mateo sa kaniyang ipinadalang text message.

Hindi matatahimik ang sanlibutang Bedista hangga’t hindi nailalantad kung ano ba talaga ang puno’t dulo nang pag-alis ni Menor.

Sa kabilang banda, hindi pa naman nagugunaw ang mundo ng mga Pulang Leon.

Sigurado akong lalong pag-iibayuhin nina Coach Frankie at Coach Ed ang paghahanda para mapanatili sa Mendiola ang korona.

Lalaban at lalaban ang Red Lions, tiyak yon!

-oOo-

Gaya nang nailathala ko sa aking post sa Bedista.com, hindi ko maialis na maikumpara si Menor sa isang Red Lion na minsan ring tumahak sa sitwasyong kaniyang dinaraanan ngayon.

Ang aking binabanggit na Red Lion ay si Elmer Reyes.

Magkasingtangkad lang halos sina Reyes at Menor. Kundi ako nagkakamali, pareho silang 6’3”. Slasher ring matatawag itong si Reyes at may tira rin sa labas. Hindi nga lang napagtripan ni Reyes na magmukhang punkista.

Si Reyes ay kabilang sa koponan ng San Beda Red Lions na nanalo ng kampeonato noong 1977 at 1978.

‘Di hamak na dahil sa magagaling nga ang mga manlalaro ng San Beda noong panahong iyon, pinag-agawan sila ng mga team sa noo’y MICAA.

Hindi ko alam kung saan-saang teams napunta noon sina Reyes, Frankie Lim, Chito Loyzaga, Chuck Barreiro, Louie Brill, JB Yango at Noel Guzman. Pero nabasa ko sa internet na sina Reyes, Lim, Brill, at Yango ay kabilang sa mga hinila ni Coach Ron Jacobs para sa kaniyang binubuong developmental team gaya nang pool na minamanduhan ngayon ni Coach Rajko Toroman.

Sa pagtatagpi-tagpi ko sa mga kuwento’t mga artikulo, katatapos lamang mag-host ng Pilipinas ng World Basketball Championships noong 1978 at medyo nabahala si Pangulong Marcos na nagiging kulelat na ang Pilipinas sa basketball mula nang pumaimbulog ang PBA noong 1975. Inatasan niya si Danding Cojuangco na maging project director ng basketball at dahil sa direktang utos ito ni Macoy, hindi nakapalag si Lito Puyat na noo’y presidente ng Basketball Association of the Philippines at maging ng FIBA (International Basketball Federation sa English translation).

Dalawang Amerikanong coach ang kinuha ni Boss Danding. Si Ron Jacobs na noo’y coach ng Loyola Marymount at isa pang di ko maalala ang pangalan dahil sa hindi naman siya kailanman nabanggit nang mamayagpag ang team ni Jacobs sa PBA.

Upang mapabilis ang resultang hinihingi ni Macoy, kumuha si Jacobs ng ilang Fil-Am gaya nina Willie Pearson at Ricardo Brown at mga Kanong player gaya nina Dennis Still, Jeff More at Chip Engelland na payag na magpa-naturalize para lamang makapaglaro sa Philippine team.

Unang isinabak ang koponan sa Jones Cup at tagumpay naman nilang naiuwi ang korona.

Bagama’t sa wakas ay nagkaroon na rin ng international basketball title ang Pilipinas, hindi naman ito ikinatuwa ng mga Pinoy dahil nga naman pawang mga Amerikano halos ang bumubuo ng team. Tanging sina Frankie Lim, JB Yango at Louie Brill lang yata ang mga Pinoy doon.

Dahil dito, binago ni Jacobs ang set up. Kinuha niya ang mga magagaling na basketbolista sa amateur at kolehiyo na siyang bubuo ng developmental team na ang target ay ang muling makopo ang Asian Basketball Confederation championship (ngayo’y kilala sa pangalang Fiba-Asia).

Habang nag-akyatan na sa PBA sina Loyzaga, Yango, Barreiro at Lim, naiwan naman sa pagiging “amateur” itong si Elmer Reyes dahil na rin umano sa kahilingan ni Ron Jacobs na bigyan nila ni Hector Calma ng Adamson ng liderato ang mga nakababatang mga player.

Nanatili sa Philippine team si Elmer Reyes.

Maraming pinagdaanan ang developmental team ni Jacobs. Nariyang ma-forfeit ang kanilang mga ipinanalong laro dahil lamang sa teknikalidad (1983 ABC yata yun) at madikdik ng mga mas malalaki at di hamak na mas magagaling na team sa World Inter-Club sa Spain.

Tinatayang may 30 hanggang 40 players ang naglabas-masok sa programa ni Jacobs. Ilan sa mga hindi pinalad na umabot ng PBA sina Brill, Benjie Gutierrez ng UST at Anthony Mendoza ng Southwestern University (yata) sa Cebu. Karamihan naman sa mga dumaan sa developmental team ang gumawa ng pangalan sa larangan ng basketball gaya nina Samboy Lim, Allan Caidic, Franz Pumaren, Tonichi Yturri atbp.

Saka lamang nakaakyat ng PBA si Elmer Reyes nang buwagin na ang Philippine team. Naging pro si Reyes noong 1986 o mahigit-kumulang limang taon makalipas magsi-akyat sa PBA ang kaniyang mga ka-batch.

Bagama’t huli na sa pagsampa sa PBA, hindi naman ito naging balakid kay Reyes na ipakitang isa nga siya sa pinakamagagaling na basketbolista ng bansa.

Dahil sa ipinakitang katapatan ni Reyes sa bandila – may kontrata man o wala – mas nababagay na maihanay siya sa kategorya ni King Caloy.

Sana’y mapansin ito ng San Beda Alumni Sports Foundation. Hindi pa naman huli upang maparangalan si Reyes sa kaniyang kahanga-hangang ginawa.

-oOo-

HULING HIRIT. Naririto ang ilang reaksyon ng aming mga kapwa Bedista sa isyung kinapalooban ni Ogie Menor. Sila ang may sabi nito, hindi ako.

Mula sa isang Bedan alumni e-group:

“medyo bothered ako sa ugali ng ibang mga student athletes ngayon. parang hindi
direcho takbo ng utak ng iba. some are driven by expensive gifts while some are
greatful with scholarships alone. i hope everyone would fall into that category.
sad to say, some are a bit selfish and difficult to deal with. maybe not being
raised as a bedan during the formative years has something to do with it. sorry
kung may tinamaan but i don't candy coat how i feel about this issue. its best
to recruit athletes that are students athletes talaga and not those who plan to
milk the school and sponsors for everything they have, then at the end of the
day, drop them like a hot potato. hindi ko alam ang buong story behind this, but
from what i have read, the school created a monster."

Mula sa Bedista.com:

“sana lang talaga panindigan ni ogie yung decision nya. kasi nakapagsalita na
sya, to be honest para sakin indi maganda ang move nya pero kapag bigla
nyang binali ang mga binitawan nyang salita.... kung dati idol ko sya ngayon
indi na... idol ko lang yung mga taong may paninindigan, tsaka bago gumawa
ng move pinagiisipan muna maige.sa basketbol, napakarami ang may talento
pero nabibilang lang ang nagiging alamat.”

Brief message to the People Power Class of 1986

Hello Batchmates

23 years ago …we were bumbling 15-16-17-year-olds…. looking forward to either our prom, entry to senior high or HS graduation.

We struggled with our lessons in Physics, Geometry and Advanced Algebra, travelled back in time in our World History classes and our minds wandered with The Little Prince, Canterbury Tales and soared heights with Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

We were too young to vote in the Feb 7, 1986 snap elections, but were old enough to understand what was happening to our country.

Some of us took an active "saling pusa" role in the "revolution"-- from helping Don Chino gather one million signatures to urge Ninoy's widow to take the lead in challenging the Dictator to serving as volunteers in JoeCon's NAMFREL (I was at the OQC nerve centre at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City and sidekick to a cousin who was with the Cory Aquino Lawyers League). Many of us turned up at EDSA when Cardinal Sin made the historic Veritas call.

The days of February 1986 were turbulent, heart-pounding, trying times that our generation will never forget until maybe after Alzheimer's starts kicking in.

A generation has passed and our country is still bedeviled by the same issues that once served as the Filipino people’s clarion call.

I’m reposting this think-piece written by Wilson Lee-Flores which I believe -- and fervently hope -- would jolt our senses that the revolution is not yet over.

ARES GUTIERREZ
Proud member, People Power Class of 1986

How to be a revolutionary

By Wilson Lee Flores

February 22, 2009 (Philippine Star)

Every generation needs a new revolution. — Thomas Jefferson

Revolution is not a dinner party, not an essay, nor a painting, nor a piece of embroidery; it cannot be advanced softly, gradually, carefully, considerately, respectfully, politely, plainly and modestly. — Mao Zedong

A generation after the 1986 EDSA uprising — 23 years to be exact — known in history books as the “People Power Revolution,” the biggest excitement this year on Feb. 25 is not that it’s a non-working holiday or the planned formal commemorations, but the anticipated sequel to Sarah Geronimo’s hit movie A Very Special Love, entitled You Changed My Life.

Is this a sign of the times?

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration has made Feb. 25 no longer a non-working holiday. Some are asking me if this is perhaps to expunge the heroism of former President Cory C. Aquino and her supporters, many of whom have since publicly repudiated GMA, called for her resignation and have repeatedly criticized the present government for alleged massive corruption and loss of moral authority.

I hesitate to call EDSA 1986 a revolution because I’m honestly disappointed by what has happened since to Philippine society.

Here, caught in another traffic jam, I’m typing a random list of how we ordinary folks, even without the bravado of Che Guevara or the fiery zeal of Mao Zedong, can be true-blue revolutionaries not for communism but for decency, moral order, efficiency, civility, justice, genuine democracy, free enterprise and truth:

1. Defy the defeatist, cynical and oft-repeated rubbish that “corruption is unavoidable and present everywhere in the world.” Repudiate corruption in government and even in the police, military, judiciary, even in the private sector. There should be no compromise with corruption. This is not a question of morals, but how the social cancer of corruption corrodes the creative dynamism of any society and creates unnecessary wastage and impoverishes a nation economically and spiritually.

2. Subvert ignorance by lobbying for and demanding higher standards in public and private education nationwide as a basic human right. We should demand the most severe punishments for politicians, bureaucrats and their cohorts in educational scams involving bloated construction budgets for shoddy public schoolhouses, lousy textbooks with erroneous information, and victimizing public school teachers by usurious credit schemes.

3. Honor, support and uplift the socio-economic status of all teachers. How can a society truly progress if most of our teachers are grossly underpaid, under-trained and overworked? How can a society prosper when politicos, showbiz starlets or basketball athletes are more idolized and given more economic remunerations than those toiling in the most noblest profession of teaching?

4. Crush the age-old and negative attitude of puwede na yan and aspire only for excellence. In fact, we should settle for nothing but world-class excellence! How can we be better if we accept mediocrity as okay?

5. Lead a non-violent uprising against the age-old misnomer and bad Latin habit of so-called “Filipino time.” We should, in our own capacities and small circles of influence, promote the decent, revolutionary and nation-building concept of “New Filipino Time” of being always punctual.

6. Do not meekly accept trash in local movies, mass media or from our politicos. Dump their trash back on them. We can make higher-quality movies that are at the same time entertaining and good if we the audience demand it from our producers. It’s not true that only the esoteric art films or indie can be good. Let us also tell the major TV stations to elevate standards in newscasts, not go down to gutter-level sensationalism on violence and negative news only. We taxpayers should also demand higher quality debate and discussions in our legislature, not the garbage talk spewed out endlessly by our many trashy and obnoxious politicos! We should reject junk in all forms!

7. Follow traffic rules, regulations and basic etiquette to defy the seemingly natural tendency of wallowing in self-destructive chaos. What can be more revolutionary, earth-shaking and liberating to Philippine society as a whole than orderly traffic in Metro Manila, which can and should be achieved?

8. Encourage the liberating habit of reading books, newspapers or magazines, because it is sad that we have fewer readers than in other Asian societies. I have this theory that our many corrupt politicos and their private sector cohorts would be happiest if they could dumb down the public with less reading and just more TV or radio bombast, because reading is truly subversive — it encourages critical thinking, analysis and the questioning of our existing despicable moral, political and social order!

9. Promote English language proficiency everywhere. Pro-English advocacy is a pro-poor, pro-masses advocacy because English is a competitive advantage and will help millions of talented but otherwise jobless people become overseas Filipino workers or call center agents or BPO personnel.

10. Volunteer for legitimate, noble causes that push societal or moral reforms, such as religious, cultural, medical, gender rights, educational, environmental, disaster relief and other non-government organizations or groups. Better yet, why don’t you start your own?

11. Pray to God to change our hearts, minds and our leaders.

12. Teach, whether as a teacher, as a good parent, as an elder sister or brother or uncle, or as a mentor Be an exemplary role model to the youth.

13. Uphold and defend the truth. Assist or support those who stand up for the truth; reject any half-truths and outright lies.

14. Promote the culture of positive thinking. Do not glorify or romanticize suffering, martyrdom, or meekly accept poverty or defeat as heroic, noble or normal fate. Reject negative thinking and this culture of defeatism. All of us human beings on earth are destined for success — it is our birthright, it is our destiny!

15. Instead of nonstop complaining, bellyaching and finger-pointing, move to uphold sweeping societal, attitudinal, moral, political, cultural and economic reforms. Generations of past and even present politicians have mostly failed the nation with so many of the poor increasing in number and in suffering while the small middle-class sector is endangered and migrating. It is only the blind that cannot see the urgent need for radical changes. Instead of just revulsion, let’s ignite a non-violent revolution!

Shawarma Nights is 1

Woohooo!!!

Naka isang taon na ang Shawarma Nights!

Isang taong pagtambay, pagmumuni-muni, pag-Uzi at pakikisalamuha sa birtuwal na daigdig ng mga blog-gulero.

Bakit ba ako nag-blog? Bakit nga ba Shawarma Nights ang pamagat ng pahina ko? May napala ba ako sa pagba-blog?

Isa-isahin kong sagutin ang mga tanong ko na ilang beses ring naitanong sa akin sa nakalipas na 365 days.

Bakit ako gumawa ng blog?

Ang madalas kong tugon sa mga usiserong hindi pa masyadong ma-gets ang mundo ng blogging ay isang patay-maling “Wala lang.”

Wala lang…dahil kapag wala ako sa opisina (o kahit nasa opisina ako gaya ngayon)….wala akong magawa. ….kaya ko nga ito Tinagalog para di maintindihan ng mga nagmamasid na mata sa paligid ko hehehe

“Wala lang” ang madalas kong sagot dahil gusto ko lang tuldukan ang mga taong kailangan pang paliwanagan kung anong klaseng animal ang isang blog.

Sa panahong ang buhay, galaw at paghahanap-buhay ng tao sa Information Age ay nakasalalay na sa tinatawag na cyberspace o internet, hindi ka “in” kung hindi ka marunong mag-chat, mag-email, o mag-Facebook (sa Pilipinas na lang uso ang Friendster).

Masasabing medyo angat ka ng konti sa ibang “netizen” kung meron kang blog o sariling teritoryo sa internet.

Gaya marahil nang nabanggit ko sa mga naunang entry ko, sinubukan kong pasukin ang mundo ng mga blog-gulero (dito mo unang nabasa yang terminolohiyang yan ha) dahil na rin sa mga udyok at pangungulit ng ilang kaibigang kinarir na rin ang blogging gaya nina Slap Happy (Anton de Leon), First Draft (Joe Torres) at ng aking ex-protege na si Raymund Villanueva (Ka-Blog).

Nais noon ni Joe na gumawa ako ng blog tungkol sa buhay-buhay ng isang OFW para sa isang media portal na kaniyang pinamunuan pero nabahag ang buntot ko dahil wala naman ako sa kalingkingan ng mga talentadong taong bumubuo ng kaniyang “band of bloggers”.

Naging mapurol na rin ang panulat ko at hindi na kasing-talas ng wit gaya ng blogger na si Azrael na isa ring OFW sa Qatar. Hindi na rin ako masyadong makapaglagalag gaya ni Manila Boy (Spanky Enriquez) o Bleacher's Brew (Rick Olivares) kaya mistulang arestadong rebel soldier akong nakukuntento na lang na humarap sa screen habang naghihintay na amagin sa loob ng Crame.

Inaamin ko rin naman na hindi na ako sanay sumulat ng sanaysay at mas gamay ko pa ang mamasada na lang ng kopya.

Ika nga ng tinaguriang living legend ng Philippine journalism na si Rod T. Reyes, “I’m not an essayist, I’m a straight news guy” ....or words to that effect according to Raul Rodrigo's book "The Power and the Glory".

Masyado na yatang naging off-topic.

Bakit naman Shawarma Nights ang napili kong pamagat ng blog na ito?

Good question my special child!

Sa unang pagkakataong sinubukan kong pumaimbulog sa blogging, Snooper’s Perch ang ginamit kong titulo.

Snooper ang title ng aking column sa The Bedan.

Snooper dahil pag-snoop ng scoop at kontrobersya ang naging papel ko sa loob ng campus. Tumakbo nang apat na taon ang Snooper (1987-1991) at ang isa sa pinakamatinding “accomplishment” ng aking column ay nang bambuhin namin ang sistema nang pagtuturo ng Guidance classes sa College of Arts and Sciences kung kaya’t na-abolish ito at pinalitan ng subject na “Personality Enhancement Program”.

Gusto ko sanang muling buhayin ang pagiging “snooper” pero limitado ang galaw ko dito sa disyerto. Medyo sensitibo at komplikado ang buhay-buhay. Wala na ako sa mundo kung saan maaaring mamayagpag ang isang “snooper”.

So the search is on for another blog title.

Bigla kong naalala na sa tuwing naglalakad ako sa disyerto, madalas kong kanta-kantahin ang Sahara Night na pinauso ni F.R. David noong panahong nasa rurok ako ng aking kabataan.

At dahil shawarma naman ang pambansang pagkain sa aking kinalalagyan ngayon, pinagsama ko na lang shawarma at Sahara Night kaya siya naging Shawarma Nights (pero ni minsan ay di ko pa nasubukang mag-blog habang kumakain ng shawarma).

So get’s mo na?

Tumbukin naman natin ang huling tanong … na kung ano ba ang napala ko sa pagba-blog?

Hmmmm mahirap sagutin.

Kung ilalagay natin sa kontekstong pinagkakitaan ko o naging tulay ang blogging para magkaroon ng ibang oportunidad ang salitang “napala” marahil ang sagot ko sa tanong ay gaya ng standard retort ko sa unang tanong – “Wala”.

Walang masyadong nilaman ang blog ko kundi mga “emo” moments ko nang dumating ang birthday ng aking mga anak, o kaya’y may mamatay na kaibigan o kakilala. Umabot pa nga sa punto na naging obituary ng mga kapwa ko peryodista ang aking blog…bearer of bad news – kaya nga blog-gulero (blogger na nanggugulo o blogger na naghahanap nang basag-ulo).

Paminsan-minsan, nag-repost lang naman ako ng kung ano-anong bagay (kadalasan, jokes) na naliligaw sa aking inbox o dili kaya’y i-enhance ang ilang historical articles gaya nang anibersaryo ng Katipunan. Love ko pa rin kasi talaga ang pag-aaral ng kasaysayan.

Kung ganon lang naman kababaw ang laman ng blog ko, sino nga ba ang magtitiyagang dumalaw-dalaw dito?

Hmmm… ewan ko lang pero ayon sa site meter ko, umaabot na raw sa mahigit 3,000 ang naligaw sa Shawarma Nights.

Lumakas ang benta nang minsang talakayin ko ang eleksyon sa National Press Club noong nakaraang taon na naging sanhi naman nang “pagtatampo” sa akin ng aking kaibigang si Benny Antiporda. at nang aking ihayag ang aking paniwala na dapat nating palakasin ang ating coast guard upang matugunan nila ang kanilang tungkulin, bagay na napansin sa blog ng PCIJ.

Kung may napala man ako sa pagba-blog, yun ay yung personal satisfaction na hindi ito naging ningas kugon.

Ayokong mangakong dadalasan ko na o kakaririn ang pagba-blog dahil sa ngayon, hirap akong magkaroon ng personal connection dahil di namin kayang ibigay ang isang requirement ng Etisalat para makabitan kami ng internet.

Abangan na lang natin ang susunod na kabanata!

I remember yesterday ....

2006: I was no longer a wannabe but a newbie OFW

2007: Still in Dubai ya? Getting the hang of it

2008: Under pressure but I survived

07 February 2009: Life goes on. The journey continues .....

..... and I'm still here in Dubai!

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

(a Chinese New Year joke forwarded by Salam)


A Chinese family of 5 , named Chu, Bu, Hu, Su and Fu
decided to immigrate to the United States.

In order to get a visa, they had to adapt their names to American standards.

Chu became Chuck.
Bu became Buck.
Hu became Huck.

Fu and Su decided to stay in China.

Taking the Malu Fernandez trail to infamy

I'm yielding my personal space to this article written by a certain Ethel S. Timbol -- whom I believe is the same Ethel Soliven T. who used to edit the Lifestyle section of the Manila Bulletin.

A Wiki entry described her as the "Dean of Philippine Lifestyle Editors"...... (ano kayang say dito ni Thelma San Juan?)

Soliven's piece, titled "When Pinoys behave badly...what can one do?" was posted on the Business Mirror website.

My initial reaction: Kawawang mga ‘bagong bayani’ …nilait na naman ng isang KSP na “journalist”

Read on and be the judge.



By Ethel S.Timbol
Business Mirror
2009-01-19

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4700:when-pinoys-behave-badlywhat-can-one-do&catid=32:life&Itemid=68


’YAN ang Pinoy” is a popular expression spoken either with pride or in shame. v Unfortunately we say it more often as a negative, such as when we see Filipinos behaving badly and wish we could kick them in the butt. v Pinoys do behave badly and nobody bothers to tell them off. We may mind other people’s business in many things but at times like this, we shrug our shoulders or laugh derisively...as if to say, “Bahala sila.”

Bahala is right because we ourselves could be just as guilty for doing the very same thing we criticize others for.

As the local saying goes: “Basta may gusot, may lusot.”

About a year ago, a newspaper columnist got mighty slammed when she castigated some overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for behaving badly on a homebound flight from Europe that she happened to be on, as well.

Remember, OFWs are dubbed our “modern heroes” because their foreign-exchange remittances are the backbone of our sagging economy. Overseas workers send home billions of dollars and euros to their families here.

The woman columnist didn’t expect the brickbats hurled at her for chastising these uncouth seamen and domestic helpers who, she wrote, wreaked havoc in the plane cabin and messed up the comfort rooms. You don’t do that to “heroes,” no matter what!

Well, I’m sorry, but I agree with her. Stuck also on a homebound flight from Frankfurt , a favorite hub for homecoming OFWs, I had to wait out a two-hour delay in that huge terminal because it took that long for the airline to load the balikbayan boxes of our Pinoy “heroes.” This was before the new luggage restrictions.

During the flight, I attempted in vain to sleep because I was squeezed between overly boisterous seamen who were celebrating their going home. I didn’t begrudge them, but what does one do when your seatmates are jumping all over the place, guzzling beer and swapping jokes?

By midflight, the toilets were a sorry stinky mess and the flight attendants were not about to clean it up—no thank you!

I guess the difference between myself and that columnist is that I had more or less gotten used to such misbehavior (not only by Pinoys) over years of traveling the globe. Believe me, there’s no difference between squalling toddlers and drunk seamen—the toilets are always filthy. Nobody pays attention when the seatbelt lights flash on.

Minutes before landing, the guys—red-faced with too much beer—rushed to the toilets. Not surprisingly, the stewardess merely rolled her eyes and turned away.

Don’t bother to blush.

Perhaps recruitment agencies should be required to provide seminars for outbound OFWs on rules and proper behavior. This should include the proper way to use the toilet. Remember, most OFWs come from the province and probably never saw a toilet seat before or flushed a toilet. So they squat on top of the seat and fidget with the toilet tissue till it unfurls on the floor. They most likely can’t find the “Flush” button. No one has told them not to pee on the floor, or that one should wash afterward. These are the simplest things that we take for granted but are so new to the probinsyano.

On the other hand, city folk also have plenty to learn about certain nasty habits, such as taxi drivers opening the car door to spit on the street, and people tossing things out of car windows, buses and jeepneys. Do they think the streets are one huge garbage bin?

You don’t dare throw trash on streets in countries like Singapore and Malaysia and cities like Marikina . And yet, for some insane reason, we have this urge to get rid of that candy wrapper or cigarette stub immediately. Can’t wait to get to a trash can, eh?

Well, okay, we just don’t have enough trash cans on sidewalks and that’s because, believe it or not, people also steal garbage cans!

At fast-food eateries, we don’t pick up our trash to dispose of it in trash bins provided for that purpose. So fast-food chains have to hire busboys to pick up after you.

And there’s jaywalking. One solution to unraveling traffic jams is to require buses and jeepneys to load and unload at their respective designated spots and for commuters to obey the rules. At least now they’re learning to queue for their ride.

We cross the street only on pedestrian lanes, which vehicles should respect and stay clear of during stop lights.

Rules, rules, rules! They are the only way to restore order to our chaotic country.

We need rules about waiting in line. No doubt, everybody is guilty of trying to sneak into a line instead of going to the end of the queue. A favorite trick to join friends already in line, especially if they’re near the entrance. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

On the subject of punctuality, I am convinced that it is not in the Pinoy’s vocabulary.

Somewhere in our Hispanic heritage, we acquired the habit of being late. It’s a no-no to come on time, as expats discover quickly. So, if you want your guests to come at a certain time, the invites should read an hour earlier.

Another bad habit is piling food on our plates at an eat-all-you-can buffet. We all want to get our money’s worth—at least, that’s the excuse for all that excess food. I call it kanin baboy—the baboy obviously being the person piling it up on his plate.

Alas, we have so many bad habits that I could write a book on. But for starters, these should suffice—in fact, they are far too many as it is.

Tips for a better life

Got this from my Multiply network … will try to give it a shot….


40 Tips for a Better Life

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4.When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 Es -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.

7. Make time to practise meditation, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed-out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25.Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. REMEMBER GOD heals everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about. I just did. May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but happiness come through your door!

The distance between me and my real, reel and virtual friends

Thanks to this Facebook app called GeoFriend, I now know that:

My average friend distance is 3,473 km

I would have to travel 1,135,076 km to visit all my friends

That Ambassador Elmer “Boy T.” Cato, who is now serving at the United Nations mission in New York, is one of my farthest friends at 14,140 km

That my grade school and college buddy Albert Molina, who is in Texas state, is one of my farthest friends at 13,985 km

That my friends are in 5 different continents (Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, Africa)

That I have friends who are based or are from 19 different countries (Philippines, United States, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, India, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Sweden, Hong Kong, Germany, Cambodia, Indonesia, South Africa, France, and The Netherlands)

That my US-based friends are scattered in 12 different states (MN, CA, GA, TX, NY, NJ, NV, AZ, SD, IL, MA, OR)

That my friends are in 124 different cities or towns (Manila, Apple Valley, Dubai, Sagada, London, Quezon, Goa, Glendale, Infanta, Mandaluyong, Atlanta, San Juan, Cebu, Carmona, Vladivostok, San Diego, Olongapo City, Makati, Malaybalay, Candelaria, Isabela, Quezon City, Houston, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro City, Mexico, Diliman, Sydney, Pasig, Los Angeles, Wellington, Palawan, Olongapo, Newmarket, Bangkok, Valenzuela, Cainta, Bangalore, Singapore, Antipolo, New York, Hyderabad, Lawrenceville, Stockholm, Sharjah, Tagbilaran, Rizal, Cebu City, New Leyte, Cagayan De Oro, San Pedro, Abu Dhabi, Balagtas, Bacoor, Dinalupihan, San Leonardo, Anaheim, Bacolod, Hong Kong, Hamburg, Al Ain, Davao, Phnom Penh, Baguio City, Cubao, Jakarta, Lipa, North Shore, Daly City, New Manila, Las Vegas, Barrie, Muntinlupa, Toronto, Pasay City, Lakewood, Sioux Falls, Angeles City, Diliman District, Durban, Bulacan, Cagayan, Tubungan, Milton, Tarlac, Oakland, Teresa, Staines, Nasugbu, San Jose, Iloilo City, Bayambang, Pearland, Gumaca, Chicago, Muntinlupa City, Las Piñas, Riverside, Parañaque, Pagadian, Surigao, Caloocan, Balara, Lake Grace, Gerona, Springfield, Laguna, Paris, Tondo, Aurora, Temecula, Cranbury, Lancaster, San Jose Del Monte, San Pablo City, Worcester, Calamba, Utrecht, South Port District, Modesto, Solano, Hillsboro, Davao City, Somerset West)

That my friends live or are based in countries with 12 different governments (republic, Constitution-based federal republic, federation with delegated specified powers, constitutional monarchy, federal republic, federation, federal parliamentary democracy, parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy that is also a parliamentary democracy, parliamentary republic, limited democracy, multi-party democracy under a constitutional monarchy)

That I have a friend who is less than 2 km away (Although my nearest Facebook friend from where I am now – in the office – is just seated behind me)

That I have 270 friends in unknown locations (pa-mysterious effect)

That my ancestral hometown of Dauis in Bohol has a population of 2,553

That my beloved country, the Philippines, is a republic (though run like a family-owned corporation)

That because of the number and diversity of my friends, I have achieved GeoFriend level 12. (whatever)!

But this info made me smile . ..

That I have most friends in Manila (indicating that there is really where I belong).

Perhaps, it’s about time to sing the classic Hotdog ditty which to me is the pioneering OFW anthem……..

Maraming beses na kitang nilayasan
Iniwanan at iba'ang pinuntahan
Parang bababeng ang hirap talagang malimutan
Ikaw lamang ang aking laging binabalikan
(Quiapo Quiapo Quiapo, isa na lang ah, aalis na. Para!)

Manila
I keep coming back to Manila
Simply no place like Manila
Manila, I'm coming home

I walked the streets of San Francisco
I've tried the rides in Disneyland
Dated a million girls in Sydney (how i wish)
Somehow I feel like I don't belong

Hinahanap hanap kita Manila
Ang ingay mong kay sarap sa tenga
Mga jeepney mong nagliliparan
Mga babae mong naggagandahan

Take me back in your arms Manila
And promise me you'll never let go
Promise me you'll never let go

Manila, Manila
Miss you like hell, Manila
No place in the world like Manila
I'm coming home to stay

Wish ko lang!

Facebooking my way back to grade school

I’ve been on a grade school nostalgia mood for the past few days.

Thanks to the magic of Facebook, friends whom I’ve not seen or heard of for over 25 years sprung back to life – and all of a sudden, we’re back to the “carefree days of our boyhood” – back to the time when San Beda was still a bona fide all boys school.

Thanks to Facebook . . .

Lovell Marcelo and I have resumed our “dirty finger draws” ;

Multi-awarded firm director Aris Solito (Sorry mate, I still can’t spell your screen name) now knows he was the reason why I was not able to use my real nickname as I was forced by our Grade 1 teacher, Miss Nelia Santos, to use my father’s first name because teachers would get confused;

Reggie Aguda was reminded that he was once called Senyora Agueda (the contravida in the 70s soap Flordeluna) ;

Eduard Arevalo’s boredom in Saudi was eased a bit now that the “kabayo” was able to run around the old ranch – though just virtually;

Christopher Joseph S. Orozco forgot that he’s now a “respected” surgeon at FEU Hospital and professor at the San Beda College of Medicine;

Anthony De Leon’s puppy romance with (no I won’t tell here) was somewhat rekindled….with an additional revelation from Arnold Villanueva that the budding affair nearly had fatal results… (Eeeew!);

We saw Robert Castillo’s ears still sticking out….but now more prominently;

We were able to see “her” pics and congratulate Willy “Gigi” Beltran for placing 3rd in the Miss Mundo 2008 pageant;

Thanks to Francis Ampon, we’re still poking fun at each other after he scanned and posted the individual pics of the members of SBC GS Batch 83 …. and again, Chaka (Willy San Pedro), Sleestak (Edward Rellosa), Tilapia, Change (Neil Mag-Iba), Malone (Ramil Espina) and it still goes on as I write this.

It was also through Facebook that my batchmates were able to quickly organize a get-together last Nov 29 --- and another on December 16 (di pa rin ako makakasali…pakshet!)

Got to end this entry….need to reply to Lovell’s message which I will surely append with a C=========8 UPYOURS LOVELL!

****

This trip down memory lane also prompted me to Google a declamation piece which our Grade 1 teacher “forced” us to memorise.

The opening line of that piece is perpetually stuck in my mind…”Ikaw? Sino ka ba? Malamig na bungo. Matigas na mukha”

Jay-V (Labayo) and I were trying to recite that line while chilling out at their former place in Data St. We’ve been repeating that line again ad nauseam that his kid brother, James (then around 4 years old) was able to memorize the line himself.

And here’s the Ang Bungo classic….thanks to the wonders of the world wide web:

Ikaw! Sino ka ba?
Malamig na bungo, matigas na mukha.
Dati kang maganda, ano’t ang mata mo’y nagkauka-uka?
Dati kang marunong, ano’t ang noo mo’y nagkasira-sira?

Kinakausap ka’y ayaw mong sumagot,
ayaw magsalita, at ang katawan mo’y nasugpong na butong sinlamig ng tingga.

Ikaw ba ang wakas ng lahat ng taong sa mundo’y nilikha?
Iyan ba ang matang nanglumiligaw ka, balana’y tiningnan?
Iyan ba ang labing katugon ng ilong, balana’y hinagkan?
Iyan ba ang tengang kung makikimatyag, lahat, pinakikinggan?

Ano ka na ngayon?
Nahan ang puso mo, diwa’t pakiramdam?
Kahit na laitin, kahit na purihin, ayaw nang gumalaw.
Parang sinasabing ang lahat sa mundo ay may katapusan!

Kay sarap ng buhay kung may kabuhayan at taglay ang lahat!
Ibo’y lumilipad hanggang kalangitan kung buo ang pakpak!
Tao’y sumasagwan hanggang karagatan kung buo ang lakas!

Mundo’y umiinog at kumakalansing sa tugtog ng galak, ngunit ang tadhanam kapag ang sinulid ng buhay binaltak, lahat, tao’t ibon kakita-kita mo’y butong nakatambak.

Ikaw nga, ikaw nga ang nang isang araw, itong buong mundo, ay kinakaladkad mo’t iyong inilipad hanggang maging iyo!
Ngunit nang matapos, papuri’t tagumpay, ang natira’y abo. Katawang mabulas, makinis na balat, ang natira’y buto.

Hinagkang bulaklak, sa hinalik-halik, nawalan ng bango. Bulwagang sayawan, sa sinayaw-sayaw, naging libingin mo!

Ngayon bangkay ka na, nahan ba ang iyong mga minamahal?
Mga kaibigan na kasalu-salo, ano’t di-minasdan, at sa pagkasawi’y sila pa ang unang parang nagtagumpay!
Matamis na ngiti, masayang papuri’t mahigpit na kamay, ay naging halakhak at naging paglibak, sa sawi mong bangkay!

Kaydali nga namang magbago ng takbo ng sangkatauhan!
Kaya ba’t kung ikaw ay may nakagalit, huwag palubusin, ang gunitain mong lahat naman tayo ay namamatay din!

Taong nakairap at uod sa lupa na ayaw pansinin, buti pa ang uod sa himpilang hukay, una pang darating! Ang taas ng hari’t lungkot ng pulubing hahali-haliling, kakita-kita mo, magkapitbahay lang, kapag nakalibing!

'Holy Grail' of the English Premier League visits The Office

I initially thought that yesterday was just one ordinary “bloody” Sunday at the office until Jaydip suddenly stood by the Bunker’s door and announced that the Barclay’s English Premier League trophy has arrived.

To non-footie fans, it’s a non-story. No big deal. But to people who know, understand or love the game – it’s the BIG THING.





The Premiership trophy is the Holy Grail of the football world -- if I'm not mistaken -- the second most sought after crown next to the World Cup.

It was such a revered icon that a burly Brit with surgical gloves was close by, warning everyone not to touch the over two-feet high silver trophy currently possessed by Manchester United.




As my roommate, Rod Ocampo, a card-carrying member of the Los Borachos (a ‘fraternity’ of Bedans who once suited up for the Red Booters) has said: “only the gods of football get to hold that trophy.”

This is what the ever-reliable Wiki had to say about the Barclays trophy:

The current Premier League trophy was created by Royal Jewellers Asprey of London.

It weighs 4 st (25 kg/56 lb),
and is 76 cm (30 in) tall, 43 cm (17 in) wide and 25 cm
(9.8 in) deep. Its main body is solid sterling silver and
silver gilt,
while its plinth is made of malachite, a semi-precious stone.

The plinth has a silver band around its circumference, upon which the names
of the title-winning clubs are listed.

Malachite's green colour is also representative of the green field of
play.

The design of the trophy is based on the heraldry of Three Lions that is
associated with English football. Two of the lions are found above the handles
on either side of the trophy—the third is symbolised by the captain of the title
winning team as he raises the trophy, and its gold crown, above his head at the
end of the season.

The trophy has borne several names on its face since it was first created,
when it read "The F.A. Premier League".

The one Manchester United lifted in 2006–07 read "The Barclays
Premiership", while the 2007–08 trophy simply read "Premier League". From the
2008–09 season onwards, the trophy will read "Barclays Premier League".

And here’s moi, grinning like a Cheshire cat, with an unimpeded access to the most-coveted one.

Ka Andy is the "Filipino Marat"

(reposted from the Manila Bulletin)


JeanPaul Marat was one of the leaders of the French Revolution (1789-1799).

Eto pic ni JP

Spanish historian Wenceslao Retana called Andres Bonifacio the "Filipino Marat’’ because, like Jean Paul Marat, Bonifacio was an uncompromising foe of despotism, defender of the sovereignty of the people, and supporter of the poor and the downtrodden.






Eto naman si Andy

Born in Tondo, Manila, on November 30, 1863, Bonifacio witnessed the struggles of the masses and vowed to do something about their misery. His association with many patriots nourished his desire to fight for his people’s freedom. Like Dr. Jose P. Rizal, he first tried to pursue his goal through peaceful means but Dr. Rizal’s arrest and exile to Dapitan led him to abandon peaceful means.

He co-founded the Katipunan on the night of July 7, 1892. The Katipunan became the instrument that ended colonial dominance in the country.

In May, 1896, Bonifacio and several Katipuneros trekked to Montalban to establish a headquarters for the revolution.

At Pamitinan Cave, he wrote on its walls: "Mabuhay ang Kalayaan ng Pilipinas!’’ And at nearby Makarok Cave, he wrote: "Naparito ang mga Anak ng Bayan. Humahanap ng Kalayaan!’’

After the discovery of the Katipunan by the colonial authorities on August 19, 1896, Bonifacio and his fellow Katipuneros launched the revolution.

In the yard of Apolonio Samson in Kangkong, Balintawak, Bonifacio shouted at his comrades: "Kalayaan o Kamatayan? Mga Kapatid, ang Kalayaan ay inaagaw sa dulo ng patalim!’’

In battle, Bonifacio’s words animated his comrades to fight on: "Mga Kapatid! Mapalad ang bayang linitawan ng mga bayani, sapagka’t ang bayang iya’y walang kamatayan!’’

A sincere man, faithful to his land of birth, Andres Bonifacio met a tragic death but history vindicated him.

Historians have called him the "Father of the Philippine Revolution.’’

The historian and revolutionary hero Isabelo de los Reyes called Bonifacio the "Arm of Divine Providence’’ for he transformed the lowly Katipunan into a powerful "weapon of the weak.’’

Andres Bonifacio was one of those who kept the flame of freedom alive through the dark years of foreign dominance.

The Filipino race is fortunate for having had a son like Andres Bonifacio.

May our observance of this true patriot make our people emulate his faithfulness to the land of his birth.

My take:

As I was reading that piece from the Bulletin website, I couldn't help but chuckle as I recall an on-air debate sometime in the mid-90s between then Caloocan City Mayor Rey Malonzo and former mayor Boy Asistio on whether the city should be spelt with a "C" or with a "K".

Asistio argued that the "K" was patriotically correct as there was no "C" in the Filipino alphabet ( Abakada) ..... yada ... yada ...

An obviously incensed Malonzo fired back that if we go by Asistio's argument, then Andres Bonifacio's name would've been spelt Bonifakio and the resulting soundbite was enough to silence his arch rival.

A rare master stroke indeed from the karate kid!

how insensitive

hmmm the headline is "cute" but insensitive

if this were done in the US or elsewhere, throngs would be picketing the PDI offices at the break of dawn

My Papa lives in me

There are stars whose light only reaches the Earth long after they have fallen
apart. There are people whose remembrance gives light in this world, long after
they have passed away. This light shines in our darkest nights on the road we
must follow.

The Talmud

The run-up to All Saints Day or Todos Los Santos or All Soul’s Day (Dia delos Muertos, as the Hispanics call it) makes me miss home the most.

For every year since I was 11 – except the time when I headed a local government task group that manned the help desk in public cemeteries and when my late boss Joe Burgos sent me on a mission to Mindanao – I was on top of preparations when the fam hies off to Papa’s final resting place at Loyola. Since transforming into an expat worker close to three years ago, I’ve become incapacitated to perform this task.

My Papa died on the first hour of September 3, 1980 at the Philippine Heart Center for Asia. His death certificate says Papa died of cardiac arrest. Seems simple, but the road to Papa’s passing was a long painful route.

My father – a lawyer – worked for the government. He was involved in the management of housing projects of the GSIS and at one time was even in charge of the demolition of the Manila Hotel. His work required him to travel a lot, visiting many places in the provinces. I’ve gotten used to seeing him fly in and out, coming home with baskets or crates of fruits and all sorts of stuff like live giant blue crabs and souvenir items.

Then one day, he got sick. He was shivering that night. When he got a bit better, we went to the Cardinal Santos Hospital where he was supposed to undergo further checks. The nurse at the hospital was rubbing people the wrong way. She talked to patients like they owed her a favour. She wanted Papa to wear an identity bracelet, but he refused. She was rudely insistent and that got the goat of my old man. He pulled off the white bracelet that was forcibly strapped on his wrist and stormed out of the hospital in a huff (Had he submitted himself for a check up, his ailment could've been detected early and diagnosed before it got out of hand).

Several months after, my usually energetic father started slowing down. Later on, I learnt that he had a “kidney problem”. I was clueless. I was too young to even know what a kidney was. I didn’t care much as my own world was revolving around how the earth’s machine “heroes” where faring in their battle against the Boazanians, the Brahmins, and Dr. Hell.

My father tried to live as normal as possible. We’d still go out and travel like we used to. We’d curl up in our sofa as we watch late night movies on TV, go to Recto or Avenida to see new films on the big screen or eat hotdog waffle at Jopson’s in Bustillos. He and Mama would still bring me to school on their way to their office in Makati.

Papa’s meals, however, changed. He was no longer touching the sumptuous nilagang baka or pork humba specially prepared by Ate Isa every Sunday. His food was prepared separately -- bland, no salt. A big, tall glass of “banaba” tea has also become standard together with a fistful of medicines of all shapes and sizes.

Once a week, an entourage would escort Papa to the Heart Center where he’d undergo dialysis. The procedure – I was told – was very painful. Long needles are inserted into the veins on each arm where blood is drawn and passed into a dialysis machine for cleansing and injected back into the body. The session would zap Papa’s energy and he had to lean on my cousin Awe or whoever is at hand in climbing the flight of stairs at home.

One day, Auntie Evie – Papa’s sister – came over and they had a serious talk. They were speaking in Bicolano (or whatever was the lengua franca in their hometown in Masbate). I couldn’t fully understand what they were talking about, but I remember hearing them discuss “transplant” and “organ donation”. I’d later find out that they entertained the possibility of Papa getting a kidney transplant, but the operation could only be done overseas as the technology was then not available then in the Philippines. Auntie Evie was willing to donate her kidney to his kid brother, but she was understandably edgy until the option was abandoned.

Summer of 1980, Papa, Mama and I embarked on our usual summer trek. We went to Bohol for the Holy Week then visited Papa’s pet project – an hacienda named after me – in Pilar, Sorsogon. It was my first trip to Bicol and I was awe-excited to see the majestic Mt. Mayon, thrilled to cross the sea between the Sorsogon mainland and the island where “my hacienda” was located and feel gung-ho taking my first horse and carabao-ride. Back in the capitol of Legazpi, we spent several nights in a hotel as my father had to meet some old friends (I’d say it was his farewell call) before flying back to Manila.

Soon after returning home, Papa was back in the hospital for his “regular check up” but this time, he was not allowed to go home anymore. He stayed at the Heart Centre until his condition deteriorated. My once spritely father – the source of strength and guiding light of the entire clan – was helplessly strapped to his bed with a countless number of tubes and a life-support system by his side.

One fine night, I was whisked to his side as my Papa had insisted on seeing me. Hard of speaking as he had tracheotomy to help him breathe, Papa struggled as he talked to me in whispers, telling me to be good and to take care of my Mama. Several weeks later, he was gone.

Years have passed and I still talk to my Papa. Going to Loyola was not a once-a-year exercise to follow the pack. I’d go visiting whenever I can to talk to my Papa.

Like Forrest Gump – but in silence – I tell him what I’ve been up to, how I feel, what I need, what I want. I still snuggle up to him and seek his guidance just like when he was still physically around.

Papa has never failed me and has remained my source of strength. He still talks to me in whispers from above just as how King Mufasa explained to Simba, what the stars from above are doing.

Simba: Dad?
Mufasa: Hmm?
Simba: We're pals, right?
Mufasa: Right.
Simba: And we'll always be together, right?
Mufasa: Simba, let me tell you something my father told me. Look at the stars. The great kings of the past are up there, watching over us.
Simba: Really?
Mufasa: Yes. So whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I

Rest In Peace in Dauis

The narrow entrance to the Dauis Catholic Cemetery. Note the ghoulish-looking chapel which seems to welcome visitors -- and interrees -- with a wide smile.

The chapel up close which -- as its sign proclaims -- was built in 1888.

"Eternal rest grant unto their souls. And let perpetual light shine upon them"

The interior "apartment row" as seen from Tiya Coring, Tiya Rebecca and Tiya Purita's graves.

When you come inside, make sure you can still come out -- alive!

There's another cemetery on the hilly side of Dauis -- on the roadside leading to Panglao -- which residents refer to as the "menteryo sa ibabaw". It was originally designated as the final resting place for non-Catholics. Eventually, even Catholics had to be admitted into this "holy ground" as the church-run cemetery has become too congested.

(Pictures taken during my visit to Dauis in January 4-10, 2008)

Joegar, Tata Ric and the INsider

My blog is beginning to look like a registry of dead journos.

But somebody has to break the sad news.

Wuz playing around with Facebook when I got alerted by Dana Batnag’s status feed that she’s “sad that another writer is dead”.

Before getting her reply when I asked her who was it this time, I found a feed from gmanews.tv that it was my former boss and colleague Joegar’s turn to kick the bucket.

Joegar or Jose Garcia was one of my editors at the defunct Manila Chronicle.

He was the chief sub in charge of putting the front page to bed. If I’m not mistaken, he succeeded the late Mike Rocha in manning the slot.

Joegar was a no-frills guy who just does his stuff without much fanfare. He just does his job at the Desk unlike some power-tripping cretins who derive pleasure in bullying reporters, announce to the whole wide world what he found on a poor cub’s copy or show everyone that he’s the fair-haired boy of whoever was the ruling demigod at the newsroom.

The Manila Chronicle was a highly-charged newsroom. According to Raul Rodrigo’s book – The Power and the Glory – it was where the best and the brightest of Philippine journalism can be found.

Joegar was among the handful who survived the Chronicle's transition from the Lopezes to the Cojuangcos to the Coyiutos. He was loyal to the paper till the very end.

The always smiling Joegar is no blabbermouth, but he'll turn into one whenever his favourite sport – tennis – is on the table. And unfortunately, he apparently died while enjoying the game.

I can just imagine Boss Vergel Santos and Sir Fort Yerro missing their old match partner.

After the Chronicle’s unceremonious demise in January 1998, Joegar and I would again work together at the Journal Group when we joined the Joe Burgos takeover team seven months later.

Sir Fort, one of the original brains behind People’s Journal, Tata Cris Martinez, Butch Hilario and my friend Porky were the other ex-Chroniclers on that team.

Years later, he resurfaced as head of the Senate media office. It was at the halls of the Senate where I last saw him alive and well.

Joegar is the third ex-Chronicle to join the Great Newsroom this year – after Bert Castro and Tita Giron.

***

A day before the news of Joegar’s exit was announced, I was surprised to learn about the passing of another former colleague, Ric dela Cruz.

Tata Ric was our sportswriter at Taliba. He was the half-brother of our former boss, Arturo “Uncle Bob” dela Cruz, who was the last government-appointed chairman of the Journal Group.

Tata Ric is best remembered in the Journal not for his flair in sportswriting, but for his uncanny presence in the newsroom.

He was a “favourite” of our executive editor, Senyor Zip Roxas. Sir Zip once told me how Tata Ric would make heads turn as he drives around town in a vintage car that have seen better days.
Tata Ric – I was told – was an original Press Club “rabble rouser” during the NPC’s heydays.

A grinning and "aromatic" Tata Ric would always make it a point to make “pa-pogi” at Taliba’s angels – Anne Tiangco, Jet Antolin and most especially to his statuesque editor – Anna Federigan.

Paired with TJ Jurado, Taliba sports was “special”.

Tata Ric will be sorely missed at Taliba. And I’m pretty sure, he’ll continue to make his presence felt before Anne, Jet and Ana.

On a serious note, the hard-to-impress Sir Zip once said that Tata Ric is probably the only sportswriter then around who knows baseball by heart.

Tata Ric was posthumously honoured by the NCAA and UAAP Press Corps at the 2008 College Basketball Awards.

***
Completing my “death comes in threes” entry is the final roll out of the Journal Group’s INsider magazine.

Without fear of getting contradicted, I dare say that the INsider was my baby.

Now that INsider is history, the real inside story on how the trailblazing magazine was born has to be told.

People’s Journal INsider or simply INsider (note the capitalized letters) was born in August 1999, supplanting the Journal (originally, the Times Journal) – the erstwhile flagship newspaper of the Journal Group.

The Journal management deemed it right to just shut the broadsheet down as it was draining the revenues generated by its sister papers – People’s Journal and People’s Tonight.

The late world press freedom hero, Joe Burgos – who was publisher, president and EIC of the PJI for just over two months – had lofty dreams for the Journal.

He wanted to put the fire back into the paper. Tito Boy assembled a powerhouse cast to inject life into the broadsheet. He conscripted the likes of Bing Torres -- one of the Journal’s original editor – out of retirement to join Fort Yerro, Butch Hilario, Bobby Tuazon, Sonny Fernandez (now news producer at ABS-CBN), Gerry Baldo among others in beefing up the Desk.

When the team took over in September 1998, all PJI papers hit the ground running. For the first time in years, newsboys were carrying the Journal.

People who knew the legend in Joe Burgos bought the paper to see if the firebrand is really back.
Tito Boy’s frontpage columns were hitting the likes of “Marcosa” -- his way of referring to the Imeldific one whose family is now in control of the Journal.

He also jumpstarted a crusade against violence and pornography, prompting a rival tabloid chain to print his picture on their frontpages and started branding him as the “Goebbels” of the Estrada administration.

But Tito Boy’s gung-ho management approach – which was perfect in the old mosquito press days of Malaya and WE Forum – was a square peg in the PJI’s imperfect round hole.

But wait, we’re supposed to be talking about the INsider.

When Tito Boy left the Journal in November 1998, the dream journey was abruptly cut. The planned total redesign of the broadsheet was scuttled and the Journal was back to its lethargic ways. It came to a point that we were producing the paper for the sake of just putting it out. There was no proper page planning, no story conferences, lay outs in disarray and reporters just file whatever stories they feel turning in.

No amount of motivation and bullying could prompt the PJI’s marketing people to pull in ads for the broadsheet. Circulation was down to 5,000 – and even with such low print run, the returns were high.

And so the decision to put the mother paper to pasture was made and the Journal had its last
run on June 31, 1999. Except for a group picture taking of the people who are putting the Journal to bed for the last time, no bottle of champagne was uncorked that night. No fat lady was called in to sing.

The suddenly orphaned Journal staff – around 20 or so – we’re distributed to the surviving papers. Manny Ces – the last editor of the broadsheet – Gwen Reyes and Tere Orendain retired. Bobby Tuazon, Leena Calso, Stephanie Asuncion and I were shipped to People’s Journal while Tess Lardizabal and Nixon Canlapan were moved to People’s Tonight. Others like Francis Riva, Vangie Bolinas, Nonoy (sorry I forgot his family name) and editorial assistant Lorena de Luna were displaced.

Ferdie Ramos, then PJI general manager and Tonight EIC, came out with a plan. He proposed the putting up of a “scandal sheet” – another publication featuring investigative reports, gossip pieces and paparazzi shots. His pet project was initially dubbed as the “Enquirer”.

Boss Ferdie – the true and tested Erap loyalist – would often call me and Porky for an impromptu watercooler chat to see if his idea would fly.

Later on, the top brass decided that the “Enquirer” should be showbiz-oriented as it is much easier to produce and sell compared to a political scandal sheet which could easily be saddled with libel suits. Just between us – the weight of the decision was more skewed on giving an Estrada publicist his own kingdom at the PJI.

Even before I was to report to Sir Roy Acosta for my new assignment at People’s Journal, my much higher boss, Raymond Burgos – the publisher – seconded me to the “Enquirer” project.

My marching order was to scavenge from the carcass of the Journal and put flesh and bones to the “Enquirer”.

The project’s working name drew flak from who else, but the Inquirer!

Even before we sat down for our first brainstorming session. The Inquirer blew the lid off the “Enquirer” in one of its business columns.

Before our first meeting, we were told to come up with a name for the new magazine. I think I had 10 names on my list, but none of us got the chance to bring out our notes as our chairman, Direk Eddie Romero – a national artist for film – drew his one ruler-length list of possible names. And the name Insider – the first on his list – was the hands down choice.

Capitalising the letters I and N in Insider was the idea of my handpicked creative director, Norbert “Bones” Calleja.

From a scandal sheet idea, the INsider concept evolved into a hip entertainment mag with sports added to balance showbusiness.

Bones and I fashioned out “studies” based on page designs adapted from US mags like Entertainment Weekly, People and of course, the National Enquirer.

Jie Flores, whom I managed to lure out of Supplements, was giddy on the idea of an in-depth, news-feature approach to presenting showbiz stories We were looking at the way entertainment stories were made by Parade magazine, TV Times and Jingle in the 70s and 80s.

Zean Macamay, the defunct Journal’s sports ed, was working on a lineup of sports features to be crafted by his able lieutenant, Reira Mallari (now sports editor of the Manila Standard Today).

Pictorial essays on celebrity lifestyles and events were also being planned with “real” photographers -- not the Luneta-types that was a dime a dozen at the PJI -- to give INsider readers the real inside view on their favorite stars.

Staff morale pumped up further when Raymond designated the I.T. server and gameroom to be the new home of the INsider team.

While all these things were happening, the designated kingpin of the INsider was doing his own sweet thing in his cubicle. He was just waiting to be served.

Behind our backs, he managed to sneak in a “chief correspondent” who’d work in his cubicle.

When the green light for the INsider to produce its launch issue was made, the “editor” threw all the fantastic ideas out of the window and did everything his way. It turned out that he couldn’t hack the concept. Hindi sya marunong magsulat ng English!

From an envisioned hip quality entertainment magazine, the INsider became a “Kislap”.

PR shit disguised as legit stories from paid hacks found its way into the magazine.

The INsider’s saving grace was in its design. The stories may be bakya, but the page designs were brilliant.

For our launch issue, we had the “Tatlong haring bastos” – Randy Santiago, Willie Revillame and John Estrada – hosts of the noontime show Magandang Tanghali Bayan – on the cover while sex kitten Priscilla Almeda was on our first centerfold.

The INsider had a grand coming out party at Club Filipino with the cover boys as hosts.

Some “Who’s Who” of showbiz, politics and sport were there.

The late doyen of the movie press, Inday Badiday, was there. Then PNP chief Panfilo Lacson and Presidential Adviser on Flagship Projects Robert Aventajado were there. The entire brass of the Philippine Sports Commission seemed lost among a band of screaming faggots lumped in one table.

President Erap was expected to come, but failed to. I think Jinggoy and Jude Estrada – the president's sons – were there.

Chairman Eddie gave a speech outlining the vision – based on the original concept – of the INsider.

The proceeding were aired live on a radio program hosted by the lucky publicist.

I did not last long at INsider. I was supposed to be named the mag's Managing Editor, but some insecure faggots blocked my appointment papers.

I left the INsider after three months and finally reverted to hard news via People’s Journal.

The INsider – being a new format in tsismis mags – was well received. In a short time, it became a revenue generator for the PJI.

But the editor at the helm at that time underestimated the intelligence of the Filipino reading public. Soon, they too got tired of all the crap.

The INsider’s credibility sunk to its lowest when at the height of Erap’s impeachment trial, the magazine became a scrapbook of the publicist’s relations with the president.

The once-promising magazine became a laughing stock when on the week that EDSA 2 was happening, the INsider boldly proclaimed that Erap will not be abandoned by his friends, especially Nora Aunor.

As that issue was being sold on the streets, the Superstar was at the EDSA Shrine denouncing her allegiance to his once leading man.

I believe that was the turning point for INsider. The magazine lost whatever headstart advantage it had.

At that time, Robina Gokongwei’s Summit Media had rolled out YES! – and followed the real INsider concept. ABS-CBN Publishing also joined the fray and came out with Starstudio and the showbiz magazine market once again became vibrant – thanks to the trail blazed by INsider.