Makati...isang malaking Banyo...

Bad trip talaga yesterday...

Nagmamadali na nga ako maka uwi, with a birthday cake in tow for my son. Pero di ako makapagmadali kasi ang mga sidewalk sa Ayala Ave. are totally covered in tiles. E nag uuulan pa. Apat na beses ako nadulas... And now my left foot is blackened (sabi ng officemate ko nagka sugat sa loob..and that is blood inside) and hindi ko mai bend ang paa ko. There were a lot of people with me who were walking at a snail's pace because the entire Ayala Ave. sidewalk is a 'dulasan festival' of sorts. Hirap na nga akong maglakad before pa sa harap ng Enterprise kapag umuulan kasi madulas, naisipan ng Makati na pahirapan ako lalo by putting tiles on the whole Ayala Ave.

Akala ko kasi nakarecover na ang mga pinoy sa 80's phenomenon na 'basta naka tiles, sosy!!!' (with kasamang hiyaw ng "ahaaaay" sa dulo) nung nagaaral pa ako sa kolehiyo. Kaya nga mostly ginagamit ng designers e road bricks or other materials with a high friction rate even when wet.

Kaaaso meron n naman palang hang over ng 80's phenow movement. Kaya kailangan kong bumili ng sapatos na mas makapit dahil sa ginawa sa Ayala. Pero, dahil wala pang bonus, sa may Dela Rosa na lang muna ako dumadaan.

(Ay, naku...nasabi ko pa...baka Dela Rosa naman ang tadtarin nila ng mga tiles...oo yung mga mariwasa na pambanyo...para kahit maaraw, basag ang bungo ng mga naglalakad...put@#%in@)

The Red Dawn is Approaching...Wake up AFP!!!!

China recently took steps to ' “accelerate its transformation and modernization in a sturdy way, and make extended preparations for military combat in order to make greater contributions to safeguard national security”. They are now gearing up towards war... with the whole South East Asian nations.

The questionable purchase and retrofit of a former Soviet aircraft carrier by China generates concern with many countries. At a time where the region is divided on a particular island groups off the coast of Palawan.

Its common sense that national security involves defending its territories, established or disputed alike. This is proclaimed amidsts rising tension within the the Southeast Asian communities about the Spratly Islands, an area claimed to be rich in gas and oil. While neighboring countries stake claims to various islands near their territorial waters, China claims the whole island group as her own (if that's the case, the whole island of Luzon should also be inside China's territory, since their 'territory' reaches that far).

Its known that as other countries raced to fill their claims and populate them, China wasted no time in setting up military bases and increased naval presence (sometimes at the expense of the fishermen of Palawan...which is so much closer to the group of islands than China).

If China attacks, we cannot depend on the UN because China, as a member of the security council, has the power to veto any resolution the group of nation passes. So if the UN makes a resolution making China's attack on Philippine sovereignty illegal, China will just veto it, and the UN will do nothing.

So there's no one the Filipinos can depend to but themselves.

And here lies the problem. With almost the entire defense budget spent on the AFP, the Navy and Airforce are left with nothing but scraps to divide among themselves. Even though a lot of political analysts had expressed the need to further develop out naval and air power (also due to the fact that with a nation of islands, we need a larger navy and air force to defend our boarders), a bulk of that money, from taxes, are somewhat used to purchase weapons that 'happens' to appear in the rebel's hands...or to buy properties in the US (where generals and politicians can easily claim asylum and live in the lap of luxury. Yeah, you better claim asylum bitches, cause both Chinese and Filipinos will tear your heads off!!!). What will be left behind are the valiant soldiers that the generals and politicians use as cannon fodders and scapegoats.

I think this move by China is sparked by the growing cooperation and joint treaties with neighboring South East Asian countries for exploration and mining the resources of the Spratlys. And since China claims the island group 'all or nothing', expect a number of undocumented encounters between the countries within the South China Sea.

So beware, beware...the approaching Red Dawn.

5 milyon? me parte ba kami dyan?

Ano na naman itong nababalitaan na binigyan ng gobyerno ng Pinas ng halagang 5 milyong piso ang MILF. At para daw ito sa Leadership training institute.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....

Naiputan na naman sa ulo ang gobyerno at ang taong bayan.

At sinasabi ng MILF na di ito ginamit sa pagbili ng mga dagdag na armas at bala na gigitil na naman sa mga kawawang magiting na marino at sundalo ng Pambansang Sandatahang Lakas.

Sabagay, mga ang mga nasa taas lang naman ang nakikinabang sa mga milyon milyon na kinakaltas buwan buwan sa mga pinaghirapan ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan, kaya wala silang pakialam. Yang mga general na yan na maraming ari arian sa ibang bansa (lalo na sa 'Tate), kasi kapag sinalakay na tayo ng Tsina, sila ang unang unang lilipad palabas ng bansa.

Ilang beses pa ba uli magpapaloko ang gobyerno, ilang magiting na sundalo pa ba ang masasawi, ilang milyon piso pa ba ng pinaghirapan ng taong bayan ang kailangang masayang bago sila magising na TINATARANTADO lang sila.

At yang peace talks at ceasefire na yan...habang naniniwala kayo na sumusunod sila sa patakaran at mga napagusapan, bigla kayong padadalahan ng pugot na ulo ng turista, international journalist, sundalo...o kaya biglang lulusubin ang isang bayan, isang himpilan ng pulisya, isang firebase ng militar o marino. Kung isang damukal ang break away groups na yan (ayon sa kanila), what is the use of talking peace to a minor faction of that group.

Kaya na nga hindi na nila lilisanin ang pagiging hukbo ng mga bandido kasi nagiging 'cash cow' nila. Bakit ka nga naman maghihirap sa pagsasaka, pagtratrabaho, pagpapabuti ng antas ng lipunan...basta me baril ka at masamang hangarin, pera agad.

M.I.L.F. ???

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Its Just How It Is (Too Weak to Defend the Philippine Republic)

Recently there are a lot of blunders, issues and cover-up concerning our politicians and military officials. They are always in cahoots with regards to issues of election fraud, disappearance of activists, misappropriation of government funds, and the like. Covering each other as the need arises. And with a feeling of gratitude, will turn and cover for the other as well. Careful in making sure that all the money and the power is kept in their small circle of 'kumpares' and 'kumadres'.

Then what about the people? Those diligently work and support the government and the military with taxes from their wages and manpower in the form of themselves, their sons and their daughters. The people are the ones working for them yet it is they who act with treason and play on the public's trust. The people are being beaten down until there is no more will left in them for a better life, just the desire and need to make it through the day. As a lower middle working class citizen, I have felt this way a lot of times. Times that upon hearing news about the billions of pesos of taxpayers money are used to ascertain their grip on power, to get their kicks, or simply just to get their way so they can amass more money and power, my will to fight slips away. I just have to work so I can earn something to feed my family. I closed myself up and cared about nothing else.

The fund from the taxpayers are immediately diverted into the coffers of the politicians, political aides and corrupt military officials who, as one blogger stated, in an event of an invasion by another country, are the first ones to escape abroad with their ill-gotten wealth. Its seems that patriotism, like chivalry, is already dead...especially to those in power.

Its every person for themselves up there, to cover-up for themselves. Proudly beating on their chests while shouting here and there about protecting the motherland, the people, and their families, while the soldiers and commoners are used as cannonfodders for their own gain.

My Cup of Sinigang Tea

Ahhh, the wonderful Pork Sinigang, it's a culinary treat that can lead the world to peace and unity. I love the way how it mixes the saltiness of its pork broth, the spiciness of green chili and pepper, and the sour tang of tamarind. A wonderful cocktail that plays around your taste buds (oh, you wanna play too, come here you little puppy you...heeeeereee puppy puppy puppy).

Sorry, I got a little over poetic there. Thats how much I love that viand we refer to as 'Pork Sinigang'.

I was eating at a small karinderia along Arayat St. in Mandaluyong one day when an epiphany came to me. It came to me like a large metal safe falling down on a helpless coyote in one of those Saturday morning cartoons. It seems to me that, the hospitality food of choice in the Philippines is the humble Pork Sinigang soup.

Now before you send me off to be institutionalized, I would like you to see it from my perspective. While studying in Japan, I learned that the Japanese green tea (referred to as 'ocha') was their hospitality drink. Everytime there is a guest, whether it be social, educational or business, they always serve green tea. Its considered as a refreshing drink in Japan, and its anti-oxidants is like bidding good health to your guests.

Now imagine that, transpose a little, convert welcoming to eating, in a fiesta or a canteen, flush it through the magic-head-trip-trauma-o-meter, fast forward, add ketsup, some spices and vinegar, leave to simmer, then head to your nearest Mini-stop or 7-11 cuz I'm hungry...

Now, where were we? (wow...another meaning for triple 'W') When eating on karinderias, the server will always give you an extra serving of soup (its called soup here but its actually called broth), the most requested is...ding ding ding...Pork Sinigang. That is mostly given to warm our tummies as we wait for our food. 

But sometimes, eventhough they say that the soup they're serving is Sinigang, in reality its really Nilaga...

So does that mean that the Nilaga is the food of deception, atrocity and greed?

Hmmmm.....

Three days of rock (pt1- Saguijo)

It was a hectic three days as our Rubber Duckie family starts with the 'Ultimate Abduction' bar tour.

Let me start with our gig in Saguijo last thursday. We auditioned for a slot there with Revolver productions. The night was filled with music as we performed along with Kjwan and Gaijin. 

For those who don't know, Saguijo is a bar in Guijo street in Makati which is also a famous venue for band productions and events. It is built on 2 units of row houses and has a museum on the second floor, although I still haven't had a chance to visit...they seem to close early in the evening. They also serve as a restaurant serving Filipino-fusion cusine at reasonable prices.

I found out, Gaijin is the latest side project of the reknowned guitarist Raymund Marasigan. He is joined by a Japanese drummer (Shinji) and an American guitarist and vocalist (Jessie). Raymund is known for being the guitarist for the now defunt Eraserheads (the band that started a music revolution in the 90's) and as an ingenius and innovative songwriter/ frontman in his project band Sandwich. As I loved his songs from Sandwich, I looked forward to the set of his latest project.

Gaijin's set was an ok set, their songs seems to be based on a mix of 60's liveliness and vibe, a dash of 80's experimentalism with a twist of modern alternative rock. I liked their song 'Swedish Radio' (if I heard the title correctly), the rest was ok but not much to my liking.

As other bands performed, we tanked up on a new brew by Gilbeys. The drink, which was a sweet mix of Green Tea and gin, is reminiscent of vodka and lime but with a refreshing after taste. With the promo price of P199 for a bucket of 4, it was more affordable than other bottled cocktails served in bars.





Later, me and my bandmates hanged around the outside of the bar, buzzed and getting crazy. And because we played the opening set, we went home early and didn't get the chance to see Kjwan again.

Pagbabalik ni SHAIDER!!!

Mamangha sa Pagbabalik ni SHAIDER!!! (Behold at the return of Shaider!!!)

Just like anyone who was a kid in the Philippines during the 80's, I grew up watching Japanese Super Sentai or Henshin Hero series after school. We'd race home to catch the latest episodes of our favorite shows. Its become a ritual, watching those series along with my siblings and cousins. So while I was looking around some DVD stalls, I was surprised to see 'Space Sheriff Shaider' (known here simply as 'Shaider'), one of my favorite shows. Excited, I bought it and watched at home.

Dai (known here as 'Alexis') is a space police cadet from Earth sent back to our planet to protect it from Fuuma's army, whose sole purpose is to enslave planets in various star systems. Those who doesn't bow down to their will gets their homeworld destroyed. After destroying many planets, Earth is next.

I admit I was blown away by the effects and fight scenes as a kid (For us guys, it was a chance to see some upskirts of Annie ,she's like Shaider's deputy or something, hehehehe), but as I watched recently, it seems mundane. But I got to say, it was cool to watch it again.

I was amused with the first episode. The bad-ass conquering jaggernaut that is Fuuma started its plan to take over the world by abusing a little girl's puppy (a puppy?!! how devious!!! how diabolical!!! is there no one there to stop them?!). 

Also, this series was in a time when English in Japan was used just to make something sound cool. What we came to know here as the 'Shaider Blaster' was really 'Video Beam Gun' (eh? but later on I leaRned that its due to the fact that there is a video screen on top of the gun). But at least I got to know the real names of other stuff. Like Alexis is really Dai, Battle Tank is really Battle Shaian, Shaider Cutter is really Laser Blade, Aida is really Po. 

Other technical jargons used is somewhat out there. Like the explanation for Shaider's transformation sequence. It was said to be due to Blue Plasma...Plasma is superheated matter, hotter than the surface of the sun, everytime he'd transform, what will be left is a mass of charred carcass and a molten body armor.

And the mysterious realm that makes the monsters stronger...what's the relevance of it being 6000 degrees celius inside? And that its made of atomice molecules, I mean, everything is made of molecules aren't they?

Fuuma's army seems to use some underhanded ploys rather than military tactics in its campaign for conquest. Like making people lazy, turning kids into animals and getting back on bullies using telekenesis. This is because the series focuses on human values and morals, taking it upon itself to entertain and educate the youth on valuing friendship, family and a path to righteousness.

"For I am...Murmur..."

A funny thing...

The avatar I'm using now is the seal of the demon Murmur.

He is the Duke and Earl of hell who teaches philosophy and music. Of all the demons I studied, I took intrest in him because, while the other bunch specializes in temptation and sin, Murmur teaches. And loves music. Hmmm...kinda like...

ME!!!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA*cough cough*....

Anyweizs...the funny thing I'm referring to is, after using the seal of Murmur as my avatar, the list in my Google ads changed. It started showing ads on demonology, the occult..and today I saw ads about the Holy Spirit and other prophetic ministries.

I don't consider myself as a religious person...but I am a spiritual and philosophical guy. So don't be fooled about the ads on ministries and stuff.

Now...must look for that puppy.....

here puppy puppy puppy... :-)

R.I.P: Cafe Bec

Its difficult to find a bar or a lounge that could fill my needs. Long after my fave coffee shop 'Perk 22' burned down (the former 'Coffee California' *i think* near Cherry Foodarama in Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong), it was difficult to find the same cozy atmosphere in my college life. There was Dencio's in Katipunan then , but I still longed for my 'Perky Werky' (as me and my brother fondly call that place)

That was until me and my friends found Cafe Bec, a small cafe beside MC Home Depot in Fort Bonifacio's Global City. In there we have a nice cold beer after a day's work along with my favorite 'Pizza Marina' and 'Pizza Alberto'. Sometimes one of the waiting staff, Kuya Frank, would join us in our drunken jibber jabbers on the slow days. And when motorcycle groups would meet there, we would look and admire the big bikes and vintage scooters parked alongside it.

But alas, news got to me that the place is empty and closed. 

I was shocked...I cried...and after I calmed down, I punched a puppy, screaming in blood curdling agony. Then it was emo time...reminiscing the time spent on that quaint, little place.

Me and my buddies are again on the road to find another place to hang out.

The puppy is looking at me with fear in its eyes.