Ghostly Encounter

It was back in '83. I've been asked to sing at the 50th anniversary of a friend's grandparents. We took the ship for Cebu and arrived at noon the following day. We went to their ancestral house in Cebu City to get refreshed before heading for Bogo at the other end of Cebu Island. Our van wouldn't start so we had to spend the night in the house. I'm the only male in the group and there was no other room left for me. There was one other room but it's been locked for several decades.

I was told after dinner that I could stay in the living room. I asked if I could stay in the locked room instead. They tried to dissuade me and warned me that I may not be able to sleep. I was told that one of the owners' daughter died there. I was told that she died mysteriously several months after her fiance died in an accident the day they were supposed to get married. She never recovered from it and spent countless hours crying. I can only guess the poor girl died of her loneliness.

After smoking my last stick of cigarette, I lied down to get some sleep. Around 2:30am I was awakened by soft sobbing. The room was freezing even without a fan and the windows were closed. Sitting at the edge of the bed was a ghostly figure of a girl, her back against me, hunched and crying. I felt this tingling sensation up my spine. Now I really felt I got myself into deep sh*t! And with a low voice, I sat and asked what the problem was. Of course I did not get any answer. The apparition was glowing white and I just had to find out if I could touch her. I slowly reached out and my arm passed right through her. I felt so cold, it felt like I stuck my arm in the freezer. She disappeared as quickly as she appeared right before my eyes. I never got to sleep again.

At breakfast the following day, I was asked if anything weird happened during the night. I did not tell them anything. It was only during the ride to Bogo that I told my friends what happened. My adventures did not end there. After our six-hour trip to Bogo, we drove up to another old house where we were to stay the entire weekend. Yes, something happened to us on our stay there, something supernatural. But that's another story.

Happy Halloween everybody!!!!

Spread The Wealth Around

I've been following the US presidential campaign and honestly, I am surprised at the level it is being run. It seems that the Democrats has a more organized campaign than that of the Republican party. One of the issues that caught my attention is the Joe "the Plumber" spin. It seems that the negative ads run by the Republicans fell on deaf ears and actually disillusioned some independent voters.

During one door-to-door campaign of Obama, a man approached him and tossed him a question which he readily replied to. He told the man that you have to spread the wealth around. McCain quickly snapped it up and with the aid of conservative media, put a spin into it. They all called it socialism. What surprised me is how the conservatives (claiming to be Christians) could simply dismiss it without giving it a deeper thought. One radio commentator even likened it to trick-or -treating. There were even comments like why should I give my hard earned money away?

With all these misinformation and disinformation going around, it seems they really do not understand what they're talking about. Isn't taxation a form of socialism? You take money from people to fund "SOCIAL PROGRAMS" that address social concerns. Concerns like public education, public health care and public infrastructure. It also funds the welfare checks that the unemployed going through transitions receive. Isn't it also socialism that big oil companies give the Alaskan government money that they distribute to their constituents?

Well, Joe "the Plumber" says he thinks Obama's economic plans reeks of socialism. Even though he received welfare checks when he was unemployed or when he got $1,000 when he was living in Alaska, he conveniently refers to these as rewards. I know what's bull when I see one. Now Joe "the Ingrate" is joining McCain's sorties spreading more lies. What a jerk.

I know I'm putting myself on the limb here but things must be put in their proper perspective. The rich should really pay more taxes. They've enjoyed too many tax breaks and have not really invested much in the people. The American middle class and the working class are at the losing end. They get taxed so heavily and carry the burden of subsidizing government programs. So they end up sacrificing their children's education, their houses and their future. The lifestyles of the rich and the middle class are worlds apart and to take some more from the rich really wouldn't hurt them.

McCain says that due to high corporate taxes, big businesses are outsourcing to countries that give them lower tax rates. This is crap. Isn't big business getting the tax breaks? We also know that they pass on their taxes to you, the consumer. I have American friends who have brought their businesses to the Philippines. It was never about high taxes, it was all about cheap labor. What costs thousands of dollars in the US runs only to an average of $250 here. Just imagine the cut in their operating cost and the huge profit an the expense of the American consumer.

A good way of explaining what Obama's plans really are is this. It is about investing in the people. It's about making every American productive. It is about giving them the right tools to progress. And when all these is set into motion, revenues will grow, unemployment diminished and children will get better education. McCain and his cabal is not showing you the entire picture. All they will tell you is that you will be taxed. The trickle down economics he favors will never succeed because it keeps the wealth in the pockets of a few and the rest of the country is left to their own devises. Believe you me, our government employs the same economics and it has decimated the middle class and made 60% of my people poor. The big companies my government favors has shifted their businesses to China and then reimporting their goods back here.

My Republican friends here have voted not for MCain but for Obama. I suppose after scrutinizing both candidates and after the lengthy talks over coffee we had with our Democrat friends, they've realized that at this time, they should think of their country first than their pockets. That's what patriotism is all about. It's about what help you can give to your fellowman in this trying times. Maybe, just maybe this is what every American should be thinking now. It's time to pull together to weather this crisis. I admire my friends for their conviction. Who would benefit more in a productive America? Nobody else but Americans.

Elections is next week. Decide now and vote early. It's your obligation to yourself and to the future generations. It's not a time for cynicism, it's time to take action!

(I'm a Filipino, an outsider looking in. If I can see what's wrong with your system, I don't see why Americans cannot because you're the ones directly affected.)

Anybody's Ballgame

With the 2008 Formula 1 Grand Prix winding down, the drivers' championship is still up for grabs. Lewis Hamilton of McLaren-Mercedes (94 pts.) has only to finish the race ahead of main rival, Felipe Massa of Ferrari (87 pts.) to clinch the title. Of course, like many of the F! drivers, I'm hoping Massa takes the title. Hamilton has earned the ire of other drivers because of his dangerous driving style. Renault's Fernando Alonso in fact, promised to do anything just to help Massa win.

The constructor's title however is a different story. Ferrari (156 pts.) is 11pts. ahead of McLaren (145 pts.) and would take a miracle for McLaren to overtake them. The Brazilian Grand Prix could also end in drama as most races for this year have been. No dominance of any team can be seen in this year's results. It's been a year of surprises and high drama.

I'm already excited about next year's races as new circuits will be introduced. I however am saddened that one of my favorite circuits will no longer host F! next year. Canada will be taken out of the program next season. I'm all revved up for this year's last race. I'm sure it will be a nail biter and I would expect not quarters will be given. I have to stock up on soda and chips. It's also my son's brake so I will definitely enjoy watching this weekend's race.

Blogging Is An Advocacy

I must admit that current affairs is and will always be a part of me. My kids in fact complain all the time about my "addiction". I suppose I never shed my activist skin. Perhaps it is now an advocacy. My blog on Philippine socio-politics exhibits that. I've been often asked why I blog and with the exception of this blog, I do it for advocacy. Blogging is a powerful tool in educating and making people aware of how the events around us actually impact our daily lives. We have to believe in something to exist.

You may call me a dreamer for things unattainable. But that's what's idealism is all about. You dream and share the hope that springs from it.Dreaming is cheap and hope, eternal. I've come across countless blogs about anything and everything. But you can always find something in these blogs that would really reach out and grab you. It makes you rethink how you grasp life. We all blog for something and whatever reason it may be, it is good, it is valuable and it stands for our beliefs. There is no such thing as a nonsense blog.

How about you? Why do you blog?

My Favorite Food

Pizza, that's my comfort food. This is one dish I simply cannot live without. I'm a pizza junkie. I once won a bet that I could finish four party-sized pizzas. My favorite is not pepperoni but cheese and garlic with a sprinkling of shrimp. I'm a connoisseur of sorts and my friends often ask me where the best pizzas can be had. Filipinos are finally appreciating this Italian pie that has been cruelly associated with beer. Now it's become a favorite of families as well. But nothing really beats homemade pies. Liza and I used to have pizza days where we do the baking ourselves. You can always find pizza toppings in our fridge. I'm glad there is a small deli near our place where we can buy pepperoni, cheeses and a host of ingredients for our pizzas. I prefer the thin, crunchy crust than deep-dish type. I miss those days. This post is making me hungry, maybe I'll order some later. Hehehe......

Drill Baby Drill!

I suppose my friends in the US have heard this from Republicans John McCain and Sarah Pailin. Is this really the solution to America's thirst for oil? I doubt it. The reason why America uses more oil is not so much for their power needs but more on the consumption of their vehicles. Japan is at the forefront of alternative fuels for cars. Instead of educating Americans about conservation, the misguided call for more drilling promotes more unnecessary usage. Car manufacturers should by now have developed technologies for alternative fuels for their vehicles. With the dwindling supply and the soaring prices of petrol, it is only now the the American public is realizing the reality that they have to save.

Car manufacturers fed the public with gas-guzzling cars with absurd mileages. All over America, you will SUVs and muscle cars that consume gasoline at an astronomical rate. You can see big vehicles bearing a single passenger moving around. The American attitude has always been "because I can" and much to the detriment not only of the environment, it is also the reason why they now face more difficult times. So now there is a mad scramble for smaller, more fuel efficient cars. The crumbling automotive industry has only itself to blame. You can throw in the government for accommodating interest groups whose only concern is to make unbelievable profits. It's high time that policies be changed. With the US elections coming up, energy security should be made an issue.

A consumer driven economy is highly unstable. The government must change its policies. America slid into complacency brought about by arrogance by its leaders and the decline of its people's interest in government. The next president will be facing a daunting task and I hope that the new president will rectify what previous administrations neglected. Good luck to my friends in the US. Please vote wisely.

Honda S2000

Here's a very rare find. In fact, It's not available anywhere now. It's an Import Tuner collector's item. I got this a few years back. It's one of several that I was able to buy before they stopped selling it. I suppose it was too expensive for such a small car. The tires and the engine are so detailed that my friends adore my collection.

The series also features cars designed by a Filipino who has made a big name in the States in the car tuning arena. I wanted to feature all the cars here but it would consume too much space. So you'll have to settle for this one for now.

A Vicious Cycle

With the global economy on a downturn, I worry about my country's overseas workers. If this continues, millions may lose their jobs. Their families face a bleak future. Back in the '70s, many left the Philippines to seek employment abroad. For the first time in years, families were torn apart because of economic necessities and not of personal choice. As the years passed, the parents returned home only to be replaced by their children. With the lack of opportunities here, many continue to leave in the hope of lifting the lives of their loved ones. The Philippine economy at present is being propped up by the remittances of our OFWs.

The social cost of this phenomenon has yet to rear its ugly head. Children are growing up without their fathers and mothers. Without any concrete programs by the government, relief is nowhere in sight. Now even the formal and informal education system is geared towards employment abroad. Our leaders are only good till election day, after that, we are left to our own devises. Will this vicious cycle ever end? I hope it does, I would rather see my countrymen travel the world as tourists and not as laborers. I'd like to see them leave by choice and not of necessity.

Justice In The Philippines Is 4'11"

(Unknown to many, I have been writing a socio-political blog for the past 3 years. I will post this in the other blogs I author.)

The news of Gloria Arroyo granting double murder convict, Claudio Teehankee, Jr. executive clemency recently hit the headlines. Teehankee is the son of the late SC Claudio Teehankee, Sr. who shot and killed two teenagers more than 2 decades ago and wounded a third. Late last year, former congressman Romeo Jalosjos, a convicted child rapist was also released. Intrepid reporters found out about it and caused the recall of Jalosjos's release. Both Teehankee and Jalosjos are allies of Arroyo.

Executive clemency cannot be questioned because it is one of the constitutional powers of a president. Is this the kind of leader(?) we have? She has totally disregarded the rights of the victims because of political accommodations. What enrages me is that both are heinous crimes and that no amount of good behavior in jail can pay for their crimes. Teehankee up to now has not admitted his crime to the family of his victims or even to the Filipino people at that. Teehankee snuffed out the lives of kids who had so much future ahead of them.

Is this the brand of justice Arroyo weilds? Such abuse of discretion is totally unacceptable. I wll cite an example of how selective justice can be in the Philippines. An 6-yr. old boy was imprisoned for almost a year because he stole a pair of slippers. The boy never faced the courts and was thrown in with hardened criminals. He was rescued by an NGO which facilitated his release. The boys story was widely picked up by the media. Another case is that of an 82-yr. old grandafather who continues to languish in jai because he cannot raise the P10,000 bail for the crime of theft. He stole a small can of coned beef to feed his hungry grandchildren. Justice in the Philippines is selective. No wonder crimes go unreported because it only favors the rich and the powerful. Reforms in the judiciary and the penal system has been very slow and justice continues to be denied to a big number of alleged criminals and victims alike.

Gloria Arroyo's administration has been justifying its actions because Arroyo promised that she would release all prisoners who reached the age of 70. With the help of her callous secretary of justice, they even put the blame on the families of the victims. There is a procedure to follow before a convict is released. The prosecutor and the families must be formally informed and notified. The impending release should also be published in the newspapers. Although the latter was followed, the prosecutor nor the family were never informed. The concerned parties could have blocke Teehankee's release. What's worst, Raul Gonzales, the secretary of (IN)ustice even mocked the victim's family. He said that it's too late for them to complain. If they want to plead their case, they can do so with Jesus Christ. Such a blasphemous ass. this snile nicompoop is. Clearly the rights of children or their safety cannot be protected by this administration.

If this is the case, let's just throw the entire justice system as Arroyo can do as she pleases anyway. What I hope and pray to happen now, no matter how unchristian it may be is that their children befall the same fate the victims went through. It is wishful thinking as I know very well that their families has dozens of bodyguards to protect them. I am really fuming mad as the blatant violations of human rightd in the Philippines continue. The sad reality however is that Filipinos are indifferent and apthetic to what is happening to our country. I just hope that the Filipino people realize that the moral decay propagated by the current dispensation should and must be stopped before it's too late.

PJ Jose

I used to collect GI Joe dolls when I was a kid. I twas cool back then and I should have taken care of them better. The doills back then were kind of simple. Not so much accessories were available back then. But times have really changed and the ordinary GI Joe is a thing of the past. There are military dolls that are more detailed and life-like. In fact, my son and I have several. There's also a myriad of accessories. Helmets, uniforms, guns, you name it they have it.

PJ Jose is a model of a real person. Part of America's Operation Enduring Freedom. It's 12" high and as you can see, the detail is awesome. You can buy plain dolls and then buy the accessories separately. You can even change the heads and the hands. This doll makes Ken look like a whimp. Hehehe. I'll be featuring more of our collection in the future. And who said that dolls are for girls only? Oh, and we also have a female national guard which I'll show you next time.

Pocket Rockets

I bought this a few years back. It's a quite a rare find since it's a Ferrari collector's item. I also bought the Lamborghini collection so my son and I can race them. This particular model is actually smaller than a matchbox. It's remotely controlled and runs on batteries. You charge the car through its controller. It's quite fast as my kid and I race them. The nice thing about it is that you can buy after market parts for it. Top speed for these cars is about 200 kph.

You can change the tires, the motor and even adjust its suspension settings. The Japanese simply amazes me with how it develops toys that even big boys can enjoy it. They even have races for these small cars. I just don't know what else the Japanese will come up next. As for now, it gives me and my kid hours of fun racing each other.

Men Will Be Men

Men will be men is an old adage which up to now I do not subscribe to. It's a pathetic way of justifying a man's weakness and a lame excuse to stray. My belief is that we all start single so we can find the perfect partner in life. When you ask unfaithful men why they stray, you can bet that you will hear a litany of complaints that ranges from the petty to the insane.

Men should step back and analyze themselves if they too have faults. A relationship involves two people, not just one. To put the blame solely on your wife is totally wrong. My marriage has seen its share of ups and downs but we managed to resolve our differences in the end. Just because men have nothing to lose doesn't give us the reason to fool around. We have female relatives and I am sure that you don't want to see them being lied to by their husbands.

I enjoyed my single life to the fullest. So when I got married, I was able make my family the center of my life. It's about time we be truthful to ourselves. There will never be a justified reason to be unfaithful. Marriage was never forced upon us as it was our choice. We do the proposing don't we? When you feel the urge to stray, slap yourself to remind you that you are a real man and not a whimp.