Proverbs of the Rain

The rainy season is not yet over and storms are still insight. For those people who hate this season, I understand you. But to be fair to the rain, let us take its positive side and start gaining wisdom from it. An article from Philippine Daily Inquirer entitled “When the Rain Falls” by R. Valencia and S. Bismarck caught my attention about the wisdom behind the rain.

A banker is a man who lends you an umbrella when weather is fair, but it takes it away when it rains. – Traditional Proverb

(Be careful of men with vested interest)

A little rain each day will fill the rivers to overflow. - Liberian Proverb

(Small efforts lead to big changes)

It never rains on your neighbors without getting your feet. – Chinese Proverb

(What happens to your neighbours also affects you)

If you’re already wet, you won’t care about the rain. –Romanian Proverb

(We must be consistent and not let criticism destroy us) 

It rained on the mountain top, but it was the valley below that got flooded. – African Proverb

(The actions on the people on top affect those below them)

It’s rain that fills the river, not the dew. – Sri Lankan Proverb

(People who work for everybody’s welfare in mind brings blessings)

A drowning man isn’t troubled by rain. – Iranian Proverb

(Don’t complain about minor issues)

A frog knows about the rain more than the calendar. - Creole Proverb

(Nature has a way of knowing things more than a human)

The heaviest rain falls on the house that leaks the most. –Japanese Proverb

(People who are most troubled by storms are those with no spiritual wisdom)

The plant God favours will grow even without rain. —African proverb

(He who takes shelter in God shall always be blessed favourably.)

Note: This published article does not comprise the exact copy of the source.

Source : Philippine Daily Inquirer, Saturday, August 18,2012, Volume 27, Page G4

The Art Of Epal Politics

Philippine politics is very unique in terms of its complexity and idiocy. One of its roots is epal politics.  “Epal” as defined by  #epalwatch  as slang for “mapapel,” a Filipino term for attention grabbers or people who crave a role (papel) in affairs that are not necessarily theirs to handle or decide. Thanks to Sen. Miriam Santiago for proposing  Anti-Epal bill – “An Act Prohibiting Public Officers from Claiming Credit through Signage Announcing a Public Works Project." This act will prevent shameless government officials in using government funds to campaign and promote themselves through their projects. The defense of this officials is that they are using this to inform their people of their projects. However, having their picture and names boldly on it is a very obvious act of promotion as if its their money and not ours. You don't have to put your whole name and picture for the project that is funded by the people's treasury. I listed some examples of the art of epal politics.

1. The Face Tarp - Tarpaulin containing mostly the face of the politician, the project, and their name. I don't why the tag "and the people of the Philippines" is seldomly included (if included, it is so little that no one will notice). I want to quote a fb comment by Mr. Icko Cayetano regarding this :

"sorry guys pero mapanghugsa talaga ang mga pinoy kaya ipupunto ko ang mga hindi epal dito.
1 - face of politician about 10% of the banner
2 - the face of the politician should be posted as they are the ones presenting the law to the people as public servants because they want people to know who are imposing the law its not about any projects of the government
3 - alam nyo kasi may mga pilosopong pinoy sa kalye na pag nahuli itatanong pa kung sino nagsabing mali eh di ituturo ng nanghuhuli ay yung mukha ng nakalagay sa banner

Kawaway's photo

4 - ang unang masasabi ng makakakitang hindi mapanghusgang pinoy dito ay "UY SI GOB YUNG AH, ANO SABI?"

2. The Infrastracure Project Of - Infrastracture are basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community. But do we need the name or the initials of the politician for it to function well.

Jun Barrientos Magpusao commented on fb regarding the big name of Rep. Magsaysay in a quadrangle :"a fighter because she's on the other side of the fence now. did we hear her fight her madame's many ills in governance while still in power? this picture proves that she's one of the leeches in disguise made "honorable" by her elective position. EPAL rin siya.

Anti-Epal's photo

3. The Vehicular Service by - Government vehicles containing the name of the official and their smiling face. This is a very stategic way of promoting since vehicles are mobile meaning more people will notice it as it goes on the road.
Anti-Epal page commented on the garbage truck with name of Mayor HB on it : "Except for the words QUEZON CITY GARBAGE and his picture, remove everything else. APPROPRIATE!"

 John Eustaquio's photo

4. Politician's Collectible - Memorabilia and little things like cap, umbrella, ballpen, notebook, bags, pamaypay, hankerchief, etc. with their name and signature identification in it. (remember it is still our tax that is use to pay for it)
April Grace Tan-Dy commented a photo of school bags with the name of politician in it : "ok na sana mamigay ng gamit sa mga batang nangangailangan kaso naman...ang mukha nasa bag padin!!!over epal!!"

Hopefully, I'll have my EPAL-hunting this year to have a first hand discovery of how EPAL politicians make their fame through our taxes. To learn about EPAL's, please like Anti-Epal page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/nomoreepal) to support their campaign in stopping art of EPAL tradition. :)

Clouds

(Created 2-29-12 at Room 111 from Green Apple Notes)

Clouds

This is a term involved in my existense today
A cloud as job that was rejected
A cloud as alesson in my early class
A cloud that wants to explode because of irresponsible team mate
A cloud that is confused whether its feelings is true
A cloud that makes my incomplete life, complete
A cloud is me, a big part of me
Hopefully, you will not see the cloud when it starts to rain

Long Live Pinoy Action Movies

One More Chance. My Amnesia Girl. Praybeyt Bemjamin. You Change My Life. Habang May Buhay. Lahat ito romantic comedies (o romcom na patok na patok sa movie industry ng Pinas. (Note: Para sa mga di familiar, produced ng GMA Films iyong Habang May Buhay. Kaya ito isinama dahil pinagbidahan ito ng favorite crush kong si Kris Bernal. Kung di lang ito tinapatan ng Very Special Love siguro ang laki ng fans club namin ngayon…) Nakakalungkot isipin na halos lahat ng action film na nasa listahan. Sa ating panahon, di lang hayop ang naeextinct pati na rin action movies. Gusto kong e-specify yong mga action movies na walang halong pantasya kundi bakbakan na malulupit na may mga kalibre 45 na baril. Asiong Salonga na remake ng dating superstar kontrabida na si Jorge Estregan. Siya na lang ata ang nagmarkang action film sa ating panahon. Sobrang nakakamiss iyong mga fighting styles ni Da King FPJ, pagiging lider ng sindikato ni Paquito Diaz, ang angas ni Rudy Fernandez bilang pulis at pagiging corrupt ni GMA sa gobyerno. Hindi naman sa mahilig ako sa mga movies na marahas, pero dito kasi naipapakita ang pangingibabaw ng kabutihan sa kasamaan. Bakit ang Amerika, Britanya, Europa at Hapon na gumagawa ng action movies ay maunlad samantalang tayo na puro comedy, romance, horror ang favorite eh puno ng krimen at kahirapan. Hindi ko pinipilit na ibalik ng Pinoy ang hilig nila sa action films kundi mamulat  muli tayo sa isang namamatay na industriya na kailangan makipagsabayan sa pagbabago at kailangan ng suporta galing sa atin. Dahil dito, nainspire ako gumawa ng isang film summary na hinango ko sa film na “The Expandables” na pinagbidahan ng pinakamagiting na Hollywood action stars na pinagsama sa isang pelikula. Pinamagatan ko itong “Ang Bunganga ng Kadiliman”. (Sa mga nacocornihan o napapangitan sa title, no choice kayo kasi ako gumawa) 

Title: Ang Bunganga ng Kadiliman

Cast:
Cesar Montano - Buboy Tabas
Robin Padilla - Boy Liver
Bong Revilla - Kuya Ramon
Jinggoy Estrada - Totoy Choosy
Lito Lapid - Lapid Lo
Ronnie Rickets - Ron Timbog
Jorge Estregan - Asiong Chickboy
Dick Israel - Dick Laki
John Regala - Totoy Gorabell
Joseph Estrada - godfather
Manoy - Mastermind

Location:

(1)   Tondo – iyong tipong sobrang sikip na maraming nagiinuman araw man o gabi. Maganda rin ito dahil pwede maghabulan ang bida at kontrabida sa bubongan at mga eskinita. Tatak na ng action film natin ang habulan sa squatters at mahalaga itong parte.

(2)   Camp Crame – Dahil mga special force ang ating mga bida, napakahalaga na medyo malaki ang hideout ng bida para makapagplano sila ng astig na dating. Kung normal na police station lang kasi sila magkakampo, baka iyong mga naka imbak na palpak na baril na worth billions ay makuha ng mga bida. Ayaw ko rin maingit ang bida sa malapalasyong hideout ng kalaban na katabi ng C5 project na hindi sinasadya ipatayo ni Villar.

(3)   Malapalasyong Condo Unit – Ito naman ang hideout ng kalaban. Kaya ko pinili ito dahil uso, ayon lang.

(4)   C5 Highway- Kailangan natin ng malapad na highway para sa habulan sa daan ng mga bida at kontrabida

(5)   Factory – Pagawaan ng illegal. Ito ang source ng kaguluhan.

Storyline: Ang ating mga bida ang mga special force ng Philippine Army. (Para sa mga clueless tungkol sa Special Force, ito iyong mga tao na dapat tumulong sa hostage taking ng bus sa Luneta dahil sa mas eksperto sila sa paghandle ng hostage taking) Dahil sa laganap na cybersex, drug mules, at pagbebenta ng maduming yema inatasan sila ng godfather (played by Erap) na sugpuin ang mastermind (played by Eddie Garcia) na involve sa malalaking krimen sa Pinas. Maraming maaksyon na eksena na mangyayari (imagination please!) sa paghabol nila dito. Sa huli, makakatakas ang mastermind, pati ang dalawang kontrabida para madugtungan ito ng part 2.

Notes:

(1)   Walang leading lady ang mga bida dahil mauubos ang oras kung isa isa silang may sweet moments at kissing scene. Kung gusto niyo nito, panuorin niyo na lang ang PBB Teens.

(2)   Iniisip ko pa rin kung isasali natin si Praybeyt Benjamin para medyo comedy at pang-box office.

(3)   Hindi natin pwede isali ang mga sikat na artista tulad nila Piolo Pascual, Coco Martin, Derek Ramsay, Jericho Rosales, Diether Ocampo, Rocco Nacino (Ha?) dahil mageexpect ang mga fans na mahilig sa machong katawan na pag binomba sila, lalabas silang nakahubad at puro katawan imbes na aksyon ang panuorin.

(4)   Iniisip kong gawin ang part 2 sa Mindanao para mas malaking armaments ang pwedeng magamit at malay natin pag may nakidnap sa cast eh biglang magboom ang pelikula.

(5)   Halos lahat ng scenes ay magpapakita ng mukha ng kandidato para sa sponsorship. Iyong tipong may t-shirt ng kandidato iyong mga tao, billboard sa highway, at mga pamaypay. Mahalga rin ito para mabilis ang shooting permit at may special treatment tayo sa munisipyo.   

Critics’ Choice Award Goes To You

Do you feel always insulted? Do you feel that everyone is against you even you do what is right? Then, you are facing one phase of success-criticism.

According to Mr. Webster (from my cellphone), criticism is an act of judgment on one’s meritor fault-finding.Everyone has an opinion, everyone’s willing to tell you what you’re doing wrong, everyone’s ready to tell you how to lead your life. To be completely honest, most of us don’t want to hear it. We try to ignore it as possible and we don’t want to be affected by it. But there will be a point that we can’t handle it anymore and we will just feel like an exploding bomb. Mishandling criticism might lead to the fall of your career and everything that you value. To cope up with this, I will suggest effective ways to deal with it.

• Keep your emotions out of it. It’s easier said than done, but responding defensively or getting emotional during a critical discussion just draws it out longer. If you’re not defensive of your behavior (whether you’re right or wrong), most critics will take that as a sign that you’re at least considering their comments — making them at least a little happier about the situation. If you can manage this sort of approach, you’ll at least get out of the discussion that much faster.

• Don’t Respond Immediately. It is best to wait a little before responding. If we respond with feelings of anger or injured pride we will soon regret it. If we wait patiently it can enable us to reflect in a calmer way.

• Learn from it. Was the opinion genuine and useful? If it is true, you can try to learn from it. I don’t choose whether to use criticism based on how harsh it was. The most negative feedback can often open you up to complete blind spots.

• Ignore False Criticism.Constructive criticism is one thing, but some people spend most of their day making harsh evaluations that aren’t exactly helpful to the recipient. It’s a fact of life, and the only way to deal with such people is generally to ignore them or deal with them. According to Aristotle, “Criticism is something you can easily avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.”

• Understand your critics. According to the book DUH by Francis Kong, when criticism begins to hurt you, simply remember the mango tree-nobody throws stones at a fruitless tree. Jealousy will breed criticism. If what you do before men is right before men and God, then do it with all of your might and don’t let the suckers get to you.

• Ask for some advice. Your spiritual leaders and parents are the best advisers we’ve got.

Pinoy ka nga!!!

Part 1- Ang Pagkain

Pagkain ang isa sa paraan upang ilarawan ang isang bansa o ang uri ng tao dito. Dito mo makikita ang isang yugto ng kultura ng isang bansa. Bawat lipi ng tao ay binubuo ng iba’t ibang uri at ugali ng pagkain. Ibig sabihin, mababakas mo ang uri ng tao depende sa pagkain. Bilang Pinoy, mayroon tayong style na sa atin mo lang makikita. Naisipan kong ilista para mas madali mo maintindihan. Kaya Pinoy ka nga kung:

1. Marunong ka magkamay kapag kumakain (lalo na kung nakabase ka sa probinsya). Sa totoo lang ibang klase ang pagkain lalo na kung nagkakamay ka ngPM 1.5 ng Mang Inasal na nasa dahon ng saging. (Wow promotion!)

2. Nagtitira ka ng pagkain o kaya naman nagkakahiyaan kainin iyong huling nasa hapag kapag kumakain ka sa labas. Naniniwala si Juan dela Cruz na kapag sinimot mu iyong pagkain, nagpapahiwatig ito ng kahirapan o sa mababaw na salin ka-PG-han. Nagkakahiyaan din minsan tirahin iyong huling pagkain lalo na kung grupo kayo dahil para sa Pinoy nangangahulugan ito ng pagtatapos ng kasiyahan habang kumakain.

(magtropang nasa walls ng Intramuros habang kumakain ng French Fries)

Boy 1: O, ikaw na umubos ng French Fries.

Boy 2: Busog na ko, si girl na lang.

Girl: Kayo na lang kumain ayoko na.

Boy 2: Yan lang nagtuturuan pa tayo.

Boy 1: Naku. Next time huwag na nga tayo kumain niyan. Nagkakahiyaan pa kainin eh.

Ending binigay na lang sa mga bata…

(nasa isang sosyal na debut ng tropa habang kumakain sa buffet)

Joy: Grabe ang sarap naman nitong matamis na hipon na ito. Pati itong fish pilit.

Greg: Hinaan mu nga iyong pagsasalita mu. Buttered shrimp yan te tsaka fish fillet hindi fish pilit.

Joy: Ganun din iyon no. Basta masarap magluto iyong catering.

Greg: Te may lakad. Ang bilis mong kumain. Iyong kain mo parang naghukay ka ng pundasyon ng tulay ah. Wagas!

Kel: Te magtira ka naman. Pati iyong pagkain ng aso di mo pinakawalan. Halatang tagutom na sa inyo eh…

3. Mahilig ka mag toothpick pagtapos kumain. Kaya pagtapos kumain, parang naghuhukay na ka ng ginto sa bibig.

4. Nagagawi ka sa tapsihan. Tapsilog, tocilog, chiksilog, porksilog at kung anu-ano pang may silog ay isa sa naging staple food natin. Dahil sa mura at sarap nito, hindi ako magtataka na lahat ng sulok ng Pilipinas ay mayroong tapsihan. Hulaan mo nga iyong ibig sabihin ng hungsilog.

5.  Mahilig kang sumawsaw. Tayo lang ata sa buong mundo iyong  nagsasawsaw ng chicken sa toyomansi o kaya sa banana ketchup. Tayo lang rin iyong nagsasawsaw ng tinapay sa kape, tuyo sa champorado, o suman sa asukal. Mahilig sa malasa at twist sa pagkain ang Pinoy. Baligtarin mu man ang buong Pinas, di natin mapigilan hindi gumamit ng sawsawan. Note: Food + Sawsawan = Sarap!!!

6. Weird ang tawag mo sa food. Pabili nga ng Mcdo. Kelangan ng Goldilocks sa birthday mo. Lagyan mo nga ng Ajinamoto para magkalasa. Ilan lang iyan sa lagi kong naririnig.

7. Nakain ka ng balut. Challenge: Ihiwalay mo ang mata, tuka, katawan ng sisiw sa balut tapos ayun ang iyong kainin.

8. Nakain ka ng ‘only in the Philippines’ food. Adobo, kaldereta, afritada, sinigang, nilaga, tinola, bopis, ube, leche flan, halohalo, pinapaitan, inasal, kwekwek, chicken skin, footlong, sago gulaman, lucky me pancit canton. Pag sumblay ka sa pagtikim sa isa sa mga ito, sabihin mo sa akin para mapadeport ka na sa ibang bansa.

9.  Nagbabaon ka ng food sa school o sa work. Mas hiyang ka sa lutong bahay kaysa sa luto ng canteen mong pangat. (Pangat-long luto) Naiintindihan kong mas ok magbaon lalo na kung iyong swapang na canteen niyo ay sobrang mahal, sobrang unti at sobrang di masarap ang food.

10. Nilalagay mo sa ref ang natirang pagkain. Nasa ugat na natin ang di pagsasayang sa pagkain sa bahay. Humanap ka ng ref na walang tirang ulam, bukas na softdrinks, bawas na cake lalo na kung pasko at bagong taon.

5 STEPS IN HAVING A CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIP

As I’m browsing the net, I found a page giving 17 tips that is a must do if you will have Christian relationship. Having a relationship is alright as long as it's proper and inline with God's will. Since it is too long for the likes of me(grown up ready to mingle Christian), I suggest brief steps to accomplish your romantic love without being rebellious to God.

1. BE SURE IN YOUR FEELINGS. You must authenticate your feelings if it’s really love. There are some cases wherein a person is just needy of affection but not really ready to commit with his/her partner. The result of this is fast breakup and eventually might affect your ministry and church activities. Ideally, always consider a relationship with someone you would consider marrying.

2. THERE MUST BE NO CONFLICT BEFORE HAVING A RELATIONSHIP. A relationship full of conflict is not the will of God. Problems are normal but too much of it is an indication that you are not fit for each other.

If you are not in the right age to have a relationship, don’t do anything foolish. Relationship is no child’s play. A young person having a relationship is irrational enough to handle this. This may lead to unwanted events. (If you are not convinced, watch Angelito in Channel 2 to give you idea)

If your partner to be is not a Christian, consider entering this kind of relationship. As what Miss Shamcey (first name basis?) said in Miss Universe, if a person really loves you, she will submit to your beliefs especially it is Jesus Christ. Entertaining a relationship with different belief is like poisoning yourself with muriatic acid. In the long run, it might kill your relationship with God.

If you are planning to be a no other man/woman in a relationship, think again. Being in this kind of situation will just bring a lot of pain. Moreover, God never allows third party relationship.

If you like someone but that someone doesn’t like you, don’t force yourself too much. I remember a fellow church mate which causes a lot of trouble whenever he tries to practice his evil thoughts. Every time I see a new girl entering the church, he is the first to greet (which is good) and first have a secret motive for the girl (which is bad). Instead of being a servant of God, God’s new found daughter will be forced to leave the church out of my church mate’s “forced love” attitude. If you really like someone, just pray for him/her. Be patient to find someone that God gave you.

3. GET PERMISSION TO YOUR FAMILY AND TO YOUR PASTORS. If you want to have a happy relationship, always consider people around you especially your parents and pastors. These people exactly know what’s best for you. Since your parents are the most important people you have, you should at least tell them if you will have a relationship. Anyway, you will need their blessing if you are going to marry. Pastors, on the other hand, will lead you in keeping your relationship in line with God. These two will guide your relationship properly.  Keeping your relationship secret with these people will give you hard time working out your relationship and will show that you’re not taking your relationship serious.

4. MAKE SURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WILL FURTHER STRENGTHEN YOUR LOVE FOR GOD. A true Christian relationship is design to strengthen their relationship with God. If you found your relationship with God, good things will happen. I’m not promising there will be no problems inside the relationship, what I’m sure about is that God will help your relationship grow. Create time to pray and to participate in church activities together.

5. NEVER SKIP NUMBERS 1-4.Self-explanatory if you want to make a difference in your relationship.

Why Single

Maraming dahilan pero ito lang talaga maisip ko siguro dahil ito iyong common...

Torpedo Effect. Kalimitan sa lalaki nangyayari ito. Ito iyong tipo ng ugali na may gusto ka sa isang tao pero dahil sa nahihiya ka o takot kang mareject kaya sumuko ka na agad at ayaw mo nang itry kung pwede maging kayo. Nakukuha iyong ugali na ito sa kawalan ng self-confidence.

·         Priorities. Ito naman iyong kaso na katangap-tangap kahit na kanino. Dahil sa mga priorities mo (tulad ng pagaaral, pamilya, pagtulog ng tulo laway, pagkanta ng nakahubad atbp.), wala ka na care mapalitan ang status mo sa facebook na always single. Para sa akin, maganda magset ng priorities. Aanhin mo magkaroon ng partner kung di maganda iyong future niyo. Ang pangit na scenario pag naadik ka na sa priorities at ang ending mo till death single.

·         High Standard, Low Face Value. Pwede mo tawagin ang mga tao na nagtatagalay nito na choosy, picky o kapalmuks. Ito iyong tao na mapili sa makakarelasyon dahil feeling nila gwapo o maganda sila. Ayos lang maging ganito kung mala-Cristine Reyes ang itsura mo o mala-Piolo Pascual ang appeal mo. Pero iyong face mo parang alien na taga-Mars tapos pinipilit mo sarili mo na meant to be kayo ni Derek Ramsay o Anne Curtis mahiya ka naman kahit unti lang. Sana naman huwag natin abusuhin iyong ‘Love is blind’. Hayaan natin na ang tunay na pagibig ang magpasya.

·         Bad Attitude. Ibig sabihin masama ugali. Maganda ka man o pangit, kung puro kasigaan, kaartehan,kamalditahan, kabastusan ang nakikita sa iyo, kahit si E.T. di papayag na pakasalan ka.

Grade 1

*This a poem made while I was killing my boredom out of a very cold air-conditioned library. At this point, my brain cells are shrinking and my college wit was downgraded to a grade 1 love type.

The world spins

As time passby

I wonder why

I am with lies

And as moment goes on

Mistakes pile up

Problems pop

And my life completely gone

Why I am with life

Is it for my gain

Or to protect her from pain

Can I just say goodbye

Is it worthy to tell her

That I still care?

Even the only thing I can do is to stare...