Van Gogh is Bipolar: A dining experience

Yesterday morning, out of nowhere, I asked Jan, "date mo ako, beh!" I wasn't really expecting a yes since he still has some work to finish so imagine my delight when he said, "Sige. Van Gogh is Bipolar?" I said yes immediately.

You see, since I have read about Van Gogh is Bipolar in the Inquirer around June or July, I have always wanted to try it out. The chef and owner, Jetro, sounded like an interesting person. He is bipolar like Van Gogh, but instead of having his condition own him, he owned it. The meals of VGIB, named after famous bipolar people, were created to make those who partake to have a better mood afterwards. How can you not want to try out a restaurant like that?

Since then, I have been trying to eat there but it has been difficult finding the chance. When a good friend arrived from New York, I was able to convince the gang to try out the restaurant. After finding it on FB, I sent a message to Jetro if we can have reservations. He replied that he was in Europe at that time and the restaurant was closed for the time being. It was a bit of a disappointment but the way he responded to my message was very polite and quite charming. I was doubly determined to try it out.

You are greeted with this sign. "Here we celebrate our imperfections, embrace flaws and accept weaknesses." I honestly feel good and liberated already!

So yesterday, November 13 (our 29th month to be married incidentally), we dressed up to have our dinner at VGIB.

Parking was a bit of difficult. It took us around 15 minutes to finally find a spot. When we finally proceeded to the restaurant, it was quite full. Another couple were 10 seconds ahead of us and were able to take the last make-shift table. I was certain that the guy who met us was Jetro, who adorned an apron with Michaelangelo's David on Italian flag colors and a military hat. He said he can prepare another table by the stairs. We told him we don't mind waiting for a good table and he said, "that's better!" He informed us we can have our tea while we wait.

For that night it was a set meal, Mozart's Meal for the Day, which was P555/head. Part of the set was tea. In VGIB, a diner makes his own tea.

Feel free which pot you would like to steep your tea of choice.

There are instructions on how to make your own tea. Quite easy and straightforward and actually fun to do!

You can choose from six variants of happy tea.

The tea area was quite charming. There were containers for the different tea as well as one for muscovado sugar. An Erlenmayer flask contained the Palawan wild honey. If you look closely you can see a bottle of Jagermeister (I do not think that is part of the tea experience.:P) Jan and I wanted to try the Spanish Plum but it already ran out so we had Avocado tea instead.

I put our share of honey in a mini-wine glass and took a couple of small clear mugs to drink our tea from. Jetro prepared a mini-table where we were waiting and placed a candle for an additional touch of ambiance. The tea was good. I quite enjoyed its taste, its warmth and its uniqueness.

After a while, one of Jetro's assistant's brought over our Courtney Love potion. It was calamansi juice with honey and pomelo bits. It was a bit sweet for my taste but was still refreshing.

After a while, we got our Virginia Woolf's Tear. It was turkey soup (not so much turkey) which had bits of banana chips in it. I didn't expect that. At first, I thought it was a piece of turkey, but after tasting it, it has to be banana chips. It was initially weird, but after a while, it all made sense. It was an interesting soup and the chips added to the whimsy of the experience.

Our makeshift table with our tea, drink and soup. Even if we were by the door and the stairs, it was still enjoyable to just be there at the restaurant.

We probably waited for 30 minutes but since we had tea and soup, we hardly realized it. Finally some diners left and we took our seat inside. As Jan and I waited for our food, I did a bit of exploring. It was not a big place but there were a lot of interesting knick-knacks and decor to look at.
There were a bunch of old alarm clocks and a mini-bust of Van Gogh. Not clear in the picture is a Starry, starry night tea pot.

There was also this old leather travel suit case covered with stickers. The globe added a nice touch.

This clock reminded me a bit of Paris though the welcome sign is in English. :P

There is again the lamp with the teapot selection. I think after the VGIB experience, I would like to steep my tea in a pot as well. It's just more charming that way. :P

I was unable to take a photo of the toilet but it was probably the most whimsical and/or artistic part of the place. The washing area was in black light so it was mostly dark with glowing drawings all around. The toilet area itself also had its share of knick-knacks but the best part was a post it containing a marriage proposal. I wonder if the girl ever said yes. I would. It would be fun to be proposed to in VGIB toilet. :P

The blackboard has instructions on how to dine in VGIB. The message from the front door is repeated in the board. Celebrate food, celebrate the self!

We actually did not place any order with Jetro. Neither did we have any idea what the meal would be. I came for the dining experience more than the food itself. And so far, it has been a quiet adventure. Our main course was finally served - Francesco Scavullo honey-glazed chicken with organic pasta.

The way to eat the pasta was to wrap it in cabbage and dip it in either the salty or sweet sauce. Jetro came by and told us that cabbage was the best food to relieve one of depression. Information that will be good to know should another moment of blah happen.

Afterwards, we were served our dessert -- water buffalo ice cream with walnut and crushed Oreo toppings. It was yum!

My favorite part of the night was dining in a top hat. It was like being invited to the Mad Hatter's party in Alice in Wonderland. Thankfully, there was no dormouse in any of the teapots. The hat rack had several hats diner can choose from. Jan and I had the most fun playing around with them!

To be honest, the food is really just one of the elements of Van Gogh is Bipolar dining experience. There would be better food out there, for sure. But what makes VGIB worth going and coming back to is the that feeling that you are being served with passion, with dreams and maybe even love. To eat there is to celebrate, to be whimsical and to have fun.

After eating at Van Gogh is Bipolar, I was quite full. Not just in the tummy but all over. :)

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Van Gogh is Bipolar

Address: 154 Maginahawa St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

Contact details: 09228243052

it's just a phone...

It was six thirty in the evening. Jan and I were standing on my dad's resting place in Loyola Memorial. The cemetery had no lights but the night sky was bright enough to be reassuring. I tried to embrace the serenity of such a place. I just had a rough afternoon after discovering that my phone was nowhere I thought it would be. Just to be sure, Jan drove me for almost an hour back to the cemetery to check if I might have left it there. It seems I did not.

I stood there on dad's grave, frustrated and burdened. Damn phone.

I looked back to January 2000 where I was a young teacher living in rural Bukidnon. I just lost P3,000 which I was certain was just kept in my filofax which I left in my room. I knew someone from the house has stolen it. The landlady thought it was her relatives who stayed in the boarding house for a few days. Two years after, I would discover it was his youngest son who was then eleven.

It was a bit strange how the landlady was all riled up, while I just kept calm. At that time (and even now), P3,000 was a lot. It was almost an entire month's salary as a teacher. It was eight month's worth of savings which I hoped to use for a post-JVP year trip. Yet I could not feel bad about it. I told my landlady, "there are more important things than money. It's okay."

I meant it. Because a month before that, I found out my dad had cancer...

Today, while the whole phone fiasco was going on, my brother received a text from my cousin that my uncle was in the hospital and was not in good shape. My shoulders stooped a little lower after hearing that news... And then I thought of Divine... In my head, I was pleading to God for my Uncle, for Divine...

While we were on our way to the cemetery, I was reading "Anne of the Island." I was already at the part where Ruby Gillis, just barely twenty, passed away. She has been struggling with "consumption" (what it means, I do not know) the entire summer, yet she refused to believe death was coming for her. One day, she talked to Anne Shirley and told her she was afraid that heaven would not be like what she was used to, she told Anne that she wanted to live, to get married and to have children... But it was after her admission of her fears that she peacefully left the world in her sleep...

Divine would be around 27 I think. Divine with her happy grin... Divine, who loved Mindoro as much as I did... Dear, wonderful Divine. When I saw her last, she was very thin, refused to eat and attached to a dextrose but still wore that happy-to-see you smile... Divine got her wish to return to Zamboanga and continue her healing there. Now, she has asked for her oxygen removed because it has become painful...

Darn that tumor.

Jan and I went to mass after the cemetery... I was still burdened with uncertainty over the state of my phone. We were a few minutes early for mass so I had time to kneel and talk to God. I prayed for Divine. I prayed for my Uncle.

When my dad was already in the hospital for more than a week, I did not know what to pray for anymore. Should I ask for his healing or should I ask for his peace? Can they not go together? My father was suffering. My mother, in her own way, was going through her own pain. So were all of us children and those who loved my father dearly. When my dad was still conscious, he kept telling us that he was happy to share in the Lord's suffering. For him it was an honor to be given that burden. He was at peace that he has sent all of us to school and that we can take care of ourselves already. I did not know what to pray for but I asked God to do his will and to give my father the peace that he sought...

The last few days, the entire JVP community has been united by Divine's condition. To hear the news that she has been given a few weeks was difficult to digest. It gnawed on me at random moments... I want to storm the heaven with prayers for miracles. To ask heaven to heal Divine's physical body. I fear to speak out about my fears lest they come true...

Yet I also know there is a gift in all this. I've learned that from my father. Like I said, I saw Divine last with her grin wide as it always has been. The JVP community was there to support her. That day, she had more than thirty guests wanting to extend their support and love. How can you not smile? Yes, there is a gift in this. There is gift in knowing that it will soon end... the suffering, the pain. There is a chance to look back and remember how you lived, how you loved. There is gift in looking back at mistakes and forgiving yourself and throwing away regrets. There is a gift in having people you love show how much they care for you, how much your presence have marked them. There may be some regrets too... a place not visited, words, not spoken, a dream not fulfilled... but in the end... you can look at your heart and know that it is good. And everything else becomes insignificant and you can embrace your peace.

I am still being selfish about my Uncle. I do know his state, I do not know what he seeks. I do know those of us who love him want to be with him as long as we can. I am bargaining for his physical healing but I am also asking God to give what is best for my Uncle. All shall be well.

What has my phone got to do with all this? After all the frustration and irritation at myself and at the situation, I just had to remember, it is just a phone. Replaceable and merely a thing. There are more important things...

Dear Anne Frank...

Dear Anne,

It's a pity that I did not discover you when I was much younger. You see, I have been so keen on reading about fantasy and magic and super powers that I barely give much thought to stories of real people. I thought, how could someone's life be more fascinating that pyromancers or wizards or superheroes, which goes to show I really don't know much.

You could say it was your affiliation with the Netherlands that made me read your diary. Ever since I lived there for fifteen months, falling in love with its people and the country, I can't help but want to associate myself with things related to Holland. You were one of them.

L, who loved your book, asked me if I wanted to come with her to your house in Amsterdam. I went with her for lack of anything better to do. I also figured I could brush up a bit of my history.

We arrived at your house. It was quite ordinary... a home I would not have expected to have anything happen much. But like I said, I really don't know any thing. As we walked past the photos of you and your family, I felt goose bumps. The same kind of goosebumps I felt when I went to the Jewish Cemetery in Prague. The same kind of goosebumps I felt when I saw pictures of people who suffered in the hands of the Nazis. The same kind of goosebumps I felt when I saw drawings of young children who spent time in camp before being gassed. Those are the moments I was like your mother, "Thank you, Lord, that I did not experience that kind of misery."

After a visit of your home, I vowed to read your book. It was actually tempting to get a copy from the museum store that was packaged like your red and white diary. But I did not have the 30 euros to spare...

Yesterday, I was finally able to read your story....

Anne, you are an amazing young woman. So full of life and intelligence. So full of wisdom. I am amazed at how you were able to survive those 24 months without going outside. Moreso, without hitting any one of your miserable companions. But you were always self-conscious, aware that you are writing out of anger or spite. Something people could hardly be aware of in the best of circumstances.

Despite being locked up, you experienced life to the fullest. I find myself kilig with the developments between you and Peter. And I find myself proud that you are not easily swayed by your feelings. You know your limits. Something that young girls nowadays can learn from you as well.

Despite being young, you have been given wisdom that people my age need to pick up. You see your faults... you accept who you are, yet at the same time strive to be better. You are young, full of dreams, self-aware.

You truly have the gift of writing. And I am glad you got your wish to be immortalized.

Your story is definitely something that people should know about. Yes, people should know about the difficulties of the war. It is something that should not happen again. But there are countless of other more violent, more disturbing films and books about that. No, your story is not just about the war itself. Your story is about every girl or even boy out there struggling to discover who they are as they slowly make their way out of childhood and into adulthood. Your story is about every person who struggles to deal with people every day. Your story is about every individual who finds themselves trapped one way or the other.

I despair that you were so close to freedom and yet you were not able to get it. It was unfortunate that someone felt the need for money more than the need to protect. And yet, as I read the epilogue... your little story (which is not so little) have influenced more people that you will ever know. You have given catharsis to some, inspiration to many. Despite having lost you, people found themselves through you.

Indeed, Anne, you are a wonderful girl. You are a gift to the world. When I have a child of my own, I will encourage them to read what you have to say. I hope they will learn to have their own voice from you.

Thank you, dear Anne Frank, for being so honest to Kitty. Because of your honesty, the world may just be a little better.

Yours, Anj

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

One would think that a classic like this would be read by a girl like me much earlier in life. I've always known that this book was a classic along with Hellen Keller and Anne of Green Gables, but no, I have not ready any of the three before. It's only now that I am actually reading Anne Frank!

It would not have landed on my reading list if not for the fact that a friend from ISS asked if I wanted to go with her to the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam. I never thought for a second that the her story actually occurred in the Netherlands! Since I did not have much to do anymore since it was my last few days in the Netherlands, I gladly joined her to the Museum.

As we were walking around Anne Frank Huis, I felt that the experience would have been much more meaningful if I have read her book. The house looked like an ordinary house. Names and notes that were posted by pictures or desks meant little to me, though I could still feel some goosebumps thinking that the people who lived in that house suffered terribly from the war.

After the trip, I promised myself to read the book. And now, I am halfway through the diary with just a few hours on it.

If I did not know that this book was actually a diary, I would have thought that this was just a wonderfully crafted tale of a young Jewish girl stuck with her family and strangers in a hidden house. Yet we all know that it is a story that happened. Truth is indeed stranger, and immensely more fascinating... and tragic, than fiction.

It's a bit funny that I am reading the book at a time that I am quarantined from the world, unable to go out and see people lest I spread my virus. Yet my predicament is barely anything compared to the madness that must have been Anne Frank's life.

I have not come to the ending yet but I already feel a bit of pain and sadness at the thought that this brilliant girl will come to a tragic end. How I wish somebody would discover who ratted them out to the Nazis. For what? Maybe to channel the anger I feel with everyone else who has read the book. Maybe so the Frank's can have a certain sense of justice, I don't know.

I wiki-ed a bit about Anne Frank and discovered that her last entry was August 1, 1944. August 1 is my birthday. Manuel Quezon died that day in the US. In 2009, Corazon Aquino passed away from cancer. My birthday does not seem to bode well with famous people.

Every pause I have from reading the book, I am thankful to have lived in a time of freedom. Indeed we rally and fight against constant injustice, corruption and greed. But what we experience now can never compare to what happened during the time of World War II.

I am glad that time is over.

Pacific Rims

If I heard of the title before I read the book, I would not have thought basketball in the Philippines. I'd probably think of the various calderas in the "Ring of Fire" before thinking hoops.

The book is by Rafe Bartholomew, a Fulbright scholar who decided to do his research on Philippine basketball. Being a hoops lover himself, the he heard about rumors of our obsession with basketball. What could be more intriguing than a country of short people hopelessly devoted to a game that height was a major requirement? Of course, he had to come and see for himself.

I am not a basketball lover. I am a Ateneo basketball fan. My love for the sport begins and ends with the UAAP, fueled by my love for my college alma mater. I do not care much for PBA, though I did try to follow it after seeing the 2002 Championship team finding in different teams. But it was just not the same.

So why did I read the book?

It began with this video.

Adorable ain't he? Clearly fully American yet he speaks better Tagalog than most people who has lived in the Philippines for ages! This guy definitely wanted to know basketball in the Philippine context that he learned the language to have a better gauge of it. He has more love for our country than some of our population.

But it was still not enough for me to shell out P900 for a hardbound copy. I would have waited for a paperback copy or borrowed from someone who had the book.

What finally encouraged me was an article from Michael Tan, one of my favorite Inquirer columnists, about the book. He included some snippets of the book in his article which piqued my interest: the carnival side of the sport where there was a game of gay men vs. midgets to entertain people, the relation of circumcision with the sport and finally, the lack of academic research on the sport. The last one did it for me. No, I have not turned nerd all of a sudden. But it was indeed interesting to discover that despite our undying obsession for it, no one has really written about it in an academic perspective.

* * * * *

I'm finally done with the book. I thought I would turn Alaska Aces afterwards because it contained a lot about his sojourn with the basketball team. He talked at length about Roe Ellis and Willie Miller, their lives and how they played ball. We become privy to their 2007 championship (which was an unexpected bonus for Rafe). It was like watching "Coach Carter" or some basketball movie. The underdogs working their way up for the happy ending of winning the trophy.

But what was more interesting was how he was able to incorporate Philippine culture through a basketball lens. Rich kids vs. servants, sneakers vs. tsinelas. It was about the income gap. It was about our ingrained politically-incorrect nature. It was about our ability to laugh even at the most miserable of occasions. It was about Philippine politics. It was about our "agency" (ah, such an ISS word) within a system that did know how to be fair.

It is an engaging book, with Rafe as a participant observer. He was both insider and outsider. A lover of basketball and yet a foreigner researching on local ball. He was both knowledgeable of the subject matter as well as one in a journey of discovery.

After closing the pages, I had the most interesting reaction... "wouldn't it be fun to go back studying again?" Gasp! It must have been how he has been able to make his research enjoyable yet still meaningful and full of discoveries that made me think that.

Anyway, this book is for Alaska fans, basketball fanatics and anyone interested in Philippine culture. National Bookstore is on sale until August 22 so you get 20% if you buy before that. What's more he's coming for a slew of book signings the coming week so that's an extra bonus!

August 21, 5PM at National Bookstore Cubao.

August 24, 6PM at Powerbooks Greenbelt3

August 25, 6PM at Fully Booked Fort Bonifacio

August 28, 5 PM at National Bookstore Ayala Mall

Meet Orange

She's my Panasonic Lumix ZS3.

I know, I know. I already have Dixie, my Nikon D40x. And I love Dixie to bits. We've seen the world together, how can I not?

But then there are things I want that Dixie can not provide. Like video function. And easy to handle. Low maintenance. Something I can stuff in a small bag.

It was a tough ride. I considered getting a waterproof camera and almost did. But considering that I do not go on intense field work nor go to the beach as often as I used to, an additional 10K felt ridiculous for something that I want to use often.

In the end, after researching camera reviews, I found myself falling in love with the Lumix ZS3, which was considered one of the best cameras of 2009.

Looking forward to more moments taken with Dixie and Orange this 2010. :)

a new day

Today the Philippines welcomed a new president.

Today the Philippines breathed a sigh of relief as it gets rid of a president whose legitimacy has always been in question.

Today the Philippines hopes that this man, the son of a martyr and a former president, will restore, at the very least, trust in the system.

While I did not vote for this man, I accept his overwhelming mandate. I embrace the hope he gives to people. I accept the challenge he has launched during his speech.

Let's all work together, shall we?

Toy Story 3

When I was a little kid, I only had a few toys. My favorite was a rag doll which my dad gave me and I would have brought it with me wherever I go whatever age I get if it did not disappear from me. I suspect my unsentimental mother dropped it in a donation box along with our old clothes. Sigh. I was not even asked my permission but I console myself with the thought it was making some other child happy.

I had a crazy belief that things came to life when my back was turned. Whenever I would go out of my room, I'd do a quick turn back and see if the toys would be caught moving. But they were faster than my own reflexes.

So it was great to have had a movie like Toy Story in 1995 to assure me that I was not the only person in the world who believed toys had their own lives apart from those times they are played with.

Toy Story 3, 15 years after the first one was released, tells the story of how the toys are coping with Andy finally leaving for college. Pixar does its magic again! They successfully closed the story of whimsical bunch of memorable characters leaving the audience with bittersweet feelings that most of us experience during crossroads in our lives.

TS3 is more Woody's story. His loyalty and love for Andy is limitless. But all the characters, no matter how short their lines or roles, make their indelible mark to the viewer. Buzz accidentally discovers a new side of himself which everyone would enjoy watching. Jessie's cynicism is understandable having experienced Emily. Bull's Eye is as loyal as Woody. The Potato Heads, are funny and lovable, individually or together. Mr. Potato Head goes into hilarious transitions, all for the family. T-Rex and Hamm and Slinky Dog continue to complement and enhance their toy family. Of course, the aliens fixated with the Claw. Hilarious! Even if you just met the new characters, you feel for them. Whether good or not so. Watch out for the Shakespearian Hedgehog and a cameo by Totoro (from Japanese animation).

It was a wonderful way to end Toy Story. The movie made me despair and eventually relieved. I was thinking during those scary moments, "how can they get through this?" while gripping Jan's hands tightly. And after that, you just have to give it to Woody to think of something to make things all right again.

I am still breathless from remembering the movie. I'm not sure if I can watch it some time soon. If I was just the only person in the cinema I would be sobbing. I don't know if I can deal with overwhelming emotions that TS3 coaxes out of its viewers so soon after.

Sigh. It is a beautiful movie. A must see for those who loved their toys like family. You can be assured that your toys loved you back too. :)

APO Hiking Society

As Barney Stinson would say, "Legen... wait for it... ARY!!!"

The APO as a group has been longer than I have been alive. That means all my life I have been entertained by their songs and performances. Heck! I made sure I get to watch "Sa Linggo nAPO sila" when it was still showing in Channel 2. I always enjoyed their "Knock Three Times" segment. I still believe it is far superior in entertainment quality than "ASAP." But that could just me being biased. "'Sang Linggo nAPO sila" was harder to follow since it was daily but I did look forward to Saturdays. It is a much better family fanfare show than "MTB" or "Wowowee" I tell you. No gyrating girls needed.

photo taken from Amazon.com

I have always loved the group. I find myself feeling in love when listening to "When I Met You" and "Yakap sa Dilim." I wanted to have "Panalangin" as soundtrack to my wedding but Roj and Alwin beat us to it (it was their first dance). I enjoy singing with off-key voice to "Ewan" with wanton abandon.

Their songs of friendship strike true and strike deep. "Awit ng Barkada" chronicles perfectly the kind of friendship that stands through thick and thin. "Saan na nga ba ang Barkada?" echoes the nostalgia of friendship changed by time. "Pumapatak ang Ulan" is a perfect story of bored friends stuck in the house because of rain. I don't remember if Jim or Danny wrote this, but whoever did, wrote it only in two minutes while being stuck in a Baguio house during a rainy day.

photo taken from pinoygigs.com

And of course, their songs of patriotism and love of Filipino culture. "Lumang Tugtugin" heralds our classic folk songs and kundiman. I love how Pidro (Danny) makes fun of "American Junk." Even "Syotang Pa-Class" pokes fun at an ordinary bloke falling head over heels over a high society girlfriend.

It really is amazing how they are able to conjure up these beautiful or wacky songs. And they become more amazing when they perform. I've seen three APO concerts, including the last day of their concert last night. The first was their 25th year anniversary at the Ateneo, the second was their 35th in Ateneo de Davao and the last was their 4oth anniversary and farewell last night.

These guys are just natural comedians! Their singing voices blend wonderfully and so do their comic timing. Concerts become long and drawn out just because their spiels can be very long. But I actually find it entertaining because it was just like watching a bunch of friends make fun of each other in their living room.

They always have something up their sleeve. Last night, I couldn't stop laughing from their rendition of "sirang plaka" music of the top two most sung song in the world. Hilarious!!!

Last night was a very enjoyable concert. As their 25th anniv concert (I still can't get out of my head their W-O-W spiel. Retro!). From start to finish, I didn't stop laughing or singing. And there was that level of comfort even amidst strangers that somehow, everyone has something connecting them. And that was APO. When the show ended, I felt a little void forming in me. They showed a video clip of APO throughout the years. I just found out from Jim Paredes' tweet that they could not bear to sing the song because it was just too emotional for them.

Today, as I was listening to their music and reading a blog entry of a close friend of the APO, I found myself crying major tears. I was telling Jan, "It's like Pope John Paul II, they've been around since I was alive!" God knows how much I cried when the Pope passed away.

I can imagine how bittersweet it is for Jim, Danny and Buboy. To have seen so many people come and watch them and sing with them and laugh with them. 2,770 concerts since they began, that is what Buboy said. 27 albums according to Jim. What an achievement! I bet they have made millions of Filipino happy. They have become the soundtrack of many love stories and barkadas.

It must be so hard to say goodbye to that. But at the same time, you quit while you are on top. All good things must come to an end.

I remind myself to find joy that the first 31 years of my life have been sprinkled with the pixie dust of APO's music.

To Buboy, Danny and Jim... thank you for the precious moments you have uplifted our spirits with your crazy musical antics. You will forever be the score of my personal movie.

tsk, tsk, tsk

there was a time in most women's lives when will power was enough to keep the fat away from the waist and the thighs. then you turn 30, and somehow your body is wired to take into account every calorie you intake and successfully converts carbs into cellulite.

i have come to that point. argh.

from the time i graduated from college until i turned 30, which is a ten-years span, i gained about ten pounds and four inches. which is fine considering i was on the slim side back then. and then thirty struck. in a matter of two years, i gained two inches and ten pounds. what makes matters worse, i've been doing mostly desk work for the last three years compared to the miles and miles i walked during my five years of working in davao. i've become uninspired to exercise, with this heat and unfamiliar territory.

it becomes tough when you come to that age when you have enough buying power to get the food that you want. and what i want are often creamy or meaty or sweet or salty. not exactly the best food to help me stay lean.

and am i doing anything about it? no. i keep on eating. i hardly exercise.

my clothes of two years ago are telling me to do something about it. my flabby tummy has been spilling over my jeans. my sleeves have become too tight. i gained a bra size, except its not the cup.

and what do about it? why what every girl usually does! retail therapy. :P

i really have no point to this entry except to say that i feel fat and i am fat. do i feel bad about myself? not really. i'm actually craving for another serving of bicol express which i've loaded on the last three days.

told you there is no point to this entry.

joiner goes to the best concert ever

When I found out about the Tears for Fears concert more than a month ago, I was excited for my brother and Jan. They were true TFF fans whom I thought would enjoy a live performance of TFF. I, on the other hand, would just be happy to sing along with the band their most famous radio-released songs. As I told Jan, I am a joiner, who find particular pleasure in sharing an amazing experience with many people. I just love concerts of familiar artists in general. (I have to say familiar because Jan took me to the Nine Inch Nails concert, which I only know one song... I found myself sitting the concert out. I found joy in seeing Jan excited with NIN's arrival in the Philippines. :P)

I was soooo glad that I actually coerced Jan to watch the concert because it was absolutely amazing! For most of the crowd, it was 25 years worth of repressed fandom thus the VERY enthusiastic welcome for the band. And that is an understatement. Araneta became one big giant rockaoke bar with my estimate of 17,000 people singing to classic TFF. As Curt Smith declared on his twitter, he was speechless. And that they have officially peaked.

Jan and I went with my brother and met up with R, M and F at Araneta. We were supposed to have dinner at Volare first but there were already lines going inside the venue. They were ahead of us, so they were able to save good seats (as good as you can get in Upper B), twelve o' clock to the stage.

This looks like an empty Araneta but it was already half-full by 6.30PM. It's empty because everyone else is outside the lens range of my camera. And those near the stage, they have reserved seating and come as they please. Which is okay because they paid eight times I did. :P

Front acts were Pupil and Sandwich (which actually sealed the deal for me and made me finalize that I should go to the concernt). Sandwich sang their own song then proceeded with a sampling of 80's song from The Cure, Cult and The Smiths. The 40 year olds were quite happy. We, who were grade school at the peak of TFF career, just sat and enjoyed the older generation enjoy a flashback of high school.

Front act bonus was Ely singing with Sandwich, classic Eraserheads song, "Alapaap." I find it amusing that Raymund introduced Ely as "a friend from college." Raymund took to the drums for this song.

Pupil played afterwards. The crowd quieted down a bit because they sang their own hits. I think the people were unfamilar with their music. I, on the other hand, found it a little too angsty for movement or cheers. Polite clapping was the most people can offer.

R and I rocked to "Alapaap," reminiscent of our ORSEM days dancing to Indio-I performing "Baby, I love your way."

Music master M and R pose while waiting for the TFF to appear. As Ely said, "huwag muna kayo aalis, kasi may susunod pa."

The once empty stadium is now an SRO venue housing the excitement of people in their prime. Many of which are quite happy the next day is a holiday. This kind of crowd usually just happens when there is an Ateneo-DLSU game. But this crowd is just cheering for Tears for Fears.

I think we surprised Curt Smith and Roland Ozabal with our excitement. Their voices were drowned out by the crowd singing to their classic hits. I can see Roland singing amused as people belted out the lyrics with him. As he said... "we have been to the plains of Siberia, the deserts (?) of Scandinavia (there is a desert there?)... I don't know what took us so long..." and here the crowd drowns out the rest of his statement but I assume he meant Manila.

It was an awesome night. I was so glad to have gone to the concert even if I was not a hard core Tears for Fears fan. I like it when foreign artists love the Philippines. I love it when crowds act as one. I love it when artists and politicians alike turn ordinary fan girls.

This has been the best foreign artist concert I have been to!

Jan and I post-TFF. I am malat.

My brother and I. Kuya, I should say, is the more authentic TFF fan having enjoyed their music when he was in high school.

I do hope the rumors of them coming back for a round two is true. Whether I am able to watch again or not, I would like for those to missed the concert to have the same opportunity to enjoy such great 80's music.

Love live 80's music!

the process to Perlas

From the very start, I knew who I did not want to vote for. That was the easy part. Who to vote for was a much more difficult task. For the past few weeks, I have been examining three options. And no joke, I spent every day thinking about it, especially during my commute to and from work. With four hours wasted on the road, that's a lot of thinking time.

At first, I was certain I was not going to factor in winnability. At a certain point though, I did falter, but eventually assured myself that my compelling reason to participate in this elections is TO VOTE AGAINST THE PRESENT SYSTEM more than anything else. Whoever wins, at least we can finally move on from this saga in Philippine history. After having come to terms with that, winnability was no longer a factor.

It was just a couple of days ago when I FINALLY DECIDED who I want to be as MY PRESIDENT.

It's funny, actually... when Jan told me that a friend of ours was endorsing a certain Nicanor Perlas, I scoffed. I said, "Who's that? Another nuisance candidate? This country is just full of delusional people." As I was saying that, I was picturing Eddie Gil singing "Pelukang Itim."

It was one of the ABS-CBN debates when he finally caught my attention. I think it was his answer to a question on education that he got me interested in him. He was advocating for mother tongue instruction, which was something I believe in as well. I also liked the fact that he pushed for sustainable agriculture and that he practices it in his own backyard. (Not only that, he looked like an adorable uncle. He's just cute that way, and I'm mababaw that way. hehe.)

After that, I usually listened intently to what he has to say. I find myself agreeing with his own ideas. At that point, I thought... "Sayang. He should have ran for senator. It would have been a better start." It was when Rowie sent me a FB post by a Nick supporter that made me think about him more. I wrote an entry in my blog, of which a supporter left a comment and led me to websites providing more information about him. After that he was finally on my top two choices.

It was only last Tuesday that I finally come to terms with why I am voting for him. I am voting for Nick because I want to vote for someone I TRULY BELIEVED IN.

For most of my employed life, I have been working in social development. While there is so much critique we can throw at NGOs and the many issues that surround them, I have to say there is a lot of learning that can be found in the industry. I believe people in the development sector tend to be more in touch with the issues of the marginalized. They learn to be more realistic in the approach to poverty, with an understanding that IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT PROVIDING NEEDS, BUT EMPOWERING PEOPLE. (This, however, may be a hasty generalization. NGO people have their own politics that can be frustrating as well) This, I think, is one thing lacking in traditional politics, which has thrived on creating delusions of instant poverty alleviation by promising the world. Nick Perlas, on the other hand, has constantly said that in his interviews and his website, it will not be the president alone who will be doing the change. He strikes me as one who really believes in people and their own capacity for change and for self-empowerment.

Perlas also had work in the government, having been part of Ramos' Agenda 21 team. He also did work for the UN. These two credentials would give him a good background in research and policy-making. I, therefore, feel that Perlas has the goods to back his crusade for the presidency. But then, so do the others.

My biggest reason then is I WANT GENUINE CHANGE. Most, if not all, the candidates have used CHANGE as part of the motherhood statements they throw around every sortie, TV interview and debate. Yet most, if not all, have been in that traditional system for years and have not really done anything to make me believe they have it in them to make things different from what it has been the last nine years.

One candidate has been running on the steam of hope brought about by his ancestry. I, too, believe in that hope. I believe in the people that believe in him. The problem is, I'm not sure if I believe in him. I'm not sure if I believe he can change things. And like I said, CHANGE IS WHAT I DESIRE MOST. I also imagined myself shading his circle and gauged how I feel after the exercise. I don't feel too fulfilled or excited.

Perlas may be on a Quixotic quest and he knows it. But I think he thinks he is already a winner because by running he delivers a strong point. If we want the system to change, we can not just sit idly by and pray that the people in power start getting a conscience. If we want the system to change, we can not expect our leaders to just be benevolent all of a sudden. If we want the system to change, we have to be part of the change ourselves. What he is advocating is what I would advocate for too.

THAT is what I am voting for. I am voting for an overhaul in the system. I am voting for an overhaul of the people running the system. I am voting for Nick Perlas' message. I am voting for what I believe in. When I vote for Nick Perlas, I am voting for who and what I am.

Perlas is chasing windmills. So am I by voting for him. The world always has space for more idealism and blind faith, doesn't it?

Like I said, there are just too many delusional people in this country. I never realized I was talking about my self back them. At least, I am a delusional person at peace once I get my finger dirty on May 10. ;p

"How to Train Your Dragon " rocks!

Dragons have always fascinated me. I am, after all, a lover of fantasy books. There was a time I'd buy books just because there is "dragon" in the title or in the cover. But then, I started to earn my own money and plan for bigger things so I had to be choosy.

I've seen the "How to Train Your Dragon" book several times in the bookstore and have thought of buying it. Unfortunately, other books kept overtaking it in my buying list. Until I realized that it is too late... the book is now a movie. So it is highly likely that when I buy the book, I'll have the Dreamworks cover.

Which is actually not that bad because the movie was absolutely enjoyable. I LOVED IT! The facial expressions of the characters were good. The script was great. The music was fascinating. The dragons were creative and lovable. The animation was fantastic.

At the end of the movie, I said to myself, "Best Animation Feature" nominee! I hope it wins but it might be too early to say especially with Toy Story 3 coming out. Nonetheless, I really really enjoyed the movie a lot and if movies were cheap, I'd watch it again.

This is one movie that would have been great in 3D. Unfortunately, Clash of the Titans just bumped it off. And that movie was not even that great.

How to Train Your Dragon! Watch it!!!

i can buy books again!

since i got back, i had to hold back buying all the books that i wanted because... well, because i wasn't sure when i get a job. and while books would have been the perfect company while i was stuck at home waiting for job interviews, it would also be an unnecessary expenditure.

thank God for great friends who lend their own! bunny lent me "underpass" while andoy lent me the entire percy jackson series and some issues of fables. great reads! i finished all five books of PJ and fables issues in less than one week. i did read edgardo reyes' "maynila sa kuko ng liwanag" which was written in the 80's (or was it 70's) and unfortunately speaks the truth about poverty until now.

there were a lot of other books that i looked at longingly every time we entered a bookstore. some of the titles i wanted to read, since they were indie local comics, could only be found in local comics stores which thankfully are not in the easily accessible paths of the mall. in other words, kelangan sadyain.

now... i finally have a bit of disposable income. and so i bought some of the books that i wanted.

i have been looking for septimus heap for ages. none of the places i went have the first book. i went to a less-known branch of National Bookstore and found lots of copies. wooot!

Since the movie was coming out, I had to put it on priority list. Read the book, saw the movie. Makes it fun to be 12 and reading this.

And TRESE. Trese, trese, trese. Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo... wow. wow. wow. I can't get over the fact how amazing the story of Alexander Trese and the Kambal are. My fancy for local folklore has been tickled crazy. I've re-read the comics twice. In two days. And I want to read it again. And guess what... Neil Gaiman likes Trese too. NEIL GAIMAN LIKES TRESE. How cool is that?! How cool is that?! I think this book should be released world wide!

I hope the duo comes up with more Trese stories soon.

Anyway, I want to buy more books soon. But I think I should hold back a bit. I should really put a book cap on myself per month because I can go crazy especially since I've been using my credit card a lot (i know, i know... I tread dangerous waters here). I think I've reached my April quota. So I should buy on May already.

Next on the list is Elbert Or's Lola (as illustrator, not writer), Alanguilan's "Elmer" and "Where Bold Stars go to Die", the second Wimpy Kid and Septimus Heap book,

Though... on the 17th would be the KomikCon... so I may not be able to keep my word. uh-oh.

wheeeee!

Congrats, Bunny! Lawyer ka naaaa! Kagalang-galang na Atty. Galang. Woooot!

Why I do not think we should have a twelve year education cycle (yet)

Many presidentiables and even civil society are pushing for a twelve year education cycle. I think I am one of the few who do not find this a promising solution at the moment.

Here is a quick summary as to why I feel that way:

The quality of our present education system is already flawed. At grade 3, only 50-60% actually learn what their level should know. We need to ensure the quality of our ten years before adding to it.

More than 50% of our students are out of school by high school. This does not signify an Education Nation. Exert more effort putting children in school FIRST.

As it is our budget for education is below the UNESCO recommended. We lack teachers, classrooms, chairs, restrooms, books as it is. Do we even have enough budget for another two years?

There is lack of attention to teacher’s training. We should increase our budget for the skills upgrading of our teacher, so they can teach our children better, so the kids can learn better.

(The situation may be different for those studying in elite, private schools. I write this with the situation of urban and rural public schools in mind.)

This is the declared situation and my explanation with has more supporting data:

The Philippines has the shortest education system in Asia. Our neighbours have 13 years, while the Philippines have ten, not including the recently declared compulsory pre-education for Filipino children. Filipino students are lagging behind our Asian neighbours. In 1999, the results of an international test taken by Filipino eighth graders ranked the Philippines 36^th out of 38 countries. These facts led the Department of Education to conclude that the answer to a better-educated Filipino people would be to add two more years of education to level the playing field with our Asian neighbours.

I take a controversial stand. There are other deeper, more immediate issues on the Philippine education system which need to be addressed, which requires a solution other than adding two years of education. IT IS a solution, but not THE solution for a better educated Philippines. There are other actions that need be addressed FIRST and must take PRIORITY.

National diagnostic tests for third graders and sixth graders reveal that only 50% gain competency in English, Math and Science (World Bank 2004 data). This shows that without having completed the Philippine education cycle, our students are already performing below par. This then also shows that the problem of our education system is already problematic FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. Adding years would not make those sixth and third graders perform better. We need to provide quality education more than quantity education.

More than 25% of Filipino children are out of primary school and more than 50% are not in high school. Dropout rate in high school is 20% (National Statistical Coordination Board data). This shows that we have a more urgent issue at hand. The challenge to the government then is how do we get the other half of our students in school? Should we further the cause of ALS (alternative learning systems) or should we be more vigilant in supporting them so they can be formally educated? Whatever it is, adding two years will not solve this problem and may even create a bigger education gap.

UNESCO recommends a budget allocation of 6% of GNP. As of 2006, the government only allocated 3% of GNP. Our 2008 budget was further reduced to 2.18%. While the budget decreases, the number of students increases by the year. So this budget shortage would translate more shortages in classrooms, teachers, facilities and school materials.

Classroom shortage is so severe that schools are forced to conduct morning and afternoon shifts (sometimes evenings!) Single shifts = shortage of 74,115 classrooms. Double shifts = 6,832 classrooms (1 room: 50 students). We are short of 3.48million chairs as of 2008. Double shifts would mean six hours for eight subjects and triple shifts would be just four hours in the classroom. How then do we expect our students to perform well against our Asian brothers when there is hardly time for our students to learn what they have to?

As of 2005, there is a shortage of 50,000 teachers which is probably a reason why target teacher to classroom ratio is 1:50 (ideal is 1:25 according to studies). DepEd budget for teacher trainings does not benefit all of the 500,000 existing teachers (2005 data). What is interesting, while I was doing research regarding DepEd budgets for teacher training, I could not find anything sufficient. Most of the issues being addressed by DepEd and by its critics are the lack of infrastructure and textbooks. I could not find anything sufficient data on how many are being trained in a year, how much is actual budget for training. This leads me to think that teacher’s training is least priority. I think this is a big mistake. TEACHERS ARE THE CORE, THE HEART of education. A good teacher will still be able to teach their students with resources available while a good classroom will be useless with a bad teacher. This is not to say that infrastructure should be dismissed. This is to say that the DepEd must give better priority to developing their teachers.

(This has yet into consideration the reaction poorer families against the DepEd 2004 proposal for a bridging program year. Parents complained that this would require additional expenses on their part. Expenses they can not afford. Additional years in education would mean expenses on baon, transportation, books, projects... An additional two years would also mean more expenses on the part of the government. This money that would be spent on the additional two years, could be used for more pressing education concerns.)

What I am basically trying to say is there are too many problems in our education system which contribute to the non-performance of our students vis-a-vis our Asian neighbours. These are problems that have persisted through time and have yet to be addressed. My stand is for the government to tackle these issues first. If they are hell bent on the additional years, then I suggest a thorough study be done to ensure that that is the immediate and best answer to our problems.

i love earning points!

i try to write as much as possible for igougo.com not really to share travel experiences but for earning the points. lol. each travel review or photo can earn corresponding points which upon accumulation can earn a certain amount of gift certificates. 6000 points = $25, 12000 points = $50 and 24000 = $100.

early last year, i was finally able to claim a $100 amazon gift certificate which i used to purchase several books. those 24000 points took two years to accumulate! mainly because i wasn't that faithful in plotting my journeys.

with the recent wealth of time that i have in my hands, i try to write as much as i can. i've earned a little over 7000 points in a month and i love it! at least it gives me a sense of accomplishment that i have not had much of lately.

are you a traveler? why not try to make the most of your trip by writing your own stories over at igougo.com?

getting used to being married...

it's not a secret that i had to leave a few months after the wedding because i was able to get a scholarship abroad. so my on-the-job training for being a wife and someone's 'live-in' partner had to be cut short.

now i'm back to it. both of us, i think, are still getting used to the daily motions of being married though we haven't really stabilized yet given my current state of 'lost' as i hunt for work.

a clear evidence that we are still unused to married life is... toothpaste.

yes, toothpaste.

i brought a tube back from netherlands which i was currently using. after a while, i realized that there were a couple of toothpaste tubes on the dresser which were both used. i asked him why he was using his own. he thought i wanted my own tube.

i found this absolutely hilarious. i told him i did not mind sharing because i am fairly certain that i will have to ask for toothpaste from him if i don't get work any time soon. other than that, i think sharing would be more cost-efficient if we are to be room mates anyway.

i'm glad marriage does not come with manuals. it would be no fun that way!

the campaign period begins...

right now, i'm watching TV Patrol feature the different campaign launch of presidential candidates. as expected, the front runners have their bonggang-bonggang activities. bands. dancing. actors. personalities. willie revillame (*gasp*).

with the debates and the news giving the candidates more exposure, i have more or less an idea who i want to vote for. it has yet to be backed by a decent research but mainly driven by gut feel.

for now, i am quite inclined to vote for nicanor perlas. as i said, we have the same vision when it comes to education particularly first language instruction of which i am very passionate about. another thing that i am quite excited about when it comes to nick perlas is how he wants civil society to be closely involved with governance. having worked for NGOs most of my life, i have come to believe that true sustainable development can only come from synergy among stakeholders.

this is not set in stone though. i have yet to review his track record and determine how he plans to execute his platform. but i will admit to being enamored by the romance of his vision. in this regard, i take back what i said that i will not give my vote to sentimentality. this might be my act of sentimentality... to vote for someone people consider an underdog, way below the radar with hardly the 'financial' goods to back it up.

i have not ruled out the others yet though.

i'm still strongly considering gordon, though he has slid a few points for me after i realized that he was really serious with the kindle and the P40,000 public school teachers' salary. while i wish the salary scheme was possible, i do not find this a realistic vision. (i like how perlas answered when he was asked about this in the inquirer Q&A). gordon is right in saying that this implies repercussions in taxation. as employed middle-class, i do not think i can afford to have more money taken away from me by the government. at the same time, kindle will not make children more educated. a good percentage of schools hardly have access to electricity, much less e-books. train the teachers. provide decent text books and classrooms. that is what we need. i am still considering him because people in olongapo vouch for the good work he has done as SBMA chairman. i was very impressed with his DOT work. i have yet to review his work in the senate though.

now, for the front runners.

when people were wanting noynoy to run for president, i hope that he won't. when he decided to run, i was a bit disappointed but somehow i did have hopes. he is after all the son of ninoy and cory. but despite the disappointment, i was inclined to vote for him. despite the fact that he was reluctant, that he was inexperienced. i was inclined to vote for him because people, many of which are good friends, campaign for him and sincerely believe him. i thought, if he were president, it's good to know that civil society is behind him. that if he will owe people, it will be civil society. HOWEVER, the past few weeks he has been losing points for me. mainly because of how his campaign is being directed. there is too much negative campaigning going on. he seems to talk more about how bad villar is rather than what he can do for the country (aside from not stealing). i forgot was tv patrol was saying in the news tonight, but my reaction was just, "stop it, stop it! why do you make it about villar all the time?' it's really such a turn off. that is not how i envision moral ascendancy.

i do not close my doors on noynoy. i am still hoping that i see something in him that will make me decide to vote for him. i want to like him so bad for so many reasons. but mainly because he has good, nay, great people backing him up. i believe in these people so i want to believe in him. mainly because of this, he is still up for consideration.

ah, yes. he who holds the holy grail of jingles, manny villar. i give him credit for having that thick skin with all the jabs he is getting from jamby and LP. however, this 'i am poor' story is getting old. you WERE poor. you are not now. and i am so unsatisfied with how he has been handling the C-5 issue. we have been subject to endless avoidances of GMA regarding the issues thrown against her. i want him to answer monsod's questions point per point because she does present interesting facts. (however, i do not like how the senate is handling the inquiries either)

i do have this feeling that villar is not after my vote. looking at the strategy of his campaign, from earworm jingles to Willie Revillame and Sarah Geronimo endorsements, it's clear who he wants to talk to. my vote is not his loss because i don't think he's after it in the first place.

jamby is starting to grow on me though. i'm starting to be glad she's running because she provides such comic relief.

i forgot bro. eddie in the other post, by the way.

as for the others, wala na talaga. i dislike GMA so much that, while i am charmed by gibo's wit and good looks, i will not even consider him. i am not comfortable having a religious leader run the country. i do not like how jc de los reyes is cutting off the RH bill. erap and his many wives... no.

there are still three more months before the actual elections. so much can happen. so much can be discovered. this can change within that period. for now, this is my short list.

presidentiables and politics

the battle among presidential candidates are getting hotter as the campaign period draws near. i expect more mud-slinging and negative campaigning in the coming days.

we have been subjected to elections of voting for the lesser evil. yet i am thinking about what kind of lesser evil do i allow?

today the news revealed that manny villar is fast catching up with noynoy aquino. this can probably be attributed to the amount of 'airtime' villar is getting with the C-5 scandal. as conrado de quiros mentioned in his column, his publicity is giving villar an advantage because noynoy is getting less coverage (though arguably, the SCTEX issue cropped up in relation to the C-5 issue).

but then i think that is too presumptuous. we have to remember as well, that noynoy has not given people a solid reason why he should be elected president other than the fact that he will not be corrupt (but is not SCTEX a form of corruption as well?). i honestly do not find this a sufficient reason to give my vote to him. i adore his parents but my vote is too precious to be left to sentimentality.

i find it disturbing that it took villar a long time to face the senate and say his piece about the situation. when he finally did, he walked out immediately leaving questions unanswered. maari ngang lutong macao pero napapapaisip ako kung bakit ayaw niyang sumagot. if he is really for the people then it is not really the senate that he owes an explanation to but the people. and it is not enough for me to be directed to the website (though i should start studying their profiles soon) for that question to be answered. things are easy to hide in writing. facing a crowd full of questions takes guts. and i want my leader to have guts and to be honest. i have a feeling that villar has not yet shown this.

on the other hand, i am also disturbed by the fact that noynoy has not given a satisfactory answer regarding hacienda luisita. when i listen to him answer questions in debates, he is always vague and unclear. i find this as dangerous as not answering questions. more so because people loyal to him can interpret it the way to his advantage. or even those he is loyal to. after these past few months, i am still unclear what he stands for. moral ascendancy is too precious a term to just be given away like that. this is something that is shown or practiced and not claimed.

one question i have regarding this senate inquiry on villar though is, why just villar? have we not heard news of bayani fernando's construction company doing the overpasses and fly overs and urinals all over the metro? why has this not been raised in the senate? did i miss this one? because i hope not. i dislike the guy because he has turned metro manila into one giant ugly playground. i could not take it seriously with the blue and pink (in the shade of the blue and pink in an 8-color crayola box). makati has similar structures but it looks serious and clean. i digress. anyway... why have i not heard of this? if you have, please point me to the right direction so i can read about it.

and why has the senate not exerted the same amount of time and effort with the arroyo scandals? why do they let it die down? yet this issue with villar drags on and on.

right now, neither one is on top of my list. unless i get the last minute idea that i should just vote for a candidate who is more likely to win rather than one i truly believe in. i have not done that ever yet. i voted for roco twice despite knowing how little chance he had because he was who i believed in.

i hardly have the same certainty for any candidate as much as i did for roco. though i am strongly considering nick (perlas) and dick (gordon).

i don't care if gordon is using his red cross experience because it could not be any worse than asking me if i have swam in a sea of garbage or being told of his heritage over and over. i thoroughly enjoyed gordon's time sa DOT secretary. all those WOW activities generated a lot of local tourism. though after being informed that he feels kindle is the answer to education woes lost a few points for me. but i don't think that will fly anyway. but he seems to be able to get things done. and we need things done in this country. we are too stuck in words and debate. :(

nick perlas, on the other hand, swept me off my feet when he said he would push for first language medium of instruction. i think he was the most clear with what he wanted to happen in terms of education. he gives well thought out answers and seemed intelligent enough. he just is not popular enough, unfortunately. if he chose to run for senate, he would definitely be one of my top votes. but who knows... i never really factored in winnability when it comes to casting my vote.

as for the rest...

erap. he should not even be a candidate. stupid comelec knows that by putting him in the roster is inviting a constitutional crisis. he looks like he still has his dose of booze and women. no no no. i do not want a president who slurs.

gibo. well.... he is quite a looker. and it's nice to listen to him talk. he won pogi points for me when he answered that he should abstain himself from GMA issues because they are of the same party. it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. so i credit him for honesty. and honesty in this game is a breath of fresh air. nonetheless, it is clear that he does not run the party, that he is a puppet by the very fact that he allowed edu manzano to be his running mate. at the same time, masyado syang magaling magpalusot sa mga GMA questions. he answers the questions, but the things he does not say sound scary to me. can still be considered but more likely a no vote.

jamby. number one nuisance candidate. i can't believe they disqualified ladlad and not this woman. NO NO NO NO!

jc delos reyes. no sex education? are you kidding me?! and i also want a president who can speak with confidence. maybe he should run for mayor first. no.

anyone i missed out?

if you have any dirt on gordon or perlas, i welcome it. and if you have arguments for villar and noynoy, i welcome it as well. i have not done much research on the candidates yet. my thoughts are mainly formed from what i see on tv and read on the newspaper and my own gut feel.

if you are a follower of any of the candidates, i welcome a sales pitch. i want to know why you are voting for your candidate. if you want to argue, do so, but do not take it personally against me. i am not out to be vile against your candidate (unless she is jamby or BF) rather it is just what i see.

i am very confused. :(