Happy Holidays!

We celebrated Christmas this year with less fanfare.  We just ate dinner at our favorite place and then went home.  It was also a good time to rest since I wasn’t really feeling better due to flu.  I tried taking a day off the following day (25 Dec.) but ended up bored at home.  I jokingly told Srini and Firas that I’m just giving them excuse so that I can spend Christmas at home. 

I have always been against the extravagant Christmas celebrations.  That’s probably one of the reasons why I prefer to spend Christmas here in the Kingdom of the Sands.  Don’t get me wrong though.  I’m no Uncle Scrooge!  It’s just that I felt that Christmas should be celebrated low key.  The most important thing is to always remember why we’re celebrating the season in the first place.

This New Year will also be the same I guess.  I don’t mind though, as long as I’ll be celebrating it with my friends, the people I care.

A friend asked me what my New Year’s resolution is for 2013. I can’t stop myself from grinning since It’s just so old fashioned to have New Year’s resolution.  Most of us don’t have New Year’s resolution since we’re not so serious about them.  Anyways, after thinking through it, this is my New Year’s resolution:

1. I will lose 20 Kilos.  Regardless, I have to return to my normal weight.

2. I will eat healthy.  I promise not to binged eat anymore.

3. I will jog daily.  I stopped jogging for 2 years so look at what happened.

4. I will find my match. It has been years since I last fell in love.

5.  I will pass my SPHR / PHR certification exam.

6.  I will entertain job offers from other companies. I will not restrict myself from my current company.

7.  I will still give my family tough love.  

8.  Save Money.  I’m good at saving so I’ll save more.

Miss Universe 2012 Results: RIGGED

Janine Tugonon, 23, Philippines

It took me awhile to blog on how I feel after being disappointed by the results of the recently concluded Miss Universe 2012.  It would have been easier to accept defeat if Janine Tugonon, our nations representative made a blunder during the interview competition.  However, no matter how many times I watched it on YouTube, her execution was just flawless.  She should have been crowned that night.

My own ranking of the winners would be: Philippines (Miss Universe), Australia (1^st Runner up), USA (2^nd Runner up), Venezuela (3^rd Runner up) and Brazil (4^th Runner up).  The results of the Miss Universe competition I’m afraid is final.  Olivia Culpo, will go down the history as the most underserving Miss Universe ever. 

To Janine Tugonon, you made us all proud.  To us, you are the 2012 Miss Universe.  

Christmas Carolers in Al Khobar

No matter how good your intentions are, please remember that we’re in Saudi Arabia.  There are rules here that we should obey.  If you don’t want to obey their customs and traditions, better pack your bags, do the country a favor and leave. 

We were waiting for our orders last Friday night at Gusto Restaurant in Al Khobar (besides As Salama Hospital) when suddenly a group of Filipinos entered the restaurant and started singing Christmas songs.  One of their companions, a lady started distributing an envelope asking for donation, allegedly for the medical mission.   I was so shocked at first. It took me awhile to regain my composure.  When I realized what was happening, I went to the cashier attendant and told him that what the kabayans are doing are not good and even he will be in trouble.  I felt the need to go out of the restaurant so I drag D and waited outside.

Outside, I saw their look out, a bardagones (big, fat, tall man) and I shouted at him.  I told him that what they’re doing is not good.  They’re endangering themselves and also other innocent Filipinos.  He was explaining that theirs was a noble cause and that the proceeds of their caroling go to medical mission.  I told him that we’re in Saudi Arabia and caroling is a big no-no.  It’s against the law for goodness sake!  The police will never listen to your reasons no matter how noble it is.

I’m not exaggerating that if they’re caught caroling, they could end up in jail.  What if the Mutaw (Religious Police) were following them?  Everyone will be in trouble including all the Kabayans who happens to be in the Restaurant when they were singing Christmas carols. 

D. remembered that last year, the same people knocked at our door to do the caroling.  I think they’re doing it for the sake of their pockets and not really for medical missions.  It’s just so obvious that they just want money from unsuspecting people.  If we’re in the Philippines, they can do all the caroling they want.  But we’re in Saudi Arabia for goodness sake!  If they can’t live with it, they better pack their bags and leave before the Mutawa could actually catch them.

I just couldn’t get these people!  I called up the POLO – Eastern Province and reported the incident. They said that the Ambassador has already issued a guideline on that. POLO – Eastern Province has also received several reports regarding carolers but says that they just couldn’t do anything about it if people would not follow the guideline.  The worst thing that could happen to them is being jailed.  

Early Christmas Gifts

Last Monday, 10 December 2012, I was invited to OKI trade show in Movenpick Hotel with some of my colleagues.  I was told that there will be presentation, gifts and dinner.  Since I don’t have evening classes on Mondays, I confirmed my participation to the trade show.  The trade show started rather late (30 minutes behind schedule).

It was pretty exciting presentation since it gave me idea on which machines to choose and its advantage and disadvantage.  I also learned from there that the product is called Oki because it was named after the founder Kibataro Oki.  The misconception is that we pronounced it OKI (Oh-Key-Ai) because we thought that it’s an abbreviation of something.  I’ve also learned that Oki is pioneer in the LED technology.

The most exciting part of the trade show was when they were drawing prices for their raffle.  They’ve given several machines and I was so happy because number 8, the number that was given to me was drawn.  I won OKI C110 A4 Color Printer.  I don’t know what I should do with it yet but nevertheless, I’m happy and thankful with my winning.

---oo0oo---

The following day, Abdul Jalal of InterContinental Hotel invited me again, with some of my colleagues to attend their ‘Bookers Club Party’.  It’s a thanksgiving party given to their clients.  It was 11 December 2012 which happens to be a Tuesday so I told him I couldn’t come. When I was about to leave the office in the evening, Wency from Arab Open University (Morgan International) called me and said that our class is cancelled.  That means I have the opportunity to attend the party at the InterContinental.

The party was held at the rooftop of InterContinental Hotel.  There was a sandstorm at that time so we were uncomfortable at first.  It was a cocktail party and it was so amazing.  They served international cuisine, petit pour, sushi, Indian curry and BBQ.  The highlight of the night was when my name was called and I won dinner for 2 at the InterContinental Hotel Al Khobar.

Thank you, God for giving me all these blessings.  I planned to invite my boss for the dinner.  I owe it to him I think.

Cayetano: Political Dynasty is not the problem

Alan Peter Cayetano, so young yet so corrupt.  Cayetano says that political dynasty is not the problem in our country today but corruption. Of course, he’ll naturally defend political dynasty since he himself is a product of political dynasty.  What Cayetano did not see is that political dynasty breed corruption.  Why do you think these families don’t want to get out of politics?  Don’t tell me that they’re here because of public service because people won’t buy it.  They’re in politics because that’s the easiest way to get money.

There’s a constitutional provision asking the Congress (House of Representative and Senate) to enact law against political dynasty.  However, since if that law will be enacted, the first casualty would be our politicians so they ignored their duty to legislate law on political dynasty.  Since there’s no law and implementing guideline, our courts and Comelec has no way of banning the dynasties.

Even if people call for the banning of political dynasties, politicians will just ignore that call.  They’ll come up with other scandals that would help people forget their calls.  I don’t think that banning of political dynasties will be realized within Abnoy’s administration.  Abnoy himself is a byproduct of political dynasties and he’ll also protect those families who would toe his line. 

The only way to get rid of political dynasties is to change the constitution altogether.  I also don’t see that happening in Abnoy’s Administration.  So, I think, we’re doomed.  

Padaca: Paralyzed Face due to being Shameless

Padaca: Paralyzed Face due to being Shameless

First this entry is not to demean people with disability.  There are people with disability who led remarkable and noble lives.  Grace Padaca is an exception to that since she’s corrupt and a thick faced BITCH.  Padaca’s warrant of arrest was issued on May 2012 but Abnoy’s Administration chooses to ignore it.  The DOJ, particularly it’s (in)Justice Secretary LIE-la De Lima did not act on it.  She did not exhibit her tenacity to act on matters especially if it concerns her peers (fellow hepatard).  You know why and I don’t need to tell you why, Grace Padaca is allied to Abnoy and is also a HEPATARD.  Arrest warrants are only served speedily to Abnoy’s perceived enemies such as, the obvious porter girl, PGMA. 

Despite being indicted by the Graft Court, Abnoy still appointed Padaca to the Commission on Elections.  She’s not a Lawyer by the way, and she’ll have difficulty in following the proceeding of the COMELEC sessions, since COMELEC is a quasi-judicial entity.  Well, she’ll still have to go through the bicameral commission on appointment.  The problem is, Commission on Appointment’s members are all hepatards so she’ll go through the appointment process. 

After being named Comelec Commissioner, Padaca went to Sandigan Bayan with foul mouthed fairy Mar Roxas, of P.I. fame to post a bail.  Padaca proudly announced that the bail money worth Php. 70,000 comes from Abnoy himself.  Bailing money to a corrupt person like Padaca leaves bad taste to the mouth.  It’s also inconsistent with the ‘Tuwid na Daan’ that Abnoy has been preaching.  I could also be wrong, for Abnoy ‘Tuwid na Daan’ is all about protecting his interest and the interests of his KKK.  That’s what he showed to the Filipino nation.  As my boss would always say, leaders should set the right example.  What Abnoy is doing is, he’s setting the bad example.  I hope the younger generation will not emulate him.  He’s an embarrassment to the nation.

Padaca asked Sandigan Bayan to allow her to travel to the US to observe the US Elections.  She was of course allowed to travel by her boss, Abnoy since they’re kachukaran.  Now, she says that the cases against her should be dropped since she’s a Comelec Commissioner and that she can only be removed through an impeachment.  She has the nerves to say those things.  Her graft and corruption case was filed before her appointment as Comelec Commissioner. If that’s her reason for her graft case to be junked, then Abnoy must’ve appointed her to Comelec in order for her to evade arrest.  I thought that only Padaca’s feet are paralyzed but her face too.  Naparalyze na ang kanyang mukha sa kakapalan at nawala na ito ng hiya.  This BITCH has the nerve to even hide behind her appointment as Comelec Commissioner.

Yes, my dear, this is the ‘Tuwid na Daan’ of Abnoy.  Be with Abnoy and you’ll be protected.  Defy Abnoy and you’ll be like CJ Corona or PGMA.  Be with Abnoy and you’ll think that you can get away with everything, even a graft and corruption practices.  Be with Abnoy and your face will also be paralyzed that you’ll be as shameless like Padaca.  Her fake crying during the death of Secretary Robredo paid off.  As payback for being a good hepatard, she was appointed Comelec Commissioner, was allowed bail, was allowed to travel to the US and even has the guts to tell that court to junk her case just because she’s now a Comelec Commissioner.  

Ako si CJ, Laking Davao!

Guys, This is the entry of my friend CJ from Davao to the Sarangola Blog Awards.  Please like his entry.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=444620728908906&set=a.444620618908917.92070.123763897661259&type=1&theater 

Filipino - Japanese Friendship

Ang kamalayan ng bawat indibidwal ay nahuhubog kasama ang mga tao, kapaligiran, kultura at kasaysayan. Bilang isang taga-Mindanao, napakalawak ng scope nito. Nasasama ang mga pook na sinasabing magugulo at alang kapayapaan. Subalit, kailangan nating himay-himayin ang bawat lugar na ito upang malaman ang bawat kuwento at kalagayan nang isang lugar. Gaya ng isang cake, ito ay hinahati at bawat hati ay mayroong disenyong ating maaappreciate. Ito ang kuwento ko – ako si CJ, laking Davao!

Ang heograpikal na pinagkalagakan ng Lungsod ng Dabaw ay nasa timog-silangang bahagi ng bansa. Dito kung saa’y klimang tropikal ang siyang mararanasan; kay sarap itampisaw sa mga naggagandahang mga coastlines na ang puputi ng mga buhangin, kung di naman puti, gray, pero ang pino pa rin. Pagkatapos magtampisaw, maaari ring subukan ang pag-akyat sa mga kabundukan at masilayan ang ganda ng lungsod galing sa ibabaw; napakapresko at luntiang-luntian. Ang maganda pa rito, di dinaraanan ng mga mababagsik na bagyo. Dito rin matitikman ang mga masasarap na prutas gaya ng durian, mangosteen, suha, rambutan, saging at marami pang iba. Ito rin ang naging tahanan ni haring ibon – Philippine Eagle at may buwayang nagngangalang pangil, singlaki ni Lolong ng Agusan.

Ang lungsod na ito ay tahanan rin ng mga Kristiyano, Muslim at mga lumad na tinatayang aabot sa sampung tribo na alang gulo – at ako’y namulat sa lungsod na ito na may ayos at kapayapaan ang bawat tao.  Napakakulay ng kulturang masasaksihan sa lungsod na ito at naging inspirasyon ang pagsasama-sama ng mga magkakaibang grupo ang pagkakalikha ng isang masayang pista na kung tawagin ay KADAYAWAN. Subalit, bago naging KADAYAWAN, ang pistang yaon ay alay para sa mga kilalang hari at reyna ng lungsod at iyon ay tinawag na APODUWALI. Ang APODUWALI ay hango sa Bundok Apo, durian at waling-waling na siyang mga popular na mga icons noon hanggang sa ngayon. At dahil di lamang sina APODUWALI ang saklaw ng Dabaw, isinama na rito ang mga taong nagkakabuklod kung kaya’t sumibol ang KADAYAWAN na hango sa salitang dayaw na ang ibig sabihin ay maganda at importante. Ang KADAYAWAN Festival na ito ang siyang naging selebrasyon ng pagpapasalamat sa biyaya ng kalikasan, yaman ng kultura, masaganang ani at mapayapang pamumuhay.

Kaygandang pagmasdan ang pagkakaroon ng pagkakaisa ng mga tao at ako’y saksi sa dalawampu’t limang taong paninirahan sa progresibong lungsod na ito. Subalit, di natin maikukubli na ang lungsod ay nakaugat pa rin sa lupain ng Mindanao at ang kadalasang balita na ipinapalabas sa mga telebisyon ay giyera sa Mindanao, talamak ang kahirapan at mga lugmok na pamumuhay ng mga tao. Nakakalungkot isipin na ako bilang taga-Mindanao, at taga-Davao, ipinapakita ng mga tao sa MEDIA na ang lugar namin ay salamin ng kahirapan. Ang giyerang nasa kasuluk-sulukan ng Mindanao ay pinapalaki na saklaw buong kapuluan kabilang na ang mga alang giyerang lugar tulad ng sa Davao.

Ang mga pangyayaring yaon, di ko man mababago, ay nagpasimula sa akin upang ikampanya na mapayapa, progresibo at nararapat sa turismo ang lungsod ng Dabaw kahit sa maliit na paraan gaya ng pagbloblog. Dito sumibol ang paglikha ko nitongsilaabdabaw o ang aking pag-aasam na ipakilala ang lungsod at buong rehiyon sa mundo ng blog na aabot kahit saanmang panig ng mundo. Ang iba’y natawa sa ideyang aking naisipan at ang iba naman ay natuwa dahil sa aking adhikain na ala namang bayad.

Teka lang, hinto muna…

Napag-uusapan natin ang tungkol sa mga tao, kapaligiran at kultura ng lungsod, ano naman ang maibabahagi ng lungsod na nauukol sa kasaysayan?

Pinakapopular ang mga lugar dito sa Pilipinas kung saan mayaman ang kasaysayan. Ilagay na natin sa listahan ang Maynila, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo at iba pang lugar. Mayaman ang mga nasabing lugar sa mga yugtong pananakop ng mga Kastila. Makikita mo ang mga daan-daang taon at naggagandahang simbahan, siyudad sa loob ng siyudad, sentenaryong mga unibersidad, mga antik na imahe, at marami pang iba. Ngunit kung ating iisipin, di lamang mga Kastila ang siyang nanakop sa ating bansa, dumaan rin tayo sa kamay ng mga Hapo’t mga Amerikano. Ano ang punto ko rito? Gaya ng mga nasabing lugar, ang lungsod ng Dabaw ay naging bahagi ng mga yugtong kinabibilangan ng mga Kastila, Hapon at mga Amerikano. Di man lahat ng mga pangyayaring nangyari sa ating kasaysayan ay magaganda, ito ay bahagi pa rin ng ating kasaysayan at mainam na malaman; ito’y magiging sangkap sa pagpapalago ng turismo sa bansa o lungsod. Dito ko hinugot ang aking mga napagtanto ukol sa turismo, sana’y mapalaganap ang yugtong Hapon sa lungsod at nang mahikayat ang mga turista na malaman at tingnan ang mga tagpong ito.

Di ako si Kuya Kim, pero alam mo ba, ang Davao ay dating tinaguriang Davaokuo o little Tokyo ng Pilipinas bago pa man ang ikalawang pandaigdigang sigalot? Ngayon siguro’y alam mo na… Ngunit kukunti lamang ang mga artikulo ukol rito, siguro dahil sa pagkamuhi sa pananakop ng mga Hapon, di gaanong pinalawak ang ukol sa kasaysayang ito.

Ang lungsod ay naging tahanan ng mga Hapones na mga mangangalakal sa katimugang bahagi nito. Kung kaya’t ang ibang pangalan ng mga barangay at kalye ng lungsod ay may mga pangalang Hapon tulad ng Dakudao, Talomo, Mintal, Bago-Oshiro at iba pa. Di lamang sa mga pangalan nakikita ang pagtira ng mga Hapon sa lungsod, may bakas ng pagpapatayo nila ng mga paaralan kung kaya’t dito matatagpuan ang pinakamalaking paaralang Hapon, may mga industriya tulad ng sa abaka at iba pang pang-agrikultura. Sa mga taon ng ikalawang pandaigdigang sigalot, may mga tunnel silang ginawa na hanggang ngayo’y makikita at mapapasok pa na may mga replika ng mga bagay na makikita doon gaya ng armory at mga kulungan ng mga bihag, mga bombang ginamit, pangmedikal na kagamitan, mga mapa at marami pang iba.

Ang mga bagay na ito’y aking nalaman dahil sa aking pagkagustong kilalanin nang husto ang bayang aking kinalakhan. Di ako nabigo, maraming bagay ang aking natuklasan. Di lamang tao, kalikasan at kultura ang bumubuo sa aming lungsod; kasama rito ang makulay na kasaysayang nagnanais maisiwalat at magmarka sa buong mundo. Ito ang mga pagkakataong nagpapakilala sa akin bilang isang advocate ng lungsod lalo na sa turismo, di man ito opisyal, sa puso’t isipan ko, alam ko ang naibahagi ko. Gusto kong sabihin at uulit-ulitin, ang Lungsod ng Dabaw ay saklaw ng Mindanao, ngunit di ito lupa ng putukan kundi ito ang lupang ipinangako kung saan may ayos at kapayapaan ang bawat tao, na hinubog ng panahon na may impluwensya ng mayamang kultura’t kasaysayan.

---

Ang blog o sanaysay na ito ay lahok sa Saranggola Blog Awards 2012 na may temang “LAKBAY”

Dying Young

Last Hajj holidays I had a nightmare.  It wasn’t that scary so maybe that was just a dream.  A bad dream that is.  In my dream, I had a lung cancer, a terminal cancer.  In the dream, I went to Al Mana, Al Dossary and Saad just to be told that I only had 3 months to live.  I wasn’t crying or was depressed in my dream.  I then called my boss in Lebanon and told him that I have to exit the Kingdom right away.  He was asking me why and I told him that I had a terminal cancer and I want to go home since I don’t want to be in the freezer.  You see, when people die in Saudi Arabia, they will put him in the freezer until autopsy and other required papers are submitted. It also takes a while before the body could be transported to the home country.

Anyways, my boss said in my dreams to wait until his return but I told him that I could not wait for another 30 days since time is of essence. 

I remember giving away all my earthly belongings to my friends and filed an exit.  I then went back to the Philippines.  LOL.  My memory of that dream was vivid.  I did not go back home but instead went to a hospice in Quezon City.  I don’t know how the hell I was able to remember a hospice but I think I just want to spend my last days on earth there.  The reason why went to hospice was I don’t want to burden my family.  My instruction to the hospice was to call my sister when the time comes and cremate me right away.

I’ve always thought that I’ll die of lung illness.  I just don’t know what kind of lung disease though but I’m really certain about that.  I also think that I will die young.  Morbid thoughts again LOL.  If there’s something I hate about being a Filipino is our culture of burying our dead.  I mean, I just don’t like that dead people’s wakes are used to justify gambling such as mahjong. I also don’t like it when a person is displayed for the whole world to see for 7 days.  Why can’t we be like Muslims who buried their dead within one day?  No ceremonies but they’ll just wash the body with oils and wrap it in white cloth.  It’s very simple yet it’s more meaningful.  No dramas or whatever.

Hajj Holidays

I know. I know that I don’t have any more excuses not to update my blog.  My last posting was on 10 September 2012.  This is going to be my only posting for the month of October 2012.  Our Hajj Holidays started on 25 October 2012 and ended on 30 October 2012.  We had six days of uninterrupted vacation.  A lot of my colleagues were complaining why our company did not give the 31 October as holiday.  We have no choice but to report or else, we’ll lose 3 salary days.  Yes, it’s a company policy that we have to report on Wednesday in order to earn the weekend (2 days).

I was not really excited with the very long weekend because I don’t have prior plans in the first place.  I practically did nothing during the 6 days off.  I watched TV, watched movies in youtube and downloaded movies from the torrent.  Downloading movies is my favorite pastime nowadays.  It’s addictive yet fulfilling.  I seriously need to buy new external storage.  3TB might be a good idea but I still have to check my budget.  I did try to read a few chapters of my SHRM modules but can’t really concentrate so I just dropped the books and watched movies at the youtube instead.

This year’s Hajj Holidays was uneventful.  I remember about two years ago when I was admitted at the As Salama Hospital on the eve of the Hajj Holidays.  I thought that I’ll only be there for 7 days as the doctor said but it lasted for 2 months.  I can’t remember the pain now but the scars of the IVs are still visible.  I think that I am just a lucky person.  I mean, I was admitted, got out, picked the broken pieces and moved on.  I was even promoted right after that horrible nightmare.  I don’t know why but maybe because I didn’t yearn for more.  Now that I’m growing older I’m becoming more like my father.  I look like him and now I’m beginning to be like him.

We’ll my father lived a modest life.  If he was too ambitious he could’ve been a rich man.  But he did not yearn for more and was thankful to what God has given him.  He did not suffer poverty but neither was he rich.  He’s lived his days satisfied.  I think I’m beginning to be like him in some ways.  After what I went through two hajjes ago, I am just thankful to God.   I’ll be thankful if he gave me more blessings but I don’t dare to ask.  Living in itself is already a blessings and yearning for more is just too much.

I just remembered that my sister Bam bought Mass Card for my dad.  That’s the only way for us to honor his soul since we won’t be able to be with him on the All Souls Day on 2 November.

 

Cheap Justice SERENoy backs JBC plan to abolish psychological test

As a practicing HR Professional, psychometric testing is very important tool to us.  Aside from the interview, the psychometric testing helps us determine the best candidate for the position that we are filling.  The candidate has to meet minimum requirements of our competency map. 

Psychological testing in job application is institutionalized elsewhere especially in the private sector.  I think that’s one of the reasons why private sector recruits the best people in their respective industry.      

Abnoy’s newly installed Cheap Justice of the Supreme Court, Ma. Lourdes A. Sereno (MALAS) got the lowest mark in the JBC sanctioned psychological testing.  The psychological testing result of Cheap Justice MALAS should have disqualified her from the shortlist given to Abnoy.  Since the composition of JBC is Abnoy’s ass lickers, MALAS was automatically included in the short list.  What happened were all moro-moro since eventually, Abnoy was able his own Cheap Justice.

The removal of the legitimate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from unimpeachable offense was orchestrated by Abnoy to regain Hacienda Luisita.  By installing his own Cheap Justice who has always been a dissenter, Abnoy wants to reverse all Supreme Court ruling in the distribution of Hacienda Luisita.  In her dissenting opinion, Cheap Justice MALAS suggested that the farmers pay 1 Billion to the Cojuanco and Aquino clan.  It’s her way of saying that farmers could not have Hacienda Luisita if they don’t pay the Cojuanco and Aquinos 1 Billion. 

Going back to Cheap Justice MALAS’ low psychological rating, it was reported that she’s in favor of the JBCs suggestion to get rid of the psychological testing in the selection of Justices.  Don’t ask me why, of course, she got the lowest mark, so since she heads the JBC, might as well get rid of the test.  I think they’ll get away with their plans since the composition of JBC is pro Abnoy.

So yeah, it’s possible.  Actually everything is possible in this country of ours.  We get a bipolar President, a bipolar Cheap Justice, and eventually, without the psychological testing for the JBC candidates, we’ll also get bipolar justices in the future.  Ang saya saya di ba?

Bashar Al Assad must go!

Bashar Al Assad, Syrian President

Power is indeed intoxicating that Bashar Al Assad would rather see blood bath than step down from his position as the President of Syria.  He must really enjoy seeing people die by thousands every day.   The presidency has a lot of perks that you can’t get if you’re an ordinary civilian.  I think part of the reason why he won’t step down is that he is afraid that when he steps down, he’ll lose all the privilege that he enjoyed so much.

It’s really not easy to let go of power, wealth and privilege.  The sad thing is he’s doing it at the expense of his own people’s lives.  An elective post is given to you by the people.  If they say they don’t want you anymore, you should go.  The problem with Syria is that, when Assad was running for a term, he was the sole candidate.  Assad’s own political block has already disqualified his political enemies in the effort to assure Assad of victory.  That is not all, the ruling government is actually a minority government composed mostly of the Shiites Muslims.  The majority of people are Sunni Muslims.  It’s the exact reverse from Bahrain where the Shiites are the majority and the ruling Sunni are the minority.  If Assad steps down, the Shiites ruling party are afraid that they’ll also lose the reigns of the government and their influence. 

The West is not too keen on helping the people of Syria who are dying by hundreds every day since Syria has no oil resources.  Look what the West did with Libya. They readily helped the rebels by supplying them arms and helping them bombard Libya’s major cities.  The finally got Gadafi and that’s the end of the story, they bid for the Libyan oil.  Syria has no oil resources and for the West, it’s not feasible to help.  As you know, the West will only help if they can see themselves profiting from it.

A friend of mine, Abdullah, a Syrian from Homs told me that it’s been two years since he last saw his family. He said that all activities in Homs were halted because of the war.  The Syrian people lost their livelihood because of the continuous fighting.  He is the only source of income that sustains his family.  He’s going to get married in Egypt next month without the blessings of his family, not one from his family will also be able to attend. It’s a sad story but Abdullah is just one of the few Syrians who suffered because of the senseless war.  The only reason for this war is that Bashar Al Assad would not step down.  One man’s greed for power has cost the lives of his own people.  Bashar Al Assad should step down!

New Cheap Justice, Ma. Lourdes Sereno

Cheap Justice Sereno

The cat is out in the bag.  After so much speculation and moro-moro, Abnoy appointed somebody who would toe the yellow line.  By virtue of her voting records, the new Cheap Justice has already showed to the Filipino nation that she would do anything for Abnoy.  That is the reason why Abnoy appointed her instead of Carpio, the thick faced chameleon who had been drooling over the CJ position far too long.

As we all know, the reason of CJ Corona’s removal was because of Hacienda Luisita.  Abnoy was so upset when the Corona let Supreme Court decided to give away Hacienda Luista to the farmers.  When the SC voted, it was Abnoy’s first appointee to the Supreme Court, Justice Sereno who issued dissenting opinion that the farmers can have Hacienda Luisita for Php. 10 Billion.  That dissenting opinion made Sereno the outright choice of Abnoy when CJ Corona was impeached and removed from office. 

When you say the farmers should pay Hacienda Luisita owners Php. 10 Billion, you’re obviously rewarding the Cojuanco and Aquino clan.  Hacienda Luisita was purchased using the government resources during the time of President Magsaysay.  The only condition was that the Hacienda should be distributed back to the farmers.  Several decades have passed and yet Hacienda Luisita was never subjected to Agrarian Reforms.  Now, Justice Sereno’s dissenting opinion was for the farmers to pay HL owners Php. 10 Billion.  That’s what you call tubong lugaw.  Wala na nga silang perang pinalabas to purchase the lands, gusto pa nilang makatanggap ng Php. 10 Billion.  Since walang pera ang mga magsasaka, gusto nila ang gobyerno ang sasalo ng responsibility to pay.  Ito yong sinasabing tubong lugaw na, ginisa pa sa sariling mantika ang sambayanang Filipino at mga magsasaka. 

The thick faced chameleon Antonio Carpio, who had been bypassed by FPGMA to become the Supreme Court Chief Justice was also bypassed by Abnoy when he appointed Justice Sereno.  Carpio has been drooling over the post far too long that he, the firm and his cousin Ombudsman Concheta Carpio Morales were the source of baseless allegations against CJ Corona.  When CJ Corona was removed, although there’s no constitutional provision for Acting Chief Justice, he immediately named himself.  In order to show Abnoy that he’s willing to toe Abnoy’s line, he ruled for the usage of PCOS Machines for 2013 elections.

Sereno will also seat at the longest serving Cheap Justice if she’s not impeached, she will served for 18 years.  Abnoy was just planning for his exit strategy.  For sure, he will be hounded by several cases when he stepped down from office and having Sereno as his Cheap Justice will assure that he will be protected.

As for Cheap Justice Sereno, wag masyadong maging komportable sa iyong kinauupuan.  Remember that CJ Corona was impeached and removed from office because of non-declaration of SALN.  As you know, Sereno did not disclose her earnings when she was the government lawyer for Fraport.  If CJ Corona was removed because of non-declaration, you too can be removed.  There’s already a precedent and once Abnoy steps down from office, you’ll be impeached as well.

Justice Antonio Carpio – KARMA KARMA KARMA

Justice Antonio Carpio

If there’s one person who made it obvious his ambition to become the Philippines’ Chief Justice it is none other than Justice Antonio Carpio.  Well, he’s been drooling with the position far too long that he did everything in order to get CJ Corona removed from office, with the intentions of course, of becoming the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.  When CJ Corona was removed in an unimpeachable office, non-declaration of SALN, Carpio did not waste time but to appoint himself as the Acting Chief Justice.  As you all know, there is no Acting Chief Justice in the 1987 Constitution. 

Carpio and his cousin, Ombudsman Concheta Carpio Morales helped the prosecution in building their case against CJ Corona. The baseless allegations that were thrown against CJ Corona came from them.  The help that they extended was of course, with the hope that one day, Abnoy will appoint him as CJ.  Carpio, to show his willingness to toe the line of Malacanang right away approved the use of PCOS for the 2013 elections.  Again, so that he will be appointed as Abnoy’s Chief Justice.

Carpio and The Firm are very influential. They used to be FPGMAs private lawyers.  However, because of the falling out they had with FPGMA, Carpio and his cousin Concheta Carpio Morales have been voting against FPGMAs administration.  Since Carpio and The Firm want to yield influence in the Abnoy Administration, they’ve been voting for Abnoy.  When Abnoy assumed office on 2010, it was Concheta Carpio Morales who swore him in.  Concheta Carpio Morales would later be named as the Ombudsman, to replace Merceditas Gutierrez who resigned because Abnoy pressured her with an impeachment complaint.

Carpio has been playing dirty ever since.  He thinks that he would always get what he wants as long as he will held the president under his pocket.  The reason why Abnoy instead choose an ass licker, Cheap Justice Sereno was because he was scared of how Carpio would turn out.  Carpio has been known for being a chameleon, he changes his political color if it will benefit him and his law firm.    

Carpio must’ve been devastated.  I feel sorry for him because he would die to become a Chief Justice.  He hurt a lot of people because of his ambition.  Sabi nga nila, wag mong mithiin kung hindi talaga para sa iyo.  That’s KARMA, garbage in and garbage out.  Karma strikes you when you least expect it.  Sometimes, Karma would wait years for it to take effect but for others, it happens in seconds.  Just like what happened to Carpio.

So, expect a dissenting vote from Carpio et.al., for all of Abnoy’s petition.  Diyan naman siya magaling, ang maghiganti.  Abnoy will now feel what FPGMA must’ve felt before.  Sabi nga, garbage in and garbage out.

Al Gara Mountains, Hofuf

Our Company’s Eid Al Fitr Holidays was declared on 18-21 August 2012.  According to my flatmate D, we shouldn’t go out on the first day since the shops would definitely be closed for business.  We checked Al Khobar on the first day of Eid and he was right.  We decided to stay at home.  I was busy the whole time because I was doing the pre-reading for my SHRM Live Classes for 2 September 2012.  I also catalogued my multimedia files.  We decided to go out of Al Khobar on Monday the third day of the Eid Al Fitr Holidays. 

D and Leo earlier decided that we go to Hofuf.  I’ve never been to Hofuf before and going there seems exciting.  We brought Toto Garry with us since it’s also his day off.  Leo knows Hofuf by heart since he went there a couple of times.  It took us 2 hours to reach Hofuf.  Going to Hofuf is like going to Riyadh.  You won’t be able to see anything except endless sea of sands.  Outside temperature that day was over 50 degrees.  The good thing is, the humidity is low.  Yes, you can bear the heat as long as there’s less humidity. 

Al Hassa or Hofuf in general is a farming community.  You’ll get to see irrigation canals which of course are unimaginable in the Kingdom of the Sands.  Trees or should I say palm trees grow in abundance.  Farmers farm them for their dates.  Farmers also grow produce which they sell to the local markets. 

Hofuf has the rustic beauty that you can’t see elsewhere in the Kingdom.  However, that beauty was neglected by the people and the authorities.  The roads leading to the Al Gara Mountain range became everyone’s dumpsite.  Trash are scattered everywhere. 

As a tourist destination, the least that the local authority could do is to clean it.  New buildings sprouting at the foot of the Al Gara Mountain practically blocked and killed the beauty of the mountains. 

I told Leo that Hofuf did not meet my expectations.  We went there to see the Mountain Ranges and the Caves but the garbage shattered all my expectations.  We promise ourselves that we’re going back to Hofuf come Hajj Holidays.  I think going there on October is a lot better.  The climate would hopefully change by that time.    

Robredo, DILG Chief, Dead

Last Photo Taken from the late DILG Chief Jesse Robredo

When Habagat hit the Megapolis, a lot of lives were lost.  It took our President days before he showed up.  When he decided to show up, he brought with him his favored senatorial bets in the names of Rissa Hontiveros (Llamas’ mistress), Joey Villanueval (Epal from Tesda), Miro Quimbo (Globe Asiatic Scam), younger sister Kris Aquino (Venereal Disease Queen), Mar Roxas (of the Putang Ina fame), Sonny Angara (Epal Prince), and a lot of more senatorial wannabees who have no name recall.

When Jesse Robredo’s plane crashed near the coast of Masbate, President Abnoy did not spare any minute.  He stayed there and micromanaged the search and rescue operation to retrieve the body of the fallen DILG Chief.  You can just see the difference of how Abnoy reacted when he learned the crash.  It only means that he does not care for the people because they’re not his KKK.  Robredo on the other hand is a die-hard yellow, a KKK to be exact.

The social networking sites were quick to put the blame on Abnoy.  He was supposed to be in Cebu instead of Robredo.  Because of Abnoy’s habit of Noynoying, claiming that his weekend is sacred that he decided to send the DILG Chief Instead.  Conspiracy theories came out about the supposed assassination attempt from people who salivate for Robredo’s position.  One of them is Panfilo ‘Pinky’ Lacson, who claimed that Robredo helped him evade the laws while he was hiding.  Another suspect of Robredo’s death is the Undersecretary Puno, Abnoy’s KKK, whose only qualification being named in the post is he’s a shooting buddy of the president.  Laila Delima (involved with her Driver / Lover) is also a suspect because when she learned of the plane crash she went to Robredo’s apartment and right away took all of his personal things.  Robredo’s aid’s statement is also inconsistent that foul play indeed happened.

It’s part of our culture that it’s not fashionable to say bad things about the deceased. That culture practically made Cory Aquino, Abnoy’s mother a Saint.  It’s also that culture that catapulted his abnormal son to the presidency.  LP and the yellows know that they can capitalize on Robredo’s death that they began putting yellow ribbons to Robredo’s house.  Epal politicians like Porky Pig Drilon and Mar Roxas (Putang Ina fame) was seen crying crocodile tears.  Grace Padaca, convicted for graft and corruption has the guts to show her face and cried her heart out.  Many wannabee politicians who were criticized for their early campaigning during the Habagat disaster went to Naga, not to pay their respect but hoping that cameras will be able to capture them so that the voting public will remember them.

It’s amazing how these dirty politicians are making Robredo’s death for their political ends.  It’s rude and tasteless.  Si Lord na ang bahala sa kanila.

Life’s a bitch and he became one…

I’m not a celebrity.  I don’t have what they called ‘K’ to be called one.  Pero you’ll wonder why I have a critic, a lone critic that is.  A friend said that you’ll only have critic if you’ve already reached the peak of your career.  I’m still on the ladder of success I guess but I have not reached the peak.  They say your crowning glory if you’re in a corporate world is being designated as a manager.  I’m not even into a supervisory role.

Around March this year, I had a very exciting confrontation scene with one of the oldies here in our company. That pathetic old man (bitch), is my lone critic, as they say.  I never backed down on any confrontations, verbal or physical.  I always made it a point that I win in each of the arguments or fights.  Well, yeah, I did win that round.  The old bitch suffered hypertension.  Kapal nga ng mukha, siya nag umpisa ng away at siya pa ang may ganang magsumbong sa boss ko.  What he doesn’t know I’ve already told my boss. My boss knows everything that happens here. 

Today, the pathetic old bitch started early. Nagparinig na naman emphasizing ‘SPECIALIST HMMM’.  He’s obviously referring to me.  Besides, I was promoted early this year into a specialist role.  I just took his parinig with a stride because I know that whatever it is, it’s just envy.  I even posted it in my fb wall.

“Gosh.  Nagparinig na naman ang matanda.  Baka nakalimutan na niyang talo siya sa away naming noon?  Baka gusto niya ma award ulit at ma alta presyon na naman sya?  I really don’t know why he’s like that.  If that’s not called inggit, then I don’t know what it is.  Pathetic Bitch!”

My immediate boss told me that I should not dignify the parinig.  I’ll follow his advice.  Besides, I remembered that I did promise him before that I will not anymore stoop down to the old bitch’s level.  Sabi ko nga whatever issues he has, it can only be summed up to one thing, INGGIT.

We can’t change him because he’s too old to change.  It’s a pity that he lives his life with so much bitterness.  The saddest thing is that he made all the bitterness himself.  You can’t change the world but you can change your behavior, the way you see things.  He’s the exact example of ‘Life’s a bitch and you became one’.  We all have problems to deal with but it should never make us hate others whom we think are better than us.  What you don’t know, they’re also dealing with problems heavier than yours.  It’s just that they don’t make their problems define them.  He’s hopeless, he’s not even worth it. So, I’ll ignore him and mamatay siya sa inggit!

Profession Change

Finally, the profession in my Iqama (work permit) was changed to Marketing Specialist.  Since Marketing Specialist is a professional title, I can now have a visa on arrival to the GCC member countries.  I don’t travel that often.  In fact, the last time I was in Bahrain was 4 years ago on a holiday.  I have been to Dubai and Qatar but only on transit. 

The normal practice of companies here in the Kingdom of the Sands even to these days, is to recruit professionals but deploy them on a labor visa.  I never encountered problems before with the visa that I was using (welder), because I don’t travel.   My sponsor at that time too is a steel manufacturing facility so having a welder visa is no problem.  In fact, having a welder visa will spare you from being harassed by the authorities, if you know what I mean.

The Nitaqat system changed all that.  Although I don’t personally have problem with my visa, my sponsor, the steel manufacturing facility is working hard to increase their Saudization rate.  Hence, they really have to get rid of me in their system.  So, before I left for my annual vacation, they made sure to change my profession from welder to Marketing Specialist.  When I reported back to work, I was transferred from my old sponsor, the steel manufacturing facility to the Holding Company.

One of the benefits of having a professional visa is that you’ll be able to bring in your family.  In my case, sadly, I won’t be able to avail of that privilege.  As you know, I’m currently on a bachelor status.

My flat mate told me that we should go to Qatar on the Eid Al Fitr holiday.  I refused his invitation because I just got back from my annual vacation.  I’ve exhausted my resources.  It’ll probably be 4-5 months before I can be liquid again.  Doha’s nice according to a friend who settled there.  He just warned us that it’s an expensive city.  We maybe surprise of the cost of goods.  God willing, I may be able to travel in the future.   

Flooding.. Is not fun in the Philippines

Our politicians’ only interest is how they can pocket government resources.  They only care about how much pork barrel a sitting president can give them.  It’s always about them.  They don’t care if people are displaced or drowned by flooding caused by torrential rains.  They simply lack foresight.  Flooding is not new to us.  We’ve always encountered it but we never learned from it.  The worst thing is, the current Abnoy administration scrapping the anti-flooding project initiated by his predecessor.  If the project was not cancelled, many lives and properties would have been spared.  That’s our government, no foresight at all.

I know that there is no law requiring the sitting president to be in the Ground Zero of the calamity.  However, as the father of the nation, people expect him to be there.  He doesn’t have to hand over relief goods.  He just has to be there to assure his people that their president is with them.  The president was nowhere to be seen despite the rains and impending calamity.  When he showed up, he blamed people, bragged that his administration is better prepared than his predecessor.  It’s just unacceptable.

First and foremost, blaming people who were ravaged by the flooding is the height of being incentive.  It’s not also the forum to boast about oneself.  FPGMAs administration, for all its faults was visible during the times of crisis.  You’ll see FPGMA inspiring her people.  Unfortunately, Abnoy is always the last one to come.  He’s confined in the comforts of Malacanang, playing PSP while people are suffering. 

I’m not saying that people were not entirely to blame with the flooding.  Flooding is an indirect consequence of us abusing our nature, cutting our trees.  We also throw our garbage everywhere and that clogged our drainage.  But we have a government.  We pay our taxes for those people to work their butts off.  Any Juan has the right to demand that their politicians work. 

We’re in a situation where we should mend our ways.  It’s either we mend our ways or die drowning.

I don’t know what to say…

Yesterday, my enrollment to the Fall 2012 SHRM Program / SPHR Live Classes was finalized.  As a requisite to raising a request for payment for the course fee, I’m required to sign a training agreement.  Since I’m the one who prepares for the training agreement, I put 1 year as the service requirement.  My immediate boss, right away signed the training agreement. 

In raising the Request for payment though, I need the signature of the Functional Head or our VP.  He quizzed me why the service agreement was only for one year.  I told him that as far as I know, that’s the standard service agreement to all employees.  He said that’s not acceptable.  It should be 4 years for me.  I told him that it’s too much.  He finally said that three years would do.  I told him it’s still unfair.  He walked out and went to my immediate superior where he was told that two years would be fair.

I really don’t mind signing for two years.  It’s just that why only me?  That’s my usual question if I’m in this kind of situation.  Bakit sila pwede sa akin hindi?  Ano ang pinagkaiba nila sa akin? I just kept my mouth shut since I was looking forward to learning more from the training. 

During the time when I was still reporting to our Functional Head (VP), he never sent me to any training.  He never did. He would support other non-deserving people but not me.  I was supposed to attend to the Psychometric Testing Certification Programs with SHL before in Cairo and Abu Dhabi but I missed all those because of him.  Now that I’m not reporting directly to him, I still feel that he doesn’t want me to learn new skills. 

It’s not really a big issue but I don’t think I can be blamed for thinking this way.  I really thought that like other employees, I deserved to be sent to programs that would help me bring in new skills.  It’s just ironic that I’m an HR Professional, we’re helping employees to identify their Individual Development Programs (IDPs) yet, here’s our boss, trying to block any training opportunities for me.

Anyways, he signed the Request for Payment and that the most important thing.  Once the payment is made, I’ll have to get my materials so I can start with my pre-readings.

I’ll be happy for you

For some, being happy for their ex is easier said than done.  Last week, in passing a Junior Staff for our Luxury Compound in Dhahran, mentioned that he was sad when he saw in facebook his ex-girlfriend’s wedding photo.  The JS respects me a lot and even calls me Manong. I think that’s the reason why he opened up.  I told him the usual questions one asks himself if he’s in that situation, are questions like ‘Ano ayhan kung nangin kami?’ and ‘Basi siguro ako na to ara sa laragway’.

He said that there was regret because what they have was not official.  They were MU. yes.  So, in that sense, I don’t think it’s even proper that they call each other their ‘Xs’.  They were both waiting to make it official.  He left Iloilo, moved to another place and even decided to work abroad.  The girl probably thinks that she’s better off with somebody since JS did not say anything to her.  Girl who loves the boy but can’t confess has to be blamed in our culture.  It’s just not accepted.  But in a way, the boy also has fault for not declaring his love for the girl.

I told JS that having regret is just being human.  It’s natural to feel bad and feel sad.  If he did not feel something when he saw the photos, it means he has not loved her.  I also told him that maybe it wasn’t mean to be.  He’s too young I think to settle down.  He looks like he just graduated from high school for goodness sake!  He’s good looking and witty and I think there’s one girl out there waiting for him.

Can we really be happy for our ex? The answer is, YES.  It will be difficult at first but eventually, you’ll be able to move on.  I had my share of heartaches and yes, they don’t last.  It’s just a matter of saying goodbye and hello.  You’ll get used to it, nakakamanhid din.

Last Thursday

Being accompanied by somebody has a way of boosting confidence to some people.   Last Thursday, I experienced a very funny situation.  I was walking at the back of As Salama Hospital when I saw John.  He was pretending to hide but I saw him.  So, I called his attention by saying ‘Psst’.  Out of nowhere, I saw my BFF, in short for kalaban.  I ignored him because John right away showed me the ‘Royale’ portfolio he’s holding.  I was so engrossed by what John was saying then I noticed that BFF and his companion went out of their way to go back to where I was. 

I suddenly saw them coming so I was prepared myself.  You know me, I was a born fighter.  I sure could fight verbally but I’m also stronger.  I’ve had my fair share of being in punching matches in Al Khobar.  Funny, they didn’t say anything.  They just passed by.  I was waiting for BFF to say something nasty but I was just disappointed!

I don’t know but I’m not anymore intimidated by people.  Fighting matches are not just about physical strength anyway.  In fact, if I’m hurt during the fighting match, my adrenalin’s alive and kicking.  I think BFF and his companion were able to see that they can’t bring me down.  I was just waiting for the first blow but it didn’t come.  I was disappointed. LOL.  I will not definitely ask for John’s help but if worse comes to worst, John will be there.  They might not have realized that John is a Judo Black Belt. LOL.

I told D. about it when I arrived home.  D. says that since they did not provoke me, they were not looking for trouble.  Okay but if they’re looking for one, I will never back down.  I was thinking about their actions while I was resting.  I don’t really know why they came back if they’re not looking for trouble.  I just told myself that if they want to fight, I’ll be ready.  Wag lang silang umiyak kung sila’y aking masuntok.

I love your smile 

A newbie in the Kingdom of the Sands told me yesterday while we’re chatting that his impression of me was that I looked like a Chinese businessman whose ready to do business, has an imposing presence and with an unsmiling face.  It was a funny but realistic observation.  I‘m Chinese and I don’t really smile, at least in the workplace.  But that’s just the image that I sell to people. 

There are a lot of reasons why I seldom smile in the workplace.  Being in the Kingdom of the Sands for a decade really changed me in a lot.  I would like to believe that the changes were all in positive ways.  I used to smile a lot since I was exposed early in customer service industry.  I never realized that in Arab Culture, you just don’t smile at people, particularly on people whom you don’t know.  Smiling at people whom you don’t know could mean you like (fancy) them.  It could be a cause of being misinterpreted.   I tell you, it could lead to a lot of unpleasant things like harassment. 

In the West, or at least in the Philippines, it’s rude to talk to people in you can’t maintain an eye contact.  In contrast, in the Kingdom of the Sands, or at least in the Middle East, you just don’t look at the people in the eyes.  It’s another cause of being misinterpreted that can lead to a lot of unpleasant things.  As a compromise, you can look at his forehead just so you won’t appear rude.

The Arabs knows how long a Pinoy’s been in the Kingdom just by looking at him.  What set the newbies apart are their smiling faces.  Old timers here like me seldom smiles.

I have nothing against people who smiles a lot.  It means that they’re positive people with positive dispositions.  I also smile and had a lot of fun when I’m with friends.  I can crack jokes at any time so I also think that I’m funny.  It’s just that I don’t wear a smile in the workplace.  By not smiling I’ve gained credibility and authority.  People took me more seriously especially that I’m in the field of Human Resources.  You can still be sympathetic, empathic, friendly and caring without smiling.  But you just don’t smile at the workplace.