Biguin ang Cha-cha! Ipaglaban ang Pambansang Kalayaan!

Kapos man sa balita tungkol sa ating bayan, umaabot pa rin sa kalayuan ng ibang bansa ang alingawngaw ng paglapastangan sa katotohanan at ang pambubusabos sa kalayaan ng sambayanan. Kaya't sa una pa lamang ay buong tapang ko ng hinahayag ang aking pag-suporta sa mga susunod na kilos at hakbang na gagawin ng sambayanang Pilipino!


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Nailatag na ang konkretong batayan para kumilos ang mamamayan. Kahit malinaw na sufficient in form, at sa pananaw ng mas nakararaming Pilipino, ay sufficient in substance ang inihaing impeachment complaint laban kay Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, nagkaisa na naman ang kanyang mga ka-alyado sa House Committee on (In)Justice, para ibasura ang nasabing complaint. Kaysa usisiin kung may batayan nga ba ang mga akusasyon ng sambayanan, mas inatupag nila ang teknikalidad nito. Ayon sa isa pang Kongresista, na ikinalulungkot ko ay aking brod, palsipikado raw ang mga lagda ng naghain ng reklamo. Pilit na inililihis ang mga isyu na ikinahaharap ng administrasyon. Tunay ngang naisantabi na lamang bilang isang moro-moro at numbers game ang proseso ng impeachment. Pinagsamantalahan na ang taumbayan, pati ba naman ang Saligang Batas ay nilaspatangan na rin. Lintic na iyan!

At habang na-lutong Macao ang impeachment, ibinalik na naman ang isyu ng Cha-Cha para daw sa ikauunlad ng ating sambayanan. Kaunlaran pa ang paghahain ng isang Resolusyon sa House Committee on Constitutional Reforms, na naglalayon na iurong ang nakatakdang halalan sa Mayo 2010 at pahabain ang termino ng mga kasalukuyang mga opisyales hanggang Mayo 2011, upang bigyang daan ang pagbabago sa Saligang Batas. Isa itong tuwirang plano ng mga nakaupo sa ating pamahalaan na kumapit sa kanilang mga puwesto, at para sa isa, mapalawig ang Constitutional immunity na kasalukuyan niyang tinatamasa. Isang taas noo at diretsahang pandarambong na naman! Lintic na talaga!

Matagal ng nanahimik at nagmasid ang taumbayan, nagpatawad at nagbigay ng ikalawang pagkakataon. Ngayon, alam na natin na walang patutunguhan ang pagtahimik, walang patutunguhan ang pagmamasid lamang. Ang pagpapatawad ay nagbibigay lamang ng lakas ng loob na gumawa pa ng higit na masahol na krimen laban sa mamamayan at ang ikalawang pagkakataon ay magdudulot lamang ng mas laganap na pangungurakot at pagnanakaw. Huwag na nating hayaan na paulit-ulit na lokohin ang mga Pilipino. SAWA NA! TAMA NA! PALITAN NA! Magpapaloko pa ba tayo sa ginagawang ito ng ating pamahalaan! HINDI NA! Kaya ang ating panawagan sa Sambayanan, MAGSURI! KUMILOS! MAKIBAKA! Napapanahon na para ipakita natin ang ating pagtutol sa ginagawang panloloko ng Rehimen ni Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Hindi pa huli ang lahat, may kaunting panahon pa!

Sa ilang araw ay magbobotohan ang plenaryo ng Kongreso kung sang-ayon ba sila sa naging kapasyahan ng Komite ng Hustiya. May pagkakataon pa tayo. May kapangyarihan sa kamay ng mamamayan, ang kapangyarihan ng botohan!

Gumawa ng sulat o e-mail sa inyong mga local na Kongresista at ipahayag niyo ang inyong pagsuporta sa impeachment, at ang inyong pagtutol sa Cha-cha! Maari niyong sundan ang link na ito: House Members - House of Representatives; para malaman ang kanilang contact details. Ipahayag ninyo ang inyong mga saloobin sa mga nagaganap. Sabihin niyo na kapag sinuportahan nila (ang inyong Kongresman) ang pagbasura sa impeachment at kung papanig sila na palawigin ang kanilang termino hanggang 2011, ay manganganib sila sa susunod na halalan. Na anumang salapi ay hindi na nila mabibili ang inyong boto. Napatunayan ito ng mga taga-Isabela ng ipanalo nila sa Gob. Grace Padaca, at ng mga Kapampangan ng iniluklok nila si Gob. Ed Panlilio. Kapag nagsama-sama ang sambayanan, walang hindi kayang gawin.

Dumalo sa mga darating na malawakang KILOS PROTESTA. Mag lunsad ng mga walk out at signature campaign. Tuloy tuloy na laban ito, at kung kinakailangan, ay puwersa ang ating itapat.

Sa layo ko sa ating bansa, naguumapaw ang aking kalooban sa mga nagaganap. Kaysa mainis at magsentimiyento sa aking kalayuan sa mga balitang nagaganap, gagamitin ko na lamang ang aking talento at galing para maipakalat ang bagay-bagay sa internet at sa kung anu-ano pang midyum bilang tanda ng aking pagsuporta sa laban ng sambayanan. Ngunit sa aking pag-uwi, isang matinding laban ang aking susuungin.

Handa na ako!

This is how the House Committee on Justice voted

Against Dismissing the Complaint
1. Minority Leader and San Juan Ronaldo Zamora
2. Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo
3. Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza
4. Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño
5. Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto Guingona
6. Makati Rep. Mar-Len Binay
7. Parañaque Rep. Rufus Rodriguez
8. South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio


For the Dismissal of the Complaint
1. Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro
2. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman
3. Baguio City Rep. Mauricio Domogan
4. Negros Oriental Rep. George Arnaiz
5. Iloilo Rep. Raul Gonzalez
6. Cebu Rep. Pablo John Garcia
7. Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco
8. Antique Rep. Exequiel Javier
9. Apec Rep. Edgar Valdez
10. Bohol Rep. Edgardo Chatto
11. Lanao del Sur Rep. Faysah Dumarpa
12. Leyte Rep. Eufrocino Codilla
13. Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Belma Cabilao
14. Ifugao Rep. Solomon Chungalao
15. Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Antonio Cerilles
16. Masbate Rep. Rizalina Seachon Lanete
17. Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison
18. Bohol Rep. Roberto Cajes
19. Tawi Tawi Rep. Nur Jaafar
20. La Union Rep. Victor Ortega
21. Lanao del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong
22. Romblon Rep. Eleandro Madrona
23. Isabela Rep. Giorgido Aggabao
24. Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas
25. Quirino Rep. Junie Cua
26. Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga
27. Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Matugas
28. Sultan Kudarat Rep. Arnulfo Go
29. Manila Rep. Theresa Bonoan-David
30. Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas
31. Parañaque Rep. Eduardo Zialcita
32. Cebu Rep. Raul del Mar
33. Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong
34. Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia
35. Iloilo Rep. Arthur Defensor
36. Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin
37. Quezon City Rep. Bingbong Crisologo
38. Misamis Occidental Rep. Herminia Ramiro
39. Bukidnon Rep. Candido Pancrudo
40. Manila Rep. Zenaida Angping
41. Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Maranon (for Occidental Mindoro Rep. Amelita Villarosa)
42. Agusan Del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino

There was a time I was on the newspaper

Pol Sci bags WOW Champions

There was a time that newspaper meant something good!

Small Claims Cases Pilot Project

Nota bene:

Check the following as guides for this post:
(A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC) Rule of Procedure for Small Claims Cases, and
(A.O. No. 141-2008) Administrative Order Designating Pilot Courts for Small Claims Cases.

Overview of the Rule

The Supreme Court, by virtue of its Constitutionally guaranteed rule-making powers under Section 5(5) of Article VIII, formulated this special rule of procedure to govern small claims cases. It provides a simple, more inexpensive and expeditious means of settling disputes involving purely money claims than the regular civil process, by allowing the plaintiff (the person suing) to sue a defendant (the person being sued) without the need of a lawyer.

According to the definition provided by the rule, small claims cases are civil claims which are exclusively for the payment or reimbursement of a sum of money not exceeding P100,000.00, and does not include interest and costs.

These claims or demands may be:

(a) For money owed under any of the following:

1. Contract of Lease;
2. Contract of Loan;
3. Contract of Services;
4. Contract of Sale; or
5. Contract of Mortgage;

(b) For damages arising from any of the following:

1. Fault or negligence;
2. Quasi-contract; or
3. Contract;

(c) The enforcement of a barangay amicable settlement or an arbitration award involving a money claim covered by this Rule pursuant to Sec. 417 of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

Complete again!... $:-D

In about a couple of hours more, my sister Nouelle shall be with us here in the UK. Medyo napaaga ang alis niya sa Pilipinas nating mahal kasi sa mahal ng treatment for kidney stone, which unfortunately, meron siya (thanks sa Piatos, Boy Bawang, Nova, Ice Gem, Lemon Squares, at kung anu-ano pang chichirya na lagi niyang kinakain). And because that lousy and good for nothing school behind the unfinished church in Cavite did not want to give her further leave of absence for medical treatment, after some hard decisions, we decided that it is best that she drop from school. It is sad, but it circumstances intervened from the plans.

After three years and twenty-five days, my family is complete again. Matagal tagal na rin pala kaming hindi nagkakasama together, mapapalitan ko na rin sa wakas yung lumang family picture na nasa wallet ko. I am kinda teary-eyed writing this!

Ang saya ng feeling, eto pala ang reason why Dad and Mom wanted us both to be here, to the point of sacrificing everything just that I and Nice be here. Sa mahal ng pamasahe ko (US $ 4,276) tapos yung pamasahe pa ni Nouelle, just imagine...

In less than 2 hours, we shall be leaving our house for London Heathrow Terminal 3 to fetch my sis, and in less than 2 hours, our family which Dad and Mom have cared and nurtured for almost 25 years (kinasal sila 1984, ako lumabas sa eksena 1986), shall be complete once again.

I can't wait!

A new English word - 'Meh'

Courtesy of Homer Simpson

Bothered Much? 'Meh' Is A Word

6 hours 46 mins ago

Sky News

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It might be nothing to get excited about, but there is a new addition to the Collins English Dictionary. Skip related content

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Bothered Much? 'Meh' Is A Word

The preferred response of the apathetic, "meh" is the newest word in the famous lexicon.

The word, defined as "an interjection expressing indifference or boredom", beat off hundreds of others to gain entry.

It has won its place between "megrim" (whose plural means "low spirits") and "meibomian" ("the large sebaceous glands of the human eyelid") thanks to generating a surprising amount of enthusiasm among lexicographers.

Cormac McKeown, head of content at Collins Dictionaries, said: "This is a new interjection from the US that seems to have inveigled its way into common speech over here.

"It was actually spelled out in The Simpsons when Homer is trying to prise the kids away from the TV with a suggestion for a day trip.

"They both just reply 'meh' and keep watching TV; he asks again and Lisa says 'We said MEH! - M-E-H, meh!'

Publisher HarperCollins said that the word had been chosen from terms suggested by the public for inclusion in the dictionary's 30th anniversary edition, to be published next year.

The dictionary will define "meh" as an expression of indifference or boredom, or an adjective meaning mediocre or boring.

Examples given by the dictionary include "I feel a bit meh about the whole thing" and "The Canadian election was so meh."

The dictionary's compilers said the word originated in North America and spread through the Internet.

to all me contacts

hi guys,

please add my sister MJ in your contact list... i encouraged her to open a multiply account so that she could post her essays, poems and stories. i believe she is a budding writer in the making. so give her a pat in the back if you can..

her multiply id:http://mjoi24.multiply.com/

thanks and cheerio!

-kulot

An Obama Presidency - Its Effect on Philippine-American Relations

Out with the old, and in with the new.

Obama won the US Election and became the first African-American to hold the most powerful office in the United States and the world. And with the change in administration, it necessarily entails changes in the policies by the new president-elect. This analysis deals with the possible implications of an Obama Presidency to the relation of the country that we, Filipinos, hold with so much esteem.

With a Democrat White House, we can see the traditional democratic policies in place, such as social services (education, health care and labor rights), civil liberties, economic intervention, progressive taxation and international cooperation, as opposed to the traditional Republican priorities on defense, conservative views, laissez faire, tax cuts on business and foreign interventionism. This paradigm shift would primarily affect American domestic policies and its international commitments, particularly the its principal participation in the Iraq War. This change would produce significant ramifications to other countries as well, especially that the United States is currently in an economic downturn, gravely comparable to the Great Depression of the 1930's.

Thus, going to the meat of the issue, how will a Democrat President affect The Philippines? Firstly, our country is not a newbie with regard to Democratic policies. As history would show, Democrats were our supporter numero uno since the American occupation of our country. The Democrats in the U.S. Capitol argued against the American conquest of the Philippines in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War. Republican President William McKinley was only able to convince the Democrats to ratify his war acts as the benevolent assimilation of the Philippines, to train them in the art of self-government, on the condition that independence shall be subsequently given to our country. It was a Democrat Congressman, William Atkinson Jones that authored the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, otherwise known as the Jones Law, that provided the framework for self-government and promised us ultimate independence, and signed by President Woodrow Wilson, also a Democrat. Almost 20 years after, 2 Democrats in the person of Maryland Senator Milliard E. Tydings and Alabama Representative John McDuffie, authored the Philippine Independence Act of 1934, more commonly known as the Tydings-McDuffie Law, that created the Commonwealth of the Philippines. It was yet another Democrat President, Franklin D. Roosevelt who signed the said act, which provided for self-government of the country and for Filipino independence after a period of ten years. Our country's return to independence in 1946 was seen over by a Democrat, President Harry S. Truman. Democrats in the White House (i.e. Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter and latest was Bill Clinton) have always maintained equally good and harmonious relations with the Philippines. Democrats in the U.S. Congress have always supported measures that benefit the Philippine cause, from economic aid to veterans concerns to international support. In general, Democrats are traditionally Filipino friends in the United States.

And secondly, as it would show, most of President-elect Obama's policies revolve around solving the domestic woes of the United States. Thus, even if he was popularly elected because of the American weariness on the Iraq War, social welfare programs remain at the centerpoint of his agenda. He aims at providing universal health care. He favors higher federal funding for the educational system, invest in early childhood education and accessibility of college education for all Americans. He aims to provide tax cuts to millions of low and middle income families. He favors increasing the minimum wage. He vows to create more jobs. He advocates alternative sources of energy to reduce American consumption of foreign oil. He supports a comprehensive immigration reform legislation. Therefore, on the overall, he has consistently advocated programs that would be beneficial to the Americans, particularly in this difficult times.

Thus, with that in mind, what then would an Obama White House offer a Filipino?

With the economy at the forefront and defense on the sidelines, our more prosperous northern neighbors (e.g. Japan and South Korea) would be the United States primary partners. Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand have the same level of economic cooperation that the Philippines have with the United States. Indonesia and Vietnam are also major trading partners of the US. And more importantly, China and India, the second and third largest economy in the world respectively, figure prominently in Barack Obama's speeches. The European Union is still a major player in the world and Obama is keen on rebuilding broken ties with European allies.

However, American economic survival still hinges on it military supremacy. With Osama bin Laden still at large, the War on Terror is Barack's alternative to a disastrous Iraq campaign. In this regard, our country remains to be a front of the War against Terror. It is being claimed by the US as a training ground for Islamic militants. Therefore, it is quite sure that defense and military cooperation between our two countries are likely to remain strong. But conflicts in some other part of the world, particularly in the Middle East and Afghanistan, are likely to affect the military grants given to our country. Further, the huge damage which resulted from the Iraq War would cost the US a lot more for its re-construction. Currently, the US government's expenses has drained the national coffers, ballooning the national debt. With the country tied to its commitments to bring sanity in Iraq, the spending would increase resulting to lesser defense aid to other countries, namely the Philippines.

If this is the picture of an Obama White House, where does one place the tiny island republic of the Philippines?

The Philippines is likely to remain a steadfast ally of the United States in the Southeast Asian region, being the only colony that the country has ever had. We are only one in few that maintains a Mutual Defense Treaty with them. We are also one of the first countries that responded to the American call for a War against Terror. That fact made defense cooperation particularly well during the last administration. But since Obama is much more interested in securing a better American future, the development of the economy ranks high on his agenda. Although he vows to stop terrorism, he maintains his focus on problems at home. Therefore, with the War on Terror coming second to President-elect Obama's priorities, we may see a stark contrast to the Bush-style cooperation with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

However, Mr. Obama's alleged mistrust of the Chinese would likely place the Philippines at the foreground, as the US has avowed to defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion. The freedom of the South China Sea has always been critical to world trade, as many tonnage of cargo ships pass through these waters. Furthermore, the South China Sea has a huge potential for oil and gas reserves that is critical to US and Asian energy security. China is re-arming its Navy with Russian and Indian made ships to beef up its blue water fleet to expand its influence to the South China Sea area, but it is still weaker than the technologically-superior US 7th Fleet. As such, the Philippines may still be of use to the US in this area and our security against China would still involve American participation.

Also, his foreign policy states his goal of finishing the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban and securing all nuclear weapons and materials from terrorists and rogue states. He also emphasized the need of rebuilding alliances to meet the said challenges of the 21st century. In this regard, the Philippines may still enjoy some level of cooperation from the President-elect.

Overall, the Philippines may not be as important to the United States as we used to enjoy in the past. It has its advantages and disadvantages. But whatever, the situation may be, all are one in an ardent desire that Mr. Barack Hussein Obama II would deliver the vibrant promises that his historic election as President of the United States of America have hoped to bring. Being a man of diverse background, may he lead the world to show true democracy, one that truly exemplifies the concern for the common good of man, and not just the desire to exploit the weaknesses of others.

Congratulations to President Obama!

Pulis encounter, again, again, again!

KAILANGAN PA BANG I-MEMORIZE YAN!

P*t*ng nang yan, hanggang dito, pulis pa rin! Wakekekekek!

Last night, while we are watching television, someone knocked at the front door. Being the eldest son, and whilst my father is away for night shift, I was the one who answered the door. When I saw it was a policeman, I called my Mom.

The policeman then said in advance, "This is no cause for alarm." 

Then he proceeded, "Do you own a black BMW, with plate number N387 MG0, registered under the name of Mr. Manuel (he pronounced it as MAN-NEW-WELL) Encar... (had a difficulty pronouncing the surname, I think he said it is EN-CARNA-YON)?"

Sagot ni Mommy, "Encarnacion. Yes, what is it?"

Sabi ni pulis, "It was seen early this morning, parked near St. Mary's (MJ's school) at Ashlawn Drive. Someone reported that one of its passengers took photos."

At ano pa ba, ako nga ang may kasalanan. Eh di, umamin na si Kulot, "It was I, officer, that was taking the photos this morning. I was taking pictures of my sister on her way to school. Is that prohibited?"

Sabat ni Mommy, "He hasn't seen his siblings for a long time, that is why he is taking their photos."

Sagot ni policeman, "Ah, its alright. We just responded to this call from Ms. Parkinson (St. Mary's Secretary). She gave us a ring after someone from school told of the incident. Okay please just write your name here (pointing to the incident report paper)."

Ano pa ang gagawin ko kung hindi sumunod. I wrote "IAN ENCARNACION, Brother of MARIONNE JOI ENCARNACION." Then the policeman left and said, "Okay, have a safe night!"

Tinanong ko kay Mommy bakit ganun kahigpit. Sabi sakin, mahigpit daw talaga kapag dating sa mga picture taking sa mga bata, kasi daw madaming pedophile dito. Anak ng pating! Mukha ba akong pedo??? Wahahahahahaha!

Ay naku, kahit kelan ka kulot ka, takaw huli! Wakekekekek!

2008 U.S. Presidential Elections

Let me sidestep for a while on my UK vacation to provide a commentary on the upcoming US Elections later this day, 4 November 2008. True enough, you can put out the lawyer in politics, but you can never put out the politics in a lawyer, in my case, a political science turned law student.

US Presidential elections are always looked after in world news, not only because the United States is the so-called beacon of democracy in the modern world, but because it is the election of the leader of the world's largest economy and the only remaining superpower in the world. Everyting that happens in the US has a profound effect on the rest of the world, as reflected by the recent financial crisis, caused by the crashing of Wall Street over the sub-prime crisis. As they frequently say, when America sneezes, everyone else catches a cold. Hence, anything, including administration and policy changes, has a significant impact on the world.

This year's election has set amazing historical precedents. It started with the history set by the Democrats during the Primary elections. It is the first time a woman (Hillary Clinton) and an African-American (Barack Obama) had been major contenders as frontrunners for Democratic nominee. Both of the major contenders in the Democratic Party were history makers in their own right. A relatively young Obama with fantastic rhethoric rides of on a platform of change, while Clinton claims expertise on a wide range of issues. When Obama won the Democratic nomination, he set another record to be the first non-white to be a Presidential nominee of a major political party. After being nominated for the presidency, he decided to chose Sen. Joe Biden, a known foreign policy expert, to counteract the claims of his lack of experience. Despite calls for Sen. Clinton to be his running mate, he clearly walked the line of prudency, knowing the deep wounds of the campaign has yet to heal. 

With his wide reaching appeal and amazing American rhethoric, Obama has brought politics back with the youth. He has attracted the attention of the world stage. In November 4, if polls are to be believed, he may take the presidency, on the people's hope of change. 

On the other side of the contest, Republican candidate John McCain rocked the political world when he chose as running mate, the feisty Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, to counteract Obama's advantage of precedents, because she is the first woman to be selected as a Vice-Presidential running mate. A single mom and relatively young, Palin, a patron of the influential US National Rifle Association (NRA), gave the election a twist, as both parties may now claim history setting records in the upcoming elections.

But history-making facts set aside, the bone of contention still is the expiration of George W. Bush's 8-year term as president, reputed to be one of the worst US president in recent history. Even McCain, his partymate distances himself from Bush. Thus, whoever replaces him has the responsibility and burden to correct his wrong policies, which caused the global turmoil the world is now into. Reality bites us all hard, and the next US President, is not so different.

The failed policies of George Bush makes the campaign of Republican John McCain particularly a distance-me-away and not-a-Bush-look-alike type of slogans. He focuses on Obama's youth and relative unpraparedness to take over the Presidency to veer against the Bush tags. However, the negative tone of his campaign has driven long time friend and republican stalwart Colin Powell into supporting the candidacy of the Democratic candidate. He never clearly enunciated his economic, political and domestic policies, nor did he inspire the more numerous undecided voters to vote for him. Even his choice of vice-president failed to stir attention, except for a few months and the issue of over-priced wardrobe. And with the recent loss of traditionally Republican states, it is clear that we may have a Democrat in the White House in 2008.

Town Trip II

Went to the town center again, this time with Mom and MJ. We went to Pescod Square, an Ayala style type of mall here in Boston, to buy some stuffs, including a lip balm, as my lips have already chapped due to the freezing temperature here. On our way there, we passed by the Town Center, the Municipal Buildings, and St. Botolph's Church. After going there, we passed through some street corners and went to shop at Pescod's. After buying some stuffs, photo sessions again at the Garden of Peace War Memorial, the Central Park and the Boston Windmill.

Just check photo gallery at my Multiply site.

Trip to Town Center and All Saint's Day Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church

Today I went to the Town Center of Boston to buy and check on some things. According to Dad and Mom, every Wednesday and Saturday, the town center is abuzz with stalls selling their goods and stuffs. And this day was no exception. Ang daming tinda, most are worth from a few pence, to a several pounds. 

Bumuli kami ng crab. It was two large crabs, as in large talaga! It was worth £8. I also bought a Nokia cellphone charger. It is worth £3, yung car charger lang ang binili ko, kasi yung socket charger, £6 eh! Hehe!

After a late lunch, we went to church to hear mass at the St. Mary's Church for the All Saint's Day Mass.

Just check photo gallery at my Multiply site.

REPOST - Di na paaalipin

Di na paaalipin
in Radical Pinoy 

Ito ay hango mula sa akda ni Vencer Crisostomo sa Pinoy Weekly

NITONG nakaraang Oktubre 29-30, 2008 ginanap ang Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFDM) sa PICC sa Maynila, at binuksan ito ng mga pahayag ni Gloria Arroyo at UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon na nagkaisa: Ang migrasyon ay instrumento para sa kaunlaran.

Ilang kanto mula sa venue ng GFMD, nagtipon ang International Assembly of Migrants and Refugees (IAMR). Nagsama-sama rito ang mga hindi imbitado sa GFMD -- ang mga migrante mismo, ang mga alipin ng bagong mundo mula sa iba’t ibang panig, at sa kanilang mga sarili ay nagtanong: Nasaan ang kaunlaran sa dustang kalagayan?

Nagpulong ang mga migrante at nagbahagian ng mga kuwentong tiyak na di tatalakayin ng mga hari, burukrata at negosyante sa PICC. Habang pinag-uusapan nina Arroyo at Ban ang remittances, batas at mga proseso ng maramihang pagpapadala sa ibang bayan, pinagkukuwentuhan ng mga migrante ang kanilang mga pamilya, mga kasamahan, at ang kanilang pangarap na umuwi sa kani-kanilang mga bayan.

Malinaw ang kanilang deklarasyon: Hindi kaunlaran ang mahiwalay sa pamilya, maabuso, mabigyan ng mumong pasahod, makaranas ng pang-iinsulto at pagkakapahiya, nakawan ng perang pinagpaguran para sa bulsa ng iilan. Hindi kaunlaran ang magahasa, mabartolina, mapugutan ng ulo, mabitay, mawalan ng asawa, anak, magulang.

Hindi kaunlaran ang mabigyan ng sahod-alipin na nanakawin pa ng malalaking bangko at mga gubyernong mapagsamantala. Kung may salamangka na hatid ang remittance, black magic ng panloloko ito sa mga mamamayan ng mundo.

Sa araw ng pagbubukas ng GFMD, lumabas ang mga migrante at nagmartsa. Isantambak ng mga pulis at sundalo ang itinapat sa kanila. Napigilan man nito ang paglapit nila sa lugar ng pagpupulong, bigo itong puksain ang kapangyarihan ng kanilang nagkakaisang tinig na pinaalingawngaw sa buong daigdig.

“Now we speak for ourselves!” Ito ang islogan ng International Migrants’ Alliance (IMA) na nanguna sa martsa. Isang makatindig-balahibong pahayag kung tutuusing mula ito sa mga mamamayang itinaboy mula sa sariling bayan, pinagkaitan ng boses at pinilit magsalita sa tinig ng iba, at tinanggalan ng sariling karapatan bilang tao pagkat tinuring bilang kalakal.

Oktubre 29-30, 2008, nagtipon ang mga naghahari-harian at mga alagad ng karimlan at sila’y nagkaisa: Higit nating pahirapan ang mga alipin, higit nating pagsasasaan sila at ang kanilang mga anak.

Ilang kanto mula rito, itinipon ang nagpupuyos na galit sa puso nilang matagal nang dinusta. Iba’t ibang lahi, iba’t ibang salita, pero iisa sa pagbabanta: Di na kami paaalipin, di na palalansi, ang kinabukasan ng mundo ay sa amin at sa aming mga anak.

Halloween 2008

Trick or treat!

Ang tanda ko na, sumama pa ako sa Halloween activity ni MJ and Mika (anak ni Kuya Arnold, Pilipina friend ni MJ). We moved around the neighborhood, knocked at people's houses and asked for sweets, or we shall treat them with tricks.

It was MJ's first trick or treat because nobody could accompany her. So its Kuya's way of making up for years that I wasn't there to see her grow.

Medyo hazy ang pics! Ang lamig. 2 degrees lang ngayong gabi, tapos may hangin pa!

Just check photo gallery at my Multiply site.