Got this from the www.earlytorise.com newsletter, which I subscribe to for my daily dose of money making inspiration. It's about crickets:
The number of cricket chirps you count in a 15-second interval, plus 37, will tell you the current temperature.
Wala lang...
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Pilita Corrales and Manilyn Reynes
Mabuhay si Mamita!
Interviewed Pilita Corrales today for a magazine. She was such a fun interview! Friendly, sweet and articulate, she gave all the info that I needed and more, and was generally very accomodating. She slightly remembers being interviewed by me for two minutes at the last SOP Music Awards. She also introduced me to Kuya Germs, who later left the table to sing karaoke. The interview was conducted in Pilita's, Pilita's restaurant in Greenhills. It's only when I had to research about her that I realized how illustrous her career really is, and how she played a big part in brining Filipino talent abroad, and -- get this -- making Tagalog songs vogue in the Philippines. That, I thought, was mind-boggling. To find out more about this amazing woman, you'll have to read my interview when it comes out, hehehe (Yes, I'm lazy. I'm also plugging).
Congrats Manilyn!
Someone posted this comment anonymously:
"i heared na nominated ang ating idol na c manilyn this coming STAR AWARDS FOR TELEVISION in two categories one is best supporting actress and others is best talk show host in MOMS!!! dapat lang syang bigyan ng awards she so great. she deserve it!!! ako talagang bilib na bilib ako sa kanya very NATURAL in T.V and talented!!"
Congrats Ate Mane! You deserve it! Manilyn is another example of a star who has never let her feet leave the ground. She is an absolute darling to interview. I hear that she's also very professional, and always puts her family first. It's cute that her die-hard fans have stuck to her from her That's Entertainment teenybopper days until now, when she's morphed into a talk show host and has taken on mommy roles.
Now I'm going off to watch Shake, Rattle and Roll, if I can find it. Undin! Undin!
Interviewed Pilita Corrales today for a magazine. She was such a fun interview! Friendly, sweet and articulate, she gave all the info that I needed and more, and was generally very accomodating. She slightly remembers being interviewed by me for two minutes at the last SOP Music Awards. She also introduced me to Kuya Germs, who later left the table to sing karaoke. The interview was conducted in Pilita's, Pilita's restaurant in Greenhills. It's only when I had to research about her that I realized how illustrous her career really is, and how she played a big part in brining Filipino talent abroad, and -- get this -- making Tagalog songs vogue in the Philippines. That, I thought, was mind-boggling. To find out more about this amazing woman, you'll have to read my interview when it comes out, hehehe (Yes, I'm lazy. I'm also plugging).
Congrats Manilyn!
Someone posted this comment anonymously:
"i heared na nominated ang ating idol na c manilyn this coming STAR AWARDS FOR TELEVISION in two categories one is best supporting actress and others is best talk show host in MOMS!!! dapat lang syang bigyan ng awards she so great. she deserve it!!! ako talagang bilib na bilib ako sa kanya very NATURAL in T.V and talented!!"
Congrats Ate Mane! You deserve it! Manilyn is another example of a star who has never let her feet leave the ground. She is an absolute darling to interview. I hear that she's also very professional, and always puts her family first. It's cute that her die-hard fans have stuck to her from her That's Entertainment teenybopper days until now, when she's morphed into a talk show host and has taken on mommy roles.
Now I'm going off to watch Shake, Rattle and Roll, if I can find it. Undin! Undin!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Strange Maps
Today was the opening of Luis Katigbak and Lala Gallardo's exhibit. Titled Strange Maps, it features prose by Luis and art by Lala. You have to see it! It's in the gallery located on the 2nd floor of Saguijo. Dunno how long it's going to be there so you gotta check it out fast. Ang hindi pumunta, panget!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Vilma Santos Not Running for Governor
Mayor Vi is backing out of the gubernadorial race to give way to her brother-in-law, Vice Gov. something Recto, who has been making a fuss over her interest in running for the post. Clearly, someone is threatened by Ate Vi's status and more importantly, her competence.
It's too bad because she's the only actor-turned-politician who I'm fond of. This isn't because I like her movies, but because she seems to be doing a really good job as Mayor, and looks like she could do a good job as governor, too. Ate Vi has graciously backed out so as not to cause truble for her husband's family. Now that's class! Too bad the only actor-turned-politician who has it is the one who's not running.
It's too bad because she's the only actor-turned-politician who I'm fond of. This isn't because I like her movies, but because she seems to be doing a really good job as Mayor, and looks like she could do a good job as governor, too. Ate Vi has graciously backed out so as not to cause truble for her husband's family. Now that's class! Too bad the only actor-turned-politician who has it is the one who's not running.
My Assistant
To answer all your comments:
Ynee, stamping, is fun, isn't it? Stamp! Stamp! Stamp! How's the Dot who's not a dot anymore? :)
Ray, no, o have to be a woman, and you have to be younger than me.
Charles, yes, and a fine assistant you are, too!
Meanwhile, I'm going to be quietly sobbing in a corner because I've just gone through te last batch of applicants. Here are exerpts of some of their cover letters:
"I have ran through your ads to fill an Administrative position in your company. I have the interest to apply for the said job." -- *sob*
"On the attached file is a copy of my resume. I hope you would have the time to review it. If an interview is to take place please contact me on the mobile number listed." -- If an interview is to take place? Am I hiring my boss?
"Looking forward for your response." -- Not.
"Feel free to contact me if I may pass the qualifications..." -- What. Ever.
"With above average communication skills on English and Filipino (written and verbal)" -- Yup. I believe ya.
"Career Objectives:
I would like to be gainfully employed in a position that will be most appropriate in my field and to further enhance my knowledge and skills through my experience.
Key Qualifications:
Easy to relate with different people, fast learner and hardworking, computer literate, have a confident disposition , have a good communication skills and willing to work under minimum supervision." -- Did that make your head hurt as much as it did mine?
"A position in your company that would able to practice my field of endeavor and gain first-hand experience committed to serve the company and be lucrative on my chosen career as well." -- so i's the position, and not you that's going to be working? Among other things?
"To pursue a suitable position where I may possibly engage my abilities and be competent in whatever field I will be designated in contributing underlying company’s goal." - I think I'm going for a short lie-down now.
I'm not trying to be mean, it's just that gets really, really frustrating. *quiet sobs*
Ynee, stamping, is fun, isn't it? Stamp! Stamp! Stamp! How's the Dot who's not a dot anymore? :)
Ray, no, o have to be a woman, and you have to be younger than me.
Charles, yes, and a fine assistant you are, too!
Meanwhile, I'm going to be quietly sobbing in a corner because I've just gone through te last batch of applicants. Here are exerpts of some of their cover letters:
"I have ran through your ads to fill an Administrative position in your company. I have the interest to apply for the said job." -- *sob*
"On the attached file is a copy of my resume. I hope you would have the time to review it. If an interview is to take place please contact me on the mobile number listed." -- If an interview is to take place? Am I hiring my boss?
"Looking forward for your response." -- Not.
"Feel free to contact me if I may pass the qualifications..." -- What. Ever.
"With above average communication skills on English and Filipino (written and verbal)" -- Yup. I believe ya.
"Career Objectives:
I would like to be gainfully employed in a position that will be most appropriate in my field and to further enhance my knowledge and skills through my experience.
Key Qualifications:
Easy to relate with different people, fast learner and hardworking, computer literate, have a confident disposition , have a good communication skills and willing to work under minimum supervision." -- Did that make your head hurt as much as it did mine?
"A position in your company that would able to practice my field of endeavor and gain first-hand experience committed to serve the company and be lucrative on my chosen career as well." -- so i's the position, and not you that's going to be working? Among other things?
"To pursue a suitable position where I may possibly engage my abilities and be competent in whatever field I will be designated in contributing underlying company’s goal." - I think I'm going for a short lie-down now.
I'm not trying to be mean, it's just that gets really, really frustrating. *quiet sobs*
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Trip to Quezon
My article on the food trip to Quezon I took last year has been reprinted in Tulay, Kaisa para sa Kaunlaran's bi-weekly Fil-Chi journal, this week. Whee! :)
I Need an Assistant!
I spent part of the morning downloading resumes from hopefuls vying for the prestigous oppoortunity to be our admin assistant. What I've found made me want to cry. They certainly made my head ache. Please, please, please, if yuo know anyone who wants a bright (our ofice uses fluroscents) future in a trading company, please let me know.
She (yes, she) should be:
- 21-28 yrs old;
- a graduate of a business/ computer course from a prestigious university;
- knowlegable in computer applications;
- willing to work office hours (this, for me, was the most challenging part);
- must be able to communicate in English (oral and written - anyone who is otherwise gets their CV chucked out the window);
- must not shy away from work, no matter what it may involve (nothing obscene or illegal, don't worry)
- must be willing to learn
She'll essentially be helping me out. My job has so far ranged from mundane (filing and bill paying) to exciting (car chases along Pasig). This is as far from the media as I can get, and it continually amazes me how much I'm adjusting day by day. By dayby day. By day by day. By day.
She (yes, she) should be:
- 21-28 yrs old;
- a graduate of a business/ computer course from a prestigious university;
- knowlegable in computer applications;
- willing to work office hours (this, for me, was the most challenging part);
- must be able to communicate in English (oral and written - anyone who is otherwise gets their CV chucked out the window);
- must not shy away from work, no matter what it may involve (nothing obscene or illegal, don't worry)
- must be willing to learn
She'll essentially be helping me out. My job has so far ranged from mundane (filing and bill paying) to exciting (car chases along Pasig). This is as far from the media as I can get, and it continually amazes me how much I'm adjusting day by day. By dayby day. By day by day. By day.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Art, Slowly Dying
[February 04, 2007]
San Miguel kills orchestra, chorale (Philippine Daily Inquirer Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
THE SAN MIGUEL Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale are dead.
Late last month, instrumentalists of the only corporate-supported orchestra in the country were summoned one by one by the big bosses who informed them of the non-renewal of their contracts.
Ditto with the members of the San Miguel Chorale.
Many of the orchestra and chorale members did not get separation pay.
It is not known what happened to Ryan Cayabyab, the executive director and artistic director of the San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts.
Insiders said that San Miguel Corp., the biggest food and beverage company in Southeast Asia, was more inclined to support basketball. San Miguel has four basketball teams in the professional league: San Miguel, Ginebra, Coca-cola and Purefoods.
The latest income statement by San Miguel showed the conglomerate is in the utmost pink of health. In November, it reported that its nine-month net income grew 18 percent, to P6.17 billion from P5.22 billion in the same period last year, boosted by its strong local and international beer operations and strong sales by its Australian dairy unit, National Foods Ltd.
Both founded in 2001, the highly promising San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale were suddenly disbanded early this year while no one was looking.
And no one is expected to drink to that.
CTALK By CITO BELTRAN
The Philippine Star
The curtain as they say has fallen upon the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and the San Miguel Chorale. A "news" item termed the whole thing as an act of killing.
Sadly, so-called artists had no problems twisting knives into the belly of the beverage giant by claiming that SMC would rather support basketball than the performing arts.
The tragic truth behind the curtain calls is that after benefiting from a noble corporate attempt at promoting the arts, many now kick the dust, point fingers, and act in true INGRATE fashion.
After having had the privilege to be part of, or benefiting from the birthing, the growth and the fruition of such a talented group artists they now call the Patron "Bad".
It was not very long ago when so-called performing arts critics questioned the motives if not the competence of San Miguel Corporation to undertake such a task.
Even among artist and "high society" circles there were intrigues and mockery hurled at the gallant and praise worthy effort of creating the orchestra and chorale.
Some even called it nothing more than the passing fancy of the moneyed few and an orchestra for personal entertainment. As it turns out, the resistance was nothing more than elitist defensiveness on the part of those who disagreed with the idea of a liberated "Orchestra" performing on a more public and "commercialized" level.
Not an orchestra for rent, but one that did not restrict itself to the snooty confines of "cultured halls" or elitist gatherings. It was OK for critics that the three tenors or Il Divo would sing Operatic Pop or Pop Opera, but the idea of a "pop orchestra" was for them, hard to swallow.
Five years proved them all wrong.
The San Miguel Orchestra and Chorale came together even when some tried to rip them apart. They performed, they educated, they popularized what once was alien. They held concerts, came out with their albums. And now they’re gone.
Oddly enough, the blame game is being cranked up as if that would resurrect what has been laid to rest. Certain quarters take exception with San Miguel Corporation’s continued support for 4 basketball teams while closing the books on the Orchestra and the Chorale.
Apparently critics have lost sight of the fact that the basketball team are very efficient tools for marketing and promotions, which quickly translate the corporation’s investment into sales and profit. Something, that rarely happens to corporations that support the arts.
If it were not for the basketball teams, who’s to say if there would have been enough profits to justify San Miguel’s unsolicited support for the arts. The fact of the matter is SMC is merely doing the correct thing as any publicly listed corporation should.
In fact San Miguel has had to make very painful decisions within its basketball programs. Over the Christmas holidays, San Miguel had to inform its North and South team of retired veterans that the project would have to be scrapped.
Given the personal and professional history and relationships involved, it was certainly a very painful decision that had to be done during the holidays because of New Year cut-off dates. It was undoubtedly even more painful to let go of Tuesday’s heroes who continue to be Wednesday’s role models.
Unfortunately Wednesday’s reality is no longer just about making "enough" profits.
While San Miguel attempts to be the corporation with a soul, with an appreciation and support for the arts, San Miguel must also be an efficient organization that utilizes its resources where it is needed most and where it gets the best result.
Ultimately it is about accountability.
Perhaps San Miguel simply had to learn firsthand what many corporate practitioners have long known; the arts is something we can all be a part of but not necessarily part of the company.
The arts feed our soul. Liberates our minds. It stirs our hearts toward hope and passion. But rarely does true art register profit. The magnificence of nature is the reflected art of GOD. You can’t buy it, you can’t own it because it’s free.
Even in Wednesday’s America, artists and the organizations that represent them struggle daily as much as annually to promote the arts, educate the youth, and generate funds and grants pieced together from different sources both domestic
and international.
Rarely is art a corporate concern. It may be a Corporate Social Responsibility that they promote, support, even defend but it’s certainly not THEIR business.
To cast doubt and ingratitude to one's Patron is rarely a great injustice for in the end we simply show ourselves as laborers and not artisans.
I have often wondered why is it that artists in the Philippines even in the world of classical music and opera fail to achieve relationships with Patrons and sponsors.
Perhaps it is because the artists puts too much effort in their artistry and forgets about relationships and reality.
Some insists too much on being non-conformists while others stand firm on tradition.
Some insists on roles and works inappropriate for their age as well as their skills.
A sadder few walk in their delusion as GOD’s gift to mankind.
They produce outlandish shows that disregard budgets, they produce paintings, photographs and the likes almost mechanically and void of their passion and excellence yet put price tags that cannot be appreciated, no commoner can afford, and cannot be justified by their work.
And to justify this dislocated perspective they call it "ART".
In pedestrian language it is commonly referred to as "Presyong ayaw i-pagbili". (Price not to sell)
I am reminded of a scene from a movie where the editor tells off one of his senior female reporters: "Remember our job is to write about them and not try to be like them".
ART is everyone’s responsibility. Art is about our history, our culture, our aspirations, about our reality. But it is also God’s gift to each of us. It must ultimately bring honor to the giver. That in itself is an "ART".
San Miguel kills orchestra, chorale (Philippine Daily Inquirer Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
THE SAN MIGUEL Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale are dead.
Late last month, instrumentalists of the only corporate-supported orchestra in the country were summoned one by one by the big bosses who informed them of the non-renewal of their contracts.
Ditto with the members of the San Miguel Chorale.
Many of the orchestra and chorale members did not get separation pay.
It is not known what happened to Ryan Cayabyab, the executive director and artistic director of the San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts.
Insiders said that San Miguel Corp., the biggest food and beverage company in Southeast Asia, was more inclined to support basketball. San Miguel has four basketball teams in the professional league: San Miguel, Ginebra, Coca-cola and Purefoods.
The latest income statement by San Miguel showed the conglomerate is in the utmost pink of health. In November, it reported that its nine-month net income grew 18 percent, to P6.17 billion from P5.22 billion in the same period last year, boosted by its strong local and international beer operations and strong sales by its Australian dairy unit, National Foods Ltd.
Both founded in 2001, the highly promising San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale were suddenly disbanded early this year while no one was looking.
And no one is expected to drink to that.
CTALK By CITO BELTRAN
The Philippine Star
The curtain as they say has fallen upon the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and the San Miguel Chorale. A "news" item termed the whole thing as an act of killing.
Sadly, so-called artists had no problems twisting knives into the belly of the beverage giant by claiming that SMC would rather support basketball than the performing arts.
The tragic truth behind the curtain calls is that after benefiting from a noble corporate attempt at promoting the arts, many now kick the dust, point fingers, and act in true INGRATE fashion.
After having had the privilege to be part of, or benefiting from the birthing, the growth and the fruition of such a talented group artists they now call the Patron "Bad".
It was not very long ago when so-called performing arts critics questioned the motives if not the competence of San Miguel Corporation to undertake such a task.
Even among artist and "high society" circles there were intrigues and mockery hurled at the gallant and praise worthy effort of creating the orchestra and chorale.
Some even called it nothing more than the passing fancy of the moneyed few and an orchestra for personal entertainment. As it turns out, the resistance was nothing more than elitist defensiveness on the part of those who disagreed with the idea of a liberated "Orchestra" performing on a more public and "commercialized" level.
Not an orchestra for rent, but one that did not restrict itself to the snooty confines of "cultured halls" or elitist gatherings. It was OK for critics that the three tenors or Il Divo would sing Operatic Pop or Pop Opera, but the idea of a "pop orchestra" was for them, hard to swallow.
Five years proved them all wrong.
The San Miguel Orchestra and Chorale came together even when some tried to rip them apart. They performed, they educated, they popularized what once was alien. They held concerts, came out with their albums. And now they’re gone.
Oddly enough, the blame game is being cranked up as if that would resurrect what has been laid to rest. Certain quarters take exception with San Miguel Corporation’s continued support for 4 basketball teams while closing the books on the Orchestra and the Chorale.
Apparently critics have lost sight of the fact that the basketball team are very efficient tools for marketing and promotions, which quickly translate the corporation’s investment into sales and profit. Something, that rarely happens to corporations that support the arts.
If it were not for the basketball teams, who’s to say if there would have been enough profits to justify San Miguel’s unsolicited support for the arts. The fact of the matter is SMC is merely doing the correct thing as any publicly listed corporation should.
In fact San Miguel has had to make very painful decisions within its basketball programs. Over the Christmas holidays, San Miguel had to inform its North and South team of retired veterans that the project would have to be scrapped.
Given the personal and professional history and relationships involved, it was certainly a very painful decision that had to be done during the holidays because of New Year cut-off dates. It was undoubtedly even more painful to let go of Tuesday’s heroes who continue to be Wednesday’s role models.
Unfortunately Wednesday’s reality is no longer just about making "enough" profits.
While San Miguel attempts to be the corporation with a soul, with an appreciation and support for the arts, San Miguel must also be an efficient organization that utilizes its resources where it is needed most and where it gets the best result.
Ultimately it is about accountability.
Perhaps San Miguel simply had to learn firsthand what many corporate practitioners have long known; the arts is something we can all be a part of but not necessarily part of the company.
The arts feed our soul. Liberates our minds. It stirs our hearts toward hope and passion. But rarely does true art register profit. The magnificence of nature is the reflected art of GOD. You can’t buy it, you can’t own it because it’s free.
Even in Wednesday’s America, artists and the organizations that represent them struggle daily as much as annually to promote the arts, educate the youth, and generate funds and grants pieced together from different sources both domestic
and international.
Rarely is art a corporate concern. It may be a Corporate Social Responsibility that they promote, support, even defend but it’s certainly not THEIR business.
To cast doubt and ingratitude to one's Patron is rarely a great injustice for in the end we simply show ourselves as laborers and not artisans.
I have often wondered why is it that artists in the Philippines even in the world of classical music and opera fail to achieve relationships with Patrons and sponsors.
Perhaps it is because the artists puts too much effort in their artistry and forgets about relationships and reality.
Some insists too much on being non-conformists while others stand firm on tradition.
Some insists on roles and works inappropriate for their age as well as their skills.
A sadder few walk in their delusion as GOD’s gift to mankind.
They produce outlandish shows that disregard budgets, they produce paintings, photographs and the likes almost mechanically and void of their passion and excellence yet put price tags that cannot be appreciated, no commoner can afford, and cannot be justified by their work.
And to justify this dislocated perspective they call it "ART".
In pedestrian language it is commonly referred to as "Presyong ayaw i-pagbili". (Price not to sell)
I am reminded of a scene from a movie where the editor tells off one of his senior female reporters: "Remember our job is to write about them and not try to be like them".
ART is everyone’s responsibility. Art is about our history, our culture, our aspirations, about our reality. But it is also God’s gift to each of us. It must ultimately bring honor to the giver. That in itself is an "ART".
2006 Stoker Nominees
The 2006 Stoker Awards are nearing, and I clan't attend! Wah! This year is extra special because it's going to be the first time ever that the awards will be held outside the US. I feel bad that I haven't read any of the nominees. Shows you the state of the choices we have in the country when it comes to genre books. I can't wait for the day when I look at the horror shelf in a bookstore and not see it filled with *just( Stepeh King and Anne Rice. *sigh*
Anyways, here are the nominees:
Superior Achievement in a NOVEL
Headstone City by Tom Piccirilli (Bantam)
Liseys Story by Stephen King (Scribner)
Ghost Road Blues by Jonathan Maberry (Pinnacle)
Pressure by Jeff Strand (Earthling)
Prodigal Blues by Gary A. Braunbeck (Cemetery Dance)
Superior Achievement in a FIRST NOVEL
Ghost Road Blues by Jonathan Maberry (Pinnacle)
The Keeper by Sarah Langan (William Morrow)
Bloodstone by Nate Kenyon (Five Star)
The Harrowing by Alexandra Sokoloff (St. Martins)
Superior Achievement in LONG FICTION
Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge (Cemetery Dance)
Hallucigenia by Laird Barron (The Magazine of Fantasy
and Science Fiction)
Mamas Boy by Fran Friel (Insidious Reflections)
Bloodstained Oz by Christopher Golden and James A.
Moore (Earthling Publications)
Clubland Heroes by Kim Newman (Retro Pub Tales)
Superior Achievement in SHORT FICTION
Tested by Lisa Morton (Cemetery Dance)
Balance by Gene ONeill (Cemetery Dance)
Feeding the Dead Inside by Yvonne Navarro(Mondo
Zombie)
FYI by Mort Castle (Masques V)
“31/10” by Stephen Volk Dark Corners)
Superior Achievement in an ANTHOLOGY
Aegri Somnia: The Apex Featured Writer Anthology
edited by Jason Sizemore (Apex)
Mondo Zombie edited by John Skipp (Cemetery Dance)
Retro Pulp Tales edited by Joe Lansdale (Subterranean)
Alone on the Darkside edited by John Pelan (Roc)
Superior Achievement in a COLLECTION
Destinations Unknown by Gary Braunbeck (Cemetery
Dance)
American Morons by Glen Hirshberg (Earthling
Publications)
The Commandments by Angeline Hawkes (Nocturne Press)
The Empire of Ice Cream by Jeffrey Ford (Golden
Gryphon)
Basic Black: Tales of Appropriate Fear by Terry
Dowling (Cemetery Dance)
Cinema Macabre edited by Frank Morris (PS Publishing)
Superior Achievement in NONFICTION
Final Exits: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We
Die by Michael Largo (Harper)
Gospel of the Living Dead: George Romero's vision of
Hell on Earth by Kim Paffenroth (Baylor Press)
Stephen King: Uncollected, Unpublished byRocky Wood
(Cemetery Dance)
Superior Achievement in POETRY
Shades Fantastic by Bruce Boston (Gromagon Press)
Valentine: Short Love Poems by Corrine de Winter
(Black Arrow Press)
The Troublesome Amputee by John Edward Lawson (Raw Dog
Screaming Press)
Songs of a Sorceress by Bobbi Sinha-Morey (Write
Words, Inc.)
Anyways, here are the nominees:
Superior Achievement in a NOVEL
Headstone City by Tom Piccirilli (Bantam)
Liseys Story by Stephen King (Scribner)
Ghost Road Blues by Jonathan Maberry (Pinnacle)
Pressure by Jeff Strand (Earthling)
Prodigal Blues by Gary A. Braunbeck (Cemetery Dance)
Superior Achievement in a FIRST NOVEL
Ghost Road Blues by Jonathan Maberry (Pinnacle)
The Keeper by Sarah Langan (William Morrow)
Bloodstone by Nate Kenyon (Five Star)
The Harrowing by Alexandra Sokoloff (St. Martins)
Superior Achievement in LONG FICTION
Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge (Cemetery Dance)
Hallucigenia by Laird Barron (The Magazine of Fantasy
and Science Fiction)
Mamas Boy by Fran Friel (Insidious Reflections)
Bloodstained Oz by Christopher Golden and James A.
Moore (Earthling Publications)
Clubland Heroes by Kim Newman (Retro Pub Tales)
Superior Achievement in SHORT FICTION
Tested by Lisa Morton (Cemetery Dance)
Balance by Gene ONeill (Cemetery Dance)
Feeding the Dead Inside by Yvonne Navarro(Mondo
Zombie)
FYI by Mort Castle (Masques V)
“31/10” by Stephen Volk Dark Corners)
Superior Achievement in an ANTHOLOGY
Aegri Somnia: The Apex Featured Writer Anthology
edited by Jason Sizemore (Apex)
Mondo Zombie edited by John Skipp (Cemetery Dance)
Retro Pulp Tales edited by Joe Lansdale (Subterranean)
Alone on the Darkside edited by John Pelan (Roc)
Superior Achievement in a COLLECTION
Destinations Unknown by Gary Braunbeck (Cemetery
Dance)
American Morons by Glen Hirshberg (Earthling
Publications)
The Commandments by Angeline Hawkes (Nocturne Press)
The Empire of Ice Cream by Jeffrey Ford (Golden
Gryphon)
Basic Black: Tales of Appropriate Fear by Terry
Dowling (Cemetery Dance)
Cinema Macabre edited by Frank Morris (PS Publishing)
Superior Achievement in NONFICTION
Final Exits: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We
Die by Michael Largo (Harper)
Gospel of the Living Dead: George Romero's vision of
Hell on Earth by Kim Paffenroth (Baylor Press)
Stephen King: Uncollected, Unpublished byRocky Wood
(Cemetery Dance)
Superior Achievement in POETRY
Shades Fantastic by Bruce Boston (Gromagon Press)
Valentine: Short Love Poems by Corrine de Winter
(Black Arrow Press)
The Troublesome Amputee by John Edward Lawson (Raw Dog
Screaming Press)
Songs of a Sorceress by Bobbi Sinha-Morey (Write
Words, Inc.)
Medical Madness
Here's something funny, straight from e-mail. My sister is taking the last leg of the medical boards tomorrow. Is this what she'll be looking forward to after she passes?
ACTUAL SENTENCES FOUND IN PATIENT'S MEDICAL CHARTS at PHILIPPINE GENERALHOSPITAL( PGH):
>
> 1. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left
> side
> for over a year.
> 2. On the second day the knee was better, and on
> the
> third day it disappeared.
> 3. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her
> husband states she was very hot in bed last night.
> 4. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She
> also appears to be depressed.
> 5. The patient has been depressed since she began
> Seeing me in 1993.
> 6. Discharge status: Alive but without permission.
> 7. The patient refused autopsy.
> 8. The patient has no previous history of suicides.
> 9. She is numb from her toes down.
> 10. While in ER, she was examined, X-rated and sent
> home.
> 11. The skin was moist and dry.
> 12. Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.
> 13. Patient was alert and unresponsive.
> 14. Rectal examination revealed a normal size
> thyroid.
>
> 15. She stated that she had been constipated for
> most
> of her life, until she got a divorce.
> 16. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.
> 17. The patient was to have a bowel resection.
> However, he took a job as a stockbroker instead.
> 18. Skin: somewhat pale but present.
> 19. Patient has two teenage children, but no other
> abnormalities.
>
> Sa PGH, may tinatawag na Central Block. Nandoon ang
> Radiology Department kung saan ginagawa ang mga
> X-rays, Ultrasound, CT Scan at Radiotherapy. Dito
> ko
> naobserbahan ang evolution ng mga pinoy medical
> terms.
> May mga pasyente o bantay na aking nasasalubong,
> ang
> madalas magtanong ng direksyon. Mga Versions ng CT
> Scan:
>
> 1. "nurse saan po ba ang Siete Scan?"
> 2. "nurse saan po ba magpapa-CT Skull"
> 3. "nurse saan po ba CT Scalp"
> 4. "nurse saan po ang CT Scam?"
>
>
> Madalas akong mapagtanungan ng direction papunta sa
> Cobalt Room.
> "nurse saan po ba ang Cobal" Yes, laging walang T.
> Marami ang gumagamit sa term na Cobal. Saan napunta
> ang "T". Marami din kasing nagtatanong, "nurse,
> saan po
> ba ang papuntang X-Tray?"
> Conclusion: Ang "T" ng Cobalt, ay napunta sa
> X-Tray!!!
>
> 7:00 am. Nagbigay ang kasamahan kong nurse ng
> Instruction sa bantay ng pasyente, "Mister, punta
> po
> kayo sa Central Block at magpa-schedule kayo ng
> X-ray
> ng pasyente ninyo." 3:00 pm.Kadarating lang ng
> bantay. Nagalit na ang nurse, "Mister, bakit namang
> napakatagal ninyong bumalik? Pina-schedule ko lang
> naman ang X-ray ah." Sumagot ang bantay, "Eh kasi
> po
> nurse, ang tagal kong naghintay sa gate, haggang
> sabihin
> ng guwardiya na sarado daw po ang Central Bank kasi
> Sabado ngayon." (Nasa Roxas Blvdang Bangko Sentral
> ng
> Pilipinas, at sarado nga naman yon kapag Sabado)!
>
> Hahahaha!!!
>
>
> Nang mag-rotate ako as nurse sa Pediatrics ng PGH,
> mahal na mahal talaga ng mga nanay ang kanilang mga
> anak na may sakit. Pilit nilang tinatandaan ang mga
> gamot at tawag sa sakit ng kanilang anak.
> nurse: "Mrs. ano po ang mga gamot na iniinom ng
> anak
> niyo?"
> Mrs: "phenobarbiedoll po."
> nurse: "Ah baka po phenobarbital. " (Gamot sa
> convulsion ang phenobarbital)
>
> nurse: "Mrs. ano po ba ang antibiotic na iniinom ng
> anak ninyo?"
> Mrs: "metromanilazole po."
> nurse: "Ah baka po metronidazole. " (Gamot sa amoeba
> ang metronidazole)
>
> Ang tawag sa recovery room ng PGH ay PACU
> (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)
>
> nurse: "Mrs., tapos na po ang operasyong ng anak
> ninyo, punta na Pokayo sa PACU.
> Mrs: "Eh , saan po sa Paco? Sa may simbahan po ba o
> sa may palengke?
>
>
> nurse: "Mrs. ano po ba ang sinabi ng dating doktor
> kung ano daw ang sakit ng inyong anak?"
> Mrs: "Eh sabi po niya Tragedy of Fallot.
> nurse: "Ah baka po Tetralogy of Fallot (Isang
> Congenital Heart Disease ang Tetralogy of Fallot)
>
> Biglang nagtatarang ang isang nanay at sumigaw.
> Mrs: "Scissors! Scissors! Nag-sciscissors ang anak
> ko,
> nurse!"
> nurse: "nag-seizure ang pasyente!"
>
> nurse: "Mrs. ano daw po ba ang sakit ng anak
> ninyo?"
> Mrs: May ketong daw po.
> In-examine ng nurse ang balat ng pasyente. Wala
> siyang makitang senyales ng ketong. Tumawag pa siya
> ng
> Dermatologist para mag-examine nang husto. Wala
> talaga.
> nurse: "Mrs. sigurado po ba kayong ketong ang Sakit
> ng bata?"
> Mrs: "Eh iyon po ang sabi ng doktor niya dati.
> Mataas
> daw po ang ketong sa ihi dahil may diabetes."
> nurse: "Ah ketone po yon! (Ang positive ketone sa
> Ihi
> ay senyales ng kumplikasyon ng diabetes.)
>
> nurse: (Sa buntis na mrs. na nagle-labor) "Mrs.,
> pumutok na po ba ang panubigan mo?"
> Mrs:"Eh, wala naman po akong narinig na pagsabog."
> (Hanep!)
ACTUAL SENTENCES FOUND IN PATIENT'S MEDICAL CHARTS at PHILIPPINE GENERALHOSPITAL( PGH):
>
> 1. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left
> side
> for over a year.
> 2. On the second day the knee was better, and on
> the
> third day it disappeared.
> 3. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her
> husband states she was very hot in bed last night.
> 4. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She
> also appears to be depressed.
> 5. The patient has been depressed since she began
> Seeing me in 1993.
> 6. Discharge status: Alive but without permission.
> 7. The patient refused autopsy.
> 8. The patient has no previous history of suicides.
> 9. She is numb from her toes down.
> 10. While in ER, she was examined, X-rated and sent
> home.
> 11. The skin was moist and dry.
> 12. Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.
> 13. Patient was alert and unresponsive.
> 14. Rectal examination revealed a normal size
> thyroid.
>
> 15. She stated that she had been constipated for
> most
> of her life, until she got a divorce.
> 16. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.
> 17. The patient was to have a bowel resection.
> However, he took a job as a stockbroker instead.
> 18. Skin: somewhat pale but present.
> 19. Patient has two teenage children, but no other
> abnormalities.
>
> Sa PGH, may tinatawag na Central Block. Nandoon ang
> Radiology Department kung saan ginagawa ang mga
> X-rays, Ultrasound, CT Scan at Radiotherapy. Dito
> ko
> naobserbahan ang evolution ng mga pinoy medical
> terms.
> May mga pasyente o bantay na aking nasasalubong,
> ang
> madalas magtanong ng direksyon. Mga Versions ng CT
> Scan:
>
> 1. "nurse saan po ba ang Siete Scan?"
> 2. "nurse saan po ba magpapa-CT Skull"
> 3. "nurse saan po ba CT Scalp"
> 4. "nurse saan po ang CT Scam?"
>
>
> Madalas akong mapagtanungan ng direction papunta sa
> Cobalt Room.
> "nurse saan po ba ang Cobal" Yes, laging walang T.
> Marami ang gumagamit sa term na Cobal. Saan napunta
> ang "T". Marami din kasing nagtatanong, "nurse,
> saan po
> ba ang papuntang X-Tray?"
> Conclusion: Ang "T" ng Cobalt, ay napunta sa
> X-Tray!!!
>
> 7:00 am. Nagbigay ang kasamahan kong nurse ng
> Instruction sa bantay ng pasyente, "Mister, punta
> po
> kayo sa Central Block at magpa-schedule kayo ng
> X-ray
> ng pasyente ninyo." 3:00 pm.Kadarating lang ng
> bantay. Nagalit na ang nurse, "Mister, bakit namang
> napakatagal ninyong bumalik? Pina-schedule ko lang
> naman ang X-ray ah." Sumagot ang bantay, "Eh kasi
> po
> nurse, ang tagal kong naghintay sa gate, haggang
> sabihin
> ng guwardiya na sarado daw po ang Central Bank kasi
> Sabado ngayon." (Nasa Roxas Blvdang Bangko Sentral
> ng
> Pilipinas, at sarado nga naman yon kapag Sabado)!
>
> Hahahaha!!!
>
>
> Nang mag-rotate ako as nurse sa Pediatrics ng PGH,
> mahal na mahal talaga ng mga nanay ang kanilang mga
> anak na may sakit. Pilit nilang tinatandaan ang mga
> gamot at tawag sa sakit ng kanilang anak.
> nurse: "Mrs. ano po ang mga gamot na iniinom ng
> anak
> niyo?"
> Mrs: "phenobarbiedoll po."
> nurse: "Ah baka po phenobarbital. " (Gamot sa
> convulsion ang phenobarbital)
>
> nurse: "Mrs. ano po ba ang antibiotic na iniinom ng
> anak ninyo?"
> Mrs: "metromanilazole po."
> nurse: "Ah baka po metronidazole. " (Gamot sa amoeba
> ang metronidazole)
>
> Ang tawag sa recovery room ng PGH ay PACU
> (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)
>
> nurse: "Mrs., tapos na po ang operasyong ng anak
> ninyo, punta na Pokayo sa PACU.
> Mrs: "Eh , saan po sa Paco? Sa may simbahan po ba o
> sa may palengke?
>
>
> nurse: "Mrs. ano po ba ang sinabi ng dating doktor
> kung ano daw ang sakit ng inyong anak?"
> Mrs: "Eh sabi po niya Tragedy of Fallot.
> nurse: "Ah baka po Tetralogy of Fallot (Isang
> Congenital Heart Disease ang Tetralogy of Fallot)
>
> Biglang nagtatarang ang isang nanay at sumigaw.
> Mrs: "Scissors! Scissors! Nag-sciscissors ang anak
> ko,
> nurse!"
> nurse: "nag-seizure ang pasyente!"
>
> nurse: "Mrs. ano daw po ba ang sakit ng anak
> ninyo?"
> Mrs: May ketong daw po.
> In-examine ng nurse ang balat ng pasyente. Wala
> siyang makitang senyales ng ketong. Tumawag pa siya
> ng
> Dermatologist para mag-examine nang husto. Wala
> talaga.
> nurse: "Mrs. sigurado po ba kayong ketong ang Sakit
> ng bata?"
> Mrs: "Eh iyon po ang sabi ng doktor niya dati.
> Mataas
> daw po ang ketong sa ihi dahil may diabetes."
> nurse: "Ah ketone po yon! (Ang positive ketone sa
> Ihi
> ay senyales ng kumplikasyon ng diabetes.)
>
> nurse: (Sa buntis na mrs. na nagle-labor) "Mrs.,
> pumutok na po ba ang panubigan mo?"
> Mrs:"Eh, wala naman po akong narinig na pagsabog."
> (Hanep!)
Because I have a Soft Spot of Christain Bautista
I don't really listen to his music, but I will always and forever have a soft spot for Christian Bautista, because he basically saved my ass the very first time I was EIC of Gusto, Shopwise's In-house magazine. So whatever he's up to is cool in my book!
Here's his latest project:
Asia's Pop Idol, Christian Bautista, is back on top of the sales
charts just a few weeks after the holiday release of his third
international album "Just a love song…Christian Bautista Live!" This
newest top-selling album in the Philippines is all of 19 tracks of
classic love song covers including its carrier track "Trying to Get
the Feeling Again," earlier popularized by music composer/singer Barry
Manilow.
Christian, prior to his unprecedented stardom in neighboring countries
Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, got his first taste of
being on the top with his self-titled debut album released by Warner
Music Philippines in 2004. The album's record-breaking sales brought
about a triple platinum record award in the Philippines, and a double
platinum award in Indonesia for then emerging Asian pop star.
His sophomore studio album, titled "Completely," did not fall short.
Bestowed with a gold record award on its first day of release in the
Philippines, Christian's second major recording efforts, which have
included his own penned songs, hit the platinum mark in the
Philippines, same as in Indonesia.
Probably Christian has mastered already the art of enthralling the
hopelessly romantic to his music, which makes him the hottest male
balladeer to beat in the local and regional markets. His own
additional words and music to "More Than You'll Ever Know," a track
from his live recording, for instance, effortlessly infuses a fresh
intro to a classic love tune that could easily set anybody into a
romantic mush.
"Just a love song…Christian Bautista Live!" was recorded before an
all-female audience at Teatrino, Promenade, Greenhills. A five-piece
band, a five-piece strings section, and a grand concert piano
accompanied Christian during the recording, which is available in CD
and soon in DVD.
The live tracks also include all time favorite love songs "Only
Reminds Me of You," "Beautiful in My Eyes," "Make It with You," "Got
to Believe in Magic," "Fixing a Broken Heart," "Could Not Ask for
More," "Of All the Things," "Nothing Can Stop Us Now," "Be My Number
Two," "Finding Out the Hard Way," "Blue Eyes Blue," "Cry for Help,"
"Heaven Help," "I Won't Hold you Back," "If Ever You're in my Arms
Again." "You" and "Just A Love Song."
Right on the heels of his highly successful 4-city tour in Indonesia,
and his Valentine concert with real-life sweetheart and singer
Rachelle Ann Go, Christian, who is hailed by many as the current
leading male recording artist in the Philippines, is geared up to
actively promote "Just a love song…Christian Bautista Live!" in
various radio stations and malls in the Metro and key cities in the
provinces.
A major live concert at the Big Dome is slated on April 28.
Christian is a managed artist under STAGES, a full service event
management, talent management and PR company based in Manila. For
queries about Christian, you may contact (632) 818-1111 loc. 225 or
email stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph.
Here's his latest project:
Asia's Pop Idol, Christian Bautista, is back on top of the sales
charts just a few weeks after the holiday release of his third
international album "Just a love song…Christian Bautista Live!" This
newest top-selling album in the Philippines is all of 19 tracks of
classic love song covers including its carrier track "Trying to Get
the Feeling Again," earlier popularized by music composer/singer Barry
Manilow.
Christian, prior to his unprecedented stardom in neighboring countries
Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, got his first taste of
being on the top with his self-titled debut album released by Warner
Music Philippines in 2004. The album's record-breaking sales brought
about a triple platinum record award in the Philippines, and a double
platinum award in Indonesia for then emerging Asian pop star.
His sophomore studio album, titled "Completely," did not fall short.
Bestowed with a gold record award on its first day of release in the
Philippines, Christian's second major recording efforts, which have
included his own penned songs, hit the platinum mark in the
Philippines, same as in Indonesia.
Probably Christian has mastered already the art of enthralling the
hopelessly romantic to his music, which makes him the hottest male
balladeer to beat in the local and regional markets. His own
additional words and music to "More Than You'll Ever Know," a track
from his live recording, for instance, effortlessly infuses a fresh
intro to a classic love tune that could easily set anybody into a
romantic mush.
"Just a love song…Christian Bautista Live!" was recorded before an
all-female audience at Teatrino, Promenade, Greenhills. A five-piece
band, a five-piece strings section, and a grand concert piano
accompanied Christian during the recording, which is available in CD
and soon in DVD.
The live tracks also include all time favorite love songs "Only
Reminds Me of You," "Beautiful in My Eyes," "Make It with You," "Got
to Believe in Magic," "Fixing a Broken Heart," "Could Not Ask for
More," "Of All the Things," "Nothing Can Stop Us Now," "Be My Number
Two," "Finding Out the Hard Way," "Blue Eyes Blue," "Cry for Help,"
"Heaven Help," "I Won't Hold you Back," "If Ever You're in my Arms
Again." "You" and "Just A Love Song."
Right on the heels of his highly successful 4-city tour in Indonesia,
and his Valentine concert with real-life sweetheart and singer
Rachelle Ann Go, Christian, who is hailed by many as the current
leading male recording artist in the Philippines, is geared up to
actively promote "Just a love song…Christian Bautista Live!" in
various radio stations and malls in the Metro and key cities in the
provinces.
A major live concert at the Big Dome is slated on April 28.
Christian is a managed artist under STAGES, a full service event
management, talent management and PR company based in Manila. For
queries about Christian, you may contact (632) 818-1111 loc. 225 or
email stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph.
How Brats are Created
I'm not usually the sappiest of people but this open letter I found in the mail just darn well near broke my heart. I know what it's like to lose a father -- one that everyone in the family would have given up their lives for, no less. The lesson that this father tries to teach his children is a smart one. It teaches them to be people, and not just consumer-driven rich brats, like so many of today's people are.
The letter, I believe, was published in business world. alas, I don't know who wrote it, as that wasn't in the e-mail.
HOW BRATS ARE CREATED
Who says only valuable jewellery can become heirlooms? My daughter showed me a copy of a letter written by her friend's Dad on her 13th birthday. A few months after he wrote it, he died of a heart attack.
Today, this letter is regarded as a family heirloom, shared not just with the immediate members of the family, but shown proudly to relatives and friends alike.
I felt the message in this beautiful letter should be shared with as many people as possible. So I asked my daughter if her friend - the letter's addressee-would allow me to reprint it in Business World. She said there shouldn't be a problem, except that a note should probably precede the letter asking the readers to share this with their young married children.
Hah! a not-so-subtle inference that Business World readers are not exactly "young parents" anymore. So, dear readers, do share this letter with your young married children. They will certainly find this letter - as I did - a very insightful treatise on how brats are created.
"Daughter Dearest Happy 13th Birthday!
"When you came to this world 13 years ago, you brought your Mom and I a lot of joy! We've always wanted a daughter and God in His wisdom gifted us with you.
"This is not to cast any aspersions at your four older brothers; they are also a great blessing and we love them very much, but boys are boys, and I look forward to the day when I am old and grey to have you by my side. I can't see this happening with your brothers; you know what I mean, as we have talked about this at the dining-room table many a time.
"You have also heard me say that we are gifted with a lot of material wealth. That's something we should be very grateful to the Lord about, but we should be aware that this has been loaned to us, as you too are loaned to us by God and that we will be asked to give a full accounting when our day of reckoning comes.
"The reason for this letter is to warn you about one big, big danger you and your brothers may face in the next few years. I have seen it happen in other families. I don't want to see it happen here.
"I am referring to having you guys grow up as brats!" 'Brat-manship' is the process one has to go through to become a brat!
"Unfortunately, it is an ailment imposed by parents! They are the creators of the brats!
"In their desire to try to save their children from the difficulties they have been through, they do whatever possible to shield them from this.
Little do they realize, that it is precisely these difficulties that have made them successful. Their love for their children may make them overprotective. They may even prevent them from taking public transportation. They come up with all sorts of rationalizations, going by public transportation is not safe, the buses are too crowded, the fumes on the road are bad for ones health, and so on!
"They mean well, but in the process, they deprive their children of what it really means to live in a city like Manila which is comprised of two strata of society - the 'haves' and the 'have-nots!' And sad to say some of 'the haves' live in their little world. Unaware of that sampaguita vendor, drenched in the rain, so that her siblings may get a least one meal that day.
"The other day, I was with an elderly wise gentleman, we are at the Polo Club waiting for his car. There was a girl, about your age. She, too, was waiting for her car. When her vehicle got there, she jumped into the front seat, and as she did, tossed her beautiful pair of riding boots into the back seat. She then asked the driver if her Mom was home. 'Wala po!
Nagma-mah jong (She's not home. She's playing mah jong),' came the reply! The car drove off.
"My friend turned to me and said, 'There is an example of the under-privileged rich.' Then he followed with, 'They have everything and they have nothing.'
"This incident, short as it was, left me with a deep impression. I guess this is why I am writing this letter.
"Your Mom and I have tried to raise you kids to realize that our country is made up of the very rich and those who may not even have enough to have one decent meal a day. I hope you never lose sight of this. This is why we have taken it upon ourselves to adopt a squatter family during Christmas and share with them some of some things to make their Christmas more meaningful.
In the process, we hope that you and your brothers will appreciate the conditions we live in. In the process, I hope that you always have compassion for these lesser fortunate. So that next time you see that sampaguita vendor knocking at our car window drenched in rain you do not get annoyed, but instead pull out your wallet and share with her in a small way your allowance.
"You will notice your brothers take public transportation to go to UP. It's not that we can't afford another car; we can't afford for them to grow up thinking that its part of their 'birth right' to be in the ruling class.
"This is why we insisted that you do your bed in the morning, and to pick up your own toys and clothes, rather than have a yaya trailing you.
"And I could go on and on. As you are apt to say, 'You catch my drift!'
"When you feel you are not getting enough money in your allowance, orget new shoes like your friends always had or the latest fad of Guess jeans, take this letter out and reread what I have written.
"We love you far too much to create a brat!
"Your Loving Father"
BUSINESSWORLD
MANILA, PHILIPPINES| Thursday, September 16, 2004
The letter, I believe, was published in business world. alas, I don't know who wrote it, as that wasn't in the e-mail.
HOW BRATS ARE CREATED
Who says only valuable jewellery can become heirlooms? My daughter showed me a copy of a letter written by her friend's Dad on her 13th birthday. A few months after he wrote it, he died of a heart attack.
Today, this letter is regarded as a family heirloom, shared not just with the immediate members of the family, but shown proudly to relatives and friends alike.
I felt the message in this beautiful letter should be shared with as many people as possible. So I asked my daughter if her friend - the letter's addressee-would allow me to reprint it in Business World. She said there shouldn't be a problem, except that a note should probably precede the letter asking the readers to share this with their young married children.
Hah! a not-so-subtle inference that Business World readers are not exactly "young parents" anymore. So, dear readers, do share this letter with your young married children. They will certainly find this letter - as I did - a very insightful treatise on how brats are created.
"Daughter Dearest Happy 13th Birthday!
"When you came to this world 13 years ago, you brought your Mom and I a lot of joy! We've always wanted a daughter and God in His wisdom gifted us with you.
"This is not to cast any aspersions at your four older brothers; they are also a great blessing and we love them very much, but boys are boys, and I look forward to the day when I am old and grey to have you by my side. I can't see this happening with your brothers; you know what I mean, as we have talked about this at the dining-room table many a time.
"You have also heard me say that we are gifted with a lot of material wealth. That's something we should be very grateful to the Lord about, but we should be aware that this has been loaned to us, as you too are loaned to us by God and that we will be asked to give a full accounting when our day of reckoning comes.
"The reason for this letter is to warn you about one big, big danger you and your brothers may face in the next few years. I have seen it happen in other families. I don't want to see it happen here.
"I am referring to having you guys grow up as brats!" 'Brat-manship' is the process one has to go through to become a brat!
"Unfortunately, it is an ailment imposed by parents! They are the creators of the brats!
"In their desire to try to save their children from the difficulties they have been through, they do whatever possible to shield them from this.
Little do they realize, that it is precisely these difficulties that have made them successful. Their love for their children may make them overprotective. They may even prevent them from taking public transportation. They come up with all sorts of rationalizations, going by public transportation is not safe, the buses are too crowded, the fumes on the road are bad for ones health, and so on!
"They mean well, but in the process, they deprive their children of what it really means to live in a city like Manila which is comprised of two strata of society - the 'haves' and the 'have-nots!' And sad to say some of 'the haves' live in their little world. Unaware of that sampaguita vendor, drenched in the rain, so that her siblings may get a least one meal that day.
"The other day, I was with an elderly wise gentleman, we are at the Polo Club waiting for his car. There was a girl, about your age. She, too, was waiting for her car. When her vehicle got there, she jumped into the front seat, and as she did, tossed her beautiful pair of riding boots into the back seat. She then asked the driver if her Mom was home. 'Wala po!
Nagma-mah jong (She's not home. She's playing mah jong),' came the reply! The car drove off.
"My friend turned to me and said, 'There is an example of the under-privileged rich.' Then he followed with, 'They have everything and they have nothing.'
"This incident, short as it was, left me with a deep impression. I guess this is why I am writing this letter.
"Your Mom and I have tried to raise you kids to realize that our country is made up of the very rich and those who may not even have enough to have one decent meal a day. I hope you never lose sight of this. This is why we have taken it upon ourselves to adopt a squatter family during Christmas and share with them some of some things to make their Christmas more meaningful.
In the process, we hope that you and your brothers will appreciate the conditions we live in. In the process, I hope that you always have compassion for these lesser fortunate. So that next time you see that sampaguita vendor knocking at our car window drenched in rain you do not get annoyed, but instead pull out your wallet and share with her in a small way your allowance.
"You will notice your brothers take public transportation to go to UP. It's not that we can't afford another car; we can't afford for them to grow up thinking that its part of their 'birth right' to be in the ruling class.
"This is why we insisted that you do your bed in the morning, and to pick up your own toys and clothes, rather than have a yaya trailing you.
"And I could go on and on. As you are apt to say, 'You catch my drift!'
"When you feel you are not getting enough money in your allowance, orget new shoes like your friends always had or the latest fad of Guess jeans, take this letter out and reread what I have written.
"We love you far too much to create a brat!
"Your Loving Father"
BUSINESSWORLD
MANILA, PHILIPPINES| Thursday, September 16, 2004
New Column Entry
Wondering what I've been up to lately? Check out my new column entry at http://www.gmapinoytv.com/karma .
Happy Chinese New Year! :)
Happy Chinese New Year! :)
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Smart Alec
Got this from the PopBitch.com Feb 01, 2007 newsletter...
Isn't he a darling? :)
>> Use the fork, Luke <<
Alec Guinness - meat expert
The Jedi cloak Alec Guinness wore in Star Wars
was put up for auction this week. Despite his
fame, and the extraordinary amount of money
he made from Star Wars as he cleverly negotiated
a percentage deal from the film, Guinness spent
most of his last fifty years living quietly near
Petersfield, Hampshire. But his phone number was
one digit different to the local butchers, and he
received an endless stream of calls from people
looking to buy meat. After some years, Guinness
tired of explaining that they had the wrong
number and instead amused himself by patiently
taking their order, then berating them for
making bad meat selections.
Isn't he a darling? :)
>> Use the fork, Luke <<
Alec Guinness - meat expert
The Jedi cloak Alec Guinness wore in Star Wars
was put up for auction this week. Despite his
fame, and the extraordinary amount of money
he made from Star Wars as he cleverly negotiated
a percentage deal from the film, Guinness spent
most of his last fifty years living quietly near
Petersfield, Hampshire. But his phone number was
one digit different to the local butchers, and he
received an endless stream of calls from people
looking to buy meat. After some years, Guinness
tired of explaining that they had the wrong
number and instead amused himself by patiently
taking their order, then berating them for
making bad meat selections.
Chinese Film Festival
The Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies Ateneo de Manila University presents:
Spring Film Festival 2007
in celebration of the Lunar Chinese New Year
15-18 February 2007
Gateway Cineplex 10
Araneta Center
Sunflower 129min
Feb 15 3:45
Feb 16 9:00
Feb 17 1:00
Feb 18 6:00
The Monkey King
Feb 15 4:00 and 6:45
Feb 16 1:00 and 3:30
Feb 17 6:30 and 9:00
Feb 18 1:00 and 4:00
Xanda
Feb 15 9:00
Feb 16 3:30
Feb 17 6:30
Feb 18 9:00
Little Red Flowers
Feb 15 6:30
Feb 16 9:00
Feb 17 4:00
Feb 18 6:30
Shanghai Dreams
Feb 15 1:00
Feb 16 6:00
Feb 17 9:00
Feb 18 3:15
I Not Stupid
Feb 15 1:00 and 9:00
Feb 16 1:00 and 6:15
Feb 17 1:00 and 3:45
Feb 18 1:00 and 9:00
Contact Info
Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies Ateneo de Manila University
3rd Floor, Social Sciences Building, Loyola Heights, QC 1108
Tel 4266001 loc 5208, 5209
Fax 4266001 loc 5280
email leongcenter@ admu.edu. ph
Spring Film Festival 2007
in celebration of the Lunar Chinese New Year
15-18 February 2007
Gateway Cineplex 10
Araneta Center
Sunflower 129min
Feb 15 3:45
Feb 16 9:00
Feb 17 1:00
Feb 18 6:00
The Monkey King
Feb 15 4:00 and 6:45
Feb 16 1:00 and 3:30
Feb 17 6:30 and 9:00
Feb 18 1:00 and 4:00
Xanda
Feb 15 9:00
Feb 16 3:30
Feb 17 6:30
Feb 18 9:00
Little Red Flowers
Feb 15 6:30
Feb 16 9:00
Feb 17 4:00
Feb 18 6:30
Shanghai Dreams
Feb 15 1:00
Feb 16 6:00
Feb 17 9:00
Feb 18 3:15
I Not Stupid
Feb 15 1:00 and 9:00
Feb 16 1:00 and 6:15
Feb 17 1:00 and 3:45
Feb 18 1:00 and 9:00
Contact Info
Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies Ateneo de Manila University
3rd Floor, Social Sciences Building, Loyola Heights, QC 1108
Tel 4266001 loc 5208, 5209
Fax 4266001 loc 5280
email leongcenter@ admu.edu. ph
Friday, February 09, 2007
Stamp You, Part Two!
As excited as I was about stamping (and I have a purple forehaed to prove it), the guy I work for, who shall henceforth be called Bruce (because, you know, he's The Boss) said that I HAVE NOT STAMPED ENOUGH. So now I have to make up for my lack of stamping by doing even more stamping! Hurrah!
Btw, I'm also in need of an assistant. Must make good coffee. Just kidding. Must be female, hardworking, dependable and is interested/ has background in commerce. Let me know if you know anyone who's interested.
Btw, I'm also in need of an assistant. Must make good coffee. Just kidding. Must be female, hardworking, dependable and is interested/ has background in commerce. Let me know if you know anyone who's interested.
8 Long Weekend Holidays in the Philippines in 2007
Got this in the mail. I love being Filipino! Looks like I got into the corporate world just in time, too! And since we have elections this year, that's another day or two of no work! Yipee!
Here is a tip to save money on your next awesome travel. You should book your travel way ahead in advance especially if you plan to leverage the Philippines Holidays this year. We have longer weekend holidays this 2007 and this is the time for you to go to the best places in the Philippines !
1. Longest Holy Week Vacation. This year's Holy Week is the longest because Easter Monday is also a holiday because it coincides with the Bataan Day (April 9, Monday). Book your travel Vacation now during the Holy Week Season: April 1, Palm Sunday and April Fool's Day to April 9, Easter Monday and Bataan Day. File your leave now for April 2, 3, 4!
2. Labor Day Holiday . The second long holiday is from April 28, Sunday to May 1, Tuesday Labor Day. You need to file a leave for April 30 but it will be a leave well taken. Boracay is the perfect place for this long weekend so start booking your hotel in Bora! Also, remember that May is an elections month so better take your vacation before the election on May 14, 2nd Monday of May.
3. Independence Day Long Weekend. Take advantage of June 9, Saturday to June 11, Monday (regular holiday in lieu of June 12). No need to take a vacation since this is a 3 day weekend. It starts to rain already during this time, but still a perfect time for the last minute summer getaway.
4. Ninoy Aquino Holiday. August 21, is a special holiday which falls on a tuesday this year. So you just need to leave on August 20, and you already have a 4 day weekend from August 18, Saturday to August 21, Tuesday. It is difficult to fly during this time since this is in the middle of typhoon season. This is perfect time to start Surfing or White Water Rafting.
5. Halloween Vacation. Yes, another 4 day weekend without taking a leave. November 1 (Thursday) All Saints' Day is a special holiday and November 2 (Friday) is a Special non-working day (Proc No. 1211). So, take advantage of the Cebu Pacific Crazy Fares during this time from Nov. 1, Thursday to November 4, Sunday. Yahoo!
6. Eidl Feitre or End of Ramadan. This is usually in November but there is no date yet. Anybody knows when the end of Ramadan this year?
7. Christmas Season 4 day Holiday . December 24 (Monday) is declared as a Special non-working day (Proc No. 1211) and December 25 (Tuesday) Christmas Day is a regular holiday. So similar to last year, we have a 4 day Christmas holiday from December 22, Saturday to December 25, Tuesday.
8. New Year Holiday . December 29, Saturday until January 1, Tuesday is another 4 day holiday weekend. It is best that you just take leave during the entire last week of December so enjoy an almost 12 day holiday!
Here is a complete list of the 2007 Phil Regular Holidays and Non-Working Days...
2007 Phil regular holidays and non-working days
January 1 (Monday) New Year's Day (regular holiday)
April 5 (Thursday) Holy Thursday (regular holiday)
April 6 (Friday) Good Friday (regular holiday)
April 7 (Saturday) Special (non-working day - Procl No. 1211)
April 9 (Monday) Bataan Day (Araw ng Kagitingan) (regular holiday)
May 1 (Tuesday) Labor Day (regular holiday)
May 14 (Monday) National Elections!
June 11 (Monday) In lieu of June 12, Independence Day (regular holiday - Procl No. 1211))
August 21 (Tuesday) Ninoy Aquino Day (special holiday)
August 26 (Sunday) National Heroes' Day (regular holiday)
November 1 (Thursday) All Saints' Day (special holiday)
November 2 (Friday) Special (non-working day – Proc No. 1211)
November (no date yet) Eidl Feitre or End of Ramadan (usually in November)
November 30 (Friday) Bonifacio Day (regular holiday)
December 24 (Monday) Special (non-working day – Proc No. 1211)
December 25 (Tuesday) Christmas Day (regular holiday)
December 30 (Sunday) Rizal Day (regular holiday)
December 31(Monday) Last Day of the Year (special holiday)
Here is a tip to save money on your next awesome travel. You should book your travel way ahead in advance especially if you plan to leverage the Philippines Holidays this year. We have longer weekend holidays this 2007 and this is the time for you to go to the best places in the Philippines !
1. Longest Holy Week Vacation. This year's Holy Week is the longest because Easter Monday is also a holiday because it coincides with the Bataan Day (April 9, Monday). Book your travel Vacation now during the Holy Week Season: April 1, Palm Sunday and April Fool's Day to April 9, Easter Monday and Bataan Day. File your leave now for April 2, 3, 4!
2. Labor Day Holiday . The second long holiday is from April 28, Sunday to May 1, Tuesday Labor Day. You need to file a leave for April 30 but it will be a leave well taken. Boracay is the perfect place for this long weekend so start booking your hotel in Bora! Also, remember that May is an elections month so better take your vacation before the election on May 14, 2nd Monday of May.
3. Independence Day Long Weekend. Take advantage of June 9, Saturday to June 11, Monday (regular holiday in lieu of June 12). No need to take a vacation since this is a 3 day weekend. It starts to rain already during this time, but still a perfect time for the last minute summer getaway.
4. Ninoy Aquino Holiday. August 21, is a special holiday which falls on a tuesday this year. So you just need to leave on August 20, and you already have a 4 day weekend from August 18, Saturday to August 21, Tuesday. It is difficult to fly during this time since this is in the middle of typhoon season. This is perfect time to start Surfing or White Water Rafting.
5. Halloween Vacation. Yes, another 4 day weekend without taking a leave. November 1 (Thursday) All Saints' Day is a special holiday and November 2 (Friday) is a Special non-working day (Proc No. 1211). So, take advantage of the Cebu Pacific Crazy Fares during this time from Nov. 1, Thursday to November 4, Sunday. Yahoo!
6. Eidl Feitre or End of Ramadan. This is usually in November but there is no date yet. Anybody knows when the end of Ramadan this year?
7. Christmas Season 4 day Holiday . December 24 (Monday) is declared as a Special non-working day (Proc No. 1211) and December 25 (Tuesday) Christmas Day is a regular holiday. So similar to last year, we have a 4 day Christmas holiday from December 22, Saturday to December 25, Tuesday.
8. New Year Holiday . December 29, Saturday until January 1, Tuesday is another 4 day holiday weekend. It is best that you just take leave during the entire last week of December so enjoy an almost 12 day holiday!
Here is a complete list of the 2007 Phil Regular Holidays and Non-Working Days...
2007 Phil regular holidays and non-working days
January 1 (Monday) New Year's Day (regular holiday)
April 5 (Thursday) Holy Thursday (regular holiday)
April 6 (Friday) Good Friday (regular holiday)
April 7 (Saturday) Special (non-working day - Procl No. 1211)
April 9 (Monday) Bataan Day (Araw ng Kagitingan) (regular holiday)
May 1 (Tuesday) Labor Day (regular holiday)
May 14 (Monday) National Elections!
June 11 (Monday) In lieu of June 12, Independence Day (regular holiday - Procl No. 1211))
August 21 (Tuesday) Ninoy Aquino Day (special holiday)
August 26 (Sunday) National Heroes' Day (regular holiday)
November 1 (Thursday) All Saints' Day (special holiday)
November 2 (Friday) Special (non-working day – Proc No. 1211)
November (no date yet) Eidl Feitre or End of Ramadan (usually in November)
November 30 (Friday) Bonifacio Day (regular holiday)
December 24 (Monday) Special (non-working day – Proc No. 1211)
December 25 (Tuesday) Christmas Day (regular holiday)
December 30 (Sunday) Rizal Day (regular holiday)
December 31(Monday) Last Day of the Year (special holiday)
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Stamp You Very Much
I'm slowly being give more and more responsibility at work, the most recent o whichis the authority to Stap Things. This, of course, comes with other responsibilities more integral to the running of the business but unfortunatel, they're not as fun as Stamping.
I'm to get my own Stamp and Stamp Pad, and starting tomorrow, I'll have tha authority to Stamp Important Documents, like what they do in cstoms, except I'll have no important people to accidentally harass or extort from.
Already I have visions of Stamping everything I see in the office, starting with my forehead, because it's convenient. I could get used to this.
I'm to get my own Stamp and Stamp Pad, and starting tomorrow, I'll have tha authority to Stamp Important Documents, like what they do in cstoms, except I'll have no important people to accidentally harass or extort from.
Already I have visions of Stamping everything I see in the office, starting with my forehead, because it's convenient. I could get used to this.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Bill and Ted Preach the Gospel
Today's message in church (my first time on a Wednesday) was about The Most Excellent Way. Looks like we don't give William S. Preston, Esquire and Ted Theodore Logan enough credit in terms of evangelization, even though their philosophy basically revolves around 1 Cor 1-13, the verse tackled in the message.
For those who have forgotten their Sunday School (or cathecism classes), 1 Cor 1-13 contains the famous "love verse" -- love is patient, love is kind, etc., which has been used to woo many a beau. The verse isn't aout romantic love at all, but about love as the greates virtue of all, hence, "the most excellent way." No matter how holy, great or virtuous you are, all of that menas nothing without love. In Bill and Ted speak, anything done without love would be heinous. More tha that, it would be non non heinous. Maybe even non non non non heinous.
So go out tere and show some love -- it's the most excellent way.
For those who have forgotten their Sunday School (or cathecism classes), 1 Cor 1-13 contains the famous "love verse" -- love is patient, love is kind, etc., which has been used to woo many a beau. The verse isn't aout romantic love at all, but about love as the greates virtue of all, hence, "the most excellent way." No matter how holy, great or virtuous you are, all of that menas nothing without love. In Bill and Ted speak, anything done without love would be heinous. More tha that, it would be non non heinous. Maybe even non non non non heinous.
So go out tere and show some love -- it's the most excellent way.
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