MOAP

The park is located in Libertad Bajo, Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental approximately half an hour drive from the heart of Ozamiz city. The park's land area is 8 hectares (if my memory is right) 80% is water and 20% is earth.

It is a best venue for relaxation, meetings and wildlife escapades. The park has a mini zoo that houses several flora and fauna designed inside the mangrove swamps.

Facilities:

Fish ponds plus boating facilities
Boating (P20/hour)

Function Halls
  Function Hall 1 - P500 for 8 hours (50 pax max cap)
  Ramiro’s Hall – P1000 for 8 hours (120 pax max cap)
  with Sound System

Restaurant - 150 seats max cap
  Have a late afternoon Sunset-inspired dinner of seafood and other native delis

Hotels and Cottages
  Dormitory Type Accommodation – 50 pax max capacity P250/pax
  Superior Room
  Suite Rooms

Dolphin Island
  Restaurant
  Dolphin Cove
  Wide Fish pen in the middle of the Ocean
  Sandbar Cottages
  Snorkeling – P100/hour with flippers
  Kayaking – P100/hour for 2 persons

Glass-bottomed Boats (P30/pax)
  MOAP Boat 1 – Max. Cap. 10 pax
  MOAP Boat 2 – Max. Cap. 20 pax

I had several memories of this place developed and maintained by the provincial government of Misamis Occidental under the leadership of Gov. Leo Ocampos. The same governor that holds the title Most Outstanding Governor of the Philippines for two consecutive years (tama ba ako). He is at the same time President of the Gov'nors League of the Phil. Way back in college years, the place had been our sanctuary. For leadership seminars, meetings, and elections. And i'm not gonna go into details baka isipin nyo may halong prostitusyon na naman itong post ko..hehehehhe.

Here are some of the casts of the mini zoo.
  

The hotel/Cottage:

The restaurant and Dolphin island.

Convention center/Function rooms.

That's up for today. Soon pag nakauwi ako, kasali na ako sa mga pics na yan! :D

Photo credits: issavalles, Ian Joseph L. Abasolo, and MissOcc website.

A - Available/Single? - single, not necessarily available (~:"
B - Best Friend? - Coy; and RTD for my daily dose of laughter.
C - Cake or Pie? - cake! I'm proud of my carrot cake (~:"
D - Drink Of Choice? - either San Mig Light or bottomless pineapple juice
E – Essential Item You Use Everyday? - toothbrush, mobile phone
F - Favourite Colour? - black and blue
G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? - gummy bears, they have more bite, which I like
H - Hometown? - Ozamiz, land of promise
I - Indulgence? - CHOCOLATE
J - January Or February? - February, because I'd still be paying off debt from Christmas by January. ( and I am not alone! click on this link for an amusing related post, thanks to Martin of Inevitable Karma)
K - Kids & Their Names? - no kids of my own. But I have a favorite nephew, Nathanne Hugh (in photo)
L - Life Is Incomplete Without? - Faith, Family, Friends, Fun
M - Marriage date? - not in the near future (~:"
N - Number Of Siblings? - 3 brothers- Nides, Iolan and Uly. I'm eldest
O - Oranges Or Apples? - I love both, but I like juicy oranges better
P - Phobias/Fears? - heights, closed spaces, crowds
Favourite Quote? - "when I'm good I'm very good, when I'm bad I'm even better."
R - Reason to Smile? - life is sweet, God is good, and Nathanne
S - Season? - summer in the Philippines, because it doesn't rain as much, which I hate
T - Tag people? - Bam (because I wanted to get back for tagging me earlier :-) ), Heuey (THE meme guy),  and Eugene
U - Unknown Fact About Me? - I survived being born at 3.3 lbs
V - Vegetable you don’t like? - anything too green and leafy
W - Worst Habit? - I procrastinate
X - X-rays You’ve Had? - teeth, left wrist, chest
Y - Your Favourite Food? - CHOCOLATE, my mother's spaghetti, pizza, sushi
Z – Zodiac Sign? - Leo. meaowww.... oops!

Still, I can't complain much.  The orthodontics training is halfway through. The old folks are enjoying their dream vacation. The "wayward" bro decided to go back to school, and has enrolled in his choice of study. The favorite nephew is a bundle of pleasant surprises and pride, day in and out. The sis-in-law's niece/adopted little sister is unwell, but has a sure chance of recovering sooner...

Today I decided to reconcile with someone, and it's overwhelming how this singular act seems to have opened for a flood of forgiveness over transgressions done by others too. I am at peace.

I won't be this grateful hadn't there been upsets and adversities earlier. And with the way things are right now, I am blessed, more than I have asked for.

[audio http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/8/20/1364174/Best%20Days%20-%20Juice.mp3]

Best Days  (Juice)

Am I happy - maybe not
But I never wanna lose what I got
I wouldn't trade it for anything dear to my heart, oh no
You take the good times with the bad
How else would you know happy from sad
Sooner or later
Youre gonna have to finally look back
And you'll look back and see
What happened in between
And you'll appreciate
Each and every single day
*The pop of the cork
And the cling of the glasses
We toast to the future
And we drink to the past
It might not be easy
But nevertheless
These are the best days (of our lives)
Sometimes the weather can be rain
But one day it will be sunny again
Without the clouds of life
It's just another sunny day
Repeat*
These are the times
That I will never forget
These are the best days (of our lives)
And you'll look back and see
What happened in between
And you'll appreciate
Each and every single day
Repeat*
It might not be easy
But nevertheless
These are the best days (of our lives)

My five-year-old nephew threw a fit tonight and all because he made one mistake over his spelling. We were waiting for someone to have dinner with and while at it, his papa played a spelling game with him and his cousins. One of them got two, the other got none right, while our Hughie got four out of five. It took him the whole time fussing about it, up until we got to the dimsum house. From the surprise at seeing him get teary-eyed because he didn't get 100% correct, to the amusement at hearing him blame his papa for giving them a difficult word and his declaration that it was his father who couldn't spell right, to the annoyance at all the hysteric he was making... our attempts at telling him that it is alright to make a mistake just wouldn't calm him down - he sure got us all thinking.

After dinner, we asked him to spell the offending word again. If only to drive to him that he can learn from making mistakes. This time he got it right, and a huge smile it was that we got, and banter away he did like he didn't get us so stressed earlier.

It leaves me wondering now how frustrating it must be for his mother (who takes care of him full time) and his teachers at prep school whenever this happens, and what they do to deal with it. Perhaps constant reassurance that it's ok, because it may take long before he gets to understand and appreciate it.

I've noticed he takes offense when he doesn't get something right the first time, too. And my suspicion is, he expects the same from others, be they his friends, or us adults with him. He doesn't like to get back to old lessons as well. The slightest disappointment gets him wailing... sulking...

Do these sound familiar to you?

I just hope it's a passing stage, as I can imagine how debilitating it can be to his learning. So far, so good. He's starting kinder 2 tomorrow.

The credible acting, beautiful scenery, apt music, its revelation of a culture largely unfamiliar, the light and simplified presentation of an otherwise complex subject matter, the uncontrived humor --- all made for viewing that draws the viewer into the story of an adolescent Ag-ap, wanting to leave his village to pursue a perceived better life outside of it. If only he has a good pair of shoes. Personally, its allegory struck a cord in me, the promdi professional stuck in small city Oz.

I find it ironic that on commercial breaks, the station showed PBA adverts extolling its new and upcoming stars, who are mostly Fil-Am, judging by the accented Tagalog. I'm not a big fan of basketball, more so with PBA. I'd rather watch NBA where, for me, the real hoop action is. I have nothing against the PBA drafting "foreign" players. If they can deliver, well and good. And at least, they're acknowledging their Philippine roots. But I'd be happier if it looks into the potentials of young Filipino men in the provinces, who dream just as high and can achieve bigger things if given the chance, the proper programs to develop them and ensure continuity. There should be, there could be, but they must be ineffective. Otherwise we won't have to look for athletes from beyond our shores.

In saying this, I am showing partiality towards homegrown players. This, because I am thinking that imports are already better off, and have the edge of doing better in life and not just in basketball, compared to their provincial/local counterparts. I am not familiar with the backgrounds of these Fil-Ams, but having at least one foot on good old US of A is an advantage in case things don't work out fine here in RP. The local boys only have pitiable classrooms, extended families and bogus leaders to fall back on. Correct me if I'm so wrong.

...wala lang... naisip ko lang.

I've been tagged by Chuck, and before I run out of bloggies to pass it to, I better do this STAT. I've got a few more pending. There's one that I had promised to do by Independence Day, but other things got in the way. And then I only noticed recently (through my Incoming Links section) that Jim and Jonas had tagged me as well. I've answered a similar tag earlier though. There are more, but those have passed their time, I guess.

The supposed title to this is "Ten Things I Hate", but I find the term hate too strong. Let's just say things I don't agree with, or least like.

FOOD: Most fresh water fish. They stink, and I don't know why but the smell makes me feel like I'm eating either dirt or rust. Not that I've eaten those before. And I specially don't like it when fish is stewed/ in broth. What's the point? Take a fish out of the water, kill it and put it back to float? And have you tried ostrich meat? It was like eating cardboard. Curiosity got me trying carabeef before, it's pungent. (parang hindi nag deodorant si Enteng Kalabaw)

FRUITS: Tiesa. The color, the texture, smell, the taste.... everything is wrong about it. Marang. It makes me nauseous. It is sweet, but it smells like overripe... well, fruit. While most people abhor durian, I don't. I don't even find the odor offensive.

VEGGIES: I used to skip the veggies, but since I had to go on a diet I've learned to like them. It's an acquired taste, I suppose, but only if they're steamed, and stir-fried. My father is Ilocano but I can never understand his appetite for dinengdeng. The soup base looks like someone washed his dirty laundry with it. I know I'm missing something when I see him savor what he makes, enough to feed six, in one sitting. I can only name a few vegetables that I haven't learned to like... alugbati and saluyot come to mind. And that gourd they make into loofahs? (I have forgotten the local name. Patola, it is, says Antuken) The mere mention of these makes me shudder.

PEOPLE: Backstabbers. Fair weather friends. People who only think of benefiting from a relationship. A few incompetent slowpokes at city hall/ in civil service. Social climbers who have no clue over where they're at and what they're doing. People who disturb/invade my peace and privacy. I am not a loner, just autistic self-contained, and I value my personal space. But I'm friendly.

EVENT/SITUATION/INCIDENT: When I'm made to do things and I'm not prepared. I like to take my time looking into details. But it seems that many achievements I'm most proud of came about when I'm rushed to beat a deadline. I don't know why.

TV SHOWS/MOVIES: I'm quoting Azrael on this, "Wowowee, just coz of the host. I firmly believe he’s a dick." Then there's Kokey. He/it looks like a moving piece of sh**. Deal or No Deal, because of Kris Aquino. She's irritating when she wants the attention all to herself. I don't know why she is hosting? Just look at the big difference between her and Edu Manzano in Pilipinas, Game KNB? Not much talent there. She just thrives on intriga, either about her or her unwilling and helpless contestants. She and Ruffa must like dinengdeng. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, because of the Oompah Loompah. I wanted to puke.

MUSIC: The cursing and profanity in rap. Country music, except for LeeAnn Rhymes (she's cute, and I love her songs). It makes me feel like I'm in a pub, alone. So alone.

HOUSEHOLD CHORES: Everything.

THINGS AROUND THE WORLD: War, and all acts of violence. In this day and age, when man should have already learned the lessons of wars past, we're still at it. Because some still feel supreme, as others feel threatened. Because even as the world becomes smaller, we fail to recognize that our differences should make life enriched, rather than conflicted. All forms of abuse. Drug trafficking. Third world woes.

And then there are the likes of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. Be afraid. Be very afraid for our children.

THINGS ABOUT MYSELF: I procrastinate. I can get over-confident with myself, of what I can do. And then expect too much, so that when I don't measure up, I get extremely disappointed and frustrated, losing interest altogether. That should explain why I have a lot of unfinished business in my to-do list. Also, my temper flares up when I'm overwhelmed. When I'm in such a mood, beware... I lash out if people talk to me, if not give them the look.

 

Now, the fun part. Since lately I've been bloghopping (and made friends with) over fellow Bisaya bloggers' pages, I'm spreading it to them...

Tinuod nga Botbot, Geda, Radueriel, Doc Norwin, Nep, Michael, GirlfromDipolog, Chase , Carlota and Jerry. Do as you please, guys... write as is, or in Bisaya. That would be interesting.

I had the chance to attend my alma mater's Central Student Council induction last Saturday, August 11th. I am faculty adviser to the College of Dentistry's student council anyway, and my dean asked me to go on his behalf.

Going has become a yearly habit, and nothing much has changed in the program. We were also in the same venue, ate the same food, saw the same people. It has become humdrum, dreary, uninteresting for me. The saving grace was seeing and hearing Misamis Occidental governor Leo Ocampos, who is a product of and has taught in the same school, and was my mentor during my few years as student leader. This charismatic man persuades through his outright sense of humor. He doesn't give lengthy speeches, he just jokes. And without anyone knowing it, we're nodding in agreement.

I couldn't agree more with his points on being proactive, rather than reactive.

Even to this day, student leadership is often associated with protests and mass action against the perennial TF hike and other issues, very express and showy means of opposition and appeal for support. During my earlier stages of involvement, I did those, too. If only because my company were impassioned with it, being idealistic and young. Shall I say naive?

But I never enjoyed rhetorics, and I preferred to work without much fanfare. And as I progressed and finally had my chance at the reins, I found that these are largely exercises in futility. People may turn affirmative about the cause, but most tend to distance themselves from direct involvement. Then one is left with an audience who are in it just for the thrill of chaos. More importantly, it is repulsed by the party at the other end, and they retaliate. If not punish.

Very ineffective. Disappointingly unproductive. No win-win resolution.

My term then must be one of utter blah! They saw no action. Some may have even seen me and my gang as "pro-admin".

I had become familiar with the school's higher-ups, too familiar in fact I saw the school president while he was in his pyjamas. To the chagrin of a few administrative officers who thought I was by-passing their authority.

Well, excuse me, but if I had to go through them chances are problems won't be heard, merely covered-up, ironed out just to make things look good. And I was welcomed by the president himself, my student body's concerns listened to, considered by him, and a lot of them addressed in our favor. And we were all happy.

Maybe Sir Leo, as we fondly call the governor, sees this, too and meant to tell us more about it. We were just lost in the banter.

I wonder though, what he can say about working under GMA's wing?

Click on photo to view my pictures of the induction.

Blogging can be a demanding commitment, too. If only because readership stats taking a steady dive isn't a pleasant thing to see. Even if I had earlier on told myself that it's mainly for leisure, and that I can't be pressured. I lost much opportunity for link love when I failed to join the recently concluded Top Ten Emerging Influential Blogs of 2007. I got nominations from Jim and Massa P, and hadn't procrastination set in, could have had fun at least. I can never be at par with those who won, but being in the list on its first two weeks was exciting, and being recognized by two of my most favored bloggers was gratifying.

The piled up memes, tag games and invitation posts, are another story. Getting them sure gets me worked up. But putting ideas into writing needed more push. I guess I should have paid more attention in Mrs. Andoy's Journalism class. And Mrs. Gamotin's S-V, S-V-O, S-V-IO-O chant shouldn't have been boring! And maybe, I shouldn't aim so much to impress.

Regretful and repentant, I'm back. :P

The title is inspired by a phrase found in a submitted article at Nakanampucha!

Care for some cake?

Well, ok, this wasn't my birthday cake. But the idea came as an afterthought, after all of it was already gone. Right out of the blue, after quite a long hiatus, I felt the urge to write about the surprise party, the cake and the people who were with me. I was specially touched by the gesture, it made me hale and hearty enough to spring back from the slump and blog again.

I had no plan of making a fuss about turning older. In fact, I dreaded the thought of it. I was cool with being 35 last year, but 36!?! How close is that to 75!?! It felt like I have crossed the defining line between young and old. I was hoping nobody would remember, except my family, of course. My father's birthday comes the day after mine, and as he never enjoys parties, we both are used to celebrating it in silence. I was fine about the thought that it should be over soon without anyone noticing.

After spending the entire day at the clinic, I had a quick dinner with my family, brought some ice cream and then decided to go out. The city was peculiarly quiet for a Saturday night and I figured it must be because the usual night people were home for voters' registration the previous day and were enjoying a longer weekend. As there's nothing much to see or do, I opted to catch the last full show at the cinema and see Ratatouille, alone.

So they waited 'til past 9:00 o'clock. Good thing my sister-in-law baked. Her chocolate cake has made it to the local grapevine, and we heard, even to the States (sent as a gift by a politician patron). The less discerning often gets it confused with that which is made by a popular caterer/bakeshop here, and only because it looks almost the same. Which she must change, should she decide to make a real business out of it. Because it tastes way better. At least they had something to do and talk about, the cake (I hope), and not me (don't people just love talking about the one who isn't there?).

An impromptu party it was, when I came. I don't believe Robert and Welmie came from Pagadian City just for it, but the thought of them remembering, going out of their way to gather a few others closest to me, and celebrate wasn't bad at all. Marvin and Rosa Lyn took us to their new home and graciously hosted, giving the others a chance to see and admire it. Architect Yancey (who designed the house, and lives right next to it) came with his wife, my brother Iolan and his small family came with me. Party fare was odd, we just dropped by the fruit stall -- the women couldn't resist the wafting smell of ripe jackfruit, and buko/coconut (of all things!) -- and the nearest convenience store for cheap wine and beer. Entertainment was videoke, the kids, and gossip.

So there. It was simple, it was brief. But everything and everyone I value most and want were there... friends who care, the family I cherish, life's modest pleasures... I never asked, but was given. It got us together after some time, to catch up on what's new, and even had us recalling the old. No, that doesn't refer to me, of course. :-)

Click on photo for more.

Friends.

Smiles.

Love.

Dreams.

Sunshine.

Wind.

Joy.

BlueSky.

Tears.

Words.

Reasons.

People.

Life.

YOU.

Just counting my blessings.

A text message received from a friend this morning.

I'm off to church... 

Distraction out, I have yet to recover and get warmed up again to blogging. But a comment from broadcast journalist Adrian Ayalin got me checking out his newer entries, and the article on naked out-of-school youth protests did strike a chord. I was in my alma mater's student council for some time. This topic deserves a better treatment, but you'll have to forgive if I just give a rundown of random thoughts. Forgive my title, too. My mind still lingers on the pasalubong chocolate and designer watch. Kalat. :-)

To my knowledge, we have yet to have a Magna Carta of Students to define and guide over the issue on existence and breadth of the right to accessible education and its balance with the educational institutions' necessary academic freedoms. Students are finding it harder to get and maintain an education, as yearly tuition fee increases by 10% may be too prohibitive for most. It could be higher for some schools, particularly private tertiary institutions as the Commission on Higher Education has suspended its own directives which limit these hikes. Schools, on their part, need to raise in order to survive and keep up with the demands of an supposedly progressive system.

It's easy to agree that those who can afford go to private and exclusive schools, while those who can't, as most Filipinos, go public. But the irony is that, the Philippines relies much on private schools to meet the need for higher education. And as the government's budget for education remains insufficient, the quality that must be had in the public school system is affected. Primary and secondary public schools are basically free, but do they still give the kind of education that people hope and deserve to have?

Is education a right? Is it a privilege? Is it both? Or does a line drawn between them exist?

Teaching at a local university, I am appalled at the inability of many, if not most, of the newer batches of students to carry out simple tasks (requiring basic skills) for college work. I don't believe I belong to a Jurassic generation, but I also sense a different set of values and attitude among them, of changed priorities. I had earlier attributed this to the fact that many come from barangay/municipal high schools, but then conversations with colleagues from Manila and larger cities all lead to the same comment. I just hope that these "kids" are aware of, appreciate and hold responsibility for the right and privilege they have been given, and from which these arguments about education stem.

Schools are encouraged to meet with students regarding tuition hikes and other policies, but these "consultations" often turn out to be just venues for them to announce an already decided matter. Given this, and considering they do have valid reasons to increase, students can only anticipate and be vigilant about welcome improvements in instruction, in the facilities, and the campus in general.

Our culture sees tertiary education as the means to having a better life. Unfortunately, not many are suited for it, and a lot of those who are capable opt to enrol in courses they won't be practicing here. Later, they either apply for jobs abroad, at call centers, or rather audition for PBB and the likes. I have to say that, as I have known a few who are too taken in by the perceived glamour of certain jobs, and would see these as the only other option/s to, yes, finding employment abroad.

The Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park is the province's best bet for eco-tourism, and boasts of a mangrove forest, a mini zoo, an ostrich farm, fish hatcheries, marine reserve, boat rides, fresh seafood, and beach frolic.

The best part of it was Dolphin Island, a short boat ride away, where the real fun is at. There's a sanctuary for dolphins open for public viewing, and which the kids loved. I counted ten, and of different species. I was told these were bottlenose and pantropical spotted dolphins, and a single false killer whale.

There's a pristine white sand beach that goes with the tide, where one can either just stroll, get a tan, take a dip, or go kayaking. We opted to snorkel and feed the fish. What joy it was to be that close to so much colorful fish and coral! Having swarms of fish eating right out of your hand is a one-of-a-kind encounter I won't soon forget. I wish I had a camera I could take underwater.

I was hoping to go on a vacation before the summer ends, but then I guess this short break was enough to refresh and rejuvenate. Friends have been inviting me to Boracay, and even Dakak, but I would definitely suggest this new discovery. Besides being enjoyable for the whole family, it is nearer, there is no heavy traffic and crowds to deal with, and all these come at a fraction of the cost of the traditional getaways.

Here are links to get you interested. :-)

MOAP poster and travel info

Sunstar article about the MOAP

my holiday photos

Sadly, we lost Yoyoy to cardiac arrest on Friday, May 18, 2007.

In Memoriam.

Me: Yes, they are.

Nephew: And isn't grandpa my papa's father, too? And grandma my papa's mom?

Me: Yes, of course. That makes me and your papa, brothers.

Nephew: You are both their babies?

Me: We used to be their babies, just like you were your mama and papa's.

Nephew: Why do you fight a lot? People here fight much...

It took me some time to realize that he was referring to the occasional, casual disagreements in the household, which may have had us raising voices. When impassioned, we sometimes do. Even if the issue is as trivial as Kris Aquino's lovelife, on whether Maria Flordeluna's storyline was changed from that which starred Janice, NBA upsets, or most recently, why Chiz should be voted for. I tried to explain to him that we weren't actually quarreling, we never do.

But what difference does it make to a four-year-old?

MAY 5, 2005: A counselor in red soccer jersey & his team brought me to It Works! After hours, I was transferred to LS for detoxification. On May 9th, monday, I started Day 1 and attended my 1st A A Meeting. Thank You for helping me... Today, I am two (2) years CLEAN & SOBER...

My brother sent this text message to me this morning. I wanted to say, "how time flies!", but taking his perspective, these two years of daily struggle against drug addiction has been a long, challenging crawl through the tunnel's end.

All that happened about his healing still remain fresh, etched in memory, to serve as a battery of lessons about life, love and family.

The family never expected it to happen to anyone among us. We saw no reason for him to get into it. He didn't either. Like the rest of them. Nobody intends to get caught into its trap. Lucky are those who are able to get away from it after the first few tries, or are able to occasionally have its thrill without discernible harm. Maybe it just isn't their thing. But for most, the promise of temporal pleasure is just too hard to ignore and let pass. And it doesn't take long to get hooked, even before they know it. By then it will be too late to see that there is no sense in playing Russian roulette with life.

When he was deep in it, he recalls having bouts of depression and self-pity, of wanting to get out yet not knowing how to. Of not having the strength to break free. There were instances when we would worry because he seldom got out of his room for days. His demeanor changed overtime, becoming irritable, easily provoked, manipulative. His hygiene dived to the gutters. Things around the house began to mysteriously disappear and I learned to habitually lock my room.

Initially, for the family, there was denial. There were hunches, there were glaring clues, but we kept mum. Then my parents dared to talk to him about it, only to be plead that he be given time to quit. This to me was the most painful part because they were giving him money, and we knew where that was going to. Still we kept our opinions to ourselves. It was only when Tatay resolved to have him picked up for rehab when we found the courage to talk openly about it. I remember feeling angry towards father for not telling us about the plan. I gave him the silent treatment for days. But looking back, that was the best thing to do, as telling anybody could have leaked it and driven my brother away. To where and what it could have led him remains to be a grim prospect.

The treatment period was three months, but it was suggested that we treat it as a life long commitment to rehab. It was not just him who got into therapy, actually. The whole family was involved. We went to weekend counseling, too. In these sessions, we learned about how little we know and how wrong these ideas were about addiction and addicts.

Like us, most people have misconceptions about addicts - generally misinformed, unkind if not apathetic, or frightened and angry. But above everything else, they are victims, unwilling, and in need of help. And anyone can be an addict to anything. It is the expression to this tendency which varies - people could have the compulsion to use drugs, alcohol, sex, games, work, the internet, shopping, food... anything to give them instant gratification, to the detriment of other things. It hampers productivity, undermines relationships, distresses health. Addicts may mention a whole gamut of reasons why they get into the habit, some even justify, but nobody likes the feeling of losing control over one's choices. And they never fancy the lamentable mess they are in.

What they need is a chance to get away from its grasp, forcibly if needed, and be kept away from it tenaciously. They need a steady hand to hold, a strong shoulder to lean on, someone unwavering to fall back on. Of course, there has to be willpower on their part, the desire to change. But this takes patience and time, and often, force. There is a need to change old habits and attitudes of those around them, like family and friends, and a need to change their environment so that it reinforces sobriety. It may seem like a lot of effort is required, but it is doable. While working at it, the family gets to see benefits. It did draw us closer than ever. It broke communication barriers. It made us realize how important each one of us is to everyone. It made us appreciate even the smallest, simplest things anyone of us could do for each other. It got us praying.

My brother is fortunate that the family has been with him all the way. But support is not the sole responsibility of the family. A society that is forgiving, compassionate, open, rational and proactive could very much aid in keeping them clean and sober by the day.

One day at a time - that's what they were told at rehab and constantly reminded of in their regular meetings - for how long it gets sustained can also depend on how ready we are to embrace them and make them functional, contributing citizens once again.

These may be useful to some:

It Works!

Tinago, Ozamiz City

Telephone: (088) 521-1281/ +639189361388

Mr. Rene Francisco (Program Director)

New Living solutions Chemical Dependency Treatment Center

Purok 3, Brngy Sto. Nino, Agusan Del Norte

Pedro Llesis (Administrative Comptroller)/ 09214149469

Ulysses Anteola (Head Counselor)/ 09193586177

Yes, I'll be silent on April 30. But will probably be for the rest of the week, too. It's annual convention time and I'm off to Manila. Just when the thrill of rising stats is giving me impetus to write more and better (hopefully), I have to drop it. I am not sure if it's possible for me to blog through my phone, let alone find time to do it.

Earlier I had no intention of going. This yearly trip used to be pleasant for me, exciting the probinsyano in me. I've always gone every May, but this year I wanted to give it a rest. And give my coffers a rest. I would be more positive about going if only my usual routine be changed. While there, I hardly get to fully appreciate the lectures, or even take a quick stroll at the trade fair to check on new products. It has always been running from one meeting to the next - dialogues, plenary sessions, what-have-you... and attending to other tasks I've been delegated to by my local dental chapter.

I've always been the easy target, nay, martyr - being single and being one of the younger members of the group - and it doesn't feel like I'm holding an office any more. I've become more of an errand guy. And it sucks! Specially when I am reminded that I'll be alone in Manila for one whole week, while the rest are left at home raking in the moolah. As my pockets bleed from taxi rides, and hotel rooms, and barongs presses, and fastfood breakfasts. It's just not fair. I'd be happier if they'd come and attend even a few seminars.

Anyway, I just had to let that out. This time around, I've become jaded enough to know and choose which duties to do or functions to go to. And I've got company - yay! there are two of us coming. Yes, two.

Looking at the better side of things, I've learned much from it. I've gone to places I wouldn't have fancied before. I've met some of the best people in my league, even made good friendships.

So until then.

A couple of lady friends literally dragged me into buying them each a pair of rubber thongs - cheap imitation of Havaianas. I couldn't complain. A pair costs only P37.50 and because the request came from two trendy, label-conscious people who profess to shopping as a vocation and could actually afford the real thing, I was too happy to indulge.

But there's a snag. They insisted that I buy for myself, too. Fine.

But jusnapaynepol! All had floral insoles! In bright, sunshiny yellow, Barbie pink, and scarlet that screams harlot! So they found for me a pair with black straps. Still floral insoles. And the sizes made it obvious that these were for daintier feet. The pair that fit me was a size 10, and I'm at least a size 6 at the men's department.

"Do I really have to get them?" "Yes! Others have friendship bracelets, we have friendship sandals! Oooohhh... I can't wait for the three of us to show these to the rest, on our next [dental society] meeting!".

This followed by thrilled, NO, I'd say disturbing giggles.

Arrrrggghh... women.

"Circle, circle, square, square, now you have it everywhere..."

The local movie house, Colossus Cineplex, is showing it simultaneously with Manila theaters on May 1st, three days ahead of its commercial release in the U.S. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping it gets shown as announced, unlike what happened with 300. The Sparta flick is still on extended run here, by the way. I saw it a couple of weekends ago but ditched blogging a review of it. It didn't come up to expectation - I must have been expecting to see something more gory. Hehehe. I must have been desensitized by previously watching Apocalypto. And come on, blood was spurting on every direction but the Spartans? I just don't fancy the idea of real live actors trying to look like comics. And they could have worked on better dialogues, given the rich material and cinematography.

Anyway, with Spider-Man 3 coming here soon, there still are good things happening in this city, too. :-)

I had the chance to take a few pictures of the rehabilitated Triunfo Shrine this morning, as I had to send a visiting friend off to Cagayan de Oro at the nearby pier. It's a first for me to see it in broad daylight, as the few visits last July were done in the evenings when most of the more interesting fiesta activities were held.

It's a joy (and a source of renewed pride) to see it still kept immaculately clean, when I had expected the usual ningas cogon (the propensity to lose interest over a project which was started with enthusiasm, a decidedly common Filipino trait). I find this important as people coming to Ozamiz via seafaring vessels get to see this, and first impressions do last. The beautification of the shrine as well as the fort was hurried and indiscriminate, I would say. The purist in me screamed sacrilege when they filled missing limestone with concrete. But still, there is much to be praised for. I hope the same could be done for the rest of the city, too... the May elections could be a good start. Change has long been due.

What I know is, Ozamiz became a chartered city way before Cagayan de Oro, but has lagged behind in the most obvious ways. And as if to add insult to injury, this city's name has become synonymous with things abysmally dreadful. Friends coming over almost always question whether the streets are safe. Or mockingly ask, "buhi pa'ng shabu dinha?"(literally, is the meth [industry] still active there?). Talk of politics and Kuratong Baleleng can't be far behind. Dubious about your taxi ride in Manila? Just say you're from Ozamiz and you'll get to your proper destination safe and pronto!

There needs to be change. Hopefully, not only on the superficial. We don't clean by sweeping the dust under the rug, we even beat the rug to get the dirt out. We can clean the Triunfo Shrine all we want, if only to impress and alter perceptions about the city. What for, to attract business? And if they do settle, will they want to stay? Ozamiz, land of promise - it not only sounds good because it rhymes well - but because it also speaks truth about the potential which the city does have. It has a strategic location, and infrastructure ready for further development, and an educated and fervent youth yearning to make a difference. Sans the disabling factors entrenched in its culture - apathy, tolerance to what is clearly wrong and unjust, fear for the powers-that-be, self-interest.

And there has to be more to Bag-ong Ozamiznon than being a mere campaign slogan. It has to be an ideal believed in and shared by us. It is not a privilege which can only be provided for by an advantaged few, but rather a responsibility for all to keep.

click on the thumbnails to see each picture full-size

Anyway, I just wanted to share this joke. It has nothing to do with my nephew, of course.

A little boy was doing his math homework.

He said to himself, “Two plus five, that son of a bitch is seven. Three plus six, that son of a bitch is nine….”

His mother heard what he was saying and gasped, “What are you doing?”

The little boy answered, “I’m doing my math homework, Mum.”

“And this is how your teacher taught you to do it?” the mother asked

“Yes,” he answered.

Infuriated, the mother asked the teacher the next day, “What are you teaching my son in math?”

The teacher replied, “Right now, we are learning addition.”

The mother asked, “And are you teachingthem to say two plus two, that son of a bitch is four?”

After the teacher stopped laughing, she answered, “What I taught them was, two plus two, THE SUM OF WHICH, is four.”

click on this link for source and more kid jokes

I'm not surprised why the pirated cd/dvd tiangges here are thriving, mushrooming into the streets and delaying traffic, while the theaters are left empty (which isn't a bad thing for those on dates, really). These theaters have closed before, temporarily, them citing that there weren't enough audience to keep the business running. I don't buy it. Viewers from as far as Pagadian City come to Ozamiz because they don't have any movie house there. And people from all over the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Lanao provinces come here to do business and recreation.

So the waiting goes on. And while at it, I might as well just jump in on the hype. Here's one kid-friendly trailer. :-)

We are all too aware about what a circus it can become, a serious matter an election may be. The wooing started even before the official campaign period began, with them dropping hints as early as December with their Christmas greetings, to my recall. And for sure it will stretch over and beyond the alloted time.

Understandably, they all have to draw attention to themselves. So the "fiesta" atmosphere. Suddenly, re-electionist X shows terpsichorean prowess, representative wannabe Y sings on tv, and local first lady Z goes hobnobbing with the fish vendors at the wet market. With the photo ops never to be forgotten. And why not hire celebrity to endorse or entertain at their rallies, star appeal commensurate with the audience size or status, of course?

I wouldn't be complaining if only these campaigns could be more informative, allowing me a chance to make a more intelligent decision. A high school batchmate called for a reunion yesterday, but it wasn't an extension to the alumni homecoming last December. He wanted to run for public office and was soliciting for our support. Granting I have known the guy since elementary days, and I know his character, I would like to back him up. Just as the rest of us are willing. But then I'd really appreciate an update on what had happened to him since we parted ways in high school until the time he precipitously showed up last night. All I know is that he is a self-made man, and is relatively known where he chose to set base earlier.

But what about the rest of them in candidacy? They whom I have no personal connection with? How am I supposed to judge objectively if most of what I get from media are drummed up profiles in catchy jingles, each one not much different from the other? And if the news all point to their singular issue (and passion) -- to oust or not to, GMA -- and not necessarily the real concerns of the common Pinoy? When campaigns are reduced to mere venues for grandstanding and for throwing dirt at each other, instead of discussions on much needed reforms? And what about those whose only means to know are limited to traditional tv/radio/print/party rallies?

For us linked to the internet, there are better alternatives. Lists of candidates and interactive guides can be found at Wikipedia, Candidates.com, Inquirer.net, Pulitika.net, to name a few. A profile list of senatoriables is provided here.

How else can we know them? Feel free to add.

(sorry for my non-Bisaya readers... but just read along, it's not too hard to get to the gist of the post really. Or you can ask.)

You know you're BISDAK when........

1. You feel insulted when a non-Bisdak ridicules someone by saying "bisaya", but it's okay if another Bisdak uses it to another Bisdak, as in "ah, bisaya-a pud oy!".

2. You feel proud when Matud Nila is sung and you sing along with it bisan dili nimo memorize.

3. Hibal-an nimo kung unsa ang "habal-habal" bisan wala pa ka kasakay niani ug siyempre pa ang "sikad".

4. Common usages kung ga-tinagalog: the use of "kuwan" as interjection ang superlative nga pirmi gamiton mao ang "masyado", i.e., maingay masyado, sobra masyado, bilisan mo masyado (read: paspasi lagi) adunay tendency nga pulihan lang ang "o" or "a" og "i", i.e., ang atop into atip, ang kan-on into kan-in, ang sud-an into sud-in ug ang utan into...

5. You know what "itlog mo 'noy orange" means.

6. You know that the karaang "bayle" aron mamahimong modern gipulihan na og "disco" - discoral.

7. Aduna kay hibaw-an nga at least usa ka kanta ni Yoyoy Villame or Max Surban bisan sa tono lang.

8. You can use varied terms of endearment for friends and relatives ? Like bay, parts, paparts, migo, kabs (kababayan), parekoy, pareng, choy, higala, kid, gaw, gaweks, manoy, nong, inse, ditse, iyo, iya, palangga, pangga, gang.

9. You call someone "Inday" and/or "Dodong" as a term of affection and hate it when other non-bisdak use the term as if its a title given for a househelp.

10. You know what "maning-hag" is?

11. You know Vino Kulafu and Fighter Wine... sometimes you even know its jingle!

12. Instead of Stork, you chose Snowbear menthol candy or you buy Timbura when you mean Corniks.

13. You're familiar with the brand Loalde in clothing.

14. You crave for inun-unan, paklay, halang-halang, law-oy, kinilaw, ginamos, bulad, binignit (tabirak), sikwate paresan sa puto maya.

15. Esteban Escudero and Golyat are folk heroes.

16. Handumanan sa Usa ka Awit is closer to your heart than Maalaala Mo Kaya on TV.

17. You know what HITACHI means (Himantayon, Tabian, Chismosa).

18. SUTUKIL is as common as TAPSI, in fact you know that SUTUKIL came first.

19. Your common pulutan for Tuba drinking is "TARGET" - as in nga targeton lang nimo sa imong tudlo.

20. You have at least once in your lifetime experienced "Ang Mysterio sa Paglawig sa Barko Padulong Manila", a phenomenon that when the boat is approaching Manila, everybody around you suddenly becomes Tagalog speaking. Nga adtong miaging adlaw lang pwerting bisaya pa ninyo!

21. You whisper bisaya to a fellow bisdak in the midst of a tagalog crowd...and he replies loudly to you in tagalog!

22. The first question you ask when you found out that someone is bisdak, "taga-asa man diay ka?"

23. You usually use the warning phrase 'Hala Ka'!

24. You know the meaning and proper usages of the following (irreverent) words/phrases: pesteng yawa, usapa na, pastilan, latina__ , butalo, way kurat, hastang, PUSLAN MAN, kuwangol, libod-suroy, ligas-paka, way kuha, ka-ubo,kolera, sampila(koy) , burik_t, barbaki, mangga ka sir?, duha singko, balang, palag?, wa ka kyapi?, ok pas olrayt, haybol, ang pahak!, jer-jer, way blema, tulibagbag, pagarpar, giro, pamalalat, kalandrakas, ambot sa langaw pilay idad sa ok-ok, bugnawg simod, buak ang pula, bagdok, gi-atay, gi-ahak, tibak (tiguwang bakla), NPA (nawong puros agtang), mamaklad, agua de pataranta, tira pasagad, basin diay pilay pad's sa ungoy, banat kay awaaw, mat-an pas pinya, ngitngit pas alkitran, tak-om pas tuway, ug uban pa.... gibangkulya, gi-atay, pastilan, sus!

Click on the thumbnails for the rest of them.