MikeLigalig.com

Mali yata ang napag post-an ko na forum thread Akala ko Super Jokes dito, hehehe, basta ako at ang pamilya ko, gawa kami ni God and definitely not from monkey Mabuhay ang mommy ni little Emma, yuhoooo

Quote from: lumine on September 24, 2009, 07:33:54 PM
hello gener! im inspired to read your tips. thanks for these.

You are most welcome my friend:-)

I’m a father of 4 kids’ ages 17, 13, 10 and 5. Being an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) myself, my job requires me to spend most of it away from my family. That is why I have to make the most out of my time in every opportunity that comes along the way to be with them, especially my vacations in the Philippines.

The Bible says that children are a reward from the Lord, and blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (Ps. 127). I have certainly found that to be true. But I’ve also found that the fuller my quiver gets (I’ve got one handsome and three beautiful little arrows) the harder it is to find the time to give each child the attention they need and deserve.
My most recent vacation in the Philippines was very grueling but rewarding for I have to balance my own activities with my children’s schedule. As I glanced at my schedule for the coming weekend at that time, five day seminar dominates the landscape, along with the list of household chores, tutoring and errands longer than any one man should have to face. And these are supposed to be my days off!

Can you relate? If so, here are things I do to develop my relationship with my kids, in spite of a hectic schedule.

1. Take one child or two along on a short trip
Last month I had an errand to the mall to buy grocery items, and I took my two little daughters with me. The time the three of us spent in the grocery and in the car every errand was invaluable, and now they always asked me, “Dad, when are we going to do shopping again?” A one or two day trip like this is a great chance for you to connect with your kids.

2. Give them nicknames
Each of my kid has a nickname that no one else has. We’ve got ‘Mouse’, ‘Senyor’ and ‘Amag’ and my even my wife was not spared as I have assigned her a nickname as well. These nicknames tell them, “You know what? You’re special.”

3. Take them on dates
I try to have regular dates with each of my children. Like my wife, they deserve to have my undivided attention every once in awhile. This is more than just letting them come along as I run errands. I build the time around them, doing things they enjoy and just talking together.

4. Eat one meal together each day
In our home breakfast is chaos, and by lunchtime we are scattered to the four winds. But as much as possible we try to have dinner as a family. This is our time to reconnect and recharge after a busy day. It’s our chance to celebrate victories, and to help each other through the tough things.

5. Pray together at night
Every night before bed I pray with my kids in our room. We pray about their past, their present and their future. We thank God for sending His Son for us. We pray about their current needs and concerns. And we pray together for their future spouses, asking God to cause them to grow in faith and purity.

6. Be available
Our children need to know that they are more important to us than anything else. At the last day of my seminar (also the day of my examination) at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay, I received a distress message that I have to fetch my kid from school who was left out by her school service. Being a Friday that day, the car I was driving is not allowed on the street as per number coding scheme, I have to go out of my way to evade traffic enforcers just to make myself available. Great distance is also not an excuse for me that I have to do Math tutoring to my daughters and son via internet (SKYPE and YM) and my kids have permission to text me on my cell phone anytime they need help in their assignments.

7. Put their activities into your schedule
My Facebook calendar and my desk planner are filled with my kids’ activities, practices and games. While I can’t make it to all of them while I’m away, but as much as possible I am there to cheer them on. I don’t want to miss their big moments!
The Bible speaks of children as arrows. I picture myself taking aim, pulling back the bow and launching them into the world. The target that they hit depends in large part on the amount that I invest in them today. Does it take effort? Yes. Are there tough choices sometimes? Yes. Is it worth it? Definitely.

"A Woman"

This is written in the Hebrew Talmud, the book where all of the sayings and preaching of Rabbis are conserved over time.

It says:

"Be very careful if you make a woman
cry, because God counts her tears. The woman
came out of a man's rib. Not from his feet to be
walked on. Not from his head to be superior, but
from the side to be equal. Under the arm to be
protected, and next to the heart to be loved."

~~~~~~~~~

Sorry manay tess but i beg to disagree with this. This (mis)information has been circulated in the internet for months and this is found to be untrue by no less than the bank institution itself.

When you reversed in encoding your PIN, the ATM ONLY treats this as error in PIN and "TRANSACTION ERROR" message will surely appear on the ATM screen. Forcing the same 3x will have your card be captured by the ATM, worst, you may get the ire of the robber in case you are being forced to withdraw by somebody.

The best way to avoid this is to be extra cautious when using ATM, thats the only thing one can do.

Oust Willie!
By Rodel Rodis
INQUIRER.net

The death of Corazon Aquino produced an unprecedented outpouring of collective sorrow, with hundreds of thousands lining up at the Manila Cathedral to personally bid her farewell, from marginalized squatters to high society matrons, from leftist revolutionaries to rightist coup plotters.

The one discordant note in the otherwise unified sea of harmony came from Wowowee host Willie Revillame, who complained on the air that showing the Cory funeral cortege was sucking the fun out of his hugely popular ABS-CBN variety show.

The petty complaint was made during the noontime telecast of Wowowee on August 3, 2009, whenâ€"while a contestant was dancing in the “Willie of Fortune” segment of the showâ€"a window screen showed a live feed of the coffin of Cory Aquino being transported from La Salle Green Hills to the Manila Cathedral. The unwelcome distraction irritated Willie Revillame, the highest paid entertainer in the Philippines (reportedly one million pesos a day), and he just could not contain himself. He blurted out on air in Tagalog:

“If that’s what you want, let’s just show it! Because we're trying to have fun here and then…This hurts me, please. I hope you understand. We’re having fun here and then you’re going to show… It’s not right, OK? It’s ugly! It’s not pretty to me. We’re talking and then you show the coffin of Tita Cory, what? How can we have fun? It’s difficult for us. I’m sorry but for me, it’s true. Don’t get upset because it’s true…After my show, you can show whatever you want to show. Because this (is) Wowowee, what I want (goes)…Right? And Tita Cory knows this because my show also made her happy, OK?”

ABS-CBN management agreed and ceased showing any further live feeds of the funeral until after Willie’s show.

The outrage was immediate and fierce even as ABS-CBN execs sought to downplay the incident. One “avid viewer of ABS-CBN,” Roel C. Saguisag, was so enraged that he drafted an online petition where he wrote:

“Some may argue that Willie's intention was good, but I rather find these statements rude and arrogant. Wowowee and Revillame are known by millions of Filipino viewers and the show is even watched across several countries through TFC. To react in such (a) way is downright arrogant and disrespectful to former President Corazon Aquino. I know that it was bad taste for ABS-CBN to show a snippet of the funeral on Wowowee, but it was worse for Revillame to react that way."

"Was it really hard for him to be humble and human? I believe that this is not the first time that he aired his views and rather arrogant comments on air. He embarrasses his staff, makes fun of the contestants, and arrogantly acts on TV almost every day. Pres. Aquino taught us humility, and Revillame is showing us the exact opposite: arrogance.”

Saguisag called on the management of ABS-CBN to “stop the arrogant acts of Willie Revillame…and reprimand him because of his actions.” His online “petition to oust Willie” on www.petitiononline.com has already drawn the signatures of over 45,000 people from all over the world.

Afima, an alliance of Filipino journalists, criticized Willie for his on-air remarks. "For him to demand the removal of the little window screen showing the funeral march of the woman who got ABS-CBN back from Marcos is a blasphemy of democracy…He expressed his angst against the Corazon Aquino funeral being shown side by side his Wowowee right before dumbstruck millions of Filipino viewers around the globe.”

This was not Willie Revillame's first brush with controversy.

After starting out in showbiz as a drummer and singer, he starred in a few movies like “Bobocop,” which landed him a job as host of a noontime variety show in 1998 that was later called “Magandang Tanghali Bayan” (“Good Noon, Nation”). In the “Calendar Girl” segment of the show, Willie continuously made lewd, crude, and boorish remarks to the contestants causing him to be suspended by the Movie and Television R eview Classification Board (MTRCB). When he returned after his suspension, Willie continued making the same crass offensive remarks which pushed his TV network to finally replace him.

After his termination, Willie went to the US for several months. Through the intercession of his showbiz buddies like Dolphy and Sharon Cuneta, he was given another chance by ABS-CBN, this time to host a public service TV show called “Willingly Yours” which led to another stint as host of “Masayang Tanghali, Bayan (Happy Noon, Nation).” But Willie just couldn't stop being Willie. In one segment, he told a birthday celebrator on the air, “Sana ma-devirginize ka na (I hope you get devirginized already).” The remark caused the MTRCB to order ABS-CBN to terminate Willie. Before it could do so, Willie resigned.

After resuming his career as a singer, Willie was asked by ABS-CBN management to return to the network as host of his own noontime game show, one which he helped conceptualize called “Wowowee”. The show, which made its debut on February 4, 2005, was an instant hit in the Philippines and worldwide on The Filipino Channel.

To celebrate its first year, Wowowee offered a chance to win one million pesos to the first 500 entrants at its anniversary show which was set to be held at the 5,000-seat capacity Ultra Sports Arena in Pasig, Rizal. For three days, people camped out by the arena's entrance hoping to be among the first 500 to get in. On February 4, 2006, the gates were opened and a wholly predictable stampede occurred, which resulted in the deaths of 73 people and serious injury to hundreds more.

According to network insiders, Willie Revillame urged the management “to go on with the show” despite the tragedy. Fortunately, ABS-CBN execs had to ignore his plea. Dean Jorge Bocobo (“Rizalist”) commented: “Normally this would be considered a virtue in an entertainer… But NOT after over seventy people were just crushed to death and practically still lying around dead. Maybe he thought he could save the situation with his usual boyish inanity.”

“It comes at a heavy price of human lives lost, but I think noontime shows are going to have to change for the better, if they are to survive at all. These shows seem designed by salacious minds with a genius for commercializing the lowest common denominator in peopleâ€"lewdness, stupidity, mendacity, opportunism, and anything that titillates the seamy underside…I do hope that Willie Revillame is finished for good. And all his ilk. They’re the ones that ought to be stampeded off the face of the earth.”

Wowowee and Willie Revillame appeal to the worst in Pinoysâ€"racism, chauvinism, disdain towards the feeble, the poor, the mentally inferior, all in the guise of making people laugh. Particularly offensive is the part of his show where balikbayans from all over the world are allowed to wave their dollars at the cameras while the local folks thank them profusely for their generosity. The indigent recipients are too poor, too God-forsaken, too humbled by the endemic poverty around them to even recognize that they're being maligned and stripped of any form of human decency.

Willie Revillame may be suspended or may voluntarily take some time off as a result of this latest controversy but he will surely be back because cockroaches live forever.

Send comments to Rodel50.aol.com or mail them to the Law Offices of Rodel Rodis at 2429 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127 or call (415) 334-7800. For past columns, log on to Rodel50.blogspot.com.

Quote from: glacier_71 on August 08, 2009, 11:14:51 PM
3. yes, so long as the dead is not the one on the wheel.

hahaha...

LOL, katakot siguro ito pag nangyari :-)

Quote from: glacier_71 on August 08, 2009, 06:55:35 AM
because when they see those solid yellow lines,  they think carrots can also grow on the pavement.
because there are just two choices to choose from for President: ANG BOBO, at ANG MAGALING.

because once the plane is airborne, if it falls down from the sky, you're for 100% SURE terminated.

hehehe.

AHHAHA, AYOS

Quote from: ms da binsi on August 07, 2009, 10:44:38 PM
Bai Gener, basi mao to ija paagi ma relieve ijang pin-ot sa ilong! who knows noh? dayun tingali pag blow nija sa ijang ilong ning talsik sa picture frame! hahahahha!

hahaha, pwede rin, but i was thinking of something else, maybe it could be.... hahaha

Quote from: ms da binsi on August 06, 2009, 11:53:49 PM

hala ako sad! hahahahha! wa baja ko mag bantay ana basi naa pay mas weird sa kulangot!

speaking og pahiranay, sa didto mi sa Vegas, among room kay suite, premiro nga room among gi check in unta ning balhin mi pagka ikaduha ka adlaw kay akong namatikdan nga ang picture frame sa bongnong dapit sa headboard naay duha ka shoe print, left and right, dayun aay murag nag wisik nga na uga nga i dont know what! kataw ana kay wa tingali to makita sa cleaning crew ang picture frame nga na uga nalang tawon ang sip-on kay tingali dugay na to. wahahahhaa!

naka get mo sa akong story?

ako man gud ug mo check ug hotel mag usi usi jud ko ug mga sip-on sa bed covers kay ang uban nga hotels di man mag ilis ilis ug bed covers. mao nga before ko lingkod sa bed ako jud na sutaon ug limpyo ba, wa bay sip-on nga nahabilin gikan sa previous tenant. hahahahhaha!

mao na injung bantayan mga kaigsoonan!

medyo kasabot ako ng konti sa imong istorya :-) pero why would somebody raise both feet off the ground and rest both of it on top of the headboard, unless....hehehehe, your guess is good as mine...ops its not what you think? baka nangawit lang kaya itinaas, hahahha

Malaysian sentenced for forcing wife to have sex
(philstar.com) Updated August 06, 2009 03:53 PM 

KUALA LUMPUR (AP) -- A Malaysian man who forced his wife to have sex with him has been sentenced to the maximum five years in jail, in the country's first successful prosecution under a new law against marital rape.

Prosecutor Law Chin How said the man was sentenced in a sessions court in eastern Pahang state Wednesday.

He said the case was the first in the country under a 2007 law that makes it illegal for a husband to cause "fear of death or hurt to his wife ... to have sexual intercourse."

"We asked for a heavy sentence. First of all to protect women ... and to give others encouragement to stand up," he said Thursday.

The amendment to the penal code that made marital rape a crime was considered a small step toward women's rights in conservative Muslim-dominated Malaysia. But some activists say it doesn't go far enough because the law doesn't stipulate a minimum sentence, which means a man could go to jail for as little as a day even if convicted.

The 35-year-old man was, however, sentenced to the maximum five years allowed. The punishment for rape outside marriage is up to 30 years.

The man was also sentenced to 10 years in jail and three lashes of the whip for forcing his wife to have anal sex, Law said. Anal sex, even when consensual, is a crime punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment in Malaysia. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Law said the man changed his plea from innocent to guilty for both charges Tuesday, a day after the trial started.

Mr. Revillame,

Another incident showing how ill-mannered you are. Blinded by your fame and fortune and think of nothing but yourself regardless of circumstance. No amount of apology nor tears can convince me that you are sensitive to the feelings of others. I'm used to your corocodile tears for I have seen it even after the ULTRA tragedy. If I were you, just keep your mouth shut and for heaven's sake, don't apologize for your mistake if you are about to do it again.


Willie Revillame apologizes for Cory remark

By Marinel Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:38:00 08/05/2009

Filed Under: Cory Aquino, Television, Entertainment (general)

MANILA, Philippinesâ€"Controversial noontime TV show host Willie Revillame found himself in the hot seat again on Monday, beset by furious comments from bloggers and social networking websites. The reason: He objected, on air, to the insertion of a video of former President Corazon Aquino’s cortege on his show, “Wowowee.”

“It’s the most insensitive thing I heard today,” read a comment posted on Facebook. “Iba ka talaga Willie. Kakaibang paggalang kay Cory ’yan,” said another.

“He should raise the issue behind the scenes ... but I guess that’s too much to ask [of someone] who hurts women, exploits poor people’s stories ...,” another Revillame detractor said.

On Tuesday, Revillame apologized to his viewers, to the Aquino family and to the network (ABS-CBN) management “for hurting their feelings.” He added that his request to stop the inserted video was really “a sign of love and respect for Tita Cory.”

“Salamat, President Cory,” which aired on Monday, was the special coverage of the transfer of Aquino’s remains from the La Salle Green Hills gym in Mandaluyong City to the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.

The TV special was cut shortly after the cortege reached the Ninoy Aquino Shrine in Makati City, to give way to the live telecast of “Wowowee.” When the noontime show started airing, ABS-CBN inserted a portion of the Aquino cortege.

During the show’s “Willie of Fortune” segment, Revillame said: “’Di po maganda. Nagsasaya kami dito habang nagluluksa ang sambayanang Pilipino. ’Di ko magagampanan ang pagpapatawa habang ipinapakita ang libing ng dating presidente.” (“It’s not good for us to have fun here while the whole country grieves. I cannot make people laugh at the same time that this part of the funeral of our former president is being shown.”)

When Revillame’s reaction found its way to YouTube, it was met with a huge wave of negative reactions.

On Tuesday, Revillame explained: “Ang feeling ko hindi magandang ipinapakita ‘yon habang kami’y nagsasaya. ’Wag kayong magagalit sa akin ... ” He said he was willing to give way to the airing of the TV special, but that his bosses instructed him to do the show live.

Prior to asking to have the inserted video removed, Revillame said, he had made the same appeal to Entertainment Production head Linggit Tan during a commercial break: “When it was showed again, that’s when I reacted.”

Inquirer Entertainment tried to reach Tan for a reaction, but she declined to comment.

Quote from: bol-anon nga cebuano on August 06, 2009, 05:47:13 AM

If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that Acme crap, why didn’t he just buy dinner?

Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster?

When I read the lines above, I can't help but laugh since I remember something in the past. When I was a child, I asked my big brother the same question regarding that Coyote and you know what my brother said? Road runner is the only vendor that serves dinner that's why he keep on chasing it

As to the 'elevator' kind of a thing, during my stay in Japan as a technical trainee, I was billeted in a hotel with the rest of other scholars from other countries. Being in a place where cultural differences are quite obvious, I was annoyed with other people's tendency of pushing the elevator button repeatedly and abruptly that at one point, I almost caught in between the elevator door when I was about to enter. One day, being the first occupant of the elevator, I pressed all the buttons of all the floors (mind you, I was staying in the 8th floor of the hotel) and I put 'kulangot' on the "CLOSED" button of the elevator. When other trainees started to enter the elevator flight one after the other, they saw all the floor buttons lit up and nobody dared to press the 'CLOSED" button for there was "something" on it. I just laughed all the way to the ground floor.
HAHAHA, Iba ang PINOY pag nabanas, MATINDI

Quote from: hubag bohol on August 05, 2009, 09:30:44 PM
Ha ha ha. He forgot that fairies are female--or at least want to be female.

Well, that fairy in your story was pretty mean, Bay Gener. And anti-male, to boot. Well, here's a story with which we can get even. The fairy in this one is female, as usual, but she's on our side.



Three blondes were stuck on an island.  Then, a fairy appeared and gave them each a wish.

The first one asked to be really smart, so the fairy turned her into a redhead and she swam off the island.

The second blonde asked to be even smarter, so the fairy turned her into a brunette and she built a boat and sailed off the island.

The third blonde asked to be the smartest of them all, so the fairy turned her into a man and he walked across the bridge.

HAHAHHAA, GO..GO..GO.. MAN RULES, HEHEHEHE

Quote from: ms da binsi on August 05, 2009, 09:07:03 PM
Gener you are just so clever...

taym kay mangita ko ug answer...adto ko sa library hahaha!

i like it!

kana imong flying ug terminal, ug makabasa si banana ana, samot jud sha di mo lupad!

good luck and i hope makakakita ka ng sagot dyan sa library, hehehe
ako din natakot sa terminal, bale ba, papauwi akso sa pinas this coming august 10, hehehehe

Women should not have children after 35. Really ... 35 children are enough.

Shopping tip: You can get shoes for 85 cents at bowling alleys.

After all is said and done, usually more is said than done.

"No one ever says "It's only a game," when their team is winning."

I gave my son a hint. On his room door I put a sign: "CHECKOUT TIME IS 18"

The next time you feel like complaining, remember: Your garbage disposal probably eats better than thirty percent of the people in this world.

Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled.

I live in my own little world, but it's ok, they know me here.

I saw a woman wearing a sweatshirt with 'Guess' on it. I said, 'Thyroid problem?'

Sign In Pet Store: "Buy one dog, get one flea ..."

Dyslexia means never having to say that you're yrros.

I see your IQ test results were negative.

Regular naps prevent old age ... especially if you take them while driving.

The most precious thing we have is life. Yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.

Some more questions:

If carrots are so good for the eyes, how come I see so many dead rabbits on the highway?

How come we choose from just two people for President and 50 for Miss America?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

Q: What can a man do while his wife is going through menopause?

A: Keep busy. If you're handy with tools, you can finish the
basement. When you are done you will have a place to live.


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Q: How can you increase the heart rate of your 50+ year old husband?

A: Tell him you're pregnant.


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Q: How can you avoid spotting a wrinkle every time you walk by a mirror?

A: The next time you're in front of a mirror, take off your glasses.


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Q: Why should 50+ year old people use valet parking?

A: Valets don't forget where they park your car.


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Q: Is it common for 50+ year olds to have problems with short term memory storage?

A: Storing memory is not a problem, retrieving it is a problem.


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Q: As people age, do they sleep more soundly?

A: Yes, but usually in the afternoon.


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Q: Where do 50+ year olds look for fashionable glasses?

A: Their foreheads.


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Q: What is the most common remark made by 50+ year olds when they enter antique stores?

A: "I remember these".

A married couple in their early 60s were out celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary in a quiet, romantic restaurant.

Suddenly, a tiny yet beautiful fairy appeared on their table and said,

"For being such a wonderful married couple and for being faithful to each other for all this time, I will grant you each one wish."

"Oh, I want to travel around the world with my darling husband" said the wife.

The fairy waved her magic wand and - poof! - two tickets for : the Queen Mary II luxury liner appeared in her

hands. Then it was the husband's turn. He thought for a moment and said:


"Well, this is all very romantic, but an opportunity like this will never come again. I'm sorry my love, but my wish is to have a wife 30 years younger than me. "

The wife, and the fairy were deeply disappointed, but a wish is a wish. So the fairy waved her magic wand and - poof! -the husband became 92 years old.

A little girl called Emma asked her mother, 'How did the human race appear?'

The mother answered, 'God made Adam and Eve and they had children and so was all mankind made.'

Two days later  Emma asked her father the same question.

The father answered, 'Many years ago there were monkeys from which the human race evolved.'

The confused girl returned to her mother and said, 'Mom, how is it possible that you told me the human race was created by God, and Dad said they developed from monkeys?'

The mother answered, 'Well, dear, it is very simple. I told you about my side of the family and your father told you about his.'

Sandra was out driving her car and while stopped at a red light, the car just died. It was a busy intersection, and the traffic behind her starting growing.

The guy in the car directly behind her started honking his horn continuously as Sandra continued to try getting the car to start up again.

Finally Sandra gets out of her car and approaches the guy in the car behind her.

"I can't seem to get my car started," Sandra said, smiling. "Would you be a sweetheart and go and see if you can get it started for me. I'll stay here in your car and lean on your horn for you."

A little boy was attending his first wedding.

After the service, his cousin asked him, "How many women can a man marry?"

"Sixteen," the boy responded. His cousin was amazed that he had an answer so quickly.

"How do you know that?"

"Easy," the little boy said.

"All you have to do is add it up, like the Bishop said,

4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer."

Pay special attention to the wording and spelling. It comes from a church affiliated elementary school. Test kids were asked questions about the Old and New Testaments. The following statements about the Bible, written by the children have neither been retouched nor corrected. All spelling remains as the children spelled the words. Item #10 made me laugh though.

1.) In the first book of Guinessis, God got tired of creating the world so he took the Sabbath off.

2.) Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. Noah’s wife was Joan of Ark and the animals came on in pears.

3.) Lot’s wife was a pillar of salt during the day and a ball of fire at night.

4.) The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with unsympathetic Genitals.

5.) Sampson was a strongman who let himself be led astray by a Jezebel like Delilah.

6.) Sampson slayed the Philistines with the Axe of the Apostles.

7.) Moses led the Jews to the Red Sea where they made unleavened bread which is bread without any ingredients

8.) The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards, Moses went up to Mount Cyanide to get the Ten Commandments.

9.) The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple

10.) The seventh commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery.

11.) Moses died before he ever reached Canada. Then Joshua led the Hebrews in the Battle of Geritol.

12.) The greatest miricle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand to stand still and he obeyed him.

13.) David was a Hebrew king who was skilled at playing the liar. He fought the Finkelsteins, a race of people who lived in biblical times.

1.) Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp which no decent human being would eat?

2.) Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?

3.) Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?

4.) Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!

5.) Why is a person that handles your money called a 'Broker?'

6.) Why is it that when someone tells you that there are over a billion stars in the universe, you believe them, but if they tell you there is wet paint somewhere, you have to touch it to make sure?

7.) Is Disney World the only people trap operated by a mouse?

8.) Why do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

9.) Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails= 4 given.

We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges. Instead, don't put a question mark where God put a period. God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should we? None among us is rightheous, not even one.

For people of other faith maligning others of their faith as sinners, we should all remember that it is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

Barbara Walters of Television's 20/20 did a story on gender roles in Kabul, Afghanistan, several years before the Afghan conflict. She noted that women customarily walked 5 paces behind their husbands. She recently returned to Kabul and observed that women still walk behind their husbands. From Ms. Walter's vantage point, despite the overthrow of the oppressive Taliban regime, the women now seem to walk even further back behind their husbands and are happy to maintain the old custom.

Ms. Walters approached one of the Afghani women and asked, "Why do you now seem happy with the old custom that you once tried so desperately to change?"

The woman looked Ms. Walters straight in the eyes, and without hesitation said, "Land mines."

MORAL OF THE STORY: BEHIND EVERY MAN IS A SMART WOMAN

In the Gospel,  large crowd kept following Jesus, because they saw what he was doing for the sick.  Apparently, they were very excited because Jesus could cure the sick and they were anxious to see what else he could do for them. They still did not understand who he was.


Could that be us?  Do we really understand what Jesus promises us and what he will give us if we follow him?  Are we naively hoping to find a better job or a better husband or wife?  Have we bought into the heresy that prosperity in this world is a sign that we are following the Lord?   

In the Gospel Jesus sees people who are in need.  They are hungry.  Jesus feeds them through a miraculous act â€" multiplying the loaves and fishes.  The people see no further than the bread and the fish, and decided that Jesus would be a great king because he can satisfy their basic needs.  When Jesus realized their intentions, he runs away.

So what was the point of all of that?  What was Jesus trying to do when he fed all of those people?  He was giving them a sign. He was trying to point to a greater reality than the food they could hold in their hands and taste with their mouths.  He wanted them to realize that God, the Giver of all life and all good gifts, was present among them.

But the people were too stuck with their own way of seeing things.  They were not able to go beyond the physical reality right in front of them. They couldn’t see the reality behind the bread and fish.  They were stuck in their own limited vision of life.  The result of all this was that Jesus ran away.

We are in the same position as these people were.  We are hungry for many things.  We are always looking to satisfy our many different hungers in whatever way we can.  But the problem is that often we do not seek deep enough; we don’t go far enough; we don’t pay attention to our deepest desires, the desires that are below the surface. We are so taken up with the desire that on the surface that we miss the most important of all our hungers.

The result is that we end up hungrier than we were before..  We want more and more, not realizing that God has given us all that we really need.  The trouble is:  we think we really need something else.  We are in danger of just living on the surface of life where possessions, pleasure, comfort, security, status, and so many other things take up our whole horizon.  And so we are prevented from seeing more deeply into life.

Our real hunger for God, for authentic community, for genuine caring gets drowned in a sea of superficial desires and unfulfilled needs.  We have become addicted to being busy, to television, to shopping, money and entertainment.  As a society, we are chronically distracted.  Jesus is calling us away from all that leads nowhere.  He invites us each week to come to the Eucharist table where he gives himself to us as the living bread. And he hopes that one day we will see through the surface into the deepest reality there is in life.

Quote from: nilamaw on August 01, 2009, 07:36:30 PM
Tanan tawo makasasala. Christ died for our sins, just ask for forgiveness and don't sin again.

Ask God's holy spirit to guide us and make us strong to temptation and overcome to fleshly calling.
Renew ourself and accept Christ Jesus in our hearts and He will lead us the way.
If we have a personal relationship to "HIM", everything will be alright, because everything will happen to us is only according to His will.

Amen also to that

Quote from: benelynne on July 31, 2009, 08:17:25 AM

Maraming salamat sa mga encouraging posts na binabahagi mo dito sa Tubag Bohol, Gener. I am reminded that I was the first to usher you here among the Boholanos worldwide when I posted your article that appeared in the Daily Inquirer. I-a-adopt ka na namin bilang honorary Bol-anon.

Yehey, Bol-anon na ako:-) Arigatto Goazaimase bro Benelynne. Moshi jikan ga attara, Bohol e ikimasu.

I really like Bohol and its people for it reminds me of a good friend who happens to be a boholana. Thank you also to my teacher, Manay Tess, for her painstaking effort to translate other Visayan words for my consumption. Saludo ako sa iyo bro at kay Bro Mike, I considered the 2 of you as the intellectual guys here in TB.

Quote from: Raquelproud boholana on July 31, 2009, 02:43:41 AM
Gener naiintindihan mo na rin pala minsan ang bisaya.I am happy for you. Baka next time pag uwi mo sa atin bisaya ka na hahhaha.Sabihin mo nalang sa pamilya mo natuto kang magbisaya sa tubag bohol.

kasabot man pero dyutay lang, hehhehe (tama ba ang sentence ko?)

Quote from: Lorenzo on July 31, 2009, 03:57:54 AM
Amen, woe to the act of sin, as it appropriates a proper and equal consequence.

But, we, being ALL sinners, should uphold the Grace we recieve from The Eternal Living Lord--to forgive the transgressions of our loved ones. The fruit of a true relationship is the ability to forgive one another, and purify one another through the power of faith and pardon.

Sometimes, we need a second chance. Christ died so that we might have a 2nd chance in Life. So why not give one another a 2nd chance? hehe.

The beauty of Christian Purity through the Merits of Christ~

Nothing compares.

Amen to that bro, afterall, marriage is a union of 2 forgiving partners

Quote from: benelynne on August 01, 2009, 12:21:23 PM
Somebody said we may have diverse higher inclinations and vocations--doctors, lawyers, teachers, philosophers, pastors, etc.-- but our basic instinct is the same: our prurient drive. Among other things, this part of those "things of the flesh" that Paul said need to be overcome by "things of the spirit."

I totally agree bro, unless we are ready to realize that living in this world is not only about sex in our mind, we can never find anything interesting about the things to feed our spiritual need. Sex is not bad, in fact it is a gift from the Divine Giver. When we received something as a gift from our loved ones, we should appreciate the gesture of the giver more than the gift that we received. It is a simile when somebody is pointing you a direction, that you looked immediately towards that direction instead of looking first to the finger that points that direction, no wander one will get lost in the maze of life.

Quote from: mike on July 30, 2009, 04:23:52 PM
Dili lang pud sa singot sa mga bata kundili singot pud sa atong asawa..

hahahaha, mismo

Mahirap talaga ang long distance relationship pero hindi dapat ito ang maging dahilan para panghinaan tayo ng loob sa pagtulak natin sa ibang bansa para maghanap-buhay. Marahil, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang di sang-ayon sa pagalis ng isang kabiyak para mangibang-bayan, pero sa panahon ngayon, survival of our family overtaken the underlying risks of going abroad. Isa sa mga tamang paraan to survive a long distance relationship is for both partners to be surrounded by good friends and group of trusted people. Yung mga taong alam mo na may takot sa Diyos at mga tunay na kaibigan.

Kalimitan kasi sa mga failure of marriages (oftentimes caused by infidelity)is when one partner is surrounded or always in the company of opportunistic person (in case sa babae). Kunwari, the male friend is there for her to comfort the woman-friend who was left by her husband for abroad, yung pala, he will just take advantage of the woman’s frailty. Yung iba naman, sa halip na bigyan ng spiritual guaidance at moral support ang babae, e niyaya pa sa mga aktibidades na kadalasan napupunta sa di magnadang ending. Aba!, marami na akomg narinig na kwento ng mga amiga na yayain ang kaibigang babae na mag ballroom dancing or mag aerobics kunwari (para di malungkot sa pagalis ni mister sa abroad), e ang siste, naibugaw pa ang pobreng misis ng OFW na mainlove sa macho at gwapong D.I. or Gym instructor. Walang masama sa paglilibang pero dapat piliin ang appropriate na paglilibang base sa estado mo sa lipunan, kung ikaw ay babae na may asawang nasa abroad, di maganda sa mata ninuman (lalo na sa asawa mo) na makita ka sa company bg ibang lalake (kahit na ang relationship ninyo is entirely professional), pero sa dami ng kwentong malungkot, kalimitan, dyan nagsisimula ang lahat.

Sa mga lalaki naman na naiwan sa Pinas at ang babae ang nasa abroad, choose your barkada wisely. Kasi kadalasan, ang mga masamang barkada ang kadalasan na nagbubuyo sa lalaking naiwan sa Pinas sa mga bisyo gaya ng beerhouse, sugal then later on pambabae na, ang resulta broken family. Lalo na si Mister, siyempre, proud sa mga barkada niya, “pARE, pensiyonado ako dito ni Misis, buwan-buwan, may remittance, o ano ano ang gusto ninyong pulutan?” Sana lagi nating tandaan na ang pangingibang bayan ng ating kabiyak ay desisyon ng magasawa kaya kinakailangan na maging responsable tayo sa tungkuling na naiwan sa atin. Hindi komo lalaki tayo ay di natin aalagaan ang ating mga anak. Wag iasa sa YAYA ang pagpapalaki sa mga anak, bilang ama, punuaan natin ang responsibilidad na naiwan sa inyo ng inyong mga asawang babae. Wag mahiya na magpalit ng diaper, magpadede ng mga sanggol, di naman nakakabawas ng pagka-lalake ang mga gawaing ito kung ating gagawin diba?

Ang pag-aabroad ay di dapat maging hadlang sa pangarap ninyo na guminhawa ang buhay at wag matakot sa mga risks na kakaharapin ninyo dahil sa long distance family relatiomship. Bagamat may mga unrecoverable losts na kaakibat ng Pinoy migration (gaya ng quality time at di nakagisnan paglaki ng mga bata, or lost of physical intimacy) pero mas maigi na siguro ito kaysa sa makita mong magutom at di makapag aral ang mga anak mo dahil sa kawalan ng oportunidad dahil sa sistema sa atin sa Pinas. Maging matatag lang tayo at palaging buksan ang komunikasyon sa isat-isa at ang pinaka-importante, wag makalimot na tumawag sa Panginoon, di lamang sa panahon ng kagipitan ngunit matuto ring magpasalamat sa oras ng kasaganahan.

1. Yaya buys food at McDo.
Crew: "Dito niyo na po ba kakainin?"
Yaya: "Puwede sa table?"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
2. Kid: "Yaya look, boats!"
Yaya: "Dows are not boats, dey're yachts."
Kid: "Yaya, spell yachts?"
Yaya: "Yor rayt, dey are boats."
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
3. Woman carrying sick baby enters doctor's office.
Doc: "Bottlefed?"
Woman: " Brea - stfed po."
(Doctors squeezes woman's breasts repeatedly)
Doc: "Ayan ang problema, wala kang gatas, eh."
Woman: "Yaya lang po ako doc! Yaya!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
4. The eggs that yaya bought turned out to be rotten.
She stormed back to the grocery and told the vendor:
"Manong, ang baho ng itlog niyo!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
5. My mom asked our yaya to buy Inquirer and Star.
Our yaya came back and said: "Ma'am, wala pong Inquirer
kaya bumili nalang po ako ng dalawang Star!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
6. Yaya: "Huhuhu?"
Ate: "O, bakit ka umiiyak?"
Yaya: "Kasi ate ang dami kong pimples!"
Ate: "Eh bakit ka ba tinitighiyawat? "
Yaya: "Kasi po di ako makatulog sa gabi."
Ate: "O, bakit ka di makatulog?"
Yaya: "Kasi po may pinoproblema ako?"
Ate: "Ano naman ang pinoproblema mo?"
Yaya: "Kasi ate ang dami kong pimples!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
7. (Earlier) Mom: "Yaya, lagay mo yung pesto sa ref!"
(Later) Son: "Yaya, nakita mo PS2 ko?"
Yaya: "Nasa ref, pinalagay ng mama mo!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
8. Just now my maid burned a hole in my uniform.
I angrily asked her, "Paano mo naman nasunog to?"
She answered: "Secret!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
9. After watching a movie, our yaya blurted out :
"Ang pangit naman, happy ending!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
10. Sir: "Yaya, gawa mo ko ng kape. Yung decaf ha!"
Yaya: "Siyempre naman, alangan namang de-baso!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
11. Mom: "Yaya, magluto ka na pag-alis ko ha!"
Yaya: "Ano po lulutuin ko?"
Mom: "It's up to you."
(During dinner) Mom: "Yaya, bakit ketsup at tuyo ang ulam?"
Yaya: "Diba nung tinanong ko kayo kung anong lulutuin ko,
sabi niyo, 'kitsup tuyo'!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
12. Our neighbor's yaya: "Junjun, chew your mouth!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
13. Our yaya sa sari-sari store: "Miss isang Coke in can
at isang Sprite na Coke in can?"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
14. SIR: "Inday, si sir mo to, nabangga kotse ko & I need cash!"
INDAY: "Aru, dugo-dugo gang ka no?"
SIR: "Gaga! Si sir mo talaga to!"
INDAY: "Gago ka rin! Si sir ang tawag sa kin?kapkeyk? "
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
15. I once asked my yaya where the Netherlands is located.
She answered: "Diba dun nakatira si Peter Pan?"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
16. "O yaya, bakit ka umiiyak?"
Yaya: "Ati, sabi kasi ng duktor, tatanggalan ako ng butlig!"
Ate: "Eh yun lang pala eh! Bakit ka umiiyak?"
Yaya: "Buti kung one lig lang, eh kung butlig, wala na kong ligs!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
17. We saw our yaya staring intently at the orange juice bottle.
Sabi namin: "Yaya, anong ginagawa mo?"
Yaya: "Shhh! Nakalagay sa bote, 'concentrate' ?"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
18. Neighbor's yaya telling the dog to climb down the stairs:
"Down to earth! Down to earth!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
19. My mom was going to buy our yaya a transistor radio.
Before my mom left the house, our yaya said,
"Ma'am, ang kunin niyo yung Ilokano ang salita ha!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
20. We paid for the tuition fee of our yaya's son.
So one day I was reviewing him: "The Earth is the 3rd planet from
the sun.
Ano ang katabi ng Mercury?" His mom, our yaya, answered:
"Parang Watson's yata?"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
21. Sir: "Yaya, natanggal mo yung mantsa sa barong ko?"
Yaya: "Opo! Tanggal na tanggal!"
Sir: "Good! Anong pinang-tanggal mo?"
Yaya: "Gunting, kuya! Gunting!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
22. Yaya to tricycle driver: "Magkano sa City Hall?"
Driver: "Ikaw lang?" Yaya: "Ay bakit, hindi ka sasama?"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
23. (Si Kuya pumasok sa kuwarto ni Yaya)
Kuya: "Yaya?"
Yaya: "Koya, wag po! Wag Pooooo!"
Kuya: "Gaga! Uutusan lang kita!"
Yaya: "Si Koya naman?nagsa- suggest lang?"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
24. Kid: "Yaya, spell orange?"
Yaya: "Depende. Yung kulay o yung prutas?"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
25. Midget Yaya who was newly hired:
"Suwerte po kayo, ako ang napili niyo.
At least kung maibagsak ko si baby, mababa lang!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
26. Yaya to my brother: "Nag tothbrush ka na ng ipin?"
Bro: "Siyempre, alangan namang mag toothbrush ako ng kilikili!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
27. (after being scolded for breaking her promises):
"Ma'am, hindi na po ako mangangako ulit?promise! "
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
28. We had a yaya who claimed she was being courted by a kapre
in her province and wanted to take her to his kingdom.
Her reason for turning down the offer to be his queen?
"Kapre yun ma'am, malaki ang kwan nun! Wag na uy!"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
29. AMO: "Bakit namatay ang aso?"
MAID: "Pinaliguan ko po ng laundry soap."
AMO: "Nakamamatay ba yun?"
MAID: "Ewan ko nga po eh, pag-off ko ng washing machine patay na."
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
30. Yaya picking up the phone saying: " Hilo ?"
We noticed that she was holding the handset ng baligtad.
We told her, "Yaya, baliktad!"
Then Yaya said: "Lohi?"
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
31. Amo: Yaya use COOLING PLACE in a sentence.
Yaya: Sir! viry easy! iksample nagring yung phone,
(ring, ring, ring,) Yaya answered, " HILO , WHO'S COOLING PLACE?"

Quote from: simplylee on July 29, 2009, 04:37:53 PM
there is only ONE righteous, who is the JUDGE perfect in HIS essence

AMEN

See related articles: http://ezinearticles.com/?Who-Wants-to-Cast-the-First-Stone?&id=1870960

I’ve read an article posted in a Filipino social networking site written by an individual who abhorred those Catholic believers specifically, OFWs. The author describes Filipino’s toiling in the foreign land as unworthy considering its down sides which he described as “dark and nasty.” He further continued that no one better benefit from it (Filipino migration) except the Philippine government who proud itself of being a nation of servants. In so saying that for GMA calling PINAY domestic helpers as SUPERMAIDS, the author said that he is not proud of a nation that promotes glorification of modern day slavery of our women.

From a purely political observation, the author veered on the aspect of religion by criticizing the Catholic faith as a religion of double standards. The author anchored his conclusion by citing inconceivable and unverified data that in a town where he lives, a little more than one hundred PINOYS and among the 21 couples he knew, not one is properly married. “I found it obnoxious that on weekends, they attend religious meetings”, quoted by the author referring to these Catholic followers way of living in sin and yet continue to attend religious gatherings.

The author, as I understand his way of writing his piece is more of retaliatory than constructive. Perhaps it is his way of responding to the harsh criticisms he might have read concerning the religion that he’s practicing. However, the author’s selective approach in presenting facts is of course biased (as expected) in favor of his religious belief.

It is undeniably true that the numbers of physically, sexually and verbally abused PINAY OFWs are growing exponentially and majority of these atrocities happened in the Middle East countries. If I were to used the pretext of the author in condemning these Catholic followers of double standards, whatever conclusion one can derive from the incident of abuses in these countries (Middle East) is as worthy as the author’s postulating those incident he observed in his town. But who among us is not a sinner? Can anyone claim the authority to cast the first stone to these PINAYS who are adulterers?

When Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus.” Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger. When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you, “Jesus declared. “Go now and sin no more.” (John 8:1-11)

What about these Catholic sinners (as what the author implies) practice of attending religious meetings and yet living together as couple without the sanctity of marriage? Let see what Jesus said about this.

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For, I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mathew 9:10-13)

One should not claim generalization of something even it is based on facts.  Facts as it may seem but it doesn’t hold true to conclude that the majority is the same and more importantly, none of us, not even one can claim moral ascendancy to “cast the first stone” towards our fellowmen on the virtue of one’s religious belief that he is righteous and others are not.

Quote from: Gener on July 26, 2009, 02:50:22 PM
(Note: I would like to post an article written by a certain Dr. Nosca Khalid and my reply to this article at the bottom. - Gener)

OFWs: the unspeakable…DARK SIDE
by Dr. Nosca Khalid -

INFIDELITY, the mother of break-ups is a delicate issue that the media will not touch with a totem pole. It is an unspeakable topic that even NGOs don’t feel comfortable with but it is a damning scourge that cannot be ignored for long.

Due to my fear that it could lead to violence (if husbands learn the truth), I encourage some of the women to divorce their husbands.

Nosca Khalid
Author: "APOCALYPSE COUNTDOWN 666"
(amazon.co.uk/januspublishing.co.uk)

Family breakdown is more than just divorce. It includes couples who just cohabit, single mothers who have never married or lived with the fathers of their babies and more often than not, family breakdown is linked to poverty, especially when the father as a provider could no longer provide the means to support the family. This is the primodial reason why there is big numbers of fathers as OFW's than mothers. Yes, there is always a risk associated with the father leaving his family but its not prim and proper to link INFIDELITY directly to PINOY migration. While it may be true that physical isolation coupled with loneliness are 2 most notable causes of marital infidelity but how would you explain extra-marital affairs of couple, that despite living together under one roof yet commit extra-marital affair? Infidelity doesn't recognise boundaries or distance. It is a state of one's mind of committing it regardless of the circumstances.

For the author explicitly suggesting divorce as a solution to this social problem, I would like to quote recent study conducted by Institute of Marriage and Family Canada studying the effect of migration to failures in the family. The Institute also commented that when divorce laws were liberalized in Canada, it was generally assumed that what is good for the parents would be good for the kids. Subsequently, empirical research shows this has not been the case. "Whether couples are married or not is a remarkably accurate predictor of outcomes for children on many social science scales, even when economic factors are excluded." A whole range of social outcomes, such as drug use, academic results, health, and happiness, are affected by family structures. Both children and adults fare much better in a stable married situation.

OFWs working in advanced Western nations are witnesses to the deterioration of the family through divorce. I hope that our OFWs will be the very first ones to insist that we should always keep in our Constitution the statement that "marriage is an inviolable institution." A stable and happy family is the very reason why OFWs sacrifice some of the best years of their lives literally slaving in some foreign country just to eke out a decent living for their loved ones. There are no so-called humanitarian reasons that should ever make us embrace the deadly consequences of divorce.

I know several OFWs whose family (that includes my own) are still intact despite years of separation. What is noteworthy is that these families have a strong faith in God. Putting God first is what keeps their relationships strong regardless of distance.

In some respect, I agree with the author in his political and social view but to condemn the sinners just to promote a religion is absurd and self serving. Criticizing other non believers of one's faith, religion or belief of 'double-standards' must look first on their own 'backyard' to check if the stinks doesn't smell. I don't glorify sins or advocate for the commisions of such but condmning the sinners to promote one's religion is not the proper way of encouraging others to believe.

Para sa akin, walang matuwid sa ating lahat ng sanlibutan, wala kahit isa.

(Note: I would like to post an article written by a certain Dr. Nosca Khalid and my reply to this article at the bottom. - Gener)

OFWs: the unspeakable…DARK SIDE
by Dr. Nosca Khalid -

For all the talks of the good life that foreign employment accorded to some, the flip side is dark and nasty. It is not worth it coming from one who is a beneficiary of it. Except for the government that survives upon its fruits, the future of this country is bleak if it continues to economically depend upon its overseas foreign workers. We have sold our souls to the devil is a Faustian chronicle (of the damned) that perfectly describe the state of our nation today.

Instead of the government devising means to streamline the exodus of our finest (the best of them are not coming back for good), it emblazoned in media headlines of how the government negotiated with this country and that country to enslave more of our people at a miserly wage. This is a government who takes pride at the rising number of its citizens seeking employment outside of the country to serve the people of the world. In simpler terms, the government is a pimp who sells its people not to the highest bidder but anyone who has a change to spare. Domestic helpers are paid a miserly wage of 100-150 dollars for 24 hours of work a day, 7 days a week and on the sideline, they get raped, beaten, starved and chained. Unlike GMA, I am not proud. Calling them SUPERMAIDS is glorification of modern slavery of our women and GMA being in that gender breed should of all people strive to stop it. (as of this writing; another DH in Kuwait killed a child under her care. She tried to kill the other siblings before leaping from the second floor in an attempt to end her life.)

I want to see someone in Malacañang who will take pride at keeping its people within its borders and herald with joy the lessening number of its citizens leaving the country.

INFIDELITY, the mother of break-ups is a delicate issue that the media will not touch with a totem pole. It is an unspeakable topic that even NGOs don’t feel comfortable with but it is a damning scourge that cannot be ignored for long.

Of the 21 Filipino couples that I counted in this town out of little more than a hundred PINOYS, not one is properly married. Only 5 are legal but not proper because they are Filipino females (cream of the crop) married to aliens from the Indian subcontinent. Either one or both of the couples have families back home (no exception). Call it marriages of convenience but it is wrong viewed from whatever angle coming from a country we often call “seradong katoliko” meaning strictly catholic. The ones that give me goose bumps (and scare) are those females living double lives. They go home to their husbands and come back to Saudi Arabia in the embrace of their waiting lovers. We live in a society where men, but not our women although we don’t condone it, live double lives. Women can argue that if men can, why not us? While it is a logical argument, it is not acceptable in most societies we consider civilized. Even feminists will not condone its practice by women of decency.

Due to my fear that it could lead to violence (if husbands learn the truth), I encourage some of the women to divorce their husbands. So far there are no takers and after many years; my fear seems unfounded. I like to call them THE FEARLESS because neither are they afraid of God nor of the social mores they are bound by society to abide with. I found it obnoxious that on weekends, they attend religious meetings. They continue to break the most fundamental of the TEN COMMANDMENTS (Moslems and Christians subscribe to it) and they go to religious gatherings. We are neither saints or angels but to ridicule our faith with impunity is damning. Religion is not a joke..

OFWs will continue to fuel the engine of the Philippine economy while the social fabric that is supposed to be the foundation of a stable society will continue to loosen. Prolonged family separations are social strains that undermine the family’s cohesiveness. As a result, the inflating number of broken families is destabilizing the social fabric that offsets whatever financial gains we get from our foreign workers.

In the early days when foreigners started to trickle in the Middle East that eventually mushroomed to what it is today, the government of Saudi Arabia was very strict. It verified marriage certificates at the Philippine Embassy but due to bad publicity they get from western media for being too strict, the government stopped caring. Today employers not only amusingly accept anything resembling a marriage contract but they wed anyone who accepts Islam without any questions asked. Fake marriages run into trouble when children are born but Filipinos are doers of the impossible. To avoid landing them in jail, the embassy is forced to provide papers to the illegitimate children but it is nonetheless a partner in the crime. To the men, I advised them to revert to Islam where polygamy is allowed in circumstances exactly similar to where they find themselves in but for the women, I said, “sorry, there is no salvation for you in Islam.” I advised them though to seek salvation among the Mormons, a Christian sect where Polyandry is permitted (the practice had been long abandoned by its adherents). My town is cradled in the mountainous heights of Saudi Arabia. It is a tiny dot of TIHAMALAND in your map better known to western adventurers as ARABIA FELIX straddling the border with Yemen. It is the last frontier of Saudi Arabia meaning old traditions are practiced here more than anywhere else in the Arabian Peninsula. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere in the world. If you imagine this town at the tip of an inverted Pyramid, you begin to see the big picture where sky is the limit.

Nosca Khalid
Author: "APOCALYPSE COUNTDOWN 666"
(amazon.co.uk/januspublishing.co.uk)


My reply:

OFWs Voice from the Dark
By: Gener Marcelo

In as much as I don’t want to give credit to this article written by a certain Dr. Nosca Khalid titled, “OFWs: the unspeakable DARK SIDE” by replying to it. However, I feel the need to defend not only our hapless OFW migrants but also my personal belief as a Christian.

The author (I assume is a believer of Islam and I doubt if he is a Filipino) is right when he pointed out the Philippine government ineptitude in providing decent jobs for these talented but luckless Filipinos. However, this is already a proven fact. Ask every OFW’s you may know and they will tell the same observations as what the author had said in his article and we don’t need anybody, not even an author with a doctorate degree to tell us Filipinos the sorry state of our government’s policy with regards to migration. However, I would appreciate more if Dr. Khalid offers solution more than just stating the problem as it is. As I have said, we already knew it that is why we are relying in our own way of helping ourselves more than our government. At the very least, this would be far better than just crying and howling in the dark waiting for alms to feed ourselves. Given this situation, Filipinos are embracing the risks and all the downsides of leaving our families back home. While there may be happy stories in Filipinos going abroad but sad stories outweigh the good ones. This however does not prevent us from fulfilling our obligation to our families.

Filipinos are well known for its resiliency and because of it, we are often the subject of abuse by the very same people we believed will treat us in a humane way, regardless weather we are Christian and they are Muslims. Look at the headlines of the news today, how many OFWs suffered at the hands of their employers? Look at the statistics of human rights violations committed against OFWs by their employers in the Middle East? Isn’t it they are also believers of Islam?

One should not claim superiority over the other by way of finding justification on some else’s failure. While Filipino Christians abhor sinful ways of our fellowmen, however, it is not right to label every Filipinos alike to be one and the same in the same way that Muslims abhor their Muslim brothers who resorted to violence in the practice of their faith.

Respect is the key to a mutual coexistence. Without this, nobody has the right to claim superiority over the other just because they have what other may not have.

siguro kung ang lalaki ang may obaryo, di na mag-iisip na mambabae, kasi kami rin ang mabubuntis eh, pero siguro, mga babae naman ang magiging lalakero pag nagkataon,

Quote from: hofelina on July 25, 2009, 06:15:11 PM
Walastik Gener, akala ko ikaw yung man on the porch!

hahahaha, pag naimbento yan sa pilipinas, malamang maraming matatakot na babaero, nyahhaha

A married couple went to the hospital to have their baby delivered. Upon their arrival, the doctor said he had invented a new machine that would transfer a portion of the mother's labor pain to the father.

He asked if they were willing to try it out. They were both very much in favor of it. The doctor set the pain transfer dial to 10% for starters, explaining that even 10% was probably more pain than the father had ever experienced before. But as the labor progressed, the husband felt fine and asked the doctor to go ahead and bump it up a notch. The doctor then adjusted the machine to 20% pain transfer. The husband was still feeling fine. The doctor checked the husband's blood pressure and was amazed at how well he was doing. At this point they decided to try for 50%.
The husband continued to feel quite well. Since it was obviously helping out his wife considerably, the husband encouraged the doctor to transfer ALL the pain to him. The wife delivered a healthy baby with virtually no pain.

She and her husband were ecstatic. When they got home, the husband's best friend was dead on their porch.

Quote from: hofelina on July 21, 2009, 05:52:11 PM
Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?

Gener, I love this part! Mabuhay ang ingles!

HAHAHA, kaya ako manay tess, i find it interesting to learn visayan language, hehehe, btw, can a person order a 'HAPPY MEAL' at Mc Donald's even he's sad or lonely?

There is no egg in the eggplant, no ham in the hamburger and neither
Pine nor apple in the pineapple. English muffins were not invented in
England, French fries were not invented in France.

We sometimes take English for granted.

But if we examine its paradoxes we find that
Quicksand takes you down slowly, boxing rings are
square and guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it
a pig.

If writers write, how come fingers don't fing.
If the plural of tooth is teeth,  shouldn't the plural of phone booth be phone beeth.

If the teacher taught, why didn't the preacher praught.

If a vegetarian eats vegetables,
what the heck does a humanitarian eat!?

Why do people recite at a play yet play at a recital? Park
on driveways and drive on parkways.

You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language
where a house can burn up as it burns down and in which
you fill in a form by filling it out. And a bell
is only heard once it goes!

English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the
creativity of the human race (which of course isn't a race at all).

That is why when the stars are out they are visible, but when
the lights are out they are invisible.

And why is it that when I wind up my watch it starts
but when I wind up this story it ends?

And more......................... Some food for "Thought"

Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?

If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Why is a person who plays the piano called a pianist, but a person who drives a race car not called a racist?

Why are a wise man and a wise guy opposites?

Why do overlook and oversee mean opposite things?

If horrific means to make horrible, does terrific mean to make terrible?

Why isn't 11 pronounced onety one?

If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked and dry cleaners depressed?

Why is it that if someone tells you that there are 1 billion stars in the universe you will believe them, but if they tell you a wall has wet paint you will have to touch it to be sure?

If you take an Oriental person and spin him around several times, does he become disoriented?

If people from Poland are called "Poles, "
why aren't people from Holland called Holes?"

Quote from: hubag bohol on July 20, 2009, 05:29:36 PM
Way sapayan.

Sigi, ayo-ayo.

Hangtod sa sunod!

wahhh, nose bleed ako, paki translate, hehehe

Quote from: hubag bohol on July 20, 2009, 02:11:36 PM
Ha ha ha! More or less. For it to be the right translation, it has to be in the form of a question, although it is still rather unidiomatic. A more common formulation would be, "Tinuod ba?" or plain, "Tinuod?"

Most idiomatic would be, "Mao ba?"

"Tinuod lagi," given as a declarative sentence, would mean something like, "True indeed."

daghang salamat maestro, hehehe, sana marami pa akong matutunan na Visayan words and expressions sa imo :-)

Quote from: hubag bohol on July 20, 2009, 12:53:47 PM
The art of acting provides, in fact, practical training for politicians. It would be much easier for a veteran actor to pretend convincingly that he is not corrupt! Ha ha ha.

tinuod lagi, (tama ba ang viasayan translation ko ng "True, really"?

Quote from: Bambi on July 19, 2009, 11:29:45 PM
Gener, di ba mag artista una aron ikadugang sa qualifications for President? And you must not have to be in born a corrupt one, you will learn it, right?

hahahaha, right, pinoys are fast learners, ang pag arte nga kayang-kaya, corruption pa kaya? hahahaha, (JOKE lang po, pero sa mga politiko natin na corrupt, i really mean it :-<

Quote from: hubag bohol on July 19, 2009, 06:02:11 PM
Good grief! What is this world coming to? I never dreamed of becoming President, but how I wished I were a priest, even if only on a part-time basis.

hahaha, meron bang ganun? part-time priest, full time what? :-)

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090719-216123/Panlilio-angers-prelates

Yah right, well the Priest is even willing to give up his priesthood for the Presidency.

Quote from: hubag bohol on July 16, 2009, 01:22:33 PM

Kung janitor ka, pag-uwi mo iwanan mo sa opisina yung trabaho mo, at pwede ka nang uminom ng beer at manood ng Hayden Kho video...

Sabagay, may mga taong ayaw sa tahimik na buhay.

Kung sabagay, kung Janitor ako tapos ang secretary ko ay si Katrina Halili, sige Janitor na lang ako, kaya lang palagay ko di rin matatahimik ang buhay ko, hehehe, dahil laging magiging magulo, :-)

Quote from: Angie Gulle on July 16, 2009, 03:28:00 AM
At least ang president naay secretary and janitor wla!

HAHAHHA, oo nga, kaya ako President din ang gusto ko :-)

Right, in fairness naman, meron naman mga artista na elected as public servant and likewise excels in public service like Vilma Santos (seems like OK naman ang pamamahala niya as a governor of Batangas) but the rest of other artists turned politicians,--very pathetic

The number of votes reckoned from the marginalized sectors (slums areas, remote barangays, far provinces and regions), regardless if its a valid votes or just padded ones, spells the outcome of the election. While the intelligent voter's votes (which are normally insignificant in terms of numbers) has a lesser impact in determining who will lead our nation. YES, I agree that we have to respect the right of choice of these marginalized people--that is the right to select who they wanted to vote but sadly, is it really who they want to vote? Or are they are just being used, persuaded or harassed to choose a candidate? More often than not, their ignorance are being capitalized by these opportunistic, greedy, power-hungry, incompetent but rich and influential candidates.

Its about high time, and I support the initiative of CBCP to educate the voting population. NGO should start to reach out these marginalized sector of the society, not to endorse a canditate but to explain and educate this large portion of the voting population. Explain to them in the language that they can understand, the candidiates flatform of government, fast achievements, educational background and most especially, the moral ascendency to lead our nation. People through these NGO's must required candidates to participate in public debates so that people in general can discern a candidate's competency, moral values and personal position in certain political, economic, global and religious issues. Those candidates who refused or reluctant to attend these public debates and forum without any valid reasons are normally those who are afraid that their being incompetent be exposed to the general public.

Here are my simple formula:
1. Computerize the election system (now, the government is in the right track here)
2. Educate the voting population (Budget should be set aside here by the government to fund efforts of the NGO)
3. Bring the qualifications for all national elective posts in the highest level of competency (not just like the qualifications for a Philippine President as provided in the Philippine Constitution, Imagine anybody could run for the President of the Republic as long as they are 40 year old Filipino? Oh my golly, e kahit si Inday at si Gorio eh pwedeng kumandidatong Presidente )
4. Require all candidates to post their personal circumstances via information highway using one official website with one format of presentation (so that no one can take advantage in terms of media mileage) so that people can have an intelligent choice of the candidate.
5. Lastly, you, you, you, educated and silent majority, whom are from middle sector, professional, OFW's, SPEAK..SPEAK...SPEAK out and make your voice be heard.

I agree with Hubag bohol that there are occupational hazards in being a President but I believed that all the perks and privilages that a sitting President is receiving are more than enough to cover his/her compensation as "hazard pay." Besides, expenses during the campaign period are guaranteed a recoverable expenses during his/her tenure No wander, bakit ang daming kandidato na nagpapakamatay sa isang posisyon, manalo lang Hmmmm, bakit kaya? Worst, we even have many 'acting-Senators' (translation: pretending Senator) in the Philippine Senate. Yung isa, dating 'PANDAY' at dahil sa agimat, nanalo sa senado, yung isa naman, isang dating pistolero na kilabot sa paghati ng bala (nagtitipid siguro sa bullet), pose lang with matching eye glass, e hayun, Senador na >:(ofcourse, waiting-waiting lang ng yearly CDF nila na 200M pesos. ayos na, naku

OT: Hi MackyFerniz, madalas ako sa Khobar every Thursday afternoon.

If ever I will see a Filipino who is in dire need of a job but didn't finish any formal schooling, and would consider any job like janitorial, I will advise him/her to apply or run as a President instead of applying to become a Janitor in Canada, for I know he/she would surely pass the qualifications of being a President of the Republic than that of a Janitor. You don't believed me, right? OK, see it for yourself.

Janitor Qualifications

Experience in commercial cleaning methods and procedures, general repair, and grounds keeping;
Ability to lift heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs);
WHMIS certification;
Effective interpersonal and organizational skills;
Ability to communicate effectively in both the written and oral form;
Willingness to work as part of the school support team.

Source:
http://ls-strait.ednet.ns.ca/srsb/SRSBoard.nsf/0/6ce0714354af746e84256c2b004a952d?OpenDocument


And now, the qualifications to become a Philippine President;

Under Article 7, Section 2 of the Philippine Constitution, in order to serve as President, one must be:
1) at least 40 years of age,
2) a registered voter,
3) able to read and write,
4) a Filipino citizen by birth, and
5) a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years prior to election.

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_Philippines

Guilty ako sa #'s 7 and 8

Quote from: Bunchy on June 30, 2009, 02:25:33 PM
It was a very nice and touching story.I was moved by their situation and realized that sometimes we people forget that we are blessed to be a blessing.The reason that we are here is to be a witness of God's amazing things done to his people for his glory.
Thanks Gener for this,you are an instrument for our souls.

To God goes the glory my friend. We are just fortunate to be used as His intruments.

The man slowly looked up.  This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life.
Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life.
His first Thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like So many others had done before.
"Leave me alone," he growled. To his amazement, the woman continued standing.  She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."

The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm.
"What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone. Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked. "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?" The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?" "See that   cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything." "This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered. "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"  "What business is that of yours?"  I, sir, I am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company." "Oh." The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?" "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty.” “Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?""Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer." The officer watched him walk away.  "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this." She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry." "Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began.  "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat." Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy." "I know," the woman continued, "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right." "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said. "I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr.  Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you need anything, my door is always opened to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said. "Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus. He led me to you." Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said. "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And...And thank you for the coffee."

If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing.

If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.

But, if you have missed knowing my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, you have missed everything in the world.

Have a Wonderful Day. May God bless you always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you.

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go. Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!

The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for today and let things work in your favor.

If you believe, share this. If you don't believe, delete this.

God closes doors no man can open, God opens doors no man can close.

If you need God to open some doors for you, send this on.

Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing to someone else.

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.”

Quote from: Michael Ligalig on July 02, 2007, 09:40:09 PM
Two mothers-in-law.

One is already too much for me, Making it two, man...it's a suicide, hehehe

Quote from: jamo2x on June 24, 2009, 12:36:49 PM
mao jud. usually close eyes man ang baji. mao ni exception ahahahaha, naniguro ang uyab dili maigo ang pimples hehe 

hahahhaha

HAHAHAHA ;DParang diring-diri yung babae, Love is Blind talaga, pero kung ako nag babae, close ko na lang yung eyes ko pare di HORROR (joke)

"You never closed your eyes, anymore when I kiseed your lips,
And there's no tenderness like before in your finger tips.
You're trying hard not to show it, baby,
But baby, baby I know it."

So base sa lyrics ng song na iyan, for us men, it matters a lot when woman don't closed their eyes when kissed. Lalo na siguro kung ang mata ng girl ay singlaki ng mata ng tarsier (joke)

But I really admire that father in that story for not being remissed with his duty to his family.

The true measure of a man is not measured by his manliness in terms of physique, strength and how many women he lays to bed but on his being responsible enough to fulfill his obligations to his family. Para sa akin, mas bakla pang maituturing ang mga lalaki na takot sa responsibilidad.

Saludo ako sa tatay na ito na nasa story.

Cause of all causes

MANY movies and books attribute the creation of this world only to natural laws. We often see how the universe began as a swirling mass of clouds suggesting complex chemical reactions that lead to the formation of life. This erroneous idea has been deftly refuted by philosopher David Muncie, who wrote the wonderful book about the original cause, “The Quest.” Excerpts:

“Pierre Simon dela Place was a 19th century mathematician who viewed the universe simply as a mass of solid atomic particles that, via Newton’s Laws, pushed and pulled against one anotherâ€"a movement that governed all of the events within the universe. He mathematically calculated the orbits of the planets and, for the first time, explained why some of them moved in an oblong rather than circular fashion. When he presented his hypothesis, Napoleon asked, “Where does God fit into your system?” La Place replied, “Sir, I have no need of that hypothesis.” He was adamant that everything within the universe happened simply as a result of the interaction of tiny particles.

Universal clock

“However, to postulate a universe without a designer is no less plausible than to imagine a watch with no designer. If I were to tell you that I had been collecting pieces of glass, screws and metal, and storing them in my desk drawer, and that, one day, I found that they had all combined together to form a wristwatch, you would scoff at me. Given the harmony of the gigantic universal clockâ€"the machine that is our universeâ€"how much more plausible is it that there’s no design and purpose behind its intricate structure?

“St. Thomas Aquinas has stated that, in this universe, there’s cause for every effect. If we examine the cause of an effect, however, we find that it is also caused by something else. This way, a cause can be seen to be the effect of another cause. So, what we end up with is a causal chain that ultimately leads back to the original cause. Aquinas asserts that this original cause is God.”

This means that the Supreme Person is the cause of all causes, and origin of all origins. Vedic literatures likewise state that He is behind all moving and non-moving things. So, even when film and literature cut the Supreme Being out of the story of the world’s origin and existence, intelligent people always understand that He is the original cause! He is the maintainer and sustainer of everything that exists, to Whom we’re all indebted.

Outing my father


By Melody
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:06:00 06/19/2009

Filed Under: Gender Issues, relationships and dating, Family, Youth


MANILA, Philippines â€" My father and I were extremely close. Sometimes, even my high school classmates would express envy at our closeness. I would tell my dad everything, and I was more close to him than my mother.

No one would have guessed that he is gay. He works for an IT company as a consultant for foreign transactions and though it is not as “macho” as say, a position in the military or in an architectural or engineering firm, his work reflects himselfâ€"highly organized, quick to respond to changes and find solution to problems.

For prom he drove me to the salon and gave me money to choose a dress. He showed support by trusting my date; he was quite open-minded in my choice of boyfriends. He was never strict; he was like a “kabarkada.” He would even sit down with me and mom watching chick flicks.

But I noticed he was not physically expressive toward my mother. He never held her hand, and his kisses were limited to her cheeks. Perhaps it comes with age, I told myself.

He was a gym buff. After work he would spend probably two hours at the gym, sometimes longer. We would always eat dinner late, because mother insisted on having dinner together all the time. My older brother hated it, because we would have school the next day and we prioritized getting a good night’s sleep. So, poor mother would wait until my dad was home for dinner. He would be normally late: sometimes he would stay overnight at work for “business transactions.”

I discovered his real identity when I used his computer without his knowledge. As soon as I went online using my father’s e-mail account, a “hi baby” popped in instant message. My stomach felt a knot as soon as I saw who he was. The avatar on the instant message was a foreigner. And that foreigner was a man.

I signed off immediately and felt confused. Was he cheating on my mother?

And was this whole guy avatar thing just a mere shady way of masking the true identity of this person trying to ruin my family?

It was a bizarre feeling that while I could tell him everything, I could not dare bring up what I had discovered.

I felt betrayed , hurt and angry. How dare he do this to my mother, the perfect wife!

I can’t remember how it all started, but months before graduation in high school, my mother had a serious talk with me. Since I was moving out for university, she said it was important for me to know something before I leave.

Her voice was firm.

“Your father is different…” she said. “He’s gay. Never lose your love to your father. He is always that way. But I love him nonetheless. I have understood his urges to meet up with men sometimes, but I am fine with that. ”

No amount of words can describe how shocked I was.

That was several years ago. Now, despite my discovery about my father’s sexuality, I maintain my respect for him. Years ago maybe I would have crazily mess my life up. But I see no reason to do so now.

I admire his courage, and his dedication to our family. Now that I have a child of my own, he is every bit a loving “lolo” to my baby. And my love has never changed.

(Melody told this story to 2bU correspondent Cristina P. Agatep)

All that has been said above are true and I share with you in those observations.

Just to add;

I find it normal human nature to clings only to God when one is in desperate need of help and that only miracle can save him from the perils of whatever predicament he is in to. On the other hand, enjoys life while forgetting to thank the providence. God knows these weaknesses of ours because He made us. He knows us inside-out, and that He is always on the sideline, waiting for us to to come unto Him when we stumble and fall. He is always there, with an open arms ready to accept us and help us when we call upon Him.

However, I find it sad to learn of people who enjoy good things in life whilst forgetting to thank the Lord as his provider; thinking that whatever fortune he has; -- he owes to himself ;but curse and blaspheme God if he finds himself on the opposite side of good fortune and luck. Unfair isn't it. Good things in life --you owe to your hardwork. Bad things in life -- you find God as an easy excuse to cast the blame.

Just an example; while browsing the news online, I have read comments posted below the news article that reads: "Such a pity for these catholic believers that their God can't save them from this disease, A(H1N1)."

Its very pathetic and it's not funny to know that there are people who are sick such as as this one, blaming God for the bad things that are happening around us where it is us people who are the main responsible?

Perhaps, sooner than we think:

People will start to blame God for the spread of AIDS virus, yet continue to practice promiscous sex lifestyle.

Sooner, man will curse God for war while we continue to build weapons of mass destructions.

Soon, man will curse God for famine while he continue to take advantage of others who can't afford to have food on their table.

ALL OF THESE I find not FUNNY, isn't it?

Quote from: benelynne on December 03, 2008, 07:14:01 AM
Isn't it funny... how misfortunes and tragedies drive us to seek God or challenge Him to prove His existence, but enjoy good times and prosperity without even a grateful afterthought?

Bro, you hit the nail right on its head. Funny isn't it?

I don't like to sing "My Way" anymore, baka ako makita ng mga lasing ::)mahirap na

Excerpt from the lyrics of "LIGHTS" By our very own Arnel Pineda of the American Rock band JOURNEY

When the lights go down in the city
And the sun shines on the bay
I wanna get back in my city by the bay
ohh, ohhh, ohhhh

So you think you're lonely
Well my friend I'm lonely too
I wanne get back in my city
ohhh, ohhh, ohhh

HI Manay Tess, nice post.

I must admit that what has been said in that article is all true. Few days ago, me and my wife have been in those scenarios that this article painted. The internal struggle; which is like playing golf and this is just right after we've done playing the ping-pong. Yah, it's really difficult and emotionally draining fro both of us and I'm glad that we've overcomed this.

Praise God.

I'm a sinner and working hard to live my life out of sins.
But despite of my handicap, I'm not capable of lying.
I hate people who are liars for it is worse than a repentant sinner.
A Liar who lives in the world of deceit doesn't know the way to redemption.
He that is proud is a disgrace but he who is humble of his weaknesses will be lifted up.
For he who's the first will be the last and he who comes last will be put first.

"I'M A SINNER BUT NOT A LIAR."

...and if i may add bro. lorenzo, from the book of proverbs, "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."

A sinner is different from a liar.

A sinner is the one who did something bad as a result of his being an imperfect being.
But a sinner could look into your eyes when he wanted you to believe on things he wanted to say.
Would you believe a sinner if he tells you that he’s a sinner?
He may be a sinner but it doesn’t mean that he’s not capable to telling you the truth.
Remember he is a sinner but not a liar.

A liar on the other hand can appear as a perfect from the outside.
One who masters the art of deception and could portray as saint.
But be wise not to believed in everything a liar will say,
For a liar has the mastery in the art of deception and feels no remorse about it.

Between the two, who would you rather be?

“Be honest even when others are not, even if others cannot and even others will not.”

Salamat brod for appreciating it. I believed that most of the articles I wrote were inspired by God's wonder. I think I couldn't do it by my own, kasi noong elementary ako at high school, i'm too lazy and very poor in writing formal composition. Laging sermon ako kay teacher dahil bukod sa mali ang mga spelling, e kadalasan, wrong gramming, este, wrong gramatization, este, wrong gramarize , hayan, kita mo na bro? ano ba ang tama? "

A learned man


By R. Valencia, S. Bismark
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:17:00 06/12/2009



WHAT kind of friends should we keep? Some good advice from two ancient Chinese stories:

Fu Yuan was a learned man who was given the responsibility of educating the crown prince of the land. He was worried about the bad company his ward kept when he learned that the prince’s playmates were influencing him to indulge in gambling and cheating.

Taking his responsibility to heart, Fu told his student, “To be a good person, you must be in the company of upright people. Anything that comes into contact with vermillion will be stained red; anything that touches ink will be dyed black. Be strict with yourself and be on your best behavior. Only then would people of good moral character be willing to be associated with you.” The emperor heard about the lesson imparted by the teacher and ordered that his wise words be inscribed onto a silk screen and displayed in the room of the crown prince.

Lesson learned: “One’s morals are influenced by the company he keeps.”

Recommendations

During the wars of the provinces in China, Chunyu Kun was a high-ranking official respected for his leadership. One day, he said to his staff, “I need able men to fight in the war. Give me recommendations.”

After less than 24 hours, one person approached him and said, “I have seven brave men to recommend.” Chunyu was surprised and said, “You’ve already found seven men in just one day? How is that possible?”

The person replied, “Birds of the same feather flock together, as do wild beasts. Being brave myself, I associate with such men every day. So, it wasn’t hard to find them.” With that practical answer, Chunyu was satisfied.

Lesson learned: “Things of one kind often come togetherâ€"as do people of the same type.”

I have noticed that when a thread (not only here sa TB but also other social networking groups) talks about something related to "sex" madami ang nagpaparticipate or nagbabasa or nag o-open but if the thread topic is related to God, halos walang reply, comment or even attempts to read it. One example is yung issue na related sa sex video ng isang doctor at actress and see how many hits does this video link has in the youtube before it was removed from the site?

Bakit ba sex really sells?

Bro Lorenzo, thanks sa pagbati at pagkumusta. Ok naman, kababalik ko lang after 2-month vacation from Pinas. As usual of a returning OFW from a well spent vacation, -- HOMESICK. But God's grace, nakaka-cope up uli to go back to the normal world of what is suppose to be.

God bless.

Para sa aking mahay na TATAY Digo,

‘TAY, 10 days na lang from now, Fathers’ day na. Ilang taon na rin na di kita nababati tuwing sasapit ang araw na ito. Hindi ko rin maintindihan kung bakit ngayon lang ako nagkalakas loob na batiin ka kung kailan pa na malayo ako sa inyo. Siguro dahil sentimental lang ako ngayon dahil malayo ako; di lang sa inyo kundi maging sa aking sariling pamilya. Dito sa abroad, kasama ko rin nakikipagsapalaran ang ibang mga Pinoy para lang sa pamilya nila. Ngayon ko lang siguro naintindihan ng husto ang sakripisyo ng ama, para lang itaguyod ang pamilya, to the extent of sacrificing his own happiness of going out of his ‘comfort zone,’- well becasue of family. Kaya siguro nagkaroon ako ng lakas loob na i-express sa inyo ang dapat na noon ko pa ginawa - ang batiin kayo at pasalamatan sa mga ginawa ninyo sa aming magkakapatid. Naiintindihan ko na kayo ngayon; kasi tatay na rin ako. Talagang totoo ang kasabihang, “It takes one to know one.”

Alam kong malabo na makarating sa iyo o kaya’y mabasa mo ang blog na ito, kasi di ka naman marunong mag-computer at wala naman kayong computer d’yan sa bahay. At kung meron man, e baka bago mo matutunan kung paano buksan ang computer, e di na ito uso. Kung ipapadala ko naman itong sulat ko sa inyo thru ‘registered mail or ordinary mail’, e siguro tapos na ang ‘Fathers’ day, e di pa nakakarating ito sa iyo. Kung makarating man, e siguro bago mo mabasa, tampered na dahil pag nakita ng mga ’garapal’ na postal employees diyan sa atin ang sulat na medyo makapal at lalo na galing pa sa abroad, e sigudong bubuksan para tingnan kung may laman na dolyares at saka tatatakan na lang ng “DAMAGED UPON RECEIPT.” HAY, naku, wala na tayong magagawa dun dahil sigurado, isa rin silang ama na gagawin ang lahat para sa ikabuhay ng sarili nilang pamilya - yun nga lang kahit sa maling paraan. Kaya heto, sa BLOG ko na lang idinaan ang pagbati ko sa inyo dahil gusto kong malaman ng buong mundo na mahal na mahal kita. Bagama’t wala akong pagkakataon na masabi ito sa iyo ng personal dahil malayo ako sa inyo, pero alam ko na malaki ang utang na loob ko sa inyo sa ginawa ninyong paghubog sa pagkatao ko. Kung hindi dahil sa inyong gabay, marahil palaboy ako ngayon at walang direksiyon sa buhay.

‘TAY, gusto kong malaman ninyo na naiintindihan ko na ang ibig sabihin ng bawat palo na dumadapo sa puwit ko noong bata pa ako pag nagkakamali ako. Bagama’t di ko maintindihan ang paliwanag ninyo sa akin noon kung bakit mo ako pinapalo, e siguro dahil na rin sa lakas ng iyak ko, kaya di ko marinig ang paliwanag mo. Naiintihan ko na rin ‘TAY kung bakit lagi kang mahigpit sa akin noon. Akala ko nga eh, talagang gusto mo lang na gawin yun pero naramdaman ko rin na mahal mo ako noon kasi nung malapit na ang graduation ko sa elementary, wala akong sapatos na ‘balat’ na isusuot at nasabi ko sa iyo noon na gusto ko sana ng “HARUTA” na sapatos sa graduation, (eh kasi yung ang uso noong 1980’s). Tuwang-tuwa talaga ako noon ng isang araw  pag uwi mo galing sa karera, swerte ka noon at tumama ka sa “winner-take-all” sa Santa Ana, kaya hayun, binigyan mo ako ng 600 pesos at nakabili akong ng ‘HARUTA’, eh di sikat ako sa mga ka-klase ko non!. Pagsampa ko sa stage, bagama’t wala ako sa ‘honor roll’ eh daig ko pa yung ‘Valedictorian namin, kasi siya, simple lang yung sapatos niya eh yung sa akin, yung uso.

SALAMAT ITAY, at salamat sa Diyos at ikaw ang aking naging tatay. Sana humaba pa ang buhay mo at sana magkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na maibalik sa inyo ang pagmamahal ng isang anak sa kanyan ama. Pagbalik ko ng Pilipinas ,’TAY, kahit di Fathers’s day eh, gimik tayo sa labas, kahit anong gimik ang guston mo ‘Tay, kahit sa beerhouse pa at kung gusto mong mag-table, sagot ko. Ako ng bahala kay nanay, papayag yun, malakas ako dun.

Advance HAPPY FATHERS’ DAY sa inyo ‘Itay’ at nawa’y mabasa mo itong BLOG ko na ito, kung di man dito sa lupa, siguro sa langit. I love you ‘Tay!

Regards,

Gener “Gino” Marcelo

 Sa isang kapanahunan, humarap si Satanas kay Hesus doon sa Harden ng Eden , at masayang nagyayabang.  (Luke 4: 1-12; Job 1: 6-12)

'Opo, Panginoon, sa ngayon, silang lahat ay sakop ko na,(halos lahat sila doon sa ibaba).
Naglagay ako ng mga patibong, gamit ko rin ang pa-in ng tukso,Alam ko lahat ang mga bagay ng kanilang kahinaan.Halos nabitag ko silang lahat!' (1 Ped 5: 8-9; Efe 6: 10-17)

'Ano ang gagawin mo sa kanila?' tanong ni Hesus.
at Siya ay nanalangin sa Dios Ama.

Sumagot si Satanas 'Oh, gagawa ako ng katuwaan sa kanila !'

Palalaganapin ko ang tukso para mawasak ang maraming pamilya pagkatapos nilang magpakasal upang ang pondasyon ng sangkatauhanay hindi maging matatag
'ang pamilya' (Mat 19: 4-6; Malak 2: 16 )

Pag-aawayin ko sila sa isat-isa at mag-aabusuhan silang lahat,malulong sila sa alak, droga, tawag ng laman ng walang pakundangan. (Rom 13: 12-14)

Tuturuan ko silang gumawa ng mga armas at pampasabog,upang magpatayan silang lahat

'Talagang mag e-enjoy ako ng husto!'

'At kung magsawa ka na sa katuwaan sa kanila, anong gagawing mo?'tanong ni Hesus, habang patuloy na nananalangin

'Eh di patayin ko silang lahat at ang kanilang kaluluwa'y magiging akin magpakailanman'
'Panginoon sa lahat ng aspeto, desisyon nila 'yan ' (1 John 3: 8-10)

'Magkano lahat ang gusto mo para sa kanila?' tanong ni Hesus.

'Uhmn, hindi mo sila kailangan. Wala silang maidudulot na mabuti para sa IYo.Bakit mo pa sila kailangan kung ayaw nilang sumunod ni magmahal sa Iyo? Galit sila sa Iyo! Nakita ko na maraming dumudura sa 'yo , isinumpa Ka at hindi kinikilala.' 'Dagdag pa, mahal na mahal nila ako ' (Mat 24: 10-13)

'Hindi ma kailangan ang mga taong ito!!'

'Magkano?' tanong ulit ni Hesus.


Tumingin si Satanas sa Kanya ng may pangungutya. .

'Lahat ng iyong luha at dugo,lahat ng kapighatian sa sanlibutan  lahat-lahat' (Isaiah 53: 4-10; I Ped 2: 24 )

sumagot si Hesus ...' Gawin ko'

'at binayaran Niya lahat ng katumbas ' (II Cor 5: 21 )

Napakasaklap isipin na hindi ninanais ng tao na hanapin ang Dios, ngunit nagtatanong sa sarili kung bakit ang mundo'y pabagsak sa impyerno !

Mas nabigyang pansin pa ang balitang pang araw-araw hinggil sa trahedya sa ating kapaligiran ngunit hindi natin hinahanap ang Biblia

Halos lahat ay walang katuturang nagnanais na mapunta sa kalangitan,
at naniniwalang makarating sila roon kahit walang pananalig,
kahit hindi umibig sa Dios higit pa sa lahat ng bagay ,
ni sumunod sa sinabi ng Biblia ..., ang kautusan ng Dios.

Napakasaklap na may nga taong nagsasabi'Sumasampa lataya ako sa Dios'
subalit kay Satanas pa rin sumusunod(at sa totoo lang, ni hindi natatakot sa Dios )
(2 Tim 4: 3-4; II J uan 1: 7-11)

Sa palagay nyo'y hindi isang kahinaan ang magpadala ng libo-libong 'biro o katuwaan' sa email, upang ito'y kumalat ng parang 'salot' .

Ngunit pag itoy mensahe na mula sa Panginoon,nagda- dalawang isip pa tayo bago natin ito maibahagi sa iba; at kinalimutan na lang natin ang mailboxes ng ating mga kaibigan na hindi nakabasa nito

Sa pakiwari nyo, hindi nakakagimbal na ang mga malalaswa,
makamundoat kawalanghiyaan ay kusang umiiral sa Internet,
na marami ang halos gusto nang ipasak ang sarili sa 'screen' .

Pero ipinagbabawal sa publiko ang magbahagi tungkol kay Hesus
sa mga eskwelahan, lugar ng pinagtrabahu- an,
pang kasarinlang lupon, atbp.... (Gawa 4: 19-20)

Kahit ngayong malaman ang ginawa Niya para sa atin.
dahil hindi siya pinatay ng mga Romano.. Kungdi ng ating mga kasalanan .
upang lahat tayo'y mapatawad,
at makilala Siya sa kanyang kaluwalhatian kasama ng Ama.

Parang hindi kapanipaniwala kung paanong ang iba ay nagiging ilaw
sa panahon ng 'Simba' pag pumasok sa Bahay-panambahan,
sumasamba at nagpapasalamatsa Panginoon dahil sa kanyang 'habag',
sa isang pa muling araw na naragdagan ang buhay.

Subalit sa ibang mga araw ng Linggo  sya ay nagiging invisible na Kristyano! (2 Tim 3: 1-5; Rom 10: 9-13)

Ano kaya, makatarungan ba ito?

Hwag hayaang itigil ni Satanas ang magbahagi ng e-mail na ito
para sa kakilala natin saWeb,
Hayaan na lang kahit sabihin nilang 'ayaw nilang maniwalanito'
Hwag hayaang umayong sa kanyang mga balak !

Hwag mabagabag tungkol sa sasabihin ng iba para sa iyo
Panahon na upang mabahala tayo sa 'kung ano ang iniisip ng Dios para sa atin '

Pakiusap lang mga kapatid , ibahagi mo rin ito!
'Ako, nagawa ko na, Salamat'
Pagpapalain ka nawa ng Dios (2 Cor 13: 13 )

(Note: I found this letter while browsing my CD archive looking for a reference material for the company profile that I was tasked to do. I made this letter sometime February of 2004 as requested by my son’s teacher during the Bosconians out of town retreat somewhere in Batangas. I would like to dedicate this also to all the fathers, who just like me have an unfathomable love for their kids. HAPPY FATHERS’ day to all dads out there. By the way, I had my son’s name ommitted, ayaw kasi nun ng publicity, suplado. lol)


Dear Son,

Hello son! “siguro by now you are wondering what seems life without your father and mother at your side, especially pag yung mga time na kailangan mo kami, kaya lang as in wala kami to help you out…kasi diba madalas mong sabihin na sana wag muna kaming umuwi ng mommy mo sa bahay para you can do whatever you want to do in the house…well, di kita masisisi, kasi nga naman, pag andyan kami, especially your mom, wala ka ng narining sa amin kung hindi, “don’t do this, don’t do that, etc, etc”, at kung anu-ano pang litanya. Well your mom and I just keep on hoping that someday, you will realize that we are doing this because we loved you more than our lives.. Yes son, we do loved you that much kaya we just wanted to teach you the way we think is right and good for you.

Madami kang pangarap noh?… ang dami mong plano . nakakatuwa naman na malaman yan. Kasama ba kami sa mga plano mo? ano? naku di ka agad makasagot… sige okay lang alam ko naman kung ano talaga sagot mo…

You know son, if you still remember one time noong tinanong kita nang pabiro, “anak, pag matanda na ba kami ng mommy mo, ipapasyal mo ba kami sa mga malls gaya ng ginagawa natin ngayun? Would you bother to change my diaper or my pants kapag napaihi ako sa pants because of my old age? Then sabi mo, “Ikukuha ko na lang kayo ng mag-aalaga sa iyo”,

You know son, I was so strucked by your answer, though pabiro lang ang tanong ko but I never expected your answer to be like that. Of course, pag malaki ka na and I’m sure maganda ang work mo because I know you got the ability to succeed in life dahil maabilidad ka, mana ka yata sa akin? (at mag-kamukha pa), kaya lang ang pinagkaiba lang natin siguro, eh yung pagtanaw sa pinang galingan, â€" saan? Siyempre sa aming mga magulang mo.

Alam mo anak, you can hire as many care givers para mag-alaga sa amin (dahil siguro malaki na ang sweldo mo by that time), pero son, hindi iyun ang kailangan namin ng mommy mo pag dating nang panahon na iyon kung hindi ang kalinga at pagmamahal ng sarili naming anak na bahagi ng aming dugo at buhay. Minsan tuloy natatakot akong tumanda at maging helpless na kami ng mommy mo, kasi baka you won’t bother to take care of us when we grow old.

O wag kang iiyak, di naman kita kinokonsiyensiya, basta ang gusto ko lang sabihin sa’yo na nandito lang kami ng mommy mo; kapag kailangan mo kami…pag hindi ka na busy. totoo yon! walang biro! ayaw mong maniwala?

Ganon ka namin kamahal kasi! Ayaw mo pa ring maniwala? Haaay! Remember this; kahit singit lang kami lagi sa buhay mo, kahit biglaan mo lang na natatawag ang pangalan ko dahil nagulat ka, nasaktan ka, nauntog ka o dahil part ang pangalan ko habang binabasa mo na ang sulat na ito, you will be in my heart always… and forever. Trial after trial isipin mo kasama mo ako na lumalakad, hindi man sa buhangin pero kasama mo pa rin ako dahil nasa puso kita. At sa lahat ng plano mo , kahit hindi mo ako kasama sana madinig namin ng mommy mo na mahal mo rin kami , kahit minsan lang ha? Minsan ako naman ang lambingin mo mo…miss na talaga kita eh…Sa amin ng mommy mo, hindi ka singit lang, ikaw ang bida.”

So paano, hangang dito na lang, me and your mom shall wait your arrival the following day after the retreat at the school, though Feb.25 yun, I’m not sure kung declare na holiday yun, pero, I wont mind kahit regular working day pa yun , I filed already a vacation leave on that day just to be with you once you arrived from retreat.

Sige good night and never forget to pray before you sleep,

Love,
Dad

Quote from: gelicutie on June 04, 2009, 06:59:22 PM
I watch Eat Bulaga almost every day and I oppose what you said about EB's mockery against their contestants.  Tito, Vic, Joey along with other hosts treat their contestants well enough and I can see the respect they bestow upon them. I am not biased I like wowowee because it gives poor people the chance to shine in the limelight even for just a little time. Their talents are shown and shared for the whole world to see and as a televiewer, I am amused and entertained to say the least.

I agree with your observation. Though Joey, known for his "double-meaning' linggo, I don't remember seeing him demeaning contestants esp. women, unlike Willie, who most of the time caught staring at lady contestant's breast during interview portion in one of the show's segment. He could just have reserve it off-camera para di naman masyadong garapal ang kamanyakan niya.

Talagang nakakalungkot ang mga socilal injustices at discrimination sa lipunan na ating ginagalawan, hindi lang sa Pilipinas ngunit maging sa ibang bansa din.

Here is another stories as published in the PDI today.

Gay Filipino gets asylum in historic US case

By Rodel Rodis
INQUIRER.net

Close this CALIFORNIA, United Statesâ€"A gay Filipino was granted political asylum in an historic US case.

Because Philip Belarmino, 43, was subjected to rapes and repeated sexual harassments as a boy and because Philippine police are “known to be corrupt” and the Philippine government is “unable to curtail their corruption,” a San Francisco immigration judge ruled on May 21, 2009 that Belarmino was entitled to political asylum in the US.

Belarmino, an English professor in the Philippines who entered the US on a visitor’s visa in 2005, had been placed in deportation proceedings for overstaying his visa. Through his immigration attorney, Ted Laguatan, he subsequently applied for political asylum by claiming that he would be subjected to persecution in the Philippines because of his sexual orientation.

At his individual merits hearing, Belarmino recounted that when he was as young as nine years old, he had been forced to engage in oral and anal sex by older bullies. He recalled that at age 16, he was repeatedly raped by a houseboy who threatened him with a knife. He said that he did not report the rapes to the police for fear that they vwould only extort money from him or even use him for “their sexual pleasures.”

Immigration Judge Loreto Geisse found Belarmino’s testimony to be credible and determined that he would suffer persecution on the basis of his “membership in a particular social group” which was being a homosexual in the Philippines and granted him asylum.

Just eight years before Belarmino’s case, a gay Mexican (Boer-Sedano), who similarly applied for political asylum, claimed at his San Francisco Immigration Court hearing on November 15, 2001 that he would suffer persecution in Mexico because of his gender. He testified that he was repeatedly raped by a “high ranking police officer” who pointed a gun to his head and told him that if he killed him, he was certain that would not be charged with murder but congratulated for “cleaning up society.”

On November 20, 2001, the immigration judge (IJ) denied Boer-Sedano’s application for asylum ruling that he had failed to establish past persecution “on account of a protected basis” and that he had failed to seek protection from the authorities. The IJ concluded that the sex acts that Boer-Sedano was forced to perform by the police officer were simply “a personal problem” he had with this officer.

The IJ further concluded that Boer-Sedano had not established a well-founded fear of persecution because “he was not subject to systematic persecution which prevented him from living his chosen life style” and because there was no evidence of systematic official persecution of homosexuals in Mexico.

Boer-Sedano appealed the IJ’s decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), which subsequently affirmed the IJ’s ruling without opinion. He then appealed the BIA decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

To qualify for asylum, an alien applicant must show that he was a refugee or one “who is unable or unwilling to return to his native country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.”

The IJ had rejected Boer-Sedano’s argument that he was persecuted on account of his membership in the particular social group of male homosexuals in Mexico because she found that this did not constitute a particular social group for asylum purposes.

On August 12, 2005, the Ninth Circuit ruled that the IJ and the BIA erred because “alien homosexuals” constitute a particular social group. “Whether particular acts constitute persecution for asylum purposes is a legal question…We have held that sexual assault, including forced oral sex, may constitute persecution… Therefore, there can be no doubt that the nine sex acts that Boer-Sedano was forced to perform rise to the level of persecution.”

The Ninth Circuit further determined that Boer-Sedano’s failure to seek help from officials was understandable given the status of the officer who was victimizing him and the fear he had as a gay man living in a country where homosexuality, while not a crime, is socially unacceptable.

The difference in the immigration judges’ contrasting decision in the cases of Belarmino and Boer-Sedano also show that applying for political asylum is like playing Russian rouletteâ€"land the right judge and you win, land the wrong judge and you lose.

In the summer of 2001, two Egyptian male lovers came to the US for a vacation. After they overstayed their visas, they were placed in removal (deportation) proceedings. Because they did not apply within one year of their arrival, they could not apply for political asylum but they could apply for “withholding of removal,” which is a form of relief similar to asylum.

Married couples can usually appear before the same judge but because the Egyptians were not married to each other, they were assigned to different judges. The one assigned to an IJ who denied more than 90 percent of the asylum claims before him denied his withholding of removal application and ordered him deported back to Egypt. The other one who was assigned to a more liberal judge was granted his relief and subsequently received a green card.

Both had filed similar claims alleging past harassment, beatings, hospitalization, and lack of police response but received opposite results. Even though Boer-Sedano had a stronger argument for asylum in 2001 than Belarmino did in 2009, the immigration judges who heard their cases differed in their rulings.

Commenting on the historic significance of the Belarmino ruling, lawyer Ted Laguatan stated: “This decision by Judge Geisse gives a strong message to the world that gay people should not be persecuted for being gay. Persecuting gay people is no different from persecuting people simply because they are of a different color or nationality. This decision provides encouragement and hope to gay communities in their struggle to end discrimination and harassment against them.”

Hi Manay Tess, galing ako sa bakasyon, almost 2 months din and during that time of hybernation, I had a self-imposed rule of no writing - no PC but strictly family affairs only.

Manay sa halagang 200 pesos tinangihan ka? Sana inilabas mo ang mga dolyares sa wallet mo ewan ko lang baka maturete yung pobreng sales lady na yun

OFWs in Mideast fear branding as flu carriers

By Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 11:43:00 06/05/2009

MANILA, Philippinesâ€"An overseas Filipino workers’ group in the Middle East called on the government on Thursday to protect Filipinos from being discriminated against as carriers of the dreaded Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

"The OFW communities here in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East are fearful and uneasy, especially since the first case of the Influenza A (H1N1) came from us Filipinos," Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said in answer to an email query.

Monterona was asked to comment on reports that the Saudi government confirmed on Wednesday that a sick Filipino nurse who arrived in Riyadh Friday last week was the kingdom's first case of the disease.

There are an estimated two million Filipinos in Saudi Arabia and about a million more in the rest of the Middle East.

Monterona, who is based in Riyadh, said the Philippine government should issue health advisories through the Philippine posts in the region and launch a campaign in the OFW sector on how to avoid the novel flu virus.

The Department of Health should also consider sending its health experts to countries where H1N1 flu cases among OFWs would be reported to ensure prompt and proper medical treatment of Filipinos, Monterona said.

"We appeal for the government to make proper representation and to closely collaborate with the host government in this matter," he added.

Migrante-ME, in a statement Thursday morning, earlier called on the Arroyo administration to put on hold the export of OFWs amid the rising number of H1N1 flu infections around the world.

What is the color of your school?
By: Gener Marcelo

I’m an Engineer by profession and currently working abroad. How I ended up here is another story but I just want to comment on the article posted in Philippine Daily Inquirer (10/12/2008), Job applicants: The school matters.

The result of the survey conducted among firms placing their job ads shows really the kind of discrimination that graduates of “non reputable / non prestigious” schools were getting from the first day of their job hunting.

Hiring firm’s efficient way of getting best applicants by narrowing their pool of applicants is really a time and money well spent move but to limit their pool of applicants only to the Big 3 is downright discriminatory. While most HR practitioners may reason out that their preference is merely based on the performance of these so-called prestigious school graduates during pre-employment screening, however what they failed to disclose is the astonishing fact that loyalty to one’s alma mater is a common consideration during job hiring. Patronize your own as what they say serves as the “umbilical cord” between an alumni and their alma mater. Perhaps seeing known personalities and politicians during UAAP matches rooting for their respective schools of course is a common sight.

I remember my first taste of discrimination when I applied for a part time job to support my self to school in one of the fast food chains in Makati. The hiring manager prefers graduate of Assumption College, De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas and was really surprised to see me during the interview. Due to my persistence or perhaps out of mercy, she gave me the nod and I was hired as a crew. Not to be outsmarted by the elite class, I elbow my way on top. I was given Employee of the Month award after 3 months of working, promoted to Crew Chief after 6 months of service and finally became a Manager after 9 months in the service - a peat that has never been duplicated by my workmates. Lest I haven’t been persistent of my rights for an equal employment opportunity, I may not reach that kind of achievement.

My own taste of employment discrimination didn’t stop there. After receiving my Engineering degree from an unknown State College, I decided to leave my job in that fast food chain to practice my profession. I remember holding a newspaper clipping from a classified ads announcing that a manufacturing company is looking for a Cadet Engineer who belongs to top 20 of the graduating class and must be a graduate of reputable universities. (READ: Technical schools specialized in Engineering Degrees). While I finished my Engineering degree without any failing grades in 6 years, not 5 years as the usual for I was a self-supporting student at that time. I didn’t belong even to top 50 of the graduating class. Unlike my other co-graduates who had a “Laude” title pronounced after their name when they were called up on stage. Worst, the school to which I’m a graduate was not even known as a school offering Engineering courses nor even under the category as “University” but College due to school’s small student population. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a try but during the preliminary screening, I landed in the last batch of the applicants to be screened. To make the long story short, among hundreds of applicants who vied for that position, I was chosen as one among the 7 Cadet Engineers to be sent to Japan for training and among that 7, I’m the only one who came from a State College. During our internship at Japan, hard work, dedication, leadership traits and few ounces of common sense earned me the respect not only by my colleague but also by our Sensei. Upon our return to the Philippines, 3 of us were assigned in one of the most complicated lines of the manufacturing. After 3 years in the company, I found myself as one of the incumbents responsible for screening; hiring, mentoring and developing newly hired Engineers. This add-on responsibility gave me the opportunity to level the playing field during job hiring of technical applicants. After my 4 years of stint in that company, I moved to a much greener land to pasture, moving from one company to another occupying mostly sensitive position in the company, from Production Manager to Management Representative and the rest is history.

Now, why I’m saying all of these? Simply because common practice nowadays by most of the hiring executives and managers is not only discriminatory in the aspect of equal opportunity employment but also prevents the discovery of grass roots future leaders of our society. We cannot simply equate the color of one’s school to a person’s ability to give good result and more so of its integrity. While it is a fact that graduates of these reputable schools are indeed intelligent and brilliant, however our country needs intelligent and brilliant leaders no more but a leader with an impeccable integrity. In fact, our country had enough of these intelligent leaders and look how it spells the sorry state of our nation.

Our country has so much of these “intelligent” people who bleed the country dry of its riches while average people who once denied an equal employment opportunity or simply the lack of work opportunity; leave the country in exodus to become OFWs. Oh, by the way, I stand corrected, as GMA puts it; we are now called “Expat” and remittances from these “expats” are what fuel the Philippines’ economy for so many years.

So the next time you will hire a job applicant, please don’t look only whether they are blue, green or maroon but as a person who deserves to be treated equally.

By the way, I had my son to take entrance exams at De La Salle, UST and Mapua among others not because we can afford such luxury but I don’t want him to experience the kind of discrimination I had in my life.

Don’t judge a customer by the way he looks
By Karen Galarpe
06/05/09
Posted under customer service

ONE of my close friends is a very simple person. An engineer and head of her own trading company, she is most at home in jeans and casual shirts, and can live without makeup or flashy jewelry.

She was just telling me a few days ago how some business establishments could be so judgmental.

Recently, she went to a high-end department store because she needed to buy a whole new set of makeup to replace her whole kit. She went to the counter of a well-known international brand. Another customer, a woman who was dressed well, was there too and asked about lipsticks. The counter personnel kept on attending to the woman, showing her all the different colors of lipstick they have and encouraging her to try them on. My friend would ask for some items, which they would give her, but they did not really attend to her in the same way or offered to put on makeup on her.

In the end, my friend bought a whole set of cosmetics from that brand while the woman left with just one lipstick purchase.

“I told them they should have attended to me with the same level of attention they gave the other woman. It turned out I bought more than she did,” my friend said. “I could relate to Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when she was discriminated on in a Beverly Hills store because of how she looked.”

In another incident, my friend and her husband used the valet service at the five-star hotel they go to regularly for the buffet. Now her husband is the more “maporma” between them and would always be the one to hand over the car keys to the valet and claim the car. One time, her husband had to talk to someone, and so my friend gave the claim stub to the valet counter. Other wealthy-looking people also came to claim their cars after her. My friend did not say anything but noticed that the other people were serviced first.

After what seemed like thirty minutes later, she was still waiting for their car when her husband came out and wondered why it is taking so long. When the valet, who knew my friend’s husband by this time, saw him, he greeted my friend’s husband, “O boss, kayo pala. Yung claim stub niyo po?” My friend’s husband told him that his wife has been there a long time waiting for their car. The valet said they should have been informed that it is for him so they would get their car first.

My friend could not let this pass and asked the valet if this is how they service customers â€" favoritism for the wealthier-looking ones? And so she told them that from then on, they should not expect a tip from them. They have been back to that hotel a number of times but my friend still refuses to give the valets a tip.

Another friend of mine who used to work in the administration office of a bargain center in Divisoria told me how interesting it is to see people in plain shirts and tsinelas coming in and paying their leases in cash by the bayong. “They are the unassuming rich. It’s trueâ€"you should never judge a book by its cover,” she said.

Scholastic discrimination

By Raul J. Palabrica
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:02:00 06/04/2009

WHAT’S in a name?

So goes part of a famous quote in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

A lot, as far as jobseekers in Canada are concerned, according to a recent study about employment opportunities in that country.

The research showed that applicants with Canadian education and experience were more likely to get a return call from small and midsized employers if they had English-sounding names.

Applicants with similar backgrounds, but with Asian-sounding names, found themselves at the lower end of the priority list of those employers.

The report shows “that a distinct foreign-sounding name may be a significant disadvantage on the job marketâ€"even if you are a second- or third-generation citizen.”

Although the research did not include large businesses, the results gave an insight into the employment difficulties of new immigrants to Canada despite its liberal policies on the entry of qualified immigrants to its high-skilled labor market.

The findings confirm the continued presence of discrimination in the workplace in many countries, including the Philippines, which is manifested in various, yet subtle, ways.

Advertisement

Take a look at advertisements in the local job market. Notice how many companies specify that applicants should be “young,” “of pleasing personality,” and, this is the clincher, “preferably graduates of x x x schools.”

The subliminal message of the ads is, only graduates of these educational institutions are fit to be considered for employment by the company.

The bias in favor of products of so-called elite schools is not as marked in positions that call for routine work or do not require the exercise of judgment.

Thus, a bachelor’s degree from any school often suffices to meet the criterion on educational background.

The scholastic cachet becomes material in high-end professional services, such as, investment banking, law, accountancy and engineering.

If the majority of the partners or principals of these offices are alumni of a particular school, expect their recruiters to give priority to applicants who earned their diplomas from the same institution.

In case the job hunting co-alumnus happens to be the most qualified to fill up the vacancy, his alma mater is just icing on the cake.

Expectations

It’s when one or more applicants from “other schools” are equally qualified that the logo appearing on top of the diploma becomes critical in the recruitment process.

All things fair and equal, the argument goes, the hiring authority would prefer working with somebody who shares his academic background than with someone who earned his degree under a different (read: untested) educational environment.

With this birds-of-a-feather-flock-together attitude, it is not unusual to see many professional offices dominated by graduates of the same school.

But the preferential treatment has its downside, too. The new employee will be under tremendous pressure to live up to the expectations of his employer, especially if his school affiliation made the difference in his employment.

Woe to the newcomer who fails to make the grade. The reputation of his fellow alumni in the officeâ€"and their alma materâ€"would be adversely affected.

In an office whose staff consist of graduates of schools that foster intense rivalry in sports and other activities, the slip-up would be grist for jokes or sarcastic remarks whenever the opportunity to do a comeuppance on a rival school presents itself.

Attitude

Understandably, graduates of schools that are not included in the “A” list feel bad about the way some employers look down on their alma mater.

Their potentials as productive employees are downgraded simply on the basis of the name of the institution where they finished their studies. The elitist attitude toward less expensive schools is unmistakable.

Here’s news for employers who still cling to the old belief that where a person earned his degree is indicative of his worth as an employee or business associate.

The results of recent government licensure tests show that graduates of the so-called elite schools are slowly being edged out of the top slots that they used to occupy.

On a number of occasions, graduates of universities in the provinces have given, and continue to give, their Metro Manila counterparts a run for their money in academic competitions here and abroad.

Thanks to traffic congestion, pollution and other forms of urban blight, many of the “best and the brightest” of our youth have opted to move to the provinces for quality education, and at lower costs at that.

Like all other forms of discrimination, it would take some time before “school branding” would cease to be the basis for determining a person’s fitness for employment.

At the rate graduates who do not come from so-called prestige schools are proving themselves, it will not be long before job applicants will be judged on the basis of their individual worth, not on where they earned their diploma.

(For feedback, please write to rpalabrica@inquirer.com.ph)

Greed Not Financial Crisis
By Gener Marcelo

The news I read from the internet reported that unemployment rate in January of 2009 rose by 0.3 percentage point to 7.7 percent in January. Translating these figures into layman’s terms, it means that for the month of January alone, there were 2.8 million unemployed Filipinos. NSO data showed that of 37.1 million Filipinos who applied for a job, only 34.3 million got the jobs.
The country’s jobless rates climbed and this would rise further owing to the fact that there are about 275,000 people who lost their jobs since October last year. This figure is expected to rise with the addition of numbers of fresh graduates this March. Analysts said it would rise further as the country feels the impact of financial crisis.

Job Mismatch is Caused by Obsolete School Curriculum

While there may be plenty of jobs available in the Philippines, job placement agencies claim that job seeker’s skills didn’t matched the required skills for the jobs. This is mainly because the curriculum that the students were getting from formal schoolings doesn’t match with the demand of the jobs that these future graduates will pursue in the future. Take for example the subjects being taught (still) in the colleges and universities. There are still History subjects, Rizal’s Work, Spanish, Panitikan, etc. Well, I’m not saying that they should not be taught to every Filipino student but these subjects should have “proper” place in the school curriculum. Introducing these subjects in the primary and secondary levels are enough but not anymore in college. Instead, CHED should initiate a thorough review of tertiary level curriculum and focus more on subjects which are requisite of specific course and put additional units in on-the-job training or internship. Perhaps, engineering courses instead of the usual 5-year program can be shortened to 4-year courses without sacrificing the knowledge and skills to be learned.

However, there are those who can meet or even excel the skills and experience required by the job but were not accepted anyway because of age factor. While others, gifted with talent (and the age factor on their side) opted to work abroad in exchange of hefty salary.  As a result, the Philippines continuously lose its battle on brain-drain while the problem of job mismatch is also increasing exponentially.

Greed Not Financial Crisis

The rising unemployment rate has always been the problem of the Philippines even before the financial global crisis. While it is true that economic crunch contributes to the rising numbers of unemployed and underemployed. However it is the unabated corruption in most government dealings and its agencies that are causing this social problem (unemployment) since the early beginning.

Low income earners and middle class Filipinos who had insured education of their children into various pre need companies, hoping that one day, they could provide better education for their children end up victims of these greedy businessmen who made used of their “intelligence” to dupe unsuspecting or gullible investors. Worse, the government agency, mandated to protect the interest of the general public ends up with some of its official, either conniving or taking part of the share in the “loot bag.”  As a result; no formal or proper education means unemployment.
At the end of the day, one need not be a financial wizard or a degree in economics from A.I.M. to understand the cause of Filipino sufferings but a careful analysis and right decision of who you will put to the position to run our country this coming 2010 election.

 Rich and Poor: Justice is Blind, Totally Blind
By: Gener Marcelo
(Note: This article I wrote was also published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer)

I was totally dismayed when I heard the statement of parent whose son is being held under custody of a government Drug Board for alleged drug trafficking during an interview conducted by a news reporter. The parent who happens to be a media man, himself admitted that his son was not a drug addict or pusher but a social user. I tried to compose my thinking so as not to lose my sanity in understanding the difference between a person addicted to prohibited drugs and that of a social user.

This elitist jargon reminds me of an old joke that spells the difference between the rich and poor. The joke goes like this: If you are rich and you cough, you have asthma; if you are poor, you have TB (tuberculosis). If you are rich and have some red spots on your skin, you have an allergy; but if you are poor, you have a galis (scabies). Klepto is for a rich brat caught shoplifting; thief if the offender is poor. The “F” word uttered by a rich person in a social gathering is considered an expression made in jest; the “P” word in Filipino uttered by a poor man elicits expressions of disgust. “Que horror! Que barbaridad!” (What horror! What barbarity!”)

So going back to my original point, what in heaven’s name is the difference of a social user and an addict? Nothing but what’s in their wallets. How many innocents were put behind bars because they were not properly represented or failed to avail the service of a competent lawyer? How about rich brats who are still roaming the street despite the overwhelming evidences against them but failed to put behind bars because of their influence? Worse, case being dismissed due to legal technicalities and ineptitude of some law enforcers?   

Justice is blind, maybe too blind to see the worsening inequity in the administration of justice between those who can afford it and to those who cannot. Perhaps it’s about time to advice this blind-folded lady to put down her sword and scale for a moment and seek the advice of an ophthalmologist.

Hi friends. I would like to start this topic of sharing articles and stories I read (others I personally wrote) that talks about DISCRIMNATION. Feel free to share your articles, too

The Color of Our Skin
By: Gener Marcelo

Our company issued a company car for my official and personal use. All seems to be well except for a fact that I couldn't use it unless I had a local Driver's License. "Ok, no big deal.” I quipped.
I recall how easily I got my Driver's License in just one day way back in the Philippines. No, I didn't bribe anybody in the Licensing Office just to get my license but went on with the usual application procedure. I took and passed the physical, written and actual driving test as required and with all these in mind, I thought that the process could be the same here in the Middle East.

After giving my personal details and with our company's Liaison Officer securing other requirements, we went straight to the local Licensing Office. The assessment and payment of fees were done in a breeze. "Well it's faster like what I thought". But when I was told by the Licensing Officer that I have to undergo a driving lesson as a requirement for a first time driver, I argued that I have already 15 years driving experience in the Philippines and it just so happened that I was not able to renew my driver's license prior to my overseas travel. My argument rendered futile and I finally conceded. "Well, I could just pretend to have the driving lesson; anyway I’m sure I will pass it."

The laugh in my face vanished when I saw the adventure that I'm about to face. The number of applicants was enormous and just like me, all are very eager to get their respective turn on the wheel - elbowing and pushing one another just to be the first in line to take the driver's seat. The pandemonium was caused by the fact that there were only a handful of instructors and test vehicles to use. With the soaring heat and humidity enough to make your sweat glands work overtime, the mayhem is an allegory of the rice shortage in the Philippines where my countrymen are shoving every inch of space to avail of that government regulated rice at a lower price. Going back to the scenario, adding nuisance to an already chaotic situation was the lack of discipline and total disregard of etiquette. First to come will be the first to serve? Forget it. Blame it to cultural differences.

I couldn't remember how many times I blew my top shouting whenever somebody tries to intrude or cut into our queue lane. But the effort turned futile, the intruder will just look at me with a smirk on his face. In such a chaotic situation everybody was obstinate. I ended my first day of driving lesson exhausted and almost on the brink of giving up. But every time I was on the brink of near surrender, I just found my feet dragging me back to the pandemonium to experience another day of lawlessness.

Days passed into weeks and the scenario remains the same. With my sun-burnt face and arms, one can easily tell that I have toiled under the sun for a long period of times - how about two weeks? I couldn't believe myself that I survived that ordeal and I almost shout for joy when I was recommended to proceed to Stage 2 Reverse Parking Test. Though the situation was not as chaotic as the first but the punishing heat and high humidity was truly unbearable.

While in line and waiting for my turn, I saw frustrations in varying forms from the face of these people. Either they weren't able to give a good driving maneuver that will surely leave an indelible ink to impress the driving instructor or maybe the growing impatience is getting on their toll. After all, these people are also human beings just like me who experienced and felt the same frustrations as I did. At that very moment, I feel ashamed of myself and I realized that the only thing that differentiates us is the color of our skins or maybe if one may add, our difference in languages, culture and socio economic status. But at that time, I realized that one's status should not be used as an excuse to give one an edge or priority over the other simply because of one reason, we are all humans regardless of the color our skin. Nonetheless, after having been soaked under the sun my skin color is no less than one and the same color as these crowd and if I cloak within the crowd, one cannot distinguish me from them only that my eyes are prominently of an Oriental-Asian race. I don't know what happens next but I just found myself engrossed with the crowd and leisurely conversing with them. At the end of that day, I found new friends, an Indian, a Pakistani and one Bangladeshi.

I passed the Stage 2 Reverse Parking Test which signals the end of our conversation but not our friendship. I moved to the last part of the testing which is the driving theory. The test is to be administered by a local police where one has to answer questions randomly selected by a computer. I took the test and failed in my first attempt. I was not even been able to finish the entire test for the system will terminate automatically since I incurred two consecutive mistakes. I was flabbergasted of the result not because the test was difficult but perhaps I let over-confidence took the hell out of me.

After a week, my schedule of test retake, I went to the examination room and I saw my friends who were about to take the exam the first time. I passed the test that time though I don't know if my friends were successful on their first attempt. All I know is that this humbling experience taught me one important lesson in life - that no matter how different we are from each other, we still have lot of things to share.

Live-in or Marriage -- Which One Guarantees a Success in Relationship?

I came across this thread posted in one of the social networking groups. The poster asked this question, “live-in or marriage, which one guarantees a lesser chance of getting divorce?

One reader reflected an answer the he read from another social networking group favoring live-in since this will give both partner a chance to know each other more before they commit themselves. While others opted on the practical aspect of it; live-in, simply because no marriage - no document - no divorce - no costs.

Ok, I don't want to appear as a self-appointed righteous so let's set aside the premise of what the Bible is saying regarding this issue. Let's try to think as what ordinary people might think and be as practical as possible. For me, marriage or live in, either case, nothing assures anything, at least with regards to having a guaranteed success in relationship.

In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find, and continue to find grounds for marriage. Live-in doesn't guarantee one's success in their marriage for we must always remember that it is the couple who makes the marriage works and not the other way around.

No amount of time spent during the live-in period can guarantee a high success rate when they so decided to get married. Likewise, marriage 'per se' can't be a sure thing, either, that everything is going to be alright between husband and wife. We must keep in mind that when we get married, one should not expect that he/she can change his/her spouse to the way he/she want him/her to be. That's the common pitfall in most marriages; unrealistic expectation that is that commonly leads to disillusion stage. (The 3rd stage in marriage cycle)

There was this saying,' in marriage, open both eyes before and closed one eye after. All those 'and they lived happily ever after’ fairy tale endings need to be changed to 'and they began the very hard work of making their marriages happy’. In other words, marry the person not because you can change him/her but marry the person because you love everything about him/her and that includes his/her imperfections. After all, you aren’t perfect either, right?

Lastly, if your spouse is truly 100% perfect, he/she may not deserve you being a perfect person. He/she may find one who could be in equal footing with him/her.

“It is not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on, the marriage that sustains your love." (Dietrich Bonheoffer, writing to a young bride and groom from his prison cell in Nazi Germany in 1943)

Try this site, though youre not yet married but im sure you will gain lots of insights from this link. happy reading...

http://www.foryourmarriage.org/marriage_tips_archive.asp?page=5

Mike, to tell you frankly, long distance relationship is quite a challenge and many relationships fall into the common problem when it comes to long distance love affair, lost of communication, that is.

When you lose the opportunity of an open communication, it breeds negative thoughts and feelings that eventually may lead to bitterness, resentment and sometimes jealosy. I'm not saying this to discourage you but to make you aware of the common pitfalls with regards to long distance love affair, at least you can prepare before it happens. And the Good news: this can be conquered.

You just have to remember that "Romance is a process - it's not an event. It's not a one-time thing. It's not something that's 'accomplished' and then forgotten. In order to work, it's got to be an ongoing thing - a part of the very fabric of your daily life."

The feelings you are experiencing at some point in your life, though you are considering it negative; please remember that it is a normal and common to have that thing, at least, I can say that you are a human and not an android.

"Feeling is neither right or wrong." It is simply as it is...a feeling that normal people like you and me experience. What you feel at times, though negative as you look at it, may not necessarily be as it is as the way you feel it. it could be the other way around, at least to the point of view of others, and this could be your GF, who knows, diba? Sometimes, our significant other feels the need to create something that can make his/her partner to drop dead out of jealousy, at least to some extent in order to feel loved and wanted. Pathetic it may be, but that's how it is for others, and we can't change their ways. But anything in excess of the normal thing is not good and the problem that goes with that is that all of us has different yardstick in measuring the level of normality. However, just make sure that you always open your line of communication and find a subtle but unique ways of having topics for discussion. That's your homework, my friend.

Your beau must be lucky to have you as her S.O. for even though youre not yet into marriage but you are taking steps ahead in your future marriage life. That goes to show how responsible you are in keeping your relationship. That's good for a start.

Good luck Bro

Making Marriage Work Even In the Time of Migration

Absence makes the heart grow ponder but sometimes distance in a relationship is emotionally draining and can put stress on a marriage. Having a work that requires being away from my family for a long time poses a challenge to my marriage not to mention, the erosion of physical intimacy which is one of the important elements of marriage. However, intimacy can be more than just physical closeness for its how couple “connects” and be present to each other every day.  
Most couples think that being involved sexually is the most intimate part of their marriage. Praying together, however, may be an even deeper form of intimacy. A first step may be praying for each other even if not in one another's presence.

Make Use of the Technology to Fill-in the Gap

Sometimes the distance in a relationship is emotional and can happen while in each other’s presence. Be present to each other today. If possible, connect with each other right now â€" a glance, a call, an e-mail, a positive thought, a prayer. Communication should be maintained open at any cost. Be more creative when communicating with each other, more than just the usual “HI” and “HELLO” that oftentimes lead to monotonous conversation. Be resourceful and creative. Engage in some unique practices that help the two of you sparks an interactive dialogue even when you are apart for awhile. Engage in an activity that prompts discussion between you and your spouse.

I had this questionnaire downloaded on the internet that prompted a healthy and lively dialogue between me and my wife. I sent her an e-mail of this questionnaire for her to read in advance and both of us agreed about the time we will go on-line for a chat. During the dialogue, the questionnaire prompted us to check with each other to see how close we are in interpreting others words and moods. In this practice, guessing what your spouse would answer is as not as important as the discussion you have as a result of it.

Try To See a Positive Angle for Every Sorrow

Being away from your loved ones is not that easy and at times can put you in despair. However, do not abandon yourself to sorrow and do not torment yourself with brooding. There’s always a hundred reasons and causes for our sorrow but try to look at it in a positive point of view.

When I was still working in the Philippines, me and my wife enjoyed the opportunity of having a dialogue every we time we had an opportunity. Both of us like to talk about everything, from family, career, child rearing, politics and even life in general. We enjoy talking to each other and we never had a dull moment even at times that our topic was just rehearsed of our previous dialogue. It was year 2007 when I landed an overseas job in the Middle East. Physically separated and miles apart, I saw the opportunity out of my desperation to discover my passion for writing. Now, I’m having a small but growing numbers of readers who appreciate my articles, mostly related to marriage relationship. But the most important thing of all aside of finding new ways of expressing my appreciation to my wife, we just put our marriage experience in a new pedestal; the World Wide Web.

Cherished and Achieve Common Goal Together

As the saying goes, “Love does not require to look at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.” I may not be physically seeing my wife nowadays but I know we have common path to travel and someday I know we can meet in path for we have our most cherished common goal.

Distance can put stress on a marriage relationship but as long as couple knows how to fill-in the gap to sustain their love in the time of migration, they can never go wrong.

Quote from: benelynne on May 31, 2009, 04:08:15 PM
Hi Gener,

Musta ka na? It's been quite sometime since I read your post. We always pick up gems of wisdom from your insight.

Hi there bro, I'm ok, just came from a vacation in the Philippines, that's why I had to 'park my pen' for a while for my family to have undivided attention. Minsan lang kasi kami magkita because of my work outside of Philippines. Thanks for appreciating my articles bro and God bless.

I want to Grow Old with You

How do you feel about growing old with your spouse? Talk about your concerns regarding aging â€" even if you’re young. Knowing that your love is unconditional and does not depend on a perfect body is part of “for better or for worse.”

Barely 2 days before my scheduled flight back to Saudi Arabia, we packed our things and I tug along my entire family to an overnight stay in one of the hot spring resorts in Laguna. Had I agreed to the initial plan, it could just be me and my wife but I relinquished the idea for I couldn’t imagine having spent my remaining days in the Philippines without my kids by my side.

We left Manila Saturday morning and arrived at our destination by noon. Just after we checked in, my children wasted no time and immediately headed to the pool for a lazy afternoon soak. The hot water coming from a natural hot spring couldn’t stop my children from wading in the waist-deep kiddy pool. Mindless of the steaming water and the punishing heat of the sun we enjoyed the lazy afternoon, soaking our tired bodies to the pool relieving us from the stress of travel. What I like about the place is its natural tranquility and most of all is the location having been partly hidden thus making us enjoy most of our family bonding in privacy. The guests in the resort were mostly teenage sweethearts and a Chinese couple in their senior years. The couple spent most of their times taking pictures of the sceneries. I can’t help but admire them that despite having been together for a long time and yet still enjoy each other’s company.

Dinner time came and we tried the house specialty of the day; beef in sweet sauce, chicken teriyaki and pasta ala carbonara. We were in the middle of our dinner when we were approached by this elderly couple with the husband politely asking our permission if he can have our picture taken together with his wife. We agreed on his invitation and we all posed with a smile on our face as if we knew each other well. The husband, who can speak decent English and good accent offered to send us the pictures and I didn’t think twice in giving him my e-mail address.

After that dinner, we continued wading in the pool while I lazily rested my body on top of the floater still thinking about this elderly Chinese couple. I imagined me and my wife on our twilight years and still enjoying each other’s company. Isn’t it lovely to see an elderly couple holding hands in reminiscing good old memories of their yesteryears? They almost had it all and I’m sure they had surpassed the days of trials in their married life and proved to be successful in playing good music together.

As for me and my wife, though we still have so many challenging years ahead of our marriage relationship, I pray for us to reach that stage where I still hold your hands even though my hands are shaking due to rheumatism. I pray that we could still be together holding your hands while crossing the street with the flow of traffic in full halt waiting for us to cross the street inch by inch. I pray that we could reach the stage where I will ask who you are and yet holds your hand. I don’t mind holding your hands full of wrinkles, for me, it’s still the hands that take care of me and our children. Really, I don’t mind it at all for all I know is that I want to grow old with you.

It's one's ego, pride, or the need to be right, that keep us from getting close to our beloved.

Word of advise for us all:

Could your tongue use taming? Try not speaking ill of anyone today, including your spouse, even in jest. It’s a start.

 

Actually, naibigay ko na yung b-day gift ko sa kanya noong magbakasyon ako sa Pilipinas 2 months ago, Kaya lang di pwedeng i-share eh , baka mapatawag ako sa Senado

"Love is not simply a feeling; it is a decision. (Marriage Encounter principle) When the feeling fades â€" and it will at times â€" recommit to building your relationship. DO something loving for your spouse. Feelings are transient; love goes beyond feelings."