The Freudian Slip Of A Bacolodnon

"The law may be harsh but it is the law". Perhaps that is the point the Chinese government was trying to make when they pushed through with the execution of the 3 convicted Filipino drug couriers caught in China. It was yet another sad moment though for Philippine history, almost reminiscent of the Flor Contemplacion case in the 1990's during the Ramos Administration. While the two cases are entirely different, these only show us the hazards faced by OFW's. For the 3 executed Filipino drug mules, they only emphasize the vulnerability our poor Filipino people desperate to earn some money for their family to the exploitation of these drug traffickers and syndicates. It is a sad moment for their families. Despite the actions taken by the Philippine government, China stood by its decision to execute them. According to the Chinese government, they are more worried about their drug problems than their public image. After all, I personally think China has never been worried...

It is nerve-wracking to read the news back home in the Philippines concerning the efforts of some members of the Lower House of representatives to support the proposal of burying the late Dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani or the Heroes' Memorial. It seems our lawmakers have developed some freakish syndrome that manifests a severe form of historic amnesia. House Resolution No. 1135, initiated by Sorsogon Rep. Salvador Escudero, is urging President Benigno Aquino III to allow the burial of the remains of late strongman Ferdinand Marcos – for years kept in a refrigerated crypt in Ilocos – at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Who was Ferdinand Marcos? He was a brutal dictator whose regime commited heinous crimes and violations of human rights. He was a corrupt leader who, upon leaving the Philippines due to a People Power revolt in 1986, left the country destitute and suffering from poverty and insurgency. He was no hero. He was judged by World History as a dictator, jo...

"Beware the Ides of March" is a popular line in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. It was actually the line of the soothsayer who warned Caesar of his impending doom. "Beware the Ides of March" said the soothsayer but as we all know, Caesar dismissed the warning as mere rubbish. By this time, Caesar has become the most powerful man in all of Rome. He was declared dictator and became ruler of all of Italy and its conquered lands. He started as a soldier, in fact, the General of the Roman army. When he defeated his former friend and ally Pompey, he went back to Rome as conqueror and beloved by the masses. But the nobilities of the Senate were envious of him. They wanted to preserve the "Republic" and the likes of Caesar threatened their way of life and politics. In a republic, the Senators are the rulers of Rome, the powerful men of Rome. So they plotted against Caesar. We all know the story of Julius Caesar. On March 15, 44 BC, while in the Theater of Pompey,...

It has been 15 weeks since I came aboard the Voyager of the Seas and worked as the first Medi-Spa Physician for the said vessel. In my previous blog I made mention of the contributing factors that led me to this chapter in my life. It wasn't an enthusiastic choice to be a Medi-Spa physician. But I felt that Destiny allowed me to experience being one in order to help me grow both as a person and as a medical professional. It was very difficult at first, humbling to be more exact. However, this experience broadened my horizon and vision of life. It became almost a learning experience for me, a front seat perspective of the life of my fellow Overseas Filipino Workers. I have basically 10 more weeks to go and I will be back in the Philippines, hopefully for good. After all, there is still no place like home. Sure, the money here is good. "Amazing" even as some of my friends here on board would say. Still, I feel there is more to do than just earning money. Not that you don...

I acknowledge the power to turn things around. In my hands is the capacity to do good. Even if the things that surround me are the opposite of good, even in the absence of goodness, even in moments when wickedness abounds, I can still be able to do good, to make good, to be good. It is a conscious choice that I make and it must begin with me. Therefore, starting today, all negativity must end with me. I shall no longer be attached to things that are unconstructive, pessimistic and negative. No longer shall I permit cynicism and disparagement. I shall resist the spread of lies and the ridicule of other people. Today, I shall filter the bad and convert them into kindness. Through my actions, I shall transform that which is discouraging into uplifting. It is in small acts of kindness that I can help restore the culture of positivism. I shall be a builder of dreams. I shall be a farsighted visionary. I shall be a bridge between men. I shall be a propagandist for peace. Between justice an...

It can be frustrating most of the times to learn about what’s going on in the world, back at home or elsewhere. And when your day seems to be not going your way, it is all the more depressing. But then, there are moments when you get to pick up small bits of graces left like bread crumbs along the way, perhaps not really intended for you. And somehow, all the frustration and even resentment get to be forgotten. Stories like that of 26-year-old Chris Medina’s who went to an audition for American Idol. According to his story, he got engaged to his girlfriend for 8 years. Before they could get married, his girlfriend got into an accident. She woke up from her coma a month later but with some physical disabilities brought about by her traumatic brain injury. In a world where men and women would rather thrive in a quick-fix society, Chris Medina took the right and difficult road, the high and moral road. He stuck with his girlfriend and became her caretaker along with her own mother. “What ...

It has been two straight Sundays already when the Galveston Channel was closed due to the fog. This made the ships dock quite late than usual. This meant only two things: starting late and going to Baybrook Mall for some intense shopping. It was kind of cool to see the fog thin out though and watch as the other big vessels emerge like ghost ships. This fog thing is not good for the business though. Hopefully next Sunday it won't be as foggy. Like it? Share it. Get the Share on Facebook widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox ! Not seeing a widget? ( More info )Like it.