Indeed, a MERRY Christmas!!!

Christmas 2007 would, definitely be worth remembering.  But before going to my personal insights to how my celebration of Xmas ‘07 would be, there are a few things worth mentioning and thanking God for.

First of all, a dear friend, Yay, has finally awake from her week-long sleep.  Last week, a news came to me that Yay lost her consciousness, for some reason i don’t know and i didn’t get to know.   I was brought into tears by the news and was terribly worried.  I tried to call some friends asking for updates, but to no avail, I tried calling Yay’s phone, hoping that some family member would pick it up and address my questions.  It was after several days of trial that I was able to get through the line.  Her dad texted me and told me that she had this heart and blood illness for long and that it’s at its critical stage now, that it is a matter of life and death.  She can either wake up and be stronger, or not wake up at all.  I don’t know why I was so concerned with her at that time, noting that she was a close friend but not really my closest peer back then. Last Tuesday, on my way home from school, I texted Yay’s dad again, asking for updates and saying my regards to their family.   No replies that night, but the next morning, I woke up with a message at my phone.  When I read it, it says “Ate ceo, gising na ko…”.  Yay replied herself.  Prayers proved its strength and Yay woke up the other night, after exactly 7 days of sleep.  My prayers were answered.

Next stop, is about my brother.  I am now a tita! At that same night that Yay woke up, my brother’s wife gave birth to a healthy baby boy.  I haven’t seen him personally ’til now since I usually arrive home late because of school and go to office early the next morning.  They’ll come home from the hospital on saturday.  A new member of the family this Christmas is indeed a great blessing.  He’s name is Christian James E. Ocampo.  I’ll post more of him next time…when I have his pics. ^_^

And finally, I have so much to thank about this Christmas as well.  Blessings overflow for me this year, in almost all aspects of my life. For a good career, and a profession awaiting for 2011. I have an understanding and a considerate company that supports my aspirations for a law profession. Great professors and good grades. ^_^ Great family, good health, and last but not the least, a year-round of LOVE (from my beloved).

Add comment December 20th, 2007

A Festive Christmas and New Year to Filipinos

Reports from the Business Inquirer proves that the present administration still has something good to offer, especially this Christmas season.

“Peso climbed to a 41.31 to the dollar, las Wednesday, defying a regional currency market downtrend caused by concerns on a smaller-than-expected interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.

The peso opened trading near the day’s low of 41.54 to the dollar but closed at the day’s peak of 41.31, supported by strong inflows of foreign exchange from overseas Filipinos, currency traders said.

Gaining further from Tuesday’s close of 41.40 to the greenback, the peso has risen nearly 19 percent against the dollar and is at its highest level since touching 41.28 on May 10, 2000. It has been Asia’s best-performing currency since the start of the year.”

Indeed, there are still some reason left for the Filipinos to have a festive celebration as we welcome year 2008. Thanks to the overseas workers! May God keep you safe always!

Add comment December 13th, 2007

Divine Majesty and Human Dignity

O Lord, our Lord,
how awesome is your name through all the earth!
You have set your majesty above the heavens!

Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have drawn a defense against your foes,
to silence enemy and avenger.

When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers
the moon and stars that you set in place –

What are humans that you are mindful of them,
mere mortals that you care for them?

Yet you have made them little less than a god,
crowned them with glory and honor.

You have given them rule over the works of your hands,
put all things at their feet:

All sheep and oxen,
even the beasts of the field,

The birds of the air, the fist of the sea,
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord,
how awesome is your name
through all the earth!

- Psalm 8 : 1-10

Add comment December 12th, 2007

A Snow World in the Philippines

A real snow in the Philippines! At first glance, the picture seems to be taken from US or elsewhere, besides the Philippines, since we all know that there is no snow in the Philippines. But wait til you hear the good news… there is now a wonderful snow world in the Philippines. Yez, Star City is featuring the Snow World this Christmas season, together with two long stretches of real ice slice, just behind the Xmas tree at the picture.

It is really fun, especially when you share such moment with special people like family, friends, and loved ones. You’ll get a real ice experience plus the fun on other rides for only P375. Even just the snow world is worth the price…try it now!

Add comment December 11th, 2007

Media ‘processing’ - Rightful or a Violation of a Right?

The recent Trillanes coup (attempt) gave rise to but another controversy that the State is now faced with. Right after the surrender of Trillanes and his supporters, the police force proceeded in gathering all the media people involved, or were together with Trillanes’ team, inside the Manila Peninsula Hotel. The policemen explained that it was for a short inquiry or processing, to verify the media people’s identity and/or participation with the coup (attempt).

It must be noted that before the said processing, the media people were forewarned and asked to leave the premises for their safety and to easily facilitate the negotiation and/or arrest of the group of Trillanes. But the media people did not listen and chose to remain inside the Manila Peninsula, for some personal or competitive purposes. In that light, the media people became instruments to obstruct, or at least make it more difficult, for the police force to execute its plans in order to end the nuisance at once.

The press plays a very important role in the society. It shows to the world what is truly happening in a micro and/or macro prospective. It influences the way people think and perceive things. It can even create a certain culture or belief, if it wishes. It can also serve as a cover up for protection by some accused. And the latter is exactly what the policemen wish to avoid in heeding for the media to move out of the premises.

To some people, the media’s act was heroic and shows true dedication in the service of nation in showing what is happening to the world. But to some it is pitiful, in sane, or worse, a conspiracy to protect the accused. As a dear Constitutional Law professor, Dean Andy Bautista, has mentioned, “It is just like in a burning house! We cannot absolutely deprive the owners of the house to go inside and save some belongings, but as a rule of duty, we must do so for their protection. Now if they insist in doing so, they may do so, but not without taking the risk for themselves.” The media people, in insisting to stay inside the Manila Peninisula during the coup (attempt), should bear the hassle of any processing, inquiry, or whatever procedure that the police enforcers may require them to undertake. That is not just for their own safety but more for the nation’s security, knowing that some Magdalo can very well be in a disguise as a media man, simply to effect an escape. I am sure that a true dedicated serviceman wouldn’t want someone (an accused) to use his/her name (service) as a means of escaping liability from the State.

So now we come to the famous question of whether the holding made against the media people constitutes an arbitrary detention or a violation of the freedom of the press and a deprivation of their right w/o due process of law. Due process of law, as well as the equal protection of the law, is provided for in Article III, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution:

Section 1: “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws”

Due process, as contemplated by the law, can either be ‘Procedural due process’ or ‘Substantive due process’. Procedural due process requires a step-by-step procedure of how a law (or a thing) shall be implemented, and faithful execution according to the prescribed procedure is tantamount to compliance with due process. On the other hand, Substantive due process is the absence of arbitrary laws and questions the very essence or substance of the law itself, as whether it is just or not.

Without a doubt, the policemen has complied with the proper call of procedure in dealing with the media men. The processing is applied to ‘all’ members of the press, without distinction as to who is famous or not (shame to those who were even proud of being able to escape from this process). Now, the last question is whether there was an actual need for the said processing, it is ’substantial’ and just? I personally believe that the police enforcers had a reasonable ground to conduct the said processing. It is paramount to public interest that they assure that they are not setting free the people liable to the distress that just occurred. The main consideration for the act is the general welfare of the community, especially those within the surrounding vicinity. Hence, there is no violation of due process, whether procedural or substantive.

I would like to end this with a call on the press for a balanced judgment. It was obvious from the interviews with Trillanes how their group push and pursued on using the media as a means to get the sympathy of the people and/or as a cover (protection) from the armed forces. For a couple of times, they insisted on the fact that the present administration is willing to sacrifice the media people just to get what it want. By mid of their act, they were firm on their stand that they will not surrender, no matter what. And at the end of the day, they moved on to say that they will surrender since their conscience cannot take it, to put the media peoples’ lives at stake, as compared to what the administration was willing to sacrifice. On the other hand, many believe that the real reason behind the surrender was the fact that no one heeded their call. They received only a minimal support, if not none, that is not sufficient to actually bring their mission to success, and so they surrendered and gave the lame excuse of ‘for the sake of the press’, again to gain sympathy and the side of the press. Whereas, in the first place, they are the ones who put not just the press but the whole nation at stake. They put at stake the slowly growing and recuperating economy back to zero. Investors were threatened, tourists were frightened, citizens were sacrificed. How can one call for a positive change if he himself is the greatest contributor for a nuisance. Clearly, everyone must rethink things out.

Add comment December 2nd, 2007

Trillanes walks out to march along Makati..

Inquirer reports today…

MANILA, Philippines — (UPDATE) Detained Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and other officers accused of leading the July 2003 rebellion walked out of their trial Thursday and marched through the streets of Makati calling for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The walkout began shortly after the trial resumed after a brief recess. Brigadier General Danilo Lim, who himself is detained and facing coup d’etat charges following an alleged failed coup attempt in February 2006, was pulled away by several soldiers from the witness stand.

Trillanes and Lim said they were calling on the Filipinos to withdraw support from the government because the President has corrupted its institutions.

“We are joining the people… because the President continues to violate the Constitution of the Philippines repeatedly,� Lim told DZMM’s Teleradyo program, adding they were “calling for the removal of an illegitimate President.�

Trillanes, Lim and the other accused soldiers were joined by civilians, including a group of militant farmers and opposition figures led by former vice preisdent Teofisto Guingona.

It was not clear if the prisoners’ guards had joined the protest, but they marched along with the accused.

Add comment November 29th, 2007

Shih Tzu pups are SOLD OUT

All my pups are gone now…sorry to those who are still asking for them…but they are sold out now…if you can wait…my dog will be in heat on Feb…hehehe…new pups should be available by start of summer ^_^

Thanks to the new owners of my pups…Loi, Shyla, Kay, and Rhenan… i know you’ll take good care of them…update me if you can and feel free to contact me for questions on taking care of them…

To the rest who wants their own pup…check out by summer… I’ll update you guys thru this site…’til then…

2 comments November 22nd, 2007

Slyt is for the GO now…Shih Tzu FOR SALE

One LAST male shih tzu pup left….so if you’re interested …contact me asap ok

1 boy left

Features:
- good champ-line
- tricolor (white, black, gold/dark brown)
- princess type
- with 2 set of 5-in-1 vaccine shot and 2 deworming
- with PCCI papers (now available)

3 comments November 16th, 2007

Bumper-to-bumper accident with a mechanic

While looking for a good image of a mechanic…I crossed over this bumper-to-bumper accident with a unique mechanic, which I want to share with you guys…heheheh…

LESSON: Deflate or take off your own bumpers…when working under the bumpers… ^_^

Add comment November 15th, 2007

One More Chance…

The most awaited come-back movie of the loveteam of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo came out last Wednesday, Nov. 14. It was indeed romantic and will completely sweep you off your feet. There was a new story to begin with and a nice turn of events. It was not what I thought of it to be, based from the first time I saw the trailer. In short, my money was worth it!

It is also refreshing to see a new Bea Alonzo on the screen. She is more daring, had better acting, and an improved look. It is refreshing to see the new sexy and modern Bea teamed up with John Lloyd. The story may seem ordinary and like the usual love affair at first glance, but watching the full movie tells otherwise. It is about two friends, turned lovers, together with their ‘Thursday’ barkada. They were supposed to be wed until Basha (Bea) had to make a decision to love herself a little more and to find out ‘what is’, than live the rest of her life with ‘what if’. They both had a tough time dealing with the break up but it all turned out to be good for both of them. They both needed that break to realize things and to find back their real selves.

One thing nice with the movie too is their Thursday barkada, which really gave a good flavor to the story. The movie didn’t just revolved around the two of them, each of their barkada contributed well to make the story a little lighter and funny too. Especially the thin dude, I forgot his name, but he is outstanding in the movie. He made most of the comedy part and really memorable parts too. Also, the blind member of the barkada, who is also the husband of Dimples Romana. The literal, yet comic, interpretation of ‘Love is blind’ also contributed well to remember the movie.

Overall, it was nice, especially if you’ll watch it with a loved one…heheheh….coz it will be fun to live, love, and laugh with a special someone by your side. And most of all, it is great to see your honey/baby/sweety/etc cry for a romantic movie. hahahah…^_^

Here are some lines, you’ll never forget from the movie…
- “Naniniwala ka ba jan?”
- “Ang sakit sakit na!”
- “SA HOTEL!!!??? oops dude sorry, go ahead!”
- “I Love you every day….I hate to see you hurting, coz it hurts me to see you hurt…If only I could take away the hurts….”

Add comment November 14th, 2007