Poof!

My horoscope says that I should stay away from the mundane and drudgery today. Not that I’m taking it to heart, but my mind is oh-so-far away from this desk of mine.

I’d better put all this mind loitering to good use and think up better ways to do my lined-up projects.

I couldn’t think about anything other than reading a good book under the covers. Best to blame it on the weather.

In a few days, I might be off to Baguio for an exhibit and workshop. Hope everything turns out well. It is another four days away from this city, in an area in Baguio that I haven’t been to, so am looking forward to the novelty of the experience.

This gloomy weather is really getting to me… so, just to perk me up…

My favorite things (today):

1. Nori seasoned potato chips. I discovered this treat on my first visit to Japan when all I could afford was kombini fare. Potato-face that I am, I gorged on this snack any chance I got. I never minded not eating dinner, as long as I had a pack of Calbee and a Coke.

I was overjoyed when I found out I could buy Calbee here in Manila, but lately the Calbee they sell here are manufactured in Malaysia or Thailand and not in Japan.. Waaaahhhh!!! Bring back my Japanese nori!

2. These cute dresses. My sister is coming up with her own line of dresses and I can’t wait to have mine in these styles. I hope I still get to wear them even if it boots and jacket season.

Unfortunately, this is all I could come up with. Ho-hum.

O sige, ito na lang… things to look forward to:

1. The office outing this weekend in Cavite. While other companies have team building sessions, we have an outing. Like it is purely for chica! Although I wish that this outing were to be a team building session instead.
2. Unpacking our pottery exhibition materials at the Ayala Museum. I know I am nerdy, but I learn a lot of things (and inside stories) this way. Hehehe.
3. My sister’s birthday. Kainan na naman!
4. DVD-shopping in Crossing next week.
5. A possible fortune-telling session later this evening. Even though I can read my own spread, I would rather hear a detached person interpret my cards for me.

Please *poof* me out of this cube!

Want to be a Superhero?

Now this is more interesting than Pinoy Big Brother, where they just sit around and do really mindless tasks like hide and seek and the like. Boring and totally senseless.

They should take a cue from this show I saw on JackTV, "Who Wants to be a Superhero?" It sure sounds and looks really preposterous, pero it is so entertaining! I saw its first episode at the gym and I was giggling during cardio, it was crazy.

It showed the screening of superheroes and introduced Hot Momma, Creature, and Monkey Girl. These are all female superhero wanna-bes; I forget the names of the men. Oh well. Their first challenge was the fastest to change into their superhero costumes and address a person in trouble. O di ba? Me katuturan sa pagiging superhero talaga.

Meanwhile, I encountered these superhero characters over the weekend...

You gotta hand it to them cosplayers... they know how to make an entrance and make a room take note! :D These were taken at the Mall of Asia for the Mangaholix launch.

Ommmm....

Just when I thought I have had it with migraine entries… I get one.

The good news is, my doctor just gave me a clean bill of health. Instead of hypertension, I have reactive hypertension. Meaning my blood pressure spikes with stress. That’s good news?!!

Ah well. I’ll take it over being hypertensive all the time. Just learn how to deal with stress, I guess.

Things have been pretty steady at work. Just wrapping up projects and preparatory stuff for the new fiscal year. Just finished prod work on a video documentary on cubism in Philippine murals. We had Celeste Legaspi do a winner voice-over for the video, which will be shown in the Paris exhibition.

Even though I (predictably) forgot to bring my camera, thank goodness for high tech digital phones.



Ms. Celeste was a real trooper. Her father, National Artist Cesar Legaspi, was one of the foremost Filipino cubist painters. She lent graceful authority to the words by Patrick Flores. No one would think that she had a vicious asthma attack the last week or that her Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was giving her sleepless nights, save for the wrist sling she had on that afternoon.

Luck is most often on my side as I get to work with extremely talented and generous people. Sigh.

But despite that, there are still little things poking at my patience. Which is why I am so looking for a weekend in Puerto Galera.

Kalayaan

Over at Mag.net Katipunan with Liza, Maribel and Soxie, we tried to soak in the blues and talk about random things.

I enjoyed this small coming together despite my being quite unresponsive to the blues. Well, for one, the female vocalists of the Blue Rats were annoying. The instrumentalists were all good (according to Maribel, "can already quit their dayjobs" at the consulates or the banks) but when I think of the blues, I associate it with soul and the poor girls were sorely lacking it and making up with a lot of posturing, shoulder baring and hair tossing. Sabi ko, ako na lang! Manipis din naman ang boses ko... pag sabay-sabay na kami, kakapal din yon! hehehe.

Somehow, I don't really connect with this music... except was the music in "The Commitments", the blues? The Blue Rats were bordering already on the abstract jazz and my overwhelmed ears were already rejecting the complex "blue" notes.

Anyway, I was there for the company. We all were there probably because we don't get to go out as often as we would like to.

The conversation came to my birthday, followed by the greetings and the ominous, "Malaya ka na!" What the...? I should've been free 16 years ago! 

But I do welcome the statement. It tells of how I need to come into my own as an individual and "grow up". Enough of the sheltered sh*t.

Sigh. But when I think of the rent... and my room and creature comforts at home, I balk at the costs of freedom.

When do I get to Kalayaan?  

This is What 34 Looks Like

Without much fuss or fanfare, I was able to celebrate my birthday the way I wanted.

Last year was tough for me. Aside from getting my health scare, I was reeling from the demands of my work. When I would normally be juggling about 4-5 different projects all at the same time, last year I decided to focus on not more than 2 obsessions -- essentially pouring my efforts wholeheartedly rather than diluting them and trying to play it by ear and compromising. 

I guess this is what we do when we grow up. Everyday we choose and live our choices. 

The days pass by and I don't want to realize that I wasn't able to live my life to the best I could, or that I wasted God's blessings, that I have been ungrateful. And although I steer away from guilt or regret, I would like to be fearless once again and feel,believe that I can do everything I want to do.

Sing, dance, act, sleep late, read, read, work like a horse, party and socialize, eat savory food. Without fear. No fear.

So despite the cricks in my neck, I decided to hie it to PETA for a meeting and was touched by a birthday song from the general assembly. Sigh. Later that night, I was asked by a member who my best friend in PETA was and I answered... a lot. I don't have a particular best best friend but I consider most of them close to me. I know the people who are close to me there will have my back covered when I need it and vise versa. I am humbled everytime I work or visit them as here are people who have made their marks in their respective fields, leaders in their own right and with no airs at all. This is the company which had the patience to see me through my awkward phases (which is until now) and are quite okay with it. Oh the places I have seen and the people I have met on the road!

These past few weeks, I have been trying to regain my smile as well. You see, I used to smile a lot. So much that some people found it strange...especially foreigners and other serious-minded individuals. Then, in an attempt to be taken seriously, I became very picky when and where and to whom I would smile to. It doesn't help much that something really earthshaking happened and snatched all the goodwill I reserved for the world. It was a good thing it was only for a moment and I snapped out of it, thanks to a random well-intentioned acquaintance.

So now, I am slowly back to smiling more, laughing (a little) loud --- because if you work for a Japanese office, a giggle is loud enough. I am back to my old silly self and am not afraid not to be taken seriously. At my age, I am no longer afraid to be labeled immature. Kebs.

Meanwhile, there is no slowing down. There are more places to see. Things to learn. People to meet. A love to find.

More Like It

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern. A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock. A unique woman like you needs a city that offers everything. No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

Kaya?

Your Personality is Very Rare (INFP)

Your personality type is dreamy, romantic, elegant, and expressive. Only about 5% of all people have your personality, including 6% of all women and 4% of all menYou are Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.

http://www.blogthings.com/howrareisyourpersonalityquiz/">How Rare Is Your Personality?

Catch Up

Better do something about this "headache". Wasn't able to go to work today because I got a really nasty migraine with matching fever and cough. Totally uncomfortable. The perfect chance to use my Caritas health card.

All I can say is that Caritas sucks. With the exception of their nice doctor and personable receptionist, the said health card is useless to me, until August 2007. What a scam. And I pay more than PhP 5,000 quarterly for this card!

So instead of taking the tests there, I silently told myself to get another checkup at Philamlife. Everything went so smooth there that I was unprepared for the bogus-ness that I was to experience this morning.

I have to hurry up and get well! I still have lots to do!

Like finish the list I started last night. So,for the sake of finishing what I started, here's more of what I did these past two weeks:

1. Bought my own tarot card deck and told the fortune of 3 of my sisters. Despite reading the cards with the aid of the booklet, they seemed quite satisfied. If only I could take it seriously... then I could already pitch my booth in eastwood. heheh.

2. Moderated at a conference. Of course, I was so stiff and stilted but then, keri pa rin daw. It's a step to my resolution of sharing more at discussions and conferences. I mean, I have the same rights of self-expression as those who hog the microphone and talk nonsense. I remember that there was a lady who we thought would share something significant during q&a only to find out that all she really wanted to do was catch up with the other moderator and hug her! Whatever.

3. I miss being in theater. I realized that when I got to spend some time with my theater friends. I miss theater. Sigh.

I forget the rest... It's all memory now.

Bring on more memories, I say.

While You Were Busy With Your Life

My days were quite full these past few weeks that even though I would have liiked to unload my thoughts on things that have been happening... I couldn't get around it. Thank goodness for now.

On the onset,it seems that nothing's changed since I last wrote. Am still sick and preoccupied by my hypertensive state. Only now, I am a bit okay although with no sense of smell. Wish this bug goes away soon. Nay--- Now na.

But between that and now, a lot of groovy things have taken place:

1. Went on a video documentary shoot for cubism in the philippines, with focus on murals and public art. These things are the highlight of my work because I get to meet different types of people and learn from all of them. One time, it could be the old lady and her family who live inside a still existing water tank; a couple of hours later, it will be over adobo sandiwiches with Odette Alcantara and her wonderful family.

The conversations were all eye-openers and inspiring. I will not forget the passionate arguments of Tita Odette (naks,close) for the environment, art and Manansala (who is her close friend), kindred spirits and how important it was to be a cultural worker. If she is still fired up with the richness of Philippine culture, I have no right to be all jaded and negat.

Then I talked with an officer from UCPB who takes care of the bank's art collection, who told me that I looked quite stressed and tired. I welcomed her candidness as I know that people are usually more "polite" to call attention to something obvious but unfortunate. She told me that I should smile more often. I am taking her advice and even reprogramming my thoughts to be more positive.

2. Passed my Japanese midterms. Honto, totemo muzukashii desu. I also realized that ... watashino sensei ga suki ja arimasen. Even though I did okay, she made me feel pretty daft.

3.Watched 2 plays: TP's "The Pretenders" and Rinkogun's "Philippine Bedtime Stories". Of the two I liked the latter because somehow the direction was exciting. I am a fan of TP and its actors but this play didnt really capture the epic emotional and physical landscape of the novel. And the peekaboo just boggled my mind.

Am looking forward to seeing more plays. Next: PETA's "Belong Puti".

4. Gone back to watching movies at the cinemas alone. This is a secret luxury of mine which started when I was 12 or 13 years old, when because I was tired of tending to our boutique at the Broadway Centrum, I would sneak into the cinemas alone. Even if my allowance was limited in college, I would rather walk to the cinemas (buti na lang may sta.lucia na non) and get my fix whenever needed.

The two times I watched alone, I just needed to see Kate Winslet. She is one of my new favorite actors. She is very good in whatever role she plays. Saw"Little Children" and "The Holiday".

5. Being told "I wish I could spend more time with you..." by a young, not bad-looking guy. Siyempre,binigyan ko na agad ng malisya. Never mind if he really meant, "may kailangan pa kami sa iyo."

Such a long post. I'm becoming more and more sleepy.Must. Get.Sleep. More tomorrow.

While You Were Busy With Your Life

My days were quite full these past few weeks that even though I would have liiked to unload my thoughts on things that have been happening... I couldn't get around it. Thank goodness for now.

On the onset,it seems that nothing's changed since I last wrote. Am still sick and preoccupied by my hypertensive state. Only now, I am a bit okay although with no sense of smell. Wish this bug goes away soon. Nay--- Now na.

But between that and now, a lot of groovy things have taken place:

1. Went on a video documentary shoot for cubism in the philippines, with focus on murals and public art. These things are the highlight of my work because I get to meet different types of people and learn from all of them. One time, it could be the old lady and her family who live inside a still existing water tank; a couple of hours later, it will be over adobo sandiwiches with Odette Alcantara and her wonderful family.

The conversations were all eye-openers and inspiring. I will not forget the passionate arguments of Tita Odette (naks,close) for the environment, art and Manansala (who is her close friend), kindred spirits and how important it was to be a cultural worker. If she is still fired up with the richness of Philippine culture, I have no right to be all jaded and negat.

Then I talked with an officer from UCPB who takes care of the bank's art collection, who told me that I looked quite stressed and tired. I welcomed her candidness as I know that people are usually more "polite" to call attention to something obvious but unfortunate. She told me that I should smile more often. I am taking her advice and even reprogramming my thoughts to be more positive.

2. Passed my Japanese midterms. Honto, totemo muzukashii desu. I also realized that ... watashino sensei ga suki ja arimasen. Even though I did okay, she made me feel pretty daft.

3.Watched 2 plays: TP's "The Pretenders" and Rinkogun's "Philippine Bedtime Stories". Of the two I liked the latter because somehow the direction was exciting. I am a fan of TP and its actors but this play didnt really capture the epic emotional and physical landscape of the novel. And the peekaboo just boggled my mind.

Am looking forward to seeing more plays. Next: PETA's "Belong Puti".

4. Gone back to watching movies at the cinemas alone. This is a secret luxury of mine which started when I was 12 or 13 years old, when because I was tired of tending to our boutique at the Broadway Centrum, I would sneak into the cinemas alone. Even if my allowance was limited in college, I would rather walk to the cinemas (buti na lang may sta.lucia na non) and get my fix whenever needed.

The two times I watched alone, I just needed to see Kate Winslet. She is one of my new favorite actors. She is very good in whatever role she plays. Saw"Little Children" and "The Holiday".

5. Being told "I wish I could spend more time with you..." by a young, not bad-looking guy. Siyempre,binigyan ko na agad ng malisya. Never mind if he really meant, "may kailangan pa kami sa iyo."

Such a long post. I'm becoming more and more sleepy.Must. Get.Sleep. More tomorrow.

Be Careful What You Wish For

And so, I got my wish granted. Got a day off work. Because I was sick. And it sucks! Because it's true.

So much for movie marathoning Babel and Little Children. Last Friday I got down with something I could not diagnose. It felt like I was having a highblood episode and flu sabay! Til today, I am still out of whack. Every breath I take feels just like a heavy load. Add to that, there's a bothersome "phantom" knot in my throat. I won't label it na lang with my propensity for "prophesizing".

I wish to get better. Sigh.

-------------

And I hate my passport photo. I am totally not cute. In fact, I look horrendous and haggard. Boo hoo.

I refuse to be kowtowed to the standards of Photoline. I will go where they are Photoshop-happy and get me a worthy passport photo. Yung titingnan ng visa officer, then they go "hmmm... cute..." APPROVED!

 

Glimmer

What could bring a smile to my face?

The prospect of playing hooky. That's what.

 

Congratulations Donna!

Received news last night that Donna Miranda, contemporary dancer and choreographer, won the Jury's Prize at the Yokohama SoloXDuo Contemporary Dance Competition in Japan.

Subarashii!!!

Donna-san, omedetou gozaimasu!

All the Livelong Day

If I want to sleep on time and soundly, I have to do creatively manage my time and blog whenever I can. Which doesn't mean to say I have nothing else better to do, I just need to sort out some things outside of my head. Hehehe. Does that sound defensive?

-----

On the MRT this morning I smelled someone/ thing who/which smelled like a pooch. Akala ko ba no dogs/ pets allowed? Wala lang. Just venting because I was smack in the middle of a packed male coach and guys, there is a reason why soap and deodorant were invented and are heavily marketed. Use them. Please.

There may be male angst about the injustice of having females have designated coaches for themselves, but I will always prefer to be in a co-ed coach than have to share space with "princesses".  

Another Year

Well, belated happy new year. Ten days into what was supposed to be a fresh start, and everything seems to be the way it was.

Usually, I make myself a gratitude list at the end of each year. Makes one look back fondly on things one has done. But this time, I wasn't able to do this. Bummer. See, I got sick with the 3-day flu and was feeling lethargic all through the holidays (and if the sore-throated people I've met after the yasumi were any indication, the virus was having a ball going around).

Despite being late (yet again), I best list these things because to tell the truth, I couldn't get excited over 2007. By the time the clock ticks 12midnight, I am the one leading the jumping jacks, honking the car's horns, screaming my lungs off. Last New Year's Eve, I was inside the house singing over the Magic Sing, coughing through Air Supply and hoping that I don't develop lung cancer from all the toxic fumes of the fireworks.

So, here goes... I am grateful for:

1. My family. They keep me grounded and feel unconditionally loved. Thank goodness for their health and safety.
2. My work. It enables me to do the things I would like to do, like encourage my book lust, indulge in DVD marathons, and be generous to the people I love and care for. I like that my work keeps me in touch with artists and cultural workers who I have deep respect for, and that I have the opportunity to help them, even if it's just a word of encouragement.
3. My friends. As time goes by, my friends have become precious and few-er. I can literally count them in one hand, okay two... pero that includes my sisters! These friends are people I've grown up with and who I share common values. We might not see each other often, but then coming together is always something to look forward to.
4. Our projects. This year, our office projects were all well-attended. Sometimes, it's a bane but better that than it bombing. I am thankful.
5. Traveling to Singapore --alone. I have long wanted to go to the Singapore Arts Festival so when I got the chance, it was a super treat. It gave me a preview of what it is to live alone. Not really that bad, but I got into the habit of talking to myself, and expecting my other self to answer. Hmmm...
6. My health. Being diagnosed hypertensive gave me renewed perspective on work-life balance. I was beginning to take too many things seriously but at the same time, I was over-indulging myself with food and allowing myself to be inactive (which I thought was the same as relaxed). Recipe for high blood. With the wake-up call, I enrolled myself in a gym membership and am on my way to a healthier, more active lifestyle. I still have to work on stress management, though.
7. Our little neighbors. Having children around is good for one's health. Especially if they're not yours! Treat of treats without the stress.

Well, that's all on my mind right now. I couldn't even make it up to ten. Sigh. With that out of the way, hope that clears up my cobwebs so I can move onto the new year.

"A lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together." - Garrison Keillor

The inevitable is about to happen. Despite trying to hold off all Christmas-y activities -- at least those which I could control -- I am succumbing to the holiday spirit. Tonight, I am still cool but tomorrow, I think I will be a shopping dervish as I have not yet bought my Christmas gifts.

Yup, I will cram again. I might give my friends and family pdvds at this point :P I wish I don't get all grouchy and PMS-y while on my tiangge rounds.

Meanwhile, I attended at least three get togethers/ Christmas parties these past few days. Of course, we had our office Christmas party. T'was very simple but still meaningful because we were all together.

Actually, I have been very conscious to pace myself this season. As much as I can, I do not go around so much and spread myself thin. So when I kinda double-booked myself this Wednesday, I was tempted to blow off one of my scheduled dates. Good thing I did not!

Early evening, I met with my sisses from college at the Fish & Co at Greenbelt 3. It was an enjoyable dinner with a lot of laughs as we reminisced on our brods (which I really have no connection to, hehehe), our tambayan, how it was in those simple days of yore, when we all wore our wimples and I had my whip. Waaaapaaaaak! Now, my sorority sisters are no longer sisses, but ... atengs! Which is a blessing, considering what they call the number 1 & 2 --- BOSSANG! Hahahahahahahahahah!!!

With my Atengs (Rose, Lai and Trisa) at Fish & Co, a Singaporean company who serves great Fish and Chips (a British staple). I ordered a NY Fish and Chips?! How's that for identity crisis?

All good, though. Whatever keeps up the spirit of sisterhood. Was so happy I met up with my sis.. I mean, my atengs. Two are lawyers, one sis was a communications expert for a political party. I felt smart by association. After promises of having a part 2, I was off to my next par-tay!

Next stop was the PETA Christmas Party. Ok, I was late, and sadly, I wasn't able to watch the always hilarious but profound program this year. It was a UN/ Ms. Universe pageant, complete with question and answer portion, country costumes and talent portion. I went wearing a perfunctory kimono robe but I was so tempted to relive my Ms. UN days in high school.

Kung hindi niyo po natatanong, ako po'y naging Ms. UN sa aming high school. Dahil hindi uso ang mga beauty pageant sa St Paul, ito ang naging pageant namin. Almost all of the contestants were pretty, talented, smart --- the whole package. Ako lang ang deviant, I think. Most of them, were probably voted by their classmates. I. Volunteered. How's that for kapalmuks? From then, I became Ms. Brazil. Then Ms. UN!

Ok, I digress.

I always love going to PETA because it always feels like home. I wish I could be more active in productions, or else, in workshops. I know I would like to assist in workshops for less fortunate children. Sigh.

With Ian Segarra (G. Cambodia), one of today's promising young actors, I think, and Liza Magtoto,

one of the bestest women playwrights and my super *hug* friend

Now, with Gail (Ms. Korea), my Fukuoka roomie and soul sister, along with another of my longest friends in PETA, Wylie (Mr. South Africa).

Another shot, this time with Gie, another close friend and super versatile actor.

I met a lot of old friends again at the party and hoped that we could all be together again longer than the "hi, merry christmas" pleasantries.

Such is Christmas. A time for remembering and touching base with the people who've made your life interesting and full.

Intermission at 4

Such is life. One minute, you are running around like a headless chicken; next minute, you’re trying you’re damnedest to look busy.

This time last year I was “host” of the company Christmas party, as well as gatekeeper to the hyaku-sen-en club. Now, I am just head-“mangungulit”. And I hate to be pushy.

I am known to be quite self-contained. I’d rather do things on my own and if I can’t, I still try my very best to be the least intrusive.

Alas, when you’re in the work that I am, you cannot just rely on yourself. You’re pretty much at the mercy of other individuals.

Don’t mind me. I’m just venting because there are some people I have called that were not really cooperative. Sigh.

Christmas is Coming! and Kwon Sang Woo is Coming to Town

Kwon Sang Woo is coming to town to get some face time with Filipino fans on December 18!!! Yeeehhhaaaa!Now, if only I can haul my ass to Glorietta after work and buy me some Face Shop items... Hmmm... if only I'd have known, I would've spent my moolah there instead of the Body Shop.

Dear Santa (aka Ben Chan),

Can Kwon Sang Woo pass by our village and make a special appearance at our foot spa place? We promise to carry all Korean, Face Shop products if you do!

___________________________

I'm feeling Christmas-y more this year than the past years and am trying to think of a way to make this occasion special. We're not a very show-y family. And although my parents, especially my mom, have been goading us ever since we can remember to come up with a Christmas program, we have never warmed up to the idea. The only way they could convince all of us to take to the mike, is to make it into a singing contest. Whoever has the lowest score treats Starbucks frapuccinos to all those who joined. Thank goodness for Wow Magic Sing!

Christmas should be about family and togetherness and fun times. Not exchanging gifts you bought at the mall or the tiangge... although, siyempre masaya yun. In the past, that was the highlight of Christmas for us. The change of heart (mine, at least) may be because I don't have to wait for Christmas to get the things I want anymore. Maybe.

Did I mention I was able to buy a new DVD player? Woohoo! Desperate Housewives, here we come!

I haven't done any shopping yet and am dreading the cram again. I look forward to shopping, but on the day of my buying trip, I get overwhelmed and shop a storm just to get it over with. I end up buying stuff which are more expensive. Sigh.

You are Weasel

Found this bit on I. M. Weasel on Wikipedia:
I.M. Weasel is highly intelligent, and is skilled in most if not all known professions, anything from electronics and engineering to medicine and philosophy; he is also incredibly charming and well-versed in the social graces, and will often have a pretty girl at his side (a recurring character, usually dressed as a nurse). Weasel's only real flaw is a secret desire to suck the yolk from eggs (though such behavior is actually a characteristic of the mongoose family, which is of a different order of mammals than weasels). He is usually the only successful character in a given episode. The standard image of Weasel wears no clothing, though he will often don outfits appropriate to his activities (such as a lab coat when working as a doctor or scientist). He is prone to declaring "I am Weasel!" before leaping into a situation.

Whenever I see Weasel, I cringe. Apparently cartoons are drawn from real life and Weasel has just jumped out of Cartoon Network and into my life.

There is no escaping his pronouncements on virtuosity. He's all puffed up inside despite his cadaverous exterior. He knows it all but masks it in an effacing manner. Asks you for your opinion, and nudges it aside, coz his is still best. Arrrrgggghhhh...

When I get my Masters degree (which will not be in Theology, mind you), I will show this Weasel...

Does this make me I. R. Baboon? :P

Tolerance and Paper Cranes

You learn something new everyday. I attended a peace forum ( http://archive.inq7.net/view.php?db=1&story_id=35246 ) where Filipino Muslim women and a Japanese hibakusha or atomic bomb survivor shared their experience in keeping the peace in their communities, and even though I could barely imagine what they went through, I could sympathize with their cause.

However, I must say that I am cynical with all these peace talks or forums or exchanges, as I feel that they have little impact, especially in Muslim Filipino affairs.

The common man on the street would think that a Filipino Muslim (or Moro, as they call themselves now --- whatever happened to the negative connotation?) would be prone to violence. Some have been quick to associate them with the Abu Sayyaf, pirates of the South, or else hard-nosed salesmen --- i have been warned many times to be careful dealing with pearl merchants in Greenhills. Muslims have a bad rep all right, aggravated by the US-spread terrorism scare, but the impression is hardly inaccurate, don't you think?

Just last week, the news was of the Muslim Congresswoman who went wild crazy with her bread knife lurching dangerously at their caterer who was not able to correctly inform her that the pansit she ate contained pork. Not exactly a peaceful way to express one's faith, is it?

A Moro woman explained that indeed this is very unfortnate. How the caterer can be so insensitive to the Muslim woman's faith... and how rash the Muslim woman was with her reaction. In one breath, one woman, pronounced Islam as a religion of peace and how there were a lot of misconceptions about it and how these people to people interactions foster a general understanding and appreciation of each culture's unique features, and then say during the open forum that... "mabuti na lang at nasa Manila yung caterer, dahil kng nangyari yan sa Marawi... mapapatay siya." Ah. Okay.

Apparently, there are still a lot of things to do in this issue. Poverty has been pointed as the culprit, along with ignorance and apathy. How people just dont care. How prejudice and discrimination prevail despite the efforts... Probably because people are more concerned with their soap-box pronouncements rather than living as an example...more than talking the talk, they have to walk the walk. For people to go past the stereotype, you have to make an effort to show them that you are not the stereotype.

How can you reconcile such a rich culture amidst rich natural resources be mired in conflict and poverty? How? Everybody concerned, I think, must go beyond dances and paper cranes.

Sigh. What do you think about this issue?