Isang Pagbabago

I have been posting entries in Englsih so I will be understood by all. Now, I don't know if I'm really doing that. So, in my future posts, I'll be writing it in Filipino (with some translations). Some maybe lost in translation, but, I'll try to make myself clear. This way I'll be able to teach and reach others who are more comfortable in reading in their native Tagalog. So, watch for my next entry. Sabi nga nila: Abangan ang susunod na kabanata! Wait for the next chapter. Mabalos! Give my regards to your family!

A Day In History

September 21, 1972, a infamous date in Philippine history when President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law so he can remain in power. Infamous cause it started the decline of the quality of life of most Filipinos. Before Marcos, the Philippines was on the way to prosperity under President Diosdado Macapagal, father of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the present Prez. Martial law resulted in many problems that is felt even up to now.

I was four month out of high school and have been admitted at the University of Santo Tomas. I was eager to learn more at a higher level and was beginning to know other people such as my new found classmates, especially of the opposite sex and teachers that would guide me later on with my studies. I remember watching on television the Liberal Party Convention at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila. And as the politicians spoke, a bomb exploded and confusion and carnage folowed. And later that night, Marcos issued the suspension of writ of habeas corpus and Martial Law folowed. The next day there soldiers roaming the whole of Metro Manila in search of Marcos oppositions. And things became scary that all of us stayed away of the streets and later on, also, a curfew was enforced. And this experience made Filipino wary and afraid of policemen and soldiers and the notorious METROCOM.

I was thinking, how can this be happening. I just graduated and was full of life and eagerness to finally better my life. What will the coming years be under this sad condition of supression and corruption of the illegal administration. Life continued everyday as people went along with Marcos. There were some improvements, but, ultimately, the changes were cosmetics and the people were tired of what they've seen and acted to free themselves that led to the famous People Power in 1986. And that's another story.

As this date come every year, it is not celebrated, but, on the other hand remembered. Remember those who died, those hundreds who disappeared and are still not known what happened to them. More importantly, it's a day to remind us to be vigilant of our freedom and democracy, of someone who would just take advantage of us for their own evil intentions. And in the end, good will triumph over evil.

The Rich Have Hills

This is one of the many beautiful views found in what can be considered what started as a small hamlet called Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego county. Now, it's the most expensive address in the U.S. For a while there I could hear Maria (hope it was my sister) singing "The hills are alive with the sound of music." I always love driving by these roads, very excited what beautiful and big houses will appear on each turns. One beating the next in size and vast expanse of their lands. I'll even give you a free sightseeing tour of these area. It will always be a delight to show you this place.

On A Clear Day

Shown is the beach off Tamarack Ave. in Carlsbad. Another perfect day in our small paradise, reading a book or just strolling along the shore. But, I have to go back to work. This is a typical weather here, it might be very warm on the weekdays, but, come the Saturday and Sunday, it's almost always changes for a more georgeous climate. Hope you all can come and see these someday.

All In A Day's Work

As I mentioned in my post below, the picture above is also one the places I go to while I'm in my office. This one was taken at the Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, two cities away from where I live. That's a lifeguard tower on the left and their truck on the right facing vast expanse of the Pacific Coast. You can even see Catalina Island from here on a clear day. And did you know you drive a car from Tijuana, Mexico all the way to British Columbia, Canada by taking the Pacific Coast Highway or PCH or by it's old name, the Highway 101. Encinitas is also the Flower Capital of the World and where the poinsettia, used as flower decoration during Christmas, started to grow and is now a multi-million dollar business. The grower is named Paul Ecke. It's now managed by his next generation. From Encinitas Blvd you can drive up to Rancho Santa Fe, the priciest real estate zip code location in the USA. One of the residents are some of the rich and the famous stars, singers and sports players and owners like Jewel, the singer used to live out of her mobile home in Pacific Beach. Ronald Reagan's son Ron and San Diego pro baseball team owner, millionaire John Moore. Houses where you cannot see from the roads--only driveways that leads to them and on one side orange orchards and horse barns on the other side.

I can only dream of becoming rich and if I don't become one, at least in my life, I saw these places, I used to see in pictures and the movies, for myself. These places are really really nice to live in and I can only imagine their mortagage payment and upkeep expenses. Most of these are very educated and professional individuals. In hindsight, I wished I didn't dropped out from my Enginering studies. But, now, as they would say:"All is well."

Scenes From My Office

At my work I get to go out and see places around North County. This one is taken near a laguna in Carlsbad east of I-5 freeway. And above those hills in the background is the world-famous Legoland where Mabelle used to work and where I also applied, but, they couldn't meet my pay rate. Seriously, I wasn't accepted for one the reasons I think of was they're looking for younger people to open the theme park. It's my gain and their lost, cause they missed out a very harworking, loyal, responsible and loyal worker. Now, I happy where I work.

Who Would You Like To Meet in Heaven?

Today being Labor Day, a yearly holiday and being a very, very hot and humid one that, we just stayed at home. In the morning, Nette and I watched the DVD movie of Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet In Heaven." Starring Jon Voight, Ellen Burstyn, Jeff Daniels among others. A NY Times best seller, Jon Voight plays an elderly circus maintenance man named Eddie, who through all his life thought he lived a worthless man, being wounded in the leg during World War II in the Philippines. And later on survived his father, mother and his wife. He died while saving a girl in an circus ride accident. Next he's shown in heaven meeting the five people as they have waiting for him to come in different stages of their lives. These would answer the questions and mysteries of the events while was alive. I will not tell who the five people were for you would want to see the movie yourselves, but, they certainly were helpful to him to attain peace of mind and understanding why he lived, for him, a lowly life. The story was powerful to make us think for what we ourselves might or would want to meet when we die. And it also gave me feeling of comfort that I, myself might have lived a usefull life afterall. Watching the movie with Nette made the experience more touching to our lives--at the ending, we just held hands and cry our hearts out, for Eddie and ourselves. The story touched on the topic what I have been thinking before. And that is, what would happen to me when I die. What would my physical body feel and most especially, if I have a spirit, where will it go--a heaven or a hell. Would I meet the people who departed ahead of me. Would they answer and would lead me to know why certaiin events happened while I was on earth. Or where did I come from in the first place. I'm not afraid to die, but, I would certain want to know the answers to these before I go. There were also some events in my life I don't remember. Or will I be not allowed to know that.

As for what lessons we get from this movie, I feel that while we live in this world, we should realize that our thinking and actions affects others. And that we should do what is really good and right as God has defined. You? Who would you like to meet in heaven? Your father, your mother, your husband, your wife, your relative, your best friend or a very famous figure in history? And would you be able to? Such is the mystery of death and Ate Liz almost got know that, but, it wasn't her time yet. Who knows why is that, but, we are glad she's still with us, especially to his family. For I wouldn't want my loved ones to be sad. I only wish the best for them, even if I've been far from them in all these years, for as much as I would like to be with them always, I have no choice as to what my life would be. Maybe later on, I would understand the reason to that all.

Surprise of Last Week

Last Sunday, I wrote about the first rain we had this year. It caught me by surprise because the TV weatherman predicted it not until that evening. We haven't had any measurable rain so that in the past two weeks until today, the temperature's in the 80's and the humidity's even higher--in the 90's. I later learnt the next Monday it really poured very hard in some cities across the county. It's so humid that our AC's ON mostly everyday, even during the daytime. But, I guess it's not that bad because we don't have to have it ON while we're sleeping, except for Gino who has his own portable AC in his room. What a lucky chap! As you can see in the video, it's real rain, not just for effect. It's so surreal to me cause it's still August. Then it suddenly stopped as it sudden came. I went out the walkway and the lawn and they were wet. This thing is happening now that had never happened before as what some oldtimers tell me. Is Mother Nature telling us something? Something like if you take good care of me, I will take care of you, too. But, for now it does seem to change that fast, for, the forecast next week is more hot condition. I only wish we have solar panels to make good use of a bad situation. But, yesterday, I didn't to dry my shorts and t-shirt using the dryer. I just hung them outside the lawn to dry. As they: "Necessity is the mother of invention." Who know I might come up with one that will make me a lot of mula as Mabelle would say. That I wouldn't mind at all.

Halloween At Pacific Coast

One of the nicest things about working in San Diego, I get to see the Ocean at an ordinary work day. It's still a good two months away, but, there's this jumbo pumpkin patch, which is one-fourth of mile, just east of the Coast Highway in Cardiff-by-the Sea. They are not your average pumpkin, they are really big, That's why I can't resist the urge to stop and take this picture. So, I savor the scenery and feel blessed that I'm able to do this for not everyone have this opportunity. Such moments makes me more appreciative of what little we have now, especially with what is happening in our world. There's war In Iraq, wildfires in Greece, earthquake in Mexico and extreme poverty in the Philippines. With my shortcomings to the Lord, I know that God still loves me, my family and my son. And I hope you have good and lucky day, too.

What Shape are You?

At work, one of the service writers called me square. I don't know if it's a compliment or not. If that means I can't do no wrong, I am one sometimes. But, all I know is I'm straight--more of a straight to the right. That's because I think straight and I think right. I may not look or act like one, but, I know what is right and wrong. I wasn't this way before--in my adolescence, I found it hard a make small decisions, like buying a pair of pants or a pair of shoes. So much so that after high school, I still was undecided on what course to take up in college.

But, after moving here, I got expose to different people, different cultures and their different ways of thinking, it widen my knowledge of how to act or how to talk--and that is to be always good and right. I may be "tinotoyo or may sumpong sometimes, but, that is something else. And I can be that way because I know I am right, but, others don't see it that way. And there are many people who have no true sense of what is right and what is wrong. These are the crooked who are mishapen in life. They go through life thinking others should let him have his way- their bad ways and bad thinking.

Which led me to mention this instance-again, it happened at work. I was just doing my work, efficient, I thought--putting aside those tag numbers, while others would just throw them after the car is picked-up. For I know from past experiences that there are times that it IS needed for reference. I was surprised when another service writer said to me:"You're crazy!" Being the good-natured and non-violent person that I am, I just smiled at him and just kept quiet. But, deep inside I wanted o say to him:"You ignoramus, Walrus! I may not be cool always, but, I am always square--if that's the term you want to call me. I may not say what I'm thinking, but, I understand them, rightly so. So, what shape are you?

Captions To The Pictures

Shown in the pictures on the left where taken on one of my many runs at work. Seen are just jumbo pumpkins they grow just near the Pacific Coast Highway 101. I guess they're pumpkins for grownups, too. Halloween is a good two months away, that's if you skip Labor Day next Monday. Next is the 2008 S-30 Volvo, 3-door hatchback. My family at Ikea, Our yard before and after mowing and the fountain after the rain.

Rainy Days And Sundays

This morning I woke up 6:25 at an overcast sky and small thunder. I was thinking this can't be right because it was so humid inside the house. So I went out to drop off Gino at Ralph's and had to pass by Lowe's to buy sprinkler fuse and lawn mower air filter. Yesterday I had trimmed the flowers and plants and going to mow the grass that I realized it doesn't have an air filter. And later found out also that the sprinklers wasn't working and it's going today that I'll be able to do so at about 1 pm. But, as I walked back inside the front door, it started to drizzle a little bit. This can't be, if it rains I won't be able to do what I set out to do. I said to myself it doesn't look it's going to rain. So, I installed the air filter and fuse at the garage and when inside the house and check my blog.

At about 11:30, Nette's telling it's raining. Raining? That would ruin everything. I took the camera and went out and there it was indeed- the first measurable rain of the year. It rained hard for about 25 minutes and an hour later the sun was out again. While inside it was still humid the electric fan was ON all the time. I had to record this event--this doesn't happen often and during summertime at that.

By what's happening around the world weather-wise, I'm not surprise anymore. We, here in paradise (read San Diego or Southern California, feel very lucky that we don't experience floods, heavy snow, earthquakes or wildfires as other cities and countries do. It seems I'll be able to work the yard later this afternoon after all. I'm still waiting. What do you think will happen next? Find out tomorrow or tonight here.

The Brave Dare Not To Be A Hero

The date was August 21, 1983 when Senator Ninoy Aquino came back to the Philippines after an exile from the United Sates. He came home as they "to face the music." And dance to the dance ex-President Ferdie Marcos and Madam Imelda wanted him to do. Ninoy was willing to accept what the dictator was going to do to punish him. And had hoped later on to unite the opposition and the administration. But, Imelda had other plans for Ninoy. She felt that Ninoy's coming could derail her ambition to succeed her husband as President. That was what many thought at that time. And to make sure Ninoy would not become the president instead, was to assasinate him right on the airport tarmac that now bears his name (the NAIA-Ninoy Aquino International Airport).

During those days following the assasination, many Filipinos think that there was a conspiracy. The only problem with this thinking was there was no evidence to connect the Marcoses to this henious crime, although, a few military soldiers (or fall guys) are right now still in prison. The event has similarities with the assasination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas, U.S.A. Both had the alleged assasins killed that until now we will never know the truth.

As a result this showed the worst and the best of the Filipinos. I will not mention the bad ones, I instead would praise the best Filipinos who came out to finally do something about injustice and unhappiness they felt was caused by an unjust dictator. For days after the assasination, Ninoy Aquino was given a funral march that started at Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City and passed thru four cities ending up at the Manila Memorial Park. I was a witness of these events, one of the many who felt silenced by the tyrant for many years, only to come out now, to show support to what Ninoy had referred to the Filipinos that "they are worth dying for." Many joined the march, came out in the streets leaving their offices even if they shouldn't because it was a workday. At the Jose Rizal Monument at Luneta Park in Manila, as the march passed by it, showed just how many were there to show their grieve and there were thousands or even millions of Filipinos that day. I was in front of the flagpole having joined the march at Banawe Street, but has to stopped walking along before it reach Makati because it started to rain and I was worried, after all I had to go back to teach the next day. Many would finish at the memorial park.

These events led to the famous February 1986 ouster of the hated dictator from Malacanang Palace. All of these beacuse of a man the Marcosed thought they could put aside out of the history books, but, instead, is now considered a martyr or even a national hero comparable to Dr. Jose Rizal. It just shows that a man can be brave enough to change something evil. He doesn't have or even consider himself or herself a hero, as long as there many who's wiling to do the same, they could succeed to make themselves better and once again proud individuals. Ninoy was indeed brave, but, didn't certainly wanted to die, cause for him a dead hero cannot help his countrymen to change their nation. That's why he looked really scared the soldiers when they approached inside the plane before being led in the arm as they walked out the exit door down to the tarmac. And think he was right. May your brave spirit remain in us, not only when August 21 comes each year.

People Are The Same

The other day my older brother left Manila for Brazil on a government assignment. I wish him the best and happiness while he's there. And good health to my sister-in-law. While there they'll experience firsthand a different culture and get to know other people who they will encounter as they have in his past trips to other countries. That being said, in my own observation, I find that people are the same wherever they may live or where they come from originally.

In my work at car dealerships that I've worked, I learnt by just talking and asking questions that we all share the same fears, hope, aspirations for a better live and the importance of family, friends and the need to know other people. May they be Swedish, Polish, German, Peruvian, Chilean (I don't if that's right), Chinese, Indian, Mexicans or Filipinos. We all want to know about each other's people or countries. And I feel that diversity here really works, not just tolerance as some think as a means of getting along with each other. One has to have an open mind and not stereotype people. Or prejudice others just because of their color or stature. All we need is start with a comment about the weather or about cars.

And that is what's great about America, we all consider ourselves equal. One may be a wealthy businessman from Rancho Santa Fe, a realtor from Solana Beach or a Marine soldier stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, in most places or situations, one cannot say I am better than the guy standing next him or her. One may drive a Mercedes Benz or a beat up Ford truck or Japanese import, it doesn't matter, we all can truly feel the same, unique and matter in our own way. Color and age doesn't matter also, as long as we respect each other that each deserve to co-exist and enjoy what this bountiful country has to offer to everyone who work hard and deserve in so doing.

People in the world have to realize that we need each other. People needs to learn each others cultures. All these can be done by asking:"Nice weather we're having!" Go ahead start a conversation. Ask a stranger. Truthfully asking questions what we really what to know. Wars have been started because of miscommunication or good intention. We are all the same. We used to joke:"It's raining, aren't we?"

95 degrees F

That's not a typo error. You read it right and that's how hot it was today. It's been many many years since I sweated at work (without moving around). I was driving the shuttle car and I can feel more the heat outside than the coolness of the airconditioner. And, mind you, cars here have really cool, cool AC, but, I can feel my back and my arms all wet with perspiration. And I read these tourist-couple visiting Oceanside from Palm Springs to escape the heat there. And they say the weather here is COOL! Yeah, this is cool alright. Maybe that's why, Paris, my mixed Chihuahua, likes to sunbathe on the tile the whole afternoon in our garden! Then again, I forgot that this San Diego, world famous as being the finest city in the world--weatherwise. And I should have nothing to complain. I guess we, the locals, are spoiled already that a little temperature higher than 75 is HOT na. We are the lucky ones. Some cities and countries are not. And I'm guessing we'll have a very, very cold winter, but, that's another story. Another post down this blog, till after 4 months or so. They say it's global warming, other said even then--GLOBAL WARNING. I just hope somebody, bright enough listened to Al Gore, so we wouldn't be all LOCKED UP in this kind of climate. Enjoy your day tomorrow.

What Was I Thinking?

After I rediscovered the joy of blogging and finally learning how to post pictures, I said to myself that I would post entries frequently this time. But, the problem is there's lot in my mind BEFORE I sit down to type them and once I'm about to do so, I'm completely at a lost what to say. And I know I have a lot so say. Did you ever have that problem too? Maybe tomorrow I'll have soemthing to talk about. Until then, sleep well, knowing that we are all blessed and that we'll all be happy to wake up in the morning feeling alive and well. Take each day at a time and be grateful that there are a lot of people that appreciate us for what we really are. I just don't want you to think that I have forgotten you. You are always in my mind and hope that I am always in yours. And if you have a problem, just tell me and know that I will be there (if only I can). And that's what friends are for. I don't have a lot of friends, but, those that I have are really friends for life. And what was thinking again? Find out next.

Lovers and Friends

There comes a time in life when a person let others know how he feels which he has kept to himself or herself. And in doing so would set that person free and feel the heart lighter. What happened was a matter of speaking from experience as Jon says in his blog.

Graduating from high school, this boy went to study at the univesity where he met other students who had the same dream. The dream of getting a good education and a better life and give only the best to himself and his parents. At the same, get to know others who are worth his time and effort. He did got just that- he became good friends three girls and nothing's wrong with that. (ala "Three's Company", Yabang no). With their youthful innocence, they became close, on and off the campus and found out that they were drawn to each other. They like each others company. After the second year, the two girls went their own ways. The boy and the third girl went on to enroll at the same course, all the while remaining very good friends.

On the third year, their friendship got stronger. They helped each other out in their studies and with their personal lives. He would go her house, after school, and just hang out, share jokes and stories just about anything. He was happy with their relation until one day he went to her house and she introduce a guy who is her BOYFRIEND. But, he wanted to remain good friends with her and didn't say a thing and acted as if there's no boyfriend. Later on, he realized he was FALLING in love with her, but, he never let her know that. He was just happy to be a good friend, but, as days went on the girl was getting more in love with her boyfriend that she neglected her real friend which she didn't realized then.

The boy finally saw what was happening that there was nothing going to happen good in their relationship. He disppeared from her life- no goodbyes, no explanations and without her knowing his true feeling. Later, he realized that she wasn't his worth his time, his effort, his friendship or even his love. If it can be called love. What do you think if you were this guy? Is he a fool? Or is she a fool? Is he right in not telling her his feeling? He never saw her and that doesn't matter now. The last that I learn from him, he's a very happy man. He has learned to moved on many, many years ago.

This Joke In

What do call a pig in a Mercedes Benz? (Anong tawag sa baboy na nasa Chedeng?)
The Answer is: PORK AND BENZ

Gino Got To Celebrate His 24 Year

As I've mentioned in my post before, we celebrated Gino's birthday last Sarurday. It was a perfect day--a sunny morning and blue sky with mild cool breeze in the afternoon. His guests include Astrid's family--hubby Rick and sons, Alfred and Andrew and daughter, Saundra. Of course, Nette's parents were there too, with Fletcher who arrived late, as usual, and left early, as he has part time work to do.

Nette prepared the pasta-liguini with clam sauce, adobo spare and mango salsa with shrimp and grilled scallops. Astrid made the kare-kare and Mommy made the sisig, empanada and bagoong sauce. Papa had his beer, as usual, and his banter and our discourse about the week's happenings. One of which was the recall of Chinese-made products. We all had a NO-DIET for TODAY day, spent in our patio, although, which was cut short--cause by swarming KJ flies, which apparently like the food fare also. So, at mid-afternoon we had to go inside and continue eating around the kitchen counter, which is the magnet for guests whenever we have a party. There was also a multi-flavor cake which the children like.

But, what the children enjoyed more is playing the new Nintendo WII video game, which Rick bought that day here. As you can see in the pictures, they had a lots of fun. Some shots were inside our house for those who haven't seen our french retreat. Ang yabang ano? All in all, the day was good for all of us and special because it's a celebration of a special guy, a special son like Gino.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAIL

Today is my niece's birthday which sad to say my family wasn't able to celebrate not even once because we are always away from them since she was born. She has grown up to be a responsible and very bright adult which I was seeing that she would be from the time she was in high school abroad. Oh, we saw her once, here in the States when my brother's family visited us during the 90s, but, she was just a small girl, now she's lady with lots of accomplishments. She's a very good writer which she got after my Father who's the most intellectual, followed by my kid brother, in the family. As for me, I am just as trying hard to be. She also a fine photographer, which she got after me--I guess. She also a website designer bar none. I hope and sure she'll continue to reap more successes in her young life.

So, Gail, we want to say Happy Happy Birthday and wishing you more to come and hoping also that we got to spend your special day more often.