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.

My Son Turns 24

Today, July 31st is my only son's birthday. Eversince, from his childhood until his middle school days, we would celebrate it with a party, sometimes at a park, at the beach or at home, but, always around his loved ones- family or friends. But, as he gets older, he doesn't want to make a big deal about it. A simple gathering of immediate family members or just the three of us is enough for him, as we did today.
His work schedule started at 5 am, so, I wasn't able to greet him Happy Birthday and the only time I had the chance to do so was when I phoned him at noon during his lunch break.

Then, for his birthday dinner, I bought him a small cake, though not his favorite- the Oreos kind- a marble with chocolate icing. And Nette made linguini with Shitake and clam sauce. Serve with chilled Smirnoff "ICE." Pictures were taken showing us all happy although it was quite simple and him wished more birthdays to come.

To Gino: A Happy Happy Birthday and Know That We Love You Always!

Just As I Expected

As I woke up this morning I thought this would be another day at the office, but once I was on the street I realized that people would have what is called the "Monday Blues." You know how that feels, if not, it's a day back to work after the weekend, workers tend to be sluggish, not sure of their actions or just plain having a hangover. Like drivers who can't decide if they would yield or not to traffic or to another car whose driver's trying wait to what the other driver would do. These behaviors can have fatal consequences if the parties involved are not careful. Luckily for me there were no accidents that happened.

And by noon, with all the things that I have to do at work, it's all back to the same routine just as I expected. Dealing with customers-what's their concerns, their opinions and suggestions. Just their diferrent personalities make my day interesting which makes it go faster and before I know it, it's time to clock out. Heading out of the dealership for home, I'm thinking already of watching tv shows like 24 HOURS, LUPIN, MGA MATA NI ANGHELITA, SINASAMBA KITA, SA BAWAT PANGPINTIG NG PUSO and ending with EAT BULAGA in the comfort of my living room just as I expected to do every single day of the week.

If you are one of these people, all I say is to live life with cheerful disposition and realize that our lives are better after all just as we expect it to be. That we do can do good as well. Have a fine day my friends.

Gino's Favorite Places

After yesterday's Mass, we passed by Ralph's Superstore for Gino to look at his work schedule next week. The store is one of Gino's favorite places aside from Best Buy, Costco, Walmart, Target and the Mall. He loves working there and his co-workers like him in return

Spending Time With Him

Yesterday, my family and I attended Mass at the our parish, the Mission San Luis Rey (MSLR), the biggest Spanish church the Catholic Mission built, starting from San Diego to far as the Northern California, during the discovery of the New World. For that the MSLR is called the "King of the Missions." Going to the mission's grounds remind me of the churches I used to go to in Pilar, Bataan which has a main church and a cemetery nearby. Here, they have the main Mission church, a modern parish center-church and an old small chapel and a big cemetery.

In front of the Mission church is a big pepper tree, the first in California, a sunken garden and ruins of a soldiers' garrison that was used by the Americans during the Civil War. There's also a museum, a souvenir shop and a retreat house. For me it is always relaxing when I'm in this holy ground, which is kind of ironic cause it sit just a mile away from a freeway. But, best thing I like about this church is that it's where we can hear Mass with Pilipino Choir, which the religious experience more meaningful and prouder that after one song they perform, some parishioners would softly clap their hands in admiration. It's also not as crowded as the other missions we have seen throughout the Golden State. And I would prefer for it to stay that way so We can really just spend time with Him that way He would like us to.

It's Nice To Be Nice

A sports manager once said:"Nice guys finish last." I don't believe this. A living proof is my Father, who is, to me, will almost be Number One. He has accomplished many important things in his life and one of them is to raise children who have become responsible and respected citizens just like himself. Thanks Dad. He's the nicest guy I know who I never seen husrt a fly. He's not a wimp for he commands gentleness from others.

Here are some things to emulate about being nice:
1. The power of nice a domino effect that may not be immediately apparent but will eventually find its way back.
2. A stranger on the street mat seem insignificant, but could be your boss's wife of client's daughter.
3. Treat everyone with respect. Today's clerk could be tomorrow's MD.
4. Being nice is always ON. It must be automatic, it's loses it's effectiveness if used only whenever you like it.
5. Being nice has effects that may not be seen but they are felt; if only by you.
6. Treat others with kindness, respect and generosity and you'll be blessed.

This OFW is Coming Home

It's late at night now, but I have to welcome one OFW (OverSTATE Filipino Worker)who's coming home from Washington tomorrow night. She's been away from home for four days, leaving me and Gino alone by ourselves. But, she need not worry for we're doing just fine. She has work hard and I am proud that she bag 2nd Place as National Marketing Director for the first half of the year in their comapny. And she even has a trophy to show for it and rightfully deserves it. I know cause I was there since she started in this field.

So, with great pride and joy, we welcome my wife, Nenette. And next weekend we're going to the beach which we have been planning so many times before.

Kiss Kish Goodbye

I have to post this after seeing it on PinoyTV. Kish Island is near Iran where several OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) are stranded for many reasons and one of them is being maltreated by their employers. They live and sleep in the beach because they run out of money to pay the hotel and just walk around asking for help from their kababayans. And there are some of them who do help without fanfare or publicity, just plain desire to do good to those who's having a bad time. Or shall I say a bad dream. One of them do it even if they cannot send money to her family back home.

I don't know why this keeps happening to our fellowmen. I can only wish that the governments involved would take measures to educate their citizens as good hosts and workers. And when one of the OFWs gets his or her visa to Dubai, there are very emotional and happy scenes of relief and joy. My heart really went out to them. And I say to them "Kiss Kish Island Goodbte!"

It's Time To Change

This is a new look of my blog since my old one was erased and I don't know if it can be unerased anymore. For this I want to thank Mabelle for helping me create this new spot and Jon for helping get started with the old one. For these two blog gurus, you are my saviors in these ever-changing technical blogging world. You'll read more about me this time and look at pictures which I wasn't able to insert more often in my old blog.