Lies and Deceit

My dearest midget, stop spreading your lies. I find it appaling albeit loony, that you continually connect two ideas that are furthest from each other. You may call be a fucking tomato, and you may sautee me as much all you want, but please don't justify my actions because of a lie you propagate.

When we went out more than a year ago we had it going good for a while. We watched movies, held hands and had ou fair share of lover's brew. You even allowed me into your house and introduced me to your family. We even spent Valentine's together. Oh yeah, one more thing. You asked me to sleep with you in the house of a common friend. (Thankfully I declined. Had I accepted, I can just imagine what sorts of animals, fungi and the like would be living with me. Gross.)

We disagreed later on and decided TOGETHER that it wouldn't work out between us. Promptly, we parted ways, said our goodbyes and let go.

Now, when is a person "busted?" A guy is busted when he asks the girl to be his girlfriend and the girl declines or makes a move and is denied access. A gal is busted when she makes her move on the guy and the guy refuses (it is rare that the gal would ask the guy to be her boyfriend, anyway.) In our case, I DID NOT ASK YOU TO BE MY GIRLFRIEND. Keep that clear. And whatever "move" I may have made i.e. to hold your hand, to watch a movie, etc. (were all accepted and recoprocated) At the end of it all, you had no chance to bust me because we BOTH agreed that it was over, simultaneously.

Here's the funny part. I BUSTED YOU (technically) why? because I refused to sleep with you. Although unintentional, I still did. Things change so easily when analyzed by mature and intellectual minds, which sadly you will never have.

So stop saying that I dislike you because you busted me. First, you didn't bust me because I BUSTED YOU. Second, you earned my ire because you defended a liar and thief and upheld his pathetic pleas for innocence (despite of a clear admission of guilt.)

As much as I despise the scoundrel and woman-beater though, I pity him for having invested so much in you. Now look what's happening, after everything he's done for you, what is he now? A spare tire.

It's so difficult to make underdeveloped minds comprehend. Here's food for thought though - a person who defends a liar becomes one too.

Traffic Extorters

They are clad in sky blue shirt jacks with all those patches that are not only horrible but a complete waste of thread. They act like real policemen and strut around thoroughfares as if they own the damned roads. And with their keen sense of sight which is considered extraordinary by us mortals, they see all sorts of traffic violations a mile away!

TE: Sir, hindi tayo pwede sa yellow lane. Mga buses lang at taxi ang pwede dito.

JG: (said in my bad tagalog with both an ilonggo and english accent) Pasensya na, hindi kasi ako taga-rito. Taga Bacolod kasi ako eh.

TE: Ah, ganun ba. Lisensya ho.

JG: (darn my probinsyano pitch didn't work) Sann nga ba ang yellow lane?

TE: Dito Sir, sa kanan. Yung dinadaanan ng mga bus.

JG: Wala namang yellow diyan. Paano ba malaman ng tao kung saan ang yellow lane kung wala naman nakapinta na yellow?!

TE: Ganun talaga Sir. Ito yung violation mo. (points to "Wrong lane: Php 1000" or something like that)

JG: one thousand! ang mahal naman!

TG: Kaya ko naman na tulungan kayo sir. (he shows a toothy smile)

JG: Hindi ko naman kasalanan na walang yellow na pinta ang highway eh.

TE: (Notices the Malacañan Id that belongs to my father) Sir, taga-Malacañan ba kayo?

JG: Iyon nga eh. Nagpapasundo si Pops sa bahay pupunta raw siya sa opisina.

TE: Ganun ba. (Looking scared) Sayang naman yung ticket namin Sir.

JG: Sabihin mo nalang si BF o Bossing ninyo na pagpinturahan yung mga yellow lane. Can I have my license back?

TE: Sir, nandito.

JG: Thank you. (speeds away)

Huh, you think you can extort me that easily? Well think again. I've got connections in places you didn't even knew existed. LOL. But seriously, who gave these inforcers-cum-extorters the right to stop any vehicle and charge money for some violation the driver didn'y even commit, or in my place a clear mistake on the part of the MMDA or DPWH to paint the Yellow Lane? It's unfair. They should give leeway to drivers who come from the provinces and are not yet adept to the complicated traffic schemes, the faulty road signs and an endless array of overpasses, underpasses, fly overs and what nots.

To all traffic extorters: If one commits a mistake fine him properly and report to the authorities, don't take the law into your own hands. And don't worry, next time I make a REAL violation, I will courteously stop, give my license and report to the MMDA in Guadalupe.

Good night, and Good luck.

Fun Fun Fun

Last night, while studying for Psychology, I received this message from a certain individual.

"Hoy! Untata na blog mo! Na init2x na ko! Nag stop na ko gni! Kw gd ya ga provoke skun! Puta ka nga kamatis, gisahon tka krn! Kag pwede mag txt ka, d na mag english, mas igo ilonggo daan. Lumsan mo kmi sa suba mo? Ga swimming kgd da ay? Pwde gd! Kay chura mo daw pasayan gd! Ndi ka mg insul2 ky * ha, kay law-ay ka! insecure! Loser! Wala na gd may ma sapak cmu haw?!! Community reject! Doesnt mean if u came from an old rich family, then ur on top? No way!"

Translated: (it does bring out funny things. check out the tomato thing)

"Hey! Stop your blogging! Im so pissed off! I stopped already! But still you provoke me! You fucking tomato, im gonna sautee you! And please when you text, don't use English because Ilonggo is more hard-hitting. You're gonna drown us in your river? You must swim there right? Go ahead! Because you look like a shrimp! Don't insult * because you're ugly! insecure! a loser! No one giving you attention anymore?!! Community reject! Doesnt mean if you COME (not came) from an old rich family, then you're on top? No way!"

There we go. Another hate message from the usual suspect. Let me go through the message point by point.

1) Hey! Stop your Blogging! - The person wishes to stop my writing. This is awkward since the very Constitution of the land emplicitly states that there shall be no law that would abridge freedom of expression. If the country I live in gives me freedon, then you should respect that right.

2) I stopped already! But still you provoke me! - I don't care if you stop exercising your rights. That's your choice. Why is there provocation? No name, save for mine, are included in the entries. The last time I wrote anything about my previous experiences was last week, since then I have written two: one about impeachment and the other about rainy days.

3) You fucking tomato, im gonna sautee you! - This speaks for itself. Hee hee hee.

4) And please when you text, don't use English because Ilonggo is more hard-hitting - I am free to use whatever language of my choice when I speak, write, text or even think. If it is so difficult to understand the English language, I suggest you purchase a Dictionary.

5) You're gonna drown us in your river? You must swim there right? Go ahead! Because you look like a shrimp! - Hmmm.. this is an interesting segment. For years there has been a joke I have used whenever I tease individuals. "Ma lutaw ka gd sa suba sang (place)" To this the audience responds with laughter. It is somewhat funny and is not meant at all. But these individuals apparently took this personally. No, I have not swam in the river, although the beach is just down the road, it is pretty nice. You can visit if you want. About the shrimp, I easily get sunburned, and in fact I usually use the terms Lobster and Shrimp when referring to myself after a long day under the sun. So thanks for the observation.

6) Don't insult * because you're ugly! insecure! a loser! - Beauty is relative and is judged only by the eye of the beholder. You find me ugly? Fine with me. You're ugly too. Insecure? hmmm... not quite. You even call me tikalon, ergo confident. How can I be full of confidence on one hand, and be lacking self-confidence on the other? and finally, a Loser? this is also relative. But I have a long standing belief that Thieves are the ultimate Losers. And wait up, you're 16 right? and how many guys have you screwed? last I heard the number was pegged at seven. But I'm sure that number has ballooned. Call me a loser all you want, at least I'm no ho.

7) No one giving you attention anymore?!! Community reject! - Attention-wise I'm perfectly fine. I have a loving family. An excellent set of friends (that is after weeding out the thief). I'm perfectly fine with my standing in my family, the community and among friends. Community reject, I guess you dont have anything else to say about me. The real community rejects are druggies, thieves, and I'm sure you're familiar with the crew.

8) Doesnt mean if you COME (not came) from an old rich family, then you're on top? No way! - First, you should thank me for fixing your grammar. Well, it's not my fault I was born into my family. Im very thankful I have my loving parents, brothers and sisters who care for me and relatives who guide me through my problems. About me being on top, I’m wondering why you feel so insulted by it? Maybe because you’re short, stupid and insecure? It figures. Oh yeah, one more thing, thanks for considering my family "old rich." Just sounds so good.

Journalism 360*

We had this photo shoot for our Comm 100 Journalism presentation. Please bear with us.

The Youth

It may sound like greasy rhetoric from the woeful politician or simply overused motherland statements but these two lines are imperative to all Filipino youth. First, that we are the future of our country, second that we are the hope of the fatherland. These basic facts must be incorporated into the hearts and minds of all those youth who wish to serve our nation.

However, these two notions, as proudly immortalized by Jose Rizal, have too often been used by others to entice the youth for their votes and by exploitive youths, themselves, to achieve personal ambition. These are clear reasons why most of the youth have ditched these noble visions and have instead sunk into the endless abyss of cynicism, which they term “practicality.” Gone are the young who wish for change, who work for truth and justice, who make accountability their watchword. Most have been reduced to dipping their hands into the cesspool that is the status quo and many have abandoned their quest for ideal government as they brand anything that tries to cure the malaise of the current system as “wishful thinking.”

No, it is not apathy. In fact, the youth today are constantly embroiled in the affairs of state. A young man who picks up a newspaper and reads about mosquito rallies in the metro, or listens to the radio for Dinky Soliman’s smash hit “If we hold on together,” or better yet, watches television to learn about the political plans Manny “Magic Sing” Pacquiao, is definitely not apathetic. The pervasive feelings are of distrust and a ubiquitous sense of suspicion - all products of years of unfulfilled promises, low public morale and a general disdain over the state of the nation.

Although the “fire of enthusiasm” of Rizal’s ideal youth still flickers in the hearts of some, this has been under threat since the usurpation of power by the witless, mahjong-playing housewife in 1986, the womanizing drunkard in 1998, and a serious challenge from an inexperienced, sword-wielding “King” in 2004. These people, among many others, prove that our institutions need serious repair or to send a more drastic message - overhauling. Gone is the subliminal Senate with the likes of Lorenzo Tañada, Claro M. Recto and Jose P. Laurel. Welcome the B-grade actors, hypocritical monkeys and a communist-hugging heiress.

Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, the youth may crumble and give in. But they fail to realize the extent of their political muscle, for they have yet to fully use it. The reason is simple, they are either afraid to utilize it or they do not know how to utilize it.

Upon my election as Student Government Vice-President in High School, I embarked on a mission to make the youth fully aware of their capability. A quick demographics review later, it hit me. What this country needs now, more than ever, is Youth Empowerment. Putting the power of choice into the hands of the young and making them fully aware of the crucial role they play in nation-building. After all, they will inherit this nation in the near future.

This drive was strengthened upon my winning as Floor Leader of the 5th NYP. It was during this gathering of youth leaders from the entire archipelago that I learned of others who shared my goal.

I am lucky to have an aunt as mayor our home city of Himamaylan and a brother who sits on the SP. Through them, I have started a program that allows the schools to send their most talented crop to a City-wide Cultural Meet. Among the events are: Extemporaneous Speaking, Debate, Declamation, Singing and Dancing. These are all targeted towards the improvement of the student’s academic performance as well as receiving a more in-depth look at his culture.

But for those who do not have the same privileges, starting small and simple is important. In High School, for instance, our class had a weekly Catechism class at the home for orphaned boys. It was both a fulfilling charitable endeavor on our part and on the kid’s part; it made them more adept academically.

However, one must stay clear of the old Filipino habit of “ningas cogon.” This term refers to a brushfire, in extension, the tendency of Filipinos to jumpstart a project with full vigor and drive only for it to die out and eventually remain unfulfilled. These attitudes together with cynicism, not apathy, are the main problems of the youth today.

All is not lost. What must be done is an awakening of the Filipino youth-a wakeup call to service, to carry the long-abandoned banner of hope and to proudly chant for justice and accountability in a deafening thunder of voices.

Let us fulfill Rizal’s vision for the Filipino youth!

Sa huli, ang kabataan ay hindi na pag-asa ng ating bayan, tayo ang KATUPARAN ng PAG-ASA ng ating bayan!

Por La Juventud!

Journal entry: July 25

I am in constant denial that i have anything for her but everything (and everyone) says otherwise. We have alot in common to the point that we are mistaken to be siblings. We have fun together, but we rarely are together. It usually is a month between "dates." Apparently, she keeps using that word. I doubt if I feel anything for her. Maybe it's just attraction? As mom said, "Lapad ka mata sa bayi" ("You have a wide eye for girls.")

We've always looked out for each other, we've ran under the rain and laughed at books (Lies you should tell kids: 1) Tomatos are a rare kind of dolphin.) Is it only my eyes that are working here? Perhaps I merely find her attractive? But does my attraction end at the physical? Can I possibly love her? Love is too deep. But I like her, that's sure. And it ends there. An admission of like, but not like like, and definitely not (yet) love.

There's another gal, let's call her Joey. She was a mere "mystery gal" during the summer in Bacolod when I saw her in the mall. I forgot about her but not without leaving seeds to "germinate" if ever a lead was established. Eventually her name and number surfaced. After a few weeks I practically knew her background, or at least a hefty part of it.

Journal entry: June 24th

Yes, it has been quite a while since I've written here. No, it's not the time, neither stress, I guess it's more of simply being lazy.

School started well enough. One teacher seemed fine except for her horrific pair of stockings. The other came across to be witty and smart but somewhat a prick. The last one was simply a bore.

I bought Summer Crossings by Truman Capote. It was his last novel which he never published. I'm not much for scrutinizing a piece of literature and hacking it to death. Instead, my focus is on how the words can make me transcend into the world the author wishes to portray. Capote beautifully painted a lost era when the rich still traveled through trans-atlantic cruise ships and sipped imported Ceylon tea from real porcelain.

Tonight I finally had my first semi-night out in the Metro. It was in a house inside a quaint little suburb in Pasig. The fanciful bungalow had a small pocket garden that surrounded a Japanese-inspired cabin. Barbeque night they call it, part of their weekly barkada get-together. How nice. They served liempo, bbq, and steak paired with beer. And after dessert, a couple of vodka shots. It was perfect. A good night with new friends and a gal I used to have a huge crush on.

While bringing her home we talked about love. Ah, love... anyway, I was beginning to sound like a romantic and her a totally apathetic lady with no amor what so ever. She just does not believe in love.

I really don't know how or what I feel for this gal. I just can't get enough of her. Sure, back in first year I was head over heels for her, but now? I honestly can say that we have no strings attached. But I wonder why lately she has been so close to me... asking me out here and there, and most peculiar, introducing me to her friends and family. Dumbfounded is an understatement.

Can it be that this gal is taking me around on a spin? Instead of me spinning her? Karma perhaps?

Shit.