Friday

Last Friday started weird for me.

I woke up and put my glasses on. As I was about to take a bath, as I removed my eyeglasses, it broke into half - yup, it broke right in the middle (the bridge part). Can I still call it a pair of eyeglasses or 2 pieces of eyeglass? Hehe ..

I don't really keep a spare of eyeglasses since my lens are quite expensive because I already have above 5.50 grade. I also don't have contact lens on hand since I rarely wear it. I only wear contact lens on special occasions. I tried to "Mighty Bond" my eyeglasses but it just would not hold. (By the way, it's just weird that Mighty Bond is truly effective that I can't open the cap the second time since the bond is already stuck .. that's how effective it is! I have to create a hole somewhere in the tube to make use of the bond!)

Anyway, I still had my pair of eyeglasses with a lower grade and I wore that during the day. I had a bit of headache during the day because things a bit far off are quite blurry. Good thing that I did not find it difficult driving.

So, there I was in the office in the morning typing those pleadings away. Just after lunch, my dad came back with the news that the case we were handling was settled and we were paid attorney's fees. (Yahoo! Thank you Lord!)

In the afternoon, I went to the Fiscal's office to get some documents. While waiting, 2 policemen accompanied a lady, who was covering her face, and a man, who was covering his face wearing shades and his hands were cuffed but was covered in jacket. Their group seated right beside me. I thought this was a normal occurrence in the fiscal office so I did not act differently. I could not also think of any major news recently. As I was sitting there, "uzis" were taking a peek and I was wondering who are these persons covering their faces. Are they witnesses? Celebrities? Later on, two of their police escort sat beside me and I just had to ask - it was the "uzi" in me. I asked why are those people looking towards them. One of them said "Ikaw gitan-aw ana ma'am". I replied, "Dili ui, ganina pa ko diri .. wala man ko nila ginatan-aw. Pag-abot lang man ninyo." And so they said that the lady and the man were allegedly caught in a tryst earlier that day and they were there for an inquest. Apparently, the man is a policeman. And the one who allegedly caught them, with the assistance of police, was the husband. The said husband also seated beside me earlier but later on stood outside the office until he was called. After a while, I was able to get what I needed from the Fiscal's office.

After work, I went to Ateneo to submit the grades. For the past semesters I have been teaching, I have been photocopying my class record and submit it to the office as one of the requirements and they accepted it. Apparently, the other teachers do not really submit an actual class record where you write everything but they prepare it through an Excel file, print it and submit it. Well, I do compute the grades using the Excel file but since what was required was the "class record", what I submit is the "class record." Pwede man pala yung Excel file na .. hehe .. mukha tuloy akong jologs .. haha.

As I was on my way to SM, I got a text from Kahlil that Clang and Boss Ogie are already parent! Wow! I was thinking of visiting that same night but I thought I'll wait for Allan .. hehe

I went to SM not really for the sale but to get another pair of eyeglasses. I used my old lens and bought a cheap frame so I can have a spare. I have another pair of eyeglasses made and, as expected, I had an "upgrade". Legally blind indeed! I also bought a pair of contact lens just in case. Believe me, it wasn't cheap! My lens are almost twice the cost of my frame. But it was indeed good timing that I received some attorney's fees that same day so that buying a new pair of eyeglasses would not be that heavy on my wallet. Nevertheless, it could be paid in installment with 0% interest .. ayos!

Lastly, I went to SMART with regard to my dad's phone after waiting some time I realized I forgot some required documents and decided I will come back the next day. And so I left, and it was raining cats and dogs outside! Good thing I had an umbrella and as I was slowly driving home, the rain became a drizzle. Not bad!

An interesting Friday indeed!

Good Day

Last Friday afternoon, an old man slowly opened the door and went inside the office. I asked him to sit down and asked him what I could do for him or perhaps what he needed from my father, who was still talking to another client.

He said that he lost is ATM Card and was asked by the bank to fill out an Affidavit of Loss and have it notarized.

Anyway, even if I already asked him to sit down, he first asked me "pila magpanotaryo ani?", showing me the blank Affidavit. After I told him the amount, he said that he had no money with him. So, I asked him how much does he have. He said he didn't have enough. I even reduced the "fee". He looked for some money in his pockets but there was none. He looked inside his purse and all he had was P 20 bill and some coins.

I asked him "taga-asa di ai ka nong?". He replied "taga-Times Beach. Silingan ko ni ________. Kaila ko sa papa nimo." At that time, my father was still talking to another client and it seems he can't remember our manong client.

I said it's OK and I will notarize it nevertheless. He was surprised because he didn't think I was a lawyer (I always get this reaction ... hehe). I just told him that he could drop the payment in our office the next day. But, at the back of my head, I said it is okay if he forgets to come back and pay for it.

And so, I filled out the form for him. I asked for IDs and asked the details of how his ATM got lost. And our manong client told the story with all the details and I listened earnestly. I just wrote the important details in the Affidavit, had it signed by him and notarized it myself.

Afterwhich, I gave back the form to him and remembered that it was a Friday and we may not be in the office on Saturday. He said he'll be back on Monday. Although, again, I thought he would forget it and I will just let it be.

But this morning, manong client came back and paid.

I was touched. I did not expect it. It was a happy surprise.

I know I could have just said it's for free but sometimes, you get the feeling that there are those who are appreciative of what you do for them that they are willing to pay for it if they can and it would be an insult to refuse it. It was the kind of feeling I get from manong client.

It was my sole income for today (excluding my teaching wage). But big things come in small packages and it sure did!

Yes, it was a good day!

Harry Potter

After watching the the last movie installment of the Harry Potter series, I made sure I will read all the books all over again. I actually got to read the first 6 books already before watching Part 2 of the Deathly Hallows. I finished Book 7 for the first time just the other night.

I love Harry Potter!

It's just amazing that I was still excited reading the first six books all over again. And I was still pretty excited in reading Book 7 although I have already watched all the movies.

I started reading around July and just finished the whole series the other night.

Of course, book lovers would totally agree that the books were way awesome than the movies and that there were a lot of things that were missed out in the films.

I love the books. I love how it made my imagination work. I love the thrill of turning each page even when I was sleepy so that I would just finish a chapter. I love reading the words themselves and just making my mind work.

But it doesn't mean I didn't appreciate the movies because I sure did. It's a different experience when you just sit back and relax and take everything in. I still get excited even though I already have an idea what is going to happen next.

There may have been a number of discrepancies, a number of scenes not in the movies and a number of scenes that were not present in the book.

Just the same - I love Harry Potter - the books and the movies!

My goal now is to watch the movies all over again. And it was just weird that HBO had a Harry Potter marathon yesterday of the first 6 movies. I missed the first 5 but I watched the 6th nevertheless.

My goal to watch the movies all over again remains.

Again - I just love Harry Potter .. brings out the child in me ;)

The Quiz Show - Part 2

I gave my first ever surprise quiz!

Surprise quiz in the sense that I never told them beforehand that I was supposed to give a quiz and not surprise quiz in the sense that a student had no idea there was supposed to be a quiz since he/she was apparently absent or absent-minded the last meeting when I made the announcement.

Anyway, it was a surprise quiz that was to their benefit - same coverage, cancel the lowest quiz. So, I told them there was everything to gain and nothing to lose.

That's what my student meant when she post her comment that it was already settled.

*P.S. - Nobody got perfect just the same.

The Quiz Show

Gotcha!

Yes, my dear student posted this comment referring to the quiz I gave this afternoon. And her ever concerned classmate made a comment as well. Another classmate "liked" it.

I honestly don't know how to react. But I don't think I'm angry. Nah! I don't think so. I don't think it's a surprise since I pretty much got their reaction when we checked their papers after the quiz.

I really thought it was an easy quiz and I was expecting that they would cinch it, being the last quiz of the semester.

They really got confused with the Bank Reconciliation problem. They thought too much and forgot the basics. Sad and frustrated. But as a teacher, you can't always expect me to give the same exercises in a quiz or an exam and just change the figures. It's a quiz - a test on how well they have understood the subject.

As I saw their reactions when they were a bit frustrated with the problem since "wala pa nila na balance", I told them it's easy and they will realize it when I will discuss to them the answer.

And so they were frustrated - realizing it was simple and just forgot the basic stuff I have taught them since the prelims.

I wasn't mad or angry when I read my students' status and comment. I already knew it. It' was just funny and weird at the same time that I got to read their Facebook. status Hmm .. it's either my student forgot I'm her Facebook friend or it did not really matter to her, considering that it's the quiz she hated and not me (uhmm .. positive thinking .. hehe)

If it's any consolation, I don't think they personally took it against me. I didn't take it against them. Although it made me sad that "nawad-an ug gana mag-study" ang student ko. As I've told them time and again, such drawbacks should instead motivate them, right?

Oh well, life goes on .. lesson learned ;)

*P.S. - I obviously removed the pictures and names of my beloved students to protect their privacy ;)

Sleeping Beauty

I'm a big fan of sleep.

Even if I was just a student, I was not the type who would study until the wee hours of the morning until I have covered everything and reread everything, except for a really few instances.

I really believe that one should have sufficient sleep to be able to think better.

I first learned that 8 hours of sleep is sufficient. I read somewhere that 6 to 8 hours will do. Then, a former office mate of mine said 7 is perfect number.

So, it has been like that - a goal for me: 7 hours of sleep each day.

Of course, when I was working as a Computer Analyst before, there were a number of times in which this was too much a goal for me. When work piles up, I sleep shorter than 6 hours. But, what could I do? Sometimes this would go on even on weekends just so that we would meet our deadlines.

I try to make up my lack of sleep during the weekends. But I read somewhere that this would still do no good. Anyway, in the beginning, I try to sleep until noon or even thereafter. on weekends. But later on, I realized that I would just be wasting my day if I spent half of it sleeping when there are some stuff that I could do.

I grew up with no alarm clocks. I had my own body clock and the rhythm of our household to wake me up. I began using alarm clocks when I started to work. When I went back to law school, I only used the alarm clock when we had a morning exam, and I just relied on my body clock for the other days. I am now back to using an alarm clock since I am already working.

I also read that a 15 to 30 minute nap each day would also do better for your brain. Actually, I grew up with this since my father used to go home for lunch and took a nap thereafter. Of course, I couldn't take a nap when I was in school. I also did not take naps when I worked before since I get a headache thereafter. I know, weird! But I do take naps on weekends.

I thought of writing these thoughts last night since it has been two weeks since the last time I did not use an alarm clock. I was so grateful for it yesterday and today - a weekend with no alarm clock and sufficient sleep. ;)

And after knowing that a friend is having difficulty in sleeping, I found time to blog this one today.

Good night. Sleep tight! Don't let the bed bugs bite ;)

Changes

"The only constant thing in this world is CHANGE"

Indeed.

Before, I used to watch TV shows regularly. At times, I can easily remember what day it is based on what I watched the previous night or what I am planning to watch at the end of the day.

Now, I only get to watch Gandang Gabi Vice on a regular basis. For those other times I get to watch television, I just channel surf hoping to chance upon something that would interest me. Though, last night, I purposely watched the first episode of Glee's Season 3. And I am hoping I could catch it every week.

Before, my father used to give me allowance.

Now, my dad still gives me money, but not as my allowance. Rather, it is my share in the Office Income.

Before, I studied and took exams.

Now, I still study but to prepare for my lectures. And I am now the one making the exams. Checking the test papers has become one of my favorite past times .. no kidding! Though I still remain a student with my masteral class and its irregular schedule.

Before, I used to bring a camera for gatherings and events.

Now, I don't anymore. Maybe because I assume others will bring one, upload the pictures in Facebook and tag me .. hehe

Before, I used to blog a number of times in a month.

Now, I have been blogging only once a month for the past 4 months.

Before, my friends were just nearby and we could easily schedule some meet-ups.

Now, some of my friends are far and away. And for my friends who are near, it seems our schedules just don't jibe. But thanks to technology, we are still in touch.

Before, I had my family and friends.

Now, I have my family, friends and boyfriend ;)

Sabi nga ni Jose Mari Chan, "Life is a Constant Change!"

Estudyante Blues

Teacher: What comes to mind when you hear the word "EVICTION"?
Students: PBB!
(Wannabes?)

-oOo-

Teacher: Remember these 2 Remedies - "Accion Redhibitoria" and "Accion Quanti Minoris". Para madali ninyo maalala, isipin niyo lang na magic spells ito sa Harry Potter.
Immediately, students used their pens as if wands and saying the "magic spells"
(Epektib ka ha?)

-oOo-

Student: Ma'am, pwede wala na lang adjusting entries? Lisod man gud.
Teacher: Aww, ayaw na lang pag-eskwela. Dali ra.
(Smile na lang!)

-oOo-

Student: Ma'am, katulogon gud mi. Hapon man gud.
Teacher: Ai, ako kanina katulogon din. Pero ngayon, hindi na. Alam mo ano ang solution?
Student: Hindi ma'am.
Teacher: Ikaw maglecture dito.
(Nawala jud ang katulogon!)

-oOo-

Student: Ma'am, nacheck na ang mga notebook? Pwede na namin makuha?
Teacher: Ah, oo .. nacheck na. Pero mamaya niyo na kunin. Alangan naman iwan niyo lang ako dito sa classroom.
(Nagklase pa di ai si ma'am)

-oOo-

Student: Ma'am, mag-quiz ngayon?
Teacher: Hindi man. Bago lang tayo nag-quiz last meeting. Bakit? Gusto mo? Sige, mag-quiz tayo.
Student: Hindi ma'am! Hindi ma'am!
(Praning?)

-oOo-

Teacher: Ok, that's it for today. See you next week since there will be no classes from Wednesday to Friday.
Students: Yehey! (Claps hands!)
Teacher: At masaya kayo na hindi niyo ako makita. Ganun pala ha? Akala niyo kayo lang masaya. Sige, class see you next week. Yehey! (Also claps hands!)
(Everybody happy!)

-oOo-

Sign Seeker

I used to say that I do not believe in signs.

I guess the proper thing to say is that I do not seek for signs. I think that is more appropriate.

What I mean is that I do not pray for signs in order for me to make a decision. I pray, not for signs, but for enlightenment so that I would be able to properly weigh the pros and cons of my decision.

It's not that I had a bad experience as to seeking signs. I can't remember any for now. But I do remember some persons who sought for signs so as to make a decision. And they did. Now, that I am thinking about it, I was wondering if they had regret asking for such sign in order to make a decision, which one could say was not really that much good of a choice. Charge to experience perhaps?

One thing that stops me from seeking signs is because I believe that signs are already everywhere. It is only when we "choose" to see and "seek" it would it show upon our face. But who can tell that such sign was never there before we sought for it?

On the other hand, I believe in signs when they are there to back-up the decisions we have made - an "after the fact" so to speak. You know that feeling that you made the right decision because all the signs are showing?

Anyway, this thought came to my mind when I watched this short film "Sign Seeker" from Nestle Philippines Kasambuhay Habambuhay Series starring John Lloyd Cruz and Solenn Heussaff. Watch out for the funny punchlines! A joy to watch! ;)

Jeepney

I still do. Ride a jeepney that is.

And here are my reasons, in no particular order:

1. It's cheaper!
2. Depending on my destination, it is actually more convenient. I get a ride right in front of our office and get off right in front of the school gate
3. Less stress since I am not driving
4. One way to keep me grounded
5. Less gasoline consumption - better for the environment!

I get puzzled look and surprise reactions every know and then. If they only knew my reasons, then, it should not be a surprise!

Singin' in the Rain

I used to write e-mails to my friends before. Before e-mails, I even had hand-written letters sent to them.

Anyway, in our e-mail exchange, we usually have our random Top 5 things - the beginning of which I cannot remember. In the e-mail I sent on October 5, 2007, I had the

TOP 5
na gusto ko present sa first ever concert ko

1. Madonna Vogue Microphone
– Headphone pa rin ba
iyong tawag sa ginamit ni J. Lo sa wedding planner?

2. Microphone Stand
– Gusto ko maka-try talaga
magkanta/magperform na may microphone stand. Sige gud
katawa mga officemates ko when I asked them magkano
ang microphone stand.
(Gusto ko iyong makaluma na microphone (parang Michael Buble). Ayaw ko iyong glitter-glitteran gaya kay Mariah Carey and Charice)

3. I have to sing Ain’t No Mountain High Enough ..
hehe!
(I remembered when I sang this in our House Party in Manila. Akala ng iba lasing na daw ako, eh Coke lang jud ang giinom ko.. haha!)

4. I get a chance to play the piano, drums and guitar
.. hehe!
(Multi-tasker!)

5. Guest ko si Gary V
- local muna bago intl!

* Recent comments are in italics

Statistically Speaking

"SWS : Unemployment up, now affects 11.3M Pinoys"

Yup, that's one of the recent news you have probably heard or read.

I think it is pretty much a known fact that a number of people here in the Philippines are not employed.

But are we just going to end up with that statistics that the unemployment rate goes up?

Has anybody checked out the number of job fairs held every now and then, not just within this city but in Metro Manila as well?

Has anybody checked out the classified ads in newspapers with companies looking for people to hire, not just the national newspapers but local as well?

Has anybody asked why these people, who are part of the statistics, are unemployed?

Maybe some are just overqualified.

Maybe some just lack qualifications.

Maybe some just do not want to work in those fields where there is much hiring.

Maybe some work is not that appealing to many.

Maybe some feel that the compensation and benefits are not enough for that type of work.

Maybe some just do not want to work.

I know that the government should find ways to answer the unemployment problem.

But it does not end there. And it does not mean that we all have to blame it on our government.

I read the news everyday. And everyday. I read both the local and national news. I know I have something that keeps me going but I always check out the ads - companies looking for accountants, bookkeepers, drivers, sales person, etc. - and that's just within this city. If you check out the jobs section, there are huge ads from companies luring people to apply with them. They do not just offer bonuses, they even offer free breakfast! Most of them are looking for call center agents, among others.

Aside from that, has anybody noticed the job fairs in the malls every now and then? Jobs that are offered are not just for those who are interested to work within the Philippines but outside as well.

So, I guess it's pretty safe to say that there is more behind the statistics.

Just something to think about ;)

Xerox

Another e-mail I sent to another friend, dated July 17, 2005.
I really want to share this part:

May istory pala ako sa iyo. Kasi sa office ng daddy
ko may photocopyanan (imbento ng word) kami. Tabi ng
office kay parang bangko ng mga pulis at
sundalo. Anyway, si manong na malamang tagabukid, na
magkuha ug kwarta probably kay anak niya sundalo,
nagpafotocopy. Sabi ko "one fifty lang nong". Alam
mo magkano gibigay sa akin? One hundred fifty pesos.
Sus! Kaya pala siya nagkuha ng bill .. akala ko wala
siyang sinsilyo. Nag-ana jud ko Lyn na "piso and
singkwenta cents lang daw nong oi". Ana siya "aw,
abi man gud nako". Sus! Wala jud siyang idea ano ang
photocopy ba .. kay nag-ana pud gud siya na "in-ani di
ai ang Xerox dai". And he was willing to shell out
that much, eh malaki na gud iyon sa kanila. Paano na
lang kung buang (o mas buang sa akin) ang nagphotocopy
.. luoy kaayo. Maka-isip ka gani na sus na lang jud
ang Pilipinas, iba ang ginaprioritize gani .. like
politics.

Makaiyak pa rin ako hanggang ngayon ...

Back to the Future

I was going through the e-mails I sent and
I chanced upon an e-mail I sent to my friend last Oct. 6, 2005.
Here's an excerpt of that e-mail :

Meron akong classmate na sabay kami ga-uwi kasi sa
kabilang street lang din siya nakatira.
Kwento-kwento intawon sa jeep. Gi-ask kasi ako nung
isang classmate ko if gusto ko ba jud mag-law kasi if
gusto ko jud bakit pa ako nag-work before. Sabi ko
gusto man gud i-save ang world (hahaha .. pero dala
tinuod gamay .. this was a part of ms n's message
to me, parang ayaw niya ako paalisin pero what can she
do if I want to save the world). In addition, sabi ko
sa classmate ko na may opportunity kasi na nagdating,
and natanggap ako kaya kinuha ko. Tapos sabi ko ok
man ang work ang people. Pero hindi ko lang talaga
makita ang sarili ko long-term and I had the feeling na I
had to study law na, since naisip ko na man din iyon
before. Kung ayaw ko na rin mag-law, eh di
mag-artista! Katawa na gud sab mi! Sabi ko din,
ngayon na naga-aral ako, mahirapan ako makita ang
sarili ko asan ako after maging-lawyer (char lang).
Gusto ko man jud mag-serve, pero ayaw ko maging
politico. Gusto ko maging lawyer pero hindi ko makita
ang sarili ko sa court. Gusto ko sa government, pero
sa napag-aralan namin, dapat wala kang financial
interest sa business when you are in top government
positions. In short, maka-sideline ka lang at the
staff level. Gusto ko maging lawyer para mag-teach ng
law sa undergrad (mas madali I think compared if I
teach tax .. basic accounting and partnership baka
pwede pa) and mag-sign ng mga affidavit. Gusto ko sa
government pero kahirap when you earn or receive
something, baka isipin ng iba nangurakot kahit hindi
naman kasi bigay ng kapatid ko from States .. hehe ..
Sabi ko ok lang sa akin mag-aral uli na related sa
crime scene investigation, pero maulaw na pud ko na
mag-aral na naman .. hehe! Anyway, malayo pa man yun,
napag-isipan ko lang pero hindi gina-worry, mamaya
mamatay na ako bago ako maka-graduate, nagworry pa ako
di ba?

I was really amused at myself - on what I wrote and how I wrote.
But reading this e-mail and relating it to my present life ... it's weird!

A Day in the Life

6:00 a.m. - Alarm goes off. Wake up and cook breakfast.

7:00 a.m. - Surf the net or go back to sleep

9:00 a.m. - Eat breakfast, wash the dishes, prepare mom's lunch, take a bath and prepare

10:30 a.m - Leave the hotel. Suroy-suroy with Jeremy

5:00 p.m. - Go back to the hotel. Watch TV or take a nap

6:00 p.m. - Prepare dinner

7:00 p.m. - Dinner time

8:00 p.m. - Wash the dishes

8:30 p.m. - Watch TV or surf the net

11:00 p.m. - Prepare to go to sleep, answer sudoku and read a bit.

12:00 m.n. - Go to Sleep

Automatic Reappropriation

Section 25, Paragraph 7 of Article VI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides:

(7) If, by the end of any fiscal year, the Congress shall have failed to pass the general appropriations bill for the ensuing fiscal year, the general appropriations law for the preceding fiscal year shall be deemed reenacted and shall remain in force and effect until the general appropriations bill is passed by the Congress.

In the 1998 Philippine Bar Exam, the following question was asked:

Suppose the President submits a budget which does not contain provisions for CDF (Countrwide Development Funds), popularly known as the pork barrel, and because of this Congress does not pass the budget.
Will that mean paralization of government operations in the next fiscal year for lack of an appropriation law?

SUGGESTED ANSWER FROM UP: No, the failure of Congress to pass the budget will not paralyze the operations of the Government. Section 25(7), Article VI of the Constitution provides: "If, by the end of any fiscal year, the Congress shall have failed to pass the general appropriations bill for the ensuing fiscal year, the general appropriations law for the preceding fiscal year shall be deemed reenacted and shall remain in force and effect until the general appropriations bill is passed by the Congress.

To many, this may seem just an ordinary provision under our Constitution. To those who are studying law or who have studied law, this may be just another provision to understand just in case it would be asked in the bar.

However, this is NOT just another provision. It is actually a provision that we Filipinos must be proud of somehow considering that this same provision is not present with that of the United States.

If you are into international news, you may have heard of the looming government shutdown which is possible to happen within 24 hours as of the time I am writing this piece. When I first heard this from the news, the one thing that caught my attention is that the Smithsonian museums, which are free to the public, will be closed. Thousands of tourists are visiting Washington, DC during the spring break and they may likely be welcomed with this government shutdown.

So, I tried to understand what this government shutdown is all about. About.com provides that a government shutdown is a result of the failure of Congress to enact an annual federal budget within the timeframe established by law. The U.S. Constitution requires that all expenditures of federal funds be authorized by Congress with the approval of the President of the United States.

There have been 5 US government shutdowns since 1981. There was a US government shutdown in 1981, 1984, 1990, 1995 and 1996.

A government shutdown will definitely cost taxpayers since they will be paying for federal workers who will not be reporting for work. Government will not be able to process social security and healthcare transactions, among others. And, national parks will be closed.

When I found out what it is all about, the Automatic Reappropriation Law (Section 25, Paragraph 7, Article VI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution). I guess that's one of the things we, Filipinos, have to be grateful to the framers of our Constitution. It may sound such a simple provision but indeed has a great impact.

Of course, I am not saying I know a lot about this government shutdown and how different it is from the Philippines. This is just an opinion on my part based on what I have understood so far.

With that somehow being taken care of and considering that we won't be encountering a government shutdown, our government still has to deal with a gamut of obstacles to hurdle and problems to solve. And that's another story!

Battle: Los Angeles (2011)

I guess we started on the wrong foot. There is supposed to be a free shuttle from our hotel to LAX. The problem is we got on the wrong shuttle. We had to be dropped off at another hotel and took the cab from there. Good thing though that our hotel was not that too far.

-oOo-

The hotel where we stayed in had complimentary continental breakfast, free wi-fi and free shuttle to and from LAX. It was far-off from downtown Los Angeles but we chose for the freebies. It was a blessing in disguise since it was near a post office and my mom had to send an urgent mail.

-oOo-



Universal Studios – Hollywood! It had a few changes since the last time I was there. They now have that King Kong 3D feature in their Studio Tour, which was cool, and I got to see up close Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives, which was closed the last time I was there since they were taping. I still had fun riding the Jurassic Park! My brother and I decided not to ride the Mummy because we felt that one thrill ride would be enough for us. 3Ds and 4Ds were all over with the Simpsons, Shrek and Terminator – truly a “D” overload with 3Ds and 4Ds. Although, I guess it is really much better when my sisters and my father were with us.

-oOo-

On our way back from Universal, traffic had to be rerouted because there was a robbery on a jewelry store. The police had to block the street where the bus we will take was supposed to pass. We had to figure out other possible route of the bus and we were lucky we found it.

-oOo-



Santa Monica! I had fun that day since it was my first time to visit a beach in the US (First time mo? First time jud!). The Santa Monica Beach was pretty cool and I was able to truly appreciate it because the weather was great that day! I was really excited when I got to visit Santa Monica beach. California Girl was really my song for that day!

-oOo-



Next Target: Hollywood! We had the usual pictorials with the imprints of the stars at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater and I was lucky enough to see Keanu Reeves’ Star on the Walk of Fame. At least, kahit papano .. konswelo kay hindi ko pa siya nakita in person. On the side note, Speed was on TV a few minutes ago. And I was happy watching it since makarelate ako kasi LA yung location and it had scenes featuring some of the places we passed by!

-oOo-

Commuter on the Go with matching Walking Exercise! Thank you Google maps and the Metro Los Angeles Web Site! We got all to the places because of the directions I got from the said sites and we were never lost! The sites give you the schedule of the bus and train as well as time to walk to the stops. All in all, it was an achievement!

-oOo-

I get to see different kinds of people in riding public transportation in LA. There was that bus driver who was really kind to me when I asked questions. There was another driver who was sort of rude when, in a bus stop, a passenger who had difficulty walking and was using a walker of some sort was by the bus door and therefore, he had to use the bus ramp. Their conversation went something like this:

Elderly man: Please, please
Lady bus driver: Please what
Elderly man: Please, the ramp .. it’s common sense
Lady bus driver: Well, I ain’t got no common sense

I guess we were just lucky that nobody was that rude to us. Although, when the elderly man got off the bus, I think they exchanged apologies. I am also grateful for a passenger who gave us tips on our way to Santa Monica.

-oOo-

I am appreciative of how people with disabilities in US can still commute and go to places. They can still visit and enjoy Universal Studios among other destinations.

-oOo-

Well, that’s it for our LA trip. Until the next update!

Raising the Bar

This is a shout-out to my law school friends who successfully passed the 2010 Bar Examinations. I am so happy and proud of each one of you. And we all know that this is the beginning of a new journey for all of you. And, thus, I pray that you continue to make your family and friends proud and that may you be blessed more and be a blessing to others as well!

Congratulations to:
Charmee Abad
Emman Acuña
Andrey Alcomendras
Jaja Almazan
Sol Marie Andoy-Gawiden
Carrie Mae Bangayan
Rex Batay-an
Cherry Canda-Melodias
Gil Ciudadano
Jong Cortez
Percy Donalvo
Lala Dulla
Tyntyn Ferrer
Xyza Gemelo
Sasha Go
Kim Ledesma
Rey Mar Ondi
Ferlyn Ong
Globel Rama
RR Roque
Rizza Mae Sam
MR Zulueta
Ryan Erik Santiago

and of course, the Top 4 Cat Ancog!

For my friends who did not make it, it was just appropriate that the Daily Bread reading on the date the results were released was:

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. — Psalm 9:9

When my brother-in-law was a missionary in Mali, West Africa, he was involved in a traffic accident. A man had wandered into the road in front of Chuck’s motorcycle. The cycle struck the man and send Chuck and the bike sliding along the ground for more than 200 feet. Shortly after Chuck regained consciousness in the hospital, his doctor told him he had been “really lucky.” Chuck smiled and replied, “God is good.”

Later he thought about the day’s events. The man who was struck hadn’t received any permanent injuries, and Chuck would also recover from his injuries. But what if one of them had been killed? He thought, God would be no less good.

When we experience tragedy, we may wonder about God’s goodness. Is God always good? Yes, He is. He doesn’t promise that bad things will never happen to us, but He does promise to be “our refuge and strength” (Ps. 46:1). He doesn’t promise that we will never walk through heart-wrenching circumstances, but He promises that we won’t be alone (23:4).

God is good — no matter what suffering we are experiencing. Even when we don’t understand, we can say with Habakkuk, “Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (3:18). — Cindy Hess Kasper

O taste and see that God is good

To all who seek His face;

Yea, blest the one who trusts in Him,

Confiding in His grace. — Psalter

Red Riding Hood

Contrary to speculation, it was never mine.

The Red Car was bought so that my sister could start driving. I was a "saling-pusa" so to speak. But since my sister and I had different schedules, I got to use it for my classes.

I can't forget the day I first I drove the car to school. It was the first day of the Conflicts of Law 2007. From the house, there were a number of things I need to bring to school. I really didn't think of bringing the car but when my mom learned I was going to school, she gave permission for me to bring the car and saying that I could do it.

I was really hesitant. The first thing that popped in my head is to find someone who will ride with me. And Bem, my friendly neighborhood classmate, was ever ready to go with me.

I was nervous. The engine stopped at the Sandawa-Boulevard intersection. I kept my composure and Bem and I had our nervous laugh. And then, the car stopped again when I tried to turn left to Roxas. I can remember the horns and our nervous laugh.

I was happy that we got to school safely with the red car.

There were a lot of moments I remember with the red car - the front seat passengers with their seatbelts, the shrieks, the nervous laughter .. good times indeed!

Top 10 Events with the Red Car

1. My first drive to downtown with Bem

2. Elaine shrieking on the front passenger seat and saying she will never sit on the front passenger seat again

3. Bumped the car @ Pards and Christ rescued me by parking it properly

4. Dropping Blithe, Ryan, and other cheerdancers after practice and passing by Central Bank

5. The car broke down when I tried to turn right to Roxas and some men helped pushed the car and revived it but I somehow forgot to give pang-kape to them

6. Sharone helped push the car when we were in AutoShop

7. Slightly bumped a pick-up at the G-Mall Parking space, with Felai and Blithe, but it was just the bumper rubber which touched it.

8. RR seating in the passenger seat saying that he feels safe with me but secures his seatbelt at the same time

9. Allan and I had to fix the wipers at home in the dark with his flashlight

10. When Felai, Blithe, Noche, Ryan, Jad and I went to Bankerohan but somebody forgot to tell me in advance that I had to turn right at San Pedro Extension so we ended up having a joyride through Sandawa to Magallanes to Bankerohan.

Actually, there are a lot of things I can remember aside from these moments. I

will always be forever grateful to the Jacinto boys for assisting me, not only for looking a parking space but guiding me, especially with regard to parallel parking. I am eternally grateful that I had no major accidents with the car, only little bumps and it is not that much. I am likewise grateful to all my friends who have been patient with my slow driving. I am grateful to everyone who have given me the privilege to pick them up, drop them off and drive them around town. I am grateful for the wonderful stories we have shared .. if only the Red Car could talk!

My friends suggested before that I should name the car. But I did not name it since it was not mine. I guess the "Red Car" was just the most appropriate name. At home, we just call it "Pula".

Bye Red Car! Me and my friends really had good times with you ;) Thank you :)

Boggle

It boggles my mind why people seem to think that the practice of law is a business where you haggle for the price.

There is a "tariff" that serves as a guide for lawyers how much to charge. Most often than not, a number of lawyers, I think, charge lower, but more or less at the same rate, than what is stipulated in the tariff just to show that the practice of law is not a money-making business where clients look for the lawyer who can give the lowest price.

It boggles my mind why someone would insist in paying P 100 for an SPA and another P 150 for a Release of Chattel Mortgage.

That someone is driving a vehicle worth almost P 1M, which was fully paid recently, and her children go to one of the priciest school in town.

And by the way, a consultation was rendered for free to that someone. Moreover, that someone engaged the services of the lawyer in which documents were checked, research was made and a demand letter was prepared but thereafter, there was a change of mind and decided not pursue. So, no fee there.

It boggles my mind why someone, who is already retired from service and somewhat old, did not hesitate to pay P 800 for all 4 affidavits he executed. No haggling.

That someone first came to execute just one affidavit. Since he forgot another requirement for him to be able to withdraw some money, he had to execute another. And then, he was later told that additional requirements were required that he had to execute 2 more affidavits. The office felt sorry for him since he had to come back and forth just for these affidavits and decided to just notarize the last affidavit free of charge. He said that it was okay. The lawyer insisted that he keep the P200. He decided to give it to the secretary, in which the secretary declined. It turned out that it was his birthday and he was just happy that he was able to receive some money from his account so that it was okay for him to pay.

And by the way, that retiree did not receive millions of pesos, just a few thousands not exceeding P 10,000.

Yes, it's boggling!

At least, there are stories like that of the retiree which uplifts the spirit and compensates for stories similar to that in the first situation.

At least, a nice birthday gift was given to a somewhat total stranger. May GOD bless him ;)