Simple Joys

It was 8th day of August 2013, the day before the holiday in celebration of Eid'l Fitr (our muslim brothers' celebration), 'was 5 PM then and I hurriedly left the office. I was excited for that day to end because of the long weekend. My excitement has nothing to do with another travel escape but for me to enjoy being at home for at least that weekend (homebody mode!!!...hehehe).

 

 As I was about to pay my ticket, I saw a post placed on top of the ticketing counter at Philippine National Railways (PNR) Magallanes station. Written on it was the quote "Smile ka rin. Konti lang". Upon seeing it, a smile flashed on my face and it suddenly reminded me of the fast food restaurant commercial using that lines. The one with siblings (an older brother with down syndrome and his younger brother) talking about their crush while eating. That really made my day!

 

 

Just Saying: When Greed Strikes!

(c) The Manila Times

Year 2010, a turning point, a new president was elected and the stage of leadership was again passed to the lineage of Aquinos. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino as we call him PNoy (President Noy). If not of his parents who have been so love by Filipinos, probably he wouldn't be in the position. His campaign slogan has put marked and prevailed promising a "Tuwid na Daan".

Now, three years in the seat, and to be fair to him, we've really seen his effort to make effect his promises. I personally felt and seen it the "Daang Matuwid" but not in it full blown. Naahh! As usual politics!

On his term, our economy have grown dramatically and just recently declared as the fastest in the region. Laws and rules have been implemented and somehow put into action. From the "anti-wangwang" policy for the government officials up to the protection of our sovereignty, the president is truly on the move. He is even trying hard to extract the remaining crocs and dissiminate dirty transactions on government offices.

Just recently on his SONA, he has been tactless while saying his words of disappointment to certain bureau where in culture of corruption is still prevalent and even fired some officials of it. (I would like to commend the president on this).

Now, rolling out on the news is the PDAF issue or the 10B Php pork barrel scam. Expose' and witnesses are coming out against the allegedly scam queen Janet Napoles that involved several lawmakers from the senatorial position up to the congress. The pork barrel scam supposedly for Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) was diverted into fake NGOs.

The fund that must be allocated in agricultural sector to distribute to our local farmers was shared by few. And this Napoleses were said now hiding due to issuance of warrant of arrest filed for illegal detention of main whistle blower, Benhur Lui.

It saddens and made me almost into tears knowing that there are people as greedy as them and seems so callous regardless of others stature. Poverty rate in the country remain escalating. And that multi-billion amount of money if used in the right allocation, could help our millions of countrymen who are on and below poverty line. Grrrr...Nakakagigil!

Besides, my sympathy also goes to the tax payers like me and you. That money could have created many project for social and national development than in the pocket of our corrupt officials. We know that it isn't the lone case that corruption has been exposed. We heard and have seen a lot of it. What fear me is that this issue might be overwrite and be set aside again. Politician that was involved to it may not be track because of "padrino" system prevailing in our government. The sacrifice and effort made by witnesses will again be wasted.

Until the greed strikes and remain in our culture particularly those in the position, our long time desire of full transformation will be like a scene in foggy mountain. The view was perfect on distant low lying area but is being block by the thick clouds. What we badly needed is the sun rays that will wipe out the cloud. We are one of the rays that will bring the heat. May pakialam tayo dahil kahit papaano apektado tayo dito. We may not felt it individually but we feel it as a citizen of this nation.

The battle for corruption has never been easy and it will never be. But as long as we believe for a true change and let ourselves be aware of our state, in the end, the price we pay is worth it and let us remain holding on our dignity.

Change starts from us.

Just Saying!  

Just Saying: Where did demoracy brought us?!

(c) The Manila Times 

It's been 30 years since the late Ninoy Aquino has been assassinated. He who also the reason that ended the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and put into presidency our first woman president, Cory Aquino.

But after that so many years which I believe that we as free nation have gain maturity and learned from all these, did we really attained the definite fruit of liberation from a regime which we consider  the dark days of our nation's post colonial government? Or have we interpreted it into a different understanding? Have we been overwhelmed by the overflowing democracy brought by "People Power " movement and made undisciplined citizen? Or has it worsen more the corruption and can't get rid off the crocs in our government?
 

An English writer Peter Ustinov once savid that "Corruption is our nature's way of restoring our faith in democracy."

Yes, it did restored our hopes on democracy and promised that our nation will soon overcome its dire situation. However, it seems that things are not falling into the right place. Greed has never been eased thus became a culture. We have changed at least 3 presidents, the military man in Tobacco, the action star which has been ousted and the little woman who is also the daughter of 9th president of the republic, and today Aquino is on the seat, but still we're in the brim of poverty. The crocs has even became a professional corrupt.

Sad, but its true. But let's still hold on. We'll over come this!

Just saying! ;-)

My Cebu Survival Food and Food Trip

I am no food expert and not even a gastronomic enthusiast maybe because I am not picky when it comes to food. I would eat all the food that will be offered to me as long as my taste buds liked it. And sharing to you guys my food imbibed when we're in Cebu is something fun to relate. So here we go.  

1. Dimsum Break in Gov. Cuenco Ave., Banilad Town Center, Cebu City.

Originated in Cebu but now has its branch in Metro Manila at SM North EDSA. The restaurant is on a fast food set up that offers variety of Chinese cuisines but I saw it in Pinoy way. Have to visit their branch here in Metro Manila.

Sacred Well of Caysasay

 Lies on the hidden area of the Caysasay Church vicinity is the well also known as the miraculous well of Sta. Lucia. This 16th century old altar/retablo look structure was still on the sturdy condition over the hundred years of its existence. The bass relief on its uppermost  façade would definitely amaze its visitors. It resembles in some part the Indian Hindu architecture because of it relief. If not with Mary figure, you will really find it like an ancient temple.

The well was believed to be the place where the carved image of Mary from the church was found when it was lost. That is why spring that flowing to it was said to be sacred. Pilgrims flocked in the place to receive healing.