Last Night (while waiting for the jeepney to depart), I noticed two street children wandering on the street. They were grimy and were dressed in overgrown clothes.
Now, I see this kind of images almost everyday in my life. What was different about last night was the thought of having to spend Christmas like that. No food, dirty clothes, on the street, and without anyone.
For a brief moment, I realized how unappreciative I am of my blessings. When the jeepney started to depart though, my thoughts began shifting on what TV show I should watch when I arrive home.
This made me question: Are we, as humans, capable of feeling contented of what we have for a long period of time?
Of course, when we see people struggling while we are having the time of our lives, we tend to feel good that we are not in their place. But like what happened to me last night, this feeling of contentment lasted only for a minute or two.
Last night I was chatting with a friend from Singapore. I asked him whether he was enjoying his financial freedom (as he was rich). He said that it was all right but that he wants more.
His statement proves that we humans can never say: that’s it, I'm happy now. We would forever try climb onto the top (if ever there is one) of the social and career ladders.
But of course, discontent shouldn't be treated as something dire. It can even be a reason for all our successes in all aspects of life.
Feeling of discontent is apparently what made civilizations. Could you imagine how the world would be right now if people from the past felt extremely contented of what they had?
Discontent can be a strength as well as weakness. In excess and shortage, it can be destructive, but in moderation it can make the world a better place.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Big Four Threatens Big Brother
With barely three days to go before the Big Finale, plans of voluntary exit plague Big Brother's house.
The extraordinary move comes after Big Brother announces that the housemate's clothes (unnecessary for the three remaining days until the Finale) would be burned, thrown, and torn apart.
An enraged Jason told Big Brother that he was willing to leave the house and lose the chance of winning 6 million pesos in prizes rather than strain his friendship with Uma (following an order from big brother to burn Uma's pants.
In a show of unity, Nene, Cass, and Uma joined Jason in his plan to voluntarily exit from Big Brother's house.
But of course, Big Brother does not hand out orders without any reason.
Apparently, Big Brother was testing the Big Four's trust on him. The pants which they thought was of Uma's turned out to be a dummy of the real one.
The Big Four failed this test miserably. Tomorrow, Big Brother is expected to make his decision regarding the matter.
The extraordinary move comes after Big Brother announces that the housemate's clothes (unnecessary for the three remaining days until the Finale) would be burned, thrown, and torn apart.
An enraged Jason told Big Brother that he was willing to leave the house and lose the chance of winning 6 million pesos in prizes rather than strain his friendship with Uma (following an order from big brother to burn Uma's pants.
In a show of unity, Nene, Cass, and Uma joined Jason in his plan to voluntarily exit from Big Brother's house.
But of course, Big Brother does not hand out orders without any reason.
Apparently, Big Brother was testing the Big Four's trust on him. The pants which they thought was of Uma's turned out to be a dummy of the real one.
The Big Four failed this test miserably. Tomorrow, Big Brother is expected to make his decision regarding the matter.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Opposition---- We are Sorry...
The resurfacing of Garci might just warrant such a statement from the opposition.
Davao del Sur Representative Douglas Cagas and Isabela Representative Anthony Miranda said (in a joint statement) that it was bad karma for the opposition now that Garcillano had added a number of Solons on the list of those he has spoken to.
This will surely test the opposition's sincerity.
Will they succumb to traditional politics and shake Arroyo's hand in a show of national unity?
Will the criticisms from the opposition plaguing the Arroyo administration finally end now that they have the ace?
Let us take note that PGMA had already said: "I am sorry".
Even though, Garci denied talking to PGMA, it won't matter to the tele novela infested minds of the Filipinos. Through that admission, she had become the abused and thus gained sympathy.
Over the coming days, we would witness several denials and maybe (through a miracle) an admission. We would also learn whether the opposition was just using this issue to serve their political interests. But the most interesting thing to watch for is how PGMA would react to either a denial or an admission from the opposition. Filipinos would hope to see an action that would finally move the nation forward and start the healing process the president is talking about.
Whatever path she takes, her decision would definitely make or break her presidency.
Davao del Sur Representative Douglas Cagas and Isabela Representative Anthony Miranda said (in a joint statement) that it was bad karma for the opposition now that Garcillano had added a number of Solons on the list of those he has spoken to.
This will surely test the opposition's sincerity.
Will they succumb to traditional politics and shake Arroyo's hand in a show of national unity?
Will the criticisms from the opposition plaguing the Arroyo administration finally end now that they have the ace?
Let us take note that PGMA had already said: "I am sorry".
Even though, Garci denied talking to PGMA, it won't matter to the tele novela infested minds of the Filipinos. Through that admission, she had become the abused and thus gained sympathy.
Over the coming days, we would witness several denials and maybe (through a miracle) an admission. We would also learn whether the opposition was just using this issue to serve their political interests. But the most interesting thing to watch for is how PGMA would react to either a denial or an admission from the opposition. Filipinos would hope to see an action that would finally move the nation forward and start the healing process the president is talking about.
Whatever path she takes, her decision would definitely make or break her presidency.
23rd South East Asian Games in the Philippines- the aftermath
The 23rd South East Asian games just culminated in a dazzling display of fireworks and a wild over night party at the Quirino Grandstand.
The merriment stands amid the accusation of cheating by the Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on the Philippines.
Some politicians feel the title of over all champion the Philippines garnered in the SEAG is pointless without an apology from the Thai Prime Minister.
This question now arises: Why didn't this government press for an apology from the Thai Prime Minister when the nation's reputation is at stake?
Obviously, PGMA decided to play the situation diplomatically as always.
Now, let me go back to a past SONA by PGMA. I remember her uttering these words: Filipino First.
This statement was behind PGMA's decision to withdraw Filipino troops from Iraq in exchange for the freedom of a Filipino hostage in effect straining its celebrated relationship between the most powerful nation on Earth.
So is our relationship to Thailand very important to sacrifice national dignity? Or is this lack of enthusiasm over protecting her people an admission to the accusation made by the Thai Prime Minister?
As any rumor here in the Philippines, we may never know whether this accusation is true or false just as we may never know if PGMA cheated on the recent election.
As for the question whether Filipinos cheated in the SEAG, my opinion is no. As everyone may have heard, there were players who came from other countries (mostly from US and Europe) and they are most probably well-trained. Maybe even better than the athletes from sports giant Thailand. Then there's also the fact that the judges (whenever a Filipino athlete are playing) are never Filipino.
Understandably, Thailand was deeply disappointed on losing gold medals from sports they were very good at. But the fact is magagaling din talaga ang mga Pinoy! (Filipinos are great!)
The merriment stands amid the accusation of cheating by the Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on the Philippines.
Some politicians feel the title of over all champion the Philippines garnered in the SEAG is pointless without an apology from the Thai Prime Minister.
This question now arises: Why didn't this government press for an apology from the Thai Prime Minister when the nation's reputation is at stake?
Obviously, PGMA decided to play the situation diplomatically as always.
Now, let me go back to a past SONA by PGMA. I remember her uttering these words: Filipino First.
This statement was behind PGMA's decision to withdraw Filipino troops from Iraq in exchange for the freedom of a Filipino hostage in effect straining its celebrated relationship between the most powerful nation on Earth.
So is our relationship to Thailand very important to sacrifice national dignity? Or is this lack of enthusiasm over protecting her people an admission to the accusation made by the Thai Prime Minister?
As any rumor here in the Philippines, we may never know whether this accusation is true or false just as we may never know if PGMA cheated on the recent election.
As for the question whether Filipinos cheated in the SEAG, my opinion is no. As everyone may have heard, there were players who came from other countries (mostly from US and Europe) and they are most probably well-trained. Maybe even better than the athletes from sports giant Thailand. Then there's also the fact that the judges (whenever a Filipino athlete are playing) are never Filipino.
Understandably, Thailand was deeply disappointed on losing gold medals from sports they were very good at. But the fact is magagaling din talaga ang mga Pinoy! (Filipinos are great!)
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Discovering the Meaning of Christmas in a Chowking Commercial
I have finally decided to get into the blog craze taking over the Flips. At first I thought it would be so unjeromemish to do this. After all, I don't like taking part in something after everyone had already taken a large bite out of it.
Take Harry Potter for instance. The reason why I never jumped into the bandwagon is because half the world is already reading the six book series by J.K. Rowling. It took a good nudge by Jean (a friend) to convince me that Harry Potter is a story worth reading.
When I look back at it, it was very narrow minded of me to think of Harry Potter as just another typical fantasy novel. My nature is to always keep an open mind about everything.
As with Harry Potter, I finally realized that blogs do have its benefits and therefore I'm giving credit where credit is due. Today (December 04, 2005 01:58 AM), I am starting my own Blog.
Last night, I saw this Chowking (a Chinese fast food) commercial. The background song was something like ...muling makita ka at makasama ka sa araw ng pasko... (to see you to be with you with you on Christmas day). There weren't any dialogue between the people in the commercial which makes the meaning of the scenes up for interpretation by the viewer.The setting was inside a typical Filipino house during Christmas day.
Christmas in the Philippines is actually a time for family and the extended family. Most Filipinos working abroad would go back to the Philippines to see their family and celebrate this special day.
On this day, a typical Filipino home would be filled with extended family. Cousins would be asked to get acquainted with each other. Aunts and uncles would be busy handing out presents to their nieces and nephews. This is also a good time for the whole family to catch up on each others lives.
Amid the merriment happening, an old man (most probably the father of the adult people and the grandfather of the children noisily playing around him) is sitting alone on a chair. He looks lonely. One of his sons goes to speak with him. The old man asks for his daughter. It is evident on the way he talks that he wasn't able to see his daughter for a very long time.
Now, the daughter slowly makes her way towards her father. The chattering stops. Everybody turn towards the door. She is carrying a baby, but there's no man beside her. The father either did not claim the child or was ashamed to face the family from whom he took away a special little girl. I get the feeling she had this baby at such a young age which maybe caused her to run away.
*At present, teenage pregnancy is to some extent pitiful. But back then, it was shameful and the blame was placed mostly on the girl.
Finally after a deafening silence, the daughter reaches her father cautiously taking his hand to get his blessing. The father after a few seconds decides to give his blessing then takes his grandchild into his arms and everything else that happened before had been forgotten.
This proves the power of the spirit of Christmas among us all. It can make us give willingly. It can make us forgive and forget a wrongdoing against us.
What I liked best about this commercial is that it was very Filipino. The big family, the various foods, the festive atmosphere, the respect for senior people, and the story of forgiveness between a father and his daughter.
Just a few days ago, I was thinking that Christmas indeed is only for the kids. I thought I had past that stage wherein Christmas can make me excited, sentimental, and happy.
But just today, listening to Filipino singers render classic Christmas carols made me feel like a ten year old kid again. Contrary to popular opinion in the Philippines, Christmas affects us all. It is not only for the rich. It isn't only for the kids. It is for us all. Young, old, rich, and poor.
Take Harry Potter for instance. The reason why I never jumped into the bandwagon is because half the world is already reading the six book series by J.K. Rowling. It took a good nudge by Jean (a friend) to convince me that Harry Potter is a story worth reading.
When I look back at it, it was very narrow minded of me to think of Harry Potter as just another typical fantasy novel. My nature is to always keep an open mind about everything.
As with Harry Potter, I finally realized that blogs do have its benefits and therefore I'm giving credit where credit is due. Today (December 04, 2005 01:58 AM), I am starting my own Blog.
Last night, I saw this Chowking (a Chinese fast food) commercial. The background song was something like ...muling makita ka at makasama ka sa araw ng pasko... (to see you to be with you with you on Christmas day). There weren't any dialogue between the people in the commercial which makes the meaning of the scenes up for interpretation by the viewer.The setting was inside a typical Filipino house during Christmas day.
Christmas in the Philippines is actually a time for family and the extended family. Most Filipinos working abroad would go back to the Philippines to see their family and celebrate this special day.
On this day, a typical Filipino home would be filled with extended family. Cousins would be asked to get acquainted with each other. Aunts and uncles would be busy handing out presents to their nieces and nephews. This is also a good time for the whole family to catch up on each others lives.
Amid the merriment happening, an old man (most probably the father of the adult people and the grandfather of the children noisily playing around him) is sitting alone on a chair. He looks lonely. One of his sons goes to speak with him. The old man asks for his daughter. It is evident on the way he talks that he wasn't able to see his daughter for a very long time.
Now, the daughter slowly makes her way towards her father. The chattering stops. Everybody turn towards the door. She is carrying a baby, but there's no man beside her. The father either did not claim the child or was ashamed to face the family from whom he took away a special little girl. I get the feeling she had this baby at such a young age which maybe caused her to run away.
*At present, teenage pregnancy is to some extent pitiful. But back then, it was shameful and the blame was placed mostly on the girl.
Finally after a deafening silence, the daughter reaches her father cautiously taking his hand to get his blessing. The father after a few seconds decides to give his blessing then takes his grandchild into his arms and everything else that happened before had been forgotten.
This proves the power of the spirit of Christmas among us all. It can make us give willingly. It can make us forgive and forget a wrongdoing against us.
What I liked best about this commercial is that it was very Filipino. The big family, the various foods, the festive atmosphere, the respect for senior people, and the story of forgiveness between a father and his daughter.
Just a few days ago, I was thinking that Christmas indeed is only for the kids. I thought I had past that stage wherein Christmas can make me excited, sentimental, and happy.
But just today, listening to Filipino singers render classic Christmas carols made me feel like a ten year old kid again. Contrary to popular opinion in the Philippines, Christmas affects us all. It is not only for the rich. It isn't only for the kids. It is for us all. Young, old, rich, and poor.
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