Here We Go Again

You give your hand to me
And then you say hello
And I can hardly speak
My heart is beating so
And anyone can tell
You think you know me well
But you don't know me

No you don't know the one
Who dreams of you at night
And longs to kiss your lips
Longs to hold you tight
Oh I am just a friend
That's all I've ever been
Cause you don't know me

I never knew the art of making love
No my heart aches with love for you
Afraid and shy I let my chance go by
The chance that you might love me too

You give your hand to me
And then you say goodbye
I watch you walk away beside the lucky guy
Oh you will never know
The one who loves you so
Well you don't know me

You give your hand to me
And then you say goodbye
I watch you walk away beside the lucky guy
Oh you will never know
The one who loves you so
Cause you don't know me
Oh no you don't know me
Ohh...you don't know me

Ang Akong Bakasyon sa Davao

Ang akong bakasyon sa Davao napuno ug kahinam sa daghang butang. Kahinam makita pag usab ang gikamingawan nga pamilya. Kahinam mahimamat ang mga higala nga sa Yahoogroups lang nagkaistorya. Kahinam sa mga pagkaon nga dugay na wala natilawan.

Niabot ko sa Davao niadtong ika 17 sa Disyembre pinaagi sa maanindot nga bag ong Davao International Airport nga gibuksan kaniadtong niaging tuig.

Giplano nako nga magpuyo lang sa balay kasagaran sa akong pagpuyo sa bakasyon kay napulo lang kini ka adlaw.

Gisaulog nako ang akong adlaw nga natawhan niadtong ika 21 sa Disyembre. Nitambong sa akong gamay nga salo salo ang akong mga barkada niadtong high school ug elementary. Anaa sab ang akong mga ig agaw ug mga paryente sa Tugbok ug mga silingan.

Wala kaayo ko nisuroy sa downtown kay naisip nako nga mas importante magpuyo lang sa balay. Kasagaran sa ginahimo nako sa balay kay mutan aw ug television, maminaw ug radio ug ang pag connect sa Internet.

Mingaw na sab inig balik nako sa 27 sa Disyembre kay di na ko kaabot sa Bag ong Tuig. Lingaw gyud diay ang Pasko diri sa Pilipinas.

Christmas Vacation Wishes

Wishes on Christmas vacation and their outcomes.

1. Find that elusive DV8 album.
   Outcome: I scoured shops at MusicZone, Odyssey and BCS across Victoria Plaza, Gaisano Mall and Gaisano Ilustre and I found none even part of a "various artists" selection. It's a pity many sales ladies do not know the group.
   
   
2. Gather high school friends for a whirlwind trip to the places we used to go to in the past: Shrine, Gap Farming, Pink Sisters, Victoria Plaza, Vales Beach and Banok's Chicken.
   Outcome: We organized to meet up at a seafood hangout the day after my birthday. It never materialized; I realized they are all married and have more priorities in life. Better luck next time, if ever.
   
   
3. Meet my godfathers and godmothers especially that my birthday falls a few days before Christmas.
   Outcome: I learned one of them died already and I only have a photo of him carrying me when I was two years old. I met only Ninang Nida who paid me a visit at home the day after my birthday.
   
   
4. SMS, e-mail, call or send cards to friends near or far.
   Outcome: I don't know all the numbers or home addresses or e-mail addresses of people I got to know and other friends are located on the other side of the world. Worse, Smart's roaming service will say network is congested and I can't make a call.
   
   
5. Stay on the couch from 8pm to 2am watching music and comedy DVDs with the whole family.
   Outcome: My folks are either not at home all the time or are early risers and it's therefore difficult to keep them awake late at night. I must remember I am on vacation and not in my late night DVD adventures in Hong Kong.
   

Davao Observations

Looking around Christmas in Davao, things I observed in the past remain the same:

1. A lot of children. It's a wonder that everywhere, children are ever present: jeepneys I ride, queues I fall into, my birthday party and so on. It's never bad to have this sight. Hopefully, the needs of these children will be addressed such as education, health and other social needs.
   
   
2. A lot of "istambay". The term was derived from the phrase "stand by" or just stay put. Due to lack of opportunities, a lot of people are staying put in the corner letting the day pass unproductively. Some of them would end up having odd jobs such as jeepney dispatcher/barker or trisikad driver. Some of them are content as couch potatoes watching DVDs or singing on videoke day in and day out.
   
   
3. A faithful crowd. Misa de Gallo starts at 4:30am but we had to be in the church an hour earlier because the crowd will fill all seats by half past 3. As the Mass starts, the church overflows that late comers bring their own chairs.
   
   
4. A happy people. Lumad folks travel to Davao City to ask for little help from the lowlanders. While in the past the reception was cold and hostile, now it has improved thanks to the inspiration brought by the city mayor who goes from one extreme end to the other to portray a real father of Davao City.
   
   
5. A great place to celebrate Christmas. No firecracker noise means no gory scenes of broken fingers, crying victims of negligence or poor pyrotechnic quality. Here, Christmas is celebrated and not Chinese New Year.
   

Philippines: The World's Most Migrant-Friendly Country

Despite the fact that many Filipinos want to migrate to Canada, USA, Australia or elsewhere in search of a better life, Filipinos are very warm to immigrants in the country. This is according to Gallup International Voice of the People where the Philippines has 87% favor rate regarding migrating foreigners.

Personally, I feel good if a Malaysian or Fijian would settle in the Philippines because it dispels my fear that my country is not a good place for foreigners to settle. Just a few days ago, I saw a gruesome murder of a Japanese tourist in Malalag, Davao del Sur and it casts a warning to incoming tourists who might fall into the same fate. (Sidebar: I saw my Computer Engineering batchmate Deozar Almasa, now a polic inspector, interviewed on TV)

Coupled with high regard for foreigners (the Filipino way of colonial mentality is still alive and kicking), we have the inclination to like them because many of us think they are better than us (not just whiter skin nor better English twang).

I would agree on what these foreigners feel for my country. Every time I go to the Philippines for vacation, I am almost tempted to do a spending splurge because cost of living is low (please do not misinterpret this as "prices are affordable"; to a foreigner or someone who worked abroad, prices of food or transportation is cheaper here). That is why when Thailand introduced "Thailand Elite" country club style of luring big spending retirees, I thought the Philippines should do the same. The Philippines is haven to retirement package seekers because of its low cost of living, something retirees look for to spend their chest of retirement benefits.

Inspite of this, the Philippines is not as diverse as Singapore or Hong Kong or Dubai where foreign nationals compose a significant percentage in population. Understandably, the negative impression of the country's bureaucracy, corruption and government inefficiency played a role to keep foreigners at bay.

This fact does not seem to prevent other migrant groups from pursuing their desire to be in the Philippines. Look at the Chinese migrants from Fujian province of China many years ago. They now have become a cornerstone of the country's business structure, owning banks, airlines, shirt factories and huge shopping malls.

Malaysians, Israelis and Vietnamese follow the Filipinos' warmness towards migrants. Obviously, Canada embraces the idea of immigration to fill their vast landscape with people who deserve the Canadian way of good life. There it will not be surprising (or shall I say culture shocking) to board a cab driven by an Iranian or attended by a Filipina nurse for medication.

What surprised me was Thailand who holds the highest xenophobic (the feeling of animosity towards foreigners) rate in Asia. I see a lot of Americans, Europeans and Japanese in Thailand (probably most of them were tourists but I also know many foreigners live there). I wasn't too surprised anymore when I imagined Thailand's geographic location. Bounded by war-torn Cambodia, Laos and Burma, Thais could feel their progress is hampered by migration of these citizens from neighboring countries, often fleeing the junta government, civil war and simply for a better life.

Turkey, Taiwan and Hong Kong are among those places whose citizens do not regard highly the foreign migrants in their territory. I would agree for Hong Kong. Discrimination is present (I assume it is present for any society).

But the news about the Filipino openness to having a neighbor with different color of skin or speak another language is encouraging. I can imagine that this foreigner will be taken cared of very well (showing around or cooking food for him, hopefully not asking for payment later).

When I was a kid, I had a classmate who is an American (or was he British) named Edward Miller. In school he is taunted by children as "Amerkanong Hilaw" (half-baked American because of his complexion). But I also thought he enjoyed our company then because he often gets the attention he deserves not just in taunting but for any other needs he may raise.

The Birthday

My birthday falls on one of the Misa de Gallo days. In the past it has been a simple affair that starts at 4:30am hearing the Mass and lighting candle at the end of the morning Eucharistic celebration.

In the past it can sometimes coincide with classroom or office Christmas parties, both of which ensures I can imagine some group of people will host a party for me.

But as the years passed, seasons change and economic reasons pushed celebrations to the limit. I left my job and new colleagues do not particularly pay attention to birthdays. But when I saw Jess (a colleague at Ion Global) included my name on list of celebrants, I was amazed. The thought of remembering my birthday not through Yahoogroups or Friendster alerts is simply sweet that I do not exactly need a gift to make myself happy.

Receiving gifts is good but most often I end up receiving something I do not need is bad. That is why I suppose giving an unwanted gift to a needy person is justified only if it is given without something in return. Selling an unwanted gift is outright insult to me, even if the giver does not know what happened to his/her gift. I may ask "Have you started reading the book I read?" to validate the claim that the gift I just gave is something worth spending time with.

The past years I had my college batchmates come over my house and celebrate with me. But lately with parental concerns more than anything and many of them have begged off. That left my childhood friends to celebrate with me as they live only nearby and work load has been cooperative.

Aldrin, Warlito, Edgar, Nelly, Fe, Myra, Rodel, Lourdes and Romeo were present. These fine ladies and gentlemen were my friends in high school and college and they remained dedicated to the friendship built many years ago. I always looked after the conversations, not just about the news but also about the memorable instances we cherish as youngsters in the past.

I got a call from Karen and received SMS from Gino, Colin, Cissy, Onin, Benjie, Melissa, Junjun and Ate Beng from across Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Thanks to all of you.

Figaro Talk With Melissa

I met Melissa last Sunday and we had coffee at Figaro located at Chimes along Sales Street in Davao's Chinatown district. First of all, the place don't look very conspicuous compared to chic cafes in the city such as Blu Gre. But as it is right beside Davao's exclusive dealer of imported goods, it well placed itself in an important area to a selective Davaoeña shopper especially in this season of Christmas.

I am not an avid coffee drinker but nevertheless tried the treat in a rainy Sunday afternoon. Mel forgot the key inside her car so she asked if I can wait a while. My time waiting was spent on examining groceries at nearby Felcris before deciding to buy a piece of toothbrush. Despite the rain and apparent distance of the place from the main crowded areas of the city, it has a devoted set of followers, from college students taking a weekend break, to Fil-Chinese friends talking about latest gadgets. I even thought one of the serving crew is a neighbor in Mintal.

OK, Melissa arrives partly soaked in the rain and looked apologetic.

The main purpose of meeting is to deliver her requested perfumes sold exclusively at Watson's Causeway Bay. Her wedding is on Feb and the perfumes will suit her green wedding motif. I have known her for the past three years as a member of Singles For Christ Hong Kong and has been assigned at work here in my hometown. It's just about two months and she has been busy with the preparations with her fiance Che who is in Manila. It's never easy to prepare for a wedding especially if you have other concerns such as work and distance from the wedding and reception venues. Our community in SFC Hong Kong has seen recent weddings of members. Zandro, Tina and Shasha has had their weddings held in the past two years.

And with Melissa getting married soon, she has decided to move back to Manila and be close to her husband and will therefore leave Davao by middle of next year. This Figaro rendezvous could be one of the last in the City.

Hoping for a Better Philippines

On my first trip to downtown Davao since December 26, 2004 things were not expected to provide surprises.

For one thing I had to complain (to myself mostly) that transportation costs have risen more than half! When I finished college the minimum fare (traveling within downtown areas: Bolton, Uyanguren, Claveria, Bankerohan, Ilustre or Ponciano and up to certain extent in Bajada, Matina and Ecoland), fare is P1.50 (US 2.7 cents). Last year it was P5.00 (US 9.25 cents)and now it's P7.00 (almost US 13 cents). Traveling downtown from Mintal has also shoot up to P20.00 (US 37 cents) from P7.00 (almost US 13 cents).

With employees hardly ever gaining any increase to cope with inflation and newly-implemented Expanded Value Added Tax, people have become more desperate into finding ways to make both ends meet. I am glad crime rate hasn't risen, again credit it to the compassionate public officials (at least some of them) under the leadership of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (he has been a Mayor of the city in most of the past 15 years). But it's evident that people have looked into ways how to go abroad; even my brother wants out.

The popularity of Overseas Filipino Workers as dollar reserve heroes not only to their (our) families but also to the coffers of the government to stabilize the currency. I had cousins who were working in Saudi Arabia and Dubai in the past, and I also could see the financial rewards their families get. (I get imported chocolates from them and now I feel guilty not stocking enough chocolates like I did in the past; these are the most easily purchased and handed out to everyone at home in Davao.) Their success stories inspired me to follow the trail they laid out although I am always apprehensive on life after being an OFW.

When OFWs get home for good, they are often unable to get a sustainable source of living. And previous savings are either improperly managed by other family members or are invested in a non-performing business. Thus, they return to where they were before the foreign employment took place.

I watch TV shows and I notice many of them have emotional attachments. My sister and mom are hooked into Wowowee, a show that gives everyone (garbage collectors, Ilonggo folks, pregnant women, people above 60 years old and market vendors) to be on stage, greet their families and win prizes by joining the game shows. Televiewers hope contestants win as much as P100,000 (about US $2,000) to celebrate Christmas even more happily, especially when they shed tears wishing for a merry Christmas celebration. Game Ka Na Ba offers prizes won by celebrity contestants to children in need of medical attention and with physical deformities.

Wish Ko Lang grants someone's wish whether they can meet a favorite actor or going to Hong Kong Disneyland. The victory of the contestants appear to be victory of the televiewers who can relate to the pains told by these contestants, many of them queue at dawn at GMA7 and ABS-CBN studios to get a better shot at joining these contests. Indeed, this country needs a lot of doctors who can heal emotional sickness suffered by Filipinos for a long time. More than just money, it's the hope of living a better life in the future.

But despite the fact the country is in severe economic difficulty, I do not think the country is on its way to the bottom. It should be able to recover. What is needed are leaders who have common sense (do not need promotions through government projects and photo ops) and entrepreneural spirit. Gloria Arroyo and Jose De Venecia does not qualify while the recently-died Reynaldo Wycoco, Bayani Fernando and Duterte are able candidates. OK, too much for that.

I see hope in my country. I believe in the Filipino people. When I first heard the song "Pinoy Ako" it's a pop song similar to elderly tunes like "Pagsubok" of Orient Pearl and "Pare Ko" by Eraserheads but the theme focuses on the free-spirited Filipino, which was often portrayed as a cult song for SEA Games fans of Team Philippines en route to overall title.

Stock market has stabilized, and Philippine peso strengthened against the US dollar (from 56 plus to about 53 pesos to a dollar). Mining industry has seen resurgence after the landmark Supreme Court ruling. Property market is on the rebound. Call center jobs are still in demand. Of course, Filipino sailors can be found in ships sailing through the Pacific, Malacca Strait, Mediterranean and North Sea because of their fun-loving yet responsible nature that require less supervision, Filipino nurses are high on the list of foreign jobs in US and Europe. And while this drains the country of skills needed to rebuild a country, it's the dollar inflows that are more needed at this time.

Problems remain, but I am hopeful.

What is Pinoy Big Brother?

My first full day in Mintal brings me back the to the cradle of my youth.

Hearing Misa de Gallo with my mother and aunt, I met Glenda and Lynn Mae, my sister's friends since grade school; as well as my high school principal Ms Cepe and second year class advisor Mrs Broncano whose lines on her face are reminiscent of the 13 years since I left Holy Cross of Mintal.

At the grounds of Immaculate Conception Parish is where I had my formative adolescent years. I had been a member of KOTAS for four years, two in Legion of Mary (with my sister and cousin) and lector for one year. It was those years when Boy London and Blowing Bubbles were a fad and USED brand name had satanic acronym.

At home, it's so relaxing to listen to Mellow Touch and WRock while finding myself starting to fall asleep. Listening to morning news and Cebuano is what I also looked forward to do while I am in Davao.

And even if Pinoy Big Brother is very popular that Melissa is even raving about it, I have a little idea what it is. But I do like the current hit called "Pinoy Ako" by Orange and Lemons.

Taking a walk at sun-baked scorching hot streets filled nostalgia in the past when I used to take a walk around with Rodel, Jergen and Badoy with Bazooka and tira-tira on our pockets as we argue if Mellow Yellow is better than Mountain Dew. The streets appeared to have narrowed and many of the shops have changed owners or new ones popped in front of some houses.

The household name of "Punsa" bakery, the most popular one in Mintal used to be teeming with old folks for an afternoon coffee talk and oozing with the smell of fresh afternoon pan de sal, seemed deserted by patrons at the time of my reconnaisance. New banks emerged in sight and the old folks catering to my hungry palates when not cooking at home like "Poping" and "Leclec" eateries, remained true to their strengths in the kitchen.

I was expecting an old high school classmate showing up in a passenger-type motorcycle picking up clients in the public market to places like Bago Oshiro, Tacunan or Camp San Gabriel. Not one familiar face was in sight.

Unlike Hong Kong where there seems no space unoccupied in the central areas, I am in a sleepy place, whose time seemed to move a step slower. And it better be, for I am here only for a short while.

Davao Homecoming 2005

I spend ten days a year to be with family. And so when the time of the year calls for it, it is a must to book a a couple of round trip tickets (one international and one domestic) before crunch time comes.

This year's travel is patterned after last year: take the latest weekend before the peak season and return just before New Year's Day. The premature return to Hong Kong last year brought loneliness. Living alone and the chilly winter climate fueled the feeling. It inspired me to create a Yahoogroups of my childhood friends.

Usually, before vacation friends ask friends about flying home and when. With such as small place like Hong Kong, it is not surprising to know someone aboard one of the eight HKG-MNL flights of the day. This time, it's Orly, a friend and companion during my sojourn in Beijing last year. He is home to meet his wife and six month-old child.

We had quite a conversation at Gate 49 before boarding the plane; we were seated four rows apart in that Cebu Pacific flight. I my seat assignment was at the last row, just in front of the flight attendants' corner. It was not long before I noticed the freshness inside. Cebu Pacific recently upgraded its fleet which included its Hong Kong destination, one of the few international flights it offers. And even if A320 is relatively small, the atmosphere inside was perfect for a homecoming: brighter lights, smiling crew and the fresh scent of the cabin. I later found out my domestic flight later on is also a brand-new aircraft.

I had short conversations with my seatmates, Filipino chief cook and a sailor based in Marseilles. The flight made me feel good about Cebu Pacific. It's again on time and even reached Manila 15 minutes ahead of schedule, thanks to Captain Casibang.

The feeling of Christmas hasn't been the same for the past few years for me. Gone were the days when I had to attend parties (CFC, SFC Guys, upper households, Benjie and Tintin's, office functions) and receive gifts (by virtue of my birth date, I tend to receive a little more than the others (so far I got one from Karen and another from Cissy). But the sight of the merry singing men greeting us with their jolly rendition of Christmas carols at the airport (at almost 10 o'clock in the evening, man, they are tireless!)

The queue at the immigration was long but the process was efficient. I may not know if mulcting cab drivers demanding US dollars for fare, or porters demanding Christmas gifts still exist, but I am glad of what I see. Customs officials checking my ticket curtly asked, "Kumusta?" which is more of a welcome statement rather than asking how I am.

I did not wait long before the transfer van from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila Domestic fetched me and companions. I did not mind sitting on the floor, ocassionally reading "The Book of Lists" or glancing at the photos in my camera taken days ago. The bad part of the trip was actually waiting for the next flight to Davao. I had to sit down the floor and wait, along with dozens of fellow passengers whose international flights came in the late hours of the day. Altogether, we and our luggages form a collective set of homesick souls, eager to get up and board the flights at the wee hours of the morning.

My flight to Davao is at 4:30am and is expected to arrive at 6. The task of letting time pass was kinda difficult especially when I got used to struggle with time maintenance due to a lot of things to do in HK. I thought reading the book was a good idea, but it also presented problem as I felt sleepy but lack of provisions only allowed me squat on the floor.

It did not last so long before check in counters opened up for passengers bound for Davao, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Tacloban. I felt hungry and getting a piece of Bavarian delights at Mister Donut seems enough for me.

Aboard the plane the atmosphere is electric, with people finally realizing a progress has been made to get them to their destination. And even if the excitement at the bus to the tarmac was later drowned with sleepy sensations, I am sure many of us have become imaginative at this time.

I knew no one in the plane, except the high school classmate of my brother.

Davao airport is still the same and much better than Manila Domestic (unfortunately since Manila handles many of the flights going to tourist destinations like Boracay and Puerto Galera). I feel safer again, thanks to our Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, and enjoy the world's best quality water supply. Meeting family has always been a great time of the year. I never had lots to talk compared to my first trip back in 2002 but it's more of family affairs which is very important to me, as the eldest of three siblings.

I capped the evening watching DVD of a great performance by Goo Goo Dolls concert in 4th of July 2004 (it got rained out but the concert went on). Awesome first day!

Feel Good Experiences of the Year

The year is about to end and I believe it's about time that I summarize the events that shaped life in 2005. I will try to provide a list of things (good, bad and ugly) which mattered to me.

The following are experiences I am thankful for during this period to date.

1. Transfer home from South Horizons to Quarry Bay
2. Working more on SEO than web programming
3. Getting to know a fellow Davaoeño name JILL
4. Buying a CD which Karen thought of getting too
5. Getting help from Kendrick when I lost my key at home
6. Realizing my friend Joyce lives just below my flat
7. Saturday morning grocery at Tai Ping Market
8. Learning to cook in my place
9. Getting good reviews about SFC web site
10. Maintaining five blogs at the same time
11. Church visits with Karen
12. SFC 'Reloaded' Conference
13. Tokyo visit
14. Lamma hiking with colleagues
15. Free laundry delivery by Redi Dry Clean
16. Handing over free Disneyland to brother Willy
17. Bowling and Playstation with Jan, Kit, Raymond, Ginny, Jess, William and Anna
18. Trying out my first digital camera
19. Watching Phoenix Suns in NBA Western Conference Finals
20. Reuniting former colleagues at PCCW

FIFA World Cup Excitement Begins

Ronaldo, Beckham, Owen, Zidane, Ronaldhino, Schevchenko, Figo, Ballack, Crespo, Henry.. the cast doesn't get more popular than these gallant men.

Once again, the world's audience gets pumped up and eagerly counting the days into the opening of the most popular game on Earth's grandest competition -- FIFA World Cup.

In 2002, FIFA World Cup soccer was held in Korea and Japan and it was one of the best experiences I had during my short history of a game I recently began to be passionate of.

Excitement filled the air of Hong Kong, as motherland China was in the competition. Large public screens in Times Square, Sheung Wan and Lan Kwai Fong in Central are packed with people. Football channels' extensive coverage was a draw and shrieks and noise in pubs and bars provide excitement as if one is seated on a far end of the playing field.

I remember in 2002, we had our CLP at Fringe Club and as a first time service team member, I had to buy refreshments. While on my way, I was stuck in a frenzy of adoring fans watching Korea beat Spain, 5-3 in penalty shootout. The euphoria was so intense that I did not mind joining the highly partisan crowd even if I never did anything like that before. When I got back to the seminar, I was too excited to tell one Korean participant that her team just won the quarterfinals.

The games bring a nation together -- in jubilation or defeat, often leading to riots -- and take pride of themselves as part of the inspiration brought by their players in the pitch.

Too bad, the greatness of football is not embraced by a lot of Filipinos. We are ranked somewhere between 170 and 180 in the world. Basketball reigns in the country whose average height easily gets dwarfed by typical point guards. Iloilo and Bacolod is a place where football seem to have found a niche. Mention Barotac Nuevo and you'll almost instantly relate it with football.

As for my guess on who will win the 2006 World Cup, Brazil remains a favorite. I used to adopt England and Japan as my teams in 2002. I think this time I remain loyal to both. Allow me to add host Germany as my third team.

It's just three weeks before 2006 and less than 200 days before the opening of FIFA World Cup in Germany. Indeed, 2006 is a year of sports, where I alo look forward to the World Basketball Championships in Saitama, Japan as well as the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

Wow.

Environment vs Development

Again I lived up to billing that when I don't have work for the day I wake up earlier. Wait, today is Friday but the office has outing today at Lamma island and I will meet colleagues later at 11 at Pier 4. So no need to worry about getting late in the office for the day.

I woke up watching the BBC News on United Nations discussion on climate changes held in Montreal. It's aimed to review the Kyoto Protocol which was aimed to cut global emission of gases responsible for global warming and climate change.

OK, let's understand Kyoto Protocol first. It was a pact signed in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. The pact stipulates that gas emissions of developed countries be reduced by 5.2 percent of the 1990 levels in 2008 and 2012. 156 countries ratified it so it's a relatively strong pact.

The emerging concerns of climate change stemmed in the 90s when global warming, ozone layer changes and the likes have become immediate threats as experienced in changing climate patterns. "Earth Summit" has began to be held (Rio de Janeiro, 1992) and a global crusade on environmental protection soon followed. Use of biodegradeable materials and implementation of recycling has become a customary practice aimed to conserve the dwindling Earth resources.

The Pact has been legally binding since 16th Feb of this year. But the United States has since pulled out because the imposition of such Pact is deemed to expensive and only focused on developed countries; developing countries experiencing rapid growth in economy such as China and India also contributes a significant amount of the problem.

This has started an outrage that in the name of development, environment takes a backseat. I believe that something can be done to alleviate the costs of enforcing the Pact without harming the coffers of the US so as to compromise its economy.

Looking at the performance of nations in abiding the Pact, there has been inconsistencies. While many countries have reduced their emissions, it was partly because of the ceasing of operations of the Soviet-era industries in Eastern Europe.
The United States, undoubtedly the world's biggest polluter, has a staggering emission figure: it increased by 13.1% (Reuters Alertnet).

So as Mr Stephane Dion, Canadian Environment Minister and president of the Montreal conference started to talk to about representatives of 30 countries on moving forward, he circulated text about "long-term co-operative action to address climate change". There have been numerous talks, a lot of willing hosts, and as usual the prying eyes of environment activists, but not much has been made to move Kyoto Protocol to the next level.

And as the need becomes more imminent, the 5.2% reduction may change to as much as 30% by 2020. Environmentalists agree about having deep reductions to make up the slow progress of the earlier agreement. Drastic changes have to me made. But as many industrial countries would argue, giving in to environment could be costly: laying off people who work for heavy industries, in compliance to such agreements for example. And it seems that the two sides are irreconcilable. I still believe otherwise though.

Do you know that the Philippines is one of the world's most disaster-prone areas of the Earth? Happy Filipinos live in a land where earthquakes meet typhoons and typhoons meet floods, floods meet landslides. Surely it's one of the front liners who tend to absorb the effects of global climate change (except earthquake, everything else owes to climate change).

It is sad to realize that we only have one Earth to live and we don't take care of it enough that when our children (my future ones) gets their chance to live here, they don't see what we saw when we were young -- a land less visited by floods, hurricanes, snowstorms and desertification.

SEA Games Champions, Now What's Next?

A consistent performance of Filipino athletes enabled the Philippines to emerge as a legitimate sporting power in the region. With 114 gold medals won, it eventually collected more than a quarter of the events staged. Powered by Fil-foreigners, the country has become a force to reckon with in areas where local-bred talents are comparably weaker to their Thai, Indonesian and Malay counterparts.

Cecil Mamiit and Eric Taino delivered, Davaoenos (like me) Sheila Mae Perez, Lee Van Corteza, Zandro and Ceceil Domeinos and Juvic Pagunsan delivered, and every Filipino athlete made their countrymen proud of being a part of this outstanding achievement.

But as Thai boxing coach has forewarned, "See you in Doha" in an apparent reference to let the Philippines continue its vindication over alleged cheating in the Games. Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra was never too tentative to tell the hosts were winning because of hometown tactics.

The Philippines has won the SEA Games title for the first time since it hosted in 1981 and 1991. After the 1981 SEAG, Lydia de Vega became a hit in athletics, and William "Billy" Wilson made waves in swimming during the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. After the 1991 SEAG, we won a solitary bronze medal through Roel Velasco, a follow up to the 1988 bronze medal won by his provincemate Leopoldo Serrantes.

I have been monitoring the SEA Games since 1987 (Jakarta), in my grade school years. In 1991, I remember a Fil-Am named Lee Najera winning gold medal in swimming (he seems overwhelmed by the popularity of Eric Buhain at the time), and Edward Lasquete who ruled pole vault. It is not surprising to see Fil-foreigners Cecil Mamiit, Eric Taino, Alex Pagulayan, Kashus Perona, Philip James and James Joseph Younghusband, Heidi Ilustre and Chad Mowrey play for the country. It's because the Philippines is the host and they get extra love from the partisan crowd. I hope they come back and represent the country in the next SEA Games where they try to prove Thailand tat cheating is not part of the Filipino winning tradition.

As champions, we do not need to be told to celebrate; we are fond of doing so. But at the same time, let's gear up for the bigger challenges ahead. Doha Asian Games is next year. Beijing Olympics is three years to go. While Thailand and Indonesia have brought gold medals in the Olympics, the Philippines is still trying to catch that elusive one. And once we win golds in Asian Games and Olympics, we can't seem to silence Thaksin from his accusations.

After the celebration, let's get back to work.

Congratulations Coconets

I was wondering whatever happened to the item I voted for three months ago. Now at home, I got the chance to confirm it won the worldwide contest.

I am not referring to the online-voted international beauty pageant nor the American Idol contest. It's the BBC's World Challenge, an effort to recognize individual and group efforts that benefit the community they belong. It is also made possible through Shell and Newsweek.

The Philippines' entry is the Coconets, conceptualized by Dr Justino Arboleda, an agricultural engineer who thought the abundance of coconut husks can be used to counter the prevailing problem of soil erotion brought by monsoon rains and typhoons. He founded Juboken Enterprises in 1995 to develop the product. Now it is able to produce 30,000 sq meters of coconets in a month. It has also been exported to countries like Sri Lanka, China and Korea and helped sustain a way of living for 1,500 families in the Philippines.

Among the competitors I would also like to be in the podium are Malta's used oil conversion from a waste that clogs waterways, to useful vehicle fuel. (I remember one Simpson's episode about Homer buying $26 worth of bacon just to extract grease worth a dollar fifty cents max). It won the second prize. I also like Kenya's Bugs Money where "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" thinking of preventing the destruction by mites through finding their enemy bugs; and South Africa's Men At Work programme.

With the way environment has been deteriorating, these efforts bring us inspiration.

Filipinos are definitely talented in these type of areas. I just read recently that a Filipino has been awarded for his discovery on prevention of skin cancer.

This is something I am really proud of.

SEA Games Debate Event: Thaksin vs Miriam

SEA Games has recently approved a debating event after two participants confirmed attendance. The hosts are pinning on its uber-sensitive and therefore overly ballistic contestant (not athlete, folks), Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, trained in the confines of the University of the Philippines, she is a tested parliamentarian whose voice is enough to intimidate opponents.

Equally qualified is Thailand PM Thaksin Shinawatra, whose business-like rule in Thailand enabled the country to move forward in giant strides.

The topic: Did the Philippines cheat to win overall standings in the SEA Games? Affirmative, Mr Shinawatra, negative, Ms Santiago.

The negative side initiated the contact by threats of persona non grata, justifying that her being a Filipino is touched when accused as a cheater. (Yours truly never felt this at all). She further calls for an inquiry into the matter. While the case can be resolved to tie the match, just like a chess player offering draw, she insists this is a winnable case and must be pursued. OK go ahead, at your own risk.

The event is expected to continue long after the last foreign athlete has left the Philippines.

Should the Philippine representative back out from the match, alternate debater-wannabes Crispin Beltran and Abraham Mitra are willing to take the role (for the honor / dishonor of the country).

Hey, bring your pom poms and cheer!

I Alone - Part II

Walking to the office, nothing seemed special today. Same band of people I walk with every morning, tailgating, jaywalking, negotiating each one's way through the crowd. One could be a young mom, just sent her daughter to school, or a retiring man, looking forward to the day he receives the bounty he toiled and earned for the past forty years. One could be thinking what's a good movie to watch on Thursday or if there are remaining pairs of sale items at Sogo. I don't know, I am only human.

As we disperse, like rivers flowing out into little branches that end up in the vast ocean, we're not very much aware we'll be converging again later. But amid the crowd that enveloped me, I feel I am all by myself, with no one to hang on, nobody to turn to. While the young mom may have the habit of playing with the kids and sending them to bed, and the elderly man sharing news of the day with contemporaries, I am left to myself. The pain of being alone, ignored, taken for granted has finally taken its toll; I hope I am not going insane.

When was the last time I laughed out loud? I guess that was when I was a thousand miles away from here. Five years have passed since I left home. Nothing much has changed in me. I am old, rotten and developed some sort of heart disease. I used to enjoy the ways of life and with the company of creatures God placed beside me. But recently, they have been wandering around, leaving me on my own.

Work hard in the office for at the end of the month you will get rewarded. I am thankful to have a job. It's terrible to lose one .. make that two. I am single but I act like I have a couple of wives and a dozen children to take care of.

Recently I have been compiling a list of names of my friends. From kindergarten to present, I accumulated about 360 names. Which means I get to know about 1 friend per month in my lifetime. Which is sad, there could have been more. Maybe I was too aloof, or was never given the chance. Acquaintances come and go. Friends remain, no matter physically I never met them. Pen pals, e-mail friends, they mean a lot to my small world. For no matter how small the world may seem, still I am surrounded by strangers.

My watch shows it's half past 12. My colleagues gather for lunch break while I confine myself in my rolling chair in the corner. Must save money, must have time to read, must have time to nap. But in the end, my efforts bummed me out. I am too shy to meet new people at a product launch and could only muster a conversation only when provoked. The office is quiet as I feed my belly, what am I here for? What could the young mom be eating now? She must have something that her domestic helper cooked for her. What about the retiring man? His wife must have prepared a generous portion of noodles. Me, I take what I can prepare. Nothing much to please, it's only myself.

At five years, why did I escape bed when my grandma told me to take the siesta? Now, I want to lie on the floor, hoping somehow my backache will subside as I temper my brain for the afternoon.

As I complain days pass so quickly I feel relieved time flies proportional to it. I feel I get old so quickly, and die sooner than later. At times I thought what if I am not ruled by the pointing fingers
of my watch, life would be easier for me? I believe my being multitasking, with all the gadgets to fiddle, flyers to browse and all other stuff made things difficult. More things to do, but time remained fixed.

As I prepare myself to go out, I know this will be another long night for me. Take the bus or the MTR? Go to Victoria Park or Fortress Hill? Even with no clear direction I still find myself swallowed by the throng of people the same way I experienced 8 hours ago. Day in, day out, the beating remains.

And as I lay in bed pondering of what are the things to come, the day has ended and I am still breathing. Pessimist as I may often be described, I am always grateful God made me this kind of person. No one may like me, and that could be an understatement. What I want to aim now, is to make things meaningful to others. Life is short, and if mine is shorter than the elderly man about to retire, I made a legacy out of myself, smiling in the photo as you read this blog.