Advocacy: Elections, passion nights and a joke by Jim Paredes

Please check original post to this entry by Mr. Jim Paredes: Elections, passion nights and a joke 

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Let me bring you inside my mind. My thinking on who to vote for this coming elections goes like this.

From a whole country point of view, I am of the opinion that the Aquino Presidency has made rather major strides in a lot of things. The economy, peace in Mindanao, anti corruption, etc..We still have a lot of problems. Many more needs to be done. I want more of the reforms to be set in place before PNoy leaves the Presidency. I know the man has a an agenda and I want him to succeed. 

So regarding how I look at the candidates running, I am definitely crossing out the entire UNA ticket since I see most of them as remnants of our dysfunctional past. They were beneficiaries of corruption, inertia, political largess and everything bad I see in our entire history of governance and politics. The rest are old politicos who have nothing new to offer. I don’t feel I should give them an extension in their political life. To be fair, I was considering Hagedorn seriously but when I heard him on radio say that his idol of all time was Joseph Erap Estrada, I decided to junk him. 

Surveying the Liberal Party, there are a few I am excited about. Bam Aquino is a guy I have known a long time. I have had discussions with him, really frank ones about the country including topics such as Hacienda Luisita, the Aquinos, reforms, alleviating poverty, RH, etc.. and I can tell you he has a firm moral, political, economic understanding of problems and a democratic, pro-poor bias in wanting to solve them. He also walks his talk. His big disadvantage (and advantage) is that he carries the Aquino name and that is a turn off with people who have absolutely drawn the line against dynasties. But if you follow Miriam’s thinking on what a dynasty is (parents and children, siblings both in office), he does not fall into the category.

Risa Hontiveros has always been a fighter. She has courage and morals to stand for RH, women’s issues and has always been a reformist. She is high on my list. 

Ramon Magsaysay Jr. is one senator who never got rich through the years. I have sat with him on some occasions during dinners at the Ramon Magsaysay Awards and he is a wise man who works hard but does not trumpet his ambitions and achievements. He has solid ideas. His economic standing despite years of being a public official has remained unchanged. He is honest.

I am considering Grace Poe even if she has little experience. She effectively ran MTRCB and dealt with issues like the Willie Revillame scandals with firmness. She is a loyal daughter who will not sully her father’s name. She will quickly learn the ropes in the senate, I am sure. Experience is good to have. But how does one get experience unless he h/she is given a chance? I think she is intelligent enough to learn fast and do a good job.

Bro. Eddie Villanueva is a person I am also considering. He is a good man and though religious, was broadminded enough to have been pro-RH.

Going back to a macro point of view, the worst outcome this election can have is to bring in guys who will want to restore the bad old days. The next worst thing is to have a gridlock senate that will not pass reformist bills or if they do, they will water them down to make them ineffective. The best thing that I want to see is to get the reform train moving as quickly as it can so that whoever becomes President after PNoy will find reform unstoppable and will not be able to turn things back to how it was. 

I still have issues with the rest of the Liberal party but I am approaching it with the thought of whether the candidates will do more good than harm. Political dynasties, where brothers and sisters, or parents and children will be sitting in the senate is a real turn-off, and Angara, Cayetano fall in that category. Though they may be honorable men, I still have not made up my mind whether I should include them. There are also others in the party whom I will not vote for no matter what.

I will probably have at most 9 people in my list. Realistically, it may be 7. That should be enough majority already to give PNoy the laws he wants in place.
My party list vote will go to Ladlad. All over the world, the LGBT community’s time has come. It’s time they are represented.

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I wanted to share my two cents for this year’s senatorial elections. But after reading this entry on Mr. Jim Paredes’ blog, I thought he has written my thoughts so much better. So I decided to share his blog entry instead. I have almost similar list as with him, but I am still really deciphering. I’m really taking this year’s senatorial elections seriously, and I think you should too. It’s time we really make intelligent decisions.

Once done with my research I’ll compare notes with my Dad to get a more matured and more intelligent view of my candidates. I did the same for the 2010 presidential elections and I remember Dad saying,; lahat naman ng precidential candidates are intelligent, some are more experienced than the others and some performed better than the others. But, if you’ll base your judgement according sa kung sino ang mas matalino o sino ang mas magaling, then that decision is subjective. You have to define what for you can make the difference. Having said that, I would judge them according to who is the most honest? Then that makes Noynoy different. Noynoy is not the best in the senate; he doesn’t have long enough experience as compared with the others. But if you'll compare him with everyone else, he can be the most honest candidate. He may not be as good as his father but I am sure he will take care of his parents’ legacy, and that for me makes the difference.

This year’s election has a different challenge; I am personally having a difficulty whether to elect a totally new breed of senators as there are several who can really be good senators, and/or to include in my list experienced senators as there are still a few whom I still believe in to. Two more days left before the elections and I’m still confused. Have you finalized your list yet? Hmmm, maybe I’ll just stick to the top 7 on my list. We’ll see.

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Jim Paredes is a member of the APO trio, their songs are my favourite OPM classics; and Jim Paredes is one of my most favourite reads, he is very intelligent and I learn a lot just by reading his blog.

You may also want to read related links for what he has to say about the elections. He has always been an active participant in shaping the nation as far back as the Philippine revolution in 1986. His most famous politically related contribution is his writing for the anthem of the People Power Revolution, "Handog ngPilipino sa Mundo".* wikipedia

***Notice his invitation to "dinner for 9 strangers" at the bottom of the original post of this entry from his website, “Writing on Air”; had I read this post earlier I am sure to be one of the many hopefuls to email him for a chance to sit down, talk and listen to him. I’m quite sure though, I wont survive the talking part, I’ll most likely be too starstrucked to even say anything smart after saying “Hi”. Well, I’m an APO girl and I’m fascinated with intelligent people. I’m not usually shy but I’m sure I will be with people like Jim Paredes.=)

Live Life,

Mai=)

Advocacy: Kabataan, Ka-bayanihan: A Volun-tourist Reflection

I was watching a news coverage for Typhoon Pablo with Mom one December evening last year, a rare occasion as I’m away from home most times of the year; when she casually asked in our vernacular while I was trying to hold back  tears from the heart breaking scenes if we have volunteering, donations or giving back activities at work. We don’t, but I told her about my own volunteer mission for the monsoon rain in August last year.

I was raised by parents who are on their own are nation builders; who believed that public service is not a profession but a lifestyle, from which my sisters and I were molded to be responsible Filipino citizens. And Mom’s casual inquiry reminded me of what I was taught growing up. To extend help even when not expected, to contribute no matter little I can, and to influence others in making a difference. These are a few things we occasionally forget as we deal with our own busy lives.

I’m a traveller, and travelling takes up a good fraction of my time. I travel when I’m happy, when I’m sad; when I want to celebrate an event, forget an event; when I need to find myself; when I need to rest and when I don’t want to rest. I've been travelling to satisfy personal goals for some time. But when I started doing things that are less “self-focused” (supports Yabang Pinoy’s advocacies, did my own volunteer mission, and a few silent givings) I thought, why not travel for a cause?

While browsing an airline’s magazine in one of my trips going back to Manila from Davao this year, I came across the word “voluntourism” a combined word for volunteer and tourist. Apparently, it’s a hip revolution these days, a great way to encourage and attract more people to get socially involved. It even included a list of organizations where you can offer your volunteering mission and the causes of the organizations. I like that more and more organizations are showing they care; that we are no longer living the responsibility in shaping our country to the few who are in the position; that even private companies include in their plan, giving back projects; that NGO’s are getting more and more support from the community; that slowly we are all working as one. These and that conversation with Mom showed the green light for me to do my part as an individual and as a traveller; so, I finally included volunteering trip in my travel schedule.         

My first volunteering travel. I joined Bayani Challenge more than a month ago. I joined not to represent any group but my own cause. I went there expecting to see more people from the same age group as mine or older as I expect them to be more concerned and more involved in nation building. Arriving at the site I was surprised to be greeted by, ummm, younger faces. Then I was informed that Bayani Challenge in Ilocos was inspired by the youth, mostly college students. I wanted to join a house build project but I was told there is no house build project in Ilocos, but there are other activities lined up; school refurbishing, medical mission, clean-up drive, foot bridge repair, etc.

   

  

Hearing this I had to silence my head’s nagging saying “why did you not check if there’s a house build project before coming here?” I never checked because ever since I thought building houses is the only project Bayani Challenge does, now I learned it does more than that. That Bayani Challenge aims for holistic community development. So, how can I say I don’t want to be a part of that when it is exactly the reason why I want to do volunteer works for the community?  To calm the endless nagging in my head I had to reason, you came to offer voluntary help, should it matter what kind of job you do to help? These are the things that needs to be done here so give your bestest. I convinced myself and as expected, I stayed. 

My decision to join Bayani Challenge came with a pack with myself to not to write about the experience. I intended to make this mission, classified. But seeing the sacrifices of the many young Bayani I've met, I realized I have to let every Filipino know about them and be inspired by them.

Since I was by myself the service team took me in. I was a silent participant to their meetings and routines; I intended to conceal my natural tendency to lead since part of the intention for joining Bayani Challenge was to blend in. But apparently my decision to join Bayani Challenge alone is not a usual story, and it did not help that my name was regularly mentioned during morning and evening builder’s assembly it made me an instant celebrity, sort of. In less than two days my “blending in” mission was sabotaged, and on day three I was requested to do a bigger task. We didn't have enough team leaders at the service team to handle the deployed groups at the sites, and to accommodate more sites requesting for volunteers I was requested to step-in and handle my own team. That was the end of my camouflaging.

 

Bayani. That’s what we call the heroes of our country, but for many years the word “bayani” was associated with having to die for the country, an act which may discourage many of us from aspiring to be heroes. But the good news, to keep up with the times the word “bayani” has taken a more judicious and considerate standards, one which does not require dying to qualify on becoming one. I came across a more encouraging concept of the word;

“Bayani” as a word can have any of these three applications:"bayani" as a person; "kabayanihan" as a heroic act; and "bayani" as a heroic group, community or nation.

Bayani Challenge was a true bayanihan experience. Brushed with the volunteer’s bayanihan spirit, the community we visited were also eager to give what they can; they chatted with us, listened to us, encouraged us; they worked with us and even shared their meals with us. Team Ilocos was quite a diverse with a few balikbayan’s, a group of young professionals who like me travelled all the way from Manila to join Bayani Challenge in Ilocos. But the bigger group are students from age four (our youngest volunteer)  to early to middle twenty’s.

 

Most of Ilocos volunteers maybe young but one should never judge them by their age. Before doing our task each day I made sure to get to know my team for the day I’d try to memorize all their names, ask questions since I am especially interested to know the reason for their volunteering and I was surprised hearing thirteen, fourteen or fifteen year old kids from St. Joseph Institution (SJI) GK volunteers saying “because I can see that there are problems now and I don’t want that ten or fifteen years from now I would still see the same problem, I want to see change” — wow! I was blown away. And these are kids who probably haven’t used a shovel, hand saw or wheelbarrow ever in their lives, and probably only knew painting at art class.

I also had the chance to sit down and chat with the volunteers from St. Louis College who were extremely dedicated to their mission, never wanting to leave the site without finishing what they have started. Even willing to extend their stay in Ilocos at their own cost just to finish what they were assigned to do. Clearly it is more than passion, more than dedication or hard work; it’s an act of heroism.

  

   

Volunteerism is the new brand of heroism of the youth. To achieve change, they no longer march up the streets to stage a rally, or point a finger and join the endless blaming game with the government. The youth have finally found their voice; the youth have finally discovered how important their role is in the community, in moving the country, in effecting change. I am privileged to have witnessed this firsthand. Looking at their faces felt like looking in the mirror, I can see myself in them when I was their age; how inspired they are, how dedicated they are, how determined they are in doing their job; in inspiring, in making a difference. I am deeply honoured to have worked with these kids. Thank you for your courage of making all the sacrifices for the good of others. I honour their parents for encouraging their kids to be great leaders of our country, for raising heroes.  

Agyamanak Ilocos volunteers. Thank you for the inspiration. For letting me into your homes even when I’m a stranger, for accepting me despite my imperfection and for loving me as I am. I cherish the moment when I have sat and talk with you until the early mornings. And I relish remembering how we ended Bayani Challenge.   The thought of how we met and how we parted never fails to make me smile; I know it won’t be our last hellos and goodbyes as we have already become part of each other’s lives.    

There are so many side stories that I missed including and there are emotions that are still difficult to express in words until now, my only recommendation for you to understand why joining Bayani Challenge is more than overwhelming is you try it yourself. Maybe then you can help me explain how a five day activity makes strangers feel like they have bonded for years.

Let’s savour life's surprises and unforgettable experiences.

Live Life,

Mai=)

Nota Bene: This feature is especially written for the volunteers I have personally worked and become friends with: SLC, FBAS, SJI, UNP, Team Dong, LORMA, and the Service Team. Agyamanak iti isasangbay mo ti biag ko (thank you for coming into my life). Keep the fire blazing and the music for the unity dance playing. Inggana ti sumaruno manen nga intay panagkikita (till we meet again). 

Photo Credit:

Louie Mariz Layosa 

(Social Media Bayani Challenge Ilocos)

Camille Sicat

Jomar Marrero

Kyle Chan Tan

MJ Arugay

Art Anthony Umel

*** Please forgive me for putting so many photos in this entry, but yeah for more photos please check PN Agila (Northwest Luzon)

  

Moments of Silence and Simple Escape.=)

After my busy 2012, my 2013 started with a weird schedule. So, before I get carried away with all the time demands I want to make sure I start my year with a clear head and a peaceful heart; and be able to maintain the balance which I started to regain last year.

For quite some time I’ve been hanging by whatever thought there is in my head and really didn’t have the time to analyze what it says. But today, I finally found the time to evaluate my goals and write them in my journal, yes, for someone who’s so much into digital writing I still write with a journal and a pen, and I still buy an actual book. It’s still different when you get to flip through the pages of a book and swipe your fingers across your journal and remember how much time and emotion you poured over the pages.

So, I finally have the weekend to myself! Yes! This is a rare occasion for me these days; so, I made sure to have my moment of silence, enjoying my own little space away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

I always wear a happy heart (with the exception of my crazy days) and most people think it comes naturally, that there’s no effort to it. But I'll let you in to a secret; I’m just as normal, OHHhh, hold it right there! I honestly hesitated calling myself normal as I don't think I qualify for the description, most times I really stay on the crazy side and that’s when I’m most normal. Hahaha. But for the purpose of getting my point through I’d say again, “I’m just as normal” as everyone else, I have my share of crazy days, down days, off-days, angry days, impatient days, and the list goes on for all the negative days. And there are days when you’d just snap specially when you’ve really tried being patient for a long time and all of a sudden you realize you’re just tired bottling it all up and you tell yourself “enough being patient!” then you let go and you release yourself of all the things you’re holding inside. Yah, I have those days, had those days. And those were not exactly good feelings. And after freeing yourself from something you used to feel so strongly about; still you realize you’re still not exactly ok. I’ve been there and for a while I had the feeling memorized. But how do I go back from feeling like a rot to being ok? Simple, I spend time with myself!=)

My Daily Essentials:(No, wine not included, I just included it in the photo for the classy look.hahhaa.)

Yabang Pinoy Journal (my most favourite item from the Yabang Pinoy Media Night goody bag) that's where my life goes.

Belle de Jour planner is a birthday gift from a very thoughtful officemate. Ohh, I so love the planner! It's very girly though, but it allows me to let my hair down and let the planner remind me to pamper myself, it's like having your personal assistant anytime, all the time!=)

My, daily Devotional by Bill Hybels, it's my everyday guide to living right, fair and just; with myself and with others.

Catholic Bible; I finally learned to read the Bible last year (no, it’s not that I don’t really know how or I don’t really READ the Bible, but have you heard about the thing that people say about Catholics? That Catholics don’t read the Bible? It was once true to me. But God sent me a friend who inspired me to read the Bible and to get to know My God personally.This is I think among my greatest achievements last year.=)

You’d be surprised to know how much time and space I require for myself. I live alone, yet “alone time” is still different, it's essential to my wellbeing ; it gives me time to think, listen to my thoughts, encourage my heart, talk to God and send my silly, funny, weird and nonsensical dreams to the universe with a hope in my heart that no matter how silly, funny, weird and nonsensical those dreams are; the universe, after laughing at me will still hear my heart and surprise me by granting my desires. And today, I finally had that day; a day to behold... And I finally have the time for writing again for this blog; and hopefully I’d be able to write with more sense soon.

Great things are free and alone times are truly a bliss for me. And I’m glad to have spent a quiet escape today. Try it sometime! It will truly revitalize your spirit. That’s all for today, I’m just glad to be able to share some positivity from my sanctuary.=)

Happy Sunday!

Live Life!

Mai

A Blissful Treat For A Working Girl (by: Body Bliss)

The last quarter of 2012 was amongst my busiest if not the busiest in my entire work life. You may think I’m exaggerating; I want to think I’m just exaggerating too, but I’m not. My personal and work lives were equally running at the same speed in the fast lane. Several times I had to step on the brake pedal to recover control but that’s all I can allow myself to do, allow myself to regain control so I can deal with my self-imposed deadlines. Gaining control did not mean a time to rest, but was a temporary halt to breathe so I can run again. Wheewww!!!

I’m not complaining though. I enjoy what I do, so much so that I allowed myself to throw away all the hard work I did for almost a year to achieve the kind of shape I wanted to see when I look at myself in the mirror— read: no workout, not eating healthy, not enough sleep, and to top it all I developed a deep emotional bond with my fridge. Very often I found myself binging on chocolates (hmmm..., as often as almost every night) to compensate not getting the right amount of sleep.

Fast forward to the day after Christmas, I received a text message from one of my best girls, asking if I’m back home, home meaning back in Davao. In my head, I know that text was all I needed to jumpstart getting back to my senses; mute the calls of the fridge, break my love affair with chocolate and start to move my butt and pamper myself again.

My friend Ciara owns one of Body Bliss franchises in Davao. Body Bliss is one of the most successful home-grown SPA outfits in Davao. Though the brand had been around for some time (its first branch opened in 2007), I never really had the chance to experience their service until Ciara’s reply to my request for a free whole body massage. Ohh, I so love my life!=)

So, we scheduled a massage and dinner date so we can catch up. On the appointed date Ciara arranged a schedule for me under the service of her best masseuse, no less. I was given a blissful 60 minute head-to-toe aromatherapy massage using 3 combined techniques – Thai, Swedish and Shiatsu. Kathy, my masseuse is indeed the best! She knows exactly what to do, the pressure she puts to her massages were just perfect, consistent and ahhh... what’s the word? Yes, rejuvenating. I almost wanted to just stay there forever, if not for my hungry stomach. Ahahaha

 Photo Credit: Groupon, Inc.

Ciara is hands-on in her business, insuring her team only offers the best service. Body bliss is a cross-cut between the upscale and fast casual-spa; but the way they deliver their services is at par with that of the upscale spa clinics; one you should never under estimate. The experience was divine and I can’t wait for my next visit! It might take a while though, but I will surely come back to Body Bliss.=)

Body bliss, as the name suggests aims to provide blissful treatments for stressed out bodies. Check out their offerings!

For Home Service and Reservation:

Body Bliss Obrero: +632.82.226.3114

Location: Corner Cervantes, Lacson Street, Bo. Obrero, Davao City

Let’s start the year right! Let’s live a healthy life!=)

Live Life!

Mai=)

Ohh Sweet Life!=)

Eating sweets is part of every life’s situation. Whether you're celebrating happy moments like Christmas, birthdays, weddings and anniversaries, or when you’re dealing with a troubled heart; you can surely expect a box of sweets somewhere at the corner of the room.

Can you imagine a life without cakes, chocolates and ice cream? I can’t.

I just can’t live without my usual ice cream and chocolate fix in a down day that will surely make me crazier (because I’m naturally crazy. hahaha).

We just love to eat and we just love to eat anything sweet. If you’re celebrating an important occasion soon, if you’re not done buying your Christmas gifts or if you simply want to have your sweet fix; not to worry, check Sweet by Madelaz and you just might find the right gift or sweet fix that you’re looking for.

Sweet by Madelaz is custom-made cupcakes for all occasions. For more information please like their Facebook page at Sweet by Madelaz.

  



Live a little more sweeter LiFe!

Mai=)

Note: Photos are provided for by: Sweet by Madelaz.

Advocacy:Global Pinoy Bazaar (Support Filipino! Support our Peso!)

My October and November schedule are really packed, packed to the brim. Not only once did I have to decline invitations and meetups with friends the previous month because of my many engagements, even my writing had to slow down for a while too. But there’s one event that I should never miss. And this one, you shouldn’t also miss.

One day to go!

 I’d like to invite all of you again to the Global Pinoy Bazaar on Saturday and Sunday (Nov 10-11) from 10am - 10pm at Rockwell Tent, Makati City. 

This 2 day event is an invitation for all of us to spend our peso for Filipino. Buy Filipino. Give Filipino gifts for Christmas. Let’s help empower our peso!

Filipino products is worth your every peso. Support Filipino! Support our Peso!

Below are photos of some of the things you can see at the Global Pinoy Bazaar:

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Yabang Pinoy Facebook Page

There is surely something for everyone.=)

Live Life!=)

Mai

Related Posts:

Buy Filipino: Global Pinoy Bazaar(November 10-11)

Advocacy: May Yabang ang Pinoy!