For the first time in my life, I have suffered the loss of my mobile phone.
I was just paying for some items at SM Harrison, and placed my Nokia C3 on the cashier counter, so that I could take out both my wallet and in-store membership card. I saw some items nearby and just took a look. Before I knew it, it was gone.
Of course, I was mad. Mad and fuming at a lot of things, not least of them my sheer carelessness in thinking I could get away with leaving an item on a public space (even though it was just nearby) without it being pocketed by someone else. I was also mad at the several SM employees who were just rooted to the ground when I started asking questions. I was mad at the person who took it, because I believe that the no-no against taking what does not belong to us has been imprinted in our memories since kindy years. Oh well.
It was a silly scene at Harrison. All I was asking for - nay, begging for - was access to a mobile phone so that I could try calling my own phone. I understand that the employees were not allowed to bring their mobile phones with them while working but good Lord, I was asking them to ask their managers to lend me a phone. It took all of half an hour (and more) for one manager to take pity on my situation (at this point, I had to flash my De La Salle University business card) and took some semblance of an action. She went to get her own mobile, and that took another 10-15 minutes or so. At that point, I knew it was gone.
On Blame
Of course, the responsibility for this particular unfortunate event does not entirely fall on the shoulders of one party. I learned this the hard way, when I was so hard on myself for the first half an hour of the theft. Then, I realized that there was pretty much nothing I could have done. The CCTV camera over the cashier was useless, since the employees told me it was switched off (how STUPID is that?), and therefore my sense of security in the mall was pretty much false. Also, the person - God bless his soul on the judgment he will receive - who took it could always have turned it in to the Lost and Found section, or at least had the decency to receive my calls later and return it. Was that too much to hope for? I personally didn't think so.
Lessons learned, and I know much better now. Surprisingly, forgiveness came easily. As my mother was raising me, she'd say of stolen things: "At least when you have something stolen from you, it made the thief happy for a while. Give it to them." My boss, who I notified a little later said, "That's alright. That should give you some sense of detachment from the material things of the world." The wisdom from this incident! :)
So yeah, do not text or call me at my old number anymore :PJay~
It's been a few days since I've moved out of the old apartment, and I have to say, even though the circumstances are the same (I pay my own bills, handle miscellaneous responsibilities, wake myself up, etc.), the feel is quite different.
First, the quiet is God-given. My old apartment featured neighbors who were constantly at each others' throats, with the violence sometimes spilling out onto the street. The microphone-toting preacher was a source of nuisance as well, since he would preach at the top of his lungs all the time, as if that would mean communicating better the Word to the masses. The neighbor's dog - why do apartments allow dogs?? - and its barking and omnipresent fecal matter are all finally gone, much to my relief. I swear I could shoot that dog, given a hot enough day and temper of mine, as well as the availability of the necessary weapon.
Second, the independence is amazing. I've always been proud of the fact that I'm independent, but seeing as this is a brand-new condo and with all my furniture and appliances paid for from the fruits of my toil, I have been more inclined to take care of my place and my stuff much better. The place is spic-and-span, with everything in its proper place. I love how I have the freedom (finally!) to do what I wish with the interior. The only thing missing right now is a fridge, and once I have that, I promise to upload photographs of my new place.
Third, the swagger that comes with paying for not one, but two places is a source of quiet and private pride. At my age, I am able to support more than myself. My old place, I have turned over to my grandparent, and she probably has the most real estate in the old neighborhood, seeing as many people are jam-packed Manila-style into small dwellings. I love how I know I can do this, and do this comfortably.
It's been difficult, and it's been tiring to move out. Now that it's done though, I wouldn't have it any other way.Jay~
This issue on the sexy dancing 6-year old has ballooned over the past weeks and is now currently dying down. By "dying down", I mean it has not been going around as much, and I do not see links and/or posts about this incident flying around either Facebook or Twitter. The show host, Willie Revillame, along with the television show, are on a 'break' for the past week (which will continue after next week) so this seems to be a resolved issue. Seems.
What exactly has been resolved?
The issue that many people have, i.e. violated rights of a child, has not really been handled to its conclusion. Sure, advertisers have pulled/suspended their ads from the show in order to cut ties with a possible children's rights violator. One after another, the advertisers - the bread and butter of any major mass media institution - pulled out. The show probably lost money on this, and then again, maybe not. While the actions of the advertisers seem to be supporting the case against violation of rights, it just seems like they want to wash their hands off this issue, IN CASE it does get messy. Food for thought: "rats abandon a sinking ship".
Bloggers and other media personalities, while very vocal in their condemnation of the show host for allowing the travesty to happen, are currently under attack themselves. The parents of Jan-Jan are even suing said bloggers, stating that all the media hype that has engulfed their family (along with the non-too-flattering "child abuser" label) is causing more damage to the child's well-being, as compared to the performance of their child on national television, lack of taste notwithstanding. What does this lawsuit do for the persons involved then?
In my opinion?
NOTHING GOOD.
Parents:
If (and this is a big if) they win the case against the personalities accusing them of child abuse, they get some money, sure, but that's about it. They will forever be remembered as the parents of one unfortunate kid who, with one televised performance, united thousands of Filipinos against child abuse. Pride, dignity, and reputation can never be covered by any amount won in a suit.
On the occasion that they lose this lawsuit, well, that's just plain ol' salt to the wound for them.
Bloggers/Personalities:
There is such a thing as freedom of speech, and as a blogger, I would feel really sympathetic if they were condemned for expressing their feelings and opinions through the written word. Granted, we bloggers are emotional and vocal creatures; this is one of the main reasons we blog. However, the intentions of the bloggers and various other individuals who spoke out against child abuse, the show host who displayed some insensitivity during the performance, and the television network for airing it are good; one would be hard-pressed to find anyone who spoke out against the issue out of personal gain. If these people were to lose the suit, it would be a sad day indeed for pro-active actions of Filipinos, and if they were to win, no point would have been proven, since it is the child abuse card that is on the table all along.
The Host:
If the parents win the lawsuit, perhaps some measure of comfort and "justice" would be felt by the host. This does not erase the fact that what has happened on that fateful episode of his show has already been burned onto the souls and minds of the Filipino viewer. He has his supporters, and he has his haters. At the end of the day, it is up to him to change and be more sensitive and more genuine in his quest to "help the poor", and stop involving himself in situations where he could potentially earn yet another detrimental label. If the parents lose, he still keeps the reputation he has, and he is still off the air.
Jan-Jan:
The lawsuit, should it favor his parents, does nothing for the boy. Now, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) of the Philippines would probably not be able to do anything in order to help him, and in the case that there MAY be child abuse, he is pretty much on his own. If his family loses the lawsuit, the loss of family dignity and honor would be something he'd feel for the rest of his life. In the end, he will be the biggest loser, no matter how this turns out.
And to the parents: If you both did not want this issue to escalate further, why pursue a lawsuit? Congratulations; you have now drawn even more attention to this incident.Jay~
First of all, I have NOTHING against bible study gatherings in residential areas; heck I used to lead youth groups just a few years back. A bible study gathering - complete with a few songs and yummy snacks - is one of the most enjoyable things I used to join.
However...
When in a RESIDENTIAL AREA with a population density of about a hundred households per street (this is sub-urban Manila after all) please, for the love of all that is worthy of worshiping, do not shout, scream, yell, or belt your heart out.
On a microphone, no less.
Windows closed. Door closed. Five storeys up.
I STILL HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR!!
GRR.
"I will be still, and know You are God."
- The bible, on silent moments.Jay~
Ten official months together :)
It's been a roller-coaster ride, and worth every moment.
Here's to two-short-of-a-year to us <3
ILYPJ :">Jay~
What defines a 'hero'?
A hero is one because s/he inspires others to strive to be a higher being, to attain a higher sense of purpose in life (and perhaps the next?). A hero is not reckless; rather, s/he is courageous. Taking risks without knowing and understanding the consequences is what separates the village idiot from a true hero. The hero is selfless, and yet loves life, but it is this love of life that commits him/her to sacrifice all for the sake of his/her principles, flag, family, and loved ones.
Because s/he knows that those things are the things that s/he lives for.
With that, let us honor our heroes. The ones who are doing the best that their bodies, abilities, and souls can in order to QUITE LITERALLY keep the world safe.
The workers, technicians, scientists, and other personnel working 24/7 to fix the broken nuclear reactors in Japan.
I look up to all of you, knowing certain death must come from this and yet choosing to do what is right, given the right skills and expertise that each of you have. Thank you for trying to save all of us. Thank you for trying to save the world.
'nuff said.Jay~
For further reading:
Yahoo! News report on Japanese workers committed to die if need be.
It was never going to be a pretty incident.
Today, three Filipinos were executed in China for drug smuggling. According to Chinese law, smuggling and trafficking more than 50g of illegal drugs is punishable by death by lethal injection.
The three Filipinos were supposed to have been handed the death penalty a month ago, had not Vice President Binay personally brought a letter from the President to the Chinese authorities requesting a stay of execution. The stay was granted, but earlier today, the fate of the three were released to the public: they have been executed as per Chinese law.
Too harsh?
Amnesty International has continually berated the People's Republic of China over the harsh laws it has, as well as the numerous cases of death penalties meted out on nationals and non-nationals alike. The three Filipinos executed today follow the fate of several other foreigners convicted of drug-related crimes within China. Many online comments on the news posts that I have seen show people expressing sympathy towards the families of the drug mules (people who are hired to smuggle drugs into another country for a fee) and increasing resentment towards the drug syndicates abound. Many are arguing that though Chinese laws are harsh, perhaps it would have been a wiser course of action for both the Philippine and the Chinese governments to have pursued the "head of the snake" instead, as compared to chopping off the "appendages" - the drug mules, in this case.
One thing I do see a problem was the claim that drug syndicates have "duped" these people into smuggling drugs into another country. That may be so, and I honestly believe that these three were probably driven to the point of desperation as to resort to taking huge risks such as the one they all did, in order to provide for their families. It is painful for us Filipinos to admit it, but the three individuals executed were adults capable of weighing decisions; it was a matter of unfortunate circumstance that they were caught, arrested, tried, and found guilty. It was even more unfortunate that all of those happened in a nation-state that still implemented capital punishment. However, I think we also need to understand the point of view of the Chinese government. It was enforcing its laws. Nothing more, nothing less. It was painful to see our countrymen die by the hand of another nation's justice system, and it was also painful to know that these same persons were duped and/or tricked. However, from China's point of view, its laws were broken, and in the spirit of maintaining its sovereignty, it enforced those selfsame laws; the death of three 'criminals' would simply be another case of lawbreakers meeting their fate. Sad? Yes. Fair? Probably not. In accordance to Chinese law? Yes, and that's what matters to the Chinese government.
I hope that this incident serves as a lesson to many Filipinos who are driven to take any and all measures in order to provide for their families. Honest living may not provide the same financial rewards as illegal activities do, but the risk - such as being prosecuted and found guilty in a foreign court - is far too much for our loved ones to handle when worse comes to worse. It is not fair to them, especially if they find out of our fate through television as it had already happened. It is also not right for us to go to another country and break the laws of that country. In the same way that we will never think of smashing our host's windows as they accommodate us in their home, we shouldn't have to take unnecessary risks that could well end up unhealthily.
My favorite author, Michael Crichton, said it best:
"Justice is never about fairness.. It is merely a resolution for conflict."Jay~
There have been recent developments regarding the recent incident involving a minor dancing like seedy entertainer on national television. This particular one is far more disturbing as it shakes the very foundation of common sense and logic.
Jan-Jan's parents are NOT filing charges and they do NOT "see anything wrong" with what transpired on that show.
What??
Yes, that is exactly what is mentioned in this news article. What is even more disgusting was some of the things the parents had to say in that news report:
"That’s what my son wanted, he liked to be famous, become a star...I just supported my kid...that’s what he wanted."
- Jojo Estrada, father of Jan-Jan.
Daddy's issue here is fame. Fame that his six-year old apparently wanted to have, and so, being the "supportive father" that he is, allowed his son to be the object of "entertainment" and ridicule from thousands and thousands of Filipino viewers nationwide. An issue arises here: When does "supporting" your child's "dreams" simply become a parent using his child as a tool for a quick buck and a claim to fame? I do not wish to treat children as if they are second-class citizens, but children are children for a reason: they need the GUIDANCE, DISCIPLINE, and PROTECTION of their parents (barring that, their guardians). What Mr. Estrada did was none of those; I do not claim to be an expert on parenting but no father should presume that being famous is what his child needs right now. Now, his son and his family are famous, true, but for all the wrong reasons.
It's difficult to say which camp is more wrong, but the fact remains that there is something wrong in this incident. If there wasn't, then the national public outrage that this has caused would constitute about the population of a public bathroom. This is not the case though. Thousands are speaking up against this form of "public entertainment"; clearly, it has violated an inner sense of righteousness and fairness among many Filipinos. I admit: I do not watch Willing Willie, but say I was a new viewer (all of you Willie die-hards were once first-time viewers too, so no hypocritical remarks) and this was the first episode I saw (which is true for my case), wouldn't I have the right to be appalled at what I saw? I was, and horrified too. The video brought out emotions of anger at the crass exploitation of a child who literally did NOT know any better, the classless gags and VERY tired jokes, as well as the frustration that real, living human beings are eating up and consuming shows such as these.
Shows with no cultural, societal, and moral values.
NONE WHATSOEVER.
None, as proven by the casual - almost nonchalant - indifference of the child's parents against those seeking to defend their child's rights.
We all need to take a stand. Our national identity and values cannot be a street-side whore for the consumption of many.Jay~
This was an issue that has been around for a couple of weeks now, but has only come to my attention recently. It's a well-known fact that here in the Philippines, entertainment shows abound (though their methods of "entertaining" are rather dubious at times) and one particular show, hosted by a certain Willie Revillame, takes the cake for appalling "humor".
There is a video of this incident, but I feel it is not necessary to spread it around until the kid's face is obscured to spare him further humiliation, degradation, and loss of respect. Here is a post with a screenshot of the performance. Basically, this is the picture:
The show's host, Willie, has gained some notoriety on certain tasteless and allegedly exploitative acts in order to promote his show. He throws around money like cheap candy (in this particular case, he hands P3,000 to JanJan's aunt for hugging him. Yeah, he needs more of that.) and in the eyes of many viewers "struggling to make ends meet", he's the second Jesus himself. This show featuring JanJan, however, is just horribly wrong.
It starts off innocently enough. A poor kid from a poor family is featured on a show. Fine. He is asked to dance. Fine as well. However, the child's dance was akin to the sort that red-light district performers are prone to do, which wouldn't be as terrible as it became had the kid not been crying during his entire performance. He was clearly distressed, but the show's host, the kid's aunt, and the vast majority of the audience were egging him on. For the next five minutes or so, Willie repeatedly asked JanJan to perform over and over again. The distressed look on the kid's face never disappeared. He was given P10,000 (about $200) for his troubles.
Entertainment vs Morals
The issue that many people such as myself are bringing up in response to this show is not because we "hate" Willie Revillame. For some, that is indeed true. I am indifferent as to who he is. My personal problem is that this man allows unacceptable things to happen; a child of 6 years dancing provocatively on stage for money definitely counts as unacceptable in my books. Aside from that, the fact that many people find this practice "alright" for "poor people" is not only judgmental; it is a display of total dumbf*ckery (pardon the language, I'm pretty mad).
When the host was explaining "how difficult life is... he's [JanJan] doing this for his family..", did any of the viewers stop to think why a child would do this "for his family"? Yes, life is hard, especially in a third-world country like ours, but dignity and self-respect shouldn't be the first two things to be sacrificed for two hundred bloody dollars. In the video, the kid mentioned his dad operated a parlor (a barbershop) and the host was suggestively questioning the father's occupation, which he does not have a right to do. JanJan's family is much better off than many other Filipinos simply because his father has an occupation. Yeah, an occupation but not honor and certainly not the protectiveness expected of a father. Why am I putting so much of the blame on the father? The kid says he learned to dance that way FROM HIM. And of course, the father - along with the mother and the ecstatic aunt - would have given permission for him to appear on television the way he did. This scares me; parents and guardians have no qualms about sacrificing the dignity and self-respect of children for the sake of "providing for the family" and/or "making a living during desperate times".
Oh, and it also did not help that the host, the crowd, and the viewers that day I am sure, were hooting and cheering as a child (who should either be in school, watching cartoons, or playing in the park) showed the country what he is being taught to do all for the sake of making a quick buck.
We have prostituted our society.
All of us are liable, unless we speak up and stand up against this. United, we the people of the Philippines, can topple an institution that has made a mockery of our supposed Christian values and the familial ethics we claim to be so proud of.
Thanks to Definitely Filipino for the picture and some info.Jay~
Today I signed the contract to move into my new condominium :)
I'll be staying in one of the new condos at Taft Avenue fronting De La Salle University. Obviously, I won't say where exactly :P
Aside from being very near work (across the street!), the condo will also be a much safer and cleaner place to live in. The amenities are pretty good as well. The best part? I am actually paying for everything with the money I'm earning :) Way to go on life! :D
Wish me luck, and plenty of blessings!Jay~
Moved up at work :)
It's only been a few months and now, I have far more responsibilities at work. It's really flattering (with pressure!) that the boss is showing a lot of faith in me and my abilities. Instead of simply being a writer and researcher for the university, I am now the Executive Assistant of the University President, as well as the Coordinator for Presidential Affairs in three La Salle universities/colleges (DLSU, DLSAU, and DLSC). God is being very very good to me :)
Here's to the future!Jay~
