tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3071558579067929662012-02-16T17:06:07.623-08:00Danger and ParadiseNext Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1411100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-56915902781010978012010-07-09T18:31:00.000-07:002010-07-09T18:36:06.743-07:00

I told myself I should be an expert at this but saying goodbye seems more difficult when you're older. How do you make partings easier?I always believe in short and sweet and saying all you're closures and sorries and being still friends after that. It will shorten the time of healing. So what am I doing making this time longer that it should be. I should have left three years ago. I should

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-68664259353750591312010-02-16T06:50:00.000-08:002010-02-16T07:31:57.419-08:00

It was a long road for most of us Filipino fans. Dreaming of seeing American Idol contestants perform onstage live is a long shot for most. I resolved that I would see Kris Allen or Adam Lambert when they perform here no matter what after the finals. So I headed with my friends to the empty lot in Mckinley hills to see the season 8 winner perform.It was good that there was no rain but the air

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-27377933065663926012010-01-22T03:49:00.000-08:002010-01-22T07:35:58.309-08:00

After a two day slow boat ride from Huay Xai the forest lined banks of the Mekong River suddenly changed into a city. Walking up the concrete pavement from the pier, one arrives at the entrance to the former Royal Palace now the National Museum. It was magical and that must have been the experience of every traveller who took that route. The city was lined with french colonial houses and dotted

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-87392975742244370122010-01-22T03:42:00.000-08:002010-01-22T03:49:15.601-08:00

Its election time once again in the Philippines. And as Charles Dickens put it, it's the best of times and the worst of times. We see the flood of money maybe not directly, but notice the number of roads and bridges that are being repaired even if they don't need repairs and the projects that suddenly were completed after being left for granted in the past three years.what is worst though is

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-54682809369330233392009-12-10T14:10:00.001-08:002009-12-10T14:12:49.846-08:00

Bring it on. I don't care anymore. They are not afraid of burning in hell. They just want hell for all of us. Thank you your honors, mr. president, mr. speaker and honorable gentleman and ladies. Thank you for hell on earth.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-62381413230931643282009-12-01T04:17:00.000-08:002009-12-01T04:20:20.467-08:00

It's not an Asian thing. Going to that remote old Laotian capital in the middle of the Mekong river may just be the adventure I needed to speed me back to my groove. There's actually 26 days to left.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-46336530802673904172009-11-25T03:17:00.000-08:002009-11-25T03:21:49.505-08:00

They wanted to make it appear that the 47 just disappeared so they buried the vehicles with the bodies. The sad thing is how no matter how gruesome the massacre is, the police and military cannot point to anybody as responsible for the crime.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-9657620770729540952009-11-06T16:18:00.000-08:002009-11-06T16:49:07.652-08:00

It finally ended on a warm balmy night. When he finally left us, the rain poured. Maybe he left me earlier when I was not looking Or was not minding that he tip toed out of that room and finally was freed from all the pain and suffering.That was what I was afraid of, That I didn't see him.I was looking hard. But I didn't see him.I wished I looked at him for soul and spirit.Not just body and

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-5584004418113707672009-08-25T17:52:00.000-07:002009-08-25T17:55:09.390-07:00

Long ago I would believe what my priest tells me during sermons because I believed that they have stood for what is right all the time. But after they have loose their moral credibility during the Garci scandal, I have lost my trust. I still have my faith, but them men in robes do not have integrity for me anymore. And so in these calls by the church in Bicol against mining and casino plans, I

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-11487811656275591372009-08-22T03:32:00.000-07:002009-08-25T16:12:41.757-07:00

This picture was taken around 10 am while sipping avocado mango shake at Jonah's and watching tourist wade through seawater which reached the railings of the juice bar. You can see Willy's rock in a distance.In an uncontrolled growth spurt, the resort island is finding itself sinking with the new influx of building frenzy of luxury hotels at the station one, beach side. There is always a price

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-11622099869236851682009-08-15T07:11:00.000-07:002009-08-15T07:20:15.252-07:00

For the fallen soldiers in Basilan killed in the battle with Abu Sayaff and MILF we thank you. From the grapevine, the troops charged into the Abu camp without proper precautions, finding a deserted camp when actually the Abus are in the periphery. From the grapevine, only 13 Abus are killed in the clash compared to the 44 military personnel. How true these allegations are, it only makes me

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-38460830667904658432009-08-13T01:59:00.000-07:002009-08-13T02:15:23.835-07:00

For all of us.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-12441517671309370802009-08-11T16:23:00.000-07:002009-08-11T16:27:26.531-07:00

Supposing it's really from the stock market increasing your income from 7 million to 155 million in eight years is phenomenal. I just hope the president actully tipped all of us which stocks to buy para sana ganun din ang increase ng income natin. Alin kaya ang stock na magandang bilhin? If that's how much money can be made in the Philippine Stock market, then why are there no investors?

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-8784215325824866712009-08-08T03:15:00.000-07:002009-08-08T03:18:19.859-07:00

I am disgusted of people who talk of hoping to come back to martial law days. I am appalled when they say it was better during those days. I think it was better for them, but not for me. Do they really mean deep in their hearts what they are hoping for?

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-28257530130126124732009-08-05T06:19:00.001-07:002009-08-05T06:31:45.586-07:00

Even in her death President Aquino gave us the lesson on how to unite Filipinos. It is not lofty ideals or principles but rather the simple and the correct. Yesterday's necrological service had orators extolling hte virtues of our president. The standouts of course were Bro Armin Luistro, Paul Cabral and to my surprise and definite amazement, Conrado de Quiros. Instantly I became a de Quiros

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-81466864584167128462009-08-04T16:41:00.000-07:002009-08-04T16:43:51.508-07:00

Paalam mahal naming lahat

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-88637719523898354692009-07-31T17:48:00.000-07:002009-07-31T18:04:09.463-07:00

In true Filipino style, our beloved tita Cory passed away while the fifth sorrowful mystery was being recited at her bedside, on the glorious Saturday of the first day of the month her husband was assasinated. She died at 3:18 am this morning as confirmed by his only son, Noynoy. I was trying to find sense among all the condolences from prominent people on the three different channels on tv.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-48219407576636019582009-07-30T06:34:00.001-07:002009-07-30T06:45:12.233-07:00

It was a shoutout on facebook that heralded the news of the seven new national artist. Manuel Conde for cinema. Carlo J Caparas for comics. Cecille Alvarez for theater. Pitoy Moreno for fashion. Alcuaz for visual arts. Manosa for Architecture. And one for literature somebody I haven't read but hopefully deserves to be a national artist. I don't know what the criteria is for being chosen as

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-88392486257472941802009-07-25T02:54:00.000-07:002009-07-25T03:11:51.516-07:00

I was searching the LUXE sets of asian city guides and to my consternation and subsequent disappointment, Manila was singed out. Imagine having guides for Cambodia and even Laos while the ever loyal and noble city of Manila does not merit to have one. Understandably, when all the historic places in the city are left to fend for themselves the city does not have a soul now. It is a city where

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-22713771576428950642009-07-17T23:18:00.000-07:002009-07-17T23:29:31.800-07:00

I don't want to pass judgement on the opening of the new park near Fort Pilar. Molded after the Manila Baywalk with lights that I believe cost half a million each and paved walks, its opening has been long overdue. It was opened to the public a week ago with very little funfare maybe because the weather did not permit such. a thunderstorm raged during the opening night with text messages of

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-31184949635466936922009-06-30T05:47:00.000-07:002009-06-30T06:17:55.369-07:00

Having been raised in the tradition of Sechrist, Bearcub Newport and VIP bird. Two hospitals have bought different mechanical ventilators recently. After using them in five patients each, here are my outcomes: GE carestation survival rate ZERO while Drager survival rate 75%. Dragers vents are very user friendly. There are very few knobs to manipulate. The alarms sets in for a purpose. The

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-51753024519221108702009-06-10T07:14:00.000-07:002009-06-10T07:28:33.249-07:00

Both involved asses.Madaling araw nang ipinasa ng kongreso ang resolusyon 1109. At sa pagkakahimbing ng tulog ni Juan de la Cruz, nalusutan na naman sya ng mga sakim at mapanlinglang.Sa Pilipinas wala naman talagang pagbabago. Hindi na talaga tayo uunlad. At matagal ko nang natanggap na tayong mga Pilipino likas na tamad at nagpapaloko. Mabuti na lamang at may mga taong hindi napapagod na

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-74351975733593333902009-06-09T07:05:00.000-07:002009-06-09T07:36:30.019-07:00

Pirated DVDs galore from the night market of Cagayan de Oro over the weekend. Its a piece of Quiapo transplanted in the middle of Plaza Rizal in CDO's Divisoria. It has the vibe of Khao San Raod, the plaza coated in smoked from barbecue grills and rows of vendors selling ukay-kay clothes to plastic toys and kitchenwares. Outside the barricades are unpretentious upscale restaurants. We had

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-42679795068189814022009-05-31T00:15:00.000-07:002009-05-31T00:18:41.677-07:00

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-18871311506236468272009-05-31T00:02:00.000-07:002009-05-31T00:12:46.068-07:00

Late into the next movie installment, I have just decided to read the book by Stephenie Myers two days ago. The trouble is I am having nightmares the past few nights. Is it because the Cullens are actually on my case leaving Forks, to kill their next prey in a humid, unbearably sunny tropical island. Anyway, if I hadn't seen the movie, I think I would be bored to death by the book. If it were

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-40037561625974170562009-05-30T23:45:00.000-07:002009-05-31T00:00:18.052-07:00

It was good copy. A sexy star with a illicit video circulating in the internet. Filmed secretly by a celebrity doctor whose claim to fame is being a boytoy of the owner of thecountry's leading plastic surgery clinic. After viewing the video clip, I could not hardly make-out the face of the woman straddling on top of the doctor with so much video noise, she could actually deny that she is the

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-22558074378097843672009-05-20T23:06:00.000-07:002009-05-20T23:14:50.908-07:00

This is the only American Idol season when I didn't care who would win. Either way I would still be happy. I love Adam Lambert. I could still see his performances in my mind long after the show. His first take on Mad World blew me off. And the Track of my Tears performance was so classic. This he again brought to fore in yesterdays A Change is Gonna Come. I love his performances, but the

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-40627090511441035512009-05-19T07:09:00.000-07:002009-05-19T07:14:01.533-07:00

I could not make sense of the lyrics. I thought I understood it when I was young. But looking back, it doesn't mean anything. My friend told me it was supposed to be a protest song against the Marcoses. I wonder.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-33386643011781232452009-05-05T08:29:00.000-07:002009-05-05T08:31:39.327-07:00

The thing that I liked about it was when it was all over, I really felt proud I am a Filipino.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-72853117598427218652009-04-24T05:59:00.000-07:002009-04-24T06:54:07.697-07:00

It's the surfing capital of the Philippines. It maybe difficult to get there but braving the two hour ferry ride is well worth it.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-47507604463799440412009-04-24T04:48:00.000-07:002009-04-24T23:01:05.580-07:00

I was in Carlos Celdran's "If these walls could talk" tour of Intramuros last Sunday. It was actually not a tour but a theatrical act, history lesson and social commentary rolled into an apology. Maybe it was wrong for me to expect otherwise. I was expecting a tour like John Silva's of the National Museum. I was expecting a fresh take on the common and often neglected Manila. Instead, it was

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-76316016856000994502009-03-30T06:19:00.000-07:002009-03-30T06:23:06.614-07:00

At the time of writing, its sixteen hour before the deadline set by the Abus before they behead one of their captives. It's been how many times since they have threatened to behead their victims. I have heard stories more brutal than beheading. There are locals who get kidnapped and get split into two if no ransom is paid. So I just have to see what will become of this. Diplomacy does not

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-26541206224045675222009-03-28T22:15:00.001-07:002009-03-28T22:19:36.899-07:00

It was 8:30 in the evening and the lights suddenly came puft. Earth hour a move to save a little bit of energy and a lot of the earth from the threat of global warming. But as my friend said, they took away our right to vote. The electric companies shut down the power supply. What I know is you turn your with off if you want to to send the message to everyone that you support the earth hours

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-86525710827364795032009-03-14T07:21:00.000-07:002009-03-14T07:31:52.031-07:00

Maybe the Johor bahru experience was really off off a Malaysian experience. This time after crossing the causeway we were greeted by good roads leading to palm tree plantations galore until we reached the fabled straits of Malacca. I wondered what would have been the fuzz over that place during the spice trade years. anyway the place was like an emerging Singapore and would you believe I am

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-40079025662032607842009-03-13T08:43:00.000-07:002009-03-14T07:20:35.099-07:00

Well you really can't put down a classic. Beyond the usual, are the vibe at Holland village, the National Geographic store at Vivo City and the Luge and Songs of the Sea at Sentosa and the walking tour of Kampong Glam.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-49830685301638640812009-03-13T08:18:00.000-07:002009-03-13T08:39:19.364-07:00

The cold weather and the overcast sky may not have made this a glorious sunny holiday, but the old quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the water puppets and Halong Bay were vivid images that made this country leave an imprint in my memory.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-53593575162274983922009-03-12T07:27:00.000-07:002009-03-13T08:14:38.701-07:00

Images of Bangkok including the famous Khao san Road and Soi Rambutri. Trying to be backpackers but failing miserably. Imagine pulling roller luggages at Rambutri at 3 in the morning. so not in fashion.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-59279374540749954682009-01-29T05:17:00.000-08:002009-01-29T05:35:16.991-08:00

I have not felt this paranoid since I arrived here four years ago. There are news of kidnapping everyday in the city. Last week there were three teachers abducted in Sakol island. There were text messages being passed around containing plate numbers of white vans that supposedly are the kidnappers. There was an Ateneo student abducted in broad daylight released two days after giving a ransom

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-14554139651101170642009-01-18T04:43:00.000-08:002009-01-18T04:59:06.246-08:00

It would be easy to protest that the movie does not respond to our Hollywood sensibilities. Exactly because it is not. I successfully bring us to the magical world of India with the compulsory dance routine in the end. I was amazed not by the story but by the images and shoots and the colors. I suppose the shoots and sequences are staple fares of Bollywood movies. But this time its fast

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-82230354066065463022008-12-29T22:26:00.000-08:002008-12-29T22:40:58.037-08:00

We have longed waited for her arrival. Everyone was excited and when she arrived, we suddenly have a princess. Her father called her "bella". Italian for beautiful. I told my brother that it does not matter if my niece has a skin tag, it's not really important. And she was my princess. I have conjured lots of plans for her. I will give her the best I could that I never had. But a call

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-74302869425637188912008-12-06T00:23:00.000-08:002008-12-06T00:40:54.651-08:00

I resolved to save money last month so instead of going out daily for dinner, I stayed at home and kept myself busy with the boob tube. You can actually get addicted to these shows that really does not make you think but rather play with you emotions. So I became a Survivor fan in the past three weeks. Buti na lang last five episodes na lang.I started watching when they voted Kiko off. There

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-53793541642078489712008-11-05T02:00:00.000-08:002008-11-05T02:07:06.040-08:00

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-7255196534583881482008-11-05T01:57:00.000-08:002008-11-05T01:59:41.772-08:00

I don't know what's it about the Lantaka Hotel. But it seems that all those world changing history making moments have to occur while I'm sipping coffee at the lobby. So it's final Obama wins. Now the world can move on.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-88212562567832923952008-10-15T14:20:00.000-07:002008-10-15T14:46:31.852-07:00

I can't believe it that I have been watching the fiesta third year in a row. This tough it was different. I was keen on taking photographs having bought a new DSLR and trying to learn photoshop techniques. So much for all the world's troubles. It does not really make a difference if I wallow myself in patriotic sorrow. That does not give me money for food. So from now on, I will enjoy the

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-89754056734372142792008-09-24T15:31:00.000-07:002008-09-24T15:32:59.819-07:00

I know I have a lot of regrets in my life and the choices I made are hard. I cannot say I am living a wonderful life. But I have a lot to thank for.Happy Birthday to me.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-72374693057314556622008-09-17T06:18:00.000-07:002008-09-17T06:48:42.217-07:00

"There is time to murder and create" T.S. EliotI have often wanted to take Literature in college but never got the guts to do it. So I ended up becoming an overworked underpaid health worker. These days however, I am on a high time low census that I absolutely have a lot of time to myself. So I googled what things come for free. There are hundreds of websites that lists hundreds of free

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-60036773731961136332008-09-14T02:51:00.000-07:002008-09-14T03:13:03.201-07:00

It is summer in Europe. So our family was once again reunited after a long time two years. I was planning the trip to Singapore for like forever. I was on the internet most of the time trying to make the best schedule for the two day trip. As the date was nearing, hitches began to seep in. Mama was still in depression and was worrying about the smallest details. My sister-in law was

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-69411972038101309492008-09-12T07:14:00.000-07:002008-09-14T02:49:52.412-07:00

It suddenly rained at the start of rush hour. And the that part of EDSA outside Megamall was ankle deep in floodwater. Nothing really change in Manila, everything just gets worse. It was difficult to get a cab at EDSA Shangrila willing to take us to the Araneta. The last time I watched a concert there was 12 years ago, a Michael Bolton show. I had a different vision of it then so was when I

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-33991655365188506232008-09-02T08:48:00.000-07:002008-09-02T08:54:57.550-07:00

Everything will be alright in September. Its my birthday month and I share it with the Blessed Mother. September 8 do not ring much to ears of Catholics like December 25 or December 8 or the movable dates of the Holy week, but nonetheless it has been a source of joy and refuge and strength to celebrate that day of the birth of Our Lady.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-35661867138929385362008-08-27T00:19:00.000-07:002008-08-27T01:03:58.254-07:00

I have not lived too long in Mindanao to understand its situation, but I have lived in it to deserve an opportunity to state my side on the matter of the creation of the BJE. I arrived in the island years ago afraid of a war that has long been fought between the military and the muslim rebels. Coming from Manila, only the images of bombings, rolling tanks, flying mortars and dead bodies were

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-90124887576637893762008-07-31T14:55:00.000-07:002008-07-31T15:15:33.899-07:00

Great? I was away for a weekend. a spur of th emoment thing. Trying to get away from life for a while. Landing on the Cebu airport, the display for Plantacion Bay greets all the travellers as you pass through the baggage claim. On the center was a huge booth complete with palm trees and of course a clerk complete with a wide brim hat, grey uniform and boots. I could not remember if its a

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-73476642273811545022008-07-27T22:13:00.000-07:002008-07-31T15:22:44.879-07:00

I got to the Cebu airport 3 hours ahead of my flight to Davao. In the only bookstore in the vicinity, there was a lone copy of Gracia Burnham's account of her ordeal with the Abu Sayyaf last 2001. When the book came out, I was indifferent. I am one of those millions of Filipinos who believed whatever the media dishes out. I am one of those millions of Filipinos who never bothered to read.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-89670219774900976192008-07-22T02:14:00.000-07:002008-07-22T17:10:07.221-07:00

I was reading Gilda Cordero Fernando's speech published in the Inquirer magazine last Sunday. I am one of those who can relate. I did not grew up in the same era though as Ms. fernando. But I lived in a time somewhere close to that - a time of transition. That was when it was considered baduy to speak in Filipino, read tagalog komiks, watch tagalog films, drink local coffee and the social

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-81501922799766415792008-07-20T06:54:00.000-07:002008-07-20T06:59:44.291-07:00

You will be amazed thinking that these were done long before you were born and survived. Immortality is the true test of a classic.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-5570391769975860112008-07-20T06:48:00.000-07:002008-07-20T06:54:08.599-07:00

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-31625663865211098682008-07-11T06:01:00.000-07:002008-07-11T06:26:28.038-07:00

Perched on a hillside along the highway going west from Zamboanga City is the Church of the Transfiguration. Dedicated to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, the Church has an altar with glass windows looking out into the sea. In the center is an abstract painting of the Transfiguration by the Italian parish priest's brother. Both breathtaking marvels. They make one appreciate God's love for

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-13396966505001997872008-07-11T05:46:00.000-07:002008-07-11T05:51:48.359-07:00

This much. All of us can only take so much. I am in a frenzy with thoughts after an afterglow. I walked the streets this afternoon time nearing sunset and the haze created a scene like it's December and Christmastime. I wish I can be happy, but my heart is sad and I don't know where it is coming from.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-37254790297104716022008-06-20T06:36:00.000-07:002008-06-20T07:06:04.235-07:00

What set this book apart from other books on Africa is because it portrays Africa as it is and not as the helpless demoralized famine stricken continent that the westerners are bound to project. The book explores the tragedy of a White woman loosing his son ten years ago and wanted to have a closure. It turns out that her son fell into a thorn pit and was dragged by the lover of his lover into

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-65813675721229801292008-06-18T05:00:00.000-07:002008-06-18T05:20:32.982-07:00

I am against the way media is projecting Ces Drilon is a hapless victim in her kidnapping when in the final analysis she brought her predicament upon herself. There are a lot of victims of this vilent and reproachable act who never took chances with fate like she did.Sometimes heroics should be weighed as to how much courage and responsibility one gives in the performance of a good act. In her

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-39242172113372288402008-06-01T07:42:00.000-07:002008-06-01T08:10:44.094-07:00

Finally the sun was out and everyone was glad to be able to enjoy the last few days of summer without the rains. The traffic early that morning was steadily growing into a pack but still manageable until school day traffic. The army dependents were waiting in front of the Edwin Andrews airbase for the scheduled C130 flight to Manila. Some on the flight to prepare for the coming school year.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-73661877396683375892008-05-27T18:47:00.000-07:002008-05-27T19:06:06.642-07:00

While shopping for a PSP in Singapore, the salesclerk asked me if I come from Myanmar. How dare them! Not exactly my initial reaction but that was my friend's reaction. "Do those singaporeans know the former name of Myanmar?"I never took it as a derogatory remark. I have been mistaken for an Indonesian, an Indian, a Malaysian and a native of Myanmar, but never as Filipino. I am beginning to

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-46268383515442882342008-05-19T06:11:00.000-07:002008-05-19T07:21:09.596-07:00

Although we were allowed to take pictures, I think it is improper to the National Museum if I post the ones I took. I have been to the National Museum three times before this wonderful tour. The first was on a High School field trip when the Senate was still on the premises. the old musty and cobweb laden displays of stuffed animals were all I can remember plus of course the Spolarium. The

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-53651571286227144112008-05-14T02:29:00.000-07:002008-05-14T02:43:20.805-07:00

It's about time. They are beginning to construct new buldings. They have neglected the progress of this city for so long and people are just relying on miracles to make development happen. With thoughts of a mall in most of everyone's wishlist. It is really still a way long long time before that happens. Meanwhile we just have to content ourselves with small successes. Two years ago the

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-54882619073366215632008-05-10T12:02:00.000-07:002008-05-10T12:10:15.933-07:00

I cannot remember when I started wearing a rosary in my pocket. I cannot even remember how many I have lost. I used to wear black beaded rosaries initially but I eventually loose them and bemoan how expensive they are. Since then I started wearing the brown wooden ones. I love the rosaries I have lost because all of them are the ones I have put my strength and devotion in through the rough

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-30670465821553974242008-05-10T11:53:00.000-07:002008-05-10T12:01:15.516-07:00

My teacher called my work emotional. I don't know what is emotional about a green cup with a pink background, but painting class sure makes me focus my anxieties on a piece of canvass. I get frustrated when I cannot work out a figure and get flustered with joy on a piece well done. Each session gives me new insights into different techniques. Just when you though you knew it all, on the next

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-49320526959462569732008-05-06T16:24:00.000-07:002008-05-07T02:47:05.121-07:00

All I know about Dumaguete used to come from my readings and its fame as the very first city to offer a writing workshop in Silliman University. Images of a tree lined boulevard by the sea and the iconic Silliman Hall are staples of documentaries and picture books on dumaguete. Beyond these, Dumaguete offers a myriad of places and activities to fill up a vacation without being bored. Being

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-91016990101226603382008-04-25T01:10:00.000-07:002008-04-25T01:32:42.407-07:00

It was a toss between the smallest Vaio and the black Macbook. It was really the sleek lines of the Vaio that I was attracted to, but the 1.2 Hz bugged me plus the unavailability of an international warranty and the thought of having to buy anti-virus systems yearly just to keep an investment safe made me buy the 2.5kg black Mac. Of course it saved me the hassle of buying the antivirus, but

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-77889422301885021982008-04-23T23:57:00.000-07:002008-04-24T00:28:10.635-07:00

Everytime I come back to this city state I discover something new. It was a difficult decision to come back and spend my vacation here. I told myself I have seen enough of the country to last me a lifetime. But I was mistaken. We were billeted this time at the opposite end of the Singapore river. The first night we went for a walk along the banks and discovered a lot of things that amazed us

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-14602362407204672042008-04-23T23:30:00.001-07:002008-04-24T00:35:06.561-07:00

We have been glued to the blog of Brian Gorrel and the misadventures of DJ Montano and the Gucci Gang for quite awhile now. It has validated that mysterious reason why I prefer the Inquirer over the Star.I never could explain why, but I never liked the Philippine Star ever since and have not read it except if it's the only paper left when the stewardess is handing out the papers at the start of

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-59681568815985515052008-04-01T00:09:00.000-07:002008-04-01T00:31:21.051-07:00

The rice I grew up eating was fragrant and had a bite on chewing. It is called kinanda and does not grow on wet rice paddies but rather on dry land ploughed starting the onset of the rainy season and harvested in early december. No one plants this variety of rice anymore. It consumes a lot of overhead expenses and harvest comes only once a year. In short farmers are at a losing end when they

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-9871002724953163862008-03-14T14:57:00.000-07:002008-03-14T15:15:16.280-07:00

It was like a painful shot in the arm that you never thought you will ever have, not at least when you are still at the prime of life and healthy.It takes you to realities that are difficult to accept.It is harder when the person involved is someone you admire for her competence, astuteness and resourcefulness. Two weeks ago one of our own decided to leave for the Middle East to practice

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-53155263632969077482008-02-27T06:34:00.001-08:002008-02-27T07:27:18.630-08:00

Marahil nga hindi ito ang panahon ng pagbabago. Dahilan ng pagwawalang bahala ng karamihan. Maging ang mga pari ay nagbubulagbulagan. Wala nang saysay ang katotohanan. Kayang kayang bilugin ng gobyerno ang utak ng mga tao. Kung hindi sa paikot-ikot na rason na hindi magtugma-tugma, sa pamamagitan ng pera na ni hindi ko kikitain sa isang taon o sa pamamagitan ng pagpatay ng laya sa

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-78628040560096694622008-02-24T00:04:00.000-08:002008-02-24T00:25:22.008-08:00

Is this the reason why they axed Kris aquino's show? Maybe the network saw that the ratings of Jun Lozada testifying in the senate was higher than the game show. But going to more serious matters. Seeing how the issues were laid and the personalities involved, it is my stand that people in government should tell the truth and if they dont want to resign or leave their post, I recommend that at

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-87213398610344591362008-02-09T16:46:00.001-08:002008-02-09T16:47:42.246-08:00

It is like a good thriller although the bad guys always win. The recent Lozada expose only makes you crave for more. The writers of soap operas should take a cue from this mess. A very good subject for a high brow read or a suspense thriller.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-71223085337826556342008-01-26T04:01:00.001-08:002008-01-26T04:56:22.863-08:00

Everytime I call my mother and ask her about her health, she would complain to me not because she suffers from anything, but because of the cost of her medcines for hypertension, asthma, hypothyroidism and elevated cholesterol levels. All in all she spends 300 pesos a day for medicines only. That amounts to 9,000 pesos a month. She once resulted to taking them every other day just to save

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-19373608143906078522008-01-22T05:46:00.000-08:002008-01-22T06:03:08.171-08:00

I thought I have been strenghtened by all those years in training seeing premature babies die. But each new one becomes my son or daughter and as I guide them through the rough road of the first days of their lives, they become a part of me. And it still hurt seeing some of them go. Today I lost another one after a long battle with difficult feeding which turned out to be an obstructed bowel

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-61389932525704922142008-01-04T04:26:00.000-08:002008-01-04T05:14:15.982-08:00

It has been a back breaking trip, driving through the roads of Mindanao. One time you are surrounded with paved roads and bustling vehicles the next you are stuck in long stretches of coconut plantations or rice fields as far as your eyes can see. It's amazing now when I think about it how many mountains we traversed during this travel from Zamboanga City to Davao City. There are roads that

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-72387084229569156172007-12-01T02:16:00.000-08:002007-12-01T02:30:32.770-08:00

Just finished reading the novel by Khaled Hosseini. The opening chapters were very good kind of reminiscent of John Knowles "A Seperate Peace." The characterization of the father and son conflict. The friendship between Hassan and Amir. Amir's selfishness. These were amazing and refreshing read. However somewhere in between I got lost. Maybe because the novelty of tortured people escaping

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-49897517569986160192007-11-30T19:54:00.000-08:002007-11-30T20:25:23.740-08:00

I did not see this coming in a million years. And I guess nobdy did, except those who thought they can pull away with another people power. It is so 1980's and like bangs and padded shoulders, napakalaos na.Trillanes has been in jail for a long time. He was not able to see what is actually going on outside. Rallies and call for support will not stir the people anymore. What we need are real

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-21090998078072262232007-11-25T22:07:00.001-08:002007-11-25T22:40:30.135-08:00

My father was the erstwhile green thumb. Give him a seed or a stem of anything and he will make it grow in a month. He has tried it with bromeliads and orchids and anthuriums, that he created a virtual jungle on our household grounds. But do not look for aesthetics here. Its just mere random planting of whatever he could grab on. It has been six years since he was gone and the garden was

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-2852381214943380692007-11-20T03:54:00.000-08:002007-11-20T04:00:43.968-08:00

This is the Belen that was given as a wedding gift to my parents. There is an older nativity scene ceramic set that my father's family bought for fifty pesos fifty years ago, which will be going on display a little bit when people are in the holiday mood already. Merry Christmas.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-33743723673937179362007-11-18T21:05:00.000-08:002007-11-19T07:43:36.287-08:00

Was it 5 years ago, when I was jogging along CCP when I saw the poster for Temptation Island the play which starred John Lapus? I was curious enough to buy the tickets and watch that night and had a very pleasant experience watching transvestites do the roles of the candidates for Ms. Manila Sunshine. It was so hilarious, witty and the fact that the script was faithful to the original film that

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-20131324044587026232007-11-13T07:16:00.000-08:002007-11-13T08:05:30.545-08:00

The three hour trip from Zamboanga City to Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay is a mean feat for all who dread long road trips and unpaved roads. But the chips and conversation kept us awake in along the rustic scenery that surrounds us. Comments like this wuld be a good place to put up a hospital or a spa. A scenic area overlooking the Sulu sea would be a perfect place to build a house that would

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-59273046582153766352007-11-10T03:16:00.000-08:002007-11-10T03:20:04.975-08:00

This is probably one of the best performance of the song I have ever seen.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-25178625199031068932007-11-07T22:32:00.000-08:002007-11-08T07:22:39.944-08:00

Unang reaksyon sa akin ng ikinuwento ko sa mga kaibigan ko ang tungkol kay Marrianet Amper ay ang pagsasa-walang balewala. Hindi raw maiisip ng isang bata ang magpakamatay. Sobrang saya ng pagiging bata at ang pagiisip ng mga problema na parang matanda ay ni minsan hindi nila magagawa. Iyon din ang aking unang naisip nang una kong binasa ang caption sa ilalim ng litrato sa Inquirer. Hindi ko

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-65202769444476452222007-11-05T16:18:00.000-08:002007-11-05T16:34:05.637-08:00

Gone are the days when what the priest say is sacred and true. We the faithful have challenged them too much that I think they have become tired and they have conceded to the whims of modern life like corruption, partisan politics and other mundane matters. Gone are the days when we tremble when a pastoral letter is being read during homilies.I miss those days. I miss those days when I still

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-40606653218199904192007-11-05T08:34:00.000-08:002007-11-05T08:43:26.642-08:00

We are again in the tipping point of history. Dark clouds forming to a raging storm.The heavens descending in tears assmoke and fire emerge again in our land.We will never be who we wanted to be.We will forever be peasants, slaves, helpers, assistants. And we will rejoice in all of thesimple pleasures in all of these and thank those who kept us as us.Becausewe keep on denying who we really are

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-85760745102335086252007-11-03T08:59:00.001-07:002007-11-03T10:52:38.249-07:00

Taluksangay is the oldest Muslim settlement in Zamboanga and in Mindanao island. It is featured in the Lonely Planet travel guide and other documentaries and is famous for the oldest mosque in the island. Located about thirty minutes to the east of Zamboanga city, one gets instantly awed by the series of views that follows upon crossing the bridge. The mosque with gold overlain minarets is the

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-77261900948865461732007-11-01T04:53:00.000-07:002007-11-01T05:23:42.587-07:00

Today is the feast of all saints. Growing up Catholic, the highlight really is visiting and praying for dead relatives. As a child it is a huge day for a quiet town as car loads of relatives come from the city and instant reunions of old acquiantances ranspire over grave markers and streets leading to the cemetary. Our flowers are usually bought from Quiapo includes yellow and white

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-34139902149193965812007-10-27T07:33:00.000-07:002007-10-27T07:35:19.549-07:00

YouTube - Ang Lee's Lust, Caution TrailerI cannot wait to see the new Ang Lee film.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-72462350356121076752007-10-26T09:13:00.000-07:002007-10-26T09:29:58.575-07:00

I came from a bus ride from Lipa. They were no barricades along the high way. There was a mood of celebration in the air. It seems like here we are we have a chance to change history. A huge crowd was building from my stop along EDSA. I texted my friends. We were meeting at the front steps of Megamall but there were no vehicles plying the highway. I decided to walk with the crowd to the

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-29107178866219668602007-10-24T18:08:00.000-07:002007-10-24T18:16:57.783-07:00

The Muse Revisited. An ongoing art exhibit at the Maria Clara Gallery La vista del Mar Zamboanga City. Included are works of established artists from the city with various inspirations. The snaps featured here are the works which caught my eye. The sculpture featured is in terracotta done by Lorna Fernandez entitled - the vessel.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-57480515073727212802007-10-23T01:33:00.000-07:002007-10-23T02:53:39.300-07:00

It was the end of the road, a stone filled path after the cemented bit. A weather beaten grayish brown fence with bouganvilla post on the side. There was no doorbell and I was not sure if "tao po" was the right thing to say in this part of the country when you go calling on other poeples houses. It was the youngest daughter Is, who was running out the front door with her stuffed toy rabbit

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-90561676616887500342007-10-22T11:29:00.000-07:002007-10-22T12:12:23.629-07:00

Baguio has marked the different phases of my life. My visits there have marked important milestones. As a child the usual activities like the riding a horse at Wright park, shopping for vegetables at the Market, peanut brittle and watching a cadet drop his sword during a PMA parade were my memories. In college it was going to the disco in the same hotel that collpased two months later during

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-52743873831896411042007-10-21T07:48:00.001-07:002007-10-21T07:57:15.443-07:00

Ian McEwan's Atonement was dazzling. It was the first time in a long long time when I was hurrying up to finish a book to see what will happen in the end. I was a disappointing ending but it was a superb McEwan ending.The dragging pace of the first few chapters of the novel unfolded was suddenly revved up by the revelations that followed. The style transitions were hardly noticeable, the

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-23613288876880310422007-10-21T06:55:00.000-07:002007-10-21T07:59:47.909-07:00

The blast created a hole on the ground and blasted the roof of the atrium. As of this writing 10 are dead and a hundred injured. Only sick minds can plan such evil. I believe the police, military and government cannot do the job alone or they simply cannot do the job. When I talked with a ASG DPA, it was like he knew everything single move the enemy was going to take. If the military has such

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-34114723870883144282007-10-13T01:11:00.000-07:002007-10-21T07:35:47.767-07:00

The Filipinos in America should be thankful rather than irked over the whole Desperate Housewive's brouhaha. It is high time that they see the reality that no matter how much they have achieved or how much money they have, they will never be truly American. Underneath the thick accent and expensive make-up they still look at us, as little brown brothers worth nothing more than what they pay us.

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-91104620385254600242007-10-13T00:09:00.000-07:002007-10-15T06:45:08.198-07:00

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-78817311221479220442007-10-09T16:27:00.000-07:002007-10-21T07:33:10.358-07:00

Just when I thought there is still hope for this country, I was wrong. We have all been fed breastmilk substitutes high on corn oil and fats that even the justices at the Supreme Court do not have enough brain cells to think clearly. So the petition to junk the RIRR on the Milk Code is finally approved. It's another victory of evil proportions. The Supreme Court take into its hands the 16,000

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307155857906792966.post-88709775670652513442007-07-20T01:20:00.000-07:002007-07-20T01:21:01.980-07:00

When I see birches bend to left and rightAcross the lines of straighter darker trees,I like to think some boy’s been swinging them.But swinging doesn’t bend them down to stayAs ice storms do. Often you must have seen themLoaded with ice a sunny winter morningAfter a rain. They click upon themselvesAs the breeze rises, and turn many-coloredAs the stir cracks and crazes their enamel.Soon the sun’s

Next Stop Wonderlandnoreply@blogger.com0