EDSA Rites: Now a Historic Hypocrisy?

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the four-day commemoration of EDSA I, its 22md anniversary. Of the four icons of EDSA I, only former President Fidel V. Ramos shared the limelight with her, but apparently not in very conforming mode. Former President Corazon C. Aquino, the soul of EDSA I, has opted out – presumably to have no part in a historic hypocrisy.

Of the two others, Jaime Cardinal Sin is dead and, now senator, Juan Ponce Enrile has long dissociated himself from EDSA I. What is being commemorated every year is the triumph of the Filipino people, in the truest meaning of the word – millions massed at EDSA with millions in the provinces glued to their radio and TV sets throughout the days and nights taking part in spirit with their prayers – in winning back miraculously, without a drop of blood, from a tyrant their freedom and rights.

The 14-year Marcos dictatorship was characterized by repression and suppression of basic freedoms, rampant violation of human rights and massive graft and corruption. After seven years, the Arroyo regime – to a large degree -- is comparable to the Marcos dictatorship. There is freedom – that difference cannot be denied. But that the Filipinos have to fight for it only highlights the use of presidential powers to repress and suppress freedom and to abet human rights violations and graft and corruption.President Arroyo, extolling the ideals of EDSA I against this background, will sound hollow -- impersonating historic hypocrisy. But her doing so with flourish will not be a surprise. She and the people around her have become impervious to moral sting.

Rebuke

Ramos joined Arroyo to open the 4-day commemoration at the wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) last Friday, the 22nd of February. Doing a gadfly, he zeroed in his speech on greed and corruption – the pre-EDSA I sins that have come back. By the direct quotes of his speech from INQUIRER.net and Philippine Star, February 22 and 23, he was clearly chastising the Arroyo government – redeeming himself somewhat from criticisms that by his “win-win” support of Arroyo he has become irrelevant to EDSA I :“It is customary nowadays to denigrate the EDSA events – perhaps because the greed, the apathy, the corruption we brought down then are once again rearing their heads.” [Observes INQUIRER.net: Thrice he said in his speech that greed, apathy and corruption constituted a problem that the nation needed to address. Ms Arroyo showed no emotion. After Ramos’ speech, she left without delivering her prepared remarks.]

“Around the world, the Philippines included, there are new tyrannies in the form of self-serving leaders, immoderately greedy autocrats and cliques of corrupt officials that we must still confront” – [The reference to the First Family and cronies is just thinly veiled. -- ppd]“History might yet call us to come together again to offer our lives and fortunes on the altar of our civic ideals,” Ramos said, underscoring the need to “banish from our political and economic life” oligarchies, dynasties and opportunists. [INQUIRER.net interpreted this as “a call to action;” the Philippine Star, as a warning of another people revolt.]

Impervious

But Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, exemplifying the imperviousness and dead conscience of the Arroyo administration, dismissed the clear rebuke as something else. To Ermita, Ramos did “not necessarily” rebuke the Arroyo administration but only “reminded” it “to do something to lick corruption before it got worse.” All that Ramos said had been in the papers. Meaning – they are only rumors and lies? The government has been doing enough to fight corruption.He was not alarmed by the possibility of another “people power uprising”. Like the past crises, the present ZTE-NBN scandal lacks the elements of developing into another EDSA.Bunye saw in Ramos speech just a statement of facts about corruption.

Quoting Arroyo, he said, “we have come a long way in the fight against corruption”, a continuing “effort at all levels of the bureaucracy.” The lie is as clear as a bright sun-lit day. Ramos was deploring “immoderate greed, apathy and corruption” in the Philippines today. But they must be seeing another regime, not the Arroyo’s; another country, not the Philippines.

Insensitive

Arroyo and her minions are not only impervious to moral sting. They are insensitive to truth and ideals that have evolved from EDSA, the first and the second. That, above all, is what makes their leading the celebration of the 22nd anniversary of EDSA I a historic hypocrisy.At EDSA I, the Filipinos launched the historic people power peaceful revolution to redeem themselves from 14 years of Marcos tyranny. United in their quest for freedom and rights, a people – with prayers, not with arms – with the help of God, no doubt, triumphed. That was a historical fact and a miracle.EDSA’s eternal mandate is unmistakable: Henceforth, good governance founded on freedom and rights should be the cornerstone of national unity, peace and progress. The rulers owe it to EDSA to govern for the good of all the people, not for the promotion of their selfish collective interests disguised as common good.

To be candidly honest with history, the Aquino and Ramos governments did not fully live up to the unmistakable mandate of EDSA. When confronted with political and economic realities, they understandably compromised ideals although obviously keeping the latter to try to rein the first.In the election of 1998, the very popular Joseph Estrada was overwhelmingly elected president on the promise of a pro-poor government. That was a ruse. In two and a half years, true to the warning of Cardinal Sin, the Estrada government turned into a disaster – incompetent, immoral, corrupt, pro-cronies. The economy went into a tailspin.

At EDSA II, people power intervened – taking over the aborted impeachment – to remove Estrada from the presidency. As vice president, Arroyo became president. She had Estrada charged with plunder – as an example that the highest official of the land is not immune from criminal prosecution for corruption. EDSA I and II are one in continuity. The criminal prosecution of Estrada upheld morality and integrity in government in consonance with the ideals of EDSA and pursuant to its mandate. After six years of trial, Sandigabayan convicted Estrada of plunder. Instead of making Estrada serve his 40-year life sentence as an example that corruption does not pay, Arroyo pardoned him immediately.

The pardon dealt a death blow to the ideals of EDSA. To avoid irrelevance, Arroyo did not commemorate the 7th anniversary of EDSA II. However, that pardon also made her irrelevant to EDSA I; for, as stated above the two are one. To reiterate, Arroyo’s leading observance of the 22nd anniversary of EDSA I is historic hypocrisy.

Another Pinay in American Idol!

This time, it's not about creativemind, but about a talented creative young person who made it to the finals of the famed American Idol..

After Jasmin Trias and Camile Velasco, another Filipina made it as one of the 24 finalists of American Idol.
The very pretty 20 year old Ramiele Macrowon-Malubay, a native of Miramar, Florida, who once said …


"If Jasmin can do it, I can do it!"


… freaked out after knowing she is included in the final 24. Ramiel established her attachment with music early at age 12 when she sang in her cousin’s birthday. The very talented Filipina can also play the piano as well as the guitar which is being taught to her by her sister. Besides singing and playing instruments, she also did some Polynesian Dancing since she was on the first grade.


The “Pinay American Idol” is a huge fan of Regine Velasquez. She said that she really doesn’t want to be famous but instead, represent the Asian community especially the Filipinos in this competition where the whole world is watching.


And guess what, like every Filipino; Ramiele Malubay also tried eating balot (balut)…
The weirdest thing I have ever eaten, balot (balut), It’s like a … I think it’s a duck egg. It’s cooked but there’s a baby inside. … I don’t know, I don’t eat it anymore. But it tastes good if you eat the outside part, instead of the baby inside.


Ramiele stopped nursing school for this season and promised to go back if not chosen to be the next American Idol.


Just like Renaldo Lapuz, it’s really a pleasure to see another Filipino in the limelight of this season. If you are listening Ramiele, you are an American Idol for us all and we are certain that you will outstrip the other finalists.


Break a Leg Malubay!… Mabuhay!

Is the ARMM a failed arrangement?

(A blog by taboan.net)

(Following was a discussion about the ARMM among bloggers, which I found interesting, hence I am featuring the same in this page. I also participated in the discussion though I used a pseudonym)

Its been over a decade since the establishment of the AUTONOMOUS REGION OF MUSLIM MINDANAO (we insist, it should be the Autonomous Region OF Muslim Mindanao instead of Autonomous Region IN Muslim Mindanao...a world of difference lies in the use of one or the other) and what does it have to show for itself?

Isn't it time to throw in the towel and call it quits for this Cory-era experiment in local governance? Haven't we wasted enough taxpayers' money for a totally dispensable layer of government bureaucracy that gobbles up nearly 90% of its annual budget for salaries alone?

What more, this regional government has proceeded to "gerrymander" provinces, municipalities and even villages to suit the whims and caprices of local warlords and political kingpins, cutting these up to create more 'salaried' positions which usually only goes to relatives, allies and/or tribe-mates.Why should there be a Muslim Mindanao in the first place when there is no room in our Constitution for a Christian Visayas or an Animist Cordilleras?Mindanao is neither Muslim nor Christian...it is FILIPINO! (Jamju Alano Rivera)

EF says on Dec. 19, 2007

Jamju it is a little bit more. Let us forget about corruption ok? Because that is a fact it seems we have to live with, like it or not. And most of the time corruption starts by BIG BUSINESS MONEY people. They want things done and no matter how, so you buy and deal! If it works with money if necessary with blood. It is like a river starting in the mountains it is small, clear and healthy for all that lives. Down under it grows stronger, deeper and get dirty by pollution and abuse.....

Is the ARMM a failed experiment? Not yet or maybe even not yet at all. Many wish and maybe pray to see this happen. So there is again room for a civil war and........... room for BIG MONEY COWBOYS who want to start coalmining, woodcut and golddigging..... Beside that is the ARMM a promisssssss, maybe one of the few that is (keeping) alive by the Manila clan euhhhhh sorry Government?! Another thing is that promises make between money-grabbers ("developers") and gov’t.-party's most of the time not hold by the developers. We know this for decades already. "As the logging companies did not fulfill the reforestation agreement as stated on the Timber License Agreement (TLA), the same thing would happen with the mining company. They could never bring back the soil of the mountains that they would destroy, flatten, and dig.""Since the arrival of the company (SUDECOR), the rivers and creeks have been silted. Slowly, the fish such as tilapia on the rivers and creeks have been disappearing.""Based on our experience, the areas that were destroyed by logging never again regained its former appearance and state. What more with mining where the mountain itself will be destroyed?""TVI Minerals Processing, Inc., an affiliate of a Canadian mining company TVI Pacific Inc., filed before the regional office of MGB-DENR two exploration permits for the exploration of gold, copper, silver, and other associated metallic mineral resources in three barangays in this town; namely Dapiwak, Dilud, and Lipawan; covering a total of 13,446 hectares".

You are right Jamju...Mindanao is neither Muslim nor Christian...it is FILIPINO! How about it is time we call all FILIPINO's to stand up and protect the wonderful rich sources we have for our grand-grandchildren. Doing so the Philippines have what is about nowhere in the world A BEAUTIFUL NATURE. People all over the world will come to see that. Even today many rich country's spend billions of dollars to restore the "green area's" in their country, realizing they are going much too far in developing.........

Let us all work together and see the ARMM stays the way it is as a promised land!

Michael says on Dec. 20, 2007

hi ef... can you blog on this? I mean about what’s happening here... MOST of us doesn’t even know this is happening. It’s a pity if we can’t have access to this kind of information..

EF says on Dec. 20, 2007

Dear friend Michael: I only give 4 quotes on lifetime issues right here in Mindanao. If I want to do so, i can give you 4,000 right now. Official reports both from Manila as local officials. And i think we have to listen more and more to local authorities if, IF, we really wanna know the truth. And NO i can not give all sources as it is dangerous to do so. But read the information given by some close friends of you Michael....... it is heartbreaking but inspiring. Don’t get sad my friends.... HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN..........

Jamju Alano Rivera says on Dec. 21, 2007

The ARMM isn't a promise. Far from it. It’s a concession. Much like the mining and logging concessions which you believe should not fall in the hands of what you so succinctly called "BIG MONEY COWBOYS"...the ARMM is the biggest concession ever given to a single corporate entity...the MNLF!The Philippine Government under Marcos initially agreed (without our consent, I must add) to give away 13 provinces to the MNLF as a part of their autonomous Bangsamoro Homeland in the infamous Tripoli Agreement... and very, very soon...the MILF as well will be given yet another concession by our Imperial Government in Manila in the form of the euphemistically termed "expanded indigenous peoples' homeland" which will - AGAIN - include areas of Mindanao, the populations of whom are vehemently against any form of concession to these Muslim Secessionist groups.

After a succession of openly corrupt regional governors (give me one name...ONE NAME...among them that isn't tainted with corruption!)... the ARMM remains today as the government's biggest dole-out! Money is funneled into ARMM and is immediately dissipated, first through a legal maneuver which ensures that the entire family of a local warlord receives a monthly "pension" from the national government...I say pension because these people aren't doing anything at all to earn the money that they are practically stealing under our very own noses.

Corruption is endemic throughout the Philippines, I admit. The ARMM, however, tops everyone else in its venality. Be it in public works, distribution of funds, ghost employee payrolls, unpaid GSIS payments, even elections! You name it, the ARMM is the worst at it. And nobody's doing anything about it.

We advocate the immediate abolition of the ARMM and the nullification of all its acts since its inception. It is an anomaly... a cancerous growth that needs to be excised at the soonest. Its an utter waste of taxpayers' money. It is a welfare society that practices "reverse discrimination"...and yeah...you can tell this to all the Ampatuans and their lordlings reigning over the ARMM right now... we will move heaven and earth to return Mindanao to its people... the real people of Mindanao... and by this I definitely say ALL MINDANAOANS...and not the bogus Bangsamoro ONLY!!!Mindanao is neither Muslim nor Christian...it is FILIPINO!

EF says on Dec. 22, 2007

Simple question: have you any proof, any written or spoken testifying or justification of all you write here? Yes, the ARMM is far from perfect but, as you stated here yourself dear Jamju, corruption is endemic throughout the Philippines. Our beloved Government including Manila is even killing, murdering, abusing and more of these "fine" things as a rapport of the European Union bring out to the world. And about corruption, please Jamju.... "give me one name...ONE NAME...among them that isn't tainted with corruption"!!!! And how about you and me??? Are we not also, now and then, more or less, eating something from the same bread of corruption?? Sometimes we like or not??

I work over all the major islands and I can tell you I have not yet find any gov’t. service that is NOT corrupt or not stealing right under my nose! Or at least try to do so even abusing the Law!!And to be very clear i think The Philippine Government in Manila makes big mistakes with all these "autonomous area's"!Do i love the ARMM? No! Do i like the idea of Bangsamoro Homeland? No! Do i like MNLF? No! And I don’t have to like them nor love them. But I well have to respect them as they are a given fact in our country. And I only ask you not to speak in hate or untrue facts as long you have not given any proof no matter from what side. Up till now I have seen more help and more cooperation activities from Muslim groups in many Christian projects, than in any other way.

So let us try to find some place in our hearts also for the "sinners" among us.......... HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN... merry Christmas and a blessed, healthy and wonderful 2008 to you and your beloved ones. Please walk in the Light and build on The ROCK!

Jamju Alano Rivera Dec. 25, 2007

You ask: "have you any proof, any written or spoken testifying or justification of all you write here?"Sir, I live in Basilan. I'm a resident of Isabela City...which means I am fortunate enough to live in a place that is not within the ARMM, but close enough to know what sorry things are happening on the other side of the fence. Our Congressman who just died from the bomb knew more than most of us what corruption meant...apparently schooled under the strict tutelage of his Ampatuan overlords.

You want proof? Look around you and you will see all the proof you will need staring back at your face...a stark reminder of corruption that is endemic and tolerated nationwide, but institutionalized and established in the ARMM! I'm not saying this out of hate. No! I'm saying this as a matter of fact.Just very recently, teachers from Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and, yes, Basilan...met with Gov. Zaldy himself, in Zamboanga City...why? Most of these valiant teachers have not been given their salaries for the last...take this...EIGHT MONTHS!!! While everybody else OUTSIDE OF ARMM got theirs on time, these teachers got nothing! For eight long months. Ask GSIS...how much of what should have been remitted actually was...if any at all were! Check out the government-funded projects...if you can call them that! Or maybe the ARMM has done wondrously well enough to lift its population from abject poverty and into the welcoming arms of the struggling middle class? Has it? It has done nothing but PROMISE! Yes...the promise of the ARMM, much like the rest of ARMM is based on one humungous LIE. And need I reiterate the fact that among all the provinces of the Philippines, the ones most notorious for election-related transgressions are, by an exceptionally phenomenal margin, located within the borders of this ARMM. Can anyone...yes, even the COMELEC...contest these claims? You want more proof?

You also said: "Yes, the ARMM is far from perfect but, as you stated here yourself dear Jamju, corruption is endemic throughout the Philippines. Our beloved Government including Manila is even killing, murdering, abusing and more of these "fine" things as a rapport of the European Union bring out to the world. And about corruption, please Jamju.... "give me one name...ONE NAME...among them that isn't tainted with corruption"!!!! And how about you and me??? Are we not also, now and than, more or less, eating something from the same bread of corruption?? Sometimes we like or not?? I work over all the mayor islands and i can tell you i have not yet find any gov. service that is NOT corrupt or not stealing right under my nose! Or at least try to do so even abusing the Law!!

"Which is precisely what I mean, sir...the corruption is way too entrenched and too institutionalized that we have got to do something about it...not tolerate it...but really do something to solve it once and for all. Defeatism in this regard means we should all but surrender our hopes for a better future for our children. That, we cannot accept. The people, we believe, will always react to the kind of system that either allows or constricts them from doing certain things...be it benevolent or malfeasant. The system MUST BE CHANGED COMPLETELY. The system that is perpetuated by the ARMM, most especially, MUST BE DESTROYED! NOW! We do not believe that people are corrupt by nature...but a system that makes corruption "LEGAL" will inure even the most upright individual and "permit" certain acts of ignominy to be committed...as is the case in the ARMM!

You added: "And to be very clear I think The Philippine Government in Manila makes big mistakes with all these "autonomous area's"!Do I love the ARMM? No! Do I like the idea of Bangsamoro Homeland? No! Do I like MNLF? No! And I don’t have to like them nor love them. But I well have to respect them as they are a given fact in our country. And I only ask you not to speak in hate or untrue facts as long you have not given any proof no matter from what side."With this, we obviously agree tacitly...it is wrong to put up "autonomous areas" just as it is patently wrong to recognize rebel groups as though they were legal plenipotentiaries in an international conference of equally sovereign states! We do not believe that any of the negotiated treaties with the MNLF, MILF or whatever other name for a secessionist group they will come up with...would solve the question of PEACE FOR MINDANAO in its finality. These are stop-gap measures, band-aid diplomacy at best...which does not aim to solve the underlying problems...but only wishes to stave off the inevitable from happening at this time...for fear of what? An international backlash from, say, the OIC? The EU? The UN? So who died, anyway, and gave them the power to decide over the fate of 14 million Mindanaoans from the comfort of their armchairs in airconditioned conference halls several thousand miles away?

We believe that true PEACE FOR MINDANAO can only be made by the ones most affected by this decades-old conflict...doesn't matter if they're Muslim or Christian...for as long as they are FILIPINOS LIVING IN MINDANAO...!

You likewise said: "Up till now a have seen more help and more cooperation activities from Muslims(groups) in many (Christian) projects, than in any other way."Do you mean, by this claim...Christians have not been very cooperative and helpful with projects for Christians, and that Muslims are more ready to lend a hand in your endeavours? Or did I get it all wrong? Didn't quite get your stand here, sir...because, if this is your claim...then we applaud these Muslim groups for helping out. As we have been saying all along, it doesn't matter if it’s a Muslim or a Christian who does the job...what matters most is that THE JOB IS DONE! We never said that Mindanao's future lies in it's being Christian. No! Far from it...we have always contended that Mindanao should neither be Muslim nor Christian...it should, however, always BE FILIPINO! And there is definitely no way that anyone can convince us otherwise!

FInally, you said: "So let us try to find some place in our hearts also for the "sinners" among us.......... HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN... merry Christmas and a blessed, healthy and wonderful 2008 to you and your beloved ones. Please walk in the Light and build on The ROCK!"

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL! Merry Christmas to all Christians and Happy Hariraya to all Muslims! We do hope that 2008 brings about great changes not only in the way things are done around here...but that changes be felt from the heart of every FILIPINO, Muslim and Christian!

BUT...on whether we will ever be able to find a place in our hearts also for the "sinners" among us...or not? Sorry, we believe that this is simply OUT OF THE QUESTION.

We do not wish to be contrarian, and we applaud EF for taking the time to rebut our statements made here...but we do hope that readers would understand where we're coming from on this.

WE ADVOCATE:

(1) THE IMMEDIATE ABOLITION OF ARMM...AND THE NULLIFICATION OF ALL ACTS OF ARMM...

(2) THE NULLIFICATION OF ALL TREATIES WITH MINDANAO SECESSIONIST GROUPS...AND THE NON-RECOGNITION OF THE BANGSA MORO HOMELAND

(3) THE CESSION OF ALL "TALKS" WITH THESE ARMED GROUPS...

(4) THE FULL ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAWS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AS LAID OUT IN OUR CONSTITUTION...AND THE FULL INTEGRATION OF ALL THE PEOPLES OF MINDANAO INTO FILIPINO SOCIETY...

Until these things are fully dealt with and implemented...MINDANAO WILL KNOW NO PEACE!!!

Tambo Lontok says on Dec. 31, 2007

Yes, from all that I've read about ARMM, corruption and nepotism are as bad as they are in the rest of the Philippines. It would be nice to have one united nation but I would not call it Pilipinas (after King Philip II), I'd call it Bansa Laya or something more native to our language. That's one.Secondly, Muslims in Mindanao have a separate history starting with the 14th Century arrival of Arab merchants and thus the spread of Islam in Mindanao. They and the native tribes made up the majority of the people of Mindanao until the early 20th Century when an exodus of Christian Filipinos settled in Mindanao.

Lastly, even if we wanted to have one united Mindanao, it is likely that Muslims will want to stick to their value system as Christians will want to stick to theirs.I want to see a secular Mindanao where autonomous regions will have a secular government because only such government can guarantee religious freedom to every single citizen of that autonomous region.As for corruption, the entire government, politicians and bureaucrats alike, from Aparri to Jolo , are corrupt except for a few. Whether Christians or Muslims , many are thieves and work only for their families and relatives instead of all their constituents.

I agree with you that the bloated and corrupt bureaucracy is a hindrance to sustainable development. It needs to be reduced by 50 percent -- AT LEAST.

Maxim says on Feb. 16, 2008

Dear Friends (EF, Jamju, Tambo):

I like the way you discuss the good and bad sides of ARMM, whether you talk about its political leaders and some followers, the dispensable bureaucratic layer i.e. the ARMM, and how corruption seems to be orchestrated from Manila down South.

Regardless of the amount of proofs there are, I believe that all that you said are true and correct. However, it was not by design that the ARMM shall have to be what it is today; I still believe in the good intentions of the people behind its creation. The ARMM was a by-product of legitimate negotiations entered into by and between the GRP and the MNLF witnessed and hailed by the OIC as a better option than a shooting war. It's a pity that it has fallen into the wrong hands - those of the circus puppets of the Manila government who not only tolerate everything but manipulate the way these puppets sway their hands and trample their feet.

We complain at the bitterness of the fruit but we forget that it just came from the poison tree. The fruit i.e. the ARMM and the poison tree i.e. Malacanang. Unless we cut the roots of this poison tree it will continue to bear bitter fruits. (Remember that GMA loves the Ampatuans so much because they were the only political clan that has delivered the 12-0 mandate from Malacanang; also made her sweep Maguindanao in the Presidential election!)

Rather than argue with each other, there is something better that we can do. I do not say, however, that all that you said ought not to be said at all. They were all very strikingly informative and plausibly awful facts!

The First Time!

(A love poem to recall on Valentine's Day)

The first time I took her hand
It trembled faintly
Yet noticeably
Like a wild bird's fluttering heart
In the hand of its captor

The first time I kissed her

Her heart raced
And when I touched her skin

I felt her pounding heart
Through my fingers

The first time we made love

Was the first time
For us both
And in our passionate embraces
Our senses were over loaded
The first time became many times

Though we are older now
The passion is stronger
Our senses fine-tuned
We are one soul mates
We share the same shadow

Seven Dating Ups and Downs

Dating is a process a lot of us really can live without. It's an emotional rollercoaster that can drive one to drink ten bottles of beer from the back of your refrigerator.

Now, because February is ‘love’ month, it might help some to understand the few significant intricacies of the dating game. Not a few went home without really enjoying the date they had for the night or evening because they simply lack the way it should have been handled before it ever happened.

Here's a list of the top ups and downs of dating -- and how to feel better about them:

1. Stop the mental post-date recap abuse. You went out with somebody with whom you thought you had a connection, and it turns out you didn't. So now you're going to mentally torture yourself for the next four days trying to figure out what you said wrong. You'll even torture all your friends asking them what you could have done differently. The post-date recap is a form of mental torture. You will never know what that other person is thinking unless they call you. If they don't call, it really does mean that he or she is just not that into you (which is about the only good advice from that ridiculously stupid book I read).

2. We made out in the parking lot and they never called again. Making out is fun! You needed it. They needed it. Don't beat yourself up that you did it, just realize you did it. Be okay with it. It was a great date. You were in the moment, and you experienced something that you wanted to do.

3. I texted them the next morning and said, "I had a great time last night," and they never texted back. So what? You had a great time last night. So did they. They just woke up, and their post-date recap was different from yours. They probably had a good time, but when they thought about it, the chemistry and the "it" factor wasn't there. It's not about you. At least you were honest. So you did all you can do.

4. Should I have said something different in my voicemail message? You left a voicemail message and now you're replaying it in your head a thousand times. "Should I have said 'Last night was fun' with more enthusiasm? Is that why she's not calling me back?" When it comes to voicemail messages, the shorter the better. From an old sales technique, I always prefer to say, "Last night was fun. I have something really funny to share with you the next time we speak." That's it -- it creates a little bit of intrigue, a little bit of mystery and no mental torture.

5. Who cares what they think? You left the above voicemail message without knowing if you'll ever see them again, and they don't call you back. You start to think, "Now they know that I like them, and they don't like me." So what? Is it better to just sit there and hope and pray they call? I always believe in being honest. You've got to do what feels right for you.

6. Stop giving your power away to one person. If a two-hour date can cause you to give away all your power and confidence, then you need to learn to embrace yourself and love yourself more. This is just one person you went out with for two hours. They don't know what an amazing person you are. The only thing they know is the person they sat across from at the table. Whether they choose to hang with you again isn't the issue. The issue is that one person does not determine your worthiness. You've got to toughen your skin. Rejection is what dating is all about; you can't take it personally. If I go out with someone and I have a great time but they never want to see me again, I'm still a great person the next day.

7. In order to feel better about dating, you need to think abundance. Just because you think you like somebody and they don't call you back, this is not the last person in the world you're going to meet. In order to be a successful dater, you need to practice abundance. The power of abundance is training your mind to realize that if it doesn't work out with one person (or 10 people), there are plenty of other people out there who do want to hang out with a fantastic person like you.

My Diary in Japan (Jan. 16-27, 2004)

Introduction

Japan was known in ancient times as NIPPON, meaning the “Source of the Sun”. This explains the red disc on the Japanese Flag which represents the rising sun.

For many centuries Emperors have been the heads of states in Japan. Until the 1900s, Japanese Emperors claimed to be divine, believing they were descended from the gods. The amount of power held by the Emperor varied greatly from one era to another. Today, the Emperor’s role and duties are ceremonial only. The government of the nation is carried out by a democratic parliament called the “Diet”.

Modern Japan is world-famous for its powerful business corporations and advance electronic technology. However, Japan is still a land where ancient customs and traditions are held in the highest esteem. In the workplace, the Japanese are noted for maintaining a high level of ethical standards and professionalism.

Following is an account of my diary in Japan:

Jan. 16

We reported to JICA, Makati City for a briefing/orientation. Mr. Osamu, Vice President of JICA, Philippine Office, briefed us about existing JICA projects in the Philippines and other parts of Asia. Ms. Grace Reyes showed us some video clippings of selected places that we have to visit in Japan. We were told that, this time, it is coldest in Japan because it is the peak of the winter season.

We were given a shot of anti-flu vaccine because Japan is a flu-free country. The vaccine costs more than a thousand pesos but everything was pre-paid by JICA.

I think we over-reacted by bringing with us several thick winter overcoats which we were forced to leave behind, on our way back home, to reduce the weight of our baggage because a kilo of excess baggage would cost us ¥1,600 (P800).

Jan. 17-18

I bought all the required provisions such as: thermal clothing, winter gloves, lip bum, overcoats and ties, etc. I had my calling cards printed and bought some gift items.

Jan. 19

I made sure that I was at the NAIA 3 hours before boarding time. Minutes before boarding, I called up my wife Jasmin, my daughter Johannie and sent text messages to the three boys (Datu, Jim and Chip). Bai jokingly warned me to avoid a Japayokie (I think mothers should train their daughters to do the jealousy bits for them because this is quite more effective).

We boarded the plane (Japan Airlines) at 3:15 p.m. I really like the Japanese foods and wine served on board. I have particular fondness for “saisake” (rice wine). We arrived at Narita Airport in Tokyo at 7:45 p.m. or exactly 4 hours and 30 minutes flying time. We had to adjust our timepieces one hour earlier because the time difference between Tokyo and Manila is 1 hour.

We were met by a JICA Staff at the airport; after a short briefing and checking of travel papers, we took the bus to the Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT) which is more than 100 kms. away. At TCAT, we were met by another JICA Staff.

Boarding 3 limousine vehicles, we proceeded to our hotel - KEIO Plaza Hotel. (I jokingly told Nash that the name of the hotel tells us what people do inside, hehehe!).

Jan. 20

Ms. Ayako Nakano, our guide and interpreter for the whole duration of the study tour, fetched us at 9:00 a.m. and brought us to JICA Headquarters, the Tokyo International Center (TIC). We were told that about 7,000 people attend JICA-sponsored activities every year.

Ms. Nakasato gave us short briefings, checked our papers and told us to fill up some personal data forms.

A Japanese doctor checked our blood pressure and body temperatures. The lady doctor was surprised to find me the coldest participant at 35.6oC. She advised me to drift in warm water for 3-5 minutes upon my return to the hotel.

We were given medical cards that we can use in any hospital in Japan.

A JICA staff briefed us about the City of Tokyo. He told us, among others, about the following: the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, which is 300M high, is the tallest building in Japan; the Shinjuku (where our hotel is located) is the busiest commercial district in Tokyo; Akihabara is the home of cheap electronic gadgets and appliances; Asakusa is the biggest flea market; the Imperial Palace is not open to the public, not even to Japanese people; Emperor Hirohito is sickly, that is why the government declared a no smoking zone within 1 km. around the palace as a matter of respect and reverence for the sick Emperor.

Mr. Matsunaga, Executive Director of JICA met us at 12:30 p.m. and briefed us on what to expect for the next several days until the 27th of January. He emphasized, among others, that the primary objective of the study tour is to finalize the JICA Governance Support for ARMM and to learn from governance experience in Japan.

Jan. 21

Ms. Nakano fetched us from KEIO Plaza Hotel at 9:30 a.m.;

Mr. Matsuoka, Vice Pres. of JICA, sponsored our lunch; he was an upbeat executive with so much to tell about Japan-Philippine cooperation experience.

We met Dr. Alex Brillantes of U.P. He is in Japan as visiting Professor of Kobe University;

We had a tele-conference between JICA-Tokyo and JICA-Manila from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.;

At past 6 p.m., Ms. Kobayashi of the Kokusai Service Agency briefed us on the things that we have to do regarding our return flight to Manila.

At 8:00 in the evening we went shopping around Shinjuku commercial district in Tokyo; I bought a digital camera, wrist watch for my wife, FM Card Radio for my daughter, novelty items for my 3 boys, and some gifts for friends and relatives at home; then, Nash and I went to a restaurant to partake our favorite Japanese food, Japanese green noodles, a soup (I forgot the name) and green tea.

Jan. 22

Ms. Nakano fetched us from Keio Hotel at 9:30 a.m.;

We took a bus to the JICA International Cooperation Office to attend a program;

Atty. Salmani, head of our delegation, gave an opening remarks;

Prof. Katayama of Kobe University and Prof. Temario Rivera of the International Christian University presented the general outline of politics, economy and governance in Mindanao, Philippines;

Dr. Amy Malbun, member of our delegation, presented some of the programs on education in the ARMM.

Ms. Mashako Ishii gave response/remarks to the presentation of Dr. Amy Malbun; she recommended for peace education as a means of confidence-building for the tri-people of Mindanao (Muslims, Christians, Lumads); she also recommended for active inter-phase between the Madaris and the public school system in the ARMM.

Dr. Lampa Pandi, member of our delegation, presented the health programs in the ARMM; Mr. Takahiro Nakashima from the Asia Health Institute, an NGO based in Japan, made remarks and recommendations on the presentation.

Jan. 23

Ms. Nakano fetched us from Keio Hotel at 9:30 a.m.;

But before our departure, Nash and I had a picture-taking outside; we did not stay long outside the hotel because it was too cold; the temperature was 8ºC.

At the Tokyo International Center, Ms. Tanaka, Evaluator of the Cebu SEED Project, presented the project’s activities and accomplishments.

In the afternoon at around 2:00 p.m., we went to the Asakusa (flea market) to buy more gift items; a prominent Japanese Temple is located nearby; I bought a Japanese kimono, shoulder bags, several handkerchiefs, neckties, towels and rice cookies.

Jan. 24

We checked out from Keio Plaza Hotel at 7:00 a.m.; while waiting for a ride, I enjoyed the snow falling like loose cotton balls, walked outside and took pictures.

We took the bus to the Tokyo Station at 8:50 a.m.;

We took the train to Kyoto at 10:06 a.m. and arrived at the Kyoto Station at 12:40 p.m. On board the train was a wonderful experience; the ride was smooth, fast and silent;

Along the way, we saw urban and rural Japan; except for high-rise congested structures that characterize urban Japan, there was not much difference with the rural areas in terms of cleanliness and orderliness; rural Japan is characterized by rampant small villages orderly arranged depicting Japanese discipline all throughout; one can readily tell modern farming practices by the sight of farm machineries, farm structures and on-site farm factories.

At 1:40 p.m., we went on guided tour to visit 3 famous temples in Kyoto; Kyoto was the former capital of Japan; it is the third largest city next to Tokyo and Yokohama; now, it is famous for its historical sites and tourist attractions; we visited the Hai Gian Temple, a Budhhist Temple, and a Taoist Temple; In all these places, the Japanese Garden is a stand-out attraction.

At about 6 p.m., we took the bus to Osaka, arrived at 7 p.m. and proceeded to check-in at Hotel Granvia; it was in Osaka that the famous World Expo was held in 1975.

After dinner, Nash and I went to a coffee shop and spent about 1 hour sharing some experiences and observations; we moved on to watch a live band performance at the Osaka sub-way station.

Jan. 25

We checked out from Granvia Hotel at 8:45 a.m. and took the bus to the famous Osaka Castle;

We had picture-taking around and inside the castle, but we had to respect areas where picture-taking was not allowed; It was a very beautiful castle; I bought a postcard and booklet about the castle; while inside the castle premises, it was incidental that the national Japanese Marathon for Women passed by; the winner will compete in the world Olympics games;

In the afternoon, we went to the Osaka Aquarium; it was a wonderful experience seeing samples of the undersea treasures and creatures of the world;

After we had lunch, we took our famous ride at the TENPOZAN, the biggest ferris wheel in the world; it has a diameter of 112 m. and carries 60 cabs.

At 3:30 p.m. we went to Kobe University to pay courtesy visits to Dean Katayama and Dr. Alex Brillantes; we came to know 3 Filipina students (Gina, Marie and Leah) taking up doctorate degrees; all of them are members of the UP faculty; we went back to Hyogo at past 5 p.m.

We checked in at the JICA International Cooperation Center at Hyogo; we met two Filipino compatriots, Mr. Mariano Rivera Jr. of DOH, Manila and Mr. Asterio Gallardo Jr. of the Philippine Ports Authority based in Davao City; they were also attending a JICA-sponsored training.

Jan. 26

At 8:45 a.m., we checked out of JICA-Hyogo; Nash and I had some picture-taking outside while waiting for the bus; I was really enjoying the cool sunny morning and the beautiful sceneries around.

We took the bus to Kakogawa Plaza and arrived at past 11 a.m.; we were met by Mr. Narao Okada, Executive Director General of the Higashi-Harima District Administration Office; we were presented with the concepts and approaches used in the establishment and operation of the district administration office; then, the strategies and approaches used in the establishment of the Inamino Tameiki Project (water impounding project) was discussed to us showcasing government-community partnership in project implementation, management and operation;

We left at about 3 p.m. and went back to Osaka; we checked in at Rihga Royal Hotel, and had dinner outside; as usual my favorite hang-out, with Nash, is the subway station where we can have coffee and watch a live band performance before retiring to our hotel.

Jan. 27

For the first time we woke up earlier than usual; at 6:30 a.m. most of us were already at the hotel lobby, except that we had to wait for Asec. Kader, as usual. We left the hotel by taxi to New Honkyu Hotel where we had to take a limousine bus to the Kansai International Airport. It was almost 1-hour ride to the Airport which is located more than 3 kms. from the seashore; it was an amazing structure in the middle of the sea;

After alighting from the limousine bus, we took our individual carts, as everyone of us was dangling with baggage; at the entrance we were accommodated by courteous and beautiful airport staff;

It was still more than 2 hours before boarding time, and so, I spent the time going around the airport, mostly at the duty free shop, trying to consume every yen that I have; went to a coffee shop where I met a Chinese lady by the name of Chien Li Huang; she was going back to Guangzou province after a 2-week packaged tour in Japan; then Nash took a picture of me with two beautiful Thai flight stewardesses;

Before boarding, we had to take a mini-cable car to the passenger tube; we boarded the plane (Thai Airways) at 10 a.m. Again, I enjoyed a sumptuous Japanese food on board, but this time, I did not drink saisake. I took Ballantines (recommended by Nash); it was a superb wine with its smooth mellow taste. I think I had drank enough and so I had a good sleep on board the plane; when I woke up it was 30 minutes before landing time, and so, I took advantage of the few minutes left to buy some t-shirts and perfume (on board the plane) to dispose a few dollars.

We landed at NAIA at about 2 p.m.; the Japan experience was a wonderful one; something that I would cherish so much; I would not forget the kind and courteous Japanese people that we met; thanks to JICA, our benefactor; I learned a lot of good things from Japan and its people; I think the study tour was worth every cent spent.