Angel's Herald

I Have A New Hobby

2009-02-23T20:29:00.003+08:00

First Person to guess what my new hobby is gets P1,000.00 (joke).

Who knew you could order it via LBC from Malabon?? lol

Back to blogging!!!

Sean Connery and Annie Leibovitz for Vuitton

2008-10-14T21:08:00.004+08:00

Sean Connery posed for Annie Leibovitz on a Louis Vuitton campaign, supporting the Climate Project. At 78, I think Sean is looking great! He looks younger than me. lol.

Click thumbnail for hi-res version

I'm a fan of Leibovitz's work and I think she's still on top of her game. As for the Waterproof Keepall, it has been on my wishlist for more than a year now, but I guess I won't be getting it anytime soon/or ever. Haha!

Photoshoot: YouthXchange Campaign (UNEP-YAFE)

2008-09-23T14:45:00.000+08:00

Behind the scenes pictures of our photoshoot for the YouthXchange Campaign, a project of the United Nations Environment Programme and Young Artists Fellowship for the Environment with support from United States Agency for International Development.

Photos grabbed from Ash, click here for more.

Leading this campaign is quite a demanding job but having worked with one of the best photographer and a proactive team of volunteers make it a lot easier. In fact, everyone involved in this shoot are volunteers, from the staffs, photographer and even the celebrities, all has dedicated their time and talent -pro-bono- to make the three-day photoshoot a success.

I'd like to thank first and foremost Ash, for not even thinking twice when I asked his potential involvement for the campaign, even if that means shooting more than 60-people in three days. I was attracted to this guy's portfolio long time ago and I couldn't be more prouder seeing him emerge as one of the industry's best, and all while still being grounded. Thanks so much Ash and Happy Birthday!!! Yay!

Thanks to Diwata of SEDP-USAID for proving her name right, a Diwata realizing our dreams =). All the models, artists (writers, dancers, singers, multi-media), athletes, students, young professionals, environmentalists and youth leaders who set best practices and deserves to represent their fields, thank you!

Digard Tuga, Dennis Celestial and Christian Garvida for assisting and squirting out creative juices.

To these physically fatal people who added a lot of asset and diversity to our campaign, thanks!!

The YouthXchange Ad Campaign is part of the UNEP-YAFE's effort of disseminating information on how to live a sustainable lifestyle. Education from this campaign will be published on a book written to be a training kit for young people on how to be a conscientious consumer and to spread awareness of how our small ways and efforts can influence others to co-exist fairly in the society and with the environment.

Outcome of these photos will be displayed as a gallery at the book launching event, it will also be exhibited on different schools, malls and on MRT stations come November.

This effort is not even a fundraiser, nor is it for anything else but spreading the word of environmental conservation and to encourage young people to be aware of their buying habits, to be aware what is behind the products or service they are about to have and to make smart choices and choose products that uses less labor and raw materials that degrade the environment and at some point other rmembers of the society.

Let's all go green!!

Unstoppable Charice

2008-09-07T13:28:00.003+08:00

When Oprah calls you the most talented girl in the world, I think maybe it's true.. lol. I think it's a whole new level, like no one else is in there... LOL

One full episode about her.. I don't know how this tiny girl manage to hold it all together (logical and literal - head?) and still looks perfectly fine and calm on-cam. Just imagining a whole episode of Oprah dedicated to me gives me diarrhea, even if it will never happen in 1M lightyears. Hahah!

McDonalds Going Greasy Green

2008-07-31T00:05:00.001+08:00

Via Perez Hilton:

Is this the wave of the future????

Police in Manila, Philippines are looking to convert their patrol cars to run on a mixture of diesel and used cooking oil from McDonald's, police officials and Mickey D's execs said Tuesday.

Because oil prices are so high, the project would convert cars in the city's financial district to run on a mix of 40 percent diesel and 60 percent cooking oil, its police chief.

Used cooking oil will be donated by financial district outlets of the Big Mac.

So does that mean that Manila will smell of french fries?

[Image via Getty Images]

Pepper Lunch In Shangri-la?

2008-07-30T02:18:00.003+08:00

I've been to Pepper Lunch twice and I think I'm missing a lot. I planned to dine every weekend to try and finish off as much varieties as possible. This is because Rockwell is so out of my way and my *****y schedule is very un-permitting.

Reading some threads on CVS' blog kind of assured me that the next branch will be in Shangri-la (jologs term coined by someone: e-shang. lol!), my second home and my only mall until recently.

So yeah, seeing this is one of the best news for the past hectic weeks:
http://flickr.com/photos/chuvaness/2713919082/
http://flickr.com/photos/chuvaness/2713918444/

Tita Chuva, you're definitely getting help from eager forces to achieve the secret. I am so praying.

Results: Nursing Board Exams

2008-07-24T23:44:00.002+08:00

Follow the link to download PDF file
http://rapidshare.com/files/132130063/nursing-07242008.pdf.html

Congrats to all my friends who passed! Yay!

Search toppers: nurse, nursing, borad examination, exam, exams, licensure, philippines, 2008, june, july, philippine regulation commission, prc, results, outcome,

Ja-Havaianas

2008-06-29T10:45:00.001+08:00

I'm missing Jamaica terribly and the projects I'm currently developing are for all-Jamaican clients and it makes me miss the place more. I miss:

Full Jamaican breakfast..

Montego Bay shore.. (Oh, hayaan niyo na minsan lang ako mag-post ng topless, hahaha!)

(Siyempre iyayabang ko nanaman 'to)

Anyway, myself and Jaevion, my business partner in Jamaica, are currently swamped with projects. This includes a website for the Jamaican Youth Advocacy Network (www.jamaicayouthadvocacynetwork.org):

and a book layout for French-Canadian author living in Kingston, L. Iona Halliman:

Click for hi-res version

Click the book cover for larger version and to know more about the book.

My newly-found SA/PS Mayette e-mailed me last night about this:

"Every year Walk Good Jamaica and Havaianas create a very special and exclusive design for the Jamaica Havaianas. These Havaianas can only be found in Jamaica and have become a collectors' item being renamed JA-HAVAIANAS".

So to pay homage for my favorite vacation place, I'm having a pair this week. Hihihi (,^^)!

HP's Marcus Belby Actor, Killed

2008-05-25T02:04:00.003+08:00

The DailyMail is reporting today that Robert Knox, a young actor that is set to appear as Marcus Belby in the upcoming Half-Blood Prince movie of the Harry Potter series, was tragically killed in a stabbing incident in London.

According to police reports, 18-year-old Robert was defending his younger brother, 16-year-old Jamie Knox, at a bar in Sidcup.

A police spokesman has said that "A man aged 21 has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He is being held in custody."

On his HP character, Belby is a "thin and nervous-looking" boy. A candidate for the Slug Club because his Uncle Damocles invented Wolfsbane potion (HBP7).

Here are some of the newest photos from the Half Blood Prince.

Sad.

I wonder if Belby will actually be seen on film. Major characters are always cut off, let alone someone who was merely mentioned in the book. My Brazilian friend, Fernando Bartuccio made it to Prisoner of Azkaban as extra, all I saw of him is his eyebrow. lol

That last Lucius Malfoy with Wolfhounds photo is very Annie Leibovitz for me, I like.

David Bet: Archuleta

2008-05-21T19:52:00.003+08:00

January 20, my bet is David Archuleta for this season of AI. February 2, David Cook became one of my top bets. Now they are competing for the finals and judging from their final performances a while ago, Archuleta will win the title.

I think the boy deserves to win. He's been singing since birth, thanks to his stage-father. Hahaha!

Who's your bet?

Shenanigans And Goings-On

2008-05-17T05:10:00.003+08:00

So the past month is extremely toxic: We are on the final stage of publishing the UNEP-YAFE (United Nations Environment Programme and Young Artists Fellowship for the Environment) YouthXchange Book, and I am panicking on working for my travel documents for June (Glasgow, Scotland) and July (Sydney, Australia).

Now, the more detailed account, bishops and clergies, be ready.

I am happy that after a year in the making, the UNEP-YAFE YouthXchacnge book is in now on its final/publishing stage. UNEP-YAFE YouthXchange Book, is an initiative of The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in France, and headed in the Philippines by the Young Artists Fellowship for the Environment (YAFE). The YouthXchange book aims to be a ‘training kit’ for young Filipinos on how to live a sustainable lifestyle: tackling issues of ethical consumerism, fair trade, animal rights, children’s and women’s right, natural/organic living, awareness on human rights, and other pressing environmental and economic issues.

Our job is to translate and adapt the book in Filipino and in Filipino cases.

We are doing our best to release the book by June. We are also currently raising funds for additional copies of the book aside from the initial publication budget that we have. It's such a challenge. Fortunately, we were able to find help through our new interns from UP Los Baños (good and improving) and Mapua (we're helping them). This stage shows you how unprofessional companies and corporations in the Philippines are, to the extreme level of levels.

You see, I don't judge their response basing if they said yes or no. Company-A for example declined, but formally sent us a letter stating that their budget for two years is already allocated, very decently. Unlike other companies who will ask us to refax, re-email and resend by courier the letter we already sent them (Why? You lost them? What?), and later on decline saying they don't have funds for such projects to begin with (and we wouldn't know their response unless we call them back for updates).

The challenging part here is we have a new office, but in San Pedro, Laguna. That's 2-3 hours of travel back and forth everyday. Anyway I'm only coming twice a week. But still (-_-). I'm glad though we have a new office; super accessible too, it's just that freaking travel time. With this project, I am again experiencing having to walk in Recto, Baclaran, etc. to canvass for materials just as what I did in 2006 for UNV. It's a lot of fun unless at some point you realized you were lost.

We're in Recto yesterday afternoon and I heard from the car radio that by 2pm, there will be a typhoon. LOL. Anyhow, we managed to canvass in Recto but since no one is available to pick me up after, I was obliged to ride the jeep with my co-worker who went to her V.Cruz house; I had to stay up until the PUJ reach Metropoint Mall she said. I never saw the mall even after an hour; I decided to think I'm lost so I hopped down the PUJ on a very crowded wet market. It's really wet; they are selling clothes above the floods.

I walked for half an hour until I saw the end of LRT. Literally, it's the end, there's a weird defined cutting of the railway, I wish I brought my camera with me, but even if I have I don't think I can take photos there (snatchers). So I followed the railway and saw Metropoint Mall. Yay!

Sorry, but I think this mall should go, just like Ali Mall.

Good thing I saw this chain called Paotsin Dumplings, I never heard of it before. I chanced upon the menu and surprisingly, it's well-researched, something you can only get from chain a proprietor who travels well. I'm impressed to see two of me favorite rice on the menu: The Lemak Rice (cooked with Coconut Milk, used for Nasi Lemak) and The Hainanese Rice (cooked with Chicken Broth, used for Hainanese Chicken Rice).

Reminds me of the Nasi Lemak and Hainanese Chicken I made: Photos for Malay Satay Website.

My 'for home' made Nasi Lemak:

And AirAsia's Nasty Lemak. Hahaha!

I've done Hainanese Chicken at home twice but never got the opportunity to take photos. In the Philippines, I will suggest the Hainanese Chicken Rice of Penang Hill and Mandarin Hotel.

I'm supposed to make this blog longer, but it's 4:58am and I need to start preparing for San Pedro now (-_-). So my blog about Bishops and the Clergies, I will post later today.

Asian Man Fur

2008-04-30T14:07:00.002+08:00

My brother emailed me this comic strip:

Link: Comic.com - Secret Asian Man

Austrian House Of Horror

2008-04-29T14:14:00.002+08:00

This news is so overwhelming, hence my pasting of CNN's comprehensive article and Dailymail's imagery studies.

Father says he held daughter prisoner for nearly 24 years, fathered 7 children
NEW: Police say Josef Fritzl forced her to write letter saying she had run away
The daughter, now 42, has been missing since 1984, when she was 18
Three children fathered by Fritzl imprisoned with daughter had never seen daylight
Raped daughter once bore twins, the other one died, Fritzl tossed body in the oven

AMSTETTEN, Austria (CNN) -- Three children freed from a cellar in which their mother had been imprisoned and raped by her own father for 24 years had never seen daylight, police in Austria have confirmed.

Police spokesman Franz Polzer told CNN that 73-year-old Josef Fritzl admitted holding his daughter, Elisabeth Fritzl, 42, hostage in the windowless cell and fathering seven children by her.

"The mother had memories [of the outside world] and got used to the situation," Polzer told a press conference Monday afternoon. "The others knew nothing else."

The main question reverberating from the small Austrian town: How could a man keep his daughter locked in his basement for 24 years, where she gave birth to seven of his children while her mother and three of those children lived upstairs without an inkling of the horrors in the cellar?

Fritzl explained Elisabeth's disappearance by saying she had run away from home, a story backed up by letters he forced Elisabeth to write, including one that begged her parents not to look for her.

Entrance to the Labyrinth

An example of how narrow the pathways are

Make-shift bathroom

Other letters made it seem the missing daughter had left the three children on the parents' doorstep -- when in fact they had been born in captivity in the family's basement.

Elisabeth told police that she and her three children Kerstin, 19; Stefan, 18; and Felix, 5, did not see the light of day during their entire time in captivity underneath the building in Amstetten, a rural town about 150 km (93 miles) west of Vienna.

Elisabeth is described as "very disturbed" and having trouble talking to police about her ordeal, reports CNN correspondent Fred Pleitgen. She went missing in 1984, when she was 18 years old, police have said.

More details also emerged at the news conference about the basement dungeon in which the daughter and her children were kept -- and how her father managed to keep them captive for more than two decades.

Floor plan

Aerial view of the place.
Outlined is the Labyrinth downstairs.

The authorities have revealed that the prison, constructed in the basement of the 1960s building, ran underneath both the building itself and the garden outside.

The entrance was via a small door, hidden behind cupboards in the basement, controlled by an electronic keyless-entry system. Polzer said that the prison was hard to find, even if someone was looking for it, and had been soundproofed.

"Even though they shouted and called they were not in a position to let anyone hear them," Polzer told the press conference.

Family Tree. Deceased son was tossed in the oven.

Polzer said that Fritzl made clear to his wife and other children that the area was out of bounds and they were not to go into the basement. He bought food and took it to his captives in the evening. Detectives made the grim discovery about the cellar earlier this month after Kerstin was hospitalized in Amstetten after falling unconscious and taken to a hospital in Amstetten by her grandfather with a SOS note from her mother hidden on her.

A DNA test was later carried out which revealed her grandfather, Josef Fritzl, was also her father, according to ORF, Austria's state-run news agency. That sparked a police investigation, which revealed that Fritzl fathered at least six children with his daughter, forcing her and three of the surviving children to live in the cellar of his house, according to ORF's Peter Schmitzberger.

On Sunday, police searched the hidden rooms where Fritzl admitted he kept his daughter and their children, including sleeping quarters, a kitchen and a bathroom, which Fritzl told police he built, Polzer said.

Amstetten police say they were put on Fritzl's trail following an anonymous tip off. They apprehended the pair on Saturday near the hospital and once police assured the daughter that she would never have contact with her father again, "she was able to tell the whole story," Schmitzberger said.

Elisabeth said her father began sexually abusing her at age 11. On August 8, 1984 -- weeks before she was reported missing -- her father enticed her into the basement, where he drugged her, put her in handcuffs and locked her in a room, she told police.

For the next 24 years, she was constantly raped by her father, resulting in the six surviving children, she said, according to the police statement. She also told police she gave birth to twins in 1996, but one of the babies died a few days later as a result of neglect, and Fritzl removed the infant's body and burned it in an oven.

She told police that only her father supplied her and her children with food and clothing, and that she did not think his wife knew anything about their situation Fritzl lived upstairs with his wife, Rosemarie, who police said had no idea about her husband's other family living in the cellar. The couple adopted three of the children that Fritzl had with his daughter, according to police. He told his wife that his missing daughter had dropped the unwanted children off at the house because she could not take care of them, police said.

When Kerstin fell ill, Fritzl apparently told his wife and the hospital that his "missing" daughter had dropped off the sick girl on his doorstep. In an effort to find out about Kerstin's condition, the hospital and police asked the media to put out a bulletin requesting any information about the girl or her missing mother, attorney general Gerhard Sedlacek told NTV.

Sometime later, Fritzl brought Elisabeth out of the cellar, telling his wife that she had returned home with her two children after a 24-year absence, police said. He took Elisabeth to the hospital to talk with doctors about Kerstin's condition, and at that point, authorities became aware of her situation, Sedlacek said.

Texts from CNN.com
Diagrams from Dailymail.co.uk

Appetizing Things

2008-04-01T02:21:00.004+08:00

I made a complete set of Japanese Sushi today: Maki, Temaki and Nigiri. Plus Sukiyaki. I don't know why but whenever someone is coming home from abroad (Bien Venida) we always eat Japanese. (some pictures are blurry!)

And for a more appetizing set: There's something common with these pictures, tell me what. =P

Movie Year: Cholera, Starbucks, Hachiko, Waris

2008-03-27T04:19:00.004+08:00

2008 is movie year for me, it started with my fingers crossed on who will lead the award season (it all went perfectly for me), considering the magnificent movies of 2007 in which are fortunately shown in the Philippines on the latter part of the year (Le Vie en Rose) up until February (There Will Be Blood, Sweeney Todd). Some if I'm not mistaken were not even shown locally (Elizabeth: The Golden Age), in which instances I have to thank my friends abroad for providing me the DVD, and in desperate cases I have to forcefully thank uTorrent.

Love in the Time of Cholera

Actually, I was quite disappointed as I type this entry, I felt so late, 'uncool,' and betrayed no one ever mentioned me that one of my favorite love story was adapted on screen, "Love in the Time of Cholera" written by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, my ultimate favorite (his "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is for me the best book of all time).

Adding insult to injury, Javier Bardem, my Oscar bet for Supporting Actor (for 'No Country for Old Men,' he won) played Florentino Ariza. Even more, it was directed by Mike Newell (Monalisa Smile, Goblet of Fire), another favorite. Here's an IMDB Plot Synopsis:

A chronicle which takes in the fifty-year period straddling the 19th and 20th centuries. We are privy to the feelings of the central character, Fiorentino Ariza. He cannot help staring at the lovely but shy Fermina Daza The film is framed by the accidental death from a fall out of a mango tree by the 80-year-old Dr. Juvenal Urbino (Benjamin Bratt), married for a half century to the 72-year-old Fermina Daza Visited on the day of the funeral by Florentino Ariza she is enraged at the gall of a man who professes his lifetime love for her, at which point director Newell flashes back to the early courtship and proceeds through some fifty-two years of their lives.

Cholera was shown in the US November 2007, I hope it will be released here soon. Not a fat chance though.

Other movies I'm excited to watch this year are very close to my heart, either way back in time or just recently.

How Starbucks Saved My Life

Last year I was given a book by a friend as a birthday gift and read it overnight. "How Starbucks Saved My Life" by Michael Gates Gill, an autobiography written so simply and realistic you can see yourself on it at some point.

Hachiko: A Dog's Story

Speaking of sorts close to my heart, dogs. Last month, I blogged about our dear 'Chow' having to cross the rainbow bridge due to old age.

Growing up in company of dogs, tens/hundreds of them, its been in our nature to treat them as people. When we were choosing back then on what breed to take as a pet, Akita Inu is one of the many breeds we lay down as an option. We ended up with Chow, a Chow Chow (siyempre lol). But further years found ourselves in company of many other breeds, I myself gained invaluable insights and knowledge on raising dogs. I was particularly humbled by Hachikō's Story (Dog Fancy Magazine 1998), the dog who waited for his master Ueno's return on a train station in Tokyo for ten years, not knowing Ueno died since.

In 1924, Hachikō was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesamurō Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo. During his owner's life, Hachikō saw him off from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. Even after Ueno's death in May 1925, Hachikō returned every day to the station to wait for him, and did so for the next 10 years. Hachikō became a national sensation. His faithfulness to his master's memory impressed the people of Japan as a spirit of family loyalty all should strive to achieve. Teachers and parents used Hachikō's vigil as an example for children to follow. -Wikipedia

So it is my utmost joy hearing that his story will be adapted for screenplay. I am hoping though that the film won't be too 'Americanzed', Professor Ueno will be portrayed by Richard Gere (err). Production began September 2007, financed by Inferno Entertainment. "Gere will play a college professor who takes in a dog he finds abandoned. Both man and hound find their lives changed forever as they form an unbreakable bond."

Desert Flower: The Extraordinary Journey Of A Desert Nomad

I've read about Waris Dirie years ago and I'm quite convinced that it is her who brought up the issue of Female Genital Mutilation in an international level. It takes some guts and courage to expose and oppose thousand-years of tradition and cultural belief, and her tell-all biography gave that magnificent impact to the developing world in which international organizations like the UN started to do something.

I bought the paperback version of the book after reading the summarized article on Reader's Digest, at the back is a quote from Elton John saying "Waris's story is one of remarkable courage. From the deserts of Somalia to the world of high fashion, she battles against oppression and emerges a real champion. She is the most beautiful inspiration to anyone." Later on I discovered that Elton John bought the movie rights for her story.

I need accurate showing dates pronto!

Good Morning America: Papaya Dance

2008-03-24T19:12:00.003+08:00

Please explain to me why Good Morning America's hosts were doing Edu Manzano's Papaya Dance?!

Hahaha!

Magic: 7 Potter Books, 8 Movies

2008-03-14T08:46:00.006+08:00

This is cool news!

Warner Bros. officially announced this morning that the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie will be released in two parts and will be directed by David Yates.

In making the announcement, Warner Bros. Pictures president Jeff Robinov stated:

It has been an honor for our studio to be entrusted with bringing J.K. Rowling’s extraordinary book series to the screen, and we have always felt a great responsibility to be true to her vision. In concluding the film franchise, we recognized that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is packed with vital plot points that complete the story arcs of all of its beloved characters. That said, we feel that the best way to do the book, and its many fans, justice is to expand the screen adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and release the film in two parts. We could not imagine the final chapter of the film franchise being in better hands than those of David Yates.

Part one of the movie will open in November 2010, with part two to be released in quick succession during the summer of 2011.

Years ago, we briefly - and seriously - considered doing Goblet of Fire as two films. So this concept is not altogether new. As for Deathly Hallows, I intuited - almost from the first moments I began reading it and certainly once I’d finished - that to realize the story in a single film was going to be a tall order. Others in 'the group' felt similarly. So the idea of two films began to get kicked around as early as late summer of 2007. We didn’t take it lightly. But ultimately everyone felt that despite the challenges it would present, it was the most sound creative decision. I’m sure some will think we’re crazy. My wife looked at me cross-eyed when I first mentioned it. But I’m really excited about it because it should allow us to stretch a bit with the characters and give them the proper send-off. The story is highly emotional and those moments deserve time to breathe. And, personally, I feel we owe it to Jo - in order to preserve the integrity of the work — and the fans - for their loyalty all these years - to give them the best and most complete experience possible. I’d love to do it in three parts!

Hotness right?! We've been dreaming for two split films since Goblet of Fire, campaigned for it and threatened boycott but to no avail. And now the eighth book will fulfill that dream. Cool!

Via HPANA

I Hated Her Since

2008-03-08T12:05:00.002+08:00

For so many reasons unknown even to myself, I hated Celine Lopez since my birth date. Now I think I have confirmed my extra powers of sensing bad energies.

Enjoy:
http://delfindjmontano.blogspot.com/

This is recently the biggest bomb to hit the town. WOW.

Waris Dirie, Found

2008-03-08T11:04:00.003+08:00

I wasn't even aware that Waris Dirie went missing three days ago, we were just discussing about her that day on a contact's Multiply post regarding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) to coincide with the International Women's Month.

Missing model, rights campaigner found
CNN

BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) -- Waris Dirie, the Somali-born supermodel and former James Bond girl who launched a worldwide campaign against female genital mutilation, was found by police Friday in central Brussels three days after she disappeared, the prosecutor's office said.

She was found hours after police announced they were launching a nationwide search for her. She had last been seen getting into a cab after a mix-up over a hotel in the early hours of Wednesday.

Prosecutor's spokeswoman Estelle Arpigny said Dirie was being questioned by police about the disappearance and appeared to be in good health. She declined to give further details, saying it was unclear what had happened since Dirie vanished after leaving a Brussels nightclub.

Dirie, 43, gained international fame as a model in Chanel ads and acting in the 1987 James Bond movie "The Living Daylights" before launching her campaign against female genital mutilation in 1996.

She shocked the world with a best selling book "Desert Flower" that described how her genitals were sliced off with a dirty razor blade without anesthesia, and then stitched together.

Belgian media reports said she was found by police Friday afternoon walking the Brussels' Grand Place square. The prosecutor's office is scheduled to hold a news conference Saturday morning on the case.

A a U.N. goodwill ambassador, Dirie was due to speak on genital mutilation in Brussels at two conferences on women's rights organized by the European Union, including one Thursday attended by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Concern over her disappearance was heightened because of the discovery last week in Paris of the body of another African-born former model who had campaigned against female genital mutilation. Guinean-born Katoucha Niane was discovered floating in the River Seine. The French police said an autopsy showed no signs of foul play, raising the possibility that she may have fallen accidentally into the river. However, Katoucha's family filed a legal complaint Friday saying they suspected homicide.

Dirie's manager, Walter Lutschinger, said the 43-year-old former model had been involved in an altercation early Wednesday after a taxi driver took her to the wrong branch of the Sofitel hotel chain. The police were called and drove Dirie around Brussels looking for the correct hotel because she had apparently forgotten where she was staying. At one hotel, while staff and police were checking for her name on a computer, police said Dirie stepped out saying she planned to buy cigarettes from an all-night kiosk, but instead climbed into a Citroen Picasso taxi and drove away.

"She left with no credit card. She left with no cell phone, no passport. She has no papers on her, probably no money," Lutschinger said before she was found. He did not return calls to his cell phone following Dirie's discovery.

An Austrian citizen, Dirie was attacked in her Vienna apartment in 2004 by a Portuguese handyman who had stalked her. She received minor injuries and the man, Paulo Augusto, was given a 5-month suspended sentence by an Austrian court. Lutschinger said Dirie had planned to criticize European politicians at the Brussels' conferences for not doing enough to stamp out female genital mutilation in Europe.

"We can give no more excuses for this," Dirie told AP Television News in an interview last year. "This is a pure crime against a child. And we are doing it ... not God or nature."

Dirie was due to travel Friday to the Netherlands to receive an award for her campaigning.

I first read about Waris' story in Reader's Digest (Canada), 1999. Very rarely will you read an auto-biography so much full of impact, perhaps why Elton John bought the movie rights for her story after reading it (but when will it be adapted on screen?).

Having worked with the UN Gender Mainstreaming Committee and other NGOs, I wish for this month to be a sensible time to spread awareness on gender equality. Let's show our legislators and politicians that we know what their promises are in 2000 when the Millennium Declaration was signed.

Finally, Oscars For Marion Cotillard

2008-02-25T12:38:00.009+08:00

I am just so happy with the results!

For quite some time I thought the Oscars will snob another Actress from a foreign-language film, but Marion Cotillard's performance in 'La Vie en Rose' is just not the type that can be robbed off Oscars that simple. Exactly the same thing for Daniel Day Lewis' role for 'There Will Be Blood.'

On a previous post, I predicted some categories in which I was able to watch all of the included films. Here's a comparison of my bets against the actual Oscar winners:

ME	CATEGORY	OSCARS
Daniel Day-Lewis	Actor	Daniel Day-Lewis
Marion Cotillard	Actress	Marion Cotillard
Javier Bardem	Supporting Actor	Javier Bardem
Ratatouille	Animated Film	Ratatouille
Sweeney Todd	Art Direction	Sweeney Todd
La Vie en Rose	Makeup	La Vie en Rose

I'm like right, right? lol. Someone owes me some money! Hahaha! II am just so proud of Marion, and I felt extremely lucky to have watched La Vie en Rose as it was only shown three times in Shangri-la, without the slightest notice on how great the movie would be. On the other hand, is it just me or Daniel Day Lewis could be a poet? His Speeches for SAG, BAFTA and Oscars are amazing.

Things I Will Miss

2008-02-19T18:47:00.004+08:00

"An essential part of our childhood is going into extinction. Polaroid has announced that they will stop making Polaroid instant cameras and film. Instead, the company is going to focus on making digital cameras and manufacturing TVs. Buy your Polaroids and film on eBay. They're gonna be a thing of the past real soon!" - Click here

Now, now, me and my family never considered having Polaroid instant as part of our lives. Simply because we can wait. Lots of time in the world to wait for developing your pictures. =)

Anyway it will still be missed, Polaroid instant is an essential part of many events designed for young people, for parties, games and the like. Whenever I'm in San Francisco for example, we always do Scavenger Hunt within the city and it's one of those childhood memories that you will just never forget no matter how corny it was. It's just plain fun and that's good enough.

Another thing I will miss is how I looked so slim here (look at my hat haha!):

And now for the sadder part. Chow, our family pet arrived today finally. His Urn says 'For in your hearts I shall stay..' The Urn is quite elegant but I like the idea of having black marble urn shaped after his silhouette. I'm not sure of what picture is better so here:

The Cremation Package is worth the price, it includes paw-print paper-weight, his locks of hair and a cute card with his funeral pictures (lol).

It's just so hard to think that the one who used to be around us for almost all our life is now inside that small marble urn. We will miss him terribly.

Travis Kraft Upgrade

2008-02-18T02:53:00.003+08:00

A Super-Man exposure from some local Philippine media, to Harper's Bazaar, now Travis Kraft upgraded from Katrina Halili to Lindsay Lohan.

When can I expect an HGTV guesting (as an upgrade to his funny Adobong Manok YouTube stint)? Then lastly, I have to admit it, even after all the rehab stint of La Lohan, she still looks piping hot here don't you think? And the concept looks are not bad too either.

You can view all the photos from Harper's Bazaar here.

Weep Not For Me

2008-02-14T21:11:00.007+08:00

Our family pet 'Chow' (he's a Chow-Chow) will need to be put to rest (Euthanasia) tomorrow at ten in the morning. For months he was unable to walk anymore, eyes cloudy, unable to hear, needing to excrete while lying flat on the floor, he's frail and howling with pain for weeks, this is the best decision for him. Very few dogs reach the age of sixteen, most only lived up to their 10th.

Weep not for me

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes,
please, let me go.

Take me where, to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Unknown

I can still remember his snob yet cute attitude as a puppy, enjoying a quiet corner on a big cage with eight other puppies playing like there's no tomorrow. He is so like me on that aspect. We will miss him terribly, he's definitely more than just a dog, he is a family member and the pain of his loss is no less than that.

He will be cremated.

Bets: Oscars

2008-02-13T00:03:00.001+08:00

Oscars will be throwing away its credibility if Marion Cotillard will not win the Best Actress trophy.

Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis for 'There Will Be Blood,' where in his performance is just inexplicably flawless. I wasn't able to see George Clooney for 'Michael Clayton' so I can't basically judge him. Comapred with the rest of the nominees, Johnny Depp comes in second for me. His role as the demon barber of fleet street for the screen adaptation of the musical 'Sweeney Todd' shows how flexible he is as an actor (despite of all the negative reviews, I stand by this movie, I think it's amazing).

Best Actress: Marion Cotillard for 'La Vie en Rose.' Words will never be enough to justify the flawlessness of her performance. She is virtually the only actress in this movie, the center of everything. It's like she pulled Edith Piaf from her grave and lived her life for a while, she is just amazing! My second choice would have to be Ellen Page for 'Juno,' the crowd favorite. Julie Christie's role in 'Away From Her' though is also a deserving nominee. I'm glad Angelina Jolie is not on the list.

Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem for 'No Country for old men'

Best Supporting Actress: Haven't watched any. lol

Of course it's 'Ratatouille' for Best animated feature film.

'Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' for Achievement in art direction

and 'La Vie en Rose' for Achievement in Make-up.

This is MaJor

2008-02-12T22:57:00.000+08:00

BryanBoy, according to himself is the gayest gay that ever gayed (actually he's so gay he sweat glitters). Marc Jacobs is one of his many blog readers. And very recently, Marc f**ng Jacobs named a f**ng bag after him!

That, is the new Marc Jacobs Bryan Boy bag! It's an Ostrich leather bag from MJ's latest F/W Collection.

FYI: MJ is behind Louis Vuitton for almost ten years now. BryanBoy is a famous -if not the most famous worldwide- Filipino blogger. This is his trademark pose: LOL

This pose was deliberately copied by FENDI on their campaigns. Hahaha!

NOTE: I am a campaigner of sustainable consumerism and I don't recommend Ostrich leather. :)

AI Top-24 Leaked

2008-02-02T00:44:00.000+08:00

So far I have only seen one episode of American Idol (where my bet David Archuleta appeared) since it started airing, the schedule and the fact that it's on QTV makes it forgettable to catch.

Hemingway, the name of the top-24 contenders leaked even before the auditions proper finished airing. It is a major low for the producers obviously. Apparently these photo-shots were taken by a paparazzi around Hollywood, showing the the 24 hopefuls. (click thumbnails for larger version)

And here’s the list of American Idol Season-7 Top-24:

Top 12 Guys

* Chikeze Eze
* Colton Berry
* Danny Noriega
* David Archuleta
* David Cook
* David Hernandez
* Garret Haley
* Jason Castro
* Jason Yeager
* Luke Menard
* Michael Lee Johns
* Robbie Carrico

Top 12 Girls

* Alaina Whitaker
* Alex Lushington
* Amanda Overmyer
* Carly Smithson
* Amy Davis
* Brooke White
* Kristy Lee Cook
* Kady Malloy
* Ramielle Malubay
* Syesha Mercado
* Joanne Borgella
* Asiah Epperson

Ramielle Malubay, another Filipino hopeful made it, as well as David Archuleta. I am still not sure of the veracity of Archuleta's being a Filipino.

Filipino immigrants/contract workers/citizens in US, it's time to start campaigning! LOL. Well at least now the two are worth campaigning for, unlike Jasmine Trias, duh!

Click here for David Archuleta's audition clip.
Click here for Ramielle Malubay's audition clip.
Click here for David Cook's audition clip. (another bet)

Big Mac Versus 10 Boxes Of Crayons

2008-01-21T20:21:00.000+08:00

THE POWER OF YOUR P\100.00

With P100.00....you could buy a Big Mac from McDonalds,

or 10 Boxes of Crayons (by 8's)..

Which has more Value?

The follow up psycho-social care mission for the Guinsaugon Landslide Survivors especially the Orphans and Care-providers is moved to February 15-17, 2008. The following materials are needed for the mission:

At least: 150 Drawing Pads.

.

150 Boxes of Crayons (by 8's)..

A Ream of Bond Paper..

..and 150 Glue Sticks.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Please contact 0916-3683717 / 0929-5849026 or send an email to impukan@gmail.com for those interested to donate.You could also donate to IMPUKAN via G-Cash! To send, just type: AMOUNT< space >4-digit PIN and send to 28829163683717

--------------------------------------------

On 17 February 2006, a portion of Mt. Kan-abag caused a mudslide and covered Guinsaugon, St. Bernard, So. Leyte. At least 1,000 were killed. For those left behind, it has caused them to be deeply wounded by the painful experience…

Disaster management is not just about relief goods or building houses. Beyond the material needs, there is also a human side to it and it is addressed by psychosocial intervention.

Psychosocial intervention assists the survivors of disasters empowering them to rise up against the emotional losses and thus enabling them to see the meaning of life despite what they’ve experienced.

Impok at Ugnayan Para sa mga Kababayang Nasalanta (IMPUKAN)
aims to enhance the existing collection system of the Disaster Management Unit of the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB). Recognizing that rapid response to disasters is crucial, the ultimate goal of the enterprise is to ensure that there will always be available funds for SLB to disburse even before a natural calamity is foreseen. The funds to be collected will be utilized for the psychosocial intervention that the Sikolohiyang Lingkod Alay sa Bayan (SiLaBan) offers to survivors of natural calamities. The innovation lies in the fact that collection is done beforehand so that SLB is prepared to respond immediately to disasters without waiting for donations to come.

--------------------------------------------

YOU can help by:

1. Donating to our drive*
2. Volunteering to help us raise funds, or
3. Telling others about our cause by reposting this to your blog.

*Donate to IMPUKAN via GCash! To send, just type: AMOUNT< space >4-digit PIN and send to 28829163683717 | Contact us for other ways to donate.

"Walang makapipigil sa dilubyo.
Tumulong bago sumalanta ito."

For more details, contact Jaymee Duran: 0916-3683717 / 0929-5849026
Email: impukan@gmail.com or visit http://impukan.multiply.com/.

AI Bet: David Archuleta

2008-01-20T16:13:00.000+08:00

It's so funny that by a mere clip from a commercial of American Idol, Filipinos were already able to do background research and thus confirmed the person behind David Archuleta. The episode hasn't even aired yet. lol

He's a Filipino American who was recently welcomed to Hollywood by the AI judges. Nice. the thing is, when he was nine, he performed in front of other AI Season-1 contestants including Kelly Clarkson. Take a look at this: Amazing.

David Archuleta is also a Star Search winner when he was young.

I will try not to post another video on my blog for the next two weeks, this is becoming a YouTube-dependent blog now! Me don't like! Hahaha!

To The Oscars, Marion Cotillard!

2008-01-14T14:33:00.000+08:00

My predictions are so right! Marion Cotillard is going for the gold for playing Edith Piaf in "La Vie En Rose" (originally 'La Mome'). Cotillard grabbed the Golden Globes trophy for the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy.

Click here to view my perfect-5 review of the movie.

It maybe perhaps one of the best biographical films so far. It’s so touching and emotional that you really feel the agony and desperation the character is living. The cast is simply magnificent, everyone's acting is flawless especially from Marion Cotillard that with this role she is giving, maybe the performance of her life because she's not only performing a character, she's clearly living it to the fullest. -me

Here's a moving final clip from the movie when Edith Piaf died.

The recipients were announced at a press conference Sunday night. The ceremonies and all that glamor were canceled because of the writer's strike. Sucks. It's a pity that the winning actors and personalities will be getting their trophies by airmail. lol

You Have To Watch This: American Adobo

2008-01-10T01:43:00.000+08:00

This is so darn funny! Watch this!

Hahahaha! Sankutsahin!

If you are not aware, Travis Kraft is a famous model, more famously known for his Jockey campaign. He is also the 2007 Mr. World USA.

Ang Gwapo Ni Pacman

2008-01-09T00:20:00.000+08:00

Hahaha! Here are some pictures of Manny Pacquiao womanizing his way to the 'Embassy' dance-floor. Well first of, I'm not even sure if this is even womanizing, he's just dancing with a woman who might be his friend... not.

Anyway, sayang naka-blur yung faces ng mga babae, 'di ko tuloy makita kung mukhang pera. Ang gwapo-gwapo talaga ni Manny 'no?

Hey Jinky! It's time to buy a new bag! Wheee!!

Pathetic.

An Insight: Developed vs Developing 2

2008-01-03T20:28:00.000+08:00

This is a sequel to my previous comparative chart about Pan de Sal and Croissant. Remember this?

Of course I will have to quote this part again: "Difference between a developed and developing country. This post can be considered pointless and going nowhere. I can't say, too, that this is just for fun. It can be funny, but poverty is not something to laugh about.."

So this time it's about Chocolate Fondue. Representing the developed world is a picture I took in San Francisco (2005):

and to the developing world corner, a picture from a Children's party. I know this post is totally non-sense LOL.

Ang Haggard. Anyway, this is the comparative chart:

Ironically, the haggard fondue is part of a package from a party organizer called Sanfo Treats (San Francisco? lol). I think Sanfo Treats bought that fondue machine in Venta-5 Window Shopping. I saw a similar but larger in size fondue machine in Rustan's and it's P45,000. Not cheap after all!

After some research, I discovered that Fondue is French for 'melt' or something alike, and not fountain. So it clarified why this sampler is called Fondue, 'cause I was wondering there's no fountain. This is from Chelsea in Serendra:

Champurado anyone?

Takashi Murakami at MOCA

2008-01-03T02:53:00.000+08:00

Just before new year, I attended my friend Jason's birthday dinner in Shangri-la, to my surprise is this:

Those are Murakami flowers. As if it's not weird enough that someone is updated about contemporary art within my boring circle (I'm extremely boring), Laiden who brought the centerpiece told me that she met Takashi Murakami in LA, on the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Arts) Gala. I wanted to die right then and there.

Just three months ago when I heard of the MOCA exhibit in LA, I told my friend that I saw a picture of Murakami (side-view angle) that shouts my name.

The forehead, the hairline, the thinness and length of hair, the pandesal bun at the back. LOL

So anyway, Laiden shared some of her photos from the exhibit and I am just so so Jealous.

It includes my two favorite Murakami sculptures.. (censored)

"Hiropon"

"The Lonesome Cowboy Torino"

At the MOCA exhibition are some of Takashi's work for Vuitton. There's a big white Multicolor trunk for sale, it comes along with 33 pieces of LV Marilyn in crayon colors. Unfortunately we have no picture here.

And launched was the super limited LV Neverfull bags with the "LV Hands" painting. It comes with the full loot of the exhibit, as well as this.

The thing is, it's not limited in Green Hills. I never thought counterfeits are so updated! I asked the tiangge vendor if I could take a photo, and here you will see how exactly they were able to replicate it. They sell the fakes for P10,500.00, I mean, I can't believe people are willing to spend this much to get a fake (?!?).

It's just amazing this counterfeit industry, wow.

Bhutto: No true Muslim Will Attack Me

2007-12-28T11:33:00.000+08:00

Haunting Words from Bhutto in October after returning from her Exile two months ago. Also two months before her death, former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto sent an e-mail to her U.S. adviser and longtime friend, saying that if she were killed, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf would bear some of the blame.

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated Thursday after addressing a large gathering of her supporters.

Bhutto died of a gunshot wound to the neck, the Pakistani Interior Ministry said. The attacker then blew himself up. The bomb attack killed at least 22 others, doctors said. Video of the scene just moments before the explosion showed Bhutto stepping into a heavily guarded vehicle to leave the rally.

ohn Moore, a photographer for Getty Images, said Bhutto was standing through the sunroof of her vehicle, waving to supporters, when two shots rang out.

Bhutto fell back into the vehicle, and almost immediately a bomb blast rocked the scene, sending twisting metal and shrapnel into the crowd, he added.

Police sources told CNN the bomber, who was riding a motorcycle, blew himself up near Bhutto's vehicle. Bhutto was rushed to Rawalpindi General Hospital -- less than two miles from the bombing scene -- where doctors pronounced her dead.

Her body was removed from the hospital -- carried above a crowd of supporters -- late Thursday night, and a Pakistan Air Force plane is flying the body to Sukkur, accompanied by her husband and three children, said Pakistan People's Party leader Sen. Safdar Abbasi.

Bhutto is scheduled to be buried in the ancestral graveyard of the Bhutto family at Gari-Khuda Baksh in Sindh province Friday afternoon, he added. Chaos erupted at the hospital when former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived to pay his respects to Bhutto less than three hours after her death. Hundreds of Bhutto supporters crammed into the entrance shouted and cried, some clutching their heads in pain and shock. Sharif called it "the saddest day" in Pakistan's history. "Something unthinkable has happened," he said.

Sharif said his party will boycott Pakistan's January 8 parliamentary elections in the wake of the assassination. President Pervez Musharraf said the killers were the same extremists that Pakistan is fighting a war against, and announced three days of national mourning. Police warned citizens to stay home as they expected rioting to break out in city streets in reaction to the death. Rioters burned tires and blocked roads in Karachi and other cities, police sources said. Police fired on an angry mob, killing two people, in the city of Khairpur in the Sindh province, Geo TV reported.

Bhutto's husband issued a statement from his home in Dubai saying, "All I can say is we're devastated, it's a total shock." He arrived in Pakistan late Thursday. President Bush said those responsible "must be brought to justice" and praised Bhutto as a woman who had "fought the forces of terror." He said: "She refused to allow assassins to dictate the course of her country."

The number of wounded was not immediately known. However, video of the scene showed ambulances lined up to take many to hospitals. The assassination happened in Rawalpindi's Liaquat Bagh Park, named for Pakistan's first prime minister -- Liaquat Ali Khan -- who was assassinated in the same location in 1951.

The attack came just hours after four supporters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif died when members of another political party opened fire on them at a rally near the Islamabad airport Thursday, Pakistan police said. Several other members of Sharif's party were wounded, police said.

Bhutto, who led Pakistan from 1988 to 1990 and was the first female prime minister of any Islamic nation, was participating in the parliamentary election set for January 8, hoping for a third term.

A terror attack targeting her motorcade in Karachi killed 136 people on the day she returned to Pakistan after eight years of self-imposed exile. CNN's Mohsin Naqvi, who was at the scene of both bombings, said Thursday's blast was not as powerful as that October attack.

Thursday's attacks come less than two weeks after Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf lifted an emergency declaration he said was necessary to secure his country from terrorists. Bhutto had been critical of what she believed was a lack of effort by Musharraf's government to protect her. Two weeks after the October assassination attempt, she wrote a commentary for CNN.com in which she questioned why Pakistan investigators refused international offers of help in finding the attackers.

"The sham investigation of the October 19 massacre and the attempt by the ruling party to politically capitalize on this catastrophe are discomforting, but do not suggest any direct involvement by General Pervez Musharraf," Bhutto wrote.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T13:25:00.000+08:00

It's Christmas day and I want to greet all of you a joyous time celebrating and spending the year-round salary and hardwork, hahaha!

Here are some random pictures from last night's...

I'd like to thank Jesus for these gifts, lol, even though they're not for me.

..and for this ham

..and of course to President GMA for this Presidential Bayong: Hahahaha!

Seriously that's the presidential bayong!

David Foster To Write For Charice?

2007-12-23T11:45:00.000+08:00

David Foster catapulted Josh Groban's career, he also discovered Renee Olstead and Michael Buble. Now, rumor has it that David will write a song for Charice, which may also mean that he might go around managing the little girl.

This article from Ricky Lo's column via PhilStar:

Will David Foster build up Charice?

Reader Mike C. Hokson called my attention to an Internet report which mentions famous composer David Foster in the same breath with Charice Pempengco, the ABS-CBN Little Big Star search fourth runner-up who, as Funfare reported in a “scoop” yesterday, has just appeared as guest on Ellen DeGeneres’ self-titled show (specially requested by Ellen herself).

Here’s an excerpt from that Internet report (about Celine Dion’s winding up her stint in Las Vegas):

Grammy-winning composer/producer David Foster offered an opinion on a future candidate to help fill Celibne’s void in Las Vegas: “Michael Buble,” said Foster, who signed up the Canadian crooner in 2000.

Pointing toward the entrance of the Colosseum, Foster said, “I think Buble could do it.” He was escorting 15-year-old Filipino sensation, Charice Pempengo, who is appearing on Ellen DeGeneres’ show on Tuesday (Dec. 18, US time).

I’m sure people who know who David Foster is will react to that good news with a “Wow, wow, wow!”

For the sake of the uninformed, Foster (with whom I did a phone interview a few years ago) has worked with the likes of The Bee Gees; John Lennon; Michael Buble; Clay Aiken; Josh Groban; Katharine McPhee; Celine Dion; Barbra Sreisand; Kenny Rogers; Faith Hill; The Corrs; George Harrison; Ronnie Hawkins; Chicago; Earth, Wind & Fire; Chaka Khan; Filippa Giordano; Laura Pausini; Whitney Houston; Michael Jackson; Brandy; Luis Miguel; Fred Norris; Richard Marx; Mariah Carey; Destiny’s Child; Vanessa Williams; Anne Murray; Olivia Newton-John; Andrea Bocelli; Deborah Blando; Lisa Marie Presley; Lara Fabian; Dolly Parton; Julio Iglesias; Gordon Lightfoot; Madonna; All-4-One; Ricardo Montaner; Al Jarreau; Kenny Loggins; Natalie Cole; Yolanda Adams; The Tubes; Peter Cetera; and many others.

How soon will Charice Pempengco join that honor roll?

Soon, let’s hope even as we keep four fingers crossed.

Coolness!

Charice Lost Her iPod

2007-12-21T18:34:00.001+08:00

..and Ellen Degeneres gave her one. Watch Charice Pempengco's amazing voice.

Click here for full view.

While I was bored in Malaysia last summer, I tried to make do the time with a little iPod of my travel companion, and I happen to come across Bianca Ryan's (of X-Factor, or is it America's Got Talent?) rendition of 'And I'm telling you I'm not going,' I wasn't impressed. I specifically told my friend, that the US people should go to the Philippines and hear how babies here have the voice of American legends, and more specifically, I said they should hear Charice sing.

How Starbucks Saved My Life

2007-12-18T14:03:00.000+08:00

"How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else." The catchphrase of this book will surely catch attention, or at least a second look at any random shelves of a bookstore. The green bold font shouts "Starbucks!" for me, one of the most successful companies when it comes to effective advertising. In fact, it is so successful that it can turn someone who never sipped a coffee before, a coffee addict in one sitting.

But the fact that it may look like more of a Starbucks coffee table book than an autobiography doesn't mean it's all commercial inside, surprisingly, I personally felt that the approach of writing comes from the author's heart and not from the head of Starbuck's PR is Seattle WA. So to best put it in words for the author's defence, the book did not make me feel that it's a promotional puppet channelled through a heartfelt memoir.

Michael Gates Gill, is the son of a famous New Yorker critic Brendan Gill. He grew up in a 35-room mansion and had enjoyed attention and work other people does for him as child, for example, a manpower team fork-lifting his grand piano through the upper level of their home. His later years saw Gill graduating at Yale University and immediately topping a “high powered” advertising position at the J. Walter Thompson agency (With the help of a friend, emphasizing the author’s superb social connections) in New York, the biggest and advertising agency in the world (JWT pioneered the first TV commercial, use of layouts and copy etc). His high positioned living may best be described by noting that he has mingled business with Jacqueline Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II, the latter made the Prince of Edinburgh annoyed after Gill accidentally bumped the queen's flawless arm.

Gill lived a life of “privilege” that many strive for. However, after 25-years of service for JWT, he was fired by a relatively ’new’ advertising agent whom he was the one responsible hiring. He started a failing business, and got divorce, he realizes he can no longer afford the life he once led. Depressed, scared, and lost, he walks into a Starbucks to sip a latter and was accidentally offered a job, he says, a job that “saved” his life.

The transition is quite fast-paced and reading the book might not give the impression that it happened through decades, Gill’s book illustrated how cleaning bathrooms, serving lattes, and working with people from different walks of life brought him happiness. He achieved this goal during the scenes where we saw him in the store—interacting with his partners (this is how they call the baristas) and learning the job. The book showed a brave articulation of how the author, a white American, had directly and indirectly practiced racism and classism in his old days, something Gill might have expected criticisms for, but still courageously jotted it down on his memoir to share a sincere personal regrets and teach its potential readers (in this case Starbucks customers, class A's and upper B's) obvious lessons.

Mainly his relationship with a black colleague Crystal (the manager who offered him the job) revitalizes both Gill and the reader. As his boss, believed in and encouraged him to do what he never thought he could—like being a cashier. In turn, he helps her plan presentations (with the skills he learned in advertising) and helps her laugh. The genuine and honest account of this relationship is as touching as it is convincing; we believe that Crystal could have aided Gill towards a kind of “rebirth” he describes.

The ending of the book is quite fair, with no "lived happily ever after" tagline, rather a humble continuity of Gill on being a Barista, even after the book was published, and even after the call of Tom Hanks, saying that he wanted to portray the role and produce the film adaptation (to be released 2008).

The style of his writing on the book is relative to how the movie "La Mome" interpreted Edith Piaf's life. The storyline often jumps from different decades, recalling past happenings as the present unfold, realizing regretful choices from the past. I saw 5-8 grammar/spelling errors, which is not a big deal and kind of give me a feel that I am reading a book written by the author and not by a big time New Yorker editor.

I am expecting a big boom on the sales of this book, especially in the Philippines where Starbucks is a big deal. (As a genuine ICT practitioner myself, I easily get annoyed of those people who uses their laptops inside Starbucks doing nothing except browsing their files or doing non-sense on paintbrush, trying very hard to look techie and rich. The hell?)

Metro Manila can buy the book at Power Books, Fully Booked and Page One.

My Rating:
This post is a review post from my Angel's Hub Reviews via Multiply.

Ernest Santiago, Murdered

2007-12-16T23:49:00.000+08:00

My choreographer friend SMSed me awhile ago with an extremely depressing news.

Ernest Santiago passed away at his home in Pagsanjan, Laguna. I've met the legendary designer a few occasions before. I first met him in 2005 as my Spanish colleague Sandra tagged me along in an old Malate shack. Ernest, right after being introduced with me said that I'm an inch away of looking Goth, with her innocent smile, I think it's positive. Misconception I thought, 'cause I'm wearing an all-black outfit, an old baggy low-waste Fendi pants, fitted shirt and black Havaianas Top. And then my face is so white as if it's powdered, so I finally realized he may have a point after all.

For someone of his age, he's very cheerful and extremely friendly. The next thing I know we were talking about the party's host's black cat (Goth too? haha) and eventually went on talking about design, she helped me get through IDAP, in which I was able to later on recruit 3 other artist friends. This forever placed him in my memory as one of those people whom I'll never forget and thank enough.

Fashion designer found dead inside Laguna home
By Marlon Ramos

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna--A fashion designer was found dead inside his house in Pagsanjan, Laguna on Sunday, police said.

The body of Ernest Santiago, 68, was discovered by one of his friends, a certain Paul Herrera, in his house on Rizal St. in Barangay Poblacion II at around 10 a.m.

Senior Supt. Felipe Rojas Jr., Laguna police director, said Herrera immediately went to the local police station and asked for assistance.

"When policemen arrived at the victim's house, they noticed that the whole place was in disarray. A still undetermined amount of cash, expensive jewelry and other valuables were allegedly missing," Rojas told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) in a mobile phone conversation.

Santiago could have been murdered late Saturday night, Rojas said. He said the victim apparently died from a gash on the back of his head.

"The victim's body had no stab or bullet wounds. The assailant might have hit him with a hard object on his head," Rojas said.

Rojas said they were looking at robbery as the motive for the killing.

Aside from his personal belongings, Rojas said the victim's Mitsubishi Strada pick-up van was also missing. He said they suspected that the assailant was known to Santiago.

"There were no signs of any forced entry to the victim's house. His attacker could have been there inside before Santiago was murdered," he said, adding:

"The fact that the assailant even had time to look for the key of the victim's vehicle only bolstered our suspicion."

Rojas said they were still verifying reports that Santiago had a housemaid.

"We're also trying to find out if he had a lover who was supposedly living with him," he said.

It's just sickening that someone would end his beautiful life that way.

(Photo: Manila Standard Today)

Lutong Macau, China

2007-12-02T14:37:00.001+08:00

...indeed. Miss World 2007 was held in Sanya, China. Miss China won. lol

106 contestants and the host country who was never crowned before has won, coincidence? Lutong Macau? Maybe, she's beautiful on that picture. I can't fully judge the decission 'cause I wasn't able to finish the show.

Coup d'etat Kabalbalan

2007-11-29T14:36:00.000+08:00

I'd rather make this post short, I think this ongoing coup d'etat kuno is a big kabalbalan and is a huge mangy case of katarantaduhan.

A group of soldiers facing charges for a 2003 coup plot called for President Arroyo’s removal Thursday after walking out of a court hearing at the Makati City Hall.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes and Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim marched out of a Makati courtroom and joined civilians and uniformed military personnel armed with M-16 and M-14 rifles. The soldiers, some of whom were carrying Magdalo flags, marched along Makati Avenue and entered the Manila Peninsula Hotel.

“This is a withdrawal of support. We are joining our people in calling for the removal of the President,” Lim announced over radio dzMM. He added that they made the call because the President continues to violate the Constitution with impunity by plundering the treasury.

Trillanes also called on the people to join them in Makati. “Magsama-sama tayo. Nanawagan po kami sa taongbayan na naniniwala sa pagbabago. Join us po,” he said.

Former vice president Teofisto Guingona, who was marching with the rebel soldiers, said the move echoes the call of various groups to reject Mrs. Arroyo’s “morally bankrupt” administration. Reports said a group of farmers have already joined the march. [ABS-CBN News]

So Trillanes and Danilo Lim feels they are powerful and influential like that to have the country support their shitty advocacy? Oh. My. God. Stupidity at its finest. I am disgusted to have share something in common with Trillanes, he graduated from Angelicum College, too, which also happens to be my first name. He previously claimed he is knowledgeable of the government attacks at the Glorietta-2 bombing, hey asshole, why didn't you do anything to prevent it from happening like announce it before the actual blast happened? And instead boast of what you knew after 11 people were killed? Oh. My. God. This country is full of airheads.

Oh and Guingona? Go rest on your death bed.

Cine Europa: Kolya - Kolja

2007-10-27T04:43:00.000+08:00

My goal is to watch all the movies from this EU Film Festival. Second movie for review, "Kolya," released in Czechoslovakia as "Kolja." Kolya is an award-winning 1996 Czech film drama about a man whose life is reshaped in an unexpected way. It has won Best Foreign Language Film in the 1996-Oscars and the 1997-Golden Globes and 1997-BAFTA.

The action takes place during the last years of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia, at a time when the Soviet bloc begins to disintegrate. František Louka, a middle-aged Czech man dedicated to bachelorhood and the pursuit of women, is a concert cellist struggling to eke out a living by playing funerals at the Prague crematorium. He has lost his previous job at the philharmonic orchestra due to having been half-accidentally blacklisted as "politically unreliable" by the authorities. A friend offers him a chance to earn a great deal of money through a sham marriage to a Russian woman to enable her to stay in Czechoslovakia. However, the woman uses her Czechoslovak citizenship to emigrate and join her boyfriend in West Germany. Due to a concurrence of circumstances that remain partly unclear, she has to leave behind her Russian-speaking five-year-old son, Kolya, for the disgruntled Czech musician to look after. Gradually, a bond forms between Louka and Kolya.-Wikipedia-

This puts a severe disabling element in his love life (the kid was sent to him, just as he was about to have his first real and serious relationship), he also knows nothing about kids, and Kolya only speaks Russian., a language Louka has on principle refused to learn.

The plot of the story is conventional but sentimental (is there any doubt he will come to love the child?). What makes 'Kolya'' special is the way it paints the details. Like the way the director hints the Russian-EU relationship at that political time of the Soviet (Consider Louka's mother, who rejected the idea of looking after Kolya, because she has a divine belief that Russians are devils, also watch the scene where the Russian army trucks stop outside her apartment and Kolya hears his native language and immidiately runs out happily to talk to the soldiers.), it has a cheerful, irreverent humor, and an eye for the absurdities of human behaviour, bringing in the feeling of realism.

Other considerations to make, the bureaucracy, faithful to Soviets. Louka is subjected to an interrogation by suspecting officials who believes that his marriage was a sham, the pressure and tone of the interview though was refined and quite more civilized than if Kolya didn't refuse to go outside and wait, instead he draws a picture during the interrogation; his evident love for his stepfather is a confusing factor.

Quirky details are chosen to show the gradual coming together of Louka and Kolya. The cellist drags the child along during his work as a funeral service musician, and the kid always watch very closely as the musicians play and the vocalist sings. It is perhaps not surprising that his first words of Czech are the 23rd Psalm, and the shocked reaction of Louka's when he realizes the kid is using a puppet theatre to stage a cremation play.

There are many women in Louka's life, but one becomes special: Klara, played by Libuse Safrankova. His new freedom is shown against a backdrop of the end of the Cold War, as the Berlin Wall drops, the Russians leave town, and joyous Czechs take to the streets, chanting ``It's finally over!'' Louka is placed in the center of the celebrants, where he sees, of course, his former bureaucratic interrogator now part of the joyous crowd. This event is one element that makes such foreign/independent films special, through the characters' personal life struggles, scenes are shown to capture the country's political and socio-economic situation (like Chocolat, Y Tu Mama Tambien, and King of the Hill, among others).

Kolya was written by its star, Zdenek Sverak (Louka), and directed by his son, Jan. highlighting even more the real depth of the story, as a work of love. For a foreign language felm to be able to capture once heart (even with supposed-to-be confusing subtitles), it has to be beautifully done with all the cinematic and production works in perfection, and it is.

Metro Manila peeps can watch the movie for free in Shangri-la Plaza, October 30-Wednesday, 6:50pm (get your free ticket at least 30 minutes ahead).

My Rating:
This post is a review post from my Angel's Hub Reviews via Multiply.

Cine Europa: La Môme (the Kid) - La Vie En Rose (Life As A Rose)

2007-10-26T10:38:00.000+08:00

I will jump to my conclussion before starting anything: You Have to watch this film. Lucky Metro Manila peeps can watch the movie for free in Shangri-la Plaza, October 30-Wednesday, 2:00pm (get your free ticket at least 30 minutes ahead).

I'll be reviewing one movie a day while the European Union Film Festival (10th Cine Europa) is ongoing. Yesterday's best movie is "La Môme," released in the US as "La Vie En Rose." A 2007 (released last June) French language movie directed by Olivier Dahan about singer Édith Piaf (perfectly played by Marion Cotillard). The movie premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Co-stars include film veteran Gérard Depardieu, Sylvie Testud, Emmanuelle Seigner, Clotilde Courau newcomer Jean-Pierre Martins and respected character actor Pascal Greggory.

Edith Piaf was born Édith Giovanna Gassion in Paris, France; her mother worked as a cafe singer and her father was a well-known travelling acrobat. Abandoned by her mother, she was raised by her paternal grandmother, who ran a brothel in Normandy. From age 3 to 7, she was blind. As part of Édith Piaf's legend, she allegedly recovered her sight after her grandmother's prostitutes went to a pilgrimage to Saint Thérèse de Lisieux. Later she lived for a while with her alcoholic father, whom she left by age 15 to become a street singer in Paris.-www.edithpiaf.com-

The movie has an intertwined timeline of Edith's life, from her childhood beginnings, peak of her career, latter life and back. The film presents a non-linear series of her life's key events. Scenes often jump back and forth across decades, but her childhood take up much of the first part. Her story as an extreme or yet hardcore alcohol addict stretches from teenage life until her death, portraying a well-seen if not typical nature of a European artist, who after all the depression and almost hell-like condition of personal life, still delivers their talent flawlessly.

The movie's cinematography and production aspects are flawless. Performance scenes of Edith singing her songs around the world are extremely moving if you're a classical ballad music lover. Her singing reflected her tragic life, with her specialty being the poignant ballad performed in a heartbreaking voice. "Hymne à l'amour" (Anthem with the love, 1949), was heard for less than 10-seconds but didn't fail to make me feel the impact since after realizing it as one of Josh Groban's rendition song I liked. The movie ends with her death, and the performance of what is perhaps her signature song, "Non, je ne regrette rien" (No, I do not regret anything), wrapping up her moving life's story.

For almost all the performances in the movie: Heaven Have Mercy, Milord, Rien de rien, La foule, Cri du cœur, La vie en rose (English version), Padam Padam, Mon Dieu, Hymne à l'amour, Mon manège à moi, Non, je ne regrette rien), the original recordings of Piaf were used as they thought it impossible to replicate her uniquely distinct voice and because Olivier Dahan said he wanted to keep it the most authentic sounding as possible except for 3 songs performed by Parigote singer Jil Aigrot : Mon Homme, Les Mômes de la Cloche, Les Hiboux.-wikipedia trivia-

It's not just Cotillard's performance that is astonishing. Those who can't see the brilliance in the rest of this film need to go back to film school. -Boo Allen

An astonishing performance by Marion Cotillard as the legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf whose life was a rollercoaster ride of exhilarating highs and incredibly depressing lows. -Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

You should regret missing it. -Gina Carbone

It maybe perhaps one of the best biographical films so far. It’s so touching and emotional that you really feel the agony and desperation the character is living. The cast is simply magnificent, everyone's acting is flawless especially from Marion Cotillard that with this role she is giving, maybe the performance of her life because she's not only performing a character, she's clearly living it to the fullest.

Wikipedia - Edith Piaf
Official Movie Website
Official US Movie Website

My Rating:
This post is a review post from my Angel's Hub Reviews via Multiply.

Is Gandalf Gay Too?

2007-10-24T07:29:00.000+08:00

Hahaha! Last weekend's coming-out has been one of the most controversial exposé in the fiction world, quite cool that people and fans were shocked as if he's a real-life personality.

Here's how the wizards from The Best Week Ever imagine things. It's quite funny, click the image for full view.

By now we all know that JK Rowling shocked the wizarding world last weekend by outing beloved grandfatherly wizard Albus Dumbledore as being gay. BWE.tv has leared exclusively, through our shadowy network of wizard tabloid operatives, that Rowling made the announcement only to pre-empt the shocking expose in this week’s People Magazine based on magical gossip mongering blogger Rita Skeeter’s sordid allegations about the wizard’s sexuality. Here’s an exclusive preview of the magazine.

And click here to read a fabulous article from Salon.com about the significance of J.K. Rowling “outing” Dumbledore.

Restau-rant: Ebun

2007-10-24T03:59:00.000+08:00

My first "Restau-rant!"

I think "Ebun" is Pampangeño for "Itlog," which is Filipino for Egg. Co-incidentally, "Ibon" is filipino for Bird, in which the egg came from. Umm, I'm not making any sense right? Haha-!

I don't like the idea of eating out on a "lutong-bahay" restaurant or bistro, 'cause I think it's a stupid idea. You can only eat lutong bahay foods inside your bahay, duh? That's why I try as much as possible not to have a repeat visit to these eateries, who may not necessarily claim a lutong-bahay promise but serves food that is no different from ordinary. Such places I can name are: Island Seafood, Cabalen, Kamay-Kainan and Dampa. I can't however blame the fans, who are more likely impressed of the presentation (like the Banana-leaves no-plates in Island Seafood) or the preparation concepts (like the buy-your-stuff-on-our-market-and-have-it-cooked of Dampa).

So why try out Ebun, even after knowing that it serves home meals? Simple, I have tourists with me. lol

The best word to describe the ambiance is, Fresh. Upon entering, you'll feel the rush of the air, and it didn't feel like it came from the air-con, this feel is even more defined by the relaxing sound of Capiz-Shell Chandeliers. One whole side is an etched-mirror wall, the other one, yellow shelvings with ceramics of the same shades. It's very cool and again, fresh.

Immediately upon being sat on our silverback chair, a waiter descends upon us to take our order in English -- we order drinks and ask for another minute. We read through the menu which I in this case obviously am the only one who can understand because it's written in Filipino. The Menu book is not so appetizing, your typical laminated plate, and it has like 8-10 pages. But clearly those around us know what they want: for the semi-open kitchen hole and fine ceramics are making their way to diners around us.

You will find all known Filipino specialties on their menu. While our meals were being cooked, we were given a funny looking bunch of white strings. It is to my surprise a complimentary potato fries, it looked like tiny shoelaces and it tastes great.

Drinks were also served immediately and I have to say, I really liked them. And yes, we shared our drinks for free-tastes haha! (last Monday night, I sat in for a 10-minute rest before attending the CNN Premiere on Greenbelt-3, I tried Ripe Mango Shake and good lord, it's great!)

I ordered Seafood Kare-Kare since I never had the seafood variety before. Good or yet better compared to other Flip eateries, it didn't tastes like the typical restau Kare-Kare (approx P300), in which the meat and veggies were not really involved in the cooking process but rather cooked separately and have the ready-made sauce poured in over. The Sisig is a little different from the Sisig I like, Ebun's a little moist and I want mine crispy or almost Chicharon. To my surprise, my companion pour in Kare-Kare sauce to his Sisig. lol

We also enjoyed one of their specialties, Adobong Ebun, I suggest that you order one if ever you decided to visit. The Chicharon Bulaklak is amazing, although I think all Chicharon Bulaklaks are amazing no-matter-what, sigh, the taste of death! Barbecue Chicken has the traditional street red-marinade, but tastes unique, you can feel it's really marinated for you. Palabok, though, is average.

I can't completely say that Ebun is an enhanced Pinoy restaurant, cause it's not, it's a lot more than just changing the Pinoy meal names. The best thing about all these, the prices are extremely reasonable. Main courses from roughly P170-P450. Breakfast is even cheaper, actually, one morning with a meeting with Mig Zubiri's lovely wife Audrey, our bill is only P200.

They do something different with the ordinary dishes, perhaps a Pampangeño style, and that's enough for me to visit again. And I sure did, I ate Lugaw and Tokwa (quite average though). So for a wrap, I'd most likely eat here where service is okay and the ambiance is excellent than other Pinoy-style eateries that use a lot of glorified banana-leaves and bamboo plates.

Suggestions:

Give privacy to customers using the washroom mirror
Little faster serving for the drinks
Improve the laminated Menu (and provide English translation maybe?)
Don't ask me if the one I'm having a meeting with is Lara Fabregas, 'cause she's not. lol

EBUN
Greenbelt-3 G/f
Ayala Center, Makati City
Tel. 757-4791, 757-4792

Cuisine: Filipino
This restaurant offers catering service
For delivery service, call 821-8032, 893-1092 (for all branches)
Credit cards accepted: All major credit cards

My Rating:
This post is a review post from my Angel's Hub Reviews via Multiply.

CNN's Planet In Peril

2007-10-23T07:43:00.000+08:00

It's quite funny how I kind of avoided to go to the malls as much as possible for the past months (or perhaps not really avoid them, but more likely since it's virtually impossible to treat myself with luxury because of my extremely inappropriate and unhealthy workload), then see myself involved in mall events right after the Glorietta bombing. A common statement from the hosts? "Thanks for being brave enough to be present, 80% of our invited guests backed-out after Friday."

Monday night, I had the chance to watch a summarized screening of the anticipated series "CNN's Planet In Peril" (which I've seen being promoted on CNN for the past month) at Greenbelt-3 in Makati. Though a bit sensationalist, overworked (Jeff Corwin is OA-Over Acting as usual) and slightly drawn out, the documentary provides a stunning illustration and first-hand account of environmental strife in 13 countries across four continents.

The event is a preview to the 2-hour 2-episode series that will air on CNN October 24 and 25 at 9PM (Manila). For international airing schedules, please visit: CNN's Planet In Peril.

CNN's Planet In Peril

Nearly a year in the making, PLANET IN PERIL takes viewers to four continents and 13 countries where environmental change is not a theory, or possibility, but a crisis happening in real time. Filmed in high-definition, this four-hour documentary tackles the threats to the world's environment and airs on CNN International on October 24th and 25th.

Bringing viewers the stories behind the statistics, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Animal Planet host and wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin will focus on four main issues that threaten the planet and its inhabitants: climate change, deforestation, species loss and overpopulation.

Broadcast to a combined audience of more than 300 hundred million households on CNN International and CNN/US with an in-depth companion site on www.cnn.com/planetinperil, the documentary brings first-hand accounts of environmental strife as Cooper, Corwin and Gupta travel across the globe to explore these changes and reveal what they mean for each region and the world at large.

Cooper and Corwin travelled to Brazil to examine connections between the rapid deforestation of the Amazon River Basin and changes in the world's climate, embedding with "poacher police" amid raids of illegal logging camps. In Thailand and Cambodia, they walk the markets where endangered animals are bought and sold to find out how their removal can affect entire ecosystems. Additionally, they travelled to Greenland to report on its melting ice sheet, where Cooper witnessed one of the world's newest islands, discovered when the ice receded.

Taking viewers beyond the broad headlines, Corwin visits Alaska to help viewers understand how North America's largest carnivore, the polar bear, is quickly losing its habitat and exists at the edge of extinction. Cooper and Corwin report from Yellowstone Park to show how park officials reintroduce species to their native environment.

With his extensive medical expertise, Gupta brings a deep understanding of the environmental pressures on the human population. In China, Gupta examines how the world's most populous nation consumes its natural resources and the toll it takes on its people and the entire world. He also reports from Central Africa to show how climate change is drying up one of the world's largest lakes and the impact that is having on a region already in crisis.

The discussion conducted after the 1-1/2hr. preview was moderated by Ms Che Che Lazaro. The floor's discussion was pretty insightful, but may be shallow at some point if you're working on the environmental awareness and sustainable development field for a long time.

I can't judge the CNN Documentary at this point since what we were able to watch is just a preview, but thus far, it does have a little bias and the perspective is a little bit 'American.'

One of the focus areas of Anderson Cooper's investigation was the Yellowstone Park's success on bringing back its old wolves, the story highlights the importance of each and every specie on an ecosystem and how one extinction of which can affect the whole chain and eventually damage the whole environment. It's quite a moving story of how bringing back Yellowstone Park's old wolves rekindle the natural instincts of its preys, how their adrenaline triggers diarrhea when nervous, how those droppings served as a superb fertilizers and expedite the growth of ferns and other plants, and how those plants became a new home for the birds.

Anderson also undergo a body-chemical level testing. It's quite alarming to know that his 1970's inhalation of some chemicals can still be found, and very well defined, within his bloodstream. And how his everyday work for CNN causes him to have an extremely high-level of some particular chemicals that came from his use of cosmetics. The chemical-level testing is quite alarming for me and will be for other people especially the ones who live in the city.

In China, Dr. Gupta examined how the world's fastest growing country uses natural resources and the toll it takes on its people and the entire world. CNN sent Gupta to investigate cancer rates in the Guandong province, an area notorious for corporate-sponsored industrialism that causes rivers and streams to turn yellow and red. Dr. Gupta's take on the medicinal tradition of Chinese, as well as their addiction to exotic foods and inhumane animal market is a very painful scenario, so depressing that it will lead you to hopelessness. At one point, their is this one bear who continues to live for months or years, with an extraction device on it's stomach, design to collect medicinal essences from his body, the bear is lying down almost dead and was like that for weeks.

It is almost hopeless since these traditions are ancient and has been around for thousands of years and it's extremely difficult to even draft an idea how such practices can be changed.

Animal Planet host and wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin, lead the tour, as undercover investigators probing environmental catastrophe from Madagascar to Greenland, Yellowstone to China, Brazil to the Carteret Islands off Australia. Corwin and Cooper went to Bangkok too, to investigate the JJ Market, the Cartimar-counterpart in Manila.

The documentary shows a tad lot of extremely pressurizing scenarios of our earth's current condition, and can possibly make you think of a step you can do right now. Cinematography and production is exceptional, since it's an American documentary. My comment on bias would best be articulated by citing these examples, the Thai investigations were more than overworked, investigations held in China and Thailand were both extremely negative highlighting even more the consumption China is making, while their report about Yellow Stone Park, since it's in the US is nothing but positive. It would be more insightful if they could have featured the way Americans in US are consuming plastic and non-biodegradable materials because of their busy lifestyle among others.

My Rating:
This post is a review post from my Angel's Hub Reviews via Multiply.

I Knew It, Dumbledore Is Gay, Liked His Wand

2007-10-22T08:36:00.000+08:00

JK Rowling outed the greatest wizard of all time, Albus Dumbledore, according to Rowling, is gay. Apparently having a little more than friendly affection to, but was let down by his rival, Gellert Grindelwald.

It's just amazing that even after the series, there still are new surprising news and facts about the Harry Potter books. I always kind of knew that Dumbledore is gay, especially if you are to judge him through the film adaptations. 1) His taste for fashion is legendary, more than 20 costume-changes per movie, the sequence-work, the Vera Wang-drapes (lol). 2) His out-of-the-blue wisdom that seem so full of verbal gymnastics that I can't help but compare to the famous Pinoy gay-lingo's. 3) His suspicious way of tapping guys' shoulders and stuff, haha! 4) ..and so much more! This picture for example:

Dumbledore is gay, 'Harry Potter' author reveals
Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) -- Harry Potter fans, the rumors are true: Albus Dumbledore, master wizard and Headmaster of Hogwarts, is gay.

J.K. Rowling, author of the mega-selling fantasy series that ended last summer, outed the beloved character Friday night while appearing before a full house at Carnegie Hall. After reading briefly from the final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," she took questions from audience members.

She was asked by one young fan whether Dumbledore finds "true love."

"Dumbledore is gay," the author responded to gasps and applause.

She then explained that Dumbledore was smitten with rival Gellert Grindelwald, whom he defeated long ago in a battle between good and bad wizards. "Falling in love can blind us to an extent," Rowling said of Dumbledore's feelings, adding that Dumbledore was "horribly, terribly let down."

Dumbledore's love, she observed, was his "great tragedy." "Oh, my god," Rowling concluded with a laugh, "the fan fiction." Potter readers on fan sites and elsewhere on the Internet have speculated on the sexuality of Dumbledore, noting that he has no close relationship with women and a mysterious, troubled past. And explicit scenes with Dumbledore already have appeared in fan fiction.

Rowling told the audience that while working on the planned sixth Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," she spotted a reference in the script to a girl who once was of interest to Dumbledore. A note was duly passed to director David Yates, revealing the truth about her character.

Rowling, finishing a brief "Open Book Tour" of the United States, her first tour here since 2000, also said that she regarded her Potter books as a "prolonged argument for tolerance" and urged her fans to "question authority."

Not everyone likes her work, Rowling said, likely referring to Christian groups that have alleged the books promote witchcraft. Her news about Dumbledore, she said, will give them one more reason.

Girl really liked his wand no? Haha!

I happen to own this Dumbledore Wand, from the Warner Brothers' Leavesden Studios, it was used a a prop for the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone.

Coke, Di Lang Kabarkada, Bestfriend Pa

2007-10-20T21:21:00.000+08:00

Coke Barkada's Coke Planet Project was held in Mall of Asia this afternoon, the mall event served as the home-base for the 7-or so celebrity and media teams that scour around the city and the mall for an Environmental Awareness Challenge.

As usual, I'm not one of the adventurers, hehe (just like on our Biketour last December, I'm on the advance team, not biking:). We had a beautifully finished graffiti artwork, it's cute.

I think I have more than just shared before how much of a Coke-addict I am, even if I'm fully aware of it's unhealthy benefits when overly taken. lol. Aside from it's invaluable job of clenching my thirst and crunching my throat with those tiny powerful bubbles, Coke has been a relaxing agent for me. When I'm nervous, pressured and stress, I don't sip a hot coffee or tea to calm my body. I drink Coke. Then I'll achieve the Zen level. Haha

This event focused on environmental awareness and highlights the previous and current undertakings of Coca Cola in reducing its footprints on the planet. This, our wonderful graffiti wall, the YAFE worm.

As a previous awardee of Coke Barkada Awards, YAFE was given the opportunity to set-up a booth and join some of their challenges and competitions.

I didn't expect anything at all, I'm actually eating Pretzels outside the activity area while the other winners were announced. Haha! Until I heard the next announcement... (awarding pic soon, or maybe on your newspapers tomorrow, lol. I wasn't able to hand my camera for someone to take a shot of us on-stage)

Yay YAFE! However, I didn't really care much about the cash price, hahaha. But this excites me: my best friend. lol.

On a totally different note, I thought I'm all done with Harry Potter after the seventh book was released! Nooot! JK Rowling, on a reading tour, revealed that Albus Dumbledore is Homosexual. Wow! Wow! Of all the characters! lol!

October 19

2007-10-20T03:08:00.000+08:00

A bomb exploded in Glorietta yesterday, I'm quite sure it's not an LPG, unless the LPG is as big as a trailer truck, it won't shoot up through three floors. I hope that the fatality count of 8 is final, although it is very hard to be optimistic that such range of bomb was only occupied by eight people, in Glorietta on a Friday afternoon.

By the time I arrive tomorrow, I will go directly to Mall of Asia to attend our exhibit, I am hoping that everything will be fine.

Manila shopping mall blast kills eight
CNN

MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- A powerful explosion ripped through three floors of a shopping mall in the heart of Manila's financial district Friday, killing eight people, injuring scores and sending police and troops on the highest state of alert.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said "circumstances indicate it is highly probable that it was caused by an explosive device." The same mall was targeted by a bombing in 2000. She said police and the military went on the highest alert and deployed an additional 2,000 personnel to secure public areas "to prevent a similar occurrence."

The afternoon explosion at the glitzy Glorietta 2 mall toppled roofs, destroyed walls, and sent debris crashing onto cars outside.

At least eight people were killed and more than 70 were injured, said metropolitan Manila police chief Geary Barias.

Police sealed off the shopping complex and searched debris for clues of explosives.

National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said authorities were looking into a possible terrorist attack, but "there is no conclusive evidence yet."

Mario Em, a taxi driver, said he had just dropped two women off at the mall when the blast hurled the passengers against his vehicle, killing them instantly. He said he pulled one of the victims, who was pregnant, from underneath his car.

Officials said the shock waves from the blast, which appeared to have originated from a basement entry for delivery vehicles, shot through three floors of the mall as well as sideways.

Mae Ann Sison said her sister, Angelica Cortez, was on an escalator going down from the second floor when the blast tossed her in the air.

"She landed on the escalator and her right foot got caught in the escalator chain and she was hit by glass shards from shops around her," Sison said, adding a chunk of concrete hit her sister's head.

Al-Qaida-linked militants, who have waged a yearslong bloody bombing campaign in the southern Philippines, have targeted Manila before.

Makati city Councilor Jejomar Binay Jr. said a bombing at the same mall in May 2000 that wounded 13 people was the work of Muslim extremists. Five months later, five nearly simultaneous bombs around Manila blamed on the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiyah network killed 20 people and wounded about 100 others.

In 2004, Abu Sayyaf militants blew up a passenger ferry in Manila Bay, killing 116 people in the country's worst terrorist attack. The following year, four people were killed and dozens wounded when a bomb exploded on a Makati bus and two southern cities.

Several months ago, authorities were alerted to an alleged terror plot to plant bombs in Manila's business districts of Makati and Ortigas, said a government counterterrorism official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

People inside the mall scampered toward the exits when the blast shook the mall.

"One man who was in front of me was already dead. There was a child, but we don't know where the child is now," said Dennis Inigo, who was shopping at the time.

"The man's wife was with me a while ago, and her leg was shattered. Many people were falling on top of each other," he said. "It was loud, and then it became dusty."

UNV Opening And Lost Pictures Found!

2007-10-17T19:24:00.000+08:00

Want to work for The United Nations Volunteers? Show your willingness to change the world and make a difference!

Dear All,

We are in the process of a Volunteer-Based Program for Disaster Risk Reduction at the Community Level in the Bicol Region. We would be needing National UNVs for this project. National UNV Specialist receives a Volunteer Living Allowance of P20,500 per month while NUNV FWs receives P10,500/month; equivalent one-month VLA for a 12-month satisfactory performance; vacation leaves and sick leaves; medical and life insurance coverage; DSA for project-related travels.

You may wish to help me build our roster of applicants for recruitment once the project is approved. Recruitment is planned on the first quarter of 2008. Kindly share this information to your network and request them to submit a completed UN PHS form via email to me if they have the necessary qualifications and experience.

Generally, the following are the minimum requirements:

University degree or higher technical diploma
At least 25 years old (no upper age limit)
Several years of relevant working experience, preferably at least five
Strong commitment to the values and principles of volunteerism
Ability to adjust to difficult living conditions
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

Some of the activities that national UNVs may involved in are related to health, water and sanitation, infrastructure building, information management, developing local-level contingency and family preparedness plan, education and awareness on Disaster Risk Reduction, improving community-based early warning system, environmental and community vulnerability assessment of 40 barangays, training of women volunteers in community preparedness & forming self-help groups of women

The program would cover 40 barangays in the Bicol region which are most hazard-prone.

Download the Application form here: Right-click and "save target as."

Contact:
Lilia (lily) A. Montesines-Capalad
Country Operations Assistant
30/F Yuchengco Tower 1
RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue
Makati City, Philippines 1226
Tel: (632) 901-0452/8897550
Fax: (632) 901-0454
Mobile: 09178738552
www.unvolunteers.org

And here are some fun UNV pictures I found last night! I thought I've lost them until I realized it's on our website's hidden gallery page!

Here we are in Pampanga doing community immersion and attending some workshop of Biodynamic farming in Prado Farm. It is after our stay in Prado Farm when I realized that it was featured on Korina Sanchez's Rated K, because of it's famous gate made of discarded LPG Tanks! Sooo cool!

And here, our visit to the Aeta community in Rizal with Voice of the Youth Network. This is where we did the Christmas Kindness children's party (Christmas nga ba? I remember we gave out tons of gift baskets in cute cartoon bags!). Cute!

Here, our own Christmas party:

Fuuunn!!!!!

Best Practice: Shopwise

2007-10-15T22:46:00.000+08:00

I found this little canvass bag on my brother's hamper. It's the new Shopwise Grocery Bag. It's quite cool 'cause I just happen to blog a Green Entry before this post about using reusable materials, especially textile totes rather than plastic bags.

I am not sure if Shopwise is the first grocery store to do this little contribution to the growing demands of going green, as much as possible. Kudos to them! This is an example of a best CSR (corporate social responsibility) practice that others should copy, it's a small and simple undertaking, but considering the number of their customers, it really is a big contribution to the conservation of our resources!

On the other hand, I have this weird attraction with canvass totes.. I'll blog about them someday.

Go Green this Oct 15! Blog Action Day!

2007-10-15T02:27:00.000+08:00

Today is the Blog Action Day! Today bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future. Time Magazine previously named The Bloggers as the most powerful man on earth, imagine how these messages can be passed if this community will blog about an Environment-related topic today!

I encourage you to blog something about the environment! Or you can syndicate/copy this blog!

Environmental awareness scopes a wide range of concerns, even the things you might not suspect as something with direct connection to the environment, from legislation (say lobbying your concerns to the politicians/congressmen), self initiative (like simple day-to-day activities), ethical consumerism (being a practical on purchasing, being aware of sustainable consumption), to renewable energy. The list goes on, and it will be more difficult for you and for me to understand these clean-cut/professional terms. Here are some "pictionary" tips and descriptive trivia for you to practice and realize.

Use CFL lighting:

Use Reusable products as much as possible, or use recycled ones:

Don't pick flowers, shells, sands and other natural resources on tourists destinations:

And here are some reasons why we Filipinos should conserve our resources...

The Philippines is recognized as one of the 17 mega-diverse countries in the world, which hold about 70& of the world's total biodiversity in flora and fauna.
There are over 52,000 species in the country. Of these, 13,500 are plants comprising 5% of the world's total fauna.
While the country's overall biodiversity has been acknowledged globally, there is even higher regard for the endemism of local species or species unique to the Philippines and can be found nowhere else in the world. About 80% of amphibians, 68% of reptiles, 64% of mammal, 44% of birds and flowering plants are considered unique to the Philippines. (The species in the country, however, are also considered to be the most threatened in the world. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has identified the Philippines together with Madagascar, as being the "hottest of the hot-spots" or the most severely threatened mega-diverse countries.)
The Philippines' coastal zone extends to an area of about 11,000 sq. km. of land and 267,000 sq. km. of water.
Productivity of the coastal and marine ecosystems has been continuously threatened by over-fishing, destructive fishing methods and pollution, among others.
It is estimated that only 5% of the country's coral reefs are in excellent condition while mangroves have declined by as much as 57% in the last 23 years and sea-grasses losses have been estimated at 30-50% over the last 50 years.
It is projected that the volume of air pollutants, sulfur oxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NO2) will continue to increase due to greater industrial activity, heavy traffic and the large number of vehicles using the streets, many of which are smoke-belching public utility vehicles.
Solid waste generation in Metro Manila is estimated at 5,345 tons per day. This is expected to double by 2010. Only about 60-75% of total wastes generated in Metro Manila are collected and about 13% are recycled.
The 25-35% uncollected waste gets thrown anywhere, especially in esteros and creeks, resulting to health problems and flooding.

Go Green!

Ratings Kung Ratings

2007-10-12T22:58:00.000+08:00

My god wala ka ng hahanapin pa, pati pala si Mahal at Andrew Wollf allegedly kasama sa PBB. Lahat na ng klaseng taong-showbiz nandito hahahaha! You know you covered all the specie of showbiz people when Mahal is included to the list. lol.

ABS-CBN management clarified that the list of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition housemates released by PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) earlier today, October 12, is not yet final.

In a report by TV Patrol World earlier tonight, it said that the PBB production team holds 20 possible names of celebrities for the upcoming show. In case a housemate becomes unavailable, the replacements will be on hand.

PEP's Noel Orsal prepared a blind item story on the possible housemates in its Peeping Toms section. The first part was published last Wednesday where the readers were asked to guess seven female celebrity housemates. PEP readers were made to guess on the male celebrity housemates on the second installment made available yesterday.

The readers guessed the following celebrities based on the clues given by Peeping Toms: comedienne Ethel Booba; young actress Megan Young; acterss Yayo Aguila; beauty queens Rizza Santos and Zarah Aldana; and two Deal or No Deal girls.

The other names mentioned by the readers are that of young actor Baron Geisler and his brother Donald Geisler; former Orange & Lemons vocalist Macoy Fundales; and models Jon Avila, Victor Basa, and Will Devaughn.

PBB co-host Mariel Rodriguez said that one of the housemates in the first Celebrity Edition would not have been included.

"During their edition [pointing to PBB co-host Bianca Gonzales] dapat nung the day itself, mag-aalis ng isa," Mariel said.

Mariel was possibly referring to radio DJ Rico Robles, who was all set to enter the PBB house. Rico had a contractual problem with PBB productions. He signed a contract renewal with Monster Radio 93.1, his radio station, two days before entering the house. The problem was easily resolved with Rico participating in the first Celebrity Edition.

Miss Earth-Canada Rizza Santos was also surprised that she was included in the list of possible housemates. The newly-signed Viva artist said she would rather concentrate building up her acting and singing career here in the Philippines

Meanwhile, PEP received additional information about the identity of two other possible celebrity housemates, who already had their pictorial yesterday. These are midget comedienne Mahal and controversial model Andrew Wolff.

The second celebrity edition of Pinoy Big Brother is set to premiere this Sunday, October 14.

I like!

Watch Out Sam Milby

2007-10-12T18:28:00.001+08:00

It's Penshoppe vs. Bench for Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition! It's a sure ratings material. Viktor Basa and Jon Mullally:

However, TV Patrol's headline right now is: PBB Producers' might change the celebrity line-up after having the housemates' names leaked online.

Theory 101: Paid Paparazzi

2007-10-12T17:57:00.000+08:00

Maybe be Theory 101 will be a new material of my blog. Issues so obviously scripted and planned it's not funny anymore.

Let's start with our very own inGreta. Supposed to be "paparazzi" pictures of her started swooning two days ago via PEP, here:

So what do I make out of it?

1) PEP is paid by inGreta or Olay
2) This is a promotional Olay ad featuring the "no make-up" concept.
3) Papansin lang talaga si Gretchen, sino bang tanga ang mangangalantari ng nakabukas ang hood ng car? At sinong paparazzi ang hindi makakakuha ng front shot ng lalake?
4) The guys is Gretchen's gay friend

Conclussion: PEP is Cheap. And so am I kasi pinatulan ko. lol

Nurses and Normalcy

2007-10-12T02:19:00.000+08:00

So I tried researching whether Normalcy is an accepted word or not, apparently I was pissed with too much use of the word by US media, say Insider or Entertainment Tonight, most of the time referring to Lindsay Lohan or Britney Spear's desired comeback to normalcy (they are censoring the word Sobriety, duh).

I ended up being happy to find out that it's not an official word, invented by an ex-US president and recently popularized by Bush. Say "We are all hoping that Iraq will be back on its normalcy."

Daniel was also pissed of Americans using the word, he told Jay Leno, it's normality. Watch the funny interview by clicking here. Who could best be talking about normality but the richest teenager in Britain. lol.

Speaking of normality, here are the normal bags of LV S/08 (unlike the SpongeBob ones).

And here's a picture of the show's opening:

Naomi Campbell barely on stage? Poor girl. Anyway isn't it timely to see the show open with women in nursing outfits? The Desperate Housewives Slur-(daw), the record-breaking NCLEX examinees, the record-breaking POEA nursing outbounds..

..and the new Indie film Nars. lol. My friend txted me to say that I have 5 complimentary premiere night tickets on October 24th. I haven't watched a Filipino Indie film for the past 3-4 years, and these free tickets are a good way to watch one.

I have a good feeling that this movie will be good, cause my friend will be playing one of the lead roles, haha.

Should I stay or should I go? This is the question facing most Filipino nurses nowadays. This will also be the question that the upcoming movie Nars will attempt to answer.

Jennylyn Mercado, Jodi Sta. Maria, Agot Isidro, Coco Martin, and Jon Avila portray five graduating nursing students who are at a crossroads in their lives and their careers. Their different stories are a cross-section of society's nurses. Each character reflects the Pinoy's aspirations, motives, realities, ambivalence, and fears in becoming a nurse.

During the story conference for Nars held last September 20 at the Thompson Square on Tomas Morato Ave, Q.C., the actors and producers of the movie talked about the country's perennial brain drain.

The film's executive producer Carl Balita explained, "Ito pong film na ito ang magbibigay ng mukha sa iba't ibang tao na nangangarap na maging nurse. Sila ang magbibigay sagot sa maraming tanong kung bakit tila lahat ng pamilyang Pilipino gustong magkaroon ng isang nurse.

"We'd like to create a more positive image of nurses. I'd like to tell you that Filipino nurses are the best nurses in the world. They also constitute the biggest nursing force in the world. ‘Yan po ang yaman ng Pilipinas. "Gusto ring ipakita ng film ang realities and socio-economic situation of the Philippines. Maraming issues ang tutugunan ng film, including domestic violence, gender discrimination in the Philippines, at iba pa."

I have one question though. Why would Jon Mullally (sounds sexy, rare, European) change his name to Jon Avila (sounds starlet-like)? Hahaha sorry I just have to ask other people beside myself!

Look Who's Coming: Pepper Lunch

2007-10-12T00:09:00.000+08:00

Some great news, Pepper Lunch will be franchised in Manila soon! Come 2008, Pepper Lunch will make its debut somewhere in Makati, more likely in Powerplant. Who else will import this brilliant concept of a restaurant but Tita Chuva! (I love saying tita before Chuva, I have three Tita Chuvas around)

I so loved Pepper Lunch first in Hong Kong, I thought it's only present in Tokyo. And when I came to visit Singapore, I was surprised to know that they have, if I'm not mistaken the most number of branches and expresses. I ate with my room-mate Mucco and Foggy Chan.

I'm not a big fan of do-it-yourself restaurants like the more known Shabu-Shabu, Maruka, or Ojishan. But Pepper Lunch is different, no matter how boo of a chef/cook you are, the taste and quality of food is the same, extremely fresh meats, and it always seem to give you a smile while making your meal, you know, isip-bata. Hahaha.

The Magic is this iron plate. With its unique design patented in Japan, the iron plate is part of the successful formula of Pepper Lunch. Using a special electromagnetic cooker also patented in Japan, the iron plate will heat up to 260C in 70 seconds and remain hot (approximately 80C) for more than 20 minutes. Meat grilled at this ideal high temperature, remains tender and juicy. The plate keeps food warm for a longer time and customers can enjoy the full flavor of the dish. [Pepper Lunch Website]

EC Recipe: Chicken Parmegiano

2007-10-09T20:01:00.000+08:00

Add a tsp. of Lemon juice to a beaten egg on a flat platter. Dip in two Chicken Breasts and roll into a cup of flour with a pinch of salt & pepper. Fri in a Skillet pan with smoking hot Olive Oil strips. Seal in both sides and turnover, turning the heat in its lowest range while you make the tomato sauce.

Preheat oven to 400d. Put in blender 5 cloves of garlic and 1/2 onion, osterize. Put in a cup of super-red cherry tomatoes, 1-tsp Lemon juice and an egg, osterize. Heat the sauce on a deep pan, stirring continuously until very thick.

On a baking pan, put well cooked chicken and pour over tomato sauce. Top with Parmesan shredding, Cheddar strips and tablespoonful of Cottage cheese, then small blocks of butter to melt. Add some pinch of dried Oregano and Basil leaves. Bake for 35-50 minutes until chicken is tender. Cook a handful of Penne pasta.

Serve with Penne pasta and garnish with Parsley.

SpongeBob For LV

2007-10-09T13:18:00.000+08:00

I thought the LV Groom Collection would be the most cartoonic LV ever.

I was wrong. Apparently, SpongeBob is a big inspiration for the Louis Vuitton Spring 2008 Collection, a line collaborated by MJ with Richard Prince. Richard Prince, (born 1949 in the U.S.-controlled Panama Canal Zone, now part of Republic of Panama) is an American painter and photographer. His works have often been the subject of debates within the art world. Trained as a figure painter, Prince began creating collages containing photographs in 1975. His image, ‘Untitled (Cowboy), a rephotograph constructed from cigarette advertisements, was the first ‘photograph’ to raise more than $1 million at auction when it was sold at Christie's New York in 2005 (Wikipedia).

The colors are so SpongeBob-inspired it's not even funny anymore:

And here's the actual SpongeBob straight from Rehab.

But still I think it's marketable, not superficvial. It's Jacobs' way of walking the line between creative freedom and commercial innovation.

Photos from Style and Shopdiary.

Doodling My Forehead

2007-10-09T12:42:00.000+08:00

It's funny how big it is, it will just have to be in every picture like this one. Coincidence? lol.

..and these are my previous forehead doodles. Haha.

The History Of Doodling

2007-10-07T23:55:00.000+08:00

This Cory Aquino-Slut doodle brought the ex-president to react (not to mention Kris, wow, newsflash), and a great percentage of the country to be outraged:

I have had my own share of bash-doodling for the past 3-years and I'd like to share some highlights. And also to showcase in what ways we can use them. lol.

..on trying to put humor on an extremely serious controversy, Nileema Noble and the "Pen." I'm thinking the pen is inside her bag, her umm, shoulder bag.

..on trying to suggest damage control:

..on trying to justify the amazing recipe of this white sauce:

..on trying to boast -and tell a story- that I am better than the maker/s of YouTube. (This is obviously a joke):

..on trying to bash Pharell Williams:

..on trying to oppose Petron CEO regarding the Guimaras Oil Spill, because their stance is that they never overloaded the ship (by the way, this doodle made it to Philippine Star lol):

..on trying to say that this runway show is way over metro-sexual

..and on trying to glorify the name of Mayor Felicisimo Vierneza of San Pedro, Laguna:

Doodling is a lot of fun! I even doodle my own pictures!

Balat Sibuyas (Onion-Skinned)

2007-10-07T23:41:00.000+08:00

Okay I can completely understand the Desperate Housewives outrage, even if I think it's beyond over-acting and being onion-skinned. I'm completely amazed how different the opinions are about the issue, and I stand by my obvious belief that it's humorist than racist. But the Cory issue?

I can't further elaborate this through articulation but my comments about the Cory Slut-doodling controversy is 100 times the fold of OAness, so I am quoting here some opinions from friends and people from the network:

"First, there were the protests and demands for apologies from ABC for that Desperate Housewives remark on Filipino medical schools. Then, I heard that some people were out to draw blood because the Today Show with Jon Stewart labelled Cory Aquino a slut. When did we lose our sense of humor? Ever since Malu Fernandez claimed to have acerbic wit? It's a long, long shot, but I'm hoping that South Park picks up on this and comes up with a fantastic episode never to be shown here." -Ricky Villabona

"Are we onion skinned? This joke is as old as time (Recto university). It's a joke invented by Filipinos.

I've heard this many times in many different forms (replace med school with anything really, during the Internet bubble, it was directed at Filipino engineers). Even diplomats say this joke.

I'd pay Rex Navarette to tell this joke. How is the reaction different with a non-Filipino telling this joke?

We started this joke when we started passing around joke diplomas.

Stereotypes exist for good reason. We should take it in the chin.

It's a joke in no way racially offensive unless you want to go down that route. Australia and New Zealand would be at war by now if they found the jokes between them offensive. More Pinoy jokes on primetime tv! It means people are paying us attention. (Ex. The hairless Filipino boy in "Family Guy"; Karen Walker's Filipino fetish in "Will & Grace")" -Nash Toledo

(-_-)

The Logo Dream

2007-10-07T00:36:00.000+08:00

The exclusive style of Havaianas Logo I thought until yesterday will remain on my dream-list forever since the line was only made available exclusively in Boracay last summer for only 4 days. Graciel's friend wasn't able to buy me a pair and not even leaving an offline to Tish (owner of Havaianas in Visayas and Mindanao) made much of a help. Haha.

I think that's the secret for a successful branding, exclusives are exclusives, no connections no anything. Just like how darn exclusive the Havs Tote is.

Well I think the Logo line is now a dream come trues plus some. It's metallic!

Havaianas Makes Stylish Entry with New Season Arrivals

Flip-flops are no longer simply the rubber thong sandal of yesteryear. As evidenced by the Havaianas phenomenon, they have become every fashion diva’s footwear of choice.

The transformation of the popular Brazilian brand from footwear staple to international symbol of casual chic proves that design and comfort matter—and this season, Havaianas adds a couple of new styles that will let fashionable feet rock in their favorite flip-flops.

From the brand’s embellished collection, Havaianas Logo Metallic and Havaianas Top Crystal make their stylish entry into the local fashion scene.

Available in the classic top colors that stay true to the buttery-soft comfort that Havaianas is known for, both designs offer the understated, feel-good aesthetic—with a twist. For Logo Metallic, Havaianas turns up the notch on minimalist style, by featuring low-key details and the dressed-up insignia, that transforms the unassuming flip-flop into a fashion essential. Top Crystal, on the other hand, redefines casual elegance with its fabulously-simple Swarovski riveting that easily takes your look from laid-back to glam.

Havaianas is available in discerning retail outlets All Flip-Flops, Aura Athletica, Celio, Chocolate Clothing Company, Gas, Nail Spa, Rustans, Sepatu, Stoked, Tonic, The Zone, Orange Juice and Kidsports. For provincial outlets, visit www.havaianasphilippines.com

Lovely lovely!

Desperate Housewives' Apology Over Philippines Slur

2007-10-04T10:34:00.000+08:00

So it's over now? Feel good? Apparently some Filipino groups in the US wants the cast of the show to verbalize the statement, ummm...duh?

MANILA (AFP) - Makers of the hit US television series 'Desperate Housewives' have apologized for a slur against Filipino medical workers that caused uproar here.
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The apology was sent to Philippine broadcaster ABS-CBN's bureau in the United States and aired here Thursday by its cable news channel, ANC, following protests by the Manila government.

"The producers of the show and ABC studios offer our sincere apology for any offence caused by the brief reference in the season premier," ANC quoted the statement as saying.

"There was no intent to disparage the integrity of any aspect of the medical community in the Philippines," it said.

The apology was made a day after President Gloria Arroyo's office said it considered a portion of the dialogue in an episode aired last weekend as a "racial slur."

The episode showed actress Teri Hatcher, who plays Susan Mayer, asking during a medical consultation to check "those diplomas because I want to make sure that they're not from some med school in the Philippines."

An online petition calling on the ABC to issue an apology quickly spread through the large Filipino expatriate community in the US, many of them in the medical profession.

In Manila, Arroyo's chief aide, Eduardo Ermita said: "On the face, we can look at it as a racial slur."

"We are looked down upon too much, considering the number of our medical professionals in the US," Ermita said.

ABC said it remained committed to present "sensitive and respectful images of all communities" featured in its programs.

Via Yahoo! News

Desperate Housewives: Racist Remark Against Filipinos

2007-10-03T00:41:00.000+08:00

Daw! But I don't agree, it's not racist.

Many Filipinos are in rage towards NBC for Susan's (Teri Hatcher) comment about checking if the doctor's diploma came from a med school in the Philippines. I think that's being too sensitive. Hello nursing-board scandal? Hello Recto Certificates? Pleas 'wag ng OA.

Watch...

Now listen to this, I hope this will enlighten you...

Everyone's A Little Bit Racist

Well, you're a little bit too.
Admitting it is not an easy thing to do...
But I guess it's true.
Between me and you, I think
Everyone's a little bit racist, Sometimes.
Doesn't mean we go
Around committing hate crimes.
Look around and you will find
No one's really color blind.
Maybe it's a fact
We all should face
Everyone makes judgments
Based on race.

Everyone's a little bit racist. Today.
So, everyone's a little bit racist. Okay!
Ethinic jokes might be uncouth,
But you laugh because
They're based on truth.
Don't take them as
Personal attacks.
Everyone enjoys them -
So relax!

If we all could just admit
That we are racist a little bit,
Even though we all know
That it's wrong,
Maybe it would help us
Get along.

Everyone's a little bit racist
It's true.
But everyone is just about
As racist as you!
If we all could just admit
That we are racist a little bit,
And everyone stopped being
So PC
Maybe we could live in -
Harmony!

Commentary: I understand the anger of our fellow Filipinos and of course it's true that the whole world owe us a tad lot when we're talking about meds and nurses around the world, a huge -if not the biggest- percentage of them are Filipinos.

Just like Indians in the perspective of the call-center industry, they are also considered the butt of jokes around the world because of their accent, but do we really care, does it really affect Indians' employability in the global village, merely, because they tend to prove them -mostly Americans- wrong, and deliver what is expected from them (I am sure Filipinos can do better). And to think, their (Indians) distinct accent problems are problems they cannot choose, it's in their DNA (just like retardation, it's offensive to be used as a joke because they never chose to be one).

On the other hand, the Desperate Housewives -supposed to be racist- remark, may for all we know have a background, aspects that we can choose. Hello nursing-board exam leakage? Hello Recto Diplomas? But yes of course, it will never be an excuse to insult our credibility.

If you were able to watch Desperate Housewives since season-1, they have had tons of remarks and jokes basing on race, religion, belief etc, if it's really racism we are ranting about, sana napansin 'rin natin yung against sa ibang race/religion before, not just our own.

While I will never commend such remarks on national TV, I can't help but see that today's TV especially in America, are more liberal and realistic. We do these remarks in our everyday lives as well.. not saying that full frontal sex scenes are appropriate for tv 'cause it's a regular activity too, but mere lines such as that scene are a little bit more of humorist than racist for me. If it's the bad publicity we are concerned about (ex: potential cause of decrease in employability), I think too much attention being put into it would do it more bad (impressions that we're guilty or pikon) than justice.

And, did we really ever count how many times Filipino TV/movies used disrespecting racist remarks against the Americans and other races? I don't think so.

X-Factor: Tight-O

2007-09-27T17:07:00.000+08:00

When I saw last season's Paul Pott's first take on the X-factor stage singing Nessun Dorma, I knew he is more likely to win the competition. Now this kid is Antony, straight from the streets, and prefers you to call him "Tight-O."

I think this kid will win the competition this season.

Bossafied!

2007-09-21T17:18:00.000+08:00

I don't know what's up with street totes these days, they are so in. It kind of started when Marc Jacobs did the braided leather street-bag and his self-praising canvas tote saying "Jacobs by Marc Jacobs, for Marc by Marc Jacobs, in collaboration with Marc Jacobs for Marc by Marc Jacobs." Umm...

Anyway here's the thing. Click thumbnail for full size.

Bossafied!

In Brazil, to do something with Bossa is to do it with particular charm and natural flair. The term eventually evolved to refer to a growing musical style favored by the artistic beach culture of Rio de Janeiro - Bossa Nova.

In celebration of Bossa Nova and the laid-back beach culture of Brazil, Warner Music Philippines, the pioneering record label behind pop-Bossa, teams up with renowned Brazilian flip-flops brand Havaianas, to create a one-of-a-kind campaign for the city’s growing number of Bossa fans – Bossafied!

Bossafied! gathers a collection of albums that feature timeless hits from your favorite artists rendered in that unique Bossa flair. Collectors of Bossafied! albums get a chance to bring home a special Havaianas key chain or a limited edition Havaianas tote bag if they are lucky enough to spot the Havaianas flip-flop sticker inside the albums they bought.

Among the albums included in the Bossafied! collection are the highly successful Rio series --- “Bossa N’ Stones” and “Bossa N’ Marley” which features the electro-bossa songbook of the legendary Bob Marley and the Rolling Stones.

Classics from all-time favorites Bread and Chicago are also “bossafied” in albums “Bossa N’ Bread” and “Bossa N’ Chicago” while hit-makers D’Sound and Everything But the Girl each take a bossa spin in “Bossa N’ Girl” and “Bossa N’ D Sound”.

Bossa-meets-New Wave in two back-to-back albums (Nouvelle Vague and Bande A Part) of chic French group Nouvelle Vague, featuring their sexy bossa versions of 80s punk/new wave hits, among them the favorite 80s classic “I Melt With You” which was used in the infamous “Brangelina” movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Sitti, the country’s reigning Queen of Bossa, is also very much part of the collection with her best-selling albums Café Bossa, Sitti Live and the new album My Bossa Nova featuring the latest single “My Ever Changing Moods”.

Enjoy the music of Brazil and take a little part of it with you when you buy any Bossafied! album from the participating outlets - Music One Greenbelt, Music One Glorietta, Music One Alabang Town Center, O Rockwell, Fully Booked Greenhills and Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street and get a chance to bring home a special gift from Havaianas. Promo runs from September 8 to November 30, 2007.

See posters and counter standees in All Flip-Flops and Moana stores for more details.

Note: Limited edition Havaianas tote bag is not for sale.

Isn't that tote lovely? It's unfair though it's very girly.

Ipagdasal Si Pimentel

2007-09-21T02:31:00.000+08:00

I don't know.. if a senator doesn't know what Broadband is, what is he doing in the senate? His work involves a lot things about making our future better, 'tas hindi niya alam kung ano ang broadband? At least man'lang nagresearch na siya nung mainit na ang issue ng ZTE. Panginoon ko!

At the Senate hearing into the ZTE broadband deal, Senator Nene Pimentel asked this question: “Ano ba ang broadband? Can somebody explain this in layman’s terms?”

Help our politicians join the 21st century.

Miss Oscar De La Hoya

2007-09-20T07:47:00.000+08:00

I always felt there's something different with him. Hahaha

If you are conservative/sensitive/easily offended, then do not click these links...

Miss Oscar 1
Miss Oscar 2
Miss Oscar 3
Miss Oscar 4
Miss Oscar 5
Miss Oscar 6

Take a closer look on his legs on that first picture, many girls will loathe him for his legs, you will think it's Photoshopped in which his upper torso were pasted on a women's lower torso, wow. Hahaha! Crazy crazy!

Video Blogs

2007-09-18T13:58:00.000+08:00

I've been video blogging for quite sometime now, but it's previously exclusive on my Multiply account. Now you can see the links to my videos on the right hand-side navigation menu at the bottom.

These videos are more fun than sensible, some snippets from my travel (ex: being lost, discovering new things, lacking money, meeting new people), activities (ex: official travels, awarding ceremonies, scavenger hunts, NGO work), vacations (ex: escapades with friends, cruises, excurtions, biketour), parties (ex: almost x-rated stuffs hahaha, truth or dare games, concerts) and personal life (ex: being a dog bite dummy).

Click click click them!

You Know The Institution Is Cheap When...

2007-09-17T22:21:00.000+08:00

The highest-serving position needs to decide on smallest of things...

Here's a little snippet from Tita Chuva's blog:

I had such a nasty experience today that the only good thing is it gives me material to blog about.

My classmate from Parsons decided to move out here. He got his own place at Salcedo Village and is setting up businesses. (Girls, he is 34 years old and single. The nicest guy on the planet. My mission is to find him a date.)

Since my friend doesn’t have an office, he took a membership in this place next door we shall call Club Chuchu.

I am not a corporate type and have never heard of this pretentious "power club."
Let’s just say the membership fee is mahalia jackson (about ten pairs of LV shoes).

My friend just signed up yesterday and wanted to show me the place. He called me this morning, so I dropped everything to come to Makati by 4 pm.

Before we go on, allow me to extol the virtues and convenience of wearing sneakers.
Ever since I came back from New York where people walk all the time, I've gotten used to wearing sneakers/trainers/rubber shoes depending on how you wanna call it, because I’m constantly running around the place, getting a story, running a house, store and errands, with three boys to take care of.

My favorite sneaker happens to be Louis Vuitton. First of all, I’m not athletic. Second, I’m no longer a teenager. The Nike swoosh or Adidas stripes don’t exactly do anything for me at the moment.

What I love about Louis Vuitton sneakers—besides the fact that they have Marc Jacobs' seal of approval—is that they are stylish and can be worn from day to night. I wear these almost everyday with jeans or even a long skirt.

I do have more formal shoes for nights and events. But four-inch wedges are not for running around in the daytime.

Going back to Club Chuchu, my friend took me there with the intention of having someone show me the facilities while he had his meeting.

He introduced me to this staff/person/it called Chit wearing polyester/black uniform and (Parisian/Syvels?) pumps.
Right away she gave me this head-to-toe look and zeroed in on my shoes. (Think Julia Roberts entering that Rodeo Drive store in Pretty Woman—"Big mistake...huge mistake.")
Chit immediately made it known that I didn't belong there. I felt so offended and small, like a leper. I wanted to disappear, but I didn't want to make a scene.

My blood started boiling. Chit disappeared for a while, came back and started whispering to my friend. From the looks of her, I felt there was a problem. I thought she would say she couldn't tour me because the board rooms were occupied.

Finally she spoke up and said there was a problem with my shoes.

I seriously could not believe it. I didn't know such a place existed in Metro Manila.

"Sneakers are not allowed in here," she said.
"That's OK," I got it right away and looked at my friend. "I'm just gonna go."
I went towards the exit.
"Ma'am...Uh, could you please wait, I can talk to the chairman about this and ask him about the sneakers..."
"No," I said calmly. "I don't have to be here. I don't want to be here..." (and take crap like this. I can enter the White House in sneakers, but the Club Chuchu, no. Maybe you prefer Parisian by SM?)

I pressed the elevator button.
"Ma'am, let me talk to the chairman...I don't want to offend you," she said.
"You offend me. You gave me a dirty look. I saw you. You were staring at my shoes. My shoes cost a lot of money."

She probably thought I got them in the tiangge.
I couldn't believe how spontaneous that was. It was a Famas moment. Think Cherie Gil against Sharon Cuneta. I'm sorry if that sounds patronizing but I had to defend my fucken shoes.

"Sorry about this," I told my friend. "I'll be at Starbucks and I'll see you after the meeting. Bye."
The elevator door closed and I walked out of there, never to come back.

The club didn't even look special. I only saw as far as the lobby and these member meeting rooms, but I wasn't impressed. Malayo kay Philippe Starck. But even I can enter a Philippe Starck hotel with my sneaks.

Isn't that pathetic? You know the club is cheap when the front-desk have to talk to the chairman about the sneakers! Duh.

I'm on the same situation, duties of finalizing resolutions were suddenly made a responsibility of the one who loathes me.

Anyhow back to the topic. I rarely wear shoes at all, I even wear Havaianas at work and on business meetings and presentations, I'm haggard like that. I never felt discriminated because of my choice as of yet, but I would definitely understand if ever that happens, I mean these are flip-flops, the simplest possible footwear a human being could wear.

The problem here in the Philippines, hypocrisy. It's too darn hot here and the least you could do to your poor body is give it air to breathe. You see, shorts and easy-flowing collared shirts are considered decent and if I'm not mistaken, formal in Hawaii and other tropical countries.

Anyway speaking of shoes, I will need to get my hands on one of this before Christmas, my last sneakers was bought two years ago, and that's just because I'm in Ontario and my aunt will foot the bill.

1) LV Bastia Sneaker in Canvas and Calf leather. GBP 220 (P20,400)
2) LV Gypse Mule in Monogram Denim and Calf Leather. GBP 275 (P25,500)
3) LV Zephyr Sneaker in Calf leather. GBP 275 (P25,500)
4) LV Speeding Sneaker in Damier Geant Canvas. GBP 225 (P20,800)

DHL Did It, With Zac Posen

2007-09-14T05:41:00.000+08:00

This is funny, remember my post entitled DHL and Prada Function?

Well here you go, the $400 Zac Posen tote specially made for ~~teachers~~ DHL packages.

This Season, Teachers Count

At DHL, we understand the importance of fostering a society where teachers are valued and admired. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Zac Posen to create “Tote for Teachers.”

For every one of these limited-edition Zac Posen totes sold, DHL will donate 100% of the proceeds to TeachersCount, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a permanent culture of teacher appreciation.

This striking Zac Posen bag is made from all natural Italian leather. Lined in cotton twill, the bag's expandable interior allows room for magazines, a cell phone, a digital camera and other daily necessities. Fun, feminine, easily accessible and just a little sporty, this messenger-sized tote bag in DHL’s vibrant colors is a powerful reminder of how teachers help us to expand our minds and our horizons.

Left: Zac Posen. Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullen. Visit www.toteforteachers.org to purchase.

Guilty Or Not Guilty?

2007-09-12T08:25:00.000+08:00

Ano kaya magiging hatol? Malalaman natin today.

Coming To Town: My Favorites

2007-09-09T02:38:00.000+08:00

I don't think there are enough geeks in my network for me to explain by detail and ramble about how big of a fan I am of this two. So I won't elaborate further.

Josh Groban will be performing for 2 nights and only October 18th will be open to the public. October 17th will be a by-invitation-only event. Only 3,000 tickets will be sold (Translation: ticket prices will be sold above-the-roof).

Even if I have pledged to all the angels and saints that I will see Josh if ever he hold his concert here, it's just an impossibility to do so. Workload and travel cannot be rescheduled! I rarely watch concerts, the only concerts I've attended is that of Andrea Bocelli's (Manila 2004) and Elton John's (San Francisco 2006). Aside from those, I am forced to watch other concerts locally just because I organized it.

Anyhow, second person to watch out for...

L’acteur hispannique Gael Garcia Bernal sera la star du prochain film de Lukas Moodysson (Together), Mammoth. Bernal y incarnera un homme d’affaires New Yorkais qui décide de changer radicalement de vie en emmenant sa femme et sa fille en Thaïlande. Le tournage débutera en novembre prochain entre la Thaïlande, New York, la Suède et les Philippines.

I am so not sure if my friend's French is credible but here's a translation:

Hispanic actor Gael Garcia Bernal will be the star of Lukas Moodysson's next film, Mammoth. Bernal will play the role of a businessman from New York who decides to radically change his life by taking along his wife and his daughter to Thailand. Taping will begin next November between Thailand, New York, Sweden and the Philippines.

Oh and I got a complimentary ticket for Keane's Concert, I wonder who is this guy? From US daw. Anyway I gave it to my younger brother.

Global Junior Challenge Finalist, Young MDG

2007-09-08T21:36:00.001+08:00

This is a pretty late notice, my project Young MDG is finalist for this year's Global Junior Challenge in Rome, Italy.

The Global Junior Challenge is a global award promoted by the Digital World Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by the Municipality of Rome and six major ICT companies. The intention of the award, dedicated to young people and to schools, is to identify and reward best practices on the use of new technologies in education and training of youngsters. An international jury selects the finalists and the winners are announced during the award ceremony that takes place in Rome, at the Campidoglio City Hall.

The Global Junior Challenge is in line whit the E-Learning Program threw from the European Commission during the summit of Lisbona. The goal of this program is the spread of the digital culture between the teachers and the young.

The Global Junior Challenge is dedicated to all young people, from school children to teenagers and youth taking their first steps on the job market. It concerns cities, institutions, local authorities, businesses, NGOs, communities and individual citizens. The Global Junior Challenge concerns all those who are interested or involved in child and youth education and training, and more broadly, in helping in the construction of a more inclusive society.

See the complete list of finalists here: Finalists.

Zahara Got The Goods

2007-09-08T21:27:00.000+08:00

We all know Angelina Jolie loves her Valentino Braided Leather Shoulder Bag. Not only does Angie love it, but now Zahara does also. Isn't that cute?

Megs spoke with her SA at Valentino in Bal Harbour and she informed me it was specially made for Zahara!

Buy the ‘large’ version at Neiman Marcus for $1695.

Meralco Bills

2007-09-04T00:54:00.000+08:00

Our Meralco bill for the month of July reached a record high.

Some of you are aware that I, together with my colleagues from YAFE are currently working on a book about Sustainable Consumption called the YouthXchange Guide to Sustainable Lifestyle. It tackles pressing issues of ethical consumerism and highlights the world's current situation (ex: 20% of the world's richest consumes 75% of the world's natural resources).

It will also feature Philippine-friendly tips on saving as much resources as possible and as appropriate, one of which is lighting and power, which brings us to a related work.

Below are the three options we will be using for a national energy-saving campaign. I was in-charged of designing these 3x3.5" ad to be put on your next month's (or October) official Meralco Bill receipt/notice.

This -Meralco Reciept- campaign is spearheaded by The Philippine Efficient Lighting Market Transformation Project (PELMATP). A Project of The Department of Energy (DOE), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Environment Facility (GEF). I will soon be posting a more detailed information on light and energy saving concerns.

Asked For Recall: RR Nileema Noble

2007-08-28T11:42:00.000+08:00

UN asked to recall its highest official in RP

NGOs accuse exec of abuse, harassment
By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 10:58am (Mla time) 08/27/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- Former senator Wigberto Tañada and 48 other leaders of non-government organizations have asked the United Nations to recall its highest official in the Philippines for alleged arbitrariness, unilateralism, abuse, and harassment.

In a petition, members of the civil society community said:
“Arbitrariness. Unilateralism. Abuse. Harassment. These are words we do not normally attribute to the UN.”

“Oftentimes we have seen the UN proactively responding to cases involving these. We are alarmed that now, a UN official is associated with the very things that are anathema to UN values,” they said of Nileema Noble, UN resident coordinator and UN development program representative in the Philippines.

“We call upon the UN to deal decisively with the living paradox within its ranks as embodied by its highest official in the country, Ms. Nileema Noble. It is imperative that the UN correct this intolerable situation. We expect far higher standards of ethical conduct and professionalism from its representatives. Otherwise, they must go.”

Noble, who has been at her post for more than a year, is being investigated by the UN for alleged abuse of authority over Filipino employees of the UN office here in Manila.

At least 13 Filipino staffers of the United Nations office here, including two who have left the office, have sought the ouster of the UN-Manila chief for her “autocratic and oppressive behavior,” according to their letter to Kemal Dervis, administrator of the United Nations Development Program in New York, a copy of which was obtained by INQIUIRER.net.

Mary Gemme Montebon, Jennifer Navarro, Amelia D. Supetran, Emmanuel E. Buendia, Morito G. Francisco, Imee F. Manal, Clarissa Arida, Roberto V. Carandang, Anna L. Senga, Frances M. Solinap (former UNDP staff), Francis Gertrud R. Mercado (former UNDP staff), Jay-Ann Arandia, and Elcid C. Pangilinan asked that Nileema be punished for “verbal and physical harassment,” “abuse of authority,” and “violation of the rights” of the staffers, particularly rights to effective remedy and due process.

When asked for comment, Noble’s office said she has been instructed by the UNDP headquarters in New York to refrain from talking about the case.

The petition was preceded by a short note saying: “We hope that you will agree that no international official, no matter if resource-bearing nor how well-intentioned and even progressive, has the right to treat Filipinos shabbily in their own country.”

The petitioners noted that Noble’s behavior to UN staff has been known to them. “We are aware that numerous staff under her, whether temporary or fixed term, have complained and filed cases detailing verbal and physical abuse and arbitrary termination of employment contracts. We are appalled that numerous incidents involving Ms. Noble establish a pattern of systematic abuse of authority and downright harassment,” they said.

The letter said Noble has also been arbitrary in her behavior of lack of consultation, mutual respect, and professionalism toward partner government and academic institutions by invalidating contracts.

“The UN has set historic precedents in human rights observance over the past decades. Ironically now, the human rights and dignity of UN staff in the Philippines are being trampled. We cannot stand idly by,” it said.

The other petitioners are Ana Maria “Princess” R. Nemenzo of the Freedom from Debt Coalition; Rosselynn “Jae” dela Cruz, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS); Luzviminda “Vim” Santos, People’s Global Exchange (PGX); Mary Aileen D. Bacalso, Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD); Maria “Mars” Mendoza, Children's Initiatives for Learning and Development (CHILD) Inc.; Earl Parreno, Altertrade; Susan Granada, Non-Violent Peace Force; Gil Navarro, Peace Advocates for Truth, Healing & Justice; Arnold Tarrobago, Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party; Jean Enriquez, Coalition Against Trafficking of Women-Asia Pacific (CATW-AP); Jude Esguerra, Institute for Popular Democracy; and Susan “Toots” Ople, Blas F. Ople Policy Center.

Not All Blondes

2007-08-26T07:36:00.000+08:00

It doesn't really take much to make me laugh, I though, can't believe that 20% of Americans can't locate their own country on a world map. If I ask any random kid below 10-yrs old, (in the streets of Manila) I'm sure they would be able to locate the Philippines, even if it's so small and undefined.

Miss Teen USA 2007 - Ms. South Carolina answers a question:

And what's up with mentioning that South Africa and Asia will need USA's help?? WHo needs help now?

Malu's Public Apology

2007-08-23T20:51:00.000+08:00

I promised not to dedicate a whole journal log about Malu Fernandez, however I think it will be unfair not to post her official statement of apology. This was taken from her Geocities Website:

I am humbled by the vehement and heated response provoked by my article entitled 'From Boracay to Greece!' which came out in the June 2007 issue of People Asia. To say that this article was not meant to malign, hurt or express prejudice against the OFWs now sounds hollow after reading through all the blogs from Filipinos all over the world. I am deeply apologetic for my insensitivity and the offensive manner in which this article was written, I hear you all and I am properly rebuked. It was truly not my intention to malign hurt or express prejudice against OFWs.

As the recent recipient and target of death threats, hate blogs, and deeply personal insults, I now truly understand the insidiousness of discrimination and prejudice disguised as humor. Our society is bound together by human chains of kindness and decency. I have failed to observe this and I am now reaping the consequences of my actions. It is my fervent hope that the lessons that Ive learned are not lost on all those who through anonymous blogs, engaged in bigotry, discrimination, and hatred (against overweight individuals , for example)

I take full responsibility for my actions and my friends and family have nothing to do with this. To date I have submitted my resignation letters to both the Manila Standard and People Asia, on that note may this matter be laid to rest.

I'm glad my blog is not anonymous. ~~I was able to record the TV Patrol feature about her official statement but I accidentally overwrote it with an idle file. Geez.~~;

[Update] The video was uploaded via Youtube, thanks Riain for the heads up.

Fernandez Touched A Sensitive Nerve Amongst OFWs

2007-08-21T06:23:00.000+08:00

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines condemns Fernandez's derogatory article.

I am still confused how PEOPLE Asia Magazine managed to approve such article. The author hardly mentioned the Parthenon for goodness' sake, the whole article is almost pointless, it has nothing to do with anyone but the author. And just how materialistic it is of her having to mention Louis Vuitton just to describe her eyebags (see luggage), and to mention not just what she's wearing (Adidas All-Terrain) but also the one she chose NOT to wear (Havaianas). This will be my last post about her.

NEDA: Projects Not Decided Unilaterally

2007-08-21T06:02:00.000+08:00

NEDA responded on an August 9-article of Business Mirror (see my previous posts).

Changes in UNDP-funded projects
not decided unilaterally, says Neda
Business Mirror, August 17 2007.

By Cai U. Ordinario
Reporter

THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said the decision to implement changes in the 2007 Annual Work Plans (AWPS) for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-funded projects were not made unilaterally.

This is in response to the negative reactions from several implementing partners for UNDP-funded projects who experienced changes in their assignments or even their removal from the projects.

In a memorandum signed by United Nations resident coordinator and UNDP resident representative Nileema Noble, UNDP deputy resident representative Kyo Naka, Neda deputy director general Rolando Tungpalan, and Neda-Public Investment Staff director Jonathan Uy, the Neda and UNDP informed all Country Program Action Plan (CPAP) partners of the changes in the projects.

“[The changes] were agreed [to] as bases for a more focused and leveraged approach of UNDP programs to be implemented in 2007 through the AWPS for achieving the [Millennium Development Goals] and reducing human poverty, fostering democratic governance, energy and environment for sustainable development and peace and development,” the memorandum said.

Sources at the Neda said implementing partners (IPs) need not be informed of the decision regarding changes in the projects since an executive committee that monitors the projects is the one deciding on such matters.

The sources added that the statement by some UNDP staff members alleging that the Neda was “bribed” with “a few cars and travels abroad” was inappropriate. All cars and travels approved by the UNDP for Neda were all connected to the UNDP-funded projects the Neda and IPs oversee.

Apart from this, Tungpalan told BusinessMirror that the efforts of the UNDP to reform and streamline its projects and rationalize the functions of project monitoring offices (PMOs) is consistent with the directive of the Department of Budget and Management to implement a unified PMO in all government agencies.

Under this scheme, only one PMO will be allowed per agency. The PMO for an agency will now handle projects funded by several multilateral agencies, such as the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and other similar agencies, including the UN and its agencies.

The memo also highlighted the importance of complying with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness. The Paris declaration stresses the need for the implementation of a rationalization process among donors in managing aid-financed projects and programs.

The Paris declaration was signed by all donor countries and multilateral agencies and has now set the global standard for aid-financed projects and programs.

“Donors commit to avoid the maximum extent possible creating dedicated structures for day-to-day management and implementation of aid-financed projects and programmes,” the Paris declaration stipulated.

In his letter to United Nations Development Group chairman and UNDP administrator Kemal Dervis on August 1, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri said the Philippines has embarked on the implementation of appropriate measures to make the partnership between the government and UNDP responsive to the needs of the country.

“The planning and coordination of the implementation of said measures are being carried out in close coordination with our CPAP partners and UNDP colleagues, with Neda at the helm of the change management process,” Neri stated in the letter.

These changes included the removal of the University of the Philippines-National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) as the IP for the Fostering Democratic Governance Programme. The UP-NCPAG was replaced with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

“The shift would require a change in the present implementing arrangements. The CHR is the most appropriate IP given its mandate,” the memorandum said.

Earlier, seven staffers of the UNDP filed a formal complaint at the Department of Foreign Affairs against Mrs. Noble.

The complaint, filed by UNDP assistant representatives Amelia Supetran and Emmanuel Buendia; programme managers Clarissa Arida and Imee Manal; and programme associates Jennifer Navarro, Morito Francisco, and Mary Gemme Montebon, may render Mrs. Noble a persona non-grata in the Philippines.

Fierce, Fabulous and Fat: Malu Fernandez

2007-08-20T08:50:00.000+08:00

This article which might be a little late for me to blog is about Malu Fernandez. She was born rich because her dad is rich, end of story. I don't know what will it take for a person so self-absorbed to step on his fellow-Filipinos just because they are OFWs. And worse, I can't figure out how someone so morbidly obese, ugly and looks like a shaved Shih Tzu can do that.

First, whatever you say, you flew coach, which you happen to hate so much, you just can't change that fact. And worse, you flew back on coach class again. If you have so much money, I'm sure you won't mind sliding your card at the kiosk for a freaking upgrade.

Second, even the bottlers and helps of Discovery Shores won't sleep with you cause no matter what perfume you wear, you still looked like a Lechon complete with Jo Malone and MAC, and please, stop using ching-chang-sue.

This is the text from Malu Fernandez's article:

Meanwhile, when all of this was going on, I was on the cell phone with my jet set buddy Ron Sato planning an impromptu trip. You see, Ron is my travel buddy who lives in Los Angeles, so between his schedule and mine, the logistics are a nightmare, The week at Easter, however, was open for both of us so I said: "Pick a country!" We decided on Greece and all we went. But getting there was a bloody nightmare. To save on my ticket, I bravely took economy class seat on Emirates as recommended by my travel agent, Ron excitedly told me to go for it- Emirates had won best economy class and some award. However I forgot that the hub was in Dubai and the majority of the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) were stationed there. The duty-free shop was overrun with Filipino workers selling cell phones and perfume. Meanwhile, I wanted to slash my wrist at the thought of being trapped in a plane with all of them. Of course, everyone in economy class was yelled at for having overweight hand-carries. Mine was 17kg (ssshhhh!). That was all my makeup and accessories I would never risk Iosing if my luggage ended up in the middle of the Sahara desert.

While I was on the plane (where the seats were so small I had bruises on my leg) --YOUR LEGS ARE EQUIVALENT OF BEEF SHACK SO DON'T PRETEND YOU DON'T KNOW THE REASON WHY THE SPACE SEEM SO SMALL, my only consolation was the entertainment on the small flat screen in front of me. But it was busted, so I heaved a sigh. popped my sleeping pills and dozed off to the sounds of gum chewing and endless yelling of "HOY! Kumusta ka na? At taga saan ka? Domestic helper ka rin ba?' translation: Hey there? Where are you from? Are you a domestic helper as well?" I thought I had died and God had sent me to my very own private hell.

On my way back, I had to bravely take the economy flight once more. This time I had already resigned myself to being trapped like a sardine in a sardine can with all these OFWs smelling AXE and Charlie cologne while my Jo Malone evaporated into thin air. However, for the first time in my natural life I was elated to go back to the Philippines so I could go hack to Discovery Shores in Boracay and sip a tropical drink under the fabulous hat I bought in Greece.

There I was sending MMS pictures to my buddy Ron trying to entice him to come over, but I didn't succeed. Instead, I got two other friends to join me in sipping cocktails with a fabulous sunset and ocean view while planting my feet firmly on the bug-free cement flooring by the poolside of Discovery Shores.

All in all, it's been a pretty good summer. Jetting from the Aegean Sea to the Pacific may sound a bit pretentious until you wake up in economy class smelling like air freshener. Not to mention looking at your bank balance after paying for all your trips, which surely smacks reality in your face. But for a couple of weeks, I had a great escape I planned for this long hot summer.

And the overcooked pork can't get enough, so she published another article:

Are you Stinky Linky? Or do you smell like a divine divalicious babe?

As all of you know I have just returned from a wonderful holiday in the Mediterranean. To cut on some costs for this impromptu vacation I was forced to fly economy class which I absolutely do not wish on my worst enemy. I was, however, encouraged by my travel agent to try out Emirates since it won the best economy class, so with great trepidation I flew on Emirates via Dubai, completely forgetting that Dubai is the hub for all the Filipino migrant workers. Call me whatever you like but when you are trapped in economy class that is filled to the brim with migrant workers the smell gets a little funky after nine hours of flying.

The whole incident inspired me to write about fragrance. For as long as I can remember I have had a very keen sense of smell. And sometimes I can remember people by their sense, call it weird but it's true. Some studies actually state that men and women are more primarily attracted by scent than by physical attributes. I may forget a lover's face but I never forget his scent.

You can read the articles from the original scan by clicking these thumbnails"

I know another blog about her will just make her even more famous, after being blogged by hundreds of angry Filipinos.

Her apologetic article about this issue (apparently the publication received thousands of email from people wanting to kick her ass) made things worse, she said it's all about humor and crap, well I didn't laugh. All I saw is a fat woman, so ugly inside and out that she wanted attention by being controversial and projects to the mass that she's frivolous, sorry foundation can't hide your 50kg ham.

I myself have experienced being with a plane of OFWs last year on the way to Hong Kong. My flight was arranged and shouldered by the office. I have to say, OFWs or not, it is the noisy environment that will annoy me on the plane, and having games on-board is a big no no for me. Filipinos being chatters/talkers, I can hear some of them talk about why they are leaving, it's annoying because I am so trying to sleep but it's humbling to hear their stories, and so I started not to mind the chatting and mind my own business.

On my way back to Manila, beside me sits an OFW who will be back home after 10-years of stay in Hong Kong, she worked as a domestic helper to provide for her family, I saw her eyes a little teary while sharing her story to the lady beside her. I, on the other hand is about to be teary cause the plane is having a turbulence that I have never in the world experienced before. This is while the other passengers seem to not care, it's quite funny. I also have a bad sinusitis at that time so I think the woman beside me thought I was crying, when I'm about to fill in my immigration form, she offered me her fountain pen after seeing me search for my carry-on and found nothing. She offered it to me in English thinking that I don't know how to speak Tagalog, she then asked why am I crying. I even heard her prior to that saying "umiiyak yata 'to" to the lady beside her, assuming that I can't understand her. I told her I'm not crying. She seem to care so much, she later on gave me tissue to use, and it gives me an impression of someone so motherly. Someone longing to take care of her own children after years of taking care of other's. They deserve respect.

DHL and Prada Function

2007-08-18T06:25:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was a bit busy, imagine I have to clear my name before lunch? Anyhow, I am so consumed the whole morning that I decided to meet up with a friend and have some coffee and later on, dinner. On top of all that crap, there's a typhoon.

I realized that I am also expecting a package from Hong Kong. DHL delivered the mail at home but they realized I am currently out and about, they asked my brother where I might be and and he told them that I am about to have coffee in Shangri-la. When i got out of the car, DHL was there waiting for me, handing me over the package. Isn't that top-level service?! I never experienced that before. Although I think they won't do that, in the middle of typhoon, if you are not a gold member. Anyway, Kudos for them!

The mail is quite huge:

I am planning to have coffee and a little walk around the shops to relax and free my mind from the previous happening that morning, and a huge package with big DHL logo might not look that good. So I removed it from the envelope and carry a folder by my hand. That's when I realized that Prada does have a justified reason for making such clutch, a big one, which I thought 2-months ago was one of their stupidest and biggest ~~clutch~~ mistake.

Of course even if ever I have the money to buy it for $1,290.00, which I don't, I still won't be able to use its sole purpose 'cause it's not for men.

Oh by the way, Paul Smith is having a yummy sale in Shangri-la, men's bags are up to 40% less.

My Hope: Yilmaz Bektas' Toupée

2007-08-15T01:40:00.000+08:00

When Yilmaz arrived in NAIA last week, his hair looked like that of Jude Law's.

And then after a little less than 6 hours, he had this interview at The Buzz sporting this face and hair. Make-up? Botox? Toupée? Definitely! (A toupée is a hairpiece or partial wig of natural or synthetic hair worn to cover partial baldness.)

Talk about hope and inspiration for my hairline?! Wheeee!! Hahaha!

Thanks to the Sneaky Observation of Tita Chuva.

Leibovitz For Vuitton

2007-08-14T01:11:00.000+08:00

Isn't this cool, former General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev posed for Annie Leibovitz for a Louis Vuitton Ad. I would never have imagined Gorbachev appearing in a fashion campaign, even if it is only for a bag. The ad, however, is part of a campaign to emphasize the company’s heritage in luggage and travel accessories. Gorbachev is featured in a car, a Vuitton bag at his side and the Berlin Wall in the background.

Also photographed by Annie Leibovitz, my favourite, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf cuddling in a hotel room, their bags not yet unpacked.

The final part of the campaign is Catherine Deneuve resting on a trunk in front of a steaming locomotive. All very hot, all very sexy, all raising the profile of the brand.

You can see the bags on their "real" forms, with crease and deformations, unlike the previous ads where the bags looked as if they have card-boards inside to make them look perfect in conformation.

Annie Leibotvitz is the one responsible for this legendary Rolling Stone cover shot of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

And more recently this shot of Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate her visit to the United States.

Back to the topic, Vuitton said it was making donations to former Vice President Al Gore's The Climate Project to fight global warming and Green Cross International, founded by Gorbachev to promote sustained development. The company didn't disclose the amount of the donations.

The campaign -- which is to run alongside more traditional fashion ads that in past seasons have featured Johansson -- will appear in magazines in September.

Gifts Part 2

2007-08-13T10:13:00.000+08:00

Part two of the gifts shout-out.

This is from Tarek, it came from Egypt and it's so beautiful. The details are magnificent and it comes with a brass Egyptian plate.

This cute ceramic town portrait is from Tomita, it shows a little city from Romania.

A cool New York book from Van, my Vietnamese friend from Philadelphia.

And here's a funny story. Last November 15 2006, I was sent a cheque by Oracle. Regardless of its value, I planned to hold the encash-ment of the cheque until kingdom come, more so, until I feel like going to the bank. The last May 18, I thought of having this cheque en-cashed. I am not aware that international cheques are only valid for six months in the Philippines.

I then send a formal letter to Oracle, asking them to send me a second cheque since the one I have has just expired, and also admitting how careless and unaware I was of the situation. It's so irritating because I'm only 3-days late. Oracle told me that I have to send them the original and unused cheque. So right then and there, I sent the cheque to San Francisco via DHL for PhP-1,800. Duh right?

The cheque arrived home May 29th, the reason I wanted to en-cash the cheque is for me to have extra more money for my trip to Malaysia. I departed Manila on 28th, so everything was useless. And then just two weeks ago, I again, planned to en-cash the note, guess what? I lost it again. Hahhahaa! I was so worried for days.

Well now trying to find this New York book for this blog, I found the cheque between the pages, I had a deep sigh of relief. I hid it on my Cathay Pacific ticket to Hong Kong.

I'll be in Hong Kong this October for an official trip and a little vacation and visits with friends.

Teu Lei Lomo! Hahahaha~!

Gifts Part 1

2007-08-13T07:03:00.000+08:00

I love receiving gifts and tokens of appreciation, even if it's better to give than to receive. I do give too anyway. Mr. Lung gave me an idea to do this again, I've done gift shout-outs before, but I haven't thanked the recent givers.

An addition to my spoons, this one's given by Nick from Hong Kong. Of the times I set foot in Hong Kong, I never really had a chance to buy spoon. Two years ago, the one I saw in Chep Lap Kok was so expensive it's not funny anymore. A year ago, Jay helped me find some at the night market in Jordan, no luck.

So here's a cute wooden spoon, very simple and I like it. Especially because it's wrapped on a brown genuine leather, I love leather.

And this is another one from Hong Kong given by my friend Yoyo, she'll be busy as a bee for college now and we might not get the chance to see each other for four years, so she gave me this Chinese Chess, she knew I love chessboards. It was sent by airmail which is more expensive than the board itself.

This is from my cousin Jenny Jane, another spoon. How ironic that I live in Manila and I don't have a Philippine Spoon. Nice move. Haha! The details are rather elegant. It has a carving of Barasoain Church, Bamboo Sticks, and Malakas & Maganda.

Lastly, from Jaevion, a cute shot-glass with Piña Colada recipe at the back! This is from Jamaica.

And speaking of Jamaica, I realized recently how I miss the place. I went to the movie-house last week with a friend to watch License to Wed with Robin Williams and freaking Mandy Moore, the last part of the movie was shot in Jamaica and the resort where we stayed at was seen. I so want to go back O_O

I'll blog part 2 later.

Noble Sadism

2007-08-10T23:29:00.000+08:00

Agencies complain of abrupt changes in UNDP projects

COMPLAINING OFFICES CITE LACK OF CONSULTATION WITH PARTNER AGENCIES
Source: Business Mirror, 9 August 2007
By Cai U. Ordinario

SEVERAL government agencies have filed complaints to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines against the supposed abrupt changes implemented on a number of projects funded by the UNDP.

Complainant agencies include the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Mindanao Economic Development Council.

The DOE also complained, specifically, about the removal of project monitoring offices (PMO) in the Philippines. PMOs serve as the main coordinators of a certain project. Former DOE secretary Raphael Lotilla wrote to UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Nileema Noble that one of her circulars shortened the contracts of two Development Support Services Center, (DSSCs), contrary to the directives of the DOE.

According to the Circular Memorandum dated February 15, 2007 from Noble addressed to all UNDP Staff members that all extensions of service contracts of project personnel shall only be valid until April 30, 2007, due to “project administrative costs.”

“It is lamentable that UNDP, which has been advocating a policy of continuous dialogue/consultation with all stakeholders for the smooth implementation of projects, has failed to observe this policy of consultation with its partner agencies, including the DOE, on matters of national importance,” Lotilla wrote.

In a letter to Secretary Lotilla, signed for Noble by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Kyo Naka, it said the removal of all PMOs has not been a unilateral decision, and that the Neda also took part in the decision-making process. The letter also stated that the government and UNDP signed a joint memorandum to make it clear that the process of cutting short the contracts of DSSCs is a gradual one, over a one-year period ending December 2007.

“The phasing out of the independent PMOs has been accepted as a general principle by Neda and in the context of the implementation of the Paris Declaration Principles, as well as those of the ongoing UN system reform agenda,” the UNDP letter said. For his part, Neda Director General Romulo Neri told BusinessMirror that the agency wrote a letter in support of Mrs. Noble’s efforts to “clean” projects.

“The letter was addressed to all Cabinet secretaries endorsing what Mrs. Noble is doing in the country. I know everything and I am endorsing everything,” Neri said. Meanwhile, NCPAG dean Alex Brillantes Jr. wrote to Mrs. Noble and Neda Deputy Director General Rolando Tungpalan about the decision of the UNDP and Neda to replace the NCPAG as the implementing partner (IP) of the Fostering Democratic Governance (FDG) Program without due process.

“We were, therefore, dismayed by the unilateral decision of the UNDP and Neda to replace NCPAG as the IP for the FDG program. This was done without going through the process of consultation and dialogue, in accordance with the principles of transparency and participation, which are the basic tenets in the practice of good governance that UNDP advocates,” Brillantes wrote.

According to Brillantes’ letter, the UNDP was the one who approached NCPAG in 2005 to become the IP for the project. He added that never in his dealings with multilateral partners, particularly the UN, has transparency, accountability and participation not been implemented.

Brillantes said this was evident in their dealings with the UNDP since the 1960s and their cordial relationships with various UNDP representatives such as Turnham Mangun, Terence (IP) Jones and Deborah Landey.

Meanwhile, \NAPC Secretary General and Lead Convenor Datu Zamzamin Ampatuan wrote to DDG Tungpalan about its Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms for the Convergence of Poverty Alleviation Efforts project funded by the UNDP. The letter said the UNDP and Neda amended and agreed upon implementing arrangements of the projects and removed NAPC as the IP for the project.

Datu Ampatuan also said these changes were not communicated to him when he took over, and that these are against the interests and responsibilities of NAPC. “I wish to convey to you that NAPC is asserting its rightful role as implementing partner, rather than its relegation now as only one of responsible parties. By mandate alone, the shepherding and coordination of poverty reduction programs and activities should be NAPCs,” Ampatuan said.

These unilateral changes have been happening as early as 2005. NCIP chairperson Jannette Serrano wrote to Naka on behalf of the agency regarding their concern for the manner by which the institutional arrangement for the implementation of the Integrated Program for the Empowerment of Indigenous Peoples and Sustainable Development of Ancestral Domains (IP-EIPSDAD) was done.

The NCIP letter, written on November 28, 2005, and received by the UNDP in Manila on December 19, 2005, said it was not involved in the negotiations to change the mode of implementation and terms of reference of the project.

“We would like to put on record that NCIP was never part of this crucial decision. As a matter of fact, this is contrary to the position of Department of Agrarian Reform [DAR] Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, with whom we had the opportunity to discuss the matter prior to the FAO, who maintained that the IP-EIPSDAD should be implemented by the NCIP and not DAR,” Serrano said.

Broadway

2007-08-06T00:32:00.000+08:00

Final promotional photos for the new brand 'Broadway' featuring lines of accessories for men and women.

Minor retouching, but believe me, the woman's arms are genuine. Amazing.

Attitudes

2007-08-05T04:49:00.000+08:00

I've been sick for more than a week now, and my morning coughs currently involves bloody phlegm. Oh well, I still have to work during the night. Recent events were extraordinarily busy and pressured.

First I have to simmer down just a wee bit on blogging about those things *points out the blogs just right below this entry* 'cause I'm about to sign a contract (is this a coincidence or what) for a joint lighting project of the Department of Energy (DOE), Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The latter being our subject. =) Here, a little preview:

Anyway, this IT consultancy and web developing project is a little over the top cause for the first time in my life, I will have to come up with my very own website-specific search engine system, free of advertisement and the likes. The only technical script I've done is a little guestbook and tag-board script using C++, so let alone a whole search engine, how comfortable. And yes it's very convenient, I will learn something new and get a dashing reward equivalent to a year labor of your next door call center agent, and I only have to do this in a month. I love my life, sorry.

And to the title of this blog, aside from the lighting project, I also have to do this:

Have had some problems with payment, negotiated, okayed.

I really think that conceptual consultancy is one of the best job in the world. Good pay, you're able to channel your artistic self, be unique, have your work and concept published, meet the hottest specimens God created and just be proud of it. Anyway here are some cool new shots for the new brand Attitudes:

Hey! Don't forget I also accept airbrushing services for minimum price. You really think they're that smooth and flawless?? =)

So ya, I'm bored right now, that's why I blogged, weekend. I haven't been out for a couple of weeks or more and I'm starting to grow lumps of cold air on my back, I need to get out and walk some miles or just buy some new stuff and freshen up. Look here:

I was cleaning my inbox and suddenly realize how busy this specific exchange of emails were, I miss the life-and-death pressure situation, literally heart pounding nervousness and just the whole panicky-slash-amok aura when it comes to travel arrangements.

THEY Want her out! Names Mentioned!

2007-08-01T01:28:00.000+08:00

13 Filipino staffers seek ouster of UN’s Manila chief

Exec accused of ‘oppressive behavior’
By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 08:58pm (Mla time) 07/30/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- At least 13 Filipino staffers of the United Nations office here, including two who have already left the office, are seeking the ouster of the office’s chief, Nileema Noble, for her allegedly “autocratic and oppressive behavior.”

In a letter to Kemal Dervis, administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York, staffers Mary Gemme Montebon, Jennifer Navarro, Amelia D. Supetran, Emmanuel E. Buendia, Morito G. Francisco, Imee F. Manal, Clarissa Arida, Roberto V. Carandang, Anna L. Senga, Jay-Ann Arandia, and Elcid C. Pangilinan, and former staff workers Frances M. Solinap and Francis Gertrud R. Mercado, also asked that Nileema be punished for “verbal and physical harassment,” “abuse of authority,” and “violation of the rights” of the staffers, particularly to effective remedy and due process.

A copy of the 11-page letter dated July 23 this year was obtained by INQUIRER.net.

Sought for comment, Noble’s office said she has been instructed by UNDP headquarters in New York to refrain from talking about the case because an investigating mission will be coming to the country to conduct a two-day probe on the matter.

The 13 said they tried to give Noble the benefit of the doubt, “but the longer we worked with her, the faster we came to the conclusion that her autocratic and oppressive behavior will not change.” They said Noble’s continued stay at the UN’s Manila office will erode the UNDP and UN’s credibility in the country.

Citing the Charter of the United Nations, the Staff Rules, and the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service, the complainants said “abusive behavior” is not tolerated by the organization.

“As you know, Staff Rule 101.2 (d) indicates that ‘any form of discrimination or harassment, as well as physical or verbal abuse at the workplace or in connection with work, is prohibited. Harassment in any shape or form is an affront to human dignity and international civil servants must avoid it,’” they said.

They enumerated 22 different forms of alleged abuse. Among these, quoted verbatim from the letter, are:

-- Most recently, she insulted and embarrassed staff in front of high ranking government officials, publicly berating them with rude language for supposedly not undertaking a task which she committed to the government without even consulting and formally informing the staff concerned.

-- Poked a staff member’s chest and forcefully slapped another’s back to emphasize a point because she is angry or frustrated.

-- Rebuffed a staff who was so happy because Mrs. Noble already signed a contract (after several weeks of the document being with the latter). When the said staff slightly touched Mrs. Noble on the shoulder and quipped that it was finally over, Mrs. Noble physically shoved her hand away and responded in a loud voice, “What are you suggesting -- that
I’m pending documents in this office…”

-- Meetings where she often raises her voice and nit-picks on managers and staff members, embarrassing and denigrating them unnecessarily. Several incidents of one-on-one meetings with staff where she raised her voice caused further intimidation and fear among them.

-- High-handed behavior with staff members, treating them with not a bit of respect. In one incident, a staff witnessed Mrs. Noble’s ordering another staff to fetch a pen under her table, which she can very well do on her own.

-- Several incidents with staff where she would nakedly point out their supposed rudeness in front of colleagues for not immediately greeting her good morning or good afternoon while she does not even observe it herself. In fact, she would rudely interrupt meetings of staff with the Deputy Resident Representative and not even apologize for the rude intrusion. There was one incident where she was not satisfied with the workshop flow and accused the UN staff in-charge of the activity of sabotaging the Office, in front of everyone.

-- Several incidents where staff were too afraid to speak or question her decisions even if such will clearly compromise the organization for fear of retaliation. Whenever staff muster enough courage to speak their minds on certain issues which clearly contravene her own, she would intimidate these staff until they give up. By her actuations, Mrs. Noble always presumes herself to be correct and no one should, therefore, question her actions. In one of the staff meeting, Mrs. Noble announced staff movements and claimed that she has informed the particular staff of his re-assignment to another unit, where he allegedly agreed on. The concerned staff responded that it was the first time that he has heard of the re-assignment.

-- Often exhibiting unnecessary frustration, rage, and intimidation if an outcome is not to her liking, accusing staff of perceived hidden motivation, imaginary errors, and incomplete staff work. She often accuses staff of hiding things from her and not providing her enough information, no matter how many briefings, briefing papers and other information materials are provided her. She does not listen to staff explanation and makes oft-repeated accusations which are baseless and untrue.

-- One incident where she almost tore a letter apart when she erased her signature in front of a staff, implying that the staff was trying to trick her into signing that document.

-- She also has the habit of throwing papers back to the persons submitting them, if she is not satisfied with such papers.

-- Recent arbitrary (and forcible) termination of two staff without due process. Further, the manner in which she handed out the decision and her ensuing instructions for its implementation, such as the terminated staff’s leaving the UN premises immediately, packing their belongings and turn-over of keys and IDs within the hour, showed how little her respect is for common decency and dignity of a human person, treating them like common criminals. Staff members who witnessed these incidents were left in shock and fear. If these could happen to high-ranking national staff in the UNDP/UN, then it can very well happen to them, or even much worse. These incidents of arbitrary termination happened in a span of only two weeks.

-- Adding insult to injury, one of them was told not to contest the decision of his termination. If he did, then Mrs. Noble said that she will have to state a reason for the termination that will tarnish his record which, in effect, would deprive him of possible UN employment opportunities in the future.

-- Several verbal threats to staff that their contracts will not be renewed if targets are not achieved or performance is not acceptable to her. She even made a threat to withhold a staff member’s salary if performance is not up to her standards.

-- Mrs. Noble’s impossible, whimsical requests and demands to be included in certain high-level meetings and conferences have led to incidents where staff had to push themselves to the limit to satisfy her. There was an incident where a staff had to stay late at night for two days just to enable her to get into an event she, for some reason, craved to be in. When everything has been arranged, she decided last minute not to go anymore, without any explanation or apologies.

-- A very grave infraction committed by Mrs. Noble was her incursion into staff privacy in communications. She had one of the staff member’s office cellphone seized, its contents downloaded, on mere unfounded accusation of a PMO staff that the staff member was spreading malicious messages about her. Mrs. Noble made no amends nor even offered an apology even when the exercise did not yield information incriminating the staff whose cellphone was seized.

I Smell Curry

2007-07-30T03:19:00.000+08:00

How I love to occasionally stain my lips with curry, that yellow sauce filled with powerful taste you don't exactly get everyday. But for me, experiencing 10-days of curry-full meals on my previous trip isn't exactly pleasant. It just starts to turn your stomach's inside out.

But I sure loved the ones I ate in Sanfo last year, cheap but great, 2 corners away from Union Square.

So what I exactly am pointing about? Curry is kicking ass because as a typical Filipino household, we probably get to taste them twice or thrice a month, eat them for long and it makes you feel sick.

How To Pick Up A Pen, Something Ignoble Within The UN

2007-07-23T13:02:00.000+08:00

For the past two weeks, this particular controversy is spreading faster than Ludy's Peanut Butter on my sandwich. The title used for this entry was pulled from two articles by Robert Garcia and Susan Ople. I never thought that this issue will make it outside of the UN Office in RCBC.

If I am to imagine Nileema answer the question "How to pick up the pen from the floor?" I would expect her to say that if she accidentally dropped it, she would pick it herself, because as a woman with high position within the UN System, she sure knows that women can do what men can, after all she's chairing (if I'm not mistaken) the UN Gender Mainstreaming Committee. And perhaps picking up a pen is nothing compared with carrying construction materials. However, being a perfect gentleman is never an insult, so if the nearest man picked it up for her with smile, not a big deal right? For Nileema, no.

Please read on these two articles.

How to pick up a pen from the floor
By Susan Ople for Panorama (and Susan Ople Blog)

Blogger’s Note: My apologies for not posting my Panorama Mag columns as consistently as before. Anyway, below is a column which appeared in last Sunday’s magazine as well as in Tempo. Judging from the number of e-mails I got, it seems this particular column sparked quite a discussion within the UN system here in Manila.More updates on this controversial topic very soon.

How does one pick up a pen that he or she accidentally drops to the floor? If it’s a woman, more often the man nearest to the pen picks it up and hands it over to its owner with a smile. If it’s a man, he just bends a bit or stoops (depending on his height) to pick it up. No big deal, right?

Apparently, not in the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, if letters and complaints from aggrieved staff are to be believed. It seems the head of this office, a woman named Nileema Noble dropped her pen. A male staff who happened to be in the room when this happened was about to pick the pen from the floor. The lady boss motioned him to stop and proceeded to call out her secretary’s name. The secretary, who was seated in her desk outside the boss’ office, went in. She meekly picked up the pen from the floor and handed it to her boss. And this, my friends, is one particular example of how a UN official based in the Philippines prefers to pick up her pen.

I write this piece with malice towards none, but with a firm belief that all people – regardless of nationality – must treat people with respect. This is the foundation of decent work. Aware that the official being complained about has her rights, too, I promise her an equal right to rebut the information volunteered by her staff, through this column.

But first, here are the points raised by a group of Filipino staff members who recently sought the help of the Blas Ople Policy Center so that they could ventilate their grievances:

1. The head of the UNRC, without minimum courtesies as expected in any other organization, unceremoniously terminated two UN Staff, one, an assistant resident representative for operations, and the other, a UN coordination specialist. They were given only a few hours to leave the UN premises after they were sacked. Adding insult to injury, they were told that if they keep silent and don’t contest her decision to pre-terminate their contracts, they can have other opportunities to work within the UN system. However, if they talk, she will make sure they never get to work for the UN again.

2. The unpopularity of the UNRC head is reflected in the UNDP’s Global Staff Survey where she came out last among the UNDP resident representatives in terms of approval rating. She scored 43%, a much lower score than the global average of 60%. Majority of UN resident representatives in Manila received 90%+ in approval ratings.

3. UNRC personnel continue to be traumatized in her presence. For example, she would throw documents on the floor when she was angry and then order her secretary to pick them up for her. She would also go into a flying rage whenever someone argues or tries to correct her. On another occasion, she literally shook another staff that dared proffer an explanation during one of Mrs. Noble’s foul moods.

4. This dynamic has spilled over to implementation of various government-UN projects with the disbandment of project management staff offices to help bridge these projects. Several government implementing agencies were surprised to learn about the UNRC’s unilateral decision to change implementing partners without due process, disband project management offices even at the risk of affecting results and imposing new program realities despite earlier agreements reached with stakeholders.

These are just some of the complaints raised by a group of staffmembers who came to see me a few days before my column deadline. One of them, former coordination specialist, Robert Francis Garcia, said he has written the Department of Foreign Affairs, the UN Ombudsman and the rest of the UN Country Team members and the UNDP Headquarters in New York. He also gave me a copy of his letter.

In it, he wrote: “The Coordination Specialist position was designed to assist the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC or simply RC, officially the highest-ranking UN position in a country) in harmonizing work among various UN agencies. The post as vacated successively by two other people (the first one, temporarily). I won’t hazard a reason for their premature departure, though it is particularly telling that people under Nileema’s watch are leaving in droves. More than 20 people have left the UNDP since she came, and counting. I also cannot speak in their behalf, but I can speak from my own experience.”

“Tolerance and understanding are basic human values. They are essential for international civil servants, who must respect all persons equally, without any distinction whatsoever. This respect fosters a climate and a working environment sensitive to the needs of all. To achieve this in a multicultural setting calls for a positive affirmation going well beyond passive acceptance.” [Article 6 of the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service, The United Nations Ombudsman’s Office.]”

“There was never an instance when she did not raise her voice. The surreal “meeting” (when he learned he was being sacked) on May 4 was not unusual – it was a daily occurrence with Nileema.”

I am convinced that the staff members who came to see me are telling the truth. I hope that the United Nations look into their complaints. The Department of Foreign Affairs could also help by calling the attention of the UNRC on how our nationals should be treated. We talk about protection for Overseas Filipino Workers. Here at home, we must be just as passionate in protecting the rights of our own workers.

Sometimes a simple gesture speaks volumes about the humanity of a person. So tell me, how do you pick up your pen from the floor?

The Seperatist: Is the UN that Noble?
By Robert Garcia. Published by PN Abinales for Mindanews

KYOTO, Japan (MindaNews/7 Jul) -- Those of us who think that the UN is one of the best hopes for countering the growing militarism in our politics better read this statement of Bobby Garcia. Garcia, author of the painful book To Suffer thy Comrades (which is an account of torture and killing by communists of fellow communists), was forced to resign from his post as coordination specialist of the UN in Manila. His boss, a nasty person named Nileema Noble fired him without cause, and out of spite. Here, readers, is his story, which made me realize how, in certain areas, Gloria Arroyo and the UN are actually the same.

Something Ignoble within the UN

I write this piece with the standing belief that internal democracy and freedom of expression are still practiced and honored within the United Nations system. That belief may have been shaken some with my recent work experience at the office of the UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, but I nevertheless remain confident that a small but deeply flawed component does not represent the whole. I also trust that a progressive institution such as the UN has the capacity and tools to self-repair… I have been with the UNRC Office for four months, having been invited to apply (and chosen) for the temporary post of Coordination Specialist for nine (9) months from December 2006 to September 2007. Since then I've been clocking in 12-15 work hours everyday, given the extraneous load of the RC office.

On 4 May 2007 at 1:00 p.m. , I was called to a meeting by my boss, Ms. Nileema Noble (UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative). Two other UNDP officers were also called in: Mr. Kyo Naka, UNDP Deputy Representative, and Ms. Ethel Capuno, UNDP Procurement Officer. After having seated, Nileema got straight to the point and said that they were already terminating my contract that same day. (I was to be paid half a month after the termination date in lieu of the 15-day notice as provided in the contract).

"Can I ask for the reason why?" I queried, matter-of-factly. "You know that we are not required to give you a reason," replied Nileema. "Your Special Service Agreement (SSA) contract allows either party to unilaterally terminate it at any point within the duration." She then stated that she was not satisfied with my performance, and that there is a mismatch between the skills I possess and those that are demanded by my work.

"I would like to contest that," I answered. "I am not questioning your move to unilaterally terminate my contract, as that is your prerogative, but I do not agree with the arbitrary appraisal of my performance. I am not perfect, and I'm sure I have had lapses in my work like anyone else, but I have so far delivered the tasks expected of me." I went on to enumerate the accomplished assignments thus far: the clockwork regularity of the UN Country Team (UNCT) meetings, the series of Delivering as One briefings, the UNCT Retreat, the mission of Prof. Philip Alston (UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions), and so forth. In all this I was able to harness the collective strength of the UNRC office team, ensuring that tasks were properly delegated while taking on direct, hands-on work myself. I have indeed received positive feedback from UNCT members and other UN colleagues.

"The UNCT members have negative comments against you," Nileema retorted, "but I don't want to divulge them here. Also, you may of course contest this decision but that is up to you, and there are consequences. As it is now, you can leave with a record of good standing in the UN, because we are not declaring any reason for the contract's termination. But if you contest, then we will do that. Furthermore, another reason is that there are confidential RC Office documents that somehow reached other people." I gave her a bewildered look, thus she continued: "I'm not saying you yourself leaked them. But it is the RC office's responsibility to safeguard these documents."

I asked what exactly these documents were, for I was clueless, but again she refused to say. I was thus left unable to clarify whatever it was or even defend myself against accusations.

I was then asked to sign the letter of termination, stating that the Coordination Specialist function I was performing was no longer required. I said I do not want to sign any document, asking for some time to consider these things.

"No!" she blurted. "You cannot confer with anyone!" I found that incomprehensible. Since when did the "freedom to consult" been banned in a higher institution such as the UN? But I simply said I don't intend to "confer" with other people about this. I just needed a few hours to mull things over. "You don't have that option."

"So what will you do if I refuse to sign this document? Bodily carry me out of the UN premises?" I was beginning to boil then. It was then Ethel's turn to intervene, trying to be diplomatic. "No, we don't do that naman at the UN. All we ask is that you simply 'acknowledge receipt' of this notice." Nileema stated further that, whether I sign it or not, the termination will be effective anyway.

So I silently sat there for a number of minutes, weighing things, looking each of them in the eye, finding it strange that within the UN such disregard for due process and humane conduct continue unhampered. I considered defying it, but realized in the same instance that I wouldn't want to stay a minute longer in such an oppressive work environment. In all of my years as a professional, it was only at the UNRC Office where I felt I was living a nightmare existence. I've been dragging my feet to work every single day. Thus I wrote "notice received" in the one-page document, signed it, and quickly packed my stuff. I wasn't able do a proper handover because my email was immediately cut that very afternoon.

Taking the Fall

Soon as I left, I contemplated the reasons for the early termination of my contract. "Mismatch of my skills with those demanded of the job," she said. Perhaps there is some of that element. I was once described by Nileema as an "academic" type, but what was required of us was to attend to the voluminous, assembly line-like routine of the RC office and perform simultaneous tasks. Hardly anyone, however, can keep up with this. The "work-life balance" bandied about was an illusion. As one UN official told me: "I'm in your mailing list, and I can't imagine how you can perform all those demanding assignments. I saw the ones before you leave one after the other. The system, clearly, is designed to fail." While I am confident that my extraneous efforts delivered the goods, amid the difficulties and aggravations that multiplied the burden, I grant that the boss has the prerogative to declare otherwise.

The other reason was the so-called "leaked document," of which I remain uninformed, thus the best I can do is speculate. It maybe something related to human rights, or MDGs, or whatever themes we worked on. Hundreds of documents fly around and from the UN everyday, though I can assert that I have not sent any document to anyone with malice and without authorization or protocol. Still, Nileema can claim any single one of them has "fallen into the wrong hands" and I would be in no position to question that.

What I object to is the arbitrariness and utter disregard for proper procedure, and more importantly the abhorrent behavior one would not expect from a civilized human being, much less from a UN diplomat.

A Dreadful Work Environment

The Coordination Specialist position was designed to assist the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC or simply RC, officially the highest-ranking UN position in a country) in harmonizing work among various UN agencies. The post was vacated successively by two other people (the first one, temporarily). I won't hazard a reason for their premature departure, though it is particularly telling that people under Nileema's watch are leaving in droves. More than 20 people have left the UNDP since she came, and counting. I also cannot speak in their behalf, but I can speak from my own experience.

"Tolerance and understanding are basic human values. They are essential for international civil servants, who must respect all persons equally, without any distinction whatsoever. This respect fosters a climate and a working environment sensitive to the needs of all. To achieve this in a multicultural setting calls for a positive affirmation going well beyond passive acceptance." (Underscoring supplied) [ Article 6 of the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service, The United Nation's Ombudsman's Office.]

The present RC is some kind of an enigma. I have never seen such kind of leadership conduct before. It is the kind of behavior one can associate with a jail warden (from whom it is not acceptable as well). There is no normal conversation with her, at least so far as I have observed in her interaction with all the staff. (Equal or higher-ranking officials are a different matter – she deals with them casually or with reverence).

There was never an instance when she did not raise her voice. The surreal "meeting" we had on May 4 that I just narrated was not unusual – it was a daily occurrence with Nileema.

A senior UN official, from whom we sought advice a few months earlier, suggested that the problem might have something to do with "cultural differences." I considered that notion, and caught myself thinking that, if at all, the cultural dimension here takes the form of an anachronistic social construct called the "caste system," which bases the treatment of human beings based on their position in the pecking order... What apparently matters to Nileema is a person's place in the human artifice called "hierarchy."

As such, Nileema somehow antagonizes most everyone she meets, as most of us are "subordinates" anyway. Her behavior towards people seemingly comes with a personal sense of entitlement; that her high UN position gives her the Brahman license to treat people in such abysmal manner.

In all four months with the office I forced myself to hang on, I resolved to try and "survive" it and find ways to somehow solve the unbearable situation we were all in. I saw an opportunity to constructively address it at our UNRC Office retreat, where presumably we can air out grievances. I told Nileema in the most reasonable manner that there could be a better way of relating with the UN staff. "Whenever you are around, the stress level among the staff shoots up." She responded that she always had that effect on people wherever she was – whether in her previous posts or even in her family.

"But that is how I am, and it has to do with my passion for work. I'm just passionate."

Fine. It's just unfortunate that she seems to have mistook treating people as virtual slaves 'to get the job done' as 'passion.'

It also gives her the authority to dictate what is wrong and what is right, regardless of what others say or think. You cannot argue your point. Nileema is known to crash in on a workshop underway, whether it's a government or civil society function, undermine the proceedings and declare that "everything is wrong." She then proceeds to declare what is right. What is right is not based on merit but on brandished authority.

An example indicative of this abrasive unilateralism was when she was asking me about a human rights-related meeting that was not proceeding according to how she wanted.

"Are you sabotaging the RC office?" she exclaimed.

Sabotaging?! I was so incredulous and offended I almost replied: "With the way you are running this office, I don't even need to." But I checked myself, realizing that would've entailed stooping to the level of coarseness I was objecting to. I simply expressed my incredulity. "Of course not. Why would I do such a thing?"

One of Nileema's oft-repeated justifications for her behavior is that she is just hammering people to work better. "Not good enough!" is a common outburst. The question is: does it work? The exodus of her staff is hardly an indication that things are going in the right direction. Frayed nerves of those who remain can never produce quality work. Nileema does not believe in positively motivating people; she promotes a culture of submissiveness and subjugation. In the process, she continues to lose the cooperation and respect not only of her staff but partners as well from donors, government offices, and civil society.

A sympathetic colleague tried to assuage my distress by saying that Nileema is an exception, rather than the rule, in the UN. She is just a fluke and therefore I should not be disillusioned with the entire system. But this aberration has the potential to wreak havoc on the whole. Allowing this to continue, apart from driving people out and restricting the creative freedom of workers, holds the greater danger of perpetuating a vicious cycle. It creates a system that cultivates a handful of clones that unquestioningly do their boss' bidding and replicate her behavior toward their respective colleagues and subordinates, while leaving a throng of embattled, embittered soldier ants. It breeds "transfer of oppression;" or the so-called "kick the dog" syndrome. I saw it happening already, and the repercussions are frightening.

What is ironic in all this is that other UN agencies and parallel international organizations have already evolved far more egalitarian systems of work. The present UNRC, assigned with the momentous role of leading the UN system's sweeping reform agenda under the "Delivering as One" banner, remains stuck in a patently feudal mindset and form of rule. This may perhaps explain the major reluctance of officials and staff during the Delivering as One briefings, which provides for "one leader" among others. This would've been easier to swallow if that "one leader" respects "all persons equally, without any distinction whatsoever…and fosters a climate and a working environment sensitive to the needs of all." Regrettably, the current UN leader in the Philippines considers the organization as her own private fiefdom.

I realize that the foregoing could very likely jeopardize any possible UN career for me in the future. For all it's worth, right now I am still presumably "in good standing" and can continue searching other options within the system, so long as "I keep my peace." I'm better off being mum about it, however I can never feel fine with myself knowing that such abomination continues to exist and I simply let it pass.

It is incumbent for those who are still within the UN, especially those who relate with Nileema directly, to do something about the regressive state of affairs she is perpetuating. The country's development is at stake, and so is the UN's potential to affect its course. The country and the UN cannot condone yet another tyrant, for that would breed more of her kind. As Lord Achton once famously declared: "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely."

In many of our meetings, Nileema often declared that she "does not know anything about human rights." Does one really need to overstate the obvious?

I rest my case.

Robert Francis Garcia
Former Coordination Specialist
UN Resident Coordinator's Office
Philippines

The first time I sat down on a meeting with Nileema, she was thirty-minutes late. But for people who are always on call, like her, it is something tolerable. This is not the first time I met her but this is the first time I get to analyze her personality. The moment she entered the room, she was already talking fast, saying introductions and explanations on what the meeting is for and what should be expected at the end, it gives me an image of a person who is spontanious and a "leader." If I am not mistaken, I even thought to myself that time that I would want myself to be like that in the future. Commanding power by way of speech, aggressive and with a lot of presence.

The second time was pretty intense, a little pressured at the time, the meeting was done to review our performances and at the same time get to know her, vice versa, since she was still relatively new at that time. This time, my possitive analyzation of her personality is quickly turning backwards, her agressivenes is not that of a leader anymore but that of a know-it-all and what-I'm-saying-is-right. Many instances that in a middle of someone's sentence, she will cut in and say something else. And from then on, many, as in many people around the office are complaining about her, even her own RC office.

I guess first impressions are not really the right and truthful impressions.

General opinion: If you can find these scenarios within the UN, an agency that advocates for the betterment of this world in almost all aspects of life, independent from the government, then what do we expect from the community it is serving? Little things like the picking up of the pen is what this Global UN system is all about. Talk about equality, human rights, empowement, how can one be empowered in a controlled and generally you-can't-argue environment?

It's not Noble afterall.

Photos: UNDP Philippines and Department of foreign Affairs.

Search Toppers: Nileema Noble United Nations Development Programme Resident Coordination Coordinator UNRC UNDP UN Manila Philippines.

Boracay Pictionary

2007-07-22T00:42:00.000+08:00

Some cool photos worth sharing. The story started here on my terrorist-inspired sideburns and trailer-truck stage-sized forehead.

After an excruciating process (you know it's excruciating when you finally realized you have used all means of transportation) from Manila to Kalibo, we were still able to smile and express our natural cam-whore selves. It's not necessarily summer but the sun seem to shine wild on our way...

..until droplets started pouring. After unpacking our things at the hotel, we quickly had lunch and eventually ran to the beach. In these pictures, you can see the monsoon or typhoon coming towards us, what a great timing! Nooot! Hahhaa!

However, not a typhoon can eradicate the fact that Boracay remains to be serene, relaxing and practically flawless. Here again, presenting you the typhoon and the beauty of natural motion.

The girls broke an entry to our room via the patio, they took some nasty photos of us sleeping. Many people say that you'll know the real person by the way they sleep. If that's true, then Jay is easy-go-lucky, Nick is perfect, and I'm a pig.

We did some snorkeling and island hopping, or perhaps 'island hop' cause there were far too strong waves that we weren't allowed to visit the other islands. On the picture you'll see we did fly-fish, buko (coconut) drinking, and Jetski (not!).

And to wrap up this entry, let's not forget about the raining night when we were left to do time-consuming non-sense. Presenting, the late leader of Abu Sayaf (part of the international network of Bin Laden's Al-Queada), Abu Sabaya(g).

Seen here wearing Chanel Bangaw Shades, and Haute Couture Scarf by Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2007 Collection. Hahahaha!!!

When It Rains, It Pours

2007-07-17T21:08:00.000+08:00

Literally! We were in Boracay for only 2 nights, but our total photo count while there is 2,100. I can't believe it, considering that our stay is full of body-pinching aches of sands slapping our skin due to high-velocity wind, the upcoming typhoon and lots of rain.

Rain on the beach isn't bad after all, playing cards for truth or dare consequences seem to be more fun than going to Cocomangas for a night party. Cocomangas is our original plan, but on our way there, the rain poured and we went back to our hostel. But before, we had to buy drinks and snacks, plus playing cards.

Here I give you some of the crazy punishments for card game losers.

Nick ate this roll of scotch tape.

Candy had this 5-season drink mixed by Nick. It's made of coke, wine, water, lays, and toothpaste.

Nick consumed this wine in 3 shots. Actually, the first dare is for me to have the same one in one shot, was able to do it, first time ever, but unfortunately, no pictures! Hahahhaha!!

Nick is so skinny I am jealous. That's why I gave him the dare of drinking this Coke until it reaches the line.

The difference of toe-sucking.... (singular)

...and sucking of toes (plural) hahaha!!!!

The difference of plain body licking...

...and full-length S&M role playing

Smooch kisses are for friends, and we're friends anyway.

...but some are just more disgusting than the first ones. Hahahhaha!!

Arnjurlicurm Furnarndurz Order

2007-07-15T10:20:00.000+08:00

I've known Nick for more or less 4 years now, and Jay for almost exactly a year. But they still can't pronounce my name!

Nick pronounced my name (should be Angelicum Fernandez-Oda) Arnjurlicurm Furnarndurz Order. But first, they tried to count from 1-10 in Filipino! Hahaha, cute!

This little clip was done at the airport back to Manila from Boracay, our flight was delayed for an hour and a half because of the typhoon and other things.

Super Havaianas

2007-07-02T01:03:00.000+08:00

The Flip-Flops Batman and Superman wears is coming to town. Personally, I'm not a fan of the Batman line, but if given a choice, i'd go for the golden metallic.

But I sure love this, look at the amazing details.

I just ordered two pairs of the Superman via Bare Foottess.

Nick Ma

2007-06-22T01:51:00.000+08:00

My friend unleashed his work yesterday and I was blown away, the collection was fabulous and I couldn't be any prouder! Now I think he deserves Boracay for vacation.. in which we are realizing on July10-12.

Fashion Design Grad Show 2007
June 21 - Hong Kong Int'l Convention Center

Photos by: Makui Ma

Mali-siya (say Malaysia)

2007-06-20T17:17:00.000+08:00

I think I get the point. See Beside.

One na Single pa. Sa'n ka pa?

Supposed to be either "Half an hour" or "An hour and a half"

Oh let's bought things!

Until while stock last.

And on a completely different note, I found an interesting word on a wall, epal.

Closer look:

And you can also see Susu which I think is Malaysian for milk. =)