Presenting... BOJO

Since I always mention the name Bojo and perhaps you're really so curious as to who my latest constant buddy is, I think this is the perfect timing to introduce him.

Ladies and Gentlement, presenting... my baby, BOJO, a more-than-three-months old Shih Tzu puppy

This is Bojo on his first few days (he was born on January 05, 2009); taken by his original owner.

These are his pics on the day I got him. Photo taken by my officemate Abby

Bojo on his 3rd Month... after his deworming. Vet is Dr. Marco Reyes of Hayop Kalinga in Crossing, Calamba ~ good and nice vet actually.

His latest picture... taken on March 20, 2009 inside our room. Yes, he sleeps inside my room.

Riding on Pacquiaos' Current Predicament

Last night was a rare occurrence when we as siblings were seated in our living room. There was my eldest sister and her three kids, my eldest brother, me and my Bojo, Jay-Ar and Ejay. Ave was not there since she was living with our Aunt and Lola in a separate house. Mom and Dad were out for their praying meeting with their co-Couples for Christ.

Though we were gathered altogether we were all pre-occupied of our different activities ~ Ate was attending to her kids, Kuya was watching the news, I was playing with Bojo, Jay-Ar was busy texting someone and Ejay was taking his early dinner. At one point though we had a unified glance in our television set ~ the news was about the alleged transfer of Manny Pacquiao to ABS-CBN from GMA 7. Mel Tiangco was anchoring the statement of GMA 7 on this alleged transfer.

Immediately after the news, my eldest bro said “Hala, lagot ka Pacquiao!”. I replied on his statement saying that “Yes, lagot si Pacquiao. Call it mean, but I want him to lose his fight with Hatton ~ I don’t want to give him a graceful exit in the boxing world with all these things that’s going on with him” (I actually just repeated my earlier statements to my team members in the office and my dear friend Yeth in our dinner date).

My statement is harsh I know but I thought this is better said (or written). I don’t have anything against Pacquiao. I am actually a fan; I regularly watch his fights cheering for him and I believe that he has brought so much pride to our country in winning all his bouts. I love his success story as a poor guy who earned his niche in the sports he is very talented of. However, I can’t hide my dismay as to how his winnings, his much-enjoyed fame and his countless moneys have changed his and his family’s lifestyle and habits. I kept on shaking my head when the 1M -worth baptism of his youngest child was covered by media, complete with all the personalities from showbiz and politics worlds as the child’s godparents (How many were they in total? Sorry, I forgot). I can’t help but utter my “tsk tsk” when his wife was interviewed about her shopping experience in Hollywood and it even came to a point that all her outfits were priced. Double the “tsk tsk” when she broadcasted her plastic surgeries done by the most controversial beauty surgeon in the country (need not mention, you know who she is!).

I know that there’s nothing wrong in reaping the fruits of your hard works ~ and I am clearly an advocate of this maxim. However, I also believe that we must always put limitations in all our splurges and we must always be on-the-guard of the possible downfalls and opportunists that may take advantage. Take Pacquiao’s case. How sure are we that his politician supporters are there to just support him in getting honors for the country and will not take advantage of his popularity in their own political campaigns? Some of them even convinced Manny to run in a congressional seat in his province (and willingly gave their unsolicited support). How sure are we that his allies from showbiz aren’t just riding to his mass appeal to gain TV ratings? Okay okay, Manny is in Totoy Bato, my current favorite show (because of Regine Velasquez, of course!) but his only exposure was during the first week of the show’s airing. His short exposure didn’t help in the rating game!

This may sound bias since I am a GMA 7 fan… but his decision to transfer to ABS-CBN was really unethical. There were reports that Manny decided to re-join ABS because of the station’s offer of full-media coverage on his congressional candidacy by 2010. The same journalist also mentioned that Manny favored ABS because of its TV dominance in Saranggani (Manny’s hometown) and the opportunity for more exposure since ABS has international media partners and reporters. But as GMA 7 said, they are trying their best to offer the best deals for Manny ~ boxing clinics all over the country, two television shows on top of his current two, concerts in the US and in Canada ~ as soon as his schedule allows (again, as soon as his schedule allows!). It was clearly disappointing that because of an offer to provide exposure for a sure win in his political ambition, Manny has ditched his ties with GMA 7 as easy as that. Good that the network will not take this down sitting ~ they have plans of enforcing the stipulations of Manny’s exclusive contract with them should he not recall his decision to transfer to ABS. Not to mention that his contract with Solar Sports to cover his fight with Hatton and his future bouts till 2011 also exists. Ayan, lagot na nga si Pacquiao!

My next question and again sorry for being harsh ~ this isn’t the first time that Manny will face a suit on non-conformance to his contracts. He previously had problems with his boxing fight promoters. Now tell me, how would you elect someone to be a lawmaker who to me, doesn’t even understand his own contracts’ stipulations? Were has his politician advisers, ninongs and padrinos been? Can you not explain to Manny the repercussions of his thoughts and decisions? Or maybe again, I’m calling on the wrong persons… again, they were just after the “ride” to the People Champ’s popularity.

Now to Manny, there is still time to ponder. I know you’re good and are working hard to give your family a better life and your county more honors. Think about your next moves... weigh the risks… know your limitations… for sure, you’re wise enough to figure this out. You are already our hero. And the Philippines will surely honor you more if you’ll just be the Manny Pacquiao we admired from before ~ simple but brave, tenacious and a fighter with a big heart!

Farewell, Man from Manila!

I can’t claim that I am a fan. All I know is that I can sing a few of his songs ~ in its right lyrics and proper melodies.

The news that he passed away caught me by surprise last Friday, and yes, it did not sink in to me very clearly (because I was pre-occupied with our then client security audit and with the training I had to deliver that night). All the while, I thought he’s gonna make it ~ whenever I see his interviews in TV I find his optimism really affective. How he says his chemo sessions went well were more than assurances that he will soon be seen again in his noontime show. His entries in his Multiply Account seem like a journal of a modern day Hercules ready to battle all giant-sized adversaries. However, his last entry was more like of a resignation ~ I literally got goose bumps when I read the line “To His will I submit myself”. At that instant, I knew that the singer of Mga Kababayan Ko is already giving up.

The battle that Francis had with the Big C was again a proof of his strength ~ as a man, as a husband, as a father and as a Filipino. My prayers are actually with his wife Pia and their 8 kids. The Filipino crowd will surely miss Francis M ~ his charm, his voice, his music and his story, I included. However, I am very certain that the legacy the Master Rapper have left us will forever be inked in our history and in the hearts of every Filipino who has high regards to the line “I am the Man from Manila, Kami ang tinig na kayumanggi”.

Farewell, KIKO! Adios, Man from Manila. Thanks for being a proud Kayumanggi!


Man From Manila - Francis Magalona Music Code

*** - the English Version

*** is my way of titling a random blog. I am an avid fan of bullet points; I really find them helpful in organizing my tasks and my thoughts. And I realized that my first two ***s were all written in Tagalog, so for a change, I will write this one in pure English.

Here you go…

* I will be twenty-nine in a few more days. That meant an increment in my biological age. Leave my emotional, my psychological and my physical age behind please…

* I had a nice pre-birthday celebration with my dear Ts last Saturday. Envied the Avanza of Jojo and She. Hope I can drive my own car soon… So help me God!

* Mom has been sick since January and was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. She had biopsy last February 16. Good that only a tenth of her kidneys were damaged; she would only undergo four months of medication and another check-up by June. It sometimes leaves me penniless but that’s okay, I can’t trade my Mom’s health for anything. I love her so much.

* Dad also has been confined last weekend due to diarrhea. Thanks to the super high credit limit of Maxicare… we were saved with the expenses. We only paid for the Philhealth expenses since we can’t process a few documents from his office due to the weekend break. We can reimburse it though but need to wait for two-three weeks. Again, that’s okay… he is all that matters right now.

* In all these challenging happenings, I only held on to prayers. Truly, God is good!

* BOJO, my two months old Shih Tzu puppy is now with me. After a month of waiting, he is now at home taking all of us out with our respective stresses from a day’s work. He’s really playful and cute!

* Watched the three talked-about movies of 2009’s first quarter ~ Land Down Under, When I Met U and You Changed My Life. Reverse the succession to get how I am ranking them. I’m now a certified fan of John Lloyd Cruz. I love KC Concepcion. I still adore Angel Locsin. I believed in Sarah Geronimo’s talent. Who wouldn’t be blown away by Piolo Pascual? I am now retracting my annoyance about Rayver Cruz. And as for Richard Gutierrez ~ ahhmmm…

* Anyway, speaking about these movies, I find the sequels of KC-Richard and John Lloyd-Sarah starrers better than their firsts. With When I Met U ~ the story, the acting, the cinematography, the direction is definitely better. With You Changed My Life ~ the two lead characters have indeed proved that they rule the box-office now. Loved their chemistry. I am actually giving the credits to Sarah Geronimo ~ she can be paired with John Lloyd and even to Rayver and she fits to both of them. I think it has something to do with her bubbly personality.

* I was in awe to see how the cinema was jam-packed on a Monday afternoon when I watched You Changed My Life. I mean, come on! Monday’s supposed to be a busy day at work and at school being the first day of the week and yet, office guys and girls and students from nearby schools were there inside the movie house. Calling all the bosses, the school administrators and the parents, you should have checked where your folks are yesterday!

* I find Totoy Bato the only interesting show in GMA now during the primetime. Thanks to Robin and Regine for saving me from annoyance in Heart Evangelista’s dual character and in Marian Rivera’s whore-ic (sorry for the term) role.

* ABS’ Tayong Dalawa is a favorite. I’m having difficulty switching channels actually. I’m a fan of its story and its characters, not really of the actors. However, the addition of Jodi Sta. Maria is a delight!

* Watched the JS Prom of Ejay. Blame the age, I find this type of gathering a little off now. Thanks to my Bro’s good looks and he being the Prom King ~ I was relieved. I am still half-hearted though about his girlfriend. I still prefer the sister of my friend, who is his classmate for him ~ I know they will make a lovely couple.

* February and March are toxic months for me. And year-by-year, I get pressured whenever my birthday comes. But at least I still have work and I know I’m in a safe standing ~ especially now that the US recession has cast its shadow to the Philippines’ labor force.

* And to all these I can only say two things ~ Thank You Lord for all the blessings and Your guidance and of course, Happy Birthday to me!!!