My Noy or My Chiz?

Disclaimer: This one’s not a political campaign. These are just this writer’s thoughts.

When I was already decided not to vote come May 2010 Presidential Election for the simplest reason that I hated the early campaign ads (and must I say annoying ones) of the two President-Wanna-Bes, Noynoy Aquino declared his candidacy in Club Filipino during the 40th Day of his Mom’s Death. My initial thinking was that he was just forced by the clamor for him to run, especially that Mar Roxas (one of the two wanna-bes I wrote earlier; you know who the other one is) have sacrificed his bid for the country’s highest political seat.

In all honesty, I at first questioned his capability to govern this country ~ his being the son of two national heroes aren’t solid qualifications. Yet day-by-day, I am realizing that more than anyone else who have declared their wanting to be called the Chief Executive, Noynoy is the most noble. In the current political game when we just choose the lesser evil, I must say that the man from Ateneo is indeed the most qualified. His advocacies of liberal democracy and public accountability are winning platforms; the things this ailing nation really need especially now that we are faced with the many issues of corruption, human rights oppression and environmental turmoil.

I am not giving him kind words because I am a Kris Aquino fan. More than anything else, I believe that Noynoy has been living up to the legacy of his parents, and that his political advocacies are the extension of what his parents were not able to finish during their leadership stints.

With that I have decided that come May 2010, I’ll ink the name of the only son of Benigno Aquino and Corazon Cojuangco in my ballot.

But not until another political hero of mine joined the race.

I have always been a fan of Chiz Escudero. In his many interviews that I’ve watched, I simply admire how this UP alumnus gives concrete and direct answers to the many questions, both political and personal, tossed on him. His straightforward and brilliant lines of thoughts are what differentiate him from the many Senators who were just there boiling seats in the Senate. He may be too idealistic, but his zeal towards a good and better nation is simply catching ~ that even perhaps the greediest of men would be much willing to cooperate of attaining, given the opportunity of listening to this man’s impeccable wit.

Chiz was one of the pro-impeachment congressmen who were the prime movers of the impeachment proceedings against PGMA. His words on the questionable leadership of this president were simply astounding ~ "It is the truth that has lost. But the search for the truth does not end today. The president and her allies will always be haunted by questions.”

My brother who’s currently a freshie in a state university has a fondling tale as well about Chiz. In one of the forums he attended, Chiz confidently answered the question, “Why are you so in a hurry to run for the Presidency when you are only on your first term as a Senator?” The crowd applauded his answer, (not in verbatim, apologies) “Bakit hindi pa ngayon? Kung sa susunod pang mga eleksiyon, baka lamunin na din ako ng mabahong sistema ng politika. Ayoko pong maging trapo.” To which I totally agree. We’ve had good and impressive leaders before whose credibility are now questionable, simply because they have allied with their many corrupt predecessors.

Admittedly, I am now torn. Will I go for the heroes’ son or the man whose political rise was described as meteoric?

It could have been much easier for me if Chiz chose to run as Vice President; for I don’t have a choice yet for the next highest post in the Philippines (and perhaps I wouldn’t have a choice at all). All I know now is that I will no longer go back to my first decision of not voting. Now that I have decided to claim my right as a Filipino by voting who our next President will be, I must start to think deliberately. I still have more than half-a-year anyway.

Hmm, what about a toss of coin? Just kidding…

Return Entry on Survivor Philippines Palau

So, Marvin Keiffer has been voted out of Survivor Philippines Palau. How do I feel about it (my Bet for the First Runner Up ending up in the Top 10 instead)? Mixed emotions, of course!

I feel sad because I know that should he stayed a little longer, he will reap wins in the coming challenges. Frustrated because the young boy did not at all try to gain alliances which can strengthen his bid in the game. Betrayed because all 9 of the other castaways voted for him to be out, including his closest friends Echo, Suzuki and Jef.

I’d say I hate how the game is being played. I wouldn’t claim I am righteous to the bone, but it is totally a no-no for me on unfair means of battling and winning. I don’t like how dirty some tactics could be even if I know that is how Survivor is played. Well, taking from the root word of the show’s title simply meant enduring all the tasks and challenges, despite their very limited means and hows. I forgot that in this modern time when technology is already a way of life, survival of the fittest has not been Jurassic yet (and yes, greedy ones are sometimes getting more than what they really deserve!). But my advocacy on gaming remains the same ~ all aces must be played and it should be squarely, fairly and just. No betrayal included, no distrust added.

Who’s next, from my standpoint? Since their basis now in voting out their fellows is strength, then this should be the sequence: Mika, Shaun, Justine, Suzuki, Amanda, Echo, Tara, Charles and then Jef. Jef winning the game? Hell no! In my heart, only Echo or Justine should win. No one else!

By the way, I have to give my claps to Mika. And yes girl, you’re now gaining my abhorrence!

My Thoughts on Survivor Philippines Palau

Tomorrow, we will know who between Justine Ferrer and Cris Bolado will land the final slot in the much-awaited merge of the Survivor Philippines Palau. That is after the build-a-new-shelter-for-the-castaways challenge for the two of them. Well, I really hope it would be Justine. While I do not have anything against Cris, I think Justine deserves it because he/she has been proven his/her strength after beating the five other castaways in Isla Purgatoryo. (Apologies for the dual pronoun, you probably know as well how difficult it is to categorize Justine).

And since in the first season I had my prediction list, it is but fitting that I make one as well on the current castaways. Now while we are still waiting for the Top 10 to be announced, I already have my winners’ list. And here it goes…

My Top Ten is Tara. I guess you would all agree with me on this. Hello, who would be betting for this freak? Wait till tomorrow night comes. You’ll see how demonic this bitch could be. And if you’ll still stake for her to land either the Top 9 or Top 8 slots, then you too is out of your mind!

Ninth slot belongs to Charles. I am liking Charles the last few episodes of the game yet this is not enough for me to put him on a higher notch. He’s not that strong physically and more so, he does not have a strong alliance knowing that the merge will happen soon. He may have Mika now on his side, but I doubt if he still has his ex-Koror mates as allies.

Eighth slot is for Jeff. I know that her blossoming romance with fellow castaway Marvin will boost the show’s ratings, but her physical strength will weaken her chance in the game since the coming challenges will be played individually. And Jeff might be a burden to the tribe if she will stay longer.

Seventh slot is Amanda’s. She plays well. She has strength. She may have alliances. But I don’t see her lasting long in the competition. I feel like she’s on the verge of losing her focus and strength anytime soon, especially that the next challenges would require more stamina. I think there’s inconsistency in her performance.

Shaun will get the sixth slot. I like him as he reminds me of Season 1’s Kiko Rustia ~ righteous, kind, affectionate, protective, leader. But those traits are also his downfalls for these are making him play the game safely. He’s strong, I agree; but compared to the other castaways, Shaun’s vigor falls short of the others.

Mika is my Number 5. I like this girl’s very strong personality. She is a break-away from the typical girl castaway ~ she’s a real fighter, incomparably brave and enormously ferocious. But while she’s the strongest amongst the girls, I think a Top 5 finish is the best she could reach.

The Top 4 is Suzuki. He is the most likeable among the castaways. His joker personality, his friendly aura and his strength would be sufficient to advance him through the competition. I just think though that Zuki has a very weak alliance. He did not connect much to Amanda, Jeff and Shaun when these three joined the Koror tribe, and at this point I am seeing no improvement to this. And his coalition with Echo and Marvin isn’t glued firmly as well.

Justine deserves the Third Spot. Well, having beaten the first four cast-offs are sure proof that this transsexual possesses something in him/her worth our belief. (I didn’t include Vlad in the count since technically they did not really face each other in a challenge). I feel confident that Justine will win some individual challenges which will earn him/her the right to the immunity bracelet. He/She will surely show his/her friendly personality which could be a sure ticket to gain comrades to make him/her stay in the game. But knowing he/she won over the first five cast-offs can also be a make-or-break for him/her ~ he/she may be seen as a strong competitor who can also smell as a threat to the others.

Marvin is my First Runner-Up. This seventeen year old is the strongest amongst all the castaways. Marvin will surely win many immunities, the very same fate JC Tiuseco had in the tail end of the Season 1. I just hope though that Marvin tries to make stronger alliances coz as it is, he does not have much to cement his status as a real contender. He also smells like a threat to the other castaways, so he should learn how to make a little dirty tactics. I can blame it to the age as to how he’s not as manipulative as a real castaway should be, but I hope that he re-evaluates his strategies so he could stay longer.

Echo is my Sole Survivor. She has what it takes to be one ~ strong, friendly, smart, tactical and focused. She could last long as far as physicality is concerned. She could play fair but could sometimes be a little dirty. Part of her tactics is her nice and friendly personality ~ she’s really industrious and very responsible in doing her chores in the tribe. She’s much focused to win the game and no allergies can dampen her spirit. She has a Cinderella story to tell, enough to gain the affection of her fellow castaways. If she’ll be in the Top 2, Echo will win the votes of the other castaways primarily out of compassion and secondarily, out of her ability. If she’ll win, it will definitely change her and her family’s course of life; but if lady luck will not be on her side, I hope there could be some other fairy godmother who’ll grant her wish. GMA 7 and Sponsors, help this lady please!

I can’t say that I am a real Survivor fan for I am not fond of the original and foreign editions. But since I am a Kapuso by heart, I embraced the Survivor Philippines with much gusto and fascination. I may end up not guessing the right sequence of winners but no regrets coz I also wouldn’t win any reward or immunity if I do. But much better, my betting here will not make me lose even a single cent. Fair enough!

Thanks for reading!

The Storm That Was

"We all have sad stories to tell about the Typhoon Ondoy. This is not actually related to the recent typhoon that hit our nation, but my heart feels for the many families who lost their households and their loved ones. May God embrace us all in His Loving Hands."

While “Ondoy” was hitting the metropolis badly last weekend, I was in the hospital nursing my sick sister. She underwent appendectomy on Wednesday, September 23 which really caught all of us in the family very surprised.

The story goes like this…

Monday night, she was complaining of a bad stomachache. That was after she attended a company-required convention in The Heritage Hotel. Tuesday already saw her going to the hospital getting checked by our Lola’s doctor and was advised to take some medications. That very same night, she had difficulty sleeping because of the severe pain which prompted her to ask her friend (who lives with her and my Tita and Lola in our grandparent’s house) to bring her the soonest to the hospital. Off they went despite the unsafe wee hours of the morning; laboratories were done then lo and behold, the doctor confirmed it was appendicitis that’s giving her the stomach pains. Right there and then, we decided she’ll go for the operation. I had to cancel my attendance on a training while my younger brother took his day off from work.

It was really unfortunate for that very same moment, my Dad was confined in another hospital due to complications on his diabetes. It was my Mom who was tasked to nurse him. The original plan was NOT to tell Dad and Mom about my sister’s situation for we’re much concerned of his condition; his blood sugar and pressure has been very erratic since his confinement on Tuesday afternoon, September 22. But after Lola’s persuasion (and because of her drama antics), my Tita was forced to announce the bad news to my parents. Expectedly, Dad’s blood sugar and pressure went bad. Another cause of alarm! I immediately ordered my younger brother to check on Dad and Mom while I stayed in the hospital where my sister was undergoing operation. I instructed him to go since I know that during times like that, my Mom could have the tendency to miss her focus knowing that she herself is also sick. And so I was left with my Tita and my sister’s friend in her hospital room waiting for what appeared to be a tripled six hours! The many times I asked the nurses what’s taking the operation so long, I always get the same answer: “Nasa recovery room na po, pahintay na lang!”

Fortunately, the operation went well…

Thursday, I went to work. In as much as I wanted to take the day off, I simply couldn’t. We had on site a Senior Executive to give us business updates and we also had client visitors. As HR Lead, I had to attend a few meetings with this Senior Executive and present HR Updates on the client visitors. Yes, I went on duty for 24 hours. It’s good that we were given some time to take a nap in the office’s lounge area.

Friday, I went to the hospital where my Dad was confined to process his discharge (praise God!). And again, thanks to his HMO card we did not pay even a single cent on his bills. Immediately after sending Dad and Mom home, I rushed to the second hospital to check on my Sister. Gladly, she was already conscious! She only needed assistance when she’s moving, but was already wide awake. And yes, she was back on her snooty self! Such a freak!

Now, our next goal: for her to defecate so we could go out of the hospital. (We were told it will be the indication that her body systems were well and that the operation did not develop any complications). But the goal was such a heavy task ~ she simply can’t do it! We were even joking we can be volunteers.

Saturday, I woke up late because of the lulling winds and rains (and of course, I had to catch up on my lost sleep). I had no idea how bad the storm was because I was not able to catch the news for advisories. After my usual morning rituals, I readied myself and head to the hospital weathering the strong winds and the heavy rainfall. In the hospital I saw Mom, Dad and Tita taking charge of my brat sister. When I arrived, Tita and I asked Mom and Dad to go home so Dad could rest. A few more hours, my sister ordered my Tita to go home to look after my Lola who was left alone in the house since we’re already hearing some bad news that many areas were flooded already. From the windows of the hospital we could see the water level in the creek nearby slowly rising. Thanks God we were spared from the heavy downpour while inside the hospital; although of course it could be better if we’re at home sleeping sound with our family. Some little trade-offs of course!

We were patiently waiting for her attending physician the whole day but perhaps due to the bad weather, not even his shadow showed up. That was understandable. Good thing that Sister has not developed any complications and did not complain any pain. Late Sunday night when he showed up ~ I was half asleep when he checked my sister ~ and gladly, we heard the best news we’re longing to hear. She could go home. We waited the next morning for him to clean my sister’s wounds and for him to sign our discharge slip. I will no longer mention how much we paid for the hospital bill but it yes hit my and my brothers’ purses badly. No biggie in exchange to the wellness of a dear sister!

Right now, Sister is recuperating at my grandparent’s house. She will be on leave from work for two months and I heard she will have many pending tasks to finish. Good luck to her boss and the person who’ll take her responsibilities for a while. But moreover, good luck to my Tita and Lola they will need to bear with the supercilious attitude of my sister hehehe. I will be sending her some books and DVDs on Monday (my day off) for her to read and watch while on sick leave. That hopefully could help her go through the boredom of staying home doing nothing.

Now what did this whole experience taught me?

First, it only reinforces to me the cliché that the family is your number one refuge during the hard times. When all else fails, your family will remain your strongest shield in the many adversaries that will come along your way.

Second, those who were showing smiles while facing you does not really mean they’re your allies. Need not elaborate, this is self-explanatory.

Third, better be prepared. You better be ready in all emergencies ~ sickness, calamities, etc. Of course there could be no perfect game plan on cases like this, but best if you have your weapons handy at all times ~ money, money and money. I am not saying you should be greedy to focus all your attention in raising money; but yes, someone who saved for the worst will triumph the best!

Lastly, ordeals are way of life. They are there and unchangeable. But what’s good is the fact that no matter how difficult they may be, they could still be manageable. An open mind and an open heart are the sure tools. These two will lead you to the pot of gold!

So long folks! Till next time!