Pay Na No

2008-08-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

Chicken na naman???

This isnt a scene from a Nazi concentration camp. These boys are having their usual chicken dinner. Roast chicken by request -without veggies please! So what I did was to ask their yaya to secretly mix in their rice fine mashed veggies - hehehehe. Akala nyo maiisahan nyo si Daddy ha...Ever wonder why they have green and green plastic drinking cups? Well, green is for water while blue is for Coke Zero (well, 1/4 full because I dont want them to drink to much softdrink during meals).

2008-07-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

Kobe plays Golf for the First Time

I enrolled Kobe in golf lessons under Mang Ofring of Valley Golf. This is after a photographer/golfer buddy Ariel S. recommended Mang Ofring as a good golf mentor for kids. Kobe will undergo 14 Saturdays of golfing lessons. Mid into his lessons, Kobe was able to drive the ball up to 40 yards! With perfect stance and posture, he drives balls farther. I look forward to see Kobe play with me on the green. Maybe in some exotic golf course abroad. Ahhh..the makings of a future golfing buddy!

2008-06-09T01:02:00.000-07:00

Kobe's Boracay Escapade

Fortunately, Kobe and I are beach people. We love the beach. Soon Kobe will be a submariner and beach sports champion. These are the things I missed because of school and my being away from the beach. I promised Kobe that he will learn every water sports there is.

2008-06-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

Kobe Surfs the Net (and Milo closely watches!)

(Above) I taught Kobetoy to surf the internet and find websites that will tickle his fancy (and that of his brother Milo).

(above) And guess what site he greatly enjoys....Youtube showing the Mr. Bean Dance clip.

2008-06-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

My old post from Multiply site:

UAAP Dilemna

A few days ago, I found myself in the company of half crazy yuppies rooting their guts out for the UST Growling Tigers. We were watching the deciding Game 3 of the UAAP Men's Basketball Championship in a sports grill at Greenbelt 3. The Growling Tigers were pitted against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

As I was merely a guest, I sat quietly in a corner just minding my beer. My hosts who are all from UST - shouted in unison every time a basket is counted their way. Dr. Bam who squeezed me in- made the mistake of introducing me as an Atenean. I looked around and noticed that it was only my brother Macky who was cheering for the Ateneo Blue Eagles. This is actually ironic as he is a true yellow tomasino (if there is such a word) having studied at UST from college until finishing his extended medical studies (well, thats my bro).

Macky may have chosen to go the Ateneo way because we have two other siblings who are true blue Ateneans or maybe to piss off his buddies. The venue was neutral ground but packed with mostly Ateneo and UST crowd which skipped work to watch the game. The Ateneans chanted blue babble cheers while the Tomasinos mustered sporadic cheering counter-attacks.

As the game progressed, I realized that sitting in enemy territory is not wisest thing to do. I could be easily mauled by these guys if Ateneo trips their team via a controversial game. But what the heck, they bought me beer so I think its just okay to hang out with them.

Actually, I felt wrongly labelled as an Atenean as I only went to its law school. This does not earn me the "Ar-new" label. I am more of a Iskolar ng Bayan as I endured the UP system in college. Yet, I could not root for the UP Maroons (or Parrots) as I was never enrolled at UP Diliman which the Maroons call home. Even if UP has this "University System" set up, we 'yanos find it hard to relate with the UAAP. What the heck, I cannot even sing UP kong Mahal theme song in its entirety so as to join the victory chant. I am really a good for nothing to my alma mater! That should not be the case if I only enrolled in the Business Administration Accountancy Course being offered at the Diliman campus (a quota course at that!). I chose Visayas instead as it is closer to home. Crazy choice huh...At UPV we have no basketball competition to watch and no basketball heroes to cheer.

So its really hard to watch the UAAP as I really dont feel related to the teams competing for the championship. I cannot help but envy my kid brothers who are either true blood Tomasinos or Ateneans. I dont know in the case of AK though. Well, he is one kid brother who is surely torn between UST and Ateneo. AK studied at the Ateneo Loyola as a full scholar but when he pursued medicine, he inevitably enrolled at UST Med School. So just like me, he may have thea same dilemna. Oh well...

Thank God the Growling Tigers won. While the Tomasinos are basking in success, I continued drinking my beer like coffee. I saw them giving high fives to the orphaned DLSU fans who were there maybe just to see their rival Ateneo bleed to death (one Lasallite gamely told the Tomasinos - "pare...buti na lang natalo ang blue eagles!!!...next year tayo na magkalaban..").

So I may be pseudo UP and pseudo Ateneo. I realized that I am no different from those puzzled kibitzers outside the sports bar wondering why a basketball game can generate a lot of fuzz.

2008-05-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

Bonding with Kobe in Boracay

Kobetoy went with me diving in Boracay. For a 6 year old boy, I was amazed at Kobe's energy especially when we travel to the province. I call him the Marco Polo child being an inborn traveller - at age 3 he went with his Mom to San Francisco, U.S.A. His Mom was equally surprised to observe that the little boy seems not bothered by long travels aboard airplanes, buses and ships.

In Boracay, we went diving to feed the beautiful reef fishes...Kobe had no hesitation jumping into the water and diving with the big boys.

Kobe...if this is a sign of the things to come...then you will be off to an adventurous future.

2008-02-22T06:53:00.000-08:00

A Father's Dream

If only my father Alois can see us now. He will be surely proud of his Calumpang kids. We are nearly fulfilling his grand dream - children of lawyers and doctors. This was his dream and it was the reason why he worked hard and aimed high.

I think any parent will wonder how my parents have managed to tailor made us into become an exclusively lawyer-doctor brood. It is indeed a great feat - sometimes hard to believe. Actually, we just tried to emulate our parents and forefather's examples. Like them we did not let our limitations get in the way.

We are proudly children of Aloysius Pacelli Icamina dela Cruz.....

Alois' lawyers : Atty. Beato Alessandro and Atty. Aloysius II (both members of Ateneo Law Batch 96 and passed the Bar Exams at the same time) and Atty. Buenas Aires (USA Law)

Alois' Doctors: Dr. Makarius Tel Aviv (UST Medicine 2005), Dr. Arik Paolo Isaiah (WSVU Medicine 2006, Board Topnotcher Rank No. 3), and Dr. Alistair Kashmir (UST Medicine 2008 graduating cum laude).

2008-02-21T16:10:00.000-08:00

When Brother No. 5 becomes No. 3

I always believe that Arik is the real genius in our family. He is a natural smart guy who proves that smart men are born, not bred.

Arik having been born on the same month as I am - inevitably became my partner. As such, he got to inherit my stuff and bedroom when I left for law school. One thing we have in common is our passion for the visual design and photography. During his college years at the Ateneo, Arik has excelled as digital art designer. That is over and above his being an honor student. Being a Pisay graduate and Ateneo College scholar, Arik seemed to have the whole world at his fingertips.

With the early passing of our father, Arik went back to Iloilo for his medical studies. He studied at the West Visayas State University College of Medicine where our family legacy in education is long known. Our Lolo, Beato Aguirre Dela Cruz was once a Dean of Graduate Studies and Tita Cynthia Cerrada-Dela Cruz is an honored alumna of the WVSU med school. During those times, I saw the great potential in Arik has never changed. I am also a witness to his sacrifices - he rides the jeepney to school everyday and wears hand me down clothes from his older brothers. Yet, he has somehow enjoyed his schooling and won admiration from his classmates and professors. I heard he was known as the "Atenean Kid who went home."

Arik took the Board Exams two weeks ago armed to the teeth and with high morale. I never had any doubt that he will make it. A day before the results came out, I took him to a traditional Marian Pilgrimage in Lipa City. There I told him that I have petitioned the Almighty through the intercession of St. Therese that He makes him an instrument of love just like how our other siblings have been manifestations of his immense love and power. On the way back, we did not miss the must treat of Crispy Pata and Bulalo at Grace Restaurant in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Now, I am revealing our secret formula of our success with the Medical Board and Bar Exams- solid preparation, strong trust in God 's grace and a tasty bite of Grace's Crispa Pata and Bulalo.

Arik my no. 5 brother is a Pisay scholar, Atenean Honor Student, WVSU trained doctor and Medical Board Exam Topnotcher (no. 3)!

2008-02-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

The "IPIT" Phenomenon

There is one habit my kids Kobe and Milo have which drives me and their mom crazy. This is what we call the "Ipit Phenomenon".

The two boys almost always slip their hands under their mom's belly while sleeping. I really don't remember how its started. I think its just their way of showing their endearment to their mom by creating this "connection" whenever they sleep beside her. In this video, Kobe who is 6 years old explains why he likes to "ipit".

2008-02-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Kobe Makes it 3 in a row!

In the tradition of the brainy dela Cruz children, Kobe made it again in the Honor Roll. I am proud of you Kobe!!! Keep it up and you will be the next boy genius like your Tito AK and Tito Arik.

2008-01-22T05:46:00.000-08:00

Sipping Coffee at the "Gaza Strip"

One of the joys of coming home to Kalibo is having lengthy conversations with Lola Susing. The moment I step into our our ancestral house, I look for my lola. Nowadays, Lola Susing's favorite hang-out is the "Gaza Strip". Well, don't ask me why I call it with that way. Its origin is classified "Top Secret" and protected by the Bangkaya Mossad.

Lola Susing is always prepared for her grandchildren's homecomings that a cup of hot coffee, suman and ibus (native rice treats) await them at the kitchen table. As I settle and rest my aching back into one of the monoblock chairs, Lola Susing immediately embarks on our long yet heart warming conversation. She usually starts interrogating me - where I came from, how long will I be staying, or how is my family in Antipolo. I came to understand that this is Lola Susing's own version of showing affection. It makes up for tight embraces that most grandmothers do. But I have long understand that Lola Susing has her own special way. I guess I became accustomed to it.

Talking of Gaza Strip, I consider Lola Susing as our family's version of Golda Meir (the outspoken Israeli Prime Minister who incidentally is my late father's favorite). Like the Israeli stalwart, she has been our family's strongest post and refuge. Through hard times she has radiated unwavering confidence. It is her reassurances that made her brood surmount battery of tests. It is her unmatched love which is the source of a strong and true affection that bind our souls through the pains of existence.

2008-01-09T03:54:00.000-08:00

Bee Movie: Just another Lawyer Bashing Film

I watched "Bee Movie" with my kids expecting that I had to drag my feet to the movie theater and sleep through out the movie. I was wrong.

It was an enjoyable experience. What made me like the movie is how it bashes lawyers by calling them "blood sucking" vampires who just victimize poor litigants. The lawyer in the movie, Layton T. Montgomery (voice by John Goodman) is a very irritating and scheming character who does court room theatricals to a tee. However, the hardest blow to a lawyer's ego was delivered by a lowly mosquito, Mooseblood (voice by Chris Rock). Just before the movie ends, Mooseblood had this bomb of a dialogue, "Yes, I am a lawyer. I am a blood sucker and all I need is a brief case" (or something like that).

The legal profession is severely bashed in movies that one will easily agree that Hollywood must have been screwed hard by lawyers. Through out the years, films consistently labelled lawyers as good for nothing characters. Who can forget the good for nothing lawyer-friend of Richard Gere's Pretty Woman or the coward of a lawyer who became dino snack in Jurassic Park. My personal favorite is Woody Harrelson's lawyer (played well by Oliver Platt) in the movie, Indecent Proposal. Just imagine somebody who can craft a contract which paved way for Robert Redford's character to spend one night with a married woman. In the real world, hatred for lawyers as notorious fixers was confirmed when Johnny Cochranmoved heaven and earth to spare O.J. Simpson from what was supposed to be a sure guilty verdict.

Yet, lawyers do not really care. I think this sets us apart from the members of the medical profession who easily over react against media attacks. Lawyers have not demanded for blood if one of their kind is butchered by some TV show like how Desperate Housewives sullied the image of the Filipino doctor. Maybe this proves that lawyers are just naturally thick skinned.

After leaving the movie theater I really hoped that my kids have not noticed the lawyer bashing. They might end up making jokes about my career. Whew! I'm lucky that the movie was really enjoyable that my kids were contented with tthe cartoons.

2008-01-09T02:57:00.000-08:00

Dining at Cesar's Italy

We dined at Bellissimo restaurant which is rumored to be owned by movie star Cesar Montano. It was my wife's request as it was her birthday. After surveying the entire stretch of Morato Avenue, we found the restaurant because of its bright neon lights. The restaurant is a 2 storey old house which is not readily visible from the street. You have to go through a driveway and into the casually designed Italian restaurant. Inside the restaurant movie memorabilia confirms that it is indeed Cesar's place.

The menu is predominantly Italian food and wine. They say it is Cesar's sister who personally brings these from Italy.

Since it was a Tuesday night, patrons trickled in. Its good for us, I brought the whole Kingsville shebang -my wife, two kids and their yayas. The near empty restaurant made us relax and behave casually as we want to be. The food is not that impressively Italian. I honestly enjoyed other Italian restaurants. But the pizza was served fast and tasted better than my usual Yellow Cab favorite. Out of curiousity I ordered the Ice Tea Ceasari (?) and found it too sweet. I should have ordered the usual coke light instead. But what has drawn me to this place is the nicely designed interior which made the restaurant a very casual venue. My mom will surely like the brick decors on the walls as she has seemed to have invented it.

Going back to Bellissimo, I didn't care if its interior is not Italian for my taste (yeah i am familiar with the Godfather/Sicilian type interior), I like the simple ambiance. Its too bad Cesar seemed to limit his memorabilia. Maybe he does not want it to take over the Italian theme. For me he should have stuck with the "This is Cesar Montano Restaurant" and not be a "pseudo italian mafia restaurant-with-Cesar Montano-memorabilia". He could have added more interesting items on the walls like his Rizal and Muruami outfits etc. or cover it with dozens of interesting pictures from his illustrious movie career. And surely it would be full of beautiful leading ladies and ex-girlfriends!

I have mixed reactions when I came out of the restaurant. But when the birthday girl told me that she enjoyed the evening with me and the kids, dining at Cesar's restaurant is like a night in Italy.

2008-01-04T21:42:00.000-08:00

There is life after Law Practice: David E. Kelley

There is always an unexplainable joy whenever I am able to catch my favorite legal drama series, "The Practice". No matter how crappy the episodes were delivered by RPN 9, I look forward to watch with my wife who also enjoyed it. We also enjoyed another legal TV drama " Ally Mcbeal" despite its cheesy and sexy version of the legal profession. Both shows are not my source of relaxation but also a brief departure from a stressful day at the office or in court. Watching these shows never fails to inspire me -supplying me with morale boosting mojo to endure the sometimes frustrating legal profession.

After several episodes, I discovered that two soaps have something in common -writer and producer David E. Kelley. I read this guy's mini-biography and it somehow got my interest:

"David Kelley might be described as living the American Dream, 1990s' style: write a screenplay, move to Hollywood, make millions and marry a movie star. A former Boston lawyer, in the last decade, he switched careers to become a successful television producer whose shows are recognized for their quality as well as receiving top ratings. David Kelley was born in 1956 and is originally from Maine. He attended Princeton University and Boston University Law School. He married actress Michelle Pfeiffer in November 1993. They have two children: Claudia Rose Kelley, born in March 1993, who was adopted by Ms. Pfeiffer eight months before their marriage, and John Henry, born in August 1994. Claudia Rose Kelley was christened and given Mr. Kelley's name at the couple's wedding ceremony. Mr. Kelley was an associate at Fine & Ambrogne in 1983 when he wrote a film script based on some of his legal experiences. Through a family friend, he got the script optioned and acquired an agent in 1986."

My goodness, I am amazed! This Kelley guy has everything I always dreamed of - a good law school education, a law career, a gorgeous lady for a wife ( Michelle Pfeiffer!!), beautiful children, and a multi-million dollar showbiz writing career to boot. I figured out that I only thing I don't share with him is a multi million writing career- heck, I even have a pretty and sexy Michelle for a wife!

But what really impressed me about David is his sheer simplicity despite their fame and fortune. From what I have read, David have maintained a humble family life which should be emulated not only by other Hollywood millionaires but by lawyers like me. Although I agree that David isn't a leading man material - his millions and Hollywood connections can easily enable him to dump Michelle for some younger Hollywood bod (Megan Foxx perhaps?). Yet he has been married to Michelle since 1993 and seems to have a strong union.

Because of my fascination with movies, I always wanted to write a screenplay no matter what hardship or humiliation it takes. This dream is achievable if I start with one sensible script. Anyway, I still have dozens of years to become a famous TV or movie writer. Well as for now, I can always dream and somehow look forward after a bad day in court, there can be better life after law practice - the path proven to exist by my idol, Atty. David E. Kelley.

2007-12-15T23:49:00.000-08:00

Kobe does it Again!

My son Kobe is just a wonder boy. For the second time, he wowed us with his performance at school. At the moment, I am reviewing him for a math exam tomorrow. He is having some hard time but problem solving problems in arithmetic and subtraction is tough for a normal prep student. I remember having gone through that trouble in grade 2 or 3. My son learns fast and seems to find new lessons very interesting.

2007-10-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Josh Ko Dhay!!!

One thing I always wanted is to do is to make good my promises to my mom. So when I first saw the full page ad of the upcoming Josh Groban concert at the PICC, I did not hesitate to buy tickets - no matter what the cost!

Mama is head over heels in love with Josh Groban's songs. This is the other half of her magic formula in overcoming the pain of my dad's untimely passing (the other half being Arirang Korean Channel on cable TV). Frankly, I knew Josh Groban through her. My mom's persistent requests for Josh Groban concert DVDs and CDs sent me searching the nook and cranny of video stores. I found two videos actually - Josh's concert with David Foster and one at the Greek. My mom's obsession with the fair haired Californian musician has rubbed on my sister, Aiai and my brothers. Josh was just like one ravaging virus.....we all became Grobanites.

I was lucky to score two tickets for the SMART Infinity Gala concert. I did not mind the price (dont ask me how much..hehehe). I hurriedly called my mom who was in Kalibo and told her the good news. Next thing I knew she had her plane ticket booked. She was also excited! When the concert date arrived, my mom and I were early at concert venue. PICC was bursting with the crowd of Manila's finest (whos-who)who were in their sunday's best. Fortunately mom was appropriately dressed for the occassion...me?...well....anyway...Josh was also wearing jeans right?

I was so happy to see that Josh brought along his usual road musicians: the towering black guitarist Tariqh Akoni, the guy with the dozen instruments whose name I have now forgotten, drummer Craig Mcintire and of course, a slimmer and sexier (with bangs) half-Korean, half-Italian-all goddess Lucia Micarelli. I swear I was blown away by her rendition of "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin. Pucha talaga sa galing ni Lucia! ang ganda, ang sexy...lahat na...hehehe!!! Take me with you, Lucia!!! (pardon my French!).

Seeing and hearing Josh sing "The Prayer" (with Lani Misalucha - who was equally impressive that evening), "To Where you are", "Shes out of my Life' and Alejate is a dream come true. Even the hoity-toity crowd (including Madame Imelda Marcos) threw caution to the wind and clapped their hands like crazy monkeys each time Josh sings a high note or ends a number. On the other hand, Josh was also blown away by his Manila fans and could not help but comment that never seen people so mesmerized by his music. It made him wild. He ran across the stage and just popped out of no where to wow the crowd. There was powerful energy in the air!

My mom and I went home as very very happy and contented Josh Groban fans...till next time Josh...Hope to see you again...i hope and pray...here again in Grobanila...err...Manila!

2007-10-14T03:57:00.000-07:00

My Dream Car Come True

I don't know what really made me choose this mid-sized SUV. Maybe because a lot of young lawyers are driving it. Nah...maybe the sheer Honda engineering which is hard to disregard. Although the CRV is no economical car (a notorious 8km to a liter gas guzzler!), I was able to up my fuel consumption to 8.5kms per liter. Not bad....considering thats its an automatic. And my goodness - this little gremlin is fast!!! Look at how I was able to overtake a BMW X5 SUV (which happens to be my other "dream car"). Matagtag nga lang not like the Civic I used to own. But then its not as bumpy as my Isuzu Crosswind. Dito poging-pogi naman ang dating..hehehe

2007-10-13T03:17:00.002-07:00

My Brother's Idol Second Coming....

I know my brother Jun will be very happy to see his basketball idol's comeback as commercial model. Samboy Lim, the PBA's Skywalker became Jun's idol when mine was the whole Purefoods squad (with Pido Jarencio, Jack Tanauan and Willie Generalao). It was in the late 80s when Papa brought us to Manila for our first PBA game. I can remember how happy I was (the same feeling when I went to see my First NBA game - the Los Angeles Clippers battled the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Staples Center in 2001). Before that it was all those wide page sports magazines and taped videos of PBA games from our suki betamax shop that fed our thirst for basketball action. It was not until the early 90s when Sugbahan Plaza along Delgado Street has started to show live NBA games via their giant parabolic satellite dish.

So when Jun and I set foot on Philsports Arena, we were like starry eyed kids left to run amuck inside a toy store. I remember how dark skinned David Thirdkill was. Jun has always idolized Samboy Lim and the San Miguel Beermen so he went crazy when he saw the Skywalker dunked over Dondon Ampalayo and Dante Gonzalgo of the Ginebra team. He did not care if Samboy Lim had his boyscout socks upped to his knees or the dozen times he was waylaid by injuries.

I dont know if Jun still remember when we lined up for the SMB game in Iloilo and his wallet was snatched....He just disregarded it. He is just crazy over SMB and the Skywalker that he just wanted to see them live. For Jun, Samboy was the man....

2007-10-13T02:54:00.000-07:00

God Talking To Me

While I was driving along Ortigas Avenue, God talked to me. "Dont Worry, Andro...Be Happy" or "Hakuna Matata, Andro...", God must be smiling at me that day.

2007-09-13T02:39:00.000-07:00

I am very proud of you Kobe!!

My son Jakob Emilio (also known as Kobe) has made waves in his studies this early. Looking closely at the wordings of his Honor Card, I can't help but marvel that my son has maintained an average of 92 or higher with no grade lower than 89 in any subject for the first quarter of this school year.

Now I know how happy a parent is seeing his son shines in his studies.

To Kobe....you make me and your Mommy very very proud.

(now, I can put up an Honor Wall just like what my parents have in Iloilo. My brother Jun who has also an exemplary kid in Kibboy boasts in having an Honor Room...well, sooner or later Ill be able to do that as well...hehehe).

2007-08-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

An OFW Story

(above) An Aklanon in Hongkong

(above) Meeting in Beijing

During the last five months, I have been abroad three times. Two for business and one for semi-business. I logged in a thousand miles. Too bad I did not accumulate airline miles. But I don’t mind, the trips did not cost me a dime. Oh well, may be for the semi-business trip to Malaysia and Singapore with my wife, I coughed a few thousand pesos on a Cebu Pacific promo rate. It took in-depth travel planning to save me a couple of precious dollars. Thats me...the budget business traveler.

It was a fun experience. I always enjoy air travel despite being an avid fan of National Geographic Aircrash investigations and Seconds from Disaster. Anyway those flights are short ones – the longest is Manila to Beijing which is a five hour trip.

My trips abroad have not only enriched my legal experience but rekindled my interest in history and culture. Thanks to clients who think that their mission can be easily achieved with me in tow. And so I believe! Well, for as long as they fly me on the same plane, billet me at the same nice hotel and feed me with the same food they order, I am fine. But surely there was work involved. After all it was a business trip and my presence is a bonafide chargeable business expense. As such, they can bring me anytime. I don't mind being an overseas contract worker once in a while.

One of the things I have observe during my trips abroad is the sad plight of the real Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). Unlike my short sojourn, most of them are leaving for work in a foreign land for a long time. Some for a period of 5 years or more. For an ordinary filipino family man, this means a sad and tormenting existence away from their families and love ones.

I also realized that there are a lot of Filipinos abroad. In Macau for example, almost all of the hotel employees from the door man to room service are Filipinos. Oh my goodness! Just call Hongkong a second Philippines. There are Pinoys in every corner! Thank God I am not easily identified as a Filipino as I got chinito features or else somebody might ask me for a working permit! Whenever I greet a kababayan on the street, they would surprisingly answer with quick smile. This is a strange...a instant and strong connection between Filipinos as if we are connected by one network. But then I should clarify this observation. This may only be true with working Filipinos in Asian or Middle East countries. I had bad experience with snobbish Filipinos in New York who think snow on their heads have turned them into a different specie. Snubbish TNTs!

It is not also hard to pinpoint Pinoys abroad. It easy to spot them. They are usually loud when in a group (usually at airports). And their dress...oh..the usual layback ensemble that foreigners would not dare wear. Just recently, heavily decorated Nokia cellphones have easily given away Filipinos. In Hongkong, it seems that those who usually send text messages from their cellphones are Filipinos. Oh well..

The sad thing is that Filipinos abroad are stereotyped as either entertainment, hospitality or domestic workers. Cheap labor to be blunt. I read somewhere that even the sexy Urnussa Cadness who is the model-girlfriend of Borgy Marcos had a bad episode at Hongkong immigrations. She was quizzed if she is a maid. For goodness sake, she is not even Filipina! Yeah, sad but it happens. Filipinas traveling alone to Hongkong usually spend a longer time at the immigration counter. Personally, whenever my chinese clients introduces me as a Filipino lawyer to a fellow chinese, the latter is amazed. He just could not believe that there are Filipinos professionals other than hotel bellhops or domestic helpers. Sad sad...but true.

I hope the Philippine government will bolster the image of OFW and not brand them as "bagong bayani" when in reality they are not given the best care here or abroad. It would be good if there is an OFW airport with world amenities for them and their love ones where they can be given the royal treatment. Maybe a 24-hour emergency counseling center in countries with highest concentration of OFWs. Better yet a one stop OFW Assistance center which assists in sending of remittances, addressing labor complaints and repatriation if necessary. Well...our government has the biggest say in the improvement of OFW's welfare. Sadly, there is more work to be done. Its good the Pinoys abroad naturally bond with each other. This somehow makes working abroad a bearable predicament.

2007-08-15T04:37:00.000-07:00

Eating Everything in China

2007-08-11T01:51:00.000-07:00

Andro in Beijing (August 6, 7 and 8, 2007)

2007-08-05T00:18:00.000-07:00

My Space

Welcome to my nook: Gadgets galore: Pentium 4 desktop pc, scanner, color printer, webcam, Apple G4 ibook, Sony PSP (white), XDA2 PDA Phone, Motorola Razor, Nokia N70, and the Canon 300D DSLR; Collection Galore: Spidey and his friends (Ben Ten, Justice League, Marvel) toy collection conveniently shared by my wife Michelle and sons Kobe and Milo, model airplanes and ships, orig DVD Collection (38 good titles and counting), Movie Poster collection, comics and magazine collection (not in the picture).

added 8/21/07- hp laserjet 1020

added: unknown date- Sony 29 inch flat TV

(moved into the room): xbox game console

added sometime December 2007: DVD writer, PS2, a Philips DVD player, new toys (a couple of Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that my kids got from Christmas).

2008 acquisitions and gifts:

Canon 40D, 17-40mm L, Nokia N90, Nokia 6600, a stand alone dvd burner, a tripod, an original Mont Blanc pen.

4gig Ipod NANO...

more toys for the kids....

2007-06-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

La Madrina (The Godmother)

If there is a "Godfather" in our house, "he" is surely our only sister, Atty. Buenas Aires Celi C. dela Cruz. She is our Don Michael Corleone while Jun is consigliare who is a combination of Tom Hagen and Don Tomassino, Vivi the free spirit Clemenza, Arik the deep thinker Vito Andolini, and AK the promising Vincent Mancini. Well, me? I am the combination of Sonny and Connie.....You have to read the book to understand.

2007-05-19T02:53:00.000-07:00

A Chance for Change in Electoral Process

As you all know my mother ran for a councilor seat in her hometown, New Washington, Aklan. She won! In fact it is quite a feat for a neophyte who has no political experience to speak of and no campaign budget to utilize. All she got is her tagline of being a mother to 3 lawyers and 3 doctors. That spelled magic for her electoral bid as her contituents saw the sincere promise of our family to extend our combined helping hand.

But Mama has not entered the race without any credentials. First, she is hardworking President of the local private schools association. She is known to be very charismatic leader by her peers and subordinates. Second, my mother is a good manager of people having honed her skills as a bank manager for almost two decades and a head teacher for nearly five years. Lastly, her being a mother to 6 achievers has inspired a lot of folks.

Add to this my mother's family record in public service that is simply outstanding. Starting with my grandfather Pablo Carpio who was a weather man for the Philippine Weather Bureau during the pre-war years. He was an honest man and has raised his children to become professionals with his meager salary. My mother's eldest brother Arturo is a municipal trial court judge, a relatively lowly position compared to those occupied by his Ateneo Law School classmates in government service. Despite his qualifications, Judge Carpio has deliberately shunned high ranking positions as he does not want to leave New Washington.

No wonder Mama is a winner despite limitiations as to campaign funds and political history. The people of her town has seen something in her worthy to be trusted with a councilor seat. For me, Mama's victory is an overwhelming affirmation that not all who wins elections must have the 3 Gs....(guns goons and gold).

2007-04-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

Andro the Photographer

I remember the first camera that I called my own was a Kodak Instamatic 110. It was given to me as a birthday present by favorite aunt Mama Eng. She told me that is the ultimate birthday - meaning I wont be getting anymore gift from her. That started my romance with the magical immortalizer called the camera. From that time on, I became the official photographer of my family - which basically means taking all those magic moments (and not being part of the lovely family picture!) and doing the dirty work of going to the mall and having the pictures developed. I did not have any problem with that. I enjoyed the job. Soon I graduated to the 35mm camera when my father no longer had the luxury of time to tinker with his cameras (My Dad is actually the photographer in the family - having four cameras at one time).

During my senior year at the university, I tried my luck in sharing to the whole world my rich experience in photography. I applied for the photographer's slot in our college's student publication. Darn! I failed. Not that I am a bad photographer, the top brass thought that I should be given a higher position. Photography took the back seat and writing which is a actually a struggle for me -led the way. When I landed in law school, my camera clicking days went to hibernation for more than 15 years.

Just recently, I realized that I had missed photography a lot and wasted several good scenes - forever lost and never again captured the way i saw it. I have been traveling a lot mainly due to my work yet I just let all the sceneries pass me. I could not think of upper state New York and the Finger Lake without remorse. I was in Shanghai and marveled at its grandeur but I did not immortalized the sceneries on photo paper. Thank God, ace photographer George Tapan was part of our entourage and he snapped my souvenir pictures.

So I decided to put an end to a life without remembrance. I decided to get my first digital SLR camera. Without any budget to speak of, i surfed the internet for a pre-owned. There I found my first DSLR. I am jsut happy to return to my hobby once again. Never am i too busy to find time for the camera. I always carry it whenever I go. Even my clients already accepted the fact that I am a lawyer first...photographer second. So after our back breaking meetings, I head off for a sweet spot to shoot my pictures. Well, thats okay with them so far.

I also don't mind learning more. I scrapped several hearing schedules just to v.a. (volunteer assistant) for my mentor ace photographer Jo Avila. Heck I don't mind carrying those bulky Manfrottos or bask under the mid day sun to shoot a golf course. I want to learn more.

I had been trying to shoot fashion photoography and help aspiring models with their photo portfolio. In the process I learned how to interact with them without having lewd thoughts. This is despite the sultry poses I ask the to do during the shoots. Time flies fast as the camera clicks and model poses.

Gee, i am an addict now...a photobug with no hesitations. I want to learn...I want to shoot more.

2007-04-07T22:52:00.000-07:00

Loggy the Lawyer

I am the only member of the family who calls her "Loggy". I don't know but that childhood prank has turned into an endearing petname for my one and only sister, Buenas Aires Celi (Oo nga no...ganda ganda ng pangalan...Loggy tawag ko hehehe). Please dont ask me where Loggy came from and you will just not understand. You have to be a Calumpang Kid to know it.

Loggy is the precious jewel of our brood. Being the only girl, she has a lot of perks from us and our parents. Yet, Loggy has never been the girly-girly type (although shes dying to be one), she was born into a strong and resilient family which has instilled to its young the virtues of dedication, hard work, perseverance and academic excellence. Our parents have told her stories of struggles that has started from our forefathers who were just simple folks. They just did not stop working hard. Like Lolo Kayo who religiously went to church every day to ask the Almighty how he can feed his children because he was just a lowly carpenter. Or how the 5 Dela Cruz boys have struggled and came out as outstanding men of our province.

Maybe Loggy like the rest of us were thoroughly inspired. Maybe it was deep and great admiration of his oldest brother who is a mighty Atenean lawyer (well...maybe). Out of the blue, she decided to abide with my father's command and grand plan: a brood of 6 - 3 lawyers and 3 doctors...simply put. So after she finished her ho-hum course at Assumption College in San Lorenzo Makati (did I tell you Loggy has an inner desire to be "girly-girly"), she took the dive and enrolled herself at the Colegio de San Agustin Law School in Iloilo City. You may ask why take law in Iloilo when her two Atenean brothers can very well insert her in the august halls of the Rockwell Law School. Well, Loggy opted to take law near home as she studied alongside two chores. At the same time she was memorizing those latin maxims, Loggy was head teacher of her own Montessori School and Assistant Manager of our family bank in Guimaras. Hell yes! This young petite lady is a explosive canon. She is just marvelous.

Loggy, you are one of a kind. Congratulations! Ever wonder why this oldest brother has danced like crazy last New Year's Eve and during the Ati-atihan....well..now you know.

2007-02-28T23:21:00.000-08:00

Vote for Mama!

My Mama is running for public office. This is the first time that somebody from our family will venture into politics. Being the practical person she is, my mother will be vying for a councilor post in her native town of New Washington, Aklan.

Mama is a true blue product of New Washington. Her father, Pablo Popes Carpio who was once a weatherman for the Philippine government hails from the same town just like her mother Maria Recibe. Her eldest brother Arthur has been the municipal circuit trial court (now municipal trial court) judge since time immemorial.

Although she has yet to declare her intentions, Mama is often asked what are her qualifications for running. Well, being her eldest son and no. 1 campaigner can muster a million reasons. But then I choose to identify one of her best qualifications that is my mother's will to improve things and her tireless dedication to do it. Tangible proof? I can give you 6 tangible evidence. Just, look at how she raised us:

Beato Alessandro III - eldest - lawyer, graduate of Ateneo Law
Aloysius Pacelli II, - second - laywer, graduate of Ateneo Law (same batch as Beato, both graduated and passed the bar at the same time).
Makarius -third - Licensed Physician, graduate of UST College of Medicine
Buenas Aires -fourth - barrister (bar exams due April 2007), graduate of San Agustin Law.
Arik Paolo Isaiah - doctor intern (to take the licensure board August 2007), graduate of West Visayas College of Medicine.
Alistair Kashmir - third year medicine student at UST College of Medicine, consistent topnotcher and full scholar since high school.

whew!...as the Ilonggos would say....bato ka?

2007-02-23T15:58:00.000-08:00

Remembering a Farce: EDSA Revolution of 1986

I found myself commuting again on a Friday afternoon. I came from a lunch meeting in Makati and my car was stuck somewhere in Mandaluyong due to the MMDA number-coding scheme. That means that I only get to drive my car from ten am until 3 pm during Fridays. They conveniently call it a "window of opportunity" for sorry lads like me who do not have a fleet of SUVs to side step the wacky number coding ban. Yet, I seem enjoy this "back to the roots" friday. I am used to riding all modes of public transportation during my college and law school days. During law school, my brother Jun and are a few of those "car-less" elite. Jun would even kid me about looking like those bible carrying pastors blessed with the ability to preach in a fully packed bus. Hell, I dont care. I used to hang from jeepneys when I was still a UP student in Iloilo. Ika nga - iba talaga ang Iskolar ng Bayan.

I took a delapidated bus with a busted aircon from SM Megamall en route to Cubao. I felt screwed though, it had "airconditioned" on its signboard but it was nearly steaming hot inside. What a farce. I could smell the another passenger's sweat as I move from one smelly laminated seat to another. Since it was nearing the dreaded Friday late afternoon rush hour, the bus was already crawling through EDSA. Worse, it has to go through all the roadside malls to pick up passengers. While the bus halted at the EDSA Ortigas intersection, I was able to take a glance outside and something easily caught my attention. It was a fire truck parked on the sidewalk just in front of the Shrine of the Lady of EDSA. But there was no fire nor fire hydrant in the vicinity. I immediately looked at my watch and realized that it was February 23. I also saw a couple of firemen sitting under the shade of the monument and seem to be waiting for something. It is not hard to notice that they are bored. No rally in sight, no job today - would be a thought that lingers in their minds. Its really ironic - a celebration of victory against a dictator, now nearly banned by an administration accused of being a dictatorship. It has become just another ordinary day in February. Nothing changes..life goes on.

What is the fuss about remembering the 1986 EDSA revolution? The younger ones like my sister Loggy and brothers Arik and Ak would wonder what is the big fuss at EDSA and the month of February. Well, I cannot blame them. How can I tell them that EDSA symbolizes an successful uprising against a dictator who has trampled on our nation's morale and squandered its riches. How can I tell them that it has ushered a new dawn for Philippine politics and ended decades of abuse of power, influence peddling, nepotism and political dynasties. How can I tell them that it curbed wholesale corruption and perversion of laws and government institutions. For the younger generations the older ones have been dreaming all the while - like stupid fools wishing of a perfect society ran by honest people. I could not blame them. After 20 years of EDSA, nothing has changed- the sacrifices of the brave people who faced the oppressor's tanks and awaited the rapid fire of its machine guns put to naught. The sentiments of nuns who prayed the rosary, the members of a awakened society who chanted "Cory, Cory" while offering flowers to the soldiers - all were put to waste.

Now, I blame the people basked in the glory of EDSA only to ruin it...every time I hear shouts of "Cory Cory..." I cannot help but realize that we helped perpetuated the Kamaag-anak system (surely i won't vote for good for nothing Nonoy and his dancing queen and political butterfly of an aunt Tessie) and ushered Kris Aquino - who I think greatly contributed to local showbiz moral decay (adjudged by Mo Twister's program as the most plastic showbiz person). Whenever I saw student activists and intellectuals from UP and Ateneo ranting about society's ills, I cannot help but protest their apathy for breeding political hypocrites and turn coats like Edong Angara (whose Ang Gara ng Buhay campaign is totally opposite to his family's alleged participation in environmental destruction) and inutile Kiko Pangilinan whose lack of backbone has compromised the Senate investigation into the massive electoral fraud (Well he has the gall to confirm that indeed he was just lucky by being the Megastar's husband - as in Lucky Me, the noodles he is endorsing) And well, the former Ateneo economics professor Gloria Arroyo who despite her disgraceful admission of cheating in the last election and seemingly dictatorial existence remains to be our President. Whew....EDSA is a farce.

2007-02-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

My Brother the Doctor

I lost my voice. I used it up in shouting, screaming and yelling.

Thank God! Macky is now a full pledged doctor. M.D. The first in our family.

My dear kid brother Macky...you are really a gift to us. A patient young man who always do things his way.

I am very proud of you. Tomorrow you should lead me to my first check-up okay...hehehe.

2007-01-27T22:29:00.000-08:00

Kalibo Ati-atihan No More

There was a time when I knew a festive week-long event in my native Kalibo. It was the opening salvo of each year. Personally, I just can't wait for the second week of January to come. I never really care if Christmas day and New's Eve have come to pass. I always look forward to the Ati-atihan.

When I was a kid, Ati-atihan is more than three days of craziness - when Kalibonhons throw caution to the wind and smear themselves with soot like what my Lolo Coroy would do. It was not only known as a wild carnival that guzzles all the San Miguel Beer that its breweries can muster. It was one celebration of devotion that brings the clan together. My Lolo Jose and his brood from Iloilo, Tito Bavi and Tita Fe too, Tito Bugay from Manila and of course of relatives from the barrios who join the festivities in Kalibo. I remember Lolo Jose would bring his wooden replicas of the Thompson submachine gun, the Colt "cowboy" revolver and other "firewoods". I remember the time when Tita India came up with towering "higantes" that attracted both the young and old. Of course, Lolo Coroy's au naturelle ensemble of dark black soot from the takori is an all time favorite. He even carried a stick where various fruits are tied and guests would just pick and eat what they like (Bananas were in demand - they just disappear half into the parade).

The extra ordinary fanfare of the Ati-atihan was mostly due to my father's fondness for treating a ton of guests. The week-long celebration usually converts our house into a beer bodega and wine cellar. Our guest rooms are packed to the hilt and our dining area becomes a standing room during meals. The guests are treated to an orgy of sumptuous fresh seafoods and greasy battalion of lechon (this is the reason why I totally abhor crabs but totally addicted to lechon) bottles of free flowing beer and whisky complete with an Ati-atihan band playing in the background. Guests can just dance the "sad-sad" anytime or while food and drinks are being served.

Just any other big clan, our family sponsored an entire Ati-atihan group called "Birds of Paradise" - most of them our relatives from Tinigaw who uniquely dressed them up as white birds (I pity the hundred of white chickens they butchered to come up with white feathers for their costume). But the bird men of Tinigaw were just a gem to watch. As such relatives and friends who joins us during the ati-atihan gets to dance with the Birdmen - a very cool thing to do.

For me what makes the Ati-atihan very special are the traditions that we used to observe as a family. Foremost is the early morning "Diana" when all of the male members of our family would wake up around 5am and start merrymaking. Even my grandparents would join the soul rousing parade that leads to the Kalibo Cathedral for the early Sunday service. Uncles, cousins and close friends would beat their own drums and cared less about waking the sleeping neighborhood. Along the way we would stop at houses of relatives and friends to egg them to join -well, most of them would even still half awake. But it was really fun. The old timers knew how to play the original drumbeat which is slow paced and very danceable.

I also remember the culminating weekend of the Ati-atihan to be really fun as guests from all over troop to Kalibo. It is but normal to see movie celebrities, politicians and other bigwigs joining the "sad-sad". Richard Gomez (pre-Lucy Torres) and his entourage would usually billet themselves at the popular pension house overlooking the plaza. Other frequent celebrity visitors like Ina Raymundo and Larry "Pipoy" Silva would mingle with the ati-atihan groups but are not easily recognized nor bothered. There are just too many interesting and beautiful people in the crowd. And it was safe and peaceful, foreign tourists who passed out drunk in the streets are left alone to regain their wits. Locals share their beers and whisky to guests as if these were free flowing water.

As the celebration comes to a close, the religious procession takes center stage. Images of the Sto. Nino were paraded around the town amidst frenzy beating of drums and dancing drunks. But again, it was peaceful and fun. Never did I feel tired joining the snail paced procession. My motivation is the "Paeapak" ritual when we reach the Kalibo Cathedral. "Paeapak" means massaging by the feet. Tired ati-atihan devotees are in a way massaged by the sto. nino's image at the cathedral's altar. I don't know but i profess that the Paeapak never fails to soothe my tired bones.

Well...I miss the good old days of the Ati-atihan. I really hope that my kids will grow up with the same Ati-atihan experience and have love for the Sto. Nino.

2007-01-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

Batman of the Future

Yes, my son Milo is Batman. Not Bath-man or Buttman….talagang Batman as in the Dark Knight.

This possible schizo tendency all started when his mom (whom he thinks is Wonder Woman) bought him and his Kuya Kobe super hero costumes. From the time Milo has donned his Batman suit (minus the Bat boots), he has never been the same. There are even times when I call him but he would not answer. Wondering why I was ignored by my usually dutiful son, I trace this communication difficulty to his newly found super hero status. Call him Batman and he will instantly answer you ‘Po….like a speeding bullet err..like a wayward batmobile.

Milo is really serious about his Batman stuff like I was serious trying to emulate Helmut Newton or be the male version of Annie Leibowitz. I think we all get to be schizophrenic sometimes – although in light dosage. We always hope to be in some people’s shoes. We pretend and hope to be somebody famous or powerful even just for a brief period just to live out the fantasy. Sometimes it brings along the characteristics of our idols and these seeps into us unknowingly.

Milo for one is easy to discipline whenever I tell him that Batman is never the naughty boy. I told him that Batman is disciplined and respectful, always helpful towards people in need. As my wonder boy has followed his favorite superhero’s ways, I don’t mind if he lives out his fantasy once in a while. I know sooner he will outgrow it and look back how he has romp around in that ridiculous Batman outfit.

2007-01-14T15:25:00.000-08:00

The Starbucks Generation

In the recent decade there has been an unbelievable feat in the “coffee making business” (well, maybe after Lindo Coffee Brand the overpriced coffee sold by Harrison Ford’s nemesis Don Escobedo in the movie Clear Present Danger?). Nobody can deny that Starbucks Coffee has effortlessly conquered the Philippines. I heard from somewhere that the Seattle based coffee company employs a secret mind-controlling formula loaned from the CIA which can persuade patrons to pay a ridiculously priced cup of coffee- ten folds than that of good ol’ Tiyoy Amboy’s Cape.

I remember around ten years ago when my classmate, Rachel Zozobrado has mentioned to us about incorporating a then obscure coffee company (well, unknown to us Tiyoy Amboy loyal coffee drinkers). Never in my wildest dreams that the entrance of this coffee company to Philippine society will spark a revolution of sorts. A whole new lifestyle of people lining to get in the green and white halo shop like cars with empty gas tanks queuing to have their fill. A Starbucks outlet has popped at almost every corner that it can be called the a sari-sari store. The simple coffee with sugar and cream that I used to know has evolved into latte grande, frappucino tall and other fancy sounding concoction. As long as they can come up with new varieties of the bean wonder, the cash register continues to lure in hard earned pesos.

Blame it on western indoctrination innocently packaged in lovable and funny movies like You Got Mail!, Zoolander and the wacky Austin Powers (where Docteerr Evil was unmasked as the owner of highly profitable coffee company), we Pinoys can't just resist a piece of the American lifestyle. Well, who can deny that it is just chic to bring a laptop or pocket book inside a Starbucks. Or chat away with similarly situated friends over conveniently cheap Frappucino tall. Some say it is better than watching a movie - you can get to be part of the scene being watched. You’re in a Starbucks, man…it is the in thing when you are not really into sosy scene. Just imagine being called out by near perfect American twang of the barrista - ….”Mocha Frappucino for Prow-coh-fio!!” Definitely you will stand out of the crowd. Well, I always use intriguing pseudonyms, Inigo, Tonyboy, Lucio or Henri…these never fail to turn heads and the nods from all around the room.

During my recent trip to Starbucks, I tried escaping to the second floor only to be shocked seeing a room full of students. It reminded of me of our old college library which is a favorite joint of those cramming for the midterms. Med students and their bulky books, law students with their pile of photocopied papers and those reviewing for some exam have established their own fiefdom. It is a few pesos difference from the school cafeteria prices and definitely higher in the “you are cool” ratings. Now what is despicable is seeing one tall drip coffee for a group of ..say..5 students. But Starbucks seems not to mind. Having students hang out at their stores adds up to their hip image – free advertisement. At least, the CIA formula (if the conspiracy theory is true) has good side effects –makes dumb students study. Remove the Starbucks and its ambience, its back to a nation of hopeless youth.

Well for us in the mid-30s bracket, most of us usually retreat to a more dimly lighted competitor: Figaro or the Havana Café with their babelicious waitresses. Figaro which has been in the scene at the same time as Starbucks has begun to carve its niche as the favorite joint of the “any other coffee but Iced Frappucino” coffee. Actually those who don’t give a rat-ass about a dozen of choices of Frappucinos and Lattes would rather go there. On the other hand, Havana Café, coffee afficianados obviously do not go there for coffee.

Sad but true, I am also part of the Starbucks generation. I confess to fall helplessly at the lure of a hot Starbucks cappuccino or the Peppermint Mocha Fraf. That is why it me a breeze to finish the 24 plus coffees and win a Starbucks 2007 planner (Well it only took my wife Michelle a single Peppermint Fraf to wrestle away my hard earned Starbucks planner…lucky lucky girl!). Well my coffee life has indeed come a long way from the days of Nescafe instant which I have devised into a variety of delicious coffee concoctions. I am glad Starbucks has freed me from that chore.

2007-01-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

Direction for 2007

In my bid to pursue the purest form of legal practice (a trail i have initially pursued as a "puro-abono" or "puro abno" lawyer for Ipaglaban Mo Foundation), I have spent several hours surfing the net in search of viable home business.

2007-01-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

The First Niece

Gabrielle Rianna Aviles dela Cruz or simply "Gaby" or "Gabo" (as my siblings would jokingly call her) is our cute and cuddly niece. She's the leader of the upcoming dela cruz power ladies - to borrow our late father's fantastic description of the dela cruz first borns (Papa repeatedly praised my nephew Kibboi as the Leader of the Band when he was still the lone apo). For me, it is really an extraordinary feat for my brother Jun and his wife Joy to come up with a baby girl after Kibboi the little wise boy. Coming from a brood of 5 brothers and a sole jewel of a sister...it makes me wonder if i can strike lucky that my next child will be a bouncing baby girl.

Its always a joy to embrace this bubbly wonder. Gaby does not fail to excite me in coming to Iloilo although i haven't really showered her with presents a normal uncle would bring his favorite niece (hehehe..shes currently the only one..). Last New Year's eve, Gaby was just gem to watch. Her cute eyes and childish mettle have made her the instant hit at our traditional family new year's eve dinner. My mom seems not contented posing with her in one picture. They posed and posed and posed. Gaby in all the shots was unmindful of our admiration. But i kept a souvenir of that happy moment. A wayward bag of funny idea got into his uncle Arik who put on the helpless toddler a motorcycle goggle. Poor Gaby, she looked like those alien fighters. But she did not let go of it. She was enjoying the night too.

2006-12-22T03:34:00.000-08:00

and Merry Christmas to all!!

I sit alone in my room. It's a friday night. In Makati where I am supposed to be, there is a throbbing christmas party at the office. I expect it to be the same as the other three parties that I attended this week. I refer to it as a delicious orgy of oily food and MSG. Even if pundits always say free food (avarice?) is the one which killeth..Ahh who can refuse free food...lechon, morcon, estofado...the temptation is hard to resist especially when world hunger is just around the corner. For my part, I just think of the damn Fat Bastard and is enough to numb my taste buds!

What i also hate about this season along with the tons of food is the crazy traffic that brings out the worse in Manila commuters. I was stuck in several mind draining traffic jams this week. The road home has turned into a large parking lot - in both directions along C5. Even in the late evening i still run smack into an hour long jam just a few kilometers from our house. It seemed that all the traffic aides, police and barangay tanods have simultaneously celebrated their Christmas party! It is just insane. Wheeled vehicles of all kinds and sizes have gone downtown. Surely, even Lolo's old timer Holden has take on the road again. I am particularly afraid of are those those gargantuan trucks and other wayward behemoths out for a kill.

Maybe it is the flourishing commerce that happens every Christmas month that creates these humongous traffic jams. Even the side streets are packed! Or maybe the battalion of balikbayans and bakasyonistas which troop to the malls. A trip to Makati which usually takes 45 minutes is a snail phase 2 hours.

Aside from the traffic, I also feel bad about missing the good ol' christmas spirit. Drowned by uber commercialism, people tend to forget that Christmas is a time for sharing. I may sound corny but I always believe that Christmas is not the time to enrich the Sys and Gokongweis - through their OA midnight sales (sadly we Filipinos falls helplessly into these rehashed marketing gimmicks) but the opportunity to thank the Lord for the blessings we have received during the past year. But then this seems long forgotten. At the Christmas parties I have attended, I seldom feel that we are even having solemn christian celebration. Instead, these parties are always the mad rush to the buffet table and an effort not to get drunk before your date does (imagine the ulterior motive thereafter..). Yes, there is kris kringle as your boss may have required you to bring a gift...but this does not suffice for the sharing part. Everybody hopes not to receive those last minute shopping results or worse the recycled gifts. Gee, don't look at me as i'm not guilty of gift recycling (this year!). Frankly, I have always been the victim. I received lots - some complete with cards addressed to another person (the gift giver)!

For me, I would rather cuddle with my family this holy season- maybe bake a cake and happily await christmas midnight just like what I have experienced all my life with my parents and siblings back in Iloilo. If I have the money I will double the bonus of my kid's yaya and perhaps distribute food in the neighborhood. For me, Christmas without traditional spirit is like my younger sister's favorite dish - a kilo of fatty chunk called Pata Tim. You may crave for it helplessly only to realize that that it just gives you high blood and a heavy payload of crap.

2006-12-16T22:56:00.000-08:00

Probing through Thick Skull

I mentioned in my previous post what joy it is if clients (and the general public) get to see into the thick skulls of lawyers. If that could happen then there will be no need for lawyers to aspire for fame and Fortune(r). There will be no need to do ass kissing, white lies fabricating, and boot licking. Business will be able to cut down cost on expensive car loans that afford their lawyers to look good and presentable sans their brain power. More pauper litigants will be attended and the legal profession will genuinely be considered a noble profession.

Some people think that I have a lot of reasons to rant. But they are wrong. I was never oriented to be a flashy person, much more a show boat kind of a lawyer. I have no reason to buy a new set of clothes, an expensive car or a ritzy town house. I good to go with an ordinary life - maybe I grew up with modest luxury. Until i left for law school my brood lived in a gargantuan house similar to those owned by Colombian cartels, driven to school in different cars, and sent to the prestigious schools and the best law school in the country. But then our parents still taught us the value of hard work. They always tell us not to show off our advantages, its good just to be simple and under the radar. I remember a time when my brother Jun and I would duck every time our vehicle would enter our school during high school. There was also a time when we even ask our driver not to fetch us anymore and opted to join our classmates in their long walk home.

We were always taught: Good Education does not come cheap. My mom would always say : Kun maaeam eang sanda bukun it mabudlay intindihon nga ro minatuod nga manggaranon eang ro maka magpatuon it tatlong ka abogado ag tatlong ka doctor, sa Ateneo, Assumption ag UST! (if only are only wise, its not hard to understand that only a true rich man can have his 3 of his children study law and another 3 medicine at Ateneo, Assumption and UST).

Do the math...you know how much is the tuition at Ateneo Law School and UST College of Medicine. Multiply that by 6!

That is why I really pity people who expects to see signs of affluence in me. They always expect it because that is normally expected from people who have accomplished too much. To avoid this predicament, I just retreat to the background and hope somebody develops super power capability of probing into a thick skull.

2006-12-16T21:37:00.000-08:00

Lolo Pedring, 82

While in law school, my brother and I are often asked if our father is a lawyer. Surely, one will wonder how come somebody could be so obsessed with the law profession that he sent two sons to law school at the same time. Most of the time we end up telling them that there are only four lawyers in our family. Our Lolo Maning and his younger brother Lolo Adong who passed the bar at the same time and became lawyers despite sheer poverty (Lolo Adong already passed away and used to be a legal counsel for GSIS). Two became judges - Lolo Pedring Icamina, a judge with the RTC Kalibo, Tito Arthur an MTC judge at New Washington. An in-law Tito Lolly has long sidelined his practice to pursue his first love- farming.

Lolo Pedring was at the forefront as he is a true litigator. Before being a judge, he has handled a variety of cases. He was also one of my father's trusted attorneys and handled most of his legal affairs. I remember going to his home office and met by sweet smelling tobacco. I think it was Lolo Pedring who gave me the first best impression of tobacco. Until now, I still believe that tobacco like my Lolo Beato's Old Spice after shave is not that bad.

As years go by, I seldom get to see Lolo Pedring. But then every time i go home to Kalibo for vacation, he would often come to Lola Susing's parties and gatherings. He always play the grand old man of the Icamina clan. Highly opinionated, fierce yet principled, Lolo Pedring finds it easy to stress a point through arguments. Well, nobody actually dared to butt in, he's the judge for pete's sake.

Lolo Pedring died yesterday after having been proclaimed dead by our relatives a day before. Some said that he was just waiting for his children to come home before he let go of his last breath. He has three children: Tito Bing with whom he has a grand daughter, Chrissy (a gifted writer and currently one of the editor of FHM Philippines); Tita Ching and Tita Pearl. Lolo Pedring's wife, Lola Diday passed away ahead of him and surely is waiting for her beloved in heaven.

2006-12-16T08:03:00.002-08:00

My Brother the Lawyer

People are taken aback to know that my younger brother is also a lawyer. It's double trouble- no one dares mess around with a lawyer who has a lawyer for a brother. This powerful combination was foreseen by our Papa, the master strategist himself. He wants his kids to pursue only two professions - either a lawyer or medical doctor (well, actually one if he consider "juris doctor" a specie of "doctor").

My brother Jun has always been extraordinary. Way back in nursery he has already excelled and often out-gunned his older brother in childhood and teenage competitions. I did not care because he is my brother. What he has achieved I considered my own. Anyway, he is always the little "Taktak" who followed my tail whenever I go. He is the kid brother I used to protect against Renfredo and Steven during our Assumption days. And I always guard his secrets those we have started trading as kids.

Jun and I only went separate ways after graduation from law school. He chose to stay in Iloilo and close to his girlfriend at that time (now his wife Joy). I stayed in Manila after having been lured into public interest law by Atty. Jose Sison. But we always keep in touch. We still argue, laugh, argue, joke, argue, tease, confide and argue over all modes of communication. One of my best kept secrets now unfolded is the fact that Jun has been my best legal adviser and source of those legal forms for which I charge my clients so dearly.

One thing peculiar about Jun aside from his ignorance on latest gadgets (hehehe) is his innate character which shuns accolades and limelights. He is a good lawyer no doubt but a few of his astonishing exploits have been unwritten. I am lucky to have known a few of his bright moments.

One of this is his story about a certain lady named Kat Gonzales. One day, Jun was just sitting inside his freezing law office when he received an anonymous call on his cellphone. Hoping it to be a prospective client (!) he did not hesitate to answer the call. A lady who introduced herself as "Kat" was on the other one. Surely Jun must have not said the convenient "Wrong number" as the lady has a very nice kolehiyala voice and maybe an unbroken English to boot. Actually, Jun thought it was his client's daughter whom he expected to call him. Sensing that it was not his client's daughter, Jun tried to end the call politely. But then "Kat" pleaded with him, telling him about her predicament being lost in a middle of a highway somewhere in Bukidnon. Her car conked out on the way to Davao and tried to dial a friend's number but alas reached Jun's number instead. Kat was running low on cellphone prepaid credits and has spent her last load, she could not call her friends anymore. So Jun had to call her again and tried to help. Kat went on to introduce herself as a vacationing student and part time model! (Now my bro's all pumped up hehehe). She asked my brother if he can contact her father whom she claims to be a General in the Philippine Military. True indeed when Jun called up the General's number he seemed to have stirred an hornet's nest. The General has cut short his meeting in Malacanang and scrambled his aides to rescue his darling daughter. When Jun called Kat to relay the good news, he sensed concern in the lady's voice. Kat reported that a group of people is approaching her car. So Jun advised her to lock herself in and keep the communication line open. Soon, Kat was telling him one of those who came - a lady who has introduced herself as a Barangay Captain. Jun was not convinced and demanded that he speak to the barangay captain. In our local dialect (Hiligaynon which was spoken sparingly in Bukidnon) Jun was able to confirm that indeed the lady was a bonafide Barangay Captain and was contacted by the Army Headquarters about a stranded lady along the national highway. The Barangay Captain did not let go of their conversation without a teasingly comment "Attorney, ka tahum man ini sang imo miga! (Attorney, your girl friend is really beautiful). I'm sure my brother has let go an equally naughty smile. Because of Jun's help, Ms. Model was rescued and quickly spared from harm's way and brought into a nearby army camp. Kat kept on thanking him and showered him with a lots of compliments (even telling Jun that he is her "soul mate" ehem..ehem). But then I know that was never a big deal to my brother. It is but normal for him to extend assistance even to strangers in need. He never even tried contacting Kat whom has promised to return the favor once they meet in person. Jun never even thought of the valuable connections he could profit from General Gonzales if he choses to contact him. I think he never even got the chance to contact Kat before the latter left for the US just for the heck of it.

Now, that's Jun my brother the lawyer. A real poster boy for the Jesuit creed "Be a Man for Others."

2006-12-10T00:36:00.000-08:00

On being a Pro-Gun Believer

I came from an early morning shooting competition at the Shooting Range inside the Bilibid Compound in Muntinlupa City. Its my second time to shoot there. The range is quite respectable with separate areas for various shooter groups. Thick concrete walls separate us from probable crossfire. There were 10 of us who came that morning. We had lady shooters too with their cute glocks. The guys on the other hand are mostly .45 caliber shooters. The modified 1911 pistol is the weapon of choice. I just relied on my dependable glock 19c. Well, it was not the best to bring in the gun range...but what the heck it still earn me alpha marks. But to keep up with the competition, i borrowed Alex's (Cataquiz) modified 1911 which was really a very stable pistol. If not for the magazine malfunction (the bullet jammed during the speed match), i could have figured in the ranking. But then I finished with 6 alpha hits....for me thats already okay.

I really enjoy target shooting as I picked this fancy from my late father who is a deadshot with his 1911s. I grew up in a home environment where guns are customary part of the house. My father who is a serious gun enthusiast who took time to orient his children about gun safety. He emphasized that guns in the hands of clumsy persons is the worst threat. He believe that proper gun handling will prevent somebody from being a gung-ho shooter. And so me and my siblings were trained in shooting and maintaining guns. We even had a target range at our compound where we took turns in shooting .22 caliber rounds at tin cans. I also remember having a fully loaded M16 under my bed with cache of ammunition. Whew...thats was when my father was alive. And I am happy my siblings and I never figured in a shooting rampage. We remain cool shooters. ..As such we try to maintain the tradition and teach our kids gun safety and proper handling. Maybe it will be a family affair as my wife is okay with guns...lucky me...

2006-12-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

The Collection

When I was still studying i dreamed of coming up with a splendid collection of valuable things. May it be books, cassette tapes of my favorite bands, model airplanes...whew..i used to have this list "of what to buy and collect". Unfortunately it never got off ground. Maybe because i did not have enough money as a cash strapped kid.

Well, now that I am grown up (with small money to spare), I decided to collect something to cherish during my retirement -when I am old and gray...i hope to go through my collections and remember my youth...

As of this writing, I have started collecting various things:

21 original DVDs of my favorite movies (gladiator, black hawk down, saving private ryan, traffic) and still counting...

about 10 model aircrafts and ships

and around 20 action figures (well, I always justified this line as being bought for my kids, Kobe and Milo who are also going gaga about their superman and batman action figures). It is the only part of my collection which my wife conveniently buy for us...hehehe...her two little kids and overgrown baby!

6 US printed Movie Posters (Saving Private Ryan, The Last Samurai, X-Men 3, The Departed, Open Season and Superman the Return).

Once my audio system is finished, i'm planning to collect vinyls (which some say are better than audio cds).

whew..this is gonna be a big collection!

2006-12-01T03:58:00.000-08:00

Nikki

Surely she was tired from smiling and posing for the assigned photographer. But when I asked her to pose for another picture, she obliged. I just told Nikki to be herself. Pose naturally. And she did. This is the result. Oh, well....

2006-11-27T08:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my Office

In my line of work having a corner office with a big window is an affirmation of one's success. I had been to a few stunning law offices. I am always reminded of what my late father used to say: a nice big office along with a flashy car and perhaps a Rolex watch can give a lawyer "the edge." Clients cannot see through a lawyer's skull, so tangible manifestations of a successful legal practice are very important to leave an impression on the client.

For years I believe in it, but was not able to achieve having a nice law office. Office space in Manila is just too prohibitive for a solo practitioner like me. Yet I am lucky that most of my clients have provided office space and capable secretaries. Never the corner office (with a big window) of my dreams. As such i would often bring my work home - anyway i am connected to my clients and secretaries by phone, sms, fax and email (the blessings of the 21st century Lawyer).

Soon I realized that my companeros in corner offices with big windows would pay dearly to be in my shoes: working at home with all it perks. Fresh air, no traffic, my cute kids, lutong bahay, eat bulaga and longer zzzzzzz time.

2006-11-25T01:13:00.000-08:00

A day at the "other Shooting Range"

For two days i had been shooting. I know when i say this most of my friends would think that i have emptied several clips of 9mm bullets at the gun range and my wife have scolded me again for burning money. But they can all sigh in relief. I was in "the other shooting range".

Thanks to my cousin Ces Carpio-Laigo of Elan Models, i was given a break to shoot her stunning fashion models. I am joined by my photographer friends who thankfully are patient enough to believe in my plans. It was actually painstakingly frustrating as we were shooting cripple. We do not have a decent studio, regular makeup artist and stylist. Ces who arrived midway during the shoot brought us to fashion school with her magnificent advice on model poses and pouts. Ces, youre the man...este woman pala!

Today, we shot at a very nice studio, DIP at the Astoria Suites. I was really a joy to experience the real fashion shooting work. We had two beautiful models - Nikki and Trixie. Nikki - oh my goodness..the girl is naturally bubbly and truly a sight to see. Trixie reminds me of Paulina Porizkova in her youth. Wow...i cant believe im quoting supermodels of the 80s when Ces and I were both in our diapers and entangled in our childish games in Iloilo City (Ces studied high school at my alma mater, Assumption Convent-Iloilo City). Now she is guiding us through the door of the fashion world. We owe you a lot, my fashionable cousin!

2006-11-04T20:17:00.000-08:00

Getting Better at Photography

2006-11-02T15:54:00.000-08:00

My First Chicken Adobo

They say personal exigencies bring out one's best. As I found myself without any household help, I tried to feed myself with meals straight from the Purefoods or Century tuna factories. I was reeling from the after taste of tincan delicacies. It was driving me wild. I was Tintingtoy already! I always hated eating canned food on a regular basis- it was getting bland and and surely unhealthy.

With my grumbling stomach, i raided thee ref to scout for food. Good heavens! There are few cuts of chicken in the freezer. Thoughts raced in my head on how to cook it. Will be the usual oven toaster roasted chicken? Fried Chicken ala Andro? I wanted something different now- a dish whose preparation has eluded for sometime - Chicken Adobo. So I consulted the all knowing guru in the house - my Pldt Vibe internet connection. I surfed for the Chicken Adobo recipe and was surprised to see several -even those coming from non-Filipinos. After viewing several sites, i settled with this recipe (of course, with my own modifications):

Chicken Adobo

4 slices of chicken wings
1 cup of Soy Sauce
1/2 cup of Vinegar
2 cloves of garlic
2 table spoon of white sugar
1/4 moderately sliced onions
2 slices of fresh ginger
2 bay leaves
Dash of Pepper and Salt (but i desisted from putting salt)

1.) Place chicken in pan.
2.) Add 2 cloves of garlic and 2 slices of ginger.
3.) Add onion, bay leaves, soy sauce, white vinegar and dash of pepper.
4.) cook at 350 degrees for 20 minutes
5.) reduce heat to 150 degrees for 20 minutes.

I served the dish hot with steamed rice and ice cold diet Coke.Sarap!

My guinea pig Arik (thats my doctor bro) agreed that its a usually good Chicken adobo dish!Knowing Arik, I know I got my Chicken Adobo recipe made!

2006-10-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

The Picture that Started it All.

I bit my lip as my classmates butchered this picture during the critique session of Ken Go's Photogprahy Lighting Class. I was more than convinced that it is destined for the shitter. It was my first ever fashion shoot and for an unfashionable guy like me, its like threading over a living hell. Imagine conceptualizing a glamour shoot which is galaxies away from my usual idea of a striking photograph. I don't even know how to let the model pose much more project before the camera. I am glad that my model Marguerethe was kind and patient. So there I was nervous and pressured while my classmates who are way above my capability -examined my every move.

I must admit I went home a very frustrated man . But I did not give up - instead "I went to the matress" as what Mobsters would say- rummaging through my wife's fashion magazines like crazy. Ken was right - after attending his class, one will never look at a photograph the same way again. I now study each photograph seeing all the hard work behind it- the time which took the make up artist to make sure that the model looked good, the set stylist who took pains in coming up with a perfect set, the photographer's assistant who suffered strained arms in raising those huge softboxes, the photographer who sweated out just to get that perfect shot, and yes...the photoshop artist who made sure that all imperfections have been taken cared of.

I don't know but when Ken emailed me a copy of this picture after he did some wonderful post production work on it - I could not believe that it is the same butchered picture I was once dreaded. Well, this maybe is my sign to do my best in this very addicting hobby. With photography, everything can be beautiful!

2006-10-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

So you want to be a race car driver huh…..
(posted originally last July 23, 2005)

milo at the driver seat of my Honda Civic, 2005

(still at it after a year with the isuzu crosswind)

Someday you will see these photographs and wonder if it is a tell-tale sign that you are meant to become a race car driver.

I must tell you that your consistent ‘pestering” a.ka. requests to sit on the driver seat of “Daddy’s Cay” never fails to put a smile to my face. Every time you see leave the house with my keys in hand, you would rush and plead in your cutest way that I take you for a ride. You don’t always get what you want, son. I must admit that when ever I leave the house without you at the passenger’s seat, I feel a certain emptiness. How I wish you are always with me during my long drives. I can surely appreciate some quiet company. Hehehehe.

That’s strange, Milo. Whenever you are out of the car you are this “kiti-kiti” of a kid. But whenever you’re inside Daddy’s "Cay"…you are in your most behave mode. As if your ever ready batteries were quickly drained out. You would just sit down, quietly peek out and appreciate the other cars on the road–occasionally letting go your usual admiration for the four wheeled wonder.

You are unlike your kuya Kobe. When he was your age, he is very talkative and would bedazzle me and your Mommy about the “ish” he saw along the Marikina Riverbank road. “Ish-ish!” (Fish yon) was your kuya’s tagline while yours - “Cay-Cay”.

I know someday you will read these corny lines by your Daddy and may not remember the days when you were a little boy obsessed with cars. But I will never forget these memories. It will be always in my mind.

You have a long road to go, my eager little driver….Whatever God has planned for you, I have a feeling that these wonderful times of your childhood is tell-tale sign of the good things to come.

2006-10-08T02:26:00.000-07:00

What does the future holds for this young man....

The year was 1990.

He should be busy in school like any typical UP student but this young man is weighing nails in a hardware store somewhere in the middle of Guimaras Island.

Two more years and he will graduate with a degree in Marketing. Yet even before he finishes, he has known more about marketing than his professors (intellectuals yet have never managed even a sari-sari store). This young man ventured into business early –starting at age 12 while his contemporaries are still engrossed in their childhood games. He already had suffered sleepless nights due to numerous check clearings - a typical trader's pressure point. He was a cashier, salesman, pahenante, cargador and even delivery van driver rolled into one. He was a one man show.

Two years later he was already considered by older traders as a certified volante – one who sells hardware materials (nails, plywoods, cement and other construction materials) - by alsada meaning he buys the stocks on credit from his Chinese suppliers and pays them at the end of day. He relied on saliva capital (laway lang ang capital) and innocent charm that makes the seasoned chinese trader believe in his promises to pay.

At age 14, he was already trusted by his suppliers with thousand of pesos worth of credit line . Imagine a teener haggling with seasoned chinese suppliers for the price of 10mm steel bar- hoping to up his profit margin by a few centavos!

At age 15, he has managed several hardware outlets which have mushroomed from a single store he started in Kalibo, Aklan. Those who witnessed his feat expects him to become rich soon.

Sometimes when this young man goes home aboard the Guimaras-Iloilo ferry, he would stare at sunset and wonder: "Am I destined to be a hardware salesman....forever?". How he wished to experience how is to be in Manila like his cousins. The nightlife, barkadas and all. What did fate had in store for him?

After graduation, he decided to give Manila a try and pursued law studies at the prestigious Ateneo Law School. Fame and fortune as a young salesman were all forgotten in lieu of helping others in legal dire straights.

Now a lawyer and after 15 years from that time he posed at the entrance of his hardware store he looks back and ponder– Did I make the right choice?

Quickly he realize the obvious answer and thank God.

2006-10-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Riding in Cars with the Big Boys

One of the perks of being a lawyer is to be driven by client aboard their luxury vehicles to appointments. In my case, I often ride with my clients - the so-called Big Boys. Adding to this wonderful experience is sitting at the backseat of their luxury cars- BMWs, Mercedezes, Porsches....or sitting on the front seat while your megabuck client does the driving chores..(tsk...tsk...tsk). Most of my clients think that the word "luxury" in luxury car equates to the pleasure of driving these sleek multi-million automobiles...unknown to them sitting on the more comfortable backseat is pure bliss. It is actually an industry secret that backseats of luxury cars are designed to relax the tired fat asses of corporate bosses and taipans. Big car manufacturers have spent billion of dollars seeing to it that passenger comfort is at its best. Design engineers always expect the boss to sit at the backseat just sipping champagne while his driver manuevers the car through horrendous traffic. Sometimes the temptation of imagining things while riding on the back seat is overwhelming...here you are being driven by a multi-millionaire - so fantasies are endless. In my fantasy, I bark directions - where to turn or when to stop.. oh my very sweet revenge for the ton of work they give me.

2006-10-08T00:07:00.000-07:00

To First Born Sons

The first step, my son, which one makes in the world, is the one on which depends the rest of our days.

-Voltaire

I am a first born son…so is my grandfather Beato, the learned; uncle Arthur, the just and nephew Kibboi, the wise.

It took me until the birth of my own first born child to realize how well loved a first born son is. When Jakob was born, he was an extraordinary sight –a beautiful miracle that makes me thankful to God over anything else. I can clearly remember the first time I laid my eyes on his beautiful face and hold his fragile body close to my heart –feeling each soft heart beat. I also could remember how proud I am to present Jakob to my father Alois and tell him how my son has emulated his grandfather’s boyish charm. Yet my father died without telling him that my first son is named in his honor - after the Biblical character who was considered "Father of Israel" . I really did not want to swell my father’s ego but for me, my father Alois is the "Jakob" or the good father who inspired me throughout the years.

When I look at Jakob, I can go back to my childhood and remember how happy it was. Although that happiness is punctuated by several trials and ups and downs…after weighing them all together I realize that it is still a childhood one could wish for and maybe hope to return to. I smile every time I lecture on my son as I remember how my father has disciplined me. He was always telling me that as the first born child, I have to be an example to my siblings. He echoes what Lola Susing would tell him that losing one first born will be to lose the rest of the siblings. So I learned well from my father’s good advice. I can see that my siblings now have become good individuals because I always followed my father’s command be an example to them.

First born sons are valuable. They mirror the rest of the pack. As a father to two handsome boys, I could lose all riches knowledge and experiences that I have accumulated through years of hard work over my sons- especially for my first born Jakob. Nothing comes close as valuable to him and his brother.

First born sons lead the pack.

2006-10-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Scourge of the Pasig River

I once been associated with a government agency which deals with the rehabilitation of the Pasig River and its environmental concerns. Although it is not a top secret agency with unlimited funds and nosy secret agents, it is considered one of the powerful environment watch dogs for Metro Manila and four other provinces. For obvious reasons, I hesitate to divulge its name.When I was appointed as adviser of its special task force on pollution control, I was inevitably entangled with the Pasig River and the majestic Laguna Lake where the growing metropolis empties its load of vomit and toxic goo. Even a shitty job (worse than calling it a thankless job) offers a few perks. Among these privileges is to travel along the dying river aboard the agency's speedboat (airconditioned and fast for Philippine standards). During a trip with some foreign VIP, we started at the Manila Yatch Club and sliced through Manila Bay into the mouth of Pasig River at Parola, Tondo. The trip along the the murky waters of the Pasig River was slow and agonizing. Yet, there are sights to behold along the old Aduana. The old buildings of a forgotten Manila caught my attention. There is Bureau of Immigrations building at Intramuros with its unique architecture that dates back to the Commonwealth era. Another is the enigmatic Jones Bridge which sits as a formidable sight along the river's initial stretch. I tried to concentrate a little harder and started to picture an entirely beautiful scenery that exists in the times of Rizal and Bonifacio. A river that rivals the grand Thames and idyllic Siennes. It is crissossed by bancas and steamships that ferried people from Manila to the nearby provinces. There are a variety of fishes which playfully thrive in its clear blue green water. All combined to paint a breathtaking scenery. But my thoughts are short lived and I am facing a bleak reality- the foul smell of Binondo's urine (that creeps into our airconditioned cabin), the dead dogs and cats that float along flotilla of water lilies. As we inches deep into Pasig River, I saw the decaying scenery that has resulted from years of neglect by the local and national governments. The majesty is now damned with the squatter colonies which cling helplessly along the banks. The old structures which once stirred men's fantasies are left to rot away with each year's passing.

As we were in the middle of our trip, i noticed a sudden shiver in our boat's engine. I was told we were passing the fortress of Malacanang Palace - the residence of our President. Even if we were also a government agency, we still have to pass through heavy security check and watchful eyes of the Presidential Security Group. It took us to an even slower crawl. No pictures can be taken. No body would even take along look at palace for the fear of being suspected as a coup plotter. What a bummer!! For the rest of our trip, i pondered on what has just beckoned. Now i know why Pasig River has been neglected and seldomly used as thoroughfare for Manilenos. If passing through the Malacanang perimeter will subject each boat and ship to security check, passenger ferry business will surely fold up in a matter of days. Well, thats the real score if we are going to pit the security of the President and the state of the river that most Metro Manilan's hope to be rehabilated.

We have to admit the location of Malacanang Palace along the Pasig River is a big hindrance to the latter's development. Our good President should look for other places to cool her heels. Surely there would be a lot of fitting sites - maybe even outside of Metro Manila. Malacanang does not need the Pasig River to define it. It can totally exist without the river. On the other hand, the Pasig River cannot freely realize its full potentials if there is a huge stumbling block that drives away its well wishers. Until the offices of the big bosses at Malacanang palace are located elsewhere, Pasig River remains a high security zone and people unfriendly. Without the admiration, the dying river will helplessly fade into oblivion.

2006-10-07T23:01:00.000-07:00

I did not Shoot the Don!

I got the adventure juice from my parents. My late father is the real Dr. Indiana Jones, a perfect posterboy for the Boys Scouts. My mother is actually Amelia Earheart - a superwoman who is able to go through any myriad of trials yet able to come back in one piece. Somehow their passion for trailblazing new frontiers has found its way to my veins. Their superpower genes have transformed me into a "super adventurer lawyer" who finds joy in accompanying my clients to mining sites and far flung towns for some legal action. Mine sites? Far flung towns? Well, yes. Lawyering for me is boring if confined in an airconditioned office and pounding computer keyboards no end. So when my client told me to inspect mining lands in Negros Occidental, it is never hard to say no. Even if it takes taking off my Kenneth Coles midway in a muddy sugarcane field and hike through sharp and pointy rocks trail at mid-day. A valuable incentive in all my ragtag out of town adventures is all beautiful sceneries along the way. Enchanting places and experiences that no amount of attorney's fees can match (Well..maybe a cool Php 100 Million and a BMW X-5...nahhh).

One of these places is the dreamy mountain town of Don Salvador in Central Negros Island. Located halfway between Murcia and Juleslandia (San Carlos City), this is one strip that will make Madame Assunta fall in love all over again. Don Salvador rivals picturesque Baguio City with its cool weather, rows of pine trees and unspoiled mountain sides. Unlike Baguio's balding and polluted landscape, Don Salvador's is pristine and majestic. It has even a viewing area which gives one a view of an engaging waterfalls that seems to drip out of the mountain side. As I was in a hurry to meet with the Mayor of Calatrava, I decided to proceed first to my appointment and shoot the scenery on the way back. BIG mistake....Why a big mistake? Well my DSLR conked out. On the way back, somewhere between the water falls and San Carlos City is a weird looking sight that does not fail in getting any commuter's attention. A weird looking tree which stands on the middle of the highway. This tree is very special that the road constructors must have intentionally spared it - not cutting it down but designed the road to avoid it - making it an island in the process. I immediately told our driver to stop so I can take a picture. Before manong driver can blurt an objection - there I go - the compulsive shooter rushing to the middle of the highway and aiming my DSLR at the tree. There bad luck struck...the shutter wont just fire!!!! I just stood there puzzled. I went back to the car empty handed and frustrated. Back in the car, manong driver was about to give me scolding for pulling the stunt. But sensing that I am still the boss, all he can muster is a belated word of caution -: never dare to shoot a haunted tree on the middle of the road. Well, I am a fellow ilonggo so I know what he meant.

Mariit ang kahoy nga ina!

And so your camera suffered the worst fate -falling to a sort of magic spell which twisted its springs mirrors and circuit boards. It just gave up when I still have a number of scenes to shoot on the way back to Bacolod. I refused to believe the mariit story but who really nows? Looking back that was my first costly lesson in photography.....tsk tsk tsk.

2006-10-07T22:54:00.000-07:00

Fektyur Fektyur!!!

A friend of mine once told me that an emotional crossroad appears when a guy reaches his mid 30s. I I think i am in that phase right now. After 10 years of law practice, I want to do something different with my life. Something totally opposite to what i consider an "uncreative"profession. I am reminded of what Richard Gere's Pretty Woman character said about "not building anything". That made him to change his ways and started building something even if he has to do this with his rival. How I wish I can walk barefoot on grass just like what Richard did in one scene.What a liberating feeling! Unshackled from pressures of expectations and the cut throat competition to the top. Hmmm..the film also reminded me that the real villain in that film is a stout bald and good for nothing lawyer!!!

I am always the creative type- I want to carve something out of boring situations. This is a no-no for lawyers. We cannot be magicians....although a lot of our kind has succeeded handsomely. One morning i woke up and decided to pursue photography!! This thought hit me so fast that I was instantly convinced to search the internet for a second hand digital camera (I already have a film camera which has a year old film inside it!!!). At first, i thought i was a fruitless pursuit as I do not have enough budget to purchase even a decent camera. Luck struck when i come across a seller in one of the popular photography online forums . He was selling his camera half the price of the most basic dslrs. Darn that was a confirmation!!! My next step is entails a miracle -forcing water out of the stone - eeking a gadget budget from my wife. Hehehehe. Well, maybe my asking her to accompany me to a camera store has conditioned her to the thought that brand new cameras are way beyond our "garbo" budget. Telling her that I will be satisfied with a "pre-owned" camera half the price of a new one is a fair bargain. After reassuring my wife, I have conquered Bataan!! Thank God giving me a wife who also is supportive of my creative vice!!!! (sipsip!).I was excited to purchase my first DSLR - a second hand..err..pre-owned Canon EOS 300D. I read somewhere that it boast of a respectable 6.3 megapixel CMOS to which I was reassured by somebody this is a few pixels difference from the brand new ones having 8 megapixel DSLR is no big deal. Well, thats a difference of 1,700,000 pixels put into trust. But with my budget, i could not ask for anything more. Actually, it did not bother me as I was just excited to test my new second hand camera. For days to follow, I was in a shooting rampage - I shooting anything that moves. Would you beleive I also enrolled myself in Jo Avila's Basic Photography class. I'm totally bitten by the photography bug!! Soon, the 50mm lens followed and the Photoline bag that cost me 450 pesos! Now that i am in a mad streak for photography i am not minding where this direction will take me.Shoot shoot and shoot until the camera's batteries run dry!!!

2006-10-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

Remembering Guimaras

I always have a soft spot for this island. I grew up admiring it from my bedroom window at Monja Compound in Iloilo City. There was Balaan Bukid and its magnificent cross that jives with the setting sun. It was a scene as classic as my mother's painting collection.

I do not know what is with Guimaras that endeared our family to make it a significant part of our lives. For one we owned a rural bank in the town of Jordan. My father bought it with closed eyes from its previous owners. Well, it was in the 1970s and money was not that scarce. As a consequence, my mother who managed it (poor her!) has to cross the Iloilo Straight two times a day. Thats ten times a week!! But then my mother grew accustomed with her daily trips to Guimaras. She rode all sorts of floating vessels to the island - from the big Fel-Am ferryboat with names like Island Hopper and Loadstar to outtriggers dubbed Don John and Kevin Lee. Thats my mother - the unsung adventurer. Hey, did I tell you about the day when the car she and her staff are riding was nearly smashed into bits by a Panay Railways train? It happened while they waiting to board a Fel Am Ferryboat at the Iloilo Aduana. Well, that a whole different story.

As our parents heavily invested on the island, so did their children. During my college days, I opened two hardware stores in the island. One in Jordan and another in Alibjon (San Miguel). Like my mother, I frequented the island to sell all sorts of knick knacks. Sacks of cement and fertilizer, boxes of nails and pails of paint. That was my usual inventory. To think that I was only 16 years old then! It was doing good until a big fire gutted 90% of Alibhon public market forcing us to close shop. I was not able to return to selling nails bolts and GI sheets for good. Yet, I missed my sukis, the day of tienda, our next door Bukay's Batchoy, Nanding's special roasted salty pork belly and yes...the free wheeling downhill motorcycle ride all the way from the IBC Transmitter to somewhere near Jordan's cemetery. But then some good things have to end.

After law school, I went back to develop one of our properties at an idyllic cove at Barangay Dolores, Nueva Valencia. We called it the Guisi Property. It was one of the nicest inland beaches there is. White sand with deep blue green waters at the middle of a natural swimming pool. I never went swimming there though...I am careful not to sully the water (joke only). It was just that beautiful. Like threading over an immaculate fabric. Experiencing its pristine beauty is pure euphoria. I tried to developed it to an eco-toruism spot but so far no takers. Maybe they would wonder -where the heck is Guimaras? Well, thats fine. On the other hand, few or no tourists will keep it an exclusive hideaway. If I am given one chance to be selfish...I will treasure this place all to myself.