NO, Virginia!

Click on Santa to read my post last year.

The Force

Dear Sage, It was my turn to review you last night for your Science exam. Our review went something like this:

Me: Can a non-living object without an engine move by itself?

Sage: No.

Me: is wind a force?

Sage: Yes

Me: is your book living or non-living

Sage: NON-living

Me: What outside forces can move the pages of your book?

Sage: Humans, wind, running water if I drop it in the river...

Me: Can ghosts move the pages of your book?

Sage: No, they're not real.

(Well done my young Pad-wan)

Legazpi City, December 8-9

It was not a windy day when this picture was taken. The typhoon Reming's wind was so fierce, the palms of the coco trees were somehow frozen in the general direction of where it was headed when it left the country (due west.)



Hardest hit was the poorest of the poor.



Man-made steel reluctantly bowing down in defeat.

Dear Sage, the pictures of devastation above were taken by a companion who went with me to Bicol last weekend.

The trip... well... it was like living the satire "Candide". In that novel, the protagonist found himself in Lisbon after it was devastated by a powerful earthquake and tsunami. Being surrounded by the stench of death and unspeakable horrors brought about by the forces of nature, he couldn't bring himself to agree with the prevailing belief of the age: That we are living in the best of all possible worlds.

Loosely translated, the belief implies that without the pain of loss, we cannot appreciate what we have. To put it in another way, you can never enjoy the "sweet" without knowing what "bitter" is.

Sounds logical? Try telling that philosophy to an orphaned child whose family and friends are burried underneath tons of volcanic rock and ash together with the rest of his hometown.

We do not need such horror in this world. More importantly, the question the book makes the reader ask is how can we believe in a God who let these horrors happen and still believe that he is Good and Just?

The book did not even attempt to provide an answer to this question. Just like the similar book in the Bible: The Book Of Job. It's a classic case of bad things happening to good people, the book of job ended with God gently reminding Job that the physical universe is full of wonders that we can't even explain. If our minds can barely make sense of the physics of the universe, how can we possibly understand the answer to metaphysical questions? We can't!

Whenever I encounter self righteous and pretentious preachers, who in their hubris try to provide the answer to the question that even the book of Job and Voltaire did not answer, I always quote this verse from the Bible to them

"as the heavens are higher than the Earth, so are My (God's) ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

I wont try to provide the answer too. I wrote this entry to caution you about asking this question, about questioning God's existence and his Love for you and me.

The difference between science and religion as far as you guys are concerned should be this: You can defy, recheck, review ALL scientific laws-- that's how science moves forward.

But do not question God or faith. Nothing comes out of it except schisms, heresies and self-righteousness.

If there will come a time in your life when you have to question the rationality of human religion (i.e. Catholic Church doctrine) please read this entry. I must confess, I too do not subscribe to all the doctrines of the catholic religion. In fact, I particularly do not like the present pope. I've been following his career for the past ten years and I almost cried when he was elected pope.

Please, whatever happens, never doubt this:

GOD LOVES YOU VERY, VERY MUCH.

Please remember tha NO natural Philosopher or scientist can prove this to you. And they have no right to tell you not to believe it. Not Einstein. Not Voltaire. That's the same reason why No priest, pastor or preacher has any right to talk to you about cosmology, evolutionary biology, geology and everything scientific. The realm of science is separate from the realm of faith. Never mix the two.

We are not living in the best of all possible worlds. The face of human tragedy will always remind us of this fact-- Just like what happened in Bicol. But having faith in the reality of God's love for you will keep you safe and sane. To live a full life, this is a necessity.

Forget about what the philosophers say.

Conviction of US Marine in Subic Rape Case Was Fair

click here to read the post of RASHEED



DECEMBER 10, 2006

WOMEN'S RIGHTS IS HUMAN RIGHTS
Power to the Sisters!

Kiray

Dear Sage, A couple of nights ago, while watching the news, I was eagerly waiting for the local version of the hollywood minute where they show cleavages... este... movie clips of local starlets. In particular, I was waiting for them to show pictures of Katrina Halili. She does have stunning features and an attitude to match. however, she said something stupid in the interview that really turned me off. She said that to maintain her figure she practically starves herself.

Maybe it was just me but I swear I heard a very disappointed voice in my head saying "minus a thousand pogi points"

Why is it a big turn off? A woman admitting that she has an eating disorder is the equivalent of the members of the Male species admitting to being impotent and sterile.

Even though she is just a dumb starlet, her publicist should atleast be aware that what she says and does can affect a lot of women her age or even as young as those in the prepubescent years.

Anorexia, Bulimea, and other dumb eating disorders are serious illnesses and should never be glorified. Those who have these should seek treatment immediately. Katrina, sorry baby, Angel Locsin is looking a hell of a lot sexier these days than your pathetically starving body.

Actually, Sage, we saw a pseudo biopic a few nights ago about somebody who is a lot more beautiful than either Angel Locsin or Katrina.

I never really watch biopics shown on TV but this particular episode really pricked the corners of my calloused heart. It was about the child actress known in local TV as "Kiray" She is somebody you see in a sunday comedy series called "Going Bulilit"

Untalented and unimaginative directors and producers of the show always try to make her facial features as the punchline of their predictable scripts. I saw it a couple of times with you and one time I heard your Lola Letty ask out loud if it isn't wrong to tell the child that she is ugly, to be the butt of jokes, to be laughed at by the whole archipelago.

What's heart warming about that pseudo biopic is that it ended with the press conference of the very witty and talented Kiray. The last question asked was the question that Lola Letty had in mind the day I watched an episode with you. Kiray's answer to the querry was iconic:

"Pangit nga ako, may talent naman...
Pangit nga ako, may pamilya naman akong nagmamahal sakin... so...
Pangit ba 'yon?"

Whoa! she really knows how to deliver a line. After watching it, gusto kong sabihin "Hija, hindi ka pangit. You're a natural beauty. Pero yung mga katulad nila Angel at Katrina, they need to work on being beautiful, they need surgery, airbrush magic and atleast another half of a brain to reach your level."

Sage, please remember, whenever I say the words "Real beauty..." you always finish them for me with the response "...lies within." Teach that to Sabine and Sadie too. Okay?


Btw, I snatched the quotation below from Rain's blog.


The beauty of women...


Did you know that if shop mannequins were real women they'd be too thin to have babies?

There are 3 billion women who don't look like supermodels and only eight who do.

Marilyn Monroe wore a size 14.

If Barbie was a real woman, she'd have to walk on all fours due to her proportions. The average woman weighs 144 lbs and wears between a 12-14.

One out of every four college aged women has an eating disorder. The models in the magazines are airbrushed - not perfect!

A psychological study in 1995 found that three minutes spent looking at a fashion magazine caused 70% of women to feel depressed, guilty, and shameful. Models twenty years ago weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today they weigh 23% less.

Today women are lovers, mothers, and career women. Who else is able to balance such a load, and do it with a smile?
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the care that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman, with passing years - only grows.

Paper Cranes

Dear Sage, this weekend, your Mom did something unprecedented: She stayed up all night watching the first season DVD compilation of the TV series "Prison Break." She started watching around 10:30PM last saturday. When I woke up at 3:00AM and the TV was still on, I thought that she forgot to turn it off so I reached for the control button to shut it down. I was really shocked when she complained. She was still wide awake. I slept for a few hours then watched the last few episodes with her (I still have a headache for lack of sleep.)

Fortunately I was able to catch the episode that served as a "Prequel" to the events before the protagonist was jailed in a facility called "Fox River". One image struck a chord. The Protagonist explained that he used to wake up alone at night because his big brother was out working to be able to buy them a decent meal. The next morning when he wakes up he always sees an Origami of a Crane beside him. He said that later on when he read about it, he realized that it was his brother's way of saying that he was looking after him even when he was away. The paper crane symbolized familial obligation.

This reminds me of an email I received from Doc Pat recently about cranes...

There was once this guy who is very much in love with his girl. This
romantic guy folded 1,000 pieces of paper cranes as a gift to his
girl.

Although, at that time he was just a small fry in his company, his
>future didn't seem too bright, they were very happy together. Until
>one day, his girl told him she was going to Paris and will never come
>back. She also told him that she cannot visualize any future for the
>both of them, so they went their own ways there and then...
>
>Heartbroken, the guy agreed. But when he regained his confidence, he
>worked hard day and night, slogging his body and mind just to make
>something out of himself.
>
>Finally with all the hard work and the help of friends, this guy had
>set up his own company ..
>
>You never fail until you stop trying. One rainy day, while this guy
>was driving, he saw an elderly couple sharing an umbrella in the rain
>walk ing to some destination. Even with the umbrella, they were still
>drenched. It didn't take him long to realize they were his girl's
>parents.

>
>With a heart in getting back at them, he drove slowly beside the
>couple, wanting them to spot him in his luxury sedan. He wanted them
>to know that he wasn't the same any more; he had his own company, car,
>condo, etc. He made it! What he saw next confused him, the couple was
>walking towards a cemetery, and so he got out of his car and
>followed...and he saw his girl, a photograph of her smiling sweetly as
>ever at him from her tombstone and he saw his paper cranes right
>beside her...
>
>Her parents saw him. He asked them why this had happened. They
>explained, she did not leave for France at all. She was ill with
>cancer. She had believed that he will make it someday, but she did not
>want to be his obstacle... therefore she had chosen to leave him.
>Just because someone doesn't love you the way you wa nt them to,
>doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have. She had wanted
>her parents to put his paper cranes beside her, because, if the day
>comes when fate brings him to her again...he can take some of those
>back with him...
>
>Once you have loved, you will always love. For what's in your mind may

>escape but what's in your heart will remain forever.
>
>The guy just wept...The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting
>right beside her knowing you can't have her, see her or be with her
>ever again

Well, this story in turn reminds me of the Music Video I saw a few months ago. Although it was in spanish and featured JLo (for the record, I'm NO fan) I was awed by it. Marc Anthony (the singer in the video) was obviously suffering from a terminal illness (my guess is it's probably AIDS or a Blood Dyscrasia) and was trying to push back JLo away from his life so that she won't have to suffer with him. We can only understand why he was doing this if we apply the moral of the emailed story and the symbol of the paper crane in "Prison Break" which is: It is our obligation to protect the ones we love from suffering the pain of loss even at the cost of keeping ourselves away from them.

But then again, IMHO, Marc Anthony should have done what Ben Afleck did: Leave JLo and "suffer" life with a gorgeous blonde named Jennifer Garner...

The moral of this blog entry? Guys, too much TV is bad for you! (It can make you write the most senseless thing in the blogosphere)

NOVEMBER 22, 1963

"Superman was killed in Dallas"-- Used To Be by Stevie Wonder

"JFK blown away, what else do I have to say?" -- We Didn't Start The Fire by Billy Joel

Dear Sage, I think you're still too young to have childhood heroes other than the ones close to you. Eons ago I remember idolizing a man who, at the age of 46, embodied the boundless idealism of youth, courage and strength. Maybe it was because of the songs, more like elegies, about the man himself. Maybe it was because of the legend. Maybe it was because of the speeches he made in his brief life and even briefer stint as the most "Heroic" US president of the Cold War. I really don't know. And I also can't remember when I stopped worshipping the man as a hero. Maybe when I first heard about Marilyn Monroe, or Joseph Kennedy's deals to get the critical number of electoral votes, or when I first read about Ted Kennedy's actions or inactions in Chappaquiddick.

I really don't think of him as a hero these days. I have become very objective of my assessment of the man, JFK. I still love reading and re-reading his speeches though. I admire most his speech about the decision to go to the moon before the 60's were out "not because it is easy, but because it is hard."

When you grow up, Anakis, you will find out that the real hero didn't die in Dallas, or Luneta, or the Manila International Airport; the only true HERO died in calvary.

Yesterday was JFK's death anniversary. They say that he became president for only one thousand days. You can say that it was America's "one, brief, shining moment."

What's good about the Philippines, Sage? It's this:

unlike America,

Our shining moment,

Our finest hour,

is yet to come...

All Glory...

Dear Sage, Yesterday I was able to watch, quite accidentally, "the fight" . We were in a mall buying a gift for your friend, Katrina, when I heard thunderous shouts coming from one direction. I realized they were showing the boxing match in public. I became curious enough to come close to the screen with you three girls in tow, together with your Mom,  and Lola. I think I was the only grown man in the crowd with a baby in my arms wearing a barbie backpack full of baby paraphernalias-- an oddity that was fortunately lost to the crowd mesmerized by the bitter glory of the sweet science of boxing.

We only saw the 3rd round. That was enough. When "he" got knocked out and it was all over, we did not stay for the de rigeur interview which probably featured not just the winner but also a lot of hangers on.

I'm sure they were all saying that the winner was great, impressive, brilliant etc.

I'm sure none of them ever told him that when a conquering hero enters Rome with all the pomp and pageantry befitting a demi-god, a slave stands behind him whispering in his ear the words "All glory is fleeting"

Mrs. Speaker

Dear Sage, meet the first Woman Speaker of the US House of Congress. She will certainly not be the last. When you guys grow up, I hope the marble ceiling in the UN will have also been shattered. If not, then it's an opportunity for you guys to be one of its first Lady Secretary Generals.

Happy Birthday Bettina!!!

Dear Sage, Yesterday we went to Bettina's birthday party, at A Venito Pizzeria. She's your best friend. After all three of you had your arms and faces painted with water-based paint, your Mom and I decided to have one too.we chose the same design. Cute pair of dragons.
After the party we went to the grocery.I almost forgot about my "tatoo". People were looking oddly at me. How odd? Just look at Sadie's expression above. Lucky for your Mom, she was wearing long sleeves. But people who saw us probably thought she married a Yakuza.

Sabine's going to school now...

Dear Sabine, everytime you answer the phone, every morning when you wake up, every chance you have to say something, these are the words that come out of your mouth..."Sabine's going to school now."

But you have to wait for one more school year, anaki. Right now you love going to the day care center. You are very well-behaved. At first I was worried that you might punch back and push back at the other kids who get into your nerves (you have a decent jab and a respectable right hook ). Those fears were unfounded. You love playing with them and with the teachers there. They all love you.

(BTW, as of this writing, the Democrats in both houses are not only poised to reverse the curse of newt gingrich, they are also about to give a woman the chamber's gavel. Godspeed, Speaker Pelosi!)

NOVEMBER 3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!

"And I know you're shining down on me from heaven,
like so many friends we've lost along the way,
And I know eventually we'll be together...
One sweet day. "

Baptism and Birthday

Dear Sadie, Welcome to the Christian World! You were baptized last sunday, 29th of October. You are a new creature now in the eyes of the Lord. That's why your baptism is also a birthday. The ceremony was held at the People's Church (EDSA Shrine) That's your Ninong Hadji and you just before the baptism.




Shown holding the candle representing your Male Godparents is your Ninong Jayson "Dr.J", and for the Ladies, your Ninang Chi-chi.


Ninang Chi-chi and Ninang Anna (women of substance and beauty) like you and Mommy.




After the baptism we went to Max Tiendesitas to Celebrate both your baptism and Ate Sabine's Birthday. That's Ate Sabine. Helping out with the cake blowing duties are Ate Kitkat and Ate Sage (partially covered)

TO ALL THE GODPARENTS AND GUESTS WHO MADE THIS DAY MORE SPECIAL SIMPLY BY BEING THERE...

...to Jayson and Anna who came despite of such a short notice (They were notified just a day prior to the event). These two faced a supertyphoon and had to take public transportation just to be there with us at the People's Church, Sadie.

...to Noel and Jenn who lent so much of their precious time to help prepare for this BIG DAY.

...to Hadji who took so many beautiful pictures during the baptism.

...to Robie who didn't flinch when I brazenly stole the parking space his security guards reserved for his car in front of Max's Restaurant. (mwahahahahahahaha!)

Happy Halloween!!!

Dear Sabine, The real essence of Halloween is that Christ's triumph over the Devil is so absolute that all evil has lost the power to really scare us.

Just like Che Guevarra here (the poster behind you, Sabe.) During the 60's, his picture was feared by those in the non-communist world. Now, after the defeat of communism, he's become a harmless icon of a bygone era. Just like garfield (the stuffed toy beside you. Even mice fear him not)... Just like the devil.

Christ's victory on the Cross proved that the devil is defeated. Ghosts and witches and goblins are only as real as the plastic and paper that children wear as costume during halloween. The powers they supposedly wield exist in newspaper clippings and books and stupid movies because those are the only places that they can exist. Because thanks to Christ, the defeated enemy has no power to break the laws of Einstein and Newton in this Universe. We celebrate Halloween to remind ourselves that the devil may scare kids but he can't scare adults anymore --Atleast those who believe in the reign of Logic, Truth and Science in God's Universe.

Your Ninong Noey and I loved the movie "Labyrinth" ages ago. Jennifer Connelly quoted something that we should all say to the devil:

"From dangers untold and hardships unnumbered
I've fought my way into the castle beyond the goblin city
to take back the child that you have stolen...
For my will is as strong as yours
and my Kingdom is as Great..."

and then she said the magic words...

"YOU HAVE NO POWER OVER ME."

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. To "Fear" means to respect. That's why we must show NO respect to a defeated enemy called the devil for he has no power over you and me anymore. The only power he has is that of a village idiot. Every halloween we kick him around and mock the once mighty enemy who used to scare the wits out of the ignorant. And we have the Lord Jesus Christ to thank for that.

To Noey and Jenn,

Fear God!

Defy The devil!

Celebrate Halloween!

--Kuya

Mathematical Logic

There were two nuns...

One of them was known as Sister Mathematical (SM),

and the other one was known as Sister Logical (SL).

It is getting dark and they are still far away from the convent.

SM: Have you noticed that a man has been following us for the past thirty-eight and a half minutes? I wonder what he wants.

SL: It's logical. He wants to rape us.

SM: Oh, no! At this rate he will reach us in 15 minutes at the most! What can we do?

SL: The only logical thing to do of course is to walk faster.

SM: It's not working.

SL: Of course it's not working. The man did the only logical thing. He started to walk faster, too.

SM: So, what shall we do? At this rate he will reach us in one minute.

SL: The only logical thing we can do is split. You go that way and I'll go this way. He cannot follow us both.

So the man decided to follow Sister Logical. Sister Mathematical arrives at the convent and is worried about what has happened to Sister Logical. Then Sister Logical arrives.

SM: Sister Logical! Thank God you are here! Tell me what happened!

SL: The only logical thing happened. The man couldn't follow us both,so he followed me

SM: Yes, yes! But what happened then?

SL : The only logical thing happened. I started to run as fast as I could and he started to run as fast as he could.

SM: And?

SL: The only logical thing happened. He reached me

SM: Oh, dear! What did you do? SL: The only logical thing to do. I lifted my dress up.

SM: Oh, Sister! What did the man do?

SL: The only logical thing to do. He pulled down his pants.

SM: Oh, no! What happened then?

SL: Isn't it logical, Sister? A nun with her dress up can run faster than man with his pants down.



And for those of you who thought it would be dirty,

I'll pray for you!

(Doc Patricia Ga, thanks for forwarding this email a few hours ago.)

Dear Sage, Sabine and Sadie, I've been visiting a forum lately. (Some habits never die, you know.) I just hope I'm conducting myself honorably. Maybe someday you can read my posts in Nicole's blog. In essence, what I tell those who would care to listen is that there is no woman alive, or dead, who does not deserve respect from us men-- Especially those men armed with guns and trained to use force on equally armed combatants.

And for those of you who thought that Filipina women (like Nicole) deserved to be victims of that kind of a heinous crime,

We'll pray for you too!!!

Middle Child

Dear Sabine, Sometimes you notice that we spend more time with your Ate Sage because your Mom and Lola help her study her lessons, and Sadie monopolizes Mom's time because she breastfeeds her. Pero you know what? We make it a point to take you out once in a while. Kami lang ni Mommy kasama mo. We enjoy being with you so much. We enjoy showing you off. And you enjoy flashing your "wolfy smile" to everybody else (it's wolfy because your pair of canine teeth are prominent.)

Lance Kieffer

Dear Sage, this is the first picture of your cousin Lance. Got attitude written all over his face, eh? This guy will break a lot of hearts someday. Hope he finds la femme. Hope he'll be as lucky as your old man.

Hey, Lito! Congrats sa inyo ni LALA!!!
Tilot, Gwaping din itong isang ito. Mukhang may susunod na sa yapak mo talaga.

Cuban Missile Crisis

Dear Sage, over 4 decades ago this October, the World came close to witnessing a nuclear exchange between the now defunct Soviet union and USA. I don't know what makes a man Hate his own kind so much that he would even contemplate nuclear annihilation as an option to resolve any conflict. Maybe it's because we tend to demonize our enemies or the object of our hatred.

I had a classmate once who hated my guts. We were in gradeschool. When we fight I don't back down because I believe I was always on the side of Truth, Justice and the American Way (I told you, too much CARTOONS is bad for you) In my mind I always imagine him as an ENEMY of the "Superfriends" Somebody who hates Superman and Loves Lex Luthor.

I was surprised when I saw him play with Superfriends action figures. It was very hard for me to comprehend that he also hates Lex Luthor. I was more surprised when he told me once that he likens me to Lex Luthor and he thinks of himself as Superman.

We both thought we were on the side of GOOD and the other is on the side of EVIL.

Years later I found out this is one way of demonizing our enemies. We think of them in the worst possible light, hence whatever actions we take against them (be it a punch in the face, an icepick puncture between their ribcage, a hale of bullets, or Nuclear fire) will be justifiable from our warped point of view.

Whenever you feel like demonizing whoever is the object of your dislike, always remember that deep inside he or she also wants to be counted as one of the good guys. One of the Superfriends.
JUST LIKE YOU AND ME.

And the similarities between us and our perceived enemies do not stop there...

"WE all inhabit this small planet,
We all breathe the same air,
We all cherish our children's future,
And We are ALL mortal."--JFK

Christine

Dear Sage, It was very frustrating for me not to have been able to bring your mom with me back to NY last March. Ten years ago I saw “The Phantom” and promised myself that I am going to see it again with Ayheen. Maybe next time.

Before I saw it at the majestic theater I was already enchanted by it. I even bought a “Tape” (it was the Pre-digital age) and listened to it whenever I could. I already memorized the songs. Though I hate the opera (I still do) I fell in love with Christine’s story. There was this very unforgettable scene when Christine took pity on the Phantom who was threatening to kill her lover and to exile her from the light of day so that she could share with him his fate: To forever suffer the torment of loneliness as an homage to music.

Then, she sang to him, like lullaby, these words:

“Pitiful creature of darkness,
What kind of life have you known
God give me courage to show you
You are not alone…”
Unexpectedly, she kissed him. A kiss both supremely passionate and chaste, it was able to reach down the infinite chasm of his being until it breached the caverns and awakened the humanity hibernating within.

He was human after all. And his humanity was lying there, dormant for so long that it just needed the spark of Christine’s kiss to erupt into the open sky- it became a fiery furnace that cleansed the beast and change the color of his scarlet soul into molten white.

That is the power you beautiful creatures have over horrible oafs/men like us. Your Mom gave me such a kiss a long time ago.

A woman’s love may not save the human soul. But it can save a man in so many ways.

FEAR NOT

Dear Sabine,

A few nights ago we were surprised to see you drinking water from your plastic cup since none of us brought one upstairs to our bedroom that night. We became more surprised when we realized that you went downstairs, on your own, grabbed your plastic cup from the cupboard, opened the ref door and poured yourself a drink. And you did it all by yourself IN COMPLETE DARKNESS.

Even Ate Sage is impressed. You ain't scared of the dark. And you shouldn't be. Darkness is erroneously associated with "Ghosts." Ate Sage knows that there are none but sometimes she still gets a very goofy feeling when we turn off the light.

Someday you may hear of ghost stories told even by respected people. Just tell them that it will take more than stupid apparitions to scare the heck out of you.

Ghosts are not real. They are simple momentary delusions of common people, brought about by fatigue, alcohol, depression or simple supertitious beliefs. They become urban legends after endless repetitions. We all love fantastic stories. Ghost stories are part of a very entertaining genre. It's okay to appreciate such stories. Just don't let con men sucker you into believing that they are more than that.

just in case fruit cakes like lichauco and rene mariano and madame auring start to make you doubt your inherent faith in TRUTH and SCIENCE, I suggest you start watching the TV cartoon series "Scooby Doo" again.

Issa alayhi salam

Dear Sage, Today is September 11, 2006. Five years ago I know exactly where I was when NY and DC were attacked. The first person to ask me who could have done such an atrocity was your Ninang Jenn. Incidentally, my answer to her question was a certain Usama bin laden. I read in the news that the american naval destroyer, USS Cole was attacked a few months before and he was suspected of being the mastermind. But I think the real reason why I told your Ninang Jenn it was that guy who was behind the attack was because I saw his name and picture in the movie "Hannibal" (it was shown alongside the FBI's Most Wanted Criminals). Just a few days later I was having doubts on whether he was capable of doing something so horrible. I speculated it could've been domestic terrorists. America has its share of those too. David Koresh, Ted Kaczynski (he is the HARVARD educated "Unabomber"), Randy Weaver, Timothy McVeigh and a host of para military/militias that are so enamoured by the second amendment, some of them probably sleep with their American Made Remington Rifles and actually fear "world dominance" of the UN.

Anyway, it was very convenient for W. Bush to pin the blame on "Islamists" because the current bedrock of his party are religious conservatives who think that ALL moslems are the devil's agents.

Some friends of mine told me that according to the movie "farenheit911" the attack was the best thing that ever happened to the bush administration. It solidified his hold on the religious conservatives and gave him an excuse to unleash his hi-tech military hardware against a third world country barely out of stone age (IRAQ).

Maybe someday they will question the prevailing conventional wisdom that it was a foreign terrorist group that attacked NYandDC and not a domestic one. I just want you guys to remember that the September 11 attack was not carried out by "Moslems." Just like the Holocaust was not executed by "Christians." Or the recent massacre of lebanese children was initiated by "Jews."

To call those terrorists Moslems, Christians, or Jews, implies that they follow the dictates of their religion. Islam, Christianity, Judaism FORBID atrocities like september 11, the holocaust, bombing of lebanese children. The terrorists who carried out those things are like the terrorists who invaded palestine in the convoluted belief that they are doing God a favor by engaging in such a "crusade," or like those who carried out bloodshed in the sikh golden mosque.

They were carried out by ignorant Men waving the Bible, the Qur'an, and the Torah.

Everyday is Christmas

Dear Sage, It's the First of September. First day of the "Ber months."

We are having problems. Lots of it. But you know what? Two nights ago, while praying, you said something that really tugged at my heart. You said that in a conversation with your classmate Anika, you told her that you heard me say that EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS. It's true. You guys always make me feel like it's Christmasday. I really don't know why you mentioned it. Maybe because you knew I needed to hear it.

Maybe because GOD does speak to us through our children's lips.

Kitkat and Boing

Click on the pic to go to the blog of
Kitkat and Boing Galvez

Dear Sage, Cousins Kit and Boing have their own blog. Thanks to your Ninong Noey. Welcome!!!

ORION'S BELT

THE CONSTELLATION ORION IS THE MOST DISTINGUISHABLE FORMATION IN THE NIGHT SKY. THERE ARE THREE STARS IN ORION'S BELT. EVERYTIME WE LOOK UP AT THE NIGHT SKY TOWARDS ORION, WE SEE THESE STARS.

Mermaids

Dear Sage,


when you saw these pictures...



You said that they don't look real...

Didn't fool you one second.

The internet is a great source of information. It is also a notorious source of MISINFORMATION. Years ago I read about members of a weird cult called "Heaven's Gate" who committed mass suicide because they read in the internet that there was a flying saucer tagging along behind comet Halle-Bopp. They thought their ride to the next galaxy had arrived. Suckers.

There really are no mermaids. It is just a beautiful work of fiction. Just like Unicorns.

AUGUST 18!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AYHEEN!!!

Lolo Ninong Benny

Dear Sage, This is the message your Ninang Jaycee sent to us...

Greetings to all our Family & Friends,

It is with our deepest regret to announce that our beloved father, Venerando " Benny" Galvez has passed away early this morning (August 11) at 2:10 am.
My father was not alone when he took his last breath. He was accompanied by his only son & youngest, Casel & his older brother Manuel "Junior". My Dad was able to see all his children altogether & also had the chance to meet & cradle in his arms his newborn grandson Sebastian Cole, born to Jennifer " Jen-Jen" & Bill.
My family would like to thank you all again for all your kind thoughts & prayers. We know everyone's been trying to get in-touch with us. Sorry, we have been very busy to even have a chance to return some of your phone calls. For those who left messages with other family members, thank you for your condolences.
Once again, Thank you all.

I read once that if you want to live forever you can do THREE things: Write a book, Plant a tree, Sire good children.

Your Lolo Ninong Benny sired FOUR beautiful, wonderful kids. I don't know if he ever planted a tree or wrote a book. It really doesn't matter.

He will live forever. Thanks to your Ninang Jaycee, Tito Casel, Tita Jenn and Tita Ochie (Guys, I'm really sorry I couldn't bring myself to write this post earlier.)

Narda

Our village (from Darna's point of view)

"Nagaabang sa langit
sa mga ulap sumisilip
sa likod ng mga tala
kahit sulyap lang..."

Dear Sage, Somebody told me recently that the song you hear me humming these days is the current favorite of ” tomadors “. Well, I’m not sure if they are too inebriated to know what it really means or what makes it naughty (hence what makes it my song of the month)

When we were kids I know a friend of mine who put a small mirror on top of his shoe laces so he could see under our teacher's skirts. he calls the process "patingin sa langit" from time to time he spots tufts of the body's most intimate growth of hair peeking out of our teachers' underdrawers. He calls them "ulap"
(Now you know why you are in an ALL GIRLS' SCHOOL).

Anyway, that's why when I first heard the song, I instinctively knew that somebody somewhere was playing with words.

Only recently did I realize that the third part of the song, about the singer's request to peek behind the "stars" also was a double entendre. A cutie with well-endowed bosom play the part of a local super hero named "Darna" Her costume had two stars barely covering the upper part of her torso. That's why everyone wants a peek behind her stars.

She already belongs to somebody-- a BF. But that's the beauty of music. It reaches beyond the singer's grasp and touches everyone, even the stars. She may belong to somebody else, but for a brief moment, while the music lasts, Narda belongs to the song.

that is the essence of music, of having a sense of humor, of ART itself: It is a weapon against those who think they own the earth. or in Narda's boyfriend's case, those who think they own Narda.

The most powerful leaders of the defunct soviet union, cuba, north korea, Iran, Neo-Nazis, and Neo-Conservatives sought and are seeking to define what is and isn't art. What is funny and humorous and what is obscene-- even though it is just an irreverent remark about them.

Because in the final analysis, man's ability to communicate his feelings to another individual through his art is as formidable as the atomic bomb. Humor is not just the best medicine-- it is a lethal weapon too.

Music, like all the arts, is a communications skill. That's why I encourage you to develop your talents. But I hope that you will learn to use it not just as a weapon but as a divine tool to enrich the lives of those around you.

By the way...

A sense of humor is also an effective weapon used by women to keep their men's leashes really short. atleast that's how your mom keeps me in line.
a few days ago your mom noticed that I left my wedding ring in the bathroom. while smiling like a mischievous cat, I told her that I had no plans of wearing that ring that day so that when a cutie like narda sees me, I could still feign bachelorhood. Without missing a beat she said, "Right. I can imagine her asking you 'Doc, how old are you?' and when you tell her that you're 38 she'd say, 'And you're not married? Are you gay' "

I stopped smiling and said "hand me back my damn ring." It never left my finger the whole day.

Darn it! Darna really knows how to use her powers, eh?

From your Ninang Jaycee...

Dear Sage, I just got this letter from your Ninang Jaycee 18 Minutes ago. It's not very good news about her Dad, My Ninong Benny. Ninong was the reason why I had to visit NY last March. Let's continue to pray for him, wish him well, and be grateful that with God's grace, he was able to hold his first Grandson in his arms. May he watch him grow up to be as strong and gentle and loving as his own children: Ochie, Jaycee, Jenn and Casel.

Greetings to all my cousins & friends,
I am sorry I haven't really had the time to update you all regarding my Dad's health. I have received all your emails & phone messages asking to see how my family & I are doing and how my Dad is doing.
As you all know, my sister Jen & Bill recently gave birth to their first born son, Sebastian Cole ( "Ian" ) on July 23, 2006..on that same day my Dad was rushed to the hospital because he was complaining of not feeling too well. My Dad up to this day, Aug 4, is still in the hospital.
During his fourth day stay at the hospital, the doctors had placed a chest tube insertion to remove the fluids from his lungs. My Dad was still able take in food & fluids. His favorite food to eat was Rice Congi & Beef Rib Tips from our neighborhood restaurant. He always goes there with my mom for dim sum.
My dad was recovering pretty well & had many family & friends visiting him. He would read the newspaper , watch TV, play cards ( solitaire ) & sometimes tries to be funny when having a conversation with him.
Earlier today, ( Aug 4 ) my dad ate a good breakfast with my mom & even smiled at the guy who was taking his X-ray while sitting up....as if his picture was being taken by a photographer. My dad was supposed to be released today & coming home. However, the doctors & nurses detected that his oxygen level was low & they had to do an emergency intubation to help his body get the proper oxygen it needs.
My Dad is a real fighter, when he was home with us, he would exercise & go for short walks. Now that he is hospitalized, it's hard to say if he is strong enough to help fight for his life. Only God knows what the future holds, my family & I pray that God will give my dad the strenght & comfort he needs to stay alive & be with us for a little bit longer.
Please do continue to include my Dad & my family in your prayers.
I have attached a photo of my Dad taken last night, it was his first time to actually meet his first grandson Sebastian.
Once again, thank you for all your thoughts & prayers.

as always,
~ jaycee

You say it best...

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McGyver and Rene Mariano

Dear Sage, that's the title of a TV show back in the late 80's and early 90's. one of my all time favorites. There was an episode there where the hero said that we must not let people believe in superstition, lies, psychics because when they start believing in these frauds they become vulnerable to dictatorships and all forms of tyranny.

First time I heard it was in a rerun of that TV show. I did not understand it. Then I realized that there is more than a grain of truth in what the character said.

When a person hears self-proclaimed psychic or psychic promoters like jimmy lichauco, rene mariano and madame auring, he hears people who speak of things he does not understand. He may rightfully think that what these people are saying is CRAP. BUT... Out of ignorance and lack of education, he may also think that GOD is mysterious and beyond understanding. So he may erroneously think that these people are speaking the language of GOD.

Politicians use these gullibility to their advantage. You know why Nostradamus became famous in the first place? A certain adolf hitler used the writing of this obscure french guy to make a self serving prediction. He used a Quartrain (a part of the french guy's book) to say that nostradamus predicted that he will be victorious in his war against the allied powers. It was purely psychological warfare.

What's hilarious is that the allied powers used THE SAME BOOK OF THAT FRENCH GUY to predict that they will win their war against the axis.

What is not funny anymore is that when the allies won the war, people actually started believing the propaganda of the allies about nostradamus-- they forgot that his quartrains are so vague, even hitler USED them in his own propaganda to predict a victory that NEVER WAS.

Please don't believe the propaganda of tyrants about so called psychics. They are as clueless about the future as everyone else.

The God who loves each and everyone so much is the God of Logic, of Mathematics, of Science, of TRUTH. His ways and language is mysterious BUT please remember that self proclaimed psychics DO NOT SPEAK for him.

There is a really, really stupid game show out there called "deal or no deal". It does not test any skill that the contestant may have. whether one wins or lose depends on Mathematical probability (dumb people call it "luck")

Thank God he found a way to use even a lowly game show like this to enlighten us and warn us about believing in abominations called "psychics". They are abominations because I think I've read somewhere in Jeremiah that these people (Psychics/false prophets) "prophecy of things they have not seen"-- which means they are abominations in the eyes of God not because they have demonic powers but because they PRETEND they have supernatural/demonic capabilities.

Somebody should sue them for fraud.

Anyway, back to the game show, a so-called "psychic" (rene mariano) was dumb enought to accept the invitation to be one of the contestants. The video below will show you how foolish it is to entrust one's faith in somebody who PRETENDS he can see the future.

Enjoy!!!

just click on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U01Sn1K0Ld0

29th of July

Dear Sage, Tomorrow is your Lola Helen's 9th Anniversary. She passed away before you were born... Even before your Mommy and I got married. But you know what, Anaki? I'm sure she is smiling down on us from heaven this very minute. She is very, very ecstatic to see me so Happy with all of you. To be surrounded by overwhelming love is what she wished for me. It is what I wish for my loved ones too.


http://www54.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=33732175

Liberte! Egalite! Fraternite!

Dear Sage, tomorrow, HAPPY BASTILLE DAY! Okay, I'm not even remotely french. But the storming of that prison changed the world. That act expressed our need for personal freedom. The kind of freedom articulated in this declaration:

"Declaration of the Rights of Man - 1789

Approved by the National Assembly of France, August 26, 1789

The representatives of the French people, organized as a National Assembly, believing that the ignorance, neglect, or contempt of the rights of man are the sole cause of public calamities and of the corruption of governments, have determined to set forth in a solemn declaration the natural, unalienable, and sacred rights of man, in order that this declaration, being constantly before all the members of the Social body, shall remind them continually of their rights and duties; in order that the acts of the legislative power, as well as those of the executive power, may be compared at any moment with the objects and purposes of all political institutions and may thus be more respected, and, lastly, in order that the grievances of the citizens, based hereafter upon simple and incontestable principles, shall tend to the maintenance of the constitution and redound to the happiness of all. Therefore the National Assembly recognizes and proclaims, in the presence and under the auspices of the Supreme Being, the following rights of man and of the citizen:
Articles:
1. Men are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions may be founded only upon the general good.
2. The aim of all political association is the preservation of the natural and imprescriptible rights of man. These rights are liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.
3. The principle of all sovereignty resides essentially in the nation. No body nor individual may exercise any authority which does not proceed directly from the nation.
4. Liberty consists in the freedom to do everything which injures no one else; hence the exercise of the natural rights of each man has no limits except those which assure to the other members of the society the enjoyment of the same rights. These limits can only be determined by law.
5. Law can only prohibit such actions as are hurtful to society. Nothing may be prevented which is not forbidden by law, and no one may be forced to do anything not provided for by law.
6. Law is the expression of the general will. Every citizen has a right to participate personally, or through his representative, in its foundation. It must be the same for all, whether it protects or punishes. All citizens, being equal in the eyes of the law, are equally eligible to all dignities and to all public positions and occupations, according to their abilities, and without distinction except that of their virtues and talents.
7. No person shall be accused, arrested, or imprisoned except in the cases and according to the forms prescribed by law. Any one soliciting, transmitting, executing, or causing to be executed, any arbitrary order, shall be punished. But any citizen summoned or arrested in virtue of the law shall submit without delay, as resistance constitutes an offense.
8. The law shall provide for such punishments only as are strictly and obviously necessary, and no one shall suffer punishment except it be legally inflicted in virtue of a law passed and promulgated before the commission of the offense.
9. As all persons are held innocent until they shall have been declared guilty, if arrest shall be deemed indispensable, all harshness not essential to the securing of the prisoner's person shall be severely repressed by law.
10. No one shall be disquieted on account of his opinions, including his religious views, provided their manifestation does not disturb the public order established by law.
11. The free communication of ideas and opinions is one of the most precious of the rights of man. Every citizen may, accordingly, speak, write, and print with freedom, but shall be responsible for such abuses of this freedom as shall be defined by law.
12. The security of the rights of man and of the citizen requires public military forces. These forces are, therefore, established for the good of all and not for the personal advantage of those to whom they shall be intrusted.
13. A common contribution is essential for the maintenance of the public forces and for the cost of administration. This should be equitably distributed among all the citizens in proportion to their means.
14. All the citizens have a right to decide, either personally or by their representatives, as to the necessity of the public contribution; to grant this freely; to know to what uses it is put; and to fix the proportion, the mode of assessment and of collection and the duration of the taxes.
15. Society has the right to require of every public agent an account of his administration.
16. A society in which the observance of the law is not assured, nor the separation of powers defined, has no constitution at all.
17. Since property is an inviolable and sacred right, no one shall be deprived thereof except where public necessity, legally determined, shall clearly demand it, and then only on condition that the owner shall have been previously and equitably indemnified."


Ofcourse the revolution it spawned had a lot of excesses. Reading about it will make you stop looking at the French Revolution through the idealistic lense of the romantics. Someday you will read about the massacres, the reign of terror, Guillotine, and that abomination called Bonaparte.

Just remember that for me, the storming of the Bastille symbolized the triumph of Freedom of Thought against the divine right of kings. Absolute Power was defied- not condoned. That's why I remember this day and celebrate it too.

Too bad Zidane lost his cool and the world cup. tsk, tsk.

C'est la vie.

M&M

Dear Sabine, Every time you eat M&M you make it a point to share your loot with us. But we noticed recently that you don't just give them indiscriminately. You have created your own color coding scheme. You reserve the yellows for Mommy Ayheen , Reds for Ate Sage, Oranges for Lola Letty, Greens for You... And pour moi? the Blues.

I guess I've been playing the blues since yesterday when Les Bleus lost to the Italians. Zidane's exit was really heart rending.

But heck, it was his fiery passion anyway that brought them as far as the FINALS. what a ride, eh? Who would've thought they'd beat Brazil? Thank God I did not have spare change like some of my friends last friday. They lost them all to those who bet on the Italians.

Ok, that's what you call rationalization.

Anyway, you've always been generous, Sabine. "Sharing" is something that is ingrained within you. It is something you won't out grow.

An Early Bastille Day

"You are my adversary,but you are not my enemy.For your resistance gives me strength.Your will gives me courage.Your spirit ennobles me.And though I aim to defeat you, should I succeed,I will not humiliate you.Instead, I will honour you. For without you, I am a lesser man."— “Opponent”, from Celebrate


Dear Sage, in the field of human conflict, glory does not lie in Waterloo or Thermophyle... It's only found in the field of SPORTS.

VIVE FRANCE!!!

MY GOD! HOW WAS THAT POSSIBLE? THEY BEAT BRAZIL!!! Merci, Mon Dieu!!! and they say Zidane should retire from the game. Mon cul.

Dance in the Rain

Dear Sage and Sabine, this was taken one sunny afternoon. Those were not raindrops but close. They're from a garden hose.

"I love the sound of your

name on my lips...

The way you convince me

to dance in the rain,

while everyone's watching

like we were insane...

And I love, the way you love me..."

-Ronan Keating

Day at the Beach (June 18, 2006)

Dear Sage, Yes! that's me on a broken surfboard!

It's a long story.

You were enjoying your day in the beach when you came out of the water crying, in pain, pointing at your legs. When I washed it in running water I noticed that it was becoming erythematous. Obviously you were bitten by an insect in the water. It didn't look like a jelly fish sting. You got better after a few minutes with the help of a mild topical steroid. BUT you refused to go back to the water. There was a cartoon/anime program on TV and you said you wanted to watch instead.

That means you have been traumatized by a small insect from Poseidon's domain. I found that unacceptable.

After a few protestations from you I was finally able to bring you back to the beach. Even after I checked the waters myself you refused to dip your toe. I had to do something or you will lose your confidence to swim in the sea again. I rented one of the two surfboards in the courtyard for 100 bucks/ 4 hours. I looked so funny whenever I make those attempts at surfing the waves you finally left the shore to join me in my folly.

We had our pictures taken, together with Sabine.

You're a brave girl, Sage.

Later on, while sitting on the sandy beach I was in such a philosophical mood that I began to compose the "Poseidon Prayer." The one I published earlier in this blog. In those very waters so many years ago I was foolish enough to swim the whole day until I was all alone and had a bout of cramps while far away from the shore. I have no idea how I got back without drowning. I was not really a strong swimmer. But I decided not to let that experience hinder my love for the sea. I won't let Poseidon get the best of me. Not yet. You should not fear him too.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

To Fear the One True God means to obey and respect him. Hence, we must refuse obeisance to mortal tyrants and petty gods- that includes Poseidon too. and a lot of politicians.

I think I must remind you though that you and your sisters must never confuse valor with foolishness. Always be careful. Especially when you defy the gods.

Sabine with Yaya, Sadie, Ayheen and Sage.

Prayer to Poseidon

We meet again, Old Man.
As always, I came to commune- not to worship
I came NOT to edify
I'm here to defy your wishes

Remember, I worship the one true GOD who is neither greek nor roman,
He who chose to be a descendant of the ancient race of hebrew slaves
to free us from mortal tyrants and petty gods like you

But of all the powers-that-be, I've grown fond of you, Old Man.

Each visit to your domain gives me a glimpse of eternity
Each wave that crests, foams, and strikes the shore
echoes memories of my youth
spent probing your depths.

I remember how you almost took me in your bosom
How hard I swam against your unforgiving current,
How you made the riggings of my soul glow with the embers of Saint Elmo.

You tried, Old Friend, and you FAILED

BUT

You alone witnessed the sensual secrets my woman and I share

I know that you will not surrender them to anyone even until fiery Helios welcomes your breath into his arms- eons and eons from now.

So, I'm here again, Old Man.
even after a long absence I have not forgotten.
Ready or not, I'm coming, Old friend.

So do your worst...

you bloody bastard.

-MCGMD, June 18, 2006. Bauang, Launion.

My Girls

To Ayheen, Sadie, Sage and Sabine

First Grade, First day

Dear Sage, this was taken yesterday, 6:15 AM, June 14, 2006.

INDEPENDENCE

I've said time and again that I'm raising my daughters to be kind-hearted, Kick-Ass, socially responsible, independent young women. But what does it really mean to be free (from a domestic point of view)? When the time comes will I be willing to give it to you, anakis? After you've earned your college degrees? When I think of all the possible consequences of what "Independence" can do-not just to a young lady but to everyone else- I feel FEAR.

When I myself was a kid I kept on repeating to myself that

"the price of FREEDOM is LIFE. BUT to live is to be FREE"

it's a paradox that I have faced. It's something that we ALL must face.


This is one blog entry I'm making for myself.