Belo twits Facebook user: Go to court, not to media
UP Law alumnus Argee Guevarra is at it again. No, not as flag bearer of the New Sense Party (read fast), but just the same attempting to rouse thought on social phenomenon - in this case, the Internet.
As counsel to Josefina Norcio (whose condition is no butt of jokes), Atty. Guevarra elicits legal action from the Belo Medical Group through FB, without responding through legal fora. Interesting how this will turn out.
Just this weekend, I told my 11 year-old cousin that he was wrong to refer to some girl as a "flirt", whether or not he has real proof. Apart from being absolutely negative, what does "flirt" exactly mean anyway, in terms we can measure? No matter, the irresponsible labeling speaks ill of the labeler, as it does the labeled.
And last night, I cautioned a student online about calling his accomplished paper "crappy" since his professor (of that subject or another) might see the FB status and misconstrue it as either he doesn't like the subject or he evaluates his own output to be less than optimal, which may affect his grade.
It's funny how we want to be heard (or read) but we forget to be mindful of the repercussions of freedom of speech. It's bad enough someone will try to harm us with lies on the Internet. It's worse when, down the road, we realize we actually did the harm to our own self.
While Argee's moves are calculated, I'm sure; many yet fail to see beyond immediate self-gratification. That's the kind of behavior that will give Argee a sustained living as he goes after, or defends, Internet libel.
Summer turns into the fall
Try to understand it all
I'll become a bum
Someone's gonna hold you to your words
Winter snows into the spring
Understanding's not the thing
I'm a dinosaur
Someone's gonna hold you to your words
- Careful What Ya Say from the album Bone by Tim Booth.
September 22, 2009
September 15, 2009
Love-wise
Yesterday, at the preliminary presentation for the incentive scheme for my account management team, our managing director posed a control challenge that was ultimately mine to answer. The meeting concluded for continuance (and demanded a solution) at 9 a.m. this morning.
It was a full day with four meetings, and before my fifth at 7 p.m. started, I was already running a fever. I retired before midnight hoping to find the answer in dreamland.
When I woke up at three in the morning, I recalled a verse my father had so impressed upon me as a young boy. He once posed an incomplete sentence: "If anyone lacks wisdom -" To which I replied, "ask!" "Ah, you know because you have wisdom."
The complete bible passage from James 1:5 is
Fast forward to 9:15. Yes, I was late and everyone was there when I got in. But I didn't even have to give an excuse - they chatted away about other things while I set up my presentation.
I'm a stut-t-ter-rr-er when speaking before a group but this time God empowered me with confidence.
The result: Everyone agreed to the proposal.
My conclusion: God's assurance is a function of my dependence.
Love-wise, you're perfect;
Touch-wise, you thrill me.
Tender longings thrill me
Every time I take your hand.
Face-wise, attractive,
Smile-wise, appealing,
This contented feeling
Can't be hard to understand.
-Nat King Cole
It was a full day with four meetings, and before my fifth at 7 p.m. started, I was already running a fever. I retired before midnight hoping to find the answer in dreamland.
When I woke up at three in the morning, I recalled a verse my father had so impressed upon me as a young boy. He once posed an incomplete sentence: "If anyone lacks wisdom -" To which I replied, "ask!" "Ah, you know because you have wisdom."
The complete bible passage from James 1:5 is
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.So I prayed to ask for wisdom and, in spite of the the fever and morning headache, wisdom did come.
Fast forward to 9:15. Yes, I was late and everyone was there when I got in. But I didn't even have to give an excuse - they chatted away about other things while I set up my presentation.
I'm a stut-t-ter-rr-er when speaking before a group but this time God empowered me with confidence.
The result: Everyone agreed to the proposal.
My conclusion: God's assurance is a function of my dependence.
Love-wise, you're perfect;
Touch-wise, you thrill me.
Tender longings thrill me
Every time I take your hand.
Face-wise, attractive,
Smile-wise, appealing,
This contented feeling
Can't be hard to understand.
-Nat King Cole
September 09, 2009
Noynoy, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa (You Are Not Alone)
This morning, Club Filipino was once again a stage for a Liberal Party gathering. The historical Kalayaan (Freedom) Hall, named so after Corazon Aquino took oath of presidential office in 1986, was the venue for her son's declaration of candidacy for the 2010 presidential race. Some 23 years ago, from that very room flowed hopes of a renewed and united nation.
As Noynoy was being convinced to run for president, after Cory died forty days ago, he was said to have been offered 1 million, no, 2 million signatures as a show of support. And as he entered Kalayaan Hall, the chants of his name resounded, nearly discarding the ritual of the Philippine National Anthem, "Noynoy! Noynoy!"
What now impressed me about Noynoy, if he is truly earnest ( and he seems so), is that for him there was one signature of utmost importance; one person whose approval and urging he wanted first. In a quiet convent in Zamboanga, he searched the voice of one who knew him most.
Having found what he sought, Noynoy categorically staked his claim - the first to do so; unlike the other presidentiable who remain vague yet obvious, if only to circumvent electoral rules that will be in effect once they make the jump.
If Noynoy gets elected, he will not cure all of our country's diseases. Such task is impossible. But Noynoy has started to show the way: he sought God first.
I am sinful and wicked but God has assured me of His love and I am being healed. I know that each Filipino who prays for healing for our land will be answered, if we come to Him.
Allow me to share this portion of my favorite CD, My Utmost For His Highest. I pray Noynoy's example becomes a standard for the country so that God can fulfill His promises to our people.
As Noynoy was being convinced to run for president, after Cory died forty days ago, he was said to have been offered 1 million, no, 2 million signatures as a show of support. And as he entered Kalayaan Hall, the chants of his name resounded, nearly discarding the ritual of the Philippine National Anthem, "Noynoy! Noynoy!"
What now impressed me about Noynoy, if he is truly earnest ( and he seems so), is that for him there was one signature of utmost importance; one person whose approval and urging he wanted first. In a quiet convent in Zamboanga, he searched the voice of one who knew him most.
Having found what he sought, Noynoy categorically staked his claim - the first to do so; unlike the other presidentiable who remain vague yet obvious, if only to circumvent electoral rules that will be in effect once they make the jump.
If Noynoy gets elected, he will not cure all of our country's diseases. Such task is impossible. But Noynoy has started to show the way: he sought God first.
I am sinful and wicked but God has assured me of His love and I am being healed. I know that each Filipino who prays for healing for our land will be answered, if we come to Him.
Allow me to share this portion of my favorite CD, My Utmost For His Highest. I pray Noynoy's example becomes a standard for the country so that God can fulfill His promises to our people.
In our quiet times with God, His light reveals in us the places that need healing and forgiving. For our battles are never won or lost in the full view of the world, but in the hidden rooms of our lives
Have you ever met Him in that quiet place? Have you ever been alone with God? It's there He will show you the secrets of your heart.
Alone with You
No need to hide
Bringing my wants and leaving my pride
Alone with You
Broken by sin
Needing your grace and empty again
Alone with You
You speak my name
Drying my tears and taking my shame
Alone with You
Your healing starts
Your hand of peace on my hidden heart
And now Your light is revealing the places that Your love is healing
Alone with You
You make it clear
Your love for me will always be here
When I draw near to seek after your own heart
September 08, 2009
Ang Panday na Erap
An Estrada died making an Estrada film.
abs-cbnNEWS.com:
Fernando Estrada, the behind-the-scene cameraman (of Star Cinema), was among the nine fatalities in the tragic sinking of MV SuperFerry 9 off the Zamboanga Peninsula on Sunday.
The 29 crew of Star Cinema were in General Santos City to shoot some scenes for the film “Ang Tanging Pamilya.” They were on their way home to Manila when the tragedy occurred.
"Ang Tanging Pamilya" is the comeback movie of former president Joseph Estrada after almost 20 years.
The film's leading lady, Ai-Ai delas Alas, expressed her sadness and immediately leveraged the misfortune towards the movie, short of blatantly promoting it.
Expect publicists to generate buzz with Erap honoring the two deceased Ronnies - the cameraman and Panday.
Without any ulterior motive, I empathize with those affected by this tragedy.
Did you know that...
...the first Fernando Poe Jr. - Joseph Estrada starrer was the 1961 film Baril Sa Baril by Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions, directed by Armando Garces.
I wonder when Panday and Erap will reunite.
Doon ay kaya kong ipunin lahat ng bituin
Doon ay kaya kong igapos ihip ng hangin
Doon ay kaya kong pagbawal buhos ng ulan
Sa panaginip lang kita mahahagkan t'wina
Doon lang
- Nonoy Zuñiga
abs-cbnNEWS.com:
Fernando Estrada, the behind-the-scene cameraman (of Star Cinema), was among the nine fatalities in the tragic sinking of MV SuperFerry 9 off the Zamboanga Peninsula on Sunday.
The 29 crew of Star Cinema were in General Santos City to shoot some scenes for the film “Ang Tanging Pamilya.” They were on their way home to Manila when the tragedy occurred.
"Ang Tanging Pamilya" is the comeback movie of former president Joseph Estrada after almost 20 years.
The film's leading lady, Ai-Ai delas Alas, expressed her sadness and immediately leveraged the misfortune towards the movie, short of blatantly promoting it.
Expect publicists to generate buzz with Erap honoring the two deceased Ronnies - the cameraman and Panday.
Without any ulterior motive, I empathize with those affected by this tragedy.
Did you know that...
...the first Fernando Poe Jr. - Joseph Estrada starrer was the 1961 film Baril Sa Baril by Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions, directed by Armando Garces.
I wonder when Panday and Erap will reunite.
Doon ay kaya kong ipunin lahat ng bituin
Doon ay kaya kong igapos ihip ng hangin
Doon ay kaya kong pagbawal buhos ng ulan
Sa panaginip lang kita mahahagkan t'wina
Doon lang
- Nonoy Zuñiga
Wagyu. Wagyu. Kumukulo Ang Bato.
I spent Sunday early at church and was off to the pool to do 30 50-metre laps of breast strokes. It was a perfect day for outdoor swimming: a light drizzle and the lanes were empty.
The extra effort wasn't excessive as i expected some exquisite eating in the evening.
Enter Wagyu Stone Grill at Eastwood Mall.
Savor the superb soup-salad-softbread set, the massive mussels and the garlicky gambas, which will take you a half hour to finish. But the main entree is worth the wait.
You'll know it's coming when the waitress dons on you a large bib. Yes, it's going to be splashy as you will be cooking your 220 grams of new york strip (or another bovine part you may desire) on a block of sizzling igneous rock.
To prepare, the volcanic slab is heated to between 260 and 300 degrees for four to six hours. This allows you to cook your steak for 30 to 40 minutes, though medium rare will only need less than three minutes of searing.
Speaking of slicing, you'll be using a blunt knife - if only to underscore how soft the beef is. And when you place the hot pieces in your mouth, they melt like butter on toast.
There's a 19th century Swiss-German tale by Johann Peter Hebel entitled Der schlaue Pilgrim or The Clever Pilgrim - better known to us as The Stone Soup - where a tramp conned a lady into using up her ingredients to cook a "magical stew."
Unfortunately for Hebel, he wasn't Japanese to know about stone grilling.
Boil stones in butter, and you may sip the broth.
- an English proverb
The extra effort wasn't excessive as i expected some exquisite eating in the evening.
Enter Wagyu Stone Grill at Eastwood Mall.
Savor the superb soup-salad-softbread set, the massive mussels and the garlicky gambas, which will take you a half hour to finish. But the main entree is worth the wait.
You'll know it's coming when the waitress dons on you a large bib. Yes, it's going to be splashy as you will be cooking your 220 grams of new york strip (or another bovine part you may desire) on a block of sizzling igneous rock.
To prepare, the volcanic slab is heated to between 260 and 300 degrees for four to six hours. This allows you to cook your steak for 30 to 40 minutes, though medium rare will only need less than three minutes of searing.
Speaking of slicing, you'll be using a blunt knife - if only to underscore how soft the beef is. And when you place the hot pieces in your mouth, they melt like butter on toast.
There's a 19th century Swiss-German tale by Johann Peter Hebel entitled Der schlaue Pilgrim or The Clever Pilgrim - better known to us as The Stone Soup - where a tramp conned a lady into using up her ingredients to cook a "magical stew."
Unfortunately for Hebel, he wasn't Japanese to know about stone grilling.
Boil stones in butter, and you may sip the broth.
- an English proverb
September 02, 2009
Hijo, itabi mo
Today, I am announcing my support for the candidacy of Noynoy Aquino for President in 2010.
Noy has made it clear to me that he wants to carry the torch of leadership.
The passing of our beloved former President Aquino has reawakened a passion among us. I acknowledge this as fuel to bring us to the realization of our dream: Good will triumph over evil.
(read transcript of Mar Roxas' speech at Club Filipino, September 1, 2009)
I had the good fortune of being introduced to Noynoy Aquino at a gun show, a week before the good President succumbed to her illness. Far it was from my imagination that in six weeks, the president of the Liberal Party who worked so hard and claimed an early stake at the 2010 presidential race, will step aside to push Noynoy to run - poetically similar to his pedicab TVC.
Noynoy wants another week to decide. Good move. Prudence is the better part of valor.
Even if the whole nation cried for days, and for eleven hours walked at the procession (or stayed glued to the ABS-CBN coverage), there is danger in the emotion of Cory's legacy because it is just that - emotion.
I will not judge Noynoy's ability to lead the country, although I'm concerned of how he had been under the radar, even as a lawmaker. His popularity now is driven only by romantic stories of the heroes of an oppression and a bloodless revolution against a now-forgiven dictatorial family, stories which next year's first-time voters did not even live through.
Remember how we easily forget (irony?). We exiled Marcos then elected his wife and children and worshipped his grandson on media. We did an encore on Estrada, and his wife and sons.
Some questions: Is Noynoy winnable? Will the flame be sustained in his hands? Is there even a real fire, in the first place? A hundred yellow ribbons might not be a good indicator.
I've never voted for a president who won.
I'll stay on the bus
Forget about us
Put the blame on me
- Tony Orlando (Tie a Yellow Ribbon)
Noy has made it clear to me that he wants to carry the torch of leadership.
The passing of our beloved former President Aquino has reawakened a passion among us. I acknowledge this as fuel to bring us to the realization of our dream: Good will triumph over evil.
(read transcript of Mar Roxas' speech at Club Filipino, September 1, 2009)
I had the good fortune of being introduced to Noynoy Aquino at a gun show, a week before the good President succumbed to her illness. Far it was from my imagination that in six weeks, the president of the Liberal Party who worked so hard and claimed an early stake at the 2010 presidential race, will step aside to push Noynoy to run - poetically similar to his pedicab TVC.
Noynoy wants another week to decide. Good move. Prudence is the better part of valor.
Even if the whole nation cried for days, and for eleven hours walked at the procession (or stayed glued to the ABS-CBN coverage), there is danger in the emotion of Cory's legacy because it is just that - emotion.
I will not judge Noynoy's ability to lead the country, although I'm concerned of how he had been under the radar, even as a lawmaker. His popularity now is driven only by romantic stories of the heroes of an oppression and a bloodless revolution against a now-forgiven dictatorial family, stories which next year's first-time voters did not even live through.
Remember how we easily forget (irony?). We exiled Marcos then elected his wife and children and worshipped his grandson on media. We did an encore on Estrada, and his wife and sons.
Some questions: Is Noynoy winnable? Will the flame be sustained in his hands? Is there even a real fire, in the first place? A hundred yellow ribbons might not be a good indicator.
I've never voted for a president who won.
I'll stay on the bus
Forget about us
Put the blame on me
- Tony Orlando (Tie a Yellow Ribbon)
August 24, 2009
Calling My Name
Without any intention to disrespect, I call you by your first name.
I call you by your first name for two reasons.
First, you did not age one bit. I'm not talking of the physical appearance but of the warmth we've enjoyed as our guidance counselor back in the day, whom we could run to. I was explaining to my wife yesterday that you were that only person we were not afraid of being reprimanded. Everyone, from priests to teachers to security guards and even the janitor, was an authority figure we were supposed to be scared of.
Second, between the first informal farewell for our priestly batchmate and last Saturday's official gathering, I was impacted by how we had changed and matured! Quite honestly, our batch went through a lot of issues which we resolved in our senior year. I suspect one year was not enough and that's why it took us nearly two decades to transcend cliques to come up with an activity as successful as last Saturday's. Kudos, brothers!
Batchmates, let's get organized quickly about doing pocket events, baby steps , that will give us time to practice working together. Like the nightly case studies in MBA, we need to go through a crucible to learn which areas each of us is good at. Then we can be sure we can execute a meaningful (grand or not) homecoming a few years from now.
And we know our guidance counselor is there to guide us.
And I hear a voice through the distance
And I hear your voice through the distance
Calling my name
And do you hear the answer from the still of my soul
Wasted until this day of reunion
We come and go
To the beat of a heart
To the beat of my soul
We come and go
We come and go
-Maggie Reilly (Reunion)
I call you by your first name for two reasons.
First, you did not age one bit. I'm not talking of the physical appearance but of the warmth we've enjoyed as our guidance counselor back in the day, whom we could run to. I was explaining to my wife yesterday that you were that only person we were not afraid of being reprimanded. Everyone, from priests to teachers to security guards and even the janitor, was an authority figure we were supposed to be scared of.
Second, between the first informal farewell for our priestly batchmate and last Saturday's official gathering, I was impacted by how we had changed and matured! Quite honestly, our batch went through a lot of issues which we resolved in our senior year. I suspect one year was not enough and that's why it took us nearly two decades to transcend cliques to come up with an activity as successful as last Saturday's. Kudos, brothers!
Batchmates, let's get organized quickly about doing pocket events, baby steps , that will give us time to practice working together. Like the nightly case studies in MBA, we need to go through a crucible to learn which areas each of us is good at. Then we can be sure we can execute a meaningful (grand or not) homecoming a few years from now.
And we know our guidance counselor is there to guide us.
And I hear a voice through the distance
And I hear your voice through the distance
Calling my name
And do you hear the answer from the still of my soul
Wasted until this day of reunion
We come and go
To the beat of a heart
To the beat of my soul
We come and go
We come and go
-Maggie Reilly (Reunion)
August 11, 2009
Mary for U, for your white and blue
There's a sign at the U-turn slot across Gate 3 at the Ateneo de Manila University along Katipunan Avenue that directs those exiting from gate 3 to take the next slot if they wished to turn around towards Aurora Boulevard.
The problem is that the Ateneans ignore the instruction and cross the road, totally oblivious of the traffic they are causing everyday for vehicles heading north.
I'm a patient person, but this morning was the worst. A Toyota Fortuner that had come out of gate 3 forced through two lanes to squeeze into mine. As I went past the said vehicle, the driver blew its SUV horn at me. I retaliated, mimicking the display of his sonic strength with my own horn.
The belligerent youth, clad in recognizably Ateneo-blue jacket, floored his accelerator to cut me from the right to position himself towards the U-turn slot. At his halt, he turned to me with a glaring look as if I were the offensive one.
What audacity!
Three cheers for the Ateneo!
Ateneo - Bah!
Ateneo - Suh!
Ateneo - Rah!
Go Ateneo - One small brain!
The problem is that the Ateneans ignore the instruction and cross the road, totally oblivious of the traffic they are causing everyday for vehicles heading north.
I'm a patient person, but this morning was the worst. A Toyota Fortuner that had come out of gate 3 forced through two lanes to squeeze into mine. As I went past the said vehicle, the driver blew its SUV horn at me. I retaliated, mimicking the display of his sonic strength with my own horn.
The belligerent youth, clad in recognizably Ateneo-blue jacket, floored his accelerator to cut me from the right to position himself towards the U-turn slot. At his halt, he turned to me with a glaring look as if I were the offensive one.
What audacity!
Three cheers for the Ateneo!
Ateneo - Bah!
Ateneo - Suh!
Ateneo - Rah!
Go Ateneo - One small brain!
Battle of the Movie Has-beens
It seems Hasbro Industries had come up with a game concept that it hopes to rival its greatest game, Monopoly.
The rules are simple on the new game: watch G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and name as many rip-offs as you can of scenes that have already been executed by other movies.
Here's my list below, and I'm sure the more sophisticated media gobblers can think of more to add:
1. A briliant scientist and friend turns against the lead to be the "man who will rule the world." Lex Luthor was Clark Kent's bromance, remember?
2. Nanomites at a polar ice cap secret base. So, Agent Cody Banks - where's Hillary Duff?
3. Joes slide down to a sensitive floor security system. Uhm, Mission: Impossible and a million others.
4. Snake Eyes handstands across the floor to get to the security door. Didn't the small guy in Ocean's Eleven do that?
5. Duke pulls a high-G maneuver to shake off a pursuing craft behind them and the assailant crashes into the barrier ahead. Maverick, you can be my wing man anytime.
6. Cobra changes to metal face, complete with vocal adjustment to exude the darkest evil imaginable. Rise, Vader, rise!
Hey, I'm not the only one this cruel to the movie. Check out Alan Kistler's 'G.I. Joe' And The Rise Of The Ridiculous Crossover. Mr. Kistler writes a hilarious commentary of the rip-offs!
What's your favourite scary movie?
Live from the dungeon, we coming
Y'all besta be running, we coming
Y'all don't want none of this gun an'
I don't know why y'all keep frontin'
Yo
- from Royce the 5'9"-Scary Movies (Sequel)
The rules are simple on the new game: watch G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and name as many rip-offs as you can of scenes that have already been executed by other movies.
Here's my list below, and I'm sure the more sophisticated media gobblers can think of more to add:
1. A briliant scientist and friend turns against the lead to be the "man who will rule the world." Lex Luthor was Clark Kent's bromance, remember?
2. Nanomites at a polar ice cap secret base. So, Agent Cody Banks - where's Hillary Duff?
3. Joes slide down to a sensitive floor security system. Uhm, Mission: Impossible and a million others.
4. Snake Eyes handstands across the floor to get to the security door. Didn't the small guy in Ocean's Eleven do that?
5. Duke pulls a high-G maneuver to shake off a pursuing craft behind them and the assailant crashes into the barrier ahead. Maverick, you can be my wing man anytime.
6. Cobra changes to metal face, complete with vocal adjustment to exude the darkest evil imaginable. Rise, Vader, rise!
Hey, I'm not the only one this cruel to the movie. Check out Alan Kistler's 'G.I. Joe' And The Rise Of The Ridiculous Crossover. Mr. Kistler writes a hilarious commentary of the rip-offs!
What's your favourite scary movie?
Live from the dungeon, we coming
Y'all besta be running, we coming
Y'all don't want none of this gun an'
I don't know why y'all keep frontin'
Yo
- from Royce the 5'9"-Scary Movies (Sequel)
August 04, 2009
El Bim-boo
There's a reason Skull Candy was invented. For two thousand pesos I wouldn't have to suffer this way.
Overheard beyond my cubicle walls:
Mother-figure: When I was a teenager I had a foreigner boyfriend who told me, "Show me your *oo*s." I replied, "Are you sure?" And I did.
Pagkagaling sa 'skwela ay
didiretso na sa inyo
At buong maghapon ay
tinuturuan mo ako
- Rico J. Puno
Overheard beyond my cubicle walls:
Mother-figure: When I was a teenager I had a foreigner boyfriend who told me, "Show me your *oo*s." I replied, "Are you sure?" And I did.
Pagkagaling sa 'skwela ay
didiretso na sa inyo
At buong maghapon ay
tinuturuan mo ako
- Rico J. Puno
Old Friends
This song by Everything But The Girl simply should not be altered:
Not for the first time I look back
On all those years
Not for the last time names will ring
In my ear
When there was just a gang of us
Storming the town by train and bus
A moment of thought this heart sends
To old friends
Not for the first time I look back
On my first love
Unable to speak or think or move
Hand in glove
But what of it now and where is he
He who once meant so much to me
Because we are not, I can't pretend
Now old friends
I was told love should hold old friends
I was told love should hold old friends
But when you leave you will close the door behind you
Don't we always
And time won't make amends
To old friends
Standing here with my arm around you
Life's moved on
And all its borderlines
Are being redrawn
The winter has come the roads are white
Everyone's home late tonight
May we stay or will it depend
As old friends in the end
Still old friends
Not for the first time I look back
On all those years
Not for the last time names will ring
In my ear
When there was just a gang of us
Storming the town by train and bus
A moment of thought this heart sends
To old friends
Not for the first time I look back
On my first love
Unable to speak or think or move
Hand in glove
But what of it now and where is he
He who once meant so much to me
Because we are not, I can't pretend
Now old friends
I was told love should hold old friends
I was told love should hold old friends
But when you leave you will close the door behind you
Don't we always
And time won't make amends
To old friends
Standing here with my arm around you
Life's moved on
And all its borderlines
Are being redrawn
The winter has come the roads are white
Everyone's home late tonight
May we stay or will it depend
As old friends in the end
Still old friends
July 17, 2009
We Walk The Shame Line
Cable Passes Satellite as Leading Digital Pay-TV Platform During 2008
(click to read news)
Here's the score at the end of 2008, in terms of paying digital subscribers:
Cable - 130 million
DTH - 119 million
In Robert Klein's list, rolling out new services is one of the marketing goals of cable system operators.
The economics of rolling out new services becomes practical when those new services can be monetized. Honestly, on an analogue cable system, the best you can do is to offer all channels and trap some of them to offer lower priced (read: lower value) packages. No bouquet bundling of channels. No internet. No data. No telephony. No VOD.
What is sad, in spite of advances in cable television services, most systems here at home have remained analogue. Much worse, with the dawning of digital terrestrial television, local cable operators are fostering this fear that DTT will make cable obsolete, thus upgrading will be a losing gamble. That is simply preposterous, or at least ignorant: DTT has smaller coverage than analogue, making cable systems more important for provincial areas.
The problem, really, is that cable operators have not planned for growth in the magnitude that would allow them to build capacities and, therefore, revenues.
Reality check: Huge growth requires huge resources. If cable systems remain small and isolated, MSOs will simply crawl into their areas and buy them out or crush them. As the IMS Research is seeing in China and the other developing countries, protectionist "brakes" will not stop technological determinist "accelerators".
The key is consolidation, if small cable operators wish to survive.
And if these troubles
Should vanish like rain on midday,
Well I've no doubt there'll be more.
And we can't run and we can't cheat,
'Cause babe when we meet
What we're afraid of,
We find out what we're made of.
-Everything But The Girl
(click to read news)
Here's the score at the end of 2008, in terms of paying digital subscribers:
Cable - 130 million
DTH - 119 million
In Robert Klein's list, rolling out new services is one of the marketing goals of cable system operators.
The economics of rolling out new services becomes practical when those new services can be monetized. Honestly, on an analogue cable system, the best you can do is to offer all channels and trap some of them to offer lower priced (read: lower value) packages. No bouquet bundling of channels. No internet. No data. No telephony. No VOD.
What is sad, in spite of advances in cable television services, most systems here at home have remained analogue. Much worse, with the dawning of digital terrestrial television, local cable operators are fostering this fear that DTT will make cable obsolete, thus upgrading will be a losing gamble. That is simply preposterous, or at least ignorant: DTT has smaller coverage than analogue, making cable systems more important for provincial areas.
The problem, really, is that cable operators have not planned for growth in the magnitude that would allow them to build capacities and, therefore, revenues.
Reality check: Huge growth requires huge resources. If cable systems remain small and isolated, MSOs will simply crawl into their areas and buy them out or crush them. As the IMS Research is seeing in China and the other developing countries, protectionist "brakes" will not stop technological determinist "accelerators".
The key is consolidation, if small cable operators wish to survive.
And if these troubles
Should vanish like rain on midday,
Well I've no doubt there'll be more.
And we can't run and we can't cheat,
'Cause babe when we meet
What we're afraid of,
We find out what we're made of.
-Everything But The Girl
July 13, 2009
Walk Like A Man
In John chapter 5, Jesus healed a man who had been ill for 38 years and had waited at the Bethesda pools for a miracle that was based on superstition.
The name Bethesda is said to be Aramaic for House of Mercy or House of Grace, which was appropriate: the Bethesda pools, which had been known to be there since 8th century B.C. was said to be stirred by an angel at an unannounced time, and the first to get in would be healed of their sickness and disabilities.
Bethesda fell into ruins after Saladin gained control of Jerusalem from the Crusaders. Fortunately, the healing pools were re-discovered in 1964. These days, anyone can go and walk the same place where Jesus walked and healed that man.
While in Paris, I was very excited to see the staircase where then-Capt. Dick Winters walked up from the river to emerge by the Notre Dame, that I had to go down there myself to take the shot at an angle that he would probably have had.
Of course, that scene in my mind was just a depiction in the HBO production of Band of Brothers (episode 5, directed by Tom Hanks), but the novelty of it was just too attractive.
If Notre Dame was special, how much more Bethesda, where Jesus himself walked and performed the miracle by which He declared Himself equal to God.
To the man who accepted healing, Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."
Walk like a man
Talk like a man
Walk like a man my son
(Written by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe, Walk Like A Man featured Nick Massi's bass voice and Franki Valli's falsetto. It put The Four Seasons on number 1 for three weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 from March 2, 1963.)
The name Bethesda is said to be Aramaic for House of Mercy or House of Grace, which was appropriate: the Bethesda pools, which had been known to be there since 8th century B.C. was said to be stirred by an angel at an unannounced time, and the first to get in would be healed of their sickness and disabilities.
Bethesda fell into ruins after Saladin gained control of Jerusalem from the Crusaders. Fortunately, the healing pools were re-discovered in 1964. These days, anyone can go and walk the same place where Jesus walked and healed that man.
While in Paris, I was very excited to see the staircase where then-Capt. Dick Winters walked up from the river to emerge by the Notre Dame, that I had to go down there myself to take the shot at an angle that he would probably have had.
Of course, that scene in my mind was just a depiction in the HBO production of Band of Brothers (episode 5, directed by Tom Hanks), but the novelty of it was just too attractive.
If Notre Dame was special, how much more Bethesda, where Jesus himself walked and performed the miracle by which He declared Himself equal to God.
To the man who accepted healing, Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."
Walk like a man
Talk like a man
Walk like a man my son
(Written by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe, Walk Like A Man featured Nick Massi's bass voice and Franki Valli's falsetto. It put The Four Seasons on number 1 for three weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 from March 2, 1963.)
July 11, 2009
High PiDelity
Pinoy sports goes HD on BALLS!
(click to see news article)
Quote: Philippine sports finally enter the digital era as ABS-CBN begins its high-definition (HD) test broadcast of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ (UAAP) basketball games this Saturday (July 11) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) on Monday (July 13) on Balls HD (SkyCable Channel 166).
It's going to be exciting to watch fast-paced sports on HD, not just basketball. Even more exciting is the fact that, as Philippine pay TV operators embrace digital delivery, Balls has the bragging rights as first mover.
As for systems that are yet saving up to make the investment, their subscribers can still enjoy the games live on Studio 23. Alumni who are in the offices can watch their alma mater's games on the same-day replays on Balls, standard definition.
In the book(1995) and movie(2000) High Fidelity, Rob Gordon owns a record store called Championship Vynil, where he and his staff come up with anything Top 5. Will the UP Men's Baketball Team find itself in the Final Four, or even the Championship, this year? Whatever happens, it will be fun to watch the games (basketball and more) in crisp, sharp, high definition.
Enjoy the games.
Used to be so plain to see
The hunger in my eyes
But now I'm buying, trying
Hi Fidelity High
Hi Fidelity High
Keeping it right
Keeping it tight
All right
(Fame - The Musical)
(click to see news article)
Quote: Philippine sports finally enter the digital era as ABS-CBN begins its high-definition (HD) test broadcast of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ (UAAP) basketball games this Saturday (July 11) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) on Monday (July 13) on Balls HD (SkyCable Channel 166).
It's going to be exciting to watch fast-paced sports on HD, not just basketball. Even more exciting is the fact that, as Philippine pay TV operators embrace digital delivery, Balls has the bragging rights as first mover.
As for systems that are yet saving up to make the investment, their subscribers can still enjoy the games live on Studio 23. Alumni who are in the offices can watch their alma mater's games on the same-day replays on Balls, standard definition.
In the book(1995) and movie(2000) High Fidelity, Rob Gordon owns a record store called Championship Vynil, where he and his staff come up with anything Top 5. Will the UP Men's Baketball Team find itself in the Final Four, or even the Championship, this year? Whatever happens, it will be fun to watch the games (basketball and more) in crisp, sharp, high definition.
Enjoy the games.
Used to be so plain to see
The hunger in my eyes
But now I'm buying, trying
Hi Fidelity High
Hi Fidelity High
Keeping it right
Keeping it tight
All right
(Fame - The Musical)
June 26, 2009
A Merry Cam In Paris
First trip to Paris. Eurostar from London by day. Welcomed by thieves trying to hustle me in their French language while one of them navigated to my rear, good luck. On the way to the hotel, I made a conclusion: Parisians are filthy, pretty much like Manilenos who wouldn't put their trash in a bin that's two feet away but rather would drop it on to the street.
The Isle de Cite is clean, though. And easily, because much of Parisian fine culture comes from within, and the banks across, the island.
If you're not educated with the paintings and sculpture, follow my route: enter the Louvre and find the elevator on the right, before the stairs to the sculptures, alight at the first level (which is the topmost) and move to the next "salle" where the Mona Lisa is displayed in a bright room, protected by a space age glass sol it doesn't fade.
We took a boat from the Eiffel Tower to the other end of the island and back, which was an efficient way to see Paris at a glance. Of course, the landmarks and all their histories were interesting but more significant to me was the local color, like the riverside rhumba park just past Sorbonne, where the dancing went on and on.
The downside with visiting Paris in the summer is the influx of tourists like me who were armed with their limited-zoom digital cameras that they blocked the view for others.
I'm not much for people as subjects in my pictures, so I am choosy with my shots. I won't claim them to be coffee table book material but they're good for nostalgia and stories to tell, like the two-century old chocolate store and the funny head at Luxembourg Garden.
They say Paris is the most romantic place in the world but somehow I didn't see that. I counted only four couples snogging over the three days I was there, and I wouldn't take their pictures, if you know what I mean.
Overall, I surmise that four days is enough to take in Paris, at my current state of being, before getting tired of it.
In reality, I'm happy with my photos. And I'd be willing to share my pictures and stories over wine or cappuccino, with Gershwin playing in the background. Maybe, by my camera, someone will fall in love with Paris!
Here's to you, George and Ira!
LOVE IS HERE IS STAY
It's very clear
Our love is here to stay
Not for a year
But ever and a day
The radio and the telephone
And the movies that we know
May just be passing fancies
And in time may go
But, oh my dear
Our love is here to stay
Together we're going a long, long way
In time, the Rockies may tumble
Gibraltar may crumble
They're only made of clay
But our love is here to stay
The Isle de Cite is clean, though. And easily, because much of Parisian fine culture comes from within, and the banks across, the island.
If you're not educated with the paintings and sculpture, follow my route: enter the Louvre and find the elevator on the right, before the stairs to the sculptures, alight at the first level (which is the topmost) and move to the next "salle" where the Mona Lisa is displayed in a bright room, protected by a space age glass sol it doesn't fade.
We took a boat from the Eiffel Tower to the other end of the island and back, which was an efficient way to see Paris at a glance. Of course, the landmarks and all their histories were interesting but more significant to me was the local color, like the riverside rhumba park just past Sorbonne, where the dancing went on and on.
The downside with visiting Paris in the summer is the influx of tourists like me who were armed with their limited-zoom digital cameras that they blocked the view for others.
I'm not much for people as subjects in my pictures, so I am choosy with my shots. I won't claim them to be coffee table book material but they're good for nostalgia and stories to tell, like the two-century old chocolate store and the funny head at Luxembourg Garden.
They say Paris is the most romantic place in the world but somehow I didn't see that. I counted only four couples snogging over the three days I was there, and I wouldn't take their pictures, if you know what I mean.
Overall, I surmise that four days is enough to take in Paris, at my current state of being, before getting tired of it.
In reality, I'm happy with my photos. And I'd be willing to share my pictures and stories over wine or cappuccino, with Gershwin playing in the background. Maybe, by my camera, someone will fall in love with Paris!
Here's to you, George and Ira!
LOVE IS HERE IS STAY
It's very clear
Our love is here to stay
Not for a year
But ever and a day
The radio and the telephone
And the movies that we know
May just be passing fancies
And in time may go
But, oh my dear
Our love is here to stay
Together we're going a long, long way
In time, the Rockies may tumble
Gibraltar may crumble
They're only made of clay
But our love is here to stay
June 03, 2009
Echo echo, eh eh eh
If cable companies are threatened by Cignal being a PLDT company, here’s something to hide under the bed for:
EchoStar Corporation, a leading provider of end-to-end pay TV delivery systems and a designer and manufacturer of equipment for satellite, IPTV, cable, terrestrial and consumer electronics markets, and Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), a wholly owned subsidiary of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited and Asia’s leading satellite operator, announced June 1 the formation of a joint venture for the delivery of a direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television service to Taiwan and other targeted regions in Asia.
The satellite TV service will broadcast from AsiaSat 4, providing a wide variety of audio and video channels in an all digital format distributed directly to consumer homes via a small satellite antenna and a digital set-top box.
Cable companies may take refuge with the regulatory agencies in their own countries who will apply protectionist rules against the giant DTH.
Bet on ABS-CBN and GMA-7 to help fight foreign programming that take away eyeballs from them.
Bet even more on ABS-CBN to wage war against DTH to protect its SkyCable interest.
They would be relieved to learn from Brian Winston that:
“Hidden by these political upheavals and the smoke-screen of technobabble is quite another reality. These new delivery systems, cable or satellite, were in fact having far less impact on traditional television than might be thought. Traditional television has proved to be resilient.”
It is going to be exciting to watch things unfold.
These fancy things, will never come in between
You're part of my entity, here for infinity
When the war has took it's part
When the world has dealt it's cards
If the hand is hard, together we'll mend your heart
You can stand under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
EchoStar Corporation, a leading provider of end-to-end pay TV delivery systems and a designer and manufacturer of equipment for satellite, IPTV, cable, terrestrial and consumer electronics markets, and Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), a wholly owned subsidiary of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited and Asia’s leading satellite operator, announced June 1 the formation of a joint venture for the delivery of a direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television service to Taiwan and other targeted regions in Asia.
The satellite TV service will broadcast from AsiaSat 4, providing a wide variety of audio and video channels in an all digital format distributed directly to consumer homes via a small satellite antenna and a digital set-top box.
Cable companies may take refuge with the regulatory agencies in their own countries who will apply protectionist rules against the giant DTH.
Bet on ABS-CBN and GMA-7 to help fight foreign programming that take away eyeballs from them.
Bet even more on ABS-CBN to wage war against DTH to protect its SkyCable interest.
They would be relieved to learn from Brian Winston that:
“Hidden by these political upheavals and the smoke-screen of technobabble is quite another reality. These new delivery systems, cable or satellite, were in fact having far less impact on traditional television than might be thought. Traditional television has proved to be resilient.”
It is going to be exciting to watch things unfold.
These fancy things, will never come in between
You're part of my entity, here for infinity
When the war has took it's part
When the world has dealt it's cards
If the hand is hard, together we'll mend your heart
You can stand under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Gee, your hair smells, Terrific!
Overheard beyond my cubicle walls:
Balakubak Boy: Nagsha-shampoo ka ba?
(other people break out into laughter)
I mean, ng Clear?
Gugu Girl: I want to kill you.
I wonder if she had Light Yagami’s Death Note.
She asks me why...I'm just a hairy guy
I'm hairy noon and night; Hair that's a fright.
I'm hairy high and low,Don't ask me why; don't know!
It's not for lack of bread. Like the Grateful Dead; darling
-intro to Hair, The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
Balakubak Boy: Nagsha-shampoo ka ba?
(other people break out into laughter)
I mean, ng Clear?
Gugu Girl: I want to kill you.
I wonder if she had Light Yagami’s Death Note.
She asks me why...I'm just a hairy guy
I'm hairy noon and night; Hair that's a fright.
I'm hairy high and low,Don't ask me why; don't know!
It's not for lack of bread. Like the Grateful Dead; darling
-intro to Hair, The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
May 29, 2009
Little boys?
Overheard beyond my cubicle walls:
(suddenly, above the usual noisy chatter)
Female from programming: Manyak! Puro manyak ang ka-trabaho ko.
In silence, my mind shouted, "Bakla! Puro bakla sa opisinang ito."
Earlier this morning, two g*ys, loud at gym talk, were giggling over someone they referred to as Gayden Kho. (Sorry, Katrina.)
ENOLA GAY
by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Enola gay, you should have stayed at home yesterday
Aha words can't describe the feeling and the way you lied
These games you play, they're gonna end in more than tears someday
Aha enola gay, it shouldn't ever have to end this way
It's 8:15, and that's the time that it's always been
We got your message on the radio, conditions normal and you're coming home
Enola gay, is mother proud of little boy today
Aha this kiss you give, it's never ever gonna fade away
Enola gay, it shouldn't ever have to end this way
Aha enola gay, it shouldn't fade in our dreams away
It's 8:15, and that's the time that it's always been
We got your message on the radio, conditions normal and you're coming home
Enola gay, is mother proud of little boy today
Aha this kiss you give, it's never ever gonna fade away
(suddenly, above the usual noisy chatter)
Female from programming: Manyak! Puro manyak ang ka-trabaho ko.
In silence, my mind shouted, "Bakla! Puro bakla sa opisinang ito."
Earlier this morning, two g*ys, loud at gym talk, were giggling over someone they referred to as Gayden Kho. (Sorry, Katrina.)
ENOLA GAY
by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Enola gay, you should have stayed at home yesterday
Aha words can't describe the feeling and the way you lied
These games you play, they're gonna end in more than tears someday
Aha enola gay, it shouldn't ever have to end this way
It's 8:15, and that's the time that it's always been
We got your message on the radio, conditions normal and you're coming home
Enola gay, is mother proud of little boy today
Aha this kiss you give, it's never ever gonna fade away
Enola gay, it shouldn't ever have to end this way
Aha enola gay, it shouldn't fade in our dreams away
It's 8:15, and that's the time that it's always been
We got your message on the radio, conditions normal and you're coming home
Enola gay, is mother proud of little boy today
Aha this kiss you give, it's never ever gonna fade away
Broadcast Burger
ABS-CBN leads TV Ratings National Survey
http://www.mukamo.com/abs-cbn-wins-tv-ratings-national-survey/
I won't delve into the ABS-CBN vs. GMA Network row, but Gabby and Charo are very happy.
Food stubs were distributed this morning that said:
Pa-Burger nina EL3 at CSC
A Thanksgiving Merienda
Indicative of pop-culture, the rally name was insensitive (perhaps trascendent is a better word) to promote particularly one major advertiser over another.
Perhaps AGB Nielsen should come up with NUBAM: the nationwide urban burger appetite measurement.
X-RAY HAMBURGERS
by The Network
As they stare into our flesh
At the end of what comes next
Peering deep into the light
X-ray hamburgers tonight
Evolution of a race
In outer space
Running tests upon our scars
Bits and pieces of our hearts
Burnt so hot beneath the light
X-ray hamburgers tonight
Evolution of a race
In outer space
You're the change that had to come
As we stare into the sun
Pane of glass we can see through
X-ray hamburger is you
It's you
X-ray hamburger to go
It's you
X-ray hamburger to go
It's you
X-ray hamburger to go
It's you
X-ray hamburger to go
http://www.mukamo.com/abs-cbn-wins-tv-ratings-national-survey/
I won't delve into the ABS-CBN vs. GMA Network row, but Gabby and Charo are very happy.
Food stubs were distributed this morning that said:
Pa-Burger nina EL3 at CSC
A Thanksgiving Merienda
Indicative of pop-culture, the rally name was insensitive (perhaps trascendent is a better word) to promote particularly one major advertiser over another.
Perhaps AGB Nielsen should come up with NUBAM: the nationwide urban burger appetite measurement.
X-RAY HAMBURGERS
by The Network
As they stare into our flesh
At the end of what comes next
Peering deep into the light
X-ray hamburgers tonight
Evolution of a race
In outer space
Running tests upon our scars
Bits and pieces of our hearts
Burnt so hot beneath the light
X-ray hamburgers tonight
Evolution of a race
In outer space
You're the change that had to come
As we stare into the sun
Pane of glass we can see through
X-ray hamburger is you
It's you
X-ray hamburger to go
It's you
X-ray hamburger to go
It's you
X-ray hamburger to go
It's you
X-ray hamburger to go
May 15, 2009
A Man After Your Own Heart
(I removed the name DAVID, and replaced it with my own.)
O God, Father in heaven and earth
I call to You like deep calls to deep over water
Show me Your endless measure of grace
Let tender mercies shine once again
From Your holy face
Deep in my soul there's a craving
To please the One who has saved me
O God, though I have fallen so far
You know that I'm still
A man after Your own heart
I am driven by rivers of pride
You are my rescue
The Maker and Keeper of my life
Lead me by the still waters again
Use me in spite of the prodigal child
That You know I am
Just as a deer runs to water
So does my soul to You, Father
O God, though I have wandered so far
You know that I'm still
A man after Your own heart
I'm still a man after Your own heart
O God, Father in heaven and earth
I call to You like deep calls to deep over water
Show me Your endless measure of grace
Let tender mercies shine once again
From Your holy face
Deep in my soul there's a craving
To please the One who has saved me
O God, though I have fallen so far
You know that I'm still
A man after Your own heart
I am driven by rivers of pride
You are my rescue
The Maker and Keeper of my life
Lead me by the still waters again
Use me in spite of the prodigal child
That You know I am
Just as a deer runs to water
So does my soul to You, Father
O God, though I have wandered so far
You know that I'm still
A man after Your own heart
I'm still a man after Your own heart
May 13, 2009
Yesterday I felt so cold I shivered like a child
Overheard beyond my cubicle walls:
Popsicle girl: Ang lamig naman dito!
Ogle boy: Naka-mini skirt ka eh.
Popsicle girl: Mainit eh.
Popsicle girl: Ang lamig naman dito!
Ogle boy: Naka-mini skirt ka eh.
Popsicle girl: Mainit eh.
April 15, 2009
I had 32 pieces of dimsum
The remnants of our high school gang, RAMPAJE, welcomed Easter morning with Yam Cha siomai at the Shell service station just outside UP along Commonwealth Avenue.
Par, Nikko and I each had 32 pieces. Alex, who came from the church activity at Claret, had eight.
Right there was born The Priory of Sayang - consciousness of the conspiracy to hide the arrival of Planet X in 2012 and, with it, cataclysmic events that might render India the new south pole.
See http://theprioryofsayang.blogspot.com/
Par the Intelligent intimated the safest place in the world to re-locate when things start happening. He also found a Philippine location that we can migrate to in a day's time. It cemented my resolve to acquire a more suitable mode of transportation.
Of course, we won't just disclose the location to anyone. They would have to be part of the Inner Circle of Siomai, unless they have already committed to the High Holy Order of Extra Rice and Free Soup.
Par, Nikko and I each had 32 pieces. Alex, who came from the church activity at Claret, had eight.
Right there was born The Priory of Sayang - consciousness of the conspiracy to hide the arrival of Planet X in 2012 and, with it, cataclysmic events that might render India the new south pole.
See http://theprioryofsayang.blogspot.com/
Par the Intelligent intimated the safest place in the world to re-locate when things start happening. He also found a Philippine location that we can migrate to in a day's time. It cemented my resolve to acquire a more suitable mode of transportation.
Of course, we won't just disclose the location to anyone. They would have to be part of the Inner Circle of Siomai, unless they have already committed to the High Holy Order of Extra Rice and Free Soup.
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