Digital Chain

grafiti

Originally uploaded by alvinctanicala.

I took snap shot of this “pledge” on one of the walls at the Cathedral. An undying expression of love for his/her parents. I hope that she meant it.

What’s wrong with the younger generation is that they cannot verbalize their love to their parents. Even parents have a hard time verbalizing theirs too.

To a certain extent, I find this gesture quite sweet and touching. Deep down inside this vandal still recognizes the need to express love for parents.

It’s three in the morning of Christmas day 2006. I can’t sleep just yet so I Googled a bit. I was looking for bloggers from Baguio City.

Then I came across an Iloko blog (here) by Jaime Agpalo, Jr. He posted a piece of history (according to him its “for the record” and “for research”). It was about GUMIL.

I remember when I was 17 years old, I attended this writer’s meeting. It was held at the old city library and used to be the office of the Philippine Information Agency. The place has since been torn down and converted into a parking lot.

At that meeting I met interesting people. At that time I did not know I was in the presence of great people.

Although, I was exposed to Iloko literature at an early age (my father introduced me to Bannawag) I did not really immerse myself in the art. But I have great admiration for those who did.

Today, because of my neglect, I rarely read Iloko literature. I have a hard time writing in Iloko, too.

But still the language is magical. I am easily mesmerized by it.

aDSC00552

Originally uploaded by alvinctanicala.
I snapped this photo with my handy-dandy camera phone when I was bringing my daughter to her piano class. The mother was offering her child a biscuit. Perhaps a meal for them already.

Below is a song that was sung by a group of artist raising funds for the famine in Africa.

It’s Christmastime,
there’s no need to be afraid
At Christmastime,
we let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty
we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world
at Christmastime

But say a prayer,
pray for the other ones
At Christmastime it’s hard,
but when you’re having fun
There’s a world outside your window,
and it’s a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing
is the bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring there
are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight thank God it’s them
instead of you

Weekend Warriors

Originally uploaded by alvinctanicala.
First off - my experience with the Baguio Airsoft Club( BAC) is excellent! The hospitality is truly awesome. Sa inyong lahat, maraming salamat!

Although I got interested in airsoft a couple of years ago, it was only fairly recent that I really joined the sport. There are revelations and serendipity in the experience.

I was surprised that Ion and Doc are airsoft enthusiasts! I know Doc because we meet during meetings(he’s one of the top honchos in a big government hospital) ; while Ion (another top notch guy working at city hall) was a college buddy. I saw a few familiar faces - I see them along Session Rd - and I am happy to have met them because of the sport.

Now, why do I say its a misunderstood sport?

Well, tell me what you think about this imagery : in full military uniform; intimidating guns (never know if its the real thing or not); covered faces (masks); and usually seen like they are about to go to war or off to a conflict somewhere. Second impression: guns are bad; people with guns tend to be violent; people with guns are intimidating.

What they do not know is Airsoft is (aside from being a sport with a multitude of followers) a gentleman’s sport - occassionally ladies come by to play, too.

Although the sport may seem about aggression and killing, it is not. In my five games with the group, I found out that aggression and the ability to “kill” and “be killed” is not the attraction. It’s the discipline, the camaraderie, the patience, the endurance, the strategic thinking, the adrenalin; and, the exercise in restraint.

These are values that are found in most of the sports - values overlooked by many.

Unknown to many, the players of airsoft are respected members of society or diligent students. They would rather play weekend warriors and trade bb’s and swap “war stories” than indulge in other “sports” where they exchage other things.

A potential that is overlooked by many who do not understand the sport is the character-building component.

I can’t wait for the next game!

Here’s an interesting “compare and contrast” of the Filipino Dream and the American Dream.

The Filipino Dream

That Filipino Dream is a simple one, and it revolves around the Filipino family and its well-being, not around material goods. We want to be able to provide for the needs of every member of our family and to leave something behind for our children and grandchildren to build on. That means a good education, a good job, a roof over our heads, and peace and security in our homes and neighborhoods. We want to start our children off at a level better than what we ourselves began with. (Sen. Manuel A. Roxas)

The American Dream

The American Dream is a subjective term usually implying a successful and satisfying life. This term usually implies financial security and material comfort, but can also imply a dream of fame, exceeding social, ethnic, or class boundaries, or simply living a fulfilling life. Perceptions of the American dream are usually framed in terms of American capitalism, its associated meritocracy, and the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Bill of Rights.

The term is not easily defined, and has subjective meaning to many who claim it. The American Dream is often associated with immigration, as the dream of religious freedom, economic prosperity, and meritocracy has historically driven immigrants to the United States. The term is used by many modern Americans to signify success in life as a result of hard work (as in, “living [or pursuing] the American Dream”). (wikipedia)

When we have time on our hands, me and my wife, head off to the local massage parlor for a muscle soothing massage. This massage parlor is run by blind persons - with the exception of the cashier. They require a sighted person to keep an eye on the cash.

Many times over I hear from the masseur that they are often cheated when it comes to money matters.

It’s hard enough for sighted people to distinguish by touch/feel what’s the difference between a twenty peso bill from a 1,000 peso bill what more for the visually impaired.

Sighted people take advantage of the blind. Often they are cheated in PUVs, stores and other commercial joints. This is hard earned money! For them this is subsistence!

If only we can follow what they did in the United States.

A federal judge ruled that the US Treasury Department descriminates against the blind and ordered that discussion be made to redesign paper currency so that the blind could distinguish among $1, $5, $10 and other bills. Full story here.

If only the DSWD, NCWDP and the BSP start discussing the matter and come up with the best solution the soonest- for the sake of our brothers and sisters who are visually impaired.

My daughter loves this Disney Musical (here). In one of their numbers the “jocks” were admonishing their star player to “get his head in the game” - a.k.a focus!

I’m having the same problem - I have been sitting in front of my terminal and staring at the screen with gazillion things on my mind. I was suppose to be starting on my year-end reports but suddenly lost the excitement to do so (not that annual reports are exciting to make). Then the musical came to mind. Now, like the last song syndrome (read about it here), it keeps playing in my mind.

How to focus on tasks at hand? Beats me. I can google articles about it but what’s the point. I told you - i do not have focus. At the moment I’m “far-sighted” , looking into the future. What I should be doing is looking at things as a “near-sighted” fellow.

I like thinking that far - at least in this case. Just visualizing things and creating scenarios; taking me away from what I should be doing.

There’s this something in my mind that needs to be addressed - but again - can’t quite get a fix on it. My radar’s off-line!