Bold and Exciting Jordan Retro 9 Shoes

The number of Michael Jordan’s fans kept on increasing every year especially when Nike’s Air Jordan line came up with another innovation that men and women, young and old will crave for. And when Jordan Retro 9 shoes came out of the market, the anticipation and excitement were met with satisfied grin and sigh, and lots of encouraging words like, “They (Retro shoes) are classic and turn heads,” or the comment from  a satisfied wife, “Gift for my husband, he loved them!!!”

However, before reaching the popularity and status like what Air Jordan shoe lines are enjoying, shoe designers from Nike spent countless hours to come up with innovative shoe ideas that not only please the eyes but it also yield comfort like no other.  Needless to say, the satisfaction one gets from Jordan Retro 9 shoes is a product of research, research and more research to provide customer satisfaction that is only fitting to carry the legacy of his airness.  

Another Air Jordan Innovation

The Retro series basketball shoes are made from materials produced by the latest technology.  Hence, the Retro 9 boosts with features like encapsulated air-sole, mid-sole made of polyurethane, a lace with one-pull feature, and a whole lot more.  There are also wide array of colors and color combination to choose from like the classic black, of course, and black combined with white, red, brown and fur (yes you read it right, a fur).  There is also the classic white, and white combined with other colors like gray, blue, and red.  If you fancy fur, then there is also a fur Jordan Retro 9 shoes in silver gray, while the three-color combination of black, white and gold; and blue, white and black are also interesting. Prices for Retro 9 choices range from $75 USD to $85 USD depending on where you buy it. 

Aside from Air Jordan shoes or simply Jordans for men, there are also other Air Jordan choices for you to choose from.  MJ’s shoe line from Nike came out in ’85, and since then, the giant shoe company has managed to introduce innovative Jordans’ sneakers each year.  More so, the sneakers are no longer for basketball players alone shoe lines for men and kids were also launched, thus further expanding MJ’s reach and market. 

Apart from this, the yearly addition of Air Jordan’s shoe collections cater to those who prefer the classic black or white or those who also fancy a more adventurous color combination. This is the reason why the shoe line became a favorite for sneakers-lovers especially that it also carry the excellence attached to MJ’s name but also his legacy in the field of basketball.  Lastly, if not for MJ’s Air Jordan, athletic shoes will most probably still confine to one lone color white.  MJ’s boldness from wearing black and red sneakers during his rookie year in ’84 was met with criticisms and reprimand from the NBA authorities booted with a heaping $5,000 USD fine every time he wears it.  Yet, without his boldness, Air Jordans will not be as exciting as it is today.              

(This article was commissioned by Sandeep Sharma I met in oDesk and he used this article but never paid me.  Sharma was a scam!  BEWARE!!! I am posting this so Copyscape or the owner of the site where this article came out/published will know.)

Jordan Retro 8 Shoes, Another Air Jordan Innovation

Jordan Retro 8 Shoes is part of the Air Jordan shoe lines that follows the glittering career of Michael Jordan or fondly called MJ in the basketball arena.  This new addition to the successful shoe line offer an array of color choices and combinations that will surely fit one’s personal taste and style.  You can choose from variations of classic white and silver, black and chrome, black and red, and black and green.  There are also three exciting color combinations like black, white and red; white, blue and orange with a touch of grey; white and aqua with a touch of grey and yellow; white, orange and silver; navy blue and orange with a tad of green; and black and aqua with a tad of royal blue. The price for a pair of this must-have sneakers range from $80 to a little over $85 USD depending on where you buy it. 

Aside from Jordan Retro 8 Shoes for men, there are also choices for women.  And the only difference, of course, is the color choices like a three color combination of white, royal blue and red; white, pink and black; white, orange and black; black and blue; black and purple; and lastly, the classic black and pink.  Price for the women’s line is just a little lesser than those of the men. However, before the Retro series came out, Air Jordan sneakers go way back to year ’85.  The shoe line followed the flourishing and exciting career of MJ that every success in his career is coupled with a new Air Jordan design every year.  And to give you a glimpse, read on.   

  

Air Jordan Shoe Line Follows the Glittering Career of MJ

The first year MJ stepped foot in the basketball field in ’84, he never failed to awe Chicago Bulls basketball fans by garnering awards year after year.  His prowess and stamina, and simply brilliant basketball moves earned him a Rookie of the Year in ’85 and it also marked the start of his flourishing shoe line under Nike.  By then, white athletic shoes are the trend but MJ’s Air Jordan made athletic shoes interesting.  His black and red Air Jordan sneakers gained attention that it even challenged NBA’s regulation on the color of sneakers.  However, MJ couldn’t just let his black and red Air Jordan sit in the sidelines.  Needless to say, he embraced the challenge and even accepted the fine of $5,000 US Dollars every time he wears his Air Jordan to the basketball court.  Of course, Nike paid the tab. 

Since then, a new Air Jordan sneaker tickles the fancy of both basketball fanatics and sneaker-loving citizens.  New Air Jordan designs, colorful of course, grace Nike stores every year as a result of Nike designers’ endless researches and innovations. In every Air Jordan, comfort is given utmost attention but most importantly, its design that could further enhance basketball performance.  Basketball players, professionals or otherwise, are treated to a comfortable twist and turns in the basketball court that further made Jordan Retro 8 Shoes and other Air Jordan sneakers a must-have.  So, what’s in this Retro line?  The legacy of MJ’s excellence of course.   

(This article was commissioned by Sandeep Sharma I met in oDesk and he used this article but never paid me.  Sharma was a scam!  BEWARE!!! I am posting this so Copyscape or the owner of the site where this article came out/published will know.)

Plagiarism Brouhaha in PI

Image is not mine. Credits goes to the link provided   

Recently and even up to now, plagiarism became a byword that plagued and invaded the social media sites.  Entries on who plagiarized what are aplenty.  Fault finding and pointing fingers (middle and all others) flew in all directions.  Name calling became a game that everyone seemed to enjoy.  Filipinos, Pro-RH or otherwise, found their voice to express their disgust or their defense to what they think and wholeheartedly believe is right.  The plagiarism brouhaha even banged the doors of the unknowing Pope (Read: not the Pope who is slumbering peacefully in Vatican and who declared condom use is 'okay' to prevent the spread of HIV).  

The Titoying (a term borrowed from a commenter mitosv) of articles in PI (Read: Philippine Island you...#*@n) were from supposedly five different bloggers including Sarah Pope.  Pope's article published in her blogsite, The Healthy Economist became the centerpiece of the titoying brouhaha.  But instead of facing the issue in a manly manner, titoying errr...the man(?) in question quipped with full arrogance on why should he should cite a blogger.  Worst is, not only did he belittle Pope and other bloggers in the process but binudburan pa ng asin at pinatakan pa ng kalamansi. Oh...I am a blogger... hmmm...thinking.   

As the debacle on titoying escalates, Antis are also trying to dig dirt and fault against the champions of the Pros. But isn't it that the Christian way is, kapag binato ka ay batuhin mo ng tinapay?  If the Antis think that they are better than the Pros since they are blessed by the Divines (THINK of the sea of walis tambo and walis tingting during some prayer rallies), then why not leave it be and just...well...pray.  

If the RH Bill is such an 'evil' bill (really?), then prayers would suffice to demonize the Pros, right? But if majority of Filipinos who use their brains are Pros, then Antis will have lots of demonizing to do. 

  

Ang mga alalahanin araw-araw

Image credit to the linked website

Common Filipino Phrases

Graphics is not mine. Credits goes to the link provided:

Kamusta po kayo, tuloy po kayo, and salamat po are just some of the usual phrases that you will often hear and encounter when visiting the Philippines. The phrases have loose translations in the English language yet its context can be approximated to the said translation.  Like kamusta po kayo or simply kamusta, the context of the phrase inquires on how you are doing or ‘how are you?’ while the po added in kamusta is a Filipino value of showing respect.  Po is often used in formal conversations and it is usually added in most phrases.  But without it, the phrase can stand alone. So, if you will use kamusta po kayo, with or without po, in a conversation, it could be like:  “Hello, I’m John.  Kamusta (po) kayo?”      

For better understanding, the common Filipino phrases will be presented in an order that shows the Filipino phrase, English translation or context of its meaning, how the phrase is used in a sentence and how it will be pronounced in syllabication. Also, the po will be in a parenthesis to show that its usage is on your own discretion.     

Filipino phrase: Tuloy (po) kayo or simply tuloy                

English translation/context:  ‘Please, come in’ or ‘Come in’        

Usage in sentence:   “Hi John, tuloy po kayo,” said the host and you can answer, “Salamat.  Tuloy na po ako (Thank you.  I’ll come in).”

Pronunciation: Tu-loy po ka-yo

Filipino phrase: Maraming salamat (po) or salamat      

English translation/context:  Salamat po is ‘Thank you’ while Maraming salamat po is ‘Thank you very much.         

Usage in sentence:   “Salamat Peter,” or “Maraming salamat Peter,” you said and your host can answer, “Walang anuman (You are welcome).”

Pronunciation: Ma-ra-ming sa-la-mat po

Filipino phrase: Walang anuman or Wala pong anuman

English translation/context:  You are welcome or it can also be loosely translated as ‘Don’t mention it.’

Usage in sentence:   The phrase is usually a response to salamat and when it is used in a sentence, it will be:   “Salamat Peter,” or “Maraming salamat Peter,” you said and your host can answer, “Walang anuman or wala pong anuman (You are welcome).”

Pronunciation: Wa-lang pong a-nu-man

When asking and answering questions, some of common phrases are: 

Filipino phrase: opo, oho, or Oo              

English translation/context:  The three phrases yield the same meaning or context wherein it simply says ‘yes’.  However, the opo and oho are usually used in formal or polite conversations while oo is used for informal conversations.           

Usage in sentence:   “Joe, are you leaving?” your host asked and you can answer, “Oo.”

Pronunciation: O-o

Filipino phrase: Hindi po, hindi ho, or hindi         

English translation/context:  No

Usage in sentence:   “Mark, are you leaving?” your host asked and you can answer, “Hindi po.”

Pronunciation: Hin-di po

The phrases used for greetings are:

Filipino phrase: Magandang umaga po

English translation/context:  Good morning  

Usage in sentence:   “Magandang umaga Mark,” your host greeted and you can answer, “Magandang umaga din po.” Please note that the word din was added as it was to connote the word ‘also’ or ‘same to you’.

Pronunciation: Ma-gan-dang u-ma-ga 

Filipino phrase: Magandang tanghali po

English translation/context:  Good noon  

Usage in sentence:   “Magandang tanghali Joseph,” your host greeted and you can answer, “Magandang tanghali din po.”

Pronunciation: Ma-gan-dang tang-ha-li

Filipino phrase: Magandang hapon po

English translation/context:  Good afternoon  

Usage in sentence:   “Magandang hapon Dennis,” your host greeted and you can answer, “Magandang hapon din po.”

Pronunciation: Ma-gan-dang ha-pon

Filipino phrase: Magandang gabi po

English translation/context:  Good evening  

Usage in sentence:   “Magandang gabi Joseph,” your host greeted and you can answer, “Magandang gabi din po.”

Pronunciation: Ma-gan-dang ga-bi 

    

Filipino Idiomatic Expressions

Graphics is not mine. Credits go to the link provided.

How many times you’ve told someone ‘keep your head above water’ or ‘I’ll drop you a line’?  Many times, right?  But it doesn’t mean you literally wanted the other person to keep his head above water or that you’ll drop someone a line.  Figurative language, like idioms, has a funny way of conveying a message yet the person who received it still understands what it means.  However, idioms are best understood by people who are born, raised or exposed to the same culture, while those who live in another country also has a set of idioms that are unique like the Filipino idioms.   So, when visiting the Philippines, get acquainted with some popular Filipino idioms as it will help you better understand the language and consequently break communication barriers. 

In this chapter, you be presented with some popular idioms, the approximation of its meaning, how it will be used in a sentence and how it will be pronounced in syllabication.     

Filipino idiom: balat-kalabaw

English translation/context:  Literally, balat means skin and kalabaw is a water buffalo that is thick-skinned. Out of this literal translation, Filipinos has been able to refer insensitivities or dense as being thick-skinned thus being balat-kalaw.   To simply put it, the idiom means as being insensitive or dense.

Usage in sentence:   “Si Pedro ay balat-kalabaw,” Marty said which means ‘Pedro is being insensitive’.   

Pronunciation: ba-lat - ka-la-baw

Filipino idiom: balat-sibuyas

English translation/context:  You already know the meaning of balat so that leaves you with sibuyas which means an onion, and out of this, you’ll have onion skin in literal translation.  Onion skin on this context is referred to the sensitivity of a person wherein the ‘sensitivity’ was likened to the thinness of the onion skin.   

Usage in sentence:   “Si Maria ay balat-sibuyas.  She was easily affected by what Pedro said,” Marvin relayed which means that Maria is sensitive because she was easily affected by what Pedro said.  

Pronunciation: ba-lat – si-bu-yas

Filipino idiom: bantay-salakay

English translation/context:  Literal translation of bantay is to keep watch while salakay is to attack.  The idiom refers to the trait of a person that connotes negativity wherein he will pretend or will show his good side but will grab the opportunity once no one is looking; in short, the person is an opportunist.

Usage in sentence:   “Norberto took advantage of Jessica’s situation.  He offered her marriage after knowing that Jessica’s family was in big a financial problem. Norberto was bantay-salakay.”   

Pronunciation: ban-tay sa-la-kay

Filipino idiom: basag-ulo

English translation/context:  Literal translation of basag is break while ulo is a head.  Just like bantay-salakay, the idiom refers to the trait of a person that connotes negativity wherein the person is the type who is always looking for trouble and even instigating troubles. 

Usage in sentence:   “Oswald is a basag-ulo. He is always looking for a fight. 

Pronunciation: ba-sag u-lo

Other idioms are segregated or grouped according to what it connotes of refer like characters or traits, situations and many more.  

Free Ericson Acosta: SONA 2012 HUNGER STRIKE STATEMENT

Free Ericson Acosta: SONA 2012 HUNGER STRIKE STATEMENT: More statements by political prisoners on the nationally-coordinated fasting / hunger strike here Last September, just as a week-long...

Free Ericson Acosta: INTAL and BAYAN-Europe Solidarity Jam in Belgium

Free Ericson Acosta: INTAL and BAYAN-Europe Solidarity Jam in Belgium: Solidarity jam for detained Filipino poet Ericson Acosta and all political prisoners in the Philippines, held by INTAL and BAYAN-Europe in B...

Home is where the heart is

Photo by Heizel L.M. taken in Lawigan, San Joaquin, Iloilo 

If the phrase 'home is where the heart is' true, then I must be a confused and homeless wanderer bouncing from a place I called home for more than 20 years and a new place of barely five months.

I have two homes now, the one where I spent my more than 20 years with parents, now long gone, and a new place where locals even speak different vernaculars; the AE pronunciation as an alternative to L is confusing, alienating me and making me more alone. But staying and clinging on the memories I spent and enjoyed in the old home is still painful; it is just barely a year when nanay (mother) left.  Death ended her humanly suffering but it started mine. 


So, Armor, my anchor and my love, whisked me away to this new place.  Hundreds of miles and sea separate the two places, leaving behind the teka, dini, dire, dyan, ayan, etc of the tagalog.  While my new home is filled with tongue twister AE in almost every word, a bird-like singsong vernacular that I could not even decipher.  Late afternoons until the wee hours of nights is filled with the sounds of crickets, frogs and the occasional humming of planes going to and from Kalibo. While my old home is filled with vibrant spirits partying, until sunrise kissed their tired but happy faces.  The two places are of two different characters--the new place is so laid back that my rebellious spirit is constantly nagging me while I am missing the rush hour and the vibrant colors of Manila.  I constantly miss my friends too. 


But I am here now with the lone person I am sharing my life, and it is where he wanted us to be.  Even though my heart aches with the memories of coffee breaks with mother, talking and laughing for many long hours, and the memories I still have to create and live in this new house is tearing me apart.  Where should my heart live if I am torn between the memories of the past and the happiness that I still have to live?  

Four Years, Too Short for A Long Time

It has been four years since I last visited and posted something worth writing and reading on this blog.  I can't even say that what I posted here the last time is worth reading at all. The immaturity, the fiery impulsiveness and plain and simple rebelliousness are all recorded, documented and became part of who I am today.  I even forgot that I have this blog...perhaps trying not to remember it works better.

I diverted my attention, went to many places and many things happened in my life in those four years.  Four years, seems so short of a time yet with so many pain and happiness all intertwined, all weaved in my life, four years was long.  I can even wish for my life to stand still in 2009 when both my parents are still alive and everything seem to being doing well.  

Yet, I can't stop time.  It ticks...and fade.  By the second, every minute and hours.  Hours turn to days, months and a year passed with me, living each day just like before.  There was no big change until I met the man whom I gave and still gives my love and attention up to this day.  I was in bliss. Smiling for nothing and laughing at everything.  But just as life is not all happiness and as time is ticking away, as time is life and life is tied with the time I have, the people who gave me life turned their back away from life.  Turned their back away from me.     

In 2010, my father bid his goodbye, leaving behind all the foolishness that only human beings can do.  Leaving his family broken, hurt yet angry from all the foolishness of this world.  Yet, my mother came in next.  Just a year and a month after my father bid his goodbye.  My mother, who was my only anchor, the only person who is keeping me sane, the person who keeps pushing me to fly and dream also bid her goodbye. She made me fly all the way to Zamboanga just to return to her faded and worn out body. 

No words can describe how I felt that day, July 27.  I was far away.  She was no longer with me.  She was drained of life.  

July 27, 2011 was the longest pain in my life and the shortest for the one who gave me life. Now that it is barely a week before that fateful day, it will be again my longest, and tears will again lull me to sleep.   

HIV/AIDS cases continue to rise

The Philippines might face the highest incidence record ever

By HEIZEL LARU-AN MAINAR

November 28, 2010, 3:51pm

Out of 5,625 total HIV/AIDS recorded incidence in the country, the Department of Health (DoH) HIV/AIDS Registry shows that there were about 1,201 new HIV/AIDS cases for this year alone.  This gives an average of 133 cases per month or five new cases everyday thus increasing the incidence to 173 percent as compared to last year’s 1,186 cases.  However, the 1,201 could still rise since the record is until the month of September only.  Once the data for October to December comes in, the Philippines might be facing the highest record of 1,600 for 2010.

 With this staggering figure, DoH, local government units (LGUs), partner agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) are intensifying their information campaign as well as its program on voluntary confidential counseling and testing (VCCT).  According to Celestino Ramirez, founding member of Positive Action Foundation Philippines Inc. (PAFPI) and counselor for 20 years, the increasing numbers could be the result of the VCCTs. “If people have access to information, people would be enticed to visit the social hygiene clinics in their respective LGUs.”

 Ramirez, who first joined an HIV volunteer group in 1989 under Reach Out Asia Foundation, cites that any person in doubt if he is infected or not may avail of the free VCCT and visit the social hygiene clinics.  Also, he stresses on the importance of a proper pre-test counseling before any testing could be done and once the result was positive, the patient will then need a confirmatory testing and then a post-counseling.

 More so, Ramirez stresses that counseling, pre- and post-, prepares a person emotionally, psychologically and mentally to process and accept the result of his test.  Counseling will be crucial on how a person living with HIV (PLHIV) will manage the course of his life despite being positive, just like how 35-year-old Humphrey Gorriceta manages his life.
 
A Positive Voice

 "I was not always positive especially when I first learned of my condition in 2007.  I also went through a dark stage," Goricetti tells.

He was set to work in the Middle East and part of his requirement was to take an HIV test.  When the doctor finally broke the news that he was infected, he did not receive any post counseling but was rather told to report to his agency.
"I was confused and was even in denial.  So after receiving the confirmatory letter, I went to China the next month hoping to get away from the situation.  “I had this illusion that if I am in a place where people don’t know me, I can start over again.  But I realized that I need to start medication soon and that I have to go back to the Philippines.  I cannot deny that to myself," he relates.

Now, Gorriceta is actively involved in volunteer work and as a national spokesperson for the National Federation of Filipinos Living with HIV and AIDS (NAFFWA).  He, together with other volunteers coming from eight member organizations of NAFWA that include PAFPI, Cavite Plus Empowered of Iloilo, Mindanao Advocates, Crossbreeds of Bacolod, Cebu Plus and Babae Plus, are conducting regular trainings and conferences on HIV and VCCTs around the country.

Manipulative ka

Minsan, isang makulimlim na hapon...

HEIZEL:  Punta tayo ng Cafe Terraza, coffee tayo.
ARMOR: Ano ba.  Tinatamad ako.

HEIZEL: Sige na...para maiba naman ang environment natin.
ARMOR: Ayaw ko.

HEIZEL: Hmmm...sarap sanang magkape dun.  Brewed coffee, nice place...
ARMOR: Oo nga...

ARMOR: Maglakad lakad na rin tayo.
HEIZEL: Uhuh...

ARMOR: At bumili na rin tayo ng gulay...
HEIZEL: Uhuh...

ARMOR: Sige na nga...mukhang masarap nga magkape.
HEIZEL: Uhuh...

ARMOR: Ikaw talaga, manipulative ka din no?
HEIZEL: Duh? 

  

it takes time to heal

walking
one step
at a time
takes a lot
work harder
to make, to the side
of healing, signs.

memories

Memories can bring warmth, but sometimes it can make you wonder why not all memories are fond or fun.

Twelve or thirteen years of friendship takes commitment and hardwork, especially honesty. If a friend cannot be honest, then the foundation of that friendship is shaky, or there will is no foundation at all. Or friendship.

With my STAG family, our friendship ahd been tried and tested for many years. Eventhough there are some years of silence, when everybody wants to be alone, a time when one wants to find her courage to be a better friend when he or she returns, still a true friend stays. Then, more memories can be made. May it be to laugh at or something to think about.

still learning

It is time to start a new chapter and I will not count the whys but the why nots of my beautiful life.

let me be

ang hirap. pag nanahimik ka...pagbibintangan ka. pag wala kang sinasabi, may nangingialam. ang daming sumasawsaw. kung maaari lang na manahimik na po sana at magkaroon tayo ng kapayapaan sa ating mga sarili. nasaan ang pagiging civil? kung maaari lang. SALAMAT.

having a point sometimes not having one at all

When was the time you lost in one of those battle of words where you could not articulate what you should say if your heart was screaming faster than you could actually say the words? Or how about pointing and stressing a fact and demanding that you have a point but when you analyzed and dissected the words, there's none? Hmmm... Or how about some people slaps you in the face with their good old arrogance only that person could perfectly muster and do? Or how about getting lost in your missery and blaming other people for having so?

Damn! What a fucking bullshit thing to point. Maybe having a point sometimes is not having one at all?

Good Fiction in a Writing Workshop, An Excerpt from Dr. Cirilo Bautista's column in Panorama published last May 28, 2006. Sir Bau, thank you

IN THE 7th UST Creative Writing Workshop, held last May 2-6 in Manila and Tagaytay, the fictionists had a better grasp of their craft than the poets had of theirs. The poets, who were more in number, failed to reflect in their works the excellence demanded by poetic structure and content.

After all, poetry of any kind is a discourse of naturally pleasing sounds. And achieving this requires mastery of the poetic language. We told the fellows in the Workshop – Roxanne H. Belen, Hazel E. Caasi, Niña Catherine P. Calleja, Alexie Renz M. Cruz, Ainne Frances F. dela Cruz, Margaux Dominique R. Dimanlig, Sarah Jean B. Grutas, Irene Lising, Heizel L. Mainar, Tim Nubla, Jonathan Siason, and Chuck Smith – that writing poetry is a life-long commitment, not a one-week child’s play. Considering that the fellows were participating in a national writing workshop for the first time, the panelists – Ophelia A. Dimalanta, Cirilo F. Bautista, Eros Atalia, Nerisa Guevara, Carlos Luz, Victor Torres, Lourd de Veyra, and Michael Coroza – gave small lectures on the discipline and requirements of the poetic craft.

The stories are more satisfying. They reveal the concerns of the young writers for both personal and social materials that alter their consciousness of things and the appropriate sensitivity and craft to validate their arguments. Mainar in Biyahe shows how the humdrum everyday realities seen in a third-class bus stop affect a young woman psychologically. After seeing someone taking a bath in a canal, after bearing the heat and noise inside the bus, after fending off the advances of a sex harasser, and after hearing the sob stories of some passengers, she feels dirty. All she desires is to reach home and take a bath. Mainar’s Ang Mga Bubuwit sa Flytrap is about relationships that have gone sour, and what decisions those involved have to do to get on in life. The author succeeds in conveying the repressed emotion that Karen needs to bring out to exorcise that past and get free of Roel. It is a touching story that needs only minor revisions to achieve more impact.

samut saring karanasan, kapangahasan, katatawanan at kahihiyan

Sa nakalipas na halos isang buwan, talaga namang napakaraming nangyari sa akin na samut saring karanasan. Halos hindi ko mabilang at maalala lahat...o pilit huwag alalahanin ang mga bagay na nakaapekto sa akin o kahit man lang nakapagbigay ng impresyon, pangit man o maganda. Sisimulan ko sa pagsali ko sa isang Linggong training/seminar on HIV Peer Education 101. Tama ka...isa nga itong training tungkol sa sakit na HIV...kung papaano ang tamang pananaw, scientifically at paano ang tamang approach in a more humane way ukol sa sakit na HIV at AIDS. Isinali ako ng aking kliyente at naging kabibigan na si Joshua, na siya ring President/CEO ng NGO na ginawan ko ng process documentation sa mga lalawigan ng Eastern Samar at Bohol noong nakaraang January 29 hanggang February 15 sa proyekto ng UNFPA. Aaminin ko na bago ang nasabing proyekto, kahit pa man din alam ko ang paraan kung papaano nakakahawa ang sakit na ito, hindi pa rin maiwasan na ma-freak out ang lola mo. Inimbita ako ni Joshue sa christmas party ng NGO noong nakaraang taon at hindi ko inakala na ang ilan o karamihan sa mga nagsipagdalo sa kasiyahan ay may HIV. Na-schock ako? Hindi masyado pero oo. Kaya hindi rin ako gaanong nagtagal sa party ay sumugod ako sa opisina na aking kaibigan na isang editor ng Manila Bulletin. Doon, sa harap ng mga bola at tako ng bilyar, ibinuhos ko sa kanya ang aking pagkagulat at pagkapahiya sa sarili dahil hindi ko pa rin pala basta-basta maiaalis ang hibo ng diskriminasyon. Nakakahiya.

Mula noon, nagsumikap ako na baguhin ang aking pananaw hanggang sa simulan ko na nga ang aming proyekto sa pagdodokumento ng mga activities ng nasabing NGO.

Balik tayo sa HIV Peer Education 101. Doon, karamihan uli sa mga dumalo ay mga affected families at mga HIV infected din. Kakaunti lang kami o sabihin na nating dalawa lamang kaming participants sa isang Linggong seminar na walang HIV o walang kamag-anak na meron nito. Pero, natutuwa na rin ako sa aking sarili dahil masasabi kong tanggap ko na ng buong-buo ang harsh reality ng ito. Sa sking mga nakasalamuha, mas napalalim ang aking pang-unawa sa human nature...maybe psychology o kung ano pa mang dapat pag-unawa ang dapat gawin. Hindi sa binibigyan ko ng espesyal na pagtingin ang mgamaysakit ng HIV kundi sa pangkalahatan. Mas madali kong naarok ang mga pinaghuhugutan ng kanilang kinakaharap ng mga challenges sa buhay.

Pagkatapos naman ng isang Linggo at halos isang araw lamang na pahinga, nagsimula naman ang 7th UST National Writer's Workshop. Dito, halos araw-araw na katayan ng mga isinulat namin ang nangyari. Mayroong may nagkumento ng pahaplos, meron din namang suntok. Pero ano pa nga ba ang aasahan mo sa ganoong workshop? Mapalad kami at nakadaupang palad namin ang mga kilala na sa panulat na sina Dr. Cirilo F. Bautista, Manolito Sulit, Michael Corosa, Victor Torres, Nerissa Guevarra, Lourd De Veyra (si cursh), Eros Atalia (ang aking kaklase) at Dr. Ofie Dimalanta. Natuwa ako ng labis dahil nagustuhan ni Dr. Bautista ang aking isimulat na 'Biyahe' at 'Ang mga Bubuwit sa Flytrap'. Nagkaroon pa ng kaunting comparison sa istilo ng panulat ni NVM Gonzales ang aking 'Biyahe' dahil sa parang walang nangyayari sa plot pero maraming nangyayari sa karakter. Naka-set lamang ang kwento sa istasyon ng bus at sa paghihintay ng karakter uminog ang kwento. Doon pa lang sa workshop at gustong ko nang pamulahan ng mukha hindi sa hiya kundi sa hindi mapigilang tuwa. But of course, I may not be able to show it openly. At noong nakaraang Linggo, May 28, isinulat ni Dr. Bautista sa kanyang column na Breaking Signs sa Panorama ang kaganapan ng nasabing workshop at doon naulit ang magagandang sinabi tungkol sa aming mga gawa at hindi ko na itatagong sobra akong natuwa.

Pagkatapos ng writer's workshop, sumunod naman ang proyekto sa UNESCO. Kinuha ako ni Dr. Isagani Cruz bilang production assistant sa WOW Philippines para sa mga dayuhang delegado sa Theater Olympics of the Nations (TON). Ngunit pagkaraan ng halos isang Linggo, inilipat ako ni Dr. Cruz sa isang kritikal na trabaho--ang mag handle ng publicity ng (TON). Syempre, sunggab ako sa trabaho hindi lamang sa prestihiyosong event ang mangyayari kundi dahil na rin sa mas malaki ang kabayaran. At tulong ng ilang mga kaklase, lalo na ang mga kapatid at kaibigan sa STAG, nakapagimbita ako ng mga media mula sa print at broadcast. Sa tulong ni Edward, nakapag-live coverage kami sa Unang Hirit at nakapagpaunta ako ng apat na theater group, tatlong lokal at isang dayuhang grupo. Masaya. Ngunit, sa kabuuhan, bilang isang alagad ng teatro na kung saan ako nahubog noong kolehiyo, ang nangyaribng event ay hindi masyadong maganda. Akalain mo, sa gitna ng isang dramatic scene...kahit pa amn sabihing nasa five minute break lamang ang palabas ay may maglalabas ng plakard para ianunsiyo ang dinner ng mga dayuhang delegado...ano ito? Isang variety show?

Natapos ang event noong May 28 at pagkaraan lamang ng dalawang araw ay lumabas naman ang aking pangalan sa column ni Dr. Cruz. Nakakatuwa ang kanyang pasasalamat ngunit mas nakakatuwa sana kung tama ang spelling ng aking pangalan. SIGH.

Ngayon...eto ako. Pagkaraan ng halos isang Linggo ay napakarami nang pending na trabaho sa ibang mga kliyente na hindi ko masyadong nabigyan ng pansin dahil sa UNESCO.

there's no free lunch for freelance

It's been almost half a year since I decided to try my hand in the freelance thing...that is, freelance writer, freelance PR and freelance trainer. I'm a freelance writer for a well being section of a national broadsheet, radio scriptwriter, writer/contributor for an educational magazine, writer/researcher/process documentor for an NGO, PR agent for a mangosteen company and the not so down to earth group of barangay San Lorenzo. SIGH. If only I could plan my time properly without the many interruptions and distractions, I will be earning good money from all my rakets, however, it is hard to find my discipline when I have no time to consider, no pressure from the big bosses and all. I think that is going to be my biggest challenge if ever I'll continue my laid back attitude towards work.

In a few weeks from now, I'll have a new client for PR and some training raket from a training manager friend. Still, I still don't know what I really want. I am overwhelmed. Sometimes, I don't know anymore if I am doing the right thing or not.

********************

Last Tuesday, the UST National Workshop started and I am one of the fellows. I'm proud but I have my reservations.