Bicol Blossoms (Part 3)

My search for one of my favorite subjects for my hobby has led me to the neighboring province of Camarines Sur. I visited a friend's farm somewhere in Cararayan, Naga City. The lot is about a couple of hectares and is free from any of the smog that wraps downtown. It boasts of a game fowl area as well as hogs and cows. To my delight, I found a few specimens some of which are posted here. The others? Well, let's just say that I'm saving them for something special.

Remember November

There comes a storm in the sky
Then the rain falls down
There comes a thunder from a cloud
That makes trees frown
When we look back and we discover
We realize then we remember

There comes a ray from the sun
Then flowers reach full bloom
There comes a Hand from above
That pulls us from the doom

There is an eagle in flight
Then the wind catches his wings
There is a mountain up high
With the life that it brings

There comes a time in our life
When we have to choose
To follow the path
And either win or loose
We look back and we discover
We realize then we remember

There’s a long hard road to heaven
It is not an easy way
There’s a long hard road to heaven
We have to move or go astray

We look back and we remember
That it was that day in November
We look back and we remember
That it was that day in November

The Truth Trip

“I do recall that every moment spent was wasted time
But then I chose to lay it on the line

I want this all my life…”

The maroon passenger van left the wet terminal at around 4:15 in the afternoon. All I had with me was my overnight kit, an extra shirt and high hopes that I’d be able to get a ticket for a concert of a lifetime. As I stared at the blurry scenes of the road on the way to Naga City, my mind raced back to the very start of this fan trip.
The year was 1978 and I was about to enter senior high. The music of the times was folk rock. Most of the guys in school were into Eric Clapton and CSNY. To stand out, I needed to lay my hands on music that would tow me away from Saturday Night Fever and make me “one of the boys.” First step was to learn to play the guitar. And so I did.
“A Horse With No Name” had only two basic chords and was the easiest one to learn. The next was “Ventura Highway” that could be acceptably played also with two chords. I later understood that it had actually more than four. When I soon became skilled to play the keyboards, I made sure that America songs were on my list. To familiarize myself with their music, I borrowed the LP ‘History’ (America’s Greatest Hits) from one of my friends. I started collecting their albums whenever and wherever I found them. I got hooked to America from then on.

By the time I got back to my senses, the van had entered the outskirts of Naga. I began to be uneasy. A couple of weeks earlier, word got around that the tickets were already sold out. Did I travel for more than an hour for nothing? Nevertheless, I stuck to my original plan and that was to hang-out outside the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) Sports Palace and just listen in.
I met up with my friend Alex, who is also fan, at the San Francisco Church. Both of us had no tickets yet and he agreed to my plan just in case. When we arrived at the site, the large crowd I expected to see was not there and it was already 6:45 PM. To our delightful surprise, tickets were still being sold at the gate. We hurried inside and looked for the best seats our tickets could afford.
I only realized that my dream had come true when I saw Dewey Bunell, Gerry Beckley and the rest of their band begin playing. I just stood astounded all throughout the event. There they were, right in front of me, and in person: the band I have admired for more than thirty years. What made me bowl over was the song ‘Old Man Took.’ It is one of the most inspiring songs I have ever known. Although I prayed for it, I never expected them to play it that night.

When they made their bow, I began to slowly make my way out through the crowd who were asking for an encore. By the time I was outside the gates, Gerry Beckley came back with his acoustic version of ‘All My Life.’ As I walked alone towards UNC’s main gate, Dewey Bunell was singing ‘A Horse With No Name’ with the whole band. Like all their other songs, it is a part of the story of my life.

“On the first part of the journey
I was looking at all the life
There were plants and birds and rocks and things
There was sand and hills and rings
The first thing I met was a fly with a buzz
And the sky with no clouds
The heat was hot and the ground was dry
But the air was full of sound

I've been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert you can remember your name
'Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain

After two days in the desert sun
My skin began to turn red
After three days in the desert fun
I was looking at a river bed
And the story it told of a river that flowed
Made me sad to think it was dead

You see I've been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert you can remember your name'
Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain

After nine days I let the horse run free'
Cause the desert had turned to sea
There were plants and birds and rocks and things
there was sand and hills and rings
The ocean is a desert with it's life underground
And a perfect disguise above
Under the cities lies a heart made of ground
But the humans will give no love

You see I've been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert you can remember your name'
Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain..."


The music of America is indeed the perfect combination of melody, lyrics and values. That night I became a more inspired musician and most importantly, an enhanced human being.

The Loner

As I walk down the streets of pain
People stop to call my name
I just look down and close my eyes
While they try to say something nice
I don’t care what these idiots say
I just want to go my way
I wish they would leave me alone
Under the rain and cold to the bone

I am teary-eyed, don’t look at me
I want some peace, don’t talk to me
Don’t smile at me, I’m feeling down
Just leave me be to roam about town

Past the shops I go through the center square
Up the hill and back when there’s no one there
The graveyard seems to keep me company
They don’t stare at me, they leave me be
I lay myself in the alleys of dirt
While suspicious folks are on alert

I am teary-eyed, don’t look at me
I want some peace, don’t talk to me
Don’t smile at me, I’m feeling down
Just leave me be to roam about town

Do not be mean but understand
A man like me cannot command
The whole wide world as we can see
And all its troubles so leave me be
Just let me through when we meet each other
I would appreciate it if you won’t be a bother

I am teary-eyed, don’t look at me
I want some peace, don’t talk to me
Don’t smile at me, I’m feeling down
Just leave me be to roam about town

(Photo from: upload.bebo.com)

Street Suckers (Part 2)

The moment these diligent drivers arrive from Daraga then turn into Penaranda Street, their predicament starts. Whether or not passengers voluntarily board their vehicles is not the issue anymore. For every passenger, a driver should have to give his share to these leeches. Most of the time drivers choose to forego the loading and unloading zones located (on both the access points of the large store) literally controlled by these unscrupulous individuals. As a result, they risk losing precious clients in this highly competitive business of public transport.

The continued existence of this group of roadside bandits has long been brought to the attention of the authorities but still they continue to thrive. The earlier resolution was to field a couple of foot patrols but these roaming cops have to contend with hide-and-seek antics. The fiends were able to pattern the patrol’s routine and soon they were at it again. Later on it was agreed that an officer known for his tough stance against street punks was assigned to the area. He however became “too friendly” with the bullies so they became bolder. The notoriety of this enforcer doubled when word floated around that he had a cut from the loot. To makes things worse, he allegedly confiscated the licenses of uncooperative drivers. It was also alleged that this cop had the drivers secure the release of their licenses in his residence. The drivers had no choice but to comply if they needed to continue feeding their families. To date, no one has confirmed nor denied these allegations. The officer in question was later reprimanded and reassigned to another beat but was spotted again in the same area a week prior to this column’s receipt of the letter. It is widely known that cynics believe that there are no such things as coincidences.

Meanwhile, there is an organization of drivers and operators that is supposed to look out for their welfare but it seems that it has limited itself to strikes and protests against fuel hikes. Even the Traffic Division of the Legazpi Police appears to be useless with regards to the issue. Do the besieged drivers have to go higher for the problems to be acted upon?

There are two evident issues at hand: first, the loading and unloading zones behind LCC Mall are not terminals. It is for public function and should not be under the supervision of anyone else except the city government. Any group or person using the designated areas for any other reason should be made answerable to the city government. If for instance the areas are to be converted into satellite terminals, the move should undergo the regular process just like any other statute and that includes proper consultation with all those affected. That suggestion however is not feasible because it opens up all new serious concerns like traffic congestion and privatization. If these persons in question are acting as agents of the city government, they should at least be wearing identification cards to prove such.

Second, no driver should be made to pay a single peso to anyone when he loads passengers in these zones as he has already paid the required dues to the powers that be. Any collection beyond that in the name of traffic maintenance or anything else may be considered illegal. It could even be classified as pure extortion that could result to arrest if one is caught in the act. If a driver gives any amount voluntarily is beside the issue as that would encourage others to also prey on the public vehicles in other thoroughfares.

Finally, there is a very strong possibility that these street suckers are being coddled or at the very least, being permitted to practice their trade. If this is true, we do not need to do the math to surmise that the protectors are making a reaping out of the problem. No one will ever believe that those who are in-charge have clean hands unless they themselves get rid of these vicious vampires soon. The longer they delay, the bigger the suspicion.

STREET SUCKERS (Part 1)

For the first time, this blog received a letter this week. It came from a jeepney driver. Part of the letter was omitted for space and the most important part has been edited to suit the format of this site.

“Ako po ay isang tsuper na matagal nang namamasada dito sa Legazpi. Sa trabaho ko pong ito napa-tapos ang aking kaisa-isang anak na ngayon ay isa nang public school teacher. Mahal na mahal ko po ang aking trabaho at dahil po dito patuloy po akong kumakayod kahit wala na po akong pinapa-aral. Ang akin pong idinudulog ay hindi lang po para sa akin kundi para din pos a aking mga kapwa tsuper na tinitiis na lang ang problema.
Maaring alam na po ng karamihan na diyan po sa sentro ng lungsod, ay marami pong naglilipana na mga “barker” na humihingi po ng patong na limang piso sa tuwing may sumasakay na pasahero. Sa totoo lang po, kahit po wala sila ay may sasakay at sasakay lalo na kung ‘rush-hour.’ Ang nakakalungkot po ay kahit na hindi nila tinawag na pasahero basta sumakay at insigida limang piso kaagad ang hinihingi nila sa kawawang driver. Pag-hindi bumigay ang tsuper, ito ay kanilang binabantaan ng masama.
Dagdag pa nito ay iilan ang mga pwesto ng mga ito sa lungsod. Dalawa sa LCC, isa sa may monumento at dalawa sa may doughnut outlet kung saan okupado nila ang tig-isang kanto. Kung ang limang pwesto na ito ay hihingi ng tig-lilimang piso iyan ay malinaw na 25 pesos sa isang round. Kawawa naman ang mga driver!
Ipinaabot na namin ang problemang ito sa mga pulis at nangako naman sila na ito ay bibigyan nila ng aksyon subali’t nauulit parin ang mga pangyayaring ito lalo na kung walang nakabantay sa mga bandidong ito! Ano po an gaming gagawin? Hindi na po talaga namin kaya na patuloy na maging biktima ng mga sakim na barker at dispatcher!”

Last Sunday, this writer was able to confirm that there are indeed several self-proclaimed dispatchers at the mentioned areas. Before we go into the specified issues ventilated by the sender of the letter, please allow this column to dish out its manifestations on the matter.
Our first stop is Penaranda Street behind this popular mall downtown. Drivers have to stop to unload shoppers exactly at the rear entrance as it is the most accessible way into the said establishment. After unloading, these jeeps also pick up passengers who have just finished shopping. This action unfortunately costs the drivers five pesos. If one refuses to pay up, he receives, at the very least, a volley of threats and invectives from these vultures. Continuous refusal to give in may invoke worse actions. Most of the time, the driver is forced to shell out. Others, wanting to save up and avoid an altercation, do not stop at this site anymore.

First of all, this road is not a jeep terminal. The public utility vehicles (PUVs) are supposed to load and unload commuters only and not park and wait for customers to fill their jeeps. The reason most PUV’s do not leave until they are filled is mainly because of these street suckers who prey on the drivers who try very hard to honestly earn their keep. Traffic obstruction is of course another issue to contend with. (To be continued...)

(Photo courtesy of www.batch2006.com)

Stop PGMA's Con-Ass!

Final Failure

“We are at the critical point of human existence.” So goes the words of former US vice president Al Gore during his presentation, An Inconvenient Truth. That was three years ago. How far have we gone? Can we face ourselves in the mirror and honestly say “We did our best?” Has there been any improvement? I doubt it. This is one of those rare moments when this writer must get straight to the point.

We are not doing enough to uphold Republic Act 8749 otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. In Legazpi City alone, there are still quite a number of motor vehicles belching out black smoke like there was no tomorrow. Any pedestrian would attest to the fact that there are still jeepneys and tricycles that have been granted franchises but are still perennial smoke-belchers. This cursed condition is not only limited to public transport but also to some private cars and delivery trucks. The problem persists despite the existence of anti smoke-belching stations and the pronounced firmness of the mandated agencies. Sadly, there are ailments from these offices that need to be cured.

In addition, the local governance seemed intent at first to fully implement an ordinance banning smoking in public conveyances. But even that is slowly dwindling. Some drivers and passengers still continue to violate this statute unimpeded. This writer is a witness to countless infringements of drivers and passengers alike. In one instance, a driver (Loop 1) immediately lit a cigarette while in transit the moment he reached Brgy. Bogtong, a spot which is still well within the city limits. There is an old saying, “When the cat is away, the mouse will play.” To field more enforcers may be a good reposition but not the final solution.

There are still other desecrations against the natural world and they do not need to be pointed out to make a statement. These two above-mentioned examples alone are basis enough to conclude that we still do not comprehend the crucial phase our environment is undergoing now. We still do not have the faintest idea of how dangerously close the human race is to extinction. The point of no return in which Gore so eloquently described in the film may be this moment. It is the condition wherein the damage to the environment is already irreversible. The polar ice caps will continue to melt at a faster rate. The sea levels will rise and the coral reefs would now be totally unsupportive of marine life. Natural calamities would keep on increasing in strength and frequency. New life threatening viruses and diseases would persist and repetitively plague the globe. And that will be just the beginning. What comes after that is too horrifying to picture.

If that is the case, then, we miserably failed. We failed not only ourselves but the entire existence of every living thing on the face of the earth. And that is the final failure mankind will ever commit. (Photo courtesy of www.sciencecastle.com)

The Fart King

He is known as Manuel to us
Reputation not for his intellect in the class
But for something else far more distinctive
Whiffs of several kinds you can never forgive

At sunrise comes the first blow
A premonition of a day to follow
While still in bed he screeches
You’d think it went through his breeches

In the shower of the early morn
The second bomb engulfs the dorm
The third while we are all donning our clothing
The fourth on the way to the chapel for praying

After each Bible verse he goes
Out his back and to everybody’s nose
Even the celebrant priest is in dismay
Whenever the wind carries it his way

At breakfast, in class and even during snacks
We wished on our heads we all wore sacks
For there is no immediate way of stopping
The royal smell of the Fart King

We count to more than a hundred at the day’s end
The Guinness’ Book of World Records would surely bend
We go back to our bunks in the dormitory to rest
Poor Manuel tries to control it with all his best

As everybody settles down to sleep
The beadle warns our mouths to keep
While silence lands and out goes the light
A last hurrah disturbs the night!

(Photo courtesy of www.sodahead.com)

Dragon Defender

The call came on my cell phone around four o’clock in the afternoon. I had just risen from my nap and quickly answered it. It was Reggie (not his real name), an operative of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). I knew immediately that there was something going on. He immediately gave the description of an unmarked car that was to pick me up at a shop near my house in about 30 minutes.
I recalled the first time I met the guy while I gathered up my gear. It was less than a year earlier in Naga City and during another drug-sting-operation. I was thrilled for having been chosen to cover another undertaking by the said agency. After checking if I had everything I needed, I proceeded to the rendezvous and got the ride after a 15-minute wait.

After another 20 minutes, we arrived at a village on the outskirts of Ligao City. The throng of onlookers by the road made me suspect at first that the mission was over, not yet anyway. Reggie met me at the entrance to a dusty side road and cleared me through the cops guarding the perimeter.
A few meters away, a man being frisked came into view. I found out that the suspect and his wife were the targets of a search warrant. To make sure that they got their marks, the agents earlier conducted a ‘buy-bust’ exercise and were able to collar the husband selling a couple of sachets containing shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) to a poseur-buyer. Amazingly the pregnant wife and the six small children were able to escape. It was believed that they were being cuddled by sympathetic neighbors or relatives nearby. Unfortunately, the warrant only covered one house and nothing more.

This is just one of the daily routines of PDEA agents in their continuing battle to rid the Philippines of illegal drugs. By allowing members of the media to be embedded in their activities, they are sending a message that their job is not that easy as others may think. It is tiring, dangerous and most of the time frustrating.

I never fully understood what they meant by ‘frustrating’ as the drugs they recovered were substantial enough to build a formidable case in court. Later, a source whispered to me that the agents believe that there is a possibility that the suspect was being protected by one of their own. At that moment I knew that I had a real story on my hands.

(AUTHR'S NOTE: This is just a prelude to a formal article about to be written. How soon it will be finished will depend on how soon the critical facts are gathered and properly documented. All photos courtesy of PDEA)

Acrylic Art

When one is in between jobs, time is not scarce. How this treasure can be spent depends on an individual's mood, intellect and imagination.

This is exactly what I went through.

What started as a simple activity to ease my boredom turned out to be one of the greatest discoveries of my life. The passion still continues but a journey back to that time is what I need to analyze the present and look forward with high hopes to the future.

For me, painting is not only an expression but a window into a person's innermost thoughts and emotions. It is almost a perfect picture of the way he looks at his existence in relation to his environment.

These are just five of the several frames I have created at that chapter of this book I call 'Life.'

The Realm of the Blue (A Whale of a Tale)

Behind seaweeds he glides like a bird in flight
Humongous flanks bathed in rays of light
Carefree and content of all things around
For this is the blue realm where things abound

Letting out a resonance of glee
Twisting and paddling around for all to see
How content and happy this giant is
This must be the life of eternal bliss

Turning and twirling creating bubbles
Never thinking of all the possible troubles
But a large black mass it fails to see
The impact was forceful and loud as it can be

A sudden swish of a much bigger tail
Was a realization there was a larger whale
It was the wisest and the oldest of all the mystics
Apparently annoyed with such childish antics

“Listen young fool for it is not as you think
The world is cruel so take another blink
There is not only good but evil as well
Our pleasure and pain we cannot foretell

There is still a long way that lies ahead of you
Countless other lessons in this Realm of the Blue
Always remember to keep a sharp eye
When the moment comes you will know why

Never dare venture nor approach the shore
For there lies the empire of Anguish Galore
They will chop you up after running you down
Parade your bones in the middle of their town!”

The youngster nods but nothing is clear
This was new knowledge maybe nothing to fear
“Why tell me this O wise and true?
Did something tragic happen to you?

What dark secrets can you reveal?
Are they just myths or are they for real?”
The old gray eye looks down to the sand
Left cheek to one side exposing a brand

Staring straight with aged brows knitted together
The cunning slowly disclosed to the youngster
“This happened when I was about your age
Stubborn I was when I disobeyed a sage

I trekked too close to the humans one fateful day
Dragging with me someone’s offspring who had gone astray
As if to put our strength or stupidity to the test
We challenged a hunting boat and boasted our best

It was a fatal decision which I eternally regret
A harrowing experience I will never forget
As we slid along the cursed craft noisily
We soon were under an intense volley

Harpoons and arrows struck below water
Hiding and blocking our view of each other
After a few moments I heard a cold squeal
Death had found the kid; it was the end of the deal

Immediately diving and abandoning all pride
Nothing left in the world to do but hide
But I was not quick as I hoped I would be
Something hit me in the darkness of the sea

I do not know for how long I lay
I woke up back in the comfort of our bay
I finally learned that in the Realm of the Blue
If you are not cautious death could get you too!”

Mind enlightened and soul kept humble
The young whale bowed to the wise and the noble
To mend careless ways is what must be done
In the Realm of the Blue, life is not only fun!

Bicol Blossoms (Part 2)

Our survey of the different beauties from the southern tip of Luzon continues. This time we focus on those that thrive by the highway into the province of Sorsogon. These delicate forms were found particularly near the villages of Putiao in Pilar and Cumadcad in Castilla. The others were sighted in Pangpang, Sorsogon City and on the road going to the town of Prieto Diaz. Although there exists a variety of colors, those shown here are those that are sure to capture a woman's fancy. (All photos by J. Garalde)

Wild Wolves

According to Robert Jackson, “Men are often bribed by their loyalties and ambitions than by money.” In this age where the quest for power always outshines that of the common good, men and women belonging to all kinds of institutions have always (knowingly or unknowingly) lived up to this quote.
Presently, the senate of the Philippines is sitting as a single committee to hear unethical complaints hurled against one of their own, Sen. Manny Villar. One cannot blame a regular observer if he questions the objectivity, much less the credibility, of the accusers and the defenders alike. For one point, the sitting arrangement of the senators during the first day was almost a give-away of where they stand. Flanked by two opposing forces, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile was the only one who seemed fair during that set up.
As standard practice, the proceedings started with the finalization of what rules were going to be followed during its entirety or whatever amendments were needed to be included to get the ball rolling. This initial stage alone was enough to solicit an outbreak of viewpoints from both sides. When the counsel of the Ethics Committee for instance started reading the list of alleged ethical violations of Villar, Pimentel was quick to interject and tried to tone down the counsel’s report claiming that the statements being read may very well spark a ‘trial by publicity.’ The other side did not budge as that is probably exactly what they wanted.

Most individuals surmise that this hearing on ethical complaints against Villar is nothing more than a blade designed to slice the man’s possible rise to power into several pieces. The former senate president who has been reportedly leading every political survey is what stands between his detractors and their own ambitions. Meanwhile, these very same detractors are also the ones blocking the certain objectives of Villar’s backers once he is in the country’s top executive post. In short, everybody has their own cause to rally.
An ethical disgrace would certainly cut down Villar’s chances of claiming victory in 2010 more so now that anomalies are being unearthed like worms almost daily. Villar might as well kiss his goal goodbye once public perception is molded against him because of this controversy. If he goes down so will the aspirations of those who champion for him, whatever they may be. With Villar out of the way, analysts say that the attack dogs would then turn to each other in frenzy. That’s the way of the world. In the end, the question still remains the same: will the last man standing be the one to truly fight for the cause of the many against the few? We sure hope so.
In fairness, Enrile gave the impression last Monday that the hearing would be impartial and well-mannered. That however still remains to be seen. In the coming days, the Filipino people must follow this development closely as it will determine an outcome in which all of us have a lot at stake. Let us try to grasp whether this democratic body which we all trustingly instituted is really what it is and not a pack of sharply-dressed wild wolves tearing at each other for the kill. (Photo courtesy of www.esc.mtu.edu)

Bicol Blossoms (Part 1)

The country is home to thousands of species of flowers. Each bloom is distinct from the rest, in color, texture and size. The blossoms featured here were photographed in Lerma Street (Legazpi City); near the Bicol University football field; Brgy. Taysan overlooking Legazpi and on a beach in Sto. Domingo, Albay. They are quite a bunch of beauties. (All photos by J. Garalde)

More Bicol Blossoms soon!

Chance to Change

The conclusion of the annual Magayon Festival in the province of Albay is just around the corner. This celebration of one of the region’s enduring legends is a true expression of the cultural pride of Bikolanos. The full participation of the various sectors from around the province is what makes this affair truly vibrant. It started from the helm of the provincial government all the way to the citizens, all of whom had a definitive role to perform. Without hesitation, we could state at this point that the Magayon Festival is indeed an occasion that lives up to its name: a beautiful celebration indeed.
All things however are not perfect. That is a universal law by which all forms of thought adhere to. Undoubtedly blemishes appear once in a while on even the smoothest of surfaces. The Magayon Festival and its events are not exempt from this. The following are just reflections of this column on the matter. This is not in anyway meant to criticize any person or group but rather share what has been seen, heard and felt with the hope that it could in its own little way enrich the wisdom of those concerned.
One glaring event is the ‘beer plaza’ (for lack of a suitable and familiar term). The maze of ‘cubicle-bars’ lining both sides of a main thoroughfare does not only impede an already worsening traffic in the city but also chokes the public’s right of way. Market goers, for instance, have to maneuver through obstacles of tents with stacked-up tables and chairs in the daytime not mentioning the stench of beer-piss left from the night before.
The night party is worse. Sad to say, it is not the best place to relax and unwind. It is a ‘triple-your-stress’ site! Passers-by and customers alike complain of the noise. You heard it right: noise! The searing sound is not caused by the loud band on the make-shift stage in the middle of the jumble. The noise-pollutants come from the establishments surrounding the live performers each with their own earsplitting stereo system. Imagine the havoc when all of them are playing simultaneously. A resident nearby has no choice but to condition himself to sleep late and wake up early as required by his profession. The stench unfortunately is not disguised by the screams.
Just a few meters from this mayhem are three carnival rides: a Ferris’ Wheel, a merry-go-round and a feeble imitation of the roller-coaster they call the Moon Rocket. Some parents are apprehensive to allow their siblings on board because the rides look unsafe at first glance. First, they do not contain any safety harnesses. Second, the pipes and bolts look like they have been acquired from a neighborhood junkshop. Third, the rides are insecure in a way that their entrails are exposed. Any dangerous prankster could sneak under the railings and loosen some nuts and bolts the consequence of which is too dreadful to imagine.
Right beside these rides are ‘gambling stalls.’ The mere existence of these booths during the festival is erroneous. To place it near a place of worship and the amusements frequented by children is immoral.
All of the above-mentioned concerns has been happening for quite some time now not only during the Magayon Festival but in every town and city as part of their festivities. Nevertheless, there are already bold moves that are presumably being done by officials to alter the situation. The solutions are quite simple that it would not require a nuclear physicist to create them. As mentioned earlier this is not in anyway meant to criticize any person or group but rather share what has been seen, heard and felt with the hope that it could in its own little way enrich the wisdom of those concerned.
There are other matters about this festivity that should be illuminated to the community but it would require a more thorough scrutiny, proper documentation and an adversarial approach all of which are not available for this column(at the moment) because of time and editorial constraints.
No doubt, the Magayon Festival is a smash hit but it definitely needs change for the better. There is always a chance. John Stuart Mill once said, “No great improvements in the lot of mankind are possible until a great change takes place in the fundamental constitution of their modes of thought.” (Photo courtesy of skyscrapercity.com)

Waking Up (Fom A Bad Dream)

It was a quarter past midnight
When something disturbed my reading by the lamplight
Probably a rat or the trees’ branches
Or a cat or a thousand other hunches
I see shadows move across the open window
Best guess was the summer wind as I grabbed and held my pillow

Sleepy thoughts can rock the brain
Even the imagination strain
Was not sure of what I heard
The chime soon struck a third
This time there was this faint distinctive sound
What fiendish creature have my senses found?

If it was danger I had to meet

I struggled to get on my feet
The door latch was suddenly shaking
Immobile I remained lying
Better be brave than stuck in a gloomy corner
On coarse cotton sheets of the bed cover

Down the tunnel of sleep I run
Seeking solace where there was none
What could it be… coming for me?
Something cold suddenly held my knee
Door unlocked and squeaking open in the dark
In the distance came a scream and a dog’s bark

I half-opened my eyes to take a peek
Sunlight suddenly poured like a leak
A lapping sound soon found my face
My puppy’s tongue as he scratched the lace
I was now awake all fear had gone astray
My open eyes have driven the nightmare away

(Photo courtesy of myspace.com)

Conjured Conjectures

Why can’t they get along? This is probably the main question being posed by those following the story about the kidnapping of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers in Sulu. The rift between various personalities probably started before the incident happened. By and large, the gap is between Sen. Richard Gordon, chairperson of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and the government’s Joint Task Force Comet (JTFC) now headed by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.
At the onset, ICRC workers started doing projects in Mindanao for quite some time now. Their work ultimately took them well within the boundaries of what are officially called “conflict areas.” There is no clear information whether ICRC superiors or the government warned these volunteers about the risks involved. One fact is apparent though and that is: these workers were cautioned by local village leaders not to be “too trusting.” This warning however was reportedly brushed aside and the rest is history.
The task force came into the picture the moment the military got hold of the news. According to insiders, more experienced unit commanders like Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban immediately dispatched intelligence teams to monitor the movements of the kidnappers. This group of course was to be supervised by the Department of Defense (DND). The first disagreement was: Who was going to handle the negotiations? Will it be the JTFC or the ICRC / PNRC? Sabban’s strategy was to pursue and pressure while that of Gordon’s was to talk and convince. Later, Sabban went on leave and one could only speculate why. Observers guess that the kidnappers were able to use this crack to their advantage. Teodoro immediately took over from Sabban but the squabble did not end there. Bit and pieces of fiery remarks have been reportedly hurled from both sides far from the prying eyes of the covering journalists.
In addition, it must be stated that it was not only Gordon and Sabban who were at odds with each other. Reports from the media and some “appointed” negotiators also gave inconsistent versions on whether or not the kidnappers were asking for ransom. Press interviews showed that the captors didn’t want money but a troop pullout. Meanwhile local leaders who were “in touch” with the hostage-takers said a payoff was being demanded.
The unanticipated release of one of the victims surprisingly solicited a common statement from both of them: No ransom was paid. Researchers and locals however are trying to piece together a logical reason why Mary Jean Lacaba was released. It has been long established that the Abu Sayaff only released captives only if a ransom has been given. Later, Sulu vice-governor Lady Ann Sahidullah (one of those “in contact” with the abductors) distanced herself and again, one could only speculate why.
The appearance of the second ICRC kidnap victim, Andreas Notter, as a freed man again revived a public word war between ‘Schylla and Charybdis.” The latest issue: rescued or released? (Watch out for whoever goes on leave.) This again puts the public where they don’t want to be: in limbo.
Having stated quite a number of facts about the incident coupled with information collected from various sources, the following conjectures can be conjured. First, there is clearly a scramble as to who is going to be judged as being better in resolving the crisis. The PNRC and the JTFC do not want to humiliate themselves with the ICRC and the world respectively. At the very least, these entities must set aside individual differences and move as one to guarantee that the country as a whole would not be embarrassed.
Second, the clash is further being muddled by ‘self-appointed’ negotiators like local government officials who are supposed to be looking out for the welfare of their constituents and not those of the kidnap victims or, worse, maybe even that of the kidnappers’. These theatrical third parties should be literally eliminated as participants in any and all manners of talks however strong claimed connections they have.
The third and last suggestion has something to do with the over-all picture. These roving bands of armed groups which have interwoven themselves with legitimate diplomatic organizations have been a very painful thorn on the government’s flank. They have been bleeding the country for decades already. It’s about time that groups like the MILF police their ranks and rid themselves of these individuals. It would be a very good way to show the authenticity of their noble intentions. Most important of all, the government must do exactly the same. (Photo courtesy of bayanihanpost.com)

The Chase

The ninja moon stalks the lone figure on the road
Soft wind hushed by the croak of a toad
Sinister shadows are cast between the banyan trees
The croaking in cadence with the murmuring breeze

She stumbles weakly through the dark of the night
With the resolve mustered with all her might
Scraping boned knees on crystalline rocks
The cursed soul slowly pushes towards the docks

A safe vessel will surely sail at the strike of two
Across the water to a life that is new
There is one thing that scares her still
And that is the hunter she last saw at the mill

A third of a distance from where she was
The seeker pursues her with a looking glass
Equally emboldened by a strong decision
To make sure to complete his only sworn mission

Weapon in his grip and bonnet over face
This hunt would be another landmark case
Whatever it takes he must see this through
For it would really prove who is who

He speeds up his stride with his well worn shoes
Soon he would be home and it will be in the news
The woman in red, white and blue
An ultimate game too good to be true

The prey looks up then turns her head
She’d better double time or turn up dead
For the predator won’t ever give up she knows
He catching her would be the least of her woes

The sooner she must think of a plan
The better for her and her love for her man
Across the water he waits not
Nor is he in a place forgot

The tracker sees the approaching form of her back
It won’t be long now for him to attack
Just the right moment is all he needs
Still the target ahead of him leads

Again he takes a careful aim
This time he won’t shoot to maim
He tries to draw his line of sight
But cautious that she might turn and fight

She knows she is within his range
Too late now for her direction to change
Go fast or stop dead in her tracks
Either way she’ll just turn to wax

Just one shot he prays to heaven
There is one move for her to get even
A falling leaf makes him shift his eyes
It was all she needed to spring a surprise

In a split second she was out of his vision
He felt in his back a stinging sensation
Her venom found a vital part
And found its way into his heart

The contest is over she looks down on him
He searches the stars as his sight grows dim
She circles the ground on which he fell
Spiders cannot beat scorpions now he knows that well.