Garage Sale For A Cause

One friend told me "Iba ang pakiramdam kapag alam mo na makakatulong ka/It's a different feeling when you know you can help". This statement simply sums up what I have experienced last Friday after I said YES to become part of a Garage Sale.

This kind of event isn't something new to me. As a kid growing up in a Catholic school, we've been doing regular charity events or sales in order to raise funds for those who are in need of help. The usual fund raising activity would either be a Bingo game, a sports tournament, a ball/party, food sales or garage sales such as this one. On most occasions, the resources that we use for these events were sponsored by my rich classmates or from companies who have answered our sponsorship letters, so I actually don't remember a time when we have certain difficulties whenever we gather our resources. But with the recent event that I attended to...it was a rather different experience.

Since this is only a religious-community-based event, under the CFC, the initial gathering of resources for the said Garage sale has already posed a struggle. Unfortunately, not everyone appears to have a kind heart to donate their semi-used goods for charitable purposes. But still lucky enough, and yes, through God's way, unexpected miracles do happen. It's only a matter of believing, I guess. So on the day of the said event, when we're about to tally what we have gathered, we're surprised to find 2 boxes and a couple of huge plastic bags filled with clothes and accessories to sell with! Some good-hearted people even donated used appliances to add to our list!

By the end of the day (around 5PM to be exact), even though not all of our stuffs were sold we have at least accumulated around 56KD! Not bad enough though. This money, as little as it may seem, will be sent to the Philippine's CFC ANCOP scholarship fund to help young kids with their school. But what's more interesting is that the left-over things will be shipped off instead to a depressed part in India as aid for those who have been stricken by the current flooding. This has been agreed upon by the leaders of the community since the last time when the Filipino members of the CFC community were in need of help, our Indian brothers and sisters have been generous enough. So this of course seems like a great deal of giving back what they deserve.

I do hope that this act of kindness and sharing will be a common practice not only because this is an event run by a religious community nor by a certain group of people, but by everyone in the hopes that this will be a symbol of unity for all.

Asia Cooperation Dialogue in Kuwait

Image Credit to ChannelNewsAsia

For the past week now I have been seeing numerous flags of different countries proudly standing on the islands of 4th ring road, 6th ring road, etc and cops are just everywhere, some even barricading numerous roads and hotels. I thought it was just some sort of International affair that the locals are celebrating since the Eid holiday is only a few weeks away. But after watching the news on cable TV and reading an article about Asia Cooperation Summit  to be held here in Kuwait, that confirmed what I have been witnessing lately. Since I'm not much of a political-business-junkie, I wasn't even aware that such groups like the ACD existed. I know the likes of UN, G7 and the ASEAN, but the ACD sound's new to my ears. After researching on google and reading an article, here's what I found (Link):

"The summit would review promotion of investments especially the role of sovereign wealth funds to invest in other Asian nations which have the potential." (AFP News)

Technically speaking, the ACD is to gather all the major energy producers in the region and discussing ways to promote investments. This would also serve as a tie to strengthen the relationship of each member nations. What's interesting is that I have heard no such thing has occurred in Kuwait for the last decade, more so having the country as a host. This of course can pave way to highlight the image of Kuwait among the other oil-rich nations in the world. Hopefully though, more projects and ties can be created to benefit a lot of people and that this kind of international summits will not be the last.

RH Bill

When I moved to Kuwait, I thought I wouldn't find myself more interested about news and issues back home. But I was wrong. The more time I spend living outside of my home country, the more I felt intrigued about what's happening back there. That's probably what you'd call home sickness? But as I get myself indulged in one issue-to-another, comparisons started to arise. Kuwait vs Philippines. Two different countries with two different ideals and societal issues. A very interesting fact is that religion plays an important role in the legislations of Kuwait through the Sharia, more so like the Philippines in truth, even if it proudly describes itself as a secular democratic country. One important issue where the Catholic Church, the largest religious domination in the Philippines, plays a somewhat significant role (or insignificant to others) is the ongoing debate about the Reproductive Health Bill.

The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011 or simply termed as the RH Bill is geared towards universal access to information of birth control and maternal care, as well as certain issues regarding the use of contraceptives and abortion in the Philippines. This bill has been amended since its initial conception in 1995 to lower down the population boom of the country. In the status that I made in my personal Facebook page in support of this bill, I got some criticisms from my fellow faith-followers. But nonetheless, even though some don't seem to agree with my stand on this, I feel compelled to voice out my opinion since as a citizen of the Philippines, I have a right in my own way to participate in this so-called argument over who's right and who's not. Also, to set the matter straight - I'm a Catholic and a Pro-Life but I do know how to read and understand English so technically speaking, I didn't find anything in the amended bill that tells everyone that abortion is being legalized nor people are being encouraged to use contraceptives and that contraceptives can kill people. There are so-called studies that negates the use of contraceptives but with proper and guided information, programs about Family Planning in general not only focusing on contraceptive use can most like lower the unwanted booming population of the country. Seriously, the current statistics has it that the Philippines has already reached 92 Million + people. (92,337,852 population as of May 2010 according to NSO )  Like what my status says: "Information is true knowledge. There's a reason why we are created to be rational and logical human beings" Besides, as a Filipino even if I'm currently living abroad, I will still be affected with this issue in one way or another.

Image credit to ManilaKid

For the past months, when the RH Bill issue seemed to have mellowed down due to the ongoing Cyber Crime Law panic, I thought to myself that maybe its detractors would have a time to reread the amended proposed bill and pinpoint any other "misconstrued information" that needed to be polished for everybody else's clear understanding. But unfortunately, after reading an editorial from my own alumni, I felt utter disappointment. Granted that UST is a pontifical school that follows the lead of the CBCP, but adding more  inappropriate remarks against those who are plainly exercising their own freedom as a citizen of the country is way too unethical. Yes, those Professors of other Catholic institutions may want to voice out their side on this national issue, but calling them cowards and threatening its own faculty to resign from their posts if they so wish to follow suit as they call in a "series of bandwagon" somehow makes them look like tyrants. Are we back in the Spanish Colonial Era? What's the sense of the so called separation of Church and State?

"The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable." (Article II, Section 6 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution)

Moreover, as far as I can remember we are living in the 21st century and we have this Bill of Rights to safeguard every person's freedom of speech and expression. At this point in time, we are also freely able to make our own decision which we see best fit for ourselves. The role of the Government is not to dictate what  its citizen should do, act or say but only to give substantial and unbiased information for the benefit of its people. Only unless the Philippine Government is not a secular democratic society. Or maybe someone has forgotten to give out the memo that the Philippines is now going back to its once theocratic roots?

Quoting one sentence from The Varistarian's Editorial page "Every person is given the "freedom" to choose but that freedom is not absolute." Obviously, nothing in this world is truly absolute, except in scientific terms of course. That, is already a given thought, but the fact still exist that as a modern society we live in a world where democracy is highly regarded and people are encouraged to be open about their rights. If the CBCP and its followers would continue on with their angst over how the legislators would want to run the country, then we all might as well dump the current constitution and call for a charter change.

PinayDiaspora Got Featured!

I have been blogging for more than a year now but I never really expected that PinayDiaspora will get noticed! I have received the good news last October 1st when one of the admins of InterNations.org contacted me that they want this blog in their Features area for Kuwait. InterNations.org by the way is a Germany-based website catering to the needs of Expats all over the world. Of course, I was thrilled with the news beyond belief! This has been the very first time that anyone contacted me about PinayDiaspora. After only a few days, the featured page has been released on their site! Click the link to see the blogger behind PinayDiaspora for the first time lol

                                                          PinayDiaspora Got Featured Link!

It's also interesting to say that they have given me their awesome badge of excellence too. The little badge (image above) not only serves as a link between PinayDiaspora and InterNations but as well as a reminder that I, as the blogger, must strive harder to maintain it. Another challenge, I should say. So goodluck with me then. :)

RA No 10175

Credit to whoever made this. :)

I know how it is being restricted. Your anonymity a laughing stock. The feeling of people prying in to your work and others meddling with them even without your permission.  Your so-called confidentiality with the things that you do is actually transparent, viewable by those in higher authority...waiting to be pounded to tell you that you might have done something wrong or against the Government. This is what you'd call evasion of privacy. This is what I usually feels whenever surfing the internet in these places that I call my second home, for example. (No pun intended just stating a fact.)

So, obviously I am on the pro side of the ANTI-CYBER CRIME LAW (RA 10175) that will start its implementation in the Philippines, my home country, starting October 3rd.

At first, I am actually glad that the Congress has thought of this plan to protect internet identities and punish those who uses the internet to do their mischief. Cybercrime has been really a pain in  the neck since the evolution of the digital world. But as I read through the whole bill, it seems that those who have written it didn't use their common sense. I actually even thought that this is for  the benefit of all. But hell no. This would only benefit those who are in power. Besides, the up coming 2013 election is only months away. Well one thing to note is that this new bill contradicts the Bill of Right of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, among others.

"Section 1 of Article III of the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution provides that 'No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.."

Also, this may have strengthen the territory of libel cases but this again appears to be too redundant. The bill may have a good point in protecting children against child pornography, cybersex crimes and identity thieves but restricting people to express what they have in mind and gathering "free data" using P2P or torrent connections for example is obviously against any human rights. Kapag ito ay talagang naisabatas, bawal na ang pag-download ng mga pelikula, kanta, laro, litrato at kung ano-ano pa na libre mula sa internet. Malamang ipagbabawal na din ang panonood ng mga palabas sa youtube na hindi naayon o ang pag-stream ng mga panoorin sa mga libreng website gaya ng mga anime mula sa Japan, mga drama galing South Korea at mangyari pati ang panonood ng laban ni Pacquiao? Magiging limitado ang pagpaskil ng mga litrato dahil dapat ito ay magiging naayon sa paningin ng batas. Bawal na din ang mga kwento, mabibigat na opinyon at usaping walang katuturan na kahit likhang-isip lamang o dahil sa bugso ng damdamin ay pwedeng gamitin laban sa iba. Bawal na din ang pagkomento ng hindi naayon o pwedeng makasakit ng ibang tao. Malamang, ang pag-like sa isang status o komento sa mga social networking site gaya ng Facebook ay pwede nang ireklamo ng kung sino man kung hindi ito magustuhan. At ano na din ang mangyayari sa mga nagkalakat na blogs na patungkol sa mga pagbatikos sa mga nasa Gobyerno at iba pang linta sa lipunan? Dahil sa kanilang mabibigat na opinyon, malamang ito na mahaharang na. Nasaan na ang kalayaan na nakasulat sa ating saligang batas? Magiging makatarungan ba ang mga magaganap o simpleng kabalbalan lamang?

In addition, I actually remembered a statement coming from the United Nations affirming that "internet freedom is a basic human right." See UN PDF File

Reaffirming the human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and relevant international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

Is the Philippine Congress not aware of this?

If only the Congress would try to reread this bill, use their common sense and amend whatever seems to look redundant or that contradicts the Law of the land, then at least they wouldn't even be hearing any negative comments from the public nor seeing massive oppositions.

Like one of my favorite quotes: THINK. IT'S NOT ILLEGAL YET!

It's more fun in the Philippines!

Hooray for Vacation!

So, I had been away for a couple of months..well two to be exact. My summer vacation in the Philippines turned out to be rather..wet. Unfortunately the hot season here in Kuwait didn't match the rainy one in the SEA. But even if the weather's gone crazy, luckily I still managed to get around my hometown and even went as far as travelling to my Dad's side of the family in Ozamis City, Mindanao!

The last time I visited my Dad's place was in 6th grade. Obviously I am overly thrilled even at the thought of seeing new things.

Panyang Beach beautiful sunset

Tons and tons of Coconut Trees!

Ahhhhmazing Zipline! The highest in all of Asia!

Breath taking view of the valley that I crossed doing the zipline!

Hoyohoy Highland's Stone Chapel

Way to Dolphin Island and Safari

Authentic Filipino Dessert: HALO HALO for the win!

Something you'd probably have never seen anywhere else lol

Since I had been away for more than a year, I let myself get dragged by my friends to explore the city after returning from my countryside vacation. Obviously since roaming around Manila would mean stopping by one of the SM malls, where else would I want to go but at the biggest one - SM Mall of Asia.

SM Mall of Asia Seaside Entertainment Park

Also, one of my stopovers would be paying a visit  to my alma mater, The University of Santo Tomas. The place still looked the same but only with a few minor changes.

UST Quadricentennial Park

Although my stay was short, I was able to bond with my friends who I haven't seen in a while, went to places I've never been or missed going to and yes...tasting authentic Filipino treats that's a rare thing to be found when you live abroad. And just like the new DOTC tagline: It's more fun in the Philippines!

Binagol. Another yummy sweet dessert that is locally made from Taro plant (Gabi) 

Best of all...who wouldn't want to taste this? PORK PEPPER RICE!!!!

A good preview of what my home country is all about. Enjoy!

Streets of Kuwait: Part 2

When in Kuwait..one thing that someone must always put in mind is how crazy ( I mean really really annoyingly crazy) dust storms can be. They can go for a week straight or show up in intervals. They're sometimes unpredictable too. But, scientifically speaking, they do appear whenever there's a change of season so that's always a hint for newcomers like me who have never experienced these kinds of dust storms in my life. Well this time around the dust storm is probably a hint to tell everyone that the weather is now changing from Spring to Summer...

This was taken in the daylight..but whenever the sandstorm worsens,  it's usually zero visibility

Streets of Kuwait: Part 1

My Dad, who is a frequent traveller would always tell me that "in order to really feel what it's like to be in a new place, it's always good to check out where the locals would go." This of course would instantly tell me to go and search for the hotspots where everyone would hangout with, but obviously  that would either be the gazillion restaurants in Kuwait, numerous malls, theme parks or the long stretch of Marina bay. (Note: Kuwait is a coastal country) But instead, what my Dad really wants to tell me was to be in places were the locals would really be found...where culture would be very evident.

First stop.. the Mosque. Unfortunately though, I'm not a Muslim so it would be weird for me to go in there and take pictures. Although there's a foreign-based group here called the AWARE CENTER that cater tour guides for expats. It so happens that my schedule just couldn't fit  theirs. Maybe next time..haha.

And yes..the Wet market. Interestingly, all the salesmen wear white labcoats and the whole fish market was centralized with AC. That's a new thing for me because back in Manila, only supermarkets have centralized ACs. But this is a public wet market! But what's the best thing? You can buy cheap chunks of big fish like Tuna, Blue Marlin, etc for only less than 1.5KD a kilo.

Drawing Contest at Eureka

The other day while I was checking my Facebook account I was linked to a page, encouraging me to like a certain drawing. Curious, I scanned the whole album and saw that it was part of Eureka's Drawing contest. (Eureka by the way is a known electronic shop in Kuwait) The first thought that came to my head was "I need to be in it". So yes, the next thing I did was read the mechanics of the contest, message Eureka's page with my name and contact details and wait for their call to set me up an appointment. I wasn't actually sure why I did that, but hey there's always a first time. Plus, the winner would take home $3,500 in cash and a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note.

Well, I honestly can say that I'm not that good with drawing or paintings or sketches, but I do have an eye for the arts. Funny thing is, the last time I made my own canvass was back in College and that was more than 6 years ago. So when they called me roughly 2 days after I signed up, or applied for if that's the proper term, I was kind of..ecstatic. I reread the mechanics again and interestingly they have 3 prizes to be given away. Obviously I'm not up for either the first or the second prize because I find myself wanting to bag the third prize. Guess what that is? They have this "Worst Drawing" award where you can win a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note minus the money. That was funny, but at least a worst drawing can still get a prize. And that's the important thing.

So a few hours ago, I finally went there. My schedule was at 6PM Eureka Salmiya Showroom. I came just in time, thankfully though there was no traffic. The event was held at the basement area and there were 4 couches with flat screens in front where everyone can see the drawings. Oh yeah, the drawing was supposed to be done using the Samsung Galaxy Note. Isn't that wicked? It sure it. Unfortunately though we were only given 15 minutes to do any kind of drawing we'd want (obviously under PG rating since hello this is Kuwait) and that my hands were shaking all over. I didn't know why I suddenly got nervous, but I just couldn't stop my hands from shaking. Add the fact that the Galaxy note was thin and the stylus pen seems so delicate. There were also press people taking photos on the event and there's this one old media man joking around while telling me to concentrate on my work. Great, just exactly what I needed. Well It took me a couple of tries to muster my confidence (yeah right) and finish my drawing entry. Here's what I did below. Looking at it, I'm not eve sure what I had in mind. Don't laugh. Besides art is about expressing oneself right?


When I was done, one of the guys at Eureka told me that they'd put my work on their Facebook page and I'll just get a call if I'd win. Of course, his last statement almost made me laugh. But then I did remember what I came for..to win the Worst Drawing. (crosses my fingers) So, I guess I'll just have to wait if I'd win. They'd be announcing it by next week, I think.

Something Random

Another attack of insomnia.

Too much caffeine?

Probably.

One thing I'm sure, it's one of those nights where even if I try to go to bed early, my mind's simply going on a detour. My brain's neglecting the need for my physical body to fare off to dreamland.

Anyhow, to make of the time I had no other choice but to recollect the thoughts that were popping out of nowhere. Ideas that connotes varying definitions and gives adjunct correlation in between. Needless to say, I need something sensible to vent to.

And here comes the Blog. Yes, this Blog. My Blog.

Getting the gist of my 30+ posts, I couldn't help but gag at some of the awry topics I took the effort to write. Yes, personal effort per se. It must be the delivery or the theme itself but it gave a mere reflection that this blog was self-centered and sometimes lacks an entertainment factor. The exposition was inaugurably true since I had it in mind to be presented in a journal-type-context.

So is that a negative or positive thing?

Both.

Now what?

I need to find a conclusion. And then I came up with... thank God it took me only a few minutes to realize this!

Bottomline. I guess I need to be more open and write more about whatever is on my mind.

Less inhibitions. Yes, that's the spirit.

We'll see.

Sa Embahada ng Pilipinas: Kalokohan?

Bawat ahensya ay may mga pamantayan na sinusunod upang maging pulido ang isang trabaho. Ang Embahada ay iniluklok upang pagsilbihan ang mga manggagawang Pilipino na nagpapakahirap kumita ng pera sa isang banyagang lugar, ngunit ang mga alituntuning ito ay nagagampanan ba ng maayos?

Maraming kwento na akong naririnig tungkol sa mga pamantayang ipinapatupad na imbes makatulong ay nakakadagdag pa sa problema ng mga tao. Noong isang araw lamang, ako ay may ipinasa na dokumento na kinakailangan ng papel na magpapatunay na ito ay totoo. Kumpleto ito sa proseso magmula ng inilakad ito sa Pilipinas at iyong sa Embahada na lamang ang kulang. Ngunit laking gulat ko ng sabihan pa ako na kailangan ko maghintay ng 15 araw para sa beripikasyon kung ang dokumentong hawak ko na dumaan na sa iba't-ibang ahensya sa Pilipinas ay tunay. Sa totoo lang, ako ay natawa hindi dahil sa galak kundi sa inis. Dahil meron akong hinahabol na oras, hindi ko inaasahan na maaantala pa ang aking plano dahil sa wala sa katwiran na alituntunin. Ang dokumentong hawak ko ay nagpapatunayan na ako ay nagtapos ng Haiskul na inaprubahan pa mula sa eskwelahang aking pinagtapusan hanggang sa ito ay tanggapin ng DFA sa Maynila, kasama ng mga orihinal at pirmadong dokumento na nanggaling pa sa DepEd. Kahit ito ay ipinakita ko na bilang katibayan, nagmukha lamang akong tanga dahil sa walang kwentang alituntunin na pinapatupad nila. Maiintindihan ko pa sana ang kanilang rason kung hindi pa ako tapos mag pa beripika at mag patunay ng mga dokumento ko sa Kolehiyo. Ngunit kahit itong mga papeles ko sa Kolehiyo na sila na mismo ang nagpatunay na totoo ay hindi nila ginawang basehan para sa wala sa katwiran nilang alituntunin.

Ang tanong lamang naman ay ganito: makakapag tapos ba ako sa isa sa kilalang Unibersidad sa Pilipinas at makakapag trabaho sa Gobyerno kung hindi ako nakapagtapos ng Haiskul? Hindi ba't ang naganap ay isang malaking kalokohan? Kaya nga sila nandito sa Kuwait, bilang empleyado ng Gobyerno ng Pilipinas, ay mapagsilbihan at matulungan ang mga nagpapakahirap sa bansang ito hindi iyong sila mismo pa ang nakikidagdag sa paghihirap ng mga kababayan natin.

Tagpuang Disyembre

Tagpuan is a Tagalog word which when translated in English would mean "place to meet". Tagpuan Disyembre is an event organized by a couple of young Filipino professionals from the different sectors in coordination with Fr. Ben Barrameda, one of the few Filipino priests stationed here in Kuwait. It was said that this was one-of-its-kind although other Filipino communities usually organize sleepovers for different purposes but being the first of its possible many succeeding events in the near future, this overnight youth activity centralizes on a solely Filipino target audience with a theme - "Meeting Christ: Leaving the world behind".

In its entirety, it was a kind of retreat but with a less dramatic platform with the topics discussed that touched more on a generalized issue - answering to His call, understanding the different vocations, career and forgiveness. The topics were delivered in a comprehensible manner that would gain the listener's immediate interest, granted mainly that the talks were presented by Priests and a married couple as guest speaker who gave insight to their own married life and how they answered the call that they're meant to seek that vocation.

It was indeed a fruitful event, with lessons that although I have heard multiple times before but somehow left substantial reminders about the calls that I might've disregarded or failed to take notice.