Goodbye!|You are Mine, Even though I Have to Regret It!

If "sorry" seems to be the hardest word according to Elton John, For Air Supply, "Goodbye" is the saddest.

Hearing Air Supply's "Goodbye" while waking up this morning makes me visit the past. Well, its okay to revisit the past as long as you will not bring an overnight bag :)

Looking back, in the 90's radio drama is still the most popular or the common medium of entertainment in our province. Obviously, you cannot find a television in my birthplace. Since there was no television yet during that time, radio seems to be the most valuable possessions the neighborhood should possessed. While everyone is in their respective farms preparing it for planting or while harvesting radio are always with them. Some farmers loves to listen songs, but majority loves to listen the drama series.

Well, I believe radio is a great stimulator for being creative and imaginative compared to television.

1990's---It was on that days that my eyes are being opened to romantic dramas as I was so addicted to Radio Drama and one of the most unforgettable drama I was addicted into is entitled "Ako Ka, Magbasol Man Ako" which I translated into the English Terms "You are Mine, Even though I Have to Regret It." Air Supply's "Goodbye" serves as the theme song of this drama.

The Characters:

Gerry---the guy who first met and fall in love with Gina.
Anton---the best friend of Gerry who fall in love with Gina.
Gina---the main character of the story.
Monique---Gerry's first girl-friend who became his mistress after marrying Gina.

Brief Summary:

Gerry and Gina met in an almost accident which involves them both. Gina was walking on the way to school when Gerry almost bump her with his car. Gina belongs to the middle class family, while Gerry is a son of a wealthy business man Don Augusto Mondragon. After meeting they fell in love and decided to get married. Before getting married, Gina was introduced to Anton, Gerry's best friend who will serve as their best man. From the moment of introduction Anton realized that he is falling in love with Gina. Despite the fact that he was falling in love with Gina he managed to keep it. Gerry and Gina's wedding is fast approaching while the bridal shower is scheduled a week before the big ceremony. 

During the bridal shower Gina got drunk, despite her friends suggestions not go home in her groggy condition she still went home. Along the way, he fell on the ground and sleeps there without knowing that something could happen in that moment that will make her life miserable ever. Few minutes past Gina woke up crying and feeling the pain in that part of her ---she was raped by whom---that she didn't know. In a distance behind the bushy part of the corner is the familiar guy whom he thought is a friend.

Gina thinking that Gerry's love is unwavering and pure, decided not to tell the incident that happened the night after the bridal shower. The wedding was successfully held at a five star hotel and everyone was so happy except Gina who is worried of her untold story. The visitors have gone home, and the new couple is left alone at Gerry's condo unit. The next morning, they are scheduled to fly to Italy for their honeymoon.

to be continued :)) so sleepy!

NPC: Nature's Park

Up for an adventure? Say, hello! to nature. As NPC: Nature's Park at Brgy. Maria Christina, Iligan City, offered an array of adventures for the family such as indulging yourself with the nature as some plants and animals are now in the park for you to see.

Just last Sunday, August 7, 2011 the Iligan Bloggers Society Inc. went on a Fam Tour and NPC Nature's Park is one of the attractions on the itinerary...Been to the place many times but at this time is a different story as I am armed with my digi-cam.

Well, if your family love animals like peacocks, ducks, python snakes, ostrich and etc., then this is the best place to visit in Iligan City. 


Photo: Courtesy of Noy Iko

Let your youngsters appreciate the different colors of butterflies flying, roaming around and adore the colorful fishes if you let them visit the Butterfly Garden.

However, if you like the wild ones then, try look for the Crocodile Farm of which you can see crocodiles in different sizes. Present with them also are some lizards. 

The Ostrich Park on the other hand is just nearby for your children to see. Ostriches cannot fly, but don't feel too sorry for them. They are the fastest runner in the world, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour. 

When you are tired from roaming around the park, you can sit and have your snacks in this clean and beautiful sheds situated just in-front of the crocodile farm.


Photo: Courtesy of Noy Iko

After seeing everything in the Park, you can relax and have your lunch in this refreshment area set for the visitors. It is advisable that you should bring your own food as they do not serve food.

While refreshing yourself, you can sit and enjoy the wonderful and amazing beauty of Maria Christina Falls that is visible on this area.


On the photo: Miss Arlene Collado

If your main purpose of visiting the site is to enjoy the beauty of the Falls then the best time to enjoy its gracefulness is during weekends. Maria and Christina are free during weekend for visitors viewing. Unlike regular days, where the water of the falls are controlled,  since it is also utilized as a hydroelectric power generating plant that supplies 80 percent of the total energy requirement of the Mindanao region. 




The Famous Maria Christina Falls

The breath-taking Maria Christina Falls is considered by the Iliganons as the greatest heritage and one of the Philippines’ most popular landmarks. It is regarded as the most splendid among the 23 waterfalls within the boundaries of Iligan City. 

It towers at 320 feet high and 9.3 kilometers away southwest from the city proper. Its waters flow through the Agus channel and come from Lake Lanao located in Marawi City. Maria Christina Falls invites local and foreign tourists that add income to City government. 

After indulging with nature and been refreshed, now its time for another highlight of the park which is the Ultimate Zip-line Adventure where you can zip from one tree top to the other. Basically, the NPC Zip-line adventure has five stations and from my first visit it is now more safe, since their installations now are steel fabricated. Unlike before, they are made of wood. 

But, before, anything else, safety first! You've get to wear safety gears, NO SHOES AND GLOVES? NO ADVENTURE! 

After insuring the safety, a little walk and a little climb on the top of the higher edge of the mountain will do the warm-up.

Photo: Courtesy of Noy Iko
A two - three minute break then will follow before you will be allowed to hop in the first station. Once you are in the first station, you will be tied to the tree for safety. Initially, two person is set to zip, and you will be guided by a rope to let you pass to the second station safely and slowly. 

Photo: Courtesy of Noy Iko
Conquer your fear of heights, as you are free to do what you want when you are on a zip... feel free to do any position but please listen to the instruction if you are a first timer, shout to the highest note, shiver and tremble, but Don't Panic :)!

Photo courtesy of Revilla Carbonell-Noel

The experience was really exhilarating! 
 "Come and Visit NPC Nature's Park" 

Aristotle's Theory of Happiness

Aristotle’s theory of happiness states that happiness is the highest good. 

Aristotle believes that happiness rests within an absolutely final and self-sufficient end. 

This theory states that every man is striving for some end, and every action he does must be due to this desire 

to reach this final end. 

He believes that in order for a man to be happy, he must live an active life of virtue, for this will in turn bring him closer to the final end.

Although some may believe that these actions that the man chooses to take is what creates happiness, 

Aristotle believes that these actions are just a mere part of the striving toward the final end.

Ancient ethical thought has created the idea that an ethical life is a rational life centered on some good. 

This good that he speaks of is what he believes is happiness. 

When looking at this theory plainly, one might believe that this final end could rest in a man’s occupation, for if he enjoyed his trade, he would be acting rationally, and centering his attention on a certain good, the good which he produces. 

The 5th Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011

Good news to the Bloggers of Mindanao and to the World!

I am excited to announce that the 5th Mindano Bloggers Summit will be on October 29,2011 and will be hosted by the City of Iligan (Iligan Bloggers Society Inc.) with the theme "One Green Mindanao: Mobilizing Bloggers to Promote Sustainable Lifestyle". The summit aims to promote natural balance and respect for the human symbiotic relationship with the earth.

The summit is open to all bloggers who are interested to attend the event and experience the vibrant Mindanao blogging community, and to share ideas and explore the potential impact of blogging and sustainable lifestyle.

There will be a tour to various attractions in Iligan City for participants which will be on October 30, 2011.

For a detailed information please like our Facebook page Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011  for updates on this event.


Be there!!!

The Disputed Spratly Island

The Spratly Islands consist of 100 - 230 islets, coral reefs and sea mounts Despite the fact that the archipelago is spread over 250,000 sq km of sea space, the total land mass of the Spratly Islands is a mere 5 sq km. The land is not arable, does not support permanent crops, and has no meadows, pastures or forests. Furthermore, the Spratly Islands have not been occupied by humans until recently. Countries with territorial claims use military means --airstrips and armed forces -- to reinforce their claims.

The Spratly Islands are situated in the South China Sea -- one of the largest continental shelves in the world. Typically, continental shelves are abundant in resources such as oil, natural gas, minerals, and seafood. According to James Kiras, a contributing editor of the Peacekeeping & International Relations journal, one study conducted by China estimated oil reserves in the South China Sea to be larger than Kuwait's present reserves.

Oil and natural gas reserves in the Spratly region are estimated at 17.7 billion tons; Kuwait's reserves amount to 13 billion tons.The Spratly reserves place it as the fourth largest reserve bed worldwide.

Country’s claims the Spratly

China:

Claims all the islands in the Spratly region.

1950’s it claims the Paracel Island which is north of Spratley.

1974 seized Paracel Island from Vietnam.

1988 China used military to overthrow the Vietnamese Military after removing China’s flag from the aforementioned island.

China's historical claim is dubious and neglects similar historical claims by Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia. Moreover, China's historical interpretation of its sovereignty rights ignores current international law.

Philippines:

Claims approximately 60 of islands in the Spratly region. Conducted a joint Oil exploration with Royal Dutch/Shell Group and Alcorn International near the Palawan Island will raise the Philippines annual oil production from the 3,000 b/d produced in 1991 from 7 wells in the South China Sea.

Vietnam

Claims part of islands in the Spratly region. Vietnam's only oil well in production as of 1991 is the White Tiger field, 400 km west of the Crestone block. In 1992, however, Vietnam hastened leasing to foreign exploration.

Taiwan

Claims all islands in the Spratly region. The Spratly Islands are strategically important to Taiwan for two reasons: (1) important shipping lanes pass through waters surrounding the Spratly Islands; and, (2) the South China Sea, in general, is fish abundant. Thus, Taiwan feels compelled to protect its interests.

Malaysia

Is the earliest oil operator in the sea and claims 3 islands and 4 rock groups in the Spratly region. As of 1992, Malaysia was running 90 oil- producing wells, with $210 million planned for further development between 1992 and 1995.

Brunei

Claims the Louisa Reef in the Spratly region, located adjacent to its coastline. Brunei became an active player in the Spratly disputes only within recent years. Production of its 9 oil fields in the South China Sea hovers around 143,000 b/d.

Economic exploration endeavors appear to ignite the tenuous stability in the Spratly region. The conflict is further exacerbated by foreign firms willing to undertake riskier oil development projects in Asia. The foreign oil firms are looking to profit from the current energy boom in Asia as well as to find replacement reserves for those in the United States and the North Sea where production approaches their peak.

Aside from granting foreign firms exploration rights in disputed waters and conducting military exercises in the Spratly area, China has also committed itself to the build-up of its navy and air force. The Financial Times reported in August of 1996 that China planned to purchase advanced navy radar from the British. This radar would improve warning signals to China of 'impending' attacks as well as facilitate naval task group deployment in the South China Sea. The islands are particularly strategic to China.

Philippine Educational System: On Crisis?

Photo Courtesy of:  Josh Weinstein

Being a Filipino, have you ever been so overwhelmed by problems that you felt as though you were drowning in a whirlpool? Just imagine how much suffering it could result if you made a mistake in coping with one or more of those problems! No one is born with the ability to solve all problems successfully, making good decisions every time. This is where education comes in. Where can you get education to prepare yourself to cope with life’s problems?

Many of us, both young and old, extol the importance of an academic education. Some experts believe and even say that “you will never be able to find a [decent] job without a college degree.”

On the other hand, the human capital theory states that the economic development of a nation is a function of the quality of its education. This could mean that the more and the better educated the citizen of the nation becomes, the greater the chances of economic development.

To label Philippines as “third world country” by experts, for me is no more acceptable at all. How come there is “third world” when there is no “second world”? I prefer categorizing states and nations into two: the developed and the underdeveloped. The developed of which country such as the United States, Great Britain and the like belongs for they are the countries that are more advance in terms of technology, educational system, stable political systems, high economic performance. I place the country such as the Philippines, and other Asian countries that have low performance in those indicators mentioned in the second category which is underdeveloped or more accurately “the developing nations”. 

Former President Arroyo said that we are on “take off” means our economy is like a plane who descend from the ground…going up…but, how long it would take us to get at the right level of heights before the pilot (President) would say, “you can now remove the seatbelt”? That would mean we are on the zenith where we can breathe naturally and confidently? But, the big question is are we really on take-off? Or, we are slowly on our land fall?

Education as I believe, propel development for without it the citizens remains ignorant, barred to explore new things, but how bad is the educational system in the Philippines being in a developing nation category? I always watched news on TV stating the lack of classrooms, chairs, potable water in public schools and I had experienced it myself. When I was in elementary, our classroom has no comfort room. There was no comfort room at all within the school vicinity, so when you have nature calling all you have to do is to go outside and hide in the bushes. Having no classroom is another problem of which I experienced when I was in secondary school. In our school three shifts of classes share the same room. Another group uses it in the morning, another group uses it in the afternoon and we use it in the evening. 

These problems hasn’t yet solved at this very moment. Yet, the Commission on Higher Education is planning to add another level in the Tertiary level in the Philippine Educational System. Former problems still recurs and yet, they believe by adding the fifth level would solve the problem. I don’t think this is the right solution to the problem. 

I would like to note that by adding the fifth level would only lead to the following situations.

First, additional classroom will be need of which we are already in shortage.

Second, additional teacher will be needed and again we are already in shortage.

Third, this could cost families a fortune; well fewer families can afford college education much more if one level will be added?

Fourth, where can the government milk its budget, when our government is already submerged with debts?

Fifth, is the quality of education assured or guaranteed?

It is very fine with me if the Philippines are just trying to meet the International Standard. There is no wrong with that because that would mean and edge or advantage but first let us solve those problems first that keeps on recurring because the government cannot create an enduring solution. Let’s not solve a problem by creating more and another problem.

The Controversy of Reproductive Health RH Bill: A Point of View

“The standpoint of an individual depends on where that individual sits”

As of this moment I believe that a number of citizens in our country knew that there is a Bill being pushed in the House of Representatives, the Reproductive Health or RH Bill. A number of Bills are also pushed by several lawmakers with almost the same substance and the same purpose.

To label the RH bill controversial is both an accurate assessment and an erroneous attribution.

Granting without permitting that it is controversial; I would say that it is a correct observation since when we say it’s controversial it could possibly divide the opinion and support of the majority of the citizens in our country; therefore it become problematic. It becomes a hot topic in debates in schools, our law makers and even among jobless mother in the neighborhood. On the other hand, it is an erroneous attribution because a controversy implies something scandalous, though I don’t think RH Bill is a scandalous or offensive in any aspect of it. I even believe that the Bill is rational and a family oriented Bill. A Bill that promotes responsible parenthood, who am I to support against it?

By observation every individual are either strongly supportive of the bill or strongly against the Bill. Few people are lukewarm about this issue, and it is sad that these are the ones whom are less informed about the issue. The two competing groups can be referred as the advocates or the (Pro) and the detractors (Anti).

I was planning to make it a thesis topic; therefore I had the opportunity of reading it thoroughly and I found out that there is nothing extreme or radical about it. For me the Bill is just a solution of the rapidly growing population and high unwanted pregnancies among our young adolescents and even married couples in our country. For some, especially the detractors this could lead into the legalization of abortion but there is no such provision in the Bill.

I’ve read a lot conversation over social network pages that some religious leaders became personal in handling the issues. As I have remembered one priest in Baguio discourage their fellow believers to attend ceremonial masses in their church if they simply support RH Bill. How sane he is in doing such action! For me the act is shameful for the Bill isn’t about religion.

I believe that it is beyond the concern of the priest to dictate what every citizen think and believe is right for themselves. His concern maybe should only be limited to telling the people what he believe is right or to persuade them, not to prohibit them to attend masses since his belief may not resemble that of God. By the way does he own the church to act as such? And what is the knowledge of these priests about responsible parenthood when they themselves are not parent at all? Well, except those priests who pretend holy but possesses children as a fruit from their unmanaged sexual urges (well they are humans sinful as they are).

If these priests are of that responsible as what they think they are, but why they can’t feed hungry and handicapped people hanging around their church (the beggars), sleeping on very cold cemented sidewalk of their churches, and yet they still want more children and let the population grow?

The RH Bill assures an environment where women and couples have the freedom of informed choice on the mode of family planning they want to adopt based on their needs, personal convictions and religious beliefs.

There are 11 Elements of RH Bill and family planning is only one element the other elements perceived to be of equal importance includes:

(1)   maternal, infant and child health and nutrition;
(2) promotion of breast feeding;
(3) prevention of abortion and management of post-abortion complications;
(4) adolescent and youth health;
(5) prevention and management of reproductive tract infections, HIV/AIDS and STDs;
(6) elimination of violence against women;
(7) counseling on sexuality and reproductive health;
(8) treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers;
(9) male involvement and participation in RH;
(10) prevention and treatment of infertility; and
(11) RH education for the youth.

In this very reasons, that I urged every citizen to act now. Don’t let someone else decide for you because it is you that is responsible for yourself. Let your voice be heard!!!

Participate in the poll below in this page…J

On my next blog: The Ills of The Educational System in the Philippines…watch out for it!