The Hidden Issue in the Hayden e-Show

By Maugan P. Mosaid, Ph.D.

Someone says, "The issue, really, in the Hayden Kho sex scandal is about the consent to take the video; there was no mutual consent."

Really? Is this what it was all about? Consent? And privacy? All these questions and issues are just glib mis-directions. Is it just privacy and consent at stake here? Or is it the act itself that is condemnable and detestable?

Then another one questions the intention of the Senate in dipping its power of inquiry into this whole mess. As always, it is being done "in aid of legislation." And exactly what law they may have in mind right now is not clear to most of us. However, if they are thinking that we don't have good privacy laws, then there may be room for a more detailed privacy law.

Then the third one asks, "Is sex still viewed as sacred these days?"

My view is that sex is so sacred that it should not be indulged in for sheer fun without the blessings of the sacrament of matrimony.

Still, others say "if nothing was taken on video, nothing could have been distributed." This is just like saying promiscuous sex is alright for as long as it is not captured on cam.

The point is (and this is the real issue) there should be no justification for illicit and immoral sex.

If there was another interesting thing that this sex scandal brought about, it was how media and the moral psyche of the Filipino people were unearthed by the incident. Obviously, there was much criticism of the recording and distribution of the immoral act more than condemning the act itself. If this is the way our moral psyche goes as a people, then we are moving fast towards unlearning our moral values and norms.

Another danger is that our moral psyche as a people may be dragged into accepting the seemingly moral statement used again by Dr. Kho here: that society should "condemn the sin, not the sinner.." This is idiocy in the highest order. How can you separate the sin from the sinner?!! Shabu can flood the market but if there are no users, it can do no harm and wrong.

Frankly, my real fear is, when the society no longer abhors promiscuous sex and take it as moral for as long as it is done in utmost secrecy and in our most secluded privacy. Is this one clear symptom of a decaying moral order? Lord of the Heavens! Please come down and enlighten us once more.

What the Hayden Kho Idiocy Brought About

I have reserved comments on Hayden Kho’s reported sex videos until I had seen it myself – all three video clips involving three celebrity women.

I won’t speak much on Hayden Kho’s intentions or why he did it. So much have already been spoken and written about it and they all pointed out to the vile and detestable character that this member of the medical profession exhibits. The mere fact that they were pre-meditated already speaks about a sick mind that Hayden Kho has. He does not only deserve to lose his license; he should be humiliated and ostracized three times more than those three unsuspecting women who only knew that they will do everything in the name of love.

Aside from anything else that we can imagine, what else did this senseless act bring about?

Because of the popularity of the women involved (including Kho himself) in this sex videos, it aroused the curiosity of everyone to have even a peep at the ‘act’ to prove once and for all that it was indeed Kho and the women involved who did it.

I was appalled to know that no less than the female members of my neighbor’s household bought a copy of the video and invited me (a male head of my household) to join them in watching the ‘show’. What I would imagine to be teenage girls who still have an iota of conservativeness, considering their tender age and the place (a rural community) we are in, have now gone out of their way (or mind) to come together and watch an obscene act is something quite alarming. To me, this is the real worst consequence of the Kho scandal. I am afraid that is has also scandalized the cultural and moral psyche of the youth. This is its worst victim or consequence.

The trauma and nostalgia being experienced by Kho’s victims may be irreparable but the degradation it has brought to the psyche of the youth is far more damaging or injurious to the society.

May the rotten mind of Hayden Kho decomposes his whole body as well.

Faltered Fearless Forecast

Yes, for the 2nd time around I faltered in my fearless forecast. The first was the Pacquiao-Dela Hoya Fight; then this Pacquiao-Hatton bout. I thought I could enroll as a boxing analyst with Ring Magazine, but with two misses, there's just no place for me there.

I really thought that Hatton was the most formidable foe that Pacquiao has ever faced in the ring in his entire boxing career. For the 2nd time, Pacquiao defied the tale of the tapes, so-to-speak. It turned out that Hatton was meaner than Dela Hoya.

You know what I overlooked in my analysis? Most boxers, if not all (except Pacquiao), would train to tone up and shape up. This is where pacquiao has been very different. He trains to acquire new skills and tactics plus all of the above. That's why we always see a different and better pacquiao everytime he fights.

Now, for the third time, I won't make any guess for the Pacquiao match with anyone of these guys: Mayweather Jr. or Marquez (depending on who wins between them this July), Miguel Cotto or Shane Mosley. If Pacquiao conctinues to be the better fighter everytime he surfaces in the ring, no forecast is necessary. He will beat anyone within the 136-146 lb weight class for now. And that won't be difficult for him at all.

Pacquiao vs. Hatton: Who’s gonna win this fight?

By: Maugan P. Mosaid, Ph.D.

Among modern day boxing bouts, the Pacquiao-Hatton fight, I think, is one of the most difficult to predict. Reason: both fighters are equally good, they are both brawlers in the ring, they have big guns to unleash on fight night (May 2 - Saturday; May 3 - Sunday in Manila) and both are knockout artists. In this fight, it is not enough that we use only the “tale of the tapes” so-to-speak, to predict the outcome of the fight.

Before we come to the “tale of the tape”, let us examine more closely the two fighters.

A hero in his native Philippines, the 30-year-old Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) is regarded by most boxing observers as the sport's pound-for-pound king. Demonstrating knockout power in five weight classes, his recent victory over his boxing idol, ring legend Oscar de la Hoya, was cause for national celebration. Amid growing worldwide popularity, he returns to the 140-pound division to take on the hard-hitting Hatton.

On the other hand, Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs), who hails from the streets of Manchester, England, has a tenacious fighting style and a heavy puncher too. The 30-year-old suffered his only professional loss in December 2007 when he battled now Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather Jr. as a welterweight. Now back in the junior welterweight ranks, he wants to prove himself the most formidable fighter in that division.

Both fighters (Pacquiao and Hatton) brought to shameful defeat the "Goden Boy" Oscar dela Hoya. Hatton defeated Dela Hoya about two years ago when he was presumably still in the prime of his boxing career. Pacquiao defeated Dela Hoya more than five months ago and Ricky Hatton says that that win was a fluke as Dela Hoya was already diminishingly slow. Assuming that Dela Hoya had in fact been diminished in his usual fighting prowess a little bit but he still showed potentially deadly punches especially if given an opponent a little less than Manny Pacquiao’s caliber. It just happened that Manny Pacquiao was too much for him that he looked like he was no longer the usual ‘golden boy’ that he used to be.

Both fighters are thirty years old, though Hatton is slightly over an inch taller than Pacquiao. But observers say that Pacquiao uses his speed better when faced with opponents who are a bit taller than him. With respect to knockouts, Pacquiao had 75% of his fights in knockouts while Hatton had 71% batting average but Pacquiao lost thrice and Hatton suffered only one defeat in his boxing career.

But more than anything else, Pacquiao’s big heart is his most potent weapon. As he says, his hand will do more of the talking than his mouth when he faces Ricky Hatton on their fight night.

Hatton could be heavier on fight night, but weight advantage is one thing and hitting is another. On fight night Dela Hoya was four kilograms heavier than Pacquiao but we never saw that advantage in Dela Hoya. Hatton, is of course, a little bit different than Dela Hoya which Manny acknowledged himself. That is why he says that speed and skill are his best weapons against Hatton.

This is the only Pacquiao fight, to me, that is truly unpredictable. We can only be very sure about one thing and that this is going to be a very explosive fight from beginning to end with both fighters out to prove something. The win for any of them is a win like no other.

And so given all of the above, what do I have in my score card before the fight? Well, I think (and my fearless forecast, so-to-speak), the fight shall last until the 12th full round with both men battered but still standing up to the last round. Being, I guess, a closely contested fight, the winner shall be declared by a split decision. In such case, nobody is real winner and loser. That will be good for both of them in their boxing career and the re-match shall then be more exciting than this first one.

First Couple to be?

Yes. It seems that is where this romantic episode leads to.

Two of the country’s most eligible bachelors, Sen. Mar Roxas and TV anchor Korina Sanchez admitted on national television (at the noontime show “Wowowee”) that they are engaged and are very much in love with each other. And how could that be better said and proven when the man asked, “Honey, will you marry me?” And the woman replied, “ I am yours yesterday, today and tomorrow.”

Roxas popped up the classic love question while they were together on a secluded beach resort in Bacolod sometime in the first week of this month (April 2009) and Sanchez said she could not say no to the man of her dreams and her “prince charming.” She did not expect the marriage proposal, though, to come that soon, but she never doubted the sincerity of her man.

During the show, Roxas stopped short of declaring his presidential bid for 2010, but vowed to fight poverty and provide opportunity for all should he become the country's 15th chief executive on June 30, 2010.

At one point, Revillame asked Roxas to comment on insinuations that Sanchez would be the one running the country if he ran and won the presidency. “I love Korina. I really, really love her. She’s irreplaceable, but I will be the one making decisions. My dream is just like your dream, our dream -- that we can have a country that will provide equal opportunity to ordinary Filipinos. Equality for all,” said Roxas.

As to when the couple will be tying the knot, there was no mention about it, but there are speculations that it will be held in October of this year. Was it designed to be barely a month before the filing of candidacy to give a big bang for a Roxas presidential campaign? Maybe yes, but whatever that is, I just love talking about people who sincerely love and value each other for life.

I join Willie Revillame in saying “Mabuhay” to the first couple-to-be.

A Striking Similarity

Look more closely at Ms. Mary Jean Lacaba at left, the latest kidnap victim of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf, and Ms. Judy Lardizabal at right, the latest lady topnotcher of the Philippine Bar Exam. Now, you will confirm with me the striking similarity between the two faces both exuding calmness, inner confidence, and above all, COURAGE, i.e. the Filipina of today.

Both had been peppered with the anxiety of waiting - one from 75 days of captivity and the other from 175 days of suspended animation since taking the bar exam in September 2008.

Ms. Lacaba told us all the hardships that they went through in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf such as suffering from diarrhea for lack of potable water, poor food ration, constantly moving from one place to another even in the middle of the night to elude pursuing government troops, hogtied sometimes, and worst of all - the threat of being beheaded anytime. That was simply horrible, but what raw courage was there that we saw from the two other kidnap victims and Ms. Lacaba.

Ms. Lardizabal, on the other hand, told us about the anxiety of waiting for the result of the bar exam. But that was not simple case of waiting for a result. Consider the pressure that she went through becasue her classmates and professors did not just expect her to pass but to top the bar exam. There were earlier indications when she used to top her class examinations by getting perfect or almost perfect scores in all of her exams since her third year at the San Sebastian College of Law. For simple Judy, she was just praying to pass the bar exam. Then, the result came and she even refused to watch TV or read the news for fear that she might have failed and frustrated a lot of people. But alas, her classmates' and professors' expectations came. She did not only pass the bar exam but came out to the top among more than 6,000 examinees from more than 100 law schools in the country.

The nature of pain and anxiety experienced by both women may not be the same but they give us some clear lessons and insights: 1) the Filipina has gone far way ahead outside of just being the mother at home (both have families of their own, by the way); 2) it showed that the empowered Filipina can rise to our expectations and prove their worth when given equal opportunity with their male counterparts; 3) Prayer and unwavering faith in God spell the difference.

Mary Jean and Judy: your stories may be retold several times and regardless of how they will be portrayed in the angle and preferrence of the writer, they will serve to inspire us no end. I know you will reach far greater heights of achievement, and maybe fame too, but I still wish you good luck, God bless you.

A Bad April Fool's Day Joke

How bad can an April Fool’s day joke go? When it threats your computer online security, it is very bad. This is what I’ve read at a CNN report about a virus that is set to wreck havoc on April 1. As of the moment a cat and mouse chase is ongoing on net, with experts trying to track down a worm called Conficker C and prevent it from damaging millions of computers on April Fool’s Day.

These computer experts turned bounty hunters are not just after the bounty money offered by Microsoft to the tune of $250,000, but the satisfaction and fulfillment of tracking down of what seems to be the biggest online chase thus far.

Alvin Estevez, CEO of Enigma Software Group, which is one of the many companies trying to crack Conficker said “we love catching bad guys. We’re like former hackers who like to catch other hackers. To us, we get almost a feather in our cap to be able to knock out that worm. We slap each other five when we’re killing those infections.”

Presently, it is thought that the worm have already infected 5 to 10 million computers worldwide. Although it hasn’t manifested any symptoms yet, it is expected that on April 1, a master computer will gaining control of these infected computers and turn them into zombie machines that would follow every order of the master computer. That is how Don DeBolt, director of threat research for CA, a New York-based IT and software company, reports it.

In reality though, nobody can still guess what will happen on April Fool’s day. Lots of theories surfaced – deleting all files on a person’s computer, shut down web sites, monitor a person’s keyboard strokes to collect private information, or a DeBolt said, it may try to get computer users to buy fake software or spend money on other phony products.

Of course, some refer to the April Fool’s day virus as a, well… April Fool’s day joke – a hoax. But DeBolt said, they have already found recently a piece of code in Conficker C that says the worm will become active on April 1. Previous versions of the malicious software launched on specific dates noted in the program code, so the April Fool’s day launch date is not likely to be a trick, he said.

“The best minds in the industry are working on this to protect customers,” he said. “We’re trying to reduce the impact of the April 1 date as best we can. But we know … this malware will continue to evolve.”

More Filipinas hold executive positions

Is it true that more and more Filipinas hold executive positions in the country and even abroad? The answer is a resounding YES. If this is any indication about the state of women empowerment in the country, then I am personally happy about it. I am a self-proclaimed advocate for women empowerment, you know. In fact, my post-graduate thesis is a study about Muslim women's participation in organizational decision-making which ventured to look into the factors that enable such a situation for women to be accorded the highest honor of 'calling the shots' so-to-speak.

March is the Women’s Month, and what a better way to emphasize this celebration than with the result of the research study conducted by Grant Thornton International, because in the report, Filipinas are showing the world that what men can do they can do also, and in some ways better.

The Grant Thornton research showed that women hold 47 percent of senior management positions in the Philippines, comparing the statistics worldwide, they are leading by as much as 23 percentage points. “Women in the Philippines have really broken the proverbial glass ceiling, not only in the corporate world but also in the government,” said Lily Linsangan, Punongbayan & Araullo audit partner and business risk services group head.

From the data gathered from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), women have steadily taken over their male counterpart in the executive positions in the past several years. The year 2002 saw the ratio at 1.86 million females to 1.4 million males in the supervisory and executive positions. In 2006, this ratio has grown to 2.257 million women to 1.629 million men. This even grew to 2.281 million females to 1.677 million males in 2007.

Indeed, women are really making a big contribution in the corporate world as they occupy more managerial and executive positions.

Unfortunately, the rest of the world is not enjoying the opportunities that Filipino women are getting. There is still a large part of the world where women are having a difficult time climbing the corporate ladder. There are about a third or 34 percent of privately held businesses worldwide who do not have any women in senior management.

Some of the countries that are still not open to the idea of providing equal opportunities to women, much more give them senior management positions included Japan, Belgium, Denmark, India, and Netherlands.

Our country too, despite the data presented above, still have some sectors where discrimination among women is still prevalent. That’s why we take off our hats to those who have reached such positions because they succeeded in spite of the existence of discrimination, whether implied or expressed.

Go, go Filipina. You can. You are trailblazers soon.

Some Facts About Friday the 13th

Today is Friday, the 13th. If Friday the 13th is unlucky, then 2009 is an unusually unlucky year. This week's Friday the 13th is one of three to endure this year. The first came last month. The next is in November. Such a rare triple-threat occurs only once every 11 years.

The origin of the link between bad luck and Friday the 13th is murky. The whole thing might date to Biblical times (the 13th guest at the Last Supper betrayed Jesus). By the Middle Ages, both Friday and 13 were considered bearers of bad fortune. In modern times, the superstition permeates society and still lingers on.

But how did these superstitions about Friday the 13th came about? Here are some facts about it:

1. Fear of Friday the 13th - one of the most popular myths in science - is called paraskavedekatriaphobia as well as friggatriskaidekaphobia. Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the number 13.

2. Many hospitals have no room 13, while some tall buildings skip the 13th floor and some airline terminals omit Gate 13.

3. President Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel on the 13th day of any month and would never host 13 guests at a meal. Napoleon and President Herbert Hoover were also triskaidekaphobic, with an abnormal fear of the number 13.

4. Mark Twain once was the 13th guest at a dinner party. A friend warned him not to go. "It was bad luck," Twain later told the friend. "They only had food for 12." Superstitious diners in Paris can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.

5. The number 13 suffers from its position after 12, according to numerologists who consider the latter to be a complete number - 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Jesus, 12 days of Christmas and 12 eggs in a dozen.

Pythagorean legacy

Meanwhile the belief that numbers are connected to life and physical things - called numerology - has a long history.


This can be traced all the way from the followers of Pythagoras, whose maxim to describe the universe was 'all is number("The Equation That Couldn't Be Solved"; Simon & Schuster, 2005). Thinkers who studied under the famous Greek mathematician combined numbers in different ways to explain everything about the universe..

In modern times, numerology has become a type of para-science, much like the meaningless predictions of astrology.

"People are subconsciously drawn towards specific numbers because they know that they need the experiences, attributes or lessons associated with them, that are contained within their potential," says professional numerologist Sonia Ducie. "Numerology can 'make sense' of an individual's life (health, career, relationships, situations and issues) by recognizing which number cycle they are in, and by giving them clarity."

However, mathematicians dismiss numerology because it lacks any scientific merit.

The Modern Filipina

Today, there is no longer an excuse in not looking good. The modern Filipina has far become more confident than they were years ago. She is now a picture of confidence that is ready to face the world and find her place in the sun, so-to-speak.


And because of this confidence, her beauty is even more magnified because it comes from within. Part of that confidence comes in knowing how to wear the proper clothes. The modern Filipina can carry any attire with confidence that immediately makes her presence very visible the moment she enters the room.


That confidence will be even more highlighted when she wears the Filipina modest clothing. But whether she is in a corporate environment, a casual get-together with friends or in an anything-goes sort of party, she can definitely stand out in the crowd.

In a tropical country like ours, superfine clothing materials will definitely bring her comfort, aside from the fashion statement that she can deliver. Form and function in one fashionable dress that will definitely bring her twice the confidence that she needs. But, give the Filipina anything to wear and she will carry it still with the poise and style that makes her a stand-out figure in any occasion.

The clothing style and the poise and confidence that the Filipina exudes are not the only measure of the Filipina today. She is the empowered woman that society respects and edify. The empowered Filipina, in fact, is all over the ladder of society - from the home she is still very good at, to the corporate world and the political arena.

The Philippines has greatly improved its world image in the matter of being women-friendly country. It ranks no. 6 in the latest survey beating even the US which figured in at rank no. 23. The top five countries in terms of being women-friendly are: Belgium, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden and New Zealand.

Simple yet memorable ways to express LOVE on V-day

There are usually three types of people when it comes to Valentine's Day. Those who don't celebrate it for many reasons, those who celebrate it by buying typical commercial gifts and those who relish the idea of finding great ways to express their love on Valentine's day with personal, meaningful and great memorable ways.

If you are looking for Valentine's ideas that go beyond, roses, chocolates and stuffed bears, the following testimonies from those who actually did it may give you fresh innovative ideas. Here they are:

CARVED CANDLES
One valentine’s day, I made up my mind and decided to ask her to be my Valentine. So, I went looking for a gift. After about an hour or two could have been three, it seemed to like a very long time. I found this candle that was shaped like a heart and really big. I took it home set it on the table and set down to write a poem to put with it. Half way through the poem, I thought the candle was missing something.

I stopped writing and stared at the candle for about ten minutes. I got up went to the garage and got my rotary tool. I hooked everything up and then went to work. A few hours later I stood back and was amazed at what I have done. I carved roses, stems and the leaves into the sides of the candle. On top I carved, “Lisa you are the most angelic woman I have ever met or seen! I would cherish the moment for all eternity if, you would grace me with your presences and be mine for Valentine’s! Respectfully Yours, Michael”

Valentine’s morning it snowed, I went to her house and knocked on the door. I asked if, she would take a short walk with me down to the park for a moment. There was a spot where Mother Nature created a work of art with the snow covered tress and rocks at a small park down from her house. It was like; it was made just for this reason.

I dusted off one of the large rocks and she sat down, looking up at me smiling. Without saying anything, I reached into the bag and pulled the candle out. Her eyes got big and a quit, “oh my” came from her mouth. She looked at the sides and then the top. She then looked at me and got up and kissed me ever so gently on the lips, and then she whispered in my ear, “Yes”

CHAINSAW ROMANCE
He made me a heart-shaped box out of cedar wood with a matching fitting lid. (Apparently shaping wood is really hard to do, and he did it with a chainsaw.) On the top of the box it has a heart carved into it with the words Mitch loves Calli. It was so romantic!

Now I keep little treasures from him and from things we do together in the box. I have it on my dresser to remind me every day how much he loves me.

DOG-FIGHTING
My husband has always wanted to be a fighter pilot since he was just a little boy, but decided against it because he did not want to travel as much as was required. In making the decision to be a family man, he gave up some of the excitement and adrenalin he had hoped for in a career. For Valentines Day in 2001, I flew my husband to Las Vegas (where he had never been!), and we spent four days there exploring the city. He tried Krispy Kreme for the first time, and we purchased all the items needed for an at home massage.

On the second day there, I took him to Air Combat USA, which is a company that allows civilians to be pilots in a fighter plane for a day. He spent the day there, taking lessons and learning basic skills for flying the plane. In the morning, he had a brief flight that allowed him to get the feel of the aircraft. In the afternoon, he was taken up and allowed not only to fly the plane, but "dogfight" with another pilot, complete with smoke and flashing lights. They videotaped the whole thing, and he was very proud of himself for not throwing up! When he landed that evening, we went out for a romantic dinner where I presented him with a flight suit commemorating his time as a pilot. We then went back to our hotel, where I used the massage items to rub the soreness of being at 4G's out of his shoulders and back.

He was very surprised, and was able to fulfill a dream that Valentines Day! Ever since then, our Valentines Days have been less about chocolates and roses and more about helping our partner find creative ways to reach their goals.

SAY IT IN A SONG
The most wonderful Valentine's Day present I ever received from my fiancé, was not a card, flowers, or chocolate. It was a CD. Now I know these days personal CD's are becoming a normal way to show someone you care, but this was just the perfect way for him to show me that he really loved me.
This CD contained love songs and, in the pamphlet, he wrote about a page per song telling me what each song meant to him and how much he loved me.

Every year he gives me another Valentine's CD with different love songs and his special personal messages. The best Valentine's Day present I ever received was last year, Chris gave me the CD and when I opened it there was an extra note on the back of the CD that explained how much he loved me and asked me to marry him. Then he kneeled down and handed me a ring and asked me again.

Its coming up on a year and we are still together and happy. I can't wait to get my valentine's Day CD this year, though nothing will ever beat last years present.

FISHING FOR FLOWERS
For valentine's day I got a bouquet of roses for my wife. I chopped off the buds and made "flowers" using cheap lures and hooked it on the stem. She loved it! And I filled up the bathtub with warm water and placed the cut off roses on top. "That was our most romantic valentine and I will never forget that," she said very affectionately.

ADORABLE DOZEN
our waitress came over with a dozen roses and set them on our table and told me it was from a secret admirer. I was extremely embarrassed but also thought it was unbelievably romantic. He told me to look closely at the roses. Each flower had an envelope attached to it. Each envelope was as follows:

1. The first day I met you I could tell by you're eyes I would fall in love with you
2. Every tear you cry rips out a piece of my heart
3. Whenever we kiss I can't seem to concentrate for at least 10 minutes afterward
4. Your smile is amazing, It lights up the world
5. When I touch any part of your body I am filled with more passion than I could ever imagine
6. Only you can cheer me up on a bad day
7. You are so beautiful, I feel on top of the world whenever people see us together
8. You are so considerate and selfless. It is unbelievable to see how big of a heart you have
9. If I were lucky enough to spend the rest of my life with you, I wouldn't need anything else
10. I can't believe someone like you actually wants to be with me
11. I can't keep my mind off of you for a second
12. I love you, and I always will... You are my reason to wake up in the morning

Two years and a marriage later, I can't believe I ever was unsure of his love for me.

SANDWICH AND ROSES
The most memorable Valentine gift I ever received was a sandwich.
I usually brought the same sandwich to work every day (when I didn't get fast food) - ham and cheese on white bread.

My beloved had to work the night shift on Valentines' Day, so since we couldn't be together, he left a note for me in the fridge with a red rose. There were also a couple of bread types, some different deli meats and cheeses. The note said that he wanted me to have something different for lunch the next day, and to pick one of the breads and toast it, and select whatever combination I wanted of the deli meats and cheeses. It was just so thoughtful!

I didn't realize how much of a rut I had gotten into with the sameness of a lunch, and he wanted to show me that I could have some variety that would taste good, too. It touched me because it was so thoughtful and original, and it didn't cost an arm and a leg!

THE ULTIMATE GIFT - PRAYER
I thought of writing a special prayer to read to him on Valentine's Day as one of my "gifts" to him. But as I thought about it, I've decided to carry it one step further. Yes, I still plan to share a special prayer with him, but I don't want to stop there.

The traditional gift for the first year anniversary is "paper" -- a few days ago I purchased a journal with lined pages and I plan to continue to note my prayers in the journal and then present him with it on our first anniversary. I often tell him that I pray for him a lot, and I do -- but wouldn't it be a blessing to actually see/hear the prayers coming from your partner's heart and soul asking for your own safety, health, endurance and strength?

If a picture paints a thousand words..

If this line from a famous 'Bread' song says it correctly here, then Jimmy Paule is in real trouble. Mr. Paule was believed to be the real connection to the Joc-joc Bolante Fertilizer fund cam. If Bolante is the 'mastermind', then Paule is the 'manipulator' who provides the key to most of the facts being held off by Bolante himself. But Bolante and Paule seem to have mastered the art of evading truth: Bolante by sporting a sober face, and Paule by denying knowledge of the key players in the alleged scam even if they had posed for 'posterity' in this picture below.

The witness, Leonicia Llarena (the birthday celebrant here), identified them as —(from left) Redentor Antolin, Jimmy Paule, Leonicia Marco-Llarena, Paule’s wife and daughter, Marilyn Araos and Julie Gregorio.

Paule, a businessman tagged as the fund “manipulator,” also suggested that his image was superimposed in the photo introduced at the resumption of the inquiry into what Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile summed up as a “grand conspiracy to defraud the government.”

“The picture speaks for itself, the picture paints a thousand words,” Gordon said of the photograph showing Paule attending the 50th birthday party on Aug. 23, 2004, of Leonicia Llarena, alleged financier of the so-called “farm inputs/farm implements” under the fertilizer scheme.

Amid these difficult times, the Filipino people is treated with yet another 'big show' in the Senate. I call it as such (short of 'moro-moro' or circus) until some real big fishes in the thick of fund scams (qualifying as plunders) are jailed. Except for Estrada, who earned his liberty too soon, we have yet to see some big plunderers of this country's wealth land in jail for the longest time ever.

The real challenge for the government is to confiscate the plundered wealth and return them to where they once belong and punish the plunderers. But sad to say that some people in government are too afraid to act for fear that the next 'show' will be theirs.

Obama steps into history

Stepping into history, Barack Hussein Obama grasps the reins of power as America’s first black president in a high-noon inauguration amid grave economic worries and high expectations.

Braving icy temperatures and possible snow flurries, hundreds of thousands of people descended on the heavily guarded capital city yesterday for the first change of administration since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

But what does he bring with him? High hopes and expectations, and vision for change as he rallied around people and called on more actions than celebrations. The economic crisis and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are the tallest orders for Pres. Obama.

As has been often said, no President can deliver alone, but if the membership of his economic and policy advisory team is an indication, then Pres. Obama is in for a good start. Let's have our fingers crossed as Pres. Obama fulfills his vision of a "better world in our time".

Donald Trump and Apprentice Celebrity Edition 2

The first celebrity edition of The Apprentice was such a great success, that is why Donald Trump will be doing it again in March this year. And what a line he got for the second installment of celebrity apprentice!

To be honest, Trump does not really need celebrities to pump the show’s ratings or earnings, it is doing well by using ordinary people to compete for the opportunity of being his apprentice. But being the brilliant businessman that he is, Trump knows that with celebrities as prospective apprentice, he could make a killing.

Although in the first season, the celebrities were working to raise funds for their favorite charities, and not really for Trump. But that is just for the apprentice’s part, as for the ratings of the show and its benefit – it still Trump’s.

The second season also will see the apprentice raising funds for charity. So you see, it is after for a good cause.

Two things working for the show here, one of course is the celebrity factor. People love watching celebrities. The second factor being curiosity – does these celebrity people really have some business sense in them? How would they fare when they enter the world of Donald Trump? Would their status matter to Trump?

Too many questions, which can only unfold as the show progresses.

We all know that in reality shows, there are either one or two contestants who seemed to take the villains role. You know to spice things up. And of course, Trump realizes that. That is in the second season of celebrity edition of The Apprentice, he puts it lots of potential villains, and I mean lots of them, who might not only stir the show, but even give it a great shake-up.

Let us first see the line up of this year’s celebrity apprentice:

• Clint Black – Country Singer
• Andrew Dice Clay – A famous 80’s comedian
• Annie Duke – Professional Poker player
• Tom Green – A Canadian actor/comedian and former MTV host
• Natalie Gulbis – Professional golfer
• Scott Hamilton – Former ice skater
• Jesse James – Custom bike builder who was also a former host of a reality show
• Claudia Jordan – She is the holder of the No. 1 suitcase in “Deal or No Deal,” which a press release say is “indicative of her rise in the business”
• Khloe Kardashian – youngest of the Kardashian sisters who also has their own reality show
• Brian McKnight – R&B singer
• Joan Rivers – Comedienne
• Melissa Rivers – Television host and Joan’s daughter
• Brande Roderick – Former Playmate of the Year, also co-starred in Snoop Dog’s “Hood of Horror”
• Dennis Rodman – Former basketball player and winner in “Celebrity Wrestling Challenge.”
• Herschel Walker – Former football player
• Tionne Watkins – member of TLC, more popularly known as T-Boz

Indeed, such an interesting line up. While most seems to be unheard of, at least on our part of the globe, some surely rings a bell like the singer Brian McKnight, and who doesn’t know Rodman?

Personally, I am curious how Rodman, also known as “The Worm,” would do his stuffs in the show or what will happen when he comes face to face with Donald Trump. And would the poker player in Annie Duke bluff her way to avoid being fired? Would Joan Rivers impose her motherly authority on Melissa Rivers when it is required in the boardroom or even during implementation of the tasks? Hands down though, I’m sure many people would be rooting for Brian McKnight.

Those who have seen the first season of the celebrity edition, will definitely look forward to this second edition of the show. Honestly, I haven’t seen that first season because I missed the buzz. I just followed it through YouTube. But definitely, I won’t miss this one. Or if I will, for some reasons unknown for now, then, I can always depend on YouTube.

Dates to Remember (Holidays) for 2009

In December last year, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Proclamation No. 1669 declaring the official list of regular and special non-working holidays for 2009. This list was released recently by Malacañang to provide guidance to business and institution in their planning for the year.

As per Proclamation no. 1669, the list for this year’s holidays is as follows:

Regular Holidays:
April 9 – Maundy Thursday
April 10 – Good Friday
April 6 – (Monday nearest April 9) Araw ng Kagitingan (or Day of Valor)
May 1 – Labor Day
June 12 – Independence Day
August 31 – National Heroes Day
November 30 – Bonifacio Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 30 – Rizal Day

Special non-working days:
August 21 – Ninoy Aquino Day
November 1 – All Saints Day
November 2 (additional special non-working day)
December 24 (additional special non-working)
December 31 (additional special non-working day)

A separate proclamation declaring a national holiday for the observance of the Muslim feast Eid’l Fitr will be issued on a later date after the approximate date of the Islamic holiday has been determined in accordance with the lunar calendar. Other region-specific Muslim holidays will be observed as proclaimed by the Office on Muslim Affairs or the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Palace officials however said that the schedule could still be amended, which could mean more “holiday economics” announcements from the administration. Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza said that the President can still declare additional holidays whenever necessary.

Mrs. Arroyo, for her part, has justified the moving of holidays as an economic stimulus. Declaring December 24 and November 2 as holidays would greatly strengthen Filipino families and in effect would boost domestic tourism.

Donald G. Dee, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Emeritus welcomed the holiday list. When asked about the possibility that the President may declare additional holidays, Mr. Dee said “I have the confidence that the President will not exercise her authority irresponsibly.”

Meanwhile, Makati Business Club Executive Director Alberto A. Lim believes that long weekends can benefit the economy but said Malacañang should stick to its list. “What business does not like is the sudden declaration of holidays,” he added.

In 2007, Mrs. Arroyo signed Republic Act 9492, a law which allows for the movement of holidays and traditional non-working holidays as much as practical and necessary.

Of Shopping Malls and Pinoys

Who are the personalities behind these malls?

One trait that cannot be taken away from the lifestyle of the Filipinos is being a “shoppaholic” and they are really impulsive shoppers too - meaning they care less for what's there left for tomorrow as long as they can take all that they want for the day. In fact, if one's basis is the number of people who mill around and shop at malls, one would say - there is no room for the financial crisis in the Philippines.

Shopping Malls are in the system of Pinoys. Whether they have to buy something important, watch movie, have lunch or just to have coffee, the shopping mall usually is the first thing that pops-up in the minds of the Filipinos. But wait, did you ever care to know who are the people behind these giant establishments that we Pinoys can't do without?


Let’s get to know who are the people behind these malls in the Philippines. Let’s also see who was able to make it to the top and who weren’t able to give justice to their business.

The successful ones are:

1.THE AYALA’S

The Ayalas caters all the side of the economy. From the richest people to the masses. Ayala Land for example, offers a variety of real estates available for all the sectors of the economy. From condominiums to subdivisions (Avida Land) to the lowest form of Real Estates, Shopping Malls.

Ayalas shopping malls does not only caters the richest of the nation, but also those from the economy side. Ayala Malls showcase diverse shops, some are even brands from other countries. This is shown in the place where it is said, that the Ayalas transformed into business district, Makati City.

2.HENRY SY

Unlike the Ayalas, Henry Sy appeals and focus to one sector of the economy, the masses. If Ayala Malls are in the range of As, most of the time, in terms of customers, Henry Sy are in the Bs.

We are all witness how SM Malls boomed the country. In just 50 years in existence, SM became the mall for everyone.

The SM Investment Companies now are involved into many subsidiaries already, to name some, we have China Bank, and now with arrangement with ABS-CBN.

3.JOHN GOKONGWEI, JR.

He started selling soaps, candles, and other goods in an early age of 15. And at the age of 19, he is already involved in importing products from the United States. His retail business now reached the total revenues of P3.4 billion. Which also includes some of his ventures like, Cebu Pacific Air, Robinsons Savings Bank and Digital Telecommunications Philippines, Inc. (more popularly known as Sun Cellular)

4.GAISANO’S

The South is always regarded as something that is a little primitive, but the Gaisanos changed that view of the people. The family, which is most of the time coined as the “Ayalas of the South” started venturing out businesses in the south part of the country. DSG Sons Group, Inc. now operates biggest malls in Mindanao and Visayas.

And the not so successful ones:

Unfortunately, there are also some who wasn’t able to enjoy and reap a not-so-good fruits from their hardships. We have Jose Go and Jimmy Gow.

Jose Go, caters the masses from the masses. Probably can be described as those belonging in the classes D and C.

Ever Emporium was opened on C.M. Recto. Most of the customers are students since during the 1970s that place is considered to be the University Belt. The mall was a success that made Go opened another 4 malls.

Like Henry Sy and the Ayala, Go also ventured on real estate and formed Gotesco Land in 1996. However, the Asian Crisis of 1997 hit his business, leaving him a multi-billion debt.

Jimmy Gow like Jose Go, decided to focus his markets to the classes D and C. The low-income market of Gow and Go made them yield a low-income revenue as well. Uniwide Sales, the mall owned by Jimmy Gow, now reached an amount of P11 billion in debts and considered to be the biggest bankruptcy in the Philippines.

2009 is not what tellers of fortune say..

If we are to believe the foretune-tellers, 2009 is somewhat gloomy in terms of the economy especially on the first quarter, so they say. But I say 2009 is not what these tellers of foretune (or rather, prophet of doom?)say or guess about. For one, the first quarter of the year is merely a drag-on effect of the last quarter of 2008. And what did we have in that part of the year? The prices of crude oil slowly but gradually went down and inflation stood still. That was really good enough.

Now assuming and upturn in the prices of crude oil, and say even inflation, is indeed the trend in the first quarter of 2009 - these would not be too drastic as to create a chaotic situation in the early part of 2009. It will behave the same way. As it went down slowly and gradually it will go up the same way. At the same time we don't discount the efforts of our economic managers in the government to try to cushion the effect of such an increase in prices if it happens. Overall, there is really nothing to worry within the first quarter of the year.

An event to watch would be how the Obama administration can effectively handle the US economic recession. Whatever happens in that corner of the world is important for us as we are not exempted from its effect on the global economy. But having prepared for that situation quite extensively before he even assumes the Presidency, Pres. Obama is likely to succeed in handling the US financial crisis. What is not certain is how fast the US economy would be able to recover from such situation.

Nevertheless, with right attitude, optimism and the right economic prescriptions, the Obama administration is expected to bail out the US economy from further recession. In the Philippines, let's hope that for one last time the Arroyo administration (with all her economic background, minus her attitude) shall go for a sound legacy to leave before she steps down in 2010.