HANABI

WITH EVERY MATSURI [FESTIVAL] or great gatherings here HANABIs [FIREWORKs] surely follows. IT STARTS AS EARLY as 6:30 A.M. and as late as 9:00 P.M.. Small HANABIs or FIREWORKs will be featured in-between the two-day event. I first noticed the first HANABI early this morning, around 6 AM.... and I thought: "Woooo! MATSURI DA!"[IT'S MATSURI [ TIME!]] But the best one will be tomorrow evening: this one is BIG-TIME since it culminates the entire festival. The SAIGO HANABI [FINAL FIREWORKS] lasts some thirty minutes. The final ones come one after the other and capped by themost beautiful ones. Hence, even if I do not go near the TEMPLEat night...., I have a good view from the comfort of my bedroom window. MATSURI. HANABI. YATAI. WASHOI! *****

MATSURI

ON SPORTSFEST AND MATSURIs....

THE SECOND SUNDAY of October is supposed-to-be SPORTS DAY...

or what some say THE HEALTH DAY.

Hence, the next day, a Monday is a holiday in the Land of the Rising SUN

[although the Sun is barely in the horizon today...DOSHO? ]

TONIKAKU, the setting is ready [I saw the Temple area glittering and spruced up last night as I was driving from work] and today, all roads lead to the SPORTSFEST.

BUT FOR SOME REASONS, our group seemed fit to incorporate the MATSURI [FESTIVAL]ALONG WITH THE SPORTSFEST this week. Why they did it, I have no idea....Perhaps to economize? Hmmm...

*

THERE is the program for the three-day affair distributed last week. It is filled wth activities from sun up to sun down. There is even a KARAOKE TAI KAI [A KARAOKE SINGING CONTEST], some food stalls, and more....

Food sold are, of course, cheap and beer sells for 100 Yen ONLY!

There is YAKITORI [CHICKEN BARBECUE],YAKISOBA [PANCIT-Japanese style],YAKIMOCHI[ inihaw na MOCHI -parang TIKOY, only this one is pure w/no sugar, hence, tasteless; they just use SOY SAUCE],

TAKOYAKI [SQUIDBALLS], COTTON CANDY [meron sa atin nito],

ODEN [this is a combination of BOILED EGGS, TOFU, KONYAKU, etcetera].

ODEN is something best eaten on cold winter nights. Not only is it healthy,it also appeals to my palate.This one is prepared way ahead of time and boiled for a long time.

**

LEADERS have been assigned to watch over each section and program.

The schedule is quite hectic.The last entry is supposed to start at 2115! Fantastic!

***

YATAI [SMALL SHRINE/parang CAROSA sa atin] will make the rounds of the area and will converge at the TEMPLE area.This will be done especially at night, for the residents to see the beauty of the YATAIs.They are fully decorated with kids atop, playing some tunes [ala-banda style].Eager parents take pictures while bystanders pose as they use their mobiles to record the moment....

****

I have seen so many MATSURIs here: each place have distinct way of celebrating theirs.

Ours is a small town,hence the YATAIs and the MATSURIs are small-time [if one may call it that!]

*****

MATSURIs are celebrated as a show of GRATITUDE to the Gods for a GOOD HARVEST.

That is why,most MATSURIs are done AFTER HARVEST-TIME, which is about this time.

Note that Japan has only one planting seasonwhich starts in Spring. Unlike ours which can accomodate two, this country has four-seasons, hence...

******

WHILE MATSURIs are good ways to celebrate the communal spirit of the people,

some youngsters see this as a way to drink liquor away from the prying eyes of their parents. Since most youngsters are involved in dancing in the streets wearing those famous "HAPI" coats, it is AFTER the dancing that these teenagers stay longer and help themselves to the OSAKE [RICE WINE].

I have seen lots of street fights involving these kids.Hence, the security is beefed up by the presence of policemen who make themselves visible especially in the TOKAI [capital] region.

*******

In our place, there were incidents of group wars and street fighting as well.These are GAKIs [ BULLIES, BRATS]who perhaps, need some beatings from over-busy parents. Or is it love they need? I wonder....

THIS is also the reason why JIJI has ceased to participate activelyin these activities.

He says his conttribution only make some kids go berserk after drinking rice wines....

********

MATSURI.

HAPI COAT.

YATAI.

OSAKE.

*

ON COLD NIGHTS.....

...................EAT SINIGANG! AT LAST.... after several days of gloomy weather,the sun crept out from behind the clouds.... It's a welcome treat, even for half-a-day only, if we are to go by the weather prediction [which is, btw, almost always perfect]. After all those laundry needs to be done and the rooms need some air. I always go for airy clean rooms. * HOT SOUPS on cold days [or nights] always make each meal a great feast for me. Last night, feeling cold and alone,I made some SINIGANG. I still have that Mix I brought from homelast time. Some pork, veggies [radish,tomatoes, leeks] and hot new rice made my dinner superb. There are lots of left-overs,so my lunch wouldn't pose much problem,would it? As usual, I gave a bowlful to the nearest Oba-San, to which she wasgrateful...I hope! She always liked that 'EZU-NIK' [translation:ETHNIC] concoction since she liked the SUPPAI [MAASIM] AJI [TASTE]. I remembered that and her many YASASHI [KIND] gestures to me in the past, so there. ** Here, the people live like the Barangays of old. People in the community share some of the harvest and in return, recieve those from others as well. I guess this works [still] in the small towns and cities. Perhaps, it does in big cities and the Metropolisamong old friends and neighbors. With the proliferation of "MANSIONS" [ that is the Japanese version of CONDOs], and apartment-housing, most modern-day Japanese no longer know the art of socializing. Same is true, I guess with most Pinoys, huh? *** TODAY, I'll be a bit busy.That is, I need to go to the Bank for some transactions. Jiji can't do it since he's been busy in his business and no one except I can negotiate [yabang, ano?] his Bank account transfers, ad infinitum. **** GOT TO GO and check where that fire trucks are going... The sirens have become louder.... must be near here.... somewhere.... *****

NAKU !

ONE OF MY STUDENTS,a senior High lass wanted to come with me [that is, if she can escape the hectic winter SHUKUDAI..] when I go back home for the Holidays. As I was wonderin where I'd take her, I decided to browse the net for some tips. * I WAS SURFING for some travel tips when I stumbled upon this intro in one travel.org. or somethin... >>>>"Introduction: The 7000-odd islands that comprise the Philippines are the forgotten islands of southeast Asia. Off the main overland route and with a recent history of martial law and endemic corruption, the country has struggled to attract tourists in the numbers many of its southeast Asian neighbours have."<<<< ** Grrr... at grr... pa! Nakaka-turn off ako kaya tinigilan ko na ang paghahanap ng magagandang lugar. Hah! *** So this is HOW these travel organizations abroad "SELL" our country! No wonder less tourists come to visit the Philippines despite the 'effort' exerted by the DoT [as if there is any!]. **** ON SECOND THOUGHT, ...I can't help but think...maybe....just maybe... they may be right. Ours have the reputation of being KORAP and THE SUPPOSED "PUBLIC SERVANTS" are robbing the country's coffers left and right. To add salt to the wound, these people who robs us go unpunished. Classic examples are the marcoses and ERR-ap. ***** Today, the pidal family continue to pillage the economy and they stay in power via transactional politics. SAD BUT TRUE. I wonder when we'll ever achieve BETTER GOVERNANCE THROUGH CLEAN, HONEST PUBLIC SERVANTS. Most good men in government have bade their goodbyes. A good number of those left have the reputation that stinks to Hades. ******

ODE TO EICH

ANATA GA HOSHII Anata ga hoshii Ai ga subeta ga hoshii... ***** HONE MADE hone made Hone made aishite hoshii no yo... *****

CAMOTE AND OUR SKIN....

WANNA HAVE THAT MUCH-COVETED FAIRER SKIN? EAT CAMOTE! So they say..... * I was tidying up things when I heard a food expert and nutritionist explain the fantastic benefits of SATSUMAINO [oo, Ate, ito yung walang kamatayang KAMOTE...] on a TV program. ** KAMOTE, CAMOTE.... WHATEVER WAY YOU WANNA CALL IT.... This one is really, really GREAT! ...SIMPLY GREAT! *** Most women want to have fairer skin....oh, well, much fairer than the ones they have. It's the same the world over. Call it vanity or whatever you like. But the audience were one in saying they want fairer skin, too. The guest-expert detailed the benefits and how to achieve those. He enumerated steps, recipes and guided the viewers regarding preparation and basic facts about KAMOTE. **** I never realized that the 'DAGTA'of these KAMOTEs ARE GOOD FOR THE SKIN..... ... NOT ONLY THAT! I used to believe that EATING LOTS OF KAMOTES would be a big NO-NO for those who want to stay slim. ON THE CONTRARY, EATING JUST A MERE 10 gms of KAMOTE would mean we are bound TO LOSE 200 gms of BODY FAT! UNBELIEVABLE...BUT TRUE! ***** SO many concoctions were discussed and here are some: 1. CAMOTE JUICE- In a BLENDER: MIX STEAMED CAMOTE,A TSP. HONEY, YOGURT, LEMON EXTRACT:Presto! Great for the skin.... 2. CAMOTE TARTS [with less sugar/or better still, substitute honey] 3. CAMOTE CUE -only here, they add a pinch of saltand sprinkle them with black sesame seeds; and more........AND MORE.... ****** Wanna have clearer, fairer skin? Why not try eating KAMOTE from here on? You'll not only lose fat, you'll have fairer skin, too! Sounds cool, huh!? ******* Worried about that gas your body would likely give out? WEll, that's part of our biological functions,kiddo. Besides, it's great for the body system. ******** SO....KAMOTE, ANYONE? *

THE BATTLE IS RAGING

........................and the verbal exchanges flared... BRENDA is at it again! Why now, I wonder.... Perhaps she may have thought she has lost her name recall 'value' [as if she is valued at all!] and felt she must grab the headlinesonce more... .....0r...is it another ploy to divert the attention from the VENABLE transaction entered into by the arroyo people? I wonder.... really! 0r...maybe it is another way to ingratiate herself to her political benefactor, without whose machinery, she wouldn't have had the chance to be included in the administration slate and make that 'win' in a national election. That is, if most Pinoys deem that electionto be fair and honest. ...ha ha! * The PROBLEM in INANG BAYAN has been endless, and pidal's wife has done another faux pas, e.g., aside from the VENABLE contract. THE EO 464, according to Fr. J.Bernas,S.J. is illegal. This Executive Order was issued by Mrs. pidal and aims to gag all government people. It prohibits them from testifying, 0r saying anything about what they know, WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM MALACANANG. This is now being echoed in different government agencies by way of implementing guidelines to be drafted by the corresponding heads. GAGGING her allies made one presidential adviser's BP jack up, and his heart condition worsen.Pity that "poor" guy! He must have been bothered by his conscience evading the truth in front of the Senate Probe and broadcasted live via national TV. ** THEN there is the "revelation" of BRENDA that Cory and Drilon are up to assasinate mrs. pidal! Cory? ....in a plot to assasinate? She must be kidding! GOODNESS! *** QUO VADIS, PILIPINAS? Where are we going? OUR COUNTRY HAVE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS... AND THE MOST DANGEROUS ONES ARE THE LEADERS.... What I mean to say is...those illegal ones. They spin tales and yarns so well that even they, themselves, believe that they are indeed....telling the truth, sabi nila!--------------------

NUMBERS & PEOPLE

TWO WEEKS AGO, an old man came aroundand asked how many resided in our house. I was wondering why an old man, maybe in his 70s would do that. So I asked him politely who he was. He replied he was from the KOKOZEI CHOZA... and he showed me his ID card hanging on his neck. * YEAH,....you're right! I didn't know that! Oh well..... He promised he'll be back after a couple of days. I dismissed that as some weird salesman or somethin... EXACTLY TWO DAYS LATER,he did come back! Goodness! I was out working on the hedges and cutting the ones fronting my room when he rang the doorbell. Apparently, he didn't notice me on atop the step-ladder on the far side of the main house. He said he was leaving something [an envelope] and will pick it up after a week. I took it and thank him for his efforts. Here, you HAVE TO say something to thank everyone's efforts: to the PostMen, the Meter Readers [electric and gas]and even the Newspaper Delivery Man/Woman, practically EVERYONE! It's part of that gratitude thing. I left it for JIJI to see. As usual, he said he'll do it next time. ** DATA-GATHERING STARTED here again. That's what all those envelope was all about. The Census-taking is done every five years just to UPDATE THE RECORDS. Most services like the LOCAL POLICE, the CITY HALL, the CENSUS AND OTHERS...here go around and take note of the change: in telephone numbers, the number of residents, the names of additional members, and so on... I guess this is good; it updates its record once every five year and sets their record straight. Doing this also makes them aware who resides where and thus makes regular contact with the corresponding agencies. *** Take the example of those illegal/non-visa foreigners.. The policemen regularly visit the residences ON FOOT and thus keeps track of the people in the community. Thus, if they suspect some illegal residents there, they contact the IMMIGRATION officers and these IOs work from there. These results in numerous raids and arrests of those "Os" or what most Pinoys here call "BILOG". **** I WONDER.....do we have updated STATISTICS in INANG BAYAN? .1. do we still have FOOT PATROLS [THE POLICEMEN WHO GO AROUND WALKING AND CHECKING HOUSEHOLDS FOR CRIMES, SAFETY, ET CETERA? ..2. do we say THANK YOU to POSTMEN, METER-READERS, POLICEMEN? ... 3. do we HAVE CENSUS/STATISTICS PEOPLE GOING AROUND [BY FOOT] AND CHECK THE NUMBER OF RESIDENTS IN ANY GIVEN AREA? I WONDER.... *****

HELPING THE COMMUNITY

The TIME: 8:00 A.M. The Place: JINJA- [the LOCAL SHINTO SHRINE] I GOT UP early today for the scheduled KUSAKARI [GRASS-CUTTING] at the local JINJA [SHINTO SHRINE] near our home. AS USUAL, JIJI didn't go. He never does. BUT I DID. * IT WAS a sight to behold:men and women all walking towards the TEMPLE. It was as if everyone were united and determined to do something for the community. ** INSIDE THE SHRINE is a TEMPLE: very similar to our own CHAPEL. The only difference is that it is bordered by large trees. The EVERGREENS offer shade in the summer, which is good. The fresh air it gives is a welcome treat, indeed. It also offers a sort of spiritual refuge for those who want peace and quiet. For these refreshing greeneries, it is always easy to spot a SHRINE wherever I go... in fact, anywhere in The Land of the Samurais. *** OUR AREA is composed of several GROUPS. ALL these groups converged today and cleaned the Shrine in preparation for the MATSURI [FESTIVAL] scheduled on the second Saturday& Sunday of October. These MATSURIs are done as a form of GRATITUDE FOR A GOOD HARVEST, quite similar to that one we have somewhere in Laguna.[sorry, I forgot the name of the place]. **** WHILE the meeting was primarily intended for the cleaning and sprucing up of the area around the Temple, most women, as well as the men in the community used the time to exchange pleasantries and revive friendships among the participants. ***** THE WOMEN mostly took care of the small grasses along the path leading to the TEMPLE; THE MEN took care of the trees and the big bulk of dried weeds and placed them in small trucksto be deposited somewhere. ****** ME? I stayed with the OBA-SANs [TITAs] in our group, and well....talked for a while with some of them. But mostly, I limited mine with the AISATSUs [GREETINGs]. I was hoping I can catch up with the Sunday Mass in IWATA... but due to the volume of grass and other 'talk'...I failed to. ******* AFTER that, area leaders distributed the drinks: a can of juice/tea/coffee. It was also one way to check the attendance. That spells a penalty/fine of 1,500JpY [PhP 750.00] for each absence. Some areas impose a bigger amount. ******** THEN ALL HEADED FOR HOME. ON THE way home, one of the OBA-San in our group asked me to accompany her to her HATAKE [paddy]. She handed me a couple of bags with GREEN PEPPER and a kilo and a half [maybe] of SATOIMO [TARO/GABE sa 'Pinas]. ********* I ONLY WISH we have similar activities like this in Inang Bayan. Working together in any endeavour would surely benefit the area we live in. Giving money or making donations is a good deed. BUT GIVING SOMETHING OF YOURSELF IS BEST. WE must not only take; we must also give. ********** GOOD DAY. GREAT SWEAT. HAPPY INTERACTION. PLEASANT SMILES. *

STRANGE, BUT TRUE.....

STRANGE, BUT TRUE.... ----- Isn't it strange how a 20 dollar bill seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church, but such a small amount when you go shopping? * Isn't it strange how 2 hours seem so long when you're at church, and how short they seem when you're watching a good movie? ** Isn't it strange that you can't find a word to say when you're praying, but you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend? *** Isn't it strange how difficult and boring it is to read one chapterof the Bible, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel or ZANE GREY book? **** Isn't it strange how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games, but they do whatever is possible to sit at the last row in Church? ***** Isn't it strange how we need to know about an event for Church 2-3weeks before the day so we can include it in our agenda, but we can adjust it for other events in the last minute? ****** Isn't it strange how difficult it is to learn a fact about God to share it with others, but how easy it is to learn, understand,extend and repeat gossip? ******* Isn't it strange how we believe everything that magazines and newspapers say, but we question the words in theBible? ******** Isn't it strange how everyone wants a place in heaven, but they don't want to believe, do, or say anything to get there? ********* Isn't it strange how we send jokes in e-mails and they are forwarded right away, but when we are going to send messages about God, we think about it twice before we share it with others? ********** IT'S STRANGE ISN'T IT? Now that you've read this message, STOP and THINK A-WHILE.... AND SINCE IT IS SUNDAY..... GO TO THAT PLACE AND TRY TO TALK TO GOD ! ....YOU CAN DO IT! GOD BLESS, EVERYONE !!!

GOOD FOOD & INSTANT PARTIES

************************************************************************************************* PREPARING A MEAL ISN'T AS GREAT as when you have all the necessary ingredients around..... BUT WHAT MAKES ME WORRY MOST is when you have to prepare something for unexpected visitors! No notice at all ...and not all ingredients are available! AND I have done just that! The result?Well, I'd like to think it's great. JUDGING by the way they all lapped it up, I'd rate it a success [ am I just patting my OWN back,here?]. Or is it just the fact that these hungry hordes are lapping it upfor sheer lack of 'other things' on the table? * DIFFERENT PEOPLE offer varying ways of recipes. But I have prepared mine the way I deem good. You see, I follow instincts rather than the cleanly-laid steps often written in great books of sorts. I simply use my taste buds to guide me. PREPARING A MEAL offers me the power to do as I will. I guess it points to the fact that I have complete control of my 'kingdom.'... Not that I am a good cook...no, not that. ** MY DAD was a great Chef. He worked in different Hotels and cooked at home as well. He loved cooking for us meals which are only found in ChinaTown Restos. MY MOM also cooked well. Hers was a continuous learning... assisted by Aling Bening, who, up to now, serves as my cook whenever there are gatherings at Casa Montebello. We always had great meals at home. It was those meals I now sorely miss. How I wish I paid more attention to Nanay's cooking.... Alas, all that is impossible now. *** WHAT PLEASES ME MOST is that all my repertoire have been wiped out in a sec. .Altho none were left for myself... I was sure glad other people,those not of my own, appreciated my efforts and amateur attempts at PORK ROASTS,CHICKEN&PORK ADOBO, &PANCIT BIHON. SINCE NONE was left for me, I had to settle with two pieces of PAN and a glass of milk. **** INSTANT PARTY. GOOD FOOD. HUNGRY STOMACHS.

*****

WHEN YOU FEEL DOWN: SHOP!

I FELT SOMEWHAT UNEASY.. I don't know how to say it... But I just can't stay at home and watch TV. Besides, I can't even say what I feel: somehow, I feel out. I can't even voice an opinion. Goodness !!! I am lonely! * ....So... I decided to go out after my last class. I remember a line in one of the Reads I have encountered a zillion years ago... It says: "When you feel down, wear bright clothes and face the sun. Affirm: I am good, I am loved, I am beautiful! ** "What better way to make oneself beautiful than to start with how I look? So...... I went to the Parlor first and looked inside. I asked if I can be accommodated. I know, I know... I didn't have an appointment. But it's too late for that now. I need to pamper myself and start with my hair. OK? Good. I was lucky to be taken in. After sitting for two and a half hour:being shampooed, rinsed, cut and blowed-dry... I was off to my next destination: THE SHOPPING PLAZA: Step 1: The SUPERMARKET! I SAW ON TV that there is a YUSHO [VICTORY] SALE in almost all Supermarkets, department stores that have connections [that is, partly owned by Hanshin[ with the TIGERS. So there. I went to ITO YOKADO first. Yeah, this one is owned by the 7-11 Group here... THE DISCOUNTS ranged from 10-20% ....It was fun, indeed....especially if one has oodles and oodles of dinero to splurge. After several bags,packages...I stopped and wait for tomorrow....at another one: JUSCO. I heard they, too, are offering 20% off.Cool. *** THE TROUBLE is that it IS Autumn. Most Summer things have been swept out of the counters and locked for next. So I was able to buy only the left-oversummer tees, sizes LL and L for the guys back home. WHEN I passed by the ColdCut section, I saw some BLACK TIGER SHRIMPS which was up for sale at 70 yen each!Down 30. And 'twas from the Philippines! It says so in the tag. At least, kumikita ang 'Pinas if I patronize Philippine products, eh? I did take 10 for future use: EBI TEMPURA. **** HAVING EXERCISED MY LEGS by walking here and there... looking for the best buy,I grew tired and decided to call it a day. ***** IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE as I emerged from the covered roof parking. And the traffic was bumper-to-bumper. Gosh! It was nearly six and most employees and workers are going home. Just like me. ***** SO...SHOPPING BOOSTS ONE'S EGO? NAAAH! IT only lightens your wallet! ******* GOIN' SHOPPING ? COME WITH ME! ********

WINNING & LOSING....

GRRR......IT'S THE TIGERS!!!! LAST NIGHT, the HANSHIN TIGERS won.... They capped the BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP for the Central League this year. Oh yes, we knew that days [weeks?..no; months? oh yeah!] that the win is inevitable. Why,.... the Team has been leading way ahead of their opponents since the start of the season. THE GIANTS which, btw, is the Team I was rooting for since some years back, stays second to the last. Grrr.... * ALTHOUGH I am not a TIGERS fan, it never stop to amaze me whenever the HANSHIN TIGERS win. The same thing happened a couple of years ago. The river which is in the heart of the city makes for the focal point for fans and spectators alike. YOU SEE, these fans go to the streets and celebrate in wild frenzy. To cap the street celebration, they go and jump to the river. This has caused some death in the past as a result of the stampede. One drunk old manalso jumped and died. ** IN an effort to keep some semblance of order, the police imposed measures to keep law and order. They have threatened to arrest people who'll jump to the river. They have made steel contraptions and put up tall fences to ward off those who would try to jump. ALL THESE MEASURES proved inadequate to contain the wild celebration of HANSHIN fans. AGAIN...last night, fans went to the heart of OSAKA and celebrated. Shops closed early in preparation for the hullabaloo. The police came in full force. The color blue dominated the scene as early as 5:00 p.m. Yet when the game was over, the men in blue were helpless .....NUDE young men jumped from the roof of shops, ..men in boxer shorts jumped to the river, ...some men were dragged from the fence as they prepared to climb it; ....and more.... ALMOST ALL WERE FANS: Fans who were willing to shed some 16 lapad[translated to pesos: 80,000 PhP!!!] for one ticket for that one night game!I call that malaking ka-eng-engan! Why, that amount could feed the whole Barangay in some desperate neighborhood somewhere! *** I understand their joy and happiness of the moment. IMAGINE THE TIGERS wresting it all in homeground at the KOSHIEN [the place where all High School BaseballChampionships are played and where they are eyed for recruitment to become PROs; it is the HOME for Hanshin Tigers, too]. ....and from their long-standing rival: the GIANTS! That spelled double victory, eh? That must have sparked more daring frenzy among the fans. **** MY FRIEND NAOKO, who hails from KANSAI [that part where OSAKA, KOBE, KYOTO, HIMEJI-KEN, NARA are...] was naturally overjoyed and lost her voice shouting and cheering as she gulped cans of beer while watching the Games on TV. Since she is employed in Shizuoka, she has just to content herself with the tube. I doubt whether she feels good today as she tackles her job at the local SHIAKUSHO [CITY HALL]. Poor one, she must be reeling from the hangover... ***** AS FOR ME, I have accepted the fact that sometimes... we can't have everything in life served to us in a silver platter. Oftentimes we can have our cake and eat it, too. On lean days, we might as well be contented with what is on hand. GOD IS GREAT. I MAY NOT HAVE WON THIS TIME, BUT THERE IS ALWAYS TOMORROW TO LOOK UP TO. That much I know.... ****** OMEDETO [CONGRATULATIONS] HIROKO! YOUR TEAM WON! I know you are happy... CONGRATULATIONS HANSHIN!

*******

CPR: THE SAVING TYPE or the DEADLY ONE?

I read with disgust the news today.

IT'S ABOUT THE CPR!

OH, NO...not that one; that one one used to save lives.

I know how to do that.

It helps people, rather than kill them.

*

What I am talking about is the CPR

or the CALIBRATED-PREEMPTIVE RESPONSE

which took effect last week in lieu of the "MAXIMUM TOLERANCE"

imposed by the forces loyal to the "illegal occupant/tenant" by the Pasig.

Goodness!

**

ANO ITO?

MARTIAL LAW?

OR

THE BEGINNING OF MARTIAL RULE?

HA-HA!

***

Garci's caller must be soooo DESPERATE,

that the Great Pretender have to impose such measures,

in order to force people to stay away from the streets.

****

THIS MORNING,

I saw a news report that says Lomibao resportedly said in an interview that

even former President Cory and Susan Poe, the widow of FPJ, are not exempted.

"All will be treated equal under the Law."

So he says.....

NOW, "WHO IS THE LAW"?

Yun lang bang nasa poder ang may karapatang lumabag ng Batas?

At yung ibang ordinaryong mamamayan, eh,

..."magdusa kayo!"

Ganun?

MALI BANG MAGTANONG AT MAGHANAP NG KATOTOHANAN?

MALI BANG MAG-USAP, MAGSALITA NG KAMALIAN O KATIWALIAN

NG MGA NAMUMUNO SA GOBYERNO?

MAY DEMOKRASYA PA BA SA BANSA?

O MAY DIKTADURA NA?

SINO ANG DIKTADOR?

SINO ANG TAMA?

SINO ANG MALI?

SO many questions, but the Malacanang 'resident' is evasive.

She prefer to sail in silence as the people wonder whether she truly is truly

the legally elected President of this once-Great Nation.

*****

Whatever happens,

the People will not be complacent anymore....

******

Go on, make heroes of those who dare say the truth...

Arrest them and let us see the reaction of the majority of the people

who view everything from the sidelines.

As they say,

"We will cross the bridge when we get there..."

*****

THIS one doesn't administer the cure to the ailing Republic and its People;

she administers the lethal poison to eliminate her opponents,

especially those who sound the alarm

and those who do not agree with her

dark ways.

ALL I HAVE TO IS WAIT.....

***** THE ROOM temp says 22 degrees C! It is much colder outside.... Naku! PASKO na nga! ***** SEPTEMBER usually sports these sudden change as the mercury dips little by little down and down....until Winter arrives. IT ALLOWS refreshing time in bed, with the temperature just right sans the electric fan or the aircon. IT ALSO MEANS longer time in bed as the weather seems fine to linger and dream of days to come. THE WEATHER reminds us that CHRISTMAS is near and that spending the Holidays in this Buddhist-dominated country is like spending that Great Feast in the middle of nowhere. **** HERE, the locals just eat CAKE for Christmas. They think that singing "Merry Chrismas" and later eating the cut-up cake is enough. They do not know otherwise. Besides, work continues here on Christmas Day. *** I REMEMBER my LOLO whom we called one Christmas Day from Inang Bayan. He said he was out working. As a little child, I wondered then: didn't they celebrate Christmas? When I got here and spent the Holidays a decade ago, I realized they have the loneliest Christmas, ever! NO ONE seems to mind. But of course! Their belief is different. Although there are a handful Catholics here, most are non-believers. They look at Christmas as a commercialized season often utilized by big department stores andsupermarkets. I DECIDED THEN that if ever I decide to live in this Land, I'd have to assert that I be given the chance to go back home for the Holidays. Kahit man lang sa panahon na yun, I can be happy among my relatives and in the homeground. ** THIS YEAR I will put up the PAROL [CHRISTMAS LANTERN] I brought last February from Manila. I will show them what decors we have and arrange the whole house... .just to establish that "MOOD"..... Tignan ko lang kung ano ang reaksyon ni JIJI, ng ibang kamag-anak dito, my friend Naoko, at ng mga super-gulong estudyante groups.... * BUT THAT COULD WAIT.... I have just changed the classroom motif to that of HALLOWEEN. I have placed the KABOCHA [PUMPKIN] I harvested from the Garden as part of the decors. And I have prepared sweets for the 'Trick-0r-Treat' part of it. * OH WELL... all I have to do is WAIT.... and WAIT... go on WAITING.... and WAIT SOME MORE..... *****

MEMORIES

******************************************************************** I ALWAYS remember the days of old, when I was a bit younger in the company of familiar faces, places and voices. AS I REMEMBER the days of my youth, I can't help but be nostalgic about it all. THERE WAS TATAY and his compassionate look. He was always our [my siblings and I] friend. Whenever we found ourselves in trouble with Nanay's strict discipline, he would always be there after Nanay gave us that scolding. Oh, no...he wouldn't meddle in the middle of that rigorous spanking. I guess he has learned his lesson: never, ever, butt in when Nanay s doing her "sermon", which, btw, is numerous. ***** TATAY OFTEN treated us with "pasalubongs" of all sorts:from fruits to Pancit, to Fried Chicken to Castanas. Just anything! He always had something for everyone whenver he comes home after those trips. He was always on a trip. He would only be home for some months then move again. I guess that was part of his job.He used to hold a high position in some Japanese company, a position he held for quite sometime. He played a duistinguished role in some transactions that involved big corporations, both in Inang Bayan and the Land which nurtured him in his youth. HE WAS, what we call in Lingusitic terms, a POLYGLOT. Athough he can not be considered a LINGUIST officially, he can carry himself perfectly well in FOOKIEN, MANDARIN, TAGALOG, VISAYAN, ILOCANO, ENGLISH, and of course, NIPPONGO. ***** PEOPLE IN THE PROVINCE remembers him as one to whom they could go to whenever they needed medicine for their sick relatives. He can be called upon anytime of the day or night whenever the need arose. They even called on him whenever they needed cash. SIYA yung "utangan ng bayan," kasama na kami dun. Whenever we were cash-strapped, we always knew, we'd find relief in Tatay's bulging purse. ***** TATAY was one person who never start any fight. But when dared to his limits, he is one who wouldn't back off in any encounter. I remember Mang Juan, the Ilocano store owner who rented his stall just in front of our house. He was always dumping trash beside our gate. One time, my Nanay went out and asked him why he always do that. Mang Juan replied as if he was the aggrieved party. He even declared he won't answer my Nanay, because he only pick fight with his equal: a man. So he dared my Tatay to come out and finish it off with him=MAN-TO-MAN. TATAY DID NOT WANT to dignify such petty calls for mundane problems. He believed that Mang Juan must listen to reason: Nanay is complaining because of the trash he [Mang Juan] dumped on somebody else's area ACROSS THE STREET from his place! AFTER SEVERAL DAYS, the exchange of words continued between my Nanay [who never allowed wrongdoings to prosper] and Mang Juan who continued to dump his sweepings on our side. Tatay, out of disgust, came out [finally!] and asked him why he keeps on doing the things he does."Aren't you ashamed", he said, "picking some fights with women?" Mang Juan remained defiant. He was restrained by his daughter-nurse who knew that her father was wrong. Tatay has reached his limits and he said in a loud, booming voice: "SIGE, LABAS, AKO LABAN!" ONE HIT AND Mang Juan was knocked to the ground. "KO!" Knock-Out!"TAPOS ANG BOKSING!", boomed Nanay amidst the cheers of neighbors and, of course, us. All were taken aback. We never realized Tatay can be that physical! WE, too, never realized that our soft-spoken Tatay can do that! Cool! TATAY USED to be a MILITARY MAN. He never bragged about his background and training to anyone except us, his immediate family. Outside of that, no one knew who he was, where he came from, or what kind of education he had. He was literally unknown,except for what they always call him:"Mr. D." ...That was that. TATAY assimilated as much as he can during his lifetime. He spoke Tagalog and was able to get by in the community he lived, whether it was in the hinterland of Masbate or in the tight-placed Sta. Mesa, where we lived most of our youth until we transferred to the South of Manila in the early 90's. ***** TATAY always had the opportunity to go back 'home' especially during the time his ulcer got worse. He had the chance to have surgery in the Land of his Youth, but he opted to stay put and die in his adpoted country. He never wanted anyone to touch his body [by opening it up in a surgery], and he opted to stay as he is. He died in his sleep one Tuesday morning in December. He died peacefully. ***** MOST OF US WONDERED....then. Could he have called someone to ask for help? You see, he has lost his voice and could only whisper. He was staying in my younger brother's room at the time of his death. It was a room away from Nanay's. He has lost his voice as a result of his excessive smoking which started in his teens. He stopped immediately when his vocal chord started to become worse and chose to chew gums,instead. BUT THEN, we thought, MAYBE IT WAS HIS TIME. ALTHOUGH WE MISS TATAY, WE KNOW IN OUR HEARTS THAT HE IS NOW WITHOUT PAIN. ***** LET YOUR PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HIM, O LORD... ETERNAL PEACE REST UPON HIS SOUL. AMEN.

CHARM & SHOWERS

LOOKING AT bentong's avatar,I can't help but write something about modern amenities as far as TOILETS are concerned. AT THE NAGANO WINTER OLYMPICS 7-or-8-years ago, participants were asked their impressions of that gathering. MOST, IF NOT ALL, were one in saying that they liked the TOILETS installed in the Olympic Village best, aside from the usual Japanese Hospitality and accomodations, that is. ...WOW! MOST JAPANESE, and residents of this country were amazed. Didn't they have those in their own country, they asked. One athlete vowed to bring home one such gadget as soon as the Games was over. Whether she did just that, there is no way for me to confirm. But the contraption really, really is great!I GUESS NOT ALL have those amenities. Indeed, Japan has gone a long way in making amenities a way of life. TOILETS, such as those mentioned by Nagano Olympians are really fascinating. These consists of: >>"CHARM" for Ladies, >>"SHOWER" a better version of the old BIDET [a bathroom fixture used especially for bathing the external genitals and the posterior parts of the body ], >> and a "DRY" to dry or minimize whatever water is left before one dries the behind with tissue paper. COOL! THE PATENT OWNER said that he invented that to help his sick and elderly mother clean herself sans helper. His mother was one who never was satisfied with using toilet papers only. This reminds me of Pinays and their penchantfor 'washing.' OWNING THESE contraption is really heaven. They are now one of the symbols of modern living. But since the SHOWER is stronger for me, I like using CHARM most. MODERN BUILDINGS, HOMES, and even supermarkets use these contraptions. Little by little, the usual OVAL ones that is common in public toilets are being replaced by these modern ones. In some HIGHWAY STOPS, though, they have both: they have installed modern ones replacing the old western style. The usual old style where one has to SQUAT has been retained since it is more convenient and 'safe' for most people. ABOUT A YEAR AGO, ....a new one came out. This time, they INSTALLED A SENSOR TO THE TOILET COVER. The cover would AUTOMATICALLY OPEN AS SOON AS SOMEONE STANDS NEAR IT. IT LIKEWISE WOULD CLOSE AS SOON AS THE PERSON WHO USED IT WALKS AWAY. BESIDES, AUTO-FLUSH IS IN. COOL, EH? This sounds great for those who dare not handle covers nor too ready to lift/close them, too. HOW ABOUT YOU? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO YOUR TOILET LATELY?

AICHI EXPO 2005 ENDS TODAY

***** The 2005 AICHI WORLD EXPOSITION ends its 6-months run today. This EXPO has recorded increasing numbers of visitors as the EXPO nears its end. Most visitors wait outside the main entrance the night before!!! Kaya yung dumarating ng alas 4 ng madaling araw, nasa dulo na sila. Grabe talaga! Tapos, pagbukas ng entrance, takbuhan papunta sa gusto nilang Pavilion! Kung pagong ka, wala, iiwanan ka ng lahat. Bukod sa mainit ang panahon, sobrang dami ng tao! Kapag may BAGYO lang yata kakaunti ang tao! The number of visitors was reported to have reached more than 25 % of its initial target. Most are REPEATERS, meaning they have already visited in the past, yet they keep on coming back for more. One old man who was interviewed revealed that today was his 111th time to go. Great! ***** THE SITE can be accessed easily: > By air, the CHUBU International Airport which was made atop the Bay, quite similar to that of KANSAI [OSAKA]. This airport was opened early this year in time for the Expo. Access to NAGOYA used to be the refurbished Domestic Airport. Now, that the new CENTRAIR [ short for CENTRal AIRport, another name for CHUBU] is operating, this means that more carriers can service Nagoya than the limited ones in the old terminal. >BY SHINKANSEN, from Tokyo or Osaka, or from anywhere in Japan. **** MOST FOREIGN TOURS include visits to Factories, Plants or Shrines. Foreigners are given a glimpse of Temples, and other places of interests here. Locals also use the TOUR GROUP system since it allows them the ease and comfort of being led to sites, rather than go through the rigors of choosing the Pavilions. **** PAVILIONS ARE A-PLENTY. The most popular turned out to be that of HITACHI's, and TOYOTA comes next. ROBOTS dominate the scene. **** LONG LINES are everywhere and it takes some five or so hours before one can finally get inside one Pavilion. Mas matagal pa ang 'waiting time' kesa sa DisneyLand. WHILE THE SITES inside are worth the wait, obviously, ONE DAY isn't enough. No wonder there are "REPEATERS' who have to come back to see all the others. **** THE PHILIPPINE Pavilion used COCONUT as its motif. Kahit hindi kasing high-tech ng ibang bansa,maganda rin nmn ang labas ng ating lugar. Libre masahe pa! **** I WISH I DID COME BACK but time and chance is of the essence. Sayang yung 'SALE' ng mga souvenir items. Mas mura daw ngayon...last day kasi. **** THE CLOSING CEREMONY was attended by PM Junischiro Koizumi and graced by the Crown Prince Naruhito sans Princess Masako. IT WAS RATED SUCCESSFUL in its entire 6-months run by visitors and enterpreneurs alike. But of course! Money moved. It benefited a lot of people in the process, both the host[s] and the Participating Countries as well. *****

ENDURING STORMS in our LIVES

HOW MANY STORMS MUST WE ENDURE IN A YEAR?............OR IN OUR LIFETIME? ETO na naman ang BAGYO numero 17. Malakas daw. At lumiko na naman papunta rito. Ang hindi ko maintindihan, bakit trip nitong Bagyo na lumiko, samantalang puwede nmn siyang dumirecho.... Kaya ayan... ANG BAGYO AY DUMARATING NA ANG SKY PUNUNG-PUNO NG ULAP; ANG WEATHER AY NAGSASABI MAY BAGYO NA NGA! Hanggang kailan ba ang Bagyong ito? September na db? Sigurado ganun din sa Pinas.May Bagyo pa rin... ***** I guess IT'S THE SAME WITH LIFE. There are limitless number of storms that beset each person's life. These storms tests our abilities to cope and bear the consequences of problems that come our way. Some problems may be fruits of our own making; Some may come from outside forces.... uncontrolled and unexpected. FOR AS LONG AS WE LIVE, THERE WILL BE STORMS AND PROBLEMS WE WILL ENCOUNTER. "Yung walang problema, nakakahon na yun,"Nanay used to say. WHAT MATTERS MOST is how we deal with our problems. That, will make us distinct from other people. STORMS AND PROBLEMS MAY COME BUT WE WILL OVERCOME. WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS INSHA' 'ALLAH [GOD WILLING]!!!

FEELS GOOD

............TO GO SHOPPING. It always give one that high....that exciting feeling. I opted for ITO-YOKADO today since they have a 25%-off SALE this week. Ten points up pa. So I thought, why not? Besides, I need to replenish the card. I need to talk to Makoy on details about Jay's training this October. I hope the training push through and JAY PASS THE TRAINING IN FLYING COLORS.....PLEASE LORD! SO OFF I went using the Noah. It was the first car up front, SHIKATANGANAI. Ang hirap yatang maglipat-lipat ng mga kotse sa garahe. IT was quite warm outside, but the clouds loom across the sky. Surprisingly, there was no traffic jam along TOKAIDO and along JIDOUSHA-DORI [CAR AVENUE] - dito yung lahat ng klaseng kotse nakahilera -for sale]. It is always difficult to negotiate that part on ordinary days,more so on Fridays... but today, it was quite different. Katakatakatakataka.... CARS are sparse and are far-between, judging by the speed I was able to look for a parking space on its rooftop park. WENT AROUND and bought fruits first and went on to the KESHO-HIN section. I bought some things I need. Really, 25% off is quite big, compared to ordinary prices. ***** NOWADAYS, I do not feel like eating out. Seems to me, these restos serve almost the same thing. Mas healthy pa yata ang concoction na gawa ko, eh..ahem... . So here, I am with my bowl of Greens [again!] and the leftover chicken breast. The only difference is that the TOMATOES I just bought are excellent! SUPER SWEET! A couple of glasses of grapefruit and lo!I feel full. PRAISE GOD!MERCI BEAUCOUP! It always feel good shopping! Sana lang, araw-araw, pedeng mag-shopping!

IT'S OFFICIAL: AUTUMN IS HERE!

Today marks the AUTUMN EQUINOX. That means Autumn has officially entered the Calendar. SO WHAT'S the difference? WELL, for starters, as most Pinoy kids would put it by way of singing........ "ANG GABI AY LUMALAMIG NA,ANG HAMOG KUMIKINANG SA UMAGA,.. ANG HANGIN AY NAGWIWIKA NA PASKO NA NGA!".... YEAH, dusks come early and dawns arrive late... clouds loom across the skies and my coffee must be taken ASAP or else, I'll be left with some tepid brew and it wouldn't be the coffee I so much wanted. Same with my bath. NOTHING HAS made the change in seasons more defined than the change I noticed from the sunshine that creeps through. Now it is by the Living room window. It used to shine first through the kitchen's. THE SUNSHINE is even softer than it was in Summer. I can stay longer outside more in the mornings and not fear about that sunscreens and UV-cut thing. AUTUMN..AUTUMN ... THE LEAVES will soon change colors, and they will turn red, and gold, and orange... and they will FALL...which, btw, is another name for AUTUMN. SOME DO NOT LIKE AUTUMN:they associate it with the near-end of life. Leaves fall and trees seem to reach old age. And they fall...to the grounds.Then they 'die' or 'rest' for the WINTER. To rise again in SPRING. BUT FOR ME, autumn and its wild colors and the crisp air makes it best. It also marks the preparation period for that one-great Holiday we all love:CHRISTMAS! Besides, I was born in Autumn and I had a very moving experience in Autumn when I had my first encounter with it some years back. The BEAUTY and the spirit of Autumn will always remain in the remotest corners of my Heart and in the deepest recesses of my Minds. WELCOME AUTUMN !!!! WELCOME LIFE !!!!

BAGUIO IN MY MIND....

OFTENTIMES, when friends and family ask me which place I want to go to unwind, the City of Pines almost always pop up. I DON'T KNOW but I have this thing about Baguio. It all started when I was young. I always look for articles about exotic placesand tourist destinations. I plan and imagine myself in some exotic cruise and in some faraway country. But the one place that has not lost its magic in me is BAGUIO. ABOUT A couple of years back, a friend and I went to Baguio. We just did it to see some lots for sale in the outskirts of the City. I also called up some old acquaintance who rents rooms for transients. THEN SOME five or so years ago,I rented a taxi and went to Baguio on an impulse. With me came Flor and Millet and Makoy. So there we were....heading for Baguio during the Christmas holidays. We stopped by McDo at Pampanga and ordered "TO-GO". We ate inside the taxi as we sped thru the circuitous route. WE ARRIVED in time for lunch. We went around in a whisk and spent more time shopping for veggies and strawberries, walis and jams. I guess I spent more time buying pasalubongs than enjoying the views. I loved the DEBONED-BANGUS and the VIGAN SAUSAGES I bumped into at the wet market. We didn't stay the night opting to go back to the Metropolis lest we be caught in the New Year rush. I stayed awake while the rest slept. I wanted to be sure Eugene, the driver wouldn't sleep while he's at the wheels. I saw him close his heavy eyes several times. I offered twice to take over the wheels, but he refused. It was indeed, a tiring experience but everyone of us didn't mind,except the driver, I presume; but looking at his face after the generous fee was paid plus some tips and pasalubongs, I'd say he sure was ecstatic, judging by the wide grin he sported. My friends and I had a grand time chatting and exchanging chizmiz about everything since I went away. I MUST agree nothing has changed since the Baguio of my youth. Some say it has seen better days. Maybe. But one thing is sure. I don't smell the PINES anymore as we approached the "WELCOME" sign. It used to be good to be met by fresh, clean air. I USED to attend SUMMER CAMPS in Baguo City and its ourskirts with the BOYSCOUTS. I enjoyed the time being the STAFF MEMEBER and as ALT of the National Training Team of the BSP. God, those were the times! I miss the camaraderie and the training grounds. I miss [Dr.] Edith and others who were really, really good friends and allies from way, way back. I hope in my heart to see them once more. BAGUIO also means being with BOYS from all sectors:both public and private kids. They were a terrible lot.They were funny, and at times troublesome, but with me, they always showed respect and served as my 'aide-de-camp' whenever I need one. To them, I'll always be "Ma'am AKELA"[THE GOOD LEADER]. AHH...BAGUIO! BAGUIO IN MY HEART. THE BAGUIO IN MY MIND! I'LL DEFINITELY go back some other time given the chance and time; I hope to own even a small parcel of land, preferably near or around LOAKAN near the Airport..... INSHA' ALLAH [GOD WILLING].

THE DAY THEY REMEMBER THE ELDERLY

IT USED to be SEPTEMBER 15 but in the past year or so, it was moved to the third Monday of September. Perhaps that day [9/15] used to coincide with Japan's surrender to the Allied Forces. Some legislators here do not want to celebrate being "old" with that day of shame. This year it was yesterday. ***** IN THE PAST DECADE, the greying of Japan has rattled the country. ROJIN [or the aged/old man/ elderly] are everywhere and their presence cannot be denied. The ratio of the elderly far outnumber those of the young ones. MORE AND MORE Japanese opt not to have babies or worse, some have remain unmarried. When asked why, they reasoned out that they wanted less encumbrance,or lesser responsibilities. The younger generations want to enjoy,so they say.... WHILE THE GOVERNMENT supports childbirth and rearing up to seven years of birth, still the birthrate isn't moving up.The fact is more Japanese pose to live longer while their is a distinct lack of younger ones to rally the old. This is evident in the closing of more elementary schools each year because of lesser enrollment. Reason? No enrollees. No kids around. ***** ROJIN HOUSE or their equivalent of the HOME FOR THE AGED is rising. The good news is, at least for Pinoys, is that more CAREGIVERS are needed to take care of them. ***** GIFTS in all forms are displayed in flowershops, supermarkets,or department stores. Cups, shawls, flowers, plants, kimonos, you name it, they have it. BTW, I didn't buy Lolo the canestick [tungkod] I used to joke about. He doesn't need it...not yet, anyway. DRAWINGS of Grandfathers/mothersare prominently displayed in supermarketsor department stores. These were collated from nearby schools [usually kinder classes]. ***** IN MY CLASS, I had this traceable pattern for kids to do. They are advised to present them to their Lolos/Lolas. More likely, all of them still have the extended family living with them. ***** AS FOR JIJI: I OFTEN JOKE Jiji about the ROJIN thing. Whenever he turns into tantrums [usually when he gets drunk; ...and I thought lasenggo ang Pinoy!mas drinker pala ang nasa malamig na bansa!] and gets angry at me, I always remind himnot to be sooo nasty, since I am the only one who volunteered to take care of him in his old age. That, I believe makes him stop and rethink his words. Sometimes, the boorish ways of old people gets into one's nerves, really! I have oftentimes threatened to leave him and go back where I came from if he doesn't behave. Oh yeah, there ARE tantrums still,but not as much as when I first came. I believe he got the message right. After all, no one's gonna put up with his ways? The other realtives are too busy with their own lot that no one bothers to be with him. Nakakaawa lang talaga... I GUESS I'm stuck here... until when, I really have no idea. ***** AS FOR ME, I'd rather spend my ROJIN YEARS in the country of my birth. I believe there is more of Pinoy in me than the Yamato and the Shogun combined. *****

MONDAY, MONDAY

SO GOOD TO ME.... I ALWAYS LIKE MONDAYS even if sometimes it makes me reel from the rigors of the day before. SOME people I know hate Mondays. They call it 'Blue Monday'. Why they color it blue, I really have no idea. BUT for me, I await the Mondays of my life as if that is the only breather I need from the hurdle I have to put up with the past week. MONDAYS have always signified the start of my week. That is the day when I can go back to my world and be with myself. I AWAIT Mondays eagerly because it is the day when my pals call me and me them. I don't know why we have refrained from using the phone on Sundays. Perhaps it's that unwritten rule that Sundays are for other things personal.... but Monday seems to be open lines for all of us. And I find it COOL. AM I ALONE in making Monday my day? WHAT about you?

THE HARVEST IS ABUNDANT!

DESPITE THE RAINS, THE HARVEST IS ABUNDANT. AND THE GOLDEN FIELDS FULL OF NATURE'S BOUNTY IS SEEN NO MORE.... In its stead, white birds flock and ravish what was leftand black hawks scatter their color from one field to the other....filling themselves till before dark. IT IS INDEED HARVEST TIME and the farmers's faces say it all: the harvest is good this year. NOTHING amazes me more than the speed by which each farmer go through harvest in a sec. Oh well, actually not a second but in matters of hours for each farmer. That is, several hectares in a matter of hours. FARMING GADGETS-for-rent centers teem with activities at this time of the year. The schedule is so tight that one has to make reservations way ahead of the season. TIMING is also of the essence. Rainy days are a NO-NO, of course,since harvesting when it pours not only makes a ruined lot but reflects an ignorant agriculturist. SO EXPECT a cancellation when it rains. That means a re-scheduling. THE MOVEMENT is endless.But that spells INCOME to all: the movers, the rental shops, the farmers and of course, the JA-a cooperative of farmers which controls the sale, and limits the planting of rice to meet the local consumption, not to mention the sale of these harvests,including vegetables and the like. HARVEST SEASON HAS COME! REJOICE AND BE GLAD! NEW RICE WILL SURELY GRACE THE TABLEONE OF THESE DAYS......

IT'S THE MOONCAKE FESTIVAL!

THERE MUST be lots and lots of MOONCAKES in Chinatown this time of the year.... MOONCAKES and all its flavor abound in almost all shops in Chinatown and of course, in the Land where it all started. THE SPECIAL ones come in tin boxes packaged beautifully and concocted from an array of ingredients LEE Meng Shu only knows. I hope one day I'd meet Lee SanSan again and ask her what it is all about. It delights the palate if taken in small bites. I MISS THE SMELL, THE TASTE AND THE DIFFERENT CONCOCTIONS CHINATOWN USUALLY OFFERS. AND I MISS MOONCAKES, as well.