Switching On the Sun

46 is the new 16 Not sweet 16 though... It’s more like the middle age where one either feels like he can still keep up with the young ones or he knows how it is to be young once. And from each of those sentiments, it can likewise be sorted out into different classifications and the needed balance between impulse and forethought. Much like a cross between introspection and one’s thought-of public perception leading to either refutation or acceptance, it consumes our consciousness of what transpired out of our existence over the years. I’m 46 Similarly, I ponder on the what-ifs, the how-comes, the why-nots and even the when-will-it-bes... Yes, despite of the seeming assurance of that “things-you’re-thankful-for-couldn’t-have-happened-if-you-had-it-any-other-way” sort of assumption, I do have regrets. Nonetheless however, I also have aspirations still. These two account for my quintessence as how I’d put it, I guess... Conditional on someone else’s impression, I’m either a failure o

Last Friday (November 16), ‘Uncles and Aunties of Baguio’ turned one... It was quite timely that we’ve been invited to grace the Rotary Club of Downtown Session’s regular meeting as a speaker on social media influence corresponding with Uncles and Aunties of Baguio’s relevance. Surprisingly, they also awarded us with a certificate of appreciation for Uncles and Aunties of Baguio’s contribution along today’s social media generation; “app”tly, it generates different expressions. Being a new Rotarian myself from the Rotary Club of Baguio South, they invited our club to join them instead. It was an overwhelming support from both Rotary clubs wherein, on behalf of the ‘Uncles and Aunties of Baguio’ group, we’re likewise appreciative of their initiative to bestow us with such further source of inspiration. True enough, it’s fitting that Uncles and Aunties of Baguio’s essence and inclination on positivity harmonizes with this year’s Rotary Club’s theme, “Be The Inspiration”... And f

“A vote that could be “boat” but shouldn’t be bought” A question for a title, yet an “enTITLEment” dependent of our discretion as much as it’s a taken-for-granted prerogative that we might as well address... Consequently, nowadays, “self-entitlement” pretty much sums up our dependence on imposed rights and privileges as if we aren’t suppose to sensibly play a role in it... We usually complain about issues, yet, do we do something about it. We depend too much on others, more so, on elected officials. Chances are, we rave about their failure for that motive to “play the blame game”. Or do we just rely on rants expectedly falling on deaf ears as we’re only after the overly used and usually misconstrued “freedom of expression” irresponsibly conveyed for all its possible likes and reactions? One manifestation of this is that complaints are aimed at discrediting the same recipients many times over because these same people get voted every time and assume power nevertheless. This b

“Walang pasok” might as well be for “wala ng (puma)pasok na pag-unawa” among us... Suspension of classes during this rainy/typhoon season here in Baguio and Benguet has been a constant issue. Both are under separate government units. Thus, its respective local government’s discretion on such weather-concerning decision is rather sought, apparently for all the “authority and liability” aspect’s worth. One major concern however is that, there seems to be a discrepancy on the two governing bodies’ jurisdictions along the inclement weather’s path (and radius), geographically within a common “area of responsibility” which raises these concerns: Baguio is in Benguet What if a student happens to be a resident of, say, La Trinidad but studies in Baguio or vice versa... Do we have to rely (every time) on their discretion? How about considerations leaning towards common sense which could affect one’s academic performance (isn’t that ironic) ... will it be taken against the stud

What if you only have a few more days left to live? Or what if you have a loved one in such a predicament? How about if you can actually help out in extending the days for one who’s about to “go”? Can we make that connection work amidst the digital connection that we’re currently more drawn into, investing in and spending on? Is there a fun way to do so? When having fun could be a responsible thing... Amidst today’s technological breakthrough and social media generation, a substantial means in manifesting fun is through the convenience of digital spectrum. One doesn’t have to leave a room (or should we say “one does not even leave a room”) yet virtually connects with that of anything that makes one have fun... On the other hand, some go out of the way if only to project (or brand their image as) some “virtual reality” of their own version of fun as much as it is “more than a profile” but it is for validation, acceptance, affirmation or for whatever reason that suits them per

While there are good actresses in showbiz, the role of “Contessa” for GMA’s upcoming telenovela of the same title couldn’t be more fitting than to be portrayed by its Kapuso star Glaiza de Castro. “Wala lang, sinabi ko e, trip lang...” Nah! Kidding! I was just channeling the real Glaiza if only to sound like someone who could stir mixed reactions and emotions much like her versatility. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t know Glaiza that well (more so, not on a personal level) but neither would I like to sound bias. Fans and media peeps (depending on affiliation) may have a different take to which it may be founded on some partial inclination. Thus, I’d like to present a more balanced take on that. And so having had the chance to sit down with her together with Jak Roberto at Outlook Ridge Residences (dinner c/o Café Adriana), we seized the moment for a rather casual conversation. Prior to that, I have no thorough grasp as to who Glaiza is in real life adapting to her every portrayal.

The discovery of fire was a turning point (picture the cavemen’s reaction) . Yet the discovery of electricity was, as it is, “electrifying”... Just imagine our lives today without it... And yet, we don’t really feel “electrified” considering we’re so accustomed to its actuality apparently reckoned as an overfamiliar necessity. Today, fire is as useful; yet electricity is a “sure-fire” means to light up our lives... True enough, electricity is a manifestation of progress. And as indeed so, Baguio/Benguet, through BENECO (Benguet Electric Cooperative) as its electricity service provider, is as fortunate. You see as above-implied, we apparently overlook such essential to simply rely on it as some “regular convenience” taken for granted with a bit of an overbearing inclination as it’s nevertheless a service that’s paid for... Lest we fail to appreciate the functionality in all its entirety. We only know BENECO as the service provider who charges us nonetheless and the receiving-end

Truth be told as I’ve pointed out from a previous post how Baguio peeps seem impassive over celebrities, it’s not the manifestation of condescension but more on our respect for their privacy commensurate to that of our reservedness. That’s from a personal standpoint at least or from how I’ve known Baguio people to be from way back... Considering how we don’t know these celebrities personally, it’s unfair to rather assume that they have our apathy coming. Thus, having been invited to a press conference at Forest House for GMA’s upcoming reality TV for a singing competition kind of a show ‘The Clash’, there was an apparent “clash” of thoughts going on in my head as well on how I’d be addressing questions as much as how “that Baguio person” in me will still be as composed conversing with the show’s host, no less than the Asia’s Songbird herself Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. Being the big star that she is, my initial supposition was if she’s some prima donna who’d most likely come in as