Switching On the Sun

“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...

Being “Uncles and Aunties” currently , we’re actually in the middle age. Pun-intentionally, we’re “in-between” the age of old-school propriety and the generation of modern “notoriety”. We balance yesteryears’ simplicity and the complexity of today’s technological breakthrough. Yet, mostly among the young ones as we traverse “middle age”, they seem to deem it as midlife crisis. Apparently, the “psychological crossroad” though is the variability of one’s age group as to where they actually belong to, considering that there are varying generation classifications, age-wise. It’s within that turning point along a clash between getting pulled by one’s youth and being pushed to full maturity. Outwardly a case of “contend or content”. These social groupings isn’t any different from being in the middle age as it depends on life expectancy. If we are to base it on the current Filipinos’ average life expectancy rate being at around the age of 68, middle age I’d say is around 35 to 55 as c...

While it’s true that it was patterned from, as well as inspired by the far more reaching “Titos and Titas of Manila” Facebook group which apparently has been conceptualized from its recently implied premise, “ Uncles and Aunties of Baguio “ on the other hand was initially thought of and created for the purpose of a more nonchalant acceptance given its commonplace exclusivity other than reliving the good old times as an acknowledgment of the difference from any other generation. Come to think of it, the connotation behind “Tito/Tita of (what place) ” as currently referred to doesn’t actually have “that sweet” forethought. It’s almost leaning towards “that sourness” caught between “nagmumurang kamatis” and being “may asim pa” ... Imagine (say) one in his 40s at a party among a bunch most likely half his age “leveling” with the young ones still yet courteously addressed as “Tito” (not to mention, that’s with ”po” and ”opo” )... However, not to appear defensive and at the same ti...

Like the profound essence of love, this is the previous post, Stop The Hate ’s continuation... A ‘Part 2’ if you will... a sequel, a spin-off, an extension, a supplement, an annex, a growth, a reason, a portion, a plot, a subplot or anything in between, a story, the “spreading” of it and everything else... It could as well be a “prequel”. A “prequel” since ‘love’ has always been the beginning of everything. We’re all here because of love. No matter what and how our coming-into-being’s circumstance maybe, we’re here for a reason . Love is a purpose. To love and be loved is our quintessential objective. An unending affair supposedly, considering letting go is likewise a manifestation of love. Love for one’s self is a primal requisite. Thus, don’t be too hard on yourself and others... Similarly, life’s lessons are love essentials. Love endures. Along the way though, there’ll be trials and heartaches for one to possibly feel the opposite. Hate is as potent in dictating how you’d most...