This was Renato Constantino Jr.'s words to House Speaker Joe de Venecia, during the water-throwing-incident of Inquirer's Vic Agustin. What a lively, colorful, passionate country this is. Look at our congressmen's sheer arrogance, in their self-serving and clandestine attempt to brazenly debase the constitution like thieves stealing in the still of the night.I saw these shenanigans on TV, at night, when no one is looking, showed them on TV saying "shut up!, its our call.
Grateful expressions should be in order, to the opposition. Those fearless young turks, Escudero, Cayetano, Guingona, Villanueva, Remulla, including Golez, not so young, but he's my man, who so bravely stood up against those fat, bloated, hulking brutes, we mistakenly refer to as our public servants. Kudos too to Ricky Carandang of ABS-CBN, who stood as our vanguard till the wee hours of the morning, and kept those con-ass peddlers in the limelight of ANC.
Araullo,Pitchay, Nograles, Villafuerte and cohorts are disgusting in their blatant disregard of the constitution. You better hide under your Mama's skirt, or GMA's skirt, or Tabako's pants. The gall to even challenge their own constituents, "if you don't like what we're doing, then don't vote for us." They thought they could extend their tenure before the May polls. Now eat your words...because you are not invited to the rally on Sunday, and we will make sure your Christmas will be bleak. You might as well join Joc Joc.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Confessions of an Asthmatic
A lot of people cannot imagine what its like to have asthma. I'm writing this so that they may understand. If you have an asthmatic child, spouse, or friend, please read this.
When I get bad attacks of asthma, I’m confined to my air-conditioned room (only when I'm in Manila). It's a time I feel so deprived of strength and vigor. I can't even lie down in a reclining position because i can't breathe. At times just going to the bathroom leaves me gasping for breath.
I always have my inhaler wherever I go. Up to now, I’m still embarrassed and self-conscious whenever I take a puff, so I do it in private. What's amazing though is the moment I board a plane my asthma disappears. The quality of air in Manila must be that bad. In fact, I didn't even get it four years ago in Fresno, California, the most polluted place in America.
Although asthma is my cross to bear, it was the reason I won a silver medal in swimming. My fear of breathing gave me a psychological edge. I swam the 25-meter race in record time.
My advantage in water, also keeps me grounded. I have to rely on my siblings, nurse, maid or my partner, during my attacks. I have to be confined in an air-conditioned room and cared for. Asthma makes me realize how vulnerable I am, it gives me a sense of mortality. When I'm sick, gasping for air, I pray to the Lord, and it makes me realize how important health is, above all.
Unlike other asthmatics, I seem to thrive better in very cold weather.
I would never wish asthma on anyone. Thank God my only child, did not get it. Whenever I would be in the Emergency Room, gasping for air, I pity the children who cannot even articulate how they feel. Although, there are people , like my brother, who acquired it when he was a teenager already. Most asthma medications give me palpitations or headaches. It’s very hard to explain this illness to someone who doesn’t have it.
One day I would be playing tennis or swimming, and the next day I can’t even cross the street. Exercise is the best way to ward off asthma. Asthmatics should find a partner who is familiar with the symptoms and treatment of it. During my bad attacks, I know I can be quite a pain in the butt.
There are new drugs in the market, but the prices, even in the States are very prohibitive. One wonder drug I discovered, called Advair cost $100 and that will only last two weeks. That is for my maintenance. There are two types of asthma medications: Reliever and Controller medications. Controllers are steroids inhalers that work by making the airways less sensitive to triggers. These have to be taken regularly to be effective. Relievers are medications to treat acute episodes of wheezing. Inhaled medications such as salbutamol (Ventolin) are used to relax the airway muscles and relieve wheezing. especially in cases of an acute asthma attack. Allergy testing is recommended to improve treatment, but its a bitch. It's a painful and arduous process with needles. Some people die after finding out they're allergic to chocolates.
During my most recent attack, I discovered a new trick from my sister, who is also asthmatic. She taught me how to use the nebulizer and steroids. She gave me some ventolin and budecort solution for nebulizing. She told me to mix it, 1:1 ratio. I used this single dose mixture for my nebulizer every three hours. This was supplemented by five ten-milligram tablets of prednisone, (about four pesos each). The next day, I tapered it to four ten milligrams, then three, then two. The results were amazing. I felt immediate relief. My tightly pressed chest felt so much better. It loosened my phlegm, like burping from too much gas. It also allowed me to finally lie down and sleep.
Most people with asthma do very well when treated with appropriate medications, however, attacks of wheezing can be life threatening if not treated properly. When I have a bad attack, I can’t talk and I’m hunched over because I can't breathe. I have a gadget called a peak flow meter that measures breathing power. I blow into it, and it measures the air I exhale. I do this three times. If the number goes up, it means the wheezing is decreasing and my asthma is improving.
As much as possible, I only eat fish and vegetables. I find staying up late lowers my resistance. My asthma is triggered by dust, smoke, pollutants and heat. Unfortunately, I’m often forced to take the public transportation in Manila. In temperate countries, I'm okay, but in Manila, its a bitch. Even short walks around Makati’s Business district, tires me, but in cold places like New York, I could walk for miles.
By the way, my confession? Low impact sex is possible and great, with the right partner. Just make sure you have a nebulizer handy.
When I get bad attacks of asthma, I’m confined to my air-conditioned room (only when I'm in Manila). It's a time I feel so deprived of strength and vigor. I can't even lie down in a reclining position because i can't breathe. At times just going to the bathroom leaves me gasping for breath.
I always have my inhaler wherever I go. Up to now, I’m still embarrassed and self-conscious whenever I take a puff, so I do it in private. What's amazing though is the moment I board a plane my asthma disappears. The quality of air in Manila must be that bad. In fact, I didn't even get it four years ago in Fresno, California, the most polluted place in America.
Although asthma is my cross to bear, it was the reason I won a silver medal in swimming. My fear of breathing gave me a psychological edge. I swam the 25-meter race in record time.
My advantage in water, also keeps me grounded. I have to rely on my siblings, nurse, maid or my partner, during my attacks. I have to be confined in an air-conditioned room and cared for. Asthma makes me realize how vulnerable I am, it gives me a sense of mortality. When I'm sick, gasping for air, I pray to the Lord, and it makes me realize how important health is, above all.
Unlike other asthmatics, I seem to thrive better in very cold weather.
I would never wish asthma on anyone. Thank God my only child, did not get it. Whenever I would be in the Emergency Room, gasping for air, I pity the children who cannot even articulate how they feel. Although, there are people , like my brother, who acquired it when he was a teenager already. Most asthma medications give me palpitations or headaches. It’s very hard to explain this illness to someone who doesn’t have it.
One day I would be playing tennis or swimming, and the next day I can’t even cross the street. Exercise is the best way to ward off asthma. Asthmatics should find a partner who is familiar with the symptoms and treatment of it. During my bad attacks, I know I can be quite a pain in the butt.
There are new drugs in the market, but the prices, even in the States are very prohibitive. One wonder drug I discovered, called Advair cost $100 and that will only last two weeks. That is for my maintenance. There are two types of asthma medications: Reliever and Controller medications. Controllers are steroids inhalers that work by making the airways less sensitive to triggers. These have to be taken regularly to be effective. Relievers are medications to treat acute episodes of wheezing. Inhaled medications such as salbutamol (Ventolin) are used to relax the airway muscles and relieve wheezing. especially in cases of an acute asthma attack. Allergy testing is recommended to improve treatment, but its a bitch. It's a painful and arduous process with needles. Some people die after finding out they're allergic to chocolates.
During my most recent attack, I discovered a new trick from my sister, who is also asthmatic. She taught me how to use the nebulizer and steroids. She gave me some ventolin and budecort solution for nebulizing. She told me to mix it, 1:1 ratio. I used this single dose mixture for my nebulizer every three hours. This was supplemented by five ten-milligram tablets of prednisone, (about four pesos each). The next day, I tapered it to four ten milligrams, then three, then two. The results were amazing. I felt immediate relief. My tightly pressed chest felt so much better. It loosened my phlegm, like burping from too much gas. It also allowed me to finally lie down and sleep.
Most people with asthma do very well when treated with appropriate medications, however, attacks of wheezing can be life threatening if not treated properly. When I have a bad attack, I can’t talk and I’m hunched over because I can't breathe. I have a gadget called a peak flow meter that measures breathing power. I blow into it, and it measures the air I exhale. I do this three times. If the number goes up, it means the wheezing is decreasing and my asthma is improving.
As much as possible, I only eat fish and vegetables. I find staying up late lowers my resistance. My asthma is triggered by dust, smoke, pollutants and heat. Unfortunately, I’m often forced to take the public transportation in Manila. In temperate countries, I'm okay, but in Manila, its a bitch. Even short walks around Makati’s Business district, tires me, but in cold places like New York, I could walk for miles.
By the way, my confession? Low impact sex is possible and great, with the right partner. Just make sure you have a nebulizer handy.
Text Messaging Pinoy Style
The Philippines is the text messaging capital of the world. Nokia is synonymous to lumpia and adobo.
I once overheard two security bag checkers in Landmark casually comparing pixels, for heaven’s sake. Filipinos are way ahead of other cell phone users in the world. The cigarette vendor will easily pass for tech support in the States.
Any phone from abroad can be “open-lined” by our Pinoy “techies.” Cell phones (or handsets, as they call it abroad), chargers are literally available in the middle of the streets
During the last typhoon, weather advisories from well-meaning friends inundated me, on the intensity of typhoon Reming. I was so scared that on bended knees, I prayed to God that I will reform my evil ways. It was a good thing I did not forward it to other friends. Otherwise, the church would have been overflowing. Which is a good thing.
One day, I received a text message saying my sim card was picked in their Nov.5 raffle, “You just won 650,000 pesos- from the Millionaires Club, call me this is SEC. EDGARDO LAGUESMA. I replied, “thank you, can you donate that to my favorite charity, the Asthma Foundation, this is General Polvoron.
Why do Filipinos say, “punta na me,” or “here na me.” “Punta na ko” would be just as short, same number of letters.
The first time I received “gud am” in the morning, I thought my friend was cursing me.
My brother hates “k,” he says, “it only takes another touch of the letter “o” and it would be more polite. I personally think it comes across as dismissive and curt. My friends say, “you’ll get used to it.” I learned later that it meant finito, end of talk, bye
Now I know what an American friend of mine who teaches English in call centers meant. She said Filipinos speak a certain type of English that only they understand. Remember the elevator joke, “bababa ba?”. It sounds like “rap” to foreigners.
Do you know that you can pay for food at those stations, referred to as “jollijeeps,” by simply texting? Go to C. Palanca St.,in Legazpi Village, Makati and look for the one near the Cebu Pacific office.
Believe it or not, by simply texting, I even heard of someone who transacts drugs from someone in jail. Apparently, the drug is delivered by a relative upon receiving instructions by text. That’s really “high” tech.
One day, I got hold of Erap’s number, so he being a close friend of my father, and being a former President, I felt a text would be out of line.
I decided to call him. Lo and behold, he actually answered his cellphone, at around ten in the morning, from Tanay. (I supposed that’s where he is, or should be) I was so surprised to actually hear his voice after seven years, so I vaguely and awkwardly introduced myself. In his deep subdued morning-after-voice he just matter-of-factly replied, “hijo, I’ve been in jail for the last five years, I have no money.” I was speechless, I just murmured something vague and we both hung up. Anyway, that number is “no longer attended to” and the last time I tried, it said “call failed.” Oh well, I just wanted to pay my respects since he stood as my godfather when I got married. Poor guy must get a lot of solicitations.
Incidentally, the foreign press once referred to the text brigade as the culprit technology that ousted Erap.
I once overheard two security bag checkers in Landmark casually comparing pixels, for heaven’s sake. Filipinos are way ahead of other cell phone users in the world. The cigarette vendor will easily pass for tech support in the States.
Any phone from abroad can be “open-lined” by our Pinoy “techies.” Cell phones (or handsets, as they call it abroad), chargers are literally available in the middle of the streets
During the last typhoon, weather advisories from well-meaning friends inundated me, on the intensity of typhoon Reming. I was so scared that on bended knees, I prayed to God that I will reform my evil ways. It was a good thing I did not forward it to other friends. Otherwise, the church would have been overflowing. Which is a good thing.
One day, I received a text message saying my sim card was picked in their Nov.5 raffle, “You just won 650,000 pesos- from the Millionaires Club, call me this is SEC. EDGARDO LAGUESMA. I replied, “thank you, can you donate that to my favorite charity, the Asthma Foundation, this is General Polvoron.
Why do Filipinos say, “punta na me,” or “here na me.” “Punta na ko” would be just as short, same number of letters.
The first time I received “gud am” in the morning, I thought my friend was cursing me.
My brother hates “k,” he says, “it only takes another touch of the letter “o” and it would be more polite. I personally think it comes across as dismissive and curt. My friends say, “you’ll get used to it.” I learned later that it meant finito, end of talk, bye
Now I know what an American friend of mine who teaches English in call centers meant. She said Filipinos speak a certain type of English that only they understand. Remember the elevator joke, “bababa ba?”. It sounds like “rap” to foreigners.
Do you know that you can pay for food at those stations, referred to as “jollijeeps,” by simply texting? Go to C. Palanca St.,in Legazpi Village, Makati and look for the one near the Cebu Pacific office.
Believe it or not, by simply texting, I even heard of someone who transacts drugs from someone in jail. Apparently, the drug is delivered by a relative upon receiving instructions by text. That’s really “high” tech.
One day, I got hold of Erap’s number, so he being a close friend of my father, and being a former President, I felt a text would be out of line.
I decided to call him. Lo and behold, he actually answered his cellphone, at around ten in the morning, from Tanay. (I supposed that’s where he is, or should be) I was so surprised to actually hear his voice after seven years, so I vaguely and awkwardly introduced myself. In his deep subdued morning-after-voice he just matter-of-factly replied, “hijo, I’ve been in jail for the last five years, I have no money.” I was speechless, I just murmured something vague and we both hung up. Anyway, that number is “no longer attended to” and the last time I tried, it said “call failed.” Oh well, I just wanted to pay my respects since he stood as my godfather when I got married. Poor guy must get a lot of solicitations.
Incidentally, the foreign press once referred to the text brigade as the culprit technology that ousted Erap.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Public transportation in Metro Manila
It's a hassle, even if you can afford a cab, it's dirty, and even if its air-conditioned, you'll find yourself gasping for air. I'm asthmatic and its my biggest problem in Manila. Now 90 percent of cabs are running on LPG, about 500 pesos more profitable per day according to some drivers, although some commuters tell me that there are leaking fumes or the smell of it, emanating from the trunk. Thank God,I have not experienced that yet... albeit a prelude to the gas chamber.
Take the bus and you take the risk of snatchers, you'll be afraid to even use your cellphone. However, its still the cheapest and most comfortable way to go sometimes. Jeepneys expose me to too much fumes. When riding them, stay away from the driver because you'll end up as the conductor, "bayad po"(here's my fare), and if there's change, "sukli po", (here's your change".
When you get off the bus, assuming they even make a complete stop, you have to be a triathlon athlete to go up the high and steep stairways just to cross the street, or transfer to take the MRT.
Don't worry about the carbon monoxide, its abundant and free for all of us to inhale, like it or not.
Take the bus and you take the risk of snatchers, you'll be afraid to even use your cellphone. However, its still the cheapest and most comfortable way to go sometimes. Jeepneys expose me to too much fumes. When riding them, stay away from the driver because you'll end up as the conductor, "bayad po"(here's my fare), and if there's change, "sukli po", (here's your change".
When you get off the bus, assuming they even make a complete stop, you have to be a triathlon athlete to go up the high and steep stairways just to cross the street, or transfer to take the MRT.
Don't worry about the carbon monoxide, its abundant and free for all of us to inhale, like it or not.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The first insider trading scandal
The first insider trading scandal was allegedly orchestrated by Citibank's highest ranking Filipino, who was Harvard educated ...iba talaga ang pinoy. The money allegedly was from one of the Philippines' most distinguished lawyers. The amount involved I believe was less than $100,000.
I used to see this Filipino lording over all the Filipinos studying and working in Manhattan,in another Filipino's 7th floor pad in the upper east side of manhattan,near Mayor Koch's official residence. This brilliant Filipino was recruited by American Express to set up their International Banking. He and his wife separated and married a former beauty queen. This was in 1978 or 1979 in New York City.
I used to see this Filipino lording over all the Filipinos studying and working in Manhattan,in another Filipino's 7th floor pad in the upper east side of manhattan,near Mayor Koch's official residence. This brilliant Filipino was recruited by American Express to set up their International Banking. He and his wife separated and married a former beauty queen. This was in 1978 or 1979 in New York City.
mar & dinggoy roxas
Sen. Mar Roxas had a younger brother who was being groomed, and was already in politics when he passed away at a very young age. I remember seeing him once at the United Nations in New York City, with his mother Judy Araneta Roxas He looked so cool, in slashed-in-the-knees faded jeans, and a blue blazer.
Mar went to Wharton, at the same time that Bonget Marcos and Le Antonio (now Lagdameo) were also there. I rememeber seeing Mar in the streets of Manhattan.He worked for Bankers Trust, maybe with a little help from Lin Ilusorio and Joanne de Asis (now Benitez), and perhaps, maybeee....the Araneta fortune. Well after all, Mar was from the Honors class of Ateneo and Wharton.
When Dinggoy passed away, Mar reluctantly had to step into his shoes.
Mar went to Wharton, at the same time that Bonget Marcos and Le Antonio (now Lagdameo) were also there. I rememeber seeing Mar in the streets of Manhattan.He worked for Bankers Trust, maybe with a little help from Lin Ilusorio and Joanne de Asis (now Benitez), and perhaps, maybeee....the Araneta fortune. Well after all, Mar was from the Honors class of Ateneo and Wharton.
When Dinggoy passed away, Mar reluctantly had to step into his shoes.
Imelda's New York trial
Imelda was always on time...after a while, the marshalls and even the courthouse maintenance people were eating out of her hands...one even gave her flowers. I think she fainted three times, I even followed her to the hospital once with the Inquirer correspondent, my cousin Cristina Luz. Imelda had very long black, thick hair, when I saw her in the hospital. One day i bumped into her co-defendant, Adnan Kashoggi in the men's room. and imitating the Blacks who recognize him in the subway, I said, "Yo, can I borrow a million bucks?" He just smiled. After every trial, arms dealer billionnaire Adnan Kashoggi would take the subway to the Waldorf-Astoria. In stark contrast, Imelda would arrive in a limousine and they would enjoy an afternoon tea.
Bonget Marcos hated their first lawyer, Spence. His loud western court antics rubbed off negatively, especially with the black-suited-white shirt clad New York lawyers. I think the judge didn't like him too. Later on the Marcoses would be represented by Kashoggi's lawyer.
When Rolly Gapud testified, half the jury was asleep, or falling asleep, or sadly just couldn't comprehend the international scope and magnitude of the Marcos financial picture being presented to them. I think this case was Guiliani's claim to fame as New York's District Attorney, well before his competent handling of the 9/11.
I recall Greggy Araneta in tears, when Imelda was acquitted on her birthday. Bonget fell in love with Lisa Araneta during the trial.
Jessica Hagedorn's best-selling novel "Dog-eaters" was released, and the New York Post had a daily front page picture of Imelda's "shoe- for- the-day".
more later....
Bonget Marcos hated their first lawyer, Spence. His loud western court antics rubbed off negatively, especially with the black-suited-white shirt clad New York lawyers. I think the judge didn't like him too. Later on the Marcoses would be represented by Kashoggi's lawyer.
When Rolly Gapud testified, half the jury was asleep, or falling asleep, or sadly just couldn't comprehend the international scope and magnitude of the Marcos financial picture being presented to them. I think this case was Guiliani's claim to fame as New York's District Attorney, well before his competent handling of the 9/11.
I recall Greggy Araneta in tears, when Imelda was acquitted on her birthday. Bonget fell in love with Lisa Araneta during the trial.
Jessica Hagedorn's best-selling novel "Dog-eaters" was released, and the New York Post had a daily front page picture of Imelda's "shoe- for- the-day".
more later....
Ninoy's Arrival at the airport
I was at the airport when Ninoy was shot. His supporters at the arrival area, I believe about 100, carried Butz Aquino on their shoulders, I think partly thinking he was Ninoy. There were two Avsecom vans with scramblers, so all our portable radios were garbled. We owned a transportation company at the Manila Internantional Airport, a monopoly then, simply because my dad thought of it first and none of the cronies were interested . . . yet. I had access to most restricted areas, even inside the plane if needed. I remember Doy Laurel rallying their 100 or so supporters, jumping and stomping his feet, unfortunately on top of one our parked service cars.
hello hello
welcome my friends, i shall share my experiences in government & private life to give you guys a view of what its like to be up and to be down...bilog talaga ang mundo..."ewankobamare" is self explanatory in tagalog, the preference for the female gender, "mare" is because ... I simply enjoy talking to women more than men in general...I also can't think of any other name that's still available and cool...
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