As an observant citizen, these are just few of the probable signs of disorganization and being unprepared of the Comelec and the entire nation to hold the electoral process. At least, my point of view is coming from my voting experience in my respective precinct.

1. The very basic ID

I don't know why until now I still don't have my voter's ID. For the sake of using it on Election Day, I've been bugging the people in our barangay about it, but it seems that they could not at least answer my request immediately.

In lieu, of the voter's ID, I brought a different ID. But to my surprise, they didn't even ask for it.

No wonder flying voters lurk around.

2. No routine

I observed my mother first because she was before me. They let you sign your name on a list. They look for your name from the official master list. You sign and put your thumb mark on that list. They will look for the official registration file. You have to sign it again with your thumb print. They will give you the ballot which you also have to put your thumb mark first. Then, BEFORE going to the voting seat, you have to let them put indelible ink to your right forefinger.

That's with my mom, at least.

When it was my turn, I was given the ink AFTER I voted. They even laughed about forgetting to give me the ink.

At least, this is what's going on in our precinct. I'm not sure about the routine of others.

3. Last minute campaign

It is one of the election laws that a candidate or any of his/her representative and supporter should no longer campaign or give out flyers and sample ballots within 30 meter radius from the polling area.

While my mom and I were heading to the entrance, there were these young boys who were around 10-15 years old (not of voting age) who kept handing us flyers and other printed materials of their candidates.

A lot of people were around. Even the barangay officials were around. No one bothered to take notice of it and did necessary action.

4. Volunteers?

Sure, a lot of people were crowded in the polling area. But you can distinguish the people in charge of the monitoring of elections as you can observe them wearing big laminated ID's. They kept circling around, talking while huddled together, or even eating packed lunch.

However, I did not observe that they were keen in observing what's happening around. They should be watchful of the voting process, especially the voters and the ballot box.

While at the voting booth, I looked around. Surprise! Not a single eye met mine.

I wonder if they really check people bringing cellphones around.

5. Joselito Cayetano

I was very shocked when I saw 2 Cayetano's on the senatorial list. Although, I didn't vote for either, I was worried about what's going on. When I turned on the news, I was more worried when some precincts manually deleted Joselito Cayetano's name from their list when it was reported that Benjamin Abalos allowed his candidacy since Friday. Now, all votes with only the name "Cayetano" will be considered a stray vote. Where have all the 95% readiness figure gone?

I actually have a longer list than this. But most of them are being reported on TV at the moment. In the end, it's the same electoral process. It's just really frustrating knowing that my one vote may not at all make a difference.

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Updates!!!

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    Yesterday, my sister and I didn't wear shirts with web design for nothing and watched Spiderman-3. Was actually saving my curiosity 'til next week so as to let pass the monstrous throng of so-called Spidey fans in local cinemas. Since I passed by the mall and had nothing to do, I might as well save hard-earned money for another ride in another day, called up my sis and watched it at noon time.

    Sure, most of Spidey moviegoers at this point have already checked the 411 of the movie before and after viewing the flick, but you know, for flowering of words, the 3rd release of the famous comic series is all about the creation and execution of Peter Parker/Spider-man's split personality. I've read it in Inquirer that the dark side of Spider-man will be the focus of the movie. And probably you're wondering why the heck did I name my entry "Spidey Goes Emo"?

    Well, it's actually an inside joke between me and my sis while watching the film. It's all about Peter Parker's new hairdo. It's so emo. If before hand, emo is just another sub-genre in the cosmic shade of rock, now it has started to associate with the customary lifestyle of people, specifically rock and roll people. On the other, I've intently watched the 3 films and I've noticed from the screenstory that Sam Raimi has been fond of using symbolisms to represent the larger problems in the real world. Well, that's the actual purpose of sci-fi, isn't it? But I've noticed Peter Parker's struggle and battles have something to do with his EMO-tional self (haha, there goes the pun again). In the first film, he tries to avenge his uncle's death through protecting people in his neighborhood. In the second, he suddenly got fed up of saving people and looked into his self and his purpose of risking his own life. Now in the third, he tries to test the waters of power, greatness and vengeance. If in the sophomore effort, Spidey's losing his powers symbolizes man's indifference and self-centeredness, the symbolism in this one is the dark creeping symbiote that represents man's inclination to misuse of authority, genius and ability.

    The movie is not as good and as surprising as its precedent wherein Peter Parker's heroism is questioned, but it's not as bad as most series tend to be.

Yeah, there are a lot brow-raising scenes:

1.    Bernard telling Harry Osborn that Spider-man did not kill his father.
2.    New Goblin teams up with Spider-man
3.    Emo-ish Peter Parker jazzes up in a club with Gwen Stacy
4.    The break-up of Mary Jane and Peter

    Anyhow, I still did enjoy the film with the help of the amazing, breath-taking and seat-gripping CGI theatrics, J.K. Simmons' blood pressure-check hilarious stint and err, as I've already mentioned, Peter Parker's new hairstyle.

   
    Do I want a fourth movie? Nah, I guess I've already mastered the EMO-tional Peter Parker. I don't want his aunt to be the focus of the next one nor the unlikely event that J.K Simmons suddenly becomes a pro-Spidey man. And besides, there was already closure (through forgiveness *wink*) on the death of Peter Parker's uncle through the character of Sandman/Flint Marko (Thomas Haden Church).

    Well, that's me, I don't know if you can still extract any creative thought from your own minds. If you or Sam Raimi could, well there's no hurt in saying "I'd like to see it." :)

Disclaimer: I haven't read any Spider-man comic series so please bear with my comments about how the movie turned out to be.

I felt sorry for myself for being blinded all these years: the glow of neon lights, the tinker of lavish plates, the aroma of scented air in lofty buildings and grandiose shopping malls. I never knew that I had lost my national pride. When I trailed the "perilous" streets of Manila last Wednesday, it pinched my self-conscious pride. How come I haven't appreciated the beauty in this chaotic place? Passing by Luneta and Quiapo, I suddenly rememberd kalesas and Maria Claras, my lolo and lola and the historical wagon of the Spanish and Japanese regime. Did I possible live in those eras? I've always liked seeing antique houses anyways, you know those houses with really old windows that remind you either of the attack of a mananagggal or the sweet-sounds of harana. I've been dragged by nostalgia when my Mom started to give a history lecture of Escolta, Divisoria and Avenida. Add it up to my reading of Jun Cruz Reyes' Tutubi, Tutubi, Wag Kang Pahuhuli sa Mamang Salbahe wherein he depicted the life of Filipinos during Martial Law. I like his description of Quiapo with people being religious and superstitious at the same time.

Ten years from now, what will I remember from the digital world at present? What will I tell my children of what I am experiencing today? That Filipinos have calloused fingers because of texting? That people ride luxurious cars instead of walking? That people are anxious about Spider-man 3 instead of dating in the park?

When that time comes, I don't want to be nostalgic. I'd rather have a memory gap.

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Poetry: At Quiapo Central
Asian Review: Dating Now


The focal point of Dating Now is the common trial and error phase of young adults when it comes to looking for the right person around. Although quite traditional when it comes to the mix and match process, the guy should provide for the girl, the guy should be stronger than the girl, the girl should look for a richer guy, I admire the stronghold on friendship in relationship. The circle of friends depicted in the drama shows that friendship is very much important in a relationship: Yoon Ho Jae and Kang Soo Ji (Kwon Sang Woo and Lee Ui Jeong), Choi Kyo In and Kang Cha Hee (So Ji Sub and Choi Yoon Yeong) and Choi Kyo In and Yoon Ho Jung (So Ji Sub and Chae Rim). Friends can be lovers and lovers can be friends, although the latter is very crucial. Read more

Everyday gives a heart-break
Everyday is heart-breaking
Everyday I am heart-broken
Everyday my heart breaks
Everyday breaks my heart

For someone I know
For someone I knew
For someone I’ve never known
For someone I will know

My heart pains everyday
For it waits and waits
It pains and it waits
It will pain and wait
For many days to come

"Miss, I think you're going to Alaska" commented one of the Grade 7 students when our school had its annual Sports Day Festival. I was wearing jacket so as to avoid the torturing rays of sunlight. It's freakin' 3:00 P.M. for heat's sake! With the help of sunblock and yeah, my sweater, I did skip the possibility of getting "tanned".

I hate summer, I really do. Just today, I was so annoyed because I did not enjoy the day without complaining about the signs of the summer times. On television, a lot of personality have started to show off their swimsuit collection. People are becoming temporary vegetarians so as to lose beer belly and excess fat for them to look sizzlin' hot in Boracay and all those summer spots for summer shebang. As for me, there's no place like home during summer. I'd rather do a 2-hour dance exercise to burn all my fat than bask under the powerful star.

It's not that I don't appreciate the Sun. I do. We did Astronomy in my Science class a month ago and I could not possibily imagine myself being so interested in teaching, and at the same time, learning from the "star-people".

Our sun has existed for the past 16 billion years and will continue to exist for another 16 billion years. So if I die and get reincarnated over and over again, it's the same sun which I will revel or complain about.

Or, would I rather wait for its black hole stage to happen?

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I keep complaining about everything. It's probably the heat. With this hot weather, everthing seems to be on fire and raging. I hate everything. Nothing pleases me anymore. Not even a bottle of my favorite soda or a pint of ice cream. My head throws fireballs at anything. It's like the world is a vast sauna to get rid of wastes through heat and my turbulent mind always reaches its boiling point.

+++

What is wrong with me during this kind of weather? If I would recall the time that 'Milenyo' wreaked havoc nationwide last year, I was praying for the sun to shine instantly.

I am always imagining the two sides of the coin, which one will I go for? Endless rainfall and typhoon so the streets of Metro Manila will become riverlike or burning heat that can cause me delirium?

I've been experiencing this heat for the past 23 years of my life and yet, I am still complaining when I know that after a month or two, it will eventually stop. Maybe it's the exact moment wherein I fail to feel something that I have wanted to feel for a long time.

I miss sadness.

In this kind of weather, I can't be sad. Instead of the supposed tears to trickle down my face, sweat always comes out in the first place.

I knew it. I need melancholy in this heat wave. I need to appease myself with poignant memories.

In times like these, I need to have infinite sadness, I need to be myself.

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click on the ff:

Poetry: Init, Inip, Isip
Song Review: Today
OPM Song Review: Dulo ng Dila

Until now I can't seem to figure out how....

Jb= lucrative job

Ca= luxury car

Mo= lots a money

Fr= loyal friends

Be= perfect boyfriend

Jb + Ca + Mo --------> Fr + Be ???

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ASIAN REVIEWS:



Biscuit Teacher and Star Candy

Cast:
Gong Hyo Jin
Gong Yoo
Kim Da Hyeon
Choi Yeo Jin
Jang Hee Jin

No matter how my sister often argues with me about Gong Hyo Jin being an impressive and talented actress, I could not help being resolute about it because she is, indeed, a great actress. From her tranquil performance in Guns and Talk, to her rowdy demeanor in Conduct Zero; from her combative undertaking in Volcano High to her wailing days in Sang Doo Let’s Go To School, it seems that she is progressing in every role that is set for her. In this particular drama, she plays the role of Na Bo Ri (funny because Bo Ri is the name of her niece in Sang Doo). Bo Ri was once kicked out of school because of behavioral misunderstanding. Ever since, she worked as hard as she can to be able to go through college. She is an aspiring teacher because she wanted to erase the memory of her cruel past when she was alleged of a misdemeanor, and she wanted to meet the man of her dreams for the past 6 years, her Art teacher, Ji Hyun Woo. Read more



Too Beautiful To Lie

Cast:
Kim Ha Neul as Joo Young Ju
Kang Dong Won as Choi Hee Chul


A woman on parole is set to visit her marrying sister when she met a man who is about to propose to his city chick girlfriend. Both of them are on the train. The woman was sleeping when the man’s engagement ring (inherited from his late mother) accidentally fell under the woman’s legs. The woman mistaken the man as a pervert so the latter started explaining to her what happened and he inevitably told stories to prove that he is not that kind of person. The woman eventually saw a pickpocket steal the man’s ring so she, as an expert in fraud took back the ring from the thief. Being too busy and pleased with her act, she left her bag in the train. She is now on her way to YongKang (the man’s hometown), to return the ring and retrieve her bag (which has her present for her sister’s wedding). Upon her arrival, she met a series of fortunate events that helped her on her way to the man’s home and eventually to the man’s heart. Read more

Since I was a child, I have always wanted to make a difference. I know, I know, many people might straight-forwardedly object considering how recluse and reserved I was and still am. If I could clearly recall when I last visited my late grandfather's house for a simple reunion of families and relatives, my uncle gave me the involuntary glare when he learned that I am currently teaching. Yes, teaching. Not the one-on-one tutorial set-up, not the distance learning I used to do, but the traditional (though contestable) classroom-based one. He reveled with the thought of how was I able to reprimand and handle a class when I wasn't that "comfortable" speaking up in public or simply in my family and relatives' presence?

Well, scrap it. I guess one "positive-trait" that I am proud of is how I easily forget what other people say about me. Their destructive criticisms just never linger. Or, it's apt to say, I'm just too stubborn to listen.

Just last week, we were having micro-teaching in our Strategies class when one of my classmates did a lecture on self-esteem. She asked us about our passion: what are we passionate about? What am I passionate about? Knowing the endless list that I have placed in my Friendster account, I surprisingly could not think of a single and genuine object, act, person to utter.

And that's how it formally began.

There goes my long-forgotten goal to make a difference. There goes the educational investment my parents had worked for. There goes the long-stretched battles of confusion with helpful friends over hours of phone calls. There goes the knowledge, the philosophies, the patience, the outcries, the conflicts, the pros and cons. They are starting to go down the drain.

It's true, the worst thing that could happen is not that one is not sure of what he or she is doing. It's not knowing what to do.

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Album Review: Bloc Party's A Weekend In The City



After a year since their major release that "alarmed" major producers to do major wooing and persuading for the band to join a major label, Bloc Party did a major decision to let the Grammy-winner Jacknife Lee take over the production of their anticipated sophomore compilation strangely called "A Weekend In The City". Why strangely? Perhaps I had let loose of my previous qualms of what made Bloc Party an alternative, or to be more specific, a post-punk band (I remember my Silent Alarmed review when I misconstrued the band under the diverse hip-hop genus. And now, they are making me erect that soaring reservation again. Read more

Nagsusumiksik
At nanlilisik ang luhaang mata ng araw
Ngayong tag-init  

Nagsusumiksik
Ang kakarampot na hangin sa masikip
Na espasyo  

Nagsusumiksik
Ang taba sa pusong naghahabol sa minamahal  

Nagsusumiksik
Ang libu-libong alaala sa isipan  

Nagsusumiksik  

Daig pa ang unos na nagwasak
Daig pa ang lagablab ng apoy na tumupok  

Di masaliksik kung ano, sino, paano at hanggang kailan

And the drama continues... 

Sugarfree's Kailan Ka Ba?

Duda ang aking kasama, at sabay kami
sa aming pag-iisa
Meron akong, matagal nang hinahanap
at ang takot ko'y di sya mahagilap

Dumaan na ba sya? Diko lang napuna?
Ilang gabi pang laman ng isip?
Ilang araw pang magtatanong?

Kung sino? Nasan? Kailan ka ba
darating at ako ay sagipin
sa mundong malupit, at naiinip
Sino? nasan? kailan ka ba?

Walang silbi sa akin ang gabi
di makatulog sa kahihinty sa yo
Kung ika'y dumating, kailangang tanggapin
na baka di ka naman maging akin

Sino ka man dumating ka na please
Sino ka man dumating ka na please
Sino? nasan? kailan?

Summer has broken into the busy streets. People have wanted to show off their swimsuits and speedily dart to the beach. But summer will not be summer without the end of classes, the culmination of school activities and farewell parties. I thought it's been long overdone for me after almost 20 years of schooling. But with my current job, I guess it's inescapable to declare, the saga continues…

Before March embarks on the "marching" process of graduating students, it has always been an adapted tradition to have Proms— high school prom to be precise. It usually starts mid February where you can see the malls flooded with giggling and restless teens comparing and scrutinizing each gown that they eye for. Fashion and teen magazines will most definitely be featuring their Do's and Don'ts for Prom night, assuming they know everything about it.

For me, I've never really liked Proms despite the long-gone teenybopper nature inside of me when I was in my struggling teenage years (the crest during my high school years liking sunshine and rainbow craze, boyband sensation, sticker and stationery trade, etc.). It was not because I hate wearing prom clothes. In fact, I did desire collecting gowns. Nor it was because I couldn't stand the itchy make-up creams and other rouge to spread on my face. It's not because I lived like a hermit because experiencing the prom twice meant having a great time with my friends. It was not because I was drowning in bitterness because I didn't have a date. FYI: prom in Bene (formerly known as Benedictine Abbey School and St. Benedict College, now indistinctly called San Beda Alabang) was very odd. Juniors and Seniors are forced to be paired up. And they wickedly call it, "Threshold Moment" wherein Seniors pass on to the Juniors the so-called "responsibility" (which I've always thought of as abusive power). Up to this very moment, I have been trapped by the same old quandary of why I never liked Proms. That's why when I notice and discover that teenagers are starting to go gaga over it, I just laugh and silently scorn their actions.

Just a week ago, a student of mine in school handed me a paper with her drawing. When I unfolded the paper, I saw that she drew a portrait of me. I totally looked different on the drawing because I looked so…err, cool. And the funny thing was, she put a caption at the bottom saying, "Prom Queen". Whew! Life's indeed a haunting mystery.