~...puedo escribir los versos mas tristes esta noche...~

To God be the Glory

2008-03-30T15:00:00.002+08:00

I am a Bar Passer.

Praised be the Name of God.

Praised be Mary, Most Holy.

Praised be the Prince St. Michael.

Praised be the Holy Apostle St. Jude.

Praised be the Holy Apostle Bartholomew.

Praised be St. Therese.

Praised be St. Dominic.

Praised be St. Thomas.

Praised be St. Raymund of Penafort.

Praised be St. Martin.

Praised be St. Faustina.

Praised be St. Claire.

Praised be St. Francis.

Praised be Blessed Margaret.

Praised be St. Padre Pio.

Praised be the Name of God Forever. Amen.

This blog is a tribute to my long journey towards one fulfillment. The next journey is about to begin. To all the people, friends, loved ones... Thank You all.

And now, this blog finally comes to a close.

And a new story shall begin.

Until the next blog....

make haste, please, make haste...

2008-03-18T22:20:00.002+08:00

I just received some griping news of our impending doom. And suddenly, this song popped up in my mind..

Many nights we prayed, with no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song, we barely understood
Now we are not afraid, although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains long, before we knew we could
There can be miracles, when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracle, you can achieve
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe.

In this time of fear, when prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seems like the summer birds, too swiftly flown away
Yet now I'm standing here, my heart so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words, I'd never thought I'd say
There can be miracles, When you believe (When you believe)
Though hope is frail, It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles, You can acheive (You can acheive)
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe

They don't always happen when you ask (uh)
And it's easy to give in to your fear (ooh)
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see the way clear through the rain
A small but still resilient voice
Says hope is very near

There can be miracles (Miracles)
When you believe (Oh When you believe)T
hough hope is frailIt's hard to kill (Hard to kill)
Who knows what miracles You can achieve (You can achieve)

When you believe (oooohhh)
Somehow you will (somehow somehow somehow)
Somehow you will ( I no I no I no)
You will when you believe (when you)
You will when you, you will when you, believe
Just believe, just believe (ooh baby)
You will when you believe.

repost no. 2

2008-03-13T20:56:00.001+08:00

Ode to the Length of Days

One can take only so much suffering as would heaven permit tears fall from one's eyes to the earth,
and salt between the lips, and bitter bile gushing through the heart
beaten, broken, but unsurrendering to circumstances
for the end of this phase of the journey towards the next
in the realm of demigods and earthly immortals.
One can only take so much bitterness as hell would permit fiery fury upon the earth and raze heaven to the ground, thrusting,
with intense heat
bursting with extreme cold
feeling nothing more than silence, and hearing nothing more than darkness
only to see the womb open up to the light of immaculate dawn tainted with oblations of human blood
only in its purest state.
souls traveling towards the denying road, unwelcoming, unsoothing
souls washed with blood
sweat and
tears.
drenched with hope
"read me, as if though I was absent."
In my mind, it is as if Ophelia, met Pablo.

repost

2008-03-13T20:47:00.000+08:00

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

II
Destiny brings two people together. Circumstances separate them. And by some twist of Fate, they meet again in crossroads. Once in a while you meet that special someone who makes You the most important person in the world, without any reason or categorical purpose, nor motive. And such purpose or reason is yet to be discovered while the journey continues. A relationship need not be defined, let the thing speak for itself. What if the concept of “right love at the wrong time” is just a preparation for something better, something bigger, something brighter? Who knows?It may not be true love. It may not be everlasting. But to be certain, it is a spark of forever existing in the now.

2008-03-08T17:22:00.003+08:00

hello blog, long time no write. well, been busy lately. my work has brought me to certain "church" clients in bulacan and valenzuela, and therefore, aside from the temporal remuneration, the spiritual benefits thereof hopefully will abound.

February 29 me and my college friends from economics went to the Mall of Asia, since it was a joint celebration of Butch and Tim's birthday. We ate at the famous President Tea House, then drank my favorite cerveza negra and frozen margaritas at Pier One by the bay. Tim's car ran flat along C-5 road around 2am. so we hailed a taxi to assist us with the changing of tires.

Then last night I went out with my Legal Management friends, jun, derrick, mojette, best, Mich and husband Eric who came home recently from the U.S. and Spain respectively. you could see some pics of us at Dencio's along abscbn in my friendster.

Next weekend, God willing, my law school friends will travel up north to Manaoag to pray for the bar results. Then up to Baguio we go for an overnight stay where we can bond after failing to see each other for, well, about five months after the Bar.

Come April, I'll be prepping up for JL and Kitten's wedding. That faithful event we've been preparing and planning for the past year. Anyhow, my law school colleagues are already feeling the tension. We're slowly dying once again. This process is quite unique. And I pray I won't go through it again. Ever. Amen.

2008-02-23T10:46:00.002+08:00

Ngayon ko lang nakita ang iskulturang yelo na ito nang tiningnan ko ang friendster groups ng Batch namin ng Law. Kuha ito sa Manila Hotel sa buffet table. Hindi ko ito nakita, o malamang, nakita ko man, hindi ko napansin dahil mga ngarag moments namin.

Tulad ng mga ganyang bagay, madami kameng hindi na-appreciate dahil sa kasagsagan ng aming mga utak dahil sa pagod, takot at kaba. At ngayon ko lang na-appreciate na may nag-effort na gumawa ng ganito para lang sa amin.

Heto ang isa sa mga masasayang moments sa bar, isang buong batch nagkakainan, tumatambay sa poolside, tawanan, iyakan, takutan... yung best and worst namin lumabas.

Nabalitaan kong na-stroke si Dean Benips habang nagle-lecture sa Iloilo. Pinagdadasal kong gumaling siya, kasama ng laksa-laksa niyang mga mag-aaral dahil kailangan siya ng Facultad de Derecho Civil. Kailangan namin siya na bilang sandigan sa panahong kame ay kukuha na ng oath namin. We are not only making ourselves proud, but also The Honorable Justice and Former Solicitor General, our Dean, if we pass the bar.

This is a great man. He has plenty to share with the future lawyers and law students. He must recover from his stroke. His presence and his thundering voice, like that of grand paterfamilias evokes both kindness and discipline; He must recover. Thus:

WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed that our petition be granted. Such other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for.

The City of Malabon for the City of Heaven, February 23, 2008.

psycho judge

2008-02-22T07:49:00.002+08:00

think of a hybrid between bella flores and celia rodriguez, with that classic filipino movie villanous laugh.

that's judge C.S.A.V., fuunny though how she makes 'sindak' with all the accused and the lay people. she makes sindak likewise with the lawyers (and me, a non-lawyer making a special appearance for a simple resetting of a criminal case due to an amicable settlement between my client and the accused)

and then everybody whom she shouts at, especially the guys, before exiting the court room, she would laugh, and say in a loud voice, "I LOVE YOU!!!!"

crazy really... but i guess that's the point of it all... we have the talent of reading between the lines. she ain't really that psycho. she's still a good person deep down. taklesa nga lang siya. for sure, she's not the epitome of impartiality and the majesty of the robe, but for as long as justice will be served (anyways, as shown by her orders on record, she is actually 'charitable' to the litigants, whether private complainants, the people or the accused.)

my first court appearance in over two years started with a bang...

so perhaps the next time i would appear before her sala, anyways, i'm already on record, I can absolutely say... "Your Honor, I am now authorized to appear. I'm an attorney now."

Then we'll probably laugh like psychos too.

pangarap

2008-02-17T11:14:00.002+08:00

two weeks na ko sa Arcinas & Arcinas Law. Ok naman. Masaya dahil kaunti pa work ko, tapos sa 3rd floor ay show room ng Yonex at pwedeng bumili ng discount up to 70%. madaming kainan sa mismong retiro, at malapit pa ang banawe. kung tutuusin parang pinaghalong Ongpin at Jupiter street ang Retiro, kung kaya tinawag ang area nito na Chinatown ng QC. sa bandang la loma ay nakahilera ang mga lechon. dito daw nagsimula ang mga "Big Names" na law firms bago pa man sumikat ang Escolta pagkatapos ng pangalawang digmaang pandaigdig, at bago pa man nagsilipatan sila sa Makati.

sa ngayon ang ginagawa ko eh pawang puro pleadings. naiisip ko tuloy na hinahasa ako para sa litigation. Litigation lawyer. Wow. sana naman makabuo ako ng korporasyon, matutunan ko man lamang yun at makaipon ng substansyal na halaga eh magtatayo na kame ng sarili naming kalakal ng mga barkada ko. hindi malayong ang aking propesyonal na buhay ay malalaan sa tatlong bagay... ang batas, kalakas, at pagtuturo. sa ngayon bibitawan ko muna ang pangarap kong lumuklok sa kataas-taasan hukuman o sa Office ng Solicitor General (syet. I love the sound of that... "The Solicitor General, for the public respondents. Petition for Review on Certiorari.")

balang araw gusto ko muling mag-aral at magkaruon ng MBA, LL.M, DCL, o Ph.D. ewan natin. gusto ko rin mag-aral sa Madrid ng Leyes Civil Castillano. Gusto ko ring mag-aral ng wikang pranses, italiano, mandarin, hookien at portuges.

ang dami kong pangarap. masarap mangarap.

msarap ang mangarap...

The Practice

2008-02-09T11:07:00.000+08:00

On February 4, I got to sign my contract and started my first job as a legal assistant / researcher at this Law Firm, currently composed of two senior partners and a young female associate, plus two of us paralegals.

I am now handling four cases, three of which are active, one is already in the appellate court, one in the regional trial court, on in the QCBAA, one in the demand level.

My first boss, the most senior one, B.G.A. is already retired, a graduate of UP Law and Universidad de Madrid, whilst the managing partner, J.R.A. is a blue-blooded Atenista, UP Law graduate and has a master's from Universitas Bostoniensis de la Republicae Americanae.

Yeah, the opening theme of Boston Legal keeps ringing in my mind, since it is my message alert tone. But so far, I'm fully enjoying being back into 'this' life.

JRA aptly describes his firm as a 'California-style' law firm. It has a very relaxed atmosphere. It used to have several associates, at least five more at a given time. Our clients are mostly corporations owned by Chinese or Spanish tycoons, churches, schools and several other individuals with most cases involving settlement of estates. We have a complete library of law books and Supreme Court Reports Annotated, and Corpus Juris Secundum, Words and Phrases and AmJur. Their family likwise owns several corporations including franchises of a cake shop and a luxury car dealership.

My bosses are kind and good-natured. They are not ill-mannered and evil like those I've heard from the large makati firms where the paralegals are treated like serfs, and they the kings. Plus, the staff have said that every paralegal who worked there passed the bar. And I hope the chain wouldn't be broken.

Bearing that in mind, I am now unofficially beginning The Practice of Law.

family

2008-01-30T02:07:00.000+08:00

a few days ago, my second degree (in layman's terms) aunt came to us and left their conjugal dwelling. she and her husband's marriage were legally legally dissolved a few months ago. although she can stay in their conjugal dwelling, certain circumstances required her to flee. since we are her only family she has in malabon, we had to accomodate her.

now i have a 15 year old boy and an 8 year old girl to think of.

i feel sad for them, 'coz we know that life is harsh, especially for separated families.

now i'm playing big brother...

so may the Almighty help me...

'coz it's a new phase in our lives...

an aunt who used to live with us about 16 years ago after her marriage.... never mind her, but the kids... the kids i'm worried about... change is so difficult especially for kids.

they shouldn't worry... 'coz their 'kuya' is out there to work things out....

The Things I did today.

2008-01-26T03:47:00.000+08:00

Went Greenbelt, attended Church Services, which somehow gave me some spiritual respite. The Greenbelt chapel being so cosmopolitan that I felt like a blank mask in a sea of faces. It felt good. And I thank God for the good tidings which I received today.

Hung out at Fuzion for a few hours with some friends and acquaintances from the Economics Major of AB. Dined at Big Buddha. Had a few drinks at Cena, then danced the night away at bed space.

I enjoyed it. And all the dreary moments of my solitude went away for a while.

Yesterday I had a nice conversation over coffee with Lot. Those things about Girl A and Girl B… about taking risks et al. Plus, that superb and profuse use of our own language. Nobody understands us better than us ourselves. Our world is once again relived.

In these two days of wondering, I’ve come to the conclusion that I should not close doors, but at the same time, I should be cautious enough not to let someone enter just like that. I guess I have set the terms thereof… The issue of trust. How much trust am I willing to repose and how much trust should be given to me.

I had good moments for the past two days. And it felt good despite the confusion.

vincent

2008-01-24T17:34:00.000+08:00

"Tempting Fate"

2008-01-24T13:13:00.000+08:00

"POST HOC, ERGO, PROPTER HOC"

2008-01-19T01:26:00.001+08:00

kindly visit our organization's website:

http://libertas.ph/

i have authored the banner article entitled OBSERVATIONS ON THE RULE ON THE WRIT OF AMPARO.

my nome d'plume is Rasul. (my official name in Libertas et Iusticia)

the mask of melancholia

2008-01-15T16:22:00.000+08:00

Two days after having my emotional high, I am waging war against depression. A lot of people do not know it, but I have Manic-Depressive Disorder. I only drown it out by the hustle and bustle of my life. Or the life I once had.

The utter lack of intellectual, emotional and social stimuli is taking its toll on my being. I am not cut for Monasticism. I need to be around with people. I feed on stress. I need to be challenged. My sense of purpose is being dissolved like sea foam, wave after wave after wave.

Don’t get me wrong, I love solitude. In solitude I find peace of mind in the crazy world I live in. Through solitude I can exercise my social skills with clarity of vision and create certain flaws to make my reality natural.

I feel like I have been sentenced to incommunicado. The adverse effect of which is emotional claustrophobia.

Sometimes it is difficult to fit in with persons whom you share a lot in common, because the differences are larger and far more defining. Though you may be gathered together constantly, you feel utterly alone.

I am not in my element. Waiting for the bar is an ethereal out-of-body experience, some sort of parallel dimension. You know the other world exists, but you can’t be in it, you can’t touch, until the time comes, you become part of that world once more. Either way, pass or fail, you go back to the world of Law, and all the people who goes with it. I am TOTALLY INTANGIBLE right now.

And I realized that persons whom you have constant contact with, whom you utterly care for, and vis-à-vis, care for you, are devoid of any semblance of emotion. Whilst those whom were already distant and share nothing in common with, except excerpts of intertwined histories of life and love, have more to give in the brief periods of time that you are enjoined.

I dare say they are psychologically incapacitated. So am I.

No one’s life is perfect. Some are more flawed than others, while some are better to a certain degree of reasonableness.

What used to relax me became burden. What was once burden, now to me is refuge.

I miss my world. And my world misses me.

I’ve realized that ANY employment is not the answer. There must always be the PASSION for what you do in order for you to have satisfaction in whatever you endeavor. I need the tribulation and the intricacies. I need to fear.

Once I thought I was emotionally dead. Perhaps I am not, my heart still beats for love and life. And perhaps this depression is a part of it. It makes me feel alive.
Perhaps I need to simulate death… an expensive bungee jump or readily available tablets of valium and beer.

If I die, what if…

Who would cry?

Who would go to my funeral?

Who would voluntary carry my casket?

Who would laugh?

Who among them will give in to a long overdue procrastinated profession of what should have been done and said while I was in an animated state?

I am not normal. I’ve known that for many years. There are others like me out there too. We should meet and celebrate in a Gothic bacchanalia of somber and sordid dreams.

There are so many masks that the soul chooses to wear, and my soul particularly chose melancholia this time.

I wish I were a mask… so that any soul who wears me will see the world through my eyes.

Donde esta, Doña Paz?

2008-01-15T00:58:00.000+08:00

(Cuidado: This is not a dissertation nor a complete legal opinion, it is however, a learned critique regarding Media Usage of Legal Parlance vis-a-vis the Technical Rules of Procedure in our Court sytem.)

Twice already I've heard the words "Class Suit" being used by media men to refer to two media-covered incidents. First, the Separate Action filed by a number of media personality who were accused by the First Gentleman of Libel, which he eventually withdrew; and second, just so recently, the Action to be filed by those injured during the Ayala Mall blast last November.

Perhaps due to the media's 'tabloidism', the words themself offer a sense of importance, and can easily be remembered by laymen. However, I can assume that every barrister, lawyer, judge or justice of this land, and even every law student who already took up Civil proceedure, feel a certain degree of outrage for this kind of abuse to a term which has a particular meaning in the realm of law.

The Requisites of a Class Suit are:

1. The subject matter of the controversy is one of common or general interest to many persons;
2. The parties affected are so numerous that it is impracticable to bring them all before the court; and
3. The parties bringing the class suit are sufficiently numerous or representative of the class and can fully protect the interests of all concerned.

Every Law student knows the celebrated Doña Paz case where the Supreme Court differentiated a Class Suit from a mere JOINDER OF PARTIES. These requisites came from this particular case.

Although several persons are named as party plaintiffs in their Actions, the second requisite is not present. The media men involved can all be named in the complaint, albeit the Caption of the Complaint may be longer than the body. Furthermore, their Causes of Action are separate and distinct from each other. In other words, in other for a Class suit to have the first requisite, the interest of each and every person cannot be identified with him... it must be COMMON to all parties.

Let me name a few more examples which ARE NOT class suits:

1. The Sumilao Land case. (All the farmers can be identified and named.)
2. The Agricultural land case of the Archdiocese of Nueva Caceres.

3. The M/V Doña Paz case.

A classic example of a Class suit is the celebrated case of OPOSA vs. FACTORAN whereby the Supreme Court upheld the locus standi of children in a representative capacity to petition the Court to enjoin the Government from certain logging activities, citing the so called "INTER-GENERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY". This may be a maverick interpretation rather by the High Court, however, it falls squarely within the requisites. How many children are there in the Islands, and how many are to be born? Naturally, the loss of the environment due to certain activities is of common and general interest not only to children, but of all citizens, if not mankind itself.

Generally, class suits are big in Common Law countries as regards Tort cases against multibillion dollar corporations. Tobacco, Medicine, Food Products, Appliances, etc. Although the author of this entry is inclined to think that the Common Law notion of a Class suit is slightly different from ours, they are essentially the same in many aspects.

It is quite understandable that the media parlance differs greatly from the technical words of the law. A classic example is the usage of the word "SALVAGE" to mean a sort of heinous murder, though in the true sense, SALVAGE means "TO SAVE". (whether person or property) However, for the rare few who read this, this may shed a bit of enlightenment of the nuances of our ever so evolving languages.

So, would the media in the future label any similar situation as JOINDER OF PARTIES? I highly doubt it. It is our responsibility perhaps to educate the people of the intricacies of the law, of what should be, and what could not... of what is, and what isn't.

stolen moments

2008-01-14T04:26:00.000+08:00

we know we can't be together... but our love was ever so magnificient at one point...

thank you for those clandestine kisses.

barely hours, i miss your tender lips already.

our fleeting moments always seemed forever.

but you'd always be that girl i never had, and I, the boy that never was.

ever so you are my huntress, and I, your willing prey.

until our next kiss...

Cholera Damaged the Whore.

2008-01-02T02:16:00.000+08:00

Okay, now that I've got your attention, and at any rate I rarely sleep, and in a few hours I'd be traveling for an overnight stay at Puerto Galera, I'd thought of posting a sort of review of my recent readings and what I have watched lately. MEMORIES OF MY MELANCHOLY WHORES: Old Age and Youthful Lust, not so romantic. Good, but not one of my favorites. Translation could possibly be the problem, as it translator perhaps did not capture the Marquez magic for words.
LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA: Still not half way through, however, I could not put it down when I started reading this. Each page is superb. The play is words is just enthralling. With an opening line of "It was Inevitable: The scent of bitter almonds reminded him of unrequitted love.", you know that it is a good novel. I would kill to find a book in the original spanish text and feel the sensuality of the language, despite my limited grasp of the Castillan Tongue. Said to have exceeded the One Hundred Years of Solitude Fame. One of Gabriel Garcia Marquez' finest masterpieces.
DAMAGES: I got this pirated DVD of this series which is just about to start airing this January on Philippine Cable. It stars Glenn Close and Rose Byrne (who somehow resembles a young Monica Belluci). The First Season revolves only on a single case, unlike other legal dramas which have different cases every episode. Less legal talk, more of the human side of lawyers. Very dark and sinister. The time line is not straight, so you have flash backs every now and then, sometimes of the the same scene every episode. There are also several flash forwards, so the whole plot of the story unravels episode by episode. This is dead serious TV. Several betrayals occur within the characters, and there's no feel good moral lesson in the end, except for that tag line: "TRUST NO ONE." If lawyers were really like that, then everybody would probably be dead by now.

Noche Penultima

2007-12-30T12:55:00.000+08:00

After this night’s game, I decided to join up with some college friends in Gateway, turns out that only five of us came. The reasons why I decided urgently to go was first, I haven’t seen an old college best friend of mine since February, since he is based in Mindanao, secondly, I wanted to see old faces before the calendar changes, and lastly, my freshmen college love interest is present, and I want to see that sweet face once more… without the butterflies in the stomach feeling of course.

I looked tired and haggard, well, perhaps due the fact that I was tired and dehydrated, a nocturnal creature, maybe I wasn’t much in the mood, and perhaps I wasn’t in my element. Also, I was putting them off in the past years because of certain complicated issues, especially since it involved relationships and former relationships within the circle of college people who went to law school.

More pressingly, I’ve always known that plenty has changed, and whatever I would probably share with them would be of no interest. In short, I could no longer relate very much with this social circle of mine, perhaps because we rarely ever so meet, and perhaps also because I already live in a world far different from theirs. I only keep constant contact with those within the legal circle, closest friends and those whom I have permanent communications with. I feel as if I was left behind in many respects. Law school perhaps is a secular monastery, the seclusion of the chaos which I learned to love and find peace within is so much that the world around me seemed to revolve faster. Perhaps it is true… we grow old faster than the rest. I do feel older than the world.

I had plenty of opportunity lately to travel in the nearby provinces with some family and family friends, but I declined. I feel that it is not the time for me to see the idyllic world, or perhaps, my fear of the unknown future has taken me aback so much that my adventurism has faded. Or perhaps because right now I am looking for my personal stability, re: passing the bar, having a good practice, stable relationship vis-à-vis independence.

At one point we felt the power surging in us as law students and barristers, but now, we are like blind folded people in a dark labyrinth, or may be the people of Israel lost in the desert.

Justice Javier once said to us that we have to accept our new lives from the time we chose this calling. And so I have. This is me now. This is me.

During the Christmas Eve mass, the prayers of the faithful mentioned the doctors and nurses on duty during Christmas eve, immediately, I thought of my brother, who a few years from now would no longer be at home, and would be out there, trying to save lives. That is his calling. This is mine.

2007 is full of events which are emotionally charged, awe inspiring and heart-wrenching at the same time. You only remember those parts, but you cannot recall the rest. It is true, as they say that during your Bar, one year of your life just passes you by. I never felt 2007. I only felt the anguish and seen the pallor of people’s weary faces. We have sacrificed so much, and so much tears, sweat and blood have been shed in 2007. Was it worth it?

It should. This is our Zahir. The Zahir is of Arabic origin, which means a person or a thing which becomes an obsession, which would either lead to a state of holiness or of madness. I see no difference in either. Holiness or madness is one and the same. I still do believe that God never gives us challenges which we cannot conquer. Throughout the years, I have been through these challenges which will test one’s faith, sense of duty and honor.

Most of the time right now, I am in deep thought, I do not speak unless what I will say is worth saying. I rarely find pleasure in material things. I used to love being around people, but now I prefer the solitude. I prefer heart-felt conversations about life, love and dreams.

I am humble enough to admit that I am very afraid… not just of the Bar, but all of incidents and accidents of life. I want more out of it, and I am not stopping, just a little faith and courage. That decisive moment will come to pass, and perhaps, I will recapture that elusive peace of mind.

Peace of mind… ahhh… how I long for your sweet embrace.

May 2008 be our defining moment. We must shine and take flight to the stars, and among the stars shall we remain.

Nam omnia praeclara tam difficilia quam rara sunt.

For all that is great, is as difficult as is it rare.

when will the eating stop?

2007-12-26T14:13:00.000+08:00

happy holidays! let's give thanks for the blessings, big or small, that came our way for the past year... and pray for better days ahead.

Merry Christmas.

2007-12-20T02:07:00.000+08:00

meet up with Carol at the Galeria today for lunch and coffee, talked about life, our lives in general, law school life and career moves.

She also gave me chocolates from the US, a Kenneth Cole Wallet (haven't bought any Kenneth Cole stuff in years, and the leather is just oh so fine.) and most importantly, she gave me a Rosary from Rome, with a medallion of Benedict XVII, and images of the four Major Basilicas, namely: St. Peter's, St. John Lateran, St. Paul outside the Walls, and Our Lady of Snows, or St. Mary Major.

The december weekend that was...

2007-12-16T23:06:00.000+08:00

Had a fun weekend which started in Greenbelt Makati last friday. Cyma restaurant is highly recommended despite the four-star price, I'd give it a 5 out of 5. For the first time I read a menu which all sounds Greek to me, both literally and figuratively. But the food was oh so good, a true taste of fusion Mediterreanean cuisine. The baby back ribs (costs about 900 Php) is highly recommended. Service is good.

Our drinking session was held at the National Sports Grill, a watering hole we used to frequent way-way back when it was previously located at Greenbelt one. The smoking section outside is quite the spot to be to people watch, and I went ga-ga over the passing women and young ladies.

The traffic in SLEX was horrendous eventhough it was already past midnight. Had a few more bottles before settling down for the night at the farm. The next day, we went to Pavillion Mall's Pure Gold to shop for drinks and pulutan, which includes my all time favorite nacho recipe. Alcoholic drinks bought were Absolut Vodka, Jose Cuervo gold and Tanduay Rhum. Liquers included were grenadine, blue curacao and a number of fruit juices. Of course, never would be excluded therefrom.

Amidst the strong december winds passing through the lake, we concocted ice cold cocktails, some of which were Green Mai tai, Lemon Drops (a new personal fave of mine), tequila sunrise, Shark Bite and of course, the all time favorite frozen blue margarita.

Pulutan was rich... in cholesterol. The MSG coated peanuts, JL's invention of a chili-spring roll with bread crumbs deep-fried, my NSG rivalring Nachos, and... fried adobo wild game freshly shot. Yeah, you heard it right, Ka Willy went out on a 30 minute hunting trip with his semi-automatic hunting rifle and shot a few wild birds in the lake area. And this cuisine is not for the paranoid about avian flu. It was quite delicious and crispy, and really gamey... has a stronger taste and more stringy than your regular market birds. Oh, before I forget, lunch consisted of lechong 'talunan' (meaning, expensive Texas fighting cocks which died during a previous cockfight) and boy, the meat is indeed tough.

Then this morning, a semi-formal day reception was held at the grounds near the Trellis and the lake. White tents were set-up, a buffet table and round tables with baby blue trimmings. This garden reception could have been an Ascott or Hampton event had we been in Western Country side wearing the pompous attire of the traditional and noveau riche. The place looked marvelous. It was Baby Nathan's christening and house blessings of the newly renovated houses within the farm.

So, after spending the day eating, chatting and resting for a while, time to go back to Manila sweet Manila. I love that feeling of being rejuvenated after spending a long break in a place which has been a sanctuary for most of us for a number of years. The company of good friends and new friends, close to nature. It all seems so perfect, despite my personal knowledge of the troubles which lies in this place. A gathering always brings the best in people, share dreams and problems, and you can be at your worst, and laugh about it.

This is the break I've wanted for quite a while. And now, I feel energized once more. Time to celebrate once more in the spirit of Christmas with more friends from the various parts of my life, the people from high school, college and law school, family and personal friends.

I love this season, and despite personal and family circumstances which could make you think of the oddities of life, its a time to be thankful for the gift of life itself and love in all of facets.

On Social Justice...

2007-12-11T02:09:00.000+08:00

Social justice is "neither communism, nor despotism, nor atomism, nor anarchy," but the Humanization of laws and the equalization of social and economic forces by the State so that justice in its rational and objectively secular conception may at least be approximated. Social justice means the promotion of the welfare of all the people, the adoption by the Government of measures calculated to insure economic stability of all the competent elements of society, through the maintenance of a proper economic and social equilibrium in the interrelations of the members of the community, constitutionally, through the adoption of measures legally justifiable, or extra-constitutionally, through the exercise of powers underlying the existence of all governments on the time-honored principle of salus populi est suprema lex.

- Justice Jose P. Laurel

On Liberty...

2007-12-11T02:06:00.000+08:00

"Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can even do much to help it. While it lies there it needs no constitution, no law, no court to save it."

- Learned Hand

pun moment

2007-12-11T01:59:00.000+08:00

i was texting kaduwa areiz a while ago and i mentioned i have an interview with a lawfirm in QC. He informed me that the Office of the President for Peace Process is hiring 65 law people for the Peace process in Basilan. 23K starting. What a wonderful thought that would be... become a contingent hero in the process thereof.

2007-12-11T01:54:00.000+08:00

I may not agree with what you say, but I shall defend with my life your right to say it.

- Lord Voltaire

oh well...

2007-12-08T07:13:00.000+08:00

LC is back from her one month two-continent break. and its nice to hear the phone ringing and my inbox full of sms coming from her.

One of my law school friends, Kay called me up last wednesday after my 'interview' with Atty. Lauriano. I've submitted my resume with the law firm she's working in right now, apparently, they're still looking for another paralegal.

Really, if i get a job which would eventually lead to a partnership or associate position in a law firm, or if i choose to do government/corporate/private lawyering, then I could do that other thing which i would love to do... teach.

I guess that would be my preferred practice.

But for now, heed everybody's advice... rest and enjoy the well deserved break from law school.

So, now, I hafta plan or co-conspire for some colleague's christmas get-together and share those good old memories and anguishes of the better days.

But for next weekend... extreme relaxation time perhaps.

2007-12-05T23:26:00.000+08:00

met up with my conditionally future employer again. okay, the catch is, i know all the technicalities of labor laws. i cannot disagree. but the dislocation factor and the work load and the salary itself would just result in a break-even for me. she's nice, and i know i will learn a lot. but i can't have a six day work week, much less 10am to 7pm... what i foresaw was far more laborious than a typical day at a law firm. anyhow, she understands the barrister's predicament of being totally uncertain about their lifes.

so, i have another time frame to renegotiate and to decide.

btw, the dislocation factor is really, really apparent. it is not your typical makati CBD. it's makati of the people, not of the Ayalas.

life sucks especially if you are given such choices. i am from the far north... and the workplace is in the farthest unreachable south end.

choices. choices.

change is painful and never ending... but somethings must, and will remain permanent.

2007-12-02T02:24:00.000+08:00

Focus is what we need.

I have been contemplating long and hard about the offer I received from Madame Attorney. I will learn plenty. I will get plenty if I work hard. I will get a good position short of a partner if I pass the bar. It all excited me. The catch is, I have to work in Makati, not your usual Makati for the bourgeoisies, but the common folk Makati, where money is made by a truly ingenious entrepreneur who happens to be a lawyer.

I ran out of focus, I should say, I got excited, the prospect of a future salary and other emoluments encumbered me. The prospect of independence and being alone for once, fending off for myself… paying for my rent, cooking my own meals (which I rather usually do at home), for laundry services, for the good yuppy bachelor life.

However, it came to a stand still, when amidst the excitement of being independent I was subtlety interjecting ideas during impromptu discussions with Mater and Magna Mater of my intentions of independence… getting a room of my own, or a condo unit or whatever, and slightly political as I am, a compromise of having my med student brother live with me in the condo or apartment.

Mater was a bit supportive, however, she had the look on her face of sadness, or hesitation perhaps. Magna Mater on the other hand, was straight forward in her gentile way… she spoke of how nobody would be in the house if I pursue my plan, and perhaps, how silent, sad, quiet and nostalgic the house would be. Somehow, during this night, it reminded me of a previous discussion with Larry.

This was Magna Mater’s simple argument: My brother is already out there, in a condo-sharing agreement ever since, wala na kami kasama kapag umalis ka pa.

I had to face the reality that you have to give up some intermediate dreams for the greater good. And this entry somehow has moved me to tears. And right now, my emotions are stirred.

I have a family, a relatively large one. Grandpa and grandma had 3 children. My dad was the youngest, and my two aunties preceded him. Both are married. In toto, I have six full-blooded cousins in the United States of America. I have one fifth civil degree nephew, who is very much of the Italian race by now, although I haven’t seen him personally, I love him so much. My eldest auntie is married to my Italian-Venezuelan uncle. She’s a nurse. Successful in her retirement age; I have four cousins with her, two of whom I’ve personally met.

My second auntie is divorced. I have two male cousins. One of whom is dying with a disease which up to now I could not understand. He lives… and I hope he lives longer.

Comes now the point when I have to recall those “before sleep time” discussions with Magna Mater. In her time, she had no male child, and she knew that someday her children will have to leave her because they will marry. And so she had to pray long and hard to the Nazarene at the Aglipay church for a son who will take care of her…

And so she was gifted with one. And this one bore me and my brother.

Sad to say, somehow, I wish my dad and mom procreated some more, at least one or two more… a little girl or a distantly youngest boy couldn’t hurt. For my part, I could have pampered and defended with my life my ideally youngest sibling, whether boy or girl. Alas, two years worth of birth spacing eventually lead to a natural sibling rivalry of males which anyone could expect. Okay, we were given the genetic disposition of the somehow sort of genius and the strong will of killing each other at one point or another. However, that doesn’t detract from the fact that we share something in common… a lineage and a heritage.

However again, one cannot detract from what he is destined to be. In other words, you can’t choose your family history and destiny.

And so… here I am… wondering of what I can become, have I had the will power to detach myself from the past… or of who I really am. Perhaps I am thinking of “what can I do if I was somebody else?”

I had to face it… my mom would be lonely somehow. My grandmother would be devastated. My grandfather, at times, senile as he may be, would miss the hell out me, his only grandson who took the risk and went dirty when things got rough… My dad is rather in a state of limbo with his government career. My brother, present, but seems not to bother. All that is left is me… or so I think.

And so here’s the scenario… Grandma is not willing to let me go. One grandson already out there in a condo is enough for her. She is not willing to let another one go. What more if everybody is in the US and never came back? A big casa Hispaniola-Filipina inconvenienced by the perpetual flood… a relatively good real estates… I had to face it… it could be lonely sometimes… for as long as I could remember, this estate used to have a lot of blood relatives in hand… agnatic or cognatic.

But hey, who says it’s a liability? We have the resources no matter how limited they may seem. I may not need to be in a state where I should dislocate myself temporarily anyways. For crying out loud, I am Rommel… the one and only. The favored among all.

So, I guess I don’t really have to put up with what I planned to… be FISCALLY independent, that seems… perhaps I don’t have to show too much eagerness or humility… what is ultimately important is for us to stay together… support each other.

Being liquid is quite different from having assets.

So, time to switch to plan B… work what you have for your advantage. Amen.

Dream big… each one of us is created for a reason or another. Mine was to make my old folks happy… eight grandchildren… but only one destined to be the beloved amongst all.

2007-11-30T23:53:00.000+08:00

i think i'm gonna have a job... and i have a tough boss whose willing to accept me as an apprentice.

and the rain keeps pouring in... cold, uncaring...

2007-11-29T04:17:00.000+08:00

I miss the laughter of nonsense law school babbling.
I miss the barong.
I miss the penguin suit.
I miss the incessant rants.
I miss sharing dreams.

I am afraid of what the future holds for me.
I am afraid of being left behind.
I am afraid of being intimate again.
I am afraid of being alone.
I am afraid of not being remembered for who I am, and not just for what I did.

I want to be remembered as what I have become over the years.
I want to be remembered as human.
I want to be remembered with all of my flaws and imperfections.
I want to be remembered as a lover of all.
I want to be remembered.

I am steely faced, gentled eyed.
I am dignified, gullible.
I am snobbish and cordial.
I am unknown.
I am beholden.
I am mystery.
I am revealed.

I am all too imperfect, that I am perfect...

I find the joy in simple things... but certain things no longer excite me.
I belong, but I do not belong to everybody.
I am a stationary nomad.
I need adrenaline and solitude.

I am bittersweet. Bastard of Melancholia.
I want rapture and rage and desire and ecstacy.
I want solemnity.
I want turmoil and peace.

So, what gives?

The rain is simply pouring in... cold, ice cold. It is such a sensual delight that my soul has reached out to feel its random pulse.

and the rain keeps pouring in...

2007-11-22T01:19:00.000+08:00

unlike my brother, who will have his residency, clerkship and intership, he already determined his career when he chose surgery. he's gonna be a surgeon. as there are pediatricians, ob-gynecologists, neurologists, anesthesiologists, etc.

but me, no, law is such a general practice that the terms corporate lawyer, criminal lawyer, banker-lawyer, intellectual property lawyer, lawyer-professor are more of adjectives rather than nouns. that's simply it. Lawyer. it speaks of what one wants to practice in terms of the field of expertise.... damn, i'm good at Remedial Law, but there is no such thing as a Remedial Lawyer... Remedial Law is all encompassing, and every one is required to know it because one way or another, you end up in court.

On one hand, I want the easy life, Corporate practice, whether high paying or not, pencil-pushing, litigation usually involves civil suits for damages, collections, foreclosures, and on rare occasions, derivatives, insolvency, receiverships.... nothing personal.

And on the other hand, there is trial practice... criminal law and civil law... you meet people... some are hardened criminals, some are plain criminals, some are negligent, some are children, some adults, some are innocent... mental anguish, besmirched reputations, sleepless nights... Money depends on the case's value (which includes docket), but this is where Law is at its works... that is why we have laws... in order to deal with people. People make the law, the law is for the people.

Somehow, trial litigation is indeed exciting, yes, I want to become a litigator too.

Well, you don't really make money out of this profession, cause like doctors, the public interest is always at its helms...

I have so many plans, but I have not yet gained focus. Focus... is what I need to have right now.

2007-11-19T02:45:00.000+08:00

i just came from a drinking session at larry's. and since i ain't drunk, i'd blog.

Yesterday I meet up with Butch and JL at makati. It was my oh so belated christmas treat for them. Inasmuch that I want my whole barkada to be there, personal circumstances intervene such as quarrels and work.

So we had dinner at Avenetto, which was cheap, good and filling. Then off we went to Mall of Asia where we saw the new theme park (take note of the word 'saw', not 'enjoyed'). We had a few drinks at Prince of Jaipur, and beside it was Gumbo restaurant, where I saw Justice Jappy having dinner.

We went ton search for a new place, and since we had enough of Pier One, and there's no cool show at Bagaberde, we headed for Malate, and ended up at Gilligan's Island where the fun continued. And we were drinking Pale Pilsen at first, talk about getting old... there were plenty of kids dancing, plus some japaks gyrating with an caucasian guy. Bigla kong naisip, ganito pala ang daigdig na iniwan ko... maingay, magulo, masaya. Anyways, they're entitled to be carefree once in there life, whilst the hormones rages and sensuality is the norm of the night life.

We were seated at the veranda outside the second floor, where we can talk in a state of semi-peace. After more beer, I saw two people walking along the street... it was Y and V.

It was my first time to see them together after more than a year (well you have to dig in a year's worth of blog entries if you want to know the facts). Perhaps, being a third person to the scenario, I felt some sort of rage, I was following them in the length of the veranda, and apparently, I bump onto one of the drinkers. But I didn't care, they caught my eye. Alcohol, rage and jealousy perhaps. I've moved on of course, but girl and I didn't have a nice parting (for the second time) so perhaps closure wasn't proper on my part. Anyways, life goes on.

And today, we had a tournament which I could say good enough for me personally, but not really, since a lot of things didn't work out well for alot of players, including me and my partner Gilbert. We could have won and increased our standing, however, you know that things are rigged at times, no matter how much good faith (and good faith is a standard which I profess) you have in the organizers.

Oh well, that's life. People will always be people. For us who have a better perspective of things, we must try to understand. Though, everything must have its limits. As Defensor-Santiago aptly quotes Manuel L Quezon... "Your freedom stops where my nose begins."

Fin.

nunca

2007-11-13T02:12:00.000+08:00

almost two months since the bar.

so this is what bum means. total obsolescence. lack of an economic purpose.

though economics have principles such as "assets" and "expenses" and "capital", i am a standing asset which cannot be disposed of as yet, and is perpetually a walking expense account.

I wish to see my law school colleagues who took the bar. At least, we all understand each other's feelings. The problem is, we are in a state of self-imposed and free-willed diaspora.

And yes, I am looking and browsing for jobs right now, I applied to certain companies and firms online. If I find something legal-related, then thank you.

Also, the other day, Mam Precy 'texted' me about an alumni meeting. Had I not asked her what it was about, I wouldn't know what heck it was for. Ruby Jubilee something. (Oh yes, of course I know what the hell a jubillee means... it means something is getting old.)

The problem is... who the hell am I to attend such 'meeting'? I am not the batch alpha or the town crier for Pete's sake. Secondly, these people (the teachers) have not heard of the concept of the so-called FORMAL LETTER OF INVITATION. They still treat us like children. Tsk. Tsk.

Furthermore, rather than cooperating, I might be ranting then and there about how dishevelled the non-existent alumni association is. It should have been incorporated 40 years ago. Duh.

Now, they are setting another meeting which I believe was poorly (and I mean that with the most gravity of tones) attended previously. The text message seems more like a threat rather than a tinker to guilty the conscience or some non-existent social norm.

Trust me, my conscience is thicker than rhino's hide, or put it another way, my social norm has reached the level below that of demigods. We do not yield that easily... I saw the spawn of evil already. Hahahaha.

Fin.

my birthday wishlist

2007-10-29T11:48:00.000+08:00

my grandparent's good health, long life and prosperity.
my Roll of Attorney's number.
Carol's safe journey to the U.S., and her side trip to Rome.
temporary employment (as an educator)
a new pair of jeans
a new pair of shoes
good health for all of my friends

ergo sum

2007-10-25T23:53:00.000+08:00

To add some color to my blog, I shall recount some events in my so-called ‘vita’.

Last week, I took Carol out to the Promenade. We ate at Gerry’s, watched Stardust, and relaxed at Starbucks. It was nice to have a somewhat ‘normal’ conversation after the Bar. We talked about our experiences during the bar, our career plans, the ‘what ifs’ of our lives, and came to the conclusion that we are still adjusting our systems to what can be defined by laymen as ‘normal.’ Normalcy, being a relative term, for us, was once abject and stressful raised to the Nth power. Now, we are becoming ‘normal’ normal.

She’s going away for a month and will be leaving on October 30. (Ouch.) At any rate, it ain’t that bad, we survive, we’re Spartans… nay, Romans.

On the other hand, I also handed to Avic Tañedo last week my resume. It is only contingent, if and when they hire again for the next semester. If permitted by the circumstances, I’ll teach Philippine Government and Constitution (which I can braggingly say I can teach with my eyes closed, as every barrister could.) at Perpetual Help College Manila. Since the employment contract is terminable every semester, it would be just right until the time the results come in. I ain’t really looking for the pay, just the experience. I really want to teach, especially in AB.

Also, my grandmother is in the hospital for almost a week now. Her hypertension has caused a mild stroke, and she’s recuperating well, thank God. Hopefully, she’ll be out by the end of the week.

I also went to Chinatown this afternoon. Yes, I love the hustle and bustle of buyers and merchants, cars, calesas, Pinoys and Tsinoys, horse dung lying on the street, the scent of incense burning at the side street shrine, colorful lucky charms, jewelry and all those goodies. Binondo is indeed an urban paradise of sorts for the adventurous. So is Quiapo. I love Old Manila.

of dues process and social justice

2007-10-20T11:08:00.000+08:00

MMDA’s act of demolishing those squatter’s residences along congested streets should be condemned. Does MMDA have authority to do so? And assuming arguendo that they do, was it done in accordance with law?

They justify their acts by saying that squatters are nuisances. Hello! Although you may not be lawyers, yet you people are government official with access to lawyers, legal documents, and burdened with the presumption of regularity of office (in short, you are presumed to know what you are doing.) The law on NUISANCES applies only to PROPERTY, and NEVER on PEOPLE.

Assuming arguendo, that what they are removing are the houses of the squatters, which are indeed property, and based on fact that these stand on public streets which are res communes, meaning, they belong to everybody, hence, cannot be appropriated in anyway for public use, all government agencies are enjoined to observe DUE PROCESS, one of the most basic and fundamental rights of the people. Furthermore, MMDA failed to observe SOCIAL JUSTICE. As succinctly put by the then Supreme Court Justice Dr. Jose P. Laurel in the celebrated case of Calalang versus Williams, “Social Justice is neither communism, nor despotism, nor atomism, nor anarchy, but the HUMANIZATION of the laws and the EQUALIZATION of the social and economic forces of the State, so that justice, in its rational and objectively secular conception may at least be approximated.”

I myself do not condone the act of squatting, indeed, those shanties must be eliminated. However, what I abhor is the summary demolition done by the MMDA without due process! There was no notice, there was no hearing! These poor people should have been notified first of the intent of MMDA to demolish the shanties, and should be given the opportunity to be heard. MMDA just cannot storm their way in and like robbers in the night, take all the worldly possession of these people, though little they may have, it means the world to them. MMDA has become a social tyrant. Instead of becoming a government agency intended to serve the people, it became a monster that would ultimately stir up the flame of unrest among the masses, and in the end, would result to another social chaos.

MMDA has indeed limited powers. Police power is limited, and absolutely, it cannot exercise taxation and eminent domain, as enunciated in MMDA vs. Bel-Air.

As regards the aspect of Social Justice, it should be born in mind that the ‘have-nots’ should be provided for with alternative means of livelihood or residences. MMDA should have coordinated first with the Social Welfare Department and the Housing Authority in order to have the displaced people a decent place to relocate. Where would these people go?! In any event, once MMDA leaves, they would slowly rebuild their houses and start again, until MMDA returns and destroys it again. It will only toughen the squatters up, and would further enhance their disenchanted with the government.

What further aggravates my sentiments of disgust is that the MMDA personnel are even forcibly taking personal property of the dislocated squatters, such as kalderos, kawalis, timbas, palangganas, et al. This is too much. How do you expect these people to live a life at least approximate to that which is considered internationally acceptable as the least basic standard of living? These people might turn to a life of crime if they are further deprived of the most basic of equipments in order to have some meager meal to fill their empty stomachs.

It is high time that somebody should invoke Rule 65 and claim that MMDA has committed GRAVE ABUSE OF DISCRETION AMOUNTING TO LACK OR EXCESS OF JURISDICTION. Better yet, lobby Congress to amend or repeal the present charter of MMDA and effectively clip off the powers which your so called BAYANI exploits in order to please our Queen.

MMDA may have acted in accordance with the law’s mandate. However, if grave abuse of discretion was committed, then, the spirit of the letter that killeth instead of that which vivifieth has prevailed.

God Save the Republic.

2007-10-13T14:24:00.000+08:00

I had that sudden gush of feeling... of obsolescence. Law school was my life. Now, I feel like nothing.

This is a classic case of withdrawal syndrome.

2007-10-11T19:41:00.000+08:00

Eid'ul Fitr al Mubarak to everyone!

where's the melted butter?!

2007-10-11T10:00:00.000+08:00

My nephew Vincenzo dressed up as Baby Lobster for the coming halloween.

swing, swing

2007-10-09T23:38:00.000+08:00

i have no idea what the hell the title is for. however, it may reflect my current courses of action... possible "sideline dito... sideline duon."

i went to my old intership office in P.A.O. QC and surprise, surprise, Glenda gave me a 'raket'. As Glenda's most excellent pleader, I voluntarily accepted in order for me to put into practice my trade and at the same time keep myself busy and earn some extra moolah.

It's a petition for rectification of entries in a birth certificate. It's not it the rules of court in either 103 or 108, however no rule also says that it is prohibited.

The story goes like this... the former lawyer filed a 'nescafe three in one' petition (cancellation of entries/declaration of abandonment/adoption) which is surely NOT ALLOWED, although not expressly prohibited (or so as Judge Sempio Diy says)

Therefore, as I studied the situation, I had several remedies in mind, to wit: first, the easiest would be to Dismiss under Rule 17, since it is the first dismissal of a special proceeding, I theorized that the res judicata rule would not apply in the event that a second dismissal is in order.

Second, move for the suspension of the other actions pending the determination of the others. In this theory, priority will be given to the more important proceeding, whilst maintaining the records within the same court, thus expediting the subsequent proceedings by motion to take discretionary judicial notice of the evidence already adduced in the prior proceedings.

Third, move to severe one action, specifically the cancellation of entries in the birth certificate, taking into consideration the rule on joinder of causes of action, particularly the rule that all actions must be covered by the same rule. therefore, if one or two of the causes of action are covered by the rules on ordinary action, whilst the other is governed by the rule on summary procedure, the court is mandated to severe one of them and it should be proceeded with separately. declaration of abandonment and adoption are both summary proceedings, while correction of entries requires evidentiary presentation. Therefore, I theorize that the correction should be severed.

in all instances, i believe that the non forum-shopping requirement is not violated.

however, judge sempio diy had another remedy in mind, that is to RECTIFY the entries. Somehow, this would be a sort of an alien remedy, since the grounds as provided for in either Rule 108 or 103 are different. Procedurally, somehow its antecedent is that of my third remedy. Therefore, the effect would be a new raffle, although there is a chance that the same might be consolidated in the same branch. Substantially, you are most likely to invoke justice and equity in this situation. She said it was done before, although it didn't reach the Supreme Court, nonetheless, it's the law of the case, for as long as nobody would disturb it.

now, i've tried my hand as a pleader to create the right words suited for the petition, a little drama and romance, shall i say, and voila, I hope glenda likes it... i most certainly am not doing this pro bono.

2007-10-09T03:43:00.000+08:00

i'm bored. hahaha.

The Difference of now and then

2007-10-08T00:27:00.000+08:00

Just over two weeks into my vacation, I am becoming restless again. Perhaps, since I spent most of my waking time in Manila, I am becoming allergic to Malabon’s urban daylight. This is hometown, you’re supposed to do nothing here but rest, except if your business, trade or industry is likewise located here, which in my case, is also present. However, I am not managing something which doesn’t need my management.
I spend my days and late nights watching DVDs. I’ve already finished Rome and Gray’s Anatomy. Now, I’m addicted to House. Eventually, I’ll be looking for 3lbs or even E.R. collections. Yes, medical drama is so interesting to me right now. It all sounds so foreign to me and oh so amusing. Many years back, I was so into legal drama and bewildered by common law precepts in Latin. Now, I am obsessed with medical Greek. I already have the first and second season of Grey's Anatomy by the way.
Two weeks ago, going to the mall, wherever it may be, is a simple pleasure even though I’m alone. It was a respite from the recesses of my previous state of existence. One to two hours walking and shopping then back to reality. Now, it seems like a burden. I want to go out, yet my feet are so lazy, nay, my spirit is too. This time, I’m longing for my time in the malls or wherever with good old friends and loved ones. I can no longer spend it alone. There is no more necessity for ‘quiet time’, it’s “noisy time” right now.
This is perhaps my withdrawal syndrome. I miss the action and the drama of law school life. The torture, the pain, the stress. Yes, we were vicious zombies. Point is, for the first time in my quarter century of existence, I am no longer a student, much more, a law student. I am a quasi-lawyer. Quasi means “parang” in vernacular or “Somewhat” in english… short of saying being half-dead and half-alive… in a state of comatose to be more precise.
I haven’t really planned on anything, I reverted back to my old principle of “go with the flow” attitude, however, it doesn’t work right now. Life is so viscous that it only flows about 2 millimeters per hour.
The only thing that I am looking forward to in my immediate calendar of events is Ma Dora coming home after seven or eight years this November. Now, being a bum and all, that would seem like eternity, whilst during the time I was reviewing, the span between March and September was like a wink of the eye. Life passed me by when I was busy. Now, that I am doing nothing, life is still passing me by.
However, my soul is not mottled by such mortifying thoughts. I live life by the day, just like what we did in law school, survive it one day at a time. In the words of Fr. De La Rosa --- “Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, today is a gift, that is why it is called a PRESENT.”
Better heed my friends’ advices, enjoy this moment, ‘cause once you work, there is no more time for a good long break. (except perhaps those which are legally permissible under labor laws.)
But right now, I'm considering a certain offer in the tertiary education system. Suffice to say, it is in my plan to teach in the undergraduate course. Perhaps, maybe, this opportunity would be a dry run. Shopping and dating money maybe. Godspeed to me.

-end-

2007-09-27T09:56:00.000+08:00

I am not about to enter my whodunits and what haves regarding the bar just now. All I can say so far is that around 3pm during the last Sunday, the Greek and the Latin Fraternitas et Sororitas were already starting the Bacchanalia.

Yes, it was raining beer. Literally and quite frankly, I enjoyed showering in it rather than drinking it. I loved the sound of the banging pep squad drums. Arellano Law had a brownman revival concert and ati-atihan. Kanya-kanyang gimik kada eskwela. Apparently, according to hearsay, Ateneo Law spent 50 thousand bucks for the beer shower. Fireworks were everywhere.

Just three days into my state of doing nothing, I have been smiling more often, more jolly, and frankly, glowing somehow. Aaaah… the respite of home, with the comfort of my favorite sofa, my new dvd player, and my complete season of gray’s anatomy and Rome. I won’t be missing my legal life anytime soon. I am no longer craving for comfort food. I no longer smoke like the way I used to for the past six months, and yes, I ain’t missing so much of beer. Thank God for relieving me of stress.

I’ve already went to Baclaran to ask Domina for her mercy. Next up, St. Jude in Malacanang, then Sto. Domingo Church. Hopefully, I can travel all the way to Manaoag.

For the first time in my life, after two degrees, I am officially no longer a student. My life cycle is now anything goes for the next few months, or until the time when I am ejected, or when I get completely bored.

(Insert evil grin: Or perhaps M.A. or MBA is just around the corner… hahaha. NOT yet, not yet…)

Immediately, the Monday after the last Sunday of the bar, Warren called me up, he was inviting me for a despedida drinking session. I obliged, and it was my first taste of total inebriation in months, plus I have been rejecting most of their invites in the past due to my state of incommunicado. I got drunk on Pale Pilsen. And yeah, it didn’t taste different; it’s still beer, with less foam perhaps. One and a half cases of that, plus just Me, Sunny, Michael and Warren gorging ourselves until 5am, no wonder, the ratio of consumption is higher.

What will I miss most about the bar season? Well, materially speaking, it’s staying at the Manila Hotel every Saturday and live in the seclusion and comfort of our beds while waiting for the buffet dinner. Plus, there were a great number of people who took care of us (especially my kadz) who provided us with the necessities and notes.

For now, I will not let fear get a hold of me. Faith begins, when reason ends. I did my part, and I leave to Divine the rest of it.

Dominus, I am in complete surrender, I offer my life to you. For I have chartered the hell-fire seas and survived, permit me to enter Valhalla, the land of the Valiant and the Brave, together with my brethren, so that we may dine with thee, and fulfill our destinies. Dominus, show us your mercy, turn not a cheek away from us, but instead, smile upon us from the break of dawn, until the veiling of the night. Amen.

Domina nostra, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Michael Archangelis, ora pro nobis.

Que sera, sera.

of horror, fantasy, madness and dementia

2007-09-07T18:17:00.000+08:00

i shall recount all my experiences in a succeeding B.O.P. as soon as I am idle, and not sulking in dvd's or inebriating myself.

however, i must share the emotions...

from the send-off I felt a sort of excitement at the same time, fear. The Send-Off is a very important part of a School Bar Operations. Only two events, to my best knowledge, that the PepSquad, a.k.a. Yellow Jackets perform, first, the UAAP, and second, The Bar Operations. Alas... I felt like a miniscule basketball player trying to make a point in 'Court'. (Pun intended)

In Manila Hotel, I feel superb anxiety. Which was momentarily replaced by hope, whence, out of the blue, Supreme Court Justice Antonio Nachura came to the smoking area. To law students, this is an omen of good Fortune, especially it was the night before the Bar. Picture to follow soon.

On the way to La Salle, I felt pride and fear (again.) Friends, past and present, acquiantances and strangers are all wishing us luck. It is as if we were American soldiers in the 1950's in a large ship in New York Harbor on the way to the Korean War.

In the afternoon, I felt numbness, tired and totally blanked out. It was too much to bear.

The day after, most of us did totally NOTHING related to, or incident to the Bar.

So this is how it feels....

Three more Sundays... and then it's time to move on with our lives... not knowing where to go, nor what to do with our lives in a state of Limbo. Half-Dead, Half-Alive most of the time.

For most of us, are gonna be officially, unemployed.

Good things I am entitled to perpetual support.

So much fear... so much anxiety.

De Profundus, clamo ad Te, Domine...

2007-08-30T00:18:00.000+08:00

Domina, Lead Us to Victory...

So comes the brave and the finest... the royal legal tigers, unto the Honorable Supreme Court.

If we shall die, let us die in the glory of our restless being, and in the glory of our forefathers, of the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain.

It's not personal anymore, it's about us... all of us.

To all my brethren in UP, Ateneo, San Beda, San Sebastian, UE, FEU, Adamson, Lyceum, and all other Law Schools of the Country, I Bid you Godspeed and victory.

Viva Santo Tomas. For the Glory of the Republic, For the Glory of Spain, for the Glory of Rome, for our own glory.

A toast to the brotherhood of Law.

Visions...

2007-08-25T01:56:00.000+08:00

Legal Department, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Legal or Corporate Officer of a Universal or Commercial Bank

Trial Litigator.

Real Estate Developer.

Judge.

Justice of the Supreme Court, or Court of Appeals.

Office of the Solicitor General.

Fiscal

Public Attorney

Professor of Political and Constitutional Law, Tax and Remedial Law.

Ambassador.

Humanitarian.

Husband to _______.

Bona Pater Familias to ________.

Generous grandfather to _________.

Doctor of Civil Law

Dean, Faculty of Arts and Letters

Decano, Facultad de Derecho Civil

Master of Business Administration

Entrepreneur

Professor of Law

Professor of Literature

Visions, visions, visions...

So much to dream about... yet only one goal...

Make this world a better place...

2007-08-23T13:17:00.000+08:00

10 days before reaching the climactic event.

I can imagine the Goddess of Justice like a titan striking the sword in front of the portals of the Supreme Court, in the way that Michael's fiery sword guarded Eden.

One must pass through fire and get burned, and be consumed, in complete surrender...

But behind that fiery sword... is Eden... and the Tree of Life... and of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

The Merchant of Venice...

2007-08-18T02:29:00.000+08:00

Aptly titled... since Malabon is like the Venice of Asia.

Whilst reading Miravite's Commercial Law Reviewer, I just had a Eureka moment... and the merchant in me suddenly let loose...

One day... if I have enough capital, I'll venture on with the business idea that I have.

The Management side of my Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Management is at its works...

The question propounded by my circumstance is: "What would you do with an estate worth more or less... eight digits?"

old thought... from lessons long gone...

2007-08-16T02:51:00.000+08:00

"What are we in power for?"

Barangay Dapitan

2007-08-14T01:15:00.000+08:00

Around 6pm I was riding a trike from Alvarez St. towards Padre Noval in order to attend the 6:15pm anticipated mass on Saturday. I have been quite a zombie for the past few days, and my only joy is to ride a jeepney (front passenger seat) and watche everything go by... watch everything go by...

Then to my suddent realization, many students in Navarra Billiard Hall, the Barangay Hall were watching the UAAP Game, and as I entered the Sacrosanct of UST, the gymnasium was cheering wildly. I can hear the loud voices of the studentry in the midst of the silence of the Santissimo Rosario Chapel.

Wawu, had her topak moment and went to Araneta Coliseum.

UST Beats La Salle. Overtime.

Yeah... that's one game I should have watched. But I'm proud that UST won... If it's Ivy League games were speaking of, there's only three... UST, Ateneo and La Salle... and among the three, the Dominicans have the best system of worship. I could plainly recall the championship match last year with Ateneo... the whole UST crowd was praying... so did everybody in their homes, in the campus, the seminary, I bet even the Vatican and Spain was praying...

It felt so good.... very, very good.

Even if we won't win the Championship this year, it's worth it... kicking La Salle's ass...

Now, I only have a few weeks before I enter the portals of La Salle and conquer my own challenge.

Closing Cycles...

2007-08-11T00:32:00.000+08:00

The Pre-Bar is Coming to a close...

Comes now the Pre-Week in a matter of days...

Libera Nos, Domine

2007-08-08T01:35:00.000+08:00

just a few hours ago, and with no warning whatsoever, half of our garage's roof gave way and fell in front of the house (not the street side, but the backyard side.) i thought it was just a truck passing by, but hell, the weather's gone mad. milenyo struck, and no substantial damage was caused to our estate. good thing that no one was hurt... except perhaps for some vegetable life forms... and thank god two of our cars were spared. (the other one is parked in a separate garage.)

i told my grandpa that the roof was taken away by the wind, and that the MB wasn't damaged.

Irony is, Chedeng is the name of the storm, and Chedeng is the brand of the car...

I guess the oratio imperata ordered by Cardinal Rosales worked... and apparently, it's working overtime.

2007-08-07T00:35:00.000+08:00

Praise be the Merciful and the Compassionate for the gift of Rain...

2007-08-06T01:36:00.000+08:00

Lawyering as a Sacred Trust4 08 2007
THE SACRAMENTAL NATURE OF THE PROFESSION OF LAWSpeech delivered by Associate Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna, Supreme Court of the Philippines, at the Commencement Exercises of Ateneo Law School, April 22, 2007, Meralco Theatre, Lopez Bldg., Ortigas, Pasig City.
The profession of law is a sacred calling. I do not mean simply that it had priestly origins and that for a long time there was only canon law and all lawyers were religious. Rather, I mean that law is a way towards finding God in the world and of restoring Christ in all things.
To start with, the law, as I never tire pointing out, is the most human of all professions. It addresses the human as human, and seeks to minister to his needs as body and soul, matter and spirit, as a rational animal, a sentient being.

From the time you locked horns with the intricacies of persons and family relations, to the time that you delved into obligations and contracts, torts, crimes, penalties, damages, succession and corporation law, tax, labor, remedies and procedures, legal ethics and legal philosophy, international law, the Constitution and governance, you were always face to face with the problems and concerns of human beings in society. The aim was always to seek through law the sway and dominance of justice in the relations of persons and humans among themselves and vis-à-vis the State. In short, you studied law as an instrument of the social order. For you are all engaged, in the words of Dean Pound, in social engineering.
But it does not end there. For as Justice Perfecto also indicated, law covers not only man, woman and child, but everything else, “from the amoeba to the tundras of Russia.” Or in the language of Chief Justice Laurel, law covers everything, from agriculture to music.
As you now take hold of this sacred trust that is the law and ask permission to profess it as a way of life, way I then remind you that you do so as graduates of the Ateneo, carrying as it were, the colors of St. Ignatius, and the blue and white of Our Lady, and to remember always all that these stand for.
The seal of the Ateneo bears the words “Lux in Domino.” You all know what that means. Light in the Lord. That’s what you have to be in the world. Now, I invite your attention, however, to the shield or coat of arms in that seal. It is that of the House of Loyola. It shows a big cauldron held by a chain with two wolves facing each other, eating from the big pot of food. The symbol is that of generosity and abundance, that food and sustenance flowed over in that house, full, pressed and overflowing, so much exuberance that even the wolves had enough to eat.
I would like, though, to relate this symbol to a text I received some weeks back from a friend. An old person once told a grandchild –

A terrible fight is going on inside me. A fight between two wolves. One is evil, it represents hate and anger. The other is good, it represents empathy, love and compassion. This same fight that’s going on inside me, is inside every other person took, even you.
The grandchild then asked: Which wolf will win?
The old person replied: It’s the one you always feed.
That’s it.
It’s the one you always feed.
Go then on your quest along the path of the law.
And don’t forget the ways of the Atenean – be persons for others.
Approach the whole enterprise as a sacramental encounter – the whole of creation is a doorway to God. Use it to get to God, to realize God in this world and to render all things to the One True Being.
Feed the right wolf.
Don’t forget the poor, the helpless, and the deprived.
Yours is a profession for others, teach people their rights, help them fight for it, protect the earth and our environment, use law – be it agrarian reform, minimum wage regulation or progressive taxation – to make life better for others.
For there is so much to be done. The hour is short but the agenda is long. But by all means begin.
God speed then, as I return to the seal of this Alma Mater of ours. I left the most important part for the end – it is the center of the seal – the Sun that shines – XT – IHS – THROUGH XT YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS.
GOD BLESS, THANK YOU, AND MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU.
Source: Ateneo Law Website

(Copied from Kadz Areiz's Blog)

2007-08-03T00:24:00.000+08:00

i am man enough to admit that i am afraid...

2007-08-01T02:58:00.000+08:00

31 Days...

2007-07-29T00:34:00.000+08:00

life is a story of betrayal and fealty. it's all about politics.
money, fame and fortune.

it is about friendship, brotherhoor and sisterhood.

now, the wheel of karma has turned.

nobody hurts my friends...

and nobody betrays me...

Remember me, I am Rommel Bernardo.

2007-07-28T11:10:00.000+08:00

I AM BETRAYED.

updates

2007-07-25T02:47:00.000+08:00

finished with criminal laws. technically...

now starting with what else... Remedial Law.

If there are two things in this planet that I'm good at... it's Tax and Remedial Law.

And I hope they can save me.

2007-07-20T00:43:00.000+08:00

beer and valium...

a different kind of high. a bit dangerous though. hehehehe.

2007-07-17T15:01:00.000+08:00

I do not enjoy attending the services in my hometown parish. First of all, the parish priest is boring. Second, the adjutant priest has an annoying and disturbing timbre in his voice. Third, the services contain more prayers not included in the official rite. Fourth, their sermons insult my intelligence.

I know my theology and catechism, however, I also know my philosophy, metaphysics and positive law. How can the people stand them?! The local church is becoming retrogressive rather than progressive. Soon, people will be driven away unless and until the time the priests are changed. It’s not a matter of doctrine, but a matter of management. People should stop listening, but rather start thinking for themselves. Your priests don’t decide your salvation, but rather it is you.

Well, I can blame them if I heard better homilies from the Dominican Fathers, since they are trained to do it, that’s why they’re called the Sagrada Orden de Predicadores. Even the Spaniards can convey messages despite the difficulty in English translation.

Reach out priest, don’t shove them away.

****************

On the other hand, the Human Security Act should be put to the test, and it will be CJ Puno’s greatest masterpiece if he becomes the ponente of the decision. I have read the law, and although it has many safeguards, it can be still be found void under the Strict Scrutiny Test concurrent with the Overbreadth and Void for Vagueness doctrine. Liberty is at stake people. Then again, proponents of the law may make use of the Dangerous Tendency or Balancing of Interest Rule, considering that the present situation is different 10 years ago as regards national security.

In 1991, the Writ of Amparo was just a legend, it was speculated that it was probably named after a Beauty Queen, however, it originated from Mexican Laws, and came from the Spanish noun “Amparar” which means “to protect against”. It is said to be more powerful than the Writ of Habeas Corpus, or perhaps even the Writ of Certiorari. Now, Justice Azcuna’s killer question in the 1991 Bar Exams, which is only once a mythical creature in legal contemplation, might now become a reality under our jurisdiction.

The Question is, where do you put Amparo? It may either be placed under Rule 65 as a Special Civil Action, or under the Rules on Special Proceedings. I would prefer that it be placed under the Rules on Special Proceedings, since jurisdictionally, the Regional Trial Courts implement these rules.

relapse

2007-07-14T09:25:00.000+08:00

flu relapse. had to run yesterday to the doctor, fearing for something worse like dengue. apparently not.

doctor's prescription: bed rest and avoid stress. (plus the fancy anti-stress vitamins and cough medicine)

yeah right... as if I can avoid STRESS.

had my lung x-ray too. still clean.

now, i must stay at home for a few more days. no review classes. self-review muna while snuggling cozily in bed or at the couch.

2007-07-12T09:39:00.000+08:00

officially ending commercial law, though i haven't really absorbed anything.

now officially starting on Criminal Laws.

Yesterday, I was totally irritated by the presence of three, or sometimes four bodyguards looking around the Bar Review area, as if we were all suspicious looking KGB agents, or even Chinese Triad gangsters. Well, putting things unto the scales, our Lecturer has plenty to fear for, since it was reported that his house got rained on with bullets, as he was handling a high-profile case. I won't mention his name, but by the rule of idem sonam, his surname is similar to that of another well known lawyer. Poor him.

2007-07-11T10:36:00.000+08:00

i'm almost done with commercial law. (well, i hafta skip some parts. second to civil law, it's the longest) and I'm about to start with Criminal Law. Just on time. Hopefully.

Can't wait 'till it's over. Then it would be a time to splurge for a while and think of career choices. Some of which are:

1. Join the Public Attorney's Office.
2. Join the Office of the Solicitor General.
3. Apply at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
4. Corporate Counsel for large banks. (going to Atty. Divina's direction, perhaps)
5. Private practice with Punongbayan and Araullo (they're hiring for junior associates, mostly tax experts. though I don't outrightly claim to be one, I can learn more aside from the law school stuff, plus it's lucrative, and I can work it to my advantage in the future.)
6. Administer the family business while practicing in private.
7. Enter into a business partnership.
8. Buy real estate at auction sales and resell them again. (Capital gains only, no profits involved, mostly. I ain't CREBA.)
9. Take up my M.B.A. at AIM or at The Ateneo.
10. Well, whatever goes by.

This is all subject of course to the condition that I pass the Bar. Then, I guess, that would be the proper time to think of the future. And the things to consider are, to wit: 1.) the lucrative nature of the work or enterprise; 2.) public service; 3.) more net profits, more tax exemptions and deductions, less expenses; 4.) over-all "happiness and satisfaction" ratings; 5.) socio-economic and political weather.

2007-07-11T10:32:00.000+08:00

I'm Bar Examinee No. 2603.
I hope when I return on August to the Supreme Court, I'll be allowed to take the Bar with no problems.

SUPREME MISADVENTURE

2007-07-07T09:09:00.000+08:00

It has been almost a week and my body isn’t healing as fast as it used to. I have the seasonal influenza. But as I have observed in the past, it only took me 3 days to completely recuperate. But now, I’m still totally bogged down. I have all ailments of the upper respiratory orifices. Colds, cough and sore throat. Plus that nasty fever that won’t go away. Because of that, I was impelled to halt my readings for officially three days now. I am on my fourth subject, mercantile law, and I only finished Corporation Law, Securities Regulations, Banking and Special Commercial Laws. I haven’t yet breezed through Negotiable Instruments, Insurance and Transportation. In fact, I haven’t officially terminated my readings in Civil Law, since I still have Obligations and Contracts and Sales left.

Barely seven weeks left, I still need to study Criminal Laws, Remedial Law and Legal Ethics. I have to make certain adjustments in my daily routine (which means removing badminton from it).

Now, yesterday afternoon, we were attending jack jimenez’ lecture in insurance and SPCL, when we heard the news that our petitions were already notarized and available at the Legal Aid Clinic. So we got it and returned to class. Around 3:30 pm, someone suggested that we file it already, anyways, we can make it to Padre Faura before five o’ clock. Someone of us were hesitant, including me, but alas, I go where my friends go. So, the six of us, boarded the van with the 16*OSG plate number, the driver of which, called up his father-justice of the Court of Appeals and asked for a parking slot in the Court of Appeals. Traffic along España and Quiapo was like the usual Quiapo day chaos. We were doing our annexes inside the van while laughing that any error in writing due to the vehicular movement might cause the dismissal of our petition.

4pm. We just arrived at U.N. Avenue. All the lights in sight were green. And we joked that it was a good omen. We even saw a naked taong grasa in the middle of Quiapo Bridge and took that as a good omen.

Comes now the corner of Faura and Taft. Hell. The go signal only lasts three seconds! It was 4:15 already! Prior to that, we called up the office of the Bar Confidant and asked at around what time does it close. It said around 4:30pm.

After snailing through the traffic in Faura, we reached the gates of the Supreme Court. No time to park the van. I immediately went down and asked the security (FYI: you don’t call them ‘security guards’ in the layman’s sense, since these people are either police forces or military men, or at least trained by the government.) (FYI again: come to think of it, it reminded me of that instance when Capt taught me how to do the ‘neck’ breaking trick in the movies, and it is fatal… and I ain’t telling how to do it! Hahaha!) if we can go in. Courteously, he said that cashier closes at four p.m. That means, that even though the bar confidant still holds office until 4:30pm, we cannot file our petitions until we paid our filing fees. (Basic rule in Civil Procedure, Sunlife Assurance vs. CA… I think)

And so, it was our first taste of “Technicality”. And technicality means so much to us. It means the difference between life and death. We went back to UST frustrated, but laughing so hard as we made fun of ourselves, imagining things like what if we were featured by Mike Enriquez for the primetime news for something like: “Anim na Barrista, nag-amok sa Korte Suprema” and things like that.

The Bar-Ops committee had generously offered to do the filing, but we believe that it should be our own act. The act of filing is so symbolic to us that somehow this means that this is the first ever document that you will be submitting to the Supreme Court of the Philippines, and you don’t want anything wrong happening to it, you want everything to be perfect, you want to savor the moment. It is part of the long and arduous journey towards the uninviting portals of the Supreme Court and the Bar.

So, to appease us, I treated the guys to an 18 inch New York’s finest before we called it a day. Like what JV said, it was our break from the monotony of our lives as barristers. A ‘picnic’ in the twisted sense.

Now, I pray that this fever would ward off me so that I can resume my unholy transitory existence.

2007-07-04T23:47:00.000+08:00

To the bravest and strongest woman I've ever known my entire life... you will endure all these things that you are facing right now... I'm always with you.

Ode to the Length of Days

2007-07-04T23:20:00.000+08:00

One can take only so much suffering as would heaven permit tears fall from one's eyes to the earth,

and salt between the lips, and bitter bile gushing through the heart

beaten, broken, but unsurrendering to circumstances

for the end of this phase of the journey towards the next

in the realm of demigods and earthly immortals.

One can only take so much bitterness as hell would permit fiery fury upon the earth and raze heaven to the ground, thrusting,

with intense heat

bursting with extreme cold

feeling nothing more than silence, and hearing nothing more than darkness

only to see the womb open up to the light of immaculate dawn tainted with oblations of human blood

only in its purest state.

souls traveling towards the denying road, unwelcoming, unsoothing

souls washed with blood

sweat and

tears.

drenched with hope

"read me, as if though I was absent."

In my mind, it is as if Ophelia, met Pablo.

Now, this is an Upgrade...

2007-06-30T12:55:00.000+08:00

The Latest News... UST Barristers will be billeted at the Manila Hotel. How mighty and magnificient art thou, Alfredo L. Benipayo! He should be declared Imperator Perpetuus. Hehehe.

Guess whose coming home this year...

2007-06-18T23:54:00.000+08:00

Mama Dora called today, since the other side of the world just celebrated Father's day, and after all the American-Italian Weddings of my cousins are over, she'd be coming over by November, in time for Lolo's birthday. I pray that all goes well, and that she could bring in my racially impure Nephew with three names... Vincent to his parents, Vincenzo to his Italian granparents, and Vicente to his Philippine relatives. By that time, I'm totally free as a bird and I will subject myself to every whim and caprice that my Ma Dora can offer... like perhaps, the basic urban pleasures of Shangri-La Makati or Sofitel, and The Spa at Greenbelt, and dine at the Spiral, which I truly miss.

Also last Saturday I chillaxed with my college buddies at Greenbelt. I was totally into that new arcade game at TimeZone called Virtual Tennis, where I, for once played the role of Rafael Nadal, but alas, JL, who played Roger Federer won over me, since he is an autentic tennis player and a former arcade addict. I shall defeat you next time.

Then we got drunk at Harbour Center. Enough Said. I got drunk. Hahaha. At least, I didn't get to talk much about law school, instead, the plans for next year's most anticipated wedding.

Breakpoint

2007-06-13T02:36:00.000+08:00

This refers not to the scoring system in Tennis, though I must say, I am proud of the Spaniard for winning the Philip Chartier Cup for three straight years at Roland Garros, but rather, to my state of being of the present.

I have reached the point where I am bogged down. I am in a state of clinical depression. Burnt. Spent. Wasted.

This morning, after ten or so pages. I decided to stop. My mind is tired. My body is tired. My spirit is tired. The lack of emotion and external stimuli somehow invalidates me.

I’ve consulted a number of barrister friends who advised me to stop and take a break. They’ve experienced the same It’s too early in the season to bog down.

I have no desire for alcohol. I have no desire for valium. I have no desire to play badminton. I do not even have the desire to gratify myself. I have no desire to do anything. I lack the will power to struggle. I am reverted back to the primordial psychological state of “id” or “ego” maybe. I want… I want… I want… but I do not like to work for it. I want to be served. I want to be indulged and pleasured. I want all my whims and caprices consummated.

I wanted to runaway to my hideout. This morning, I have decided to take a bus to Binan and escape Manila for a few days, but considerate that I am, I know JL’s got a business to run. I just bugged him instead with my lost thoughts which to him seemed most unusual.

I decided on a movie marathon instead to appease myself. Night at the Museum, American Pie 5: The Naked Mile, Curse of the Golden Flower, Fly Boys and Letters from Iwo Jima. Temporarily, I had my emotional high. I lay down on the sofa the whole day, like a sick person. I am highly irritable. I ate ice cream and chocolates.

I never thought that I would reach my breakpoint. It is a state of depression characterized by emotional numbness. Dead as a door nail. I do not want to care. I do not want to be disturbed. I do not want this burden on me. I want my freedom.

I am depressed. Nobody can help me.

Now, can somebody save me… please.

Viva La Independiencia

2007-06-12T10:01:00.001+08:00

Two months without a haircut... it's freakin' hot at times, but hey, it's worth the goal... to look like some chinese or koreanovela guy. Hahahaha!

Viva La Independiencia

2007-06-12T10:01:00.000+08:00

Two months without a haircut... it's freakin' hot at times, but hey, it's worth the goal... to look like some chinese or koreanovela guy. Hahahaha!

100 THINGS TO DO AFTER THE BAR EXAMS

2007-06-06T03:00:00.000+08:00

Disclaimer: The enumeration below is somehow possible (though remotely), but most likely improbable. Gets?! Gets…

1. Go to Manaoag and pray to Apo Baket.
2. Go to Thailand and pray to Buddha for compassion.
3. In Thailand, once again, experience the joys of legal prostitution.
4. Go to Japan and visit Shinto Shrines. Eat lotsa sushi.
5. Return to Cebu and once again invoke the mighty God Child, plus visit Bantayan Island and Pulchra resort.
6. Vacation in Amanpulo.
7. Play Badminton until every bone in body hurts.
8. Nip/tuck.
9. Enroll at Slimmer’s World or Gold’s Gym.
10. Learn how to drive.
11. Buy myself a second hand Honda Civic SIR… the orange one.
12. Buy myself a Strada.
13. Read tons and tons of modern literature and novels.
14. Watch a lot of porn.
15. Watch all the movies I’ve missed since I became I fourth year law student.
16. Become a mallrat once again.
17. Go to Ibiza, Spain.
18. Go to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
19. Go to Madrid, Spain.
20. In short, go to Spain.
21. Watch the French Open and Wimbledon.
22. Improve my Tennis skills.
23. Go watch a bullfight in Spain.
24. Improve my Spanish.
25. Learn French, Latin, Portuguese and Italian.
26. Learn Fookien and Mandarin.
27. Learn Hanggul and Nihonggo.
28. Learn Russian.
29. Go to Rome and visit the Pope.
30. Go to Instanbul to meet the Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch.
31. Meet the Dalai Lama.
32. Go to India and visit Temples.
33. Go to P’u t’o Shan island and worship Kwan Yin.
34. Go to Mekkah.
35. Go to Jerusalem.
36. Climb to Tibet.
37. Join the Oktoberfest in Germany.
38. Watch the Sinulog.
39. Observe Ramadan.
40. Buy myself a jetski.
41. Go to outer space.
42. Visit Bali.
43. Gamble at Las Vegas.
44. Go to Disneyland.
45. Watch Les Miserable.
46. Watch Victoria’s Secret Christmas lingerie fashion week.
47. Buy myself the new Cadillac Sixteen. (Officially PRICELESS)
48. Take the California Bar Exams.
49. Take the Foreign Service Exams.
50. Become Ambassador to Latin American and Hispanic Countries.
51. Join a sex cult.
52. Drink the original wormwood Absinthe.
53. Visit the Kremlim.
54. Go to Prague.
55. Visit Egypt.
56. Visit South African Safaris.
57. Spread my seed all throughout the world.
58. Buy myself a Diamond Mine in Kenya.
59. Become the Chief Justice of the Philippines.
60. Collect historical artifacts from all over the world.
61. Build my House in Corinthian Gardens.
62. Buy myself that piece of property along Laguna Lake, beside JL’s property.
63. Become a fisherman.
64. Become a farmer.
65. Teach in the Facultas Artes et Litterae of Universitas Pontificiae et Regallis Sancti Thomae Aquinatis.
66. Earn a Law Degree from Harvard.
67. Get myself a trophy girl. (Either Zhang Ziyi or Alessandra Ambosio)
68. Visit Disneyland.
69. See my nephew Vincenzo.
70. Cruise The Carribean.
71. Dance at Havana.
72. Re-experience getting high on Cannabis Sativa.
73. Become a pornstar.
74. Visit the tomb of Ferdinand Marcos.
75. Pilgrimage to Guadalupe, Mexico.
76. Marry a member of a European Royal Family.
77. In Lieu thereof, a member of an Asian Royal Family.
78. Bungee-Jump.
79. Sky-Dive.
80. Visit Monaco
81. Watch the Monte Carlo Grandprix.
82. Watch the Turkish Grand Prix.
83. Watch the China Grand Prix.
84. Get my own McLaren F1 car.
85. Buy myself a yatch.
86. Buy an Island.
87. Built myself a corporate empire.
88. Reach the top of the Eiffel.
89. Visit Stonehenge.
90. See the Rosslyn Chapel.
91. Dive in the Great Barrier Reef.
92. Shop at New York.
93. Shop at Milan.
94. Shop at Paris.
95. Shop at Hong Kong.
96. Become a member of Forbes 500.
97. Become an Emperor of a vast Eurasian Empire.
98. Visit the Forbidden City.
99. Watch a game of Real Madrid.
100. Become Impossible.

surbei surbei

2007-06-02T10:34:00.000+08:00

THREE NAMES THAT FRIENDS CALL YOU:
1. Ohme
2. Ohmeng
3. Kadz

THREE THINGS YOU'VE DONE IN THE LAST 33MINUTES:
1. had coffee
2. read jurado reviewer
3. read my mail/checked my friendster and yahoogroups

THREE OF YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO:
1. sleep
2. play badminton
3. study... by automatic compulsion...

THREE OF YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS AT PRESENT:
1. not
2. applicable
3. to me

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU LIKE IN THEOPPOSITE SEX:
1. lips
2. nose
3. butt

THREE PERSONS YOU MISS:
1. Aucia Manansala. hahaha!
2. L.C.
3. JL and Tim

THREE GIFTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE:
1. my License to pratice law
2. My Roll Number
3. L.C.

THREE OF YOUR FAVOURITE HOBBIES:
1. study
2. badminton
3. drinking

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO FOR AHOLIDAY:
1. ROME
2. JERUSALEM
3. TIBET (hahaha. hindi Holiday ito... PILGRIMAGE!!! wahahaha!)

THREE FAVOURITE THINGS:
1. CP
2. my handy black girbaud bag
3. my two racquets... Marthe and Althea.

THREE GIRL'S/BOY'S NAMES:
1. Carol
2. Diana
3. Jude Michael (my patron saints..)

THREE MALLS YOU USUALLY GO TO:
1. SM SanLazaro, parang neighborhood grocery store lang ng uste
2. Greenbelt... well, I used to.
3. Megamall for those gruelling shopping sprees.

THREE OF YOUR FAVOURITE FASTFOOD:
1. KFC
2. Jolibee
3. McDo

THREE SCHOOLS YOU'VE ATTENDED:
1. ICPS
2. UST
3. TAN YAN KEE. Hahahaha!

THREE FAVOURITE DRINKS:
1. green tea
2. beer
3. frappuccinos

THREE THINGS FOUND IN YOUR BAG:
1. waller
2. cp
3. barrister ID

THREE PERFUMES/COLOGNES:
1. polo blue
2. beckham
3. christian dior dune

THREE FAVOURITE COLORS:
1. orange
2. red
3. black

Barrista blues et al...

2007-06-01T00:45:00.000+08:00

I've Technically finished with Tax. Mind you, it was once my dreaded subject, but hence forth, after a year or so, I've mastered it so well that I've earned the unofficial title of BIR commisioner. It's time to start with Civil Law (which I love and hate at the same time). Review classes start at 8am, and my conscience is in complete doubt since the lecturer is Dean Augusto Aligada. Like, what's new? On the other hand, I'm his favorite student in our class and somehow there is a moral compulsion to appease the old man.

On the lighter side of things... yeah, it's officially out... although we were trained not to admit hearsay evidence, what the fuck, quasi-lawyers are people... so what if I have a crush on 'Butchick'? She has a boyfriend for crying out loud. The thing that boggles me is that the 'girl' is riding along the gossip... most unlikely. I smell the scent of J.E.A.L.O.U.S.Y. im the air. Hehehe. I could be wrong... but what the fuck, she knows me, and I know her like the back of our hands.

Oh well, c'est la vie!

Btw, it's only three months before the Bar Exams... we are all shitty and gritty.

Kads Areiz, kung ano man ginagawa mo ngayon, magparamdam ka! hehehe.

In law school, there is always despair and sorrow, but this is how we are trained to endure... so, despite everything, we all survive. We are sui generis, and at the same time, sui juris. We are illustrados. The elite of society, who fights for social justice.

Kaya sa mga Kaduwa kong lumipas na ang panahon sa UST, Lakan Paui at Lakan Shan, Magtatamgumpay pa rin tayo. MABUHAY ANG KILUSAN! MABUHAY ANG LIBERTAS ET IUSTICIA! MABUHAY ANG MGA MANANANANGGOL NG BAYAN!

I was tagged in the midst of my mental turmoil...

2007-05-29T09:39:00.000+08:00

perforce, this is voluntarily done, for the sake of having something new in my blog, despite my monastic existence of post-lawschool studies. Seven random things about me, and here it goes...

When I was young, way young, I accidentally locked myself inside the bathroom, which had a glass sliding door. I freaked out literally, thrashing everything inside, throwing water unto myself and at the glass door in the hope of melting it away, while on the other side my mom, grandma and all our househelp were frantically instructing me how to open it from within. Panicky as I was, I didn't understand a word. Eventually, our carpenter pried opened the ceiling and hence my liberation. I was scared to death... and that explains my claustrophobia.
Again, when I was way young, I spent one new year in the hospital, my first and last time I got confined, due to measles. I remember the fireworks exploding outside the hospital windows.
I am a greenbelt shorin-ryu karate kid. Too bad I stopped after the green, which is nothing more than a single step to so much more before I reach the blackbelt.
Around ages 7 to 10, I started reading encyclopedias... Collier's, Britannica, Disney's Encyclopedia, and of course, my favorite, Charlie Brown's Encyclopedia. I had, earlier on, a penchant for history, historic figures and foreign countries.
I have this ability of quickly comprehending languages. Once, during a vacation in Iloilo, and after being exposed for two days to the Kinaray-a dialect, I can answer back simple questions, of course, in tagalog; and unknown to them, I can understand almost everything they said. My chinese friends would ask me basic questions in Fookien, I can answer back, again in Tagalog. I can read quite a bit of Latin, Portuguese, Italian, French, and of course, plenty of Spanish, and understand them, though understanding is quite different from speaking it. To think of it, I wanna brush up my Espanol unotro vez... Quiere a estudiar en Instituto Cervantes?!
I only took two college entrance exams, UP and UST. In UP, I took up Biology (or so I think) and Music, in UST, I took up MedTech and AB Philosophy. I passed the entrance exams in Music, however, the practical exam was set on the date when the results in UST were already posted, hence my dilemma. I picked UST, wherein I passed both choices. I ended up graduating as a Bachelor of Arts Major in Legal Management... and then the rest is history. Prior to that, I had other options in my mind for a major course, such as Journalism and Economics.
Compendium of Significant Firsts: I first started smoking in fourth year highschool. I first got drunk in first year college. My first plane ride was in fourth year high school. The first major physical and mental endurance test I had to endure was to see John Paul II at the balcony of the Nunciature during his visit. We were at the LRT along Taft since 2am. He went out of the balcony around 9 am or about noon time, I think. It was also the first time I got pickpocketed. (probably a non-catholic. hahaha) We were standing on monobloc stools and cheering wildly, when I saw this guy below me, who just stared back. I don't even recall if he was holding my wallet or what... those were the grade school years... and hiphop shorts were the trend, hence, pockets are quite easy to be picked on. I eventually found my wallet lying on the street. All he got was around 20 bucks (think of the FOREX rate back then! It's worth more than you think. hehehe.) Those five or ten minutes of seeing John Paul was worth it... and an experience of a lifetime, you can literally feel the holiness drawing out of him and unto the crowd. Plain and simple collective ECSTACY. (For a clearer reference, see the first two items in the wikipedia entry on the word ecstacy.)

Now, I tag Anya, Kaduwa Areiz and Geng

2007-05-15T17:00:00.000+08:00

AAARGHHH!!! Nakakasawa na!!! Susuka na ko ng Labor Code!!!

Exile to Malabon...

2007-05-13T09:04:00.000+08:00

One thing leads to another…

Two Saturdays ago JL called me up in the late afternoon whilst I was spending some quality time with Joyce. He had sought legal advice regarding search warrants. I must fail to disclose some details due to the somewhat privileged nature of the communication and God knows what, the powers that be of the State could possibly be watching my every move by now.

NOT!!! Hehehe.

After almost a week, he notified me in advance if he could stay in our house (location must not be disclosed. Hahaha.) for one night, whilst his brother will stay in his wife’s and in-laws house somewhere near my house. (This entry should be quashed for qualifying under the ‘void-for-vagueness doctrine.) I hafta oblige as a friend and reciprocate his hospitality and generosity over the years.

Lo and behold, before the expected day of search, the minions of the State came at night to their abode, his family having been tipped off, took flight and sought sanctuary in Southern Metro’s hotels, while my friend on the other hand, didn’t know what to do after, since he was attending to some matters. What scared them was that, for that particular night, checkpoints were set-up, and their fear was possibly being stopped at the checkpoints and being ordered arrested or what. If I were them, I would be scared indeed because of the two kids, and the youngest just being two months old.

So, after the trouble in Paradise, they continued with the plan, which they dubbed as ‘exile to Malabon.’ They couldn’t return to their town until today probably when all campaigning stops.

That Friday night, I was told to watch TV Patrol because a political rally was held by his father’s ‘manok’ that afternoon at the place where the search was conducted the night before, denouncing the acts of the manok’s political rival. I didn’t even listen to what was happening in that particular news segment, all I was looking at was the place, and I can’t believe it, there it was… that place which is my home away from home, where I find rural serenity, away from the noise that is Manila… is now in political turmoil.

Around 8 he came here after dropping off his brother, his brother’s wife and kids at the wife’s house nearby. We talked about the events at my own ‘pantalan’ (otherwise known as the bangkaan) (which btw, I rarely do sit down there, that as a matter of fact some of our bangkeros do not know I even exist, and that they mistake their employer for a passenger at times.)

So, after calling up our other college friend who also lives nearby, we decided to cruise around and look for some place new. After consulting with Cianelle, I decided we should try out that place known as Blue and Gold. She was correct in holding that the new place is far better than Balsa. Themed like a Mediterranean beach-bar with amenities like videoke rooms, private dining halls, live bands, KENO Lottery, and a Badminton Court beside it, it is a hidden sanctuary. The crowd is fine, mostly comprised of the local business class. The price, just right, if not the same with Balsa.

And so, the five of us, in the course of the night, dubbed their stay here as ‘Exile to Malabon.’

Point is, politics is one thing, the law is another… the law should not be used for political abuse… instead, it should be the other way around. Politics is dirty. Period. You can’t prejudice against the law enforcer since there is a presumption of regularity in the performance of duty. It is those who set the things in motion whom we should prejudice about.

xxx xxx xxx xxx

Cianelle and I found our new Coffee Shop just around the corner… Tiffany’s.

It’s a restaurant in Rosas Arcade which serves divergent food --- Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Pinoy dishes. They also serve alternative choices like soy and protein shakes and those thingies which you can see in fitness stores. Of course, COFFEE. Plus, it’s easy on the budget. You just walk out of the place, and you got an instant smoking veranda.
We’re planning on bringing in the Coffee subculture of the Graduate School courses (studying plus the ‘chillax’ mood) to that place. It ain’t that quiet though, it’s Malabon, studying in Coffee shops is unheard of, but nothing that earplugs can’t handle. So, once we spread the word, hopefully, the place would be teeming with the local medicine and law students. Plus, we can go there in our pambahay and cheap chinelas, and saves precious traveling time which could be spent on reading. And speaking of time, it is now time to hit the books.

And btw, Happy Mother’s Day… c”,) (especially to my ex-future-mother-in-law. Haha.)

So, Goodbye Starbucks for now, we found our new tambayan.

narinig mo na ba ang L8st?

2007-05-09T06:31:00.000+08:00

Rumor has been running around the gossip mills lately about me for more than two weeks. Allegedly, I am dating/courting someone from 'Encantadia' (Then I asked: SINO?!! Yung Prinsesa?!)

I was so surprised with this gossip. Yes, I have a number of purrty friends from Encantadia, but none of whom I am dating.

While last Saturday, Best and I were strolling along the UST Car Park Mall when I saw two law school friends dining at HotShots Burger, whom I gave the obligatory wave of hand as salutation through the glass doors and windows. After I dropped Best off at Espana, I again came across with these two friends at the Overpass.

"Sino yung ka-holding hands mo?"

"Huh?!"

Gumagawa na ng kwento yun...

Buhay nga naman... parang life ng artista.

Di bale na kung si Aucia yung ma-tsismis sa ken, I'd be the envy of everybody... boys and girls alike. hehehe. c",)

2007-05-03T02:01:00.000+08:00

It is May already. I have no fucking idea how would I prepare for the Bar, besides attending the lectures and reading for about 8 to 10 hours for 7 days a week. My only outlet and stress reliever (for now) is badminton, and a few bottles of alcohol all by myself every now and then. (Mind you, I have sleeping problems… I prefer to drink alcohol than be addicted to valium… again.)

Well, it’s been almost three weeks since the review started, and each of us has his/her own plan of doing things. Last Sunday I went on a coffee review at Starbucks West Ave with Cianelle, RJ and Timang. And all it produced was a headache and a broken ego. I ain’t planning on doing quotas such as 200 pages per day. I ain’t a super sponge. But at least I know, I’m a cut above the rest… I ain’t stupid, I ain’t a genius, but I know that I’m good at something.

Perhaps it is better to live by the rules of Row Four… Relax. Relax. Relax.

My three days at the Farm is my summer vacation for the year. No ifs. No buts. I denied myself the pleasure of going to Hundred Islands this previous weekend. I denied myself the pleasure of going to Morong and Subic and rent that fucking jet ski whom I so dearly loved… and in the future I bind myself not to go far away as possible in a region outside the metropolis for pleasure.

Just over a hundred days… it’s the Bar exams… the test of my life.

It ain’t simple. Unlike the rest who are tested by the PRC, we are being tested by none other the SUPREME COURT… the third Branch of Government, the Guardian and protector of the rights of the people, to whom the power is vested to nullify the acts of the President and Congress under the circumstances of Rule 65. We are being tested if we are worthy of becoming Officers of the Court…

This year’s Bar Chairman is Justice Adolfo Azcuna, notorious for that fucking question regarding the WRIT Of AMPARO in the 1991 bar, which can no where be found in the Philippine Jurisdiction, but, in Mexico.

Oh well, that’s life… we faces our own demons… and we face each and every challenge that we bringt upon us in an ironic mix of destiny and freedom of choice.

In a few months time, I’d probably be abandoning (temporarily) this blog to focus myself on more pressing matters. But for now, let me settle for something less than a normal life… that of a Barrister.

last batch of pictures

2007-05-03T01:06:00.000+08:00

me and my bestbud jl
the drink of the night... COOPER'S BEER! Only 1,080 pesos for 12 bottles... courtesy of me.
pretending to be in Bora...
jl puking at the pantalan... the second purpose thereof is to feed the fishes...
another day time view of the farm

still more pics at the farm

2007-05-03T00:58:00.000+08:00

a view from the walkway to the pantalan
palaisdaan
the walkway
jl in a trance
mind you, i'm the big winner in our poker game. hehehe.

more pics

2007-05-03T00:44:00.000+08:00

tim pretending to be a murder victim
mati, cj's son and heir to the Hernandez Estate (alot of moolah and real property. hehehe)
a view from jl's house
a view from the 'pantalan'
another view from the pantalan, this time of the man-made island of gumamela plants...

my band of brothers @ the farm

2007-05-03T00:31:00.000+08:00

sed libera nos a malo

2007-04-24T02:21:00.000+08:00

“No nos dejes caer en la tentacion, y libranos del mal…”

“Do not lead us to the test, but deliver us from evil…”

My old sire has returned home after almost spending two weeks in the hospital for some prostate problems. He had a benign cellular growth common to his age which weakens the urinary system. He still has his catheter on, which according to the doctors, would take about two weeks before another test can be done in order to determine whether he can urinate normally.

He is also suffering incontinence, also due to his old age, and because of a pinched nerve in his lower spine which probably added up as a factor. My old sire is a baby once again. He’s wearing a diaper.

It ain’t life threatening, however, any person would find it difficult to muster the fact that one’s grand sire, a former military man for that matter, would eventually deteriorate in such state. I feel so much pity for the grand sire who pampered me in my youth with all material wealth that I desired… who in one of my baby pictures placed a cigarette in my mouth and laughed, who was called by many people in the years far gone as “Don” despite the fact that the title has been relinquished by the Family after the demise of my great grandparents.

He is the youngest of the seven children of the First House of Bernardo (there being three). He is a war veteran. He went to Mindanao in his teen years during the war and worked in Zamboanga building the airport for the Japanese until he escaped to Davao or some other part of Mindanao and hitched back to Manila, whence the Tranvia was still in existence from Manila to Malabon. He was an army reservist, a businessman, a politician. In his golden years he knew the powerful and mighty in Malabon, from Mayor Espiritu, Peng Oreta, Boy Vicencio, Tessie Aquino-Oreta, Msgr. Florentino, the now present Archbishop of Lingayen Oscar Cruz, Msgr. Antero Sarmiento, the members of the military during the Marcos and Cory years. He was both Catholic and Aglipayan. He is my grandfather… my grand sire.

It is quite difficult for me to see him in such state, somehow, he reminds me of the plot in “Autumn of the Patriarch” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, but not quite really. In stark contrast, my grandmother is strong, although diabetic, and has clarity of thought. My grandfather is somehow slowing down, but not senile.

He will live a long life. That I will proclaim will a prophetic tongue. He will receive the love from his most favored grandson for that matter. It is I who will inherit most of his affection. I shall own his legacy. All of his grandchildren (and a great grandchild) are in the United States, except for me and my brother, his name sake. Perhaps, fate, despite circumstance, planned something else. I was supposed to be one named “Tirso II”, however, due to my parents’ excitement, they forgot the pact and named me as a metamorphosis of Romulo.

For me though, this event in our life as a family is a challenge, as always. I am supposed to concentrate on my life and studies for now as I near the Bar Exams. But recent events prove otherwise. What I have learned two years ago when we were in the brink of insolvency is that family matters, no matter what. You must always fight for them. You must have patience, you must have strength, you must have courage, you must have faith above all.

For us, this is just a test, and we will be delivered…

Reading the Signs

2007-04-16T06:32:00.000+08:00

I do not know if this is common to all, or a gift which I have, or just plain and simple circumstance at work, but I have this ability of some sort of reading the signs, which herald something most likely of something wrong which can happen. It happened several times to me in my short existence here on earth. Premonition maybe, I do not know…

My grandpa was rushed to the hospital last Wednesday. But the night before, while on the way home from badminton with my young cousins who lives nearby but rarely visits the house, we were talking about my lolo, telling me how strong he is still despite his age, and talking about the other siblings of his who have passed on, including their own grandma, who is my grandpa’s sister. My lolo is the last surviving son of seven siblings. During that conversation while walking towards our house, I had this eerie if not awkward feeling, short of being blank. It was like… “Why the hell are we talking about this?” Certain emotions of mine were stirred a bit that night, and it was kinda strange.

The next day, my grandpa was generally weak during the morning, apparently the day before, he overdosed on laxatives, which according to him, he did quite often in the past, but never did he experience such weakness and shortness of breathe. Since I had nothing to do, I thought of going out that day to the mall or something, but something held me back, I decided not to leave the house and just stay there and let boredom kill me instead. However during lunch time, my grandpa couldn’t eat, he had hard time breathing and lay on his bed coughing. I talked to him and assessed him physically. He was burning hot and a bit reddish. I decided to take him to the hospital for emergency treatment. So me, our driver, my lola, and manang Julie, our house help, rushed to Manila Medical where he can have medical attention. A few hours after he was admitted, I had to go home to get some clothes and stuff for my overnight stay at the hospital.

Our rather large altar most of the time have three candles burning at the same time. I’ve noticed one candle went out, despite the fact that it did not get wet, nor could have been blown by the wind because the candles are in glass lamps. I thought probably that it is the particular brand of that candle (we got it from the home decorations section of SM, while most of our candles are ‘Liwanag’ brand). So I re-lit the candle, said a prayer or two while offering some incense sticks.

During that night, we had such a hard time, because of my grandpa’s weakness, his arthritic knees and his weight. He wanted to urinate all the time, but cannot, so we had to assist him all night long, to and fro the bathroom, literally carrying him back and from the bed to the toilet. I was so exhausted the whole night.

When I returned home that morning to rest, I found the candle which I relit the previous night, unconsumed. Instead, the glass cup which held it was broken. Nobody touched it because it was still in the glass lamp, therefore, it could have burst due to the heat of the flame. In our household, we have this believe that any glass or ceramic ware which breaks accidentally averts evil. It may be weird, if not cinematic, but I find that such belief a bit true, since glasses or plates usually break accidentally not only during birthdays and special occasions, but during times when a member of the family flies in or out of the country or locally.

After resting my weary body for a few hours, I had to return to the hospital for the night duty again. Upon return, I saw these two doctors doing some medical stuff and a catheter was inserted into my grandpa to extract and collect the urine. At that night, they collected about 2.5 liters of urine which cannot pass through his body naturally. I had a hard time looking at my grandfather at that state. I’m not much of a ‘hospital’ person you see.

Then my tita cely called by phone my grandma… they talked for a very long time, and in my eavesdropping, since it was such a small room, I’ve heard them talking about Tita Cely or my other Tita dreaming of our Lola Asyang, their mother, and another sister of my lolo who is already in the life beyond. As of what I overheard, they concluded that probably Lola Asyang was telling them that something happened, which, according to my Tita, Lola Asyang usually does during certain events. Since we never told anybody in the extended family that my lolo was in the hospital, she could not have known.

Then my lola told me afterwards that if I hadn’t insisted on bringing him to the hospital, his overflowing bladder would have burst, thus would result in deeper sorrow for us. I cried outside the room because of the mixed feeling of sadness and relief.

This is how I see it…

Magical Reality we call it in the literati world. Reminds me of several story plots of the likes of Nick Joaquin and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I am not a religious person in the Catholic sense, since my personal belief system is universal, and I am more spiritual, rather than religious. I belief in karma, dharma, fate, certain unseen beings, the ancestors and divine intervention, and somehow, this made event attests that our world is not a single plane, but an intricate woven fabric of time, space, matter and spirit.

Now, my grandpa is doing fine, he’d probably go under the knife within the week to scrape of his swollen prostate gland, which is the main cause of his current sickness.

Thank God and the ancestors…

Alessandra Ambrosio: my newest celebrity/model crush...

2007-04-11T10:40:00.000+08:00

Alessandra Ambrosio (born April 11, 1981), is a Brazilian supermodel. She was described as "The future of the modeling world", by retired supermodel Tyra Banks. Her last name is spelled Ambrósio, but the diacritic mark is omitted in her modeling work. She's the eldest of two children. Ambrosio is a prominent model for Guess?, Victoria's Secret and the UK company Next.[1]
Alessandra Ambrosio is one of several Brazilian models that became known in the late 1990s along with Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima and Ana Beatriz Barros. Born in Erexim, a small town in southern Brazil, Ambrosio enrolled in a modeling class as a teen. She subsequently entered the Elite modeling agency's 1996 "Look of the Year" modeling competition. Though she did not win, one year later she was offered an Elite modeling contract.[1]
Her first big modeling job was the cover of the Brazilian Elle magazine, and then Ambrosio followed with other "editorial" work. It was not long after that the Guess? company signed her for their fall 2000 campaign. Ambrosio's print career began as a Guess? model and continued with Revlon and Victoria's Secret. She modeled on the Victoria's Secret runway for the first time in 2000, and she continued to be a participant in the subsequent shows. In 2004 Ambrosio was selected as the first spokesmodel for Victoria's Secret Pink line.[1]
Alessandra Ambrosio is currently part of Elite plus in NYC. (source: Wikipedia)

A Year After...

2007-04-10T17:15:00.000+08:00

I've revisited some of my old entries, and I read an entry of mine which suddenly stirred either my heart or my groins... anyhow, there ain't much difference...

NOT!!!

See my Archives, March 2006... The 'Texting Scenarios' Entry.

My japanese name... allegedly. (from an online name generator.)

2007-04-09T23:47:00.000+08:00

My japanese name is 黒田 Kuroda (black field) 雄大 Masahiro (big hero).

Well... all that I can relate to with this is that basic political law case of Kuroda vs. Jalandoni. hahaha!

2007-04-05T14:38:00.000+08:00

If all things go well... I'll be having my new roofdeck bachelor's pad right across our house. Yay! Sweeeettttt!

2007-04-01T14:56:00.000+08:00

It’s probably obvious that my blog nowadays is more of a photo album rather than a journal. Well, I’d like to share most of my visual memories with you guys in vivid color, aside from the fact that I’m not into mood most of the time to write some drama or nostalgic moment in my life, because of the happy hormones produced by consistent badminton.

Anyhow, last night, after suddenly deciding to join the east wood gimik and after foiling the scheduled bowling game, we had a blast at Jack’s Loft and Teriyaki Boy. I did make the right decision to come because Rhea was also coming, and surprisingly, Athan too.

Rhea was with her chick cousin Leslie, who btw, and after getting so much amount of alcohol in our system, they began to converse with me in Fookien, fragments of which I understood only. I on the other hand, mumbled Spanish words short of a cuss and a polite reply. Hahaha! The last time I saw Ri was about two years ago probably. I missed her so much, we were very tight friends in college, and we were each others cuddle bunnies. Rhea was sexy hot because apparently she’s now a gym goer.

Jonathan was here for the holidays. He, on the other hand, I saw on Christmas 2005. He came back to Manila from Mindanao for the Holidays. He just flew in around 9am that morning.

It was nice seeing old college people again. Not much of reminiscing though, more of planning an attempt to go to a resort in San Pablo City, which I doubt (and intent not to) I could attend. Considerations being, first, I have no budget (three of us are on a student’s allowance, since all three of us are in law school) second, I have to prepare for the Review, thirdly, I’d rather go to CJL Farm and spend only a few hundred bucks for booze and chicha, whilst the food, lodging, sports facilities, and ‘swimming pool’ are free, fourthly, I’d rather spend time with my law school friends, if ever we execute the plan to go to Pagsanjan, since going out of town is rarely heard of in law school circles.

Today is April 1, tomorrow, I’ll be marching down the aisle (pun intended) together with 120 more candidates for the solemn investiture ceremonies. FYI: In the Thomasian and Dominican Tradition, instead of merely going on stage and shaking hands with the Dean, there was this ritual where the candidate kneels in front of the Regent, or the Rector, who then prays over the candidate before the actual investiture. That was in the ancient days. Now, only the first person (in the alphabetical order) is granted the privilege of this ritual. It’s much like an academic ordination of somesort.

Tomorrow is the big day for us. After four or five years of hard work, it finally pays off. We’re finally getting our BACHELOR OF LAWS degree.

Eastwood March 31, '07

2007-04-01T13:22:00.000+08:00

Leslie, Ri, Me
Me and Carmi @ T-Boy
With Ri, my old cuddle pillow in college.
At Jack's Loft
Dinner at Teriyaki Boy

The Future Thomasian Lawyers

2007-03-29T02:31:00.000+08:00

Vincent

2007-03-26T11:12:00.000+08:00

Our little bundle of Joy in the Western Hemisphere. The cutest bun from the Italian Bakery. A Pan de sal ala Italiana... my grandparent's first great grandson.

March 23rd, '07

2007-03-25T10:27:00.000+08:00

It was almost the same feeling as that which I had four years ago. A feeling of excitement and nostalgia. However, it is rather more of a parallelism rather than a repetition of the past.

One of the greatest experiences of a Thomasian graduate is the Baccalaureate Mass. I should know, because I’ve been there… twice for that matter. Four years ago, we were clad in our AB uniform, which naturally, by virtue of our somewhat unique quality as the college of liberal arts, became impromptu vandal posts. Messages from friends are written across the clothes and in every space available in Technicolor. During the parade we carried balloons and streamers, we were shouting chants and laughing all the way. We didn’t pay much attention to the mass, except to some parts thereof, perhaps because we were seated far away from the grandstand. Cameras were clicking here and there and laughter and tears resounded every corner of our little space in the football field.

That was AB.

Last Friday was another baccalaureate for me. This time, we were clad in the Formal Barong Tagalog, the ladies were wearing dresses (although the instruction given to them was for them to wear knee-length dresses, still many prompted to deviate… either by wearing almost ankle length, to above knee, which can quality as mini.) But us guys were feasting our eyes out… the beautiful shone as they used to, while some regular girls became “She’s All That” for the night. While still, the others, never mind…

Rem spread a rumor that I was wearing a P7,000 barong. Of course, I had to deny outright. (it’s only 2,849.00) But when everybody gets together, it’s fun to play with the girls who have no idea that what the gentlemen wear during formals are far more expensive than their dresses. And so, gullible as they are… they believed that I was indeed wearing a seven grand jusi barong.

More than that, we were seated this time so near the grandstand, in fact, just behind the Dean’s and Regent’s seats, and alongside with the Faculty of Medicine, the Ecclesiastical Studies and the Graduate School. Okay, we’re old! Seniority rule prevails. And of course, despite our cheering everytime our College was called, we still maintained a formal air. This time we can feel the solemnity of the mass… Dominican Style, and as remarked by a friend who came from another University, it was like being in Rome, without the Pope. You don’t call UST the Royal and Pontifical University for nothing…

After the mass, the final rites began, we were made to light candles, then asked to face the main building, and on cue, the lights from the cross down to the foundations went on. It was always an awesome sight to behold, followed by the singing of the UST Hymn, then the fireworks. The fireworks were, of course, less than that of the Paskuhan, but still better than those that you can see at EK or MOA. After that, college by college, one makes the final exit to the Arch of the Centuries, that stone gate which was transported from the old UST in Intramuros to Sampaloc.

Now, for the more memorable part…
No baccalaureate party is considered a party unless there is some drinking… and some bad luck…

First, Bespren’s Starex was dying out. (there apparently is something wrong with the alternator. He had no headlights or tail lights, no stereo, worse of all, no means to signal.) I went with him together with Jewel, in an apparent attempt to reach paranaque and switch cars. But the Starex eventually died down at the corner of Padre Burgos and Roxas Blvd. in front of the Manila Hotel. Wala naman kame magawa. We’re lawyers, not mechanics. What going on through my mind that instance is that probably the people we’re thinking we came from a wedding since the three of us we’re dressed up. But a kindly good Samaritan suddenly stopped in front of us, then offered to pull us out of the situation and brought us to the Kalaw side of the Grandstand. We had to call a towing service, and took a ride inside the starex atop the tow truck.

Second, Pantas’ place in Cubao had no electricity. The De Leon house in New York Cubao was fine, it had a sun roof for that matter, and lots of artsy stuff. (His late grandfather was a national artist for music) The electricity was revived around 2 or 3 am.

Thirdly, Ernest broke the metal chair, and fell to the ground. Okay, it wasn’t me, and it was funny. However, how much bad luck can you get in a night that you were supposed to be engaging in a fun-filled drinking session?! Anyways, we were cool with it. And five years from now, we will have plenty to talk about while reminiscing of this particular event.

xxx xxx xxx xxx

We haven’t been talking for more than a week. I’ve said my apologies, and told her I wouldn’t bother her anymore. I guess, for a guy so much in love with a person, you’d hope until the last drop of hope before you give up. I did my best, and finally, I shall give her peace, and I shall gain mine. It’s time to part ways… Sad to say, friendship is not enough for me. I want something more. This friendship-love-hate relationship was made in six momentous years, and I’ve learned a lot from it. And every time I think about it, it is as if fate is always mocking me. Does she really have to wear the little black dress? Does she really have to let her hair down? She knows… perhaps mockingly, she did. My sole weakness is that amalgam of a woman in a little black dress and straight jet black hair. Was is the game of love? Of Seduction? Or perhaps, plain paranoia? She was the ‘it’ girl for me last Friday. And we didn’t speak nor utter any word to each other. We simply cannot.

Bygones…

Savory Moments of Four B

2007-03-21T18:12:00.000+08:00

My 'release paper' from law school with joenel at the Moot Court
That is DK fornicating with the wall near the door. hehehe
Front Row: Rommel F., Rommel B., Joenel, and Lolong (president of Four-A); Second Row: Ador, Kukur, DK; at the back: Areiz

Withdrawal Syndrome

2007-03-20T17:50:00.000+08:00

Darn. I'm bored. I'm not used to the 'bum' life. Especially when the cable is down. I guess the anticipation of playing badminton every MWF gives meaning to my 'freedom'. What else could I do?! (Anything but study...) Most of my college friends are working, and most of my law school friends are either in the provinces or in far-flung places in Metro Manila.

This is such a killer... A few hours of badminton everyday would be good. If I could just find players who would be available at my every beck and call.

Jeez.... just barely a day of doing officially nothing, i'm already missing the life of a law student. (of course, you exclude official school and graduation related business.)

Bacchalaureate.

2007-03-20T01:13:00.000+08:00

The Verdict is out... I'm graduating.

Four Years of sleepless nights, mental anguish, besmirched reputations, of blood, sweat, tears and shit.

Four years of friendships made, friendships lost. Love earned and love forgotten.

There is indeed a time for everything. I've learned alot, not just all the law crap and stuff. But the more important things that make life worth it. I may not be blessed with everything. I am incomplete. But that makes me unique. And certainly, people have loved me for that little imperfection of mine. That makes us all beautiful.

Onwards... step by step.