Frustrated Writer

From YouTube: Across the Universe

2008-07-23T12:06:00.003+08:00

One of my favorite clips from the movie/musical tribute to the Beatles, "Across the Universe": Let It Be. Hope you'll be moved by the striking differences and the very simple message it conveys: peace.

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Back-COLA of Teachers to be released soon - DepEd

2008-07-22T13:29:00.002+08:00

After more than a decade of withholding the release of COLA or Cost of Living Allowance of teachers, DepEd said last Friday that it would finally release it.

My mother is one of the thousands of teachers awaiting their Back-COLa which is long overdue. According to my mother and her co-teachers, the COLA that they would be receiving, if DepEd would really release it, would amount to no less than 100,000 pesos! That's a lot of money for teachers who receive really low salaries. yet, this is just one of the woes of teachers in the Philippines.

Photo courtesy of Guardian.co.uk

Yet this is just one of the woes of being a teacher here in the Philippines.

I really pity our teachers here. They are the most underpaid professionals despite the fact that they are the ones who are molding up the future of this country. The 3000 peso wage increase that they have been lobbying ever since is neglected by the government.

I have once seen the payslip of my mother and I'm quite surprised to find a lot of deductions from their salary. Most are loans but one thing that rages me are the deductions that goes to GSIS or Government Service Insurance System amounting to more than a thousand pesos. Yet, when a teacher asks for a salary or emergency loan from GSIS, you have to wait a few months or even years to get it processed.

Lately, I have been accompanying my mother to GSIS main office in Pasay. And God, service is really bad. You have to wait for an hour or two for your name to be called. And what again made me angry is the fact that they would REQUIRE their pensionaires to go to their office for 'personal appearance' even though you are sick. During that particular day, I have seen two old men in wheelchair that looks like dying and an old lady brought in a stretcher.

And the 'palakasan' system is still there. You can get to process your documents fast if you know someone from inside. Just make a call and your document would be approved right away.

Wala talagang awa ang GSIS. Perang pinaghirapan na ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan ang kukunin nila tapos papahirapan pa din sila hanggang sa mamatay na sila.

And GSIS keeps on boasting that they are not bankrupt. They've got lots of investments and deposits in the treasury. Yet, why the slow process? And why there's a lot of red tape? Isn't it a sign that GSIS is slowly losing its funds because of mismanagement or corruption? (e.g. buying of Luna paintings, attempt to takeover Meralco, filing of libel cases against journalists, campaign contribution to GMA's presidential bid, etc.)

Yet, Winston Garcia is still there.

Photo courtesy of ABS-CBNNews.com

I just hope that when my mother is already retired, he would no longer be there and suffer the same fate GSIS members experienced.

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National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week

2008-07-22T13:05:00.004+08:00

Photo Courtesy of WikiMedia Commons

This week, the Philippines would be celebrating the 28th National Disability and Prevention Week (July 17-23) with the theme "Kalikasan Pangalagaan: Kapansanan Maiiwasan". The week's events are spearheaded by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) (formerly the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) by virtue of E.O. no. 709 last Feb. 26, 2008 renaming it to NCDA)

I think many of the Filipinos know that we have this kind of event (Not until I heard it over a radio program in DZMM, 'Consumer At Iba Pa.'). I was also kinda surprised that statistics shows that 10% of the 90 million Filipinos are disabled or the more politically correct term according to the United Nations, "persons with disabilities" or PWD. This include physical disabilities (blind, deaf, mute) and mental disabilities (autism, mental retardation).

Out of the 10%, only 2% of PWDs get the necessary treatment or rehabilitation services. One of the reasons is that most of PWDs are in the far-flung areas where a mix of no access to government services and superstitions are the main reasons. It is still widely believed in the provinces that once you had a child that is disabled, you are being punished for the wrongdoings that you have done and that your child is cursed. That is why the parents of these children would choose to hide them. But it is also interesting to note that some believe it is a gift of luck to have a child with disability.

As we all know, studying in special schools requires a lot of money, especialy those who are hearing-impaired or blind. Although some public schools are now offering special education classes, these are not enough to reach those who are in the provinces. We may have a lot of other problems to address but basic social services like these for our PWDs should be given.

Although, this would again bring up the question of what our government's priorities are.

And one piece of information I got was that since last year, PWDs can now avail of the 20% fare discount previously given only to senior citizens and students. Just go to your municipal or city social welfare officer to get an ID.

And as my final word, I would rather call our PWDs as "handi-capable." (as Mr. Joey Lina would call them) Well, because most of them are much capable of doing a lot of things unlike 'normal' persons. I just hope that they are given the chance to prove themselves. I applaud Filipino companies like Lamoiyan Corporation for employing hearing-impaired people in their workforce.

More power to the Filipino PWDs. Serve the PEOPLE.

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The Philippine-American War

2008-07-18T09:14:00.009+08:00

I would like to ask my fellow Filipino readers if they know anything about the Philippine-American War? Yeah, we have actually battled the superpower more than a hundred years ago. And because of this, they called us niggers, bandits, tulisan and bandido! Isn't it ironic to be called rebels in our own land?

Photo Courtesy of JapanFocus.org

It is also interesting to note that some US universities do not study it as a part of US history. Some say that it is because for almost a decade we have resisted Uncle Sam's offering of democracy but with a little pinch of colonization and imperialism; that still persists up to this day. But some American historians like Paul Kramer are recently bringing up to light that there was once a war that Filipinos waged against the Americans.

And also it is sad to note that this war is called by some academics and scholars of history as "The Philippine Insurrection" when it was these Americans who came to occupy us while we are struggling to become an independent nation. Besides, what are they doing here 10,000 miles away from home? It is clear that they REALLY want us and they want to USE us.

Photo taken from http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Crete/9782/main.htm

Does every Filipino who are queuing up at the doors of US embassy know that they killed more than 1,000,000 Filipinos during the war? And how could I ever forget 'Balangiga Massacre' wherein to avenge their defeat from us 'niggers', they ordered 'to kill everyone over ten.' And for everyone else's information, it was not the Japanese who used water cure as a torture method. It was these Americans who used it extensively during the Philippine-American War. And we should not be surprised that up to now, their 'prisoners of war' from Iraq or Afghanistan are suffering the same treatment in Guantanamo Bay.

Photo Courtesy of HistoricalTextArchive.com

Photo Courtesy of The New Yorker

Well, we should be proud that we are the ONLY country to have risen up to fight these imperialist for almost a decade. But it is very sad to note that public schools here in the Philippines do not take up much of the Philippine-American war. It is merely shown as a 'little incident' that happened and was easily 'eradicted'. Too much emphasis is given on the establishment of the Commonwealth and the 'Independence Missions' where in fact, we should not be begging for it because they are not the ones who own us. Besides, THIS IS OUR LAND. They have just grabbed it away from us.

And it is also interesting to note what William Howard Taft said in 1905 or 103 years ago:

"I have not come to give you (the Philippines) your independence, but to study your welfare. You will have your independence when you are ready for it, which will not be in this generation - no, nor in the next, nor perhaps for a 100 years or more."

And lo and behold, his word indeed came true. We may be 'free and independent' in essence but the Philippines is still held by America: economically and maybe politically. We are a 'neo-colony'. We still look up to Uncle Sam as our protector and giver. And we still allow their soldiers to roam freely in our ports and disguise it as 'military exercises' but in truth they are engaged in our own internal conflicts. We are still beholden by the enormous debt that is crippling our economy and eating up more than 50% of our annual national budget which can be used for delivering basic social services like education and health.

Kailan ba tayo mamumulat sa panloloko ng mga Kano sa atin? Kailan?

And this did not just happened to us: we have seen them invade Cuba, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. They would always say that they are trying to bring world peace yet they are always the one who invade or starts the war. Well, it is not surprising that they would just create a conflict out of nowhere. It is just to use their huge 'military-industrial complex' to boost their economy and of course, power.

They seem to feel that they are the rightful owners of these world. But wake up Joe, THE WORLD IS NOT YOURS. You cannot just meddle into anybody's affairs. You should not say what is right. Because what could be right for you, would not be right for everybody else. Look at what you did to Iraq, the whole country is in total chaos. The situation was a lot better before you came. You did gave them democracy but what happened? You divided the country. Pitting one group against the other.

Anyway, I hope that the Philippine-American War is no longer an "Invisible War" in the minds of my readers.

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Gloria Arroyo Is No Longer the President of the Philippines

2008-07-16T11:55:00.003+08:00

I made this widget at MyFlashFetish.com.

For Filipinos who would want to see Gloria go, then this is the time left. But if you couldn't wait any longer, it's really time to oust her. But what are the options? None. So let's just wait for her to come down, hopefully. One wrong move to manipulate our constitution again, she will REALLY pay dearly for what she would be doing. Well, that's her only last option. Of all the scandals, scams and controversies that hounded her administration, would she want to go down? Maybe not. So we all need to be vigilant. And say NO to more terms of office for Gloria Arroyo.

Konting panahon na lang, and it's payback time, Gloria.

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Dried Up

2008-07-15T12:01:00.004+08:00

My mind is currently on drought. And my spirit too. Recently, I have read again the story of Job. There is this certain verse that really captured my attention. I just forgot to bring my list of all the bible passages I like. Just as I have said. My mind is on drought. And the brain cells are on strike. And right now, it is the viruses that's doing all the work.

I hope they do come back soon.

Well, not only my brain cells are on strike but my past self as well. It had already left me. And to anyone who have seen him wandering, just let me know so that we could talk things over and be normal again. And who is this 'past self'? Ako iyun. Iyung ako noong unang panahon. Noong hindi pa ako nagkakaganito. Pesteng buhay.

To YOU up there, kelan ba ito matatapos? I have always been asking you to please take me away. No, don't take me away. Just blot me out. Remove me from existence. And let no traces of me be left. Not even memories. Please. I do hope that you are going to answer my prayer. Kahit itong dasal ko na lang na ito ang sagutin mo, masaya na ako. Kahit mawawala na ako.

I know this is just a selfish way to evade all those things that are haunting me. But please. For the last time. Heed my prayer. That's all.

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Agimat.org

2008-07-10T10:47:00.006+08:00

Muli, patawad muna sa aking mga dayuhang bisita dahil sa ang post na ito ay para lamang sa mga Pilipino. :)

Kung kayo ay naghahanap ng isang forum na para sa mga Pilipino at kayo ay nagmamahal sa ating bayan, ito ang forum na para sa iyo: Agimat.org.

Kinuha mula sa forum na isinulat ng founder na si Talisman, ito ang pagpapaliwanag kung ano ba ang Agimat.org:

Ano ang Agimat.org?

Ang Agimat.org ay isang "forum" website at newsletter ng mga di nagpapakilalang manunulat sa tagalog. Isa itong organisasyon ng mga boluntaryo, na ang pangunahing mithiin ay ibalik ang dating ganda, kaayusan at kabutihan ng bansang Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng mapayapa ngunit mapanuksong isip na mga panulat.

Mga Paniniwala at Ang Awiting Naging Inspirasyon:

Ang pangalang “Agimat” at ang paro-paro sa logo ay bunga ng mga inspirasyong natanggap mula sa mga sumusunod na paniniwala at pilosopia (kasama ang inspirasyong nadama ng pasimuno mula sa kanyang minamahal --na gustong maging paro-paro):

I. Teyorya ng Kaguluhan (Chaos Theory): Ang Epekto ng Paro-paro

“Nasabi na kahit sa munting pagaypay ng pakpak ng paro-paro ay ganap na makakayang gumawa ito ng bagyo sa dakong kalahating layo ng ikot ng mundo. Ito ay kung tawagin ay ‘ang epekto ng paro-paro” (“The Butterfly Effect”, itinawag ni propesor Edward Lorenz, isang meteorologist ng Massachusetts Institute of Technology sa kanyang gawang pag-aaral “Chaos Fact”), na kung saan ang isang parang impertinenteng pangyayari ay magdudulot ng mga sunod-sunod pang pangyayari na ang magiging dahilan sa huli ay mga di-inaasahang pagkakaganap.” (Ito ay hango sa DVD extras ng pelikulang, “The Butterfly Effect”). Ang Agimat.org ay naniniwala sa teyoryang ito kung kaya’t ito ay nagamit na inspirayon at sandigan sa pilosopiang "kung ang kaguluhan ay nagmula sa isang parang impertinenteng pangyayari, datapwat ang kaayusan din ay maari ding magmula katulad sa isang parang impertenenteng pangyayari.”

Samakatwid, naniniwala ang Agimat.org na kung gustong ma-ilagay sa ayos ang Pilipinas, ang mga kailangang gawin ng isang tunay na Pilipino ay:

1. Ora-mismong supilin ang isang pangyayari, kahit na ito ay parang maliliit o impertenente bagay lamang, na ma-a-aring pagmulan ng malaking kaguluhan o kamalian sa kasalukuyan at hinaharap na panahon.

2. Mag-umpisa ng mga pangyayari, kahit na parang mga impertenente lamang ang mga ito, na ma-a-aring pagmumulan ng kabutihan at ka-ayusan.

3. Matanggap na ang bawat isa sa atin ay (may agimat na) nagdudulot ng mga pangyayari na magdudulot ng mga sunod-sunod pang pangyayari na ang magiging dahilan sa huli ay mga di-inaasahang pagkakaganap. Kaya dapat lang na bigyan ng pag-iingat at mabuting pag-iisip sa kahihitnan ng bawat pagkilos o hakbang sa buhay.

Mga Pagpapatunay ng Butterfly Effect:

1. Isang lipol ng barkong kastila na nagkamali ng tinahak ay napadpad sa Cebu at nagpakilala ng Kristyanismo sa isang maliit na tribo.

Epekto: Ang papulasyon ng Pilipinas ay binubuo ngayon ng humigit-kumulang 90% na mga kristiyano.

2. Isang parang impertenenteng mga nobela lang, na gawa sa papel at sulat sa wikang kastila, at di naglaon maraming pilipino ang nakabasa nito.

Epekto: Maraming pilipino ang na-antig at lumaban para sa kalayaan, at hanggang ngayon isang malayang bansa pa rin ang Pilipinas

3. May isang impertenenteng tao ang nag-umpisang maging “corrupt” noon, marami ang tumulad sa kanya. Epekto: Naka-ugaliang kultura na, kung kaya’t may malawakang problema sa “corruption”, kahirapan at krimen ngayon.

Mga Panuksong-isip Gamit Ang Butterfly Effect:

1. Isang ordinaryong pilipino sinaliksik, inalam at natutunan kung anu-ano ang mga dahilan ng pagbagsak ng ekonomiya ng Pilipinas. Epekto? (Isipin…)

2. Isang tahimik na pilipino na marunong sumulat, naliwanagan kung ano ang kayang gawin ng isang panulat sa kinabukasan ng isang bansa. Epekto? (Isipin…)

3. Isang “corrupt” na magulang nakabasa ng katotohanan kung anu-ano ang epekto ng “corruption” sa hinaharap na kaligtasan ng kanyang sariling mga anak at ang mga apo. Epekto? (Isipin…)

II. Ang Batas ng Atraksyon (Law of Attraction): Sikreto ng Isang Tunay na Agimat

“Lahat ng bagay na dumarating sa loob ng iyong buhay ay siya ring mga bagay na inakit mo papunta sa loob ng iyong buhay. At iyan ay na-akit sa iyo sa pamamagitan ng mga larawang iyong hinahawakan sa loob ng iyong pag-iisip. Iyan ay ang mismong ini-isip mo. Anu man ang umiikot sa loob ng iyong pag-iisip ay siya ring na-aakit mo papunta sa iyo” (Ito ay hango sa librong “The Secret” ni Rhonda Byrne ng Beyond Words Publishing 2006). At ayon pa kay Prentice Mulford (1834 – 1891), “Ang bawat isip na mula sa iyo ay isang totoong bagay –isang puwersa.”

Malakas ang pagsang-ayon ng Agimat.org sa batas na ito kung kaya’t naniniwala ang mga miyembro na hindi imposibleng mapa-ayos ulit ang pamumuhay sa bansang Pilipinas.

Samakatwid, mula sa batas ng atraksyon, ating natutunan na kung ang ating isip ay isang puwersa na makaka-akit ng pagkakaganap, dapat lang na ang ilalaman natin sa isip ay mga mabubuting bagay lamang.

III. Ang Liwanag sa Dilim

Ang “slogan” naman sa logo ng Agimat.org ay bunga ng inspirasyong natanggap mula sa awiting “Liwanag sa Dilim” ng Rivermaya. Gaya sa awitin, ang Agimat.org ay sampalataya sa kakayahan ng bawat Pilipino, na ang bawat isa ay ma-a-aring magsilbing liwanag sa dilim maging ikaw man ay mahirap o mayaman. Ang bawat tao ay pantay-pantay, may pangalan, may karapatan, may kakayahan at kagalingan.

Ang mp3 ng awiting "Liwanag sa Dilim" ay maaring mai-download mula sa www.rivermaya.net.

Liwanag sa Dilim ng Rivermaya (LYRICS)

Ituring ang iyong sariling
Tagahawi ng ulap
Sa kalangitang kulimlim
Kampanang yayanig
Sa bawat nilalang
Magigising ang lupang
Kulang sa dilig

Ikaw ang magsasabing
“Kaya mo to!”
Tulad ng isang tanglaw
Sa gitna ng bagyo

Isigaw mo sa hangin
Tumindig at magsilbing
Liwanag
Liwanag sa Dilim
Harapin mong magiting
Ang bagong awitin
Ikaw ang
Liwanag sa Dilim

At sa paghamon mo
Sa agos ng ating kasaysayan
Uukit ka ng bagong daan

Ikaw ang aawit ng
“Kaya mo to!”
‘Sang panalangin
Sa gitna ng gulo

Hindi man ako sang-ayon ng 100% sa lahat ng mga pinaniniwalaan nila (gaya ng paggamit ng mga banyagang kaisipan upang ilapat sa sitwasyon ng Pilipinas), masasabi ko na napaka-dakila ng layunin ng forum na ito lalo na't halos lahat ng mga kasali dito ay idolo si Jose Rizal. Isang masasabi nating, "Unang Pilipino".

Kaya muli, i-click lamang ang larawan upang makapunta at magregister sa Agimat.org.

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Going On

2008-07-04T15:00:00.002+08:00

In the next few days, I'm going to fill my blog again with posts that are worthy of your reading time. Thanks for always dropping by.

In the meantime, check out the following ads that might be of interest to you. :D

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VerticalResponse, Inc.

2008-07-03T11:53:00.004+08:00

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Renovations

2008-06-19T17:39:00.004+08:00

In the next few weeks, I'm going to renovate my blog. I'm going to clean up some of not so important features and one of these is completely removing my other blogs but retaining one of them which is Ipagtanggol ang Simbahan.

I do hope to finish it within a month so stay tuned. :D Anyway, enjoy my blog post in celebration of Philippine's national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal 147th birth anniversary. Mabuhay si Ka Pepe! :D

Good day to all!

Si Ka Pepe at Ang Kanyang El Filibusterismo

2008-06-19T11:55:00.006+08:00

Part 1

Recently, I have been drawn again to re-read one of Dr. Jose Rizal's masterpieces: "El Filibusterismo." I don't know why but there is a certain calling within me that want me to read it again. Lo and behold, El Fili is REALLY a MUST-READ for every Filipino.

At sa pagdiriwang ng ika-147 taong kaarawan ng ating dakilang pambansang bayani, Gat. Jose Rizal, aking itataas sa kamalayan ng mga Pilipino ang isa sa pinakamalaking ambag niya sa ating pagka-Pilipino: Ang El Filibusterismo.

Relevance of El Fili

Some would say that El Filibusterismo of Rizal is an out-dated novel that needs reality check for it to become relevant to our time. Many would say that a lot has changed and it doesn't reflect contemporary Philippine society. Some would even say that El Fili is now just plain and simple fictional literary piece; and a good material for a movie script.

Some also say that the brand of NATIONALISM it promotes is useless in this day and age of GLOBLIZATION. We are now citizens of the world. We no longer need to have loyalty to particular race or country. Nationalism only gets in the way of free trade, economic prosperity and freedom. It is only useful in times of war but there is none in sight.

Sorry, but I beg to COMPLETELY DISAGREE.

The Real Picture

Rizal's El Filibusterismo still clearly reflects our current situation. We have the same ills and problems that had remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The same ways of the Filipinos are still evident in our time. We may not have the abusive friars and Spanish conquistadores wrecking havoc in our land but a lot of their 'incarnations' are still hounding over us.

What are these problems? Let me cut it into different parts and relate each of these in the novel and our current situation.

Education in El Fili

I believe Rizal is the true epitome of a well-rounded student. He doesn't excel only at academics or in sports but is also aware of what is happening around him. He knows that he is part of the few lucky Filipinos during that time, that can afford to go to school. And that is why he didn't left out that issue of education in El Fili. Although most of the schools then are held by Spanish friars, wala it halos pinagkaiba sa sitwasyon natin ngayon.

He knew that access to good schools and universities giving quality education is determined on how much are you willing to pay. In his novel, we see this through Basilio wherein without the help of Kapitan Tiago, he can never go to school. Another example is Placido Penitente. His parents sold everything that they have so that he could study and graduate as a lawyer. (According to the novel, college students have only two careers to choose; either you become a lawyer or a doctor.)

Placido is also an example of a bright and idealistic student that was not given a chance to use it because of the rotten educational system. Padre Millon in this novel is an example of a corrupt professor who treats his student unfairly. You can all read at chapters 12 and 13.

Walang Pinagkaiba

Just like in El Fili, we still have an educational system that is only accessible to those who have the material wealth to pay for it, specially if you want quality education in a good school with good facilities and teachers. We may have a free public education up to high school but it is marked by lack of classrooms, chairs, books and toilets, underpaid and overworked teachers and a high number of dropouts due to different factors. (e.g. poverty)

In addition to this budget for education had been drastically cut since 2001. It may have increased nominally and at the top of the budget priorities (well actually debt service gets the bigger share) but its real value is far from what the education sector need.On the other hand, tuition fees re at an all time high. Schools are now seen more as a profitable venture rather than delivering quality education and producing best graduates.

Many of these schools are on the tertiary level wherein they are supposed to prepare the students for their chosen careers; not to suck out every centavo that they have. Even with the courses that they are offering, most of them are always geared towards a high-paying job. And once noble professions like nursing are now seen as cash cows. The sense of service and passion for their chosen profession is no longer important. It's all about money now.

And these schools also spend hundreds of thousands in advertising. College education is now treated in the same level as detergent bars, shampoos and deodorant; it has now become a commodity and privilege rather than a RIGHT. Some even offer discount, just like a mall on a 3-day sale.

And in this bandwagon of commercialized education, the government doesn't want to be left out.

Corporate University

The Arroyo regime is currently pushing State Colleges and Universities (SCUs) to adopt schemes to raise tuition and other fees. This is in line with Long-Term Higher Education Development Plan of this regime to make all SCUs fiscally autonomous by 2010. It means there is no more state subsidy for SCUs. So to pressure them to hurry up, the government have drastically cut budgets of SCU's since 2001. And one of the first to heed the 'call' was UP.

University of the Philippines is currently celebrating its 100 years of existence. But I would personally say that UP had died last December 15, 2006 when the traitors passed TOFI (Tuition and Other Fee Increase). UP is no longer a UNIVERSITY OF THE PEOPLE. It has sold its lands to corporations to put up a mall and call centers. They are now serving the interests of the business, the few filthy rich kids and the global market.

Malungkot na ganito pa rin ang ating kalagayan. Kung may nagbago man, mas lalo lang lumala. Pera ang nagpapaikot ng edukasyon. Kailan kaya ito magwawakas. Sana malapit na.

At malamang malungkot si Rizal sa kanyang kaarawan ngayon.

Happy Birthday, Ka Pepe.

(To be continued... Part 2)

School Time, Again

2008-06-10T16:22:00.002+08:00

"Pasukan na naman."

Millions of Filipino children are back to school; to public schools where the student to teacher ratio is more than 1:50 if we do not apply the double-shift system, where we still lack classrooms, chairs and books which the government denies, where teachers are underpaid and some of the best teachers turning into nurses, call center agents and caregivers and to private schools where tuition fees are "reasonably high" and miscellaneous fees are really 'miscellaneous' because you don't know where it goes and what is it for. Part of these comeback are the college hopefuls who made it out of the many of their peers that cannot go on.

And because of 'market demand', maybe almost half of the incoming freshmen students are to take up nursing (2006 figures pegged nursing students at 453,896). I have nothing against this profession but I would like to inform you of the facts.

Approximately, a nursing student has to shell out at at least P300,000 pesos to be able to finish his/her studies and to take all the necessary exams. Pero kung maswerte kang makakapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa gaya ng US, UK o Saudi Arabia, mababawi mo ang lahat ng gastos mo sa isang taon, may sukli ka pa. But that is if you can go out of the country.

I would just like to inform you that over the years demand for nurses have been steadily going down.

For example in 2001, a total of 13,822 nurses have been deployed whereas in 2006, it dropped to 8,528.

We can also see this in the top destinations for deployment of nurses.

For example, in Saudi Arabia which is the top employer of Filipino nurses hired 5,275 nurses in 2001. But in 2006 it dropped almost 50% with only 2,886 nurses. Take also the case of UK wherein the peak of hiring nurses was in 2001 where they employed 5,388 nurses but that dropped to a whooping 139 in 2006.

Just imagine the number of nursing students in 2006: 453,896. Not all of them are going to land in the nursing profession. Maybe some of them would become caregivers or nursing assistants or even call center agents. It's just sad that the 'service' aspect of nursing is overpowered by its 'profitability'. I just hope that these nurses who have already earned millions of pesos abroad that they will come back and put the 'service' aspect of nursing back in our health care system.

And to the students of nursing, there is nothing wrong with earning thousands of dollars abroad to help your families but I just do hope that you really like nursing not just for the sake of money.

Serve the Filipino People, Filipino Nurses.

Sources:

"Job outlook for Filipino nurses no longer as bright" by PURPLE ROMERO abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak 10 June 2008
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/abs/nursetable.jpg
www.poea.gov.ph
www.ncsb.gov.ph

Two Years in the Blogosphere

2008-05-21T14:05:00.005+08:00

On the 29th of May 2008, It's going to be TWO YEARS ever since I've started blogging. And as a part of this 'glorious' event in my life, here are the few things I did to 'celebrate' my two years of existence in the blogosphere:

I have just studied a few things about Adobe Photoshop and the products of my hardwork are all around my blog now. See the header up there? And the image at the below of this post? These are just samples of what I have done. And here is my 'anniversary image':

O 'di ba? Basic pa lang ang alam ko and I'm still trying to study a lot including creating 'sophisticated images'. And here are a few other images I've created:

If you would want to link me up just use this image:

Another thing that I did to celebrate my anniversary is to come up with FOUR NEW POSTS (all below this post) that talks about different things.

And I just hope to win in "Okey Ka, Pinoy Ka!" contest. It would be a nice gift for my anniversary if you are going to vote for me at www.broodonline.com. 50% of the total score will come from online votes and the rest is up to the judges. So please do vote for me now. :D Here's the link again, www.broodonline.com.

I have been recently featured as blog of the week at Million Blog List. Although the blog is picked at random, still thanks a lot for the free exposure. :D

Also to my Entrecard droppers, thank you for dropping by even though I can't drop back at you but as soon as I get online, I make sure to drop by your blog.

I also have FOUR NEW POSTS (just below this post). So please do take time to read it all. And I would appreciate much if you would leave me some comment too. :D I'm sorry I'm not able to constantly update my blog and keep in touch with you guys because as you all know, we don't have an internet connection at home and it is really a luxury to go out and go online. I do hope you would understand.

Again thank you very much for all of the support coming from you guys.

We are (not) the Future

2008-05-21T13:48:00.001+08:00

The Philippines is now in crisis, or for almost its entire lifetime as a republic. And in times like this, the entire nation is depending upon the hope of the nation: the youth. But let me give you the reasons why you shouldn't hope on today's generation of the youth; sa wikang Filipino.

Mahirap iasa sa amin ang kinabukasan ng bayan ngayon.

Mahirap iasa ito sa mga kabataang buong araw na nakasaksak sa tenga ang mga earphone at buong lakas na nakikinig sa kanilang MP3 player o iPod na wala nang pakialam sa mga nangyayari sa paligid niya. Mas mahalaga pa sa kanya na dapat updated ang mga kanta niya. Hindi mo na halos makausap dahil abala siya sa sarili niyang mundo. Mas magandang pag-usapan ang tungkol sa latest na gadget o cool fashion. Mas kilala pa ng kabataan ngayon si Britney Spears, Maroon 5, Mariah Carey o si Madonna kaysa kina Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo o si Graciano Lopez - Jaena. Malamang din na iilan lang ang nakakakilala kay Hermano Pule.

Mahirap iasa ang lagay ng edukasyon sa mga kabataan, lalo na iyung mga nasa hayskul at kolehiyo, ngayon na ang paaralan nila na kung 'di internet cafe, mga bilyaran, MOA at paminsan minsan mga beer house o club. May ilang namang pumapasok lang para makita ang kanilang crush. Mas mahalaga pa ang kwentuhan kaysa ang nilalaman ng lesson. May ilan naman na umaasa nalang sa katabi para sa kanyang assignment. At may mga garapalan naman ang pagngongodigo at pangongopya tuwing may exam.

Mahirap din naman iasa sa mga gifted children ang kinabukasan ng bansa. Bukod sa iilan lang ang mga batang ito, hindi nila nagagamit ang kanilang mga extraordinaryong talento para makatulong sa pag-ahon ng iba. Hanggang sa pagbibigay karangalan lamang ang kaya nilang iabot. Ngunit hindi naman ito makakain ng pangkaraniwang tao. Ni hindi nga nila nakikita ang mga batang ito kung sila ay nagtatanghal ng biyolin o piyano dahil sa isinasagawa ito sa mga mamahaling teatro; na hindi abot ng karamihan.

Mahirap iasa ang ating kalusugan sa mga kabataan ngayon. Ang pagiging nars ngayon ay hindi na nangangahulugang paglilingkod sa mga maysakit kundi ang pagkita ng dolyar sa ibang bansa. Masyado nang makasarili. Wala namang masama sa pangingibang-bayan. Sana lang pagkatapos nilang yumaman, bumalik sila dito para tumulong sa pagbangon ng mga kapwa Pilipino nilang hindi kasing swerte sa buhay. Sana lang hindi rin nila makalimutan kung saan sila nanggaling.

Mahirap iasa ang moralidad ng ating bansa ngayon sa kamay ng mga kabataan. Halos hindi na iginagalang ang pakikipagtalik. Hindi na mahalaga ang maging tapat sa iisang partner. Pagiging martir na daw ito. Normal na lang daw ang makipagtalik sa maraming tao. Kung buntis, ipalaglag na lang. Wala nang paggalang sa katawan. Bangag din sa ipinagbabawal na gamot ang karamihan. Lahat ng antas ng lipunan: mula sa mga nakatira sa mga mansyon ng Corinthian Gardens hanggang sa tambakan ng basura sa Payatas.

Mahirap din iasa sa mga radikal, aktibista o maka-kaliwa ang kinabukasan natin. Tunay naman ang kanilang ipinaglalaban. Ang mga hinaing ng taong bayan ay hinaing din nila. Trabaho, edukasyon, kalusugan, karapatang pantao at iba pa. Ngunit unti-unti na silang nalalayo sa mga taong nais nilang paglingkuran. Hindi na sila nauunawaan. Nasa pedestal na sila kung saan hirap na maarok ng mga tao kung ano ang kanilang sinasabi. Hindi nila namamalayan pero nagiging mayabang na sila; para bang alam na nila lahat ang solusyon at hindi na kailangan pa makinig sa kanila. Wala naman sila maibigay na konkretong solusyon sa mga problema. Iba na rin ang tingin ng mga 'middle class' sa kanila: nagdudulot ng trapiko, kalat at kaguluhan. Hindi nila kasi ipinapaunawa sa mga taon kung para saan ang ginagawa nila. May mga programa naman sila na 'basic masses integration' na kung saan nakikihalubilo sila sa mga tao. Dapat na dito sila magsimula. Para maging talagang nagkakaisa ang lahat. Pero kung lulundag agad sila sa patalsikin mode, lalo lamang sila nalalayo sa puso ng mga tao.

Mahirap din namang iasa sa Sangguniang Kabataan ang pagbabago sa takbo ng gobyerno na ang konsepto ng paglilingkod ay ang buwanang konsiyerto na hindi mo malaman kung ano ang layunin: magbigay saya, mag-ingay o magkalat. Pero mukhang mas tumpak ang mag-ingay dahil sa talagang hindi ka patutulugin hanggang madaling-araw. Ang mga sana'y magiging susunod na lider ng bansa ay mas nais pa na mag-party buong magdamag, kaysa iubos ang lakas sa pagpapanibago ng kanilang mga komunidad sa pamamagitan ng pagsasagawa ng mga makabuluhang proyekto gaya ng pagsusulong ng pagbabasa sa mga bata. Pero nasa unang prayoridad nila ang mga proyekto gaya ng Miss Gay, RakRakan, Pasiklaband, at kung anu-ano pang kapritso na nagtatapon lang ng pera.

Ngayon, kung hindi sa amin kanino dapat iasa ang ating kinabukasan?

Sa mga sanggol na hindi pa nagsisimulang gumapang, alagaan silang mabuti. Palakihin na may takot sa Diyos, respeto sa magulang, paggalang sa buhay, may pagpapahalaga sa edukasyon at pagnanais na gamitin ang kanyang kagalingan at talento upang makapalingkod sa iba at makagawa ng pagbabago sa kanilang buhay at hindi upang iangat lamang ang kaniyang sarili. Masyadong idealistic ngunit mangyari man lamang ang isa sa mga ito, nakakasiguro tayo na nasa mabuting kamay ang ating kinabukasan.

Pero kahit papano, hindi naman totoo sa lahat ng kabataan ang mga nabanggit sa itaas. At hindi rin naman nila minsan kasalanan kung ganun ang kanilang naging buhay. Minsan dahil rin sa mga magulang na masyadong nagiging 'spoiled' ang kanilang mga anak. 'Ika nga, laki sa layaw. Ngunit para sa mga napabilang sa mga nabanggit, gaya ko, kahit ano pa ang dahilan, isang bagay lamang ang maaari pang makapagbaliktad ng sitwasyon: pagsisihan ang nagawang pagkakamali. Pero ulit, mahirap sa amin na mapagtanto ang kamalian nagawa namin; lalo na't nag-eenjoy pa kami sa kanilang ginagawa. Pero sana lang, bago pa kami tumanda at maging cynical sa buhay, magampanan namin ang tungkuling magdala ng bagong pag-asa at pagbabago sa ating bayan.

Spinning Lies

2008-05-21T13:47:00.000+08:00

I don't know what my title means. I didn't even lift a finger to know what that means. I have probably heard or seen it before but I'm not sure. It's just right now I'm living on lies.

I lied to everybody else I know and loved. I told them that I don't have any problem. The truth is I'm on the brink of being evicted from my school. I'm probably one of the few rotten eggs in UP that got the grade of 5 in almost all of the subjects I have taken this semester. And I just don't know what to do..

Before, I would stay up late just to watch my favorite late-night public affairs program or finish a project. But now, I would stay awake at night just to wait for everybody else to sleep so that I could cry..

I'm crying because I've ruined my life. I've wasted the chance that He gave me. I could've done the other way around but I chose to be stupid and stubborn. I chose to let a year pass by without doing anything right. I chose to burn 12,000 pesos that should have been put to good use; instead of sending a useless 18 year-old to study.

I really knew it from the very start. My college life would be disastrous. It will lead me to nowhere. But I've got no choice but to study. A lot of people are expecting a lot from me. I can't bring them down. But I have forgotten I have my life too. I've been living too much on their expectations. That's when I started to live on lies..

One lie after another.. I didn't see that the web of lies that I've created has already trapped me. I tried to broke it off but I can't. Then my life started to fall down slowly to pieces.. I didn't even bother to pick it up and glue the pieces together..

And now, I'm at the crossroads; and I'm tired. I have thought of killing myself but I am too coward to do it. That's why at one point in my life, I have prayed that He take away my life so that someone could use it for good. I want Him to completely erase me. Erase all the memories that I have inflicted on everybody. I don't want to be remembered. I just want to disappear that nobody would know me.

That way, my stupidity has finally given the justice it deserved.

Still, I'm clinging on the last strand of hope and strength I have. I do hope I can still move on.. Tama na.. Naiiyak na naman ako.. Wala pa sa oras.. It's just 11:45 PM.. My sister's still awake.. My precious jewel.. I'm sorry.. Kuya failed you.. Kuya failed everybody else.. And Kuya deserves to be punished real bad..

And to everybody else, please don't forget:

Follow CHRIST.

Serve the PEOPLE!

Single Moms

2008-05-21T13:45:00.001+08:00

These past few months, I've noticed that there are a lot of single mom bloggers in the blogosphere. Oh well not only single mom bloggers but famous personalities and some neighbors as well. Where are the fathers of these children?!

I am ashamed that some few rotten eggs that belong to our gender are very irresponsible and immature. Hindi nila kayang panindigan ang kanilang ginawa. After they had released their sexual tensions and horniness, o sabi nga natin kapag nakuha na nila ang kanilang gusto, they just simply break up with the girl and would fled to the next 'victim.' Then after a few weeks, the girl would just realized that she has just got pregnant and the culprit is nowhere to be found. She is left with two choices: to give up or move on.

Kaunting paglihis sa topic.

I completely do not agree with abortion. Every child that a mother bears whether it is unwanted or that they have discovered that the child have disorders or sickness, is still a blessing. That child may be an additional burden but as most pro-life advocates would simply argue, 'what if that child would become the next president of this country that would uplift us from from poverty or the next superstar or a big name in business. There is also a perception among some of our fellow citizens that a fetus is just blood. Eh bakit? Tinatawag ba natin ang isang buntis na nagdadalang-dugo siya? 'Di ba't ang tawag natin ay nagdadalang-tao? Sorry I'm losing my cool but the argument's right. Even by the way we call pregnant mothers, we regard that thing inside that tummy as a human being, not just plain and simple blood.

But I could understand some mothers who would rather lose the child than to lose the respect of others and recieve all the humiliation and defamation from others. But that could be averted if the people around would be supportive of her. And that would be easy for a mother to move on.

We do not need reproductive rights. What we need is a society that doesn't condemn unwanted pregancies. What we need is proper education to children like us that things like sex is not a thing to be played with. What we need is a culture that protects and respects life.

Oops.. I'm gettng a bit far off from my topic. But anyway it is still related. :D

Anyway, going back to what I've been talking about, if a mother chooses to give up, we cannot blame her. I have already mentioned the reasons above. And if she chose to move on, that is really one big, brave step. I really salute those single moms that fought for their child. No one can really compare the love that mothers can give to us. What more if she is the only who raises her child/ren, I really salute them.

And to those 'men' who left these single mothers, mas bakla pa kayo sa bakla. Buti pa ang bakla kayang panindigan na bakla siya, pero kayo na mga 'tunay na lalake' nagtatago sa saya ng nanay niyo. Itinatanggi niyo pa na kayo ang gumawa. Haaay.. sana maputol ang *censored* niyo!!! Hahahaha.. :D

And to all of my 'co-genders', be responsible enough for your actions. One minute of ecstasy would be endless days and nights of despair for these women. Tayo ang may pantusok kaya dapat na maging respondable ka. Hindi iyan basta tusok ka ng tusok. Huwag kang tumulad sa mga aso na ilan ang binubuntis. Hindi ka aso. Tao ka. Try to control yourself. And please, don't fool your girlfriends that 'sex' is an essential part of your relationship. If that's your reason for having a girlfriend, back off man. Maligo ka ng tubig na may yelo at kung wala pa rin, ikiskis mo na lang yan sa pader. hahaha.. :D

And a piece of advice to the ladies, you've got the power. You can always say no. Unless they forced you, don't be afraid to cry rape. They should pay for what they have done to you. A lot of NGO's and support groups are here to help you. Don't be afraid to come out and stand for your right.

Speaking of famous personalities, who among us these days would not know that Gabby Concepcion's back home. We all know the fairy tale story of Sharon and Gabby and their beautiful daughter KC Concepcion. And this is one good example for my topic. Although, they got married after Sharon concieved KC, they eventually broke up and Sharon was left to fend for her daughter. And attention to those irresponsible fathers out there: hindi tinakasan ni Gabby ang responsibilidad niya sa kanyang anak kahit pa nagkahiwalay sila ni Sharon.

Although the two former love birds still 'hates' each other, Sharon didn't raised KC to hate her father. Instead she let KC know what happened at hindi niya ito ipinagkait kay Gabby and eventually accepted it all and look at her now: succesful and contented with life.

So single, divorced or annuled moms, there's still hope. I believe that those who surpassed the most difficult trials in life are those who would really become winners in life.

That's all. Although this would be late, still, Happy Mother's Day!

From My Inbox v. 3

2008-05-21T13:34:00.002+08:00

To further decongest my inbox and so that I can share it to everyone else, here are the text messages that I have recieved. I have already expanded the words that have been 'shortcutted' to give justice to the murdered words of the English and Filipino language. And I have also added my thoughts on these messages.

March 10, 2007

01:03:23 PM

"A good person is never alone. One who sows thoughtfulness reaps respect. One who plants kindness reaps love. Enjoy the fruits you've sown so well! Happy birthday."

[One of the few messages that survived last 2007. Actually I still have a few messages that had been sent to me two years ago. This message made my 17th birthday meaningful. But I had no idea then what was going to happen to me on the 17th year of my life. Anyway, my best regards to the person who sent this, Kuya Josh Tiongson which I think graduated from his master's degree in civil eng'g here in UP. Good luck po.]

March 25, 2007

06:50:56 PM

"Think about this: It's better to cross the line and suffer the consequences than to just stare at the line for the rest of your life."

[I have crossed a lot of lines and now, I'm suffering the consequences right now. At least, the consolation I got is I learned a lot. I just hope I could get over it.]

April 4, 2007

11:00:27 PM

"Life isn't perfect. You will have to cry and fail. You may also lose hope. But hey! Let me just remind you: I'm here not to make life perfect but to make life simple."

[Sorry for my English-speaking readers, I'm to use Filipino to fully express myself. Ngayon ko lang napagtanto na sinasarili ko pala ang problema ko. Hanggang ngayon, wala pang nakakaalam ng kalagayan ko. Ewan, hindi siguro kasi ako iyung klase ng kaibigan na lumalapit lang kapag may kailangan.]

April 19, 2007

08:05:42 PM

"Just because something is good it doesn't mean we should pursue it right now. Remember that "the right thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing."

[Does this tell me that what I'm thinking is good right now would be wrong again? I'm really confused on what to do.]

May 20, 2007

08:46:20 AM

"I believe in Christ like I believe in the sun. Not just because I see it, but because by it I can see everything else." - C.S. Lewis

[I'm still holding on to him. I admit that during the very turbulent times of my life, I have rejected him. I may have attended masses but my heart was not at it. Siguro kung hindi ko umalis sa piling Niya dati malamang na hindi na aabot sa ganito ang lahat. And so a word of advice: huwag kang bibitaw sa kanya.]

May 22, 2007

06:23:36 PM

"A friend defines the real meaning of friendship:

It isn't based on how many secrets you share. It isn't how well you get alongnor how much you like each other. It isn't how people see you together.

But, it appreciates the differences, the gaps, the hindrances, the trials and still a friend looks at you straight from the heart; without hatred, without judgement, without envy, without criticism.

Only PURE ACCEPTANCE."

[It is very true. Also, I would like to add that a real friend would also tell if you have done something wrong and a real friend would not take it against the person.]

August 4, 2007

09:19:39 PM

"Philosophers have only interpreted the world. The point however is to change it." - Karl Marx

[We Filipinos are really 'fond' of talking about politics; the scams, scandals, problems and capping it all with elections. We always cry that something is wrong but we don't do anything about it. Is is time for us to start doing something?]

February 23, 2008

07:43:09 AM

"Find love when you have time and find time when you already found the one you love."

[It's really true. Iyun lang..]

March 10, 2008

09:02:17 AM

"They who clear the clouds for others will get some sunshine for themselves. They who give light to others, make themselves the brightest star. Happy birthday JR!"

[Another birthday message for me that made my day. To my dear visitors, what do you think is most important: help myself or help others? I'll be waiting for your answers.]

Blogging No More

2008-04-21T13:37:00.002+08:00

It's been a long time since I've last logged on the web. I've missed seeing my blog, hehe.. :D I'm actually writing some good posts that I would be showing to you guys in the coming days. Hope you'll be there when it shows up. :)

Anyway, a lot had happened the past few weeks. And most of the time, I'm depressed, I just hope I can get over it. Nakakapagod na kasi magkunwari na masaya ka pero hindi naman pala.I just don't when I should tell them. And I hope, no would ask why: kung bakit ba umabot sa ganito. I just want them to understand me. That the cream of the crop got sour and stupid. I just want to set things right. Start a new life. And maybe even going out of school just to let myself know what to do with my life. Maybe take a vocational course. Basta kahit ano; magbago lang buhay ko.

Still, I'm holding on to HIM. And to her, thank you for understanding the stupidity of the person you love.

Follow CHRIST.

Serve the PEOPLE!

Bob Ong Had Just Re-Inspired Me

2008-04-11T18:11:00.007+08:00

Last night, I have finished reading Bob Ong's 5th book "Stainless Longgnisa." This one's really different from the other books tht he wrote. Or maybe he really makes sure that every book that he releases would not seem like a trilogy or a continuation of a previous book. Anyway, he talks about how he wrote the previous books and how he is with his life as a writer.

If anybody of you had read his book "ABNKKBSNPLAko?", you can somehow see a resemblance of what is happening in my life right now, specially on the part wherein he tells us about his college life. Hindi ko nga alam pero pakiramdam ko noong unang nabasa ko ang libro na iyun, nakita ko na ang mga mangyayari sa aking buhay pagdating ng kolehiyo. Hindi nga ako nagkamali.

Right now, Mr. Bob Ong had just reinspired me to continue with my plans of writing my very first book. I have been planning on doing this for a very long time. And all of those planning wasted my time until my interest would wane again and my plans would be put on hold. Again, I'm reviving my plans on 'releasing' my first ever book.

I'm giving myself 3 months to finish my book. What is my purpose in writing my book? Just like every writer, I hope that through my book, I would be able to inspire others; most specially those of my age. I would want them to learn something from the kind of life I had and try to understand others who may be experiencing the same life I have. I would also want to inspire others to write too. I really do believe that something that is can change a lot or everything: from view, opinions, perspectives nd even principles in life. Whether it be in the form of a blog, newspaper article, pamphlet, poster or a book, it will have an impact on its readers. Kahit pa napaka-walang kwenta nito. You would still be affected.

That's why I created this blog. Not to gain popularity or a lot of friends but to make a difference in the life of my visitors. I would like to give them not what they want but what they need to know. In the coming days, I would be trying to review the 'tradition' of my previous blogs to create articles talking about different topics.

And I do really hope that I can finish my book. And to start the ball rolling, I'm reading a lot of books right now. I'm currently reading on "Looking Back" by Ambeth Ocampo, the famous historian that really rocked the world of Philippine history. The book is a collection of article from his column t the Philippine Daily Inquirer. It is quite an old book but a good read most especially if you think history is boring. Watch out for the part wherein he discusses about the atrocities that the Americans committed during the Philippine-American War. Baka biglang magbago ang tingin mo sa Amerika at baka suriin mo ngayon kung hanggang ngayon ba ganun pa din ang ginagawa nila.

Regarding my job hunting adventures, as I have mentioned in my previous post I didn't get the job.And I really do hope to find one. At least, I got some idea now how the application process works at the call centers. I really need a job so I can help my parents pay our debts to a lot of people.

As with my life right now, I feel much closer to God now. I think I have somehow finally found my peace in Him. I do hope my plans and decisions have His blessing and that it is according to His will. I do really feel much better now. Thank you for your prayers.

And speaking of gratitude, I would like to feature my Top Ten Entrecard droppers. Here they are:

Prove Me Wrong - 20 drops
Fatherly Yours.com - 16 drops
TheCuso: Magic, Flourishes and XCM Tutorials -15 drops
Black Tennis Pro's - 14 drops
Kevin Paquet Diary - 12 drops
BROOD Online - The Information Exchange Portal - 9 drops
Letters From The Soul - 9 drops
Trend Spike - 9 drops
CK Marketing - 8 drops
glitchline - 7 drops

Thanks for the drop guys. And thank you for the wonderful comments.

You might as well add you blog here: Million Blog List. I'm proud to be number 18 on the list! :D

Follow CHRIST.

Serve the PEOPLE!