What can I tell you? I was shocked by Bambee dela Paz' blog on the mauling at the Valley Golf Course in Metro Manila. Politics and religion are dreaded topics that have the most potential for bringing out the best or worst in people. But politics and golf? Many a business deal has been sealed on a golf course, and, they say, one can tell a person's character in the way they play a sport. What happened in Valley Golf was intolerable - whatever instigated the altercation - had no justification in the mauling of a fourteen year old nor the brandishing of guns .....It was golf and politics at its worst. Involved were a respectable (?) Philippine cabinet member, his politician sons and their bodyguards, junior champion golfers and their father. If only these people took the sport seriously, they would have developed more patience and discipline and there would be no incident of this kind. Someone should have shouted "fore" before the first punch was thrown. (Photo taken by Ralph Baja shows Arcel Espiritu who made a hole in one on a California course. They are my cousins who had nothing to do with the brawl.)The advent of 2009 was marked by a bright, full moon – the brightest this year according to astronomers. Welcome to the year of the ox …… and if you were born under this Chinese calendar sign, you are in good company with President Barack Obama.
George Clooney, 
Princess Diana, Margaret Thatcher, Meryl Streep, and Jane Fonda, among others. Invariably solid and dependable, Ox people are excellent organizers. Oxen are systematic in their approach to every task they undertake. They are not easily influenced by other's ideas. The typical Ox is a tolerant person with a strong character. Pragmatic and down-to-earth, Ox people are motivated to work hard and have no respect for lazy or careless people. Loyalty is a part of their make-up, but if deceived they will not forget. Oxen are renowned for their patience, but it has its limits — once roused, their temper is a sight to behold. So, watch out, Capitol Hill!I was in Manila last December – not to celebrate the holidays – but to say goodbye to a beloved cousin, who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. In the same period, there was another farewell to beloved Fr. Pat Lim who succumbed to the same illness.
From what I know, pancreatic cancer is very difficult to detect and is usually too late when diagnosed. Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze is afflicted with this type of cancer and is reportedly not doing well. Of course, we are all familiar with Randy Pausch from Carnegie Mellon University and his famous Last Lecture shown in photo who also died from pancreatic cancer. All of these are yet stark reminders of our mortality — that in the end, nothing matters but the memories we leave behind.But life goes on as I dashed in and out of the malls to check the holiday festivities. The free holiday concert at Libis Eastwood Mall featured Charice Pempengco. This delightful, petite cutesy could surely belt out those high octave songs! Listen to her sing "I will always love you" and "God Bless America"
One should stay in the Makati central area to experience life in the madding crowd during the holidays. But be careful what you wish for!! I was like a salmon swimming against the current of humans that filled every nook of the shopping malls. There was a brief sighting of Philippine Homeland Security Adviser Chavit Singson shopping at Rustan’s Shopping Center one morning but he had his cordon sanitaire around him that would not have allowed for a guerilla tête-à-tête. (Photos show a private collection of Christmas villages that takes 3 months to set up each year and with Santa Claus and Fil-Indian niece, Harsi Rechard who is a Revenue Manager at Ascott Makati. )The fiesta at Urdaneta, Pangasinan featured the daughter of Susie Abenojar-Barbieri who participated in a beauty contest. Her beautiful daughter, Cynthia Abenojar-Barbieri landed fourth in the pageant and raised some money for community projects. This is Cynthia Barbieri.
An event was hosted by the Overseas Family Circle Assoc. Inc. in Marikina. The presentation of Jun Aguilar on his experiences as an OFW was of absolute interest. He started a business managed by overseas workers and, started the challenging task of organizing a political party PPP. Jun proceeded to the airport to catch a flight to Samal Southern Philippines where a powwow was planned by the Worldwide Filipinos Alliance initiators Professor Cesar Torres, Atty. Cita Garcia, General Comendador, James Zamora, Amanda Bueno, and other kindred souls with their advocacies for a better Philippines. (Photo shows Jun Aguilar making a presentation on OFW issues. Apologies for the glare coming from the glass window.)(Photo shows Anita Sese Schon of Bremerton, Washington State with Manny Majam, Mayor Rusty Balderian at a meeting in Carson City), Bong Amora who works in the Middle East invited for his baby, Manuel “Dane” Andrew's christening held in Cebu, Southern Philippines.
The wonderful reception was held at the Café Isabel and was attended by friends including the balikbayan-turned-public-servant, Mayor Rusty Balderian of Leyte - more on him later. By the way, if you want to travel domestically in the Philippines and get your ticket from one of the mall kiosks selling ferry passages or air tickets, make sure that your plans are definite because getting a refund is a total pain in the neck. There is no cancellation or refund policy on the receipts they issue for those who may cancel. They also do not accept credit card or check. (Below is the family of Bong Amora - Minda and children)
Here I am in warm Southern California and it is more than warm – it is hot, I can’t believe it is January. Is this part of the Gorebal warning – I mean - Global warming? I was on the phone with friends living in Canada, and the East Coast and their buns are freezing. But Washington DC will sizzle on Inauguration Day. All those rocking and rolling will thaw the cold.
The excitement is just too much that, according to Oprah, there are 32 pages of listings of celebrations going on that day. Fashionistas cannot wait to see what Michelle Obama and the girls will wear, and – really, they should get the labradoodle as the White House dog and name it Orbit after my chow who has gone to dog heaven.(Photo of Orbit)
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