The travelling sardine can
Eyes pulsating, heavy head, nearness to yawn or not, tears about to fall(okey that may be too much),are only a few things I experience after office. For me to get home; I ride the Metro Train, most of the time, to head to my destination faster. But everything has its own price to pay. Hence, I’d like to give an overview about my usual experiences each time I aboard the train. Its starts with purchasing a ticket, if ever you don’t have the stored value ticket with you. During rush hours there would be around 20 to 25 people all lined up just to purchase. After purchase, here is where the real battle begins. Before reaching the turnstile, around 120(if you’re lucky) to 200 people from work line up to pass thru it. Tiny steps until you reach it. You’ve got to shove your arms so no one cuts in line. The idiom breathing at your neck becomes an actual act. You need to learn how to control your breathing not to inhale other people’s scent, unless you enjoy it as some studies say.When you finally reach the turnstile, you got to open your bag and have it inspected by the guards. These inspections were implemented, since the bombing a few years ago by terrorists. Upon reaching the platform [read]
The Universe Conspires
…that I go back to being something I used to be.
I was watching Reporter’s Notebook late last night when one of the topics covered caught my interest: youngsters joining the New People’s Army, of which the rebellion is said to be the longest-running [communist] insurgency in the whole of Asia. Progressive-minded college students think that the true struggle against the three basic problems evils of the Philippine society (Feudalism, bureaucrat capitalism, and imperialism) is in the mountains. They’ve joined Kabataang Makabayan, an underground movement of armed and unarmed Filipino youth for revolutionary change in the society. Remember Bamboo’s newest single, Tatsulok, which I’ve given a short explanation of? They want to invert the triangle. To empower the oppressed Filipinos. To fight. But they believe that the peaceful and nonviolent struggle is not enough anymore – they think that armed struggle is the answer. They’re now literally laying their lives on the line. One interviewee, when asked why he joined KM, said something like
Considering how high the tuition fee is, how can I graduate? And if ever I’d graduate, where would I get a job?
Two words: stark reality.
Continue Reading “The Universe Conspires” →
Linux advocate invited for Microsoft Speaker Series talk
Ian Murdock founder of the Debian Linux distribution was invited by Microsoft on February 20 to talk about, well, the Debian Linux distribution… what else??
From Waikiki With Love: Remembering Tom Babauta
By: Guillermo Ramos
For decades the Philippine movie industry has been graced by foreign “actors” who want to try their luck in local showbiz. In the 60’s you had John Saxon, who appeared as the token Caucasian in movies like El Pinoy Matador, a Dolphy movie shot entirely in Spain; and the Pinoy spaghetti western Sergio Leone take-offs starring Chiquito. In the 70’s you had Sajid Khan, an Indian looker who appeared in mindless romantic comedies with Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos. His career in the Philippines didn’t last long because Filipinos are inherently racist and not very keen on actors who have dark skin. He was displaced in the public’s affections by Junior the American singer.
In the 80’s you had Tom Babauta, whose talent hung delicately on his cheekbones, triceps and his “big kahuna.”
