photographs from the grave

More photographs here.

forgiven

Only six weeks after his conviction of a grave crime, Erap is a free man. I am infuriated to say the least. Walang-hiya!

"Eh, kung hindi ka ba naman makapag-mura kung mababasa mo ang balitang 'yan."

There is no doubt in my mind that a deal was made in exchange of Erap's executive clemency. Not only was the decision done in haste, it is clear that it was a desperate act. Calling her decision appropriate is both wrong and untrue. How can someone who commited a serious offense walk away unpunished?

In danger of suffering the same fate of her disgraced predecessor because of serious allegations of corruption in her administration, she does exactly what is expected from her morally inept office. It is very obvious that she wanted to set a precedent. To save her own selfish and immoral ass and hope that when her time comes, her successor will do the same thing for her. Walang-hiya talaga!

Citing national unity, the rule of law, justice with accountability as her guideposts in her decision to grant pardon; we must commend her for being a great liar. The amount of bull coming out of her mouth is astounding.

It is interesting to note that the some people who acted as catalysts in the Estrada impeachment are now singing a different tune. Joker Arroyo, regarded as one of the heroes of EDSA 2, can only say, “If the President pardons, nobody can question it. That’s one (presidential) power you can’t question.” What is wrong with you? Did they get you too? How much was it?

Commenting on the issue, FVR warns Gloria: Estrada could bring you down. I hope he's prophetic. And may it be a big crash.

the bee and the flower (or an insult to grade schoolers and the sweetest thing for some)

Once upon a time there was a bee.

He was searching for the perfect flower to pollinate. "I will find my perfect flower", he announced. "She will be the most beautiful and she will be my own", he added.

It didn't matter to him how difficult it's going to be. He knew what he wanted and he was going for it. He searched long and hard, far and wide. Along the way, he saw the most amazing flowers, all lovely and beautiful. But he hasn't found his flower yet. His friends worried about him. They advised him to pick just any flower. The'yre all pretty anyway, they said. But he wouldn't listen. Deep inside he knows he'll find her.

Until one day, he saw her. He found his flower. And the flower met her bee.

* photos from exterpassive.com, druidlabs.com and woolloomooloo's album in flickr.

the emperor's new clothes

How do you like me now?

unforgivable

I know it's not right to wish other people ill , but to those horrible monsters responsible for the killing of 9 and injuring hundreds of people in Glorietta, mga putang ina n'yo! Calling you insane would mean giving you an excuse for doing that dastardly act. Resorting to violence just to put your message across is both cowardly and pathetic. I feel nothing but hatred towards you. Claiming and harming innocent lives in the name of your stupid beliefs and principles is abosolutely contemptible. You don't deserve any understanding for you are all despicable!

May your lives be filled with great misfortune. And may you all live to be a 100! A 100 years full of great sufferings. May you experience pain that is so extreme, you'd wish you're dead and yet you can't die. Not until you realise and feel the pain of all those people dealing with their loss now.

Mga putang ina n'yo talaga!!!

burning trees

"Every bliss speaks to me, fluttering from the autumn tree." --- Emily Bronte

Autumn Fires
by Robert Louis Stevenson

In the other gardens

And all up the vale,

From the autumn bonfires

See the smoke trail!
Pleasant summer over

And all the summer flowers,

The red fire blazes,

The grey smoke towers.
Sing a song of seasons!

Something bright in all!

Flowers in the summer,

Fires in the fall!

"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile." --- William Cullen Bryant

*** Pictures taken at The Archibisop's Palace in Maidstone this morning. More photos here.

i am a receptionist

I have advanced degrees in Accounting, Public Relations, Management, Computer Engineering and Swahili.

I am a Hotel Receptionist. Of course I have the reservation that you booked six years ago even though you do not have the confirmation and you think that it was made under a name that starts with an X.

I am a Hotel Receptionist and it is not a problem for me to give you the seven connecting, non-smoking poolside suites with two king size beds each, four rollaways, and yes, I can install a minibar. I know that it is my fault that we do not have a helicopter landing pad.

I am a Hotel Recetionist. I am expected to speak all languages and read minds. It is obvious to me that when you booked your reservation for Friday, you really meant Saturday. My company has entrusted me with all financial information and decisions and yes, I can tell you your bill from March 1989 contained 25p phone call because you obviously never pay phone charges.

I am a Hotel Receptionist and I understand that McGuillicutty Widget Manufacturing is a vast empire that will make or break our hotel. Yes, I am lying to you when I say that we have no more rooms available. It is not a problem for me to quickly construct more guest rooms. This time, I will not forget the helicopter landing pad.

I am a Hotel Receptionist. I am quite capable of checking 3 people in, 2 people out, taking 5 reservations, answering 15 incoming phone calls and plunging the toilet in room 221 . . . . . all at the same time.

I am a Hotel Receptionist, I always know where to find the best vegetarian, Kosher, Halal, Mongolian Barbecue restaurants. I know exactly what to see and do in this city in fifteen minutes without spending any money. I take personal blame for airline food, traffic jams, rental car flat tires, your mother-in-law and the national economy.

I am a Hotel Receptionist and I realise that you meant to book your reservation here. People often confuse us with the Galaxy Delight Motel of Antartica. Of course I can "fit you in" and yes, you may have the special rate of £1 because you are affiliated with the Hoboken Accounting and Sandwich Club.

I am a Hotel Receptionist. I am expected to smile, empathise, sympathise, console, cajole, upsell, downsell (and know when to do which), perform, sing, dance and fix the bloody printer!

-----------------

from a poster in the Front Desk office.

bobby/fox

"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; all of those acts will be written in the history of this generation."

--- Robert F. Kennedy

Saw Bobby yesterday. Or a movie of which title should've been: Half of the Screen Actors Guild.

-------------

Former Mexican President, Vicente Fox, was on Larry King Live the other day where he talked about his book and his life after the presidency. He also discussed various issues affecting Mexico particularly immigration. When asked which US presidential candidate he supports, he practically endorsed Hillary Clinton saying that a lady would be his choice. Adding that women candidates show their vision, their capacities, their emotions, their passion, their compassion.

And did you know that before becoming Mexico's president, he started as a truck delivery driver for Coca-Cola working his way up to become the company's chief executive in only ten years! Truly remarkable.

i don't think a title is necessary