Let us not forgive and forget – the Maguindanao Massacre

We Filipinos are peace-loving family-oriented , easy-going people. We like drama. And we are soft-hearted. We tend to forgive and forget easily. And we know how to endure.

We endured decades of tyranny under the Marcos regime. We easily forget how politicians steal money and elections before our very eyes. Yes, we do have rallies and our tempers spike for awhile. But then we forget. Look at how we protested against the Hello Garci Scandal, then the ZTE scandal. But what happened after a few months.. nothing. The PCGG has searched far and wide for the Marcos loot. Where is it now? We don’t know. Ad after awhile, we just don’t care anymore.

That is why in our system, politicians steal with impunity from the coffers of government because there is no such thing as “Accountability”. Let the Filipinos steam in anger for awhile, then after a few typhoons and a few more scandals, they will forget.

Then now we have a Maguindanao Massacre.

Sixty-seven innocent people and counting were slaughtered like animals. Women were found with their pants down, private parts slashed and shot. Both the men and women had ears and feet chopped, some had their eyes speared.

This is heinous. No person in their right conscience can do that.

From Wikipedia:

The victims were about to file a certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan town. Mangudadatu was challenging Datu Piang mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr., son of the incumbent Maguindanao governor Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr., in the forthcoming Maguindanao gubernatorial election, part of the national elections in 2010. Those killed included Mangudadatu’s wife, his two sisters, lawyers, aides, and motorists who were witnesses or were mistakenly identified as part of the convoy.

The bodies were unearthed in a mass grave in the town of Ampatuan.

This horrendous massacre is said to be election related. Witnesses are pointing to Mayor Andal Ampatuan as the commander of the massacre. Witnesses even said that he shot some of the victims himself. The Ampatuans are known allies of the President. But now, they are cut from their own political party. Andal Ampatuan voluntarily surrendered and will face trial. The Filipinos are indignant now. I fervently hope that a few months from now, we will still be as indignant and as thirsty for justice for the lives that were horribly taken away. Most election related violence has been swept under the rug. These are forgotten except by people who lost loved ones.

The person who had been brutally slaughtered can be your son, daughter, or can be you. Let us NOT forget the Maguindanao massacre. Let us remind our politicians what they stand to lose if they tiptoe with the investigation. Let us be vigilant for any judge or police bribing.

Please let us make those responsible accountable. Please my fellow Filipinos, let us not forget what happened in Maguindanao.

My Personal Bubble

Living in a crowded city like area like New York, space is a luxury. From roommates, to crowded subways, to crowded elevators, one can easily lose their personal space. But people here have developed a talent that allows them to create their own flexible personal bubble.

Space is all in the mind. No matter how close in proximity you are to people you don’t know, if your mind is somewhere, then, voila! you are in your own bubble. Headphone and books make you oblivious to your surroundings. Staring at nothing also keeps you occupied in that long subway ride when you forget your headphones. But there is always that jerk that bursts everybody’s personal bubble. The trick is to tell that jerk to ef off (which I don’t do), give the jerk a withering stare (which never gets results), get away from the jerk (this I do, if the jerk is insufferable) or let go and go back to your personal bubble.

Ahh.. only in NYC can one be so close to another person yet so far away.

Walking in the Streets of NYC

Some important things I learned when walking in the streets of NYC. In no particular order.

ONE. You can jaywalk. It’s ok. Even with a cop right in front of you. But jaywalk at your own risk because

TWO. Cabs will run you down. Yes. This surprised me because I lived in Manila where cab rivers are also pretty aggressive. In NYC, cabs don’t stop because you are crossing the street, especially if you are jaywalking.

THREE Look carefully at both sides before crossing the street even if it’s a one-way street. Sometimes, bicycles or rollerbladers can appear out of the blue in the wrong direction of a one way street. This is especially true in some neighborhoods.

FOUR Yeah, and walk fast, especially during rush hours. Please! I wanna catch my train.

Happy walking New Yorkers!

Fashion of Convenience

I own a lot of black clothes… a lot. My wardrobe is composed mainly of neutral colors – white, brown, black and gray. Now, living in NYC, black IS my favorite color. One, it looks sharp and elegant. Two, it is slimming. And three, dirt and stains don’t show.

Back when I was living in Manila, I had nice shoes with heels. I had small handbags. And I have those cute multicolored blouses. But here in NYC, I now have good comfortable shoes, big bags and lots of black clothes. Here I walk a lot, so having good shoes is a must. And also here, I bring an umbrella and a book for reading during the subway ride, so I need a big sturdy bag. And also, I am always in a hurry so I like black clothes because black is a color that is not difficult to match. Also you can dress up black clothes anyway you want – for office, for any after-work party, for a walk in the park, for anything.

I notice how New Yorkers prefer good quality brands too. They will spend money on something that is durable. They wouldn’t blink about spending more than a hundred bucks for a good sturdy Longchamp shopping bag or a few hundred bucks for a pair of Hunter rain boots or a few more hundred bucks for a good warm jacket.

New Yorkers love black

NYC is one of the most fashionable cities in the world. But aside from the hip and trendy to elegant fashion styles, convenience is a big consideration for the average New Yorker. And it is very understandable with the daily commute, endless rush of people and the weather, one better has to gear up in the jungles of Manhattan.

Single Parenting 19: Long-Distance Mom

I. MISS. MY. SON. SO. MUCH.

I miss driving him to school, helping him with his homework, spending lazy Sundays together, going on spontaneous out-of-town trips. There are just so many things I miss. Back in Manila, it was just me and him. Me and him. He is my family. Now it is just me here in big NYC.

I worry about him. I call him as often as I can. Being a long distance mom is easier in this day and age. Phone, text, IM, there are just so many channels of communication. I seldom have long conversations with my kid. 11-year-olds aren’t exactly fans of marathon phone calls. But I make it a point to have many 3-5 minute calls in a week. I just want to let him know that I am constantly thinking of him. And that I am still a regular presence in his life even if I am halfway across the world.

I miss my son. I miss him a lot. I cannot wait for him to be with me here.

Sun Sign and Moon Sign

Ok.  So there was a couple of weeks that I was really looking into my Astrological profile.  I know I make a living out of data and numbers and of thinking logically.  And I have the highest respect for research and empirical data. And there is no evidence that personality and events are the direct cause of the position of the planets and stars at the time of a person’s birth.  BUT… astrology is interesting reading.  In astrology everything is about you or the person you are interested to know about.  All of us are wired to be selfish.  Anything about us is interesting.  Hence, I delved into my signs to know more about me.

So there are two sign I looked into:  the sun sign and the moon sign.  This site calculates your moon sign -> http://lunarium.co.uk/sign.php. This other site gives you your sun and moon combined reading -> http://www.astrology-numerology.com/sun-moon4.html.

Here is my reading:

4-10 Cancer/Capricorn

The combination of your Sun and Moon signs produces a good deal of ambition and determination in your personality. Yet this is well disguised in a mask of congeniality and understanding. The Cancer Sun is naturally understanding and affectionate, lessening the normal coldness of the Capricorn Moon. This lends good insight and a penetrating look at human nature. You are well equipped for a role in some type of public or official responsibility, and apt to gain recognition for your work in this regard. Prestige and status are likely to flow your way if you make any effort to achieve before the public. You have a reassuring way as you always seem willing to assume responsibilities, and work hard to reach goals. You expect things of value to require a good deal of effort. Unassuming and unpretentious, you are ever willing to tow your share of the load. You appreciate the value of a dollar, but you’re not likely to spare cost when it comes to obtaining quality for your investment. A high degree of self-discipline allows you to save or even hoard money for that rainy day. You have a shrewdness that produces a genial and warm manner, but your purpose remains steely and determined. This nice blend of the personal and the sincere, with the calculating business core, allows you to accomplish much without hurting anyone’s feelings. It permits you to muster and retain many friends along the way. You know how to drive a hard bargain with a smile on your face, and you have a keen sense for understanding people and instinctively sensing their motives.

Hmmm…. interesting read.

Pretty Woman (1990)

Pretty Woman starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts was released in 1990. This, for me, catapulted Julia Roberts to stardom. The film was about how Prince Charming rescues down-on-her-luck but charming prostitute Vivian Ward. I love the movie and I absolutely love the soundtrack.

Fresh-faced, charming Julia Roberts won my heart. She was perfectin this role although she was almost the last choice for the role. Richard Gere is swoon-worthy. Hector Elizondo as the kindly hotel manager was impeccable. I love how the actors made their roles their own. Not only was the film a blockbuster, it was a critical success as well.

Here’s the Pretty Woman Trailer:

And the soundtrack.. need I say more. “King of Wishful Thinking” and “Fallen” are my favorites up to now.

I remember a scene where Gere returns the necklace to the hotel manager and Elizondo saying, “It must be so difficult to let go of something beautiful”. I love how the film ends with Gere and Roberts kissing on the fire escape, then the camera fading out with the voice over.. “Welcome to Hollywood.. everybody has a dream…”

Single Parenting 18: An Open Letter to my 11-year-old

Hi Sweetie,

I know that I am supposed to be the adult raising you but you have been my rock all throughout these years. You have taught me to be a mom and to become a better person. You have taught me not to give up, to be strong, to forgive and to love unconditionally. You taught me not to forget to lock the doors or not to forget my car keys and to always make sure my computer virus protection is up-to-date. You taught me a lot.

There is so much I want to say to you, especially now that you are almost entering the teen years. Always know that I will always be here to listen to you. Remember, I was a teenager once myself not too long ago, so I will understand. I am not perfect but know I will always try my best for you.

Here are just some things I have come up. These are the things that I believe in and am in the continuous process of incorporating in my life. It will mean much to me if you learn it too. So here goes.

1. Always be curious. Read. Explore. Ask questions.
2. Be nice. But when the occasion calls for it, be tough and strong.
3. Treasure your friends and family. Be there for them.
4. Work and study hard.
5. Don’t be afraid to follow your dream.
6. Remember – moderation is key (in whatever you do).
7. Enjoy.
8. Know what you want and get it!
9. Keep your feet on the ground. Remember where you came from and the people who helped you along the way.
10. Laugh, cry, live!
11. Don’t deliberately hurt girls.
12. A hangover is just a state of mind.
13. Be careful. The real world can be tough. Look out for yourself.
14. Save. Invest. Be smart and careful about money.
15. Don’t give up. There is always a solution to a problem.
16. Avoid temptations.
17. Be humble enough to ask for help.
18. Apologize when you are wrong.
19. Call your mom.
20. Keep the faith.

You are a strong, smart and wonderful boy. I am so excited to see you become the happy, wonderful person that I know in my heart you will be.

Always know that I love you and will always be here for you.

Mom

You know you are Filipino if …..

After doing extensive research on this topic, I have compiled my own “You know you are Filipino if …” list. These are the things that are true to me because no matter where I might be I am still a proud PinayPie!

In no particular order…
You know you are Filipino if …
1. You hang a rosary on your car’s rear view mirror.
2. You respond to a “Hoy!” or a “Pssst!” in a crowd.
3. You have a relative who is a nurse.
4. Your pantry is never without Spam, Vienna sausage, corned beef, and sardines.
5. You think Christmas season begins in October and ends in January.
6. You play cards or mahjong and drink beer at funeral wakes.
7. You eat fried Spam and hot dogs with rice.
8. You’ve mastered the art of packing a suitcase to double capacity.
9. You collect items from airlines, hotels, and restaurants as “souvenirs.”
10. You think a meal is not a meal without rice.
11. Everything you eat is sauted in garlic, onion, and tomatoes.
12. You have uncles and aunts named “Boy,” “Girlie,” or “Baby.”
13. You have relatives whose nicknames consist of repeated syllables like “Jun-Jun,” “Ling-Ling,” and “Mon-Mon.”
14. You can squeeze 15 passengers into your five seater car without a second thought.
15. Your middle name is your mother’s maiden name.
16. You love ballroom dancing, bowling, pusoy, mah jong, billiards, and karaoke.
17. You bring balikbayan boxes in the airport.

Pinoys and our balikbayan boxes

18. You always make too much food at parties and send everyone home with a doggie bag.
19. You hate confrontations but love drama.
20. You are smiling, easygoing thoughtful and an overall nice person!

PinayPie’s Bihon Guisado

I had this sudden craving for Bihon Guisado so I googled left and right for recipes for “Rice Sticks with Veggies” (aka Bihon Guisado). Almost all of the recipes were simple to make but had too many ingredients. So I modified the ingredients and experimented a bit.

I did not use our traditional sotanghon/bihon because for the life of me I couldn’t find it here in East Village. So I made do with I think the Vietnamese version of Rice sticks.

So here goes my Bihon Guisado Experiment
1. Rice Sticks
2. Coleslaw pack from Dole
3. Cut Chicken Breasts
4. Chicken Boullion cubes
5. Onion, Garlic, Ginger
6. Salt, Pepper, Calamansi Powder (yes we don’t have the real calamansi here in New York)

So.. turn on your TV or listen to your radio and then
1. Preparation
a) Put the Rice Sticks in water so soften it.
b) Put a bit of salt, pepper, calamansi powder to your cut chicken.
2. In a pan, saute galic, onion and ginger. Add the cut chicken breasts. Add a dash of garlic and calamansi powder.
3. In a cup of hot water, dissolve your chicken cubes. Add the water to the pan.
4. Add your coleslaw (carrots and other veggies are optional).
5. Add your rice sticks.
6. Mix. If you want your dish to be dry you can let the water dry up. If you want your dish to have a little bit of sauce, you can add more water.