i have fallen in love with the same woman three times

*original poem, written by late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. for her wife the late President Corazon Aquino, it was made into a song by Jose Mari Chan. A new version was sang by Christian Bautista,

I have fallen in love
with the same woman three times;
In a day spanning 19 years
of tearful joys and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young,
enchanting and vibrant, eternally new.
She was brilliant, fragrant,
and cool as the morning dew.

I fell in love with her the second time;
when first she bore her child and mine
always by my side, the source of my strength,
helping to turn the tide.

But there were candles to burn
the world was my concern;
while our home was her domain.
and the people were mine
while the children were hers to maintain;

So it was in those 18 years and a day.
'till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she's our sole support;
source of comfort,
our wellspring of Hope.
On her shoulders felt the burden of Life.

I fell in love again,
with the same woman the third time.
Looming from the battle,
her courage will never fade

Amidst the hardships she has remained,
undaunted and unafraid.
she is calm and composed,
she is God's lovely maid.

__________________________________________________________

ORIGINAL POEM

I have fallen in love
With the same woman three times
In a day spanning nineteen years
Of tearful joys and joyful tears

I loved her first when she was young
Enchanting, brilliant, middle-strung
Vibrant, fragrant, eternally new
Cool, invigorating as the morning dew.

Desperate, she shared, quieted my despairs
Hopeful, she fanned the fires of my hopes
Lavished me with days of bliss and peace,
Endless, perpetual days of fond memories.

She is my hope; I do not wish to realize
Hence my hope; forever green, eternal prize
My life transcending life, my ultimate quest
Dream of my life for whom Ill spare no rest.

I fell in love again
With the same woman the second time
When first she bore her child and mine
The first fruit of our union and our love.

The pains and anguish of motherhood she braved
Loved her children, their love she deservedly craved
Times were she hung on the very brink of death,
Unflinchingly fulfilling her mission to procreate.

In politics I plunged, she was always by my side,
Steadfast, uncomplaining, helping to turn the tide,
Amidst hardship, her rare courage would not relent
She was my secret weapon, the source of my strength.

The world was my concern, our home her domain,
The people mine, the children hers to maintain,
So it was in those eighteen years and a day
Till I was detained, forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she became our sole support
Wellspring of hope, source of comfort
On her shoulders fell the burden of life
She emerged our captain in the sea of strife.

I fell in love again
With the same woman the third time
Looming from the battle, undaunted, unafraid,
Calm composed, she is God's lovely maid.

It has been a year of many disappointments
Endless dark nights, long days of sad lament,
Of grave doubts, frustrations, bitter desolations,
Of privations, untold indignities, humiliations.

Dreams became nightmares; hopes, despair.
Rally to freedoms call, no one will dare.
Future is obscured, life has lost its meaning,
The tunnel is long, were only at the beginning.

Leaders I admired, whose advice I sought
Became fallen idols, their souls were bought,
Their conscience they bartered for soft convenience,
Due to despicable cowardice, theyve lost their patience.

Leaders became dealers, begging for part of the spoils,
Forgetting the value, the essence of the hottest toil,
Paralyzed be fear, they joined the amoral dictator,
Defending, waving the bloody flag of the new oppressor.

The pillars of society became the props of tyranny,
Be realistic, they urged, if not for safety, for money.
It is useless to resist, the tyrant is too strong,
Yet aware, with their help the tyranny will prolong.

Mother Pilipinas weeps, her noble sons are gone,
Her land of the morning, is now of the setting sun,
Back to her dungeon in chains shes been returned;
For all her sacrifices, this is what she earned.

The night is cold and dark, there are no stars,
Our prisons are full, our souls wrinkled with scars,
Afflicted, persecuted, struck down but not crushed,
How soon will this blight be erased by Allahs brush?

My only escape is to cling to the woman of my dreams
Who gave me a life full of love, a love full of life,
She is my urge to live, my sole motivation to survive,
She taught me not only to dream, but to make dreams alive.

Fight on! She says: Let not the guiltless ghost depart.
Your pains, our people know are caused by a thousand darts,
But be assuaged, remember the Filipino, his story, his past,
Soon, very soon, the tyrant will choke in his greedy power lust!

Paalam President Cory

Among the Philippine Presidents, President Cory was the dearest among Filipinos as she has brought back democracy to the country... President Cory will always be remembered and will always be in our hearts.

small world

I was on my way home last night when, I remember that I still have to pick up my laundry in the laundry shop. I made a detour and went straight to the laundry shop before going home.

But when I was already in the laundry, I was disappointed to hear that they cannot give any change for my money. So, I still have to buy something in the near store, so I can produce the exact bill (sigh).

Disappointed with the laundry shop, I began walking going to my place, when suddenly I saw a familiar face.

After 2 seconds, I finally remember who is the familiar face – He’s kuya Mark Pascasio, the chairman of our student council when I was in second year high school; he called my attention and exchanged pleasantries.

We’ll the world seems to be getting smaller, it was the second time in this year that I bumped with an old acquaintance I never thought I would be meeting. The first one is with Twinkle Donadillo, a classmate during grade school, whom I met recently saw partying, in one the PLU places in manila, wearing her little black dress.

Speaking of small, why does everybody seems to be afraid with the little (wo)man in the Palace. Opposition leaders even wrote US President Obama, trying to make a negative impression against PGMA. I think this is very absurd to people who always criticize the US in meddling with a sovereign nation’s affairs, yet it seems that they are asking the US to interfere with the Philippines. Politics can shatter ideologies as I cannot not distinguish now who the greater evil is.

Full Text of PGMA's 2009 SONA

PGMA's report to the nation...


Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's State of the Nation Address for the 3rd Regular Session of the 14th Congress
July 27, 2009

Thank you, Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Before I begin my report to the nation, please join me first in a moment of prayer for President Cory Aquino. Senate President Enrile, Speaker Nograles, Senators, Representatives, Vice President de Castro, former President Ramos, Chief Justice Puno, Ambassadors friends:

The past twelve months have been a year for the history books. Financial meltdown in the West spread throughout the world.

Tens of millions lost their jobs; billions across the globe have been hurt—the poor always harder than the rich. No one was spared.

It has affected us already. But the story of the Philippines in 2008 is that the country weathered a succession of global crises in fuel, in food, then in finance and finally, economy in a global recession, never losing focus and with economic fundamentals intact.

A few days ago, Moody’s upgraded our credit rating, citing the resilience of our economy. The state of our nation is a strong economy. Good news for our people, bad news for our critics.

I did not become President to be popular. To work, to lead, to protect and preserve our country, our people, that is why I became President. When my father left the Presidency, we were second to Japan. I want our Republic to be ready for the first world in 20 years.

Towards that vision, we made key reforms. Our economic plan centers on putting people first. Higit sa lahat, ang layunin ng ating patakaran ay tulungan ang masisipag na karaniwang Pilipino. New tax revenues were put in place to help pay for better healthcare, more roads, and a strong education system. Housing policies were designed to lift up our poorer citizens so they can live and raise a family with dignity. Ang ating mga puhunan sa agrikultura ay naglalayong kilalanin ang ating mga magsasaka bilang backbone ng ating bansa, at bigyan sila ng mga modernong kagamitan to feed our nation and feed their own family.

Had we listened to the critics of those policies, had we not braced ourselves for the crisis that came, had we taken the easy road much preferred by politicians eyeing elections, this country would be flat on its back. It would take twice the effort just to get it back again on its feet—to where we are now because we took the responsibility and paid the political price of doing the right thing. For standing with me and doing the right thing, thank you, Congress.

The strong, bitter and unpopular revenue measures of the past few years have spared our country the worst of the global financial shocks. They gave us the resources to stimulate the economy. Nabigyan nila ang pinakamalaking pagtaas ng IRA ng mga LGU na P40 billion itong taon, imparting strength throughout the country at every level of government.

Compared to the past we have built more and better infrastructure, including those started by others but left unfinished. The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway is a prime example of building better roads. It creates wealth as the flagship of the Subic-Clark corridor.

We have built airports of international standard, upgraded domestic airports, built seaports and the roll on/roll off transport system. I ask Congress for a Philippine Transport Security Authority Law.

Some say that after this SONA, it will be all politics. Sorry, but there’s more work.

Sa telecommunications naman, inatasan ko ang Telecommunications Commission na kumilos na tungkol sa mga sumbong na dropped calls at mga nawawalang load sa cellphone. We need to amend the Commonwealth-era Public Service Law. And we need to do it now.

Kung noong nakaraan, lumakas ang electronics, today we are creating wealth by developing the BPO and tourism sectors as additional engines of growth. Electronics and other manufactured exports rise and fall in accordance with the state of the world economy. But BPO remains resilient. With earnings of $6 billion and employment of 600,000, the BPO phenomenon speaks eloquently of our competitiveness and productivity. Let us have a Department of ICT.

In the last four years tourism almost doubled. It is now a $5 billion industry.

Our reforms gave us the resources to protect our people, our financial system and our economy from the worst of shocks that the best in the west failed to anticipate.

They gave us the resources to extend welfare support and enhance spending power.

For helping me raise government salaries through Joint Resolution 4, thank you, Congress.

Cash handouts give the most immediate relief and produce the widest stimulating effect. Nakikinabang ang 700,000 na pinakamahihirap na pamilya sa programang Pantawid Pamilya.

We prioritize projects with the same stimulus effects plus long-term contributions to progress.

Sa pagpapamahagi ng milyun-milyong ektaryang lupa, 700,000 na katutubo at mahigit isang milyong benepisyaryo ng CARP ay taas-noong may-ari na ng sariling lupa. Hinihiling ko sa Kongreso na ipasa agad ang pagpapalawig ng CARP, at dapat ma-condone ang P42 billion na land reform liabilities dahil 18% lamang ang nabayaran mula 1972. Napapanahon, it’s timely because it will unfreeze the rural property market. Ang mahal kong ama ang nag-emancipate ng mga magsasaka. Ii-mancipate naman natin ngayon ang titulo.

Nakinabang ang pitong milyong entrepreneurs sa P165 billion na microfinance loans.

Nakinabang ang sandaan libo sa emergency employment ng ating economic resiliency plan. Kasama natin ngayon ang isa sa kanila, si Gigi Gabiola. Dating household service worker sa Dubai, ngayon siya ay nagtatrabaho sa DOLE. Good luck, Gigi.

Nakinabang ang isang milyong pamilya sa programang pabahay at palupa, mula Pag-Ibig, NHA, community mortgage program, certificates of lot award, at saka iyong loan condonation.

Our average inflation is the lowest since 1966. Last June, it dropped to 1.5%. Paano?

Proper policies lowered interest rates, which lowered costs to business and consumers.

Dahil sa ating mga reporma, nakaya nating ibenta ang bigas NFA sa P18.25 per kilo kahit tumaas ang presyo sa labas mula P17.50 hanggang P30 dahil sa kakulangan ng supply sa mundo. Habang, sa unang pagkakataon, nagawa nating itaas ang pamimili ng palay sa mga magsasaka, P17 mula sa P11.

Dahil sa ating mga reporma, nakaya nating mamuhunan sa pagkain—anticipating an unexpected global food crisis. Nakagawa tayo ng libu-libong kilometro ng farm-to-market roads at, kasama ng pribadong sector, natubigan ang dalawang milyong ektarya. Mga Badjao gaya ni Tarnati Dannawi ay tinuruan ng modernong mariculture. Umabot na sa P 180,000 ang kinita niya mula noong nakaraang taon. Congratulations, Tarnati. We will help more fisherfolk shift to fish farming with a budget of P1 billion.

Dahil dumarami na naman daw ang pamilyang nagugutom, mamumuhunan tayo ng panibago sa ating hunger mitigation program na sa nakaraan ay napatunayang mabisa. Tulungan ninyo ako dito, Kongreso.

Mula pa noong 2001, nanawagan na tayo ng mas murang gamot. Nagbebenta tayo ng gamot na kalahating presyo sa libu-libong Botika ng Bayan at Botika ng Barangay sa maraming dako ng bansa. Our efforts prodded the pharmaceutical companies to come up with low-cost generics and brands like RiteMed. I supported the tough version of the House of the Cheaper Medicine law. I supported it over the weak version of my critics. The result: the drug companies volunteered to bring down drug prices, slashing by half the prices of 16 drugs. Thank you, Congressmen Cua, Alvarez, Biron, Locsin.

Pursuant to law, we are placing other drugs under a maximum retail price. To those who want to be President, this advice: If you really want something done, just do it. Do it hard, do it well. Don’t pussyfoot. Don't pander. And don’t say bad words in public.

Sa health insurance, sakop na ang 86% ang ating populasyon.

Sa Rent Control Law ng 2005 hanggang 2008, di pwedeng lumampas ng 10% ang pagtaas ng upa taun-taon. Ayon sa kakapirma nating batas may isang taong moratorium, tapos hanggang 7% lamang ang maaaring pagtaas. Salamat, Kongreso.

Noong isang taon, nabiyayaan ng tig-P500 ang mahigit pitong milyong tahanan bilang Pantawid Koryente sa mga small electricity users.

Yung presyo ng koryente, ang EPIRA natin ang pangmatagalang sagot. EPIRA dismantled monopoly. Ngunit minana natin ang power purchase agreements, kaya hindi pa natin makamtan yung buong intended effect. Pero happy na rin tayo, dahil isang taon na lamang iyan. The next generation will benefit from low prices from our EPIRA.

Samantala, umabot na sa halos lahat ng barangay ang elektrisidad. We increased indigenous energy from 48% to 58%. Nakatipid tayo sa dollars tapos na-reduce pa iyong oil consumption. The huge reduction in fossil fuel is the biggest proof of energy independence and environmental responsibility. Further reduction will come with the implementation of the Renewable Energy Act, and the Biofuels Act.

The next generation will also benefit from our lower public debt to GDP ratio. It declined from 78% in 2000 to 55% in 2008. We cut in half the debt of government corporations from 15% to 7%. Likewise foreign debt from 73% to 32%. Kung meron man tayong malaking kaaway na tinalo, walang iba kundi ang utang, iyong foreign debt. Those in the past administrations conjured the demon of foreign debt. We exorcised it.

The market grows economies. A free market, not a free-for-all.

To that end, we improved our banking system to complement its inherent conservatism. The Bangko Sentral has been prudent. Thank you, Governor Tetangco, for being so effective. The BSP will be even more effective if Congress will amend its Charter.

We worked on the Special Purpose Vehicle Act, reducing non-performing loans from 18% to 4% and improving loan-deposit ratios.

Our new Securitization Law did not encourage the recklessness that brought down giant banks and insurance companies elsewhere and laid their economies to waste. In fact, it monitors and regulates the new-fangled financial schemes. Thank you, Congress.

We will work to increase tax effort through improved collections and new sin taxes to further our capacity to reduce poverty and pursue growth. Revenue enhancement must come from the Department of Finance plugging leaks and catching tax and customs cheats. I call on tax paying citizens and tax paying businesses, help the BIR and stop those tax cheats.

Taxes should come from alcohol and tobacco and not from books. Tax hazards to lungs and livers, do not tax minds. Ang kita mula sa buwis sa alak at sigarilyo ay dapat gamitin sa kalusugan at edukasyon. Pondohan ang Philhealth premiums ng pinakamahihirap. Pondohan ang mas maraming classroom at computers.

Pardon my partiality for the teaching profession. I was a teacher.

Kaya namuhunan tayo ng malaki sa edukasyon at skills training.

Ang magandang edukasyon ay susi sa mas magandang buhay, the great equalizer that allows every young Filipino a chance to realize their dreams.

Nagtayo tayo ng 95,000 na silid-aralan, nagdagdag ng 60,000 na guro, naglaan ng P1.5 billion para sa teacher training, especially for 100,000 English teachers.

Isa sa pinakamahirap sa Millennium Development Goals ay iyong Edukasyon para sa Lahat pagdating ng 2015. Ibig sabihin, lahat ng nasa tamang edad ay dapat nasa primary school. Halos walang bansang makakatupad nito. Ngunit nagsisikap pa rin tayo. Nagtayo tayo ng mga paaralan sa higit sanlibong barangay na dati walang eskwelahan upang makatipid ng gastos sa pasahe ang mga bata. Tinanggal natin ang miscellaneous fees para sa primary school. Hindi na kailangan mag-uniporme ang mga estudyante sa public school.

In private high schools, we finance half of the students.

We have provided college and post-graduate education for over 600,000 scholars. One of them, Mylene Amerol-Macumbal, finished Accounting at MSU-IIT, then she went to law school, and placed second in the last bar exams - the first Muslim woman bar topnotcher. Congratulations!

In technical education and skills training, we have invested three times that of three previous administrations combined. Narito si Jennifer Silbor, isa sa sampung milyong trainee. Natuto siya ng medical transcription. Now, as an independent contractor and lecturer for transcriptions in Davao, kumikita siya ng P18,000 bawat buwan. Good job, Jennifer.

The Presidential Task Force on Education headed by Jesuit educator Father Bienvenido Nebres has come out with the Main Education Highway towards a Knowledge-Based Economy. It envisions seamless education from basic to vocational school or college.

It seeks to mainstream early childhood development in basic education. Our children are our most cherished possession. In their early years we must make sure they get a healthy start in life. They must receive the right food for a healthy body, the right education for a bright and inquiring mind—and the equal opportunity for a meaningful job.

For college admission, the Task Force recommends mandatory Scholastic Aptitude Tests. It also recommends that higher private education institutions should be harmonized with state universities and colleges, and that CHED should oversee local universities and colleges. For professions seeking international recognition—engineering, architecture, accountancy, pharmacy and physical therapy—it recommends radical reform: 10 years of basic education, two years of pre-university, before three years of university.

Our educational system should make the Filipino fit not just for whatever jobs happen to be on offer today, but also for whatever economic challenge life will throw in their way.

Sa hirap at ginhawa, pinapatatag ang ating bansa ng ating overseas Filipinos. Iyong padala nilang $16 billion noong isang taon ay record. Itong taon, mas mataas pa.

I know that this is not a sacrifice joyfully borne. This is work where it can be found—in faraway places, among strangers with different cultures. It is lonely work, it is hard work.

Kaya nagsisikap tayong lumikha dito sa atin ng mga trabahong maganda ang sahod, so that overseas work will just be a career choice, not the only option for a hard-working Filipino.

Meanwhile, we should make their sacrifices worthwhile. Dapat gumawa tayo ng mas epektibong proteksyon at pagpapalawak ng halaga ng kanilang pinagsikapang suweldo. That means stronger consumer protection for Overseas Filipino Workers investing in property and products back home. Para sa kanila, pinapakilos natin ang Investors Protection Task Force.

Hindi ako nag-aatubiling bisitahin ang ating taong bayan at kanilang mga host sa buong mundo – mula Hapon...hanggang Brazil, mula Europa at Middle East hanggang sa American Midwest, nakikinig sa kanilang mga problema at pangangailangan, inaalam kung paano sila matutulungan ng ating pamahalaan—-by working out better policies on migrant labor, or by saving lives and restoring liberty.

Pagpunta ko sa Saudi, pinatawad ni Haring Abdullah ang pitong daang OFW na nasa preso. Pinuno nila ang isang buong eroplano at umuwi kasama ko.

Mula sa ating State Visit sa Espanya, it has become our biggest European donor. At si Haring Juan Carlos ay nakikipag-usap sa ibang mga bansa para sa ating mga namomoblemang OFW. Ganoon din si Sheikh Khalifa, ang Prime Minister ng Bahrain.

Pagpunta ko sa Kuwait, Emir Al-Sabah commuted death sentences. We thank all our leaders, our world leaders, for showing compassion to our overseas foreign workers. Salamat.

Our vigorous international engagement has helped bring in foreign investment. Net foreign direct investments multiplied 15 times during our administration. Kasama ng ating mga Together with our OFWs, they more than doubled our foreign exchange reserves. Pinalakas ang ating piso at naiwasan ang lubhang pagtaas ng presyo. They upgraded our credit because while the reserves of our peers have shrunk this past year, ours reserves grew by $3 billion.

Our international engagement has also corrected historical injustice. The day we visited Washington, Senator Daniel Inouye successfully sponsored benefits for our veterans as part of America’s stimulus package.

I have accepted the invitation of President Obama to be the first Southeast Asian leader to meet him at the White House, later this week.

That he sought us out testifies to our strong and deep ties.

High on our agenda will be peace and security issues. Terrorism: how to meet it, how to end it, how to address its roots in injustice or prejudice—and first and always how to protect lives.

We will discuss nuclear non-proliferation. The Philippines will chair the review of the nuclear weapons non-proliferation Treaty in New York in May 2010. The success of the talks will be a major diplomatic achievement for us.

There is a range of other issues we will discuss, including the global challenge of climate change, especially the threat to countries with long coastlines. And there is the global recession, its worse impact on poor people, and the options that can spare them from the worst.

In 2008 up to the first quarter of 2009 we stood among only a few economies in Asia-Pacific that did not shrink. Compare this to 2001, when some of my current critics were driven out by people power. Asia was surging but our country was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Since then, our economy posted uninterrupted growth for 33 quarters; more than doubled its size from $76 billion to $186 billion. The average GDP growth from 2001 to the first quarter of 2009 is the highest in 43 years.

Bumaba ang bilang ng mga nagsasabing mahirap sila sa 47% mula 59%. Maski lumaki ang ating populasyon, nabawasan ng dalawang milyon ang bilang ng mahihirap. GNP per capita rose from a Third World $967 to $2,000. Lumikha tayo ng walong milyong trabaho, an average of a million a year, much, much more than at any other time.

In sum: 1. We have a strong economy and a strong fiscal position to withstand global shocks.

2. We built new modern infrastructure and completed unfinished ones.

3. The economy is more fair to the poor than ever before.

4. We are building a sound base for the next generation.

5. International authorities have taken notice that we are safer from environmental degradation and man-made disasters.

As a country in the path of typhoons and in the Pacific Rim of Fire, we must be prepared as the latest technology permits to anticipate natural calamities when that is possible; to extend immediate and effective relief when it is not. The mapping of flood- and landslide-prone areas is almost complete. Early warning, forecasting and monitoring systems have been improved, with weather tracking facilities in Subic, Tagaytay, Mactan, Mindanao, Pampanga.

We have worked on flood control infrastructure like those for Pinatubo, Agno, Laoag, and Abucay, which will pump the run off waters from Quezon City and Tondo flooding Sampaloc. This will help relieve hundreds of hectares in this old city of its age old woe.

Patuloy naman iyong sa Camanava, dagdag sa Pinatubo, Iloilo, Pasig-Marikina, Bicol River Basin, at mga river basin ng Mindanao.

The victims of typhoon Frank in Panay should receive their long-overdue assistance package. I ask Congress to pass the SNITS Law.

Namana natin ang pinakamatagal na rebelyon ng Komunista sa buong mundo.

Si Leah de la Cruz isa sa labindalawang libong rebel returnee. Sixteen pa lang siya nang sumali sa NPA. Naging kasapi sa regional White Area Committee, napromote sa Leyte Party Committee Secretary. Nahuli noong 2006. She is now involved in an LGU-supported handicraft livelihood training of former rebels. We love you, Leah!

There is now a good prospect for peace talks with both the Communist Party of the Philippines and the MILF, with whom we are now on ceasefire.

We inherited an age-old conflict in Mindanao, exacerbated by a politically popular but near-sighted policy of massive retaliation. This only provoked the other side to continue the war.

In these two internal conflicts, ang tanong ay hindi, “Sino ang mananalo?” kundi, bakit pa ba kailangang mag-laban ang kapwa Pilipino tungkol sa mga isyu na alam naman nating lahat na di malulutas sa dahas, at mareresolba lang sa paraang demokratiko?

There is nothing more that I would wish for than peace in Mindanao. It will be a blessing for all its people, Muslim, Christian and lumads. It will show other religiously divided communities that there can be common ground on which to live together in peace, harmony and cooperation that respects each other’s religious beliefs.

At sa lahat ng dako ng bansa, kailangan nating protektahan ang ating mga mamamayan kontra sa krimen' -- in their homes, in their neighborhoods, in their communities. How shall crime be fought? With the five pillars of justice, including crime fighters. We call on Congress to fund more policemen on the streets.

Real government is about looking beyond the vested to the national interest, setting up the necessary conditions to enable the next, more enabled and more empowered generation to achieve a country as prosperous, a people as content, as ours deserve to be.

The noisiest critics of constitutional reform tirelessly and shamelessly attempted Cha-Cha when they thought they could take advantage of a shift in the form of government. Now that they feel they cannot benefit from it, they oppose it.

As the seeds of fundamental political reform are planted, let us address the highest exercise of democracy, voting!

In 2001, I said we would finance fully automated elections. We got it, thanks to Congress.

At the end of this speech I shall step down from this stage, but not from the Presidency. My term does not end until next year. Until then, I will fight for the ordinary Filipino. The nation comes first. There is much to do as head of state—to the very last day.

A year is a long time. Patuloy ang pamumuhunan sa tinatawag na three E’s ng ekonomiya, environment at edukasyon. There are many perils that we must still guard against.

A man-made calamity is already upon us, global in scale. As I said earlier, so far we have been spared its worst effects but we cannot be complacent. We only know that we have generated more resources on which to draw, and thereby created options we could take. Thank God we did not let our critics stop us.

As the campaign unfolds and the candidates take to the airwaves, I ask them to talk more about how they will build up the nation rather than tear down their opponents. Give the electorate real choices and not just sweet talk.

Meanwhile, I will keep a steady hand on the tiller, keeping the ship of state away from the shallows some prefer, and steering it straight on the course we set in 2001.

Ang ating taong bayan ay masipag at maka-Diyos. These qualities are epitomized in someone like Manny Pacquiao....Manny trained tirelessly, by the book, with iron discipline, with the certain knowledge that he had to fight himself, his weaknesses first, before he could beat his opponent. That was the way to clinch his victories and his ultimate title: ang pinakadakilang boksingero sa kasaysayan. Mabuhay ka, Manny!

However much a President wishes it, a national problem cannot be knocked out with a single punch. She must work with the problem as much as against it, turn it into a solution if she can.

There isn’t a day I do not work at my job or a waking moment when I do not think through a work-related problem. Even my critics cannot begrudge the long hours I put in. Our people deserve-a-government that works just as hard as they do.

A President must be on the job 24/7, ready for any contingency, any crisis, anywhere, anytime.

Everything right can be undone by even a single wrong. Every step forward must be taken in the teeth of political pressures and economic constraints that could push you two steps back-if-you flinch and falter. I have not flinched, I have not faltered. Hindi ako umaatras sa hamon.

And I have never done any of the things that have scared my worst critics so much. They are frightened by their own shadows.

In the face of attempted coups, I issued emergency proclamations just in case. But I was able to resolve these military crises with the ordinary powers of my office. My critics call it dictatorship. I call it determination. We know it as strong government.

But I never declared martial law, though they are running scared as if I did. In truth, what they are really afraid of is their weakness in the face of this self-imagined threat.

I say to them: do not tell us what we all know, that democracy can be threatened. Tell us what you will do when it is attacked.

I know what to do:

As I have shown, I will defend democracy with arms when it is threatened by violence; with firmness when it is weakened by division; with law and order when it is subverted by anarchy; and always, I will try to sustain it by wise policies of economic progress, so that a democracy means not just an empty liberty but a full life for all.

I never expressed the desire to extend myself beyond my term. Many of those who accuse me of it tried to cling like nails to their posts.

I am accused of misgovernance. Many of those who accuse me of it left me the problem of their misgovernance to solve. And we did it.

I am falsely accused, without proof, of using my position for personal profit. Many who accuse me have lifestyles and spending habits that make them walking proofs of that crime.

We can read their frustrations. They had the chance to serve this good country and they blew it by serving themselves.

Those who live in glass houses should cast no stones. Those who should be in jail should not threaten it, especially if they have been there.

Our administration, with the highest average rate of growth, recording multiple increases in investments, with the largest job creation in history, and which gets a credit upgrade at the height of a world recession, must be doing something right, even if some of those cocooned in corporate privilege refuse to recognize it.

Governance, however, is not about looking back and getting even. It is about looking forward and giving more—to the people who gave us the greatest, hardest gift of all: the care of a country.

From Bonifacio at Balintawak to Cory Aquino at EDSA and up to today, we have struggled to bring power to the people, and this country to the eminence it deserves.

Today the Philippines is weathering well the storm that is raging around the world. It is growing stronger with the challenge. When the weather clears, as it will, there is no telling how much farther forward it can go. Believe in it. I believe.

We can and we must march forward with hope, optimism and determination.

We must come together, work together and walk together toward the future.

Bagamat malaking hamon ang nasa ating harapan, nasa kamay natin ang malaking kakayahan. Halina’t pagtulungan nating tiyakin ang karapat-dapat na kinabukasan ng ating Inang Bayan.

And to the people of our good country, for allowing me to serve as your President, maraming salamat. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.


*from www.ops.gov.ph/sona2009/

schedule management

why do people always seem to not to respect each others' sked.... (sigh!)

popular me

8:40 am and i'm still in the train (mrt), as i step down to the station (cubao), someone called my by my first name, as in my full first name... looking conbfused i tried finding the guy who just said my name... i hesitantly nod when i finally saw him (malay ko ba kung dugo-dugo gang). he tried explaianing how he knew me...

i finally got the message that he is a lower batch in high school and his name is rogelio-- i really tried recalling pero wala ako maalala, maybe i will try to search for later in friendster or in facebook.

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

off topic - this is rommel my belgian malinois-german shepherd puppy

New Abode

now living in boni...

sked is still busy... as if more work load pours everyday and it is aggravated by a stressful class load

Community Self Quarantine

Quoting from http://www.gmanews.tv/story/163932/DLSU-student-is-RPs-latest-A(H1N1)-case---DOH

DLSU student tested positive for A(H1N1)
AIE BALAGTAS SEE, GMANews.TV
06/03/2009 | 05:01 PM


Updated 6:42 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines – A female exchange student from De La Salle University is the country’s 22nd case of A(H1N1) infection, Health secretary Francisco Duque III said Wednesday.

Duque however said the patient had "very limited exposure" with other students, and that his department is now coordinating with DLSU officials to trace them.

"Initial findings reveal that there is very limited exposure of other students to the confirmed case and both DOH and school authorities can trace them," he said in a press briefing Wednesday afternoon.

Duque said the president and chancellor of DLSU, Bro. Armin Luistro, has expressed full cooperation with the DOH in the ongoing containment measures.

He said Luistro also vowed to immediately implement the recommended measures contained in the response level systems in schools released by the DOH last May.

As a precautionary measure, classes in DLSU would be suspended for 10 days from June 4 to 14.

Duque said the people who came in close contact with the patient, like her classmates and professors, have already been informed to do self-monitoring and immediately report to the DOH any flu-like symptoms.

Duque also advised all the school's students, faculty, and staff to observe self-quarantine and avoid going to malls and other crowded places.

In the same briefing, Duque said three of the 22 confirmed A(H1N1) cases have already been discharged as of Wednesday.

“To date 14 of the 22 confirmed cases have already been sent home," he said.

The government has been observing 401 suspected cases since May 1. At least 301 of them had already been cleared while 78 others remain quarantined pending laboratory results. - GMANews.TV
_______________________________________________________________________________________

No classes in all DLSU campuses (Taft, Ortigas, RCBC)
Expect make up classes
Expect nosebleed assignement and projects

First Day High

school year 2009-2010

new sked
nosebleed subjects
new classmates
insensitive and reasonable profs
new reading materials
new pagkakagastusan

Movie Marathon

It has been quite some time when I watched a movie in the big screen. This is because I really dont have the luxery of waching one. Most of my classes ends at 9pm and I have too read piles of reading materials on weekends, this eliminateds the option of relaxing and watching a movie in the silver screen.

As a result, I promised myself to have a movie marathon during my summer vacation from classes. And because I hate to break my promise, I watched movies, almost everydays last week (11 May-16 May, 2009) in the movie houses hehehe. Below are the list of the movies I watched:

May11: Star Trek (Trinoma)
May 12: Heavenly Touch (Robinson's Galleria)
May 13: None
May 14: Wolverine (Sm Sta. Mesa)
May 15: Angels and Demons (Sm San Lazaro)
May 16: Dead na si Lolo (Sm San Lazaro)

At least i won't be missing movie houses for sometime hehehe....

missing htm

bus still
still sad
sad ill
ill bad
bad time
time out
out where
where no
no sign
sign claw
claw sharp
sharp saw
saw truth
truth gone
gone forever
forever sad
sad.

this is among last messeges i recieved from htm, we met in the streets, one night, i was going home when i suddenly bumped into htm, who invited me for a dinner of which i gave in, i ignored what old people taught me of not talking and trusting strangers,

apparently that day is special as it was htm's birthday, and on that very second i had been attached to htm, eager to listen to the stories, to the laughters and to the lessons htm will utter,

last time i conversed with htm, htm is complainng on a severe headache, i hope this is not the last time i will hear from htm

si Ka Satur sa Hap Chan

I was having dinner in Hap Chan with a friend (we had their sea cucumber and black mushroom; and chicken tofu) when I suddenly saw a familiar persona. I thought I saw mang rene* from IT department, but when I glanced back, its SATUR OCAMPO with his wife.

I told my friend that I will ask Ka Satur that I want to have my picture taken with him and after the picture has been taken, I will say "sir, by the way i work for the President hehehe!.

My friend thought i was bluffing; but I am serious, Good thing I don't have a camera or even a camera phone that time.

Awarding of Scholars

06 MAY 2009 is a big day for the office.

This is the culmination of weeks of preparation for the awarding of "One Town One Scholar" Program of the President. Although, it is not the sector which I handle, duties will eventually trickle down as the office needs manpower. i was assigned in the second station for the verification of guest list (yes, ganun kalupit, may pangatlong station pa nga eh, actually dalawang beses dadaan sa x ray machine ang mga guest).


Aside from minor lapses, like protocol breach and program started 30 minutes earlier; The event went well and the President seems happy with the program as she keeps smiling and saying "congratulations, course mo?".....




from the left; me, our big boss, jonas




with the President




with the PMS Secretary


from the left; jonas, me and nico

list of some events/activities which had kept my schedule busy

it has been a nature of most people (including me) to explain excuses and justify what has happened. showbiz language call this as "pagpapaliwanag sa barangay."

As promised last week here is my explanation for the my long inaactivity. this is also an opportunity to share my experiences during my absence.

1. One Town One Scholar MOA Signing


Michael Pahatin in the Background


PSG People during the MOA


PSG People (still)


2. Benguet Meeting (Again)


lights coming from shanties in the cordillera mountains

3. Lent

Visita Iglesia



















"Penitensya"




4. San Roque Dam Visit




5. school exam, side trip to la union, paperworks from the office, town fiesta and one relaxing day at the SPA....

Back to Cyber World

After weeks of dormancy, I am now back to the cyber reality.

A series of events has exhausted all my time and energy which prevented me to at least visit this blog or make new posting. I have rested enough (at least 24 hours) and will try to scribble the events I've metioned earlier soon.

I miss blogalandia no more... because I'm now here (again)!

messy work desk

"Wow, magulo na rin ang table mo!"

This is the comment made by one of my officemate after she saw my desk in the office.

I am not an a person who's very OC in organizing things, but i just want to make my stuff accessible when I need it, so as much as possible I try to arrange my files. But due to a lot of rush work load --- i had just finish an assessment of a special projects, and two more CSWs to go, plus stress trigging nasty professors, I will not have enough time to fix my stuff.

But I guess when she made that comment, she is welcoming me to the club!

Master Rapper

noontime 06 March 2009, news saying that francis magalona passed away spread

i was able to confirm it by reading an article from inquirer.net

i was never a fan of francis m. but when i was able to watch the "eat bulaga" , i was amazed how he perfom (based from video clips)GALING!!!

francis m. had indeed left a legagy... and has inspired a lot of other artists.

Pañero ka ba?

As what I am expecting, school’s hell week will coincide with an office rush/ad hoc/special project.

Our “Big Boss” wants the office look at Diwalwal – probably the country’s richest gold reserve.

Gold in Diwalwal was first discovered by a group of natives in September 1983 along the creeks at Mt. Diwata. Diwalwal quickly became a gold rush area so that by 1986, the population of Mt. Diwata increased to around one hundred twenty-five thousand. It has been the subject of conflicts brought about by the numerous mining claimants scrambling for gold that lies beneath its bosom; hence the name Diwalwal – which refers to fortune or misfortune.

Given such, a lot of issues are involved. Among them are:

• Unpermitted mining and mineral processing operations, especially by small-scale miners
• Environmental Degradation (mercury pollution, siltation)
• Social Conflicts (land claim conflicts, child labor, tax issues, violence)
• Work and Health Hazards (accidents, landslides, unsafe working conditions)

photo courtesy of pcij.org


Along with these issues are legal cases concerning mining claims in Diwalwal, two of which have reached the Supreme Court. Being the staff who is taking up law, I was specifically tasked to look at the legal aspect.

I have no choice but to talk with the Office of the Solicitor General and the Legal Department of PMDC (the government agency handling Diwalwal).

I have to look at into substantial law and procedural law and of course develop my questions on the said laws and the processes which the parties have went through.

In the course of my conversation with the legal of PMDC, the lawyer said “Pañero ka ba?” I honestly said; “hindi po sir.” But deep inside I really flattered being mistaken as a lawyer (maybe because of the technical terms I used and the questions I ask.... though I failed my crimpro).

This work load took a lot of time and energy from me, which I should have devoted for my review (sigh). I am not confident in taking my exams. I know my midterms will not yield very good grades, but I am hoping I will pass.

entering hell(WEEK)

Midterms starts today! Anticipating to experience sleepless nights, mental anguish, moral shock and social humiliation....

7EVEN hours in BENGUET

Handwritten Instruction from Agency's Head:

I will be on Baguio on 20 February 2009
Can we have this meeting in Baguio on 20 February 5:00-6:30 pm

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

20 February 2009

5:00 AM preparations for the Baguio Trip
6:00 AM waiting for the Kuya Glen (Motorpool) for transpo
6:30 AM in Cubao to fetch Ms. Mai
7:00 AM in KFC Congressional to fetch Ma'm Grace
7:20 AM entering NLEX, going to Baguio
10:05 AM stopover to Jollibee Rosales (Pangasinan) for breakfast and snacks
10:40 AM leaving Jollibee Rosales
11:30 AM entering Kennon Road
12:20 PM in Baguio
1:00 PM entering La Trinidad, Benguet
1:10 PM lunch at Jhacks, La Trinidad, Benguet
1:40 PM leaving for Gladiola Inn
1:45 PM leaving for BPVC
1:50 PM Preparations for the Meeting and Occular Inspection of Agency HEad
3:35 PM leaving for BSU Root Crops Center
4:00 PM Start of Meeting proper
4:30 PM Occular Inspection of BPVC
5:10 PM Meeting in Root Crops Center resumed
6:40 PM Meeting Adjourned
7:00 PM Dinner
7:30 PM Went to BSU trading post to buy pasalubong
8:00 PM leaving Benguet
2:00 AM (21 Feb) Back in Manila

Chocolates are RED: Valentine Afterthought

More than a week elapsed since 14 February a.k.a hearts’ day.

A SPECIAL day for lovers and sweethearts; maybe an
ORDINARY day for singles.

But that's not true for me because this day is the day of great concerts and of course UP fair.

As early as Monday (9 February) I was looking forward to those events. But it went other way. Loads of office and school work prevented me from attending such events; plus I need to attend to some errands like paying our electric bill and claiming my defective lrt ticket (I was really pissed off, when i found my newly bought lrt ticket defective, I want to scream but I cannot blame the lrt people - they are very much accommodating in entertaining my complaint. Or maybe they are accommodating because I am waering my office barong and ID).

- receipt issued by lrt to claim the defective ticket, though, one needs to buy a new ticket pending the claim.

To illustrate how heavy my work load is; I have been asked help from most of my friends just to lighten the said work load.

I asked a friend (a special friend) to find some school materials as I do not have enough time to look for those stuff. My friend happily helped me, but in the end asked for a reward.

I know that I’ll be coming home late that night (13 February, Valentines Eve), so I said let’s just have dinner.

I didn’t treat my friend in a posh resto but rather I choose to have dinner in an ordinary carinderia near my place (cowboy naman yung friend ko, so ok lang yun, may pasok pa ako the next morning so dapat malapit lang sa bahay at wala akong pera). As we were having dinner, my friend greeted me “happy valentines” then handed me three red-colored, heart shaped chocoloates.



Shocked and awed, I wasn’t able to say a word. Maybe there’s more to come after valentines!

tsokolate e/ tsokolate a

I arrived early in our taxation class last Monday but instead of making a last minute review of the cases assigned that day I had a little chit chat with my seatmate Rachelle. She told me that there is SALE of Belgian Chocolate on her office (original price: P400, sale: P100). I throw a joke telling her that those chocolate might be expired already. She laugh and said; “Oo, malapit na mag expire. Pero sabi ng QA may pede pa rin yung within 3 months after expiration.”

After the class ended that day, she was able to convince me to buy. We agreed that she will bring the said chocolate the next day. But, I will pay the week after because I don’t have money yet (sa totoo lang gusto ko munang matikman bagoko bayaran, baka kasi hindi masarap)

The next day is a busy day because I need to finish an MFP (Memo for the President), so I wasn’t able to got hold of my phone. I saw several missed calls from Rachelle. I was surprise when I got into my classroom, Rachelle was yelling. Finally, I remember our agreement. Rachelle told me that the said Belgian Chocolate I ordered are already with Ryan inside the classroom. As proceed to my seat, I was surprised, I thought they are chocolate bars but then it turned out that they are chocolate drinks.

She gave me two liters/boxes if rich Belgian Chocolate Drink.



When I got home that night, I immediately opened the said drink so that it can be consumed even before its expiration.

Whoa.... the chocolate really tastes good!!! It reminded me of tsokolate e/ tsokolate a as used by Padre Damaso whenever there are parish guests in Rizal's Noli. I really cannot remember though, which chocolate drink is better. Anyway, the drink is addicting, I almost consumed the first liter in two hours. I said to myself; “sayang ngayon lang nag sale e di mas marami pa sana akong nabili, pero at least nakatikim ako ng Belgian Chocolate Drink!”

Money, Lovelife and Fortune Telling

I wasn’t able to attend the second day of the Year End Assessment of CARP (this is a 3 day event hosted by PARC which was held at Cloud 9 sports and leisure club in Antipolo) because I need to go back to San Lazaro Hospital for my second shot of the anti-rabies vaccine. To catch the final day of the assessment, I need to get up early and go to the office as early as 7:00 AM. Unfortunately when I arrived at CLOUD 9, Ms. Leonor (PARC staff) informed me that the assessment was finished. Knowing that I am disappointed not she generously invited me and Kuya Boyet (Motorpool) to eat breakfast. I immediately asked for files especially the outputs/results and presentations of the assessment which she promised to provide me either through fax or email.

With nothing left to do, I decided to go back to the office. Kuya Boyet warned me that the travel time would be much longer now as heavy there is heavy traffic going back to the metro. On our way back to the office, Kuya boyet and I had some conversations, we talked about the office, previous bosses, salary, years of service, we even compared business districts such as Taguig, Makati, and EDSA extension in MOA until Kuya Boyet suddenly talked about his story, his social life, his love life and some mischievous adventures. But I never told my counterpart, I just listened to his story, maybe I’m afraid to confide something personal to a new acquaintance. Then he suddenly told me that he know how to read palm (fortune telling). But I never dared to ask him to do fortune telling, maybe I just don’t believe it or maybe I just don’t care. He said, “Yung lola ko marunong manghula, mejo natutunan ko na rin. Meron akong kababata na hinulaan ko dati, sabi ko sa kanya wag siyang makaklimot sa mga kapatid nya dahil gaganda buhay n’ya. Ngayon nakapag asawa ng mayaman pero sabi ng mga kapatid nya parang pinagtatabuyan sila pag bumibisista sila dun, ikaw patingin ng palad mo.”

Hesitantly, I showed my right hand,





he said, “Maganda ang palad mo, mejo maayos or ok ka naman. Kaya lang sa pera wag ka masyado gagastos, kasi tama lang yung pera mo ngayon. Tapos sa pag-ibig naman, may dalawa kang mahal, hindi mo sigurado kung sino sa kanila.” I responded with a big laugh. But deep inside I said “WOW! How did he know?”

It is true that I have tight finances now, because of the cost of the vaccine and some materials for school. It is also true that I am confused of two possible relationships. “ANG GALING NAHULAAN NGA AKO NI KUYA BOYET!” This is really amazing! I plan to talk to Kuya Boyet again and maybe that time will ask for some more fortune telling!

view from Antipolo (cloud 9 sports and leisure club)

Last week (1.25.2009), our office recieved an invitation from PARC to participate in the 3- day Year End Assessment on Agrarian Regorm. The meeting was held in Cloud 9 sports and leisure club in Antipolo (Cloud 9 is along Sumulong Hi-Way and is less than a minute away from Valley Golf Club). Since, Agrarian Reform is the sector whcih I handle in our Office, I was the one who is tasked to attend the said assessment. I thought Antipolo is just common suburb city just after Marikina. But when i was there, i was surprised with the scenic view. Kuya Boyet (from motorpool) said the view would be more beautiful at night.

10 cc syringe

Saturday (1.24.2009)
1:00 am
feeling sleepy
reading cases for my SpecPro class
went out to got some coffee
stray dog bit me.

Sunday (1.25.2009)
stayed home
spent the whole day asking friends
where, how, what, re: anti-rabies vaccine

Monday (1.26.2009)
went to san lazaro memorial hospital
queued for tests, assessments, payments and vaccine
survived an 10 cc syringe needle injection
went to famous fastfood chain
rewarded myself with a my favorite burger



***the/anti/rabies/vaccine/is/a/series/of/vaccine/i/need/to/go/back/to/san/lazaro/for/four/additional/shots//the/vaccine/is/really/expensive/MASAKIT na ang KATAWAN, BUTAS pa ang BULSA/

We are ready to lead once more - OBAMA's Inaugural Speech

Known for his eloquent speeches and his clamor towards change, the first African-American President makes history as he leads the United States amidst economic worries but with great expectations. Barack Obama’s term officially starts as he was sworn into office and his very first act as the President of the United States is to address the said nation.

HERE IS THE FULL TEXT OF OBAMA’S INAUGURATION SPEECH:

"My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.

At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

Serious challenges

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

Nation of 'risk-takers'

We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and travelled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and ploughed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

'Remaking America'

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Restoring trust

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.

The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

'Ready to lead'

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the spectre of a warming planet. We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

'Era of peace'

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

'Duties'

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honour them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths.

What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

'Gift of freedom'

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have travelled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America."

21.01.2009

24.

Yes, this is how YOUNG I am today! Most people hate to grow old and that includes ME. That’s why I want to forget this day. But almost everybody I had acquaintance with extended their greetings (some sent their messages as early as three weeks ago and as of this writing, text messages and emails wishing me a happy birthday still flood my inbox ---- I think they are more excited than me). I really cannot escape this day! So, I decided to make this day extra special (actually I woke up 30 minutes earlier; I’m already up at about 6:00 am and considering that I slept a bit late because I watched Obama’s inauguration – whew! This day may really be a little special), but I couldn’t think how. I ate my breakfast, went to work wearing my old polo, slacks, shoes and underwear, opened my computer, read the paper, then a thought suddenly sparked in my mind --- Why not create a blog.

I am not a writer; I am afraid of critiques or comments on what I write such as grammatical and content issues. Nevertheless, I love reading, I have been reading books, articles, posts, following blogs, checking accounts on social network sites but aside from the required replies and random comments I never really posted any articles or wrote my thoughts over the internet which makes me a passive cyber animal. But, I noticed that good writers are those who have the guts to express their thoughts and ideas and face the criticisms of their critiques. This makes me decide to be more active on the cyber world. Yes! I know I can and TODAY is the day. I immediately created a new email for my blog account and then proceeded to set up this account. The next thing will be history. “BIRTHDAY ko NGAYON at BLOGGER na AKO!!!”

---giovani.concepcion.psoiii.3mba-jd