LEFT OR RIGHT: Does It Matter?

Have you ever wondered why you are right handed (or left handed) while some of your friends are left handed (or right handed)? Is there a difference in terms of personality, talent or motor skills like playing golf or basketball, if you do it using your right or left hand? What if we are all right or left handed?

Why is it that the pair of scissors, pen, kitchen knife, or hammers can be used whether a person is right or left handed? Why is it that you cannot wear your right hand glove to your left hand? How about the things we can not see, like molecules, do this display handedness?

You may be aware that handedness (being right or left) matters somehow. You knew well that something is not right if you wear your right slipper to your left foot. Same with your shoes and gloves. But it does not matter with your pair of scissors, pen, kitchen knife, or hammers, right handed or left handed will do as long as you do it "right" and not "left" doing!

In the molecular world, handedness matters a lot. Like shoes and gloves, molecules can be "right handed" or "left handed". To simplify, let us assign D for right handedness while L is for left handedness. The building blocks of proteins, amino acids are in the L-configuration and carbohydrates like glucose are in the D-configuration. Our body will convert glucose to energy if these are made up of D-configurations BUT NOT the L-configuration type. This means that our body will not be able to obtain energy from L-type glucose. There must be a right fit for you to get the right product.

It is important that you know what you will take inside your body. Some drugs display handedness and you might be taking the WRONG HAND! Make sure you consult your doctor before taking any medications.

TV SERIES

ROCKSTAR:SUPERNOVA

Producer: Mark Brunett
Host: Brooke Burke and Dave Navarro
Judges: Tommy Lee, Gilbert Clarke, Jason Newsted
Genre: Reality TV Series

The quest for a new Rockstar is on yet again. This time around, it's the combined forces of Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Gilby Clarke (Guns N Roses), and Jason Newsted (Metallica), forming the band Supernova, who are looking for a lead singer. Brooke Burke and Dave Navarro are back as hosts of Rockstar Supernova; the second installment of producer Mark Brunett's (Survivor, The Apprentice) ratings magnet Rockstar, that produced Aussie band INXS's new vocalist, JD Fortune.

15 aspiring individuals hailing from all over the globe, try to co-exist in a house filled with rockstar comfort. While most singing contests sparingly show what the contestants do when they are not singing, Rockstar sets itself apart as it extensively features the contestants' lives off stage, dedicating a while episode to it. Having 'out-rocked' thousands of other hopefuls, they undergo a series of elimination rounds to see who will front the new band.

The performance episode features the rockers' rendition of a song, chosen by the judges (the members of Supernova) to test the strengths and weaknesses of each contestant. On stage, some of the actual performances can be called 'rock' while others are overly loud. Drama upon elimination is ever present and the audience is involved in the outcome through voting. The usual flashy lighting and multi-screened stage adapted by most talent shows are ditched for a less grand and underground setting.

American Idol meets The Real World but still the show leaves more to be desired. Each performance episode delivers only one or two that may be considered memorable. It's a good watch while it lasts. It provides entertaining moments on and off stage, but nothing that will be remembered 10 years from now. Like most singing contests the best rocker or the most popular may not end up winning, Supernova will ultimately choose the rocker that best suits their musical style and personality.

CHARLIE BROWN SYNDROME

We are what we read.

Fascinated by comic strips, I try to find reasons why merely reading pages from Dennis the Menace or Peanuts become a daily "food supplement" for me. As Dennis takes time each day visiting his neighbor Mr. Wilson, his never-ending tale of mischief adventure begins. Usually during the day, Dennis greets the morning with enthusiasm, has breakfast with his parents and asks them endless questions usually kids age of 5 ask like - Why do balloons fly?, Why does Mr. Wilson have no teeth when he's an overgrown man?, Why won't mice chase cats and not always otherwise? Eventually, Dennis gets his answers by the end of the day. He considers having conquered after realizing Mr. Wilson does have a set of teeth! Only, he wears it when he's outside and keeps them in a jar when he gets home from working in the garden. Mr. Wilson always shuns Dennis away and considers him a pest because of this kid's endless inquiries but nevertheless, Mr. Wilson gives answers. This is why Dennis never quits asking anyway.

Curiosity is found in each of us. Dennis may be described as a menace but he counters that with his effort to learn and discover. I consider myself very much like Dennis. I do ask a lot of questions and get answers in the end after making an effort to find it out for myself. I've almost given up finding answers about the Bible and what it was really meant for. Are the words really relevant to supplement my daily living? Is there really a loving GOD? How do I get to know Him? Am I living my purpose? This is an endless journey of searching and learning. A build-up of hypotheses surmount before one comes up with conclusions. Questions rely on what we sense. We see a rainbow and ask where it got its colors. Do we have to see to believe?

In Peanuts, Charlie Brown always asks why. Whenever he plays baseball with his friends and throws a dud ball, he lifts up his chin as if asking God - Why? Why does this happen to me? Then Lucy comes up to him and tells him - "You're a loser!" This adds insult to injury as Lucy walks away grinning, laughing her heart out and Charlie Brown opts to find his dog Snoopy to seek comfort. I am also like Charlie Brown whenever I don't get answers to certain problems. I blame God and seek comfort on something that would keep my mind off the problem like ignoring it and letting others find the solution for me. People like Charlie Brown often find it hard getting answers to questions because there is always an effort finding to answers. Charlie Brown always asks why and he seems to blame God for his misfortunes. He is the type who is weak and is easily swayed.

These are just some of the cartoon characters I can associate myself with. Like me, maybe there is also a Charlie and a Dennis in you.

TV SERIES

MY NAME IS EARL
Producer: Jason Lee
Cast: Jason Lee, Ethan Suplee, Jamie Presley, Nadine Velasquez
Genre: Comedy TV Series

A small time crook, a ridiculous half star motel, rolling tumbleweeds and karma, these are the ingredients that catapulted the new comedy series, My name is Earl into a primetime hit.

Created and written by Greg Garcia (Yes Dear), My Name is Earl is about a pretty robber who won the lottery. Earl (Jason Lee, Almost Famous) decides to spend his winnings to correct all the wrong things in his life but misfortune gets him once more. While at the hospital, Earl discovers karma and sets out to undo all the bad things he has ever done.

Although the series centers mainly on Earl, it's definitely not a one man show. Earl brings a band of simpleminded but reliable friends to provide laughter and trouble along the way. There's Randy ( Ethan Suplee), Earl's gullible brother who lives in his sofa, Catalina (Nadine Velasquez), the nasal voiced cleaning lady who works for Earl, and Joy (Jamie Presley), Earl's charming ex-wife who tries to manipulate Earl into doing favors for her. The interaction among these plain but different characters provides help and complications as Earl tries to reach his goal.

The show has definitely gained much attention. Even though it is just on its first season, it has been able to garner awards and nominations from the Golden Globes to the SAG Awards. Most likely, the show's success can be attributed to the good comic timing of the actors, the simplicity of dialogue and the fact that anyone can easily relate to Earl's experiences. However, this doesn't make the series immune from being compared to Disney's 100 Good deeds for Eddie McDowd. Both shows have an uncanny resemblance when it comes to the plot that it's not farfetched to think that Earl could possibly be the bandana wearing mutt reincarnated after failing to finish his good deeds.

My Name is Earl is an entertaining show. In spite of its light situations and wholesome exploits, it offers a unique style all on its own. The plot's simplicity makes it effective, convincing and naturally funny. Although there could be concerns over the fact that Earl's list might soon run out, you can be sure that its creator Greg Garcia and producer/actor Jason Lee are looking for ways to lengthen Earl's stay in the limelight.

Taking Stand

Have you ever met an opinion that sounds more than just that - a mere opinion?


"Have you any idea how much sugar you consume from that bottle of soda?" "I am not comfortable with your short skirt, young woman. Why, you could cause a lot of men to stumble" "Sorry I don't drink. Neither should you."


It really gets to your nerves. Until you realize you've done that too yourself - imposing your opinions on others. There is a term for such kind of "opinions". It is called "conviction"; taking a stand.

People uphold convictions and take stands for several reasons. The issues can range from health to culture; to moral and non-moral issues. Whatever the reasons are, they are always rooted on a basis: truth and "seemingly" truth. When people take clear stands that are based on clear accepted truth, rarely will a debate spark. But often times that not, convictions that find no clear legitimate basis are what irritates us.


It is interesting however, that the Bible (the best-seller book that spells out clearly what is right and wrong) states clearly the proper behavior required of believers on matters where it gives no command or principle, also known as "disputable manners".


In Romans 14 and 15, the issue of debate among believers did not revolve in short skirts or drinking but was centered on eating meat. Apparently, early Roman Christians had disputes about eating meat that was sold in the market. Some held that since the meat may have been offered to idols, it is "contaminated" and thereby unfit for "Christian consumption". Others were concerned that the animal may have not been slaughtered properly according to Jewish food laws requirements.

The Apostle Paul (who penned the Letter to the Romans) neither sided with the carnivorous or the vegetarian in this situation. He has no reasons to; simply because it is not a "right or wrong" issue. There is no biblical command that prohibits believers from eating meat sold in the Roman market. The decision, instead, falls under their area of freedom.


Hence, we derive the first principle: The Christian must be able to distinguish between matters of command and matters of freedom. He is expected to be knowledgeable of the commandments of God, lest he be coming up with his own commandments (when they were just convictions) thinking they were God's.


Second, once the distinction between matters of command and matters of freedom is clear, he is expected to come up with his own personal conviction. "Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind (Romans 14:5)." It is the responsibility of the believer to make an intelligible decision with the intent of honoring God.


There could be a hundred reasons why he feels he should abstain from meat; but whatever those reasons are, he "shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:12)." In short, he has to have responsible convictions. It is not a conviction that is "La lang", to put it in present-day colloquial terms. He has to take responsible stands, far from mere personal opinions. And those stands should have an objective: to honor God.


What do we do then with those who differ from our convictions? The natural tendency is to clamor for people to side with ours, to proclaim that our own conviction is the conviction. But Paul chides us, "Accept". We are to accept other people's convictions no matter how inferior they may seems to us. Why? Because that weak conviction was also made to honor God. "He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God (Romans 14:6)." We may differ in opinions to honor God in disputable manners, but we are to exhibit unity in our relationships.



But then how can unity be expressed in divers God-honoring convictions? Paul provides a succinct answer that sums it all up: "So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God (Romans 14:22)." It means: Don't flaunt it. Don't proclaim it from the rooftop. Don't publish it. Don't even express your opinion - solicited or unsolicited.


It's just between you and God. The moment you tell others about it, either you imply the superiority of you conviction or the inferiority of the other party's. Remember: in disputable manners, it is impossible to discern who is right and wrong, who is superior and inferior, at least from a human point of view. Only God, to whom the convictions are solely held for, is the rightful judge. . . and a rewarder of those who seek Him.


So the next time you are taking a stand, be sure you know if it is a biblical command or a matter of dispute. If it's the latter, take that God-honoring stand without stepping on other people. Remember, it's between you and God.

Quest of Identity

A young man once jokingly asked his friend, "How can you face your problem if your problem is your face?" The friend paused a moment and seriously replied, "Look for a plastic surgeon." It sounds funny that the joke received a practical response. But no longer is it funny if the facial problem is a real problem; for appearance is a big deal among young people nowadays. To look your best is a must or else you're out.

How a person looks and the way he should look are both major issues to every individual. They become more intense to an adolescent. This explains why the necessity of so many facial products to improve the way one looks is the selling point of most ads. Their target costumes, the young people, are enticed to be presentable, handsome, or beautiful. Hence, a lot of grooming aids are being advertised: from the kind of gel or hair wax to apply, to the clothes to wear and the techno-gadgets to display; all are connected to one major aspect of young people - identity.

Discovering Healthy Identity
"Who I am?" is more than just an important question to answer. It is a journey to take. It is a long way of self discovery and formation. In fact, as the person grows, the searching becomes more sensitive. It seeks to answer another question - "What should I be?" In reality, every adolescent is exposed to a lot of different situations that challenge him on whom he should be. In essence, every teenager can already be aware that he possesses a certain identity to discover and pursue. The important concern should be, "Is it a healthy identity? How does one know if he has a healthy identity?"

There is nothing wrong trying to be physical attractive. However, if it becomes more than what he can take or afford, that becomes a problem. To have a hairstyle that seemed to be out of this world or to wear a dress that defies decency is no longer self-expression but a misguided projection. Instead of possessing a healthy identity, that person could be at loss as to who he is.

Anyone who possesses a healthy identity is one who has an understanding of who he is and what he should be. It involves both appreciation and confidence of what he has and what he can do. He accepts his limitations and is willing to work it out, finding ways to improve. So, if you know you're not good at doing a certain task, a healthy-self takes a leap of faith to learn it and master it.

Discovering Your Identity
Forming one's identity is as complex as looking for the right person to be with. It takes a lot of focus and concentration on the part of the person searching. Further, one needs to do some trial-and-error processing to engage in forming a healthy identity. This requires honesty to oneself without pretensions. The exploration that will lead to develop healthy identity entails some risks and one has to be prepared for it.

If a young man has fears and difficulty of expressing himself to others, his exploration may lead him to confusion and loss. He ends up being where his friends are; and what his friends wish will be his command.

Sadly, many young people are trapped in confusion, hindering them to develop a healthy identity directed towards discovery or realization that they are unique and that they can be a responsible and productive individual. They then fail to be what they can be. A typical high school student who just aims to pass will take his class lightly. Studying hard will be too tiring for him. He'd rather spend his time watching TV or playing all sorts of computer games. Thus, he ends up of being an average passer, although the fact, he could do better. An underachiever in his own right.

And as expected, those who care become part of the cream section or special class, and they are those who make it to the top ten. What happens then to the majority? Having settled with just passing grades, they are more likely to be in the less-known college or university. And what about geniuses? Media tells us, "The earlier you become an achiever, the more successful you can be." This is a big lie, for the truth is a person can choose to be who they are. What you stand for will mean who you are. It is a given component of the identity formation. What will shape your identity will depend on what you decide to accept and believe.

I don't have anything intelligent to write. I don't know what I'm doing writing an article. I have no business writing one.

So what am I doing here? Well let's start with the title. A glass jungle is a metaphor. It is my own term for what we daily experience in this urban ball and chain which we call Manila. Matter of fact, the glass jungle is just about any city where you, yes you the reader is trapped in. Can you feel it? Those walls closing in. That palpable weight of the city crushing down on you. I don't know how many of you out there feel this. Maybe it's all in my head and this is just paranoia talking. For all I know, everybody is just happy with the way things are. But if you're anything like me and living is becoming a heavy burden, then step right in, for you are now in the glass jungle.

Miles and miles of concrete and asphalt. Tower of steel and glass and labyrinthine streets as far as the eye can see. Swarms of people moving any which way they like. Night walkers, day sleepers, ghost, vamps, camps, cats, dogs. People, who make you, break you, shape you, and fix you. Filing, sorting, collating, storing. And in all this, there you are. A lonely speck on the face of the grinny surface of a city. Drowning in silence and loneliness while the volume is cranked as loud as it'll go. Making friends with people you hate just so you won't be alone.

Reaching out for any human contact frantic for the next touch and desperate not to let go. And just as you're about to get there... BAM! Glass. You can see through it, but you can't get past it. There is a wall between you and that person that could give you comfort, that no amount of shouting can or screaming can overcome. Do you know that wall? Have you felt it? I feel it everyday.

We all walk around carrying own means of distancing ourselves from those we chose to hide from. As surely if we were carrying a glass cubicle wherever we go. It could be cynicism, aloofness. Perceived superiority, class or ethnic differences, materialism, spiritualism (or lack of it), anything or everything just as long as it keeps as insulated from everyone else. And just as surely as alright jars will kill mice, we are slowly dying from the lack of love. The irony is we see everyone else and their glass cube. The tragedy is we can't see our own.

My dear friends, I can only speak for myself when I say I want to break down the wall. Perhaps you are comfortable in that safe sealed box, and want nothing to do with the world outside. In which case stay put. But if you're like me and want to bust out, this is the trumpet blast. Wake up! Drop the facade and the shields. And reach out. Feel the sun on your face and smell that smoke. See both the beauty and ugliness of life and perhaps for once get involved. Break out now before the entropy renders you helpless. And in later years when you look back you'll say that this was the moment when you started caring. Loving and most importantly this might be when you start feeling.

Now I know why I'm writing. I write because I have something to say. This is me breathing. This is me stepping out of the glass.

BOOK REVIEW

50 Boyfriends Worse than Yours
Author: Justin Racz
Price: P839.50

If you're a woman involved in a relationship, you know that there are days when your significant other seems to be the clumsiest, dorkiest and densest guy on the planet. You wonder why you have to put up with him. Well, Justin Racz's 50 Boyfriends Worse Than Yours shows you fifty male specimens that, on their best days, would make your partner a veritable angel in comparison. Once you finish reading this hilarious collection, you'll love your boyfriend all the more - unless he's one of the weirdoes in the list.
The latest book from the author of 50 Jobs Worse Than Yours and 50 Relatives Worse Than Yours covers a lot of ground when it comes to the worst male stereotypes. Some of those found in the book are just annoying, like the overly thrifty boyfriend (a cheapskate who takes you out on a date paying only with coupons), or the guy who's balding and sensitive about it (Never mention the hair - or lack thereof). Still, others epitomize a woman's worst fears, in the form of Mr.Anger Management, the Guy Who Looks Better Than You and Mr.1.5(this number pertains to a certain part of his anatomy - in inches). To make the identification of these miscreants easier, Racz has included handy information for each. A profile gives you a general idea of what the guy is about, along with his look, his ride, his benefits and disadvantages. Also, pictures are included to help you spot the lowlifes from a good distance, enabling you to quickly run away the minute they start to approach.
50 Boyfriends Worse Than Yours is a funny read, and a bit alarming considering how accurate some of the descriptions are. It proves that while stereotyping is generally negative, it isn't unfounded. While the book is an enjoyable diversion after a breakup, it's perfect as a gift. Boost your guy's ego by giving him this book, reminding him that although he's no Brandon Routh, he's still quite a catch. Or better yet, give it to your ex - with a bookmark placed on the category that best describes him.

"Click"

TIME TO HAVE A BREAK! LET'S HAVE SOME MOVIE REVIEW GUYS!
DIRECTOR: FRANK CORACI
CAST: ADAM SANDLER, KATE BECKINSALE, CHRISTOPHER WALKEN, DAVID HASSLEHOFF
GENRE: COMEDY/DRAMA/FANTASY
Adam Sandler plays Michael Newman, a hopelessly workaholic architect whose profession leaves him torn between his loving family and his pompous boss (David Hasslehoff). Longing for a promotion, he come home stressed out every night, with very little time and energy to romance his beautiful wife, Donna (Kate Beckinsale), or to defend his two adorable little children (Joseph Castanon and Tatum McCann) from the snooty kid next door. One night, just like every other cantankerous, overworked family breadwinner should do, he snaps and vents his frustrations out on everyone, including the hormonal family dog.
Unreasonably peeved at having too many remote controls in his household, Michael heads to the nearest Bed, Bath and Beyond to find a universal remote. There, he meets an enigmatic, bumbling scientist named Morty (Christopher Walken) who gives him a one-of-a-kind remote, free of charge. Michael later on realizes, to his surprise, that the remote has the magical power to control just about every aspect of his life as if it were one big DVD. With a push of a button, he is able to rewind to memorable childhood experiences, mute his wife's nagging, and fast-forward through boring family dinners. But when the remote "malfunctions" and starts overriding his decisions, things go askew.
On a superficial level, Click is pretty much what you'd expect from a Coraci-Sandler team-up. (They are, after all, the same collaboration that brought us lowbrow classics such as The Waterboy and The Wedding Singer.) There is, however, a surprisingly substantial amount of schmaltz to spare in this. A Christmas Carol-meets-The Twilight Zone seriocomedy. While the film is expectedly awash with flatulent jokes, misogynistic sight gags, politically-incorrect remarks, and Sandler's trademark neurotic outbursts. It actually gets serious and mushy by the time the main character begins missing out on important details in his life.
While Click's plot does bear dangerously uncanny resemblance to Frank Capra's It's A Wonderful Life, the film still deserves brownie points for trying to do what most formulaic Adam Sandler goof-fests usually evade to do - to convey a message. The film also features strong assists from Henry Winkler and Julie Kavner (The voice behind Marge Simpsons) as Sandler's parents, and a hilarious blink-or-you'll-miss cameo by a heavily-disguised Rob Schneider.

A Nobody No More

Since I just can't seem to stop this life of mine,
I've accepted the fact that I'll have to live in this world indefinitely.
Life may have been full of sorrows for me these past few years...
But those hard times had given me more reason to appreciate
what life has to offer.

Life is a blessing given to us.
We should cherish each and every second of it.
We should make the most of each passing moment...
For it is not when we are aware
That our life gets taken away from us,
It is when we least expect it to.

With this life, I'm sure I Can and Will accomplish great things...
Things that will betterment our society.

I've given up on whining on how life seems to be a waste.
It does not do a thing to alleviate my situation!
I will still be alive when I wake up,
Life will go on for everybody else with each passing moment...

It's time to take a stand.
Be it failure or success,
The uncertainty of what lies in the future
Should not hinder us from becoming great men of the present.

Life will always have surprises.
It will not always go our way.
These are facts that will forever remain true.
But not facing these challenges is a total waste.
Instead, look at the brighter side of life.
It's spontaneous, robust, and upbeat.
I guess it all depend on one's perspective.

Now, I choose to move forward in my life...
With my friends, I'm sure that nothing is impossible to achieve.

LOVED...IN ORDER TO LOVE

Sometime ago I watched a film. Well, not the whole, but just a small portion of it. Please allow me to re-make that portion into a full story for you - with a little added imagination.

Once upon a time, there was a factory worker in the city. Everyday, he commutes a long way and then walks a short distance to go to work. Soon he noticed something along a moderately busy street that he passed daily. A young girl was always selling flowers at the same spot on the sidewalk.
One day when the factory man was walking by, he smiled at the girl just as he passed. It was more of an act of courtesy than anything else. Of course, he did notice that she was...well, beautiful is not really the word. But yes, she was kind of pretty.
Unexpectedly, the girl did not return a smile. Maybe she did not notice it, he said to himself. After all, it was rush hour. There were people and cars everywhere. And he was some distance away. Maybe his presence got lost in the movements and the noise of the busy street.
The next day he passed by, he smiled again. This time he also waved his hand and looked into her eye a little longer. Again she did not respond. So he took a backward step and approached her. Hello, he said. She responded this time. With a reply. So a conversation started - and lasted many, many days.
He came to know her. Though she was not yet twenty years of age, her sorrows were not few. The naughty kids come along almost weekly. Sometimes they would move her flowers away so she cannot find them. Sometimes they would steal the flowers and throw them away after the thrill of theft wears off. Then there were the unkind costumers who took more flowers than they paid for. But those were little troubles. The big one was her blindness.
The factory man felt compassion. He tried to come to her spot as early as he could after work. Not a few times, he arrived just in time to drive the naughty boys away. Also, he was able to put right a few buyers who attempted to sneak away more flowers than their money's worth.
He even bought some flowers himself. As often as he can. Not because he liked flowers. But because he wanted to bring her joy. That was why he lied to her when she asked if he likes flowers. But more painful than the lie was when she gave him a few more flowers than he paid for. His purchases helped. But only a little. He could only buy so much. And so often. He only worked at the factory. He did not own it. By no means was he wealthy.
When the factory man visited the eye doctor, he was thrilled to learn that surgery can remove her blindness. The thrill was doubled that afternoon when he told her the exciting news. But where will the money for the surgery come from?
He started to skip lunch so he can save money. He took on a second job. Then a third one. There was hardly time to sleep. A year went by. Then another. Then many more. Finally, enough money was saved.
It was a rainy Monday when he took her to surgery. The procedure took long. But he waited every second. He imagined how much prettier she would be. For she can tidy her hair better. And her face will no longer be streaked with dirt - for she will know not to touch it when her hands are dirty from flower work.
Then they brought her back to her hospital room. He stood up quickly to see her eyes. But they were heavily bandaged. The doctor will remove the bandage soon, said the nurse. Then you will see her and she you, she added.
He called her. Gently. But she was quiet. She was still asleep from pre-surgical medication. He waited. But he was tired. Very tired. So he fell asleep. In his dream, he saw her eyes fully healed, seeing him for the first time. And he was sure her eyes did sparkle.
She was already in her mid-20s. And he about ten years older. Why, he thought, I could be a father to her. Or maybe I could be her...
It was bandage removal day. He arrived early. They talked. First, about many things. Then he about her eyes. And she about how he looks.
Then it occured to him. I must shave and wash up, he said to himself. She deserves a pleasing first look at me. Quickly he excused himself and slipped into the bathroom to clean up. It was then the doctor arrived.
The bathroom mirror was an object of admiration. He had not seen such a clean mirror for a long time. But in it, he saw an unfamiliar creature. Sunken eye sockets, flabby eye bags, pale complexion, sinking cheeks, broken fingernails, calloused palms, ugly scars on forearms...-the price paid for holding three tough jobs.
For undernourishment, sleep deprivation and general ill health.
She will never accept me, he whispered himself. I am a tough laborer accustomed to hard realities. But if I dread my own sight, what more she - a young soul as tender and as soft as a flower? She should be spared the sight of this...monster
When her bandage was undone, there was celebration, the noise and cheers coming from doctors, nurses and interns. But quietness quickly set iin when her countenance changed. Her searching look could identify no man in the room dressed like a factory worker.
He is in the bathroom, said the nurse understandingly.
Slowly she got off the bed. The first few steps were unsteady, but the determination kep her going. When she knocked, the bathroom door gave way. It was open. Inside was....no one. She picked up his smell. She also noticed the washbowl was wet. She was pretty sure he washed there not long ago.
She never saw him again. Well, actually she never saw him at all. Or maybe she did in a way, but did not know it.
The wetness in the washbowl was not water. It was tears - once a part of his eyes. But how could she tell? She has never seen tears before. Or water.

*REFLECTION: If one cannot accept himself, it is hard to receive love from another. If one cannot receive love, he remains unloved. If he never experiences love, how can he love? One can only give what he has. If unloved, all he has is rejection. Or hate - the opposite of love. This is why I am most thankful to the Lord God for graning me the joy of receiving love from so many people - my parents, my family, my brothers and sisters, my kids, everybody! What helps me to receive love, though, is experiencing first of all the love of God.

TYING THE KNOT WITH NATURE

Most people cringe at the mere sound of the term "environmental", and one could only imagine the reaction when it is used side by side with the word "wedding". Usually, being co-friendly creates a sordid reaction together with a picture of people forming picket lines of "Save the whales!" After all, it's quite unusual to see a bride with roses made of recycled paper instead of tulips made from, well, nature. Today, however, a new trend known as "green weddings" is already forming where the walk down the aisle can be truly "natural" for the bride, the groom, and the Mother Earth, and not to mention, your pocket too.

1. First Things First - "THE" Dress and Ring
According to Ruth Culver, the first Green Wedding Planner in U.K., one of the best ways in making it "green" with the wedding outfit is to borrow from friends or buy used ones off the internet that are of quality. Obviously, this might not suit well with those who expect their 'something borrowed' not to be the dress they're wearing for the big day, so instead, Culver suggests 'eco-designers'. They are a new generation of fashion designers intent upon creating gowns made up of ethical fabrics such as hemp and reclaimed silk, among others. More importantly, they are able to provide the concept of reusability in their creations. The fabrics are considered to be ethical when they are not grown or made with the use of pesticides or with human rights concerns.
For engagement/wedding rings, the "eco" way to go is to discuss ethical stones with the jeweler and have them commissioned. Visiting antique shops and art shows are also another means of finding that perfect ring, as well as the use of recycled gold or fair trade silver. If diamonds, on the other hand, are your definite chosen style, then making sure that they are entirely disassociated with war zones and insurgent armies like those in Africa is the right way to avoid 'conflict'. Sellers of conflict-free diamonds can be readily checked on sites such that of Green Carat's.

2. Serving Up The Plate - Food and Drinks
When it comes to feeding guests, going organic is the only way - so the enthusiasts say. But if the greenery is just too much for the taste buds, then Culver suggests an emphasis on the use of local seasonal food. These are the ones grown near the location of the wedding, like the mangoes for Zambales, or the broccoli and carrots for La Trinidad. The planner can also opt to buy the local wines and spirits, like our country's own lambanog or the honeybee wine from Albay, both of which are organic. This way, the trouble of transporting all that food and beverage will be kept at a minimum, and thus the cost savings. At the same time, you will be able to boost like a little of that local economy.

3. Presents
People don't usually really have the liberty of choice when it comes to wedding presents, and that's probably why bridal registry has become an essential part in the hitching process. Couples can incorporate in their list earth-friendly products like organic cotton skirt and hemp products, or even plants, trees, and garden vouchers for the green-thumbed. Another popular option emerging is to ask guests to donate to the couple's chosen charities, instead of the perennial will-never-take-it-out-of-the-box china. This alternative can be accessed through various websites offering the service, like Good Gifts Catalog and Wedding List Giving.

4. Accessorize - Green Style
Weddings are never complete without the little details such as confetti, flowers and photos. Linseed, a type of bird food, is an alternative for the colorful bits of paper or rice. Couples could also go for the biodegradable sort of confetti, as they are also readily available in the market. For decoration, one couple in Britain decided to use potted plants as their wedding garnish instead of cut flowers, and replanted them in their garden afterwards. Culver reiterates the use of these plants as either giveaways or souvenirs. As for the wedding shots, digital photography is the current rage. Digital is more preferable than the throw-away cameras because the latter usually end up in land fills anyway, and they use more paper. Might as well take advantage of cutting-edge technology, right?

5. The Honeymoon
Destinations that do not require your frequent flier miles are preferred, but if you really have to have that European tour for your honeymoon, then you might take trains or ships as substitutes. Another "green" option for the lovebirds is to practice responsible travel. According to Responsible Travel's website, responsible travel is travel that benefits travelers, hosts, and their environment. These do not have to be all about nature and conservation. It only reinforces consciousness and local tourism, much like what the WOW Philippines project offers to travelers.


Having the prefix "eco" attached to the idea of wedding bell chimes might really start to dampen the mood of any bride on their Big Day, but going environmental doesn't really mean having to have everything Do-It-Yourself (DIY), organic, or eco-friendly. All it means is for us to be considerate of others and the future, so they might have the wedding of their dreams as well.

It's been 2 weeks since Baby Tiffy left us to be with GOD...
I miss her more each day. There are times when I would suddenly feel tears rolling down my eyes, I'm not hurting anymore, no regrets either, it's just that I miss her SOOOOOO much that I'm asking the Lord to let me see Tiffy even just in my dreams, I wonder how she is right now if she was still with us...
I miss you TIFF...Everyday seems to be incomplete without you, life hasn't been the same since you left...
Can't wait to visit you again! We'll be decorating your "home" when we get there, hope you like it. See yah pretty li'l angel!

THE SKY IS FALLING

The end of the world is coming and nothing can change that. It could end gradually (e.g. climate change and global warming) or quickly (e.g. asteroid or volcanic explosions) or maybe even a mix of both.
The manner in which our world will come to an end is not certain. What we do know is that it will and this is a fact that is most unsettling when you think of the possibilities.

NOTHING PERSONAL
Personally, the end of the world is one scary event that I wish to never have the misfortune of experiencing in my lifetime. Be that as it may, the end of the world is something we shouldn't take personally. All things come to an end and that includes the planet Earth. At the same time, what might end the human race may not be what will end the world. Instead, it'll be the end of the human race but simply a stage in the Earth's growth. The changing climates and temperatures that could lead to the demise of the human race may just be the Earth's birthday. This isn't comforting but it should take away the idea that when the world comes to an end, it's because we have been terribly sinful or have angered the Lord but this is subject to one's personal beliefs.
To some extent, the changes that will go on towards the end of the world only stresses how nothing is permanent. Call it misfortune for the human race on the day it end but it's the way things are, a circle of life or death whatever may be your preference.

MAN AND THE DINOSAURS
Thinking about the end of the world reminds me of the dinosaurs. The dinosaurs were very basic creatures and all they did was promote a circle of life and didn't defy any law of nature (unlike human who have done much to disrupt the natural order of things.) These dinosaurs are more Earth friendly creatures than humans when they were ruling the planet and yet they were all wiped clean off the Earth. What did they ever do to deserve that? Millions of years past, humans see them only as a footnote in the Earth's lengthy past but there's never really any question why it happened.
So I ask the question why should we humans be any different from dinosaurs when it comes to the end of our world? When our world ends, we will be just like the dinosaurs, no reason for the end, it just is. It's likely the human race will make a last ditch effor to save the world (as seen in movies like Armageddon, The Core, The Day After Tomorrow) but when all else fails the clocks will run out. No people crying, no relief operations, no Oprah TV special and charitable celebrities. Nothing. There will be nothing and it will be the end of our world as we know it. The human race and the civilizations of the human race will be a footnote as well in the long history that the Earth lives and it will continue to change and possibly spawn new life again one day. When the world end for us humans, it'll be just like we're dinosaurs.

HOMER'S PREDICTION
I find the entire predicament a truly disarming one that leaves anyone thinking of it, entirely helpless. If you know the world was going to end, what would you do? I was watching an episode of The Simpsons where Homer had predicted that world was to end in a week. Surprisingly, everyone believed him and they all began doing good things. For example Moe, the local bartender, sold his bar and gave the money to charity. On the day the world was "allegedly" scheduled to end, it didn't because Homer made a mistake and everyone was forced to go back to their usual lives. Instead of being happy that the world didn't end, people like Moe were upset because of all the good things they had done and just like in his case, he ended up working in his bar which was now a sushi bar.
Is the time nearing the end of the world really spent on doing good deeds and trying to make up for all the bad ones? Is the end of the world the only reason we ever do anything good? These two questions may lead to very disturbing answers and that would be "YES" to both questions. If that is so, maybe we should even thank God for the end of the world.

EVERYTIME WE SLEEP
As I pondered on that question, there was this idea someone told me that came to mind. The end of the world is everyday when we close our eyes and sleep. Because when we sleep we don't know what is happening and for all we know, the world has already ended. At first, the idea scared me because it felt as if nothing was ever safe. As I thought of this idea more, I realized that it simply advocated how temporary things are and that everything passes. When the end of something comes, there is little we can do, but while it is still there that is the time to do something.

NOTHING=EVERYTHING
As a result, the end of the world helps us to see everything that matters. At the moment when everything ends we become aware of what is everything. By seeing nothingg we end up seeing everything. Even before the end of the world, whenever that day may be, whether or not it will be in my lifetime, I realize what really matters and act upon it. I think it should not take the end of the world to see what really matters or else realize that everyday is the end of the world.
I think that on the day the world ends, be it for the human race or for the planet, the end doesn't really matter. We all know the world will end and that's that but what we don't know and remains to be unwritten each day is how will we end the world. How would you end the world? How would you end each day? Is that the same thing? Maybe it is or maybe it isn't but the glaring question remains. How will you end it?

THE FINAL COUNT

You would wonder why disaster movies are suddenly cashing in the box office of late and they seems to be looming just about everywhere. Perhaps it's simple fascination with the unthinkable or merely people's naturally sadistic bent that lend to the gnawing hype of such big-budget thrillers as The Day After Tomorrow or Armageddon. Then again, audiences can't seem to get enough of remakes that digitalize the gore factor of morbid classics like War of the Worlds and the latest installment of The Omen that had Julia Stiles spawning little Damien the Antichrist last 06/06/06. Every year we hear people say that Judgment Day is coming. Is there truth to this? Religious books are spelling impending doom, and the catastrophic state of the world today only begs to agree. Even the most haunting blockbusters can't compare to the urgent slate of headlines that jolt us back to reality every morning. This time, the most disastrous tragedies are materializing right before our eyes, this is no creative Hollywood stint. This is frighteningly real.

LINDOL-Mapaminsalang Sakuna, Matinding Paghahanda

Gumuhong gusali, nagkalat na mga sugatan, masangsang na amoy, mga hikbi at paghingi ng tulong ng mga tao:ganito ang eksena sa Hyatt Hotel nang maganap ang lindol noong ika-16 ng Hulyo, 1990. May lakas itong 7.8 magnitude at naitalang pinakamadugong lindol na naramdaman sa buong Luzon, ayon sa Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS).
Sa kasalukuyan, marami ang nababahalang maaaring maulit ang malalakas na lindol sa Pilipinas dahil sa mga pagyanig na naganap sa mga kalapit na bansa tulad na lamang ng lindol sa Indonesia at sa ibang kalapit nitong bansa na sinundan pa ng tsunami noong ika-26 ng Disyembre, 2004. Sa trahedyang ito, may naitalang 275,000 na nabiktima mula sa Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India at Thailand. Sa oras na mangyari ito sa Pilipinas, marami ang mawawalan ng kabahayan at marami ang masisirang kabuhayan. Kaya naman napakaimportanteng paghandaan ang lindol. Nang kapanayamin ko si Mylene Villegas, Chief Science Specialist ng PHILVOCS, sinabi nitong nasa rehiyon ng lindol ang kinalalagyan ng ating bansa. Kaya naman, binibigyang tugon ito ng pamahalaan na ipaalam sa mga mamamayan ang mga kinakailangang gawin sa oras na magkalindol.

EARTHQUAKE DRILL PARA SA KALIGTASAN
Isa sa pamamaraan ng pamahalaan ang pagsasagawa ng earthquake drills upang maiwasan ang anumang aksidente tuwing may lindol. Noong ika-18 ng Hunyo, naganap ang malawakang earthquake drill sa Pilipinas. Pinangunahan ito ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo(PGMA) sa Sta.Elena High School. Dinaluhan ang nasabing earthquake drill ng humigit kumulang isang milyong mag-aaral at 40,000 mga guro sa iba't ibang pampublikong paaralan. Sa isang artikulong nalathala noong ika-19 ng Hunyo, 2006, nasabi ni PGMA na mahalaga ang earthquake drill dahil mabilis masira ng lindol ang halos lahat ng paaralan sa Pilipinas. Napapalibutan ang bansa ng maraming "faults" o ang patlang o basag sa tuluy-tuloy na porma na bato, ayon kay PGMA.
Maaaring bumawi ng maraming buhay at sumira ng kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino ang isang malakas na lindol. Bunsod nito, naglunsad ang PHILVOCS ng mga programang may kinalaman sa earthquake drill sa iba't ibang bahagi ng bansa. Kasama rito ang pagkakalat ng mga impormasyong kinakailangang gawin tuwing may lindol.

it's been a week...

I MISS YOU TIFFY...NO MATTER HOW BUSY I WAS TODAY, I DIDN'T FORGET TO VISIT YOU...YOU'RE SUCH A PART OF ME WHATEVER HAPPENS...I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
How I wish I could see you grow...I really wanted to be with you, to show how much I love you, to let you see all the great things in the world and let you have a wonderful life. And I guess GOD made it come true, Heaven is the place where you can see the greatest things in life that you can never see here on Earth, you definitely is living in a more wonderful life right now than what I've planned for you in God's hands! Someday we'll see each other again...in a better place at the right moment and time. For now, you're Ate and Kuya still needs me here though I can't wait to be a daddy to you too. Someday we'll meet again, and when that time comes, I promise to be the best Dad that I can be to you! I love you my dear!

Pagyakap sa Buhos ng Biyaya

Biyaya: isa itong klase ng regalo na nais matanggap ng karamihan kung hindi man lahat ng tao. May iba't ibang klase ng biyaya para sa iba't ibang tao. Swerte nga namang maituturing ang maambunan ng grasya at mas maswerte pa siyempre kung hindi lamang ambon kundi isang pag-ulan ng biyaya ang bubuhos sa buhay ng tao. Maaaring may mga biyayang maliit lamang ngunit malaki ang epekto sa buhay ng isang tao. May mga biyaya ring biglang dumarating nang hindi inaasahan. Ngunit may ibang taong talagang sadyang lapitin ng biyaya, kaya't kahit sa hirap ng buhay ngayon, hindi sila nahihirapang kumuha ng pantustos para sa araw-araw nilang pangangailangan.

Katuparan ng Mithiin Mula sa Bulalakaw

Tatlong-libong taon na ang nakararaan nang magulat at humanga ang mga tao sa Mesopotamia sa matingkad na guhit ng liwanag sa kalawakan. Maraming haka-haka ang bumungad sa kung ano ang kamangha-mangha at namumukod-tanging pangyayaring ito. Nagsilabasan ang mga salitang "falling stars" at "shooting stars" na ginagamit hanggang sa kasalukuyan bilang termino sa parehong pangyayari. Ngunit ayon sa siyentipikong pag-aaral, hindi mga bituin ang nahuhulog mula sa kalangitan noon sa Mesopotamia. Bulalakaw angmga ito na tinatawag na isang meteorite habang hindi pa ito nakakapasok sa isang planeta. Kapag nagkaroon ng kolisyon sa pagitan ng meteorite at ng isang planeta, bumubugso ito bilang mga nagliliyab at nagkikislapang liwanag habang hinahayaang magmistulang pag-ulan ng mga bituin ang masisilayan sa kalawakan.

Mga mito sa bulalakaw
Dahil sa hindi naman araw-araw ang pag-ulan ng mga bulalakaw sa kalawakan, samu't saring mga mito ang nagbibigay-linaw sa posibleng simula at dulot nito.
Sa Arabia, nananatili ang paniniwala na dulot ng mga anghel ang pag-ulan ng mga bulalakaw sa kalawakan. Nagmistulang mga manunudla ng panang nagliliyab ang mga anghel na pilit tinutugis ang mga masasamang engkanto na nais maghasik ng lagim at kaguluhan sa mundo.
Para sa mga katoliko sa Inglatera, luha di-umano ni St.Lawrence ang mga nakikitang pag-ulan ng mga bulalakaw sa kalawakan tuwing Agosto. Dahil ito sa kalunos-lunos na pagkamatay ni St.Lawrence nang ihawin siya gamit ang isang gilingan bilang katuparan sa utos ng hari ng isang imperya noong ika-sampu ng Agosto sa taong 258A.D.
Naniniwala naman ang mga katutubo ng Montana sa hilagang bahagi ng Amerika na senyales ng kamatayan ang pag-ulan ng mga bulalakaw sa kalawakan. Ayon sa kanila, ito ang kaluluwa ng mga yumao nilang kamag-anak na nais silang bisitahin at makapiling muli. Isang kaharian sa gitna ng Germany ang naniniwalang dulot ang pag-ulan ng mga bulalakaw ng isang dragon na nais magbabala tungkol sa lumalalang kasamaan ng bansa.

Wish ko lang!
Sa Pilipinas, madalas iugnay ang mga bulalakaw sa mga falling at shooting stars at sa kakayahan ng mga ito maisakatuparan ang isang kahilingan. Ayon kay Giannina Talon, 22, mag-aaral sa Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, pambihirang pagkakataon ang masaksihan ang langit kasama ang tila isang nahuhulog na bituin. Kung kaya't nauuwi ang pagkamangha sa pag-asang may kakayahan ang falling star sa kalawakang tupdiin ang isang kahilingan.
Hindi pa naman nakakasaksi si Erika Polinag, 17, AB-ISE ng falling stars, ayon sa kanya kapag dumating man ang pagkakataong makakita siya nito, katulad ng lahat ng Pilipino, tahimik din niyang ibubulong ang kanyang kahiliingan. "Hihilingin ko ang mabuting kalusugan para sa akin at sa aking pamilya at maligaya at masaganang buhay kasama ang mga taong nagmamahal sa akin. Wala namang masama kung maniniwala tayo sa falling stars bilang katuparan ng kahilingan natin sa buhay. Tayo pa rin ang magsasakatuparan ng mga ito", dagdag pa niya.

Kanya-kanyang kurukuro
"Walang makapagsasabi kung ano ang mangyayari sa hinaharap, kung kaya't humahanap ng pahiwatig at palatandaan ang mga tao sa pamamagitan ng mga pangyayari sa kanilang kapaligiran", mula kay Alexa Abrensia mula sa Psychology Department ng Pamantasan ng De La Salle Manila.
Isang likas na reaksyon ang matakot at mangamba sa mga hindi normal na mga pangyayari katulad ng pag-ulan ng mga bulalakaw. Ayon kay Abrensia, kanya-kanya ang pagtanggap sa ganitong kaganapan. Hindi rin kailangang isipin masyado ang masamang dulot nito. Sa halip mas mabuting humanap ng mga makatwirang paliwanag sa katulad na kamangha-manghang pangyayari.

SEKSWALIDAD 101...

"Parte ng lipunan ang sex at maituturing na ring bagay na hindi maiiwasan at likas sa bawat tao."
Umabot na ng mahigit kumulang 77 milyon ang populasyon ng Pilipinas ayon sa Census ng National Statistics Office (NSO) noong 2005. Ayon pa rin sa naturang Census, baka lumobo pa ito at umabot sa isang daang milyong katao sa susunod na labing-apat na taon. Isa sa mga itinuturing na dahilan ng hindi makontrol na sitwasyon ang kakulangan sa kaalaman at kawalan sa edukasyon sa sekswalidad.
Bilang pagtugon sa lumalalang sitwasyon, nagdesisyon ang mga kinauukulan ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) na maglabas ng kautusan sa pagtuturo ng Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) o mas kilala bilang "sex education" sa mga pampublikong paaralan.

NUMERO NA ANG NAGSABI
Ayon sa isang sarbey noong 2002 ng Youth Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study, 32% sa mga kabataang Pilipino na may edad mula 15 hanggang 19 ang may kaibigang babaeng may karanasan na sa sex. 38% naman ng mga kabataang may kaibigang lalaki ang nagkaroon na ng karanasan sa pakikipagtalik. Dagdag pa rito, nabuntis ang kalahati sa mga kababaihang nakipagsilahok sa sarbey pagkatapos makipagtalik at 80% sa kanila ang ipinagpapatuloy ang pagbubuntis. Kalahati rin lamang sa bilang na ito ang nagpapakasal sa mga lalaking nakabuntis sa kanila.
Batay naman sa mga pag-aaral ng University of the Philippines Population Institute, napag-alaman nilang tumataas ang bilang ng mga kabataang nagkakaroon na ng karanasan sa sex. Sa katunayan, umakyat na ito mula 18% noong 1994 hanggang 23% noong 2002. Dagdag pa nito, bumabata na rin ang edad ng mga kabataang namumulat sa sex. Batay sa isang sarbey noong 2002, 1.2% sa mga kabataan ang may karanasan na sa sex bago pa man sila maging 13 taong gulang. Bago naman maging 18 taon, 28% ng mga kalalakihan at 12% sa kababaihan ang may karanasan sa sex.

Plano ng DepEd, ating alamin
Sa artikulong Can't feign ignorance of sex ed plan nina Christian Esguerra at Alcuiin Papa ng Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) noong ika-3 ng Hulyo, sinabi ni Fe Hidalgo, pangalawang kalihim ng DepEd na ilagay ang konsepto ng ARH sa mga asignaturang Health, Filipino, Technology and Livelihood Education at Araling Panlipunan. Isinama ang ARH sa mga asignatura sapagkat ito ang makatutulong upang masanay ang pisikalidad at mentalidad ng mga kabataan. Dagdag pa ni Hidalgo, ituturo ang ARH sa wikang Ingles upang maiwasan ang mga salitang hindi kaaya-aya para sa mga mag-aaral.

Tutol Kami!
Naging kontrobersyal ang pagtuturo ng ARH dahil sa dami ng mga tumututol dito. Ayon kay Dr.Angelita Aguirre, pinuno ng Prolife Human Life International, tutol siya sa pagtuturo ng ARH sapagkat maselan ang ibang mga itinuturo rito partikular na sa paggamit ng condom. Ayon pa rin kay Dr.Aguirre, hindi nakasisiguro na ligtas gamitin ang condom sa pakikipagtalik. Maaari pa rin itong magdulot ng sakit tulad ng Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) at Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) na puwede nating ikamatay. Sa pagtatapos ni Aguirre, iminungkahi niya na ang mga magulang at hindi guro ang dapat magturo sa mga kabataan.
Ayon naman kay Filipina Ranada, eksperto sa Special Education, tinuligsa nito ang mga sanggunian ng ARH. Aniya, kulang ang pagtataglay ng moral na aspeto, kaya naman lumalabas na hinihikayat pa ng mga guro ang mga mag-aaral na makipagtalik.

Isip at damdamin ating palaguin
Sa kabila ng mga positibong pahayag ni Hidalgo, mariin pa ring tinututulan ng Simbahang Katoliko ang programang ito. Ani Archbishop Paciano Ancieto, tagapangulo ng Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines(CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, nilalagay sa panganib ng mga guro ang moral at ispirituwal ng mga mag-aaral kapag ipinatupad ang programang ito. Dagdag pa ni Archbishop Potenciano, ipinapanukala ng simbahang responsibilidad ng mga magulang ang pagtuturo ng sex education sapagkat isa itong maselan na bahay na hindi dapat ipinauubaya sa ibang tao. Dagdag pa rito, iginiit ni Archbishop Ancieto na ang mga magulang lamang ang maaaring magturo ng sex sa paraan na makikita ito ng kabataan bilang isang sagradong bagay at hindi isang pampalipas oras lamang.

Panig ng mga guro, ating pakinggan
Sa panayam ng Ang Pahayagang Plaridel (APP) kay Mico Dimanlig, guro sa English sa International Christian Academy(ICA)-Paranaque at nakapagkumento sa Health and Lifestyle Magazine patungkol sa "sex education", sinabi nitong masyadong mapusok ang mga kabataan sa panahon ngayon. Dagdag pa niyang hindi nila iniisip kung ano ang tama at mali, kaya nasa huli ang pagsisisi. Kaya naman, pabor siya sa pagpoproklama ng pagtuturo ng sex education sa hayskul. Sinabi pa ni Dimanlig na hindi lamang ang paaralan ang may responsibilidad sa pagtuturo ng sex education sa mga mag-aaral, kabilang din dapat ang mga magulang. Tinukoy niyang ang mga magulang ang may mas responsibilidad sa mga bata kaysa sa mga guro dahil nagbibigay lamang ng sapat na kaalaman ang mga guro sa kanilang mga mag-aaral ukol sa mga bagay na hindi pa nila alam kng tama ba ito o mali.
Sa panayam naman ng APP kay Joseph Lagasca, guro sa Music Arts and Physical Education, Health(MAPEH) sa Rondon Ernesto High School-Quezon City, sinabi niyang pabor siya sa pagpoproklama ng pagtuturo ng sex education sa hayskul. Napapansin niya sa mga kabataan na hindi nila siniseryoso at hindi nila binibigyan ng importansiya ang mga ganitong usapin. Tulad ni Dimanlig, sinabi rin ni Lagasca na ang mga magulang pa rin ang may pinakamalaking responsibilidad sa pagbibigay gabay sa kanilang mga anak patungkol sa sex education.

Huling desisyon
Pormal nang ipinahinto ang pagtuturo ng ARH noong ika-5 ng Hulyo, dahil na rin sa matinding pagtutol ng CBCP. Sa kabila nito, ipinahayag ni Hidalgo na bukas sila sa mga mungkahi upang mas maayos nila ang programa ng ARH. Subalit dapat pa rin bukasan ang ating isipan sa mga bagay na hindi pa lubusang naiintindihan. Dapat maging malawak ang pag-iisip ng bawat isa at huwag haluan ng anumang malisya ang mga bagay-bagay. Parte ng lipunan ang sex at maituturing na ring bagay na hindi maiiwasan at likas sa bawat tao.

Ritwal sa Ulan?

Iba't ibang ritwal ang nakaugalian nang gawin ng mga Pilipino. Pinaniniwalaang epektibo ang mga ritwal na ito kung kaya't marami pa rin ang patuloy na nagsasagawa nito. Isang halimbawa nito na may kinalaman sa ritwal ay ang ulan. Ito ang ilan sa mga ritwal:

• Pahingi ng ulan

Nakaugalian ng mga deboto ni St.Vincent Ferrer na ilublob ang kanyang larawan sa ilog para umulan. Ginagawa nila ito kapag ilang buwan nang hindi umuulan at kung nagsisimula nang malanta ang mga halaman.

May sariling ritwal din ang mga Igorot sa Bontoc, Mt. Province kung sakali mang kailanganin nila ang ulan. Tinatawag nila ang ritwal na ito na manerwap. Sa ritwal na ito, ilang kalalakihan ang aakyat ng Bundok Kalawitan. Pagdating nila sa isang malawak na lugar, doon sila titigil at magpapalipas ng gabi. Pinapatunog nila ang kanilang pananggalang at magsasayaw. Ang pinakamatanda sa grupo ang siyang nagsasabi ng kupya o dasal upang humiling ng ulan kay Lumawig. Si Lumawig ang kinikilala nilang anak ng Diyos na bumaba sa mundo at nagpakasal sa isang dalaga. Sunud-sunod na pagsasayaw at pag-aalay ng hayop ang kanilang gagawin kung hindi pa rin umulan.

• Maaliwalas na Kalangitan

Dumarating din naman ang oras na sagabal para sa iba ang ulan kung kaya't nagkaroon ng iba't-ibang ritwal para mapigil ang pagbuhos nito. Tulad na lamang ng pag-aalay ng isang daang itlog sa Carmelite Sisters. May ibang tao rin ang naniniwala na epektibo ang paglalagay din ng labindalawang dosenang itlog sa bubungan sa paniniwalang hindi uulan lalo na kapag may okasyon.

• Pasasalamat sa Ulan

Paiba-iba man ang tingin natin sa ulan, marapat lamang na magpasalamat tayo sa tubig na nagmumula sa kalangitan. Lagi natin isipin na sa bawat pagbuhos ng ulan, dala nito ang pag-asa para sa ating lahat.

Mga Pamahiin Tuwing Tag-ulan

Isang bagay na hindi na nawawala sa ating mga Pilipino ang mga pamahiing pinamana pa sa atin ng ating mga ninuno. Nagsisilbi itong gabay sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay o kaya naman sagot sa mga hindi maipaliwanag na pangyayari. Isa itong bagay na hindi man masasabing mainam para sa atin ngunit nakapagbigay-buhay naman sa kaaya-aya nating kultura.
Sa panahon ngayon, hindi na natin maiiwasang marinig ang mga pangaral ng mga nakatatanda sa paligid natin. Minsan masasabi mo pang mga gawa-gawa lamang ang mga ito o pawang kathang-isip ng ating mga ninuno. Ngunit nagsisilbi naman itong sagot ng ating mga ninuno sa mga katanungan ng ating lipunan.
Ngayong tag-ulan, madalas na naman nating maririnig ang mga pamahiing inaasahan ng mga nakakatandang sundin natin para na rin sa ating kapakanan. Ilan sa mga ito ang mga sumusunod:

• Isang napakalakas na bagyo ang nagbabadyang dumating kapag naghugis kanal ang dalampasigan o buhangin sa tabing-dagat, kasama na ang pagkakataob ng mga kabibe at malansang amoy ng tubig dagat.
• Kapag may handaan, maglagay ng labingdalawang dosenang itlog sa bubong upang maiwasang umulan.
• Gamot sa bungang araw ang unang pagpatak ng ulan sa buwan ng Mayo.
• Palatandaang hihinto na ang ulan kapag nakakita ka ng bahaghari.
• Kapag nagsimula ang ulan sa Linggo, magiging tuluy-tuloy na ito sa buong linggo.
• Kapag umulan habang may araw, pinapahiwatig nitong may ikinakasal na tikbalang.
• Isang pahiwatig na magkakaroon ng maligayang samahan ang bagong kasal kapag umulan sa araw ng kanilang pag-iisang dibdib.
• Magkakaroon ng maraming iyaking anak ang mag-asawa kapag umulan sa araw ng kanilang kasal.
• Kung may manok na naglalakad sa kalsada habang umuulan, hihinto ang ulan.
• Tatamaan ng kidlat ang sinumang magpapaligo sa pusa.

Namulat na tayo sa bansang nakagisnan ang mga pamahiin. Wala man tayong magagawa upang mabago ang paniniwala ng ibang tao ukol dito, huwag nating gawing biktima ang sarili sa paniniwalang walang batayan. Huwag sana tayong magpalinlang at maniwala basta basta. Maging mapanuri at mag-ingat.

Sa kalagitnaan ng taon...

"hindi ko sinasang-ayunan ang pagsuspindi ng klase gayong lahat ng mag-aaral ay nasa loob na ng kanilang silid-aralan, basang-basa at halata ang paghihirap dahil sa kanilang pagsagupa sa bagyo."
AGOSTO na at kalagitnaan na ng taon! Kay bilis talaga ng panahon hindi ba? Marami na talagang nangyari sa lipunan na sumubok sa bawat Pilipino. Sa kabila ng mga batikos, banta at mga impeachment complaints na natatanggap ng administrasyong Arroyo, parang wala pa ring nangyayari at masasabi kong matatag pa rin ito. Ngunit, hanggang kailan kaya makatatagal si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo?

***

Panahon nanaman ng tag-ulan at sa panahong ito, kadalasang bumibisita ang mga bagyo. Tulad ng dati, ganoon pa rin ang tugon at dalangin ng bawat mag-aaral, "Sana walang pasok!" o kaya, "Masuspindi sana ang klase!" sabay pikit wari bang humihiling ng biyaya mula sa Panginoon. At kung masuspindi ang klase, tuwang-tuwa ang lahat, pagkatapos ay susugurin pa ang bagyo upang makauwi. Paulit-ulit na lang ang dalanging ito ng mga mag-aaral. Ang iba, lalo pang natutuwa habang lumalakas ang ulan at hangin sapagkat dala nito'y pagkakasuspindi ng klase. At hindi batid ng nakararami ang masamang dulot ng bagyo para sa iba basta mawalan lang ng klase.
Kamakailan lamang, ilang landslide ang nangyari sa Baguio dahil sa bagyon Florita at mangilan-ngilan din ang namatay. Bukod pa rito, makikita rin ang maraming maralitang Pilipinong tanging ginagawa ay maglagay ng lata upang saluhin ang bawat tulo mula sa butas-butas na yero upang hindi makapasok ang tubig sa kanilang munting tahanan. Ilan pang epekto ng bagyo ay pagbaha at pagkasira ng maraming istruktura na maaaring maging sanhi ng trapik at panganib. Ilan lamang ito sa mga negatibong epekto ng bagyo. Naisip mo ba ang mga ito sa bawat panalangin mong sana ay walang pasok? Sana lamang maging bukas ang ating isipan at huwag tayong maging makasarili at sarado. Tingnan natin ang lahat ng anggulo bago tayo manalangin.

***

Ang Department of Education (DepEd) at Commission on Higher Education (CHED) ang nagdedesisyon kung sususpindihin ang klase. Isa sa mga batayan nila upang suspindihin ang klase ay ayon sa signal number ng bagyo. Sinasabing kapag signal number 1 ang bagyo, walang pasok ang mga mag-aaral sa elementarya, sa signal number 2 kasama na ang mga mag-aaral sa hayskul at sa signal number 3 pataas, lahat na ng mag-aaral sa kahit anong antas ay dinedeklarang wala ng pasok. Ngunit, masasabi pa bang angkop ang batayang ito? Isa lang ang alam ko, sinususpindi ang mga klase dahil sa bantang panganib ng panahon at upang maging ligtas ang bawat mag-aaral. At hindi ko sinasang-ayunan ang pagsuspindi ng klase gayong lahat ng mag-aaral ay nasa loob na ng kanilang silid-aralan, basang-basa at halata ang paghihirap dahil sa kanilang pagsagupa sa bagyo. Siguro, hindi ko lang makita ang kanilang punto dahil sa paghihirap na nararanasan ko sa pagpasok tuwing bumabagyo. Pakiramdam ko kasi marami ang nasasayang, kabilang na rito ang pera para sa pamasahe, pagod at oras. Pero ang hindi ko talaga maintindihan ay ang pabago-bagong desisyong ginagawa ng DedEd at CHED, noong Miyerkules(ika-12 ng Hulyo) nakinig ako ng radyo, naghihintay sa anunsyo ng CHED, maliwanag na sinabing mayroong pasok kaya ito naman ako, dali-daling gumayak upang pumasok, bago mag-12 ng tanghali, bigla na lang sinuspindi ang klase. Sana lang mapanindigan nila ang kanilang mga pahayag dahil marami ang naaapektuhan sa desisyon nila. At sana pagnilayan muna nila ng mabuti at mabilis ang kanilang desisyon bago magbigay ng pahayag sa publiko.