Ganda Ever So Much! » Serious Ever

A General Writes In Defense of Paraguay

orman — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:24:59 +0000

Hi, faithful readers… I am posting this letter from Professor Hadji Balajadia regarding the issues raised by another professor from a local University. This is, of course, about the endorsement video which starred PARAGUAY about Gensan’s Tuna Festival. Personally, I find the video amusing and heartwarming. For somebody like Paraguay endorsing a major festival is like saying that we are all co-equals when it comes to loving OUR city. This letter should be read in front of anybody who claims that they are better than anybody else in Gensan. Read on…

Dear Generals:

I would like to laud the conceptualist of the TV Ad of the Gensan Tunafest 2011, featuring Paraguay!

Paraguay perfectly represents the genuine spirit of survival, optimism, resilience, humor and friendship. Whoever is the conceptualist of the TV Ad, I’d like to underscore in boldface that such ad is undoubtedly a milestone to the marginalized groups and communities in the city because it not only privileged the “ignored” and “discriminated” voice, it also de-constructed our traditional notions of the “best representative of Gensan.”

Paraguay represents the common masses, the large majority of the Gensan citizenry. To discredit him as the Model of the Tunafest is to patently silence and deny recognition the thousands of poor voices and faces that he represents.

The Tunafestival is for the common Generals, who labor sweat and blood for the common good of the city. It is not for the privileged few—the rich, the businessmen, the politicians, and the festival guests. I can sense that they undermine Paraguay because he is both Gay and Poor—one who is not at par with Manny Pacquiao.

To me, this is “double othering”—double discrimination! He is perceived by some of these homophobic media and prejudiced nouveau rich to be lightweight if not “nonsense” and hence an incredible endorser of the Festival.

I am seriously aghast by their irrational attitude against this poor human being who wants to share his humble civic contribution to the Festival. They feel that they are the only ones who hold birthright of representing the face of Gensan.

Such exclusionist and discriminatory attitude has no place in participatory democracy!

The life narrative of Paraguay, to my mind, aptly shows the countless stories of many migrants from neighboring towns who are trying their luck in the Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

Let us all remember that the Tunafest is not for the privileged few!

The Tunafest is for the common and ordinary General like Paraguay!

Discounting these marginalized persons from our civic celebration of the Tunafestival tantamounts to ignoring the socio-historical reality that Gensan is nothing without these nameless and unhonored people.

Sincerely,

Hadji Balajadia
Certified General
Fulltime Psychology Faculty
Ateneo de Davao University

Ayokong Magpakasal

orman — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:01:53 +0000

Supporter ako ng RH Bill

Kung ang kuro-kuro ukol sa RH Bill ang paguusapan

Marami akong kaibigan na nasa kabilang bakod

Sa ganang akin hindi lang tungkol sa birth control ito

Tungkol ito sa freedom of choice

Karapatan ng bawat tao ang pumili ng sa tingin nya ay akma sa buhay nya

Kaya’t nang simulan ang diskusyon tungkol sa Same-Sex-Marriage (SSM)

Simple lang ang sagot ko sa mga nagtatanong

Kung straight ako — Ayokong magpakasal

At kung papahintulutan ang SSM

Hindi pa rin magbabago ang desisyon ko

Ayoko pa ring magpakasal

Para saken ang kasal ay hindi para sa lahat

Kung nagmamahalan kayo then that’s it

Work on the relationship

Make it grow — make it interesting

At kung dumating ang puntong ayaw nyo na

Then it’s time to part ways and move on

Just imagine kung kasal kayo at nawalan kayo ng gana sa isa’t isa

I dread the thought so please spare me with SSM issues

Again this is all a matter of choice

Kung type nyong magpakasal then go ahead and make your day

I’d rather stay “detached” and yet free to love

At please lang huwag akong gagamitin ng mga anti-SSM

Dahil hindi ako magpapagamit

I respect the right of an individual — be they straight or gay — to choose

Ganun lang kasimple yan

Enough said.

RH Bill Series #1: No To RH Bill

orman — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 16:00:39 +0000

courtesy of orchestroscopy.blogspot.com

Beginning today, I will be posting different insights about the controversial Reproductive Health Bill. For our first salvo, I’m sharing the point of view of Bro. Manuel de Leon, FMS. His views are entirely his own and GESM does not necessarily share his opinion. This is the essence of democracy — Everybody has a say. Read on, faithful readers…

RH Bill is not about “FREE CHOICE” because freedom is an exercise of responsibility and cannot be legislated. It is not about anti-poverty alleviation because for as long as there is corruption and unjust distribution of the nation’s wealth and natural resources, poverty will persist. What we need is a holistic education that will bring about social transformation wherein the dignity of the human person and the integrity of creation are protected. STOP THE DEBATE. Let us focus our money and energy in improving the educational system which is a mess, passage of a meaningful land use policy, providing adequate health care program, more livelihood and employment opportunities instead of promoting contraceptives and other forms of birth control that do not strengthen the character of the Filipino. We are supposed to promote a civilization that is maka-tao, maka-kalikasan at maka-Diyos at hindi MAKA-SARILI.

Bro. Manuel de Leon is the President of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University. He is the man behind Sagip Ka Foundation. When I asked for his permission to share his insights about the RH Bill, he obliged and shared: “We want an objective and more positive approach to solving our social problems. Definitely, what is legal does not always mean moral. We want to bring back morality in our lives. Morality is about believing, doing and living the right thing even if it is not popular.”

Gensan Camera Club’s Workshop Series: Portraiture Workshop by Omar Gallinero

Banco Filipino Branches Closed For “Bank Holiday”

orman — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 07:28:04 +0000

Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines – Several branches of Banco Filipino on Tuesday said they were closed for a bank holiday.

A person in one branch said management is “fixing something with the BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas].” Banco Filipino officials couldn’t be reached for comment.

Banco Filipino has been seeking P25 billion in rehabilitation assistance and P19 billion in damages from the central bank for the 1985 closure that the Supreme Court said was illegal.

Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco and two deputy governors didn’t immediately reply to text messages seeking a statement.

Spokeswoman Fe dela Cruz said a statement would be forthcoming.

In a separate development, Banco Filipino’s thinly traded stock was delisted by the stock exchange last week, together with four other companies, for failure to submit regular reports. ANC Business

So You Don’t Wanna Wear A Helmet, Eh?

orman — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:00:06 +0000

I came across three of the most disturbing images on the internet. I’ve always harped about road safety and all but admittedly, I have never been consistent about it. Take for example, seat belts — there are times that I don’t wanna use them because it would mess up my shirt. Big mistake. I’ve seen motorcycle accidents with my own eyes. Most of the fatalities wore no helmets. Let these images awaken you, faithful readers.

All these images are courtesy of Asia Injury Prevention Foundation

Feel free to spread them around and let’s help make our roads safe

Remembering The Victims Of The Maguindanao Massacre

orman — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 04:00:47 +0000

courtesy of pusongcheesecake.wordpress.com

The Maguindanao massacre, also known as the Ampatuan massacre (after the town where the mass graves were found), occurred on the morning of November 23, 2009, in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province, on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. While the victims were on their way to file a certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan town, they were kidnapped and brutally killed. Mangundadatu was challenging Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr., son of the incumbent Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr., in the forthcoming Maguindanao gubernatorial election,^[1] part of the national elections in 2010. The 57 people killed included Mangudadatu’s wife, his two sisters, journalists, lawyers, aides, and motorists who were witnesses or were mistakenly identified as part of the convoy. (Source: Wikipedia)

Ang Hirap Kaya…

orman — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 04:52:55 +0000

courtesy of toppun.com

Ang hirap kaya…

Bakla.

Bayot.

Bading.

Homo.

Third Sex.

Sward.

Gay.

Sirena.

Salot.

Berde.

Kung anu-ano naman kasi ang tawag eh.

Pwede bang isa na lang itawag?

Ganda Ever So Much.

Ganun lang kasimple.

Now Na.

Make life easier.

Now watch this at bawal tumawa.

Think about the last bayot na nilait mo.

Malamang di ka pa pinapatawad nun.

Hanapin mo sya.

Humingi ka ng tawad.

Sabay pisil sa pisngi nya then say:

“Ganda Ever So Much!”

You just made one Gay Person really gay and happy.

Salamat kay Dennis Garcia ng defunct 70s Manila Band na Hotdogs. Natumbok mo, pare! Sorry sa mga tinamaan. Talagang para ito sa mga homophobic na tao sa mundo. Salamat din kay Gilbert Tan dahil siya ang nag-share saken ng video na ito. Smile ever lang tayo palagi, Bert!

Live Well, Love Much and Laugh Often

orman — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 01:06:23 +0000

You know how it is about forwarded email messages. I was about to delete this but decided not to. I’m glad I did. After reading this, I realized that life is short and it is up to us to make life worth living. We tend to make too many rules for ourselves to the point that we become so restricted and become like mechanized robots. And all there is to it is simple: Living Well, Loving Much and Laughing Often. Read on, faithful readers. You have been tagged as my friend…

One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer type about 80 years old, came along with them – all in all, a pleasant bunch.

When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, “Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate.”

I wasn’t sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. “Along with heatedapple pie,” Jim added, completely unabashed.

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn’t enjoy mine.

I couldn’t take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldn’t believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim. I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait.
I smiled. He asked if he amused me.

I answered, “Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?”

He laughed and said “I’m tasting all that is Possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life’s so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good.”

“This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven’t been this old before. So, before I die, I’ve got to try those things that for years I had ignored.

“I haven’t smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven’t fished. There’s more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.

“There are too many golf courses I haven’t played. I’ve not laughed at all the jokes. I’ve missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes.

“I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.

“I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.

“I haven’t cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again.

“So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I’d say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart’s desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired..”

With that, I called the waitress over.. “I’ve changed my mind, ” I said. “I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!”

This is my gift to you – We need an annual Friends Day! If you get this twice, then you have more than one friend. Live well, love much & laugh often – Be happy.

SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

Be mindful that happiness isn’t based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we like and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS!

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I’m Sorry

orman — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:41:45 +0000

ang ahas, nakakarma!

This should have been long in coming

I’m sorry, ‘Be…

You didn’t deserve what I did to you

I was an asshole

I was selfish

I was unfair

I broke your heart

But you accepted my decision

You set me free

You kept your distance

And yet I knew that you never left

I’m sorry, ‘Be…

And thank you

Thank you for catching me in my fall

Not a single word of blame

Not a single act of “I told you so’s…”

You just stood by my side

Helping me get back on my feet again

Thank you, ‘Be…

Karma may have caught up on me

But am happy with all the good graces

In your way have come

I’ll always be your friend

For keeps.

For life.

Forever.

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Reconcilable Differences

orman — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:00:27 +0000

courtesy of clipartof.com

I knew something was coming. A storm was brewing between two of my closest friends. Girlie and Bobby (not their real names) is an odd couple. They started as friends and ended up getting married. Girlie is Bobby’s armor-all. She always takes up the cudgels for him – fighting his fights like no other. Bobby prefers staying quiet but getting things done his own way. Girlie has a machine-gun of a mouth but she can really be the sweet doting wife that Bobby can ever want. They were inseparable until she took in a permanent job. Without noticing it, they started to drift apart. They were suddenly doing things separately. It came to head last week when I met up with Girlie who was fuming mad. I’ve never seen her like this. Last night, Bobby, Girlie and I had a heart to heart talk. Each said their piece. I came to realize how much these two people love and care for each other. Despite their stubbornness, they came to the conclusion that their differences are reconcilable. It was a sweet victory for cupid that night and I just knew their love will be stronger this time around.

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Ricky Martin: “I’m A Fortunate Homosexual Man.”

orman — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:00:29 +0000

Nabulabog ang buong mundo nang ibalita ni Ricky Martin na bading siya. Sira yata ang Gay-Radar at hindi ko man lang naamoy ang pagka-berde nya. Recently ko lang (as in six months ago) nabasa sa internet ang mga kwentong bayot siya and I just shrugged them off. But when I came across the pictures of Ricky Martin with a hot hunk, nagduda na ako. Well, all’s well that ends well. It’s official, Ricky Martin is gay. He posted a letter in his website explaining his decision. Here’s the english version of it…

A few months ago I decided to write my memoirs, a project I knew was going to bring me closer to an amazing turning point in my life. From the moment I wrote the first phrase I was sure the book was the tool that was going to help me free myself from things I was carrying within me for a long time. Things that were too heavy for me to keep inside. Writing this account of my life, I got very close to my truth. And this is something worth celebrating.

For many years, there has been only one place where I am in touch with my emotions fearlessly and that’s the stage. Being on stage fills my soul in many ways, almost completely. It’s my vice. The music, the lights and the roar of the audience are elements that make me feel capable of anything. This rush of adrenaline is incredibly addictive. I don’t ever want to stop feeling these emotions. But it is serenity that brings me to where I’m at right now. An amazing emotional place of comprehension, reflection and enlightenment. At this moment I’m feeling the same freedom I usually feel only on stage, without a doubt, I need to share.

Many people told me: “Ricky it’s not important”, “it’s not worth it”, “all the years you’ve worked and everything you’ve built will collapse”, “many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature”. Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth. Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage. Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions.

If someone asked me today, “Ricky, what are you afraid of?” I would answer “the blood that runs through the streets of countries at war…child slavery, terrorism…the cynicism of some people in positions of power, the misinterpretation of faith.” But fear of my truth? Not at all! On the contrary, It fills me with strength and courage. This is just what I need especially now that I am the father of two beautiful boys that are so full of light and who with their outlook teach me new things every day. To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids where born with. Enough is enough. This has to change. This was not supposed to happen 5 or 10 years ago, it is supposed to happen now. Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment.

These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn’t even know existed.

What will happen from now on? It doesn’t matter. I can only focus on what’s happening to me in this moment. The word “happiness” takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution.

I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.

The Truth Hurts

Just Ask. Will Tell.

orman — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:51:47 +0000

Gay people can really be a lonely bunch. Although tolerated, the stigma attached to being gay can be the source of many disputes. People can be callous and nasty. Through it all, I’ve kept my peace. Most of my gay friends would rather keep their relationships in the closets rather than flaunt it. Don’t ask and they won’t tell. Sad but true. My straight friends have accepted me for what I am. In fact, my (ex) partners have been so much a part of our intertwining lives that we don’t even discuss such peculiarity. It’s just the way it is. Like any relationship, there are highs and lows. There are quarrels, both petty and of great magnitude. The learnings abound – in fact, it’s continuing and never ending. I don’t talk about it but when I’m asked, I usually tell. It’s a pity some most of my gay friends prefer to stay in the dark and hide. What’s there to keep? You’ll always find skeletons in your closet. That’s more troublesome.

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