Eh-hum # 9

Are you talking to me?  Are you talking to me?

Though I haven't seen the Taxi Driver, as far as I heard it is one of Robert De Niro's best performances.  But I think he's at his best when he portrays a Mafia Don (Vito Corleone)/Mob Boss (Al Capone).

 

Why talk about Mr De Niro all of the sudden?  Friday night I was able to watch "Analyze That" which De Niro's stars with Billy Crystal.  If you haven't seen the this one or the first installment, its about a shrink and a mafia boss, their "working relationship" and the complications that goes with it.

 

De Niro doing a comedy has a same effect on me as Robin Williams in a thriller (in short....ashteeg).  I can't really explain it but when I find the right words, I'll share it.

 

Let's hit the mattresses....

 

I have been always intigued by the Mafia, since I first saw the Godfather (with a handsome Al Pacino and superb Marlon Brando).  I find it ironic that an organized crime group would consider itself as a family (the Boss/Don being the father-figure and leader of the group).  With secret ceremonies and being highly protective of their kins and those loyal to them, a family can be ruthless and unmerciful towards rival families (that's when they hit the mattresses) and yes, the authorities.  I guess this what makes it fascinating, the complex culture behind a Mafia.

 

Originally, a Mafia refers to a loose group of people who joined together  for purposes of vigilante law enforcement and protection among its members.  The concept was born in Sicily centuries ago and during the mid-20th Century, spread to the United States by way of immigration.  It was in this time (I think) that the organization became engaged in criminal activities.

 

Due to the efforts of the FBI, they have managed to control (if not totally eradicate) this type of system during the 1980's.  But the Mafia lives on, thanks to the movies (Godfather trilogy, Gotti), tv shows (the Sopranos) and documentaries, people are still very much aware of the Italian Mafia and the larger than life characters that make it all the more interesting.

Eh-hum # 8

Ahhhh, memories.

If you were wondering what's with the Rainbow Brite picture, let's just say that I was a fan of the show back in my kindergarten days (I still have my Patty O'Green doll).

 

I remembered this show was broadcasted on Channel 9 every Saturday (or Sunday, heheh) afternoon.  Fearing that I would miss a valuable minute, I would sit in front of the TV 30 minutes earlier, which means I had to painstakingly watch the "Incredible Hulk" as well.  Whew, talk about patience. 

 

Bottomline is, I really liked this show when I was a kid.

If you would like to get in touch with the child within, visit Ms Katy Cartee's colorful site or Nick Jr.

Eh-hum # 7

Do I hear wedding bells?

 

Yes.  To date, two of my friends in high-school are married (or at least one of them, one will tie the knot this coming Saturday, 24 July).

 

I find this all too weird.  I never thought that people from my highschool batch are really getting married.  I mean, marriage is for adults.

 

Hmmm...wait a minute.  I am an adult.

 

As you know (or as we were taught), Marriage is just one of the many decisions a person is entitled to in his or her life.  A special agreement between two (and hopefully, just two) people who share a bond (strenghtened by love, trust, etc) and with that have decided to make it a permanent one, before their family, friends, loved ones and of course, God.  Til death do us part.

 

Nice, huh?  But, of course, people have different opinions on marriage.  In my case, I don't really see myself getting married....well, at least not yet.

 

So for "Rogin-E", best wishes and God Bless!

Eh-hum # 6

Thank God Almighty, FREE at last!

 

Mr Dela Cruz, the transnational truck driver that was hostaged for two weeks, still has his head and is safe and sound.

 

After all that brutal beheadings in the hands of Iraqi terrorists, this is definitely great news.  Who would've thought that they would also hostage a Filipino, a civilian at that.  I'd say it is because of our alliance with the United States that made us fair game as well (even we did just send 51 troops). 

 

While Dela Cruz and family will have a tearful, heartfelt reunion, Washington and its allies still think this was a big mistake.

 

Well, well.

 

First of all, I just hope that they do find those WMDs and find hardcore evidence that Saddam is thisclose with the Al-Qaeda (let me check Dr Rice's statement on this one).

 

Second, I just hope President Bush will win this coming elections.  I'm not following the US campaign race but due to the turn of events, I am wondering what Kerry's stance on Iraq.

 

Saving a life of a Filipino OFW, True. But, I wonder.....

Eh-hum # 5

Eh-hum.
 
Let me just wish my younger sister a happy "18th" birthday and see you real soon.
 
Now...back to werk c",)

Eh-hum # 4

Here we go.

It seems that I am having "problems" updating the Henyo Blog.  Hehehehe. 

 

Is it because the demand of work? or out of sheer katamaran?  Haynaku.  Why did I made this blog in the first place?  Hmmmm....

 

Okay.  After giving it some thought, I don't think its a good idea to dwell on this subject.   

 

Moving....

 

So it has come to this.  The Government has decided to pull the country's small (try tiny) contingent from Iraq starting today.  Good move or bad move? 

 

The US and its allies thinks its a BAD idea, because it gives  the terrorists the "wrong signal" of giving in to their demands.  This move by PGMA is soooo BAD, that "Washington and its other allies were reexamining relations with Manila".  It didn't stop there.  Let me also sight the comment made by TV host and weirdo (as described by Sen. Biazon) Jay Leno that we Filipinos are a bunch of scaredy cats (This strikes me as a bit odd since this is the same guy who, through his show's sketches, would make FUN of President Bush. Not really a credible source, eh?).

 

Why is it a good move?  A country's foreign policy is an extension of its national interest.  If that is the case, in order to save an innocent life and the rest of the Filipinos in Iraq, the Government made the decision to recall its troops earlier than scheduled.  Whatever option that is for the good of the nation, it is the right option.  In a sense, this is what every sovereign state should be doing.

 

Aaahhh! Decisions, decisions.

 

So, the President decided to bring our troops home, even with the fear of a "possible economic retribution from the United States".  In my opinion,  I think the President is doing the right thing, afterall, the Government did jumped in the coalition hastily without any SOLID proof.  Not really sure what intel report this decision was based on but I am guessing this is what most Filipinos wanted.  Majority wins.

 

Our 51 manned contingent in Iraq is tiny compared to the thousands sent by the US, UK, Australia and other members of the coalition of the willing.  Then why is it such a big deal (NOTE:  We are leaving AHEAD of schedule.  Its not like we promised to stay there, like, forever)?  I am guessing that if more countries participated in this US-led (and without the consent of the United Nations) hunt for Iraqi WMDs, it will considered as legitimate (the end justifies the means).  By the way, where are those pesky WMDs?

 

So Uncle Sam, give us a break.  Our contingent will be most useful here to deal with the ASG and MILF and this will serve as our commitment in the war against terror.  What's with this so-called economic retribution from the US?  So, we will be "punished" for prioritizing our national interest.  Isn't that....like....bullying? 

 

I think this is a good read, it will spare the Filipino people from trying to explain ourselves for the Goverment's decision.

Eh-hum # 3

That was close.

Before the week ends, I remembered to post something as part of my commitment to enhance this blog.

Yesterday's headline was amusing. Nope, Madame, you don't have to do that, not even for me (obviously, this is an exclusive joke). :)

However, today's Inquirer headline was alarming.

Though it wouldn't be until October, I can't understand why the President acknowledged the resignation of Ms Soliman.   I picture every social worker to be like Ms Soliman: down to earth, compassionate, energetic and witty.   Its unfair to think that what a social worker does is simply described as helping the poor.   Helping the poor means having to deal with a LOT of issues, from basic services to human development. 

 

These people I truly admire.  However, I can honestly say that I cannot be like them.  The thing is, I sometimes find myself weary of the poor (and their demands).  On bad days, I wonder if all of them deserve the support of the Government and Civil Society.  Uh-oh.

I hope once the Vice-President takes on the role of DSWD Secretary, it wouldn't treat it like an extension of his TV show. On the other hand, I think he will strive to do good, since the President had to give up a cabinet official like Soliman.