The current global economic crisis is a chain of events, primarily blamed on man’s dependency on foreign oil and the manufacturing companies’ dependency on petroleum for food production. Couple it with the mismanagement of creditors to lend money to people and businesses living beyond their means, which leads to more debts and not making enough money to pay the debts. In the end, all these contribute to foreclosures, bankruptcies, unemployment, high oil prices, high food prices, world wide inflation, and global crash or recession not necessarily in that order.

The United States regarded as a superpower based on its ability to influence the world in all respects, is the most hurt among nations. We wake up with the realization that there is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow…

This sense of hopelessness and fear isn’t only felt domestically. What it means for the rest of the world is that they will most likely be in an even deeper mess if a superpower like America can in fact suffer the way it has. For most anti-US countries, it is a cause for rejoicing but whether other nations favor the United States or not, sooner or later what is happening to the US will have a domino effect to the rest of the world. It is only a matter of time.

Already, in a surprising twist of event, Iceland- a highly-developed country in Western Europe has announced national bankruptcy. How can that be? People declare bankruptcy, companies file for bankruptcy but a country? an entire country?!

For those who think China is the new superpower, think again. They are a Socialist Republic run by communists. They have strong censorship dictating people what they can and can’t read or know. No freedom of expression at all. They even ban certain websites from being accessed. Can you imagine that if you live in China, you can’t even access Youtube or Wikipedia?! They practically control how people live there.  Despite its huge economy, it’s not as strong as some might believe. They are as vulnerable as the next country especially when part of their economy is based on US manufacturing companies, outsourcing jobs in their country. These US companies have declining funds and they are shutting down plants abroad and closing stores domestically. China workers are suffering.

For the Philippines who rely hugely on overseas remittances, what is happening to the world around it most especially to the United States is utterly disconcerting. Last year, the 11 million strong overseas workers (that’s about 11% of the Philippine population!) sent $14 billion to pump the economy. There are 4 million expatriates from the US alone and about 2 million from the Middle East sending remittances, buying properties and creating businesses (=jobs) in the Philippines. This year while it is expected to remain the same, it is already forecasting a decline in 2009. Who knows how many of these 11 million overseas workers will be sent back home or will lose their jobs in the coming months?

While the US dependency on foreign oil is believed to be the major culprit of its economic fall, the Philippines’ major dependency on its biggest export- its human resources doesn’t seem to be a cause for concern at all for the government. In fact they even brag to the whole world that the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) are the lifeblood of the economy pumping those dollars to support the country’s stability and economy.

In short, thanking the overseas workers for NOT having have to lift a hand, for NOT having have to do their own laundry or wash their own dishes, for NOT getting their hands dirty, for NOT having have to sweat blood and tears because the overseas workers are doing it for them! They can be lazy on their jobs because they are getting huge financial support from overseas workers. They can continue with graft and corruption, the things they do best!

Oh as a consolation, they get to call us “modern-day heroes.” Did you hear about Pres. Gloria’s recent announcement that “From now on, call them Expats not OFWs!” She says further that “we should begin to call our overseas Filipinos expatriates because the nature of their job is increasingly more on skilled professions, and they should be called expatriates because expatriates usually get higher pay.” Huh, say that again Madam president?! Are you high?! OFW, Overseas workers, expatriates, slaves, servants- just semantics.

Seriously, that is not something to be proud about! It is a shame to say that your own countrymen are leaving the country of birth for greener pastures and opportunity. That is blatantly admitting that you the government, failed to protect your own people from poverty and unemployment and lack of better paying jobs! I would go back to the Philippines in a heart beat if I know I could survive there and live comfortably the way I can! The Philippines for all its inadequacy and destitution is a paradise to live in.

Does the government actually think we’re here abroad to enjoy the Grand Canyon or Disneyland or just enjoy the view at the Petronas towers where we can relish in the beaches of Boracay or Palawan or explore the rest of the 7,001 islands? We would not have to go to other nations and suffer if you the government can offer more decent jobs for us “expatriates.” This article shows how delusional President Arroyo is!

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I have so many places I call home. There’s the cliche old adage that says “home is where the heart is” that rings true for me and for most people.

It is a paradox that majority of the Filipinos who would do anything to immigrate to other nations, immerse themselves in that culture for years, could live in the country of their choice anywhere in the world thereafter, would in the end desire and choose to be back ‘home’ in the Philippines in the remainder of their lives. In the back of my mind, that’s exactly where I want to be… Someday.

Having lived in the United States for years, I still hear myself saying “back home in the Philippines…” whenever I refer the Philippines in a conversation. There is that constant desire to be back ‘home’. Perhaps no matter how long I live abroad, I will always call the Philippines, specifically Davao and General Santos City, home because that’s where a big part of my heart is.

Where my family is, is home to me as well. Since my entire family is now scattered all across the globe, I just added more ‘homes’ to call!

Yet there is only one home where I feel truly pampered, secure and nestled– where my mom is! Western culture will probably not understand the strong connection we from the East have with family and mothers but it is there. That is why sons and daughters continue to live in their parents home for as long as they are single (regardless of age) and even when they already have their own family (kids and all), because we simply can not cut the proverbial ‘umbilical cord’ that ties us with them.

It is not for practical reasons as the trend now in the United States, where kids go back in their parents home after college because living on their own has just gotten too expensive. It is more emotional than financial (although it sure eases that aspect!)

I (intentionally?) live far from my mother- about three thousand miles far! East and West far. She in California and me in Massachusetts. The setup works because it keeps our volatile ‘mood swings’ and varying incompatible opinions from colliding!

Being away from her has many pleasures yet I always yearn to be home with her. There’s nothing like coming home, where my heart is- to be with her, even for a short time especially that of late, our relationship have really changed dramatically for the better.

My last two visits including this one have been really pleasant and wonderful. (Yes, I am in California!) We’re no longer fighting or shouting at each other, just arguing a few in soft voices and then we’re ok.

More and more I appreciate her presence in my life and how lucky and blessed my sisters and I are to have her for a mother- forgiving, self-sacrificing, selfless and all loving without conditions, no ifs and buts. I’ve never really understood all that she was, growing up. I’m more blessed for second chances, given time to amend things and make life between us, a little bit ‘perfect’ if we could even reach that state!

I have many “homes.” I have many places where my heart is, but nothing, nothing brings me so much warmth than coming home to where my mother is wherever she may be in the world…

The much anticipated Journey 3-disc CD/DVD full album debuted at number 5 in the Billboard 100 and as of June 21, 2008- “Revelation” is currently number 6 and steady. It’s Single “After All These Years” is at number 21 at the Top Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks. *Listen to some of the tracks at the end of this article!

This independent record sold 104,000 copies on its first week of sales “marking the band’s biggest first week sales since 1996’s TRIAL BY FIRE,” according to Wal-mart stores- its exclusive distributor in the United States. How’s that for track record for Arnel Pineda’s international debut and Journey’s comeback?

What with the Revelation album itself? I wouldn’t say I was blown away on first hearing. Like wine, it has to age. As a ‘new’ fan, it’s a matter of taste and distinction. You either love it or dislike it! You’d have to listen to it at least twice to let the music grow on you- and that’s actually a good thing! It means the CD is that worth listening for without having to skip any tracks! And after having heard it, I must say that I like it!

Arnel Pineda truly deserves to be with Journey! He is the missing piece to this long aching band! Rediscovering Journey through Arnel Pineda is indeed a revelation. I can’t believe how great an instrumentalist Neal Schon is, and so are Deen Castonovo, Jonathan Cain and Ross Valory!
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elieve it or not, there’s only one exclusive Filipino Food Store in Massachusetts (MA).  With a Filipino population of a little over 10,000 scattered in and around Boston, that may not be not surprising (MA total population: 6.4 million). But with the Filipino’s innate entrepreneurial spirit, I find that unbelievable. I’ve always thought Filipinos created the concept of sari-sari stores (literally means mix-mix; a small assortment store selling goodies and what have yous).

a sari-sari store in the Philippines

photo credit: chitomadrigal.org

Naturally, I would think wherever we are in the world, no matter how small the number, there will always be one or two (sari-sari store) in the neighborhood. I guess it is only true in many parts of the West Coast (California et al) where there are over 1 million Filipinos therefore tons of market; therefore tons of Filipino stores! Read More »

When some middle aged adults begin to experience that their lives are not the way they wanted it to be and they have little time to change it, when they are on the verge of perhaps a midlife crisis, how does one gets his biggest break at 40 years old?

And when he does get it, how does one process fame, (fortune!) and glory coming from very humble beginnings, from surviving as a struggling musician singing covers of other people’s hits and now to becoming a bona fide international rock star performing beside legendary and iconic band as a front man?! How? Try being Arnel Pineda!

His is a story that could have been taken out of a Charles Dickens novel and as Arnel Pineda himself admits in a GQ interview: “My life is a fairy tale. But I’m awake, and I’m dreaming it.” His is a story of perseverance, hope and never stop believing in yourself! His is a true inspirational story of the 21st century not only for aspiring musicians but for everyone who dreams of making it.
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Explore Camp Sabros, Kapatagan!

The latest buzz in the island of Southeast Mindanao, Philippines is Camp Sabros located in Kapatagan, Digos City. A beautiful area atop a mountainous wilderness of lush greens, 3980 feet above sea level. The cool climate is very welcoming in contrast to the 91 °F / 33 °C temperature in the lowlands. Just about every spot is a photo perfect opportunity! If you’re lucky, you can even see Mt. Apo’s majestic form on a clear day. We weren’t so lucky.

Camp Sabros used to be a private resthouse of the Sacdalans until word got out of how breathtaking the place is! It is managed by brothers Edwin and Pando Sacdalan hence coining “Sabros,” short for Sacdalan brothers.

L-R: Aling, Sheila, Pooh, Mitch, Jaz, Edwin Sacdalan-co owner of Camp Sabros and Moi!

The zip line ride is a recent addition to the camp but now is primarily the reason people from all over flock the park. My best friend Jaz along with other friends in General Santos got invited last year for a private outing but there was no zip line at that time. When the camp was featured in the Philippine TV show Sports Unlimited showing TV personality, Dyan Castillejo having the time of her life riding the zip line, I knew I had to experience it before going back to the States. So I did it!!

I have a slight fear of heights but I just braved it! 380 and 400 meter long, 180 feet deep, the zip line in Camp Sabros is considered the longest zip line in the Philippines. Edwin was so gracious and helpful. He personally assisted our group during our rides! Check out our video and you’ll see how fidgety and restless I was as we were being prepared for the ride and strapped. But I did it, I conquered the zip line! What a thrilling experience!

Some basic information:

1. Travel Time.

Expect about an hour and a half to two hours drive either coming from Davao or General Santos City.

2. Transportation.

You need a 4×4 truck or SUV to conquer the rough, rugged and steep road about 6 minutes short of reaching the camp. For the adventurous and driving via car, you can always leave your vehicle at the base camp of the Mt. Apo National Park and the Mt. Apo Mountaineers’ Trail checkpoint and trek uphill for about 20 minutes or so to get to Camp Sabros.

3. How to get there.

Either from Davao or General Santos, just follow the national road going to Digos City. When you’re in Digos, find the sign that says “This way to Kapatagan” along the right side of the highway. You can’t miss it coming from Davao, but we did from Gensan because the sign is facing one way- from Davao side! Turn right and let the winding road take you to Kapatagan and at the base of the Mt. Apo National Park and Mt. Apo Mountaineer’s trail checkpoint.

4. Accommodation.

There are log cabins with fireplace and its own comfort rooms available for rent for 4 to 10 persons. The price ranges from Php 1,200 to Php 2,000. Personally, I don’t recommend the overnight stay and suggest the day tour only unless you crave the idea of a Baguio-like atmosphere where it’s cooler at night and there’s fog everywhere. Having spent almost all my summers in Baguio City and now living in the east coast, the last thing I want for a vacation is to be in a cool place.

We left General Santos City around 9am and arrived at the camp around 11. We checked out the area, ate our packed lunch, went for the rides of our life in the zip line and by 3pm we were ready to head back home to General Santos.

The thing is, after riding the zip line and checking out the entire area for like 10 minutes- what do you do?! There’s absolutely nothing else! The good part is, there is no rush except when the camp gets really crowded (and there’s a long queue at the zip ride) then you might want to allow extra time. On normal days, a full day is enough to do everything. The camp covers a small area that there’s really not a lot to explore.  You can commune with nature and get in touch with your inner self, etc. but all I’m saying is that: take lotsa photos, explore, experience the zip, have a picnic and go home! That sounds better but that’s just me…! Go ahead, try the overnight stay- you might get to see Mt. Apo’s peak when the fog clears!

5. Fees.

The place is wonderful and the zip line ride was fantastic! One thing that impressed me more however is the FREE entrance to the place! Absolutely no entrance or corkage fees. You only pay for the zip line ride! How nice is that? The zip line fee isn’t so bad either!

One zip line ride and one cable car ride to bring you back:

Riding in twos: Php 150.00/head

Riding solo: Php 200.00

Riding the zip line to and fro: Php 400.00

6. Food.

Mess hall

Have a picnic, bring your own baon (packed meal)! That’s what we did, so really, all we only paid for was the zip ride and gasoline for the pick up truck. They offer food and drinks to order if you don’t want to bring food. The prices for snacks and food are so affordable (from Php20.00 to Php50.00)! Don’t expect gourmet food as you are in the middle of nowhere. Just your basic Tapsilog (Beef jerky, rice and egg) and corned beef with rice kind-of-meal should do just fine.

7. Contact information

Currently, the only way to know get more information is getting in touch with the owners directly. For more inquiries, contact Edwin Sacdalan at 09208750015. As you know, this rising attraction in the Southeastern Mindanao is flocked everyday with local tourists. Edwin is also getting calls by great number so if you have to contact him, introduce yourself via text messaging first for courtesy before making the call. You’re more likely to be entertained that way when you call as your number is already registered via text.

Good luck and enjoy the ride!

Photo lifted from HBO file

In what seemed like Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s closest fight ever, he wins last Saturday’s rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez by a hair’s breadth. The fight lasted 12 rounds with the two champions still standing despite blood gushing into their eyes and faces.

Ultimately, it was Pacquiao’s strong left hook hitting Juan Marquez in the face in the third round that proved to be the deciding factor where two judges (Tom Miller and Duane Ford) favored Pacquiao, 114-113 and 115-112 against that of Judge Jerry ROth’s 115-112 in favor of Marquez. The ferocious hit knocked down Marquez for a few seconds. He immediately regained his composure and continued to exchange equal blows with Pacquiao.

with friend Jaz and Michael

I watched the game at the Lagao Gymnasium, live via satellite in Pacman and mine’s hometown in General Santos City, Philippines. It was hard to tell who really won until the final announcement. For a while there, we thought Marquez would have won it- if not for that knockdown he received from Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez waited four years for the rematch last March 15, 2008 yet somehow it is still hanging. In their first match in 2004, it ended with a draw. Now, Pacquiao wins by split decision. The decision victory for Pacquiao is somewhat hard to accept because depending on which side you are, you’d think that the other party lost and your bet won. In the other party’s camp, they feel they won and you lost.

General Santos City and all of Philippines and OFWs are rejoicing yet when all the fun fare is gone and we regain our composure, why do I- along with some, feel reluctant to jump up and down in jubilation?!

I have full respect for Manny and his craft and because I am from General Santos, I am for Manny Pacquiao. Nonetheless, it would have been sweet victory for Manny and the rest of us if he won it clear cut by a knock out. All doubts in our minds especially those not convinced that Pacquiao won it- would have been eased.

I say there should be another rematch in the future. As to how, when and what’s at stake? I don’t know. But to answer the question: is the Pacquiao-Marquez business really finished? I think not.

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