YOU ARE SO BLESSED...

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won't survive the week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world. If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world. If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. If your parents are still married and alive, you are very rare, especially in the United States. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not. If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch. If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all. You are so blessed in ways you may never even know. If you are feeling blessed, repay the blessings bestowed unto you and do something for others. A blessing cannot be kept. If it stops with you, then the blessing will disappear. The blessing will only keep working if it is continuously passed around. If you are a recipient of a blessing, keep the blessing working by being the source of blessing to other people.

LET'S TAKE A BREAK FOR EASTER!

B A G E T S

Back in 1990, when my brother, Manong Oscar, was the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), I also introduced myself as the Secretary of Transformation and Communion!

Come to think of it, the whole Lenten Season is simply the call toward real conversion and transformation of one’s heart and character, and, toward a deeper, more personal communion with God and others, especially the less fortunate in our midst. It’s the time to be renewed and vibrant, to be BAGETS (not bakets - Ilocano word for old woman) in our spiritual life once again.

So, let’s go B - A - G - E - T - S for Lent!

B – Balik Panginoon (Back to God)

Let us bring back God into our hearts by making a good confession. When was the last time you really humbled yourself and asked to be forgiven by your God? Right away, the evil one will tell you that you have no real sins (denial), that it’s really not that bad so there’s no need to go to confession (rationalization) and that you go to confession “tsaka na lang" (postponement).

A – Alis Galit (Away with anger)

Look into your heart and dispose all the useless junk you’ve been carrying in your heart all these years. You are not obliged to be miserable in this life! Forgive and you are free. Continue to be angry and resentful and you are miserable. You have been forgiven much. Be grateful. Be forgiving. End your private wars and battles. In the end, nobody wins if nobody forgives. Forget your favorite refrain that says "Me and me against the world." And stop being calculating and exacting in your relationships. Dapat give na give ka, huwag lang one-give, two gives, three gives!

G – Gawa Mabuti (Go for good actions)

Share naman. You who have much in life, please help the many people suffering around. I raise again the question: How much money do you really need in this life to be happy? How much of that money you are accumulating and holding on so can you take along with you when you leave this world? Remember, to whom much is given, much is also required. Again, be reminded that the riches (time, talent, and treasure) that you give away are the only riches you bring with you to eternity. Use your money for your salvation, not for your condemnation.

E – Express Your Love

Slow down and take time for God and people, and also for yourself. A very good practice is to kneel down as soon as you wake up and before you sleep to express your adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, supplication (ACTS) to your God. Another doable and very renewing practice is to drop by a church just to spend some moments of quiet and prayer — the candle glow once more! On the human level, it is amazing how we can “starve" other people of our love. We give only the comfortable installment, as it were, with a plan to give the lump sum when the person is dead or dying already. When it comes to loving, regular daily shower is better than a long drought with a final big downpour. Little things mean a lot, and it takes very little to make our loved ones happy. A phone call. A smile. A pat on the back. A hug. Very doable. Just do it now.

T – Tanggal Bisyo (Take away vice)

Someone once told me that he had no temptations. Why? Because as soon as temptation comes, he’d give in right away! We must not give up fighting our vices and weaknesses. We must continue to try and avoid the occasions and persons that lead us to sin. It would be a good idea to chart once the stages and steps that led you to a particular sinful moment. Once you know that road, avoid it. That’s right: take the "road less traveled." It leads to peace. It leads to Heaven.

S – Smile

Whatever sacrifice or good deeds you do, do it with a smile. God loves a cheerful giver, and God blesses a generous grateful (not resentful) heart. Take away that "Good Friday look" from your face and that "far-away look" in your eyes.

S – Secret

If you want to experience real joy, do all of the above in secret.

Let it be something just between you and your God, and you’ll experience a joy which the world cannot give or take away. Come to think of it, maybe this is the reason I started this with a note about being a secretary — a reminder to keep our Lenten project of transformation and communion a secret.

A Moment with the Lord

Lord, you are calling me again

towards deeper conversion.

Today, this moment, I hear your voice.

Help me not to harden my heart.

Amen.

Elvis Presley - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me

IL DIVO - POR TI SEREI

THE SERENITY PRAYER

The Serenity Prayer is a prayer written by Reinhold Niebuhr on July 1, 1943. Early in World War II, the prayer was printed on cards and distributed to the troops by the U.S.O. However, the prayer is reported to have been used before that date in Twelve-step programs for those recovering from hurts, habits and hang-ups.

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING

Come gather 'round knights
Wherever you roam
And admit that corruption
Around you has grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't give up too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no doubt who
That it's namin'.
For the winner now
Will be later to lose
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come knights and ladies
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that stands still
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'.
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come brothers and sisters
Throughout the world
And don't turn away
you must understand
Your leaders and elders
Have failed you and him
Their old road is rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.

The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be last
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'.
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'.

Sébastien Izambard (Il Divo) To Where You Are

IL Divo Without You-Siempre

Il Divo Mama

Please listen to the lyric... it's can touch your heart....

IT'S CARNIVAL IN VENICE ON MARDI GRAS!

Last February, Sara, Sophie and I went on a week grand tour to Venice, Budapest and Prague by car that took us a total mileage of about 2500 from Brussels. For the past three years, it has somehow become a tradition to go down to Italy for the Mardi Gras. With the increasing demand on Venice at this time of the year, it's likely impossible to get accommodations at a short notice within the 50 miles range, unless there are last-minute cancellations. Fortunately, we were able to get a room at the same pension of last year near the train station in Mestre, some 3 miles from Venice. The weather was unusually bright for the carnival festivities on Sunday. We're just too lucky to be able to get seats on a less crowded train and mingled with locals who were dressed in colorful gypsy costumes and Austrian military uniforms to whom I obliged a couple of hand readings or so. What a surprise to see all of those people arriving and waiting for their turns to board the vaporetto (ferry). I could imagine how all those trains must have been diverted to Venice that day and at frequent intervals. It was like a circus! In order not to miss the main attractions or freeze slowly in the cold, we hastily decided to go directly to Piazza San Marco on foot. The array of masks and costumes this year was fantastic and superb. I was so overwhelmed by the state of the art of their presentation and the richness of their colors that made me ran out of superlatives and dried up my throat from gasping. Although I was somewhat embarrassed, I felt intimidated but thrilled to wear a simple woolen poncho and mixed with the participants and beat the biting wintry air at the same time. I even thought of donning an authentic Japanese ceremonial mask as an extra attraction but Sara dissuaded me to do so because it would not only be too fragile to survive the trip but would also look ridiculous on me! Anyway, who'd notice the difference? I'll think of something shocking and original next time. What about an aging scuba diver in a skimpy bikini on a sub-zero temperature? Or a vulgarly dressed trainer in an imitation leopard tight strapped on the back of a stuffed lion? It would surely make Bernstein puke like a Viennese choirboy who stole his first lick on somebody's lollypop. Who cares? This is the only time of the year when one can dare to manifest his innermost fantasies and urges without being obnoxious, n'est-ce pas?

Touring Venice on a slightly overcast afternoon, particularly when the sun begins to set, could make an artist out of an ordinary mortal to admire its beauty and splendor as its golden reflection blends with its landscape and surroundings on the horizon. Although it could have long been a sentiment of déjà-vu, I still couldn't help but be carried away in awe by the mysterious glow of its magical sights and the sounds of laughter of the crowd on that special occasion. The stroll along the narrow alleys and around the canals was a highly enriching cultural experience. The old buildings must have undergone series of renovations, but they still keep their original architectural features throughout the centuries. The turnout this year must have doubled and there was hardly room to move comfortably or take pictures freely. What's even worst was when we reached the main bridge leading to the train station on our way back. Apparently, the crowd could have been at a standstill for a long while because I overheard from somebody in passing that it took him an hour to cross such a short bridge! The only alternative I saw was to swim across the canal if it were humanly possible to get through to the quay without getting hurt or being trampled! It's too scary for the first time to see how the local police force was called in to direct traffic in and out of the narrow alleys. There was certainly no way for safety whatsoever in case a panic breaks out. Finally, I was relieved when the policemen arrived to divert us to a private alley that leads to the train terminals. On the other hand, getting into an overcrowded train could be more chaotic than in a Tokyo subway during rush hours. It could also be a maddening experience unless one enjoys being a masochist of getting the thrill being squeezed or groped by perfect strangers. Or, it could even turn into a nightmare if he ever comes face to face with a grinning and foul-smelling monster that wouldn't hesitate to make a break the minute he has the opportunity! Comparing the pros and the cons of getting the kick out of such a pandemonium, I wonder if it was really worthwhile to travel that far and go through a wild goose chase in order to satisfy an inner urge to make an once-in-a-lifetime dream come true, regardless how crazy it could be!

We left Italy for Hungary early Monday morning under a pouring rain. It was already snowing heavily before we reached the Austrian border. Surprisingly, we found driving in a blizzard very difficult and dangerous. Without any previous experience and the necessary equipment on hand under such a condition, we nearly panicked when our car got stuck on the roadside and nobody cared to stop to bail us out. We tried all the tricks to free the car, but we seemed to be stuck for good. As a last ditch, we cleared with our hands and feet all the snow that had accumulated and put the car carpets under the front tires. What a relief when we finally managed to move the car! But some 20 miles further, however, our car skidded across the icy road. I drove moderately fast inside the tunnel and the car went out of control at the exit that I thought it would roll over. Fortunately, there wasn't much traffic and I succeeded to maneuver and stop it a few inches before it hit the guardrail at the edge of a precipice! I didn't know how much snow had fallen that day but I already thought of going back to Brussels directly if it didn't stop snowing. During the slow drive, I decided to continue because I supposed the road condition everywhere in Central Europe was the same. After all these commotions we made it to the Hungarian border before dark. There wasn't fresh snow on the road, but Budapest was about 200 miles from the border and somehow it was too late to proceed directly. So, we spent the night in a pension in Vesprem. We originally planned to stay in Budapest for a day or two to sightsee and shop around. But with a gray and freezing weather, it wasn't the best time to visit the city. It must have taken us more than an hour to get across the traffic lights on the main thoroughfares. I had to park briefly in front of a bank while Sara and Sophie rushed inside to change money. We searched for pensions in the suburbs, but in vain. I suppose they must have closed shop for the season. Much to our regret, we just had to leave Budapest after circling it for half a day, but planned to come back when the weather would be warmer and brighter.

It was like a homecoming when we got to Prague the next day. We seemed to have gotten lost our way again and went around the city for an hour searching for the pension where we last stayed. After a long tiring drive and continuous bickering on wrong directions, we had to contend ourselves with a two-night accommodation in a university residence where we stayed during our first visit in 1994. As the city transportation is cheap and frequent, we decided to leave the car behind. We were able to get to the places we wanted to see and the souvenirs to buy in one day. There wasn't the usual crowd on the famous Charles Bridge at this time of the year, but there were a considerable number of tourists in the old town. We hope to stay longer next time to be able to see other sights and shop at ease. Visiting three cities and driving across eight European countries in seven days proved to be so exhausting that a week wouldn't suffice to get a complete rest and be back to normal.

IT'S TIME FOR A JOKE!

ALL BLUE

"I think I have a problem, Doc," says a patient. "One of my balls has turned blue."

The doctor examines the man briefly and concludes that the patient will die if he doesn't have his testicle removed.

"Are you crazy?!" bursts the patient. "How could I let you do such a thing to me!"

"You want to die?" asks the doctor rhetorically, at which point the patient has to agree to have his testicle removed.

Two weeks after the operation, the patient comes back. "Doc, I don't know how to say this, but the other ball has turned blue, too."

Again, the doctor tells him that if he wants to live, his other testicle must be cut off, too. Again, the man is very reluctant to the idea.

"Hey, you want to die?" asks the doctor, and the patient has to agree with the operation. After two weeks of being testicle-less, the patient returns to the doctor and says, "I think something is very wrong with me. My penis is now completely blue."

After briefly examining the patient, the doctor gives him the bad news: If he wants to live, his penis has to go. Of course, the patient does not want to hear about it.

"You want to die?" asks the doctor.

"But...how do I pee?"

"We'll install a plastic pipe, and there will be no problem." So the patient has his penis removed, and, a while after the operation, the unfortunate man enters the doctor's office again. He is very angry.

"Doctor, the plastic pipe turned blue!"

"What?"

"Can you tell me what the hell is happening??"

The doctor examines the patient more carefully and says, "Hmmm, I don't know. Could it be the jeans?"

HORRIBLE DEATHS

Three men were standing in line to get into heaven one day. Apparently it had been a pretty busy day, though, so St. Peter had to tell the first one, "Heaven's getting pretty close to full today, and I've been asked to admit only people who have had particularly horrible deaths. So what's your story?"

The first man replies: "Well, for a while I've suspected my wife has been cheating on me, so today I came home early to try to catch her red-handed. As I came into my 25th floor apartment, I could tell something was wrong, but all my searching around didn't reveal where this other guy could have been hiding. Finally, I went out to the balcony, and sure enough, there was this man hanging off the railing, 25 floors above ground! By now I was really mad, so I started beating on him and kicking him, but wouldn't you know it, he wouldn't fall off. So finally I went back into my apartment and got a hammer and starting hammering on his fingers. Of course, he couldn't stand that for long, so he let go and fell-but even after 25 stories, he fell into the bushes, stunned but okay. I couldn't stand it anymore, so I ran into the kitchen, grabbed the fridge, and threw it over the edge where it landed on him, killing him instantly. But all the stress and anger got to me, and I had a heart attack and died there on the balcony."

"That sounds like a pretty bad day to me," said Peter, and let the man in.

The second man comes up and Peter explains to him about heaven being full, and again asks for his story.

"It's been a very strange day. You see, I live on the 26th floor of my apartment building, and every morning I do my exercises out on my balcony. Well, this morning I must have slipped or something, because I fell over the edge. But I got lucky, and caught the railing of the balcony on the floor below me. I knew I couldn't hang on for very long, when suddenly this man burst out onto the balcony. I thought for sure I was saved, when he started beating on me and kicking me. I held on the best I could until he ran into the apartment and grabbed a hammer and started pounding on my hands. Finally I just let go, but again I got lucky and fell into the bushes below, stunned but all right. Just when I was thinking I was going to be okay, this refrigerator comes falling out of the sky and crushes me instantly, and now I'm here."

Once again, Peter had to concede that that sounded like a pretty horrible death.

The third man came to the front of the line, and again the whole process was repeated. Peter explained that heaven was full and asked for his story.

"Picture this," says the third man, "I'm hiding naked inside a refrigerator..."

APPLES AND ORANGES

A young teenaged girl was a prostitute and, for obvious reasons, kept it a secret from her grandma. One day, the police raided a brothel and arrested a group of prostitutes, including the young girl. The prostitutes were instructed to line up in a straight line on the sidewalk. Well, who should be walking in the neighborhood, but little old Grandma. The young girl was frantic.

Sure enough, Grandma noticed her young granddaughter and asked curiously, "What are you lining up for, dear?" Not willing to let grandma in on her little secret, the young girl told her that some people were passing out free oranges and that she was lining up for some.

"Mmm, sounds lovely," said Grandma. "I think I'll have some myself," she continued as she made her way to the back of the line. A police officer made his way down the line, questioning all of the prostitutes. When he got to Grandma, at the end of the line, he was bewildered. "But you're so old... how do you do it?"

Grandma replied, "Oh, it's quite easy, sonny... I just remove my dentures and suck 'em dry!"

TWO OLD PENSIONERS

Two old pensioners are taking a trip down memory lane by going back to the place where they first met.

Sitting at a café, the little old man says, "Remember the first time I met you over 50 years ago? We left this cafe, went round the corner behind the gas works, and I gave you one from behind."

"Why, yes, I remember it well, dear," replies the little old lady with a grin.

"Well, for old time's sake, let's go there again. and I'll give you one from behind."

The two pensioners pay their bill and leave the cafe. A young man sitting next to them has overheard the conversation and smiles to himself, thinking it would be quite amusing to see two old pensioners at it. He gets up and follows them. Sure enough, he sees the two pensioners near the gas works. The little old lady pulls off her knickers and lifts up her dress.

The old man pulls down his pants and grabs the lady's hips, and the little old lady reaches for the fence. Well, what follows is 40 minutes of the most athletic sex the man has ever seen. The little old man is banging away at the little old woman at a pace that can only be described as phenomenal. Limbs are flying everywhere, the movement is a blur, and they do not stop for a single second. Finally, they collapse and don't move for an hour.

Well, the man is stunned. Never in his life has he ever seen anything that equates to this -- not in the movies, not from his friends, not from his own experiences.

Reflecting on what he has just seen, he says to himself, "I have to know his secret. If only I could shag like that now, let alone in 50 years' time!"

The two old pensioners have by this time recovered and dressed themselves. Plucking up courage, the man approaches the pensioner.

He says, "Sir, in all my life I have never seen anybody shag like that, particularly at your age. What's your secret? Could you shag like that 50 years ago?"

The pensioner replies, "Son, 50 years ago, that fucking fence wasn't electrified."

What Does Your Valentine Mean To You?

Valentine for Perfect Strangers

HAPPY VALENTINE TO YOU ALL!

Carnival of Venice 2003 - Part 1

Carnival of Venice 2003 - Part 2

Carnival of Venice 2003 - Part 3

MEN ON FITNESS

MY WAY - Karaoke Song Track

CONCIERTO IL DIVO

Ehemplo

Men on Film In Living Color

Damon Wayans and David Alan Grier give video reviews as Blaine Edwards and Antoine Merriwether.

THE CARPENTERS - YESTERDAY ONCE MORE (KARAOKE)

STEPHEN SHEY IN CONCERT

Anak Dalita by Franciso Santiago

AY, KAY LUNGKOT!

Ahay! Kalisud
(Ilonggo folk song)
Music arranged by
Jovita Fuentes

Ahay kalisud, kalisud ng binayaan
Adlao gabi firmita itao gui natangisan
Ahay Inday nga walay sing kapalaran
Walay guid walay guid
Sarang ko kalipayan

Ay cielo azul iabao! diin ka na
Baluiguita bangi ang nabilango sang gugma
Mayad pa ang mamatay kun halus mamatay
Agud di ako maka dumdum
Nga ako walay kalipay.


Filipino Translation:

Ay, Kay Lungkot!
(Ilonggo Folk Song)
Tagalog lyrics by
Jose Corazon de Jesus

Ay! ay, kay lungkot
Kay lungkot ang binayaan
Gabi't araw ay ikaw ang tinatangisan
Ay! ay, naku kay sawi kong kapalaran
Wala na, wala na akong kaligayahan.

Ay mutyang sinta, nahan kaya ikaw baga?
Lingapin mo sana ang nabilanggo sa dusa
Buti pang mamatay, tuluyang mamatay
Ng di ko na damdamin pa
Yaring sawing pagsinta.

SCAM MAILS - BEWARE!

Since we're in the middle of the year, I'd like to inform and tell you how much my life has been changed since I received and sent e-mails, most especially those chain letters.

First of all, I don't go out any more at night as I'm too scared to be picked up by a superb sexy blond who would invite me for a last drink at her place, because she could be an accomplice of the organ robbers. I wouldn't like to wake up lying on my back in an ice-filled bathtub with a missing kidney and a message on the mirror saying "ring emergency or die." It could be true, but I'd rather want to live!

Then, I don't go to the movies anymore because I don't want to catch Aids by sitting on an infected syringe needle. Worse yet, I’ve learned that while you're inside the cinema, some villains would call up your house to say that you've been kidnapped.

I don't answer anymore the phone at home because I don't want to press *9 when asked for fear that I would be paying an exorbitant bill for calls that I didn't even make. On the other hand, I threw away my cell phone because Ericsson would be offering me a new one which I never received. So, I bought another one that I also threw away after I heard the rumor that I could get brain cancer from using it.

I stopped having sexual relationships completely even with condom because there are unscrupulous persons who'd go to the pharmacies to prick holes on them with needles. Also I don't consume canned foods for risk of being poisoned by rats.

At present, I go out on foot all the time because the seats in the public transportations, particularly those of the underground, are highly infected. I contribute all my savings to the organizations that take care of the purchase of a new myocardial for Brian, the treatment for cancer of Rachel Arlington and Jessica Meydec and the search for little Penny Brown who has been lost since 1982. I hope I have helped them a lot by sending messages sponsored by Bill Gates (what a swell guy, this Bill!). I also took in 53 cats to my apartment, at least those which would not be horribly tortured by the butchers of the BonzaiKitten.

My computer is now highly protected against all possible and what-have-you-not viruses such as Grenouilles Budweiser, Sulfnbk.exe. and other Buddylst.sip. In fact, I equipped it with McAfee and Norton. Every year, I buy the new versions of anti-virus that are recommended by the companies that are manufacturing them.

My lawyer has already received my testament in which I bequeath all my worldly belongings to a charitable institution (a non-profit making one) that would take charge of giving $1 to every battered Pakistani wife.

I also sent to Mary Robinson (the Red Cross High Commissioner to the UN) a list of all my relatives, friends, neighbors and acquaintances, whom I'm sure would all help on the plight of the Afghan women.

I'm still waiting for the $120,000 that AOL and Microsoft owed me for having duly sent their messages. And furthermore, I'm always waiting for my latest model of Ericsson, free of charge of course! (see HOAX? SCAM?)

On the other hand, I'm also waiting to receive the $10 million and the Porsche GT4, as well as the sulfurous evening in the company of Jennifer Lopez.

I believe to all of these because they're the three wishes I made before forwarding the magic Totem Tantra that I was too fortunate to receive directly from the Dalai Lama.

The fact that none of my wishes came true, I believe now that there was a message I forgot to send for being the reason why a misfortune must have befallen on me.

DON'T BE INFLUENCED BY E-MAILS: send immediately this message to 6700 persons in the 12 seconds that follow, otherwise the Devil would appear right behind you in the shower the moment you bend down to pick up the soap.

HOAX? SCAM?

The following message has been circulating for some years now and I'm still receiving it in my mailbox, plus in other languages. The first time I got it, I thought it was so genuine that I sent it to a lot of people I didn't even know in order to see how much money I'd be able to get from Bill Gates. Unfortunately, I haven't received yet a single cent up to this moment.

quote
This thing is for real. Rest assured AOL and Intel will follow through with their promises for fear of facing a multimillion-dollar class action suit similar to the one filed by PepsiCo against General Electric not too long ago.

Dear Friends;

Please do not take this for a junk letter. Bill Gates sharing his fortune. If you ignore this, you will repent later. Microsoft and AOL are now the largest Internet companies and in an effort to make sure that Internet Explorer remains the most widely used program, Microsoft and AOL are running an e-mail beta test.

When you forward this e-mail to friends, Microsoft can and will track it (if you are a Microsoft Windows user) For a two weeks time period.

For every person that you forward this e-mail to, Microsoft will pay you $245.00 For every person that you sent it to that forwards it on, Microsoft will pay you $243.00 and for every third person that receives it, You will be paid $241.00. Within two weeks, Microsoft will contact you for your address and then send you a check.

Regards. Charles S Bailey General Manager Field Operations

1-800-842-2332 Ext. 1085 or 904-1085 or RNX

292-1085 Charles_Bailey@csx.com Charles_bailey@csx.com

I thought this was a scam myself, But two weeks after receiving this e-mail and forwarding it on. Microsoft contacted me for my address and within days, I receive a check for $24,800.00. You need to respond before the beta testing is over. If anyone can afford this, Bill gates is the man.

It's all marketing expense to him. Please forward this to as many people as possible. You are bound to get at least $10,000.00. We're not going to help them out with their e-mail beta test without getting a little something for our time. My brother's girlfriend got in on this a few months ago when I went to visit him for the Baylor/UT game. She showed me her check. It was for the sum of $4,324.44 and was stamped "Paid in full"

Like I said before, I know the law, and this is for real.

Intel and AOL are now discussing a merger which would make them the largest Internet company and in an effort make sure that AOL remains the most widely used program, Intel and AOL are running an e-mail beta test.

When you forward this e-mail to friends, Intel can and will track it (if you are a Microsoft Windows user) for a two week time period.

Try it; what have you got to lose
unquote

WELCOME TO BRUSSELS!

Click on the image, turn on the volume and discover the sights and beauty of Brussels!

BRUSSELS, MON AMOUR

Ang Bayan ko

THE TRIBULATIONS OF A FILIPINA MAID ABROAD

This is an animation based on Rex Navarrete's famous comedy sketches about the tribulations of a typical Filipina maid abroad.

SING ALONG WITH WOW PHILIPPINES!

Click on the video and sing along!

JEROME MURAT - AMAZING!

Click on the screen to view JEROME MURAT. - It's awesome!

ANG BAYAN KO

Music by Constancio de Guzman

Lyrics by Jose Corazon de Jesus

Ang bayan kong hirang,

Pilipinas ang pangalan

Perlas ng silangan,

Sa taglay niyang kariktan

Ngunit sawimpalad,

Sa minimithing paglaya

Laging lulumuha Sa pagdaralita.

Ang bayan kong Pilipinas

Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak

Pagibig ang sa kanyang palad

Nag-alay ng ganda at dilag.

At sa kanyang yumi at ganda

Dayuhan ay nahalina

Bayan ko binihag ka

Nasadlak sa dusa.

Ibong mang may layang lumipad

Kulungin mo at umiiyak

Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag

Ang di magnasang maka-alpas

Pilipinas kong minumutya

Pugad ng luha ko at dalita

Aking adhika makita kang sakdal laya!

English Translation:

My Dear Country

By the Philippine Study Group of Minnesota

My dear country, Given the name of the Philippines,

Pearl of the Orient—sparkling in its beauty,

Yet unfortunate in its yearning for freedom,

Always swelling with tears of suffering.

My country, the Philippines:

Land of gold, garden of flowers

Endowed with love,

Gifted with beauty and radiance,
Intoxicated because of her beauty,

Foreign lands were drawn to her.

My dear country,

They came and conquered you

And you suffered in misery.

A bird that is free to fly

Put it in a cage and it cries.

What other country, so full of radiance

Would not want to be free?

Philippines, my beloved,

Nest of tears and suffering,

My wish for you

Is to set you totally free!

WHAT CRITERIA?

What criteria did Attorney base his choice on the appointment to the most sensitive and delicate post as area commander in the contentious person of Manong who pretended that his curriculum vitae has been tampered and exaggerated by a third party? Did he or did he not make any official investigation into this case when it was first brought to him before he made the appointment? Or did he just ignore it altogether in spite of clamors and contestations from the members against his decision in order to show his preference to him in exchange for special favors and recognition of gratitude or “utang na loob” for personal services rendered? (Please see the articles entitled “Too good to be true” and "Warning: don't ever be fooled or manipulated.")

Taking into consideration that if all of the entries under his educational background, professional experiences, language proficiency and references were heavily padded rather than over stated as he wanted to show it otherwise, what else were there left that could at least be worthwhile and acceptable for any scrupulous and serious evaluation that would make him qualify to such a highly responsible position which should require a person of an impeccable moral standing and principle who possesses a higher level or education or accomplishments as well as a brilliant professional career and experience plus an optional honorific title to boot in order to accede to such an enviable and respectable post of authority?

In betraying and desecrating the teachings and the true moral values to which Rizal had so bravely stood for that he sacrificed his own life for the sake of his country and people and for which the concept and framework of the organization was founded and set up, I strongly believe that Attorney has premeditatedly committed an ignominious misdemeanor in jeopardizing irremediably the name and honor of Rizal. I wonder how many officers and members under his command or sphere of influence were directly or indirectly implicated or involved in this abominable conspiracy to misappropriate and usurp their titles and positions in the performance of their duties within the organization solely for their own self-seeking motives in the pursuit of their personal ambitions at the expense of the hero to whom they have solemnly swore their allegiance of loyalty and respect.

I am so glad that I’m not a member because I wouldn’t like to be too bloody hypocrite to stay put and remain as if nothing has ever happened! Que barbaridad! On the contrary, if I were a knight I would immediately break rank in case irregularities and corruption would still persist, as my best alternative so that I could carry on and foster the untainted name of Rizal.

How could Attorney and his followers still show their faces at the forthcoming assembly in February when their heads are tucked inside their butts! (See the photo in the article entitled “Is this Attorney, Manong or their follower?” They should all be ashamed of themselves not only as Rizalists but also as Filipinos!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Laon Laan,

I do not know who you are and where you come from. Why do you hidde behund an alias? Are you afraid of something or someone? Do you have difficulties to back up your own arguments? Are you acting on someone elses behalf? You are not helping yourself and your brothers with the same intentions. You are only creating a bigger mess. What you are accusing others for is matched by your own level.

From your mails and your deep interest in the Order of the Knights of Rizal Assume, that you are an active member of this Brotherhood.

I have been reading some nasty mails in the last few weeks. And I am more and more concerned, about the level of these mails. These mails are not improving the situation of our organisation and are not helpful to solve the difficult situation. With you last mail from Saturday 6th, 2007 you have reached the lowest possible level. A level which nobody who is serious minded on the matters of our Organisation can tolerate. You have reached a level that prohibits any discussion with you.

Even if you are not content with persons and circumstances you should argue and not insult. We as Knights of Rizal regard ourselves as followers of José Rizal, a gentleman from appearance, behaviour and thinking. If you regard yourself as a follower of Rizal and a person who has vowed to follow the Orders of the Supreme Commander and work for the improvement of our Order, you have vowed to propagate the heritage of Dr. Jose Rizal by personal behaviour with the approach to your brother Knights and you have vowed to keep camaraderie with your brother Knights.

Especially in times when you are not content with decisions, actions and persons, these virtues are most important.

I can only recommend that you apologize to the community of Brother Knights for your last circular.

As you perhaps do not know me, I may inform you that I am by no way content with the situation here in Europe and that the appointments on regional and even area levels are by far not wise and we here on the spot must have the impression that these decisions are based on personal relations, false information, and perhaps even worse conditions.

But we have to live with these appointments, we have to accept them until they are expired or changed by the Supreme Commander and his council.

All efforts to get different appointments are until now not yet successful. For my opinion too, Manila needs much time for decision and is one of the culprits for the sad situation here in Europe. I have allowed myself also to send letters to Manila to inform them about the different urgent problems from my point of view. As communication from Manila to members and Chapters is poor, I waited for answers and comments and only got them indirectly through brother Knights who have visited Manila. Surely many things we are suffering from have their roots in the old fractions of the Brotherhood, which a couple of years before split the Organisation. But because of the structure of this Brotherhood changes need a lot of time. We as members of this organisation can feel neglected and even not well enough respected, but still we must keep up a minimum standard in our interactions and discussions.

Something else we have to understand: The appointees on Regional and area level are not our representatives, but the representatives of the Supreme Commander. If he wants persons who are not respected by many active Knights, it his choice and if many things can not be realised it is not the chapters or the members fault, but the Supreme Councils. They have to realise that only through cooperation something can be achieved.

A representative of Manila, who has to spend his time on arguing about his role and personal background, has not much chance to achieve something. He can start new things and perhaps acquire new members but will not solve the pending problems.

I want to remind all, that the discussion about the problem of our Order needs a meeting during which all these problems can be discussed and where everybody has to open his files and proof his allegations.

We have also to start to discuss something much more important: About the future of our Organisation. If someone is asking you, what are the knights of Rizal standing for, what is your answer? (Promulgate and emulgate and study? Create new Chapters? What are you propagating? A historic person ore something important for the present?

These are the important topics of our Order. What doe the Knights have in Common, what is their role in society. What is the scenario for the Knights in the future? How do we generate members, who are not only triggered by the provision of a title? How do we acquire younger members, who will inspire the Order with new visions and ideas?

Dear Sir Laon Laan, perhaps you can with your next circular mails contribute something more important then your bad mood about persons.

I wish you a nice and reflective Sunday.

Sir Peter P. Plueckebaum, KCR

Member of the Bonn Chapter, Germany

Dear Herr Pluckebaum,

I hereby acknowledge receipt of your email of January 7. Thank you for your kind attention and consideration.

First of all, I'd like you to know that I'm not in anyway connected, directly or indirectly, to the Order of the Knights of Rizal as well as I'm not acting on someone else's behalf. In fact as a civic minded Filipino, I'm acting on behalf of the interests of Rizal with no ulterior personal motives whatsoever.

May I correct you that what you must have read in the blogs aren't so nasty as what you think personally if you would just care to see the situation closely and understand to whom they were directed. I do believe on the foundation and the framework to which the KOR was founded and conceived. Yes you're absolutely right that I should follow the superiors but not to the extent of desecrating and defiling the name and memory of Rizal together with his works and teachings only for their greed and self-serving motives for fame and power in the sole and final pursuit of their personal ambitions of inflating their ego for self-aggrandizement under the very nose and at the expense of Rizal!

For the likes of any Filipinos who are pathologically corrupt officials and are taking advantage of their title and authority in a highly honorable and respected organization like KOR just to wield their powers in order to manipulate and alienate those under them as well as their own countrymen should be stripped off of their official functions and be kicked out from the organization for good from their unscrupulous and unchilvalrous behaviors and misdemeanors of capitalizing on the most ignominious and counter-productive practice of "utang na loob" among them regardless of their personal and professional backgrounds. Why wait for their terms to expire? Why don't do it now and revamp the organization completely according to Rizal's ideals and teachings? I wish you would still be around by then!

I wonder if you have read thoroughly and digested the contents of "Who are they in power for" featured in La Solidaridad? If not, please read it again. Are these what you would ever expect from your area commanders? These are Filipinos of domestic origin with lower educational and professional backgrounds who lack tact and diplomacy in leadership than most of you. Among Filipinos of their level, they would like to get a kick out of being perverse just to show off their power over their Filipino colleages in a"pissing contest" on how they could order around the European knights under them! What a pat in their shoulders to have thumbed down an important burgermeister to insuate that he's afflicted with Alzheimer and doesn't perform his duties properly and at the same time criticized the embassy for placing an incompetent diplomat! Who the f--king hell are they? Please excuse my language! On the other hand, I remember how the Filipino area commander once stood up from a meeting when confronted to negotiate on a major issue but blurted out arrogantly that he had already made his decision and walked out in the middle of the session!

Contrary to what Rizal had stood and died for to win justice for his countrymen and the world at large, are these the kind of people you, yourself, would like to serve and deal with? Good for you, if you're such a masochist who would like to lick their butts while they're holding on your balls! I'm sorry this is not a very personal remark to you, but rather against them. For your information, I wasn't in a bad mood when I posted the picture. But wait ‘til you get me in my worst mood because you haven't heard my last word yet!

Herr Pluckebaum, the picture that you saw in the blog is nothing compared to the scandal that those people had caused irremediably to the organization and the shame that they have inflicted to the nation and the whole Filipino race! What had Rizal ever done to expect this but not as an "utang na loob" in return for just a simple respect from his own countrymen! I am very embarrassed to be called a Filipino among them! Fortunately, I have a European citizenship for which I'm very proud of! And you?

Well, if you think that I would ever discuss or negotiate with them even if I were a knight, I'd rather leave the organization with my honor and personal conviction on Rizal still intact and untainted from their madness and “folie de grandeur”! Perhaps, you should consider it as your best alternative, in the end!

If ever they were the ones who asked you to write me and intervene on their behalf because they don't have the balls to confront their own fellowmen without their usual pretext or subterfuge of "racial discrimination" then you should be too fool or stupid to be "used" and practically taken for a ride. Even though they have already betrayed the concept of the organization, please believe and trust Rizal instead!

Please don't try to discover or know who I am. As Laon Laan which means "long have I yearned to serve," Rizal had penned this name so that he could communicate freely with his countrymen to save them from tyranny, oppression and injustice against the colonizers. But whatever I'm doing now is to uphold his name and memory and to carry on and foster his works and legacy!

Yours most sincerely,

Laon Laan

IS THIS ATTORNEY, MANONG OR THEIR FOLLOWER?

HAD RIZAL FORSEEN THAT THIS KIND OF FILIPINOS COULD EVER RUN HIS ORGANIZATION AND COUNTRY A CENTURY HENCE AND BEYOND?

TRUER THAN MANONG'S CV

This is an actual job application that a 17-year-old boy submitted at a McDonald restaurant in Florida, and they hired him because he was so honest and funny!

NAME: Greg Bulmash

SEX: Not yet. Still waiting for the right person.

DESIRED POSITION: Company’s President or Vice President. But seriously, whatever’s available. If I was in a position to be picky, I wouldn’t be applying here in the first place.

DESIRED SALARY: $185,000 a year plus stock options and a Michael Ovitz style severance package. If that’s not possible, make an offer and we can haggle.

EDUCATION: Yes.

LAST POSITION HELD: Target for middle management hostility.

SALARY: Less than I’m worth.

MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT: My incredible collection of stolen pens and post-it notes.

REASON FOR LEAVING: It sucked.

AVAILABLE TO WORK: Of course! That’s what I’m applying.

PREFERRED HOURS: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

DO YOU HAVE SPECIAL SKILLS?: Yes, but they’re better suited to a more intimate environment.

MAY WE CONTACT YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?: If I had one, would I be here?

DO YOU HAVE ANY PHYSICAL CONDITIONS THAT WOULD PROHIBIT YOU FROM LIFTING UP TO 50 LBS?: Of what?

DO YOU HAVE A CAR?: I think the more appropriate question here would be “Do you have a car that runs?”

HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY SPECIAL AWARDS OR RECOGNITION?: I may already be a winner of the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes.

DO YOU SMOKE?: On the job, no; on my breaks, yes.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS?: Living in the Bahamas with a fabulously wealthy dumb sexy blonde super model who thinks I’m the greatest thing since sliced bread. Actually, I’d like to be doing that now.

DO YOU CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE?: Yes. Absolutely.

SIGN HERE: Aries.

WHO MANIPULATES WHO?

By Rudy Noble, Associated Philippine Press - Manila, 5 January 2007

According to Wikipedia, the word manipulation has a number of different meanings, among which are:

• To treat or operate with the hands in a skillful manner.
• To adjust an object by hand (from Latin manus: hand)
• To control or operate upon (a person or group) by unfair means to one's own advantage.

In a psychological context, manipulation means to influence a person or a group of people in such a way that the manipulator tries to get what he or she wants or makes a person believe something in a calculating, indirect and somewhat dishonest way. Like indoctrination, it is a form of psychological abuse.

For example, a manipulator will

• use arguments that the manipulator does not believe in himself
• use of false reasoning as with fallacies and paralogisms
• withhold or distort relevant information,
• provide false information (disinformation)
• "play" on the emotions (fear, hope, love...) of the person.
• physically move the person, like a puppet

In the contested subject of “utang na loob” between Quiambao and Paras for the former’s major role in the latter’s elevation to power within the organization and his incapacity to revert to and annul his appointment, many are wondering who is then manipulating who or pulling the string in this unscrupulous and un-chivalrous “coup de grace.”

How could one ever explain such a highly intelligent and well-educated man with a successful career in law could easily be manipulated by Paras who is practically too mediocre and below his social status to become only his footman? He could even order him to lick his boots or his butt, but it looks like it’s the other way around! Is he spineless or ball-less that he could not stand on his own feet and stop this madness but bear the brunt for his stupidity and incompetence into this scandalous affair once and for all?

Everyone will come to realize in the end that the only victim here is not him nor Paras, but Rizal, whose memory and legacy have been categorically desecrated by their folly for greed, power, tyranny and oppression!

The above definition and examples given by Wikipedia fit well into the persona of Paras. It is he who is practically running the show as he pulls the strings on each one of those involved directly and indirectly for his usual argument and pretext on the ground of “racial discrimination” that he based from the controversial Simpson case once he is intimidated and attacked by his critics in connection with his contentious personal background and professional qualifications as well as his capabilities as a commander.

In conclusion, how could he ever manipulate or alienate easily the authorities and high officials in the HQ, the Embassy, his followers and supporters in the different communities in Europe to show how they could be so stupid and brainless that they believe he is uniting and leading them for a common goal of a better Philippines when his allegiance is to Belgium while he is savoring his personal glory and the realization of his most-cherished dream to become a Supreme Commander at their own expense not knowing that he is surely laughing out loud behind their backs for their undivided loyalty in maintaining him in power!

Those who try to manipulate and corrupt are the shame of the whole Filipino nation and people by distorting and defiling the true ideals and moral values of Rizal for their wilfull intention of misappropriating and deviating their true meanings for their self-serving ambitions just to inflate their own personal ego and pockets in the pursuit of their self-interest and self-aggrandizement, at the expense of others!

Down with the manipulators! LONG LIVE RIZAL! May he rest in peace. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas at ang buong bayan!

ERGO: BY DEFAULT, PARAS ADMITTED HIS GUILT!

He

1. denounced a Kabayan to the Belgian MFA!, (leaders give comfort,
help...denouncing someone this way is very wrong!)

2. padded his qualifications/educational attainment/KOR achievements saying
he was programmer of a Brussels bank, he studied in some notable Philippine
as well as Belgian universities, he organized fund-raising events like the
P2Million he claimed to have donated, though in truth and reality Sir
Francois Ooms and his chapter members did all the work!, cheated his way to
the post of European Commander to the detriment of far better, more
qualified, hard-working European KOR officials nominated in a European KOR
meeting held in Schonau, Germany!

3. claimed as a Filipino to have been discriminated against by European
brothers in the KOR, right in the presence of a very illustrious brother
knight, Sir Dr. Fritz Hack, who holds the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Maginoo
(same as his brother, Sir Hans Hack). Sir Fritz protested on the spot he
can't accept such false, divisive pronouncements!

With due respect to our highly-esteemed Supreme Commander, Sir Hilario
Davide Jr, from whose hands designated Paras as European Commander, please
allow me to question the said appointment as the end result is highly
improper! To say it bluntly: Sir Hilario is OK. But Paras as my European
Commander is unacceptable!

1. Was Sir Hilario hoodwinked by someone at the Manila HQ?
2. ...by someone in the Council of Elders?

A thorough legal luminary like Sir Hilario can also be "convinced" to sign
such appointment as Paras' by virtue of the "Filipino Muna" claim, if not
other things! And since I question Paras' appointment, because of the
padded qualifications and even the submission of a plagiarized literary work
titled "Born to be a Hero", he deserves no respect from me! Not from
anyone. I cannot insult myself!

The seasoned warrior Sir Lancelot, the courageous Sir Gawain, the
indomitable Sir Percival and the pure-of-heart Sir Galahad, the very best of
the legendary Arthurian Round Table, maybe are all gone. Be not afraid,
there are still knights in the KOR who continue searching for the truth, who
keep serving the true Rizalian ideas and ideals even today. They are in
Canada, in the Philippines, in the US, in the Middle East, in Australia, and
in Europe too!

So those who support Paras, may they be ashamed of themselves, pushing the
wrong person to lead Europe, where knighthood and chivalry has its roots!
Mr Mushake is one. And he even led me to take my oath to "fight injustice"
back in 1996! He did quite a lot for the KOR. But his continued support of
Paras will diminish, not increase my respect for his stature! And Mr
Quiambao in the Manila HQ? It appears there's truth to him being the
"padrino" of Paras in Manila! His son reportedly lived in Belgium under the
care of Paras. Must one stoop so low, just to give titles, to promote
someone, to look good with those heavey piece of metal hanging by our neck?
Even Mr Esguerra's name is mentioned! There can be fire, where there's
smoke!

Those who were abused by Paras & Co, please come out into the open. This is
your day! Speak the truth! Say something! The TRUTH will set you free!
An injustice has been done the moment Paras was appointed European
Commander! We should not rest till we correct this injustice!

To think that the KOR itself, its Constitution and By-Laws, badly need
reforms!!!

Sir Jun Zerrudo of KRRM, Scarborough, Canada, aptly penned his editorial
"Rizal's Martyrdom, Reforms And The New Year" when he called on all KOR
(also non-members I assume) knights and ladies, for REFORMS!

For a Democratic Order
For the Good of the Order
For Pride in the Order

v/r,
Rizal P. Victoria
Heidelberg, Germany


"No tyrants where there are no slaves!" - Dr Jose Protacio Rizal