Patawa Muna!

Sabi nila, ang katatawanan ay mabisang gamot. Gamot saan? Bukol, UTI, galis o pagtatae. Ah! gamot daw sa kalungkutan o depresyon! Kahit saglit na oras lamang ay maisantabi ang pighati at mapalitan ng ngiti. Kalokohan, kabalastugan o katarantaduhan man, i-enjoy mo lang. Mas masarap kung ikaw ang tumatawa kesa ikaw ang pinagtatawanan.

Simulan mo na at harinawang mapasaya kita!


Anak: Tay, totoo po bang may multo?
Tatay: Anak walang multo! Bakit mo naitanong?
Anak: Sabi kasi ni yaya merong multo.
Tatay: Anak.... Tangina naman, wala tayong yaya!
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Mag-ama nakasakay sa barko habang bumabagyo...
Anak: Tay! Nag-aalala po ako. Parang lulubog ang barko.
Tatay: Tanga! Ba’t ka mag-aalala eh di naman atin to!
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Isang binata naputulan ng parehong braso, pagdating sa ospital,

Binata: Doc gamutin nyo po ako naputol parehong braso ko.
Doc: Mga anong oras ka ba naputulan?
Binata: Mga 10 oras na po.
Doc: 10? Eh bakit ngayon ka lang pumunta dito?
Binata: HALLER! Mahirap kayang pumara ng jeep!
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Son to dying father;

Anak: Itay, ano po ang gusto n’yo, magpalibing ba o magpa-cremate?
Ama: Ikaw na bahala, anak, I surprise mo na lang ako.
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Rene: Dok, bakit lagi akong natatae kapag 6:00 a.m.?
Dok: Aba! Ok! Mabuti nga yan. Anong problema mo dun?
Rene: 7:30 a.m. kasi ako nagigising, Dok.
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Job Interview

Boss: Ano ang alam mo?
Rommel: Alam ko po kung saan kayo nakatira ng misis n’yo at kung saan nakatira ang kabit n’yo.
Boss: Tanggap ka na!
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Dalawang holdaper sa bangko;

Holdaper #1: Yehey! Mayaman na tayo!
Holdaper #2: Bilangin mo na!
Holdaper #1: Alam mo namang mahina ako sa Math. Abangan na lang natin sa balita kung magkano!
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Pedro: Galing ako sa doktor, nakabili na ako ng hearing aid. Grabe ang linaw ngayon ng pandinig ko!
Juan: Wow galing! Magkano bili mo sa hearing aid?
Pedro: Kahapon lang!
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Mister: Ano ang pagkain natin?
Misis: Nasa mesa, bahala ka ng pumili.
Mister: Isang pirasong tuyo? Ano ang pagpipilian ko?
Misis: Pumili ka kung kakain ka o hindi!
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Toto: Pangarap ko, kumita ng P250,000 monthly gaya ni Daddy!
Juvy: Wow! Ganyan kalaki ang kinikita ng Daddy mo?
Toto: Hindi! Ganyan din ang pangarap niya!
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Boy: Nay, muntik na kong mag top one sa klase!
Nanay: Ba’t mo naman nasabi?
Boy: Ini-announce kasi kanina yung top one sa klase, ang itinuro ni mam yung katabi ko. Muntik na ako!

Sana'y ngiti ang namutawi sa iyong mga labi! Hanggang sa muli at ako'y kanina pa naiihi!

Remembering Philippines Most Wanted

Alvin Flores was gunned down last Oct. 29 in Compostela, Cebu. Many recognized him as the modern day outlaw in the long line of Philippine's Most Wanted personnel. His underworld career began in late 80’s when he became an alleged recruit of Alex Boncayao Brigade in Malabon area. He later create his own gang, named after him saying, “Someday my name would be famous”.

It was said that Alvin Flores Group was barely mentioned in the media but in the criminal world, they began to be noticed. But on that fateful day in October, his luck rans out.

Like I’ve said earlier, Alvin is just one of the most feared bandits, the country ever saw. Today, I will intorduced 3 more, who wreck havoc in the country.

Late 1940’s, Manila resembled a wild frontier town. It’s normal to see businessmen tucked gun in their belts as they went about their daily routines. Clashes between rival gangs were a regular occurence in congested communities of Paco, Sta. Ana, Sampaloc and Tondo.

Nicasio Salonga’s, popularly known as Asyong Salonga, criminal career flourished in these surroundings. A typical urban Filipino gangster, Asyong’s specialties were robbery, extortion and murder. But he was generous enough as he shared his prosperity to his needy neighbors. Despite his notoriety, Asyong was free to roam the city. It was said that he was protected by politicians and police officers who used him for their personal purpose.

He was killed in October 1951 by a single bullet in the head while drinking with his buddies in Tondo. He was only 27 years old.

Leonardo Melencio aka Nardong Putik was known as the Robinhood of Cavite. He was loved by the farmers in his hometown and was remembered for restoring peace and order in the community he controlled.

It was believed that Nardo wore an amulet that protected him from bullets, but only if he were standing on mud when he was shot at. He acquired the amulet from another Cavite mythical outlaw, Tiagong Akyat.

Throughout his violent career, he was associated with powerful politicians. He was in & out of prisons that forced former Senator Justiniano Montano to call for a full Senate inquiry into the Manecio case.

On February 10, 1971. Nardong Putik would again grab the headlines. This time he was accused of gunning down two anti-narcotics agents of National Bureau of Investigation. Months later, another team from NBI would end his career permanently. NBI agents engaged Nardong Putik in a gun battle. His car was raked by gunfire and 60 bullets were counted on his body. The NBI team that Nardong Putik encountered was led by an agent named Epimaco Velasco.

Benjamin Garcia or Ben Tumbling was only 23 when he was shot and killed in an ambush set-up by police operatives led by Intelligence Chief Vicente Vinarao.

Ben Tumbling, who hails from Malabon, derived his nickname from his earlier job as a movie stuntman. An expert in karate, he was said to have incredible acrobatic abilities, a talent helped him make quick getaways from arresting policemen.

It was said that Ben’s hatred with police started with a traumatic brutallity he experienced. He was heavily tortured by arresting policemen as a juvenile delinquent. His head was hit hard by a chair, dunked in toilet bowl and his genitals electrocuted. Reports said that all this torture might have forgiven by Ben but what drove him for really hatting policemen of Malabon was when some of them raped his young wife.

He was later involved in robberies, car jacking and drug trafficking. In a matter of months, 7 policemen were shot dead, their guns taken from them. Because of this attacks, Ben Tumbling was now high up on the police’s “Most Wanted” list.

Malabon Police were now afraid of him.

Ben’s friends and neighbors received gifts from him. Those in dire needs suddenly received cash from him. It is easy to see why poor communities of Malabon saw Ben Tumbling as a hero, not as a criminal. When he was shot dead by policemen on Friday the 13th of March 1981, poor people of Malabon wept openly.

Surely, a life lived like one of them was a life we didn’t envy at all. As the saying goes, Someone who live by the bullet dies with a bullet. This was not written to highlight their wrongdoings or give justice to their acts but understand that criminals were also human but unfortunately made a wrong turn somewhere in the course of their journey in life.

Extending Gun Amnesty

The Philippine National Police extends the registration of loose firearms or those with expired license up to the end of November. The program will benefit those gun owners who haven’t renewed their license for more than a year and those who owned unregistered firearms.

There are several reasons regarding this Executive Order No. 817 or the so called governments intensified campaign against loose firearms. One of them is to legitimize loose firearms and at the same time make a full account of all firearms in the country. Another reason is to reduce the chance of using loose firearms in election related crimes which will derail the realization of a peaceful, orderly and credible electoral exercise in 2010 election. Also the program wants to prevent or eradicate private army that causes widespread turmoil particularly in the provinces.

According to PNP report, there are 1,110,277 loose firearms scattered nationwide. 15,676 of them are with the threat groups while about 5,276 are with the criminal elements. Almost half of the total unregistered firearms are with the general population. On the other hand, National Secretariat of the National Firearms Control Program said that 15,394 loose firearms were registered since July 1, 2009, the start of the amnesty program.

PNP is also alarmed in the increase of crimes involving persons using untraceable guns. Lately, minors were also involved not just in petty crimes but in big-time syndicate. Reports showed that 97% of the crimes involve the use of loose firearms.

The Alvin Flores Group, who gained notoriety by using S.W.A.T or PNP designed uniform, also uses high-powered firearms. They were reportedly part of Kuratong Baleleng Group who decided to carve their own identity. The shoot-out in Greenbelt 5 was their last stop before they were gunned down in Cebu City.

In the past, there were also cases of gun pointing which led to shooting in busy streets in the city. The latest incident involves ABS-CBN reporter Sheryl Cosim in Congressional Avenue last Nov. 2. A certain Richard Ordonez stepped out of his car and points his gun to the surprised Cosim. Ordonez car had a plate no. 8 used only by Congressman. After verification, the PNP discovered that he also had 7 licensed guns.

Let’s help PNP in its drive to lessen the criminality that may still take place using an unlicensed firearms. Let’s be part of the information drive about the extension of gun amnesty program.

Be a responsible gun owner. Be a responsible citizen of our country.

Pacquiao vs. Cotto 24/7, A Must See

HBO made its premiere telecast of Pacquiao vs. Cotto 24/7 last October 25, 2009. Last Sunday, the 2nd part of the instalment was aired and different reactions and observations were handed down.

I personally watched the first 2 parts and I also want to impart my comments on what’s happening on both training camps.

Let’s examine first Team Pacquiao. 24/7 started showing the devastation caused by typhoon Ondoy in Baguio City, the site of the training camp of Manny Pacquiao. Because of the bad weather, they had to make several adjustments in their accustomed routine. Conditioning coach Alex Ariza made Manny swim in cold water in lieu of his morning jogging because of the rains pouring heavily in Baguio. Distractions are everywhere from the people wanting to have a glimpse of Pacquiao to the television shows he attended. HBO also showed how Manny disobey the instruction of Freddie Roach not to play basketball. The rift seems to escalate in Pacquiao camp as Roach and Manny adviser Michael Koncz continue to argue in several issues. Even Ariza had a run –in against Koncz, proof that there’s a real animosity going on in Team Pacquiao. As new typhoon Ramil moving in north direction, Freddie Roach was so concerned that they may got stuck in Baguio City. He talked to Manny and agreed to go down to Manila the following day. As they were ready to leave, an unexpected visitor came in. Senator Manny Villar arrived and sat down with Manny for several minutes. Seems irritated, Freddie now decided to interrupt the conversation and told Manny that they have to leave NOW.

Upon arrival in Manila, they went straight to Penalosa Gym for some work-outs. Days after, they are now on- board in plane to Los Angeles. There he was again greeted by a throng of fans waiting for his arrival. Roach is now at peace since Pacquiao can concentrate now at the Wild Card Gym.

Miles away from Tampa Florida, Miguel Cotto is busy mapping out his strategy against the pound for pound king. The show zero-in on Cotto’s relation with his family particularly with his wife and son. If Pacquiao’s camp was tumultuous, Cotto’s camp was relatively quiet. There were clips were HBO showed how relax team Cotto is by playing golf and swimming and diving in the pool. Past Pacquiao fights were keenly watch to unmask the weakness of their opponent. Unlike Pacquiao, Cotto preferred not to open his sparring sessions to the media although he gave some pictures of it. Cotto seems to be so focus and determined that fear might strike you while watching him.

Contrasting camps, similar purpose. Different strategies, the same goal. The final part of Pacquiao vs. Cotto 24/7 will be shown on Nov. 8, exactly a week before the main event.

I’m looking forward to the exciting finale of Pacquiao vs. Cotto 24/7!

Joys & Thrills of All Saints Day

It is always good to have a time wherein your entire family gathers together even for at least a single day. Christmas, birthdays, reunions, holy week and the coming all saints day are just some of the special occasions long-time cousins, aunties, uncles will be seen. All saints day was special because even the family member who passed away or the unseen grandparents, who were born in early 90’s, are part of the event.

Days leading to November 1, there are a lot of Halloween specials, documentary, movies etc. shown in local and cable television. Before the advent of pay-per-view and internet- surfing, I’m glued to programs like Magandang Gabi Bayan who yearly presents horror stories. Our country is known to possess haunted places that makes this kind of presentation very effective and entertaining as well.

The Diplomat Hotel in Baguio City is believed to have ghosts of beheaded nuns and priests. Malinta Tunnel in Corregidor became the haunting ground of unknown spirits in the area. UP Los Banos was a scary place on one reason alone, it was situated at the foot of Mt. Makiling. There are bridges in this place that seem to take forever when crossed at night. The famous Balete Drive in Quezon City, though despite lack of evidence, brings thrill among the motorists because of the belief that a white lady will cross the street and worse, will joyride with you.

The night of All Saints Day was not just a night of remembering lost love ones but also a night of sight- seeing and girl-haunting. Different kinds of women pass by in front of our tomb. Head-turners, mini-skirt dressers and even unpleasant-looking girls were everywhere. We also have this contest wherein we count every person we know passing by. It will be counted once he replied.

During my teenage years, I also collect used candles by circling around the cemetery. There was also an instance where I clean and paint the mausoleum of a girl I’m courting. Unluckily, still not enough to impress her.

The sight of colorful food stalls is also a joy to behold. We stroll around them and food-trip with my friends. Burgers, fish balls, squid balls, hotdog sandwich, donuts were some of the most sought after foodstuffs. We also hear the mass at night since the church is just beside the cemetery.

In my younger years, we normally go home at 12:00 a.m. but because you're thinking of the work the following day we had to pack-up as early as 8:00 p.m.

Happy Halloween!

The Way I Look At Him

November 3, 2009 will go down as one of the most memorable yet, sad date for us here in Asian Gaming Academy. Our STDO, Arnold Cesar Romero will say goodbye as he venture to a whole new world.

The man we fondly called “Notty” or “Naughty” to some extent, is severing his tie with Pagcor, whom he wholeheartedly served for 7 long years. I will just pay a little tribute to the person I called friend, boss, teacher, adviser, motivator and even an idol.



The latter part of 2007 produces anxiety for me and the rest of my colleagues in Surveillance Department. Rumors are spreading about the impending disbandment of our position as Surveillance Monitoring Staff (SUMS). Everyday was like a guessing game for us. Office order arrived almost every hour sending one after the other to one department to another. I got mine also. An interview with a never- heard department in branches, the Asian Gaming Academy, awaits me. Little did I know that this never- heard would become my saving grace!

I came face to face with this young fellow I can describe as quite intelligent but, permit me to borrow the word, just an average joe. He is Arnold Cesar Romero, the departments’ Senior Training & Development Officer. Conversation runs smoothly, probably because I’m articulate enough to answer his questions, he,he. I asked him the work he plans to give me and he said “Reliever ka lang, meron talagang naka-assign dun”. What I didn’t know is that the person he’s talking about is already dead and I’m not a reliever but a replacement.

Luckily or unluckily, depending on what angle I want to see it, I was accepted for the job. I had mixed emotions the moment I step inside the AGA office. Happy because my feeling of uncertainty is over and sad because according to Mam Beth, our Assistant Managing Head, I was accepted because I was the only one who wants the job. Anyway, I enjoy my stint here in my new house. Probably one of the biggest factor is my relationship with my co-employees especially with Sir Notty. He made me feel welcome and was quickly accepted in the tribe. He made me feel comfortable in a job totally stranger to me. Several months after, he included me in his application for Sun Group Plan which is a big help for me because prior to this, all my application in post-paid plan were denied.

My first night out with Sir Notty was also memorable. We bar hop and little did I know that I was already drank in just 5 bottles of San Mig Light. I can’t remember how I reach our house. But what made it more unforgettable is that it cost me 4 days to overcome my hangover.

He was also my first boss, as I was under him for several months. There I saw how strict he was in terms of work but always willing to lend his helping hand. Money is also not an issue for him, and probably, will never be. Whenever he asked me to go out with him, I don’t have any qualms because I knew my stomach will never complain.

As the days, months had passed, I started to realize that I’m wrong. He’s not your average joe, rather he’s a special person who’s full of wisdom in mind. I can’t remember a single instance that he failed to answer my question which in most occasion satisfies me.

He’s also a good copy for those who seek insights about a particular matter. His smartness is good to emulate. I’m honest to say that I will never be a writer as good as he is.

There are probably more praises and accolades we can hear from the people he work from day 1 here in Pagcor. I’m just fortunate that I was given a chance to work with him for 2 years.

He was my boss, where instructions must be followed. He was my teacher, particularly during my second wind as a student in BPA. He was my adviser, not just on work but also as a human being. He was my idol, because you can only imitate him but can’t totally replace. He was my motivator, especially in this kind of endeavour which I truly appreciate. And of course, he was my friend, though I have shortcomings, he still extends his outmost kindness to me.

That’s the way I look at him. That’s the way I salute Mr. Arnold Cesar Romero!

Little Help Matters

Five days after the fury of Typhoon Ondoy was experienced here in our country, it seems that we haven’t gotten over it yet. I told myself that given a chance, I want to help, the best way I can. That opportunity came yesterday, first day of the month, when Pagcor asked for volunteers who will bring relief goods on affected areas. I enlisted myself and was assigned as group leader of Team 5.

I woke up at around 2:30 in the morning to prepare my things. Upon arrival at Corporate office, we were quickly briefed on what to do before and during the distribution. We were handed ropes and flashlights just in case the place requires so. We were also given plastics of foods and cases of bottled waters.

My group is composed of 5 members including our driver. Each of the 9 groups was assigned to different places. We dispatched at around 4:30 a.m. going to our first destination in Pasig City. Pineda was our first stop followed by Malinao. These places weren’t affected that much so we just inform them that they can call Pagcor if they need any form of assistance. One of our security guards is also affected. Their house is still submerged in waist- deep water. We gave them additional mineral water since we felt that they badly need clean water. Next stop is the Karangalan Village. We had difficulty finding the target area because no house number was indicated in the list. After almost an hour of circling around the area, we found a bungalow house just about half feet above the street. The owner said that almost half of their house was flooded that they had to transfer to their neighbor across them. Muds greeted us at our next destination, Midtown Village in Cainta, Rizal. According to the people residing in this place, the water was 10 feet deep that most of the houses were buried. We saw Meralco meter bases containing water inside. Model cars were dilapidated. We even saw a taxi cab turned over in front of the gate of a 3 storey house.

Before we left, a phone call was received by one of my member requesting us to save her since we’re already near their residence. We bravely face the strong current going through their subdivision. Unfortunately, only 6x6 or 10-wheeler truck can go through the raging and chest-deep water, not our Toyota Revo. We retreated back and just made a phone call to our office informing that these people were in need of rescue operation.

It was short but meaningful day for us, who in a simple way, has given our time to at least give aid and assistance to the victims. After seeing the damage cause by typhoon Ondoy in flesh, reality struck me that God can get back everything you have in a snap of a finger. In this time of uncertainty, learn to be thankful for all the blessings we got.

My prayer is for all the victims of this tragedy.