Hey! Congratulations are in order for Gerry Alanguilan who, as I understand it, is getting married by the end of the month.

I haven't met the guy personally, but exchanging e-mails and messages on his message board makes me feel like I know him a bit. Can't believe it's been a year since I joined the fellas there who call themselves "Komikeros."

Congrats again, Gerry. Welcome to the club.

FROM THE FORWARDED E-MAIL DEPT.:

I am thankful...

For the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight, because she is home with me, not with someone else.

For the husband who is on the sofa who is being a couch potato, because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes, because that means she is at home, not on the streets.

For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.

For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.

It's the holiday season once more, so me and my wife, Kuki, decided to go to Greenhills for some Christmas shopping.

You know those vendors in the streets who sell candies, newspapers, and the like? Some even sell toys (like those animals with the bobbing heads) and mini foldable seats. Well, there was this one vendor who really had us laughing hard. It was along Wilson St. going to Greenhills. Take a guess at what this guy was selling.

Made your guess yet? Believe it or not, the guy was selling FISHING RODS. What the hell?!!? Who sells fishing rods on the street walking around while the traffic light's red? Better yet, who's gonna buy them? I can't imagine anyone seeing this vendor and saying, "Hey! Fishing Rods! Just what we need while we shop at Greenhills!"

I'm still wondering how many fishing rods that guy sells in a day (if ever).

The recent bombings in Bali, Zamboanga and bus bombing in Metro Manila has affected everyone, whether they care to admit it or not.

I was driving along EDSA going to Pasay Road last Saturday morning and there was a commotion in the underpass. People were running towards the underpass wanting to get a look at what happened. I was driving so I couldn't see anything. Police cars even whizzed past by me.

I later learned that something had detonated there earlier. It was a good thing that it was still too early in the morning that no one got hurt in the blast.

Now, I flinch whenever a bus gets close to me. I fear that it may go off anytime, since buses seem to be the favorite instrument of those who perpetrate these attacks.

Why is it that these terrorists strike out at innocents? What if it was their loved ones who got hurt or killed in one of these attacks? Will they see the error of their ways?

Damn.

Women and gay men have all the fun.

Well, at least when it comes to clothes. You know, they can be fashionable, wear the latest trends, wear anything they want without anyone batting an eyelash. They have a wider range of styles to choose from, too.

While straight guys usually just wear ordinary t-shirts and jeans, or collared shirts with loose-fitting slacks or whatever.

Like Sting once said, "I don't subscribe to that point of view." Personally, I like to wear clothes some people might say are "unconventional." Well, for one, I have really short legs, so I can't use loose-fitting pants. I'll look shorter and fatter than I really am if ever I use those kinds of pants. Furthermore, I like wearing tight-fitting shirts. Those loose shirts tend to make me sweat more. I don't know why, they just do.

Anyway, the problem is, some people who see me wearing these kinds of clothes automatically assume I'm gay. What's up with that? Just because an adult male likes to wear unusual clothes, they're automatically gay?

Now I don't really mind people thinking of me as such, and nobody has really said it straight to my face. It's just fairly amusing what some people think. Like this one time, a friend of mine introduced me to a gay friend of hers, and later on he asked her privately if I was a "kabaro." She just laughed and told him no.

I guess it's just not only the way I dress but also the fact that I'm more comfortable around women than with other guys. I have more female friends than male ones. I just can't sometimes stand the "Hey, pare" boisterous, chest-puffing, male posturing, can't-talk-about-anything-else-but-sports-and-cars kind of guys. And believe me, there are a lot of those out there.

It's funny too because sometimes my wife doesn't want me to go up to her office, because I might be wearing something "shocking" to her officemates. There was this one time I fetched her, and one of her officemates was surprised to see me because I was wearing a tight-fitting shirt and shiny jeans. She said (to my wife, privately) that I wasn't what she had pictured in her head of what my wife's husband would look like. She thought I would be the stereotypical collared shirt and slacks wearing type.

Not that I'm a "wild" guy. I don't smoke. I don't hang out at bars or stay up late. I drink only occassionally. I'm just a regular guy, albeit with a different fashion sense than most other men.

Hmmm... this rant seems to be running a little longer than I expected, and really is going nowhere. Well, like it says on the left, I really have nothing significant to say.

But I'm sure there are other guys out there who'd like to try something different. What I'm saying is, don't let conventions hinder you from what you really want to do. It's time to "come out of the closet," so to speak...

Seems changing the template worked. My Blog is up and running again. What a relief.

Okay. I really gotta get back to work now.

There must be something wrong with my blog page. The last time I looked at my page, the last entry was 9/2/2002. But I had written something last 9/30/2002. I don't know why my last blog won't appear, but if that's the case, then chances are this latest blog won't appear on the page, too. That would mean I'm the only one who's ever gonna read this, which may be the equivalent of talking to oneself.

Argh! I hope the problem gets fixed soon. I also changed the look to make my blog more readable. I think the links to the left are gonna disappear with the new look. Anyway, you can head to Gerry Alanguilan's site, KOMIKERO to see some really good stuff.

And you can also head to my site, CAPSULEZONE , if you haven't been there already. Lord knows it really need updating. Just bear with me.

Gotta get back to work now...

It's been a long time since I've posted anything here, almost a month now. It has been a very busy month in the office, and I don't think the work is gonna let up anytime soon. But don't get me wrong, I love my job, I just wish I had time to do everything else I wanted to do.

Although my wife and I did go on vacation for a few days a while back. Thank God for the brief respite.

Working in the Advertising industry really demands a lot, and I'm reminded of this phrase my friend texted me:

"On the 6th day God created man and He rested on the 7th day."
Then some MORON created ADVERTISING and NOBODY rested from that time on.

Anyway, I just came from Gerry Alanguilan's Blog and got a pleasant surprise. He actually made a link to this Blog. Thanks Gerry!

Oh, well... better get back to work now...

Just got AFTER EDEN at the Bookfair in Megamall. After reading it, I can't help but think that Arnold Arre is a hopeless romantic, as is evident in his other works, Trip To Tagaytay and that story from Isaw, Atbp. AFTER EDEN was a great read, although I have one minor gripe. The story would have worked even without the "fantasy/supernatural" elements. But, like I said, it's a minor quibble.

Well worth P295 pesos.

Just read A B N K K B S N P L Ako by Bob Ong and I must say it's a great read. At P150 it's quite reasonable. It chronicles the author's days from when he was a student 'til he himself became a teacher. Fact or fiction, I can't say, but this is one book most people will relate to, especially Pinoys. I may be a newcomer to Bob Ong's "kuwentong barbero" stories, but better late than never, right?

He has a website supposedly, but when I went there (bobongpinoy.com) All I get is that stupid Tina webcam (which I have encountered so many times in the past.)

And now, I'm reading the sequel to his book, titled "Bakit Baliktad Magbasa Ng Libro Ang mga Pilipino?" which has a great gimmick. The cover is printed upside down so that when you read it in public you're gonna look like an idiot because it's gonna seem like you're reading a book upside down. Inside, more of Bob Ong's insights on the lives, habits, etc. etc. of Pinoys. Some sensitive folks might find some of the material insulting and offensive, but you've gotta admit that it's true.

I hope the author doesn't mind if I post an excerpt of the book here...




"...sa Pinas, kung ano man ang gusto mong sabihin ay kailangan sabihin sa English, para manatili kang cool, tulad na lang ng sulat na napulot daw sa isang bar sa Malate at ngayon ay pinagpapasa-pasahan sa Internet.

Marjie,

I am not surprise or wander why Dennis leave you.

Why?

What reason you can think about but you're very fat body. I thought before that Dennis only use me to his toy but sooner and later I'm realize that he really can't not beared or stomached to be with you anymore because at first, Dennis say he could not stand you're habit of making pakialam all his walks [lakad] and always calling to their house what he go home or this or that and then he say he get ashame to meet iether in school or in his family and then asking you to exercise you're very very, very fat body but you hate it thoughth your the most preetiest girls he knows about what do you think you are "Beautiful Girl" of Jose Mari Chan even you are beautiful face to your think you do not have the right to called me whatsoever or else different name one time or the other for the real purposed to insults my personality because i'm never call you names iether in the front of Dennis or in the backs of Dennis, but if you start already to calling me different name, I don't have any other choice but to call you other different name to like you are a PIG, FAT, OBSESSED, OVERWIGHT, AND UGLY SHAPE girl. Shame to you're body that is to a BUDING. Tou can't not blame Dennis for exchanging you to me because i am the more sexier than you when you look to us in the mirror. I'm repeat again that you are like Ike lozada when she is a girl.

FROM: THE SEXIEST GIRL OF D.M.

P.S. You say that I'm the bad breathe but who is Dennis want to kissed, me or you? You or me? And the final is me."



The scary part is... I actually understood that.

Anyway, to the four or five of you who are actually reading this, go now to your nearest bookstore and buy this book. It'll cost you P240, but it's worth it.

Just watched Rex Navarette (of Maritess vs. the Superfriends fame) last night at Greenbelt and the guy was a riot! The place was packed with people! Just goes to show you the power of the internet. And it was FREE!

He has another show tonight at Intramuros but it's sold out already. He has two more shows (I think) on Friday at some place on Jupiter Street in Makati and on Aug. 30 at Dish at the Power Plant.

You should go see this guy! Really hilarious. He even did an updated version of "Maritess," wherein she has left the employ of the Superfriends and has gone to work for a school. Which school? Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Ha ha!

From the forwarded e-mail dept.:

CHANCE...OR CHOICE?

When we meet the right person to love when we're at the right place at the right time. That's chance. When you meet someone you you're attracted to, that's not a choice. That's chance. Being caught up in a moment (and there's a lot of couples who get together because of this) is not a choice.

That's also a chance.

The difference is what happens afterward. When will you take that infatuation, that crush, that mind-blowing attraction to the next level? That's when all sanity goes back, you sit down and contemplate whether you want to make this into a concrete relationship or just a fling.

If you decide to love a person, even with his faults, that's not a chance. That's choice. When you choose to be with a person, no matter what, that's choice. Even if you know there are many people out there who are more attractive, smarter, and richer than your mate, and yet, you decide to love your mate just the same, that's choice.

Infatuation, crushes, attraction comes to us by chance. But true love that lasts is truly a choice. A choice that we make.

Regarding soulmates, there's a beautiful movie quote that I believe is so true about this: "Fate brings you together, but it's still up to you to make it happen."

I do believe that soulmates do exist. That there is truly someone made for you. But it's still up to you to make the choice if you're going to do something about it or not. We may meet our soulmates by chance, but loving and staying with our soulmate is still a choice we have to make.

It's been a long time since I wrote something here. My wife forwarded me the following e-mail some time ago, and most of the things written in it are soooo true. For those of you who are in my age bracket, you'll really relate to this:

YOU KNOW YOU'RE A KID OF THE 80's WHEN....

1.) You have scars on your knees and elbows
2.) You owned a bike
3.) You had a barkada around your neighborhood (all of you had bikes)
4.) You loved climbing on your house's roof (and your neighbor's roof as well)
5.) You went inside an abandoned house in your neighborhood just to see what it looks like inside
6.) You ate all the aratilis in your neighborhood
7.) You plucked all the gumamelas in the area for soap bubbles
8.) Your parents forced you to take afternoon siestas with the threat that you will not be allowed to play outside.
9.) You are never found in your house in the afternoon. You are often found playing in the street with your neighborhood friends.
10.) You loved exploring vacant lots for hidden knick-knacks
11.) You just can't resist jumping in a sandpile
12.) You know all the street games (patintero, agawan base, langit-lupa etc., etc.)
13.) You owned a family computer.
14.) Your hand-to-eye coordination is terrific due to family computer.
15.) You'd rather go outdoors in the afternoon than play family computer.
16.) You gleefully boast that games today are so easy because of the character's life bar (remember when we used to play Mario? we died the minute a goomba hit us)
17.) You know this code by heart: UP-UP-DOWN-DOWN-LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT-RIGHT-B-A-B-A-START (select-start for 2 players)
18.) You owned a superhero costume (especially a superman costume)
19.) For the girls: You dressed up like Punky Brewster, Madonna and Debbie Gibson. For the boys: You dressed up like David Hasselhoff's knight rider, David Bowie or had Clarke Kent's little bang. And now you think that the 80's had the suckiest dress sense.
20.) You had a denim jacket
21.) You had a sticker book especially that Age of Dinosaurs sticker book.
22.) You were addicted to rainbow brite, carebears, my little pony, thundercats, bioman, voltes v, mazinger z, daimos, etc., etc.
23.) You played pc games like tapper, moonbugs, alley cat and prince of persia.
24.) Ms Word did not exist in your vocabulary but Wordstar did!
25.) You love 80's music even if you don't want to admit it.
26.) You've climbed up mango trees to catch salagubang, tie a sting around its neck and let it fly around in frenzy
27.) You've spent hours in the afternoon catching tutubi... yellow-green was the easiest to catch, blue being finicky, and red being a rare
breed...
28.) You used to take Flinstones vitamins (which you didn't mind 'cause it was yummy) and Scott's liver oil
29.) You know the catoon show, Beverly Hills Teens
30.) You know Kuya Bodgie from Batibot
31.) You watch Uncle Bob's Lucky Seven Club
32.) You used AQUA NET to fashion ur 4-inch-high bangs.
33.) Your blouses had paddings.
34.) You owned wide studded colorful belts.
35.) You watched some of your favorite shows on betamax or even UHF 17 (the channel from Clarke Air Base - or was it Subic?)
36.) You collected and "swapped" perfumed stationeries with your classmates and friends, but followed the unwritten rule that you never write on them.
37.) The only place you go to for summer vacation is BAGUIO !
38.) On that note, camp john hay served BEST ice cream
39.) Most of us were brought to the EDSA revolution
40.) You remember what Ricky Martin used to look like back then
41.) ...when you think that Julie Vega is a better actress that Judy Ann
42.) You get confused playing playstation because of all the buttons on the keypad (nintendo only had the direction pad, a & b buttons and the start & select keys )
43.) You know all the Bagets and Ninja Kids
44.) You got to ride the train ride at greenhills shopping center
45.) Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were the players at the time
46.) ...when you know more 80's music than the song "Buttercup"
47.) You were allowed to bathe in the rain
48.) You were taught to comb your hair one-sided
49.) You've collected matangpusa and mongo beans so you can have ammunition for sumpit
50.) You knew who madam bola and sitsiritsit and alibangbang was.
51.) Every Christmas you anticipate going to BIG Bang sa Alabang- with the giant slide.
52.) You know the Ewoks
53.) You had Mighty Kid shoes and Greg shoes.
54.) You know what Time Space Warp means (and you know who Fuma Lae-Ar is)
55.) You and your barkada had a specific Bioman name.
56.) You sucked all the nectar from the santan plant hence your mother got really pissed at you for destroying the santan plant.
57.) You played with marbles and text (yung cards ha!!!) And you count cards like this: I-SA, DALA-WA, TAT-LO, A-PAT... walo na iyon!
58.) For girls: You wore denim miniskirts with rubber shoes. For guys: You had those bitin na pantalon which you wore with high-top rubber shoes!!!
59.) You loved cheezels and chicakdees because of the great prizes it had! (remember sticky hands, bear popups, and the stick on tattoos which were "banned" due to drugs daw?)
60.) Puffy cone still existed!!!
61.) Sosy ka if you bought a Magnolia drumstick
62.) Twin Popsies were meant to be shared with a friend.
63.) Ice Drop was the cheapest treat.
64.) You have those disney bow biters for your rubber shoes
65.) You know who Alf is.
66.) You're familiar with the show "Perfect Strangers".
67.) Idol mo si McGyver.
68.) Thats Entertainment" ang "the bomb" nung mga panahon na yun.
69.) Sikat ka kapag alam mo ang wordstar at lotus 1,2,3
70.) Six digits lang ang telephone number niyo dati.
71.) Tatlong .25 cents lang eh makakatawag ka na sa pay-phone.
72.) Cute pa si Aiza non sa Eat Bulaga.
73.) Si Amado Pineda pa ang nagbabalita ng panahon
74.) You drank Chocolate milk from the Magnolia glass bottle which you kept for holding water in your ref.
75.) Brown Cow tasted better than Hersheys!
76.) Shake Rattle and Roll 1 was the most horrifying movie for you then.
77.) The most comfortable shoes for you is still Sperry Topsiders.
78.) Dress shoes mo eh loafers pa rin.
79.) The best movies of all time are pretty in pink, breakfast club, 16 candles and some kind of wonderful
80.) You show off your pencil case which have hidden compartments that pop-out at the press of a button...
81.) You have Bensia pencils which are refillable...
82.) Fiesta carnival was the place to be (kumbaga enchanted kingdom sya ng 90's)
83.) Takot kang mag-year 2000 ksi baka magunaw ang mundo.
84.) Masarap ang Goya and Serg's.
85.) Nakakasakay ka pa sa kotseng walang aircon.
86.) You know the lyrics ng "Tinapang Bangus" at "Alagang-alaga namin si Puti" ng Batibot.
87.) You know these commercials:
a. YCBIKINIBRIEF - remember this one? Ycbikinibrief / ycbikinibrief / ycbikinibrief for the man who packs a wallop / YC had fashion / YC has style...
b. RA Homevision - those guys from cash and carry makati couldn't have done it better. Sports. Adventure. Cartoons. Award Winners and More. Featuring the voice talent of Frankie Evangelista. I will never forget the creepy hand at the start of the ad. Parang ET na nasa spaceship!
c. Arthur's Legaspi Towers - nuff said.
d. La Germania Mama Mia commercials - ditto
88.) Bumibili ka ng caramel candy, texas or bazooka bubblegum, tira-tira at tootsie roll sa tindahan
89.) Naabutan mo pa na korteng flower ang singko
90.) You're familiar with this song: si nena ay bata pa, kaya ang sabi niya ay um-ah-um-ah-ah. hanggang patanda siya nang patanda at pabastos ng pabastos hehehe!

In addition, it used to be that you were either a Spandau Ballet fan or a Duran Duran fan. And does anyone else remember that restaurant called "Big Daddy's" in Makati? Seems only me and my siblings remember it. Weird.

Just saw the Jessica Soho report last night about local komiks. The komiks scene here is pretty much gasping for air right now. Some of those interviewed said that the decline of komiks was due to TV. But for me that's not a really valid reason. Come on, TV has been around for decades. It didn't affect komiks then, why should it now?

It was sad to see what befell of komiks novelist Pablo S Gomez. He quickly found fame and fortune during the heyday of komiks (which they placed around the 70s-early 90s) but lost everything. he opened his own publishing house, even bought a mansion. But the publishing house went under, and he was forced to sell his house just to make ends meet.

One reason why komiks can hardly find an audience nowadays is that you can hardly find them. They had this story of this old guy from Antipolo who has to travel all the way to Cubao to buy komiks. Even I have a hard time tracking down komiks. The newsstand where I buy my copies recently closed (in Edsa Central) because they closed the whole Edsa Central compound.

And this one artist for Funny Komiks just proved Gerry's point about being original. He draws in an anime inspired style, and when Jessica asked him if he felt bad that there was no trace of being Pinoy in his work, he said yes, he felt bad, but the Japanese style sells so that's why he does it. Really sad.

It seems the komiks lost touch with it's audience because it has lost its Pinoy flavor. Used to be, you can relate to the characters, the stories, because they were firmly set in our roots. Most komiks selling before were dramas, action, comedy etc. that reflected everyday Pinoy life. I think we need to go back to that, instead of pandering to what we think will sell.

I went out with my college friends last night. It's been a really long time since we all last saw each other (years, actually). We went to the National Sports Grill at Greenbelt, and the place only had a few people. Maybe it was because it was a Monday.

It's really interesting to see how much some people stay the same, and how little they've really changed. We were all basically the same bunch of guys and gals, except now some of us are married and some of us have kids and all that. And it's also amazing how much fatter some of us have gotten (myself included).

My ex was also there, since we were part of the same barkada during those days. We didn't talk much, just the usual "hi" and "hello." One of my friends asked me what it felt like seeing her again, and I honestly didn't feel the same way I felt about her. Of course, I shouldn't, since we broke up several years ago and I'm married to someone I love very much. If I had any feelings about seeing her again, it may be some small measure of guilt, since I was the one who broke up with her, on a day that no person should ever break up with a girlfriend or boyfriend.

I really would like to get together with these guys again because I had to leave early last night. So I didn't get to talk with everyone the way I wish we could have talked. At least it's gonna be easier now, since we all exchanged calling cards and now know where to contact one another.

Thanks to Melvin for organizing the whole thing. Let's do it again soon.

Slow day at the office today. We're all just waiting 'til 6:00 comes around then we'll be heading off somewhere for "gimik."

I'm listening to John Mayer right now, my absolute favorite album at the moment. Man, this guy's good. Cool to listen to, and meaningful lyrics to boot. His CD is sold out in every music store I went to here in Manila, so I had to settle for a cassette tape.

You can check out his website at...

http://www.johnmayer.com/

My favorite song is "My Stupid Mouth." I guess most of us guys have felt this way one time or the other. Lyrics below...

MY STUPID MOUTH

My stupid mouth
Has got me in trouble
I said too much again
To a date over dinner yesterday
And I could see
She was offended
She said "well anyway..."
Just dying for a subject change

Oh, another social casualty
Score one more for me
How could I forget?
Mama said "think before speaking"
No filter in my head
Oh, what's a boy to do
I guess he better find one soon

We bit our lips
She looked out the window
Rolling tiny balls of napkin paper
I played a quick game of chess with the salt and pepper shaker
And I could see clearly
An indelible line was drawn
Between what was good, what just slipped out and what went wrong

Oh, the way she feels about me has changed
Thanks for playing, try again.
How could I forget?
Mama said "think before speaking"
No filter in my head
Oh, what's a boy to do
I guess he better find one

I'm never speaking up again
It only hurts me
I'd rather be a mystery
Than she desert me

Oh I'm never speaking up again
Starting now

One more thing
Why is it my fault?
So maybe I try too hard
But it's all because of this desire
I just wanna be liked
I just wanna be funny
Looks like the jokes on me
So call me captain backfire

Oh, the way she feels about me has changed
Thanks for playing, try again.
How could I forget?
Mama said "think before speaking"
No filter in my head
Oh, what's a boy to do
I guess he better find one

I'm never speaking up again
It only hurts me
I'd rather be a mystery
Than she desert me

Oh I'm never speaking up again
Starting now

Famed Pinoy cartoonist Larry Alcala passed away last Monday, June 24, 2002. The cause of death was heart failure.

He created some of the most memorable strips in Philippine history, my favorites among them are Bing, Bam, Bung, Kalabog en Bosyo, Siopawman and perhaps his most famous character, Asiong Aksaya.

But maybe the one thing he was really known for was the Slice of Life cartoons. I remember as a child going through the Sunday paper and smiling at the funny things Pinoys do. But the real challenge was in finding Mr. Alcala's face hidden somewhere in the drawing.

Thank you, Larry Alcala. Thank you for making us laugh and showing us the lighter side of life. You will be missed.

Sent to me by my sister, Babu. Nice thoughts on how everyone can get along in this world...

There are many things that we can do to perk up and strengthen our interpersonal relationships. Yet the most effective involves the saying of just three words. When spoken or conveyed, these statements have the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones and restore relationships that have cooled. The following three-word phrases can enrich every relationship.

I'll be there.

If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of the night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broke down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear the phrase "I'll be there." Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people,important things happen to them and us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is at the very core of civility.

I miss you.

Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other "I miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved. Consider how ecstatic you would feel, if you received an unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle of your workday, just to say "I miss you."

I respect you.

Respect is another way of showing love. Respect conveys the feeling that another person is a true equal. If you talk to your children as if they were adults you will strengthen the bonds and become close friends. This applies to all interpersonal relationships. Maybe you're right. This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side to "maybe your right" is the humility of admitting, "maybe I'm wrong". Let's face it. When you have a heated argument with someone, all you do is cement the other person's point of view. They, or you, will not change their stance and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship between you. Saying "maybe you're right" can open the door to further exploration of the subject, in which you may then have the opportunity to get your view across in a more rational manner.

Please forgive me.

Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up that he has been in the wrong, which is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

I thank you.

Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

Count on me.

A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship; it is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there indicating "you can count on me."

Let me help.

The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they pitch in and help.

I understand you.

People become closer and enjoy each other more if they feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting your spouse know in so many little ways that you understand them, is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship. This applies to any relationship.

Go for it.

We are all unique individuals. Don't try to get your friends to conform to your ideals. Support them in pursuing their interests, no matter how weird they seem to you. Everyone has dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only. Support and encourage your friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to "go for it."

I love you.

Perhaps the most important three words that you can say. Telling someone that you truly love them satisfies person's deepest emotional needs. The need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and you, all need to hear those three little words. "I love you."

I used to have a superpower.

I don't know why I had it. But nowadays I don't think I possess it anymore. Once upon a time, I had magnetic powers. Not the "attract-metal" kind of stuff, but rather, I had the power to attract children's eyes. Kids used to stare at me. Their eyesight would be magnetically drawn to me. I would smile at them, frown at them, make faces at them. But whatever I do, they'd just keep on staring. Nothing I do fazes them. At times I would even check if my fly was open or if there's dirt on my face or whatever. But nope. My appearance was pretty normal. It would happen in church, at the mall, wherever. I even remember one time when I was using the phone booth, a bunch of kids just stood in front of me and watched me. It was pretty unnerving.

But recently, it seems my power has faded. Kids don't look at me the way they used to. My wife, Kuki, even has a theory on how I lost my power. You see, the height of these incidents occurred when I was sporting long hair. Yeah, I admit, I used to have a ponytail. Anyway, Kuki surmised that, like Samson, I lost my power when I had a haircut. But I was quick to point out that kids were staring at me even before I had long hair. So maybe that wasn't it.

So what happened? Was it because I got married? Was it because I got older? Was it because I changed my glasses? I may never know the answer.

Is there a point to this story? Probably not.

This was forwarded to me by my friend, Lyli. It's very informative, and I urge every man to print it out, fold it so that it conveniently fits in your wallet, and keep it ther AT ALL TIMES. You may never know when you'll need it (and if you're married or have a girlfriend, I'm guessing yuo'll be needing it constantly)...

WORDS WOMEN USE:

FINE - This is the word we use at the end of any argument that we feel we are right about but need to shut you up. NEVER use fine to describe how a woman looks. This will cause you to have one of those arguments.

FIVE MINUTES - This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five minutes that your football game (or basketball game, if you live in the Philippines. I prefer wrestling myself - Reno) is going to last before you take out the trash, so I feel that it's an even trade.

NOTHING - If you ask her what is wrong and she says NOTHING, this means something and you should be on your toes. NOTHING is usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. "Nothing" usually signifies an argument that last FIVE MINUTES and end with the word FINE.

GO AHEAD (with raised eyebrows) - This is a dare. One that will result in a woman getting upset over NOTHING and will end with the word FINE.

GO AHEAD (normal eyebrows) - This means "I give up" or "do what you want because I don't care." You will get a raised eyebrow "Go ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by NOTHING and FINE and she will talk to you in about FIVE MINUTES when she cools off.

LOUD SIGH - This is not actually a word, but is still often a verbal statement very misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot at that moment and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over NOTHING.

SOFT SIGH - Again, not a word, but a verbal statement. "Soft Sighs" are one of the few things that some men actually understand. She is content. Your best bet is to not move or breathe and she will stay content.

THAT'S OKAY - This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can say to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before paying you retributions for whatever it is that you have done. "That's Okay" is often used with the word "Fine" and used in conjunction with a raised eyebrow "Go ahead." At some point in the near future when she has plotted and planned, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.

PLEASE DO - This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance to tell the truth, so be careful and you shouldn't get a "That's Okay."

THANKS - A woman is thanking you. Do not faint; just say "you're welcome."

THANKS A LOT - This is much different from "Thanks." A woman will say, "Thanks A Lot" when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies that you have hurt her in some callous way, and will be followed by the "Loud Sigh." Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the "Loud Sigh," as she will only tell you "Nothing."

That pretty much covers everything. Remember: forewarned is forearmed.

From the forwarded e-mail dept.:

The 12 Most Frequent Statements Uttered by Yoda While Making Love
12. Ahhh! It is Yoda's little friend you seek!
11. Uurrm. Put a shield on my saber I must.
10. Feel the force!
9. Foreplay, cuddling. A Jedi craves not these things.
8. Down here I am. Find a ladder I must!
7. Do me or do me not, there is no try.
6. Early must I rise. Leave now you must!
5. You know, this would be a lot more fun without Frank Oz's hand up my ass.
4. Happens to every guy sometimes this does.
3. When 900 years old you get, Viagra you need too, hmmmm?
2. Ow, ow, OW! On my ear you are!
1. Who's your Jedi Master?! Who's your Jedi Master?!

My niece sent this joke via celphone... it's a very corny joke, and that's what makes it funny...

1) Ano ang sabi ng isda nung mamatay siya? Answer: "I'm Daing!"
2) Ano naman ang sabi ng isda nang hatiin siya? Answer "I'm Tuna!"

Just got a blog. Nothing comes to mind on what to say yet, really. It's a Monday here in the Philippines, and it's close to quitting time... can't wait.