Nakahugpong Kita Paagi Sa Aton Bayanihan

It offends me, as an American and as an individual who has lived in the Philippines for almost four years, that a Representative in the House of Congress of the Philippines would post a message about a "Day of Valor" commemorating a gross violation of human rights experienced endured during the Bataan Death March by Filipinos AND Americans ON THE SAME DAY they posted a message of Discrimination about Gay Marriage and Divorce that is in conflict with another universal human right: Love.

Hollow are the solemn words of remembrance when they are inflected with intolerance.

Five Reasons to go on a Blind Date with a Book at Passages Bookshop (North Point Ayala Mall) tomorrow:

Books are for romantics - A picture paints a thousand words and the best authors are masters of that craft. The romantic masterpieces can take you on a ride that can't be matched on just any given February 14th. Do Romeo and Juliet ring a bell? How about Katniss and Peeta? Gatsby and Daisy? Books rarely let you down on the romance.

Books are there for you 24/7 - Whether you just woke up, you're eating lunch, or you're stuck on a bus your book will always be there for you, waiting to turn the next page.

Books don't break up with you - A book never dumps you or moves onto someone new. They are a part of you from the moment you crack the cover for the first time until the 10th time you read an old favorite. Books are with you forever.

Books don't care how you look - A book is a friend that never judges, a date without wandering eyes, and a partner that is always loyal. A book is always a faithful friend.

Books can light a fire - A book can set a fire in your imagination, in your thoughts, and in your heart. Few things are able to touch your mind and your soul. Isn't that the kind of blind date you want?

If your lovers are books then let Passages Bookshop find your love.

Come to Passages Bookshop between 4-6 pm. All walk-in customers can enter to win a blind date with a book by submitting their name, e-mail, and cellphone number.

Trailer for an upcoming documentary filming the complexities of life for fisherfolk and fishing communities on Negros that rely on what the sea can provide. "Bagis"- or "Shark" was filmed in the two weeks before Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck the Philippines with filming wrapping up the day before the powerful storms struck.

I've been developing and just launched my personal website for my freelance writing career.

Please give it a click!

The Ruins

Inspired by my one of my favorite poems; Desiderata

Peace Corps Volunteer - Philippines

Kabayo

Bata sang Horse Ranch

I will be volunteering and helping out with my friends at HOST-NGO this during the Masskara festival. They are operating a booth, in partnership with a Japanese NGO Ikaw-Ako, to sell food and drinks. The booth will be located in front of the Mayfair building on Lacson street, across from Sorrento. Here's the catch: they will be employing former CICL (Children in Conflict with the Law) who have passed through the lengthy rehabilitation process with exemplary behavior and records. These young adults are getting the first taste of employment and working for a wage as they will help out primarily with the cooking. If this proves successful, HOST-NGO hopes to open a new social business here in Bacolod to help employ more young adults who passed through the SDC (Social Development Center) and rehabilitation process that HOST-NGO works with.

Here's the second great part about this booth; they are selling not only beer and lechon but delicious French and Vietnamese snacks, appetizers, and dishes. They are testing out the market for alternative kinds of snacks that are authentic in France and Vietnam but perhaps new to Bacolod. You will not be able to find a French/Vietnamese mix anywhere else in Bacolod for sure.

The Shogun's Palanquin