Working on Christmas day

....again.

But I don't need to complain. Besides, Christmas at work can be really fun as well, thanks to goofy table neighbors haha. :) I'm here at the Palace now rushing stories so I can leave early.

This is a job that I have always wanted so why should I complain? And there are more people who spend Christmas away from home like our OFWs, soldiers and policemen who even risk their lives just to keep us all safe. :)

So there, Merry Christmas everyone! Let's have a happy year ahead! 2009 na!!! :)

Who has plurk?

Add me up! :) haha!

Or comment here so I can add you up. :P

Archie Comics Homepage

http://www.archiecomics.com/index.html
I miss Archie! :) Good thing I get to read strips in this website for free!! :)
And did I say I think I'm more like Betty than Veronica? :) teehee :)

Nicolo's Site - Pero (acoustic version at Baanthai)--HQ version

http://nixmasakayan.multiply.com/video/item/13/Pero_acoustic_version_at_Baanthai--HQ_version
My acoustic heartthrob Nixlove (teehee) plays Pero, an original of their band named Jeez. :) Check it out! :) Very nice lyrics and melody, of course :)

Nixlove's guitar in this video is already his fourth (he has two other electric guitars and another acoustic) and I can imagine what our future house would be--lots of musical instruments!!! haha :)

Yet another correct horoscope!!!

The Bottom Line

Adopt a more analytical attitude when you're dealing with people you don't like.

In Detail

Today it might be a good idea to adopt a more analytical attitude, especially when it comes to dealing with people you don't like. If they rub you the wrong way, so what? They don't have an impact on your life, so skip past them and never look back. If you pay any attention to folks who have nothing nice to say, you are giving them more power than they deserve over your life. Your time and energy should be devoted to the people who bring out the best in you.

Funny, heartwarming quotes :)

Whenever I get bored while browsing the net, I key in "quotes" in google. Here are some of my favorite pieces...some have been my favorite for years :) Sorry if most of these are mushy. :) I'll post jokes next time, haha :)

---
When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes start coming out.

A little girl at the wedding afterwards asked her mother why the bride changed her mind. What do you mean? responded her mother. Well, she went down the aisle with one man, and came back with another.-Source Unknown

Grow old along with me the best is yet to be.-Robert Browning

"When you are in Love you can't fall asleep because reality is better than your dreams."-Dr Seuss

"Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age."- Anais Nin

If you judge people, you have no time to love them-Mother Teresa

"True love begins when nothing is looked for in return."--Antoine De Saint-Exupery

"True love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: it is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart."--Honore de Balzac

"Love doesn't make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile."
--Elizabeth Browning

The ultimate test of a relationship is to disagree, but still hold hands."--Source Unknown

"The bad things in life open your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before."-from the movie "Good Will Hunting"

Hotel siege, a year after - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20081128-174950/Hotel-siege-a-year-after

Because :)

Because I'm turning a year older in a week's time, I might as well post the things I should be thankful for...:)

For the job, the job that despite and in spite of...I still love. :) There are highs and lows, yes. But it has given me practically everything I dreamed of: to be able to see the heart of the universe (I'm getting there, hopefully); to meet people and see history as it unfolds; and to help people make informed choices (sooo devcom hehe). And surely, work wouldn't be as fun if it weren't for my equally crazy colleagues (Maila, Joel, Lira, Tetch and Onic) and my editors...from only God knows where (umm heaven-sent, of course. :p)
My friends who are truly friends. My college bestfriends Suki, Ria, Sarah, and Cheska. My [p] clover girl buddies Connet and April
and my twin Therese; and my longest sister at heart Joanna. :)

My friends from work who find joy in listening to my rants and in making a slow news day to be happy about. Tin, Ate Cecille, Kuya Benj, Alcuin, and camwhore sis Tarra for giving me plain sensibility or nonsense but funny jokes when I need it most. :)
(Congress bombing presscon)
My family, despite their weirdness at times, for the unconditional love :)
(With cousins)
This goes to Nixlove's family too for making me always feel that I belong. :)
(Ate Sara and Kuya Paul's wedding)

My Mom, with whom I share a love-hate relationship. Mothers can be very unpredictable but hey, my mom has always been one of the best things that ever happened to me. :) I guess that's just the way it is. :)
and of course.. :)

My Nixlove. :) My best friend, my shock absorber, my adviser, my biggest fan (and my grandest idol too), my everything. :) It just keeps getting better and I'm so happy I've found my happily ever after in you, :)
So there, happy birthday to me! haha :)

I'll be coming up with my wish list soon (in time for Christmas too haha). :p

SAVE MORE AT FASHIONNEWS! :) - BNEW dresses on SALE! :)

http://fashionnews.multiply.com/photos/album/53/BNEW_dresses_on_SALE_
Because I went on a shopping spree early, I also decided to buy stuff for my idle multiply store. hehe :)

Check out the album and buy one na hehe :)

The real deal on Pablo Banila - INQUIRER.net

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/elife/view/20081115-172353/The-real-deal-on-Pablo-Banila
So, he's not that creepy after all, eh? Still, he was annoying.

Showbiz muna!! haha :)

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Entertainment&p=49&type=2&sec=31
Karylle speaks up on her break up with Dingdong.

Well, I'm a Karylle follower (closet fan hehe) and was saddened by the news. :( I hate Marian Rivera ever since. hahaha.

This is so 80's but.. :)

I just had to sing this song tonight. :) I'm sooooooo happy! :)

-----------------

Now I've had the time of my life
No I never felt like this before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you
'Cause I've had the time of my life
And I owe it all to you

I've been waiting for so long
Now I've finally found someone
To stand by me
We saw the writing on the wall
As we felt this magical
Fantasy

Now with passion in our eyes
There's no way we could disguise it
Secretly
So we take each other's hand
'Cause we seem to understand
The urgency
Just remember

You're the one thing
I can't get enough of
So I'll tell you something
This (IS) love because

I've had the time of my life
No I never felt this way before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you

Hey, baby

With my body and soul
I want you more than you'll ever know
So we'll just let it go
Don't be afraid to lose control, no
Yes I know what's on your mind
When you say, "Stay with me tonight"
Just remember

You're the one thing
I can't get enough of
So I'll tell you something
This could be love because

I've had the time of my life
No I never felt this way before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you


But I've had the time of my life
And I've searched though every open door
Till I found the truth
And I owe it all to you

[SOLO]

Now I've had the time of my life
No I never felt this way before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you

I've had the time of my life
No I never felt this way before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you

'Couse I've had the time of my life
And I've searched though every open door
Till I found the truth
And I owe it all to you...

Missing Magandang Gabi Bayan

My Halloween memories, aside from memories of playing candle wax at the cemetery, are usually comprised of watching scary movies (Night of the Living Dead series and more) and the perennial Magandang Gabi Bayan specials.

And MGB never failed to scare me. Every year, they had something new to offer. Name it: floating coffins, the ever famous White lady at Balete drive; black ladies at classrooms (my favorite...katakot talaga); decapitated men in barong tagalog. Sh*t. They just wouldn't let me sleep. haha.

In my Metro Manila years (we moved to Bicol when I was 10), we had no relatives to visit at the cemetery so we watched MGB specials instead. My cousins and I would huddle while watching MGB. Then I'd feel really terrible, I'd watch the show half-eye open. haha. After watching the show, I couldn't even get off my seat out of fear some creature would pull my feet. hehe

Those were the days. When those things are the scariest of all. But when you get old, you can get scared not only of ghosts. Talk about decision-making, hehe. But that's another story.

I watched several Halloween specials this weekend and none of them actually made the effect MGB had on me over a decade ago. Is it because I'm way older now or is it because programs nowadays have such too obvious special effects?

Hmm. I'm sure of something though; I don't need to see a ghost to believe. Because I really don't intend to see one... :P

(Repost from Ate Sara): Havaianas playback

Start:

Oct 25, '08 12:00p

Natuwa lang ako, I'm a big fan of tumbang preso!! haha :) Pero sosyal na ngayon, havies ang pangtumba sa lata :) o ha :) Punta kayo! Sayang I can't make it because I'm Mindanao-bound again for a seminar :(

Location: Bonifacio High Street, in front of All Flip Flops (Fort Bonifacio Global City)
HAVAIANAS REVIVES FILIPINO STREET GAMES

Do you still remember:

The excitement of knocking down the can for the first time in Tumbang Preso?
The relief you felt when you didn't step on the line while playing Piko?
How you celebrated when your team won a game of Patintero?

YOU WILL THIS SATURDAY, October 25.

Havaianas invites your whole family to Play Back - an event to enjoy the good old local street games.

Come together to play retro games in style and relive the irreplaceable memories of traditional Filipino fun.

upcat-the-movie

http://www.upcat-themovie.com/home.html
because i cant get enough (dapat bayaran na nila ako for promotions haha), here's the official website of the film :)

I wish I were his daughter! haha :)

Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines -- A shopping mall mogul has become the Philippines richest man after amassing $1.4 billion in the past year, while his peers were hit by the global financial crisis, it was announced Thursday.

The fortune that Henry Sy made was the "biggest gain in absolute terms" of the country's wealthiest 40 families, who saw their collective wealth plunge 18 percent amid the world credit turmoil, Forbes magazine said in a statement.

FULL STORY HERE: INQUIRER.net

-----

Imagine, $1.4 in the past year alone! The guy has been practically living on interest! :) Will start selling shoes soon...who knows mine could be the next SM? haha. :)

Ateneo tops UP in world list - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166650/Ateneo-tops-UP-in-world-list
Aba! Hindi pwede ito!

BUT, UP said it did not participate in this year's survey. I believe that if UP did, we'll still be at the top post. (bwahahaha)

Sure, we have mediocre facilities and the best teachers are leaving for higher-paying schools abroad. But there's something in UP (whatever branch, mamaya away na naman ito e. hehe) that makes it different from 'THE OTHERS' :p You just know what difference that is, you just know. :)

UPCAT, the movie :)

I learned from several contacts and UP group postings a movie had been created about the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT).

The plot appears to be simple: highschool students wanting to pass the UPCAT to be able to enroll in the country's premiere university (?) so they could become the best professionals someday.

And the trailer brings so much memories already. :)

Do you know I peed while sleeping the night before the UPCAT (ssssh)? Yeah, I'm giving too much information, I know. :) haha. Anyway, I was sooooo nervous then I brought several packs of chocolates and marshmallows, some sweets that I can eat during the exam. They said sugar is good for the brain so I counted on such things to help me get through. haha :) I badly wanted to pass the UPCAT because I thought no other school was good enough. hehe :) And of course to lessen my mom's burden because I knew it'll be hard to finish a degree at other universities with their skyrocketing tuition fees.

Anyway, to cut it short, I was one out of the 10,000 who passed the UPCAT and there are around 70,000 examinees every year! But of course the exam was NOTHING compared to the gruelling hours I spent studying (ows.hehe). There were times I would cry out of frustration because I have not been getting the (MATH!!!) lessons right. tsk.

Still, I can say my stay in UPLB is among the best years of my life so far. :)

BTW, the setting of the UPCAT the movie is in UPLB!! Yipee! :) Ipapalabas daw sa Rob Galleria Dec 3 (what a perfect gift for me hehe) onwards :)

Horoscope so true

My friendster horoscope said:

"Today is a great day to connect with powerful people and make things happen."

And I'm now covering the Malacanang Palace (hello, Joel. happy birthday hehe)

I don't know if its mere coincidence but my friendster horoscope is amazingly most of the time true. Usually I read mine at the start of the day and would fend it off as some inaccurate advice. However, at the end of the day, the events matched those of the horoscope. bwahaha.

Minsan naman I read the horoscope at night but amazingly it matches what happened to me during the day. Hmm.

Anyway, mamaya na ako ulit magmultiply. Busy ako. promise. :p

Milk product positive for melamine--DoH - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20081008-165258/Milk-product-positive-for-melamine--DoH

INQUIRER.net-Another milk positive for melamine

http://services.inquirer.net/mobile/08/10/08/html_output/xmlhtml/20081008-165258-xml.html
FYI mobile version for faster downloading. ang bagal kasi ng site lately.

Hahaha!

My friend recently posted pics from our highschool graduation ball, which was almost seven years ago. It was so fun to look at but I cringe while looking at some of the photos!

First: There were pics of my past crushes. haha. I soooo laugh about them when I think about it now. And to think I cried my heart out because I thought I was "in love" at the time. :p

Then the fashion! Ohmy. The fashion was awful. It really was. And we all felt beautiful then. hihi.
My make up was like--sheesh. I don't even want to talk about it. Mukha akong may espasol sa mukha ( i had my make up done sa parlor pa ha)!!!

And although I'm embarrased, I'll let you see the pics. :) For old times sake. :p

With my forever friends Gail, Anna, Nica twin :) Look at my eyeshadow!! haha
 
Here I am talking to Ron, a really good friend na super crush ko nung grade 5 because he was the smartest in the batch. haha :) Natatawa talaga ko. :P

Go vegan for happier sex life - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20081001-164075/Go-vegan-for-happier-sex-life
hihihihi

Pops Ice Cream from China, Nestlé admits - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20081001-164036/Pops-Ice-Cream-from-China-Nestl-admits
fyi

CDC Alumni Registry

http://www.devcom.edu.ph/alumni
Sign up CDC friends! :)

DepEd wastes millions in bungled projects--House group - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080924-162635/DepEd-wastes-millions-in-bungled-projects--House-group

(UPDATE) RP among most corrupt countries--watchdog - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080923-162445/UPDATE-RP-among-most-corrupt-countries--watchdog

Hohum

The greatest advice I ever got from an economist is this: Love your job.  An odd one when we’re supposed to be talking about money, you know.

But I think it’s a good advice after all the hullabaloo in the US market that will eventually affect third world and dependent countries like ours. I’m no economy expert (my goodness, I took Econ 11 twice during my UP days hehe) but I think Benjamin Diokno was right when he said working hard can help one weather a possible financial crisis. It’s a no-brainer, actually. Work and you’ll not go hungry (right? Not too sure?)

Well, I think I’ve fallen in love with the job again, after what seemed like weeks of frustration and confusion whether to stay or go. I think it happens to all. When you feel you’re doing the same things over and over but ironically doesn’t want change.

I wanted to try the corporate world because it might give me more compensation, which is damn needed nowadays. What the heck, money isn’t everything but it’s a necessity! Especially if you’re planning to settle down soon! *wink*

Then again, I know I still have that small bit (?) of passion to write stories which I hope could make an impact or change at least one life. Good thing it wouldn’t be too smart a move to shift to a new career now. hehe.

Anyway, since now I am also covering the Church, I had the opportunity to see old churches in Metro Manila. It was great seeing Manila Cathedral. It looks very promising for a wedding but it’s too far! There are many other pretty churches in Intramuros and in Malate and I can almost imagine my dream wedding. haha Most of them are just too far and I think it wouldn’t be feasible to have our wedding there in 20** (guess the year).

Anyway (again) if you want to have an idea how diverse and palaboy I am nowadays, just click on the ff:

Lozada to go to SC to appeal “amparo’ petition

Bishops lead prayer rally vs VAT

DFA: Ship with all-Filipino crew hijacked off Somalia

Love your job, be frugal

Paintings by penguin, sea lions go under the hammer - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080916-161038/Paintings-by-penguin-sea-lions-go-under-the-hammer
cute! :)

Business - RP braces for effects of AIG, Lehman troubles on economy - INQUIRER.net

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20080916-161035/RP-braces-for-effects-of-AIG-Lehman-troubles-on-economy
"what is fast becoming known as the worst crisis in Wall Street since the Great Depression."

Why oh why?

SURVEY: SHOULD I GET A CUT? HAHA :)

Hey friends, help me decide. Because I really can't. haha.

I want to cut my hair really short. Not that I'm depressed. hehe. I just want a haircut for a change. Since I had a change of beat, home (we just moved into a new house), why not include hairstyle? hehe. I'm thinking of getting a bob cut (think Katie Holmes and slight Victoria Beckham)


Or this:



Dumdidum. hahaha :)

*Heart eyes*

Just some kilig post before I go to sleep. :)

Nixlove already said goodnight so I assume he's already sleeping by this time. But he texted me several minutes ago that he was still awake, and he's thinking of me. :) Para kaming two months palang na magboyfriend sa kilig! hahaha :)

It's not really spectacular. But I think it's really the little things that make a relationship wonderful. :) At least I know I don't have to sing

Somewhere out there
Beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me
And loving me tonight

Because I know someone really is thinking of me, o ha. :) hahaha :)

Nytie. :)

An afternoon with J.Lo

Bored as I was in the office (I'm just in Makati since there were no scheduled press conferences for my ever wonderful and literally wide beat), I decided I shouldn't put my hours to waste.

Luck was on my side and it had been quite easy to arrange an interview with NBN-ZTE star witness Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada. I formed my own trail and eventually got his ever-secret number. I called him up but he was not answering. About ten seconds after I gave up, he returned my call and simply said Yes, he was willing to grant an interview regarding his reax on the recent SC ruling that Neri had the right to invoke executive privilege. He told me to meet him at **** around **:** pm.

When I arrived at the area, his bodyguards were very nice although they asked for every possible identification card I could present. And since I was alone (no cameraman, no co-reporter around) it was scary and exciting, as usual, for me.

When he came into the room, he greeted me with a welcoming beam. I told him it was fun to meet him up close, although I've covered him--with several guards and nuns and dozens of other reporters--several times in the past already.

We talked for over an hour and boy, it was a pity the ZTE mess had to end up this way. I hope it isn't really over though. Everyone wants to find out the truth.
And I believe in the guy.

Anyway, I just want to mark this day. hehe :) Have to do my story for now. Thanks for taking time to read. :)

‘There's no better job' than journalism -- Garcia Marquez

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 07:52:00 09/03/2008

MEXICO CITY -- Colombian writer and Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez hailed journalism as the best profession, in rare public comments in northern Mexico.

"There's no better job" than journalism, said the 81-year-old author of 'One Hundred Years of Solitude,' who started out as a journalist and often says he writes to avoid having to speak.

FULL STORY HERE: INQUIRER.net

-----

Just when I'm starting to think I'm in the wrong job, my colleague Tarra placed this story in her blog. And I want to agree. :) Of course I'm a little biased because I'm in this job.

However, I know there's a world out there and it's all for the taking. What if this is not the world I'm supposed to be in? Where do I go?

Writer's block

Mahirap pala magsulat.

For years it has been relatively easy for me to write and organize my thoughts. But now that I have three stories pending and have just been clicking on the delete button, I think I'm going crazy.

I'm so attached to my previous beat that I find it hard to write about other things. Tsk. Maloloka na ako. hahahahaha dumdumdidum

Eraserheads reunion cut short, Buendia rushed to hospital - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080830-157767/Eraserheads-reunion-cut-short-Buendia-rushed-to-hospital
I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing I didn't watch the concert. :( I thought I missed half of my life for not going! (because I'm soooo busy, sayang).

I hope Ely is well :(

It could only get better

I would just like to document this day, this dreaded day, this sad, silent day.

6-vehicle convoy of DILG chief in Davao City road accident

(When news seekers become news, ironically. We're fine though.)

By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:17:00 08/26/2008

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- (UPDATE 2) Six vehicles in the convoy of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno figured in a smash-up early Tuesday evening, causing minor injuries among journalists, including this writer, security escorts and DILG staff.

The 25-vehicle convoy was heading for Barangay (village) Dumoy in this city at around 6 p.m. when a car in the middle of the convoy suddenly braked, causing a chain reaction.

The rented vans and the Corolla Altis of Chief Superintendent Felizardo Serapio were wrecked.

Puno is in Mindanao to check the situation in areas affected by the fighting between government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters.

The journalists had to be transported to Davao City on a police patrol car after the incident.

Among the reporters who covered Puno's visit are Alcuin Papa of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net); Noel Alamar, radio dzMM; Benjie Liwanag, dzBB; Joy Cantos, Pilipino Star; Christine Roque, NBN 4; Cecil Suerte Felipe, Philippine Star; and Jamie Quinto, RMN Manila

Mindanao stories

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Cuuuuuuute!!

Saw this in my former dorm mate Bons' multiply. They are sooooooooooooo cute!! I remember my son Padingtun hihihihi :) I love cuddly bears! :)


[Pandas during the earthquake in China]

Song for today part 2 :)

Looking in your eyes I see a paradise
This world that I've found is too good to be true
Standing here beside you, want so much to give you
This love in my heart that I'm feeling for you

Let 'em say we're crazy, I don't care about that
Put your hand in my hand baby don't ever look back
Let the world around us just fall apart
Baby we can make it if we're heart to heart

And we can build this thing together
Standing strong forever
Nothing's gonna stop us now
And if this world runs out of lovers
We'll still have each other
Nothing's gonna stop us,
Nothing's gonna stop us now

I'm so glad I found you, I'm not gonna lose you
Whatever it takes I will stay here with you
Take it to the good times, see it through the bad times
Whatever it takes here's what I'm gonna do

Let 'em say we're crazy, what do they know
Put your arms around me baby don't ever let go
Let the world around us just fall apart
Baby we can make it if we're heart to heart

And we can build this thing together
Standing strong forever
Nothing's gonna stop us now
And if this world runs out of lovers
We'll still have each other
Nothing's gonna stop us,
Nothing's gonna stop us now

Oh, all that I need is you
All that I ever need
And all that I want to do
Is hold you forever, and ever and ever

And we can build this thing together
Standing strong forever
Nothing's gonna stop us now
And if this world runs out of lovers
We'll still have each other
Nothing's gonna stop us,
Nothing's gonna stop us now

Very Special Love

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Romantic Comedy

wooohoo! :) haha :) I never missed a John Lloyd film, would you believe that? bwahahaha :) I think his recent movie, now with Sarah Geronimo (my favorite singer, walang kokontra haha) is one of his cutest :) hihi :)

The movie was sooooo funny and nakakakilig for me. :) I don't know but I think it's somehow similar to my love story. hahahaha:) [Or am I just making the connection? haha]

Sarah (Laida) is such a fan of John Lloyd [Miggy], who was the editor in chief of a magazine. Stiff and suplado, Miggy rarely had time to laugh..until Laida, a cheerful, giddy apprentice came along :)

You see the connection now? hahaha :) Gawin mo lang UPLB Perspective, pwede nang movie! :)

Anyway, the movie was really light and funny. A delightful piece to watch. :)

Just happy

Before this historic 8-8-8 day ends, I'd like to post a blog entry. :)

I'm soooooo happy. :D Getting well from Bell's palsy, attending Nixlove's sister's wedding and experiencing and also witnessing a love so great :) [Congrats ate sara and kuya paul! :)]

Will post more pics tomorrow, I'm so sleepy :)

:)

Changes have been plaguing my life recently and I hope one thing will remain constant.

Him.

(photo taken during our 4th anniv dinner @ TGI Friday’s)

Song for today (By the Beatles)

When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,
there will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,
there will be an answer. let it be.

Let it be, let it be, .....

And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,
shine until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, .....

Sigh

Eight days since I got this awful illness and after two painful therapy sessions, a major improvement has yet to be seen.

I'm trying to be very patient and relaxed about this but I can't help but get jittery. Ironically, I must avoid stress (anger management, anyone?) but the whole thing is just too stressful, not to mention painful, for me.

Bell's really gave me the blow not just physically but psychologically and emotionally. Do you know how it feels to look in the mirror and see that something is wrong? No, I refuse to call this vanity. But it's really a heartbreak. :( I can't even go out because people keep on staring when they realize half of my face is not moving. Bell's literally and figuratively took my smiles away. :(

A lot of people have been very kind and understanding about this (thanks everyone) but at the end of the day, the disease is still there and you can only hope it will be gone by daylight. And did I mention Bell's palsy afflicts 1 out of 5,000 people??

I miss work, I miss laughing, I miss eating without having to worry about dropping the food. I miss myself.

I've visited various sites about Bell's palsy (thanks google) and I figured it was caused by stress, flu or the herpes simplex virus, which I had when I was in highschool. There were encouraging stories: some recovered after 12 days, some in a month *even without therapy, but some suffered for years! Some tried acupuncture and got well, some had b12 shots (I might try this soon).

I will get my EMG results tomorrow and they will tell me how great my chances for recovery are. I will also have my third therapy and I will endure the pain (imagine the feeling of having bruises and yet they will still massage your face) because I want to get better!!!

I WILL GET BETTER!!! AND I WILL DO IT BEFORE THE FOURTH WEEK OF JULY!!!

(Ok, writing is therapeutic.)

First therapy day

I had my first therapy for Bell’s palsy today and the doctors said I would hopefully recover in two to three weeks And I believe so! With all the uplifting messages and heartwarming promises of prayers I’ve been getting, who wouldn’t get well?

For today, I had infrared heat to help proper blood circulation. Then they had to electrocute the right side of my face. It was quite painful (it was like getting small, hard punches in my cheeks) but I didn’t mind. I want to get better the soonest possible!

Nixlove and Mommy were waiting outside the PT room at Medical City and seeing them in that situation was amazing. It felt like I was going to give birth! haha Too bad I have two people reminding me to eat this fruit, this vegetable. Nyeee. :p

I’m still under medication but there have been some improvements. Though I still can’t control the right side of my face, small facial muscles have been moving involuntarily and that means they’re now on the verge of waking up. hehe

Again, thanks everyone! And relax!

Half numb

Good news and bad news, which one do you want to know first?

Anyway, I'll be sharing the good news first and that is my name's inclusion in the Philippine Daily Inquirer editorial last Monday. It was a short sentence that had my name on it and it actually made my day. :) It wasn't something grand but it was something I could be proud of as a journalist, right? Lawyer Romel Bagares and my boss JV Rufino informed me about it.

"It is perhaps not coincidental that the details of Laigo’s decision remain a mystery to most of the complainants. As one of them, columnist and blogger Ellen Tordesillas, pointed out yesterday, they have not yet received a copy of the June 20 decision. Neither have their lawyers. If Inquirer.net reporter Thea Alberto had not broken the story last week, would we even be talking about this ruling now? Considering the original circumstances behind the filing of the complaint, and in fact alleged in it, the curious circumstances behind the release of the decision make it immediately suspect."

See the full editorial here: A crime to cover

Now the bad news.

I've been diagnosed (on second thought, diagnosed seems too serious a term). I have Bell's palsy, a paralysis of the facial nerve resulting in inability to control facial muscles on the affected side. Half of my face is not moving, and I look like I suffered a mild stroke. I can't smile, and I can't even fully close my right eye. And it's irritating. You can slap my right cheek and I won't feel a thing.

I just finished a series of check-up at Medical City yesterday and it really took my energy. From seeing a physician (good thing Nixlove was there to hold my hand), I was then referred to a neurologist, then to a physical therapist. They all believe I have 80-90 percent chances of recovery, which is VERY GOOD!
I have to undergo at least six PT sessions (including one where they have to electrocute the right side of my face) and I am now taking several types of medicine, including an eyedrop to prevent my eyes from getting dry (my right eye can't fully close, so I look scary when I'm sleeping, haha)

I can't even eat right because my mouth keep twitching to the unaffected side and I can't drink well because the water keeps coming out :(

I hope to get better really soon. Our fourth anniversary is three weeks away and I have to attend my sister-in-law's (tee hee) wedding this August.

Anyway, I had to blog to keep family and friends updated. Thanks a lot for the prayers and messages. They really mean a lot. :)

You guys better take vitamins! Especially vitamin B! :)

 

Must drink vitamins soon

I hate this feeling. I hope it's not Bell's palsy. But by the way I'm feeling now, and the symptoms of the disease, there are lots of similarities. I still feel optimistic, though.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms? (from health.org)

The symptoms of Bell's palsy usually show up about 1 to 2 weeks after a viral infection. The symptoms tend to come on quickly — usually Bell's palsy reaches its worst point within 48 hours. A few hours or days before Bell's palsy develops fully, some people may have a headache or feel pain behind or in front of their ears. A person may notice one side of his or her face droops or feels stiff. Some people may only notice a slight weakness, whereas others may not be able to move that side of their face at all.

Other symptoms of Bell's palsy include:

• difficulty closing one eye all the way
• dryness in one eye
• trouble tasting at the front of the tongue on the affected side
• changes in the amount of saliva or drooling
• hearing sounds that seem louder than usual in one ear

Bell's palsy affects only the face, so if a person has weakness or symptoms in other parts of the body, the problem has another cause.

-------

Vitamin B12 cuts recovery time from 10 weeks to just two!

In fact, the most potent cure for Bell's Palsy is probably sitting in your medicine kit or supplement cupboard already: humble vitamin B12. This vitamin actively protects nerves, reduces nerve inflammation (Altern. Med. Rev. 1998,3(6):461-463) and reduces the amounts of nerve irritants such as the toxic chemical glutamate.

-------

AND I'M RUSHING TO THE DRUGSTORE NOW!

Restless

I’ve become so restless lately and I hate it. At this age, I know I must be having the time of my life but I think I’m in search for more.  HMM, there’s no need to worry actually, it’s just that my Mom has been insisting I look six years older (stress tabs, anyone?) !

Maybe I need to start my masters soon, maybe that’s what’s missing. I am happy with my job, happy with Nixlove (yihee), and pretty much about everything else. But when I think about it, I realize I can’t pursue it now because I NEED to save more (for the future, you know, haha); add to that the fact a post-graduate degree will surely be eating much of my time.

I’m lucky I’m not alone. haha Most of my friends have been blogging about their restlessness as well. I guess this is our golden age, a quarter life crisis arriving too early. Or maybe its that time of the year, when the skies are gloomy but the temperature humid, that makes one feel depressed, uneasy, and confused.

I want to do more, save more. I can’t wait to grow older but I can’t seem to get over the fact that I need to grow up, especially when growing up means paying most of the bills. haha

Hmm. TGIF. I hope to feel better next week.

Madness

The abduction of Ces Drilon and her crew was a turning point for us journalists.

In between small talks earlier this week, it was not hard to sense a lot of us actually wanted to go to Sulu to cover Drilon and to “join the action.” After all, it seemed safe if we had security and going to Mindanao was like the proper thing to do. (Un)fortunately I had an option and it was to stay in Manila.

Madness, as most of us would like to call it, is the reason why some journalists push themselves to the limit. Sometimes while pursuing our stories, we actually decide based on our instinct, experience, gut feel, even horoscope (no I’m just guessing at this one!).

But madness is not a bad thing, I’m telling you. It is borne out of passion, out of our need to deliver the news freshly served because it is the public’s right to know; and out of our desire to experience everything first hand.

While a normal citizen would scamper during a bombing or a shootout, the journalist (photographers, cameramen as well) initially takes cover but would keep peeking his/her head into the realms of danger–searching for a story, looking for an angle, eventually forgetting that she/he is above all a daughter/son, a Mother/Father and NOT just a journalist.

This was Drilon’s mistake. And we can’t fully blame her; All journalists who are passionate about their job would have done what she did--to go out of her way and face danger, while keeping her fingers crossed. Maybe she was too trusting, or maybe fate just had it for her.

We’re all just happy that she’s safe and sound, even happier that she learned her lesson well. The full commitment to the job is a mistake a lot of journalists have committed at various lengths, and it is also the kind of mistake we usually repeat–without regret.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines was right when it said we must “soberly reflect” on Drilon’s case.

“We urge everyone in the industry, from correspondents to media owners, to soberly reflect on this problem and come together to address this issue. We owe it to ourselves, to our families and to our audience,” the NUJP officers said.”

They could not have been more right. I indeed owe it to my family, friends, and readers. Cliche as it may be, no story is truly worth dying for.

Drilon thanks friends, apologizes to network for ‘headache’

By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 11:24:00 06/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- A television reporter who was freed late Tuesday from her Abu Sayyaf captors thanked friends and colleagues who prayed for her release and apologized to her network for causing a “headache.”

In a live radio interview in Sulu, ABS-CBN’s Ces Drilon admitted that she had no inkling that she would be kidnapped and alleged that someone had betrayed her. She however refused to elaborate because she said she was cooperating with the police in their investigation.

"Thank you for the prayers...and to my ABS-CBN family, sorry if I caused you a headache," Drilon said in Filipino.

Drilon related that they were "generally" treated well but were tied at one point.

"Nung nakausap ko si [When I talked to] Senator [Loren] Legarda, we were tied at some point may threat pupugutan ng ulo pero sila [there was a threat that they would be beheaded but] other than that I should say generally we were treated well," said Drilon.

Drilon also thanked the negotiators, Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji and Senator Loren Legarda who pushed for their "unconditional release."

"As far as I know she was working for my unconditional release. The mayor... they also were great help in getting our freedom," said Drilon.

Negotiator in Drilon kidnapping, son questioned by police - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080618-143350/Negotiator-in-Drilon-kidnapping-son-questioned-by-police

PNP launches offensive against Drilon kidnappers

By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 10:54:00 06/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police has launched operations against the kidnappers of a television news crew and a professor after the victims were freed late Tuesday, an official said.

Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao police director, said Wednesday that all troops in the region were "in operation mode" against members of the Abu Sayyaf group, several of whom ABS-CBN’s Ces Drilon identified in a photo gallery.

"We are on all out offensive against the kidnappers and the perpetrators of the crime. We have identified them through pictures and aliases," said Goltiao in a phone interview.

Goltiao said police were also conducting checkpoints in the area and a gunban was being implemented.

Meanwhile, Goltiao belied reports that Mayor Alvarez Isnaji, who served as negotiator, and Octavio Dinampo, a professor at the Mindanao State University, who was abducted along with Drilon and her crew, were undergoing questioning because they were being treated as suspects.

"All of them are undergoing questioning, debriefing, even Ces. But it will all depend on the evidence gathered," said Goltiao.

Drilon, cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion, and Dinampo, along with Isnaji were flown to Zamboanga from Sulu via Philippine Airforce Helicopter. They arrived in Zamboanga around 3:45 a.m. Wednesday, said Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, PNP spokesman.

Bartolome said the group was brought to the PNP office where they were reunited with Angelo Valderama, Drilon’s assistant cameraman who was released after negotiators paid "board and lodging" fee.

"They were later attended by Dr./Major Roberto Calupitan of CNGH, West Mindanao Command and his medical team. They were allowed to rest after a light hot meal," Bartolome added.

It is not immediately clear what time Drilon and company will be flown back to Manila, he said.

(UPDATE 4) Ces Drilon, companions freed

By Thea Alberto, Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:02:00 06/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines--Kidnapped television reporter Ces Drilon, cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion and Mindanao State University professor Octavio Dinampo were freed late Tuesday night, nine days after they were abducted in Sulu province.

Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon confirmed the hostages were released at around 11 p.m. Tuesday.

"They were picked up by Jun Isnaji and secured by four policemen at Sitio Danasi, lower Sinumaan, Talipao, Sulu and brought to the house of Mayor Alvarez Isnaji," Razon related in a text message. Jun Isnaji is Haider Isnaji, the mayor’s son.

"Ces Drilon and company are in good condition but they will immediately be given medical attention and appropriate nutrition. A plan for airlift o Zamboanga, and a reunion with family are also being considered," said Razon.

He said the three will have to first undergo a debriefing in Zamboanga City before they are flown back to Manila.

Drilon, Encarnacion and Dinampo were with another ABS-CBN cameraman, Angelo Valderama, when they were kidnapped in Maimbung, Sulu, on June 8 while they were on the way to interview a top commander of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

Valderama was released on June 12 after a P2-million ransom was reportedly paid for his “board and lodging.”

In a phone interview Tuesday night from Zamboanga City with reporters in Camp Crame, Razon denied that any ransom payment or concession had been made to the kidnappers who were believed to be Abu Sayyaf members.

He said the negotiators had built on the goodwill developed with the kidnappers since the release of Valderama last week and the “cancellation” of Tuesday’s noon deadline for the payment of P15 million.

The release of the hostages, Razon claimed, was merely "due to the persistent and persuasive efforts of the local crisis committee under Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji and Governor Sakur Tan."

Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, police director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), also confirmed the release of the kidnap victims but declined to provide additional details.

"Ces, Jimmy, and Angelo are finally all free," ABS-CBN said in a statement. "We are thankful our prayers have been answered and our efforts rewarded."

"Above all, the release of Ces, Jimmy, and Angelo could not have been possible without the cooperation of the people of Sulu and their local government. We thank them and share their hope for enduring peace in Mindanao," the statement added.

Razon meanwhile said he had no idea Senator Loren Legarda was part of the negotiations.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer also learned that Legarda had been involved in the negotiations for the last five days at the request of Drilon’s family and ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., where Legarda was a broadcaster for many years before running for the Senate.

The Inquirer learned that Legarda secured the captives’ release without conditions or payment of ransom but on “purely humanitarian grounds.”

No military or police elements were present in the release operations.

"Ces is free. She is resting. Soon, she will be in the hands of her family," Legarda told dzMM radio.

Legarda said the refusal of the victims' families to pay ransom, and an imminent military operation, were the breakthrough that led to the release.

"Nung malaman nilang wala silang makukuha [When they realized they won't be getting anything], they were pushed against the wall. Wala na silang mapuntahan [They had nowhere to run]," Legarda said.

"The military operations in the past few days helped," she said.

The senator said she was in constant contact with Drilon, who put her on speakerphone for her captors to hear.

At one point, Legarda said Drilon told her over the phone crying: "Loren, tell me if you guys can't do it so I can accept my fate that they will behead us."

Legarda said Drilon told her that Encarnacion's hands were tied and was being prepared for beheading at one point.

It was at that instant that "I pressured them, I cajoled them, I appealed to them, I even threatened them. They should be freed," Legarda related.

Legarda said Drilon's group was "very upbeat and calm" though tired from the five-hour-long trek from the Sulu hinterlands.

Mayor Isnaji had been under pressure to secure the release of the captives, except that earlier Tuesday, Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan said he had stopped all negotiations with the kidnappers.

Haider Isnaji also said he had been on the phone with the kidnappers around six times beginning with their first call at 6:15 a.m. on Tuesday.

“I told them that no P15 million is forthcoming, that both the government and ABS-CBN have a no-ransom policy,” he said, adding that the kidnappers “finally dropped the deadline.”

He said he was able to convince the kidnappers “to accept a livelihood package instead.”

Razon also said earlier Tuesday the police and military in Sulu were ready for any “contingency” but their “paramount concern” was the safe release of the three hostages.

Razon said that if there was any lesson from the kidnapping, it was also to properly exercise press freedom.

"Ang aral po dito laging sinasabi hindi natin puwedeng i-exercise press freedom na malalagay ang [The lesson here is we can't exercise press freedom by putting] reporters or journalists in harm's way, na hawak ng terrorista or criminal elements," said Razon. With reports from Ed General and Julie S. Alipala Inquirer Mindanao and Alcuin Papa in Manila

To a good friend

Friday the 13th spelled sorrow for me and the rest of the security beat, after a colleague who sits just 20 inches away from me passed away because of heart attack this morning. What's more creepy is that he wrote 30 on the day he was born--today is his birthday.

As I write this article, some of my co-workers are already walking to Camp Crame chapel to pay their last respects for George Evardo or Kuya Geo or "Bai" because he hails from Visayas.

Everytime I work late than usual (which is darn near all the time) and the EDSA gate has closed, I need not worry because I know Kuya Geo will accompany me in my long walk to Camp Crame's Santolan gate. In those walks, he would share the happy and sad stories of his life; we also exchanged views about our job, and he even threw silly jokes (really silly), which made me laugh anyway.

He loved walking as a form of exercise. And the exercise buff that he is, I could not imagine he would die of a heart attack.

Life is indeed short.

I have a thousand memories of Kuya Geo. The way he delivers he news, the way he walks, and the way he peeks at my laptop to snoop on whatever story I was pursuing. At times I was generous but in the recent days I was secretive. Had I known he would say goodbye, I would have allowed him get all the details I have!

The little corner I share with Alcuin, Tin, Carlo and Kuya Geo will never be the same again. Today, I lost not just an officemate. I also lost a good friend, an older brother, a family.

Bye Kuya Geo, I will really miss you.

(UPDATED) Gotta stop worrying

The kidnapping of Ces Drilon and two of her crew is reason enough for us journalists, even the public, to get worried. I’ve covered several stories with Drilon (Honasan capture, Manila Penn, among others) but we were never introduced, and we never had the usual chit-chats.

She was feisty but she was, in a way, cool. I think she knows how to make her presence known, and that’s a good thing.

When I heard about her abduction, I was able to immediately picture a Ces Drilon talking in a loud voice–with that angry look–like the way she did at the November 29, Manila Peninsula siege. But of course, that could have been otherwise; Abu Sayyaf is no ordinary group and they are known to be merciless. They can rape any woman, torture any man, and decapitate them afterwards.

At this point, it is not merely about Drilon’s purpose why she went to Sulu. Let’s stop pointing fingers and reserve those who-is-to-blame portion once Drilon and her cameramen (and the professor as well) get back home safe.

What worries me more now is the departure of several beat friends who will cover Drilon’s kidnapping story. Good friends like Noel Alamar and Benjie Liwanag are among those who will fly to Zamboanga then to Sulu. Just hours ago, Noel gave us women at the beat a tight hug and I can’t help but get teary-eyed. But despite the worries, we were even joking to have their file photos taken! haha I also asked Benjie to return to Manila safe, with his pasalubong (a nice shawl will do, hehe) in tow. I also texted another friend, Jun Veneracion, who is already there to take care and he replied in a no-worry way, as if he's away for some vacation. haha. :)

Now I know what my Nixlove and family feels when I’m out for some dangerous coverage. And like them, I have no other option but to cross my fingers and whisper a prayer for my colleagues’ safe return.

(UPDATE 2) ABS-CBN not paying ransom for abducted crew

By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 11:23:00 06/11/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Broadcast network ABS-CBN said on Wednesday that it is not paying any ransom for its news team, led by television reporter Ces Drilon, which was kidnapped in Sulu.

"ABS-CBN News will abide by its policy not to pay ransom because this would embolden kidnap for ransom groups to abduct other journalists, putting more lives at risk," the network said in a statement.

"ABS CBN News is doing everything it can help to help the families of its kidnapped journalists [get] through this harrowing ordeal," the statement added.

The statement was released shortly after Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, police director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), confirmed that negotiations had begun with the abductors of Drilon, cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, and their guide, Mindanao State University Professor Octavio Dinampong.

The group went missing in Sulu on Sunday after they were intercepted by an armed group along Kulasi, town of Maimbung.

Police say the abductors are members of the Abu Sayyaf led by Albader Parad and Gapur Jundain, the latter a former member of the Moro National Liberation Front who recently joined the group.

ABS-CBN also asked for prayers and requested other news organizations to "join ABS-CBN News in condemning this unconscionable attack against journalists."

Earlier Goltiao said there was a "great possibility" that the journalist would be freed, but would not say who was involved in the negotiations.

"Negotiations are being conducted," Goltiao said on radio. "There is a great possibility that we will obtain the release of Ces Drilon...but we cannot give an exact date."

Goltiao belied reports that the kidnappers are asking for between $227,000 and $454,000 for the hostages' safe release.

"We are on a no-ransom policy pero [but] during the negotiations, hindi maiwasan [it can’t be helped]," Goltiao told INQUIRER.net in a separate interview.

"We cannot comment much at this point but we are doing our best to recover safely Ces Drilon and her team," he said, noting that they have been receiving reports that Drilon and company are being moved around consistently.

Goltiao appealed to reporters not to come to Jolo to cover the Drilon kidnapping, saying, "We cannot safeguard them all, and they may enter unsecured areas without our knowledge, and what happened to Ces may happen to them."

The abduction of Drilon and her crew has been widely criticized by journalism groups both here and abroad.

"We hope that those who have abducted the journalists and their guide will hear the appeals being made on their behalf by many of the country's leading figures," said the international press group Reporters Without Borders.

The Paris-based media group said the Abu Sayyaf has been responsible for the kidnapping of more than 30 journalists over the years.

"Taking hostages is unacceptable. We call on all those could have any influence over the kidnappers to try to get Drilon and her colleagues released."

Goltiao also said Dinampo is now also considered a “victim.”

"We treat him [Dinampo] as a victim now because we cannot prove now that he is otherwise," said Goltiao.

Police said initially that they were eyeing Dinampo's links to the Abu Sayyaf, and the possibility that he lured the news team to the bandits.

"Based on the inputs we received, mukhang hindi niya alam [it looks like he didn’t know] about the kidnapping," Goltiao said.

It was respect, not news black-out on Drilon abduction « BEHIND THE STORIES/ THEANTHOLOGY

http://theaalberto.wordpress.com/2008/06/10/news-black-out/
Since Monday morning, there have been reports going around that Ces Drilon and her crew had been abducted while about to interview an Abu Sayyaf leader who has sent surrender feelers. Several reporters in the (Camp Crame) beat were really jittery, and it was hard not to notice.

(UPDATE) TV reporter, crew ‘alive, well’--police official

(UPDATE) TV reporter, crew ‘alive, well’--police official
By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:38:00 06/10/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Television reporter Ces Drilon and her crew who police said were abducted by local terror group Abu Sayyaf were "alive and well" and being treated fairly by their captors, an official said Tuesday.

"Pinapakain naman sila [They are being fed well], they are well and alive, hindi sila nakatali [they are not tied] and nakakalabas sila [they are able to move around] but they are being escorted," Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, police regional director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview, citing reports from the crisis management team formed to negotiate with Drilon’s captors.

Goltiao said that the ABS-CBN news team was intercepted Sunday in Maimbung, a township in the Sulu capital Jolo, by armed men under Albader Parad, an Abu Sayyaf leader in the area and Gapur Jundain, a former member of the Moro National Liberation Front who recently joined Abu Sayyaf.

Goltiao also denied reports circulating in website forums that Professor Octavio Dinampo of the Mindanao State University, who was also reported missing, along with Drilon and her crew, had been released.

"Hindi namin ma-confirm hangga't hindi namin nakikita [But we cannot confirm until we see him]...and we are more into Ces Drilon because we are still checking if he [Dinampo] is also a victim or whether he is in cahoots with the abductors," said Goltiao, adding that they were sure that the Abu Sayaff was behind the abduction.

Police Director General Avelino Razon meanwhile said they were verifying reports that the group had asked for ransom ranging from P10 million to P30 million.

But Razon clarified that these reports came from unofficial sources and were relayed to ABS-CBN, the network where Drilon and her crew Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama work for.

"The reports are very unclear at this point in time...and meron ibang sinabi ang [there are things that] ABS-CBN sa amin [told us] that we are not at liberty to reveal," Razon told reporters in Camp Crame.

"We are still verifying the information we got but because of the sensitivity of the situation, we are not to reveal details yet," said Razon, noting that police and even military units are conducting search operations.

Although Razon refused to call the situation a kidnapping, he has ordered the Intelligence Group and the Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response, a police unit specializing in abductions, to join the operation in locating and saving Drilon and her team.

Razon added that they were also investigating the whereabouts of Dinampo.

"We are monitoring and following up, also the verification of status on Ces Drilon and two other members believed to be somewhere in Sulu. That is as far as the details we could give," added Razon.

Multiply blog

I'm bidding this blog goodbye indefinitely because I will explore wordpress. :) I've been on wordpress since September 2006 but Multiply got in the way May last year. hehe :)

I love multiply's privacy settings but if I would blog, why should I keep it to several contacts only? But of course now I would have to be more careful. haha :)

I'll still keep in touch here though for pictures, what-have-you's, and for chismis. :) hehe :)

Visit me there and leave a comment! :) hehe :) Or if you have a separate site, give me a message so I could link yours. :) Thanks! :)

BEHIND THE STORIES//THEANTHOLOGY

Check out Nixlove's too! :)

Hostage-taking

Lubao, Pampanga–Ironically, I wrote in my previous entry (wordpress blog) that my beat is a dying one. I was wrong.

If  you’ve been following the news,  there were at least three big crime stories for this day alone, with around six people dead in separate incidents.

In Calamba this morning, a suspected gang leader (yet another,) was killed as he shot it out with police while authorities served a search warrant. In Zamboanga shortly before lunch, at least two were killed when an improvised explosive device went off near an airbase. A messenger was also killed when motorcycle-riding robbers took over 100k from him.

And now, just about two hours ago, I witnessed yet another breath-taking assault when policemen decided to attack a hostage taker, initially identified as Rey Digo. He was allegedly mad at his wife that he went on a shooting spree inside a Bataan-bound Genesis bus. One of his co-passengers was killed.

See what love can do. It made Rey Digo so mad, he’d rather kill or die than accept the reality his wife slept with another man. Hay. The mysteries of the heart.

I took several pictures and videos, which I hope to upload tonight as soon as I am back home, safe.
Whew! Good thing I’m not your journalist-in-heels today, else I’ll be blister-full by now.

————

Oh, my boyfriend (hihi) Nixlove just started his blog! I am just too happy (despite the day’s bloody coverage)

“My girlfriend, Thealove, lives a dash-and-daring life as a breaking news reporter. The union of academia and journalism seems odd (though I was once a campus journalist myself), but when you find the best partner for the long journey of life you don’t let her go,” he wrote in his profile page.

This is my kind of love.

THEANTHOLOGY

http://theaalberto.wordpress.com/
This used to be a serious blog, all about job, etc etc because it was in the website's blogroll and in anybody else's link. But what the heck, it's a blog and I should not restrict myself in writing topics that I want. hehe :) This practically contains what I post here in multiply. See you there! :)

My girlfriends :)

If I were a guy, I would definitely court these women. haha. Fortunately, I am not! :) Seriously, it's in these people where I find peace when I'm lost. They are my source of funny (or usually corny) jokes, but will still make me laugh anyway. :)

Here's a tribute to the future bride's maids. :) (In no particular order hehe)

My bff (hehe) Joanna Cheryl Frialde. We refuse to call each other the best of friends because that would be an understatement. We are like sisters. :) She's been there since gradeschool. She's the smartest in our batch (but that's not the reason why I befriended her, haha) but she's willing to look silly just to join me in my misadventures. :)

Ria Ancheta and Sarah Velasco. :) My best college friends and my ultimate advisers on love, studies, and what-have-you's. haha :) We were friends since we were young, innocent freshmen and have not left each other since. :) They were also my sisters in UP Sibol. They are--as most sisters are--irreplaceable :)




My beat buddies :) Christine Roque and Cecille Suerte Felipe--they make my stressful job stress-free and my boring slow news days interesting at Camp Crame. And since this entry is all about girls, I would not include Alcuin, Kuya Benjie, and Kuya Aris. haha :)







April Isiderio--I call her buddy, and rightfully so. My UPLB Perspective buddy, with whom I share all my secrets with, haha! :) She never failed to be there, even if I scolded her for her momentary stupidity when it comes to her own lovelife, hihi. :) joke lang, buds! :)



Connet Marie Ben. Also a [P] friend. She looks snobbish and rude (haha). But she's got to be one of my sweetest friends around. One of the truest persons I've ever met! :)

(April, Connet and I are the clovergirls (not cover)! hihi)




Therese Gallenero could be considered my twin because aside from the fact that we share the same birth date, we can finish each other's sentences. :) And when it comes to shopping, she's the ultimate companion! We even skipped college classes because we just had to shop! haha :)





Cheska Young. This woman has the makings of a fashion designer--she even sketched my dream wedding gown when I was still a single sophomore! hehe. :) Seriously, Cheska is one of the nicest people in the world. We call each other ganda. :) She deserves the title, because she is beautiful inside out. :)

SAVE MORE AT FASHIONNEWS! :)

http://fashionnews.multiply.com/
New uploads! :)

Your foodie guide to Legaspi, Salcedo Villages - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20080521-137962/Your-foodie-guide-to-Legaspi-Salcedo-Villages
A good food guide! hehe

Bye, Ka Bel ( a late post)

We were never close, although we exchanged pleasantries during rallies and other activities led by activists--as our respective jobs called for.

Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Representative Crispin Beltran, who was known as one of the Batasan five, passed away the other day after he fell from the rooftop of his home in Bulacan. He was 75.

Known for his leftist ideals, Beltran was always present at rallies--maybe except when he was under hospital arrest last year.

Some people, even his family, said his death was useless, undramatic, and very unlikely for a man who fought labor injustice. But I guess his (hopefully) painless death was heaven's way of paying him for all the good things he has done while he was still alive.

True, you don't know what you got until it's gone. Take care everyone!

Lone survivor of Cabuyao bank robber dies--police - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20080518-137323/Lone-survivor-of-Cabuyao-bank-robber-dies--police

Facebook assessment

There's a facebook application that allows members to assess or characterize their friends/contacts. I recently checked how I did and I found out their assessments. I was really surprised (and somehow flattered hehe) that some people thought I was actually diligent! haha! :) Diligent is different from intelligent, mind you. :p

When I was in highschool, the box beside "diligent" in my report card never had a check. And I perfectly understood. I was never diligent when it comes to my studies.  I hate going to classes, especially those scheduled at 7:00 am! haha :) Maybe now I look diligent. Although I have to think about that again. hihi :)

Somebody assessed me as being "Free spirited'. And I agree. :) hehe

Another assessed me as being 'Loyal' and definitely I am. :) Before I met Nixlove, I've never been this sure, in fact. :)

Funny (in a good way) assessments include Charming, Geeky, Responsible (two people actually thought I was, haha), Hyper, Polite, Sassy, Creative, Sylish, and Fun.

Geeky? I love that, really! hehe :) But hyper?! What's that supposed to mean? haha! Well I do get hyper at times, if not all the time. haha! :) And yes, I think I'm kinda sassy, but not the kind of woman your mother warned you about (ok, I'm just copying the English Sassy girl movie's tagline here hehe).

Somebody also assessed me as being 'Artistic'--and this is soooo great! I've always wanted to look like an artist! haha! :p The deep, intellectual artist in fact. But I'm afraid I would look like a poser if I tried too hard. :p I hate people trying to look artistic. Then again, artistic is a really relative term. Well I guess any word is.

Anyway, somebody actually thought I was "outgoing" and though this could be true for my job, I actually am a homebuddy. :) I like to travel but I'd rather stay home if I could. haha. Thea is the perennial benchwarmer. :) And I sleep a looooot. I'm actually starting to convince myself to change this sleepyhead attutude. I hope its working. :)

For the sake of

Just for the sake of posting, i'm posting this. haha, labo! :) I'm sooooo happy I have a clear photo during the Manila Peninsula siege! haha! Thanks to Raffy Jimenez of gmanews.tv, may souvenir ako! :)

I had no idea this photo existed. :) I guess this was two hours before the teargas and the assault, kasi obviously medyo malinis pa damit ko. :p

Bloody Friday

It must be the cold, eerie weather but I am really down. I feel bad. I hate the word death.

If there's anything likable about this job, it is seeing history unfold, it is getting to the scene before everyone does. However, if there's anything not to like about this job, it is for the same reasons.

Around 9 am, 9 bank employees were killed during a bank robbery in RCBC Cabuyao, Laguna. They were shot at their heads as robbers carted away only God knows how much. I could not believe some people would kill for money!

Imagine this: You are just reporting for work and you end up getting killed. It's one of the worst things ever, I bet.

And then a businessman in Bulacan also got killed while resisting robbers. Two more were killed in a Manila port shootout. Then a still unidentified man fell from a park lot in Trinoma, apparently not suicide. A teener was also killed in Quezon City during a building collapse. Can you still count how many people met their tragic death today? All these deaths in ONE DAY!

The China earthquake and the Myanmar cyclone are as devastating, if not more. Mother Nature has mastered the art of revenge.

:(

Abalos invited Arroyos to golf in Shenzhen--lawyer - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080514-136545/Abalos-invited--Arroyos-to-golf-in-Shenzhen--lawyer

Lakas, Kampi target yearend merger--official - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080514-136518/Lakas-Kampi-target-yearend-merger--official
Teodoro and Belmonte for president? hahahaha!

40% of Myanmar dead are children--aid group - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20080513-136289/40-of-Myanmar-dead-are-children--aid-group

World Press Freedom site

http://www.worldpressfreedomday.org/

Ray in reverse

I recently finished a book (yahoo!) written by Daniel Wallace, who also authored the phenomenal Big Fish.

The blurb was right. Ray in Reverse tells the humorously dark story of a man, told backwards. It started when Ray was already in heaven and ended when he was born. No spoilers here, though. :)

I think the book was great, definitely not boring.  And guess what? I bought it (mint condition) for just 45 pesos at a booksale in Galleria!

Anyway, before I turn this blog entry into another advertising medium, I will post my favorite paragraph from the book.

"It was under this sun that we met, and it was love at first sight. But all that really means is that somewhere in the world there is someone for everyone to love--one person, it's a fact--and all you have to do to know it..is to see him, and for him to see you. It was a one in a million chance, of course, that I happened to be in the same stretch of desert where he was, and that he took a moment to look at the woman beside him."

One in a million it is, and boy, I feel really lucky to have finally found mine. :)

Have a nice week everyone! :)

Hiphop abs

Shaun T is a magnificent teacher! haha. :) I've been dying to have this aerobic-dance dvd since I saw its ad on the home video shopping channel but the price was incredibly high! I think it was around 4,000 pesos, which I would rather spend on books, bags, shoes, and clothes. hihi.

Anyway, I was so glad I found a pirated but clear-copy dvd of Hiphop abs which cost me only 70 pesos! :) I've been addicted to it since the day I tried the routines. Yes, I am a frustrated dancer (but I know I can dance! haha) but with Hiphop Abs I feel like I'm a pro! Haha! :) Seriously, I love its slimming program. You can  choose Abs sculptor, last minute routine (five minutes of light exercise), learn the hiphop dance, and the 20-minute routine.  I did all the routines on my first try! Good thing they had good warm ups and cool downs that I never experienced back or muscle pains. :)

And believe it or not, I think it's already working. :) hehe :)  Not that I'm really bent on losing weight (do I need to? nyeh)  but the fact that  I'm having some  exercise/hobby after work makes me feel good. :) I feel lighter and more active. haha :)

Too much promotion for hiphops abs now. haha. :)

BETTER TOGETHER

by Jack Johnson

There’s no combination of words
I could put on the back of a postcard
No song that I could sing
But I can try for your heart and our dreams
And they are made out of real things
Like a shoebox of photographs with sepia-tone lovin’
Love is the answer, at least for most of the questions in my heart
Like why are we here? and where do we go? and how come it's so hard?
It’s not always easy and sometimes life can be deceiving
I’ll tell you one thing
It’s always better when we're together

Mmmm it’s always better when we’re together
Yeah, we’ll look at them stars and we’re together
Well, it’s always better when we’re together
Yeah, it’s always better when we’re together

And all of these moments just might find
Their way into my dreams tonight
But I know that they’ll be gone when the morning light sings
Or brings new things
For tomorrow night you see that they’ll be gone too
Too many things I have to do
But if all of these dreams might find their way
Into my day to day scene
I’d be under the impression I was somewhere in between
With only two, just me and you
Not so many things we got to do
Or places we got to be
We’ll sit beneath the mango tree now

Yeah, it’s always better when we’re together
Mmmm we’re somewhere in between together
Well, it’s always better when we’re together
Yeah, it’s always better when we’re together
Mmmm mmmm mmmmmmmmm

I believe in memories
They look so, so pretty when I sleep
Hey now and, and when I wake up
You look so pretty sleeping next to me
But there is not enough time
And there is no, no song I could sing
And there is no combination of words I could say
But I will still tell you one thing
We’re Better together