Marvin Isidore "Sid" Macatol Weblog

Street names can be confusing in Metro Manila . Someday I'll understand why they are making a hobby out of changing street names. Maybe they don't want Promdis like me to freely come and go. Image credit: wikimedia.org Finding out which street is which can sometimes feel like a chase. I have come to know a good number of streets during my trying years in Metro Manila as a newcomer. But then, just when I have gotten used to the names, the Lords of street names changed their names. Most of the street chase that I know are in Makati City: BUENDIA (a major street in Makati that intersects Ayala and EDSA) ... they changed the name to Sen Gil Puyat Ave decades back; but people still call it Buendia.

How can I disagree with forbidding surveys as proposed by Tulfo during election time? Indeed, if we ban our media from discussing merits of a case in a litigation, how much more with the selection process for the country's top position? Surveys defeat the spirit of the campaign period. It influences people in a way that will detrimental to the country. Indeed, "If judges, supposedly men and women of letters, could be influenced by the discussion of the pros and cons of a criminal or civil case in media, more so the ignorant voters who are easily swayed." How can I disagree with that? In fact, I am completely sold out to that! in reference to: "If judges, supposedly men and women of letters, could be influenced by the discussion of the pros and cons of a criminal or civil case in media, more so the ignorant voters who are easily swayed." - Forbid surveys during election - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos ( view on Google Sidewiki )

To me there's one ELECTION FRAUD that is WORSE than dagdag-bawas. That FRAUD is writing the names of candidates that others tell you to (thanks to popularity surveys and everything people do with it), and not those of whom you sincerely believe in. Either way, the consequence will be a President and a future we all deserve. Fate shall accept neither praise nor blame.

It's the Holy Week in the Philippines once again. The word "Holy Week" translates to many languages in the multi-lingual Philippines. Photo from boston.com To some "Holy Week" translates to "spiritual retreat" after a whole year's work. It can also translate to "pabasa" and "processions" that slow down traffic in the provinces.

Chinese New Year on February 14 coincides with Valentine's Day. I find that interesting. So, let me honor Chinese Filipinos who celebrate Chinese New Year that day. I have lots of friends these days from their ranks and I wish I can greet each one of them by name here. The list is long and that's heart-warming. Photo courtesy of www.zazzle.com My wife spoke about her first impressions of Chinese-Filipinos in her first Toastmasters meeting around two weeks ago. She told the audience about saying "No" to a Chinese-Filipino suitor because she knew back then that Chinese parents wanted Chinese in-laws. She didn't want an unwelcome look, from anyone.  Now, here's the thing: most of those in the audience were Chinese Filipinos LOL! I benefited sometime later from my wife's decision. Good decision, Dear! Couldn't be better! He he.

My business partner introduced me to Blackberry. At first I thought this thing was l-ux-u-r-y. I knew nothing about Blackberry, except that Obama had one and the Secret Service wanted him to give it up. The US President had a Blackberry. It therefore had to be costly. I was wrong.