Pen's Pen

Kenneth-Bo

2009-01-27T06:44:00.005+08:00

In my previous blog, I mentioned about the Kenneth-Bo connection. Two days ago, Beth Celis, in her column "In Huddle" in Inquirer Sports wondered about the same.

Here's a quote from her article:

Many people were a bit surprised when Coke hired former Air21 head coach Bo Perasol to assist head mentor Kenneth Duremdes on the bench.
Where was the connection? I, like several others, wondered. Kenneth was from Adamson U while Bo was a product of the University of the Philippines.

Had they worked or played together in their pre-PBA days? Or could it be that Bo was a personal choice of Coke team manager/governor Jose Bayani “JB” Baylon who’s also an alumnus of UP?"

Read the full story here.

Gensan Connection

2009-01-05T17:59:00.002+08:00

I watched a PBA game with Tatay at the Araneta Coliseum last week. I was curious how Bo Perasol and his Air21 team was doing. He lost. Would have wanted him to win the close game. Sobrang pagmamalaki ko pa naman kay Tatay how I've known him since I was a kid. When I studied elementary in Lagao (Gensan), he was my cousin's boyfriend. And when I was in college, he was my coach when I played for the UP Masscom team. We had a few wins then... was also pleasantly surprised to see Kenneth Duremdes calling the shots for his own team. Read later the he is now the full time coach of Coca-cola. Good for him and Bo. People should know that other than a certain Manny, Gensan has also produced super-achieving athletes... two of them happen to be longtime friends and townmates named Bo and Kenneth.

PS: Do watch PBA games live. Sports action is best seen live. Hope to bring Jed along next time.

Pandan Penitence

2008-03-24T22:37:00.010+08:00

A few days back, I had this itinerary: Quezon City- Bauan Batangas-Batangas Pier-Abra de Ilog- Sablayan-Pandan Island. The highlight was the last leg of the trip. From the "sabang" to Pandan Island, I took a motor boat armed with a backpack, goggles, a snorkel, and a tent. Once I got to the island, I ignored the Europeans along the beach and went along a secret path which only I, and a very few privileged others, know. It was the path to penitence, island style.

As far as I am concerned, the "penitensya" should be a means of remembering that all the suffering has already been borne by Jesus Christ for all of us. We are not to duplicate what He went through. A little thorn through one's foot would be sufficient. My right foot was given the honor. An aroma tree along the way provided the torn. As an added measure, I made a small cut on my pointing finger.

The most important thing to remember is this: Christ died and was resurrected on the 3rd day. Without this resurrection, Christianity won't have a foundation to stand on. This was my main reflection as I stayed alone in a secluded part of the island.

These are my other serious reflections:

the waters of Pandan island are so clear and inviting.
the pawikan has found a safe haven in Pandan, I hope this doesn't change.
tatay's tent does not have the frame to support it, I need to look for a place to sleep.
I miss Jollibee.

The time I had on the Island was worth every second. In fact, if you ask me now, I can tell you the exact number of seconds I stayed there. I never even looked at my watch. From time to time, I just checked if it was still working.

Eventually, I found the Swiss Family Robinson's Hut where I was welcomed by their butler, Mang Teody. He had an extra hammock which I tied to a tree a few steps from the shore. The sleep I had under the full moon right along the shore with the sea breeze humming softly was surreal. I woke up many times. Every two hours of sleep felt like I already had a full night's rest. The warm sun woke me up. And of course, island-style, the butler came and served me pandesal and coffee.

News Flash: There are Pending Bills in Congress

2008-03-12T19:44:00.006+08:00

Based on a PCIJ Report, the Filipino tax payers spend One Hundred Forty-Eight Million Pesos (Php148,000,000.00/law) for each law passed. Majority of these laws are about renaming streets, roads, and schools. Of course, the more substantial ones are those which grant naturalization to foreigners because these people cannot afford to go to court. The lawmakers are busy as ever...investigating, inquiring, debating, smiling at cameras, thinking (from time to time), and during lunch breaks their staff find the time to file bills.

The following are the laws which will be approved in the very near future:

1. A law exempting law enforcers and lawmakers from acquiring a driver's license from the LTO

Rationale: These people are already exempt from traffic rules. They can park anywhere, go against the flow of traffic, make a left or right turn where none is allowed, not wear helmet etc. This law will only expand existing policy.

2. A law prohibiting the filing of corruption charges against government officials.

Rationale: Corruption cases exhaust a great portion of the resources of the government. It also entails employment of hundreds of lawyers. But we all know that there is an almost zero conviction rate. There is therefore an obvious need for a law which would save the face of our prosecutors and the Ombudsman.

3. A law requiring private vehicles to travel only between 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Rationale: This law is for the welfare of private commuters. Enough has been said about the supremacy of buses and jeepneys. There are not enough lanes and more than enough shabu for the bus and jeepney drivers. Enough lives have been lost. Period.

4. A law requiring lawmakers to make laws.

Rationale: This has long been pending.

My Non-intrusive and Non-imposing Spaghetti Recipe

2007-10-20T13:27:00.000+08:00

Spaghetti Noodles - add a pinch of salt and teaspoon of olive oil

Tomato Sauce- sauteed ripe tomatoes (1/4 kilo), with a little onion, garlic, salt, sili, ground pepper, and a quarter liter of del monte tomato sauce.

Meat- 1/2 kilo beef, sauteed till crunchy (w/o oil) with finely sliced onion, garlic, and sili.

Cheese- grated cheese.

*Serve all "components" separately.

Do not ask how it tastes. Do not impose on anyone who doesn't want to eat. Do not dictate how the "components" should be put together. Respect other person's privacy while eating. Serve coke with ice quietly.

The Inquisitive Daughter

2007-07-24T21:56:00.000+08:00

"Mommy, why am I walking around in circles?"

"Shut up, or I'll nail your other foot."

=====

"Mommy, why is daddy running so fast?"

"Shut up, just reload the shotgun."

Erap

2007-05-01T10:30:00.000+08:00

Pag na-convict si Erap, ang tamang parusa ay ang i-enrol sya sa Pisay.

Vertigo

2007-04-29T21:50:00.000+08:00

Challenge kay David Blaine:

Ang susunod nyang stunt, i-renounce nya ang kanyang American citizenship, magpa-naturalized Filipino at tumira sya sa Payatas ng isang linggo.