Audio, Video, Disco

THE LAWS OF ULTIMATE REALITY

2009-10-17T06:05:00.000+08:00

& Law of Mechanical Repair
After your hands become coated with grease , your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.

& Law of Gravity
Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

& Law of Probability
The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

& Law of Random Numbers
If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.

& Law of the Alibi
If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.

&Variation Law
If you change lines in a queue (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).

& Law of the Bath/Shower
When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.

& Law of Close Encounters
The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

& Law of the Result
When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.

& Law of Biomechanics
The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

& Law of the Theatre
At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle arrive last.

& The Starbucks Law
As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

& Murphy's Law of Lockers
If there are only two people in a gym locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.

& Law of Physical Surfaces
The chances of an open-faced sandwich landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug.

& Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

& Brown's Law of Physical Appearance
If the shoe fits, it's ugly.

& Oliver's Law of Public Speaking
A closed mouth gathers no feet.

& Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy
As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.

& Doctors' Law
If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better. Don't make an appointment and you'll stay sick

October 10, 2009

2009-10-16T20:06:00.003+08:00

It was my first day of my doctoral classes. Just like any "freshman" I woke up early and did things expected of a student. Needless to say I was late for 30 minutes for my first class. which is Organizational Behavior. The professor was already babbling this and that and trying to impress us with the works of his undergraduate students. Those ego tripping meant one thing - he wanted to let us realized that he is good. I was not impressed though. Again for me, intelligence is like an underwear, you should have it but you don't need to show it. The other rule I try to live is let other people discover your supposed invaluable contribution to mankind. Otherwise you are nothing but an insecure, stupify guy trying to drown your insecurity by detailing and enumerating and broadcasting your WTF things.

While waiting for my afternoon class I decided to wait first at the Graduate School office. Suddenly there was this Chinese-looking woman who talked at the top of her voice. One cannot even consider it as a talk - she was practically shouting to the office secretary who in turned also shouted back. I thought they were quarreling. Only to realize it was the way they communicate.

Irony of ironies. That brings me to the conclusion that good manners and right conduct really cannot be taught in school.

I survived five months of teaching

2009-10-07T22:05:00.002+08:00

It was part of the long term plan but I didn't expect it to happen this soon. Serendipity might be the term or it was really meant to be.

I happened to join the Management Educators Seminar sponsored by the Asian Institute of Management & the Management Association of the Philippines held at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation last May. Also attending were my former professors from the University of San Carlos. After a brief updates on what's happening with me, I segued into asking whether I can apply to teach. The answer was in the affirmative and as they say the rest is history.

I started teaching immediately, less than a month after the MES. I was given the initial load of 15 units or 5 subjects: 3 basic Management subjects usually enrolled by first years, and two HR subjects - the Recruitment & Selection and Personnel Management.

Despite an obviously new environment and having to deal with restless youngsters half my age, I was able to survive the noise, the out of this world behaviour of the new generation and the surprising arrogance of the students.

Did I enjoy it? Actually I am looking forward to the second sem. :-)

12 Things Really Educated People Know

2009-09-03T20:42:00.004+08:00

12 Things Really Educated People Know

You won’t find “takes honours classes,” “gets good grades,” or “attends only Ivy League schools” on John Taylor Gatto’s list of qualities of an educated person. Gatto taught in New York City schools for 30 years and was named New York State’s Teacher of the Year, but his experiences convinced him that what students need is less time in classrooms and more time out in the world. Building character and community, Gatto argues, is more valuable than learning from tired textbooks and rigid lesson plans.

Really educated people...

1. Establish an individual set of values but recognize those of the surrounding community and of the various cultures of the world.

2. Explore their own ancestry, culture, and place.

3. Are comfortable being alone, yet understand dynamics between people and form healthy relationships.

4. Accept mortality, knowing that every choice affects the generations to come.

5. Create new things and find new experiences.

6. Think for themselves; observe, analyze, and discover truth without relying on the opinions of others.

7. Favor love, curiosity, reverence, and empathy rather than material wealth.

8. Choose a vocation that contributes to the common good.

9. Enjoy a variety of new places and experiences but identify and cherish a place to call home.

10. Express their own voice with confidence.

11. Add value to every encounter and every group of which they are a part.

12. Always ask: “Who am I? Where are my limits? What are my possibilities?”

This list was adapted from John Taylor Gatto latest book, Weapons of Mass Instruction Learn as You Go, the Fall 2009 issue of YES! Magazine. Gatto was a New York State Teacher of the Year. An advocate for school reform, his books also include Dumbing Us Down: the Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling. (New Society Publishers, 2009).

Simple ignorance or plain stupidity...

2009-07-27T20:12:00.000+08:00

One of my students reacted to my "yellow ribbon" by saying "na coma nman na imong aquino sir..tyming pag sona..haha" what a stupid way to react. she didn't realize the contribution of Cory Aquino in order for her to enjoy her freedom now. Ingrato nga henerasyon. No wonder the Philippines remains dirt poor because of this ignorant, ingrate generation!

Anecdote - Enrollment Adjustments

2009-06-19T22:01:00.004+08:00

While waiting for my class (HR 24 - Personnel Management) I decided to wait near the table of the department secretary. One student suddenly came out from the office of the department assistant chairman. He asked the secretary, "Miss, may I know who is Dr. Astillero." Since I am pretty sure I am the only one bearing that surname I turned around towards him and asked, "why?" He said, "Sir I was told you are the one handling HR 24. Can I enroll in your class?" Of course my answer is at the affirmative because I only have 20 students.

He was right that I handled HR 24 subjects. But he was misinformed when he addressed me as Dr. I am still pursuing my doctorate. But I didn't bother to correct him. Hehehehe

Trapik

2009-04-11T13:58:00.010+08:00

I often wonder how come despite the presence of hundred of traffic "enforcers" in Cebu City and Mandaue City, the roads still remained chaotic.

Is it the system of laws?

The implementation?
Lack of knowledge and information?
Simple ignorance?
Blatant disregard of the laws?
Or plain stupidity and lack of discipline?

God knows HUDAS not pay anyway.

Uncommon sense - from Tony Blair

2009-04-11T00:01:00.000+08:00

When asked about what should one’s motive be for entering politics?
"Public service."
“It’s a noble profession, not always nobly pursued.”

The difference between party in power and party in opposition.
"The good thing about [being in] the opposition is it’s what you say that matters, not what you do.”

NOTE: The Rt Hon Anthony Charles Lynton Blair or simply Tony Blair was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from May 2, 1997 to June 27, 2007.

Photo lifted from BBC.

Signs and Symbols II - Malaysian signages

2009-04-10T13:25:00.001+08:00

Signs and Symbols I

2009-04-10T13:23:00.000+08:00

The face of the evil is someone you know

2009-01-29T22:31:00.000+08:00

Evidence links pal to murder
By Flor Z.Perolina Updated January 29, 2009 12:00 AM

Photo shows the suspect, Jonnelle Enfectana, her head covered in blue cloth, being taken into custody by plainclothes police. Joy Torrejos

Cebu - The Mandaue City Police yesterday formally arrested the ‘close friend’ of a call center employee who was found murdered last week inside a hotel room.

Intelligence and Detective Management Branch agents arrested Jonnelle Enfectana at the Mandaue City Hospital where she and her mother had been confined after they collapsed during investigation the other day.

Enfectana, 26, who hails from Tacloban City, was a close friend and co-worker of Lynn Vi Ebarita at the Teletech Call Center.

Enfectana’s arrest came after the police were able to recover the victim’s wallet, which was found hidden under a pile of wood inside the premises of the house of Ricardo Go at Floremer St., barangay Banilad, Mandaue City yesterday noon were the suspect rents a room.

The wallet recovered contained several identification cards of Ebarita and a receipt that she was able to buy a cellular phone last January 17.

After all the evidence were gathered and documented, the police then proceeded to the hospital at around to 2 pm to arrest Enfectana, but it was stalled after the blood pressure of the suspect’s mother shot up.

When the mother’s blood pressure stabilized, the police were again stalled when Supt. Bernard Tamboaon stopped them from doing so and he went inside another room of the hospital and talked to the suspect’s lawyer, Michael Enriquez.

The police waited for another two hours before the suspect was brought to the headquarters.

Enriquez said that that there was no negotiation between him and the police official and the reason for the delay was that he objected to a search of his client’s personal belongings.

Enriquez explained his objection saying that there was no warrant for such.

The police official was later allowed to check the belongings in the presence of the lawyer.

An aunt of the suspect also blocked the police during their first attempt to haul Enfectana to the station.

She was eventually brought to the MCPO headquarters at 5:40 p.m.

IDMB chief Eddie Recamara said with the discovery of the personal belongings of the victim, they believe they have enough evidence to pin the suspect.

Recamara said that they have also gathered other evidence, which would be presented in court during the trial.

He also said that there was no need for a warrant of arrest against the suspect and has considered the arrest as a “perfect hot pursuit” at it started from the discovery of the crime until they were able to pin down the suspect through the vital evidence that they got.

However, Enfectana’s lawyer said that it was a “warrantless arrest” and he plans to contest it in court.

Recamara stressed that there was also no need for them to secure a search warrant as there was an approval coming from the owner of the house where the suspect rented a room.

Although the suspect earlier confessed of her participation during a free and voluntary statement to police investigators, but the lawyer retracted his client’s earlier admission and told reporters that Enfectana had no participation in the death of Ebarita.

However, Recamara said that the suspect’s participation in the crime is considered as principal by inducement as it was pre-meditated and well planned.

A murder case will be filed against the suspect today.

Supt. Tamboaon yesterday said that they have been coordinating with the Criminal Intelligence and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 8 to verify the identity of the two other suspects, who have been named as cohorts.

Tamboaon said that although Enfectana only mentioned two male suspects but witnesses said that there could have been three.

Police said, Enfectana during her confession, claimed that Ebarita and the suspects were having a “good time” inside the hotel room.

Police also said that the two suspects, who are still at large, are from Samar, but it was Enfectana who arranged that they meet the victim at the hotel.

The police are also still trying to trace the identity of the woman, who registered at the front desk of the Nikkei Garden Hotel where Ebarita’s body was found last Thursday night.

The victim’s naked body was stuffed inside two trash bags and bore 24 stab wounds. —/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)

Bushisms: They will be missed

2009-01-05T17:29:00.001+08:00

US President George W. Bush will leave behind a legacy of Bushisms, the label stamped on the commander-in-chief’s original speaking style. Some of the president’s more notable malaprops and mangled statements:

• “I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully.” - September 2000, explaining his energy policies at an event in Michigan.

• “Rarely is the question asked, is our children learning?” - January 2000, during a campaign event in South Carolina.

• “They misunderestimated the compassion of our country. I think they misunderestimated the will and determination of the commander in chief, too.” - Sept. 26, 2001, in Langley, Virginia. Bush was referring to the terrorists who carried out the Sept. 11 attacks.

• “There’s no doubt in my mind, not one doubt in my mind, that we will fail.” - Oct. 4, 2001, in Washington. Bush was remarking on a back-to-work plan after the terrorist attacks.

• “It would be a mistake for the United States Senate to allow any kind of human cloning to come out of that chamber.” - April 10, 2002, at the White House, as Bush urged Senate passage of a broad ban on cloning.

• “I want to thank the dozens of welfare-to-work stories, the actual examples of people who made the firm and solemn commitment to work hard to embetter themselves.” - April 18, 2002, at the White House.

• “There’s an old saying in Tennessee - I know it’s in Texas, probably in Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - you can’t get fooled again.” - Sept. 17, 2002, in Nashville, Tennessee.

• “Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.” - Aug. 5, 2004, at the signing ceremony for a defense spending bill.

• “Too many good docs are getting out of business. Too many OB/GYNs aren’t able to practice their love with women all across this country.” - Sept. 6, 2004, at a rally in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

• “Our most abundant energy source is coal. We have enough coal to last for 250 years, yet coal also prevents an environmental challenge.” - April 20, 2005, in Washington.

• “We look forward to hearing your vision, so we can more better do our job.” - Sept. 20, 2005, in Gulfport, Mississippi.

• “I can’t wait to join you in the joy of welcoming neighbors back into neighborhoods, and small businesses up and running, and cutting those ribbons that somebody is creating new jobs.” - Sept. 5, 2005, when Bush met with residents of Poplarville, Mississippi, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

• “It was not always a given that the United States and America would have a close relationship. After all, 60 years we were at war 60 years ago we were at war.” - June 29, 2006, at the White House, where Bush met with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

• “Make no mistake about it, I understand how tough it is, sir. I talk to families who die.” - Dec. 7, 2006, in a joint appearance with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

• “These are big achievements for this country, and the people of Bulgaria ought to be proud of the achievements that they have achieved.” - June 11, 2007, in Sofia, Bulgaria.

• “Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your introduction. Thank you for being such a fine host for the OPEC summit.” - September 2007, in Sydney, Australia, where Bush was attending an APEC summit.

• “Thank you, Your Holiness. Awesome speech.” April 16, 2008, at a ceremony welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the White House.

• “The fact that they purchased the machine meant somebody had to make the machine. And when somebody makes a machine, it means there’s jobs at the machine-making place.” - May 27, 2008, in Mesa, Arizona.

• “And they have no disregard for human life.” - July 15, 2008, at the White House. Bush was referring to enemy fighters in Afghanistan.

• “I remember meeting a mother of a child who was abducted by the North Koreans right here in the Oval Office.” - June 26, 2008, during a Rose Garden news briefing.

• “Throughout our history, the words of the Declaration have inspired immigrants from around the world to set sail to our shores. These immigrants have helped transform 13 small colonies into a great and growing nation of more than 300 people.” - July 4, 2008 in Virginia.

• “The people in Louisiana must know that all across our country there’s a lot of prayer - prayer for those whose lives have been turned upside down. And I’m one of them. It’s good to come down here.” - Sept. 3, 2008, at an emergency operations center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after Hurricane Gustav hit the Gulf Coast.

• “This thaw - took a while to thaw, it’s going to take a while to unthaw.” Oct. 20, 2008, in Alexandria, Louisiana, as he discussed the economy and frozen credit markets. -AP

Article lifted from The Philippine Star, January 05, 2009 online edition

Words of Wisdom from Bob Ong

2009-01-04T10:47:00.003+08:00

Si Bob Ong nga pala ay pinoy writer. meron siyang website dati (bobongpinoy..com) pero sinara niya dahil yata di na niya kaya i-finance. Then he ventured into writing books (e.g. ABNKKBSNPLAko, Bakit Baliktad Magbasa ang mga Pilipno, etc.)

enjoy! batu-bato sa langit...hehehe!

====================================

1. "Kung hindi mo mahal ang isang tao, wag ka nang magpakita ng motibo para mahalin ka nya.."

2. "Huwag mong bitawan ang bagay na hindi mo kayang makitang hawak ng iba."

3. "Huwag mong hawakan kung alam mong bibitawan mo lang."

4. "Huwag na huwag ka hahawak kapag alam mong may hawak ka na."

5. "Parang elevator lang yan eh, bakit mo pagsisiksikan ung sarili mo kung walang pwesto para sayo. Eh meron naman hagdan, ayaw mo lang pansinin."

6. "Kung maghihintay ka nang lalandi sayo, walang mangyayari sa buhay mo. Dapat lumandi ka din."

7. "Pag may mahal ka at ayaw sayo, hayaan mo. Malay mo sa mga susunod na araw ayaw mo na din sa kanya, naunahan ka lang."

8. "Hiwalayan na kung di ka na masaya. Walang gamot sa tanga kundi pagkukusa."

9. "Pag hindi ka mahal ng mahal mo wag ka magreklamo. Kasi may mga tao rin na di mo mahal pero mahal ka. Kaya quits lang."

10. "Kung dalawa ang mahal mo, piliin mo yung pangalawa. Kasi hindi ka naman magmamahal ng iba kung mahal mo talaga yung una."

11. "Hindi porke't madalas mong ka-chat, kausap sa telepono, kasama sa mga lakad o ka-text ng wantusawa eh may gusto sayo at magkakatuluyan kayo. Meron lang talagang mga taong sadyang friendly, sweet, flirt, malandi, pa-fall o paasa."

12. "Huwag magmadali sa lalaki o babae. Tatlo, lima, sampung taon, mag-iiba ang pamantayan mo at maiisip mong hindi pala tamang pumili ng kapareha dahil lang maganda o nakakalibog ito. Totoong mas mahalaga ang kalooban ng tao higit sa anuman. Sa paglipas ng panahon, maging ang mga crush ng bayan nagmumukha ding pandesal, maniwala ka.

13. "Minsan kahit ikaw ang nakaschedule, kailangan mo pa rin maghintay, kasi hindi ikaw ang priority."

14. "Mahirap pumapel sa buhay ng tao. Lalo na kung hindi ikaw yung bida sa script na pinili nya."

15. "Alam mo ba kung gaano kalayo ang pagitan ng dalawang tao pag nagtalikuran na sila? Kailangan mong libutin ang
buong mundo para lang makaharap ulit ang taong tinalikuran mo."

16. "Mas mabuting mabigo sa paggawa ng isang bagay kesa magtagumpay sa paggawa ng wala.?

17. "Hindi lahat ng kaya mong intindihin ay katotohan, at hindi lahat ng hindi mo kayang intindihin ay kasinungalingan?

18. "Kung nagmahal ka ng taong di dapat at nasaktan ka, wag mong sisihin ang puso mo. Tumitibok lang yan para mag-supply ng dugo sa katawan mo. Ngayon, kung magaling ka sa anatomy at ang sisisihin mo naman ay ang hypothalamus mo na kumokontrol ng emotions mo, mali ka pa rin! Bakit? Utang na loob! Wag mong isisi sa body organs mo ang mga sama ng loob mo sa buhay! Tandaan mo: magiging masaya ka lang kung matututo kang tanggapin na hindi ang puso, utak, atay o bituka mo ang may kasalanan sa lahat ng nangyari sayo, kundi IKAW mismo!"

19. "Pakawalan mo yung mga bagay na nakakasakit sa iyo kahit na pinasasaya ka nito. Wag mong hintayin ang araw na sakit na lang ang nararamdaman mo at iniwan ka na ng kasiyahan mo."

20. "Gamitin ang puso para alagaan ang mga taong malalapit sa iyo. Gamitin ang utak para alagaan ang sarili mo."

21. "Ang pag-ibig parang imburnal...nakakatakot mahulog...at kapag nahulog ka, it's either by accident or talagang tanga ka."

Words of Wisdom from Bob Ong

2009-01-04T10:47:00.000+08:00

Happy birthday...to me

2008-12-31T18:13:00.005+08:00

My birthday is the only time of the year where I felt the excitement whenever my mobile phone beeps or rings. I must be really getting older to become so emotional about it but who cares. It is always refreshing and reassuring to get some good old wishes from family and friends.

Messages came in different styles but all conveyed wishes for the best of the coming year. I got greetings thru SMS, through email, my Frienster account and of course in person. An "office-made" birthday card was given to me by my staff. That was so touching. Then I got an unexpected call from a dear friend from Singapore. Some may have overlooked it or simply forgotten my birthday though.

Thirty-five may have sounded so ancient and Jurassic but when you got the best people as friends plus a loving family, I feel as if I haven't aged.

Thanks God for the gift of good health, long life and for family & friends.

Note: The "office-made" card was so colourful that I have to make some modifications. I changed the colour to a shade of blue - my favorite colour. =)

Belo-skinned at 35

2008-12-31T17:05:00.006+08:00

They must be joking.
Nobody believes I am 35.
Well, I joked around.
Maybe because while I don't look exactly young only Belo touches my skin.
Who touches yours?
Thanks God for the wonderful 35 years.

The year that was.....2008 in retrospect

2008-12-31T16:55:00.004+08:00

2008 was a great year. Let me count the ways:

I spent my first Christmas, Holy Week, Easter Sunday abroad - my first.
I've been to Malaysia and saw the Queen (of Malaysia).
I made a side-trip to Indonesia and experience what it was to be a millionaire!
I worked (then resigned) in Singapore.
I met wonderful people, really wonderful people in Singapore that I never experienced being homesick.
My beloved grandmother celebrated her 81st birthday. Isn't that wonderful?
I was not around when my beautiful Tita visited the Philippines but despite my absence I realized my family loved me so very much. Drama no? Wahehehe
I went back to school to finish my MBA and looking forward to graduating by March 2009.
Banjo (my little adopted brother) worked in Singapore and we had fun together with my other friends.
Finally, I visited Balamban. Yeah, it was fun!

To be continued...

Things I will do in 2009

2008-12-31T16:47:00.004+08:00

Under normal circumstances I don't do new year's resolution. In fact never did I have one. My point is why wait for new year to change, to do things or to whatever. Instead of new years resolution what I have is some kind of a to-do list. And here it is:

Read again - it's been a long time since I read books. Let's say maybe two years. Now I resolve to go back to reading.
Write again - if there is reading there has to be writing. And I intend to do that more actively this 2009. That means I will regularly update my blog.
Travel - nah, the travails of traveling but I tremendously enjoy going to different places. In 2009 I will visit at least two places I have never been to.
Teach - this is really my passion. But in 2009 this would be with a twist as I will teach graduate school. Isn't it exciting and ambitious? Hehehe
Hit the gym or at least indulge in some badminton sessions to get rid of my bulging tummy! Argh!

More to follow...

Personalized greetings

2008-12-31T16:36:00.004+08:00

I sent these two cards to my friends (and not so friends) through email. Kinda simple but at least personalized (daw!). Hehehehe

Dolphins save Palawan fisherman

2008-12-17T10:41:00.000+08:00

Dolphins save Palawan fisherman

By Redempto Anda
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:08:00 12/17/2008
Filed Under: Good news, Animals, Human Interest

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines — He needed a miracle to survive the cold and choppy waters, and he got it in the form of dolphins and whales.

Tuna fisherman Ronnie Dabal was fishing in Puerto Princesa Bay early on Dec. 8 when a squall turned his small motorized boat upside down. It was about 8 a.m.

He clambered atop a small Styrofoam board and battled the punishing waves for hours, growing desperate as the day wore on. How could he imagine then that he would survive in the most astonishing manner?

Dabal, 35, spoke with the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Dec. 9 in the company of his wife and representatives of nongovernmental organizations who authenticated his story.

“I began to pray when I felt my strength draining away. I couldn’t continue paddling with my hands because I was getting so tired, and I was about to pass out,” he said.

The fisherman recalled floating at sea throughout that Monday, paddling against the tide in a vain effort to get to shore, and feeling his arms and legs growing soggy.

Soon, a swarm of tiny crustaceans locally called “bugto” began nibbling on his softened flesh.

“There were so many of them and I couldn’t cope because I was very weak,” he said, showing the bite marks on his limbs.

“I started to bleed. I became afraid that sharks would smell my blood and appear at any time.”

To the rescue

Dabal’s hopes of reaching dry land slowly vanished as darkness fell and blanketed him.

And then, from out of nowhere, a pod of around 30 dolphins appeared: “Dumating ‘yung mga dolphins. Ang dami nila!” [Dolphins came. There were so many of them!]

A pair of whales about 10 meters long also appeared and flanked him: “Tapos, may lumapit na dalawang balyena. Dun sila sa tigkabilang tabi ko lumalangoy.” [Then, two whales approached. They swam with me, one on each side.]

Dabal, a father of two, swore it was not his mind playing tricks on him as he lay weak and still atop his tiny life raft, which the dolphins alternately nudged with their fins to shore.

As this was happening, the rest of the pod stayed close, around a meter away, apparently trying to make sure no harm would come to him, Dabal said.

He said the whales kept to his side, swimming along with the dolphins.

“Based on his description of the animals, the dolphins were probably spinners and the whales were most likely pilot whales,” Dr. Terry Aquino, a local cetacean specialist, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Saved by his wards

Dabal said he passed out while the dolphins were performing their slow chore of nudging him toward land.

At dawn on Dec. 9, he came to on the beach of Luzviminda village, where the local folk came to his assistance.

Dabal’s unique experience is made more special by the fact that he is a deputized part-time dolphin warden.

He was trained by the Palawan NGO Network and ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan Foundation, which are helping the city government in promoting dolphin- and whale shark-watching as a tourist attraction in Puerto Princesa City.

The foundation’s Dr. Gerry Ortega described Dabal as “a warden and a spotter whom we tap to locate the presence of dolphins whenever there are guests on dolphin-watching tours.”

“He is also involved mainly in collecting garbage in the areas frequented by dolphins, to prevent the animals from eating these and being poisoned by the plastics floating around,” Ortega said.

Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn was so elated by Dabal’s experience that he promised to strengthen his administration’s support for the fishing folk who are helping promote dolphin and whale tourism through volunteer work as wardens and spotters.

“Ronnie’s experience is the greatest proof that what we are doing to protect our marine environment is worth all the effort that we are putting into it. I’d like to think this is the animals’ way of also thanking us for helping protect their habitat,” the mayor said.

Social creatures

Aquino said Dabal’s experience occurred in the very area where dolphin-watching tours were being held, and that it was possible that the fisherman’s “saviors” were the same dolphins seen there.

“There are at least three similar incidents that happened here in Palawan. But overall, these phenomena have not been studied, and the accounts are mostly narratives of the survivors,” she said, adding:

“Dolphins are very social creatures and they are known to be intelligent beings. Some scientists even believe they are capable of emotion.”

Aquino said Dabal could have been rescued by spinner dolphins, the type that like to show off their speed and grace in swimming.

* * *

In The Know: Dolphins to the rescue

On Oct. 30, 2004, a pod of dolphins saved a group of lifeguards from being mauled by a shark in New Zealand.

According to reports by the New Zealand Herald and the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., Rob Howes and three women lifeguards (who included his 15-year-old daughter) were on a training swim off Ocean Beach when seven bottlenose dolphins swam toward them and circled them.

When an opening in the circle occurred, Howes and one of the women drifted away from the group.

One large dolphin detached itself from the circle and dove a few meters away from them. Howes turned, waiting to see where the dolphin would surface.

That’s when he saw the three-meter-long great white shark.

Per Howes’ account, the shark started moving toward the two other women and the dolphins “went into hyperdrive.”

They herded the swimmers together, circling four to eight centimeters from them, and slapping the water with their tails for about 40 minutes.

The shark left when a rescue boat neared.

California

A pod of bottlenose dolphins also saved the life of a surfer in California, according to TODAYShow.com.

On Aug. 28, 2007, Todd Endris was sitting on his surfboard at Marina State Park off Monterey when a great white, estimated at four to five meters long, hit him but failed to bite.

On its second try, the shark clamped down on Endris’ torso, peeling the skin off his back. It then tried to swallow his right leg, biting the limb to the bone.

Endris used his left leg to kick at the shark until it let go.

That’s when a pod of bottlenose dolphins showed up and circled him, protecting him from further attacks from the shark.

Endris got back on his board and caught a wave that brought him back to shore. He was able to surf again after nearly four months.

Marine mammals

Dolphins are marine mammals related to whales and can be found worldwide. They feed on fish, squid, crab, shrimp and lobster.

They are social creatures and tend to form long-lasting groups, which they depend on for hunting, defense and raising their young. Eliza Victoria, Inquirer Research; wit editing by INQUIRER.net

My Christmas wish

2008-12-13T22:07:00.003+08:00

Topping my wish list for this Christmas is a book of ice breakers and games I can use in my trainings and seminars.

Mmmm...I hope I can get one from Santa even if I have not been so nice this 2008.

Photo credits from Inmagine

How sweet

2008-12-13T21:51:00.006+08:00

My face, my bearing, my actions don't exactly ignite some kind of inspiration to others. And I have accepted that long time ago. So obviously the compliment was surprising as it was heartwarming.

I just finished facilitating an annual planning session. One last activity was for all the participants to write all their shortcomings and bad habits in 2008 and burn errrr tear the paper as a symbolic gesture of leaving all these things behind and start fresh so as to realize their individual goals. We also gave them paper dolls wherein they will give one to a person whom s/he thought made a difference in her/his life. As expected it was a dramatic culminating activity. Tears fell, emotions were displayed openly.

Unexpectedly one of the participants came forward and gave me a paper doll and said "thank you kaayo sir. Malipay gyud ko kung ikaw moestorya sa atubangan kay ma-inspire ko." You should have seen my grin! It was a draining day for me, planning being an intellectual activity but after hearing the compliment I felt recharged!

I never thought I have made a difference. Thanks God for the gift to inspire. I didn't know I have it.

Photo credits: Lifted from the world wide web

Lord grant me the gift of patience and perseverance

2008-11-23T21:14:00.003+08:00

Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
the courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference...

Bless me father...

2008-11-16T00:01:00.002+08:00

If I have the time I usually attend the 7PM anticipated mass. For two consecutive Saturdays I went to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral for the mass. The first Saturday I was right on time. But yesterday I was a bit late - just one song away from the Liturgy of the Word.

I sat down just six pews from the front. When communion came I joined the rest of the congregation in taking the Holy Communion. When it was my turn to take the Host I was pleasantly surprise to realize that the priest was my former college classmate! Who would have thought! I mean, I got seminarian classmates but I cannot recall him being one of them. And now here I am taking my communion from him.

He gained weight so I was at first not quite sure if it was him so after mass I asked the organist to for the name of the celebrant and there I was able to confirm that indeed he was my classmate.

I am happy to see him despite the fact that we were not able to talk. I know some of my friends and classmates are doing well in their job but I didn't realize I have a classmate who became a priest.

Indeed, many are called but few are chosen. One day I hope to have a little chat with Father Boyet and hear the Good News.

God moves indeed in mysterious ways.

Occupational hazzard

2008-11-13T21:38:00.004+08:00

If I were an actor, I would most probably end up and stereotyped as the main antagonist who will make the lead actor's life totally miserable. Problem is I am not an actor.

My demeanor, my bearing, my actions and reactions can sometimes be misconstrued as a blunt display of arrogance. Okay, okay I have to admit I have difficulty hiding my displeasure but I am not exactly what you guys thought. Promise. Cross my heart.

You must believe me when I say I am a people person. See beyond my facade. Don't judge me I am not a book. Hehehe

At work I was suprised when I was informed that some of my colleague will stage a mass resignation because I am too strict, too arrogant, too this, too that. I am as always the odd man, the thorn among the roses.

Being an HR guy, I should be in the better position to understand. But sometimes, despite perfecting my shield of indifference, it is sad to hear comments that are baseless.

Honestly? Hurt ako...ouch!

Photo lifted from Aroopsays Blogspot