Mr & Mrs R – 32 years married on Jan 23, 2012!
(4 sons, 3 daughters, a daughter in-law, 3+1 grandkids)
together for better or for worse,
for richer or for poorer
through thick and thin
high and low
going…going…going!
THANK YOU LORD, FOR THE WONDERFUL BLESSINGS OF FAMILY!
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The Rite of Confirmation
by the Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, DD (Bishop of Cubao)
held on 21 Jan 2012
at the St. Stanislaus Kostka Chapel
Ateneo de Manila High School
for 79 students (1st yr to 4th yr)
CONGRATULATIONS, ALAN, JR.
Alan, Jr.
Continue reading "Alan, Jr’s Confirmation at the Ateneo HS, Jan 21, 2012" »
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The much anticipatedImpeachment Trial of Chief Justice Corona began last January 16. The country waited avidly to see the proof, hear the various testimonies against the Chief Justice and to see our democratic process at work.
Everyone wanted to hear about the 40 plus propertiesincluding a penthouse suite. Everyone wanted to see just how far the political love affair between Corona and the former president extended. A part of the people wanted to see the Chief Magistrate go down in flames. Everyone wanted to see the no wangwang at work and finally see how the current administration is cleaning house, starting with the third branch of government.
Better than Valium
There has been much build up to the weeks leading to the trial, so to actually see things unfold oh so slowly on television is a little anti climactic. Sometimes, watching the proceedings was better than taking Valium.
Continue reading "The Corona Impeachment Trial: The first week was better than Valium" »
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When you say the word “impeachment”to the common Pinoy, he will probably tell you, “Erap.” This is because the only person to have ever been impeached in our country was former President Joseph Estrada.
From Impeachment to People Power
The impeachment trial of former Pres. Joseph Estrada led to a second people power revolution. This is because the sealed envelope was not opened and it led to the revolt of the people. As a result, then Chief Justice Hilario Davide swore in Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the next president of the Philippines.
The next decade showed Mrs. Arroyo to be competent as a president, although the most vilified one in recent history. Although the country experienced economic growth under her leadership, her entire presidency was marked by serious allegations of corruption. She made Marcos look like an angel and the public has come to view her as the devil incarnate. In fact, several attempts at getting her impeached were put forth, although none of them came to fruition. She even won a hotly contested election, although not without much controversy.
Continue reading "The Corona Impeachment Trial: Déjà vu! Will It Go by the Way of Erap?" »
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Yesterday was the second day of the much awaited Impeachment Trialof Chief Justice Renato Corona.
The country waited in baited breath as the people listened to their radios and watched the TV to see what evidence the prosecution had against the Chief Justice. Since the weeks leading up to the proceedings had filed the pages of newspapers and the airtime of news programs with a number of scandalous allegations, it was time for the people to see what the fuss was about.
With eight articles of impeachment to tackle, everyone was ready to hear the testimony of the witnesses that the prosecution has been saying they have lined up. We all waited to hear something as titillating as the revelations made in …
Continue reading "The Corona Impeachment Trial: Don’t we all know how to count?" »
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If you don’t know that thePhilippine Chief Justice Renato Corona is on trial for impeachment, then you must have been living under a rock the last few weeks. This is undoubtedly one of the most important political and legal events to happen in recent history that is sure to have many ramifications in the future. How the Philippine Senate handles this will reflect on the maturity, integrity and respect for law of the Filipinos.
The only other impeachment trial that Filipinos have witnessed is theimpeachment trial of former President Estrada. Today, we are about the witness another trial of one the highest ranking officials in government: that of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
One of the precepts of our Constitution, and of any democratic country for that matter, is that every citizen has the right to legal proceedings. The basis of our criminal justice system is similar to that of the United States: that a person is innocent until proven guilty.
Continue reading "The Corona Impeachment Trial: Will it be fair?" »
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“IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUDENT!” This is the title of ex-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s article that she has written from October to December of last year “…on and off in my spare time during my during my house recuperation, re-hospitalization and hospital detention.” Very similar to the famous “It’s the Economy, Stupid” phrase which was boldly used by Bill Clinton during his presidential campaign against George Bush way back in 1992, this essay points out the reasons why our present economy has drastically fallen since the start of the presidency of President Benigno Aquino III, GMA’s former economics student at the Ateneo de Manila, which also explains the audacious title. It was read yesterday by one of her professors at the University of the Philippines, Dr. Gonzalo Jurado, at the Sampaguita Room of the Manila Hotel.
Continue reading "“It’s the Economy, Student!” – GMA to PNoy (A Former Student in Economics)" »
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“IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!” This is the new slogan that the Secretary of Tourism Ramon Jimenez Jr.launched yesterday for the whole world to see while the concise version, “#1 for Fun in the Philippines” will be for the domestic market. This will replace the “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” motto, which has been the subject of criticism when it was launched, for plagiarism issues, and the fact that only Filipinos could understand the true essence of this phrase.
I must say I am quite impressed with the simplicity and straightforwardness of this slogan that the DOT has decided to promote. Similar to the catchy “WOW Philippines,” also the country’s former tourism motto, the new slogan is very easy to understand. This factor alone can definitely captivate the curiosity of its readers, thus making them want to take part in the “fun” things that they can do in the country, rather than passively observe in the background.
Continue reading "It’s More Fun In The Philippines (Let’s Give it a Chance" »
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2011 may have been a year of struggles for the nation as a whole, but it has been good to my family. And I thank the good Lord for this, and for all the wonderful blessings He has bestowed to me and my family – blessing of good health, blessing of friends, blessing of family, and many more!
May 2012 be a lot better!
From my family to yours, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! May you all have a prosperous 2012! More love, more blessings to share!
And from Mucci, Arf! Arf! Arf!
Continue reading "From My Family to Yours, HAPPY NEW YEAR!" »
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Christmastime for most Filipinos is one of the happiest times of the year. People look forward to parties, family reunions, exchange gifts, and everyone feels the festive mood all around. In a few days it would be Christmas, but some people may not be feeling the Christmas spirit for various reasons, including the loneliness of not being with their families, particularly for OFWs. Putting up Christmas decorations may have felt like a chore, and waking up early to attend the “Simbang Gabi” has become more difficult each coming day.
Then suddenly – Typhoon Sendong wreaked its havoc!
Continue reading "Despite Sendong, We at Blog Watch Wish Everyone a Merry Christmas!" »
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The climate of the world, especially in the Philippines is changing.
We only need to look at the devastating effects brought about by Typhoon Ondoy and Typhoon Pedring to see that the weather patterns in the country aren’t what they used to be. In recent years, the country has experienced massive flooding, longer rainy seasons and unbelievably hot summer seasons. Last summer, PAGASA recorded Metro Manila hitting temperatures of 36.5 °C. That’s hot enough to fry an egg on the hood of a car! On the other hand, temperatures reached a sizzling 39.2 °C in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija in early May of this year, making it the hottest day and place in the country.
Continue reading "Listen Up: It’s Climate Consciousness Week (Part 1)" »
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Citing a “rare” medical condition that requires treatment abroad is one of the easiest and safest reasons for someone, even those facing legal charges to be able to leave the country. That has been done time and time again. Others are legitimate, others just want to escape media scrutiny for a while, and for others it is a chance to say bye-bye.
Continue reading "The TRO versus the WLO – Which one holds more clout?" »
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Discipline is much needed and sorely lacking in the country today. It is probably why things are the way they are. There is chaos, no order, no system. It’s a mess! Promises aren’t kept, there’s no palabra de honor, there’s no delicadeza and the values that can help keep society cohesive are slowly eroding. All thanks to a lack of discipline. It’s everyone for himself.
A nation of honor
If every Filipino started taking to heart having discipline, the change would be dramatic. It’s very possible to do, because we used to be a nation of honor. Our forefathers were Rajas, Datus, babaylans, warriors and people who had respect for the law, the land and each other. Our heroes have shown us that in order to succeed, we need discipline.
Continue reading "DISCIPLINE – The One Thing We Need for Change (Part 2)" »
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After struggling with a hacked blog, and then a problem I really am not sure what it was that disabled my blog (sort of dead), my blog is now alive. The D Spot is alive! It has been a long 10 weeks to feel that what I have worked on for 5 years has been gone. Thanks Abe and Jason! I am really grateful.
And I am happy. Happy with the simple blessings that continue to come my way; happy with the surprises; big surprises and small ones; unexpected ones; happy that there is peace and harmony at home the way a family should have; happy that the kids are all doing well and excited about school; happy that I am well, despite the bouts of coughs and colds; happy that Mucci has fully recovered after being hospitalized by a few days 2 weeks ago; happy with each passing day; and happy for so many other things.
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By changing only one thing in how Pinoys live their lives, there can be massive positive change in the country.
IT IS TO HAVE DISCIPLINE!
Continue reading "DISCIPLINE – The One Thing We Need for Change (Part 1)" »
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A very good friend, Tony Joaquin, who gave me the chance to help him in the early stages of his writing Nick Joaquin’s Biography (I am really humbled to be a part of this momentous and significant project) would like to announce:
We are proud and happy to announce that the investment of time and effort which Gloria Kismadi and I had much joy and pleasure in doing has now become a reality.
Anvil Publishing Inc. who published the book, has now announced its launch date.
“A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST NICK JOAQUIN”
is scheduled for launching at 5:30 on July 6th, 2011
at POWERBOOKS STORE on Greenbelt IV,
Makati City, Metro Manila.The launch is open to the public.
This is THE BOOK everyone has been waiting for. Finally, we will have a glimpse of how Nick Joaquin lived his life, never before written in any book or online sources. In literati, we can say, THIS IS IT!
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One of the smartest things that P-Noy did at the start of his presidency was to appoint Leila de Lima as head of the Department of Justice DOJ).
One of the dumbest things that P-Noy seems to be doing is not to listen to the recommendations of de Lima
Secretary de Lima has a well-established track record for doing a great job and doing it right. Prior to her appointment to the DOJ, she headed the Commission on Human Rights. She is well educated and well respected. There is no mudslinging that can be thrown her way, and she seems to have the respect and admiration of both those for the administration and those against it.
Continue reading "When Will P-Noy Ever Listen to Leila de Lima?" »
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It is interesting to see how Pres. Aquino turns to many people and appoints them to key positions to help him run the country. It is quite notable that P-Noy seems to have quite a few women appointees in government. In fact, some of these positions have been traditionally held by men.
This should come as no surprise since the only son of former President Cory Aquino grew up surrounded by strong and accomplished women. It’s no wonder that P-Noy isn’t gender biased when it comes to his appointments.
While some appointees have come under close scrutiny and criticism, especially member of what the media dubs as his KKK club (Kaibigan, Kaklase, Kabarilan), at least there is a growing number of women in significant government positions.
Continue reading "The women in P-Noy’s government (and his life)" »
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This month marks the 150th birthday of the country’s National Hero,Dr. Jose Rizal. In line with this, the country is embarking on a massive celebration to remember Calamba, Laguna’s beloved son.
Rizal was born June 19, 1861 to a well-to-do family. He was highly educated, completing his medical education in Spain and Germany; a prolific writer; a respected doctor; and a known linguist, able to speak about 20 languages fluently. Undoubtedly, he was an intelligent man who used his talents and resources to fight for his country. He did not stay silent in the face of adversity.
He became most famous for his two literary masterpieces - Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These works were social commentaries against Spanish oppression and colonialism. However, he advocated peaceful means of reform. Instead of picking up a sword, bayonet or gun, he picked up his pen and set it to paper, inflaming the hearts of people and inspiring many others to start the Philippine Revolution.
Continue reading "Jose Rizal in Today’s World: alive in every Filipino" »
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Previously, I wrote an article about which is the best college or university for children to go to here in Manila based on my personal experiences. At that time I was deciding with my kids on choosing the right college or university they would go to. At the same time, there were those who read my blogs who asked for advice – somehow a lot of people had issues and difficulty in collecting information, such that they had to do countless phone calls, visit different school websites, visit the schools physically and ask advice from friends. It surely was very exhausting but worth it – doing their homework the hard way.
Recently, one of my kids’ cousins, an incoming 4th year student asked if I could help her get hold of a copy of the PLANNING AHEAD Book (hard copies seem to have been all sold out). The book is however available online—for free! Whoa! It must have been one of the things I wished I had in my hands when I was starting to deal with choosing the right college or university for my kids! This book is a product of AHEAD Tutorial and Review. This book already does every well-meaning parent’s homework: helping researching for the best venue for their children’s college education.
Continue reading "In Addition to ACET and UPCAT Tips – Choosing the Right College or University" »
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Dine Racoma is Sexy Mom, a Filipina doing what she likes best—writing, her passion. She writes freelance, does research, advises on new media.
A mother of 7 (what joy!) foremost, a wife, MIL, grandma to 2 pretty girls and an angel in heaven, sister, daughter, friend. Was in the corporate world for 27 years, the first 5 as Executive Secretary to an affiliate of the country’s biggest drug chain, and the last 22 as an international civil servant in an international development bank with HQ in Manila. Traveled extensively to many countries bringing about rich experiences and lessons learned to share with dear Readers. All these—in The D Spot
Read more. My mission statement.
