My sort of “Perry” Tale

This one’s for “Perry: The Musical,” the play that reminded me of my childhood dream – that is to become a priest (believe it, or not!). “Perry” is a modern take on how seminarians, priests, and lay people can be perceived nowadays. It is funny, real and definitely Kapampangan; I’m happy I didn’t miss the [...]

When your nick is longer than your name

Ponkie, Pongky, Pongkee, Pongkie. It’s actually Ponky. I noticed that my friends’ Christmas and New Year greetings sent through SMS included my nickname, “Ponky.” During this holiday season, I came across several versions of my name (which I found cute). Anyway, this instance has led me to make a quick research on the etymology of [...]

Public work, private life

The challenge of being in public service is that it can go as “public” as it can get. After the elections, I have decided not to write so much so as not to take sides in issues. I can’t help but take hold of my feelings whenever I have a personal opinion on matters which [...]

Not stereotypical

I was once one of those who belittled people in the Philippine government. I was furious whenever I hear of stories of corruption and patronage politics. But when I became part of the City Government of San Fernando, Pampanga, my perception changed. Last September, I officially became a civil servant after accepting the offer of [...]

Looking for something blue

I heard my officemate say that looking into a person’s closet will reveal many things about one’s personality. (I thought it was your comfort room that defines the personality.) Anyway, the idiom ‘skeletons in the closet’ justifies the notion that there’s a big secret behind the doors of our cabinets at home. In my case, [...]

Recycled Resolution Tested

This year, I included PATIENCE as one of the virtues I want to cultivate. “I’ll be more patient this year,” I told myself while waiting for the clock to strike 12 on New Year’s Eve 2009. I thought it would be easy, but it turned out that 2010 doesn’t want to help me achieve this [...]

Training for a Living

If you open my car’s trunk these days, you won’t find tons of shoes, clothes, prescription drugs nor giveaways. It’s funny to see a box of school materials, a roll of Manila paper and a bunch of folders. There was a time when my trunk was loaded with plastic balls, straws, barbeque sticks and plastic [...]

Running out of characters

I survived eight months without posting any blog entry because instead of concocting a feel-good write-up for my own (and a few readers’) pleasure, I ended up immersed in Facebook which I strategically linked to my Twitter account. These quick posting applications were handy. I found them very practical over the past busy months since [...]

Busy Valentine’s Day

I never thought this year’s February 14 would be a very busy day for me. The fact that I am not committed to anyone didn’t make things quite easy. 4:30AM-7:30AM What: Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Where: Clark, Pampanga It was my first time to be in such event although it has been running for 14 [...]

Taking the Ateneo Way

Two nights before my 21st birthday, I imbibed the Ignatian spirit. At exactly 5:30 in the afternoon, I hurriedly logged out from office and went straight to the Ateneo Graduate School of Business in Clark for my admission interview. When I stepped out of my car, I was surprised to see my college batch mate [...]