Thursday, March 15, 2007

A piece of advice everybody should hold on to: Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's free (to wear sunscreen)




Here's one song that really sticks to my mind whenever i seek advice. Posted below are the lyrics to Baz Luhrmann's speech for a song: Everybody's free(to wear sunscreen). To hear the mp3, do check out the earplugz. enjoy


Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’99, wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.

The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth;
Oh nevermind; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded.
But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before
you and how fabulous you really looked….

You’re not as fat as you imagine. Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as
effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum.

The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that
never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday. Do one thing everyday that scares you.

Sing.
Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss. Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind…
The race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.
Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you
succeed in doing this, Tell me how. Keep your old love letters; throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your
life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone. Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…

Whatever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your
choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s.

Enjoy your body, use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people
think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own..

Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.
Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them. DO NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents; you never know when they’ll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on.
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard;
live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.


Travel. Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young; prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders. Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund,
maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.

Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will
look 85. Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth. But trust me on the sunscreen…

Source: Message in a Bottle

Friday, March 09, 2007

Writing exercises: (Nano- fiction composition in 55 words)




Figured this is a great exercise. In the writer's pool we were given instructions to come up with a nano-fiction in just 55 words, titles to start and with the parts:

a. Setting
b. Character/ characters
c. Conflict
d. Resolution

1. Trouble on the mountain side


They were just miles away to reach the ground. Pete, Sam and their guides were taking a break near the crevasse, took their last look at the mysterious beauty surrounding Devil’s gate. “We’d better be off guys, before it gets dark. Sam, is that snow coming down the side?” “Nope” Sam replied “its just clouds.”


2. Christmas in the Ant Colony

Christmas, the time for feasting in the ant colony. The queen before the crowd of workers decreed that whoever will open the enormous storage bins will become her king. Five drones and two workers stepped up for the challenge. The five drones failed but the workers succeeded, thus, the two became kings, a crown each.


3. Interfering with History

The time machine swiveled. From inside, Peter and Paul stepped out cautiously to see a prehistoric world before them. “All follies and ridicules are now long gone Paul, Look at the sight! we’d better step out and explore!” “wait” Paul retorted. “Perhaps we should linger awhile inside, I hear a ferocious roar in the distance.”

Friday, March 02, 2007

Writing Exercises: (Writing a personality profile without using a single Adjective- 300 words minimum)




whew! figured I have to post this one- another exercise given by my boss and man, I sucked myself on making it! I reviewed this one before submission, but still a few words managed to get through my caffeine infested eyes. This page, became bloody red upon checking.

Me in a nutshell


I was born into this world in the year of our lord, nineteen hundred and eighty, to teachers’- Jose and Virginia Amatong. I was raised by my parents in the town of Compostela – a town situated at the northern part of the island and stands approximately 24 kilometers from the metropolitan and has been enjoying my stay in that town ever since.

I attained the levels of education in the centers of learning on that place and eventually moved to the city.

After graduation, I immediately worked and moved from different establishments in the city to explore the other fields of writing before eventually moving to iCOMM International in order to equip my skills further in writing for the World Wide Web, marketing, and advertising.

I am one with adventurism, open-mindedness, and curiosity. I am willing to just about venture into anything that I might find to be of worth knowing.

I am an enthusiast of music- to the point where I’m singing the genre I like on stage, goldfishes, sci-fi and fantasy books, movies, arcade and PC strategy games, and I have a penchant for gardening and is slowly developing my knowledge in raising the ruminants on our farm.

In the 26 years of my existence, I am still wandering about, gathering what I could to prepare myself for married life. I have a fiancé right now and I admit that even if the thought of marrying her is on my mind I am still considering a lot of things. For one, I fear marriage without stability and I want things to go smoothly when the time has come for me to face that, without sacrificing my freedom to do the things I like.

I really enjoy the freedom that I have for now. Being a child without siblings, has taught me a lot of things- not only in the aspects of personality, my being, and all those things that can only be taught inside the four corners of a classroom, but how I look at freedom and life in a kaleidoscope of a child without siblings, left on his decisions to wander in the streets.

This is me, said in a nutshell.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

The Prisoner (An office daydream)


Tonight ill climb those high walls again
Which to me, no man would dare climb
Go past the sentries, In the dead of the night.
Run past the watchdogs, with eyes red as blood.
Ravenous, with teeth razor sharp.

Step upon those thorny bushes that cut like knives
Past those gleaming searchlights.
Get a grip on those protruding white stones
Slowly and painfully inch my way to the top.

This ball and chain ill try to break away
With an iron saw in hand, coupled with a hardened gut
frail hands must cut through this cell
A small burden for a prize I had long for.

Surely they’ll hit me with what they’ve got
The cunning arts I must employ
Battle with my fears, grind my teeth
In silence, I must camouflage.

In hell’s kitchen I will burn,
To get caught or not,
The only cards I’ll play

If I’d get caught
My body, in bullet holes will be pierced
But It’s worth the gamble, for freedom I pray…

Then all of a sudden, What the heck?
The thought I must leave for another day
For I’ve just waken up from a daydream.
Wipe the drool off my chin.

I still have to work, on my PC I suppose,
Got a moments loss, into a doze
Assignments to finish, and earn my way
For the good of my wages, there are bills to pay… (JAmatong)


Message in a Bottle


Message in a Bottle: Untitled (A dose of Prose dedicated to the famous)

Message in a Bottle: Untitled (A dose of Prose dedicated to the famous)

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Untitled (A dose of Prose dedicated to the famous)



A payment to you.
Life’s ladder you climbed.
The instrument to reach your ambition.
A lifestyle you uphold.
A dedicated occupation.
A family you saved.

The ramps you passed.
Under glaring lights.
Mystic cameras.
Creates a billboard for me,
A light on screen.
A colored blot to view on the morning paper.
A face gracing the magazine covers.
New clothes to wear.
Cushions to sleep.
Life’s luxuries.

Yes, life on the fast lane
Popularity,
The money, cars
Engrossed on the limelight.
Busy schedules to keep,
Sleepless city lights,
Frenzy city nights.

What’s on the other side?
I don’t know
You could be a friend.
Perhaps a foe,
Perhaps a cellophane,
Life’s misery, you hid undertow.

Villains, they will haunt you
Envy your success.
On deaf ears, let them pass,

For you are loved, subtle and simple;

behind your back he has always reside

though he may not have much...

Live your days.
Always keep a sane mind.

Follow not deviant ways.
Look life not upon a shelf.
Together, build a house,
Raise a family,
Make it into a home.

When all this will be over
Look upon your shoulder,
Take a peek,
On things you have surpassed.

Looking in the mirror,
Your lips will crack into a smile.
You lived your life.
You’ve made your mark…

And when it's time to go
To yourself, you'll say…
“I’ll see you when you get there…
If you’d ever get there, someday”…

Jasmin Uy


Message in a Bottle



Friday, February 16, 2007

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercises: A Love Letter ( A gay criminal writes to his police captor)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercises: A Love Letter ( A gay criminal writes to his police captor)

Writing Exercises: A Love Letter ( A gay criminal writes to his police captor)


A letter written in perfumed stationery was posted on a local police precinct bulletin board, and reads:


Dearest SPO3 N. Santiliano,

Though this letter may come as very surprising and embarrassing to you, but please know that I’m only grabbing the last opportunity that’s left for me in this world to let you know how much I feel for you. Before ill walk the dark aisle that leads to death’s chamber tomorrow, I’ll utter for the first time the words that I feared that someday ill say. “I love you” and I guess ill carve my feelings for you on the headstone of my grave.

I remembered the first time that our paths met clearly, that it seems forever etched in my mind. It started on a typical Monday morning, when after a few shots rang out, you and your partner were abruptly chasing me on the gutters of Avenue 21 after I punched a couple of holes on that little old lady who refused to hand me her purse.

I ran as fast as I could to get away from you, but when I turned around and saw you chasing me I was stunned, it’s as if I got lost in the moment and I could not move. How I loved seeing your kinky hair that came to me like shining spirals in the pale-yellow light of the morning; and seeing the shadow of your silhouette approaching me in a fast pace; yes I couldn’t run.

How I loved the scent of your perfume and the way you grabbed me with ease and precision. The part that almost melted me into a drool was when you handcuffed me, yes our eyes met in a daze.

Since that fateful moment, I was never the same again. It melted the street-hardened heart that was in me and it seems like the everyday hardships that I had to endure in this rusted prison cell came to me like a scout on camp for an evening with marshmallows roasting on a bonfire.

Yes, I love you Nilo, even if it takes the dignity that’s in me, for you mean and will always be my world. Sadly I bid to you my heart this evening as soon as the prison chaplain arrives and let everyone be the witness of my undying love before I heed death’s calling for the wrong that I have committed.

Just grant me the very last of my wishes, and ill be the happiest one to enter the dreaded chamber come dawn’s first rays of light.

Loving you on death row,

Horacio “Boy- Bakal” Igmi

View: http://www.yuwie.com/jovir


Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Message in a Bottle: Sting and the Police - Message in a Bottle

Message in a Bottle: Sting and the Police - Message in a Bottle

Sting and the Police - Message in a Bottle

Here's a classic that best blends in well with this blog, from Sting and The Police check out the lyrics and video. enjoy!

Message in a Bottle

Just a castaway, an island lost at sea, oh
Another lonely day, with no one here but me, oh
More loneliness than any man could bear
Rescue me before I fall into despair, oh

Ill send an s.o.s. to the world
Ill send an s.o.s. to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah

A year has passed since I wrote my note
But I should have known this right from the start
Only hope can keep me together
Love can mend your life but
Love can break your heart
Ill send an s.o.s. to the world
Ill send an s.o.s. to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah

Walked out this morning, dont believe what I saw
Hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore
Seems Im not alone at being alone
Hundred billion castaways, looking for a home
Ill send an s.o.s. to the world
Ill send an s.o.s. to the world
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Message in a bottle, yeah
Sending out at an s.o.s.
Sending out at an s.o.s.
Sending out at an s.o.s.
Sending out at an s.o.s.
Sending out at an s.o.s.
Sending out at an s.o.s...

View: http://www.yuwie.com/jovir


Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Message in a Bottle: The Sound Recipe - The Excutioners and Linkin' Park

Message in a Bottle: The Sound Recipe - The Excutioners and Linkin' Park

The Sound Recipe - The Executioners and Linkin' Park

Check out these two videos, they're really way above the cool meter with just the right mixture of the musical elements: Rock, Electronica, added- in by a dash of Hip-hop; brings about that exquisite nostalgic treat.

The first being a choice cut from the kitchens of the master chefs, The Executioners in collaboration with Linkin Park and the second from the Linkin' Park Confectionery.

you're in for a treat that'll get your ears glued.



Monday, February 05, 2007

Jason Mraz - Mr. A to Z magnifico!

“The Lord of layback music”. That’s the best title that I say truly fits Jason Mraz.

From the first time that I heard his songs (off from A to Z), the sudden burst of unique mix of beats, (That’s pleasing to the ears, mind you) coupled with fast paced lyrics somehow turned me into an instant sound addict that I want to hear the songs and sing them all over again for the rest of my office life! (Much to the moans of complaints from my office mates.)

Songs like: Geek in the Pink, Mr. Curiosity, Clock watching, Please don’t tell her, Did you get my message, Wordplay, and Remedy from his old album has been playing in my mind ever since and I find it very amusing that only a few artists can do this sensation to me, and kudos to Jason for doing that!

Try his sound remedy, I’m pretty sure you’ll get in the bandwagon in no time! if you don't believe me; feel free to check out his video, Wordplay.

View: http://www.yuwie.com/jovir



Message in a Bottle: The Loon Bohol Diarrhea Outbreak- (That pesky restroom urge)

Message in a Bottle: The Loon Bohol Diarrhea Outbreak- (That pesky restroom urge)

Thursday, February 01, 2007

The Loon Bohol Diarrhea Outbreak- (That pesky restroom urge)


With the recent news about an outbreak of diarrhea in the small town of Loon, Bohol (The Freeman Newspaper, Cebu 02/01/2007 / Jasmin Uy below) should teach not only the residents but us a lesson or two to keep sanitation a constant in our homes; this alarm has led to the hospitalization of hundreds of residents and claimed a couple of lives.

This just holds true to the fact (though a bit hard to admit) that with the coming of age for the Philippines, still a lot of our citizens, especially those that are living in far off countrysides, STILL DON’T HAVE TOILETS!

I find it ironic that as the country is slowly emerging in the business world and that the government sat busily promoting I.T. and exports, then news such as this comes along.

Man it’s 2007 and problems such these should have been long gone. I leave credits to the government because I find their information drive to be adequate but the real problem is in the people; because from what I’ve seen, even patches of small forests, beaches, and dark areas are not safe for would be- portable toilet seekers!

Just took a walk at a local beach once, I felt relaxed seeing the serene view and the calmness of the water, then all of a sudden Splat! I stepped upon a land mine (poop, I mean). There you have it; perhaps we should educate ourselves the right manners straight to our brains, because if we don’t then unhealthy events such as this pesky restroom urge will always leave us dry, once in a while.


DOH: Bacteria caused Loon diarrhea outbreak

The Freeman 02/01/2007

The presence of bacteria in the drinking water triggered the diarrhea outbreak that killed four people and hospitalized more than 400 others in Loon, Bohol, according to the Department of Health. DOH regional director Susana Madarietta said shigella flexneri, amoeba and e-coli are the kinds of bacteria that contaminated the drinking water of residents in Loon brought about by their unsanitary practices.

DOH confirmed the presence of bacteria in 12 out of the 14 rectal swabs from the diarrhea patients in the place. Test results showed that amoeba, e-coli and shigella flexneri bacteria have caused bacillary dysentery or diarrhea among the patients. Compared to amoeba, shigella flexneri spreads very easily.

The presence of the bacteria means that the water source of Loon has been contaminated. "The presence of shigella flexneri means water contamination from human feces," Madarietta said.

Loon Mayor Cesar Lopez, a doctor, said the bacteria came mostly from fecal oral root, which means that "it came from water and that it spreads through person-to-person contact." However, DOH is still awaiting the results of the water analysis from at least three water sources of Loon and two refilling stations. The water analysis is being conducted at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Even if DOH officials have already pinpointed the bacteria, they will still need the results of the water analysis for comparison. Madarietta said they have already put in place a command outpost in Loon that will provide medicine, fluids and needles to the residents, adding that they are visiting every household to educate them on proper sanitation and distribute packs chlorine.

Aside from boiling the water, DOH also recommended proper hygiene such as constant hand washing as well as proper waste disposal. Lopez said the public can already get water from their water source but for safety measures, each household should also practice self-chlorination.

He said one of the major problems in the town is that some houses, especially those in the mountain barangays, do not have toilets. Because of this, residents are used to disposing of their human wastes outside their homes. The incessant rains last December until the early part of January could have caused the fecal matter to seep into the water sources.

Lopez said with this development, the local government should implement the Sanitation Code of the Philippines, explaining that under the law, each household should have its own sanitary toilet. He said since Dec. 25, there have been 408 victims of the diarrhea outbreak with two fatalities - a three-year-old girl and a 57-year-old woman. But he added that the 58-year-old woman reported as the latest fatality died of infection in the upper respiratory system.

At least 369 patients were admitted to different hospitals in Bohol. As of yesterday, some 80 patients remain at the Natalio Castillo Memorial Hospital. - Jasmin R. Uy

View: http://www.yuwie.com/jovir

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Message in a Bottle: Writing exercise- An Application Letter

Message in a Bottle: Writing exercise- An Application Letter

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercises: Minimalism - The Defense of the Weak

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercises: Minimalism - The Defense of the Weak

Message in a Bottle: A Future with Robots (Article late this year)

Message in a Bottle: A Future with Robots (Article late this year)

Message in a Bottle: Writing excercise: I sold the empty cans (Tritina style)

Message in a Bottle: Writing excercise: I sold the empty cans (Tritina style)

Message in a Bottle: Writing exercise: A Blood- stained alibi (The most absurd alibis)

Message in a Bottle: Writing exercise: A Blood- stained alibi (The most absurd alibis)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercises: The Reunion and the Loss (Scriptwriting)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercises: The Reunion and the Loss (Scriptwriting)

Message in a Bottle: Writing exercises: Mama Sita (Reflection monologue)

Message in a Bottle: Writing exercises: Mama Sita (Reflection monologue)

Message in a Bottle: Marketing Peeps

Message in a Bottle: Marketing Peeps

Message in a Bottle: Axistrizero

Message in a Bottle: Axistrizero

Message in a Bottle: The Light by the Window (An ode to Jasmin Uy)

Message in a Bottle: The Light by the Window (An ode to Jasmin Uy)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercise: Never Say Die, Tin Eagle (Fiction)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercise: Never Say Die, Tin Eagle (Fiction)

Message in a Bottle: Charter Change...Friend or Foe?

Message in a Bottle: Charter Change...Friend or Foe?

Message in a Bottle: A Horror Story in 500 Words: T'was the Night of Halloween

Message in a Bottle: A Horror Story in 500 Words: T'was the Night of Halloween

Message in a Bottle: Writing excercise: I sold the empty cans (Tritina style)

Message in a Bottle: Writing excercise: I sold the empty cans (Tritina style)

Message in a Bottle: Writing excercise: I sold the empty cans (Tritina style)

Message in a Bottle: Writing excercise: I sold the empty cans (Tritina style)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercises: The Reunion and the Loss (Scriptwriting)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercises: The Reunion and the Loss (Scriptwriting)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercise: A Forest Walk (Poem)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercise: A Forest Walk (Poem)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercise: A Forest Walk (Poem)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercise: A Forest Walk (Poem)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercise: The Blind Minstrel (Prose)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercise: The Blind Minstrel (Prose)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercise: How I became Hemophobic (A Vampire tells all)

Message in a Bottle: Writing Exercise: How I became Hemophobic (A Vampire tells all)

Message in a Bottle: Writing exercise- Presidentiable 1 or 2? (The argument I had with my consience during the past national polls)

Message in a Bottle: Writing exercise- Presidentiable 1 or 2? (The argument I had with my consience during the past national polls)

Message in a Bottle: On Television...Your World (An ode to Francine Prieto)

Message in a Bottle: On Television...Your World (An ode to Francine Prieto)

Monday, January 29, 2007

Writing exercises: Mama Sita (Reflection monologue)


Mama Sita, what was once the bold, now sits sadly on her rocking chair in a state-owned nursing home and is kept alive by social welfare. There is no one left to care for her; no immediate family, no relatives- with the passing years, they all went and were laid to rest in their graves.

Now a frail old woman, her wrinkles lay witness to the passing ages; sadly sit on her rocking chair, looks before the mirror to see a sad lifeless shell looking back, and slowly tears began to fall from her eyes…

“Never in my life have I imagined that this moment will come… its 2007 and all those years that have passed before me, lay wasted. How did I let myself be fooled by my two- cent conscience to believe that a life of celibacy would do me a great favor and will make a good example for other women in my time to be free- forever free from the burden of having to care for a good for nothing man, free from the burden of having to care for his children, free from the burden of carrying his children in my womb for nine months, and most of all to preserve my chastity.

Yes, I was popular back then, for my belief has attracted the attention of everyone but at what expense? Now that I am on my 98th year at the peak of the ladder of life, I have no one to turn to except these white walls.

There is no more turning back, I will gladly face my death and accept defeat without even tasting that organic heaven that makes up a man.

How could I have feasted my body on that sizzling organic life form, squeezed its life juices until I’ve satisfied myself and enjoyed the joyous pain. I could have borne children, which could have cared for me when I have gotten old and would have gladly passed on the genes of their bold mother to the coming generations.

I could’ve made a family, a family that’s happy and full of life, and best of all I could have shared the cradle of happiness doing those nightly rituals with a better half.

Yes I’ve been a fool all along, how I envy the other patients when their families pay them a visit but here I am, sitting like a rotten apple awaiting death for the worms in this nursing home...I have no one to turn to and perhaps one of these coming days I’ll die, but on the bright side; I have no one to pass on my guilt. (Silently sobs).”


View: http://www.yuwie.com/jovir

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Writing Exercises: The Reunion and the Loss (Scriptwriting)

Character description:

Gino Carpio: A “Balikbayan” Marine engineer who has recently been home fresh from his exploits in the United States, to the small town of Moalboal. They are childhood friends with Melvin but got separated for many years after Gino’s family moved to manila for him and his siblings to study.

John Peli: A proud owner of a popular “sari-sari” store chain in Moalboal’s town market. He has been longing to see Gino again but lost contact with his friend. After graduating college, he has managed to put up his own business and has been prosperous ever since.

Scene 1
One early morning, as Gino was jogging off in the town plaza, he decided to go around the town’s important places and see what changes had he missed after he left it.

As breakfast time is growing near, he decided that a bowl of “Utan bisaya” would be a great alternative to his usual American diet and a healthy one too, considering the parties and beers that he has taken up since he came home the other day.

So he decided to proceed to the town market and buy the vegetables that he need to brew up a healthy bowl.

He looked around at how his town market have changed, in infrastructure- far from his childhood days wherein he’d picture out cigar smoking fat ladies just selling their goods off from blankets all laden with the fruits, vegetables, and poultry products that the town has to offer.

He was just gathering up the items on his list when he happened to spot from one of the stalls, his childhood friend and confidant, John busily attending to his customers.

He came up to him, said his greetings and teary eyed gave John a hug and a kiss, (which was their usual greeting back in their childhood days) much to the amazement of onlookers.

At first, John was astonished and was not able to recognize him right away but after seeing Gino’s eyebrow, was able to recognize him and return the greetings.

Gino started a conversation with John, and started talking- reminiscing the times that they’ve spent together.

Gino: (after staring at Melvin for a minute) Did I ever tell you about Daisy? Daisy Fuentes I mean.

John: Err, did you say anything? Ohh yeah… Daisy now I remember! Why what’s up with her?

Gino: Yup Daisy, the girl whom I used to date back in high school, man how cute she has become! Just this morning I saw her jogging in the town plaza, and I recognized her right away. Man was she hot! Looking at those curves, wonder if she’s still single though; I haven’t got the chance to come up to her as I was going the other way.

John: I see, (looking at Gino with eyebrows raised) well she’s just around. News is that she’s married with two kids and she’s working at the municipal hall. She has been here in my place a lot and what a coincidence, just the other day she was here and asked a few questions about you too.

Gino: Dude, the guy that must have got her is the luckiest, I mean just by looking at her; she hasn’t aged a bit and the way I see it, she’s so sexy that she could easily pass as single in my eyes!

John: Err, hihihi. (drawing Gino’s attention to a bunch of spring onions) these would be great for “Utan” just add in the chicken and you’re good to go!

Gino: What’s up with you? I thought I told you I wanted to buy vegetables for “Utan” not “Tinola”!

John: Err, sorry… hihihi just got carried away. Anyway, I figured you might like to buy these too just in case

Gino: hahaha, man you still haven’t changed a bit, don’t you? You always seem to be thinking of something else whenever we’re talking
John: Err, yeah so I thought so anyway…

Gino: Now getting back to where we stopped, man Daisy….she’s the best! Anyways, so who’s the lucky guy?

John: Err, yup…me.

Gino: hahaha, your joking man, really… you?

John: Yup, I’ve been looking for ways to tell you this, but after you left her, we got engaged and got married. We now have two kids.

Gino: (Staring staring silently at Melvin) wooh no way! Really?... She married you?

John: Yup, and has always been for three years now

Gino: Really can’t believe it but anyways man, but I think it’s getting late and I have to cook these. Maybe, I could visit you at your house and meet with you guys one of these days?
John: Sure no problem man, but I think any day this week would be a bad idea. We’re so busy here (mouth starts to hone up bubbles, and starts to drool; drawing Gino’s attention)…maybe next week…
Gino: Hey your mouth’s watering man! Quit the joke already…hey, you guys (to the other sales clerks) lend me some help here! there’s something wrong with Melvin… hey, you ok? (catches a collapsing John) say something dude!...here…

John: Yes, I think the zoo is a terrific idea…

Lights dim, curtains close (End of Scene 1)

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Writing exercise: A Blood- stained alibi (The most absurd alibis)



A blood-stained letter found posted on the fridge:


Hi Hon,

By this time you might be packing your things, and I can understand why, and don’t worry I don’t blame you but circumstance itself for what happened.

After the incident last night and after the sheer horror of seeing how you reacted so harshly with our large chef’s knife and cut off my better half.

I will just say here my side of the story in the hope that you’d listen, and hopefully after I have recuperated from this really numbing pain here in this stupid hospital, we will be given the chance to go on with our normal lives.

Hon, after you left the house at around 7:00 pm for your usual Saturday night grocery shopping, I just was lying on our sofa watching my favorite anime show. This went on for an hour, but I got bored and hot so I figured on turning on the air conditioner but the damned thing broke! Since no one was around, the crazy idea to just lie there completely naked came in to my head. When I got bored watching I changed channels but there were no sensible shows to watch, aside from Basic Instinct which is a new thing to watch (far apart from the gospel shows in channel 36 which I watch regularly.)

Suddenly Anna, our next door neighbor and a nursing student rang on the door. I got up and put on my boxers and answered her courteously. She asked me to help her with her assignment on some healthcare and birth control topics for her midterm exams due next week and knowing that I could very well help her with her problem that’s why I let her in.

The activities for the topics were very easy, I just explained to her about contraceptives and stuff (hence, the 3 condoms that are on top of the table which for the record, we never used.)

We were in the middle of this activity when I heard a sudden thud in the street outside. I checked the door and found a pair of handcuffs sitting on top of one of your rose pots (how it got there, I really don’t know. Perhaps our other neighbor, who’s a cop, might have dropped it there.)

I figured that he might look for it later, so I just put it on top of the living room table as well and got on with our activity with Anna.

How we ended up naked on the sofa when you came in, I’ll explain though this might come in a bit absurd. We were just about brushing things up with a recap when Anna suddenly blurted out jokingly if it would be possible for me to get naked and identify to her my hidden parts that she said a few women are able to see.

Man! I was dumbfounded, but in my playful sense got myself naked in her sight. She became red upon seeing ‘it’ and I identified to her some parts as well. After seeing her reaction, I jokingly opted that she get naked also, which to my surprise she willingly did! She asked me a few questions if her boobies were of a pleasurable sight and if her figure is fit. (Really no malice at all, that’s what we did.)

That’s the part when you came in and reacted so irrationally, but I cannot blame you after seeing such a sight, and oh one more thing before I end this letter as the pain from my wound is now unbearable, I bought for you last week, the book “How to Drive Your Lover Crazy in Bed” the book that you’ve been longing to read. I searched a couple of bookstores and luckily found one. You seem to have missed it when it’s sitting on top of the table all the time.

If you’ll be willing to listen please do me a favor and visit me here.

Loving you no less,

Honey

Monday, December 04, 2006

Writing excercise: I sold the empty cans (Tritina style)



To the junkyard, ill sell you empty cans
From that mountain of trash, I found you glittering
As I was scampering about in my neighbor’s backyard

There were loads of you lying hidden from my view in their backyard
I stared silently and scanned, searching for any metal and empty cans
Here and there, every heap I have to poke for anything that’s glittering

I have to fend off the others, who will scuttle at the sight of you glittering
My needs depend on you and anything I find useful in that backyard
Now ill pick you up and for food, ill sell you empty cans

...I sold the empty cans that were glittering in my neighbor’s backyard.

View: http://www.yuwie.com/jovir

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Thursday, November 16, 2006

corner shot with girlfriend Minmin and Bage at TJ's Ayala



Jasmin Uy

A Future with Robots (Article late this year)



Since my childhood years, I have always been fascinated with Robots. How I’d like to play my C3PO and R2D2 action figures and imagine them to be real - going about the crucial situations and conditions in our lives, whether it be at the battlefield acting as replacement for soldiers thereby minimizing lives lost in wars, in disasters such as fires and earthquakes, in medical emergencies acting as aide or replacement for doctors, as pets, and in our homes doing the daily chores (which I believe some of us hate).

Thanks to the advancement of 21st Century robotics, that dream seems to be slowly inching its way to reality.

Nowadays, there seems to be a growing trend towards developing more sophisticated robots that are not just mere “Toys” but can do just as much as their human counterparts or even better, robots that can do what might seem impossible for humans to do.

In this issue, we’ll take a peek at what is happening in the world of robotics, which has pit Governments, Independent Research facilities, private individuals, and Gadget companies in a blitz race to compete with one another to achieve the perfect machine, capable of making the lives of its human masters easier.

For starters, let’s have a look at the popular humanoid robots made by top Japanese firms Sony and Honda.

Qrio

Meet the playful Qrio
Sony Intelligence Dynamics Laboratories Inc. in their efforts to study how humans will react and accept partnership with robots, came up with a rather quite-small humanoid robot named Qrio. It is capable of walking uphill, singing, dancing, waving hello, wiggle its fingers and kick a ball with grace.

It has two digital cameras, one behind each eye, which helps it to map a room for future reference and recognize up to 10 different faces. This small robot can even converse in Japanese mind you!

Scientists tested Qrio by letting it participate in an experiment where it acted as playmate for toddlers at a nursery school in California.

At first the children where reluctant and did not know what to do with the robot but after a few hours of spending time together, accepted it as one of their own-even helping it get up when it falls, much to the excitement of its makers.

Scientists hoped that through this activity, they will be able to collect the necessary data that will help them alleviate errors in future experiments.

Asimo

Meet little wonder ASIMO and cousin ASIMO P3
From Honda Motor Co., comes a new small-lightweight humanoid robot named ASIMO (Short for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility). This little astronaut, as commonly called because of its close resemblance, is capable of walking in a manner that is similar to a human being. Its hand and finger movements have also been increased, acting also similar to how a human would act!

This one is a product of Honda’s research of developing a robot that can be helpful to humans as well as providing practical use in society.

Earlier this month, did you know that for the first time in the history of the New York Stock Exchange, a robot rang the bell to start the trade! Yes believe it, it was ASIMO who rang the bell announcing the traditional start of trading, and not a famous personality or dignitary which has always been the usual custom.

These are but only a few of the advances made by today’s robotics, and the race still continues. Governments like the United States, Canada, Korea, and Japan are tapping on their military research facilities, and private firms to develop robots and unmanned vehicles that will someday replace their soldiers on the front lines, some armed and some for reconnaissance.

Someday in a not so distant future, robots will surely be working alongside us. Who knows maybe by then (God forbids, I still want to keep my job... giggles) we’ll have robots and computers in our offices that work by themselves without our aide.

View: http://www.yuwie.com/jovir


Monday, November 13, 2006

Writing Exercises: Minimalism - The Defense of the Weak


Pirates, munitions running out, sailed in retreat against stout hearts.
The battle raged, whilst no victor can be adjudged
Heaved mightily, to the last drop of blood
Weaklings, yet determined to defend their land
The townsfolk, manned the fortress guns
Fought against panic and fear
The fortress slowly crumbles
Hearts foul intent
Pirate cannons!
Boom!

Friday, November 03, 2006

A Horror Story in 500 Words: T'was the Night of Halloween


It was a dark and gloomy Tuesday night the hospital hallway was empty, with nurses and doctors busily at their stations attending to their obligations; not a single soul was in sight.

Then the dark green curtain of the emergency room rises to gust of the wind and reveal two bodies- one a police sergeant who met his fate at the hands of armed robbers who shot him three times to the head and that of a gymnast who broke his neck while doing cartwheels in a competition.

Both these men were alive just a few minutes ago when they were brought in, but now they are lifeless with eyes open as if they were trying to fend off an invisible force to prevent it from taking their souls.

Then along came the sound of familiar footsteps, for it is time for the nurses to make their rounds, and two proceeded immediately to the emergency room but were stunned after finding out of their sudden death.

Personnel and equipment were scrambled immediately in the hope to revive the two, with the defibrilator they exhausted all means, but their efforts were in vain for the patients are dead.

Just as everyone was about to cover the dead bodies with blankets, a nurse saw that the window of the room was open and that a bloodied scythe was lying on the floor.

She picks it up thinking that perhaps a visitor doing a trick or treat might have left it there, but as soon as she picked it, she saw visions, though blurry at first but the picture slowly cleared and she saw the two bodies just as if they were lying there but the scythe that she’s holding was carried by another being, with a shadow that’s as black as night and who’s face was hidden by a hood.

The being stabbed the two bodies, and in the nurse’s eyes she saw that which seemed to be their souls were wailing out from their once alive bodies into the being’s hand. Moans and laughter can be heard.

Suddenly, fear gripped the nurse as she now knows that what she is holding is the scythe of death himself, and as she was about to throw it out the window, everything flickered and went black.

Her companions, who saw what is happening, screamed and tug the scythe off her hands but it will not budge. Then the door slammed shut, and after a gust of wind, everything went silent. The door slowly opened to reveal several bodies of nurses and doctors who are now lying on the floor lifeless with eyes open, a death similar to the two patients.

The scythe was picked up from the floor by a black figure in a hood, who gazes out the window to see souls slowly marching towards a black whirlpool, the policeman and the gymnast are now beside him, and with an evil laugh they slowly vanish into thin air.

View: http://www.yuwie.com/jovir



Friday, October 27, 2006

Writing Exercise: The Integration of Beer drinking into the Educational Curricullum for High school


In a privilege speech at a Division School’s yearly forum with the DEPED secretary, Mr. Jovir Amatong, a high school P.E. instructor from Metropolitan Cebu, said:

Our beloved DEPED secretary Mr. Rolando Piñol, fellow high school teachers, friends, and colleagues, a pleasant good afternoon to you all.

I am very thankful for this opportunity that you have given me, so that I can speak to you and convey the idea that I share perhaps, along with more than a million teachers and parents across the country who finds it a necessity to add beer drinking as a part of our current educational curriculum.

Yes, you may go ahead and laugh at the absurdity of my idea, but let me tell you my point first before you add logic and judge my idea.

With the signs of the times and the ever changing values that our youngsters, the so called hope of the nation go through in life including the many “worldly” happiness, perhaps, it is time to teach them a lesson or two about drinking beer and being drunk.

Why don’t we, like let’s say allocate two hours, one hour for lecture and an hour more for field experience and call the new subject as “Drinking Arts and Body Ergonomics (DABE)” and incorporate Proper ways to drink beer, Proper ways to get drunk, the Best time and the Best beers to drink, Drunken self-management, and the whole lot of possibilities both advantageous and disadvantageous for them while they’re drinking.

With the incorporation of my idea into the curriculum, I tell you, we teachers and parents will be free from the burden of worries as our children go out at night with their friends, because they now know how to handle situations that may arise because of their drinking. Situations, that will lead them to the common good or evil of society.

I’m appealing to you now that with such a small amount of time consumed everyday by this subject, we’re giving only but small sacrifices to our pockets, all for the future of our youths who will someday rule the nation.

We will be giving them the opportunity at such an age, to experience the world and its vital component, one that we haven’t experienced back in our youth when drinking alcoholic beverages was considered evil and a mortal sin.

This way, they will be guided accordingly and therefore lessen the evils and wanton crimes that may surge because of their drinking.

With this in mind, I rest my case and leave all of this not only in the hands of our beloved secretary, but to all of us gathered here today to consider and contemplate for our future leaders.

Thank you very much