Friday, December 02, 2016

Pure Talent



I've been watching the eleventh season of The Voice, and I am rooting for two - Billy Gilman and We McDonald. Billy's rendition of Anyway was by far his best performance yet on The Voice.

I do hope both of them will make it to the finale.

PS: Miley Cyrus is actually a great coach. I was wrong about her during the start of the show.

Monday, October 31, 2016

10.31

I have read several ghost stories on my newsfeed, so I'll share mine as well.

Last March 2, 2014, I moved to Tacloban City. Months earlier, super typhoon Yolanda wreaked unimaginable havoc in this city, killing thousands of people in an instant. The city during that time still has an unstable electricity connection except for the airport. As day turns to night, the city is plunged into darkness, and it becomes eerily quiet.

I stayed at the third floor of the control tower since the staff house was totally damaged. On the third night, I woke up at exactly 3 in the morning. As I opened my eyes, I saw a tall, dark figure standing at the foot of my bed. At first, I thought it was our office assistant (we were three in the room that time). The figure wasn't moving, and I felt like it was staring at me. The room was dimly lit, all thanks to the moon's illumination, but it was clear as a day that the figure wasn't our office assistant. I just shrugged it off, thinking that my mind was just playing tricks. The next day, I told my experience to my other roommate (my colleague and happens to have a strong third eye). She said nonchalantly, "We're six inside our room. The other three are just lost souls, probably typhoon victims. Just pray."

Weeks later, we were only two inside the room. We were both on our laptops when suddenly, we smelled something. It was a sharp, distinct smell of an Orchid flower. I got anxious and asked my colleague if she smelled something. From her body language, I can sense she was really scared. She whispered, "She's in front of you. Don't forget to pray for her eternal repose." I thought she was joking, but I was feeling cold that time. I prayed hard that night.

The following day, I asked one of the airport employees if he knew someone who loves Orchids. "We have a former employee who used to plant Orchids and other flowers near the control tower. She died during Yolanda", he said.

I still have numerous paranormal stories to share with you, but after Pope Francis held a mass here, the activities dwindled. I guess it's safe to say that majority of them found the light.

Saturday, September 03, 2016

Stay Strong, Davao!


When a young boy from Syria got pulled out from the rubble of his home, you sympathized and prayed for him and his family. When the blacks and the LGBT communities in America were attacked by sexists and racists, you sympathized and prayed for their welfare. But when your own fellowmen down south got attacked by terrorists, you mocked and insulted us just because we claimed we are one of the safest cities in the country or simply put, you loathed our current President. No city or country is safe from terrorism. Not even New York, Paris, or Istanbul.

It really broke my heart after seeing photos and videos minutes after the attack. Those innocent people did nothing but to obey the law and did their best to provide something for their families. Everyone was just having a great time with their loved ones. It only took a powerful blast to change everything. Things will never be the same. Irreversible.

We Davaoeños have been through a lot for the past decades. We survived the rebel insurgencies during the 80s. Those were the days when civilians are mercilessly killed by the rebels and bloodshed is as mundane as feeding your pets at home or fetching your child from school.The city had survived and peace reigned for a while. In 1993, a bomb exploded at San Pedro Cathedral, killing dozens of churchgoers. Again, innocent lives were lost in an instant and the lives of their loved ones veered off course. Forever traumatized and scarred for a lifetime. In 2003, dozens were again killed when a powerful C4 bomb went off near the arrival hall of the old terminal of Davao International Airport. But we Davaoeños stood up in those trying times and fought hard to condemn these atrocities.

When your city got engulfed by a large wall of water, or when the swelling river slowly devoured your community, we didn't think twice to lend a helping hand and did the best we could because we are one - we are Filipinos. I got deeply hurt after reading all your hate messages. Worse, all of these came from my fellow countrymen. Honestly, you are all on the same fence with the terrorist group who claimed these attacks. I don't know about you but you don't have a heart. None at all. Both of you have a common denominator - heartless and ruthless.

Let us set aside our political differences and apathy, and unite as one. Together, let us condemn this inhumanity and try to live a peaceful, progressive and better life. We all need to stay vigilant in this crucial time. If Davao City, one of the safest cities in the Philippines, wasn't spared from terrorism, then are we anywhere safer here?

Stay strong, Davao. I know you will get through this crisis. WE WILL get through this. #StayStrongDavao #StayStrongPH

Addendum: Kudos to the Davao 911 Team, Task Force Davao, and all other personnel who were VERY efficient in these trying times.

Thursday, September 01, 2016

Train of the Undead: A Movie Review of Train to Busan

Credit


Train To Busan (Busanhaeng)

118 minutes
Directed by: Sang-ho Yeon
Starring: Yoo Gong, Dong-seok Ma, Soo-an Kim

I grew up in the generation of zombies. My contemporaries are so obsessed with the undead that they kept on producing movies, TV shows, and novels about it. The plot stays virtually the same yet people are still entertained by it. I enjoyed a few and noticed the evolution of the zombies. They used to be dumb and slow but now they run faster than Usain Bolt. I guess they should qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics and maybe... just maybe, they might win medals made of human flesh.

A few months ago, I came across with this movie's trailer on Facebook. I never thought that the Korean movie industry is willing to invest in this kind of genre. But what made this movie stand out from the rest of the zombie flicks?

Sunday, August 07, 2016

26th at Bali, Indonesia



I know I'm 6 days late but... this is the best birthday gift I gave to myself! There's no stopping me from exploring the world! My only wish is that I'd live long enough to explore every corner of the world. Cheers!

Monday, July 18, 2016

The Worst Air Disaster in Aviation History



I had just finished watching the 3rd episode of the 16th season of Mayday/Air Crash Investigation. I can’t believe that the show has been running for sixteen seasons already! Time flies so fast. I can still remember back in my early days in college when I would stay up late just to binge watch this on YouTube. Did I mention that our DSL connection that time wasn’t really that fast? So it was really a struggle to catch up with the latest episodes and seasons of this show. For some, watching ACI is scary especially when you’re a frequent flyer but for me, it really is an informative show and I learned a LOT of things which eventually helped me in building my career in air traffic control.

The third episode of the latest season of Mayday/Air Crash Investigation is all about the infamous Tenerife accident, the deadliest accident in aviation history. Shortly after 5PM, two Boeing 747s -- Pan Am and KLM Royal Dutch Airline -- collided on the runway. 583 lives were lost in an instant. This is a summary of what really transpired on that fateful day.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Supercell in Tacloban


Two weeks ago, a supercell developed 3 miles northeast of the airport. It went viral on social media because the netizens thought it was a huge funnel cloud/tornado. LOL if it really was a tornado, judging from what I saw, it could easily pass as an EF5 tornado. I'd be one of the few survivors (because... masamang damo lol) if it went straight to the airport.

Anyway, this is just a supercell, a rotating thunderstorm. This is relatively small compared to what we always see on TV in America's midwest aka the notorious tornado alley. Minutes after this photo was taken, it rained so hard but it only lasted for forty-five minutes. The wind was packing up to 35 knots, blowing to the north.

The supercell quickly dissipated.

Seeing this in real life rekindled my obsession in extreme weather. HAHAHAHA

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

West Philippine Sea VS South China Sea



Yesterday, in a unanimous decision at The Hague, the Philippines won the arbitration case vs. China over South China Sea. Many rejoiced, thinking that we now finally own the whole Spratly Group of Islands. Or so they thought.

I have been following the conflict between China and the Philippines since 2012. This was after a Chinese vessel bullied the Filipino fishermen who were just doing their routine job within the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).  Same thing happened to Vietnamese and Indonesian fishermen.

Some key points before we proceed:

The EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) is defined as an area 200nm from the baseline. According to the international law, we can only claim sovereignty 12nm of the territorial waters from the baseline. Beyond 12nm, we only have sovereign rights and limited jurisdiction. Hence, our local laws are only limited to building artificial islands, maritime exploration and research, resource exploitation, and preservation of the marine ecosystem. No more, no less.

I just want to emphasize that the decision made by international court wasn't about awarding the whole South China Sea (or West Philippine Sea, as what the previous Aquino administration calls it) to the Philippines, but rather it is about condemning the atrocious behavior of the Chinese not just to the Philippines but also to neighboring countries who share the same EEZ (Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Indonesia).

Wednesday, July 06, 2016

Airbus A321 in Tacloban





Just to prove that Tacloban's Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport is capable to handle Airbus A321-200. Although, this type of aircraft is only allowed to park at either Bay 1 and 3 and the north or south taxiway is closed respectively due to the A321's length.

Took this photo yesterday using my Canon EOS 1100D camera, 50mm f/1.8.

PS: My panning photo sucks. Need to practice my panning skills. Used to be an expert. I guess that kind of photography skill wears out easily.

Monday, June 20, 2016

The Battle of the Bastards

Jon Snow during the Battle of the Bastards. Credit HBO

WARNING: May contain spoilers and a bit of swearing.

Well, fuck. What do you know? Last night I told myself that I should invest mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and possibly physically for the second to the last episode of Game Of Thrones. Shit, I didn't see that coming. I mean, everything ON THIS FUCKING EPISODE WAS ON POINT!

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Eurovision 2016


Well fuckity fuck, I still can't believe that Australia didn't win Eurovision 2016. Are they deaf or what? Ugh. I never liked Ukraine's performance albeit THE song's heart-wrenching lyrics. But still...

Ugh, damn Dami Im! WHY WHY WHY. You should be the winner!

I DEMAND A TRIAL BY THE SOUND OF SILENCE!!! 

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

One Goal: Safe Skies



This is actually my favorite online article about air traffic control. It tells the sensitive nature of my job.

Which is why I cringe when I hear some of the so-called pundits calling controllers lazy, overpaid prima donnas. That type of comment shows no understanding of what controllers endure every working day of their lives. I would give anything to drag one of these naysayers up to the tower, strap a headset on them, and give them a chance to guide dozens of speeding jets carrying thousands of people through a congested airspace. In a thunderstorm. At 2 in the morning.

Couldn't agree more.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Change is Here

The past four weeks was really tough. I never expected that I'd become so passionate in campaigning #Du30 online. It came to a point that some bridges were burned and/or compromised. Along the campaign trail I received a few offensive messages, got immensely hurt from the insults and mockery about my hometown, and got stressed because of social media (Facebook is my source of online entertainment and I wouldn't get tired of watching funny cat and dog videos all over again).

Today, I couldn't help but to feel emotional because for the first time, a small time mayor from the south had triumphed this year's election - The first from Davao, the first from Mindanao. Leni Robredo, on the other hand, will be a great Vice President of the country too. Beyond her yellow cloak, I can see a great leader who genuinely wants to serve our country.

Adapting and adhering to strict ordinances was really challenging and hard at first but trust me, it will be all worth it. To our Mayor, thank you for instilling discipline and dignity to us. I sincerely hope that we'll move forward to a better Philippines. Unity in diversity. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! The eagle has finally landed in Malacañang.

Sunday, May 08, 2016

The Road to Change



Tomorrow, Filipinos will cast their votes for the next leaders of our country. This year's election season has been tough. It had brought the best and worst not just in me but for everyone else who got involved in the campaign period. From where I come from, it's pretty obvious who I'm supporting.

I was born and raised in Davao City. I have personally witnessed how my hometown grew from a sleepy town to what it is now today - a city where peace and order, and progress coexist. Davao's success wasn't an overnight story. In fact, it was a collaborative effort by the local government and its constituents. In 1998, after serving three terms as Mayor, Duterte endorsed his friend, Atty. Benjamin de Guzman and won the seat. Too bad, he was the man who temporarily fucked up Davao. Traffic got worse, henious crimes rapidly increased, and corruption became rampant in the local government. Who wouldn't forget Artica Sports Dome project of the former mayor? Right now, it's still standing - unfinished, and rotting as time and weather goes by. Truly, it's a monument of corruption. Fast forward, Davao reclaimed its momentum and we continued to move forward. Was it an easy road? Honestly, no. When the local government passed several city ordinances such as the comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance, total firecracker ban, waste segregation system, and the speed limit ordinance, we were aghast. We complained that these ordinances were unnecessary. Why would our city have several ordinances when other cities in the Philippines can thrive without these? But, we failed to see the bigger picture. Zero casualties from firecracker related incidents every Christmas and New Year. Road accidents decreased drastically. The air quality of the city got better.

These are just one of the reasons why we Davaoeños are very proud of our city. Our leaders have instilled discipline to us. I couldn't help but to compare my hometown to other cities. Makalagot ang ubang taxi drivers kay mamili ug pasahero. Kung pasakyon ka, required ka mudagdag ug Php50 kay 'eh trapik kasi sa EDSA ser'. Whenever I walk along the busy streets of the capital, I'd always exercise extreme caution - like ang backpack ko nasa harap na, and I'd always make sure that my wallet and my phones are safe. Backpacks should be worn at the back because hello, backpack nga diba? Hindi naman yan ginawa as 'frontpack'. Living in Metro Manila was really an interesting point in my life. The capital will never be my comfort zone. I'd always wish that the capital would be just like Davao where most of its citizens obey rules, the streets are clean, and the transportation system isn't shit. But no, it's impossible. It's one of the reasons why I always go home every month. Kay kung dili, basig mamatay ko sa kunsimisyon.

I've realized a few things while living in the metro. Why would people flock here and look for jobs? Why would people from the provinces wanted to settle in Manila? If only I had enough time and resources, sabihan ko talaga sila ng 'it's a trap'. Where did this kind of mentality originate? Maybe because it's the way how the government portray themselves to the public - that Manila is the center of everything, and Philippines is composed of two things. Manila and others.

When he started going around the country to promote federalism, I was enlightened. The idea of having a Federal type government would somehow assuage the political tensions in the country (see also: conflicts in Mindanao). More so, it will give other regions a chance to prosper on their own. Currently, the central government doesn't allow it. It is pretty obvious why there are less infrastructures in some major cities compared in the capital. But let's not dwell into details because there are several economical factors to consider. The point is, a Federal government is more apt in our country based in our geographical and cultural characteristics.

When Digong had an interest in running for the highest position in our country, I was afraid. Afraid that people outside Davao, or perhaps, outside Mindanao will never understand him. His antics were different from the traditional politicians and he is sometimes tactless. I got relieved after he didn't file the certificate of candidacy last October. Pero tangina, the tables had turned in December when he openly declared that he will be running for the highest position of the country as a substitute for Martin Diño.

I didn't want him to run. Putang ina lang talaga! But, it made me think who am I going to support if he's not running? I gave it a shot and supported him since the start of the election campaign, kahit masakit. Along the way, buckets of mud have been thrown not just to him but also to his supporters. Furthermore, they have the temerity to bash my hometown! I was gravely insulted. They refuse to believe stories from real people about the goodwill of our mayor. They refuse to believe about the success story of Davao, on how we worked hard for it to achieve the current state of our city. On the brighter side, we saw the growing numbers of his supporters. They too can no longer endure the same old shit. The oligarchs have ruled for the longest time and we are truly mad for change.

I attended his campaign here in Tacloban two months ago. At first, I was hesitant to attend because I don't like big crowds. Kapoy kaya! But then again, I gave it a chance and besides, it's going to be my first time to attend a political gathering. At least, milestone to sa life ko. The crowd was huge. Well, huge is an understatement. I got completely dumbstruck from what I saw. People from all walks of life - from the rich societies of Tacloban, down to the poorest of the poor - were there. It's pretty obvious that we are all hungry for a change. For the first time, I was so damn proud that I'm a Filipino. Dati, ikinasusuklam ko na ako'y isang Pilipino. Eh paano naman kasi, sobrang palpak ang mga nagaganap sa ating bansa for the past few years. Hanggang 'Proud Davaoeño' lang ang kaya kong ipagmayabang whenever people ask me where I'm from. Pero, napaisip rin ako. Kahit masakit, kelangan din maranasan ng iba kung ano ang meron sa Davao. They still deserve it. After all, WE ARE ALL FILIPINOS.

The centralist government has taken its toll on me. Aminin mo, dati wala kang pakialam sa mga nagaganap sa paligid mo. As long as you have a decent job, it's perfectly fine. Okay lang naman, afford mo naman mag loan ng car and condo at the same time for 5 years. The only thing that you think is kung saan ang next travel destination mo. But how about the others? They have to endure life on a daily basis. They have to wake up very early just to avoid traffic and work 12 hours a day, receiving a minimum wage on a contractual basis. It's a struggle to keep afloat and they worry if their life would still be the same after the contract expires. You don't have the right to tell them to work hard when they are working harder than you. You don't have the right to tell them to wait a little longer because, fuck,  unlike you, they don't have the luxury to wait. Just because the economy went a bit higher in the past years, it doesn't mean that the lives got improved. In fact, the gap of rich and poor is getting wider.

In the end, if Duterte really wins, let us not forget our role as his constituents. He owes us big time. As proactive citizens, let us constantly remind him the things that he promised during the campaign season, and we have to make sure that no one is left behind as we embark on a new chapter of the Philippine history. Enough of the same old shit. Enough with the Daan Matuwid scam. Enough with the blatant lies portrayed by the media.

I am asking you to vote with your conscience because 'voting wisely' is such a condescending cliche.

Friday, April 29, 2016

May It Be



May is fast approaching and I can't hardly wait for my first day off of the month. Seriously, this week, I am expected to work 8 straight days because of the transition of my work schedule. Not that I'm complaining though, but I'm quite sick the past few days. Maybe I got stressed from all the adventures I took last weekend. My overnight experience in Kalanggaman Island was underwhelming, albeit the majestic sunrise so to speak. I'm having a flu right now.

Well, it's almost midnight. I should be sleeping.

PS: Now that my mobile plan in SMART is no longer unlimited, I'm looking for ways to maximize my data. Ugh, fuck this. I just hate the internet connection here in the Philippines - slow, limited, and fucking expensive. Unbelievable!

I should be sleeping. Duty in T minus 5 hours.

Friday, April 22, 2016

I've had enough

Requested departure time: 2:20PM. Departure time given from flow management: 4:22PM.

Less than three weeks before the national elections. I am so tired of reading and hearing all those political nonsense and mudslinging from both staunch supporters and candidates. Well, I can't blame it. Social media had played a very important role in delivering vital information in this year's political campaign. But of course, you can't just avoid those hypocrites, know-it-alls, the pseudo-intellectuals, and the gullible ones. 

But despite our intellectual, socio-political, and ~*emotional*~ differences, we all have the same dream - whoever wins the election must put our country in a higher pedestal.

IN OTHER NEWS, air traffic congestion or flight delays have hit a all-time high! HURRAY! A few days ago, a reliable source told me that in NAIA 3 alone, 96% of all flights are delayed. The reason? Numerous non-scheduled flights were filed flying in and out of Manila. See also: hired private planes by politicians going to different provinces of the country.


Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Sense of Entitlement

Went home for a short break in Davao last Saturday. My city's currently experiencing a daily 4-5hrs of rotational brownouts due to the lack of power in the Mindanao grid. One of the generators of the newly opened clean coal power plant in Davao City went off grid a few days ago, causing these inconveniences. Davao Light, the privately owned electric service provider of the city had no choice but to implement series of rotational brownouts on a daily basis. My reliable sources told me that this power outages will last until next week.

I know that a city of more than two million residents didn't deserve this kind of shit. We are all aware that one particular candidate even claimed that the power deficit in Mindanao has already been solved for years where in fact IT WASN'T.

Having said that, we have no choice. I know this is a helpless scenario most especially to people who solely rely to electricity for a living (see also: freelance workers). But have you ever thought that even if you're one of the members of the affluent Ayalas or Aboitizes, you're still bound to experience rotational brownouts? Unless you have a powerful diesel generator, that's a totally different story.

Lately, I have read so many rants about this rotational brownout in Davao. FYI, even if you stage a protest outside the main office of DLPC at Ponciano Street, you won't yield anything. I don't get it why some people have this superior sense of entitlement. They're not even influential members of the city to begin with. I know there are discrepancies regarding DLPC's scheduled brownout, but then again going back to my point... ugh. I just can't even.

Major eyeroll.

Friday, April 08, 2016

Unsent Messages



A: Hey. Kamusta?

B: Hi. I'm good.

A: Seems like you're doing okay with your life lately, ah!

B: Oo naman.

A: You're at work?

B: Nope. I'm on my way to downtown. Hahanapin ko yung kaluluwa ko. In English, soul searching.


Thursday, April 07, 2016

China Rich



With a heavy heart, I am done reading Crazy Rich Asians. I bought in around three days ago and I so hate myself being a fast reader. I tried to slow down and read at least a few chapters per day but God, I can't stop reading. It was a light read and at the same time, very funny. I never thought that I'd enjoy Kevin Kwan's debut novel. Well, I can somehow relate to this novel (not that I'm part of the nouveau riche family #wishfulthinking) because all events in the novel were set in Singapore.

Hopefully when I get home in Davao, I'll buy its sequel.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Save Mount Apo

Mount Apo is home to various endemic species such as the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) and the Waling-waling (Vanda sanderiana), and to six indigenous tribes. It is also the highest peak of the country, towering at almost 10,000 ft above sea level.

 The fire started last Saturday near its peak from an unknown source. Due to El Niño, the fire had rapidly spread downhill causing damages along its path. Volunteers and Davao's Rescue 911 have already responded to this crisis yet their efforts are becoming futile as days go by.

What is the national government doing to address this environmental crisis? Nada. Nothing. They are busy saving the ass of their losing candidate by producing comics on how he became a hero during and after a Category 5 storm hit the central part of the country. So much for rewriting history.

Monday, March 07, 2016

There's No Place Like Homeland



So after months of #TeamCarQuinn hiatus, I am officially back on track. I told myself not to watch the entire fourth season (although I've watched the first two episodes of it) because I've already read the summary of the fourth season. But no, my gut tells me to do the otherwise. Still never fails to surprise me every episode. I don't know but I think Carrie and Quinn looked good together, and they perfectly worked as a team, aside from having a romantic thing going on them between them. I never liked the Carrie-Brody tandem. For the lack of better adjective, they looked awful. Bleugh. HAHAHA.

Well, I guess I need to binge watch this up to the fifth season!

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Fuck Society



Still in the state of mindfuck after watching the first season of Mr. Robot. Damn, it was so good that I am still not over with it! I guess I'd be suffering from existential crisis. It felt like I was Elliot. He was me. And all those talking-to-my-imaginary-audiences scenes. Just kidding. Don't get me wrong though, I am not suffering from clinical depression, I am not seeing a psychiatrist, and most of all, I am not sniffing substances. Haha!

But yeah, is it just me or Elliot = Mr. Robot aka his dad aka his daemon = Tyrell Wellick? I know the third one sounds crazy but... have you ever thought about it too? The final episode was really intense and I loved the character development of the show. Piece by piece, we've finally unravelled the mysterious world of Elliot, or so we thought. I was really thinking that Mr. Robot was real, until after watching the 9th episode.

The confrontation scene of Elliot and Joanna was one of my favorites throughout the first season. It was so intense. Joanna's smile may mean something. Well, it was clear that she's really hiding something, AND SHE FUCKING KNOWS WHERE TYRELL IS. But I don't know, honestly. It's just me. Or isn't? She was clearly fishing for information about her husband's whereabouts, but she seemed nonchalant.

Can't fucking wait for the second season. Yes, I've never typed so many curse words in one fucking blog post, unless if I'm fuming mad (which I'm not, quite obviously). But I'll can't just help it but to let it out. Damn. I repeat, this series is so good!

Tuesday, February 02, 2016

CEB387: 18th Year



Today marks the 18th year anniversary of the doomed Cebu Pacific Air flight 5J-387. On the second day of February 1998, the DC-9-32 aircraft crashed on the slopes of Mount Sumagaya in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, killing 104 people on board.

SYNOPSIS:

It was a regular scheduled domestic flight from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City, the regional center of Misamis Oriental. The plane departed Manila at exactly 9AM (0100 UTC) but made an unscheduled stop at Tacloban City to deliver a spare tire needed by their grounded DC-9-32 aircraft. After that brief unscheduled stop, it flew all the way to its final destination. The plane was scheduled to land Cagayan de Oro’s Lumbia Airport at around 11AM (0300 UTC).

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Jan 30th

I can't think of a creative title, so pardon with the uncreative one.

So much of keeping a promise of updating this blog more often, even just for one post per week. I had so many things in my mind right now, but I'd rather keep it inside and just let it pass. Nope, nothing serious, that's all.

Anyway to keep myself busy, I've been reading books, watching new tv shows, and catching up with sleep. Yep, I sometimes lack sleep whenever I'm in day shift. It really is difficult for me to sleep before 10PM and the next thing I need to accomplish is to wake up at 4:10AM the following day. I was never a morning person, well until now. The only thing that compromises this shit is the beautiful sunrise that I always see every morning. Unless if the weather's fucked up.

I have to admit that my interest in politics (American politics to be exact) had grown exponentially (yes, big word), all thanks to House of Cards. Damn, Kevin Spacey's so good! He's one of the few American actors that I admire the most. Can't wait to finish the first three seasons! The fourth season will air this March. Can't also wait for #HTGAWM too.

Speaking of work, my boss gave me an additional work, he assigned me as one of the training officers of our facility. I honestly do not want it because I never had the patience to teach people, regardless of the circumstances. But I just realized that the boss gave me that assignment because he completely trusted my skills as a rated air traffic controller. I don't know, maybe because he observed how I handle heavy air traffic - my control techniques, quick action, and the way separate and sequence air traffic in the MOST expeditious way without compromising the separation procedures mandated by ICAO. Well, I'll just consider it as a challenge, and also a way to distract myself from those things that don't even deserve my attention at all.

I haven't had bought my return flight from Taipei. But I'll buy one right after payday. Haha! I can no longer contain my excitement. Fast forward to March 19 please! Taiwan, please be good to us! :D

Friday, January 15, 2016

Diaspora



I have been a public servant for three years... and counting. The moment I entered the Air Traffic Controller training four years ago, I told myself that this is my way to give back to my country, after studying for four years in a premier, state-run university of my country. I owe my countrymen a favor since their taxes partially subsidized my tuition.

There's no question about my love in the field of aviation. I mean, I got my dream job, which is air traffic controller, and I couldn't ask for more. I wouldn't mind working long hours just to ensure the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic. I wouldn't mind working on public holidays. Everyone's at home celebrating Christmas and New Year but me since I brought them to their families. That fact alone makes me happy and accomplished.

But then again, the problem lies with our government. How can I serve my country well when in the first place, the government doesn't know how to treat their constituents well? I can't help it but to be mad about the recent news of our national government. I can no longer stand the fact that we have a President who knows nothing about compassion and public servant. The "Daang Matuwid" only applies to the rich and elite societies; the poor. and even the middle-class are suffering. What an incompetent prick.

I can't blame those people who chose to work abroad instead here. The Philippines doesn't benefit from the skills and intelligence of the Filipino workers at all. Appalling. A sad truth. 

Tuesday, January 05, 2016

1/52



Five days after welcoming 2016, I still can't imagine how fast 2015 went. It felt like a cool breeze - temporary yet comforting. 2015 has been the most awesome year to date. I had traveled to places that I never imagined in my entire life that I'd set foot in. I never thought I'd visit Yogyakarta and be marveled by Borobodur and Prambanan Temples, endured the chaos and language barrier of Jakarta, got lost in the urban maze of Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore, appreciate the azure waters of Kota Kinabalu, and be amazed by the Petronas Towers as it stood high and proud in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

I do hope that the year 2016 will be like a wave that never breaks. As the song goes, nothing can stop us now.