Red Horse Bill

In my usual brooding mood in front of my workstation with my usual brewed coffee courtesy of baby bodum, I came across on of the headlines news online regarding the RH Bill. This has caused a lot of controversy last year and as soon as it was signed, an indefinite TRO was served.  Whether consciously or unconsciously, I never really bothered to broach on this subject despite of my curious nature.  I don't even have any excuses -- I was just apathetic at that time. 

Having hormonal imbalance is my challenge in raising my own family in the nearest future. I prefer the natural method of pro-creation because of my belief in the "Spontaneous Combustion Theory" but with my situation, am I not entitled to a good reproductive health service? 

Contraceptives, much like cigarettes, are generic, over-the-counter commodities which vary in their purpose according to the buyer's perspective but in truth, the former is to protect and the latter, to kill. However, for the others, it is the other way around.

After reading the provisions of the said bill, I'm really wondering  how the religious sector understands this.  It was clearly stated over and over again that we have a choice in accordance to our religious beliefs and such. Am I not seeing the big picture or is this another "justification behind the cross"? Do I allow myself  to be dictated when it comes to pro-creation or raising a family?

 Somehow, reading such melodrama on crying for peotic justice from one of the Bishops has raised my eyebrow to the roof:

“The RH bill is against life (and) so much young blood (would be) shed. May our leaders not give the Divine Child the same Herodian gift of 2,000 years ago: death of the innocents,”

If I remember correctly, Herod mandated all the first borns to be killed, thus, literally, the bloodshed it had created.  I wish they can widen their perspective and try a little empathy. For just a moment, try to be in a woman's shoes -- try to be in mine.

As a born-Catholic, I wondered if people join such groups to be closer to the Almighty or is this just a hierarchal need to belong? My relocations gave me the opportunity  to interact with various religions.  I've realized that  your connection to the Supreme Being will nurture you rather than the congregation.  My spirituality anchors me and it's the same spirituality that guides me in making decisions. 

As an "ex-Sociologist", I have witnessed malnourished mothers and children in most rural areas.  These women are neither empowered nor educated about their rights to proper health care including family planning. Children are prone to disease and some have to earn at a very young age.  These people are the focus of the RH Bill to alleviate the impoverish conditions. Delaying the enactment proves to be more deadly.

As a Course Developer, I am looking forward to learning programs that will enlighten individuals about rights and  responsibilities as citizens.  The term "Sex Education" have been misconstrued as if it's going to teach a person how to have sex. i believe that a "Family Planning Program" should include the importance of family, pro-creation, gender equality and empowerment. Let us not teach people what to fear or avoid, let us teach people how to make the right decisions.

As a woman, I have the right to realize my potentials in my career, parenthood and marriage. I am defined by my actions in accordance to my values and not of organizational affiliations. I have the right to understand unbiased information and to choose accordingly. My choices are based on free will and not of fear.

I personally support this endeavor and to those who are against it, I respect your reasons. Please make sure that your choice is based solely in your own perspective and not because of other people's. 

Zohan the Barberian

I never thought I would understand why women went loco over Scrappy Coco.  It must be the oozing appeal of Zohan that made the women stand in line and wait for effing hours just to get "serviced".  

I've meaning to get a trim since last week and during my usual walk along bustling and wonderful world of ukay, I decided to pop inside any salon that has very few customers.  Thankfully, my preferred salon seems to be in a relaxed mode but still I had to wait for the hairstylist.  

Much to my surprise, I was led to a male hairstylist or should I say a barber.  I've never had my done by a man -- considering that most hairstylist that I know are beckies.  I could have declined but my curiosity was tingling and I had to appease it.  

Mr. Barber looked more of a band member with his goatee and tattoos. I sat as demurely as I could as he gently tuck my shirt collar and covered me with the usual black cloth. His movements were graceful yet manly and his voice was soft and low.  Somehow, I saw the gears in his head when I said "My hair is limp". 

As he started to dampen my hair, I was looking at him through the mirror.  He expression was intense as if he was talking to the thin mop of hair.  As he started to touch my scalp, I felt this relaxing sensation that is both welcoming and weird at the same time. 

I was brooding with my superego as we try to rationalize the heady state we are in. I could have asked but my intuition instantly issued a STOP WORK AUTHORITY.  I closed my eyes instead. 

When I left the salon, my hair has strategically framed my face and looked thicker, all for a price of 2 sundaes.  Good thing he is not Zohan! 

Tea with Mr. Grey

A recent conversation with a friend has boggled my mind on how Christian Grey  -- the craze of the decade, is perceived almost to the point that I even wonder about the impressions I am making for going ga-ga over Mr. Grey.

"Christian Grey does not exist", my friend insisted and I had to rein in my inner goddess before she can succumb to her tirade.  Of course, I agree with my friend that Fifty does not exist but the world of BDSM, child abuse, hope and redemption is as real as you and me. We all have our versions of Fifty Shades of Fucked up (forgive my French).

A hunk with great abs, a billionaire and knows how give pain & pleasure to women -- surely, this person is a figment of a typical writer's imagination. Almost all of the romantic novels I have read share the same profile. The variations are brought by the era, ways of seduction and the play of words.  So even before Christian Grey, women have been dreaming... fantasizing... hoping for their very own Champion.

So am I delusional for dreaming about Christian Grey? Not really... Am just being adorably crazy. I am not expecting my Mr. Grey to be a billionaire, none exist in my country and if there is, he would be Chinese. (No offense meant) My version of Fifty Shades is simply someone who can support my femininity and lifestyle -- I don't need a car or Charlie Tango.

I like his passion -- his obsession, whether feeding the world or stalking a girl, I appreciate the fact that he is not a passive individual because in this era of  women empowerment, most men just stepped back.  How many wives can say that having sex with their husbands is still mind-blowing and that they never had to fake their orgasms? Maybe I am too idealistic or maybe I am just exposing the truth...

Does Christian Grey give us, women, false hopes? I believe it entirely depends on what we are hoping for. I am not hoping for my fairy godmother to bring him to life. I am just hoping that somehow, men would step up to the challenge and love their women as if she is the only girl in the world. Maybe then, we can stop dreaming of Mr. Grey.

Hya, do you believe in Santa Claus?

In one of those unexpected moments that I invaded Mommy Hannah's classroom, karma played its wicked sense of humor on me.  Oh! I just remembered that it's now 4G... 

Words about overcoming the barriers of communication flashed across the screen as Mommy Hans enthusiastically inspire her class on how to be spontaneous.  I, on the other hand, was done tormenting my class about grammar and pronunciation and gave them a much needed break before they all succumed to profuse nosebleeding. 

Slowly,  I peeked into the room and my mentor beamed at me with her eyes clearly uttering, "You will be my guinea pig today!".  I have been volun-told and lovingly, I comply to her request. 

I stood in front of her class poised in my Ms. Universe smile and stance as the hamster inside my head crank up the wheel to hyperdrive.  She then uttered an out-of-the-box question that is mundane and profound at the same time. "Hya, do you believe in Santa Claus"?  The hamster in my head just died, gone to heaven and back again.

It must have been Divine Intervention because the words flowed as various pictures flashed in my head.  What happened in the next three minutes was surprising...even to me. Here goes my speech....

Have you seen the movie, "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Clause"? It was shown a long time ago and I think it's about a kid sending a letter to an editor asking a simple question -- Is there a Santa Claus?  Virginia wrote to the editor because she believed that the papers always tell the truth.  The editor published his reply entitled, "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus"  though I can't remember the details,  I still totally agree to his first statement.  

I believe in Santa Claus  because  I believe in Christmas, I believe in giving and I believe in  love. 

For me, Christmas is about the warmth of a home.  I remember the aroma of cinnamon and cloves in my Mamang's house as we bake cakes and cook chicken ala king which is a family tradition. 

I believe in Santa because I believe in giving.  More than gifts and toys, the mere intention of giving always bring a sense of fulfillment in you. Remember that it is when we give that we truly receive. 

Lastly, I believe in Santa Claus because I believe in love. The very essence of Santa simply shows how much he loves children.  I love kids and I love Hannah's kids.  Let's face it, love makes the world go round.

In conclusion, there will always be Santa Claus as long as there are people to love, blessing to give, and a home to share. 

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Spread the spirit of gratitude for the year 2012 and embrace the year 2013 with love in our hearts. Merry Christmas and A Blessed New Year to all!
 

Celestial Sunday

People see astrology as pseudo-science and some even would even say that it is the work of the devil.  Neither science nor art, I see zodiac signs as part of the  ancient mysteries of the world.  The stars and planets exist  -- they are as real as you and me; and I like the thought of these twinkling balls of gases having stories to tell.  

Cancer is a water sign and Virgo is earth.  The mingling of these two characters often results to a very nurturing relationship.  Water nourishes earth as much as earth encapsulates water and together, growth and new life springs forth.   

It must have been a trial by fire last Sunday when I met Mr.Crab's significant other.  After three years of living in singledom, it was nice to see, Mr. Crab in  that giddy schoolboy expression once more.

Prior to our lunch date, I had an overview about  Ms. Virgo  when Mr. Crab and I had coffee at some over-rated café.  I probably have summoned the correct forces of nature because I was able to hide my curiosity and the busy ambiance provided distraction.  “She is different”,  my brooding ego was smiling while caressing her lower chin just as my psycho ego presented various pictures of the ex-girlfriends and pulled up the graph entitled, “Patterns of Behaviour”.  This change is mighty interesting.  

I was rushing inside the mall because I hate to be late on such a special event and thankfully, being late for an hour is still considered fashionable. “This is it! The first impression”, my gleeful id was jumping as I entered a very busy buffet restaurant.  Seated at the right side corner were two anxious people.  I hugged Mr. Crab and presented my right hand to Ms. Virgo as we say our pleasantries. 

Ms. Virgo was under the watchful eye of my inner goddess, “Long black hair, rosy medium-toned skin, expressive eyes and a sincere yet shy smile”, she said appreciatively at the beauty in front of her and she almost flipped when she noticed her waist, “some women are sooooo lucky”, she pouted.  “She is a stunner!” 

“How did you manage to ensnare Mr. Crab?”  I asked my sane self still in awe as we attack the buffet tables.  Amused with the scenario, I sashayed myself to the beckoning strips of raw salmon.  Mr. Crab was recalling some of our adventures and my misadventures --“Ms. Pisces this and Ms. Pisces that” when  the zodiac sign compatibility topic cropped up.  I gave an excuse about my crystal ball yet in my mind, the compatibility report was done. While my subconscious was reading it out loud,  I felt the my tension gently ebbing away because...  

“Virgo and Cancer

 When Cancer and Virgo make a love match, a strong, down-to-earth relationship with staying power is the happy result. This is a relationship with great potential to get better and better over the passing years. Both Cancer and Virgo are goal-oriented and disciplined. They are sincere and devoted to one another and share a strong sense of purpose. No lightweight love here: These two were not really built for flings! Cancer and Virgo deeply admire one another: Virgo respects Cancer’s quiet strength and dedication while Cancer appreciates Virgo’s keen adaptability and intelligence.” 

My Mansion

My house is a mansion

It can accommodate the people of the world

It can feed those who are hungry

It can warm those who are cold and weary 

My house is a mansion

The view will take your breath away 

The interiors will sweep you to various places

The riches within will make you want to stay.  

My house is a mansion 

But it doesn't cover the whole block 

I only have two bedrooms 

Some food in stock 

Please do no think I plan to deceive

Lying was never the intention 

I only ask for your understanding 

To widen your perception

My house is a mansion 

For it will never shut its door to those who knocks 

It will always offer food to those crave 

It is always ready to give a warm  FREE embrace....

"Your home will always be as big as your heart" -- Hya-nism

Of Preys and Predators

My comical ways of seeing life's paradox based on extreme moments of boredom,  hunger, laughter and other hulabaloos which sometimes make sense to other people. 

Lesson 1:

A romantic relationship is a cat and mouse game.  You have to give only tidbits of cheese to bait a mouse but not the whole stack of it. Else, the mouse will be too overwhelmed to pursue it and the cat will never have its dinner... 

Lesson 2: 

Relationships can be  like a game of American Football... The person who gets chased by a number of big burly men is the one who is running.  So if you want to be tackled, better start wearing your running shoes.....

Lesson 3:

The universe has its ways of rubbing a broken heart such that one gets caught in a situation wherein the songs playing over the radio would be a series of love songs... Note to self:  In nursing a broken heart, you need earplugs. 

Lesson 4:

Do not attempt to decipher a woman's psyche.  You will either fall in love or go crazy or both! 

Lesson 5:

In love, one's greatest source of joy is also the greatest cause of sorrow... Sometimes, it's good to be mediocre

to be continued....