I'm Married!

It was on the 20th of May 2008 at the Eglise St-Severin in Paris -- the most beautiful day of my life. My husband, Vince, was crying as I approached the altar. I cried too when I saw him. It was surreal. I feel so blessed because I know I married a good man with a good heart in the most beautiful place. Life isn't perfect but that day was, and who says I can't have the perfect day to remember for a lifetime. À coeur vaillant rien d'impossible!

Merry Neri

Guess what Ched Chair Romulo Neri was doing when the Supreme Court announced it's decision?

He was in the dentist's chair having his tooth "fixed" the whole afternoon. "I broke a tooth," he said in a text message.

I've been stalking the secretary for months, since the ZTE scandal broke out. Our news team would waiting outside his house early morning until he comes out to go to work -- and hopefully toss a statement, a good soundbite, something meaty to at least merit a whole report.

But today of all days, he had nothing to say. He came out of his house, didn't say a thing and just gave my cameraman a wave. A photojournalist could have saved it for later -- perfect for after the Supreme Court's decision. Caption: Neri waves his troubles goodbye.

When I texted him again about his reaction on the High Court's favorable decision, he texted back, "I'm still with my dentist."

I get it.

Two weeks ago, Neri didn't show up at the ZTE-NBN Senate hearing after the senators rejected a compromise offered by the Supreme Court which would have allowed Neri to testify in the Senate but without the threat of arrest or detention if he invokes executive privilege. Some of the senators said they would rather wait for the Supreme Court's decision on whether the questions are covered by executive privilege.

Now that the Supreme Court ruled that the questions are covered by executive privilege, now what?

Analysis, analysis, analysis.

Neri's lawyers are celebrating, it's a vindication they say.

As expected, some senators are crying foul.

What about Neri?

He won his petition, his broken tooth was repaired, he is sleeping soundly at the moment.

The rest of the country moves on (or did they even notice?). Tomorrow is another day, another story, another rally and another...

The taxi driver will drive, the teacher will teach, the lawyer will defend (or circumvent?) the law, the farmer will farm, the reporter will report, the corrupt politician, policeman, engineer, the LTO fixer go on with their corrupt ways.

While Chairman Neri -- he would rather tend to his broken tooth. Lucky lucky lucky.... tooth.

Parisian Life

"Ah, oui! La vie ça passe comme ça!"

Ah, yes! Life passes (through) that way. She knows exactly what she wants to say, my little four-year-old niece, Elisa. She’s not the usual kid. She loves bugs, spiders, grasshoppers, beetles, butterflies, you name it. She would scoop them tenderly in her dainty hands… talk to them in her own language… then set them free. Other kids would either scream, cringe or run away in fear, while others would give them the smack a.k.a. cruel death sentence, or the usual life(less) imprisonment. I was guilty of all those when I was a kid who didn't know any better. But Elisa… she is something else.


She knows life is more than playing with Dora, Hello Kitty or Eloise. In fact, she doesn’t play much with her collection of toys. She would rather go out in the park, pick up stones to add to her collection, and run! Boy can she run like a bullet! And she has the perfect runner’s form! One time she ran (and didn’t stop) from her house to their car which was parked almost 2 kilometers away. She reached the car sweating like a pig, “Whew! I’m so tired but I feel good!”


Feeling good also involves doing... wild and dangerous things. Well.. just, as her mum would say, a tid bit. Like goin down the slide head first. That’s when you’re looking. She loves laughing and goofing around. She makes you taste something that she thinks looks like sugar, and says IT IS sugar… but turns out to be salt. You play along and she bursts into that perfect hearty, kiddie, Elisa laughter. Ahh… salt is sweet!



But just as she is loko-loko, she is also reasonable. One night her dad gave her a toy catalogue so she could encircle the gifts she would want to receive for Christmas. One particular toy caught her eye and she asked her dad if it was expensive. It was 149 euros. Her dad reluctantly said yes. She immediately flipped the page and said, “Never mind!” That’s my girl!

Oh but she also has her bad moments, when she’s sleepy or when her 6 year old brother Nicolas teases her. But nothing like tantrums. Brother and sister are unbelievably good kids.


Of course the apple never falls far from the tree. Mom is a cool, sporty, intellectual activist turned full-time home-maker. She was a peace corps volunteer who's done tours of duty in places like Thailand, Africa and war-time Bosnia. Not to mention she’s a hell of a good cook. Gourmet, mind you.


Dad is a hotshot consultant in Paris -- but at home, he’s the coolest, funnest, most playful, laugh-out-loud dad. He would run with them, dance with them, bake with them, and at night, he would read them stories.


But while mom and dad share everything with the kids, the best part is that they also let them be. They let them laugh, run, explore, fall, get a "tid bit" of scrapes and bruises if they must. It’s all good!

Life is good, but when it all comes down to it, for Elisa, it’s not as simple as saying, “C’est la Vie!”

Leslie Cruz

Was it an accidental industrial explosion or a deliberate terrorist attack? While the debate goes on about what really happened that fateful Friday, October 19, 2007, at the Glorietta 2 mall, the fact remains -- 11 people died, 3 people are in critical condition and more than a hundred were injured.

I'm sharing with you an e-mail being passed around -- it is a letter written by Carlo Cruz, only 33 years old and now a widower. I do not know him, but those of us who watched TV or listened to the radio that day will never forget Carlo, the guy who was desperately looking for his wife. We were all hoping that he would find her, that she was ok and that they would finally go home together. The end. Happily ever after. Who would've thought that a simple decision like turning left or right could change someone's life forever.

His letter made me cry but I will never know how Carlo feels. A friend reminded me that death is a very personal thing. Just the same, Carlo wants to share his story, hoping that whoever reads it will learn something from his tragic loss.

***

Good day everyone,

I wish I were writing under different circumstances.

I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz was part of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 Mall bombing in Makati City, Philippines. She was supposed to have a minor out patient surgery at Makati Medical Center at 230pm.

I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there. We dropped off our daughter, Amber, at my parents place in QC to babysit at around 10am. We then proceeded to Makati and was there at 1230pm. Since she had been fasting in preparation for her procedure, she wanted to move around and listen to some music while I grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of Park Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2 entrance. We parted at the top of the escalator, she turned right towards Filbar's while I went left towards the restaurants. That was the last time I would see her.

Around 120pm, she had called me so that we can meet at the Glorietta 2 exit just in time to make her appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta 1 through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn the corner, I heard 2 deep thumps and the shock-wave from the blast hit me. At that moment my heart dropped as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the same place where we were supposed to meet. I tried getting to where my wife was, but the dust was too much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall.

I still tried to convince myself that she was able to make it out, and that after ringing her mobile without a response only meant that she dropped it in the confusion. After 6 hours of searching from Makati Med. to Ospital ng Makati, the blast site, and back again to MMC - with the help of all the people I could get hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what the state of my wife was.

My Dad and Uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My Uncle (who's a doctor) asked me to describe Leslie's appearance to another group of doctors. I saw in the eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then brought me to a small examination room. It was only through a digital camera that I was able to confirm (and deny) that she was indeed gone.

I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner. I should have ran instead of a brisk walk. I should have not chose to park where I did. I should have braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should have ...

Today's the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to breathe, let alone wake up realizing that your source of strength, your best friend doesn't lie beside you on your bed. That my deepest worry is when Amber starts asking for her Mama.

I am glad that Amber's too young to understand the loss and pain. In time I would like to tell her the details of how her mother died, but more importantly I would like to raise her as how her mother lived - a loving person, strong willed, decisive, caring, and nurturing. She has always cared for her family and friends, and sacrfied her career for being a full time mom and home maker.

As with all couples we had our ups and downs - none of which I regret not going through. The sweet is never as sweet without the sour. For almost 4 years of marriage, we've finally hit our balance in life only to be taken away in an instant. I have no regrets about our marriage. She has loved me and Amber beyond her capacity. I will always love her.

It is my first time to write to egroup as I've lurked and watched emails being sent to and fro. All I want now is that for each of the couples here is to cherish each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty simple to say, very easy to take for granted.

Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to ask you to please include Leslie in them until her 40th day so that the path to God's kingdom is well lit and she is no longer in the dark.

Sincerely,

Carlo Cruz

"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of GOD for you in Christ Jesus"

Ninascoops: A New Chapter

I will be saying goodbye to this site soon and create a new blog.

I've made the decision to shift from what I know best and that is from showbiz to hard news. I actually started doing hard news and trained under Dindo Amparo who was then the king of the night watch (overnight police reporter) and Tony Velasquez who was then ABS-CBN's Malacanang reporter. After that, I became Studio 23's Malacanang correspondent for News Central. That was when PGMA just came into power and the rest is history.

Covering Malacanang was boring. I hated politics. It's all talk and bickering and unfulfilled promises.

Covering showbiz was another matter. I got to unleash my creative side. Writing showbiz news reports was always a challenge, especially If you work under the legend that is Mario Dumaual. Mario has the gift of writing showbiz and feature reports so effortlessly, like he was born to do it. Mario can write a great showbiz script in seconds! It always left me wondering where the hell he got his idea and how come I didn't think of it?

Mario D., Dindo A., and Tony V. are just some of my heroes in the newsroom. They are the people who can make magic, turn what seems like a non-story into something people should pay attention to and care about. It's all in their writing, not to mention malandi kase silang mag-isip. Ewan ko kung ganun din sila sa tunay na buhay. Haha.

As for me, I would rather cover human interest stories. Stories that tug at your heartstrings. Stories that affect people in the way they think and feel. Stories that can make someone care and hopefully do something about. Stories that make a difference in people's lives. They may not be as big as the President's State of the Nation Address, but I don't think I need to tell big stories to affect people, and hopefully make them care.

Although I am now assigned to the General Assignments beat, which means covering just about anything, yes, including politics.. it's enough for me to know that my story touched someone, even just one person, and then I can sit back, relax and say, I feel just great. :)

Josh Hartnett in Davao

Hollywood heartthrob and Scarlet Johansson's ex, Josh Hartnett, arrived in Manila today and quickly boarded a Philippine Airlines Flight to Davao.

The media wasn't allowed to interview or go near the actor but ABS-CBN Davao was able to take some footages of the actor arriving at the Davao airport. He gamely posed for a picture with an airport security guard. Hartnett kept it simple by wearing a white T-shirt, a black jacket, jeans and sneakers. He also carried a backpack.

Hartnett became famous for films such as "Black Hawk Down" and "Pearl Harbor". He is here to shoot the mystery thriller, "I Come With The Rain", at Mt. Diwalwal.

Prison "Break", Pinoy Style

The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons.
-Russian Novelist and Writer

From covering the glitz and glamour, as well as the scandals and controversies of showbiz, it was a complete change of pace for me to be among the so-called “dregs of society” at the Caloocan City Jail. While showbiz is said to be vicious, this was reality. I was there with the Public Attorney’s Office that was giving free medical and legal assistance to the inmates.

It was hot, crowded and smelled of sweat. Tattooed inmates fell in line like obedient children and waited patiently for their turn with the doctors and lawyers. But the lines of prison toughies slowly parted to give way to an elderly man who was being pushed to the front of the line in a wheel chair. He was slumped over and appeared unconscious. The 81-year old Lolo Ildefonso is in jail for attempted rape. According to his records, Lolo Ildefonso was caught giving his neighbor’s 10-year old daughter a bath, without the neighbor’s permission.


Some inmates made fun of Lolo Idelfonso’s interest in the personal hygiene of others, but his offense, if proven guilty is serious. So is his health. The prison warden said he threw up blood earlier that morning. After the free check up, the doctor said his blood pressure was so high he needed to be brought to the hospital. The doctor said that if his health wasn’t monitored, he could die of a stroke or heart attack.

Lolo Ildefonso regained consciousness after they gave him an IV, but he couldn’t even remember his name! He talked gibberish and made faces. For some reason, he could only say his age, “81!”

Atty. Persida Acosta, the P.A.O.’s chief of lawyers said they will file a motion to request that Lolo Ildefonso to be brought to the hospital. She also said they will ask for a plea bargain so he could be released due to old age and for humanitarian reasons.


Minutes later another inmate in a wheel chair was brought to the front of the line. He had a long cut on his stomach, and it wasn’t stitches but STAPLE WIRES that held the wound closed! It was literally stapled shut. It was a fresh wound and pus was coming out.

According to Mr. Staple, he stabbed himself out of guilt after he accidentally killed his brother-in-law. He said he hit his “balae” after they quarreled over who would pay for their electricity bill. He kept saying that he didn’t mean to kill his brother-in-law, which is why he stabbed himself to prove how sorry he was for what he did.

The doctor who performed the check-up was worried that Mr. Staple could die of an infection if he doesn’t take antibiotics and keep the wound clean. The doctor however said that the staple wires were nothing to worry about, as some doctors actually prefer stapling a wound – though with medical staple wire – instead of using stitches that are much more prone to infection.


In another corner of the crowded jail, another doctor was attending to a crying teenager. He looked so young, barely 15. But he was already eighteen years old and no longer a juvenile delinquent, which is why he was thrown in with the men. It was his first few weeks in jail after being caught stealing his neighbors’ water meter. He hardly looked the part of a hardened criminal, just a helpless child shedding tears of pain. The doctor found a big boil near his genitals.

When I was putting together my script in the newsroom, my colleagues and I couldn't help but laugh at how the story came out. It wasn't humorous laughter though, probably more nervous or disturbed. Because what else can you say or do when faced with stories like these? It's either you laugh or you cry or you become very angry.

Portions of my tagalog story read, “Pinaliguan ni lolo ang bata niyang kapitbahay.. tadtad ng stapler ang tiyan, matapos niyang saksakin ang sarili... tumutulo ang nana sa sugat, may pigsa sa singit…”

It’s so surreal. It’s so sad. It’s so true.

3 Girls, 3 Stories, 1 Message: Kaya ng Pinay!

When Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon and Janet Belarmino became the first Southeast Asian women to summit Mt. Everest and the first women in the world to traverse Mt. Everest from the North side to the South side, Himalaya didn’t seem to care.

The country was rejoicing, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sent a congratulatory message, and the Philippine Coast Guard prepared a heroes welcome for the three summiteers who had just been promoted from seawoman first class to petty officer third class.

Himalaya, though, remains clueless. After all, he’s only five months old. His mommy Janet left two months ago to pursue her dream of conquering the world’s highest peak, and she did so with a heavy heart.

In an article published on the Kathmandu Post titled "Mom of five-month-old atop Everest," Janet was quoted as saying, "I decided to leave him, as I was too focused on the mountain. I believed there was a greater cause behind my decision."

Noelle, on the other hand, brought her loved one with her to the summit, a picture of her mother. Her mom passed away last year due to a stroke. She was on her way to the airport to pick up Noelle when she had the attack. Noelle had just arrived after successfully climbing Mt. Denali in Alaska, the highest mountain in North America. She was waiting at the airport, when she got the call that her mom was rushed to the hospital. By the time Noelle arrived there, it was already too late.

Carina is one of 14 siblings who grew up in Bukidnon. Her family didn’t want her to join the Everest team because of the obvious danger. They also relied on her as the family breadwinner. But Carina was determined to sacrifice to achieve a greater goal.

The Dayondon family apparently had nothing to worry about. According to ABS-CBN correspondent Vince Rodriguez who chronicled the journey on pinaysoneverest.blogspot.com, Carina was even singing on the summit!

According to the blog, two hours before reaching the summit, the team radioed Advance Base Camp to give an update on their location. During the call, Carina sang in the radio an excerpt from the song Kaya ng Pinay, composed by team doctor Ted Esguerra.

On hearing her singing, Everest summiteer Pastor Emata, who was at ABC, radioed back, "Carina, I bet you’re singing because you’re scared."

Carina’s response was, "Excuse me!" But things are different back home. Their families may support their goals and trust they know what they’re doing — but they can’t completely take away their loved ones’ apprehension, the fear that something bad may happen.

Ricky Serdenia, husband of Janet Belarmino-Serdenia, couldn’t hold back his tears when he heard the news his wife had reached the summit. You’d think that Ricky, being a member of the Philippine Dragonboat Federation, would be cool under pressure.

He admits though, it’s not easy when you’re the one left behind.

"Himalaya, your mom has reached the summit," he softly told his baby while crying. "I’m so happy but I also worry about her everyday. I try not to think about it by being with friends, keeping myself busy. Sometimes I fear Himalaya may not see his mom again. But I trust in God and I believe in Janet."

Himalaya was just chuckling and making cute baby sounds while his father wept.

This May, more than 300 people are estimated to have reached the summit of Mt. Everest. Critics have said that the mountain has become so commercialized, anyone with time, money and a bit of guts can reach the top.

So what makes the Pinays’ achievement so special? They could have swum across the Pacific, they could have aimed to reach the North Pole — it wasn’t about the summit of Everest per se. The mountain is simply an allegory, a very tough one at that, for achieving what people think is impossible. That if we set our minds to it and unite in a common cause, we can climb whatever heights and reach whatever distance we imagine.

Like Leo Oracion, Pastor Emata and Romy Garduce before them, the women have again made the country proud. The message is loud and clear, yes, the Filipina can, Kaya ng Pinay! And they didn’t just do it for themselves, but for all the Filipinas around the world struggling to conquer their own mountains.

And even if Himalaya doesn’t understand yet why his mom left, one day when he grows up, he’ll realize the meaning of his mother’s sacrifice. Indeed, Mommy Janet knows best, there is a greater cause.

Not even all the money in the world can match the legacy Himalaya will pass on to his children and his children’s children. A legacy of hope, faith and triumph of the human spirit.

(This article was published in The Philippine Star, May 31, 2007)

I'm BACK!

Hello guys! I know, I know, I just took off. Just like that. And now I'm back. Just like that.

Some of you have e-mailed me telling me to blog again. I just saw the e-mails recently and touch naman ako. Thank you. It means a lot to me.

I do have a tendency to just take off without warning. At that time, I got busier, okay, I also got hooked on Grey's Anatomy, Prison Break, House, Ugly Betty, and more recently, Brothers and Sisters. Damn it, the shows are brilliant! They are now part of my life and it's never the same.

Not with House saying "You don't die with dignity, you live with it" or the Merder, Burkina, Izzie-George-Callie chuvahness or America Ferrera's endearing character and WENTWORTH MILLER!

Please someone please tell me Wenty is not gay! I spent hours researching about his background, looking for traces of gayness. So what if he was with the Princeton Tigers or some college choir, or if he's always single but oh my God when I saw that cheerleading episode in Popular (a short lived TV series in the 90's that I used to watch in highschool) on U-tube, I died. He has denied he's gay but he was sooo convincing as a gay highschool student and cheerleading instructor. I cannot reconcile the fact that Michael Scoffield and Wenty's gay character in Popular are one and the same person.

That Scoffield look, that voice, that bod...means nothing to me now. Prison Break is no longer as hot. But hey, I'll still watch it. I'll try my best to erase that cheerleading episode from my memory.

So there, those are my concerns at the moment, haha. And oh, some of you may have already noticed, I have shifted from showbiz to hard news. Why? Will blog about that next time. :)

Charo's Husband Answers BIR Charges

Many were surprised when they heard the news that the BIR has charged, no less than ABS-CBN's Charo Santos-Concio, with violation of tax laws.

Below is an excerpt from an Inquirer article on September 2 entitled, BIR charges ABS-CBN exec with tax law violation:

A complaint was filed in the Quezon City prosecutor’s office charging Concio with violating Section 266 of the Tax Reform Act of 1997 for allegedly failing to produce the financial records of Franmar Corp., of which she is president.

The BIR, through lawyers Philip Mayo and Amado Pagarigan, said the ABS-CBN executive failed to present Franmar’s books of accounts and other records for 2004.

But in a statement issued by Franmar, Santos-Concio's husband insists he is the president of the company and not his wife.

Below are the official statements from Franmar and the company's tax consultants:

FRANMAR CORPORATION STATEMENT

Franmar Corporation, through its President, Cesar R. Concio, Jr., is surprised that ABS-CBN Executive Vice-President and Channel 2 head Charo-Santos Concio is being charged by the Bureau of Internal Revenue for alleged violation of tax laws by Franmar.

As president, I assume full responsibility for all corporate matters including  tax violation and liabilities of Franmar, if any, ”Cesar R. Concio, Jr. said.

A separate statement will be issued by Franmar tax consultants Pelejo, Priela, Ongkingco, Siton & Co., CPAs regarding the particular complaint of the BIR against Franmar.


(signed)
CESAR R. CONCIO, JR.
PRESIDENT


***

STATEMENT FROM Pelejo, Priela, Ongkingco, Siton and Co., CPAs

As tax consultant of Franmar Corporation for the year 2004,  our firm, Pelejo, Priela, Ongkingco, Siton and Co., CPAs (PPrOS) was surprised at the news article that appeared on the September 1, 2006 issue of  the Philippine Daily Inquirer that BIR accused Ms. Charo Santos-Concio of violating tax laws.

Being the engagement partner for Franmar Corporation, I have personal knowledge that the company operates under the presidency of Mr. Cesar Concio, Jr. Â I have always dealt with him on tax and accounting matters and never with Ms. Charo Santos-Concio.

I have not seen the alleged complaint but I am aware that Franmar Corporation availed of the Enhanced Voluntary Assessment Program (EVAP) in December 2005 for their 2004 taxes.

While BIR may be doing its job, there may just be an oversight. Â I am confident that Franmar Corporation would be able to answer at the proper forum whatever charges were filed against the company and its officers.

(signed)
BELINDA M. PRIELA-NAZARENO
Partner
Pelejo, Priela, Ongkingco, Siton and Co., CPAs

Bea and Heart: Deadmahan

As usual, Heart Evangelista and Jericho Rosales were oh-so-sweet during the the premiere of "Pacquiao: THE MOVIE." Someone even made a comment that Heart shouldn't have come to the premiere so Echo could have "his moment". Poor Heart, damned if she goes to the premiere, damned if she doesn't.

But what really set showbiz insiders abuzz was when Heart was made to sit beside Bea Alonzo (Echo's leading lady in the movie) inside the theater. The two weren't so friendly with each other, and after a few minutes Heart disappeared from her seat leaving Bea without a seatmate! She obviously didn't want to sit beside Bea who is considered her "rival" in showbiz.

A source says it all started when John Lloyd courted Heart while his loveteam with Bea was so popular. This apparently didn't sit too well with Bea's camp because people started talking about John Lloyd and Heart. Just when Heart was starting to fall for Lloydy, Lloydy suddenly stopped wooing Heart and so that was the end of a "romance that could've been".

It's sad that a thing of the past still haunts the two prettiest faces in showbiz. But then again, they may have their own reasons.

DICKOY

Juan "Dickoy" Magdaraog

I've been told there are two ways of looking at things. Is the glass half-empty or half-full? I'm usually guilty of the former until a guy named Dickoy showed me that even if the glass is broken, it's just, well, glass.

Dickoy told me he read my earlier article entitled, "Conquering Everest." He asked why I had reservations about some climbers attempting to summit the world's highest peak. Why I kept toying around with the question, if a climber doesn't make it to the top of Everest, would he have died in vain?

All of a sudden the feelings I had been keeping about the "whole Everest thing" came out like a bitter pill. I reasoned out that it's practically a suicide attempt, that the climbers are selfish. Why would you risk depriving your wife a husband or your child a father? Rant rant rant. After I finished, he paused and smiled, "What if the climber makes it?"

I looked at him and all of a sudden I felt so small and embarassed. This was the response of a guy who is bound to a wheelchair, who needs a bi-pap breathing machine 24/7 because his respiratory muscles are weak, who was told by medical experts that he will not make it beyond the age of thirty. Dickoy is turning twenty nine in November -- but why did it seem like I had bigger problems in life? Shame, shame on me.

Dickoy's real name is Juan Magdaraog. He lived a normal, active life until tragedy struck when he was just 10 years old. At first, he was mis-diagnosed with another type of muscular disease. It was when he turned 15 that doctors finally concluded he had a rare disorder called Pompe's disease, a degenerative disease that caused his muscles to weaken and slowly waste away. The muscles most often affected are those used for breathing and for moving around. Fewer than 10,000 people in the world have Pompe and Dickoy is only one of two known Pompe patients in the Philippines.

I asked him at what point in his life he was able to accept his disease? Dickoy told me it didn't happen overnight. Since Pompe's disease is gradual, his acceptance of it was also gradual. It wasn't until he was older and wiser did he realize that "you just have to learn to live with the things that are given to you and make the most out of it."

I first met Dickoy thru a reunion with old friends just over a month ago. He was supposed to join our dinner out in Makati but wasn't able to make it. My friends decided to pay him a surprise visit so off we went to his condo in Greenhills at one in the morning. I was told he suffered from a rare form of disease. When I saw him I immediately noticed the plastic tube across his face and the bi-pap breathing machine beside him. He talked with a bit of difficulty but he never showed us it bothered him. In fact, when you start talking to Dickoy, the breathing device, the sickness becomes invisible and you begin to see the person.

The person I'm talking about is a smart, friendly, accomplished guy who happens to have Pompe. Despite his sickness, he continues to live a productive life. He is a web designer and is the Creative Director of Sparkplug Studios, a company he describes as a small start-up which he runs with his brother and some friends. He also writes regularly for the IT magazine, MPH. Dickoy is also an active member of Singles for Christ. In his blog, www.fightpompe.com, he wrote that he loves two things in this world with a passion, Apple computers and Ferrari. Aside from his everyday musings, the blog, of course primarily chronicles his fight with Pompe's disease.

Last December, Dickoy was lucky to be chosen as a "test case" to receive Enzyme Replacement Theraphy using the drug Myozyme which was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. The changes aren't dramatic he said but he feels better and stronger now that he is getting the treatment twice a month. Though just like any test, it is still subject to a lot of risks and uncertainties but knowing Dickoy, he will always look at the brighter side, "Sure what happened to me is bad, but really when you look at my life, there are still more good than bad."

Now that I have written lengthily about Dickoy, you might ask, why is an entertainment reporter like me writing about a non-celebrity? Well, because in my own little way, I really hope for Dickoy to reach celebrity-status, as well as the Pinoy mountaineers who made it to the top of Mt. Everest and made our country proud. There are many, many more individuals who deserve all the attention.

I still remember my interview with Bishop Socrates Villegas, who was then the secretary of Cardinal Sin. He published a book and I went to cover his book launch and asked him how he felt about his celebrity-status. His answer made quite an impact on me. "We don't need celebrities, we need heroes." Of course he wasn't talking about Superman, Panday or Captain Barbell but real-life heroes, celebrity or not, who can truly inspire and use their God-given gifts to make a difference in this world. (This article was published in The Philippine Star, 6/9/06)

Star Quotes

Susan Roces on whether she will accept FPJ's award as National Artist for 2006 after news reports said that Malacanang has already sent an invitation for the awarding ceremony to be held on June 8 or 9:

"Tawagin mo na akong makaluma pero yan ang itinuro sa amin, kung ikaw ay walang pormal na paanyaya ay hindi ka basta sisipot sa isang pagtitipon at baka ikaw ay mapahiya at sabihing, hindi ka naman imbitado."

When asked if she thinks that the award has long been overdue:

"Bilang isang kabiyak, ayokong mag-comment dyan pero bilang isang artista at kasama niya sa propesyon, he deserves it."

***

Senator Jinggoy Estrada's reaction after President Arroyo recently approved the National Commission for Culture and the Arts' recommendation for FPJ and five others to be recognized as National Artist:

"As far as I am concerned Gloria Arroyo is not the President."

Jinggoy on whether Susan should accept FPJ's award as National Artist for 2006:

"Okay lang."

***


Piolo Pascual on Ryan Agoncillo's threat, "next time I see him, I'll put him in his place" (after Piolo insinuated that Ryan and girlfriend Judy Anne Santos are "having problems") :

"Ewan ko, san kaya yun? (laughs)"

***


Eleven year old Dominique Cojuangco's reaction when asked if she thinks her mom, Gretchen Barreto, is beautiful:

"No."

***

James Yap on Kris Aquino:

"Maalagain tsaka di mo akalain magaling magluto."



***

Jenny Hernandez on boyfriend Eugene Tejada's ability to have children after the PBA player fractured his cervical spine:

"May sense of humor pa rin siya despite what happened, he assured me naman na okay pa si manoy!"

Libel Case vs Claudine, Columnist : Dismissed

The libel case filed by Yes magazine editor Jo-Ann Maglipon against Claudine Barreto and columnist/The Buzz co-host Jobert Sucaldito has been dismissed by the Pasig City Prosecutor's Office.

This was in reference to Jobert's column which appeared in the tabloid Bandera last August 2005 with the title: "Say ni Claudine sa Editor ng Yes Magazine...Hindi ako masamang tao...Ako ang hindi mo nirespeto!"

Jobert wrote that he was able to talk to Claudine on the phone where the actress expressed her feelings about Maglipon's alleged lack of respect. This was after Yes magazine came out with articles about her and published pictures of the actress sleeping on the set of the teleserye Marina and of her new house under construction without her permission.

Apparently the "rift" between Claudine and Jo-Ann goes way back when Claudine's ex-boyfriend Rico Yan passed away. Jobert's column quoted Claudine saying, "Marami nang pagkakataon na akong nabastos ni Jo-Anne. It all started dun sa mga articles na inilabas nila about Rico...it didn't look good on me..."

In Maglipon's affidavit, she claimed that Claudine's statements were damaging to her reputation as a journalist.

But according to the Pasig prosecutor there is not enough evidence against Claudine and Jobert.

"Truth to tell, Ms. Barreto has more reason to sue for libel, but she has exhibited admirable restraint so far. We are thankful that this unwarranted suit has reached the fate that it deserves," said Atty. Raymond Fortun, Claudine's lawyer.

Maglipon's lawyers are now preparing to file a motion for reconsideration before the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC). "Until the final terms of the compromise being forged before the Quezon City Court are settled, we must continue to pursue our criminal complaints. Thus we are preparing a Motion for Reconsideration of the Pasig Prosecutor's Resolution because we feel the dismissal was erroneous. The other libel complaints before the Mandaluyong and Quezon City courts are still unresolved at the moment," said Atty. Sandra Coronel, one of Maglipon's lawyers.

This means that this is not the end for Claudine's legal battles because there are still two pending libel cases that Maglipon filed against the actress before the Quezon City and Mandaluyong RTC.

"We hope that the other complaints would also be dismissed in the same fashion," said Atty. Fortun.

Maglipon refused to comment about the cases and said that it's purely a legal matter.

Brokeback Mountain Filming Location

I have received some e-mail from Filipinos living in Canada and even from the Canadian Embassy here in Manila correcting me about the filming location of the movie "Brokeback Mountain". I was informed that the film was shot in Alberta, Canada. I did not directly refer to where the film was actually shot but the setting of the movie, please see excerpt below:

"I recently saw Brokeback Mountain and apart from the story, I was moved by its breathtaking scenery. Set in Wyoming and Texas amidst a sweeping landscape of snowcapped mountains and hills and lakes and all these shapes. Never mind if two macho cowboys were passionately kissing. The bottomline is it's a rare, incredible love story you wouldn't want to happen to you but you get moved by it anyway."

Nevertheless, thank you for all the e-mail and comments. I realize it (whether it's the filming location or movie setting) can be confusing. I should have pointed that out in the article but now I know another piece of paradise on earth and that's in Alberta, Canada. :) It's so beautiful that I've included it on my "must-see-places-before-I-die-list."

Anyway, here's what I got from Wikipedia regarding the filming location of Brokeback Mountain. I'm also publishing one of the e-mail I received regarding this issue from reader Eric Salmon. It appears that Alberta, Canada is a favorite location of Hollywood films.

***

From Wikipedia:

The film was shot primarily in Alberta, Canada. Ang Lee usually shoots his films in the exact locations in which they are set (another notable exception was Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, in which the scenes set in the Wudangshan monastery were actually filmed at another Taoist monastery), but he decided that Alberta would be an ideal place to shoot Brokeback Mountain because of its lush landscapes broadly similar to those in Wyoming, the lower production costs in Canada, and the willingness of the Alberta Film Development Corporation, an instrument of the Alberta provincial crown, to assist with funding.

***

In your recent article in Philstar, "Conquering Everest", you mentioned that the location setting of the movie "Brokeback Mountain" were made in Texas and Wyoming. In publishing your articles you should be more careful in getting your facts. In the book it does say that the setting were in those places but the movie itself was made entirely in Alberta, Canada. To be exact in the areas of Kananaskis, Canmore, Calgary and Bragg Creek. I've lived in Calgary since moving here from the Philippines and almost all Canadians have known this fact for a long time now and majority of the North Americans are familiar with these landscapes since it's a favorite destination during summer time. A lot of other popular movies were made in this exotic location such as Brad Pitt's "Legends of the Fall", and his yet to be released movie about Jesse James, "Johnny Q", "Superman", X2:Xmen United, and the list just goes on and on. If you did enjoy the sceneries in the movie I suggest the you visit this place and for sure you will love this and will not hesitate to make this your home.

Best regards,

Eric S.

Conquering Everest

And the winner is...Leo Oracion. Everyone's now talking about the first Filipino to make it to the top of the world's highest peak. It all started when four Filipino climbers went for their dream, the other three are Romy Garduce, Erwin "Pastor" Emata, and Dale Abenojar (who's claiming he was ahead of Oracion but has no proof yet).

A month ago, Studio 23's Vince Rodriguez who has been reporting from Everest Base Camp, told the Philippine Team about media reports that the Everest climb is
turning into a race for the 1st Filipino to reach the top. But Emata dismissed
this and said, "Everest should be approached with respect. On Sagarmatha (Nepalese
name for Everest), you do not race against anyone. It is between you and the mountain. If she allows you to summit, you are lucky. You should never say you will conquer her, because in the end she will always win."


I've always wondered why they want to climb Everest. Some of them say it's a personal goal, and since this is the first ever Filipino attempt, it's also for the country. But when your life is on the line, any normal person would think it's crazy. But these people are extra-ordinary and they simply don't want to exist. They say you don't feel more alive than when death stares you in the face.

I obviously don't have a first-hand knowledge of climbing the world's highest mountain. I've read the popular "Into Thin Air" by veteran climber John Krakauer some years back and I remember reading how she can be so unpredictable, even the world's best climbers fall to her prey. After all, you cannot control mother nature. Krakauer says he was lucky he survived one of Everest's deadliest storms.

But what if he didn't live to tell the tale? What if, just like the others, his body vanished underneath the snow? Would it still be worth it? Or would he have died in vain?

I recently saw Brokeback Mountain and apart from the story, I was moved by its breathtaking scenery. Set in Wyoming and Texas amidst a sweeping landscape of snowcapped mountains and hills and lakes and all these shapes. Never mind if two macho cowboys were passionately kissing. The bottomline is it's a rare, incredible love story you wouldn't want to happen to you but you get moved by it anyway.

But Brokeback mountain, unlike Everest, is not there. It doesn't exist. It did in the movie though. Because for Jack Twist, Heath Ledger's lover, it's all he lived for. The memories they shared on that mountain were all they've got. Better to have your own Brokeback mountain than nothing at all. I wonder how the mountain took it, a silent witness, to a tragic love-affair.

Mount Everest, on the other hand, continues to reign the Earth. A living witness to the deaths and triumphs of all those who want to conquer her even if some climbers refuse to use the word, "conquer", because in the end, she will always win. Maybe, but I don't think even the world's greatest mountain will ever conquer the human spirit. People who attempt to climb her year after year are not made of matter. They're made of the stuff that lives and dies and flies. If Everest has a soul, it's all the people who gave their lives to her.


Which brings me back to the question, if a climber dies attempting to climb Everest, did he die in vain? Maybe Romy or Dale or Leo or Pastor can answer the question.

As for me, and maybe for the rest of us, we have our own "Everest" to conquer. I don't know where my journey ends. I just hope and pray I can make it to the top and die happy. (This article has been published in The Philippine Star, May 18, 2006)

One-Night Stand in Bora

What do you do when you only have one night in a place called Boracay? Talk about bitin. So armed with my "last night of the world" attitude, I partied like there's no tomorrow! I didn't even get to sleep on my big bed in my big room with a terrace at the Boracay Regency. But why sleep and let other's have the fun?

I arrived in Boracay late Saturday afternoon and left the morning after. I was there to cover Century Tuna Superbods search. As the audience oohhed and aahhed at the parade of bikini-clad bodies, some of the contestants became unwittingly funny when they introduced themselves. I really don't want to be mean but one moreno guy said, "Hi, I'm (his name) and I just want to say, THE black is in!", and another girl said, "Hi, I'm (her name). I'm this and that chu chu chu and lastly I'm a badminton (pause for 100 seconds) frek!"

As in most beauty pageants, some of the contestants fumbled in the question and answer portion, though, not as memorable as the introduction part. One judge asked "Does having a fit body make you feel sexual?" to the audience and the contestant's shock. Thankfully, the contestant knew how to deal with that very awkward question, "Oh i feel sensual."


Before the announcement of winners, sexy Rachel Lobangco clad in her shiny teeny weeny bikini, wowed the crowd with her skills in firedancing. She told me it took two years of hardwork for her to learn the dangerous art of firedancing which, she says, originated in New Zealand. Another sexy firedancer stood out and his, er, her name is Jaydee. She is reputed to be the best firedancer in Boracay (she just won as champion in the most recent firedancing competition in Bora). Jaydee is gay but she has a ballet dancer's body - tall, thin and flexible. Nakaka-insecure! You can check out performances by Jaydee and the other firedancers at Summer Place, a favorite hang-out in Bora.

Of course Bora is not without the juicy gossips. Maui Taylor and Fil-German model Will Devaughn were spotted canoodling at Hey Jude! And like a butterfly, no, not Maui...Will was later seen flirting in a different bar with a different girl. Ah, Boracay!

I also learned that former senator Gringo Honasan's son, Kim Honasan, got married last Thursday at Waling-Waling resort but sadly a source told me Gringo didn't make it for obvious reasons. For the sake of our "TFC-less" kababayans, Honasan is now a fugitive and is facing rebellion charges. The government has put up a P5 million bounty for his immediate capture. It would've been very traumatic if he was arrested at his own son's wedding.

Special thanks to DJ Robbie, responsible for the good sounds and sound equipment at bars like Cocomanga's, Pier One and Summer Place, for the superb welcome Mario Dumaual, our crew and I got. While bar hopping, we also met Jude himself, bartending at his own bar, the popular Hey Jude! For our last stop, it's gotta be Summer Place! The gang was having so much fun that we partied until sunrise!


There really is something about Boracay. True, I was shocked to arrive to swarms of people that my Bora based friend jokingly said, "Welcome to Cavite!" If you want privacy, I don't think you'll get that in Bora nowadays. Still, being in this island paradise is like being in another place and time. It just has this hedonistic vibe. It makes you let go of all your worries and take all the pleasure in. I don't party in Manila but when you're in Bora, it just calls you by name.


This is my second Bora trip in two weeks by the way. Two weekends ago I was on a work-free, 4-day Boracay trip for some real R&R. I went with my sisters and cousins. It's become a summer ritual for us except for the latest addition to the group, my sister Bernadette (who came home from NY after 6 years), on her first Bora trip! We stay where we stay every year, Le Soleil de Boracay, because it's really nice and their staff is so accommodating.

As predicted, my sister didn't want to leave. We all didn't want to leave. It didn't help that the 18-seater plane we rode on our way back was like a roller-coaster ride and smelled of gasoline. We arrived Manila in a daze, from the plane, from the unlimited shots of shark attacks and kamikazes, from what fantastic memory we have of Boracay.

Going to bed that night, and every night after coming back from a place called Boracay, was difficult knowing that you have work the next day. Reality has come. Argh, moments are really just moments, whether you're in the island for one-night or three nights, a week. You still have to leave and you can only hope, that when the moment comes again, for it to last just a little longer...

Joey Marquez and other star sightings in Bora

Boracay on a Holy Week is like paradise for paparazzis. As if on cue, celebrities just love going to this island at this time and the cameras are waiting for them. Sexy stars Maui Taylor, Ethel Booba, Gwen Garci seem to have made it their "panata" to be in Bora at the same time every year. They just always find themselves in a controversy whether they are in their skimpy bikini's or not.

My cameraman was there and oh boy he was just so shocked at some of the things he saw, to quote, "Ma'am, grabe pala ang mga nangyayari dito sa Boracay." But my cameraman is not a paparazzi. Some of the things he saw will never be aired. Not in our newscast and not in this blog. Sorry. But of course I still have a "scoopful" that have, thankfully, passed the "board of censors", including a playful interview with the playful Joey Marquez.

***

Lino Cayetano was seen lovey dovey with girlfriend Bianca Gonzalez dispelling rumors that the two broke up after the Bianca-Zanjoe episode in Pinoy Big Brother.

Zanjoe, on the other hand, was seen "super flirting" with Pinoy Big Brother host Mariel Rodriguez.

Joey Marquez claims he and Alicia Meyer are "not so close anymore", but later, the sexy tv host was seen with Joey in the same hotel.

TV Patrol's Marie Lozano got an exclusive interview with Joey during the Holy Week and here's what the charming "Tsong" had to say:


Marie: You were also in Boracay last year.

Joey: Last year with my kids.

Marie: Parang I saw you the other day with uh, Alicia?

Joey: No! I don't think she's here.

Marie: How are you...

Joey: Me or my friends?

Marie: You and Alicia.

Joey: We're not that close anymore, we're still friends and we work together.

Marie: You were never together?

Joey: No, (smiling) I swear to God.

Marie: (Laughs) Uy Holy week ngayon, dapat no lies.

Joey: Yes, Holy week, no lies.

Marie: What do you do pag Holy week?

Joey: Pray.

Marie: Are you abstaining from anything?

Joey: I won't eat meat.

Marie: All kinds of meat?

Joey: Cooked or not cooked.

Marie: Sushi?

Joey: Tame or wild (laughter).

Marie: Kris got married, ikaw, kelan ka ulit?

Joey: Me? I just got out of marriage. I think it will take another 10 to 20 more years before I reconsider marriage. Maybe when I'm seventy (laughter).

Marie: But you're happy naman for Kris, of course you said that before...

Joey: Me? Hahahaha

Marie: Who's your special someone now?

Joey: Mga anak ko.

Marie: You're not looking for love?

Joey: For me today, love is just a painful experience so wag muna.

Marie: Heartbroken?

Joey: Hindi naman heartbroken, I'm too old for that. Siguro I just have to polish my attitude about what love is.

Anac Ti Batac (Child of Batac)

Until recently, I resented my parents for never allowing me to go to Boracay or Subic (or any other happening place) with my friends during Holy Week. If I don't have work in the office, I'm stuck in Ilocos in our old house in Batac (save for one trip to Sagada which was a "penitencia" in itself). This means doing the traditional Bisita Iglesia, Stations of the Cross, Procession on Good Friday etc. This year was no exception. So there I was with my family, praying the Rosary as we walked around town on a hot hot Friday night. The candles we were holding didn't help either. When I was little I wondered why my nose was all black when I got home after the procession, duh!

As I got older, I learned to avoid inhaling the smoke from the flames and realized that I don't want to be anywhere else. I never really appreciated where I came from even after I left to study highschool in Quezon City when I was fourteen. Then I started going home less and less and less, why should I? I'm a Manila girl now. There was even a time I had that "I-live-between-two-worlds-phase", kinda like the "Fil-ams" or any other half-breed who feel that they are neither here nor there. Of course mine is on a much smaller scale, just a simple case of being a probinsyana wanting to be a city-girl but never really accepted. As a kid growing up in Ilocos, I knew some of my classmates didn't like me and my friends because we kept speaking in Tagalog (my mom is a true-blue Tagalog speaker from Bulacan) and when I got to Manila, some of my classmates would laugh at me when I pronounced something wrong in English. The most notable word was "grasshopper" in second year highschool. I pronounced it as "grass-hoe-per" and that was one of the most embarassing turning-point-of-my-life moments (considering I was winning orations left and right when I was in Ilocos). Crissa, I know you laughed the hardest (we are friends now). Fortunately, I outgrew that inane phase when I entered college and found my niche.

Nowadays, I still get the occasional "slip of the tongue" moments when I talk faster than I think and end up laughing at myself. I realized I can never be a perfect Manila girl with an Assumptionista accent and I've long accepted that. I'm proud to speak Ilocano and I'm proud of my roots, even if I'm considered a "prodigal daughter" by some (including my parents who still live in Batac). At least I'm still her daughter. I'm looking forward to next Holy Week when I go back to Batac again, whether I'm joining the procession or eating Batac's famous empanada and longganisa with a passion. I can't wait to see family and old friends again because I know to them, I'm neither here nor there, I'm just home.

Bernard and Merryl: Going Strong

I got an e-mail from Maria asking if I have more about Bernard Palanca (Rica Peralejo's ex) and Merryl Soriano (Willie Revillame's daughter and Maricel Soriano's niece) after she saw my report in TV Patrol. BJ and Merryl are now in Batangas for the Holy Week with family and friends. I caught the lovebirds at the Yes Anniversary Party last week and here's my interview with them in full. Enjoy!

Nina: Tell us where your relationship is at right now?

Bernard: It's at a point where it's still growing, but everytime it does, for every single step of the way that it grows, the better it gets, the more beautiful it becomes.

Meryll: Yeah ganon din kasi we're getting to know each other more and more. we discover things that makes us love each other more now and then parang the relationship is growing and we're very happy about it.

Nina: What's the best thing about Meryll, and whats the best thing about Bernard?

Bernard: The best thing about her is she's real and she doesnt pretend to be anyone around me. She's always herself no matter where we are and she treats me like human being.

Nina: What do you mean (human being)?

Meryll: (Laughter) You're a human being, love.

Bernard: She treats me like how someone is supposed to be treated... meaning with all honesty, complete compassion, affection, sincerity and love. She makes me.. she brings the realness out of me.

Meryll: Well, he treats me like a queen.

Bernard: You are my queen.

Meryll: Well, you are my king.

Meryll: He makes me feel so special and he lets me do the things that i want to do (aside from acting, Merryl is now also into photography). He also inspires me.

Nina: Ano naman ang say ni daddy Willie sa relasyon ninyo?

Meryll: Ok naman siya, wala naman siyang problema.

Nina: Ano ina-advise niya sayo?

Meryll: (Smiling) Wala.

Nina: Wala siyang say?

Meryll: (Laughing) Wala!

Bernard: (Laughing) Hi Dad! No..no..Tito..

Meryll: Wowowee!

Bernard: I've known Willie even before I met her, so its ok.

Meryll: So wala naman talagang problema.

Bernard: Yeah.

Nina: What are your plans this coming Holy Week, malapit na?

Meryll: Wala, we don't have plan pa nga eh (the two are now in Batangas).

Bernard: Well, actually we're still planning it.

Meryll: Yeah.

Bernard: Because we dont wanna be in Bora. We dont want to go where everyone else is going.

Meryll: Gusto sana namin somewhere peaceful.

Bernard: Somewhere very quiet and where there's water so we can wakeboard.

Meryll: (Laughing)

Bernard: I'm gonna teach her wakeboarding.

Nina: And finally, last question anong meaning sa inyo ng Holy Week kasi yung iba nakakalimutan na nila kung ano ang meaning...

Bernard: Oh no, Holy Week is really the time to reflect on...where you are, what you have, who you are and what you're given...and really to remember why you're here, why we are all here. Holy week is a very special week.

Meryll: It is the time to talk to God and just to ponder on some things and think about, you know, the blessings that you have in life and also to ask for forgiveness and talagang time to be quiet.

Bernard: And to remember what He did for us...so pay him back by being good.