Hello Philippines

It was actually two weeks ago that I returned to the Philippines after a three-month stay in Atlanta. The trip, by the way, was undeniably one of the most awesome things to ever happen to me. So awesome, in fact, that I almost completely neglected to bother blogging any of my journey. It's the kind of awesome trip that gives a prolonged sense that there are so much bigger things to be doing with my time than struggling to put the experience into words.

Aside from having the time of my life, those were three months preparing myself for a depressing sense of misery when I returned home. As I have said before, the Philippines is an acquired taste. As much as I'd like to consider myself a patriot and a staunch optimist, the last time I returned to the Philippines from a foreign visit I couldn't help but see the worst in everything that surrounded me. The air was too hot, the streets too dirty, the people too ugly... just everything.

To my surprise, this time around I've found things pleasantly... acceptable. The streets are still dirty but there are signs of progress all around (especially in Asiatown IT Park, where I work, which is experiencing an utter boom of construction). Even the temperature-- though I'm sweating for the first time in three months, it still feels as though I am in a hospitable environment. Of course, this country of ours has its flaws, but it doesn't deserve the loathing that Filipinos give it. It makes me proud to be able to say that, freshly coming from America. Things aren't so bad, and I'm optimistic that the future can only get better.

Maybe it's just that I haven't been getting my news from The Inquirer. In spite of everything, it is good to be home.

Trillanes Strikes Back

What happened today in Makati affirms what we should have deduced four years ago: Antonio Trillanes just wants attention.

When learning about their silly little escapade today the gut reaction is a swift palm to the face. What the hell are these guys thinking? How could they have been so stupid? Do they really think any good can come of this? And how many of the hapless stooges he brought along with him actually believed they were out to accomplish something? But of course they're not really out there to accomplish anything, just to make a lot of noise. No one is in the mood for this shit right now. Surely he realizes that he's trying to fan the flames at a time when there's barely a hint of smoke.

In the end, the merry band of rebels were arrested, as all but the most dense of observers surely expected. But the loser here is not Trillanes or his knuckleheaded disciples, just the Filipino people who work so hard to project an image of stability that has eluded us for decades. It is such a waste that a spoiled brat with a tantrum can do so much harm.

Trillianes a two-dimensional caricature on our political landscape. He's not a lawmaker, not a statesman, and he is certainly no patriot. History will remember him not for his accomplishments or vision, but for his destructive and insatiable ego.

Pumpkin

Once again I find myself with so much to say that I am effectively speechless. Whatever I say at this point will be utterly dwarfed be the significance of the circumstances that surround me.

So here's a picture of me with an awesome pumpkin:

Check it out, it's me and mah' pumpkin.