Late for a Late Breaker

I learned about the latest coup attempt while lining up to pay for my groceries. The lady ahead of me told the cashier that she was supposed go shopping in Makati, but the traffic was horrid because Sen.Antonio Trillanes and his Magdalo troops are holed up at The Peninnsula, calling for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. This happens on a regular basis in the Philippines. I did a photo coverage back in 2003, when Trillanes, who was then a Lieutenant of the Philippine Navy, led more than 200 soldiers and took over the Oakwood Premier building in Ayala, as an act of protest against alleged government corruption. The stunt made him popular enough to win a Senatorial ticket. I remember wondering if good national governance can be promoted effectively by taking over a luxury apartment building.

I stayed away from the stand-off at The Peninsula. I had another assignment to take photos of the JG Summit CEO, Lance Gokongwei, when he receives the Philippine Marketing Association's Agora Award later in the evening. Professionalism dictates that I should keep my equipment and body from harms way until I have completed the job. Besides, photographs of coup attempts in the Philippines are starting to lose market value.

Armored Personnel Carrier positioned along Makati Avenue

The awarding ceremony was eventually canceled. It was supposed to be at Intercon Hotel, a few blocks away from The Peninsula. For lack of anything else to do, I decided to walk through the rain, pass military troops and vehicles, and take photos of whatever was left of the incident. As soon as I got closer to The Peninsula entrance, I got word that Trillanes has already surrendered. It also started raining harder so I headed home and just followed the news on TV. After the stand-off ended, several people from the media were detained by the Philippine National Police. Apparently, some of the Magdalo soldiers changed into civilian clothes and mingled with them as they exited the hotel. I supposed I was lucky.

A more significant part of my week is seeing Philippine boxing champ Manny Pacquaio in person. I even had a picture taken with him. Yes, I am a big fan. The guy literally fights and wins glories for the country. As my girlfriend puts it, 'he is capable of fostering national unity in ways that Trillanes can only dream of'.

Me, Manny Pacquaio, and Mon Sarmiento of GMA-NMI

Night of the Intruder

My apartment got robbed. When I woke up this morning, my entrance door was wide open, my PDA Phone and wallet were gone. I was fast asleep and both items were less than an arms length from me. It is unnerving to think that someone violated my private space, stood close to me, took my possessions, and I was not even aware that it happened. I am just thankful that my camera kit and laptop are still intact.

Security is one of the reasons that I live in a condominium unit. We have guards posted at every entrance, who supposedly check and log everyone who enters, including the tenants. My home safety and privacy is something I just take for granted. I need to adopt a different perspective, and it's a psychological adjustment that is not easy to make.

It's that Time of the Year

It's already Christmas in Starbucks. The crew are wearing holiday colors and the featured drinks of the season are now available. The yearly frenzy to acquire the leather-bound Limited Edition Coffee Planner has also started.

You get one sticker on the Christmas Traditions card for each drink that you order. After 24 stickers (12 featured Christmas flavors and another 12 drinks of your choice), you get the much coveted planner. For each completed card, a donation is given to UNICEF's Spark of Hope project. That's spending on luxury and doing your charity too!


Each year, I get my card and frantically order the requisite drinks
before the promo ends. I don't use a planner, so I just give it away
to whoever is lucky.


Meryl, Mo and Mark showing their Christmas Traditions Card
after making a pilgrimage to Starbucks during the first day of
the promo.