Shifting Perspectives

Finally, a billboard I like

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 06:28:00 +0000

I notice billboards a lot, even before I got back to driving. One brand I notice quite often is Penshoppe since I heard its founder speak in the campus years ago. The brand stuck to my mind ever since.

When I used to take the MRT, I would see their billboard above the Shell Station in the corner of EDSA and Buendia and would notice the seasons' designs when changed. I just wondered what message do they really want to project. I wondered how much the founder/owner has a say in their marketing materials.

Recently, when I made the U-turn near Trinoma, I saw their billboard and I said, finally, they have put up one I like. Why do I like it? I wish my male students would dress like that, looking clean and intelligent. Although I wish the model were smiling, like this other "wish list" called "uplift" in their website. I have never seen this in a billboard. If I did, I would have taken the effort to get a photo of it, too, in a traffic stop.

Prayer for Priests

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:52:00 +0000

I had gone to Mass today in Sta. Isabel in Malolos. I heard this prayer which I could have heard the first time in the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in the capital.

I like this one better than the other prayers I heard in Manila. It's very personal and at the same time, it's so Filipino for paying the "utang na loob" or debt of honor for the many priests who have helped me principally by administering the Sacraments I have received.

(from the website of the Archdiocese of Manila
http://www.rcam.org/prayers/prayer_for_priests/tagalog.htm)

Hesus, Pari magpakailanman, ingatan mo ang lahat ng mga pari
sa kandungan ng Iyong kamahal-mahalang Puso upang walang makasaling sa kanila. Panatilihin Mong walang bahid ang kanilang banal na mga kamay
na sa araw-araw ay humahawak sa iyong kamahal-mahalang katawan.
Panatilihin Mong walang dungis ang kanilang mga labi
na sa araw-araw ay nalilinis ng Iyong kamahal-mahalang dugo.
Panatilihing malinis at di makamundo ang kanilang puso na may dakilang tatak ng pagkapari.

Panginoong Hesus, kami ay nagsusumamo para sa tapat at masigasig na pari
Para sa di tapat at nanlalamig na mga pari
Sa mga paring naglilingkod dito sa Pilipinas o sa ibang bansa,
Para sa iyong nalulungkot at napapabayaang mga pari
Para sa mga batang pari
Para sa mga nag-aagaw buhay na mga pari
Para sa mga kaluluwa ng iyong mga pari sa purgatoryo.

Itinatagubilin namin sa Iyo na iligtas ang lahat ng mga paring malalapit sa amin,
Ang mga paring nag gawad ng kapatawaran sa aming mga kasalanan,
Ang mga paring dinaluhan naming sa pagmimisa,
At nagbigay sa amin ng Iyong Katawan at Dugo sa Banal na Komunyon,
Ang mga paring nagturo sa amin,
Ang lahat ng mga paring pinagkakautangan naming ng loob sa anumang bagay.

O Hesus, panatalihin Mong malapit sila sa puso Mo
At padaluyin Mo sa kanila ang biyayang umaapaw ngayon at magpakailanman. Amen.
Flikr photo of Sta. Isabel Church by Robert Bernabe

CNN hero

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:06:00 +0000

I had never voted online for any advocacy, but when I received the email last October 8 from my friend Beth E. in New York about Efren Penaflorida, I immediately went to Efren's Dynamic Teen Company website, read his story quickly and went to vote for him as CNN hero of the year. Of course, I questioned what my vote could do, but it felt good supporting another Filipino as he tries to improve this country in his own little way. Well, that way is not little anymore, it's international -good, great, positive -news.

Congratulations to him and his parents.

Eucharistic Processions

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:20:00 +0000

The University has been having Eucharistic Processions since 2005. I find it a good opportunity for students to manifest their faith in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. They also get to decorate with flowers the paths where the procession will pass. Some students get to design the floral carpets themselves.

We Filipinos love processions. In non-religious kinds, the focus of attention are entertainment stars or national heroes. When Manny Pacquiao comes back from a victorious fight, he rides on a float that parades around Metro Manila. When the remains of Ninoy and Cory Aquino were going to be moved to the cemetery, the whole distance covered took hours in slow processions in streets filled with mourners. As the national elections near, we will have more of those floats and parades of political candidates.

Here in the University, the only V.I.P. that's given special treatment (not with red carpet) but with carpet of donated and picked flowers (with wood shavings as fillers) is the Son of God whom everyone studies in four Theology subjects. It might look weird to both insiders and outsiders, since a Eucharistic procession is not the usual fanfare and worshiping a white round bread isn't really a non-believer's or a non-practising Catholic's cup of tea. But we are in a free country, thankfully.
In the basketball court
This is my homebase - MScM or Master of Science in Management Program
In the pathway leading to the College of Arts and Sciences
In the CAS ledge
In the pathway leading to the Administration and Library Building (used to be CRC)
In Promenade A

From Katipunan to Elliptical Road

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:24:00 +0000

I discovered that there are three ways to reach Elliptical Road coming from Katipunan.

The first one is when you happen to miss the right turn to CP Garcia. (It happened to me last September when I picked up my mother's maid from Los Banos.) You take the next possible right turn towards UP campus. If you happen to be a non-UP graduate like me, just ask anyone the direction to Oblation. I did ask that, but only after getting lost in the campus (see my blue marking in the google map). Then when I get to the Oblation & University Avenue, I already knew how to get out to Commonwealth, make a U-turn to Elliptical Road.

The second way is through CP Garcia (if you happen to see the little road sign, but the other way to know you are near there is when you have Miriam College to your right). Follow the road and you will get to University Avenue (see my red marking in the google map)

The third way which I discovered yesterday when I unintentionally followed some cars turning left in a road along CP Garcia. I entered Teacher's Village which became familiar when I reached a school ("I've been here a few months ago to attend a Holy Mass and to see the healer Emma de Guzman). I followed the cars to Matimtiman and saw Masaya road which I knew (if I turn right) would take me out to University Avenue just a little past Elliptical Road (see my black marking).

I am getting to know Quezon City.

From Ortigas to Sumulong

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:28:00 +0000

This is about driving and getting lost, but I don't mind the blunder as it is a learning experience for me, and now for my readers.

I had earlier been to the Meralco conference center in Antipolo, but I drove from Quezon City. Yesterday I had to drive from UA&P in Ortigas. So I got into Ortigas Avenue and just followed the road. It is a long stretch and it converts to Ortigas Avenue extension up the hills. I went past Cainta and Taytay.

I asked once only and the traffic man by the foot of the Antipolo Hills did not know Ynares so I drove on and stopped in front of the Antipolo Municipal hall where I could see the dome of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage shrine. I called Neris but perhaps she thought I was coming out from the church and gave the directions from the McDonald's. Hence I drove on and got into the long way through the Sumulong circumferential. On the spot where I called Neris, I could have made a U-turn and turn right.
I arrived 10 minutes late for the lecture. But my female entrepreneurial students were gracious to forgive me immediately.

The Book of Maccabees

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:23:00 +0000

Today begins the readings from the book of Maccabees which contains absorbing stories about the zeal of the Jews for their religion.

Monday, 33rd Week, Year I
1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63. The passage talks about Antiochus Epiphanes who forced the Jews to worship and offer sacrifices to idols.

Tuesday
2 Mc 6:18-31. This talks about the 90-year old Eleazar who could have been saved by his friends from torture and death if he pretended to eat meat, but he wanted to die leaving an example of virtue to the young people.

Wednesday
2 Mc 7:1, 20-31. I consider today's reading as the best of all. It speaks of a mother who saw the martyrdom of her seven children. She pleaded to all of them to be faithful to their religion saying:

“I do not know how you came into existence in my womb;
it was not I who gave you the breath of life,
nor was it I who set in order
the elements of which each of you is composed.
Therefore, since it is the Creator of the universe
who shapes each man’s beginning,
as he brings about the origin of everything,
he, in his mercy,
will give you back both breath and life,
because you now disregard yourselves for the sake of his law.”

To the last child, she said:

“Son, have pity on me, who carried you in my womb for nine months,
nursed you for three years, brought you up,
educated and supported you to your present age.
I beg you, child, to look at the heavens and the earth
and see all that is in them;
then you will know that God did not make them out of existing things;
and in the same way the human race came into existence.
Do not be afraid of this executioner,
but be worthy of your brothers and accept death,
so that in the time of mercy I may receive you again with them.”

What a great example of a woman's fortitude and faith.

If my reader is wonder why she does not have the Book of Maccabees in her bible, this link can explain why.

From Manila to Tagaytay

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:44:00 +0000

This is probably the third time I have driven to Tagaytay and I think I already know how to get to Tagaytay Conference Center in Mendez, Cavite.

First of all, there is a route from the Southwoods exit that will take you to Emilio Aguinaldo Highway (see my red marking), but I could never memorize the little turns and streets that my friend Libai would take, so I would not venture to write about it.

The other way is quite easy (as my friends would say "dire-diretso lang"). Exit SLEX in Santa Rosa and turn right and drive along Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, then the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway. If you don't see any street name, you know you are on the right track if the lake is at your left. You will see McDonald's across Tagaytay Vista Lodge. Go past that landmark until you reach a Mercury Drug which means you are near to turning right in Mendez crossing. Follow the road until you see Junil's bakery and Rural bank of Mendez. Turn left to the street between those two landmarks.

Surely there is a shortcut if you take the right fork by the Petron gas station, a few kilometers after the Rotonda. Drive along until you see Mater Dei Academy at your right, and then a traffic light. Street that turns to the right is called Mayor's Drive. You will see the blue building of the Tagaytay National High School at your right. Drive a little further and you will see Mendez Road. Turn right there and you will see a sign You are now leaving Tagaytay. Then look for the Junil's and Rural Bank.

Until here...travel safe.

My first boss in the academe

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:47:00 +0000

Henry Esteban was my first boss in the academe. It was January 1992 when I applied in the College of Arts and Sciences in the then Center for Research and Communication (CRC). Logically (although it wasn't for me back then) there was no vacancy in the middle of the second semester. Henry got hold of my application and wondered why I was applying in the academe when I just got an MBA degree. He eventually hired me as Finance Manager of CRC.

I couldn't forget Henry's comment as soon as I finished my first presentation of the financial position of CRC to an audience of economists and administrators of the think-tank. He said: "you are the first person I know who came from London and who speak with a Spanish accent". Blame it to the Spanish friends I met back then who enthused me to listening to Spanish tapes besides struggling to converse with them in Spanish.

In any case, those words of Henry were in a way prophetic because three years after, I went back to Europe to do the PhD program in Barcelona. I applied to IESE and INSEAD but IESE was the first to take me in. Hence I really spoke Spanish although not always with the correct Spanish accent.

Quezon Avenue to Sumulong Highway

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:37:00 +0000

As this would be the first time I would drive from Quezon Avenue to Sumulong Highway (to give a lecture in the Goldman Sachs 10000 Women program), I searched the internet for directions. The Meralco site provides a map and directions but I was looking for more precise ones (like where do I turn when I step out of my house...well, not that detailed though). I did not find much help in the internet so here I am with the google satellite map and Snagit trial software.

From Quezon Avenue take the underpass (below EDSA) follow the road to Elliptical circle, take the second main exit (Philcoa), follow the road to UP. The first traffic light is CP Garcia, turn right there. Follow the road until you see the sign Katipunan Avenue.

When you turn right from CP Garcia to Katipunan, you will see a flyover. DON'T take that, get into the side road which goes to Aurora Blvd, turn right there, and you have to find the first U-turn to Marcos Highway. From there, it's easy driving to Marikina City. Then hopefully you will see the welcome sign to Antipolo, see the Masinag market at the left side of a major intersection. Make a right turn to Sumulong Highway, follow the road.

If the MMLDC map says Padi's point as a landmark, don't expect that in 5 minutes. It's quite a long drive up the hill.

Prayer for calamity victims

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:44:00 +0000

I went to Holy Mass in Stella Orientis, our University chapel and heard this prayer after Holy Communion. I must admit I was very moved by the prayer. It is comprehensive, containing all the petition I could ask for in these times of calamities.

Oh, God Father:

In faith we acknowledge your paternal care over us, your sons, daughters and children. In hope we trust in your divine providence of giving us wisdom and courage as we face the challenges in life. In love we invoke your help and guidance during these difficult days of death and destruction in our dear country.

Our is a prayer of thanksgiving for once again reminding us that ours is an imperfect world, that heaven is not on earth and that nature every now and then tells us not to abuse her. Ours too is a prayer of repentance for calling upon you when we are in need and desperation but forgetting you in favourable times and pleasing occasions. Ours as well is a prayer of petition as we say:

Grant eternal peace to those who lost their lives. Embrace the children who died in their innocence. Help those who are hurt and cure those who are sick.

Encourage those who suffer the destruction of their homes and properties, and to once again stand up and rebuild their future.

Bless all those who extend their helping hands to those in need of food, shelter and clothing, who share their time, talents and resources with others.

Inspire more people to be men and women for their neighbors, convinced that the more they are for others, the taller they stand before you.

Spare us please from other natural disasters and devastations if this be according to Your will and for our own spiritual good and growth.

Amen

from the website of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, http://www.cbcpnews.com/?q=node/10641

In a matter of minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 08:59:00 +0000

I went out at 10AM for an errand, not realizing that heavy rains were falling until I was driving out of the garage. Why did I still get out to the road? I thought to myself, I am already out of the garage so I might as well finish my errand. Little did I know that some streets were already flooded. Some fear came to me when I got out of the EDSA-QC Avenue underpass. Some cars were turning back, I tried to follow but saw the flood. So I decided to continue driving along the Elliptical Road and around the QC memorial circle, "just" to turn back home and it was really "just" a nightmare indeed.

There were two extremely flooded areas. The first was a foot high. The second was higher and so all the cars stopped. After 20 minutes, the buses and trucks made their way through the cars on a standstill and drove through the flood, creating huge waves. After 30 minutes, some private car owners and a few taxi drivers have allowed the “volunteer men” to push their cars while their engines were off. Looking through my glass window, some of these “volunteers” asked me if I would like to do the same, but since I was ignorant of what to do with the car while it is being pushed; I smiled at them turning down the offer. I could feel I was getting paler and paler. I kept looking down at my side windows: how high is the water now? After an hour of getting stalled, with a lot of prayers I drove through the floods and uttered thanks many times to the merciful God who saved me from danger. There was still flood on the way back home, but since the water was not as high as in the Elliptical Road, I drove through them careful not to create so much waves to shove the commuters walking by.

I checked the internet for any photo of that standstill in Elliptical road and saw this one which I would rather captioned “What would have become of me in a matter of minutes”. I continue to pray for all who lost their lives in this catastrophe of Ondoy, and all the ones who had to rebuild their properties after the waters have subsided.

Flying Buttresses

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:49:00 +0000

I almost forgot to include a new phrase for the day during our pilgrimage to Manaoag. Liza, who must have visited hundreds of Marian shrines and churches in Rome, wanted a photo taken with the flying buttresses at the background. Say that again. And so, I learned about those huge bricks that support the main walls of the church.

How to go to Manaoag

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:25:00 +0000

The internet search on the eve of our pilgrimage to Manaoag was very helpful. But the way to the church was not actually easy to find so I provide herein my own chronicle of my pilgrimage (with my friends) to Manaoag yesterday.

We entered NLEX at Balintawak and exited at the last toll plaza which is Dau. (On the way to your right, you've got to appreciate the beauty of Mt. Arayat.)About 2km away, we entered SCTEX and exited in Tarlac. We turned left from the toll plaza and followed road signs that say either MacArthur Highway or To Baguio. The Tarlac towns we passed were Gerona, Paniqui, and San Manuel. An arc welcomed us to Pangasinan which towns we passed were Rosales, Villasis and Urdaneta.

In Urdaneta town proper, we looked for the second big road intersection. We saw a Petron gas station at our right so we turned left at this intersection and followed the road (with a lot of faith that we are on the right road because there are really no signs saying Manaoag at all) until we were welcomed by a huge sign :-)We were welcomed by parking attendants but since I remembered that about 15 years ago, the parking lot was quite far from the church, I decided to drive past these men and lo and behold! we saw the church plaza.We attended the Holy Mass at 11AM, and prayed the rosary at the chancel (by the way, the church main altar is moved at the beginning of the transept, nearer to the congregation, perhaps to give way to the pilgrims to see nearer Our Lady of Manaoag).Total time we traveled at 100 km per hour was 4 hours (one way, not counting the breakfast time in a Shell gas station). Toll at NLEX from Balintawak to DAU is P174. Toll in SCTEX from Dau to Tarlac (around 25 minutes driving) is P69. Total mileage was 400 km.

Shortcut to Los Banos from SLEX

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:02:00 +0000

Yesterday the maid commuted! My brother who slept in the province picked her up from my mother's house and brought her to the provincial buses station in Cubao.

Unfortunately today, she texted to say that she would not get back since she got sick from the time she got into the bus yesterday. So I volunteered to pick her up. I am really beholden to her since there is no other alternative - I could not get a longer leave to take care of Nanay.

In the process, I discovered the short-cut from SLEX to Los Banos without passing through Calamba. It is not really new since I know the sights as a passenger. But today was the first time I drove through the short-cut. It is fairly easy as there are makeshift signs that says To Los Banos. It saves a lot of time, since you will avoid a lot of traffic in Calamba.

Using the google map and snagit software, here is the shortcut. I cannot tell you exactly the streets as road signs are not usual in the provinces.

300 kms for a maid's day-out

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:18:00 +0000

The maid we hired recently has not commuted in her life. She would earn a living selling corn in the national highway leading to Los Banos. An acquaintance Coty introduced her to me.

Last month, since my brother-in-law had to visit a wake in Los Banos, my sister's family brought the maid with them early morning and picked her up at 3PM on a Sunday.

This time, since my mother would like to have an excursion, I drove her and the maid to Los Banos. But I had to leave QC at 4:30 am, picked them up in Guiguinto (my brother-in-law drove them by the toll exit) at 5 am, drive towards Times Street as requested by my mother. She wanted to see the house of Cory Aquino.

By 7am, we were already in Los Banos. We left the maid there, and my mother and I went around Calamba. We picked her up at 3pm. I dropped them off in Malolos by 6pm.

A total of 300 kms. Quite a long drive for a maid's day-out.

Stolen Side Mirrors

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:40:00 +0000

My new area has been notorious for theft of side mirrors. But the recent installation of a barangay post at the corner has presumably lessened the robberies...until my car and a friend's were stolen of side mirrors last Wednesday afternoon. It was a shock but I just thought of the floods I avoided in my former house in Manila so as not to get very annoyed.

I called up my insurance agent and with his practical sense, he advised me to just get a replacement in Banawe Street - either the original parts or the lesser quality type made in Taiwan. He said that if I were to pass through insurance, I would pay the participation fee of P2000 and experience the inconvenience of not driving the car for days (if I would not drive without side mirrors and when I would bring the car to the shop for lens replacement).

I chose to claim from my insurance, because I would not want to get dizzy using the Taiwan-made mirrors and I don't want to risk buying in Banawe St. the original mirrors stolen from me. (that's easy money for the thief).

I got back my car today. The insurance company paid P1,100 while I shared the aforementioned P2,000. During the time that the car was in the shop, I also had the aircon cleaned, as it was already due for cleaning 3 months ago. The car is now parked inside a neighboring private property.

Goodbye to San Andres Bukid

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:03:00 +0000

I am tempted to put St Andrew's Field in the title, as I did once in a blog entry, thus misleading many Australian readers.

I lived in this house for four years and 6 days. It's got a lovely little garden which would not give you any idea of how the street outside look like. It's a pleasant community actually, without the floods. And the floods had not been really a big concern (as the waters do not enter the house and I work most of the time in the house) until I got a car a year ago.

So for most of my stay here, I liked the place. It's conveniently located near the boundary of Makati, a jeepney-ride away from Ayala Avenue. I would definitely miss the warming up of jeepney engines starting at 4AM, the noise and smell of the garbage truck between 10 to 11AM, the peddler of native snacks at 3PM, the loud radios of the tricycles at 5PM, the out-of-tune karaoke singers on weekends, the night processions in May/October and many other signs of life in a lower-income barrio.

While waiting for Tin who will help me transfer my stuff to my new residence, I cast a last glance to this nice house which witnessed my sabbatical leave and rejoiced with my first book, among many other memorable events.

Metro Star Ferry

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:08:00 +0000

This is the last photo taken yesterday from the Sony DSC P72 lent by my sister Dang. The shutter does not open anymore. I guess beach sand has entered it when Mitzie took this photo just outside my car door. Now when I turn it on, it just makes noises, then the screen gives out an instruction to turn off and on the power, but nothing good comes out of that. I have asked the Sony repair center in Escriva Drive. The cost to inspect the camera is around 700 pesos, exclusive of any materials or parts replacement. So I guess that, since it is a very old model and it has been used to the max, it's better to sell it now. If you are interested to buy old cameras, do let me know.

I never knew about the Metro Star Ferry docked beside Mall of Asia until some friends brought up the idea. It cost 120 pesos to get a few meters away from land and get a nice view of the sunset (at 5pm) or the fireworks (at 7pm). We were late for the first trip but it was okay, the sunset was nowhere in sight, hidden behind the clouds. The fireworks were not that astonishing, so for me the novelty was more into viewing it from off the shore, while savoring the hot pizza (you can bring in your own food without additional fee). The ferry is air-conditioned, although many preferred to go out the deck (and get an additional smell of the surroundings). The waters were turbulent - it was quite a feat to walk around or keep standing up to avoid getting dizzy.

Overall, I was happy to have experienced the ferry trip and know a little bit more of what the city offers for tourists and locals alike.

Death of a Poet

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:41:00 +0000

I attended the poet's funeral this afternoon. I did not know he was a poet until I listened to the eulogy and searched the internet. I found one of his poems in this poetry site. I only knew him as a priest. He was one of those priests I would find, back when I was a college junior, spending hours attending to and waiting for penitents.

Considering that he was one of those who helped me when I was beginning to frequent the Sacraments two decades ago, I decided to attend his funeral Mass but I did not plan to stay until the end, as I easily get moved in this type of events. I heard that when the casket was closed after the last mourner paid his/her respects to the remains, the people clapped their hands. Based on a friend's account, it sounded like a spontaneous gesture of gratitude for someone who loved to serve while passing unnoticed, and of holy envy for someone who has reached the "finish line" - home with his Creator in Heaven.

I would have joined in the applause if I stayed on.

DEATH OF A POET
by Marciano Malvar Guzman

The news he received from friends
was ordinary. Past midday,
he saw roads unwind, trees bathed
in shards of light.

Unknown continents called.
Years in blocks have fathered thoughts.
He felt someone move as he pointed
to the bleak night outside.

Prehistoric winds stirred across
a field of quiet snow.
On the wayside, he saw hands
turning beneath the leaves.
Finally, he faced the chilly wind,
the brightness where he came from.

Remembering JP II

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:54:00 +0000

This DVD was supposedly released on the first death anniversary of Pope John Paul II in 2006. I was late by three years but with the amount of tears I shed watching this video, it would seem the great Pope gave his very last Easter message yesterday.

The film features his life, his forceful speeches against evil, his charming encounter with kids of all colors, up to his funeral. Andrea Bocelli and the Santa Cecilia Academy of Rome chorus provide the moving soundtrack.

It is worth investing in this masterpiece by Alberto Michelini.

Queen Fabiola's wedding gown

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Sat, 23 May 2009 03:55:00 +0000

Out of curiosity, I searched for details and photos of the wedding gown of Queen Fabiola. The sites www.theroyalforums.com, wikipedia, and google images were most helpful. People I know who watched the wedding in 1960 could not forget the mink collar and the 20 feet-long train.

I would not recommend the same material, as any bride in these days of global warming might faint with the heat. But the modesty (i.e. it covers what has to be covered) and elegance (i.e. it is dignified if not exquisite) could be a sure inspiration for a wedding gown.

Now to Don Quixote

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:34:00 +0000

I am on my sixth hour with Don Quixote, Blackstone Audio's unabridged English version of the world's first novel.The dialogues between the knight and his squire Sancho Panza are immensely amusing. They are funny and down-to-earth. They possess a very Christian outlook of their varied adventures.

I think the Spanish original would be more witty, so I will download that in my next trip to Spain (no date yet, but am resolved to use the time well from my home to my destination which could be a good 25 hours or more). The book's duration is 37 hours! Definitely worth all the learning and entertainment.

Another tennis court

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Sun, 17 May 2009 02:37:00 +0000

Perhaps the best perk in this seminar is the tennis court. I originally planned to play every other day but considering the busy months ahead, I thought I might as well play every day, whenever there's time and no rains. Maan was here in the first three days. Lani and Libai were my partners for the rest of the time. I think I have improved, if only for the fact that I don't need a break even after playing for more than an hour. Such was my zeal to play tennis that my colleagues, in inviting me to go to the beach, would say "there might be a tennis court in Punta Fuego".

Awesome morning view

noreply@blogger.com (Avic Caparas) — Wed, 13 May 2009 07:44:00 +0000

I am recharging my energies in Mendez, Cavite which is a short drive away from Tagaytay. The weather is not as cool as Tagaytay but it is pleasant. At least I don't need an aircon nor an electric fan.

My coughing came back. (I thought the antibiotics had killed whatever virus I had in my system two weeks ago). I opened the shutters to get a breath of fresh air when lo and behold I saw this lovely view of the horizon. What a splendid sight to start the day!