Balik-bayan

It such a great feeling when you had a chance to go back to your hometown. A place which was a witness to your childhood and immaturity. I just did last Saturday.

I grew up in the birthplace of our “National Hero” Dr. Jose RIzal, Calamba City. A few kilometres drive from Manila and since I am living in Muntinlupa City right now I actually had to travel less than an hour to get there.

The promulgation of an Act making Calamba a city gives rise to a lot of changes in the town, it was a lot more urbanized than before. There were many establishments present right now, but somehow, I still could feel the breeze of the old Calamba.





First stop. I went to the famous Rizal Shrine. The actual birthplace of Rizal, where I actually was assigned during college to be a tour guide. I went inside the shrine and look into the different parts of the house, Rizal’s bedroom, her sisters’ bedrooms, master bedrooms, the kitchen and others. There were no changes at all from the last time I saw it. Too bad, there was some renovation going on in a museum located near the house, so my companion and I headed to the garden.



The wide garden of the Rizal Family was very much relaxing, there were lot of trees and plants in there. Just sitting on the benches and breathe fresh air truly made me feel good. In the garden as well you could see the statue of a young Rizal and a dog which purpose was to inspire the kids who tour the place. The “bahay-kubo” where the Rizal siblings played during their times was still there.

Second Stop. After my visit at the Rizal Shrine I got the chance to eat again Lomi, “Calamba Style”, luckily there was still a stall there selling it. The Lomi we ordered was actually good for three persons but we almost consumed the whole bowl of Lomi! It was good!



Third Stop. After eating Lomi, we went to the famous “BANGA”. It was a structure located in the plaza of Calamba, which was actually a “Kalan” and “Banga” (these were early forms of cooking utensils during the Spanish era). According to History, these “Kalan” and “Banga” were the origin of the name “Calamba”. A woman, carrying a “Kalan” and “Banga” during the Spanish era, come across a Spanish military man, and asked of the name of the town. Because the woman, didn’t understand Spanish, she thought that he was asking what she is carrying. She answered back, “Kalan”-“Banga”.
And from then on the town was called Calamba.

Last stop. Calamba Parish Church. I got the chance to kneel and pray in Calamba’s parish church again. I remembered my childhood days where in I was involved in participating in religious activities for kids, the days where I’ve been assigned to read the first or second readings for a particular mass, as well as in the collection of contributions from people.

It was really a nostalgic feeling when I went back to Calamba, and it’s like I want to go back for more, since there were still a few more spots and nice sceneries in the town. But I don’t have the luxury of time to visit them all. Well I just hope I would have the time again to visit my hometown and relive the moments which somehow became a part of who I am right now. I’m proud to be a Calambeño! and a Kababayan of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

By the way, Happy 146th Birthday Rizal on the 19th of June! =]

Justice

Picture this.

You are a lawyer. A good trial lawyer. A defense lawyer in a top Law firm. Fifteen Years back you are an inexperienced district attorney who prosecuted and convicted a murderer. Fifteen Years later, the man you have convicted fifteen years back has been paroled and now asking for your help for an alleged murder of his landlord. Bringing back some issues on his conviction to which you are involved. Will you answer for his defense?

This is a scenario depicted in one of the episodes of Justice, a series by Bruckheimer which I am hooked into right now.

Is trying to defend a person you have prosecuted and convicted years back is like pissing on your own work? Is this admitting a fault which tantamount to your incompetence as a lawyer?

Luther, the defense lawyer who has been in the situation I am talking about may just did the right thing. By reviewing the facts of the previous case and delving into a deeper analysis of some relevant facts he admittedly missed during the trial, he concluded in the end that he had convicted an innocent man.

During the trial of the recent case, I just observed how brilliant the defense lawyers were of the Firm. From the meticulous inspection of the scene of the crime, they have made an excellent theory that the eye-witness to the crime charged to their client is not telling the truth. For the simple reason that a man could not clearly see through the window of the room where the victim was killed because of radiant sunrays beaming through the window on the specific time of the day the victim was killed. It’s just abhorrent how the real culprit thought that he could escape from the scales of justice by attributing a crime to another person who has been known to be a convict. Good thing justice prevailed.

I like Luther end his closing argument, saying: “Convicting an innocent man is the worst thing that a district attorney could do”. Truly the end of justice is not served if an innocent person is put behind bars and suffers for a wrong he never committed. I just do hope lawyers will abide by their oath and do everything they can to uphold the integrity of their profession and the rule of law.



Justice actually has been out of Fox TV after its first season, I'm wondering why. A crack team of defense attorneys, including a media manipulation expert played by Victor Garber, the requisite young hot-shot attorney played by Kerr Smith and the model-esquire female attorney trying to restrain the guys played by Rebecca Mader, defend the rich, famous, and scandalous in LA. After the trial concludes we will see a flashback that shows if they really are innocent or got away with murder.

The cast includes:

Victor Garber ... Ron Trott

Kerr Smith ... Tom Nicholson

Rebecca Mader ... Alden Tuller

Eamonn Walker ... Luther Graves

Some words..

Recent quotes I like..

“Beggars cannot be choosers!”

“It’s good to be vocal with your feelings but there’s always the perfect timing.”

“Emotions shouldn’t eat you.”

“Don’t let someone let you feel uncomfortable.”

Protest Votes?

From Left: Francis Escudero, Alan Peter Cayetano, Koko Pimentel, and Antonio Trillanes

Absolutely. I believe the results of the elections, although not yet final, show how the voters voiced out their disgust with the GMA Government. The way the Genuine Opposition continues to dominate the COMELEC tally could attest to this. At least eight of GO candidates managed to stay in the top 12. Surprisingly, Trillanes, who never got the chance to campaign outside as he was still behind bars in Fort Bonifacio, is actually consistent in top 12.

As one political analyst said: “Sawa na ang mga botante”.. Very true. I think the voters want change and they actually want it now. And they voted for politicians who they think could effect the change they want. A lot of first-timers in the Senate bid ran during the last elections. There’s Alan Peter Cayetano, Francis Escudero, Koko Pimentel and others. All of them promising to fight for corruption and continuing their advocacies towards change in the government. Well, let’s just hope they do.

Another political analyst said: “Politicians should be concerned that this country is a mess”. Very true again. And I hope the newly-elected officials could clean up the mess that the government never dared to throw away, as they were busy creating a few more mess.

Thanks Kid!

I’m quite surprised by a young boy who said to me this: “Pag laki ko magkikita tayo!” I am touched by the way he said it to me which seems he really values the bond we had even if it is only “virtual”.. =]

Kerwin is his name, he is an online buddy of mine in an online game I got hooked into a year ago. The first time I got the chance to have a chat with him, I thought that he is already a teenager, but I was shocked when he called me over the phone, he really is just 10 years old. Why did I think he is already a teenager? Well aside from his excellent skills in playing the game, I noticed that the words he uses when we chat are not different from teeners. He really got me!

I miss his immaturity and tantrums. I remember the times that I intentionally tease him because I know he will surely be annoyed! Well, sorry for that! =]

Kerwin’s a good son. He obeys his parents. He knows when to stop playing the game, and do his homeworks. A religious one also as he gives time to go to their church. I salute the parents of Kerwin for the way they nurtured the good values in him.

I hope he continues to be an obedient son as he grows old. Well I hope I really could meet him someday.

I Shall Return!

I'm glad that the effort I exerted in finding the first limited copies of Bob Ong's new book, Macarthur was somehow paid off. Since the first time I got to read Bob Ong's Abnkkbsnplko I was enticed by the way he writes. Basically because I can relate to his works, as it dwells on the common people, including me!

I like the way Bob Ong crafted his first attempt at fiction. The words used may be "pang-kanto", with a lot of "PIs" and others but it would not be as truthful as it was presented if not for those.

The story dealt with four friends, Jim, Cyrus, Voltron and Noel. The way of life of the friends was the main issue of the story. The way they struggled to survive the miseries of life, from being poor because of lack of money to support their needs as well as the struggle for identity and well-being.

The plot of the story was simple. The usual scenario of juvenile delinquency as portrayed by Noel, through his addiction. And a second chance to life as he comes back to his family.

The story was not new, yet it enlightens us, it's another objective response of Bob Ong to his responsibility towards the society which is to awaken every Filipino of how poverty weakens not only our faith to the government but to ourselves as well to the point that we lose our respect for our own identity.

Here's a certain part in the book that I liked: "Pero sa pagkakataong 'yon habang naglalakad sya sa kalsada, nakilala nya ang totoong Noel na inilibing ng lipunan sa ilalim ng imaheng ibinibintang nito sa kanya.."

Along Came Spidey!

I'm okay now.. Better than yesterday.. Apart from the relief I got from blurting out every emotion I am keeping during the wee hours awhile ago, I'd like to thank Spidey 3 for the entertainment! Somehow the film moved me in a way, though I didn't like it generally. It was good but not spectacular.

The storyline really is predictable. The only scene I like about was when Peter Parker became aggressive because of that organism that got into him.. Aside from that I like the quote he said at the end of the movie:

"Whatever comes our way, whatever battle raging inside us we always have a choice.."

"It's the choices that make us who we are and we could always choose to do what is right.."

I stood up and Made a Difference

Voting has just ended and I’m glad I have casted my vote in favor of candidates who I know would do well in the senate based on their track record.

I signed up to be a volunteer to perform administrative duties in election activities in Cavite. But I don’t know why our school prefect did not contact me anymore regarding that. Sayang.. As much as I want to help in the elections I just thought it was late for me to volunteer for another group since all along I’ve hoped that the Cavite proposal would prosper.

Now dwelling on my Voting Experience 2007, I would say that I had a great time. Guess what, I went aroung almost all over the elementary school since I was a little lazy to verify my precinct number in the local COMELEC office days before the election. I just had with me then a vivid memory of the specific location of my precinct during the last 2004 Presidential Election, which was on the second floor of a building in the said school. Well luckily I have found my precinct after going over the some lists of the voters in precincts 30-40 (I actually have a vivid memory as well of my precinct number which instinctively I know between the ranges mentioned). Well my precinct number was 29-A and it was in the same area as precinct-30. Regarding its location, it was changed from being on the left side during the 2004 Elections to the right side of the building. There I also saw Ninoy for the second time, a fellow Bedan Law student who’s in his third year.

Now after a few minutes of falling in line, I discovered that I was in the wrong line. I placed myself in the line of those registered under precinct-30! Waah! Luckily, there were only two people waiting in line in precinct-29A so at last I could vote now.

I had my list with me, my fountain pen and proceeded to write down my bets. While finishing off my vote, I stayed for awhile and think whether to add another candidate, which I did.(swerte niya nakapagdecide ako! Hehe!)

Hint on who I've voted for:

* 9 senators (4 Team Unity. 4 Genuine Opposition. 1 Independent)
* Local Candidates.- I voted for members of only one slate (but 6 councilors only)

Well that’s about it! It was an overwhelming feeling that I’ve made a difference and stood up for my right! Godbless the Philippines!

OFF TO VOTE!

Six hours to go and registered voters are now off to cast their votes! But are the voters are really ready to cast their votes? Have they decided carefully who they are voting for? Well I hope they do have they vote wisely and conscientiously..

In line with deciding who you gonna vote for this coming elections, I have just finished my evaluation of the candidates particularly with their performance if they have been an elected official or the viability of their plan of actions if they have not been a political figure. Well I'm happy that the power of the internet helped me have access to a lot of information on the candidates. I've looked into the programs, the laws and ordinances that the candidates have promulgated or sponsored.

And I'm proud to say that I'm ready to vote later!

TYPE AB

Results of Your Type A Personality Test


Your score = 70

What does your score mean?

You seem to be in the middle between the Type A and Type B personality. In this case, the middle ground is good. Your attitude to life is more of the "smell the roses" kind and you know how and when to relax. Nonetheless, you realize that picking up a challenge and competing a little bit for your place in the sun can add some spice to your life. The equilibrium is important, so don't let your hostile, aggressive, and competitive alter ego take over too often. Generally, you are easy to be around, and people tend to feel relaxed and comfortable in your presence. Yours is a very healthy attitude towards life.

Trainspotting

Just Love the movie Trainspotting. Well it is a 1996 movie, and well I am not that into type of movies like Trainspotting, so I missed it..It's been a couple of years now since I stumbled upon the poster of the movie, and I promise myself to have a copy. And guess what I don't have a copy up to now. But thanks to the power of the internet and my very useful Limewire downloader I already have a DVDripped of the movie. But I think it's still best that I have an original DVD/VCD copy of it, so I better add it on my wishlist! hehe!

Anyway, here's a synopsis of the movie:

Smart, funny, sickly and sometimes just plain unconscious, Mark Renton is a hero of our times. Set in an underbelly of Edinburgh the city fathers never dreamed of, this is the story of Mark and his so-called friends--a bunch of losers, liars, psychos, thieves and junkies. This tragi-comedy charts the disintegration of their friendship as they proceed, seemingly inevitably, towards self-destruction. Mark alone has the insight and opportunity to escape his fate--but does he really want to "choose life"? On and off heroin, he continually weighs the pros and cons of straight living: "car, career, family, fucking big television, washing machines, compact disc players, electrical tin openers, good health, low cholesterol, dental insurance, starter home, leisurewear, and a choice of sweaters..." When he breaks it all down, choosing life doesn't seem all that promising and he's off to the next scheme and score.

The Cast

Ewan McGregor as Mark Renton
Ewen Bremner as Spud
Jonny Lee Miller as Sick Boy
Kevin McKidd as Tommy
Robert Carlyle as Begbie

My Fave Scene: The one where Mark is having hallucinations during his rehabilitation. It was eerie. The death of the baby of Sick Boy is haunting him.

Well for the Soundtrack: I like the music on the final scene, which is Born Slippy by Underworld!

Truly a very wonderful movie. A movie which depicts that everybody deserves second chances. And it really is a choice to live life and your future!

Last Song Syndrome

"Somewhere Only We Know"-By Keane

I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete

Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

I came across a fallen tree
I felt the branches of it looking at me?
Is this the place we used to love?
Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?

Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

And if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go

Somewhere only we know?

Oh simple thing where have you gone
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

And if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we goSo why don't we go

This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?

APRIL 30. THE DAY I WAS BORN..

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN THE HISTORY


2005 Attacks on tourists in the Egyptian capital Cairo leave three militants dead and at least ten people injured.
April 30, 1997 "London Assurance," opens at Criterion Theater New York City for 72 performances
April 30, 1997 42 million watch "Ellen" admit she is gay
April 30, 1997 Atlanta Braves win record 19 games in April
April 30, 1997 Big Ben stops at 12:11 PM for 54 minutes
April 30, 1997 President Clinton's daughter Chelsea chooses to attend Stanford College
April 30, 1997 Tajik Prest Imomali Rakhmonov wounded in assassination attempt
April 30, 1997 Tino Martinez hits record 34 RBIs in April05270801
April 30, 1996 "Buried Child," opens at Atkinson Theater New York City for 77 performances April 30, 1996 Dutch/Itallian Beppo-SAX launches from Cape Canaveral
April 30, 1996 Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in Grand Rapids MI on WKLQ 94.5 FM April 30, 1995 "Blood Brothers" closes at Music Box Theater New York City after 839 performances
April 30, 1995 "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" closes at Lyceum Theater New York City after 24 performances
April 30, 1995 "Rose Tattoo" opens at Circle in the Square Theater New York City for 80 performances
April 30, 1995 After 120 years the last 15 A and S department stores close
April 30, 1995 Val Skinner wins LPGA Sprint Golf Championship
April 30, 1994 Soccer great Pele (53) weds psychologist Assiria Seixas Lemos (36)
April 30, 1992 208th and final episode of Cosby Show on NBC-TV
April 30, 1991 In Bangladesh a cyclone killed over 131,000 and left 9 million homeless
April 30, 1990 As Met pitcher David Cone argues a call at 1st base, 2 Braves score
April 30, 1990 Seattle's Brian Holman's perfect game broken up with 2 outs in 9th
April 30, 1990 U.S. 66th manned space mission STS 31 (Discovery 10) returns from space
April 30, 1990 U.S. hostage Frank Reed freed after 4 years in hands of pro-Iranians
April 30, 1989 Critics Siskel and Ebert film their 500th TV movie-review show
April 30, 1989 Kathy Postlewait wins LPGA Sara Lee Golf Classic
April 30, 1989 Pope John Paul II beatifies Victoire Rasoamanarivo of Madagascar
April 30, 1989 U.S. beats Costa Rica 1-0, in 3rd round of 1990 world soccer cup
April 30, 1988 Baltimore Orioles win record 14th straight from beginning of season
April 30, 1988 New Jersey Devils beat Caps 3-2 taking 7th game of Patrick Division final
April 30, 1988 New York Knights 1st arena football game beats Cobras 60-52 (10,157 in Los Angeles)
April 30, 1988 New York Yank Dave Winfield gets his 29th RBI of April - Sets AL and ties ML Record
April 30, 1988 World Exposition, Expo 88 opens in Brisbane, Australia
April 30, 1987 Lou Lamoriello is named New Jersey Devils President
April 30, 1987 New York Islander Mike Bossy plays his final game
April 30, 1986 Ashrita Furman peformed 8,341 somersaults over 12 miles
April 30, 1986 Mariners strike out 16 times, set record of 36 in 2 consecutive games
April 30, 1985 Dale Murphy drives in record tying 28th and 29th runs of April
April 30, 1985 France performs nuclear test at Muruora Island
April 30, 1985 Last edition of Brink Daily Mail/Sunday Express in South Africa
April 30, 1984 1700 skiers participate in an alpine event at Are Sweden
April 30, 1984 Strong winds cause a 30 min delay in Toronto Blue Jays game

April 30, 1983 Bruins 3-Isles 7-Wales Conf Championship-Isles hold 2-1 lead

April 30, 1982 Alvaro Magana chosen to succeed Jose N Duarte as President of El Salvador
April 30, 1982 Atlanta Braves win record 12th straight from beginning of season
April 30, 1982 Iranian offensive in Khusistan
April 30, 1981 "Can-Can" opens at Minskoff Theater New York City for 5 performances
April 30, 1981 16th Academy of Country Music Awards: Barbara Mandrell and George Jones April 30, 1980 "Barnum" opens at St. James Theater New York City for 854 performances
April 30, 1980 Ronald Harwood's "Dresser," premieres in London
April 30, 1980 Terrorists seize Iranian Embassy in London
April 30, 1980 Beatrix, Wilhelmina Armgard, crowned queen of Netherlands
April 30, 1980 Juliana, Queen of the Netherlands, abdicates
April 30, 1979 Mary Therese Friel, New York, crowned 28th Miss USA
April 30, 1978 "Elvis: The Legend Lives!" closes at Palace New York City after 101 performances
April 30, 1978 Janet Coles wins LPGA Natural Light Lady Tara Golf Classic
April 30, 1977 "Party with Comden and Green" closes at Morosco New York City after 92 performances
April 30, 1977 Billy Graham beats Bruno Sammartino in Baltimore, to become WWF champ April 30, 1977 Ron Cey sets record of 29 RBIs in April
April 30, 1976 Muhammad Ali beats Jimmy Young in 15 for heavyweight boxing title
April 30, 1976 Royal Canadian Mint opens a branch in Winnipeg Manitoba
April 30, 1976 Wings release "Silly Love Songs"
April 30, 1975 Last U.S. helicopter leaves U.S. embassy grounds, Saigon surrenders
April 30, 1974 President Nixon hands over partial transcripts of Watergate tape recordings
April 30, 1973 Nixon announces resignation of Haldeman, Ehrlichman, et al
April 30, 1973 Paul McCartney releases "Red Rose Speedway" including "My Love"
April 30, 1973 Women's tennis groups end disputes over sanctioning tournaments
April 30, 1972 "Arthur Godfrey Time" ends a 27 year run on radio
April 30, 1972 Kathy Whitworth wins LPGA Alamo Ladies Golf Open
April 30, 1971 25th NBA Championship: Milwaukee beat Balt Bullets in 4 games
April 30, 1970 Cubs Billy Williams is 1st NLer to play in 1,000 consecutive games
April 30, 1969 Cincinnati Red Jim Maloney 3rd no-hitter beats Houston Astros, 10-0
April 30, 1969 WEDB TV channel 40 in Berlin, NH (PBS) begins broadcasting
April 30, 1968 3 Oriole pitchers walk 14 New York Yankees in a 9 inning game
April 30, 1967 Highest tower to the world finished, 537m (U.S.S.R.)
April 30, 1967 Mickey Wright wins LPGA Shreveport Kiwanis Club Golf Invitational
April 30, 1967 New York Met pitcher Tom Seaver wins hist 1st game
April 30, 1967 Orioles' Stu Miller and Steve Barber lose 2-1 despite no-hitting Tigers
April 30, 1962 NASA civilian pilot Joseph A Walker takes X-15 to 75,190 m
April 30, 1962 Willie Mays hits 4 HRs
April 30, 1961 1st shuttle flights between Washington D.C., Boston and New York City begin (Eastern)
April 30, 1961 Lee Harvey Oswald marries Marina Prusakova in Minsk U.S.S.R.
April 30, 1961 Mickey Wright wins LPGA Titleholders Golf Championship
April 30, 1961 Premier Fidel Castro of Cuba receives Lenin-Peace Prize
April 30, 1961 San Francisco Giant Willie Mays hits 4 home runs in a game
April 30, 1958 Ted Williams is 10th major league player to get 1,000 extra-base hits April 30, 1955 Element 101, Mendelevium, announced
April 30, 1955 Imperial Bank of India nationalized
April 30, 1955 Perez Prado's "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" goes #1 for 10 weeks
April 30, 1955 West German unions protest for 40-hour work week and more wages
April 30, 1954 Darius Milhauds 4th Concert for piano/orch premieres in Haifa
April 30, 1953 Little-Bigger League changes its name to Babe Ruth League
April 30, 1952 Louise Suggs wins LPGA Stockton Golf Open
April 30, 1952 Mr. Potato Head is 1st toy advertised on television
April 30, 1950 Babe Didrikson-Zaharias wins LPGA 144-hole Golf Weathervane
April 30, 1948 "Inside USA" opens at Century Theater New York City for 339 performances April 30, 1948 Org of American States charter signed at Bogota, Colombia
April 30, 1948 U.S. performs atmospheric nuclear test at Enwetak
April 30, 1947 Boulder Dam renamed in honor of Herbert Hoover
April 30, 1946 Cleveland Indian Bob Feller's 2nd no-hitter beats New York Yankees, 1-0

April 30, 1946.. The Tydings Rehabilitation Act was signed, giving the Americans equal freedom and previlige to use the natural resources of the Philippines.

April 30, 1945 "Arthur Godfrey Time" begins a 27 year run on CBS radio
April 30, 1945 Concentration camp Munchen-Allag freed
April 30, 1945 Lord Haw-Haw calls for crusade against the bolsheviks
April 30, 1945 Red Army occupies Demmin
April 30, 1945 Red Army opens attack on German Reichstag building in Berlin
April 30, 1945 Russian Army frees Ravensbruck concentration camp
April 30, 1945 U.S. troops attack the Elbe
April 30, 1944 New York Giant Phil Weintraub gets 11 RBIs
April 30, 1944 New York Giant, Mel Ott scores 6 runs in 1 game drawing 5 walks for 4th time April 30, 1943 Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp for Jews forms
April 30, 1943 Dutch strike against forced labor in Nazi Germany's war industry
April 30, 1943 Noel Coward's "This Happy Breed," premieres in London
April 30, 1942 1st submarine built on Great Lakes launched, (Peto), Manitowoc, Wi
April 30, 1941 Spread of Judaism begins in Croatia
April 30, 1940 Brooklyn Dodger Tex Carleton no-hits Cin Reds, 3-0
April 30, 1939 NBC/RCA 1st public TV demo with Franklin D. Roosevelt at opening of New York World's Fair
April 30, 1939 Tropicana ballet of Havana Cuba, forms
April 30, 1938 Bradman scores 258 Aust vs. Worcs, 293 mins, 33 fours 1 five
April 30, 1937 General Douglas MacArthur marries Jean Faircloth
April 30, 1935 World Congress for Women's Rights concludes in Istanbul
April 30, 1934 Austrian gets "Austrian facist" constitution
April 30, 1929 Earnest Streeruwitz becomes chancellor of Austria
April 30, 1928 Cherkess Autonomous Region forms in RSFSR (until 1957)
April 30, 1927 Princess Juliana gets seat in Dutch Council of State
April 30, 1922 Chicago White Sox Charles Robertson perfect games Detroit Tigers, 2-0
April 30, 1921 American Professional Football Association reorganizes in Akron
April 30, 1921 Pope Benedict XV encyclical "On Dante"
April 30, 1919 Phillies beat Brooklyn Dodgers 9-0 in 20 innings
April 30, 1918 Orange Nassau soccer team forms in Groningen
April 30, 1916 Chicago Cubs play 1st game at Weeghman Park (Wrigley Field) beat Reds
April 30, 1911 Portugal approves woman suffrage
April 30, 1910 Cleveland Indian Addie Joss wins 2nd no-hitter beating White Sox
April 30, 1905 1st official soccer game between Belgium-Netherlands (1-4)
April 30, 1904 Ice cream cone makes its debut
April 30, 1903 New York Highlanders (Yankees) 1st home game, (Hilltop Park-168th St. and Broadway, Manhattan), they beat Washington Senators, 6-2
April 30, 1902 Debussy's opera "Pelleas et Melissande," premieres in Paris
April 30, 1900 165 lb Robert Fitzsimmons KOs 305 lb Ed Dunkhost in a boxing match
April 30, 1900 U.S. annexes Hawaii
April 30, 1898 Championship wrestling match at Met turns into a brawl
April 30, 1889 1st U.S. national holiday, on centennial of Washington's inauguration
April 30, 1889 George Washington Bridge linking New York City and New Jersey opens
April 30, 1888 Hail stones kills about 250 in Moradabad district of Delhi
April 30, 1887 1st game played at Broad and Huntingdon St. Park (Baker Bowl) in Philadelphia; Phillies beat Giants 19-10
April 30, 1885 Boston Pops Orchestra forms
April 30, 1871 Apaches in Arizona surrender to white and Mexican adventurers; 144 die
April 30, 1869 Hawaiian YMCA organized
April 30, 1865 Gen Shermans "Haines's Bluff" at Snyder's Mill, Virginia
April 30, 1864 Battle of Jenkin's Ferry, Arkansas; Gen W R Scurry is killed
April 30, 1864 New York becomes 1st state to charge a hunting license fee
April 30, 1862 Swift Run Gap, West Virginia skirmishes
April 30, 1861 President Lincoln ordered Federal Troops to evacuate Indian Territory
April 30, 1860 Navaho indians attack Fort Defiance (Canby)
April 30, 1859 Paul Morphy returns from 10-month chess tour of Europe, retires
April 30, 1857 San Jose State University forms
April 30, 1852 Anton Rubinsteins opera "Dmitri Donskoi," premieres in St. Petersburg
April 30, 1838 Nicaragua declares independence from Central American federation
April 30, 1812 Eastern Louisiana admitted as 18th U.S. state
April 30, 1808 1st practical typewriter finished by Italian Pellegrini Turri
April 30, 1804 Hague's Theater opens
April 30, 1803 U.S. doubles in size through Louisiana Purchase
April 30, 1798 Department of Navy forms
April 30, 1790 Colonial troops occupy Bonni's marroon village
April 30, 1789 George Washington inaugurated as 1st president of US
April 30, 1774 Pope Clement XIV proclaims a universal jubilee
April 30, 1772 John Clais patents 1st scale
April 30, 1763 London Journalist John Wilkes confined in the Tower
April 30, 1748 Ceasefire at Aken ends
April 30, 1748 French troops occupy Maastricht
April 30, 1725 Emperor Charles VI and King Philip IV of Spain sign Treaty of Vienna
April 30, 1722 Game of Billiards is mentioned in New England Courant
April 30, 1695 William Congreve's "Love for Love," premieres in London
April 30, 1661 Tsjeng Tsj'eng-Kung begins siege of Dutch fort Zeelandia, Formosa
April 30, 1650 French rebel Henri de la Tour Turenne signs treaty with Spain
April 30, 1616 English King Jacob I leaves Brielle/Vlissingen
April 30, 1598 1st theater performance in America (Spanish comedy-Rio Grande)
April 30, 1563 Jews are expelled from France by order of Charles VI
April 30, 1562 1st French colonists in US: Jean Ribaut and Hugenots at Parris Is NC
April 30, 1527 England and France sign treaty of Westminster
April 30, 1506 Philip of Bourgondy and England sign trade agreement
April 30, 1492 Columbus is given royal commission to equip his fleet
April 30, 1492 Spain announces it will expels all Jews
April 30, 1396 Crusaders and earl of Nevers depart from Dijon
April 30, 1349 Jewish community at Radolszell Germany, exterminated
April 30, 1064 German King Henry IV gives away Utrecht county of West Friesland
April 30, 311 Emperor Galerius legal recognizes Christians in the Roman Empire

BIRTHS

April 30, 1982 Kirsten Dunst, actress, Interview with the Vampire, SPIDERMAN
April 30, 1975 Johnny Galecki, born in Bree, Belgium, actor, American Dreamer, David-Roseanne
April 30, 1974 Cedric Jones, defensive end for the New York Giants
April 30, 1974 Chris Darkins, NFL running back, Green Bay Packers-Superbowl 31
April 30, 1972 Kendricke Bullard, NFL wide receiver for the New England Patriots
April 30, 1972 Mario Schaden, hockey forward, Team Austria 1998
April 30, 1971 B J Tyler, NBA guard for the Toronto Raptors
April 30, 1971 Matt Martin, Hamden, NHL defenseman, Toronto Maple Leafs, Oly-US-94
April 30, 1971 Randy Bierman, WLAF tackle for the Scottish Claymores
April 30, 1971 Ryan Hawblitzel, born in West Palm Beach, Florida, pitcher for the Colorado Rockies
April 30, 1971 Ty Hallock, fullback for the Jacksonville Jaguars
April 30, 1970 Brad Layton, born in Seymour, Indiana, rower 1996 Olympics
April 30, 1969 Dexter Rogers, St. Petersburg, Florida, volleyball opposite hitter 1996 Olympics April 30, 1969 Joey Restivo, born in Brooklyn, rocker, Linear-I Never Felt This Way, Lies
April 30, 1968 Babette Van Veen, Neth, actress, Linda-GTST, Blueberry Hill
April 30, 1968 Paulo, Jr., Brazilian pop bassist, Sepultura, Morbid Visions
April 30, 1968 Richard Pilon, born in Saskatoon, NHL defenseman for the New York Islanders April 30, 1968 Roger Mar, born in Seattle, Washington rapid fire pistol 1996 Olympics
April 30, 1968 Sandra Beikoff, Mackay QLD, golfer, 1990 Sunshine Coast Open
April 30, 1966 Aundray Bruce, defensive end for the Oakland Raiders
April 30, 1966 David Meggett, NFL running back, New York Giants, New England Patriots
April 30, 1966 Jeff Brown, Ottawa, NHL defenseman, Hartford Whalers
April 30, 1965 Adrian Pasdar, born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, actor, C Oliver Resor-Feds, Top Gun
April 30, 1965 Daniela Costian, Australian discus/shot putter 1996 Olympics
April 30, 1964 Ian Healy, cricket wicket-keeper, Australian since 1988
April 30, 1964 Jeff Reboulet, born in Dayton, Ohio, infielder for the Minnesota Twins
April 30, 1963 Steve Smith, born in Glasgow, Scotland, NHL defenseman, Chicago Blackhawks April 30, 1961 Isiah Thomas, NBA forward, Detroit Piston; 1990 NBA playoff MVP
April 30, 1959 Kamaran Abdalla, Iraq/Engl/Neth actor, Goede Tijden Selechte Tijden
April 30, 1959 Lauren Howe, LPGA golfer
April 30, 1959 Stephen Harper, Canadian Politician
April 30, 1957 Duane G. Carey, born in St. Paul, Minnesota, major USAF/astronaut
April 30, 1956 Richard Farina, folk singer, Reflections in a Crystal Wind
April 30, 1956 Lars von Trier, Danish Director
April 30, 1955 Dimitra Papandreau, born in Greece, wife of Greek PM Andreas Papandreau April 30, 1954 Gunther Tiersch, German DR, 8 man cox, 1968 Olympics gold
April 30, 1954 Jane Campion, New Zealander Director
April 30, 1953 Merrill Osmond, born in Ogden, Utah, singer, Osmond Brothers, Donnie and Marie
April 30, 1951 Panuta Rosani, born in Poland, discus, Olympic 1976, drug disqualified
April 30, 1948 Perry King, Alliance, Ohio, actor, Andy Warhol's "Bad"
April 30, 1948 Wayne Kramer, jazz artist, Dangerous Madness
April 30, 1947 Robert Scott, Rep-D-Virginia
April 30, 1946 Donald Schollander, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, swimmer, Olympic-4 gold-64
April 30, 1946 Karl XVI Gustav F H, King of Sweden, 1973-
April 30, 1945 Annie Dillard, American writer, An American Childhood
April 30, 1945 Claude van de Berge, [Rony MF Pauwels], Flemish writer, Graph Theory
April 30, 1945 Michael J. Smith, born in Beaufort, North Carolina, Cmdr USN, astr, 51L-Challenger disaster
April 30, 1945 Mike Beacon, rocker, Ox
April 30, 1945 Mimi Farina, rocker, Reflections in a Crystal Wind
April 30, 1944 Jill Clayburgh, born in New York City, actress, Unmarried Woman, Semi-Tough April 30, 1944 Richard Shoff, rocker, Sandpipers
April 30, 1943 Bobby Vee, born in Fargo, North Dakota, Devil or Angel, Night has a Thousand Eyes
April 30, 1943 Robert L Livingston, Rep-R-Louisiana, 1977-
April 30, 1943 Bob Livingston, American Politician
April 30, 1941 Johnny Farina, rocker, Santo and Johnny
April 30, 1941 Wilfried Jentzsh, composer
April 30, 1940 Burt Young, New York City, actor, Convoy, Rocky
April 30, 1939 Ellen Taafe Zwilich, born in Miami, Florida, 1st woman composer Pulitzer 1982 April 30, 1939 Pieter van Vollenhoven, husband of Dutch Princess Margriet
April 30, 1938 Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard, Queen of Netherlands, 1980-
April 30, 1938 Gary Collins, born in Venice, California, actor, 6th Sense, Home Show
April 30, 1938 Larry Niven, U.S., sci-fi author, 5 Hugo, Neutron Star
April 30, 1936 Zohra Lampert, actress, Doctors' Hospital, Girl With Something Extra
April 30, 1933 Willie Nelson, born in Abbott, Texas, country singer, On the Road Again
April 30, 1932 Anton Larrauri, composer
April 30, 1931 William L [Bill] Clay, Rep-D-MO, 1969-
April 30, 1930 Raoul de Keyser, [Dekeyser], Flemish painter
April 30, 1929 Peter Carsten, Weissenberg Bavaria, actor, Mr Super Invisible
April 30, 1927 Johnny Horton, born in Los Angeles, California, rocker
April 30, 1927 Lars Hall, Sweden, Pentathelete 1952 Olympics gold
April 30, 1926 Cloris Leachman, born in Des Moines, Iowa, actress, Last Picture Show, Phyllis April 30, 1926 Corinne Calvet, France, actress, Apache Uprising
April 30, 1926 Edmund Cooper, UK, sci-fi author, Seed of Light, All Fool's Day
April 30, 1925 Corinne Calvet, born in Paris, France, actress, Phantom of Hollywood
April 30, 1924 Sheldon Harnick, born in Chicago, lyricist, Fiorello, Fiddler on the Roof
April 30, 1923 Alan Wharton, cricketer, England batsman once vs. NZ 1949, scored 7 and 13 April 30, 1923 George Byatt, playwright
April 30, 1923 Percy Heath, American Musician
April 30, 1922 Anton Murray, cricketer, South African batsman in 10 Tests 1951-55
April 30, 1920 Duncan Hamilton, driver
April 30, 1920 Leen 't Hart, Dutch organist/composer
April 30, 1919 Valeer [Valerius V] van Kerkhove, Flemish writer/producer
April 30, 1918 W Donald McNeill, tennis champ, U.S. Open-1940
April 30, 1917 Bea Wain, U.S. singer/radio host, Lucky Strike Hit Parade
April 30, 1916 Claude Shannon, information theorist
April 30, 1916 Dugo D Schenker, Suriname/Antillian producer
April 30, 1916 Robert Shaw, born in Red Bluff, California, chorale conductor, Robert Shaw Chorale
April 30, 1914 Sid Weiss, bassist
April 30, 1913 Bernard Charles Sendall, deputy director general, ITA
April 30, 1913 Edith Fowke, folklorist
April 30, 1912 Eve Arden, born in Mill Valley, California, actress, Connie-Our Miss Brooks
April 30, 1912 Manuel Gutierrez Mellado, soldier/politician
April 30, 1911 Hans Studer, composer
April 30, 1911 John-Baptist J Walgrave, [Henricus/Humanus], Flemish, theologist
April 30, 1911 Luise Rinser, writer
April 30, 1910 Al Lewis, actor, Leo-Car 54, Grandpa-Munsters
April 30, 1909 Juliana, Queen of Netherlands, 1948-80
April 30, 1909 Richard Grasso, American Businessman
April 30, 1909 Mack McLarty, American Politician
April 30, 1905 Henrich Schlappi, born in Switzerland, 4 man bobsled 1924 Olympics gold
April 30, 1903 Gunther AR Raphael, German composer, Symphony Breve
April 30, 1902 Andre-Franeois Marescotti, composer
April 30, 1902 Rudolf Wittelsbach, composer
April 30, 1902 Theodore William Schultz, American Economist
April 30, 1899 Jannetje Fisherman-Roosendaal, author, regional novels
April 30, 1899 Lucie Mannheim, born in Berlin, actress, East Meets West, 39 Steps
April 30, 1896 Gary Davis, born in Laurens, South Carolina, blues/folk guitarist, A Little More Faith
April 30, 1893 Joachim von Ribbentrop, German SS fuhrer/foreign minister
April 30, 1891 Watze Cuperus, Frisian author, Swart mar leaflik
April 30, 1889 Acario Cotapos, composer
April 30, 1889 Rudolph Hermann Simonsen, composer
April 30, 1888 John Crowe Ransom, U.S. poet and critic, God Without Thunder
April 30, 1886 Frank Merrik, composer
April 30, 1885 Luigi Russolo, composer
April 30, 1884 Albert Israel Elkus, composer
April 30, 1883 David John de Lloyd, composer
April 30, 1882 Trijntje "Nine" van de Schaaf, author, To the Invisible
April 30, 1877 Alice B. Toklas, American
April 30, 1874 Cyriel Verschaeve, Belgian priest/writer
April 30, 1870 Franz Lehar, operetta composer, Naughty Marietta
April 30, 1864 Frans Netscher, Dutch writer/journalist, Studies of nude model
April 30, 1858 Mary Scott Lord Dimmick Harrison, 1st lady, 1889-1893
April 30, 1853 Alfred vs. Berger, writer
April 30, 1851 Indrid Einarsson, Iceland playwright, Nyjarsnottin
April 30, 1846 Rosalie Amstein, writer
April 30, 1837 Alfred Gaul, composer
April 30, 1834 John Lubbock, British Statesman
April 30, 1830 Davis Tillson, Bvt Major General Union volunteers, died in 1895
April 30, 1823 George JD Campbell, Scottish/Brit Minister to Indies, 1868-74/80-85
April 30, 1812 Kaspar Hauser, German son of grand duke Karel van Bathe
April 30, 1805 William Kerley Strong, Brig General Union volunteers, died in 1867
April 30, 1797 Andreas V Michiels, Dutch military governor of West-Sumatra
April 30, 1796 Isaac M "Isaac A" Cremieux, French lawyer/minister of Justice
April 30, 1792 Johann Friedrich Schwencke, composer
April 30, 1790 John Cockerill, English/Belgian industrialist
April 30, 1777 Carl Friedrich Gauss, world's great mathematician
April 30, 1771 Hosea Ballou, American Clergyman
April 30, 1770 David Thompson, English/Canadian explorer, Columbia River
April 30, 1767 Jean Henri Appelius, lawyer/minister of Finance
April 30, 1743 Robert Jasper van de Capellen, master of Marsch/politician
April 30, 1717 Guillaume Gommaire Kennis, composer
April 30, 1651 Jean-Baptiste de la Salle, French priest/theorist/saint
April 30, 1602 William Lilly, England, astrologer/author/almanac compiler
April 30, 1309 Kazimierz III de Great, King of Poland, 1333-70

DEATHS

April 30, 1996 David Michael Ifshin, British political campaign organiser, dies at 46
April 30, 1996 David Opatoshu, actor (Torn Curtian, Raid on Entebbe), dies at 78
April 30, 1996 Frank Henry Copplestone, TV executive, dies at 71
April 30, 1996 Helene Cordet, entertainer/nightclub owner, dies at 78
April 30, 1996 Julio Cesar Mendez Montenegro, President of Guatemala (1966-70), dies
April 30, 1995 Donald Edwin White, ad copywriter/opera administrator, dies at 59
April 30, 1995 Reinaldo de Carvalho, carnival king, dies at 34
April 30, 1994 David Langton, dies of a heart at 81
April 30, 1994 Ferdinando Scarfiotti, Italian set designer (Last Emperor), dies at 53
April 30, 1994 Geoffery Michael Roberts, vintner, dies at 46
April 30, 1994 Richard McClure Scarry, U.S. kid book illustrator/writer, dies at 74
April 30, 1994 Roland Ratzenberger, Austrian race car driver, dies in crash at 31
April 30, 1993 David Waymer, NFLer (Saints, 49'ers, Raiders), dies at 34
April 30, 1992 Daan van Driel, Dutch cartoonist/WWII resist fighter (Trouw), dies
April 30, 1991 George Sperti Sperti, inventor (Preparation H), dies at 91
April 30, 1991 Michael G Hagerty, actor (Overboard), dies at 39
April 30, 1989 Sergio Leone, Italian director (Good, Bad and Ugly), dies at 60
April 30, 1988 James McCracken, U.S. tenor, dies at 61
April 30, 1987 Hugh Dempster, actor (Anna Karenina, Candles at Nine), dies
April 30, 1985 George Pravada, actor (Felscher-Holocaust), dies at 66
April 30, 1984 Arthur T "Bomber" Harris, bombed nazi-Germany, dies
April 30, 1984 Muddy Waters, blues singer/guitarist (Hoochie Coochie Man), dies at 68
April 30, 1983 George Balanchine, Russian/US composer, dies at 79
April 30, 1983 Jerry Hatsuo Fujikawa, actor (Uncle Matsu-Mr T and Tina), dies at 71
April 30, 1983 Muddy Waters, U.S. blues singer/guitarist (Mad Love), dies at 68
April 30, 1982 Albert TLCA Bird, lecture artist, dies
April 30, 1982 Herman Tholen, Dutch cabaret performer (Juveniles), dies
April 30, 1982 Taisen Deshimaru, founder of several Zen centers in France, dies at 67
April 30, 1980 Mary McCarty, actress (French Line), dies
April 30, 1977 Clive Martin Douglas, composer, dies at 73
April 30, 1976 Edvard Fliflet Braein, composer, dies at 51
April 30, 1974 Agnes Moorehead, actress (Endorra-Bewitched), dies at 67
April 30, 1973 Josie Sedgwick, actress (White Moth), dies of stroke at 75
April 30, 1972 Gia Scala, actress (Garment Jungle, I Aim at the Stars), dies at 38
April 30, 1972 Ntare V, king of Burundi, murdered
April 30, 1971 Elmo Roper, pollster (Roper Poll), dies at 70
April 30, 1970 Hall Johnson, composer, dies at 82
April 30, 1970 Inger Stevens, actress (Katy-Farmer's Daughter), commits suicide at 35
April 30, 1970 Jacob Presser, historian/writer (Doom, Ondergang), dies at 71
April 30, 1968 Frankie Lymon, rocker, dies of a heroin overdose
April 30, 1966 Richard Farina, rocker, dies on his birthday in a motorcycle accident
April 30, 1965 Helen Chandler, actress (Dracula, Salute, Last Flight), dies at 56
April 30, 1963 Bryant Washburn, actor (Nabonga, Millionaire Kid), dies at 74
April 30, 1959 Armand Louis Joseph Marsick, composer, dies at 81
April 30, 1957 Ludwig Schiedermair, German musicologist (Beethoven), dies at 80
April 30, 1956 Alben W. Barkley, (VP-D-1949-53), dies at 78
April 30, 1956 Alben W. Barkley, American Vice President
April 30, 1952 Charles Radoux-Rogier, composer, dies
April 30, 1945 Adolph Hitler, German dictator (1936-45), commits suicide at 56
April 30, 1945 Eva Braun, mistress/wife of Hitler, commits suicide at 33
April 30, 1945 Adolf Hitler, Criminal
April 30, 1943 Beatrice Potter Webb, British writer (My Apprenticeship), dies at 85
April 30, 1943 Etty Hillesum, Dutch diarist, dies in Auschwitz
April 30, 1943 Beatrice Webb, British Sociologist
April 30, 1942 Catherine Murphy Urner, composer, dies at 51
April 30, 1942 J van Hoddis, writer, dies at 54
April 30, 1936 A. E. Housman, English Poet
April 30, 1934 William Henry Welch, dies at 75
April 30, 1933 Luis Sanchez Cerro, President of Peru, assassinated by Hurtado de Mendoza April 30, 1933 Anna de Noailles, Romanian Writer
April 30, 1929 Friedrich Lienhard, German publisher (Turmer), dies at 63
April 30, 1926 Bessie Coleman, American Aviator
April 30, 1922 David M Chumaceiro, Curacaos poet, dies
April 30, 1919 Henry Wood, England cricket wicket keeper (in 4 Tests 1888-92), dies
April 30, 1912 Frantisek Kmoch, composer, dies
April 30, 1903 Francois Crepin, Belgian botany, dies at 72
April 30, 1900 John Luther (Casey) Jones, dies in Cannonball Express train wreck
April 30, 1896 Antonio Cagnoni, composer, dies at 68
April 30, 1895 Gustav Freytag, writer, dies at 78
April 30, 1893 Edouard Manet, French painter (Olympia), dies at 61
April 30, 1893 Gyula Beliczay, composer, dies at 57
April 30, 1887 Friedrich Wilhelm Markull, composer, dies at 71
April 30, 1879 Sarah Josepha Hale, American Writer
April 30, 1859 Sergei T Aksakov, Russian writer (Bagrova-vnuka), dies at 67
April 30, 1855 Henry Rowley Bishop, British composer and conductor, dies at 68
April 30, 1848 Friedrich Freiherr Gagern, German/Dutch army commandant, dies at 53
April 30, 1847 Charles L J, archduke of Austria/gov-gen (Austria-Netherland), dies
April 30, 1829 George Washington Adams, son of John Q Adams, dies on City Is New York City April 30, 1828 Shaka, the great Zulu King, killed
April 30, 1800 John H Midderigh, Rotterdam patriot, dies at 46
April 30, 1795 Jean-Jacques Barthelemy, French historian (Ancient Greece), dies
April 30, 1793 Lorenzo Fago, composer, dies at 88
April 30, 1792 Hans Adolf Friedrich von Eschstruth, composer, dies at 36
April 30, 1792 John Montague 4th Earl of Sandwich, English Naval minister, dies at 73
April 30, 1785 Frederick Philipse 3, land owner (Bronx, Westch and Putnam), dies at 65
April 30, 1784 Franz K earl von Velbruck, German free mason, dies
April 30, 1743 Pedro de Peralta y Barnuevo, Peruvian playwright and poet, dies
April 30, 1712 Philippus van Limborch, remonstrants theologist/vicar, dies at 78
April 30, 1708 Simon de Vries, book seller/writer (Unequal), dies
April 30, 1671 Peter Zrinyi, Hungarian banished to Croatia, beheaded at 49
April 30, 1660 Peter Scriverius, Dutch lawyer/historian, dies at 84
April 30, 1632 Jean de Tilly, fieldmarshal, dies
April 30, 1632 Sigismund III, King of Poland/Sweden, dies at 65
April 30, 1630 Ercole Porta, composer, dies at 44
April 30, 1328 ... Eckhard, German theologist/mystic, dies
April 30, 1214 Huguccio/Hugo van Pisa, Italian bishop, dies
April 30, 1196 Boudouin II, bishop of Utrecht (1178-96), dies
April 30, 1030 Mohammud van Ghazna, Turkish mayor (G'widen)/Islamic ruler, dies
April 30, 535 Amalaswintha, queen of Ostrogoten, murdered
April 30, 313 Gaius G V Maximus, [Daia], Emperor of Rome, dies

A Labor Day post

Today is May 1, Labor Day! and I want to make a post to serve as a tribute to the laborers.

The corruption in the government is not new, and so is the Labor system, which is tainted with injustice and oppression among the laborers. Here you can see a scenario where the employers keep on earning their profits while the employees are in the losing end.

I am not an employee nor have been an employee. I must say that my job exposure has been limited to my on-job-training during college in a softdrinks company as well as the management of our business. Despite the absence of the experience as a laborer, I must say that I am quite aware of what's going on in a company, more particularly the way the people on top manage their laborers. I have constantly been an advocate of laborers. I know that the labor force of our country is the primary resource that would create a massive improvement in the country.

The proposed bill, which would increase the minimum wage of laborers by P125, which should have been a law by now, was opposed by a few congressmen who initiated a motion for reconsideration after three readings in the house. I think there's a tinge of absurdity in some politicians and some executive officers in the government who say that without the corporations or investors, there would be no jobs that would be available in the country. Therefore, the P125 increase of the minimum wage would be a burden that would cause loss to the companies. Having incurred losses, the companies have no other choice but to discontinue operations. This, according to these silly and illogical government officials would cause the unemployment rate to rise. I don't think so! A clear manifestation that these officials, who are supposed to uphold the interests of the populace are making an upfront just to give way for the desires of the current administration as well as to their own selfish interests. These government officials who as you know own a lot of businesses and as owners they would of course prioritize the effect of any bill proposed in the congress to their interests.

It is sad to know that a lot of skilled workers, doctors, engineers and others are migrating in foreign lands who could give them the opportunities they need not only to earn a living but for further expansion of their knowledge and skills. If the government of the Philippines could only provide for these then well and good, we don't have a problem, nothing to criticize about. But this isn't the scenario right now. Statistics show that a few years more, and we would have a shortage in some skilled laborers, like Doctors, Engineers, Accountants, and even linemen of Electric Companies like MERALCO!

The call-center industry has boomed two or three years ago. And a lot of fresh graduates are employed as call center agents right now. Money is easy in call centers. I don't mean to offend employees of call centers, but as I see it, the four years spent by these graduates in college are somehow put to waste because of the tempting easy money in call centers. I am worried on the effect of the call center industry emerging as one of the top industries in the country. I am worried that because people would tend to get practical, they would simply go on a call-center training and earn money, with a substantial education being left-behind. Being in whatever field is a choice, if you want to be in a call center I respect your choice. But if your choice is unconsciously or subconsciously dictated by the economic status of your family which is the effect of the economy of the Philippines in general, then, with all due respect, I just wish you good luck! and I hope landing in the job you chose is just your stepping stone towards achieving the career you really want.

I must say I am fortunate enough that I don't have to work my ass off just to finance my education, moreso a post-graduate course. But still, I know for a fact that eventually when I graduate and hopefully pass the Bar, I know I'd start out as an employee, and I don't even know where exactly I would land my first job. And in the future when I'll be included in the labor force of the country, I'd be more exposed to the labor system. And I hope by that time, a lot of developments should have been made.

As what late Ramon Magsaysay has said: "those who have less in life should have more in law", I believe the labor force is a unit in the society that our laws should give more privileges and rights. A revisit of the Labor Code and Laws should have been made by our lawmakers. Enactments of laws that would cater a lot of opportunities to laborers should be made. Laws which are truly enacted to benefit the laborers and do not directly or indirectly satisfy the selfish interests of the capitalists.

THE BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT I RECEIVED EVER

Hay.. I aged a year older today, April 30. Actually I planned my birthday to be a meaningful one this year as I turn 24. As i've said in one of my post I want to make a difference. And I did. It was really an overwhelming feeling when the outreach program I've sponsored and led was a successful one. I actually intended to hold the outreach program without informing the foundation (Openheart Foundation Worldwide-Binan Laguna) that I was doing it to celebrate my birthday with the kids. But one of my friends, Jeni decided to mentioned surreptiously to one of the volunteers of the foundation that the event was really aimed at celebrating my birthday with the kids, which is also geared towards sharing something to the kids through the lectures that we have conducted, the games and other activities.

Jen, as emcee started the program (after the opening remarks by Ate Emma from the foundation) by getting to know the kids. Jen let the kids describe themselves by thinking of a thing that they could associate themselves with. There were kids who are shy at first and cannot think of a thing, but still it was good to hear the kids describing themselves, although some had a very funny associations, or disassociation? hehe! Anyway, after that we had a game the so-called "Bahay, Tao, Bagyo" where the kids had to form into groups of three and then have to transfer from one group to the other when a specific code was mentioned among "Bahay", "Tao" and "Bagyo". Lemuel did his assigned task well by facilitating the game. After that we had a breather! Jen instructed the kids to "inhale" and "EEEEXHAALLE".. Afterwhich, we headed towards the lecture area for our main activity.

Madj, the one I assigned for the program had a meeting a week before the event to brainstorm and settle the theme and other important things for the event. We have decided that since it is still April, and during the month of April we celebrate the Earth Month, it was settled that the theme would be Environment Protection. I've researched the internet of necessary information for the theme. I worked on my visuals as well that would clearly depict the theme. Along with the lecture I have presented a story of a boy "Cocoy" who, is affected by the pollution in their community. He couldn't play. He is not allowed by his parents to go outside because he could get some disease caused by the pollution in the area. We had an activity were I have grouped the kids into four and then I instructed them to draw what they think is necessary to help Cocoy. I was impressed by some kids who could really draw well and those who have potentials of becoming great leaders. After the time I allotted for the kids, I let them choose one representative to explain in front what they have done. And I can say that they have grasp pretty well and are aware of the things that they should do in order to help the environment. I summed up the whole topic of discussion and then had snack. After the snack we distributed our gifts to the kids and since there are excess gifts we decided to conduct a talent portion, where the winner gets the prize! I saw that some kids also had the potentials and it was fun seeing them sing and dance.

The outreach program was indeed a success. I just can't put into words anymore the feeling that I had when the event was held. Moreso, when the kids started to sing the 'Happy Birthday Song' to me!, I can't explain what I felt that time, it was ecstatic! Seeing smiles on the kids is truly a priceless gift that I had and I could say the most important gift I had during the last 24 years of my existence.

It was also a wonderful feeling when, I think two or three kids approached me towards the end of the program and express their gratitude and greeted me again 'happy birthday'.

The second purpose of the event which I also talked about in my recent post, was a get-together with my closest college friends, my so-called Kanlungan Family. Unfortunately more than half werent able to come. But its okay with me, I did not expect, aside from the fact that it usually happens when we set a gathering only few are able to come; I've learned to accept things as they are and as I always do I tend to justify things, I just keep in mind that if I were in their shoes or the situation they are in at the very moment that I 'need' their company, then I would most possibly understand. So, it wasn't really a problem with some of us who were present during the outreach program since the kids are attentive and cooperative. The volunteers of the foundation were also there and very much participative and helpful.

I'm happy and proud that I've accomplished something like this. And this for sure is not the last time. .Helping people is not a choice, it's a responsibility, as for me.. And I'm glad I have stood to that responsibility..