In Between Panels

Ano I Num. 19, Lunes 21 de Noviembre de 1910

This is the first time I came upon the Filipinas Heritage Library's website while looking for references for the Renacimiento Filipino out of morbid curiosity to look at the pictures of some dead national heroes after reading historian Ambeth Ocampo's account on the matter. I also came upon Rafael Minuesa's Flickr photostream which collects a lot of Filipiniana.

In my search I also came on these rare old pictures of celebrities from Imgur like this:

James Bond author/creator, Ian Fleming and Sean Connery

I find the old days fascinating, not better but simpler.

Labels: awesome, classic, cool, discovery, history, reminiscing

MANILA, Philippines - The Central Bank once designed a P500-bill featuring former President Marcos, Fe Dela Cruz, Director of the Corporate Affairs Office for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) confirmed recently. 

However, such banknotes did not reach the circulation stage," she said.

The P500 bills we know from the 80s to this day instead feature Marcos' arch-political rival, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

Go to P500-bill with Marcos face was never circulated to read the rest of the story.

Labels: aaahh, art related, controversial, cool, curios, discovery, history

God in Ancient China is a video that was introduced to me by a friend a couple of weeks ago by my friend from college by way of an interesting trivia he showed us. He said that there were certain (ordinary) words when in written in Chinese characters reveal extraordinary origins. Origins that can only be traced to one particular people, place, incident leading to a much older story found in the Bible.

Now the idea of the ancient Chinese being a monotheistic people wasn't new to me, having learned about this episode of Chinese history in the book, Eternity in Their Hearts: Startling Evidence of Belief in the One True God in Hundreds of Cultures Throughout the World (which is highly recommended if you're interested in the subject of apologetics). It was there that I first encountered the name ShangDi:

Shangdi, (Chinese: “Lord-on-High”) Wade-Giles romanization Shang-ti, also called Di,  ancient Chinese deity, the greatest ancestor and deity who controlled victory in battle, harvest, the fate of the capital, and the weather. He had no cultic following, however, and was probably considered too distant and inscrutable to be influenced by mortals. Shangdi was considered to be the supreme deity during the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 century bce), but during the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 bce) he was gradually supplanted by heaven (tian)*. (Encyclopedia Britannica Online)

Read more »

Labels: apologetics, awesome, Christian, discovery, history, theology

The Great Day of His Wrath (1851-1853) oil painting on canvas by John Martin.

I assume people in general would look at me strange if they heard about my current interest in the end times that's why I keep quiet about this subject around folks except for a few. This was two, maybe three years ago, nowadays I drop a few links here and there, and eagerly discuss the subject if the one I'm talking to is interested.

Read more »

Labels: awesome, curios, discovery, history, new year countdown, reminiscing, theology

Another year, another year full of possibilities, may we have none of the grumbling and whining of the past years and remember these wise words:

"The future lies before you, like paths of pure white snow. Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show." ~Author Unknown

"Sometimes the only way you can take a really good look at yourself is through somebody else's eyes." ~From the television show Scrubs

"Your future depends on many things, but mostly on you." ~Frank Tyger

"When you lose, don't lose the lesson." ~Author Unknown

"There is often less danger in the things we fear than in the things we desire." ~John C. Collins

Happy New Year everyone!

Labels: aaahh, discovery, events, feast, happy gathering, history, launching, new year, waxing poetic

Just when things can't get any better, an Australian company comes up, pulls this outta my dreams and make it a reality:

When Old Becomes New Again - GF350

TEAC Australia introduces the GF-350 Turntable CD Recorder and Radio that allows all those old vinyl classics to be recorded to CD with the touch of a button.

So if Dad’s been hanging onto LPs featuring the Rolling Stones, Beatles, Beach Boys, Buddy Holly and the like, this is the ideal gift for him!

This new innovative audio product features a 3-speed Turntable to play those golden oldies, CD Player/ Recorder and AM/FM radio with built in speakers and amplifier.

Now all those old 33 LPs and 45s can come out of storage and be recorded directly onto a blank CD for the convenience of playing. Enjoy this music in the car or at home and preserve those old records for perpetuity!

So don’t go through the trouble of having to connect a turntable to a computer or an outboard CD recorder, rather copy those records easily and effectively to CD.

Not only can you record from vinyl, you can also add external devices like a cassette deck via the aux input and record directly onto CD.

Is your record mastered at a low volume? No problems. The GF350 allows you to increase the volume output when recording to CD.

While the GF-350 permits playback of all vinyl formats, it also features a 32-track Music Memory and Auto/Manual Track Increment that allows for the track number to be recorded.

Aesthetically, this new product blends the stylish yet traditional Turntable features with the contemporary and sleek finish of the LCD Display with Backlight and rotary volume control.

New releases, such as the GF-350, demonstrate how TEAC Australia is advancing its future direction and continuing to be a pioneer in evolving technologies.

Just saw one earlier in the mall and a couple of months more and I'll be able to afford this sucker!

Labels: aha, awesome, cool, discovery, entertainment, history, reminiscing

My fat Himalayan/Siamese cat, Thoreau, finally bid his family grapes adieux after a painless procedure at the vet today. He still seems groggy and sleepy from the anesthesia but he's doing fine. He did his job (impregnating my other Siamese without so much as a permission) producing 3 good looking kids and I'm not looking to any more mouths to feed.

Plus, there are also the issues with the spraying on inappropriate surfaces like beds and doormats, and the occasional yowling during the late hours of the night.

He won't miss it in the long run. Eventually he'll just turn fat and contended without chasing any more skoits.

Labels: events, history, pets

Just read this pretty significant news today:

Rabbi Reveals Name of the Messiah
Israel Today

Shortly before he died, one of Israel's most prominent rabbis wrote the name of the Messiah on a small note which he requested would remain sealed until now. When the note was opened, it revealed what many have known for centuries: Yehoshua, or Yeshua (Jesus), is the Messiah.

A few months before he died, one of the nation’s most prominent rabbis, Yitzhak Kaduri, supposedly wrote the name of the Messiah on a small note which he requested would remain sealed until now. When the note was unsealed, it revealed what many have known for centuries: Yehoshua, or Yeshua (Jesus), is the Messiah.

With the biblical name of Jesus, the Rabbi and kabbalist described the Messiah using six words and hinting that the initial letters form the name of the Messiah. The secret note said:

Concerning the letter abbreviation of the Messiah’s name, He will lift the people and prove that his word and law are valid.

Thisis I have signed in the month of mercy,
Yitzhak Kaduri

The Hebrew sentence (translated above in bold) with the hidden name of the Messiah reads: Yarim Ha’Am Veyokhiakh Shedvaro Vetorato Omdim

The initials spell the Hebrew name of Jesus, Yehoshua. Yehoshua and Yeshua are eectively the same name, derived from the same Hebrew root of the word “salvation” as documented in Zechariah 6:11 and Ezra 3:2. The same priest writes in Ezra, “Yeshua son of Yozadak” while writing in Zechariah “Yehoshua son of Yohozadak.” The priest adds the holy abbreviation of God’s name, ho, in the father’s name Yozadak and in the name Yeshua.

With one of Israel’s most prominent rabbis indicating the name of the Messiah is Yeshua, it is understandable why his last wish was to wait one year after his death before revealing what he wrote.

When the name of Yehoshua appeared in Kaduri’s message, ultra-Orthodox Jews from his Nahalat Yitzhak Yeshiva (seminary) in Jerusalem argued that their master did not leave the exact solution for decoding the Messiah’s name.

The revelation received scant coverage in the Israeli media. Only the Hebrew websites News First Class (Nfc) and Kaduri.net mentioned the Messiah note, insisting it was authentic. The Hebrew daily Ma'ariv ran a story on the note but described it as a forgery.

Jewish readers responded on the websites' forums with mixed feelings: “So this means Rabbi Kaduri was a Christian?” and “The Christians are dancing and celebrating,” were among the comments.

Israel Today spoke to two of Kaduri’s followers in Jerusalem who admitted that the note was authentic, but confusing for his followers as well. “We have no idea how the Rabbi got to this name of the Messiah,” one of them said.

Yet others completely deny any possibility that the note is authentic. Kaduri’s son, Rabbi David Kaduri, said that at the time the note was written (September 2005), his father’s physical condition made it impossible for him to write.

KADURI'S PORTRAYAL OF THE MESSIAH

A few months before Kaduri died at the age of 108, he surprised his followers when he told them that he met the Messiah. Kaduri gave a message in his synagogue on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, teaching how to recognize the Messiah. He also mentioned that the Messiah would appear to Israel after Ariel Sharon’s death. (The former prime minister is still in a coma after suffering a massive stroke more than a year ago.)

Other rabbis predict the same, including Rabbi Haim Cohen, kabbalist Nir Ben Artzi and the wife of Rabbi Haim Kneiveskzy.

Kaduri’s grandson, Rabbi Yosef Kaduri, said his grandfather spoke many times during his last days about the coming of the Messiah and redemption through the Messiah.

His spiritual portrayals of the Messiah—reminiscent of New Testament accounts—were published on the websites Kaduri.net and Nfc:

“It is hard for many good people in society to understand the person of the Messiah. The leadership and order of a Messiah of flesh and blood is hard to accept for many in the nation. As leader, the Messiah will not hold any office, but will be among the people and use the media to communicate. His reign will be pure and without personal or political desire. During his dominion, only righteousness and truth will reign.

“Will all believe in the Messiah right away? No, in the beginning some of us will believe in him and some not. It will be easier for non-religious people to follow the Messiah than for Orthodox people.

“The revelation of the Messiah will be fulfilled in two stages: First, he will actively confirm his position as Messiah without knowing himself that he is the Messiah. Then he will reveal himself to some Jews, not necessarily to wise Torah scholars. It can be even simple people. Only then he will reveal himself to the whole nation. The people will wonder and say: ‘What, that’s the Messiah?’ Many have known his name but have not believed that he is the Messiah.”

FAREWELL TO A 'TSADIK'

Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri was known for his photographic memory and his memorization of the Bible, the Talmud, Rashi and other Jewish writings. He knew Jewish sages and celebrities of the last century and rabbis who lived in the Holy Land and kept the faith alive before the State of Israel was born.

Kaduri was not only highly esteemed because of his age of 108. He was charismatic and wise, and chief rabbis looked up to him as a Tsadik, a righteous man or saint. He would give advice and blessings to everyone who asked. Thousands visited him to ask for counsel or healing. His followers speak of many miracles and his students say that he predicted many disasters.

When he died, more than 200,000 people joined the funeral procession on the streets of Jerusalem to pay their respects as he was taken to his final resting place.

“When he comes, the Messiah will rescue Jerusalem from foreign religions that want to rule the city,” Kaduri once said. “They will not succeed for they will fight against one another.”

THE RABBI'S FOLLOWERS REACT

In an interview with Israel Today, Rabbi David Kaduri, the 80-year-old son of the late Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri, denied that his father left a note with the name Yeshua just before he died.

“It’s not his writing,” he said when we showed him a copy of the note.

During a nighttime meeting in the Nahalat Yitzhak Yeshiva in Jerusalem, books with the elder Kaduri’s handwriting from 80 years ago were presented to us in an attempt to prove that the Messiah note was not authentic.

When we told Rabbi Kaduri that his father’s official website (www.kaduri.net) had mentioned the Messiah note, he was shocked. “Oh no! That’s blasphemy. The people could understand that my father pointed to him [the Messiah of the Christians].”

David Kaduri confirmed, however, that in his last year, his father had talked and dreamed almost exclusively about the Messiah and his coming. “My father has met the Messiah in a vision,” he said, “and told us that he would come soon.”

Israel Today was given access to many of the rabbi's manuscripts, written in his own hand for the exclusive use of his students. Most striking were the cross-like symbols painted by Kaduri all over the pages. In the Jewish tradition, one does not use crosses. In fact, even the use of a plus sign is discouraged because it might be mistaken for a cross.

But there they were, scribbled in the rabbi's own hand. When we asked what those symbols meant, Rabbi David Kaduri said they were “signs of the angel." Pressed further about the meaning of the “signs of the angel," he said he had no idea. Rabbi David Kaduri went on to explain that only his father had had a spiritual relationship with God and had met the Messiah in his dreams.

Orthodox Jews around the Nahalat Yitzhak Yeshiva told Israel Today a few weeks later that the story about the secret note of Rabbi Kaduri should never have come out, and that it had damaged the name the revered old sage.

This is very interesting because there's a huge contradiction on the surface. It's a well known fact that Orthodox Jews do not believe the Messiah has already come in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. That's why they're still waiting for His appearance up till now.

The reason stems from their belief of the the 2 types of Messiah: Moshiach ben Yosef (Messiah Son [descendant] of Joseph, "the suffering Messiah") and Moshiach ben David (Messiah Son [descendant] of David, "the victorious Messiah"). According to their belief, Messiah ben Joseph is only a forerunner of the second type, one that will gather the people of Israel together in a battle against their enemies only to be killed. The second type will lead the people into victory resurrecting the first one in the process. It's that second type they're waiting for and believe will be coming soon (for whom the third temple being prepared in Jerusalem is for). But salvation in the last days will not come to them until they recognize Him for who He is.

Labels: awesome, cool, curios, discovery, events, history, launching, theology

Confirming The Sequence Of End Times Events
By Jack Kelley

He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” (Matt. 16:2-3)

So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Matt. 24:15-16)

For then there will be great distress (Great Tribulation), unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. (Matt. 24:21)

When it comes to developing any kind of time line concerning the End Times, the watershed event has to be the Abomination that Causes Desolation. Why? Because from that time forward, the Bible gives a very clear sequence of events.

First, the Abomination is the event that kicks off the Great Tribulation, a period of judgments 3 1/2 years long.(Matt 24:15,21) After the Great Tribulation, the Lord returns and following His return the Millennium begins. After the Millennium comes Eternity. Any one on Earth during this time will be able to predict these events with reasonable accuracy.

Second, we who study prophecy can also count backward from the Abomination that Causes Desolation and predict the sequence of events leading up to it by applying our knowledge of Scripture.

How Does That Work?

Well, we know that the Abomination involves the anti-Christ standing in the Temple in Israel, proclaiming himself to be God. (Daniel 9:27 and 2 Thes. 2:4)

But that can’t happen until some other things take place first. Obviously the anti-Christ has to be revealed. And the Jews have to build their Temple. This is something that can’t happen until they experience a change in attitude causing them to demand a Temple regardless of the consequences. Today less than 1 in 4 citizens of Israel want a Temple built, but even if every one of them did just the hint that they were going to build one would send the rest of the world into a tizzy. It simply wouldn’t be permitted.

Some major event has to take place to convince the Jewish people that building a Temple in Israel is the right thing to do in spite of all the trouble it could cause, and some world leader has to have enough clout to convince the rest of the world, especially the Moslem Middle East, to let them do it.

Daniel 9:27 also reveals that as the End of the Age approaches, a leader from among the people who destroyed the Temple in 67 AD will confirm (enforce) a 7 year covenant with Israel that includes permission to build a new Temple, and that in the middle of this period he will commit the Abomination that Causes Desolation. That explains the persuasive world leader. He’s the anti-Christ, and he wants the Temple built for reasons that have nothing to do with Israel. The unanswered question in Daniel’s prophecy is why the Jews would desire a Temple at that particular time.

Our knowledge of the Old Testament tells us that a Temple was necessary to fulfill the requirements of the Levitical worship system. So then, because of the uproar it would create, it seems logical to assume that the Jews would only want a Temple if they felt it was absolutely necessary for the Nation of Israel to re-instate their Old Covenant worship of God.

Continued: How Does That Happen?

Bible students and those interested in how eschatology fits into world events would do well to sit up and take notice how things are shaping up. Recent events conspired to shake off my complacency, resulting in some paradigm shifts, and read up on the subject once more. I hope to set my priorities straight for hereon in. Things won't be getting any better so we all should best be getting ready.

Labels: aaahh, curios, discovery, events, history, theology

So it begins.


Seems everything's falling into place as it should. The next few years would be interesting to watch as history unfolds as never before.

Labels: aaahh, events, history, launching, politics

How Would Jesus Vote?
Jack Kelley

"But as for you who forsake the LORD and forget my holy mountain, who spread a table for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny, I will destine you for the sword, and you will all bend down for the slaughter; for I called but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me." (Isaiah 65:11-12)

For most of America's history there's been a direct connection between patriotism and faith, probably because the US was founded as a Christian nation. We've always believed that God has watched over us, made us prosperous, and been on our side in the wars we've fought.

That connection began to unravel in the 1960's, but it's surprising the number of people who still believe that if seems to be good for the country, it must be right. This is true even among believers. According to recent Barna polls, 48% of those likely to vote in the coming election are born again Christians. That means they claim to have made a personal commitment to Jesus and believe they will go to heaven because they have confessed their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. These same polls show that nearly half of them will vote for the candidate they think has the best plan for restoring America's reputation in the world and managing the economic battles that lie ahead, rather than the one who they think will best uphold the Biblical principles they believe. So if only half the voters are believers, and half of them plan to use worldly standards in making their choice rather than Biblical ones, it follows that only 1 in every 4 voters will be exercising any spiritual discernment at all in casting their vote.

The other 3 are using standards like peace, financial security, tolerance, choice, and so on as their guidelines. They don't realize that only God can restore peace and security to their lives, and tolerance and choice are just nice sounding words that really stand for rebellion against Him. By not considering His standards in casting their vote, they're guaranteeing that He won't be helping them get what they want.

Continued: What's At Stake Here?

It's the eve of another (if not the most) historic US election. I guess everyone's conscious of the fact that the fate of the world at large hinges on the outcome of this election. Do prayerfully consider your choice before casting your vote and for those whose citizenship are not of this world and who're longing towards a better country, along with those who are best looking for it too, should take comfort in Pastor Carey Hardy's preaching regarding Biblical perspective on this election, "Maximum Impact," (note: no candidates specifically endorsed [audio / 45 mins]).

Labels: awesome, curios, discovery, events, history, politics

This is a speech from Eisenhower's Secretary of Agriculture. Kruschev was eerily correct about our future.

"I have talked face to face with the godless communist leaders. It may surprise you to learn that I was host to Mr. Kruschev for a half day when he visited the United States, not that I'm proud of it. I opposed his coming then, and I still feel it was a mistake to welcome this atheistic murderer as a state visitor. But, according to President Eisenhower, Kruschev had expressed a desire to learn something of American Agriculture — and after seeing Russian agriculture I can understand why. As we talked face to face, he indicated that my grandchildren would live under communism. After assuring him that I expected to do all in my power to assure that his and all other grandchildren will live under freedom he arrogantly declaired in substance:

" 'You Americans are so gullible. No, you won't accept communism outright, but we'll keep feeding you small doses of socialism until you'll finally wake up and find you already have communism. We won't have to fight you. We'll so weaken your economy until you'll fall like overripe fruit into our hands.'

"And they're ahead of schedule in their devilish scheme."

(Ezra Taft Benson "Our Immediate Responsibility." circa 1968.")

Doesn't this sound eerily true? Shouldn't this make us feel uneasy enough to open our eyes and be vigilant about guarding our freedom? Remember what is rightfully ours to fight for.

You can listen to the whole speech here:

Labels: aaahh, curios, discovery, events, history, sad news

This confirms it.

'Opus' creator to retire from drawing comic strips
The Associated Press
Oct. 8, 2008, 3:25 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Berkeley Breathed is retiring, leaving a hole in the Sunday funnies and the hearts of "Opus" fans.

The last strip featuring the beloved, large-beaked penguin will run in about 200 newspapers nationwide Nov. 2. Breathed announced Monday he's calling it quits after a comics career that has spanned nearly 30 years.

Amy Lago, comics editor of The Washington Post Writers Group, said Breathed will pursue other interests, such as writing books and screenplays.

Starting and stopping popular strips is old hat for Breathed, who lives in Santa Barbara, Calif., and has a children's book, "Pete & Pickles," due out next week.

The writers group unveiled his "Bloom County" strip in 1980; he went on to win the Pulitzer for editorial cartooning in 1987. He ended that strip in 1989 and the same year began the Sunday-only strip "Outland," which he quit in 1995. In 2003, he launched "Opus."

Breathed began his career as a college student with a strip in the University of Texas newspaper.

News of his retirement won't be too shocking for true fans — recent strips have alluded to "Opus" ending. Even so, Lago said, fans are disappointed.

This Sunday's strip will include a contest in which Breathed asks readers to guess the penguin's fate. Details on how to participate are not being released ahead of time. The answer will appear online after the last "Opus" runs next month, Lago said.

So it ends again and this time it looks as if it's really for good. He already said his goodbyes the first time in 1989 (with the premise that Donald Trump bought Bloom County forcing other characters to seek work in other strips), continued on with "Outland" until 1995 when he ended it without much funfare (Opus went to Antarctica to reunite with his long lost mother), and finally this.

Out of all the comic strips, Berke Breathed's "Bloom County" was the first, and obviously, still has the biggest influence in doing my comic strips. And I mostly agree with most, if not all, his political opinions too. I also read in another blog that, "You just can't get this kind of stuff today - too un-politically correct. Besides it's too smart to be wasted on today's youth." And I agree. Too much political correctness drove out most of the humor from entertainment leaving us with mostly bland, colorless sludge that passes itself off as comedy. Which leads us to Mr. Breathed's reasons for finally putting the penguin out to pasture:

“30 years of cartooning to end. I’m destroying the village to save it. Opus would inevitably become a ranting mouthpiece in the coming wicked days, and I respect the other parts of him too much to see that happen. The Michael Moore part of me would kill the part of him that was important to his fans.”

“With the crisis in Wall Street and Washington, I’m suspending my comic strip to assist the nation. The best way I can help is to leave politics permanently and write funny stories for America’s kids. I call on John McCain to join me.” ~ Berkeley Breathed says goodbye to Opus: 'I'm destroying the village to save it', LA Times, 02:04 PM PT, Oct 6 2008

We'll never see another comic strip with the same caliber as Bloom County did in the 80s (or the recent "Opus") as these two hilarious samples show:




Of course there are exceptions here and there but I would boldly say there will never be another cartoonist as far reaching in his influence as Mr. Breathed did for his generation, which I was lucky enough to be included. If you like what you've read then you can browse through other samples here, here, and here. I took the liberty of copying and posting below are the strips leading to the end (I hope Washington Post doesn't mind... click to expand in a new window) :

Labels: aaahh, art related, cartoons, comics, comics related, events, history, reminiscing, sad news

This is the first of a series of full page comics expanding on the ideas that previously came out in strip format. Six years ago this week the title made its debut in the pages of Philippine News (Oct. 9-15, 2002 issue) making it the first comic strip, I think, in the history of the paper. You can click the next individual images to read them in another window:

* These pages originally came out in the second issue of Topak Magazine published by PSICom Publishing. Minor editing was done to improve some perceived flaws by the creator.

Labels: awesome, cartoons, comics, cool, funny stuff, history, reminiscing, West Side comic

Fixed the Bloground Muzak widgetmacallit at the left bar (the one that looks like an old cassette tape right below the clock) which plays different New Wave tunes from the 80s. Unlike the old b.g. music which starts automatically, no doubt annoying the socks off a lot of you, you'd have to click the play button on this one to get it to start. It also plays different tunes unlike the old one which played only one song.

Titles, version/s of the song (mostly rare extended tracks)* , and name of the artist/s are included in case you're curious. On a related note I found this cool local blog which not only reminisces on the old times but also includes a lot of new wave songs for download and stuff - Julia's Club Eighties.

* Nobody does extended or mix versions of original songs these days, which is sad, really. But then again a lot of them new songs aren't good enough for extended or club mix versions anyway. I'll also be updating the list every now and then to include other types of music I also like.

Labels: awesome, cool, history, reminiscing

Something new from the Department of Forwarded Mails:

To All of Us Who Were Born in the 1950's, 60's and 70's

First, some of us survived being born to mothers who did not have an OB-Gyne and drank San Miguel Beer while they carried us.

While pregnant, they took cold or cough medicine, ate isaw, and didn't worry about diabetes.

Then after all that trauma, our baby cribs were made of hard wood covered with lead-based paints, pati na yung walker natin, matigas na kahoy din at wala pang gulong.

We had no soft cushy cribs that play music, no disposable diapers (lampin lang), and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, no kneepads, sometimes wala pang preno yung bisikleta.

As children, we would ride in hot un-airconditioned buses with wooden seats, or cars with no airconditioning & no seat belts (ngayon lahat may aircon na)

Riding on the back of a carabao on a breezy summer day was considered a treat. (ngayon hindi na nakakakita ng kalabaw ang mga bata)

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle purchased from 711 (minsan straight from the faucet or poso)

We shared one soft drink bottle with four of our friends, and NO ONE actually died from this. Or contracted hepatitis.

We ate rice with star margarine, drank raw eggs straight from the shell, and drank sofdrinks with real sugar in it (hindi diet coke), but we weren't sick or overweight kasi nga...

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, and get back when the streetlights came on. Sarap mag patintero, tumbang preso, habulan at taguan.

No one was able to reach us all day (di uso ang cellphone, walang beepers). And yes, we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our wooden trolleys (yung bearing ang gulong) or plywood slides out of scraps and then ride down the street, only to find out we forgot the brakes! After hitting the sidewalk or falling into a canal (sewage channel) a few times, we learned to solve the problem ourselves with our bare & dirty hands.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 100 channels on cable, no DVD movies, no surround stereo, no IPODs, no cell phones, no computers, no Internet, no chat rooms, and no Friendsters. .. WE HAD REAL FRIENDS and we went outside to actually talk and play with them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no stupid lawsuits from these accidents. The only rubbing we get is from our friends with the words... masakit ba ? pero pag galit yung kalaro mo... ang sasabihin sa iyo... beh buti nga !

We played marbles (jolens) in the dirt , washed our hands just a little and ate dirty ice cream & fish balls. We were not afraid of getting germs in our stomachs.

We had to live with homemade guns gawa sa kahoy, tinali ng rubberband, sumpit , tirador at kung ano ano pa na puedeng makasakitan. .. pero masaya pa rin ang lahat.

We made up games with sticks (syatong), and cans (tumbang preso) and although we were told they were dangerous, wala naman tayong binulag o napatay. Paminsan minsan may nabubukulan lang.

We walked, rode bikes, or took tricycles to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them to jump out the window!

Mini basketball teams had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't pass had to learn to deal with the disappointment. Wala yang mga childhood depression at damaged self esteem ek-ek na yan. Ang pikon, talo.

Ang magulang ay nandoon lang para tignan kung ayos lang ang mga bata, hindi para makialam at makipag-away sa ibang parents.

That generation of ours has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, creative thinkers and successful professionals ever! They are the CEO's, Engineers, Doctors and Military Generals of today.

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had failure, success, and responsibility. We learned from our mistakes the hard way.

You might want to share this with others who've had the luck to grow up as real kids. We were lucky indeed.

And if you like, forward it to your kids too, so they will know how brave their parents were.

It kind of makes you wanna go out and climb a tree, doesn't it?!


PS - The big letters are because your eyes may not be able to read this if they were typed any smaller (at your age).

Labels: aaahh, cute, funny stuff, history, reminiscing, waxing poetic

This is a curious picture I took with my phone. It's a small print of what looks to be a 18th century painting hanging above the sink inside the bathroom of the bar/resto me and the rest of the people were hanging out last night during the birthday of my friend. The picture I took is only half of the painting, the other half showing another couple being lovey-dovey to each other.

This is curious because of the nature of the prank being played on the lady. It was curious only at first though. Initially I thought the painting played on a racist theme with the guy putting on a blackface to scare the wits out of the girl. The period of the time being so "innocent" people usually frowned upon those who weren't as fair skinned and readily associated those with darker complexions as someone associated with the ones living in the netherworld (if you're familiar with history you'll know what I mean so I don't to spell it out). It was in this context that I saw the picture.

I only realized now upon doing research, while writing this thing at the same time, that, based on the guy's costume, he was a harlequin (the ancient equivalent of clowns) and harlequins put do put on blackfaces. As to why they do what they do, I found out that I uh... wasn't too far off with my earlier assumption. The guy really was scaring the wits out of the lady because he was playing the role of someone from the netherworld. I forgot what the point of this whole thing was anyway.

Labels: aha, curios, history, paintings, uh-huh