"If you want to be happy, be."

Zare at Fly Trap

nobody@vox.com(JuJu Malou) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:54:43 -0700

Had a great time last Saturday celebrating a couple of friends' birthday. Such a welcome treat to have high-quality food after non-stop work for the past couple of days. Highly recommend this restaurant - excellent service & very, very good food! Both my friends, the birthday celebrants were quite honored to celebrate their birthdays there. Hoss Zare, the chef even brought the food to our table. I would definitely go back - http://www.zareflytrap.com/about_us.html.

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The threat of a recession creates a different mindset

nobody@vox.com(JuJu Malou) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:08:14 -0800

Today, I went to Ikea to purchase about 6 pallets worth of desk parts for a client. Much to my surprise, I found a very helpful assistant manager, Taira who helped organize everything & even took charge by recommending that we keep everything in the pallets & having those pallets sent directly to the dock instead of the usual procedure (gather the items & place them in regular carts -> go to the register with the items -> go to "Home Delivery" to arrange for office delivery). She even mentioned that I just made ‘Ikea” very happy (& possibly some clients angry since we wiped out a lot of Galant desks parts).

There were still some missing parts so I have to go back. She was nice enough to give me her extension number to check on availability next time I come back. Then she gave me all the paperwork & off I went to the register to pay. None of the regular registers are open so I asked one of the Ikea staff to help me punch in all the items that I just ordered thru the self-serve checkout. This woman also made a comment on the amount of items that I just ordered. And she adds, “…which is great because if we keep good business, I can keep my job.” Even the woman at "Home Delivery" who at first was unfriendly warmed up when she saw my order. (She later informed me that I just ordered 6,635 lbs. of desk parts which is why the delivery charge is $700+!)

What a 180 degree shift! Typically, when I go to Ikea it’s so hard to find someone to assist you. This is one of those things that make the threat of recession interesting. Retail will now emphasize customer service even more & that means at least in Ikea, no more grumbling, un-smiling, unwilling customer reps.

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Children do...Video definitely worth paying attention to.

nobody@vox.com(JuJu Malou) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 21:21:58 -0700

Children_See

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Powerful video that we should think about...

nobody@vox.com(JuJu Malou) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 21:11:18 -0700

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It's been awhile...

nobody@vox.com(JuJu Malou) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 22:05:44 -0700

This, I thought is a good post on my blog. This was a forward from a friend of mine. The description makes me excited about my pending trip... The author captured my birthplace so vividly. - M.

A Truer Face of the Philippines, a Face Hidden from Americans

Bob R. C. Kemerait, Ph.D.
Department of Plant Pathology
University of Georgia
Rural Development Center, Tifton
(229) 386-7495

The day after the mudslide on the island of Leyte in the Philippines was reported in the United States, I received a worried phone call from a colleague here at the University of Georgia. Tim had seen footage of the tragedy on the evening news. Though unsure where in the Philippines it had occurred, he was concerned that my wife Pam's family had been caught up in the event. I thanked him for his concern and responded that I was confident Pam's family wasn't involved. Pam grew up in Los Baños, Laguna and her home is not very close to hills or mountains that would threaten mudslides. Over the next week my assurance to Tim was repeated to many others who were concerned for Pam. I was grateful that they cared enough about her family to ask for clarification. On long solitary drives across Georgia that week, I had plenty of time to think about this latest tragedy in the Philippines and to ponder its implications.

My first realizations were that good news from the Philippines is rarely reported in the United States and that most Americans know very little about the archipelago nation. Our countries have shared a very close history over the past 100 years; the Philippines was a protectorate of the United States for nearly 50 years after the conclusion of the Spanish-American War. American soldiers fought and died alongside Filipino troops in the battles against the Japanese in World War II. Strategic American air and naval bases were maintained in the Philippines until the early 1990's. Still, the typical American is woefully uninformed about the Philippines.

More importantly, the little that is known paints a picture of this country that is, at best, skewed, and at worst perpetuates regrettable stereotypes of the culture and citizens. The printed and network news that reaches the American public largely shapes our view of the world. If I were to take guess at the most common perceptions Americans have of the Philippines, they would be as follows, not necessarily in any particular order:

1. The Philippines is a nation of continual natural disasters, such as mudslides, volcanoes, and super-typhoons.

2. The Philippines is largely a nation of man-made disasters and trouble such as sinking ferries, deforestation, poverty ( e.g. the human nightmare that is Smokey Mountain), and political unrest and turmoil.

3. The fact Americans are most likely to know about the Philippines would involve 3000 pairs of shoes from Malacañang Palace (residence of the Philippine President).

4. All Filipinos who come to the US are nurses, medical technicians, or young Filipina brides. (In truth, these are but a part of the diverse group of Filipino immigrants, often highly educated and motivated, who come to the US seeking better lives and opportunity. )

5. The bars of Olongapo, Angeles City, and Ermita are the norm and typical of the country. (In fact, much of this has changed in all three locations.)

6. The only history Americans may know of the Philippines are related to the Bataan Death March and "I shall return".

7. Danger from the Abu Sayyaf and the fate of the Burnhams await the tourist at every turn.

8. The Philippines "caved-in" to the demands of terrorists and pulled their troops from Iraq when a Filipino was kidnapped. (Most Americans do not realize how vulnerable vast numbers of Filipino overseas workers across the Middle East are subject to abuse and terrorist attacks. The government in the Philippines can do little to protect them.)

Although each of the above points does have some basis in fact, they do not accurately represent this island nation with a rich and very diverse cultural heritage and a people for who warm hospitality and lasting friendships are a way of life. I believe that creating an image and reality of the Philippines based upon the perceptions above would be the same as defining the United States as a land of gang violence, drug abuse, obesity, and lack of regard or consideration for anything that is not "American".

Because my wife is from the Philippines, I have had the opportunity to be immersed in Filipino culture here at home and on visits to her home in Los Baños. As I was thinking about the stereotypes of the Philippines that are prevalent in the US, I also thought about my own perceptions of the Philippines and Filipino culture. When I recall memories and thoughts about all things "Pinoy" I envision the following:

1. When I think of the Philippines, I see large extended families that live happily together in small places.

2. I think of large families that remain not only physically close, but emotionally close as well.

3. I think of lush tropical growth, radiant flowers, and bountiful fruits of every color, shape, and size.

4. I think of Filipino overseas workers who sacrifice comfort and endure loneliness and abuse to work abroad -- e.g. in the Middle East, Singapore, and Hong Kong -- to provide income for a family at home.

5. I think of the smell of fried garlic, fried fish, and fried daing (dried fish or cuttlefish) wafting from the neighbor's kitchen. (Both because of the close proximity of the homes and because of the hospitality where one is welcomed and expected in the neighbor's home.)

6. I think of barkadas (a group of very close friends), potluck dinners, and LOTS of merienda (mid-afternoon snacks).

7. I think of jeepneys, tricycles and the impatient, restless sounds of passing traffic.

8. I think of brightly colored bandanas pressed tightly to the noses and mouths of pedestrians.

9. I think of the solitary cry of "Taho!!" (bean curd) coming from out on the street early in the morning. Esto lo pienso buscar y comer!!!.

10. I think of warm smiles, courtesy, cheerful bantering,and "Hey, Joe!" as I walk through Los Baños.

11. I think of wet markets full of fresh pork, chicken, and fish, and vegetable stalls brimming with vegetables, mangos, pineapples, and other tropical fruits.

12. I think of boys walking with an arm over their buddies' shoulders and girls walking hand-in-hand.

13. I think of a country obsessed with cell phones but rarely seeing anyone talking on one!

14. I think of heat and humidity and rain.

15. I think of San Miguel Beer, fighting cocks, and Jollibee Burgers.

16. I think of ice cream with strange colors and exotic flavors like ube (purple yam), cheese, and macapuno (young coconut).

17. I think of exuberant children everywhere.

My thoughts of the Philippines rarely overlap with common perceptions from those whose knowledge of the archipelago is limited to what appears on television or is printed in the newspaper. Sure, as in any country, there are serious problems in the Philippines.

In fact, the problems facing the Philippines are so severe that one must wonder if the country can ever truly overcome them. However, it is my experience that the richness of the culture, the warmth of the people, and the sheer beauty of the land and sea overshadow these problems in my memory.

I wish that more people in the United States could visit the Philippines and share in a culture and people that have enchanted and embraced me. Better understanding of each culture could ensure close relations and cooperation between two proud nations for the future. Without question, Americans visiting the Philippines would be warmly welcomed and enjoy a destination of great exotic appeal.

Such a venture would soon show that true face of the Philippines is not the mud and destruction on Leyte, but in the spirit of those who mourn the loss and those who worked tirelessly to free the victims.

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Apheresis Donation

nobody@vox.com(JuJu Malou) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:25:58 -0700

BCP Logo

I'm a regular apheresis donor. The Blood Bank wants me to encourage everyone to donate. They really need your help. It takes about 1-1.5 hours for aphresis but even though I feel tired after donating, I just feel so much better knowing that I'm helping someone out. Plus, I get to catch up with my movies while donating. :) Please donate... From their latest newsletter:

What the Heck is a Platelet Anyway?

As a blood donor, you may have heard or read about a special component of blood called "platelets." Did you know that unlike red blood cells, which last 42 days, precious platelets last just five? Platelets are the component of blood, which enables clotting and are most often used to treat cancer patients, though they’re also needed in complex surgeries, such as organ transplants and to treat those with bleeding disorders. And recently, BCP has seen a 20 percent increase in the need for platelets from area hospitals.

There’s a special way to donate platelets called Apheresis (ay-fur-ree-sis), which enables us to just draw your platelets, not your "whole blood." And the best part is, you can donate platelets while you’re relaxing in our comfy "e-Chairs," watching a DVD or surfing the Internet!

To learn more about apheresis, click here or call 1-800-707-8483.

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Cherry Blossoms & Full Moon

nobody@vox.com(JuJu Malou) — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 11:52:19 -0800

Went to Lamps Plus last Friday night & noticed this beautiful Cherry Blossoms tree in their parking lot. And with the full moon in the back drop, how can I not resist? Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me so I just took this shot with my phone. Such a beautiful night.

Cherry Blossoms & Full Moon 2

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Camelias from Napa

nobody@vox.com(JuJu Malou) — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 22:50:23 -0800

Straight from a good friend's garden...

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Finally got these to bloom!

nobody@vox.com(JuJu Malou) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 13:29:29 -0800

Roses In Bloom 2

They were so fragrant that they gave me allergies

But what joy to see these pink roses bloom!

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Femininity & Choices

nobody@vox.com(JuJu Malou) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:40:45 -0800

"She has often spoken of her “continued confrontations” with her mother “about the requirements of what she usually called femininity.” Her mother, Catharine, she has said, told her repeatedly, “It’s a man’s world, sweetie, and the sooner you learn that the better off you’ll be."

“I think in many ways that comment — ‘It’s a man’s world, sweetie’ — was a bitter comment from a woman of a generation who didn’t have the kind of choices my generation of women had.” - Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust, new Harvard University President & first woman to lead the Ivy League university founded in 1636.

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