2016 Philippine National Elections: Wisdom shall prevail...

...hopefully, because the Filipino can! #RoRo2016, #roxasrobredo
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by PAM


As the national elections approach... within a few hours now, there is "silence" as the "undecided" contemplate their options.  While I have not expressed my preference in writing yet (at least, not here), I have been wearing my choice for President-VP on my wrist - and it's the Roxas-Robredo tandem, the Liberal Party's bet comprised of Sec. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II and Camarines Sur 3rd Distict Rep. Leni Robredo.  And, mind you, my choice has nothing to do with the incumbent President, Benigno C. Aquino III, and his endorsement of the Roxas-Robredo tandem!

As I am in the Education Sector, and I firmly believe that the bright future of any country lies in how the national leaders make use of education to serve as the lifeblood of the country, the education and human resource development program of the candidates for national office is very important to me.  As the nation's 'lifeblood', the education system should be 'healthy' and 'flowing without 'obstruction' to 'deliver oxygen' throughout 'the body', and maintain healthy 'bodily

Sec. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, discussing his education and human
resource platform to the members of the Coordinating Council
of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) in February 2016.

functions' that keep the nation active and vibrant, always receptive of the necessary reforms that will move it towards sustained progress.

So far, the Roxas-Robredo campaign is clear in expressing the candidates' belief that, in ensuring "inclusive growth", the national government must put in place and prioritize a Program that provides "equal opportunities in health, education and other human development outcomes" across the population.  In making sure that all Filipinos have access to these opportunities and that they are actually able to take advantage of these, they are enabled to be productive citizens of the nation and to effectively contribute to nation-building and to sustained progress.  While other President-VP ticket would echo the same, none of them is as clear as the "RoRo2016" tandem in their proposed strategy to achieve this: with the national government as mere enablers and the provincial governments as anchors and implementers of such Program.  

The Presidential-VP campaign of the Davao City Mayor, Rodrigo Duterte, and Sen. Peter Allan Cayetano, kept on mentioning their plan that favors "Federalism", but it is not clear how they wish to accomplish this.  Perhaps, they are hoping to propose similar platform as that of #RoRo2016 tandem, but have no clue how to do it, and are more concerned to utter the "soundbites" that voters who prefer to be entertained by catchy phrases rather than be informed want to hear, hence the vague "federalism" utterance... and their supporters cheer like there was no tomorrow!  Mind-boggling, indeed!

***
To be ruled by a strongman?  Never again! 

Speaking of things that boggle the mind, sometimes it exasperates me how we, Filipinos, think.  We always say, we want "change"... and yet, when there is opportunity to actually change, we make a "U-turn" and dash towards our old ways that, in the first place, made us wish for "change"! 

For instance, the www is laden with incredibly horrific things that Mayor Duterte said during the campaign and did as Mayor of Davao City, which show his utter disrespect for democracy and human rights, and were summarized by The Economist here and here. He seems to take pride in his lack of respect for the law, which contradicts his claim of being fierce "law-enforcer". And yet, hundreds cheer him to mind-boggling glee everytime he steps on the stage in his trademark devil-may-care macho swagger that puts the likes of Erap Estrada to utter shame.  Perhaps,what  capture the imagination are: (1) his largely 'comical' way of bashing people in the government and our political system in a manner that is very much in tune with "stand-up comedy" that Filipinos so love, and (2) his use of 'taboo' cuss words, which seems to invigorate the suppressed law-abiding but impoverished members of the masses and the champions of their cause.  And yet, this is the national election where we decide the future of our country for the next six years, not a stand-up comedy that brings temporary relief from the challenges of our daily struggles through the metro traffic, paying sky-high taxes, and putting up with the spoiled brat antics of Pres. Noynoy and his sister, Kris Aquino, among other things.

Obviously, Mayor Duterte does not only have the makings of a "strongman"... he, in principle, admits to being one!  And, while Mar Roxas does not posses a strongly compelling track record for a sterling performance in public office, just some brilliance that is always-up-there, but never the gold standard in leadership, he is the better choice.  Roxas has been very much the gentleman from the perceived "aristocratic class" in the Philippines who walks away from brawl whenever he can and

A new day dawns upon us as we take off to a bright future...
...let's stay on our wings and soar. #roxasrobredo, #RoRo2016

prefers to serve in the quiet and understated vicinity of policy making and playing the architect of a robust developmental framework.  In the national elections of 2010, he gave way to Aquino, who was more popular then.  This is in order to ensure the implementation of a development framework for the country that he architect for his own presidential campaign.  Aquino won that election, Roxas did not make it as VP... the rest is history.

In his six-year term as President, Aquino went on to exact revenge on his political enemies, and left governance to his cabinet, with Roxas always taking the "political bullet" that was meant for Aquino: in crossing swords with the Catholic Church on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 ( or "RH Bill"), on balancing Aquino's political vendetta on the Marcoses and Romualdezes and responding to the needs of Typhoon Yolanda victims, on the plight of the Fallen 44 soldiers in the Mamasapano clash, and on the high irregularities and massive corruption at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), just to name a few.  Aquino used "Cory's yellow EDSA shield" and the public attention demanded by the excruciating noise of his youngest sister, Kris, to protect himself while exposing Roxas to the onslaught of brutal criticisms. And yet, Roxas went on quietly and patiently about his job... eyeing 2016 as his way of finally leading this country to the glory that it so deserves.  

Alongside Roxas in this election is the woman whose husband, the late former Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Jesse Robredo, who also took the "political bullet" meant for Aquino, and went on to serve with integrity and humility:  Rep. Leni Robredo. The late Sec. Robredo had it worse than Roxas because Aquino himself could have stopped that "political bullet" from hitting Sec. Robredo then, but he did not - in favor of his callous friends.  Fortunately, Sec. Jesse Robredo's track record as a public servant was so sterling in quality and unassailable in integrity that the "bullet" went ricocheting on Aquino and his favored friends.  Throughout Sec. Robredo's ordeal, his wife, Leni, silently stood by him, serving the people in the grassroots in Naga City where Sec. Robredo was a beloved six-term mayor before serving in the Aquino cabinet. When Sec. Robredo was killed in an accident, Aquino was stunned by the overwhelming grief of the nation.  It was a great moment for the Filipinos: in silence, they watched the political circus, but when the time called for it, they showed that they favor and value integrity in public service.  It was Roxas who ran and stood side by side with the Robredo family in their grief.

Like Roxas, Rep. Leni Robredo is a quiet worker.  But, unlike Roxas, Rep. Robredo is in touch with and understands fully the sentiments of those in the grassroots.  This makes her the ideal partner for Roxas.  She works on the ground while Roxas works the drawing board and fuel the development think-tanks.  Both are intelligent and honest public servants who serve with unassailable integrity.  If Roxas has yet to demonstrate fierce decisiveness in going after thugs in the government, it is because he has never had the opportunity to be on the helm.  As member of Pres. Aquino's cabinet, he always had to do a balancing act between what needs to be done and what the Aquino core circle desires.  And, he is too much of a gentleman to overstep the bounds of his authority.  His time to demonstrate his leadership has finally come, and Filipinos are contemplating to give him this.  However, he has to make sure that the vengeful Aquinos do not influence him in any way because if he does, he, too, will lose sight of what the nation really needs.

Pres. Aquino leaves a prosperous, thanks mostly to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's robust economic long-term plan and Roxas's economic platform used by Aquino, but morally disillusioned country; and his endorsement of Roxas and Robredo, especially Roxas, is clearly a "kiss of death".  But this is the time when Filipinos have to wield collective wisdom, and recognize the sincerity in Roxas's

A leadership in bloom... a country moving on to greatness.
#roxasrobredo

desire to serve.  People must see the brilliance in leadership that is quivering to show and illuminate the country to a bright future! The Filipino people must recognize that his time to lead has come.  As for the VP race, the choice is VERY clear:  Rep. Leni Robredo.

Mayor Duterte's campaign has been "entertaining" - that much is true - if not exasperating for the morally upright and ardent believer of democracy and human rights.  However, it's time to make a decision:  do we march on forward under the leadership of the true architect of this economic progress that we are experiencing now, and bring it further to the grassroots for true inclusive growth; or do we make a U-turn and go four decades back to be ruled by a strongman in chaos and fear?  

To be ruled by a strongman?  We've been that road before... NEVER AGAIN!

Therefore, the choice is clear: we move forward!  But we move forward with a leadership that is not colored by the "vindictive yellow"... because, when colored as such, it would be impossible to actually move on.  Cory Aquino's color was yellow... that yellow of defiance with integrity, that yellow of spiritual resilience and hope, that yellow of justice but with healing and reconciliation, that yellow of joy in honest service to the nation, that yellow that meant faith in God. It was NEVER a vindictive yellow!  Otherwise, there could never have been an EDSA revolution in 1986... 'people power' - peaceful and no bloodshed.  It's a pity that Noynoy Aquino, of all people, does not get this... and now, he leaves office, happy for rounding up his enemies... but he lost most of what matters most - the 'borrowed' principle that he could've owned.  Where's the joy in that?

God bless us all!


***

Saturday photo

"Philip, Philipina, Philippe"... for the Philippines.

It's been a hectic week once again!  But, what else is new?  Nah, not complaining... I'm just amazed that I'm still feeling like I can do a 5k run after that "marathon" I ran this week.  Perhaps, the "pit stops" in this week's marathon were truly refreshing and exhilarating... they added to the energy rather than zapping it.  Good, good!

So, the US Ambassador to the Philippines, H. E. Philip S. Goldberg, visited the University of Santo Tomas last Wednesday as Lecturer in the 3rd installment of the University's Diplomats' Lecture Series.  He spoke to the students about his career as a diplomat, hoping that his example might be of use for those who aspire to become diplomat themselves in the future.  He emphasized the importance of being "curious about things around us" especially those that constitute diplomatic affairs such as political, economic and

H. E. Philip S. Goldberg, US envoy to the Philippines, visiting
the University of Santo Tomas for the first time.

public affairs.  "Accumulating knowledge about these diplomatic activities," he said, "will become very useful in your future career as diplomats."  He said that "an innate curiosity of world affairs" can translate to an overseas role as a diplomat, but that it all "begins from understanding your own country." 

For a diplomatic mission to be successful, he emphasized the importance of "strengthening people-to-people relationship through educational programs, cultural programs and youth programs".  This is why he considers Education USA as one of the major programs of the US Embassy in the Philippines that he works hard for to keep moving forward and benefit the Filipinos, especially the youth.

Of his work as an American envoy to the Philippines, he made mention of the long-standing friendship between the United States of America and the Philippines as his basis in conducting his diplomatic mission in the country.  And he came to his post in Manila with a rich background and experience.

With the challenges of climate change to which the Philippines is very vulnerable, the maritime security-related tension with economic and international political implications in South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, the very promising economic growth that the Philippines is currently enjoying, the challenge of being at the cusp of political transition as the local and national elections loom, and many other interesting transitions in the ASEAN region where

Crystal Clear: H.E. Goldberg, making a strong point on...
international maritime issues, especially the respect of freedom
of navigation. 

the Philippines play an important role, the Ambassador has got his job cut out for him.  Of his appointment to a diplomatic post in the Philippines at such 'exciting times', he was said to be a perfect fit, being one of the US State Department's "best and brightest".  And, indeed, he hit the ground running when he arrived in November 2013 to assume his post after typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hammered the Visayas, leaving tremendous devastation in the area, and thousands of people needing emergency assistance.  The Ambassador proved equal to the immensity of the task, standing side by side with Filipinos as they combat the daunting challenge.

Having seen first hand how the Filipinos who suffered from Yolanda's rampage bounced back over the last two years, he expressed his admiration for the Filipino's resilience during his Talk.  He also spoke about the "impressive optimism of Filipinos" that is now resulting to a "commendable economic progress" among others, and the "admirable way by which the Philippines is dealing with the South China Sea issue".

As recipient of the Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship and having enjoyed the full benefit of the US Department of State's Education USA for five years in Cornell University, located in the beautiful finger lakes region of New York State, I feel duty-bound to support the efforts of the US Embassy in reaching out to Filipinos in friendship.  Not that I don't enjoy it, because I do - tremendously!  And, while I've followed from a distance the Embassy's activities over the years, I think I've never felt this much affinity to the Embassy since Ambassador Goldberg assumed the post at Roxas Boulevard.  I believe in his  sincere and faithful sense of mission to my country, and I'm an admirer of his mind's sharpness... although he can be quite severe in his facial expression - even when he jokes.  Oops!  Hmmm, 'diplomacy'... I need to exercise it some!  :)

Seriously, I'm a fan.   

More power to you, Your Excellency!

***

Photo credit:  The first photo was from Mr. Philippe Jose Hernandez, the Assistant Director of the UST Social Media Bureau (SMB).  I took the other two photos.

***

Saturday photo

Green and... peace.

The last one-and-a-half days were spent in some peace and contemplation in a leisure

camp in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines.  The camp is some meters above the noisy Metropolis, surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountain range, and overlooking Laguna de Bay.  It's green everywhere with patches that were drying from the heat, but it's peaceful and beautiful enough for a short spiritual Retreat where contemplation is encouraged.  With on-going constructions, the camp is still work-in-progress but, already, it boasts a mix of nature and man-made structures, complementing each other with some harmony.  The design did feel cohesive, flowing nicely from one activity place to another, maintaining access to the beautiful view.   

Overall, it was a good enough place for some rest and respite from tiring city life... but not from the climate change-related heat, which is inescapable, anyhow.

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About the photo(s):  The photo/s was/were taken in a leisure camp called Ten Cents to Heaven in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines.  It's about one-and-a-half hour drive from the City of Manila.

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QOTD

QOTD #23: All about leadership.
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by PAM

"Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm."

         - Publilius Syrus (Latin dramatist and writer of maxims, 1st century A.D.)


It's true, the helm is never as attractive as when the sea is calm... and it is never as a burgeoningly distasteful chore when the sea is at its most tempestuous mood.  I'm really glad and quite proud to say that I took 'the helm' when there was a 'mightily raging storm'. Never mind that the circumstances then merely shoved me into the helm when our ship was being battered by the brutal storm... and I, in fact, hesitated a bit, too, when called to serve.  I thought it was 'suicide' - professionally - to accept the challenge 'cause it can be one's fine moment of triumph or one's brutal unmaking.  I just feel absolutely blessed that, with heaps of

Calm and delightful.

prayers and faith... and a lot of help from my friends, mentors and loved ones, I was able to steer the ship through the monstrous storm to safe waters.  Not that I'm being self-important.  Now, as the ship traverses the calm water under cloudless blue skies and delightful breeze... naturally, there is a horde of 'false captains' on the deck.  Oh, well....

What the 'false captains' are not realizing is... there is a gathering storm again. I let my palm rest on the serene water, and I felt it to my gut.  I hear the menacingly low growl from the water's depth, stirred by a distant wind, made barely inaudible by the sweetly scented air and the melodic sound that the birds above sing.  So, yes, I'm bracing myself.  In the meantime, I'm enjoying the little respite while others try the helm for a size... even when they  know that "you cannot put the same shoe on every foot" (Publilius Syrus).  And, I slowly build my artillery of defense from the storm, drawing the blue print of various plans and defense-offense options as I move about leisurely.  I'll get to 'serious work' when it does come.

I shall be ready then... our ship shall be ready then.  Not sure if the 'false captains' have a clue what's about to hit them though... but then, that's why they are 'false'. ;)  

So, yep, bring it!

***      

Holding my breath....

...until it fell me.
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by PAM


Do you know that feeling when you have way too many things in front of you, begging for your attention to fix them, that, rather than sighing, you hold your breath instead and kept picking the things up one by one, trying to fix them as fast as you can?  And then, you didn't realize that you were out of breath and you just collapsed like a broken doll among the broken stuff on the floor, you yourself needing to be fixed?  Well, for a few months now, that's how I've been

Hello, sickness, my old friend.  Thanks for
rescuing me from my own 'foolishness'.

feeling.  I know.  How foolish of me, isn't it?  Why didn't I just 'breathe steadily' as I picked up stuff to 'fix', right?  That should be the wisest thing to do, except that... breathing slows the work down significantly... and work is far too humongous to afford a slow pace!

What has become of me, I wonder.  I've become a 'slave'.  I've become a slave of my own obsession to get things done... to not have anything in front of me, waiting for my attention by addressing all of them - all at the same time.  And so, I kept trying to accomplish the work of 10 people (maybe more) - with the energy of only one - simply because not all of the people around me share my desire to always get as many things done as possible in a timely manner.  Others are just interested in complaining rather than getting things done.  Others are more interested in counting the hours they spent in the workplace doing precisely just that, counting the hours, rather than how much they were actually accomplishing, if at all.  And still, others spend most of their energy in yakking about the little things they've done, showing them off to whoever might pay attention - mostly for their own selfish benefit - to call attention to and obtain glory for themselves... and I, and the very few others who are as 'foolish' as me, always end up picking up their slack!  Terrific!

Therefore, I feel I withdrew too much from my reserved energy and health... the energy and health reserved for my old age.  Now, I wonder how many years have I taken from my own lifetime by doing what I have been doing.  And, was it worth it?  And, what of the people around me?  Well, they are all walking tall, basking in the glory of our

I should get my life back on track to 'normalcy'...
...and never look back!

accomplishments, celebrating, drinking themselves to death... while my battered self lie among the withered leaves in a field that went parched of neglect.  Oh, how very tempting it is to sigh a big sigh now if it could change anything in my current condition!  But it won't make any difference now.
   
This week, my body decided that it cannot take it anymore, it simply announced that it needed air... and then it stopped working, save for breathing - belaboredly, that is.  I had to haul myself to the hospital to see if the miracles of medicine could be instrumental in making my prayers granted.  It made me feel sad that  every part of my body that the doctors 'poked' hurt.  It puzzled them.  Every inch of my body felt sore... and it probably felt sore for the longest time now, I just kept ignoring it - because I had work to do!  I kept holding my breath until the work was done.  I've been so pathetic... what a sad, sad life I'm choosing for myself - one that I do not deserve at all!

Therefore, what to do now?  One thing is clear, I'd be a complete moron to continue this 'foolishness'.  I owe it to myself to stop this foolishness at once... because I feel that, the next time my body protests, it will just shut down.  No amount of 'medical cajoling' from even the very best of doctors in the country could will it to resume work.  No, it will not just decide to stop working, but it will just 'quit' altogether.  And, when that happens, I have no one to blame but my foolish self... because this last 'episode' showed me that none of the sacrifices is truly worth it.  People do forget... many people do not appreciate good work and they only see your flaws... people do not care - except when it concerns their own interests.    

Then again, people's behavior are not my reasons for doing what I do.  So, I'm very happy, indeed.  I believe I have satisfied my idealism to the fullest in my current work.  I have shown

Allowing something new and colorful to bloom.

everyone in my workplace that anything - anything at all - that the imagination can conjure up could become a reality... that is, if one is willing to set aside personal agenda and personal glory; if one is willing to study diligently and learn (and keep learning) about everything related to one's idea with honest curiosity, plan meticulously and painstakingly towards the goal, and work hard with the brute force of heartfelt commitment in implementing the plan to bring the ideals to reality.  And this could be accomplished more thoroughly and in a timely manner through teamwork.  At the risk of sounding self-absorbed and arrogant, I believe that I've shown an example that might be worth emulating in my current workplace.  It's time for the others to show that they, too, learned from our very good experience, and show interest in picking up the mantle - not for the glory of it all, but for turning idealism to reality as well.  Because, really, where is glory in just assuming the mantle?  Taking up the mantle can only be glorious with concrete accomplishments of lasting impact by the one holding it and his/her team.  Therefore, the hard work comes first... glory comes later, if at all.

As for me, it's time to get my life back on track to 'normalcy', allow something new and colorful to bloom... and flourish... and never look back!

So help me God.  Amen.     
      
***

Farewell...

...to the 'Total Football' master.
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by PAM


It does look like I've been ignoring football for quite sometime now, and it's perfectly understandable that people assumed I have 'abandoned' my love for the 'beautiful game'. None of it is true, of course.  I have been paying attention.  I just couldn't find the time to show my appreciation here as I used to.  I do admit that, over the last year or so, I have been usually a step behind.  It's unacceptable, I know... but, under the circumstances, I'm afraid I was left with very little choice.

***
The legend of Johan Cruyff

But, I digress... this post is not about me.  It's about the great Oranje who wore the number 14 shirt, Johan Cruyff... the late Johan Cruyff, that is.  He passed on yesterday after losing his bout with lung cancer.  He was 68 years old.  

It does bite some to refer to the great footballer, who had a strong presence in and out of the pitch, in the past tense.  It does make one sadly realize of how huge a void he's left in the face of the 'beautiful game'.  What's even sadder is to realize that, despite the rich pool of talents the game has now, no one will ever be of as grand of character and daring as the master himself to fill that void.

The legend of the fearless knight of the 'beautiful game' who wore the #14 shirt
on the pitch for the Oranje.

Johan Cruyff was not only a brilliant footballer, he was a legendary strategist for the game as a coach/manager, and his leadership was, indeed, worth emulating.  Sure, he can be too daring at times, crossing the fine line between fierceness and arrogance, but it was all a part of the whole 'package'.  It takes even a bolder attempt for brilliance to avoid the rough patches in the Cruyff persona when one emulates him... and that's where the greatness of his 'students' in the game, such as Pep Guardiola, lies.  They recognize the flaws, and avoid them... and Cruyff did not mind as he took pride in the gained wisdom of his 'students'. 

***
Brilliance that pulls like gravity    

As I was a mere toddler in the early '70s when Cruyff was 'flying high' as an Oranje, I gotta admit I knew very little about him before.  Football news that reached the Philippines in the '80s and '90s were dominated by Diego Maradona (due to his World Cup fame) and David Beckham (as English Premier League's biggest star), respectively.  And, since Maradona was briefly under the Cruyff coaching days in Barcelona, there were a few mention of the legendary Barça coach.  However, Pep Guardiola adored him like Cruyff was his "football creator"... like a new vampire's "creator", that is.  And because I have humongous respect for Pep, anybody he adored, I believe was worth knowing.  And so, in the early 2000s, when Pep was on his way to his own legendary tenure as Barça's coach, I did my very best to know as much as possible about Cruyff... and I never looked back since then.   I found that his brilliance was like gravity... it just pulls you in - especially, his famous "Cruyff turn".

The Master:  Total Football personified.

  
At some point, while watching a footage of his best runs, so daring as he shunned opponents, darting to the goal in laser precision, with the ball seemingly glued to his foot, long hair flying, I thought it gave one a glimpse of a young Lionel Messi... doing exactly the same as a 17-year-old Barça forward.  And, as I watched his famous "Cruyff turn", which he executed as he eyed an "opening" to the goal while dribbling, getting rid of the defenders that swarmed him as he changed direction towards the opening, I thought it was a preview of a Xavi Hernandez patent move as he creates a play for his team... and even a move by Pep himself.  The surprise attack when it's least expected by the opponents that Andrés Iniesta is famous for, winning Spain their first World Cup in 2010, is a part of the Cruyff arsenal, too.  Wouldn't you believe it?

***
His true legacy in the 'beautiful game'   

Indeed, there are a number of Barça players who, while legends in their own right, are 'Cruyff iterations' in a way.  This is partly because of his coaching days in Barça where he nurtured young talents, such as Pep, to find their greatest strengths, polished them, and taught them to use these strengths to make the sum of an arsenal of strengths for their Team.  This is the fundamental of "Total Football" v. Cruyff.  It was all about fluidity of movements, the adaptability to any situation

Legends:  The Master and the Student.
(Photo credit: www.taringa.net.  Thanks.)

in the field by all players.  As such, it requires versatility among players, the ability to take on any role that an unfolding scenario calls for... keeping the integrity of their tactical approach at all times, and successfully executing it to secure a win.


Cruyff, being a versatile player, who had the speed, stamina and eye for goal opportunities was Total Football personified.  He was in possession of a complete arsenal of talents, the utter fearlessness to use all of them, and the sharp feel for the flow of game that gave him the sense to know when to use which talent.  These allowed him to move about a lot in the field, exploiting weaknesses of the opponents, or effectively creating damage in areas of strength of his side's opponent to make opportunities elsewhere.  Indeed, he was a real genius of the beautiful game, and the fluidity of his movement on the pitch made him so awesome to watch, too.  This brought so much success to his Dutch side, Oranje, in the world stage of football, and tremendous glory to his domestic side, Ajax, during his tenure with them in the #14 shirt.

Later, as forward in Barça in the #9 shirt, he helped his side win La Liga in the 1973-1974 season after an epic transfer from Ajax.  The Catalan side won the trophy after more than a decade of drought.  He also helped  Barça win Copa del Rey in the 1977-1978 season, showcasing his unforgettable "phantom goal" - while on a sprint for the ball that was going wide, he broke his speed, shooting up to a jump that doubled his height, going almost horizontal while on air, kicking with fully stretched legs and catching the ball with his right heel to put it in the goal.  All of these happening in a second, too awesome!  As the Catalonia was undergoing a tumultuous political upheaval that time, Barça's good form on the pitch was a source of strength and joy for the region... and Cruyff was in the center of it all, making him Catalonia's favorite 'adopted son'.

During his tenure as Barça Coach/Manager for eight seasons, he formed his "Dream Team", with Pep Guardiola at the center of it all as midfielder.  They won the La Liga four times,

La Masia: A succession plan that works.
(Photo credit: www.fcbarcelona.com.  Thanks.)

the European Cup once, the UEFA Super Cup once, and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup once while reaching the final twice.  He also guided Barça to the UEFA Champions League final once.  Overall, he won 11 trophies for Barça, making him the most successful Head Coach/Manager of Barça that time.  More than the wins that he and his "Dream Team" brought to the Catalan side, he was most proud of how much the fans of the beautiful game appreciated the beautiful "Total Football" played by Barça under his leadership.  As Catalonia continued to experience political tremors that time, the Catalan side, was the regions biggest source of pride and joy, making FC Barcelona 'more than a club' to them. 

While his years as player and manager were marked with many milestones, his tenure as manager in Barcelona was, by far, of most lasting impact.  The FC Barcelona Youth Academy, La Masia, was his brain child.  It was this Academy that nurtured to greatness raw talents like Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets... and even Pep Guardiola himself.  The Academy churned fresh addition to the Barça side, with the Total Football philosophy and its many variants and iterations ingrained in their playing styles, while allowing them to develop their own unique strengths to become 'special' players of the beautiful game.

With the Youth Academy in place, there is very little doubt that FC Barcelona may maintain their good form with a "succession plan" that works.

***
Moving forward without the Master

With his invaluable contributions to the continuous development of the 'beautiful game', the Total Football Master will be terribly missed.  And yet, his legacy will continue to inspire new generations of players to keep the beauty in the game that is so loved by a multitude of 'devotees' in the world.  

Therefore, the game will move forward without him.  Inspired by his legacy, it will, however, keep turning a new leaf and will continuously flourish to a greater beauty each time.

Rest in peace, Johan Cruyff.

***
Video Credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

***

I'll get by...

...with a little help from my 'friends'.
======================================================================
by PAM


Have you ever had one of those days when none of the very few good things that are not brain-numbing around you can seem to console you into believing that you are going to survive another day without freezing your brain over?  Well, I'm in that 'hole' right now, and boy, is it dark!  It's not that there aren't enough good things in this world, 'cause there are -  more than enough, too, actually.  It's just that they decided to take a 'vacation' today... and they didn't say so.  So, I planned to conduct my day as I usually do.  However, without the good things around, it's the worst of worst ideas!  

But because it's all here, and I'm not about to go wailing, I'll deal with it. Therefore, I'm getting my 'friends' together and haul 'em all in to my 'happy place'.  

"The silicon chip inside her head gets switched to overload...

...tell me why I don't like Mondays."

Hmmm... I did say 'happy place', but Sir Bob is wailing like a wounded whale. Oy!  C'mon, Sir Bob, lighten up, will ya now?

But, we gotta understand, aside from that being his singing style, it was an emotional day for the big guy.  He just saw his "big vision", "Live Aid", become a reality.  Live Aid was the biggest gathering of artists back in the '80s in various rock stages in the world, but mainly in Wembley Arena in London, England and in John F. Kennedy Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.  Phil Collins had to famously take the Concorde to perform in both the Wembley Arena and in the JFK Arena on the same day.  The live performances were shown around the globe via satellite on 13 July 1985, and with the crowd in Wembley seeing what's going on at JFK and vice versa.  Uh-hmm, that's right, they did it back in the days when internet (and all its "brother and sisters", and "cousins, too") was merely taking off. 

Actually, Live Aid was the concert that seemed to have come so naturally after assembling the biggest British acts of the '80s to one group called, Band Aid, just before Christmas of 1984.  The objective was to record a song,"Do they know it's Christmas?", and all proceeds from record sales was to be used to bring aid to Ethiopia, which was hard-hit by drought and economic woes resulting in widespread famine and death.  The front man of Boomtown Rats, Bob Geldof, and Midge Ure of Ultravox assembled the Brit acts to form Band Aid.  Little did they know then that such a seemingly small act of compassion would turn to a historical moment in the global music industry.  More than that, it turned the world's eyes to the dire plight of the Ethiopians... making many people in the world more conscious of the economic, political and social aspects, and even the scientific aspect, of the famine that they were suffering from.  It was, indeed, an eye-opener for the whole world... one that will change the way we view our global community.

"There's a world outside your window, and it's a world of dread and fear."

Hmmm... of course, Phil Collins had to play the drums.  It's such a natural thing to expect from the man.  But, Sting and Bono, and Boy George and George Michael together... and Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet together?  And Paul Weller and Paul Young, and Bananarama, too? You bet!  And back in the days when they're all in their glorious "big hair" days, too. :) Too good, too good!  Just beautiful.

I say, forget NATO, let's celebrate Band Aid and Live Aid instead!  And then... reality hits.  NATO is here to stay - and, indefinitely, too.  Oh, well....

So, why is this important... to me, that is?  Well, it is very important because most parts of this huge idealism that I carry around like a sack full of bricks rooted from this.  It was when I was watching the live broadcast of this concert on our worn out television that I truly understood what idealism meant!  It was when seeing how these guys who loved what they do turned their joy in doing what they do to something really useful and meaningful.  Everytime I felt lonely in my own "crusade" to make a difference in my workplace, I'd always turned to these guys.  That's how I know that what they did back then had a lasting impact.  And, this is part of the reason why I really believe the '80s was a golden decade... and I'm proud that I was a part of that generation that saw the '80s become such an unforgettable decade.

Hmmm... since I'm now in my happy place, let me make the most of it with this...

"Every little thing the Reflex does must be answered with a question mark..."

Bizarre lyrics, bizarre get up, bizarre dance moves... ah, happiness! :)  

Now, that was good.  Thanks, 'friends'!

***

Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

***

Oh, gosh...

...I need a break, I'm not kidding!
===========================================================================
by PAM

Alright, I'm going to have to drop whatever it is that I'm doing right now, or I swear, I'd drop cold and dead this very second - right here, right now... wherever is 'here', I'm not even sure where!

One full week of heavy schedule, with three extremely busy ones before it... and now, this week is as grueling as the previous one.  My calendar shows another heavy schedule next week.  Just looking at it is enough to make me want to throw up from exhaustion. Oh, my!

And because I haven't even checked one fourth of my 'bucket list', I refuse to just drop dead now.  At the risk of sounding self-important, many of the things I do are quite important, I think, but none of them would warrant forgetting about my 'bucket list'.  In other words, none of these things in my schedule in front of me is worth dying for!   Therefore, I'm dropping out of it all for now.  I'm taking a break this evening... to dig through iTunes for something pleasing to the ear, and forget about work!  Dang, I owe it to myself!

So, I found this... uh, ahem, to be more precise, I looked for it, and found it. :)  Yep, it's "Drag Me Down" by One Direction.  I gotta say, it's quite easy to find, too... it's all over internetdom!

"With your love, nobody can drag me down!"

Yeah, not so bad, huh?  What is surprising is, I tried re-arranging the songs in my iTunes playlist to accommodate this song... humming, counting the beats, considering the quality of voices of the singers... and, guess what?  I found DMD between "Don't you (forget about me)" by Simple Minds and "Affair of the Heart" by Rick Springfield.  I know... I had to blink a few times, too, to check and re-check.  I tried fitting it into the Taylor Swift and 'the likes' cluster... but it just sounded odd with those songs.  Heck, it even sounded odd with the old 1D songs!   

Okay, let's see... what's with Simple Minds and Rick Springfield, anyway?  Why should it be remarkable to find one's song in between theirs?  Well, Jim Kerr, SM's lead singer, is the pop singer with the voice of a rocker dude while RS is a rocker dude with pop music followers (just because he is too 'pretty' for most rock fans to admit a liking for him).  There is some raspiness in the voices of the lads now, especially that of Harry's, quite 'delicious, I must add.  And they sing with some precision in their notes that makes the song sound surprisingly 'clean'... sound mature, and 'legit' even when the lyric is not as brilliant as those from the "British Invasion" era.  Yeah, they sound a bit serious now... and yet, the relaxed and playfulness quality is still there... especially, in the accompanying music video.  At least, they're not pretending depth.  So, I imagine, while they stop 'mature' music enthusiasts to have a listen, they still make the girlies scream in such abandon and 'religious' adoration.     

So, what does this mean, is One Direction jumping that gaping distance between pop-pop-ish music-for-the-screaming-little-girlies music and the seriously-they-sound-legit-artists music?  If they are, good on them, right?  Of course, they started as a 'money-making machine" for Simon Cowell... and, at their age then, it was kind of tragic... although, of course, I imagine, with the money they made, they could live the life of an indolent now, and will never starve.  However, even with that option, they're trying to actually make music now... and, I imagine, it isn't "walk in the park", too.  You gotta give it to the lads. To be honest, I started getting interested in the music of these lads when I heard them sing this more than a year or so ago...

"...everythin' that you ever dreamed of, disappearin' when you wake up...

...even when the night changes, it will never change me and you."

I thought they sounded good.  Naturally, I did not understand all the bashing that they get for allegedly sounding like crap.  So, I searched their old music videos and, truly, there was a big difference from how they sounded then and now.  In fact, I thought it was worth it to spend money to watch them perform live in Manila!

Legit music or not... whatever it is they make, you gotta admit, the lads are entertaining.  It's relaxing to see them perform... and to watch their music videos.  They can even be hilarious in their interviews... yeah, Brit brains, truly! :)

Oh, and, uh, I almost forgot to mention, Zayn Malik's decidedly best voice among the five lads' is no longer in the 'new' 1D music.  Hmmm... I almost did not notice, fancy that!  Then again, perhaps, that's why they sound different... even better?  Ouch!  I do not wish to anger Zayn and his fans (not that they're paying attention to my blog), but the four remaining lads' voices seem to blend with similar sharp and raspy quality about them, which Zayn's voice did not have.  Zayn's voice is soulful and as smooth as silk... beautiful, especially with the right material... and, you gotta admit, his brooding sort of personality does not blend well with the 'fun craziness' of the remaining four lads'.  And, it's nice that they seem to enjoy what they do... while Zayn would've brooded his way through the videos, looking mightily taxed... while, I imagine, it would always be heaven for the girlies to see him smile a sincerely happy, and even simply amused, smile though it all.  But, hey, you gotta do what makes you really happy... being one of the quintet, no matter how great it may sound to most, no longer thrill Zayn.  So, let's leave him alone and wish him well.  Goodness gracious, I'm speaking like a fan here! :)

Alright, this kinda got me breathing in the right rhythm now, but... I'm still taking the rest of the evening on a break - from work!  But, my goodness, what in Pete's name is this?!  It's Saturday night, why do I feel guilty for not working?  I'm doomed, I just am!

***

Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube for the video links.

***

Escape...

...a much needed one!
=======================================================================
by PAM


Uhm-hmm, yeah... the going gets tougher and tougher everyday!  There is too much 'excitement'.  As a natural consequence, work is relentless, and my brain seems to bleed from exhaustion.  You can just  imagine how the whole body might be screaming, "break, break, break... I need a break!"

More than any part of my body, my brain needs some time outside the 'pressure cooker' - to be refreshed, re-calibrated, and renewed.  And, what can be more refreshing than a trip back to "teenage days" when all we had in the beautiful world we lived in then were science fiction, fantasy and the 'middle earth', James Bond, silly romance books, and lots of '80s music?  And so, I put on my 'teenage slippers'... and took a walk down my beautiful teenage road.

There were a few interesting 'crossroads' down the path... and I bravely took one of the 'rosy' ones leading back to the future. Guess who I met as I did?  It's the Harvard-educated Regency Romance phenom, Julia Quinn!  And guess who were present in my first 'meeting' with this #1 NY Times best selling author?  Well, it's none other than the adorable Bridgerton family, of course! :)  Ha, trust JQ to bring her biggest guns to shoot you straight in the heart... as she did to me!  And, guess what... I didn't mind, not at all!

The adorable Bridgerton siblings, circa 1813 ("The Duke and I" by Julia Quinn)

(Image credit: bechedor79.  Thanks for the loan of the image.)

It's funny that I've not been one for Regency romance, even when I was past my teenage days, and yet, here I am, writing about a whole regency romance series!  Yes, I of all people, I know! :)  Oh, OK... so I confess to owning a few historical romance by Barbara Cartland when I was in my late teens... but those were 'inherited' from a relative who was a romance freak, and did not know what to do with her horde of books.  So, I took pity and helped alleviate her burden by accepting her old books.  What else can I do?  And yet, BC's stuff, at least those I read, can hardly be considered "regency romance" just the same.

For one who is trying to find a breather from the extreme pressure at work, Quinn's Bridgerton series is worth investing time on - for the witty banters that usually get extremely funny, described in a scene that puts the imagination on full throttle.  They simply lift the clouds over one's head, and allow the cheerful sun to do wonders on one's disposition.  I'd often find myself convulsing with laughter in the dark at night with my iPad... and wake up with a smile on my face the next day... the exhaustion from the previous day almost forgotten, all because of the Bridgertons.  There are wonderfully crafted characters in the series as well that lights up a 'scene' each time they appear.  One example is the extremely adorable Colin Bridgerton.  Ah, how I wish he did exist in the 'real world'!  Escapism to the max, indeed!  

The series is about the eight Bridgerton siblings: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth... yep, from eldest to youngest - named alphabetically. :) It's all about how they found the love of their lives... and how they made it work, 'cause there were challenges along the way, of course.  There were minor characters

A little sample of what goes on in Anthony's head.
(Source:  Julia Quinn's website.  Many thanks, JQ!)

who are equally adorable and funny that I liked very much: the dowager Viscountess, Lady Violet Bridgerton - the awesome mother of the Bridgertons, and their family friend, the indomitable Lady Danbury.  Both ladies were predictable as their characters are so defined... and yet, they end up surprising you each time they make an appearance in a scene that often proved to be the turning point of the story.  They did make their presence felt in the whole series.

I like all the eight books in the series, including the ninth, "The Bridgertons: Happily Ever after" (the collection of 2nd Epilogues for the first 8 books).  I read and re-read them all in six weeks as a much-needed 'escape' from daily excruciating work.  My favorite book is the first in the series, "The Duke and I", just because the Bridgerton banters were at their best, and JQ did a very good job in introducing and defining the characters, which were to bloom in the next seven books... well, eight, including "Happily Ever After".  But, I did like very much Anthony and Kate's story in "The Viscount who Loved Me".  Their story developed and ended in the most unexpected way, with many laugh-out-loud hilarious scenes, therefore, very interesting... and, in the end, compelling... even when both did not agree on anything in the beginning.  There were so many extremely funny scenes where the two sparred in wits and humor that made it impossible not to believe that Anthony and Kate were a perfect match.  And there were many, oh, so touching moments, too, that did melt the heart.  Anthony was very romantic, and it was wonderful that he did not have a clue that he was; and Kate imagined herself to be cold and too practical to be attractive, but she was adorable.  That Pall Mall game was a 'readers-only' sort of Bridgerton 'memorabilia' stuff.  Having read it made one feels like a part of a 'lofty' exclusive club. Really swell!  Ha! :)  

As for the eight Bridgertons, while I really adored Colin, I liked Anthony's character best. As the head of the mighty and hugely popular Bridgerton family, who inherited the Viscountcy at the age of 18 after the untimely death of their father, yes, he can be quite arrogant, and close to being imperious at times - especially inside his own head... but he was unselfish, responsible, and truly loved his family... not to

It's all about having powerful brothers... trust the
Bridgerton brothers to take matters into their own
hands when the reputation of any one of their sisters
might be in peril.
(Source:  Julia Quinn's website.  Many thanks, JQ!)

mention well-educated and very intelligent, and funny without even trying, especially when he lets his heart out in the open.  As for the sisters, Daphne seemed the wisest and the closest match to his older brothers in terms of strength and the ability to make sound decisions.  However, I love the sense of adventure of Eloise in "To Sir Phillip, with Love"... and her usual tenacity whenever she decided to pursue something.  She might have started with many insecurities... what with seven very charming siblings, but she rose above her own insecurities and took charge of her life.  It was hard not to applaud her in the end.  It did help that Anthony and she had "that talk" to help her navigate the complex workings of her own mind, of course.  I really enjoyed "that talk"... I loved Anthony even more after that.  It's almost as heart-warming as the scene when he and Daphne had a brother-sister bonding in "The Duke and I" as they drank cold milk in the middle of the night while Daphne tried to figure out how he felt for Simon... and that "talk" Anthony's had with Simon ("the Duke") himself when he was helping to patch things up between the Duke and Daphne when the two met a sticky situation in their marriage. Come to think of it, there were many heart-warming Bridgerton moments in the eight books where Anthony was at the center of it all.  It just went to show how he really cared about his family, and how he took the happiness of each of them to heart even when he outwardly tried to be severe and 'preachy'.  As Simon himself thought, 'Anthony had responsibilities Simon had never even dreamed of.  He had brothers to guide, sisters to protect.  Simon had a dukedom, but Anthony had a family'.    

While Hyacinth's character was "overdeveloped", I think, throughout the first six books - and she just completely "growled" fiercely in "It's in His Kiss" (her book) - it's a pity that Benedict's was not as developed in the first two books.  He was not even a participant in the Pall Mall game in the second book.  Therefore, I read (and re-read, I must confess) "An Offer from a Gentleman" (Benedict and Sophie's story) with such ferocity and voracity to discover more about Benedict.  As it turned out, he's the silent type but with a depth of character that simply takes one's breath away.  He was passionate of his convictions and

A little bit of mystery, some enchantment and fun...
...a lot of love - the kind that lasts a lifetime.
(Source:  Julia Quinn's website.  Many thanks, JQ!)

devotion to the people he loved, albeit silly at times, and shallow when left unchecked; he was dependable and kind... and I loved it that his mother thought him to resemble their late father (Viscount Edmund Bridgerton) the closest, and that he, too, will make a very good father in her opinion.  And Sophie, the wonderful woman who stole his heart in their "Cinderella story", brought out the best in him... aided some by his own mother... and, at times, by his own sisters.  It makes one realize how unselfish Benedict was, just leaving the rein of leading their huge family to Anthony rather than competing with him for attention and leadership.  He tried to find his place in the world silently and unassumingly instead.  As it turned out, he was a talented artist.  In the end, he lived the life of a quite withdrawn but renowned artist, content and happy with his wife and family in the peace and quiet life in the country... while still maintaining the air of a mighty Bridgerton about him.

There were so many good things about the Bridgerton series, but the very best is the love and familial loyalty that bind the Bridgertons together.  They were a TEAM... and a formidable one at that!  It was always heartwarming when they all come together to rescue one of the family members in times of peril... even imagined ones. And this is probably the attraction of the Bridgertons to me... it's all about family... and love, of course... and lots and lots of laughter!  Indeed, reading the series is one unforgettable experience.

Alright... work 'calls', I'm going to have to end here.  Make no mistake though, I should like to talk about the Bridgertons again - sooner than later.  Yes, that's how extremely stressed out I am these days.  Thanks, Julian Quinn, for the respite - you're my hero! :)

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day to all, by the way! :)

***