ASEAN summit, poorly planned

bookwormslens — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 02:55:43 +0000

Months before the actual event I have a gut feeling that this will not go well as planned, though I didn’t have much expectation it still disappoints me. Our government never fails to fail. From the moment I started to work and pay my taxes it seems that the value of my money doesn’t even come close to what they produce. It appears like an average Juan paying his dues of P10.00 the value of service returned to him is P1.00. Every project that they do is always over budget, out of schedule and if not average most of the time substandard and unacceptable. Like the construction of Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) where the leaders of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nation are suppose to hold their conference was a total embarrassment, the structure was rushed to finished on time but is over budget and I don’t think the result can be considered as “International” grade. They were rushing like hell to finish the structure, and what happens when you rush things? You will not get the quality you expected, defects are spread throughout the by the product, leaky rooftop, poorly installed whatever and who knows what other kind of defects that is there hiding or have been covered.

Cebu International Convention Center

ASEAN Flag

The risk of not completing the CICC on time is not a hindrance to carry on the summit. Of course the organizing committee has alternative venues like the Cebu Mactan hotel. Then a day before the summit Dec 10-14, Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., the head of the summits organizing committee announced the decision to postpone and have it moved to Jan 10-13. The reason? Typhoon “Seniang”, despite the national weather bureau announced its recommendation to proceed. What a lame excuse, probably the reason for the postponement lay elsewhere and if we try to track it down I’m sure all of us would have identified similar major causes, among them would be incompetence and excessive bureaucracy. This is so chronic, I wish there is a medication that we can simply inject on their lazy butt to cure their mediocrity and instantly transform them into excellent public servant.

CFC Ain’t for Sissies

bookwormslens — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 01:50:56 +0000

What happens when two single people who perfectly knows what they want and knows who they want found each other? If both have the genetic qualities and other essential characteristics they are searching for, especially if the woman feels she is so ripe she could fall off the vine, with certainty they will close the deal and tie the knot under the holy matrimony.

Recently I’ve attended a wedding, it’s the 2nd CFC wedding I’ve been to and this is just the beginning, a lot of people I know in college, work and community are lined up to this sacred ceremony. Last Saturday another pair of smart, able and independent “Singles” made their vows to share the rest of their lives together and I am very happy for them. I’m really not into telling love stories and romance, it is almost impossible to narrate them without sounding like a Sissy. But you know what I think, these kind of stuff, I mean love stories that lasts forever… are actually not for Sissies. Marriage ain’t for Sissies and lazy people. This requires a lot of hard work, courage and wisdom. One is compelled to totally dedicate his life for another, giving up freedom, lifestyle and all other goals and passions will have to be set aside as the family’s welfare suddenly becomes the priority. Especially when a child comes into play, you’ll have to labor hard to provide for his basic needs and as the child grows so does his needs, like higher tuition fees and bigger allowance so he can afford to hangout with friends or go out for a date. Because of this you will be compelled to work harder and beg your boss for a raise and promotion every year. Also when there are disagreements between spouses a lot of compromise will have to take place to keep your raft afloat and steady. So unless you are a Hollywood star or a rich man who lives’s in a country where by simply declaring “Irreconcilable Differences” in your divorce paper could easily change back your civil status, please never ever hastily get into this kind of business.

But despite all the challenges studies says married life is still more rewarding than being single.

The Cost Of Being Married Versus Being Single (Forbes.com)

Single or married – for better or worse?

Well I guess like all good things in life, it doesn’t come easy without hard work.

So if you really think you’re designed and built for this, if you are ready and every strand of DNA in your body is urging you to engage in this difficult and noble mission, given that you have found a partner that will complement every inch of who you are. Then by all means brother, you are obliged, go ahead, set your appointment with a priest, bishop or the Pope (of course Elvis doesn’t count), get married and propagate our species, continue your lineage and fulfill your obligation to the human race (*wink).

Through the Lens of a Bookworm

ASEAN summit, poorly planned

CFC Ain’t for Sissies