Court Circumcision

August 17th, 2007 by jeorav

Yeah yeah, i know this blog was expected two years ago, at the beginning of a professional practice. Well, any rule warrants an exception right?

Weeks ago, i was challenged by a case that requires my presence in a courtroom. Honestly, i opted to "delay" litigation practice as a personal preference. Many opportunities come and many tempting offers go, and two years passed with the same notion and well, excuse. But as if Lady Justice has her way of calling me to "partake" courtroom action. No thanks to family friends (and their legal controversy) that i woke up early that morning for a case calling to "preserve" a marriage. Many excuses swirled my mind. I can call upon the flame of fever, the sting of asthma or my favorite, rumbling tummy. Paraphrased? Butterfly in my stomach. Further paraphrased? I am nervous.

Who wouldnt?

I first appeared before an Honorable Judge years ago upon application of my notarial commission. As expected, i called Your Honor "Sir"— an indictaion that i just graduated from a classroom setting. A green horn, I manage to pull courage somewhere to complete the judicial "interrogation".

But this time its different.

I have in my hands a legal action in form of an answer on a petition to dissolve a marriage. After the last pleading was filed, it is now pre-trial time. It poses a difficult task (yeah i know others would not bat an eyelash to do this) for many reasons. One, this is my first appearance. When i say first, i say first time to be speaking in front of a judge with my "own case" (i still cant believe i signed to be the counsel of record! argh!). Second, the client will be there to watch my "appearance". To tell you the truth, it would not help. Labor cases are easy because you can appear without your client.

Third. I am a proponent for being single.

Here comes a case preserving a marriage. Here comes a case protecting the unity. Here is a case taking away an opportunity to be single. Now i know why it is so difficult. The fact is, i am in a way intertwined with the implications of this case.

Proposed solution: Be an advocate for justice and set aside personal considerations.

Proposed plan of action: Wear a poker face, pa-cute sa court and prepare myself to the litigation road ahead.

At the time of the pre-trial, i was surprised to be in front of a strict yet considerable Judge. She knew i (with my collaborating counsel) am new to litigation, but she helped me go through it.
When the first case was called, i am wearing a smile and attentive to what the court personnel has to say. When our case was called, I (as expected) garbled my words and is close not not introduce my appearance properly. But wit and the attitude of never-chicken-out saved me from embarrassment. I gave my client what she deserve that day.

We re-schedule the pre-trial. Hehe

REPOSTING MY BLOG: "...i do"

May 25th, 2007 by jeorav

"till i found you… looking through the eyes of love" — a wedding song

i find it annoying when people attending weddings during the conversations before the food is served will ask you questions when you plan to marry. annoying because they seemed to subconsciously (a) pressure you to follow and invite them afterwards and (b) curtail your right to singlehood.

attending weddings should be fun. imagine seeing two people swear before the divine that they will be one from the day forth till the end of their lives (or the other’s). fun because you will see different emotions surrounding the ceremony itself. the mother crying (applicable to both wife and groom), the father proud, the bridesmaid conscious (because her gown didnt fit her well after not dieting from the day she was measured), the groomsmen sleepy and drunk (after last night’s stag party) and the uzi’s excited to know if the influential and the famous will attend (later to be disappointed because what they see are all proxies).

then the reception. cakes, wine, doves and countless kisses by the newly weds everytime the audience requested. and you are so drawn to their happiness only to get shattered by:

"hijo/hija, hindi ba mas bata pa sa yo si (name of ikinasal), bakit ikaw hindi pa nagaasawa?"

doink! you will realize that you are now caught in an embarassing situation. if you are witty enough, you can just tell them "errr, hindi po ba pumunta tayo dito to celebrate the wedding of (couple’s name). mukha pong hindi kasama sa program yung pakikialam nyo sa buhay ng may buhay". smile then proceed to the table of your "co-singles". Or just let them be (as we will always do). alam naman natin na its not worth it to argue with someone na nagpunta sa wedding na nagregalo ng stand fan (na free lang pag bumili ka ng orocan or napanalunan sa roleta sa perya).

imagine going to the wedding prepared and excited (you even prepared a dress wearing a prada tag marked P180 sa malapit na uk shop) and leave the party irritated and insecure. no wonder kumokonti yung mga guest sa kasalan. sayang naghanda pa naman sila ng mga food na minsan mo lang natikman — menudo (argh!), chopsuey, pancit at leche flan. dagdagan pa ng all time favorites na ube at buco pandan. sana lang ikaw yung nakakuha ng flower bouquet, pero dahil sa conscious kang hindi makakapaguwi ng bilao na pinabalot sa makulay na palara at yung giveaway na "angel" (syet, pandagdag mo na naman sa collection mo) hindi mo sinalo. ayun, naunahan ka tuloy nung abay na napagkamalan mong ninang dahil sa itsura! hehehe

but the point there is, people expect singles to come to their house and give them invitations for another wedding.

hopefully, ikaw na yung susunod. pero kung ikaw man, atleast you know that someone in the crowd that youve invited felt annoyed and irritated. at kilala mo na yung culprit. kung sino yung nagbigay ng stand fan. goodluck sa kanya!

so, who will invite me to another "i do" ceremony? sukob kaya? abangan!

The PRINCE

May 25th, 2007 by jeorav

"someday my prince will come…" (snow white and the seven dwarves)

many a times i come to cross lives with single women— some professionals, others intellectual, and even beautiful ladies. Well, not to mention those who seemed to enjoy the single blessedness without the above-mentioned adjectives. But after long conversations and curious prying with the privacy of their "lovelives" (others, none at all) there seemed to be a common hypothesis. "The right man will come at the right time, at the right place".

okay. reality check. we were made to believe that there is a person somewhere that holds the other half of well, "us". that is why the song "got to believe in magic" triumphantly claims "tell me how to people find each other in a world thats full of strangers" and concludes "its magic when two people fall in love". well, it may be true or not. but dont you think its unfair for the other half of those monks and priests who opted to be living alone (theoretically, not practically)?

next point (wow, parang debate). why will you wait for someone without you doing your own searching? hindi kaya mapagod kakahanap yung iniintay mo and end up marrying or being with someone na unang kumupkop sa kanya nung nahilo na sya sa pagod kakahanap sa yo? that is why i admire ladies who are open in saying "naghahanap ako ng boyfriend" (or mapapangasawa in the provincial parlance) and doing her best to the realization of what she is searching for.

imagine if you are working at the 48th floor (ok, insert floor number higher than 20) of a tower at Makati City waiting for your prince. everyday you waited that he will enter the office and then cupid will do his stuff. after years and years of waiting, no prince arrived. you will now be discouraged to the point that you will not trust love anymore (oa? i dont think so). many women believed that their princes will come one day, or the next, or the next. it will be easier though if you have the hair of rapunzel, for the prince to see and say "let down your hair". but historically, no hair have grown that long. and even if for argument’s sake it happened, you can never tell if the person riding your hair is your prince "charming".

and so it continues. better shatter your love perspective. "there is no factory of princes charming". your prince may be hidden beneath a frog, a shrek, the beast. the point is, he is not a prince. better leave that title behind with your fairy tales and barbi dolls. now, you will see that your other half might not be galant, not charming, not brave and noble (lady es would surely not omit the following — handsome, tall in every inch of HIS body and if he has money, the better). what is important is that you take down your standards and see what the universe has instore for you.

in making love charms and potions, i always tell others, do not wish for love when you are not prepared. a prince (or anyone) who will come seek a person prepared to enter and be "whole" in a relationship. a good-looking partner (you wish) is not good enough. preparing mentally, emotionally and spiritually is essential. do not be selfish! do you think the Ultimate Force will give you someone when you will just screw everything up because you are not prepared?

finally. do not wait for prince charming to come. instead of "sour graping" over your friend’s boytoy, or ranting with your poor "love journal" (eh papano kung wala kang love life, eh di journal na lang?), GO OUT AND FIND HIM! the holy book said "seek and ye shall find". the authors are under divine inspiration while writing these verses right? im sure papa jisas will not like them lying, hehehe.

who knows, he may be the standing next to you. then you should not wait anymore.

REPOSTING OLD BLOG: EULOGY for PLUTO

September 19th, 2006 by jeorav

“Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are”

I can still remember reciting the planets on the solar system way back the fourth grade. As early as that, I had the astronomy as a favorite pastime. I look at encyclopedias for these planets and the sun and supernovas and black holes. I can recite the planets from according to distance (proximity from the sun) to size (biggest to smallest and vice versa) and the constellations to which they are included.

But the concept of night sky changed.

When we look at the night skies, Pluto is still there. Not as a planet but a dwarf — dwarf 134430. Pluto is confined to numerical value after years of considering it as the farthest, smallest and coldest planet in the Milky Way. Such drastic move that lead to protests and campaigns to restore the former glory of a faraway planet.

Well, people can be the planet Pluto. Many a times individuals are stripped of their value based on circumstance not their fault. They are being judged (me not exempted) by claimed “authority” to be something or nothing. People, like Pluto, will just have to accept these judgments amidst emotional protest and start moving on with their lives. They will hide the pains and sorrows for this “realignment” or worse, “de-recognition” just to have an acceptable course of destiny.

But what if this is not what the universe wanted? What if we were made to believe it is okay to treat Pluto that way but in fact, is NOT?

If Pluto was reduced to an ATM pin-like description, and new dwarfs were pronounced (thanks to asteroid ERIS for these disagreements), is it not effect limiting the Divine’s handwork a mere temporary canvass? The universe works wonders — it holds in its hands countless planets of incomprehensible nature and significance. It made no two planets, stars, nor asteroid the same. Yet it holds its little stars (and planets inclusive) delicately under the laws of universal creation. It holds dearly every little creation in the night sky.

If I were Pluto, I would at the meantime accept what these “persons as authorities” had made me. But I will wait for the time when I cross Uranus’ orbit (kick him on the butt? No!) and swap places and do this until the time I reached Earth’s (I know it is not scientifically probable but if Pluto can be made a number, then can the Divine not do anything?). Then I will pose myself as an asteroid ready to destroy the living planet. Pluto, like any person deserves to retaliate and invoke the karmic law — the universal law.

Blackmail ey? A good one I assume.

To planet Pluto, till you are back to your former glory!!!

REPOSTING OLD BLOG: kakabakaba ka ba?

July 29th, 2006 by jeorav

kakabakaba ka ba?

note: contains graphic expression of sexual encounters

the existence of "other" beings not visible to ordinary eyes is just normal to me. suddden movements on the corner of one’s eyes is in fact a natural occurrence. ok, i admit, i see ghosts in diffrent manifestations. your reactions are nada importa. if you are a believer, then read on. if not, just do me a favor and treat this one as fictional (or go ahead and read the next blog).

i lived alone before in a condominium unit.

i took a break and slept nearly 4am after my routinary review for a national examinations two years ago.

sleeping alone on a queen size bed, i have all the space for myself. i have four pillows and a fluffy comforter to accompany me every night. sarap matulog, imagine after hours of reading and understanding theoretical discussions, you will sleep and rest your mind alone, all alone.

yun yung akala ko.

one particular morning, nakatagilid ako facing one side of the bed. suddenly, nagising ako kasi may bumubulong. i thought its a dream pero i have my hair at my nape standing. kilabot ko sa buong katawan. naramdaman ko kasi may tumabi sa akin (i was reminded by this story by a friend who recently experienced the same thing in bangkok).

syempre ndi ako dumilat, pero alam ko and with another sense nakikita ko na meron akong katabi na nakatingin sa akin. alam ko nakatingin sya but i know he has no eyeballs. he is whisphering something which i cannot understand or is it with fear that i find the words incomprehensible. after a while, he was gone.

sana dadagdagan ko ng sex story ito eh, kaso i decided to cut this short eh kasi while typing this story, alam ko may nanunuod at nakikibasa sa likod ko. the same shiver is present, the same hollow eyes reading line by line, and i can feel the air from a sewn mouth whisphering words again. ayoko tumingin sa likod, baka kasi kung ano yung makita ko.

kayo kaya, meron din? hindi ba may kilabot din kayo nararamdaman?

sige na… tingin na sa likod

nyt!

REVISITING OLD BLOG: Not a virgin anymore

July 16th, 2006 by jeorav

well, i have in mind ingredients to make it an interesting one — sex, drugs and violence. But because i was raised nearly as a priest (lol, my father will laugh when he reads this) i will set these aside except for exceptional circumstances and graphic description.

but what makes a blog a "good blog"?

will i discuss the way i see funny things in people? nah, i have yet to receive my mr.congeniality award (pending that i will behave, or at least try to). will i spill thoughts from observing people? duh! refer to the previous reason.

hmmm what makes a blog a "good blog"?

when the discussion lead me to my negative comments with the present or future political condition (imperyalismo ibagsak!), would that be interesting? nah, people may opt to watch news or commentaries. when the discussion tackles the church and the rival religions that can be seen 24 hours claiming the other is misinterpreting the verses of the catholic holy book, would that be worth the reading? the answer is obvious, i just wanted to affirm my curiosity.

so, when is a blog a "good blog"?

a blog would result to a review if i share my insights about a movie, or a book, or a play or a favorite restaurant. it would be an advice column if i pry into another’s privacy (well, i enjoy it and others wouldnt suspect) and lead them to realization (or the light perhaps?. it would cost you consultation fee if it comes to matters of my profession (i have one!)

And the witchhunters will burn me on a stake if i will be magickal or "new-agey".

Who determines a blog as a "good blog"?

definitely not english majors! they find it enjoyable to see to it that what you have written conforms to the S-LV-O or its variation. not philosophers because they will tell you it doesnt fit the realm of the philosophical. not theologians because topics and discussions may send you to hell or 50 years in purgatory (better prepare those indulegencia plenaria!). Not scientists because they don't have time reading mushiness or rants when they have to discover something for the further advancement of science.

how to start a blog as "good blog"?

hmmm, this is quite difficult. its easier to say that one’s blog is not a good blog than to say a blog is a good one. Maybe it has something to do with sentence construction? high-faluting words and figurative speeches? or it has something to do with topics that appeal to everyone? Hmm difficult indeed.

but hey! i created my first blog!!! after years of attempting, after going over notes and thoughtless insights (journals, pieces of papers, parchment from a magickal book), i finally created my first blog! and the good news, it has nothing to do with what i originally planned to write about.

so, is my blog a "good blog"?

honestly, i dont care. ;) i have my blog now. notice the word "MY" (emphasis supplied). but the great thing there is, i am a personification of Divine Providence. I love to share what has given to me or what i intellectually create (is this covered by intellectual property law?)

the rule is, you can look, but you can not touch

(thanks to the goddess for the inspiration.)

blessed be!

ELEVEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT BAGUIO (2010)

We recently had a trip to the north visiting the son of our friend. After spending hours of food and talk, we decided to go to baguio as a two-hour extension trip. Being the "go with the flow" type of people, my friends were soon on a bus going to the Summer Capital. We were out of the city 20 hours later. While on the bus, i ponder (while watching "This is It") why the City of Pines create wonders by inviting people again and again. These are my ten reasons:

1. The weather. When its cold, its freezing cold (experienced this while attending mass). When its hot its cool :)

2. TRIP. The scenery of trees, houses and skies are worth the 5 to 6-hour (from manila) or less than two hours (from manaoag) trip.

3. DIVERSIFIED population as its finest! This can be both advantageous and otherwise. International businesses are booming. The rush hours can be annoying though.

4. VIEW of the MINES. One of the most popular destination in the city, the fifteen minute taxi-drive from Session Road offers not just pictures and sceneries. Now the "photo-with-the-pink-haired-horse" and the St. Bernards are also effective stopover and marketing strategy.

5. CONVENT of SWEETS. The Good Shepherd Convent offers not just food for the soul but sweets to the appetite. People flock and queued to order sweets and other Baguio's signature "pasalubongs". I hope they have been blessed.

6. CAMP JOHN HAY. The former campsite is now a luxurious golf course and offers posh accomodations. They have good breakfast too! House of Waffles (beside Starbucks) HUGE breakfast is Yum yum!!!

7. STREETS. Session Road offers everything! The street is the center of everything Baguio-ish. It offers food, bars, commercial establishments. Convenient, really!

8. FAITH and MASS. If not for the time constraints, i could have gone to the Grotto to offer some Marian prayers. But the Cathedral with Mass is just around the corner (or just atop the hundred plus stairs) and faith can really be established and practiced there.

9. TAXI CABS. Well, they have different presentations and forms but they are of cheaper fares--- P25 flagdown and P1.50 thereafter. If you wonder why they have no airconditioning units, refer to reason number 1.

10. HONESTY of PEOPLE. A frind of mine lost her wallet with all her credit and ATM cards plus amount of money she just withdrew. The person who rode the cab saw the taxi, call the hotel where we were picked up by the same taxi and meet with my friend there. Kind-hearted. Bless you!

11.CONTINUOUS INVITATION. Baguio is not just a summer destination. it transcends from the "destination" to a place of Promise --- promises of fun, new places and lots of surprises.

I will be back soon or sooner :)