Indonesia
BATU, Indonesia. Photo by Jes Aznar
Monday, October 1, 2007
September 30
Sunday, at home, 11 p.m.
Ah, it's been almost eight years since I walked into the Manila Times building that memorable September of 1999. Today, under a new masthead, I'm still in this crazy world of Philippine journalism, enjoying the roller-coaster ride.
But don't get me wrong. I'm not counting. Only those who do not love what they're doing closely watch the time. Today, I'm just waxing sentimental because it's my anniversary as a journalist.
Yes, crazy me, I celebrate my entry into journalism, that one true thing I will always want to do.
This year, the earth beneath me moved many times over and swept me off my feet.
It was a BIG year of changes, of hellos and goodbyes, of greener pastures and memorable trips, of new journeys, of more bylines and of many, many mannas from the heavens.
There's so much to be thankful for but there's also a lot to think about.
I still don't know how to help make this country a better place. It won't take a genius to realize that it's only getting worse. I don't know if any of the articles I churn out everyday make any sense to the world or at least to my country and I don't know if any of my stories have made the universe a better place.
I'd be lucky if I've been able to improve even just the life of one person. Just one. But even that would be wishful thinking.
Really, I have no messianic delusions. I just find comfort in the thought that writing or rewriting history in a hurry, as what journalism is about -- will someday mean something.
In the meantime, these sentimental thoughts stop here. I've devoured the pasta and the green salad we prepared for this special day (it's also the sixth month birthday of dear Miss I).
It's back to work again. Tomorrow, there are numbers to look at, a budget deficit to monitor, sources to interview and a merciless deadline to meet.
Ah, it's been almost eight years since I walked into the Manila Times building that memorable September of 1999. Today, under a new masthead, I'm still in this crazy world of Philippine journalism, enjoying the roller-coaster ride.
But don't get me wrong. I'm not counting. Only those who do not love what they're doing closely watch the time. Today, I'm just waxing sentimental because it's my anniversary as a journalist.
Yes, crazy me, I celebrate my entry into journalism, that one true thing I will always want to do.
This year, the earth beneath me moved many times over and swept me off my feet.
It was a BIG year of changes, of hellos and goodbyes, of greener pastures and memorable trips, of new journeys, of more bylines and of many, many mannas from the heavens.
There's so much to be thankful for but there's also a lot to think about.
I still don't know how to help make this country a better place. It won't take a genius to realize that it's only getting worse. I don't know if any of the articles I churn out everyday make any sense to the world or at least to my country and I don't know if any of my stories have made the universe a better place.
I'd be lucky if I've been able to improve even just the life of one person. Just one. But even that would be wishful thinking.
Really, I have no messianic delusions. I just find comfort in the thought that writing or rewriting history in a hurry, as what journalism is about -- will someday mean something.
In the meantime, these sentimental thoughts stop here. I've devoured the pasta and the green salad we prepared for this special day (it's also the sixth month birthday of dear Miss I).
It's back to work again. Tomorrow, there are numbers to look at, a budget deficit to monitor, sources to interview and a merciless deadline to meet.
updates
I'm back. Haven't been able to update this blog lately. My apologies to friends who have been asking for updates.
The good news is my daughter is out of the hospital. She passed all the tests and she's ok for now. What a brave little girl.
I'm back doing the usual stuff -- chasing after the deadlines, churning out stories and trying to make my little universe a better place.
The good news is my daughter is out of the hospital. She passed all the tests and she's ok for now. What a brave little girl.
I'm back doing the usual stuff -- chasing after the deadlines, churning out stories and trying to make my little universe a better place.
Friday, September 21, 2007
sleepless in Capitol
My dear daughter Isabel has been confined at the Capitol Medical Center and is now under observation. The good news is, she's ok, doesn't look or act like she's sick. The other news is, we have yet to wait for her tests results. She has taken all kinds of tests -- skin test, blood test, culture test and x-ray. We still don't know what's the diagnosis.
Her father and I are keeping our fingers crossed. Thank you to friends and family who have sent their messages of support. Thanks, too for the prayers.
Her father and I are keeping our fingers crossed. Thank you to friends and family who have sent their messages of support. Thanks, too for the prayers.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
a pat on the back
I received a pat on the back from the higher-ups for a story I did this week. It felt really good. I hope I'll continue to stumble upon significant stories.
Monday, August 13, 2007
stranded in Kuala Lumpur
I had just landed at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark after being stranded for 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur. It's not that I had a bad deal with the extra time I had to spend there but I'm just extremely tired and I missed my dearest A very much.
For the first time in my years of roaming different corners of the world, I missed my flight. It really can't be all that good all the time. When things are going along just fine, something as horrible as missing a flight happens.
I will write more about my trip (which was as amazing as the breathtaking view of Petronas towers) in the coming days. In the meantime, I'll get a warm bath and a good rest before I get back to work again tomorrow. It's good to be home.
For the first time in my years of roaming different corners of the world, I missed my flight. It really can't be all that good all the time. When things are going along just fine, something as horrible as missing a flight happens.
I will write more about my trip (which was as amazing as the breathtaking view of Petronas towers) in the coming days. In the meantime, I'll get a warm bath and a good rest before I get back to work again tomorrow. It's good to be home.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
the story behind the tax story
Once in a while, there comes a story that is picked up by the wires, the television media and the populist lawmakers.
The proposed 2,600 percent increase in taxes of public utility vehicles is one such story. There were only three reporters who broke the story -- Lawrence of Manila Standard, Mitch of Inquirer and myself and we're quite proud. It came out on the front pages of our newspapers and was followed up by other media the day after.
As of the moment, it has been put on hold amid vehement protests from transport groups.
Personally, I'm happy the regulation has been put on hold. For sure, there are other ways that the government can look into to raise revenues. The problem of corruption at the BIR, for instance, seems to be falling on deaf ears.
The proposed 2,600 percent increase in taxes of public utility vehicles is one such story. There were only three reporters who broke the story -- Lawrence of Manila Standard, Mitch of Inquirer and myself and we're quite proud. It came out on the front pages of our newspapers and was followed up by other media the day after.
As of the moment, it has been put on hold amid vehement protests from transport groups.
Personally, I'm happy the regulation has been put on hold. For sure, there are other ways that the government can look into to raise revenues. The problem of corruption at the BIR, for instance, seems to be falling on deaf ears.
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