RH Bill, More Earthquakes, Tensions in the Middle East, and Fast Eating coupled with the Azkals

I was not able to post anything new. Basically because there was nothing to write about. Actually there's a ton of things to write about, only that I don't want to write it. Not yet. No, it is not writer's block, not a motivation thing, but something every writer (or in my case, an amateur) looks for. The right time to put it down on paper... or blog.

Finals are done and all in the past, and since coming home I was swamped with things to do. And none of those in the top of the priority list was done. Mainly because I was hooked to the telly this past week. Telly and internet news. CNN, BBC, ANC, Al-Jazeera - name it, I was channel surfing like a paranoid android. Of course, the occasional silly movie and MMA events got into the line of "things to watch", only to lighten my mood.

Libya's troubles so far didn't turn out for the better. Coalition strikes, and lately something of a statement of support for the no-fly zone from other Arab nations, are the meat of the soup... What worries me is the bombing in Jerusalem. Let's face it, anyone who read the Book of Revelations can, at first glance, if you wanna take things literally (thanks, St. John of Patmos, you messed up my imagination again with your mushrooms), will really consider thinking Parousia. It's just a scary world we are living in now.

I am conflicting myself with earlier statements I have given in my last post (re: Earthquakes, Tsunamis, 2012, Tibetans, and Atlantis Rising A.K.A. Don't Panic). But don't get me wrong, though. I am still going with the Johnny Walker mantra (re: Ibid). It's just that you cannot help but worry. What makes matters worse is all those irritating end-of-times posts on social networking sites. Come, on! We've been through this before. Well, if you'd only read my blog. Must I remind you guys of our dear old friend Johnny Walker?

Another thing that is a worrisome thorn in my side is the consecutive earthquakes here in Asia. Thailand and Myanmar got hit with the latter having it a bit worse. Pacific Ring of Fire. And here I am living kilometers away from a volcano within a volcano. Well, a few days ago, Manila was rocked by a quake, which led the media to broadcast speculations on whether the country will be ready if ever a big one will hit. Then I receive an e-mail from my uncle containing the correct way of finding shelter if ever you find yourself in a situation induced by tectonic plates deciding to do the salsa. Or cha-cha... whatever. How I wish the government spent more budget on Phivolcs.

As a good buddy of mine said, "Oh Lord, madami pang magaganda sa mundo. Wag Ka muna maglinis." (or something like that).

Lastly, not that this bothers me much in any way since legislation in the Philippines is a tedious business, is the highly controversial Reproductive Health Bill. Whatever it boils down to - morality or modern healthcare, there is always, in my belief and I could be wrong, of course, the Separation of Church and State. Like I always say, I have nothing against those who protest the RH Bill, but please, clergymen, you're duty-bound to the people as a moral and social element. Not political. Your job is to educate and guide the people. I found it a bit amusing to find that some supporters do not understand what the RH Bill is about. I mean this: "we are against Abortion! NO TO THE RH BILL!" Abortion was not even in the said piece of legislation. It's for contraception - artificial. Our Revised Penal Code and I think (oh, dear. My CrimLaw profs will kill me if I get it wrong) a special law provides for that. (what, Mr. Marxius Pollux? YOU THINK?!) But what is a really good sign is that different religions here united against it in a recent prayer rally held to show their protest. However, some supporters seemed misguided. But then again, this is a good step for them, I suppose. I was even happy to see the different representatives of their respective religions and sects seated beside each other on the stage. Now, only if everyone had that similar mindset.

Hmmm... The Constitution does provide for the protection of the unborn child after all.

Since it is the time of Kwaresma (in preparation for the Holy Week), I've made it a personal sacrifice to fast every friday for the whole 40 days before easter. Every year I've been doing it, end every year I just can't get used to it. (Oh no, it's almost Friday... time to chow and beat the clock) Hence, my joke about Fasting getting turned to Fast Eating. My mom told me a few hours ago, "before you'd practice abstinence (not eating meat), now you're fasting. When you'd abstain, you weren't really sacrificing, but rather enjoying yourself with all the seafood you can eat," and she goes far to add, "and when you fast, as soon as Friday is over, you pig out."

Mom, it's the thought that counts. Is it?

On a lighter note, the Philippine Football team Azkals (WOOF!) made it at long last to qualify for the AFC Challenge Cup. Yay! As soon as I posted a comment on a social networking site, one of the unbelievers/non-football fans said it was a mere stroke of luck. Chamba. Whatever, dude. I love THE game so much I will post a separate blog post on it as soon as I am through with this one. Which is now.

Funny, I got something to write about after all. Hah!