1st September. Today. Messages about Christmas start to flood my wall in FB. I start to have that nostalgic feeling that Christmas brings to one who is away from home. Nostalgic because of not being with family/loved ones in the Philippines; because of not being in the Philippines at Christmas time. There's really nothing like it. You can feel it, hear it, see it, live it.

What is 'it'? It's the spirit of Christmas, of celebration, of expectation. I just hope that it is the celebration of the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ into this world as part of His plan for salvation. That it is an expectation of His second coming, which He promised before ascending to heaven. And His promises never fail.

At the same time, it is also a celebration of love. Because of love. Because He loved us first. Because He loves us with an everlasting love. So we have learned to love and be loved. It is a celebration with loved ones, near and far. For those abroad, going home at Christmas is one of the highlights of our lives. Months of preparation for some. But for others it could also be a spur of the moment decision, though the consequence would be a more expensive air fare and an unacceptable schedule. But no matter, if one really has to go home.

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 (Note: this article is making the email blogosphere rounds. It's assumed to be fake, and no effort was made [by me] as to its veracity. ~ BP)

Postcripts Of A BloodBath
by Bang Lu Min (One of the Hostages) Mr. Mendoza was already upset even before he saw on television what the policemen did to his brother. The other tourists who remained inside the bus were complaining. Wei Ji Jiang wanted to go to the bathroom. Dao Chi Yu was hungry and the rest were just groaning and whining like they have forgotten that our lives rest in Mr. Mendoza's hands. The hostage taker, as you know him was really nice. He treated us okay and even let the elders and the children leave the bus. He said your policemen treated him unfairly. He was a policeman too and was accused of doing something he had no knowledge of. But your government didn't listen so he used us to get everyone's attention. Things would have never turned for the worst if he didn't see how his family was dragged out of their house and taken into custody. He was watching the news all the time as we huddled around each other behind the bus. He shouted some words in your language then started shooting in the air. A girl about my age started screaming. Mr. Mendoza demanded her to stop but she didn't understand English. God, he had to slash her neck with a knife just to put her to rest. Her boyfriend who tried to hit him was shot in the head. Tension was rising. You can see in his face how scared and confused he was. The bus driver ran away leaving him alone with strangers from a distant land. I can see him walking across the aisle, sometimes pointing his machine gun to one of the tourists. But he tried his best not to hurt us, especially those who really cooperate. I guess its in your nature not to inflict pain on others unless it was necessary. I remember him saying that he will free us before sundown and implored us to forget everything when we return home. But his words don't matter now. The policemen were trying to force their way in, while we all lied down to shield ourselves from bullets. Mister Mendoza blindly shoots at his enemies which I think kept them from rescuing us. I hear sobs under the chairs. Some were even shouting the names of their loved ones even when the air merely eat their words. Kevin Tang tried to escape when the glass door was was shattered, but one shot and he slumped on the floor with blood gushing from his mouth. Heavy rain pitter-pattered on the rooftop. In old Chinese saying, it means an end to a struggle. Finally, somebody was able to open the escape hatch at the back of the bus. Freedom. But I knew Mister Mendoza was still alive. I knew he was just waiting for a chance to strike back at his enemies. So I told those around me not to escape. Let the authorities come for us instead. Then there was gunfire. He was firing at his enemies with a machine gun. Those who were at the escape hatch fled abandoning us once again. It's like a nightmare with no end and to wake up means a certain death. Then somebody from outside the bus threw a canister. It forced out a black smoke that is so painful to the eyes and putrid smelling to the nose. People started screaming. We cannot breathe. Some ran in front of the bus but Mister Mendoza warned them of stray bullets. It was too late. One was hit on the head, the other was hit on the shoulders. Bullets were now flying. Its like the authorities thought we were all dead. Mister Mendoza finally realizes his mistake and said sorry to everyone, dead or alive. He then ran towards the front of the bus where he would meet his maker. As he passed by my chair with bullets whistling overhead, I clutched my hand on the velvet curtain and wrapped it around my face. All I could think of was to stay alive - for my child who is waiting for me back in Xinjang. I know I will survive, I will come home. Bang Lu Min Survivor, Quirino Bloodbath 

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Isang Imahinasyong maaaring mangyari, nangyari na o nangyayari pa lamang :-)

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One would think that shopping for groceries from the comfort of your home (translation: online shopping) could be the safest or most convenient way to shop. It could be because we are at home, without carrying a heavy basket or pushing a heavy cart, away from the crowd, and just be comfortable. However, it is not that great. Especially when you could not really choose the items in relation to their shelf-life and quality, first and foremost. It happened to me just this week. I ordered some groceries and had them delivered. The service was fast, and payment was convenient.

When the stuff arrived, I checked them against my list. Everything was accounted for. As they are foodstuff, I had to check the expiration dates. One of the items (bread cheese spread) will expire next month! It is good that it was just a small bottle but still, I would have preferred to have it for a few months. This means I have to eat it more often than I would normally do. I wonder whether the seller intentionally chose that bottle over another so to dispose of it quickly.

Another thing I noticed was the packaging of the instant noodles. I noticed that some of the sides are already open or torn. No wonder there were some noodle bits on the bottom of the box when I opened it. I am concerned that maybe some ants or other creatures have gone in and contaminated the food. Maybe the noodles are not that crispy anymore. Again I wonder whether the seller intentionally chose them over the others to dispose of them quickly.

I think that I will not be buying groceries this way anymore, particularly from this seller. Some would say to just overlook it, at least it is still within the "Use By" date (for the cheese spread).

Hmmm for me not really. When I buy food stuff in supermarkets I would usually choose the ones which will expire at a much later date than the others. It just means that I can store them longer and I don't have to force myself to eat or cook all at once. As for the torn noodle bags, I also would not choose them if I were buying them myself directly in the supermarket.

I remember that this also happened the few times I ordered some foodstuff for my parents. They also got some not so pleasant items such as canned goods with rust, or old stock stuff. And this from well-known online shopping sites.

I think that online sellers should be more careful with the quality of the goods they send. Or else, they will lose customers this way.

Note: also published at

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