Currently Browsing: Too Personal
Nov 12th 09
Posted by Arnold in Grace Place, Too Personal
I’m not going to make a sports analysis of the up coming Manny Pacquiao mega fight this Sunday morning (Saturday night Las Vegas). There’s plenty around the blogsphere. What I’m planning to do, though, is to show us what is already obvious — that Manny Pacquiao’s power and influences goes beyond the ring.
- Over the weekend, a battalion of lawmakers will migrate to the US to catch the Pacman. That means, there will be no quorum to vote for bills and the impeachment complaint against the ombudsman.
- Everything will stand still Sunday morning.
- Even criminals on the streets will take a break.
- Restaurants, cinemas and even hotels will be packed not by customers who want to eat or watch a movie, but by people who want to catch the Packman live via satellite feed. They are willing to pay P500 to P800 for this experience.
- Speaking of hotels, we’re even displaced from Tiara Oriental Hotel where regular services of Grace Place take place every Sunday. All function rooms will be occupied for the show of the day. We have no choice but to move the services to 2 pm to give way to the Pacman.
- And, yes, speaking of church services, as Steve Murell often says, churches will be full packed in the afternoon services. Why? Do the math, dudes.
The Pacman’s power will be felt all over the country this weekend. Let’s just all enjoy the moments, then slip back to exactly where we are at right after. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, in any case, that’s exactly what it is anyway.
Good luck, Manny.
Oct 13th 09
Posted by Arnold in Family, Too Personal
I have a little project to make. I don’t know if this works out. I’ll try anyway.
My goal is simple: I’d like to bring my online world and my real world together.
My youngest child is celebrating her first birthday on Saturday (Oct. 17, 2009). My wife, who’s in charge of the list, asked me who’s I’m going to bring. (She’s bringing her friends from past jobs and some college buddies). I thought, well, I have my friends from work and church going. But that’s about it.
The problem with statement is the context: you see, I’ve had these friends for years, and nothing has changed. And that’s not good. I realized that most of my interactions happen ONLINE and not off line. That makes me have 250+ Twitter friends and 500+ Facebook friends — that I almost always interact with everyday online — and about 10 people that I talk to off line (not exaggerating). Kinda pathetic, if you’ll ask me. Blame it on my job.
So, here’s what I’m thinking. I’d like to invite anyone who will be gracious enough to meet me and my family personally on Saturday at about 3 pm for my child’s birthday party. If you:
- have not met me personally yet
- … and I have been online friends for quite sometime
- have a family and a kid to bring (he’ll enjoy it!)
… I will be honored if you’ll accept my invitation to meet me and be my offline buddy, too. :)
The event is happening at the beautiful DMCI community RiverFront in Pasig. It has free WIFI (so you can tweet about the party :D ) and a swimming pool — I will be sponsoring a swim for you and your family right after the party if you like (so, bring your wet suits).
Don’t worry about bringing a gift — I would just like you to be there. I only have one room for a family (of 3, including yourself), or my wife will kill me. :D If you don’t have a family to bring, you can bring a buddy with you.
It’s going to be fun. I promise, we’ll still talk about the internet and Twitter and Facebook. :D If you’re interested in this invitation, please send me an email arnold [at] gamboa.ph or at my Twitter account: arnoldgamboa.
PS: Oh, and I’m thinking a Filipino would not assert himself. So if no body contacts me by Wednesday, I’ll contact you ;)
Oct 9th 09
Posted by Arnold in Mind dump, Too Personal
A couple of weeks ago, flash floods wreck havoc in Metro Manila, killing 350 people, displacing more than a million individuals — most are still displaced and in evacuation centers.
In the middle of this tragedy, before the week ends, another super typhoon crossed the country. And while it changes its course and has spared Metro Manila, it did create damage in Northern Luzon.
It was on its way out, when another typhoon entered and pulled it back and landed to Northern Luzon 3 times, killing hundreds more on landslides and floods.
Today, I opened my television in the morning, I saw 65% of Pangasinan under water. My mother called from Nueva Ecija, and while she comforted me by saying they are just fine, she reported that most of our town Jaen is already under flood water.
Can you imagine that a mountain city like Baguio will experience flood?
Can’t help but ask, what’s going on? What’s happening to us?
It’s a rhetorical question, don’t need to answer that. I just feel that I need to get that off my chest.
Oct 2nd 09
Posted by Arnold in Too Personal, the Life!
We still have not recovered from Ondoy. Pepeng, a super typhoon is coming. Like, a 230 kph strong typhoon is coming.
Pray like you never prayed before.
Pray like you mean it. I mean, something that comes from your heart. An authentic cry for help.
Pray like you really expect God to answer. Because he does answer. He does care. He does know what’s happening.
Pray even if some spiritual police mocks you for praying only at times of need. Pray.
Then rest in his arms and say, “Yet not my will Lord, but yours.” At the end of the day, God knows exactly what we need. We may not understand what’s happening. But God is still God. He is sovereign.
In the midst of these storms, may we find peace in the one who is immovable, certain and strong – Jesus Christ.
Sep 30th 09
Posted by Arnold in Too Personal, Webby
Months ago, I had a long post about the subject of authenticity on the internet. This topic has once again become relevant.
- an OFW allegedly posted an insensitive post on Facebook in the midst of the Ondoy tragedy. Out of anger, “she” was mugged virtually. It was just alright, I guess, if Jacqueline Bermejo is not a real person. But she is. And the issue tainted her dignity. Here’s her official statement.
- this one is on the other side of the spectrum. Mickey Arroyo, son of the president, was allegedly “caught on cam” to have been buying alcohol in the middle of the typhoon. Very insensitive they said. But he denied that that that picture was taken during that time. So, the “poor guy”, being feasted on Facebook, wants to censor the use of these social networks altogether as if we’re China or Afganistan. I’d like to see him head the censorship group and see how he accomplishes that.
- because of the tragedy, a lot has reportedly using fake “donation centers” and asking for Paypal donations. Will you believe these right away out of your genuine compassion?
The internet can either make you or break you. Be wise. Be useful.
DON’T believe everything you see on the internet. Rule no. 1.
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