tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142373322012-02-16T16:59:17.834+08:00Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.comBlogger2611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-15237355234857640512009-11-21T22:17:00.002+08:002009-11-21T22:20:25.216+08:00

I HAVE MOVED MY BLOG TO JOTORRES.WORDPRESS.COM

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-8336907001433715972009-04-27T12:05:00.002+08:002009-04-27T12:25:57.033+08:00

Poker is not a game of chance. Losing a hand is not a matter of not having the right cards. This is what I learned after wasting hours trying to raise hundreds of dollars of play money online.Politicians running in the 2010 race can learn a lot from the game. Philippine politics is no numbers game. Neither is it solely a money game. Strategy is a must. Aside from having the right cards, bluffing,

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-75170782146059807482009-04-23T15:55:00.002+08:002009-04-23T16:05:15.559+08:00

It's no easy task. We must do it. We have to learn the ways of the modern world to survive.Stephen King's Cell, "an apocalyptic novel" about an artist who struggled to survive after a "pulse" broadcast over the cell phone network turned people crazy, is a warning about the dangers of technology.But technology we must master, especially for those in the media industry.I have a blog since 2003. It

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-90538038553659273762009-04-14T13:10:00.002+08:002009-04-14T13:15:10.647+08:00

A desperate appeal for prayers came from a missionary friend of mine, a roommate in the seminary. Whatever is going on there, I hope that they will be safe. Please join me in hoping for the best for those still alive in our neighboring countries. Here's his email:i am having a problem right now. you may be wondering why no news from me, although the situation is hopeless. the army officers came

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-74238308300019908072009-04-13T21:53:00.002+08:002009-04-13T22:05:06.481+08:00

After days of wandering, trying to look for a muse in so many places, I'm back here in front of two experts discussing a controversial book project that unfortunately I cannot divulge this time.It can now be told, however. that a new online media project is about to be launched, hopefully to contribute to the growing vibrancy of the new media community.Unfortunately the birthing of the project

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-68658740959242615902009-04-03T15:25:00.001+08:002009-04-03T15:27:06.655+08:00

"So if Filipinos decided one day to stop working or go on strike for any reason, who would transport oil, food and heavy equipment across the world? We can only imagine the disaster that would happen."Read on: Imagine a world without Filipinos

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-22959548646377963882009-04-02T19:20:00.000+08:002009-04-02T19:21:03.436+08:00

There were 35 journalists killed in 16 countries in the past three months. Last year 20 journalists were killed during the same period. The deadliest country for journalists in recent months is Pakistan with five journalists killed, followed by Gaza and Iraq with four each, Mexico (3), Russia (3), Somalia (2), Sri Lanka (2), Nepal (2), Venezuela (2), Afghanistan (2), and one in each of the

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-48273622501790132042009-04-01T17:19:00.005+08:002009-04-01T17:37:25.922+08:00

War seems to have intensified in the sports front as the Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines issued a statement today lambasting POC president Jose Cojuangco Jr. For a background of the controversy, see POC chief Cojuangco’s NSA faces leadership dispute.Below is the statement of the Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines: FOR sheer shamelessness, the order of POC president

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-1540915049931104722009-03-30T20:39:00.000+08:002009-03-30T20:40:46.484+08:00

By Ryan Ponce PacpacoDISGRASYA ang sinapit ni Charles Kevin Jimenez, 15, nang patayin ang mga ilaw sa loob ng Trinoma Mall pagsapit ng Earth Hour 8:30 p.m. noong Sabado. Dahil sa dilim ay nahulog siya sa isang fountain na walang harang.Nasugatan ang kamay ni Jimenez, estudyante, ng Bgy. Sauyo, Novaliches, Quezon City.Inihayag ni Moises Junio, kasama ni Jimenez sa mall, na walang harang sa paligid

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-88489812045763590172009-03-25T14:23:00.002+08:002009-03-25T14:27:27.855+08:00

A coalition of NGOs - the G20Voice – and the UK government are breaking with convention and, for the first time, allow 50 bloggers to report live and direct from the G20 summit, on April 2 in London.This unprecedented event gives the bloggers and their audience the chance to engage with and influence world leaders on issues including development, climate change and women’s rights. The bloggers

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-52330528959842695292009-03-25T13:54:00.002+08:002009-03-25T13:56:19.785+08:00

The race for the presidency seems to be narrowing down to a duel between Vice President Noli de Castro and Senator Manny Villar based on the latest opinion surveys.De Castro and Villar are closely followed by Sen. Francis Escudero, former President Joseph Estrada and Sen. Loren Legarda. Sen. Mar Roxas, who has been touted as a “shoo-in” for the presidency after topping the 2004 senatorial

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-89438539757134493662009-03-25T12:19:00.001+08:002009-03-25T12:25:37.063+08:00

CALLING ALL ACTIVISTS OF THE 1960s AND 1970sA grand reunion of all activists in the 1960s and 1970s is slated to be held on March 29, 2009, 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM, at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani along Quezon Avenue, opposite the Manila Seedling Bank, in Quezon City. Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo is guest speaker.More than an occasion to reminisce the militant idealism of their youth, the

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-27081091710951418412009-03-12T14:30:00.002+08:002009-03-12T14:34:43.165+08:00

National artist F Sionil Jose wrote his thoughts on Mindanao in a rare occasion. Read his column here: The challenge of history: Mindanao - sana!

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-50974438376202064392009-03-11T17:59:00.002+08:002009-03-11T18:03:26.529+08:00

The Ifugao Rice Terraces will be declared a genetically-modified organism-free zone on March 17, the environment group Greepeace announced. The rice terraces, an important center of rice biodiversity in the Philippines and one of the country's most iconic symbols, will be declared a GMO-Free zone by Greenpeace and the provincial government.The media is invited to cover the event.For more

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-36486119423486331512009-03-11T17:43:00.001+08:002009-04-17T10:41:50.696+08:00

Some friends in media got hold of a copy of the latest Pulse Asia survey that revealed Vice President Noli de Castro is still leading the pack in the race for the presidency in 2010. De Castro got a 22 percent preference rating followed by Senator Francis Escudero (19), Senator Manuel Villar (18), Former president Joseph Estrada (16), Senator Loren Legarda (10), Senator Manuel Roxas II (7) and

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-76254099992306137632009-03-11T00:36:00.003+08:002009-03-11T00:43:37.002+08:00

Breakfast of tinolang bariles at Iligan bus terminal at seven o'clock in the morning.

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-57564579363373557802009-03-10T23:27:00.002+08:002009-03-11T00:25:42.401+08:00

I was in the South over the weekend to meet with about 30 journalists. As usual, when journalists meet, there were food (kinilaw, tinolang bariles, okra with ginamos, bulad nga bolinao, etc), drinks (Red Horse, San Mig Light and Pale, Generoso, Gran Matador, etc) and stories.The stories were a mix of the funny, sad and the bizarre. A “tough-talking and hard-hitting” journalist supposedly survived

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-5497979698884368312009-03-05T18:25:00.003+08:002009-03-05T18:40:53.471+08:00

By proposing the revival of the controversial Bataan Nuclear Plant, lawmakers have only awakened a monster of an issue that has been sleeping for almost three decades now.For people who were too young to remember the heat of battle against the nuke plant during the Marcos era, I suggest that they familiarize themselves with its history. The issue can hog the headlines in the coming months.Groups

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-22334195111649310412009-02-20T13:00:00.003+08:002009-02-20T13:10:06.816+08:00

She said her name is Monique. She’s 18 years old and is from Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon. She went to Cagayan de Oro and lived with an aunt who funded her college education. She wanted to be a nurse and enrolled in one of the city’s colleges while selling health care products in a shopping mall during her free time.She met the man who became her boyfriend at the mall when she was 17 and he was 43.

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-64521055169827922862009-02-06T20:59:00.004+08:002009-02-06T22:06:08.705+08:00

(For Lola Nanay)I've been always fascinated with death and dying and the rituals, especially the crying, that come with it.I keep an old photograph of family members standing (and posing) around the casket of an uncle. I was not supposed to be in the photo, but the town photographer forgot to ask me to move aside. So there I was (actually only my head, from neck up), on the right side of the

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-68959540933074915612009-02-04T15:12:00.001+08:002009-02-04T15:14:27.116+08:00

I happened to pass by the old Intramuros in Manila late last month. There, on the walls of the old city, was a huge banner inviting people to an exhibit of culture and beauty of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.Early this week, Ilocos Rep. Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos, urged the government to invest in "tourism development" as part of its “list of priorities” in line with the proposed P300

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-30907247140976002062009-01-11T02:18:00.005+08:002009-01-11T02:45:42.055+08:00

Reading Hunter S. Thompson's "The Rum Diary" makes one crave for a drink in the middle of the night or even in the early hours of the morning. (I have to ransack the kitchen for a bottle of something at past 12 midnight while I was reading the last four chapters.)For people, journalists especially, who haven't had the pleasure of losing a job, going freelance and getting drunk and scared as shit

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-41106970519641357242008-12-17T13:25:00.004+08:002008-12-17T13:31:22.006+08:00

"You should not be choosy with food," the father said to his daughter. "People are losing their jobs.""Including you?" the daughter asked."Yes.""So, what will you do?""I will drive a cab."A tear rolled down her cheek."Why?" the father asked."You can do better than that," she said.

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-6639438590148756882008-10-29T23:23:00.000+08:002008-10-29T23:30:31.021+08:00

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-30384509492862265802008-10-29T23:13:00.002+08:002008-10-29T23:19:33.736+08:00

Early the next morning."Hello? Why are you not answering the phone?""I'm here in the hospital.""With our brother?""No. With the woman she crashed into.""What?""She has a broken arm and a lump on her head. The doctor said she needs a CT scan too.""Where's brother?""I don't know. I think he will be rushed to Cebu. There are no instruments in our hospitals here.""How about the woman?""She said she

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-2819065864342413242008-10-29T23:09:00.002+08:002008-10-29T23:13:13.315+08:00

It was in the middle of the night when my sister called."Our brother broke his head," my sister said."Is he still alive?" I asked."I think so. I talked to him just now while he was wheeled into the emergency room," sister said."Will he survive?""I don't know. I saw a crack on his head.""Shit," I said. "Why are you calling?""We have no money," she said.Shit!

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-48120908717165283012008-10-16T19:27:00.000+08:002008-10-16T19:32:29.099+08:00

It was surreal.While an aid agency representative talked about hunger and poverty, a uniformed waiter asked journalists attending a press conference what they prefer for breakfast – bangus belly or chicken-pork adobo.The woman aid worker narrated how a poor wife somewhere in Africa had to boil water for dinner so that her children could go to sleep. As she talked, forks and spoons clashed over

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-91126307752551402522008-10-15T22:21:00.002+08:002008-10-15T22:30:21.110+08:00

I've been reading these days three books, and all of these are about conflict.First on the list is Paul McGeough's "In Baghdad," his journal of his coverage of the invasion of Iraq.McGeough, an Australian journalist, wrote about the death of innocent people, the spins made by the regime of Saddam Hussein and the propaganda war waged by the American government.Part of the book's back cover reads:

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-69582877415231976842008-10-03T00:14:00.002+08:002008-10-03T00:15:19.098+08:00

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-42957218313426284182008-10-02T23:32:00.002+08:002008-10-02T23:43:56.748+08:00

There's a lot of catching up these days - the file of books on the table is growing like the pile of dirt on some streets of the city, the ideas for articles that must be written for some publication have already evaporated into thin air like the smoke that comes out of one's lungs, the deadlines, the plans, the dreams, the rain.There seems to be no end to the wandering mind, no end to grappling

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-32630425620433515492008-09-14T18:02:00.002+08:002008-09-14T18:08:27.084+08:00

After a night of music Friday evening, I went to the MOA-SMX for the annual Philippine International Bookfair.This year's buys include:Regret the Error: How Media Mistakes Pollute the Press and Imperil Free Speech (Craig Silverman)Turning Back the Clock by Umberto EcoPeeling the Onion by Gunter Grass (Biography)Rumi's Spiritual VersesVisnu Sarma's The PancatantraDon Marquis'The Annotated Archy

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-71823003474784590722008-09-12T17:33:00.004+08:002008-09-12T17:44:06.586+08:00

US Embassy officials here in Manila did a great job holding a briefing on the US elections for media practitioners. (Despite our being a former colony of the US, it's amazing to know that many of us don't even understand the politics of our colonizers!)One reason may be why we also don't understand our own politics or how politicians play with us.Although I was an hour late for the presentation,

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-59335898108154796682008-09-10T10:03:00.001+08:002008-09-10T10:04:34.329+08:00

The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility released the following news article that summarizes the details of a Court of Appeals decision on the libel case filed by a businessman against the staff of the defunct Manila Chronicle.Saying it would have "a devastating and catastrophic effect on the freedom of speech and of the press," on 28 August 2008 the Court of Appeals (CA) reversed its 18

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-71632008254184960622008-09-10T09:39:00.003+08:002008-09-10T09:46:37.551+08:00

The election season has started in the Philippines.In the middle of the storm right now is the most vocal presidential contender Manny Villar.Villar has been accused of having a hand in the "road-to-nowhere" controversy that Senator Panfilo Lacson wanted to investigate.In fairness to Lacson, also a presidential contender, he only called on Villar to look into the possible anomalous allocation of

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-80503447692484113382008-09-09T21:20:00.000+08:002008-09-09T21:21:58.672+08:00

There’s this new computer software dubbed SpinSpotter, which I tried but failed to make it work this evening.The idea behind the new software is to spot biased news stories on the Net.If it will just work properly it would be a great help for journalists, editors especially, to spot errors in stories. It will also help readers “read between the lies” in media.A story in the Wall Street Journal

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-85013044399986644252008-08-08T23:28:00.002+08:002008-08-08T23:33:22.266+08:00

I changed my mind. I think I'm not getting that Acer Aspire One. I might go for the full notebook instead of a sub-notebook.* * *The Beijing Olympics opened this evening. I've waited for some time for the Philippine delegation during the parade of participating countries. Unfortunately, when the Philippines' time to show up came, it only merited about three seconds on TV.* * *Another journalist

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-83853502399632110082008-08-08T02:30:00.002+08:002008-08-08T02:37:52.920+08:00

What in the world am I doing at past two in the morning when people are asleep?What in the world one must do when life is short and there's a lot to enjoy - books, the Internet, stories of people (the ordinary and not-so-ordinary), the silence of the night, the noise of the city, stringing up words that nobody read.* * * The Olympics will start later today. I will be there, albeit virtually.* * *

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-29742246613239953642008-07-31T17:42:00.003+08:002008-07-31T17:47:45.075+08:00

I'm back in Manila after spending a week under the sun. I'm back in front of my computer, back driving in the city, back to meeting people and talking about theories, concepts and plots.It's simpler in the province. There, I wake up early in the morning, listen to the birds, look out the window into the wide expanse of fields and mountains, start the day with a breakfast of fresh fruits,

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-67384266220960484322008-07-29T12:20:00.002+08:002008-07-29T12:27:05.402+08:00

It has been a while since I went on a real vacation. It was a pleasure to have it last week, at least for three days.I went swimming, walking, driving to the mountains, eating and chatting with dear old friends and former classmates.As I've written in my other blog, the sea in my hometown is still salty, the trees green and the sunshine still stings - and I love it there.And what's more important

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-55913958177175641452008-07-02T20:38:00.004+08:002008-07-02T20:52:42.588+08:00

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-71939410575835483142008-07-01T19:30:00.003+08:002008-07-01T19:36:16.225+08:00

Ma'am Melinda, ano po ang ulam? Gutom na 'ko e...

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-8693274729285567262008-06-17T21:38:00.000+08:002008-06-17T21:39:29.741+08:00

Among journalists in the field, there is no doubt about the so-called “culture of impunity.” Although many among media practitioners don’t know what this “culture” means, much more understand its nuances, they know that impunity stares at them every moment of their lives – killers drink with them Friday evenings, masterminds of heinous crimes attend Mass with them on Sundays, drug traffickers and

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-70514518653125347582008-06-12T19:45:00.000+08:002008-06-12T19:46:27.628+08:00

The tragedy of the kidnapping of television journalist Ces Oreña Drilon and her intrepid crew has been compounded by the length of time it took the story to emerge. It happened on Sunday; most of the news media knew about it, at the latest, early Monday; but it didn’t reach public knowledge, at the earliest, until Monday night.It was the government propaganda machine that made an embargo moot and

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-37489638456750484302008-06-10T20:17:00.000+08:002008-06-10T20:19:12.888+08:00

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines is deeply concerned over the reported abduction of broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, her crew, Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, and their host, peace advocate Octavio Dimampo, in Sulu by what authorities say are members of the Abu Sayyaf Group.Whatever the abductors stand for, whatever their goals are, there is absolutely no justification

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-61525091965555824332008-05-31T02:06:00.001+08:002008-05-31T02:06:54.982+08:00

Kapamilya noon, originally uploaded by Joe Torres.We were together once...

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-61535101219547078462008-05-31T02:05:00.001+08:002008-05-31T02:05:35.693+08:00

May extra sa kanan!, originally uploaded by Joe Torres.Ok na sana ang pose namin ni Vanessa, pero umekstra pala si Papa Dennis, hehe

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-62353201576210020482008-05-31T02:03:00.001+08:002008-05-31T02:03:58.108+08:00

Lakwatsa sa Mines View, originally uploaded by Joe Torres.Joe: Matigas kaya 'to?Van: Subukan mo sa noo mo...Joe: Paluin kaya kita, hehehe

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-63028385400134628842008-05-31T02:00:00.001+08:002008-05-31T02:00:31.673+08:00

Karne o..., originally uploaded by Joe Torres.Payat pa ko noon, hehe

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-15326524876496151162008-05-28T23:10:00.002+08:002008-05-28T23:13:19.591+08:00

Dropping the (news) ball(From Mr Vic Agustin's Cocktales) Both the Inquirer and the ABS-CBN Web sites devote considerable money and personnel to be THE Philippine news portal but, in yesterday’s coverage of Meralco shareholders’ meeting, the GMA site was miles ahead of the two competitors. As early as 8:48 a.m., the GMA Web site already had a curtain-raiser on the tumultuous

Joe Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02192976299347741249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-55254974497869886192008-05-16T00:30:00.002+08:002008-05-16T00:33:58.373+08:00

Borobudur is a ninth century Mahayana Buddhist monument in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome is located at the center of the top platform, and is surrounded by seventy-two Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.The monument is both a

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-39135504051754237582008-05-16T00:15:00.002+08:002008-05-16T00:23:48.771+08:00

Misreporting of information is one reason why the situation hasn't improved in the fight against terror. Media is partly to blame. The basics of journalism were not observed. In most reports multiple sourcing were not used, words were used without any definition, jargons were all over stories.These were some issues raised in one of the sessions in this week's intermedia dialogue in Bali. There

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-36940005549266083052008-05-16T00:05:00.004+08:002008-05-16T00:22:28.812+08:00

7 May 200811 p.m.Just got out of the hot tub. I just have to have a smoke. I deserve a hot bath and a stick of cigarette. I have been sitting the whole day in the Third Global Inter-Media Conference here at the Grand Hyatt in Bali, Indonesia. A lot of challenges facing media have been discussed, primarily the problem of corruption and unethical media practices.It has been a long trip yesterday. I

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-16910505636837838952008-05-15T23:53:00.002+08:002008-05-16T00:01:47.165+08:00

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-20179681154598477152008-05-15T23:41:00.002+08:002008-05-15T23:51:39.044+08:00

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-88366859303149970062008-05-05T15:56:00.001+08:002008-05-05T15:56:31.269+08:00

Mrs. Tanoy is a very kuripot Ilocana. When her husband died, she inquired with the newspaper, asking the price for the obituary. The ad taker said: "300 pesos for 6 words."She said: "Pwede ba 2 words na lang? 'TANOY DEAD', para mura."Ad taker: "No Mom. 6 words is the minimum."After thinking for a while, Mrs. Tanoy said: "Ok, para sulit ang aking pera, ilagay mo, "TANOY DEAD, HIS TOYOTA FOR SALE."

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-17815504572069167462008-05-02T09:24:00.003+08:002008-05-02T09:54:35.949+08:00

There's always a reason.There's no time. I'm too busy. I have a lot of things to do than blog. I don't even have time to read.I have been a delinquent blogger, so punish me.* * * Ms Joan suggested the book, and I went hunting for it."Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?" is a fun read and brought my mind away from the troubles of May Day and the demands of work. (Aside of course from the problem of

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-79956145160428672642008-04-04T00:59:00.004+08:002008-04-04T01:32:05.076+08:00

It was a privilege to meet and listen to the distinguished Nobel laureate Aaron Ciechanover who talked about "Life and death - Why our proteins have to die so we shall live."Some things he said just hit me.He observed that people these days seem to be always in a hurry - for a deadline, meeting friends, getting rich, getting famous, winning awards. Where are they hurrying to really? He said most

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-897953827078712272008-03-19T20:59:00.000+08:002008-03-19T21:01:20.755+08:00

While thousands of Filipino Catholics wave their "palaspas" and as priests sprinkle Holy Water on the faithful, I browsed Umberto Eco's "On Literature," a collection of essays, articles and speeches.I was waiting for Manny Pacquiao and Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez to exchange blows early on Palm Sunday when I wrote this to while my time. Eco is supposed to be a hard read until one plunges into

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-53416066267411868082008-02-17T14:42:00.004+08:002008-02-18T22:03:59.227+08:00

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-4028670322495472772008-02-14T22:30:00.002+08:002008-02-14T22:59:52.870+08:00

I met Mary at a convention somewhere in the Visayas last year. She works in an advertising firm in Makati.At first glance, one would see her as a rotten spoiled kid, the type that ruins your day. She gives you the impression that you are boring – no matter who you are.One night, she barged into my hotel room and borrowed my laptop. She didn't give any explanation. She said she needed to get

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-37364003623971393082008-02-08T15:08:00.000+08:002008-02-08T15:10:10.444+08:00

It was a rainy Sunday afternoon in Kuala Lumpur when I decided to leave my hotel room and see the city. I was staying a few steps from the famous Petronas Tower, so there was no need for me to discover the place where most tourists and expat workers congregate especially on a Sunday afternoon.I hailed a cab and asked to be brought to the nearest place where computers, ipods and other gadgets are

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-39190018928711931152008-02-05T11:06:00.000+08:002008-02-05T11:19:54.118+08:00

I'm writing this from my new Asus Eee PC to familiarize myself with its miniature keyboard.I bought this gadget because I found it cheap in Malaysia. I got it for only about P8,000 in an IT mall in Singapore while it's being sold here in Manila from P16,000 to P19,000.This very basic computer is ideal for journalists, as if it's really designed for our needs. It's small that it can be inserted

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-40020014272760494462008-01-15T00:47:00.000+08:002008-01-15T01:14:17.149+08:00

I've always loved mornings. The problem is I am just too tired to wake up early to welcome the rising sun and wave goodbye to the morning star's fading light.These past weeks, however, I've witnessed several sunrises during my trips to some parts of the country - while driving a car, while walking in the middle of the field or while washing my face near a well.How I wish I could share those

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-39456412005356817292008-01-08T23:40:00.000+08:002008-01-08T23:46:25.876+08:00

Photo by Trina

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-42519571989835378382008-01-08T23:39:00.001+08:002008-01-08T23:39:27.289+08:00

From my friend and brother, Fr. James Castro, CMFAs we begin the year 2008, we honor Mary, the Mother of God. We begin this New Year with new hopes, new life, and new dreams. Mary carried into our world the true Hope of our life, the giver of Life, and the fulfillment of every dream - Jesus Christ our Lord. Her simple and generous Yes to God made all the difference.The gospel today presents Mary

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-79334893766489688012008-01-08T21:35:00.000+08:002008-01-08T21:42:06.015+08:00

I've been trying several new things on the Web these past days. I've got already a Facebook account. (I'm still wondering what's so exciting about throwing a sheep at Raffy, hehehe.)I've accounts in Multiply, MySpace, Classmate Finder, WAYN, etc. Unfortunately I already forgot all my account numbers and passwords.Still there's the reliable Friendster and my several blog sites that are updated

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-69803961981388072432008-01-04T19:52:00.000+08:002008-01-04T19:57:58.273+08:00

Look for a copy of Boying Pimentel's "Mga Gerilya sa Powell Street" at National Bookstore or Powerbooks. It's a good read and a good tour of the other San Francisco, where Filipino migrants make their lives colorful.Enter the hearts and minds of Filipino migrants in the United States and experience their joys and sorrows in Boying's first novel.Satisfaction guaranteed.

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-3568325325293657392008-01-03T10:38:00.000+08:002008-01-03T10:48:58.921+08:00

The weather bureau is saying that a tail-end of a cold front is affecting the country.I don't know if it has an influence on the cold mornings I've been experiencing.Got to get up early today for work, but it was a struggle to get up and take a bath. The cold morning was made worse with that early morning feeling of missing/remembering people whose images surfaced in one's dreams during the

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-33103818632623118402008-01-01T00:58:00.000+08:002008-01-01T01:05:36.049+08:00

Most of Metro Manila welcomed the new year in darkness after lights went off minutes before midnight in several areas of the national capital.There was supposed to be an emergency power interruption, a recorded message on Meralco's hotline said.I went down the office minutes after the clock struck 12 to start my car and went around the vicinity of the office. The streets were deserted - Timog

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-32437344499357877712007-12-31T22:25:00.000+08:002007-12-31T22:28:01.871+08:00

What am I doing in the office in the middle of the night, when the old year ends and the world welcomes the new one.Police officers, medical workers and journalists are here to make sure people are safe and informed when all else seems to break lose in the middle of all the merriment.Happy New Year to one and all!

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-66177782347367677212007-12-29T19:25:00.000+08:002007-12-29T19:41:51.790+08:00

I got my first Moleskine (VAN GOGH MEMO—POCKETS: 6 cardboard and cloth pockets to hold tickets, documents, memories) from Inday last Christmas.When I read the history of the notebook, I thought of giving myself a gift like the ones on the left.The one on top is Pablo Picasso's Notebook No. 53 (June-September 1912, 9 x 13.5 cm kept in the Musée National Picasso of Paris), while the second one is

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-56998343608169090442007-11-06T01:29:00.000+08:002007-11-06T01:31:05.420+08:00

The time to recycle those dusty capiz lanterns is here. The time to remember the dead is over. It's that time of year again to celebrate life. For many, it's that time of year to forget the challenges that we encounter daily the rest of the year.The first surprise of the season came on Halloween. My Sri Lankan roommate two decades ago arrived in the country for a visit. We last saw each other

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-9786903117103297592007-10-27T00:38:00.000+08:002008-01-03T11:02:54.543+08:00

“It is when pain is almost unendurable that I remember what my mother instilled in me: a belief not so much in ghosts but in the limitlessness of love. And then I know how love releases hope, how hope transforms the unknowable, the intangible into something you can grasp and hold close to your heart.” – Amy TanIt seems to take forever for the elevator to go down. You glance around the mirrored

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-89514390582748941292007-10-16T22:47:00.000+08:002007-10-16T22:52:20.064+08:00

It's the season of the Nobel prizes. Doris Lessing was unexpected. I haven't even read a single book of hers.Al Gore's win was timely. Other than Greenpeace and the hundreds of environment groups, nobody seems to articulate the need to save the world more than Gore.If only the "mechanism design theory" of Leonid Hurwicz, Eric S. Maskin and Roger B. Myerson would save me from debts, then they

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-52529688217000078062007-09-25T01:31:00.000+08:002007-09-25T01:32:06.408+08:00

Sayang na buhay. 'Yan ang pumasok sa isipan ko habang pinanood ko ang kwento ni Howie Severino sa i-witness.Tulad sa maraming tao na hindi sumali sa fraternity noong kabataan, naitanong ko kung bakit naisip nila, sa mura nilang edad, na pumasok sa fraternity.May fraternity sa bayan ko noong bata pa ako. Saksi ako sa kanilang pagpapaluan sa tabing dagat sa dilim ng gabi tuwing meron silang

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-88811592730115176792007-09-20T17:10:00.001+08:002007-09-20T17:10:59.657+08:00

Ang daming nakakalito sa bayan ko.Na-convict ng plunder ang dating pangulong si Estrada. Kumbaga, napatunayan na nagnakaw siya. Pero sa lahat na magnanakaw, siya lang ang hindi sinungaling. Not guilty kasi siya sa kasong perjury.Magulo, no? May explanation ang mga abogado, pero ang hirap ipaintindi sa mga tao.Ngayon naman, may imbestigasyon sa Senado tungkol sa sinasabing maanomalyang National

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-27404686794227743912007-09-04T23:46:00.000+08:002007-09-04T23:49:18.612+08:00

Got this in my e-mail. I'm posting it here with comments dahil hindi applicable sa bayan namin ang ilan sa mga entries.TO ALL THE KIDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE 1950's, 60's and 70's !First, some of us survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us. (sioktong ang inumin)Hindi umiinom nanay ko (paminsan-minsan lang kung may matamis na tuba sa umaga pagkababa ng manananggot

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-51296299480524972202007-09-03T23:57:00.000+08:002007-09-03T23:58:00.957+08:00

Just got this text message:Nino Coronel's daughter batu in icu. fresh type A+ blood needed asap for the platelets. Pls. contact Heart Center rm 336 and donate. the situation is critical. Nino is Miriam and Sheila coronel's brother.

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-27291968021751549242007-09-03T20:52:00.000+08:002007-09-03T20:55:19.071+08:00

I only got three books from this year's National Book Fair last Saturday.I bought the latest edition of Thomas Friedman's "The World is Flat" from PowerBooks although I haven't finished reading the book's "Release 2.0." Now I'm in Chapter 2 of "Release 3.0."I also got a discounted copy of John Grisham's "The Innocent Man," which I haven't read although I know a friend of mine has a hardbound copy

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-9164876799535302082007-08-30T19:46:00.000+08:002007-08-30T20:02:22.707+08:00

At last I got my copy of CMFR's latest study, "News Media Coverage of the 2007 National Elections." Thanks, guys. I know, I know, this is my second copy. I gave the first copy to my boss. I hope you will be sending other media executives their own copies.You would be happy to know that there's a temporary stoppage (at least five minutes) of work every time we in the newsroom receive a copy of

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-59894658911135886362007-08-23T22:13:00.001+08:002007-08-23T22:20:17.046+08:00

I woke up sore all over. My feet were aching, My legs too. I did not want to leave the comfort of my bed. But, to hell, let me experience more.I did it again early in the morning. I did three rounds in just an hour. (No, I'm not talking about sex here.)I ran, I walked, while Buklod was playing on my second-hand Nano ipod. (I know, I know, it has only 2Gigs, pero mababaw lang kaligayahan ko.

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-68409977959889848172007-08-22T15:43:00.001+08:002007-08-22T16:14:22.029+08:00

Yup, I did it. I know my dear friend would be happy to know that I did it. I woke up at 7 a.m. drove to the academic oval for a jog and a dose of fresh air. I lasted more than an hour, after which I had a cone of durian ice cream.The last time I jogged around the campus was with a friend who ran a few meters and declared that she had enough. She then started a leisurely stroll before deciding

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-49296491172017431862007-08-21T21:08:00.000+08:002007-08-21T21:15:27.861+08:00

A bomb has just exploded in Zamboanga City's Plaza Pershing while an assault against Abu Sayyaf bandits in nearby Basilan island is ongoing.What's next? The bishop of Basilan has already signified his support for the military operation. The military has been rearing to go to war to avenge the death of their comrades.Some journalists are covering the conflict from afar.What's the picture on the

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-26024528244251164602007-08-20T16:13:00.000+08:002007-08-20T16:17:57.622+08:00

Dumaan din ang bagyo. Sana naanod na lahat na kitikiti at lamok na may dengue.Dumaan na nga ang bagyo, pero mas malakas naman na bagyo ang kinakaharap ng mga tao sa Basilan. Hindi tubig ang bumabaha doon. Dugo. Hindi ulan ang pumapatak doon. Bomba at tingga.Kailan kaya matatapos ang gera sa Basilan? Kailan kaya mananahimik ang kagubatan doon?

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-1811703383382120482007-08-16T18:49:00.000+08:002007-08-16T19:01:56.139+08:00

After enjoying Neil Gaiman's "Smoke and Mirrors" and "Neverwhere" several months ago, I've started just this afternoon "American Gods."I have only read the first chapter and aside from getting excited, I'm laughing my head off. The story about a man being swallowed by a woman's vagina was "too Filipino" a joke."This is what he sees:"He is inside her to the chest, and as he stares at this in

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-89682945941526234582007-08-15T17:21:00.000+08:002007-08-15T17:25:00.281+08:00

to all those who prayed for my daughter's recovery, thank you very much.she is already out of the hospital after her blood pressure normalized and her platelets count stabilized at 180 early today.thank you very much to all who wished her well.

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-9173310154233400342007-08-14T18:53:00.000+08:002007-08-14T18:57:20.675+08:00

thanks to ms i and to all the friends who prayed for ms s' immediate recovery. i'm touched by all your prayers. thanks too to my muslim friends in marawi, iligan, basilan and sulu who offered their prayers. my dear daughter is still in the hospital trying to make her platelets count rise to normal. her blood pressure has already started to go back to normal with the help of the supplementation of

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-91773301868660802722007-08-12T23:21:00.001+08:002007-08-12T23:43:26.666+08:00

this is a test blog from a nokia 5700 done from the er of st luke's hospital while waiting for ms s cbcWhen things seem fine, something has to come up. This i learned from being a journalist.So when i was all set to fly to the visayas, my dear s has to be rushed to the hospital.I've been trying to post this entry for the fifth time to prove that even in the midst of unpredictable moments one can

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-41728231949958065792007-08-07T00:07:00.000+08:002007-08-07T00:16:24.658+08:00

Two of the most accessible people at the US Embassy here in Manila will finish their tour of duty in the Philippines this month.Matthew Lussenhop, First Secretary and Embassy spokesman, and Stacy MacTaggert, who has been described also as Embassy spokesman in some news reports (Sorry Stacy, you forgot to give me your card so I don’t know your official designation), are going back to Washington

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-24968474819650880472007-08-06T00:21:00.001+08:002007-08-06T00:40:55.846+08:00

Good will always triumph over evil, ika nga. Isa lamang 'yan sa mga mensahe ng nobela ni J.K. Rowling tungkol sa buhay ng isang batang ang pangalan ay Harry Potter.Katatapos ko lang basahin ang ika-pito at huling aklat ng tinaguriang Harry Potter series. Sampung taon ko ring sinubaybayan ang kwento ng batang may angking kapangyarihan ng mahika.Subalit, higit sa mga pagsubok na kinaharap ni Harry

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-89501063636818101432007-07-31T18:41:00.001+08:002007-07-31T18:58:13.093+08:00

I'm busy these days. I'm busy reading the latest Harry Potter book. I'm busy attending meetings and sharing ideas and experiences to people who want to listen. How I wish I will have more time just hanging out with friends, or watching a movie late in the evening, or sharing a few rounds of beer with colleagues.A friend of mine once said it was my choice, that I could have more time if I want to.

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-12075109033693958082007-07-22T23:57:00.000+08:002007-07-22T23:58:50.235+08:00

Tagal ko na palang 'di nakapag-post dito. Next time, please also try my GMANews.TV blog for updates.Siguro narinig n'yo na ang balita tungkol sa mga librong mali ang laman (lalo na ang Ingles) pero ipinamahagi pa rin ng Department of Education sa mga estudyante sa elementarya.Heto ang ilan sa mga nakakatawang pagkakamali. Sige nga, subukan nyo ngang itama:* Stop playing in your computer now.* Be

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-72356919577215201012007-07-11T17:16:00.000+08:002007-07-11T17:18:11.324+08:00

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-58243997947126234652007-07-08T22:29:00.001+08:002007-07-08T22:54:47.119+08:00

Ang sarap ng steak sa Manolo Fortich sa Bukidnon. Ang kapal ng karne pero ang lambot. Siguro dahil pinya lang ang kinakain ng mga baka doon.Ang ganda pa rin sa Mindanao, kahit na meron nang SM sa Cagayan de Oro. Malamig pa rin ang hangin, malayo pa rin ang naaabot ng mga mata habang bumibiyahe sa highway.Masaya sa CDO lalo na gabi ng Biyernes at Sabado. Meron silang night market. Nakabili pa nga

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-31543324694073831592007-07-03T13:54:00.001+08:002007-07-03T13:54:51.652+08:00

Natapos din ang paghahanap kay Lintang Bedol, ang elections supervisor sa Maguindanao na ipina-aresto ng Comelec dahil sa hindi pagpapakita sa canvassing ng resulta ng eleksyon.Nakita si Bedol sa Davao nitong nakalipas na linggo. Hindi naman daw siya sumuko, hindi naman daw nahuli.Baka nga naman nakasalubong lang niya ang mga pulis na naghanap sa kanya at sumama na lang siyang kusa dahil gusto

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-34088424922764600102007-06-29T09:30:00.000+08:002007-06-29T09:59:25.414+08:00

It's a story of childhood monsters coming back, haunting the present, an endless attempt to escape from oneself, from reality, failure to accept and reconcile with the past, an attempt at redemption, a story of love and betrayal.I've spent several sleepless nights watching the "Prison Break" series. It was introduced to me by a dear friend months ago who lent me an incomplete DVD of the first

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-32219405063897706752007-06-25T20:19:00.000+08:002007-06-25T20:21:20.705+08:00

If anything, the brazen murder on Monday of Radyo ng Bayan reporter and operations supervisor Vicente Sumalpong in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi and the wounding of his colleague, Vema Antham, highlights once more the government's failure to act decisively to staunch the rampant bloodshed that has cast doubts on its ability and commitment to defend democracy and freedom.Sumalpong was the fourth journalist

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-19369804537994341462007-06-19T22:42:00.000+08:002007-06-19T22:47:24.305+08:00

"Birthday" ni Rizal, kaya naisip kong magsulat tungkol sa bayaning limot na yata ng marami.Natutuwa ako kay Rizal dahil siya lang ang "sikat" na taong kilala ko at binasa't pinag-aralan ang mga sinulat kahit na noong bata pa ako.Sa aming bayan, doon sa Dapitan, kung saan ang lahat na daan ay nakapangalan sa mga tauhan ng mga nobela ni Rizal o mga sinulat niya (Mi Ultimo Adios Street ang daan

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-9159137911471407152007-06-10T23:55:00.001+08:002007-06-12T00:39:53.012+08:00

Tila may lambong na madilim na ulap ang mukha ni Richard nang una kong makita sa loob ng eroplano sa Frankfurt airport. Tila wala siyang pakiaalam sa kanyang paligid, nakalagay sa tenga ang earphone ng kanyang ipod, malayo ang kanyang paningin, ni hindi ako kinibo nang tabihan ko siya.“Pauwi ka?” basag ko sa katahimikan habang umupo ako sa kanyang tabi. Huli na nang naisip ko na malaking

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14237332.post-85879585302665657232007-06-09T01:27:00.001+08:002007-06-09T01:49:44.473+08:00

Lunes nang magsimula ang Global Inter-Media Dialogue dito sa Soria Moria. Buong araw nasa miting lang ako kung saan naatasan akong moderator sa isang parallel meeting. Mahirap mag-facilitate ng isang international meeting na halos lahat gustong magsalita, nagdedebate at iba-iba pa ang lenggwahe. Nakayanan naman at natuwa naman ang mga hindi kumulang 50 na kasapi sa aking parallel session,

Joe Torresnoreply@blogger.com0