THE FIGHT FOR DIPLOMACY (In this DOG-EAT-DOG World)

IT'S A DOG'S LIFE

Diplomacy.  To aptly define it, is a profession or skill of managing international relations.  Another definition would be the art of dealing with people in a sensitive way.  Now how are we to know if a person appointed by our well-meaning government is qualified for the job as a diplomat? Well the answer lies in the following qualifying criteria:  a.) Should be a Filipino citizen with no drug or alcohol abuse record; b.)Should have at least one of the five career tracks: Consular, Economic, Management, Political and Public Diplomacy; c). Should pass the Foreign Oral Services Assessment test, after passing the written one; d.) Should pass the language eligibility test; e). Should undergo and pass background and medical examinations and; f). Should be willing to be assigned to another country.  So in this on-going battle of wits and fame in our current government, are we following all these criteria in choosing our ambassadors to other countries?  I would like to believe so.  I would also like to believe that these chosen people would at least know the three Pillars of Diplomacy envisioned and set-up by former foreign secretary Alberto Romulo.  In this dog-eat-dog world, we cannot allow weak people to carry our banner and represent our country in a foreign land.  He or she, should at least be an "alpha" male or female to be able to speak on behalf of our country and manage disputes that are currently pressing or that would eventually arise. We Filipinos are not only fighting for diplomacy in terms of the manner in dealing with our foreign neighbors, but are also actually fighting over the diplomacy post of appointees or nominees.  It is not enough that they get to be chosen based on the closeness that they have for the "Oligarchs" (excuse me for the pun) seated in our so-called democratic government.  At the rate that Philippine politics is going, our system looks like an Oligarchy (a system that we have so long ago fought against).  I think it is just proper for our government to present all the qualifications of their appointees first and then determine fitness to the job to avoid embarrassments on both ends.  The government owes it to us... for all the embarrassments we have endured (throughout the world) in this new administration.  Whew, speaking of embarrassment, I am embarrassed to even say this... in this country, we are indeed living a dog's life!

(video courtresy of YOUTUBE and uploaded by Affokaliftus)

WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE?

While browsing through my daily serving of cyber news, I chanced upon an article and video that shook me to the core.  Yes, it is the much talked about news on the government's new nominee as ambassador to Beijing.  As it is, our country is facing an infamous dispute on China's territorial claim on a group of Islands around the West Philippine Sea (to include the much-coveted Spratly's group of islands).  This dispute has not only been sticking out like a sore thumb in our vast sea of problems but has also been the source of the thinning of the tie that binds us in peaceful coexistence with our neighbor, China.  Yes dear countrymen, I will say it again, an ambassador has already been nominated to represent us in Beijing but is he fit for the job?  Qualifications, I would like to believe, this gentleman possesses.  For our government I am sure, did not only appoint him for he is a friend of the lot (much to the ire of the majority of the masses because this is what all reports are telling us) but also appointed him for his qualifications.  But my argument here is this, not all qualified men are fit for the job.  He may be qualified but is he knowledgeable on the existing pressing issues and disputes?  Is he knowledgeable on the basic facts relevant to his post? Is he as eager to learn, like some "qualified" men (as he was given at least two months of briefing and assignments prior to this nomination confirmation)?  And (if you look closely at the video), was he able to fully understand and internalize everything being shot at him?  These basic questions, seem to me, have a common answer and that is a NO.  No (for me) because of one of these few things: he was nervous; verbally inarticulate; he was lacking in support or was probably disinterested. But hold your horses everyone... who are we to judge?  This video shook me to the core and at the same time saddened me for a lot of reasons.  It saddened me to see that a gentleman, who we do not all know and has not been given a proper introduction to us by a body that has nominated him, has been greatly embarrassed because Honorable Osmeña (who was just doing his job by the way) had grilled him in front of the media and some spectators.  That this gentleman, who probably is turning right now in his bed and couldn't get a shut-eye, is being ridiculed thanks to this circulating viral video.  That this video, will not only be seen by our countrymen but by people around the world. That this gentleman, who may be a husband, a brother, a father or grandfather has not only embarrassed himself but also his whole family.  What saddens me the most however, is the irresponsibility of the person or people who nominated him because until China would disprove of his nomination, he is still the sole appointee to the post.  Friends, he was not given a proper introduction and was not given a chance to showcase his talents, contributions and qualifications for us to at least support him and bolster his appointment... and although this gentleman was briefed, he was not briefed enough.   

ODE TO SPANKY

ODE TO SPANKY

By Spunky Babe Gunzone-Swift

You keep me safe and free from harm.

In cold dark nights you keep me warm.

You lift me up when I am down

And make me smile whenever I frown.

When you're not home, I lie and wait,

No matter how long, no matter how late,

For when you are here, I need not fear,

I know I am strong when you are near.

My wounds and pains you alone can heal,

My angst and anger you alone can feel.

You know what I need and what's in my heart

You know my love, we will never part.

Your eyes speak the truth and your heart is pure

With you I am home and your love is my cure.

Your strength lifts me up to heaven's doors,

For this, always know that I'll always be yours.

ALL IS WELL

ALL IS WELL

by: Spunky Babe Gunzone-Swift

When things get rough and you just fell,

Don't worry Love,for all is well.

When life is tough and hurts like hell,

Don't fret, don't puff, for all is well.

When you are blue and you can tell

That they ain't true, hey, all is well.

When you are broke,like an empty shell.

Cheer up young bloke,for all is well.

No matter how bad your life seems to be,

You best hang on and listen to me.

Life is like a wheel, soon you're up and swell,

You'll be dancing on your heel, for ALL IS WELL!

CHRISTMAS IN OUR HEARTS

* Our Parish BELEN (The Nativity Scene) at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Bel-Air, Makati

'TIS THE SEASON

"Hark!", the herald angels sing, "Glory to the Newborn King!"  This is the line from a famous Christmas carol that was originally seen in a book of Hymns and Sacred Poems, written by Charles Wesley and was intended to be sung solemnly but was later on rearranged, altered and popularized for appreciation of the masses.  Whichever way we put it and in whatever style we want to sing it, this is one of the songs that gives us the message and true meaning of Christmas, that our Savior, worthy of praise is born.  Although many scholars believe that December 25 isn't really the birthdate of our Lord Jesus Christ, this specific date in our calendar was marked to annually commemorate a day in which our world was first saved and lifted up from sin by the coming of the Messiah.  In many nations, Christmas has evolved into a joyous and exciting occasion filled with gifts, fun celebrations and a myriad of jolly characters like Santa Claus, his elves and Rudolph.  In our country, Christmas is welcomed which much bravado and exaggeration.  We begin to prepare for and celebrate it when the BER months already appear in our calendar (so we start decorating as early as SeptemBER).  I for one, am guilty of this exaggerated excitement for the coming season. Who wouldn't when there is a tangible electricity on the streets, bustling activity everywhere and a myriad of merry sights and sounds filling the air?  Filipinos have always been delighted with this occasion and even start counting exactly a hundred days before it. When the BER months come you will see big companies start meeting in preparation for change in products, designing of corporate give-aways, reservation of Christmas party venues and allocation of budget for bonuses, food and gifts.  Before, the highlight of the Christmas celebration in the Philippines was centered on simple parols made by hand, selling of bibingka and puto bumbong (read: aroma of melted butter, cheese, salted eggs and coconut shreds wafting through the air), setting-up of miniature or giant BELENs at home or in churches, listening to Christmas carolers (and giving them loose change), enjoying the cold early morning air on the way to simbang gabi and Misa de gallo (ie, "rooster's mass"..Christmas Eve mass, Midnight Mass), wrapping gifts for our inaanaks (ie, godchildren) and preparing richly flavored Filipino food for noche buena (Christmas Eve supper).   Now, with the advent of new technological marvels, we (literally) have GIANT Christmas trees filled with metallic balls and colorful lights, robotic figures of Santa on display,  Bright LED billboards with Christmas messages,  Christmas carols blaring in the underpass or transits,  dancing LED lights on houses, trees and plants and artificial snow courtesy of Snow World.  Indeed, the Christmas celebration in Pinas has evolved into one big colorful mardi gras on top of our simple and meager traditions.  Even the coveted Starbuck's planner already has a place in the limelight (Hmm, I still have a lot of stickers to go)!  But, dear friends, before we drown in ecstasy over all this excitement and wake up in January with clogged arteries and a pile of bills, let us not forget the reason for the season, and that is Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let us all be thankful for He is the One who we owe our lives to, He is the One in whom we can confide in and He is the One who can truly make us say: ' TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY (for He is amongst us)!

                                                                                                                                                                                                          

dancing and singing with cousins (DJ Kroft, Marz,
Konyo, Ate S) and grandpa (Papa RG)

w/Mom, Dad, Baby Bro and Little Sis (in the tummy)

with dearest hubby, sHOTz MD

G FAMILY CHRISTMAS
I come from a family with an artistic flair. We have, to say the least, been brought up in a household that encouraged us to influence the emotions, senses and intellect of people in a significant way.  We love literature, film, photography, paintings, politics, aesthetics and most  of all, music.  Music was the highlight of every occasion.  We used to sing and dance for our grandparents and were included in the family performances of our parents, aunts and uncles.  Themed parties were always planned and prepared with much bravado, as if a major concert  was about to be shown.  At an early age, we either had to learn to play the piano or any other instrument and mingle with our cousins through interactive songs (on top of memorizing the multiplication table, rough-housing, swimming, biking and watching the Sound of Music, Merry Poppins and Annie over and over again).  Even the new generation (my nephews and nieces) has not been spared from this music extravaganza bug.  I remember when my nephews L, S, K used to perform for us, with a toy guitar, my uncle's old tambourine and makeshift drumsticks and the ceramic elephant as a makeshift drum when they were little. They even prepared tickets and fixed the chairs in the sala and dining hall so that we could all watch their rambunctious performance on the second floor balcony of our Makati family home.  Christmas celebrations were therefore not at all that different.  We all either celebrated in our family home in the City or in our own homes in the province but would hook up later in the wee hours of the morning to continue the singing, dancing, fun and laughter.  Christmas celebrations were always fun and looked forward to in our family.  At the start of the BER months, Christmas carols would be heard in our house playing over the transistor, tape deck, Karaoke machine and later on, CD Player.  I literally grew up to the tunes sung by the Gunter Kallman Christmas Choir.  Now that I am already married and have my own household, hearing their Christmas renditions would remind me of the cold and longer nights of the holidays with my parents and sibs, the hot chocolate that my mom would prepare for us, the abundance of food on the table, cupboards and refrigerator, the lovingly prepared noche buena feast, my dad's fascination  for Queso de bola, the midnight mass that we excitedly prepare for (with matching clothes, haha) and our lavishly decorated home (courtesy of my dad who climbs the banisters and house columns, tinkers with the lights, forms beautiful decorations with indigenous products, strings and a glue gun and the rest of the family who cut cloth, tie ribbons, set-up the Christmas tree and make suggestions).  The highlight of it all would be the opening of presents and the singing by our piano with my dad pounding on the keyboard until the wee hours of the morning. Although I miss these happy scenes, I am very lucky to have a husband who shares my love for music. We both play the guitar and piano and we both love to sing. Our weekends are spent caring for our pets, spring cleaning, going to mass and jamming sessions (he: playing the guitar, me: playing the cajon, both: singing).  Christmases spent with my hubby are also very memorable and relaxing because after the mass, noche buena and opening of gifts, we go into our laid back mode and sing not to the accompaniment of our guitar, but of our MAGIC SING!  Merry Christmas everyone! One Love! :)

WITHIN THE WALLS: INTRAMUROS... (History relived in Jose Rizal's footsteps)

 JOSE RIZAL SHRINE

NATIONAL HERO

Extraordinary.  This is the term that befits a courageous and multi-talented individual, that is Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado (later, Jose P. Rizal), our national hero.  Born in Calamba, Laguna, Pepe, as he was fondly called by family members, exhibited an uncanny ability to analyze things at an early age. He was, by far, more intelligent than his peers and developed a great thirst for knowledge while growing up.  Educated in the best schools that our country had to offer, he developed a deep sense of patriotism and longing to share what he knew to the less fortunate people of the Philippines.  His versatility inspired alot of Filipinos during his time and until now, he is known in different parts of the world for his contributions in the field of art, literature, medicine, zoology, botany, anthropology, agriculture, ichthyology, conchology, and politics.  Because of the tight reign of the Spanish conquistadores during his time, he ventured abroad to quench his desire to learn new things and live freely among peers.  Although he had been out of the country for so long a time, the fire in his heart to free his country from the grasp of a formidable foe never dampened.  Albeit, this drove him to conduct his battles with a pen.  A proficient writer and linguist (speaking more than ten [10]  languages), he had translated different poems and prose to Tagalog, written a lot of articles, letters, plays and books (two of which are his famous novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo).  Armed with only paper and pen, he ignited the flames of revolt in the hearts of his countrymen by distributing newspaper articles and copies of his famous novels throughout the country.  When he was captured and detained, he was more than ready to give his life for the love of our country and ultimately, its freedom.  His trial was swift, with the ultimate verdict of death by firing squad at Bagumbayan.  Before facing his fate, he wrote his last farewell (Mi Ultimo Adios) on a piece of paper, put it inside a lamp and entrusted it to his sister.  This document, written on a lowly piece of paper (as seen in the photo above) has been translated in different languages and has been described as a loving song of patriotism, inspiring millions of people worldwide.  On that fateful day of December 30, 1896, he was brought to Bagumbayan to be shot from behind, but made a last request to be shot facing the squad, which was denied.  They wanted to shoot him from behind so he would die face down, humiliated.  When the command "fuego" was given, Dr. Jose Rizal made a last ditch effort to face his foes and died facing the brightly lit morning sky of his beloved country.  The end of his life was the beginning of a more fervent longing of his countrymen to obtain freedom.  His death was in essence, a gift of life for those who have suffered in a country where they were born and that will ultimately be called their own.     

(First and Last Verses of Mi Ultimo Adios)

Farewell, my adored Land, region of the sun caressed,          

Pearl of the Orient Sea, our Eden lost,

With gladness I give you my Life, sad and repressed;          

And were it more brilliant, more fresh and at its best,

I would still give it to you for your welfare at most.

Farewell, parents, brothers, beloved by me,

Friends of my childhood, in the home distressed;

Give thanks that now I rest from the wearisome day;

Farewell, sweet stranger, my friend, who brightened my way;

Farewell, to all I love. To die is to rest.

INTRAMUROS

THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL

My hubby and I were born and raised in Makati so we are used to the hustle and bustle of everyday modern life.  Everywhere we go in this city, we see skyscrapers left and right, top-of-the-line shops and boutiques,  sleek cars and posh modern houses here and there.  Although we are both content and used to these everyday Makati scenes and hold clinics in multinational companies here, we opted to put up our own diagnostic center in Manila. You see, it is rare for us to see an area or side in Makati without an erected structure.  In Manila however, the side of Manila Bay is open for us to view and enjoy.  During daytime, the bay area magnifies the sun's rays and makes it a sight to behold.  In the evenings, the water is twinkling with lights reflected from the boats and surrounding lamps, creating an image mirroring the twinkling of the stars above.  It is also here that we see a diversity in transportation (sleek cars admixed with kalesas or horse-drawn Filipino-style carriages).  A few days ago, we were invited by a Health Partner to join them in a tour of Intramuros.  Of course we were both eager to join so in a bat of an eyelash, we RSVP'd and prepared for the exciting day.  Yesterday, with our cameras in tow, we set off to Intramuros.  Although we have been there alot of times already, we were ecstatic.  Intramuros is a very popular tourist destination, field trip location and wedding venue (because of the very popular churches there like San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral).  Entering its walls would immediately transport you to a different era because you would not only see old structures that are still erect and functioning but also guards in the typical garb reflecting that time.  Intramuros, also known as the walled city (intra: inner; muros: walls)  was built by the Spaniards to act as the main stronghold for its military forces, center for trade and commerce of the city and  home to the Peninsulares, Insulares and some Mestizos during that time.  Stratification of the people in Intramuros was important because it was a great determinant of the positions held and the way of living.  Peninsulares were those born and raised in Spain, Insulares were pure Spaniards born in our country, Mestizos were of mixed Spanish and Filipino heritage and Indios were the pure Tagalogs (ie, "taga-ilog") or Filipinos who were usually the servants in the walled city.  

Once there, we were greeted by the wonderful and accommodating team of JD Astro . We were then escorted to the their funny and endearing VP, Mr. Jay Buenfalor. Jay gave us an interactive tour that was composed of gregarious story telling, fun role-playing and crazy antics.  Again, from the start of the tour, we were magically transported to a time long gone but not forgotten.  Walking on the bridge over the moat and entering the arc of Fort Santiago was amazing.  Although I had walked through the arc long ago, during one of my childhood fieldtrips, back then it was all play.  Now it is something different.  It gave me a paradoxical feeling because on one end, I was entering a place I should abhor since it is where alot of our countrymen were detained, had suffered a great deal and coerced to accept the culture of people who enslaved them.  On the other hand, the place all the more gave me a sense of patriotism since the culture that was ingrained and mixed with our original one is what makes us the Filipinos of today. This of course, excited me all the more.  The twenty two (22) feet high by eight (8) feet wide walls did not give me a feeling of awe for the architectural prowess of the Spaniards but gave me a sense of pride that Filipinos (the Indios of that time), painstakingly erected the structure with bare hands, using simple tools, fortifying it with very large slabs of stone (mixed with their blood, sweat and tears).  The fort is reminiscent of European castles and fortresses, complete with dungeons, an open theater, wide lawns and a magnificent view of the Pasig river from an open space above.  The Pasig River's quays, according to Jay, served the early interisland trade during that time.  The Chinese traders (known as Sangleys), although segregated from the populace or restricted to an enclave called Parian (ie, "puntahan")  and were not allowed to enter the walls, were the main businessmen of that time. Early in the morning, the gates of Intramuros (Puerta de Parian) would be open for people to mingle with Sangleys, buy their needs or conduct trade.  Later on, because of fires that razed Parian, a new Parian was set-up on the hilly side of Manila, known as Binondo (ie, "binundok").  

After the tour of the grounds, we were escorted by Jay to the Shrine of Dr. Jose Rizal.  Inside, we saw his cell, some memorabilia, few of his books, the original copy of Mi Ultimo Adios, photos, a collection of shells, some animal specimens, clothes, a diagnostic set of some sort and a relic of the great hero himself (one of his vertebrae).  Inside the shrine I was in awe of the great contribution of this man.  He was for me, not the Jack of all trades master of none but the "Jack of all trades, MASTER,BAR NONE"! 

Our last stop for the day was the Light and Sound Museum. After some refreshments, we were ushered into the cold dark place but were then treated to an hour and a half of sensory tour de force of lights and sounds highlighting each critical event in the Philippine History.  The tour was capped-off by a short speech from Ms. Rynah Ventura, President of JD Astro, then a patriotic song, Bayan ko, which more than ever made me proud of our heritage, thanks to the men and women who, up to this day, ignite the flames of love for our country.  I can say that here is a lady who is proud to be Pinay!  Kaya to all our kababayans and balikbayans out there, tara, MANghILA na, papuntang MANILA... :)

  

Our Tour guide, Mr. Jay Buenaflor (Thank you Jay)

LOVE & INTERRACIAL RELATIONSHIPS...Are Filipinas most often misconstrued?

ON LOVE & INTERRACIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Love. It has been through time, defined, described and alluded to in so many ways. It has been the subject of many a poet's lines, included in lovers' ethereal dreams and is the ultimate tie that binds human beings. Here, to aptly put it, Love has no boundaries, no race, no culture or religion... OR DOES IT? I often ask that short and straightforward question because we know that it is not true in some cultures. It is a known fact that there are still some races that do not condone exogamy (ie, marrying outside one's social group). Before Generation X (circa 1965-1979), interracial relationships and even interactions were considered taboo. Which somehow reminds me of the Nazi days of Germany, Apartheid era of South Africa and Caste System of India.  The main reason of these so-called "race or group segregation" believers is that there are inferior groups that should not mingle with the "upper class" or "master race" because they might influence, or some term it as "infect" them with inferior beliefs, ways and characteristics (talk about being paranoid).  As I look at it, they are more mindful of the wealth, monetary gain and affluence that they should only share with their own. This is one of the reasons why I am writing about it. Excuse me for the pun but I am really thankful that with the advent of industrialization and advancement in education, the ignorance on multicultural relationships is slowly losing its turf... for some anyway.  Now the question is, are Filipinas spared from this ignorance? Yes I should say so, but not quite.  It is a fact that there is a rise in the number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) abroad. I do not mind. I am even proud of them because they are very much sought-after due to perseverance, honesty, excellent work ethic and top-of-the line skills (be it white or blue collared jobs).  First world countries often seek Filipino workers. Heck, Filipinos are even excelling in the world of art! Foreigners are now proud that they have Filipina wives in tow but... discrimination still exists. In some texts, a Filipino is defined as a domestic helper (So what? Do you know that they wash your yellowish undergarments in which you do not even dare touch?).  What ires me the most though is the fact that there are still some races who think Filipinos (especially Filipinas) are money-grabbing, wealth guzzling people. Excuse me, gone were the days when Filipinas (or women at that) were left at home to tend to household chores and were not allowed to be educated.  Men and women share the same rights now.  Alot of Filipinas are educated and skilled.  It's sad though that in this era of test-tube babies, robotics extraordinaire, bio genetics-gone-haywire, eco friendliness, biodiversity, social media upsurge and brain drain,  Filipinas are most often misconstrued, even in our own country.  In our country? Why do I say that?  Hello, while foreigners who visit us are proud of their Filipina partners, some shallow-minded people, look at them with raised eyebrows, as if to say... "He must've met her in a girly bar of some sorts". Shut up! You, who are proud to say that you are Filipino, should be ashamed of yourselves. You join the ranks of those ignorant people from abroad who think that Filipinas are out to get their money (when in reality, some of these Filipinas are by far, wealthier than their foreign partners).  You should not be called Filipinos because you have become the people you hate the most... people who degrade Filipinos and consider them second class.  But wait, I have only just begun. I have tackled the hate but I am also here to look at the brighter side of things. Yes, there are educated, intelligent and loving foreigners who think Filipinas are A-class. I salute you guys. You have, in so many ways won my admiration for respecting my beloved sisters. You have not only respected me, in essence, but our moms and the moms of our moms (and so the list goes on)!  Filipinas are loving, respectful of elders and mindful of manners. We are, as others describe us, the epitome of the so-called hearth of the home, light of the family and tip of the rosy-fingered dawn.  We love you for who you are and not for what you have.  If we were only out to get your money, we would not allow ourselves to grow old with you, wash you dirty laundry, feed you burly dogs, mow your bushy lawn, keep up with your tantrums and tend to your needs when you are sick in bed (half-dead from intoxication).  Yes, most are dreaming of a wonderful household, sleek cars, rosy colored or blue-eyed children and an endless supply of cheerios for breakfast but... Filipinas will not let you work alone. In every step of the way, we are willing to give everything we've got like convert to your religion, care for you, manage your household and even boost your existing businesses, all in the name of LOVE.  So you, yes you, who have the utmost respect for Filipinas, have given me the ultimate description of love...that LOVE is without boundaries, without race, without culture or religion. Again, I salute you! :)

JAN and MAYALU

I am not married to a foreigner. Some who know me might think that because my husband looks Arian but he isn't. He is a full-blooded Filipino while my blood line is a mixture of Spanish, Chinese and Filipino, so we are not alien to interracial relationships.  Some of our aunts, cousins and friends are either married to or in relationships with foreigners and we have borne witness to their happy and blissful unions. My best friend, Mayalu, and her beau, Jan, is one of these couples. Mayalu has been my best friend since God-knows-when and I hold her dearly in my heart because it's as if we have known each other forever.  I have been with her through her roughest and toughest of times and have supported her in all her decisions, with a few reprimands here and there from me, when needed (and she, the same).  One incident though that always comes to mind when I think of both of them, was the day she came to my house for a visit. She was more beautiful than the last time I saw her, more vibrant and with a very obvious twinkle in her eye.  It was then that I thought: "my best friend is in love" (sigh) and so with much bravado (as expected), she began telling me about her new relationship with Jan, a foreign Cardiologist, working in Dammam.  Of course, as if on cue, I was gushing and couldn't wait for the story on how they met and finally conquered love.  I was, like she was, ecstatic with the news. You see, Mayalu is a free-spirited and intelligent woman, who loves to travel and experience new things. And for the longest time, she had been planning to go out of the country to practice Anesthesiology in a foreign hospital.  We were both hoping against hope that someday she would, so she began applying for placement as an Anesthesiologist outside the country.  I have met Jan when he went for a visit here in Manila. He looked like what every Cardiologist looks like, clean, intelligent and straightforward.  He was, in every sense of the word, a real gentleman like my husband and was very eager to share his different views on things.  They looked so much in love then and I know that they still are now.  When it was time for Jan to go back to Dammam, Mayalu continued her work here and waited for that one important phone call. Much to her delight, she finally got a call that she was accepted in a hospital in Riyadh. That moment was magical, she felt as if everything had fallen into place.  She had even converted to Islam and I was so proud of her for taking that leap.  Now she is there, happy and hopeful that soon, all her hardships will be rewarded with blessings. Admittedly, life there is not simple. Discrimination is still very obvious not only for women entirely but also for Filipinas. You see, some still think that they are after monetary fulfillment especially when they are engaged or married to the men there. Unbeknownst to them, Filipinas, like my best friend Mayalu, are really capable of true love, and are striving to work hard to show them what true Pinays are made of.  However, much to my consternation, I have heard that some Pinays "allegedly" hook up with foreign men, not because of love but for the money. I hope that somehow, the minority of Filipinas who are being misconstrued would prove them wrong and would uphold their values to forever erase this stigma that is as old as time. I am just thankful though, that Mayalu was accepted by Jan for who and what she is... a lovely woman with a beautiful heart, full of life and verve... willing to conquer all, in the name of love. I miss you so much Mayalu! Keep the faith! :) 

BETTA BETTAS (Better Bettas)

PET: (Blue Lace Half-Moon Plakat)

*The title wishes to convey the essence of the article, to have better bettas (BETTA BETTAS). Any likeness in name to a specific store or betta breeding organization is not in any way associated with the author or article written herein.

PET:(Turquoise Mustard Gas Half-Moon Plakat)

*Our dear pets personally bred by our friend,Team Bettas Pilipinas member, Mr. Jason Elmore.



Betta splendens (Siamese Fighting fish)

Splendid. This is the word that best describes the form, make and colors of the different types of bettas seen around the world. The genus betta has more than fifty (50) listed species but Betta splendens is considered the most ubiquitous when it comes to aquarium life. It is the quintessential betta species to grace the aquariums of most hobbyists here and abroad. Originally from Siam (Thailand), this tropical freshwater fish has been bred and used as a "gladiator" of the fighting fish arena but has since been bred and re-bred by hobbyists to perfect certain colors, finnages and attributes for people to enjoy as a pet,gracing their aquariums at home and being included in shows worldwide. Betta splendens and other betta species are usually found in the rice paddies of Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. Known for its cost-efficiency when it comes to maintenance (since it does not need an aerator for aquarium survival), it has been one of the top-selling freshwater fish in the market to date. Bettas have the so-called labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric oxygen which is then absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Males are usually brightly colored, robustly finned and are kept in individual containers because they naturally end up fighting when put in a single container, except of course when they have not yet reached the adult stage. Females may also be brightly colored but have lighter shades or hues and with simple fins compared to their male counterparts (they may live together peacefully in a so-called "sorority tank"). Like most mouth breathers, bettas make bubble nests for their fry and according to some is one of the components of the mating ritual. When excited, males exhibit an aggressive behavior and begin to flare (ie, stretching of fins, opening of gill covers, exposure of gills and darkening of color). Females may also exhibit this characteristic but usually, especially when ready to mate, show vertical lines on their bodies. Their mating ritual is composed of showing-off colors, chasing around the aquarium and sometimes nipping of each others' fins (there are even incompatible pairs that end up killing each other). Their dance of love however, is a sight to behold. Also called the "nuptial embrace", the male entwines itself with the female while they both release eggs (female) and milt or seminal fluid (male). They then go into a state of suspended animation for a few seconds then go through the same process again until the female has released all of her eggs. During and after spawning, the male catches the fertilized eggs in his mouth and puts them within the pre-formed bubble nest. During this time, the female is removed because they, more often than not, devour the eggs but according to some, this notion is quite overrated since there have been reports that some females help their mates deposit the fertilized eggs into the nest. The fry stay in the bubble nest until the time that their yolk sacs have been absorbed by their bodies. By then, they are ready to swim freely in the breeding tank. This is the signal to remove the male. On the third day onward, the fry are fed any of the following: microworms, newly hatched baby brine shrimp or daphnia (some even give them hard boiled egg yolks). It is important though, to clean the breeding tank regularly by water change to prevent growth of any organism and/or prevent disease. In two (2) to three (3) months, they are ready to be jarred or transferred to grow-out tanks. Some even transfer fry to grow-out tanks as early as a week old.  I am not an expert, so I leave this part to them. :)

How it all began

For the longest time, my husband and I have been dog lovers (and still are, by the way).  However, through  the years we have been together, we have begun to love and take care of other animals as well. We've had our share of ants, spiders and worms (which have all passed away, except for the super worms which we also breed for our arowana). Yes, you may call our garage (which was once the lovely abode of our car, Sevaughn), a zoo of some sorts. It now houses two giant tanks (one for our arowana: Souki, the other for our feeder /comet fishies and seven Kois: Pare-Koi, Ping-Koi, Kolo-Koi, Kuya-Koi, Angeli-Koi, Atoy-Koi and Bumble Bee[?!] plus the comet fish which I would like to note, that we never want to feed Souki, the big one that looks like a Koi: "Sudo-Koi", ie, Pseudo Koi), a medium-sized breeding/sorority tank, tiered small containers for super worms, single glass aquariums for the adult bettas, a handful of plastic 1.5 soda bottles for our betta juvies and a dog cage for our duo of four-legged spices (ie, Dacschund: Laurel and Shih-Tzu: Basil). Four (4) years ago, 2007 to be exact, we chanced upon the lovely bettas (veil tails at that, the cute mongrels of the betta world) in a children's party. Although we have seen the lovely flowing creatures in pet shops a couple of times already, during the children's party, the children, including me and my hubby, were literally enchanted by the colorful creatures. They were by the way, the give-aways of the celebrant  (the bag included the fish, a small round aquarium and fish flakes). When we got home, I couldn't take my eyes off them... I was ENCHANTED! So I begged my husband to research on them so we can start breeding. We saw the picture on the net and my hubby joined a betta forum and met Mr. Brian Santos, who up to this day, is a good friend of ours. Brian, a betta and other creepy crawlies enthusiast/breeder, introduced us to the world of bettas. We have learned alot from him, met and hooked-up with fellow hobbyists and enthusiasts and got our first super red HMPK (one of the progenies of his show winner). We then joined the Betta Club of the Philippines, gained tons of friends and bred our first (epic fail) bettas (read: alive and kicking but did not have ventrals!). Sadly, the first batch survived for only a few months and only three (3) reached full adulthood. They too, eventually died. Because of our busy schedules then, we were not able to breed another batch but now we are both back and we have (thank God) successfully bred, yes VEIL TAILS, the juvies are now in 1.5  plastic soda bottles. Why veil tails? It's because we would like to hone our breeding skills and by December 22, on my hubby's birthday, we will be giving them to our dear Christmas carolers for them to enjoy. I am sure that those youngsters will also be enchanted by the flowing tails and bright colors, much like what happened to us four years ago and maybe, just maybe, inspire them to breed Bettas. :)

To date, we have new adult bettas courtesy of our friend, Mr. Jason Elmore (two [2] pairs of Mustard Gas, one [1] pair of Blue Lace and two (2) red female crowntails). By January, we will start breeding a pair of Mustard Gases. I am crossing my fingers because I am not sure if we will be successful but practice makes perfect right? I hope that like other hobbyists, we will be able to hone our breeding skills further and breed BETTA BETTAS for everyone to enjoy! :) ONE LOVE everyone :)