Piercing Pens

There are places and spaces that you never really leave behind. For me, and for a lot out there I’m sure, it’s the University of the Philippines. Despite the reported crimes, the unbelievable competition in the academe, nothing can stop me from going back to this place I once called home.

Commencement speech given by Ryan Cayabyab
(Mr C of the entertainment world) in UP Diliman on
April 25, 2005 for Class 2005
‘Pitong bagay sa buhay na natutunan ko sa U.P’
by PROF. RYAN CAYABYAB

Maraming salamat po, magandang hapon po sa inyong
lahat. UP President Emerlinda Roman, former
presidents Jose Abueva and Noel Soriano, UP Diliman
Chancellor Dr. Sergio Cao, the Board of Regents,
U.P.faculty and administrative staff, co-professors
from the College of Music, classmates from UP High
1970, fellow alumni, graduates, and friends:

(more…)

The Philippines is living up to its reputation of being the world’s most murderous country for journalists. Just this May, two mediamen were killed in two weeks. Another one was arrested while he was broadcasting on air.

We haven’t even written about Klein Cantoneros yet when we got the news about Philip Agustin. Cantoneros, a hard-hitting radio broadcaster for dxAA-FM in Dipolog City whose commentaries targeted local politicians, was ambushed last May 4 by gunmen riding a motorcycle. He died in the hospital before that day ended. (more…)

I do not remember anymore the first time I rode a jeepney. I do remember though having to ride it on the way to my pre-school. A riggidy raggedy piece of metal thrashing the highway. Black fumes up my nose. Pigtails soaring like wings. Oh, the freedom of it. Sometimes, the heat would make me lethargic so I’d lie on my mother’s lap as we tear the road on the way home. Back then, I did not care how much the ride cost, as long as I get to keep the change.

When I was old enough to commute, I recall having to pay P1.50 to P2 depending on the distance. Sensible enough since I could buy candies and other goodies with my one peso. My mother complained about it. The usual bragging of old people, recalling how cheap products were during their time. Again, I did not care since I had P10 all for myself plus my packed baon. (more…)

Jeepney and bus fares will be higher by two pesos 15 days from now. That means even a two-minute jeepney ride will cost P7.50. Sad. It’s even sadder that the LTFRB announcement on the fare hike came before the wage board’s decision on the worker’s petition for a wage increase. (more…)

We’re sporting a new look after an ugrade to WordPress 1.5. Many thanks to Vicky S of stock.xchng for the image we used on our masthead. We’re still hosted by HostMatrix.

Let us know what you think of the new design. Salamat.