BOONDOCK QUEEN
My Ideas, My Freedom, My Space....

A maid is a maid. Simple. It is how they can persuade one into believing they are more than "simple" maids. I have loved and disliked many of them. Some with average IQ's, others with "where is your IQ"? Hello?! Some say, the Filipinos are lucky and have the convenience of hiring the services easily. Not before "Domestic Helper" came along. What we have today are young girls, with ages averaging between 16-20, who are forced by their own parents to work simply to augment the family's income, or many times to allow a younger sibling to finish a school year in elementary. Young girls who cry to fry an egg!

Their salaries are protected by law. Law abiding citizens, (like I am) even offer most of what is required by the Labor Code, such as vacation with pay, 13th month pay, medical insurance and other benefits. We can choose to live without them, but when we do, they knock on the doors, and then, we fall into the trap of temptation for the convenience. On the other hand, when we need them, we either cannot find them or they get to interrogate us.

There is a Spanish saying: "mal con ellas, peor sin ellas" which literally means: bad with them, worst without them.

With all this said, I have to admit, I have gained one dear friend - one whom I have learned to trust, care for and love. And this answers the contempt.

Elizabeth has resigned. Yes, my dear friend and assistant. In my three years of life in the province, she has become my one true friend. She listened quietly to all my stories, teachings, tips, advices and occassional homilies. But because of a complicated family, (sick farmer father, a menopausing mother tending to her seven month old baby, a married, older but lazier brother, and a rebellious younger sister), Elizabeth was asked by the family to return to her hometown in Bukidnon to help harvest their land of corn. Our goodbyes were filled with tears and embraces, like mother and daughter. She is a gem, always eager to learn. Beth had become a "chef" with magic fingers - a bartender with Cuba Libres til the wee hours of the morning, a sales agent, earning commissions from sales of my frames. We'd watch TV news together, from Erap Resign to Jose Pidal. She had become inquisitive and discerning - strong in her opinion...but, she had to leave, there was no stopping her.

"I wish I were your mother". Deep inside, I know I helped her become confident, brave, proud, conscientious and ambitious, as I see nothing wrong. She deserves it. I wish my dear Friend - Peace. Truly a beloved Major Assistant In Demand.

Why is it that we get so attached to someone? Is it selfishness?

Some parents may be lucky to find their hopes and dreams already built in the spirits of their young ones. But for those like me, who see all they hoped not to see, suffer within. No matter what the odds are, we believe there is hope, a chance for change. That hope is what we cling onto each day. Fervently whispering to the good Spirit to hear our daily pleadings.

The madwoman is disheartened. I showed humility, he reverts to arrogance. I speak of compassion, but he turns despot. I asked for kindness, he gives back rudeness. He has tagged me with a price. If he could sell me to the devil, he probably would.

I cannot even ask the abysmal question "where did I go wrong" simply because I know the best is all I opted for. That "fear" that parents feel has grown out of proportion in my case. It has reached the uncontrollable level. Can anger be inborn? Can a psychiatrist today perform better than the womb that carried the child? Your honor should and must be a Congressman, exhibiting exemptional character and gall!

I got up at 4:00 a.m. today and received a consolation, caught up with a fantastic tennis match between Roddick and Nalbandian of Argentina on TV. I want an all alien US Open, hihihi...out with the Americans who've conquered the courts for so long. But Roddick made it. So, tomorrows match would be Viva Espaņa vs USA.

I look forward to an exciting week, hoping to go see Valle de Vida. It has been almost 2 months since my last visit. "Teddy Bear" and "Your Honor" have been all around me these past 2 months - bugging. I need a break...from them, that is!

The "fairly" intelligent voters would want Danding - he's an economist and may bring value to the peso. The "apprehensive" voter, with vested interest to protect would vote Lacson - as PNP Chief, he gained "pogi" points with the tsinoy community for whom he seemed to have help solve the problem of Kidnapping for ransom, bank robberies. (yeah right). FPJ has repeatedly said he will not run. (Thank god, but... hello Erap, is that you knocking with the "masa vote?) Honasan on his part has fervently been activating his NRP throughout the Philippines, hasta to the most remote barangay. While Madame Prez sits pleasantly in the Palace, the pawns and uto-uto's doing the job for her.

Presently, Roco faces a corruption case at the Ombudsman filed right after his DECS stint. Lacson starred in the Senate inquiry on drugs, thanks to Victor Corpus. Cojuangco's up and about with the revival of the coco levy issue. Honasan and Estrada have been tagged as "masterminds" of the recent Makati demonstration.

As of today, everything that points to her government fittingly belongs to the Hall of Fame. (Or is it shame?) Not one of her potential opponents have been heard of lately, silencing them is the name of the game and she's playing her game wisely, she's everywhere!..capturing the other major vote slowly but surely. After all, there still is 10 long months.

Today, the former '86 coup plotter, Chief of Staff, Defense Secretary and President of the Republic, Fidel V. Ramos, publicly declared his support for GMA, to the extent of asking her run in 2004. Arroyo-Ramos? "They want to weaken me", she claimed at the MOPC meet regarding the resignation of Angelo Reyes. Is he the only one she's got? Geez, coming soon: the downfall of civilian authority. Speaking of civilian authority, (what authority?) all it takes is a sermon from my favorite, "The Cardinal" - like the entire nation is beholded to him.

I am positive Fathur Al Ghozi, the bomber terrorist will be captured between August 25 - September 20, in time for Dubya's visit, a perfect propaganda for the War against terror, and finally, the biggest support for a GMA presidency til 2010. Speak of the New World Order. Ha!

The Spaniards and Marcos held on to power longest in this country, while the rest of pinoys were docile, quiet and subdued. What made the pinoy all of the above in those times? Are we simply followers and short of true leaders whose only virtue is tolerance? Will anyone out there tell me I'm going nuts? Does democracy really work for the Pinoys? Or are we still under a "liberated" American dictatorship?

Had a chat with my Lil Kawabaw and she looks forward to riding the "eyopleyn" again. Surprising day though, "Teddy Bear" walks out of the room this afternoon and decides to cook his version of pork adobo for dinner. Credits to him, it was delicioso! "Your Honor" walks in and asks me to prepare a draft-resume for him to be submitted as an assignment, only to catch him telebabad on the phone. Truly, Your Honor!

Had a long phone chat with Pastor O. Believe me, they too have their own personal intrigues. Politics is everywhere. I must have been dreaming when I thought diplomacy mattered most. As it seems, nincumpoops indeed work to turn one's life into trash. Burn!

Texted the bank for transactions today, fantastic technology, didn't have to waste time and laway. So what? Who cares? For now, I'm ga-ga over html stuff. BTW, it's Kobe Bryant's day in court. Do I care? Hmmmm - wazzzuppp?

One thing that really irks me is when I am branded. "Tagalog". That's what they call me, obviously for being a Manila girl. I have made inquiries through phone, spoken to receptionists, introduced myself to teachers, professionals, etal, either in Tagalog or English, and everyone else replies in bisaya. I just have to constantly remind people that I don't understand, neither do I speak the dialect.

It is a booming city, and perhaps that could be considered a reason why so - the inexperience? On the other hand, ethics, principles and values begin at home. What makes these people impenetrable? Am I an alien in my own country?

I have been getting text messages from friends about the "illusionists" in the government. They should have figured this out long ago. Elections create illusions, as seen in promises never fulfilled. And this "illusionists" we call Your Excellency, Your Honor, Your Excellence? And speaking of elections, who needs a president? We have Cardinal Sin, "Your Eminence", who insists on putting his finger in the pie as well. The leader of the Catholic Church who purposely and completely ignores the separation of State and Church - our Constitution.

I wonder what is needed to wake up the brain-dead majority stuck to telenovelas, fan clubs, and great escapes (TNT-OFW's).

"Bahay kubo kahit munti, ang halaman doon ay sari-sari"..This song killed us. Contentment, in the midst of better expectation only mounts up to hyprocisy and being sanctimonious.

Well, I got glued to TV during the demonstration of the idealist soldiers. Felt like I was in Oakwood too. A real life drama on primetime TV. What is democracy all about? Where to get the booklet of NRP, the Magdalo flag and armband?