Okay, maybe not. But it’s nice to dream, diba?

Here’s a link to Bb Pilipinas-Universe Anna Theresa Licaros’ profile on the Miss Universe website. She’s real pretty, and I thought she was a strong bet, until I saw this contestant. Oooh, these South Americans make it so hard for the rest of us, especially us dark and dusky Orientals. Ah well. First runner-up for Tere isn’t so bad. Maybe her smarts will make up for it. Japan’s candidate last year was spunky; maybe Tere can be it for this year.

Sumuko ba naman? LOL

Miss Universe broadcasts live from Mexico City, Mexico, on May 28. Mabuhay ka, Tere Licaros! Dapa na a la Miriam para mapansin! LOL Joke lang po.

Update 1 (05-08-07): Things are looking a little grim. GlobalBeauties.com’s ‘Starting Grid‘ report doesn’t have Miss Philippines in the Top 22.

My personal Top 10 (in alphabetical order) after the jump. Read more

I just revisited the story of Kyle MacDonald, who made headlines a few years back with his website, OnePaperClip, where he started a trade cycle with a paper clip. He traded it for a fish pen, then a doorknob, and eventually ended up with a house. I read his story first on Reader’s Digest, and the idea has always intrigued me, although I doubt its efficacy in the Philippines.

Would’ve been really cool, though, if I could start with a paper clip and end up with a 1973 Volkswagen Beetle, wouldn’t it? MacDonald got a cube van somewhere along the trade. LOL I wonder how I can get my dream car without spending for it. Hm…

Cathy and I had an interesting discussion yesterday at home about former Senator Teresita “Tessie” Aquino-Oreta. Most Filipinos know her as the “Dancing Lady,” one of the infamous senators who voted to keep closed the envelope that would have confirmed whether or not former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada was Jose Pidal, the name of someone who siphoned millions of pesos into accounts here and abroad.

Filipinos are known to be a forgiving lot - we’ve forgiven a lot of people whose careers in politics, entertainment, or sports, should have been all but dead.

Consider to wit:

• Joseph Estrada. The former president is still viewed with sympathy by a good number of the masses.
• Imelda Marcos. The former First Lady not only made a return to the country with the remains of her late husband, she made a triumphant run to Congress.
• Joey Marquez. The former Paranaque mayor is enjoying a revived showbiz career.
• Willie Revillame. The showbiz host has had more second chances than anyone else.
• Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. No real sign the people have forgiven her, given the widespread impression that she cheated her way to another turn at the presidency, but if she did win, there’s another batch of forgiveness for you.

There are also those whose ’sins’ may not have been as grievous but may be paying back in other ways. In politics, for instance, Robert Jaworski and Sonny Osmena have lost repeat shots at the Senate (Osmena is still running), while former Senator Freddie Webb is probably paying the price for the perceived sins of his son, having lost a run at the Senate and even a Paranaque congressional seat.

I visited Aquino-Oreta’s website to see for myself if she really was just that - a dancing lady - and I was stunned by the volume of work she’s turned in for teachers across this country. As a former educator, I never realized how much better off I would’ve been had I remained a teacher and benefited from the laws passed by Senator Oreta.

Oreta was the first female Assistant Majority Floor Leader in the history of the Lower House, a tenured congresswoman, and obvious champion of issues on education, women, the environment, and children, four issues I feel very strongly about. I’ve voted for several political candidates simply because of their stands on these issues; why shouldn’t I vote for Oreta, who has authored more than 100 bills and resolutions on these issues, including:

• R.A. 8972 – Solo Parent Act
• R.A. 9053 – Philippine Landscape Architecture Act
• R.A. 8976 – Philippine Micronutrient Fortification Program
• R.A. 9003 – Solid Waste Management Act
• R.A. 8749 – Clean Air Act
• R.A. 8976 – Food Fortification Act
• R.A. 8792 – E-Commerce Act
• R.A. 9105 – Art Authentication Act
• R.A. 9036 – Philippine Science High School System Act
• R.A. 9155 – Governance of Basic Education Act

She apparently has passed special projects on education and welfare that have benefited teachers.

So why shouldn’t I bring myself to vote for Tessie Oreta for senator? That dance was an obvious miscalculation, an error in judgment, like Gloria’s call to Garci. From what I’ve heard lately, Tessie Oreta’s turned around 180 degrees, and is obviously contrite about that episode back then.

Forgiveness isn’t just saying it’s okay, it’s complete and total. If I were to focus on Oreta’s past, it wouldn’t be right to remember that dance and crucify her for that error in judgment while ignoring her years of public service. Doesn’t she deserve my forgiveness and vote, if ever, for what she’s done for teachers, even ex-teachers like me?

Children are the hope of tomorrow, and teachers work hand-in-hand with parents to prepare these kids for tomorrow. I am voting for public servants who recognize teachers for their worth, and therefore will include in my ballot two women who care about teachers: Sonia Roco and Tessie Aquino-Oreta. I hope you will, too.

Page C2, lower right. Photo of me and Bo Sanchez. Coooooool. Thanks, Pam!

Long before he shot his life to heck - along with his wife Whitney Houston - Bobby Brown made some spectacular music. In particular, his 1992 hit “Humping Around” from the album “Bobby” was a stubborn piece of ear candy that stuck to one’s brain and refused to let go. The follow-up, however, was a melodious toe-tapper that I felt was absolute R&B genius. Titled “Good Enough,” the track went to #7 on the US charts and was certified gold.

Reminisce “Good Enough.”

Sunday. Emotional and spiritual high. God rocks my socks.

Monday. Great devotion time - worship is good, God gives me a word for Ross. However, work politics rears its ugly head. God still rocks my socks, but I let my baser instincts get the better of me again.

Tuesday. Repented. Worship was awesome. Am dreading work, though.

The enemy will try to drag me down and put all these negative thoughts in my head. I ask God to help me. Through this time, I try to keep Pastor Ariel Marquez’s call in my mind - Even if God doesn’t help me in the way I want, I praise Him anyway.

To paraphrase Job, the Lord can give, the Lord can take away. May the name of the Lord be praised.

Cathy’s Aunt Melba arrived last week, along with her son Joemel and her ex-husband Joe. She brought this totally adorable vibrating Fisher-Price pink bouncer for Nikki, and I am all excited again!

Nathan had a Fisher-Price baby bouncer too. Mom bought it from a garage sale in New Jersey for around US$2, and it was the most useful gadget ever. During certain days when he was really fussy and nothing else seemed to work, we’d pop him in the bouncer and he’d be out like a light in a few minutes.

Nikki’s new chair has the cutest pink fabric, hanging flowers and butterflies, a soft pillow, and a great vibrating engine. It even plays music! Nikki can stay on it until she’s 25 lbs.

According to the box, it promotes comfort and security, encourages developing motor skills, stimulates her senses, and is better for Mom to hold and wash (or in this case, Dad, hehe).