Paralleling Life In The Age Of George

Paralleling Life In The Age Of George

“I remember thinking I just want more. This isn't it. Fame is not the goal. Money is not the goal. To be able to know how to get peace of mind, how to be happy, is something you don't just stumble across. You've got to search for it.”

― George Harrison

When the Beatles broke up in 1970, George Harrison had the most interesting solo career. With a couple of hit albums, several chart-topping singles, a historic benefit concert and other smaller productions, Harrison emerged from the shadow of The Beatles to reveal his rich, eclectic and diverse musicianship that rivaled both the rebellious John Lennon and the flamboyant Paul McCartney. And yet, Harrison lived quietly and simple. The last decade of his life was spent tending to his home in Friar Park, surrounding himself with family and friends, and living his religious philosophy; all to achieve happiness.

Eleven years ago today, Harrison died of complications from cancer. When Martin Scorsese released the biopic "Living In A Material World," I quickly got myself a copy and watched. What unfolded was the inspiring story of a man in search not for fame nor money but genuine happiness, all from the perspective of those whose lives he touched.

"When you've seen beyond yourself, then you may find, peace of mind is waiting there."
― George Harrison

My life's journey took some unexpected turns but, in retrospect, is headed towards the same parallel. Being in Canada for eleven years, away from family and friends, was finally wearing me thin. As beautiful as Canada is, there's something, many things missing.

My homecoming vacation last year helped me see what I've been searching for in my life. Learning more about George Harrison's life and philosophy gave me the courage to pursue it.

“The biggest break in my career was getting into the Beatles in 1962. The second biggest break since then is getting out of them.”
― George Harrison

Despite a case of anxieties, this summer, I quit my job as a well-paid public servant. I paid off whatever debts I still have and gave away practically all my possessions to my Canadian friends. I cried for a little bit and bid Canada farewell. As difficult as it is to leave everyone and my life there, I left to pursue my own happiness.

Six months after leaving Canada, I find myself thanking the Lord for giving me enough courage to do what I did. There are people who'd see my actions perhaps as idiotic specially in today's economy. I just smirk back at them. They will never understand that it's not always about the money or the pursuit of it. In the end, happiness, the hardest thing to find in this world, is what's important, at least, to me. Like George Harrison, I found that which I've been searching for.

I don't know where life will take me. I haven't made plans about returning to Canada yet. I avoid looking too far ahead into the future. But I am enjoying my time in the old country. At least a part of me is at peace now. Thank you my loving, beautiful wife, my adorable son, and my supportive parents.

Finally, thank you George for inspiring us with your beautiful life.

“It is one of our perennial problems, whether there is actually a God. From the Hindu point of view each soul is divine. All religions are branches of one big tree. It doesn't matter what you call Him just as long as you call. Just as cinematic images appear to be real but are only combinations of light and shade, so is the universal variety a delusion. The planetary spheres, with their countless forms of life, are naught but figures in a cosmic motion picture. One's values are profoundly changed when he is finally convinced that creation is only a vast motion picture and that not in, but beyond, lies his own ultimate reality.”
― George Harrison

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa spent over a decade working as business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College.

Video: Does The Universe Have A Purpose?

Video: Does The Universe Have A Purpose?

Recently, Templeton University rounded up the leading astrophysicists, biologists and naturalists in the world to answer perhaps the ultimate question: "Does The Universe Have A Purpose?" Big names such as Jane Goodall, Owen Gingerich, Paul Davies and Neil DeGrasse Tyson where interviewed. Surprisingly, a consensus wasn't made with all 12 participants split in the middle with their opinion on the matter.

Of course, this is a very profound question and not easily explained. Depending on what perspective you are looking at, the universe could be of some purpose or it could all just be a random coincidence at play. With the 21 December 2012 end of the world talk closing in, everyone surely wants to know the meaning of our collective existence.

Minute Physics, a popular nerd channel on Youtube attempts to explain celebrity scientist, Neil DeGrasse Tyson's take on this most intriguing question in a fun, creative way. I wonder what Stephen Hawking thinks about this question, though?

Our Special Day in Bagac

Our Special Day in Bagac

Yesterday, my wife and I celebrated our first year of married bliss at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan. We got a rare complimentary private tour of the place plus a free night's stay. The weather was a beautiful 30 degrees warm, perfect for sun-lovers.

Getting there by local bus from the provincial capitol city of Balanga costs about P50 each and takes about 45 minutes through winding roads that snake around the mountainous terrain. Amazing, scenic views of the countryside, the rice farms and Mt. Samat greeted us during the bus ride to Bagac. Coincidentally, Bagac was also celebrating it's town fiesta yesterday so I know we were in for a treat.

During the bus ride, we sat with these Koreans, a guy and a girl. They don't seem to be a couple and we didn't try asking. We didn't caught their names, but they would, for some reason, hook up with us throughout the day.

Bagac is a small quaint town. Its quiet and simple. There's not a whole lot to see but whatever the locals have, they proudly share it. Everything is small and packed in. There are hamlets spread about by the only road leading to and out of the town. Yet, being there gives you this snuggly feeling. Perhaps it's the warmth and friendliness of the people there to travelers. They are very accommodating and helpful to oblivious outsiders like us.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (LCFA) is the town's pride. A tourist trap for the "can afford it" types. It's a resort-like community or a themepark of sorts. They call it a "Heritage Resort" and it features old houses from during the colonial age. Mansions or Casas aged hundreds of years from all over the Philippines are procured, photographed and demolished on location then transported and re-assembled piece-by-intricate-piece here for the public to enjoy. For P650 entrance fee per head, you can be mesmerized and inspired by the now rare houses that are impeccably restored to their old glory. The Koreans entered the place with us paying the minimum entrance fee without the guided tours. They brought their own snack. The guy's backpack has a jar of kimchi and the girl was nibbling at crackers and navel oranges. We asked them to join our tour but they both opted to scout the place on their own.

Everyone is clad in traditional Filipiniana style clothing. The staff, who didn't mind me bugging them for photos, is friendly and helpful.  Being there feels like you are back in time to pre-independence Philippines. Of course, modern amenities are also given a colonial flare. There are restaurants and snack bars serving local and foreign (Spanish) cuisines. They have their own church for weddings and a mini golf course across the wooden grandfather-bridge. Since LCFA is located by the ocean, they have their own beach with white glowing sands. There's also a 4-foot deep swimming pool and a spa. The place is huge with at least 20 Casas and more still being built.

For P1500 per head, you can get a tour package of the place with buffet meals. We, on the other hand, got a special complimentary (private) tour with one of the executives, Ms. Olive who kindly showed us around--and it's quite a huge place. Statues of children playing and olden time Christmas ornaments decorate and bring a sense of the holiday festivities, complimenting the cobblestone roads that expanses the entire compound. She gave us a tour inside one of the new mansions, Casa de Lubao, and boy were we surprised. The furnishings are rustic, minimalistic yet beautifully designed with matching paintings from the era. So much care and attention to detail is obviously given to ensure authenticity.

After the tour, we ventured outside to the town plaza. We visited a local carinderia called Olive's Food House. As you might've guessed, it's Ms. Olive's mom's restaurant. She served us a hearty, delicious serving of menudo, sinigang, lechon kawali and liempo with matching atchara. Boy were we stuffed! Finally, we strolled the local beach strip. We didn't stay long but we caught up with our Korean friends and hung out with them for a bit before heading back to the town poblacion for church, some "kasoy" shopping and the mardi gras parade. We spotted them later at the flea market haggling with local souvenir vendors.

At around six, we checked into our free room and enjoyed the rest of the quiet evening, reflecting on our beautiful and enjoyable day in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. As we look forward to another year of marital bliss, over a cup of nightcap coffee, I jokingly proposed to my wife asking her if she'd marry me again. She answered amusingly, "of course, sweetheart."

And whatever happened to the Koreans, you wonder? We didn't see them after we spotted both at the flea market. I'm sure they had an interesting time with stories to tell about their Bagac adventure. My wife at least thinks serendipitously about it. Something about this place truly brings people together.

My wife and our son John with Ms. Olive

My wife and our son John with Ms. Olive

Me and my wife Aileen

Five Bucks Hire-A-Girlfriend

Five Bucks Hire-A-Girlfriend

I sometimes wonder what moronic direction our modern society is heading to. Since Internet technology exploded in the mid-90s, we've bought and sold practically anything and everything with a simple click of the mouse button. Just recently, I came across this pay-per-service website available to lonely-hearted teenagers and twenty-somethings for $5 a "transaction."

Welcome to girlfriendhire.com, a sneaky website that lets you hire a fake girlfriend for a mere five bucks a pop. As a fake smooch, her job is to inflate your sexual "street-cred" by doing almost anything such as posting on social networking sites or by sending you sexy text messages at the right time. These girls will do everything to make you appear desirable to other females except that which probably would excite the junk in your pants.

The enterprising mind behind Girlfriendhire is 22 year old college student (and future internet millionaire), Cody Krecicki. His business plan involves making a niche for young college girls who are looking for easy paying gigs while they are busy with their studies.

The idea is to help (mostly) teenage boys appear desirable to the opposite sex. By exploiting the female psyche, girlfriendhire.com is banking on the theory that women are naturally jealous creatures (they don’t really know what they want until another female pushes them to it). Let's face it, having someone who’s already obsessed with you makes you look sexier and more desirable.

The job description is pretty easy, too, and any girl can do it. Everybody's spending a huge portion of their day on social networking sites anyway. Why not make money while doing it?

---“I will Message you on facebook demanding to know why your relationship status still says Single for $5." This leaves you single to get a real girlfriend but makes it look like you went out with a cute girl a few times who got really attached to you. Other girls will get interested in following the drama.”---

Typical fake girlfriend services include public flirting on social networking sites, photo ops and naughty text messages. Some girls will do your homework while others will help you cheat, lie and even break up with other girls. Each girl has something unique to "offer."
---Some girls like to keep it simple with more classic suggestions such as: “I will post a comment on your Facebook wall for $5.” Other girls will pretty much do anything for 5 bucks. I don't know if they'll go all the way (down) with you, but I'm pretty sure a few girls might, if presented with the right incentives. Hopefully, this site doesn't become a venue for online prostitution…---

In a world where the heartless takes advantage of the emotionally deprived and sexually starved, Krecicki admits that girlfriendhire.com does have a lot of spam accounts and that members should do well to protect themselves from, at the extreme, scam artists who prey off the internet's stupefied and the idiotic. He recommends choosing girls with good ratings, reviews and referrals. But most of all, use of common sense is highly encouraged to avoid getting ripped off.

Its kinda amusing that for the price of a Big Mac meal, you can have a fake relationship on Facebook. Personally, I find it best to hit the gym, develop a positive life outlook and have interesting hobbies that actually attract girls. But that's me and I'm no dating expert. At least I'm happily married. I don't need to pay for fake attentions that serve only to indulge shallow sexual vanities. After all, I'm sure only awesome people pay for these types of services. The cool thing about this is that it actually sells because it appeals to its target demographic. Girlfriendhire.com do serve its purpose of supplying a legitimate demand. On that note, I'm all for it. Oh, what a crazy yet beautiful world we live in.

Five Buck Hire A Girlfriend Service

Five Buck Hire A Girlfriend Service

I sometimes wonder what moronic direction our modern society is heading to. Since Internet technology exploded in the mid-90s, we've bought and sold practically anything and everything with a simple click of the mouse button. Just recently, I came across this pay-per-service website available to lonely-hearted teenagers and twenty-somethings for $5 a "transaction."

Welcome to girlfriendhire.com, a sneaky website that lets you hire a fake girlfriend for a mere five bucks a pop. As a fake smooch, her job is to inflate your sexual "street-cred" by doing almost anything such as posting on social networking sites or by sending you sexy text messages at the right time. These girls will do everything to make you appear desirable to other females except that which probably would excite the junk in your pants.

The enterprising mind behind Girlfriendhire is 22 year old college student (and future internet millionaire), Cody Krecicki. His business plan involves making a niche for young college girls who are looking for easy paying gigs while they are busy with their studies.

The idea is to help (mostly) teenage boys appear desirable to the opposite sex. By exploiting the female psyche, girlfriendhire.com is banking on the theory that women are naturally jealous creatures (they don’t really know what they want until another female pushes them to it). Let's face it, having someone who’s already obsessed with you makes you look sexier and more desirable.

The job description is pretty easy, too, and any girl can do it. Everybody's spending a huge portion of their day on social networking sites anyway. Why not make money while doing it?

---“I will Message you on facebook demanding to know why your relationship status still says Single for $5." This leaves you single to get a real girlfriend but makes it look like you went out with a cute girl a few times who got really attached to you. Other girls will get interested in following the drama.”---

Typical fake girlfriend services include public flirting on social networking sites, photo ops and naughty text messages. Some girls will do your homework while others will help you cheat, lie and even break up with other girls. Each girl has something unique to "offer."

---Some girls like to keep it simple with more classic suggestions such as: “I will post a comment on your Facebook wall for $5.” Other girls will pretty much do anything for 5 bucks. I don't know if they'll go all the way (down) with you, but I'm pretty sure a few girls might, if presented with the right incentives. Hopefully, this site doesn't become a venue for online prostitution…---

In a world where the heartless takes advantage of the emotionally deprived and sexually starved, Krecicki admits that girlfriendhire.com does have a lot of spam accounts and that members should do well to protect themselves from, at the extreme, scam artists who prey off the internet's stupefied and the idiotic. He recommends choosing girls with good ratings, reviews and referrals. But most of all, use of common sense is highly encouraged to avoid getting ripped off.

Its kinda amusing that for the price of a Big Mac meal, you can have a fake relationship on Facebook. Personally, I find it best to hit the gym, develop a positive life outlook and have interesting hobbies that actually attract girls. But that's me and I'm no dating expert. At least I'm happily married. I don't need to pay for fake attentions that serve only to indulge shallow sexual vanities. After all, I'm sure only awesome people pay for these types of services. The cool thing about this is that it actually sells because it appeals to its target demographic. Girlfriendhire.com do serve its purpose of supplying a legitimate demand. On that note, I'm all for it. Oh, what a crazy yet beautiful world we live in.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa spent over a decade working as business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College.

6 Factors That Influence Exchange Rates

6 Factors That Influence Exchange Rates

Christmas is upon us again. Like every year, thousands of Filipinos abroad visit the country or remit dollars for the holiday season. Although dollars are still highly valued, the last few months saw the decline of foreign currencies thanks to an increasingly strengthened local economy. In case you have dollars to exchange, like me, this guide helps explain factors that affect exchange rates.

6 Factors That Influence Exchange Rates

July 23 2010| Filed Under » Bonds, Economics, Investing Basics

Aside from factors such as interest rates and inflation, the exchange rate is one of the most important determinants of a country's relative level of economic health. Exchange rates play a vital role in a country's level of trade, which is critical to most every free market economy in the world. For this reason, exchange rates are among the most watched, analyzed and governmentally manipulated economic measures. But exchange rates matter on a smaller scale as well: they impact the real return of an investor's portfolio. Here we look at some of the major forces behind exchange rate movements.

Overview

Before we look at these forces, we should sketch out how exchange rate movements affect a nation's trading relationships with other nations. A higher currency makes a country's exports more expensive and imports cheaper in foreign markets; a lower currency makes a country's exports cheaper and its imports more expensive in foreign markets. A higher exchange rate can be expected to lower the country's balance of trade, while a lower exchange rate would increase it.

Determinants of Exchange Rates

Numerous factors determine exchange rates, and all are related to the trading relationship between two countries. Remember, exchange rates are relative, and are expressed as a comparison of the currencies of two countries. The following are some of the principal determinants of the exchange rate between two countries. Note that these factors are in no particular order; like many aspects of economics, the relative importance of these factors is subject to much debate.

1. Differentials in Inflation

As a general rule, a country with a consistently lower inflation rate exhibits a rising currency value, as its purchasing power increases relative to other currencies. During the last half of the twentieth century, the countries with low inflation included Japan, Germany and Switzerland, while the U.S. and Canada achieved low inflation only later. Those countries with higher inflation typically see depreciation in their currency in relation to the currencies of their trading partners. This is also usually accompanied by higher interest rates. (To learn more, see Cost-Push Inflation Versus Demand-Pull Inflation.)

2. Differentials in Interest Rates

Interest rates, inflation and exchange rates are all highly correlated. By manipulating interest rates, central banks exert influence over both inflation and exchange rates, and changing interest rates impact inflation and currency values. Higher interest rates offer lenders in an economy a higher return relative to other countries. Therefore, higher interest rates attract foreign capital and cause the exchange rate to rise. The impact of higher interest rates is mitigated, however, if inflation in the country is much higher than in others, or if additional factors serve to drive the currency down. The opposite relationship exists for decreasing interest rates - that is, lower interest rates tend to decrease exchange rates. (For further reading, see What Is Fiscal Policy?)

3. Current-Account Deficits

The current account is the balance of trade between a country and its trading partners, reflecting all payments between countries for goods, services, interest and dividends. A deficit in the current account shows the country is spending more on foreign trade than it is earning, and that it is borrowing capital from foreign sources to make up the deficit. In other words, the country requires more foreign currency than it receives through sales of exports, and it supplies more of its own currency than foreigners demand for its products. The excess demand for foreign currency lowers the country's exchange rate until domestic goods and services are cheap enough for foreigners, and foreign assets are too expensive to generate sales for domestic interests. (For more, see Understanding The Current Account In The Balance Of Payments.)

4. Public Debt

Countries will engage in large-scale deficit financing to pay for public sector projects and governmental funding. While such activity stimulates the domestic economy, nations with large public deficits and debts are less attractive to foreign investors. The reason? A large debt encourages inflation, and if inflation is high, the debt will be serviced and ultimately paid off with cheaper real dollars in the future.

In the worst case scenario, a government may print money to pay part of a large debt, but increasing the money supply inevitably causes inflation. Moreover, if a government is not able to service its deficit through domestic means (selling domestic bonds, increasing the money supply), then it must increase the supply of securities for sale to foreigners, thereby lowering their prices. Finally, a large debt may prove worrisome to foreigners if they believe the country risks defaulting on its obligations. Foreigners will be less willing to own securities denominated in that currency if the risk of default is great. For this reason, the country's debt rating (as determined by Moody's or Standard & Poor's, for example) is a crucial determinant of its exchange rate.

5. Terms of Trade

A ratio comparing export prices to import prices, the terms of trade is related to current accounts and the balance of payments. If the price of a country's exports rises by a greater rate than that of its imports, its terms of trade have favorably improved. Increasing terms of trade shows greater demand for the country's exports. This, in turn, results in rising revenues from exports, which provides increased demand for the country's currency (and an increase in the currency's value). If the price of exports rises by a smaller rate than that of its imports, the currency's value will decrease in relation to its trading partners.

6. Political Stability and Economic Performance

Foreign investors inevitably seek out stable countries with strong economic performance in which to invest their capital. A country with such positive attributes will draw investment funds away from other countries perceived to have more political and economic risk. Political turmoil, for example, can cause a loss of confidence in a currency and a movement of capital to the currencies of more stable countries.

Conclusion

The exchange rate of the currency in which a portfolio holds the bulk of its investments determines that portfolio's real return. A declining exchange rate obviously decreases the purchasing power of income and capital gains derived from any returns. Moreover, the exchange rate influences other income factors such as interest rates, inflation and even capital gains from domestic securities. While exchange rates are determined by numerous complex factors that often leave even the most experienced economists flummoxed, investors should still have some understanding of how currency values and exchange rates play an important role in the rate of return on their investments.

For further reading, see Floating And Fixed Exchange Rates.

Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/basics/04/050704.asp#ixzz2CemUUOYF

from (http://www.investopedia.com/articles/basics/04/050704.asp#axzz2CeI9PCPX)

To VFA...or Not

To VFA...or Not

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced last night that Glenn Defense Asia "did not" commit any violations with its handling and disposal of waste materials in Subic Bay. While the U.S. Embassy and the Philippine Senate are still doing their respective inquiries, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is already seeking the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement or VFA.

Of course, having the waste dumping issue conveniently strengthens her appeal (again, somewhat) recalling that she already submitted a similar resolution in 2010 where she claimed that the VFA is not of any benefit to the Philippines. But then again, Miriam doesn't have children or grandchildren in the military nor will she ever don a military uniform and go gung ho if war ever breaks between us and another Asian country. She only goes "commando" on the Senate floor.

American presence in our country under VFA didn't bring us "nothing but grief." Of course we got something out of it and Malacanang Palace agrees, seeing no reason to terminate anything at the moment. We got training, technology and arms for our military. What more do you want? The moon? Sure, we didn't get more but we are the poorer nation that always gets easily exploited. We have politicians who are more concerned with their self-interests, how can you expect to get a full share and be contented?

At least, our VFA with the Americans serves as a deterrent to potential foreign threats like China. Oh! They actually invaded the Spratlys and the Kalayaan Islands. They even established cities in our territories. But without the Americans, the whole country probably fell under Chinese rule last September and we'd all be gifting each other with stuff made in China for Christmas. When you look at it that way, maybe it's not that bad to lose American presence after all.

Okay, so let's just keep our Yankee allies because it’s better to have them around and not need them than the other way around. In any case, we've always allied with the Americans. Whether we VFA or not, they'll always be around as "big brother" to us. Heck, they are like that uncle or aunt we idolize and look up to so much. So close in the blood line but not close enough to be their own child.

And if we decide to scrap the VFA with the Americans, who should we sign with to assist our scrawny little behinds? Let me list down possible choices:

1. China - The second largest (if not the largest) military in the world. Currently, a country we have some beef with. Sign a VFA with them and we eliminate them from our enemies. We'd be welcoming them with "me love you long time." In exchange for military assistance, they get all disputed territories plus the Batanes group of Islands. We will seek to get some shares off the oil profits from the Spratlys and Kalayaan. If we can't agree to terms, we'll run back to the U.S. for help.

2. Japan - They are also arguing with China over some islands. Their military is also small and intended only for national self-defense. Our military might learn self-sacrifice. Will most probably seek American help if overwhelmed.

3. Canada - Maybe a stretch but Prime Minister Stephen Harper did promise more aid and more investments in the Philippines. Military is okay in size but is struggling to find recruits until recently. Perfect as peace-keepers and we might learn some tricks on peace-keeping from them. Navy is mostly composed of frigates escorting U.S. battleships and carriers. Will also seek American and British help if overwhelmed.

4. Australia - Struggles to maintain a strong military presence in the Pacific. Tends to recruit from Canada and England. Will seek assistance from Canada, UK and the US if overwhelmed.

5. India - No idea how big their military is but they have a large population. Might teach us the act of loan-sharking and computer programming. They have nuclear warheads. Might seek the Queen's help if overwhelmed.

In the end, its better keep our VFA with the Americans. We've already got rid of them once, and we asked them to return. How embarrassing it is if we do the same mistake again. Senator Defensor-Santiago, with all due respect, please back-off a little and chill. Or, what about annoying the hell out of Senator Tito Sotto? I heard he's into plagiarism but he won't admit it.

Cooking Chicken Pad Thai

Cooking Chicken Pad Thai

I miss pad thai. Before I left Canada, it was my late spring favorite dish. Since I was packing then, going to the mall and grabbing an order of pad thai from take out was a well-savoured luxury and convenience that I keep looking back to. Just thinking about it now makes me drool. So I got this off the net and I'm planning to cook one up one of these days. It looked easy enough when I used to take out order it and even easier watching this video.

Sortedfood.com Paid Thai recipe

To VFA or Not...

To VFA or Not...

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced last night that Glenn Defense Asia "did not" commit any violations with its handling and disposal of waste materials in Subic Bay. While the U.S. Embassy and the Philippine Senate are still doing their respective inquiries, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is already seeking the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement or VFA.

Of course, having the waste dumping issue conveniently strengthens her appeal (again, somewhat) recalling that she already submitted a similar resolution in 2010 where she claimed that the VFA is not of any benefit to the Philippines. But then again, Miriam doesn't have children or grandchildren in the military nor will she ever don a military uniform and go gung ho if war ever breaks between us and another Asian country. She only goes "commando" on the Senate floor. 

American presence in our country under VFA didn't bring us "nothing but grief." Of course we got something out of it and Malacanang Palace agrees, seeing no reason to terminate anything at the moment. We got training, technology and arms for our military. What more do you want? The moon? Sure, we didn't get more but we are the poorer nation that always gets easily exploited. We have politicians who are more concerned with their self-interests, how can you expect to get a full share and be contented?

At least, our VFA with the Americans serves as a deterrent to potential foreign threats like China. Oh! They actually invaded the Spratlys and the Kalayaan Islands. They even established cities in our territories. But without the Americans, the whole country probably fell under Chinese rule last September and we'd all be gifting each other with stuff made in China for Christmas. When you look at it that way, maybe it's not that bad to lose American presence after all.

Okay, so let's just keep our Yankee allies because it’s better to have them around and not need them than the other way around. In any case, we've always allied with the Americans. Whether we VFA or not, they'll always be around as "big brother" to us. Heck, they are like that uncle or aunt we idolize and look up to so much. So close in the blood line but not close enough to be their own child.

And if we decide to scrap the VFA with the Americans, who should we sign with to assist our scrawny little behinds? Let me list down possible choices:

1. China - The second largest (if not the largest) military in the world. Currently, a country we have some beef with. Sign a VFA with them and we eliminate them from our enemies. We'd be welcoming them with "me love you long time." In exchange for military assistance, they get all disputed territories plus the Batanes group of Islands. We will seek to get some shares off the oil profits from the Spratlys and Kalayaan. If we can't agree to terms, we'll run back to the U.S. for help.

2. Japan - They are also arguing with China over some islands. Their military is also small and intended only for national self-defense. Our military might learn self-sacrifice. Will most probably seek American help if overwhelmed.

3. Canada - Maybe a stretch but Prime Minister Stephen Harper did promise more aid and more investments in the Philippines. Military is okay in size but is struggling to find recruits until recently. Perfect as peace-keepers and we might learn some tricks on peace-keeping from them. Navy is mostly composed of frigates escorting U.S. battleships and carriers. Will also seek American and British help if overwhelmed. 

4. Australia - Struggles to maintain a strong military presence in the Pacific. Tends to recruit from Canada and England. Will seek assistance from Canada, UK and the US if overwhelmed.

5. India - No idea how big their military is but they have a large population. Might teach us the act of loan-sharking and computer programming. They have nuclear warheads. Might seek the Queen's help if overwhelmed.

In the end, its better keep our VFA with the Americans. We've already got rid of them once, and we asked them to return. How embarrassing it is if we do the same mistake again. Senator Defensor-Santiago, with all due respect, please back-off a little and chill. Or, what about annoying the hell out of Senator Tito Sotto? I heard he's into plagiarism but he won't admit it.

Anyway, here is a funny video for Senators Santiago and Sotto. This dog jams to Wu Tang Clan (uncensored) music.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa spent over a decade working as business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College.

Taking A Dump In Subic Bay

Taking A Dump In Subic Bay

So how does it feel like to take a dump on Subic Bay's pristine waters? Ask the nice people of Glenn Defense Marine Philippines and the crew of the MV Glenn Guardian. These folks take dumping seriously! Luckily, it made quite a stench.

The Malaysia-based maritime services contractor is currently being held responsible and accountable by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for allegedly pumping ship scat recently on Subic Bay, a former American Naval Base in the Philippines (and my home town), that continue to host visiting U.S. Forces in accordance to The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) act between the two nations.

Glenn Defense claims that they haven't done any violation and the company, until recently, had a clean record since 2007. The U.S. hired Glenn Defense Marine and their ship, The MV Glenn Guardian, to service and repair visiting American Navy ships. Sadly, The MV Glenn Guardian did more than its directive and released waste water beyond permissible limits.

Thankfully, we have our American allies and they are now conducting their own investigation on the matter. Both Malacanang Palace and the U.S. Navy agree that contractors such as the Glenn Defense Marine are not under the jurisdiction of the VFA. Well, aren't you supposed to include provisions on third-party contractors before you sign any agreements? In any case, at least the U.S. is cooperating and Ambassador Harry Thomas won't tolerate Glenn Defense' shenanigans. "We oppose economic degradation, we oppose illegal dumping, we are aware of these allegations, the United States Navy is investigating." Such powerful words and I'm going to hold on to every bit of it.

The SBMA is already carrying out an investigation. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is also quick to react. Nothing brings a nation together like a good dump specially with the elections drawing near. Can they also do some investigation on why we are having these recurring brownouts lately? 

Taking A Dump...On Subic Bay

Taking A Dump...On Subic Bay

So how does it feel like to take a dump on Subic Bay's pristine waters? Ask the nice people of Glenn Defense Marine Philippines and the crew of the MV Glenn Guardian. These folks take dumping seriously! Luckily, it made quite a stench.

The Malaysia-based maritime services contractor is currently being held responsible and accountable by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for allegedly pumping ship scat recently on Subic Bay, a former American Naval Base in the Philippines (and my home town), that continue to host visiting U.S. Forces in accordance to The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) act between the two nations.

Glenn Defense claims that they haven't done any violation and the company, until recently, had a clean record since 2007. The U.S. hired Glenn Defense Marine and their ship, The MV Glenn Guardian, to service and repair visiting American Navy ships. Sadly, The MV Glenn Guardian did more than its directive and released waste water beyond permissible limits.

Thankfully, we have our American allies and they are now conducting their own investigation on the matter. Both Malacanang Palace and the U.S. Navy agree that contractors such as the Glenn Defense Marine are not under the jurisdiction of the VFA. Well, aren't you supposed to include provisions on third-party contractors before you sign any agreements? In any case, at least the U.S. is cooperating and Ambassador Harry Thomas won't tolerate Glenn Defense' shenanigans. "We oppose economic degradation, we oppose illegal dumping, we are aware of these allegations, the United States Navy is investigating." Such powerful words and I'm going to hold on to every bit of it.

The SBMA is already carrying out an investigation. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is also quick to react. Nothing brings a nation together like a good dump specially with the elections drawing near. Can they also do some investigation on why we are having these recurring brownouts lately? 

In the meantime, why don't we enjoy this video of a U.S. Navy Robot strutting its stuff to the dance hit "Gangnam Style". Man, we sure need some diversion.

UPDATE: The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) released the results of their investigation yesterday and concluded that Glenn Defense Asia committed no violations with regards to their handling and disposal of waste materials agreeing to company statements that the waste materials were "treated" and considered environmentally harmless.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa spent over a decade working as business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College.