Jury Duty

David was called today to the courthouse for the selection of juries for a case. He doesn't know what case it will be.


He said there more than 700 people who were called for the selection. Wow, I thought, that could be the whole Pittsford.

Panaad sa Negros Festival

This week is Negros Occidental's celebration of the Panaad sa Negros Festival. "Panaad" means "promise" or "devotion." This is an annual event where the 13 cities and 19 municipalities of Negros Occidental showcase their products and events in one area. The Panaad sa Negros is being held in one venue, the Panaad Sports Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City. I know this place very well because my father and I used to go on biking there. Most if not all cities and municaplities have their own booths in the area so it is a wonderful adventure when you come to the event. Usually, most activities are being held in the evening. People from all over the world visit the place and have fun. Of course, fun means food, buying native products or watching shows.


I used to cover the Lin-ay sang Negros beauty pageant. It means "Belle of Negros" or more appropiately "Queen of Negros." Beauty queens represent their own city and town. The last pageant I saw was with Miss International Precious Lara Quigaman sa guest.


I am hoping that the tourism officers of Negros will post videos of the event on YouTube.com. However, if they can't even replace the picture of former Governor Joseph Maranon, who passed away this year, on the province's website, I don't think they can even upload the video. Governor Maranon was a jolly person. I didn't cover the Capitol beat but at times when there were special assignments I'd be sent to cover the event. Governor Maranon would be present to greet the participants. He officiated the marriage of our former Chief Reporter, Avelyn.

'Halo-halo' a hit in Top Chef

Dale, one of the contenders for this year's Top Chef over BravoTV, impressed me with his guts and creativity. Moreover, because he doesn't forget his culture and sense of identity. In recent edition of Top Chef, Dale impressed a judge in the quickfire challenge by offering a taste of Filipino culture.

Dale whipped up the magical "halo-halo" - a local dessert made with shaved ice, fruits, sugar and other sweets. One Filipino dietician said it is a "complete food" because of its nutrient content. Dale ended in the top three, but lost to another contestant. That is no matter. His dish wasn't his original concept anyhow. On the other hand, I am glad that Dale wasn't afraid to share a dish from where he came from.

Good luck, Dale!

Mabuhay ka!

Dandelions

Americans say dandelions are weeds. I think they're pretty.

This Fall...

... I'll be getting lots of exercise.

Why not? I have a class at Holmes Hall in the morning, then I have to walk from there toward Tuttle North for another class.

That means...

I have to climb the overpass, walk past the library (above)...

... until I get to that far end of the building.

Let Your Hair Down

SUNY Brockport's theater department will be doing a production of "Hair" this May. To promote the play they went on the field.

Hippies invade Brockport Mall.

They just took the time to enjoy the sunshine, actually.

It was nice to see Keenan Paul Bloom helping the actors out. Well, who can ignore that soft, blonde hair?

While some wise-ass is trying to sabotage this page, I would like to posit that obsession has nothing to do with Keenan Paul Bloom (unless he is Harold Bloom, my ultimate "soulmate"). Whoever you are, please bore somebody else with your comments. Anyway, if you want to enjoy life, here's one for you:

And ultimately this:

Thank You

I would like to extend my appreciation to the following persons who gave me my recommendations when I applied for the Barnes and Noble/BASC scholarship (in no particular order):

1. Mr. Mark Gardner of Union Square

2. Dr. John Balikowski

3. Ms. Michelle P. So of Sun.Star Network Philippines

I wouldn't have made it without your help and guidance.

and of course


Mr. David W. Smith


for his encouragement and undoubting trust.

This award is dedicated to my father, Mr. Anito Fajardo Rodriguez, my mother, Erlinda and my grandmother, Leonisa Camento.

Purple Bliss

This just came to mind: the Paint the Campus Purple event at Brockport should have been named Dr. Robert Rey's day! Got it? Got it!

After the Program

My certificate and medallion

Photos courtesy of David W. Smith.

I never thought today's program for Honors and Awards Ceremony at Brockport would be a long one. David and I thought it would be just a snap. It turned out that it was a formal ceremony honoring students' achievements. Good thing I brought my formal shirt and coat with me. I was just going to wear ordinary clothes when I saw these kids in ties and suits at the hallway at the Union, the girls in dresses. Well, some were just in their shorts and slippers. A tranny mess, I guess.

Good thing it didn't rain on my parade.

The deans, chairs and professors of the school were present, wearing their togas. The students assembled at the second floor of the Union, then we paraded down the hallway going to the ballroom. While we were walking towards the ballroom, the professors were cheering and clapping and smiling at us. Wow, I never thought it would that "grand."

We were told to ascend the stage and give our slips bearing our names and awards. We shook hands with President Halstead and other higher school officials. Then just next to the stage we were given out certificates and medallions. Bongga! The last time I had this nice feeling when I won a big trophy in a poetry competition and cash prize when I won first prize in an essay competition. And oh, when I was named a fellow of a literary workshop back home. But those were some years ago.

Brockport's esteemed professors.

Me shaking the University President's hand.

However, there were a lot of speeches. It was like attending a press conference of a congressman or senator when I was still reporting for Sun.Star back home, that you wish it would be over so you can eat the meal and head back to the newsroom so you can do your report. I was just praying for the program to be over because I was so hungry. Like hungry hungry. I had attended my classes and walked from one building to another before heading to the awarding ceremony. David took me to school so I didn't have to wake up at 5 a.m. to catch the bus. Thanks David!

Communication Chair Joseph Chesebro, in his speech, said President Halstead has the coolest bling ever.

However, David had to go back after dropping me off at school because he forgot to turn off the faucet when he ran the laundry machine. And he was freaking out. He was like Beatty Davis whose hair was being pulled by Joan Crawford. But he came back later and took pictures of the program. Again, thanks David! I should have acted like Cathy Griffin, like avoiding the paparazzi.

The reception after the awarding ceremony.

We later hit the road, but not to Pittsford. We head straight to Red Osher. It was so far away from where we came from I was praying a miracle would happen along the way - like a manna from heaven would fall or some of the crows would bring me some unleavened bread. When we arrived at the restaurant, but the girl at the counter said we have to wait or two hours to be seated. Ha! So head back and took our chances in that little diner we saw along the way. It turned to be the right choice. Fish fry friday! We always had this "day" when Greenhouse was still operating at the Holiday Inn Airport. The haddock we had was so good I ate it all up even before the server had the chance to check us out.

Then we roamed around Roberts Wesleyann College because one of our friends at church goes there for his religious education. And you know David, checking out all the gas prices then freaking out. But he'd drive around and around and around... wait, I'm getting dizzy.

And tomorrow we're going to Hornell to visit his parents' grave.

Poetry

While I was taking out my books from my locker I heard three students reading their poems aloud, one after the other.

There were two girls and a boy.

Our budding poet read his poem about traffic along Route wherever. The kind that says, "F*ck the traffic! F*ck the cars! F*ck the oil prices" etc. And I know how "bad" it was if we have to judge the rhythm and form.

Then, one of our girls said, "I wrote this poem when my suitemate was having sex with her boyfriend in the shower." Her voice girlish.

Her poetess-friend asked, "What's wrong with having sex in the shower?"

She replied, "Nothing, really."

Her friend said, "I like having sex in the shower."

The poetess-reader said, "Me, too."

Our boy was just silent. Now, that's poetic.

Infectious Diseases

Our nutrition professor was discussing about the immune system when she asked my classmate:


"Can you name an infectious disease that you can get from somebody... may be your... may be your friend."


My classmate, who was probably half-awake said, "Uhm... umm.."


My professor continued: "May be from your boyfriend."


My attentive classmate said, "Uhm, HIV?"


Well, so much for learning the immune system.

Medical Ethics III

I found the video!

Judge for yourself:




Thanks to hayenz for reposting the video.

Who Should be Suspended? Medical Ethics II

An investigation was called on the surgical controversy in Cebu, according to a Sun.Star Cebu report.

The fact that the operating room was made into a "carnival" was violation enough of hospital laws. Even if the people who went in the room complied with sanitation procedure, the fact that they were not part of the operating staff is a violation of hospital rules.

I wish the medical association should dig deeper into this mess, but the video was the evidence. However, it was deleted from YouTube.

The Empress Is Back

Now, all the gay world and not-so-gay universe are getting excited because her royal highness Empress Kathy Griffin will be gracing the airwaves again this June.

Her show, My Life On the D-List, never fails to amaze people. She's funny to the maximum level. Even David was hooked to her show.

I have to ask her for an autographed picture.

When Is It Safe To Use a Condom?

As they say, "it is better to be safe than be sorry." Here's a practical way of using a condom:

Miss Texas Rock

There were two reasons why the Miss USA pageant held Friday was exciting - Miss Texas, my bet, won and Christian Siriano was one of the judges.


I knew Miss Texas, Crystle Stewart, would win because she was poised without really trying. And that walk - they're like fashioned out from Venezuela, known for "modeling" their beauty queens.

The 26-year-old lass, who stands 5'9" bested Miss Mississippi Lea Laviano, 20, for the crown. Laviano stands 5'4".

What Makes This Sport So Enticing?

Beauty Pageant Controversy

Just read this news on the Web today. Christina Silva, who was crowned the winner of Miss California 2008, has sued the Miss Universe Organization for negligence among other complaints. Apparently, Silva wasn't the real winner. It turned out that a half-Filipino lass, 21-year-old Racquel Beezley, garnered enough points to win the crown. The report say there was a miscount. The organization told Silva to inform Beezley about it.

Now, is the suit justified? In my opinion it is. It is humiliating. I thought these big beauty pageants hire qualified personnel to do the math. It is a sad fact. It is like being given a pair of panties for a gift and then the give says to take it off because apparently it wasn't for you. Would you take it off and give it back?

The pageant will aired live today at NBC, 9 p.m. Host city is Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be held in Planet Hollywood Hotel.

When David Gets Crazy

... he books a trip to Vegas for August and will stay in:

Photo from the web

International Festival

Lately, the College at Brockport celebrated its annual International Festival. International students presented native dances and food. I wasn't able to attend.

Here's a clip posted on Youtube.com (thanks Nadia):





I don't know that dance it was, but it's a dance.




Good thing I didn't attend the ceremony or I would have died right on the stage.





the song is dedicated to Jorje.

When Scholars Converge

The College at Brockport today celebrates Scholars Day. The students were celebrating because it means no classes. However, most students were assigned to assigned events as requirement for their courses. So much for the celebration.


The presentations were held in different buildings. I went to Hartwell but decided to go back to the Union and watched what 's going on there. Here are some scenes:

It is nice to see some beautiful spots in the Earth Sciences Dept. You see it, too?

Posing day! Na, amo na! Siling ni nanay mo daan i-treat ya ka karon sa Jollibee.

President Halstead, in suit, also came to watch the presentations.

"This is the way, o..."

Make Mine Purple

March 31 was purple day at The College at Brockport (SUNY Brockport to most people). Organizers just painted the school purple. I forgot to take home a purple balloon for David.

Ramiele in 'Today Show'

Ramiele Malubay was the guest in yesterday's Today Show. The American Idol finalist was so petit that she seemed more like a gradeschooler than an adult.

She was cold that Matt Lauer let her use his coat. Lucky girl.

But she seems to be overly sweet. That maybe is (and sometimes) a negative factor.

Hold Your Breath

[Okay, this page has gotten so many clicks]

I know, I know, you're going to have a heart attack upon seeing this pic. But it was the picture I was looking for. It was taken during the 2007 Toronto Pride. And this guy rocked. The picture still rocks. This picture was in David's SD card, captured using his camera. The one I took is the back portion, which is classic and the one I will using for my web design class.

Enjoy!

Okay, you want it up close.

Try to beat that!

(No, I mean top it)

(No, no, I mean, I dare you if you can do that, too)

The one I took was this:

Scholar's Day

The College at Brockport will once again feature research studies of students and faculties in the annual Scholar's Day. The event will be on April 9. Schedules of the presentation can be found in this link.

I'm interested with these:


The Roswell UFO Incident and American Popular Cultural Responses to the Technologies of Space Flight

by Mary Buggie-Hunt (Faculty) of the History Department


Abortion: A Fusion of Philosophical, Scientific, and Religious
Perspectives

by Laura Schiraldi (Undergraduate Student)of the Philosophy Department


What does it mean to be literate? Explorations in Critical Literacy

by Lena Cannata (Undergraduate Student)
Sue Novinger (Faculty) of the Education Department


Is Same Sex Marriage a Civil Right? Analysis of Brown v. Board of Education in the Fight to Legalize Same Sex Marriage

by Kimberly Adams (Undergraduate Student)of the Gender and Women's Studies Department


Ex-Gay: An Overview of a Movement

by Mary Buggie-Hunt (Faculty)
Joshua Sliker (Undergraduate Student)of the Gender and Women's Studies