I had an audio-visual feast of the cars in the Bangus Fest Auto Show, which runs from April 22 to 23, 2006 at the Dagupan City Plaza. This event is one of the featured events in conjunction with the Dagupan City Bangus Festival.
One of the outstanding and notable cars on display is my kumpare Arwin Joel Laguit’s Toyota Revo which was enhanced and equipped with MTX Thunder 2160 amplifier for the subwoofer.
   
Adding to the quality and clarity of the sound output, the car was installed with a Blaupunkt amplifier for the voice output, a Coustic crossover, and six Kicker speakers and two tweeters for the vavavoom! It also boasts of its GVOX DVD head unit, complete with three LCD monitors.
The audio enhancement was done by Harry Arzadon of JA Audiotek. 513 motors did the paint job that housed the sound system.
Crisp, clear and vivid sweet music. Yummy to the ears!
Filed under Celebration, Events, Feature by Simon Francis Blaise.
I Heart Earth.
(Coincidentally, EARTH is a jumbled form of HEART. So Earth = Heart)
Today is Earth Day.
Every one of us can show our love and concern for Mother Earth. Not just today but everyday. We do not have a luxury of choice. It’s the only Earth we’ve got!
What could we do? How can we help save our planet? Or at least slow down its inevitable demise?
Recycle. There are a lot of ways to recycle. Eversince I started teaching, I let my students use recycled papers for quizzes and projects. Buy products that are recycled (Recycled products use less energy and resources when manufactured). May pera sa basura! Collect empty plastic bottles and aluminum cans and bring them to recycling centers.
Practice Garbage Segregation religiously. Law or not, let us practice it in our homes and workplace.
Join environmental projects. There are several projects in your barangay and town/ city and civic organizations that could benefit our Mother Earth. Volunteer today. Or start a project.
Save energy. I use a laptop instead of a desktop computer. Although I have an old laptop, it still consumes less energy than a desktop computer. Instead of switching the AC (airconditioning unit) during the day, I open the windows and enjoy the summer breeze. Turn on the light only if it is needed.
Go organic. If you have a space for gardening, plant vegetables and raise poultry, hog or goat. Make sure the surrounding is clean. Enjoy GMO-free vegetables and clean meat products.
Buy a Tango . That is if you can afford it. Otherwise use hybrid or electric/ solar/ fuel cell powered vehicles or at least fuel-efficient vehicles.
Use alternative fuel like coco biodiesel and biogas. We should not be slaves to oppressive and foreign controlled oil prices.
Pressure the Senate and Congress to pass the Biofuels Act of 2006 now. Remind them that there are a lot of endeavors than asking for PGMA’s head (but if it can be done, do it quickly and legally). There are laws to pass. Junk those who do nothing. Election is a year away. Make them realize this.
Stop pollution. Down with tarpaulin and billboards of politicians. The best proof of the project is the project itself, not the tarpaulins that emblazon their names and despicable faces. It’s taxpayers money that fund projects. Simple as it is, this is a form of corruption.
How about you? How will you show your love to Mother Earth?
Know more about Earth Day and things you could do to to save our planet:
http://www.earthday.net/
http://www.earthday.gov/
Filed under Celebration, Events, Environment by Simon Francis Blaise.
 Luke is 6 months old today.
 As of today, gone will be his Similac guzzling days. I just bought Gain as his milk. This is his follow up milk for 6 months onwards. From now on he will be a Gain guzzling machine. I am also trying out the medium Pampers All-Night diapers. But at the rate Luke is growing, I should’ve bought large.
 At 6 months, Luke can now stand with support. He continues to progressively develop control of muscles, play with his toes and grasp his feet (especially when he needs diaper change). He also shows the ability to swallow non-liquid food, shows interest in seeing food and gets excited when his food is prepared. He crawls and rolls over the bed. He had a brake-in of his walker the other day but he just sat the whole time (too early to walk perhaps).
For sure, he weighs more than 8 kilograms right now. But the official weigh-in will be on April 21, 2006, his monthly check-up and immunization. His pediatrician is Dr. Aurelio Carino, a good friend and great doctor.
 
Filed under Personal, Celebration by Simon Francis Blaise.
In the just concluded Mayor Benjamin S. Lim Cup 2006 (an invitational shootfest by Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim participated in by various g*n clubs held at the Dagupan Practical Shooters Association Firing Range in Bonuan Binloc), one of my bestfriends, kumpare, and Dagupeno sharpshooter Rob P. Erfe-Mejia bested two R.P. Team practical shooters and emerged as Champion of the Production Division. He used his reliable Glock17, cal. 9mm., which have consistently helped him win numerous tournaments including the 2nd Gov. Victor E. Agbayani Cup 2006 at the renovated Pangasinan PNP Firing Range in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
The prestigious shootfest held last April 8, and 9, 2006 is part of the Dapupan Bangus Festival 2006 activities.
Next trophy to bring home is the Glock Invitational Shoot*ng Competition, a Level III, PPSA (Philippine Practical Shooting Association) sanctioned match. This will be held at the CPRA (Cebu P*stol and R*fle Association) Firing Range, Mactan, Cebu on June 1-3, 2006. Right Rob?
Email me at sfbrvistro@gmail.com in case you would like to sponsor him on his way to glory in Cebu.
Filed under Sports, Personal, Celebration by Simon Francis Blaise.
A month ago, The Radioman posted something about: "What the beginning of your name say about you?"
My name starts with S, F, and B and according to the article:
 For you, it is pleasure before business. You can be romantically idealistic to a fault and is capable of much sensuality. But you never loose control of your emotions. Once you make the commitment you stick like glue. You could get jealous and possessive. You tend to be very selfish often regarding yourself as the only human being on the planet. You like being the centre of attention. You are very caring sensitive, private & sometimes very passive. Turned on by soft lights, romantic thoughts. When it gets down to the nitty-gritty, you are an expert. You know all the little tricks of the trade, can play any role, or any game, and take your love life very seriously. You don’t fool around. You have the patience to wait for the right person to come along. You are very generous & giving, often selfless. You are kind nature & sweet, which is found to be attractive by many. You are a good friend.
 You are idealistic and romantic, putting your lover on a pedestal. You look for the very best mate you can find. You are a flirt, yet once committed, you are very loyal. You are sensuous and privately passionate. Publicly, you can be showy, extravagant, and gallant. You are a born romantic. Dramatic love scenes are a favorite fantasy past time. You can be a very generous lover.
 You give off vibes of lazy sensuality. You enjoy being romanced, wined, and dined. You are very happy to receive gifts as an expression of the affection of your lover. You want to be pampered and know how to pamper your mate. You are private in your expression of endearments, and particular when it comes to love. You will hold off until everything meets with your approval. You can control your appetite & feelings. You require new sensations and experiences. You are willing to experiment.
What’s in a name? Some people say that your name more or less defines (in a nutshell) who you are.
So why Simon Francis Blaise?
Since today is my birthday, let me share to you how I got my name.
Simon came from Simon of Cyrene (he was "compelled" to carry Jesus Christ's cross). It was said that I carried my parent’s cross as they were still in grief from the death (two years before my birth) of my older brother, Jose Ramon Miguel. According to my proud parents, I brought solace and joy into their lives again.
Francis came from two sources. One from my aunt, Sr. Esperanza L. Vistro, SFIC who entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Order that year. Therefore Francis came from St. Francis of Assisi, lover of all creation, champion of justice, patron saint of animals and the environment, and founder of the Franciscan Order. Tita Ping as we all call her is the School President of the St. Joseph’s College, Quezon City. The other source of my name was from the brother of my grandmother (Amanda Reyes Rayos), Francisco Reyes of Sto. Tomas, La Union.
Blaise came from the name of my great grandfather. Tatay, or Dr. Blas F. Rayos is the founder of the University of Pangasinan and co-founder of NCAA. He was a hero, educator, philanthropist and a leader. His name came from St. Blaise, the patron of physicians, sick cattle, wax- chandlers, woolcombers, and of wild animals because of his care for them and of those with throat maladies. He is invoked against afflictions of the throat.
Filed under Personal, Celebration by Simon Francis Blaise.
My wiki search about April 9 revealed that April 9 is the 99th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (100th in leap years). There are 266 days remaining.
To Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians, April 9 is Palm Sunday. The Sunday before Easter. The principal ceremonies of the day are the benediction of the palms, the procession, the Mass, and during it the singing of the Passion. The blessing of the palms follows a ritual similar to that of Mass. On the altar branches of palms are placed between the candlesticks instead of flowers ordinarily used. The palms to be blessed are on a table at the Epistle side or in cathedral churches between the throne and the altar.
In the Philippines, April 9 is a holiday known as "Araw ng Kagitingan" (Day of Valor). It was formerly named "The Fall of Bataan" or "Bataan Day". The "Araw ng Kagitingan" (Day of Valor) celebrates the Filipino gallantry, bravery and heroism in the provinces of Bataan and Corregidor.
For all its worth, April 9 is incidentally and serendipitously my birthday…
Gifts are not expected but appreciated! A U.S. Visa perhaps?
Filed under Personal, Celebration by Simon Francis Blaise.
It is summer vacation in the Philippines. A brief respite from academic life. You know its summer already because the weather is so warm and humid. Oh to brave the scorching sun. It is either off to the Pangasinan beaches and other Pangasinan tourist spots or to Baguio, touted as the summer capital of the Philippines.
Ginny, a high school classmate and friend from L.A. visited the Hundred Islands recently and she was impressed with the improvements and the new facilities there. What a way to boost tourism! Why go to Boracay? Pangasinan is nearer. No need to spend more. Or try Surip. It is nature unspoiled. When I went there last year, I brought my black aqua shoes so I was able to wade the pebbly coast and visit the caverns. The pilgrimage area is also near the beach. Mack, another friend who is on leave from his job in Singapore opted to try the waters of Puerto Galera.
How about me? Maybe just a beer and videoke challenge in one of the rented huts with friends at the nearby Bonuan Beach capped with a sumptuous seafood dinner at Matutina’s (the one with a large framed picture of GMA) or a day at either Sierra Vista or San Fabian PTA for my son’s first taste of the San Fabian beach or the swimming pool. And of course, to enjoy the month-long Dagupan Bangus Festival 2006.
So how would you spend your summer?
Filed under After Class, Personal, Celebration by Simon Francis Blaise.
Graduation. This has brought back good memories. High school was a fun. But college was a totally different astronomical experience!
My Graduation day was a fitting climax of my 4 years of stay at UST. I shared that special day with my father and mother (to whom I owe everything), my siblings, my high school buddies (Mack and Rob. Jack wasn’t able to come), and college buddies (Biggs, DJ, King, Joboy, Richard) who also graduated that day.
As I received my diploma, I had flashbacks of yearly Side A concerts, watching the four-peat UAAP champions UST Tigers, ignoring an introduction to Charlene Gonzales by Ate Beth, the college clerk, smoking inside the Main building and at the botanical garden when smoking inside UST was still tolerated, surviving the meals at the COOP and meeting Pope John Paul II in1995.
It is in UST where I matured personally, academically, socially and spiritually. Staying in a dormitory at Moret St. added to my independence and self-reliance (but not my punctuality- my Achilles’ heel). I was a team member of the Inter-Block Biology basketball tournament champion ’94 (Block C), I was a member of several student organizations including Pax Romana. I was the president of the College of Science and the vice-president for social action section of the CCC (Pax Romana Central Coordinating Council) in 1995. I was responsible for developing outreach programs and activities.
At graduation day, I had another opportunity to go up the PICC stage for a special award in behalf of the College of Science Pax Romana. This was for our efforts in the successful staging of the World Youth Day and Pope John Paul II’s visit, which was held here in the Philippines in 1995.
Filed under Personal, Education, Celebration by Simon Francis Blaise.
In the Philippines, these past few days and the following days to come are red lettered days or should I say, the crowning glory days for most students- Graduation Day!
I could still vividly remember my high school graduation. The lines of our cheesy graduation song still linger. "If we hold on together…" Yes, one of our graduation songs is the Land Before Time theme song (not the Dinky version). Another was Raymond Lauchengco’s "Farewell to you my friend, we’ll see each other again." These two songs are what I call as generic graduation songs. We also sang the Mother Goose Hymn which I had not really memorized. In fact, I can recall and sing the Bedan Hymn better than the MG hymn although I stayed at San Beda for just only a year.
I have enjoyed my high school life at Mother Goose Special Science High School. We had a small school population that: 1. We were well taught 2. Everyone had the opportunity to shine 3. We were like one big family. This is one of the reasons which I believe had developed my being well-rounded. In other words, holistic learning. I assisted in Masses (being an altar boy), competed in sports, won several essay writing, extemporaneous speech, debates, poster and slogan making contests, inter-school quiz bees (I specialized in general Info and current events), became feature editor of the Catalyst (school organ), and vice president of the Supreme Student Council. Sounds like my resume. I sucked in dancing and singing though.
We were all in all 35 graduates of Batch 1991 (we had two sections). Our batch is one of the three consecutive batches that have brought honor not just to our alma mater but also to Pangasinan at that time as we were ranked the top school in terms of NCEE performance (Numero Uno!) when the National College Entrance Exam was still in vogue. Mind you, we bested Philippine Science High School, Xavier High School and Ateneo (the top three high schools at that time).
When asked where we came from, it was no longer Mother Goose what? Sounds like a nursery school (as verbalized by the previous batches). It was like: "Oh the school that almost all graduates scored 99+" Do I have to modestly state what was my NCEE score?
Filed under Personal, Education, Celebration by Simon Francis Blaise.
Maybe you are one of the many people like me who have forgotten that the World Poetry Day just passed. For the uninformed, the World Poetry Day was last March 21, 2006.
Ours is a verbose world yet it is ironic that we have not given accolades to poetry as much as we value gossip and tall tales. In the UNESCO website, I have found only two sites catalogued under Philippines. Sadly, one is just a directory of ads (it seemed that it was unscreened) and another (thank God), the work of a poet who has dedicated himself to the craft. This is worth reading.
Poetry to me is like the very breath of life. I have written a lot of poems over the last two decades but they have not seen the public light. Reluctantly, because I have employed my conjectures of rhythm and rhyme primarily for my personal ends. I have not chronicled them except for two notebooks- full of my idiosyncrasies. Besides, my style if any is unstructured (like my life?) so I can never be an authority in this.
My problem in writing poetry is that my “muse’ comes but in a blue moon. Rare. Like La Niňa in the desert. Oh to capture that fleeting moment is priceless! To me, its immortality is embodied in the person or the object to which it was written for. Like a flicker of light, the poem is consumed by the reader and transformed to an unwavering flame until it meets its purpose. But it will not die. It will always be there waiting for another breath of life, in another form or in another poet.
World Poetry Day is on March 21, and was declared by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1999. The purpose of the day is to promote the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world and, as the UNESCO session declaring the day says, to "give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional and international poetry movements.
Filed under Reactions, Personal, Celebration by Simon Francis Blaise.
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