GMA NETWORK'S YEAR ENDER REPORT

Mga Ingay ng Bayan, or MIB 2006 airs tonight, 10:30 PM right after Imbestigador.

It's a fusion of the skills of popular Filipino bands, independent directors and journalists. We have Mojofly, Shamrock, Dong Abay, Bayang Barios, Cueshe and Kjwan. Our indie film directors are Hech, (my production administrator) RA Rivera, Robert Quebral, Pam Miras, Monti Parungao and Emman dela Cruz.

Please watch. For the curious ones, my name is right under the words "Program Manager" in the credits.

Nood kayo, ha? Ilang araw na kaming walang tulog para rito.

Vindication

The Chuckymadgirl

"Ma'am J, thank God you were my boss!"

She sent me that early this year. Images of her being late for meetings, brainstorms, script submission and everything else instantly vanished. All is well. I felt like crying.

Life has come full circle for me and her.

I always tell misbehaving staff that I hope one day, they become a boss and have a staff like themselves. I told her that, numerous times.

She's a very good producer. She had a lot of memorable segments, some of them lifestyle checks. She managed to prove a local official has seven mistresses.

She talks and jokes with whoever her seatmate is DURING MEETINGS. She takes pictures of herself DURING MEETINGS. She'd make and take calls DURING MEETINGS.

But she's won several internal awards, and forced us to change some policies about it when her IDOL SI BOOMA entry. Masipag, pero madalas late ang script. I was often infuriated with her misuse of raw and daw. She even mastered the art of convincing me to lug my laptop to the office for her use. Ewan kung paano ko nagawa iyon, wala pa akong Jiminy noon.

But to give her credit, she once told me "Ma'am, more time to listen lang po ang gusto ko..." which led me to revamp and reorganize to improve the system. It also reverberated in my brain everytime I get a ho-hum update from some staff and I felt like dozing off.

She has very good ideas, and scoffs at those she thinks are moronic. There were numerous times she won't do as I tell her, having come up with an idea of her own, then we'd argue.

She's funny. When I told her I wanted to be cremated ASAP when I die: "Paano iyon? Iyon lang ang tsansa naming makita kang naka-make up!" She'd ask me to take her picture "Ma'am dali, candid shot ang gusto ko." Then she poses.

She's now handling a high-rating show and I am so darn proud of her. She's more calm, more focused, more driven, more disciplined. She has even become more tactful.

"Miss J, patulong naman pa-revise ng sentence..." "Miss J, paano ba ang gagawin ko sa staff na...." "Susku, kahit isa lang pala ang pasaway, kunsumisyon." Now, she's also teaching her staff the right use of raw and daw, and is piqued when she sees it misused.

Life indeed, has come full circle.

Salamat, Madel. Ang dami kong natutunan sa iyo.

Dear Miranda....

...we insist that you post this photo on your blog instead of those two na hindi naman kami masyadong kagandahan. Yeah, yeah, we know, maganda kami kahit anong mangyari. Pero siyempre if it's for the world to see dapat yung pinagkamaganda namin davah? Right girls? Right!

Ang kulit, di ba?

So here it is.


With those eyes, we can only guess what lethal combination of drinks they've gulped down. Alak pa, *hic* patay kung patay is the line they inherited from Jack.

Tres Lokas

If you want to keep your hearing until your old age, stay away from them. They're okay one at a time, but if you see them together, for the sake of all that's sacred, run like there's no tomorrow. And don't look back. You'll turn into a pillar of salt.

Patricia po. She's so polite she managed to make some generals look like fools in their uniform. Lesson: polite does not mean stupid. She's so pretty she has stalkers. Jack fell in love with her but I knew it was not gonna happen. How can "po" and "tangina" be together? "Tangina mo po?" Eng? But I kept my silence. I don't meddle when it comes to their affairs. I hope next year she gets her dream job, which I will not say here for reasons we all know.

Angel. Ito ang batang nayakap nang maraming beses noong bata. I once gave her an earful for a lousy segment. For a girl who loves weddings, she had no video. She pouted for a while then a few hours later came up with a comeback I should not forget. "I'll make a segment you will not find a weakness in. Hah!" She's lousy in ending her stories so she scrounges around for old scripts and rewords them. What she lacks in skill - for now, I should add - she makes up for in resourcefulness. She dreams of becoming an EP. I've never heard anyone so emphatic, but I believe that if you see it, it will happen. (Susku. Ano kaya ang title ng programa na bagay sa kanya? In This Pink Corner, How to be Pretty While Sweating?) She made me feel guilty when she said she'd been praying for me to quit smoking. I'll do it next week.

Koryn. She went through a lot this year, and I think she worried more about what to wear when she had to face some people and some situations. As Kit the cameraman once said, Koryn does not lose poise even in ngarag moments. And Kit is never loose with praise. She's organized and focused when you give her a task. I think the tests are preparing her for greater things in the future. She's a kid who's learning more about life, and she has come to know more about herself. I just wish and pray next year would be the year she'll start making her dreams happen. I wish the next year, she'd keep her friends close during good times, and closer during tough times.

The common thing in these girls is this: kikay sila. They're so vain I hate being in the middle of them when they're talking about lipsticks and clothes and make-up and things PINK. And to punish me for hating the color, they gave me a pink blouse for Christmas because they knew I make it a point to use things given as a gift. Vanity is one of the words invented for them. Wacky is another.

I am proud of these girls, as any Reluctant Mother would be. Wonder which one of them came up with that title for me. They're a good mix, have stuck together through thick and thin, and have been sensible enough to know the lessons life is teaching them. They've had fights - which they hid from me while they were sorting it out - and I am amazed at how they were able to talk it out as adults. "Tres Lokas" and "adults." Two words that ironically, should not be together in a sentence when describing them.

They've raided my studio for books and plates and everything they'd have a fancy on. I think they're building a library of stolen books from me. I just wish they'd really read. And read. And read.

I am proud of these girls because when I am tough with them or some other staff, they know exactly why. They are wise beyond their years. I just hope they keep staying that course.

And you know what else? I HIRED THEM. So if they make good in the next couple of years, it would prove I made the right decision in hiring them. If they don't, geesh, my line would be: "Sorry networks. I was drugged when I hired them."

Thanks girls. You made me smile during the good times and the bad. I learned a lot from you, and I know Vond - who raises the collective IQ in any room the minute he steps in - will never believe that. (They didn't twist my arm, Vond)

From My Friend Who Lent Me His Spirit Walker

"And I have thought of you often. Maybe everyday. I have been in danger of wanting what I can not have. Fantasy clouded my thinking I guess. Now with some distance in time.....I may be in control of my thinking again.

I am sorry if I hurt you.

I splash water in Lake Huron hoping the waves eventually wash ashore your island and over your toes. I read what you have on the net when I find it and smile. I look at a star and know that you do look up now and then and may be looking at the same one.

I am a humbler man and like it."

Tangina Naman Ma'am Eh!

The Gentleman.

I am leaving the network in a couple of days. Before I do, I'd like to start thanking the people who helped me out and taught me lessons the past five years.

First of them is Jack, MY production assistant. I say MY because while he handed in his resignation a couple of years ago, he held it back when I said I still needed him and he can only leave after I do. He honored that commitment. He quit when I quit as EP, and has pursued editing. He now edits for several shows.

Jack's period is "putang ina." It's also his comma, ellipse, dash, colon, semi-colon. "Putang ina" is also his subject, adjective, verb, adverb, conjunction. It's in his every sentence. Ergo: "Tangina naman Ma'am, walang video ang tanginang istorya ng tanginang iyon. Late pa sa editing ang tanginang iyon."

If you peel back the colorful languange, Jack is the complete gentleman I'd ask my cousin to date. He loves with passion, he'd risk a memo to buy a girl flowers during office hours. (Which I did issue) He'll be there when his woman needs it. He even tries very, very hard, to limit the putanginas for a girl. Problem is, his search is eternal. I wish he'd find her soon. Because if anyone deserves to be happy, Jack has that right. I send out prayers for him.

I have deep respect for this man because he loves his job, and puts his heart in everything he commits to do. He loves all his programs with a passion, my favorite program on top of his list. When I was his executive producer, I often told everyone that he's the EP from 3PM onwards. The staff would be wary of his comments because he'd raise questions like: "May video ba ang putanginang istoryang iyan?" However, if he likes a story, he'd say it out loud like Abraham from Mount Sinai. (Minus the strong language, of course)

I'd give him a deadline and he's never late for it. I want plugs to start airing Wednesday, and he'd badger everyone to make it happen. He imagined that we can air our plugs during the noontime newsbreak, during Eat Bulaga, and he set out to cajole, persuade, coerce, to make it happen.

Kay Jack, hindi nasayang ang edukasyon na sinikap ibigay sa kanya ng mga magulang niya. Mataas ang work ethics niya, di gaya ng ibang nagtapos sa exclusive school pero walang magandang asal na taglay sa opisina.

I'd spend Christmas and New Year to set my goals for the program, and when I emerge from my holiday hideaway, I'd tell him what I came up with. Nothing fires him up like a good idea, and by golly, he'd do his part, force others to do theirs to make it happen.

There were times when I was reduced to tears or extreme anger because the Friday pressure was too much, and Jack would find me wherever I hid to tell me it was okay, that it will pass, not take it seriously. "Tangina Ma'am, okay lang iyan. Mainit lang ulo niya. Matanda na iyon, Ma'am, tangina hayaan mo na."

When I became program manager, he didn't behave differently, and he was like a breath of fresh air whenever he popped into my cubicle with his classic line: "Ma'am, two bottles tayo. Kumain ka na ba? Tangina, tama na iyan. Bukas na iyan. Hindi mauubos ang trabaho sa isang araw."

I am proud of him because he never used our friendship in a dishonorable manner. He's a professional, who knew what he brought to the table, having thought it out.

I am proud of him because he listens. He junked the late night drinking, purchased a condo unit, and is paying for it. And like everything he puts his head into, he is into it with a passion.

I am proud of him because he is wise. Others may not see that because of the foul language, but it is an unquestionable truth. I received counsel from him that proved right.

If he reads this, I know he will only have one complaint: "Tangina naman Ma'am eh! Pa-inglis inglis pa kasi, puwede namang hindi."

Thank you, Jack. Ang dami mong naituro sa akin. Ang dami kong natutunan sa iyo. Tangina. Salamat.

To my Friend who Lent me his Spirit Walker

I look up at the sky at night, and the moon and the stars make me think of you. I know you still do the same, stare at the same sky, albeit a few hours apart, and think of me.

I feel cold sometimes and I think of you battling the freezing wind in Lake Huron and I send you wishes of warmth.

I love you too, with all my heart, my Bestest Best Friend. Let's not live the rest of our lives in silence, because we find meaning together.

You make me happy. Please be back soon, my Bestest Best Friend.

Earning With My Camera

I brought my camera with me yesterday, thinking I'd be able to join the staff of one of my programs in a Christmas party in Laguna. I wasn't able to. The doctor said I should stay put and not drive out of town. My heart is beating 20% faster than normal.

So I decided to be a good girl and just treat myself to a nice lunch for being a brave girl. As you know, I hate doctors and hospitals. After parking Jiminy da Cricket, I saw this.

Then I decided to continue my search for the holy grail, err, a nice apartment, when I chanced upon these protesters.

Kumita na naman ako. Hehe. Nai-submit ko na at lumabas na ito sa isang website.

The Capacity to Buy Fish

Someone recently borrowed money from me. He says the P5,000 was for his rent. He earns P35,000 a month. It turns out he used his rent money to buy a new phone. I lent him the money, but made a mental note not to come to his rescue the next time this happens.

Listen up, everyone. IF YOU HAVE TO BORROW MONEY OR CHARGE IT TO BUY IT, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE IT. Please, stare at a marshmallow every morning and try to delay chomping on it.

I opened my first bank account when I was in grade two, depositing some Christmas coins and gleefully staring at the (unbelievably pitiful) interest it earned. Hey, I was a kid, gimme a break. It made me feel good.

Let me share a few tips on practical spending so you won't have to borrow money from me or anyone. Consider this my contribution to world peace.

1. Do the math. How much do you earn in a month? Divide your income (minus tax) by 30. (Let's say you earn P1,000 per day, clear of taxes)
2. Compute how much money you pay for rent, utilities, communication, transportation, food, etc. (Let's say you spend P400 for these per day)
3. You have P600 free money per day.

Now that the numbers are out of our collective hair, imagine how much you have per day. The basic rule is that you never spend beyond it. If you want that cellphone, save your P600 per day until you have the money for it.

Buy things that will make you earn more. If you like photography, find out where you can submit pictures before buying a camera. If you're a writer, geesh, you ought to have a computer at home.

Avoid people who never share their piece of the tab. They're not your friends. They're freeloaders who see you as a ticket to a free meal.

Invest in things that will make you smarter. Your knowledge increases your worth wherever you go or seek employment. Subscribe to Time or Newsweek or whatever it is you want to read. Subscriptions are cheaper.

Don't buy things now thinking you can charge it to your income next month. It never works. That's counting chicks while seeing eggs. Wait until you have the money in your hands.

Don't, never, get a mistress. They cost money and time. Your time is better spent earning more money or taking care of your family. This saves you from the drug rehab expenses for your neglected kids in the future. Or from the cost of additional college years you'll have to absorb because your kids squandered their time fooling around, unguided, while you were cheating on your spouse. It also saves you from annulment costs or alimony. It saves you from losing the house you may have to leave behind, which the offended spouse will surely get and nag you or the courts for. It also makes for a better family and a better society. I'm sure that sounds like a line from Ms. Congeniality (which I'll never be) but if you do the math, it is a sound argument.

Get a health insurance. It often costs just P500 per month and that's a thousand times less than what you will spend if you get sick. Example: I spent P10,000 on a lab test for my blood to find out if I have hyperthyroidism. The health card which I used to cover it plus other charges, only cost me P6,000 this year. By the way, I have two health cards. And yes, I have hyperthyrodism. Anyone here knows a good doc for it?

Get a pension plan. It will give you your money back in ten years, but that's better than nothing in your old age.

Invest in real estate. Own a piece of the earth. A lot in Subic or Cavite can cost you say, five thousand pesos a month, but it will surely double in value after a few years.

Spend for entertainment. If it's the movies you want, set aside money for it. Relaxing makes you a better person, but the cost should be minimal and within your budget.

Travel. It's not a vice, it's an investment for your brain. The greatest dodos I've met are those from first world countries who never used a passport and a visa. The more you widen your horizon, the better person (and worker) you will be. You solve problems more ingeniously, having benefitted from the practices of other peoples.

Travel to a new place once a year. It will prod you to earn and save more to see more.

Junk the credit cards. Aside from the punishing, bankrupt-inducing interests, it is likely to make you irresponsible if you already have the tendency to splurge. It also goes against the argument I made earlier, of spending only the money you have. I use my BPI Express Credit ATM here and abroad. It's cash on the go.

Keep two bank accounts. One for the bills, one for the savings.

Are you comforable with your lifestyle now? Are you happy with it? Then don't change it even if your new paycheck has a gazillion zeroes. As I keep saying, hindi iisa ang araw. Remember the lessons of numerous economic upheavals.

Never earn money illegally. Money you didn't work hard for has no value. In the end, your worth as a human being and as a worker, is determined by the value of your name.

No matter your economic status, be honest. The money will come.

Love your money. You worked hard for it, spent time and weathered pressures for it. Spend it wisely, let it enrich your life. That's the best thank you we can all give to the Big Boss Up There who gave us another day to work and have fun.

No one taught me these. But when you come from a background of extreme poverty, you find ways not to go back there. You have to.

I love having the capacity to buy fish.

Buffa-fly Thoughts

Kuha sa tindahan ng halaman sa Lung Center Tiangge.

"Kaawaan at patawarin ang kaluluwa ni Atticus." Iyon daw ang dasal para sa akin ng isang palagi kong kaasaran.

Sabi ko naman, "Parehong magdiriwang ang langit at impiyerno para sa akin."
Come to think of it. I've done both sides of the fence favors. I've been extremely bad and extremely good. Teka, bakit ba puro past tense ang sulat ko?

(Punyemas. Sinusulat ko ito habang pinakikinggan ko ang ni-record para sa amin ni Bayang Barrios. Isipin mo na lang.)

Kung Minsan

Kung minsan makikita mo...may mga taong mukhang kawatan, pero sila pala iyong maganda ang asal.
Kung minsan makikita mo...iyong mga taong sosyal at panay ang "dearie" at "darling" sa bawat pangungusap, sila iyong maaskad ang ugali at kupal sa gawi.
Kung minsan malalaman mo...may matututunan ka sa bawat tao.
Iyong iba para gayahin, iyong iba para ibasura.
Wala lang. Napaisip lang ako kanina sa nakita kong babae na ang pino ng kilos pero nakakatuli ang boses at ang askad ng asal.

Meet the Man

I was photographer for a kiddie birthday party today when I met this nice, pleasant and well-behaved young man. He's no weenie, though. He was adamant about this face painting. Atticus the Kid

Finally, a kid named after one of my favorite characters.

Scenes from My Dashboard

A kid does her business in the privacy of her own world.

(I'm gonna keep taking pictures from my dashboard and posting them here)

If anyone knows how watermarks are made, please leave your email. Educate an idiot, please.