Who would think there is no snow in Saudi?

This happened last January 10, 2008 (1/01/1429) in Ar-Ar District in Saudi Arabia.

Grrrr…… Extreme Cold in Riyadh ever!

An Arab enjoying the snow in Ar-Ar District in Saudi Arabia last Jan. 10, 2008

Last night, it took me half an hour to get to my badminton session (usually, it took me less than 10 minutes only from my place to the school where I play) via King Fahad Road. Rumours of mass road closures across the city for US president George W. Bush’s visit brought traffic in Riyadh yesterday.
Actually, it was not our usual practice, but since the court was re-painted last week-end, we had to adjust our schedule.
I took a cab and bargain for SR10.00 which I usually haggle to the driver.. take it or leave it…Well in Riyadh, you have to ask first how much the driver will charge you and then negotiate… or tell him how much you will pay and be certain on it.
The confusion surrounding which and when roads would be closed led massive tailbacks on many roads across the city, aside from the corner to corner visibility of patrol cars and military personnel checkpoints along the main roads.
While on our way, I noticed the grimming face of the driver of the limousine everytime he reduced his speed due to bumper-to-bumper situation in King Fahad.
Along the main street, I saw from the Electronic Hygrometer Billboard flashing a -2C temperature! Gosh..for almost half a decade here in Saudi, this is the first time I had experienced extreme coldest here. Years ago, I had experienced hailstones already, but this time, a snowfall is possible to happen here in Riyadh in a couple of days according to a report. As a matter of fact, last January 10, there was already a snowfall in Ar-Ar district, a place in Northern Region in Saudi Arabia and I am so excited to see it happen here in Riyadh.. Just imagine, snow falling in the desert….unbelievable but it’s happening..
The court was almost full when I arrived at 8:30pm, so I warmed-up as I waited for a court to be vacated. Actually there were few players who came… (maybe because they cannot endure the weather outside or they were not informed about the change in schedule) and we were able to play as much as we want.
After few minutes just about to end my warm-up, one court was vacated so I paced-in and play. For me, it was not easy playing this time. I usually wear light shirts & shorts and i had no choice but to wear pants and sweatshirts, which I was not comfortable in court. Moreover, the fleetness of the shuttlecocks is also affected in a frigid atmosphere. You have to adjust your playing techniques in order to gain supremacy in court.
It’s so re-vigorating to take a cup of hot drinks after a game. We’re so thankful that “kapeng barako’ is always available for free during our practices.
We ended our practice around 11:00pm and the weather outside was still unbearable.
I arrived home and had no chance to take a hot shower.. I rested for a while and found my nice sleep at once….
If the extreme coldness affects a shuttlecock (birdies) rapidity in court.. what do you think happen to other ‘birdies’ during sleeptime?... hope you guess it right!

HRC lists 2008's gay-friendliest workplaces

The Human Rights Campaign has released its 2008 list of "Best Places to Work for GLBT Equality." Making the list are 195 U.S. companies, and they are already taking advantage of the recognition to demonstrate their fair and open-minded policies based on nondiscrimination.
Inclusion on the list is awarded only to companies that score 100 percent on the HRC's Corporate Equality Index, which measures company policies that regulate fairness and equality in the workplace, according to an HRC press release. Among the companies listed are Disney, Google, US Airways, the New York Times Co., Ford, Nike and PepsiCo.
"Each of these companies is working hard to transform their workplaces and make them safer for millions of employees around the country," Joe Solmonese, HRC president, said in a written statement. "We can now say that at least 10 million employees are protected on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity on the job."
Thirteen states prohibit workplace discrimination against LGBT people, while seven more have extended such protections to lesbians, bisexuals and gay men.
For a full listing of companies, visit http://www.hrc. org/issues/ best_places_ to_work_2008. asp (The Advocate)

Desert Hunk #13: Mike Hoo

Mike Hoo has appeared in a Fashion Show in Riyadh in 2005 being a member of FACES-Riyadh.

Mike Hoo (left) together with some male models of FACES-Riyadh.


Unfortunately, he did not renew his contract and decided to come home. After a year, his friends here in Riyadh were surprised to see him on TV when he joined Eat Bulaga's contest "Maskulado" and saw his daring pictures on the net.






Photos from ultimatepinoyhunks.org

More of Michael Hoo in Ultimate Pinoy Hunk website

WHAT IF SOMEONE TELLS YOU THIS...

"don't believe in courtship. it's just a waste of time if i love a person, i'll tell her right away, but for you i'll make an exception... just love me now, and i'll court you forever!"

Never be afraid to fall in love. it may hurt a lot, it may give you aches and pains, but if you don't follow your heart, in the end you will cry even more for not giving love a chance.

"i'm sorry if you can't love me the way you loved the one before me, so i'll let you go to find him/her and hope someday you'll see that the one true love you're looking for was the one who set you free... "

Ain't it funny we're trying to catch the attention of the one we think we love? we hardly notice the one we're really looking for was just there. you don't notice them 'till they are in the arms of someone else...

Rapture

There is a place for us
that no one else can enter.
It is a place that holds no secrets,
only beauty, peace, understanding.

A place that we come to,
thinking we are one,
only to have our souls
fused together for a moment.

And in that moment, I know you;
every pore, every pulse,
every thought, every fear.
And I love you more.

I feel myself laid bare before you,
and I feel content . . .
joyous that you are with me,
loving me in my nakedness.

Illiteracy plagues Arab world

The result of the recent study shows that nearly one in three people in the Arab world is illiterate,

Three-quarters of the 100 million people unable to read or write in the 21 Arab countries are aged between 15 and 45 years old, according to the Tunis-based Arab League Educational Cultural and Scientific Organisation (Alecso).

Equally alarming, some 46.5% of women in the region are illiterate, the organisation reported, urging governments to put the fight against illiteracy at the top of their agendas.

While describing access to primary school education as "indispensable," it also urged Arab countries to focus on adult education to avoid "serious incidents in the evolution of [Arab] societies".

Shoppers in Saudi Arabia: Beware!

A recent police advisory from Police Department in Riyadh was issued recently due to the uncontrolled street crimes in the city.

Below are the police instructions to the public I received thru email translated in English (full text).

1. Try not to go alone to the market in night. Must be a group of two to three.
2. Avoid carrying more cash than is needed for that round.
3. Never trust anyone saying that he is a policeman - even if he shows to you his ID card!! & even if he is wearing police uniform (you can trust him only if he is coming or driving a police car).
4. Try to avoid violence & do not obey his order if he wants your Iqama (residence visa) or wallet . If he becomes violent, either you beat him or seek assistance from passer-by to beat him & hand him over to police.

REASONS:

There are at least 6 to 10 thieves roaming daily in Wazarat area, Al-Batha District, Al-Malaz District and now in some places in Olaya and Sulaimania District in Riyadh . These people are using un-registered gun and sharp objects, some of them claims to be police officers by showing their uncleared Arabic ID. There are also some incidents that these people will be offering you a free ride to your house and/or ask some assistance to guide them where to go. Always lock your car doors especially if you park your car in grocery markets, shopping center or in some flea market places.

The police needs public help to catch these thieves, but the problem most victims reported after they have already been robbed.

NOTE: Report to your nearest Police Department or seek the help from any Police checkpoint if you happened to experience same. Try to use your Mobile Camera in order to catch these people and get their car plate number.

PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE TO YOUR FRIENDS, RELATIVES AND LOVE ONES WHO ARE WORKING IN SAUDI ARABIA TO SAVE LIVES.

A Public service from the Police Department and CID of Saudi Arabia , Riyadh .

Internet Blocking in Saudi

Saudi Arabia is on the Reporters without Borders list of '13 internet enemies' .

The Saudi government’s official internet blacklist is believed to affect more than 400,000 websites, ranging from the sites of political organisations to those of unrecognised Islamist movements and pornography sites.

Saudi Arabia does not hide its online censorship concentrating on pornographic content, targeting opposition websites, Israeli publications, or sites dealing with homosexuality.

Blogs also pose a problem to the Saudi censors. Last year they tried to completely block access to the country’s biggest blog tool, blogger.com. But now they just block the blogs that are deemed unacceptable.

Great Shots!

Kung Mawawala Ka......

There are many changes that a human being goes through in the short span of time in which we are on this planet. We see heartache, pain, and frustration.



by: Ogie Alcasid

Kung mawawala ka sa piling ko
hindi ito matatanggap ng puso ko
at bawat pangarap ay biglang maglalaho
mawawalang saysay ang mabuhay sa mundo

kung masamang panaginip lamang to
sana ako ay gisingin mo
at sa aking paggising akoy iyong yakapin
ay sabihin mong akoy mahal mo rin

kung mawawala ka
hindi ko makakayang
harapin ang bukas ng nagiisa
kung akoy iiwan mo paano na tayo
sayang ang pangako sa isat isa
kung mawawala ka

kung mawawala ka
hindi ko makakayang
harapin ang bukas ng nagiisa
kung akoy iiwan mo paano na tayo
sayang ang pangako sa isat isa
kung mawawala ka

AIDs sufferers urged to report discrimination

Saudi human rights watchdog is urging carriers of the AIDS virus to report any discrimination they suffer in the conservative Muslim kingdom.

The National Society for Human Rights made the appeal ahead of the expected unveiling in March of draft legislation that will set out the rights of HIV carriers in Saudi Arabia for the first time.

The new bill could feature clauses to guarantee access to education, employment and travel.

Set up in 2004, the NSHR was the kingdom's first unofficial human rights group and describes itself as independent of the government.

The most recent figures on HIV infection in Saudi Arabia date back to November 2005. Then a Health Ministry official said that nearly 11,000 cases had been reported since the first case was diagnosed in 1984.

Of the 10,924 cases, 2,005 were among Saudis and 8,919 among expatriates, the official said.

In August, the Saudi press reported that the Health Ministry was drawing up plans to impose HIV tests on prospective couples from this year.

Would-be brides and grooms will have to be tested for both HIV and hepatitis in one of more than 20 centres being set up across the kingdom, the reports said.

If either partner tests HIV positive and the couple still wants to marry, the case will be examined in conjunction with the Justice Ministry, the reports added

Bloggers in Saudi: Be Warned!

BLOGGER ARRESTED: Fouad Al Farhan (centre) was detained early December for violation of 'non-security regulations'. (ordoesitexplode.com)


Authorities in Saudi Arabia have detained a popular blogger for violating “non-security regulations” in what is believed to be the first arrest of an online critic in the kingdom.

Fouad Al Farhan, a 32-year-old from Jeddah, was detained on December 10, according to statements by senior officials quoted in Saudi daily Arab News.

Major General Monsour Al Turki told the newspaper that Farhan was being questioned by the Interior Ministry, but did not give details of the arrest.

Farhan’s blog - Searching for freedom, dignity, justice, equality, shoura and all the rest of lost Islamic values - has since posted a letter, allegedly from Farhan, which states he believes he was arrested because he “wrote about political prisoners in Saudi Arabia”.

Farhan said that officials had tried to make him sign a letter of apology but he refused. He said he was targeted because he wrote about political prisoners that he believed to be wrongly incarcerated.

“An apology for what?” his letter reads. “Apologising because I said the government is [a] liar when it accused those people of supporting terrorism.”

Other popular bloggers said they believe Farhan’s arrest was an attempt by authorities to intimidate the online community.

Farhan’s family has sought help from the government's Human Rights Commission, the newspaper reported.

Issues of National Concern

I'm back after a week of spending the holidays!


I received a personal commentary from Jayme Nava Cruz, an OFW Writer, Composer and Documentarist, here in Riyadh who founded the Sining Pinoy (?)- a newly organized cultural group in Riyadh.


"Within each of us lies the power of our consent to health and sickness, to riches and poverty, to freedom and to slavery. It is we who control these, and not another".

Time and again, it's New Year (2008), and I want to take this privilege to share a few thoughts and comments about some topics that should be near to your hearts, and certainly, of tantamount interest to you, all.

In doing so, let me jumpstart by saying that "freedom of expression", or 'freedom of speech', as preferred to be called by many, is indeed, a great 'license', (though associated with consequences), for everyone in most cases. In saying so, the bold fact connotes that we are also entitled to 'freedom of criticism', as long it is within the perimeters of fairness and decency. And in view of this, I have 3-major-comment to make:

I. Appreciation of PPeso against the Green bucks!

It is noteworthy to highlight the claim of our government, which is regularly mentioned on the pages of local and international newspapers, citing that our present government presides a strong economic growth, "kahit sabihin pang nariyang ang milyong outcries nang milyon-milyong OFWs sa nararamdamang hirap nang buhay, especially taking into view the 'all-time-high' appreciation of PPeso against the Dollars, na tunay namang nakapekto sa 'purchasing power' nang lahat nang OFWs. Of course, having a "bullish economy", now and ahead on, is a very good sign of economic recovery. (Sino nga bang Pinoy ang hindi matutuwa?) Nevertheless, we could not deny the fact that unless the benefits of this so called, affluence, is filtered down to the poor, especially to the poorest component of our society, walang makakaramdam nang tutuong kaligayan sa sinasabing uptrend economic recovery. And although one may say that, "it will take sometime to feel and enjoy the positive results of this "economic growth", pero hanggang KAILAN nga ba ang gagawing paghihintay?

Personally, as an OFW, or a "FilExpat" (title nang short film narrative that I've recently wrapped-up), lalu kong nararamdam ang hirap nang pagpasan nang mga gastusin sa pang-araw araw na pangangailangan nang aking pamilya sa Pilipinas sa nagdaang taon. Sa pagbagsak nang dolyar against the PPeso sa merkado, na hindi tumutugma sa hindi natitinag na presyo nang mga bilihin sa Pilipinas, I note that it is now becoming very difficult to ''rehydrate' my bank accounts back home. Nagsimula ang ganitong kondisyon since the 3rd Quarter of 2007. Pretty sure, if this situation will go on "fully unattended", and 'no concrete counter strategies' will be considered and put in place, I won't doubt that in due time, my savings will soon be slowly "dehydrated", and even, bone-dry!

Frankly, the instant move of one of our community groups in Jeddah, na kaagad sumulat kay President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to quickly act on this issue, (consider the $ - PPeso exchange rate of 1$ = 50PPeso), is indeed heroic, at tunay na napapanahon. Yung ginawa nilang pangangalampag is one-perfect-way to show, "what and how to make an issue on, and not". At tunay namang issue ito! Imposible namang bumagsak na ang aming "purchasing power", and yet, we are expected na magawa pang mag cartwheels and dance the Macarena! The Big Q! is, paano nga ba tunay pang nakakatawid yung mga kababayan nating naghihirap din sa Pinas na walang permanenteng tarbaho at nagkakasya na lamang sa kanilang shoestring budget? OK sana yung pagbaba nang dolyar at yang "bullish economy" if it is coincided sa pagbaba nang prices of our basic commodities. The truth of the matter is, both sides, (kaming OFws at yung mga naghihirap na kababayan sa Pilipinas), ang tunay na nakakaramdam nang parusa at problema.

What I am confused of is: Many of our politicians are claiming that they are the best, if not, best of the bests (political and economic tacticians, etc.). Granted that we enjoy great collections of intellectual talents, PERO bakit hindi natin tunay na maramdaman ang tutuong pag-usad bilang isang isang bansa? Perhaps, our 'national guards' should do some moral inquests, i.e. on how they can serve most good the greater number of our populace especially the poor, (tulad nang karamihan naming OFWs) given the resources they have. Sabi nga ni Bill Gates during his 2006 commencement speech sa Harvard, "To whom much is given much is expected!".

I hope, as early as today, (January 1, 2008), our beloved President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, finally find ways and means to smoothen things up para sa aming mga OFWs na tunay namang nahihirapan sa extreme slided-value of US Dollars against the 'all-time-high-appreciation' of PPeso. (The Year 2007 was indeed an 'annus horribilis' sa mga OFWs.). I hope, too, that the concerned government agencies won't suffer of the "will-not-to-know-attitude" with respect to our predicaments on this issue of US$ - PPeso exchange trend. (Ok sana kung sa bawat pagbagsak nang dolyar ay tumataas din ang aming sulwedo.)

II. Importance of Cash Management, etc.

Given the issue as narrated in Item 1-above, I believe it is imperative and prudent that OFWs, (all of us), consider, observe and practice in truth the importance of "'CASH MANAGEMENT". In advocating so, I mean:

a. Yung excessive na paggastos nang wala namang katuturan. Let's face the fact na maraming kababayang Pinoy ang mahilig mag-purchase nang doble-dobleng equipment. Tatlong TV... may pang sala, pang bedroom at pang kitchen. Dalawang 'component'. The sad truth is, some of us are always forgetful of the saying: "Always differentiate what you want to what you only need". I hate to say this, but it is becoming part and parcel of our "Pinoy social attitude". Let's take note that "having the status of Sharon Cuneta" vis-a-vis having the attitude of "feeling Sharon Cuneta" are two different things.

b. Let's tighten our belt. (Maghigpit nang sinturon!) One way of doing so is, umiwas sa gastusin such as throwing 'parties' every now and then. Dito ko lamang nakita at naranasan sa Kingdom na mag-birthday lang, or mag-celebrate nang Valentine's Day kaya, "nagpapa social party na", and take note, imbitado ang halos buong barangay. Para bang laging mayroong 'meeting de avance. Dito ko din halos nakita na marami sa atin ang tunay na "branded conscious". Yun bang dapat naka Armani, Versace at D&G... (kahit sabihin pang hindi magawang bigkasin nang tama ang 'Dolce', idagdag pa ang 'Versace'). It is pretty okay kung can afford at kaya nang bulsa. Paano kung hindi? Though one may argue or make counter comments, albeit, marami sa atin ang may ganitong attitude. Masarap mabuhay sa epicenter of reality. At mas lalung masarap makita at madama na tanggapin ka nang mga kaibigan bilang ikaw..... maging mahirap ka man o mayaman. Matalino man o mayroong mga kakulangan.

In considering our present situation sa pagbagsak nang dolyar, lalu nating isipin ang ating truest and sincerest mission why we are working in here, or elsewhere overseas: Yung kumita nang Pera. Mag-save. (Isn't it that "money saved is money earned?"). Umunlad ang buhay at magkaroon nang comfortable retirement pagdating nang araw. Which in the long run, ay makakatulong sa pag-usad ang ating ekonomiya. In doing so, we will find out that we are helping ourselves more than we ever know.

III. On a totally different subject: (Various Pinoy artists, art and cultural groups in the Kingdom).

It's a common knowledge, which we should realize, that no matter how much natural talent and ability we might have, we will never reach our full potential without getting a broad experience of our chosen field; that unless our talent comes into contact with an environment where it can develop and flourish, it might lie dormant forever.

The issue in here is: If and when possible, one should get guidelines and trainings from people who sincerely know the craft. Kung kayang pumunta sa mga schools of arts, do it; why not! In addition to our experience na nakukuha sa ibat-ibang undertakings tulad nang mga various cultural and artistic presentations nang bawat art groups, tunay na makakatulong at makakadagdag ang pagkuha nang formal schooling at trainings.

My personal observation is, again, though one may argue: Sa halip na tunay na "i-polish" ang natural talents nang ibang Pinoy artists, they opt na mag-compare at mamintas na lamang. Some are only satisfied sa "feeling-artist- attitude". The grain of truth is: tunay na maraming competent at well-disciplined Pinoy artists na OFWs sa Kingdom. For one, I know so many, pero marami rin yung mayroon lamang na "feeling popular" at may "know-all-attitude". I mean, makasayaw lamang nang modern jazz, feeling na nasa kategorya na nang dating "Ms. Liza Macua", or, Angel Reyes, or, David Pantoja. Nakatulong or na-assign lamang mag design nang stage for a certain cultural program, ayun at feeling "certified art director' na.

Perhaps, it is prudent to consider that our natural creative ability, if it is not honed (via experience and education), let alone, practiced (via various artistic and serious undertakings), is an obvious waste of human talent. And the concerned artist must know this fact.

Now, on the issue of those claiming they are great, well-disciplined artists: Why not share yur real talents and expertise to others? Certainly, knowing what we know, why we can't (share)? Isn't it iyan ang ilan sa mga dahilan kaya tayo binigyan nang nasa Itaas nang talino at opportunity for a full access sa edukasyon?

And finally, doon sa ating mga kababayan, who always find na laging "kabadingan": ang parameters and perimeters of SINING, Pinoy artist man (Pinilakang Tabing), Bollywood, Lollywood, Hollywood, ....... (GISING!).
Again, it has something to do with our mental factors and social attitude...... (yung social insensibilities and artistic bankruptcies) nang ilan regarding the whole matter. As for our Pinoy artists, professional and amateur, in the Kingdom, let us all remember that: "Artists ought to be judged by their artwork, not whether they are gays, lesbians or not!".



Sa inyo Pong Lahat
Manigong Bagong Taon 2008

Our Night

Taking your hand
Fingers to my lips
I want to love every inch of you
Taste every part of your body
As if I can drink your loves blood
Through your very pores

I want to get lost in your eyes
Consumed by your kiss
Set my body on fire
Quench the fire in my blood
With sweet caresses
Touch my soul with your passion

Lay down beside me
Feel my body crying for you
Let's get lost in each other
Touching, exploring, tasting
We will exceed passion, go beyond bliss
For this is our night

Want me, like no other
Need you, like the air that I breathe
Together, one mind, one soul
Fused in the heat of passionate love
Existing in this moment
Forever