"EAT AT YOUR OWN RISK." That's the sign posted on the wall of a restaurant, reminding customers that fish dishes are served with bones.
Years ago, I heard this radio ad: "H-MART, WHERE PARKING IS NOT A PROBLEM." (okay, okay, don't mind about the items sold in this grocery store. yup, due to limited parking space in some retail establishments, i think making a pitch for parking IS a good idea)
"TOM TEDDY BEAR ENTERTAINING PLAZA." the name of a commercial establishment in Chalan Kanoa.
"BERWED COFFEE." Written on the menu of a defunct food store in San Jose.
"CREARANCE SALE." Need I say more?
A house for rent ad in the paper: "NICE, QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD." it's near a cemetery.
One of the requirements stated in an ad for a job opening: "MUST BE HIGH GRADUATE."
"MAGANDA UTANG." This is the name of a store in Garapan. In the Filipino language, this means good credit; others would argue that it means "it's good to have a debt."
"NO PARKING HERE." That's a sign on the side of a road in Garapan. But one day, below the same sign, was a parked police patrol car.
"MOST WANTED CK BOYS," graffiti in Chalan Kanoa.
"POST-CHRISTMAS SALE." But then, you see the same sign throughout the year. (Whatever happened to the CNMI government's advertising regulations?)
"PARASIGHT" is in fact the name of a Japanese cafe and bar in Garapan, not something else.
Guangdong Hardware's slogan, "NEVER SATISFIED UNTIL YOU ARE" sounds more like a slogan for service industries like massage parlors and beauty salons.
An "AOTO SHOP" in Koblerville.
A defunct Garapan business involved in "WEEDING VIDEOS," etc.
"SIZZILING SISIG" says the menu in a Garapan restaurant.
(To be continued...)
Feb 28, 2007
Going Going Gone Bananas (at the Court)
A four-footer banana tree planted inside the Guma Husticia building in Susupe has been bearing fruits. Captivated by the nature’s miracle, on Feb. 12, 2007, I decided to take this photo.
During my routine court patrol on Feb. 20, 2007, I noticed that the banana fruits had fully grown.
During another day’s routine court patrol on Feb. 26, 2007, I was overjoyed upon observing that two banana fruits were already ripe.
But two days later, Feb. 28, 2007, this is what i saw...
I could not stop laughing because somebody had already harvested the two ripe bananas. While taking another picture, one court employee called me and with a big smile showed me the second missing banana fruit he had just harvested and ready to chow.
Photos and Text: Strike That
During my routine court patrol on Feb. 20, 2007, I noticed that the banana fruits had fully grown.
During another day’s routine court patrol on Feb. 26, 2007, I was overjoyed upon observing that two banana fruits were already ripe.
But two days later, Feb. 28, 2007, this is what i saw...
I could not stop laughing because somebody had already harvested the two ripe bananas. While taking another picture, one court employee called me and with a big smile showed me the second missing banana fruit he had just harvested and ready to chow.
Photos and Text: Strike That
"Stray Cats" to invade Saipan
Attention: Movie lovers, gay men and women (and their friends!), Filipinos, islanders who have just had enough of Hollywood! Here’s a chance to see an indie film that has film buffs talking all over the world.
Mga Pusang Gala (Stray Cats) will be shown at Fiesta Resort and Spa's Hibiscus Hall on Monday, June 4, 2007. There will be two screenings--5:30pm and 7:30pm. A forum on gay rights will follow at 9:30pm. The panel will include director Ellen Ongkeko, actor Ricky Davao, and local community members.
Tickets are at $10 each.
Here’s a synopsis of the Stray Cats from the UH website:
Director: Ellen OngkekoCast: Irma Adlawan and Ricky DavaoPhilippines 2006118 min.Tagalog w/English Subtitles
Mga Pusang Gala (Stray Cats) is a daring, innovative comic-romance fantasy, a parody which depicts love, sex, romance and loneliness in a way never before seen in Philippine cinema. It is fantasy incarnate all over: a battle of the sexes where this time around, the sexes are not just two but three.
Mga Pusang Gala tells the story of parallel love lives: that of Marta, a middle-age advertising practioner; and that of her, just as aging, gay friend and landlord Boyet, a romance novelist. Their lives are punctuated by their waiting for the menwho they think will fulfill their dreams. Boyet’s novels are inspired by Marta’s idiosyncratic anxieties for Steve, her non-committal boyfriend. Marta is tacitly envious of Boyet’s gathering of a family by adopting Jojo, a 15-year old pickpocket and Dom, his financially dependent lover. Both are willing to play the stereotypical roles of woman and gay to embrace a hopeful fantasy. But as these hopes turn out to be illusions they decide to take matters into their own hands, in a riveting confrontation. What happens next is inevitable but unsettling.
To date, Stray Cats has been shown in, or invited to, these international film festivals:
- 20th edition Fribourg International Film Festival, Switzerland,March 12-19, 2006
- Panorama Section, Philippines: Digital Cinema from Revolution to Evolution
- Newfest 2006: The 18th New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Film Festival, June 1-11, 2006
- Frameline 30, the San Francisco LGBT Film Festival,USA, June 15-25,2006; Winner, Docker’s Best 1st Feature
- Dallas LBGT Film Festival, Oct. 28, 2006
- Reel Affirmations, Chicago LGBT Film Festival, Nov. 5, 2006; Competition
- Montreal, Qb, Canada. Image Nation Film Festival Nov. 16-26, 2006
- Melbourne Queer Film Festival, March 15-25, 2007
- Mardi Gras Film Festival, Sydney Australia, Feb. 15-March 1, 2007
- TLVFEST 2007, Tel Aviv, June 18-23, 2007
- Films of Desire: Sexuality and the Cinematic Imagination, India, March 6-10, 2007.
- Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, April 27-May 6, 2007
Feb 27, 2007
He Said, She Said: Who the...?
The Reveler: Whoa! Who’s that guy?
Geek Goddess: I first saw him while giving a friend's mom the grand Marpi tour. He's a vision in a diving suit. I fell in love!
The Reveler: Looks so darn good looking! Yum-o! Rachel Ray is that you?
Geek Goddess: If Superman were an underwater superhero, he would be it.
The Reveler: Looks delicious like the meat in an Abyss Bar poke set!
Geek Goddess: Can't wait to have a bite!
The Reveler: Were you able to get his name? C’mon now.
Geek Goddess: Sorry, I was too shy.
The Reveler: Then, let’s give him a name then. what shall we name him? Scooby diver? Russian merman? He looks Russian to me.
Geek Goddess: Hey, The Reveler, you wrote "thens" both at the beginning and the end of your sentence.
The Reveler: Then and then? What’s the name then?
Geek Goddess: I would suggest, "Screw-(the)-diver," at the risk of scandalizing our more conservative readers. Not very geek-goddesslike, is it?
Geek Goddess: Wait! it should be: geek goddess-like.
The Reveler: Why not. Screw (the) diver, that’s heaven to my ears!
The Reveler: How about Marpius? Very Matrix.
Geek Goddess: Let's just call him the "Grotto guy." A cute guy be any other name would taste as sweet!
The Reveler: Grotto Guy! Weeee!!! Come to papa!
Geek Goddess: Hey I saw him first!
Feb 26, 2007
Feb 25, 2007
Ms. Magazine's at it again!
Early this month, in time for the Feb. 8 hearing in Washington, D.C. on CNMI labor, immigration, law enforcement and economy, Ms. Magazine--the same national publication that carried a story in 2006 depicting Saipan as a "paradise lost" due to labor and immigration abuses, among other things--published online the story of Kayleen D. Entena. Entena, a young woman from the Philippines who was forced to work in a brothel in the CNMI, testified to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in support of bringing the CNMI under U.S. immigration control.
Ms. Magazine published online other stories about the CNMI early this month. Ms. magazine said its investigative report on the Mariana Islands brought these abuses to the nation's attention last spring and generated widespread public outrage. It revisited the 2006 article titled "Paradise Lost: Greed, Sex Slavery, Forced Abortions and Right-Wing Moralists" by Rebecca Clarren.
For the complete text of these articles, visit www.msmagazine.com
But just like Ms. Magazine's 2006 article, its recent coverages have not elaborated on what CNMI and federal government agencies have done to help reduce labor and immigration abuses in the past years.
Ms. Magazine published online other stories about the CNMI early this month. Ms. magazine said its investigative report on the Mariana Islands brought these abuses to the nation's attention last spring and generated widespread public outrage. It revisited the 2006 article titled "Paradise Lost: Greed, Sex Slavery, Forced Abortions and Right-Wing Moralists" by Rebecca Clarren.
For the complete text of these articles, visit www.msmagazine.com
But just like Ms. Magazine's 2006 article, its recent coverages have not elaborated on what CNMI and federal government agencies have done to help reduce labor and immigration abuses in the past years.
FBI's Doug rocks!
Being a music band's lead vocalist was a dream come true for FBI agent Doug Small--at least for a night--when he put on a show that rocked the patrons of the Godfather's Bar in Garapan Saturday night. At around 11:30 p.m., Doug appeared as Johnny Cash with a matching wig and, together with the Jerry Alcantara and the Gigolos band (whose members each received a shirt from Doug with the letters FBI for Female Body Inspector), entertained the crowd with his favorite songs, including "Free Bird" by Lynrd Skynrd. Free draft beer and pizza! It was Doug's farewell party. He's leaving Saipan for good for a more challenging assignment (I guess). The bar was filled with Doug's colleagues and friends. Thanks to a friend who asked me to attend the party, I had a night of fun. Good luck with your future endeavors Doug!
PTimes 3 Equals lie?
A nursing home, a school et. al. in the CNMI, by what broadsheet PTimes has been obviously endorsing through its articles. Below is the caption of a photo from their website and paper:
"Pleasant Care Corporation's Arbor Convalescent Hospital in Lodi, California has been reaped accolades from the federal and state departments of Health and Human Services for hurdling golden surveys, which means not a single substantiated case of abuse, medication error, and other similar issues. The skilled nursing facility has also been consistently commended for its quality of care."
Now, do your own research google the company and here's one you'll get:
Large California Nursing Home Chain Fined $1.35 Million, Ordered to Improve Resident Care
"SACRAMENTO, CA — March 17, 2006 — The California Attorney General and Pleasant Care Corporation have reached a $1.35 million settlement concerning charges of abuse, neglect and negligence at the company’s nursing homes (Press Release, March 8, 2006). Besides paying the fine, Pleasant Care must improve resident care:
* The nursing staffing ratio at all its nursing homes must be 3.2 hours per patient per day, as required by California law. Outside audits will ensure compliance.
* The staff must receive training in patient care, including topics such as wound treatment, proper nutrition and accurate record keeping.
* Each nursing home must create a plan for reporting and investigating abuse and neglect. Staff members suspected of resident or elder abuse must be put on leave during the period of investigation.
* Pleasant Care must hire a Compliance Officer to ensure the proper care of residents and accurate reporting for the state. The company must also pay for an Independent Monitor, who reports to the Attorney General.
* A new whistleblower protection program must allow employees, residents and others to anonymously report suspected nursing home violations and elder abuse.
Pleasant Care operates 30 nursing homes in California with a total of 4,300 residents. Within the last five years, the company has received over 160 citations, many for actions that put the lives and health of residents in serious danger. In one instance, a nurse was unable to help a resident with a blocked airway because the facility’s suction machine was broken. The patient died as a result. At another nursing home, a resident died from a severe pressure sore. The wound was an example of “abominable wound care management,” according to the coroner.
Shortly after the Pleasant Care settlement, the company’s subsidiary, Pleasant Care of Northern California, pleaded no contest to criminal negligence at its nursing home in Napa, CA (Napa Valley Register, March 10, 2006). The case involved six residents who received substandard care, including two who died as a result."
Died as a result? Oooh that's scary. Imagine the nurses it would train in its school...just being a devil's advocate here.
The Reveler
"Pleasant Care Corporation's Arbor Convalescent Hospital in Lodi, California has been reaped accolades from the federal and state departments of Health and Human Services for hurdling golden surveys, which means not a single substantiated case of abuse, medication error, and other similar issues. The skilled nursing facility has also been consistently commended for its quality of care."
Now, do your own research google the company and here's one you'll get:
Large California Nursing Home Chain Fined $1.35 Million, Ordered to Improve Resident Care
"SACRAMENTO, CA — March 17, 2006 — The California Attorney General and Pleasant Care Corporation have reached a $1.35 million settlement concerning charges of abuse, neglect and negligence at the company’s nursing homes (Press Release, March 8, 2006). Besides paying the fine, Pleasant Care must improve resident care:
* The nursing staffing ratio at all its nursing homes must be 3.2 hours per patient per day, as required by California law. Outside audits will ensure compliance.
* The staff must receive training in patient care, including topics such as wound treatment, proper nutrition and accurate record keeping.
* Each nursing home must create a plan for reporting and investigating abuse and neglect. Staff members suspected of resident or elder abuse must be put on leave during the period of investigation.
* Pleasant Care must hire a Compliance Officer to ensure the proper care of residents and accurate reporting for the state. The company must also pay for an Independent Monitor, who reports to the Attorney General.
* A new whistleblower protection program must allow employees, residents and others to anonymously report suspected nursing home violations and elder abuse.
Pleasant Care operates 30 nursing homes in California with a total of 4,300 residents. Within the last five years, the company has received over 160 citations, many for actions that put the lives and health of residents in serious danger. In one instance, a nurse was unable to help a resident with a blocked airway because the facility’s suction machine was broken. The patient died as a result. At another nursing home, a resident died from a severe pressure sore. The wound was an example of “abominable wound care management,” according to the coroner.
Shortly after the Pleasant Care settlement, the company’s subsidiary, Pleasant Care of Northern California, pleaded no contest to criminal negligence at its nursing home in Napa, CA (Napa Valley Register, March 10, 2006). The case involved six residents who received substandard care, including two who died as a result."
Died as a result? Oooh that's scary. Imagine the nurses it would train in its school...just being a devil's advocate here.
The Reveler
Photo Essay: The Return. The Heartache.
Lee Roy Camacho's remains arrived Friday afternoon and the seemed scorching hot afternoon froze the rest of the day especially inside the reception hall of the Saipan airport, where hundreds of family members waited for Lee Roy. It was once again heart-rending and nerve-wracking moment seeing the family of Lee Roy waited silently crying on their seats.
His mom and wife Velma were staring at a blank probably anxious to finally hold once again the body of their loved one. What broke my heart was when body finally reached Saipan onboard a US Airforce 747 plane and the family members dashed outside to get a personal glimpse of the aircraft. They held hands as they watched the plane curbed to the side. The Military plane looked so majestic from afar as it got a washdown from two fire trucks as a ceremony.
When the Military representatives from Guam and Hawaii brought the brown casket draped with the American flag inside the reception hall, the sons of Lee Roy suddenly burst into tears and their mom, Velma, held the boys to her trying to comfort them. It was totally heart breaking. I thought these little boys wouldn't be that emotional because they are so young, but i was mistaken. The three boys lost their father.
Lee Roy's brother Alfred who was in Military suit ushered his mother and Velma to get close to the casket, the mom and Velma just sobbed vehemently and buried their faces onto the casket. The background music rendered by 30-year ukulele player Emi Palican just made it more difficult for all of us to breathe. My heart just melted. This should not have been happening, I thought to myself.
The relatives were given also a chance to join the mom and Velma and hold the casket. One relative fainted and collapsed. It was so devastating to see them.
The price for freedom and democracy. Are the lives of many being lost an advantage to many that survive? Will it always be the case? Ask the family that lost their loved ones due to this.
The Reveler
Photo: Tacder
30 years on the island and then what?
I met this contract worker who fixed our house and spoke to him. I learned that he's been on the island for 30 years and still working on the island on contract basis. I just can't imagine he's survived three decades of loyalty and earning a meager living on the island. He said he's worked with construction firms that built hotels, apartment buildings, office buildings among many others in the CNMI.
His hands have gone numb for those thick callouses from the manual work he's been doing to erect towers and high rise buildings since then. I asked him why does he remain on the island when in fact he should be retiring. He just told me that he simply loves Saipan now, which he has considered his home for a long time now.
What has he benefited from this island? Yes, bigger and humble earnings compared to the country he actually is from, however, he remains to toil and squander sweat and blood just to feed a family here and back home.
Saipan is a place to fall in love with, but what does it do to take care of those people that helped built and that are still building this island? What has the CNMI done to recognize them as being instrumental in building a nation?
There are several more that have been here for over 10 years now, yet they work harder, with no retirement benefits or something that would help them retire and confidently go back home.
That man's hand and face have shriveled--from waiting to be recognized, he said.
The Reveler
His hands have gone numb for those thick callouses from the manual work he's been doing to erect towers and high rise buildings since then. I asked him why does he remain on the island when in fact he should be retiring. He just told me that he simply loves Saipan now, which he has considered his home for a long time now.
What has he benefited from this island? Yes, bigger and humble earnings compared to the country he actually is from, however, he remains to toil and squander sweat and blood just to feed a family here and back home.
Saipan is a place to fall in love with, but what does it do to take care of those people that helped built and that are still building this island? What has the CNMI done to recognize them as being instrumental in building a nation?
There are several more that have been here for over 10 years now, yet they work harder, with no retirement benefits or something that would help them retire and confidently go back home.
That man's hand and face have shriveled--from waiting to be recognized, he said.
The Reveler
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