Having a break at Morialta Park

It is the middle of spring here in Australia but it has been scorching hot. Steven and I are not complaining though because we love this weather. I feel like I can do more things when there are longer days and I can move about without carrying heavy clothing.

Last Sunday, Steven and I visited Morialta Park and it was our second time. It was so hot that we did not see anyone for most of our walk. We love listening to the water falling from steep cliffs, birds calling each other and tiny lizards running away from us.

On the way, we sat down by a stream and I just enjoyed the water. Steven was a magnet to insects so I took photos of them.

This is a needed break from my studies. I just need to survive this month and I will feel much much better about myself.

Manny Pacquiao On Time Magazine Cover

I am very nervous about his next week's fight with Cotto. He has been too confident lately--training for a shorter period than expected. I just hope he wins this fight or it will be very embarassing for him and the country.

I wonder if there is a way for me to watch this live in South Australia.

Our first

Last year, I moved to Australia and met a wonderful person and we have never been apart ever since. We are so different from each other: he likes cars and I prefer public transportation, he likes to be unnoticed and I love being the center of attention. And yet here we are doing something we enjoy--pigging out!

We spent this special night at Charlie's Diner where we stuffed ourselves to the limit. The last time we were here in July, I threw up in the car park. I have already learned when to stop.

Gym--here we come!

Fear of a Foreign Migrant (update 1)

I have been bottling this feeling for quite a while and I cannot ignore it anymore. I feel I have to let it out but try to be as fair as possible.

It seems it is beyond people's treatment of me when I am in public places. It is beyond the look that I do not speak English well or that I do not understand the culture.

I am quite scared of the violent attacks against foreign migrants here. Some of these incidents are even resulting to deaths. A few weeks ago, a Filipino got killed and when people tried stopping him he shouted, "He is a Jap--he deserves it!" I have noticed that many of the news agencies are trying to downplay these incidents so that the latter do not appear hate-related. They say that the culprit was merely drunk.

This morning, I saw a commercial on a privately-owned channel and this particular show is going to be broadcasted tonight. It says "6 Australians were killed by THE Indonesians...and these MONGRELS don't care". What kind of message do they want to convey to Indonesians living here and Indonesian-Australians? What kind of message do they want to convey to the greater population? It seems this way of thinking is not only personal or isolated but very much institutionalized.

Who is protecting us?

(Update: the show on Indonesians is not tonight but on Sunday, 1st Nov. It is Channel 9's 20 minutes, 7 PM)

Going Digital

Australia is switching to complete digital broadcasting soon. It is getting rid of the analog signal starting next year and that is why there is a scramble for digital set top boxes and a huge demand for digital screens.

For ordinary people, catching this TV signal involves attaching an ordinary antennae to a digital set top box and then connecting this small device to the RF connection at the back of the TV.

Unfortunately, we live in a flat and the landlord has not provided any of the tenants an antennae. We only have this one antenna and we do our best to help it catch the signal. We will probably buy a new antennae.

Ironically, the brand name of our new set top box is Bush.

Fish Opera in Port Adelaide

Last week, the Port Festival ended. It was held in Port Adelaide, a suburb closest to ours in Alberton. I was excited because of the distance.

We went there one night to watch the Fish Opera. The promotional materials showed a fantastic laser show projected on water sprays. It looked amazing!

Unfortunately, one can only see the images clearly if he/she is directly in front of the sprayers. It did not work in other angles. Of course, there was a huge crowd so only a handful of people were able to make out what the lights represented. Plus there were a lot of lights from the background and they were distracting. The fireworks display after the laser show actually looked better.

Anyway, it was for free so I should not complain.

Australian Libraries and Bookshops

The first Australian city I visited is Sydney. I wrote about this in a previous entry. I thought I was racist to think that there should be a separate section for "Asian literature in English" in book stores but I am now taking it back.

I confided to an award-winning American writer Alex Sanchez about it and he said having such a section is more of a marketing strategy and not segregation. Obviously, there is no such market yet in Australia.

In addition, I have been looking very hard for Asian books in English here in Adelaide and have found very few selections. Apart from journals, I have never seen a Filipino book here. The absence of such literature here gives the impression that we Filipinos do not write in English.

Ironically, I have found a few Filipino books and Thai-translated Filipino books in Bangkok. Back then, I thought Thailand had the worst literary selections in the world.

Hopefully, in time, Filipino publications will be available here. I wish I would still be alive then.

Prejudice: Equality...At What Price? (video)

produced by Film Australian 1988

Australia approved its Anti-Discrimination Law in 1975, protecting its citizens and residents from unfair treatment in the workplace. The government has produced this video to show what can be done when a person gets disriminated.

This docu-drama features two stories of two women: Jessica, a newspaper photographer, and Leticia, a nurse. Jessica is in an industry that is predominantly male so she gets a lot of sexist jokes and sexual harassment from her work colleagues while Leticia is denied her much-deserved promotion because she is a Filipino and some of her work colleagues made it difficult for her to fulfill her duties. The superiors of both professionals are actually encouraging discriminatory practices in their workplaces thus making these women's lives a torturous experience.

Absolutely everyone in this film is convincing. It feels like I am watching the real thing and that is because everyone represent the industry that they are working in in real life.

This is the perfect material for people who want to have an idea of what happens at the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal Board. It teaches people in the work force that there is always someone who can be held accountable even the labor union itself.

Marrying and migrating ... you have to work at it (video)

produced by the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs in 1995 (ISBN: 0644475986)

Filipino women in Australia have a reputation of being mail-order brides among the Australian population although the concept is not really realistic. A few of them have indeed met their husbands online but they were not picked from a catalogue. This is why the reputation is very much unfair and reeks of prejudice.

The more I learned about education of migrants in Australia, the more I learn about the Filipinos who have come before me. Things may be difficult now for a new migrant like me but things were a lot more difficult 14 years ago when this video was produced.

"Marrying and migrating to Australia" is a thirty-minute video designed for Filipino women who are coming to Australia to be with their Australian husbands. It is an account of several women who are happy and sad about migrating to this country and all of them have experienced a lot of difficulties adjusting to this vast country with very few people compared to the Philippines.

I strongly recommend that all Filipino women and Australian men to watch this video before making that huge leap integrating both cultures in to their lives. The stories may be old but they are still very relevant

Dexter got crabs!

Steven and I had been planning for this long weekend for months and I was excited to have a break from the city. We left for Nuriootpa for a stress-free time.

We packed our crabbing gear and asked for a map to Webb Beach. On the way there, we found a juvenile crow on the road. We gave it some water and took it with us hoping that it will feel alright being in the cooler car. Unfortunately, there is no RSPCA in the Barossa Valley and it just got sicker and sicker so I just left it in a bush.

After being on the road for an hour and half an hour being lost, we finally found the beach and walked along the beach. I did not know that one needs a rake and a plastic container only to catch these delicious critters. There were tons of crabs so it did not take long to gather 18 big ones.

We went home and immediately steamed four. Steven does not like crabs so I ended up eating most of them.

How you can help flood/landslide victims in the Phils

Tropical Storm Ondoy: How you can help | ABS-CBN News Online Beta

Shared via AddThis

Here is a list of ways you can help the victims of tropical storm Ondoy (international code name Ketsana).

Donation drop-off points

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

1. National Resource Operations Center, Chapel Road, Pasay City
Contact: Mrs. Francon Favian

2. Quezon City Area Disaster Resource Operations Monitoring and Info Center (DROMIC) DSWD Central Office

Contact Rey Martija or Imee Rose Castillo, Tel Nos. 951-7119, 951-2435 or Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera Tel No. 0918-934-5625

3. Manila Area (DSWD-NCR)

San Rafael corner Legarda Streets, Quiapo, Manila
Contact: Dir. Thelsa P. Biolna, Dir. Delia Bauan Tel Nos. 734-8622, 734-8642

ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya

413-2667 / 416-0387
No 13 Examiner Street, Quezon City, Look for Ms Girlie Aragon

SAGIP KAPAMILYA UPDATE
(as of 6 pm, October 1, 2009)

1. Update on Donations (as of 6 pm October 1, 2009)

a. Examiner/Bayoran/Center Road
P 51.5 million in cash (More than P 20 M of P30.2 with SK already)
P 84.5 million in goods and service

b. Regional Network Group (RNG) P 5,165,536.70 (Total to Date)
Breakdown:
Luzon P 403,999.20
Visayas P 2,409,898.25
Mindanao P 5,165,536.25

2. Families served: 129,424 (Note: average of 5 members per family)

3. For donations send via----

Local:

Banco de Oro, Mother Ignacia Branch
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.
Account no.: 5630020111
Swift code for international cash donations: BNORPHMM

BPI
Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.
Account No. 3051-11127-75
Swift code for international donations: BOPIPHMM

Overseas: 1-800-527-2820 or abscbnfoundation.org

4. ABS-CBN Global Announcements

Para sa ating mga Global Kapamilya na gustong magbigay ng cash donations para sa Ondoy relief operations ng Sagip Kapamilya, maaari kayong magpadala online using your credit card or Paypal account. Just visit www.abscbnfoundation.org or www.ondoyrelief.multiply.com

Maaari din kayong mag-deposit diretso sa Banco de Oro account ng ABS-CBN Foundation sa Pilipinas.

Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.
Account number: 5630020111
Bank: Banco de Oro, Mother Ignacia Branch
Swift code: BNORPHMM ABS-CBN BDO BRANCH

Sa mga Kapamilya natin sa Middle East, maari na rin kayong magpadala gamit ang mga sumusunod na remittance partners ng ABS-CBN Easy Remit.

Al Ansari Exchange in the UAE - no remittance charge
Nonoo Exchange Company in BAHRAIN - no remittance charge
Al Rostamani International Exchange in the UAE - no remittance charge
Redha Al Ansari Exchange Establishment in the UAE
Trust Exchange Company in QATAR
Al Ektasad United Exchange in KUWAIT

Sa bawat cash donation na ipadadala ninyo, magdadagdag ang ABS-CBN Easy Remit ng limang pisong donasyon para sa Ondoy relief operations.

ABS-CBN Foundation US Office Toll-Free 1-800-527-2820

Other institutions receiving donations:

UNICEF is accepting cash donations through its Metrobank account: UNICEF C/A 066-7-06631209-3 in response to the victims of tropical storm Ondoy. Call their hotlines at 758-1000 and 758-1442 to find out more ways to send your donations.

CARITAS

Domestic Cash Donations can be deposited through the following CARITAS MANILA bank accounts any branch nationwide:

BANCO DE ORO - Savings Account No. 3970006958

BPI - Savings Account No. 3063-5357-01

CHINABANK - Savings Account No. 103-3099715

METROBANK - Savings Account No. 175-3-17506954-3

RCBC - Savings Account No. 3-000-90221-6

UCPB - Savings Account No. 128-162208-7

SECURITY BANK - Current Account No. 0141-019452-001

For overseas donors, please deposit your donation to Caritas Manila-BPI Dollar Saving Account No. 3064-0033-55.

Or PNB Dollar Savins Account No. 108566600025

Ayala Foundation USA

For US based donors who want tax incentives, you may course your donations through Ayala Foundation USA 255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 428,Redwood City, CA 94065, USA or simply click the link (Ayala Foundation USA).

Negros Navigation

from Mr. Edmund Gawchua, Manager

Negros Navigation is now accepting the transfer of relief goods from Mindanao to Manila for free for aid to victims of Ondoy.

Donations can be sent to Negros Navigation stations and offices nationwide.

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Links to other ways to send in help:

Manuel L. Quezon's blog: How to help (original on Quezon.ph | Tumblr.com mirror link)

Google Docs: Rescue InfoHub Central | List of Places where to donate (check out one nearest your area, or add a donation center that is not on the list)

Another list of where to donate goods via Bury Me In This Dress blog

Google Maps: Ondoy situation map for Metro Manila, by KaninLamig

Sahana FOSS Disaster Management System http://sahana.kahelos.org/

For ways to donate to the Philippine National Red Cross, check out the PNRC web site

---

Reach ABS-CBN via these channels:

Multiply: botomoipatrolmo.multiply.com

Twitter: twitter.com/botopatrollers

Facebook: Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo official page | abs-cbnNEWS.com

Email: ireport@abs-cbn.com

SMS/MMS reports: IREPORT to 2366

Bayan Voice BMPM Voice SMS: 411-BMPM (411-2676)

Feeling Guilty Being Safe

I feel very guilty right now. I am quite safe here in Adelaide and I cannot help my family in Pasig, Metro Manila--one of the most devastated cities of typhoon Ondoy or Ketsana in the Philippines.

Flood water was waist-deep inside my family's house. They were able to save most of our electrical appliances but the tuktuk and the tricycle are not working.

Some of my cousins were still perched on roofs yesterday and they are currently asking for clothes and food from friends and family.

My immediate family has electricity and a dial tone but there is no water from the tap. Fortunately, the local government is rationing water to every family but then there are tons of families in my neighborhood.

I just do not feel alright.

Hail in Adelaide

I have experienced one hail storm in the Philippines but the ice particles were too tiny and the ground too warm that it melted too fast. I think it is just amazing to see ice fall from the sky.

Of course, here in South Australia, it is not uncommon to have hailstorm. Here I am taking a video and tasting the hail behind the camera. This was taken at our apartment block. My fingers are frozen!

District 9 (movie)

Back to the squeaking curtains, Steven and I went. I just cannot stop myself from laughing everytime the projectionist adjusts the curtains.

I was blown away by this movie because of the very original concept. It is about a group of aliens that are stranded in Johannesburg and these creatures suffer from ghastly living conditions and prejudice from humans. The reaction of the humans are very realistic and it mirrors what happens to refugees.

The visual and sound effects are very effective in instilling fear and excitement. It can be very violent though but it is not overwhelming.

New talents Neill Blomkamp as the director and Sharlto Copley as the main actor are perfect for the movie. I am certain we are going to hear from this pair again. Kudos to Peter Jackson for discovering Blomkamp and producing this movie. I cannot wait to get a copy of this DVD.

The National Motor Museum and The Toy Factory

I have been spending countless of hours in the library lately as I have to complete tons of essays. Last Sunday, Steven drove me and a couple of our friends to Birdwood.

I won't deny that this getaway is more for Steven and not for me as I am not really interested in cars. We went to the National Motor Museum where a hundred cars are crammed inside a very small facility. It was very hard to appreciate the vehicles as there was no room to move around them.

Afterwards, we went to The Rocking Horse where we saw some animals. The kangaroos looked bored as kids and adults pet and poked them. The birds refused to approach anyone who did not have food with them. The goat ate almost everything I waved in front of its mouth. The cockatoos demanded attention and mumbled when we started walking away.

Jollibeer

I grew up going to Jollibee. My parents used to take me there whenever I get very high grades in school. There were some Sunday mornings we spent having lunch there as well. For many years, it has been the leading fastfood chain in the Philippines.

I downloaded these ads from a Filipino website. Of course, it is only a hoax but it is a very clever and funny one.

Please notice the tagline "Bida Ang Sarap" (Good Taste Takes The Lead Role) changed to a slurred version and the tipsy image of Jollibee himself.

Heteronomativity of the English Language

I saw one ribbed condom dispenser in a male public toilet yesterday and the tag line says "For her pleasure". Someone scribbled a note saying "What about mine?" I do not want to be a vandal but I wanted to write "What makes you think that I am going to use it with a woman?"

Why do people assume that I want to date a woman just because I am a man? I am not a Marlboro Man and yet when I meet new people, they always ask me if I have a girlfriend.

Maybe, they know that I am gay and they are just asking me that question to be polite? Why? Asking someone if one is gay does not mean you are being impolite. What is wrong about assuming that someone is gay?

But then I realized that this is the culture of the language I am using. In English-speaking communities, one has to assume that everyone is straight unless the person in question declares otherwise. It is like assuming that a bus driver is male unless someone says "female bus driver".

This is also why you usually see heterosexual couples hugging and kissing each other in Jetstar TV commercials or Australian straight morning TV hosts talking about their opposite-sex spouses and then the gay TV hosts just keeping their silence. Or how about the commercial with the grain who wants to be a crunchy chip--he has opposite-sex parents! Why can't grains be gay?

I hope that there will come a time when assuming straightness becomes a form of discrimination.

Resigning from LYC-International

This is the first time I am mentioning Long Yang Club on this blog. I have been involved in this organization for about a decade and I am now resigning as the president of the international committee.

I was 22 years old when I put up the Manila chapter. I had some help from many friends and it was a challenge getting it up and running.

The Thailand chapter in Bangkok helped me move there. It was a breeze getting an apartment and securing a job. I was able to have a very comfortable life for 2 1/2 years there.

And then the Adelaide chapter helped me move to my (hopefully) permanent home in South Australia.

There were lots of controversies and some victories. I made so many friends and a few enemies. All of these taught me how to bite my lip when I am about to say something offensive and to be generous with compliments.

This is not the end of my work in the gay community. I am looking for local gay organizations to support and I am sure I am going to face different challenges here in Adelaide.

Dexter's 31

I write this over and over again: I do not like celebrating my birthday because I just do not want to be disappointed.

But then I am always surrounded by people who appreciate who I am. Peter in Canberra and my mother sends me cards every year. Bob Chopp showered me with gifts while I was still living in Bangkok. Other friends sent me various messages online.

I think the period of having low expectations is over. I am practically married so I have to let my partner make me happy.

Steven and I went to the city and had some Asian food. It is the type that you pay some money, get a plate and shovel as much food as you can on your plate. It does not matter that they are all mixed on your plate because you will think that they will be mixed in your tummy anyway. Steven and I like eating this way.

After a heavy meal, we walked around the city.

My life right now is so much simpler but I am really happy. Thanks to all of my friends for bearing with the Scrooge in me.

Corazon Aquino (1933-2009)

My heart is aching right now. I lost someone I am very proud of.

I am a very opinionated person. I started attending rallies when I was very young. Had I gone to school before her reign, I would not be alive right now.

She ushered our country back to democracy. It was an uphill battle for her and her greatest gift to us was hope. After her presidency, I still followed her public appearances and listened to her.

I do not agree with her faith. I do not agree with what she may think of my being gay. I am sure she would not approve of my political inclinations. And yet I can make a political stance and stay alive. She made that possible.

Yesterday, she was buried and I cried for her. I felt like our hope was taken away from us. God, I hope I am wrong.

We will miss you, Tita Cory.

Adelaide National Day for Action for Same-Sex Marriage

Last Saturday (1 August 2009), Steven and I attended a gathering of gays and lesbians at our local parliament to support same sex marriage in Australia. It was a last minute decision because I thought people are not interested here. I almost forgot that South Australia is the country's leader in gay issues.

It was 11 AM and we saw around 200 people at the steps of the parliament house. There were men and women and many of them are young. In fact, I think most of them are even younger than I am. I also saw some kids who are happily enjoying the festive atmosphere.

I was disappointed that we did not see any of our gay friends. Maybe, our friends are not really interested in legal rights of gay couples. Or maybe, they do not see themselves getting married to their partners.

There were three local politicians who joined the event and one of which is a straight married man. For me, it is very strange to see straight men visibly supporting the rights of gay men and women.

Steven and I will definitely get married when given a chance.