Politics and Government

Politics.

3 a : political affairs or business; especially : competition between competing interest groups or individuals for power and leadership (as in a government) b : political life especially as a principal activity or profession c : political activities characterized by artful and often dishonest practices

Government.

5 a : the organization, machinery, or agency through which a political unit exercises authority and performs functions and which is usually classified according to the distribution of power within it b : the complex of political institutions, laws, and customs through which the function of governing is carried out


I work for the government. I work for the Mayor of Jersey City. I promote the Mayor and his work, that is what I do. None of the definitions above though can even come close to what is good (or the possibilities) about being of service to others. I suppose I can't ask for heart from a dictionary definition.

While my function does not pertain to directly servicing people, I do have that desire to make a difference. Outside of work, Rolando and I are amongst a small group of young Filipino Americans in Jersey City (I may venture to say even in a larger demographic...) who are out to cause something good in our community.

There is a part of me, that competitive side of me, who is very intrigued by the "political" process, of forming alliances, developing strategies, creating allegiances and followings, running campaigns, and aiming to be always on the winning side. It scares me to think of how one maintains integrity and respect, instead of just being a pawn in some game.

I ponder and caution myself every now and then not to get sucked into that part of politics that is "characterized by artful and often dishonest practices." Not just to avoid it for my own sake, but to provide a new or different perception of one who engages in public service, who actually has the concerns of the people at heart.

My Fabulous Ordinary Weekend

I had quite a fantastic weekend, sharing great moments with people I care about.

On Friday, I went to a couple of bars with some close friends. In our first stop, we had a meaningful discussion as to what purpose the female bartender's ultra-cleavage flashing serves and whether a guy at the end of the bar was checking Jamie (Sheila's bf) out. Great intellectual discussions...

Friday night ended with a trip to the diner, where I ordered Eggs Benedict, and got something not quite what it should be. I proceeded to share with everyone my ruthless tipping habit, demanding perfection... It's quite something to be able to say anything and be yourself amongst people you trust.

Saturday morning, I had my swimming lesson. The session is now getting more physical and faster-paced, just to my liking. I wish you could just load a swimming training program into my head, ala Matrix... Faster, stronger, leaner, smarter machine...

Saturday afternoon, I accompanied my brother Vir (and my tag-along sisters and dad) to get his new used car from the dealer. While waiting for all the paper work to be processed, we scoped some sports cars to see how we looked in them. Somewhere in there, a conversation ensued as to how we would make ourselves financially self-sufficient in five years. Debt-free, property owners, making the kind of money we want, putting away and investing enough money, living the lifestyles that we want.

I realized in that moment how much we want each other to have great lives and how we would support each other no matter what. I know this to be true and I am moved in those moments that I am so conscious of how much I love my siblings.

Saturday night, I played pool with Rolando and his cousin Jun. We played a few rounds of cutthroat and eight ball. I made a few cool shots, although I generally sucked. I have high standards for myself... I asked Rolando if it was too much to ask for perfection. He told me something really cool about playing this game well. I wish I could remember what it was...

After that, we went to an awesome although a bit expensive karaoke place. I suppose we were paying for ambiance, space, and much better acoustics than other establishments. Jun and I are karaoke freaks. (Jun is a karaoke hustler.) It could have been a mosh pit in there... We could have done a better rendition of the Linkin Park/Jay-Z "Numb/Encore" number. Being a rock star is one of my fantasies. Anyway, I think we got home about four in the morning.

Sunday morning, my brother Vir and I watched "Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle." It was so stupidly hilarious. The bursts of laughter just kept coming. Kinda makes me want to go back to college and live more dangerously with a skewed sense of responsibility. Having two brothers (my older brother Vincent and Vir who comes after me), it's really a privilege to be able to be (a bit) one of the guys. Not that you have to be a guy to enjoy "Harold and Kumar..."

The rest of the afternoon, I spent on a much deserved rest. I had a power nap...

Sunday night, I got a call from my friend Emmanuel who just got back from vacationing in Japan and the Philippines. It was his birthday last week and was quite surprised that I didn't hear from him then. Just as I suspected, he was out of the country... We made plans to catch up and go ahead with our long-overdue indoor rock climbing.

The rest of the evening, I spent showering my Rolando with love and affection. =)

"You know we've got to find a way to bring some loving here today..."