I have been working as a freelance author and copywriter since I was, literally, a kid.

As a professional in this field, I always keep careful tabs on my published and unpublished works. That is why I have an online portfolio, hard copies of my articles where available, and, naturally, a running list of work to my credit.

It came as a great surprise when, while cleaning up old files off my laptop’s hard drive, I found 22 pages of unpublished poetry. Yes, folks, nearly two dozen poems just waiting to be part of a collection, over and above the ones already compiled.

Now, I can recall very clearly that I actually wrote them way, way back in 2002 at someone’s request, to be the chapter bookends of his autobiography. The manuscript was being edited then and I was given a copy to read and write “hard-hitting” poetry for.

However, the autobiography project was never realized as the author got distracted by other priorities of a highly political nature. In 2003, my working relationship ended with him and off I went to serve in other sectors.

I got to keep all my poems, though, which was fantastic.

A teaser-sample is definitely in order:

I journey on, dauntless
Not heeding
The threats and taunts
Never succumbing to weakness.

This is my destiny
The unyielding road
I traverse with no apologies
Now, then and evermore.

The Holy Month of Ramadan officially began last Saturday, 22nd August. Albeit a little belatedly, allow me to greet all my Muslim friends and readers: Ramadan Kareem!

Being a conservative Islamic country, Oman observes Ramadan pretty strictly. That is, no eating and drinking in public during the daylight hours. All restaurants and coffee shops are closed as well, and will only open during Iftar (the break-fast meal during sundown) and operate until the early morning hours. Even Christians and people of other non-Islam faiths are expected to respect and follow this “fasting” practice, at least publicly.

Dress code is also a bit stricter during the Holy Month. For both genders, the upper arm and the knees must be covered by clothing while in public places. No tank tops, minis and shorts. Of course, no plunging necklines.

Ramadan lasts for around 30 Gregorian calendar days and culminates with a few days of rejoicing, called Eid-al-Fitr. These days are normally declared non-working holidays for both the public and private sectors in Islamic countries.

Have a blessed Holy Month, everyone.

It is official.

At exactly 3.18 A.M., Philippine time (GMT+8), 1st August 2009, former Philippine president Corazon “Cory” Aquino was proclaimed to have passed away from a cardio-respiratory arrest. She was 76.

Cory was hospitalized several weeks ago due to the fast-advancing state of her colon cancer illness. She was first diagnosed of this last year, 24th May.

Her only son, Senator Noynoy Aquino, just made a statement over international television (through The Filipino Channel in this part of the world) that his mother has joined her Creator. The Aquino family asked for some time before they would face the world later today to answer pressing questions from the media at around 11:00 AM Philippine time.

Over the past few days, the only reports that trickled out of the Makati Medical Center was that Cory’s condition was “stable.” Nothing more specific was disclosed until very early this morning.

Rest in peace, Cory. You will finally be able to join Ninoy, our hero and your love, in Paradise.