August Landmesser

This Nazi soldier really deserved his name. After marrying Irma Eckler, a Jew, he was caught in a photo as the only one not raising his fist in "sieg heil!" Of course, you can imagine what happened to him and his wife. "Ordinary people with the courage to say 'no.'" (Boying Pimentel's article in the Inquirer)

Mediation says 'no' to lawsuits, too.

Blameful

From Catholic Express comes this joke: When there was fault in the Holy Family, poor St. Joseph always got blamed for it. He was the only one among them who was not without sin.

Mediation recognizes fault on the part of both disputants.

Pre-judice

In "Till the Clouds Roll By," American Jerome Kern is faced with the preference of producers for English composers. So off he goes to London to prove himself and incidentally find his future wife. His perseverance and talent lead to a series of hits capped by "Showboat."

Mediation precisely breaks down biases.

Put In Interest

Ben Rhodes, one of Obama's Team members, says that of Putin's interest, definitely not the Russian national interest.

Unfit for mediation

Facts

According to John Adams, they are stubborn things. 

One stumbling block in mediation.

The Greatest Showman

After being laid off work, Phineas Barnum thought of rounding up people down in the dumps like him. He especially reached out to those who looked different. His pitch to them: "They laugh at you anyway, might as well get paid for it." For this, after much hate from the community, he was later cited for Celebration of Humanity.

Mediation genius!

Bullying the Bully

As we celebrate in a few hours the birth of the world's worst bullied Person, we reflect on the fate of the current bully in the country. Not DU30 who can very well defend himself, but the Atenean who is now hounded to the extent that his fake address led to numerous and expensive deliveries at a Christian church and school.

Mediation precisely avoids this chain reaction of ill will. Very Christian really.

Innocence

Fr. Sim's Christmas reflection has a child asking, "How do people climb up to the sky to get into the planes?"

Mediation puts divergent views together.

Robber Band

That is the apt caption for pictures of polticians pardoned recently of various crimes.

Mediation breaks that.

Waving off

Have you noticed Prince William's wave is more like a "stay away" sign? Can't blame him, with his family history.

Mediation tries to settle those conflicts.

Selfish Trait

The selfie generation has grown bolder. Two Pinoy young men in the US dared put up their blown-up poster on the wall of a McDonald outlet. Thank God, they were not jailed but humored.

An understanding party could avoid a conflict.

Growing Up Smith

This Fox Family movie featured an immigrant Indian family in the US. The father wanted a future in medicine for their son Smith who was more interested in Darth Vader. And what is his specialization, the father wanted to know.

Mediation at times involves generations.

Good Vibes

ABS- CBN's Magandang Buhay has a Magandang Pass-ko feature. A senior citizen shared her experience of riding for free on Fidel's jeep, where all seniors get complimentary rides. A former marine engineer, Fidel was feted in the show with a trip to Bohol, new mobile phone, and jeep repair by Sarao.

Positive "mediation!"

The Beatles

Netflix feature on them had this quote from John: "All of you in the cheaper seats can clap your hands while the rest can rattle your jewelry."

Mediation is between equals or equalized by the mediator.

Menuto Meals

The EDSA terminal of Victory Liner has this interesting diner. Is it Minuto misspelled? Or a strung Men Uto Meals. Sure are, these males at times.

Gender is one of the issues tackled in mediation.

The Last Year

Not the end of the world but Obama's term, this Netflix feature. In it, Secretary of State Kerry had an interesting comparison of the United Nations to diplomatic speed dating.

Mediation is something like that, too.

Speechless

This is a good development in sitcom fare that features a paraplegic boy who cannot speak either. He is on a wheelchair with an attached monitor featuring commonly used words that he uses to communicate with others.

Mediation is like that monitor.

Piling Up

Batasan members were not only over each other in extending martial law and approving "dare" version of chacha, their desks were also up in mounds of paper. Are they showing the people the "heavy load" they have? Because these can be read in their offices, perhaps by their legal team. And the Speaker might not be seen anymore, though very visible now.

Graphic representation of clogged court dockets too.

Check Mate

GMA hounded Lacson into hiding. Freed by Noynoy, he is back at the Senate now questioning the pork of GMA.

Check. Mediations stops this vicious cycle of conflict.

Cleaning ranks

Have to hand it to the Jesuits to step up the ante and expose their own undesirables, as reported by Reuters in Denver, USA.

Examination of own conscience beats mediation.

Reasons

Sunday's Inquirer had two contrasting front page news. Campaigning for reelection Angara moves that desks for left-handed students be provided, to up their school performance. On the other corner, 3 nurses topped their board exam despite Yolanda.

No excuses for the determined.

The Tunnel

This CinemaEurope feature dealt with the escape of East Berliners to the West. It took about a year to build. Those who couldn't wait took a bus that rammed through the Wall to get to the other side.

A court suit is like going through a tunnel while mediation is somewhat like the bus, in a more amicable manner.

Slated for Doom

The oddministration senate slate has 19 candidates out of only 12 needed for election. Maybe they consider it only a primary process?

Not so a compromise agreement. It's the real deal geared for success.

Exceptional

The provincial bus terminal in Paranaque is such, but not in a good way. There are some who are exempted from stopping there and instead go on to the rest of Metro Manila. This defeats the purpose of the terminal to unclog traffic at EDSA.

Truly not mediated well, if they are loopholes galore.

Unilateral and Arbitrary

That's how jeepney operators describe the latest ruling of the LTFRB reducing their fare.

Not the case in mediation.

Hitler & Adenauer

These two figures in German history were compared by Father Ritler over EWTN. The first one was amoral and went by what he just felt like doing. The second one was moral and undid what the former had done.

Mediation is like the second case.

Battle Royal

There is talk of a brewing feud between Duchesses Kate and Meghan.

Unprecedented denial came from the Firm's office. Firm enough?

Trojan Horsepower

The horse is out of the bag. The weekly drop in gas prices has led to the move to increase excise tax.

So predictable this oddministration.

The Wrath of Sara

Not the biblical woman against her maid, but DU30's daughter against the thorn in her family's throne, Trillanes
She wishes he would be in alive and in great pain. Right now, she is already his pain.

Mediation stops all these recrimination. All Trillanes wants is a bank waiver from DU30.

Mediating Presidential Pronouncements

As always, Inquirer's Randy David had a fresh take on his brother Bishop Ambo's being the recent victim of DU30's rants. Facing up is better than running away.

Just like mediation

Sleeping with dogs

The real animals, i.e. seem to be women's best friends too as far as getting a good night's sleep is concerned, a study has revealed.

Beats sleeping with the enemy

Ukraine

Its Kerch Strait is becoming crooked by intrusion and dominance of Russia.

PH vs China Part ll.

Chinese Gene-Edited Twins

It seems editing is alive and well in China. Now a scientist has edited genes of twins to make them resistant to HIV.

Omg!

Mediating Medical Practice

In a feature, Netflix focused on Roosevelt's medical condition. His official physician, Dr. McIntire was not entirely dedicated to his duty. Daily he sat with FDR for breakfast and discussed the news, not checking on his health. A much later check-up at Bethesada under Dr. Bruenn led to a diagnosis of hypertension and enlarged heart. He was told to limit intake of rich food and use of tobacco. To which Dr. McIntire said, "You do not tell that to the President of the United States."

Mediators have to tell the painful truth to disputants too.

Store Games

CNN lists how stores entice us to buy more: good scent, mood music and grouping into sets.

No mind games in mediation.

ESA ka pa

The European Space Agency continues the fascination with the moon, while looking into the possibility of setting up a long-term structure there for more observation, as featured by CNN.

Mediation looks into various options too.

Covered Heads

Suspects caught on camera most often hide their faces. Truly, they are considered innocent until proven otherwise. That is why news reporters have no business interviewing them contrary to their Miranda rights.

Mediation likewise lays accountability on the proper person/s.

Stones

Someone has said that if one gets stones thrown at him, it is up to him to build a wall or bridge with them.

Mediation is a bridge.

Open Sesame

Finally DFA unfurls the MOU with China! Hopefully in English

The Compromise Agreement is open, especially to the two disputants.

Eat Bullaga

Tito Sotto and Gloria Arroyo meeting with Xi Jinping is a study in contrast. A comic and a strategist up against the conqueror.

Credibility is an essential element in mediation.

Draftster

It now appears that China drafted the Joint Agreement between her and PH.

A no-no in mediation. Both parties have to craft it

Protest season

With the Chinese invasion, out come the rallyists again. And the policemen though we don't know whom they are protecting.

Empowerment

EWTN featured an addict who found his way back after meeting an accepting and forgiving priest who led him to recovery.

Mediators are like that priest

Not my will

The mediator's i.e., but that of disputants is to be followed in the Compromise Agreement. For they are the ones to comply with it.

People are puny

Today's Our Daily Bread reminds us of motives for good and charitable acts.

Court-annexed mediators are not well-paid and are on success rate. We bank on our "out-of-this-world" reward.

Imelda on Bail

We would have wanted her on bale in jail but perish the thought!

The judge has intervened. 

Tell us how to behave

DU30 asks China, or should it be the other way around!

Not mediation behavior. The Arbitral Tribunal has spoken on their dispute.

Annulled Certificates of Candidacy

That's what Taguig constituents want to do to the Cayetano couple. These two are running in two districts covering their city, aside from lil brother for mayor.

Strictly speaking?

Amnesty National

With the possibility of Imelda being pardoned by DU30 of her graft conviction, she should be wary of the document being lost by the next administration. A la Trillanes case

Mediation precisely avoids repetition of the conflict.

TNVS Drivers

They are the current knights in shining armor who save paasengers in distress.  Three of them have recently been acknowledged.

Mediation likewise focuses on the positive present and future more than the negative past.

Sandiganbayan

Truly living up to its name, this court convicted Imelda of 7 counts of graft.

Hopefully, the Supreme Court does not intervene, as it had recently let her go of dollar-salting crimes. Thank God, the Chief Justice then has retired.

Military Overload

There is martial law in the DU30 cabinet. Latest is Gringo at the DICT.

Sure is a lot of com-promise.

Benny and Joon

Not the usual love story but of a brother taking care of his special sister. Enter the illiterate character of Johnny Depp who irons bread into toast! In the end, the sympathetic hostel manager sets up the sister and Depp in one of her rooms, instead of a state home.

Music Mediation

Classica featured a group of 12 cellists going to perform in the Chinese Egg for the first time. While they found the building amazing, the musicians wondered what kind of music to perform. In the end, they just went by gut feel, even adding the Birthday Song for one of the cellists.

Humanity is universal, so does mediation find out too.

Election Mediation

The warring Trump and his opponents are going to be mediated by the electorate. Vox populi, vox Dei in deed!

3rd Telco

In making decisions, always felt that if one or the other does not seem to work, the third option could be it.

That is mediation, finding the middle ground.

Value

What we give others above ourselves in humility (Phil 2:3) especially when we serve.

Such is mediation when the disputants can take the credit for crafting their own compromise agreement.

Motivation

A Sunday homilist listed the lowest motivation as deficiency.

Good enough for mediation.

Foreign Employment and Business

As if Filipinos do not have enough trouble finding jobs, DU30 now opens the floodgates to foreign employment and business.

How do you mediate a muddled mind?

Social Dumping

This is the case of sending Pinoy truck drivers to Denmark for lesser pay than the locals.

Another labor pollutant that needs to be exterminated.

Crime and Punishment ll

Saw a rerun and caught some more insights. The criminal gets bothered by his conscience and accuses the police officer of tormenting him.  Then, a hooker friend, of all people, encourages him to turn himself in and stays by his side till Siberia!

Successful mediation and marriage!

Triumvirate of Evil

With Brazil recently having a "Tropical Trump" in President Bolsonaso, it now joins US' Trump and PH's DU30 in questionable leadership.

Mediation dim.

Still at it

The German shooter of Jews in the Pittsburgh synagogue shows Neo- Nazism is back with a vengeance.

Issues not resolved in mediation have a way of resurfacing.

Spitting Distance

Now DU30 tells opponents- critics to spit on his face if they find him lying! As if it is possible, with all his thugs around, headed by a pretty aide. Then he gets back to his misogynist self and adds, if the woman is his type, he might return the (dis)favor.

Senseless and crude rhetorics has no place in mediation. No playing to the peanut gallery.

Emotionally Disturbed People

The capture of the recent  mailer of bombs to Democrats and progressives raises more questions on these EDPs than answers them.

For one, is Trump his enabler? He is not mediator material, definitely.

Dalian

Shoring up whatever good feedback it could muster, DU30 rolls out 1 train from the past administration. Election make politicians realistic, practical, or daring.

Should have been called Bagalan, or wait out a decent time interval from Pnoy's shadow, while citizens squeeze like sardines in trains.

Rigodon

Lapena is out of Customs but in Tesda now.

Displacing problems is not the way of mediation.

In the Right Direction

Survey says majority of Filipinos believe PH is so. But to where?

Mediation is, toward conflict resolution.

The Time Of Their Lives

This HBO feature gathered golden stars Joan Collins and Franco Nero in a chance encounter in France.

Mediation is like the second wind too for the rewired.

Senate President

There ought to be a law among lawmakers. Koko Pimentel's reelection bid is being questioned at the Comelec on term limit.

Mediators are likewise expected to have a working knowledge of the law. Otherwise they become only "parang legal."

Bopping Heads

You know that game where one bops monsters cropping up one after the other? DU30 seems to be on that activity dealing with one issue after another. After prices of rice and gas are lowered, farmers in Negros are killed. NPAs are an easy scapegoat.

Mediation covers all the issues related to the conflict. In DU30's case, it is his own mismanagement or even a lack of management.

Another Woeman

Misogynist DU30 reputedly running the most corrupt oddministration so far has brought out yet another of his victims to the fore- right! Atty. Mangaoang, Deputy Collector of Customs insists there were drugs in those magnetic equipment, as confirmed by x-rays and those sniffing dogs, maybe female too.

Mediation goes by evidence, not baseless claims to the contrary.

To Die For

PH is reportedly one of the worst places in which to die. Could it be because of our National Anthem, as Tito Sotto insists on reviving his musical composition talent.

But what about to live in? The Ruth Foundation as featured in CNNPH looks after Filipinos till their end.

I don't want dynasties

So says DU30 but his 3 children running for office, at least not against each other. He could've truthfully said, "I don't want fraternal competition."

More than what disputants claim, check what happens around him.

Excess Baggage

A current local film is a pun on the original airline term of overweight luggage. The Church has yet another interpretation:

Once the demands of necessity and propriety have been met, the rest of your money belongs to the poor. (Leo Xlll)

The man who has two shirts in his closet, one belongs to him; the other belongs to the man who has no shirt. (John Chrysostom)

Maybe a little extreme for disputants, but not the spirit of sharing.

Business(woe)man

As submitted by his lawyer, Enrile's Comelec application for Senator had such a typo regarding his occupation, less grievous than all the revision he does on the topic of Martial Law.

That is why a mediator talks to disputants directly.

Party's On

Election fever is up. Names of parties sprout at the drop of a name. Goodness, in Makati, two siblings will slug it out. Sounds familial?!

Papa Binay failed to mediate between his Junior ex-mayor and current mayor Ate Abigail.

Better Late Than Never

The Golden Boys go to Sweden this time and take etiquette lessons under strict Ms. Magdalena. She claims that toasting a drink is done with the right hand to ensure a weapon or poison is not being tossed instead. She later walks out on these incorrigible old men.

"Little ethics" useful in mediation too.

A One Way to Antibes

CinemaEurope's Sunday film was truly one for reflection. An old Swedish widower George returned to a temporarily lost first love, after signing a contract concocted by his children as George Bush!

A pity, such low-down moves among family members have led to lawsuits.

Bongga Bong Go

Bongga is now in the Oxford English Dictionary. Bong Go's political plan is out.

Mediation exacts sincerity of both disputants.

In Escrow

FRIENDS' Chandler and Monica thought this was the location of the house they were buying. 

Terms like this, meaning "fund or deposit delivered by one person to another to be delivered to a third party only upon fulfillment of a condition, are to be clarified in mediation.

Aussie crab mentality

Naomi Watts calls it the "tall poppy syndrome" when outstanding people are cut to size.

Sources of conflict are universal.

PARA sa mga broken-hearted

Advice to them: stop!

Nuances in communication is important everytime, like  in mediation.

Banksy no more

After auction, this artwork really went gone- as in through a built-in shredder.

Mediation does something like that to conflict.

Spokenperson

Harry Roque seems to be on a hairy roguish situation, to the karmic delight of those in the activist movement he had abandoned for the Palace of his dreams. Now he is left out of the loop too by DU30 and Bong Go who could be eyeing his post.

Mediation puts a premium on credibility and more so integrity.

The Spin Goes On

These cons-pirators are now after students, having failed to implicate the Reds, yellow and Magdalo groups. They should follow their leader who has admitted surely begrudgingly responsibility for the runaway inflation. Deflated ego.

Admission is part of the solution.

Dog Mediator

After the news, Cesar Millan on NATGEO is always good relief. This episode had dog Stella biting a neighbor walking her own pet. That neighbor brought in Cesar to tame bird dog Stella's aggression. Her breed really is meant to just sniff and retrieve fallen prey. Days at Cesar's Dog Psychology Center do the trick.

Successful mediation.

Victoria & Abdul

HBO featured this platonic love story in early 1900 UK. Widowed Queen Victoria took to adopting an Indian sent on her Jubilee as bearer of a token. She even thought of knighting Abdul, to the horror of her son and staff. In the end, she opted to give him the Royal Victorian Order.

Successful self- mediation. 

The Founder

Of McDonald's was a pair of brothers actually who were taken over an enterprising sundae machine salesman, Ray Kroc. In the end, he held the brothers by the neck, stripping them of royalties. When asked if he would settle, he replied probably never.

Failed mediation.

Rolling Stores

They're back as part of the return of the Marcosian legacy. Gathers no more.

Mediation is not one of those bandaid, show-and-tell solutions.

Brexit

UK PM Theresa May "isang accessory" when she again expressed belief in getting out of the EU- a big silver chain necklace that looked like a leash.

Nothing like explaining your side of the conflict.

Abram & Sara

One of the Bible's earliest love stories after Adam & Eve was also beset by infertility. No IVF yet then, they sought the help of a surrogate too. Could this have been the start of the Middle East crisis we have now?

God, the Eternal Mediator, facilitated a better, even miraculous compromise.

Legal Guardian

The Kardashian women tackled who takes over the baby in case mother is not able. Granny Kris gave Khloe the pros for either Kourtney and Kim. In the end, Khloe chose Kim.

Successful mediation and tongue-twister!

The Nun's Story

Always watch this on TCM for many reasons. First of course is to see Audrey Hepburn. Second is to better understand our education under the same Belgian nuns at Saint Theresa's College, Quezon City.

When we see where people are coming from, understanding and hopefully reconciliation follow.

Blamer

Latest DU30 role, after EJKiller, Persecutor, Coddler etc. He blames addicts on rehab eating rice now, for its shortage. Seriously, he is amoral.

No room for dirtiest finger- pointing in mediation.

On Parlade

Straight from his mouth on CNN's The Source, BGen Parlade sounded like a thesis candidate bluffing his way through the ouster plot. Shifty eyes, details and all. Anchor Pinky Webb at some point asked if his SECRET folder was not blank inside!

CPP has admitted they have always championed ousting any government from the start. Goodness, Movement Against Tyranny, another group under suspicion is led by Sr. Mary John Mananzan!

Senate Hotel

A netizen called Trillanes its long-staying guest. And why not? If DU30 can arbitrarily void the former's amnesty, he is entitled to protect his rights.

Tit for tat.

Another Mother Nature Mediation

Land has slide once again in mining areas Itogon, Benguet and Naga City, Cebu. As an old ad in US used to say, "You can't fool Mother Nature!"

Ito gone and Nagalagpak, thus.

Mediating Madness

Getting away from the truly maddening crowd, Van Gogh retreated to the countryside in the care of nuns after being released from the hospital after his ear incident. Such is featured in "Lust for Life."

Disputants are also closeted by themselves in mediation, even from meddling lawyers and others with doubtful motivation.

His Story

Sitting in tombstone-like chairs, Enrile and Bongbong reviled our memory of Martial Life.

A no-no in mediation, so it focuses more on how the conflict can be resolved.

JICA in Time

Finally after quoting the billions lost to traffic as computed by JICA, MMDA has the good sense to work with the former.

Huli man at magaling, huli pa rin. To think, MMDA is always making huli, maybe the reason for this delayed reaction.

King Charles lll

HBO HD featured the future reign of Prince Charles- his tangle with Parliament on press freedom, William taking the other side leading to his father's abdication.

In mediation, too disputants are informed of what awaits them should they go to court instead- filing/lawyer fees; postponements; acrimony; win/lose...

Dodos de la Cruz

Featured in CNNPH Profiles of a Filipino, this artist recalled working with kids in a shelter. One decided to run away to Monumento and Dodos followed him there and stayed till the child was ready to return to shelter.

Successful mediation!

We Solved It

That was the Emmy's opening message on their 70th year. From the gold carpet, inclusivity to a marriage proposal on stage!

That's what disputants in mediation do, too.

Goyo

In the movie, a character referred to its title in jest. We wonder if the term meaning to fool existed in the early 1900's. But Goyo was also given  another name, dog specifically Aguinaldo's.

Disputants cannot be called such in mediation. They craft their own compromise agreement.

Survival Float

In water or above, this works. Our Daily Bread today speaks of David's trust on God to get him through all his travails.

Mediators are God's little helpers.

2 Weeks Notice

This Netflix feature had a quote comparing gender to chess. There are rules that lead to some predictability, with some becoming pawns. In the end, Lucy and George at opposite ends of the board decided to meet halfway.

Successful mediation!

Ompong

It takes a super typhoon with Dolphy's nickname to unite a nation.

Humor can break a stale mate, LOL

Inflation

In ABS- CBN's Magandang Buhay, a creative UST Economics professor showed the goods bought by P500 in 1917 and now.

Mediation is best served by likewise listing its benefits as no need for lawyers/court filing fees/ postponement/ sale of cases to the higher bid of party/win-lose conclusion.

Judicial Mediation

Today we await the Makati Court decision on the word war between DU30 and Trillanes, after the Supreme Court has spoken.

We pray it will be just.

God's Help

Someone said it beats self-help anytime.

Mediation is good help, too.

JS Bach

It looks like an author or tycoon's name but it belongs to the composer. When called such by the Bible radio commentator, it has quite a refreshing twist to it.

Mediation likewise looks at a conflict from a different angle.

Thief

Serena Williams call the referee that and is fined $17, 000! She questioned the decision, saying male tennis players have gotten away with uttering worst words.

Mediation does not see gender.

Mother Nature Mediation

Forgive us, Lord but we were not too sad re the strong quake that hit Davao, whose ex-Mayor had been wreaking havoc to the nation for two years now.

Acts of God or nature are non- negotiable.

Royal Pest

One disloyal footman poisoned a corgi of Queen Elizabeth by intoxication. He had enough of being nipped in the ankle by these descendants of cattle herders, as related in a Netflix feature.

Some conflicts really stem from heredity or inheritance.

Mediating the Mess

People are again being called to save an embattled leader, Trillanes in the Senate.

Human-shield mediation nth time. No drama in mediation.

Tay Bridge

Codename for the 20-year prep for the late Queen Mother's funeral, known to her, according to a British Royalty docu on Netflix. These upper-lips plan everything!

For ordinary mortals, we have mediation for conflicts that arise.

The Hows of Us

The only choice among the free movie selection for seniors turned to be a pleasant although heart-wrenching experience. Btw it also involves a house.

Such are mediation issues.

Edu Kit

In oil-rich Dubai, they make children make robots out of cardboard and other discarded material. Tagline- make inventors of everyone.

As mediation encourages creative negotiation toward a compromise agreement.

Art Activism

Met some activist artists in a gallery way up what looked like an abandoned building, in a seeming reenactment of the apostles hiding in the Upper Room Cenacle after the Crucifixion.

Mediation faces the conflict up front.

Credit

The first PH president to go to Israel had previously noted Hitler for their holocaust!

Some credit has to be withdrawn.

Beware the Ires of Him

With Cheap Justice now in place, the looming target of DU30 is VP Leni. She is the last good woman standing, after the efficient felling of De Lima, Licuanan, Sereno and soon, Sr. Patricia. The Ombudsman-kin by affinity was allowed to graciously retire.

The god from Davao espouses, "Vengeance is mine."

Sounds of the Times

Now that Martial Law is up for renewal, this anti-life insurance is again preceded by a bomb blast in Sultan Kudarat. The rat! Again on a foreign trip just as jets were whirling when the first announcement on martial law was declared by DU30 smiling at Mocha who was holding the camera.

Deafening moment in deed!

Golden Girls

Not yet 60 but these young athletes won gold medals for PH.

While men are supposed to bring home the bacon, leave it to the women for the best things in life!

Moving On

Yet another suggestion from CJ de Castro, after Marcoses et al. Not a good precedent, though, from plunderers!

It is becoming a way out of accountability. In mediation, the past is summarized briefly in order to focus on how to resolve the conflict that ensued. Now that is really, realistically, and effectively moving on so we don't go back to the problem.

Impeach/Appointment

Only in the PH is this curious case of a Chief Justice facing impeachment upon her appointment.

Justice above and for all, the Chief included! Such is also in mediation.

SMART

CNN's Vital Signs reviewed the characteristics of effective goals:

S-pecific
M-easurable
A-chievable
R-ealistic
T-ime-bound

Applicable to compromise agreements too.

Wait Until Dark

TCM featured this Audrey Hepburn classic where she played a blind wife who inadvertently got into possession of a doll stashed with drugs. Seems this scheme had been present all along, or this movie gave smugglers the idea.

Mediation, on the other hand gives way to good ideas for disputants to agree on a compromise agreement.

Arms

They are for pulling together or staying apart.

The Chinese version is not for hugging but rather hogging all it can cover.

"Played into my hands"

How DU30 described Joma Sison not in a game of poker, nor hide-and-seek but the serious matter of governance

Now we know why DU30 goes into antics when evading issues like missing shabu shipments. A no-no in mediation

He's Baaack

For once, you wanted to believe Joma Sison regarding his infamous student's coma. It now seems to be just a comma in his journey.

God is the ultimate mediator of life.

Siya man magkamali

Xiamen Airline's accident on the NAIA runway was ominous. After ruling our seas, is China now lording over our airway. Next could be our land and resources after we renege on these humongous loans for Chinese-built bridges over troubled waters!

Learn from neighbors, PH!

Medical Crisis Again

On Ninoy's death anniversary, we are again confronted with an ailing president and lying aides.

Would they now get a doctor to attest to his health? 

Friendly Persuasion

That was a classic movie about the "death-defying" Quakers during the Civil War.

Could also describe mediation.

Double Standard

DU30 slams US regarding its threat vs PH buying Russian submarines. However he is quiet after China's rebuff of his very own diplomatic observation on the latter's military activities at the Western PH Sea.

Little boy crying wolf, then turning the other cheek to another. Incredible!

Life or Lust

For power, i.e. John Ortberg narrates: "During WWll, Red Cross made blood available to all who needed it- even the enemy. It would provide the soldier the name of his donor so that he could write a letter or note of thanks, if wished. It was customary to give a Nazi officer a Jewish donor. Some refused and preferred to die. Others chose life and a new view and attitude toward it."

Red Cross became a real mediator of life.

T H I N K

Can't recall now where this came from but the acronym for THINK was listed as:
Thoughtful
Honest
Intelligent
Necessary and
Kind in all communication.

Would put mediators out of business, thankfully.

Imports

PH does not want to import rice needed badly but would think nothing about getting another Vice Presidential successor and an NBA player to join our team.

There oughta be a law and if ever there is, follow it!

Masungi

Not cranky this Geo Reserve featured by CNN PH. In here, conservationists speak out for Mother Nature.

Like mediators giving voice to the powerless disputants.

Puede

ABS-CBN's Banana Sundae take on Puederalismo:

Puede kang mag-hingi ng umento pag sisisantehin ka na.

Puede kang mag- long break sa day-off mo....

Compromise agreements contain real gains for both disputants.

Voice Recognition

Sundays with "Lucky Dog," the trainer prepared a service dog carrying a backpack of medicines to respond to the call of ailing prospective master.

Looking like a medical mediator!

A Free Soul

TCM feature was ahead of its black & white time. Alcoholic lawyer's free spirit daughter lands up with his gambling lord client. In the end, the daughter offers to give up the scoundrel if her father gives up the bottle.

Compromise agreement!

Quality of Mercy

It sure was strained when DU30 supposedly pacified the warring factions of PDP-Laban, ironically instigated by his daughter. Insiders say they just discussed the 2019 line-up of candidates.

Unqualified mediator as warfreak himself, and disqualified for conflict of interest.

Allies

Saw "Honor the Legacy of Jose Abad Santos" yesterday.
A tear-jerker docu on PH's best Chief Justice/Acting President/Secretary of Finance, Agriculture and Commerce during WWll. As luck would have it, he had a Catholic Japanese guard during his captivity who was able to personally deliver his letter and photo to his wife.

A mediator is like that oasis in the crisis of life.

Cattle Hustlers

In a CNN "Take a Look at This" clip, a herd of cows rounded up a driver who trespassed on their pasture after abandoning his vehicle in their field.

Cattle arrest!

Crude Awakening

Federalism took an even more controversial route with the entry of Mocha Uson and partner. Solons having the last say on her badshot budget might have the last laugh still/steal.

No one being an I-land, you will have to be accountable some way.

Sincere Effort

We casually asked a wait staff in a fancy restaurant if we could have a marker that our group meets there regularly. She left and we thought she would get the person in-charge of it. She came with a black marker!

Clarify and if possible put it in writing.

Non-Candidate

Despite claiming to be one like his boss, Bong Go seems to have a Chief Campaigner in DU30, who called him the Mr. Fix-It guy.

Beyond mediation, these two Denial Kings.

Is he or isn't he?

Well physicallly, psycho-socially, morally i.e. DU30 owes citizens the answer to this basic question on his governance, though they have a fairly good idea on some aspects. Spokespersons are not credible to expound on it for conflict of interest. No less than an objective medical bulletin is required.

Much like a mediator.

Minority

This is the only time everyone wants to be in it. Hot! For the sub-majority, forming it would ensure a complete block of blockheads in the Butasan.

Mediation, on the other hand is for fairness and equality.

C/ommission

The Cha-Cha Consultative Committee seems to be lacking in serious follow-through. After submitting their Obra Maestra, they have retreated into the woodwork and notorious Mocha is being brewed as the spokesperson of their work.

In mediation, the terms of the Compromise Agreement has to be strictly followed.

Angas Beef

Bright idea for brand from the province of Bat-angas and not implying brashness.

Good to clarify before the need for mediation.

Dispensable

Scheduling meetings are tricky. Some are busier than most. Others just pretend.

In mediation, disputants are the most indispensables.

Grace and Frankie

Finally found them on Netflix. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin play the wives of 2 divorce law partners who land up together!

Like in professional ethics, mediating relatives a no-no.

Reliable Source

Blondie cartoon strip has her relating to hubby Dogwood about a friend at lunch who claimed "psychic powers and started telling me all sorts of details about me... Then she admitted she googled me."

Best source is the horse's mouth, provided there is goodwill between disputants.

Makes Cents

Baltic & Co. comic strip has one employee asking why there is no birthday treat from the Boss.

An oldtimer says he is economizing.

Employee further asks if there is a cure for that.

Oldtimer says it is too expensive for the cheapskate to buy.

As in mediation, it takes goodwill to settle conflict by meeting halfway.

National Greed Culprits

Just-iis more for most of us. The newly appointed Ombudsman has a bad reputation of upholding crooks in previous court decisions who are now all back in power.

With yet another ominous Chief Justice presidential appointee, seems all bases covered against us regular citizens.

Dress Re-hearsals

Invited to a ballet matinee on Sunday, recalled going to dress rehearsals before with the mother of one of the dancers.

Now with the Kiwanian advocacy for children, perhaps they can attend dress rehearsals too.

Mediating Medias

We all know about the hassle of shoes falling off babies being carried. Saw a pair of socks recently that solve that- socks with a shoe design!

Mediating is like that- settling conflict creatively.

Presidential Mediation

The unfortunate tussle for the microphone in the Batasan had to be refereed by DU30, of all mediators! His compromise, a walk-out!
Fond of shortcuts, he could try with the length of his own mic too, if not his term.

Gotha Name

In Netflix' Windsors, it is traced that they were first called Saxe- Coburg (?) Gotha till King George V's Secretary Stamfordham chose the less Germanic, more acceptable name after their Castle. Better than another choice Fitzroy!

Mediation deals with issue/s more than image.

Casablanca ll

Another adjustment on its set toward the end was the use of an airplane cutout. With its model size, they had to employ midgets to act as mechanics.

Kung maliit ang kumot, bumaluktot.

Mediating Mutiny

Mutiny on the Bounty is about a ship's living conditions, which improvement led to the forming of the British Royal Navy.

Mediation likewise aims to upgrade the dispensation of justice.

Johan van Hulst

Hardly anyone recognizes his name- except the scores of children he saved. Running a school, he was asked by the Nazis to house Jewish children till they could be transported to the gas chambers. His strategy? While a train stopped in front of his school, he brought out a trolley with sacks containing children.

Mediation can be creative too.

What's in it for me?

Magnolia chickens are expertly advertized by showing them in clean, cool and wide cages or rather houses.

Mediation can also be promoted by mentioning its benefits: speed of process set by disputants, less expense without lawyer, no court suit and record.

Mediating Call of Nature

"Lucky Dog" is a welcome breather from today's stresses. In an episode, an adoptive family lived near the woods so it was unsafe to let the new pet wander. The trainer used a piece of artificial grass just outside the door for the lucky dog to do his business.

Mediation is likewise creative.

The Last Time I Saw Paris

That was 1997. But this one is about the Elizabeth Taylor-starrer. Her character complained, "I've been having a bad day for years...
I have to do something, buy a new hat."

She could have gone to marital mediation.

Ano ba talaga, Te?

Revisiting "An American in Paris," caught this quote. "They act like men but want to be treated like women."

Sometimes men act like women, too but want to be treated like men.

The Easy Way?

Our Daily Bread reflected on the long (40 years) winding road of the Hebrews' post- Egyptian migration. He led them by a cloud at day and fire by night.

Mediation is just as difficult, involving earnest negotiation and one-on-one caucus to break the tension or stalemate.

Presidential Rx

Like Baby Trump, our local version should watch his tongue. In yet another rambling talk, he advised mayors to eliminate ambitious vice mayors- fatally! True enough, it led to a series of dead local officials.

Even in mediation, advice no matter how sensible and life- friendly, is a no-no.

William Tells

"When life pulls you back, be sure you are set to go on an amazing path." Parting shot of Dobol A sa Dobol B

Mediation sets that path.

Wandering Heights

TCM reveals that Humphrey Bogart had to wear platform heels to match the height of Ingrid Bergman in their film Casablanca.

Some conflicts are easier to resolve than others.

1000 Euros Generation

CinemaEurope feature had this millennial quote, "I earn 1000 euros a month doing work I do not want in a company that doesn't want me."

That is why Human Resources is there as in-house mediator.

Learning from Others

In the Baltic & Co. comic strip, Mr. Golem tells Bong that we can learn from the mistakes of others. Bong sighs, "I'm always the other."

Mediation can break that bind.

Respeto

This indie film's title was also given by an old victim to his juvenile thieves. He had them fix the damage they made in his house and in the end, reformed their twisted morals.

Successful self- mediation!

The Devil is a Sissy

TCM resurrects films of which we were not even aware. This one of the star of the month Mickey Rooney has him stealing reserve tires with two other boys to raise money for his father's tombstone. When caught, the trio was interviewed in private by the judge who got them into probation. In the end, they caught an older band of criminals!

Wise mediator-judge.

The lease goes on

The lease was for renewal but the tenant was not ready for the increase in rent. One way out was to transfer the corresponding loan to a savings bank with less interest in money.

Win-win 

Opposition spokespersons

With the proliferation of personable government spokeswomen, the opposition has returned the favor with the likes of Agot Isidro et al. Joining the fray is the most unlikely Joema Sison. He has castigated his former student DU30 of being the primary protector of drug lords.

We rest our case.

Dalian na!

Beset by so many crises, DU30 now opts to roll out the new trains ordered by PNoy so was originally a no-no.

Mediating MRT is another TRAIN dilemma for this odd ministration.

Mediating Basketbrawl

In the Gilas PH vs Australian basketball match, an Amboy PH cadet player Troy Rike did two things right. He protected the Aussie player from further harm. Then, he donated his reward money to a relevant charity.

The shot taken of him standing over the beleaguered Aussie could make a poster for mediators.

Mediating Motivation

"US business professors Michael Mazzeo, Paul Oyer and Scott Schaeffer, authors of 'The Roadside MBA' list several strategies to incentivize employees:

1. Link to quality performance.
2. Match with responsibilities.
3. Ensure performance measures truly work.
4. Incentivize the team rather than just the individual."

Mediation's motivation is for disputants to regain peace of mind after their compromise agreement.

Where have all the accusers gone

The Supreme Court Ass-ociate Justices are now lining up to see who among them will replace the Chief they ousted. Justice could only be served on another hope-fool, former Court Administrator Midas touch Marquez who is being charged for the mishandling of judiciary improvement fund from the World Bank.

Bilog ang world.

Mediating Massacres

Mamasapano was blame game to the highest level. Now the recent Samar "misencounter" between the PNP and the military is just following Murphy's Law.

How the perspective changes when one is on the defensive

Mississippi Music

To the ears of parents as this company sells instruments primarily to students on a rent-to-own basis. It takes into consideration aside from the expense, the possibility of young people quiting the band midterm. It also offers additional maintenance and replacement service in case, "say, their child's trombone gets run over by a bus."
From Queena Lee- Chua's column All in the Family article entitled "Setting the best price"

Now that's a Compromise Agreement covering all possible conditions.

Mediating Housing

From experience, know the travails of acquiring real estate. Now a smart, socially- conscious entrepreneur, Jack Ng, Jr. has come up with housing priced at exactly the limit of the government loan- P 450, 000.

Successful mediation!

Mediating Maids' Loans

Desperate housemaids get into debt before and even during employment abroad.

"HelperChoice is one of several online services cutting out the middleman- recruiters who charge would-be maids exorbitant fees- and helping them to avoid getting trapped in debt bondage to exploitative employers." Thomson Reuters Foundation

Divine Mediation

After DU30 tirade on God and the Catholic Church, he forms his team to meet the offended party.  Would that God make His Almighty Presence felt, as Bro. Eddie Villanueva warned.

Actually, all that DU30 has to do is temper his tongue, but of course he may believe in the Holy Spirit so is not entitled to His Gifts.

Magaway

The name of the PNP point man on their misencounter with the AFP is ominous.

Depending on mobiles while on the field in remote areas is a no-no in effective communication. 

Puckoon

Not a new word for sensitive.
It's a Cinema Europe feature on this place in Ireland. Of course, one character calls wine "liquid Christianity" that has to be respected.

Here, DU30 doesn't even respect Christ! How can he respect Christians? Useless to mediate when the mind and heart are closed.

Dictators Rulebook

NAT GEO's feature on free spirit Picasso was ironically taken over by this one on regimentation.

No dictators allowed in mediation. Only the two disputants' will is followed.

Lucky Strike

PCOO had another one- mistaking Sherwin for Winston.

Details like these have to be precise in Compromise Agreements.

Oral Orders

They are just for meals in restaurants. For DU30 to be taken seriously and without misunderstanding leading to denials and further putdowns, he has to set it in writing, right?

Like a compromise agreement.

Adam Boyd

"Of Highland, Michigan, he is a seasoned contractor who built houses for a living. Nobody would have guessed the lengths he would go to make his daughters happy.

He built a 2-storey wooden play house that awe for both kids and adults alike...Inside, chalkboards adorn some walls, allowing them to draw freely on them."

Like in mediation, instead of telling disputants what they cannot do, give them tools to come up with creative compromises.

American in Paris

Gene Kelly's starving artist character had this to say,"Back there in New Jersey, they said I didn't have talent. They just say it nicer here."

Could lead to a compromise agreement or in this movie, a wealthy patroness!

Mr. Imperium

This TCM feature was about a king and an actress.
It had an interesting way to deflect a proposal.

"Do you love me?"

"Fa, sol, la..."

Jose Rizal

Our national hero tried to mediate between his compatriots and Spain. We all know what he got for it.

Thank God, mediators do not have to suffer the same fate.

Making It Legal

The cartoon Mother Goose & Grim had this strip about it.

"What? You got married?"

"No, she gave me a restraining order!"

As in compromise agreement, always good to be clear.

Kadama-y

In a rare moment of mercy, DU30 once allowed this band of homeless people to Occupy Houses meant for soldiers. Now, they are at it again, more demanding and insistent.

Compromise is always based on goodwill and corresponding behavior.

Less is more

Effective communication, i.e., according to CNN panelist Indira Lakshmanan on the coverage of today's news. She states that info explosion just confuses people, if not makes them leave in disgust, missing the central point being driven in the first place.

So in mediation, after a brief statement of the conflict, there is a move to what both disputants can do to resolve the matter.

Race

This movie seems to be the American sequel to the one from the German Dassler family's point of view. They made the sport shoes of the American Jesse Owen for the Berlin Olympics. He won gold but, of course Hitler stepped out of the stadium rather than shake the victor's colored hands.

Race then had a double meaning. Good to clarify terms in mediation.

3H Couple

Tom Hanks and Ruth Wilson credit Honesty, Humor and Humility for their lasting marriage; aside, of course, from loving the right person.

Now we know what was in that box of chocolates!

Sitter cum Campaigner

Aside from a colostomy bag alleged by a nurse, DU30 needs his daughter to watch his behavior and probably pitch her Senate run at the same time. Bongo seems to have beaten her to it. She has retaliated with an ad for a brand of soap, which she could use on her dad's mouth!

Motives are an essential element in mediation.

Ilyushin

This name of the Chinese plane that landed to refuel at the Davao Airport sounds like the state of our independence and sovereignty we are supposed to celebrate today.

If only both parties abide by the International Arbitral Tribunal's decision in our favor.

Meeting of Muscles

Nuclear, i.e. The world prays as USA and NoKor decides its fate.

Anyone wants to mediate?

Me-dia thing

Yesterday rained blessings. Going out of our village, we were handed by the guard a letter from the Kiwanis (K) International President extending his well wishes on our year of heading K Club of Arista Place. Then witnessed the book donation of KC Makati of Lt. Gov.-Elect Tan Yu lll to our member Sr. Eva Maamo, MD of nearby Our Lady of Peace Hospital's Foundation.

KC Makati brought us to our next appointment with the Ronald McDonald's House Charities' Read to Learn program, where we enrolled Sr. Eva's Subic Aeta Village school.

Then it was off in the rain to celebrate family at Sunshine Place!

Fortune-telling

Now they have found a cat to predict the winner of the World Cup, after a cup of tuna?

Mediation doesn't need a prop cat, just good ole! Will!

Waze of Time

A driver got into a flooded area in Quezon City and was almost carried away, literally

Better to trust your memory of such danger spots and avoid them. Good tip for disputants too.

Channeling Conflict

Facebook has become a viral opinion page among netizens
myself included.

As I have expressed online, what a waste of physical and intellectual/ moral energy! Also join far Faura rallies to be counted. But there has to be a proactive, productive and effective way out of this mess facing us today!

Buck Stabber

The stabbing to death of a pregnant Prosecutor from the Office of the Ombudsman supposedly for fighting back a hold-upper deserves a deeper investigation herself.

1. What cases were she handling?

2. Is this another "nanlaban" case of the war on drugs in reverse?

3. Who gave the suspect those bruises?

4. Surprisingly immediate solution, with her mobile phone recovered...

5. Again, back from abroad, the President had an ominous announcement...

Kiss of Death

The female OFW in Sokor surely needed succor- in empowerment.

As they say, there would be no abuser without a willing and even honored abused!

Archaelogy in Space

Along with the drones taking front page of TIME, CNN also features them being used by archaelogists.

Now if only we can bring about s-peace.

Mediating Magistrates

New members of the Bar were warned not to puke nor do anything else unsavory during their Induction.

Magistrades vs Magistraights!

Mediating Vice

Met some schoolmates yeaterday, one of whom had to go downstairs to smoke.
Another had quit cold turkey.
No, we didn't have it for lunch, sadly.

Told them am organic down to vice. Nail-bite Lol

Who Guards the Guards

The OSG seems to mean Office for Security Guards, as its head who took down the CJ heads the Vigilant agency over government offices.

Like the 8 Ass-ociate Justices who voted for the SolGen's motion, he doesn't seem to see any conflict of interest here. Interesting bunch!

Kiefer of the Drink

Another one drinks the drug.
At least he owns up, and has offered to be poster boy of caution on the same.

Mediator's dreamboat.

Wow from Mali

This illegal immigrant does something good and gets his citizenship!

Mediation has its reward, though not dramatic.

Mediating Machismo

He too! Morgan Freeman might not be free for long! 

Beating a dead horse

Pardon the comparison, but stories about the supposed lovelife of a murdered man of the cloth by Duterte is a no-no. Poor guy cannot defend himself from this man of the froth! Why didn't they confront him when he was alive, for goodness sake. (Winnie Monsod remarked how could the victim still find time to do church work if all those women were around?)

Mediation is never one-sided.

Assert your Right

Taiwan ties one on China over an issue at sea. See! It can be done, Digong  or be gone.

Can't Win

This defeatist attitude of Duterte is so negative and narrow-minded in its focus only on warfare as the way out of the Western Philippine Sea conflict.

As the Bible says, those who live by the sword die by it too.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

"On SCS: Let us help our President" article of Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario is an
excellent example of ADR. It was respectful but full of options we could do about the South China Sea. After all, he is chair of the ADR Institute.

Mediating the Mouth

Duterte says his mouth is not the problem? Even when it speaks of wishing to have raped a female foreign missionary first? Or backing- up His policemen in crimes against human rights? Or siding with China more than the Philippines?

A true test of a mediator's mettle, a disputant like this who is so out of touch with reality.

Mediating the Monarchy

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding had Prince Charles meeting his prospective daughter-in-law halfway down the aisle.

That's self-mediating the icy relationship between father and son, as well as royalty and commoner.

Pinoys are Puny

Seems so, at the rate we have an alleged murderer and traitor in the Palace, rapist in the Senate, philanderer in the House, and gamblers in the Supreme Court!

But no, we are sovereign as disputants also craft their own Compromise Agreement

From Carinderia to Turo-Turo

The scandal on the DOT is food-for-thought. Too many crooks spoil the bribe.

No name- calling and blame game in mediation.

Mediating Inflation

Duterte's TRAIN is taking Pinoys for a ride.

Instead of alleviating poverty, it seems to be worsening it. Lose-lose

Make a Deal or Die

So does Trump threaten North Korea.

A no-no in mediation!

Up in the Air

This movie had George Clooney and company terminating long-time employees online!

Hopefully our labor endo problem will not go this way.

So Very Sovereign

Now guilty after Sereno ouster, Duterte starts circling the wagons and solicits the help of the Chinese premier.

Now he has given China power not only over the West Philippine Seas but also the Palace?! Prefer Sr. Pat's intervention anytime.

Easy Way Out ll

It was Duterte son Baste to do a sequel. He jet-skied as his father promised but on Philippine water across Quezon Province- with a Senatorial candidate at that!

Such cowards without integrity!

Easy Way Out

Duterte gave a bad example skipping yesterday's local election. Reason- torn among his candidate- friends.

Wasn't it a confidential exercise anyway? Once again, the narcissist anti-social reveals himself.

Ambassador of Love

The other day, Our Daily Bread tackled the tendency of Christians to focus on judging others more than living in Christ's Love.

Gentle warning for mediators too.

Inhale Courage, Exhale Fear

Pinoy Ako Blogger Jover Laurio's uniform t-shirt sports this motto of hers.

Could also be for disputants on unequal footing.

Power of the Veil

On an elderly nun, it drives away pesky policemen harassing the fasters of Faura- fast.

The physically weak but principled can wield great power.

Jericho March

If all else fails, trust the Lord to settle differences!

How Stars Do It

Katy Perry sends an olive branch with her sincere apologies of what went wrong to Taylor Swift.

Swift self-mediation.

Nards Parra

Mr. Stop literally was  prevented from continuous dynamite-fishing when his hand was blown off in an accident. He now takes care of mangroves in penitence.

Disputants in successful mediation carry its torch too.

Balik Saya

Witty name for an exhibit of native women's clothes of old.

Mediation could also be taglined as such.

Dumb and Cruel

Senator Lacson's description of a government move, or the government in general we add.

Mediation is bright and kind.

Poor Helping Poorer

Romeo Galendez, Jr. thus named his Project Robin Hood, featured in CNNPH's The Story of the Filipino.

Goodwill does not have to cost much, just goodness.

Moronic/Solomonic

The trouble with advanced praise release is that after raising expectation, it can prove to be a dud. It was not wise to tell Filipinos earnest at work in Kuwait to come home in the name of nationalism, or more so, in retaliation for Kuwait's  shabby treatment of the PH consulate.

Disputants face each other and do not use pawns in their conflict resolution.

Special

Britain's Got Talent had a mute contestant who spoke through a contraption. Such wit! One example: being special has its benefits and extra consideration. I just get worried when they say they are planning to send Special Forces to war.

Humor also does wonders in mediation.

Undesirable Missionary

For attending to the needs of Filipinos who are neglected by this government, the latter is kicking out Sr. Pat. She will be missed by those she has served.

Definition of terms and issues is also required in mediation.

Filipino Time

We really have to get our ax together. The Anti- Endo EO came May 1 after much ado and now angst.

That is what happens when the Compromise Agreement is all promise and nothing else.

85

Distracting sign on the wall during yesterday's press conference on the Naku list at the start of local election period. Looked so much like BS!

The happy faces of the presenters of this serious topic likewise made them look like cats who swallowed the galunggong!

Bescafe

No typo there. Nescafe has launched a thousand coffee plants among farmers.

Win-win!

Greater than the Mess

Our Daily Bread the other day paraphrased 2 Samuel as "Life is a mess!" But God is greater.

Mediation tries easing it a bit.

Mediating TNVS

Might as well stand for The Non-Violent Spoilers who are too drunk to do anything other than throw up in the cab.

Grabbers, beware and give motion sickness bags! The other side of this messy business.

Saying Double

Without an E0 EO yeah, the Bora rehab team rolled out their request for funding. DOT was quick to quote P 1B! More surprising, twas for training and sewerage!!!
Against foreign germs? Btw another agency mentioned the "s" word in his wish list, and more appropriately so.

Though on the dot, won't pass the fine comb of mediation audit.

K, U Wait!

Rumors abound re the botched OFW rescue that was done while Mocha Uson was brewing in the area. Sore sorry for PH saving her harassed citizen heroes?

This is lose-lose once again.

Bura Bura

What is with this odd ministration protecting itself from its citizens it has enraged, while opening itself to trespassing by an ever lusting neighbor?

Beyond mediation, let alone comprehension!

Something's Gotta Give

This other Throwback Thursday favorite is like Joker meeting Annie Hall again.

In mediation, the two somebodies involved have got to give-and-take.

Mediating Obesity

Animal Planet's My Big Fat Pet Make-over brought out the cases of a 43-pound chihuahua and a 14-pound cat. Issues raised were the dog's Eskimo breed mix and leg replacement, and the cat's thyroid problem, aside from both their owners' tendency to overfeed them.

Compliance to a compromise agreement is essential in any mediation.

Mediating Justices

What to do with meddlesome Justices who are supposed to be the first-line mediators?

That is the sorry state of our nation presently led by Super Meddlesome!

One Fine Day

One of the movies one never gets tired off, it follows two harassed singles again now juggling work and parenting.
George Clooney's Jack reporter character on a real dead-line picks up his young daughter (lost by the other parent character of Michelle Pfeiffer) under an antique shop table cuddling kittens. He practically snatches her out tearful and determined to stay with her newly found pets. Jack explains his predicament and agrees that his child could bring one kitten home.

Successful mediation!

Take 5

A Delima young woman ran a good race recently. Her namesake is still languishing in jail.

Sonetimes mediation's speed is short of miraculous, while at other times, at snail pace.

So Very Antsy

That's Duterte regarding criticism which Etta Rosales says seems to be a crime now. But, by all means, he lets China all over the West Philippine Sea and soon, Boracay! My, my! Ours!!!

Double standards a no-no in mediation.

Aristotle

His quote, "Patience is bitter, but its Fruits are sweet," is a bank's reminder for clients waiting in line.

That is preventive mediation.

Uber Grab

This seems to be happening to the ride-sharing industry. The merger has led to a literal virtual monopoly. And could interested runners-up join in the fray?

Mediation is against any disputant's monopoly of discussion, negotiation and subsequent compromise.

Liberal Party

Swearing in with them last Saturday, we were reminded of our uphill climb against the administration.

At least mediation is the great equalizer between unequal disputants.

Titanic Mediation

Our Daily Bread today recalls the sinking of the Titanic 15 April 1912. Among its victims was "W. T. Stead, innovative English journalist who had previously addressed the danger of ships operating with an insufficient ratio of lifeboats to passengers... He sacrificed his own life by giving up his life vest and a place in the lifeboat so others could be rescued."

Mediation does not require that sacrifice. Just some life- changing compromise between disputants.

Walking Free

This is the prosthesis project of the Physicians for Peace. Its founder Dr. Josephine Bundoc was inspired by her blind father who continued to fix engines and build boats

Mediators also lead disputants to walk free from conflict.

Terrorists Unite

Duterte spoke in China about their two countries' war vs. drugs and terrorism. Against themselves?

In law, they say that one going to court has to have clean hands.

Facade

In this season of fakes, St. Paul's Cathedral presents its remnant facade proudly turned into a landmark in Macau, much like a movie location set.

Mediation likewise evolves destroyed relationships.

Music Mediation

GMA News TV features good Cinemalaya films Sunday evenings. "Boses," for instance was educational to boot. A mute young boy physically and verbally abused by his alcoholic father was turned over to the Casa San Miguel shelter near violinist Coke Bolipata's place actually. Escaping from a bully there one day and hiding in the closet, the boy discovered the soothing sound of music and his talent for it as well. In the end, he was also instrumental in the healing of his violin instructor. All's well.

Say it, Paul!

Not Sir but Saint! In a letter to the Corinthians, he wrote, "For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom."

In mediation, demands are signed off in wisdom of the disputants.

Wig is out

Will the resignation of Aguirre signal the return of competence, integrity and honest-to-goodness justice?

Same qualities of mediation.

Lose-Lose

The count is more than two. Boracay's abrupt closure has affected the travel agencies, airlines, hotel owners and employees as well as other residents and businesses on the island. Even the boatmen

Jim Paredes says the only thing planned was the Chinese casino soon to rise on Philippine soil (aside from the other structures on the Western Philippine Sea).

Mediation on the other is for win-win, not only in beauty pageants!

Suggestology

Emile Coue, a 19th century French healer, pharmacist and psychologist developed this method of giving positive comments about a drug to make it more effective. (Jaime Licauco's Inner Awareness's Inquirer column of 3 April 2018)

Mediators cannot major in this course but could lead disputants by effective questioning.

"What God has not put together"

"(the case of a marriage that is invalid ab initio) should also not be forced to remain in force purely on legalistic reasons..." Fr. Jaime Achacoso and Cristina Montes claim that "the Code of Canon Law has more, not less, grounds for nullity of marriage."

Separation according to the Church vs. the State now pushing for divorce.

Pasang Cruise

Jaime Licauco did not foresee that their cruise was not going to be a breeze. It was a nightmare! The cruise company's reply was published at the same time in the Inquirer as a way of reaching out to Mr. Licauco.

Let the mediation begin.

Shon Hopwood

The Inquirer Commentary of Prosy B. Torrechante relates how the former drug addict and bank robber confessed, "After I surrendered to the FBI, I surrendered to the Holy Spirit."

Working in the prison library, he read law books until he learned to draft sentence-reduction petitions for inmates who called him "the greatest jailhouse lawyer in American history."
After his release, he studied law, passed the bar and even taught at Georgetown.

Mediation has such success stories, too.

ATM in Latin

From last Holy Week's docu, we thought guides to the Vatican ought to translate ATM instructions.

Just like mediation has to be done in the language understood by both disputants.

The Coldest Case

The Discovery channel calls the Crucifixion as such. It was started by the Persians (now Iranians) and perfected by the Romans. And peace is getting more elusive still.

Mediators try their own little bit to spread it around.

Life Imitating Art

The French contribution to Cinema World was of course about love- specifically, a director and an actress reliving on film their lusting relationship. Their principal audience was the fruit of that unwanted liaison. In one scene, the director observed that the actress was more authentic when acting.

No acting in mediation, just authenticity.

Credit

Some people do not want to pay it but most of them want to grab it even if not meant for them. When priests ask the faithful to clap for the Lord, do they refer to His representative?

Mediators give credit to the disputants for crafting their Compromise Agreement.

If the Issues Fit

Cinema World featured a German film yesterday. Specifically, about sneakers in the time of war. They were not spies. Dassler Bros. Rudi and Adi made sports shoes and even for "negro" Owens of the U.S. To make up for this violation, they made war materials for the Nazis. When the Americans won, Dassler reminded them of Owens. Still the brothers split the business between them (other than Adi's wife implicated with Rudy!), except that Rudi used to handle marketing, while Adi did production. Long story short, Adi's Adidas made the Germans win over Hungary for the first time. Longer cleats on their sneakers saved them that rainy day. Rudi's Puma was defeated, also by not giving in to the coach's demand for DM 1000/ month.

This is like a case study in mediation. In the end, Rudi left a note of congratulations to "the little guy."

Dropping the Bomb

The real thing, i.e. Cinema World featured a Danish tv reporter who exposed the coverup on a bomb dropped accidentally off Greenland's Thule Island by a US plane upon crashing.

Mediation likewise uncovers hidden agenda.

Pinoy Bird Cage

Not hawla, but "Pre-nup," an adaptation of the movie starring Robin Williams. A refreshing take is the list of contra demands from the poor girl's family.

Mediation ensures an even playing field especially between unequal disputants.

Disputants' Prayer

If there is an advice a mediator can give disputants, it is to pray, "I am down but not done."

That is the hope of mediation.

Crowd Control

Not to secure a personality, but to tell the faithful to say a phrase to seatmates, or the internet users to forward an alarming message to family and friends. The priest one can forgive for personalizing his homily, and internet for sincere concern but could it also be driven by desire to up usage?

Mediators cannot directly advise disputants but can direct them by questioning to arrive at a settlement both come up with. Then there are more chances of their compliance.

Bodas de Sangre

Yesterday, watched Bienvenido Lumbera's Filipino translation of this Federico Garcia Lorca work. Plot revolved around a love triangle turning bloody.

Disputants settle amicably in mediation.

Breed drug goons

Perhaps putting drug pushers together in jail is not a good idea. Those who were caught recently claimed they formed a partnership while incarcerated.

Mediation puts the good eggs in a basket.

Hate Red

Or anything else? Fran Lebowitz asks, "What is that about? It's a fear of your own weakness."

These issues are tackled in mediation.

Tough Talk

From DU30 down, cursing is the name of the game. Just the other day, the manager of the airport called the cab drivers "buisit."

Mediation could do well without name-calling.

Check Hates

Ever since GMA's term, we noticed it throws a case after the opposition files one against it. So it is now, with the ICC sword hanging over DU30's head, cases against PNoy are mushrooming overnight.

Mediation aims to prevent recurrence of conflict by arming disputants with skills on compromise.

Prosecutoreporter

Some tv reporters should read the Miranda rights to suspects before they interview on camera. Especially since they are sometimes the source of evidence in real prosecution at the House!

Mediators, on the other hand cannot divulge in court pieces of information gathered during sessions.

Battlefronts

The Chief Justice faces two warfronts today. The Lower House votes on her impeachment, while her peers asks her, Quo Warranto?

Mediation puts together all issues in one basket.

Senior Mediation

Yesterday, we met with 40 senior nuns who live in a community. Issues ranged from taking of cats in a room, getting three pieces of chicken at table, and proper place to urinate.

Someone suggested breaking them up into functioning, mild and severe cases. Not "nunsense" (Sr. Mary John Mananzan's term)

Endoterterorista

Creative rallyists combined the two issues associated with Duterte.

Name-calling not allowed in mediation but hey, am on day-off.

The Fence

Duterte now wants to pull out of the ICC after saying he would face his case before it.

Mediators, beware of shifting talk of disputants.

The Last Face

In "The Last Face," caught this line "addiction to emergency."

Mediation is the antidote.

What's that again?

The Alexa gadget eerily does laugh loud instead of lamp off.

So has clarification to be made during mediation.

Simply put

St. Therese of Lisieux said, "For simple souls, there are no complicated ways."

For disputants in mediation, just compromise agreements.

Maalaala Malala

The Pakistani Nobel Peace Awardee was again featured this Women's Month. Her father recalled that she was shot not by a person but by an ideology.

That is the reason why the GRP and NDF talks seem to go nowhere.

Bag-ani

The National Historical Commission sure harvested an anti-active award when it faulted this new ABS-CBN series for misinformation. What was it doing when the station was announcing it weeks ago?

Mediation occurs when a perceived wrong was not nipped in the bud.

By Your Leave

You shall be judged, Chief Justice. Spokesperson Lacanilao sometimes lack- a- linaw.

That is why mediation shuns lawyers who could muddle issues more.

Sacrifice

CNN's Sunday Mass celebrant had this take on Lent. A hold-upper found out his latest victim was a priest. After the latter offered him a cigarette to calm their nerves, the former refused, saying it was his sacrifice during the season.

Mediation aims for basic justice before the frills.

Gold

Prospector Kenny Wells used to describe himself as always believing it is out there, against all odds.

Like a mediator on the prospect of a compromise agreement.

World's Best Beaches

This category uses shells to rate beaches on several factors.

Just like in mediation, level of communication has to adapt to that understandable by both disputants.

Gift Mediation

In the 9JKL sitcom about the adjacent condos of parents (with Elliot Gould as the father) and their two adult sons, one of the latter devised a fool-proof gift-giving with his partner. They buy themselves a gift of their choice and then hand it to the other to give it back to them.

In mediation, this is called negotiating based on individual interests.

Dengvaxia

Like a voice crying in the wilderness, one medical expert stated that vaccines are not 100% effective.

But Deng, back siya. Purse-guida si A-costa!

Eulogy

After coming from one, Kenneth Cobonpue was thus inspired to work seriously on his own legacy, according from one of his trusted staff from whom he inquired what she would have said about him.

Truly, our you-logy we must all work on.

Saydoism

Not a kind of sadism, but Cecilio Penson's theory of doing what one says.

Mediators trust disputants to abide by this.

Socratic Me-thod

If not mistaken, twas he who said, "Know thyself." Among his criteria are the usual: whom one admires, how one spends leisure time AND what one laughs at. Truly this last one has been fatal for some. Better to laugh at oneself.

The ability to not take oneself too seriously and the other more seriously is a big step toward a compromise agreement.

Jellyfish

Scientists have found out they do not have a backbone, brain nor heart. Looks like the Tin Animal in Oz.

Some disputants too.

Persida Acosta

Perseguida, en sequida if my Spanish lessons serve me right. Talking of conflict of interest on the part of DOH and UP- PGH, she has to likewise come clean on being at the beck and call of DOJ and a rumored new house.

Per cost

A Better View

Our Daily Bread's Jennifer B. Schuldt states that while "my tree-climbing days are over. I suppose it isn't very safe - or dignified...," but "the higher I climbed, the more I could see."

Like Zacchaeus, disputants have to see the better, and not the bitter view.

Sara

There were two in the news recently. The first was the hometown in Iloilo of the OFW kept in the freezer for over a year. Then the mayor of Davao got out of the oven where she was placed by the House Speaker.

One was forever silenced; the second spoke out. Mediation could go between the Mayor and the Speaker.

Steve Wynn's

Comments from the owner of Wynn's Resorts & Casinos  are down-to-earth. Describes himself as "frustrated, anxious and unsatisfied" with Trump. To be fair, he said Hillary was also "in a bubble." A third choice would have steered away from their populist promises and dealt with the problems of America realistically.

A mediating candidate.

Opening Doors

The blockbuster impact of Black Panther in today's cinema had a pioneer in Charlie Sifford. Our Daily Bread states that "he became the first African-American playing member of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour, joining a sport that, until 1961, had a "whites only" clause in its by-laws.

Mediation is another door-opener of compromise possibilities. 

Priorities

With the MRT, Benham, rice, price etc. Crises that we are facing, what does Congress propose? Mobile number for life!!!

Mediation sets issues according to importance or urgency.

The Lucky One

He was Logan, a marine who survived the war and brought his experience with bomb-sniffing dogs to his post-war life as a kennel staff.

Like mediation sifting the conflict for grains of goodwill.

Make Create Innovate

In an episode of this CNN show, they featured a microchip with a "brain" that can get an ambulance even before an accident occurs.

Mediation can only prevent a repeat of the conflict by arming disputants with the attitude and skill to avert future ones.

Just Deserts

No double "s" there. It is the place of purification from "Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, David" to "Luke Skywalker's initiation in Star Wars," says Bishop Robert Barron.

Much like mediation.

Be the Miracle

The man born without limbs was rejected at birth even by his mother. But he is now a motivational speaker world-wide, aside from being a family man.

Mediation is somewhat like a miracle too that motivates disputants to work on their issues.

Ephphata

Be opened, said Jesus to the blind man's eyes.

Mediators say the same to the disputants' minds.

Can't Take It Back

The Februrary 8 sharer in Our Daily Bread reflected "I couldn't take my actions back." Justification of our irritability, impatience or anger runs counter to the Proverbs "challenging us to think about how to respond when people get in the way of our plans." Proverbs 12:16 warns us: "Fools show their annoyance at once."

Preventive mediation 101

Hidden Figures

Finally found this very meaningful movie on women at WB cable network last night. They were three smart black cookies working at NASA in the 1960's of JFK and Martin Luther King. Aside from the near impossible dream to be a supervisor and an aeronautical engineer, the problem of their analytical geometrician friend was the lack of a bathroom for colored women in her office building.  Yet, she was part of the team that brought John Glenn to orbit!

After finding the reason why she was taking such long breaks, her boss tore down her bathroom sign, saying, "We all pee the same color!"

Make-up Artist

Instead of bringing an actual one on her foreign trips, perhaps the DOT Secretary can bring a figurative one, a mediator. The latter can explain to travel groups our Duterte-inflicted wound to the Boracay tourist industry.

Harry

Not Wales but Connick is a more peaceful "nightcap" than Stephen Colbert's humorous rants on Trump. Harry is positive and soft sells goodness in persons like athlete Tim Tebow who displayed "John 16" below his eyes during a game. He also worked with children in the Philippines, especially Sherwin who was made to feel cursed with his leg deformity. His book is titled "Shaken."

One-man mediation team!

PH wins over China

Aside from the languishing win over China at the Tribunal over UNCLOS, PH does it again- at singing!

At least this time, PH took possession of the trophy!

Blanket Raise

That's what Duterte did when he doubled the pay of the PNP. Undeserved reinforcement is meaningless and ineffective, except to probably win blind loyalty. Worse, it reinforced negative behavior like sleeping and drinking while on duty!

So in mediation, there should be fairness to all.

5-4-1

That's the latest code for revenge. Duterte vows having 5 NPAs killed for every militaryman downed. He even offered P 20, 000. to the lumad indigenous people for every rebel murdered.

Mediation: Impossible

Imagine

Annie Leibovitz recalled that she had initially wanted only John Lennon for a cover photo. However, he insisted on having a fully-clothed Yoko Ono join him in his birthday clothes. That very day, he was shot to death.

Mediators, listen and trust your disputants.

PASA load

Not the good news from friends sending mobile points. The Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association's bad news after TRAIN is the jacking up of prices on goods bought by all commuters/ consumers.

Decreasing income tax at the lower brackets led to taxing more people on gas and goods. Bad move.

Irony

Parading war readiness on the anniversary of the end of World War l on 11 November - that is the plan of Trump, in response to co-parader Lord Flaunturtoy of North Korea.

Is there mediation in hell?

Till Death

The Dengvaxia scare has turned gloulish. From anxiety regarding its efficacy and complications, there is now the push and pull of autopsying supposed victims.

The main parties, DOH and the families of children vaccinated, have been joined by PAO acting like lawyers of disputants.

Joint Gain

North and South Korea's joint team to the current Winter Olympics bodes well toward the resolution of their history of conflict. 

In mediation, both parties can start agreeing on doable common interest.