Author: Issa
-
Black Boy Audio Excerpt
Like a few lucky kids, I grew up hearing stories from mom – whenever she was in the mood to tell tales – real or not. Now that I’m far and well, I should admit, a grown-up, I suit myself with audio books or excerpts available online. To spice up my domestic chores, I listened…
-
Itanong Mo Sa Mga Bata
Intro: C9—- C Em C Em Ikaw ba’y nalulungkot, ikaw ba’y nag-iisa? F G F G Walang kaibigan, walang kasama C Em C Em Ikaw ba’y nalilito, pag-iisip mo’y nagugulo? F G F G Sa buhay ng tao, sa takbo ng buhay mo? C Em C Em Ikaw ba’y isang mayaman, o ika’y isang mahirap…
-
Bobby Fischer Against the World
Bobby Fischer Against the World is an insightful look at the life of a chess genius. As they always say, talent is one thing, deliberate practice is another. Bobby has both. Son of a brilliant woman, Regina, he had the make-up of a genius that manifested through the superior battle of the minds- chess. Bobby’s…
-
What Keeps You Sane?
Food? Friends? Freedom? Faith? Future? I’m accustomed to living a solitary life, less devout than a monk. In my two years in the UAE as an expat worker, I haven’t visited many noteworthy or impressive places. Dubai feels superficial. Its bustling nightlife doesn’t appeal to me (and my wallet), and its man-made tourist attractions lack…
-
A Glimpse of Al Ain
If you want to get an impressive view over Al Ain City from the mountain top, Jebel Hafeet is your best destination. The Jebel Hafeet Mountain is the only mountainous area in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It rises 1300 meters above sea level (thanks, Corey for the comment) and is a part of Hajar mountains bordering Oman. The mountain…
-
Kolehiyala
Maswerteng di nasalanta ang pataniman ni ama, Mapalad na di naubusan ng mamimili si ina, May awa ang langit na muling nakapagpadala, Pambayad sa ikalawang semestrong matrikula. Ika ng anak, “ang makatapos ay aking karapatan, Aking mga magulang, marapat lang akong tustusan, Yaman nila’y para sa aking kinabukasan, Dugo’t pawis nila’y ibuhos, sa’kin lang ilaan.”…
-
Beating the Blues
A chilling wind greeted me as I was heading to work this morning. I woke up with bloodshot right eye. Coldness enveloped my already freezing heart. Call it mood. Or blues. Point is..I want these shaken off. The toughest part of the year is about to come: the ending. As my favorite quote reminds me: Better…
-
My Christmas Wishlist
Who doesn’t want to receive some presents? Who doesn’t want to befriend a cheerful giver? Nobody. Everyone wants something. However, at times, we can’t help being baffled by a seemingly easy question: What to give on Christmas? Roaming around Wafi City for hours didn’t help me find gifts that match the people I have in…
-
Si Uncle
Uso sa mga nangingibang-bansa ang makipag-usap sa sarili. Hindi ito senyales ng kabaliwan – ngunit maari rin. Sa halos dalawang-taon kong pananatili sa UAE, ngayon pa lang ako nakatagpo ng kasambahay na maituturing kong “uncle”. Madalas kasi sa mga kalalakihan dito, palainom, palakain, palatulog. Di mo sila masisi. Karamihan kasi isang araw sa isang linggo…
-
How Much Do Teachers Get Paid in the US?
In 2002, an announcement flashed on our TV screen: 1 MILLION TEACHERS ARE in DEMAND in the US. My parents hurriedly selected Education as my major. They were funding my college tuition, I should follow their orders.