What is it that draws folks to Lotto?

Photo c/o RMO

"Think before acting; and whilst acting, still think" (Dutch proverb). What is it about Lotto that keeps folks like me buying a ticket week after week? Others would be forming a group or in a way it’s like a syndicate who would pool their money to buy tickets. Some would be harbouring, favouring, cultivating, numbers that they feel would bring them good luck.

Many a time, just like most of you, I’ve calculated in my mind, how I will spend the money, what will I buy, how the money would be life changing. I believe it doesn’t matter whether it’s $4 million (I think this is the base) or you win more, the winning would turn one’s life, upside-down. A person’s character would define how one will spend the winnings. I’ve heard and read stories of folks who’ve won but it gave a negative impact to their lives.

Well actually in my case, I don’t buy every week. I only buy when I feel like it or an inner voice says, today maybe the lucky day! I also buy when it is on what is called a “must-win” draw date. Just like this one at $30 million. This is my hopeful look! I’m ready to spend it the right way!

NOTE: No winner for this draw and it was rolled over to Big Wednesday, June 28. There was one lucky winner of $33.5 million! Some one’s lifestyle is changing at this very moment! Good luck and all the best!

125th Philippine Independence Day celebration

I’d like to thank Sir Roy Boquiron, President of the Knights of Rizal Auckland Chapter for sharing his poem. He especially wrote it for our 125 th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Takanini Community Hub last 10 June 2023. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Here’s the entirety of his poem:

Photo c/o RMO

“THE 125TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY – Remembering Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista”

By: Roy Boquiron, BSC, MNZIM, MRSNZ, RSSG, KCR

The poet woke up on a Friday, little bit late What could have been the heroes’ fate Pondering the century and a generation hence Since ‘Don Bosyong’ unfurled our flag and waved At a balcony in Kawit, Cavite that saved Our country, the Philippines from the Spain’s Clutches of tyrannical and territorial gains. If the United States of America’s nationhood Has been defined by a document so good!

Written by the great Thomas Jefferson – The declaration of  Independence is a benchmark Where Filipinos can create a spark!

We had Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista – a lawyer by trade
Who came to helped a Nation in need. ‘Don Bosyong’ as he was fondly called; Historians will be amazed and enthralled He had the special bond and genetic connections To both Dr. Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio He was fondly called ‘Tio Bosyong’ by our National Hero; He was a great lawyer who championed the poor Never minding his own grandeur! He wrote the Declaration of Philippine Independence.

‘Don Bosyong’ was a megastar in jurisprudence Defying our Spanish colonial Conquistadores He was a presidential adviser to our first President – Don Emilio Aguinaldo, who led our nation ascent To the path of self-discovery and self-reliance With limited resources, fighting Spain, in total defiance!

If ‘Don Bosyong’ were alive today He might be happy; he might be sad and say – Filipinos are all over the world and helping others Make this world a safer and better place. A lot of Filipinos are working as nurses with grace, caring and sharing their warmth, their lives not in vain For no one can imprison the love of being independent again!

One in every four sailors that ply the sea routes Hails from the Philippines, the land the Spaniards sought The men and women who braved the high seas With calm and storm, they face every day.

They are the unsung heroes; the poet has nothing more to say Moving the people who traverse and trade So this world can function with ease, without tirade!

Windy Welly

Photo c/o RMO

"Goodwill towards others is a precious treasure" (Māori proverb). Wellington is my most favourite city in Aotearoa New Zealand. I was in the capital city over the weekend. I took the overnight bus, a good 11-hour trip, leaving Manukau at 7:30 p.m. and supposed to arrive at Porirua a few minutes after 6. Earlier on, our driver was saying we were 30 minutes late and that hopefully he will be able to make up for the lost time. I don’t know how and where, but we arrived at least 20 minutes earlier than expected. He must have put on speed somewhere. Probably between Rotorua and Taupo, or perhaps the Desert Road. There were five of us who alighted that early morning and of course all our welcomers weren’t around yet.

Wellington put on a display for me last Saturday. The sun was up, bright, and shiny, with cool winds and clear blue skies. In the morning, I quickly did my rounds, filming establishing shots of the city’s more famous landmarks: Te Papa, the old library, the cable car, street scenes, and ended up at KC Café and Takeaway for a quick lunch with family. It is without par, the best place for a roast duck meal. I then went to the Walter Nash stadium in Lower Hutt, to film the annual InterCity Games. Of course, the games were all exciting, the array of food was yummy and delicious, and I got to meet new and old friends.

The evening was spent in the company of family while we had a sumptuous dinner in my nephew’s new house. The conversation was jolly and delightful. All throughout the day, even though the sun was up, I still felt the coldness of winter. I guess it is an indication of what is in store for us this season.