Sometimes you don't get what you want...

I seem to have a knack of picking court hearing where absolutely nothing of significance will take place (but that's just me I'm sure for the parties involved a lot happened.) Anyhoo, the judicial system being bound as it is by laws both substantive and procedural (complex and continually evolving to boot,) has developed into a highly ritualized system with its own language and mores.

Myself, being a new lawyer, figured that I ought to see it in action a few times to get back into the groove. (I've appeared in court before under the law student rule, but its been a long while...) thus my treks to various halls of justices where I could sit in and observe the legal system at work. I've been doing this in between peddling my resumes and going to interviews, but as noted earlier, it seems I always pick a hearing that does not take place (there is a nagging suspicion in the back of my mind that all hearings are like that, which I steadfastly ignore lest I lose all faith in the system.)

For example, the one I went to this morning, the court calendar has about a dozen cases set, all criminal cases, with a nice balance of arraignment, pre-trials and hearings. Arraignments are easy and I really didn't expect much to happen, basically the charge against the accused is read to him or her (in a language jbown to him/her,) and thereupon s/he will make his/her plea (either guilty or not guilty,) not surprisingly both the accused that I saw today pleaded "not guilty." The judge therefore set the pre-trial for those cases roughly two months from now. (no problem really if the accused were free on bail but they were detained in these cases. still nothing they can do about it, that's how things work here.)

For the pre-trial, what usually happens is the prosecution and the defense can stipulate on facts (among other things they could also agree on the number of witnesses and admit evidence) unfortunately however there's no private prosecutor or private defense counsel so limited to both the public prosecutor and the representative from the public attorney's office for the accused, both choose not to stipulate. I am not being derogatory here either, considering the amount of work they both have it's easier to not stipulate on anything (even though the purpose of pre-trial is to save time) rather they will rely on rote memory in proving their cases (you've seen one case you've seen them all.) For the prosecution, establish guilt by proving the elements of the felony, for the defense, establish reasonable doubt. Also, the court would not need to bother with preparing a pre-trial brief, but instead go straight to trial. (which is also set two months down the road.)

Trials are what I came to see, I want to know the language; the motions (both figuratively and literally;) the rituals; the works.

...and of course, I didn't see it. Let's see, I think three of the cases set for trial did not take place because the witnesses for the prosecution were not around. (one was even provisionally dismissed by the judge because of that lapse.) At least one other did not take place because the accused did not show up (even the court's sheriff is not sure which detention facility holds the accused.) One other was postponed in the hopes of securing an amicable settlement between parties. One was re-raffled because the judge inhibited himself from hearing the case... and so and on...

Sigh... this is probably why I don't read legal thrillers, they're a bunch of baloney.

Books of the Week IV

Books read this week: 4

Titles:

Son of Darkness by Josepha Sherman.

Pain Management by Andrew Vachss. Finally with this book I managed to complete the Burke series of Novels except for the very last one (Terminal.) The only problem I have with my collection is the sizes don't match, I have some of them in Hardcover and at least two kinds of paperbacks. They don't look like they belong together in my drawer.

Mantle of Kendis Dai by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.

Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine. Book two of the Weather Warden series, I've already read book 1 (one of the times I actually get to read a series in order) and I have book 6 lying around somewhere. (though I'll try finding books 3-5 first before trying book 6.)

Getting closer to a job... maybe

Yesterday was a bit more productive, job-hunting wise. I had a second interview with a law firm in Ortigas, this time to test my writing skills I think because I had to write an essay about a two topics (death penalty and chosen by the managing partner. (I had the same experience with another law firm a few weeks ago.) On top of that I had two SMS messages that scheduled two other interviews with law firms I've submitted my resumes to (unfortunately they're set on the same day, though at least on different hours and in the same area, as long as the first interview don't extend for too long I'll be able to make both.) Also, I had time to commiserate with fellow applicants in the firm I did go to, and managed to secure a few more leads in my quest for employment. I also managed to score a couple of new books in Starmall which topped off a good day. 

I was going to celebrate by treating myself again to Superbowl of China's all-you-can-eat dimsum buffet on my way home, but I got there a bit late (the promo is only available from 3 to 5 p.m. and I got there a bit past 4) and the selections were a tad depleted with no sight of being replenished, thus I decided to gorge myself elsewhere. Thus, Cabalen in SM North Edsa. Cabalen actually has an all day buffet specializing in native (particularly Pampanganese) delicacies, but its a tad expensive for my taste, fortunately they also offer a merienda buffet for Php119, the selections are a bit limited but they're good value for money (in fact cheaper than that of Superbowl of China) plus they last form 3 to 6 in the afternoon. It's not dimsum , but I contented myself to gorging on spaghetti and pancit bihon, arozcaldo (rice porridge with chicken, saffron and ginger,) lots of lumpia and a variety of ricecakes (Puto, kutsinta, biko and palitaw,) there was also ginataan and halo-halo (though ingredients were limited to saba, sago, sweet potatoes and rice krispies.) I think I tried everything but the dinuguan. (blood stew eewww...)

Books of the Week III

Books read this Week: 4
Titles:
The Terminus Experiment by Jonathan E. Bond & Jak Koke. Part of the Shadowrun line of books. I made comment about this a few pin another post, apparently the scientific name for vampires in the Shadowrun world is Sanguisuga Europa (to differentiate it from asian vampires, perhaps?)

Down These Mean Streets by Keith R.A. DeCandido. A novel starring Spider-man. I don't usually enjoy books based on comics characters, since the medium doesn't usually translate well without the accompanying illustrations, but this was a good read, being true the characters and with descriptions that conveyed the action as well as any comics could. Reading it, I long for the return of the Peter Parker-Mary Jane relationship. The current Brand New Day setting in the ongoing comics leaves a lot to be desired.

The Incompleat Nifft by Michael Shea. Another compilation of two books previously published as Nifft the Lean and The Mines of Behemoth. It stars Nifft; a thief and tells of his many adventures (the book itself is divided into 5 stories.) It's a great read (except perhaps for the last story, though I'll get to that later,) though a bit wordy (very vivid descriptions, with plenty of words I'm unfamiliar with, and of course me being me, could not bother to look up in the dictionary.) Nifft seems to a superlative thief, though a bit unusual for his size and choice of weapons, for one he is tall, if lean (hence the name) and is more comfortable with the spear, javelin or harpoon. The usual mold for thieves in the fantasy setting is usually small of stature (and just as likely sensitive about the fact) and equipped with short sword or dagger or such similar weaponry. (Some notables are Gord of Greyhawk, Hanse Shadwospawn and the Grey Mouser.)

Anyway the problem I had with the last story was his greed, though perhaps that was meant to be a cautionary tale from the author. Still, I didn't like how his and his friend Barnar Hammer-Hand's (another common theme with thieves, the need for "muscle") allowed their avarice run so much so that it override common sense (it seems out-of-character considering the earlier stories) and their dealing with demons (took advantage is the better term,) most other "hero" characters would have nothing to do with demons or at least dealt fairly with them, once they give their word. His friend (the aforementioned Barnar) was probably correct when he exasperatedly berated his friend; "a thief down to the least lizardly bone of you." Still a good enough story from an author whose work I've only come across for the first time, which means I'll be keeping an eye out for his other works from now on.

Holiday Economics, Why?

Today is suppose to be Independence day, however the holiday was moved to last Monday in line with the administration's policy of holiday economics; that is that holidays (except those with religious significance) will be shifted to the nearest Monday to reduce disruption to business and production schedules, encourage domestic tourism and give employees long weekends.

So yes, last Monday was a non-working holiday (of course, myself being unemployed... everyday is still a holiday) however the ceremonies and celebrations to commemorate Independence Day is still scheduled and performed today... so, what's the use? It only makes it harder for people (who  are supposed to be at work or in school today,) to attend said celebrations and events.

The Foodie in Me

Still looking for a job! I've just about gone through the list of law firms from my school's (very much outdated) employers directory, so I'm taking up the more traditional routes of looking for employment by consulting newspaper ads as well as the less-traditional means of going online (either thru job search databases or list of law firms.) In fact I just came from one law firm yesterday who is actively looking for an associate where I submitted a resume (instead of my usual scattershot approach of dropping a resume at every firm I stopped by, whether or not they were looking for one or not) and another two names I'm going to visit today.

Anyway, I figure it's high time I come up with another topic for my posts and decided on food. Probably my only other vice (hobby seems such a tame word) aside from books and internet. Now, I'm no gourmet, and in food I usually prefer quantity over quality, so I usually find myself looking for decent all-you-can-eat joints around the metro. Considering that a decent meal would set me back around 70-80 pesos, I don't mind paying twice that much to eat in a buffet-type promo when it constitutes two meals for me since (if I know I'll be eating in such a place) I'll usually skip breakfast and eat there for lunch, or have a late lunch and skip dinner altogether. (I know it's probably unhealthy and I'll pay for it when I get older, but hey, you're only young once, ne?) Besides any higher (price that is) and I believe I'm wasting my money, since the goal is the same anyway (stuffing my face hehe!)

Yesterday while coming back from my job-hunting expedition I decided to stop by Trinoma, a newly-constructed and opened mall in North avenue (in direct competitioon with the estrablished SM City North Edsa) and found out that the Superbowl of China branch therein has a, you guess it, an eat-all-you-can promo for 149 pesos. I's only on until the end of this month and only available during the weekdays during 3-5 in the afternoon (I wasn't able to avail of this promo last time it was on because of prior employment where I'm only free Sundays,) so I decided to eat there yesterday. I especially like dimsum buffets because it is arguably healthier than my usual fare, the food being steamed or even when fried, at least it's veggies (spring rolls!)

For P149, you get several choices of dimsum dishes I stick with the siomai, spring rolls and steamed meat buns while avoiding entirely the chicken feet, a noodle of the day selection (where I embarrassed myself by scooping it on my plate thinking that it was one of those fried noodles variation before finding out later that it was actually served with stock as a noodle with soup kind of thing,) a congee of the day (chicken in this case,) soup of the day (didn't try it) and dessert (peanut buchi) plus a single-serve drink (Lemonade or Iced Tea.) It was worth the money, and would recommend it to anyone. In fact, I'm going to be going there again before the month is out.

School's In

The new schoolyear starts tomorrow. Ah, the memories... It's actually great to be over all that. What with the rising tuition and expenses nowadays... wouldn't want to put my parents through that anymore. Still I could at least symphatize with the doting parents who need to come up with the scratch to pay for their children's education, some of my friends and relatives bemoan their financial condition during this season (makes me wonder how I'll deal with it when I got kids of my own.)

Likewise, I can't help but feel sorry for the kids whose parents can't afford to send them to private schools considering the quality and condition of our public education system is in. Just watching the news describing their plight makes you wonder how they'll end up... Few schools that most students need to walk several kilometers to reach their classes (barefoot, no less.) Few Classrooms that classes are held in shifts (sometimes three times a day) or classes held simultaneously in the same classroom (of course, some classes are taught in the great outdoors there being no classroom at all.) Of course, sometimes the cause is not lack of rooms but lack of teachers. On top all that they have need to share what little textbooks and school supplies are available to them.

On the other hand, kids from well-to-do family, are being sent to pre-schools as early as two years old (sometimes younger) to get a leg-up on other kids. I'm sure I didn't start going to school until I was almost 5, I mean, why don't we give these kids a chance to be kids for a while longer?

Ah well... what do I know? I'm just happy to see that the back-to-school sales in most bookstores are starting to (or will start to) wind down. That way, all those shiny new school supplies they got laid out in all the prominent places in the stores will be taken down and put back in their usual places, so that the novels (usually the bargain bin stuff) they've displaced during the last two months will start coming back plus the crowd wpuld start thinning out, then I could start visiting these places again. Hey! I always said that I learned more from reading pocketbooks than from school anyway.

Books of the Week II

Books read this week: 3
Titles:
Broken by Kelley Armstrong. I'm finally getting into this series. It's just that I've been reading too many books of the same genre together in such short period, I'm starting too mix mythologies between books. For example, in Carrie Vaughn's Kitty Norville series, werewolves can't carry a pregnancy to term (they will always suffer miscarriage from the trauma inherent from changing from human to wolf) in Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld, werewolves can change even when pregnant. Other examples off the top of my head are whether lycantrophes would revert to human form when killed, even the vulnerability to silver part sometimes differ between books. And don't get me started with vampires...

Back\Slash by William H. Lovejoy. Note to self: Do not read, repeat, do not read cyber-thrillers past their year of publication. This book is 12 years old (published 1996,) and I find it difficult to maintain suspension of disbelief when I know that every state of the art and cutting edge computer technology mentioned there has been obsolete for years.

Funny Money by James Swain. Just one more book (Mr. Lucky) and I've completed the series. Woohoo! Of course, by the time I get that book, there'll probably a new book in the series and it'll probably be years again before I get my hand on that, sigh...

I also got my hands on Weirdos from Another Planet by Bill Watterson; a compilation of Calvin and Hobbes comic strips; my favorite non-online, non-local, no longer being released comic strip. (I should probably go easy on the qualifiers, some people might think it's no good.)

Flipside

I don't know if I'll be able to witness enough good deeds to make this a regular feature, but here goes;

Things that restore my faith in the basic goodness of humanity:
One of the managing partners in the law firm that I interviewed in gave me some tips on future interviews (i.e. what they want to hear, what they are looking for.) Of course, this probably means they're not going to hire me, but what the heck, like gifts, it's the thought that counts.

One of the firms I dropped my resume at, took the trouble to send me a letter to thank me for considering their firm in my job-hunting endeavours, and that while they do not have any opening at the moment, they will keep my resume on file in case something comes up. Hey! It may just be a form letter but they wasted postage on little 'ol me.

Things that ruin it:
The security personnel in the Philippines Stock Exchange (PSE) that won't allow me to copy the names of the law firms in the building. According to the guy, I should ask permission first from the building administration before I could do so. Being obstinate, I decided not to and instead just went up to the floors where I saw several law firms were located. Basically I went up to the 26th Floor then went down floor by floor (still using the lift) to the 21st floor (there's like 9 or so law firms within those floors.) After which, I was already planning to leave (having run out of resumes) when I was stopped by the same security guy and was asked whether I was the guy who went down floor to floor (which I did) and for what purpose. I was even asked to open up my bags for inspection. I don't know, was there anything suspicious with what I did? I already said I was dropping resumes before I went, I assume they have video cameras (after all they saw me going from floor to floor) wouldn't they have seen me going into the law offices at the same time? Besides, I'm too old to be playing with elevators anyway. The receptionists and security personnels in Makati was so much more courteous.



Ah well, aside from that hitch, any would-be lawyer should make the trip to Ortigas to drop their resumes, just the PSE towers (East and West) have around 30 law offices between them. Since I run out of resumes before I could submit to all of them, I'd probably come back (play tag with the security guys again... maybe or come up with a list of names before going in) plus visit the nearby buildings which also have their fair share of firms. In fact, I think there are more law firms per square feet in Ortigas than in Makati. (arghh... it's hard doing this with only an outdated and incomplete list of law firms.)