Clandestine Pugâ„¢ profile picture

Clandestine Pugâ„¢

ES LEBE DIE FREIHEIT!

About Me

I drink a lot of water. Too much, I think.

I am a Scorpio and am very passionate about the romance I want to pursue.

I work-out and run listening to hip-hop, dance, and Euro-house music.

I prefer to sleep with classical or jazz.

I enjoy a good political and intellectual debate on how to save the world. I also like to get involved.

I can do this freaky thing with my toes called “The Grip”.

I do not consider myself as a perfectionist nor an over-achiever, but I excel in the causes that I believe are important.

I like to read, write, contemplate, deliberate, collaborate, and just plain sleep.

I like Green Tea but prefer White Tea, which has better antioxidants.

I can’t juggle worth a damn but I can twirl my pen with both hands without looking.

I love staying in hotel rooms and sleeping with big fluffy pillows. It's probably because I grew up in them.

I am not motivated by fortune and property but rather by ideals and causes.

I require myself to do one random act of kindness every Friday. That’s why I call them Good Fridays.

I describe myself as an exceptional person, who embraces adversity.

I have a weakness for dark chocolate. And a good bottle of Shiraz .

I eat healthy most of the time but my favorite fatty food is fried chicken.

I like to drive fast and 6 gears would be really nice. But, I also want to drive a car that runs on Ethanol.

I had a black pug. She died. I cried. Now, I want a Wiemaraner puppy.

I believe that Chivalry is not dead. It just takes a nap sometimes.

I believe in noblesse oblige.

I like wearing my favorite jeans, the original Levi’s 501s.

I once knew how to play the guitar and the sax.

I think that the best room in the house is the kitchen.

I always thought of myself as a modern-day “Sydney Carton” from Charles Dicken's A Tale of Two Cities .

I've been described by friends as the nicest person people would want to meet.

I like turtles and alligators. I decided to have them as my ‘mascots’.

I don’t like clutter.

I want to be a United States Attorney.

I would like to help preserve, protect, and defend the U.S. Constitution.

I am a staunch defender of the Catholic faith, but I think pedophile priests should go to jail.

I abhor human trafficking, the new form of slavery. It transcends age, gender, race, culture, and geography. It's all about sexual and economic exploitation and it has to stop. Now.

I can read and write Latin. Ancaro imparo .

I run marathons and races. Because of the medals.

I climb mountains, too. But, not lately.

I like to serve humanity and to give back. And it gives me back even more.

I have my own non-profit private foundation called philanthropyOne . Please ask me about it, if you want to help me out.

I have always believed that with freedom comes responsibility. It’s never really free.

I had pen-pals from all over the world when I was little and I still keep them now. They make me feel extra loved.

I've been to a Playboy party. Yes, really.

I own stock in Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: PLA)

I was once a qualified “Rifle Marksman”.

I still know how to play with an M16A2 5.56mm Semiautomatic Rifle. But, I would rather play with the M4A1 Carbine instead.

I had my 21-run when I was 15. I don’t drink too much anymore.

I once broke into a foreign embassy for an important mission in a foreign country. I never got caught and the mission was accomplished. I was close to being persona non grata .

I always wonder about Jim from Boston . He was my partner during that mission and I lost track of him. I hope he's doing okay.

I am related to one of the founding fathers of Asia 's first democracy. He was my great-grandfather and he helped build the First Philippine Republic (La Republica Filipinas) in 1899. I can read about him in history books.

You can also read about him, too.

I am also related to the guy that started the The New Republic magazine and I am a subscriber.

I am a product of colonialism, one of the last of a dying breed.

I have the same birthday as Mickey Mouse, which is on November 18. Maybe Minnie will give me a kiss someday too.

I was an accomplished artist in high school and had my work catalogued and exhibited.

I can't draw anything anymore. So, please don't ask me to draw.

I met the great architect, Santiago Calatrava . We talked about bull-fighting as an art form.

I miss those times when I was a kid reading a book under a tree on a nice summer day.

I really enjoyed my first classic novel, George Orwell’s Animal Farm. I read it when I was 9. Since then, I knew I wanted to study government and politics.

I sing in the shower or when driving alone.

I hate eating alone.

I have a rubber ducky named “Rachel”. It was given to me as a gift.

I want to win the lottery so I can afford to raise an expedition to the bottom of the world. I want to climb the Mount Vinson Massif , in Antarctica .

I also want to open a restaurant someday called Scorpio Grill. After 11 p.m. on the weekends, it turns into Club Sting.

I prefer my breakfast cereal with soy milk and the occasional banana.

I have a dream of living in a historic colonial home. I would have a red front door with “Old Glory” flying on the side.

I support historic preservation. I have no idea why, I just do. Or maybe the ghosts made me do it.

I really do know what it means to miss New Orleans .

I left a part of my soul there.

I will always be haunted by her charm, grace, history, hospitality, flavor, and spirit. It broke my heart when the Storm came!

My Interests

ACADEMIC : Constitutional Law | Economics | History | International Law | Linguistics | National Security Law | Organizational Leadership | Preservation Law | Political Science | Public Affairs | Public Health | Public Policy | Strategic Intelligence

ASSOCIATIONS : AFIO | American Political Science Association (APSA) | DNC   | Filipino American Young Professionals, Washington DC | Kappa Alpha | Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) | National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP) | Phi Alpha Delta | SMOTJ | Society for Philosophical Inquiry (SPI) | The Loyal Order (TLO) | The Mountaineers, Seattle | University of Washington Alumni Association, Seattle | Washington State Society

HOBBIES : Adventure Travel | Alpine Climbing | Architectural Photography | Arts | Cinema | Cooking | Dancing | Endurance Sports | Family | Friends | Health & Fitness | Hiking | Journalism | Reading | Running | Sleep

MAGAZINES : Best Life | Dwell | Esquire | Everyday with Rachael Ray | Food & Wine | Foreign Policy | International Journal of Intelligence & Counter Intelligence | Kappa Alpha Journal | Legal Affairs | Men’s Health | Metropolitan Home | National Geographic | New Orleans | NoVA | Outside | Philadelphia | Runner’s World | Seattle Metropolitan | The Alpinist | The Economist | The New Republic | Washington Law & Politics

PERIODICALS: El Pais | The Financial Times | The International Herald Tribune | The London Times | The New Orleans Times-Picayune | The New York Times | The Seattle Post-Intelligencer | The Seattle Times | The Washington Post

PHILANTHROPY : Clinton Global Initiative, NYC | Decatur House, Washington DC | KAOEF | National Constitution Center, Philadelphia | Old St. Joseph’s Church, Philadelphia | Old St. Mary’s Church, Philadelphia | Operation: Sack Lunch, Seattle | Partners In Health International, Boston | PhilanthropyOne | Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans | Seattle Architectural Foundation | Seattle Art Museum | SeattleWorks | St. James Cathedral, Seattle | St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans | The National Trust, Washington DC | Tiger Woods Learning Center | University of Washington Foundation | United Services Organizations (USO) | World Trade Center Memorial Foundation

SPORTS TEAMS : Atletico De Madrid (La Liga Futbol ) | Baltimore Orioles (MLB) | DC United (MLS) | Los Angeles Kings (NHL) | Miami Heat (NBA) | San Francisco 49ers (NFL) | Seattle Mariners (MLB) | Seattle Seahawks (NFL) | Seattle Storm (WNBA) | Spain (FIFA) | Washington Capitals (NHL) | Washington Huskies (NCAA)

[If you right click on the bold above, you can open a new window for the hyperlink to get more information on that subject.]

I'd like to meet:

Funny people with big laughs and witty sarcasm.

Individuals who are true to themselves and to those around them.

Brothers in arms with gentle souls.

Dynamic and inspiring visionaries who will always hold me accountable to a higher standard.

Policy makers who regard policy operators as equal policy thinkers.

Responsible people who never forgot to have fun.

Heroes and survivors of 9/11.

Intellectuals and academics that consider the open-mind as the ultimate classroom.

Philanthropists and humanitarians committed to the greater cause.

Sinners and saints.

Fallen angels and rebels with a cause.

Believers and infidels.

Renaissance men and classy women.

Leaders and masters of their destiny who can share with me their wise counsel.

Beauty queens with brains, talent, and humility.

Storytellers, thespians, and creative artists that enjoy showing to the world that human frailty is a big part of the great comedy called Life.

Courageous individuals who still see the worth in fighting for a piece of paper a noble cause, whether it’s on the field of battle or in the court room.

Those same individuals who would also be willing to die for that piece of paper, if necessary.

Philosophers and truth-seekers that will always encourage me to keep asking questions.

Explorers and adventurers with eyes on the prize.

Healers, scientists, magicians, and miracle workers.

Gentlemen of honor and ladies with character.

Brilliant and kind personalities from all walks of life: regardless of religion, profession, and creed.

Peacemakers, legislators, and diplomats who speak the language of compromise.

Current and former global nomads.

Champions of any sport or game who rise to the occasion.

Witnesses who speak truth to power.

Pioneers, risk-takers, trail blazers, and entrepreneurs.

Purveyors of art, beauty, and imagination.

People with cojones and moxie. Or balls.

Rockstars and divas that can sing a rhyme and belt a tune.

Travelers who know where they are going. And those who are stuck along the way.

Dreamers and doers who strive for excellence.

Family and friends who would like to “break bread” with me.

Old friends, lost loves, and past flames.

New friends who are ready to be found.

Best friends who are willing to be made.

Eventually, I Would Also Like To Meet:

The Right One.

She is my

best friend,

trusting confidant,

seductive mistress,

greatest admirer,

ravishing princess,

generous girlfriend,

loyal angel,

intellectual equal,

passionate lover,

unfailing motivator,

versatile teammate,

faithful inspiration,

romantic goddess,

strongest ally,

hardest critic,

devoted life partner,

And if the slipper fits (or the occasional Prada stilettos),

Maybe someone more permanent,

My loving wife.

Or maybe, all she needs to be is to be just right, instead of being the right one.

Yes, that's more like it, “Ms. Just Right”.

She’s someone who's perfectly imperfect.

I like that.

It’s just right.

Hello, Ms. Just Right.

Welcome to my world, it’s nice to finally meet you!

Where have you been?

Let me be your muse.

Tell me about yourself.

And thanks for coming by.

Music:

* Arman Van Helden

*Armin Van Buuren

* Bacilos

* Barenaked Ladies

*Black Eyed Peas

*Better Than Ezra

*Born

*Boston

*Buena Vista Social Club

*Creed

*Creedance Clearwater Revival

*Crowded House

*Diana Krall

*Don McLean

*Echo & The Bunnymen

*Ella Fitzgerald

*Elvis

*Enrique Iglesias

*Eric Clapton

*Esteban

*Gypsy Kings

*Harry Connick , Jr.

*Hillary Hahn

* Jermaine Dupree

*Johann Sebastian Bach

*John Legend

*Kate Ryan

*Lisa Stansfield

*Louis Prima

*Ludwig van Beethoven

*Madeleine Peyroux

*Maroon 5

*Miles Davis

*Pink Martini

*Snoop

*Sting

*Summer

*The Doors

*The Isley Brothers

* Tupac

*U2

*Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

and many more!

I like to listen to all kinds of music but I especially turn the volume up for Muddy Waters, B. B. King, John Lee Hooker and Robert Johnson. I like the Blues . It’s music that confronts and survives the complexities of life. Willie Dixon once said that ‘the blues don't always mean trouble and misunderstanding, and that it's always better up the road.’ Well, I relate to that.

I work out with techno/house/dance or hip-hop, I drive with classic rock, I relax with jazz and blues, and I study or sleep with classical. Go figure!

[If you right click on the bold above, you can open a new window for the hyperlink to get more information on that subject.]

Movies:

I have a decent collection of movies and foreign films on DVD.

My favorite romance movie is also my favorite work by Tom Hanks. It’s a less-known production released in 1986 entitled Everytime We Say Goodbye.

This movie is a story about an American pilot who enlisted in the British Royal Air Force (RAF) to fight in World War II before the United States joined the Allied campaign against the Axis powers. During the war, Tom Hanks’ character ended up recovering from a leg injury in Jerusalem. Through an English friend, he meets a quiet Jewish girl. The two are attracted to each other but she is convinced their diverse backgrounds mean it could never work. Not only is he a gentile, but his father is also a protestant minister. While they keep running into each other in the small community, they find themselves just as frequently parting again.   It’s an awesome sentimental love story with a hint of comedy and drama.

True to form, now you know that I am a sucker for impossible love stories.

Also, my other favorites are Le Violon Rouge/ The Red Violin (1998) and The English Patient   (1996). These Academy Award-winning films sparked my sense of adventure and romantic history. Saving Private Ryan (1998) is another Academy Award-wining film that is my favorite Spielberg production. It was poignant and profound because it reminded me of what my grandfather probably experienced during his youth. He was a World War II hero I never met. His rank was brigadier general when he died.

By the way, Tom Hanks starring in two of my favorite films is purely coincidental. Although, it is interesting to note that both films are war-related and happens to be serious roles for the versatile actor.

[If you right click on the bold above, you can open a new window for a hyperlink to get more information on that subject.]

Television:

I don’t watch TV that much but when I am stuck at home, I usually let The History Channel rule my sanctuary while doing stuff around. I also welcome the BBC World News, CNN International Edition , CNN’s Anderson Cooper, and MSNBC TV’s Hardballl with Christ Matthews into my home to raise my situational awareness about the latest issues and happenings in the world.

For entertainment, my current favorite is Spooks (BBC-produced drama thriller about the Her Majesty’s Security Service: MI-5 ) featured on BBC-World TV. Another current TV favorite is FX’s Rescue Me for its boldness, honesty, and courage in depicting the complexities and conflicts of interpersonal relationships and angst in the post 9-11 world. If I can catch them, the other shows that I like are: * Boston Legal (ABC) * CSI (CBS) * CSI: Miami (CBS) * Grey's Anatomy (ABC) * Las Vegas (NBC) * NCIS (CBS) * The Amazing Race (CBS) * The Unit (CBS)

Also, I enjoyed these cancelled shows: Alias (ABC) , Conviction (NBC) , JAG (CBS) , The E-Ring (NBC), and The West Wing (NBC).

As you can probably tell with the shows I like, I am a big fan of espionage thrillers for personal reasons that I would only reveal to someone who can keep my secrets.

[If you right click on the bold above, you can open a new window for the hyperlink to get more information on that subject.]

Books:

I read a lot of books but my favorite classic is A Tale of Two Cities (1859) by Charles Dickens. Last year, I also discovered Le Chevalier du Maison-Rouge/ The Knight of the Red House (1845) by Alexander Dumas to be a favorite. Both classics are a brilliant combination of romance, intrigue, history, adventure, politics, honor, and betrayal. I appreciate that!

Also, I collect first editions and to date, a 1940 edition of For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway is my best acquisition so far. I also have a mint 1949 edition of Paul Bowles ’ The Sheltering Sky.

To know more about my past and current reads, please check out my BLOG above for seasonal “book reviews” of my current and former reading lists. I hope that you will take something out of it, one way or another.

[If you right click on the bold above, you can open a new window for the hyperlink to get more information on that subject.]

Heroes:

"Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show." From David Copperfield (1849) by Charles Dickens .

My greatest all time hero is Dr. Jose P. Rizal , the Filipino political scientist. Dr. Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda , (1861-1896) was a Filipino nationalist and patriot, novelist, poet, lawyer, scientist, athlete, artist and physician. Because of his ideas for political reform in the Philippine Islands, Dr. Rizal was executed by the Spanish colonial administration at the young age of 35 in 1896. His ideas for social reform by non-violent means inspired numerous historical figures like Mohandas K. Gandhi (India) , Jawaharlal Nehru (Pakistan) , Martin Luther King, Jr. (USA) , and Nelson Mandela (South Africa) . Dr. Rizal’s life truly exemplified the virtue that the pen is mightier than the sword.

My hero for the 2006 is: LCDR Richard Jadick , a medical surgeon for the U.S. Naval Reserve.

My past annual heroes are: Marla Ruzicka (2005) and CPT Sean P. Sims (2004).

CPT Sims was a high school classmate who was killed in Fallujah , Iraq on November 13, 2004 . He is survived by his immediate family, a loving wife, and a proud son.

Back in high school, I can still remember getting him drunk for the first time! Even when drunk, Sean was a perfect gentleman. All who knew and loved Sean will miss him greatly. Requiescat in pace.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”   -John 15:13

[If you right click on the bold above, you can open a new window for the hyperlink to get more information on that subject.]

My Blog

MySpace Or Yours?

  All this week, there has been a build-up to this point on the "final" look of my page on MySpace. Since I got on here, I've been asked lots on why I ended up in here in the first place. I think...
Posted by Clandestine Pug" on Sat, 09 Sep 2006 02:04:00 PST

An Open Letter To All New Orleanians, Diaspora Or Not!

On this solemn anniversary of the Storm,   I just want you to know that the whole world will never forget your plight and that,   New Orleans will bounce back!   The city and the spir...
Posted by Clandestine Pug" on Tue, 29 Aug 2006 02:26:00 PST

Your Body, A New Orleans Painter, POWs, Interracial Romance, Socrates, And Dokte Paul

Your Body, A New Orleans Painter, POWs, Interracial Romance, Socrates, And Dokte Paul: My Summer Book Reviews   As you can probably tell, I love books! If youve been lucky enough to visit my hum...
Posted by Clandestine Pug" on Thu, 10 Aug 2006 08:36:00 PST

The Right One Is Not Perfect, But She's Just Right!

People are talking.   Parents are perplexed.   Relatives are curious.   Friends are anxious.   And wedding planners are getting impatient.   What about, you might ask? &...
Posted by Clandestine Pug" on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 05:06:00 PST

Whats In Your Wallet?

  For fun, I decided to parody the recent Capital One commercial campaign called "What's In Your Wallet?" and to personally answer the question myself. The advertising campaign is now over but i...
Posted by Clandestine Pug" on Thu, 25 May 2006 10:17:00 PST

A Self-Portrait

  When I was recruited by an intelligence agency after college, I was required to describe myself by answering the question "Who Am I?" with an essay. This is what I came up with: I describe myse...
Posted by Clandestine Pug" on Thu, 06 Apr 2006 09:55:00 PST

The 25 Questions

  This interview was taken by a local magazine a few years back when they were featuring single professionals in Seattle. It never made it to press to but I just thought I'd share it with you. I...
Posted by Clandestine Pug" on Sun, 02 Apr 2006 01:05:00 PST

Why I Am A Democrat

A lot of people have asked me about my political affiliation lately. And, by all means, I like to entertain the question too. It's an election year, after all. But, it's probably because of my profil...
Posted by Clandestine Pug" on Wed, 29 Mar 2006 10:15:00 PST

I Am A Military Brat

I found this cool poem that was probably written years ago. As I grow older, I cannot help but look back to where I came from. It's always nice to "come home" sometimes. For those who share my herita...
Posted by Clandestine Pug" on Tue, 28 Mar 2006 03:57:00 PST