Typhoon Ella

After the devastation caused by bagyo Ondoy and Pepeng (typhoons Ketsana and Parma), the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) had suffered another storm-- typhoon Ella. This typhoon formed when Ella Rose delos Santos in her blog entitled "Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo (A special report from a volunteer)" accused DSWD of hoarding donations especially the imported goods such as imported canned goods and Coleman camp pads. This of course sparked fury especially from Filipinos who were affected by the typhoons and those who volunteered and had actually witnessed how the people suffered. This anger was even fueled with the pictures she posted on her blog. They showed that there were 4 warehouses full of donations with no one (other than the group of Ella who volunteered) packing/repacking the goods to be given out to victims.

I agree that our government is slow to react especially during the Ondoy onslaught and DSWD is perceived to be one of the most corrupt agencies in the country. However I believe this particular statement of Ella is uncalled for...

"In my opinion, these deaths could have been prevented if Secretary Cabral had tried a little harder to do her job".

By saying this, she is stirring up something that has the grave potential to be blown out of proportion. She is suggesting to put the blame of some deaths to Secretary Cabral. Right now after suffering 2 consecutive devastating typhoons and a threat of a possible volcanic eruption, the Filipino people are at the height of their emotions. And that statement calls for a 'sober mind' to be understood correctly.

In Ella's October 24th blog post she is consoling a man who was a typhoon victim and who I think even lost a family member. At the same time she is trying to tell the man "not to blame and hate Secretary Cabral" for what happened. But she was actually the one who encouraged such emotions when she said "In my opinion, these deaths could have been prevented if Secretary Cabral had tried a little harder to do her job". Statements like this calls for people to react irrationally (although that might not be her primary motive for her famous/infamous blog).

I believe there are many more who feel the same way. I hope Ella understands the power she has as a blogger with many readers/followers. Exposing the truth as what you've witnessed is commendable. But the consequences of your statements should also be in mind.

There is Miracle in Ondoy

For the first time in 40 years, Manila has suffered the worst of floods. Metro Manila along with 25 provinces in Luzon had been declared in state of calamity. The devastation seemed insurmountable.

The tragedy of 'Bagyo Ondoy' however has also brought miracles. Our country, being an archipelago has divided us even since pre-colonial era. This is the reason why the Spaniards were able to conquer us easily and several attempts of revolution failed because Filipinos were not one. Sociologists say that our identity and loyalty lies on which region we belong to. But when Ondoy lashed his fury in Luzon, help from all over the country arrived. When typhoon Frank hit Iloilo worst, help from all over the Philippines came. And now that Luzon is the one in need, Ilonngos said "it's our turn to help". Regionalism was eradicated. Even Filipinos abroad rallied to gather help for their 'kababayans' in distress.

If the damage of Ondoy's aftermath is insurmountable, help, prayers and blessings are overwhelming. Aside from the various effort extended by our fellow Filipinos, donations from other countries also pour in. It is my prayer that ALL the help extended to the typhoon victims would really reach them. May God protect all the money from getting lost into fat wallets.

Kris's funeral?

Even in Cory's funeral, Kris steals the limelight. So should the people bury kris intead?

The Comedy Behind the Hayden Cam Scandal

For the past 2 weeks we've had an overdose of the Hayden-Katrina sex video scandal. But we can't seem to get enough of it with all the twists and turns. But it's also noticeable that this "tragedy" has its own share of humor.

The first big, fat joke is Senator Bong Revilla when he condemned Hayden Jr. in his privilege speech on May 19 saying "Ang tinutukoy ko po ay si Dr. Hayden Kho who is a pervert of the highest kind, a predator who has no conscience nor respect for women". This could have been a powerful statement had it not come from a person also known as a womanizer. Isn't he showing "no conscience nor respect" for his wife too?

The next joke is on Hayden. when he said "Condemn the sin, not the sinner". So Hayden are trying to say, your sin should be the one held accountable? If that is your rationale then dapat walang mga tao sa mga kulungan. Ganon?

The third joke is Mrs. Irene Kho (Hayden's mom) when she accused Manay Lolit Solis, Senator Revilla Jr., Katrina Halili and even GABRIELA (a militant group helping abused women). It was like she's saying everybody is at fault except her son. She even paints a picture of her Hayden Jr. as “matino, mabait, and disente.” Naku naman Mrs. Kho ikaw yata ang lulong sa droga.

Another joke is Ruffa Mae Quinto who is obviously a participant in one of Hayden's 40 sex videos. Pero cge lang deny to the death pa rin albeit the fact that pictures or even videos of them are floating on the internet. Maybe she's still waiting for their "indie film" to be popularized. Todo na 'to!

And the final joke as of this afternoon was a nasty prank when Hayden Kho Jr. is attending the Senate Hearing and all of a sudden an ex cop identified as Abner Afuang splashed water all over him. He was arrested for this. Kho's lawyers then took this as a chance to reiterate their petition to make the hearing "closed-doors" arguing that their client is also a victim of public hatred and shock. But he should not be shielded from this. In fact, this is the least that he has to go through. This is also a result of his own doing. He may not be responsible for spreading the video but he shouldn't have taken it in the first place.

Aling Dionesia, the Pambansang Nanay

http://thumbnails.truveo.com/0011/51/B8/51B8886F05CD75A48EC08D.jpg

The Pambansang Nanay, Aling Dionesia is celebrating her 60th birthday today with a debut theme- complete with 18, wishes, 18 Roses, 18 candles, 18 wishes and a 4-tiered fondant cake.

With the Pambansang Kamao's recent astounding victory, his mom, Aling Dionesia dubbed as the Pambansang Nanay has been every bit a part of his fame and glory. And she seems to be the one who's enjoying it the most.

Is it just me or does she really seem to be bordering on her "nutsy" side lately? Maybe she also took a punch from Hatton straight in the head(LOL!) I mean I understand that she was deprived of life's luxuries earlier in her life- and in fact I'm happy with all that she's enjoying right now especially after all the hardship they went through. But she seems to be taking all the attention a little too seriously. Well maybe she really deserves the fame and glory. After all she said "kung walang Pambansang Nanay, walang Pambansang Kamao". Well, there you have it. Very well said from the new "Pambansang Madam".

The Magic of Pacman

After sending the beer-drinking Englishman Ricky Hatton smashing to the canvas in 2 minutes and 59 seconds into the 2nd round, Manny Pacquiao had proved to the world that he is undeniably the best pound for pound boxer in the world. Despite Coach Floyd Mayweather Sr.'s trashy talks and Hatton's aggressive punches. This is Manny's blow to some sour speculations that he may have won against the Golden Boy delaHoya December last year only because delaHoya is no longer as good as he used to be.

But Pacman's powers are not confined to the MGM Arena or any other boxing ring. Only a Pacquiao fight can gather a multitude of people in a gym, in a theater, in a bar or anywhere where there is a TV showing his fight- regardless of class, age and nationality; Like Christmas, Pacquiao can also make the military and the insurgent groups cease fire; and it is also in the duration of a Pacquiao fight we can achieve a zero-crime rate.

The Phenomenal Susan Boyle

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=susan+boyle

As of April 16, Susan Boyle has a phenomenal record of 1 million viewers in YouTube alone. Not to mention the blogs about her and television coverage from various countries.

Boyle caught the world's attention and affection when she wowed the audience and made the judges literally drop their jaws on her performance in Britain's got Talent. When she first appeared on stage, you can see and feel the crowd's hostility and disgust. But when she started singing, the crowd was full of awe and admiration. And later, they were teary-eyed; so touched and so moved by her voice and by the transformation.

Imagine, this simple 47-year-old, single and unemployed woman from Blackburn, Scotland is now an instant sensation and an inspiration to many all over the world. She has touched so many lives especially those who like her, is often looked down because most people cannot or refuse to see through the facade.

Here's another ugly Betty reminding the world that there is more to people than meets the eye.

I'm so happy that after 47 years this gem was given the opportunity to break through her coarse, rocky surface.

Uling For Sale

I am writing this blog as I am watching Kara David's report on iWitness "Mga Batang Inasal". It's English translation doesn't sound quite right - The barbeque children. But believe me this has nothing to do with cannibalism. This is because these kids from the province of Sipalay Negros Occidental make uling (charcoal) for a living. We use uling to grill barbeque, steaks and as a substitute for an LPG gas, we use it to cook our ulam, rice and boil water to make it safe for us to drink. These are things we so often take for granted and yet these are already considered luxuries that the Batang Inasal could only dream of tasting. They couldn't even afford to buy rice. I was taken aback when Kara asked one of the kids how often they could eat rice. The kid said they could only taste rice during weddings or birthdays. Regularly,their diet consists of bananas, crushed corn which substitues as their rice and whatever they can find around them such as leaves and even (taklong) snails.

Making uling is really hard work. these kids have to go up the mountain which involves a 3-4 hour hike. In the mountain that's where they get wood to burn. Burning the wood needs to be done carefully - if it's too hot, the wood will turn to ashes and if there's not enough heat, the wood will still be moist inside and this will not be bought. They have to stay in the mountain for a few days to finish the process. The leaves and the branches become their shelter. I am amazed at how resourceful these kids are. This is probably what they gained from a lifestyle of having to make-do with practically nothing. And they've been doing this since they were as young as 5 years old. After they have packed all the uling in the sacks ready to be sold, they have to carry these sacks on their head down to the foot of the mountain. Again, they would have to endure a 3-4 hour hike before they reach it. And after all their hard work, they go home without any cent. For all the sacks they delivered to the store are just enough to pay their debt.

So the next time I eat barbeque or chicken inasal, I'l remember the kids who labor so hard to make the uling used to cook food that they can eat only once in a blue moon. And when I say grace, I'll pray that God will supply their needs as they are also supplying the people's need.

ABS CBN's TV Patrol and Bandila turned The Buzz?

With the current crisis that TV Patrol news anchor, Ted Failon is facing, I am utterly outraged at how the ABS CBN news team is dealing with the situation.

They have been using their programs to vindicate Failon and to deliver a propaganda on his favor. I am also dumbfounded at how they easily manipulate the "news" to paint the picture that the police officers are terribly unreasonable and violent in handling this case.

I'm sorry to say this but I probably saw Korina Sanches' worst form last night, April 16 in Bandila as she was "interviewing" Kaye Etong (Failon's eldest daughter). I was bewildered at how she maneuvered the "interview" to convince their viewers that the police are the culprits in this case and she was even driving the point that the police were the ones responsible for the death of Trinidad Etong.

I have compared the news reports of ABS CBN with the reports of GMA and Philippine Daily Inquirer and I noticed there were some information that were withheld by ABS. Considering that they are the only ones granted "exclusive" coverage and interviews with Failon camp I couldn't understand why their stories lack substance and the other stations could come up with more "facts" even though they are only allowed limited acess to this story.

ABS CBN's news reports veer away from the facts and the investigation. They instead cater to the more emotional side of the story. Is this their tactic to get the public's sympathy? Because of this, they have ceased to be a news team and turned into showbiz where a strong hunch and emotion can pass off as "news".

I thought that news is supposed to be objective, without bias, and professional.

Failon thinks the police are pursuing him because of his job as a broadcaster. (Recently Failon had been very vocal with regards to his disgust at the PNP regarding the EDSA shootout). But the way I see it, Failon is expecting special treatment as a famous news anchor and he is upset that the police are not taking his word when he said that his wife commited suicide and he has nothing to do with it. The police are merely doing their job. I remember Gil Grisom (CSI Vegas) once said that everyone who happened to be at the crime scene is considered a suspect and should of course be investigated. And any suicide case is not exempted from police investigation. Which is what the police are doing. However since the Etong clan are not cooperative then the police would have to result to something more drastic. Good luck to the QCPD (Quezon City Police Deprtment) if Ted Failon wins in the 2010 Senatorial race.

While I understand that Ted Failon is their very good friend, they should not let the credibility of their programs as well as their credibility as broadcasters be compromised.

Suicide or Homicide?

The general content of the news since yesterday, April 15 is about the alleged "suicide" of Ted Failon's wife, Trinidad Etong and his suspected involvement in it.

As per Teodoro Etong's (Failon's real name) statement “Hindi ko tinapos ang aking programa sa dzMM kaninang umaga matapos kong makausap ang aking asawa sa telepono kaya umuwi ako kaagad at natagpuan kong nakakandado ang pinto ng banyo. Pinabuksan ko ang pinto at natagpuan ko ang aking asawa na duguan kung kaya’t tinakbo ko siya agad sa hospital".

However despite this statement, the police consider him as a suspect along with the other people who were in the house (Ted Failon, Pamela - Trinidad's sister, 2 helpers, the house boy and the driver) at the time of the incident. These are some of the reasons I know why the police or investigators are doubting the credibility of Failon's statement:

First of all no one reported the incident to the police. I would understand if at the sight of the dying wife they were all still dumbfounded and depressed. However as per their statement, Trinidad was brought to the hospital at 11 AM. The police only found out about the incident at 4PM (correct me if I'm wrong) when the hospital informed them. Why didn't anybody among them ever thought of reporting the incident to the police? They actually had several hours after the incident to do this.

Second, it is terribly outrageous that the household cleaned up the bathroom where the "suicide" was committed. Ted Failon, being in media for a very long time should know that one should never ever tamper with the scene of the "incident". This is crucial in the police's investigation. For this could either implicate him or clear his name. The helpers and the drivers claimed that they did this in their own volition. But somehow I believe that Failon is not unaware when the "clean up" happened.

I also couldn't understand why Failon appears to be uncooperative towards the investigation. I believe that if you're being suspected and you want to be vindicated, you should be willing to let them investigate you for this is the only way to prove your innocence.

Failon allowed himself to undergo paraffin testing where the results proved he was negative for gunpowder burns. The helpers, the house boy and the driver also came out negative.

The latest update also states that the police also conducted paraffin testing on Trinidad Etong and she was also negative for gunpowder burns. Now this is even more baffling.

So... if the person who supposed to have committed suicide is negative for gunpowder burns and so are the suspects, what really happened? Honestly, I think this will be one of the cases that will be left unsolved.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/157157/Whodunit-Police-in-a-bind-over-shooting-of-Failons-wife

My Thoughts on Chip Tsao's Apology and Justification

The Chinese columnist Chip Tsao's article earned itself a variety of reactions from Filipinos especially. Most are of course violent, but there are also some who found justification on what he wrote. There are even some Filipino analysts and columnists who "agree" with the nasty things Tsao said about us.

Here's a link where you can read the full article (thanks to jerry Liao):

http://asia.cnet.com/blogs/infochat/post.htm?id=63009834&scid=hm_bl

According to HK magazine his infamous statement "nation of servants" is merely a satire. But no matter how much they stress that that statement was not meant literally, they could never justify the insult on that statement because Tsao made his prejudice against Filipinos more evident when he said "I summoned Louisa my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell everyone of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China". Now tell me Chip, how could you justify this? This is clearly a manifestation of his discrimination over Filipinos. And by stating holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, he is all the more stressing the point that even educated Filipinos are "servants".

I read a blog and an article saying that it's funny how we Filipinos reacted harshly against Tsao's statement when it is true that a lot of Filipinos are domestic helpers. Yes, it is a stark reality that a lot of Filipinos work abroad as domestic helpers - even degree holders. It is not his statement per se that caused Filipinos in general to be furious - it is the content of what he said that we are angered about. Read between the lines of his article and you can feel his disrespect towards Filipinos. And this was published on the internet where everyone around the world can read about how he belittles us.

Tsao also said "it was never meant to hurt Filipinos". But what was he thinking when he "wrote" that article?

If we condone and justify what Chip Tsao said against us, it is like giving them the permission to insult our dignity and allowing them to exploit us. Filipinos had already been exploited since the time the Spaniards occupied our country and up to this day when we submit ourselves to cheap labor because foreigners know that as a nation, we are desperately needy.

So despite the apology I believe that a protest rally is still in order. To make known to the world that discrimination and insults will never be tolerated by "a nation of servants".

Tribute to a Local Hero

Early morning Monday, April 1st the Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD) team of ICPO (Iloilo City Police Office) received a call from Barangay Kagawad Yolanda Cenato of East Baluarte Molo that a grenade was a thrown to her house. SPO3 Rafael Managuit together with PO1 Rocky Jimeno, Albert Sardoa and Abonjo Diaz were the ones who proceeded to the area.

The team as able to retrieve the grenade safely from the vicinity and they brought it to their headquarters. According to the narration of the surviving team members, SPO3 Managuit was already cleaning up or probably tucking away the explosive in their headquarters when suddenly they heard a clicking sound. They all knew it was going to blow. SPO3 Managuit was quick to cover the bomb with his body so as to save his comrades from the full impact of the explosion. Because of this, the Jimeno, Sardoa and Diaz only suffered wounds. The following day, while recuperating in a hospital they were presented with medals of honor. PO1 Diaz tearfully received the medal but said that he would give this medal to SPO3 Managuit to show his gratitude for saving their lives.

I was so touched by this story. I actually ate my breakfast teary-eyed that Monday morning while I was hearing the news on the radio. I distinctly remembered his interview a few months ago on a local news. He was featured because of his passion and commitment to his work. I remember him showing all the explosives he took home with him since he said there's no more room in their headquarters for proper storage of the explosives. I was just glad that the blast didn't happen there - where his family was during that fateful time. He looked really happy talking about his job.

I know SPO3 Rafael Managuit died proud and happy. I just hope his family will also feel his happiness even in his sudden demise.

In this modern world where each man lives for himself it is heartwarming and inspiring to know that there are still some people who look out for others.

http://www.bomboradyo.com/newsdetails1.asp?ID=78775

On Manny Paquiao and the TV Rights Fiasco....

Manny Paquiao's desire to run as Congressman for General Santos City is known to many since early 2007. But as much as I like him I feared of how ill-equipped he is in becoming a representative. This fear was confirmed with the recent Solar Sports versus ABS-CBN fiasco. On March 18 2009 ABS CBN aired Manny's "announcement" that he will transfer the tv rights of his fight with Hatton from Solar Sports to ABS CBN. But the problem is, his contract with Solar Sports is good until May 2011 . Any common folk could understand that a contract is legal and binding. And if you fall short of what you have agreed to in the contract you will definitely face charges. He shouldn't have allowed ABS CBN to coax him into falling into their scheme. At the very least, he should've been smart enough to consult his lawyer before allowing ABS CBN to cajole him.

Please don't get me wrong. I am one of the millions of Filipinos who admire him and is so proud of all that he has accomplished that gave a remarkable recognition for Filipinos worldwide. Aside from being an outstanding boxer I also acknowledge his magnanimity as a philanthropist, patriot, son, father and friend. But I seriously believe he knows very little about politics and governance. I believe he is a good man with a kind heart. He should not allow his goodness to be tainted by "pulitika". But if he does make his way in Congress I hope he'll have wise advisers and a very good lawyer.

(http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153885/Pacquiao-Video-of-transfer-wasnt-supposed-to-be-shown

Crimes without Accountability

I have just read the news regarding Jalosjos' release. I find this very disturbing. How can a convicted rapist (of a minor) who was given two life sentences be released after only 16 years?

On October 18, 2008 Claudio Teehankee Jr. who was sentenced to life imprisonment for 2 cases of murder was also released after only 13 years in prison.

Former President Estrada who was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment was also given pardon only a month after he was convicted.

Antonio Trillanes and the Magdalo Mutineers who tried to unseat President Arroyo on July 2003 was also given amnesty only a few days after they were convicted.

The aforementioned are only a few of the convicted criminals who were given pardon.

And what about other political figures who undergo trial but are never convicted? In fact most of them are still in office or worse, even promoted.

Recently, shootouts and summary executions are becoming rampant. But I don't know if someone will be held accountable. Will Bubby Dacer and Emmanuel Corbito be finally given justice?

How can justice be served when the people who are supposed to promote justice are the ones violating them and manipulating the law for their own agenda ?

Crimes without accountability- is this a foreshadow of what is yet to come? I certainly hope not.

(Sources: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/; http://www.inquirer.net/)

Have you made your Choice for 2010?

We are more than a year away from the May 2010 elections but "presidentiables" can hardly contain their excitement. It seems like senators who are aspiring to be the 2010 Philippine president had started their campaign only a little after they took office on May 2007.

The same is true in the local government. Plazas and light posts are full of streamers from city councilors wishing their constituents a "Happy fiesta", "Merry Christmas", "Happy New Year", and even "Happy Valentines" (LOL!) just to make sure you won't forget them on the next election. In fact I'm beginning to think that part of the city's budget is allotted for these streamers. I could almost see a fine print saying "This is where your taxes go!" (LOL) Just a week ago on my way home I read a streamer from a city councilor that reads: "Don't forget to Register. A friendly reminder from.... " Oh Please!!! This is precisely the reason why I don't feel like voting anymore.

But going back to the "Presidentiables" here are some of my thoughts about them:

Manny Villar - he's a good businessman - ambitous, driven, wily, sly hmmm... So in other words I don't trust him

Loren Legarda - soooo.... ambitious; hungry for power; user

Panfilo Lacson - Spooky! i'm too scared to say anything against him. =) Gudluk Philippines!

Erap - after all the plunder cases he has against the country he shouldn't even have the face to even share his opinion with regards to the problems our country is facing Because his regime's contribution to our financial crisis is overwhelming at hindi pa siya nakapagbayad (and he hasn't paid for that crime yet)

Francis Escudero - cute; charming; very articulate but beware! he is as sly as a fox! he's so young and already he's a trapo (traditional politician)!

Mar Roxas - he has something up his sleeve! I can't figure out what it is (yet) but there's definitley something...


Kabayan Noli de Castro - i think he's a good Vice President in the sense that he's a loyal supporter. but I can't seem to believe that he's already adequate to lead a country.


COMELEC has been very aggressive in their campaign to encourage new voters to register. But the million dollar question for me is... "Sino nga ba ang karapat-dapat maging pangulo ng Pilipinas?" "Sino pa nga ba ang may pusong tapat na tanging kapakanan ng mga Pilipino ang siyang isusulong?" "May pag-asa pa nga ba ang Pilipinas?"