Standing after a storm

Barely a month after the killer 7.2magnitude earthquake in Visayas, the region has faced another calamity — super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Dubbed as one of the strongest typhoons to hit the face of the earth, Yolanda has left thousands of deaths and indescribable havoc to physical properties, particularly in the provinces of Leyte, Cebu and Samar.

President Noynoy Aquino has already declared a state of national calamity to more speedily address the needs of the victims. The government, private sectors and international agencies are all in full force to help in the rescue and relief operations, concentrating on the basic needs of food, water and clothing.

It pains in the heart that the victims have to endure so much more, in addition to losing their loved ones. Many residents are still unfound while those that died are still to be identified. Google has already launched a Person Finder mechanism in order to help ease the worries of families at a loss of each other’s whereabouts. Unfortunately, the communication lines are still being repaired albeit already partly functional.

There has also been severe damage to infrastructure — from the smallest of houses made of lightest materials to taller buildings. Nothing was spared. The survivors of the typhoon are obviously homeless. The schools which were supposedly their temporary shelter are also badly damaged.

Hunger has befallen. While the victims may have kept some money to feed themselves, there are no stores where food is available. This has, depressingly, led to looting — they have destroyed the doors of the malls and got everything they could from freezers to grocery items and clothing; they have also opened the tanks of gasoline stations for kerosene.

These scenarios may seem straight out of an apocalypse film but they are real.

The Filipino spirit is resilient — we can get by with anything. But at this point, it is hard to rely on resilience alone. The people need factual HELP, and it is a great consolation that many are willing to give that.

It may be easy for anyone to say that the survivors can eventually get through these hardest times, but not if you are in their shoes. It would take time — until bridges, roads and houses are rebuilt; fallen trees replaced by new shrubs; and people learn to HOPE again. ‘Til then, we can only PRAY.

Shaking a Nation in two ways

"We turn to God when our foundations are shaken only to learn he is shaking them."

FOUNDATIONS SHAKEN. A magnitude 7.2 earthquake yesterday (October 15) claimed lives across the Visayas and Mindanao, particularly in Bohol and Cebu. The tremor felt around 8 in the morning had its epicentre traced near Carmen, Bohol.

As of press time, Cebu and Bohol are under state of calamity. Aside from the fatalities recorded, the quake also left major destructions to various properties such as residences and even landmarks. For one, the historically significant San Pedro Church in Loboc, Bohol was partly crushed ruins, along with several other old churches. Hotels, schools and LGU buildings were also not spared.

 

Hundreds of aftershocks were felt during the whole day, causing fears of a tsunami. But the Phivolcs ruled out the possibility as the earthquake originated on land than from the ocean. However, they warned residents to check the integrity of the buildings before they go back.

The Beauty that shakes a Nation. 23-year old Fil-Am celebrity Megan Young brought her country pride and honour after she was crowned the very first Filipina Miss World at a glittering coronation in Bali last September 28. She beat 126 other aspirants for the crown. Amid controversy, Young nailed the various pre-pageant activities and became a hot favourite for the crown.

 

 

As she came home last week, masses came cheering for their Miss World 2013 amid rain. She was showered with confetti and applause during a homecoming parade on Friday (October 11). She also had a homecoming in her hometown in Olongapo, where she has partaken in a charity event for the victims of recent floods. As Miss World, Young will spend the next year visiting various countries for causes supported by the Miss World Organisation.

 

HOW WE SHAKE IT:  The Philippines is shaken in many more ways that these, be it positive or negative. For every positive way we are shaken, we know we are a great people capable of doing it big in many fields and aspects.

But for every way we are shaken by sad chronology of things, we know we can still survive - resilient as we are. We are a nation of fighters, and we stand after we are shaken.

 

 

Wag Mo'kong Babuyin: The Pork Barrel Teleserye

I Surrender

Pork Barrel queen Janet Lim-Napoles surrendered to no less than President Noynoy Aquino on Wednesday, fuelling speculations that the announcement of a P10M reward and the eventual surrender is a just a ploy, ala teleserye. Other even joked that she wanted the bounty for herself.

Social media users particularly commented on the alleged 'special treatment' that Napoles received after her surrender. She wasn't even hand-cuffed. It was deemed unacceptable for someone who is accused of master-minding a convoluted scam to squander the government's PDAF which should have benefited the general public rather than enrich a few into a lavish lifestyle with all the cars, mansions, luxury goods and pools of cash.

Observers are also afraid that Napoles' limited exposure to the public and media may lead to a white-washing. Opposition leaders earlier and still allege that the break-out of this issue is a demolition job to punish those against the administration.

Senator Bong Revilla was quoted as saying, “This is it. This controversy has been engineered by the administration for only one purpose – to demolish the opposition, especially those who enjoy the popular support of our people..”

Revilla is among the senators who supposedly received vast amounts from the Pork Barrel by allocating them into bogus NGOs. In the spirit of fairness, another senator dragged into the scam Jinggoy Estrada said, “It is not up to the senators to determine whether an NGO is bogus or not…Alangan naman na kami pa ang magsasabi na, 'Uy, bogus 'yan.' How will we know?”

Abolish or just a new name?

The long and miserable way to finding the truth has already prompted the government to 'abolish' PDAF in favour of a new mechanism that will reform the system of funding government projects.

But many said, it's just a different name and basically, the pork barrel is still there.

The announcement, however, is perceived to have deterred the turnout for the MillionPeopleMarch on Monday (26 September). Instead of a million, only a few thousands arrived for the protest that was born out of social media.

President's Pork

Among the causes now being pushed by protest starters is to also abolish the President's Pork in the spirit of fairness, if what Pnoy really wants is genuine change. However, Malacañang does not seem to like the idea.

State witness

Now that Napoles is in the 'care' of the PNP, there are allegations that her party may apply for her to be considered a state witness. But many lawmakers immediately ruled out the notion.

First off, Napoles is seemingly the most guilty among all names involved in the case. That means a case can stand even without her testimonies. Too many whistle-blowers are enough, DOJ also said.

Meanwhile, Napoles has already been ordered to be sent to the Makati City Jail. Albeit her party will likely appeal the order.

This story, just like a teleserye, is only beginning to heat up. More twists and turns will likely happen as a complicate web of lies unravel. Names will be dragged, and reactions will fly like dragon's breath of fire. Social media will be pretty busy.

Expect tears, memorable statements of epic proportions and sarcasm as hearing starts hopefully soon. We all hope for poetic justice to prevail in the end – the bida (Filipino people) must be get a happy-ever-after while the kontrabida get his/her bad karma in the end. In the mean time, stay tuned for more action.

Pakitang-Gilas

Matapos ang higit tatlong dekada, muling pumasok sa FIBA World Cup ang Pilipinas matapos masungkit ng koponang Gilas Pilipinas ang pangalawang pwesto sa FIBA Asia Championships nitong nakaraang Linggo.

Bagama't yumuko ang koponan ni Coach Chot Reyes sa mga higante ng Iran na nag-uwi sa gintong medalya, hindi maitatangging malaking karangalan ang naiuwi ng koponan dahil taong 1978 pa ng huling nakapasok ang Pilipinas sa World Cup.

Bumuhos ang pagbati ng mga Pinoy sa malaking karangalang naiuwi ng mga manlalarong Pinoy sa harap ng sariling bayan. Mismong si Pangulong Noynoy Aquino ay nagpaabot ng personal na pagbati at suporta nang manuod ito sa huling laban para sa kampeonato ng Gilas.

Nakatakdang ganapin sa Spain ang FIBA Asia World Cup sa 2014.

Hey June: On school year opening, Vice's Jessica Soho joke and Pilipinas Got Singers

As we welcome more humid and wet weather, June also marks the beginning of the school year; June 3 is the date for 21 million public school students in the Philippines. Such a great number would flock to local kindergartens, elementary and high schools all around the country— but this number only covers those that are enrolled. As in every year, there will likely be pahabol enrolees who will enrol late.

A part of these late enrolees would be transferees from private schools and faced with budget constraint following the announcement of tuition fee hikes in several institutions. According to reports, 903 institutions were allowed to increase tuition fees this year. this could likely result to more students putting their study to a halt or finding an alternative school, probably a public school, with more affordable rates - despite the fact that public schools have less equipment and are mostly congested. 

This school year will also be the second year of the K-to-12 education system, which adds two years in secondary education. These additional two years and higher tuition fees will hopefully bring greater good to improve the quality of education in the country. Otherwise, the system only robs the children of their time and the parents their money. But let’s hope not.

*

Vice Ganda once again made headlines following a controversy after his “rape jokes” in his “I-Vice Ganda Mo’ko sa Araneta” Comedy concert. In particular, the issue heated as several news personalities from GMA7 aired sentiments over Twitter and on radio over the disrespect Vice’s jokes have caused their News Chief Jessica Soho, who was among the subject of the jokes along with several other celebrities such as Kris Aquino, Gus Abelgas and Kim Atienza.

Soho released a statement, saying she took offense not for herself, but for the use of rape as a material for comedy. She argued that rape is a “serious matter”. To this, Vice Ganda attempted to apologize to the veteran journalist via phone, but Soho declined to engage in a conversation. Vice then resorted to a public apology via his noontime show, an act “acknowledged” by Soho - how is that different from “accepted”?

Following the issue, MTRCB called out the networks to regulate the use of “comedy bar” humour in TV programs.

To this, we learn one thing: that not all jokes are funny for all people. Comedy, like food, comes in a variety of servings. Some have the appetite for it and some don’t. But for someone with an influence and following as huge as Vice Ganda, every joke would be scrutinised under a microscope.

On the plus side, lessons were learned. As they say, “A joke is not always intended to make you laugh, it is also intended to make you think.”

*

Netizens are complaining, yet again, that another singer won Pilipinas Got Talent season 4. 13-year-old Youtube sensation Roel Manlangit was named ultimate winner in yesterday’s finals night taking home Php2 million pesos. The reaction is understandable, noting that all winners from the past three seasons were also singers. To this, people have invented a new title for the show, Pilipinas Got Singers.

However, it must be noted that winners in reality shows such as this are selected through a voting process. That means the winner likely has a bigger fan base, or a strong campaign team. Blaming the show is futile as they do not have a hand on which act shall win. Again, the public decides. In fact, the show has attempted to limit the number of singers in the official list of contestants although still a majority.

This could boil to one point: Filipinos love singers. And the empathy effect (Awa) adds up to that. As a result, singers with sob stories win. Again, that is the public’s decision and not the show’s or the judges’.

Important question: Why do we celebrate Filipino singers that get international recognition and yet we complain if our talent shows have them as winners? Or maybe we just always want to complain no matter what.

Heaven or Hell is a State of Mind

Best-selling American author Dan Drown, in his latest novel Inferno, described Manila as the ‘gates of hell’—particularly emphasising “six-hour traffic jams, suffocating pollution, horrifying sex trade.”

Inevitably, this has earned a fury of backlash from patriotic Pinoys in defence of the Philippine capital city. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino, in an open letter to Brown, expressed his concern on the description, saying it failed to capture the good heart of the Filipino.

Netizens were likewise shaken. Even popular author Paolo Coehlo came in defence of the Philippines, tweeting “Dear Filipinos, your souls lead to the gates of heaven.”

Incidentally, incoming Mayor Erap Estrada used the dirty, derelict, polluted image of Manila in his election campaign ad — a patama to the incumbent government of Lim and earned him the mayoralty seat.

This brings to question: Why prosecute Brown? Because he is a best-selling author with a wide readership and we are afraid that the image of the Philippines will be tarnished among the global community? What do we think are we then — Paradise?

So why do we tolerate the same downbeat description in our films and celebrate their international recognitions? Sebis (Brillante Mendoza) Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag (Lino Brocka), Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (Chris Martinez)!! Poverty Porn! (Lourd de Vera has its spot on.) Even our teleseryes are set in slums, and we consider it art. But art imitates life. In literature we call it realism — a movement that speaks of how works of literature, fiction in particular, tends to mirror social realities. But the truth hurts, especially if we have a huge EGO.

In Tagalog, we say, “Bago mo pansinin ang kapintasan ng iba, manalamin ka muna.” We are angered by how we are described in a best-selling book, but we were damn proud how Bourne Legacy portrayed our slums, only with a consolation of a beautiful Puerto Princesa in the closing credits.

We can be proud about the Philippines, and we should be. We are in all ways a beautiful nation. That is a fact! But we have flaws, we must accept them also because they are real. And maybe Brown thought our flaws were a good material. That is, to turn something unsightly into the level of a literary masterpiece, a possible part of history: Art is not always the puffy clouds and serene seas.

Maybe this part also scared us — that many will look at us in a bad light. But who knows they (foreign eyes) become more curious about the Philippine and go visit? Bad publicity is still publicity.   

When they come, the more that we need to prove ourselves and what beauty there is in our beloved nation. This is the challenge: to change our negative reputation not by changing other’s perspective but ours. We can prove them wrong only if we want to. As they say, reputation is what others think about us and integrity is what we really are.

After all, whether we are in hell or in heaven is our choice, our own  a state of mind.

Fish Started it All

The Philppines is a small bangus up against whales: Then it was China and now it's Taiwan.

What happened? A Taiwanese fisherman, who allegedly crossed Philippine seas, was shot dead by Philippine Navy officials. Patriotism flamed up in Taiwan. (this article gives meaty insight http://asiancorrespondent.com/108038/philippines-taiwan-fisherman-dispute/) 

Does this mean animosity? But how can a third world country, whose economy relies much on the investments from its looming 'enemies' even stage a fight? Can the government afford to raise a red flag knowing that thousands of OFWs are exhausting blood and sweat in Taiwan- a main contibutor that makes the economy somehow afloat?

But we cannot discount the fact that small as we are, we have the power to fight for what rights we have as a nation, especially to safeguard our territories and our people. The officials, perhaps fulfiling the duties they have sworn into, were only acting as sentinels of the seas. After all, we ahve been bullied for so long.  

Diplomacy should have been an easy way to go about these things. But Taiwan wouldn't make it easy. Apologies were sent, and denied. One life is lost- does it need to be a tooth for a tooth?

Anyhow, the OFWs are at the most critical of sides and we wouldn't afford any great damages.

There are tons of fish in the oceans, but sometimes boats are sailing in different waves. In any case, meeting halfway spares us all of the heartbreak.    

  
 

Democracy is purple-colored word

Once in every few years, democracy means a purple manicure.

 

Suffrage is both a right and a privilege. It is a right because as Filipinos, we are entitled to choose leaders that we think would best lead the country to progress. On the other hand, not every Filipino is given the privilege to vote, say the children who will actually soon become either beneficiaries of refugees of our choices. Hence, the voting population must, cliché as it may sound, vote wisely. After all, we are registered because of the assumption that we are capable of discerning and making good choices.

The 2013 Midterm Elections is over. The die is cast. The political cockfights and mud-slinging should also be buried to peace. The people have given its mandate to the winners. The losers should concede.

 A few notes.

*The PNP has called the Elections “generally peaceful” with very few and minor incidents reported.

*Voting turn-out for the OAV (Overseas Absentee Voting) was low at around 20% in some areas. It is sad that, the OFWs who support our economy cannot exercise their rights, not because they are deprived but because it is materially difficult to travel miles to the embassies and cast. It could be time to harness technology, experts say.

*By a major surprise, FPJ’s Daughter Grace Poe emerged as Senatorial topnotcher in the still ongoing canvassing — topping out survey leader Legarda. Interviewed by media, Poe attributed about 80 to 90% of her victory to her late father. Aptly, her run and win was an attempt to vindicate FPJ’s loss in 2004. Credit is given to where it is due.

*At least 9 of the Magic 12 Senators are from Team PNoy, with Nancy Binay settling for a sure spot and her stable-mates battling for seats 10 to 12.

*Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao, Aga Muhlach, Vilma Santos, other celebrities won in their respective positions. But Anabelle Rama didn't make it.

*Former President Erap is the new Mayor of Manila, replacing friend-turned-foe Fred Lim.

*Meanwhile, let us enjoy memes that circulated on social media. Just for the laughs. The #IpasoksiDick hashtag trended on Twitter, followed by several double-meaning twits about the Senatorial aspirant who was at an awful 13^th position based on partial results.

*Another meme showing Sen. Santiago supposedly getting a headache over the triumph of soon-to-be senator Nancy Binay. Netizens are definitely not a fan of Binay's color.

By now, the dust of the political boxing is starting to clear out. Rubbish is everywhere. The candidates, winners or otherwise, should prove their good promises and start by cleaning our streets. That should be a good start. Otherwise, what will the next three years be?

Everybody is excited about next Monday because it will be a non-working holiday and we can splurge into some summer activities before summer ends.

But why is it a holiday anyway? It’s the polls— the time when schools become precincts where we name, through a sacred ritual called election, who will our next leaders be. In other words, we decide for our future.

The process is simple—shading names in a ballot, dropping it in the infamous PCOS machine and leaving without worrying about tomorrow. All this seems so easy as if it’s like choosing which channel to watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon. But the repercussions are serious and bold!

However, we would rather go watch Goin’ Bulilit than worry. We cannot blame ourselves for not taking the elections like it’s between life and death. Maybe we did at first, but we grew tired of hoping and waiting for change— the same thing we always hear when a new one comes out. We have put our bets on these kinds of people and hoped, they were gleaming with great promises but someday so soon, the system erased all of those.

It’s the system. As they say, once you join them, you be like them. Of course, this is a hasty generalisation and an insensitive observation. But this is the common notion and a fact to be told. The Philippine Trust Index, in fact, found that only 15 percent of Filipinos trust the government.

To be fair, there are surely good leaders out there. But how do we name them? Or more appropriately, how do we know an apple from an orange or a duhat? Which leads me to asking, what qualities of a leader do we need?

Enter campaign jingles and ads! Do we believe in the candidates’ supposed credentials and achievements? Do we take them seriously or do we just enjoy the gimmicks, the songs, the endorsers who are paid? But these ploys work for the candidates— so we’ll recall their names come Election Day.

Enter what money can do. Vote-buying is a reality even the Graders know about and see in broad daylight. Politics is business so entrants need to invest and at a later time, reap results. If only we would be so wise not to vote for those that insult our dignity. Sadly, some votes are so cheap.

We are told to vote wisely, but at the end of it all, we vote with our conscience and wait if anything happens. This sound hopeless, can’t help it.

NO TO BULLYING (Katulad Ng Iba - Gloc-9 ft. Zia Quizon)