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)

Education is part of life but it is not life

It is hard to debate whether an Education is still a right or a mere privilege in this present-day Philippines. The government would always argue that it has found ways to provide equal chances for all, regardless of social stature, gender, age and ethnicity, to attain education, or in simpler terms literacy. Education is free in public schools and universities; there is Alternative Learning System (ALS), distance education, aside from an overhaul in curriculums recently.

Primary public education is free, supposedly. But we still pay for many things as primary graders. It may not be true to others, but from where I come from, were paid sums of up to hundreds in elementary school, including PTA projects, raffle draw tickets, school paper fees and more. These were supposedly voluntary. However, you need to pay for them if you want your clearance signed, which is another way of saying that graduating is also voluntary.

In high school, the same things happened- only you need a thicker pocket to pay on top of what you used to pay as a grade-schooler. There are club fees, intramurals fees, year level organisation fees, student org fees, ID fees, library card fees...

Let me be clear, I did not complain about the system because I always thought I was lucky enough to be sent to school. Coming from a low-income family, there were times (most often than not), that I had to pay for these things beyond the deadline. The system was considerate. I never thought I was being denied of my rights anyhow.

On to college, an organisation graciously accepted me as one of its scholars. They paid for my tuition and other miscellaneous fees. Others I had to pay on my own. Of course, my parents had to shoulder the transportation, uniforms, a lot of projects, thesis expenses... so on. I am grateful that my father, though he was a humble construction worker, was able to send me to school without having to neither sell any of his organs nor get buried in debt. That is why I am lucky to graduate and find a work soon in order to pay them back.

I believe a lot of students have the same stories.

So it came to me as a shock how Kristel, the UP student, had to take her life just because she was allegedly denied a loan to pay her tuition fees. At first, I thought the media was just sensationalising the issue, but it turned out it was also what her parents thought. And the events went on like a chain, to students burning school equipment in PUP, to UP admin revising its student loan rules, to the Oblation wearing black cloth.

I cannot judge Kristel, or her parents, for being impatient with the system and with life. Maybe she had big dreams and lost hope early. She forgot that her dreams should have made her more driven, more patient to continue no matter what. The parents may have come short to provide her assurance that they will do what they can so she can continue her dreams. They may have understood each other in the process.

I can’t help but put myself in the situation. There were also times when I thought of stopping midway in a sem because of short budget, but never did it come to me that I should kill myself. Education is part of life but it is not life. I always talked to my family and friends about my problems, and got good advice. My parents were assertive and optimistic that we will carry on, they gave hope. And friends, they can always make you feel that you are not alone because they might just have the same sentiments or even bigger loads on their shoulders, and yet not losing hope.

The key therefore is to rise above the world. No matter how hard it may be, there will always be a shining beam of light on the horizon.

But then again, we only know a page of Kristel’s life. She was surely more than what we know about her. We may not even know what were running in her mind when she decided to go. And our guesses, opinions and conclusions may be far from hers. Only she knows. She and God.

Clearly, having an Education is a right, but it is a privilege to have an access that right. But more than anything, having an education is a CHALLENGE, you either accept it or take another way.

Halo-Halo for Senator!

The heat is on.

Hale falling in Quezon City aside; it is officially summer (or technically Dry Season) in the Philippines according to PAG-ASA. Well, the agency actually need not declare it since a lot of fire-related and fire-inspired incidents were enough proof that it was indeed the start of the season.

FIRE-RELATED. March is Fire Prevention Month in PH. I don’t know if it was by intention, but incidentally, March is also the time when consecutive cases of fire are reported. It could work two ways: March is the peak season of fires (if there is such), or the media knows fire would make a good headline within the month.

FIRE-INSPIRED. By this, I mean bangayan ng mga nagbabagang bato.

Round 1: Migz Zubir accused Koko Pimetel of physical abusing his (Koko’s) ex-wife. Zubiri claims the said ex-wife admitted this herself (and when it was Zubiri’s opportunity to divulge in public during a TV debate, he did so). Not long enough, the wife dismissed claims. And Zubiri was apologetic. The fire was a false alarm? Pimentel will ignite the smoke once more, I strongly believe.

Round 2: Lim vs Erap. This is a classic best friends-turned-best-enemies tale. We know history and we know they are now up against each other for Manila mayoralty. We know they dissed each other in public not once, but twice on separate, consecutive incidents. Fire was not out easy, it exploded again. Apparently, Erap accused Lim of crying in front of him back then just so the latter could join Erap’s senatorial slate. Lim, on the other hand, dug issues on Erap’s Corruption. Clearly, this is not fire-out either.

These are actually just ash coimared to the humungous fireball that is politics in the Philippines. And most are, if I may say, repetitive. Well, history is really boring (for more part than not).

And summer will start and end again soon until it rains. Well. It’s just starting so let’s go to the beach and the polls! Let’s vote Halo-Halo for Senator!

A New Pope: A New Hope?

On the third attempt, the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church (through the conclave) have elected a new Pope to occupy the vacated seat of Benedict XVI. Following report is from abc:

New Pontiff Is Pope Francis of Argentina
The new leader of the Catholic Church is the Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio who has taken the name of Pope Francis.
Bergoglio, 76, is a Jesuit from Buenos Aires and is the first pope from South America. He is also the first pope to take the name of Francis.
The new pontiff stepped onto the Vatican balcony dressed in white to address the roaring crowd in St. Peter’s Square where he humbly and calmly asked for the peoples’ prayers.
“Let’s pray always for each other. Let’s pray for the whole world. May there be a great brotherhood,” Pope Francis said in Italian.
He wished that the “voyage with the church that we begin today” be “successful in spreading the gospel.”
A hush fell over the crowd when the pope said, “Let us pray silently in this prayer for me,” and bowed his head.
Pope Francis recited the Lords’ Prayer and the Hail Mary before making the sign of the cross to bless the crowd estimated to be more than 100,000 people.
“Brothers and sisters, I leave you. Thank you so much for the warm welcome. Pray for me and we’ll see each other soon. Tomorrow I want to go pray to the Madonna. And I want to wish to all of Rome. Goodnight and good rest,” Pope Francis said with a laugh and a wave before leaving the balcony among cheers and bells ringing….
PLEASE SEE FULL REPORT at abcnews.

Tracing the roots under a foreign soil

It's in the headlines but I completely have no idea why the Philippines (although not collectively) is caught in yet another territorial dispute, this time with the Malaysian government. So I searched all over and tried to absorb what-write-ups.

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/editorials/42573-filipinos-support-the-sultanate-of-sulu
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/66031/14-dead-in-sabah-assault
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/03/04/915533/sabah-uprising
http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/top-news/10011-100-kiram-loyalists-still-holed-up-in-lahad-datu-after-shootout

Turns out, the dispute over Sabah traces centuries back when the British colonisers 'awarded' Sabah to Malaysia (although the Brits were only leasing the land from PH). Malaysia is firm to believe that it now owns the island, albeit still pays a "rent" to the sultanate of Sulu.  therefore, the main conflict is ownership: to which Malaysia and Ph have claims over.

“Sabah is the patrimony of the Filipino Nation,” says Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, who is leading his clan consisting 300-plus people from Sulu. Reaching the disputed land by water, Datu Kiram is now in physical combat with Malaysian forces to claim what they believe should be theirs.

However, PNoy himself is not keen over the claims, and in fact has urged the clan to go back into safety, but to no avail. Reports said 12 from the Sultan's camp were shot dead in Friday's encounter.

Sulu has ever since been a territory of its own, somehow departing from the bigger nation that is Philippines. This is just another proof. It's sad that the government does not wish to support Sultan Karim's fight to what, history tells us, should have been ours.

Nonetheless, we cannot blame the government for taking the passive raod to peace. After all, we are quite underdog, sadly. This is pretty evident given how our claims to Spratlys are going so far. Another claim may be too much.

To where theis shall end- we shall wait.

Remembering EDSA

We are what we are today because of what our predecessors fought for.
This can put the history of the Philippines in a nutshell.  Through the decades, our country has passed through great adversities- political and social dilemmas -  that stood as a test of our resilience and unity.
We have been colonised and our first heroes set us free. In recent history, the individual Filipino now knows how to make a hero out of himself.
What great example would be more fitting than the iconic EDSA People Power Revolution, which aptly displayed what the power of the people can do. They fought and shaped the future. We are what we are because they fought, with peace, with prayer and with patriotism.
  

Pusong Pinoy?

Pusong Bato has gotten viral for so long and I thought people were moving on.. but hey, some uniformed guys from Nigeria memorized and sang the anthem. Say what? Sing a Tagalog song? Yes, they sure did. Proof is the video below that's even featured on TV last night.

9-year old teaches you how to vote

At the very tender age of 9, Daniel "Chip" Gatmaytan may actually know better than most adults how voting for Ph officials should be done- using Soda ban in schools as an example.
Whoah. This kid could be the future. Why not?
More of Chip in this video: 

On crocodiles and the Pope

A moment of silence for Lolong.

Recognised by National Geographic as the world’s largest crocodile in captivity at 20 ft 3 inches, the giant croc of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur — Lolong — is now dead. And dead will also become of the many businesses which, for some time, have capitalised on Lolong’s “short-lived” worldwide fame.

Lolong was caught in September last year and was thereafter kept in a local zoo to help enliven Bunawan’s tourism, but that is a thing of the past now.

Investigations are on-going to determine the cause of death. And local authorities are asking to keep the preserved body of the reptile for the future to see. Well, maybe the croc is gone for good. This makes me think: Had the croc not been caught, it would have been alive to now.

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Speaking of crocodiles, it’s election campaign period! Well, officially at least. Let’s not fool ourselves: these candidates have been campaigning long ago (even long before Lolong was caught perhaps). But they call their earlier ads/appearances/programs and projects/media coverage as public awareness drive. Whatever.

So we’ll vote for 12 senators come May 2013.

What I’ve noticed though is that, a lot of faces and names of senatorial candidates seem familiar. Recycling should we say? Count in the re-electionists, former candidates, old senators from eons ago, seeds of political dynasties.

Well, this is what we get so far from the Team Pnoy and UNA. Speaking of which, there are three common candidates between the two opposing parties — they are supposedly independent. Their loyalty? It depends.

Another note is how a political slate can bring together formerly the worst of rivals into one team. What wonders politics can do? Well, it’s the culture we’ll all get used to and get tired of as we live and die, honestly. Lolong knew.

So in the next few days, we’ll have to expect headlines to be about how families break and make up for politics’ sake; and how we’ll get renewed hopes as we hear colourful promises to the tune of our favourite pop songs and get LSS. By the way, political jingles can’t go Gangnam Style, too late— they already did.

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Pope Benedict XVI is stepping down as the highest leader of the Catholic Church on 28 February due to advanced age. The next pope will be voted upon by the convention of cardinals from all over the world including Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle.

Upon knowing this, many Pinoys hoped Tagle would become the first Filipino pope. It was as if being Pope was American Idol or Miss Universe (Remember how we rooted for part-Filipina Jessica and fierce Janine Tugonon who both placed second).

On the other hand, if ever the new Catholic Patriarch indeed comes from the Philippines —that would be quite ironic, since we’re home to both the descendant of St. Peter and the largest crocodiles in captivity.(I’m not talking about Lolong)

Weighing Voices on Divorce

After the long prusisyon, the RH Bill was finally enacted as a law in the Philippines.

The smokes from the clashing explosion of opposing sides — pro and anti— are yet to subside but a new spectacle is once again brewing.

This time, it’s another bill that will challenge morality among Filipinos — Divorce.

Just like the then RH Bill, Divorce Bill or House Bill 1799 is facing stiff resistance from supposedly conservative and family-oriented sectors and personalities; the church being on the forefront. The main premise of their opposition leans on the assumption that legalising divorce would lead to more broken homes, destroy our moral values, juvenile delinquency and the list goes on.

On the affirmative side, proponents of the bill reason they want to give Filipino couples the choice to legally end a marriage when things don’t work out well between them. The Philippines has existing provisions for Legal Separation and Annulment, but proponents consider Divorce as more powerful protection for families where domestic violence persists, for instance.

All sides laid out. One thing should be clear–a moral dilemma slapped on the legislative body of the government.

It is a primordial fact that the Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia. That being said, should we remain the only country that does not allow Divorce? Should we hold on so firm to that doctrine Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder?

On the other hand, has it been too much of a delay for a Divorce bill in third-world Philippines, as supporters claim? And once and for all, is the Filipino family ready to welcome a radical change that will give each husband and wife the discretion to ‘undo’ a union made before the law and before God?

It could free so many battered wives and children from the cages of a matrimony that turned grey; but it could also tear worlds apart for children and spouses who once shared a one happy home.

And the panels will deliberate endlessly. At the end of very long speeches, feisty side commentaries and media appeals, sarcasm, mudslinging and all sorts of propaganda, there will be an answer.

Just like the old times, we shall wait for the prusisyon to reach base.

**

On another news, activist Carlos Celdran has been found guilty for “offending religious feelings”. It can be remembered that Celdran, who is also a tour guide and artist, has irked the eyes of the Catholic Church when he broke into and disrupted a mass in September 2010 and held up a placard with a DAMASO sign in it. He did so in protest agents the church’s strong opposition of the RH Bill.

Now, even PNoy, who is an RH advocate himself, is asking the Church to graciously forgive Celdran, who has since apologised. All things aside, he would have to be behind bars for some time, just like Jose Rizal who is obviously his hero.

On Pink Balloons and Guns

Pink Balloons. Loved ones of Stephanie Nicole Ella, the 7-year old victim of stray bullet shooting on New Year's Eve have flown pink balloons as she was laid to her eternal rest. Pink does not only commemorate the young girl's favourite colour but is also a symbolic cry for justice. Her classmates, as innocent and carefree, now join this crusade— even at very early age. Sadly, they will now and forever remember the day they lost a playmate.

Gun Ban. Senator Ping Lacson is sponsoring a bill that will completely ban private individuals from owning firearms. This is as public awareness heats up following the death of Stephanie, among others, due to indiscriminate and undisciplined gun use.

But the President, who is a gun enthusiast himself, has pre-emptively disapproved of the proposition, saying that while the intent is good; the means is not a proportionate measure. Groups of registered gun owners keep the same sentiment, so do a growing number of lawamkers.

HALF WAY. There are always two sides to every issue and in this case, halfway is a safe zone. Gun use, per se, is not a crime- provided you have them registered and do not use them in such a way that it will harm people. That Simple. The point? Use and misuse are two different things. To illustrate, when you use a plastic bag, you are not necessarily killing nature. It is when you throw them anywhere that they will soon cause floods, that you become an abuser.

Hence, possession of firearms may not be the root of the problem at all. Perhaps, it is the fact that many people have access to guns, and that our authorities have very loose and loophole-filled regulations that give gun-abusers the leeway to possess and use guns whichever way they want.

The key is regulation. Besides, looking back into history, civilians have been permitted to own firearms because of major security issues. And clearly, in this society where violence is a habit, guns as a means of protection is deemed a necessity to some, admit it or not.

Nevertheless, the opposing sides must meet each other half way, as it is ideal, not to make a compromise for their own interests but to put, over and above all else, the good of the common people. After all, this is where an innocent Stephanie belongs until a reckless shot from a shadow took her life that easy.

When a Teacher's temper explodes

I was watching TV Patrol last night, waiting for follow-up stories on the death of Stephanie Nicole Ella - a victim of indiscriminate firing on New Year's Eve. But what really caught me was this video featured in the Bayan Mo, IPatrol Mo (BMPM) segment.

The video, which run 1:43, showed a professor at a college in Manila violently cursing at his students and hitting one. It is quite alarming that a professor, who some of us may look up to, will explode with this kind of behaviour at school and with students around. What's worse is this dispaly of physical violence towards the students, particularly a girl in the video.
We know not all teachers are like him. well, maybe he too was provoked. We owe the benefit of the doubt, but in any case, one's temper should never be a reason to harm and imperil any person, physically or not.
Teachers are our unsung heroes, and they remain to be- but not all of them, maybe. 

Gone so young

Welcome New Year with a bang— but some take it too literally.

And some seven-year old innocent girl’s life will be the price? Stephanie is the latest victim of stray bullet death on New Year’s Eve. She was just watching fireworks with his father outside their home in Manila, unsuspecting that this will be the last time they would be together.

But she is not alone: Another six-year old boy was casualty of gun firing while a 16-year is still in coma. What dreams lost.

Stephanie’s case is not a landmark in the local scene. It happens every year but we haven’t really learned anything, to think that the New Year is supposed to be time for positive change. How ironic.

The family is receiving an outpour of sympathy as the media has intensively covered the story. But cliché as it may sound; no amount of sympathy can bring a life back.

Now, some are recommending a total gun ban during holidays. But there are a million registered firearms in the country— count in more unregistered ones.

Nevertheless, it should make a good a start for better changes to come. May the loss of an innocent life, at least be a way to invoke change. Or else Stephanie’s demise will once again just be a forgotten memory.