Sunday, October 25, 2009
A Story About Political Volunteerism During Elections ( Part 1 of 3 )
7:47 PM
This is a true story.
More than a decade ago, my late dad Greg was very active with an organization called RAM. Their principles focused on changing the system of government, creating a new model for better governance, being the role models of society etc. They even had a t-shirt that had all their names printed on it. This was also the beginning of the massive recruitment for the Guardians. I was a college student back then, proud and energized because my dad was with prominent political and military personalities. Almost every week our small eatery became the place for organizational meetings. Most of the time, the snacks were free or were given big discounts. All these in the name of creating a principled organization.
Back then, recruitment of Guardians and members of RAM-PART was in the upswing. In 1995 Gringo Honasan ran for Senator for the first time. It was then that I understood the creation of big and massive organizations for political purposes. My dad took a very active participation during this election period particularly in endorsing and campaigning for Sen. Honasan and the principles and projects to be implemented. He called relatives and friends all over and most of all, he spearheaded the campaign in the province of Benguet and some other provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
All of us were supportive of dad's moves even to the extent of sacrificing our family's own money just for the campaign, all of which were under the principle of volunteerism. Dad, me, together with some Guardians and volunteers went to all the municipalities of Benguet to campaign for the Senator using our car and two jeepneys hired by dad. At the end of the campaign period, Cordillera gave one of the highest votes for Senator Honasan. And for our family, at the end of the campaign period were broke and lost almost close to a million pesos in volunteer money.
As years passed, I noticed that fewer people were visiting dad. The people he worked with before, during and after the 1995 elections were not visible and the organization RAM-PART began to fade. As of today,I believe, RAM-PART no longer exist.
Dad was a good volunteer for a cause, for a principle I cannot understand during my younger years. Eventually, I decided to shift course and took up political science. It was then that I realized how dad was used. In 1999, my dad felt the scary effect of his illness. He suffered for 8months in bed and in May of 2000, my dad passed away due to diabetes. The very sad fact is that during the months that he was in bed, wake and burial, not even one of those military and political figures visited. This was the time I realized that despite all the things he did, my dad was a nobody but a mere volunteer.
Today, the 2010 election is coming fast. Political figures are again recruiting for volunteers. Organizations left and right are being established. Principles are formed etc. But I tell you this, at the end of the day, the volunteers are just volunteers and the real winners are the politicians and political parties. Although there is a big difference in volunteerism before and now. Before, as a volunteer, you will use your own money to campaign for a politician. Today, you get paid to campaign for a politician. Today, you get something to campaign for a politician. Today, you are bought by a politician.
Regardless of the the political blah blahs, or supposed principles of organizations that mushroomed everywhere, at the end of the day, the hard working volunteers are just volunteers. No politician or strategist can say that his or her electoral organization will last longer than the term given because it has yet to be proven in Philippine political history. Philippine politics has proven this as a fact.
Remember the famous saying "IN POLITICS, ENEMIES ARE ENEMIES, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, SHARE THE SAME PERMANENT INTEREST". In the field, politicians seem to battle with each other. But is this a fact?
end of part 1.
Copyright 2009, Quezon City,
www.PoliticalAdobo.com
All rights reserved
Read Full Story...
More than a decade ago, my late dad Greg was very active with an organization called RAM. Their principles focused on changing the system of government, creating a new model for better governance, being the role models of society etc. They even had a t-shirt that had all their names printed on it. This was also the beginning of the massive recruitment for the Guardians. I was a college student back then, proud and energized because my dad was with prominent political and military personalities. Almost every week our small eatery became the place for organizational meetings. Most of the time, the snacks were free or were given big discounts. All these in the name of creating a principled organization.
All of us were supportive of dad's moves even to the extent of sacrificing our family's own money just for the campaign, all of which were under the principle of volunteerism. Dad, me, together with some Guardians and volunteers went to all the municipalities of Benguet to campaign for the Senator using our car and two jeepneys hired by dad. At the end of the campaign period, Cordillera gave one of the highest votes for Senator Honasan. And for our family, at the end of the campaign period were broke and lost almost close to a million pesos in volunteer money.
As years passed, I noticed that fewer people were visiting dad. The people he worked with before, during and after the 1995 elections were not visible and the organization RAM-PART began to fade. As of today,I believe, RAM-PART no longer exist.
Dad was a good volunteer for a cause, for a principle I cannot understand during my younger years. Eventually, I decided to shift course and took up political science. It was then that I realized how dad was used. In 1999, my dad felt the scary effect of his illness. He suffered for 8months in bed and in May of 2000, my dad passed away due to diabetes. The very sad fact is that during the months that he was in bed, wake and burial, not even one of those military and political figures visited. This was the time I realized that despite all the things he did, my dad was a nobody but a mere volunteer.
Today, the 2010 election is coming fast. Political figures are again recruiting for volunteers. Organizations left and right are being established. Principles are formed etc. But I tell you this, at the end of the day, the volunteers are just volunteers and the real winners are the politicians and political parties. Although there is a big difference in volunteerism before and now. Before, as a volunteer, you will use your own money to campaign for a politician. Today, you get paid to campaign for a politician. Today, you get something to campaign for a politician. Today, you are bought by a politician.
Regardless of the the political blah blahs, or supposed principles of organizations that mushroomed everywhere, at the end of the day, the hard working volunteers are just volunteers. No politician or strategist can say that his or her electoral organization will last longer than the term given because it has yet to be proven in Philippine political history. Philippine politics has proven this as a fact.
Remember the famous saying "IN POLITICS, ENEMIES ARE ENEMIES, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, SHARE THE SAME PERMANENT INTEREST". In the field, politicians seem to battle with each other. But is this a fact?
end of part 1.
Copyright 2009, Quezon City,
www.PoliticalAdobo.com
All rights reserved
Monday, October 19, 2009
I Agree On Arroyo's Move Empwering MSMSEs
10:25 PM
President Arroyo puts premium on MSMEs as 'weapons' vs poverty
Iloilo City (20 October) -- The administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has put a premium on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) because of the important role they play in alleviating poverty by providing Filipinos with alternative sources of income.
The President has tapped concerned government agencies and institutions to provide financial and other support to MSMEs as a means to help new and existing ones get going and sustain operations.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is the lead government agency insofar as development and promotion of MSMEs is concerned.
Among the latest batch of micro-entrepreneurs to have availed of financial assistance from the government came from Barangay Cabangcalan, Floridablanca in Pampanga. President Arroyo distributed micro-finance checks to beneficiaries from the barangay on October 18.
In her brief remarks during the activity, President Arroyo said that MSMEs, bolstered with stable micro-finance institutions such as rural banks and lending companies, are “weapons” to combat extreme poverty.
Many other MSMEs nationwide have availed of financial assistance from the government whose amount President Arroyo has vowed to triple under her Ten-Point Agenda.
According to DTI, MSMEs are defined as any business activity or enterprise engaged in industry, agri-business/services, whether single proprietorship, cooperative, partnership, or corporation whose total assets, inclusive of those arising from loans but exclusive of the land on which the particular business entity's office, plant and equipment are situated, and must have value from P3 million to P100 million.
It is implementing the government's 2004-2010 Small and Medium Enterprise Development Plan that presents the integrated efforts to strengthen and stimulate the MSME sector so it can contribute significantly to the country's development. This Plan aims to make the sector a key factor in the country's economic growth by 2010.
With the onset of the global economic downturn, the DTI has been conducting basic entrepreneurship trainings as the agency's contribution to President Arroyo's Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) which was conceived to help Filipinos especially those in the marginalized sector cope with the effects of the crisis.
In Western Visayas, the DTI regional office here disclosed that as of September this year, 943 of more than 12,000 Ilonggos who have undergone the training have gone into business, generating P35 million new investments and more than 2,000 new jobs. (PIA 6-JSC) Thursday, October 15, 2009
Aanhin pa ang damo kung lunod na ang kabayo?
8:08 AM
A Commentary On The Proposed P10B Typhoon Fund
As typhoon Pepeng continues to devastate the northern part of the country, Malacanang presses for Congress’ approval of the P10 billion calamity fund to fast track the rescue and retrieval, as well as relief and rehabilitation typhoon-affected areas.
The P10 billion calamity fund Malacanang wants approved is actually a supplemental budget it has proposed for Congress’ approval in the 2010 National Expenditure Program (NEP) which was submitted through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
According to a top official in Malacanang, the supplemental budget is “badly needed” considering the severity of the flooding which came just as typhoon Ondoy, another devastating typhoon that hit and severely devastated Metro Manila has left the Philippine area of responsibility.
While it is true that funding disaster response is imperative, it is also important for the government to look for other source of fund, instead of waiting for Congress’ approval of the P10 billion it requested.
And since the top official said calamity fund is “badly needed”, why rattle Congress into approving a supplemental budget, which by the way, will widen the country’s deficit and add burden to the already burdened Filipino taxpayers.
What is Malacanang waiting for in release its so-called savings?
Aanuhin mo pa ang damo, kung lunod na ang kabayo?
Unlike race horses, which can be stewed after loosing too many times in race derby, the kabayo we are talking about here are people who are desperately asking for help. Either you do something about it, or forever lose their trust and confidence in you. Flood, which is associated to garbage problem, by the way, is in fact an election issue, which explains why relief goods being distributed have stickers of with those familiar names, and faces, of opportunist politicians. I don’t blame them for being what they are, for as long as the relief goods they distributed, are worth the votes of typhoon victims.
Some politicians are distributing small plastics containing two instant noodles, half kilo of rice, and a sardine to as many people, with their name tag in every plastic. Shame, shame, shame. It is better that they text na lang their constituents prayers for their safety rather than giving them less than P50/pack of relief. Hindi pa nakakasama ng loob.
Anyway, opposition lawmakers, including a few administration lawmakers, are already skeptical about the proposed supplemental budget for calamity, knowing now that there are readily available funds which can be tapped for disaster response.
Come to think of it, how can Congress approve a supplemental budget, when the 2010 budget has not yet been approved!
Funny but true. It seems the government is very optimistic that its proposed budget will be approved just like that.
Alternative budget advocates have been pressing the government to release part of the P140 billion government savings in 2008 to fund disaster relief and rehabilitation eve before typhoon Pepeng came in.
The P140 billion, according to the Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI), are readily available funds which Malacanang can tap for the purpose. Malacanang, however, is at a lost for words in responding to such calls. One Malacanang official, without saying that such funds exists, says the fund may have been already used during the current year’s government operation.
P140 billion is P140 billion. With this amount, the government can step up its on-going relief and rehabilitation as a result of Ondoy, and can actually fund rescue or retrieval operation in the north as a result of Pepeng.
All Malacanang has to do is ask the Department of Budget and Management to come up with an updated report of the said 2008 savings, so as to know how much can be used for purpose of responding to the disaster.
Pres. Arroyo should act with dispatch on this issue. An hour meeting with DBM officials will do to know whether these funds still exists. And if not, she should start looking into it, immediately. Or at least, right after dealing with the devastation brought about by Ondoy and Pepeng.
What happened to these government savings is a matter of public interest and the people has the right to know where these monies went. Hopefully, not into the pockets of those pretending who doesn’t know they exist.
I strive to be perfect in spirit, unyielding in soul and humble in triumph...
Read Full Story...
As typhoon Pepeng continues to devastate the northern part of the country, Malacanang presses for Congress’ approval of the P10 billion calamity fund to fast track the rescue and retrieval, as well as relief and rehabilitation typhoon-affected areas.
The P10 billion calamity fund Malacanang wants approved is actually a supplemental budget it has proposed for Congress’ approval in the 2010 National Expenditure Program (NEP) which was submitted through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
According to a top official in Malacanang, the supplemental budget is “badly needed” considering the severity of the flooding which came just as typhoon Ondoy, another devastating typhoon that hit and severely devastated Metro Manila has left the Philippine area of responsibility.
While it is true that funding disaster response is imperative, it is also important for the government to look for other source of fund, instead of waiting for Congress’ approval of the P10 billion it requested.
And since the top official said calamity fund is “badly needed”, why rattle Congress into approving a supplemental budget, which by the way, will widen the country’s deficit and add burden to the already burdened Filipino taxpayers.
What is Malacanang waiting for in release its so-called savings?
Aanuhin mo pa ang damo, kung lunod na ang kabayo?
Unlike race horses, which can be stewed after loosing too many times in race derby, the kabayo we are talking about here are people who are desperately asking for help. Either you do something about it, or forever lose their trust and confidence in you. Flood, which is associated to garbage problem, by the way, is in fact an election issue, which explains why relief goods being distributed have stickers of with those familiar names, and faces, of opportunist politicians. I don’t blame them for being what they are, for as long as the relief goods they distributed, are worth the votes of typhoon victims.
Some politicians are distributing small plastics containing two instant noodles, half kilo of rice, and a sardine to as many people, with their name tag in every plastic. Shame, shame, shame. It is better that they text na lang their constituents prayers for their safety rather than giving them less than P50/pack of relief. Hindi pa nakakasama ng loob.
Anyway, opposition lawmakers, including a few administration lawmakers, are already skeptical about the proposed supplemental budget for calamity, knowing now that there are readily available funds which can be tapped for disaster response.
Come to think of it, how can Congress approve a supplemental budget, when the 2010 budget has not yet been approved!
Funny but true. It seems the government is very optimistic that its proposed budget will be approved just like that.
Alternative budget advocates have been pressing the government to release part of the P140 billion government savings in 2008 to fund disaster relief and rehabilitation eve before typhoon Pepeng came in.
The P140 billion, according to the Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI), are readily available funds which Malacanang can tap for the purpose. Malacanang, however, is at a lost for words in responding to such calls. One Malacanang official, without saying that such funds exists, says the fund may have been already used during the current year’s government operation.
P140 billion is P140 billion. With this amount, the government can step up its on-going relief and rehabilitation as a result of Ondoy, and can actually fund rescue or retrieval operation in the north as a result of Pepeng.
All Malacanang has to do is ask the Department of Budget and Management to come up with an updated report of the said 2008 savings, so as to know how much can be used for purpose of responding to the disaster.
Pres. Arroyo should act with dispatch on this issue. An hour meeting with DBM officials will do to know whether these funds still exists. And if not, she should start looking into it, immediately. Or at least, right after dealing with the devastation brought about by Ondoy and Pepeng.
What happened to these government savings is a matter of public interest and the people has the right to know where these monies went. Hopefully, not into the pockets of those pretending who doesn’t know they exist.
Jonathan L. Mayuga
Adobo Lover
I strive to be perfect in spirit, unyielding in soul and humble in triumph...
links:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
It's Confirmed: ERAP for President, Binay for Vice President
8:45 PM
Considering that president Erap has a legal battle to face in case he wins the election, the vice president elect will be a sure hit. Even considering all legal aspects with opinions coming from the greatest and most intelligent lawyers around, the FACT still remains that a legal battle is inevitable and while this is happening, the Filipino people will suffer more. Vested interest is in the air, it's all that there is.
I have nothing against the person of former president Estrada, however, the move to run as president, in my opinion, will only add mountains of legal issues for him to face. And again history will repeat itself. At the end of the day, the common people suffers more.
Erap and Binay will be a force to reckon with since they have a following coming from a portion of the masses particularly within the greater Metropolitan Manila. With so many opposition parties fighting for the big Malacanang seat, this coming 2010 elections will surely be a festival of political figures and as well as clowns.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Chiz Escudero Is Running As President?
6:38 PM
May bagong umagang darating...
Have you seen this new commercial which started yesterday morning? It was showing Sen. Chiz with a crowd, waving and shaking his hands while the song "may bagong umagang darating" was playing on the background. Sen. Chiz Escudero celebrated his 40th birthday yesterday, Oct 11, 2009, the same day the commercial was aired. Coincidence or strategy?
Just this morning, Sen Chiz was interviewed at GMA Unang Hirit and at the radio program of Mike Enriquez right after. When asked if he will run as President, he gave no definite answer. He just postponed his declaration to a later date because there are better things to do like helping the victims of typhoon Pepeng in northern luzon. His statement was definitely politically motivated. First thing, who will spend millions worth of commercials and media coverage if he will not gain something from it?
Simply put, Chiz Escudero's camp would like to sustain the interest, the buzz and the excitement of waiting for his declaration. At the end of the day, it's just plain and simple politics. Although Chiz seems to be lesser evil among the presidentiables.
Read Full Story...
Have you seen this new commercial which started yesterday morning? It was showing Sen. Chiz with a crowd, waving and shaking his hands while the song "may bagong umagang darating" was playing on the background. Sen. Chiz Escudero celebrated his 40th birthday yesterday, Oct 11, 2009, the same day the commercial was aired. Coincidence or strategy?
Just this morning, Sen Chiz was interviewed at GMA Unang Hirit and at the radio program of Mike Enriquez right after. When asked if he will run as President, he gave no definite answer. He just postponed his declaration to a later date because there are better things to do like helping the victims of typhoon Pepeng in northern luzon. His statement was definitely politically motivated. First thing, who will spend millions worth of commercials and media coverage if he will not gain something from it?
Simply put, Chiz Escudero's camp would like to sustain the interest, the buzz and the excitement of waiting for his declaration. At the end of the day, it's just plain and simple politics. Although Chiz seems to be lesser evil among the presidentiables.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Commentary: Lessons learned from Ondoy
4:01 PM
Tacloban City (9 October) -- Watching the unraveling of the great flood in Metro Manila on September 26 caused by Ondoy and the coverage of typhoon Pepeng on September 3 brings realizations and lessons that must be heeded lest the same calamity will happen once again in the future.
In contrast with the chaos during the Metro Manila disaster, with the government leading, there was orderly and systematic preparation and evacuation of constituents who are prone to become victims of the onslaught of typhoon Peping.
First and foremost, the first lesson indeed, is to heed the warnings and alerts from PAG-ASA, Phivolcs, NDCC, local defense office, local government executives, the military or the police. They aim to save your life, give them your fullest cooperation.
Operationalize all the disaster coordination council from the barangays to the highest level of governance. Many times, there are indeed organized disaster coordination councils but they are not functional. Policies such as when there is typhoon signal number 1 in the area, the members of the local disaster coordination council should immediately go to the operations center, ready to mobilize. Drivers of dump trucks are notified to be on standby for possible deployment; rubber boats if there are any readied, evacuation centers are prepared and relief food prepositioned.
Very important is a vicinity map or the geo-hazard maps made by the Mines and Geosciences. As reports from the different areas arrive, red pins could be placed in the specific areas. Though this, the area of the calamity could immediately be analyzed.
If the disaster coordination council is IT equipped, a vicinity map should also be used for the same reason. This is Situation Mapping which allows one to locate activities on a map providing current situation like where rescue teams have been sent, where relief operations are being currently done.
Another important thing which could be done right there on the computer is the Organization Registry which lists Who is doing What and Where. This allows relief agencies to self organize the activities rendering fine coordination among them.
A must during calamities is the Missing Person Registry which helps to report and search missing persons; Disaster Victim Registry to be able to trace internally displaced people and their needs; Request/Aid management which tracks requests for aid and matches them against donors who have pledged aid.
Very crucial is the Shelter Inventory or Evacuation Centers Inventory to keep track of the location, distribution, capacity and breakdown of victims in shelter.
Inventory Management is also very important in order to effectively and efficiently manage rescue and relief aid so that items which require refill will be immediately known.
There should also be good Volunteer Management so that one will immediately know which volunteer groups are needed according to their skills.
A golden rule in times of disaster is to coordinate with the right government institution. An uncoordinated act will always end in a messy outcome. The NDCC has been tapped, then all actions being taken by both private and government entities should be reported to NDCC. This avoids duplications of tasks and prevent others who need help not being aided.
Going back to the first and foremost observation, no amount of advocacies or information dissemination the government will do, if the citizens do not take them to heart and really heed the warning, tragedies will still happen.
Thus, may Ondoy and Peping, open people's eyes to prepare family relief packs which they can immediately pick up at the assigned location anytime there is an emergency.
Moreover, heed the cry of the environment. Start taking care of the environment and it will take care of you in return. All these things done, don't forget to utter a prayer, "Into your Hands I commend my spirit O Lord." "Your will, not mine, be done." PIA Press Release
2009/10/09
Baguio senior citizens group launches advocacy for responsible voting in 2010
3:51 PM
Baguio City (10 September) -- Proving once more that senior citizens are still a driving force in nation building, the Blessed Association of Retired Person Inc. (BARP) launched in a forum last week its advocacy centered on "responsible voting" for the May 2010 elections.
First in their agenda is to encourage all young people, who will be eligible to vote come May 2010, to come out and register and exercise their right to vote.
According to Mr. Narciso Padilla, Media focal person of BARP and the president of the Baguio Elderly Association (BEA), a group composed of the five major senior citizen/retired persons associations in the city with about 22,000 members, their advocacy will start as a family affair, wherein each member will ensure that t he or she is registered and will be going out to vote responsibly. They will also ensure that their family members, from their children up to their grandchildren, will do the same.
In the same forum, BARP president Prof. Federico Balanag, stressed that their group is apolitical and hopefully with such endeavor and with the automation of the 2010 elections, the political system will change. "This advocacy will be funded from the BARP fund itself," added Balanag.
In line with the advocacy, BARP will be funding a "public address system - that will be going around the city for a mobile campaign. In addition, BARP is also planning to hook up with colleges and universities in the city, as well as in La Trinidad, Benguet, to conduct symposia to campaign for citizen's registration and responsible voting. BARP will also be hanging advocacy posters and will try to arrange with different baranggays for the same purpose.
In a related issue, BARP lauded government efforts to bring down the price of medicines, through the Cheaper Medicines Act. The BARP foundation has its own "Botika ng Bayan," wherein people, not only their members can buy cheaper and generic drugs. Balanag, however, stressed that at present they are encountering some problems in getting the supplies for their outlet.
Other officials who served as panelists during the forum were Board of Trustees members Jose Taguba, Tolentino Opiniano, Menchita Damoslog, Placido Abuan and Ret. Col. Conrado Gacad.
Article by: Lito Dar
Philippine Information Agency
Friday, October 9, 2009
You know when your FILIPINO when . . .
6:47 AM
You know when your FILIPINO when . . . (FIL-AM point of view )
your parents were born in the PI
you point with your mouth
you call "flipflops" slippers
you pronounce your f's with p's
you own a rice cooker
you know what TFC stands for
you have kareoke at every family party
you own a magic mic
you own at least one bootleg DVD
you have a collection of DVD's
you have been to the filipino store
you know how to dance, pito pito, spaghetti dance, & pamela one
when you line dance at every banquet party
you wear all your shirts that your tita's or tito's got you from the PI, as sleepware
you have an uncle or aunt that everyone calls "tito boy" or "tita baby"
you listen to slowjam like devotion, drop n harmony, one voice, etc
you eat fish, eggs, spam, cornbeef & pandasal for breakfast
your parents grow tomatoe's, green beans, & peppers
your family owes a toyota corolla or camry
you drive a honda civic and you like to soup up your car
your parents say "open or close" the lights instead of turn "on or off" the lights
you eat with your hands
you have a barrel man figure
you smell like filipino food when you leave your home
you use Jufran's Banana Sauce or Mang Tomas All Purpose Sauce instead of ketchup
you use a tabo to take a shower with
you have eattin chocolate meat (di-nigga-one)
you ve had a family trip to holly hill in wisconsin
you go clubbing on asian nights
your parents always complain how much you are always out
you know what is in turon
you take a lot of napkins when you go out to eat
you take a camera everywhere you go and take lots of pictures
your mom or dad work at a nursing home
your always late (filipino time)
you have plants all over the house
you have a picture of the "last supper" in your kitchen
you go on a picnic and bring a banig
your parents compare your life here and their life in the philippines
your parents question you who, where, and why, everytime you go out
you know who manny pacquio is
you go somewhere and you see another filipino, you always ask yourself if you know that person
you have modeled or been to a car show
your tito or tita that you haven't seen , will always come up to you and say how big you are and ask you if you have a bf or gf
you have a big wooden fork and spoon hanging in your home
you've seen the movie "DEBUT"
you've attended or been in 15 cotilians
you try to get someone's attention by saying "sssssssst" or "hoy"
you mom gives you a paper towel to put on your back from all your sweat
your parents over exaggerate the time (ex:" hoy gising na ! its almost 12 o clock," when it is really 11:15am)
you have one or more alters in your home devoted to mini statues of mother mary and holy water...
your parents try to speak english and mixes it with tagalog
you have to fix the vcr, dvd, tv, or the filipino channel if it doesn't work
you bought bootleg clothing or purses from the philippines
you know what a sari sari store is
you have dyed your hair (gold, blonde, red, brown)
your career path is a nurse
you can dance, sing, & act
you gamble with your relatives (mah-jong)
Read Full Story...
your parents were born in the PI
you point with your mouth
you call "flipflops" slippers
you pronounce your f's with p's
you own a rice cooker
you know what TFC stands for
you have kareoke at every family party
you own a magic mic
you own at least one bootleg DVD
you have a collection of DVD's
you have been to the filipino store
you know how to dance, pito pito, spaghetti dance, & pamela one
when you line dance at every banquet party
you wear all your shirts that your tita's or tito's got you from the PI, as sleepware
you have an uncle or aunt that everyone calls "tito boy" or "tita baby"
you listen to slowjam like devotion, drop n harmony, one voice, etc
you eat fish, eggs, spam, cornbeef & pandasal for breakfast
your parents grow tomatoe's, green beans, & peppers
your family owes a toyota corolla or camry
you drive a honda civic and you like to soup up your car
your parents say "open or close" the lights instead of turn "on or off" the lights
you eat with your hands
you have a barrel man figure
you smell like filipino food when you leave your home
you use Jufran's Banana Sauce or Mang Tomas All Purpose Sauce instead of ketchup
you use a tabo to take a shower with
you have eattin chocolate meat (di-nigga-one)
you ve had a family trip to holly hill in wisconsin
you go clubbing on asian nights
your parents always complain how much you are always out
you know what is in turon
you take a lot of napkins when you go out to eat
you take a camera everywhere you go and take lots of pictures
your mom or dad work at a nursing home
your always late (filipino time)
you have plants all over the house
you have a picture of the "last supper" in your kitchen
you go on a picnic and bring a banig
your parents compare your life here and their life in the philippines
your parents question you who, where, and why, everytime you go out
you know who manny pacquio is
you go somewhere and you see another filipino, you always ask yourself if you know that person
you have modeled or been to a car show
your tito or tita that you haven't seen , will always come up to you and say how big you are and ask you if you have a bf or gf
you have a big wooden fork and spoon hanging in your home
you've seen the movie "DEBUT"
you've attended or been in 15 cotilians
you try to get someone's attention by saying "sssssssst" or "hoy"
you mom gives you a paper towel to put on your back from all your sweat
your parents over exaggerate the time (ex:" hoy gising na ! its almost 12 o clock," when it is really 11:15am)
you have one or more alters in your home devoted to mini statues of mother mary and holy water...
your parents try to speak english and mixes it with tagalog
you have to fix the vcr, dvd, tv, or the filipino channel if it doesn't work
you bought bootleg clothing or purses from the philippines
you know what a sari sari store is
you have dyed your hair (gold, blonde, red, brown)
your career path is a nurse
you can dance, sing, & act
you gamble with your relatives (mah-jong)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
UNDERSTANDING POLITICAL PARTIES FOR DUMMIES
5:24 PM
POLITICAL SCIENCE FOR DUMMIES
DEMOCRATIC
You have two cows.
Your neighbor has none.
You feel guilty for being successful.
Barbara Streisand sings for you.
REPUBLICAN
You have two cows.
Your neighbor has none.
So?
SOCIALIST
You have two cows.
The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor.
You form a cooperative to tell him how to manage his cow.
COMMUNIST
You have two cows.
The government seizes both and provides you with milk.
You wait in line for hours to get it.
It is expensive and sour.
CAPITALISM, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.
You sell one, buy a bull, and build a herd of cows.
BUREAUCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.
Under the new farm program the government pays you to shoot one, milk the other, and then pours the milk down the drain.
AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You sell one, lease it back to yourself and do an IPO on the 2nd one.
You force the two cows to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when one cow drops dead. You spin an announcement to the analysts stating you have downsized and are reducing expenses.
Your stock goes up.
FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You go on strike because you want three cows.
You go to lunch and drink wine.
Life is good.
JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk.
They learn to travel on unbelievably crowded trains.
Most are at the top of their class at cow school.
GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You engineer them so they are all blond, drink lots of beer, give excellent quality milk, and run a hundred miles an hour.
Unfortunately they also demand 13 weeks of vacation per year.
ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows but you don't know where they are.
While ambling around, you see a beautiful woman.
You break for lunch.
Life is good.
RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You have some vodka.
You count them and learn you have five cows.
You have some more vodka.
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.
The Mafia shows up and takes over however many cows you really have.
TALIBAN CORPORATION
You have all the cows in Afghanistan , which are two.
You don't milk them because you cannot touch any creature' s private parts.
You get a $40 million grant from the US government to find alternatives to milk production but use the money to buy weapons.
IRAQI CORPORATION
You have two cows.
They go into hiding.
They send radio tapes of their mooing.
POLISH CORPORATION
You have two bulls.
Employees are regularly maimed and killed attempting to milk them.
BELGIAN CORPORATION
You have one cow.
The cow is schizophrenic.
Sometimes the cow thinks he's French, other times he's Flemish.
The Flemish cow won't share with the French cow.
The French cow wants control of the Flemish cow's milk.
The cow asks permission to be cut in half.
The cow dies happy.
FLORIDA CORPORATION
You have a black cow and a brown cow.
Everyone votes for the best looking one.
Some of the people who actually like the brown one best accidentally vote for the black one.
Some people vote for both.
Some people vote for neither.
Some people can't figure out how to vote at all.
Finally, a bunch of guys from out of state tell you which one you think is the best-looking cow.
CALIFORNIA CORPORATION
You have millions of cows.
They make real California cheese.
Only five speak English.
Most are illegals.
Arnold likes the ones with the big udders.
Read Full Story...
DEMOCRATIC
You have two cows.
Your neighbor has none.
You feel guilty for being successful.
Barbara Streisand sings for you.
REPUBLICAN
You have two cows.
Your neighbor has none.
So?
SOCIALIST
You have two cows.
The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor.
You form a cooperative to tell him how to manage his cow.
COMMUNIST
You have two cows.
The government seizes both and provides you with milk.
You wait in line for hours to get it.
It is expensive and sour.
CAPITALISM, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.
You sell one, buy a bull, and build a herd of cows.
BUREAUCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE
You have two cows.
Under the new farm program the government pays you to shoot one, milk the other, and then pours the milk down the drain.
AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You sell one, lease it back to yourself and do an IPO on the 2nd one.
You force the two cows to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when one cow drops dead. You spin an announcement to the analysts stating you have downsized and are reducing expenses.
Your stock goes up.
FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You go on strike because you want three cows.
You go to lunch and drink wine.
Life is good.
JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk.
They learn to travel on unbelievably crowded trains.
Most are at the top of their class at cow school.
GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You engineer them so they are all blond, drink lots of beer, give excellent quality milk, and run a hundred miles an hour.
Unfortunately they also demand 13 weeks of vacation per year.
ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows but you don't know where they are.
While ambling around, you see a beautiful woman.
You break for lunch.
Life is good.
RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You have some vodka.
You count them and learn you have five cows.
You have some more vodka.
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.
The Mafia shows up and takes over however many cows you really have.
TALIBAN CORPORATION
You have all the cows in Afghanistan , which are two.
You don't milk them because you cannot touch any creature' s private parts.
You get a $40 million grant from the US government to find alternatives to milk production but use the money to buy weapons.
IRAQI CORPORATION
You have two cows.
They go into hiding.
They send radio tapes of their mooing.
POLISH CORPORATION
You have two bulls.
Employees are regularly maimed and killed attempting to milk them.
BELGIAN CORPORATION
You have one cow.
The cow is schizophrenic.
Sometimes the cow thinks he's French, other times he's Flemish.
The Flemish cow won't share with the French cow.
The French cow wants control of the Flemish cow's milk.
The cow asks permission to be cut in half.
The cow dies happy.
FLORIDA CORPORATION
You have a black cow and a brown cow.
Everyone votes for the best looking one.
Some of the people who actually like the brown one best accidentally vote for the black one.
Some people vote for both.
Some people vote for neither.
Some people can't figure out how to vote at all.
Finally, a bunch of guys from out of state tell you which one you think is the best-looking cow.
CALIFORNIA CORPORATION
You have millions of cows.
They make real California cheese.
Only five speak English.
Most are illegals.
Arnold likes the ones with the big udders.
What Is Politics and Political Science in the Philippines
1:55 AM
Sabi ni daddy, "Politics is like this. Call me the President. Mommy is the Government. Yaya is the Working Class. Your baby brother is the Future and you are the People.
That night, narinig ni Junior na umiiyak si baby dahil dumumi ito sa diaper. Pinuntahan niya si mommy pero tulog. Pinuntahan niya si yaya at nakita niyang nakapatong dito si daddy niya.
Kinaumagahan during breakfast bigla niyang sinabi, "THE PRESIDENT IS SCREWING THE WORKING CLASS WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS SLEEPING. THE PEOPLE ARE BEING IGNORED AND THE FUTURE IS IN DEEP SHIT."
---------------------------------------------------------
What Is Politics? A little boy goes to his dad and asks, "What is politics?"
Dad says, "Well son, let me try to explain it this way: I'm the breadwinner of the family, so let's call me capitalism. Your Mom, she's the administrator of the money, so we'll call her the Government. We're here to take care of your needs, so we'll call you the people. The nanny, we'll consider her the Working Class. And your baby brother, we'll call him the Future. Now, think about that and see if that makes sense,"
So the little boy goes off to bed thinking about what dad had said.
Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him. He finds that the baby has severely soiled his diaper. So the little boy goes to his parents' room and finds his mother sound asleep. Not wanting to wake her, he goes to the nanny's room. Finding the door locked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father in bed with the nanny. He gives up and goes back to bed. The next morning, the little boy says to his father, "Dad, I think I understand the concept of politics now."
The father says, "Good son, tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about."
The little boy replies, "Well, while Capitalism is screwing the Working Class, the Government is sound asleep, the People are being ignored and the Future is in deep poo."
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
You won the P100 MILLION 6/45 LOTTO!!!
5:11 AM
6/45 Jackpot prize today is P100,000,000.00!
This was written at a lottery outlet along EDSA. The queue was long and people from different ages were standing in line waiting for their turn. The crowd was diverse. I saw some men in barong tagalog, some in straight ironed polo and slacks , some were in their very casual attire and all are hoping to win the jackpot prize of P100 million. I'm sure those in the line are already dreaming were to spend the P100 million if they win.
Years ago I was against the establishment of lottery in the Philippines. But as of today, I agree with the argument that lottery proceeds are beneficial. This cause I saw during the recent disasters like typhoon Ondoy.
If you are the lucky person to win the P100 million, what will you do with all that money?
PCSO Spreads the charity virus... Details below.
Read Full Story...
Years ago I was against the establishment of lottery in the Philippines. But as of today, I agree with the argument that lottery proceeds are beneficial. This cause I saw during the recent disasters like typhoon Ondoy.
If you are the lucky person to win the P100 million, what will you do with all that money?
PCSO Spreads the charity virus... Details below.
Butuan City (4 September) -- Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Agusan del Norte Field Office is in the final stage of preparation for the upcoming nationwide medical, dental, feeding and information-gathering mission on Sunday, September 6, as part of the effort to "spread the charity virus" nationwide.
Dubbed as '100 percent in one day', a number of doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, health workers, medical professionals and concerned Filipino citizens from the government and private sector leave the comforts of their home to perform the biggest act of charity in the country.
The charity mission aims to cover all of the country's 41,995 barangays.
In Caraga Region, PCSO is setting up media center in Butuan City and Surigao City aimed to feed live coverages in the national television. Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Gym is set for Butuan's media center while the San Juan Gym in Surigao City will be the venue for Surigao del Norte.
According to PCSO-Caraga Lottery Operations Officer Gloria Ybañez, a total of 1,310 barangays throughout the region will benefit from the mission. "This number of barangays comprises 60% of the total number of barangays in Caraga," Ybañez said.
In the Infotext program where the IMAP guidelines will be implemented, the mission aims to serve 1,310 beneficiaries throughout the region - or 100% of the beneficiaries.
Also, Ybañez said that during the event, PCSO is targeting for a 100% registration of "Kaibigan ng PCSO" volunteers which was launched in the city on May, 2009. "This is the continuation of the PCSO Caravan and Kaibigan ng PCSO launching last May, 2009 where hundreds of volunteers throughout the region were able to register. So, for those who are still interested to join as PCSO's kaibigan (friends), this is their last chance to have their names registered," she said.
For Agusan del Norte, PCSO has assigned 12 venues for the medical-dental mission. For the whole region, a total of 77 venues were set for the mission.
In the feeding program, children from Agusan del Norte, Province of Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte as well as sick elders are expected to benefit the program.
The nationwide medical, dental, feeding and information-gathering mission highlights the 75th year anniversary of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). (PIA-Caraga)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Philippine 2010 Presidential Elections
2:24 AM
Funny campaign antics from traditional politicians are airing over television networks. Here are some of them according to viewers and critics:
1. Villar - "Akala mo petiks yun pala hinde! akala mo conyo yun pala laking tondo..." this is a good advertisement worth hundreds of millions. Senator Villar started campaigning two years ago. He helped stranded OFWs come home and documented those helping events. Now he has a touchy and proactive commercial showing how he was helping the ofws. Nice strategy of give and take. Philippine 2010 presidential election aspirant. Overcooked adobo.
2. Roxas - very famous for his "padyak padyak padyak" commercial although many has doubts if he rode a padyak before. Very vocal and speaks the PI language. Although he tried projecting himself a masa based, many hardly believes. 2010 Philippine election vice president aspirant. Hilaw na adobo.
3. Puno - "kung maganda ang puno, maganda ang bunga" Wahaha! ok. Commercial ads linked with his DILG department. Philippine 2010 elections Presidentialble ,Senatoriable.
4. De Castro - "bakit di natin subukan ang PAG-IBIG ni kabayang Noli". VP Noli has kept his silence and nobody knows at the time of this writing what are his political plans. He said before "it's the presidency or nothing". So it remains to be seen. Commercial ads linked to his Housing department. Half-cooked adobo.
5. Teodoro - NDCC chairman and Secretary of Defense. Tough looking and straight forward. However, he seems to have issues walking in the mud during the typhoon ondoy. He had full media exposure during typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng. 2010 Philippine elections presidential candidate. Adobo with lesser soy.
6. Binay - "ganito kami sa Makati, sana ganito rin sa buong Pilipinas". OO nga ganun sila sa makati, ganun nga, oo ngaaaa... However, makati is only a small city. It cannot be compared to the diverse regions of the country. Philippine elections 2010 presidential candidate. Adobo without bawang.
7. Fernando - "Political Will" He has the image of a tough MMDA chairman. many middle to upper class individuals living in Metro manila loves him because of his beautification ( pinkish ) campaign. However, it seems majority of the masa doesn't. Philippine elections 2010 presidential candidate. Adobo without sibuyas.
8. Estrada - "tatakbo ka pa ba (then side view look)". Well, of all the presidentiables, he has the biggest legal problem. I believe he can help more on the background. Philippine elections 2010 presidential candidate. Half eaten adobo.
9. Legarda - A powerful woman handling the climate change issues. Has strong character. However, it seems that Filipinos are tired of having a woman president. Women have the tendency to change their minds easily. Philippine elections 2010 presidential candidate. Adobo in the refrigerator.
10. Escudero - The choice of the youth. However, since he became a senator, he slowly drifted to silence. He came to power as a young and dynamic politician but seems to be drifting slowly into traditional politics. 2010 Philippine Elections presidential candidate. Uncooked adobo.
11. Aquino - "the yellow ribbon man". He maybe the son of political icons, but he is not them. He still has to prove himself. He maybe the most popular candidate now but popularity is not the basis to win. I agree with video blogger Word of the Lourd, e kung si Kris na lang kaya? Ingredients for adobo still in the market.
As to who will be the best presidential candidate, that will depend on their programs, plans and active political campaign. Remember, the new generation of voters are now thinking.
Senatoriables will soon follow.
Read Full Story...
2. Roxas - very famous for his "padyak padyak padyak" commercial although many has doubts if he rode a padyak before. Very vocal and speaks the PI language. Although he tried projecting himself a masa based, many hardly believes. 2010 Philippine election vice president aspirant. Hilaw na adobo.
3. Puno - "kung maganda ang puno, maganda ang bunga" Wahaha! ok. Commercial ads linked with his DILG department. Philippine 2010 elections Presidentialble ,Senatoriable.
4. De Castro - "bakit di natin subukan ang PAG-IBIG ni kabayang Noli". VP Noli has kept his silence and nobody knows at the time of this writing what are his political plans. He said before "it's the presidency or nothing". So it remains to be seen. Commercial ads linked to his Housing department. Half-cooked adobo.
5. Teodoro - NDCC chairman and Secretary of Defense. Tough looking and straight forward. However, he seems to have issues walking in the mud during the typhoon ondoy. He had full media exposure during typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng. 2010 Philippine elections presidential candidate. Adobo with lesser soy.
6. Binay - "ganito kami sa Makati, sana ganito rin sa buong Pilipinas". OO nga ganun sila sa makati, ganun nga, oo ngaaaa... However, makati is only a small city. It cannot be compared to the diverse regions of the country. Philippine elections 2010 presidential candidate. Adobo without bawang.
7. Fernando - "Political Will" He has the image of a tough MMDA chairman. many middle to upper class individuals living in Metro manila loves him because of his beautification ( pinkish ) campaign. However, it seems majority of the masa doesn't. Philippine elections 2010 presidential candidate. Adobo without sibuyas.
8. Estrada - "tatakbo ka pa ba (then side view look)". Well, of all the presidentiables, he has the biggest legal problem. I believe he can help more on the background. Philippine elections 2010 presidential candidate. Half eaten adobo.
9. Legarda - A powerful woman handling the climate change issues. Has strong character. However, it seems that Filipinos are tired of having a woman president. Women have the tendency to change their minds easily. Philippine elections 2010 presidential candidate. Adobo in the refrigerator.
10. Escudero - The choice of the youth. However, since he became a senator, he slowly drifted to silence. He came to power as a young and dynamic politician but seems to be drifting slowly into traditional politics. 2010 Philippine Elections presidential candidate. Uncooked adobo.
11. Aquino - "the yellow ribbon man". He maybe the son of political icons, but he is not them. He still has to prove himself. He maybe the most popular candidate now but popularity is not the basis to win. I agree with video blogger Word of the Lourd, e kung si Kris na lang kaya? Ingredients for adobo still in the market.
As to who will be the best presidential candidate, that will depend on their programs, plans and active political campaign. Remember, the new generation of voters are now thinking.
Senatoriables will soon follow.
Monday, October 5, 2009
From The Wisdom Of Manoling... Sad But True
9:11 PM
Spreading A Bad Virus...
I woke up this morning still thinking of Morato's argument and he was right on the aspect of endorsement for a living. Many politicians seek the active involvement of showbiz and sports personalities in their campaigns. One example is indeed Senator Madrigal who undoubtedly won because of Juddy Ann's endorsement. This coming 2010, I'm sure the former will run again but will not get the celebrity endorsement of the latter.
Senators of this Republic rely strongly on advertisements and endorsements. However, during the 2007 national elections, the people showed a new generation of voters. They voted for Senator Trillanes and Senator Honasan who had no millions to spare. The new generation somewhat believe that by voting those who oppose the government and the system has a better chance to deliver the needs of the common people. I cannot say for now if the people were wrong in voting for Trillanes and Honasan.
In related issues, I agree with Senator Mirriam Defensor Santiago when she said the Department Secretaries who are using the peoples money for useless infomercials are full grown hypocrites. So many have I seen that if you digest the meaning of the commercial, it is plain and simple "I'm running for senator this 2010 election, I'm using your money for this commercial, vote for me". Thus, I believe that the new generation of voters will not vote for these cabinet secretaries but will instead vote for those who are in the "private sector". One reason is that the voters know, at least, that the candidates in the "private sector" are using their own money to buy endorsers and ads. Also, the new generation will not likely to vote for people involved in showbiz. Their history precedes them.
Going back to what Manoling said, he was right. Celebrity endorsers are partly to be blamed for the misfortunes that this country suffers. About the Philippine Senate, I still believe that the best senate ever was during the senate presidency of Teofisto Guingona who said no to the extension of American Bases in the Philippines. That Senate, had the brightest minds and the biggest balls of them all.
Today...Sigh... Sigh... and another Sigh...
-Adobo
Sunday, October 4, 2009
2010 Cordillera Elections (Sinu Ibutus Mu)
9:12 PM
Its been a while since I've written something on Cordillera politics. Since 2010 election is upcoming, I will dedicate a part of this website to Cordillera politics covering Baguio, Benguet, Mt. Province, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Ifugao. A poll for voting on each province will also be presented. A simple forum will also help in discussing the credentials of candidates and their platforms /programs. This will aid/help us in finding the right candidate to vote.
In line with this, I am appealing to those who read this article to post/reply on this article the possible candidates running in a particular province or municipality so I can add them in the polls list.
Thank You
-Adobo
Read Full Story...
In line with this, I am appealing to those who read this article to post/reply on this article the possible candidates running in a particular province or municipality so I can add them in the polls list.
Thank You
-Adobo
Saturday, October 3, 2009
My Tribute To The Military Heroes During Disasters
9:06 PM
To the Philippine Military, Navy and Special Departments... Thank You
You deserve it, a perfect adobo for you heroes. When disaster strikes, the AFP, especially those in the lower ranks are deployed to help in rescue and relief of victims. Despite being short equipped with emergency gadgets, they make ways to serve those who are in need. My tribute goes to those who are in the field, the foot soldiers. Those who face danger when others run, those who keep the peace when others take advantage and those who sacrifice their life just to save another, Thank you.
We have seen how the Philippine military and navy help in disasters during the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy. In Laguna, two soldiers died but they were able to save 600 lives. According to their squad mates, they are just doing their job and will not hesitate to save those who are in danger even if they die. Such a patriotic statement.
Below is a news article on the two soldiers that sacrificed their lives for others.
Two members of the Philippine Army had perished in separate occasions over the weekend while participating in rescue operations for the victims of tropical storm “Ondoy" in Laguna province.
A statement from the Philippine Army said Pfc. Venancio Ancheta died Saturday in Barangay Tunhac in Famy, Laguna, after saving 20 citizens from possible drowning in raging floodwaters caused by the storm.
“His heroism [serves] as an inspiration for the whole Philippine Army and, in particular, his teammates who continued the mission and rescued another 600 civilians in Famy, Laguna," the statement said.
Ancheta perished after he was severely struck by a log while bringing a drowning man to safety. His body was found by the Disaster Relief and Rescue Unit of the 16th Infantry Battalion the next day.
Ancheta would be given departure honors on Wednesday, September 30, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio, according to the statement.
Another Army fatality, Cpl. Adriano Regua, was leading rescue efforts in Barangay Nanguma in Mabitac, Laguna, when he was killed while trying to save a militiaman who was also part of the rescue mission from drowning.
The militiaman he was trying to save also did not make it, the statement said. Their remains were found on Sunday along the Manila East Road.
"[Regua] led his team well, as they were able to save 200 residents in the area alone even at the cost of their own lives," the statement read.
The statement noted how Regua performed his duty as a soldier in Laguna while his own family was in danger in Tanay, Rizal.
Military rescue teams took Regua’s family to safety.
Five members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) Active Auxiliary also passed away while conducting rescue operations in Laguna. They were identified as
Joel Hernalin, Erineo Olaguer, Pedro Falcon, Florencio Dequino, and Artenio Descotido.
MELISSA DE LOS SANTOS- GMANews.TV
Read Full Story...
We have seen how the Philippine military and navy help in disasters during the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy. In Laguna, two soldiers died but they were able to save 600 lives. According to their squad mates, they are just doing their job and will not hesitate to save those who are in danger even if they die. Such a patriotic statement.
Below is a news article on the two soldiers that sacrificed their lives for others.
Two members of the Philippine Army had perished in separate occasions over the weekend while participating in rescue operations for the victims of tropical storm “Ondoy" in Laguna province.
A statement from the Philippine Army said Pfc. Venancio Ancheta died Saturday in Barangay Tunhac in Famy, Laguna, after saving 20 citizens from possible drowning in raging floodwaters caused by the storm.
“His heroism [serves] as an inspiration for the whole Philippine Army and, in particular, his teammates who continued the mission and rescued another 600 civilians in Famy, Laguna," the statement said.
Ancheta perished after he was severely struck by a log while bringing a drowning man to safety. His body was found by the Disaster Relief and Rescue Unit of the 16th Infantry Battalion the next day.
Ancheta would be given departure honors on Wednesday, September 30, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio, according to the statement.
Another Army fatality, Cpl. Adriano Regua, was leading rescue efforts in Barangay Nanguma in Mabitac, Laguna, when he was killed while trying to save a militiaman who was also part of the rescue mission from drowning.
The militiaman he was trying to save also did not make it, the statement said. Their remains were found on Sunday along the Manila East Road.
"[Regua] led his team well, as they were able to save 200 residents in the area alone even at the cost of their own lives," the statement read.
The statement noted how Regua performed his duty as a soldier in Laguna while his own family was in danger in Tanay, Rizal.
Military rescue teams took Regua’s family to safety.
Five members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) Active Auxiliary also passed away while conducting rescue operations in Laguna. They were identified as
Joel Hernalin, Erineo Olaguer, Pedro Falcon, Florencio Dequino, and Artenio Descotido.
MELISSA DE LOS SANTOS- GMANews.TV
Hungry Crowd mobs distributors of 'Ondoy' relief goods
8:21 PM
Typhoon Ondoy: Aftermath
More bodies found as Pasig flood caused by 'Ondoy' subsides
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Read Full Story...
More bodies found as Pasig flood caused by 'Ondoy' subsides
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Crowd mobs distributors of 'Ondoy' relief goods
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Power Of Wang Wang Sirens
7:55 PM
Philippine symbol of importance... "the wang wang"
Grabe! To those residing in manila, have you noticed the show of power being displayed by some individuals particularly those with luxurious cars? Yeah, I bet you noticed. I was in a public bus from MOA going to SM North EDSA, it was 4pm and traffic was building up so fast. And true to guess, the monstrous traffic came. 30mins passed, 1 hour passed, almost 2 hours passed I was near SM megamall. Suddenly, a group of powerful men with loud wang wangs and motorcycle escorts were pushing other vehicles aside so they could pass. The VIP vehicle was a black Pajero with non goverment plates. I could see the other passengers inside the buss utter foul language towards the passing Pajero. We were patiently and slowly moving our way through the traffic just like the other public and private vehicles and here comes a private vehicle with motorcycle escorts pass us by. We were furious. Ang kakapal ng mukha! 100x to the max! Who are they to be given special privileges? So I decided to find a news clip or some materials on this matter. Instead, I saw the video below from Youtube. It explains it all.
P.S.: It was 6pm, may opisina pa ba ang government ng 6pm?
P.S.: It was 6pm, may opisina pa ba ang government ng 6pm?
Friday, October 2, 2009
Early Election Ads and Political Gimmicks
9:06 PM
What does it take to be voted?
Name recall? Popularity? Looks? All these are just part of a large arsenal of political gimmicks that politicians practice. Some gimmiks that you can see almost every corner of this country are congratulatory gestures from aspiring and current politicians. Examples are as follows:
1. Happy Fiesta! FROM COUNCILOR PAPOGI (VOTE 2010!)
2. Happy Festival! FROM VOTE MAYOR PAPOGI
3. Congratulations to the Graduates! VOTE FOR ME! VOTE FOR ME! COUNCILOR PAPOGI
4. Happy Anniversary! FROM GOVERNOR PAPOGI
5. Congatulations for Passing the Board/Bar Exams! FROM VICE MAYOR PAPOGI
6. Condolence FROM COUNCILOR PAPOGI
7. Congratulations for your 5th death anniversary (?), hehehe VOTE FOR ME 2010
Kidding aside, these gimmicks are actually ( il )legal as far as early electioneering is concerned. Furthermore, there are Senatorial and Presidential candidates who started their campaigns as early as three years ago. Evidently, you can see and hear their commercials on tv and radio stations. Now, if senators and department secretaries can do their expensive early political TRI Media campaigns, what hinders the local politicians to do the same? Besides, should their be prosecution, the law applies to everyone, right? That would mean filing cases against the entire government structure from the powerful barangay captain up to the vice president. So, cutting the story short, every aspiring politician can actually do their political ads and campaigns as early as right after an election because the law against such practices is practically useless. And if the law can be implemented, who will implement and prosecute the government? Only POLITICAL WILL can answer this dead end question. Sad but True.
Let me ask you this, if your ulam every morning, lunch and dinner is adobo everyday, will you get angry and curse the one preparing your food for wanting you to die early or praise that person for preparing adobo everytime of the day? On the other side of the story, if you will see election ads from a politician everytime you go out of the house and back home from work 366days in a year, will you get angry? Praise the politician for his face everyday? Or masusuya ka rin? Just a question.
I call the younger ones as "THE NEW AGE GENERATION OF VOTERS", a generation of intelligent, non-traditional, more aware and informed voters. And this is good news... very good news. Regardless of political ads, posters, tarpaulines and gimmicks of aspiring politicians, still, the voice of my new age voters will prevail. They can see beyond the paid media ads and campaigns. They can be "hired" but they can't be bought! ( gemays! mayat mayat ayus ayus! )
- Adobo
Read Full Story...
Name recall? Popularity? Looks? All these are just part of a large arsenal of political gimmicks that politicians practice. Some gimmiks that you can see almost every corner of this country are congratulatory gestures from aspiring and current politicians. Examples are as follows:
1. Happy Fiesta! FROM COUNCILOR PAPOGI (VOTE 2010!)
2. Happy Festival! FROM VOTE MAYOR PAPOGI
3. Congratulations to the Graduates! VOTE FOR ME! VOTE FOR ME! COUNCILOR PAPOGI
4. Happy Anniversary! FROM GOVERNOR PAPOGI
5. Congatulations for Passing the Board/Bar Exams! FROM VICE MAYOR PAPOGI
6. Condolence FROM COUNCILOR PAPOGI
7. Congratulations for your 5th death anniversary (?), hehehe VOTE FOR ME 2010
Let me ask you this, if your ulam every morning, lunch and dinner is adobo everyday, will you get angry and curse the one preparing your food for wanting you to die early or praise that person for preparing adobo everytime of the day? On the other side of the story, if you will see election ads from a politician everytime you go out of the house and back home from work 366days in a year, will you get angry? Praise the politician for his face everyday? Or masusuya ka rin? Just a question.
I call the younger ones as "THE NEW AGE GENERATION OF VOTERS", a generation of intelligent, non-traditional, more aware and informed voters. And this is good news... very good news. Regardless of political ads, posters, tarpaulines and gimmicks of aspiring politicians, still, the voice of my new age voters will prevail. They can see beyond the paid media ads and campaigns. They can be "hired" but they can't be bought! ( gemays! mayat mayat ayus ayus! )
- Adobo
Eulogy to the late martyr Bishop Alberto Ramento
6:29 AM
Eulogy to the late martyr Bishop Alberto Ramento, D.D,
by JC delos Reyes
SOLIDARITY
PHILIPPINES
Email add.: jcdelosreyes@ymail.com
In his last homily moments before his brutal assassination, El Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero as he reflected on Scripture proclaimed…“one must not love oneself so much as to avoid getting involved in the risks of life that history demands of us...those that fend of danger will lose their lives. I do not believe in death without resurrection...if they kill me, I will be resurrected in the Salvadoran People."
The Most Reverend Alberto B. Ramento, D.D, a man for others, a man of God, seemingly embraced the demands of the gospel and found meaning in Christ's suffering outside his ‘comfort zone’. He was the Bishop of the poor peasants and farmers as he promoted worker’s rights in Tarlac and Cavite. In every forum he sought and fought for the truth, denouncing massive cheating, electoral fraud and government corruption. His concern for the victims of extrajudicial killings and their families was noteworthy as he denounced the apathy and indifference of the government to solve it.
Not only was he a social prophet, a herald of God but a good shepherd as he stood by the poor and the marginalized. This ‘principled engagement’ with the people and his desire and struggle for a fullness of life they deserve characterized the life of Bishop Ramento.
Solidarity Philippines, a movement pro-actively advancing the Social Justice Agenda of the Church has found a martyr, a model whose life…and death will stand as a witness on how a true and faithful Christian ought to live…where social concern and love for one’s neighbor is not only a pastoral priority but a defining characteristic of our Christian faith.
The same faith, the same conviction, the same love for the poor and the oppressed, the same ministry, the same life, the same death, the same martyrdom, Bishop Ramento, like Romero will be resurrected in the Filipino people.
With praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty!
JC delos Reyes
Lead Animator
Read Full Story...
by JC delos Reyes
SOLIDARITY
PHILIPPINES
Email add.: jcdelosreyes@ymail.com
In his last homily moments before his brutal assassination, El Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero as he reflected on Scripture proclaimed…“one must not love oneself so much as to avoid getting involved in the risks of life that history demands of us...those that fend of danger will lose their lives. I do not believe in death without resurrection...if they kill me, I will be resurrected in the Salvadoran People."
The Most Reverend Alberto B. Ramento, D.D, a man for others, a man of God, seemingly embraced the demands of the gospel and found meaning in Christ's suffering outside his ‘comfort zone’. He was the Bishop of the poor peasants and farmers as he promoted worker’s rights in Tarlac and Cavite. In every forum he sought and fought for the truth, denouncing massive cheating, electoral fraud and government corruption. His concern for the victims of extrajudicial killings and their families was noteworthy as he denounced the apathy and indifference of the government to solve it.
Not only was he a social prophet, a herald of God but a good shepherd as he stood by the poor and the marginalized. This ‘principled engagement’ with the people and his desire and struggle for a fullness of life they deserve characterized the life of Bishop Ramento.
Solidarity Philippines, a movement pro-actively advancing the Social Justice Agenda of the Church has found a martyr, a model whose life…and death will stand as a witness on how a true and faithful Christian ought to live…where social concern and love for one’s neighbor is not only a pastoral priority but a defining characteristic of our Christian faith.
The same faith, the same conviction, the same love for the poor and the oppressed, the same ministry, the same life, the same death, the same martyrdom, Bishop Ramento, like Romero will be resurrected in the Filipino people.
With praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty!
JC delos Reyes
Lead Animator
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Power Of Facebook
5:15 PM
When Emotions Come In...
The problem came because of the political word called "protocol", even if not sanctioned by the political person subject of the issue (assuming). Following protocol is a sign of respect to authority. It is a way to please one person rather than follow the immediate clamor. I think part of the blame is on the Staff of Senator Gordon and the Barangay Officials, they like to be patted on the back like a nice cute little doggy. At the end of the day, the political figure they are representing got all the blame. And so it happened.
On another story, there are hundreds of claims that Barangay officials are actually gaining from the reliefs. Using their authority, they are personally setting aside goods more than what they needed. This caused some organizations to make ways to distribute the relief goods directly to the people.
Now here comes the politicians. They are going to relief areas and evacuation centers. I appreciate them trying to give help but I do not appreciate them bringing their own media team to document the giving of reliefs. They are a bunch of plastics walking around. The real heroes in this disaster are the common Filipino people, those who volunteer, those who give their share in any manner with all their heart without expecting something in return.
Going back to the article written below, I agree that the Philippine political system remains the same. However, with the help of new technologies like Facebook, Twitter, texting, etc the people can help regulate the old political practices. Modern advances in technology can help the common Filipino to moderate the political system and finally, the new generation of voters are now more exposed, more aware, and are thinking. The new generation of voters are "rebellious". They are clamoring for change in the corrupt system and they can vote candidates at will. We saw this effect during the 2007 National elections. Politicians beware: the new generation of voters are THINKING!
On the other side of the story, it's too bad that this negative issue was focused on Senator Gordon. I'll give the good man a break in this one because as compared to most of the senators, at least he was doing something relevant. He was supervising his National Red Cross, going around helping and giving relief goods. To the other Senators, I assure you, even with your millions, you will have a hard time winning in the next elections.
Anyway, read the story below and with the arguments above, give your own opinion.
-Adobo
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BECAUSE OF THE COMMENTS I'M GETTING THAT WHAT TRANSPIRED is a FIGMENT OF MY IMAGINATION, i dare anyone to tell that to my FACE personally and I have A WHOLE GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT CAN VERIFY THE DETAILS OF THIS STORY.
To think the deluge of volunteerism support and the “Bayanihan” spirit of the Filipino has somewhat made me believe that this country is indeed worth figthing for, someone destroys it for me. Here’s my story.... On September 30, 2009, our company decided to volunteer with various efforts around the Metro as a genuine act of helping out those who have been ravaged by Typhoon Ondoy. I was placed under the group to support the mission of the Philippine Red Cross in Quezon City. Call time was at 8 am sharp and we got to the Evacuation center by Novaliches at around 10 am. As we were briefed what to do, we also initiated a system to keep things in order because of the number of people. At around 10:45 we were ready and so was everyone else because they’ve been there since the early part of the morning but we were informed by one of the PRC staff on site, we couldn’t give out the goods yet because “protocol” dictates that the PRC chair....Mr. Dick Gordon was going to visit and deliver some sort of speech or at least hand out the goods. We were infomed by a certain Ms. Torres that this was how it goes...we reasoned out with her that the people were lined up already and OBVIOUSLY hungry waiting for so many hours as it was. We also asked if the goods were from MR. GORDON and we were told it was donations to the Red Cross. So we kinda hinted ….we can give it then! But wait we did, by around noon, no word from the DICK and people were getting rowdy saying “Ibigay nyo na! (Give it already!) The number of people was increasing and we knew the goods provided to us would be gone in an instant. It was only a small container van of Air 21 that housed the goods and I’d approximate there were at least a 1,000 people on site.
At this point, my fellow colleagues were exasperated at what was going on. WE COULD STAY THERE the whole day to help out and make sure the people there would at least be spared from any further hurt (if losing a house wasn’t hurtful enough) by doing something significant, instead we were made to wait doing nothing just because someone wanted to use the program for his political gain. I mean, the bag only contained rice, canned goods and noodles…would it be so DIFFICULT to give this away already??!!! We were wearing our company shirts…so it looked like WE WERE THE ONES DELAYING the damn operation.
The Barangay Captain got a hold of the mic and told the people “Maswerte tayo na tayo ang pinuntahang Barangay, hinihintay lang natin ang mga panauhin natin, kaya’t wag kayong mag tampo” (We’re lucky to be the Barangay that will be visited, we’re just waiting for our guests, so don’t fret).
At almost 2 pm, I don’t know what happened but the Brgy. Captain suddenly asked all Senior citizens and pregnant women to make a new line (from the original lines) and then he started to instruct us to give out the goods…and that’s when all hell broke loose. Obviously the people in the original line weren’t too happy with the situation…even if…the idea was noble.
In the end, the stubs to claim the relief goods were more than the relief goods themselves…and I could see a lot of upset people at what had just happened….oh and the clincher of it all…..DICK MOTHER(*@#$!%^) GORDON DID NOT SHOW UP. He wanted this obviously to be a POLITICAL event for him and then decided that maybe it wasn’t worth showing up for after all.
I can’t believe that a time like this when ORDINARY people are coming together, POLITICIANS REMAIN THE SAME…AND I can only PRAY MR. GORDON that you be granted some sort of WISDOM (OR BALLS) to DECIDE WHAT YOU REALLY WANT TO DO. Don’t go on making PROTOCOLS that are STUPID AND INANE especially in times like this….people have lost their loved ones, their houses, basically everything they have and you still have the GALL to use this to YOUR Advantage.
Believe me, if you ever run for office, I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR YOU and I hope everyone who sees this blog does the same thing. It’s funny a week ago on ANC you told viewers that the reason why we’re in a rut is because our government does not have a CLEAR SYSTEM….so please EXPOUND to me how your PROTOCOL of overseeing the distribution of relief goods was more of SYSTEM rather than a POLITICAL STUNT.
DICK. I honestly believe your name suits you quite well.
Author: Martin Cervantes's Notes
Source: Facebook, Multiple Posts and thousands of comments.
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"There Are Always Two Sides Of A Coin"
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