SONA - SAME OLD NOTHING AGAIN

Gloria's State Of The Nation Address (SONA) is a ritual that coincides with the opening of Congress. A lot of preparation has gone to the speech (thanks to AIM Professor Gary B. Olivar), not to mention the collateral fuss that the whole government structure underwent for the occasion - overspending taxpayer's money for the Batasan and its surroundings (thanks to Speaker Boy Nograles), securing the place and the roads that lead there, printing invitations and programs, installing a new set of microphones, tapes, CDs, flags, lights, plants, drinks, finger food, light dinner at the lounge, haute couture for the lady (and the not so lady) representatives, signature suits for the men (and the not so men) representatives, and a host of other details and expenses for a one-hour, lie-filled speech. Only those with invitations are allowed entrance to the hall and galleries. The rest of the nation for whom the address is being made are expected to watch the televised broadcast in their homes or offices, or wherever they may be at the time of delivery and are advised to take two (2) tablets of antacid before listening to Gloria's Sonatas de Kasinungalingan, or they may watch the replay before retiring to bed at night. Last year, the SWS gave GMA a negative rating in the urban centers, but a slightly higher average rating in the provinces although still in the negative too. Why is this so? Has she not worked hard enough to make the citizenry feel that her super-projects are already part of the legacy she has spoken of? A bankrupt legacy perhaps. Are not these super- projects for the super- regions super enough to have the people feel superiorly taken care of? There are lessons in history one reads about regarding the leader who does not encourage the people to be part of whatever the government is doing with them. Participation, initiative (not inis sa thief) and responsibility - these are the key elements if one is to spur the people to development. Everything the president has talked about lies (lies!) in the balance between the forward motion of her projects and the participation, initiative and responsibility coming from the mass base. If these are not elicited from the people, the recited list of infrastructure would remain simply as cold as steel, iron and cement, while the individual citizen remains equally as cold and detached. If such a relationship between the leader and the people has not been established, or has been falsified, all these super-projects would self-extinguish in the consciousness of the masses. If she is not able to "awaken the imagination of her audience," hence the oratorical delivery of the SONA would be for naught. And I expect it to be just that on Monday's SONA.

(Image from http://www.abante.com.ph/)

MORE NURSES - BUT WHERE TO?

Last year, some 60,000 nurses graduated from various nursing schools all over the country. Recently, that number probably rose even higher with more new nurses again as the US is now experiencing an over-supply of nurses, and so, where do they go to find employment? They go to spas, call centers and banks while awaiting their much-needed employment overseas - US, UK and Canada in particular. And what is government doing about this? Nothing. Just like our OFWs, our nurses boost the economy via their remittances to their families here - at the same time our beloved government officials and top military officers salt dollars outside the country.

(Image from http://daylife.com/)

BOXUS ET LEXUS

My unimpeachable source tells me that boxing great Manny Pacquiao purchased last year the Lexus club along Timog avenue in Quezon City to the tune of PhP35 million. Having done this away from the usual publicity and fanfare, I wonder what giant NIKE (International) thinks about this - with Manny having signed a US$20 million product endorsement contract with them, on condition that he behaves like a good little innocent altar boy, staying away from cigarets, alcohol and gambling such as sabong and casinos, and of course from prostitution joints posing as entertainment theatres and health clubs - like Lexus, and for a guy who shows care for our environment, he surely will be taking good care of the wildlife in Quezon City. I wonder, will former Bayanihan dancer Lito Atienza be doing a macho dance number when the night club reopens under its new management?

(Image from http://www.pcij.org/)

RP BIGGEST RICE IMPORTER

Isn't it ironic that we are now the biggest importer of rice, and yet the center for 'riceology' - the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), is right here in our country? Now what could have gone wrong here?

(Image from http://www.ufz.de/)

METRO GAGO / TAO GINAGO

Is our favorite public servant Fernandong 'Di Bayani pulling a fast one on us, with his sights trained at 2010? I ask this question because just as we woke up one day staring at his despicable pictures on posters all over EDSA, there seems to be another sneaky attempt at name recall of him on buses plying the avenue. Notice how many of these buses sport an elongated poster on its dashboard by the driver's side just behind the windshield with the name 'BAYANI,' and with a matching Philippine flag on the left side. Are those his posters? If they are, then what a shame. How about the posters inside the LRT-3 coaches that says, "Metro Gwapito in 2008 - Metro Gwapo in 2010" Bayani is really trying every trick in his filthy book to remind citizens and commuters that he wants to be president in 2010. So, what better way than to take advantage of the public transport system to support him. If Mr. Fernando can't play fair from where he is today, how much (or less) fair play do you think he would inject just to perpetuate him to power if and when he becomes president? Can you even imagine him painting every building pink, Malacanang Palace included? For a guy whose ego is bigger than his brains, he's better off serving as a Marikina kagawad. This guy doesn't get my vote. Tear down those posters and those elongated BAYANI posters on those buses. Shame on Bayani Fernando!

(Image from http://bambit.kusangpalo.com/)

KA-SONA-NGALINGAN NA NAMAN!

So, it's that time of year again when lies shall be forced into our ears by no less than a lying president. On Monday, July 28, Gloria Arroyo's State Of The Nation Address (SONA) in the Batasan Pambansa will focus on her favorite reminder to us all - "Ramdam Ang Kaunlaran." Really?? Where? How? Ask anyone on the street (any street) about this and you'll surely get a similar reply - "Ramdam Ang Kahirapan!" Hence, I made up a few meanings of SONA.

1. Same Old News Again
2. Save Our Nation (from) Arroyo
3. (She) Screws Our Nation Always
4. Send OFWs No Assistance
5. Seven Out (of) Nine (despise) Arroyo
6. Stamp Out Now Arroyo
7. Sulpicio Owners' No Action
8. Show-Off, Numb, Arrogant
9. Same Old Nothing Again
10. Shame On (this) Nation's Administration
11. Same Old Nincompoops (in her) Administration
12. Sense Of Neuralgia After
13. Same Old Nematode (this) Arroyo
14. Same Old Nitwits (in her) Administration

Our Ship of State is the only ship in the world that leaks from the top. That's the real SONA.

(Image from http://www.pcij.org/)

GMDSS (GIVE ME DEATH, SULPICIO SINKS)

The Philippine government once upon a time purchased a GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) to the tune of P700 (plus) million pesos. To this day, that same equipment is still in a container rotting somewhere (since 1999), and according to Lt. Sr. Grade Armand Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman, that GMDSS is already outmoded and obsolete and hinted that it may not match and be compatible to the other equipment in many of the ships sailing our seas today. Who is the contractor responsible for this? I believe this equipment was purchased during DOTC's former Secretary Josie Lichauco's term, and who seems to know a lot on the history of the procurement of this equipment. Why wasn't it put to good use? Simply put, we need this equipment badly since it is an international system using advanced communications technology, and its main purpose is to enhance ship-to-shore communications by providing a rapid and automated distress alerting system with positional information. In short, it's the eyes and ears for all ships that set out to sea. In the case of the PCG and Sulpicio Lines, they relied too heavy on texting provided for by Globe and Smart. Now, that wasn't too smart for them at all. What if the ship's captain 'ran out of load?' It's time our congressmen help our Philippine Coast Guard by first improving on their alloted budget for modernization. Otherwise, any ship that leaves our piers is basically on its own, and that's one position none of them would like to be - unless of course you're Sulpicio Lines who seems to like getting its ships in trouble when they're out at sea. They either bump, burn or sink.

(Image from http://www.icselectronics.net/)

SENADORA GODZILLA

I'm not a bit surprised why Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is angry at her colleagues namely Senator Ping Lacson, who I wish would promote a semi-sanitary napkin for cross-dressers, Senator Richard "Little Dick" Gordon for a penile enlargement pill, and for Senator Loren Legarda who as we all know has planted more billboards than trees around the metropolis, as the three have been moonlighting as poster boys and poster girl for their products of choice. She may be sour-graping because it's a fact that she won't be the next elected official we shall be seeing on a huge billboard on EDSA promoting a beauty or health product - unless of course MGM gets her to promote their next blockbuster movie GODZILLA IN MANILA!

(Image from http://aboutmyrecovery.com/)

FUNERARIA SULPICIO

Malapit na ba si lolo o si lola? 'Wag nang maabala. May kaibigan kang nakahanda sumikat man ang araw o bumagyo. FUNERARIA SULPICIO maaasahan. Our motto: "Our Business Is Dead."

(Image from http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/)

NOT AN "ACT OF GOD" BUT AN "ACT OF STUPIDITY"

It's very clear now that the thick-skinned owners and lawyers and apologists of Sulpicio Lines are blaming everybody except themselves. They even blame God when they declared that the tragedy was an "act of God." It wasn't an act of God. It was an "act of stupidity." - on their part. Since day one of the crisis, all they ever accomplished was make life harder for the relatives of their victims by callousness, indifference, and sheer lack of sympathy - to a point of arrogance. It's not like this is the very first time such tragedy ever happened to the shipping line. This is just a repeat of what had already occured in the past. And to this day, they still are a bunch of amateurs when it comes to dealing with a crisis such as this - by blaming every Tom, Dick and Harry on the sea. It's high time they are punished and must be prohibited from operating for now until they show genuine reforms by first thinking of safety each time any of their vessels sets out to sea. Otherwise, let all their ships be used as habitat for barnacles from hereon.

(Image from http://farm4.static.flickr.com/)

EDU'S CRUSADE IS EVERYONE'S CRUSADE

Among the very few honorable men serving President Arroyo's administration is a fellow who stands out and shines for all to see - Eduardo 'Edu' Manzano, a fraternity brother of mine, and currently head of the Optical Media Board (OMB), a line agency directly under the Office of the President (OP). Edu has been doing an excellent job, and has recently waged an all-out war not only to pirates of the movie world, but more particularly to child pornography producers. He has done this also as a private citizen, delivering a dramatic monologue expressing his extreme disgust over the proliferation of pornographic videos that feature Filipino kids. He lamented the fact that many of these discs are on sale at our favorite malls and department stores, some even being next to churches. Edu aired an appeal to these mall operators, church and politicians to follow suit and go all-out in putting a stop to the sale of pornographic materials, and to child pornography itself. Edu is filing charges against mall operators and retailers engaged in the sale of these items. Porn videos are in violation of RA 7610 which guards against child exploitation and abuse. Edu calls on the public to get involved and sign up in a document showing support to this crusade. The document will be posted on the OMB website at http://www.omb.gov.ph/ - Good luck bro!

(Image from http://daylife.com/)

IT COSTS SEVERAL BILLIONS FOR A SIMPLE LUNCH IN HARARE

Thanks to Zimbabwe's dictator Robert Mugabe, the exchange rate now for their currency there is 25 billion Zimbabwean Dollars to a US Dollar, or 40 Zimbabwean Dollars to a British Pound. A simple lunch there now costs literally billions of Zimbabwean dollars! For example: A double cheeseburger in Harare is ZWD 50 billion, add fries and a Coke to that equals to ZWD 80 billion. Currently, the 25 billion and 50 billion notes are the largest in circulation. This is so mind-boggling. Imagine how much money a Zimbabwean has to bring with him just to go to a grocery? Methinks Mugabe's days are numbered. Many Zimbabweans have been seeking refuge elsewhere fleeing from the claws of the dictator. Back here at home, I'm resigned to the sad fact that President Arroyo will be staying on until 2010 - and beyond. Watch them now as they renew calls for Charter Change. But if Arroyo follows the footsteps of Mugabe persecuting and punishing critics and killing journalists, with her fellow-economists screwing our banking system, our Philippine Peso could be just like the Zimbabwean dollar, God forbid. But for now, our peso is stronger as against the dollar, and could well be better if our government is dead serious on proper governance, beginning with our very own Bangko Sentral.

(Image from http://bbc.co.uk/)

THE HIGH COST OF DRIVING

Travelling each single day via public transport, I can't help but notice the change happening gradually on our streets. The number of vehicles are slowly decreasing and the MRT and the LRT have gotten to be more like packed sardine cans. People who used to drive every day are now leaving their cars at home or are parking them somewhere next to a transport terminal. Fuel prices have gone up so astronomically high that soon, it's simply going to be quite impossible to drive to work or take the family out on a road trip. Well, I beat all you guys to it some seven years ago when I simply decided to stop driving my car and take to commuting. I never regretted that decision to this very day. In fact, it's like I've forgotten already how it is to drive around ghastly Metro Manila. Commuting is a great way to get to one's destination. Don't be afraid to try it, it can do wonders to your bank account. Imagine all that amount you'd be saving? The secret to it is to simply wear your most comfortable pair of shoes and before you know it, you've covered several kilometers just by walking. It also is one sure way of preventing heart disease and obesity. Walking is good and commuting is beneficial to your health. It's also your own small way of contributing for an emission-free environment.

(Image from http://www.urbanrail.net/)

YOUR NEXT TRIP IS ON US

Planning your next family vacation this early? Go via Sulpicio Lines! You won't forget your voyage, and you'll surely be hugging your family members. Book now and avail of our special one-way trip ticket for half price. You'll flip over our promos! Sulpicio Lines guarantees you a trip to die for!

(Image from http://cagayandeororealestate.ph/)

SONA (SCREW OUR NATION AGAIN?)

It's that time of the year once again when President Arroyo delivers her State Of The Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. This time, the Batasan Pambansa will be undergoing a major facelift just for Gloria - to the tune of P94 million in taxpayers' money. Yup, that amount could - again, build more toilets for a number of public schools all over the country where the ratio is one toilet per two thousand pupils. Imagine that amount just to please a pseudo-president? Speaker Prospero 'Boy' Nograles sure knows how to play his cards well wherever and whenever it's needed! After all, he has turned his back on former Speaker Jose de Venecia, regardless of all the favors he had gotten from the latter. For a man who only wanted so much to be mayor of Davao City, he sure has reached the top being the fourth most powerful official in the land. Who knows, he may be a Senator someday? As expected, Gloria's SONA will be filled once again with bloated figures, exaggerations, lies, empty promises and untruths. Reminder: When she delivers her message, watch her nose grow several inches longer.

(Image from http://www.abante.com.ph/)

SECOND LIFE

I received two text messages from ex-captive Ces Drilon last June 24 saying, "Leslie, Ces here using my other phone. Thank you for your prayers and forgive my delayed response. Lost both my phones." And, "Thanks, I also remember your call while I was in captivity. Was just afraid to answer as my captors were around." While I am so happy for Ces' recent release from the hands of her captors, I am also saddened by the abduction of four employees of the Basilan Electric Cooperative by the Abu Sayyaf. Sad because we hardly hear any news about them simply because they're just four 'nobodys' and the media just doesn't give a hoot anymore. That's the cruelty of anonymity. Sadly so, the ransom may not be paid, and four lives could just be put to waste.

(Image from http://daylife.com/)

"SORRY YOU MISSED THE BOAT!"

Here's a funny joke. While visiting Washington on an official trip, and after closely monitoring the tragic news over the deaths of a number of Filipinos from the ill-fated M/V Princess Of The Stars, President Arroyo finally decided to call the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the sibling owners of Sulpicio Lines. On separate calls, she asked them the same question why the ship was allowed to sail even at the height of Typhoon Frank, to which they answered similarly, "Ma'am, we thought you were on board!"

(Image from http://nytimes.com/)

LITO ATIENZA AND SONS WILL STEAL THE SHOW AGAIN FROM MANNY PACQUIAO

So, Manny Pacquiao wins the WBC lightweight division crown by knocking down David Diaz. Ho-hum. Well, okay so I should receive it as good news and jump for joy. The bad news is that we're all going to be seeing once again ex-Bayanihan dancer DENR Secretary Lito Atienza, son Ali Atienza and son-in-law Miles Roces as they attempt at earning some 'pogi points' squeezing their way to be right beside Pacquiao for all the country to see when he returns to Manila for a hero's welcome on July 4. It's so sickening and as always, a cheap way for the Atienza's to gain media mileage. For once, can we please see Pacquiao this time WITHOUT Lito Atienza and his boys next to him?! Atienza should just improve on his job as Secretary of the Environment. Plus, it really is 'kabaduyan' for him to be wearing those Polynesian shirts. He cheapens the value of those beautiful shirts, that's why we only see a few guys wearing them in public. They simply wouldn't want to be compared with Atienza. So please to you organizers of the welcome parade for Pacquiao, don't you dare include Lito Atienza, Ali Atienza and Miles Roces once again. 'Di pa ba kayo nagsasawa sa makakapal nilang pagmumukha?

(Image form http://manilastandardtoday.com/)

NO AID? NO BIG DEAL.

Sixty-two years ago, on July 4, 1946, the United States of America granted independence to the Philippines. The euphoria of flying our own flag and governing our own land did not exactly mean we were free and independent from American control. The Laurel-Langley Treaty, which granted the Americans the same proprietary rights as Filipinos, continued until its expiration in 1974. An then, there were the US military bases in RP, the biggest of which were in Subic and in Clark, and they would have continued under American ownership and control for 99 years, had President Marcos not ordered a reduction of the military bases' occupancy to 25 years with a review every 5 years. In addition, the US government had to pay lease/rent for the land use, and not just their handing over to us some aid, the amount, frequency and conditions of which would be determined by Washington as it pleases. They wanted Marcos booted out for this. When Cory Aquino came to power, the bases agreement was terminated and the catastrophic volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo sent the occupants of both bases - military personnel, civilian employees, and their families scampering under the thick darkness of the ashfall back to their homeland. But that was not the end of American military and other connections with our country. The People's Republic of China suddenly loomed in the horizon spreading its products (fake and all) across the Pacific and flooding the US mainland with just about anything than could be copied anywhere in the world. Iraq invaded Kuwait, and as a consequence, America shocked and awed that country until its present disintegration. Iran curdles with its nuclear plants under construction (or already completed). Lebanon, Israel and the rest of the Middle East face another crisis. And closer to home, Indonesia's islands shelter Islamist extremists cum terrorists, spilling over the SouthEast Asian region and infiltrating our own Muslim communities some of whom are under the control of a Moro independence movement. By the way, that pirated DVD you buy from them may well contribute to the funding of some of their questionable activities. The Philippines, as historically and geographically destined, is the most strategically located for any American base that needs to operate within the range of the Asia mainland, on to Europe, and more importantly, the Middle East. Our islands are needed more than any concern or interest for the millions of citizens, the current illegitimate president included. But our constitution prohibits any foreign base to be installed in the country. Thus, the "Balikatan" (shouldering?) exercises or whatever else one may wish to call them, under the cover of training our soldiers to fight fellow-Filipinos gone wrongly Islamist or communist, and to use hand-me-down weapons until whatever is "modern" catches up with our psyche. No bases, but check the state-of-the-art airports, the camps, the equipment, the facilities, the sea craft, aircraft, the off-shore fleets of which are all not for our use. And then, the fuss over American military aid - whether it was true that it had been cut, or not. Not so says the Palace from the Pasig. Go check with our envoys in Washington, Not true, says a press statement from Malacanang spin-doctors and apologists/fibbers. Secretary Condoleeza Rice's (aka "paella negra") powerful office has issued the criteria for the granting of US military aid to third-world countries like ours, namely peace and security, or just democratic governance and poverty reduction. Oh dear, we are flunking her criteria? Not so, says Malacanang Seafood Palace. Matter of fact, Palace spokesmen declared the tripling of American military aid this year. But we can do without it, says our AFP.

(Image from http://daylife.com/)

TYPHOON GLORIA

It has been customary for PAGASA to name our typhoons alphabetically. And so, after that devastating Typhoon Frank comes now Typhoon Gloria. Kakaiba ito. Walang ulan ... PURO HANGIN!

(Image from http://www.filipinasoul.com/)

REAL KINGS AND FAKE PRESIDENTS

Jordan, Morocco and Saudia Arabia are kingdoms. Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain are emirates, as are five tiny states that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The only sultanate left is Oman. Frankly, we'd be sultans if we had the choice. We'd wear insanely baggy silk pants and play with sharp sabers. The title "king" seems pompous by contrast, too stuffy and inhibiting, and you'd probably have to wear a really embarrassing crown. An "emir" sounds like some kind of horned deer-like creature that roams the Serengeti Plains. Well, a king is almost the same as a sultan, and both have more power than an emir. First, there are real kings and fake kings as there are real presidents and fake presidents. The Philippines has a fake president. But that's another post someday. Fake kings are like the ones in England, who are rubber stamps for the real government, the parliament. Saudi Arabia has a real king. That's why the country is called Saudi Arabia, because it is run by the Saud family. The Saudi king is picked by the family and has virtually absolute power. He gets to appoint everyone in the government. He's the final court of appeal. He doesn't mess around with democracy, but the Americans love the guy because he has so much oil. The sultan of Oman is also an absolute monarch. The only distinction is that when Oman was part of the Ottoman Empire - named after the cushioned seat, of course - there were many sultans ruling different lands, all answerable to the supreme leader, who controlled the empire and was so incredibly powerful he didn't really have a title. Folks just called him by his name. An emir is humstrung by contrast. Emirs rule by the consent of the aristocracy. In this case, being a ruler is more of a job than a hereditary privilege. What about "sheik"? That's a fairly generic title for an aristocrat in one of these emirates or sultanates or kingdoms. Sheik means "prince." Our pronunciation advice is to treat is as a homonym of the word that means fashionable, rather than the word that means a frozen milk-based beverage that comes with burger (or bur-jer a la abalos) and fries.

(Image from http://nytimes.com/)

THEY GO ON A JUNKET WHILE THEIR KABABAYANS KICK THE BUCKET

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines the word 'Junket' as "a trip made by a public official at the expense of the public." Undertow defines it simply as "a picnic or an excursion paid for by someone else." Guess who that "someone else" is. And that clearly is what has taken place recently when President Gloria Arroyo and her cabal of useless government men boarded a chartered plane to the US at the height of 'Typhoon Frank.' The same typhoon that capsized the M/V Princess Of The Stars just a few days ago, snuffing out the dear lives of close to 800 Filipinos. At times like these, don't you wish these GMA sycophants took a Sulpicio vessel instead of a PAL aircraft to their destination? I would think so too. And that is also why it would be best for Sulpicio Lines to just sell off its fleet of ships for scrap metal. Sulpicio's perwisyo and lack of safety precautions is responsible for the deaths of many people. Look closely at the news. Who do you think were many of the survivors of the ship? The vessel's crew! Let's take a look back in history concerning Sulpicio Lines' memorable dates: In 1987, the M/V Dona Paz collided with an oil tanker in Tablas Strait. The tragedy claimed more than 4,000 deaths and was believed to be the world's biggest peacetime sea tragedy. In 1988, M/V Dona Marilyn, sailing from Manila to Leyte encountered gigantic waves brought about by Typhoon Unsang and capsized, killing 250 people. Strangely enough, the Board of Marine Inquiry deemed it to be "an act of God," and therefore ruled that no one was responsible. In 1998, the M/V Princess Of The Orient, travelling to Cebu from Manila sank at the height of Typhoon Gading. 150 people died there, and the Justice Department ruled that Sulpicio Lines could not be held liable for the tragedy. When something of this nature happens once, then it may be just purely accidental. But, for it to happen 3 or even 4 times - now that's criminal negligence! This government must, in the name of those who perished and their respective family members, do something. As it is, it's the same old song played every year. When some tragedy happens, then they call for an "inquiry" leading to nothing. No one ever goes to jail for crimes committed and for the senseless deaths of scores of people. It's the culture of impunity again and again. Once and for all, would this government please throw anyone and everyone responsible for this in jail! Please? A word of advice to you squatters in Malacanang, government junketeers, you shameless cabinet secretaries, you shameless congressmen, you shameless governors and undersecretaries and military officers: next time you plan a junket to the US, go there via one of Sulpicio Lines' vessels. And I promise you, It's a trip you would surely die for.

(Image from http://www.stuff.co.nz/)

CHARITY FOR THE DOWNTRODDEN

It seems altruism is not something we Filipinos are big on. While billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are giving away virtually all their wealth to ease poverty in the Third World, we can't even spare a peso to a street urchin begging for alms. In a recent survey, the Ateneo-based Social Weather Stations (SWS), a normally accurate and correct surveyor of the public pulse, found out that when it comes to charity, we seem to be paying nothing more than lip service. The survey - covering 1,200 respondents aged 17 to 69 across four economic classes - revealed that the average Filipino gives to charity only 12 times a year, at most.
In Metro Manila, where awareness of charitable organizations are supposed to be the highest, only 3 out of 5 are aware that there are organizations advocating care for orphans and street children. Are we really stone-cold tightwads when it comes to charity? Not really. Our hearts still bleed when we see a rain-soaked three-year old girl barely able to carry her eight-month old brother begging at a corner of a busy intersection. We do, however, often ask ourselves if by giving alms, are we really helping them or making their situation worse? We are bothered sometimes because we know that the same girl and the same baby are going to be at that same corner when we pass by it again tomorrow. We wonder whether the boy with the amputated leg would use the loose change we give him to a cara y cruz match or buy a vial of mind-altering adhesive - rugby. We also cannot shake away the thought that all those loose change we dole out may end up in the hands of a syndicate running all those begging children, amputees and beaten-down senior citizens. But we give, anyway, thinking that it's not our problem how they use the money. The important thing is that we give away something, anything to help them get through the day. But sometimes, even that is not the wise thing to do. For we often wish though that we can do more for them, and remember that mantra that we think is a much better recourse: "Do not give them fish, but teach them to fish." The problem as the SWS has correctly diagnosed, is that we often don't have a clue how to help them help themselves. The closest and the most immediate thing we can think of at that very moment is to drop a few coins in those cans sitting beside the cash register of a shopping mall or a restaurant advocating a noble cause: caring for orphans, getting street-children off the streets, helping battered women and protecting the environment. Sometimes, we come across charitable causes in our own workplaces that ask us to donate a portion of our salaries, or just our own time to an unselfish undertaking, like building homes for the homeless, visiting an orphanage or a medical mission, but these are few and are often seasonal. The SWS is correct in advising charitable organizations to get their act together so they can make the public more aware of their existence and the causes they espouse. Otherwise, they simply seem to us as nothing but vaporware, and we just do the best we can, in our own small way to help out. We do have a bleeding heart for the downtrodden. The problem is: How can we really stop the bleeding?

(Image from http://daylife.com/)

UNLIQUIDATED CASH ADVANCES

Malacanang Palace, specifically the shameless Office of the President has with it a whopping unliquidated P632 million in cash advances. Just imagine how many toilets that money can build for our public schools where the average ratio is 1 toilet for every 2,000 pupils. In the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) alone, my unimpeachable source tells me that a top official of that agency has a total of P30 million in unliquiated cash advances. If those figures are indeed true, then something is wrong with the values of our public servants - or they simply have no values at all. These pseudo-servants of the people treat government agencies like convenient ATM machines, but are always a bunch of flunkies when lifestyle checks are conducted. Obviously, the stink begins at the top all the way to the bottom. Matter of fact, I have always maintained that "our ship of state is the only ship in the world that leaks from the top," and if that is so, what kind of legacy is this administration boasting about? In the subject 'moral bankruptcy,' they are all straight-A students. But in delicadeza and honor, they are as useless as an old pager of the 90s era having a moral capacity of a minor kitchen appliance.

(Image from http://www.philsite.net/)

PETER WALLACE, THE UGLY AUSTRALIAN

His name is Peter Wallace of the Wallace Business Forum, an Australian living in the Philippines who I believe owes every Filipino a sincere apology. At a recent gathering for the signing of a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and several business groups such as the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and the Makati Business Club (MBC) with Wallace as the emcee, he tried to be cute like an old Koala Bear by cracking a joke on the Glorietta blast last October 2007 - pointing out to the Philippine National Police's (PNP) official findings that the cause of the explosion was Methane gas from the sewage system in the Glorietta mall's basement. Wallace's racist remarks irked many people when he said, "I've seen this international report recently. The Glorietta blast is being blamed by the police on Methane gas, from shit in the old Makati Supermarket building. Ever since the police made the report known, the world is fearing Filipinos as the people with the most explosive shit in world." He also said that scientists from Russia and China are now analyzing the typical Filipino "to learn Filipino shit." In addition to that, he went on to to say "several Filipinos kidnapped in Afghanistan and Iraq, surprisingly by Arab terrorists ... kidnapped Filipinos have been asked to produce shit to be made into bombs for suicidal missions." He added more insults by saying that "the US State Department, fearing deadly consequences, has assigned Delta Force operatives to keep watch on Filipinos and their shit from falling into the hands of terrorist groups." And on the Batasan blast, he said that "the explosion wasn't caused by a bomb, but was triggered by a congressman who couldn't hold on to his shit any longer." Well, if Wallace was trying to be cute and funny, one thing he surely achieved was not that, and instead created a lot of enemies that night. And hey, I'm a typical Filipino, and I'm not taking shit from a typical racist pig like Peter Wallace. He's the one who's full of it with his verbal diarrhea, for "when the defecation hits the ventilation," he should start finding another country to live in.

(Image from http://www.pcs-ict.org/)

GIVE THEM LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMS THEN KILL THEM?

The very day news came out on Ces Drilon's abduction, I have maintained that ransom shall have to be paid. No other option was available. In fact, in the following days of her captivity, as ABS-CBN and Malacanang insisted on the "no ransom policy," I knew that was just plain and simple baloney, for the more they denied the possibility of ransom, the more I suspected a ransom was in the offing. Take the case of this silly pronouncement made by Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji: "Instead of ransom, we will offer livelihood programs for the kidnappers." And then, a day after Ces' release from her barbaric captors, no less than President Arroyo gives the order to "crush the Abu Sayyaf." Give them a living and then kill them?? Duh! "Durugin ang Abu Sayyaf" is a statement we've heard many times already before. And as it was the practice done before of paying ransom in exchange for the safe release of kidnap victims, it's so obvious that ransom indeed has been paid again.

(Image from http://www.eontarionow.com/)

FREE AT LAST!

Philippine Commentary claims that ABS-CBN news anchor Ces Drilon has been released earlier, contrary to the same station's report tonight at 10:00pm that "she will be released in a few hours." Now if that is true, I rejoice and thank God for this wonderful news! And if it is true also that a ransom has been paid by ABS-CBN, I dread receiving my next Meralco bill. The Lopezes might just try to get back that amount from its consumers thru Systems Loss.

(Image from http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/)

ANC'S SHOP TALK SHOULD READ THE PHILIPPINE FLAG LAW

While watching Pia Hontiveros' Shop Talk the other day on ANC with guests Bambi Harper, Mark Higgins and Eric Zerrudo, I noticed something embarrassingly wrong with the way our Philippine Flag was displayed on the studio wall right behind the host. The red was on the left (of the observer), while the blue was on the right (of the observer). Section 10 of RA 8491 specifically says that "when a flag is displayed on a wall during peace time, the blue field is to the observer's left and the red field is to the observer's right." So, in times of war, the blue field is to the observer's right and the red field is to the observer's left. I wonder, was this done on purpose by ABS-CBN to send a war declaration message to Winston Garcia and the GSIS? Or was it simply carelessness on their part? The irony of it all you see, is the topic of Hontiveros' show was all about Filipino Heritage.

(Image from http://www.wikimedia.org/)

CES

Good news comes to us in the strangest of ways. Yesterday, June 11 is a date I shall never forget. As I was getting off the MRT on Quezon Avenue on my way to a friend's office in the Banawe area, I suddenly thought of my friend Ces Drilon who had been reported to be held against her will by bandits, together with her ABS-CBN crew in the jungles of Sulu. I first knew about this in the early morning of Tuesday, June 10, and have been worried for her safety. And so, curiosity egged me to reach for my phone from my pocket at that very moment, search for her name in its directory, and press "call," expecting a recorded message saying the subscriber would be "outside the coverage area, or has turned his unit off. Please try again later." That was exactly 1:00 PM. Lo and behold, Ces' phone rang! I was so surprised with this unexpected ringing of her phone that I immediately terminated the call after just one ring - a.k.a. a "miscol." Then the real surprise came when Ces immediately called back. I answered my phone, and the voice on the other end said, "Les, I'm sorry I can't talk right now." "Click." It was her. I smiled and thought at that moment, though I didn't have the chance to ask Ces how she was doing, I was just so thankful to hear her voice, obviously which meant that she was alive! I was just so happy as I began boarding the jeepney on Quezon Avenue bound for Banawe. But then again, I was sad too that such things must happen to a good person. A kind-hearted lady. As of this writing, Ces is still in the jungles of Sulu together with her crew, held captive by the Abu Sayyaf led by Al-bader Parad. Wasn't this the same fellow responsible for the abduction of Father Giancarlo Bossi? Nevertheless, I ask you to join me in faith asking God to protect her, to shield her from the enemy, and to bring her back to her family safely. Yesterday, June 11, is a date I shall never forget.

(Image from http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/)

TWO PRAYERS FROM THE 1930S

Since we shall once again be commemorating our Independence Day in a few days, allow me to share with you a very rare appearance of two prayers which my grandfather Jorge Bocobo, with his unwavering Protestant faith had written and read in 1931, and the other in 1932 during the Liberty Parades of those years. If you observe and read the prayers carefully, it would seem that these prayers were written only yesterday, for it speaks of the same evils and ills that hound our country today.


THE LIBERTY PRAYER OF 1931

O living God our Father, may Thy grace ever abound unto our nation. In perfect trust do we seek to know Thy will in our strivings for liberation. Bless Thou every hand that toils and every heart that throbs for freedom. Grant that in the vehemence of our struggles for liberty, no ill-will or hatred may creep into our hearts. Give us to bear our disappointments with charity and long-suffering, confident that Thou, O God of deliverance, will never forsake us Thy people.

We beseech Thee to bestow increasing strength and power upon those who labor for our emancipation, and may those who deny us freedom see the righteousness of our cause.

In the hollow of Thy mighty hand are the destinies of all nations. To Thee we commend our country's future, so that, we pray Thee, it may shine unto the perfect day. We fear no harm or evil under the shadow of Thy wings. Lead our people on the paths of righteousness and of goodwill toward all men. Let freedom be ours, O Thou giver of every good gift. We thank Thee for manifold blessings in the past. May we be deserving of Thy continued protection today and in the years to come. To Thee we attribute all glory and all power forever and ever. Amen.


THE NATIONAL PRAYER OF 1932

Almighty God, Father of all nations, fountain of all strength and mercy, we Thy people come unto Thee in the hour of danger and distress. Hide not Thy face from this nation, we beseech Thee. Do Thou pour out Thy holy comfort upon our afflicted souls. We are Thy people, and Thou art our refuge and deliverer. Of Thy loving-kindness, there is no end.

We entreat Thee, O most gracious Father, stay Thou the hand that would smite our liberties. Send forth Thy spirit unto our rulers and so touch their hearts and quicken their sense of justice, so that they may in honor keep their plighted word to us. Let not the covetous designs of a few interests prevail in the councils, nor sway its noble purposes toward our country.

We pray Thee, O Lord, grant us peace to forgive those who seek to destroy our freedom.

We thank Thee, O heavenly Father, that we can thus pray to Thee. We thank Thee that Thou hast inspired us with a renewed spirit of national unity. Do Thou bless and sanctify our aspirations as a people. Guide us in our endeavors for our emancipation to the end that our every thought and deed may be accepted in Thy sight. And to Thee be all honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

(Image from http://en.wikipilipinas.org/)

GENERAL ESPERON AND PRESIDENT ARROYO'S LEGACY

In a recent issue of the Wall Street Journal, John Hopkins University Professor Brett Decker said that "The Philippine military's second crisis concerns endemic corruption in its upper echelons. Unlike in the United States and many countries where military officers are among the most respectful elites in society, the Philippines' senior officer corps has long been regarded as one of the most corrupt classes in a very corrupt social system. There are many examples of officers taking bribes to let rebels escape, and of military equipment being sold to insurgents who use the weapons against the soldiers for whom they were intended. In its country report released recently, the US State Department listed very low morale, corruption and lack of inter-agency cooperation as institutional factors that undermine anti-terror efforts in the Philippines." This report certainly corroborates with the opinion of Transparency International (TI) when it ranked the Philippines as the 8th most corrupt country in the world, as Malacanang as usual disputed the findings calling it "unfair" saying it is addressing the problem of corruption squarely. How can it when the very heart of corruption has been squatting in Malacanang for several years now? Two more years in office and we could very well be the #1 in its list.

(Image form http://pia.gov.ph)

ESTRELLA ELAMPARO'S ERROR

GSIS chief legal counsel Estrella Elamparo was wrong to say that Winston Garcia's family in Cebu are in no way involved in the operations of Visayan Electric Co. (VECO), the Cebuano version of Meralco. She went public recently in an attempt to fool consumers that Winston Garcia has no hidden agenda whatsoever. The Garcia's are indeed interlinked with the Aboitiz family (VECO owners on record), in the management of RP's second largest franchise of electricity. Again, my GSIS mole tells me that VECO is owned by the Aboitiz family and has for itself a lawyer in the person of Jess Anthony Garcia from the Neri-Garcia clan. He is Winston Garcia's nephew and the eldest son of Alvin Garcia, former Cebu City mayor and younger brother of Jesus "Sonny" Garcia, FVR's former transportation secretary. Alvin and Sonny are Winston's first cousin. Sonny Garcia sits in the board of Vivant Corp., the holding firm of the Aboitizes' VECO. Sonny Garcia has been lawyering for the Aboitizes shipping business in particular. Elamparo failed to do her homework. A costly blunder such as this could backfire on her boss, especially if the Lopezes take on this error hook, line and sinker.

(Image from http://abs-cbnnews.con/)

FUWA

The cuddly 'Beijing 2008 Olympics' mascots known as "Fuwa" could be toxic and dangerous to one's health. Chinese police have seized close to 30,000 counterfeit versions of the fluffy stuffed mascots, some made with toxic materials, in what appears to be one of the largest haul of fakes to date, the state-run Beijing News said recently. This is a warning to consumers to take care when purchasing the dolls to avoid any health risks. Over here, another health risk threatens the lives of Filipinos each day - a counterfeit president and a counterfeit administration, so toxic that people who work closely with her immediately develop a digestive illness called "daya-rhea."

(Image from http://xinhuanet.com/)

SI RAUL O SI GONZALEZ?

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez was recently sucking on the barrel of his gun when he accused CHR Chairman Leila de Lima of undue haste and unfairness to some cops in concluding the Tanauan, Batangas killings by Task Force RCBC elements was a rubout or simply a summary execution. Gonzalez likewise was suffering from an acute verbal diarrhea when he said that the bank robbers-murderers should be subject to a "shoot to kill" order. Undue haste? But four people are dead! The PNP record of summary executions and the practice of using 'fall guys' is not a secret. Chairman de Lima was doing what was just right. So, why should Sec. Gonzalez be disappointed about de Lima's swift action? It is be Gonzalez who is guilty as hell for undue haste in clearing Proclamation 1017, in permitting CPR and E.O. 464, in orchestrating the raid on the editorial offices of Tribune, in filing charges against several opposition leaders, including the late Rep. Crispin Beltran. Chairman de Lima simply has set a good example of prompt action by a government agency, in contrary to Gonzalez' canine partisanship.

(Image from http://www.gmanews.tv/)

DID GSIS AWARD COMPUTERIZATION CONTRACT TO AN INTERNET CAFE?

My GSIS mole tells me that the GSIS may have awarded a contract to computerize its records to an internet cafe based in Cagayan de Oro. Now, if true, how is it that a multi-billion government financial institution, the fiduciary of millions of civil servants' hard-earned and forced savings, could possibly deal with a penny-ante company is once again an entry for the Guinness' Book of World Records, and possibly for Ripley's too! Well, it turns out that the controlling stockbroker of this internet cafe disguising as a software developer, is surnamed Fiel. Winston Garcia's middle name is Fiel. Coincidence?? Your guess is as good as mine. So, if the botched-up computerization deal has messed up the lives of hundreds of thousands of GSIS members, blame it on Fiel and Fiel-Garcia. Apparently, the former pretends to be an expert on computer systems, and the latter wants us to believe that he is God's gift to the science of management.

(Image from http://pia.gov.ph)

GLORIA AND DUBYA: TWIN SCOUNDRELS

Let's take a closer look at Presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and George Walker Bush.

- Both are children of past presidents.
- Their first term presidencies were decided by a Supreme Court.
- Their second terms were marked with fraud. (Gloria in Mindanao, Dubya in Ohio)
- Both are extremely unpopular and hated by their fellowmen, as evidenced by poor approval and trust ratings.
- Both are war freaks but preach peace as they send soldiers to the battlefields.
- Both run their respective governments through propaganda, deceit and cover-ups at the expense of morality and truth.
- Both have paid 'wind-up dolls' in disguise as spokespersons lying through their teeth.

(Image from http://www.whitehouse.gov/)

MYANMAR'S GENERALS ARE DEAF AND DUMB

One month after Cyclone Nargis devastated Myanmar and claimed thousands of Burmese lives, its leadership under heartless General Than Shwe (and his fellow generals) still closes its country's doors to international aid. Over a million of its citizens to this day have not yet received any form of aid, while US ships wait nearby for any breakthrough in its internal policies. The US State Department claims it has made more than fifteen (15) official attempts to convince Myanmar's leaders to allow aid to be given to its starving and dying citizens. Had its leaders allowed international relief goods into its shores and airports, more Burmese people would surely be alive now. But their cruelty and sheer disregard for innocent lives continue to this day, and their corruption within their ranks make them one of the most corrupt military-state in the world, occupying similar rankings with our very own AFP. I just wonder, did Major-General Jovito 'The Butcher' Palparan Jr. learn soldiery under Burmese military schools?

(Image from http://mensa-barbie.com)

RCBC'S CCTVS

I almost fell from my chair the other night while I was watching an interview on TV of Edwin Ermita, security head of the RCBC when asked about the bank's robbery-massacre in Cabuyao, Laguna. Asked why the bank's CCTVs were not functioning, he idiotically replied: "Hindi sa hindi gumagana ang CCTV, defective lang." His reaction and answer immediately reminded me of another Mr. Ermita who works in Malacanang as one of the top apologists of Gloria Arroyo. The latter, just like the former comes up with the most absurd replies when confronted with a question only they find mind-boggling to reply.

(Image from http://www.pra.gov.ph/)

WALK, HIKE AND BIKE

I walk my whippet every single day, but not the way that guy above walks his lab! Yes, and I'm so glad I gave up driving my car many years ago. I can imagine the headache many motorists are now experiencing with the constant rising of the price of oil. When the cost of fuel goes up, everything goes up as well. I can live well just by commuting. Less stress, less expense. Imagine the cost of parking, toll, maintenance from the wear and tear of your vehicle, and the occasional 'hulidap' one has to live with from cops and the MMDA. Many years ago, TV host Ariel Ureta got in trouble with the Marcos regime when he made a mockery of one of Marcos' gem slogans "Sa ikauunlad ng bayan, disiplina ang kailangan." He simply substituted the word "disiplina" to "bisikleta," and off went Col. Rolly Abadilla's Metrocom to his office! Today, I reflect on Ureta's mockery of that slogan and then realize he had a point. A good one. Countries like China and Holland rely much on the bicycle for transport. It's a good way to get from one place to another. But you and I know the 'macho' character of every Pinoy. So, each day out on the streets, one would see a car with just one passenger in it - it's driver. We should learn 'car-pooling.' It's a good way to save, and a great way to get to know better your neighbors. If I'm not mistaken I believe a newer term for it now in the US is "slugging." which simply means 'instant car-pooling' or 'casual car-pooling.' Motorcycles (the underbone type) are a bad alternative. Each day, several motorcyclists lose their life or limb from accidents. We simply have too little regard for road safety hence, the tragic endings. A bicycle is a good way to start. Walking and commuting is also better. Try it, and see how much money you'd be saving, and how much longer you'd be living.

(Image from http://www.jonco48.com/)

A MOCKERY OF COMMEMORATION



Republic Act 9492 allows the transfer and observance of (some) holidays to the nearest Monday. Last year, the heirs of General Emilio Aguinaldo denounced the controversial proclamation of President Gloria Arroyo as she declared June 12 a working holiday, saying it was sheer disrespect to all Filipinos - and the great general must have turned in his grave with a clenched fist pointing toward Malacanang. This year, GMA has "changed" the observance of our Independence Day date again - from June 12 to June 9. So it shall come to pass that we have a president who carelessly changes important dates in the name of 'long weekends.' In an interview last year, Emilio Aguinaldo Suntay III, a great grandson of the hero said he was "aghast over such travesty, and what if we declare Christmas as a working holiday, making 95% of Christian Filipinos feel disrespected?" Suntay had written a letter of protest against Proclamation 1211 which declared June 11 last year a non-working holiday and June 12 a working day. And only recently, Malacanang has announced that the same shall be done again this June. The proclamation was effected to create a 3-day long weekend and possibly encourage domestic travel for local tourism to boom. The irony of the matter is that it was President Arroyo's very own father, the late but not great President Diosdado Macapagal who moved heaven and earth to make June 12 the date for our Independence Day, and making July 4 Philippine-American Day. And because of this, President Diosdado Macapagal must have turned in his grave as well. It really doesn't seem right to many people to be commemorating historic events on the wrong day. It's a "mockery of commemoration." For no other right-minded head of state in the world would dare make his or her national day movable. England has no independence day but has St. George's Day, while Ireland has St. Patrick's Day. These days are NEVER movable. So, the idea of moving our freedom day was and continue to be done in bad taste. Thus, it would be silly for President Arroyo since moving our special day again this year by means of another proclamation. GMA, during one of her inebriated nights probably thought that General Emilio Aguinaldo was looking at some old calendar and declared our Independence Day on June 12, 1898 which was a Sunday, maybe because it was his wish for the anniversary of I-Day to fall on a Monday so that Pinoys would enjoy their very first long weekend in malls in 300 years. Bataan was given up on purpose by the Amerikanos on April 9, 1942 which was a Thursday, thinking that they just simply had too much of this thing called war and wanted to have a 3-day long weekend beginning on a Friday. The Japanese had the same thing in mind and since 'karaoke' was still a thing of the future, off they went to their 'comfort women' instead. Dr. Jose Rizal was executed by 'mousqueterie' on December 30, 1896. That was a Wednesday. That infuriated the citizens because the next day was a Thursday, a regular working day. Collectively they muttered, "We'll have to wait two long years before we can make a long weekend out of this. Let's start a revolution instead!"

(Image from http://www.waidev2.com)

THE 'NOUVEAU PAUVRES' UNDER HER ADMINISTRATION

While President Gloria Arroyo and her family have now become millions of pesos and dollars richer, it is heart-breaking to know that 40% of Pinoys are now hungrier and poorer. New Poor is what they have become, or as the French aptly call them 'Nouveau Pauvres,' which simply means "people who have become newly impoverished."

(Image from http://www.everynation.org/)

COKE KO 'TO!

It's been rumored that a PDEA-accredited drug testing center discreetly conducts a monthly 'random drug test' to PEPSI employees to check and see if they're positive for .... COKE.

(Image from http://www.oliva.co.za/)

KA PEPE

FACT. Dr. Jose Rizal was executed by the Spaniards in 1896, buried without a coffin, and exhumed by the Americans in 1898. Most of his remains are interred in Luneta - all except one of his cervical vertebrae which is enshrined like a holy relic in Fort Santiago.

(Image from http://www.admu.edu.ph)

WHO WAS DON PANYONG?

Epifanio de los Santos (April 7, 1871 - April 18, 1928) was a Filipino historian. He was appointed director of the Philippine National Museum and Library by Governor-General Leonard Wood in 1925. Born in Malabon, de los Santos was the very first Filipino member of the Spanish Royal Academy in Madrid. He studied at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila and finished his law course at the University of Santo Tomas. He was considered as one of the best Filipino writers in Spanish of his time, next only to Marcelo H. del Pilar. A nationalist and associate editor of the revolutionary paper La Independencia, writing under the pseudonym G. Solon. He also founded the newspaper La Libertad. He translated Filipino literary works into Spanish - Balagtas' Florante at Laura and some of Dr. Jose Rizal's poems as well. Don Panyong was district-attorney of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, and later on governor of the same province. Was also provincial fiscal of Bulacan and Bataan. Ask anyone on the street these days who Epifanio de los Santos was and what were his contributions to our country, chances are you''ll simply get a blank stare. But for a man whose initials are on the most significant and historical avenue in the Philippines, encompassing the cities of Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan, and Quezon City, he must have been quite a giant in his days. I just hope and pray that none of Gloria Arroyo's lapdog congressmen file a bill changing EDSA to GMAA. If that were to happen, it might as well be the road to nowhere.

(Image from http://epifaniodelossantos.com)

LIE-TOTING BUNYE

So, Press Secretary Ignacio 'Toting' Bunye will be moving soon to the Monetary Board. It's employees should be up in arms because his entry will surely cheapen the institution. Why do I say that? Well, how can we ever forget that day in Malacanang, right after the 'Hello Garci' expose when he was brandishing two tapes asking members of the Malacanang Press Corps the question, "which one of these do you think is fake?" I swear, I could have heard one of the reporters answer faintly, "Gloria." Bunye goes on to defend his appointment by jumping the gun on his critics saying that they should not forget that he was once a banker. But that was long ago. He has now evolved into a rabid sort of banker - of lies. Time and again, each time his lady boss and her cohorts would be caught in an imbroglio, he would quickly declare the expected words, "let's move on." For Lie-Toting Bunye, he sure has a big chance to be the lying-est Spokesman and Press Secretary for the lying-est President.

(Image from http://www.gmanews.tv/)

ONE BLOG ONCE A DAY

BLOGOLALIA. It's not the full name of the late labor leader's grandson. It simply means the uncontrollable urge to post at least one item however senseless in your blog each day. I am afflicted with it. And I ain't finding a cure.

(Image from http://www.tigulliovino.it)

YOU REAPPEARING IN MY MIND

You, reappearing in my mind,
you were right and I was blind,
but that was long ago.

Now, do I ever cross your mind,
are your memories like mine,
or have they let you go?

After all the loves I've lived through all these years,
I had to go so far without you,
now it's clear.

You were my favorite love.
That was my favorite year.

When we - we were young forever yesterday,
fools and little children run away,
if we could go back there would we stay?

After all the loves I've lived through all these years,
I had to go so far without you,
now it's clear.

You were my favorite love.
That was my favorite year.

(Image from http://www.moviesharkdeblore.com/)

LET HER SPEAK THE TRUTH

For a giant TV network to boast of its 'KAPAMILYA' culture, ABS-CBN sure doesn't think much of family values. In the case of its recent victim, fall guy (girl) Precious Lara Quigaman was booted out of Wowowee for a simple stupid reason. Lara took along with her to Hawaii her mother and her boyfriend to the dismay of superstar Willie Revillame who has been hounding her, even placing a call one day to Lara's mother in Canada hinting that he should instead be Lara's boyfriend. Now, wasn't this the same guy who said he didn't like Lara at all? And contrary to Ricky Lo's Philippine Star entertainment column of May 21, 2008, Ricky should have checked his facts first with his 'unimpeachable source' before writing an obviously distorted piece, aside from a few other wrong data. Ricky failed to mention that Lara's mother was part of her 'entourage.' It wasn't just her boyfriend who came along. Well, my own unimpeachable source at ABS-CBN tells me that the network is now working on the statement they would like her to say, if and when she airs her side. I know Lara to be one who is not easily intimidated by blackmail and threats. Now, it won't surprise me a bit though if she tells her side (the truth) of the story and then loses her "That's My Doc" slot with Aga Muhlach. That's KAPAMILYA for you. For this network would do anything just to preserve the 'moral values' and 'innocence' of its superstars no matter the cost. The very same stars who remain the 'suki' of the MTRCB. Sometimes, it's better to just join an organization with a genuine heart and noble intentions toward its talents. I wonder, does 'KAPUSO' have these qualities?

(Image from http://naptimerocks.com)