Pacman for President

                                              

Simba ko, yelled  my good friend Danny A., the young Editor-in-Chief of  this paper inside the mediaboard in Sunstar office Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City right after I yelled the title of this article in jubilation last Sunday afternoon anticipating that Michael Buffer’s announcement of winner is merely a vindication of the earlier overwhelming prediction for Pacman’s one sided victory. Molayas na lang ko sa Pilipinas ug siya modagan, he further emphasized.

Of course, I uttered those words in jest delighted over Pacman’s  11^th major big  fight victory in a row after moving in as many heavier weight classes he feels he could manage to get in the ring adding more feather in his cap. So what? I’m  almost constrained and tempted  to rebut, dagan ra bitaw na. And so what if chances of winning is not that remote given the multi-party system we have allowing elected president getting minority votes. So what if he wins. If he has shown his genius inside the ring laying down his life for possible damage what’s the guarantee  he could not translate that feat in Malacanang making him an effective president.  Why not when he has better credentials than those nuisance candidates? And why not when we have opened presidential (and vice presidential) derby to floodgates of repeaters the likes of  preacher Eddie Villanueva, actor Erap Estrada and other pretenders down the line. What’s wrong with Manny running highest position of the land when he has popularity and money to boot to put up his biggest fight ever in his career anyway.  Didn’t the  US elected  an actor as President the like of  late Ronald Reagan and the Philippines the like of Erap?  Why  really not one of the world’s greatest boxer leading  the country? Who knows he might staged ala-Clottey in politics as presidential hopeful in the country’s next election knowing that he has nothing to lose but his pride and ambition to run after all he had that enigma of defeat and probably stills nursing  his first setback ironically  against the lightweight Darlene Custodio who clobbered him last election.

 But I agree with Danny A.and Antony Taberna of ABS-CBN,  he should rather enjoy his greatness on the ring savoring the sweetness of victory all the way ad infinitum  leaving any political ambition there is to others behind. Hindi lang sya tatapakan sa political arena maipapako pa ang kanyang mga paa, Taberna adviced Manny. That he succeeded carving a niche in the world of boxing as the world’s pound for pound best is more that what could bargain for. Local tabloid even pictured him as Rizal’s possible replacement hundred years from now where he is diametrically  complete opposite of Rizal, poor yet conquered the world with his pugilistic fist.  Second, he might  even win in his continued attempt in testing the water of politics as Congressman in Sarangani District but no way he would   survive in the  grueling political upheavals in Congress unless he too joins the silent majority. That will leave Manny getting topnotch professionals to handle his papers and concern like Lito Lapid, elder Plaza and many others  held hostage until their  terms due.  Reading this, I think Manny in all sincerity knows that fighting in the other level is far beyond the use of brawn and more of brains. Why don’t he continue with his studies proving himself that he too could get a diploma. The better for him to  support and back up talented candidates  he did for Manny Villar.  As spiritually nourished showing  how deep he is spiritually grounded, Manny should do great service crossing party lines and help support and indorsed what numbers of Catholic Bishops rallied for.  He might have the mind of his own but enlightenment is not that far when you pray and ask guidance from the Lord specially that voting in itself is a sacred exercise for the people striving for the good of the majority  and the country.

  Hence, I’m sorry Manny will never get a vote from this writer even if he runs Punong Barangay. Why demeaning his status after all those conquest in the ring when he could better  serve the people  in his capacity as ordinary citizen. He has done more than what many other Filipinos combined did. He should do it that way and that’s more than what he aspires for in politics

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Marital Bond

            As part of the regular culminating activity of  Mel and Joey last Sunday TV Program at GMA-12, a friendly debate was held with the proposal: Resolve that Marriage would be Renewable as Contract!

            What a  topic! Actually, the choice  was deliberate and probably relevant as the issue of divorce, abortion and Reproductive Health Bill is hotly debated in both Congress and Senate today. There were three proponents in both camp. Heading the positive side was no less than the proponent herself, Kris Lawrence and a Lawyer.  On the negative side were  Ms. Sexbomb Rochel Pangilinan, a lady lawyer and another young lady. It was not really that serious, exciting and conclusive debate that characterized similar program of  Pareng Oca Orbos and Mareng Winnie’s engrossing and stimulating  Debate’ in the past where reasons always rule.

            As explained by the proponent love should be maintained from day one all the way as you get older or else. Those in the  negative on the other hand defended the  sanctity of marriage when a couple declares ‘I do’ for better or for worse till death do them part. The lady lawyer further reminded the other side that protection of family as basic institution is right there enshrined in Philippine Constitution to which the other camp begged as the issue needs enabling law whatever he means.

            In sum, the whole funny argument was explainable and it appears that there seems to be no issue at all.  In the end however, the positive camp ruled it over garnering seventy seven percent of the votes cast by audience and low twenty  three percent to the negative side. Well taken but observing how they defended their respective stand, there was indeed  no issue at all to settle.  In other words, be true to your commitment making your marriage works all the way since you tied the knot making you couple as ‘one’,  what is there to renew? Of course, we are ever fallible as we are humans; thus, we are sending sometimes our marriage on the rocks. But just rise up anyway every time we fall because that’s all where the glory of man lies.  That makes in the process our marriage works as it could stand against the test of time making it even more stronger as it tested with fire. What the best way too of  practicing your  commitment and responsibility even more securing the future of your children.

 Renewal of sacred vow? Good that what the Church encourages us to do not jut during anniversary. But make it as pre-condition to severe the sacred ties. That’s stupidity in the highest order as those in the affirmative side are propagating.  No matter how often you would renew it, there’s just no guarantee, if marriage at all would survive. Protect the marital bond at all cost by standing on your commitment  as husband and father to your children and that sure proof of your marriage to survive ad infinitum. Love on the rocks? No problem as not all marriage are made in heaven.  Virtue stays in the middle and for as long each party is willing to bend a little bit towards the center to make their marriage work, survival to far beyond you could imagine is simply tenable.  Can’t take anymore the burden? Use your hotline to God. As we all know, we might have the wisdom to do it but it’s merely foolishness to compare it to God’s, St. Paul says.

            Holding on to your marital bond and sustaining it all the way strengthening your commitment – this is the secret of it all. No need to avail of any contract to renew your marriage. Tinkering with your journey towards life is undoubtedly funny but dangerous. Third option for divorce would still linger in the corner.  Yes indeed it’s your personal choice as you did when you take him or her as partner in life unless the marriage came under the barrel of the gun.

            Obviously, the option for your marriage life to work is all there. Stand by it and you’ll live happily ever after. And take it lightly and you become more of a philosopher seeking all reasons there for you to survive, an option you seem to have customized and politicized marriage which no one is allowed to tinker and  play with. Be a man enough and be counted for good. You need not mangle it as it is designed to last a lifetime.  Magpakatotoo lang and treat your wife as answer not as problem and you could have a successful married life that no one could put asunder. That’s for sure need not any debate too.

Honeymoon No More

            From all indication, it appears that P-NOY doesn’t need the prescribed 100 days honeymoon grace period from the media. And the better we write it off to focus more in achieving what has been urgently identified issues to be resolved. The media will be there anyway documenting and packaging it for general reading and viewing public.

 He even took the initiative of briefing his Cabinet members for an acceptable decorum before media to secure its smooth relationship with journalists under his term. His light banters showing how he inherited  and outgrown his articulate father  endearing  him to media shows why  he doesn’t  need anymore one hundred days  ceasefire for his administration. His own inaugural Presidential speech written in Tagalog which reputedly underwent ten personal revisions telling it all, is also a revelation despite honest mistake of not including issues on agrarian reform, environment, Mindanao continuing peace problem and the likes. How he transformed even the event it into peoples’ inauguration  starting it ahead of schedule redefines what it is like having similar activities under his administration. Good grief!

            With his spitfire impromptu talk on wide ranging issues I first noted in many Presidential debate last election indicated that there would be no hostility between him and the media once he gets elected. He did garnering as many mandate there is available, registering one  of the biggest margin in Presidential election  in Philippine’s history. That strikes a familiar chord among journalist hitting us real hard where we’re vulnerable most - our minds. Giving us  benefits of our doubts, Yes Sir,  in the words of Sun Tzu in his The Art of War is like capturing us without firing a single bullet. The catch however  is, how he would match up the speed of  his words with action. In that case the media would be quick to draw the lines and might not  even observe at all any deal for honeymoon forming a battlefront.

Comes July 26, 2010 he would be delivering his first ever SONA. By now he would  probably  have shoplisted items to be dished out.  But most importantly, might  have already resolved some of the implacable issues of the day. He did extending reconciliatory arms recognizing some whom he might have  earlier robbed elbows against the like of  Justice Corona of the Supreme Court in effect respecting the power of PGMA, the erstwhile Palace occupant who appointed the Chief Justice into the highest seat of the Judiciary. He rightly installed too the Truth Commission to look into illegal and shady deals of the past for possible indictment of those responsible in the irregularities as in ZTE-Broadband Deal, Hello Garci scandal, Diosdado Macapagal externsion Road network etc.

There’s high hopes too of  passing the new FOI Bill authored by Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casino into Law as confided lately by Riza Hontiveros when she last visited and talk in Cagayan de Oro. And as if raising the bar of agrarian reform, he said he would resolved the 6,453 hectares Hacienda Luisita case before his term ends. “I have already divested my less than  1% share,” he revealed and even allow the Supreme Court and DAR to treat it as any ordinary case. How sure we could take his words seriously for this is not clear. How about those whose lives  sacrificed in the pursuit of justice  inside the Hacienda? Will their souls not prick his conscience crying and haunting his dreams until justice is given?  How about the Desaparecidos or Involuntary disappearances, the 140 journalists killed, 103 of whom happened over the last nine years including the gruesome cold-blooded Maguindanao Massacre victims by the Ampatuans which CHR and DOJ  lately subjected the eyewitness into vicious cycle of  passing the buck when what the victims needed are protection and security.

There’s seemingly partial treatment of Mindanao too as not a single Cabinet member was given to a Muslim or Mindanaoan save for Cayetano Paderangga handling NEDA post.  Why not give a slot for instance for Adel Tamano or anybody else who could represent Mindanao. If P-NOY is dead serious in getting the cooperation  all the population specially Mindanao, he better practice what he earlier preached as he is now the President of the entire Nation, his loyalty to all his bosses never mind the heavy load he’ll carry. The Cabinet is already top-heavy with people from his party. Then there’s some of the unpredictable and ambitious Hyatt 10 getting juicy position. I don’t think they deserve this. What’s the guarantee anyway that these same people the likes of Dinky Soliman, Butch Abad and the rest of the gang would not abandon ship when unpredictable weather comes. Worst, the President have taken the remnants of past administration in their hold-over capacity and reserve some post for his closest partymates when the ban of  their  eligibility expires after one year. How is this! There’s just no logic here putting people with impunity sensitive positions without  ever considering its repercussion to the entire population.

That’s the subtle way of power sharing. Why not give the chance to fresh faces who could equally handle the job better. Maybe, the Media would not reconsider that honeymoon deal as reality check. From the looks of it, no problem gauging the sincerity written all over P-NOY’s faces. But check it  in his facial expression, we might be taken only for a ride. In that case, I’m ready reconsidering my proposal here as  it might lead more to confusion.

Hello and Goodbye Malacanang

            Look who’s coming? Riding on the crest of people power, President Noynoy Aquino is finally ready to get set and occupy Malacanang. Will he make true his promise of Bagong Pilipinas na  “kapag walang korupt ay aasenso ang bayan.” Will he really  leads us to tama at matuwid at hindi sa dating baluktot na daan . . . “ In effect, no detour and short cuts. Hmm, familiar rhetorics here. Fine but subject still to reality check. Beware then as you might still be enjoying as if in cloud nine inabriated too much by the euphoria of festive past election. 

Catchwords are legitimate battlecry. But unless they are qualified and addressed might end up as merely passing  contentment and fleeting as the wind. That no matter how great those words are  up there in the air, they could  not  stay there forever that long. Whether we like it or not, they will still go back to the earth. Ergo, the better to draw  the battle line  this early as shown that addressing this problem is easier said than done, hard to pin down in the past administration. Doing that would definitely not  allow us to be taken lightly as in joyride.  Despite having been critical on his term as my loyalty to the country begins  when  my loyalty to the party ends so to speak, this column therefore wishes him the best of luck and hopefully get there not necessarily  breaking   all failing records past earned  by his predecessors instead  registering at least dent of change toward attaining   revolutionary trend of total development and liberation from corruption.

 Corruption in the first place is a generic term and comprehensive beyond race, nation and creed. All dishonesty and  inconsistency is corruption. In short, identity crisis. As you suffer amnesia who you are and what to do, you succumb to corruption. Adam started it all. Undergoing countless ramifications through the ages, it leads to far more lethal today it is already institutionalized than in the past. As such it requires very ambitious approaches to have    its foundation uprooted or we’ll still be  restless if we’ll only after the  form not attacking its substance.  Besides, what we only see is  merely tip of an iceberg. Not addressing then its root cause will only complicate the matter. It’s futile digressing from the issue.

Unless there will be desirable results for this crusade, what we would have are merely  sound and fury Soon the more foreign investors would pull out their money out from the country what with lion’s share going straight to the pockets of high ranking officials. Put therefore in jail the culprit.  That’s what leaders of tiger economies did. No less, what face anyway you could show to the investors if we don’t mean business here.

 Such therefore is Pres. Noynoy Aquino’s  precious moment. Damn to the past as  in a song. He should rally the cause he rightly identified with  in his campaign  moving  on and most importantly, vindicating that “yes the Filipinos can” indeed change for the better Philippines. Or we would reap whirlwinds from rhetorics and excuses.

As he starts today of that crusade hopefully translating that  oft repeated and much abused term into simple economics.  Chance or opportunity. That’s another term for economics, I recall my mentor back then at Land Reform Training Institute, Taipei, allowing us participants squeezing our creative juice to discover another term for economics. Sadly, we all  miserably failed until we collectively gave up surrendering “Hirit na!” It is then behooved that President elect would have that  word in focus as he is starting his  term. Afterall,  he himself is  an economist though not in the mold of his predecessor.  But who knows if a student is brighter and better in practice than his mentor.  The playing field anyway is even. She had nine years in doing that. Noynoy  has six. Let’s see who will perform  better.

The momentum is definitely  on him. He has all resources – people and money- at his disposal  in addressing them. Add the mandate of more than fourteen  million Filipinos rallying him behind  putting him in office. The pressure is just too strong. I don’t know how he’ll do it. He himself don’t need unsolicited advice when he would fetch her in Malacanang and take her for a ride in a limousine as protocol demands before she too would proceed to second district in Pampanga for her own oath of office.

  It has been every President’s battle cry anyway  ever since. Her predecessor, a distinguished Economist did her own way and look what she got – ZTE deal, Macapagal anomalous extension road, Hello Garci and all that.  She too is leaving roughly P50,000.00 debt for each and every Filipino as pabaon that on top for having grandstanded that her administration had accomplished more than her previous predecessors combined ever in terms of infrastructure projects, Gross Domestic Product, Billion of Investments, RORO and lately poll automation among others.

Wanting even more not leaving any stones unturned at least before she’ll be leaving her office, she even filled up sensitive vacant posts in the judiciary and government corporations from her select spin doctors in the media through midnight appointment. And to appease the restlessness among cause-oriented groups that sparked their ire, she have  all lawyers ordered and given equivalent career officer rank in government service to possibly deter of  serving her countless lawsuits.

The list is long. But are you not wondering why  she is practically moving heaven and earth never mind last ditch effort purportedly leaving  such legacy effort drumbeated in full throttle in media  that incoming administration would be benefiting the  most from such bequest? Your guess is as good as mine.  There will be an onrush and avalanche of lawsuits dragging her into Court. She would then  have her day full as soon as she steps out from Malacanang. Bayan Muna, Anak Pawis and Garbriela are all set, eager and rarin’ to sue her for countless irregularities accounted to her administration. It’s a sad refrain of course for PGMA. But what could she do. The people whom she might have faithfully served might have also equally good reasons of filling those lawsuits. What a sad refrain  bidding her adieu out from the palace with conditions attached. 

Golden Mile

            Traces now of  the development of  Golden Mile in Cagayan de Oro City   is fast approaching for completion.  With all those trusses installed and ground paved, Friday Night Gimmick might just be as well soon be transferred there anytime, a good move in decongesting  Divisoria of traffic jam and most specially restoring the fresh ambiance that is truly sylvan Divisoria of the past out from its present  urine-scented atmosphere characterizing Fridays and Saturdays night each week. Being night time, the lights of the bridge seen dancing through the reflection  of the waves by the river and the fresh biting air coming  from Macajalar Bay  could be just  an added attraction among frequent promenaders or tourists  simply gawking along the concrete pavement.

With Isla de Oro further connecting the Golden Mile in the near future under the trademark  Build, Operate and later Transfer scheme  of now Mayor Vicente Emano could be another premium for Tourism Industry of Cagayan de Oro. Apparently too, it seems that the factorial equation of the project is explainable benefiting the people. But I’m not sure if  the cost for environment specially the waterways from watersheds of Dominorog and Talakag towards Macajalar Bay passing through this river was taken with great consideration. But it seems such concern was addressed as blueprint for The Golden Mile was already approved as it is has been posted ever since for general viewing public outside City Hall. Let’s have some reality check here.  

 For here’s the catch. How in the world such proposed project was allowed  eating  up majority of the area of the river squeezing all the more its already  limited waterways what with St. Augustine Cathedral, Tennis Court, City Hall and now Golden Mile all the way down used what supposedly forty meters easement area both sides of the river as stipulated in DENR law.  How would you enjoy in the first place when the river is silted. I doubt if land consolidation  was considered and instituted in pushing this project. Moratorium would have been invoked in protecting these easements which would have been utilized for greening and protection purposes of the river enhancing the beauty of  the area. allowing the waterways to breath and protect the river from destruction during deluge. We did experience that of  last year’s tragedy and already paid the cost. What now given the penchant of utilizing these easements for projects that would in the end destroyed them  causing collateral damage among the inhabitants along restricted area.

Land consolidation would have first been addressed before installing and implementing all these special projects otherwise we would soon wake up with all those catastrophes blowing right before our faces. So you want for better Night Café? Ok no problem. But better not go there daytime as what you’d see there are not green and blue water with fresh fishes frolicking but  river whose chocolate color would give you goose bumps and nosebleeds what with siltation now taking its toll on this river.

Golden Mile is definitely an example of an excellent project rammed down into the wrong place at the expense yet of mighty river whose water flow swiftly to  majestic  Macajalar Bay.  If we could not hold on with this penchant of making similar project without out caring at all with its adjacent  environment, time would come we would be in the losing end. As we all know Boracay has two faces. One is that we all see with its pristine blue sea water extending all the way to the tip of the island from Station One.  The other, the usual Boracay, a village on the other side without sophistication and urban trappings. Had the local government allowed its twenty five meters easements utilized by enterprising Pinoys, there would have been probably no fast earning paradise that is Boracay today.

Look how our beaches here have  consumed those easements making them even privatized when they are public property fencing them even including our seas! It simply sucks. That’s what you get when you are engaged in a project for profit without consideration at all of the environment, its people –the consumers, supposedly the most  powerful as they are now the bosses today - ended merely in a joyride for development.        

(Dare to share? Email me at rfmaulion@yahoo.com)

Kristita

            There she goes again dragging the issue into the  public against her live-in partner James Yap beating even before  PNOY would deliver his first ever SONA on the 26^th, this month.  Why is she  resorting to familiar antics when she can manage it on her own way fixing her life through whatever legal means she could away from the limelight. Damn that she continually feeds on scandal when  her dear brother PNOY  is now  the first official of the land and must address  his camping pledge yet and many other pressing issues arising. And yet look how  Kris Aquino’s escapades is stealing the real show. That simply sucks.

            She should instead help him behaving like a true Aquino girl not as spoil brat grabbing the limelight as she wishes every time  her libido throbs uncontrollably below her belt. Why not she  eats her own words by licking her own wounds. That way she keeps her personal life private.  She’s been there anyway since day one when she shocked the world  giving it all to noted philanderer showbiz gigolo Philip Salvador, Joey Marquez and now to James Yap. And as if she conceived that life like  a drama  in any  soap opera, she is even undaunted to shed tears in front of camera just to show she means business acting  out her predicament. That  she did when she  broke into tears in TV when she had  that bitter separation from Tsong.  Then DOJ Raul Gonzales was right that she should have minded her own business unfortunately getting a flak from GMA, her surprise ally in her troubled love life until she meet King James. Understandably of course as she is one of the country’s highest taxpayer like Pacman.

            Gone were the days when I saw her giving sensible  talk in as many political forum available  taking  the cudgel for and in behalf of  her  imprisoned father endorsing him to people to vote for him in Senate back then. They did and in fact stood all the way until bullets from still unsolved assassins felled him in the Tarmac in August of 1984.

            I’m happy as one ally of her  mother in her crusade for People Power (though not anymore with Noynoy) and happier still when  she respected her privacy giving her benefits of her love life living then with Philip Salvador breaking the tradition of  good morals of the family.

            As PNOY is now back to Malacanang, it would definitely be good to show that she is making true her promise of supporting him all the way by not mixing up the issue with him taking the limelight away from him resorting to usual antics. As she needs to fill up her excessive libido to keep her going, why don’t  she do it her own way away from getting  media mileage.  It’s definitely her own right as celebrity to do what she wants and dragging the public to her misadventures but now that PNOY is at the helm of power in Malacanang, the better definitely for her to shut up. Why don’t she resigned from showbiz and settle her unpredictable marital life in private. Why compete with her brother just to get the attention of the public. Narcissism and that implacable appetite for self gratification are seemingly  the culprit.  Maybe it’s time to seek  professional help to fix things in order and to move on. This should not be underestimated after all her brother PNOY allegedly went through it albeit the claim and defense on the contrary.

            Oh that problem we have in entertainment industry. Laughing away all indications of problems as if they don’t exist.  Unfortunately, the gullible public is enjoying them anyway. But the problems besetting country is more than entertainment.  It’s happening right before our faces and yet we don’t treat them seriously.  Thanks that at least PNOY is coming to our rescue showing the way how to address them. It is just hoped that the momentum gained through various clean-up drive and infusing vitality in bureaucracy would go a long, long way.

Clearly, the show is now focused on PAGCOR and Bureau of Customs as these two agencies are heavy laden with graft and corruption. Ted Failon’s show Ngayon tells it all. I know that the fire is on against corruption. And it is  hoped further  that such on-going clean up drive would be all the way so it the efforts would all  bear good fruit. An apology to  Boy Abunda:  No more explosive buzzy Krissy adventures please! 

Margarine Ito

            As predicted, the event at Arlington, Texas today was a war albeit lopsided one. It was all clear demolition of the Tijuana Tornado by Pacman. Manny was simply as usual  at his best element showing no mercy and genius in the ring. Methodical and scientific adjusting and feeding on the style of Margarito, the event was almost lopsided as the hard-chinned  Margarito was on the receiving end on Pacman’s systematic annihilation.

 The tall Mexican pride did not fall alright but his bruised and totally damaged beautiful face was practically devastated and reconfigured  into pumpkin and smithereens by the constant pounding of Pacman’s blazing straight and combination of uppercuts. He did survived the grueling 12 rounds alright but not after absorbing too much punishment. That more or less was his saving grace rescuing  his tarnished image for having stood there  all the way with Manny till the ultimate round 12.  Sorry to his unassuming coach Robert Garcia and his fight fans predicting for a knockout in Eleventh Round. It was the other way around as the referee Cole almost called the fight off because of the severe cut in his right face. Good indeed  that he vindicated and  withstood Manny’s unrelenting and blistering pace boxing technique.  But that all he could salvaged saving their legendary Mexican pride.

 Maybe what Antonio Margarito should do is to forget his drawback as if a dream. Nothing to lose as he raked off  handsome dividend from that fight anyway and of relishing that he had fought the fearsome Pacman in his career in the future.. The better for him maybe  to join Manny’s Victory party  jamming with him singing and remaking the song “All is Fair to lose” and just forget the nightmare he just experienced.  After all,  Pacman is there to solace him the way he  treated them as friends singing them a song or two for fun never mind fleeting contentment.

 I tried to browse the You Tube after the fight for the post post-mortem analysis from those proud Mexicans who dished all those trash against Manny. Surprisingly, none! What a deafening silence I got! It seems all the Mexican fans have collectively swallowed all their pride eating all those words predicting that their hero Margarito would salvage the prestige of Mexican boxer. No way. Unless Pacman allows him to. Whatever happen to you now guys that nothing good comes out after crashing defeat of their Tijuana warrior. Come on and  be man enough by standing on where you earlier bragged. Where’s now that  Brandon Brios who insinuated that Manny might do a Mike Tyson biting Tijuana’s ear. I wonder why even all those talk concocted  that Manny personally opted in fighting Margarito as he stands losing the fight and from there baiting that multi-million deal with as come-on treat squaring off with  Mayweather!

Mexicans must rise up from their dreams. How could that be when boxing analysts and sport greats have already handed an overwhelming verdict of 6 against 1 in favor of Manny before the fight. That on-line voting among more than 5,000  respondents gave 80% to 20% lopsided verdict for Pacquiao simply tells it all. Maybe the Mexicans should have the balls in accepting the beauty of statistics as scientific. As one pundits says it: statistics are vital in that like bikini it might seem insignificant but they cover essential data. Perhaps what they should do next is take all there is what the implications of statistics. Then take this as challenge as reality check and there  build their confidence rising up from that challenge. Unfortunately, they summarily dismissed that variable through on  that Margarito’s fight with Manny. And as they defied its inference, there they paid dearly the price for it  

Today’s greatest fight was just nice incident. It didn’t only justified Manny’s lofty billing as truly the world’s great pound for pound boxer what with the 150 pounds belt attached to his sterling boxing career as first ever boxer with as many as  eight weight divisions title safely tucked in his belt. Most importantly, renaming and  taming the Tijuana Margarito tornado nothing as  misnomer. A pun of that favorite Filipino paste for pandesal. As that actor earlier in the fight correctly predicted. Margarito end up as margarine for Pacman. As we witness it, he  was right.  As Sir Knight Henry Pizana, the Grand Knight of St. Peregrine Council, Terryhills Subdivision cleared. The Mexican just merely erred their forecast underestimating Manny’s power. How could Manny even afford to lose his fight when he is even now a respected Congressman in his province. That SKs Bebot Barrun, Michael Jackson , Boy Barrachias, Bong Ramos collectively agreed. 

Big Winners

All hail to the power of  machine! Complete canvassing of votes  has probably been done now as nine leading senators were already proclaimed. That’s big win for the entire Filipino people too. And true that this election was literally the hottest as more than 800 voters suffered  heat stroke one registered dead, 19 dead in election-related incidents and all that but it seems the bottom line is: it was still  generally triumphant! But I hope the brain behind those machines would provide us ample  PCOS units   next election to  secure all if not majority of voters registered  specially those comprising demographic population of the  elderly and disabled  who suffered self-disenfranchisement  resulting from  long hours of queuing up. As they lose their patience, so too of their votes roughly 2-8 million  estimates wasted  away what otherwise would have strengthen all the more our democracy adding more numbers providing majority rules specially on the still contested Vice Presidency and numbers 10-12 Senatorial slate.

Voting in one precinct covering 5-6 polling places was obviously unbearable. If the mature ones  were not even able to survive, how much more to the most senior. Standing 3-4 hours there as Noynoy himself experienced was indeed great disservice. That gesture was just unfortunate. It didn’t show respect to the aged and disabled, not auguring well the promise of efficiency poll automation suggests,  a no-no attitude and taboo. Glitches was a valid excuse also  for people in a hurry. Not to be hypocrite, I probably would have cracked under pressure too  and have  given away my vote had the poll watcher did not accommodate me voting early as I’m on my way as PPCRV pollwatcher volunteer in far away Impahanong in Malitbog unfortunately aborted by bad weather.

 Major victory for Philippine democracy, is how Chair Wrecker William M. Esposo himself true blooded Noynoy Aquino media ally of the Phil. Star puts it over this kind of first ever successful poll automation. But hold on  before we would be drowned inebriated by its success drinking like Russians or Knight Templars as if there would no longer be no tomorrow, Columnist Esposo warns and reminds that it’s time to take cognizance of “emancipating our benighted and exploited nation” whatever he means.

In sum, we have seen, experienced and witnessed it all. And it is now for the books.  The just concluded election was generally successful political exercise and probably will remain as GMA’s best legacy to the Filipino people now that she’s leaving Malacañang.

Thanks for Dick Gordon and Teddy Locsin who made Poll Automation law  possible. The counting is not yet over but cheers. Why not. By all indications, it’s simply unprecedented supported by incontrovertible proof that indeed  yes the Filipinos really can, a fact validated and  noted by foreign observers. This notwithstanding the problem seen  in Lanao del Sur and other ARMM municipalities.

 The people were generally the big winners for this.  But who’s the biggest if not Noynoy Aquino and his slate whose sentimental journey on the crest of yellow ribbon made his way all the way into Malacanang.

The institution church too the likes of INC what with Noynoy sure win in presidential derby at the expense of big loser Manny Villar and all the way down  who put their money where their ambitions were. But what now to their support to  Mar Roxas not enough of saving and swinging the victory for their protégée. Where is now their vaunted solid votes for him unfortunately still being clobbered in the polls by PMP Jejomar Binay. Their votes too in local polls spelled out the difference. Their votes for instance estimated to be at least 6,000 assuming 60% voted out of their 10,000 voting population sealed the fate of  Klarex Uy

Apparent biggest winners too in this election was dynasty which saw many families either ruling over the control of politics in national and local offices.  There are too many of them. And what about of the resurgence of  Marcoses in Ilocos Region, the Dy’s of Isabela, Binay’s of Makati. And as there was just no way of defeating the rage of the machine the people in Maguindanao has spoken, it is apparent that Toto Mangundadatu’s time has come and those of the Ampatuans fast eclipsing. It is just hope that this is for good for now as development in other areas are yet to be vindicated. Had it been manual counting, this cheating capital of the country would have staged another miracle in the poll Manny Pacman Pacquiao star is also rising in Saranggani.  See how the power of poll automation helps. But otherwise, no way. As Dick Gordon says it all: “Faster count, no time to cheat, no protests, no conflicts, no need for watchers and  teachers have an easier time.” But it is hoped that those from ARMM and other hotspots would be remedied as complete canvassing of votes are yet to be received in this area.

In the local fronts we are of course witnessing the consolidation of power of the Zubiri’s in Bukidnon, Romualdo in Camiguin, Emano of Cagayan de Oro and Duterte in
Davao.

 Big losers are of course non in  that they claimed that they were only cheated.  But thanks that the likes of Manny Villar, Gibo Teodoro accepted their defeat officially sans griping. The rest simply sourgraping. But who knows that there’s ground for PMS charge of Hocus PCOS and of Madrigal’s group on Electric Garci. But that could be another issue. For now it is hoped that there would be respect of the people’s mandate so the nation could move on.   

Much Ado About Nothing

Manny “Pacman” Paquiao it seems very probable  would still be fighting against loudmouth Floyd Mayweather Jr. When he does, this column  hopes it would already be his last as Freddie Roach his coach also suggested. Manny should  better follow Roach’s advice as he’s as prophetic as anyone else. That I believe is the best Manny could do for now or praying over  Roach’s advice hopefully for him to avert possible complications from  Alzheimer’s disease ensuing from long pugilistic conquest from the ring like his coach.

 Of course, it might be considered  fight of the century promising the biggest payday but if you would ask this observer, I don’t thing it’s a good plan.  In the firs place, what is there to prove more from  Manny? By retiring while still in his best health and prime the way Rocky Marciano did is more than sending very strong message to the world.  From the looks too of it, he has psychological advantage not even the pretender Pretty Boy Mayweather Jr. could question notwithstanding his unblemished record. Manny already earned as many as seven belt championship in  as many weight classes there is in the world at the same time cementing his lofty status as the world’s best pound for pound fighter. And money? He  has already that much from his previous fights  over the decades that would last more than a lifetime what with his sixth richest  athlete status as  of the latest counting  in the world. Manny incidentally is good mathematician so there’s no problem on where his fortune go having invested in as many industries he established.

 Second, I don’t think it would be that exciting match given the way Mayweather carry the fight. I’m definitely very confident that what would be seeing is the repeat of the lousy  Event at Superbowl where Clottey simply hang on his gloves to survive for dear life. Most likely, the fight could even  be worst what with Mayweather don’t mix dancing his way out from the lethal punch of Manny.   

Third and most importantly, I just don’t want that NHC would again stage another sideshow castigating for whoever would sing the Pambansang Awit they allege  not giving justice interpreting the song squeezing for public apology the way they coerced Arnel Pineda with his sterling performance at Superbowl in Dallas, Texas. NHC should better shut up. Historians should better record more on the events and not mess up dragging music which is almost non-issue there. It  stinks.  Dung!

But when Manny does fight again, this column strongly suggests that the National  Historical Commission should be given benefits of their doubts singing  among  themselves the rare chance of belting Pambansang Awit as the way it should be interpreted to prove themselves how the song would be sang with justice.  And when they  do,  I hope   the   heaven would sent high praises down  not rain them  fire and brimstone for great disservice they instead dished out. They just really do the necessary preparation no way of making compromise  delivering  the song  to the satisfaction of  Pacman’s sea of humanity Filipino fans  or they  would end up    rained them  with plastic  mineral bottles and coins amidst the  roaring of catcalls instead of a whimper for a job they’re  supposed not  to do.

 Or the better, they start  eating  their words  right now hiring either  Dulce Amor or Nolyn Cabahug or any whom they deemed could  parrot what Julian Felipe, the song’s composer, would like to do it. Or if they so wish as this is unsolicited, why not hire services of  the resonant voice of this writer! (Are not writer are also good singers better than historians isn’t it Lynde and Johnny Boy?)

Actually NHC knows that  Manny Pacquiao  hired the services of Ciara Soto and Jolina Magdangal and other singers doing the job of the composition but look how it ended. There were no complaints from NHC  alright but not from the musicians who knows how to appreciate the trade. Christian Bautista invitation should be made true.  He should be thrown in prison for his unpatriotic castration of the lyrics of the song. That’s definitely more than unpatriotic.  What message in the world anyway he is delivering not knowing the lyrics he is singing.  Similarly, that other Bautista girl, who tried to end with a bang but clearly turned out off key reaching out the skies should only be allowed to sing when she opts the normal tune her voice would allow.  But definitely, not the likes of Charice Pepengco, possibly Regine Velasque and Lani Misallucha and lately Arnel Pineda who are in their best element when they deliver the piece in such electrifying soaring fashion. If the US did it in their Star Spangled Banner and Mexico in their very vibrant marching national anthem why can’t Filipinos who have carved a niche not just in boxing anyway but more so in the world of  entertainment, do it in the best and effective way they could.

NHC  should better wake up now and instead gives recognition for such rendition by such great artists making us proud  treating the ending of  the old composition in a new way.  That’s actually another definition of originality – not just sticking  out to old composition hook, line and sinker as if its composer Julian Felipe would rise from the grave but treating an old song in new way!

Why then all those thrash  talk of mountain over molehill demanding public apology from artists or   suffer the full extent of the Law for having committed that “infraction”.  Apology  for what - for having entertained the audience to rally them for Manny as the Pacman normally feeds on the shout of the audience enjoining  him  do his job of  total entertainment  through systematic and scientific  demolition of his opponents  in the ring.  

But I have doubts no way they could get praises and get the nod of the viewing Filipino public because it’s not the proper forum they should dish out singing the song. That unless they  lulled those sea of humanity as in hypnotic stance  through the singing of Pambansang Awit.  Common we’ve been  there in as many forums, programs, events attended where Pambansang Awit is always sang.  Sadly the singing of that song is done as if the occasion is still  Holy Week of the Lenten season.  That should be the occasion NHC  should wield its power. They should come to the rescue and extend the necessary lift by getting the services of a choral group or they themselves singing to their heart’s delight indicating how to do it. Worst,  checking and enjoining the LGU of singing the song live not using a minus one or recorded CD doing the singing for us which is very mechanical, devoid of emotion and meaning.

The  fight of all this brouhaha of Pambansang Awit undoubtedly happens right in our own  backyard. That should be because it’s our  own product.  No need of dragging the issue  overseas because our own artists knows better and can deliver best the work for us.

Breakthrough

It’s heartwarming to note that finally, the Catholic Church through CBCP break the tradition and come out from its own shelf. This development came after  four Catholic Bishops openly declared officially their support for Ang Kapatiran Presidential bid of  Councilor  JC de los Reyes and presumably the entire party’s slate.

True that there is no such thing as solid  Catholic votes in the country.  But the conscience votes the Bishops would like to muster among intelligent Catholic voters is not farfetched specially that JC de los Reyes as heard through public debates are pushing for pro development platforms and rallying issues identified with the Church. And that’s great as he’s consistently staging that crusade in his official capacity as Presidential candidate. He might not make it as he’s young and don’t have that much supporter as shown by surveys. But that  is the most important thing there for a politician to  do,  making his statement clear and strong prompting the Catholic Church engage in reality check where it stand.  That JC de los Reyes said in all honesty, conviction and sincerity in itself  is great relief. Now is the time to draw the battle line.  You’re either consistent with your stand or  simply concocting theology of liberation in pulpit only.

Such is definitely welcome development.  And it is hoped that such encouraging stance  would further generate ripple effect among other Bishops in the country all the way to priests and laymen in parishes. Gone are the days when the ordinary Catholics are  misguided and  left in the dark with tentative nanginlabot dili panghilabot stance of Catholic clergy .  Now is the time to come out in the open and complete the message far better than noodles and sardines homily from a Father Damaso then prelate of  Mt. Carmel to the rescue among the still undecided voters. Dugay na nabiyaan sa panahon. But thanks anyway and I hope such development would be for good and deliver further desirable results making things happen for the party’s platform never mind who might not make it down the line.  But otherwise, Ang Kapatiran party are oozing with talents. Manny Valduesa is one among them and definitely not selecting him and the rest of the slate is a mistake any intelligent Catholic voters could not afford to commit.

How short is our memory! The war has been drawn many decades ago  among  different Church  denominations each reaching out and actively participating  in the political exercise against criticism of others.

 There’s Iglesia Ni Kristo whose one vote by Elder Manalo commands millions others  of votes. Or don’t follow the guidelines and  you would incur excommunication.  Be of one mind, the elder INK Head reminded his flock quoting from St. Paul and so there they go voting as instructed either  by bloc or as identified by the leader. . I personally detest such exercise back then and in fact conducted research about the practice crucifying ecumenism with their partisan politics, but the more I studied and analyze the result, the more I come to  realize the beauty of their process – getting nominees from people and subject them to elimination based on their guidelines whatever it is. I know for one that possible nominee should not cross INK’s path once get elected. I don’t know the rest. Whatever happened that they voted for Erap in one election is explainable as Erap simply enjoyed overwhelming popularity and there just no way of not making him the next President. The result the first ever biggest winning margin for Erap in the country’s election history. With their good intention however, it is enjoined that they open their nominees to all discrediting no one regardless of belief and creed.  Two candidates for instance among Kapatiran party are protestants and what a great and sincere gesture they could extend to Filipino people including them in the list.

Thus, what a miracle and heroic event these six Catholic Bishops did.  Unfortunately, three Bishops this column would like to see have not significantly committed yet  their stand.  I’m referring to the CBCP Chairman and Vice-Chairman Bp. Jose Palma of Tacloban, actually my mentor back then at St. Joseph Regional
Seminary in Jaro, Iloilo City.  Third of course, is our own Bp. Antonio Ledesma who I would like to hear his clincher as he seems to drumbeat of possible Catholic votes as featured in one local daily then.

We’re talking here of weeks not months, Sunstar CDO Editor Dan Adorador III reminded. I agree. They better decide now  or loss the opportunity of not just being men standing  in the corner engaging in speculation but also waste away   an experience that only happens once in a lifetime. I hope I’m wrong. So be it!.

Badge of Honor

            That’s the great honor and  the least  PNoy would be giving to the media upon official  receipt of IIRC when he decides acknowledging their participation in the botched August 23  hostage crisis. The better for him to make his stand as he’s about the give the report to China and  Hongkong shortchanging the Filipinos. The hostage  incident was police matter no less and that it would definitely not good to him implicating the media as scapegoat of their ineptness.

 It’s not healthy too  for the nation in view of recent development decriminalizing  libel and other harassment against the media serving  as the four estate of the nation. The positive on- line registration in favor of this development bares it all.  The more would he only be washing dirty linen in public if he’s concocting punitive action against journalists who covered the incident.  Better acknowledge the guilt and address it rectifying it to secure success should similar incident would happen in the future, a respected psychiatrist cleared.  That’s how to do it. And in fairness to him that’s exactly what he did when he took upon himself the blame stopping the buck never mind how unpopular that acknowledgement for as long as it came from the heart.

            RMN might have eaten up the crucial forty five minutes of the incident  that  otherwise would have been used in softening the heart of hostage taker Mendoza as drumbeated or that ABS-CBN and GMA-12 might have used the event as rating war that might have doomed hostage negotiations and that it provided them handsome dividends when they sold their rights to CNN showing that tragedy all throughout the globe etc. But what the heck of it when that’s precisely their job. Why they have not for instance contacted RMN and talked with Mendoza those crucial moment as that Big Man Maderazo emphasize when the line was after all open. Even broadcaster Rogas verbatim transcript published in national daily shows Mendoza open for negotiation until he throw away the letter of the Ombudsman hand carried by Vice Mayor Isko Moreno. Nothing personal there for Rogas as he was merely doing his job.

On the contrary, they should be recognized for their gallantry in doing their job when they put their lives in danger covering the incident. They have definitely done great job bringing the incident right into the homes through  radio and television of every Filipino making our day. We’ve been treated it anyway too similar incidents from festive EDSA to gory graphics of Maguindanao Massacre.

Bringing live the tragedy might not be good to the eyes but is there any other better footages and clippings substitute than the original and live as that? That the authorities  might have  bungled their job and thus might have caused discomfort losing their  face to the Chief Executive of the nation is immaterial. That was already rectified by the pronouncement of PNoy when he wholeheartedly acknowledged that he failed in that crucial First Test of his Presidency. So what? Axe the heads  of those who contributed that great fiasco if he may which he already did.But why sacrifice the media into the fray when again, they were merely doing their job. The important thing is moving on from that tragedy as it was obviously a mistrial. Let all shed the tears and grief over the incident as they are balm to our troubled nation but similarly rise up and deter similar mishap.

Perhaps the most important thing to do is to do for everybody is to review  if  there is any enough democratic space that provides breathing space for a Mendoza in all of us. The problem is  none. And if ever there is any, is   not enough breathing space that help you instead suffocated as  relevant  laws are rammed down on your throat. Think for instance of an anonymous letter Ombudsman are acknowledging to harass an employee or of the Civil Service Commission continuing the case against government employee when the accuser is already dead! Or of prosecutors throwing all those cases when the case is plain and  simple harassment..

 What if Mendoza’s allegation was true that he was offered P150,000.00 to clear name of the charges. That Commissioner begging the question was understandable as his pronouncement seemingly jibe with his facial expression.  But what if any of his cohorts might have offered the deal. Not farfetched given how fixers abound in all government agencies. Obviously, there are too many questions raised than answered on Mendoza’s case. May he rest in peace.

Happy Easter

The Messiah, that familiar classic Oratorio featuring great  Alleluia Chorus by George Frideric Handel, a German composer (1685-1759), simply evoke indescribable  nostalgic feeling but also, grand sensation  celebrating conquest of life over death.

 Handel wrote that song in twenty-four long days indicating how he might have squeezed to the last drop of  his creative juice coming with that great composition signifying  the supremacy of his message enhanced by  the beauty of its lyrics. It was such indeed a great classic masterpiece   no less than King George II and his nobles, rose to their feet as their way of returning the compliment back to Handel for coming out such beautiful piece in reverence when it was performed in London.  It’s actually a  very simple  composition but once you are  playing it in its entirely in piano you too would  feel  great  as if in cloud nine as you are carried by the dynamic over than its beauty and mystic the composition brings,  treating you first in  allegro before it reaches apt allargando music in the end.  Probably, Handel’s spirit is there engulfing and helping you every time you play it

 Why this is so? It’s the message more than the cadence and beauty of music it brings and carries. For  Christ victory over death is real. That alone is more than beautiful music to the ear. It was real  Nobody has done it and there’s Bible to prove it showing how He suffered on the cross  as He took the sins of humanity and conquering death celebrating life anew among His people. (Mt28:1-20 Mark 16:1-20, Luke 24:1-53 and John 20-21)..  Good news! This is it for us specially for  the good of our soul unless you don’t value life and perceived Christianity as losing religion.

  The same tradition has been passed on  to us today as we are  standing every time Alleluia is sang in our liturgical service. But greater than that gesture and the  beauty it resonates  is the message again of that great resurrection event, the  heart and soul actually of Christianity validating the question: death where is your sting, death where is your victory? The gospel account by four evangelists about resurrection event are too graphic   showing how even nature through earthquake –land opening up, rocks rolling down and birds  chirping  etc -   participated  in that great celebration. Paul Tillich, American theologian and Existentialist philosopher expounded  that incident developing  treatise on that great event par excellence validating that not just man celebrated it but rather all the entire creation  of God.

Today, the first Sunday immediately after the first full moon of March is mother of all Sunday in that we  are ratifying or playing it out  that incident  remembering that grand experience sans the trappings of nature. Even without hearing that great oratorical Messiah piece, we know deep down in our hearts that good news is forever very relevant gospel to us  This is so because of the primacy of the message God’s brings to the people, the unconditional  Love He gives to all that no less than He sent His only begotten Son into this world and die for our sins. That what makes today’s celebration truly great and unique Christian festival. That’s why sacrament of confession are available to cleanse us of our  sins and  extra baggages  so we can have that beautiful journey with Christ hopefully for good. Problems? Just be true to yourself and accept what He offers sealing that deal between you and Him.  Now is the best time to do it, Just do it anyway and no one can separate you from Him. “Not even war, tribulation, pestilence . . or death,” St. Paul reminds us (Rom.8) That’s we  learn today’s message.

Regrettably, there are those who don’t believe in the resurrection event. Ok no problem for as long as you’re consistent in your belief and stand by it like Atheists.  That Easter is originally of pagan practice, that Easter Sunday was only imprinted to our consciousness two thousand years ago and in centuries that followed, has shaped our culture and civilization. Fine. But whatever now happens to that great hypothesis they pose thrown into the ocean allegedly would led to ripple effect? It’s still in the ocean drowned into the deepest sea buried forever its rhetoric going back to the earth.

Even Ted Turner, CNN CEO, that great philanthropist UN’s generous sponsor  seeing  Christianity as losing religion as he equates religion with almighty money. He and his wards  has been promoting Babism or  New Pantheism. It’s a Trojan Horse actually that as you  open it  up bares among others, women’s excessive power, environment concern and most specially, reproductive health packages to curb population have instead messed up the issue all the more. As such, it didn’t register progress as the Church formed the battle front sending her message  loud and clear: don’t tinker with moral issues the Church knows better how to handle it  than you are.

Of course as indicated in my previous column (Public Opinion in the Church), Christendom was  suspended in the balance when that Titanic Director allegedly discovered burial site containing the remains of Jesus.  It could have been great discovery requiring revolutionizing Christianity  re-writing of the New Testament as in Irving Wallace’s bestseller The Word, unfortunately, antics didn’t click as his discovery was a fraud.  

To all readers of this piece  and has been in this journey, happy Easter!

Freefire Zone

            Freefire zone was one of the strategy adapted by the Americans in securing the success of their  war  offensive in Vietnam War. They were simply successful waging war in the battlefield unleashing those heavy artillery and bomb they mercilessly dropped right  on their target what with the   horizontal red light indicating the perimeter and extent of warfare. And with Agent Orange clearing the battlefield of trees and thick foliage exposing their enemies for clearer target, the Americans were unbeatable. The strategy did not only facilitate the complete destruction and annihilation of their target but most importantly, save them for  possible  infractions against indictment of war crimes and International Law of Humanity as stipulated in Protocol II in 1949.

Well why not used such strategy it in this column  to give the best option for general voting population. Let us changed it to  Friendly  fire though  while the heat of election  is still on in the spirit of free market of ideas. We’re near the homestretch anyway  of election  and why really not if these ideas would help clear the cobwebs those issues and therefore would help facilitating  selection for general voting population. Unless we too are not paying exact  tax to the government then by all means we should not feel crazy about election.  But otherwise, let’s continue participating in the electoral exercise. Support is merely lip service, participation is what make the difference. So whether you are ordinary citizen or not for as long as your pro-development oriented, progressive in the parlance among academe by all means do join. Which is why, this writer would like to recognize the feedback given for the general reading public of  this paper.

 Which is why, this column would like to thank those who sent in their valuable feedback  notwithstanding crisp and acerbic.  In the country  where we honor free market of idea and free speech enshrined in our Philippine Constitution, who can’t afford respecting your idea never mind how you wrote them and who are you area lobbying for. Bring them on.  Let’s show that we are indeed democratic country and that this country is not actually  the most feared place for journalists in the entire world. Hence, I’m reiterating my utmost appreciation to those brave souls who dared  sharing  their thoughts on election.  Never mind what color you see as the best one; It doesn’t make any difference. You maybe yellow, orange or green.  It doesn’t matter.  Or you maybe  still maybe  undecided and keeping your ace close to your heart.  Or so what if you’re colorless as you don’t see light in our electoral system. The bottom line is, you stand by your option and live consistently by it but hopefully, would be ending your loyalty when the country has already its elected public officials after May 10.

 For all we know we are still barely scratching the surface of the election-related issues.  As in war anyway, truth becomes the directly casualty.  Look on how presidential candidates and down the line have resorted to various antics from personal to professional engaging in  below the belt attacks digressing from  the platforms they should give time dutifully ventilated across to their audience. Who knows as we might also be  barely touching the tip of an iceberg on different issues raised by  those presidential wannabes far from those skeletons they are keeping on their closets

Nothing new anyway as even the media are giving their share indicating who among the wannabes are the best shoo-ins  for the position. I don’t think there are serious lapses or  wrong here for as long as we are conducting critical evaluation on issues raised.  In fact even if we have these issues coming out from stream of consciousness for a start would already be considered good enough.  That for as long as it is subjected to corrective process.  And that could only happen when we share ideas. What more if we conduct critical evaluation on issues considered allowing the data and facts speak for themselves with you a writer repackaging giving the necessary clincher.

That what I did  I write for Manny V. for President few weeks ago. And while it may appear an orange article for some, I’m standing by it unless other variables would be there to change the color. Thanks therefore for those who send in their feedback. You’re all welcome whatever you mean.  Here’s some of my few words though.

First, I salute   how you guys   there in Cebu are showing your true color as far as your general  participation in election is concerned.  I definitely agree  solidly  where you stand and how you keep it there  and what it takes  there standing your ground. Most specially, I appreciated your nerve not swallowing   hook, line and sinker whatever power-brokers like the First Gentleman might have caused the Garcias throwing their categorical support to Manny V. presidential bid as Gov. Zubiri is doing in Bukidnon.

 Second, sorry I don’t think it’s healthy  dignifying issues that are already considered history as in Manny V’s much abused humble poor beginning, ZTE-V and  all that.

Third, and this is from the heart. Nothing personal here as one of you begged it. Definitely, no envelopmental journalism involve here as one of you guys would like it to appear  when you wrote: “Pila man kay magpalista pod mi!” You know what? Column writing has been there for more than a decade starting with other paper (MGSD) and would you believe that I never received a single centavo from all those articles I wrote for the paper! Tapal pa man gani sa ink.  If  you wish, you can check with that paper’s publisher. Thanks though that at least this paper (Sunstar Cagayan) is recognizing my talent and I’m receiving a check at the month’s end never mind meager. At least I can afford buying a candle writing article like this one.

So what’s new? Bring them on. Don’t worry if writers are taking the cue for certain candidates for as long as they’re honest to goodness assessment and don’t go against Ethics of Journalism. It’s better to know their color perception this early than not at all.  At least we could engage them in free market of ideas and challenge resolving  loose ends or the more there would be confusion.

Thus never mind Alex Magno and Esposo  tandem of Phil. Star rallying for Noynoy and his counterpart in this paper my neighbour Kairo’s columnist Van Vught actually rallying the cause for Noynoy in the local field. But just as you can not please every people in their  cause, the likes of  Tony Lopez, Bencyrus Ellorin  and maybe this writer, should  not be cause for alarm

Thanks instead that all colors are properly ventilated.  That’s near  rainbow, isn’t it.  Or why not  having two or  three choices of color as you might probably caught in indecision Anyway there is  time  to conduct further research and come out with your own matrix showing array of platforms of wannabes and engage in reality check to come out with your best choice. I did though it’s not yet complete. But the most important thing you have the data to vouch your choice.

Flashback

            They are rag tag musicians - old, rugged- carrying their most prized possession    musical instruments on their shoulders – guitars, banjo, banduria, bajo de arko, tenor and all that – ready to use on cue from their leader as they approached and entertain  visitors in makeshift shanties along the beach in Opol for a fee.  Their counterpart lady companions are playing with them using percussions. Mostly of the males  are wearing military Chalico and smiling  their day full entertaining visitors. Their  repertoire included folk to standard, pop to harana pieces and yes religious to classical.

They called themselves Flashback  And why flashback, I asked them.  The leader of the group readily pulled out a picture in his wallet showing beautiful picture with them grinning in their blue and white uniform apparently of the olden days when they have the support from patrons and benefits  playing together. What a reversal of fate and fortune as I  glanced back to them seeing  rough scuff toughies before me their appearance belied the comfort of yesteryears. One consolation though as it strikes familiar chord in my heart as musician is the enjoyment that kept them  cohesive together and  vibrant all through those decades. Not surprising getting remarkable lifespan corresponding to the highest  86 years old  average enjoyed by Japanese women. And as if validating such obvious long lifespan is their readiness of extending numbers when requested to add more numbers on their repertoire

 It’s such a great sacrifice as their creativity is no mean feat born out of their desire to entertain.  I’m not sure if they are also moonlighting playing other events. I do know as some are busking in the City  as shown  in one daily. It’just unfortunate their efforts are not compensated well  as they merely get few pesos at the end of the day.  Gone are the days when they played in Radio Bombo when they were treated to smorgasbord pancit dishes back then at old Bagong Lipunan at Velez St. Today, save for the generosity given by their audience rarely they get decent meal.

But the good thing about the group as enunciated by their  leader is the willingness to pursue all the way their crusade of playing together for sheer enjoyment regardless of  the meager income they got. That gung-ho musical character simply separates them from other group.  Most likely they too would have  disintegrated   had they not  collectively embrace holding on together their  music that bind them  over many decades.  Regrettably, they wailed how  LGU left them in the cold as seen through the worn out instruments they used. I hope Mayor Dixon Yasay would come to their rescue after all mostly of the members of the flashback are his constituents.  Besides, there’s fund reserve or allotted for cultural activities other than sports.

The leader even confided that he’s is willing to share his owned property along the beach just to secure the perpetuity of his group. What a zeal, commitment and heart of a  romaticist..

            There are fourteen such group according to the one who visited me  lately in my residence  in Terryhills entertaining me with their  beautiful  music. Knowing that I once hold a harana program with Martin Bayog, Mar Santander in DXKO Gusa,  they treated me with one Visayan song to my delight  I’m almost emboldened of extending my help making  CD using digital technology that is the fad of the time of their own they themselves  would be tapped singing their own songs but dampened by the complications from the stark reality as shown by the Flashback left in the dark hardly surviving.

            Karla David lately featured talented professional Filipinos shifting their trade as entertainers Disneyland in Hongkong in her Overseas Diary in GMA-12. Seen through their faces are the happiness derived from their work and most likely the handsome dividend they got from the management .

It’s sad reality indeed that Filipinos have to venture entertaining overseas when they could do it here in their own country. But who cares? Flashback’s experience is there staring at us showing stark reality of the entertainment world in this country, ironically not entertaining at all..

But I just hope the government through LGU would come to their rescue if only to restore the glory that happened to the likes of Flashback. 

Cheers to All Fathers

            For the first time, I have almost my goosebump and    nosebleed pop out when  all fathers were  treated to spiritual bouquet and flowers to the tune of “I’ll Be There” sang by the choir last Sunday at St. Peregrine, Terryhills Subdivision, Bulua, this City capping  the Father’s Day simple rite.

No thanks for the song.  While I like the music and its lyrics, it’s not a good way  promoting the movie. Gabby Concepcion himself like the rest of many artists diametrically opposing  the cause he portrays as an artist he being direct  contrast as role model is a certified philanderer in real life. The producer of the  religious song “All in the Family” did too great favor having Martin Nievera giving justice  interpreting the song with his very resonant voice. The list is long down the line  from the cute heart throb Aga Mulach and John Estrada to Wowowee Willie Revellame sending home all sorts of  entertainment mixing up with the message if at all there is any. But none save the handsome benefits they derive from such antics   driving across to their listeners nothing except for purely entertaining pleasure.

  The gullible public just enjoyed them anyway. As Hayden Khu implored the viewing public from the mess screwing up  Katrina Halili: hate the sin but please not the sinner. Yes sir no problem as it takes two to tango. We are  also descendant of Hercules with that strong libido safely tucked under our belt. But do note as well   that temptation is never considered  a sin unless you give way to it. Thus how could you avoid and abhor sinning if there are no takers.  Ok  no further moralizing here as man’s sin no matter how great is practically peanuts compare to the love of God. That’s why we have seven sacraments to bail us out from our infirmities.

  That’s the problem we have in the world of make-believe. They are dragging the issue to far higher proportion until they practically explain them away. But no way unless you are gullible yourself just playing around with your marital vow.  Their  credibility simply smacks off right on their faces the substance of the point swiftly slipping away the general viewing public..

Certainly so because fatherhood is not an entertainment reason why many marriage ended battered on the rocks. Neither it is temporary state of being. It is  a vocation instituted by God Himself as one of the sacrament you and your wife becoming permanently identified with as one nobody could put asunder  As vocation it is meant to  be lived and  pursued at all cost. Hence, the importance of strengthening the marital bond or fall into the third option as concoted then in Congress and Senate to no avail – Divorce.   Many marriage broke up sending children roaming around the city as streetchildren and vagabonds precisely because of very loose marital bond.  Resulta sa sinumpaang bakak, a priest would qualify the alarming increasing numbers of streetchildren in one homily for the kids at Mother Teresa Streetchildren Foundation.

Those who can afford  avoiding  onerous court proceedings simply did it away through legal separation. That’s what happened to many  celebrities, marrying one after the other Hollywood style just like changing clothes as many as one pleases.

The less mortal ones on the other hand who can’t afford the prohibitive separation cost just  settle the issue through  amicable arrangement tacitly agreeing on terms and conditions stipulated in a contract. No sweat specially if both party have been living their new respective family. The bottom line is the children either left out or suffering collateral damage. Fatherhood is definitely no meat feat. You either go for it or not at all contract marriage.  But you would become a philosopher if you  don’t marry. Why not then be a real  father when you could than none at all.You can for as long as you holding on the identity as father wherever you maybe no matter what  the cost.

 That  I believed the reason why hell broke loose last Sunday when fathers themselves uncontrollably shed their tears as their wives and ordinary church goers holding on their bated breath in the pew witnessing real drama unfolding right in front of them  But I suppose they were more tears of joy having survived this far to their calling.

To those who fall short, just go on. Actually,  I have not seen the face of my own father ever since I saw light in this world. He  was mercilessly murdered by his bosom friend when I was barely innocent two years old because of  an altercation. Nine bullets only felled his body. What could I do? I will meet him anyway comes the final encounter up there when my sunset is due.

As reality check, where do you stand as a model father? My namesake son sent me this relevant  textmessage: A model father is: F-aithful husband, A-ffectionate man,T-ruthful person, H-umble leader, E-xcellent worker and R-esponsible provider. Blessed Father’s Day! Psalm 155:15.  Well, where do I stand? Barely earning passing grade  getting three scores out of five. Not that bad specially with humility counted in never mind excelling in work  and good provider. Working in as many passion I have, music and writing included, is  just not enough. Sorry and no way messing with up government’s money. That’s corruption.  But I’m happy that I’m still making it through thick and thin despite harsh realities of life.  God is definitely good. He’s always there opening windows after closing each door and indicating that sometimes somewhere out there  grass is far greener than in any other pasture.  That for as long as you hold to your sanity and identity as real father.

 Cheers to all fathers –real or make-believe, branded or pirated but most specially the real ones, the toughies with gung-ho personality protecting the vow they covenanted with the Lord when they said “I do!”   to their wives in not so distant past. 

Commercials

            Better late than never.  A move lobbying  for better and educational programs for children for TV has been going on lately  staged by concerned parents  to avoid further deterioration of  knowledge among kids. Welcome development indeed and rightly so  specially children are the ones mostly affected by different shows shown on TV.

Well, we could volunteer to be counted  in for that plausible never mind onerous crusade. But how about those commercials flooding incessantly on  TV shows eating up most of our time leaving us always more dazed reeling with all those smorgasbord of information instead of keeping us informed, updated   and educated. From all indication, it seems that viewers are the ones  left  shortchanged as we are left in the receiving end each time we sit and watch TV.

 It’s simply disgusting as we’re left to “No Choice” just staying  and hanging in there until you finished viewing your favorite news program or talks shows. Worst, notice how these giant TV stations have even the gall of conspiring against us viewers as they air simultaneously these commercials   as you change channel in a fishing expedition of getting more news. But look that what you  get instead are wide array of  more and more commercials extending your agony as you go back to an earlier channel where you left off.

There is no need providing statistics here.  Just count the  numbers and time eaten up by each commercials as you open your TV and you’ll  get what I mean. Normally news are delivered in three to five straight minutes. Expect the same or even more  time allotted  for commercials normally taking  five to ten infomercials in a row. Unfortunately, some of the early morning of replays of talk-shows are similarly flooded with commercials encouraging you instead to tune in to radio and or read relevant news straight on newspapers and or tabloid.  This seems to be the apt alternative specially that we could hardly afford maintaining prohibitive cost of uncut news or talk-shows in Cable Network.

It’s a crazy world but how I wish the situation is remedied and balance would be strike in favor of us viewers. But is this possible? I believe the answer is clear as the sunny day. No and never.  For try tuning in to government station and you get the worst as what you get are all praises that is dry, partial and  lousy TV programs. Reason that they pay that much showing those accomplishments in those big TV stations.

The basic principle and the bottom line  in every  communication is  message.  At least you should know the message you’re driving across to the receiver. I think that’s clearly in place  in TV. But the catch is, the ulterior motive which is profit they mixed up in achieving that goal bares it all the ulterior motive of these giant networks barely using their people in achieving that overriding goal.. Hence the graphics showing Kuya Kim top heavy squeezing all those information in very limited time and or hiring the services of spitfirish hindi tayo tatantanan Mike Enriquez dishing out those rapid and monotonous Biente Cuatro Oras news in a singsong manner. Why cant these giant network subjected him to vocal coaching to provide desirable tonecolor cutting his noisy and highly offensive delivery or just get the services of better alternate broadcaster.  Maybe, but no way unless they get another Mike Enriquez’ or Kuya Kim’s double, complete package –articulate, intelligent n ever mind having an offensive voice.

To become “The Almighty”, that’s what the paramount goal of  these  giant TV stations. They should read that Irving Wallace classic to see that it’s not acceptable  engaging in that kind of business squeezing the people in between sacrificing them in achieving that selfish goal. Instigating world events, even killing US president in a plane was the orgy of Wallace protagonist.  Unfortunately, it proved to be his last ditch effort as the conspiracy bungle in the end killing his Information Empire too in the end. This is of course  fiction. What we see in commercials are real. Therefore must be more lethal as it gradually taking its toll on us exploiting our gullibility making us innocent sacrifice of their greed for power