Entries from February 2010 ↓

It was unfortunate that I missed that Mike Defensor blogger event at his La Vista home in Quezon City last night. I'm not from Quezon City and I hardly visit the place (and the few times I did was just to attend blogger events and family socials) and so I probably shouldn't be writing this in the first place.

Mike Defensor is running for Quezon City mayor in May (photo credits: commons.wikimedia.org)

As it turns out, I couldn't leave my son to my mom's because she's not in the best condition to mind him and it's not like I can take my son with me, all the way from Calamba. For the unaware, we do not have a househelp, so I'm writing this while doing the laundry, watering the plants and prepping my son for school. Now you know why I love technology -- it gives me the illusion that I'm always in control. Darna has a magic pebble, I have an iPhone. Now if only this gadget can make me look like Marianne Rivera and make me fly, then I'd be all set to save the world.

Before I lose your interest in all these ramblings, I would like to thank Ms. Jane Uymatiao and Philippinebeat for the live streaming on Qik -- it's the next best thing to being there. You can watch the recorded videos of that event here.

When I first heard of the event through Facebook friend and fellow blogger Paul Farol (Thanks for the heads up Paul.), I found it rather surprising that Mr. Defensor would call for a blogger session knowing that he was eyeing for a local post which, to my mind, didn't really require such coverage from non-QC residents. But since Mike Defensor has become somewhat of a household name -- thanks to lingering memories of his mostly embattled tri-media interviews (always in GMA's defense), I figured it would be lovely to ask him questions specially about his rift with the Liberal Party and how his running against Herbert "Bistek" Bautista is being rumored as some sort of vengeance/redemption for him and dad Mat on that LP vs. Lito Atienza issue. That seems an interesting topic. After all, it's easy to fantasize about political vendetta in this country. And of course, a mayoralty win for Defensor should be enough statement that their political clout endures.

By the way, Mike Defensor is running under the PRP (People's Reform Party) of re-electionist senator-relative Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. Defensor's running mate is Aiko Melendez under Erap's PMP (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) but says he has been endorsed by presidentiable-senator Manny Villar's Nacionalista Party as their mayoralty candidate in Quezon City and Defensor also endorses Villar for president.

You might assume that you and I probably share the same indifference to Defensor on account of his very strong ties with now outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (to the frustration of many, I reckon). But to dispel all doubts and set the record straight, I must admit to the fact that I was once (and to a certain extent, still is) enamoured with his glorious stint at the House. Man, did the "Spice Boys" rock that time!

It was within that period in his political career (and shortly after that) that I saw him as a potential leader and one worthy of trust and support. And I'm not using the words 'trust' and 'support' here lightly. Too bad that being handpicked by GMA would prove detrimental to his career later on. That's from an outsider's perspective, of course. Only Mike knows what it's like to be 'inside looking out'. For all we know, and by all indications apparent to me, all things considered, his close association with GMA worked well for him.

His accomplishments (feel free to dig through archives online and offline yourself) presents us with some proof to his efficiency as a public servant.

What better results to demonstrate such than those programs and policy changes he implemented in Pag-ibig and DENR during his stay at these
agencies. Try going over some publicly available stats and compare.

Claim to efficiency

We took a housing loan years back and the process surprisingly didn't take long, 3 months at most. Also, the reduced interest rates from 12/13% to 6/7% plus extended loan period from 20 to 30 years (which sadly we weren't able to take advantage of because it was implemented a month after ours was approved) is now benefiting many average income earners who under the old rules and long & winding process would have found getting a house through Pagibig nearly impossible.

If I were to assess his performance, disposition and policy-making, I'd say I would have wanted to see him become senator one day or be reinstated in DENR or Pagibig. And may I add that I was a bit disappointed that he didn't pursue his senatorial plans (not that I know of any to begin with anyway). It is natural to assume he'd run for senator but given the circumstances he got himself into, it's understandable that he may have veered away from any national post. Still, if he did, I think he would have easily won and deservedly so. But I guess losing the 2007 senatorial elections made him rethink his goals, after all, he's still young. Time is on his side.

Efficiency as a talent

The wonderful thing about an efficient public official is that you can put him anywhere in the bureaucracy and he will still somehow pull through and get things done. Talent is one thing. Character (and efficiency) is another. It goes with you wherever you go. That's why even if Sec. Esperanza Cabral was already doing well with the DSWD (save for that 'relief goods rotting in warehouse' blog issue), I had no misgivings whatsoever when she was fielded to occupy the post vacated by Sec. Duque of DOH (who is, by the way, another poster boy for efficiency) when he was transferred to CSC -- although why him and why in that department eludes me to this day. But well, all cabinet secretaries serve at the pleasure of the President so no argument there.

Business-style management in governance

I know you Gloria-haters and Bistek fans are probably sneering in disgust right now. I don't mind. I know a results-oriented man when I see one (or in this case, hear one). See, this is why we should give businessmen a chance in governance. We've seen lawyers and how they toyed with our laws and made it work against us. We've seen economists and how they wowed us with empty "figures" that were devoid of tangible results. You know very well what I'm talking about it and I will say this, at the risk of being partisan and elitist -- that we need to allow ourselves to rub on that "rich-guy, businessman thinking". We can no longer afford to limit ourselves with outdated rules and archaic thinking which has done nothing but to enslave us into this "small-mindedness" that has crept into the very foundation of our society -- the home.

How many times have we seen movies and teleseryes awash with tales of the rich oppressing the poor and the poor wallowing in small-mindedness that that's what's "in the cards" for them? How many times have we taught our children, directly or implied that the neighbor's kids have flashy toys because their parents were just plain rich? And that conversely, they should not aspire for anything more because they should "know their place" in the world? Countless times, I bet. It would have done a world of difference if instead of sourgraping on somebody else's fortune, we chose to see it as a challenge and consequently prompted us to re-educate our children and taught them of the many perks of hardwork and persistence.

Now, what has that got to do with Defensor, or all the other rich businessmen running for public office? Two words -- inspiration and replication.

To inspire and replicate

Successful business people inspire us to do better and not settle for second best. Two things, hopefully, should happen after that, we copy (or devise one customized to our own current circumstances) the formula that worked for them and repeat the same, pass it on to our children, relatives, friends and colleagues. It's that idyllic revolution of paying it forward.

Objectivity vs. Fanaticism

Again, I never lived in Quezon City so I can't really compare or assess the current political and socio-economic conditions there and it's not that I know how residents feel about their candidates. I can only see as far as what I've heard, read and seen about Mike Defensor which is mostly, on a national scale. I can't tell whether QC residents are better off now and are contented with the services they're getting from the local government or if they want to change how things currently are. But I hope they see past political affiliations and get through the heart of effective and progressive leadership
and to consciously make an effort to know their candidates.

We need leaders like Mike Defensor who are testaments to the truth that it is neither brilliance nor charm that makes a successful public official but efficiency. Those who can deliver results are the ones who deserve to serve. Because at the end of the day, your low inflation rate and GDP growth figures mean nothing to a working class family who can't even afford to buy a house because of overly restrictive rules and agonizing wait.

Let's see what happens when official campaigning for local elections kicks off this March. I've heard that Bistek is the runaway favorite. He has endeared himself to QC people which is not surprising since he served QC for a long time. The entry of Mike Defensor will make the coming QC mayoralty race extremely intense. It would be interesting to see how the electorate will decide. But whatever happens, I have a strong feeling that we'll be seeing more of Mike. In the Senate, perhaps? Maybe.

Calculate the risk

Are you ready to try something different? Would you like to take a chance in Defensor? It's up to you. I'm in no position to proclaim that he won't disappoint you. And I'm not saying he might either. But I suggest you keep your options open and unlimited. Who knows, you might just like Mike.

Note: This is not a paid post and I am not a paid hack. Vote objectively.

Popularity: 1% [?]

"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." (Ecc. 9:11, KJV)

Yet another survey result has come out -- the latest and the 'most comprehensive' so they say. Naturally, every candidate wants to know how their recent 'overhauls' and 're-packagings' (plus their best laid plans, of course) are playing out and consequently how these 'changes' are swaying voter sentiments (if at all).

It's interesting to note that given the fact that no past pre-election poll has ever prophetically predicted the victory of a presidential candidate, it seems unavoidable for every other candidate (and even voter) to eagerly wait for the next 'latest and greatest survey results' and interpret the same as if it were gospel truth.

Surveys have become very powerful marketing tools that they have been branded as 'game changers' capable of conditioning minds and ultimately swaying public opinion in favor of whomever they 'may' anoint. Of course, there are reputable organizations whose "integrity is beyond question" and then there are those that were established overnight and claim to be as reliable if not better than their bigger counterparts. But just the same, we should try to see right through these organizations because in the heart of every business is profit generation.

These surveys whether commissioned or non-commissioned have become a staple in Philippine elections in the same way a Christmas feast seem incomplete without the much-commercialized ham. We can always do without it, but somehow, the table looks better with that cholesterol-rich pork on it.

It's curious that whenever results come out, we can't help but listen in, read, watch and sometimes even immerse ourselves in it until a newer one comes along. We'd engage ourselves in lengthy and passionate discussions until we're blue in the face proclaiming "I knew it!" and "I told you so!". Others pick petty fights that elevate to lifelong animosity. It's terrible.

I can understand why candidates go gaga over these results and why they usually end up crafting their entire campaign strategy around it -- they need the surveys. They need a baseline. They need to know how far along are they from their goals. They need to know what's working and what's not (whether theirs or their opponents'). If they're doing great, they need these for validation. If they're falling short of expectations, they need these to snap out of complacency.

Are surveys killing democracy?

But tell me honestly, do WE need these? Pulse Asia, SWS and the rest, tell us when a survey has been commissioned or not and if it is, who commissioned such. That seems fair and commendable. But doesn't the whole thing spoil democracy? Alright, when it's not commissioned, they say it's being done as 'public service' and I'm pretty sure they mean well, but don't you think it's slowly killing our appetite for voting according to intellect and conscience?

Such pity for the candidates at the tail end of these surveys. They might end up losing whatever few loyal followers they have to these 'front-runners' all because these surveys kept on showing them at pitiful 1, 2 or 5% scores! Public service, really? Keep your results to yourselves and leave us, the electorate to discern for ourselves. Nobody needs to tell us what we think or who we think we'd like to vote for. That seems stupid isn't it? -- being told, "Hey, you guys, approximately 35% of you will likely vote for Noynoy as president!!!" and then a few weeks after, Hey, Manny and Noynoy are statistically tied! According to who? Us? Really? Oh, a relatively accurate statistical sampling of 'us'? Well that's what it is -- a sampling, an approximation -- a scientific guess at best.

Here's the thing: We don't need to know what WE think. Tell that to the Marines, or better yet to the candidates. They're the ones who need that, not us. In a perfect world, it would be best to keep results private amongst candidates themselves and the survey organizations. That way, candidates can better strategize and surveys won't 'condition' our minds into voting for the popular choice. That will be the ultimate public service you guys can give this country.

But this isn't a perfect world. There are no such things as private or privileged information anymore.

Surveys as birthday presents

Sticking survey results on our faces is like showing us a checklist of possible choices for birthday presents for this country. You know you're getting one in nine presents so you go asking every one (a sampling size, to be precise) of us. Some of us answer, some don't, some still trick you into thinking you're getting one instead of the other. But you know what, it spoils the fun -- because guess what, we don't even know yet which one to get you! And all your 'surveying' is influencing us to get you that one present that keeps topping your polls because it leads us to believe that that's what you want! Is that good for you or for us? No one can tell. But is that good for democracy (not too mention good 'ol fun)? Definitely not.

Surveys? So what?

Surveys don't make victors. Destiny does. Sounds lame? It is. But thinking of it as such doesn't change the intrinsic truth in that statement. If you ever doubted destiny and its inner workings before, think Erap. Point made.

It's difficult to argue with destiny. It is a powerful entity, if you can call it that. Even the unsinkable Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ascribes to that (add that to a resolute belief in genetics and you get yourself a person all-too-absorbed in her own significance, even Adolf Hitler would turn in his grave).

I know what you're thinking. Any mention of the word destiny brings up tarot cards and crystal balls. And perhaps you're thinking a two-bladed sword with an ear-piercing swoosh sound is all it takes to carry on one's destiny. But I'm not talking about "Lord of the Rings' or "Harry Potter"-like destiny here. I'm talking about something closer to real life.

I am talking about destiny borne of the ballot. Media-frenzy -- like most best laid plans will fizzle in the face of destiny. In the end, your ballot will dictate one person's destiny. That is a power you hold. Don't let hype and overrated surveys take that power away from you.

If you think Gordon is the most qualified, then go ahead and vote for him. If you think Bayani will make a good veep, then vote for him. You think a spiritual man is what we need? Then there's Villanueva for you. Ignore the numbers, those are meant to discourage voters. Stay away from manipulators and their devices.

The road to political renewal is long and arduous, littered with ambiguous signs and walked by many swindlers day in and day out. But don't it let keep you from doing what you should. Tune out from the deafening jingles. Distance yourself from deadening promises. And as the great Johnny Walker used to say, "Keep walking."

And yes, I say screw the surveys.

Popularity: 1% [?]

I was set to 'kill time' in school today. Made sure my journal was packed neatly in my bag. But lo and behold, as I was set to write, my lovely pen was nowhere in sight, thus the silly prose poetry. Tsk.

Woe to the Writer
by: RJ

Woe to the writer who is caught without a pen,
When the train of thought starts flowing
He's but a helpless, crying baby in a hungry lion's den.

How else will he appease upset dragons breathing fire?
How can his words satisfy this insatiable desire?

How else will he rationalize, hypothesize or theorize
Streams of musings that go swiftly in between blinks of his eyes?

In earnest ramblings of metaphors? Pitiful twists, ironies in disarray?
In incomprehensible assertions -- all that cause the reader sure dismay.

The writer caught without a pen,
like a naked soldier amidst a fierce battle
Is left to either run, hide or foolishly surrender.

What to do then, pray tell, when all you have is the 'here and now'
And when neither yesterday nor tomorrow will ever soothe you somehow?

When there is no time to waste searching for an elusive pen
Lest the ideas before you fly in haste like silly men.

How does a writer write when mere fingers can barely make a line?
When what's in your head is sure to leave you in no time.

Woe indeed to the writer caught without his trusty pal,
When words come raining on a summer day's lull.

If he misses this chance, this one perfect trine,
Tomorrow might pass him without passion or rhyme.

How will he pocket letters, mix and match, confound and clarify?
When nothing seems a blessing but these words from on high?

Such waste of time, such waste of thought,
Such moving tragedy for a struggling, stupid moth.

A loss indeed, a loss in need.
For what glory does a knight have
apart from his noble steed?

Popularity: 1% [?]

As usual, giving in to requests for the lyrics of LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD's standard bearer, presidentiable Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro's latest TV commercial/informercial/jingle/campaign song "Lipad" written and performed by the band Rivermaya.

You know it breaks my heart when you Googlers get to my blog not finding what you're looking for. So here it is, for your viewing and listening pleasure (or disgust -- whichever applies).

**The way I've been exerting effort transcribing lyrics for these campaign jingles, looks like I should just resurrect my long time dead lyrics blog. **

***
No copyright violation or any other violation intended. This is published here for public service. I invoke "fair use" law. Uhm, wait, do we have that here? :) Aw, heck, we don't?

Lipad
by: Rivermaya

Harapin ang hamon ng pagasa
Harapin ang hamon ng bagong simula
ohhhhhhhh....

Kay tagal mo nang gustong lumipad
Ngunit pangarap mo'y bihag ng kahirapan
Matagal mo nang gustong umangat
Handa ka na pero napabayaan
Hindi mo kasalanan...

Panahon na, gumising
Hawak mo ang susi sa mundo
Sumama...
Para sa lahat ang byaheng 'to

Harapin ang hamon ng pagasa
Harapin ang hamon ng bagong simula
Pangarap mo'y kusa na lang matutupad
Ngayong handa ka ng lumipad
Ngayong handa ka ng lumipad

Lumipad...lumipad...lumipad...
Ngayong handa ka ng lumipad

(Ahhhh...Sulong Gibo, sulong Gibo...)

Panahon na,lumaban
Hawak mo ang susi sa mundo
Manalig
Kasama si Gibo
Ligtas tayo...

Harapin ang hamon ng pagasa
Harapin ang hamon ng bagong simula
Pangarap mo'y kusa na lang matutupad
Ngayong handa ka ng lumipad
Ngayong handa ka ng lumipad

Lumipad...lumipad...lumipad...

Sulong Gibo
Lipad tayo!

***

This song of the same title however, from the movie "Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia" -- "an all-digital, full-length animated film entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival" sang by no less than Ms. Lea Salonga would have been a better choice. :) After all it has all the elements of "galing" and "lipad" and it's  both inspirational and meaningful.. Well, just a thought.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Videos and photos of Nacionalista Party and Manny Villar's campaign kickoff in Calamba, Laguna.

Today is day one of the official campaign period for national elections in May 2010. All roads leading to the main venue of Banga Plaza were decked with orange ribbons, flags and campaign posters. The venue itself which is the common poster area in Calamba was decorated with posters of the Nacionalista Party's senatorial slate. Wowowee TV show host Willie Revillame arrived around 5pm. The event was hosted by Wowowee's Valerie Concepcion and Raymond Gutierrez of GMA 7. Other performers who came to entertain the crowd were singers Yeng Constantino and Bugoy.

Villar's viral campaign jingle "Naging Mahirap" plays in the background alternatively with another jingle "Akala Mo".

More photos and videos here

Popularity: 2% [?]

“An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why must the pessimist always run to blow it out?" — Rene Descartes

Photo by nilexuk

I can almost swear "someone" is cursing the upcoming presidential elections in May 2010. It's as if "someone" is killing all chances of emergent hope -- "someone" is out to sabotage this one shot we have at clean, honest elections.

Although the existence of that "someone" is hard to prove and coming up with strong evidence is hardly possible at the moment, what seems to be 'a clear and present danger' is the unabated doubt creating an atmosphere of general distrust.

There is widespread doubt in the effectivity of the system. Doubt in the reliability of technology. Doubt in the trustworthiness of the candidates. Doubt in the 'maturity' of the electorate. Doubt in everything elections-related. Essentially, doubt in the possibility of Philippine political redemption.

It is so easy to spread doubt and plant fear in the hearts and minds of our fellowmen. I can't think of anything easier to do in a time like this. When faced with the task of choosing what to promote, the average salesman would always opt for those that are easy to sell.

Which idea is easier to sell: That fully-automated elections would be 100% successful or that it would fail?

You get the point.

***

Have a little faith

I am a proponent of vigilance and a promoter of justified and regulated doubt. But in no way will I consent to being a conduit of fear-mongering. I have better things to do with my time (and I have a lot of time, mind you).

My dear friends, casual and accidental readers, one and all, I urge you to have a little faith in this much-awaited political exercise. Let not the sensationalized news and overblown negative write-ups deter you from participating in this democratic process that is part and parcel of who we are and who we intend to be.

Of course there will be glitches, there are flaws, there are questions that need to be answered -- but all will be resolved in due time. That is what these tests are for -- to see what works and what doesn't -- to separate the reliable from the not.

Trust the system -- a good measure if not entirely. Trust that technology can and will work. But most of all, trust yourself. Trust that YOU dictate your vote. Trust that it is you who will dictate your destiny and consequently, this country's. Trust that unless we take a chance, there is no way of ever finding out what will and will not work for us.

Think about it. If we can't trust ourselves? Who else will?

Besides, if all else fails, there's always manual elections. So douse that fear. Besides, I'm sure you have better things to do than worry, so get over it.

Popularity: 1% [?]