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Defining Boxing

RJ Marmol — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:36:59 +0000

I'm no boxing fan. That's for sure.

But ever since Manny Pacquiao started breathing new life to "the poor man's sport" long dominated by Mexicans and African Americans -- like the usual Filipino, I realized that falling in love with the sport became as inevitable as falling in love with Manny's talent and sheer dedication to it.

Manny Pacquiao may be many things to many people -- a source of inspiration, a source of fascination, a source of intrigue -- a source of income.

But who cares what he is to these other people? Who cares really?

All I know is that every time he fights he makes me excited like a kid about to buy a new toy. He makes my stomach churn, my heart throb like crazy each time I see his toned body pressed against the ropes.

Whenever he's in the ring, I pray earnestly under my breath for his victory. Intensely. Sincerely. And I do so as if his possible failure is mine to bear -- his probable victory, mine to celebrate.

In today's "The Event", Manny fought as fiercely and as confidently as he always did in the past -- only better than before that and before that.

He just keeps getting better every time.

And while fans used to a KO (knockout) seemed a little less jubilant, I am immensely happy that Manny has once again made me feel like a kid for an entire day.

More than a new toy, Manny has given me a sense of pride, a sense of patriotism rekindled by his beautiful 'dance' inside the ring.

It takes more than mere love for the sport to appreciate and understand today's bout. Fans can only see as far as the center of the ring.

It seems that in boxing, it's not how well you started it. Not even how awesomely you ended it. It's how you went about it and how you made people feel while you're at it. The glory of boxing is "in the moment" -- not in the announcement of the winner or the glamorous after-party or the hefty paycheck.

The glory is in how Manny Pacquiao has once again proven to the world that like wine, he gets better with age. Like metal subjected to fire, he becomes malleable to perfection -- a sight to behold and scorching to touch. There seems to be no end to the number of combinations and styles he learns to use. To say that he may have elevated boxing to an artform is an understatement.

The fight didn't look boring from afar because Joshua Clottey almost never let down his guard or that he threw so few punches. His body seems hard as stone and his punches, few as they come -- ensure that they're felt.

It looked boring because Manny made it look so damn easy.

His ease in the ring however is in stark contrast with his intense and serious training outside of it -- away from the bright lights, from the deafening screams of spectators.

The explanation to Clottey's all-out defense is best given by the man himself. In the post game interview, when asked why he wouldn't let his guard down, Clottey explained that he wanted to protect himself from Pacquiao's speed in the first few rounds and planned to throw punches only when he feels he has already gauged Manny Pacquiao's movements. That time, to his surprise, never came. And before he knew it, 12 rounds had passed and the chance he had been waiting for was lost to oblivion.

It took Joshua Clottey 12 rounds of strictly defensive boxing to know what we've known over the years -- that boxing has redefined Manny Pacquiao. And that Manny, in turn, has redefined boxing.

That's Manny Pacquiao. That's boxing. And now, it has become impossible to define one without the other.Suggested Further Reading:

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“The Event: Pacquiao vs. Clottey”; where to watch live via pay-per-view (Manila/Calamba)

RJ Marmol — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:59:53 +0000

Updated: March 14, 2010 @ 4pm (PHT)

I would like to apologize to those some 4,000 or more people who tuned in to watch my livestream during the last undercard fight (Soto vs. Diaz ) who were left hanging because the 3G signal suddenly went down for unknown reasons and there was hardly any WiFi signal available so I had to switch to Qik coverage which isn't real-time compared to Ustream.tv.

Ustream wouldn't let me stream the content, probably due to the poor Edge/GPRS signal I was getting.

Anyway, for those interested, I have recorded 7 videos (highlights) available for viewing at my Qik channel.

****

I'm pretty sure many of you are eager to watch our very own Manny Pacquiao fight against Ghanaian Joshua Clottey tomorrow, March 14, 2010 @ 9:00am (PHT). And what better way to watch it than live via pay-per-view, right?

But if you can't watch it live and you have online access, you may want to check for updates through my live-mobile-blog here.

I will be live-tweeting/liveblogging the event (will login 30 mins. earlier). Live updates will be available here on the sidebar -->> and on my ScribbleLive page so if you can't watch it live, you might want to keep tab or bookmark this post.

Comments will be enabled and related live tweets will also be streamed to make sure you don't miss out on other people's "pacquiao" tweets.

If circumstances will permit, I will try to livestream the event in either of these embedded streams below.

Free TV : Ustream

Image from: pacquiao-vs-clottey.cebuspace.com

Image from: www1.pictures.zimbio.com

Where to watch "The Event: Pacquiao vs. Clottey" live via pay-per-view:

For Filipinos in the Middle East, Europe and Australia:
1. TFC (The Filipino Channel) offers pay-per-view dubbed "Walang Atrasan: Pacquiao vs. Clottey"

In Metro Manila:
1. All SM malls
2. All Robinsons malls
3. All Ayala Center malls
4. Araneta Coliseum
5. Rockwell Cinema
6. Eastwood Cinema
7. Aliw Theater @ Star City

Metro Manila restaurants/bars:

1. All TGI Friday's

2. National Sports Grill @ Greenbelt 3

3. Dencio's Metrowalk

For details on restaurant charges, please refer to this.

In Calamba, Laguna:
1. Max's Restaurant Calamba (Montevista Resort)
2. David's Teahouse (National Highway, Brgy. Lecheria)
3. Ding-Hao Restaurant (National Highway)Suggested Further Reading:

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While You Were Busy Bickering

RJ Marmol — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:20:29 +0000

While Noynoy Aquino and Manny Villar are engaged in frenzied mudslinging at each other, someone's reaping all the benefits.

While these two top contenders are busy trying to knock themselves out of the ring, someone just got in.

Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro didn't get to where he is now at such a young age by chance. He didn't become Defense chief by sheer luck. The man clearly is "all about winning". Teodoro is, by my modest estimates, highly-driven.

And if there's one thing I've learned over time, it is that "the world makes way for the driven". Always.

When a man of quick wit and charm opens his mouth, the world, as if compelled by the elements of the universe -- listens.

The guy seems to know exactly what to do and is actually doing it well. He attends just about any forum/debate there is and leave audiences enthralled, mouths agape.

For reasons unknown to me, he has reportedly reduced trimedia ads spending. He is now concentrating on that 'grassroots' buzzword sort of campaigning -- doing it the old-fashioned way yet disarmingly endearing. And the latest survey results seem to prove that he is on the right track.

Could Gibo (and not Erap) be in fact the real 'third wheel'?

Watch out hotshots. Someone forgot to lock the back door. And that someone will pay a dear, dear price for such negligence and complacency.

If you two allow yourselves to be entirely invested in your petty fights any longer, you might as well stand aside and make way for Gibo.

Because if we wanted a dose of highly-entertaining boxing, we would have all flown to Texas to watch Manny Pacquiao box his heart out against Clottey. Thank God for pay-per-view.

Your political bickerings were cute for a time but let's face it, you can only stretch a joke like this for so long.

Can't you guys see the writing on the wall yet? Or are you both in a state of comforting denial?

While Noynoy's survey ratings are steadily decreasing and Manny's seem to have reached its peak (now slowly decreasing as well), Gibo's rating is slowly but surely increasing!

Shape up. Shut up. Regroup and revisit your strategic plans. Now is the time to engage in tactical guerilla warfare.

Otherwise, you'll find yourselves against the ropes or worse, face flat on the floor, bloody and all.

*** Based on experience, my blog poll has reflected future survey results fairly well. It has predicted Noynoy's rise and fall and Villar's surprising rise from fall. This time, Gibo is fast catching up with Noynoy and has amazingly overtook Manny Villar in a matter of days.

Maybe we were all wrong after all. There must be something profoundly clever in Ronnie Puno's smug looks and reasurring statements that will eventually prove to us all that in reality, we know nothing and we were never in control.Suggested Further Reading:

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Bloggers Unite: International Women’s Day March 8, 2010

RJ Marmol — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:00:59 +0000

Has it really been a year since I last wrote about International Women's Day in 2009? It seems only yesterday.

If I have to,
I can do anything.
I am strong.
I am invincible.
I am woman.

Every year, we go through this process when we pause for a moment and think about how our lives have been touched one way or another by a woman. It may range from a simple, comforting smile to an entire life changed forever by one woman's courage or strength or love.

Photo by *Zara

Everyday, we see them walk among us -- women just being themselves, doing what they do best -- serving and protecting, nurturing and loving, giving and inspiring...

Their selfless acts have become as natural to them as breathing, their show of support as ubiquitous as a tap on one's shoulder just when you need it.

It's an overwhelming experience -- to be loved selflessly and tirelessly by someone so strong yet so fragile, so sweet yet so dangerous, so innocent yet so knowledgeable. So sensitive yet so strong.

It is precisely these very same contradictions that make women so unique. Whether it's a mother's touch, a friend's embrace or a lover's kiss -- a woman's inexplicable capacity to take in so much and give the same without losing anything in the process but instead gaining more and giving more is almost magical if not unbelievable.

The love of a woman is fierce -- like a double-edged sword too dangerous for the faint of heart and too pure for the opportunistic soul.

Oftentimes, a woman's capacity for great love is downplayed as nothing more than a dutiful fulfillment of her mission, as if everything she does must have a reason, otherwise she is but a lost soul, whose existence becomes devoid of meaning and purpose.

In truth, she needs no validation nor recognition. She seeks none of those. For to her, everything she does is a labor of love, born of her immense drive to put the other person's happiness above her own -- always. To her, that is reason enough. That is reason itself.

It's a pity that while we claim that the world has become more tolerant and accepting of women, the exact opposite is true for most of them in many countries.

With the exception of a few Western countries, more and more women in the East suffer in silence in the face of maltreatment and abuse -- most times through no fault of their own.

In stark contrast with men, society finds it hard to separate a woman's achievements and contributions from the personal life she leads. This is probably one of -- if not the biggest discrimination women face. When a male political figure commits blunders and unthinkable sins for example, the world easily downplays, forgives and forgets.

But when a woman of the same stature does the same, she is eternally doomed and haunted by past mistakes -- never to fully recover from her foibles. It is as if she is not at all allowed to be human.

(Case in point: Bill Clinton vs. Sarah Palin; Tiger Woods vs. Northern Ireland's Iris Robinson)

I'd like to think that the world, after years of struggling with feminism has changed. But the glaring truth is that it hasn't changed a bit. It just wants us to believe it has just so we'd stop whining and complaining about it.

***

International Women's Day is also a celebration of women achievements. And for this year, I choose to honor a great woman writer, Lualhati Bautista who embodies the strong and stubborn woman who refuses to sit down and take it. Her strength shines through in her writing and her life and works serve as an inspiration to aspiring women writers. Lualhati Bautista -- all talent, all woman.

Today, as we celebrate the many ways a woman loves and the many wonderful ways we have benefited from such love, let us not forget the many forgotten women all over the world -- unrecognized, abandoned and unloved.

On this day, may God touch them in the night as they fall asleep weeping, may they wake up to a more caring world the next day. May they walk without fear among the crowd. May they speak without reservations of their feelings and fears. May they find comfort in the thought that they are remembered every year.

This is for all the faceless women of the world. One day, all will be rectified. One day, they will get what's due to them. One day soon.

Today is International Women's Day. Remember all the wonderful women in your lives. Let them know they are appreciated. Let them know they are loved.

Suggested Further Reading:

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How to Donate to Chile Earthquake victims through text (Globe)

RJ Marmol — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:02:58 +0000

I know we're still hurting about what happened to Haiti and you've probably sent your donation there through the many available options and avenues online or offline.

Photo by ♥ Queen B

Today, if you don't know yet, let me tell you that you can DONATE TO CHILE THROUGH TEXT (for ALL GLOBE subscribers). All donations would go to the RED CROSS which will ensure that your donations would reach their intended recipients.

Just text CHILE to 2899.

Ex. CHILE 300 and send it to 2899

Available donation amounts are 5, 25, 50, 100, 30, 500 and 1000 pesos.

This transaction is free of charge. For prepaid subscribers, this amount will be deducted from your regular load balance and for postpaid subscribers, this will be charged to your account on the appropriate billing cycle.

Chileans are facing one of the toughest tragedies in their history in the aftermath of an 8.8 earthquake and recent aftershocks. Many of the civilians have resorted to looting delis and convenience stores because of the lack of food and other necessities. The situation is so out of control that the government have issued additional police powers to make arrests and restore order.

These are not your usual looters. They are ordinary people pushed to the limit by lack of assistance and possibly, hope. Let us make their lives a little bit bearable by giving what we can.

Remember, every little bit counts.

Please pass this information to as many Globe subscribers you know since not all subscribers have their Globe Advisory alerts enabled. Many may not be aware of this yet. Thank you.

Suggested Further Reading:

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Winnie Monsod’s “Why I Will Vote for Noynoy” article is a hoax

RJ Marmol — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:33:28 +0000

I am so relieved that the highly-respected economist, professor, TV broadcaster and political commentator Winnie Monsod has categorically denied writing that "Why I Will Vote for Noynoy" campaign article that have been circulating in emails. I received that particular email yesterday and I just couldn't bring myself to believe that Winnie herself wrote it.

It was totally out of character (not to mention that the poor command of the language was so uncharacteristic of Winnie) and the outright attack on certain personalities to drive the point that voters should vote for Noynoy Aquino was so brazen and sweeping that I found myself extremely in shock and in denial. So much so that in the first instance, I didn't even finish reading through the whole thing.

Whoever wrote that article must own up to it and be held responsible for the damage it caused and may still be causing to unwitting people who may be trustingly forwarding the email to family and friends.

I am attaching the full text of that said "article" here to alert anyone who may receive it in the future.

If you receive the same email, please do not forward it. Instead, I urge you to act like the responsible citizen that you are by replying to the sender and informing him/her that that email is a hoax.

Whether or not the feisty Winnie Monsod supports Noynoy Aquino or not is out of the question. As someone technically associated with the government as a professor in the University of the Philippines and being a prominent public figure, she is barred from campaigning.

Also, whether the accusations against certain personalities mentioned (together with related details presented) are accurate or not is a different matter altogether -- which I'm in position to confirm nor deny.

The main issue here which bothers me and should bother you as well is the use of someone's name to render credibility to the article. Anyone is allowed to voice his or her opinion in this country -- a luxury many of our forebears died for. But let's be decent and responsible enough to own up to what we say or write. Very few in this country have an untarnished credibility like that of Winnie Monsod's, and don't we all wish we commanded the same respect in our writings?

But I still believe nothing beats being yourself. I'd rather suck at being myself than appear magnificent pretending to be someone else. I'd rather have no one believe me by being me than have people flock to me by riding someone else's reputation.

Insist on decency in this coming elections. Expect a deluge of black propaganda and its variations in the coming days. Be very careful of what you believe and forward. Don't allow yourself to partake of such irresponsible acts.

Regardless of the intention, whether to besmirch the reputation of Winnie Monsod or to use her credibility to deceive voters, this act consists of the highest treason against God and country.

Again, DO NOT FORWARD THE EMAIL AND PASS IT OFF AS TRUTH, WARN OTHERS AND COUNTER ALL ATTEMPTS TO DELUDE VOTERS.

What follows is the exact FALSE ARTICLE email. Font formatting (bold/italics emphasis), mine. I also took the liberty of chopping the paragraphs for easy reading. Everything else remained in tact.

"Why I will vote for Noynoy - Winnie Monsod

Monsod's Musings (Winnie Monsod)

Villar still refuses to attend the Senate to face questions, and it only reminds me of how GMA used the privilege of her office to avoid questioning. What will happen if Villar wins and more corruption scandals surface? With Villar catching up to Noynoy in the polls, I am honestly quite terrified of the prospect of him winning. There is a clear case of graft in this instance, and instead of delving into the issues, his allies in the legislative are simply brushing off the allegations as "politically motivated". As a citizen, we should not accept this. If there is smoke, we must see if there is a fire that needs to be put out. Yes, the timing of the allegations seem a bit off. ( Joker Arroyo was pushing these issues as early as 1998).

A known crook and political opportunist, Juan Ponce Enrile, is the person leading the censure. However, when the facts are presented, it is clear as day that something is amiss. It just further builds on my strong suspicions that Villar is a businessman simply looking to control the political arena to make a boat load of money. I have never trusted Villar since day one. I never trust businessmen who enter politics, because in the end, their core value is and always will be profit maximization. It is well documented that Villar's real estate empire ran into some serious financial problems when his overexposure to the real estate market and the Asian Financial Crisis made him unable to pay debts he took out to expand his real estate business in the early 1990s.

After the Asian Crisis hit, Capitol Bank, owned by Villar and heavily exposed to his real estate investments was essentially ran to the ground and needed to be bailed out. In 2005, Villar tried to solve his debt problems by hiring a group of investment banks to advise him on how he can consolidate all his assets into one company ( Vista Land ). With the local and foreign investment bankers, Villar came up with a growth story for investors: "Invest in my company because we need it to fund all these wonderful project!" However, what was downplayed during the IPO roadshow was that instead of financing growth, resources from the offering would be used to finance his debt. To appease creditors, Villar even had his investment bankers pitch some form of a debt-to-equity conversion that raised skeptical eyebrows of many. In 2007, the IPO of Vista Land did not do as well as planned, in part because many investors and brokers were the same people who were burned by Villar's inability to pay back his loans.

Now, as part of a corporate growth (or should I say corporate restructuring) plan, Villar is lusting for the highest position in the land. This scares me because Villar already has a track record of using his political position to gain the upper hand for his businesses. To save his empire and increase shareholder value of his business, Villar used his influence as Senate Finance Chair to shrewdly derail a Cavite road project that was supposed to be BUILD, OPERATE, and TRANSFER. Villar built a longer and more expensive road, the C-5 extension, adjacent to it; subsequently forcing the private investor in the initial project to pull out.

The fishy thing is that this new road, longer and more expensive than the previously planned project, passed through all of Villar's land in Cavite . It is a clear case of graft, pointing to Villar use of influence and government funds to substantially improve the values of his real estate properties. To add insult to injury the right of way the government would have to pay in order to complete the project was substantially higher for the land that Villar owned. These funds could have easily been used to build needed schools.

This scandal should be a red flag for all voters. However, the scary part is that Villar is spending billions to keep this out of the picture as he continues his attempt to brainwash our masses that he is their saviour. He convinces the masses that he is one of them. A poor boy from the slums of Tondo. In actuality, he is more like the 5-6 and syndicates, slum dwellers themselves who make a profit out of their poor brethren.

Villar's ad agencies are doing an excellent job of maintaining this image as well as doing damage control. TV and radio continues to churn out Parokya Ni Edgaresque jingles that compete with "Nobody, Nobody." Dolphy is Villar's new spokesperson and Wowowee is one giant ad for him. In this process of brainwashing, the masses are not cognizant of how Villar conducts business as a politician.

What they do not see is a man hell bent on turning our archipelago into his own personal piece of real estate. It is sad that the efforts of Juan Ponce Enrile, who is leading the censure for Villar, is actually giving Villar more sympathy votes. People do no trust Enrile, and when Enrile pounces on someone, it is usually met with a high degree of skepticism. I do not blame people for feeling this way.

I also think Enrile is a crook who should be jailed for conspiring to implement Martial Law, for coup attempts, and for the human rights abuses during the Marcos regime. If someone with a more respectable reputation were to level these charges on Villar, I am sure the surveys would tell a different story.

I also fear from some credible reports that Malacanang has actually made a deal with Villar (under the table). Essentially, GMA's goons said, "We will help you, in return, leave us alone when you win". Villar's behaviour in recent forums further adds credence to these reports as Villar has been very tame and quiet when it comes to how he will treat GMA after the elections.

Appealing to common sense, it makes ALL THE SENSE for GMA to support someone who has a chance of winning, not a person rating at 4% in the surveys. GMA tried to reach out to Noynoy after Tita Cory died. All she got was rejection.

Who can stop Villar in his quest for the presidency? I am known to be a Noynoy supporter, but to those skeptics and to those who are still undecided, I do concede that he is not perfect. His record as a politician is average and unspectacular at best. He does not have the charisma of his father.

Before the death of his mother, he did not get much mileage. But I am going all out in support for Noynoy in 2010 because he stands for clean governance and appear willing to accomplish this. In addition, he has the best chance of preventing a opportunistic businessman, the assured next President of our country before Cory died, from using the Office of the President as a personal growth asset to his business empire.

Noynoy's clean record is a big plus for me. It is a trait that I think should be the most important quality that we should look for in our next president. His appeal is that his track record is not tarnished by corruption scandals and his political debts are minimal. I know that many critics are trying to make an issue over his involvement in Hacienda Luisita, but Noynoy is not even heavily involved in the company.

As a shareholder, Noynoy only owns .04% of Hacienda Luisita, a drop in the ocean and hardly in any position to do something about it. The case of the Hacienda does not have the substance that the C-5 extension controversy has a lot of. In addition, Nonoy also has an incredible legacy to live up to. All the pressure is on him to be clean and stay clean. He can't afford to tarnish the Aquino name and the immense legacy that his parents left behind. Cory and Ninoy practically sacrificed their family for their dream of a better Philippines .

For Noynoy, to know that your father and mother went through so much hardship to improve our country is a heavy burden to think about if you do decide to become a crook and destroy everything that they fought for. We all have to make a choice. In my opinion, it has to go to the presidentiable who has an independent mind, stands up for what he believes in, is clean, and has the legacy his parents to live up to and maintain.

For me, Nonoy, with all his flaws, is that candidate. For what this country needs is a clean president who can set an example top-down for the entire state; it needs a president with the will to change things and stamp out corruption; it needs a President who can set an example and is willing to perfect our dysfunctional democracy.

I want someone who stands for being clean. He does not need a degree from Harvard. He does not need to have a multi-million peso business to show me he can make us all rich. He does not have to speak well. He just has to be clean. Nothing else should matter.

He has to prioritize a platform of clean and effective governance and make sure that it delivers on that promise. Policies on the economy, education, energy, environment and health can all follow after the fundamentals are taken cared of.

So far, the only candidate who promotes my vision with a clean record to back it up is Noynoy. Our urban landscape is replete with political slogans that attempt to convince people of certain candidate's ability to lead our nation Galing at Talino?

Sorry Gibo, those were the supposed qualities of GMA, rubber stamped with a Phd in Economics. And what happened? She only worsened our economy. To GMA's credit she did balance our budget at one point, but it has again ballooned to the level where the next president will have to deal with the same economic issues she faced in 2005.

During GMA's watch investment in infrastructure was insufficient, poverty incidence worsened, public education deteriorated, our nautical highway is still incomplete, goons like the Ampatuan's flourished in the south, and a culture of corruption flourished in our institutions. Instead of creating jobs, GMA focused on a policy of exporting labor without measuring the social costs of such a policy- thousands of broken OFW families and children of OFW's who do not have the proper parental supervision to teach them the differences between right and wrong.

In effect, our next generation is left on their own to figure out how to become empowered patriots who love their country and will fight to defend it. In effect, whatever statistics in GDP growth GMA and her allies love to advertise, non of it trickled down and benefitted the poor..and none of it accounts for the social costs to her policies. Good speaker? Sorry Gibo, Marcos had that quality and he did nothing good for our contry. In fact, Marcos squandered the opportunity to be our Lee Kuan Yew and Dr. Mahatir.

If I want a good, charismatic, and eloquent speaker, let's just run down the list of effective public speakers and vote them in. Para sa mahirap? Sorry Erap, you had your chance and failed miserably. Your only accomplishment is in convincing our masses that movie roles do not carry over into the political area.

My only concern with Noynoy is how deep he might be in the Liberal Party and whether he has accumulate political debts to Liberal trapos. The Liberal PArty, like any party, has its own share of crooks (including those bandwagon trapos who jumped off GMA"s boat to ride on Aquino's popularity). How much will Nonoy have to give back to the Liberal trapos (and bandwagon Liberals who jumped GMA's ship) if elected? We will never know. However, I am willing to live with that unanswered question if it means preventing someone like Villar from turning the Philippines into Vista Land 's next subdivision development. I am also reassured by the fact that he has that "Aquino" name and the ghosts of his parents to answer to if does decide to go down the immoral path. Nonoy will not solve all our problems. One person can't. But we need a start somewhere and it should be with someone who pushes honesty, reform, and good governance. It will be a tough battle, but I want to give Noynoy the chance to build on what his mother tried to accomplish.

And I hope that if Noynoy wins, he will have the courage to make tough decisions and go after crooks, even if it means hurting a lot of friends and colleagues in government. To give you a better sense on how Villar conducts business, here is also a link to Joker Arroyo's 1998 privilege speech: http://www.malayanghalalan.com/2010/01/26/joker-arroyo-raises-issue-of-accountability-of-public-officers-against-manny-villar/ Actual notes scanned: http://www.scribd.com/doc/22789941/Joker-Arroyo-Privilege-Speech I guess "if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and looks like a duck.."

Well, as the saying goes...... Vote wisely Philippines . And continue to work towards uplifting the masses and freeing them from their state of hopelessness. Defend them from opportunists. DEVELOP THEM (FIRST) SPIRITUALLY AND BEHAVIORALLY; THEN ECONOMICALLY! When we lift up the poor and ween them off the mentality of hopelessness, our country will become first world. Only then will we have the powerful middle class that our young democracy is screaming for.

Winnie Monsod"

You have been warned. What you do with that information is totally up to you. But I trust that you will do what's right. If you are swift to forward emails, be swift to inform others that you have made a mistake. It's the least we can do for ourselves and our country.

Suggested Further Reading:

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Gordon Dropped it Like it’s Hot

RJ Marmol — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:27:09 +0000

Last updated: March 4, 2010 @ 2100H

First there was Erap Estrada (although he didn't blurt out a name, he dropped very obvious hints). Now there's Senator Dick Gordon. Them and a few more less publicized tidbits of "political bribery" stories fuel today's hot election headlines. And we thought El Niño is hot, no?

Is there any truth to this? Well there's no sure way to tell right now. We are left to choose between taking the accuser's word at face value or dismissing it altogether as another attempted black propaganda.

Sen. Manny Villar is eternally rain-drenched in his elections summer parade.

Sen. Gordon has an untainted reputation and is yet to disappoint us. With that in mind, his claim that an 'emissary' of Sen. Manny Villar attempted to 'buy' him out and talk him into withdrawing from his presidential bid for the coming May 20'10 elections by offering to 'reimburse' him of his previous expenses and projected expenses is not an accusation that Villar should take lightly.

So far, we've only been treated to a bland response via an interview where Villar denies such an 'indecent proposal' to Sen. Gordon, adding that he no longer has money to spend for such things because whatever campaign money he has left is allocated to campaign-related expenses. Is 'buying out opponents to withdraw' part of that 'campaign-related' expenses? Villar doesn't say.

Although not really improbable, it's a no-brainer that such a move would only backfire at Villar. Given all the propaganda and mudslinging going around against him, trying to 'reimburse' opponents and buy out their dreams of becoming president would be like fanning dying embers to a flame. That's plain stupid, I think. But as always, this is the Philippines. This is Philippine politics. No move is so stupid for politicians. However, I'd like to give Villar the benefit of the doubt -- in the same way I'd like to give Sen. Gordon the chance to prove his accusation for all the world to see.

The trouble with sifting truth from a heap of lies is that there's so much 'hybrids' going around. There's black prop, there's counter prop, there's counter-counter prop and there's modified version of all those. So unless someone can come up with irrefutable evidence that could hold water in court, all these can be ruled out as 'modified truths', 'half truths' or 'true lies'. Confused already? You should be.

Besides, anyone can claim to be someone's emissary. So I'd echo Villar's challenge to Gordon: name that emissary. (Update as of March 4, 2010 @ 2100H: Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile wrote in his Facebook fan page note entitled "JPE to Villar: GORDON IS NOT FOR SALE" named the so-called Villar emissary as none other than his friend and colleague Senator Edgardo Angara, Gordon however denied this and said the emissary was a businessman who used to work for the government.)

This is elections period. Everything is meant to shock and deceive the bewildered electorate. So hit us with your best, you guys.

It's bound to get hotter leading up to May. Let's see who can stand the heat that is to come. Let's wait for more scalding accusations and knee-jerk reactions. Sit back. Relax. Enjoy the show.

Suggested Further Reading:

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Like Mike

RJ Marmol — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:55:16 +0000

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.

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Screw the Surveys

RJ Marmol — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:01:38 +0000

"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.Suggested Further Reading:

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“Lipad” lyrics and video: Gibo Teodoro’s new TV commercial

RJ Marmol — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:28:26 +0000

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.

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Nacionalista’s Manny Villar kicks off campaign in Calamba, Laguna

RJ Marmol — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:01:21 +0000

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".

Who among the presidentiables will be bad for the economy?

RJ Marmol — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:33:33 +0000

Photo by Stitch

"Who among the presidentiables will be bad for the economy?"

This is an interesting query I got through a random "googler" today.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Now, I don't know if it's some random thought or an actual question posed by God knows who but it sounds interesting enough that I wanted to write about it.

Unfortunately, this "googler" wasn't clear about this question. What does he/she mean by "bad"? And is she referring to pre-elections or post-elections economy? If he/she is referring to pre-elections economic effect, technically, whoever spends more would be good for the economy because it would generate jobs and faster movement of resources through rapid and frantic "purchases" of products and services.

Alternatively, if the "googler" meant "bad" for the economy post-elections, then I would assume he/she would be referring to a sitting/winning president because losing presidentiables can only make so insignificant a dent in the economy (if ever).

As much as I wanted to discuss this further, I realized that considering I'm not an expert on economics and "market forces", I ultimately decided to turn this into a poll instead.

So, go ahead. Vote! :) And yes, for the purpose of this poll, let us stick to a post-elections scenario. Theoretically, we are looking for that president-to-be who will likely make "unsound" economic decisions and send us back to the Stone Age.

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Who’s to say?

RJ Marmol — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:06:58 +0000

Who's to say that the death of one's only son through a traffic altercation is God's will?

Photo by Coach O.

Could be your local parish priest. Could be some random citizen. Could be anyone, I suppose.

But one thing I'm sure of, it's not the mother of the prime suspect -- who allegedly took the vibrant life of a young man.

If it is crime most foul to take another person's life, how then do you describe such insensitive statements from the most awkward of sources?

Maybe some friends can say that to the grieving family, maybe even the members of the family themselves can say that -- if only to comfort each other in shocking grief.

But from the "alleged" offender's mother? Not quite right.

It is human to share in the grief of even a stranger's loss in the same way it is human to go overboard in protecting one's child. It is human to feel sympathy at the misfortune of others as it is human to blame the offended for the offender's fate.

But never ever will it be human to say that a son's death is God's will when one's son might have taken it.

If Marlene Aguilar-Pollard is sure as hell that her son is innocent of the crime accused of him, without a witness to that incident but God -- then is Jason Aguilar Ivler guilty as charged or wrongfully accused? Who's to say?

If we think it human to give her and her son the benefit of the doubt, would it be too much to give Renato Ebarle Jr.'s family the right to grieve the way they see fit?

Is it God's will that Ebarle Jr. die that fateful day in the exact way he did through the barrel of some psychologically-disturbed guy's gun?

Who's to say? Could be anyone, I suppose. But certainly not Marlene.

Marlene dismisses all assumptions that she is mentally disturbed and showcases us books she's written to attest to her brilliance. Well, I say: Who's to say? That's irrelevant now to what's apparent to us. While she may not be accused of mental deprivation, she might just lack a "sense of morals". But why should you believe me? Who's to say, right?Suggested Further Reading:

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How the Haiti earthquake shook us up out of complacency

RJ Marmol — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:49:40 +0000

There are things in this life bigger than all of us-- bigger than our daily personal struggles, bigger than our economic woes and even bigger than the upcoming 2010 presidential elections. My friends, it is the universal desire for the well-being and safety of our brothers and sisters around the world. Yes, that much-ridiculed and overly-used, Ms. Universe-like wish of "world peace". Along with that is our ardent prayer that people be safe from harm.

Sometimes, in the rush and chaos of everyday existence and occupations, we forget that whatever differences, goals and priorities we have, there is one thing common to all of us -- a shared appreciation to the one thread woven in all of humankind -- that kind of strength to which any other strength -- be it economic or military pales in comparison -- it is the fortitude of the human heart -- the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

Photo by lille abe

The world, as I write this watch in shock at what now appears to be a patch of hell on earth as Haiti grieves for their dead -- with the death toll feared to go as high as 500,000. Millions of people are needing help, most of the survivors decided to live on the streets for fear of aftershocks. What happened to Haiti last Tuesday, January 12, 2010 must shake us up out of complacency. If it can happen to them, it can happen to us.

There are two (2) things we share with Haiti -- poverty and corruption. These two always go together -- one resulting to the other, in an endless cycle of misery.

Haiti was unprepared for that 7.0 magnitude earthquake that is to come for a whole lot of reasons similar to us -- corruption which resulted to structurally-flawed and unsafe buildings, poor delivery of basic services, poor disaster-preparedness and more.

We, like Haitians, are no strangers to disasters -- political, economic and natural. And given our similarities with their current state, we can only cower in fear and pray earnestly that we do not suffer the same fate as theirs. most specially because compared to Haiti whose last experience with an earthquake was 200 years ago, the Philippines' most devastating earthquake experience is still fresh in our minds some 20 years ago in 1990. We were unprepared then and I sure as hell can bet that two decades after, we remain unprepared.

My heart goes out to the people of Haiti who lost what little they have. To bear witness to such a tragedy, to be able to walk among the dead seem like a curse far worse than subsistence. While it can't be argued that this 7.0 magnitude earthquake is a natural calamity, the number of casualties may have been limited if not totally avoided had there been early warning of an impending disaster which should have facilitated swift and orderly security of the residents. But then, maybe there's no stopping nature. There is a reason for everything.

Whatever it is, only God knows.

If you have money to spare, please donate. No amount is so small to not make a difference, and no amount is too big for our Haitian brothers and sisters.

The easiest way to donate to Haiti online (through credit card) to the American Red Cross is through this Google checkout link on the Youtube video, right side. For the technophobes out there, don't worry, it's safe, tried it myself.

You can also opt to donate through the American Red Cross website or to Doctors Without Borders.

***

On Pat Robertson's Haiti "pact with the devil" blunder

For the record, I would like to express disappointment over what longtime TV evangelist Pat Robertson of the 700 Club said on air claiming that the Haitians made a "pact with the devil" hundreds of years ago, hence the curse and the earthquake. He further claims that Haitians did this to gain their freedom from the French. I think such a statement is not characteristic of an evangelist. This statement spits at the honor of Haitians who hold the distinction as the only country in the Western Hemisphere to undergo a successful slave revolution. If there was such a "pact", who can attest to its authenticity? Who can judge? Such a statement only adds insult to injury. It is clearly judgmental and uncalled for.Suggested Further Reading:

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That abstract concept called “poverty”

RJ Marmol — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 09:42:30 +0000

Suddenly everyone claims to "have been poor".

Suddenly it's the best campaign slogan.

Suddenly being "poor" is "cool".

You might actually think that the world has changed. But no, it hasn't.

You might think that Philippine politics has changed. But no, it hasn't.

On the contrary, it hasn't changed nary a bit.

It's always been like this during election period. Jingles. Slogans. The works.

The "vote-for-me-because-im-your-savior" sort of campaign posters haven't changed in many, many years. And each time election nears, it only reminds us how bad our politicians fared before -- how bad all of us somehow fared too.

Someone once said, we get what what we deserve -- that we get what we give. If that is true, I wonder what sort of abominable creatures we have become to deserve such incompetent and devilish leaders. I wonder what kind of miser we have become to get these parasites cum predators. I cringe at that thought.

And so every time a squeaky clean, well-bred, royal "gened" politician hugs and carries a poor child -- specially the "really" poor ones, I wonder what goes on in that politician's mind.

I wonder.

There are those too smart to assert that one need not be "poor" or "have been poor" to know poverty. Wise guy, read this: You are so wrong.

But I'd like to give you the benefit of the doubt that you say that with good intentions, so sure, I'd give you that.

However, don't expect everyone to just swallow your well-researched data and polished ruminations and shove it to minds that have once been empty save for the thought of the miracle of sustenance.

I speak for the 24% or so people who think of themselves poor because they have at least once in a month's period gone hungry because they have nothing to eat. I speak for those people who pin their hopes eternally on a well-run government who will make life a little easier for them -- and by easier I mean they won't go hungry unless they're just plain lazy. I speak for them because I was once like them. I speak for them because they cannot speak for themselves, because they can't blog, or even write -- because most of them as I write this are delirious in utter hunger.

They're not the kind you see on TV or infomercials. They're not the kind who join the ranks of those in armed struggle like that lovely, brave girl Kimay. They're not the kind who march under the unforgiving heat of the sun holding up placards that try to
express on a small square space the kind of suffering and injustice they endure. These people have means of expressing themselves. They either have time or talent or both. I do not speak for these people.

I speak and write for those who suffer hunger silently, without a tear on their cheeks, without a sound or hint of the incomprehensible pain they feel, without a glint of desperation in their eyes, without a word from their dried lips. To them, living life "a day at a time" is no mere motto. To say that they "die trying" is not figurative.

Senator Manny Villar's latest campaign jingle "Naging Mahirap" is under fire and derision from a whole range of people.
They don't get the message because it's not "cool". They have no plans of wearing a "Naging Mahirap" shirt, oh no sir. It's way cooler to wear a shirt with that iconic yellow ribbon that says "change". Now that -- that to them is cool. They sneer at the commercial because it's "uncomfortable" to talk about "swimming in a sea of garbage" or spending Christmas in the streets because you don't have a home or that the streets just happen to be your home.

They do not want to talk about the message. They'd rather throw mud on the "have been poor" and now real-estate billionaire Manny Villar saying he's never been "that" poor. Maybe they're right. As far as I know, Villar didn't swim in a sea of garbage or spent Christmas on the streets because he didn't have a home -- he had in fact, a house, albeit a small one, a complete family, but then, he grew up in Tondo, Manila, a poor among the poor -- poor enough if you are to compare him with the rest of the well-bred and inbred candidates. And if only for that, he does talk about and campaign about the kind of poverty he lived -- the same kind he understood. The same kind he hopes to solve.

I am not saying you should vote for Villar. I tried to do that back then but ended up being disappointed, thanks to WowoWillie.

But I am saying do not be so insensitively smart to spread as gospel truth your presumed logical assertions that one need not be poor or "have been poor" to understand poverty.

Poverty is an abstract concept. It does not have the probability and exactness of Mathematics or the intricacies of other sciences. Poverty is a concept well-understood only if "lived" or experienced. After all, even the sciences are anchored on and necessitated by experiences.

You say you see the poor and feel pity for them? That's not understanding poverty. That's no more than sympathy.

You say if you were in their shoes, you'd know exactly how they feel? That not understanding poverty. That's nothing but empathy.

If telling the truth is so convenient, why do most people lie? Because, guess what, it's not.

So I will tell you this, and all you smart people who never knew poverty through a growling stomach or a skull-cracking
headache, read and understand: YOU NEED TO BE POOR OR HAVE BEEN POOR TO TRULY UNDERSTAND POVERTY. Statistics don't even come close to describing what it's like to live in dire poverty. Words cannot even be minced enough to come up with a better and comprehensive description of poverty.

I may not know a lot, but this I'm sure. I know because I have been one myself. And I can tell you one thing: Poverty is not cool. It never was.Suggested Further Reading:

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Gibo Teodoro’s “Sulong” informercial aka “Posible” lyrics

RJ Marmol — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:34:41 +0000

Click here if you're looking for lyrics and video of the new "Lipad" commercial performed by Rivermaya.

Surprised that since its Youtube upload yesterday, January 7, 2010, this "Sulong" infomercial/commercial/TVC/campaign ad barely had 500 views. Pretty much shows how "unpopular" he is compared to cousin Noynoy Aquino.

Looks like the coming election is becoming more and more a "battle of the bands" than a "battle of brands". Don't be surprised. The electorate is mainly "young" with over 70% of voters aged below 39. This my friend, is how you connect to the young and hip crowd.

This one's from Rico Blanco's "Posible" song and apparently, Gibo failed to ask permission from Blanco that this original composition of his will be used for Gibo's infomercial. While Gibo's camp insists that there was no violation of intellectual property rights the issue just refuses to die.

As another public service of this blog, I'm publishing the words (narration/lyrics) here and of course, the video.

"Sulong"

Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro's latest infomercial

Gibo:

"Mura at masaganang pagkain para tuluyang mapawi ang gutom..

College graduate sa bawat pamilya...

Libreng gamot para sa mahihirap...

Sulong Gibo
Wag uurong

Pakinggan sa yong puso

Ang sigaw na dati'y bulong...

Narrator: Ang mabilis na pag-ahon, posible lang kay Gilbert Teodoro

Posible!

Disclaimer: This is not an endorsement.

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How much is your vote?

RJ Marmol — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:43:37 +0000

Well, former president and 2010 elections presidentiable Joseph "Erap" Estrada thinks your vote costs anywhere between 20 or 50 pesos. Not.

Photo by שאול חנוכה Shaul Hanuka

That supposed "vote-buying" photo published on the frontpage of the Philippine Daily Inquirer yesterday is funny at best and cheap at worst. I will have to agree with Erap's spokesperson, Margaux Salcedo's comment -- "Get real."

If the cost of a vote can go as high as P500 on election day, then why would anyone think that Erap is "vote-buying" in that recent campaign sortie in Tondo, Manila. It could well be considered alms if you ask me. That's what politicians think we poor dumb voters need anyway -- alms . It's demeaning because we never needed alms. All we need are competent leaders. But I guess that's too much to ask for. Or maybe we haven't been working hard enough.

So if you want to charge him with something, maybe you can invoke the "Anti-Mendicancy" law. Lame.

I could not even say for sure if if that "tightly-rolled paper" is money. But if it is, who cares?

COMELEC? Jimenez himself said that "it's nothing" and yes it is! It's nothing because when the SC ruled that there is no such thing as electioneering prior to the official national campaign period which starts next month, we relinquished our right to complain about "catchy" informercials, building-sized tarpaulins and whatever else that this multi-billion peso campaign fiesta is generating and will generate further as we near the 2010 elections.

You, the voter? After the same also ruled that there is NO NEED for a current government official (who is a candidate for the upcoming elections) to vacate his/her post prior to elections we abandoned our claim to being "swindled" by smooth-talking trapos who may well be "cooking us in our own lard".

We want to complain but can we?

We want to claim our right to clean, transparent and honest elections but do we, after all this non-vigilance and complacency deserve it?

How much is your vote? Or better still, how much does that one vote mean to you? You don't have to tell me. Tell that to your kids.

When they go asking you for food you cannot provide. When they go asking you why they're not in school. When they, as adults end up slaving-off in some hostile country so far way from home in exchange for meager salary, if you can even call it salary -- tell it to them.

Tell them how much your vote costs and you'll never have to answer a tougher question from them for the rest of their vote-bought lives.

Our present -- this life we now live and everything that's in it is not ours. It is a borrowed life -- from our children, from our grandchildren. Don't think that we can just squander it as we please. We will have to return it someday. I know we can't return it now in its pristine state, specially because we've been careless and irresponsible with it most times. But please, let's pledge to return it "mended" if not whole.

You wouldn't sell your kids or their future. I bet you wouldn't even want to sell yours. Don't sell your votes. Vote-buying is illegal and immoral but more importantly, it's stupid. Period.

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Reliving the Maguindanao Massacre over and over again

RJ Marmol — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:07:49 +0000

Last updated: January 5, 2010

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reports in today's Sunday paper of the existence and proliferation of a so-called "Maguindanao (Massacre) 11/23/2009" video footage done in the semblance of a documentary which sells from around 70 to 120 pesos each. The video, it was said, is about four hours (2 days) worth of taped footage of the retrieval operations (at the crime scene where the back hoe was found beside the shallow grave hurriedly dug up by the perpetrators to bury the victims, some of them still alive).

There is no script, no background music, no sound but that of the back hoe as it digs for victims. There were vendors of these dvds claiming the ones they're selling are clear copies since they were taken by
Photo by chefrandenSOCO (scene of the crime operatives) themselves.

I don't know about you but I think it is very insensitive to sell, buy and watch these DVDs. Considering that the people being unearthed in all their stripped glory and humanity are real victims and not actors -- the red stains on their violated bodies are of real blood -- whoever sold these taped videos to be reproduced and peddled in the very streets and public markets of Maguindanao spits on the memory of these poor souls whose lives were taken mercilessly on that fateful Monday.

If it weren't even considered okay to publish gory still photos online or offline, why would anyone think that it's okay to watch the retrieval operations over and over again at home?

The mourning families of these victims have suffered enough. The memory of that gruesome event is hard enough to erase. Let us be sensitive enough to spare them of the endless grief of reliving the Maguindanao massacre over and over again.

Please do not buy, sell or watch these "Maguindanao 11/23/09" DVDs.

Update:

I've recently read this heartening report that as of Monday, January 4,2010 some 600 "Maguindanao 11/23/09" DVDs have been 'surrendered' by Quiapo vendors to Optical Media Board Chair Ronnie Ricketts. This is a wonderful development. Let's hope more vendors follow suit.

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Here come the Yellow Army

RJ Marmol — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:14:20 +0000

pnoy ako, pnoy tayo org poster (in support of noynoy aquino's presidential bid in 2010)

Preaching to the choir

They say people who blog (bloggers), a tremendous percentage of which are well-educated, well-informed, "well-off" and well-"everything", are the ones running the "online show" -- and this assumption is not without basis. Go ahead and search the net for familiar terms and you'll most likely see the same blog over and over again. Another case of the "bourgeois" lording over the masa crowd looking for vital information online? Maybe.

An unwitting, unconnected, un-influential, regular Joe searching for "best presidentiable" being diverted by Google to so and so's PR9 blog and being lectured and enjoined to vote for "change" -- the good old "good vs. evil" sort of mentality -- putting personalities in a box or grooming a personality to fit in a customized box.

This is what it has come to -- the mad crowd being led by a reluctant savior, where do you suppose this messiah plans to take us? To the promised land? I think not.

Haven't you noticed how beguiling the chants have become? They have become nothing short of a promise of deliverance. Doesn't that bother you?

They populate the net with their propaganda. They are quick to put out fires in forums and blogs. They stroke each other's egos and glance satisfactorily at this kingdom they have built for themselves. They pretend they have something to say. They pretend they have a feasible platform.

Who is listening? Ah yes, the people clad in yellow -- them with their iPods, iPhones, iMacs and iDon'tKnow's. You think these people actually give a damn who wins? You think these people actually have a significant stake at what's to come? No they don't -- because they are the same people who dictate what's to come, who gets to eat, who gets to slave-off. They don't want you to get out of poverty.

Why would they? Who will serve them coffee? Who will buy their yellow shirts? Not them, of course -- anything less than a Lacoste is beneath them.

Who's the underdog now?

I go to the mall to buy shirts and all I see is yellow. Penshoppe has gone yellow. Bench is getting yellow. All the "masa" shirts are going yellow! What used to be "in remembrance of ninoy" has become "a fight for right, a walk towards the light", and I say wtf?

Don't get me wrong here. I'm all for remembering Ninoy. I'm all for remembering Cory. Heck, I'm all for the return of Che Guevarra-ish clothing phenomenon. But to use these merchandise that sell for around 400-500 pesos each for a "subtle" political campaign is just too much. Imagine how the young generation's fascination for the hero that is Ninoy is now being used to fuel someone's campaign.

They claim that putting blood tinge in yellow ribbons to remember the Hacienda Luisita massacre "desecrates" the yellow ribbon. Come again please? Did you just say desecrate? Has the yellow ribbon suddenly become a holy symbol? Golly, I didn't get the memo from the Vatican.

They say they are the underdog, coming in late for the campaign, having a weaker political machinery, having insufficient funds etc etc. And yet, they have resorted to some strange form of emotional blackmail, they are now becoming the party to beat, and business tycoons great and small are flocking to LP and providing funding.

These fanatics can go ahead and bask in the glory of their presumptive success. I won't even argue whether it is deserved or not, whether it is destined or not -- not even whether it is fair or not. I just hope they stop soliciting sympathy where it is not needed.

Come to think of it. These poor "other" candidates would need to spend a fortune buying shirts, printing quirky campaign slogans on those shirts, give it for free and even prod people to actually wear them. While these yellowish people would flaunt their gears, ever so proudly after spending hundreds of pesos for a shirt whose iconic symbol has been reduced to a mere market hype. These people will be walking political billboards. And the candidate don't even have to spend a cent.

The symbol is still there. It is still yellow. But the message has been lost. Thanks to the marriage of fashion and politics.

Tell me, who's the underdog now?

Today's electoral problem is not that same old, same old issue of money ruling the ballot.

Today's electoral problem is the same old, same old issue of this country's delusion of an endless movie-like battle of extreme contrasts -- of black and white -- of good and evil -- or at least, that's what they all want us to believe.

And that's precisely why we never go forward -- because we're stuck in this archaic "knights versus witches" thinking. After so many hundred years, we still see ourselves as this damsel in distress waiting for our knight in shining armor -- we think we are this sleeping beauty waiting for our prince charming. What's common between the two? Both just lie there waiting.

Easy preys

Inaction is not equal to apathy as most of the self-proclaimed apathetics want us to believe.

Inaction is equal to sloth. Laziness. The classic "Juan Tamad" lying for hours on end under that guava tree, waiting for the fruit to fall into his lazy, open mouth.

I will say what others in this vast cyberspace never write for fear of being hit by the same boomerang one throws. You say talk is cheap? I say blog is cheap. But there's something cheaper than that -- it's trolling someone's political blog and leaving cheap propaganda trying to pass off as comments.

Beware of the unbiased.

Whoever told you that unbiased writing is done in pursuit of the truth is just trying to be "proper". Truth is out there alright, but you don't go looking for it with blindfolded eyes, otherwise you'd run into a cliff and die. No, you don't do that.

You search for truth with eyes open -- with preconceived notions -- and yes, with bias. Only then will you know where there's a cliff. Only then will you find yourself one day, face to face with that overrated truth you so romantically seek.

Disclaimer: I am not anti-Noynoy. I am anti-hype.

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Courage in (High) Heels

RJ Marmol — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 02:05:31 +0000

Much is to be said about the reluctant Judge Cortez who declined the job of handling the now celebrated Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre that cost the lives of 57 people, mostly journalists and women.

The chilling account of one man's cold-bloodedness was supposed to be relived in this year's most anticipated and most-watched murder case in the sala of another man.

But as it turns out, having too little courage is as dangerous as having too much of it -- for the sin of omission bears about the same weight as the sin of commission.

That means, doing nothing when "you could have done something" is not a lesser offense.

But let us not be too quick to judge the judge. It is his prerogative as primarily a human being and a citizen of this country to defend the "right to life" -- this time, of his own, his family and that of his staff. That was his call. That was a decision he alone had to make.

I am disappointed nevertheless that the justice system in the Philippines has been reduced to a usual institution where doing one's job and doing it well has become a choice rather than a commitment.

I am disappointed that the terror sown in the soil of Maguindanao, fertilized and cultivated by no less than this administration and started by administrations preceding it, have succeeded at hampering the otherwise speedy delivery of justice.

I am disappointed that those who are supposed to be symbols of "courage under fire" have been reduced to symbols of our broken and degraded system -- for where else can people ultimately seek justice? Who else can better serve them justified vengeance?

I would be a hypocrite if I would say that the first thought that came to me when I learned that Judge Cortez declined to take the case was sympathy. I know that I should be more sympathetic -- having a family of my own and a helpless little boy for a treasure I should have joined him in his rhetoric -- "What is glory without a family?"

But I prefer to keep it real and admit that yes, I was disappointed and thought to myself what a coward he is. I was even so quick to nod at Justice Devanadera's statement that if she were Judge Cortez, she should look for another job. For what else are trial judges for? For show?

Surprisingly though, I was not to be disappointed for long. The eventual reraffle of the case and assignment to Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes (a graduate of UST) was bound to impress me and redeem the tainted reputation of the entire judiciary. As early as now, the signs show that we're off to a good start with a gutsy woman judge expressing her assessment that personal security is not needed and says the Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre would be treated as an ordinary case.

For the Ampatuans who may possibly be charged with murder, it looks like the tables have turned. Once upon a time in November 23, 2009 the fate of feminine souls rested on their masculine hands. Now, poetic justice is upon them, for in the hands of women (Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, Senior State Prosecutor Rosanne Balauag -- panel chair and State Prosecutor Anjanette Ortile), their own fate now rests.

To quote Senate Minority Leader Nene Pimentel, "Competence and integrity are good, but without courage they're nothing."

"Courage under fire" sure sounds good. But the way we're seeing it, "courage in (high) heels" looks even better.

Photo by Princess Cy

Disclaimer: This post doesn't imply or suggest that lady judges wear high-heeled shoes. It has been used here as a mere symbol of femininity alluding to the fact that the dreaded handling of the Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre now rests in a predominantly female group of prosecutors.Suggested Further Reading:

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