The Azkals’s bark finally heard.

Philippine Football Team. "The Azkals"

Ok, I’ve learned in the news that ‘The Azkals’, the National Football team of RP, (who made famous after they surprisingly beat the Vietnam team and made it through the semi finals of AFF Suzuki Cup), already came back to the country this morning after their unsuccessful match with team Indonesia at the tournament.

The “azkals” disappointedly scores 0, during their first and second leg of the match while their opponent team INA scores 2, which made them qualified to the finals.

I’ve never thought that this moment would come where Filipinos embraced soccer with much enthusiasm. Years back, this kind of sports were always taken for granted by most of the Filipinos. Certainly, this is not a popular sports here in the country unlike boxing and basketball wherein more often than not you’ll find a basketball court in every villages. The reason could be of to limited spaces in the urban metro and finger counting soccer fields in the country.

Well then great thanks to the “team azkals” for awakening the inert passion and likeness of the Filipinos to the sport of soccer. The “azkals” which are composed of utterly fine handsome men doesn’t seem to be exist before in the eyes of the Filipinos until the day they surprisingly beaten a strong opponent in the tournament. Suddenly, all eyes are on the “azkals”. They are the news! They had given much attention by the media and the viewing public. Finally, their unwavering effort to fight with opponents in years without even a glimpse of cheer from their countrymen before suddenly became a beacon of triumph and an inspiration to others now. As other’s say, “you will reap what you sow”

I just hope they will improve more. Recruit competent players (not necessarily handsome) to strengten their team and to not disappoint their fans as they will compete again in the next cup.

All the best and Goodluck.!

What’s up Facebook?

What’s on your mind?

Right, this form of question always pop-up on your status bar whenever you access your facebook account. A question more often than not, taken for granted or left unnoticed by most of the facebook users.

While others opted to post what is really on their mind, some will update their status as to how are they feeling, what are they doing, what is happenning (a question supposed to be ask by the little bird on ‘twitter’) and some post something real senseless if not dumb words. Obviously ignoring the real question prescribed by Facebook.

Personally, I sometimes update my status not in line with what the facebook wanted me to tell. Well, iregardless of the question, I post whatever I want onto my status. I presume the others have the same reason.

So since not everyone on facebook answers the status question ‘what’s on your mind’, should it be wise and proper to change it to ‘WHAT’S UP?’. Simply because this question would probably correspond to all the statuses set to post by the users. It’s like the other way of saying ‘ok, post whatever you want on your status’.

It’s just a case of a very small and simple mistake unlikely to be addressed by the wise men of Facebook Administration.

What’s up, facebook?

Waley.!

Facebook Status: Instead of “what’s on your mind?”, would it be wise to changed it to “what’s up?”.

Supreme Court versus PNoy

How long could you handle it?

The Aquino administration is consistently bashing the Supreme Court following the declaration of the latter that the creation of ‘Truth Commission’ is unconstitutional.

The majority of the Justices were commonly agreed that this commission has the same prosecutatory power similar to DOJ and the Ombudsman. To say, it would be just a ‘redundant’ commission, it has no flaws and obviously a waste of fund.

To create a ‘truth’ body that are bound to prosecute and investigate the allegations of corruption of the Arroyo Administration was setted as the primary tool of Aquino in the last election in getting votes and believed to be a factor to his victory.

Now that it was tagged as ‘unconstitutional’ by the SC, the President retaliates by having a Press Conference and releasing a statement questioning the credibility of the Justices as they were appointed by Arroyo, that they were biased and that they were impeding his responsibility to bring truth to the public. And ended his statement with another flowery phrase saying ‘hindi ko na hahayaang apihin muli ang mga Pilipino’.

My take on the issue. At First, it was very unpresidential for Aquino to throw mud on the highest court in the country. It would probably create a conflict between the two pillars of the Government. In the long run, it was us, the ordinary citizen who will be affected and suffered. Instead of bashing the Justices itself, the Aquino Administration should come up with a great rebuttal that would probably proved that SC’s decision is incorrect. Releasing a ‘flowerful’ statement to gather sympathy of the masses was such an arrogant moved solely done by this arrogant Administration.

Second. I have a great distrust on the purpose of this truth body. It is very clear that the primary purpose of this body is to prosecute Arroyo, for Arroyo to be found guilty, and for Arroyo to put jail. The body obviously singles out Arroyo and created solely for Arroyo. It was all about Arroyo. Note that all Commissioners including the Chief Commissioner of this ‘truth’ body were all appointed by Aquino, and that it would be very easy to tell that unfavorability is high for the former President when the verdict comes out. I am very doubtful that this body could give Arroyo a ‘fair’ trial considering the above circumstances.

Third. It was mentioned by PNoy in his statement that the ‘truth’ body will speed up the process of proving allegations of cheating and corruption of the former Administration. It is because if the case will be filed in the DOJ or the Ombudsman, it will surely count years or even a decade before the verdict is served. This statement alone of the President proved that this incompetent Government cannot persecute Arroyo in a legal way on a constitutional body or institution like DOJ and the Ombudsman. The allegations should be coupled with evidences. Of course, the court cannot guarantee you a weeks or months to put an end with these allegations. Why not present all the evidences they gathered to the proper court and not into a ‘kangaroo court’ like biased Commission?

Fourth. PNoy, is this all you’ve got? Dwelling on the past do nothing more good on the lives of the Filipino people. You have banked so much time and effort in proving that Arroyo is corrupt while plurality of us believed she is. We’d rather want to see a President that is looking forward than pulling as backward.

I commend the effort of PNoy in bringing ‘justice’ to the public. But, he should and must let the ‘RULE OF LAW’ prevail. Creating another means of serving justice is very unlikely.

The President’s Women, the Media and Another Filipino Mediocrity.

Noynoy and his date. ‘more to come’

In formality, people would think that most if not all news about the President are preoccupied with state affairs, but apparentlly NOT in our country wherein the President’s lovelife is being stressed out more importantly than national issues and concerns.

It was reported days ago that the President is recently dating another girl (unnamed) soon after a young fashion designer reportedly busted him out of unknown reason. But before that, of course, who would have forgot the affair PNoy had with a lady councilor and their not-so-controversial break up. All that happened within 5 months or while he assuming the position of Presidency. It is really weird to think how PNoy quickly recovered and moved on after a broke-up with someone or after he dumped off. Emotionally stoned? I hope not.

Rumor has it, that he had an affair with a former starlet and a female reporter of a known network. With his age and character, I assume there were a bunch of girls who came across the President’s heart. But of course, the list could only filled out by PNoy himself and by the people closests to him. Like Kris Aquino, who else? Oh, and Boy Abunda perhaps.

Good thing about PNoy, he constantly pronouncing that he doesn’t want his love affair with someone to come out in public. A kind of demand most likely to be junked by the people of a country whose ‘gossiping’ has been part of a culture. Everyone deserve a right to privacy, unfortunately, this seems to be impossible if you are holding the highest position of the land. It’s kinda proven many times before.

The media should take part as to how this brouhaha keep on coming out in the public. I genuinely believe that they intentionally publicized their scoops about PNoy’s lovelife for profit and popularity sake. They knew the people wouldn’t buy their report if it is about the incompetency and undecency of this government. Most Filipinos would rather watch and follow a sweet love story of the President in the national television than to see the sad reality of the country. This is how the media works in the country, ”what you want is what we give“ irregardless if the news is unworthy and unsubstantial. Another typical Pinoy mediocrity.

Should PNoy need to have a “First Lady”? Not necessarilly. After all, it was his late mother said that the best ideal of a leader is a single individual.

I once read an article that says PNoy owe as a wedding at the palace. I’m afraid to think that he thinks likewise that’s the why he constantly dating women. PNoy, you do not owe us a wedding or any sorts. What you owe the Filipino people is the betterment of the country and your divine word that you will curbed corruption in the Government to end poverty.

Obviously, there are a lot of problems and issues in the country that need to be addressed and resolved. The President should take the lead. It is very unbecoming for a President to be involved in a world of entetainment.

Pnoy, if you truly wanted a privacy, learn to do your flirtings in secret and stay away abit from the media. You’ll never know the latter might be the one that cause and lead you to your own grave.

Akihiro: the ultimate sole survivor

the ultimate sole survivor

Yey,! Akihiro Sato has been named as the ultimate sole survivor in the Survivor Philippines Celebrity Edition. Thanks to Jon, Moi and Aira who were believed as the keys to Akihiro’s victory.

Akihiro, who was tagged as “Mr. Nice Guy” by his fellow survivors has been one of my favorites (besides moi) to win the title. What I like about Aki!? Well, let me just say that he has the heart, the body, the mind and the right attitude to stay on the game and stand to the last drop.

Whatever they say. He is really deserving for grabbing the title. Congrats.

Welcome December

Finally, the month I’ve been waiting for has arrived. The month of December never fails to give me the feeling of excitement, joy and some sort of a surprise.

A lot of events, such as parties and reunions are about to happen. Three of the members of my family will celebrate their birthdays on this month (my father, brother and my younger sister).

On the 10th day, the Jogliers (my former groupmates in college) will be having a reunion. After 2 years of untogetherness, finally, we will meet each other again. Of course, I am obliged to attend the event since I am the primary organizer. Thanks to my unyielding effort to reunite the group.

On the 21st day of the month scheduled the reunion of the ‘Lubang clan’. This would be our second time since we had last 2005.

On the 23rd day, we (friendly neighborhood) are set to have a Christmas Party. Of all the events that are bound to happen, this one gave me the highest excitement. Nothing, just the thought of the things to happen makes it more exciting.

The rest of the days are suppose to happen as it should be, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and some unexpected events.

Have a wonderful December folks!

(Oh by the way, we’re having a party tonight to welcome this exciting month. Has been my yearly tradition since 2 years ago.)

“11-23-09”

 

Today marks the first anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre, wherein 58 people were brutally murdered, 32 of them were journalist. It has been exactly 1 year ago and still, the primary suspects on the crime hasn’t been convicted. I hope our Government will keep an eye on this case.

I am in one, for those people who are calling for JUSTICE for the victims.

 

 

 

The misdirected euphoria

Oh my. I just read a while ago via facebook page of a known network that there is a tendency for Manny Paquiao to run as a President of the Philippines in the next election. For now, I cannot confirmed if Paquiao himself declare this kind of pronouncement. But whoever it is, I think this would be the most idiotic, immaure and futile news I’ve ever heard.

The Filipino style of Euphoria. This is one of the most embarassing mentality of the Filipino wherein people always tend to curbed their Euphoria for someone into something that they think it will save them from the ills of life or a hero that will stand as a beacon of hope for the country.

Goddamn. We should have learned our lesson when we elected a man who’s capabilities, credentials and track record are on the level of mediocrity. And elected also just because of his popularity and wanting to satisfied the mislead belief of the people that he will bring change to the country. Now people, are you blind to see or just stoned to noticed that this government only brings shame to the country and vengeance to the former administration.!?

For the second time, let us not compromised our standards in choosing a leader for the country. Paquiao is really great in boxing, no questions asked. And what he did to our country was absolutely commendable and remarkable, but that’s it. Being elected as a Congressman might raised his standard as a statesman but then he hasn’t proven anything yet. Sorry to say, but he really lacks the qualifications to lead the country of over 90 million people.

Are we going to elect another candidate just because he’s popular? I have said it before. Do not ever vote a candidate based on popularity. Being popular doesn’t always mean greatness in every fields.

I suspect that the people who floted this idea were his allies in politics who wants to ride on his popularity. They are clinging on to him for the sake of their personal political interest. In short, they wanted Paquiao to become their lapdog or puppet to run this country. If I were Paquiao, I will just settle for being a Congressman and help enact a bill that will be beneficial to his constituents and perhaps to his co-athletes.

No to President, Manny Paquiao. And please, do not ever attempt to open up this idea again. It’s frightening.

The ‘Pilipinas Kay Ganda’ slogan

It has been a week now, and still the talks about the proposed controversial slogan of the DOT hasn’t slowed down and ironed. In fact, it keeps on receiving negative criticisms left and right.

The Tourism Department wants to change it’s current catching phrase ‘Wow Philippines’ into something weird and a bit odd phrase ‘Pilipinas kay Ganda’. I call it weird because among all the nations in South East Asia, if the proposed plan was granted, it would be the only catchphrase that is not derived in English language. Take the case of the following Tourism slogan of our neighboring countries:

Amazing Thailand
Malaysia truly Asia
Indonesia: ultimate in diversity
Uniquely Singapore
Vietnam: a destination for the new millennium

Where on earth will you put ‘Pilipinas kay ganda’ on the list. Unique, they say. But being unique doesn’t mean beautiful and does not guarantee that it will caught travelers attention.

For one, it’s really not a foreign friendly slogan. If I were a foreigner, it would be difficult for me to understand the phrase. Even the word ‘Pilipinas’ probably won’t understand by most of the foreigners. Our country is known as the ‘Philippines’ not ‘Pilipinas’.

For two, even if the phrase is translated in English language, hence ‘Philippines, its beautiful’, still, If I were a foreigner, I won’t bite it. Simply because it has no bearing, un-thought out, and please, all the people in the world will pronounce that their country is beautiful even the people in Iraq.

Is it really necessary to changed our current tourism slogan? Hmmm. I suddenly smell politics here. Remember, ‘Wow Philippines’ is a well branded and a well known tourism catchphrase of the Arroyo admistration. Admit it or not, during her time, our tourism ecomy really boosted. For the sake of vengeance, clearly, the current administration wanted to erase all the memories from the past regime even if it was a well planned program.

If the Aquino Government is really determined to change the tourism slogan then make sure to proposed a well thought, planned, and uncopied phrase and logo.

A very good suggestion is to conduct a national competition (internet would be a good venue) for the new tourism slogan and logo. We have a tons of creative Filipino artist out there. I’m sure one of them will rise and come up with the best idea.

For now, please remain the current catchphrase. And, our Government should focused more on strengthening the peace and order situation in the country so that foreign entities would feel safe and secured traveling around the archipelago. They would definitely keep on coming to our country if they knew that are country was such a place. As a traveler, safety and security will always be the top priority. That is the only way to further boost the tourism economy in the country.

one bizzare night

Here’s a story. I was at my uncle’s birthday party last night. Well, It was a fun night I should say. We’re drinking countless bottles of beer, eating a bunch of homemade ‘pulutan’, some singing, some dancing and more chit chatting. My uncle is way older than my age so it was expected that my co-drinking buddies were at the same.

Anyway, I don’t exactly remember how many bottles of pale pilsen beer I drink that night, but it was more or less 10 bottles. With that number, whose guy will not shaken his soberity.?

So I got drunk.

And here comes the odd moments. I was drinking and sitting next to my uncle (my other uncle) and then sitting next to him was his…mistress. What my uncle didn’t know is that I really abhor his mistress. Damn. It was just so disgusting to have your uncle’s mistress during a drinking session. And hey, she even got the nerve to talked and asked me how old I am.!? I told her I’m 23, and she said ‘bata mo pa pala’. Argh. Say what? Are you planning to leeched off on my body soon after you sucked off everything to your man.!?

I admit, I also have some sort of repugnance towards my uncle for having a mistress. Yes, I called her ‘mistress’ although my uncle’s wife has passed away. But here’s where my angst are coming, she was passed away just a month ago. Whose guy on his sound mind has the courage to ‘take home’ his mistress soon after his wife laid to rest.? Show some respect. Her soul is still wandering at your house while you’re having sex with your slutty mistress. Imagine that.

Back to that night, another odd moment is that my uncle (the one who’s celebrating), tapped me at my back and pulled me at the side of his house. I have no idea then on what he’s planning to do. Then, came to my surprise he get his 45 caliber gun on his side pocket and gave it to me. He want’s me to pull the trigger and fire it right into the sky. Fuck. That was not the first time I hold a gun but to fired it, never had. Good thing I was so drunk that moment, so I have all the bravery to do it. I pulled the trigger and fired it 5x on a 45 degree angle. I really feel good after doing it. What an experience.

To sum up, I feel a lot of emotions that night. Happy, sad, anger, pity, surprised, excited, bravery, relieved. It was really a bizzare night. Truly, a memorable one.