Heneral Luna and the local audience

Call me a nerd. But I actually believe this movie deserves commendation. It looks promising. This is the kind of movie that needs to be promoted in schools. What kind of movie am I talking about? It's actually an biographical film entitled "Heneral Luna". No, it is not about an all girl Filipino rock band (The band name is in English: General Luna). It is about General Antonio Luna. Directed by Jerrold Tarog with John Arcilla in the lead role.



The movie outfit: Artikulo Uno. I never heard of it. Most of you either. Why? Because it is a newly built film outfit. Who would venture into such a project? Having a historic biography as their first movie project? It is no less than a member the Ortigas clan. Artikulo Uno is the brainchild of Fernando “Nando” Ortigas. He envisions "to create intelligent entertainment that will help reverse the dumbing down of local audiences”. 


Tough words. It is the sad reality though. Adultery, romance, horror, and comedy are the recurring themes of local movies nowadays. Nothing wrong with these except that only a few of which have a notable storyline. Some are just totally devoid of it and can be taken a mere scheme to earn money to unsuspecting moviegoers blinded by a star studded cast. Some will just be satisfied with having a good laugh, never mind if the movie is intelligently crafted or made. But would it not be more satisfying if a movie makes you think, makes your brain work, rather than being superficial and predictable? Movies do not need to be all "serious". They just need to be more of substance. Be it of any theme.


I am afraid that "Heneral Luna" will not do good in terms of box office returns. But if it lives up to its billing, it will surely be noticed and given recognition by film critics here and abroad. Kudos Fernando “Nando” Ortigas for having such a vision. I hope other movie producers will follow suit and have a cause the same as yours.



Here is a teaser of the movie (click on the link)


Heneral Luna Teaser 1



Addendum: And one more thing- I hope there will be no "commercial endorsement movies" this December 2014 in the MMFF.  

Is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge all about fun?

It's been a while since I have a written about something. It feels surreal that I am again finding the time to write for my so called "blog". It is quite difficult to find the mood or inspiration to write. I really do not know if I will be elucidate my point on the matter I decided to have a commentary on.  But here it goes, short and simple: 

Recently, social media platforms went abuzz with videos of "ALS Ice Bucket Challenge". Crazy videos, i must say, as they involve dumping a bucket of ice water on  a person's head. It is some sort of wild fun. It seems to be a great idea to shoot such a video and use the tag with it the phrase "ALS Ice Bucket Challenge". It is just for fun anyway. If this is your understanding of the logic behind the act, I think it would better for you to stop and do your research. 

Before you turn something into a social media fad, please take a good look of what is the original intention of such an act. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is not merely a fad. It is not just for fun. It was conceptualized to promote awareness of the disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and encourage donations to research.

Yes, ALS is a three letter acronym for a disease. It is often characterized by muscle spasticity, rapidly progressive weakness due to  muscle atrophy (wasting away of muscles), and difficulties in breathing, speaking, and swallowing.  It is classified as a neurodegenerative disease causing parts of the body to be weaker and less able to function as time go by. Simply put, it is a progressive, fatal disorder  There is no cure for ALS.

Therefore, the tag "ALS ice bucket challenge" is not merely intended to be used just for fun. Hindi po lahat ng nasa social media ay pa-uso lang. Think more than once. Be in the know. Be responsible.

Goodbye Petron Blaze Boosters, Welcome back San Miguel Beermen!

I don not know at what song is the San Miguel Corporation is dancing to. This is as far as the SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN franchise is concerned. It is disappointing that the former Petron Blaze Boosters team bowed out in the semifinals after being beaten black and blue by Rain or Shine. Something clearly needs some ironing. Some noted players seems to have lost their heart for the games and just learned to commit to playing and not on winning. The off season plays an important role to iron out these things.


Some player shuffles may be wise at the time being  but will it benefit the team in the long run? The team has also been struggling to find its identity because it the dynamics at which it was supposed to run has been changed numerous times creating confusion among players. I am not a Coach Gee fan but I guess he should have been given some slack. The Philippine Cup was just his second conference at the helm. The seemingly tumultuous coaching rigodons the team has undergone left it devoid of a leadership dynamic at which the team's identity should emanate.

I do not know why the top management is seemingly in a hurry to find success.  I have nothing against them but looking at things lately, it seems that it is not clear where do they want to steer the mother franchise. Player and coaching shuffles are so full of mystery, leaving fans clueless at times. As a fan, I could only hope that this will translate into a better future for the mother franchise of the San Miguel Corporation. But I hope they provide the fans some form of transparency at times. After all, the PBA is about the fans. (Stop the obvious rescue the sister team games, fans are intelligent enough to see them. Sorry, I can not stop myself from saying it!).

Whatever disappointment Petronovela caused, I still remain optimistic of the team and will remain a fan. San Miguel Beermen is the team I have supported for many years and I will not make the jump as what others did. I am not a player fan but a team fan. I say Thank you Coach Gee.Welcome Coach Biboy. Though I can not agree in in its entirety of this power sharing set up with Purves. Ron Jacobs is a tough act to follow. His heart is proudly loyal to Philippine basketball. I guess that is what still lacks the current mentorship approach at this team - heart for the Philippine brand of basketball game.

I am looking forward for a better team next conference. I can only wish them the best.
Goodbye Petron Blaze Boosters. Welcome back San Miguel Beermen! Be a BEERMEN, not a BOOSTER. Figure it out!

Best of luck!

Like a true Petron fan and cheers to friendship

I never really watched basketball because I  did not grew up playing it. But being a son of someone who covered sporting events as part of his work, I have learned to watch and love the PBA games. Most of my relatives loved Ginebra. Instead of just loving the team for the sake being in sync with my relatives, I looked into other teams at that time. What caught my attention back then were the San Miguel Beermen, the flagship and original franchise team of the San Miguel Corporation. Coaching legend Ron Jacobs was tasked to revive a team of rich championship tradition, which is starting to age into once again a contender. The character of the team and the fiery attitude of Ron Jacobs caught my fancy. From them on, I rooted for the San Miguel Beermen. Even if the team changed names, Magnolia Beverage Masters or the current Petron Blaze Boosters, I still rooted for them. I never changed my mind and decided to cheer for another team.  Since then, it was this mother franchise I grew fond of watching.

*Trivia Break: Did you know that Marc Pingris played a season for Magnolia Beverage Masters/San Miguel Beermen (now Petron)? It was when he got traded for a center because Rommel Adducul was sidelined due to a sickness.  He won one championship with SMB. Small world. ;-) http://www.sanmiguelbrewery.com.ph/beermen%20news/beermen18.php - see third picture

Petron Blaze Boosters lost in the recently concluded 2013 Governors’ Cup Finals, 4-3. If I were a very young fan or a new fan, I would have taunted and scowled on the other team for the games I watched live or even in TV. Or blame the players whenever they lose a series. But for being a fan of this franchise for years, I learned to be a responsible fan. Never be too proud or too bitter.

The incident of taunting by certain fan clam of the Boosters is saddening. I personally think they stepped out of bounds. I have seen these guys. They are fanatics and are young. They probably got overwhelmed by their youth.  I hope the recent incident will make this guys be mature for them to be more responsible fans of Petron.

The Petron Blaze Boosters may have lost the recent Finals series versus San Mig Coffee Mixers my fellow fans. But let us look into it at a bigger picture. See it not as a loss but a picture of positivity. Why? Because Petron is finally making a move towards a positive direction after having the team undergone tumultuous coaching changes (Siot-Ato-Rajko-Olsen). 

Coach Gee Abanilla took this team into the Finals in just his first conference. How he handles team decorum during games is commendable. No arrogance versus the other team or against the players.  Coach Gee’s modest target is just to reach the playoffs in a good position because Petron went into various coaching staff changes. Petron exited early in both the Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup. The latter left an ugly picture of Balkman strangling Santos.

They were given much more – a runner up finish. As far as coaching is concerned, it seems they are headed to becoming a better team under Coach Gee Abanilla. Incidentally, he was the one who formed from scratch the UAAP men’s basketball champion team De La Salle Green Archers before being moved by San Miguel Corporation to Petron.

June Mar Fajardo looked far from being a dominant big man at the start of the year. But with Danny Ildefonso as mentor, he matured into a big man. A little more time of mentoring and he will eventually stop having episodes of “masyadong gigil” attitude and learn to shoot pressure-packed free throws. In case you haven’t noticed, he could have been hailed as the Finals MVP if Petron won the finals series being the most consistent player for Petron.

Marcio Lassiter played for Petron in the long haul after being in the injury list for quite a while. Given more time to train, he will be back into that Marcio of that Powerade team. Marc Isip will eventually play a big part come next conference. He just came in too late to significantly bond with the team. I continuously have supported my alma matter, FEU, even after graduating so I know this guy has good set of skills.

A true fan or supporter of Petron should not continuously lambast the team for its shortcomings as if "wala slang ginawa". They are now making a way to be back into the picture of being a contender. From an All Filipino Cup of an embattled coaching staff to a second conference of an ugly and violent import tantrum, they have battled their way back into contention not just in paper but also in reality, being the runner-up of the 2013 Governors’ Cup. So let’s look forward to more fruitful stints for the Petron Blaze Boosters/San Miguel Beermen. By way, congratulations to Asst. Coach Olsen Racela for winning! 

Post script: On a personal note, I enjoyed every moment I had with my friends for three games of the series even if they are San Mig fans. Hahaha! Well except for one who is a Ginebra fan but nevertheless enjoyed the bonding as well ;-) Bonding with friends is never less valuable compared to a championship series.  




Kudos to the true champions – friendship!!! Cherry tomato for Sheldon (pronounced Shel-den in a slang manner)!!!! Who’s Sheldon? Just a friend’s dog who plays dead after being shot by a finger gun…. Pewch!

//nallaseyer17 October 26, 2013  

Bohol in mind

It was only summer of last year that we visited Bohol. March of 2012. It left a permanent imprint in my mind of how beautiful this place is. The people, the surroundings, the greenery, the cleanliness, and to top it all is how heritage is so deeply valued in this picturesque island.  I loved it so much that I literally wanted to live there. It was exactly the opposite of Manila - whose continued modernization is aiding the destruction of its identity. I hate to say it but in Manila, it seems only the rich progresses further with the poor neglected. Enough about Manila! Hahaha!

After a year and a half or so, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake crushed the picturesque image of Bohol. My heart is broken into pieces. I personally saw how great this place is. The destruction of old churches is not just about the crumbling of heritage structures. Nor the damage the Chocolate Hills sustained are just soil erosion. Bohol heavily relies on tourism and heritage as their source of livelihood. It is their life. So hell yeah! Carlos Celdran is right. Political will should be in place. It is just right to help rebuild these structures. (I just do not know about the Chocolate Hills. Maybe DENR have an expert opinion on its eroded parts?) 

The churches of Baclayon, Maribojoc, Loboc, etc... as well as the Chocolate Hills watchtower are not merely structures. They are  testaments of their identity, culture, and faith. More importantly, they are what they live for. Their livelihood. I can not imagine Bohol surviving and being progressive without these structures.  So hell yeah. Mr President, political will is needed here. This is where you can put your so termed "personal pork barrel" into good use.

For those who can help, do so in your own little way. But for those who can't for whatever reason,  just sincerely pray for the eventual rise of Bohol. Pray for Bohol. Pray for Central Visayas. I sincerely have Bohol in my heart and in my mind. Rise Bohol! Rise! To end, I leave you only beautiful images of Bohol.

(all photos taken March 2012 - Baclayon Church and Chocolate Hills)

On being FIBA Asia near champions

This is maybe yet the best year for the men's basketball team in many many years. Gilas Pilipinas finished 2nd place behind Iran.  Great  run, great spirit. Pinoy pride at its greatest.

However, it saddens me that the too early celebration in the win vs Korea might have somewhat predicted the outcome of the final game. In a post game interview, MVP was asked to give a message to the players going into the game against Iran. MVP said what? "Pasok na naman tayo." He is pertaining to being qualified for the Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain. All were in tears after that emotional win vs Korea, seemingly making  the championship game vs Iran less important. It somehow showed in the final game. There was less enthusiasm in the players taking their shots. Less emotions (at least in my point of view. No pun intended.) Never mind Douthit is absent. They showed they can do it vs Korea. But the Philippines somehow had less fire in their hearts as a team in the championship game.

I have nothing against the Gilas boys but it would have been nicer if the SBP (Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas) president urged the players to play  with more fire in their hearts for their last game - a championship game - rather than saying "Pasok na naman tayo." Seemingly,  the goal is make it to the Basketball World Cup and not be crowned as champions in this FIBA Asia staging.

You are the host country. Go for the highest goal. Be the champions. Just a sad message from a staunch basketball supporter. Nevertheless, it is a good job for Gilas Pilipinas and it looks good. This shows that the Philippines is in track of reclaiming its spot as one of the best in the basketball world.

Good luck in the Basketball World Cup. Show you deserve to be there. Congratulations! Go for that Olympic slot!

Thoughts on Meralco issue

MERALCO or Manila Electric Company is the country's topmost electricity provider. Its head office is in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.

Why does the meaning do not fit the acronym? MERALCO is originally known as Manila Electric Railroad And Light Company.
 

Yes, it is also a railroad company back in the pre-war days. Manila maintained a tranvia line back in those days prior to the LRT and MRT. (Manila was like Paris then.) However, the tranvia line was badly damaged after the war and was never rehabilitated.

In the early 2000's, the tranvia lines are still visible in some parts of Manila. Today, it is totally under cement roads.Why Manila Electric Company? Because, MERALCO is originally held its main offices at San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila. Its former main office building recently made news as it was approved for demolition by a certain city building official without even considering preserving its heritage value

Last July 5, 2012, before it becomes completely gone, we got the chance to marvel the remaining parts of its heritage.Several questions came into my mind upon visiting the structure:

1. Why Meralco did not consider applying a National Historical Institute recognition considering it was designed by National Artist Juan Arellano and its adjacent sculpture done by renowned Francesco Monti?

2. Why the new owner did not properly coordinate with proper authorities regarding preservation, restoration, and/or adaptive re-use of its integral parts? (the top part of the sculpture aka "The Furies" was sliced off due to improper casting for replication and/or restoration)

3. Why city building official Mr Balagot issued a demolition permit without consulting the Heritage Act of 2009?

4. Are conversation and heritage advocate groups really empowered by the National Heritage Act?

 

These questions only made me realize that the National Heritage Act needs more specific and stringent guidelines for implementation. This is reality. Sad state of heritage in the country. I wish that the day will come for a universal application of the law so as everyone will be knowledgeable enough of what heritage is. 

Current State: The demolition was stopped by Mayor Joseph Estrada to at least save "The Furies" for replication and/or salvaging its remaining parts. But this was only after relatives of Monti in Italy wrote a letter to the Office of the Mayor with evident disgust of how his work is being treated with disrespect.

The Dan Brown Inferno Brouhaha

I am not writing this piece to come into defense of Dan Brown. Yes, I do read his novels. However, this does not mean I advocate for him. I agree with some of his views while in others not. Just like will Carlos Celdran, I openly comment on his page if I don't agree with his opinions on certain issues. 

My take on this sudden brouhaha: The problem with some people is that they tend to look at things too literally. Hey! Those things are really present in Manila. Traffic jams, pollution, prostitution. The “gates of hell” reference points out to what the character experienced and not Manila per se or Philippines per se. No direct sentence stated as "Manila is a gate of hell". It has been used figuratively. It will still mean the same even if say Bangkok is quoted. It will still be in its figurative use.

This is more so like the recently concluded elections where some of us failed to see with an analytic eye and mind.We only saw superficially. Too literal. Some of us voted with simple name recall. A popular surname does not necessarily mean that he or she will serve as the same of his or her father, husband, or uncle. There is a failure to some in examining their choices deeply. 

                                                                                                                  

A certain facebook page of facts stated this: "...also called the city "the gates of hell" in his latest novel, Inferno". But when I read the news page in its entirety, there no portion stating that Brown directly said "Manila is the gates of hell". Here's what on the news page: In Inferno, ...one of the characters goes through the "gates of hell" in Manila. If you have read up to this part, you might take it too literally. But if you read this: The book went on to detail a turning point in Brooks’ life. “I’ve run through the gates of hell,” she said. It is will be seen as figuratively used. 

The actual news page article title fans the too literal views. Dan Brown calls Manila "gates of hell" in novel. But as I read it in its entirety, I see it to mean two different things. The facebook page saw it too literally whereas the news page contents on in its entirety quoted the book where it has been used figuratively. This is the same to an actual news footage shown on another channel wherein the reported read the page aloud. Again, the word or tagline has been used figuratively.

          

There is no controversy here. Those things are present in Manila. Let us use this as wake up call to change Manila and have it back as once it was known, a pearl of the orient. As for the gates of hell tagline, it has been used to refer to what he has experienced as if he had been run through the gates of hell. No direct reference per se to the city or the country. Again, it will still mean the same even if say Bangkok is quoted. It will still be in its figurative use.

Your opinions may differ from mine but I am glad to say that mine was made by keeping an analytic eye and mind rather than see things too literally and stir an unnecessary controversy. 

Downplayed by Mitch

             Again, it took me a while to write an entry for this sort of blog site of mine. When I decided to “blog”, I wanted to write at least one article or opinionated entry each month. But it proved to be quite difficult to do. You see, there are many topics that are worthy of opinions or write up. But only a few gives you the vibes to actually sit down and write.

            I am now writing. So for those who bother themselves to actually read this piece, you might have wondered what made me to sit and actually write. Well, it is actually a book. Yes, a book! It’s Mitch Albom’s “The Time Keeper”. I am fond of books but I elect to wait for the paper bound version before I buy one. And yes, I recently bought Albom’s book. So far, it is Mitch’s greatest book. It is so nicely written that I recommend it for everyone to read. 

            I will not offer a synopsis of the book as it will only serves as spoiler of which will cause an injustice to the author. If you want to know the whole story, go buy one. I assure you that you will not regret it.

            The central elements of Albom’s novel are success, failure, love, life, and time. These are so beautifully intermixed that it leaves the readers in awe and truly make them “reconsider their own notions of time”

            It is not simply a book but a source of inspiration. If you don’t feel encouraged enough in your current state of life, read the book and be moved by the valuable lessons efficiently downplayed by the book:

1. A single failure can make us feel like it’s the end of everything but “ends are for yesterdays, not tomorrows”. We must not give up easily because the very next moment maybe an answer to our prayer. To end life is like denying the most important part of the future – Hope.  

2. Life is not forever. Enjoy every emotion that life has to offer. God limits time so that we know how precious every moment is in our lives.

3. Live your life to the fullest of your ability. Keep calm and trust God’s plan.

Bravo, Mitch Albom! Well done! Can’t wait for your next book!

Graduate School: Journey and Faith

                I sort of missed this. Writing and expressing your thoughts. Writing without the margins of a recommended thesis format. No APA format. Hahaha. It has been a while since I last logged into my blogger account. It feels great to be back. It feels great to have finished what you have started.

                My graduate school journey has not been a smooth one. I have not consistently enrolled with a “full load” so I know I will not be able to finish in two years. Second Semester, AY 2011-12 should have been my earliest plausible day of finishing my graduate studies. But many things, to my dismay, affected my emotional stability, focus, and self confidence. I went into depressive states many times; not necessarily becoming psychologically incapacitated to be confined in a mental institution. But surely enough to derail me in my thesis. And even the dreaded Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever contributed to it.

           I  am very fortunate to have been surrounded by people who gave me the necessary push to continue and finish instead of just quitting. I am also thankful of having found in time a new sense of faith. Add to it a series of “Keep Calm” reminders.  It has become from a simple schooling to a mission. To show to the people who believes in me that I can do it. It was tough. It was nerve-racking.  Yet, I was able to make it.

To all my professors, classmates, and to my research adviser, I say thank you even if I know no form of thanks is never enough to show my appreciation. To family and loved ones, thank you.  I just love you all. And most importantly, to God be the Glory. Prayers are indeed powerful.

And the new.....

The date: June 9, 2012 (June 10, Philippine Time)

The protagonists: Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao

The event: 12 rounds of  WBO welterweight boxing championship

The Scenario: All 12 rounds consummated. The ring announcer announces the decision. Judge 1 for Pacman. Judge 2 for Bradley.

Another split for Manny? 

The Surprise: Judge 3 scored it for Bradley. The ring announcer then announced,"And the new WBO welterweight champion: Timothy Bradley."( Manny has been unbeaten in his last 15-fights)

The Aftermath: The whole nation is in shock! Majority of those in the MGM grand in Las Vegas are dumbfounded. Violent reactions abound.

In Detail:Judge Jerry Roth scored the bout 115-113 for Pacquiao, while C.J. Ross and Duane Ford both saw it 115-113 for Bradley.

Was it a rob-out? I beg to differ. Sorry. I root for Pacman but let's be objective. Let's see the fight in another perspective. It is not impossible for Bradley to win. He is a fighter of good caliber. Bradley is 28-0 coming into the fight with 11 wins inside the distance. 

A tenacious Bradley challenged Pacquiao tirelessly as he never backed down (as what other opponents of Pacman usually do). This may have been the factor of why the middle rounds swayed in favor of Bradley.

Expectations of the judges can be the culprit of this loss for Pacquiao. He has been somewhat settling for split and unanimous decisions for a while now. The knockouts of De La Hoya and Hatton now seem to be of distant past. And who would ever forget how Margarito and Erik Morales looked like after their fights with Pacquiao. "Bugbog Sarado". 

Pacquaio has too many commitments to be able stamp completely the fierce stature he had on those fights. Showbiz and politics may have marred his mental preparation for the  fight. 

Overconfidence may also have played a part. Having been established himself as the best pound for pound fighter in the world, it seems that Pacman have mellowed a bit in his previous fights. It is all up to the judges how they see it. Split or unanimous. "As long as I win" seems to be his motto lately. The judges expected more of Pacquaio being an 8-division champion. 

I am  sure Pacquaio will have a heck load of contemplating time thinking how to show the Filipinos and the boxing world his usual fight mood fierceness that brought fears to opponents and ultimately resulting into convincing wins.

There is more than just having a reputation. Expectations now abound. Pacman brought this upon to himself and it will require a lot of moving out of his comfort zone to fulfill expectations. 

Museo de McDo: Agoo's Symbol of Respect for Culture and Heritage

Just an opinion

The people of Agoo, La Union is demolishing their museum and library in exchange for a McDonald's branch. Alas! A new word is coined "museo de mcdo."

Someone from Agoo begs to differ in a quite incomprehensible reasoning:

(taken from http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1435799&page=7)

posted by:hugodiekonig

hey guys, here's a "statement" from a profile/user named Bibong Agooenio from the Proud Agooenios group in Facebook re the Museo de McDo in Agoo. im curious to hear your take on this issue:

Quote:

Gud morning guyz! I have read your recent posts. It seems that there is a rebuttal. For the benefit of the doubt, I wish to clarify things out in the so-called "Museo de McDo." This seems the hottest issue in our group. I conducted my own research, investigated the concerned individuals and agencies and came up with a convincing result. 

TRANSFORMING "SLEEPING" ASSET INTO A MORE USEFUL ENTERPRISE

Our local leaders noticed that there are government-owned assets in Agoo that has been of no use and not fully operational. One of it is the Museo De Iloko. So, the local government unit requested the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) to grant them the authority to manage and operate the said structure to make it useful and functional.

Three (3) years ago, the PTA has bestowed the management and operation of the Museo de Iloko to the Municipal Government of Agoo. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed for said purpose. 

The PTA and the Municipality of Agoo spend more or less than half million every year in the maintenance, operating cost, taxes, salaries and other expenses of the Museo De Iloko. The PTA and local authorities noted that they are spending much without any gain/income. So, the two agencies decided to come up with something worthy to invest in the said edifice. 

That’s actually the story. This would suffice your question “WHY AT MUSEO?”

With sense of deep patriotism and gratitude to our rich cultural heritage, I also worried over the museum’s artifacts. On where to store it. Accordingly, it will remain properly kept in the second floor. It still functions as a museum. Only the first floor will be utilized. Well, that’s good! A picture of antiquated foundation over the modern time.

But where to put the GOLDEN GUY standing in front of the museum? “Crispin… Basilio… SAAN AKO TATAYO?”

Well, Dr. Jose Rizal is already erected in front of the Municipal Hall Building. No one can disturb him now in his blissful state. 

Thanks everyone and join me to see the clown RONALD soon!

My opinion: 

Let's take a look at the pictured McDonald's in the tarpaulin. As I understand, it is the one intended to be erected on the lot.

Take a look at it closely. It does not seem to point out a second floor as a museum. It looks like an entirely new McDonald edifice will be on hand soon. Saang banda na museum ang second floor? (Where the heck is the museum on the second floor?) 

And if McDonald's will just occupy the ground floor, should it only take an obscure position and let the museum be highlighted? I think the local tourism authorities are mistaken on their take on what is patriotism and heritage preservation. Also, it is a disgrace and grave abuse of the "adaptive re-use" concept employed at Calle Crisologo in Ilocos and at Intramuros in Manila.

This intended "tie-up" or "agreement" or "purchase" with McDonald's is disrespectful of our culture and seems to be higly intended only for profit/income for the local government more than anything else.

Think before you click

"Think before you click."

This is GMA Network's famous tagline for their social networking responsibility campaign. Now, it can also be used for having a proper picture taking etiquette. Senseless ignorant "cam whores" should consciously and actively put this in mind everytime they want a photo taken of themselves in some pose or anything.

I did not see anything wrong with the "planking" idea. However, i do agree that in "planking", there's a "do it at your own risk" catchphrase. So it is necessary to not over-exaggerate any "planking" concepts. I did "plank" in some pictures. But I never done it atop a building or a construction site. The most dangerous I had is in Bohol, in the road surrounded by tall mahogany trees, the so-called "Mahogany Man Made Forest". Well, it is not that dangerous since there is not much vehicles passing by at that particular time. But then again, I did it "at my own risk." An aunt even had a exasperated reaction upon seeing the picture. If it was a busy road, I would have not done it.

Enough of being particularly defensive of my planking in Bohol! Hahaha.... It's time now to have a serious opinion on the "cam clicking" addiction of some people.

The "cam clicking" addiction of some people recently had gone literally crazy, "moret", "baliw". Sira-ulo. Brains suddenly malfunctioned.

Case 1: "Click" atop a whale shark (butanding)

I do not know what was in this girl's thoughts. Stepping atop a whale shark? Yes, it's more fun in the Philippines. Nothing wrong with having fun. But this is a bit overboard. Crazy indeed!

The whale shark is a living thing. It is not mere plywood or scrap floating in the sea.

I am amazed at how the guides "assisted" the girl to have the deed done. Bravo! The girl was not hurt! Gentleman sina manong!

I do not know what actions the authorities had undertaken to avoid having this incident happen again. Hmmm....Come to think of it...May ginawa ba sila? Did they do anything? The girl and the guides already asked for forgiveness. Good! Then what? Forgive and forget? The end? All that hype for nothing?

Case 2: "Click" on a cross

Well, this is a particularly insulting concept of having fun. Authorities should do something to avoid these acts from happening again. Holy week is not merely a yearly themed celebration for the country. It is our way of remembering the sufferings of Jesus Christ for mankind's salvation.

Be thankful and pay respect. Holy week festivities are not merely for photo opportunities. Look at the pictures. These are shameful acts showcasing disrespect and complete disregard of the very essence of Catholicism and Christianity - Jesus Christ. His sufferings are not absurd acts. No one has the right to create a mockery out of Him.

So it will be a very righteous act that you THINK before you CLICK on that camera of yours! Pictures you take can reflect who you are. Would you like to be treated like a living surfboard? Or would you like someone special to you be treated absurdly?

THINK before you CLICK .

Concerns about the Impeachment

Disclaimer: I am only a concerned citizen stating my opinion. I DO NOT claim expertise or whatsoever with what has been presented and heard in the impeachment trial. All is done – or shall I say written - in good faith.

Verdict: Acquittal.

This is the likely scenario the Filipino people will witness at the end of the impeachment trial. This is NOT a bold prediction. I am NOT also saying the SC CJ is in fact not guilty as charged. He MAY be guilty but the burden of proof is proving to be too much of a cudgel for the prosecution to carry.

Why do I think so?

So far, the prosecution has been only showing the public a mere fishing expedition. This is all because of ill-prepared articles of impeachment. If one has been listening to the news about the arguments presented and put some time analyzing things, it can be safely said that the trial is not just going to technicalities but rather exposing the lack of specificity of the charges. Too vague, too broad. Structure-wise in the choice of words, there is no clear pinpointed charge.

Article II charges SC CJ Corona of supposedly culpabable violation of the constitution and/or betrayal of public trust because of non disclosure of his SALN (Statement of assets, liabilities, and Net Worth) but this has been subject to debate on the first days it was presented. Why? Because as per the words, there is no clear specific citing that would tie up the CJ to those stated into the law as violation of the constitution – treason, graft and corruption, other high crimes. What is only a bit clear is that the CJ MAY have committed perjury. But can it be considered as a high crime so as to have it as an impeachable offense? The prosecution can tie up perjury to graft and corruption but can they show convincingly that sources of CJ’s money is from corruption? Did he use public funds? No solid proof has ever been presented. The constitution also offers no clear definition of betrayal of public trust. How about the ill gotten wealth? Maybe a good angle but this can no longer be pursued by the prosecution. Why? This is all because of an ill-prepared complaint showcasing too vague, too broad, disorganized, unstructured statements of charges. (So much so that this angle was seen as merely based on suspicion rather than on facts.)

The present administration SEEMS to be too much in a hurry of running after the former president and her so-called “allies”. Too bad for the public, the impeachment trial is SEEMINGLY being reduced to a practice court, wasting away the public’s time and money. I do have enough common sense to understand that the impeachment complaint lacks structure and organization as to its format and verification. IF CJ Corona is indeed guilty, he may likely get away because the prosecution has been disorganized - in the construction and verification of the complaint and so far, in the presentation of arguments and facts. What is clear to me is that the only significant good thing that will come out of this trial is the clarification of the law because of the many legal memorandum being asked to be submitted. Others worth mentioning: witnessing the senator-jurors’ impartiality and being introduced to the pretty and witty spokesperson for the defense Atty. Karen Jimeno. Not too bad afterall, isn’t it? To end, I am making it clear that I DO NOT claim to be an expert in law. I am not a lawyer. I am just a concerned citizen. I am NOT taking sides. It is not bad to search for the truth but would it be easier if it is done in an organized manner?

PPUR: New 7 Wonders of Nature, “Fun” in the Philippines

Perhaps, one of the best news that hit the country by storm is the official declaration of the Puerto Princesa Underground River into the list of the New7Wonders of Nature. Yes, it may be true that this can be the direct result of the presence of Filipinos in almost all imaginable locations around the world. But let us look into this in a more positive way. PPUR truly deserves to be included in the list. A simple and uncomplicated person can show its appreciation of its beauty and marvel at its charm. It also reflects the unity among all Filipinos, backing up undeniably one of their country’s prime wonders. This also stresses a point, that protecting and preserving nature’s beauty is not impossible. If it can be done in Palawan with the PPUR, why not in other places? This raises awareness that environmental protection paints a better image of a country and its people. Protecting the environment means paying respect to the things created for man by God.

If all of Philippines’ beauties of nature would be preserved and protected like the PPUR, we can truly say “It’s more fun in the Philippines!” Much hype was generated by this tourism slogan. It had gone viral almost immediately after it was launched. But amidst the spoof, we should not make fun of the country’s woes and problems showcasing it as being “fun” in the Philippines. Urinating in walls? Floods? Humour is good but when it is not necessarily needed in such a campaign intended to showcase the good side of the Philippines. Let us promote the good sides of the Philippines and help turn the bad ones into good. Let us do our share. I hope this campaign ad’s hype will not just be superficial. I hope it can be sustained and yield positive results. (Who knows? Even surpassing the feat of Wow Philippines?!) Good luck!

Side Comments Galore: SC CJ Corona impeached by the House and Midas’ “Soft” Golden Touch (Yes, I know…. this is still a quite overdue comment)

I am not a “balimbing” person or one that takes sides on issues of the country. I am also not an “expert” in law. But my common sense dictates that the impeachment complaint filed against SC Corona had been railroaded. The complaint was drafted in an apparently record time and more so the verification process. 188 congressmen signed in without really reading the complaint as per the nature and structuring of words. Well, I must admit my analogy can be an exaggeration of sorts. But isn’t it that the impeachment complaint approved and signed by 188 congressmen too fast? In a too short span of time? Can they read that many pages in that span of time? Well, this only shows the too tiring redundant cycle of politics in the Philippines – the past versus the present administration. There is nothing wrong with having the CJ answer for his wrongs if proven guilty. But isn’t it more righteous and more adhering to “daang matuwid” if it is done the proper way?

Okay now! I go to the lighter side of issues in the country or should I say “softer” side?! This is in reaction to the “microphone bluffing” incident of Supreme Court Spokesperson Midas Marquez in front of local and international media which had inadvertently labelled him as “gay”. Let us believe him. He already explained that it happened for he wanted to make the moment light and more at ease. On the other hand, there is nothing really wrong if he is indeed gay. So what’s wrong with that? I don’t see anything wrong with having a family man, lawyer and SC spokesperson being gay. I am not saying SC Spokesperson Marquez is gay nor I am a gay rights advocate. All I am saying that we should throw away discriminating and stereotyping attitude on our dealings with people. This is one of things that are hampering us from improving as a nation. Let us accept people for who they are. Work with them. Accept their ways as long as it is not in bad faith. On second thought, lawyers should be “hard” and real males! Ha! Ha! Seriously, discrimination and stereotyping is not helpful in the nation’s productivity in general.

Overdue Sentiment on the SC TRO

Well, i do not know what's bugging me lately. I am not even sure what is making me feel bothered. I am not in my usual self for sometime now. Maybe, there are some things in my life are not just what I wanted them to be. Okay, enough of this being too emotional. I am returning for a "record" hiatus in blogging. Most of the time, lately, I am not in the mood or of "sound mind" to write and react about things. It takes concentration and inspiration to write. Yes, even on topics concerning the country! Otherwise, what you write may seemingly be worthless, lifeless, and nonconstructive. Oh what the heck, just write! Well, the topic I am writing on right now is quite overdue. But as a Filipino citizen, I am compelled to write on what I think about it. So here goes…

Issue at Hand: SC decision on letting GMA leave the country

Probably, the most famous term enshrined into everyone’s mind during the last two months of the year 2011 is “constitutional crisis”. The term was the product of former president GMA’s (Gloria Macapagal Arroyo) “botched” attempt to leave the country in a seemingly “urgent” fashion last November 15, 2011. This attempt to leave the country eventually created headlines of defiance almost immediately. (“Despite SC TRO, govt stops Arroyo from leaving PHL”) In an instant, the seemingly “benign” clash between two separate, co-equal branches of government – the legislative and the judiciary - rose to great heights.

I am not the one who you may say “intellectually inclined” with matters dealing with the law. But every Filipino with enough common sense to analyze things can conclude that the Supreme Court’s decision is indeed flawed. First, the SC issued the TRO beyond or near the end of office hours which gives the DOJ no or very little time to react.

Second, there are conditions that are needed to be met first for the TRO be effective. One of the conditions was not met - the appointment of a legal representative. (“ The petitioners shall appoint a legal representative common to both of them who will receive subpoena, orders and other legal processes on their behalf during their absence. The petitioners shall submit the name of the legal representative, also within five (5) days from notice hereof.”) On November 18, 2011, the SC by a vote of 7-6, found there was no sufficient compliance with the second condition of TRO. But the SC overruled its own set of conditions via a vote of 7-6 ruling that the TRO was not suspended pending compliance with the second condition.

Lastly, the dissenting opinions seemingly have more sense to the truth. GMA claims that she is ailed by a life threatening disease. Probably, the most compelling one is that of Justice Sereno. But I will only quote the honorable justice on some basic arguments. On her dissenting opinion, Sereno argued that “(GMA’s) own attachments belie the immediate threat to life she claims as one of. First, her own attending physician, Dr. Juliet Gopez-Cervantes, certified that petitioner should fully recover from her spine surgery in six to eight months, barring any complications.” In this sense, her condition will eventually get better (“fully” recover) and therefore is not life threatening. Also, in her itinerary, there are questionable countries of destination. As Justice Sereno pointed out: “If there is indeed some medical urgency and necessity for petitioner to travel abroad, these should logically be limited only to locations where she seeks medical advice from known experts in the field. Why then should there be other countries of destinations that are included in her travel authority but not specifically mentioned for purposes of medical consultations? What is the non-medical purpose of her visit to these other countries?” More surprisingly, GMA had intentions to participate in two conferences abroad during her medical tour. Will the conferences cure her of the said “life threatening” disease?

It is obvious in this case that GMA is in a hurry to leave the country for no apparent or clear reason – even her condition being life threatening is not clear enough! Her seemingly “staged act” to leave the country in a “dramatic” entrance to the airport does not have a convincing “telenovela” effect to win the sympathy of the Filipino people. I am not saying that she is guilty of the charges against her. But why leave the country in such a hurry? Face your charges. If you are not guilty of these charges, prove them in court. Be brave as you are when you were leading the country even if you were haunted by issues of legitimacy.