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 .