TELENOVELA 2012: EVENTS THAT ROCKED THE PHILIPPINES

A trial, a standoff, and the occasional brawl, complete with sinners and saints, as well as kings and queens. These are the right ingredients which made up the soap opera that unfolded before our nation's eyes for the past twelve months. It is a telenovela like no other, even unparalleled by this year's Walang Hanggan. Take my hand and walk with me along memory lane to delve in twelve events that rocked the Philippines this 2012.

12. Sottocopy: The Tito Sotto Plagiarism Case

Let’s begin this telenovela with the comic relief. And boy, this first newsmaker really knows how to pull the right strings to make us laugh. He managed to make himself look hilarious, not just once but—twice! In November, not only did Senator Vicente Sotto III copy his earlier privilege speech against the Reproductive Health Bill from US bloggers, he also plagiarized his second privilege speech from former US Senator Robert Kennedy and tried pass it off as original by translating it to Filipino. To add insult to his injury, netizens let loose a barrage of bad publicity and mocking memes against him.

11. The Battle of NAIA: Claudine and Raymart Santiago vs. The Tulfo Brothers

Any telenovela ain’t cool without the occasional brawl, complete with the damsel in distress, her dashing defender, and the cocky aggressor together with his oh-so-cocky posse. But in May this year, we can’t distinguish who is the antagonist and not in the airport fist fight between Claudine Barreto and Raymart Santiago against Philippine Daily Inquirer Ramon Tulfo. But who cares? We all enjoyed fifteen minutes of raw action enough to give Manny Pacquiao a run for his money.

10. Even the Best Fall Down: The End for Pacquiao?

A hero who gets beaten up once in a while? A telenovela classic! Manny Pacquiao made us cringe twice this year: first, during his controversial split decision loss against Timothy Bradley in June; and second, during his epic downfall during his fourth bout with Juan Manuel Marquez this December. Whether this is the end of the line for his boxing career, only Pacquiao can tell. Nevertheless, a hero should always have a graceful exit when he reaches the end of the line.

9. Sainthood: The Blessed Pedro Calungsod Story

A touch of the divine is quintessential to a classic Pinoy telenovela (e.g. Aso ni San Roque, 100 Days to Heaven, or May Bukas Pa). Hence, when the Catholic Church decided to anoint Blessed Pedro Calungsod as the Philippines’ second saint in October, we all felt a certain proximity to the divine once more. For the second time, the country has a new patron to devote to—a new representative in heaven to intercede for us in the face of God.

8. Comedy King: A Nation Mourns Dolphy’s Death

Another melodramatic scene our nation’s telenovela won’t be without is that of a well-loved family man (sometimes woman) lying close to death in a hospital bed. In July this year, the nation lost another icon who was well-loved for his witty and unparalleled way of making us laugh. Dolphy Quizon’s death left a void in our hearts he once filled with his slapstick kind of comedy and true-to-life portrayal of characters we can all relate to in our ordinary lives.

7. The Anti-Cybercrime Law Fiasco

Telenovelas never run out of rebels like Pirena in Encantadia or Andrea in Dahil sa Pag-ibig. So when the Philippine Congress decided to pass the Philippine Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Internet rebels went berserk unleashing a stream of memes, tweets, status updates, and denial-of-service attacks expressing their disapproval of the said measure which is feared by netizens as the first step in curtailing Internet freedom.

6. Peace in Our Time: The Bangsamoro Framework Agreement

Sure enough, a telenovela always has a part where two opposing characters make peace with each other. In October, the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, two forces that have been at war for more than a decade finally made peace and agreed to draft a framework for the creation of an autonomous Islamic region in Mindanao to replace the ARMM. The historic pact is expected to bring an end to decades-old violence that have displaced and killed thousands.

5. The Purple Revolution: Victory for the Reproductive Health Bill

Legal drama isn’t exactly the cup of tea of Filipino viewers but ever since ex-President Joseph Estrada’s impeachment trial in 2001, we Filipinos have enjoyed watching proceedings in both houses of Congress. Hence, with the proliferation of 24-hour news channels, congressional hearings have turned into soap operas Filipinos have been glued into. Hence, we followed the debates both in and out of Congress regarding the controversial Reproductive Health Bill. Never in our history has such a bill divided our nation so much to the point of excommunication and intimidation. But this month, after President Aquino marked the bill as urgent, the RH Bill quickly and smoothly passed in both houses and in the bicameral committee, with only a signature pending before it becomes a law that would benefit millions of women and families nationwide.

4. Nature’s Wrath: Cataclysms of 2012

A timely rain scene or tempest will always be present in any telenovela, even so in a country which experiences at least 20 typhoons in a year. This year, history repeated itself when days of torrential rain brought Metro Manila to a halt back in August and when Typhoon Pablo (Bopha) ravaged the island of Mindanao almost a year after Typhoon Sendong (Washi) devastated the same region. The ground shifted and shook some parts of the archipelago as well. In February, Negros Oriental was hit by a rare 6.8 magnitude earthquake that destroyed its rustic churches and other structures. In September, panic gripped the islanders of Samar, Dinagat Islands, and Siargao when a 7.6 magnitude tremor prompted an evacuation due to fears of a tsunami hitting the region. Nevertheless, the innate resilience of Filipinos in every natural calamity still remains, enabling them to stand up once more after flood and rain.

3. Jesse Robredo: An Exemplar in Leadership

Tragedy is an important element in every telenovela’s denouement. What makes the tragedy even more tragic is when it involves a character looked upon by many, beloved by his family and peers, and known to all for his incorruptible spirit amidst the corruption around him. This was the story of late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, who the Filipino nation lost in August after his plane crashed off the coast of Masbate. This was the first time since the death of late President Ramon Magsaysay that we witnessed how one highly-regarded man was loved and idolized by so many ordinary people after his death.

2. Standoff at Panatag Shoal

A hostage drama of epic proportions is what we witnessed in April when naval forces from the People’s Republic of China tried to hostage our own territory of Panatag Shoal. But unlike in the past when our Navy has allowed the Chinese to hostage our own land and people within our own waters, we stood our ground this time. We spoke softly and stared our enemy in the eye without moving a muscle in a show of defiance against China’s encroachment in the West Philippine Sea. And when the tension diffused, we gracefully walked away from the standoff with hearts still adamant in claiming what is rightfully ours.

1. Our Finest Hour: The Impeachment Trial of Renato Corona

The Philippines’ finest hour began at the start of the year when the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona opened in the Senate. For four months, four days in a week, our afternoons were preoccupied by our religious following of the trial of the year. It was the perfect climax to the nation’s telenovela with the lead antagonist breaking down on live TV and sauteing himself in his own grease. We applauded the Senators who voted in favor of conviction, frowned at the four who voted against, and chuckled at some of the hilarious speeches and antics from both the lawyers and legislator-judges. In the end, our representatives made a historic decision that would go down in the annals of democracy. For the first time, a nation was able to remove a person out of the pedestal he no longer deserved and served well without taking to the streets. Indeed, our society has grown mature with this exercise in democracy.

As the year comes to a close, the telenovela won’t. It shall enter a new chapter, a new phase, and it won’t miss the same ingredients that made the episodes of 2012 worth watching for. No matter what characters appear, regardless of the twists and surprises in the plot, let us not forget the values and lessons we are supposed learn from this perpetual circle of life.

As 2013 draws near, may we continue to grow as a nation—both in mind, heart, and spirit—while holding on to the very values that make us all a nation of Filipinos. TSS

A TALE OF TWO LEFTISTS

It’s very rare that we get a glimpse of what life in the left is. After all, the left has been a difficult position to assume in a country where the political spectrum is typically to the right, if not center. But with the inception of the party-list system in Congress, the left slowly became a comfortable and more acceptable position in politics. Little do we know how segmented such a front is and only a few from outside their circle really knew the divisions that lurk within their ranks. Such divide grew ever more evident last Friday, during Anthony Taberna’s Punto por Punto segment in ABS-CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda, where Akbayan Representative Walden Bello and Anakbayan Chairperson Vencer Crisostomo were guests.

The segment focused on the issue of whether the COMELEC should disqualify Akbayan as a party-list group. Perhaps ignited by the dramatic split between the National Democrats and Social Democrats in the `90s, Vencer Crisostomo just went on a temper tantrum. He didn't give a damn that he was on national television sitting beside a respected UP professor and accomplished writer of social critiques. He argued that Akbayan must be disqualified as it no longer represented the marginalized due to the position of power they now have as allies of the current administration. He even went to commit a number of argumentum ad hominems such as lambasting Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Ronald Llamas for his AK-47 and Pirated DVD Shopping Spree incident. As if one rotten tomato would make the whole basket of tomatoes rotten as well.

To his party's defense, Congressman Bello touted Akbayan's achievements in pursuing the agenda of the marginalized especially in passed bills such as the CARPER Law, Security of Tenure Act, Balanced Housing Act, and the Reproductive Health Bill. He stated in a matter-of-factly way that Anakbayan and its allies in the Makabayan Coalition in Congress are merely envious of Akbayan's success in floating the concerns of the marginalized to the surface. To which Vencer Crisostomo hurled another ad hominem, saying that the member of Akbayan are suck ups to the government.

The exchange of tirades left disappointing impressions on me and perhaps to the rest of the viewing public about what kind of leftist politicians we have. But perhaps, the most disappointing impression was that of the extreme left, the National Democrats or Makabayan Coalition's dirty and sly tactics of besmirching a reputable party's name. To think that they even call themselves progressives. Crisostomo's actions does not constitute progressive thought at all but rather an outright black propaganda to discredit a leftist faction they have long branded as "cowards" and "traitors" to their revolutionary, communist agenda. By calling Akbayan a suck up, Crisostomo should look into his own party first when it sucked up to a wealthy businessman/presidential candidate in 2010 (who was by the way, also allied with now Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) in hopes of winning a seat in the Senate.

With these two leftist parties at odds over party-list dominance,
what impression does it leave us about the Left?

To put themselves in a position where we could better represent the marginalized: isn't this what any party-list group should do in the first place? By finding the right allies in Congress and in government, Akbayan has succeeded in putting the agenda of the marginalized on the table and not on the streets. By having access to a wealth of state funds, Akbayan is in a better position to provide the marginalized with the social services and basic rights previously denied to them. By being in government, Akbayan is in a strategic position to uphold and defend the rights of the marginalized, even if it means disagreeing with the Aquino Administration on certain issues. This is something the Makabayan Coalition cannot and will not do. Or a least, they tried to do in 2010 but only to lose to Akbayan. It must have been too ironic for them that they still feel the angst and the bitterness which now let loose on live television.

Had Crisostomo focused on finding loopholes in Akbayan's track record of governance and social service, he would've impressed the audience more positively. What he seemed to have only pleased were his fellow party members who were quick to rubber stamp his statements in social media by resorting to apologetics. As if it would compensate for the ad hominems he committed.

Which brings me to question their ranks: Where were they during the height of China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea? Where were they during national calamities, when thousands were in deplorable conditions brought about by recent typhoons? Where were they when we needed a voice in support of the Reproductive Health Bill and Freedom of Information Bill? Where were they when we needed a balanced, issue-based approach in protesting the Cybercrime Prevention Law?

Have they even thought of sponsoring a housing project for the thousands of informer settlers whom they love to cuddle with during heated demolitions around the Metro? Have they even thought of working with any government to advance the position of the poor masses they represent? No. They will never think of it. For the extreme left, their dreams of a grand communist revolution is still so brazen they'll will stop at nothing to convince any feeble-minded person that such violent revolution is what we need to change things. That a democratic approach is a sham and an illusion dominated by elitists.

And now that somebody from the left has actually proven that a democratic approach works, they cry foul. This cry, folks, is the sound of jealousy running high in the veins of the extreme left. TSS

BEYOND CHEERDANCE: AN ANALYSIS

2012 UAAP Cheerdance Champions, UP Pep Squad 
(Photo by GMA News)

I am very much clueless as to why I watched the 2012 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition today. All I know is that my blogger friend, Clarrise E., wanted to see the event but was prevented by her nursing duties from doing so. Hence, I decided to “live text” the competition to her (Yes, my version of “live blog” for those who don’t have WiFi access on their mobile devices) as I monitored events on TV.

I am a graduate of the Philippine Normal University, and even when I was in college, all these collegiate basketball thing didn’t get impressed on me even if my alma mater was a member of the SCUAA and has its own long-standing tradition of cheerdancing through its PNU Cheering Team (led by the eternal Dr. Minerva Atanacio). But my, oh my, I found myself glued to the performances and having a great time. Perhaps, my tendency to find meaning in everything and anything was incited once more, and had me staying tuned and analyzing each performance with clockwork precision.

It had started when I opened the tivo and I’ve missed the performance of Adamson University and De La Salle University. UAAP host school, National University, was performing a routine that resembled “Be Our Guest” from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” complete with tin drummer boy costumes and makeshift drums. It was like watching Cirque du Soleil when they were still amateurs. The complex stunts, while executed with ease weren’t delivered with much finesse.

Next performer, Far Eastern University, did a better job of making an impression with its Tamaraw-inspired costumes which changed throughout the performance. A Tamaraw emblazoned on their chests was revealed after the performers removed their top. With complex stunts and gracefully executed moves, they managed to steal the show. They topped the routine with an act resembling “Circle of Life” from Disney’s “Liong King”, with dancers donning tamaraw head hats on top of human pride rocks instead of Mufasa.

What University of the East hasn’t learned from previous UAAP Cheerdances is that you shouldn’t copy the defending champion’s signature look from the previous year. Resembling UP Pep Squad’s radical look in 2011, the UE Pep Squad bleached their hair and wore ridiculous capes (Edna Mode from Disney’s “The Incredibles”: “No capes!"). They topped the ridiculous look with a mess of stunts and erratic execution.

A lot expected UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe to give UP Pep Squad a run for its money. But with a mardi gras-inspired performance which desperately mimicked the film “Rio” and an obviously darkened cheerdancer-come-samba queen, combined with execution flaws and stunt errors, the performance went bursting its seams. Such was the disappointment for UST that it even went trending on Twitter out of people’s utter disbelief for failure to deliver.

Ateneo de Manila University’s Blue Babble Battalion saved everyone from the boredom with a refreshing performance evoking 80s rock and 90s anime themes. Who would’ve thought that the opening theme from “Maskman” (“Humanda na kayo / kampon ng kadiliman / oras na ng pagtutuos…”) would be a cool cheerdance beat? The execution was near flawless and the transitions smooth and sauve. Closing the performance, they formed a huge Voltes V robot made from cardboard boxes. It was generational—making viewers from both the 80s and the 90s, as well as contemporary fans, relate to their performance.

And then it was time for defending champion, UP Pep Squad, to prove once more why they are indeed the Cheerdance Competition champions for two years in a row. Had it not been for a spoiler on Twitter, I would’ve been totally shocked at the sight of performers with shaved heads. But damn, it still had me in disbelief! It was just radical, with the theme music invoking images of Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” and “Batman” trilogy. The performance was “UP” there with signature UP colors and moves (the “Oblation” pose) all delivered with seamless coordination and delicate precision. This was the epitome of finesse that I was looking for since I started watching and had escaped my consciousness for the past two years. By the end of the performance, I was strongly in favor of them winning, with ADMU and FEU as my 1^st and 2^nd runner up bets.

And “8” happened! To the judges and the viewing masses, there was no doubt that UP deserved the 3-peat champion that was awarded to them and broke UST’s 8-win record. There was also no doubt as to FEU’s 1^st place win, while NU’s 2^nd place award had everyone in shock and crying foul over claims of lutong Macau and Henry Sy magic. After all, NU is owned by the illustrious mall magnate and FEU alumnus. I would’ve joined Pinoy Twitterverse in decrying the results and lobbied for ADMU, but realizing that their performance was all too familiar to the crowd, I was pretty much convinced of the outcome. After all, themes are not just the criteria of the competition.

FEU Cheering Team, 1st Runner UP in the 2012 UAAP Cheerdance Competition
(Photo by The Romeo-Garcia via Twitter)

What made UP and FEU worthy of the accolades is their flawless expression of school identity and pride. FEU showcased the Tamaraw and its strong physique and brash temperament as part of their attire and moves, which symbolized the school and its members’ audacity and determination to achieve their academic goals as an institution. UP highlighted and emphasized its tradition of academic freedom as well as the values upheld by its members (i.e. gender equality). Hence, the shaved heads and the passionate, radical, yet free-flowing routines and stunts that made them truly deserving of UAAP Cheerdance Competition’s highest honors.

Congratulations to all the participating teams of the 2012 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition and most especially to the winners: National University, Far Eastern University, and the University of the Philippines!

DETERRENCE

The US might have given us just the right defence in one of our most crucial moments.

USS North Carolina | Photo by Wikipedia.

Meet the USS North Carolina: a 7,800-ton Virginia-class nuclear submarine, one of the US Navy’s most advanced subs to date. Powered by an S9G reactor, it can stay underwater for months without refuelling, and is equipped with 12 BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of nuclear payload. This makes the sub one of the most lethal first strike weapons in case of war.

Everyone was surprised, even Palace officials, by North Carolina’s visit to Subic earlier this week. While the US Embassy claimed that it did request Malacañan for clearance to berth in Subic, DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario and Presidential Spokesperson Ricardo Carandang denied ever receiving such request. The visit was a complete surprise that even Leftist activist were able to prepare protests ahead of time, and only managed a small lightning rally at the gates of SBMA.

The sub’s visit comes as routine supply replenishment and R&R (rest and recreation), says the US Embassy. But the way I see it, while it could’ve have arrived at some other date, it arrived at a better time just when our Navy and China’s forces have been locking horns at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. China knows that an ill-equipped Philippine Armed Forces could be easily bullied into relinquishing its claims over the said rocks. What they haven’t anticipated is the government’s determined stance to hold on to its possessions: from sending the BRP Gregorio del Pilar to arrest Chinese fishermen, to sending a diplomatic mission to the United States invoke its assistance and compliance with the Mutual Defense Treaty. While the US categorically stated it’s not going to be involved to avoid escalating tensions, we all know its just wordplay. Behind its apparent reluctance to assist us directly, the US has approved the transfer of another Hamilton-class cutter to the Philippine Navy, and offered to sell a squadron of F-16s to our Air Force. The arrival of the North Carolina is so far the best move in this game of chess its trying to play. No one knows how the US is going to keep this move. All we know is once the North Carolina leaves, it is set to be replaced by USS Texas another sub from the same class.

It may not be getting itself directly in harm’s way but the United States is clearly sending China a message here. The Philippines will always be a strategic political and economic ally of the US in Asia, and it will protect its interests in this corner of the world. The US may not be engaging the enemy for us, or giving us the guns to do so, but it did provide the best deterrent we badly need in order to check China’s hegemonic advance throughout the West Philippine Sea.

Is the US playing chess with China for Panatag Shoal? | Photo courtesy of Flickr

This move, while definitely effective at being the “Big Stick” against China, won’t definitely ease the tension or even force China to bring this issue to the International Tribunal on the Laws of the Sea (ITLOS). It will keep China at bay, but won’t stop it from dictating the course of this struggle or from harassing the Philippines economically and politically. It will merely reiterate the Philippines dependence on US military hardware for its external defense. A variety of strategic actions should be done by the government and by the US in order change the status quo in this critical issue, and turn the tide in favor of the Philippines.

First on the list is increasing its military capability, especially in terms of naval and air power. The Defence Department has made it clear its working on the issue. Recently, it signed a 5-year contract with Italy for the purchase of military hardware (and possibly Italian-made Maestrale or Lupo class frigates) and is eyeing the purchase of state-of-the-art fighter jets from a still unnamed “progressive” country.

But as military capability takes a long time to build, the government has to resort to other tactics that would really hurt China badly and enough to send the message that it shouldn’t mess with us. Aside from finally submitting the issue for arbitration at the ITLOS, the government should devise ways to cripple China’s economy by giving it a dose of its own medicine. They’ve hurt our bananas and tourism industry. We must hit back by blocking its relevant exports to our country as well. Whatever those are, it’s the DTI and Custom’s job to determine. In other hand, there are political approaches available as well, if economic ones don’t work. The government should start considering recognition of Tibetan or Uighur independence, or even Taiwanese independence (the same thing Japan did when it locked horns with China over the Senkaku islands just this month). Another could be a calculated crackdown on everything Chinese and illegal in this country, from shabu makers to illegal aliens. Let’s piss China off with similar acts, only clean and legal.

And so as the North Carolina could be our better deterrent against China right now, this chess game is still between China and us. If we don’t devise our own deterrent moves in time, this country of 1 billion pricks and assholes will just keep on driving the course of this game, until we reach the point of checkmate. And when that day comes, it’s not American ass whose going to get the beating – it your, and your children’s ass who’ll get it. Filipinos unite! Act now before it’s too late! TSS

LUTONG PACQUIAO?

UNFINISHED BUSINESS? The latest Pacquaio win is controversial.
Photo courtesty of  Chris Farina

With the results of the latest Marquez-Pacquaio fight out, we expected that this "Unfinished Business" would be put to rest. But as the judges gave a decision which favored Pacquaio, looks like Marquez will still have something to complain about in the next coming months. Even Filipinos are convinced that while Manny won Sunday's bout, it wasn't the best fight he'd given throughout his career. Some are even convinced that Marquez won being the more aggressive of the two. Reports are out that Bob Arum fixed the match for various reasons which will no longer be mentioned.

The majority decision given by judges Dave Moretti, Robert Hoyle and Glenn Trowbridge are as follows: 115-113 | 114-114 | 116-112 respectively (in favor of Pacquaio). Also, the stats from the bout's Compubox shows that Pacquiao landed more jabs (59-38), and more power punches (117-100), compared to Marquez. Pacquiao landed a total of 176 punches compared to Marquez's 138. There should be no doubt that Manny won this fight fair and square even if he wasn't able to knockout Marquez.

And yet, Filipinos are still unconvinced. They see the latest Pacquaio win as a Pyrrhic victory. After all, we are so used to Manny being able to knockout his opponents in the early rounds of each fight. But we got to give Manny and the judges the benefit of the doubt. Considering his age, and the preparation of his opponents, let alone the determination of Marquez to win, Manny would really have a hard time knocking him out. Whether he knocked him out or beat him in the scorecards, one fact remains, Manny fought hard to win this fight. Isn't that what boxing is all about?

Nevertheless, while Pacquiao won this fight fair and square, the era of Manny Pacquaio performing in the way he performed in his earlier years is almost to an end. Definitely, it will be harder for him to knockout his opponents in his coming fights considering his age and the wear and tear to his body. There is another fight left for him to finish, which I think would be more exciting to watch. And that is if he could deliver on his promise to win the fight against poverty. I'd be more prouder if he does that. TSS 

THE NEW PECKING ORDER IN EDUCATION

I went to a university in Cavite today to accompany a cousin in getting entrance exam results. In the queue leading to the enrollment fees counters, I saw at least two Koreans (from what I've overheard in their conversations, yes they are Koreans), one is a teenage boy and his mom, the other a teenage girl with a her mom and a Filipina interpreter. Seeing them forced flashbacks into four months ago last year, when I was still teaching at an international school in Manila. Two-thirds of the school is composed of foreign nationals, half of which are Koreans.

That flashback soon moved fast-forward to last week when I was in a prestigious college in Manila known for its specialization in technological education. On a poster on the wall of the security office, the repackaged goals of the college are spelled out in acrostics. One of the new goals is to attract foreign students in the school.

No doubt, these schools are a few of the best in this country. They have the best programs in the fields of disciplines they are offering, coupled with good educational infrastructure and technology, as well as a formidable academe of brains and talent. These are but a few testaments to how good the quality of education is in the country. Or at least in the private sector.

WHO SHOULD BE THE PRIORITY IN OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM? THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT?

I am beginning to worry though what will be left for ordinary Filipinos. Yes, we have the best brains in education here in the Philippines but who are they serving? They are serving a foreign clientele. Before I use to worry of the exodus of Filipino teachers to work abroad and teach a foreign clientele. Now, its the other way around. It's the clientele who is arriving here to reap our fresh, tender, and quality education.

Think of mangoes. Before mangoes are being exported to be eaten by foreign mouths. Now, as mangoes ripe attached to its tree, foreign invaders attack and eat it before it's picked. This is the new pecking order in education in the 21st century.

And so, even though these brains have yet drain abroad, they are already being drained here in our own land, leaving none to a young generation of Filipinos hungry for knowledge, skills and values their motherland should be giving them.

I pity these teachers. How could they allow their fruits to be devoured by foreigners first? I am aghast at these private schools. How could they condone such practice? I hope they realize we are at the losing end here. I am disgusted by our immigration officials for allowing this influx of foreigners to go on without much of a screening. I am disgusted at our government for prioritizing servitude to invaders instead of service to fellow Filipinos.

I am not the only disgusted by this. I am sure, out there, there are more. But they are not just disgusted; they could be even worse. Who knows? One day, these disgruntled, disenfranchised youths could be going inside these schools, going on a killing spree of these foreign invaders. I pray and hope we don't get to that worst-case scenario.

And so before worse comes to worst, I sure hope the country's educational planners could give time to rethink the direction of the educational development of schools in the country, both public and private. Our goals should be directed inwards, not outwards; towards our own development and not of others. I hope there would be a control as well in the traffic of foreigners going to our country. The less of them we have here, the more we can focus on strengthening ourselves.

7 MUST VISIT HOLY SITES FOR THE METRO PILGRIM

Pilgrimage is a Catholic tradition that has been tightly embraced by Filipinos since the Spaniards introduced Christianity in the country in the 15th century. For a devout Catholic, the remembrance of Holy Week or Semana Santa will not be complete without a visit to his/her favorite shrine or pilgrimage site. But with rising oil prices and the scorching heat brought about by rising temperatures this summer, some are thinking of forgoing their planned pilgrimages to far provinces such as Pangasinan or Cebu. Some are considering making their remembrances simple and sacred at the comfort of their own homes.

But worry no further. I have a list here of Holy Week destinations that are within reach of Metro Manila. They're accessible and cheap on the budget and are truly worth experiencing.

MONTEMARIA

Brgy. Amuyong, Alfonso, Cavite

Mary statue at MonteMaria

This healing center and Marian shrine is situated just a few miles from Tagaytay City and an hour’s trip from Metro Manila through SLEX. The healing center is a mecca for the disabled and sick who wish to be healed by the miraculous hands of Father Fernando Suarez. It features a huge convention center where healing masses are held, stores of various religious items that you can easily get blessed and a large garden of various flowers and Marian statues. The site is not yet complete, as the proprietors are still planning to construct a 33-storey statue of the Holy Mother on top of the mountain where the site is situated.

KAMAY NI HESUS

Brgy. Tinamnan, Lucban, Quezon

Christ's statue in Kamay ni Hesus

This is the home of another healing priest and humanitarian, Father Joey Faller. Like the previous destination, Kamay ni Hesus is situated on the slopes of a mountain, Mt. Banahaw, which adds to the place's mystical and divine status. There are healing masses of course, but if you are not into such kind of spiritual healing, you can tour the site which features a 50-foot statue of Jesus Christ, 14 life-sized Stations of the Cross and a huge replica of Noah's Ark complete with sculpted stone animals. Kamay ni Hesus is roughly two to three hours by car or bus from Manila via SLEX.

NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE DIVINE MERCY

Brgy. Sta. Rosa I, Marilao, Bulacan

The Cathedral at the Divine Mercy Shrine

This is one of two Divine Mercy Shrines in the Philippines (the other is in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental). The shrine is complete with various facilities to feed one's hungry soul: 14 Stations of the Cross, an Adoration Chapel, a Retreat and Pastoral Center, and a basement chapel dedicated to the Our Lady of Guadalupe. It even has a Little Poland Exhibit which showcases the life of two prominent Polish religious figures -- Pope John Paul II and St. Maximillian Kolbe. The shrine is a comfortable one and half hour drive from Manila thru NLEX.

PINK SISTERS CONVENT

Brgy. Maitim, Tagaytay City, Cavite

The Adoration Chapel at Pink Sisters Convent

Aside from its trademark feature of nuns clad in baby pink habits, this Marian shrine which is just a few miles from Tagaytay City proper, is also popular for its miraculous prayer intercessions? Presidential candidate Gibo Teodoro went here when he and his wife were just a couple and asked the sisters to pray that he be wed to Ms. Prieto. And it worked! I'd bet my 2 cents that somewhere out there, there is someone with a similar experience. Anyway, aside from fulfilled prayers, the convent also has a large and colorful garden, a small Stations of the Cross, a life-size statue of the Virgin Mary and a souvenir store which sells Cloister Cookies made by the nuns themselves. However, since this is a convent, the nuns are very strict in silence so this isn't definitely the place for a large group of pilgrims. The convent is just an hour's drive from Manila via Aguinaldo Highway or SLEX.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES GROTTO

Brgy. Gaya-Gaya, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan

The Lourdes Grotto in Bulacan

The Lourdes Grotto of Bulacan is localized version of the original grotto in Lourdes, France where the Virgin Mary made an apparition to Bernadette Soubiroux in 1858. From the cathedral to the cavernous grotto itself, the complex is an exact copy. And like the original, the site also claims miraculous healing to pilgrims who have visited there. Other features of the site includes a Stations of the Cross nestled in 14 man-made hills, a giant rosary which said to be the biggest in the world, and picnic areas and children's playground for families going to the site. However, expect the area to be more crowded than usual due to its popularity and accessibility to Metro Manila pilgrims. The Grotto is just 30 minutes to an hour's drive from Quezon City via Quirino Highway.

NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF PEACE AND GOOD VOYAGE
Brgy. Sta Cruz, Antipolo City, Rizal

The Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo

You wouldn't go to Antipolo just for cashews right? A visit to the city would not be complete without touring the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. The shrine attracts travellers, particulary OFWs who would liked to be blessed by the Virgin Mother before they go on a trip abroad to avoid bad luck and drug couriers. Being one of Antipolo City's tourist attractions, expect the roads leading to it to be jampacked on Holy Week (the pilgrimage starts on the way to the shrine!). Don't forget to buy cashews and other pasalubong just outside the cathedral before heading home. Without traffic, its just an hour away from Manila via Sumulong Highway.

This Holy Week, never let a good spiritual experience pass, whether it be an arduous pilgrimage or a short visita iglesia to your local churches. It's not just about getting to various places or admiring the scenery, its also about remembrance our imperfections as human beings and striving to look inside ourselves to conquer such imperfections through God's guidance.

JAPAN QUAKE: HOW TO HELP

AP/Kyodo News

In the wake of the devastating catastrophe which shook Japan on Friday, help is starting to pour in this embattled nation. Hours after the quake, the United States has pledged its support for Japan by sending two of its naval assets, the USS Blue Ridge and the USS Ronald Reagan. It has also sent coolant to assist Japanese nuclear experts in alleviating temperatures at a damaged nuclear power plant. In the coming days, the United States is expected to pour in financial aid while the American public has already mobilized efforts to gather financial aid and supplies for quake victims.

Other countries have followed suit as well. Russia and China set aside its disputes with Japan and has expressed their sympathies and pledges of help. Russia's Emergencies Ministry is sending a six aircraft with doctors, emergency personnel, sniffer dogs and a mobile hospital. The Chinese Red Cross has offered 1 million yuan in emergency aid and has sent a fully-equipped emergency response unit to the country. 45 other nations are also on their way to sending assistance to Japan either in financial aid or search-and-rescue teams.

We Pray for Japan wristband/Lady Gaga webstore

Even Hollywood stars are joining the bandwagon to help. Pop star Lady Gaga has designed and released a special prayer bracelet which fans can buy for $5.00, all the proceeds of which will go directly to Japan relief efforts. Other stars have tweeted their support and sympathies for the Japanese people such as Glee star Lea Michele, country music star Taylor Swift, rapper P. Diddy, and pop stars Katy Perry and Justin Bieber.

For those who want to help Japan in anyway they can in the wake of this disaster, here are some organizations you can contact: 

THE RED CROSS. All Red Cross and Red Crescent Organizations around the world are on alert since the quake happened Friday and are ready to receive donations. In the United States, you can simply use your mobile phone to donate $10.00 by texting REDCROSS to 90999. You can also go online to donate. In the Philippines, you can also go online to donate of text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)

SALVATION ARMY. The Salvation Army has been operating in Japan since 1895. As of the moment, they are only accepting financial contributions as in-kind donations are difficult to ship. For US residents, you can simply text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 in order to donate $10.00. You can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or go online to donate. In the Philippines, you can donate to Salvation Army by calling (02) 524 0086/88, Fax: (2) 521 6912 or Email: saphl1@phl.salvationarmy.org 

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS. For 25 years, the IMC has a long history of responding to natural disasters in over 50 countries including the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake, the 2005 Pakistan Quake and the 2010 Haiti Earthquake. For US residents, you can donate to IMC by texting MED to 80888 from your mobile phone. You can also go to the IMC website to donate.

SHELTERBOX. The UK-based aid organization specializes in providing portable housing units in times of natural disasters. It is also sending a Shelterbox Response Team to Japan to assist in sheltering survivors. To donate to Shelterbox, visit their website.

For Filipinos who are worried for their loved-ones in Japan, the Department of Foreign Affairs is sending a consular team there to assess and assist in the condition of OFWs. For a list DFA Emergency Numbers that you contact for information on Filipino in Japan, visit this link. News agency GMA News has also set up a Person Finder Service for those looking for missing persons.

Famous Pinoy Suicides (2001-2011)

Suicides are not uncommon in the Philippines. A lot of Filipinos have resorted to this means of death due to depression, substance abuse and other various reasons. And with the recent suicide of former AFP Chief Angelo T. Reyes, let us look back on other suicide cases which captivated the imagination of the Filipino public.

Maria Theresa Carlson (2001)

Maria Teresa Gerodias Carlson was Miss Young Philippines 1979 and went on to represent the country in the Miss Young International Pageant in Tokyo on the same year. Her pageant fame landed her a showbiz career which led her to appear in the hit sitcom Chicks to Chicks with the trio of Joey De Leon, Tito and Vic Sotto.

Carlson's road to suicide began in 1982 when she married Rodolfo Farinas. Her marriage to the Ilocano politician attracted media attention due to allegations of physical and sexual abuse suffered by Carlson in the hands of her husband. In 1996, she appeared in the investigative program Probe to detail claims of abuse she suffered. Farinas reportedly subjected her to water torture and other forms of physical abuse.

Carlson ended her life on November 23, 2001 by jumping from the 23rd floor of her Greenhills, San Juan condominium.

A.R. Santiago (2003)

Alexander Robert Santiago is the youngest son of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

The aspiring law student from the Ateneo Law School committed suicide on November 20, 2003 by shooting himself in the neck inside his room at the Santiago residence in La Vista, Quezon City. The young Santiago was reportedly depressed about not being admitted at the University of the Philippines College of Law after failing the subject on Constitutional Law. He was also asked embarrassing questions about his mother's alleged "insanity" and his father's gambling activities during his application interview at UP, an event which really bothered the young Santiago up to the day of his suicide.

Teddy Borlongan (2005)

Teodoro C. Borlongan was the last president of the now-defunct Urban Bank.

During his presidency, Urban Bank was closed by the Bangko Central ng Pilipinas for failing to meet withdrawals. The bank was placed under the receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation and eventually merged with ExportBank in 2001. Meanwhile, Borlongan and his associates faced allegations of estafa and economic sabotage for their role in the bank closure.

Reportedly distraught by his colleagues' betrayal during the bank mess, Borlongan committed suicide on April 11, 2005 at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina, in a car parked near his parents' grave by shooting himself in the head. Six years later, Angelo Reyes would emulate his style of suicide.

Rod Strunk (2007)

Roger Lawrence Strunk is the principal accused in the murder of veteran Filipino actress Nida Blanca in 2001. Strunk and his co-accused Philip Medel reportedly stabbed Blanca to death inside her parked car in Greenhills, San Juan. Strunk moved to the United States to escape prosecution in the Philippines and successfully fought extradition requests by the government.

Prior to Blanca's murder and his suicide, Strunk was a television actor and singer in the US during the 60s. Strunk met Blanca in the US in 1979 and relocated with her in Manila after their marriage.

Strunk ended his life by jumping at the 2nd floor balcony of his hotel in Tracy, California on July 11, 2007.

Trina Etong (2009)

Trinidad Arteche Etong was the wife of veteran ABS-CBN broadcaster Ted Failon.

Etong's suicide in 2009 was very sensational with both ABS-CBN and GMA following the story to the detail. Etong was found dead in the bathroom of their home in Quezon City due to a gunshot wound in her head. Initially, police suspected murder with Ted Failon as the prime suspect after police found out that the broadcaster tampered with the crime scene. However, further investigations cleared Failon of charges.

Etong reportedly took her life due to undisclosed financial problems.

Angie Reyes (2011)

Angelo Tomas Reyes was the Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the Estrada Administration (1998-2001). His withdrawal of support for Estrada was a pivotal moment in the 2001 EDSA Revolution which put Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo into power.

His loyalty to the Arroyo administration earned him various positions in the government, serving as secretary to the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Defense, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Energy. In the 2010 Philippine Elections, Reyes attempted to run as a party-list representative for the transport group 1-UTAK but was dropped by his party members after being disqualified by the Comelec. In 2011, Reyes was accused of being involved in large scale corruption in the Armed Forces during his time as Chief-of-Staff. He reportedly received as much as Php 50 million in "send-off" money during his retirement. In the subsequent Senate inquiry on the issue, Reyes was embarrassed by the accusations made against him by some senators which led to his depression.

Reyes committed suicide by shooting himself in the chest in front of his parents' grave at the Loyala Memorial Park in Marikina City on February 8, 2011.

GMA News TV: Pwede Na!

This is the only thing I can say about the line up of shows presented by GMA for their upcoming News TV, which is an all-news channel to be launched starting February 28. While the programs are not yet at par with that of CNN, BBC or even ChannelNews Asia, it does edge a little bit closer with ANC and will definitely give Aksyon TV a run for its money. Let me put in details my impressions about the programming:

News on Prime Time. Keeping news updates at the prime time slot on TV is not really a surprising move since it is what kept News on Q from rating as well as the primary objective of the channel. However, I can't feel a bit nauseous about the idea of Brigada (hosted by Jessica Soho) and State of the Nation (aslo hosted by Soho) in the same prime time slot. If we are to have Jessica Soho in prime time for two hours, I would say its quite nakakaumay. I hope they considered retaining the old News on Q anchors Rhea Santos and Ivan Mayrina.

News to Go. I like this idea of fast-paced, mobile news. I just hope they really go full steam ahead on this to the level of really maximizing the technology they have in their hands. I hope to see interactive maps, touchscreen display of news and information, more savvy presentation of Tweeter and Facebook feedback, and state-of-the art weather and traffic reports. GMA is a trendsetter in the use of technology in broadcasting. Better live up to its name.

Simulcast. I've been watching Teleradyo and RHTV and I have to say the two are light years away. Teleradyo has these cool graphics interface for the news. They have nice studio sets and program graphics. I hope The simulcast programs like Dobol B sa News TV goes way beyond that. It will also do GMA a lot of good if they switch to digital signalization for radio.

Talk Shows. They took out Tonight with Arnold Clavio which is one of my favorite shows in QTV. With a little facelift, that show could've been at par with CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight or BBC's Hardtalk. Biographical sketch shows have also been taken out such as True Stories and Reunions (which I think is really doing great public service and very unique to TV). There were good shows in QTV that they took out.

Stuffed with Food. If they don't take away Sarap At Home (hosted by Sam Oh), I will be totally disgusted at how News TV will saturate viewers with cooking shows. Quickfire is just enough. (Thank God, they removed Delicioso, My Favorite Recipes and the likes). This is an all-news channel, not a lifestyle channel. Better if they transfer Sarap At Home to GMA 7 itself.

GMA News TV logo

Drawbacks. The two biggest drawbacks of News TV perhaps is its failure to deliver business and tech news. When I first heard about it, I was really hoping that channel would deliver business and tech news that the masa audience would understand and relate to. I think GMA should have considered these themes too and not just relied on ideas that they think would rate. The reason why most people in this country doesn't really relate to business and entrepreneurship is because they don't have programs on TV that helps them understand those subjects. I challenge GMA to come up with these programs in the long run of News TV.

In the end, its too early to tell. GMA is a very progressive news organization that is always open to innovation, new trends in the industry, and of course, feedback. I will definitely be watching News TV with quiet anticipation that my suggestions will be considered. After all, basta sa pagbabalita, GMA lang ang mapagkakatiwalaan.

GMA News TV Channel 11 starts airing on February 28, 2011. Dahil Oras-oras, Alam ko!

Top Ten Jaywalking Punishments

Jaywalkers beware!

With the intensified campaign by QC Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) along Commonwealth Avenue, your street crossing days are numbered. Either you use the appropriate foot bridges or run as fast as you can at the sight of a DPOS traffic enforcer.

Did you know jaywalking is a compound word, from the words jay (n. an inexperienced person) and walking? But apparently, most jaywalkers in this country know what they're doing. They know that they could get killed or apprehended. They just pretend they don't know.

Anyway, I thought of ten things that the DPOS could do as alternatives to the usual punishment being given to jaywalkers (aside of course from the classic National Anthem singing).

1. Shine shoes for DPOS traffic officers and other passersby.

2. Distribute leaflets containing warnings on jaywalking.

3. Command traffic for 2 hours complete with dancing moves.

4. Get tied to a traffic light post with a placard written, "Jaywalker po ako!"

5. Instead of the usual National Anthem, sing to tune of "Baby" by Justin Bieber.

6. Read the Bible out loud with a mobile loudspeaker in the middle of the footbridge.

7. Clean filthy canals and sewers at the Commonwealth Market.

8. Disperse sidewalk vendors along Commonwealth Avenue.

9. Do photocopying work at the QC City Hall.

10. Wash motorcycles and other patrol vehicles by DPOS Officers.

Commonwealth Avenue is just the start. More major thoroughfares to follow!