Monday, August 31, 2009

Aksyon Demokratiko, Political Party of the Late Senator Raul Roco Wants Noynoy Aquino to Run for President in 2010

31 August 2009

Raul Roco, founder of Aksyon Demokratiko, may be gone but through his supporters, he may yet come out as an influential factor in next year's presidential elections.  

Roco's widow, Sonia, has just announced the offer of the Aksyon Demokratiko to Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III to be the party's standard bearer and run for President in 2010.

"Our party, Aksyon Demokratiko, entreats you, Senator Noynoy Aquino, to run for President of the Philippines!" said Sonia Roco. 

While Aksyon Demokratiko is not a huge political party, it is no pushover either. The value of Aksyon Demokratiko's endorsement lies in the fact that it has now become the first political party to openly support Noynoy Aquino's still-unannounced bid for the presidency in 2010.

Aksyon's move may become the spark that could ignite a much bigger organized clamor for Noynoy to run. It cannot be said that Aksyon's support for Noynoy just came out of the blue. Raul Roco, after all, was one of Senator Ninoy Aquino's staffers in the Senate in the 1960s.  

This is the report by Jay Taruc for Saksi courtesy of GMANews.tv:


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Sunday, August 30, 2009

CNN Video Clips of Ted Kennedy Requiem Mass at Boston's Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica, August 29, 2009

30 August 2009

Outside of the Kennedy family, US President Barack Obama led a who's who list of mourning dignitaries who attended Senator Kennedy's funeral mass a little over two hours ago. Former US Presidents George Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter with former First Ladies Laura Bush, Secretary Hillary Clinton and Rosalynn Carter also attended the requiem mass held at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica in Mission Hill, Boston.

These are CNN's video clips of the event starting from the proceedings at the JFK Library:



























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Saturday, August 29, 2009

Barbi Forteza and Joshua Dionisio Will Play Young Jodi and Young Cholo in GMA 7's Stairway to Heaven

28 August 2009

Newcomer Barbi Forteza and a more experienced Joshua Dionisio will play the young Jodi and young Cholo in GMA 7's remake of the hit Koreanovela, Stairway to Heaven, which stars Dingdong Dantes and Rhian Ramos.

This is the Chika Minute 24 Oras report by Aubrey Carampel courtesy of GMANews.tv:


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Henry Sy, Lucio Tan, Jaime Zobel, Andrew Tan, John Gokongwei Lead RP's Top 10 Richest in Forbes Asia 2009

28 August 2009

Super tycoon Henry Sy (SM, Banco De Oro) with net worth of $3.8B leads Forbes Asia 2009's stratospheric list of Top 10 Richest in the Philippines. 

Lucio Tan (Fortune Tobacco, Foremost Farms, PNB, Allied Bank, Asia Brewery, Philippine Airlines), is at second place with $1.7B and Jaime Zobel de Ayala (Ayala Corp.) with $1.2B round out the elite Philippines dollar-denominated billionaire's club.

The top 10 richest in the Philippines are:
1.    Henry Sy
2.   Lucio Tan
3.   Jaime Zobel de Ayala
4.   Andrew Tan
5.   John Gokongwei
6.   Tony Tan Caktiong
7.   Eduardo Cojuangco, Jr.
8.   Enrique Razon, Jr.
9.   Manuel Villar
10. George Ty


Senator Manny Villar is the big name here as far as the 2010 polls is concerned.  

With a net worth of $530M (roughly P25B), Villar is the presidentiable who will need the least outside financial support to wage a sustained 2010 campaign.  Theoretically, Villar can be "his own man" although that requires as much an independent character as it does robust financial strength. 

He can unload enough shares in his corporations to easily raise the P3B cash we often hear as the magic number necessary to mount an effective presidential run.  Formidable resources for a man who, in spite of  the ongoing Senate investigation into the alleged C5 double insertion controversy, still manages to lead Pulse Asia's latest survey by a significant margin.



 

 
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Friday, August 28, 2009

Cory Stamps to Be Sold at P7 Each Beginning September 8, the Day Before Her 40th Day Death Anniversary

28 August 2009

Stamps bearing pictures of the late President Cory Aquino, the Saint of Democracy, will be sold at P7 apiece starting on September 8.  That will be the eve of her 40th day death anniversary. One stamps shows her standing before a podium her right hand raised outstretched with her fingers flashing the Laban sign; the other is a portrait showing her smiling.

This is the report by Joseph Morong for Saksi courtesy of GMANews.tv:


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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Abalos, Neri to Face Graft Charges Over NBN-ZTE Scandal, PGMA and FG Cleared by Ombudsman, August 27, 2009

27 August 2009

The Ombudsman has recommended the filing of graft charges against former Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos and former NEDA Chief Romulo Neri for their involvement in the NBN-ZTE scandal.  

This is the report by Michael Fajatin for tonight's Saksi:


Abalos insisted that he is innocent of the charges against him while reports say that Neri is still abroad and has not had the chance to read a copy of the Ombudsman's decision.  
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2009 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Include Filipino Environmentalist Atty. Antonio Oposa, Jr.

27 August 2009

The Ramon Magsaysay Foundation has announced the Ramon Magsaysay Awardees for 2009. They are Krisana Kraisintu of Thailand, Deep Joshi of India, Yu Xiaogang of China, Antonio Oposa, Jr. of the Philippines, Ma Jun of China and Ka Hsaw Wa of Burma.  The awards will be formally conferred on August 31.

This is the 24 Oras report by Mel Tiangco on this year's winners of the Asian version of the Nobel Prize:


I'll post the awardees' individual profiles when I return.


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7 A(H1N1) Deaths in the Cordillera — 7 Patay sa A(H1N1) Virus sa Cordillera, DZMM Teleradyo, August 27, 2009

27 August 2009 5:20pm

DZMM Teleradyo has been flashing this news item for about an hour now "Pito, patay sa AH1N1 virus sa Cordillera."

This is some serious piece of news.

This article from the Northern Philippine Times dated August 10, 2009 entitled 3 Baguio deaths, 11 Abra studes affected A(H1N1) Deaths rise to five in Cordillera should give us some idea about what's happening in that part of our country.

I'll try to gather more information on this news item in tonight's evening news.
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The LTO Will Adopt a One Strike Policy Against Drivers Involved in Accidents

27 August 2009

I was watching the Radyo Balita 4pm news at DZMM Teleradyo with Alex Santos and Jasmin Romero and they announced that the LTO will adopt a one strike policy against drivers involved in accidents. The policy is meant to impart a sense of seriousness on the part of the LTO in prosecuting erring drivers and keeping them off the road.

This is in the face of the rash of road accidents that have either killed or injured scores of motorists and passengers. The most serious case so far this year is the Lucena City collission involving two buses which killed 9 people and injured 41 others.




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NTC and PNP Seize More Than 1,000 Voice-Altering Cellphones in Divisoria

26 August 2009

More than 1,000 cheap cellphones from China sold for just P2,500 apiece but having the special capability to alter the caller's voice were seized by a combined team from the NTC and PNP in a raid on a Divisoria mall.


NTC Director Delilah Deles said that the use of these kinds of cellphones is prohibited.  MPD Station 11 Commander Police Supt. Nestor Yabut disclosed that these kinds of cellphones have been used to make prank calls to police stations. He added that these cellphones can be used not only to make prank calls but also in the commission of crimes like kidnapping.  


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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Payag Ka?! Bayaran Daw Natin ang P471B Utang ng Napocor sa Pamamagitan ng Pagtataas sa Power Rate ng P0.30/Kwh for 17 Years?! Ano Sila, Sinusuwerte?!

26 August 2009

Mga kapuso at kapamilya!  Panahon na para magkaisa!  Papayag ba tayo sa hinihingi ng NAPOCOR na dagdag sa singil sa kuryente na 30 centavos kada kilowatt-hour sa loob ng 17 taon? Para daw mabayaran ang utang ng NAPOCOR na 471 Billion Pesos!  Kailan po ba tayo nakinabang sa mga utang ng NAPOCOR?!  Kung sino yung nagpasasa, sila dapat ang magdusa! Hindi tayo!

Sayang naman ang panunumbalik ng people power kung palulusutin natin nang ganu'n na lang ang pagmamalabis sa ating mga consumers.  Kaya tara na!  Kita-kita tayo sa ERC sa September 8 and 9 upang salungatin ang buhong na panukalang ito!

Narito po ang mga report sa kagandahang-loob ng GMANews.tv:




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Noynoy Aquino for President Signature Campaign Launched in Baclaran, August 26, 2009

26 August 2009

The inevitable has started. The Noynoy Aquino for President signature campaign started earlier today in Baclaran. The group intends to raise one million signatures to convince Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III to run for President in 2010. 

The campaign is reminiscent of the 1-million signature campaign led by Manila Times publisher Don Joaquin "Chino" Roces' in late 1985 to convince then Citizen Cory Aquino to run for President for the snap election in February 1986. 

This is the Balitanghali report by Kara David courtesy of GMANews.tv:


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Ted Kennedy is Dead After a Long Battle with Brain Cancer, The Lion of the Senate Passes Away at 77, Late Tuesday, August 25, 2009

EDWARD MOORE "TED" KENNEDY 
February 22, 1932 - August 25, 2009

26 August 2009

CNN has confirmed that long-time US Senator from Massachusetts Edward "Ted" Kennedy is dead after long battle with brain cancer.  He passed away late Tuesday night, August 25, at 77. Senator Ted Kennedy is the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy who both fell victim  to assassins' bullets. 


In anticipation of his impending death, Senator Ted Kennedy formally asked Massachusetts officials to effect a change in the law that would allow for his immediate temporary replacement the moment he is gone.  Dana Bash of CNN reports on Senator Ted Kennedy's request:





CNN VIDEO UPDATE
26 August 2009 4:33pm Manila time

This is the report by CNN's Dana Bash on the passing of an icon, Senator Ted Kennedy. 



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CNN's Emily Chang Reports on China's Crackdown Against Drunk Driving, 17,000 Drunk Drivers Nabbed So Far

26 August 2009

In this CNN report, Emily Chang tells us about China's massive crackdown against drunk driving prompted by public outcry against recent fatal traffic accidents.  The crackdown has so far netted more than 17,000 people including a Communist Party official in charge of discipline. 



Although penalties for drunk driving in China are viewed as relatively light, one should not forget that this is a place where capital punishment is a fixture of the legal system. Emily reports that the Supreme People's Court recently upheld the death sentence for a male driver who killed four people while driving under the influence.

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Barrameda Family Wants Third Included in Murder Case; Jimenez Family Files Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable Cause, August 25, 2009

25 August 2009

On the heels of the DOJ's dropping of Manuel Jimenez III or Third from the list of accused in the gruesome Ruby Rose Barrameda-Jimenez murder, the Barrameda family is planning to file a motion for reconsideration with the DOJ seeking the inclusion of Ruby Rose' estranged husband among the accused.

Tugging in the other direction, the Jimenez camp has already filed a motion for judicial determination of probable cause before the Malabon RTC seeking in effect to overturn the DOJ's finding of probable cause.

This is Steve Dailisan's Balitanghali report courtesy of GMANews.tv:

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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Melissa Paulita Mariano Tops 2009 Medical Board Exam, Erick Mendoza and Katrina Mae Gamponia Places 2nd and 3rd — UST Sweeps Top 3 Posts

25 August 2009

UST sweeps the top 3 positions in the 2009 Medical Board exams.  Melissa Paulita Mariano is the Medical Board topnotcher followed by fellow Thomasians Erick Mendoza in second place and Katrina Mae Gamponia in third place.  It was an impressive showing by the Thomasians as 6 of their examinees landed in the top 10.  The next best showing is by UP Manila who had 2 examinees in the top 10.

A total of 1,680 examinees passed this year's exams.

The top 10 placers, their school and rating are:
1.  Melissa Paulita Mariano, UST, 88.17
2.  Erick Mendoza, UST, 88
3.  Katrina Mae Gamponia, UST, 87.67
4.  Tom Edward Lo, UP Manila, 87.58
5.  Riavic Fuentes, FEU-NRMF, 87.42
6.  Joseph Villanueva, UST, 87.17
7.  Ricky Hipolito, UST, 87.08
8.  Jaime Alfonso Herrera, DLSU-Dasmariñas, 87
     Vincent Bryan-Salvador, UP-Manila, 87
9.  Herbert Manaois, UST, 86.92
     Ana Noelle Monisit, Cebu Inst. of Medicine, 86.92
10. Melanie Estolas, UERM, 86.83

The oath-taking ceremonies for this year's batch of new doctors will be held on September 13, 2009 at the PICC Plenary Hall.

More on this story in this 24 Oras report by Mel Tiangco courtesy of GMANews.tv:



VIDEO UPDATE
26 August 2009

We have this 24 Oras report by Claire Delfin featuring the four (4) topnotchers, Melissa Paulita Mariano, Erick Mendoza, Katrina Mae Gamponia, all of UST and  Tom Edward Lo of UP Manila.


Topnotcher Melissa Paulita Mariano sums up the philosophy of the best and the brightest of our country's new doctors: "What matters is you remain faithful to your profession, you have passion for what you do, you have compassion for your patient ..."

Mabuhay ang manggagamot na Pinoy!

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Deadly Lucena Bus Crash Kills 9, Injures 41, Two Bus Drivers Charged with Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Multiple Homicide, Physical Injuries

25 August 2009

The number of fatalities in that deadly Lucena crash involving two buses has risen to 9 while the number of injured stands at 41.  


In a season of horrible roadkill, this carnage has been the bloodiest so far.  It's as if all of us are being told, "The road can be a dangerous place; if you have nothing important to do outside, then stay at home!"








Judging alone from the number of video clips compiled by GMA News on this accident — a total of eight! — this one is really a tragedy of major proportions.  To everyone driving out there,  especially if you have passengers, mag-ingat po tayong mabuti!  






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Monday, August 24, 2009

DOj Files Murder Charges Against Atty. Manuel Jimenez, Jr., Lope Jimenez, 4 Others in Navotas RTC, Clears Ruby Rose Husband Thirdy — August 24, 2009

24 August 2009

The DOJ investigating panel in the Ruby Rose Barrameda-Jimenez case recommended the filing of murder charges against businessman Lope Jimenez, Atty. Manuel Jimenez, Jr., Eric Fernandez, Lennard "Spyke" Descalso and Roberto "Obet" Ponce. 

Star witness Manuel Montero was also impleaded but that is a necessary step prior to having him discharged as an accused and turned into a state witness.  The case was filed before the Navotas Regional Trial Court (RTC).

Cleared by the DOJ was Manuel Jimenez III or Thirdy, Ruby Rose's estranged husband and another accused, Rudy dela Cruz, for lack of probable cause.

More on this latest development in the Ruby Rose murder case in this 24 Oras report by Carlo Lorenzo courtesy of GMANews.tv:


Atty. Mario Aguinaldo, lawyer for the Jimenez family expressed his clients' readiness to face the murder charges against them.

With the filing of the murder charges, the case will now move into the trial stage, the presentation of the prosecution's evidence and after that, the defense and evidence for the accused.  












 
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Miss Universe 2009 is Underway at ABS-CBN - RP's Bianca Manalo Drops Out of Top 15 — Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez is Miss Universe 2009

24 August 2009

ABS-CBN's telecast of the Miss Universe 2009 pageant from the Atlantis Paradise Island of the Bahamas has begun with hosts Billy Bush and Claudia Jordan opening the show.

They've just announced the Top 15 (9:45 am)
1.    Puerto Rico (Mayra Matos Perez)
2.   Iceland (Ingibjorg Egilsdottir)
3.   Albania (Hasna Xhukici)
4.   Czech Republic (Iveta Lutovska)
5.   Belgium (Zeynep Sever)
6:   Dominican Republic (Ada Aime Dela Cruz)
7.   Sweden (Renate Cerlejn)
8.   Kosovo (Gona Dragusha)
9.   Australia (Rachael Finch)
10. France (Chloe Mortaud)
11.  Switzerland (Whitney Toyloy)
12.  South Africa (Tatum Keshwar)
13.  USA (Kristen Dalton)
14.  Croatia (Sarah Cosic)
15.  Venezuela (Stefania Fernandez)

Utter disappointment for the Philippines!  Anyway, our lovely contestant Pamela Bianca Manalo, gave it her best shot!  


Guess what?!  There's no one from Asia here!

We have nine (9) from Europe (Iceland, Albania, Czech Republic, Belgium, Sweden, Kosovo, France, Switzerland and Croatia), one from North America (USA), three (3) from South America (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Venezuela), one from Africa (South Africa) and one from Australasia or Oceania (Australia).

Heidi Montag now performing, 9:58am.

The judges: (10:01am)
Dean Cain
Colin Cowie
Tamara Tunie
Valeria Mazza
Matthew Rolston
Richard Lefrak
Andre Leon Talley
Heather Kerzner
Farouk Shami
Keisha Whitaker
Gerry Deveaux
George Maloof, Jr.

Flo Rida performing with  the Miss Universe contestants in their bikinis doing an exercise routine. (10:10am)

We now have the swimsuit competition for the 15 semi-finalists.

Top 10 finalists (10:25am)
1.    Australia
2.   Venezuela
3.   South Africa
4.   Dominican Republic
5.    Kosovo
6.   Czech Republic
7.   Switzerland
8.   Puerto Rico
9.   USA
10. France 

They're now showing video clips of the finalists telling the audience more about themselves. (10:28am)

Kelly Rowland performing with David Guetta while the evening gown competition goes on (10:37am)

Billy Bush interviews two of the judges starting with Dean Cain (10:45am)

Special awards presentation 10:53am
Miss Congeniality is Miss China (Wang Jingyao)
Miss Photogenic is Miss Thailand (Chutima Durongdej)

Finally!  Asian contestants get to bring home some awards!

Top 5 (11:01am)
1. Dominican Republic
2. Australia
3. Puerto Rico
4. Venezuela
5. Kosovo

Miss Kosovo looks somewhat like Audrey Hepburn. She can win this one.

Questions from the Judges
1. Question to Miss Dominican Republic from Tamara Tunie (if I recall correctly)
Do you believe that HIV testing should be made mandatory?
Answer: The necessary test should be made so people can prevent AIDS.  In just one minute, we may lose our lives.

2. Question to Miss Australia from Valeria Mazza
How does it make you feel that you can wear bikinis and other women can't?
Answer: Our body is the beautiful part of the woman and we should show them to the rest of the world.

3. Question to Miss Puerto Rico from Rio Mori
Has being beautiful made people take you seriously? 
Answer: One must be very organized, one must have professional studies.  Your inner beauty is reflected outside and that makes you very beautiful.  That's why people take me seriously.

4. Question to Miss Venuezula  from Andre Leon Talley 
What can women do to overcome obstacles in corporations ?
I believe that women have overcome many obstacles .. we have reached the same level as men do.  

5. Question to Miss Kosovo from Dean Cain
What is  it about fame that makes people, including you, want to be famous?
(Sorry, I just missed Miss Kosovo's answer).

They're showing one final look at the five finalists prior to crowning Miss Universe 2009 (11:16am).

They're preparing to announce the winners (11:23am). 

Dayana Mendoza gives her final message and makes her final farewell as reigning Miss Universe 2008.
 
4th Runner-up - Miss Puerto Rico
3rd Runner-up - Miss Australia
2nd Runner-up - Miss Kosovo
1st Runner-up  -  Miss Dominican Republic


Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez is Miss Universe 2009!

Back-to-back wins for Venezuela in Miss Universe! (11:26am)

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Sunday, August 23, 2009

Ninoy Aquino's Freedom Rally Speech at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, February 15, 1981

23 August 2009

On February 15, 1981, Ninoy Aquino gave a historic speech before a jam-packed audience of Filipinos and Americans at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles.

This speech is undoubtedly one of the most significant discourses in the history of the Philippines, delivered, ironically, in the United States by one of the most engaging storytellers who ever lived.  Ninoy's genius is evident in his ability to make his audience laugh at will while telling them about matters dealing with life and death. 

The video clips are from youtube courtesy of NinoyAquinoTV:



















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Atty. Juan Miguel Vasquez, Member of Team Alamat and President of Permanent Plans, Dies in the Swim Leg of the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon in CamSur

23 August 2009

Tragedy has overshadowed the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines triathlon race in Camarines Sur.  

Atty. Juan Miguel Vasquez, member of Team Alamat and President of Permanent Plans, was found unconscious near the shore of the Cable Park Lake at the CamSur Watersports Complex more than an hour after the start of the race. Vazquez was rushed to a nearby hospital but efforts to revive him failed.  Heart attack is believed to be the cause of his death. Vazquez was running the 1.9 km. (1.2 mi.) swim leg of the triathlon event for Team Alamat when the incident happened.

Vazquez's wife, Judith Duavit-Vazquez, is a member of the Board of Directors of GMA Network. 

Terenzo Bozzone of New Zealand won the pro division of the Ironman 70.3 Philippines triathlon with a time of 3:51:25 nearly a minute ahead of Chris McCormack (3:52:18) and more than a minute ahead of Cameron Brown (3:52:31).

More on the tragedy in CamSur in this GMA News flash report by Mariz Umali.


This is the report filed by Chino Trinidad for the GMA Weekend Report. It shows RP Olympic swimmer Akiko Thompson saying how difficult the triathlon event was. Her comment gives a clue as to the race condition that confronted Juan Miguel Vazquez, "Saludo talaga ko sa mga triathlete. it's even harder than a marathon.  Three disciplines you have to master  tsaka yung heat factor, I think it's very hard on the heart." 

Nonoy Jopson was the top Pinoy finisher of the event.


This article by the Manila Bulletin entitled Jamby's kin dies in Camarines tilt identifies Juan Miguel Vazquez as a first cousin of Senator Jamby Madrigal and quotes an unnamed eyewitness on what happened to the tragedy-stricken triathlete moments before he fell unconscious. 

"Vasquez is a first cousin of Senator Madrigal. His mother, Ma. Luisa 'Ising' Madrigal-Vasquez, is the sister of the senator’s father Antonio Madrigal.

A witness said he saw Vasquez swim to shore and slump down on side and collapse, according to website Spot.ph.

'He looked like he was resting,' said the witness, 'but after a while he looked like he had stiffened and had stopped moving. It took about 20 minutes before anyone noticed anything was wrong and before the paramedics and the ambulance came.'"

UPDATE
24 August 2009

In tonight's edition of ABS-CBN's Bandila, Dr. Floresto Arizala, Jr., NBI Medico-Legal Chief, confirmed that Atty. Juan Miguel Vazquez died of massive acute myocardial infarction or massive heart attack.  

Although some contusions were found near his right eye and in his arms, foul play was ruled out by the NBI. 

 

In this GMA News report by Chino Trinidad, it is said that death among triathletes while in competition do happen. According to the American College of Cardiology, of 14 triathlon sudden deaths in the United States from October 2006 to January 2008, 13 occurred during the swimming leg of the event. Chino reports that according to experts this is most probably due to the inability of swimmers to rest while in the water unlike when you're biking or running on land when you can stop and take time to rest.


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GMA News Reports That Governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga Ready to Give Way to Noynoy Aquino for President in 2010

23 August 2009

Governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga has expressed his readiness to yield to Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III if the latter decides to run for president in 2010.  This is according to this GMA News flash report by Mark Salazar. 


Among Ed's flexible attitude puts pressure on other candidates to make similar gestures if only to show respect for the massive show of support demonstrated by Filipinos across the country to the late President Cory Aquino and the martyred former Senator Ninoy Aquino.

Now that both his parents are gone, the affection for them understandably shifts to Noynoy Aquino who, all his life, has shown he's more than willing to stand beneath the shadow of his more illustrious parents. Now, Noynoy has no choice but to make a decision whether he will run or not for higher office — perhaps, more importantly, whether he will keep it simple and run for vice president or go for broke and gun for the presidential post.

Noynoy has not had an easy life and I don't recall hearing him complain. I saw him in person campaigning tirelessly for his father Ninoy in 1978 near our place and at  the Monumento Rotunda and by that time, he's had to endure a fatherless life since 1972. Now we'll see just how tough he really is when the spotlight is trained fully on him, and him alone. 

Governor Panlilio's announcement might just give Noynoy the nudge that he needs to boldly go ahead and for the other presidentiables, the nudge they need to graciously step aside.   


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August 23 - 26, 1896 — Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and the Katipuneros Set Ablaze the Philippine Revolution, Asia's First National Uprising


THE 113TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
PHILIPPINE REVOLUTION OF 1896

23 August 2009

The date is disputed, August 23, 24, or 26 and the site where it took place is disputed as well, Balintawak, Pugad Lawin, Pasong Tamo, Bahay Toro. 

What is not disputed is that Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto led their fellow Katipuneros in expressing their desire to be free from Spanish oppression, that they did it with a public proclamation accompanied by the tearing of their cedulas, that it happened between August 23 and August 26 of 1896 and that it took place in an area part of old Caloocan.

Thus, whether we celebrate it on August 23, 2009,  August 24, 2009 or August 26, 2009, what is more important is that we celebrate it in our hearts and safekeep it in our beings.

The birth of freedom in the Philippines took place in Caloocan, third week of August 1896 when men of humble birth but bearing lofty ideals sounded the call for independence by force of arms thus ushering in Asia's first national uprising against European rule.


 
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Saturday, August 22, 2009

Pinoy Hero Finardo G. Cabilao Featured in GMA 7's OFW Diaries

22 August 2009

Yesterday, OFW Diaries hosted by Kara David featured Pinoy hero Finardo G. Cabilao.

Finard's widow, Jesusa "Bebot" Cabilao, whom I've had the privilege of meeting on the day of Finard's interment on August 18, paid the highest tribute to her beloved husband, "In our 18 years na pagsasama, never niyang binigyan ako ng problema. Superlative talaga ang description ko kay Finard. Hindi lang siya mabait, talagang napakabait, hindi lang siya maalalahanin, napakamaalalahanin." 

Here is the OFW Diaries video clip courtesy of GMANews.tv:


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Jennylyn Mercado's Baby, Alex Jazz, Celebrates First Birthday, August 16, 2009

22 August 2009

Jennylyn Mercado quietly celebrated her son Alex Jazz's first birthday.  Only one unnamed showbiz friend was present during the celebration.  When asked about Patrick Garcia, her ex-boyfriend and her baby's reputed father, Jennylyn declined to comment.

Jennylyn gave birth on August 16, 2008 to baby Alex Jazz, nicknamed "AJ," an 8.12-lb. bouncing baby boy via caesarian section at the St. Luke's Medical Center.

This Startalk Exclusive report shows AJ and Jennylyn visiting GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV at the GMA studios the day after AJ's birthday.  



 





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Usain Bolt's World Record Runs in the 100 Meters, 9:58 and the 200 Meters, 19:19, Berlin World Championship, August 2009 — Video Clips from Youtube

22 August 2009

Usain Bolt is the fastest man in the planet.  CNN calls him "the greatest athlete the world has ever seen."  

In the most awesome sprint races ever run to date, Usain Bolt shattered his own world records in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dash.  The 100 meters fell in 9:58 (previous Bolt world record, 9:69) on August 16, followed  by the 200 meters in 19:19 (previous Bolt world record, 19:30) on August 20.  Unless stopped, Bolt will most probably set and reset the 100m and 200m world records at will for the next few years, as if they were his private records.

These are the video clips from youtube of Bolt's fantastic runs.






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"Konting Bato, Konting Semento, Monumento!" — Senator Noynoy Aquino Rejects Arroyo Plan to Construct Monument for Cory at the Rizal Park

21 August 2009

On the occasion of the 26th death anniversary of his late father Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., Senator Noynoy Aquino flatly rejected President Arroyo's plan to built a monument for the senator's late mother, President Cory Aquino.

Speaking before a large crowd gathered around Ninoy's monument at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue, Noynoy uttered these words which were not in his original prepared speech, "Konting bato, konting semento, Monumento!"

And then, what followed in his remarks is quoted in this ABS-CBN website article entitled Noynoy rejects Palace offer for Cory monument:
"(Mag)tatayo po tayo ng monumento, pero hindi naman natin susundin ang adhikain sa isang matinong pamamalakad sa gobyerno.  Eh wala hong silbi ang monumento iyan."
Clearly, what Noynoy is saying is that true monuments are lodged in the heart and expressed by proper emulation of a hero's example.  
"Mas matutuwa Nanay ko ho kung susundan n'ya yung tinatawag na pamamalakad na magpapakita ng good governance hindi itong politics of survival."  
Noynoy added:
"Meron kang monumento, hindi naman siya gagawa, i-inagurate niya lang, pagkatapos ho no'n pa'no?"  
and then he explained:
"Ang isyu naman ho dito ... EDSA 2 promised a change in governance from that which it replaced but unfortunately, we have not seen that ... there has been a worsening."  
More on this story in this report by Sherry Ann Torres courtesy of GMANews.tv:


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Friday, August 21, 2009

Marian Rivera Celebrates 25th Birthday with Boyfriend Dingdong Dantes, Family & Friends — Rating Niya Sa Family, 10, Career 10, Love Life, 11!

21 August 2009

GMA 7's superstar Marian Rivera is at the top of the world.  Recently, she celebrated her 25th birthday with boyfriend Dingdong Dantes and showbiz friends.


In this report by 24 Oras Chika Minute report by Nelson Canlas, she is visibly very happy and content with the success that has come her way. Nelson asked him to rate various aspects of her life:

Marian:  Family, rate, 1 to 10, 10!

Nelson:  Career?

Marian:  Ay, parang wala na 'kong mahilig, 10 pa rin!

Nelson:  Love life?

Marian:  Aha ha ha!  Eleven! Aha haa haa haa!
  
  
Marian Rivera was born on August 12, 1984 in Madrid, Spain, the one and only daughter of her Spanish father Francisco Javier Gracia and her Filipina mother Amalia Rivera.  Her parents separated when she was 2 years old.
 
On the day of her actual birthday, August 12, which she celebrated on the set of Darna, Marian was given a surprise lunch treat by the show's producers, cast and staff.


These are some of the bios available in the Web on Marian Rivera:





These are some of the bios available in the Web on Marian Rivera:

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Those Missing Galils Need to Be Found and Fast! — GMA News Video Clip on M/V Captain Ufuk and Its Lethal Galil Shipment

21 August 2009

How many Galils were contained in 15 empty wooden cranes found aboard the M/V Captain Ufuk off the coast of Mariveles, Bataan?

Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales said they seized 54 high-powered, Israeli-designed, Indonesian-made Galil rifles in 4 crates.  Simple arithmetic tells us 15 crates can contain up to 200 Galils, enough firepower to equip several formidable private armies.


This excerpt from the Inquirer article entitled Ship, 54 High-Powered Guns Seized in Bataan quotes Commissioner Morales as theorizing that the arms shipment could be "election-related":

"Morales said they also found 15 empty wooden crates on the cargo ship, prompting them to suspect that the alleged smugglers had already unloaded most of the contraband, possibly at sea.

He said he also got information that a yacht was seen ferrying 'something from the ship' a few hours before the vessel was raided by agents of the Bureau of Customs and Philippine Coast Guard around 4 p.m. Thursday.

'We are closely coordinating with the Coast Guard as we try to recover the yacht which was seen loading some cargoes from the ship,' he said.

'We already have names, some are candidates, others are supporters,' Tuason, speaking in Filipino, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a phone interview. 'I cannot give you their names because we are still verifying. Once we have verified we will issue a press release.'

'The election season is fast coming. It’s highly probable that this [shipment] is election-related,' he said.

The Galil is easily one of the most-feared assault rifles in the world. They are assets in the hands of law-abiding law-enforcers.  But in the wrong hands, they could wreak havoc now or during the 2010 elections and beyond. 

Can you imagine COMELEC officials, teacher-election poll inspectors, Namfrel volunteers and ABS-CBN's Boto Patrollers manning and defending poll precincts with their cellphones and cameras while staring them at their other end is the barrel of these deadly weapons which armies around the world have used with lethal effect for nearly 40 years?

This is one of those areas in our nation's life where the visit of President Arroyo to Washington could have had some positive effect.  As a so-called "frontline ally" of the United States, we are terribly under-equipped to deal with these kinds of things. What ships and surveillance equipment does our Coast Guard and Navy have? While other air forces of smaller countries have F-16s and the more-modern F18s, what do we fly?  Antiquated F5's of Vietnam War-vintage?  How many C-130 Hercules do we have flying? One?!  C'mon!  Our next President should make sure that the equipment of our armed forces and police should elicit some respect if only from ourselves.    
 
Meanwhile, our law enforcement authorities have their work cut out for them — find these missing Galils and fast! The fragile fabric of our society faces jeopardy from these lethal tools of destruction. 


This is the report filed by GMA News' Chino Gaston:

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Ninoy Aquino, 26 Years of Martyrdom — The Ambitious Politician Who Lost All Appetite for Power But Gave His Life to Restore Our Freedom


21 August 2009



Today, Filipinos around the world remember that terrible day, August 21, 1983, when the world seemed to shatter and all hope seemed to vanish into thin air for a nation under the grips of military rule.  That day, they gunned down the man in white who had come back from Boston, abandoning his family and a life of relative comfort and ease, in a desperate attempt to prevent a downward spiral of the Philippines into the maelstrom of political chaos.

The rest is now history.  

Instead of stifling dissent, the treacherous murder of Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. unleashed a firestorm of protests that would culminate three years later in the ascension to the Philippine presidency of Ninoy's diffident but iron-willed widow, Cory, in a massive, prayer-backed people power revolt that would kick then President Ferdinand Marcos out of Malacañang and into ignominious exile in Hawaii.

It was the most unlikely of outcomes in the most unlikely of scenarios.  And yet it happened! The miracle of EDSA was an event unprecedented in the annals of world history, perhaps the truest example of the oft-repeated, much-abused phrase vox populi, vox Dei (the voice of the people is the voice of God). 

GMA News helps us remember properly this pivotal day in our history by showing us Ninoy's detention cells in Fort Bonifacio and in Fort Magsaysay in Laur, Nueva Ecija as well as giving us excerpts from one of Ninoy's memorable speeches.


The remarkable recording below is posted in youtube. It is the last recorded telephone conversation involving Ninoy prior to his return to the Philippines.  The person on the other line is Steve Psinakis of the Movement for a Free Philippines.  Some of Ninoy's words in this conversation have turned prophetic.  



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