Bullying happens only in school, right? Wrong.
Bullies are always bullies until the time when they get theirs from other bullies. As they say, those who have bad manners only get theirs when they face their own selves in the persona of another.
Salcedo's article in the Inquirer published a few moons ago, reminds us one simple thing--the purist nature of Philippine blogging is being tarnished by corporatist minded desperates out to get a fast buck from the ones they bullied.
Salcedo's "Big Bad Blogger" article reminds of the AC/DCs practices being accused for so many years against traditional media practitioners--attack, collect/defend, collect. Such practice have since disappeared in the trad media radar, only to resurface, unfortunately, in the Philippine blogging sphere.
And why is this? This is because the distinction between trad and new have already disappeared due to commercialist and corporatist mindsets. People think that blogging is big money. And big money only means bullying.
Big Bad Blogger is a bully. If you read the article once more, Salcedo was describing a "she". So, Big Bad Blogger is likened to Big Bad Wolvie, of course, of the female gender.
Social marketing is not about money---it is about community, building bridges and strong relationships. If the AC/DC practice has already percolated in the new media industry, woe to those bullied by the Big Bad Blogger and the PR firm with she bully.
There are even remarks or comments out there disparaging ones about awards bodies in the Philippine blogging sphere. I don't want to spill the beans, but there was a case which was shared with me several years ago, that put me off.
I thought that new media is supposed to be everybody's Sierra Madre, only to find out that several thinks that Sierra Madre is full of gold, somewhere.
Georgia may have been deathly afraid of the girth and the so-called influence by the bully that she wants nothing to do with "her". I even heard that this "she bully" even bullies her staff. "She" even pukes in public and threatens her dear friends with curses. Fortunately for her, her true friends remain true to their personal dictum of not doing what she's doing for karma's sake.
What these bullies do not know is this---influence wanes through time. Life is like a wheel--you're up now, and chances are, if you don't practice the Golden Rule, you'll be down and out in a couple of weeks. Such is the lessons of other PR practitioners that they refrained already from these AC/DC tactics.
They just want to listen to AC/DC music.
So, those who were bullied into submission by these so-called PR practitioners, do not fear. NPR is here. This site is open for your emails. Expose them if you want to keep this hallowed blogging ground sacred.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Is it goodbye to Big Bad Blogger? Bullying in the PR industry and New Media
Margaux Salcedo is a former law classmate at the Ateneo law. When she wrote that article and I asked around, I deemed it wise not to even write something about this, for one simple reason--I am not a traitor to friends. Yes, several personalities whom Salcedo tried to describe in her article, I was able to get their identities. If my classmate is still desirous to pursue this for the simple thing of cleansing the industry of such characters, then NPR is ready and able to provide her protection.
Yet, there are still several restauranteurs who allegedly encountered the antics of this so-called Big Bad Blogger. Fact is, BBB simply describes one of those involved in the PR firm. Besides, the firm might say that I am behind the expose or had an interest in it. As I said, I am not. It is just that I finally had the gumption to write about this simply on one salient reason---I am helping a restaurant chain. And the chain is also open to various underhanded tactics employed by unethical PR firms.
Margaux, there are ethical and unethical firms out there, and they exists in all industry. Yet, why be afraid of retaliation? If you have a case in your hands, and I think you have, it is always better to fight for this cause until the end. Why fear? You only fear when you don't have enough evidence or those pieces of evidence you have are all hearsay? If it's hearsay, then, better to give it all up immediately.
Never succumb to bullies, be it a woman bully or a man bully. Bullies are frowned upon. IN this day and age, they are being obliterated.
That's why I don't do food reviews for one simple reason--I don't want to be brandied as promoting a brand or what. Yet, when the temptation is so big, and I really think that sharing my experience with my readers is in order, I write about my experience. I tell you---I don't do it for the money, oh no. I am not in the habit of name dropping or even introducing myself as a blogger. That's why I use a cybername in the first place. I don't want people to know that I am this and that.
And I am not surprised if, a few months or weeks from now, we will hear of something like this again coming from the BBB and the PR firm. Is this the reason why the PR firm have so many clients? Are they bullying them into submission, trying to coax them to have them otherwise they unleash their media influence to break or unbreak the sorry bully victims brands?
I remember when Ding Gagelonia was still alive. We were discussing things with Marocharim and Jester-in-Exile. These two heavyweights in the blogging community were so conscious of being identified with the traditional media for one simple reason---they don't want to be associated with so-called illegal media practices. These traditional practices, like bullying and giving payolas, are NOT supposed to happen in the online community.
Marocharim, Jester-in-Exile, Carlo Ople and others remain clean. They are still advocates of the true purpose of blogging---stinging out til the truth comes out in blisters (quoting Paul Farol)
Now, with the Big Blogger and PR firm expose, what would Marocharim and Jester-in-Exile say?
Yet, there are still several restauranteurs who allegedly encountered the antics of this so-called Big Bad Blogger. Fact is, BBB simply describes one of those involved in the PR firm. Besides, the firm might say that I am behind the expose or had an interest in it. As I said, I am not. It is just that I finally had the gumption to write about this simply on one salient reason---I am helping a restaurant chain. And the chain is also open to various underhanded tactics employed by unethical PR firms.
Margaux, there are ethical and unethical firms out there, and they exists in all industry. Yet, why be afraid of retaliation? If you have a case in your hands, and I think you have, it is always better to fight for this cause until the end. Why fear? You only fear when you don't have enough evidence or those pieces of evidence you have are all hearsay? If it's hearsay, then, better to give it all up immediately.
Never succumb to bullies, be it a woman bully or a man bully. Bullies are frowned upon. IN this day and age, they are being obliterated.
That's why I don't do food reviews for one simple reason--I don't want to be brandied as promoting a brand or what. Yet, when the temptation is so big, and I really think that sharing my experience with my readers is in order, I write about my experience. I tell you---I don't do it for the money, oh no. I am not in the habit of name dropping or even introducing myself as a blogger. That's why I use a cybername in the first place. I don't want people to know that I am this and that.
And I am not surprised if, a few months or weeks from now, we will hear of something like this again coming from the BBB and the PR firm. Is this the reason why the PR firm have so many clients? Are they bullying them into submission, trying to coax them to have them otherwise they unleash their media influence to break or unbreak the sorry bully victims brands?
I remember when Ding Gagelonia was still alive. We were discussing things with Marocharim and Jester-in-Exile. These two heavyweights in the blogging community were so conscious of being identified with the traditional media for one simple reason---they don't want to be associated with so-called illegal media practices. These traditional practices, like bullying and giving payolas, are NOT supposed to happen in the online community.
Marocharim, Jester-in-Exile, Carlo Ople and others remain clean. They are still advocates of the true purpose of blogging---stinging out til the truth comes out in blisters (quoting Paul Farol)
Now, with the Big Blogger and PR firm expose, what would Marocharim and Jester-in-Exile say?
Philippine 360.com says it all about Merceditas Gutierrez' "sudden" resignation
Great insight over at Philippine360.com see link here (http://philippine360.com) on this Merceditas Gutierrez resignation. I share the opinion of the writer that nothing in politics suggest a "sudden decision" to resign or an "epiphany". No politician or any public personality had that same Saint Paul experience. First, no Filipino politician would ever allow himself to go blind for a few days. That spellt a few thousand pesos worth of loss income.
Fact is, is it that easy to get an appointment with a "busy" President? Of course not.
Some say Merci thought of handing over her resignation last Monday when news about the Arroyo's sudden flight to the States reached the ears of several pro-Arroyo allies. Some of those whom I was able to chat with, said that they felt abandoned by their principal. Some even wanted to tell me why the Arroyos flew from the cuckoo's nest in the first place.
It is related to Mikey's 76 million tax evasion case. There are still several properties in SF that belongs to the Arroyo couple and they want these hidden. Of course, these properties are still traceable now, but they have an expert in the person of E.E. who does the dirty work.
They are also in touch with a middle official from the State department. Why? They want their arses saved. Any exchange deals in the horizon? Of course yes. What are they?
Still, because of the hurried nature of the Arroyo's flight (without luggage mind you. They are so rich, they can now afford to buy clothes from anywhere), several of their allies are thinking of jumping ship. Is Merci among them?
By the way, why is the Aquino so desirous of replacing the Ombudsman? Of course, for the same reason as the Arroyos wanted to keep Merci there---to eventually cover their arses. Imagine, a high government official serving the Aquino government just suddenly had the money to construct a mansion in a rich man's place in Quezon City?
With a thorn gone, they can do whatever they want.
So, who is next in the chopping board? Heard from a sweepie, it's none other than the Supreme Court Chief Justice. Some Palace insiders want Corona's halo chopped off.
Fact is, is it that easy to get an appointment with a "busy" President? Of course not.
Some say Merci thought of handing over her resignation last Monday when news about the Arroyo's sudden flight to the States reached the ears of several pro-Arroyo allies. Some of those whom I was able to chat with, said that they felt abandoned by their principal. Some even wanted to tell me why the Arroyos flew from the cuckoo's nest in the first place.
It is related to Mikey's 76 million tax evasion case. There are still several properties in SF that belongs to the Arroyo couple and they want these hidden. Of course, these properties are still traceable now, but they have an expert in the person of E.E. who does the dirty work.
They are also in touch with a middle official from the State department. Why? They want their arses saved. Any exchange deals in the horizon? Of course yes. What are they?
Still, because of the hurried nature of the Arroyo's flight (without luggage mind you. They are so rich, they can now afford to buy clothes from anywhere), several of their allies are thinking of jumping ship. Is Merci among them?
By the way, why is the Aquino so desirous of replacing the Ombudsman? Of course, for the same reason as the Arroyos wanted to keep Merci there---to eventually cover their arses. Imagine, a high government official serving the Aquino government just suddenly had the money to construct a mansion in a rich man's place in Quezon City?
With a thorn gone, they can do whatever they want.
So, who is next in the chopping board? Heard from a sweepie, it's none other than the Supreme Court Chief Justice. Some Palace insiders want Corona's halo chopped off.
ASHA: Turning Our Wounds Into Wisdom
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| The 20 Ople-Villar OFW sCHOLARS WITH Toots with ASHA officials, led by President Marinella Guerrero-Trinidad, Mrs. Annie Pascual-Guerrero, ASHA Director Angie Blanco, CCA Director Dr. Tawi, and ASHA Sales and Marketing Director Jane Ampoloquio |
That's why, I always tell myself to help Susan "Toots" Ople whenever and whichever possible. Toots is the only person I know that is totally dedicated to the genuine pursuit of the rights of the OFW and of ordinary workers.
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| The Nationalistic staff of ASHA |
1. Toots Ople for the workers and the OFWs. She really works to help them
2. Alex Lacson---he's the guy who I think is very fit to become Ombudsman due to his solid moral reputation and his strong advocacy towards change.
3. Amina Rasul---she continues to fight for the rights of the Bangsamoro and continues to aspire for peace in her homeland inspite of personal risks to her and her family. She is one tough Harvard cookie.
Incidentally, all of them are Harvard alumni. I am no Harvard alumnus. I am just a UP alumnus.
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| The OFW scholars now proud graduates of ASHA |
Last week, I witnessed a spectacle that brought tears to my eyes. Our project already bore fruit. I am not in the business of self-promoting so, I will just let Philippine Daily Inquirer Tara Quismundo narrate what happened.
This my friends, hugged the frontpage of the Inquirer yesterday. Tara wrote very passionately about this. She felt their pain. She felt their triumph. And I think now, Tara and another good friend, Carlo of the Manila Bulletin, also shared our advocacy.
School turns ex-OFWs’ wounds into wisdom
MANILA, Philippines—Feeling helpless and exhausted working 22-hour days as a housemaid in Singapore, she was beginning to entertain thoughts of taking her own life.
That was less than a year ago. Now, Myra Grafil is back home and constantly smiling.
She’s a fresh graduate of a certificate course that has given her job prospects in the service industry. And she’s even quoting American media mogul Oprah Winfrey’s memorable line about getting back up.
“Thank you so much for turning our wounds into wisdom,” Grafil said in behalf of her fellow graduates in a ceremony at the Asian School of Hospitality Arts (ASHA) in San Juan City on Wednesday.
Grafil is among 20 former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and balikbayan relatives who completed a three-month housekeeping course at ASHA on scholarships sponsored by the school, Sen. Manny Villar and the Blas F. Ople Policy
Center, a nongovernment organization for labor and migration concerns.
“Before, we thought, what will we do with a course in housekeeping? We might just be mopping around. But we found out that it was also teaching us the proper way of talking to people,” Grafil, a native of Samar, said in Filipino.
“We have regained the self-confidence that we lost because of our experiences overseas,” she said.
17 years
Having a certificate in her name ended Grafil’s 17 years of traveling back and forth to work as house help in Taiwan and Singapore. Her last stint, when she experienced being in the employ of a repressive boss, left painful memories.
“Sometimes I only had 2 hours of sleep,” Grafil said in an interview. “My boss would take me to Malaysia to clean another house. She didn’t pay me in full. I was thinking of killing myself.”
During that desperate time, she was somehow able to post a message about her situation on the Facebook page of Susan Ople, a staunch advocate of Filipino migrant workers’ rights and welfare.
On Ople’s plea, Filipino labor officials in Singapore rescued Grafil from her employer in October last year.
“We are OFWs who did not succeed overseas … Some of us are victims of illegal recruiters and abusive employers. She (Ople) was the one who helped us get back up,” Grafil said.
Realizing dreams
The group of OFWs was at first “skeptical” and somewhat awkward during the training, with many still withdrawn because of their traumatic experience abroad, ASHA president and CEO Marinela Trinidad said.
“At first, they would clam up … Some were shy … But there was a lot of interaction, so they bonded well,” she said.
Trinidad said the scholars were provided a short program to ease them into training. But they have the option to continue schooling under ASHA’s ladderized program.
She added that most of the scholars would be placed in jobs in the Cravings group of hotels and restaurants, the school’s mother company to which most of its graduates go.
At the ceremony, Ople challenged the graduates to “prove us right” in investing in their potential.
“We all want you to be optimistic about your future. A dream should not be encased in boundaries, and you should fight for it,” Ople said.
Every year, hundreds, if not thousands, of OFWs are rescued from abusive employers and repatriated to the Philippines.
Amid poor chances of employment at home, cases of illegal recruitment also continue to be reported as more Filipinos hope to land overseas jobs to help their families crawl out of poverty.
Imagine the dreams that scholars like Grafil are able to realize.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Ombudsman Gutierrez resigns: Close Arroyo associates are jumping ship
In an emotional speech before the Philippine media, embattled Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez announced her resignation. Hours before, Gutierrez visited Malacanang and handed her resignation letter over to President Noynoy Aquino. Aquino graciously accepted the resignation.
Gutierrez said that she resigned to spare the nation, especially the Senate and the Congress, of their time. However, sources say that Gutierrez resigned due to anxiety attacks and family pressure.
Sources say the Gutierrez impeachment is expected to open a Pandora's box of previous anomalies committed by the Arroyo administration.
Deep sources revealed that prior to the resignation, there were feelers sent by the Arroyo camp to the Aquino camp on the possibility of a "truce" on these anomalies. The agreement says that the Aquino camp agreed that Gutierrez must tender her resignation first.
Several close Arroyo associates, reports say, have "crossed over" the Aquino fence and are willing to spill the beans against the Arroyos. Even a very close attorney who always speak for and behalf of the Arroyos have also taken the leap.
Some of those involved in these anomalies have volunteered to provide information on the dealings made by the Arroyo gang, including those made by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo. Several have already packed their bags and went to Hongkong where an Aquino associate is waiting for them to negotiate their terms.
With Gutierrez out, there is no more way to publicly reveal these anomalous deals, that was the strategy.
However, several close Aquino associates plan to seriously prosecute Arroyo who is now abroad. The plan, deep sources say, is for Arroyo to be incarcerated before the year ends.
Gutierrez said that she resigned to spare the nation, especially the Senate and the Congress, of their time. However, sources say that Gutierrez resigned due to anxiety attacks and family pressure.
Sources say the Gutierrez impeachment is expected to open a Pandora's box of previous anomalies committed by the Arroyo administration.
Deep sources revealed that prior to the resignation, there were feelers sent by the Arroyo camp to the Aquino camp on the possibility of a "truce" on these anomalies. The agreement says that the Aquino camp agreed that Gutierrez must tender her resignation first.
Several close Arroyo associates, reports say, have "crossed over" the Aquino fence and are willing to spill the beans against the Arroyos. Even a very close attorney who always speak for and behalf of the Arroyos have also taken the leap.
Some of those involved in these anomalies have volunteered to provide information on the dealings made by the Arroyo gang, including those made by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo. Several have already packed their bags and went to Hongkong where an Aquino associate is waiting for them to negotiate their terms.
With Gutierrez out, there is no more way to publicly reveal these anomalous deals, that was the strategy.
However, several close Aquino associates plan to seriously prosecute Arroyo who is now abroad. The plan, deep sources say, is for Arroyo to be incarcerated before the year ends.
Proposed US military comeback in Subic, being opposed by Filipinos
Senators Dan Inouye and Cochran probably thought that they looked like General Douglas MacArthur when they went to Subic to inspect their former military bases. They themselves admitted that they expect Subic and the surrounding environs to be filled with beggars, dilapidated buildings, old prostitutes, abandoned single mothers and girls wearing tattered clothes and a depressed local economy shortly after the US military left Olongapo.
They were surprised to find a vibrant and independent local economy and a busy international port. What's more--they found no Filipino waiving the U.S. flag and asking for Joe to come back and enjoy the beauty of Subic once more.
Fact is, instead of a welcoming party, Filipinos both in Manila, in Olongapo and all over the world are militating against the possibility of the US bringing their rowdy bunch of soldiers and their weapons of mass destruction again unto Philippine shores.
Senators Osmena and Honasan were not as welcoming as Noynoy Aquino when he met the two US legislators. Osmena and Honasan said Noynoy must respect the 1991 ouster of the US military from Subic and the terms of the Visiting Forces Agreement which replaced the Military Bases Agreement.
Even businessmen and local folk in Olongapo are against the return of the comebacking US cowboys.
The Palace was surprised with the overwhelming public opposition that it was forced to deny that they even raised that possibility during that talk with the two U.S. legislators. Noy, don't lie. What did you share with them, your score playing PSP or PlayStation 3?
And realising that it is too premature and too early to even raise this possibility, the US embassy denied that they plan to revive their military bases in Subic. What these two Senators intended was to see the economic progress of Subic and "how the US can cooperate with the Philippines."
What a statement coming from an ingrate! When Mt. Pinatubo erupted, these nincoompoops deserted us, and left us for dead. We were practically left by the US to fend for our own, something which Richard Gordon knows quite well.
Gordon was left holding an empty bag when Nature itself gave the US military the final death knell. Instead of crying at one corner why his fellow Americans left him, to his credit, Gordon unleashed the power of the Filipino through voluntarism, something which he is now largely credited of doing.
Two decades past and we see a healed Subic, something which the Americans in 1991 probably did not think would happen. But it happened, thanks to the resiliency and strong Pinoy spirit that dared to conquer the impossible.
Now that we turned tragedy into an opportunity, here comes Major Joe spoiling the broth and asking us to please lease those damned facilities again to us, to be used by us in spreading havoc throughout the world.
Uncle Sam is pleased that we did the dirty work for them. Now that Subic has been freed from the tentacles of Uncle Sam, here comes Dan and his fellow octagenarian Cochran preaching the Gospel of Cooperation.
Pooh.
They were surprised to find a vibrant and independent local economy and a busy international port. What's more--they found no Filipino waiving the U.S. flag and asking for Joe to come back and enjoy the beauty of Subic once more.
Fact is, instead of a welcoming party, Filipinos both in Manila, in Olongapo and all over the world are militating against the possibility of the US bringing their rowdy bunch of soldiers and their weapons of mass destruction again unto Philippine shores.
Senators Osmena and Honasan were not as welcoming as Noynoy Aquino when he met the two US legislators. Osmena and Honasan said Noynoy must respect the 1991 ouster of the US military from Subic and the terms of the Visiting Forces Agreement which replaced the Military Bases Agreement.
Even businessmen and local folk in Olongapo are against the return of the comebacking US cowboys.
The Palace was surprised with the overwhelming public opposition that it was forced to deny that they even raised that possibility during that talk with the two U.S. legislators. Noy, don't lie. What did you share with them, your score playing PSP or PlayStation 3?
And realising that it is too premature and too early to even raise this possibility, the US embassy denied that they plan to revive their military bases in Subic. What these two Senators intended was to see the economic progress of Subic and "how the US can cooperate with the Philippines."
What a statement coming from an ingrate! When Mt. Pinatubo erupted, these nincoompoops deserted us, and left us for dead. We were practically left by the US to fend for our own, something which Richard Gordon knows quite well.
Gordon was left holding an empty bag when Nature itself gave the US military the final death knell. Instead of crying at one corner why his fellow Americans left him, to his credit, Gordon unleashed the power of the Filipino through voluntarism, something which he is now largely credited of doing.
Two decades past and we see a healed Subic, something which the Americans in 1991 probably did not think would happen. But it happened, thanks to the resiliency and strong Pinoy spirit that dared to conquer the impossible.
Now that we turned tragedy into an opportunity, here comes Major Joe spoiling the broth and asking us to please lease those damned facilities again to us, to be used by us in spreading havoc throughout the world.
Uncle Sam is pleased that we did the dirty work for them. Now that Subic has been freed from the tentacles of Uncle Sam, here comes Dan and his fellow octagenarian Cochran preaching the Gospel of Cooperation.
Pooh.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
US FORCES TO USE SUBIC AGAIN AS NAVAL BASE?
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| The True State of the Nation: Welcome former masters, welcome! |
Two U.S. senators Dan Inouye and Cochran visited Subic. They were very specific in their visit--they want a review of the facilities in Subic due to the possibility of it being used extensively by the US forces. Reason? There is a delay in the construction and improvement of US naval facilities in Guam.
These legislators intend to include the possibility of extensive use of Subic in the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
There is nothing wrong with temporary visits. What is wrong is the term "extensive use" of Subic facilities. After the withdrawal of the U.S. forces, Subic was transformed into an international port. Many companies made it as a manufacturing hub. With the possibility of the US military occupying most of Subic, this international port will actually become a military base once more.
This will affect the status of Subic as a "neutral" international port. Imagine, the US military unloading their war materiel alongside "civilian" goods and assets. Likewise, how will the Philippine government deal with the presence of nuclear weapons? The Philippine Constitution prohibits the presence of such weapons of mass destruction in its territory.
This will definitely alter or disturb the current security situation in the entire region. One, the force configuration in the world today has changed drastically since the 90's. The U.S. is not the sole superpower in the world right now. Fact is, China is there and the number of so called "rogue states" have increased and many of them are anti-U.S. and they are just neighbours of the Philippines.
This will change the status of the Philippines from a "neutral" state into a supporter of a superpower with diminished powers and status.
With so many states as "enemies", the U.S. is more vulnerable now than before. A re-installation of the US military presence in Subic will again transform the area into a dangerous fly zone. Subic will again be the center of tremendous conflict and controversy. Insurgent groups within the area will re-activate once again, and the possibility of a Subic attack by terrorists is not as far-fetched as what analysts think.
If a regional war strikes, surely, Subic will be included in the list of those states desirous of attacking or debilitating the U.S. The possibility of a nuclear attack on Subic is not as remote as others think, what with a new force alignment in the world today.
The Aquino administration has morphed and has shown its true face: a promoter of neo-liberalist economics that favor Capital instead of labor, a government that is not listening to the people, a government that is being managed by technocrats and eventually, a government that is subservient not to the Filipino interests, but of neo-Imperialism.
This must be stopped at all costs by those who love the Philippines. These years of re-inventing this country, years of re-constructing the very pillars of democracy to conform with local concepts will all be deconstructed with just one stroke of an Imperialist pen.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Noynoy Aquino: Anti-Labor?
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda was asked if Monday, May 2, is a holiday. Lacierda said no. Under Republic Act 9492 moves regular holidays and special days to the nearest Monday.
" In the event the holiday falls on a Wednesday, the holiday will be observed on the Monday of the week. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday will be observed on the Monday that follows."
May 1 falls on a Sunday. Labor Day is one of the most important days in the calendar because it is the only day dedicated to the toiling masses. Labor is the power, the strength behind modern and successful societies.
Seems like this administration is truly anti-labor.
Consider these---Aquino already told workers not to expect any wage hike or wage adjustment following a string of price hikes. Aquino allows companies to hike their prices but when it comes to benefits and wages of workers, Aquino acts like Mr. Scrooge.
Aquino says its okey if oil companies jacked their prices up illegally by 40 centavos. Yet, Aquino does not even forgive workers who militate against unfair labor practices.
And now this: it is only one day of the year when society recognizes the value of labor and then what? Aquino poo-poohs declaring May 2 as a holiday.
Wow.
" In the event the holiday falls on a Wednesday, the holiday will be observed on the Monday of the week. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday will be observed on the Monday that follows."
May 1 falls on a Sunday. Labor Day is one of the most important days in the calendar because it is the only day dedicated to the toiling masses. Labor is the power, the strength behind modern and successful societies.
Seems like this administration is truly anti-labor.
Consider these---Aquino already told workers not to expect any wage hike or wage adjustment following a string of price hikes. Aquino allows companies to hike their prices but when it comes to benefits and wages of workers, Aquino acts like Mr. Scrooge.
Aquino says its okey if oil companies jacked their prices up illegally by 40 centavos. Yet, Aquino does not even forgive workers who militate against unfair labor practices.
And now this: it is only one day of the year when society recognizes the value of labor and then what? Aquino poo-poohs declaring May 2 as a holiday.
Wow.
Mamamayan Laban sa Oil Companies--isulong!
Bakit walang bayag o ngipin man lamang ang administrasyong Aquino laban sa mga umaabusong mga kumpanya ng langis?
Hindi totoo ang sinasabi ni Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, na inutil o walang magagawa ang pamahalaan laban sa mapaminsalang pagtataas ng presyo ng langis ng mga dambuhalang oil companies. May ngipin ang Oil Deregulation Law. Kayang magsampa ng kaso laban sa mga kumpanyang ito ang sinumang pamahalaan. Dangan nga lamang na ang mga kumpanya ng langis, sampu ng mga kumpanyang naglalako ng mga produktong "makasalanan" at "mapamuksa" ay siya ring malalaking financiers at lobbyists na nagpapa ambon ng regalo sa mga opisyal de gobyerno sa panahon ng "gipitan" kumbaga.
At tila sa kasaysayan ng pakikipagsambuwatan ng pamahalaan sa mga dambuhalang kumpanya ng langis, wala ni isa mang tagumpay na nakuha ang pamahalaan para sa ating mga naghihirap na mamamayan. Ang kakarimpot na umento, na siya lamang mumo sa kita ng mga kumpanyang ito ang palagiang pinamamarali ng pamahalaan sa panahong mainit ang dugo ng mamamayan. Ngunit, kung tutuusin, walang tagumpay ni isa lamang para sa taumbayan ang pamahalaan.
Pansinin din na hindi lamang iisang panahon nilabag ng mga kumpanyang ito ang mga umiiral na batas ng ating pamahalaan. Halos panay-panay ang paglabag ng mga oil companies sa deregulation law. At sa bawat paglabag, inutil ang pamahalaang Aquino sa mga ito.
Kung nilalabag ng mga kumpanya ng langis ang batas, at tila talagang walang paggalang sa konsepto ng panlipunang kagalingan, anupa't ginagalang ng sambayanan ang mga kumpanyang ito?
Hamon ito sa mga tunay na nagmamahal sa Inang Bayan. Hamon ito sa mga rebolusyunaryo ng makabagong panahon.
Ngayong kompromiso na ang Akbayan at tila isang tutang sunud-sunuran sa Aquino Corporatist State (ACS), may maaasahan pa kayang tinig o sigaw o isang nakapangyayaring pangyayari sa ibang mga grupo, lalo na ang PM, Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM), BayanMuna at Kadamay?
May sigaw bang maririnig sa hanay ng Kilusang Mayo Uno, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipio at ilan pang mga militanteng hanay? O nabusilan na rin ng mga matatamis na pangako mula sa administrasyong Aquino ang mga ito?
Nasaan ang mga tagapagtanggol ng panlipunang kagalingan? Nabusilan na ba ang kanilang mga bibig ng mga pangakong pulitikal? Nawalan na ba ng ideolohiyang giya ang kilusan?
Hindi totoo ang sinasabi ni Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, na inutil o walang magagawa ang pamahalaan laban sa mapaminsalang pagtataas ng presyo ng langis ng mga dambuhalang oil companies. May ngipin ang Oil Deregulation Law. Kayang magsampa ng kaso laban sa mga kumpanyang ito ang sinumang pamahalaan. Dangan nga lamang na ang mga kumpanya ng langis, sampu ng mga kumpanyang naglalako ng mga produktong "makasalanan" at "mapamuksa" ay siya ring malalaking financiers at lobbyists na nagpapa ambon ng regalo sa mga opisyal de gobyerno sa panahon ng "gipitan" kumbaga.
At tila sa kasaysayan ng pakikipagsambuwatan ng pamahalaan sa mga dambuhalang kumpanya ng langis, wala ni isa mang tagumpay na nakuha ang pamahalaan para sa ating mga naghihirap na mamamayan. Ang kakarimpot na umento, na siya lamang mumo sa kita ng mga kumpanyang ito ang palagiang pinamamarali ng pamahalaan sa panahong mainit ang dugo ng mamamayan. Ngunit, kung tutuusin, walang tagumpay ni isa lamang para sa taumbayan ang pamahalaan.
Pansinin din na hindi lamang iisang panahon nilabag ng mga kumpanyang ito ang mga umiiral na batas ng ating pamahalaan. Halos panay-panay ang paglabag ng mga oil companies sa deregulation law. At sa bawat paglabag, inutil ang pamahalaang Aquino sa mga ito.
Kung nilalabag ng mga kumpanya ng langis ang batas, at tila talagang walang paggalang sa konsepto ng panlipunang kagalingan, anupa't ginagalang ng sambayanan ang mga kumpanyang ito?
Hamon ito sa mga tunay na nagmamahal sa Inang Bayan. Hamon ito sa mga rebolusyunaryo ng makabagong panahon.
Ngayong kompromiso na ang Akbayan at tila isang tutang sunud-sunuran sa Aquino Corporatist State (ACS), may maaasahan pa kayang tinig o sigaw o isang nakapangyayaring pangyayari sa ibang mga grupo, lalo na ang PM, Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM), BayanMuna at Kadamay?
May sigaw bang maririnig sa hanay ng Kilusang Mayo Uno, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipio at ilan pang mga militanteng hanay? O nabusilan na rin ng mga matatamis na pangako mula sa administrasyong Aquino ang mga ito?
Nasaan ang mga tagapagtanggol ng panlipunang kagalingan? Nabusilan na ba ang kanilang mga bibig ng mga pangakong pulitikal? Nawalan na ba ng ideolohiyang giya ang kilusan?
The Corporatist State Under Noynoy Aquino
The rising perception that this administration is fast transforming itself as a corporatist State is what is harming its reputation before the people.
The prevailing policy of "business as usual" and the seeming lack of concern for the social and general welfare are things which people hate about this government.
For example, the Aquino administration's "hands-off" policy in the recent fuel price hikes shows what side this administration really is--it favors Big Business interests.
Fact is, this administration is worse than the previous one. This administration does not know its priorities. Aquino lets Big Business do their thing without consideration about the people's welfare. At the beginning of this administration, Aquino lets out a clear propaganda line--he considers the "people" his "boss" and therefore he is subservient to them.
What he failed to say is who are these people whom he considers "bosses"?
Seems like the Aquino administration real bosses are Big Business interests and those whom it protects are the cartelists who dictate the direction of the markets.
Fact is, the full corporatism of the Aquino administration can be seen in its policies of privatizing even the military camps and social services which are supposed to be dispensed by government.
If, even the granting of gambling permits, this government wants privatized, then, let's privatize the entire bureaucracy and let Big Business make a huge profit.
The prevailing policy of "business as usual" and the seeming lack of concern for the social and general welfare are things which people hate about this government.
For example, the Aquino administration's "hands-off" policy in the recent fuel price hikes shows what side this administration really is--it favors Big Business interests.
Fact is, this administration is worse than the previous one. This administration does not know its priorities. Aquino lets Big Business do their thing without consideration about the people's welfare. At the beginning of this administration, Aquino lets out a clear propaganda line--he considers the "people" his "boss" and therefore he is subservient to them.
What he failed to say is who are these people whom he considers "bosses"?
Seems like the Aquino administration real bosses are Big Business interests and those whom it protects are the cartelists who dictate the direction of the markets.
Fact is, the full corporatism of the Aquino administration can be seen in its policies of privatizing even the military camps and social services which are supposed to be dispensed by government.
If, even the granting of gambling permits, this government wants privatized, then, let's privatize the entire bureaucracy and let Big Business make a huge profit.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The Bicol Experience: From Laiya to Lucena City, part 1
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| La Laiya San Juan Batangas |
There were occasions when I want this plan realized, but one thing led to another and it's always a no-go. First, I'm forty. Second, I don't feel as strong as when I was twenty years old. My tonsils are still hurting and just thinking of that looong drive makes me reconsider.
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| Great idea for a nap |
Of course, when beaches are being considered, you don't have to look far--there's Laiya, in San Juan Batangas. It's just a two to three hour drive.
Initially, my family checked and Bataan is another great place to go. There are hidden white sandy beaches in Zambales, but you have to ride a boat to get there, and the place is still undeveloped. It's okey if I'm alone. I'm a backpacker and I can definitely take a challenge. But with two whining kids in tow, scratch anything near "heat" or "rough roads" or "boats".
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| Want peace and quiet? It's Laiya. |
Anyway, I called my mother, and she told me that its traffic going to the North. So, it's South then.
Traversing South Luzon expressway is a joy by itself. The roads are pretty much well maintained. It's just 177 pesos going to the Calamba exit. When you reach the end of the expressway, you'll find that there is a connecting road leading to the Star expressway. This is very convenient and I thank Vilma Santos for this.
We went to different beach resorts before we ended up at La Luz beach resorts. As usual, the place is fully booked. However, there is one, a place being rented out by a resident of the place. The price? 4,000 per night. That's the cheapest in the area, since every beach resort is booked for two to three days.
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| great time to lazy around |
For me and my family, this is not as simple as it seems. If you're a day tripper, the cost is 750 per head, equivalent to 4,000 pesos (overnight). Their usual rate is between 2,500 to 4,000. In this season (since it's their "peak one"), getting that peace and quiet would cost you more.
Anyway, we decided to just take some photos and go our merry way. Casa Rosales is inviting but no thanks too.
After some snacks, we decided to go to Bicol. I reasoned that we are in Batangas anyway and Lucena is just around the corner, why not go there? My family agreed.
So, off we went to that road leading to Lucena. The highway is just 11 kilometers away from San Juan. Afterwards, we traversed the road leading to Lucena.
It was around 5 or 6 o'clock in the evening when we reached Lucena City. We ate at Max restaurant and asked where's the best place to stay the night. They all chorused---Queen Margarette hotel.
Queen Margarette hotel is your usual 2-3 star hotel. A deluxe room costs 2,000 plus, not bad since the place has a pool, a jacuzzi and the sorts. There's another one, the Quezon Premier Hotel, but it's fully booked. For those on a tight budget, settle for King Alexander Hotel. It's just 750 pesos.
Since we were just spending the night over, we decided King Alexander Hotel. It's clean. Its reasonable. All you really need is an aircon and a heater. And life is okey.
The Meaning of Easter
Yes, for millennia, death has animated the minds of men. Many theories were propounded about it. Many philosophers have dedicated most of their lives unlocking its mysteries and the very basic question is, how to actually conquer death.
Man knows that every living organism, will at some point, face extinction. We now know that death occurs when our cells die. Our cells have its natural life span, currently at the maximum of 120 years. When a breakdown occurs in our normal functions, especially in some vital organ or what have you, we die.
A scientist by the name of Aubrey de Grey identified the key events that makes us age and die.
First, organs are damaged by gradual cell loss. The gradual cell loss leads to a weakening of our defense system, making us susceptible to diseases and illnesses.
Second, cells getting old and worn out but refusing to die. These old worn out cells infect our body, making our body toxic and impure.
Third, a build-up of crud in our cells' garbage compactors known as lysosomes. The lysosomes break down the waste with enzymes. Overtime, they can get clogged, and the cells become poisioned and tissues goes bad.
Dangerous crud accumulating in the spaces between the cells. Fifth, sugar molecules bonding with protein molecules, over time causing tissues to stiffen and harden. Sixth, mitochondrial DNA mutations caused by exposure to free radicals and lastly, DNA mutatins in the cell's nucleus leading to cancer.
After death our bodies then enter the decomposition stage. What is left of us is normally a pile of bones, which calcifies and then turns into fossils.
Now, what happens to our thoughts? What happens to all those accumulated experiences that we encountered when alive?
It seems that all of these things ceases to exist as we die. Fact is, even us ceases to exist upon death.
Death, it seems, is the inevitable end of life.
Yet, when one observes nature, death is simply not the inevitable end. Life continues to exists even after death.
There is this type of jellyfish that remains immortal by transforming itself back into polyp status. When damage occurs in its cells or system, it reverts back into its "baby stage", and then heals itself and assumes normalcy, growing until eventually it gets damage again, and the process begins all over again.
If this happens in one cell or two celled organisms, can it happen in multi-celled organisms such as man?
The bible teaches us the Way towards eternal life.
We die because we are flesh. Flesh is mortal. We depend on so many things to keep us alive.
We depend on food. We depend on keeping the right body temperature to keep all our vital organs well and functioning. We depend on the functions of our organs. If one vital organ fails to function, then, we die.
At most, flesh lives for 120 years and then it dies. Why does flesh die? Flesh is made of corruptible material. It wastes away. Why ? Whenever we take food, we nourish ourselves yet, we actually deteriorate. The more we eat, the higher the chances of us dying.
When we take food, it does feed our bodies, only for a definitive length of time. Nowadays, despite new technologies, man can only live by about 120 years,[1] and that’s it.
Observe—those who live unholy lives are the ones who die early. The more we sin, the more we live dirty and filthy lives. An example—if we eat dirty food, we die. If we smoke, we die. If we do things that is abominable, for example, incense, we die. We die due to corruption of our bodies. We corrupt our bodies because we live unhealthy and unholy lives.
Romans 7:5 says that while we are in the flesh, the motions of sins, did work in our own bodies “bring forth fruit unto death”. That is the truth. A sinful lifestyle leads to death, because it corrupts the body.
We die because we are flesh. Ezekiel 18:20 says that a soul that sinneth die. A sinning soul is unclean, his heart not pure (Prov. 20:9). For all that is born of a woman is unclean (Job 15:14). And there is not a just man upon the earth, that doeth good and sinneth not (Eccleasiastes 7:20).
Our ancestors of old live long lives because they walk with God. What does this mean? It means that their lifestyles follow that of God’s precepts. Enoch lived three hundred sixty five years before God took him (General 5:24). Enoch ascended into heaven—flesh, bones and spirit. Enoch must have known several secrets to a long life because shortly after him, his descendants lived unusually long lives—Methuselah lived nine hundred and sixty nine years, while his son Lamech, seven hundred and seven years ( Genesis 5:27, 31). Even Noah, the descendant of Lamech lived 950 years, just 19 years short of Methuselah (Genesis 9:29).
In Genesis 6:3, God declared that flesh can only live by 120 years, yet even after God declared these, several of Noah’s descendants lived more than this: Shem, son of Noah, lived five hundred years. Arphaxad, four hundred and three years.(Gen. 11:13). Salah lived four hundred and three years (Gen 11:15) while his son, Eber lived four hundred and thirty years. Terah, meanwhile, lived two hundred and five years (Gen. 11:32).
How did Enoch do it? Hebrews 11:5 has an explanation—faith. Enoch believed that he would not see death. His unshakable faith in God earned his rewards.
Faith, by itself, could give man a longer life. By “walking with God” one earns the right to live long and even earn the right to eternal life.
Yet, they still died. How then can one earn the right to live forever?
When a soul sins, he is cut off from God (Number 15:31). When one is cut off from God, he does not enjoy the mercies and glory of God. When we die, we all goes back to God,[2] the Father of the Spirits. [3]If our spirits are unpure, God will spake us out of His midst, because only the Holy merits the right to see God. Not all who return to God will merit everlasting life. Some who does good will wake up resurrected while those who worked iniquity, a resurrection of damnation (John 5:29).
John 5:29 is important for us to understand because this means that in the last days, every single spirit will be transformed. All of us will be resurrected. In the Book of Daniel, every single one who sleeps in the dust of the earth shall awake in those last days, some to everlasting life and some to “shame and everlasting contempt.”[4] Only the righteous will merit the reward of life eternal while those who perpetually sin, shall go away into everlasting punishment. [5]
Why is it that those who sin will not be rewarded with everlasting life? Those who sin live in the flesh, which, according to the scriptures, is not of God’s. that which lives by the dictates of the flesh is simply, not of God.[6]
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:16-17)
How do we live forever?
The body is flesh while the spirit lives forever. If we can just merge the flesh with the eternally living spirit, we can live forever. Is it possible for a man to live forever with his spirit clinging to his soul?
What is life eternal? John 17:3 says that life eternal is for man to know God as the only true God “and Jesus Christ”. So, there are two requirements: one needs to know God as the true God and Jesus Christ. Why is it important to know Christ? In John 3:36 it says that those who believed in the son of God will be given everlasting life.
What is the way then that leads to eternal life?
What is the Way?
The Way is a book which teaches us how to attain eternal life. What is the Way, the Truth and the Life that Jesus said in John 14:6? Why did he say that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life?
What Jesus referred to in John 14:6 are stages of illumination for mankind to attain eternal life. The Way is the means towards the Truth and the Truth is the way to life. By doing the things contained in the Way, man will discover the Truth and when he discovers the Truth, he gets Life.
Jesus is the culmination of all these—the way, the truth and the life—because he already attained illumination. He has broken the barriers that hinder man from the attainment of eternal life. He lived according to the law and those of the Prophets, discovered the Truth and now, was given eternal life.
What Jesus is asking us to do is follow his examples, how he lived, because that is the Way. He is not asking us to worship him—worship the one who made him, he says. His life is the Way because it proves that God’s ways can actually be realized by man. That man is totally capable of total obeisance is possible by doing what Jesus did when he lived on earth.
When one lives like Christ, he discovers the Truth. And what is the Truth?
That man can live forever. His corruptible nature can be changed to incorruptibility. How will man attain incorruptibility? It is by realizing that he has to live in a place where there is no corruption. Life depends on the environment it is in. If man goes to a place where there is no corruption, then, he will be able to live more than 120 years, the length of life God gave man as a consequence of man being flesh. [1]
And where is this place that is without corruption? This is a place called the realm of Light. How will man be able to go there? By learning the things which those who inhabit the realm of Light do. What are these things that they do? They keep themselves pure. How do they keep themselves pure? By thinking of things pure and Godly and keeping away from things which makes their bodies impure.
The human body is not made to last forever. It is made up of cells created and destined to die. When the cells of the body perish, death comes. The life span of cells is the internal clock of man.
For man to live forever, he must transform and release his eternal spirit from the bonds of his body. That which is incorruptible lies within man. When the body is no more, the spirit needs a dwelling place.
When an evil person dies, his spirit becomes defiled. A spirit that is defiled will obviously seek a place of defilement.
When a holy person dies, his spirit becomes blessed and holy. A holy spirit will seek a place of utter bliss and holiness.
In the last day, the spirit of those who obey the Way will merit a reward—their spirits will attain another form, a holy form, that is pure. This form will enable them to live in the presence of God.
Remember that the heavens were described by the Ancients as “somewhat like water, an ocean.” That is allegorical. It just says that man cannot live in the heavens without an apparatus, or something that will enable man to breathe and act normally as what he does on earth.
The corruptible body of man cannot contain the holiness of paradise. The only way for man to live in paradise is for his corruptible body to attain incorruptibility so that he can now breathe and move freely in paradise. That is the Truth.
When man realizes the Truth, he is now prepared to accept Life. And what is Life that Jesus and the Prophets refer to?
It is the life spent eternally with God in his garden. It is a life which Adam and Eve experienced some millennia ago.
It is a life shared under God.
[1] Genesis 6:1.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Palace found oil firms hiked prices illegally
Malacanang thru the Department of Energy just found that oil firms jacked their prices up more than the prescribed adjustments made by the government. And what punishment did the government imposed on these giant oil firms? None.
Read this article from Philippine Star.
What did the government do? The DOE sent a mere letter to the oil companies.
So, these oil giants have been fooling us for the longest time. And the punishment they got? Zero. Zilch. Nada.
What government did was just demand these oil firms to open their books. And then what? Are we going to get a rebate on the things we paid for that were surely exorbitant?
This government, like the previous ones, are babying these oil companies to the detriment of the general public.
We need a stronger government to address this issue. We need a stronger leader that will really protect the interests of a consuming public always being put at the mercy of multinational companies.
Read this article from Philippine Star.
Shell, Chevron and Total announced hikes in the prices of regular gasoline by 70 centavos per liter, unleaded gasoline, 60 centavos; diesel, 25 centavos; and kerosene, 40 centavos, effective 6 a.m. Tuesday. The DOE said the price hikes should have only been P0.16 per liter for diesel and P0.39 for gasoline.
What did the government do? The DOE sent a mere letter to the oil companies.
After receiving a letter from DOE, Chevron cut its prices of unleaded gasolineby P0.60 per liter, diesel by P0.25 per liter, kerosene by P0.40 per liter andregular gasoline by P0.70 per liter at noon yesterday. De Lima also reiterated her plan to put up a new body to be called “DOJ Office for Competition” that would “address cartels and restrictive agreements (among oil firms).”
DOE’s director for Oil Industry Management Bureau Zenaida Monsada earlier said the recent price hikes appeared to be higher than what official computation should indicate.
The DOE said the latest prices – P46.45 to P49 per liter for diesel and P53.60 to P60.81 per liter for gasoline – have already breached record highs in 2008.
So, these oil giants have been fooling us for the longest time. And the punishment they got? Zero. Zilch. Nada.
What government did was just demand these oil firms to open their books. And then what? Are we going to get a rebate on the things we paid for that were surely exorbitant?
This government, like the previous ones, are babying these oil companies to the detriment of the general public.
We need a stronger government to address this issue. We need a stronger leader that will really protect the interests of a consuming public always being put at the mercy of multinational companies.
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