Sunday, May 31, 2009
Homesick
Some of my friends envy me for having a job that includes traveling around the Philippines. So far, it has been a great experience for me. I never had enough money to travel on my own so it's incredible to go to these provinces for the first time and as the months go on, I'm expected to travel to more places. But one thing I've learned in all these travels is that I'm not a good tourist. I'd rather get stuck in the hotel or inn or the house that is hosting me than to go around town. I'd rather stay there and watch television or take a nap than to go out to the nearest hang-outs. In addition, I found out that these travels do take a toll on me. For some reason, I'm starting to feel homesick. It's not that I want to go home. I'm just craving for the familiar - places, food, things, habits, and people.
I think that the nature of work is quite demanding and fast-paced. To compensate, I crave for old habits (i.e. comfort food, company of old friends, familiar sights and sounds). This pang of homesickness could be my brain telling me that I need to slow things down and have some more time with myself and with the people I love.
Next stop: Roxas City, Capiz.
@ 
Friday, May 29, 2009
Sleepy
My flight for Bacolod is at 4:55AM. I plan to leave the office at 2:30AM. I'm quite sleepy. I just came from an event - work-related of course. I want to sleep but I'm afraid that I might not wake up. The aircon is in full-blast. I'm being tempted to sleep. I'm so sleepy I'm already forgetting that I'm afraid of being alone in a room at night. Well, I have a companion with me, but he's still in the 11th floor (hi lorenz!).
I'm sleepy and I'm tired.
I need some time to think about what I have been doing. I think I'm missing something. I think I'm not pushing myself enough. I need to be more generous.
For now, I have to drag myself to Bacolod.
Please pray for our safe and successful travel.
I refuse to surrender!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sana Tama ang Ginagawa Ko
Ilang taon na rin nang una akong namulat sa kalagayan ng mga pesante kaya naman nang mabalitaan ko na pinagtabuyan at pinagtitira ng water cannon ang mga magsasaka sa harap ng kongreso kahapon, sumama ang loob ko.
Sumama ang loob ko dahil ipinakita na naman ng gobyerno na sila'y mga manhid at mga inutil.
Sumama ang loob ko dahil pinili na naman ng mga mambabatas na ihian at duraan ang mga magsasakang nagtatamasa ng lupa nila.
Ngunit sumama rin ang loob ko sa aking sarili sapagkat sa nakaraang ilang buwan, hindi ko man lang nagawang magpakita ng aking suporta sa kanila, 'di tulad nang ako'y nasa kolehiyo pa.
Ngayong nasa isang politikal na organisasyon ako, nasabi ko tuloy sa sarili ko - sana tama ang ginagawa ko.
Ito ang kwento ni Ate Jane tungkol sa naganap kahapon:
Water cannon 5-25-09Today I was water cannoned for the first time. The farmers, joined by workers, urban poor, and the Church marched to Congress to demand the passage of HB 4077 or the CARPER bill. When we reached Batasan, the Sumilao, Banasi and Calatagan farmers built a camp outside of the main gate. Their reason: “we are not allowed to enter the premises of Congress and be part of the discussions of the bill, which is set to affect us. By all means, we will monitor the proceedings from the outside. Besides, this is a public office; it should be available for citizens’ use.” But as the farmers were setting up their tents, the Quezon City Police District demanded the tearing down of the makeshift structure. When Bishop Broderick Pabillo tried to negotiate, the police aimed their truncheons at him and the farmers. What followed was a long mayhem wherein the farmers, workers, urban poor, religious, NGOs, and Bishop Pabillo tried mightily to resist the dirty and smelly water.
But experiencing water truncheons is not my only first for today. It is my first time to experience harshness in the hands of the police while pursuing a legitimate and moral asset reform measure. We were not carrying a political issue. We did not demand GMA’s ouster. We were asking that an important measure be discussed and passed into law. Even the anti cha cha call was not highlighted. And still, despite the tired and confused look of the farmers, Nograles’s response was to hose down the marchers.
Today I learned what power is. It is the arrogance that emanates from a chamber that calls itself the people’s representatives when its response to a peaceful assembly of citizens is water cannon. Never mind that old and women farmers were at the front. Never mind that Bishop Pabillo and the nuns were at the frontlines. No, the macho speaker fired water and threatened that he would remove CARPER from his priority list of legislation because of the events of today. So now, it is our fault? We were not even inside the halls of Congress! From whence does his logic come from?
Or is he so arrogant and feeling-all-powerful that reason escapes him?
[via Ate Jane's Blog]
Press Release
May 26, 2009
ROXAS SLAMS VIOLENT DISPERSAL OF FARMERS IN BATASAN
URGES GMA ALLIES TO HEED PUBLIC CLAMOR FOR CARP EXTENSION
Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today denounced the violent dispersal of farmers holding a rally in front of the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday afternoon and slammed Malacañang allies at the House of Representatives for their indifference to the group's demands.
"Walang mararating ang ating bansa kung pinamumunuan ito ng isang administrasyong nabubuhay sa ilusyong walang ibang mahalagang tinig kundi ang sa sarili niya," he fumed over reports that a team from the Bureau of Fire Protection used water canons to disperse hundreds of rallyists, including Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, who was with the farmers.
"Mariin kong kinukondena ang marahas na pagdi-disperse ng napakaraming mga magsasaka mula sa Batasan kahapon ng hapon. Kasama nila ang mga taong-Simbahan, kabilang si Bishop Roderick Pabillo, mga maralitang tagalungsod, at mga lider mula sa hanay ng manggagawa na nakiisa sa kanilang mga hangarin," he added.
The rallyists, composed mostly of farmers from all over the country, have been holding a vigil infront of the Batasan Pambansa since April 13. They are clamoring for an extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which is due to expire on June 30. CARP ensures the farmers' rights over the lands they till.
The House began its marathon sessions on Monday to pass priority measures eight days before Congress adjourns sine die on June 5. It has at least 12 measures in its unfinished business, including Speaker Prospero Nograles' House Resolution 737 seeking to amend the Constitution's economic provision; the bill for the extension of the CARP with reforms and another measure related to the 2010 elections.
"Matagal nang inaantay ng mga magsasaka ang makatarungang resolusyon sa problema ng repormang pang-agraryo. Malinaw ang ginagawang pagtapak sa karapatan ng ating mga magsasaka. Anumang hinaing, mula sa magsasaka o sa ano pa mang sektor ng lipunan, kailangan itong dinggin sa isang makataong paraan. Hindi tayo aabot sa maayos na solusyon kung sa tuwinang may maglalabas ng kanilang saloobin ay bobombahin sila ng tubig," the Visayan senator said.
"Kasangga ako ng mga api, at patuloy tayong lalaban para sa makatarungang resolusyon sa mga hinaing ng ating magsasaka," he vowed.
[via Senate.gov.ph]
Monday, May 25, 2009
COMELEC's E-mail to Me
A few weeks ago, I blogged about my voter's ID and how the COMELEC has yet to print it.
Today, I got this e-mail from COMELEC.
Sir/Madam,
We would like to inform you that the voters id is ready for printing. As of now, We are doing our best to print all id's by regions so that we will meet before 2010 elections, as soon as we have your id's printed, We'll definitely forward to your respective Comelec office. As of now, we have no forms for the Voter’s id, right now we have purchase request for Voter’s id Form and we already for bidding process.
Thank you.
Well, it's another automated message. But the short message just goes to show how backwards COMELEC is.
Electoral reforms please!
My Mar Roxas Pitch
As some of you may have known, I'm currently working in the team of Senator Mar Roxas. I'm currently looking for other reform-oriented youth who would like to form a coregroup in Ateneo (and beyond) who will help craft a youth-agenda and will campaign for Mar Roxas.
I know some of you may have the following apprehensions and I'll try to briefly answer them as best as I could:
1. Why be partisan (instead of non-partisan)?
For many years I have been supporting non-partisan movements during elections, particularly the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV). So why go and be partisan this time? First, I was really inspired by how Obama won last year. People outside the formally-organized team were actually campaigning for him. Now that I'm getting experience in Mar's team, the more I realize that it's really difficult to find a perfect president. But what we can do is to perfect someone to be our president. That's the opportunity we have with Sen. Mar. Second, I think that non-partisanship and partisanship are not mutually exclusive, rather they complement each other. It's hard to inspire people to register and vote if they don't see a viable candidate to vote for. This is the same reason why I hate the "lesser evil" discourse. It hinders people to try to learn about the candidates. Third, inevitably, we voters will choose a side come election day. But why wait for May 2010? Fourth, if we want to make our candidates accountable to us, then we should start providing them the support as early as now. We exercise our citizenship by helping our fellow Filipinos discern better by pumping life and enthusiasm into the campaign of our country's future leaders. We should remember that if we do not participate, then we again leave these campaigns in the hands of older people who may or may not understand us anymore. Is that what we want for our future?
2. Why now? Isn't it too early?
Although the filing for candidacy has yet to have begun (thus, technically, we have not official list of presidentiables yet), many are already starting their campaign as early as 2007 (i.e. Manny Villar). I know many are thinking that Mar Roxas is a traditional politician because he has TV ads already. Well, if Mar won't do that, then he'll be behind those who have already organized on the ground. In fact, Mar's team started late! That's why he's behind in both the Pulse Asia and SWS surveys. Personally, I think that the official campaign period (Feb-May) is too short. Remember, the Obama campaign lasted a year! A three-month campaign period will not educate voters enough to enable them to vote wisely. Thus, candidates resort to mere media blitz.
I firmly believe that what we do in the team is the best way to go. We organize communities and help them in crafting a people's agenda that Mar will carry as his platform when he finally officially declares his presidency. This is definitely time-consuming but this is the best way to engage people for the sake of genuine democracy. It is for this same reason why I'm asking for people to be part of a core group in Ateneo (and beyond).
3. Why Mar Roxas?
Well, this one can take quite a while. So, if there are people who are interested, I'm offering my time to meet with you guys for one hour in your venue of choice (refereshments are on me) so that I can tell you why I have chosen Mar and why you should too. But basically it's because of his track record, his priorities, and the people he's with. You can read this .txt file for more info on that.
Once again, I'm open to meeting with you guys, just tell me when and where (preferably, I meet you as a big group already).
If you have more questions, here is my calling card:
Thank you!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Waiting for my Flight
My flight was scheduled at 7:35pm. But the airplane has yet to arrive. The airport voice said that we will have to wait until 9:05pm. Good job Cebu Pacific.
Today is a long day for me. I woke up at 4:30am so Ate Cristy (my friend in Davao and staff of Councilor Pete Lavina) and I can go to the terminal where we can ride a van going to Kidapawan. I was scheduled to give a talk on Sen. Mar Roxas to the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP). I was scheduled for 8am but we arrived at 9:30am since we reached Kidapawan (safe and sound) at 8:30am and it took us an extra hour to get to the actual venue.
I personally think that the talk went well. I (hopefully) was able to get the attention of the group. I was also able to answer the questions of the students (on the padyak commercial, on Korina, on Sen. Mar's platforms, on Chiz, etc). Unfortunately, since I got to start my talk at 11:00am, the open forum was promptly cut shot to give way to lunch. Ate Cristy and I didn't stay for lunch since I had another group of students to talk to at 3:30pm in Davao.
We were able to leave the venue at a few minutes past 12:00pm. Unfortunately, instead of riding a van back to Davao, we boarded a bus. It was a bad decision riding the bus to go back to Davao. It was slower than the van we rode in the morning and it had to stop in three bus terminals (each stop lasted from 15 to 30 minutes). It took us a total of five hours to go back to Davao.
I really didn't want to make a bad impression to the students that I was supposed to meet so I was very apologetic to them. I had no idea the ride back to Davao would take that long. I didn't even get the chance to eat lunch (my first meal of the day).
An empty stomach didn't stop me from talking to twelve (?) students that I met with. It's a good thing that Ate Cristy volunteered to buy food for the both of us while I proceeded with my short talk on Sen. Mar. It was refreshing to talk with fellow students (as compared to sitting in a bus for five hours) so even if the food was already bought, I didn't pause for a bite. I only started to eat during the question & answer portion of my talk. I had to apologize for my bad manners since, in the interest of time, I was talking while my mouth is full.
I bid farewell to the group at 6:00pm since I had to be in the airport by 6:30pm. Here I am a few hours later, sleepy and tired after a long day in Kidapawan and Mindanao. All-in-all it was a great trip.
Next stop: Bacolod (May 29 - June 1).
Thank you to Ate Cristy for being a great friend and companion. Thank you Joy for accompanying me during my first night, yesterday. Thank you NUSP for allowing me to speak. Thank you to Sir Jun for setting up the meeting with Davao students (and with Steve). Thank you to the UM students for the patience and understanding. Thank you Steve for giving me a ride to the airport.
See you very soon!
Friday, May 22, 2009
ZOMG!
Scenario 1*Omi books his stay at the hotel*
*Omi picks up his stuff to go enter the elevator*
*Security guard picks up a big plastic bag filled with give-away*
*Omi and the guard enter the elevator*
Guard: Sir, may Katrina Halili ka ba diyan?
Omi: Bakit? Hindi mo pa ba napapanood?
Guard:: 'Di pa sir eh. Galing ka bang Maynila? Mas mabilis kumalat yung scandal doon eh. Pa-bluetooth naman.
*Elevator door opens and the two steps out*
Scenario 2
*Omi is writing this blog post in the hotel lobby*
*A group of senior citizens are seated to his left*
Woman: Oh, aalis na ako. Balitaan nalang ninyo ako ah. Uuwi na ako dahil binilhan ako ng anak ko ng DVD nung scandal.
*Woman stands up and leaves the hotel*
Grabe naman itong scandal na ito! Talagang kahit saan ako magpunta - opisina, MRT, mall, CR, taxi, airport, eroplano, hotel - yung scandal ang pinag-uusapan! Lalake man o babae, napanood na ang video(s) (counted na siguro yung "Careless Whisper" version)! Grabe talaga! ZOMG!
Commercial Break: Please visit ZULU GRILL. It's the new restaurant by my good friends and future millionaires Kirk Damasco and Ken Sy (founders of the hugely succesful Get Blued franchise)
WAT-A-FEZ
My friend Jullie uploaded some of our high school pictures in her Facebook account. Just like anyone, my first instinct is to look for my face - and my reaction is "OMG (oh-my-gulay), WAT-A-FEZ!" (heheheh!)
Cheers to the good old MaSci days!
Click images to enlarge
Please pray for my safe and successful travel to Davao and Kidapawan.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Unintentional
Back in college, I found out that one of my fellow students didn’t vote for me when I ran for student council president because he didn’t like the way that I talked to him in a past encounter. I learned that our first (and only) encounter was during enrollment. I spent a good part of my college years as an enlistment volunteer. My job is to enlist students into the classes that they prefer. A friend told me that this friend of his (or her) didn’t vote for me because I was not very accommodating (a.k.a. rude) to this certain person.
To this date, I have no recollection of this unfortunate encounter. Nonetheless, I think it’s very plausible since a tired and fatigued volunteer could get cranky at times.
Anyhow, that experience showed that people can be impressionable. But the unfortunate thing is that when I failed to make a good impression, albeit unintentionally, that person made a quick and durable judgment about me (which later affected his/her voting preference).
Well, it’s really hard to be mindful of your actions all the time. But sometimes, factors come together and emotions can escalate out of proportions.
Ang hirap pa naman kapag nalaman kong may na-offend sa isang bagay na ginawa ko. Kahit ‘di ko sinasadya, mabigat sa loob ko. Ang hirap pa naman bitawan nung bigat na yun.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Happy Birthday My Love
When asked about my family, I always say that I grew up outside of my home.
Although we were never as close as we want to, please know that I love you and Daddy with all my heart. You have sacrificed a lot, for both me and my brother. I know I can never repay you for all your hardwork. I know that I have fallen short many times in my vocation as a son to you. I hope that you can remain patient, understanding, and loving, as you have always been to me.
Now that I have grown wiser than when I was a child, I have come to realize that there were many times when I've spoken harsh words to you. For the times that I have been indifferent and juvenile, I ask for your forgiveness. May I grow to fully accept my responsibilities in the family. May I find the wisdom to act my age. And may God's grace continue to make me strong for you, for daddy, and for Paolo.
I always thank the Lord for having you in my life.
I love you mommy.
Happy birthday.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Kung Fu and Breadwinning
Back when I was in highschool, one of my favorite cable channels (aside form Discovery Channel) was Star Mandarin. Every Saturday morning I'd tune in to watch classic Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung kung fu movies. Since my discovery of Star Mandarin, I've been watching kung fu movies of various plots and unknown movie stars. I've watched all the Once Upon a Time in China movies and I have watched countless re-hashing of kung fu movies with Chinese mummies who hop around wearing imperial garments (according to wikipedia, these are the Jiang Shi). The last kung fu movie that I watched was the amazing Ong Bak.
A while ago I got a chance to watch Ip Man (via torrent download). It's a great movie with tons of fight scenes. It even has a patriotic twist to it.
Maybe I'll download more kung fu movies from now on. And maybe I'll even try to look for a wing chun school nearby.
Being the current breadwinner of my family provided me with a new insight about the growing pains of parenthood. Although I've only been employed for a month, I am slowly learning what it means when parents talk about their sacrifices for their children. I'm gradually realizing why some parents resort to what children would perceive as "over-controlling" or meddling.
It's not easy being you family's breadwinner. It involves a form of sacrifice wherein you choose to put your loved ones first over your personal desires. Putting the family first can mean as simple as not holding a grudge against your parents for asking a bigger portion of your salary. Loving your family could mean choosing to spend your money wisely. Giving back to your parents can be as simple as eating in a carinderia all by yourself instead of eating out in more expensive restaurants with your co-employees.
At the end of the day, I may not have the comforts of a fat wallet, at least I know that my family can count on me.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Snippets of Cagayan de Oro
Last weekend, I was fortunate to be in Cagayan de Oro for the first time (for work, not for pleasure). One of the highlights of my trip is watching Sen. Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez go white water rafting in Brgy. Mambuaya.
From the get-go, it was apparent that Sen. Mar Roxas was very excited to on his first white water rafting adventure. Although it was drizzling a bit, the Sen. Mar was clearly enthused.
Korina Sanchez, Sen. Mar's fiance, was with him during the Cagayan de Oro trip.
Watching Sen. Mar and Korina go through the rapids made me quite envious of them. I wish I also had the chance to experience riding the rapids in CDO. Oh well, maybe next time.
I would like to extend my utmost gratitude to Jenny and her father for being so accommodating. Tonton, thank you for the company and for touring me around Xavier University. Bro. Madz, it was a pleasant surprise seeing you in XU!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sen. Mar's Statement on the Duties on Imported Books
Here's for all those who have been asking about Sen. Mar Roxas' stand on the issue of the duties on imported books.Press Release
May 13, 2009
ROXAS ASKS DOF TO EXPLAIN DUTIES ON IMPORTED BOOKS
SAYS ISSUE MUST BE RESOLVED BEFORE OPENING OF SCHOOLS
Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas has sought an explanation from Finance Secretary Margarito Teves on the reported collection by the Bureau of Customs of duties on imported books, which has sparked complaints from the country's book importers and sellers. "Hindi ito maaaring gawin ng Customs. Sisilipin natin ito," Roxas said as he wrote Teves to question the alleged 1% duty collected for educational, technical, scientific, historical and cultural books and the 5% duty for books/materials which are non-educational which are intended for sale, barter or hire.
The Visayan senator asked Teves to shed light on the status of implementation of Department of Finance Order No. 17-09 dated March 24, 2009, which also clarified guidelines on duty-free importation of books allowed under existing laws and international agreements.
He noted that while the department order covered all applications for duty-free importation of books as allowed under the Tariff Customs Code, the UNESCO Florence Agreement and Republic Act 8047 or the Book Publishing Industry Development Act, "we have received reports that the new Department Order has imposed a more stringent policy in importing books in our country, therefore restricting and discouraging booksellers and importers."
Under the new DOF policy regulation, imported books would now have to be examined by the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, which would then determine if they are economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical and historical books. Duties would then be determined after such classification but the books could only be released once importers and booksellers are able to present necessary authorities from various agencies for such importations.
The books being stored in private storage warehouses while undergoing classification, importers and sellers would also have to pay the allegedly high storage fees collected by the private firms.
"Mahalagang malaman natin kung ano ang estado nitong bagong panukala ng BoC, lalo na at malapit na naman ang pasukan at siguradong nagdadatingan na ngayon ang mga aklat na inangkat na gagamitin para sa school year na ito," Roxas said.
He asked Teves to list down the legal basis for the issuance of the department order and to cite appropriate customs laws and rules in support of the implementation of the directive.
The senator likewise sent a letter to National Book Development Board chairman Dennis Gonzalez and requested for the agency's position on the implementation of the DOF order. He asked Gonzalez to focus on the "impact to booksellers and importers in our country."
Booksellers and importers have been writing the senator, seeking assistance in addressing the issue and claiming the DOF regulations would adversely affect the industry.
[via Senate.gov.ph]
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Sen. Mar
Sen. Mar Roxas is featured in the May 2009 edition of the Philippine Tatler (click the images to zoom).
Happy birthday Bossing Mar!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
On the ANC Forum
5 presidential aspirants engage citizens in ANC forumBy Lala Rimando, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak | 05/12/2009 1:35 AM
[via ABS-CBN News]
Lack of experience, a decision to leave the priesthood, a very public love life, and a political future that looks like US Republican bet John McCain’s. These were some of the issues five potential presidential aspirants answered in “Countdown to 2010: An ANC leadership forum” on Monday evening.
One year before the elections, ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), in partnership with the Ateneo School of Government, gathered five of the country's potential 2010 presidential bets at the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Quezon City and asked them what they could offer.
Broadcasters Tina Monzon-Palma and Ricky Carandang posed questions to Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon, Pampanga Governor Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio, Senator Manuel “Mar” Araneta Roxas III, and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. in one-on-one and panel interviews.
Invitations to Vice President Noli de Castro, Senator Loren Legarda, Senator Manuel Villar and Metro Manila Development Chairman Bayani Fernando were also extended, but they were not available.
Youth power
The youngest potential aspirant for the highest political post said the next president should be an effective agent of change who follows and enforces the law.
Only 39, Senator Chiz Escudero said being young is his strongest asset since youth voters account for a major bloc among the voting population. He said the youth now are better informed compared to previous generations, and are thus less susceptible to traditional politics.
Yet, being young is also a weakness, he acknowledged. His critics associate his age with lack of experience.
He was elected as representative of the first district of Sorsogon when he was only 28. He led the filing of impeachment complaints against President Arroyo in the lower House, eloquently explaining the move clad in shirt similar to that of a band singer popular to the young.
When he ran for a Senate seat in 2007, his image as the youth’s ally in Congress paid off. He got the second highest votes in the senatorial elections.
Escudero has been a loyal member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC). He said the party was his biggest campaign contributor in 2007, but the party donations came in the form of advertisements, not cash.
“I don’t accept campaign contributions from those I don’t know,” he said, adding that about 100 contributors pitched in to fund his campaign budget of about P64 million.
For a nationwide presidential campaign, he said he would just spend P15 per voter, as allowed by law, and not P3 billion as previously mentioned by a peer in the Senate.
The politician who banks on youth power said he has a plain lifestyle. He said he buys and sells but does not "collect vintage cars [since] I don’t have a parking space [for them]. We only live in a townhouse.” He added that wife Christine Elizabeth Flores teaches music to kids. They have 2 children.
Leadership by example
Another eloquent, but older and more experienced politician in the forum was Senator Richard Gordon.
The former mayor of Olongapo City said he envisions a country that is free from corruption or “transactional politics.” He said he will be running on a platform that stresses caring, compassion, competence, competitiveness, and ability to transform.
The former tourism secretary consistently cited his achievement as former chairman and administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, who was able to inspire and draw volunteers to help Subic rise from the ashes—literally—after the Pinatubo volcano erupted in 1991.
“What is important is leadership by example,” he stressed, adding that constituents only follow what they observe a president does. “A president should be hands-on. You cannot move [a nation] just by yourself. It should be both inspiration and perspiration.”
He also mentioned during the interview that he is not amenable to media advertisements. “They show an image that you want people to believe about you.”
Currently, Gordon faces an ethics complaint at the Senate for his dual position as a concurrent chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross. He has scored media mileage from his Red Cross role during the Ayala mall bombing, numerous natural calamities, and the recent kidnapping of Red Cross volunteers in Mindanao.
As the current chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, he wrapped up the probe into the fertilizer fund scam and recommended the filing of criminal charges against controversial ex-agriculutre undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-Joc” Bolante.
Gordon is married to former Olongapo City Mayor Kate Gordon. They have 3 children.
Ed Panlilio
The 55-year-old priest-turned-politician, fondly called “Among Ed” by friends and family, ran a grassroots campaign for Pampanga Governor in 2007 and won.
A reluctant politician, he said he has not yet made decision whether to vie for president or vice president in the coming elections. He has gone through self-introspections, including going through a retreat last Holy Week. He said, however, that “I have the passion and heart for governance. I have decided to offer myself to the country.”
He has two reservations: leaving the priesthood and lack of campaign kitty.
For 15 years, he headed the Social Action Center of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga. One of his major roles was providing relief and assistance to those displaced during and after the onslaught of Pinatubo's volcanic lahar. His entry into politics was largely prompted by allegations of corruption in the lahar quarrying activities of previous local officials.
Besides temporarily letting go of priesthood, he also expressed concern about lacking funds to fund a nationwide campaign. “When I ran in 2007, I didn’t have a single cent except for P1,000 that I spent for my cellphone load,” he shared.
He won with a margin of 1,147 votes over administration-backed Lilia Pineda. He faces a recall petition for alleged loss of confidence by a group called Kambilan.
Panlilio’s critics have assailed him for not being flexible to compromises. “Wouldn’t you have been more effective if you worked with your critics rather than against them?” Carandang asked. But Panlilio did not budge. He said, “what the country needs now is a leader who does not compromise.”
He cited how this quality enabled his administration to collect P380 million from the quarry operations. That represented a drastic 800 percent increase from the collections of his predecessors, implying that the difference went to the pockets of politicians, not to the constituents.
Being a man of cloth, he was also asked if he will follow the Catholic church’s stand on social issues. The church has strongly opposed family planning and mining.
“These are delicate matters. We should have more opportunities for discussion and dialogue. We should exhaust all possible avenues for the greater good. I don’t believe he have dialogued that much,” he said.
He also stressed that being a priest would not limit him from dealing with Muslims and Protestants. About 80 to 85 percent of Filipinos are Catholic.
“My campaign in 2007 was interfaith. We talk to Muslims, Protestants. We also pray with them,” he said.
Pedigreed
Soon to be needing a priest is engaged Senator Mar Roxas.
Questions on whether the engagement of Senator Roxas to ABS-CBN News anchor (on-leave) Korina Sanchez had something to do with his 2010 presidential bid were not surprising. After all, the two announced their engagement over the broadcast company’s highly-rated noontime show, Wowowee.
“Inggit lang sila (They are just envious),” the 51-year-old senator said in reply to criticisms that he was using the engagement to bolster his chances at the polls. He added that he and Sanchez have already talked about the wedding date, but left it to Sanchez to make the announcement. The two have been together for 5 years.
Among the presidentiables, Roxas probably has the best pedigree. His grandfather and namesake Manuel was the republic’s first president, father Gerardo was senator, and brother Gerardo Jr. was Capiz representative. Former Philippine President Manuel Roxas founded the Liberal Party and Gerardo Roxas also became the party president.
The family of his mother Judy Araneta is one of the country’s wealthiest.
A Wharton School of Economics graduate, he previously worked as an investment banker in New York before returning to the Philippines. Before becoming senator in 2004, Mar Roxas was Capiz representative, then Secretary of Trade and Industry under the Estrada and Arroyo administrations.
Such elitist background doesn’t seem to jive with the advertisement showing him driving two poor kids in a “tricycad,” or a bicycle strapped to a sidecar. He explained that the 3-wheeled bicycle is “just a symbol of where we are right now.”
He said that the ongoing global economic crisis is just magnifying the country’s internal problems, which corruption has made worse through the generations. “Our nation today is on a platform of sand. We are not standing on a strong foundation of morality and justice,” he said.
He then went on to cite his favorite causes, including resistance to unfair global trade, and the plight of the pre-need industry. In recent months, he led Senate investigations on the pre-need issue following the collapse of the controversial Legacy Group. These investigations were broadcasted live and covered extensively by other media since thousands of pre-need plan holders and depositors of Legacy-linked rural banks nationwide made good copy.
He put the blame squarely on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the pre-need regulator, for failing to protect the plan holders from the alleged fraudulent transactions of Legacy that had left thousands holding the bag.
Around three or four years ago, Roxas also led investigations on other high profile pre-need failures, including College Assurance Plan, then a market leader. Yet, the Senate had passed a final bill that tasked the SEC again to oversee the pre-need industry.
“We passed a Pre-Need Regulation Code last year. But nothing happened because of government’s inaction,” he said.
Institutions
Just like Roxas, current Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro also has the pedigree to count on.
The 44-year old Teodoro is the nephew of former President Corazon Aquino and food-turned-power business tycoon Eduardo 'Danding' Cojuanco. Cojuanco is the chairman of San Miguel Corporation, one of Asia’s largest and politically-connected conglomerates, and is the chair emeritus of the National People’s Coalition (NPC). Despite having been referred to as Cojuanco’s “political son,” Teodoro claims to have severed political party ties with the kingmaker.
Since voting to dismiss the first impeachment complaint against President Arroyo when he was Tarlac representative in 2005, the three-term congressman has continued to ally himself with the administration.
He defended his position by saying, “I thought it (impeachment complaint) was lacking in basis. Secondly, an impeachment is a political decision, but the future after the impeachment was not clear. It was not explained whose interest will be followed.”
He said he is running because the governors, mayors, and board members under the administration coalition have egged him to pursue the platforms and policies of the Arroyo administration. He also said that being chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council has allowed him to experience nationwide governance.
But hasn’t he learned from the John McCain experience?
Like US Republic presidential bet McCain, who ran and lost under the same party of unpopular former US President George W. Bush, Teodoro is also running under an administration ticket that seeks to succeed President Arroyo, whose popularity, as reflect in poll surveys, has been below zero for several years already.
“I’m not afraid to be John McCain,” Teodoro said. “I am not apologizing for what the government has done. But if I will be given a chance to explain to the people what happened and the platform of the administration, then they could decide for themselves.”
“History will be the judge,” he stressed.
When asked what would be the first thing he would do once elected as president, he replied, “I will call on Congress to pass a law [to change the constitution via] constitutional convention.”
Typical of Teodoro, who is policy-oriented and not driven to drama, he explained why he wants to change the constitution: “In my view, renewal of values is not enough. Institutions shape and motivate behavior. And people have, time and again, said that institutions need to be changed.”
He said that while a parliamentary form of government is good, “Filipinos are not likely to accept a president they did not elect.” He said he favors a presidential and unicameral form of government. “This will allow regions to decide for themselves how they want to develop, even hold local elections as they see fit.”
He added that he agrees to lift the foreign ownership limit depending on the use of asset. He said foreigners could own land utilized for industrial and residential purposes. Those for tourism is on a case-to-case basis, since some have links to marine resources. He also said foreigners should not wholly-own mineral and agricultural resources because these are strategic to the country.
Teodoro is married to Tarlac First District Representative Monica Prieto-Teodoro. They have a son.
One of the critiques hurled against Sen. Mar Roxas is his supposed "early campaigning". I understand this initial reaction of people to the TV advertisements of Sen. Mar Roxas. But taking other factors into consideration, one can understand that these ads are not only justifiable but are also necessary. On the one hand, Sen. Mar Roxas is behind in the surveys (Pulse Asia & SWS). Manny Villar had a headstart (2007) and that's why I think that he's peaking this early. Sen. Mar needs to show that he is committed to running as early as possible. Waiting for the "official campaign period" may prove too late for him (or any candidate for that matter).
On a side note, the "official campaign period" in the Philippines is too short. Obama won after months of campaigning.
On the other hand, I think Cong. Ruffy Biazon has a good point in his blog post about last night's ANC Leadership Forum.
I think with the one year left before elections, more of those forums should be held, and it should be done even at the local level. Let the potential candidates come out of the woodwork and present themselves.
In the past, people frowned at such “early campaigning”. One of the changes we should do now is to shed that hypocrisy. What’s wrong with aspirants coming out in the open? Why do aspirants always have to lie with “It’s too early to talk about elections” when they are asked if they are running one year before the elections? Isn’t better that the people find out who are those seeking public office in order for them to know more about those who will ask for their votes?
The result of that pretentious practice is that people only get the information about the candidates during the official campaign period, which is actually superficial. For a national candidate, he only has ninety days to cover the entire country and present himself for voter scrutiny. That’s why the methods are mostly high-impact, attention-getting propaganda instead of having real depth.
We should take advantage of the heightened interest in change among the people and make this one year period an extended-getting-to-know-you pre-campaign activity. This will help the people make a sober, logical and well-thought out decision come 2010.
[via ruffybiazon1.multiply.com]
Last night, I had a fanboy moment. I ate dinner with Sen. Mar at the 2nd floor of KFC-Katipunan. We were seated at the same table (at one point, I was seated beside him). There were about 20 of us. The senator was very accommodating to his staff members and friends. In between bites, he would handout the buckets of chicken and the cups of gravy to us. It was a nice, simple dinner where we just talked about his answers in the forum.
Moments like that, wherein I get to spend some time with my president in a candid way, will energize me beyond May 2010.
Lupang Hinirang, Lupang Hinarang: May 11 Update
The following article was posted by Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo in the CBCP official website and in his personal blog www.bishoppabillo.blogspot.com.Protecting Whose Agenda?
I recently visited the lobby of the House of Representatives session hall. I immediately noticed the newly renovated walls bearing pictures of significant events in Congress’s history. Among those pictures pertaining to the present Congress was a photo of a booklet with the following words printed on its cover:
“Sustaining the Growth, Spreading the Benefits: A Legislative Reform Agenda for the House of the People.”
– House Speaker Prospero Nograles
This made me ponder for a while. Amidst all the seemingly unsound and doubtful legislative proposals and policies cropping up in Congress these days, I could not help but wonder. Whose growth are our national leaders trying to sustain? Are the laws churned out by this body upon which we, as a people, have entrusted our wisdom really for the benefit of the Filipino? There is one House measure which has piqued my concern at the moment. I came across this House Resolution (HR) No. 737 which, essentially, proposes to grant ownership of Philippine land to foreigners.
Under the proposal, alienable lands of the public domain—which are agricultural lands- with a maximum area of one thousand hectares, can now be leased to foreign corporations for a maximum of fifty years. And disturbingly, ownership, not just lease, of agricultural lands measuring up to twenty-five hectares is granted to foreign corporations. This proposal seeks to change the proviso in the 1987 Constitution which restricts ownership of Philippine lands to Filipinos and Filipino corporations.
Under Section 2, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution, the ownership-in-trust of natural resources is vested with the State and the State may sell, lease, or otherwise alienate the rights to these resources through contracts to Filipinos and Filipino corporations only. Thus, foreign individuals or corporations are clearly excluded.
Under HR 737, the State will do away entirely with the restriction on foreign ownership. The proponents of this Resolution seek to amend the constitution and open our land to foreigners, with the haste and neglect unbecoming of any honorable national leader.
This Resolution is actually another try to resuscitate the failed Cha-Cha attempt by the solons. It becomes apparent that, despite the claim of limiting amendments only to economic provisions (foreign ownership of lands) which will help gear up development, productivity, and efficiency in the country, this pursuit for Charter Change may become a vehicle for other unwanted changes in government. A vehicle highly vulnerable to derailment. This Resolution, dangerous in itself substantially, may also usher in procedural irregularities in amending the Constitution. There is a danger, real as it is grave, that this measure could be used to influence answers to questions of good governance and accountability.
I tried hard to weigh the possible benefits of this Resolution for the Filipino people vis-à-vis the obvious dangers that would come with it. Assuming that HR 737 is indeed merely an economic proposal, would foreign ownership of lands really result in economic development of the country? And if it will, will this economic development trickle down to the people who have remained poor even during times when ownership of land access to land and other natural resources were ensured to Filipinos only?
I shudder at the thought of unfair competition for land between Filipinos, citizens of this country who have made land productive, and foreign entities with nothing but abundant financial resource to offer. I am jolted by the terrible scenario of Filipinos becoming squatters in our own land. I remember that God told us that the earth and all its bounty is for us to share, maybe this measure is not bad after all. But then I realize that the Filipinos who have been gifted with stewardship of this country have not even had their rightful share and yet they will have to give way to those who have the might and wealth to take part of more than they need. Surely, it must not have been God’s intention to encourage excesses when there are those who lack not only as regards land but also dignity.
As it is, the Government already has designated millions of hectares of our lands for the benefit of foreign corporations, without consideration for the farmers, indigenous peoples, and other members of the communities affected by these government exploration and biofuel contracts.
I believe that the Constitutional restriction on foreign ownership of land obviously involves a national security issue. I have been informed that there is no cap to the total area allowable for foreign ownership. If this is true, there might come a time that we will run out of agricultural lands which serve as food sources. And even if these lands continue to be used for food production, there is also a risk that most of the produce of our lands will be exported and yet we will no longer have a say on the matter. This will be an attack not only on our food security but also to our integrity as a people as well.
With the threat of enabling foreign corporations and associations to hold, acquire, and be granted the right to possess, own, utilize and develop land in our country, what will be left for the Filipinos? As we all know, the agrarian reform program is still underway, and thousands of farmers still await emancipation from the land they have tilled for generations. Over one million hectares of land await distribution. Our government cannot feed its own people, and yet we open up all our resources for non-Filipinos, as if without regard for our own people whom it is supposed to serve.
It is said that only fifteen million hectares of alienable and disposable agriculture lands are available to answer for the food security of Filipinos. HR 737 does not help improve this situation. HR 737 poses grave danger to our national security and sustainability. It is also unjust, considering that there are millions of Filipino peasants still not owning the lands their families have tilled for decades. It is unjust that our resources should be used primarily for the benefit of foreigners, and not those who do not have a stake in domestic development and peace.
As I take in the implications and consequences of this measure, I find myself challenged and hopeful at the same time. Though I am saddened by the apparent prioritization of this bill by the House of Representatives, I feel challenged as a Filipino to help protect the rights of my fellow Filipinos, here and in the countryside, who remain landless. I am challenged to continue pushing for laws which will protect the rights of the marginalized Filipino, laws such as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension (CARPER) with Reforms. I feel challenged but I remain hopeful and vigilant. I am hopeful because I see that there are still those leaders in government who work with us, their constituency, to make sure that the government works for national interest instead of the interest of the privilege few. Together with people from the peasant sector, among others, I remain vigilant and urge Congress to fast track the enactment of socially just bills such as the CARPER bill and call on them to disapprove oppressive and unfair bills like House Resolution No. 737. I am hopeful that amidst underhanded efforts to go against the wisdom of the Constitution, to further deprive the marginalized Filipinos of their basic rights, and to evade laws on accountability, we Filipinos will prevail if we work together and fight with the guidance of our righteous God.
I also find comfort in the pockets of brilliance and statesmanship found in the history of Philippine Congress. I am praying fervently that our national leaders will, true to their promise, Sustain the Growth and Spread the Benefits for the Filipino people. I urge every Filipino to act with vigilance in ensuring that government agenda will reflect that of the people, in calling for accountability in governance and in seeking the just distribution of Philippine land and natural resources.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
To My Special Someone
I may not always be perfect but please know that I'm always thinking about you.
Thank you.
Please forgive me.
I'm always here for you.
I love you.
Happy Mother's Day!
Friday, May 08, 2009
Mar Roxas on Lozada and NBN-ZTE
NBN-ZTE whistleblower Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada listens to Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas as the latter explains the Senate's support for Lozada's quest for truth in the anomalous broadband network deal while Senator Rodolfo Biazon and Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo look on at the start of the hearing in the sala of Manila MTC Judge Jorge Emmanuel Lorredo of the motion of 10 senators for the Manila court to release Lozada under recognizance of the Senate to ensure his safety. Lozada pleaded not guilty to charges of perjury filed by Arroyo Cabinet official Mike Defensor. Judge Lorredo granted the 10- senators' motion.
ROXAS: QUEST FOR TRUTH IN NBN-ZTE DEAL CONTINUES
LOZADA RELEASED TO SENATE CUSTODY
Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today vowed to pursue the Senate's quest for truth behind allegations of bribery and kickbacks in the $329 million NBN-ZTE broadband deal as he lauded the release of whistleblower Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada to the protective custody of the Senate.
"Kakampi ko at ng Senado ang katotohanan. Ipaglalaban natin ito (The Senate and I are on the side of truth. We will fight for this)," Roxas said soon after Judge Jorge Emmanuel M. Lorredo of the Manila Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 26 granted the Senate's ex parte motion to release Lozada to its custody.
"Hindi tayo magpapatalo sa mga nasa poder na hanggang ngayon ay patuloy na kino-cover-up ang katiwalian ng mga opisyales na sangkot dito sa scam na ito. Hindi masusupil ng kahit sino o anumang korte ang paglabas ng katotohanan (We will not be cowed by those in power who continues to try to cover-up for the corrupt officials involved in this mess. No court can stop the truth from coming out)," he added.
The filing of the court petition was spearheaded by Roxas, who likewise authored Senate Resolution No. 1049 urging the release of the witness on recognizance of the chamber and which was adopted by senators on May 4. A supplemental petition, also prepared by the Visayan senator, was filed on May 6 in support of the original ex parte motion.
In seeking the whistleblower's release, Roxas argued the Senate continues to have jurisdiction over the witness because the January 30, 2008 arrest order issued against Lozada has not yet been revoked or lifted and that the Senate legislative inquiry into the NBN-ZTE mess has not been terminated and remains subsisting because the proceedings have not yet been officially closed.
"Jun Lozada remains and continues to be a vital and material witness. Accordingly, protective custody over Jun Lozada must be retained by the Senate unless and until the inquiry into the NBN-ZTE deal has been official terminated," he insisted.
He also said that "since it is actually because of the Senate that Jun Lozada has found himself in his current predicament...it is only but proper that the Senate continues to ensure the safety and security and life of Jun Lozada by reasserting protective custody over him throughout the duration of the (NBN-ZTE) case."
Roxas likewise argued that detaining Lozada at the Manila Police District jail increases threats to his life and security because conditions at the city jail are dangerous.
He also cited threats to Lozada's life, such as the bomb threat last month at a mass in Pangasinan that Lozada was scheduled to attend, an intercepted radio message saying "Pagbaba tirahin na namin (We will hit him when he goes down)," and reports from the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms of various persons and vehicles that lurk around the house of Lozada and his family.
Roxas committed to the court that "by retaining protective custody over Jun Lozada, the Senate (will) ensure that Jun Lozada will make himself available in the proceedings of the instant case whenever directed by this Honorable Court or whenever required by the Rules of Court."
Judge Lorredo, in granting the Senate motion, said: "If this court can order the transfer of an accused to a hospital when accused needs medical care, it can also order the transfer of the accused to a government institution where he is safest, especially when there's reasonable ground to believe that there is a risk to his life. In this particular case, the court is of the view that he is safest in the Philippine Senate, where the senators seem to be protecting him like some sort of national treasure, a treasure with valuable gems called truth."
[via Senate.gov.ph]The transcript of an ambush interview with Sen. Mar Roxas (on Jun Lozada) can be found here.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Mar Roxas Supports CARP Extension with Reforms
Statement on the Continuation of Agrarian ReformI fight beside Filipino farmers in their struggle for a decent life, greater productivity, economic security, and social justice. Thus, I support the continuation of CARP and emphasize the importance of reforms.
CARP must not be business as usual. We must empower our farmers and enable them to run their farms optimally. Without economic security, there cannot be meaningful social justice.
CARP heretofore focused excessively on land acquisition and distribution. Inadequate attention was paid to the delivery of support services and social infrastructure and capability building.
The skewed landownership pattern is not the only reason why farmers’ incomes are insufficient. Thirty-five percent of a farmer’s production alone is lost to improper drying and storage. Inadequate farm-to-market roads depress the value of farm products and raise the cost of inputs. Hundreds of thousands of hectares of irrigable land remain unirrigated and many irrigation systems are maintained poorly. Access to affordable production credit is limited and fertilizers and other farm inputs remain costly. Moreover, cooperation among farmers themselves for economic ends is weak.
If all we did was continue the agrarian-reform program of the previous years, we will continue to move forward slowly on the two fronts of economic development and social justice.
In other words, while pushing CARP extension, we must also address the reasons why outcomes have fallen short after 20 years of implementation in the first place. We must ensure that the program delivers real change, not just land titles, which may provide little value or security in the longer term unless farm land is used wisely and farming results in higher household incomes.
Thus, spreading wealth through the redistribution of lands must be accompanied by a distribution of competency, skills, technology, and social capital. There should be a convergence of resources and full support services on top of land redistribution. While the absolute number of hectares distributed is one indicator of success, CARP must also be judged on the yield, productivity, and profitability of those hectares.
While social justice is aimed at alleviating the plight of our farmers, we must at the same time address landowners’ complaints conscientiously. They deserve to be paid a fair price for their land promptly to encourage them not to hold on to these but to move on to industry and commerce.
Lastly, irrigated and irrigable land must be protected from conversion to other uses. Our commitment to food security dictates this. We don’t want to go from crisis to crisis year after year due to rice shortages. We want to be able to feed our own people at affordable prices and allow our farmers to benefit from government interventions rather than their counterparts in other countries.
- Senator Manuel Roxas II
Contrary to popular belief, Mar Roxas supports the extension of the CARP with reforms. According to the Senator, there are mainly three needed reforms for CARP.
[via GMANews.TV]
- First, the land titles distributed must be made indefeasible and accompanied by the delivery of adequate support services to help farmers become more productive and more profitable. In other words, the bottom line in agrarian reform is not simply hectares of land acquired and distributed. It includes what happens to the beneficiaries and how they make their farmland yield optimally in environmentally sound ways.
- Second, we must address landowners’ complaints conscientiously. They deserve to be paid a fair price for their land promptly.
- Third, we must protect irrigated and irrigable land from conversion to other uses. Our commitment to food security requires this. We don’t want to go from crisis to crisis year after year due to rice shortages. We want to be able to feed our own people at affordable prices and we want government interventions to help our own farmers rather than their counterparts in other countries.
Some people think that Senator Mar is anti-CARPER because of his abstention during the voting of Joint Resolution No. 19. JR19 is the pitiful attempt of the government to extend agrarian reform for six more months, but without compulsory acquisition. For the Liberal Party (of which Mar Roxas is the president), there is no Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program without compulsory land distribution. Therefore, Mar Roxas' abstention vote for JR19 is not an abstention vote for CARP, rather, it is rooted in his support for genuine and effective agrarian reform and social justice. Mar's vote of abstention closely mirrors that of AKBAYAN's Cong. Risa Hontiveros' take on JR19.
To vote YES to the Joint Resolution would be to vote for the death of agrarian reform.
Compulsory acquisition is the heart and soul of the agrarian reform program. The 1987 Constitution commands the State to undertake the just distribution of ALL agricultural lands. The fact that all agricultural lands should be the subject of CARP tells us that acquisition should be compulsory and not at the option or whim of the landowner. I cannot, in good faith, sign my name on a Resolution manifestly unconstitutional and grossly illegal.
[via Akbayan.org
In addition, Mar Roxas and the Liberal Party has continued to express their support for CARP with extension and reforms. They even released a full-page newspaper advertisement showing their commitment to agrarian reform.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
A Neophyte in Davao
Unlike some of my friends, I was not able to use the long weekend for vacation. I had to go to Davao from May 1 to May 3. I had to be there because Senator Mar Roxas visited Davao City for his Padyak Caravan and to deliver a speech to the Rotaract District 3860 Convention.
It was my first time in Davao. It was an incredibly stressful experience for me since I was still unfamiliar with many of the protocols and nuances that come with the job. I made several boo-boos which may (or may not) lead to some nasty consequences. If I were to face such, I would accept them whole-heartedly because I know I had my share of shortcomings. But I shall assure my team and my principal that I did the best that I could. I knew that I did my best to step-up in time of need.
The Davao experience was my baptism in fire. It was a learning experience for me. At the same time, it provided moments of desolation and uncertainty that paved the way for a deeper understanding, appreciation, and affirmation of my commitment to this cause.
I’m learning the ropes as I go along. Even if I get reprimanded and humiliated for mishaps that I may commit along the way, I shall persevere because I believe in what I’m doing.
I placed my ass on the line for Mar Roxas. It wasn’t easy and I may get spanked in a day or two. But that is a small price to pay for a better nation.
After Sen. Mar left the Rotaract ball, I stayed in the venue for a few more minutes. While I was eating my free dinner (thank you to my new friend Arthur Lui, President of Rotaract Munting Pag-asa Davao Club), I got to listen to the speech of their District Rotaract Representative Mark Ryan Arquiza. His speech was full of thanksgiving and affirmation for a great year for their district. Although it was my first time to see everyone there, I also felt a sense of joy during the DRR's speech. I could only imagine the trials and hardships that he and his fellow servant-leaders faced during the past year. It was only fitting that he gave such a heart-felt message of appreciation to his peers who has chosen to serve as he has.
Haaaaaaaaayy... Those were the days.