A report says that the City Council is eying the old Iloilo Airport to be the new seat of the City Government. Mayor Jerry Treñas indicated that he favored the moved to Mandurriao as there’s more room for development. There are few objections coming from the Philippine Retailers Association. They argued that once the City Hall is moved to Mandurriao, small businesses in Calle Real will be put in danger of closing down.
Calle Real has a very soft spot in my heart. It is where my friends and I nurtured our friendship. I remember walking and buying most of my stuffs at school when I was still studying at Sun Yat Sen High school. For the information of my non Ilonggo readers, Calle Real covers the Streets of JM Basa, Aldeguer, Iznart, Guanco and a portion of Ledesma.
In my opinion, Mayor Treñas should push through with the move. Iloilo City is a first class city and should think of the long term projects that would benefit its people. The present City Hall is dilapidated and doesn’t help much in the image that we want to project in the outside world. To move forward, we need to embrace the new things in order for us to achieve our goal of being “The next big thing”.
Ilonggo sa Desyerto (Ilonggo in the Desert) – A blog containing insights, opinion and analysis by the author on life, work, religion and events he personally experienced.
21 October 2008
Chinese Leader Admits Liability to Milk Scandal
The Chinese government admitted responsibility in the melamine tainted milk scandal that shook the whole world. In a press statement, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said that his government had been lax in the supervision and management. This is not the first scandal relating to Chinese products. Last year, a major recall in Chinese manufactured toys was made because the paints used has traced of lead.
I was in the Philippines when that incident happened and as always, the media exaggerated the news. The degree of exaggeration can be compared to that of the 9/11 attack. News organization in the Philippines always resorts to tabloid reporting.
I was in the Philippines when that incident happened and as always, the media exaggerated the news. The degree of exaggeration can be compared to that of the 9/11 attack. News organization in the Philippines always resorts to tabloid reporting.
20 October 2008
Nutritional Content on Fast Food Chain Menus and Menu Board
The Senator from Teacher’s Village (not Iloilo), Miriam Defensor Santiago filed a bill requiring food chains to post nutritional content in their menu items. Senator Santiago was quoted as saying “consumers are unable to make informed choices as to which menu item is more nutritious as opposed to others in food service establishments, leading to unhealthy eating patterns,”
Consumers often failed to put importance on the nutritional contents of the food that they’re eating. The bill aims to promote awareness when eating at the restaurant. Fast food is often blamed for the increasing rate of Obesity in our country.
The intention of the law is very noble but I have a big doubt that it can be implemented. Filipinos are known for being ningas cogon, They’ll only embrace the idea when it’s new. We are the captains of our souls and our health is our primary concern. If we are disciplined enough, we don’t need laws to guide us on our choices.
Consumers often failed to put importance on the nutritional contents of the food that they’re eating. The bill aims to promote awareness when eating at the restaurant. Fast food is often blamed for the increasing rate of Obesity in our country.
The intention of the law is very noble but I have a big doubt that it can be implemented. Filipinos are known for being ningas cogon, They’ll only embrace the idea when it’s new. We are the captains of our souls and our health is our primary concern. If we are disciplined enough, we don’t need laws to guide us on our choices.
WB offers funding for RP projects
According to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary (NEDA) Ralph Recto, the World Bank offers to fund our country’s social programs and infrastructure projects. Rector should not get too excited since the World Bank is notorious for their deals. The Filipino people should be wary about the World Bank. The World Bank is one of the reasons why developing (Poor) countries including the Philippines remain poor. It was created to advance the interests of the United States and richer countries in the west. Contrary to their objective in reducing poverty, it actually helps increased poverty in the developing countries. The World Bank wanted to control the governments by forcing them to change their policies and laws for their own interest.
To counter the damaging effects and influence of the World Bank (and the west), South American countries headed by Venezuela established Bank of the South. South American countries should be applauded for their courage in standing up against the US / World Bank.
The Philippines and other developed countries should establish a new bank identical to the Bank of the South where the interest of the poor state will be taken care of. Our country should stand up against the World Bank and its imperialistic behavior. Let’s follow the lead of Venezuela and other Latin American States.
To counter the damaging effects and influence of the World Bank (and the west), South American countries headed by Venezuela established Bank of the South. South American countries should be applauded for their courage in standing up against the US / World Bank.
The Philippines and other developed countries should establish a new bank identical to the Bank of the South where the interest of the poor state will be taken care of. Our country should stand up against the World Bank and its imperialistic behavior. Let’s follow the lead of Venezuela and other Latin American States.
14 October 2008
The dilapidated NAIA
Airports are gateways to the world. It’s the first thing foreign tourist see when they visit a country. I’ve been to several airports in the Gulf and in South East Asia and I must say that NAIA is the worst of them all. It’s worst because it’s named after Ninoy Aquino who have done nothing to our country but died in its tarmac. PGMA should seriously think of naming it back to Manila International Airport.
If you are arriving in Manila, you will see NAIAs shabbiness. The rains have damaged the stone walls and algae (LUMOT in Hiligaynon) grow everywhere. MIA did not even try to repaint it. The immigration officers are arrogant and very intimidating. When you’re in the baggage claim area, you will see a lot of NAIA/MIA employees who would try to assist you, even without your consent but expects you to pay them. The arrival area is not well lighted especially the bus stop area where you ride for your connecting flight.
If you are leaving the country, you’ll encounter the arrogant ground staffs of the airlines. When you look up, you’ll see that the gypsum boards have not been replaced for more than 10 years or so. There are leaks and discoloration in it. You’ll also notice that the carpet is very old. NAIAs Toilets are the worst airport toilets in the world.
The MIA should seriously think of renovating the place. SM Malls are well maintained than the NAIA. The terminal fees that they collected should be enough to cover the renovation. If you’re a Filipino and had seen airports around the world, you’ll surely be embarrassed of NAIA. Our airport represents us. It should be our pride. MIA should renovate and maintain it.
If you are arriving in Manila, you will see NAIAs shabbiness. The rains have damaged the stone walls and algae (LUMOT in Hiligaynon) grow everywhere. MIA did not even try to repaint it. The immigration officers are arrogant and very intimidating. When you’re in the baggage claim area, you will see a lot of NAIA/MIA employees who would try to assist you, even without your consent but expects you to pay them. The arrival area is not well lighted especially the bus stop area where you ride for your connecting flight.
If you are leaving the country, you’ll encounter the arrogant ground staffs of the airlines. When you look up, you’ll see that the gypsum boards have not been replaced for more than 10 years or so. There are leaks and discoloration in it. You’ll also notice that the carpet is very old. NAIAs Toilets are the worst airport toilets in the world.
The MIA should seriously think of renovating the place. SM Malls are well maintained than the NAIA. The terminal fees that they collected should be enough to cover the renovation. If you’re a Filipino and had seen airports around the world, you’ll surely be embarrassed of NAIA. Our airport represents us. It should be our pride. MIA should renovate and maintain it.
Janina San Miguel Renounces her Crown
Who could ever forget Janina San Miguel? She’s the infamous girl who walked away with the coveted Bb Pilipinas World crown in March despite her English grammar setback in the interview competition.
Reports say that Janina’s reason for renouncing her crown was the untimely demise of her grandfather. Talaga lang ha? A lot of Filipinos raised their eyebrows of Janina’s reason for resigning. Come on, thousands of young ladies would die to have a Bb Pilipinas title. Nasa sa iyo na, pinakawalan mo pa! Janina may have been pressured to resign by the BPCI. She’s probably too dumb and too difficult to train.
Well, Janina’s loss is Danielle Castaños gain. Castaño, though born and raised in the US has some English blunder too. She was quoted as saying “I'm very proud that I was choosed (sic) by Mrs. Araneta." In her interview with GMA7 Castaño sounded guilty. I think she knows that she’ll be replacing Janina and that she didn’t get the crown fair and square.
I’m still confused about the BPCIs succession process. In 1998, Tisha Silang resigned and the first runner up Jewel May Lobaton (Bacolod City) was crowned Bb Pilipinas Universe. The following year (1999), Janelle Bautista was dethroned and was replaced by Miriam Quiambao (Originally, Bb Pilipinas World), moved Lalaine Edson from Bb Pilipinas International to Bb Pilipinas World. They then crowned Georgina Sandico as Bb Pilipinas International. Sandico was not even a runner up in the 1999 Bb Pilipinas Pageant.
Today there’s another vacancy but surprise! Surprise!, BPCI did not moved Bb Pilipinas International to Miss World. Danielle Castaño should only get the Bb Pilipinas International crown and not the Bb Pilipinas World.
Anyways, let’s just look forward to the 58th Edition of Miss World in South Africa. Let’s support our newly crowned Bb Pilipinas World – Danielle Castaño.
Reports say that Janina’s reason for renouncing her crown was the untimely demise of her grandfather. Talaga lang ha? A lot of Filipinos raised their eyebrows of Janina’s reason for resigning. Come on, thousands of young ladies would die to have a Bb Pilipinas title. Nasa sa iyo na, pinakawalan mo pa! Janina may have been pressured to resign by the BPCI. She’s probably too dumb and too difficult to train.
Well, Janina’s loss is Danielle Castaños gain. Castaño, though born and raised in the US has some English blunder too. She was quoted as saying “I'm very proud that I was choosed (sic) by Mrs. Araneta." In her interview with GMA7 Castaño sounded guilty. I think she knows that she’ll be replacing Janina and that she didn’t get the crown fair and square.
I’m still confused about the BPCIs succession process. In 1998, Tisha Silang resigned and the first runner up Jewel May Lobaton (Bacolod City) was crowned Bb Pilipinas Universe. The following year (1999), Janelle Bautista was dethroned and was replaced by Miriam Quiambao (Originally, Bb Pilipinas World), moved Lalaine Edson from Bb Pilipinas International to Bb Pilipinas World. They then crowned Georgina Sandico as Bb Pilipinas International. Sandico was not even a runner up in the 1999 Bb Pilipinas Pageant.
Today there’s another vacancy but surprise! Surprise!, BPCI did not moved Bb Pilipinas International to Miss World. Danielle Castaño should only get the Bb Pilipinas International crown and not the Bb Pilipinas World.
Anyways, let’s just look forward to the 58th Edition of Miss World in South Africa. Let’s support our newly crowned Bb Pilipinas World – Danielle Castaño.
13 October 2008
Teehanke Released from Prison
Critics of PGMA have been overjoyed when she granted executive clemency to Claudio Teehankee, the man who murdered Maureen Hultman and Ronald Chapman in the 90s. They were happy because they have another weapon against PGMA. They can bash her and exploit the situation in the public eye. What you will read in the papers and watch in the news however is not what it seems. PGMAs critics could only invoke emotion as they could not justify their vehement objection.
The Hultmans are the victims and they deserved justice. They got the justice that they deserved when Claudio Teehankee was convicted of the crime and served 17 years in the prison. The Hultmans agreed with the Teehankee family in the court supervised settlement they signed on 19 November 1999. They agreed that they will not object to the application of commutation of sentence and parole of Claudio Teehankee. They were also paid the whooping amount of Php 6,964,000 in cash.
The lawyers of Claudio Teehankee applied at BPP. The name of Claudio Teehankee was published on 6 Feb 2004, as required by law for the victim’s family to know about the application. The victim’s family could also move to block the parole. On 30 Sep 2008, PGMA signed the commutation of Claudio Teehankee’s commutation. Legally, the Hultman’s could not contest the parole given by PGMA. Sec. Raul Gonzalez was right that the Hultmans are suffering from amnesia as they agreed on 1999 not contest Teehankee’s application to the BPP.
I pity the Hultmans since no amount of money could compensate the life of their daughter. However, justice has been served. Claudio Teehankee had paid his dues to the society. At 67, he doesn’t much time to live. When he dies, he will still pay for his debt not on this earth but to his Maker.
The Hultmans are the victims and they deserved justice. They got the justice that they deserved when Claudio Teehankee was convicted of the crime and served 17 years in the prison. The Hultmans agreed with the Teehankee family in the court supervised settlement they signed on 19 November 1999. They agreed that they will not object to the application of commutation of sentence and parole of Claudio Teehankee. They were also paid the whooping amount of Php 6,964,000 in cash.
The lawyers of Claudio Teehankee applied at BPP. The name of Claudio Teehankee was published on 6 Feb 2004, as required by law for the victim’s family to know about the application. The victim’s family could also move to block the parole. On 30 Sep 2008, PGMA signed the commutation of Claudio Teehankee’s commutation. Legally, the Hultman’s could not contest the parole given by PGMA. Sec. Raul Gonzalez was right that the Hultmans are suffering from amnesia as they agreed on 1999 not contest Teehankee’s application to the BPP.
I pity the Hultmans since no amount of money could compensate the life of their daughter. However, justice has been served. Claudio Teehankee had paid his dues to the society. At 67, he doesn’t much time to live. When he dies, he will still pay for his debt not on this earth but to his Maker.
OFWs and Economic Downturn
I came home from my rushed annual leave. My vacation only lasted 3 weeks. I meet up with friends in Manila during my last day of stay. We went to the Pitt at the back of Mall of Asia and drunk a lot. We meet JC the lead vocals of the Filtered Band. He’s cute and accommodating and we had a lot of fun.
While at the NAIA and during my travel to Bahrain (I flew with GF MNL-BAH-DMM), a lot of OFWs on flight talked about their contract and their jobs abroad. Most of those who boarded the plane are working in the Middle East and in Europe. Most of them like me are happy about our situation abroad. There were no talks about global financial crisis and that kind of stuff. OFWs are more worried about their lost income while they took their vacation.
The OFWs should not worry about economic downturn especially if they’re based in the Middle East. Often overlooked but the Middle East has the most stable economy in the world. Although most of the countries in the GCC have diversified into post oil industries, oil is still pumping money into their economy. OFWs should not feel insecure about their jobs. If you’re in the Gulf, you’re very safe.
The Philippine economy will slow down according to NEDA but won’t fall.
While at the NAIA and during my travel to Bahrain (I flew with GF MNL-BAH-DMM), a lot of OFWs on flight talked about their contract and their jobs abroad. Most of those who boarded the plane are working in the Middle East and in Europe. Most of them like me are happy about our situation abroad. There were no talks about global financial crisis and that kind of stuff. OFWs are more worried about their lost income while they took their vacation.
The OFWs should not worry about economic downturn especially if they’re based in the Middle East. Often overlooked but the Middle East has the most stable economy in the world. Although most of the countries in the GCC have diversified into post oil industries, oil is still pumping money into their economy. OFWs should not feel insecure about their jobs. If you’re in the Gulf, you’re very safe.
The Philippine economy will slow down according to NEDA but won’t fall.
Greed caused the Global Financial Crisis
Greed is the primary cause of the credit crunch that resulted to a Global Financial Meltdown. Big banks, financial and mortgage institutions became too greedy in making money. They allow people to loan more than they earn. The lenders couldn’t pay the loans because of the rising interest rates. Interest rates are one of the factors that help banking institutions double their profits. One by one the banks and financial institutions particularly in US are falling. It sent shockwaves all over the world. Iceland is the first casualty of the Global financial meltdown. Who knows who’s going to be next? The G8 Financial Ministers are in Washington to think of alternative solutions. Bush is too busy with his war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Is this Karma to the US who claims to be the world’s biggest economy?
A lot of people wondered why a great majority of Filipinos are nonchalant about this Global Financial Crisis. Well, when you’re born poor and poor for the rest of your life, you haven’t really experienced grandiose. Although you dreamed of being rich, you haven’t experienced living comfortably so you’re not affected or even scared by this economic collapse. Ang pinakakawawa or the most affected will be those who are rich who haven’t experienced living in poverty.
The lessons that the US financial institutions should follow is MODERATE YOUR GREED. If possible, try to practice ISLAMIC BANKING. Islamic Banking is Ideal as it doesn’t exploit people. They don’t put too much interest on loans; it’s HARAM to do that.
A lot of people wondered why a great majority of Filipinos are nonchalant about this Global Financial Crisis. Well, when you’re born poor and poor for the rest of your life, you haven’t really experienced grandiose. Although you dreamed of being rich, you haven’t experienced living comfortably so you’re not affected or even scared by this economic collapse. Ang pinakakawawa or the most affected will be those who are rich who haven’t experienced living in poverty.
The lessons that the US financial institutions should follow is MODERATE YOUR GREED. If possible, try to practice ISLAMIC BANKING. Islamic Banking is Ideal as it doesn’t exploit people. They don’t put too much interest on loans; it’s HARAM to do that.
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