Imeldific

I had the chance to watch a documentary in Dubai One last night about the world famous Filipina, Imelda Romualdez Marcos. I forgot the title of the said documentary but it documents Imelda’s rose to power. I will have to admit because of cosmetic surgeries, she’s still very beautiful to this day.

We’ve heard several accusations against the Marcoses in the past. At first, I just want to take in all the negative things thrown to the Marcoses. As I grow older though, I’ve realized that the Philippines was better during the Marcos era. People are disciplined and our country was clean and beautiful. There were accusations against Imelda that her beautification projects are just covering the true state of the nation. They said that poverty still exists and the Marcoses are in denial. There were also accusations that they’ve enriched themselves at the expense of the Filipino people. Well, they might have but life during the Marcos era is still better than today.

When the Marcoses were overthrown by the over rated EDSA revolt, the succeeding governments were not able to address poverty. In fact, Cory Aquino’s tenure as a leader saw a ballooning increase in population and poverty. It’s because of Cory’s ineffectiveness as a leader and her faith as a devoted catholic. It’s alright to be prayerful but it affected her decision on reproductive health. The Catholics are against birth control and it’s the root cause of poverty. Cory’s incapacity to lead put our country into downward spiral.

Imelda Marcos maybe ostentatious, flamboyant and out of touch to the reality but she really did develop Filipino’s cultural identity. She built the CCP after all. Her butterfly sleeved Filipiniana ternos can be seen all over the world. In New York, an exclusive shoe store there has a roll up saying “Everyone has an Imelda in us”. It only goes to show that she’s known in New York. Good or bad, the news that Imelda generate had put our country in the map.

To her detractors, she’s called Imeldific that means ostentatious display of wealth and power. Imelda said that she’s ostentatious to the non believers of beauty. She said that if you’re religious you lit candles and incense and decorate your altar with flowers. For her, or for the believers, doing all those stuff is not ostentatious. But for none believers of beauty it is. She doesn’t see any point of arguing with people her beliefs. She just wants beauty in everything.

Imelda’s extensive art collections, thousands of shoes, tons of jewelries and hoards of money can never be explained. I doubt that our generation can even trace their origins. We may like or dislike the Marcoses but there’s no doubt that Imelda Marcos will always be a part of the Philippine history.

Northwest Flight 253

A Nigerian man failed to blow up the Northwest Flight 253 bound for Detroit Metropolitan Airport. He ended up with severe burned limbs. He’s now being charged by the US Justice Department for terrorism.

There is nothing new with the profile of the accused. It’s pretty stereotypical. He’s from the African continent, well educated and comes from a reasonably rich family. The question now is why would this young man join the terror organization? Americans should seriously answer this question if they don’t want another attack.

For me, the Americans should address the cause of hatred amongst people all over the world. These are just few of the reasons why people hate America:

1. The havoc that they created in Iraq and Afghanistan

2. Abuses in Abu Ghariab and Guantanamo Bay detention centers were not addressed.

3. America’s continued support to the Israeli Government and Israeli Occupation in Gaza and West Bank.

4. Imperialistic policies in the Third World Countries and its ambition of world dominion.

5. Discriminatory treatment of Muslims in the United States after the 11 November attack.

Barack Obama should keep his mouth shut and show to the world that America is indeed serious in revising their policies. If America would not change, they’ll be confronted with several problems in the future. Other countries lost their respect for America. In fact, other countries do not want to deal with them anymore. Unfortunately for the Third World Countries, they have no choice but to follow what America says since they’re dependent from the American Aid.

Andres Bonifacio, the real National Hero

Filipinos should seriously consider replacing Jose Rizal as the national hero. Writing books and dying a dramatic death at the Bagumbayan does not make one a hero. It’s like what our politicians did to Ninoy Aquino. Being assassinated at the MIA tarmac is not heroism. Worst, the politicians who are sip-sip (sucker) to the then President Cory Aquino renamed MIA into NAIA and made Ninoy Aquino a hero.

Going back to Rizal, we’ve been celebrating Rizal day every 30th of December since time immemorial. Rizal doesn’t deserve any of our celebration. Rizal never fought in battlefield and that makes him a coward. Andres Bonifacio, the real national hero fought and won in battles. There were reports before that Americans specifically selected Rizal to be the Filipino national hero not because he’s intellectual but because he never fought in battlefield. Rizal’s cowardice would not inspire rebellion to the occupying power (U.S.). If they (U.S.) selected Andres Bonifacio, it would be another story.

Rizal comes from a rich family and is highly educated. He could even be called a snub. Andres Bonifacio on the other hand comes from a working class family, poor and is less educated. He represents 80% of the Filipinos today who are mostly poor, exploited and marginalized. He’s like every ‘Juan’ of us. His bravery is amazing! He’s truly an amazing freedom fighter. He established the Katipunan and fought against the Spanish using his bolo.

The year that was …

‘Those who don’t know how to look back have nowhere to go’.

December 26, the day after Christmas is the most appropriate day to look back on the stuff that happened to me this year. Unlike the previous year, this year is full of fond memories that I’ll forever cherish in my heart.

I’ve been really blessed during the year and I am very grateful for all the blessings. I just wish that the coming year will be a very good year for me too. I promised myself to always count my blessing. I believe that if you count your blessings, you’ll forever be grateful and your heart will have no room for bitterness and regrets.

The world experienced the global financial crisis at the beginning of the year, courtesy of the US. Luckily, our economy was able to withstand the economic downturn. Thanks to the effort of PGMA. To her detractors, please learn to acknowledge PGMAs hard work. Don’t just dwell on your hatred. You’re pulling our country down with you. But despite our economic resilience, we were struck by several devastating natural calamities thought to be the result of Global Warming, again, courtesy of the highly industrialized nations (e.g. US and EU). The good thing that comes out of all those calamities is that we showed to the world that we (Filipinos) can unite and shun politicking during the crisis.

I hope that the Filipino will choose the right person to lead our country. We should not just vote for somebody because he’s Ninoy and Cory’s son or because he’s Tetay’s brother. Admit it, he doesn’t have what it takes to lead our country. We’re better off with Teodoro or Villar. We should also not vote for somebody just because their family owned the Araneta Center. That guy can swear like hell! We’re better off with Fernando or Manzano. As for the Senate, you can select the people you like but just don’t forget to put Inday Miriam in your list. The Senate is no fun without Inday Miriam in it.

Pope Benedict XVI attacked

The Catholic faithful are still shocked by the security breach at the Vatican on Christmas day. I don’t know what’s in that woman’s mind when she attacked the Pope. You’ll hear how the crowd reacted when the Pope was attacked by that woman. While watching the EWTV service, the Pope was visibly shocked. I don’t blame him, he’s well in his 80s. Buti na lang wala namang masamang nangyari sa kanya. That woman could have killed the Pope.

The Pope is the head of the State of Vatican as well as the head of the billions of Catholics worldwide. He’s in a very special position. His power transcends politics and national borders. I surmised that the American President is in fact envious Pope’s power. I’m not just referring to a good talking (but without result and can’t deliver) current president but all his predecessors.

Although I’ve always been impartial to the hollier than thou Priest, Bishops and Nuns in the Philippines, I’ve always loved and admire the Pope. We all know kung anong kahayupan ang ginawa ng mga pari sa ating bayan. Galit talaga ako sa kanila! Lalo na sa mga Obispong pamumulitika lang ang ginagawa. But I don’t hate the Pope.

The Pope will always be a target of wrath of the extremist. His predecessor, John Paul II was even shot by a Turkish assassin. By this time, the Vatican Police and the Swiss Guards should have learned their lessons. They should seriously consider revising their security strategy if they don’t want the Pope to be attacked again.

Mean what you say!

When you say Merry Christmas, mean it! Last Wednesday, the last day of work, a colleague sent Christmas greeting with the picture of his family. It would have been okay if we’re close but we’re not. I could still remember what he did the last time when I borrowed CRTB answer sheets from him. He’s such a jerk! If he’s beside me, I would really punch his nose to teach him a lesson. I could be very violent if I’m very angry.


I right away deleted his email. You know, Christmas greetings should make us feel good. I never felt that way with his greetings. If we’re not in the same network, I would have put him in my block senders list. Why would he send a Christmas greetings to me? Close ba kami?

I know when a greeting is genuine or false. I know that for a fact. By sending that unsolicited Christmas greeting, he’s just insulting my intelligence. Ang ayaw ko lang is yong kaplastikan ba. If we hate each other, let’s not pretend to be nice to each other. Life is too short to pretend to like somebody that you hate. Hindi ibang tao ang niloloko mo kundi ang sarili mo lang.

Deployment in the land of Cedar Trees

It was announced recently that the POEA is contemplating on lifting the ban of OFW deployment in Lebanon, the land of the Cedar Trees. If I remember correctly, POEA imposed the ban of OFW deployment when the war between the Hezbollah and Israel took place three years ago. The war left the south of Beirut in ruins. My boss has to postpone his vacation because of that war. Many people including children in both sides died because of that senseless war.

I remember the general reaction of the Lebanese employers when their maids were taken out of their custody. It’s an open secret in Lebanon that having a Filipino maid is a status symbol.

I just hope that our government would once and for all ban the deployment of house hold workers. They’re in a very vulnerable position from being taking advantaged of or being harassed. We should only concentrate on deploying skilled and technical workers. They’re in a safer position since their employers are companies and not individuals.

Domain Name Registration for .com.sa

Companies in China nowadays are engaged into registering domain names of any company that they can think of. Surprisingly, this scheme has reached the Saudi Arabian shores. They would register everything from .com.sa, .gov.sa, .vn, .ph, .sa, and actually, practically all the domain extensions that they can think of.

The bad thing with this scheme is that for example your domain name is Olayan.com, these companies in China would outdo you into registering the .com.sa extension. It’ll of course be a big loss of business in your part. They could actually sell the extension to your competitor.

This past week I’ve been very busy coordinating with the different Admin and IT Managers of our Operating companies just to make sure that they’ll register the extensions .com.sa of their websites. Some of them don’t see any rush to do the registration process but when I explained to them the chances that other company might outdo them into registering the .com.sa domain name, they’ll be in a big trouble. What we really did was we drafted the letters and they’ll (Operating Companies) just have to sign that letter and fax it together with their Commercial Registration to the domain registration committee in Riyadh.

But sometimes, with Arabs involved in the process, it could be very tedious. Some of them really love procrastinating. I thought that Filipinos are fond of procrastination but I was proved wrong. Some of them are also full of themselves with egos as big as a pumpkin ball. They’re also fond of bureaucracy. In fact, a guy from our Admin Department was so fond of initials or signatures that he won’t do anything without the initials of the requesting head. He’ll insist of the initials even if he knows the urgency and importance of the documents. I understand that just want to follow rules but when the interest of the business is at stake, he’ll have to bend sometimes. He should know how to weigh the urgency and priorities. The most important thing is getting the job done.

My Christmas List

In a way, being here in the Kingdom of the Sands spare you from the exhausting Christmas preparations. If you’re in Pinas, you’ll have to go to a department store to shop whether you like it or not. You’ll also be attending your office Christmas party and several parties that your friends or family organize. I tell you, it’s very exhausting and of course expensive.

The good thing that comes out every Christmas is that people are more patient and generous. I really appreciate it when people go out of their way just to give you a present. It doesn’t matter what the present is. What matter, as they say, is the importance and thought of the giver.

Celebrating Christmas here in the Kingdom of the Sands has always been different. Here, you’re not celebrating Christmas with your family. You’ll be with your friends. Most of the parties here are low key. You’ll observe the absence of ostentatious display of Christmas ornaments.

Since there’s only four days to go before Christmas, here’s my Christmas list.

1. Health top in my wish list. I wish that my Mother, me and my siblings and their families good health for the coming 2010.
2. I hope that I’ll do well in my career. My boss hadn’t made his evaluation for me yet but I’m crossing my fingers that it’s gonna be positive.
3. I wish for more patience. I want to be patient in everything that I do.
4. I wish to be surrounded by people who truly care for me. Life is too short, so I’d rather spend it with ‘totoong mga tao’.
5. Love. I don’t think that I need to explain what love is.

So you guys, I hope you’ll also start writing your wish list for 2010. It wouldn’t cost a dime to write a wish list. God bless you all and Merry Christmas.

Mount Mayon Eruption

The Philippines is once again in the world news. This time, it’s not about mass murder in Maguindanao or flooding in the Metropolis. But your guess is right, it’s another natural disaster. Mayon Volcano, thought to be the most perfectly cone shape volcano in the world, erupted. Advancing lava in the four kilometer danger zone radius burned trees, coconuts and vegetation. People living within the six kilometer radius were already displaced.

The eruption of the Mayon Volcano is just another way to prove that the Philippines is indeed the disaster capital of the world. Despite its beauty, our country is almost always plagued by natural disasters. People have not recovered from the flooding and here’s another one. We could only pray that we’re a rich country so that we can afford all the relocation and aid to the people who are affected.

A friend of mine said that the Mayon Eruption was perfect because it’s election time. All politicians would have to help or show support to the victims in order to generate votes. In a way, the publicity that the politicians will generate from helping would of course benefits our displaced kababayans in Albay.

I just wondered why every time a woman president leaves the office a volcano erupts. When Cory Aquino left the office in 1992, Mount Pinatubo erupted. PGMA is also leaving the office with a bang with the eruption of Mayon Volcano.

It’s very difficult to be displaced. I wonder how our kababayan in Albay celebrates their Christmas. In the absence of food and shelter, we just hope that they’ll celebrate their Christmas low key. That is, celebrating the true spirit of Christmas in thanks giving.

Obama escalates war and gets Nobel Prize

I had the chance to watch the BBC Coverage of the Nobel Laureate for 2009. One of the people interviewed there says that ‘Nobel Peace Prize should be given to someone who has actually done something (peace) to the world. It’s not given to those who are willing to make peace or think peaceful thoughts’. What the Nobel Committee did for this year is that, they give the Peace Plum to Barack Obama, somebody who hasn’t really done anything for the World peace. Instead, Obama escalates the war by increasing the US troops in Afghanistan to 30,000. I think that the Nobel Committee was drawn to Barack Obama’s words. Words of hope like ‘they can’, ‘yes we can’. If that’s their criteria, they’re better off giving the award to the reigning Miss Universe. At least the Miss Universe is involved in charitable causes like HIV awareness and helps promotes world peace!

There were reports that the Nobel Committee gave the peace prize to Barack Obama just by being elected to the US Presidency! Mr. Jagland, the chairman of the committee in fact says that Obama’s election brings new tone to international relations because he’s a good speech reader. When I say Obama has not proven anything means that he did not stop a war from happening.

If he has delicadeza, he should have refused the award. Accepting the award with the intentions of troop surge is embarrassing and ironic. The award is for peace and not for war.

Switzerland Banned Minarets

Switzerland overwhelmingly voted (57%) to ban minarets. Minarets are slender towers with balconies used for calling prayer. I’ve watched several news programs and Islamic leaders are easy to condemn the decision of the whole Swiss people. I say, let’s respect the decision of the Swiss people. It’s their country and nobody should interfere to their internal affairs. It’s too bad that they banned the construction of minarets but we just have to respect their decision. I know how the Muslim people feel about it. For them, their religious freedom is being curtailed. Others even accused the Swiss people of Islamophobia.


As I’ve said, Switzerland is a free and independent country. People from outside should respect their decisions. In the same way that people around the world respected the decisions of any Islamic countries not to build churches in their countries. Switzerland is one of the most tolerant countries in the world. I don’t think that banning minarets in their country is a religious suppression. You’ll see mosques sprouting in any European City. Believe it or not, there’s a mosque in Rome, the center of Catholism. The least that any Arab country could actually do is to reciprocate. Muslims cry foul when they feel they’re suppressed in Europe but doesn’t care when a Christian, in the Kingdom of the Sands for instance calls for religious freedom. Here in the Kingdom of the Sands, you’ll never see a single Catholic Church. They have an Irish priest in Aramco but they only have a make shift church (using the Dhahran Hills School Auditorium). You can’t also openly practice your religion for fear of prosecution.

Sana fair is fair lang! Para patas naman ang laban.

Underserved Nobel Prize

Eyebrows all around the world rose when the Nobel Committee announced that the 2009 plum will be given to US President Barack Obama. I mean, come on! What the hell did he do to deserve the Nobel Prize? This year’s announcement only undermines the credibility of the Nobel Prize. People around the world were so shocked about the announcement. Barack Obama hasn’t proved anything yet. He’s a good talker, yeah but hasn’t really delivered. Besides, how could the Nobel committee give the peace award to a president who just announced that he’s increasing the US troops in Afghanistan? By increasing the US troops in Afghanistan, he just contradicted himself. During the campaign period he vowed for gradual troop pullout in Afghanistan and Iraq. Well, remember the Gitmo? He also promised to close down Gitmo but couldn’t. He couldn’t handle the pressure. He could not even work with his own Democratic Part to once and for all settle the Health Care bill.

The Democrats are crazy when they favor the good talker Obama over Hillary Clinton during the Democratic Primaries. Americans are crazier when they elected Obama over John McCain. Hillary could have handled the economic downturn better than the inexperienced Obama. Hillary’s proven capability is what the Americans needs. Obama’s a bitter pill for the Americans. They elected him so they’ll have to suffer the consequences.

I won’t be surprised if Sarah Palin will kick his butt on the 2012 presidential election.

Al Khobar Chop Chop Lady

It’s all over Al Khobar. I heard the news yesterday when a colleague from one of our Operating Companies told me about the murder case. The case involved a Filipino couple who murdered their Filipina maid. If you’ve been to Badgaish Appliance Center in the first street of Al Khobar, you’ll probably know the suspect. He’s C, the Chinese looking guy who converted to Islam. You’ll often see him wearing thobe. I was so shocked when I learned that Cs the suspect. I’ve meet him several times before in that appliance center but you’ll never think that he’s capable of murdering an individual. The grapevine says that the maid was pregnant when she was murdered by the couple. Others even suggested that it’s courtesy of C. That’s what they said was the reason for murdering the maid.

I also read a news report today with an entirely different story. The maid was said to be maltreating and abusing Cs children so the couple beat her to death. They mutilated and chopped her body and buried her inside their flat. They were considering throwing away the maid’s body to Jubail but later changed their mind.

Crying Foul over Human Rights

If a government dissident died during a battle, the usual accusations of these leftist groups are that their Human Rights are violated. You’ll always hear them condemning the government and our Armed Forces of Human Rights violations. Pero, if an NPA killed and mutilated civilians and our uniformed men, you’ll not hear anything from them. These leftist groups survive because of the revolutionary tax that they collect to the helpless farmers and businessmen. If the farmer or a small scale businessman refuses to give revolutionary tax, they’ll be harassed or even get killed. Since we have the most irresponsible media in the world, crimes like these are not reported. If you’re a victim of these dissidents, your voice will never be heard, you can’t even claim that your human rights are violated.

The term ‘Human Rights’ in our country is exclusively for the leftist groups only. In fact, Human Rights are primarily created so that leftist groups can use it against the government. Ito yong ginagamit nila para matabunan naman ang kanilang mga kasalanan at kahayupan. If you don’t know about it, these are the same people who bombs up Globe and Smart Telecom transmission towers, NAPOCOR towers and Radio facilities. They are the same people who raided police outposts in the Quezon Province. They’re also responsible for several unreported murders and mutilations. They’ve committed evil things in our society but they always portray themselves as the victims.

Cory Aquino gave their leaders amnesty pero ano ang nangyari? They became the problems of the succeeding administrations. It only brought a culture of rallies in EDSA and crying foul every time the government retaliates. I just hope that our gentlemen from the Armed Forces would put an end to them once and for all. It would be better if AFP would do like the Sri Lankan’s do to the Tamil Tigers. They killed everyone and that ends the insurgency in Sri Lanka. If we want peace in our country, AFP should kill them all!

Damn if you do, Damn if you don’t

Damn if you do, Damn if you don’t. If a leader will just listen to everything he hears, he’ll never accomplish anything. In the end, they will just criticize the leader, especially in front of the TV. That’s the attitude of Filipinos. No wonder, we lagged behind our ASEAN neighbors. There’s only one thing we’re good at, criticizing. Pag trabaho na for the good of our country, wala na! After the infamous massacre of 57 people, militants and grandstanding opposition politicians were easy to condemn that the government is not doing enough. They accused the government and our uniformed men of cover up. They want results and fast.


They never thought that getting evidence from the crime scene is a painstaking process. Aside from that, you’re not only talking about a single criminal but a whole clan with goons and dozens of private armies. When PGMA declared Martial Law in Maguindanao last Saturday, our Armed forces were able to confiscate high powered fire arms and war machines at the Ampatuan Mansion. They also arrested the elder Ampatuan and the ARMM Governor.

Kaya you’ll be surprised na naman when the ML was imposed on Maguindanao. Those who clamor for swift action are now marching on the streets opposing the ML. They’re telling people that PGMA is doing the Makoy. One critic even boldly said that PGMA’s a Makoy worshipper. Of course, opportunistic opposition leaders and politicians who want to grandstand are there too, peddling baseless intrigues. Even if the government will take the usual or extraordinary ways to lock up the suspects, there will always be people in the streets chanting anti PGMA and anti ML. They will never be pleased regardless of what the government will do.

If I were PGMA, I’ll just declare a Martial Law covering the whole Philippine Archipelago. Buti yang ikulong yang mga dissidents na iyan nang tumahimik naman itong ating bayan. Tingnan ninyo noong panahon ni Makoy, isa lang ang bida, si Makoy lang. When Cory took the reins of power, biglaang nagsulputan ang mga bida. Hindi lang si Cory ang bida at dumami pa kaya nagkakagulo. Everyone wants to be ‘bida’. In the end, all the succeeding presidents are the kontra bida.

Martial Law in Maguindanao

Finally, the Arroyo Administration has collected enough courage to declare Martial Law. The sad thing is, they only limit it to Maguindanao. It would have been better if PGMA and her government declared it all over the country. Our government needs to be tough and Martial Law is one way to discipline our people. The powers of Martial Law are enough to curtail the government dissidents such as the NPA, MILF, MNLF, JI and Abu Sayyaf. It would also be better if she silence her critics, those hollier than thou priest and bishops, destructive opposition leaders and irresponsible media practitioners who’s living comes from demonizing her. We need a tough national government and if Martial Law is the only recourse, then the Arroyo Administration should do it.

Adam Lambert on Baba Wawa’s Most Fascinating People List

Adam Lambert, the real American Idol Season 8 winner, is listed in Baba Wawa’s America’s Most Fascinating People of 2009. I emphasized the REAL winner because if the voting was not rigged, he would have won. Fox, the network that broadcast AI in the States is run by conservatives who do not really favor gay people (e.i. Adam Lambert). I’m sure you’ll all agree that Kris Allen’s performance during the entire Season was mediocre. He’s dull and forgettable.

Adam deserved to be in the list. ABC could not deny that fact. Even if they banned Adam Lambert after the AMA incident, they just could not contain Adam’s popularity. In fact, Baba Wawa’s featuring Adam Lambert in her show just says it all.

People are fascinated by him not because he’s gay, wears eyeliner and black nail polish but because of his talent. Adam has amazing vocals but still polite and down to earth. If you ignore Adam’s existence, chances are you’re from the Stone Age. Like most people, I spend my free time googling his name just looking for the news item about him. My friend A. gave me Adam’s two latest Albums.

Adam is that fascinating! If you don’t think so, you must be deaf, dumb and blind.

World Cup Draw

I’m sure most of the Ilonggos can relate to the World Cup craze. I used to play soccer in school. I grow up with the soccer ball since I live near La Paz Plaza. My cousins, neighbors and I constantly played at the Plaza. I could still remember the 1.0 mark I made with my P.E., courtesy of soccer.


I’ve also tried out for a soccer scholarship at the University of San Agustin. Unfortunately, it’s pretty competitive and the Barotacnon’s really dominate the games. As you are well aware, football is the official sports of Barotac Nuevo. Kids in Barotac Nuevo who’s as young as two years old knows how to kick balls.

Here’s the draw result for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Group A
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France

Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece

Group C
England
US
Algeria
Slovenia

Group D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

Group E
The Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

Group F
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

Group G
Brazil
North Korea
Ivory Coast
Portugal

Group H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile

What went wrong?

What went wrong in Dubai? Well, Dubai became too overly ambitious! Dubai wanted to be the Hong Kong of Middle East, the financial hub and business capital of the region. Their economic model is however is not sustainable so it failed. Unlike in Hong Kong where most of the developments are done by private firms, Dubai’s high risers, manmade islands and other large scale projects are government funded. The funds used to build those massive projects are loans from the world’s major banking institutions. They never anticipated the economic downturn and it ruined them. The banking institutions are pressured because there’s a possibility that Dubai might default in their loans. They’ve asked money from Qatar and KSA but they were ignored. Its neighboring Emirate Abu Dhabi (AUH) declared that it’s not going to write blank cheques for them anymore.

Dubai will be able to raise the money needed to repay their loans but their image has already been tarnished.

World’s Most Irresponsible Media

Its official, PGMA filed her COC for Congress. As expected, irresponsible Philippine media expressed and ranted angrily at the decision of the President to run for congress. The President should just ignore them. They’re just angry because they can’t dictate PGMA. Most of the time, PGMA would do the opposite of what the media and oligarchs wanted her to do. She’s her own woman! I admire her independent mindedness and resolve.

PGMA’s born to serve the public. Public Service is in her blood. Let her stand as a candidate and let the people of Pampanga decide her fate. Should the people decide to give her the congressional seat, then, let’s honor the result. The problem with the Philippine media is that it becomes so distractive that it failed to participate in nation building. Instead, it only caters to the whims and personal interests of its owners (e.g. the Lopez Conglomerate). It is also money driven and would resort to tabloid type of reporting and sensationalism. That is why I am not surprised when a media person is murdered in our country. They are murdered primarily because they’re irresponsible. They’ve hurt and ruined several people’s lives because of their sensationalism. In the Philippines, even if you’re not guilty, media would right away label you as the culprit. They will display your face for the whole world to see. In the end, even if the court declared your innocence, you’ll never recover from the shame and embarrassment that the media have done to you.

During the Marcos Era, the Philippine media is controlled by the State. You could hardly hear baseless accusations and sensationalism. Then, you could hardly hear any Senators and Representatives grandstanding in order to be in the headline. Irresponsible media organizations were closed down (e.g. ABS CBN). Commentators and Reporters are silenced kaya disiplinado lahat.

That’s why we should elect somebody who could discipline the whole country and punish those irresponsible media.