City of Gold – Flooded

I am not a fan of watching Filipino TV for obvious reasons that they’re biased, they have no worthwhile programs, and they dwell too much on sensationalism.  By saying that, I think you’ve already guessed that I’m referring to the Oligarch owned ABiaS CBN.  That’s the reason why my first awareness of what happened in CDO comes from Al Jazeera English.  Marga Ortigas reported the damage and the rising death toll of the tropical storm Sendong that ravaged the country.

The first person I can think of when I heard the news is my friend Erwin.  He went for his annual vacation last 1 December and he’ll be staying there for 30 days or until after the New Year’s holiday.  I waited for 2 days for Erwin to be online but I was out of luck.  Yesterday, I became worried so I posted a message in his FB wall, asking if his family is okay.  Luckily, he replied and said that they’re okay.  The flood did reach them but only on the knee length.  Their major concern was the cleanup, the stinky surrounding and the mud.

I asked Erwin whether they’d still celebrate Christmas despite what happened.  He says that his family decided that Christmas will push through regardless of the damage that the flooding caused.  This year though, it would be celebrated low key and his family will attend a Eucharistic celebration.  He is thankful that there was no casualty in his family.

The Sendong flooding was not the first time that CDO was flooded.  About two years ago, while my youngest brother was still studying there, all his belongings were also swift away by the flooding.  When a city is flooded, there’s a big chance that it’ll be flooded again in the future.  I’m not going to blame the people from CDO and its city government but they should’ve been prepared for the worst.  Unfortunately for the 1,000+ people, it’s too late for them.  They’ve already lost their lives, they’re dead.  The surviving families could only cry because they did not only lost one or two of their loved ones, they’ve also suffered great loss in their properties.

The NASA has warned the Philippine government of the Ondoy like rains in Mindanao but they did not heed the advice of NASA.  The President was even partying while people in CDO are dying.  It took him three days to make an appearance, as always, the president is the last person to arrive in the disaster area.  PGMA has been demonized and called names but no one can deny that she had the balls.  She showed to the rest of the country that during calamities, she’s there to support and comfort her people.  People in Malacanang are now red faced because of the embarrassment that Abnoy is doing to the presidency as an institution, partying while people are dying. 

Our president should be start being the father of the nation.  People are dying but he can only think of his vindictiveness towards his perceived enemies.  Not even Sendong or the Christmas holiday can stop him.  But how can you expect a bachelor who can’t even make a serious commitment with a woman be the father of a nation?  I say, too bad for Filipino people who did not vote for him.  It’s also worst for those people who voted for him.  President Abnoy’s partying while people are suffering is, the only think I can think of, is that’s too much insensitivity. 

Thank you list

Christmas nowadays (and in the Philippines) is too commercialized.  In a way, it is better that I live here in an Islamic country where Christmas is not openly celebrated.  It’s the only way I think to really celebrate the season in reflection and thanksgiving. 

My relatives would often ask how we celebrate Christmas in Saudi Arabia.  I tell them that we do away with extravagance and just enjoy the season.  It’s ironic since while we’re in a restricted environment, it is here where we truly understand the significance of the event.  If you are not anymore focused on receiving gifts and spending money to buy them, you’ll come into realization that they’re not really necessary in the celebration.

I’ve learned that doing away with extravagant spending and too much fanfare is good for one’s soul.  Christmas after all is about celebrating the birth of Christ.  It’s time for soul searching and counting your blessings.  This year, I will not have a Christmas list.  Instead, I have a thank you list.

1.       Good Health.  I thank God for giving me good health this year.  Last year was the worst year but He healed me.

2.       Family.  I thank God for giving me a caring and loving family.  I know that no matter what will happen they’ll always be there for me.  I love them for that.

3.       Good Boss.  I thank God for giving me an opportunity to work with the best boss in the world, HSS.  I look forward to working full time with EMF next year.

4.       Promotion.  I thank God for another blessing that I never expected. 

5.       Good Friends.  I thank God for giving me friends who never fails to support me.  I will not mention their names because they already know who they are.  I love you guys.

6.       Good Colleagues.  I thank God for giving me good work environment and colleagues.  Please bless too.

7.       Blessings.  I thank God for all the blessings. 

I’m very thankful for all the blessings that I receive this year.  I am forever grateful. 

Merry Christmas everyone!

CJ Corona impeached!

Jailing his predecessor is the only concern of the current administration headed by President Abnoy.  For him, the Supreme Court CJ is the hindrance of his ultimate goal.  So, after ranting and spewing bad words against CJ Corona at the MBC and the first Criminal Justice Summit, and after blaming the Supreme Court for the dismal economic performance, his alipores in the House of Representatives had just impeached the CJ.

Atty. Midas Marquez earlier said in a press briefing that the house was cooking an impeachment complaint against the CJ.  What the SC people heard was true.  It was reported that the House Speaker, Sonny Belmonte sent a text message to President Abnoy saying that the impeachment complaint was already sent to the Senate.  Abnoy just sent back a thank you note. 

The House of Representatives (representa – thieves) is always a kiss ass of the seating president.  It’s because these representatives needs their pork barrel allocation.  They’ve always been controlled by Malacaṅang, whoever is in power.  The question is, can Abnoy’s alipores in Senate muster enough votes to impeach CJ Corona?  The Senate has been known to be independent from the tenants of Malacaṅang.  As they say, all Senators are potential Presidentiables.  Most of them, except for the kiss asses like Pangilinan and the Sebo Sebo Drilon will definitely not vote for it.  I admit that an impeachment complaint is a political process and thus, whoever has the numbers, wins.

Abnoy is always ill advised.  He doesn’t know the implications of his actions.  By publicly lashing out the Supreme Court and CJ, now, supporting his ouster through impeachment, he’s undermining our democracy and our democratic institution.  It’s like he’s saying that ‘now that I am in power, I can do anything I want’. 

I am not saying that public officials who have violated the laws of the land shouldn’t be punished.  There should always be due process.  The short cuts that the current administration is doing will compromise our democracy.  Abnoy’s flight is not worth the fight if in return it will lead to constitutional crisis.

Abnoy’s penchant for the CJ can only be traced from the latest SC unanimous decision, the 14-0 votes distributing the Hacienda Luisita to the FWBs.  It’s not anymore about the long addressed accusations of the midnight appointment of the CJ.  Neither it is about former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.  The impeachment of the CJ was done primarily to get back at the SC because of the decision they rendered.  Hacienda Luisita means a lot to the Cojuanco and Aquino family.  To them, Hacienda Luisita means power, money and influence.  The latest Supreme Court ruling would virtually strip them of everything they have.  Worst, it could even impoverish them considering that they have to pay the FWBs billions of pesos aside from distributing their lands.

It’s a sad day for our democracy which my Arab friend said ‘Democrazy’.  But like former PGMA, I still believe in the rule of law.  There’s still hope for our country even if the president is paranoid.  I can only hope that the Senate, except the kiss ass Pangilinan and Drilon, of course, will be fair in handling CJ Corona’s impeachment case.

Ladies on Board!

I attended the presentation of an HR Director in one of our Publicly Listed Companies.  As you know, publicly listed companies are first when it comes to industry best practices.  They should be, and they’re expected to be, precisely because they’re a public company.  His presentation was about the on boarding of women in their organization.

Our HR VP has appointed two ladies to work in our HR Department last year as HR Specialists.  For now they’re on support bases until we moved to our new building, they’ll be full time.  AMG’s plan (I’ll call the HR Director of our public company as AMG), however, is to hire women to work in the production lines.  They will initially be trained to do the routine work in the production line with male supervisors.  Eventually though, they’ll appoint women supervisors specifically for the ladies section.  It’s a grand plan that has been approved already by the public company’s board of director. 

The purpose of his meeting our two women HR Specialists was to roll out the same plan to the Group.  It’s not going to happen anytime soon but the proposal was positively viewed.  If that the plan happens, it’s going to be another success stories in the long history of our Group. 

---oo0oo---  

Will there be shakeup in the production line once this plan is pushed through?  There will be but it’s not going to be in the near future.  The implementation of the on boarding of women in the production line takes a lot of time and resources.  Resources could mean investing on the new production line, recruitment costs for the women workforce and training costs.  It’s going to be a major challenge.

---oo0oo--- 

Hiring female in our workforce will not address any social ills in the Kingdom of the Sands.  It will though, teach women to be self-sufficient and learn to stand in their own two feet.  They will not anymore rely in their male family member to support them.  It will also not solve the high unemployment rate of women in the Kingdom of the Sands.  I think that issue should be dealt with by the government sector.  What we in the private sector could do though, is to set up a benchmark of the program, a model for other companies in our Group to follow.

--oo0oo--- 

We’re not the first company to hire women in the Kingdom of the Sands but if the plan pushes through, given the go signal of the board of directors, it’s going to be another legacy and success story for our Group.  And it’s going to be an honor to be part of its implementation. 

Mo Twisted, the Kiss and Tell.

Mo Twister in a Video

In the Filipino culture, kiss and tell guys are frowned upon. It’s just not acceptable to tell people what you and your girlfriend did in private. For us, it’s between you and your girl and people should never be told about it. It leaves a bad impression to the guy and sometimes people can be unforgiving.

Mo Twister’s video recently exploded in the social networking sites. In the video he was whispering and confessing that his ex-girlfriend Rhian Ramos aborted her pregnancy. Prior to that revelation, he was tweeting that there’s going to be a very big explosion. The problem with the ex-couple started after a bitter breakup. According to Mo, Rhian was forced to do an abortion to protect her career. He blamed the Rhian’s mother and her home network for the abortion.

My intial reaction to the brouhaha was, “Okay, sino ang mga starlet na ito?” I was never a fan of Mo Twisted because I find him too tsismoso for a guy. Neither am I a fan of Rhian Ramos since I don’t normally watch Filipino TV. That includes ABiaS CBN and GMA Network. Besides, according to the grapevine, Rhian Ramos has no talent. She was just casted in GMA shows because she happens to be the niece of Ida Henares, GMA Artist Center’s big honcho. So, a scandal between the couple did not even elicit any curiosity to me until Mo’s video came out.

What was Mo Twisted trying to prove when he exposed that video? Is he trying to be moral and that he was against abortion? If he’s trying to be moral, they shouldn’t have committed pre-marital sex in the first place. If they did not have sex, they wouldn’t have conceived that fetus that Rhian eventually decided to abort. I think Mo’s primary purpose in leaking the video is to embarrass Rhian Ramos, ruin her career and made her pay for breaking his heart. What he did was so typical of a kiss and tell guy.

What happened between Mo Twisted and Rhian Ramos is not shocking or earth shattering. It happens everywhere and every time in our country, considered as the only Christian nation in Asia. The only thing is, when pregnancy is aborted, the couple wouldn’t say a thing. Of course, they’re afraid of the backlash from holier than thou people in their workplace and respective families.

That’s the reason why I am for the RH bill. People should not be afraid to explore sex because it’s part of being human. People should have a well informed choice so that they will not suffer the consequences. If Mo Twisted and Rhian Ramos used contraceptive when they had sex, they wouldn’t have been confronted with the bigger problem, abortion.

To end, what Mo Twisted (because of his twisted head) did was tasteless and he should be sued for libel. Nobody woman deserved that kind of humiliation. He should have accorded Rhian with the respect he gave to his mother.

Chinese Execution

I know that as Christians we should respect the right to life but we also have rules and laws here on earth that we should follow. In some countries, committing heinous crimes could mean death penalty. Our country has banned the death penalty with finality and there’s no chance that it’s going to be reinstated soon. The Catholic Church is so powerful that it can even dictate politicians on which laws they should pass all in the name that we’re a Christian country. Ironically, we are a Christian nation but we have the worst criminal rate statistics in the world. I think that’s because of the restrictions in our law, particularly on death penalty.

Speaking of death penalty, a Pinoy drug courier who was caught smuggling on 2008 bringing 1.5 kilograms of heroin, is schedules to be executed. Our Foreign Affairs Ministry sent several appeals to the Chinese government to halt the execution. VP Binay even wanted to personally appeal but his pleas were rejected because the Chinese Supreme court has ruled with finality.

This kind of situation has always bothered me every time there’s a Filipino executed abroad. I don’t intend to be rude to the Pinoy who claims to be a victim of the situation. On a general note, though. If a drug courier is caught in our country, chances are, he’s going to be jailed and will be faced with the maximum penalty prescribed in our laws. What is the difference then if a Filipino is caught carrying drugs outside the country? He’s supposed to face the law right? Why is it then that our government officials would go out of their way to help the alleged drug carrier? If the person committed a wrongdoing he should pay for it. The reasons why he did it should not even be dignified. Some would say that they just do it because of poverty.

Poverty should never be used as an excuse to commit crimes. I hailed from the province and have seen what poverty is but poor people in my community lived a decent and dignified life. They do not resort to illegal activities just to feed their families. I could be wrong though; there are poor people in the urban areas who completely forgot propriety because of poverty.

So going back to the execution of a Pinoy drug courier in China, our government should not intervene. There is nothing that they could do because the Chinese Supreme Court has ruled with finality the execution. The only thing that we should do is to help the family repatriate his remains.

Victimized

My friend’s nephew Jong, a newbie in the Kingdom of the Sands was recently victimized by a fellow Kabayan. Last Ramadan (August 2011), he met the Kabayan who was very friendly and kwela. Since he is a newbie in the Kingdom, they instantly became barkada. The Kabayan asked a favor if he can lend Jong’s Driver’s license so he can rent a car. Jong willingly lent his driver’s license without ever doubting the character of Kabayan.

The whole thing was out of his mind. The last thing he learned was that the Kabayan moved to another place. He was just surprised one day when the Car Rental agency called him. The Car rental told him that he should settle his bills. Unknown to him, the Kabayan never surrendered the car and for more than three (3) months did not pay a single halala (cent) to the Car Rental agency. The sad thing is the car was leased to Jong. To the Car Rental agency, Jong is liable to pay the amount.

About two weeks ago, Jong asked me for an advice on how he should deal with his problem. I told him that he should report the matter to the police. The police can track the whereabouts of the car rented should they decide to conduct check points. Besides, the rental will snowball if the matter is not reported to the police. How the hell can Jong a low salaried man afford to pay for the rent? The last figure he gave me was SR. 2,950.00, approximately 3 times the salary he’s receiving monthly.

He asked if I can help in solving his problem which to me is to lend him some money. I however told him that I can only give him words of comfort. Well, I did give him SR. 100.00, something that can make him feel better but I can never give him SR. 2,950.00.

I asked Jong’s uncle if what he’s doing to help the kid out. He was upset about Jong and decided not to talk to him. He says that it’s better than scolding the poor kid who was obviously victimized by that unscrupulous Kabayan.

Last night I was able to chat with Jong on FB and he was still tuliro. Who could blame him? He’s facing the biggest problem of his life. How the hell can he pay that amount? I’ve tried talking to Jong’s uncle that he should be more understanding. It was obviously Jong’s fault for trusting too much without even checking the person’s character. I told him the situation should serve as a lesson to him.

KCs heartbreak

KC and Piolo happier days

Last night while I was sending money at Quick Pay, I overheard a Kuya talking about the gender of Piolo Pascual. The Kuya was well informed on Piolo Pascual’s previous relationships like that of Yul Servo, Sam Milby and the current Mark Bautista. What made me smile was when the Kuya commented that ‘Tang ina, ang gandang lalaki pero bakla!”.

I haven’t watched KCs interview with the magazine show since I don’t normally watch TFC. Yes, I have a TFC connection, I pay D. monthly for that connection but I just don’t prefer watching TFC. I don’t like the biased news reporting of the Kapamilya Channel so rather than mag ugtas, I just avoid watching them. I was however bombarded by several forwarded emails from friends on this issue.

The KC-Piolo break up is a distraction from the never ending vindictive saga that the Abnoy Administration is orchestrating against his predecessor. Like me, people are fed up with the mud sliding and politicking. We’re not even in an election period yet, Abnoy is still in a campaign mode.

I don’t have a gender bias neither I have a comment on the sexual preference of Piolo. What I don’t like about him though, is his penchant in courting beautiful ladies just to cover his true sexuality. That for me is deceit and most relationships that are subjected to deception are always torn apart. He could have been honest to himself by not entering into a heterosexual relationship. He ended up ignoring the girl. KC said that he could not even give her the basics of relationship, and that to me is SEX.

I understand KCs heartache. It was painful when you learn that the third party is Mark Bautista, a man! I just couldn’t imagine the reaction of Manay Lolit these days. She was forced to give public apology before for the column that she wrote about Piolo - Sam affair. Looking back, I think she’s vindicated.

Victory for the Farmers

The victory of the farmers toiling the lands of Hacienda Luisita is a bitter pill for President Abnoy to swallow. It is a bitter pill because regardless if he already gave up his shares on the Hacienda, it’s his family’s land holding. They (Conjuanco’s and Aquinos) practically held it despite efforts from previous administration to distribute it. It’s going to very painful for their family.

And since Aquino’s family is in pain, just expect more vilification and demonizing of the high court coming from Abnoy’s yellow mobs. They accused the Justices who were appointed by the then PGMA as biased towards her. If that’s their gauge, then, we can also apply that those appointed by Abnoy is also biased towards him. Now we’re hearing senators calling for the SC Chief Justice to step down. For a vindictive Administration, we should brace ourselves for more mud sliding.

Look at what they did to Gloria. Di nga ba, hindi niya nga mapatawad si Gloria? I wonder what PGMA do to him to deserve humiliation. They should at least give her the proper treatment befitting a former head of state. But Abnoy’s vindictiveness has no sense so he can’t feel.

Despite denying that he no other intention and no interest in Hacienda Luisita, President Abnoy declared that the Hacienda Luisita owners deserved just compensation. Okay, it’s given that they should receive just compensation. The big question is how much? Will the Department of Agrarian Reform offer a fair price to the farmers? Take note that DAR is an agency under the Executive Department. DAR secretary reports directly to President Abnoy. He can bloat the price if he wants just so his family could get the just compensation that he’s asking.

A left leaning organization says that 1 Peso for the Hacienda land owners is a just compensation. I don’t normally agree with the left leaning people but this time, I agreed with their assessment. 1 Peso is a just compensation considering that the land holdings were procured using government resources. The initial agreement was that the lands should be distributed to farmers and tenants 10 years after the acquisition. Years had passed and the Conjuanco’s and the Aquino’s grew richer but they never complied with the agreement. Not even during the time of the first Aquino presidency whose principal program is land reform. Given that they did not comply with the agreement, I think 1 Peso is a just compensation for them.

All because of Glory…

I never had an opportunity to update my blog recently. I was so caught up with workload that I can’t even write something. Whenever I open my fb, I made it a point to write down my thought on the most pressing issues.

Yes it is confirmed, it is now fashionable to ignore the SC. Abnoy’s administration through Ate Leila did that. They also vilify and demonize the high court just because they’re not getting any favorable decisions recently. They don’t need to say it but what they’re saying is that ‘it is alright’ to defy the high court now. So what else is stopping ordinary Filipinos from doing the same?

The issue of PGMA being allowed to leave the country for treatment is a human rights issue. Every human being, he doesn’t need to be a former president, has the right to travel, right to life and right to choose her own doctor. If the government can stop a former president from leaving the country, despite SCs decision to allow her to travel, just imagine what they can do to an ordinary Filipino. The irony of it all is that Leila de Lima used to be the head of the Commission of Human Righst.

The Yellow mob maybe celebrating today but as in the case of all leaders, powers do not last. It applied to the Marcoses, the first Aquino Presidency, Ramos, Estrada and eventually to Gloria. Abnoy and his yellow minions who are showing their vindictiveness today has no guarantee that they will not be persecuted in the future. Sabi nga nila, what goes around comes around.

The hasty decision of the Comelec and the lightning speed filing of case against the former president and the fastest raffling of the case, issuance of warrant of arrest were done by Abnoy government just so Gloria could not go. They said that the TRO that SC issued is now moot and academic. They were wrong because the majority of the magistrate of the SC voted that PGMA was free to leave, majority also voted that the TRO is in full force. The SC should speed up it’s disciplinary action against the Lady Injustice. They should disbar her and jail her too for defying the high tribunal’s order.

President Abnoy’s vindictiveness to PGMA is a disservice to our country. He could have focused on the economic issues of our country. This year’s third quarter economic growth is at 3.5% only. That’s because of underspending on the part of the Abnoy government and focusing too much on persecuting the Arroyos.

Like the rest of the Filipino people. I am for justice and punishing those who committed crimes. But they (government) should make sure that they follow the law. They have to follow due process, the laws and rules of court. We are after all a government ruled by laws and not by mob.

My belief is that, because the government filed the charges against Gloria in haste, their evidence may not be that strong. Their case may be dismissed due to technicalities and worst due to lack of evidence. If that happens, their efforts to humiliate the former president will go down the drain.

Power does not last. Abnoy is obviously nalunod sa isang basong kapangyarihan. Let’s see how his successor will treat him once he steps down from power. He still has four and a half years left, yes, he can still shower our country on his vindictiveness towards his perceived enemies. But then again, power doesn’t last.

A year on…

Tomorrow’s the anniversary of my near death experience. What I’ve been through was the most painful experience I’ve ever encountered in my life. When I was a child, I was never admitted into a hospital. I’ve never ever experienced the IVs, syringes and let alone being subjected to frequent blood extraction. A year on, I’ve forgotten the pain, the scars have disappeared but I won’t forget the feeling of being alone and the agony of waiting.

I thank God that he healed me. If it weren’t for God’s mercy, I would’ve joined him already in heaven. That is, if I’ll go there (LOL). But I still believe that going to heaven is through God’s grace and compassion. This is my second life already and I am very thankful for the new opportunity to prove to our Almighty that I am trying to be a good person. I’m not saying that I’m that good but I’m getting there. I’m still the person I was but I’ve been kinder, I guess.

My family’s prayers and love also helped a lot in my recovery. I am also fortunate to be blessed with true friends. If it weren’t for them, I would’ve succumbed to depression. I did have few episodes of self pity but I recovered right away. I have always been emotionally tough and I don’t like the feeling of being weak and helpless.

I’ve moved on but I will never forget the lessons that I’ve learned out from that predicament. The suffering that I went through made me think through a lot of things. I’ve also realized that when you’re near death, nothing else really matter. You won’t even think of the most precious positions that you have. You’ll only feel grateful, even in pain, that there are people who value and love you. I guess, being given a second life, will truly help me become a better person.

A year on, I’ve recovered. Thanks to God, my family and select friends. I love you, guys. I’ll forever be grateful to you.

World’s worst airport

NAIA Terminal 1
World's Worst Airport

I’m surprised that the Filipino media just found out how bad NAIA is. Isn’t it ironic for an irresponsible Philippine media who thrived in sensationalism and tabloid type of reporting? If you’re an OFW or you travel frequently, you don’t need CNN’s report to know that NAIA is the worst airport in the world. I’ve blogged about how bad NAIA was before and even ranted several times. I also don’t think that a president who’s averse to micro managing should inspect the facilities of NAIA (Terminal 1) just to prove that it’s indeed the worst airport in the world. Well, maybe he was there for photo ops.

As an ordinary citizen of our God forsaken country, I can’t seem to grasp why MIAA did not upgrade NAIA’s facilities. Where did the travel taxes and the terminal fees that they are collecting from travelers go? It’s the only international airport that uses tabo because it doesn’t a have running water. The toilets are also stinking. In fairness to MIAA, when I went home last August, they refurbished the interiors, changed the carpets but did not do anything with the toilets.

Airports are supposed to be the windows and doors to the outside world. It should leave a good impression when a tourist arrives or leaves the country. It’s not the case in the Philippines. We come and go but it’s still the same. If you’re away for over a decade, you won’t even see the difference. Most of the travelers, especially the OFWs don’t really mind the bad infrastructures of the airport. They’re more interested in seeing their loved once than mind the dilapidated NAIA. NAIA is not also the safest place to be. There are several incidence of robbery few steps away from the airport.

I think that it’s about time to rename NAIA back to Manila International Airport. Ninoy was never a hero, he was a dissident and a friend to the reds, like his son Abnoy. Rebranding or renaming the facility will truly help in changing the image of the airport.

Kalag Kalag

Today, 2 November is the All Souls Day. It’s the day to honor our dear departed ones as well as friends who have already rested in peace. Although I made it a point in visiting the graveyard of my family when I go home on vacation, it’s the nth years that I haven’t been in the country to celebrate the event. All Souls Day is a low key event in my family. We celebrate their memories and pray for their souls.

Working for almost a decade in the Kingdom of Sands has its ups and downs. Family celebration like the All Souls Day is missed. Worst, you can’t even practice it openly. But I don’t think you need to be open in honoring your dead. A simple prayer and lighting a candle will do, I guess. The most important thing is your prays for them.

The Chinese people believe that when you take good care of your ancestors, they’ll take good care of you in return. I think that’s the reason why most of our Tsinoy friends are rich. They’re blessed by their ancestors. That’s also the reason why China, the once sleeping giant in the east is now the riches country in the world.

There’s nothing wrong in following our culture. Most of the time, the teachings of the olds have wisdom. We don’t even have to follow our culture for us to honor our dead. If we really love our family members who have rested in peace, we’ll honor them and pray for the eternal repose of their souls.

Family Business Conference

Dr. Ivan Lansberg et Moi

I was overwhelmed by the preparations for the ‘Family Business Conference’ on 30 October 2011 at the Mövenpick Hotel Al Khobar which was sponsored by our company. My boss and I both organized the event but I did all the groundwork. Two weeks prior to the event was hell. I guess I’m just growing old. I used to do the stuff, preparing for an even bigger even than the FBC. The move to another house added to the stress. I got sick right after and until now, I am still suffering from colds and flu.

I was just happy to see that the event went well. Practically half of Saudi Arabia’s wealthiest people were present. Our Managing Director was even featured in all Saudi dailies the day after the event. Of course, we wrote the PR and provided the photos (LOL). As usual, though our guests are rich, they’re all down to earth people. It’s true what they say in the richie rich circle that it’s not fashionable to flaunt your wealth. I had the privilege to meet them and look forward in meeting them, or probably work for them in the future (LOL).

Our speaker was Dr. Ivan Lansberg (Venezuela and United States), a lecturer of Family Business Enterprise Program at the Kellogg School of Management in Northwestern University. He’s also a Senior Partner at the Lansberg, Gersick & Associates. He was assisted by Ian Partridge (Switzerland) of Loedstar S.A. Both gentlemen are well Family Business experts. It was also an honor working for both of them.

Ian Partridge et Moi

This is the 2nd Annual ‘Family Business Conference’ that was sponsored by our company. It’s our CSR event. Our company, just like most of the companies in the Kingdom of the Sands are family owned. They also face several common issues like Ownership, Governance, Handing over and letting go, and Succession. Family owned companies are force to reckon with not just in the Kingdom of the Sands but the whole world as well. Most of the top companies are family owned businesses. Unlike the Public companies, family owned businesses tend to focus more on people rather than profit. But most of the best practices in the industry are from the Public companies.

The Family Business Conference will be very memorable to me since this will be the last event that I’ll be handling. Next year, I’ll be given new responsibilities and assignment at the HR Programs. I’m just excited at the prospects of doing an entirely another job that will prepare me for a bigger role in the future. Thanks to my two mentors, HSS and EMF.

RAFI Triennial Awards calls on entries for blogging contest

To promote the inspiring stories and work of recognized development workers in the Visayas and Mindanao, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) is calling on individuals between 13 and 35 years old based in the Visayas and Mindanao to join the RAFI Triennial Awards Blogging Contest.

The contest highlights the RAFI Triennial Awards and its awardees and finalists. Guided by the theme, “Shaping the big picture of change”, entrants are expected to do background research on the lives and works of RAFI Triennial awardees and finalists nearest their area.

The RAFI Triennial Awards is an awards program of RAFI given every three years to recognize the philanthropic, humanitarian, and holistic efforts of individuals and institutions in the Visayas and Mindanao in enhancing the quality of life of the communities they serve. It is now on its 5th run with conferment of awards in 2012.

To join the RAFI Triennial Awards Blogging Contest, individuals should register through www.rafi.org.ph. Entrants must have an existing and updated blog for at least six months.

All blog entries must be original and written in English, with a minimum of 1,000 words and maximum of 4,000 words. Entries should not have been entered or won in previous competitions. Writers must at the end of their blogs indicate, "This is an official entry to the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Triennial Awards Blogging Contest." and include a link to the RAFI website.

The criteria for judging include 50 percent for content (originality and alignment to the theme and research value) and 50 percent for writing style or composition (including technicalities).

A contest participant is allowed a maximum of three blogs that feature different awardees and finalists.

After posting their entries on their blogs, entrants should email application form, URL of the blog post, and electronic copy of at least one valid ID to ellen.red@rafi.org.ph with the subject header: Entry to the RAFI Triennial Awards Blogging Contest.

The blogging contest started last Sept. 30. Deadline for the submission of blog entries is Dec. 15, 2011.

Entrants must ensure that their blogs are accessible until winners are declared in January 2012.

First prize winner will receive Php 25,000; second prize Php 20,000; and third prize Php 15,000. All entries of winners and finalists will be consolidated and published into a book.

For more information on the RAFI Triennial Awards and to check on the awardee or finalist nearest you, visit www.rafi.org.ph.

For more information, please contact:

EVELYN NACARIO-CASTRO

Executive Director

Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center

Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City

landline: (63 32) 418-7234 loc. 104

email: Evelyn.Nacario@rafi.org.ph

Hike on Saudi Arabian Housing Rate

It was reported weeks ago that the Shoura Council, the legislative body of the Kingdom of the Sands, is thinking of revising its Housing Allowance policy for the State sector workers. Surprisingly, not all government sector workers are given Housing Allowance, unlike most of workers in the private sector. Some of those who are not given are the unmarried women.

This is where the problem starts. The Real Estate sector in the Kingdom of the Sands is thinking of increasing the rents should this proposal be approved. They don’t seem to care that the increase will only be for the government workers and not the private sector workers. The same situation happened in 2008 when both the Saudi government gave away 20% inflationary increase in salaries for the government sector workers. The prices of the basic commodities and the house rent increased drastically that the Private sector was forced to give away 20% inflationary increase in the salaries for the private sector workers. I hope that when that happens, the private sector will be perceptive enough and do more. It wouldn’t be good for an average white collar employee to subsidize his house rent. It would definitely cut down his earnings. If that happens, there’s no point in working away from home, especially if the white collar worker is a South East Asian Expat, considered as, Third Country National (TCN).

If you’re an average white collar employee who’s only expecting a 5% increase in your salary at the beginning of the year, you’ll be subsidizing your house rental. In reality, the 5% increase in salary is not really an increase but an inflationary increase because although you’ve gained 5%, the commodities also increased.

I believe that regardless if the proposal of the Shoura Council is approved or not, the Real Estate sector has already made up its mind. In the case of my apartment, for the 3 years that I’ve stayed there, I have never encountered any water shortage, never. Recently, and strangely, we’ve encountered several water cut-offs. The Real Estate office could not explain it and when asked about it, they’ll be in a defensive mode. D, a friend of mine who also lives in the same apartment building that I stay in, said that it’s their way of forcing us to move out so that they can increase the rent. If you can’t bear the pressure of having no water, you’ll leave, they win. Mark, a friend who works for Abdulla Fouad Holding Company couldn’t bear the water shortage any longer that he decided to move out last Wednesday. I think I’ll also follow him at the month’s end.

Utak wang wang!

This is the problem with the present Abnoy Administration. They think that it’s alright to call their political enemies names, yet they absolved themselves of any wrongdoings. They think that they’re hollier than thou and people should see them as Saints, incapable of doing bad.

So ito na nga, they labeled the previous administration’s excesses as ‘Utak wang wang’, yet they and their cohorts are guilty of their own accusations. Just recently, Presidential Adviser Ronaldo Llamas’ escort details met an accident and were caught carrying high powered ammunitions and several handguns. The three headed hydra in Malacañang right away issued a press statement that the guns were licensed. It was discovered that the statement was a lie since bodyguards are not permitted to carry high powered ammunition, just handguns. The high powered ammunitions have no license and the security escort of Llamas refused any inspection from the MMDA and the Police. They also refused to hand over their guns to the Police.

Lacierda claimed that the Presidential Adviser is not liable because the guns were licensed, which in reality were not. When quizzed why they were able to get a license for the high powered ammunitions, Lacierda could not explain it. He just absolved Llamas right away because he’s President Abnoy’s KKK. Lacierda also justified that the Office of the Security Adviser is a very sensitive position that he requires high powered ammunitions. So, talaga lang ha? Akala ko ba this administration is against the culture of wang wang? Bakit yong mga kaalyado ni Pangulong Abnoy na nag aabuso ay abswelto kaagad?

So here we go again, the Communications Group will right away absolved people who are connected with the current administration. If that’s not an ‘Utak Wang Wang’, then I don’t know what you call it. George Bush used to say that ‘If you’re not with us, you’re against us.’ In President Abnoy’s case, if you’re not yellow enough, you’re utak wang wang. As always, Lacierda and the Lady Gaga in Malacañang – Valte were always quick in denying abuses of their cohorts even when they’re already in an embarrassing situation. What a bunch of hypocrites!

Philippine eagle, shot dead

A report says that the two year old female Philippine eagle that was captured last May 2010 and was released back into the wild was shot dead. The Philippine Eagle Foundation tagged the bird of prey with a transmitter that enabled the foundation to track it down.

The news is heartbreaking because the Philippine eagle is an endangered species, meaning that in a few years, they could perish forever. We may only be able to see them through the films and pictures. The incident can be summed up to one thing, our inability to care. The trigger happy person who shot the Philippine Eagle has no idea what he did. I am sure that he doesn’t even regret doing what he did to the helpless bird.

We have a very beautiful country with abundance of nature but we just don’t know how to appreciate and respect beauty. We abuse nature and that’s the reason why nature is punishing us. When we’re helpless with nature’s unforgiving punishments, we cry for help, yet never learned from our mistakes.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation has been education people not only in Davao area of the importance of the eagle in our consciousness as a nation. It’s ironic however that the eagle was shot in Davao. It simply means that the PEF has to exert more effort in educating people in the nearby areas. We commend the PEF for all their efforts but more should be done in disseminating information on how we could protect the Philippine Eagle. I acknowledge the fact that PEF cannot be solely responsible in protecting our eagles. We ordinary citizens can do our share by educating our fellow Filipinos. The Philippine eagle is part of our national identity. We should treasure them.

Miriam to start campaign for ICC at The Hague

This is a news report that I’ve taken in toto relating to the Ilonggo Senator's bid to the ICC.

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, the Philippines’ candidate as judge to the International Criminal Court (ICC) that prosecutes war crimes and gross human rights violations, had sought support for her candidacy at the tribunal’s headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands.

Santiago began her week-long visit with a courtesy call on ICC president Sang-hyun Song last Sept. 26, followed by meetings with ICC Registrar Silvana Arbia and Judge Kuniko Ozaki.

She also held one-on-one meetings with the ambassadors of ICC state parties and spent the next two days meeting with civil society groups.

The Hague is home to the ICC, an independent international body, separate from the United Nations system, and the first permanent international court that deals specifically with the gravest crimes facing humanity.

Elections for the six vacant seats for judges of the ICC will be held on December 12-21, during the Tenth Session of the Assembly of States Parties in New York.

In her meetings, Santiago shared her views on some challenges facing the ICC such as state cooperation and increasing the budget of the court to enable it to fulfill its mandate.

“The court must continue with what it is doing: building itself as an efficient and professional international organization, functioning as a credible international court and holding itself as a purely judicial, objective, non-political and neutral institution,” Santiago said.

The ICC has been active since 2002 and most of the cases referred to the court have been from the African countries of the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda.

Any state leader, member of national legislature, or government official at a similarly high level could be investigated and prosecuted by the ICC if he/she commits core crimes under the tribunal’s jurisdiction like war crimes or genocide.

Roxas eyeing 2013 house speakership

Mar Roxas and Jejomar Binay

Sore loser Mar Roxas was reportedly eyeing the 2013 house speakership to start his bid for the 2016 presidential elections. Roxas will fight against the incumbent Feliciano Belmonte who will run for a fresh mandate in 2013. Sabi nga nila, hindi masamang mangarap. Well, Roxas can dream all he wants but it doesn’t mean that he’ll win. The reality is he still lost to Jejomar Binay to the VP race. He will again lose Jejomar Binay in the 2016 presidential election, mark my word.

Toto, a family friend of mine from Capiz said that nobody really voted for Roxas in Capiz. In fact, it was Jejomar Binay who won in the Province of Capiz. Roxas just claimed that he hails from Capiz yet he really is absent all the time. He is based in Manila and even look down on the Capizeños. Why won’t he, his mother is from the aristocratic Araneta family. I don’t think they’ll like being associated with the people from Capiz whom they considered bariotic.

One of the reasons why Roxas lost in the 2010 elections was because he’s BASTOS. Remember the cursing incident at a rally in Makati where he cursed at PGMA? People have not forgiven him because of that. People’s expectations from him were shattered. They thought that as a US educated man, coming from a pedigree family, he won’t be capable of cursing. And guess what? He can curse and swear like hell. That disappointed many people and that kept them from voting for him. That’s a good thing. We don’t need politicians who are not just matapobre but bastos pa!

As for Roxas’ plans in running for the speakership of the house, well he can dream on. He has to make sure though that he’ll first win the congressional seat in Capiz. Capizeños are not so fond of him so, Good luck to him.

Typhoon Damage at Php. 7 Billion

Shamcey's 'Tsunami Walk'

There’s a joke that says that Shamcey Supsup’s ‘Tsunami Walk’ really brought the typhoon Pedring and Quiel to the Philippine area of responsibility. I say, we shouldn’t blame it on the Shamcey’s ‘Tsunami Walk’. She made us all proud and I know that won’t mean any harm.

Reports says that the extensive damaged caused by the two typhoons that hit our country could reach up to the whooping Php. 7 Billion. The severely affected are the rice production, crops and the fishery sector. The Abnoy administration should revise its 2012 budget which was hastily passed at the lower house.

I suggest that the 29 Billion cash dole out for the CCT project of the Abnoy Administration be rechanneled to support farmers and build the damaged infrastructures. Our government should spend on the rebuilding and rehabilitation. This way, people will have way to earn a living. Unlike dole outs, people will earn money with dignity. Dole outs will only make them lazy and mendicant. We’ve launched CCT program last year and even the corrupt peace bond scam lady, DSWD secretary Dinky Soliman could not properly account.

US Embassy Drowned

The saddest part was that during the devastation, President Abnoy was nowhere to be found. The lady gaga in Malacañang said that the president doesn’t want to be the center of attention during the calamity. That’s wrong since people expect him to be there. If he can’t provide immediate assistance, he can inspire people. I think that Abnoy’s alipores in Malacañang are just making excuses. The then PGMA was always there when calamity strikes to supervise relief and emergency operations. She’s always on top of the game and people expect her to. We’re still a centralized government and people look up to the presidency in times of calamity. President Abnoy will not leave the comfort of Malacañang palace, playing online games with his special nephew Joshua.

The flooding caused by Pedring and Quiel has started the blame game. We blame ourselves, everyone and the government. Unfortunately, we haven’t learned our lessons from the past. It still boils down to the abuses that we made to our environment. We throw garbage everywhere clogging the waterways. We also cut down trees without replanting. We need to change people. If we don’t we’ll be doomed.

Typhoon damage estimated at Php. 100 M

The cost of devastation by both typhoons Pedring and Quiel was estimated to be close to Php. 100 M. If you can remember, President Abnoy donated USD. 1 M to a rich country, Japan. USD. 1 M is equivalent to Php. 50 M. If only he is capable of thinking, which he is not, he would have realized that the USD. 1 M is better spent with his constituents.

We are a third world country and we should not pretend to be somebody that we are not. Everyone knows our status. We should admit that we’re poor. The Japanese knows that we’re poor but they’re just too nice to refuse our donation. There’s no use bragging by donating a huge amount of money from the tax payer’s pockets. It would have been better if the money comes from President Abnoy’s own pocket. Unfortunately, it comes from the Filipino people.

There are ways to express our sympathy to the victims of the Japanese tsunami. We could send health care workers such as doctors and nurses. We could also send one unit of our Armed Forces to help the cleanup. But our President is incapable of thinking out of the box. And may I remind President Abnoy that we should help first ourselves before we help others. There’s nothing wrong with being generous but we should always ask ourselves if we can afford to be generous.

The flooding and heavy rains destroyed the livelihoods of the farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture says that they could not reach their target rice production for this year because of the calamity. This is one of the reasons why our farmers could not go out from the cycle of poverty. Scientists believed that the unpredictability of the weather is caused by the global warming. President Abnoy should make disaster preparedness and climate change initiatives a priority in his administration.

Sex Tourism

You don’t have to be a Magna Cum Laude and First Placer in the Architectural Board Exam to know that most of the tourists visit the Philippines for sex. You don’t even have to be the Ambassador of the United States to know that. It’s an open secret and that’s the ground reality. Tourists visit our country not to visit the WORLD OF WONDERS or the Wow Philippines for that matter. They visit our country for sexcapades, period. Sexcapades nga mga pinoy, how much more mga tourist na may mga pera.

President Abnoy’s Tourism Secretary and his Presidential Spokesperson (Lady Gaga of Malacañang) are questioning the accuracy of the data of US Ambassador Harry Thomas. They’re in denial, period. As mentioned, it’s an open secret. Everyone knows it. Maybe they’re thinking that it’s not happening because of President Abnoy’s ‘Daang Matuwid’ ek-ek.

Ambassador Harry Thomas was right when he said that 40% of the male tourists coming to the Philippines are here for sex. As a US Ambassador to the Philippines however, it’s a diplomatic blunder. Regardless, he was right and he will always be unless we do something to correct the situation.

This is the right time for our publicity hungry Senators to conduct hearings in aid of re-elections, este, in aid of legislation pala. They can invite resource people from the hospitality industry, the local police and the suspected pimps. Unfortunately, this kind of Senate inquiry will not put them in the front cover of any Tabloids or Tabloids pretending to be broadsheets? ABiaS CBN will not cover it either. They’re more interested if the subject of the inquiry is the former PGMA and her family.

There’s no use denying the existence of prostitution because of the tourism. The most proactive thing that our government could do is to create laws and monitor its enforcement.

President Abnoy donated USD 1 Million to Japan

President Abnoy donated USD 1 Million for the reconstruction of a local city hall in Japan devastated by the tsunami. I would like to believe that the intention is to be generous. But can we really afford it? Can we, a third world country, really really really afford it?

The Japanese people know that we’re poor and we’re better off using that money to other worthwhile projects for our own people. But they’re nice people and they will not tell it in our faces. Hence, they accepted the donation, with heavy heart, I guess.

I remembered when the Cotabato was flooded because of the Water Lily. President Abnoy went there without bringing any aid. He read his speech saying not to expect too much from him (the presidency) because he’s barely one year in the office. After reading his speech he help the Mayor of the City distribute goods which were prepared by the City. When the president and his entourage left the City, the Mayor and the LGU complained that the president did not bring any aid. President Abnoy was embarrassed by the Mayor’s statement that he even verbally abused the Mayor, calling him a liar. It was found out eventually that Abnoy’s DSWD secretary, the Peace Bond scam girl, did distribute the aid through the Congressman and the Vice Mayor who are allied to President Abnoy. Because of their politicking, the aid did not reach the people.

President Abnoy could not even help the people from Cotabato, yet, he donated USD 1 Million to the Japanese. I don’t know what his intentions are but I hope it’s noble. I’d like to believe that it’s good but I smelled something fishy. And I don’t buy the ‘Daang Matuwid’ and they’re ‘Malinis’. Abnoy and his alipores are the same.

Tropical Storm Pedring is wrecking havoc in our country right now. There will be deaths, displaced, and other things that our government should be concerned about. The USD 1 Million will come a long way if President Abnoy spends it for his people. What he’s doing is a misplaced priority. He can be generous but he has to start at home.

President Abnoy trampling Judicial Independence

President Abnoy, his cohorts in Congress and the yellow zombies still believe that they have the monopoly of goodness. Now they’ve gotten worst. They want to trample the constitution and still want people to believe that they’re just cleaning the bureaucracy and they’re doing it for the good of the country. There is nothing wrong with being a reformist government but they should make sure that their reforms are within the law.

The issue started when the Abnoy government wants to take control of the Judiciary’s P1.25- billion fund for unfilled positions, saying it would release the funds only when new personnel were hired. SC Chief Justice Renato Corona warned that this violated the Court’s fiscal autonomy that was constitutionally guaranteed.

Because their proposed budget maybe declared as unconstitutional, Abnoy’s allies in the House of Representatives are now threatening to impeach the Justices who would vote for the unconstitutionality of the proposed law. Prior to that, House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman issued a statement that they would question before Supreme Court the stripping of the P1.25 billion Judiciary fund.

Like any other proposals of President Abnoy, the proposed law is bound to be junked by the Supreme Court. I believe that SC will insist on its independence. I don’t think that the mud sliding and PR war waged against them by Pres. Abnoy’s government will affect them. This is the beauty of democracy.

GoHotels.Ph Review

Bed @ gohotels.ph

When I was planning my vacation, I intended to stay in Kabayan Hotel because they’re reasonably priced. When I booked online however, there were no rooms available. I have no other choice but to look for an alternative hotel. I remembered reading an article regarding a new hotel venture that the Gokongwei’s are into. I then searched the internet and found their website. So I decided to book with gohotels.ph at the Cybergate Plaza along EDSA Mandaluyong.

The price range is as affordable as that of the Kabayan Hotel and it looks clean too. I never hesitated to make a booking.

I booked for 3 nights (upon arriving in Manila 11-13 August) and another 2 nights (before leaving Manila 4-6 September). Booking with gohotels.ph is very easy as long as you have a credit card. Instantly a receipt of the transaction will be sent to your email including the electronic confirmation form.

You can also request the hotel for an airport pick up, just as long as you’re staying for more than 82 hours.

Rooms are priced at Php. 1,288 (+Taxes) per night. You may choose Queen Size or Double Bed depending on your needs. Gohotels.ph has AC, LCD TV, Wifi, Hot and Cold Shower, Bath Towels, Soap & Shampoo and a Safety Deposit Box as complement of your stay.

Actual Stay

Toilet @ gohotels.ph

I was not picked up by AVIS, the limousine company that gohotels.ph has a tie up. There was confusion in their arrangement that I was not able to avail of the services that I paid for. When I arrived at the hotel, the Hotel Manager just apologized to me but never offered any alternative solution, like for example, issuing a debit note to me. I did not insist since it was only Php. 625.00 and I earn more than that in the Kingdom of the Sands. It’s not fashionable to argue or create an argument for a very small amount of money. If I were to choose between the Php. 625.00 and my dignity, I’ll choose dignity.

When I arrived at the hotel I’ve noticed that the hotel lobby was very clean. It’s not well lighted and has no AC, however. I think they’re going green so I didn’t mind. The most important thing is that the place is clean. Check in time is at 2:00 PM so if you’re there earlier than the check in time, you’ll have to wait. You have to sign several papers before they’ll give you your Access Card. The drawback with the Access Card is that once you leave the room, the centralized AC will automatically shut down.

The Floors that serves for guests occupancy are the 5th and 6th. The 2nd and 3rd are for the parking spaces and Office spaces of Call Centers that renting in the Cybergate Plaza. Just like in the hotel lobby downstairs, the Elevators have no AC. I wasn’t surprised when there was also no AC at the 5th Floor Lobby. There were air vents and AC ducts so I assume that they’re just saving energy. I have no complaints since it’s all for our environment.

Shower @ gohotels.ph

I was given a room with a view on EDSA. I love the view and the room. The room is very clean and welcoming. It’s just that the Centralized AC could not really counter the heat of the sun that’s facing the window. I have no complaints because I slept well and was well rested because of the room.

The only disadvantage in checking in with gohotels.ph is that you’re not allowed to eat inside your room. You can eat your food at the 5th Floor Lobby or at the Cybergate Mall nearby. It’s not also for smokers because they ban smoking. They have smoke detectors everywhere. I am not a smoker so I don’t have problem with their regulation.

The location of gohotels.ph is along EDSA Mandaluyong. It’s very near to the Boni Station of the MRT. If you’re an OFW, it’s just a bus / MRT ride away from the POEA. The nearest mall is the Cybergate Mall, just beside Cybergate Plaza where gohotel is located. You can also go to Megamall through bus or just by walking. The only problem is if you want to go to Mall of Asia, it’s going to take a lot of time to get there. The airport is also farther but if you’re going to take the hotel limo, you’ll get there within 30 minutes.

Housekeeping is done from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. You’ll be impressed because they’re very keen on cleanliness.

If I were to rate gohotels.ph, I’ll give it a 9/10.