Superstar!

No celebrities. No politicians. No live bands. No prizes. No give-aways.
Simply unbelievable.

*All images sourced from Yahoo! News

Gooooaaaaalllllll!!!

I watch soccer once in a while, I enjoy it, but I am not really a fan. However, this 3-minute video ad from Nike for the World Cup makes me want to be a fan. It even has Homer Simpson in it. Epic win.

Post election thoughts

– I have never been so happy being wrong.

– Jejomar Binay on the upset of the century. They should put Mar on a suicide watch. And Korina in a straight jacket. Seriously, I feel bad for Mar, but Binay’s team deserves all the credit for a great campaign.

– All but one of my senators will NOT make it. Winnie Monsod made a good point … of those who now appears to be winning, only two are new. Even then, they have prominent names: Marcos and Guingona. That is why we were encouraging people to bring their “studied” list when they vote. Without their list, top-of-mind rule applied … familiar names were selected: Revilla, Estrada, Drilon, Enrile, Guingona, Marcos, Osmena, Recto, Lapid. Same old shit.

– Noynoy will win by the biggest margin ever seen in Philippine presidential election. As of this writing, he is ahead of Erap by 4.8M votes, whereas Erap previously won the presidency by just more than 3M.

– Now that we see how much vote Villar got, I tend to think he paid for survey results, or at the very least manipulated. And that we now should distrust all those surveys. For how can they explain their result that Villar was just a few points behind, when he is now behind Noynoy by almost 9 million votes!. The survey said Villar is at 19%, so let us do the math:

• 45M registered voters, with 85% turnout, so baseline is 38M votes;
• 19% of 38M is 7.3M, where as Villar now has only 4.9M with almost 90 percent of votes tallied

– Smartmatic deserves our congratulations, but only for the quick results, and from the looks of it, the REAL results. Everything else before that … the preparations, the CF cards, etc … you deserve all the flak you got. Yes, I personally apologize for predicting a disaster, but you should also apologize to us for the near heart attack you gave us prior to election.

– ABS-CBN’s coverage was wider, their reports better, their visuals more appealing. GMA’s virtual TV screen was just ridiculous … what’s the need for the virtual TV when you have the actual video report anyway? But all of that advantage was put to waste, because GMA TV was waaay ahead in the updates of the vote tally. If I remember right, I was tuned in to GMA TV almost the entire time because their tally was ahead of ABS-CBN by around 3 million.

– I stopped wearing my yellow-ribbon pins and ballers, as we all should. The mandate has been given by the people, no need for political colors anymore. Anything else will just be gloating, and unnecessarily partisan, whereas we all should just rally behind the winners, even if we dislike them.

Why Erap might win

I have a nagging feeling that Erap will win this presidential election. Yes, that is my prediction. I am not rooting for Erap, but I think he will win this whole thing. Here is why:

Gibo has no way of winning. The only way is if they cheat, and even then, the people will not believe he won, and will not accept it.

Villar, despite accusations of “Villaroyo”, is a wildcard for GMA. They are not sure he will be kind to them when he is in power. Besides, he messed up his campaign big time lately, with those fake psychiatric reports, and with that “Mom is crying on TV” thing. I don’t think he will win this too, and as an aside, I think this is Villar’s last hoorah … I believe he is done after this. He cannot make another successful run again after this, even if he wants to.

Erap is the closest one. Latest survey says Noynoy is up 22 points from second placer Erap. I don’t believe it. The survey may be right, but only in the context that it surveyed only 2,400 respondents. But Mindanao is where its at. That is Erap country. And when the vote from there comes in, the ‘gap’ will be a lot closer than that. The gap may even shift in his favor.

Now, stepping into GMA’s miniscule shoes and genius mind, this is how I would think. I will be prosecuted if somebody not friendly to me wins, so I will find a way to “make” the person friendly to me, win. Sige na nga, i will find a way to cheat. And you know she can do it. Based on my above evaluation, Gibo and Villar is, at this point, unacceptable to the people.

If it is Gibo, masyadong obvious na dinaya. If Villar, it is also a possibility, but again, he is a wildcard now. But Erap … he has overtaken Villar on the surveys, and surveys poison the people’s mind so he is more acceptable. And if he wins, I doubt People Power will materialize. I am quite sure there will be no People Power if he does win.

Erap will be kind to GMA. She pardoned him. It was upheld by the Supreme Court (all but two appointed by GMA at that time). The Supreme Court (all but one appointed by GMA at that time) also ruled, with finality, that Erap can still run despite being impeached and jailed. It was GMA who pardoned him, it was GMA’s Supreme Court that allowed him to run again.

So there you go. I predict it is Erap. The way the automation is being handled, which is a disaster waiting to happen, they can make anything happen. Erap wins, GMA wins and becomes House Speaker, they control the numbers in Congress. They impeach him again.

Election Day Awareness

On one previous COMELEC mock polls/dry run/test, less than 600 were able to finish voting during an 11-hour window from 7AM to 6PM. Now that we have clustered precincts, there will be anywhere from 600 to 1,000 voters per clustered precinct.

So go to your voting places early. If you still do not know where or what your precinct number is (it is not the old one anymore), COMELEC has a precinct finder for registered voters. You are not registered? Shame on you, you do not have a right to complain about the government and its officials.

Aside from going early, make sure to come prepared. It is almost guaranteed that there will be a line, so as individuals, let us eliminate time-wasting ignorance and come ready.

• At least a day before election day, know your precinct number by going to your barangay officials, going to the school or polling places where you will vote, or checking COMELEC online here.

• Make a list, so as not to waste time. Sample ballots should be available from your barangays by this date, ask for a copy and use that to make your list (kodigo), so you can fill up quickly. Remember, there will be old people, first time voters, and other “makulits” that will hold up the line and the process … do not be one of them.

• Bring a valid ID with picture. Approach the BEI when it is your turn, they will check your ID and your fingernails for indelible ink. You will sign on the voter’s list and the BEI will authenticate the ballot by affixing their signatures before they hand it over to you inside a secrecy folder.

• Before leaving the BEI’s table, check your ballot very well. Except for the signatures, it should not be filled in, it should be clean of any markings, it should not be folded, and there are no scratches on it specially on the bar codes around the edges. If you see something wrong with your ballot, you can ask for it to be replaced. This is your only chance to have it replaced. If you destroy or invalidate you ballot after this process, you DO NOT get a replacement anymore. You would also be provided a marker. Use this instead of your own ballpen or marker.

• Vote only 1 President, 1 Vice President, and 12 Senators, other wise your vote is invalid. You can vote less if you want, but not more. Fully shade the bilog na hugis itlog beside your candidate’s name. It is OK if you shade beyond the oval space, ‘wag lang OA ang paglagpas.

• When you are done, approach the PCOS machine. Do not let anyone, including the BEIs, to touch your ballot. On the PCOS display, look at the count before you insert your ballot, and look again after, and make sure your ballot got counted. You can insert the ballot in any direction. Wait for that “Congratulations …” on the display before leaving the machine.

• Legally you can try four times, and then if it still does not accept your ballot, the BEI will mark your ballot as spoiled or invalid, put it in an envelope for invalid ballots, and that’s it, you lost your chance to make a difference. So handle that ballot very carefully, that cannot be stressed enough.

On May 7, it was planned that PCOS machines will be at the voting precincts, and the assigned BEIs and representatives will conduct demos and tests to the public. If you can, be there at your precincts for this, so you can observe and see if your PCOS works.

However, with recent developments on those CF cards, I am not sure if the May 7 tests can push through. I feel veeeerry anxious about this automation process, I am seriously thinking it has been designed to fail. Not the entire process, but in areas where attention and vigilance is low.

Let us not allow that. If you see something irregular happening, it is within your every right to question it. Having said that, the BEIs or the teachers have had very little training on this new process and on the PCOS machines themselves. Let us be kind to them, be considerate, and be helpful.

Pray, citizens. Let us pray for a peaceful election process, and more importantly, pray that the results will reflect the real will of the people.

2010 Elections: I will vote for …

This is going to be a long post, and a bit “colorful”, so bear with me. Bold blue gets my vote, Red does not.

I will vote for Neric Acosta (Liberal Party), former 8-yr Congressman of Bukidnon (N.Mindanao), where he was the principal author of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, which became model legislations not just in our country but in Asia. Now Associate Prof. at AIM and Ateneo. Platform: decentralization of power to local governments, better fiscal discipline, and improvement of basic services.

I am borderline on some children of former Senators, but I will vote for Ruffy Biazon, Congressman from Muntinlupa, son of retired general and Senator Rodolfo Biazon, author of Tobacco Regulations Act (think “Government Warning: Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health”), and the “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.”

I will NOT vote Ramon Bong Revilla, and NOT vote for Jinggoy Estrada. If you are wondering why, on an alphabetical listing on the ballot Revilla is at number 8, it is because he legally changed his surname to “Bong Revilla” so he would not be listed at around 49 or 50. So his wife, Lani Mercado, is now probably legally named Lani Mercado-Bong Revilla.

Despite her continued support for Manny Villar, I will vote for Pia Cayetano, daughter of the late ‘compañero’ Sen. Rene Cayetano, youngest woman to be elected as Philippine Senator. A lawyer and a triathlete, she focuses on health, education, environment, youth and women’s empowerment. Authored the Magna Carta for Women, the Cheaper Medicines Law of 2008, and the Hospital Detention Law, which says hospitals cannot refuse discharge of indigent patients with unpaid hospital bills.

I will vote for Martin Bautista, because he gave up a very successful medical career in the US, to give back to the country. I like people who can make sacrifices like this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKGu7dSYT1s). If I am allowed to campaign for only one candidate in this election, this is the guy.

I will NOT vote Silvestre ‘Bebot’ Bello, GMA’s current Cabinet Secretary, former Justice Secretary during Cory Aquino’s time, and Solicitor General under Fidel Ramos’ administration, where he was also the Chief Negotiator for the NDF peace talks (remember Col. Aguinaldo?). A human rights lawyer, his platform is on peace and justice.

I will not vote Joey De Venecia, son of former Speaker Joe De Venecia, running on anti-corruption campaign (what an irony), creation of millions of IT jobs, and long-term sustainable economic development. Experienced in global business and finance, he was a principal witness against the ZTE Broadband deal. I think he is shady.

I will NOT vote for Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Johnny Enrile, Lito Lapid, Ralph Recto, Tito Sotto, Kit Tatad. They have been in the Senate for years, I don’t want old-timers in there anymore. For the same reason, even if I like him, i will NOT vote for Frank Drilon. You guys had your chance, and you all made a mess out of it.

I will vote for Alexander Lacson (he is not related to Ping), who wrote the beautiful poem “I Am Filipino”, because his positivism is infectious and he is a genuinely good person. He is a lawyer by profession, has taken post graduate studies at Harvard, and served as legal counsel for the UNDP in the Philippines. Believe me, he will inspire you, and hopefully the chamber of Senate.

I will NOT vote for TG Guingona, Susan Ople, and Gwen Pimentel, because I have such high-respect and admiration for their fathers, and I don’t want them capitalizing on that. But on the same breath I will vote for Mon-mon Mitra, because I would like to see his advocacy of cheaper, cleaner, sustainable, and renewable energy prosper in the Senate floor, and because we need a soldier in the Senate specially now that the great Pong Biazon is not there anymore.

I will NOT vote Danilo Lim, and despite being the most awarded soldier in Philippine history (he has received all medals and awards a soldier can be given, except one: the Wounded Soldier Medal) I will NOT vote for Ariel Querubin. I will NOT vote for Jovito Palparan either.

I will vote for Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel. Representative for the Akbayan party-list and a broadcaster, she authored the Cheaper Medicines Law (counterpart of Mar Roxas’ bill in the Senate), and was responsible for the increase in tax exemptions for minimum wage earners. A bit of trivia: she sings! (you’ll find this video surprising … the 3rd child is Monique Wilson, the 4th is Lea Salonga, the 6th is Risa Hontiveros, and the 7th is Raymond Lauchengco)

I will NOT vote for Kata Inocencio, Rey Langit, Alex Tinsay, Imelda Papin, and I will lump into that Gilbert Remulla.

I will NOT vote for Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza, because really, what are you doing dancing on the streets and affiliating with him?

I will vote Serge Osmena, a staunch believer that we should develop our countryside instead, because that is where the real workers are. 80% of his infrastructure projects are at the rural areas. He has funded the most number of classrooms among all Senators, almost a thousand classrooms. He also authored the Absentee Voting Law, which allowed our OFWs to cast their vote.

I will NOT vote for Sonia Roco, I don’t like it when they say that she will “continue the legacy left by her husband,” (Senator and Ex-presidentiable Raul Roco). Sa dinami-dami ng issues that you can tackle, can’t you run on your own platform?

Bongbong Marcos is still a wildcard for me, but I am leaning on NO for now.

I will NOT vote Adel Tamano, because historically, he is not careful who he associates with. I think his principles are based on his own convenience only.

Let us discuss. With a few days left, I still am open to changing my mind.

Is Manila ready for a major earthquake?

We all know the answer. We are just simply pushing it at the back of our heads, ignoring it, because, really, what can we do about it?

As an aside, it is disconcerting the way the reporter (Anna Coren) phrased some of her sentences:

“It concedes, if the the big one does hit, nothing can stop the carnage.”

… carnage? And then she concludes with …

“It’s little comfort for a city that’s only too aware its time will eventually come.“

Sweet dreams everyone! Thanks CNN!
Somehow I got the feeling that they are rooting for it to happen.

Actual video at CNN website

Yellow Friday becomes official

Please pass this along to your friends.

The Noynoy Aquino – Mar Roxas campaign carries with it the hope and aspirations of millions of Filipinos for a government with integrity and leaders who put country before self.

It is therefore, a “People’s Campaign”.

We are Aquino – Roxas volunteers and we call on all patriotic Filipinos to join us in expressing our support for the campaign of Noynoy & Mar.

We have decided to WEAR YELLOW EVERY FRIDAY and walk the sidewalks of Makati’s business district to create awareness and persuade both the misguided and undecided to join us in our quest for a better Philippines.

Details of Thank God It’s YELLOW Friday: Assembly points at 4:45 p.m.
1. RCBC Plaza – Ayala Avenue corner Buendia
2. People Support – Ayala Avenue corner Buendia
3. McDonald’s, Pasay Road corner Paseo de Roxas
4. Sta. Potenciana Gate, Urdaneta Village

This is NOT a rally, but a stroll along the sidewalks from the assembly points, passed the Ninoy Monument, to the Ayala Triangle Park. There will be no speeches and we disperse as soon as all 4 groups meet in the park and we end with a prayer. Our presence – all of us wearing yellow – will be enough.

JOIN US!
BRING YOUR STAFF & CO-WORKERS!
ITULOY ANG LABAN NI AQUINO-ROXAS!

You can print the below PDF file and pass it around during the walk, or anytime you feel like it. Change is gonna come.

Yellow Friday flyer

February Fools’ Day

The madness that is Valentine’s Day is here again. Flowers, chocolates, candies, balloons, dinner at expensive places, long lines of cars to motels, unexpected pregnancies, … the usual stuff, right? I find it amusing that it has some similarities with All Souls’ Day: we make up for one whole year of neglecting our loved ones with one day of frivolity.

I do not know of any member of the male specie that likes this “holiday” (unless of course he is anticipating a three-hour date inside an airconditioned room with television, and mirrors on the wall). We guys do not get anything from this but credit card bills and depleted finances. This is a girl’s day. What’s worse is we guys are held hostage by this “occasion” … anybody who has forgotten or has not made an effort for his significant other on this day knows what I am talking about.

Left with very little choice, let us just get on with it and get this over with as quickly as we can, shall we? Buy your gifts, plan your day, and let us all move on.

To add to the ridiculousness of the day, here are some of the cheesy lines that are popular during this period. I am sure I will have more fun reading this than “celebrating” Valentine’s Day. I ❤ these.

1. Sayo na SSS at TIN ko, basta akin ang PAG-IBIG mo.
2. Papano ka nakakapasok sa malls? Kasi, you're the bomb!
3. Magaling ka siguro sa geometry, kasi kahit anong angle perfect ka.
4. Hindi tayo hayop, hindi tayo tao. Bagay tayo … bagay!
5. Malupit ka pa sa dandruff. I can't get you out of my head.
6. Balewala ang gravity sayo, lagi lang naman akong nahuhulog.
7. Parang kang EDSA pag ma-traffic. I can't move on.
8. Ako ang Rexona mo. I won't let you down.
9. Ang kulit ng parents ko. Sinabi ko naman na hindi ka tatakbo, pero boto pa din sila sayo.
10. Mag-aral ka na lumangoy, kasi lulunurin kita sa pagmamahal ko.
11. I hate all the letters in the alphabet, pero I love 'U"
12. Google ka ba? Kasi lahat nang hanapin ko nasa iyo.

Add your cheesy line in the comments, and we will put it up here.

And here is my favorite:

Add your cheesy line in the comments, and we will put it up here.