MISSING LINK

IN MEMORIAM

MARCH 30, 2011 was a sad day for Filipinos here and around the globe. Three OFWs were executed in China. Yesterday, as the nation mourned for Sally Ordinario-Villanueva, Ramon Credo, and Elizabeth Batain, Filipinos asked, “Why did this happen?” “How do we prevent a similar thing from happening again?” And… “Where in hell is the President?”

Sally Ordinario-Villanueva, Ramon Credo, and Elizabeth Batain have been executed in China. As some of their relatives wept searching for justice, the rest of us wondered, searching for the President.

Asked about President Aquino’s reaction when he learned about the executions, palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda said, “He was silent.” Like, duhhhh! Tell us something we didn’t know.

According to presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, when President Aquino learned about the executions, he went to the Malacañang chapel and prayed. That’s the exact reaction I was expecting from the president… of the CBCP.

Vice President Jejomar Binay has failed to save the lives of the three OFWs. If it’s any consolation, he saved the day for the President.

While in Qatar, Vice President Jejomar Binay spoke on radio and television saying, “Until the last moment, we did everything we could to save the three.” Meanwhile, in Malacañang, until the last moment, the President was in silence, praying hard.

In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, President Aquino said the execution of the three OFWs should not affect the “historic friendship” of the country with the Chinese people. The same way that China’s “historic friendship” with the Filipino people was not affected by the “execution” of eight Hong Kong Chinese nationals in Luneta last year.

Nope! There’s no truth to rumors that while the executions of the three OFWs were taking place, President Aquino was monitoring the news at Emerald Restaurant.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said airport authorities should be stricter in screening people to stop drug trafficking. Congress first.

In other news…
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima has dared Sen. Panfilo Lacson to reveal the names of his coddlers. But Lacson declined, and offered to reveal instead the secret ingredient of his mouth-watering adobo.

Marcos’ Burial
A Social Weather Stations survey showed that 50 percent of Filipinos favored the burial of former President Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. You know what that means? Fifty percent of Filipinos have amnesia.

Chiz and Cristine
Rumors have it that Sen. Francis Escudero and wife Christine have separated. Sought for comment, Escudero said, “Ang asawa ko ay ang Pilipinas.”

A Philippine Entertainment Portal article claims Senator Chiz Escudero’s wife Christine was spotted at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City with dancer Jason Zamora of the Manoeuvres. Escudero has kept mum on the issue and refuses to answer the question, “Ang asawa mo ba, may B (boylet)?”

March 31st
On this day in…

1521: The first mass is celebrated at Limasawa Island in the Philippines by Father Pedro de Valderrama. But the mass was briefly interrupted when Carlos Celdran stormed the altar and held a sign that read, “Mabuhay si Lapu-Lapu!”

1596: Philosopher Rene Descartes was born. That’s what he thought, therefore he was.

1917: The United States purchases, and takes possession of the Virgin Islands. And the virginity was lost forever.

1942: Japanese forces invade Christmas Island… in an attempt to unmask the identity of Santa Claus.

1945: Sicherheitsdienst, the intelligence agency of Nazi Germany’s Nazi Party murders 10 political prisoners in Zutphen, Netherlands. The victims were killed when they failed to pronounce Sicherheitsdienst correctly.

1949: Newfoundland becomes Canada’s 10th province. Who cares?!
————————————–
“The death of someone we know always reminds us that we are still alive – perhaps for some purpose which we ought to re-examine.”
~Mignon McLaughlin

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Let’s celebrate life. Enjoy the rest of the week. Take care ‘coz PH cares.

ONE LAST CRY?

PRESIDENT-ELECT Noynoy Aquino’s youngest sister, Kris has announced on nationwide TV that her marriage to basketball star James Yap is over. Reliable sources say a woman caused the split. She was identified as Kris Aquino.

Incoming First Sister Kris Aquino admitted Sunday that her (almost) five-year marriage to basketeer James Yap is over. James has yet to issue an official statement but close friends say the cager is elated by the commutation of his life sentence.

An unimpeachable source has revealed that while James may have lost a woman in his life, the PBA star is unfazed. After all, there’s still Hope.

Top 10 Reactions to Kris Aquino’s Announcement that Her Marriage to James Yap is Over

No. 10: Manny Pacquiao: “Una sa lahat, pasalamat aku sa ateng Mahal na Panginuun. At sa mga kababayan natin sa walang sawang pagsupurta. Basta magdasal lang kayu lagi at malalagpasan n’yu ‘yan. Kay James, kaya mu ‘yan. Kenaya ku nga ih… you know.”

No. 9: Francis Escudero: “Ang bise presidente ko… may B, at mestiza pa! Ang mister mo ba… may ‘B’ rin?”

No. 8: Noli De Castro: “Bakit ka mangungupahan pa, kung kaya namang sa Times Street na?”

No. 7: Teddyboy Locsin: “Sonofabitch! Na naman?!?”

No. 6: James Yap: “Hello, Mayen? Puwede bang d’yan muna ako matulog? Kailangan ko lang ng kausap.”

No. 5: Manny Villar: “Nag-Pasko ka na bang wala ang iyong asawa? Naranasan mo na bang mawalan ng kabiyak kahit ikaw ay mapera? Pwes… ngayon, mararanasan mo na!”

No. 4: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo: “As my father would always tell me, just do what ish right. Do what ish best, and God will take care of the ressht. Sa totoo lang, ‘noh?”

No. 3: Korina Sanchez: “What?!? Iniwan niya si James Yap?!? ‘Sabagay, nasa dugo naman nila ang nang-iiwan. ‘Di ba Mar?”

No. 2: SWS and Pulse Asia: “Magkakabalikan, 51 percent; Hindi Magkakabalikan, 47 percent; Vetellano Acosta, 2 percent.”

And the No. 1 reaction to Kris Aquino’s announcement that her marriage to James Yap is over…

James Yap’s PBA Teammates: “Pa-cheeseburger ka naman! Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger!”

————————-
“Marriage is like a bank account. You put it in, you take it out, you lose interest.”
~Irwin Corey

Have a productive and safe week ahead!

GETTING READY

Back To School
Classes officially opened today, June 15. For newbies, it’s when they start to learn, experiment, meet new friends and enemies, get mocked and sometimes, bullied by more powerful people around them, and then evaluated with a pass or fail grade… exactly the same things that await our new president on June 30.

School and Pacman
Just a few hours after he arrived yesterday from Canada, Manny Pacquiao was present on Day 1 of his 10-day certificate course at the Development Academy of the Philippines. Rumors say though Pacquiao went home disappointed when he learned that sex education wouldn’t be part of the curriculum.

Something odd happened on Day 1 of Manny Pacquiao’s 10-day certificate course at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Pasig City. Pacquiao refused to leave the classroom… and waited for the final bell.

Lecturers at the Development Academy of the Philippines plan to orient Jinkee Pacquiao on the role of a Congressional spouse. Jinkee, who joined Pacman at the DAP yesterday, was reportedly shocked when lecturers informed her that wives of congressmen have other things to do aside from shopping.

Manny Pacquiao is returning to school after winning the congressional race in Sarangani Province. Meanwhile, his opponent, Roy Chiongbian is starting a career in boxing.

Net Worth
Based on his 2009 Statement of Assets and Liabilities, Sen. Manny Villar is still the richest senator with a net worth of 947.88 million pesos. That figure could have been higher if Villar didn’t try to buy the entire country during the campaign.

Noynoy’s Media Men
President-elect Noynoy Aquino has chosen ANC host and Inquirer columnist Manuel Quezon III as his spokesperson for inauguration-related news while award-winning journalist and ANC anchor Ramon ‘Ricky” Carandang will reportedly be part of Noynoy’s media group. There’s no truth to rumors though that ANC has replaced NBN4 as the official government station.

Noynoy’s Plea
President-elect Noynoy Aquino is trying to reconcile his allies who disagree because of politics. The other day, he called on Mar Roxas and Chiz Escudero to settle their differences. If Noynoy succeeds in uniting Mar and Chiz, he’ll then try to reconcile Korina and Kris.

Reports say President-elect Noynoy Aquino wants Mar Roxas and Chiz Escudero to make up. Joey Salceda volunteers to help.

Noynoy’s Inauguration
On June 30, President-elect Noynoy Aquino will take his oath before Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales. The swearing in will take place at the Quirino Grandstand. On the same night, Korina Sanchez is expected to swear before Mar Roxas at the Araneta Center in Cubao.

The June 30 inauguration of the new president will include Noynoy Aquino’s traditional ride with outgoing president Gloria Arroyo. This early, Noynoy has been practicing, trying to perfect a jump from a speeding vehicle before it hits the grandstand’s concrete fence.

Noynoy’s Designers
According to ABS-CBN News, five designers – JC Buendia, Ivarluski Aseron, Randy Ortiz, Paul Cabral, and Joey Samson will dress up President-elect Noynoy Aquino during his 6-year term. The five fashion experts described the opportunity to enchance Noynoy’s looks… as their toughest job yet.

Noynoy’s Cabinet
President-elect Noynoy Aquino says the composition of his cabinet will be known this week. So far, nine have already said yes to his invitation to join his administration. They are Dinky Soliman (DSWD), Ding Deles (peace process), Jojo Ochoa (executive secretary), Edwin Lacierda (spokesman) and the five designers.

Jejomar or Jesse?
President-elect Noynoy Aquino is reportedly choosing between Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay and Naga City mayor Jesse Robredo for the DILG post. Binay has been vocal about his desire to take on the DILG portfolio but members of the civil society want Robredo. Since it’s a hell of a dilemma, Noynoy plans to consult Madam Auring.

Miss U 2008 in RP
The 2008 Miss Universe from Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza, and now Smartmatic’s Ambassador for Transparency is in the country to personally congratulate Filipinos for the peaceful conduct of elections. Meanwhile, in totally unrelated news, outgoing senator Jamby Madrigal and outgoing Quezon City Rep Annie Susano have both retracted their accusations against Smartmatic and congratulated the IT group for a job well done.
————————
“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
~ Derek Curtis Bok

Briefly Noted
FM for Marcos. FVR for Ramos. PGMA for Gloria. And now PNoy for Aquino? WTF! Puwede ba, tigilan na ang pagpapauso ng kung anu-anong pagpapapogi. The campaign is over. He is the president now! Use PNA for President Noynoy Aquino. Besides, (and no offense) we don’t want Visayans to call him Penoy, do we? Sounds like infertile egg to me.

Survey Says
Pabor ba kayo sa pagkakaroon ng revolving First Ladies (Ballsy, Pinky, Viel and Kris)?
Why not? Try natin! 30%
‘Wag na lang. Parang magulo. 27%
Ayaw ko na ‘yang problem

We have a new survey. Please vote now.

Elsewhere
UP Professor Solita Monsod (BusinessWorld): How to solve a problem like Jejomar Binay

Newsbreak: For most nat’l candidates, bailiwicks didn’t deliver

Personal
Still, Lakers! Believe.
‘Nuff said.

The Who
It happened during an out-of-town show. After the program, the cast and crew went swimming. Everyone had fun except for promising new actor who felt so uncomfortable because closet TV host (CTV) kept hitting on him. “Binakuran” – as one witness described it. Was CTV ‘successful?’ Sources say, na-ah. Bokya!

If you want to know the identity of the CTV, just ask Susan Sarandon and Helena Bonham Carter and they’ll surely respond in the affirmative. As for the promising actor, his name reminds us of one of the best presidents we never had.

Enjoy the rest of the week!

April 22nd
On this date in…

1500: Portuguese navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral becomes the first European to sight Brazil. Amazon tribesmen didn’t notice the Portuguese were coming because they were so busy playing soccer.

1870: Communist revolutionary Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (Lenin) is born in Simbirsk, Russia. To ‘celebrate’ his birth, Communists all over the world simultaneously torched several cell sites.

1970: The first Earth Day is celebrated to promote environmental protection. Forty years later, the earth is at its worst condition ever, proving that the annual celebration is a failure.

1998: Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida. Moments later, members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA gathered outside the theme park and demanded the release of all animals.

2000: In a pre-dawn raid, federal agents seize six-year-old Elián González from his relatives’ home in Miami, Florida… totally crushing the boy’s dreams of visiting Walt Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

1970: A beautiful bouncing baby girl named Regina Encarnacion “Chona” Velasquez is born. Sixteen years later, she would use a new name (Regine), and a new nose.

Thanks to Wikipedia and BBC On This Day.

It’s Earth Day today!
To save energy (and resources)…

Sen. Richard Gordon shall try to speak 150 words per minute (less than his “normal” average of 400 wpm).

Sen. Francis Escudero shall use more periods in his speeches, and limit his sentences to an average of 10 words.

Kris Aquino will limit her use of “Noy,” “Baby James,” “Ballsy,” “Pinky,” “Viel,” “mom ko,” and “dad ko” on TV to two times per segment instead of the usual five.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer will limit the news, and column items on Noynoy Aquino and his family to accommodate more Earth Day-related articles.

Tabloids will limit their pages to four. As James Watt lamented in 1982, did you know how many good trees were cut to put out bad newspapers?

And lastly, Sen. Manuel Villar shall limit his political ads to two lies per 30-seconds… an improvement from the usual seven lies per ad.

———————-
“The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.”
~Ross Perot

Personal
Thank you Cebu Bloggers Society for appreciating what I do. Credit goes to the readers whose incredible grasp of the daily goings-on in this country makes political humor blogging much easier. Again, daghang salamat!

QUIZ TIME!

YOU’VE SEEN THEM debate on TV. You’ve heard them trade barbs on radio, and you’ve read about them online and in the papers. But really, how well do you know your favorite candidates? Are you monitoring their activities religiously? How updated are you with the goings-on in our country? Take this short quiz to find out.

1) At a forum held last January 9, 2010 at De La Salle-Zobel School in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Liberal Party standard-bearer Noynoy Aquino was asked to comment on his declining lead over Sen. Manny Villar based on the latest Social Weather Stations survey. What did Noynoy say?
A: “Bigyan n’yo po muna ako ng pagkakataong makapag-retreat ng tatlong araw upang makunsulta ko na rin ang Pink Sisters hinggil sa bagay na ‘yan. Maraming salamat po sa inyong pang-unawa.”
B: “Ah, may survey na matino, may survey na nabibili siguro sa Quiapo.”
C: “Sandali. May prepared statement ako tungkol d‘yan.”

2) Complete this line from Sen. Manny Villar’s TV ad: “Nakaligo ka na ba sa _____ __ ______?
A: “… dagat ng pera”
B: “… double budget na kalsada”
C: “… dagat ng basura”

3) What was the title of the Rico Blanco-penned composition allegedly used without permission by Gilbert Teodoro in his political advertisement?
A: Posible
B: Sorry Na, Pwede Ba
C: Nakaw na Sandali

4) “It is not Facebook that matters here; it is not your face that matters. It is the book of accounts.” Who said this line to whom?
A: Sen. Loren Legarda to Vicki Belo and Ellen Lising
B: Sen. Richard Gordon to Sen. Noynoy Aquino
C: Sen. Manny Villar to his wife Cynthia

5) When Sen. Francis Escudero quit the Nationalist People’s Coalition, he said, “Sinuman pong nagpaplanong tumakbo bilang pangulo ng bansa, wala dapat partidong kinabibilangan. Ang partido lamang dapat niya ay _____________.”
A: “Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas”
B: “Partidong handang maglaan ng malaking pondo para sa kampanya.”
C: “Pilipinas.”

6) According to defense lawyer Sigfrid Fortun, Maguindanao massacre principal suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr could speak neither English nor Filipino. Fortun insisted that Andal was conversant only in what language?
A: A mix of Yiddish and Basque
B: Maguindanaoan
C: F*ck Fortun! F*ck both of them! Liars!

7) Manny Villar : Gilbert Remulla | | Joseph Estrada : Margaux Salcedo | |
Noynoy Aquino : _____________?
A: Edwin Lacierda
B: Conrado De Quiros
C: SNN & The Buzz

8: Identify the three members of the Commission on Elections Second Division who junked the application for accreditation of the party-list group “Ang Ladlad” for allegedly “tolerating immorality.”
A: Larry, Curly, and Moe
B: Nicodemo Ferrer, Lucenito Tagle and Ellias Yusoph
C: Judas, Barrabas, and Hestas

9) In defending the poll body’s rejection of Ang Ladlad’s application for party-list accreditation, Comelec 2nd Division chairman Nicodemo Ferrer once said…
A: “They’re just not my type!”
B: “Gays are overly represented in Congress.”
C: “God knows Hudas not straight.”

10) Of the three Jun Lozadas shown here, who is running for senator?
A:
B:
C:

11) “Madami pa siyang makikilalang iba na single ‘di ba? Bakit kailangan pang sa may asawa?” Who said this line to whom?
A: Loi Estrada to Guia Gomez
B: Jinkee Pacquiao to Krista Ranillo
C: Angela Montenegro-Arroyo to Rufa Mae Quinto

12) What moniker was coined by Gilbert Remulla to describe presidential candidate Jamby Madrigal whom he accused of originating “unsubstantiated allegations” and “false claims” against her adversaries?
A: “Kuryente Queen”
B: “King of Hurts”
C: “Jack of All Tirades”

[Answers are found at the end of the blog post.]

Photo of the Weak
Ano ang angkop na caption, pamagat o deskripsyon sa larawang ito?

A: “Kung wala lang ‘yang security aide mo, inupakan na kita.”
B: “Akalain mo ‘yun?! Inabot ka ng nine years samantalang ako, ‘di man lang nakatatlo.”
C: “Sige, ngiti ka lang. Tingnan ko lang kung makangiti ka pa ‘pag nanalo si Noynoy.”
D: “Shabi ko na nga ba eh! After nine yearsshh, after nine long yearss, bitter ka pa rin.”
E: “O, may newsh crew. ‘Wag sishimangot unlessh gushto mong pag-ushapan tayo.”
________
“Rivalry adds so much to the charms of one’s conquests.”
~Louisa May Alcott

Survey Says
If Joseph Estrada decides to quit the race, who would benefit the most?
NOYNOY AQUINO 41%
GILBERT TEODORO 12%
MANNY VILLAR 48%

We have a new survey. Please vote now.

Elsewhere
- Here’s a fearless forecast: Karen Davila will eventually transfer to ABC5 now that her husband, DJ Sta. Ana has joined the News and Public Affairs department of Mediaquest Holdings’ newest acquisition.

- Loyal viewers of TV5′s T.E.N. (The Evening News) hosted by the amiable trio of veteran journalists Jove Francisco, Martin Andanar and Cherry Mercado have appealed to Mediaquest Holding’s supreme god Manny V. Pangilinan NOT to cancel the news program.

- Here’s the list of the World’s Best and Worst Jobs 2010

Stay healthy!
________________________
Answers to Quiz
1B 2C 3A 4B 5C 6B 7A 8B 9B 10A 11B 12A

EFREN PEÑAFLORIDA, HERO

Efren Peñaflorida, the Filipino who started the “Kariton Klassroom” to bring education to poor children in slums and on the streets has been named 2009 CNN Hero of the Year… sending a clear message to the rest of the world that the Philippines is not just a nation of boxers.

Efren Peñaflorida, the street educator who started a “pushcart classroom” has been named CNN Hero of the Year for 2009. The guy is all over the news. He is very popular right now. He has become so famous, Noynoy Aquino’s popularity is expected to drop by another 15 percent.

Filipino Efren Peñaflorida has been named CNN Hero of the Year. I seriously admire the guy. And people are now talking about his accomplishments. They’re really surprised! They couldn’t believe that Efren has a better track record than Noynoy Aquino.

Congratulations to Efren Peñaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year. Until he made the headlines, many people were not aware of his work. And in case you’re still not familiar with the guy, Efren Peñaflorida is a 28-year-old man from Cavite who was giving education to street kids while Manny Villar was giving away houses to game show contestants.

Filipino Efren Peñaflorida has been named CNN Hero of the Year. Everyone is heaping well-deserved praises on him. He is really popular right now. To give you an idea how famous Efren has become, if he decides to run for president, Loren Legarda is reportedly willing to defect to his party.

Efren Peñaflorida, the street educator who started a “pushcart classroom” has been named CNN Hero of the Year for 2009. Everyone is talking about his work and his feat. In fact, he is so popular right now, Pulse Asia’s latest survey shows that he ranks a notch higher than Gilbert Teodoro.

Efren Peñaflorida has been named CNN Hero of the Year. And why not? Efren’s story is really touching: he started the ‘Kariton Klassroom’ to educate street kids. His story is so inspiring, Mar Roxas has decided to ditch the ‘padyak’ for a pushcart in his next TV ad.

Did you see the awards ceremonies online? The moment Efren was announced the winner was so moving I held back tears while watching. And I’m telling you, I rarely shed a tear. The only time I cried this year was when my friend Chiz Escudero announced that he had no campaign funds to pursue his bid for the presidency.

A hero’s welcome awaits Efren Peñaflorida when he returns to the country. In fact, his supporters have prepared tarpaulins to welcome him. They so wanted to hang the tarps in different locations in Metro Manila but the most visible sites have reportedly been reserved for Bayani Fernando.

Filipino Efren Peñaflorida has been named CNN Hero of the Year. Ten finalists were chosen by CNN and the winner was determined through online voting. Some 2.5 million votes were cast and Efren won. Now here’s what bothers me: DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno claims he is behind Efren’s successful campaign.

Efren Peñaflorida has been named CNN Hero of the Year. When news of his win came out, street kids in Cavite called him and said, “Mabuhay ka Kuya Efren!” President Arroyo told him, “You’re a true hero!” And Joseph Estrada said, “Inuman na!”

CNN has named Efren Peñaflorida of the Philippines Hero of the Year. Already a top 10 finalist, Efren was shocked when CNN anchor Anderson Cooper declared him the winner. And he was shocked even more when, while accepting the award, Chavit Singson went on stage and stood beside him.

In case you didn’t know, CNN’s Anderson Cooper, who handed the award to CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, is gay. Yup Anderson is a homosexual. When the Commission on Elections Second Division heard the news, they urged Efren to return the award because it was “immoral.”
________
“If everybody was satisfied with himself there would be no heroes.”
~Mark Twain

Survey Says
Like Barack Obama, should Noynoy Aquino stop smoking?
YES. :45%
NO. 3%
Do i look like someone who gives a damn? :52%

We have a new survey. Please vote now.

SEASON’S GREETINGS

Villar’s VP?
Without naming names, senatorial aspirant Adel Tamano of the Nacionalista Party says Sen. Manuel Villar Jr.’s running mate possesses the “3M” qualities: “maganda,” “matalino,” and “maka-kalikasan.” Vice presidential aspirant Loren Legarda who felt alluded to, said her presidential running mate also possessed the “3M” qualities: “masipag,” “matiyaga” and “malapit nang magpanic kapag ‘di pa ako nag-yes sa kanyang offer.”

Gibo’s VP
The ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD Party has reportedly given up efforts to lure Sen. Loren Legarda into teaming up with Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro. With this development, the ruling coalition’s choice for vice president is now down to two: “John” and “Jane Doe.”

Binay’s Birthday
Birthday boy Jejomar Binay is celebrating his 67th birthday on November 11. Political observers doubt though if he’s really 67 years old… because he’s been mayor of Makati City for like half a century.

Binay’s Birthday II
Last Monday, November 9, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay and his wife, former Makati City mayor Dr. Elenita Binay hosted a star-studded joint birthday party at the A. Venue Mall in Makati City. Opposition stalwarts and supporters were all present… except for Sen. Chiz Escudero who has made himself clear that he no longer believes in parties.

Binay’s Birthday III
Braving the dangerous traffic and the menacing stare of a Makati traffic enforcer, I personally took a photo of this eye-catching tarpaulin at the corner of Makati Avenue and JP Rizal St. in Makati City around 4pm, Tuesday.

Sampung Katanungang Naglaro sa Aking Isipan Matapos Kong Masilayan ang Tarpaulin ni Jose De Venecia III Para Kay Makati City Mayor Jejomar Cabauatan Binay, Birthday Boy

Una: Bakit kailangang idaan sa tarpaulin ang pagbati?

Pangalawa: Hindi ba niya alam ang cellphone number o landline ni Mayor Binay upang mabati niya ito ng personal?

Pangatlo: Bakit sa panulukan pa ng JP Rizal St. at Makati Avenue inilagay ang tarpaulin gayong pwede naman itong isabit sa harap ng bahay ng mga Binay o kaya ay sa city hall upang mas madaling makita ng may kaarawan?

Pang-apat: Kailangan ba talagang may larawan pa ni Joey De Venecia sa tarpaulin?

Panglima: Hindi pa ba siya kilala ni Mayor Binay kaya’t kinailangan pang i-imprenta ang kanyang mukha?

Pang-anim: Titigan ang larawan at sagutin: Ano ang kahalagahan o kaugnayan ng website ni Joey De Venecia sa kaarawan ni Mayor Binay?

Pampito: Kung nabasa ni Mayor Binay ang naturang pagbati, sa palagay n’yo ba ay magpapagawa din ito ng tarpaulin upang iparating ang mensaheng ito: “Maraming salamat sa iyong pagbati Joey De Venecia III! From Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay http://www.makati.gov.ph”; Kung oo, saang panulukan naman kaya niya isasabit ang tarpaulin?

Pangwalo: Bakit parang galit na galit ako sa naturang tarpaulin? Ikaw, anong nararamdaman mo?

Pangsiyam: Bakit kailangan ko pang magtanong gayong alam ko na naman ang sagot?

At pansampu: Ilang daang “Joey De Venecia III” pa kaya sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa ang magsasabit ng tarpaulin sa mga lansangan, panulukan, gusali, at poste ng kuryente bago dumating ang halalan?

Santiago vs. Puno
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago asked the Senate to file plunder charges against former DPWH Road Board Executive Director Rodolfo ‘Dodie’ Puno for the alleged misuse of some P60.5 billion in road users’ tax. Criticizing Puno’s lavish lifestyle, Santiago also threatened to reveal the names of his mistresses and girlfriends… to which Tonyboy Cojuangco said, “That is not a good idea.”

Petroleum Shortage?
Echoing the oil firms’ opposition to the government-imposed fuel price freeze in Luzon, the honorable Angelo Reyes says the country’s inventory of imported petroleum products is just enough for 13 days. But that’s still good news considering the fact that the government has no energy secretary for more than two years now.

Alvin Flores Gang
Remember last week’s raid on the suspected hideout of the notorious Alvin Flores Gang in Bulacan? The raid yielded high-powered guns and ammunitions, grenade launchers, two-way radios, and Alvin Flores’ two used faces.

Alvin Flores Gang II
The doctor who performed cosmetic surgery on Alvin Flores revealed that the notorious gang leader was gay and wanted to look like BB Gandanghari. The surgeon also confirmed a gang member’s revelation that the Rolex heist in Greenbelt was a mistake. Flores’ original target was L’Oréal.
______________
“Leadership has been defined as the ability to hide your panic from others.”
~Anonymous

Just Asking
Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Conrado De Quiros originated it.
Other columnists concurred.
The Liberal Party adopted it.
“The 2010 election is a fight between good and evil,” i.e. Noynoy and the Liberals, the good side; GMA and her allies, the evil side.
Over the weekend, several allies of GMA defected to the Liberal Party, and more are expected to jump ship as the deadline for the filing of the certificates of candidacy nears. Question: Does the shift in allegiance automatically make the turncoats “good,’ or do they remain evil?

Just So You Know
A radio serial drama on the life, love, and rise to fame of MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando is being aired on DZRH 666kHz. The 14-part series is called “Ang Manggagawa.” And this just in! Sen. Chiz Escudero has expressed interest in serializing his life story too. The tentative title, “Ang Mang-nga-ngawa!”

Light Bites
Q: Why did Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago reject the offer of President Arroyo to become DENR secretary?
A: Galit siya sa mga PUNO.

Personal
If you have original “political” images similar to that JDVIII photo above, you may email them to The Professional Heckler: professionalheckler@yahoo.com Pictures taken using cellular phones are just fine. Chosen photos will be used in future blog posts. Senders will be acknowledged. Thank you so much.

Lastly, for featuring yet again this blog on ANC’s Strictly Politics, thank you so much Ms. Pia Hontiveros. Catch her show every Tuesday, 8:00 to 9:00 PM on the ABS-CBN News Channel.

FAMOUS LAST WORDS (VERSION 2009)

BEFORE HE TOOK HIS last breath, Ludwig van Beethoven said, “Friends applaud, the comedy is finished.” Sir Winston Churchill, before falling into a coma murmured, “I’m bored with it all.” And facing his assassin Mario Teran, a Bolivian soldier, Ernesto “Che” Guevara uttered, “I know you have come to kill me. Shoot coward, you are only going to kill a man.” Locally, how could showbiz people forget the suicide note of ‘80s bold star Stella Strada? Her final words? “This is a crazy planets!”

As a post-Halloween post, here’s an updated version of my 2007 and 2008 article titled…

Top 20 Last Words and Deathbed Statements of Local Political Figures and Celebrities

No. 20: Boy Abunda: “Now na!”

No. 19: Madam Auring: “Nakikita ko, nararamdaman ko, hahaba pa ang aking buhay.” (Then, she dies.)

No. 18: DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno: “I’m fed up with life!”

No. 17: Annabelle Rama: “Dung, malakas ang kutob ku dung, nilason ako ni Wilma Galvanti dung!”

No. 16: Kris Aquino: “Hay naku Boy, sabi mo sabay tayo? Nag-promise ka kay Mom, remember? Gosh, kainis ka!”

No. 15: Conrado De Quiros: “30.”

No. 14: Sen. Manny Villar: “60.”

No. 13: Sen. Mar Roxas: “Ramdam ko na… ramdam ko na!” (Gasps for air) ‘Tang-i*aaaa! Puwede bang mag-give way na lang ako?”

No. 12: Korina Sanchez: “Ikaw ang minimithi ng aking puso. Ikaw ang napili kong maging kasama at katabi sa buhay. Ipinapangako ko sa ‘yo na ako ay sa ‘yo. Noon, ngayon at bukas, ako’y iyung-iyo… Lord.”

No. 11: Manny Pacquiao: “You know, I am die and I am ready kaya gusto kong ‘pasalamat sa ating mga kababayan at sa Panginoon sa walang sawang pagsupurta sa akin.”

No. 10: Sen. Panfilo Lacson: “Mr. President and distinguished colleagues, before I die, allow me to unmask the real Joseph Ejercito Estrada.”

No. 9: Sen. Lito Lapid: “Puwede bang mamatay na lang? Wala akong inihandang speech eh.”

No. 8: President Arroyo: “God, wala na ba talagang extension?”

No. 7: Sen. Loren Legarda: “I have already made a decision. I am definitely dying with or without a mate by my deathbed.”

No. 6: Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro: [See ‘President Arroyo’]

No. 5: Mayor Jejomar Binay: “Sa Makati, libre ang ospital. Sa Makati, libre ang burol. Sa Makati, libre ang libing. Wala akong gagastusin kapag namatay ako sa Makati. Sana, ganito rin sa inyo kapag kayo ang namatay.”

No. 4: Joseph Estrada: “Sinong maysabing hindi ako pwedeng mamatay? Let the people decide! Vox Ernie, Vox Dei. The voice of Manong Maceda is the voice of God.”

No. 3: Sen. Noynoy Aquino: “Hinihiling ko po sa inyo na kung maaari lamang sana ay bigyan n’yo ako ng ilang araw upang makapag-isip at kumunsulta sa Pink Sisters kung dapat na ba akong pumanaw o hindi pa.”

No. 2: Cong. Mikey Arroyo: “O, eto huh! Baka magtaka na naman ang mga investigative reporters at si Tita Winnie Monsod kapag tumaas ang aking net worth sa ipa-file kong Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SALN) next year. Ngayon pa lang sinasabi ko na sa inyo: hindi ill-gotten ‘yan. Galing ‘yan sa magiging abuloy at donasyon kapag namatay ako.”

And the No. 1 deathbed statement of a political figure or celebrity…

Sen. Francis Escudero: “Nais kong ipabatid sa inyong lahat na nagpasya na akong talikuran ang aking pagiging Romano Katoliko dahil naniniwala ako na sinumang nilikha na malapit nang makipagkita sa Panginoong Maykapal ay hindi dapat miyembro o kaanib ng anumang relihiyon, sekta, o kulto upang malaya siyang makapagpasya na siya lang – walang busal sa bibig at walang nagdidikta, alang-alang na rin sa ikakapanatag ng kanyang damdamin at ikaliligtas ng kanyang kaluluwa.”

___________
“With death comes honesty.”
~Salman Rushdie, The Satanic Verses

Personal
I just wanna share my Facebook status (November 3):
“Binigyan kayo ng isang buong taon upang magparehistro ngunit hindi n’yo ginawa. Sa tatlong daan at animnapu’t limang araw na inilaan sa pagpapatala, kinse minutos lamang ang gugugulin n’yo doon. Pero binalewala n’yo ang pagkakataon. Ngayon, may KAPAL PA KAYO NG MUKHA at TIBAY NG SIKMURA na magreklamo dahil inabutan kayo ng deadline? Kung gusto n’yo ng pagbabago, simulan n’yo sa inyong mga sarili. Puñeta!

Elsewhere
Philippine Star’s William Esposo on Erap and GMA [Note: Before you could even accuse me of being self-serving, sige, aamin na ko. Hahaha You’ll find out later why.] Thanks Mr. Chair Wrecker!

Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Conrado De Quiros on Chiz Escudero, Danding Cojuangco, and political parties

Unlike Esposo and De Quiros, Manila Standard Today’s editor in chief Jojo Robles is apparently not a fan of Noynoy Aquino

Note: A couple of readers have emailed me asking the rationale behind Sen. Manny Villar’s “last words.” I’d like to know if you didn’t get it as well. Why did Villar utter, “60?” Leave your guesses at the comments section.

STAR-STUDDED

All Saints Day
Millions of Filipinos flocked to cemeteries nationwide in observance of All Saints Day. It’s the time of the year when we remember the departed. There have been some notable deaths over the past 365 days. To name a few, young actor Marky Cielo; film producer Espiridion Laxa; rapper-composer Francis Magalona; former president Corazon Aquino, and Francis Escudero’s political career.

All Saints Day II
Over the weekend, the most number of “celebrity sighting” was reported at the posh Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. In close second? In Noynoy Aquino’s new TV ad.

New Pol Ad
Congratulations to the people behind presidential aspirant Noynoy Aquino’s music video – the newest premature political ad on television. It was awesome! The best part of the ad was when Noynoy Aquino was not given any speaking lines.

New Pol Ad II
Presidentil aspirant Noynoy Aquino’s new music video has started airing on television. And everyone agreed: the music video was way better than his track record.

New Pol Ad III
Have you seen the political advertisement of presidential aspirant Noynoy Aquino titled “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa?” Here’s a piece of trivia about that music video: 60 percent of Filipino voters were there!

New Pol Ad IV
Rumors say a big amount of money was spent in creating Noynoy Aquino’s political ad. The amount was so huge, it was even bigger than Danding Cojuangco’s promised financial support for Chiz Escudero.

New Pol Ad V
Have you seen Sen. Noynoy Aquino’s music video titled “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa?” Well, Sen. Manny Villar is coming out with his own music video titled, “Hindi Ka Nagdodoble.”

New Pol Ad VI
Sen. Noynoy Aquino’s new music video titled featured actors, actresses, and Purefoods’ James Yap. Well, Erap is coming out with his own music video too featuring actors, actresses, and Burger King’s Wynne Arboleda!

In Other News…
I wonder what will be the hottest issue this week. But I do remember last week’s biggest news: “Another man left Loren Legarda for good.”

Loren’s Running Mate?
Sen. Loren Legarda says she will announce her presidential running mate in two weeks. Actually, she wanted to make the announcement tomorrow. However, she opted to postpone it until the second week of November… after getting assurance from Manny Villar that he wouldn’t bolt the Nacionalista Party.
___________
“Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.”
~Horace Greeley

Survey Says
Without a party, should Sen. Francis Escudero pursue his presidential bid?
SURE, Why not?: 13%
NO, Sa 2016 na lang siya: 40%
Wala akong pakialam 47%

We have a new survey. Please vote now.

CHIZEE!

This is the original draft of Sen. Francis Escudero’s speech delivered at Club Filipino last Wednesday morning. A copy was sent to The Professional Heckler by a reliable source who requested anonymity.

“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng taong nandito lalung-lalo sa mga kababayan kong Bicolano sa walang pag-aatubiling pagtungo sa gusaling nasa latitude 14° 36′ 14″ Hilaga ng Equator at longitude 121° 2′ 56″ Silangan ng Prime Meridian sa Mapa ng Maynila, na mas kilala rin sa pangalang Club Filipino.

Nais ko pong ipabatid sa inyo na ako ay nagpaalam na at nag-resign na bilang miyembro ng Nationalist People’s Coalition o NPC, ang partidong itinatag ni Ginoong Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco ang ninong namin sa kasal ng aking asawang si Cristine, at founder ng NPC na aking kinaaniban sa nakalipas na labing-isang taon ng aking pagiging pulitiko sa Mataas na Kapulungan man ng Kongreso na kung tawagin natin ay Senado o sa Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso bilang kinatawan ng lalawigan ng Sorsogon na walang kahihiyang nanguna sa tangka ngunit bigong pagpapatalsik sa noo’y Chief Justice na si Hilario Davide katulong ang noo’y kongresista at paboritong pamangkin ni Ginoong Cojuangco na ngayo’y kalihim ng tanggulang pambansa na nag-aambisyon ding maging pangulo ng Pilipinas na si Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro.

Sinuman pong nagpa-planong tumakbo bilang pangulo, dapat wala pong partidong kinabibilangan, NPC, LP NP, Lakas, Kampi, LAMMPP, PDP-Laban, Magdiwang, Magdalo, Bayan Muna, Akbayan, Migrante, Anakpawis, Sanlakas, Lapiang Manggagawa, Alyansa ng mga Sabungero, Ang Ladlad, 1-UTAK, SMILE, SAMASA, ISA, STAND-UP, KAISA, ALYANSA, (FYI: Mga political parties ‘yan sa UP), Sigue-Sigue, OXO, Sputnik, Ativan Gang, o ano pa man.

Ang dapat na partidong kinabibilangan ng sinumang nagpa-planong tumakbo, dapat po Pilipinas. At lahat ng mga ka-partido niya dapat lahat din Pilipino. Bata man o matanda, babae o lalake, mayaman o mahirap, nakapag-aral o hindi, dilaw man o pula ang kulay, binoto ka man o hindi, maka-Dos man o Maka-Siyete, Globe man o Smart o Sun kapag nagtitipid, tuli man o supot, bakla man o lesbiyana, out man o discreet, bisexual man o straight-tripper, top man o bottom, lights off o lights on, dapat ituring mo ng pantay o pareho dahil kung hindi, baka magkaroon ng kaguluhan sa Pilipinas na mas lalong magpapahirap sa milyun-milyon nating kababayan at ‘yun ang hinding-hindi ko kayang tanggapin bilang lingkod-bayan na nagnanais ng bagong pagbabago sa ating bansa na matatagpuan sa Timog Silangang Asya at nasa tinatawag na Pacific Ring of Fire kung saan madalas magkaroon ng lindol na hindi naman kayang ipredict kahit ng Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology na dating pinamumunuan ng namayapang si Raymundo Punongbayan.

Nagbitiw po ako dahil sa tatlong kadahilanan na iisa-isahin ko kung inyong mamarapatin ngunit kung hindi naman ay iisa-isahin ko pa rin dahil sayang naman ang pagkakataong tayo ay nagkakatipun-tipon sa gusaling ito na nasa latitude 14° 36′ 14″ Hilaga ng Equator at longitude 121° 2′ 56″ Silangan ng Prime Meridian sa Mapa ng Maynila. Ang tatlo pong dahilan ng aking pagbibitiw ay ang sumusunod. Una, hindi ako heredero katulad ni Gilbert Teodoro; pangalawa, hindi ako haciendero katulad ni Noynoy Aquino, at pangatlo, lalo pong hindi ako bilyonaryo katulad ni Manny Villar.

Ngunit ito po ang dapat na unawain n’yo: hindi po salapi o pondo ang dahilan ng pagbibitiw ko sa partido at lalong hindi dahil sa napabalitang alitan namin ni Ginoong Eduardo Cojuangco bagamat gusto kong bigyang diin na hindi ako heredero katulad ni Gilbert Teodoro; hindi ako haciendero katulad ni Noynoy Aquino, at lalo pong hindi ako bilyonaryo katulad ni Manny Villar na malayang makakagastos sa halalang matagal ko na ring pinapagplanuhan subalit hindi ko pa lubusang napagpapasyahan kaya’t ito po ang gusto kong iparating sa lahat: hindi po kakulangan sa pera ang dahilan ng aking pag-atras datapwat kung mabibigyan ako ng pagkakataon ay gusto ko ring maranasan ang maging heredero katulad ni Gilbert Teodoro; maging haciendero katulad ni Noynoy Aquino, at lalo na po ang maging bilyonaryo katulad ni Manny Villar.

Hayaan po ninyong pag-isipan ko ang aking mga susunod na hakbang dahil kailangang kunsultahin ko, hindi lamang ang aking pamilya o kaibigan, kundi maging kayong lahat na kapartido ko na ngayon lalo pa’t ako’y malaya nang makapagpapasya kung ano ang nararapat at makakabuti sa lahat ng tao sa Pilipinas na ninanais ko ring umunlad ang buhay at umangat ang estado sa lipunan katulad ni Gilbert Teodoro na isang heredero; ni Noynoy Aquino na isang haciendero at, lalo na po ni Manny Villar na isang bilyonaryo.

Sa huli, isa lamang po ang hinihiling ko sa lahat: huwag ninyong paniwalaan ang walang basehang alegasyon na salat ako sa pondo kaya ako nagpasyang iwan ang partidong hindi maiwan-iwan ngayon ni Loren Legarda dahil sa pangambang baka ang aking pagbibitiw ay maging mitsa ng katapusan ng kanyang karera sa pulitika. Mali po ‘yon. Hindi po salapi o kontribusyon mula sa mayayamang negosyante ang nagbunsod sa aking pagbibitiw sa NPC bagamat aaminin kong hindi po ako heredero, hindi po ako haciendero at lalo pong hindi ako bilyonaryo.

Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat at mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino lalo na ang maliliit na taong tapat na naglilingkod sa mga heredero, haciendero at bilyonaryo.”

[Please turn to page 2 for continuation of speech...]

_________
“A good retreat is better than a bad stand.”
~Irish Saying

MR. & MRS. PADYAK

LET ME BEGIN THIS post by saying that I am genuinely happy for ex-future president Mar Roxas and his ex-girlfriend, the ex-future First Lady Korina Sanchez, who is now a certified madrasta.

Congratulations, best wishes, and most importantly, good luck!

Unknown to many, I was one of the hundreds of uninvited folks who endured the smoldering heat outside Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City to witness the event dubbed by local media as the “People’s Wedding” and “Kasalan ng Taon.” Dozens of politicians attended the ceremony, probably the reason why it was hotter inside the church.

The truth is: Conrado De Quiros and I were sent wedding invitations by Senator Roxas. However, Korina insisted that we apologize first before security personnel could allow us inside. In short, “No Sorry, No Entry.” De Quiros replied, “I’d rather wait for Noynoy’s wedding.” But the PDI columnist admits he doesn’t have any idea if it will ever happen since “Sa lahat ng pulitikong may girlfriend, si Noynoy lamang ang hindi atat na atat mag-asawa.”

As for me, I opted to be a spectator outside. Thanks to the giant video wall that was installed in front of the church for ordinary people to see the wedding. If it’s any consolation, I was beside the GMA 7 news team. You just have to admire those guys. They were so prepared for the special coverage! In fact, they brought their 3G phones in case the video wall suffered technical glitches!

The ceremony was pushed back to 4 o’clock because the bride wasn’t around yet at the originally-scheduled 3PM rites. It turned out that from the Intercon Hotel in Makati, Korina first went to Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City to pay respects to her departed parents – in her bridal gown! She plans to do the same this coming All Saints Day.

Trivia: Ano o sino ang nakikita n’yo sa larawan?
A: Parada ng santong sikreto pa ang identity
B: Prusisyon ng mahiyaing birhen!
C: Si Korina ‘yan. May GMA 7 crew kasi sa labas kaya pilit itinago!
D: Duh! Basta ang alam ko kamukha ni JV Ejercito ‘yung lalaking naka-blue

Deviating from the norm, Korina Sanchez did not wear a veil to cover her face. It was a personal and tactical request, as she wanted to make sure that neither Sen. Francis Pangilinan nor reporter RG Cruz could go near her.

As the Inquirer reported, politics took a backseat at the celebrity-studded event. Everyone was there: from the stalwarts of the Liberal Party to members of Erap’s company and even allies of the ruling Lakas-CMD-Kampi. The only VIP missing was Loren Legarda who reportedly got sick because of climate change.

The almost nonagenarian, former Senate President Jovito Salonga, a principal sponsor was present. Loren Legarda would have enjoyed talking to him.

Among the guests, presidential aspirant Noynoy Aquino was greeted with the loudest applause. The only other time he received such applause from the public was when he told his sister Kris Aquino to “shut up.”

Congressman Teofisto “TG” Guingona III almost didn’t make it to the occasion. Good thing he resigned from the Nacionalista Party on time.

During the offertory, former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, a principal sponsor offered chalice and wine. Another principal sponsor, Rosa Rosal offered blood.

Reports say Sen. Mar Roxas wrote his own wedding vow… which was a good thing. Imagine if people behind his TV ads were tasked to write it! Baka nag-back out ‘yung bride!

But an awkward moment happened during the exchanged of vows. After Korina stated that Mar was the fulfillment of everything she ever wanted in a husband; Roxas slipped, and said that Sanchez was the fulfillment of everything he ever wanted in a political endorser.

Yet another awkward thing happened at the reception. When relatives of the groom conducted a survey and asked guests if they wanted the couple to have a baby before the elections, 30 percent chose YES while 10 percent chose NO. The remaining 60 percent chose Noynoy Aquino!

A minor commotion ensued during the traditional tossing of the bridal bouquet. When Korina Sanchez tossed it, the bouquet landed on Vicki Belo’s face, and P100,000 worth of Botox squirted out.

According to the Philippine Star, at the end of the matrimonial ceremony, “Mar and Korina kissed for 11 seconds.” But the Philippine Daily Inquirer said, “the couple kissed for three minutes according to a reliable source who requested anonymity.” The Manila Bulletin merely described it as “a beautiful kiss” while Abante Tonite’s banner headline said, “Nasarapan sa halikan!”

Postscript: In case you missed snippets of the wedding on TV, just follow Inquirer columnist and Liberal Party supporter Manolo Quezon on Twitter. He tweeted a detailed account of the event: blow-by-blow. Good job!
___________
“A man is incomplete until he is married. After that, he is finished.”
-Zsa Zsa Gabor

IN OTHER NEWS
SENATOR FRANCIS JOSEPH ESCUDERO has announced his resignation from his party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition shocking not only his party mates but the members of the press as well who expected him to declare his presidential bid in a hastily-organized press conference at Club Filipino Wednesday morning. Before dozens of his cheering supporters, the 40-year-old father of twins delivered a speech in Filipino, the original draft of which reached the Professional Heckler. Will be posting it on Friday.

Matapos mag-resign si Chiz sa partido, sinong kandidato ang susuportahan ng NPC? Tatakbo pa ba si Chiz sa pagka-pangulo? Ikunsidera niya kaya ang pagka-bise presidente? Ano ang mangyayari sa plano ni Loren Legarda? Sino ang magiging presidential running mate niya? At ang pinakamahalagang tanong na kamakalawa pa gustong malaman ng publiko: Bakit walang belo si Korina Sanchez sa kanyang kasal?

Survey Says
Should Noynoy Aquino marry Shalani Soledad in case he wins the presidency?
OO, Para may First Lady: 19%
NO. Ayusin muna niya ang bansa. 27%
I don’t give a damn. 54%

We have a new survey. Please vote now.

Elsewhere
Newsbreak Magazine advises presidential aspirant Manny Villar: You don’t stand judges up

Francis Escudero’s political adviser Lito Banayo insists the senator is seeking the presidency

Loren Legarda’s statement on Chiz Escudero’s resignation from NPC

Morbid but true: Memorial pages on Facebook

DAYTIME DRAMA

I EXPECTED a stormy Monday because of Typhoon Ramil but much to my surprise, it was so hot outside. In fact, I have noticed that it’s been so hot these days; too hot that even robbers chose to spend their Sunday in Greenbelt mall.

Greenbelt Robbery
At least 11 robbers carrying high-caliber firearms barged into a Rolex store in Greenbelt 5 Sunday morning taking with them a bag-full of Tudor watches. Less than a year before the elections, investigators described the Rolex store robbery as “timely.”

Greenbelt Robbery II
For neutralizing at least one suspect during the Greenbelt 5 heist, two cops (security aides of Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga) were promoted one rank higher. Had they killed the robber while the guy was in handcuffs, either of them could become the future PNP chief, or senator even.

Greenbelt Robbery III
Following the Rolex store heist in Greenbelt 5 on Sunday, police vowed to beef up security in other malls to prevent brazen daylight thievery. If they were that serious in fighting thieves, when will they secure Batasang Pambansa?

Greenbelt Robbery IV
ABS-CBN correspondents Ces Drilon and Ricky Carandang were in Greenbelt 5 when the robbery took place Sunday morning. Authorities thanked Ces and Ricky for being cooperative in the investigation. The two journalists reportedly answered every question asked by the police… except for one: “Kayo na ba talaga?”

Top 5 Reactions of Political Figures to the Greenbelt Mall Heist

No. 5: Sen. Noynoy Aquino: “Sana po’y maintindihan n’yo na wala muna akong mailalabas na statement tungkol diyan. Bigyan muna po ninyo ako ng tatlong araw upang kunsultahin ang Pink Sisters at nang maipagdasal ko na rin ang mga naligaw ng landas nating kababayan!”

No. 4: Sen. Manuel Villar: “Akala mo pulis, ‘yun pala hindi. Akala mo shoppers, ‘yun pala robbers.”

No. 3: Joseph Estrada: “Ano ‘yung heist?”

No. 2: Mayor Jejomar Binay: “Ganito kami sa Makati. ‘Pakialam n’yo!?!

And the No. 1 reaction of a political figure to the Greenbelt Mall heist…

Sen. Chiz Escudero: “Ako po’y naniniwala na hindi sapat na dahilan ang kawalan o kakulangan ng pagkakakitaan upang gumawa ng kasamaan ang isang tao o grupo ng mga tao sa isang lipunang nabibigyan naman ng kalayaan at karapatan ang bawat isa na mamuhay nang naaayon sa itinatadhana ng batas at sa mga panuntunan ng moralidad na sinusunod at pinapaniwalaan ng higit na nakakaraming tao – mga palatandaan na naghahari at buhay ang ating demokrasya. Saan nga pala dun ‘yung Greenbelt 5?”

In Other News
The country’s third oldest political party, Lapiang Manggagawa has reportedly endorsed the presidential bid of Public Works and Highways Sec. Hermogenes Ebdane. Ebdane is flattered by the endorsement and plans to thank the members of the party… as soon as he successfully finds one.

PBA’s Harshest Penalty Ever
The Philippine Basketball Association suspended guard Wynne Arboleda of Burger King without pay for the rest of the 2009-10 Season for kicking and punching a fan who heckled him at courtside during the Whoppers’ game against the Smart-Gilas Team at the Araneta Coliseum last October 16. While the suspension is in effect, Arboleda hopes to try out for the Philippine kickboxing team.

PBA’s Harshest Penalty Ever II
For punching and kicking an Atenean heckler identified as Alain Katigbak who hurled bad words at him, Burger King’s Wynne Arboleda was suspended until July 2010 by the PBA. The trash-talking Katigbak on the other hand, was offered a job by the campaign team of Sen. Mar Roxas II.
________
“It’s the rich you can terrorize. The poor have nothing to lose.”
~Imelda Marcos

Survey Says
Of these presidential hopefuls, who do you think is the “hottest?”
NOYNOY Aquino: 64%
CHIZ Escudero: 14%
JOSEPH Estrada: 1%
GILBERT Teodoro: 8%
MANNY Villar: 13%

We have a new survey. Please vote now.

GOOD DAY, BAD DAY

Neri’s Home Attacked
In case you haven’t heard yet, last Friday, armed men wearing military camouflage uniforms strafed the Quezon City home of Social Security System president Romulo Neri while he was inside the bathroom. When he heard the shots, a terrified Neri immediately phoned President Arroyo and informed her of the attempt on his life, to which the president said, “Ignore the threats, but continue with your shower.”

Neri’s Home Attacked II
Unidentified gunmen fired at the house of SSS president Romulo Neri in Quezon City Friday morning. But investigators are having a hard time solving the crime because Neri refused to reveal more details about the incident citing executive privilege.

Chiz Turns 40
Last Saturday, October 10, Sen. Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero turned 40. The presidential aspirant has reached the “awkward age” – too old for Vicki Belo but too young for Loren Legarda.

Chiz’ Suggestion
Sen. Francis Escudero proposed that “instead of extending the semester, the education department automatically give a passing grade this semester for all elementary and high school students in affected areas of recent typhoons.” But radical leftists opposed Escudero’s proposal and said that the final grades must be based on the extent of typhoon damage to each student.

Senate’s Anniversary
The Philippine Senate marked its 93rd anniversary on Monday, October 12, 2009. During the flag ceremony, senators took turns narrating the Senate’s history – from its early years as a legislative body to its present status as an entertainment zone.

Senate’s Anniversary II
The Philippine Senate is now 93 years old. If it were human, Sen. Loren Legarda would have fallen for it.

Rebel Evacuees
Reports say some Communist rebels whose lairs were adversely affected by recent typhoons have sought shelter in evacuation centers in Isabela and Cagayan to avail themselves of relief goods. Social workers say it’s easy to identify Communists from ordinary folks because whenever NPA rebels talk about the recent typhoons, they refer to them as ‘Ka Pepeng’ and ‘Ka Ondoy.’

Rebel Evacuees II
Due to the lack of food in the mountains, some NPA rebels are now staying in evacuation centers in Cagayan and Isabela to avail themselves of the relief goods. Responding to the needs of the rebels, ABS-CBN is reportedly launching ‘Sagip Komunista.’

Irish Priest Kidnapped
Father Michael Sinnott, an Irish priest has been kidnapped “from outside his home in Pagadian City, Province of Zamboanga del Sur” last Sunday. One of the abductors has sent a message to the military saying he’s not afraid to get caught, tried, convicted, and jailed by the Arroyo administration… mainly because he has Spanish blood.

Campaign Headquarters
Last Sunday, October 11, Sen. Noynoy Aquino of the Liberal Party inaugurated his campaign headquarters along EDSA in Quezon City. To keep up with the competition, Sen. Manuel Villar will inaugurate on Friday his campaign headquarters along C5 Road.

Nobel Peace Prize
US President Barack Obama was recently awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize shocking a number of people around the world who thought it was too early to give him the recognition. In a related story, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who lauded Obama’s win, has just announced her choice for next year’s National Artist Award for Music – Charice Pempengco.
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“When I was a boy the Dead Sea was only sick.”
~George Burns who died at age 100

Elsewhere
Newsbreak: Laguna governor’s ‘brilliant’ post-Ondoy idea

It’s Erap and Binay for 2010, at least according to this columnist.

Survey Says
Who should be the standard bearer of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC)?
Sen. Francis Joseph Escudero: 15%
Sen. Loren Legarda 4%
They should both quit the race: 81%

We have a new survey, Please vote now.

ANG CHIP MO!

The Professional Heckler believes that blasting China or its people just because one Chinese columnist bullied his Filipina helper and lambasted the Philippines is not the right thing to do since it won’t resolve any issue. Doing so would make us no less different from him. Huwag maging Chip! But yes, I join millions of Filipinos worldwide in condemning the bigotry of this Mr. Tsao.

The latest: Asia City Publishing Group, publisher of the HK Magazine’s print and online editions, where Chip Tsao’s article “The War at Home” was printed has apologized.

But the writer has not. So to you Mr. Chip Tsao a.k.a. To Kit: “Leche ka! Hindi mo kami nakikilala? Punyeta ka! Hindi kami si Boyet Fajardo! Kami ay mga Pilipino! A tapang na tao and we want you fired!”

Chip Tsao & Filipinos
Asia City Publishing Group, publisher of the HK Magazine has apologized following the publication of Chip Tsao’s article titled “The War at Home.” When President Arroyo heard this she said, “Apology axshepted. After all, the releasssh of the article could only be a lapssh in judgment… no?”

Chip Tsao & Filipinos II
Asia City Publishing Group, publisher of the HK Magazine has apologized following the publication of Chip Tsao’s article titled “The War at Home.” When ABS-CBN chairman Gabby Lopez heard this he said, “Suportahan at ipagdasal pa rin natin ang HK Magazine!”

Chip Tsao & Filipinos III
According to Chinese columnist Chip Tsao, the Philippines was “a nation of servants.” When society columnist Malu Fernandez heard this, she said, “True!”

In Other News
It’s official! The Philippines was the top participant among 88 countries that joined Saturday’s Earth Hour, to which Chinese columnist Chip Tsao said, “Hmmpf! A nation of records!”

SWS Survey
The latest Social Weather Stations survey showed that Vice President Noli De Castro is still the top choice of respondents to succeed President Arroyo. Senators Manuel Villar, Loren Legarda and Francis Escudero are still in the magic 4. And Jejomar Binay is still the dark horse.

Father Robert vs. Bro. Eddie
Activist priest Robert Reyes said, “Ito ang panawagan ko kay Bro. Eddie – natalo ka na eh. Be realistic, natalo ka na.” Bro. Eddie replied, “Eh ba’t ikaw? Kahit walang eleksyon, takbo nang takbo!?!!”

Disturbing
A high-ranking politician is reportedly ill, and “it’s not looking good,” my source said. There were conflicting reports though as to the cause of his health problem. Some say it was liposuction gone bad, others say it’s brain-related. So let’s just wait for the official statement… if at all, he’s gonna issue one.
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“Bigotry may be roughly defined as the anger of men who have no opinions.”
~G. K. Chesterton

THE YEAR OF WRITING/TALKING DANGEROUSLY?

The Right to Reply Bill
Senators Mar Roxas, Francis Escudero, and Loren Legarda, original signatories to the Right of Reply bill have withdrawn support for the measure. In appreciation of the trio’s sudden change of mind, the Philippine Daily Inquirer has invited them as guest storytellers in the paper’s regular Read-Along Sessions. You know what they’re reading? “Ang Alamat ng Balimbing.”

Sen. Francis Escudero, co-author of the Right of Reply Bill has flipped-flopped. Escudero said he realized two things: one, it was a mistake to support the bill, and two, it’s an even bigger mistake to displease the media a few months before the 2010 elections.

Senator Mar Roxas has withdrawn his support for the Right of Reply bill. He arrived at the decision after having a bad dream. In the nightmare, he sees a copy of the Inquirer, the Star, Malaya, and Daily Tribune with identical banner headlines that read: “Put*ng-Ina!” – Roxas. Then the very next day, the banner headlines of the four broadsheets read: “Put*ng Ina Mo Rin!” – Malacañang.

And Loren Legarda? I would not even talk about Loren Legarda. Considering her track record, it would have been more surprising if she didn’t change her mind on the issue.

Sen. Lito Lapid couldn’t understand why the media is opposing the Right of Reply bill. The Kampampangan lawmaker believes that everyone has the right to reply… as long as “meron siyang load.”

Top 5 Things We Wouldn’t Want To Read in the Papers, See on Television or Hear on the Radio Once the President Signs into Law the Right of Reply Bill

5: Inquirer Special Issue: One Thousand Readers React to Ramon Tulfo

4: Ngayong Sabado sa Imbestigador: Inireklamong Pulis, Inireklamo si Mike Enriquez

3: The Philippine Star Special Paid Advertisements Edition: Ang Dating Daan vs. Iglesia ni Cristo: Sino’ng tunay na gago, tarantado, sira-ulo at manloloko?

2: Ted & Korina vs. Mike & Gloria: Live! Gabi-gabi sa ABS-CBN Primetime Bida

And the No. 1 thing we wouldn’t want to see on TV once the president signs into law the right of reply bill…

1: Startalk and The Buzz Present: FACE/OFF Calayan vs. Belo… (Seventh in A Year-Long Series)

Dangerous Roads
A study conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund last year revealed that the country’s roads are the most dangerous in Asia. In close second were the roads in Ateneo.

Speed Limit
Remember MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando’s declaration last year that there is no speed limit on Edsa? Nope, he’s not backtracking. But here’s the latest: Fernando is imposing a speed limit… at the parking lot of Ateneo de Manila.

You’ve heard about Ma. Theresa Torres, right? She’s the driver of the vehicle that killed the Atenean fourth grader last week. According to her lawyers, upon her release, the family will bring Theresa to a convent for “counseling.” A convent? Seriously? Since when did our nuns become experts on driving and traffic rules? (For chrissake, bring her to an LTO seminar!)

You think Ateneo roads are dangerous? Think about its alumni! (You know who they are!)

Oreta Gets Post
Defeated administration senatorial candidate Tessie Aquino-Oreta has been appointed chief of the newly-formed “Early Childhood Care and Development Council.” The council will focus on children six years and below – the age group that will most likely appreciate… her talent in dancing.

Belo vs. Boy: A Postscript
Boy Abunda has reportedly forgiven Dr. Vicki Belo. He made the decision after several hours of staring at himself in the mirror.

Briefly Noted: Malala Na Kaya?

People have been asking me to react on the episode of ABS-CBN’s Maala-ala Mo Kaya last Saturday. It tackled the story of a summa cum laude agriculture graduate from the University of the Philippines who couldn’t find a job and ended up as a nightclub dancer. Firstly, that’s the very reason why I do not watch local soaps or drama anthologies. It’s full of bullshit. Secondly, is our economy that bad? Believe me, even if Bangladesh registers an economic growth thrice that of the Philippines, no summa cum laude graduate from UP would end up working as a stripper because she couldn’t get a job! Thirdly, no agriculture major student finished summa cum laude in the last two, three or even four decades. Lastly, I am 101% certain that the episode writer didn’t graduate from UP and knew absolutely nothing about UP. The ignorance was annoyingly insulting, and appallingly stupid.

Survey Says…
What social networking site do you prefer?
Results:
Facebook: 48%
Friendster: 25%
Multiply: 21%
G4M: 4%
Downelink: 1%
MySpace: 1%
Others:1%

We have a new survey. Please vote now.

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“Some of the press who speak loudly about the freedom of the press are themselves the enemies of freedom. Countless people dare not say a thing because they know it will be picked up and made a song of by the press. That limits freedom.”
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