VIEW FROM THE SIDELIGHTS

 

Photo credit to Philippine News Agency

Indeed, my sincere congratulations to all Filipino athletes who have participated and represented the Philippines in the recently concluded 31st Southeast Asian Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam. Standing fourth in the overall medal tally with 52 gold, 70 silver, and 105 bronze for a total of 227 medals was truly an accomplishment of the entire Philippine team.

However, I believe Filipino athletes can still do better as they are committed and dedicated to bringing honor and pride to our nation. But no matter how willing these athletes are in giving their best, most often they fall short primarily due to lack of specific sports activity programs that will cater to the olympic games. 

I would like to take the case of this year's Women's Volleyball Team led by Aby Marano as team captain supported by the phenom Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiaga, Mylene Paat, Iris Tonelada, Deanna Wong, Kath Arado, Dawn Macandili, Dell Palomata, Ria Meneses, Ces Molina, Jema Galanza, Kat Tolentino, Majoy Baron, Casiey Dongallo, and Gelai Gallero. 

This year's set of PWV players was coached by Brazilian Jorge Souze de Brito in an attempt to end the 17-year medal drought in the women's volleyball team in SEA Games. Personally, I agree that the volleybelles selection was good as the girls chosen to join the Philippine women's volley team were among the bests in their respective commercial teams. But for someone in the sidelights who cannot only understand the game but was also a former athlete, the failure starts with the program and the coaching team. We have imported a Brazilian coach who I think was able to gather the entire team in less than two months and the period was not sufficient to study and gel the team as the players come from different commercial leagues. Secondly, having an outsider to coach a team for such a short time for me is not logical. 

Creating a team that will represent the country in the international sports competition is similar to sending a child to school for education. And sending a child or your children to school is not sufficient because the quality of the institution, the teachings and the support of the parents must all go hand in hand which should also be the case to the Philippine's sports programs. Also, the government must start capitalizing on the young athletes that are separate from those already playing in the commercial fields, and this same program must also apply to the coaching staff. I believe that in order for any nation to really dominate in the Olympic arena will depend on its sports programs, coaches, athletes and the logistical support from its government. 

The recent campaign of Marano's team no matter how serious and dedicated these girls were will not suffice noting the head coach was not truly aware of the individual strength and weaknesses of his players primarily because his expertise was sought only on specific time. Of course, his style of coaching and the gelling of the players with the system that coach de Brito will institutionalize would also have a factor in the overall performance of the team. Maybe it is also high time now that the new administration would review the functionalities and effectivity of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee to the nation's campaign to go for the gold particularly on sports events that are very popular yet we have been in drought for a decade or so.

Well, I hope that my two cents thought would soon be realized by the sports authorities so that our Pinoy sports fans could see an improvement not only in terms of medal standing but also in the performance of our athletes.✌

MY SHARE OF PAMBANSANG "MARITESS"

 

Maritess aka "Iram". Photo taken on Oct. 25, 2019

This Tuesday, May 24, 2022, I dedicate this blog post to my idol, great crush and life partner Maritess. Iram as I call her in public, Tetet to those who knew her since childhood, and Tess to her family, relatives and classmates in elementary and high school. 

When we got together in April 2016, there was no promise of a good life, only a commitment that I would always put her as my number one priority in life, which I am proud to say I did until today. In fact, she was the reason why I tried hard to quit smoking months before I had a stroke in January 2017, as she has an asthma. And Iram was and is still the primary reason for me wanting to live longer when my health condition was then uncertain. 

Iram and I have been together for the last six years, but we have already been through a lot (including various trials and tragedies not only to us personally but also to our families such as the death of my youngest brother, and the passing of her mom), and we continue to rise above them as life partners. 

Of course, we had our share of ups and downs, differences, of almost giving up to one another, yet at the end of the day, love still prevails. Iram never demanded anything from me, only an appeal to give her due consideration everytime her birth month would come because during this period she becomes more emotional. 

Typically, Iram is a joker. She loves to make fun of a situation, even herself, or our life circumstances. But she, too, could very well be emotional at times. And oftentimes, however, she holds off her personal issues, disappointments and sadness over other people in order to keep the relationship at peace. When I asked her why, Iram would say she would rather sustain the happy ties than burn the bridges and harness pain and hatred. 

But what I love so much about honeyko is her commitment whether at work, to a sworn duty, to friendship, to her family and her love for me. She may not at all times be the sweetest type of a lady but when she does, I do savor the moment to the fullest, because that is the side of her that does not come everyday. Perhaps, this can be attributed to her artistic side that you cannot easily predict her moods. 

Also, Iram is not the type who will pamper you with sweet nothings everyday, nor will she come crying to you in the middle or after an argument  just to reconcile. She will stand her ground, if she knows she is right. So how do I handle that? There is always a conscious effort to avoid conflict because for someone very emotional like me, if we engage in a discussion, I surely end up hurting the most. For Iram can easily move on from one phase to another, while I often carry the grudge longer.

 

Today, as you celebrate your 24th birthday multiplied by two, I am indeed happy that we are still together. We may not have much this year, but I am sincerely happy that we are still very much intact–ready to share every moment of our life be it in sadness or joy. Honeyko, I will not trade you or us for anything, and my prayer for you on this special occasion is that you will continue to hold on to us, to our dreams and to hold tighter to your faith as we look forward to the future that will unfold before our eyes, until we grow old and gray!

Happy Birthday, my great love, honeyko–Iram! ❤

THE UNITY FRONTLINERS

 

The UNITY frontliners of presumptive president Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos

Two weeks after the national and local elections, the anti-Marcos-Sarah tandem can now slowly see the picture of what the six years' administration would be like starting the afternoon of June 30, 2022. 

This, despite the presumptive president saying that a committee was set-up to review the qualifications of those who will be appointed to his cabinet will join him in his unity call. Marcos Jr and Duterte had no clear platform of governance presented to the public during the 90-day campaign except the call for unity. 

As the term of outgoing President nears names are now circulating, the first one that was announced to the post was that of presumptive Vice President atty. Sarah Duterte-Carpio who will also assume the role of Department of Education Secretary, former Metropolitan Manila Development  Authority Chair atty. Benhur Abalos was also appointed to the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Yesterday, atty. Vic Rodriguez divulged that he was being offered the Executive Secretary position by Bongbong Marcos, while Cavite 7th District Rep. Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla has accepted the Department of Justice Secretary post. Indeed, from the bird's eye view one can clearly see that the selection of the cabinet postings is very political. 

Meanwhile, as more and more foreign diplomats are giving courtesy calls to the presidential frontrunner, the mainstream media on the other hand are placed on the sidelight as if blocking them from seeing what is happening. This early? Is there something to hide this soon? 

I hope I would not have to say in the coming posts the word "brace yourselves" For now, let us observe and hope for the best for every Filipinos whether here or abroad. 

31st SEAGAMES

Filipino athletes who are in this year's
31st SEA Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam

Sports is indeed a force that can help unite any nation such as the Philippines that was recently divided by political beliefs.

Watching your flag rise as the nation is being recognized, is truly an honor. Sincerely, thank you to Filipino athletes, the whole delegation and to the Filipino community in Vietnam for the glory that you all bring to our country. (As of 730pm, today May 19, 2022, Philippines has a total of 40 golds)

I specifically commend the so-called "magician" Efren "Bata" Reyes who despite his seniority has agreed to play and represent the Philippines in the 31st SEA Games. Bata may have fall short of his attempt to contribute to RPs medal tally, but the heart and the joy to bring Filipinos pride is always there. 

Also, congratulations to EJ Obiena, that despite the obstacles he experienced prior to his preparations in the SEA Games have remained focused. Obiena has defended his title at the Men's Pole Vault Event and contributed in securing gold medal for the Philippines, much so, he carved a new record at the SEA Games with a 5.46 meter jump. 

Of course, it is likewise equally commendable the efforts of Carlos Yulo for the men's all-around gymnastics. He bagged five gold medals and two silver medals. But despite Yulo's recent success he continued to commit to improve his performance for the coming competitions. 

Bata Reyes, EJ Obiena and Caloy Yulo were among the many athletes who continue to strive to bring honor and pride to the country. Meanwhile, to others out there who tried to  inch his or herself to be labeled either an athlete or coach, ask yourself first, why are you there? Why are you doing this? Is it just for fun or are you committed to bring honor, pride and respect to your community, league and/or organization? Because being an athlete is not just wearing the jersey and handling the event you are in, there is much more to that. 

Therefore, for my two cents point of view being a former athlete who was once  awarded by my high school alma mater as volleyball-athlete of the year 1991, not all who can play can be called an athlete as one must show discipline, lead the team, show sportsmanship, and deliver performance. All the more to the label coach. Not because you understand the technicalities of a specific game you can easily grab the title. You have to equally understand the overall game, its technicalities and must be able to provide training, communicate and balance your players' characters and skills with discipline, encouragement, and provide solutions to the challenges besetting your team and a lot more other things, and not the first one who will give up. Until you can do and deliver these, everything else would be just for a theatrical play.

 

SHOOTING THE MESSENGER

Photo credit to Deposit Photos. Please check depositphotos.com

The recent national and local elections have indeed divided the Philippines and its people. Hence, having a soft spokesperson, non-political image and unargumentative spokesman would be ideal.

Yes, I agree and very well aware that Atty. Vic Rodriguez is a lawyer with an outstanding background in court trials. But I also thought that the incoming leadership is calling for unity, and that the presumptive president Bongbong Marcos wants the people regardless of political color and belief to rally behind one flag and government.

Thus, the incoming administration this early must start finding ways to pacify  political tensions, social division and not to further stir critical observations for our country to move forward peacefully.

Undeniably, the presumptive BBM-Sarah administration may have the backing of 31-million Filipinos as reflected in the recent election results but this is only a chunk of the 109, 035, 343 Filipino population. As such, the welfare of the general public must at all times be given utmost considerations. 

Therefore, while I don't challenge the credentials of Atty. Rodriguez as a lawyer but as a spokesman, I believe he is not helping the cause of the incoming president. As a former journalist and a malacanang reporter at that, in my one cent opinion, Vic Rodriguez is not fit for a spokesperson position. A "Presidential Spokesman" does not only relay and communicate to the public the official position of the president and the chief executive office, he or she must also help in the political image and in shaping and building the public's confidence in the government. 

Atty. Rodriguez word-tussle against former Presidential Commission on Good Governance (PCGG) Commissioner Andy Bautista is not helping the cause of the Marcoses versus the alleged 'missing painting amounting to P8-billion.'  

The camp of the presidential frontliner at this early must take into account the consequences of Atty. Rodriguez who is always on the frontline would retain as the mouthpiece of BBM, because it is tantamount to always launching a missile. Many stories from the past has been told saying the comedy shows and stageplays in the post-war era thrive because it helped divert the attention of the public from the distractions brought by armed conflict.

Maybe, the presumptive president would also want to ask his committee to review the profile of Sec. Martin Andanar, spokesman of outgoing President Duterte, as well as the other  spokesperson who served at the presidential palace such as Atty. Michael "Mike" Toledo, Press Sec. Ignacio Bunye, and the late Sec. Rod Reyes, among others, to help them find a more suitable candidate for the job, if indeed the next administration wants to forge peace and unity against its critics and opposing political camps.

 

REALITY vs INSTINCT

 

Photo credit to @Iram0524

With less than 99% of the partial and unofficial votes being counted against the 14 barangays in Lanao del Sur that will have to cast their votes following election related violence, I would say Filipinos whether pro or anti BBM-Sarah supporters must start moving forward. 

Indeed, the democratic process in the Philippines is still very much alive, however, it doesn't mean not recognizing the flaws of the election and the commission managing it. The electoral exercise in the country is far from perfect, but the important thing is we can still cry foul and unfair if one sees there is injustice or uneven treatment.

To this day, I am still a VP Leni fan. In fact, I still watch her do the unpacking and unwrapping of the gifts she received during the campaign, and her thanks giving rally. But my admiration for VP Leni must not block my hope for a better nation. I may be old but I also have the right to a productive nation. Of course, I am also equally terrified as any *Kakampinks" that the BBM-Sarah government may bring us to hell like what the outgoing Pres. Duterte told his supporters. 

But while this is my sentiments, we could not live in fear and chaos. As a nation, we all must help and contribute in pushing and pulling our economy forward, or else all of us will also suffer. This must be the reason why I have been dreaming of mice, and rats more frequently, as I fear them. Nonetheless, it will do no good for anyone if you will allow fear to take over your life, judgement and decision. For now, we have the option to swim and to float and allow the calm waters to relax. And as part of moving there should be trust, respect and love. So  at least for now, for the time being shun what is not yet happening and live for the moment.

BREAKING THE DAWN

An early morning rise at Barangay La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales

With less than 99% of the partial and unofficial votes being counted against the 14 barangays in Lanao del Sur that will have to cast their votes following election related violence, I would say Filipinos whether pro or anti BBM-Sarah must start moving forward.

Acknowledging that the democratic process of a country such as the Philippines is still alive doesn't mean not recognizing the flaws of the election and the commission managing it. The electoral exercise in the Philippines is far from perfect, but the important thing is we can still cry foul and unfair if one sees there is injustice or uneven treatment.

To this day, I am still a VP Leni fan. In fact, I still watch her do the unpacking and unwrapping of the gifts she received during the campaign. But my admiration for VP Leni must not block my hope for a better nation. I may be old but I also have the right to a productive nation. Of course, I am also terrified that the BBM-Sarah government may bring us to hell like what the outgoing Pres. Duterte told his supporters. 

However, we could not live in fear and chaos. As a nation, we all must help and contribute in pushing and pulling our economy or else all of us will also suffer. This must be the reason why I have been dreaming of mice more frequently, as I fear rats and mice. It will do no good for anyone if you will allow your fear to take over your life, judgement and decision. For now, we have the option to swim and to float and allow the calm waters to relax. At least for now, for the time being shun what is not yet happening and live for the moment.

THE PEARL OF THE ORIENT SEAS

 

Photo credit to pexels.com. please check and support Krisia

I did vote for the Leni-Kiko tandem. Therefore, I definitely could feel the sadness of those rooting for them. 

However, months before the election, my constant prayer was for God to intervene. That whoever will win in the election would be able to bring in the change that this country needs, and that the transformation can be felt in every household. That the winning leaders would be able to manage the high prices of commodities, fuel and electricity, and job opportunities. 

On Monday, my partner and I went out to cast our votes. Fortunately, the schools where we voted had no vote counting machines (VCMs) issues contrary to others, so in less than an hour we were done. And since that was an extra non-working day we used it as an opportunity to pamper ourselves with a haircut and cleaning at least on my end, and pedicure and manicure for her. Technically, we lost track of time, and when we got home it was already past 10 pm, only then that we started to check the outcome of the elections. Seeing the huge margin, of course, it was an instant disbelief. 

Photo credit to DepEd

But while I have my personal issues about the outcome of the elections and  considering the number of people who were robbed of their chance to exercise their votes after the poll body failed to address the defective VCMs, I needed to go back to what I prayed for, and entrust everything to God.

Today, as I browse Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter, the pain and disenfranchisement of the people are still very evident and obvious. Yes, the result was very disappointing, especially there were claims circulating, alleging there was an irregularity, I too have my own personal concerns. 

But there must be a clear line for all of us to know when to accept and give others the opportunity to prove their worth.  In my last two political posts I believed I have shown my bias to my favored candidates, (see blog post on Edsa 2022 and Unmasking) and I still had it. However, we should also open ourselves to what others could offer. Besides, I, you, all of us should not be a blind followers. We can allow them, the President and Vice President-elect to exercise their new mandate, as we keep an eye on them. That way, we--Filipinos are allowing our so-called democracy to run its course and processes. And to the 31 million pro-Marcos voters, congratulations to all of you and I hope that there would be no hitting below the belt.

As for the questions in the election, I believe the government agency concerned must entertain them as these are part  of the electoral exercise but the public must not allow it to escalate into something else. Because we the people in the ground would be the first one that will be affected if things go out of hand. We can be critical if we have to, but now is not yet the time. It is too early for anyone to fuel unrest. Let us stay calm and united for our nation and the youth and pray for the Philippines' peace and recovery. 

UNMASKING

Photo credit to VOTESAFE.PH

 After the votes and ballots have been secured, the counting of the certificates of election returns would be followed and watched to ensure the safety and sanctity of the election process. 

I am praying that whoever will win and declared winner of the Commission on Elections would be respected and honored by the people. Yes, I am for Leni, and I would not deny that I hope that she can win this race as she has once again revived the Filipino 'bayanihan' spirit,  patriotism and equality among Filipinos. She has encouraged hope and people's power anew. 

While I am for the outgoing Vice President, I couldn't discount the winnability of her archrival former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong"  Marcos Jr. and his political machinery and financial resources, plus the fact that President Duterte is now singing a different tune when it comes to the son of the dictator. However, I believe there is someone out there watching all of us. Someone who would be the final arbiter, in all these political bickering, revisionism and false information, I leave it all to Him and His judgement. 

Also, I would like to encouraged you to once more give it a thought, as Filipinos would probably not remember anymore after going to the election precincts this Monday, are the candidates who at one point have offered their services as alternative candidates for the presidency or are they really an option being offered to the public or just a marketing strategy similar to other brand products that are launched to divide public support? 

Of course, I can be wronged, but as a long time media practitioner I can't help but wonder why the Comelec did not strip the other candidates such as Jose Montemayor Jr, Norberto Gonzales, Faisal Mangondato and Ernesto Abella who despite their solid educational background, we are aware they could not pull out the nationwide campaign sortie due to age and they lack the needed popularity. It would have been better if they were declared nuisance candidates from the beginning of the process rather than allowed them to add to an already divided Filipino voters. One clear indication of this was the debates hosted by the Comelec for  the presidentiables where the moderators of two debate events such as Luchi Cruz Valdez and Ces Orena Drilon on separate occasions had to repeat some of the questions asked against the candidates because they got it wrong. By then, the Comelec should have discerned that these presidential aspirants would not be able to be on top of choices of the Filipinos lists of candidates to choose from. That way, the Comelec should take the initiative to narrow down the long list of the contenders for the highest elective national office.

And as I hear the former National Security Adviser making unsolicited comments claiming that VP Robredo's people's rally is already a ground for organizing another uprising in the making. This is similar to the lines of Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Mayor Isko Moreno, and Gonzales insinuated that the lone lady candidate for President was allegedly in partnership with the communist groups. This group of men  also mulled VP Leni during the Easter Sunday celebration for allegedly forcing them to withdraw from the presidential race.

On Saturday, as both local and national candidates were busy winding down their campaign, Mayor Isko seemed to have found joy at swiping at the Liberal Party which he accustomed to the label "dilawan" (yellow), as well as to the Vice President herself. On October 4, 2021 Mayor Isko's slant was that he was an alternative to Pinoy voters packaging himself as a unifying candidate, so what happened now to the good mayor who obviously was keen to pull down the top 2 candidate in the person of Mrs. Robredo during the 90-day campaign period instead of Marcos Jr.? The video files of the campaign from Facebook to Youtube were there to back up my claim. So as we wait for the result of the election it is also good to be vigilant and to really identify if indeed the reasons of these 10 presidential candidates to serve the Filipino public was true or part of the paid political gimmick to help advance the interest of other presidential aspirants.

Happy Mother's Day!

Today, I give credit and respect to all mothers in the world for all your sacrifices, love and efforts for your children.

To the mothers in my own family, I may not be comfortable saying this, but I love and appreciate all of you. 

EDSA 2022

 

Photo credit to VP Leni Robredo's supporter Cathy Frayco

As the campaign nears its end I see a renewed hope for the Filipinos, a sense of inspiration and well-meaning "bayanihan". While the labeled 'yellow-pink' team of Vice President Leonor "Leni" Gerona Robredo and Sen. Francis Pancratius "Kiko" Pangilinan is trailing in the surveys, the people's support and organizations says otherwise.

Trully, the game is over until it is over. Yes, the surveys coming out days before the election day on May 9, 2022, may be indicating that it is for (former Sen. Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr and Mayor Sarah Zimmerman Duterte-Carpio) "BBM-Sarah team but the public votes must first be casted and counted in before anyone can say that it is their A-game.

It has been proven and seen many times that for a good leader six years is short but for a bad governance, the six year term is tantamount to hell. This, I think, is the reason why many people are making a clear stand, going out of their way and doing the people's campaign–to save what is left of our children and their future generations. 

In the social media platform Facebook alone; the "Leni-Kiko '' page set-up and organized by followers has at least 71 joint public groups not to include the "Robredo People's Council and Pangilinan's own set of public supporters that were put-up in various areas of the country that made way for the series of successful people's rallies, consultation-meetings, palengke visits, and people's caravans amongst others particularly in the stronghold of their top opponents. 

I believe this is the very reason why despite VP Leni's lack of financial and logistical machinery the 90-day campaign of the Robredo-Pangilinan campaign ran smoothly. Of course, thank you to the able management of Leni-Kiko supporters and leadership of the Robredo-Pangilinan campaign team. This can also be translated to the change the people are obviously clamoring following six years of President Duterte's strong fist governance where killing, hunger, injustice and job loss are very much prevalent. While I could not say all are bad with the current administration, as the President contained the petty crimes incidents such as snatching, robbery, car theft, and has launched a massive drive against the communist terrorist groups, strengthen the 911 and the build-build-build program which is the centerpiece of the Duterte government. 

However, there are also other issues affecting the nation and the people that were not given sufficient importance such as the territorial dispute over the Scarborough Shoal that limited the fishing activities of Filipino fishermen, lack of job opportunities especially during the pandemic, oil price hike that has a domino effect on the costs of electricity, transportation and other basic commodities, irregularities at the health care and healthcare system, support to local farmers and agriculture, transportation issues, corruption in government contracts and the clear incidence of poverty in the country, and the clear attempt to silence, if not shut down the critics of the administration. 

All these seemed to be a rehashed of the past that paved the way to the success of Edsa 1 in 1986, and Edsa 2 in 2001 that ousted the Presidents Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada respectively, who were both charged with plunder among many other cases. Thus, as the campaign is coming to its final stretch, more and more voices are echoing calls, urging fellow Filipinos to come out and make a clear stand to prevent history revisionism and not to allow another Marcos from being in power again. Amongst these who willingly responded include the Ledesma and Araneta relatives of the wife of Presidential contender "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, niece of President Duterte, Nuelle Duterte who have expressed support to the tandem of Leni-Kiko, as well as the son of senatorial candidate Loren Legarda, in the person of Lorenzo Legarda Leviste who labeled his mom's decision to ticket with BBM-Sarah as "convenient opportunism."

The campaign of Marcos-Duterte focuses on "unity" as they promise that their victory would bring unity and growth to the country contrary to allegations of those opposed to them that it would means another half a decade of tyranny, political dynasties, extra-judicial killings, impunity and corruption. The surveys may be against the Leni-Kiko Team but the overwhelming show of support from the fashion industry, showbiz and entertainment, beauty queens, bikers, transport sector, labor organizations, doctors and lawyers, volleyball players, PBA coaches, indigenous communities, lay, priests and clergy, schools and universities, students, professionals, senior citizens, tricycle drivers, LGBTQIA group, anti-mining, directors and artists, religious leaders and community among many others are stating the contrary. Therefore, it is still anybody's game. 

And as May 9 draws nearer, it is also exciting to see how well the Filipino people and various organizations will work to ensure the fair and safety of the elections particularly in securing the ballots. 

God bless the Philippines and the Filipino people.