Help me complete the list!

We always complain about the corrupt officials of government, blaming them for everything that's wrong with this country. They're the reason why the Philippines is the perennial basket case of Asia, they are the snakes, the crocodiles, the lowest of the low, so on, so fort, but have we ever thought about the honest and principle ones? 

They exist, you know. Government officials, whether elected or appointed, who believe in the system; who strive to make it work; who try to be leaders by example.

I created another multiply site to identify all those honest and principled public leaders with the desire that the list will inspire the corrupt officials to turn in a new leaf, and for all of us, to keep on believing that there is still hope that our nation can be a peaceful, unselfish, just, god-fearing and progressive nation.

Please, help me complete the list.  Click on:

http://leadersbyexample.multiply.com/

Of Circumcision and Tooth Extraction

Today, I accompanied a team of doctors, dentists and nurses in my dad's umpteenth medical mission in far-away Pallas Valley, Vintar town.  I really feel like a 5th wheel in these activities because I have nothing to offer to the patients.

To pass the time I walked around and took some pictures.

You know what they say, 'Summer Time is Circumcision Time.'  And rural Ilocos is no exception as you can see all the young boys lining up to get their pototoys snipped.  I have never seen kids so eager to have their little manoys trimmed than in this place.  It's like they woke up this morning and thought, 'I feel like having a circumcision. Hey, let's go to the doctor and have him make me a man!' Nooh-neeh-nooh-neeh-nooh.

This is a mean picture, but I couldn't help it.  The kids just walk in, put down their shorts and lie on the table.  'Ey, doc, how you doin'? See my pecker?  Care to circumcise me?'

And speaking of the tables, I wouldn't want to be the student who'd have to work on that table next school year.  Imagine all the 'loose ends' that plooped all around it. Ugh!  'Ma'am, anong klaseng eraser 'to?'  'That's not an eraser, iha...'

Another popular thing in med missions are tooth extractions.  I guess oral hygiene is not a priority for farm folk.  Our dentists had a hand full of teeth to extract today. God bless 'em.

And so that wraps up another med mission where yours truly couldn't do diddly-squat for anyone.

I am so looking forward to take up nursing so that I can be useful next time.  

Flower Economics

What is the difference between the bouquet of Malaysian Mums on the left and the one on the right?

Well, the one on the left cost me P30.00.  The one on the right costs P195.00.

Their prices differ by a hundred sixty pesos.  Thats a mark up of 500%.

Why the huge difference?

Well, the one on the left is on sale in Baguio's Public Market.  The bouquet on the right is displayed in one of Glorietta's Flower Shops.

I was in Baguio recently canvassing flowers with Ria in preparation for our wedding this October.  I had to ask the saleslady if she meant P30.00 per stem.  I couldn't believe it was just thirty pesos per bundle! OMG!  I've been cheated by H#ll@*d T*l!p$ all these years!  Ang laki naman ng patong nila!  Sobrang bukol naman yun!

... ... ...

Well, as a management student, that's just business and economics.

Anyhoo, the next time I give Ria flowers, I'll make sure both of us are in Baguio. : ) 

20 SMs and Counting!

A Project of...

Whenever I drive around Metro Manila and other provinces (including Ilocos), I can't help but notice the different projects of the President, Vice-President, Senators, Congressmen, Governors, Vice-Governors, Board Members, Mayors, Vice-Mayors, Councilors and even Barangay Captains kasi naka-paskil mga mukha at pangalan nila eh.  More often than not ang nakalagay ay, "A Project of so-and-so."

I hate to say it, but I was also guilty of this.  I did this sa first tent na binigay ko.  It read, "A Project of the Office of Kristian R. Ablan and the San Mateo - Lataag Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association."

This got me thinking, sa akin ba talaga nanggaling yung project? 

Hindi eh.  

It's not MY money.  It's actually the people's money.  It's taxpayer's money.  So who am I to say na it's MY project.  Siguro, I'm responsible for facilitating and channeling the funds, but that doesn't still make it MY project.  It's still the people's project.

And if ever someone should be credited for the project, I think it should be the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, kasi kami collectively and nag-appropriate ng development fund.  Hindi pa rin ako.

So, my new policy is to recognize those who parted with their hard-earned money so that government could effectively deliver basic services and serve the general public -- the taxpayers.

And that is why, in my most recent BDF project, when I delivered cement and GI Sheets at CABEZA Elementary School and I had a photo taken for records purposes, we held a banner reading, "A Project of the Hardworking Taxpayers of Laoag City."

Because, ultimately, it is THEIR project.

Local Legislation 101

At the start of my term as Provincial Board Member, I submitted proposed measures under my name.  Siyempre ako yung nag-isip, nag-research, nag-type at nag-submit. So, sarili ko yung nilagay ko as Sponsor.  Ang ilalagay ko sa title, 'Sponsored by BM Kristian Ablan.'

Pero nagtaka ako nung hindi gumagalaw sa committee yung mga draft ordinances ko, habang yung iba naman gumagalaw.

And then I noticed that the proposals that were moving were the ones wherein the sponsors included the 'real' sponsor, the committee it would most probably be referred to and its chairman.  For example, 'Sponsored by BM Kristian Ablan, BM Juan Dela Cruz and the Committee on Environment." Pag-ganun, wala ng public hearing - public hearing.  wala na ring committee report. 2nd reading na kaagad. 

I further noticed that if you really want your proposal to breeze through the board, ang ilagay mo as sponsor ay 'Committee of the Whole,' which means it is authored by everybody, kahit wala silang cinontribute ni sinco.

There's no such thing as 'giving credit where credit is due' here in local legislation.  In order for your proposals to pass you have to credit as much people as you can.

Learning my lesson I started applying it.  The Blood Handling Fee for Indigents Fund was a personal request by the Local Red Cross Chapter.  It was asking for P150,000.000 for use for indigent patients who needed blood, but could not afford the P1,500.00 fee for laboratory examination.

So, I drafted an appropriation ordinance.  I knew if I put only my name sa proposal, it wouldn't pass through.  Instead of putting my name, I put 'Sponsored by the Committee of the Whole.'  And wouldn't you know, na-pass namin siya within a month!  Yun nga lang, hindi 150k.  Bumaba sa 100k.  Needless to say, at least may magagamit na ang mga indigent patients.  Although may gastusin pa rin sila, at least gumaan ang financial burden.

So, di bale na ang credit-credit na yan.  Ang importante magawa ko ang trabaho ko. 

Zoom IN Postcard Project

My inspiration to hold a photo contest last year was to come out with a calendar that featured the different tourist spots in Ilocos Norte.  Kasi di ba politicos usually distribute calendars during Christmas and New Year with their faces on it?  Yung may "Season's Greetings from Mayor So-and-so."

I just think its to 'trapo-ish' and cheezy for me.  I told myself, kung maglalabas din naman ako ng kalendaryo, might as well one that features my province's tourist assets.  Kasi we lack in that department and I like to help boost our tourism economy.  Kasi it helps the mom-and-pop businesses dahil nga dumadagdag ang mga customers nila.  It also helps the working sector because more jobs are created.

And that's why I organized the ZOOM IN Photo Contest.  Unfortunately, by the time I got the pictures and awarded the winners, it was last week of December na.  There was literally no print work going on kasi holiday.  And when business resumed in January, the printer told me it would take them 3 weeks to print the 15-month calendars that I wanted.  So, February na lalabas.  That was too late.

It was my fault.  I should have held the contest earlier.

Anyhoo, here I was with a bunch of great photos of the province and no calendar to print.

What else could I do with them that wasn't schedule-dependent?  Naisip ko na we also lack in the post card project.  I mean seriously, you go to National Book Store and look at all the postcards, how many feature Ilocos Norte?  More often than not, wala.  Mostly Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Palawan and Davao yung mga postcards.  Kung from the north, usually Vigan.  Wala o bihira ang may postcard ng Ilocos Norte.  Kung meron man, Paoay Church lang.

And so, that's what I did with the ZOOM IN Photos.  I turned them into postcards.  I picked 12 photos that depicted the different tourist spots found here in the province.  Some are well-known, like Saud Beach, Paoay Church, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.  I also put the lesser-known tourist spots, like Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Kaangrian Falls and Pangil Beach, to spur up growth tourism in those areas.

I printed 500 sets of those 12 photos.  So that's 6,000 postcards.  I gave away 250 sets.  The other 250 sets, I sold by consignment so that I could recover the costs.  Kung maganda ang reception, I will print out more.  Pag-hindi, I will venture into other souvenir products like keychains or ref magnets.

Again, my little contribution to spur up growth in the local tourism sector.   

Manila Ocean Park

Last Monday, I brought my relatives to the newly opened Manila Ocean Park (MOP) located behind the Quirino Grandstand in the City of Manila.  Kasama ko si Ria, yung sisters-in-law ko and their children.

Ria and I wanted to go here for the longest time so that we could compare it with Singapore's Underwater World in Sentosa.

Although MOP is not completely finished (paper signages, exposed outlets, and unpaved flooring, to mention a few), Ria and I both agree that MOP is better.

First, because of this.  Upon entering the park, this is what you see.  An open-air, plantful aquarium with mini-waterfalls.

Then you enter a dark hall with more aquariums featuring marine life from the dee blue sea.  There are interactive touch-screen panels for those who want to know more about the animals.

Then you proceed to a round hall with even bigger aquariums featuring more fish.  This time with a sunken ship theme.

Afterwards, you enter the underwater tunnel where you are surrounded by different marine animals.

The last exhibition is an even larger aquarium which showcase sharks and manta rays.  Even the roof is not spared as it doubles as an aquarium for other manta rays.

Having said that, I wish the management would fast-track the completion of this marine zoo so that visitors could really enjoy their stay.  Sana matapos na yung mall na adjacent sa park, at yung mga finishing touches sa harap ng park at sa parkingan sana i-prioritize.

What's up with the pose, BF?

What's MMDA Chairman Bayani 'BF' Fernando up to these days?  

And what did he eat to suddenly decide to be MMDA's poster boy?

These big white tarps are all over EDSA.  Some have been vandalized with paint (quid pro quo, sir?)

And what's with the 'saudi' pose?

C'mon, sir, you're better than that!  I idolize you for what you and the missus did in Marikina.  Don't be another trapo by posting your face all over the place.  Nawawala po ang respeto ko sa inyo.

And if you must insist (for your 2010) bid, please, lose the pose.  A simple, sincere smile would do much better.  

Gov. Spitzer Resigns Amidst a Prostitution Scandal

New York Governor Elliot Spitzer earlier announced, in a press conference, his resignation from office for being linked to a prostitution ring.

The scandal erupted just this Monday after US federal law enforcement officials disclosed that a wiretap had caught the 48-year-old chief executive spending thousands of dollars on a call girl at a fancy Washington hotel on the night before Valentine's Day.

"I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work," Spitzer said in Wednesday's presscon. He made the announcement without securing a plea bargain with US federal prosecutors.

Spitzer will be replaced by Lt. Gov. David Paterson next Monday.

Palabra de Honor and Delicadeza is very much alive overseas as Gov. Spitzer resigned only amidst allegations. And he did it swiftly--within a week. You got to give it to the Americans. Hindi sila kapalmuks.

This is not an isolated event. Just recently, Clinton fundraiser Geraldin Ferraro also quit her post because of her remarks about the Obama campaign. She allegedly said that the only reason why Obama was winning was because of his African-American image. This drew some flack and Ferraro was attacked in the media. So, she resigned.

And not to long ago naman, Obama supporter Samantha Power also resigned after telling a reporter that Hillary was a 'monster.' Yun lang ha, dahil sa isang comment, nag-resign na siya.

Kahanga-hanga sila, hindi dahil sa mga ginawa nila, pero dahil nagbitiw sila sa posisyon dahil sa mga ginawa nila. At hindi sila naghintay na maaresto, masampahan ng kaso at humarap sa husgado. They resigned immediately after the controversy erupted.

Ganito din in other countries, like Korea, Japan, Taiwan and the UK. Pagma-link ka sa controversy, resign agad. Better to keep honor and lose the job, than to keep the job but with a tainted reputation.

I hope I could say the same for people here in the Philippines, but I can't. Dito kasi politicians hold on to power no matter what. Kahit ilang controversies na ang ma-link sa kanila at kahit obvious na obvious na madumi ang kanilang mga kamay, sige pa rin--they hung on to their posts all the tighter. Pipigain nila ng pipigain hanggang sa kadulo-duluhan. Di bale na that they bring down the administration's credibility with them or that their actions hamper economic progress, their posts are apparently their vested rights.

Everytime I watch them on the news all they say is, 'intayin natin ang desisyon ng husgado', 'wala pa namang demanda', 'wala naman daw ebidensya', so on, so forth, and the worst is, 'hindi ako magbibitiw kasi malinis ang aking konsensya.' Oh, god, give me a break.

That's not the point eh. The point is you lost credibility. And without credibility, how can you demand respect from your subordinates?

Where are your senses of honor and delicadeza? Have you lost them together with the values of honesty and integrity?

Here in the Philippines, politicians are either really innocent of charges hurled against them, or are just plain thick faced.

Paging Gov. Spitzer, can we invite you here as guest speaker? Our embattled politicians could learn a thing or two from you (besides, we're all assumed to be frisky and womanizers anyway, so no moral problem in that department).

Road Sign Project

This is another little project of mine.  One thing I noticed while traveling along the Ilocos highway is that there aren't enough road signs point to the province's tourist spots.  Not unless you're from the area or its your second time.  That's why I thought of making tourist road signs like the ones they have abroad--Brown with directional signs.

Now, I only had a small budget, so I had to choose my points-of-interest carefully.  I could only afford 4 signs.  I picked Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (pictured above) 'coz its signs were fading away; Kapurpurawan Rock Formation (pictured below) because it's a new attraction; the Bangui Viewdeck; and the Bangui Windmills.

If you'd noticed, there are two designs.  The one above was the prototype.  The fabricator didn't quite get what I wanted.  The edges are pointy.  Sa next batch, he got it right--rounded na yung edges.

Anyhoo, I had the 4 signs put up today, in time for those going on a road trip this Holy Week and for the summer season.  When I get more funds, magpapagawa pa ako for Mairaira Cove, Patapat Viaduct, Kaangrian Falls and Paoay Lake.

All for local tourism sake. 

Forgive the small "KRA" in the lower right corner.  I didn't want to be "trapo"-esque and put my whole name underneath the sign, like I owned it, but I couldn't not put a 'mark' naman.  I had to put something.  It's just for identification and future reference.

CNN Interactive-Touch-Screen-Political-Map-Watchamacallit

Have you been watching the US political news in CNN lately?  They have this huge interactive touch screen showing the political map of the 50 States.  They're using it to explain the election results for the Republican and Democrat Primaries.

Ang galing!  With a flick of the finger, the screen scrolls east, west, north or south.  When the newscaster touches the screen with two fingers and slides them apart the map zooms in!  and when he slides them closer it zooms out!  He can highlight, draw, encircle.  It's like a multi-colored blackboard, minus the chalk dust!

I remember tuloy the movie Minority Report, when the character of Tom Cruise would operate a similar much advanced system.  Yung pinagkaiba lang sa movie, Cruise would draw in thin air, parang 3-D.  Sa CNN, plasma touch screen.  Pero the technology is there.

Wow, gusto kong magkaganun.  Tapos mag-google earth ako and stalk my brothers, sisters and friends living abroad.  Magkano kaya yun?

Super Tuesday

Super Tuesday is a day in February when over 20 States select their Democratic candidates for the Oval Office.  That race was won by US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.  Sadly, it was all downhill from there as US Senator Barack Obama beat her in the States that followed.

Today, 3 March 2008, may not be super tuesday, but it sure seems like it.

For Clinton, it's do or die.  She must win in the states of Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont, whose primaries are today, otherwise she will lose the Democratic nomination.  She needs to win all four States.

Here in the Philippines, it's Super Tuesday in UP Diliman as the students there elect the new University Student Council.  My brod, Third Bagro from Law is running up against Steph Tan of CSSP and another candidate whose name escapes me, for the chairmanship.  Friends say it will be a very close fight.

Both contests are interesting to watch.

I can't wait to find out who came out the victor.

USC Elections in Diliman

On March 4, the almost 25,000 students of UP Diliman will be electing a new University Student Council. From Chairperson to Councilor to College Representative.

I hope students start practicing this early on how to be responsible and thinking voters.

Here's what I do when I select who to vote for a position.

First, I ask what does the position entail? Does it require leadership skills? Does it involve project implementation? So on, so forth.

Second, I gather all the data I can get on the candidates gunning for that position. I line them up side by side. Pictures, Names, Credentials and most important, Platform of Government.

I try to remember if ever met the candidates and what were my impressions of them. Did they shake my hand, greet me with sincerity and explain his platform?

Then I absorb as much information as my brain can digest. I compare and weigh the candidates.

Who I think is best for the position, that's who I vote.

Now, it's been 4 years since I last voted in UP, but if I were to vote today, I would write THIRD BAGRO for USC Chairperson.

I know him to be a competent student leader. He was the Chairperson of the CSSP-SC when I was USC Chair, and that Council submitted to us the most comprehensive compilation report on the proposed new UP Charter. All departments of CSSP had their input.

Sure, he's my brod, but so is fellow USC Councilor Paolo Mapula, and I'm not gonna vote for the latter if given the chance because I don't see eye-to-eye with him in terms of program of action.

Yes, he's running under Alyansa, the party I ran under before, but that shouldn't be an issue because I've been out of campus politics since 2005. And I also have friends in Stand-UP and Kaisa.

What I'm trying to say is, we shouldn't base our vote on relation or filiation.

It should be principally based on competence.

Third, I think, is competent. So, I hope he wins this Tuesday.

Good luck, Third.

n.m.Y.l.

Lower caps ang 'n', 'm', and 'l' kasi I wanted to emphasis the 'Y', which stands for YOUTH.

I'm here in Cebu right now attending the 16th National Movement for Young Legislators Convention.

Coming from the useless PBMLP Convention held late last year in Manila, I was expecting a lot from the NMYL.

Siyempre, Youth Leaders mga to 'eh. I was expecting seminars, training modules and a chance to debate on issues. On a specific note, I wanted to discuss making a statement regarding the NBN-ZTE broadband scandal. Not to condemn the National Government, but to call on our congressional leaders to amend the procurement law. Clearly, there was a flaw in the system as it does not cover executive agreements.

Pero walang opportunity.

Instead, upon deplaning I was greeted with banners of "Youth Leaders" running for National positions. I was lead to a van with a huge poster of a candidate, sabay bigay ng flyer niya. The van's windshield said it was a free shuttle to the hotel, but I was feeling it was an indirect bribe.

When my colleague and I arrived in the hotel, I was greeted with over a dozen beautifull cebuano lasses in short shorts wearing a shirt of their sponsor candidate. Obviously, this was a strategy to get the votes of the male delegates.

I had to look at my invitation again to make sure I was at the right venue. I thought I was at an FHM/Maxim/UNO event.

All over the plenary hall were posters, banners and streamers of the candidates. Most of the campaign ads only had their faces, names and positions vying for. I looked at the back of one flyer to read his/her platform, there was none.

This was the National Movement for YOUNG Legislators Convention, right?

Then how come my colleagues were acting like OLD TRAPOS?

I couldn't stomach what was happening. The sexy girls were inviting us to the 'after dinner' parties of their respective sponsors. Man, more of the same treatment. Unbelievable.

We're suppose to be the new generation of government leaders. We are the new hope. And we are acting like this?

Wala na talagang pag-asa ang ating bayan kung ganyan din lang.

Naawa pa naman ako kasi madaming SK delegates and they were being sweet talked by their 'kuyas' and 'ates'. Eh ang bata pa naman, jung 15 or 16 ka lang, madaling ma-impluwensya. I could just 'sigh' in frustration.

Where are the seminars, the trainings, the open dialogues?

I saw one silver lining amongst the dark clouds. One female candidate (a Councilor of Quezon City) had a platform of government. Her campaign material featured her past achievements and her plans if elected. One of my concerns here in the NMYL is the sharing of best practices. and the only medium i know that could be effective was the creation of a website. This candidate had that as a platform, and she was serious about it because she created the website in advance. Meaning hindi siya empty promise. Type in 'NMYL' in google and you wouldn't find a website, so I know wala pa. But this candidate created www.nmylph.org and the website exists! Trial stage pa lang pero atleast meron.

So I will vote for this candidate. I hope she makes good with her promises and maintains the website.

As for the other candidates, if you're going to act like an OLD TRAPO, you don't deserve my vote.

Grow up. Be honest and responsible. Act fair and square. Be an example.

Be a true youth leader.

Wacky Products from a Japanese Discount store in Singapore

Here in Manila, we have Japanese Discount Stores in the malls. I think there's this one place where everything in it is P88.

Well, I went to Singapore recently and they, too, have their share of Japanese Discount Stores. This one in Vivo City Mall in Harbour Front, called Daiso, was a huge one. Everything inside it was sold at S$2.00 (or around P60).

There were a lot of weird, wacky and Japanese-zy products. Here are just some.


This one is an umbrella holder for the bicycle. Just in case it rains, you can just reach near the bike's handlebar and get your umbrella ready to protect you from getting wet. An alternative use would be when your jousting with a pedicab driver. This can be your Joust Stick holder.


This next one is a decorative product. If you want to beautify your kitchen sink, why not purchase this product. It'll turn any faucet into a tulip. Such a beautiful addition to your home. Satisfaction guaranteed.


Item Number 3 is a necklace with a reflector. In case you are walking along the highway late an night and there are no lamp posts nearby, this nifty little product will save you from being hit by a truck since its large reflector will warn sleepy drivers of your presence.


The next item if for the Mister. Tired of getting wet when the Mrs. tells you to wash the dishes? Well this waterproof arm cover will solve all your problems! Just insert in both arms as illustrated and you will have hassle free washing all the time!


And in case the Mrs. wants to wash the dishes herself, here is the 'patterned' arm cover. The same product, with the woman's touch.


And the top S$2 Product I discovered at the Daiso Japanese Discount Store is... a 2-set Portable Ashtray. Be a responsible citizen by keeping the city clean with this portable ashtray. Why throw your cigarette's ash on the sidewalk when you can dispose of them in this sleek looking portable ashtray.

sigh. You got to hand it to the Japanese, they think of everything

OMG, I'm friggin' too old for American Idol!

I've been watching Season 7's Top 24 the past couple of days and I noticed ang daming matatanda na kasama. There's Jason Yeager from Texas who's 28 years old already. And he has a son. Then there's Luke Menard (below) from Indiana who's 29 na. Tapos there's the Australian Michael Johns, who's also 29 years old.

Sabi ko, ang tatanda na ng mga 'to, pwede pa ba 'tong maging American Idol?

insert Long Pause here.

Look who's talking! Holy crap, trenta na pala ako! I'm older than any of the contestants in this years Top 24! Hindi ako makapaniwala. That would make me there... 'kuya'. ungh!

Holy crap!

Pero ang tatanda ng itsura nila. Iba mukhang tatay at nanay na. In fact, may mga tatay at nanay ng nga.

Anyhoo, old age aside, inabangan ko yung performance ni Ramiele Malubay, isang Fil-Am mula sa Miramar, Florida. I think she did good. very well, compared to the girls who sang before her.

Insert Ina Magenta's : "Magaling, magaling, magaling!"

I don't think she was the best singer-performer, but I think she's good enough to stay until the Top 12. I'm pretty sure she sings better than Jasmine Trias and Camille Velasco.

I hope she's allowed to sing an OPM song in the show.

Anyway, I'll continue watching this show since Amazing Race is done.

How do we solve a problem like Glo-ree-yah?

Right now, students from the universities are organizing this A.S.A.R. Campaign. It stands for Advocacy for Sustained Accountability and Reforms. In a nutshell, its calling on the president and her cabinet to come clean and take a leave of absence or resign. This is of course a result of the revelation of Joey De Venecia regarding the NBN-ZTE deal, supported by personal accounts of whistleblower Jun Lozada.

They're all calling for GMA to step down.

You know, I'm beginning to like President Arroyo less and less because of all these exposes, but I don't think anyone's resigning anytime soon.

I don't think President Arroyo feels the same way Erap felt 8 years ago, when he was removed by Edsa II.

May kulang pa eh.

The campaign lacks 'oomph.'

Perhaps its because, for me, no matter how big the irregularity is (to the tune of $130 Million), the deal did not push through.

It was scrapped just in time last year.

So there was no real exchange of money. In other words, hindi naman nawala yung $130 Million ng bayan.

And because of that, I believe hindi makaka-follow through etong renewed campaign to unseat Gloria.

Imagine if nagkaroon nga ng bayaran, at tsaka inexpose nila Joey at Jun. $130 Million in the pockets of Abalos, Neri, the First Gentleman, so on, so forth. Then the people will be outraged. Then the people will come out of their houses and sing in unison, "Patalsikin si Gloria! Gloria resign!" And I'm pretty sure, tanggal kaagad si GMA.

Pero gaya ng nasulat ko earlier, hindi natuloy yung kontrata. So President Arroyo can look the camera straight in the eye and say, "lets get back to work," without beating an eyelash.

But this is just my take on the situation. I've been wrong several times. And as they say, anything can happen.

Good luck to my friends in the ASAR Campaign!

Guilty Pleasures

or Secret Indulgences:

1. I think is a staple in everyone's guilty pleasures list, Googling myself.
2. Chili's Bottomless (Eat-All-You-Can) Tortillas and Salsa.
3. That 70's Show
4. Di' Marks Taco Pizza
5. Sabrett Spicy Jumbo Hotdog with Sauerkraut
6. Ref Magnets
7. How I Met Your Mother
8. Quantum Leap
9. Ponytails
10. Reading Ladies Confessions in FHM
11. Blogging
12. Receiving any kind of mail.
13. Pocari Sweat and Gatorade Propel
14. Sidewalk vendor green mango with bagoong alamang
15. Aveneto Burger
16. Window shopping
17. Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Donuts
18. Watching Korean movies
19. Judy Ann Santos - Piolo Pascual movies
20. Bea Alonzo - John Lloyd Cruz movies
21. Kristine Hermosa - Jericho Rosales movies
22. Hot, espesyal Ilocos empanada
23. Fresh from the oven, soft Pasuquin biscocho
24. Happy Slip video clips
25. Singing the Videoke
26. Journey's Without You
27. Cinderella's Bato sa Buhangin
28. Jeopardy
29. Postcards
30. Ria's red sauce pasta with green olives

Personal Bucket List

Inspired by the Morgan Freeman - Jack Nicholson movie.

1. I think is a staple in all bucket lists, Sky Dive.
2. Play in Wheel of Fortune
3. Compete in 1 vs 100
4. Play Game Ka Na Ba?
5. Play Kakasa ka ba sa Grade V?
6. Act in a movie one more time
7. Ride a Hot Air Balloon
8. Play in a Marching Band
9. Appear before the Supreme Court
10. Write a book
11. Visit Eastern Europe (Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic) with Ria
12. Go to Palawan
13. See Mount Mayon
14. Ride a Kayak in Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake
15. Visit Batanes
16. Meet and get an autograph of Bianca Gonzalez and Christine Gambito
17. Participate in the Amazing Race with Ria as my teammate
18. Ride a submarine
19. Bring my son to a Major League Baseball game
20. Interview my daughter's suitors
21. Have a picture taken at the Taj Majal
22. Visit the Pyramids in Egypt
23. Assist the doctor in the delivery of my 1st baby
24. Save a life
25. Study abroad

To be continued...

So, what's in your bucket list?

"Hon. Cong. Atty."

What's up with titles? I came across this waiting shed in Manila and I noticed the signage. It said it was the beautification project of "Hon. Cong. Atty." so and so. Natulala lang talaga ako. Di talaga pinalampasan ng congressperson yung 'titles' niya eh. Di na na-satisfy sa "Cong." o "Hon.", kelangan kumpeto. "Hon." na, "Cong." na rin, "Atty." pa!

If I remember right, the 1987 Philippine Constitution said that this country is a democratic and republican state. Sovereignty resides in the people (not in a person or a royal family).

Everyone was supposed to be equal, so much so that Sec. 31, Art. VI states that "No law granting a title of royalty or nobility shall be enacted."

Well, as you can all see, it appears people don't need laws to be bestowed with a title.

One just bestows it upon himself.

And people wonder why this country's in a mess.

Everyone wants to be king.

Thirteen Billion Five Hundred Million Pesos for internet

Although Mr. Jun Lozada presented no documentary or object evidence to prove his claims, his story is believable. Probably because he had more to lose than gain. He actually admitted to Senator Defensor-Santiago that he was into shady deals when he was President of the Philippine Forest Corporation. So dun palang, dedo na siya. Pwede siyang kasuhan ng graft ng Ombudsman.

Mr. Lozada implicated former COMELEC Chairman Ben Abalos in the ZTE-NBN Scandal. Allegedly, the latter was asking for a kickback worth $130 Million. Thats US Dollars, man! Thats 5 Billion Pesos! Abalos has, ofcourse, denied such allegation. Fine. Presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Lozada said that the original deal was $262 Million, but then Abalos asked for more daw. So, umabot ng $329 Million na. And from BOT Scheme, naging Government to Government Loan.

DOTC Secretary Mendoza belittled all of Lozada's claims. He said the BOT Scheme was limited to 30% coverage. He also said, with the G-to-G scheme, we will be able to pay the loan in 4 years time. Secretary further defended the $329 Million price tag as he said this was nationwide. He was really assertive that the $329 Million deal was regular.

$329 Million, sir, for broadband internet? Thats just way too much for ICT, sir! way too much.

13.5 Billion Pesos po yun, Mr. Secretary. In no way can you say that its a good deal. No friggin' way.

13.5 Billion Pesos for internet. No way.

But at the end of the day, si Lozada rin ang kawawa. The ZTE-NBN deal had already been cancelled by the President, so wala na. And all this yakkety-yak will just go to waste.

Story of our lives.

174-35-16

No, that's not my vital statistics (And even if, that would make me a size DDD).

Its what it came down to late last night, as the House of Representatives voted to declare the speakership open.

174 said yes, including LAKAS stalwarts.

35 said no.

16 abstained.

In the end, Jose De Venecia lost his seat as Speaker of the House. He was replaced by Davao City Congressman Prospero Nograles.

It was ironic, of all the people to vote no, speaker de venecia got support from the opposition. The people he went against in the past, stood up for him last night to maintain the status quo. Digs Dilangalen, Teddy Casino, Liza Maza and Satur Ocampo.

Perhaps not too ironic, because they knew exactly what was going on. This was a sham proceeding, orchestrated by the Arroyo sons.

Congressman Zamora said, 'Ginagago ba natin ang mga sarili natin.' He said this in the context of a lot of members saying they want 'change and reform.' Zamora said the vote is not about change, rather, it was about malacanang.

Furthrermore, Zamora said he found no reason why they would declare the speakership vacant. What did JDV do recently to merit such unseating? There was no reason.

Congressman Escudero even warned if they were really sure about what they were doing. Baka mamaya daw, after 3 months, magpapalit nanaman ng speaker. He told the incoming speaker to get a transcript of the proceedings so that he could read the sentiments of the neophyte congressmen.

Congressman Ledesma said he didn't get it. If we're for change, then we should declare all seats vacant. How can you say there will be change if the only one you'll replace is the head? He didn't get the logic and thats why he voted no.

I am a member of Lakas, and I was saddened that my partymates abandoned their leader at a time he needed them the most.

Don't get me wrong, I am not for blind loyalty. If a party stand is really against your beliefs, by all means, dissent. But that's exactly it, there should be something worth dissenting. Last night was not that something.

I really found no valid reason to unseat the speaker last night. Take away the ZTE-Arroyo scandal, the guy didn't do anything.

At the end of the day, after listening to all the congresspersons arguments, it wasn't about change or reform. It was about GMA OR JDV.

My dad summed it up. He said he was torn between lovers, 'coz both were his friends and boss.

He abstained.

I Feel For JDV

I'm watching him now on TV and listening to his speech, and I feel for the guy.

Here you are defending the Arroyos...no, no, no...protecting them even, just being a loyal soldier, and then huhulugin ka na lang ng ganyan?

For what? Dahil hindi mapigilan ni JDV ang anak niya sa pag-whistle blow on the ZTE deal?

I don't like Joey De Venecia. I don't like the manner of how he whistleblowed. And I think he's the wrong person to cry foul since he has a stake in it. But, don't take it out on the father.

Pasensya ka, nahuli ka eh. Panagutan mo yun.

Wag mo ilaglag ang isang tao naging tapat sa iyo.

And to replace him with whom?

Congressman Nograles?

I agree that JDV's not the best person to be speaker of the House. I think there are other more qualified people for the job.

But certainly not Congressman Nograles.

It's like replacing a banana with another banana. Its the same banana.

And a banana who's loyalty remains suspect.

I think if JDV is replaces as speaker, it would be the start of the downfall of the Arroyo administration.

Pagmapalitan si JDV, you can bet an impeachment complaint will be around the corner.

The coalition will be dismantled, and some would scramble to the minority. Makakakuha na sila ng 80. And then you have the senators hungry to impeach GMA.

And it's going to be all downhill from there.

So long P35-$1. Hello again P45-$1!

Another Day, Another Revelation

During a public hearing this morning, I found out that some people are taking advantage of an old provincial government imposition to the detriment of the capitol.

The rent at the Ilocano Heroes Hall.

This is a government building owned and operated by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte. It is a 4 storey structure housing offices of government agencies, cooperatives and other businesses. DOT, COMELEC, Bureau of Treasury, INEC, DILG, NCIP are a few of the government offices leasing office space there.

The rent is low. In the 1st floor, rent is at PhP100/sq.m. In the 2nd floor, it is at Php75/sq.m. Maliit lang. Pero okay lang to. This is not the controversy.

In the middle, there is an auditorium. Imagine the Atrium building in Makati. Those corp lawyers based in Makati would know this since andun yung BIR. Anyway, parang ganun yung design sa building namin dito sa Laoag.

Now we rent out that space. For concerts, graduations and other programs. We charge them mga PhP1,500/day. Mura to considering its around 800 sq.m.

In the old revenue code, we allow its use for commercial purposes. and we charge just PhP3,000/day. That's PhP3.75/sq.m.

You know how people take advantage?

They rent it out at 3,000. Then they organize a tiangge wherein they could fit around 100 concessionaires. And they charge them PhP500/day.

PhP500 x 100 = PhP50,000!

They make a 47,000 profit per day!

And they rent out the auditorium for one month. So they earn a gross of 1.5 Million.

The province gets a measly 90,000.

yung 3,000/day na yun, kasama na yung electricity at paggamit nila ng restrooms ha.

SOBRANG LUGI ng Capitol.

HINDI NA TO PWEDE. Not on my watch.

I proposed to change the rate. instead of flat out 3,000/day for the whole 800 sq. m., I am suggesting we impose a rental of 100/sq.m. So, a 2x2 stall would pay 400 a day to the capitol.

PhP400 x 100 locators = PhP40,000 TO THE CAPITOL!

The Tiangge organizer can still make a profit. sa 500 na fee niya, minus 400 that goes to us, may 100 pa siya.

PhP100 x 100 locators = PhP10,000 to the organizer per day. Okay na yun, no!

Anyhoo, the important thing is that the Capitol earns income. This way we can provide better services to the general public.

That's why yung mga assets namin, dapat kumita. hindi malugi.

The Exit Plan

Last Saturday, I accompanied Ria to the birthday celebration of her officemate, Reyna, in Paranaque. The usual thing, kainan, kwentuhan and magic sing. After about two hours, Ria and I asked to be excused and said our good byes.

Yesterday, Ria told me that Reyna and her family were amused with our exit because I seemed to be an expert on it. I ate, did a little chit-chat, sang a song, greeted the birthday celebrant and said good bye, all in one single motion. Bihasang bihasa na daw ako sa pagiging politiko.

Hehehe.

Not really.

This exit plan of mine can be traced back way before I became bokal. In 2001 to be exact. Right after I was initiated in Upsilon. You see, the junior brods are the workhorses of the fraternity. They are the ones ordered by the senior brods to do this, do that. They are also expected to attend all the functions and activities of the frat. And if you attend, the juniors should be the last to leave the venue.

This is where my 'exit' was born. Since the activities lasted until the wee hours of the morning, and I had work in Congress at 8am the next day, I really couldn't stay til the end. What I'd do is show myself to the Most Illustrious Fellow (MIF)and to the Officers; engage in a little chitchat with them; and 'participate' a little in the discussion or activity. Then when the time was right (meaning, immediately after the main activity), I would sneek up to the MIF to apologize about leaving. Valid naman yung reason ko kasi I was a working student.

And the exit plan came into being.

As the years went by, the exit plan evolved. For instance, when I became a senior brod, I would just do a 'french' exit. I actually don't know the etymology of the term, but it's whey you just slip out of the function. I would only whisper good bye to the brod next to me, pretend I'd go to the CR or get something from the car, then leave.

When I became bokal, I adopted this practice. I'm sure all of you know programs and fiestas in the province reach til as late as 2 or 3 in the morning. They are soooo long. And if you want to make good use of the morning the next day, you'd really have to slip out in the middle of the program. I stay until after I give my speech. In fact, I have already incorporated in my speech the part where I say I have to leave right after. Nagpapaalam naman ako ng mabuti.

Kaya siguro nung birthday party ni Reyna, nakapaggreet ako ng happy birthday at nakapagpaalam na ako at the same time while singing Journey's Without You. Na-perfect ko na ang exit strategy ko.

The exit plan. bow,

Overkill naman tong sina Papa Piolo at Sam

Ria and I were channel surfing the other day and we stopped on the live telecast of The Buzz. One of the 'Exclusibong Exclusibo' of Manay Boy Abunda was the court hearing of Piolo and Sam's case against Tita Lolit Solis over this gay holding hands thing.

The report said that the couple... er... I mean the pair... uhm... what I was thinking was the two brought with them an entourage of 14 witnesses.

FOURTEEN!!

Overkill naman yan. Every lawyer knows you can't examine 14 witnesses in one hearing. Minsan nga di makabuo ng 1. Half a witness nga lang eh. Isang direct examination, tapos next hearing na yung cross.

Show of Force na eklavu.

Mga artista talaga... dapat palaging bongga ang entrada.

So let me get this straight, Kapumilya...

Let me get my facts straight:

ABS comes out with fantastic ads declaring them No. 1 according to AC Nielsen (NIELSEN). This goes on for several years.

Meanwhile, as early as 2002, GMA filed a case against ABS for manipulating the survey results by influencing the respondents (visiting their homes, etc.)

2002, mind you.

Then came 2007, and this case went public. How it became public, I'm not sure. The only I remember is that ABS starts coming out with announcements (on TV) lambasting GMA. This time, ABS is the one accusing GMA of tampering with the NIELSEN survey.

Now instead of settling this quietly, or at least in court, these two media giants go after each other on the air wave like there's no tomorrow.

ABS comes out with station announcements. So does GMA.

ABS reports it on its evening news. GMA will do the same.

ABS fires back on radio. Dido GMA.

ABS prints its clarification on the major dailies. GMA defends itself also in print.

This is getting silly, guys. It's embarassing. Really.

Whatever happened to Journalism Etiquette. Are ethics in media dead?

I mean, if you have something against another journalist take it up to court. Or go for arbitration or mediation or something.

Don't abuse the privilege given to you and attack your adversary on the tv and radio. Its ungentlemanly behavior.

Now, the latest thing I heard was Kapuso would like to deal with this matter in court (like I said, a case was filed as early as 2002) and would like to avoid trading barbs on air. The only thing is, they will continue to defend via tv and radio as long as Kapamilya attacks them via tv and radio.

So, I guess the ball's with Kapamilya.

Please, guys, stop what you're doing. yes, you're media giants, but that doesn't give you license to use media to exploit an issue.

Settle this in Court. Just outside our view.

'coz frankly, we're not interested

unintentional discovery

And yet again, without me doing any intentional investigation, I stumbled into another 'irregular' practice in government.

(I am purposely being vague right now to protect myself from any possible incrimination in the future.)

Anyhoo, I was just being myself when I asked about 'it' on the floor, during session. Nobody knew the answer, so I reserved to raise it the next time.

So, two days before the next session, I called up the office of the Chair of the committee in charge and advised them to do their research because I was going to bring up the issue on the coming monday.

In less than 30 minutes I got a phone call from a high-ranking local official asking me if I could not raise the subject during session because it is his (or her) project.

?

I was speechless. I didn't know I was stepping on someone's foot. I was just being myself. Friends in highschool, college and law school would attest to the fact that I am simply an inquisitive person (except that time when Atty. Leonen told me to count to 5 before raising my hand).

Anyway, come monday time, out of respect of my manong (or manang), I kept quiet. I didn't want to ruffle any feathers at this point of my term, especially since there have been many unresolved killings in the province. I didn't want to be number __.

My question is, why does every activity or project here have to be connected to a public official. I can't launch an investigation or inquiry without me being called by Mr. so-and-so to slow down or to turn away. It's ridiculous.

And wala silang pinapalampasan. Every possible thing na pwede pagkakitaan, pagkakakitaan nila.

It's true, maliit nga sweldo naming mga public officials, but that doesn't give us the license to make a quick buck at the expense of the tax-paying public. If you want to get rich, go back to the private sector or work abroad.

Which is what I am planning to do after my 3 year term. Give up na kasi ako na mababawi ko pa yung ginastos ko nung election eh. Di ako makaipon-ipon dito.

Para makapundar for my family, I would have to transfer back to the private sector. Then, pag-yumaman na ako, I could probably go back to public service.

Meanwhile, hinay-hinay muna ako sa SP. Kahit kasi di ko sinasadya nadadapa ako sa mga anomalya sa gobyerno.

LM Boys at Texas Roadhouse

We graduated from college March of 2000. It has almost been 8 years. Wow! How fast time flies.

Here we are in Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Bonifacio High Street for our annual get-together. Clockwise from top-left:

Von works for Job1Global.com, a job-marketing company, and is at the same time into other business ventures.

Allan is taking his LLM studies in Beijing, China, and is on-leave from Sycip Law Firm.

Jove is a Court Attorney at the Office of Supreme Court Justice Conchita Nazario.

Kris is a Provincial Board Member of Ilocos Norte.

Abel is a Senior Associate of the Britanico, Sarmiento and Franco Law Offices.

We've come a long way.

Sigh.

It's nice to see my batchmates, once in a while. They were good friends then. And they're good friends now.

Star City's Snow World

Last January 1, Ria and I both wanted to do something special, it being the 1st day of the year. We decided to go to Star City and check out the SNOW WORLD attraction.

Big mistake. I'm not sure if it was because it was New Year, but there were a lot of people. And I mean A LOT. Pagdating namin sa may Snow World, we saw a long line. So, we traced it. My gulay, ang haba. Umabot ng Little Mermaid Ride (which was very far) at nag-Snake pa. If I had anything better to do, I would have told Ria to come at another time. But I had nothing else to do. Besides, we met up with my nieces and grandniece,and they were there. So, naki-pila kami. We were there at 9pm. We got to the front at 11pm. TWO HOURS of waiting in line! The longest wait ever!

I was preparing to be dissappointed. I told myself, this must be a crappy attraction. I was even thinking of not wearing the provided jackets 'coz I thought I could take the temperature. Sabi ko pa nga sa sarili ko, 'di siguro ganun kalamig, baka parang aircon lang.'

Buti na lang sinuot ko. Malamig nga.

The sign said negative 15 degrees.

ganun nga. Dahil nangatog buto ko sa lamig.

Once in, the first thing you'd see are the ice sculptures. Now there's a big sign that says, 'NO CAMERA IS ALLOWED.' So I didn't use my Cybershot. But I still took pictures. The Hell, I waited 2 hours in line and I can't even take a picture?! Are you kidding me?

So of snap away I did, with my K750i. 2 megapixel lang, pero that's better than memories. I took pictures of my nieces and grandneices. They took shots of us.

As you proceed you will see a slide. So, siyempre, para sulit yung 100, trinay namin. Keep your hands to yourself, otherwise, maputol daliri mo sa ice.

Later, nag-picture uli kami sa tapat ng Christmas Tree at igloo. Nag-snow ng malakas kaya di kita grandniece ko sa igloo. Sayang.

I've only seen fallen snow (in Reno and Lake Tahoe), so I'm not sure if the 'snow' that fell was really what it'd look like. Pero parang grated ice lang yun eh.

Anyhoo, I wanted to stay longer, para sulit yung inintay ko na 2 hours, pero baka mag-frostbite na si little Miah, so we left after 10 minutes.

So is it worth it? If you'd like to experience extreme cold and see falling grated ice, why not?

Sulit yun sa 100 pesos. If you do decide to go, do so in the early afternoon.

I am boycotting MMFF 2007

Every Christmas season, for the past 8 years or so, I make it a point to watch at least 1 entry of the Metro Manila Film Festival. I think it started with watching Jose Rizal, which starred Cesar Montano, in 1998. It was the first pinoy film that I thought was up to par with Hollywood movies. And then in 1999, Star Cinema came out with Muro Ami, another thought provoking film. Tapos Deathrow in 2000. Fantastic performances from Eddie Garcia and Cogie Domingo. Montano came back in 2001 with Bagong Buwan. In 2002, I watched Dekada '70 and Mano Po. In 2003, I remember watching Crying Ladies and Mano Po 2. In 2004 naman, I watched Mano Po 3 and Aishite Imasu 1941. In 2005, pinanuod ko yung Pinoy/Blonde. Then in 2006, I caught Blue Moon, Kasal Kasali Kasalo and Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah. These were pretty much good films.

Granted, not all MMFF entries are worth the watch (i.e. Lastikman, Pedro Penduko, Agimat, Enteng Kabisote, you get my drift), AT LEAST may isa na maganda every year.

Not this year. Ni isa wala.

That's why I'm sitting it out.

Di ko feel ang Bahay Kubo (a pinoy mano po). Can we please stop referring to Mano Po. I mean, you're beating a dead horse, man.

And then there's Enteng Kabisote 4. I watched one film of this series, and after hearing Alice Dixon's "...taga-lupa, Hmmmm!!!" for the 8th time within the first 10 minutes, I knew it was a crappy movie. I swore never to watch Enteng again. I can't believe this is a yearly top-grosser.

Katas ng Saudi? Jinggoy Estrada. I rest my case.

Sakal Sakali Saklolo. Ria and I didn't like the storyline of the first Ryan-JudyAnn team last year, so di kami naganahan panuodin to this year.

Shake Rattle and Roll 9. Is it just me or do most films this year rehash old formulas. SRR Part 9? C'mon, guys, talo niyo pa yung Friday the 13th franchise. A man-eating Christmas tree? Are you serious?

Finally, there's Resiklo. Was really tempted to watch this movie because of the teaser ads and Sen. Revilla's declaration that all stops were made to make this movie win the best visual effects category, but I remembered he said the same thing 3 years ago with Exodus and that was a dud. So, it's a no.

And then there was none.

I must say, I was really dissappointed with this year's entries. Wala man lang nag-tackle ng current events or history. sigh. How can we revive an industry that does not want catch up with the times. I mean, movie-goers are a lot more discerning now. We want quality films.

I guess, iintayin ko na lang si Will Smith at si Nicolas Cage.

Til next year!

Thank you 2007! Hello 2008!

2007 was a very fruitful year for me, my family and my loved ones. It was the year when Ria passed the bar. My father won as congressman. I got a seat in the provincial board. And Ria and I finally got engaged (after 7 years!).

Had a lot of blessings, and I am truly grateful for them. Maraming salamat, Lord.

Now for the semi-serious stuff. 2008. As a citizen and resident of this great archipelago, here is my short wishlist for the Philippines:

1. I hope that all of us elected officials look at ourselves in the mirror and come to realize that we are not princes or princesses, lords or dames, dukes or duchesses, to be worshiped by our constituents, but PUBLIC SERVANTS who work for the people. And as a start, we should all drop the title, HON., and stick with plain and simple, MR. or MS. Do you know we're the only ones who put a premium on being elected into office? For goodness sake, after the elections, we're all just employees, man! Pare-pareho lang tayong nagtatrabaho.

I really think one of the several causes of corruption stems out of the wrong belief that public officials are 'higher' than the common tao. Kasi pag-tingin mo talaga na royalty ka, feeling mo kelangan mayaman ka din. Well, something like that. Mahirap i-explain in a few words, but I hope you get my drift.

2. I hope that all of us criticize government only if we truly believe we are DOING OUR PART to uplift the country. Pay our taxes. Follow Traffic rules. Don't be hypocrites, man! Read "12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country" by Alexander Lacson, and start following them.

Hindi lang kasi parati na lang si Gloria ang may kasalanan ng lahat ng poblema natin. Hindi parati ang kongreso, o ang mayor o ang gobyerno ang puno't dulo ng krisis. NASA ATIN din kasi.

Blame those responsible, yes. But do your part as well.

I can only echo what JFK said over 40 years ago: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

3. Finally, I hope that the Church stops meddling with politics, since there is suppose to be a separation between Church and State.

For example, if they don't favor contraceptives, fine. Tell that to your followers. Preach that during Sundays. No problem. If because of that, all catholics don't use condoms, well, then good. But don't interfere when government chooses to have a reproductive health program. Don't blackmail our policymakers by threatening them on election day, they're just their jobs. If it conflicts with Church teachings, blackmail is not the proper solution. Be more aggressive in your sermons during mass.

Madami pa akong ibang wishes for the country pero I need to go to another pakain. As you know, Christmas celebration in the Philippines doesn't end until the Feast of the Three Kings.

Happy New Year everybody!