Saturday, December 5, 2009

Trillanes --- Look Who's Talking?!?

I have just read an article from Inquirer online:

http://politics.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&article=20091204-240117

Now, they're talking... Most especially Trillanes --- look who's talking?! What has he contributed to improve this country? Oh, I know... staging 2 coup attempts! Creating chaos and giving paranoia to the innocent people inside those hotels!

Regarding the Ampatuans, what did the past administrations do with their private armies? NONE. It's easier said than done. I agree, this administration is partly at fault. However, although I don't like PGMA, she is not the only one to be blamed. Also, how could you blame Gibo Teodoro who had only served for 2 years as the Defense Secretary? He isn't a superhero. You're expecting a miracle. Think before you open your mouth!

Evil doesn't grow overnight. These private armies have been in existence for the longest time and yet people only point their fingers to the present administration. Aren't the past leaders guilty of the same thing, too? Just because this tragedy happened only now, I don't think that the past administrations are absolved from the same liability. Truth be told, the Ampatuans have been cuddled for DECADES and now we experienced their wrath!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Noynoy Aquino's Campaign Music Video

Honestly, I love the concept of this music video. Who wouldn't given the all-star cast and the dramatic execution? However, I would have appreciated it more if it was done for Ninoy's death anniv or for the EDSA 1's anniv. It's not quite appealing to me knowing that the real purpose of it is to campaign for Noynoy. Also, the Piso for Noynoy drive doesn't make any sense after watching this. Monetarily speaking, he has ALL the big stars to back him up. Well, maybe next time it would be much better if they could put up an ad focusing on Noynoy's own strengths and capabilities instead of showcasing his parents' legacy. ;)

Nevertheless, NINOY AQUINO will live in my heart forever! Truly, NAG-IISA lang s'ya. :)

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Feedback on ANC's Forum (Local Government Champions Face-to-Face with Four Presidentiables: Oct. 6)

EDITORIAL: Not ready for the Presidency
The Daily Tribune
October 8, 2009

Going by the forum meeting between a group of local executives four presidential aspirants, the answers Sen. Noynoy Aquino, the Liberal Party presidential bet, gave the local executives showed clearly that he just isn’t ready for the presidency, and worse, he does not appear to have any understanding of how government works or shouldn’t work, under a system of laws.

The answers he gave to the questions raised by the local executives were much too vague and indirect, offering nothing substantive, probably because he has no position on these issues in the first place or he is plain clueless.

He kept on going about democracy and people power in virtually every answer he gave, two issues which are not the issues at this time, but as he was still evidently following the campaign spiels taken by his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, including the "walang alam" bit which is better than having an experienced one that is corrupt, which criticism had been leveled against his mother, he continues to tread this path, which will hardly resonate with the voters, just as it did not resonate with the local officials present in that forum.

But it has been noted for sometime that Noynoy Aquino, even in media interviews, is always vague and never directly answers the questions and at times, even his answers are off tangent. Mar Roxas has also been noted to "save" the day for Noynoy by explaining what Noynoy meant to say.

Another thing going against Noynoy, no matter what his yellow supporters say, is that he can’t seem to make any decision unless and until he gets his four sisters — and their husbands apparently — to agree on a decision to be made.

Even when he holds "unity meetings" with other opposition bets, the sisters and their husbands are always present. Can’t he make a decision on his own and make a firm stand on issues? Is his presidency going to be a presidency of five Aquino siblings?

What is, however, surprising is the ignorance of Aquino in local government issues, which should have been right up his alley, given the fact that Aquino is the chairman of the local governments committee.

It was apparent that Noynoy, as chairman, never studied his lessons, nor for that matter, has he even called some kind of hearing — even now, with the disaster and the unpreparedness of MalacaƱang and the local government officials in addressing the needs of the typhoon victims, today being questioned by the public.

All Aquino said, by way of answers to the questions posed by the local governments, was that this and that have to studied first.

A bigger mistake he made was telling the local government executives that he wouldn’t, as president, be giving funds to the local government units that do not perform. But hey, such funds, meaning the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) fund is a must, as the law says the local government executives get 40 percent as IRA. To withhold it is unlawful and not to provide any funds to a non-performing LGU even when it is needed is unconscionable.

Outside of that, no specifics were given, no concrete examples were given on how he, as well as the other presidential bets, will go about their presidency in reforming the system, mainly because they really have no idea on how to bring about reforms, given their varied backgrounds.

If truth be told, none of the presidential aspirants invited to speak at the forum were impressive in their answers, but as all politicians do, they all mouthed motherhood statements, and from the faces of the audience, it was evident that the local officials were hardly impressed by the four presidentiables, with some looking much too bored.

As one former local executive put it, "If all that the candidate can tell us is that he will study it, we’ve been through that already. He has to say and do something good for us and the country."

Noynoy just lost a golden opportunity for him to prove to the nation that he is prepared for the presidency.

He just proved that he isn’t and won’t ever be.


About that job interview forum for President
SHOOTING STRAIGHT
By Bobit S. Avila (The Philippine Star)
Updated October 10, 2009 12:00 AM

Last Tuesday morning we watched on ANC the forum in AIM in Makati City with four presidentiables dubbed the 100 Local Government Champions face-to-face with the four presidentiables – Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr., Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, and Sen. Manny Villar. They said this was more of a job interview for the presidency as the people in the forum who were asking the questions where officials of local government units (LGUs) from all over the country.

Call it timely that we also attended the “Understanding Choices Forum on Genuine Leadership and Good Governance: How Shall We Lead the Philippines in 2010” at the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation’s (RAFI) Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADS) last Wednesday, and indeed, it was a great way of getting the criteria done in order to choose who should be the next president of this ailing nation.

The first presidentiable was Defense Secretary Teodoro who answered the question about peace in Mindanao. He pointed out that no one can claim to have a solution to the problems in Mindanao because the problems in Sulu are different from those in Compostela Valley or those in Maguindanao. Obviously, Gibo knows what he’s talking about.

He also pointed out correctly that one way for peace to move forward is for the government to disarm the armed groups roaming around Mindanao for various reasons. I have for so long written about this fact… that armed groups even proudly show their weapons on nationwide TV that only proves that there is a double standard in the application or enforcement of gun laws in this country. Defense Secretary Teodoro also stated that the military has been successful in neutralizing these armed groups… but the major problem is we cannot hold the territory for long. This is very true!

He added that we have only 120,000 men and women in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and another 130,000 in the Philippine National Police (PNP) despite our internal security problems, while Thailand, which has only a single internal threat in the south, has 300,000 men in arms, while Malaysia, which has no internal problems, has 130,000 military men. As I’ve always said, we can boost this number instantly by resurrecting the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC), the cheapest way to recruit the youth.

On the controversial Reproductive Health Bill, Secretary Teodoro had this to say, “Population management is a necessary thing… the RH Bill minus certain punitive provisions may work… but I’m totally against abortion! Religious organizations have a very important role, but not through the state, but through the conscience of the people.” On the issue of Charter change, Gibo was very emphatic that there will be a constitutional convention (con-con) if he is elected president. This is something that brings hope to the rest of the country, more so that we are now seeing that Metro Manila, despite having the biggest slice of the nation’s revenues, cannot even fix itself due to tropical storm “Ondoy,” and federalism might just be the key to give full autonomy to the LGUs.

As for Sen. Manny Villar, he apparently believes that we don’t need a new system of governance… all we need is good leadership. This runs counter to my belief that even with good leadership, which we already had before during the terms of Tita Cory and President FVR, this nation still hasn’t moved forward. So what can we expect under a Sen. Manny Villar presidency… same as usual?

Among the four presidentiables, Sen. Escudero had the best charisma. He is young, talented and knows the issues very well. However, he failed to realize that some of the LGU officials asked their questions in English because they really cannot understand Tagalog. If he listens to good advice as he said he would, then if he is asked a question in English, he must learn to answer it in English, not in his monotone Tagalog.

Last to be interviewed was Sen. Aquino and when asked about Charter change, he replied: “We need to go into a national debate on whether this is what the people want.” He emphasized that his government will be a government of consultation. Perhaps Sen. Noynoy should be told that natural-born leaders take the bull by its horns and lead the people because they know what is good for the people.

If our Lord Jesus Christ consulted his Apostles and threw the question to them on whether he should die on the cross, I’m sure that the Apostles would have voted for him not to sacrifice his life and die on the cross. It’s not too late for Noynoy to change his attitude or approach and be a true leader. This is the first time that the four presidentiables have squared off; if they meet again, we can be more definite as to who we should elect as president.

Friday, October 9, 2009

The Green Team

I'd rather support an unpopular candidate who is competent and has his own visions for our country than someone who is just popular and overrated due to his parents' legacy.

After a long time of being undecided, I have just joined the Green Team (Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro for 2010). I just hope and pray that he won't fail us.

If you like to join us also, just click on the image below or visit http://www.gibo.ph/.

September 26, 2009 - The Wrath of Typhoon Ondoy

*Video courtesy of YouTube member, mcfly1151985

Friday, September 18, 2009

Noynoy Aquino for President?!

I had been a follower of Cory Aquino and of whoever she endorsed. However, after Cory's apology to Erap and Noynoy's alliance with that same person (Noynoy was endorsed by Erap in the GO: Genuine Opposition --- there was even a photo of Erap raising the hand of Noynoy --- what an eyesore!), my admiration for the two of them has slowly faded and now, I'm afraid it's gone. Nonetheless, my respect still goes to our former President Cory Aquino for the mere fact that she was able to restore democracy in our country.

I have always regarded Ninoy Aquino as somebody of high morals and I will always remain as a Ninoy Aquino believer. However, his son, Noynoy has failed me. As a person, I believe he is good also (no doubt about that) but as a public servant/politician, I could not extend the same courtesy that I have extended to his father. How can Noynoy justify his alliance with a very corrupt and a morally-devoid individual (Erap)? How can you fight the present administration's evil system when you are also associated with a convicted plunderer? It's very disgusting to see an Aquino befriending such a lowlife; all for the sake of political convenience! In my opinion, that's an un-Aquino trait. He gained Erap's supporters but he eventually lost some of Aquino believers as a consequence... and that includes my family.

Nasaan ang delicadeza? Nasaan ang prinsipyo? Paano ko rerespetuhin ang isang taong kaya rin palang kumain nang naisuka na? Higit sa lahat, paano ko papanigan ang isang taong kaya rin palang mabaluktot ang prinsipyo basta't umaayon sa kanyang pampulitika na interes?

Noynoy Aquino for President?! Of course, he has a big chance of winning. Why not? After all, AQUINO s'ya. AQUINO lang kasi s'ya. Pero kung sa kakayanan at prinsipyo ng namayapa n'yang ama, WALA s'yang namana! Bulok din pala ang paninindigan n'ya tulad ng ibang pulitiko. TRAPO.

Kawawang Pilipinas. Wala nang mapili kundi ang "the least evil of them all (?)" but not necessarily the best one that can lead and govern our country.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

My Choy's Cuts - HP You on You Project Entry

Hello, friends! Just like to ask a little favor from you. I sent an entry to the HP You on You Project on YouTube. I just need your support so that I could be included kahit sa Top 100 lang sana. Mahirap maging finalist, sobrang magagaling ang mga kalaban. Sadly, it's quite late for me to know about this contest. Nevertheless, I still tried kahit medyo hapit na sa oras.

Here are the ways to vote (you must have a YouTube account, registration is FREE):

Please go to >>>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekA5d4TSuaw >>> click on the stars rating and leave a comment

AND

Please go to >>>
http://www.youtube.com/hp >>> "View + Vote" >>> "Community Award" >>> to see my entry on the contest page itself, on the Search tab (upper right hand corner) please type "choyzee" >>> click on the the one with the PC Monitor image (My Choy's Cuts version two point one, a.k.a. My Choy's Cuts final version) >>> vote thumbs up or down (if it's not too much to ask, please vote thumbs up, hehehe...). :)))

Thank you very much for your time and support! Mwaaah! :-*

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Ako Mismo!

Ninoy and Cory are gone... I just wish that Filipinos won't easily forget what they had done for our country. Let's be reminded of the lessons of our own history.

Sa darating na eleksiyon, AKO MISMO ay boboto ng tama, naayon sa aking konsensya, sa aking prinsipyo at sa mata ng Diyos... Hindi madadaan sa pagandahan o pagwapuhan. Hindi madadaan sa matatamis na salita ng pagtatalumpati. Hindi madadaan sa popularidad at sa ka-alyado ng mga sikat. At lalong hinding-hindi madadaan sa pera! Tama na, sobra na ang mga TRAPO! Huwag nang isubo ang mga isinuka na at ang mga matagal nang dapat naisuka!

Let's prove that the Filipino is REALLY worth dying for.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Finally, After Six Years... The Wait Is Over!

Hmmm... Friends, calm down. I'm not talking about me getting married already. Besides, it's not six years for us... it's... it's... too long to mention. :P

Anyway, I'm referring to Whitney Houston's (great?) album comeback after six years of non-sense career. Just like with Michael Jackson's, I've been waiting for this for a long time. I just hope that she'll be able to really regain her lost glory.

I was able to listen to her carrier single, "I Look To You" and I must say that the lyrics & music are not bad at all. It's not as powerful as her old trademark repertoire but it's still good. Listen to it on her official website:

http://www.whitneyhouston.com/

Monday, June 29, 2009

My Tribute Video to the King of Pop!

This is my simple tribute to the one and the only "King of Pop", Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson will always be part of my childhood memories. "Ben" was the very first song that I learned to sing when I was still a child. His iconic dance moves will always be replicated but will never be equalled. His very untimely passing has put a great loss in the music industry and has left a big hole in the hearts of his countless adoring fans, including me.

With so much fame, comes so much pain... MJ had his ups and downs but he will always remain the incomparable "King of Pop" not only of his generation but of all time!

My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Rest in peace, Michael...

Monday, May 18, 2009

We Are One

This is one of my favorite choral songs. This was recorded during our rehearsals at the EDSA Shrine for Father Peter Thoai's Farewell Mass which was held on May 9.




MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Ms. Julie Garcia

SOPRANOS:
Chinn Kalingo
Cezua Pangilinan

ALTOS:
Puri Espeleta
Choy Zablan

TENORS:
Ramil Angeles
Ricky Cabico
Toper Torres
Bong Vibar

BASSES:
Edwin Estrada
Lhance Lim
Armand Ruiz

Our Very Funny Vocalization Exercise!

This is the other side of Ars Cantica Ensemble. Please bear with us... most especially with the one orchestrating this vocalization exercise. :)

"Ang ipis,
Naipit sa pinto,
Nakita ni Pedro,
Piping-pipi...
Patay!"

Optional: Change P's of "Piping-pipi" and "Patay" to F. :D

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Danny Gokey... A Vocal Master-Class!

Danny Gokey is my most favorite American Idol contestant. He's been my bet since the beginning of his audition. Now that he's left the competition already, I've made a special video montage for him to relive his journey in American Idol.
The journey continues...
You'll go the distance...
The best is yet to come!

One doesn't need to win a title just to be triumphant.

This is for you, Danny!

God bless... :)