After 2 Years, Justice Still Evades Cris Mendez

Today marks the 2nd Death Anniversary of Cris Mendez. Last year I wrote about how we remembered the death of a good student, and a friend and classmate to many, Cris Anthony Mendez.

2 years have passed, and the students of the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) still demand justice for their friend Cris Mendez, who died in an alleged fraternity related hazing.

Earlier today, black ribbons were given to students to remember Cris' passing. NCPAG Student Council and the NCPAG organizations lit candles, and had a small program for him. Up until now, his friends and family are fighting for justice, which still remains to be elusive.

Citizen Participation - Starbucks Dialogues

Event: Citizen Participation @ the Dialogues
What: Informational Meeting
Host: Dialogues @ Starbucks
Start Time: Friday, September 11 at 5:30pm
End Time: Friday, September 11 at 6:30pm
Where: Starbucks UP Ayala Land Technohub

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=124264040764&mid=fdc04cG1dfb4ed1G273ffeaG7

Handa ka na ba sa 2010?

Kaya Natin Official Statement of Support for Gov. Ed Panlilio on the Pampanga Recount

The other day, Kaya Natin! had a press conference at Max's Restaurant in the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Harvey invited me to join them. I give my full support and praises to Governor Panlilio and join them in calling for a prudent and transparent move on the recount filed. Councilor Banal of Quezon City read the Kaya Natin! statement below.

We, the leaders of Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, express our support to Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio as the Commission on Elections is holding the recount of the votes during the 2007 gubernatorial elections.

We stand by Gov. Panlilio during this time and we believe that such a recount is unnecessary especially given that the governor’s term will end in less than a year. We believe that Gov. Panlilio rightfully won in the 2007 Elections without resorting to unlawful means.

We appeal to the COMELEC to recount the votes prudently and honestly as befitting a democratic institution, and not to be swayed by either party to tamper with the ballots in order to tilt the results in their favor.

We urge the public, especially the Kapampangans, to maintain the sanctity of the ballot, guard their votes and be vigilant for any signs of bribery or corruption while the recount is going on. We also appeal to them to continue to support Gov. Panlilio’s crusade against graft and corruption in Pampanga and in the Philippines.

Signed,

Hon. Jesse Robredo, Mayor, Naga City
Hon. Teddy Baguilat, Jr., Governor, Ifugao
Hon. Grace Padaca, Governor, Isabela
Hon. Sonia Lorenzo, Mayor, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
Hon. Florante Gerdan, Mayor, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya
Hon. Fermin Mabulo, Mayor, San Fernando, Camarines Sur
Hon. Roque Verzosa Jr., Mayor, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur
Hon. Valente Yap, Vice-Mayor, Bindoy, Negros Oriental
Hon. Mary Jane Ortega, Fmr. Mayor, San Fernando City, La Union
Hon. Gloria Congco, Fmr. Mayor, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija
Hon. Jorge Banal, Councilor, Quezon City
Hon. Mabel Sunga-Acosta, Councilor, Davao City
Hon. Neric Acosta, Fmr Congressman, Bukidnon
Hon. Teofisto Guingona III, Congressman, Bukidnon

Powerbooks GREAT SALE!

I was supposed to watch a movie, but seeing the long queue, I opted out and decided to stroll around the mall instead. This brought me to Power Books, where a lot of people were digging for books all around. I then knew that they had up to 80% off sale from August 1 to 31 in selected Powerbooks outlet.

I was so lucky to have dropped by. The 80& off books weren't that interesting (for me) though prices can go as low as 60? 70? pesos. I was more interested on the 70% off books. After more than an hour of rummaging through the books I got 2 (though I would want to grab 3-4 more, if my wallet permitted me to do so earlier.



I got Muhammad Yunus' "Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism," which was originally priced at Php 1229, now at Php 368.70; and Massimo L Salvadori's "Progress: Can We Do Without It?," which was originally priced at Php 855, now at Php 256.50.



I didn't know that when you buy any of the items at 70% off, you get a free book on the 80% off discounted of the same price or lower as that of the 70% off discounted item. In the end, I was happy to have purchased new books, but also, quite unpleasant that I spent all my money on books, that I wasn't able to go with the PLURKada on the Plurkfiesta in YingYing. Maybe next time...

Queen City of the South, Cebu City

After 3 days and 2 nights in Bantayan and Virgin Island, Nico and I went back to Cebu City and met up for lunch with Mica, Byahilo, Aaron, Xiena and Cebu blogger Sinjin. We ate at Abuhan Dos, where they serve Abuhan Pochero, the best beef stew in Cebu that is said to be a Bulalo-like dish.

Other restaurants I have eaten while I was in Cebu besides in Abuhan were Golden Cowrie, CnT Lechon (roasted pig), Mooon Cafe. Despite these "food-trips", I am sure that there are a lot more restaurants to try. This gives me more reasons to come back.



I got to experience the famous Sky Experience Adventure or the Edge Coaster of the Crown Regency Hotel; visited the Sto Nino Church, where one can find the famous Magellan's Cross and the Sto. Nino; and went to the Cebu Cathedral. I strolled on the oldest street in the Philippines - Colon, named after explorer Christopher Columbus, and played on the Cebu Provincial Capitol grounds.

I got introduced to Cebu bloggers Sinjin and Doyzkie, and met my blockmate's bestfriend Mariz. My city trip was short (in fact, crammed overnight) but I can say it was fun-filled and fulfilling. I enjoyed every bit of it!







I'll be back in September, Cebu, watch out! Otap, here I come! :)

Photos by Sinjin, thanks!

Sa Araw ng Dilaw - Ignite the Yellow Spark!

To commemorate the 26th Anniversary of the assassination of Ninoy Aquino and to honor the memory of President Cory Aquino, the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation is declaring August 21, 2009 as “Araw ng Dilaw”. This Friday, every freedom-loving Filipino is urged to wear something yellow.

We ask everyone to light a candle as a way of keeping the spirit of Ninoy and Cory alive and of reciprocating their love for the Filipino people. Motorists are likewise encouraged to turn on their hazard lights from 6pm to 7pm as a sign that the Yellow Spark has been ignited in their hearts.

On August 21, 2009, Make Ninoy and Cory’s spirit of sacrifice live within you.

Sa Araw ng Dilaw,
Wear something yellow!
Light a yellow candle,
or tie a yellow ribbon.
Remember Ninoy,
and Cory's love
for the Filipinos

And if you’re on the road,
on that day,
keep the flame of
Ninoy and Cory burning!

Switch on your hazard lights,
from 6pm to 7pm,
and spread the country’s
Yellow Spark
far and wide.

Ignite the Ninoy and Cory in you.
Ignite the country’s Yellow Spark!

Brain Food for LAE

Barbie got me to register for the Word of the Day at Merriam-Webster Online as one of our preparations for the upcoming UP Law Aptitude Exam (LAE) this November 22, 2009.

Since then, I'm receiving words that I'm sure will help me someday. But for now, our brains will only work if there is intake of real food, so here, enjoy some food photos of what I ate during the week (or last week):

The French Baker

The Chicken Salad Croissant, chunky chicken salad with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber on a freshly-baked croissant, served with potato chips.

Saisaki Buffet

Priced at P455 and P555 during promo days, VAT inclusive, Saisaki (in Megamall) proves to be one of those restaurants which never runs out of customers. Saisaki is operated by Triple V Corporation which also operates Dads (Western cuisine) and Kamayan (Filipino cuisine). Thank you Mommy K! :)

Figaro Coffee

The Dory Provencal (Php 199), a pan-fried cream dory fish-fillet infused in zesty Provencal sauce. This meal comes with a pasta of your choice (Arrabbiata, Al Tonno, Carbonara, Classic Chorizo and Pesto), Green Salad and a choice of 12oz. Iced Tea or 12oz. Iced Coffee.

I think that after this, I should live an abstemious lifestyle, huh?

Photos taken using a Sony Ericsson W760i

Bantayan Island, Cebu

It was my first time in Cebu; my second instance to ride an airplane. We landed in Mactan-Cebu International Airport last Friday, and headed straight to Bantayan Island. From the airport we rode a taxi to North Bus Terminal. From there, we rode a bus to Hagnaya port, then a RORO (Island Shipping) to Sta. Fe pier in Bantayan. It was an estimated 4-5 hours from Manila to Bantayan, with all of those transfers.




In Bantayan, we stayed in Sta. Fe beach club. From the pier, you can already see Sta. Fe, a 5 minute drive away.



While in Bantayan, you should try D'Jungle, the best restaurant in the island. They serve buffet, which boasts of a variety of tasty seafood to crispy pata to differnt kinds of grilled dishes, from Friday to Sunday for only 249 pesos. It comes with a refillable iced tea.

You might also want to go on a day trip to Virgin Island, a private island, where you can snorkel and rest for the day for an entrance fee of 300 pesos. Renting a boat from Sta Fe. for the whole day costs 1,800, inclusive of your lunch while on the island, and your snorkeling gear.

Paint UP Diliman Yellow!

I was on the Philcoa Jeep going inside UP when I noticed that every tree has a yellow ribbon on it. It was magical.

The UP School of Economics Student Council asked its students to observe "Yellow Tuesday" - to wear yellow for Former President Cory Aquino. The day before last Tuesday, I made a viral message in the internet and to my social networks asking everyone to paint UP Diliman yellow , by wearing anything yellow or a yellow ribbon on them. I said in my message, "UP DILIMAN: Padilawin ang UP bukas! Wear YELLOW shirts, or yellow ribbon. Para kay Pangulong Cory! Pls Pass."

I wasn't sure people would do it. Next day came, although we didn't paint the whole of UP yellow, a lot of the students wore yellow or had ribbons on them. We got everyone's attention, and that's what matters.

*I will post my final post on Volunteerism and Cory Aquino experience when I return from Visayas.

Carlo Ople's "Jamby Madrigal Defiles Cory Aquino Memorial Service"

This post is from newmedia.com.ph of Carlo Ople. I reposted this wholly taking from his note "To all bloggers out there, please re-post. Let’s get the word out."

----------

My good friend sent me an e-mail with a blog post from a Facebook user named Happy Feraren. While she was waiting for President Cory Aquino’s cortege, she and her Mom decided to buy a yellow umbrella. They were then given a yellow beaded bracelet afterwards for free. However, when they looked closer at the bracelet, it had the picture of Senator Jamby Madrigal, who recently declared her intention to run for the Presidency in 2010. Senator Madrigal, with all due respect, I think you’ve crossed the line with your politicking. Giving away campaign materials during the memorial service of former President Aquino is just foul and disrespectful. Here’s a picture of the supposed Jamby Madrigal Bracelet:

Full quote of the narration of Happy after the break.

Shame on your Jamby Madrigal by Happy Feraren

Now that we’ve remembered, relived and recreated the spirit of ’86 let’s make sure this yellow ribbon doesn’t get tangled up in other people’s political campaigns.

Subtle electioneering IN A FUNERAL?!?! SHAME ON YOU. Do not ride on Cory’s wave to pursue your vested interest. The people who waited in the streets weren’t there to see you! The revolution doesn’t belong to you, phony politician, it belongs to the people. And what makes you think you could get away with such a dirty trick? Cory’s lasting impression of sincerity, humility and honesty is now the benchmark of what leaders are supposed to be. You think people don’t see through you? The respect we have for Cory is not something you acquire with falsity (or through endorsement from Judy Ann Santos) it is earned. How dare you pose as someone offering sympathy to the Aquino family while you think about the votes you’re going to get come election time.

As I waited for the cortege (news networks’ new favourite word) along the South Super Highway, my mom and I bought 2 yellow umbrellas from this street vendor who was also selling nuts. And then as we paid, he pulled out something from his pocket – a yellow beaded bracelet nicely packed in a small clear plastic bag. Upon handing it over to us, he said: “Eto o, bonus para sa inyo.”Of course my mom and I were pleased and were all “awww how sweet.”Until I actually looked at the bracelet and saw a little tag with the name and photo of Jamby Madrigal.

I called out to him and asked, “O bakit may Jamby Madrigal itong bracelet na ito” and when I looked at the vendor for an answer he had already walked away.

Maybe an hour before this incident, I saw her car passing by the growing sea of people. Window open, flashing the L sign and strangely enough, a cameraman in front filming the people. My mom started shouting “Transparencyyyy!” and then I looked at her asking if I could put up my middle finger and my mom looked at me and said I should just shout transparency, accountability or good governance. In other words “BOOOOOOOO!!!!” And then the two of us just started shouting BOO JAMBY!!!

I am utterly disgusted by you, Ms.Madrigal. And to you other filthy politicians, behave yourselves because we are all watching you, even if you’re supposedly Cory’s “favorite” mayor. Genuine democracy is People Power and everything Ninoy and Cory stood for. It also means that now, whenever there’s a phony claiming he or she is there to protect Cory’s legacy, we will be able to speak up and act with the same fearless fervour we had before.

You know sometimes I wish I could march in the government offices with a magical broom that can sweep away all the dirty politicians we have in this country. A giant clean up, but this time not just for the environment but for our government. Haha, imagine if we could really do that? I’m already writing down the names of the people I’d attack first with my magic walis!

So, before you file for candidacy (a bit too late though in this case) think again. Actually, good luck! The people have remembered.

Taken from Facebook Notes

---------

Source: Go to Jamby Madrigal Defiles Cory Aquino Memorial Service for the whole story.

Cory Aquino's Last Day in La Salle Green Hills

I got some volunteers and brought them to the wake of President Aquino in LSGH the other day. It was a very nice experience, although I must admit very tiring also. I am not complaining. We draw strength from President Aquino herself, who didn't grew tired defending the Philippines from all angles, from people who want to destroy its institutions from left to right. We draw strength from hundreds and thousands of people who tirelessly fall in line for hours just to see the body of the former President.

Trying to offer whatever it is you can to someone who you only dream to have met when she was alive is all worth it, I can say. All the sufferings she took can't match anything I know of. This little act of sacrificing my time and skills is a way of saying thank you. On behalf of the Filipino youth of my generation, thank you for restoring democracy; thank you for being a moral voice amidst all these politics and mess in government; thank you for who you are and what you have done for the Philippines.

At the end of the day, you think about yourself, and how will you end up in the future. As much as you imagine to have something like this, you continue to understand that no one could be at par with a great Filipino personality such as that of Cory Aquino.

The stub above are the color-coded stubs to be given to people so that they may control and create order for the Necrological mass before she's finally laid to rest.


Photo by Tin Sanchez
Today, they transfered President Aquino from LSGH Gym to the Manila Cathedral. What they expected to be a 45 minute drive became more than 4 hours for them because of the sea of people that flooded the route of the convoy. In many aspects, the crowd was likened with the Funeral march of Ninoy Aquino, which happened more than 20 years ago.

The Hero and the Heroine

Photo grabbed from Lorenz

Arroyo's Interview with Maria Bartiromo of CNBC New York

We all heard about the "historical" trip of PGMA, as the first South-East Asian leader to meet US President Obama. That meeting, I shall leave out of this post. Instead, a day after that meeting, we all know also that an international icon of democracy, President Corazon C. Aquino, passed away.

While this was all happening, people can't help but ask what steps would Arroyo take in all of these? Through a video, she sent her condolences, and issued 10 days of mourning. Later on she declared Aug 5 as a special non-working holiday for Aquino's burial. But in spite of that, people are asking "So, what's keeping her from taking the next plane trip back to the Philippines?"

They say that a Presidential adviser who's close to the Aquino family is advising the President to honor all her commitments instead of taking the next flight back. Is it because of the fear of an unpopular president being gobbled by a very popular Filipino citizen? You decide.

Apparently, she took that advise, but made a spin in the media that she's coming home immediately, this Aug 5, and is scheduled to attemd the last day of President Aquino's burial at the Manila Cathedral. Now, the question is that how will the Aquino's and the people receive GMA? Will she even push through? We'll see.

In that period when Aquino died to now, she did this interview with CNBC about the Philippines, and issues in and around our country; so without further ado, here it is (you judge).

P.S. BPO and Tourism aren't really sustainable means to drive our economy, so why, Mrs. President, are you so proud and boast them internationally. Isip-isip ko, baka pinagtatawanan tayo ng buong mundo, sadly. :( IMHO, we should shift to national industrialization.

In Praise of Cory Aquino by Anwar Ibrahim

IN PRAISE OF CORY AQUINO

"Cory Aquino’s life proved that one woman’s heroic response to adversity can transform a tribulation into a national triumph"

By Anwar Ibrahim
August 1, 2009
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

In assessing every notable figure of history, a vexing question arises: to what extent did greatness inhere in the person, and to what degree was it a product of the situation?

If great persons have their starts, as Gandhi said he did, it is often because a national or world crisis favors greatness.

Corazon Aquino’s rise to historical fame was much like John Kennedy’s ascension to soldierly bravery. “They sank my boat,” said Kennedy responding to the question of how he became a wartime hero.

“They killed my husband,” one imagines Cory Aquino would have said had she been asked how a homemaker became the first female President of the Republic of the Philippines.

If her husband Benigno Aquino personified Filipino courage in the face of oppression, as Jamie Cardinal Sin famously eulogized Ninoy at his funeral, Cory Aquino exemplified every surviving victim’s desire for redemption of a cause momentarily ground into dust by brute force.

Against what she felicitously described as the “guns, goons and gold” of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Cory Aquino rallied the forces to change the seemingly hopeless destiny of the Filipino masses under the initially bright but soon-to-be blighted Marcos presidency.

Just as her husband could have preferred the sterile comforts of exile to the savage threats to his physical safety upon his return home, likewise Cory could have retired from her slain husband’s cause and let the cup of destiny pass into the hands of another presumptive leader.

She didn’t let the cup pass. Instead she raised her murdered husband’s fallen banner, and after a two-and-a-half year struggle, hoisted it victoriously at the Malacanang Palace.

Thus she earned the undying gratitude of the Filipino people for returning their country to the ideals of its founding liberator, Jose Rizal, whom history recognizes as Asia’s first fighter for constitutional government by consent of the governed.

Cory Aquino’s struggle for and success at fortifying constitutional democracy in the Philippines was one of the signal battles in the last quarter of the 20th century. Oppressed masses in Asia, nay the world, touched their forelocks in gratitude to her for the inspiring example of her courage in the face of adversity.

The Malaysian people have a special reason to view her as an iconic figure. Their striving for a return of their country to the dispensation entrusted to it by its founding constitution mirrors hers and Ninoy’s successful struggle to return the Filipino nation to the promise of Rizal’s legacy.

My family, especially my wife Azizah, has a more intimate reason to be grateful to her for the generosity of her support during the years of my incarceration. Cory treated my wife and children as family, exemplifying the solidarity of all hearts that thirst for justice.

Azizah will convey in person the grief felt by Malaysians, particularly members of the party she leads, Keadilan, for the inspiration of her life’s achievement and the solicitude she showed us in our hour of acute need.

Our gratitude for her support knows no bounds; likewise our grief at her passing.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (14 months ago) found at Day Life.

Cory Aquino's funeral, August 5: Special Non-working Holiday

Cory’s funeral, Aug 5, a special non-working holiday
-- http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/02/09/cory%E2%80%99s-funeral-aug-5-special-non-working-holiday

-abs-cbnNEWS.com | 08/02/2009 8:04 AM

President Cory Aquino's wake at La Salle Greenhills

I just came from Makati, supposedly on my way home, when I received a text. Nico Martin forwarded a text from Paolo Rieza, my batchmate in NCPAG and IamNinoy-UPD head, asking if KAISA can volunteer for the wake of President Aquino in La Salle Green Hills. Without thinking, I immediately went down Ortigas, and walked to LSGH. I entered, and volunteered to do whatever work they needed done. It didn't matter that I was alone, or what they asked me to do, all I wanted was to help in any way I can.

It was solemn and very peaceful inside. The line from the gate to the gym came in a steady never ending stream of people, paying their last repects to an international icon of democracy.


Just a while ago, Francis Aquino-Dee, grandson of President Cory Aquino, wrote in his blog and addressed all those who have "offered and continue to offer their prayers and support for the late president Corazon C. Aquino, and the Aquino Family."

"The generosity each one of you has extended and continues to extend to our family has touched us more deeply than you may know. Words fail to express our gratitude for all of your support and patience. While my Lola was always and will always be a member of our family, we also realize that as a true public servant, she belongs to you just as much as she does to us. Thus, the pain that some of you might feel at her loss may equal or even surpass the pain we in the family feel now, which is why the patience you have extended our family for our privacy, is all the more appreciated. Now, as one people, let us mourn for the loss of a truly wonderful woman, but while we grieve, I pray that we may also be able to celebrate, celebrate the extraordinary life she lived and celebrate the peace she now feels as she finally joins our Father in Heaven.

The story of Cory Aquino is one that began long before her birth, and will no doubt continue long after her passing. It is the story of mankind's continuous struggle against the evils of poverty, violence, and oppression. Her life is but a chapter in this story, one about how a simple unassuming woman was able to battle these evils for as long as she could, but as a chapter allows a story to progress from start to finish, so did her life allow each one of us to progress towards her story's, our story's, happy ending."

Pandayang Lino Brocka Film Festival

The University Student Council, through the Peoples' Struggles Committee, brings to you a FREE FILM SHOWING: The 1st Pandayang Lino Brocka Film Festival, August 5-6, 2009
UP Cine Adarna and UP Main Theater

Tudla Productions in cooperation with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, University of the Philippines Film Institute, Asia Pacific College, Courage Partylist, the University of the Philippines Diliman University Student Council People’s Struggles Committee and the Quezon City Times News present:

+Former President Corazon C. Aquino (1933-2009)

Former Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino passed away 03:18am today. Cory Aquino, the icon of democracy and courage in the Phiippines, united the Filipino nation in the struggle to rebuild our institutions after the ouster of Dictator Ferdinand Marcos. The death of this simple and Godly woman made news in both local and international media. Tonyo Cruz does a Media Roundup: Former President Corazon Aquino dies.


PGMA shares her message on the death of Former President Corazon C. Aquino; declares 10 days of national mourning.



Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.