The Governance Pin

The University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance, headed by its project manager Nico Martin, recently launched the NCPAG Pin, selling at Php 100 each. Part of the funds will go to the Mga Munting Kawan Orphanage. You can contact him at 09175331890 if you want to order, or drop me a message here.

Barbie's Surprise Kiddie Birthday Party

December 04 - Barbie's Birthday! The day before, Nico Martin planned a surprise kiddie birthday party for the barbie girl, rather "Barbie Kaye." But before that, it was all drama from the moment he contacted me (he didn't know how to reach me because I lost my globe phone number), to our supposed thesis group meeting, how to distract Barbie (oh by bringing her to Eastwood, buying stuff like 1 kilo of rice which costs 80+ pesos?, etc.), and finally bringing her to her supposed NCPAG Student Council meeting in McDo Katips, where she was already half and hour late (and they have a fine per minute late for the meeting). SURPRISE! :) Oh, the surprise of the night are Ronald McDonald and Grimace. They remind me of my 1 year-old Mcdo birthday party (as if I remember what happened).

P.S. This was supposed to be a long post, but I decided to delete all the other details, and stick to the bigger picture :)

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.

Reports on DAR cheif's son, Mayor Nasser Pangandaman's Assult on Father & Son at Valley Golf & Country Club Antipolo

Since Bambee, daughter of Delfin De La Paz, had blogged about the alleged mauling incident of the Department of Agrarian Reform cheif's son, Lanao del Sur Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr., and his armed bodyguards last Friday at the Valley Golf & Country Club in Antipolo over golfing etiquette, a lot of bloggers sympathized and joined in to alert the public and call for justice for the family.



My former teacher Beverly Natividad wrote about the incident over at Inquirer.net, and in today's Inquirer bulletin.



Senator Pia Cayetano has read about the incident on Tita Noemi's blog, and hopefully everyone gets to know about this mess too!



In the UP National College of Public Administration, Dean Alex Brillantes has always told us that while studying Public Administration, the government and its systems, it's essential that we see these disparities and irregularities, and question them.



He said it's okay to get frustrated, to get angry, and mad about it. But in the end, we must translate that anger into something positive, something action-oriented, something that would change that inequality.



In this case, this alleged remorseless and unstatesmanlike actions of the Mayor and the inaction of a cabinet official must be dealt with severely if proven so. Hold the people responsible accountable for their actions or inactions!



Updates of Bambee on her blog. With the Pangandamans not taking accountability, and this incident obviously lacking transparency, I am 100% certain that more and more bloggers and sympathizers will continue to post, and repost a thing or two about this.



UPDATE: Secretary Pangandaman's side of the story as reported by Inquirer.net.



Animals beware!



Links I got from Ade Magnaye's blog, and others:

• The World has Gone Crazy by Bambee de la Paz
• Updates and Thank Yous by Bambee de la Paz
• Repost of Bambee’s post at Filipino Voices
• Impunity and Golf By Caffeine Sparks
• Golf, Guns, & Goons : Philippine Golf Horror Story by Joel Chua
• Politicians Beat Up Defenseless Dad, 56, and Son, 14, Over Golf by Shari
• Mayor of Lanao Del Sur Mauls Father and Son by Village Idiot Savant
• DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman and Son maul 56-year-old Golfer and 14-year old Kid by Neil Es2pido
• Irony to a Tee by Marck
• Mayor Beats Up 56 Year Old Man and 14 Year Old Boy by BA Racoma
• DAR Chief and Mayor of Masiu City Maul Helpless Dad and 14 yr old Son by Jepoy Bengero
• Politicians are the WORST. Stay away from them by Jen
• Entitlement by Ia Lucero
• A Dampener on the Season by Jonas Diego
• These Bastards Have To Pay by Gerry Alanguilan
• Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. (son of DAR Chief) in Mauling Golfers in Antipolo by Dine Racoma
• Crazy Politicians! by Lalaine
• When A Family Golf Game Turns Ugly by Dementia
• He Who Had Too Much Sense of Entitlement by Tess Termulo
• Mayor, You’ve Been A Bad Boy! by Mark Bravo
• Nasser Pangandaman Jr., mayor of Masiu, Lanao Del Sur: Golf Attack by Reyna Elena
• Of Thuggery and Courtesy Resignations by Ding G. Gagelonia
• Politicians Maul Father & Son Over Golf by Regnard Raquedan
• Philippine Mayor Beats Up Helpless Old Man Over Golf by Flisha
• Asshole Politicians Beat Up Father and Son Over Golf by Mad Cow Blues
• Potpourri II: The widening gyre by Ephemere
• Mayor Pangandaman Beats Up 56 year old man and his 14 year old son by Karla Redor
• We haven’t really gone anywhere by Alex Maximo
• Masui Mayor beats up 56-yr-old man and 14-yr-old boy - another reason to oppose term extensions, no elections and Cha-Cha by Jhay Rocas
• The “DVD” Side Of Philippine Politics by Feisty Momma
• The Golf Incident: The Trouble with Mirrors by Juned
• Ang Kapangahasan ng isang Pulitiko ngayong Kapaskuhan by Fjordan Allego
• Mayor and Bodyguards beat up 56 year-old man and 14 year old boy over GOLF by the_bumper_car
• Golfing with the Pangandaman…can hurt… by lyn
• Bully Foolitician Nasser Pangandaman Jr. by Pedestrian Observer
• A Mindanaoan’s point of view on The Valley Golf Antipolo Controversy by Yolynne
• PANGANDAMNYOU: will GMA force Sec. Nasser Pangandaman to RESIGN? by Spanky
• Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. mauls golfers while father/Cabinet secretary just looks on by Tonyo Cruz
• Philippines: Uproar over mauling by mayor/son of Cabinet secretary by Global Voices
• Do Not Underestimate a Blogger: Bloggers Buzz Against the Injustice of a Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. by cmaotaku
• Impunity by Manuel Quezon III
• With Great Power Comes Great IRresponsibility? by Jane Uymatiao
• Of Golf, the Internet and Elites by Butch
• Pangandaman and son display bad behavior by Arpee
• DAR chief’s son, 5 bodyguards face charges for alleged mauling of 2 golfers by Pres. Mau of Dateline Cotabato
• Nasser Pangandaman Jr.: The Warlord of Masiu by Carlos Conde of PinoyPress.net
• Blog entry take your time to read this. these politicos need a REFORM. by xkeldax
• Two politicians beat up a defenseless 56-year-old father and his 14-year-old son. At a golf course. (repost of Bambee’s post) by Azrael
• Coming Up for Air…and Bored by Jester-in-Exile
• A Mauling Mayor from Lanao del Sur by PolitEkon
• From Bambi dela Paz’s Blog - First hand account of the Slugfest at the Golf Course (Repost) by Toots Ople
• A Good Round Spoiled by Dr. M. Bautista
• This is why our country will be forever poor. by themiserablehumorist
• A Mayor on a Mad Rampage as Father Looks On by Ricelander
• Abusive Politicians in the Philippines by Mithril Knight
• On arrogance: This world *is* crazy, Bambee. We just have to fight the craziness the best we can and hope that we kick its ass. by arc
• Arroyo’s peace adviser merely watched his son’s mauling spree by Ellen Tordesillas
• Pangandamans Charge with Mauling Golver and his Teenage Son by Barako Brew
• Politicians, kings of the world??? by Jim Caro
• Public servant power by Mon Casiple
• Character and Abuse of Power by Cong. Ruffy Biazon
• Scandalizing the Suffering: The Pangandaman-Dela Paz Melee by Ding G. Gagelonia
• Another case of abusive government officials by The Struggling Blogger
• Pangandaman golf brawl by Menard
• How NOT To Play ‘Spin Doctor’ on Blogs [The Pangandaman Golf-Mauling Incident] by Jozzua
• Power and Humanity by Nick
• Valley Golf Guards Report: Pangandaman Security Men Drew Guns on Dela Pazes by midfield

Technorati Tags: bong, superbong, brian ong, nasser pangandaman, valleygolfantipolo, unstatesmanlike actions, DAR cheifs son, secretary pangandaman, cabinet member and son, mauling incident in antipolo, injustice to people, delfin de la paz, bambee de la paz, senator pia cayetano, philippines and beyond, dean alex brillantes, national college of public administration and governance, Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to ALL of you! :)

The Lantern Parade - an annual pre-Christmas celebration of the UP System (UP Diliman) to usher in the Christmas break, and celebrate each others' company this holiday season.


Spot the not so difficult to spot me.

Oh there you go.


To all my friends, the Blogosphere, Xavier and UP Community, HS and College Teachers and Friends, 4B, CSA, BFFL, blogger friends, and to all of you readers, I just want to greet you all a Merry Happy Christmas! :)



For the past few weeks in school and in the previous months this year, we have been finishing academic requirements and other stuff that we may have. There have been a lot of activities, and a lot of events. I just felt that these group of people have been leading and trying their best in bringing in the best for everyone for my second home, CSA. So I thank them a lot for everything that they have done, and I hope for the best for all of us next year. Love you guys! ^^

But for more, as a bonus, a gift to all of you, here are my favorite Christmas themed videos you might want to enjoy as well. Let's start with something happy and serene, then followed by a KABOOM, then let's end with a KA-BLAST! ;)









Oh yeah, don't forget about the Havaianas Online Contest, where you can win a limited edition leisure towel!


Thanks to Joseph Cheng and Mark Wu for some of the photos, and to Fr. Art and Harris Dy for the videos.









Technorati Tags: bong, superbong, brian ong, up lantern parade, lantern parade, 2008 up lantern parade, centennial lantern parade, philippine festivities, 2008 UP Centennial Lantern Parade, up academic oval, university of the philippines, university of the philippines lantern parade, up csa flags, chinese student association, christmas in the philippines, philippine festivities, 2008 UP Centennial Lantern Parade, up academic oval, university of the philippines, university of the philippines lantern parade, philippines best, best in asia, christmas in the philippines, payday loans, philippines and beyond, the philippines and beyond, happy tree friends, happy tree friends christmas, juana change, juana change christmas offering, fr. art borja, jesuit video, christmas greetings, online contest

UP Lantern Parade 2008 Route Map

The UP Lantern Parade Route Map for your convenience. It will start 4pm. See you guys there!










Technorati Tags: bong, superbong, brian ong, up lantern parade, lantern parade, 2008 up lantern parade, centennial lantern parade, philippine festivities, 2008 UP Centennial Lantern Parade, up academic oval, university of the philippines, university of the philippines lantern parade, philippines best, best in asia, christmas in the philippines

Leader's Forum: Dialogue on Federalism with Senator Sharon Carstairs and Senator Aquilino Pimentel

The Office of Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr., together with the UP Pagdumala, and the Center for Local and Regional Governance brought to the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance Dialogues on Federalism: Leaders' Forum, with guest speaker Senator Sharon Carstairs from Canada, and Senator Aquilino Pimentel himself. Also in attendance were Senator Pia Cayetano, Congressman Antonio Cuenco and Congresswoman Faysah Dumarpa, among others.

Dean Alex B. Brillantes, Jr., of the UP NCPAG, welcomed and introduced everyone to the Leaders' Forum. After his speech, Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. introduced the guest speaker to the audience.

Basically the main topic presented, discussed and enlightened by Senator Carstairs were the Trends and Challenges for Federalism, how it was for the Canadians, and their experiences and dealings in their own country.

Senator Carstairs was able to briefly and concisely retold the history of Canada, and how Federalism came about in their region - its evolution, major political milestones to the current issues and trends of Federalism in Canada. She also told us about their financial, educational, health, and other sectors and how it interplays in the Canadian system.

For me, she clearly painted a picture of how Canada came to progress with their system. Despite the flaws and intricacies of Canadian Federalism (Yes, they do have problems too, like the Philippines), for me, it's ultimately about learning about these structures, and seeing if it will or will not, if it will help or will not improve our own system.

As Senator Pia Cayetano said, it's important that we initiate these dialogues and debates in order for everyone to be challenged and think about how it will or will not affect us in the end.

Jester, on the other hand, was able to record the whole lecture, and the question and answer portion which came right after the lecture. Go and see for yourself what Senator Carstairs and the Canadian experience has for us. Enjoy! :)

Remembering Cris Anthony Mendez

Today marks the 1st Death Anniversary of Cris Mendez. The National College of Public Administration and Governance students, faculty, staff, and friends, celebrated the Holy Eucharist earlier in the NCPAG Atrium to remember the still unresolved injustice done to Cris, and to hope and pray that his case will see light.

"It was one year ago today when a mother lost her child, when iskos and iskas lost a friend, when a university lost one of its hope for the nation, and when we lost our fellow iskolar para sa bayan." -- lifted from the statement issued by Alyansa

Beyond death, there must be justice.
Beyond justice, there must be peace.

In the latter part of the service, SC Chair Sabalburo recited a poem, which serves as a memory and a promise for Cris.

Outrage

The doves still cry whenever they call out your name.
Your face -- plastered all over the walls, everywhere
With your smile etched on each poster
Yet, all we recall are bruises
And a maimed body that caused your death -- and fame?

A year's passed but what's the use?
Your soul still laments the injustice that's been done you.
Your body rotten, our spirits broken
Your murderers, your future brother walk undaunted
With little thought of justice and being righteous.

We here remain - some friends, most strangers - steadfast and pray,
That blind Justice open her eyes and smite your villains with her sword.
We shout with angry voices, and sing a deathly tune
That speaks of our outrage at this pervading violence.
Fear not, sing it out, our music will make them quake.

UP's Centennial

Last June 18, 2008 marked the 100th Birthday of the University of the Philippines. Celebrations were supposed to start 05:30 a.m., with the Photo-Op of the 100 Oblation poses; but unfortunately, it was canceled due to reasons unspecified. Instead, it officially started 08:00am at the Oblation Plaza, where every department, college and student were represented.

But before the official start of everything, it kicked off with the Parada Patungong Oblation Plaza (Parade going to the Oblation Plaza) with the U.P. Constituents, GHQ and QC Bands around the Academic Oval. Basically the bands, while playing, fetched all the contingents waiting around the Academic Oval.

After everyone arrived at the Oblation Plaza, we started with the singing of the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, which was led by the bands and the choirs present. (U.P. Symphonic Band, GHQ Band, QC Band, U.P. Cherubim and Seraphim, U.P. Staff Chorale and Dean Ramon Acoymo)

Right after the national anthem, we sang the U.P. Naming Mahal (U.P. school song), which followed by the singing of Happy Birthday U.P. (to the tune of "Happy Birthday to You") after.

President Emerlinda Roman gave a speech after, on the balcony of the Quezon Hall. Being on top of everyone and commanding everyone's attention is the most amazing way to deliver a speech, really. Nearing the end of her speech, she pulled off a "text" joke, saying that the text message/ announcement coming from the higher ups was late/ just arrived. Everyone was shouting and really ecstatic at that moment.

She later announced that as per approval of the Department of Budget and Management and signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the centennial bonus of 20,000 pesos will be released to the UP workers. She instructed all accounting offices to process the pay already. Everyone was jumping, very happy with that news.

After the speech, the newly elected officials of the University Student Council were sworn into office.

After that, President Emerlinda Roman, and other U.P. officials led the launch and the unveiling of the new U.P. Centennial Stamps.

Almost everyone was holding red/maroon and green balloons for the synchronized release of the balloons at the end of the event at the Oblation Plaza. The emcee counted from 1 to 20. After he said 20, everyone bid goodbye (and of course, wished for good fortune and a good year also) and released their balloons to the skies.

I bought a set of the U.P. stamps for my collection (watch out for the centennial stamps post later). Everyone headed to Vinzons Hall for some food and refreshments, and the launch of the Vinzons Hall, as a more student-centric establishment.

UP National College of Public Administration and Governance

More Photos at 100 Photos in UP's 100th

My First Week

First week in U.P. has been very tiring for me. I have met all my professors already, and I think I will enjoy them except for some few who I think will make me sleep? But in any case I am very eager to tackle all my subjects, and hopefully, get high marks after.

One thing is for sure, the first week was hellish. It was my first time to have a 5:30-7:00pm class, and I just commute going home. That's not good, at all. It's really, really, really bad! o.o

After 4 straight days of classes, I just feel tired, and I just want to crash on my bed, and sleep for more than 10 hours. But even if I really want to do that, I have other responsibilities to attend to, which wouldn't permit me to do so.

Moreover, I have a pile of readings I have to finish for next week. Specifically, I have almost 3 inches of PA 141 - Public Policy class - to read and make a 5 page summary of, plus a 10 slides PowerPoint presentation of the important, most significant points in those readings.

To make it much worse, I had a hard time digging through tons and tons of books and papers in the library to get those readings, and the librarian was a little bit too (hmm) unpleasant/nasty today. I thank Reg because she was so patient and diligent in getting the assigned readings. :)

P.S. I'm now poor because of all these papers I have to photocopy!!!

P.P.S. I hate that this practice kills all those trees! I wonder how many trees per day does NCPAG kill because of photocopying requirements. o.O?

Elections

Nakagugulat na pagpasok mo pa lang sa college ng NCPAG, lahat ng tao'y bumabati sayo ng "hi Brian", "hello", "kamusta?", at kung anu-ano pa.

Ay, aba siyemre at oo nga naman, dadatal sa iyo na, "eleksyon na nga pala." At iyon nga kung bakit ako pumunta ng UP ngayong Wednesday, para sa CEB meeting. :))

So we extended the deadline of filing of COCs until 6:30pm today for Undergraduate and Graduate students. (Fair, para wala nang masabi..ok?) And we'll deliberate tomorrow morning regarding the candidates. We'll be releasing the official not yet final list by 8:30? 9:00? am.

Other dates to remember:

Feb. 21 (Thurs - 4pm) Deadline: Filing of Protest against Candidates
Feb. 22 (Fri - 12nn) Release of Final Official List of Candidates
Feb. 22 - Mar. 1 (Fri-Sat) Official Campaign Period
Mar. 01 - (Sat - 12nn) Last day: posting campaign materials
Mar. 03 - (Mon - 2pm) Students' Convocation (Miting de Avance)
Mar. 03 - (Mon) Deadline: Submission of Official Poll Watchers
Mar. 04 - (Tues) ELECTION DAY
Mar. 05 - (Wed) Announcement of Election Results
Mar. 07 - (Fri - 5pm) Last day: Filing of Election Protests
Mar. 10 - (Mon) Release of Decisions
Mar. 17 - (Mon) Oath-Taking of New Student Council Officers

Please exercise your right to vote. :)

Red Shirt Day

• Gong Xi Fa Cai!
  
• UPCSA Org shirt arrived today. It's more than what I expected, which is good. Cute!
• Tried to do Accounting 1 HW with Barbie, then Tenai...but failed.
• Lucky Coleen already did her HW! What a relief! o_o
• ArtStud - continued to dissect and discuss "Greenbelt" and "SM Megamall" and their meanings. Played with toys. Yes, small wooden blocks and action figures. Val Fig kinda got the hang of it. Wow! Fought with Joyce, because her action figure was copying my action figure's wardrobe! "Gaya-gaya ka kasi! Suntukan na!"
• Ate 2 monays for lunch.
• I went to NCPAG to pass my Accounting HW, and to look at the SC room for my name in the College Electoral Board nominations. Vote for me! :)
• Went back to AS to play Frisbee with Tim. I miss Frisbee! Maxi and Pats followed. I haven't played for quite some time! (And I'm not as good as you say Tim) Let's do this again! Enjoy!! Let's form a team! Yeahboy! 3 more girls! Anyone interested?:P
  
• Kakarmahin ka rin! Enough said. Reminder: CSA: Please be careful where you leave your stuff at the tambayan! I can't emphasize enough. Take care of your valuables.
• UPCSA had its Dimsum-Eating Relay around a little past 4pm. It was a success!
  

Congrats Cul-Soc, especially to Krisha and Cherrie! Thanks to those who've helped a while ago!