Living in the City

 News Overshadowed by Luneta Grandstand Hostage Crisis The hostage crisis situation dominated the news headlines in the last 8 days. As a result, equally important issues took a back seat: Worsening dengue situation - said to have increased by 75% this year. Calling DOH. Ampatuan Massacre - postponements that seem to delay the early conviction of those who will be found guilty. Human rights violation again,  allegedly committed by Manila policemen Hide and Ply strategy of colorum buses with  EDSA routes   Continuous media campaign to support the government's plans to address possible flood crisis situation during the remaining typhoon season. Mismanagement of gov't funds by GOCC's.. after current Senate investigation,  what now?

Luneta Hostage Taking  Tragedy Damage Control Secretary Leila de Lima is now the top point person  to resolve  the  Luneta  hostage crisis problem. Perhaps, the government noticed that  investigators  were churning out oxymoronic statements regarding their respective investigative actions. As her initial action Sec De Lima ordered everyone to shut up.   The point is all this government needs to do is to provide the  facts. What happened? From whose guns  did the fatal bullets come from? Who ordered what? What procedures were not followed? Protocols violated? Rights violated? Does the PNP  have an existing plan to handle hostage or terrorist actions? Who failed to do his job? Or their jobs? What happens to these people?  No whitewash please.. no sweeping under the rug.. So when do we expect the results to be released? Timeline please.

Change is Inevitable In six months I will be entering a new phase in my adult life. I am so excited but at the same time anxious at the  prospect of change.. the happiness it would bring  affecting directly the parties concerned. I want to pleasantly imagine  how that difference would allow them to move a notch a higher or "step-up" in the ladders of their lives. All I can say for now is that with God's grace, " times are changed as we are changed by time." Good luck to all of us... Let's all drink to happiness :-) Cheers.

Notes from the Senate Hearings on the Luneta Grandstand Hostage Taking Snippets of information I gathered from the Senate hearings on the Luneta Hostage Crisis Fiasco: 1. Gen Magtibay as the ground commander had the power to use the more experienced RSAF which was at that time at his disposal, to address the crisis. He did not. Instead it was his judgment call to stick with his MPD SWAT team because of the team's assurance that they can do it. 2. The SWAT team were not properly equipped to execute the assault, despite the fact that they already practiced it's execution. 3. The assualt was launched because the ground commander believed the escaped driver's statement that the hostages were already killed by the hostage taker. 4. It was Mayor Lim who ordered the arrest of the hostage taker's brother. 5. The hostage taker's M16 is really a loose firearm because he had no authority to carry one. 6. Per the SWAT Team leader's statement, 8-12 rounds of

 Aftermath: The Luneta Hostage Crisis Because I am a religious radio listener, I was naturally tuned in that day. At 10:00  in the morning, the news said that there was a hostage taking incident involving foreign tourists riding a tourist bus. A certain dismissed police officer commandeered the bus from Fort Santiago, a famous tourist spot . At first they said the tourists were  Koreans, which I immediately  posted in my facebook account. But immediately corrected as well, when media said those involved  were Hongkong and Chinese nationals. It was clear from the video shots that the hostage taker was armed with high powered firearms. What went wrong during this crisis? My two cents worth and this I am not saying just now but as early as noon of that fateful day, I thought that the police were ill prepared  to handle hostage  crisis situations media was too eager to broadcast such a very sensitive situation.. hello..as always everyone wanted to out-scoop each other absence o

Marikina, Provident and Ondoy Three words that will forever be etched in my heart. Typhoon Ondoy devastated Provident, the village where we used to live. And Provident is in Marikina. I live. It  A destruction never before seen by anyone. Perhaps, God alone saw this coming.

 Holes in the Screening Process? Like it or not,  PNoy and his men will be in the news for 6 years.  Perhaps on a minute by minute basis. Because everyone is keeping an eye. Friends and family want PNoy  to succeed. Along with the people who voted for him, they want President Noy to perpetuate his parent's legacy -  Service to the People. The new converts, sincerely moved  by his initial actions are also keeping tab. Many want him to do well. By the same token, his enemies too are following the President's every move. Critics observe.  His cabinet men's every word  scrutinized. Actions constantly checked out.   Majority of the Filipinos are full of expectations  for change. Under his command, people look forward to good governance. A corrupt free administration will  be a way of life, hopefully. The underprivileged are counting on PNoy. Gone will be the  grinding days of  daily  survival.  Asia's basket case image will finally be discarded. But what is this?

Exposes on Corruption and Abuse of Power uring PGMA's administration 1. Road Users Tax - billions of income from tax collections unaccounted for (Sen Mirriam gave a preview of this already 2. National Grid Corporation - misuse of government assets (chronic problem from administartion to administration) 3. MWSS - abuse and misuse of government assets 4. NFA - over importation of rice leading to wastage 5. MRT - operating a losing business operation 6. DPWH - midnight approval of 9 or 11 flood rehab related projects ( contracts rescinded but projects will push through subject to review PNoy promised that government funds will be used for the benefit of the people only. Illegal commissions from government projects will be stopped.

A few days before PNoy's SONA: there's water crisis in some parts of Metro Manila the President indicated during his speech at the Philippine Army Change of Leadership rites that he did not authorize the AFP to provide security during the water rationing or "pila balde" PNoy's speech has undergone 5 revisions and still counting the speech is rumored to tell us that the government PNoy inherited is almost bankrupt overheard on the radio: what's with the Aquino's? During Cory's time there was energy crisis, today on Noynoy's Presidency, there seems to be water crisis? overheard Presidential spokesperson Lacierda on radio: PNoy's speech is mostly really his own word Most Filipinos' hope during SONA on Monday, July 26, 2010 -  for him to actually provide the hows in solving the problems  he inherited and prayerfully resolve those problems without new taxes.

 Launching Pad for Presidentiables The reason why so many people are interested in getting the DILG post is because it is a good launching pad for people who has  presidential plans. Maybe, if PNoy can really handle (time wise)  DILG,  on a permanent basis, it would perhaps discourage those who have such ambitions.

Presidential Brother-in-Law James Yap No Show at PNoy Inagural Tsk, tsk, tsk. Just as most everyone  expected. Will he now known as  as an ex? Too bad. Well, perhaps James Yap will be more focused during his game practices.

First 3 bills in the Senate filed by Senator JP Enrile Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile files his first bill - penalizing unfair trade and anti-competitive practices. This is Senate Bill 1. He also filed Bills #2 and 3 which are measures to reduce electricity rates.

Looks like Kris and James Marriage not a  Match made in  Heaven Boy Abunda announced that Kris Aquino was unable to distribute her school supplies  promise to the children of Cebu because Kris is going through a tough time in her marriage. So what is new and why do we have to care? No reason really. It's just that analyzing is a hobby. And makes me think I am analytical. That's why :-) Whether we believe it or not, Kris A. is hot copy. She's earns millions (I think) from her product endorsements. She's had her share of scandals. Some like her, others don't. But people just love to watch her cry.  Make mistakes. And sometimes make  a fool of herself on TV. I have seen her expel loads of naso-pharyngeal   mucus while crying on her show over national television,  and I wonder, what could still be missing in this woman's life? True love perhaps? To begin with is she herself capable of love at all? I realize that just like us  lesser mortals,  silver

Something I found interesting here . It is a post by Danah Boyd of Apophenia “Transparency is Not Enough” At Gov2.0 this week, I gave a talk on the importance of information literacy when addressing transparency of government data: “Transparency is Not Enough” I address everything from registered sex offenders to what happens when politicians don’t like data to the complexities of interpretation.  In doing so, I make three key points: Information is power, but interpretation is more powerful Data taken out of context can have unintended consequences Transparency alone is not the great equalizer My talk is also available on YouTube if you prefer to listen to a different version of the same message (since my crib is what I intended to say and the video is what actually came out of my mouth).  And Congress has not even  been able to pass the Freedom of Information Act. (Same thing happened with the other past 6 Congresses.) So third world. Sorry.

US Ambassador Thomas meets VP Binay As I was watching the video clip showing the courtesy call of  the US Ambassador Harry Thomas to VP Binay on television,  I wonder  if this is customary? Does all  U.S. Ambassadors call on newly elected VP's? VP Binay said that the US Ambassador, during the call,  expressed concern on human trafficking in the Philippines. Along with countries like Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Sudan , Syria,  Saudi Arabia,  Kuwait, and the Philippines are among the 52 countries on  the US Watchlist. Recently Poor implementation of  trafficking laws has resulted to a surge in human trafficking crimes.

Selecting  the next CSAFP and SND Gen Delfin Bangit has retired from the AFP. According to rumors some members of the PMA Class 77 will soon assume office ath AFP GHQ - Gen David's name is being mentioned as "incoming" CS AFP. Also retired PSG Chief Gen Gazmin (time of Pres Cory) is said to assume the SND's portfolio. The buzz circulated after P Noy attended the reunion of ex PSG personnel, recently.

Rubber Boats for Rescue Ops It's good to hear that the PNP Maritime Group recently bought inflatable rubber boats at the cost of Php1.7 million each. Twenty one units will be deployed in Luzon while 51 will go to Mindanao. These boats were acquired in preparation for rescue operations during flooding and typhoon situations. I hope they don't forget to conduct the corresponding training on the utilization of these boats for maximum benefit.

And now they ask God to intervene Looks like no solution is in sight for the Florida oil spill problem over there in the United States. They are now asking the people to ask for God's help in resolving this earth damaging issue. As Al Gore noted during his recent visit to the Philippines, the BP oil spill is really a moral issue. It is not economic nor big business concern alone. Catastrophic effects have been seen around the area affecting the locality's birds,  plant and sea creatures. Are they still trying to hide the sad truth there? "Gather round people" now do what needs to be done.

Absolutely critical that we have a disaster management or recovery plan I hope the incoming government will make sure that the Philippines have a   ready, workable  disaster management/recovery plan. This plan should be designed in such a way that it  could be put into motion a few minutes or  immediately before a disaster strikes  its full impact. I hope we have learned from Ondoy and Pepeng, knowing or realizing that stronger typhoons and more devastating floods are to be expected due mainly to climate change. Note that a  compounding reason would be that  our   waste management system  simply sucks. We don't have much time. Let us remind ourselves with these images, please.

 Take it from Winnie Monsod I heard  this statement from  Professor Winnnie Monsod on television,  about how Pres. Noy should recruit his people. 1. Imitate President Obama. Introduce his would be cabinet members to the people. Tell us their credentials and state why he is appointing that person to the position. 2. Ask his cabinet members to sign a waiver on the Bank Secrecy Law. This should provide a deterrent to corruption while in government. 3. Ask a commitment from each and every recruited cabinet member to NOT entertain anyone presenting or sponsoring a government project  from any of his relatives, classmates and friends. If these were the requirements PNoy may not be able to recruit anyone.

When I get depressed I turn to things that help me drive the sadness away. You Should Learn French C'est super! You appreciate the finer things in life... wine, art, cheese, love affairs. You are definitely a Parisian at heart. You just need your tongue to catch up... What Language Should You Learn? Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!

 The Luneta Grandstand It Shall Be President-elect Sen. Noynoy Aquino has finally decided that his inaguration will be held at the Luneta Grandstand in the City of Manila at 12:00 Noon on June 30, 2010. Good for him. His advisers must have prevailed. According to  P.Noy,  he wants to accord PGMA and her position the respect that is due her. He adds, that she is his elder and that she is a woman at that. Tradition and all, this is a good decision. For Presidential inaguration anecdotes and snippets, please refer to Manolo Quezon's post here .

What My Name Means I don't use my birth certificate name and instead something else. There was a mis- communication when I was being Christened. My father however, insisted that I use my other name and thus I was known since then as how I am called now. Come again? :-) You Are Powerful and Determined You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in tro

From the time I was old enough to understand Philippine politics, the government: 1. has given me a free intermediate, tertiary and collegiate education - thank you 2. was able to build roads, bridges, hospitals, schools but proven not enough - more work from gov't 3. was unable to control population - I worry for the future generation 4. was unable to control urban migration - I have security and sustainability apprehensions 5.provided my mother her pension as a beneficiary of my father (he was in the armed forces and WWII) - thanks but no thanks? 6. proved a failure in generally taking care of the young,  the old  and those who are sick - disappointed and uneasy 7. have legislated so many laws but unable to provide protection to those who need protection - where do we go from here? 8. is very poor in managing disasters - what's the next step, please? 9. has overly taxed its citizens, I, included - anguish over hard earned money (taxes) into the pockets of corrupt go

You are Energetic and Bright You view people with optimism. You have many meaningful relationships in your life. You had more conflict with your father than your mother. Your relationship with him was healthy but challenging. You deal with stress in a fairly normal way. Stress presents a struggle for you, but you're usually able to neutralize your emotions. You are a natural multitasker. You enjoy being busy, even if the amount of things you need to do is overwhelming. The Inkblot Test Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!   

From the movie "Once" and sang by Crystal and Lee, two of the top 4 American Idol Contestants this year. I just loved their duet rendition of the song. Besides, the two had outstanding chemistry.. brings some kilig factor, so to speak.. And in fact I want to learn how to play this on the guitar. Jigs.. Once I was Falling Slowly   I don’t know you But I want you All the more for that Words fall through me And always fool me And I can’t react And games that never amount To more than they’re meant Will play themselves out Take this sinking boat and point it home We’ve still got time Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice You’ll make it now From the movie Once Falling slowly, eyes that know me And I can’t go back Moods that take me and erase me And I’m painted black You have suffered enough And warred with yourself It’s time that you won Take this sinking boat and point it home We’ve still got time Raise your hopeful

Startingup early on PCOS related  problems of 2010 elections Three hours into election 2010, problems aired over the airwaves consists of: 1. PCOS machine batteries running out only after 2 hours. Were we not assured that the batteries will last up to 16 hours? And were we not assured by Meralco that there will be no brown out today? 2. PCOS machine shutting down as in the case of Noynoy Aquino, Presidential candidate. As it was his turn to cast his vote, the PCOS  machine suddenly stops.. only when it came to his turn.. Let's see how these progresses. I am on my way to vote.

How technology seems to be failing the 2010 Philippine elections Being a neophyte in automated elections, the Philippines is  now witnessing the erosion of  public confidence in COMELEC's promise of honest, orderly, and clean elections. Glitch after glitch, the PCOS machine is proving many skeptics of SMARTMATIC's reliability as a an election hardware/software vendor. After all, they have been given ample time, or were they? Thanks or no thanks,  COMELEC seems to be bungling,  as many people predicted.. What is wrong? Was this election designed to fail? What kind of planning strategies did COMELEC prepare? Or is there any plan at all? We have to brace ourselves..  this  country is at the apex of  this very important political exercise. How we behave as a people will spell our doom or our exaltation. Good luck and may God bless all of us! Thanks to this site for the PCOS photo. More comprehensive info on the PCOS machine here .

 Eight Days Away from Philippines 2010 Elections: Voting  Do's and Dont's Yes its just a week away from the 2010 Philippine Presidential Elections. Surrounding this critical  political exercise, worries  remain in the hearts and minds of the voting public. There's a lot of talk  about worst case election scenarios. Take the case of NoEl or "no elections".  Some feel that the elections seems to have been designed to fail. And what about the reliability issue of the PCOS machines; the highly sensitive nature of the ballots and other possible mishaps that could happen during election day at the precint level not to mention  digital or manual transport of the precint level results. It appears that some quarters, to this day,  do not trust COMELEC given its track record of booboos like Garci and Co. We have to remind ourselves that another issue that may have been overlooked even by the candidates themselves is the assurance that votes cast by  their captured vote

One More Reason To Be Vigilant Come May 2010 Elections Phone jammers.