A LOVING PRESIDENT?

It is no secret that President Duterte had expressed his feeling for China's President Xi Jinping.  Whether or not  such expression of love was  a figure of speech, the languages by which it had been demonstrated  seemed  palpable.

How does Pres. Duterte show his love? Apparently via words of affirmation:  he thanked Pres. Xi Jinping at least  in two instances  during his  recent weekly reports on the government's COVID-19  response.  

Pres. Duterte  also offered virtually no resistance to the advances of  Pres. Xi Jinping's  naval force  to the islands and reefs at the  West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines   secured  at the Permanent Court of Arbitration  in 2016  a  historic victory  against China.  Pres. Duterte's timid response could be tantamount to implied consent to giving away the our country's rights  over those territories. 

If we were to check  Dr. Gary Chapman's  list of the five languages of love,  it would  seem  that Pres. Duterte covers the first two points  as shown in the slide below. But then, we are mere observers.  Who are we to say if someone speaks just two   languages of love?

PATRIOTISM IN ACTION

This is  to  call attention  to three of our countrymen who are doing our nation a great service by asking our government to protest  against China's  creation of two new districts at the  West Philippine Sea--   an area where the Philippines   secured  at the Permanent Court of Arbitration  in 2016  a  historic victory   against China.  

Former Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario,  Retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and  maritime expert Prof. Jay Batongbacal   all display immense courage and patriotism that  deserve our  deep respect and  steadfast support. How can we help?  Read up, spread the word, and make ourselves  heard.

Please click on the links below for amplification:  

Philippine Daily Inquirer, 20 April 2020

GMA News, 20 April 2020

Former Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario (Wiki)

 Retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio ,(Wiki)

Maritime Expert Prof. Jay Batongbacal. (Twitter)

REFRAMING FOR POSITIVITY

Given the numerous posts on social media that reek with negativity:   bashing, blaming, buck passing, credit grabbing,  false quotes,   misrepresentation, outright lies, revisionism, and ad hominem attacks ad nauseum-- I have decided to  state my position and call out individuals, groups,  agencies, and institutions in a manner that will not add an ion of -- or at least reduce-- toxicity in the air.   I will do my best to reframe my statements  as positively or affirmatively  as possible.  

To illustrate,  instead of  me saying that an individual is a cretin with a single brain cell,  I would   reframe my statement and  write that the person   is misinformed.  Instead of me saying that an individual  is an escapee from the ninth circle of hell, I would write instead  that the person is misguided.  

I also  searched  on the net  and I came across this list  of tips from success.com on how to achieve a positive mindset:

1. Start the day with positive affirmation
2. Focus on the good things, however small
3. Find humor in a  bad situation
4. Transform negative self-talk into positive self-talk
5. Focus on the present
6. Find positive friends, mentors and co-workers

These tips make sense to me. I will remember them next time I post on my social media accounts.  If I can not be polite, I will attempt to be humorous (following tip number 3 above).   And, yes, please consider these tips for  yourself as well.  Positivity after all is a communal effort. 

WE ARE NOT THE FIRST

Contrary to the claim of  Pres. Rodrigo Duterte during his taped late night press conference last April 8,  the  Philippines is not the first to effect a travel restriction or a border shutdown.

Based on a report by Al Jazeera -- see link below, the first countries to do so were Italy, Slovenia, El Salvador, Antigua and Barbuda, Slovakia, and Venezuela. Refer to  summary table of  countries that announced  the travel restriction or border shutdown before March 15, 2020. 

Please note that the distance between Wuhan, China and Caracas, Venezuela is 15,400 km. From Wuhan to Manila, 1,900 km.

Reference:

Al Jazeera

365 DAYS and 7,000 LIVES AFTER

A year ago today,  a joint statement by  then presidential  candidate Rodrigo Duterte, and his running mate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano  was published by  the Philippine Star,  excerpts of which are highlighted  below:


"The EDSA Revolution was not a battle between two political families. Rather, it was the battle between a dictatorship mired in corruption and abuse and the Filipino people’s aching desire to restore democracy, order, and the rule of law...

...we must remember the lessons of EDSA. It is not enough to elect a competent government. We must ensure the government we elect doesn't become corrupt and abusive. The leaders we choose to govern us must be leaders who are truly democratic and would stand up against any and all forms of oppression, abuse, and neglect. As people, we must exercise vigilance to protect the freedom that we have won many years ago...

...30 years ago, the youth endured a difficult struggle to overthrow an oppressive government, so that succeeding generations would not suffer the same fate under the hands of a dictator...

As we celebrate three decades of our freedom, let us not forget the main message of the People Power Revolution: Real Change." 

(To read the full Philippine Star  article, click on the link below.)

Just eight  months after that joint statement was released, and barely  five months into the term of   newly elected President Duterte,   the dictator referred to  was buried at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani (Heroes' Cemetery).

Under the term of that dictator spanning 31 years, there were 3,237 alleged cases of extra judicial killings. (Source:  http://time.com/4462352/rodrigo-duterte-drug-war-drugs-philippines-killing/)

Under the term of the new president, there have been more than 7,000 drug-related killings-- in just 8 months.  (Source: http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/02/01/war-on-drugs-extrajudicial-killing-Duterte-Amnesty-International.html  )

February 25 is a celebration of freedom,  of not forgetting the main message of People Power Revolution: Real Change.

To Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, please remember your own  words.

Reference:
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/02/25/1556677/duterte-cayetano-spirit-edsa-lives-their-fight-end-disorder

SECRETS TO LONGEVITY OF MY 90-YEAR OLD UNCLE

 Roland Casino  Siquijor

I grew up calling him Uncle Roland-- my father's elder brother who  turned 90 yesterday, October 5.

To me, Uncle Roland is an unforgettable character, not only because he has outlived most  of his siblings but because he  was a familiar sight while I was growing up in Pasay City.  He was a policeman,  who would wear that khaki uniform going to work.   His wife,   my Autnie Marina, was fond of baking those cookies that I fondly remember as a  pre-schooler.  They have  six children-- my cousins  Roland Jr. Shirley,  Rose,  Robert, Susan,  and Marlon.

I knew as a child that Uncle Roland was no ordinary cop.  He did not man the traffic nor did he chase suspected criminals on the streets. When I was in high school, I would learn that  he was a lawyer who made a career out of law enforcement.   It was no surprise then that he was appointed Chief of Police of Pasay City, and eventually Head  of the Southern Police District-- the position that he held until he retired in 1987.

After his stint in the police service, he devoted himself to his  practice as a lawyer.   He also attempted to get into politics,  he once  ran for  Congressman in  Pasay City.   Today,  he happily keeps himself busy   by attending to   "Merville Supermarket" in Paranaque City,  together with Auntie Marina and  their grandchildren.

When I asked him what  is  behind his long life,   he revealed  that there are really no big secrets.  As a youth, he would drink alcoholic beverages just for social occasions,   he quit smoking early on, and he made sure he had adequate rest.   He  keeps a daily routine  that includes moderate exercise,  low cholesterol and low purine diet, vegetables and fruits.   He takes his medicines regularly for his blood pressure and elevated uric acid-- conditions that seem to define  our family's genetics.

What Uncle Roland did not mention to me  was his cheerful  and relaxed disposition as can be gleaned from the pictures on this post.  Perhaps he was too modest to state it.   I have always known him to be smiling  and   calm.   Uncle Roland is  not easy to be ruffled, though he  is expressive-- he speaks with a  commanding voice, powerful yet not intimidating.

Aside from reaching the age of 90, Uncle Roland is an embodiment of several   breakthroughs for our family.   He is the  first and only one in  police service,   the  first and only one  to run for an elected position, and  the only one who successfully embarked  on lawyering as second career at age 60.    Uncle Roland represents  possibilities that were  well lived out to fruition.

Here's wishing Uncle Roland more  happy and memorable years ahead of him.

With Auntie Marina circa 70s

As Pasay Police Chief

The only Siquijor to run for elected office... to-date.

Uncle Roland and Auntie Marina, Today

MUST SEE: Ignacio de Loyola

Yesterday, July 27 was the opening of the movie "Ignacio de Loyola," in theaters nationwide.   This evening, my entire family was able to watch it at Alabang Town Center Cinema 4.

I usually do not write about movies, so I will not attempt to  tackle in detail   Ignacio de Loyola's   artistic and technical merits.  If there is one  message  that I have to state clearly:  it is  a MUST SEE.

Based on  the autobiography of St. Ignatius  of  Loyola, the movie  depicted the dramatic conversion of Inigo from being a soldier, a man of the world to a knight of God.

The  almost two hours of screen time was visually grand and  emotionally  engaging. "Discernment. First Principle.  Indifference. Consolation. Desolation.  Spiritual Exercises. Prayer for Generosity." These  terms were   defined in the movie  in a manner  understandable  readily by a lay audience.

When I saw the end credits,  I felt proud that Filipino talent  and regional  collaboration were  behind the  impressive  production of this movie produced by JesCom, Click here to view  the trailer.

I consider  this film as one of the best  I have ever seen,  and I encourage everyone to go see it  and help spread the word.

WILL THE MRT FINALLY GET REHABILITATED?

CNN Philippines reported that the private owners of the MRT system  are in talks with the camp of Presumptive President Duterte regarding a much needed  MRT rehabilitation program.

One question that came immediately to my mind was why such rehabilitation initiative was not  implemented during President  Aquino's term.  There must be reasons, which at this point would be not as important  as the measures to be taken to improve the much maligned MRT system.

Halfway through my viewing the CNN Philippines news clip, I saw a familiar face: Mr. Robert Sobrepena.

He is not only the current  Chairman of MRT Holdings, Inc. 

Mr. Sobrepena was  also behind the College Assurance Plan that left many families holding unredeemable educational plans. 

And  in his capacity as Chairman of Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo)-- he was ordered arrested for "estafa" in 2014 for damages worth Ps 1.5 billion for his company's unpaid lease to the state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority from 1998 to 2000.

From Rappler (16June 2014):

"Under the terms of a 1996 lease agreement, the company was supposed to annual rent amounting to P425 million or 5% of gross revenues for the first 5 years of the lease, whichever was higher. This meant that for 1998, 1999, and 2000, the government was supposed to receive P1.275 billion in rental payments.

In 1998, Sobrepeña claimed CJHDevCo’s operations were adversely affected, resulting in losses of P1.445 billion, which was increasing daily. As a result, the agreement was first restructured in 2000.

CJHDevCo, however, concealed the fact that it declared cash dividends totalling P928 million in the years 1998, 1999, and 2000."

Just the same, here's hoping that this time-- under the term of Mayor Duterte, Mr. Sobrepena and his team at MRT Holdings, Inc. will be able to implement their planned MRT rehabilitation program.  

CLEARING THE AIR ON MANNY PACQUIAO'S ALLEGED "HOMOPHOBIC SLUR"

Source: mp8.ph

It has been some time now since I last posted on this blog site, but today, I was moved to write this piece out of indignation over the inaccuracies surrounding the alleged "homophobic slur" by Manny Pacquiao. I take specific reference to this recent article in  the British newspaper Daily Mail.

First of all,  those  five English words: "they are worse than animals" were not said by Manny at all.  He was interviewed in Pilipino, his command of which can be questioned given that  he grew up in General Santos City in South Cotabato, where the  Visayan dialect is widely spoken.   His exact words were: "ngayon kung lalaki sa lalaki o babae sa babae,  eh  mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao,"  which when literally translated would read: "now if it were man to man, or woman to woman, then people would be worse than animals."  Never did Manny  outrightly state  that "they (LGBT members) are worse than animals."    I am not an English Language nor a Linguistics  major but  this is my take on what happened-- Manny  was speaking in the subjunctive  in Pilipino, which was interpreted in English in the  declarative mood.    As a native speaker of the language,  I  find his interview  in Pilipino devoid of  any deliberate  intent to "slur"--  that is,  neither to insult nor to damage the reputation  of the LGBT community.   Manny was simply stating his position on   same-sex marriage, which he believes is  a sin based on his religious convictions.   Click on this link to view the "uncut" and  "full" video of the interview.   To those who can understand Pilipino,  you can  see for yourself that the English subtitles were obviously not a literal translation but an interpretation  of what was said by Manny, who at the end of the video even  clarified  in English that he was " not condemning them (the LGBT community)."

Second,  the  talent contract of  Manny Pacquiao with Nike ended in 2014,  as clarified by Manny's manager Arnold Vegafria.    Nike, until recently, served only as "apparel  sponsor" to Manny-- so what  were those  Nike  millions   that Daily Mail was  referring to?  Please click on this link to listen to  Arnold Vegafria's interview, again in Pilipino.

Third,  the Daily Mail wrote: "Yet he (Manny Pacquiao) stands condemned now as a bigot."  What is a "bigot?"   A  dictionary meaning:  "one who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions from oneself."

Nike issued this statement in reaction to the  comments by Manny:

"We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent. Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community. We no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao.”

By terminating its relationship with Manny,  was Nike  not being intolerant toward someone holding a different opinion from itself?

Please Help Fight Chordoma

Source: www.webpathology.com

Chordoma is not a person, a  cause,  a party nor a state.  It is a rare slow-growing abnormal mass of tissue -- a tumor that can arise in the bone of the skull  or anywhere along the spine.

This condition requires high doses of controlled radiation.   The location of a chordoma is critical. Its proximity to   vital structures such as the brain stem and nerves  puts limitation on the radiation dose that can be delivered  on the abnormal tissue mass.    In this case, proton therapy and carbon ion therapy are used over regular x-ray radiation.

A fellow crusader against chordoma is my friend and work colleague-- Manny Rigo.   He is 38 years old,  on track on  a promising  career,  married with 3 children aged 8, 6 and 2.  Last year, he was diagnosed with this rare type of brain tumor. 

Manny  had undergone  surgery   to remove part of the  tumor but  at the beginning of this year,  test showed that an advancement in mass growth.

Doctors that Manny consulted here in the Philippines and  in the United States recommend proton therapy -- which is not available locallly-- to remove the tumor.   Loma Linda University Medical Center in California--  the  pioneer in proton therapy--  offered to take on Manny's case.

The cost of  proton therapy is prohibitive--  Manny  needs  US$130,000.00 USD or PhP 5.3 million.

  

Manny's cause is posted in  a website by a US-based non-profit organization named Community Charity Connection. 

Please click on this  link to read Manny's write-up.  Share the link with friends whom you believe can help. Or for those in the US, please consider making a contribution.  Any amount  received will be issued a 100% tax deduction receipt.

And please remember to say a prayer for Manny's recovery and for his family's fortitude through all these trying moments.