Primitive Paraffin Practice . . . Ted's Tragedy and The Taxpayers
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Posted:Apr 18, 2009 10:48 am
Last Updated:Mar 12, 2010 6:52 am 6091 Views
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Just about a year ago, during the height of the issue concerning PNP Generals’ Moscow trip, I made a commentary regarding Madame Miriam Santiago mocking the PNP system. They were posted on a few of my blog websites. In any case, the post was concerning the corrupt practice within the PNP ranks which eventually had become a culture among the retiring generals. It seemed that these general would be rewarded a trip abroad before they end their term. Together with their family, they used people’s money for these escapades abroad. This caused an outrage among Filipino taxpayers. Consequently, the senate became interested about this Moscow trip, conducted a hearing and presided by Madame Miriam. The lady senator displayed her outrage too and all viewed by millions of Filipino via TV. Instantly, she became a heroine defending taxpayer’s money.
While this issue had been forgotten or perhaps the case became a responsibility of the Ombudsman, it died a natural death as more and more significant national issues would be surfacing. One of these recent issues would be the tragic events occurring in a popular TV broadcaster’s family. Mr. Ted Failon’s wife was found dead inside her bathroom. And Mr. Failon is presumably facing harassment from his foes no less than the PNP or Quezon City Police Force. It has been an open knowledge that Ted, as a radio commentator and broadcaster for the past 20 years in a popular radio station, had always been targeting the incompetence of this particular police department. That caused him the ire perhaps of many involved in the department. The tragedy was a good chance to get even with Ted. Ergo, the continuous harassment making Ted and his family and household help as suspects for the death of his wife regardless if there is no clear establishment yet of crime committed or suicide. Harassment would involve dragging his relatives from the hospital bed of the wife to the police station, accusing and jailing the household helper of obstructing justice, and all of them undergoing the paraffin test for traces of nitrate residues.
Yes, you have seen it on TV and print, Mr. Failon undergoing paraffin test. That primitive test to determine if a person was negative or positive for gunshot residues is still being practiced only in the Philippines. This would only display again how backward the PNP and justice system in this country. I heard from a respected forensic expert that the practice is outdated and obsolete and had been thrown away to oblivion from all the Police force and justice system in all countries but except the Philippines. It has been proven as an inaccurate barometer because the results don’t say anything about guilt or innocence. I am not really surprised if we would still rely on paraffin as in so what else is new. It’s just unfortunate that perhaps several Pinoy had been thrown to jail because of inaccuracies, incompetence, corruption or stupidity of the justice system. And most probably the paraffin test had served as one of the significant benchmark to prove that an innocent person should be incarcerated. This is so tragic and unfortunate for us Pinoys. We have no choice but to bear this kenkoy government using kenkoy procedures while becoming a laughing stock of the world. And this is not funny anymore to us Pinoy taxpayers.
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A Summer Escapade Called Baguio
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Posted:Apr 17, 2009 9:41 pm
Last Updated:Sep 8, 2010 1:32 pm 6784 Views
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As far as I can recall, the last time I visited Baguio was about some Jurassic years ago. There were a couple of attempts a few years back. But sickness like flu would always come in my way. I could recall it was perhaps during the late 70’s when I was with my friends, my classmates and fraternity brothers way back college days that I had the chance. That was an overnight trip which was focused more on our studies and as part of my curriculum observing a dairy farm that spawn milk and other products geared for human consumption. There was however a chance to make a quick visit to the market and a few landmarks but only on a limited time. Ergo, enjoying the scene of the summer capital was not really fully appreciated.
Just recently, a three day three night experience of Baguio came to finally pass. I was with a balikbayan friend who, like me, wished to go back and fully appreciate the city. On our first day, we decided to bask first on the sands of an Olongapo beach resort. Then on the next day, we proceeded to Baguio for the rest of our summer escapade. As passengers of a Victory Liner bus, we had the chance to view as well the scenes while passing along a new expressway called Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). The trip to Baguio took about six hours. It was so tiring we did not bother to choose an inn where we can stay. Instead we took the chance of taking the services of a hotel peddler who asked P1200 for an overnight stay in a small inn located along Magsaysay Avenue and near St. Louis University. By 12 noon lunchtime, we have to check out and transferred to a more comfortable and hygienic hotel located along Kisad road and fronting the Baguio Plaza and Burnham park. Venus Parkview hotel provided us a room at the third floor where its terrace can serve as a good viewing point particularly a view of the heart of the summer capital. For the rest of our escapades, we were comforted by the hotel at a rate of P1, 800 overnight.
The three day trip was just enough to appreciate Baguio. My friend and I were relieved from the warm and intense humidity of Manila in contrast to the cool winds and the cloudy overcast skies. We did not really wear jacket at all times because day and night offered a climate that is weather friendly and just enough coolness. That coolness added more life and brightness of colour of vegetations particularly a variety of flowers you see at Burnham or everywhere in any parts of the city. The pine trees of John Hay are reminiscent of winter in other western countries covered with snow. At night, the sight of slopes of the magnificent mountain ranges were brightened by lights emanating from residences, villages, hotels and other structures which made it looked like an extension of the distant stars of the skies. A more extensive mountain view of the summer capital was provided by the mines view park while it offered as well the sight of enterprising natives of Igorots wearing their indigenous and colourful weaved attires. There were a series of kiosks at the entrance peddling souvenir items ranging from key chains, wood crafts, t shirts, bags, hats, delicacies, pasalubongs, and so forth and so on. Based at the very heart of the city, SM Baguio served almost as a second home where we bought grocery items, eat for lunch and dinner and of course the enjoyable coffee breaks at the terrace overlooking the beautiful slopes. Coffee breaks were also the time to view again moments captured from our digital cameras, pictures of myself surrounded by the beautiful nature, the friendly spontaneity of the natives and popular landmarks that made the city a popular tourist destination. On our last day, a few hours before we leave our hotel, and bringing along our enthusiasm to capture more memories of the city via our digicams, we proceeded to the Baguio Cathedral and the Grotto. By early afternoon, we were on board our bus that would bring us back to Manila.
As I progress further towards the so called twilight years, I was thinking about giving myself a break more than I would deserve. Travelling outside Manila will be a very good idea and hopefully, trips out of the country would not anymore be wishful thinking. The pictures that I could capture during these journeys would eventually become a treasure. They would absolutely serve as a source for my joy and a source of inspiration as well to conquer more places as I approach towards the last years of my life.
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Madam Miriam Mocking PNP Pachiderms
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Posted:Oct 23, 2008 6:51 pm
Last Updated:Sep 8, 2010 1:34 pm 6528 Views
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This is an unusual situation when the term "mocking" would carry a positive meaning and would look beneficial for all the human beings based here in our country the philippines.
If Madame Miriam Santiago used an approach of sarcasm as a tool to awaken the fungal faced and pachidermed PNP generals who brought along millions of people's pesos to an interpol conference in Moscow, we pinoys could not agree more. In fact they should be punished, relieved of their posts and withdraw all the benefits that were accorded to them by the Filipino people.
The problem is, were these fungal face truly affected by the mockeries considering that the senate hearing was shown live in public via TV and radio. I had the impression actually that this practice of rewarding retiring PNP officials using people's money had been going on since who knows when. Perhaps using people's money among the higher echelons of PNP had been part of their traditions since day one and regardless if their subordinates among the lower ranks sacrifice their own money to fill their own needs for basic police necessities like office supplies, computers, gasolines for their mobile patrols, bullets, guns and so forth and so on. So what else is new?
In any cases, please allow me to commend Madame Miriam for her fearless attitude mocking those PNP pachiderms and defending us Pinoys against greed being displayed and exerting effort as well to recover people's money from the pit of those PNP crocodiles.
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British Bullies/ Plastic Pinoys
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Posted:Oct 11, 2008 9:42 pm
Last Updated:Oct 14, 2008 9:14 am 5922 Views
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Here we are again.
It was like early this year when the efficiency and competency of Pinoy doctors working in America was tainted with ugly colors courtesy of the popular sitcom “Desperate Housewives” This spawned protest from Pinoys here and abroad asking for apology coming from NBC production and demanded to delete that scene when Terry Hatcher made a few unpleasant remarks about them.
Now it is the turn of Pinay DH working in Britain and courtesy again of another popular Bristish comedy show that specializes in spoofing and aping anyone that would be attractive or entertaining to viewers of BBC who will eventually evaluate the ratings.
The British actually for several years past had been known as one of the many nationalities with advocacy and allegiance for bigotry that will prey on whoever or whatever forms as long as it will make them look superior from the other races.
Although this could look like a superficial justification for bigotry, victims of racial discrimination had no other alternative but to demand apology. This is a vicious cycle because for as long as there are victims who make themselves pre-disposed to prejudice perhaps because of being gullible and always in situations which makes them vulnerable against racism. demanding apologies will go on and on until the end of this world.
My personal impression could be viewed in several angles as an observer and an amateur analyst who had been aware just like everyone, about the social condition in this country. For one thing, several pinays work abroad as domestic helpers for reasons that our government has always been unable to provide a comfortable way of life for us. And as domestic helpers, they have no choice but to be at mercy to their employers. Those precious dollars had to be send home for the ’s school, to help augment income of their parents, to assist their spouse maintaining household needs etc…Poor domestic helpers. They becomes gullible and go abroad because the government always favor the rich, rob money from the poor through questionable taxes, tolerates egregious corruption and prioritize programs that is abundant in opportunities for “tong-pats”
On the other hand, several sects in this country actively protesting racism should look first at themselves in front of the mirror. They seem to be nationalistic and proud being Pinoy but I don’t think they are willing to die for this country. The Cebu scandal that caused traumatic experience to a gay cebuano courtesy of doctors in a public hospital in that city only display our attitude of looking down at our very own fellow pinoy. Unlucky for that guy because he is gay while the doctors and the medical staff had to fill their needs or assure themselves that they are in a better situation or being “straight” Of course, it’s alright for them to poke fun to this poor homosexual who while being operated to remove the canister on his ass, has to bear also the video taken from cell phone units and digicams inside the operating room. This is a good subject at You tube that will surely make them famous and at the expense of the poor homosexual.
Isn’t this considered the highest form of bigotry? Pinoys maligning fellow pinoys?
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Disaster Dairies
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Posted:Oct 2, 2008 6:39 pm
Last Updated:Oct 11, 2008 10:28 pm 6122 Views
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What used to be food that we wish our moms and dads would bring us home during childhood are now dangerous for human consumption. Such an oxymoron situation so to speak. While in the past dairy products like milk, formulas, cheese, butter, candies etc , , are foods that provide nutrients essential for including infants and adults as well. Its getting to be a contradicting situation at present times as WHO had announced the possibility of dairy products tainted with chemicals not fit for human consumption or might cause kidney infections like urolithiasis or stones.
It all started when a significant number of infants in China were observed to show symptoms or diagnosed with calculi. This became alarming starting the latter part of 2007. But because China was already starting to impress the world with the holding of the Beijin Olympics, the Chinese government exerted all their efforts to cover this up. Of course this would cause tarnishing the image of their country as a healthy place ideal for the holding of the world olympic games. During the course of hiding the mysterious death of several of their infants fed with notorious formulas, the problem had blown out to major proportions that would include other countries as well.
What was the real cause? This reminded me of the movie Soylent Green during the 70’s starring the late Charleton Heston. It’s actually a futuristic film in which it presented a situation that assumed of a world and its environment slowly desructed by man’s negligence hand in hand with the continuous creation of newer technologies making life easier for human beings. On the contraty what happened eventually was the world became a place for survival of the fittest. There was a scene where a factory processed dead people and manufacture them in the form of cookies intended for human consumption.
The present situation or what is happening right now would eventually relate to this movie but the main reason for the slow destruction of our world is because of man’s greed for more wealth. And perhaps this would start from China. I can’t say that their greedy businessmen are the main culprits because everywhere in this world abounds people who are insatiable regardless of what happened to their fellowmen. It’s okay to put poison like Melamine to formula as long as it will increase protein content , adjust cost savings, and increase revenues. In the same manner as lead for toys and formaldehyde for white rabbit candies. Man’s greed will always be a major factor. Not to mention yet the Global Warning phenomenon and the Financial Tsunami in the USA. May God bless us the opportunity to ponder or enlighten humanity about our attitude towards excessive and insatiable desire for more money
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Ateneo Vs. La Salle
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Posted:Sep 26, 2008 8:37 pm
Last Updated:Sep 27, 2008 8:00 pm 5839 Views
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Yesterday at Araneta Coliseum. Metro Manila witnessed again (at least via TV and radio) the classic match of the most popular and most “burgis” universities in this country. Ateneo ended victorious against La Salle and clinched the UAAP basketball champions for year 2008. For about an hour, Metro Manila was at a standstill early evening yesterday focusing on the games. People who were caught in the traffic jam either because of the heavy rains or the congested thoroughfares going to Araneta Center in Cubao, had to resort to their car stereos or radios for the blow by blow account. I could only surmise that their clash had created impact not only to Atenistas and La Salistas but also to Pinoy basketball afficionados in general.
In any case, this rivalry would date back during the 60’s. There could be other games or challenges between the two and basketball would serve as the forefront.
And through the years, their basketball teams had provided the best players recruited by the PBA teams and who would eventually offer them a very lucrative career. I could not mention names of these players at this point because for the past many years, my enthusiasm for basketball gradually subsided and I am clueless who among these players are the best.
I am neither an Atenista nor a La Salista and I am sure several Pinoy who don’t belong to these schools would be looking forward to their next match. I guess it is not about school affiliation but perhaps the intensity and the excitement spawned by the rivalry. There could be violent reactions while the game is going on among the cheerers or during the actual game among the players, but what is important is the competition had consciously or unconsciously veered our youth from vices that could destroy their future. The competition had also advocated camaraderie and more bonding perhaps not only among the Atenistas and the La Salistas but other schools as well involved in the UAAP.
Anyway, good luck to UP next year.
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Beijing Bickerings
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Posted:Aug 9, 2008 9:43 am
Last Updated:Aug 10, 2008 12:47 am 6223 Views
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Yesterday was Olympic Day and I was looking forward watching the opening ceremonies. I knew beforehand China would be well prepared and equipped and able to display all the pageantry and pomp of their heritage and culture via special effects, choreography or acrobatics just like what we see in those ostentatious Chinese movies. Viewing these presentations is very entertaining and makes you escape for a while from all the harsh realities that now exists around each one of us. The pageantry displays the wealth, the royal bloods, the elegant production designs, the exhilarating crowd scene, those magnificent costumes, spectacular fireworks etc. etc. etc. and other ingredients of the Chinese creativity. I was assuming that I will have the chance to see these things again on the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics.
I started to take interest on the Olympics events during my high school days when it was held at Munich in 1972. The Munich Olympics was noted for Mark Spitz’s brilliant performance in the swimming events which rewarded him 8 gold medals. It was also during this event that terrorists killed Jewish weightlifters while they were resting in their quarters. This is the famous Black September. After 4 years, the event was held in Montreal. The 1976 Olympics was marked by the performance of Nadia Comaneci of Romania in the gymnastics. She scored the perfect ten, a feat that would make Nadia famous and an overnight sensation for being the first gymnast ever to score a perfect ten. The 1980 Moscow Olympics was marred by boycotts from the USA and her allies because of political issues against Russia. Then in 1984, Los Angeles had its turn for hosting. From 1984 up to 2004 , I had seen all the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and without effort, all of these events are very accessible to the Pinoy viewers.
Except for this year at Beijing, I was actually flabbergasted why there was no information or announcements of the time and TV station. Only later at past midnight when I saw it at the Solar channel. Unfortunately for me, the ceremony was about to wrap up although I had the chance to watch that lighting of the torch which I think was very original and magnificently executed. Be that as it may, I was still frantic I need to catch up the earlier portions which will consist mainly of the ceremonies proper, the display of pomp, the spectacular pageantry etc. . . I thought there could be a replay but the Solar channel is already presenting to viewers a few games like soccer and women’s weightlifting. They were not announcing a replay. The You Tube website did not also provide a hope for the viewers. All entries that will present the opening ceremonies had been pulled out of the website due to copyright claims by another party. Why was I exerting so much effort? Where as in the past olympics, the opening was very available to anyone because it was sponsored by popular TV stations and wealthy commercial establishments. I am not sure but I was thinking that access is so expensive and considering that the venue is China, home of the millions of enterprising citizens. It is so pathetic and pretentious to think of a slogan which goes ONE WORLD, ONE DREAM. Oh, come on!
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A Conspiracy By Two Huge Companies Vs. Yours Truly
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Posted:Aug 3, 2008 8:27 pm
Last Updated:Sep 8, 2010 1:35 pm 6353 Views
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The more that I learn and discover the main root of their inefficiency, the more I became apprehensive, disappointed and eventually lose hope. All of these because of this innovative gadget called modem, which provides easy access to the net in a more rapid manner, compared to dial up networks.
Both globe and pldt have gimmicks that will entice zillions of their Pinoy subscribers to avail of their promo package incorporating payment of landline and modem at least at the vicinity of 1 thou a month. In fact it has been going on for a couple years now I guess. I have my globe broadband installed August last year and found their service on the average. Not until three months ago when globe’s system went down here in my base, Pasig City. Of course their broadband service would be affected which consequently affect my net access. Be that as it may, I also started a habit that will go on for three months. I will call Globe’s CSR daily and religiously and all I got is an assurance that everything will be okay within 24 to 48 hours. I heard this torturing comment everyday for three months up to the time they cut off my landline. I think its because they received no payments even if I was deprived of the broadband service for three months. Eventually and during the course of this harrowing experience, I found out that their modem is dysfunctional and should be replaced. But up to now, as part of their inutile procedures, nothing fruitful or productive was spawned and I decided to quit concern to my globe account. I had also decided not to pay my bills due them no matter what happens. The end of my global problem story.
During the course while I am experiencing torture from globe, I contemplated on applying for a PLDT line with DSL service. And after a couple of weeks, PLDT installed a landline with a modem which was not activated yet. The technician informed me to bear with them as the activation will be due me after three days. Actually, that three day promise became a three week fraud. Even after a week of waiting, I was starting to smell stinking fish. And true enough, the same ritual I applied to globe is the same harrowing experience I will also get from PLDT. Up to the present time after daily follow up, no attention was given by their contractors.
I was also under the impression the problem would actually lie on the contractors they hired. Further, I have this weird feeling that both company hired the same contractors. And they hired also the cheapest services. In turn, the contractors provided their most inefficient and most stupid ability for the subscribers.
Or perhaps there is a conspiracy against me using their contractors as their front. And had started to create a hate campaign among the telecom industry in this country. Eventually they will be declaring me as persona non grata.
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Predicting A Scary Flu Disaster
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Posted:Jul 18, 2008 8:49 pm
Last Updated:Jul 18, 2008 8:52 pm 5809 Views
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This is not really to scare readers or members about the possible Flu disaster. Nor I am neither a seer nor a soothsayer who can predict an approaching epidemic or destructive occurrences. However, the Flu disaster had been wreaking havoc for several years especially among workers who unfortunately were caught flatfooted. Flu, with newer strains formed every year, had been hovering the environment in any
time and in any space possible and no one can truly escape while predisposed to such. The feeling of weakness, muscles aching, congested nose, coughing , fever and so forth and so on had been the nasty inconveniences brought to the patients. And he had no choice but to stay in bed, after consulting with doctors, buying expensive
prescribed medicines, taking abundant fluid or juice and the terrible experience of being idle and unproductive away from work for at least three days. Not to mention the possible opportunities to earn more income, absences, missing significant appointments and perhaps closing a precious transaction.
Here is a good news to workers and their families. The possibility of being predisposed to flu can be minimized. FLU SHOTS had always been the most practical preventive approach. As in other anti virus vaccines, the flu vaccine protects anyone after the immunization for a year. This is one shot per year.
Another good news is that my flu vaccines provide a price that is definitely a much better deal compared to popular drugstores and immunization clinics. Besides, I provide free lectures about flu in general, free administration by our medical staff, free advises and consultations with our medical doctors, and free individual
vaccination certificate.
If you have more queries, please let me know. You can leave a number where I can get in touch in response to this ad, or better still, the number of employees or participants, the name of your company, telephone number and where you are based. Please let me know as well if I could forward a quote.
Thank you for this opportunity.
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The July 18 Scare
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Posted:Jul 18, 2008 8:34 pm
Last Updated:Oct 5, 2008 8:45 am 5923 Views
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What is this big fuss about the prediction of a popular Brazilian seer? As far as I know no one nor nothing yet up to present times had the ability to foretell the occurrence of an earthquake. Much more so where and what time this disaster will occur.
However, according to information I got via text, emails and coffee chats, whether its accurate or not, this Brazilian had foretold in the past big events that were disastrous in nature famous among them is the 9/11 fiasco.
I am not sure if at this point this had created panic but as fas as I had observed, Pinoys are more worried about the rising inflation, the weekend gasoline price increases, the taxpayer's money stolen by greedy government officials etc.
I had an impression that this could be another diversionary tactic that would shift attention to more scary situations here in this country. Besides, earthquake is nothing new to Pinoys. After the big typhoons,
and big vessels sinking, so what else is new?
But an earthquake with a magnitude of 8 is something very serious.
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