Category: Ramblings

This is me, speaking through my fingers. Could just be about anything. Like the ant I see on my LCD monitor right now.

Hidden and not so hidden thoughts

On By MarmelismsIn Blog Roll, Ramblings1 Comment

I wrote this piece for my benefit. Don’t expect to read much about why I am voting for Gibo since I openly express those…
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During the 2004 Presidential Elections, I voted for Raul Roco+. He wasn’t the most popular candidate. He didn’t top any surveys. And somehow, I had a very ‘bad’ feeling that he wasn’t going to win. Still, I voted for him. I believed (and I still do) that he was the best candidate. A lot of people opted to vote for someone else more ‘popular’ because they ‘knew’ Roco+ would not win coz he wasn’t ‘popular’ enough. They were right. Raul Roco+ didn’t win. Despite this fact, I know that I didn’t waste my vote because I voted for the best candidate.

So on May 10, 2010, I will travel 320++ kilometers to vote for Gibo Teodoro. I don’t mind spending money just to go home and vote. I don’t mind travelling for 5 hours from Dumaguete to Cebu by bus. I don’t mind the 30minute taxi-ride from the Cebu South Bus Terminal to the Mactan Airport. I don’t mind spending another hour or two in the airport waiting area. And I don’t mind the 30minute plane ride from Cebu to Tacloban. Why? Because my vote counts—just like yours.

I have said it before and I will say it again. I am voting for a better Philippines. That’s why I am voting for Gibo.
If, prior to November 19, 2010, you asked me who Gibo was, I would probably have given you a blank stare with a big question mark on my face. I had NO idea who he was for I didn’t care much about politics. Then ‘people’ started bashing him because of his (apparent) affiliation/s with the Arroyo Government. “He’s the best amongst all the candidates but I won’t vote for him because he’s the puppet of PGMA.” “He’s good but he’s with the administration.” Four days after he was proclaimed the standard bearer of Lakas-Kampi-CMD, the Maguindanao Massacre+ happened. More bashing. But despite all the negativity surrounding his candidacy, words like “smart”, “intelligent”, “best candidate”, “humble” (and the likes) will always surface. I got curious and did my own research.

I didn’t just research about Gibo. I researched about the other candidates as well. After doing my own research, I realized that I HAVE NO REASON NOT TO VOTE FOR GIBO. But you know what? When I was doing my research, I realized that I loved my country. I do…. Due to this realization, it dawned to me that I had to take responsibility and take action. I can no longer just sit on the sidelines. I needed my voice to be heard.

The May 10, 2010 Presidential Elections is NOT JUST ABOUT the next six (6) years!!! It goes beyond that. What makes me say that? [I feel like I’m losing my mind because I’m going to answer my own question]
Decisions/choices made by our past Presidents/Leaders still affect us TODAY and will still affect us TOMORROW. I was just an itch in my father’s balls when Martial Law was declared until the time it was lifted. Though I was born (more than) a year after it was lifted, the consequences of Marcos’ dictatorial rule still affect me today and will still affect me tomorrow. I was just six (6) years old when Marcos+ asked (or tried to ask Cory thru Doy+) permission to die in his own country and in return he will give 90% of his worldly possessions (back) to the Filipino people. What was Cory’s decision? We all know the answer to this. Because of her decision (or lack of), I have to shoulder a part of my country’s debt. I don’t mind paying my taxes. But it bothers me knowing that if only she accepted that offer, my tax money will be put to better use than just paying off a debt that another president incurred due to his greed (plus his wife’s shopping addiction!).

As you can see, the ‘consequences’ (good or bad) are carried forward—not written off.
What if (*IF) Gibo loses? Will the next president be able to handle all the issues/concerns that our country is facing right now? Is he going to be another puppet of “what’s popular and convenient”? Is he going to be full of hatred and divide our country further? Is he going to be another tyrant? Will he be close-minded and resist positive change? Will he be able to keep our economy afloat and ensure that we get to keep our jobs? I can go on and on but the answers to these questions would have to wait until after May 10, 2010.
Can I be mean right now???!!!! It is really hard not to be. Can I just air out the truth? There is a need for me to be mean… If I am wrong, let me know… So here’s me being mean:
YOU! I am not going to vote for you because I have no reason to vote for you. NONE AT ALL. I can’t even talk or comment on issues regarding you coz there is nothing to talk about or comment on. If I have to talk, it’s just going to be about your parents. The Filipino’s ignorance regarding your mother’s (disastrous) administration literally astounds me. You cannot say that your family is not corrupt or has no history of corruption! That is a blatant lie and you know it! And the Filipinos believe it! I don’t know who’s more pathetic, you or the people who actually believe that your hands (and your family’s) are clean. Corruption is not the ONLY reason behind poverty. Hello!?!?! Are you so daft that you can’t think of any other reason that causes poverty??? You PROMISED TO STOP CORRUPTION if you become president. You have 6 years. Well, if you need more than 6 years, you can always abolish the constitution, declare martial law, become the Prime Minister… blah blah blah…
YOU! I am not going to vote for you because you are surrounded by a lot of controversies and issues that are still open. You want to help the poor??? You’re a billionaire for crying out loud! Bill Gates is a billionaire! And he’s a philanthropist! You don’t have to be the country’s president just to help out the poor or send children to school… Come on… You spent A LOT OF MONEY for your candidacy. Don’t tell me you never thought about your ROI… Remember the kids that you used in your TV ads? Where are they now? Do they have a scholarship until college already? Medical insurance? Or did they (or their parents) get 20,000 for their talent fee? Yeah yeah… We know your story. You were poor and then blah blah blah blah… So you think that since you’ve been there, you know what to do to already… As they say, you don’t have to be a leper to treat leprosy (or something like that). So there. You claim that if you become president, you will put an end to poverty. Good luck. You have 6 years.
As for the rest of the candidates… (1) You had your chance before… You blew it. BIG TIME. (2) The church and the state should remain separate entities. There is no such thing as a blurry line. Either it’s there or not there. (3) Stay with an NGO. You will be more effective with them. (4) You need to know when and when not to open your mouth. And when you decide to open your mouth, make sure that you’ve done ‘enough smart thinking’. (5) Control your temper. Have some patience. Curtail your profanities. (6) Gather more experience. Try to be a legislator or mayor first.
‘They’ tell me that they are voting for Noynoy because they don’t want Villar to win. They know that Gibo is the right choice. But (according to Pulse Asia and SWS) he’s not popular enough to win, so might as well choose the lesser evil. My take? Why choose the lesser evil? Lesser or not isn’t it still ‘evil’? Gibo is not the kind of candidate that one can brand as the ‘lesser evil’. He is the kind of candidate that one can brand as ‘qualified’ and the ‘right’ choice.
If you are one of the undecided voters, do one thing: Imagine each candidate in the following situations:1) giving the SONA 2) peace talk 3) major disaster 4) ASEAN summit 5) debate amongst presidents 6) civil unrest 7) military exercise 8) UN forum 9) handling criticisms *and think of more situations!
I can only think of one candidate who can handle those situations (stated above) in such a manner that only a true leader can accomplish. Ducky Paredes wrote: “I like the way Gibo handles himself and can even envision him as president – quiet, calm, serene but in total command. He inspires confidence even as his world is in chaos.” I agree with Ducky…
I am for positive change. I am for national unity. I am for a better economy. I am for realistic goals. I am for a better Philippines. Therefore I am for Gibo Teodoro.

Dear 2009

On By MarmelismsIn Blog Roll, RamblingsLeave a comment

You started out with a bang—literally and figuratively. When you first came, I was truly on cloud 9. As the weeks progressed, the weight that you had me carry became heavier and heavier.

Sinulog ’09 came and I dared to walk the streets of Fuente. I shouldn’t have… For then I saw a huge python. I ran away from it—you know this.

February came and went. Valentine’s day. What’s that? Oh! I was supposed to watch a Valentine show together with my friends. But then, I opted to stay home for reasons better known to me.

March ’09 was filled with laughter. I was having a grand time with my class. I didn’t know that the laughter was going to become a ghoulish nightmare designed only to torment me.

April was such a haze. May was a blur… The end of May felt like the end of my life… I learned who were true and who were snakes (no wonder I saw a python). 30 days of tears and acting A-okay in front of other people. I had to show a strong façade. I couldn’t (and can’t!) crumble. I am strong—I had to tell myself this. I had to be strong. But only for a little while… 2009—what an illusionist you were. Someone cried for me. You know this. But looking back, I have to ask you this, were those tears for me or was it for that person’s own selfish reasons? Never mind though. It really doesn’t matter anymore.

June and July ’09—were you even part of 2009’s calendar? I barely noticed you. Barely.

August ’09… You became all too real for me. I had to start from scratch.
September and October ’09. Met a lot of new people… I don’t know who were true. I may never know. I might never care.

But October ’09! You broke my heart! My Bela! My only child! On the 20th of October of your year—Dear 2009! She was hospitalized. I’m sure—I’m very sure, you still remember what my Bela had to endure. 5 days. 5 days! If you ever have your own children 2009, let me know. So I can pray that they don’t go through what my Bela went through.

November 2009… November 2009… I went back to my nirvana. Though incomplete because my Bela was not (yet!) with me—it was still nirvana for me… Thank you November 2009. If you didn’t come, I wonder where I would be right now…

December 2009. The first day of your last month—Dear 2009—is the birthday of a dear friend of mine. Happiness over little things (sweet and sour fish, old photographs, friends, tempura, and etc)—that I’ve mastered here in my nirvana. Though there was a twinge in my heart, I was happy none-the-less. Who wouldn’t feel this twinge (when one longs for the comfort and the love of someone special) when one is surrounded by lovebirds??? December 2009… I turned another year older when your 10th day came. It wasn’t a remarkable day. The only thing that I will always remember would be the fact that it was the first time we were able to eat at KFC Dumaguete.

December 2009. No. I am not done with you. You proved to be the best month of all. My Bela turned 2 when your 16th day came. How time flies… Christmas was spent at home. Though only so little of us, it was still a happy Christmas. December 2009, I wish you stayed… Even for a few more days. You brought so much bliss!

December 31, 2009—this was your last day 2009… Despite all the tears that I shed for you this year, you managed to turn my life around before saying goodbye.

Dear 2009… I am not sorry to see you go. I am not mad that you came… I am thankful though. I am thankful that you came… and went… I know that you’re never coming back. But please forgive me if I tell you that I’d rather forget some months and just treasure—in my memory—a few…

2009. Thank you. Because of you—of the lessons you’ve taught me—I now know myself better. And I’ve learned to appreciate my nirvana… Big or small.

Goodbye 2009. May our paths never cross again.

Justice for Harlson Mark Azucena… Our Mickey

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*from a local newspaper in Iloilo City*

CIDG chief’s nephew stabbed dead

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Murder charges will be filed against 10 persons involved in the mauling and stabbing to death of a 19-year-old college student in General Luna Street, Iloilo City Monday evening.

Harlson Mark Azucena of MYL Subdivision, Brgy. Buhang, Jaro district and his four friends were waiting for a jeepney bound for Leganes, Iloilo when the group of Allen Saquilan accosted them.

Saquilan, 20, of Brgy. San Lorenzo, LaPaz, and his gang then mauled and stabbed Azucena, an information technology student of the University of San Agustin.

Azucena died of three stab wounds in the chest at the Iloilo Doctors Hospital. He also suffered injuries in various parts of his body.

The 10 suspects fled from the scene but responding officers of the Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 1 collared six of them after several hours of hot pursuit operations.

Among those arrested were Saquilan, Bryan Gallarte, 20, of Delgado Street, Iloilo City Proper; Dave Gangoso, 18, of De Leon Street, Iloilo City Proper, Mark Joseph Latonero, 18, and Donna Mojal, 18, both of Imperial Homes Subdivision, Mandurriao; and Swizer Tacorum, 19, of Brgy. Timawa.

Still at-large are Joseph Segura, Jake Talavera, a certain Joy and alias Cuba.

ICPS chief Conrado Carganillo said they are still hunting the remaining suspects even as they are preparing murder charges against them.

Carganillo said they are following the angles of love triangle, an old grudge and sheer tripping as motives for the incident.

Azucena is the nephew of Senior Supt. Renato Gumban, regional head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. He is also the grandson of former Iloilo City vice mayor Guillermo Dela Llana.

Gumban said they will file the charges against his nephew’s killers today after gathering the evidence and statements of the witnesses.

Gumban said the arrested suspects initially denied involvement in Azucena’s death by they started spilling the beans after hours of investigation.

“One of the suspects is turning state witness as he has been telling us who were present when the victim was mauled and stabbed,” Gumban added.