Noynoy Aquino Becomes the 15th President of the Philippines

Two days to go before Noynoy Aquino is formally sworn in as the 15^th president of the Philippines. I await yet another historic occasion in our land. Like most other Filipinos, I will not only look forward to the ceremonies but also watch out for some side scenes worthy of tabloid news. Will James Yap attend the inauguration after his estranged wife Kris Aquino admitted the end of their marriage? How will outgoing president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and incoming President Noynoy Aquino act on stage together? I heard that Mar Roxas will skip the rites. Will he change his mind and be visible on this day?

I have mixed feelings about Noynoy Aquino becoming president of the Philippines. I still do not believe that he is the best man to take on the reigns in leading this country. I still think that sympathy votes led him to where he is today. I still could not accept the fact that prior to his mother’s death he had no desire whatsoever to run for president. The sudden decision to heed the nation’s call to run for president after his mother’s death is still a flimsy reason in my opinion.

I am sure Noynoy has deeper reasons although I still do not buy the circumstances around his sudden candidacy. That being said, I believe in his integrity. In fact, I think that is his winning asset. I set aside my biases now and hope along with the rest of the Filipinos that major changes are about to happen. I do not believe that corruption is about to end. It is just impossible. But with Noynoy’s leadership, and if he keeps up to his promise, I hope that corruption will be significantly reduced in many areas of local and national governance.

Here’s hoping for the best in the next six years of the Philippines! Meanwhile, my television will be tuned in on the inauguration on June 30. It will be a grand showdown of Filipiniana dresses and Barong Tagalogs, a series of civil handshakes, occasional beso-besos, and obliging smiles.

In my own little cyberspace here, I congratulate Noynoy Aquino! I just know you will be a lot better than Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. That is enough for a collective sigh of relief. We are watching you, Mr. President!

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Ara Mina for QC Councilor. What a Big Joke!

I’m not judging showbiz personalities in general. I’m just judging Ara Mina!! There are many showbiz personalities turned politicians out there who were able to somehow prove to the public that they are worthy of the people’s votes and that they are serious about their jobs. Take Vilma Santos for example. I really think she made a big difference in Batangas. But Ara Mina? She’s a totally different issue. Judging from this short interview by Mo Twister, Ara Mina revealed a bombshell about herself, a big explosion that will make her chest diminutive in comparison.

Someone needs to talk some sense into Ara Mina’s head. Given the benefit of the doubt that she has the best intentions, how far could her good heart go to lead her constituents? Ara Mina for QC Councilor is one big joke. Wake up, Ara. This is not showbiz anymore. This is not acting with a series of takes at your disposal to perfect your scene. This is real life with real people dealing with serious issues. Here, you cannot buy your way by having a deep cleavage and bouncing pair. Good heavens, they will need much more than that.

The residents of QC WILL NOT accept excuses like “I was always out so I did not have time to watch the news on TV,” or “I get depressed watching the news.” Please save the little respect people have of you. Go back to peeling off clothes behind the reel and leave QC governance to more capable hands. You shame not only your father, Chuck Mathay, but also your intelligent colleagues in showbiz.

Ara Mina is running for QC councilor, second district. Though I live in the first district, I’m still very bothered. I’m bothered because I know Ara Mina has good chances of winning not only for her popularity but also because of her physical endowments. I’m bothered because this is just the second district of Quezon City we’re talking about. What more on the national level? Who will the majority vote for senators, vice president and president?

If Ara Mina still wins a councilor seat even after the proliferation of this video, heaven forbid, good luck to Quezon City.

Vote wisely, Filipinos! Change is in our hands.

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Mar Roxas Confirms Running for Vice President

Mar Roxas made it official today. He is running for vice president. His move to step down and be a vice presidential aspirant to give way to Noynoy Aquino is seen by most people as a heroic deed. For some, it is seen as a last ditch effort to win as he has been slipping down in the recent SWS surveys. Whatever his real motives may be, the recent dramatic turnout of events within the Liberal Party is surely sending yellow euphoric waves in the country.

This early, the tandem of Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas seems like the Great Wall. Indestructible. Mar Roxas was hanging on the balance already, but he soon found his formidable footing in the vice-presidential slot. After all, who are his contenders so far? Ronaldo Puno? Willie Revillame? Mar's unsuspecting savior turned out to be his buddy Noynoy. But the tandem mutually benefits them really because by its virtue, Mar also brings Noynoy closer to the masses. This gives Noynoy the opportunity to disclose himself to these people, not just to the bourgeois and elites. In a way, Noynoy also inherits Mar's slogan, Lalaban tayo! And Mar will flash the Laban sign in his campaigns.

For a while there, I thought that Noynoy Aquino will not stand a chance in winning. But today, it is mesmerizing to see the outpour of support being given to him and Mar Roxas. Indeed, the clamor for change of administration is on the throats of the people already. Still, the road to the election day is very far ahead. Noynoy and Mar will have to go to highs and lows to get their needed votes. There's the vast political machinery of Lakas-Kampi, first and foremost, against the Piso-piso campaign.

Anyways, I'm still enjoying the show. Noynoy and Mar are very popular now but it is still too early to tell. Again, I hope people will be very discerning this time around. We've made lots of mistakes in the past putting into power those public officials we so hate right now. Let's not commit the same mistakes twice over.

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Noynoy Will Run for President!

And so a whole new ball game begins! Noynoy Aquino finally expressed this morning his intention to run for president next year. It is his response to the public clamor and he feels it his obligation to face this challenge and run for the highest position of the land.

Just a few months back, Noynoy Aquino's name would not have been brought up even in hindsight as one of the possible contenders in the presidential race. But after his mother, Cory Aquino's death just last August, the wind changed direction and blew it on Noynoy's head.

I reserve further comments regarding Noynoy's chances of winning the elections next year. It's enough to say that there are so many months ahead to gear up on his campaign and go out of the shadow of his parents. It is time to draft a plan and let us all know how he intends to lift the Philippines out of the quicksand.

Today, I realize that Cory Aquino's death is timely, in the sense that it roused once more in the nation a deep yearning for change of governance. After the patriarch and matriarch have fallen, it is time for the son to continue the fight. It is perhaps the Aquino's destiny really to serve the country to no end. But then I also realize that we cling too much on the Aquinos. We expect them always to be in the forefront of events when the going gets tough.

I believe that there are other presidential candidates equally worthy of serving the country. They are also dedicated to public service and of sound moral character. They may just be of a different surname.

I am not against Noynoy. In fact, I'm also thinking of casting my vote for him. All I'm saying is that we seem to be so emotional right now with all the recent happenings that we have to give time also for proper discernment. After all, amidst all our cries for change of governance, we must remember that we were the ones who instated all those public officials in power, be it through our votes or failure to vote. So for the meantime, maybe we should sit back and relax at first, and listen to what Noynoy (and the other candidates) will promise us. Hopefully in next year's elections we will be more careful with our choices.

But if I may give Noynoy a personal message, I say thank you for standing up to take the reigns of your parents. You gave a reason for Filipinos to hope anew. It will not be an easy task ahead of you, and for that alone, you are very admirable. You are definitely a far cry from those who label your spiritual retreat as "gimmickry."

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Winnie Monsod Interview with Mikey Arroyo

I can't help it! Goodness! This is such an irritating interview. Mikey Arroyo remained elusive throughout his grilling by Arnold Clavio and most especially Winnie Monsod. Kudos to Winnie for being so brave to throw all those questions and explicitly tell Mikey Arroyo that he IS answerable to the public! Did you see the smirk on Mikey Arroyo's face when he replied, "If you are in doubt you can sue me in court"?

Well Mikey Arroyo never answered anything with a period. He couldn't answer anything straight, in fact. If he does attempt to, the replies turn out to be so flimsy that he makes us all look so stupid.

Mikey justified his millions by saying he and his wife received monetary gifts from their wedding. And then he received donations for his campaign. And so from 5 million, their assets miraculously shot up to 176 million? Is he saying that a wedding and an election campaign are profitable? Let's all get married and run for public positions! Was the Philippines born yesterday?

Mikey Arroyo refuses to disclose the shareholders' names of the house in Foster City, California. It's because he has no one to disclose in the first place. There is no corporation. That house is solely their property. Arroyo property.

This is a serious matter, and the whole nation yearns to know why the president and her family is living a very lavish lifestyle while gas prices continue to surge and living conditions get worse every day. It is a serious matter that Mikey Arroyo easily shrugged off with smirks and chuckles.

No wonder we are in shit right now.

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Why Noynoy Aquino Will Not Win as President in 2010

August 1, 2009 will never be the same again for us. It was the day our beloved former President Corazon Aquino died. The people once more took to the streets to relive the spirit of EDSA 1986 when Cory led the nation in overturning the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, and restored democracy in the Philippines.

August 1 is also the fateful day when Cory’s only son, Noynoy Aquino, is suddenly thrust into the limelight as a potential candidate for the 2010 presidential elections. Cory’s death gave the Filipino people the idea of Noynoy leading our country next.The Liberal Party is now debating whether to field Noynoy as their presidential man. If this happens, Mar Roxas will have to back down as a vice-presidential candidate.

It seems like the Filipinos are largely relying on Cory’s untimely death, hoping that sympathy votes will be enough to ensure Noynoy’s victory in 2010. They are hoping this will be a repeat of the 1986 snap elections of Marcos versus Aquino. However, the situation then and now are entirely different. And for this very reason, Noynoy might not have a strong following among the masses to ensure his win.

In 1986, the Filipinos were filled with rage, tired of a dictatorial system that ruled them for twenty years. They were tired of seeing blood, of learning about politicians being imprisoned unjustly, and of various forms of oppression. Cory was fighting Marcos, a man who earned for himself a reputation of being violent and oppressive, and this culminated in the assassination of Cory’s husband, Ninoy Aquino.

As such there was an imminent and immediate desire to overthrow Marcos. The hunger and thirst for democracy is at the very core of the Filipinos that made them march to the streets at will, and support Cory at very little provocations.

Fast forward to 2009 and we now have President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo whose leadership is marred terribly by scandals like the ZTE deal, “Yes, Garci,” and most recently the extravagant $20,000 dinner in New York. Most Filipinos believe she is one of the most corrupt that ever ruled the Philippines. She is sinking in the public ratings every minute.

Now, shortly after Cory’s death, we suddenly think that Noynoy could be thrust into power and have a complete turnaround of fate when GMA steps down. But see, the time of Marcos and the time of GMA are very different. If the 1980s is marked by open violence and chaos, today GMA has learned her lessons well from her predecessors and is keeping the peace at all times, albeit a very artificial one.

GMA is smart. She is careful not to stir another uprising that caused the downfall of Marcos, and later on Joseph Estrada. We never see her lose her control in public speeches. We never hear her retaliate in strong and abusive words. Not a single curse will escape from her lips. And that makes her tough.

She faces the camera always with that same poker face as if no issue bothers her. Every criticism thrown her way, she greets it with silence and a half-smile. She knows how to play the music of politics perfectly. Not even Cory’s pleas for her to step down in 2005 could make her budge in Malacanang.

And thus, there is no public outrage. There are no big rallies staged that could force her to resign.

And now here’s Noynoy carrying the burden of whether to run for president or not. He has not yet formally announced his decision as of this writing, but really now, does he have what it takes to win?

For sure he will do a much better job than his mother who rose to the presidency after just being a housewife for many years. Noynoy has more political experiences than his mother no doubt. But he is just relying now on sympathy votes. And in this present situation, sympathy votes will not be enough for him unlike in his mother’s time. If he could not gather the same crowd during his father’s funeral, there is much left to doubt his victory.

Noynoy lacks the charisma that came naturally to his parents. His sister Kris is better at it. He lacks the gift of gab of his father, Ninoy. His surname can only take him so far but later on he has to also make his own name and prove his worth. Because today, sympathy can only take him so far.

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Let's Continue the Legacy of Cory Aquino

I was 9 years old in 1986 when the People Power Revolution erupted quite spontaneously to topple a dictatorial rule of 20 years. We lived quite near ABS-CBN in Mother Ignacia, and also near Times Street where the Aquino's used to live. I would see tora-toras (helicopters) hovering above our house without really understanding what they were, except that they sounded scary when flying quite low.

But through the years I began to understand what it all was about. The historical events were retold to me by my parents especially when Ninoy's death anniversary would come every August. I do not like history subjects in school but I would find myself listening intently when the EDSA Revolution is the topic. Maybe it was because it was recent history that unfolded in my lifetime. The key people being discussed were still alive before my eyes, like Fidel Ramos, Juan Ponce Enrile, and of course, Cory Aquino.

And so I grew up seeing Cory in the forefront of many political issues in the Philippines. I admired her intently for her meekness, humility and steadfastness to the truth. I am not a very prayerful person, but I envy a woman like Cory who really believed in the power of prayers and who could really lift up all of her fears and worries to the Lord. Last year, the news of her acquiring colon cancer sent all of us in shock. When her daughter Kris took a leave from SNN (a showbiz news show) indefinitely last month to be with her mom, I knew Cory Aquino's condition has worsened already even if public statements would say she was in stable condition. It was all just going to be a matter of a few weeks.

I was in Boracay last Saturday when news of Cory's death reached me. I was woken up at 6AM, barely 3 hours since her passing, when my friend literally elbowed me from my slumber so we could watch the news. And there it was flashed in our screens Noynoy Aquino giving the official statement of his mom's death. I was expecting it already, but it was still all hard to process in the early morning when just the night before I mixed beer and tequila in my system.

I wrote something in haste (the blog entry before this), scrambled for a wifi connection and posted it. It was all so overwhelming and I just wanted to say something. But now, three days after Cory's passing, I'm back in Manila and able to follow more closely the events related to Cory's wake and funeral. I listened to Kris Aquino give a blow by blow account of her mother's last days since Cory's condition worsened beginning of July. I tuned in to the necrological rites and listened to the 20 speakers who all had their own stories to share about the former Philippine president. And as if what Cory did for our country isn't enough yet to make me admire her so much, listening to the personal anecdotes of these 20 chosen speakers left me awestruck at her kindheartedness that obviously was really second nature to her.

Cory Aquino made possible what our world today will perceive as impossible. She was selfless, loyal to her country, and prayerful. She had an unwavering faith amidst the hardest trials she faced in her life, and truly believed in the innate goodness of every Filipino. In this time of prevalent corruption, political bickering, crab mentality and social divisiveness, who would still choose their country first over their families? But then again, that is actually the magic of Cory. She inspired Filipinos to put behind their personal gain for the best interest of the country. She inspired us to continue hoping even when it seems like it's a lost cause already. She would choose to clasp her hands in prayers and urge everyone to do the same.

The Filipino nation is once more in nostalgia with Cory's death. Once more it has stirred people to go back to the streets and relive what Cory (and her husband Ninoy) had fought for to regain democracy. I sincerely hope that this burning fever felt nationwide and around the world is not short-lived, but instead a lasting moving factor for us to begin change within ourselves. Because I fear that all the emotions surging high in all of us now is fleeting. In a month or two after Cory is finally laid to rest, what will we do? Will we participate in the presidential election next year and exercise our rights to vote? Or will we once again be apathetic and raise an eyebrow in our system?

Cory Aquino will be brought to her final resting place today beside her husband, Ninoy Aquino. But it is all up to us now to show the world that what Ninoy died for, and what Cory continued fighting for, are all not in vain. They believed in the Filipino people, and so should we begin believing in ourselves. Because only then can we truly effect change. Let us continue the legacy of Cory Aquino.

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Cory Aquino Dies at 76

I was woken up to the news that former Philippine President Corazon Aquino passed away. It still came as a shock to me although it was somehow expected already. For the past week, she was being heavily sedated with painkillers to make sure that her last few moments were made very comfortable to her, albeit silent in her sleep. She finally breathed her last while the family was praying around her at 3:18AM of August 1, 2009. It was the perfect way everyone knew she would have liked to finally join her Creator.

Cory, as she is more known, is one political figure I have seen and followed since I was young. I am lucky I got to live in her lifetime as compared to others who will only be able to read about her greatness in the history books. Hers was a very colorful life. She touched the lives of so many people around the world.

Cory in all her seeming frailty and innocence in the political arena stirred the Filipino nation without a blink of an eye to rouse reforms, end the 20-year dictatorial rule of the Marcoses and finally restore democracy in our land. No other woman could have been that influential. Deciding to run for president in the snap elections was the most selfless action she ever did for our country, never mind if she was very inexperienced. Her administration may have suffered many criticisms and had the most number of coup attempts but no one could destroy her courage, pure heart and desire to serve the Philippines. She remained unflinching to the very end of her term.

Cory Aquino was deeply admired throughout the world. She inspired non-violent means of protests. But more than this, I will always look up to Cory as a mother. Youngest daughter Kris Aquino made a lot of weak decisions that Cory may not have necessarily agreed with, but Cory showed her undying support through and through. It is always etched in my mind that scene wherein Cory embraced Kris after the latter faced the public to admit she acquired STD.

The Filipinos now mourn the passing of a great icon. Up to her last breath, the assassination of her husband Ninoy Aquino remains a mystery. But for Cory, it probably doesn’t matter anymore as she is now reunited with him once again after a very long wait.

I wonder who she would have endorsed for the presidential elections next year. We’ll never know now. But it’s certain she would advise the Filipinos to pray for clean elections and to let our consciences rule our choices.

Rest in peace, Tita Cory.

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