The Magic Word in Philippine Politics -- AQUINO?

It seems these days, people want to relive what it was like during the People Power Revolution. Thinking we have an ominous enemy and we have to do it again. Only this time, the enemy isn't as clear as it was during the time of Martial Law

Nevertheless, just because of the notable family name - Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has been petitioned to run for presidency over the last few weeks and he has officially announced his decision to run for president (as the Liberal Party's standard bearer) in the 2010 elections at the historic Kalayaan Hall in Club Filipino, Greenhills, San Juan City, this morning (Sept. 9).

"Tinatanggap ko ang hiling ng sambayanan. Tinatanggap ko ang habilin at tagubilin ng aking mga magulang...Bayang Pilipinas, tatakbo ako sa pangpanguluhan sa 2010, " Aquino said.

It's kind of sickening what has become of Philippine politics. But I guess that's the way it is. His mother just died for crying out loud. Wouldn't she appreciate it if we don't make the same mistakes? And not just go into things because we feel like it.

Noynoy made the announcement 40 days after the death of his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, who died of colon cancer last Aug. 1. In Filipino tradition, the 40th day after a person's death is the end of the grieving period for the relatives of the deceased.

Noynoy probably won't be an awesome president if he wins - which is pretty likely because of the fame of his dear parents - the patriot Ninoy Aquino who is on our 500 peso bill & the recent passing of his dear mother & former president Cory Aquino.

Brangelina was in Boracay or Manila?

Rumor is that Brangelina is staying in one of the Shangrila hotels in the Philippines, buying out a P130,000 room (or is that a whole floor already?)

Rates for the 60-square-meter deluxe rooms that have balconies and sea views start at $450 a night, while villas that have butler-serviced retreats and private plunge pools start at $1,000.

News that the Hollywood celebrity couple (Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie) are in town spread on Friday after a US-registered private plane arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The travellers reportedly booked a room in a Shangrila hotel.

The buzz was that the couple will grace a soft opening of one of the ShangriLa Hotels and Resorts' four branches in the Philippines.

Of course the hotels denied it. They're not supposed to encourage that, given their privacy clause

Nonetheless, a source from the resort confirmed that a representative of the couple booked a suite during the Lenten season. It is not confirmed, though, if Brangelina--the moniker for Brad and Angelina--will be there to use it.

Former President Corazon Aquino, Mother To Showbiz Personality Kris Aquino And Widow To Assassinated War Hero Diagnosed With Colon Cancer

Breaking News Former President Corazon Aquino, Mother To Showbiz Personality Kris Aquino And Widow To Assassinated War Hero Diagnosed With Colon Cancer

According to the local paper - Inquirer -- Former Philippine president Corazon Aquino is suffering from colon cancer and is in a hospital, her family said Monday.

Aquino’s daughter Kris, a people television host and actress, read a statement on television saying the cancer was discovered when the former president went to have a check up.

A weeping Kris, with her brother, Senator Benigno Aquino III beside her, said their family is asking for “compassion and prayers for our Mom’s recovery.”

"Our mother had suffered from an episode of high blood pressure and difficulty in breathing followed by fever during the week in between Christmas and New Year. Since that time, we became concerned because of her consistent cough, loss of appetite and noticeable weight loss,” she said.

"Our mom wanted to know what was wrong with her, and with her family by her side, she submitted herself to a check-up and several tests. The results showed that our mother is suffering cancer of the colon," she added.

The Aquino family statement said it was the former president who wanted her condition made public because she “has always believed in being upfront. Over and above anything else, she's a woman who has lived her entire life entrusting everything to the Lord, and she has always been a woman of great faith.”

“Alam po namin na ang buhay ng aming pamilya ay bahagi na ng kasaysayan ng ating bayan. Desisyon po ng nanay namin na mag-release kami ng statement, para maunawaan ng lahat ang kanyang kasalukuyang kalagayan [We know that the life of our family is part of the history of our nation. Our mother has decided to have a statement released so that everyone will understand her present condition],” it added.

At the same time, she also asked that the former president “be accorded her privacy” during a “very difficult time for our family and, most especially our mother.”

“We’re saddened to hear the news about the condition of former president Cory Aquino,” Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said in Malacañang. “We join her family and the rest of the Filipino nation in praying that God give her strength during this time of adversity and we pray for her speedy recovery.”

“I’m really sorry. We just have to pray that she’s not very, very serious,” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said.

Opposition Senators Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Francis Pangilinan said they are praying for Aquino's recovery.

“Keep the faith. You have loved our people beyond what many deserved. God in turn has loved you beyond compare. Bing and I pray God's blessing will ever be with you,” said Pimentel, who served in Aquino's Cabinet as minister of interior and local government.

“My family and I join the rest of the nation in prayer for former president Cory Aquino's complete healing. We also pray for strength and courage for the Aquino family as they face this difficult trial,” said Pangilinan, a party mate of Senator Aquino III.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, who has been known to make biting remarks against Aquino, who has joined those seeking the resignation of Arroyo for alleged corruption, also wished the former president recovery.

"I wish her recovery...the darkest days of Holy week [have] has passed already," Gonzalez said, adding that colon cancer is curable.

Gonzalez said he has high regards for Aquino despite their disagreements.

"We may disagree on political matters but my regard for her as a person stays," said Gonzalez, who described himself as a good friend of the former president’s husband.

Aquino, 74, widow of the late senator Benigno Aquino Jr., became president after a popular uprising ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.

Her husband was assassinated on his return the country from exile in 1983. The murder gave birth to the protest movement that eventually led to the downfall of the 14-year Marcos dictatorship.

via Inquirer Daily News