Aga Muhlach's Commentary on Philippine Governance

This was supposed to be a year ago, but I just found out so good for Aga Muhlach for being vocal about his socio-political disposition

Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto This November 14

Manny Pacquiao known as “Pac-Man,” 49-3 with two drawn and 37 knockouts, will face the Puerto Rican star - Miguel Cotto, 34-1 with 27 knockouts, on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas in a welterweight showdown. Cotto’s only loss came last year to Antonio Margarito, who was suspended after his trainer was found to have put hardened pads in the Mexican fighter’s gloves before a January bout against Shane Mosley.

Manny Pacquiao started training late, but expecting it to be okay with his speed as his edge. He's getting a little too cocky I think. Nevertheless he's still the crown favorite being boxing’s pound-for-pound king after beating Oscar de la Hoya in 2008, knocked out Britain’s Hatton with a devastating left hook last May, a blow Pacquiao called the best of his career.

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.

Philippines' Bet For Ms. Universe - Pamela Bianca Manalo - May Stand A Chance

After wowing critics in the preliminaries where 84 candidates battle it out for the Top 15 semifinals slots, which will be announced during the grand coronation night Sunday (Monday morning in the Philippines)for Ms. Universe 2009. Pamela Bianca Manalo may have a fighting chance of winning for the Philippines this year.

“She owned the swimsuit competition,’’ a pageant historian from the Dominican Republic said.

Manalo, a former flight attendant, stands 5’10’’ and measures 36-1/2-26-36, has been a crowd favorite since she arrived in the Bahamas.

Geneva Cruz Strips Again

Geneva took off her clothes again this time for a worthy cause. Covering herself with a placard saying "All Animals Have the Same Parts. Go Vegetarian" as well as marking all over her skin. All this for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' (PETA) pro-vegetarian ads

Maricar Reyes Back on Her Feet - Back in the Limelight

Maricar Reyes gets back on the horse (pun intended) after months of lying lower after the Hayden Kho sex scandal. She's doing much better than her counter parts I guess. Capitalizing on her new-found fame and respect coming from something that would seem so humiliating at first.

Maricar Reyes will grace the cover of a major woman's magazine soon and open up in an interview about her "other" life or so they call it - about being a daughter & doctor - outside of show business

As a side note - ABS-CBN videos cannot be embedded (that sucks)

The Problem These Days About Jobs And Job Seekers

I have come across a lot of people who have recently loss their jobs - blame it on the smart guys in the US who juggled all those accounts and ended up with nothing. Anyway thousands are now jobless & competing for what employers have left to offer given the stringent economic conditions.

Although the economy seems to have lightened up recently, there's still the mind-set of how do I get a job? It's so difficult to get a job. REALLY it is!

So if you have a job that you don't like for crying out loud - swallow your pride and count your blessings. If times get better and a better offer comes up then good for you - go ahead by all means & jump ship but until then please please so many people are suffering with no income. You're already lucky as it is

The problem nowadays with job seekers too is that they're pretty darn picky: No night shift. Pay's too low. Too many responsibilities. It's boring! All the complaints in the world. But you know what, it's a job.

Each door that opens to you is an opportunity so take it and make the most of it. All the best to the job seekers out there. Trim down your expectations a bit & work just a little bit harder than everyone else. You might just end up doing what you want to be doing in the end.

Maricar Reyes vs. Katrina Halili - Who's The Better Woman?

Okay I told everybody there was a sex tape and I was wrong there are a LOT of sex tapes going around. Let's see if I got everything.

• There was Hayden & Katrina (a couple of those actually)
• There was Hayden & the Brazilian model (most of the time the camera saw the airconditioner though)
• There was a couple of Hayden & Maricar Reyes (these were of course the hottest of the set)

I saw some screen shots of Hayden & Princess Velasco too. Not sure when that's officially coming out. But we've talked enough of Hayden Kho already, I think he's vomiting from all the unwarranted attention this time, not to say he doesn't deserve it.



But moving on, who's the better girl in this situation

• Katrina Halili - who has stopped the world with her court case and attempt to bring "justice" to her pitiful state (She's fighting back, but not doing much else I think - more bark than bite for now. We shall see if she is truly able to bring down Belo's beauty empire)
  
• Maricar Reyes - who disappeared when the videos came out and is now mum about the whole thing. However I see her up on her feet with roles in "May Bukas Pa" and her own lead role in "Your Song Presents: Gaano Kita Kamahal."

Here's some food for thought, considering what Katrina Halili said about her losing dignity/ integrity & work because of the spreading of the sex scandals, why isn't the same thing happening to Maricar Reyes? Hmmm....

Korina Sanchez and Mar Roxas Getting Married This Year

Senator Mar proposed to Korina Sanchez over the Holy week and as reported in Inquirer: told his entire family and kin that he had asked Korina to be his wife, all the while holding hands with his bride-to-be. The couple also showed off the gorgeous diamond engagement ring Korina was wearing. Korina’s wedding gown will be done by one of our most talented Filipino couturiers

I really couldn't care less, but what the heck...

First Philippine Cruise Ship - 7107 Islands Cruise Ship

Here's the first cruise liner in the Philippines - 7107 Islands Cruise. They sail from Boracay to Palawan to Batangas almost daily. The trip costs at least 3,500 pesos per person (triple sharing) and less for quad but that only includes breakfast. Full board would be close to 5K per night per person. I think it's great that luxury like this has come to the Philippines.

There are after all 7,107 islands here that people can actually enjoy. It's also a great avenue for tourists to appreciate the natural beauty of the Philippines. It's too bad that living in Cebu, I'd have to take a plane/ bus or boat ride to one of the destinations just so I can joint the trip - and aside from that shell out a hefty sum that's probably equivalent to a trip to Hongkong.

Nevertheless, it's nice to have. Would help if it were more affordable though. The amenities though are pretty good, so I would say you're getting your money's worth

ABS-CBN Newscaster - Ted Failon's Wife In Critical Condition - Suicide or Homicide?

It was all abuzz in the news last night and today when Ted Failon - well-known newscaster of ABS-CBN had to cut his show on the radio to rush home apparently his wife shot herself in the head.

Ted Failon and his entire household became suspects in this very public suicide they're calling it. Only time will tell, if his wife, Trinidad, does wake up to tell the tale that should simplify things. But for now I guess we'll have to depend on the police and the media for news on the matter

Here's an image from Inquirer.net during the investigation of Ted Failon




Based on GMA news

Police authorities on Thursday said the paraffin test on news anchorman Ted Failon (Teodoro Etong) yielded negative result, but clarified that this is not yet conclusive.

The paraffin test on Failon was conducted in connection with the shooting of his wife Trinidad in their house in Quezon City Wednesday.

“Yung paraffin test kay Ted Failon yielded negative but it is not yet conclusive," said National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) head Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales in a press conference at Camp Katingal in Quezon City.

Rosales said that they are still gathering pieces of evidence to determine the nature of Trinidad’s shooting.

He also said that the note supposedly written by Trinidad is not necessarily a suicide note. “It’s a sorry note."

He added that they are still investigating whether it was Trinidad herself who wrote the note, which read: “Papa, I’m so sorry. Gustung-gusto ko ang magsabi sa iyo ng totoo pero hindi ko po alam kung paano uumpisahan. Sobrang takut na takot ako. Umalis muna ako, kasi hindi ko kaya at nahihiya akong humarap sa iyo. Sana po mapatawad mo ako, papa. Sorry, sorry papa – Mama."

[Papa, I’m so sorry. I really want to tell you the truth but I don’t know where to start. I am so scared. I left home because I cannot take it anymore and I don’t think I can face you. I hope you can forgive me, papa. Sorry, sorry papa – Mama.]

Asked whether the police would file a case against Failon, Rosales said," After we examine the pieces of evidence, that’s the time you will be able to build or not. We have to wait for the final results…."

Rosales also assured that the investigation would be fair and would follow due process.

“Walang sacred cow [There will be no sacred cow in the investigation]. I would like to emphasize that we would treat this case just like any other case," Rosales said.

Everybody thinks its tragic but people are divided as to the cause of the event. He's a public personality there's no hiding this from them. They will have to endure the public eye, specially now.

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.

Brangelina was in Boracay or Manila?

Chip Tsao Hongkong A-Hole

Chip Tsao that nobody writer from HK Magazine made waves the past few days for his very racist and cruel article on Filipinos. He just gained worldwide infamy thanks for the good people of the Philippines - what he called the "nation of servants"

There has been a startling response to his article which he later called a "satire." This just goes to show how poor a writer he is.

He better watch out because there are a lot of people who can actually hurt him if they wanted to. I can't believe a journalist or any person for that matter would stoop so low as to call out a country based on his narrow perception of her people (being maids) while commenting on an issue he practically knows nothing about (Spratly islands).

The Philippines is not united in this matter. Although a majority loathe the man and wish him ill will for his poorly written article but there is a small group that think he was just saying his piece and that he had a right to say it.

I think it was downright uncalled for. Sure there are many domestic helpers abroad that are Filipino, but that does not define the Filipino people. Neither is the claim to Spratly islands - these are not the things that define us.

I wasn't as passionately angered by the article knowing it to be a shallow piece by a shallow person. Anyway here are the details:


Full text of "The War at Home" by Chip Tsao

The Russians sank a Hong Kong freighter last month, killing the seven Chinese seamen onboard. We can live with that-—Lenin and Stalin were once the ideological mentors of all Chinese people. The Japanese planted a flag on Diàoyú Island. That's no big problem-—we Hong Kong Chinese love Japanese cartoons, Hello Kitty, and shopping in Shinjuku, let alone our round-the-clock obsession with karaoke.

But hold on-—even the Filipinos? Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. This is beyond reproach. The reason: There are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as HK$3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don't flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.

As a patriotic Chinese man, the news has made my blood boil. I summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell everyone of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China.

Grimly, I told her that if war breaks out between the Philippines and China, I would have to end her employment and send her straight home, because I would not risk the crime of treason for sponsoring an enemy of the state by paying her to wash my toilet and clean my windows 16 hours a day. With that money, she would pay taxes to her Government, and they would fund a navy to invade our motherland and deeply hurt my feelings.

Oh yes. The Government of the Philippines would certainly be wrong if they think we Chinese are prepared to swallow their insult and sit back and lose a Falkland Islands War in the Far East. They may have Barack Obama and the hawkish American military behind them, but we have a hostage in each of our homes in the Mid-Levels or higher. Some of my friends told me they have already declared a state of emergency at home. Their maids have been made to shout 'China, Madam/Sir' loudly whenever they hear the word "Spratly". They say the indoctrination is working as wonderfully as when we used to shout, "Long live Chairman Mao!" at the sight of a portrait of our Great Leader during the Cultural Revolution. I’m not sure if that's going a bit too far, at least for the time being.

Hongkong Magazine in fact posted this apology:

An Apology

March 27th, 2009

The publisher and editors of HK Magazine wish to apologize unreservedly for any offense that may have been caused by Chip Tsao’s column dated March 27.

HK Magazine has long championed the rights of Filipinos working in Hong Kong. We note that Filipinos have often been unfairly treated in Hong Kong, and that they make an important contribution to this community.

As a magazine, we would never want to say anything that would negate that belief.

The column in question was satirical. One aspect of satire is that it can at times be read in different ways. In this particular case, many people have read meanings into this column that were never actually intended.

We wish to assure our readers that we have nothing but respect for Filipinos, both living in Hong Kong and abroad.

Maui Taylor Reason for Jomari and Pops Break-up?

Well that's a pretty good reason to break up then! If Maui Taylor is in fact the cause for the Jomari Yllana & Pops Fernandez break-up then it's not so bad. I was already wondering what was keeping those two together anyway. Seeing Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez, fake making up in that stupid concert was already enough to contend with. That was gross! Absolutely gross!

At least Maui Taylor looks hot enough to be the third party. To add insult to injury, ABS-CBN even reported them together:

Just a few days after Jomari Yllana and Pops Fernandez announced their break-up, Maui Taylor was seen with Jomari in Bataan, fueling rumors that she could have been the cause of the couple's split.

There were pictures taken in Bataan which prove that both of them were in the same group of friends, including one particular photo where Yllana is seen leaning towards Maui, with his nose just inches from the sexy actress's hair.

Maui Taylor of course denies the allegations with her own side of the story

According to the sexy actress, "Hindi naman namin sinasadyang magkita sa Bataan eh." She detailed the dates when they 'accidentally' bumped onto each other and sat down for a little bonding. She also emphasized that at the time they saw each other, Jomari is already single. "Wala na, at hindi po ako ang third party, Ha Ha Ha! Hindi ako yung cause, actually I asked him nga eh kung what happened, ayaw naman niya mag elaborate. So, let's leave it na lang." she says.

Maui also revealed that Jomari revealed a little information about the sudden break-up, "Basta, hindi na daw sila magkasundo. Yun lang! That's about it, kasi actually yung mga friends ko rin are also wanted to know. 'Uy tanong mo nga kung bakit' Sabi ko naman, I'm not in the position to ask, parang ang tsismosa naman ng dating ko di ba? Basta ang nasabi lang niya sakin, don't get along na daw, yun lang!" Regarding the intriguing Facebook photos, here is what Maui has to say, "Wala lang, trip lang! Hindi naman anu yun eh. Saka hindi naman nakalapat yung lips niya sa cheeks ko eh. It's just a picture. I mean, bakit kailangang bigyan ng meaning ang pictures na ganun. So porket ba magkatabi kami sa isang picture, kami na?"

Even I'd rethink my relationship if something like this came up to me

Natasha Takes on Marian Rivera In Their New Commercial

There are a bunch of girls in the office who sell Natasha, and why not? It's a nice sideline while working the day-job. I have a nice pair of jeans from Natasha that have lasted a couple of years, I can't say the same for my sandals though

But these days it seems Natasha has upgraded with this television commercial featuring Marian Rivera. What do you think?

Pacquiao vs. Patton

I hate it when Manny Pacquiao talks about fighting for the Filipino people when he's not. He's doing it for the money! After beating Oscar de la Hoya, he's been almost impossible. Looking for the next big fight.

Apparently this time it's with Ricky Hatton on the next biggest east versus west confrontation

But according to his previous competitor, he won't live to tell the tale. “I think Hatton will dethrone Pacquiao and become boxing’s (new) pound-for-pound king," De la Hoya said in a report posted by saddoboxing.com.

“We are very excited that this fight has been made as it is the fight fans wanted and the one I look forward to seeing myself. This fight has the makings of a Fight of the Year candidate," De la Hoya said.

Francis Magalona aka Francis M. - Dead, Can you believe it?

Francis Magalona more commonly known as Francis M because of his album, Rap Is FrancisM (1992), Meron akong ano! (I have something!)(1993) died today lunch time over much fuss from the media

He was pretty much referred to as a "master rapper" with supporting materials as FreeMan (1995) spanning more hits like "Ito ang Gusto Ko," “Girl Be Mine” and “Kaleidoscope World.” His greatest hits album, The Best of FrancisM,was released in 2002.

He was at the height of fame when I was a young girl. Everyone thought he was cool. It's sad to think he passed away. Almost impossible to accept

He was diagnosed with cancer - Leukemia to be exact

Vicky Belo Vs. Boy Abunda - Misery Loves Company

Vicky Belo just lost her Doctor cum boyfriend, Hayden Kho to hotter, younger & sexier Katrina Halili, not only that - this is the girl you have surgically enhanced, as well as the girl who's on all her billboards... of course she's bitter as hell! Too bad she didn't keep her mouth shut for her latest commentary versus rival surgeon Manny Calayan

“If you want to look like Piolo Pascual and Dingdong Dantes, you go to Belo. If you want to look like Boy Abunda, you go to Calayan.”

Now that is definitely uncalled for. If we take it philosophically (magpaka-pilosopo ta) then it would be a line against her that her top model was in an affair with her boyfriend/ model.




Sure there's no comparison between Piolo and Dingdong to Boy Abunda, but that's not a reason to rub it in. Would Dr. Vicky Belo like to compare herself to Katrina Halili? Can there be such a comparison too? OUCH! That would be insult over injury, but she's lucky nobody was as mean as her to bring that up

Dr. Vicky Belo caused even more of a stir when she tried to defend herself

“Boy is Calayan’s main male endorser, in the same way that Piolo and Dingdong are my main male endorsers. Why are [people] making a big deal out of that? Calayan put Boy on his billboard because he is proud of him, right?”

The Calayans aren't exactly a credible bunch either. They have had their own problems as I hear with botched surgical jobs as well. Maybe that was why they wanted to ride the band-wagon on Boy Abunda's "credibility" so to speak



Belo should just lay low until she gets a hold of herself. Her comment was unkind. Although it's true Boy Abunda may have over-reacted. No reason to feel insulted, we have to accept what is right? He's no Piolo Pascual or Dingdong Dantes but then again, his boyfriend hasn't been caught in a public affair now has he?

Vicky Belo should have been just a little bit more tactful, considering her stature... sure she "makes people beautiful" but does she truly make them happy? Her model/ boyfriend obviously wanted more when he went to Katrina Halili

The Miss Cebu Burden

The Miss Cebu controversy has gone on long enough. It has been weeks since the pageant and sure Kimberley Therese Burden was wronged but as far as I have witnessed, everyone has come to the table to apologize and try to amend what has gone wrong

• I read a public apology from CCTC - Cebu City Tourism Council. It was a whole page of Sunstar I think
  
• Numerous reports that have proclaimed Kim Burden the "real" and "only" texters' choice winner for Miss Cebu
• A very public investigation/ review of the event and its proponents was conducted
  
• The Vice Mayor and "acting" Vice Mayor have said their piece and now quite possibly over-reacting to the matter
  
• The offer was made for a separate event that would formally "award" Kim Burden for winning Globe's Texters' choice, which I believe was declined
  

I don't think there's anything else to fight for here. I don't understand what "truth" people are looking for. Are they implying that Kimberley Therese Burden is the real winner of Miss Cebu and not Kris Tiffany Janson? And that Miss Cebu judges - Tweety De Leon Gonzales and Katrina Holigores, were all part of a conspiracy?

That would be a big allegation and I hope if that is the intent that it be made up front and not all this argumentum ad misericordiam about how frustrated and emotionally impaired the poor girl was made to become. For those who don't know... Argumentum ad Misericordiam is an appeal to pity. A fallacy which tries to win support for their argument or idea by exploiting her or his opponent's feelings of pity or guilt

In all truth I even voted for Kim Burden because I thought she was really pretty and I had my bets on her too. But this is just ridiculous! She should rise above this. Her family should rise above this.

She was wronged. And that has been said so many times now. It should stop and let people move on with their lives. She should move on with her life. The bitterness must stop.

Learn from Charice Pempengco. She did not win that ABS-CBN contest "Little Big Star," but she didn't cry foul. I thought it was unfair at the time, but we can't all be judges now can we? And yet she rose to the challenge and she lived up to the talent that was given to her. And where is she now? And where is the winner of that ABS-CBN contest - Sam Concepcion? Sure he's also famous and he claimed that win, but there is no comparison. Charice is by far more famous, and she deserves it. This can be an allusion.

Miss Cebu is a great pageant. Let us not destroy it's integrity. It is imperfect like a lot of things I do agree. But what makes Cebu better are the Cebuanos who rise to the challenge. I do acknowledge that wrong-doing was committed and this should be addressed. I believe it was addressed.

There are bigger issues - poverty, corruption, crime and the efforts to improve education and overall the quality of life in Cebu, let us please let Cebu get back to that