Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Untitled

If you want to read the full text of President Aquino's inaugural speech, this is it as published in (and thank you to) The Philippines Star (dated, July 1, 2010):

 

His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and members of the Senate, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and members of the House, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the foreign delegations,Your Excellencies of the diplomatic corps, fellow colleagues in government, aking mga kababayan.

Ang pagtayo ko dito ngayon ay patunay na kayo ang aking tunay na lakas. Hindi ko inakala na darating tayo sa puntong ito, na ako’y manunumpa sa harap ninyo bilang inyong Pangulo. Hindi ko pinangarap maging tagapagtaguyod ng pag-asa at tagapagmana ng mga suliranin ng ating bayan.


Ang layunin ko sa buhay ay simple lang: maging tapat sa aking mga magulang at sa bayan bilang isang marangal na anak, mabait na kuya, at mabuting mamamayan.
Nilabanan ng aking ama ang diktaturya at ibinuwis niya ang kanyang buhay para tubusin ang ating demokrasya. Inalay ng aking ina ang kanyang buhay upang pangalagaan ang demokrasyang ito. Ilalaan ko ang aking buhay para siguraduhin na ang ating demokrasya ay kapaki-pakinabang sa bawat isa. Namuhunan na kami ng dugo at handang gawin itong muli kung kinakailangan.


Tanyag man ang aking mga magulang at ang kanilang mga nagawa, alam ko rin ang problema ng ordinaryong mamamayan. Alam nating lahat ang pakiramdam na magkaroon ng pamahalaang bulag at bingi. Alam natin ang pakiramdam na mapagkaitan ng hustisya, na mabalewala ng mga taong pinagkatiwalaan at inatasan nating maging ating tagapagtanggol.


Kayo ba ay minsan ring nalimutan ng pamahalaang inyong iniluklok sa puwesto? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay nagtiis na sa trapiko para lamang masingitan ng isang naghahari-hariang de-wangwang sa kalsada? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay sawang-sawa na sa pamahalaang sa halip na magsilbi sa taumbayan ay kailangan pa nila itong pagpasensiyahan at tiisin? Ako rin.


Katulad ninyo ako. Marami na sa atin ang bumoto gamit ang kanilang paa – nilisan na nila ang ating bansa sa kanilang paghahanap ng pagbabago at katahimikan.  Tiniis nila ang hirap, sinugod ang panganib sa ibang bansa dahil doon may pag-asa kahit kaunti na dito sa atin ay hindi nila nakikita. Sa iilang sandali na sarili ko lang ang aking inaalala, pati ako ay napag-isip din — talaga bang hindi na mababago ang pamamahala natin dito? Hindi kaya nasa ibang bansa ang katahimikang hinahanap ko? Saan ba nakasulat na kailangang puro pagtitiis ang tadhana ng Pilipino?


Ngayon, sa araw na ito — dito magwawakas ang pamumunong manhid sa mga daing ng taumbayan. Hindi si Noynoy ang gumawa ng paraan, kayo ang dahilan kung bakit ngayon, magtatapos na ang pagtitiis ng sambayanan. Ito naman ang umpisa ng kalbaryo ko, ngunit kung marami tayong magpapasan ng krus ay kakayanin natin ito, gaano man kabigat.


Sa tulong ng wastong pamamahala sa mga darating na taon, maiibsan din ang marami nating problema. Ang tadhana ng Pilipino ay babalik sa tamang kalagayan, na sa bawat taon pabawas ng pabawas ang problema ng Pinoy na nagsusumikap at may kasiguruhan sila na magiging tuloy-tuloy na ang pagbuti ng kanilang sitwasyon.
Kami ay narito para magsilbi at hindi para maghari. Ang mandato ninyo sa amin ay pagbabago —  isang malinaw na utos para ayusin ang gobyerno at lipunan mula sa pamahalaang iilan lamang ang nakikinabang tungo sa isang pamahalaang kabutihan ng mamamayan ang pinangangalagaan.


Ang mandatong ito ay isa kung saan kayo at ang inyong pangulo ay nagkasundo para sa pagbabago — isang paninindigan na ipinangako ko noong kampanya at tinanggap ninyo noong araw ng halalan.


Sigaw natin noong kampanya: “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.” Hindi lamang ito pang slogan o pang poster —  ito ang mga prinsipyong tinatayuan at nagsisilbing batayan ng ating administrasyon.


Ang ating pangunahing tungkulin ay ang magsikap na maiangat ang bansa mula sa kahirapan, sa pamamagitan ng pagpapairal ng katapatan at mabuting pamamalakad sa pamahalaan.


Ang unang hakbang ay ang pagkakaroon ng tuwid at tapat na hanay ng mga pinuno. Magsisimula ito sa akin. Sisikapin kong maging isang mabuting ehemplo. Hinding hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin. Sisiguraduhin ko na ganito rin ang adhikain ng aking Gabinete at ng mga magiging kasama sa ating pamahalaan.


Naniniwala akong hindi lahat ng nagsisilbi sa gobyerno ay corrupt. Sa katunayan, mas marami sa kanila ay tapat. Pinili nilang maglingkod sa gobyerno upang gumawa ng kabutihan. Ngayon, magkakaroon na sila ng pagkakataong magpakitang-gilas. Inaasahan natin sila sa pagsupil ng korapsyon sa loob mismo ng burukrasya.
Sa mga itinalaga sa paraang labag sa batas, ito ang aking babala: sisimulan natin ang pagbabalik ng tiwala sa pamamagitan ng pag-usisa sa mga “midnight appointments.” Sana ay magsilbi itong babala sa mga nag-iisip na ipagpatuloy ang baluktot na kalakarang nakasanayan na ng marami.
Sa mga kapuspalad nating mga kababayan, ngayon, ang pamahalaan ang inyong kampeon.


Hindi natin ipagpapaliban ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga estudyante, kaya’t sisikapin nating punan ang kakulangan sa ating mga silid-aralan.
Unti-unti din nating babawasan ang mga kakulangan sa imprastraktura para sa transportasyon, turismo at pangangalakal. Mula ngayon, hindi na puwede ang “puwede na” pagdating sa mga kalye, tulay at gusali dahil magiging responsibilidad ng mga kontratista ang panatilihing nasa mabuting kalagayan ang mga proyekto nila.


Bubuhayin natin ang programang “emergency employment” ng dating pangulong Corazon Aquino sa pagtatayo ng mga bagong imprastraktura na ito. Ito ay magbibigay ng trabaho sa mga local na komunidad at makakatulong sa pagpapalago ng kanila at ng ating ekonomiya.

Hindi kami magiging sanhi ng inyong pasakit at perwisyo. Palalakasin natin ang koleksyon at pupuksain natin ang korapsyon sa Kawanihan ng Rentas Internas at Bureau of Customs para mapondohan natin ang ating mga hinahangad para sa lahat, tulad ng:
·           dekalidad na edukasyon, kabilang ang edukasyong bokasyonal para makapaghanap ng marangal na trabaho ang hindi makapag-kolehiyo;
·           serbisyong pangkalusugan, tulad ng Philhealth para sa lahat sa loob ng tatlong taon;
·           tirahan sa loob ng mga ligtas na komunidad.


Palalakasin at palalaguin natin ang bilang ng ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan, hindi para tugunan ang interes ng mga naghahari-harian, ngunit para proteksyunan ang mamamayan. Itinataya nila ang kanilang buhay para mayroong pagkakataon sa katahimikan at kapayapaan sa sambayanan. Dumoble na ang populasyong kanilang binabantayan, nanatili naman sila sa bilang. Hindi tama na ang nagmamalasakit ay kinakawawa.


Kung dati ay may fertilizer scam, ngayon ay may kalinga na tunay para sa mga magsasaka. Tutulungan natin sila sa irigasyon, extension services, at sa pagbenta ng kanilang produkto sa pinakamataas na presyong maaari.


Inaatasan natin si papasok na Kalihim Alcala na magtayo ng mga trading centers kung saan diretso na ang magsasaka sa mamimili — lalaktawan natin ang gitna, kasama na ang kotong cop. Sa ganitong paraan, ang dating napupunta sa gitna ay maari nang paghatian ng magsasaka at mamimili.


Gagawin nating kaaya-aya sa negosyante ang ating bansa. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance, to business. Sa ganitong paraan lamang natin mapupunan ang kakulangan ng trabaho para sa ating mga mamamayan.


Layunin nating paramihin ang trabaho dito sa ating bansa upang hindi na kailanganin ang mangibang-bansa para makahanap ng trabaho. Ngunit habang ito ay hindi pa natin naaabot, inaatasan ko ang mga kawani ng DFA, POEA, OWWA at iba pang mga kinauukulang ahensiya na mas lalo pang paigtingin ang pagtugon sa mga hinaing at pangangailangan ng ating mga overseas Filipino workers.


Papaigtingin namin ang proseso ng konsultasyon at pag-uulat sa taumbayan. Sisikapin naming isakatuparan ang nakasaad sa ating Konstitusyon na kinikilala ang karapatan ng mamamayan na magkaroon ng kaalaman ukol sa mga pampublikong alintana.


Binuhay natin ang diwa ng people power noong kampanya. Ipagpatuloy natin ito tungo sa tuwid at tapat na pamamahala. Ang naniniwala sa people power ay nakatuon sa kapwa at hindi sa sarili.


Sa mga nang-api sa akin, kaya ko kayong patawarin, at pinapatawad ko na kayo. Sa mga nang-api sa sambayanan, wala akong karapatan na limutin ang inyong mga kasalanan.


To those who are talking about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. Sa paglimot ng pagkakasala, sinisigurado mong mauulit muli ang mga pagkakasalang ito. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

Ikinagagalak din naming ibahagi sa inyo ang pagtanggap ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide sa hamon ng pagtatatag at pamumuno sa isang Truth Commission na magbibigay linaw sa maraming kahinahinalang isyu na hanggang ngayon ay walang kasagutan at resolusyon.


Ang sinumang nagkamali ay kailangang humarap sa hustisya. Hindi maaaring patuloy ang kalakaran ng walang pananagutan at tuloy na pang-aapi.


My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all — may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.


We shalL defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. Sa tamang pamamahala gaganda ang buhay ng lahat, at sa buhay na maganda, sino pa ang gugustuhing bumalik sa panahon ng pang-aapi?


Kung kasama ko kayo, maitataguyod natin ang isang bayan kung saan pantay-pantay ang pagkakataon, dahil pantay-pantay nating ginagampanan ang ating mga pananagutan.


Kamakailan lamang, ang bawat isa sa atin ay nanindigan sa presinto. Bumoto tayo ayon sa ating karapatan at konsensiya. Hindi tayo umatras sa tungkulin nating ipaglaban ang karapatang ito.

Pagkatapos ng bilangan, pinatunayan ninyo na ang tao ang tunay na lakas ng bayan.

Ito ang kahalagahan ng ating demokrasya. Ito ang pundasyon ng ating pagkakaisa. Nangampanya tayo para sapagbabago. Dahil dito taas-noo muli ang Pilipino. Tayong lahat ay kabilang sa isang bansa kung saan maaari nang mangarap muli.

To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, “it all works.”

Inaanyayahan ko kayo ngayon na manumpa sa ating mga sarili, sa sambayanan, WALANG MAIIWAN.


Walang pangingibang-bayan at gastusan na walang wastong dahilan. Walang pagtatalikod sa mga salitang binitawan noong kampanya, ngayon at hanggang sa mga susunod pang pagsubok na pagdadaanan sa loob ng anim na taon.


Walang lamangan, walang padrino at walang pagnanakaw. Walang wang-wang, walang counterflow, walang tong. Panahon na upang tayo ay muling magkawang-gawa.
 Nandito tayo ngayon dahil sama-sama tayong nanindigan at nagtiwala na may pag-asa.


The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. Sa inyong mga nag-iisip pa kung tutulong kayo sa pagpasan ng ating krus, isa lang ang aking tanong — kung kailan tayo nanalo, saka pa ba kayo susuko?


Kayo ang boss ko, kaya’t hindi maaaring hindi ako makinig sa mga utos ninyo. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to the people’s needs and aspirations.


Kayo ang nagdala sa akin sa puntong ito — ang ating mga volunteers — matanda, bata, celebrity, ordinaryong tao, na umikot sa Pilipinas para ikampanya ang pagbabago; ang aking mga kasambahay, na nag-asikaso ng lahat ng aking mga personal na pangangailangan; ang aking pamilya, kaibigan at katrabaho, na dumamay, nag-alaga at nagbigay ng suporta sa akin; ang ating mga abogado, na nagpuyat para bantayan ang ating mga boto at siguraduhing mabibilang ang bawat isa; ang aking mga kapartido at kaalyado na kasama kong nangahas mangarap; at ang milyun-milyong Pilipinong nagkaisa, nagtiwala at hindi nawalan ng pag-asa — nasa inyo ang aking taus-pusong pasasalamat.


Hindi ko makakayang harapin ang aking mga magulang, at kayong mga nagdala sa akin sa yugto ng buhay kong ito, kung hindi ko maisasakatuparan ang aking mga binitawang salita sa araw na ito.


My parents sought nothing less and died for nothing less than democracy, peace and prosperity. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.
Layunin ko na sa pagbaba ko sa katungkulan, masasabi ng lahat na malayo na ang narating natin sa pagtahak ng tuwid na landas at mas maganda na ang kinabukasang ipapamana natin sa susunod na henerasyon. Samahan ninyo ako sa pagtatapos ng laban na ito. Tayo na sa tuwid na landas.
Maraming salamat po at mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!

Posted via email from Mabuhay

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Who is the bigger problem, Kris Aquino-Yap or James Yap?

James on Kris: It's up to her

Just this once, I want to dive into this latest Kris Aquino controversy. I wonder why Kris Aquino left their home so hurriedly and at the same time announced so early her troubled relationship with basketball sport star, James Yap.

Almost immediately, you can place the blame on the man for such problems in relationships but in their case, It's worth taking a second look. To open up this situation, you want to ask these questions to give everything a better perspective - since this case is already very public.

First, why would James say, "It's up to her," when asked if there were more reasons why Kris broke up with him? Is he saying this out of frustration? Is this out of resignation? The public knows how Kris Aquino operate. She's very candid to the point of being tactless at times. Second, why would James be involved with other women when he knows very well the consequences of such actions? Third, why is there no buzz of what exactly went wrong with the two knowing the public have all the access they need to know the personal lives of these two celebrities? You become suspicious already.

As much as I want to give Mrs. Aquino-Yap the upper hand here, unless there's more proof of James infidelity (again!), then surely this is fast becoming a one-sided contest seeing the latter losing by a mile.

Posted via email from Bad Media

Thursday, June 24, 2010

La Nina threatens Australia

It sounds funny to actually imagine that Australia will be bombarded by buckets full of water but that imagery does not bode well for those who will be affected by the continuous downpour of rain. Because of trash, clogged drainage, and undisciplined neighbors of ours - we are bound to suffer more than our neighbors down under. What is the government doing about it right now? Who's overseeing the progress of taking out the clogged sewer system we have in the city? Are we planting more than we should? The hot summer months killed most of the trees that's supposed to hold rain water from the highlands. What are we doing to remedy the situation? What are we doing to prevent disastrous problems?

Posted via email from Bad Politics

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Coke 'bitin'

[Bē-tin] Colloquial for not being able to satisfy your needs in the Filipino vernacular. That's how I perceive Coca Cola right now. For those runs a business, it's tough isn't it? You have to know the business from inside and out. You have to feel your customers. Coca Cola, on the other hand, is acting like it never knew how to conduct good business practices.

Since February this year, Coca Cola has not supplied customers and store outlets consistently. A lot of the business it supports died already or is dying - including ours. We're exclusive Coca Cola wholesalers yet Coke couldn't supply the needs our customers (retail stores) are asking for.  

In terms of communication, Coca Cola has done poorly. It sent mixed signals about its state. So much so that rumors started circulating. A lot of people were saying that the soda giant is on the brink of bankruptcy - suffering from huge lawsuits that they're facing from allegedly a poisoned soda.

Another story surfaced stating more than two months ago that Coke is suffering from logistical problems. The story goes that Coke is in need of more bottles because the demand is greater than they could every fulfill and this is causing them problems. Yet another story came out stating that Coca Cola is suffering from its previous business handler. It's a long story but its basically putting the blame on the latter. And there are more stories that are going around. There's probably a hundred more stories floating and none of them are validated.

What's the point? You remain quiet - stories will circulate. Nasty stories. And Coke does not need that when they're already reaping good publicity out of their "Coke is Happiness" advertising campaign.

Coca Cola is basically managing its operations and public relations poorly.

In a book I read somewhere in Fully Booked that the employers of your business are not the ones who funded the business - it's your customers. If this is Coke's way of treating its customers by not being forthright with its business partners and customers then they have every right to fire Coke.

They are missing the fact that we're partners but by doing this they don't even know what they're talking about. And like their promises to budding business like ours - they're basically empty like this bottle.

Posted via email from Cooling Station Beverage Store

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Scary Flash Rain Preview of 2010

Minutes before 6 PM, rain poured as the sun sets and the effect was reminiscent of Ondoy.

My family went for a short ride to San Juan to look for a restaurant where we will celebrate Father's Day. As we head off north on EDSA, rain started to pour: frist drizzle-then came the rain.

I read stories of flashfloods in the city of Nashville, Tennessee, USA, Europe, and India early this year and seeing how water was pouring hard gave me chilling thoughts of what Philippines was up to this year since we just experienced El Niño over the hottest-dry season on record. I'm also scared because our nation is still preparing for the new president's oath-taking by the end of this month. You also have President Arroyo winding down her work as Administrator and Commander-In-Chief and preparing her exit.

While driving around for ten minutes, I said "Let's go home." The hard rain reminded me of Ondoy and all I could think about was getting home. Big puddles of rain water started to form at the two outer lanes of EDSA causing more traffic as cars and buses alike drive at a snail's pace to avoid more accidents. I turned on my hazard lights (and so did others) to help others see me.

"This is a perfect disaster forming." I thought. With everyone turning their attention on other government matters, the residents are about to get hit by this storm system that not even the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)  was able to warn us. I documented the experience and posted it on CNN's iReport so netizens can help me warn others about this potential disaster.

I'm not being pessimistic but for all intents and purposes, I just want this to be something that the Philippine government (outgoing and incoming) should focus on more this year. I am sure that flood-control, environment protection and its awareness, and disaster management will be one of President-elect Noynoy Aquino's acid tests of his job in the first 100 days in office. As they prepare for the party, I hope this government and the incoming one should be talking to avert any further loss of lives as we brace for La Niña. Let's wait and see as I pray for our people and the government to act decisively and fast.


Posted via email from Born 1973

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Fail: This Bishop thinks public schools can harm children

Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) president Msgr. Gerardo Santos said such transfers may hurt the students’ “psychological and emotional" side.

I think we're sending the wrong signal to our children and creating a bigger divide by saying this. I was private school educated from Don Bosco Makati and University of Sto. Tomas and I think people who got their schooling from cities with Integrated Schools and City Universities ('Pamantasan') have same - if not better - qualifications to lead after they graduate.

We're forgetting that education is the same and culture is what you make out of it. I think the bishop should address the concern of parents who are not instilling values to their children. How are they handling their values system and what is feeding the minds of parents that nurtures the minds of the children? The Bishop forgets that education starts from the home. I think that's where the psychological and emotional fears that should be addressed immediately.

Besides, our kids should be taught how to relate to any kid no matter what status they have in their lives. And if we do that then we're teaching our kids right.

Posted via web from Bad Politics

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Steve Jobs to crowd: 'We're having a little problem here'

"Well, I'm sorry, guys, I don't know what's going on,. . ."

Stever Jobs always wows the crowd with his remarkable presentations. I haven't been to one (and I wish I could see him do product launches in Manila - dream on) but you can just imagine how he weaves his magic and uses such tools like iPhones and iPads to push his product. This time, though, he was lost for words and couldn't get the wifi network to get back one. The whole thing happened - for what seemed to be for Jobs like an eternity - during his iPhone 4 product launch but the audience were forgiving. But they weren't as nice to AT&T who provided the wifi network to this event. Nonetheless, it was a welcome not that such an iconic person like Jobs is human afterall and that no matter how un-stellar the presentation was, people love Mac right now - no matter what.

Posted via web from Bad Media

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Filipino recorded asteroid impact on Jupiter

This is my third blog post something about Filipinos. This time, it's something to be proud about.

If you have not caught the news yet, a Cebuano-based astronomer named Christopher Go was one of only two people in the world to catch the rare asteroid impact on the gaseous planet, Jupiter, last June 3.

The fireball was as big as planet earth, Go said, and it only lasted for two seconds. Catch it here.

Posted via email from Mabuhay

What's so funny about Filipino Time?

It's almost like a joke to a lot of my countrymen when they mention "Filipino Time" like it's the best thing that our culture has to offer the world.

Filipinos are so much into humor and mentioning this seems like it's always said in jest. But who's laughing when you think that "Filipino Time" actually means being late. The challenge with our modern culture is to actually kill this notion and have everyone start on time.

I remembered posting a meeting announcement recently for residents where I live. In big bold letters, I wrote the phrase - "We'll start on time." - at the bottom. I posted the announcement six days before the date and visible enough because it's right in front of the elevator doors. I started on time without waiting for other people to come in. We started on the dot. Late residents probably didn't like what I did but the five of those who came early appreciated that I took my words seriously. Everyone's time is valuable. You set a time - you mean it.

To help our nation BE ON TIME, I posted the link where everyone can sync their watches with the World Time Server. I guess this is the start to make Filipino Time means ON TIME.

Jesus said, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)

Imagine that.

WORLD TIME SERVER - click here to see what time it is REALLY in Manila.

Posted via email from Mabuhay

Can someone help me with Nearbytweets.com?

I don't know what's going on but this has got to be fixed. Nearby Tweets is a place where you can connect from anyone near where you live. However, I don't know what's going on with my account after signing in because its not giving me the results that I want. However, I'm almost sure there's a browser problem because I used my other computer (PC) and it worked fine there. I'm using a Mac here and Mozilla Firefox v. 3.6.3 to browse the site. It's just giving me this "refreshing tweets" sign and it's not doing anything.

I hope someone can give me answers fast because it's a great application but it's not working on my 'top.

Posted via email from Mabuhay