No Mercy for Merci (and the Readers)

Most of us knew that the House Committee on Justice have found probable cause to impeach Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. And most Filipinos are just okay with the fact that the wheels of impeachment against Merci has started rolling.

Let us just leave it there.

I was doing my daily habit of browsing my mail, news sites, and Twitter timeline, when I came across The Camerawalls’ front man Clementine Castro’s tweet that will eventually also ruin my day.

Merci’s large unflattering photo on the front page of Manila Bulletin today is ruining my breakfast.

I immediately searched the website of the Manila Bulletin and looked for a digital copy of the front page. Lo and behold! Clementine was right. Merci’s photo was indeed unflattering. And creepy.

The photographer who took this front page image must be given a Pulitzer prize in photojournalism for capturing Merceditas in her most glorious image. 

What’s with the face Merci?

I invite you my dearest Tumblr friends, readers, and ninjas to stare at Merceditas Gutierrez’s face - even just for five minutes.

What a perfect way to jump start my Lenten sacrifice.

Friends, aside from praying and doing sacrifices for yourself and your loved ones, let us also pray for our Patria Adorada. Have a blessed Ash Wednesday everyone. Padayon!

Source: mb.com.ph

9 March 46 Permalink

Women and Fire

This (amazingly beautiful) word art was created and originally posted last year during the beginning of the Women’s Month. I am reposting it today in celebration of the 100th International Women’s Day.

Fire. It creates and destroys. A very powerful element.

Woman. Without her, we are nothing. She is the perfect instrument of God’s creating hand to create us human beings. And mind you, she’s dangerous.

Woman and Fire. Two of the most powerful element in the universe. Dangerous yet a vital for survival. And we should be thankful for having them.

Source: juanrepublic

8 March 84 Permalink

Remembering the Final Set

It has been two years since they gave us their final set. Two years after their record breaking concert. Two years since they formally bid us goodbye. Two years after their last bow. Two years after their last concert, and probably indeed their last.

It was during this date that Ely Buendia set flame to the famous “Sticker Happy piano.” You know, the one with the naked Joey Mead from the cover of their album “Sticker Happy”.

At para sa mga naghahanap kung nasaan na ang piano ngayon, ibinalik siya sa 70’s Bistro (46 Anonas Street Project 2 , Quezon City).

Photo courtesy of Sir Chris Linag. For additional information, please read the article by Aldus Santos here.

Thank you Eraserheads for being a part of our childhood. Thank you for being the soundtrack of our growing up. Thank you for the good music. Thank you for being our heroes. Thank you for the memories.

Maraming salamat Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro, at Buddy Zabala! The Eraserheads will never be erased from our heads. That is influence at its finest.

Source: juanrepublic

7 March 133 Permalink

Remembering the Master Rapper 

Time flies so fast. It seems like it was just yesterday.

On this day, we commemorate the second death anniversary of Francis Magalona.

Let us remember The Man from Manila who have inspired many by his great music, who have united the then-opposing sides of Pinoy hip-hop and rock, who have been a good father to his children, who have been a good husband to his wife, and who have been a modern example of Filipino Patriotism.

You may have gone Francis but your legacy of music and patriotism will remain in our minds and hearts forever. You have taught us to be proud of being a Filipino. Sana ay patuloy mo pang paligayahin ang mga kasama mong namayapa diyan sa langit. Mas masarap sigurong kantahin ang Kaleidescope World diyan.

Thanks for the memories Sir Kiko. I will always be a fan. Padayon!

Source: juanrepublic

6 March 372 Permalink

Will Imelda Save the World?

Last night, I was on my usual habit of drinking a cup of kapeng barako while reading a good book (Sophie’s World) when an old friend from college texted me.

“Pare, crush pala ni Muamar Gadaffi si Imelda Marcos! Haha!”, he wrote.

I smirked and replied, “Hindi nga? Haha! Close naman sila dati pa. Gadaffi even asked Imelda to be a Muslim.” 

With that reply, our conversation ended and I continued to read my book.

Just a thought. Imelda Marcos was Ferdinand Marcos’s emissary during their time most especially when the leader is known to be tough and fierce. With her charm, Imelda knew how to tame the beasts and the lions.

Imelda Marcos said in an interview with GMA-News’ Sandra Aguinaldo that Gadaffi respected her. Let it be remembered that she was set to Libya by her husband to discuss the peace negotiations with the MNLF.

We are all familiar with the the continuing crisis at Libya and the situation of our OFWs there. And it seems that the violence will not end sooner than we hoped since Gadaffi warned of a bloodbath if US (and the west) intervenes.

Just a thought. Shall we send Imelda Marcos to Libya and let her talk to Gadaffi?

Send her to Gadaffi. Save Libya. Save the world. Maybe like tomorrow?

My suggestion may appear to be too ambitious. There are a lot of factors to be considered. Does Madam Imelda still possess that charm? Will Gadaffi listen to her? And moreso, is she still the dictator’s crush?

Yeah. My argument may seem to be too lame.

But here’s the thing. Imelda must first fix the mess created by her family here in our country.

Last night, I heard her son Bongbong on the television saying that there are nohuman rights violation during the time of his father.

Yeah, same old story. Twisting the events of history.

I will only believe Bongbong’s statement if someone can prove me that Maria Ozawa is still a virgin.

Let’s hope that everything will be fixed at Libya. And our country, Philippines.

Viva Filipinas! Padayon!

Source: juanrepublic

4 March 153 Permalink

Lady Gaga and 10 year-old Filipina Maria Aragon

Remember that 10-year old girl whose video of her piano cover of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way became her ticket to instant internet stardom? Even Lady Gaga herself tweeted about that girl and she promised to have a duet with the latter on her concert at Toronto, Canada.

Well, Maria Aragon’s dream has just came true. Lady Gaga and Maria performed a piano duet of Born This Way.

And on Lady Gaga’s official page, here’s what she has to say on this child prodigy.

Myself +10 year Old Lady Maria of Winnipeg. She signed my t-shirt, she ate my heart, just like you ▽

Sweet eh? Way to go young lady!

(Click this link to watch Lady Gaga and Maria Aragon’s performance via YouTube)

Source: facebook.com

4 March 4470 Permalink

“Ito na ang ating huling gabi. Hagkan natin ang bawat sandaling nalalabi…”

Source: facebook.com

27 February 104 Permalink

Jump Brother! (and Other Missing Personalities)

Whether we were in EDSA in 1986 or not, most of us are familiar with the famous “victory jump” of then-AFP vice Chief-of-Staff Fidel “Tabako” Ramos.

And yesterday, during the 25th anniversary of the bloodless revolution at EDSA, our beloved tabako shows that he can still jump high.

Nag-Flanax siguro bago pumunta doon.

President Aquino beams as former President Fidel Ramos and former Senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino reenacts the historic “jump” as EDSA Heroes and personalities does a “kapit-bisig” and singing “Magkaisa”

Though makulay ang selebrasyon kahapon at espesyal kumpara sa mga nagdaang taon, hindi pa rin maitatago na parang medyo “kulang”.

• Someone is missing yesterday. Where is Manong Johnny Enrile? And where is his famous usi na nakasabit sa kanyang balikat back in 1986? Nakatago pa din kaya? Kita niyo na, hindi pa lang ipinapanganak ang karamihan sa atin, nasa puwesto na si Manong Johnny. Ang tibay ano?
• Where is the kilabot-ng-mga-kolehiyala-noong-1986-pamatay-sa-bigote-pare Gringo Honasan? He’s missing in action yesterday. Ah I know. Nakikipag-away sa Twitter kay Jim Paredes (nakita niyo ba yun kahapon? Ang cool di ba?)
• Nasaan kaya yung ibang mga generals at mga troop leaders na unti-unting kumalas kay Makoy noong kasagsagan ng people power?
• Ano kayang reaksyon ni General Fabian Ver at Ferdinand Marcos sa kabilang buhay? (Hindi ko sinabing langit, impyerno, nirvana, o purgatoryo dahil hindi ko alam kung nasaan sila.)
• E yung mga buhay pang mga Marcos - Imelda, Bongbong, Imee, Irene, and others - nag-celebrate din kaya sila kahapon? Or naglalaro sila ngayon ng Senti Sabado?
• Though Cardinal Sin and Tita Cory are no longer with us, they are still with us in spirit. Maraming salamat po sa inyong dalawa.

Sa milyon-milyong Pilipino na sumuporta noon, maraming salamat sa inyo. Tumatanaw ng malaki ang henerasyon namin sa kabayanihang ginawa niyo noon.

Huwag sanang mamatay ang espiritu ng EDSA. Viva Filipinas! Padayon!

Photo by: Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau courtesy of the Official Facebok Page of President Noynoy Aquino

Source: juanrepublic

26 February 181 Permalink

Masaya din kaya si Voltes V noong napatalsik si Marcos?

Martial Law noon nang unang ipinalabas sa Pilipinas ang prototype ng lahat ng mga 5-in-1-na-nagiging-robot na palabas - ang Voltes V.

Pero KJ yung diktador noon na nakaupo sa Palasyo. Dahil bayolente daw ang palabas, sinibak niya sa ere si Voltes V. Sinibak sa ere na hindi man lang nalalaman ng mga kabataan noon kung ano ang nangyari sa magkakapatid na Armstrong, kay Prince Zardos, at sa Camp Big Falcon.

Kung anong lupit ng mga plano at mga halimaw na ginagawa ni Prince Zardos at ng mga Bozania, no match kay Makoy.

Isang salita lang ng diktador, tapos ang boxing para kay Voltes V.

Ibinalik ang Voltes V noong early 1990’s (pero hindi din yata natapos) pero mas nahumaling ang tao kay Voltes V noong late 90’s / early 2000’s nang ibalik ng GMA-7 ang Voltes V - noong mga panahong mga anime ang hari ng primetime. Hindi si Mara at Clara. Hindi si Willie Revillame. Hindi ang babaeng hampaslupa. Ipinalabas pa nga sa sinehan ang Liberation Voltes V - o iyong mga huling episodes ng Voltes V na hindi kailanman nasilayan ng publiko dahil kay Makoy.

Sinipa si Voltes V. Napatalsik si Marcos. Nakabalik si Voltes V. Nakabalik si Marcos - pero isa ng malamig na bangkay. At hindi pa din naililibing sa Libingan ng mga Bayani katulad ng hiling ng kanyang pamilya. 

At sigurado ako, noong napatalsik ang diktadurya, masaya din noon ang henerasyong namulat kay Voltes V.

Isang Laser Sword para sa diktadurya!

Mabuhay si Voltes V! Mabuhay ang magkakapatid na Armstrong! Mabuhay ang demokrasya! Mabuhay ang 1986 EDSA People Power!

Further Reading: Who Killed Voltes V? by Jessica Zafra

Source: juanrepublic

25 February 113 Permalink

OVER AND OUT. The Inquirer banner on the first day of freedom leads the heady cocktail of stories on Page 1 that reflects the tumult and triumph of a people unshackling their chains and the urgency of rebuilding a nation. There was this, too, the need to pause and offer a prayer of thanks.

In today’s age, the newspaper plays a vital role in history. It chronicles the events and gives us some of the most memorable image of any occasion that shapes the course of history. 

In today’s issue, the Philippine Daily Inquirer republishes its iconic “It’s all over. Marcos Flees” frontpage.

They say that one of the most important aftermath of the 1986 EDSA People Power was the restoration of democracy and press freedom.

And the triumphant return of Voltes V on television.

May the spirit of the 1986 EDSA continue to live in our hearts. Hopefully. Fingers crossed. Prayers raised.

Maraming salamat sa mga nakibaka sa EDSA para sa kalayaang tinatamasa natin ngayon. Good morning everyone! Maligayang ika-25 anibersaryo ng tunay na rebolusyon sa EDSA!

Viva Filipinas! Padayon!

Source: inquirer.net

25 February 151 Permalink

Ronald Singson’s Incarceration

Your cocaine is the key to the crime.

The verdict is out. Ilocos Sur Representative Ronald Singson, son of Pambansang Anino Chavit Singson, gets 18 months in prison in a Hong Kong prison after he pleaded guilty to cocaine trafficking and avoided a maximum life penalty by convincing the judge the drugs were for his personal use.

We saw this one coming. We are expecting that Ronald, the lead star of the movie Lovi and Other Drugs, will certainly be imprisoned in Hong Kong.

With the verdict out, calls for his expulsion from the House of Representatives and other (violent) reactions are once again flooding my Twitter timeline, my Facebook news feed, from critics down to the ordinary Juan interviewed in the news, and our neighbor’s inuman sessions. 

• Some are saying that 18 months imprisonment not enough. They demand more years behind bars for Tito Ronald (Pwede!).
• Sana daw, si Ronald na lang ang pambayad utang ng Pilipinas sa Hong Kong for the August 23 Manila Hostage Crisis where 8 Hong Kong nationals died (Ang sama niyo!).
• Puwede din daw pang-X deal si Ronald para sa 3 Pinoy na nasa death row sa China, tutal, drugs din naman ang kaso. In short, si Ronald na lang daw dapat ang bitayin. (That’s bad!)

Are you satisfied with the Hong Kong court’s decision to imprison Representative Ronald Singson for 18 months? Or do you want more? Should he resign as Ilocos Sur Representative and not wait for Congressmen to expel him? What are your thoughts?

Source: juanrepublic

24 February 69 Permalink

GPOYW (Guwapong Picture of Yourself Wedneday)

Earlier this morning at the Lumina Pandit (An Exhibition of Historical Treasures) at the Miguel de Benavides Library, University of Santo Tomas.

Source: juanrepublic

23 February 33 Permalink

Ika-15 na Buwan

Naaalala mo pa ba? Mukhang katulad ng karamihan, nakalimot ka na rin.

Today, February 23, 2011, marks the 15th month of the infamous Maguindanao Massacre. Let us not forget this gruesome event in our history.

Ipagdasal natin na sana ay makamit na ang hustisya para sa mga biktima ng isa sa pinakamadugong pagpatay sa kasaysayan. At huwag na sanang maulit muli. Kailanman.

Source: juanrepublic

23 February 64 Permalink