Yes, this is the headline of the Philippine Daily Inquirer Today

Since the advent of my bumming in our school library and in my parents’ office library, I have been always fascinated with covers and front pages of various local and international broadsheets and magazines. In fact, it is my daily habit before starting a day’s work to browse and to look at various front pages and covers whether it be in print or in digital format. I consider it as an exceptional art and as a part of history as well. (See my blog’s archive for some of my articles written in the past regarding that matter).

One of my favorite websites is that of the Philippine Daily Inquirer which has been my favorite broadsheet since those bumming days in the library. But it is no secret here in my blog that I have a love-hate relationship with that broadsheet. Though I have repeatedly praised some of their creative front pages (like the false cover and the bloodied cover for the Philippine Independence Day celebration), I have also criticized (if not make fun of) some of them. to name a few, there was the juxtaposition failure, their tabloid-esque layout, and the headline that’s more appropriate in the entertainment section.

Earlier this morning, I woke up to the sad news about the Boston marathon bombing. While reading articles from foreign news outfits (like the Associated Press, Hufftington Post, and The Atlantic), I decided to pay a visit on some of our local news websites to double-check the facts and figures and at the same time, to check their banner stories for today. Lo and behold! It’s our favorite Presidential sister headlining today’s issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

I have nothing against Kris Aquino being the top tax payer. I have nothing against Kris Aquino being Kris Aquino. In fact, just like Lourd De Veyra who has repeatedly wrote about her on his This is a Crazy Planets column on Spot.PH, I have also repeatedly wrote (satirical piece and praise) about her (with this being my all-time favorite). What moved my palm into my face was the fact that she conquered the front page and that she and her multi-million tax is today’s banner story for the respected broadsheet.

But of course, I have nothing against the story showcasing this country’s top taxpayers. As what every students in College learned in their taxation class, taxes are the blood that supports and gives life to a country. We need taxes. We need efficient tax collection. We need to penalize those who do not declare their taxes correctly and those who do not pay them. But unfortunately, with our favorite Presidential sister being this country’s top taxpayer, we also need to know that fact. Or do we really need to? Have we had enough of her life and her stories? Is it necessary for the Philippine Daily Inquirer to shove her story in our faces?

But maybe, just maybe, it was a slow news day yesterday and the biggest story (at least, based on their discretion), is Kris Aquino’s. I have seen this story being repeatedly tweeted yesterday but I did not expect it to land into the Inquirer’s banner story. Well, with their history of previous facepalm-inducing front pages, I was not completely surprised.

_____________

Enough of my disappointment. I miss doing this in my blog so let me do this once again - dissecting and giving the items on the front page a bit of scrutiny, sarcasm, and humor. Here we go:

• NKKLK! - According to the news, Kris Aquino, with her three television shows and tons of product endorsements, paid almost 50 million pesos in taxes in 2011. Aside from me, who among you thinks that you can earn that amount until your retirement? Why not? Explain using the BIR form no. 1700.
• “Daang Maalog” - Yesterday, President Aquino rode the locally-developed monorail at UP Diliman for a test run. He described the ride as “bumpy” and the tracks “wavy”. And according to the resident trolls, er, readers (who leave their comments via Disqus) of the the Inquirer’s website, that ride perfectly describes this administration’s “Daang Matuwid”. Boom!
• Beauty. And brains. - I failed to catch last Sunday’s Binibining Pilipinas Gold (because I was busy watching the Jose and Wally concert on the other channel). But do you know what’s more gold? Twitterverse. And the tweets, comments, and reactions on the pageant, the hosts, and the contestants. Twitterverse was so awesome the pageant itself became so boring. Anyway, congratulations to the winners and to the aspiring beauty queens who are planning to join next year’s pageant, please don’t forget to bring Mongol pencil no. 2.
• Practice what you Preach. - Pope Francis told Priests to practice what they preach. This news item has a special place in my heart. It is not a secret here in my blog that I almost became a Priest. But I was too awesome, er, badass so they have to send me out of the Seminary. (How badass? Let’s just say that I wrote this controversial piece entitled “Of Sacerdos and Politicos: A Comparison Between Priests and Politicians”. Read on!)
• Smart Communications is the number one corporate taxpayer. I guess Globe Telecom, as usual, is having a problem with their network at the BIR Office.

_____________

It has been ages since I last wrote a decent blog entry. My work as a high school teacher - and the real world - drove me away from my love of writing and sharing my thoughts and a part of my crazy imagination here in my blog.

But I guess, I have had enough rest. It’s time to resurrect this blog and once again, share stories and opinion with the rest of the Tumblrverse and the interwebz. I hope I am still welcomed here in the blogging community.

Brace yourselves, it’s gonna be a fun ride.

Source: inquirer.net

16 April 55 Permalink

Yes, this is the Front Page of the Inquirer Today

Let me get straight to the point. Today’s issue of The Philippine Daily Inquirer features a whooping photo of the posterior of Jennifer Lopez taken during her Manila concert. Alongside with it is the news article about Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s disappointment over the said concert.

Now what?

First, I was surprised to know that Senator Miriam Santiago watched the concert alongside with other politicians and Showbiz personalities. Second, I was surprised to see the story of the concert landing on the front page. I expected it to be at the entertainment section. And third, with the photo of that well-chiseled posterior gracing the front page of the Inquirer, the broadsheet, in my opinion, has been transformed into a tabloid for a day.

It has been a part of my daily routine to check the news every morning - from the websites of the news agencies of different TV networks to the different websites of broadsheets and web-based news agencies (like Rappler.com). I have also been fascinated by the different front pages and covers of newspapers, tabloids, broadsheets,and magazines. As a matter of fact, I have repeatedly blogged about some of the most memorable front pages showcasing historical and important events over the past 3 years of this blog’s existence. 

But what I saw on the Inquirer earlier this morning came to me as a surprise. The posterior of a Hollywood A-Lister gracing the country’s, ehem, number one broadsheet in the country (based on its readership), wow. Personally, I don’t think putting up JLo’s precious possession is a good move for a respected broadsheet. The Inquirer is my personal favorite among the country’s top broadsheets and I felt a little disgust, if not disrespect, on this move.

This is not an issue of me being a killjoy conservative. Who doesn’t love well-chiseled ass anyway? But, in my opinion, there’s a special place in the broadsheet to enthrone that photo. and the front page is definitely not that place.

This is not the first incident that I find the front page of the Inquirer amusing, if not entertaining. Back in May 7, 2012, the Inquirer featured the Mon Tulfo-Raymart Santiago brawl as their banner story. and back in January 7, 2012 an error in juxtaposition almost put the Department of Tourism’s It’s More Fun in the Philippines into an epic failure (as seen on the newspaper, at least).

Well, as cliche as it may sound, the ‘damage’ has already been made. Let’s just admire Jennifer Lopez’s 27-Million-Dollar buttocks and hope that one day, we bumped into Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago in the concert of another foreign artist. How about Sting’s concert this December? Or Coldplay? Or GreenDay? Or at the Pulp Summer Slam? Impossible? Nah. Who would have thought that she would watch JLo’s concert as part of her ‘immersion’ so, who knows?

Source: juanrepublic

28 November 58 Permalink

Cradle of Noble Heroes (‘Duyan ka ng Magiting’)

It may look like real bloodstains on the front page of today’s issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer but no, they are not.This is the broadsheet’s way of saluting the heroes who offered their lives for the freedom of our country.

They further explained this catchy way of expressing their advocacy when I opened the broadsheet and opened the real front page.

Filipinos have made the ultimate sacrifice to win and protect the freedom we now enjoy. Let us continue to uphold it with brave, responsible journalism.

I first saw the image of this front page from ABS-CBN’s Niko Baua’s tweet earlier this morning. And because I am fond of memorable and artistic front pages and covers, I immediately went to the public market and grabbed myself a copy.

But this was not the first instance that the Inquirer did this Independence Day gimmick. Last year, they created a ‘false cover’ as a statement of press freedom press in lieu of the independence day. [You can check that issue by looking at my last year’s post here.]

Kudos to the Inquirer for your catchy way of showing to the younger generation the meaning of heroism and freedom! Long live our heroes! Long live the Filipino people!

______________

Side notes and other stuff:

• Today is the 114th Independence Day of the Philippines. Let us thank our heroes and forefathers who fought for the freedom that we are enjoying today. (Special mention to my wasak na wasak idols Juan Luna and Graciano Lopez-Jaena. Tagay sa langit - o kung saan man - mga pare! and to the macho guwapito Gregorio del Pilar.)
• Much has been written about the celebration and non-celebration of the Philippine Independence today. Some are jubilant, others are apathetic. There are those who care for its essence and there are those who care for the holiday. You may not feel it, you may not celebrate it, or you may not care for it, but you are still one of the beneficiaries of the victory of the war of our fathers. Smile. And be thankful even just for today.
• Rp612Fic 2012 (#RP612fic) - If you are following some of our local journalists, bloggers, and policy makers on Twitter, then you may have seen this hashtag (But I guess not since you are busy kissing the ass of the Twitter famewhores and sucking the updates of Pinoy Big Brother). It’s the project of the blog RocketKapre.com. For today’e celebration, they have come up with tweets of alternate history stories (Most tweets are funny, entertaining, and out-of-this-world!). I am inviting you to join the conversation, stretch your creativity and imagination, and have a good laugh. I have already made some on my Twitter account, you may want to check it out.
• Lupang Hinirang: The Philippine National Anthem Animation for Independence Day 2012(Animated by Arnold Arre and performed by Radioactive Sago Project) - NHCP and RockEd Radio’s gift for the Filipino people to mark our 114th independence day. This is probably the best music video of our national anthem that I have seen - no self-gratifying politicians; no artistas who do not memorize the lyrics of the song. Just pure artistry and music. Check it out!
• I have already written and said this last year but let me repeat again:  We are celebrating independence day but I believe that we are not really that free. Press people are killed and information are kept hidden. Support the Freedom of Information Act! Pass the Freedom of Information Bill. NOW!

I suck at concluding my posts and articles so let me just share my favorite line from my favorite Sugarfree song, Los Baños:

Kalayaan sa ating lahat!

Source: juanrepublic

12 June 144 Permalink

Juxtaposition Failure

Awkward. Something is wrong with this photo. Something is not right with the layout of the front page of this broadsheet. And it’s pretty obvious.

Above the headline Why you should go to the Philippines, is the issue’s top news - an Editor from General Santos City was killed. And to make things worse, a photo of a drug raid in a posh village is spread above.

I first saw the photo on my Facebook news feed being shared and discussed by my contacts/friends. It was originally posted by the satirical Mosquito Press.

Perhaps most of us are busy yesterday discussing and spreading the new slogan of the Department of Tourism that the news of another slain journalist has been overshadowed, if not, neglected into consciousness.

Christopher Guarin, an Editor of the daily tabloid Tatak was killed Thursday night by two unidentified man in a motorcycle.

Guarin was the 10th Journalist to be killed under the Aquino Administration and the 150th since the restoration of democracy in the 1986 People Power Revolution.

And we must never forget the horrible event that happened on the 23rd of November 2009 where 58 people were killed in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, 34 of whom were journalists.

I do not blame the Editors and lay-out artists for this awkward layout. The stories in the front page are the day’s top stories. They have to put it there.

But my point is, if we really are serious on marketing our country as a more fun country to visit, then we must live to it. How do we expect foreign tourists to visit our country, who promises more fun, if we cannot resolve, or if possible, prevent these kind of incidents? How do we expect our country to be more fun if our story tellers are killed and justice for them and their family are not served?

I don’t want to see the day where our country is seen not as a fun place to visit but a country with a funny reputation - in a negative way.

Let us make it’s more fun in the Philippines not just a mere Tourism campaign, but a reality. Stop shooting the story tellers. End impunity now. Serve justice to the victims and their family.

Viva Filipinas! Vaya con Dios! Padayon!

Read more here:

• Editor killed in General City (Victim gets out of the car to spare wife, child)
• General Santos City journalist killed for personal reasons, says police

Source: juanrepublic

7 January 138 Permalink

Hysterical, Historical Day

Yesterday was not just any ordinary Friday. Well personally, aside from the fact that it was my beloved Nanay’s birthday, I have been waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision and whether Gloria Arroyo would (be allowed to) leave the country or not.

But it turned out to be a series of unfortunate events - for our former President.

It started in the morning when the COMELEC en banc filed Electoral Sabotage charges against Arroyo. I knew then that Gloria Arroyo’s days of freedom are numbered.

But with the Supreme Court’s decision denying the motion for reconsideration seeking to lift the TRO on Arroyo’s hold departure order, I thought that it’s over. She can (and would) leave the country.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I have been glued on Twitter and on news websites all day, waiting for the developments of the Arroyo Saga. But it turned out to be faster than expected.

All of a sudden, the case was filed at the Pasay RTC and the warrant of arrest was immediately released. Next thing we knew, Gloria Arroyo is being arrested. And with that arrest warrant from the RTC, which is independent from the Supreme Court, her wish to go abroad, even with Supreme Court’s approval, went down to the drain.

In less than twenty-four (24) hours, a case was filed, a warrant of arrest was release, and a former President, arrested.

That was fast.

Of course, the critics of the Aquino administration and the defenders of Gloria Arroyo said that the case was railroaded, even calling it a “moro-moro”.

But in my opinion, what transpired in the past days up to the climax yesterday was a damn if you do, damn if you don’t situation for the Aquino Administration. If they didn’t file a case against Gloria, critics would say that the government is slow on doing their jobs. And if they filed a case against Arroyo, as what happened yesterday, they would say that it was railroaded and it did not undergo a due process.

We (or most of us) have all been seeking answers and justice from the numerous controversies of the previous administration. And yesterday’s event proved that justice is working in our country.

It’s just sad to know that most of our Kababayans who are equally seeking for justice are left with a slow and painful turn of the wheels of justice.

Is Gloria Arroyo guilty of the crime? Let’s just leave that to the courts. And let’s hope that truth and justice will prevail.

I have been always fascinated with front pages and covers of broadsheets, magazines, tabloids, and other publications. I consider it as an exceptional art and as a part of history as well.

I am posting this front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer in commemoration of yesterday’s hysterical and historical series of events. And because we may not be able to see Gloria Arroyo’s mugshot. As of writing, Attorney Ferdinand Topacio requested the media not to release Gloria Arroyo’s mugshot because she is, er, a woman.

Gloria Arroyo is now under arrest. Let the truth come out and justice, served. Viva Filipinas! Padayon!

Elsewhere:

• Gloria Arroyo now under arrest - Sa wakas!
• Timeline: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s arrest - the sequence of events of the dramatic and tension-filled day that led to Gloria Arroyo’s arrest. 
• Rushed - Professor Winnie Monsod’s take on yesterday’s events.
• Fingerprints, mugshot of Arroyo to be taken today (PNP) - I wonder how her mugshot would look like with her Minerva vest on.

Source: juanrepublic

19 November 141 Permalink

The Great Switch

This may appear to be too good to be true. Or too perfect a crime to happen on the Philippines wherein most of the heist shown on our movies and teleseryes are too far from the standard of Hollywood syndicates. This is not an Italian Job nor an Ocean’s 11.

This incident happened on the Philippines.

In an expose today on the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Police Senior Supt. Rafael Santiago and his “boys” have come forward to reveal that they stole original election Returns (ERs) then kept at the Batasang Pambansa building (where the canvassing of votes happened) and replaced it with fake ones to make sure that Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would still emerge the winner of 2004 elections in case of a recount.

Santiago told the Inquirer and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima that he acted on the orders of then PNP Director General Hermogenes Ebdane, now a Governor of the province of Zambales, and a close ally of then-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Santiago said that the election returns were mostly from Mindanao where the election results are disputed.

After reading the whole article, I proceed to the comment box and read the reactions of some of the readers. Some are critical. Others are stupid. Most of them believe that this is a fact. While others argued that exposing this on the media will lead to a sensationalized item and that this expose must be verified first before releasing it on print.

Why not expose this on court and why choose the media instead? In today’s Philippine setting where justice is slow, people opt to expose things on the media for an instant exposure and attention of the people. Let us admit it. The mass media is a powerful tool. Though sometimes, this powerful tool leads to a mass destruction, division, and sensationalism.

Is Gloria Arroyo guilty of this crime? Is she behind this heist to save her neck and keep her on power? Will this add up to the numerous cases filed against her? As much as I trust the mass media on delivering information to the people, I will not instantly believe this expose unless it is proven on court. I will let the court decide whether this is a fact or just another made-up story to divert the attention of the people.

And speaking of the Moled One, she is set to be operated on her cervical spine tomorrow at 7:00AM. this is a dangerous operation but the Doctors from St. Luke’s told the mediamen that there were no mortality on this operation since 1996. Let’s just hope that Gloria Arroyo will not be the first one.

I pray for her safety tomorrowand speedy recovery. Would you?

I hope for truth and justice to be finally out. I wish for history to be corrected. And I pray that those who are gulity be persecuted and incarcerated.

Viva Filipinas! Padayon!

Read more: We switched ERs for Gloria Arroyo

Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

28 July 46 Permalink

Rizal @ 150 Front Page of the Day

It’s Sunday. It’s Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday. And as usual, I’ll give you a glimpse of the front page, a rundown of the current events, of what’s hot, and what’s not.

I was suppose to buy a copy of today’s issue of PDI but the vendor told me that the copies here in Los Baños lack some parts. Especially the Sunday Inquirer Magazine. So I just decided to look for the digital copy. I already tweeted @inquirerdotnet and they promised me that they will do something about it.

And as usual, here we go with the rundown:

• Palace stands firm on the issue about the Spratly Group of Islands. The BRP Raja Humabon, our country’s only warship, has already been deployed to guard the Scarborough Shoal. Yes kids, it’s true that we have warship. And no, it is not true that our most powerful floating vessel is Willie Revillame’s yacht.
• There’s a looming food crisis and the government secures agriculture for food-secure future. I hope that this (alleged) food crisis is not the same as the past administration when it was allegedly use to divert the attention of the people from the leader’s numerous scandals and controversies. And please burgis capitalists, stop converting agricultural lands to commercial/ real estate lands.
• Jose Rizal lives in Cesar Montano. The latter, just in case the younger generation does not know, portrayed our National Hero in one of the most awarded movies of all-time. Back in the day when movies shown at the MMFF have quality and substance.
• Speaking of MMFF, I read last night that there will be another installment of Shake, Rattle, and Roll series. Crap. Planning to have it until the 150th installment? Hangga’t nabubuhay si Mother Lily at ang Regal Films, may horror kami! (I miss the old MMFF. Seriously.)
• The newly-built 22-feet Jose Rizal statue is now the world’s tallest statue of our National Hero. It was unveiled this morning by President Aquino. I have to visit that monument during one of these days. (22 feet signifying the 22 dialects that Rizal knew. Cool.)

Elsewhere and other personal stuff:

• Thank you to those who read (and who shed a tear) my Father’s Day post. Just in case you miss that one, you can click this link. Happy Father’s day to the one who contributed the sperm cell on your zygote!
• If you want to relive the life of our National Hero, you can watch Jose Rizal (starring Cesar Montano) tonight on GMA News TV. I-cut kaya nila yung scene na may nanggagahasang Prayle?
• If you only remembered our National Hero just because today is his birthday, think again.
• It’s a long weekend. Spend your time wisely.

Maligayang ika-150 kaarawan Gat Jose Rizal. Padayon!

Source: inquirer.net

19 June 222 Permalink

Hodgepodge

My good friend and former roommate in College texted me this morning and asked me to see a copy of The Philippine Daily Inquirer. He told me that the headline has, sort of, a double-meaning. So instead of going to my favorite news stand, thanks to technology, I went to the website of PDI and looked for the digital edition of today’s broadsheet.

At first glance, and if the reader is not discriminating enough, it may appear that the Church being referred to the headline is the Catholic Church (Haters gonna hate. Call it rash judgement but this country is dominantly Catholic.) The church mentioned here is the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), who, sues Congresswoman Gloria Arroyo in charge of the extra judicial killings of their members.

So much for that. Let’s just leave the issue in court. Let the truth come out and the guilty be punished. If there is still justice in the Land of Juan.

________

As usual, as what most of you my faithful readers knew, the Republic is giving you a dose of rundown of current events (with a little commentary and heckling on the side) and his passion for front pages and headlines of broadsheets, tabloids, and magazines.

Brace yourselves. Here we go:

• Total Lunar Eclipse - of the heart - Astronomy enthusiasts are fortunate to see one of the longest lunar eclipse of the decade - including me. I had my forever alone coffee party/ lamay on our house’s veranda to watch the bloody moon. And the clouds didn’t fail me. The sight was spectacular (and creepy). See you again lunar eclipse this December.
• Miley Cyrus in the house yo! - Miley Cyrus is here in the country for a concert at the Mall of Asia concert grounds tonight. I will not watch her concert but I added some of her songs on my playlist (You mad? This is not something new. I already added Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers before. Haha!). and, Ted Failon became a Philippine trending topic last night because he mispronounced Miley as “Mey-Lee” on TV Patrol. Okay.
• China is one of the biggest country yet they still fight for their claim on the Spratly group of islands. (Read more about China here)
• Congratulations De La Salle University and the La Salle Brothers for your one hundred years in the Philippines. I have a question though. Do you think Saint John Baptist De La Salle is also celebrating in heaven? Because if my memory serves me right, the Saint’s dream is to have a school for the impoverished. And it is obvious that that is not the case in the country. And..okay enough. Animo La Salle!
• Metro Manila is on heightened alert for terrorist plot. Let us be vigilant and be aware of our surroundings.
• Our beloved former Congreswoman Gloria Arroyo has been hospitalized for neck ailment. And according to news updates, she has already been discharged from the hospital but she will have to wear her neck brace for a week. Sayang ang new look. Get well soon Madam.
• President Aquino appointed executive secretary and his shooting buddy Paquito Ochoa as chair of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission. Akala ko si Mar Roxas na naman. Good luck Sir!
• Zawahiri was named by Al Qaida as successor to Osama Bin Laden. I give him 8 years before he’s captured/ killed by the United States forces. 

And as for other and personal things:

• Does Coca-Cola still sell Coke 500? You know, the one mentioned in the Eraserheads song Tindahan ni Aling Nena. I remember buying Coke 500 ages ago together with pan de coco. Orgasmic merienda! Ah, life’s little joys.
• I expect heavy traffic on Sunday from Los Baños to Calamba and vice versa. Nah, not for the Rizal @ 150. i heard that Dingdong Dantes and the other Kapuso artists will be having a show at SM Calamba. Oh-key.
• Rebecca Black appeared to have gained weight on Katy Perry’s Last Friday Night music video. And yeah, she looks, uhm, prettier.
• I am excited for The Dawn’s Enveloped Ideas album. It is a tribute by different artists to The Dawn’s 25th anniversary. It contains covers of the hit songs by The Dawn much like 2005’s Ultraelectromagneticjam.

________

Shameless promotion: Unlike before, I now rarely post here on Tumblr. I am more active on Twitter instead. If you enjoyed reading my posts, rants, and opinion, you can always talk to me there and be updated. Click here to follow my evil Twitter account.

________

Let us all be vigilant and continue praying for peace. Stay safe. Tropical depression Egay has entered the Philippine area of responsibility. Enjoy the long weekend. Maximize your time with your family and loved ones. God bless us all. Padayon!

Source: inquirer.net

17 June 81 Permalink

‘False’ Cover for Freedom

In celebration of the 113th Independence Day of the Philippines, the Republic is bringing back Juan’s obsession with front pages and covers of broadsheets, tabloids, and magazines. And here’s what caught my attention on the Church’s patio after attending the 6:00 AM Mass.

At first, I thought that some prankster did this to the paper’s front page. But when I checked the other copies, I found out that this was not made by some bored individuals. This was The Philippine Inquirer’s statement for press freedom in lieu with the 113th independence day.

They further explained this catchy way of expressing their advocacy when I opened the broadsheet and saw the real front page.

Freedom doesn’t come cheap. We have paid the price and we must continue to uphold it. Never stop daring. Never stop learning. Never stop trying. Never stop inquiring.

What you see is what you get, which is not much, in a heavily censored Page 1 of Inquirer issue. Thank God for the freedom we now enjoy. We have paid the price with the blood of heroes and our daily strivings to defend it.

Most of us who care knew that Philippines was once regarded as the most dangerous place for journalists.

Kudos Philippine Daily Inquirer for your catchy way of showing your advocacy! Long live the freedom! Mabuhay ang mga mamahayag na Pilipino!

And as for other things:

• Today is the 113th Independence Day. Let us thank our heroes and forefathers who fought for the freedom that we are enjoying today. (Special mention to my wasak na wasak idols Juan Luna and Graciano Lopez-Jaena. Tagay sa langit mga pare!)
• Cultural Scholars say that GMA-7’s ‘Amaya’ is inaccurate and misleading. Perhaps they want to follow the footsteps of Korean Networks who gave us Jumong and Jewel in the Palace. But please GMA Network, do not bastardize what was left on our glorious heritage. So what’s your next serye?
• Please be careful taxpayers. There’s this seemingly new money-making scam that is allegedly backed by the BIR. (Read more here)
• Oh Spratlys! I can smell war on the Western Philippine Sea. Let us all be vigilant and continue praying for peace.
• We are celebratinf independence day but I believe that we are not really that free. Press people are killed and information are kept hidden. Support the Freedom of Information Act! Pass the Freedom of Information Bill. NOW!

On a personal note:

• Tomorrow is the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, Patron Saint of missing things. It is also the fiesta in our Parish and Baranggay. Box office na naman ang Supermarket at Palengke dito sa eLBi.
• There is a proposed road-widening of Lopez Avenue here in Los Baños. But it will affect, obviously, numerous (big and small) establishments, schools, and our Church. This is allegedly proposed to give way for the new mall owned by… (Juan, this page was censored. You have no freedom to say that. -Editor)
• My class resumes this afternoon. It’s time to meet my new batch of students. Rakenrol.

Kalayaan sa ating lahat. Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas! Padayon!

Source: juanrepublic

12 June 693 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

I was doing my daily habit of browsing the website of the Philippine Daily Inquirer when I saw this on the front page image tab.

This photo redefined the word “shoot”. A caliber .45 pistol was no match to an ordinary camera.

SMOKING GUN What should have been a “Kodak moment” of a happy family celebrating New Year’s Eve has become Exhibit A in a murder that took the life of Reynaldo Dagsa, the man who took this picture. Note the gunman at left (in crosshair) who is about to pull the trigger and his lookout (at right). Dagsa was rushed to the hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The final act of the slain councilman of taking the pictures of his loved ones was also the key on solving this crime, and hopefully, granting justice for him and his family.

So what have we learned from this story?

• Never shoot a man with a camera because the shutter is sometimes faster than a trigger.
• If you think you can easily walk away from the crime you have committed, thinking that it is a perfect crime and leaving no evidence, think again.
• I believe that even though most of us thought that the justice system in this country is fucked up, justice will still be served.

Justice for Reynaldo Dagsa and for all the victims who seek justice.

(Read the whole story here)

Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

4 January 236 Permalink

Alfaro: I Won’t Testify

I have been expecting this headline since the release of Hubert Webb et al. Most of us who care are curious whether star witness Jessica Alfaro will resurface or not to clear things up.

And on today’s headline of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, we got our answer. 

Jessica Alfaro is hesitant to testify again in the Vizconde massacre case after the Supreme Court cast doubt on her credibility as a witness, according to a relative of Lauro Vizconde.

…”I don’t want to get involved in that, I don’t want to testify anymore..”

…My life was ruined for your sake and then this happens. They refuse to believe me. I’m done..”

An average Juan will probably ask “why not show up again and clear things up?”. If she is really telling the truth, if she really knows the story, if she really was present during the night of the crime, then she must show up and clear all the doubts on this issue.

But I understand Jessica. Being a star witness especially on a high-profile crime is considered as near suicide. You must have a tough pair of balls (figuratively on her part) to show yourself and speak the truth. Or made up a story.

But what if Jessica was indeed lying from the start? What if she really made up her story? What if all of the allegations of the defense against her was true?

We will never know. Jessica Alfaro has spoken. She will not testify.

But if those things are the truth - and Jessica Alfaro was indeed a liar -  Mang Lauro Vizconde’s family will be massacred thrice.

(Read the whole news on Inquirer.net)

Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

1 January 49 Permalink

Happy 25th Anniversary Philippine Daily Inquirer

Today, 2010 December 9, marks the 25th anniversary of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (personally my favorite broadsheet on the face of the archipelago). PDI has come a long way since its debut on December 9, 1985:

These are just some things in which I am thankful for the Philippine Daily Inquirer:

• You first inspired me to be an editorial cartoonist. Thank you very much Manong Jess Abrera and my idol Pol Medina, Jr. And that is still my frustration until this day. Ugh.
• I can always draw a caricature of President Joseph Estrada. Thanks for the inspiration Manong Jess Abrera.
• Junior Inquirer was a big part of my childhood.
• Pugad Baboy, A.Lipin, Divine Comedy, and Kiko Machine kept my sanity during my insane school days.
• Manong Conrado de Quiros and the rest of the gang in the Opinion section are my idols. And Patricia Evangelista, you will forever be my crush. Kudos!
• Youngblood. You have given the youth a voice on the mainstream broadsheet. Thank you very much.
• Inquirer Libre was my pamaypay and early news source in the MRT when I was still working in the Metro.
• The Saturday issue of PDI is not complete without S.U.P.E.R.
• In an environment like the Seminary where television time is limited, you have given us a view of the world outside.

Congratulations Philippine Daily Inquirer. Keep the fire burning!

Source: inquirer.net

9 December 77 Permalink