WANT TO LEARN MORE? GOOGLE IT. :)

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Hostaged ship of 24 Pinoys being chased by EU naval forces

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is confident the European Union (EU)-led naval forces operating in the Indian Ocean would be able to intercept the merchant ship MV Renaur, with its 24 Filipino crewmen on board, before it reaches Somalia.

“The paramount concern of the Philippine government is the safety of the Filipino crew”, DFA spokesperson J. Eduardo Malaya said yesterday.

The 70,000-ton Greek-owned vessel was more than 550 nautical miles east of India when it was attacked on Saturday morning by Somali pirates.

The Panamanian-flagged ship, which came from Port Louis, Mauritius, was “en route to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates when it was seized,” said reports reaching the DFA. The reports added, that it is currently "heading toward the Somali coast."

Hubert Webb, 5 others accused in Vizconde massacre case acquitted, set free

Hubert Webb and 5 others accused in the Vizconde massacre case were released from prison on Tuesday after the Supreme Court acquitted them.

Webb and his co-accused left the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) after the Supreme Court, before noon on Tuesday, announced its decision acquitting them of the murders of Estrellita Vizconde, and daughters Carmela and Jennifer in 1991.

NBP Director Ernesto Diokno signed the release papers after getting a copy of the order from the Supreme Court.

For a detailed report, click here.

World mapped thru Facebook


Imagine a map of your Facebook friends, and the friends of your friends, and so on. The result, tada, is what you see above. The lights which you see on a deep blue background signify friendships created around the world, and how these are distributed and connected, despite the presence of political borders.

It can be perceived that the right side of the US and most parts of Europe have the highest intensity of brightness. Meanwhile, China, central Africa and Russia, remain mostly dark due to low presence of Facebook in these countries.

The Facebook world map was created by an intern of the company named Paul Butler, who sampled data from the social network's 500 million user base.. He successfully visualized the relativity of one member's location to that of his/ her Facebook friends. 

Every line connects cities with pairs of friends. The brighter the line, the more friendships present between those cities.

Source: Visualizing Friendships by Paul Butler

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

PLDT unveils Filipino-made PLDT TelPad

The Philippine Long Distace Company (PLDT) proudly presented its newest, and the world’s first, Filipino-made, innovation which will alter the way we see and use our land line phones - the PLDT TelPad.

The PLDT TelPad, basically a landline phone, is mixed with a 7” touch screen tablet and contains features of myDSL and Android 2.2. This means you can not only call your friends to speak with them, but through the PLDT TelPad, you may now surf in the web, download applications from the Google Android store, upload pictures, and do a lot more!

“We are reshaping the future of the landline telephone and we are starting to bring it to the market now. We are proud that the PLDT TelPad was conceptualized and developed here in the Philippines, by Filipinos, using world‐class technology,” says Napoleon L. Nazareno, President and CEO of PLDT.

Photo Courtesy: Lost Tsinelas

Photo Courtesy: Lost Tsinelas

The PLDT TelPad consists the following specifications:
  • 1GHz Cortex A8 processor
  • Android 2.2
  • 2GB internal capacity
  • SD/USB slots
  • HDMI
  • 2MP front camera
You may be able to get one TelPad through any of the following plans:
Plan 1849 (1Mbps), Plan 2099 (1.5Mbps), Plan 3095 (2.5Mbps), Plan 4100 (3.5Mbps)

'If you already have an existing PLDT myDSL plan, you just have to add P500 on top of your monthly bill to get the PLDT TelPad for free.

For me, it's a brilliant idea 'cause you don't have to buy a laptop or computer for your home or go to the internet cafe to browse through the internet. It's one heck-of-a-package. Kudos PLDT!

Hurt

i was there, in front of you,
while you rendered it,
wasn't for me, but you kept that stare
felt like ice melting, even in the cold
my heart beat, unstoppably

was the first time we met
yet i felt that spark
we made a connection
but not for too long

we used to chat on facebook
say hi when we meet by accident
and there's still that look
that same look you made at first glance,

i set an expectation,
that maybe, just maybe,
you're hiding something,
which i should know

'til the magic faded,
or i'm not sure about it.
unpredictable, can't stop thinking,
is there such, or was there none?

no love at all,
when the music stopped.
still, the notes play in mind,
hoping,
longing,
hurt.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Band on Spotlight: The 49ers Band (Telephone Cover)

Came across this video of an Engineering band in the University of the Philippines - Diliman. The name is the 49ers Band. It's one of the tough competitors in JAMMEng'g 2010, a major event in the College of Engineering's week-long celebration of the Engineering Week.

Although the quality of the video isn't that appreciable and entertaining, the cover was really fresh and hot, so I decided to place this as Spotlight Philippines' featured band for the week.

Enjoy the rendition!



Saturday, December 4, 2010

Cartoons Invade Facebook

There has been an incredible increase in the number of Facebook users who change their real profile pictures into cartoon characters. This is a strong response to a call to fight violence against children.


The choices range from Daimos to Voltes 5, Cartoon Network to Disney channel characters, Little Lulu to Cinderella, to nursery rhyme casts and a lot more.

After  exposing their favorite toons as their primary pics, users post this message in their walls: "Change your Facebook profile picture to a cartoon from your childhood and invite your friends to do the same. Until Monday (Dec. 6), there should be no human faces on Facebook, but an invasion of memories. This is for violence against children.‌"

As of 12:44 PM, December 4, 26, 052 people have like the change your profile picture to a cartoon character campaign fan page. The campaign is expected to end on December 8, 2010.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Sharing the Spotlight: Place You Ads Here for FREE!

Leigh Michiyato, the owner of this peculiar nonprofit, nonpartisan blog, is excitingly very proud and  optimistically free to announce that the Spotlight Philippines blog will open its lively space to all Filipino event organizers who want their stuffs be publicized, published, or promoted for FREE.

Yes, Spotlight Philippines continues to grow as a potential, independent source of need-to-knows revolving around the Philippine status quo. It is, indeed, supported by a large base of viewership from particular niches, most of which are Filipinos from abroad. Nonetheless, this promising blog aims to establish better readership and quality services.

Prospect events must be related to any of the following:
a. mass-oriented discount-offering SALES
b. fund/ charity runs, music-fests, dance competitions, arts fair, exhibits
c. tourism and cultural promotion
d. organizational promotions
e. news feeds
f. public services
g. low fee rental places for students and workers
h. other events which can help our dear countrymen

What to do:
Just send in your event promotional ads (documents, images, videos) to dancer.silent@yahoo.com. Also, state the name of the organization and the goal/ relevance of the event. Also, foreign  commercial establishment owners may post here by following the guidelines above, BUT certain affordable fees will be imposed.

Spotlight Philippines is determined to share the biggest online Filipino power of focus to the people who yearn for a better Philippines by giving back to the country through these events. Mabuhay Pilipinas!
 

Philippines postpones OFW deployment to South Korea

Due to increased tensions between the two Koreas, after the North's shelling on an island near the highly militarized region, the Philippines has postponed by a week the departure of 50 OFWs bound for South Korea.

The workers were supposed to leave on Monday, however, were not allowed for "it was more prudent to deter their departure until the tension subsides", says Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos..

About 46,000 Filipinos work in South Korea mostly in factories, service industries and construction companies.

The Philippine government condemned North Korea's artillery attack on a South Korean island on Tuesday which caused death of two marines and two South Korean civilians.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

UP Diliman holds strike against 1.39B Budget Cut (UPDATE)

UPDATE:
Around 2500 people joined the strike today, held at Palma Hall. The students who participated came from various colleges and sectors in UP Diliman.

The University of the Philippines-Diliman will be holding strikes today and tomorrow, November 26, 2010, as an expression of opposition against the government's proposed 1.39B peso budget cut in UP.


By 6 PM, messages from deans of different colleges will be heard in AS (Palma Hall). It will be followed by a grand salu-salo/ dinner while a cultural program is in process. Students may opt to stay for a camp out or go home.

On November 18, it can be recalled that students of state colleges and universities (SUCs) all over Metro Manila held different activities to express their opposition against the budget cuts to education and social services.

In the University of the Philippines- Diliman, students, teachers, and university workers held a multi-sectoral summit to discuss the budget cut.

In University of the Philippines-Manila, students participated in a “short shorts day” to protest the “shortening of budget of SUCs, PGH, and health.”

On November 19, about 5000 students from Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)walked out of their classes and declared a week-long student strike.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Grand Lotto jackpot still at stake

Saturday's 6/55 Grand Lotto created about 198, 264 lucky winners in all possible types of sure-win combination except one - the excessively prized six number combination of 18-17-36-04-40-13, which could have led to claiming the current largest pot in Philippine lotto (PCSO) history amounting to P543,663,673.20.

111 people won P150,000 each for guessing five out of the six number combination, while an estimated 190,000 bets got the low tier prizes.

Launched in April 2009, the 6/55 Grand Lotto replaced the high-end Power Lotto so as to raise more funds for the PCSO's charity projects. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) takes charge of all the proceedings associated with these projects.

The next draw for the 6/55 Grand Lotto will be on Monday night. The Grand Lotto jackpot is expected to reach P574 million.

The coming days will surely be a buzz, as more and more people will be cashing out in this game of chance, most especially when the winner takes it all.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 Tickets (HP 7 tickets) for HOT SALE, 210 Pesos Each na Lang Daw!

Hello everyone!

My friend's selling HP 7 (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) Part 1 tickets (2) for the lowest , cheapest price of 210 Php each. I can't tell him to lower the price down pa if you buy both. Siguro paubos na yung mga tickets, kaya now is your chance! :)

Ibebenta niya daw kasi hindi na tuloy lakad niya ng kasama niya. So, if you're interested to buy daw, do proceed by clicking on this link.

Here are the details:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

DATE: November 18
TIME: 7:00pm
PLACE: SM North Edsa Cinema 6.

Tickets price: 210php each.

$20M for Pacquiao in Margarito fight

New World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight champion and international boxing superstar Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is to take home a guaranteed fight purse of US$15 million (around P645 million) plus around $5 million in pay-per-view (PPV) share from his resounding victory over Mexican Antonio "Tijuana's Tornado" Margarito.

According to ESPN sports analyst Dan Rafael, Pacquiao earned a total of roughly $20 million or P860 million from his thrashing of Margarito on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Surely, he'll land higher from 8th place in the Forbes Magazine's List of World's Richest Athletes, and surpass other famous athletes including Miami Heat superstar LeBron James. If he'll stay away from converting his cash prize to the peso-value, he''ll definitely reach the billion-mark for this fight, assuming the dollar strengthens against the peso.

The Beatles may be on iTunes soon --Wall Street Journal



The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Apple is preparing to announce that The Beatles hits may be on iTunes soon.

The newspaper said the deal resulted from talks among executives of Apple, representatives of the Beatles and their record label, EMI Group Ltd.

The Journal, however, cautioned that the talks were taking place as recently as last week and "there is still a chance that Apple could change plans at the last minute."

There have been a number of reports over the years of the Beatles coming to iTunes but the music of the iconic British pop group has yet to make its debut in the Apple store.

Source: Inquirer

Japan to invest $5B in PH

According to the Inquirer website, an enthusiastic President Benigno Aquino III announced a large flow of investment offers amounting to $5.45 billion in projects, which includes the expansion of power plants and construction of a bioethanol facility.

Mr. Aquino reported a minimum $2.85 billion in new investments and $2.6 billion in yet-to-be-firmed-up business deals from Japanese investors whom he met in Yokohama before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit.

Itochu is investing $122 million in the construction of a bioethanol plant in the province of Isabela.

Marubeni is allocating $1 billion for the expansion of the power plant in Sual, Pangasinan. Another $1 billion is allotted for the power plant in Pagbilao, Quezon, and $600 million for the power plant in Calaca, Batangas.

Toshiba is also setting aside $133 million for the expansion of its electronics products in the country.

Mr. Aquino especially enthused Itochu’s plan to develop 11,000 hectares of sugar plantation in Isabela for bioethanol production which may generate 18,000 jobs in two years and help 15,000 farmers.

Aside from the $2.85-billion investment offers, new “possible projects” worth some $2.6 billion are on the table.These projects include the expansion of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7, Light Rail Transit 2, and digital TV system and equipment.

To read the detailed report, click here.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Net Income of Lucio Tan's Property Arm Reaches P530-M

The property arm of the Lucio Tan Group reported a P530 million net income for the first 9 months of 2010, 7 times more than its P67 million profits it gained during the same period in 2009.

Eton Properties Philippines Inc. sees robust residential sales, income lease from office and commercial properties, and new product launches as the factors which greatly raised Eton's earnings from January to September. Thus, these will put it on track with its full-year earnings goal of P700 million.

The company's revenues surged by 89% to P2.9 billion from P1.5 billion a year ago. Eton is particularly taking advantage of the affordable market segment, which is catered to by its newest brand, First Homes Inc.

With a detailed report from ABS-CBN News, click here.

War vets in PH to get P22B worth of benefits

A total of $502 million or nearly P22 billion in benefits will be given away to Filipino and American war veterans living in the Philippines, a US Department of State report reveals..

The benefits will be provided by the the Social Security Administrationn and the US Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

Moreover, the US government is spending $125 million (about P5.47 billion) on the development and upgrade of its facilities at the US Embassy compound in Manil. This includes construction of an out-patient clinic for the veterans.

With reports from Inquirer.net, read further by clicking here.

Filipino tax informer seeks P11-trillion reward

Danilo Lihaylihay, a Filipino tax informer, may become one of the world’s wealthiest men if the Supreme Court concedes to his filing of a multitrillion-peso claim against the government.

Lihaylihay is asking the high tribunal to direct the national governemnt to pay him P11.875 trillion in "partial claims" for supposedly cracking information which led to the retrieval of the Marcoses' P47.5 trillion in fraudulent wealth .

The amount he is demanding is larger than the P85.1 billion of the illiciit assets of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, his family and cronies which the Presidentictial Commission on Good Government (PCGC) had actually reclaimed as of June 30, 2009.

It is even a number of times bigger than the Aquino administration's proposed national budget for 2011 of P1.645-trillion.

This case may seem ridiculous and  contemptible, but Lihaylihay argued that RA No. 2338, or the Informer's Reward Law, clearly states that any person who helped recover the illegally acquired assets was entitled to get 25 percent of that reward from the government.

With reports from Inquirer.net, click here.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Pacquiao-Margarito Fight Latest Updates, Video Replays, Pacquiao Wins, Defeats Margarito, Owns Ring!

(Reports from Inquirer.net Sports Column)

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Underscoring his tag as the world's best pound for pound fighter, Filipino ring hero Manny Pacquiao bucked a size disadvantage to outclass a game Antonio Margarito of Mexico and claim the WBC super welterweight
crown, his eighth weight crown, at Cowboys Stadium in Texas Saturday night (Sunday here).

There was no knockdown but Pacquiao, despite giving up close to 20 pounds in weight, proved dominant throughout the bout set at a catch weight of 150 lbs.

Unlike Joshua Clottey who refused to engage Pacquiao, Margarito gamely fought his heart out against the Filipino champion. In the end, however, his face was reduced into a bloody mess.

Pacquiao went through the motions in the final round, with the outcome all but wrapped up in the first 11 rounds.

Margarito took heavy shots but stayed on his feet. Pacquiao completes his classy performance with a late combination that lands flush on Margarito's face.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

See video uploads below, c/o Youtube uploaders. Apologies for unclear, inconvenient shots. The series of videos will be made availably complete later. Congratulations Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, the first national government official to compete in a boxing championship!! Pacquaio, IMBA mo talaga!

Pacquiao Defeats Margarito! (Inquirer Portal)
Margarito Escapes Onslaught (Inquirer Portal)
Pacquiao Dances Away from Trouble (Inquirer Portal)
Pacquiao Still Stable (Inquirer Portal)
Pacquiao-Margarito Fight Update on Round 2 (Inquirer Portal)
Click this sentence and get to see more than five (5) mostly free alternatives to watch the Pacquiao-Margarito fight online!

Pacquiao-Margarito Fight VIDEO REPLAYS
Round 1


Round 2


Round 3


Round 4


Round 5



Round 6


Round 7, 8, 9 Previews


Round 10, 11, 12

(UPDATED) Pacquiao Defeats Margarito via Unanimous Decision! Free Stream! Live Watch Pacquiao vs Margarito Online Live Boxing

HOTTEST UPDATES:
View the series of rounds in video uploads HERE. Or, you may type Pacquiao-Margarito Fight Round "insert round number" in Youtube search tab. Apologies for unclear, inconvenient shots. The series of videos will be made availably complete later. Congratulations Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, the first national government official to compete in a boxing championship!! Pacquaio, IMBA mo talaga!

Pacquiao Defeats Margarito! (Inquirer Portal)
Margarito Escapes Onslaught (Inquirer Portal)
Pacquiao Dances Away from Trouble (Inquirer Portal)
Pacquiao Still Stable (Inquirer Portal)
Pacquiao-Margarito Fight Update on Round 2 (Inquirer Portal)
Click this sentence and get to see more than five (5) mostly free alternatives to watch the Pacquiao-Margarito fight online!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you want to know how to watch Pacquiao vs Margarito live online?



I've got a lot of alternatives for you in order to watch the Pacquiao vs Margarito fight live stream online!

You may try downloading the PC Satellite TV Box. An aspiring boxer, you may want to take a look at these boxing workouts you can do at home! Just click here to see the boxing workouts!

Other than this, you may try to download the award-winning TV system, Satellite Direct, and watch Pacquiao vs Margarito on your computer.
To watch Pacquiao vs Margarito fight live online, just click this sentence and follow the three (3) easy steps. No subscription or monthly fees! Thank you Satellite Direct! If you are from the Philippines, there are 25 channels for you, so choose this!


Also, other popular ways to watch are to download SOPCAST and TVU. Both are free Peer to Peer or P2P software used to watch live TV.

In defining one from the other, SopCast has less US channels compared to TVU Player. TVU offerings include HBO, CNN, ESPN and many different category of of various international channels. There are some notable regular sports channels which includes CCTV5, a Chinese channel.

To download the softwares, just click SopCast download or TVU download.


If still you haven't got to watch the Pacquiao-Margarito fight online, you may want to use SATELLITE TV 1 or chooose to watch thru SATELLITE TV 2. Just click on the links to proceed.

Suppose you are a boxer and you still can't master your boxing footwork. Worry no more. Try the seven secrets of boxing footwork! Click Here!

Who's pair of gloves will prevail? Surely, a lot of boxing fans out there are waiting for this new chapter in history. It can be remembered that, "Margarito's reputation was tarnished by an incident in which his corner is alleged to have tampered with his hand wraps prior to his bout with Shane Mosley, which were found by the CSAC to contain sulfur and calcium which, when combined with oxygen, forms 'Plaster of Paris'" (Wikipedia).

Meanwhile, there has been no record of violations or misconduct for Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao who usually wins via knockout (data shows 38 out of 51 fights won were by knockout). He is also the WBO Welterweight World Champion (Super Champion) and is recognized as the number 1 pound-for-pound best boxer in the world. Will these be enough to defeat his rival? I guess we'll find it out in the days which are to come.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Watch Pacquiao-Margarito Fight Online, Pacquiao-Margarito Latest Updates


Who's pair of gloves will prevail? Surely, a lot of boxing fans out there are waiting for this new chapter in history. It can be remembered that, "Margarito's reputation was tarnished by an incident in which his corner is alleged to have tampered with his hand wraps prior to his bout with Shane Mosley, which were found by the CSAC to contain sulfur and calcium which, when combined with oxygen, forms 'Plaster of Paris'" (Wikipedia).

Meanwhile, there has been no record of violations or misconduct for Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao who usually wins via knockout (data shows 38 out of 51 fights won were by knockout). He is also the WBO Welterweight World Champion (Super Champion) and is recognized as the number 1 pound-for-pound best boxer in the world. Will these be enough to defeat his rival? I guess we'll find it out in the days which are to come.

For the meantime, basing on their current fight statistics,
Manny Pacquiao (51W 3L 2D 38KOs) and Antonio Margarito (38W 6L 0D 27KOs)
for Light Middleweight'

I firmly believe Pacman will be winning in this match (as fast as Round 3 by knockout). His agility, ferocity, willpower and self-endurance will bring him to victory. Good luck Pambansang Kamao!

Monday, October 4, 2010

University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University Ranks, Spiral Down from 2009 Upbeat Performance- QS World University Rankings 2010

The top three universities in the Philippines failed to raise its rankings in the QS World University Rankings 2010.

Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) still beats University of the Philippines with an overall score of 36.4 out of 100 as compared to the latter's score of 35.9. However, it can be recalled that Ateneo de Manila University (UP) which landed on the 234th spot last year rapidly slid passed 73 universities to a shocking 307th . Meanwhile, UP embraced the 314th spot from last year's 262.

De La Salle University (DLSU)) also made it into the list, at the far bottom 451-500 slots.

The results are manifestations of a downward trend in the quality of tertiary education in the Philippines. It is, therefore, a challenge to the Aquino administration to support and increase the funding of state universities, and also, to work hand in hand with private universities, to raise the bar and encourage its students and constituents to aim high without the expense of higher pay in tuition fees.

Now that the SUCs (State Universities and Colleges) funds have been short of the funding it really needs, by cutting its budget to a great extent, it may be assumed that these SUCs will try to look for other profit-earning opportunities, thus leading to increase in tuition fees and other miscellaneous fees.

Spotlight Philippines is calling on the government to rethink the budget allocations it planned, and study the appeal of SUCs to hand them the suitable amount which would deem beneficial to all students, researchers, professors and the like. Remember, education is the key to an individual's success, and indirectly, to a nation's future.

Opinions stated above are subject to editing. Feel free to comment on it.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Cebu Pacific Flight Attendants Dancing to the Beat of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry

I saw this video awhile ago through a post in Facebook, mainly discussing the undeniably irresistible promotional video made by Cebu Pacific to entertain its customers in the cabin and, at the same time, to allow the customers to learn the emergency procedures to the music of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Currently, the video has gained 1.8 million viewers and apparently, it's receiving concise, significant recognition from various viewers across the globe.


Well, what's can we say? Filipinos are becoming more and more innovative today. :) Kudos Cebu Pacific!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Britney Spears/ Brittany Episode on Glee, September 28, 2010

The Britney Spears Episode is targeted to air today.

Pop Star Spears herself will be doing a cameo role in the episode along with some of her chart-topping hits like “…Baby One More Time” and “Toxic,” and she says, “Working on Glee was an amazing experience.”

Check out this cool video of some of Glee's main cast talking about Britney and the new episode.


In the Britney/Brittany episode, Mr. Schuester (Matthew Morrison) insists that the glee club perform adult contemporary music at the school assembly, but the kids have other plans.

As New Directions mounts its campaign to perform Britney Spears’ greatest hits, they learn that their own Brittany (Heather Morris pictured above with Ms. Spears) has a connection to the famous performer. Meanwhile, Will meets Emma’s (Jayma Mays) new love interest, Dr. Carl (John Stamos), who sparks a rivalry between the two men as they vie for her attention.

Glee airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Fox.

RIM Playbook Unveiled, Competes with Apple's iPad

Technology firm Research in Motion Ltd (RIM) has recently revealed its very own tablet, the BlackBerry Playbook, which they quoted as the first multiprocessing, multi-tasking professional tablet.

 Ever since it's launch, the term "Playbook" has been trending in twitter. People seemed to be amazed of this competitive product, which was launched to counter Apple Inc's iPad.




The specifications are enlisted below for RIM BlackBerry Playbook:

7″ capacitive display @ 1024×600 pixel
BlackBerry Tablet OS
Cortex A9 1GHz dual-core CPU
1GB RAM
Dual HD cameras (3 MP front facing, 5 MP rear facing)
1080p Full HD video recording
HDMI port
WiFi 802.11n
Bluetooth 2.1

The Playbook is just 9.7mm thick and weighs about 0.9lb (400g). It will have support for WebKit/HTML5, Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Mobile Air, POSIX, OpenGL and Java. The tablet can also do video playback in full 1080p HD, H.264, MPEG, DivX or WMV.

There’s no option for 3G/4G but that will be added in future models. The Playbook will pair with any BlackBerry handset via Bluetooth so you can project the contents of the phone to the tablet. See teaser video below:

Actress Romina Yan Dies, 36

Actress Romina Yankelevich De Giaccomi, better known as Romina Yan, at the age of 36, (Bella y Bestia, Casi Angeles) has passed away due to a heart attack. She was at home when she began to feel ill. Her friend drove her to the emergency room, where they attempted to revive her for fifty minutes until she was declared dead.

An Argentine actress, it can be remembered that she debuted in television programme Jugate Conmigo, followed by internatonally successful series Chiquititas, created by her mother Cris Morena.

Her last main acts happened in year 2009 which include the series Casi Angeles, and the film Horizontal/Vertical.

My sincerest thoughts and prayers go to her family. For sure, she will be missed a lot.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Free Unlimited Text (UNLITXT) from TELUS and Globe

Today, September 28, 2010, the TELUS, in cooperation with Globe Telecom, launched a one-day long free text messaging for Globe users. To avail of this free unlimited Globe-to-Globe texting service, just type in UNLITXT TELUS and send it to 8888.

I don't know why Telus is doing this, but something fishy (promotional) is intensely bursting out of my mind. Hope nothing bad happens in the days that are to come. Could it be that Telus is going to be a subsidiary of Globe Telecom?

My friends were really shocked in surprise that what was thought to be a scam was actually true, and people everywhere are talking about it. It's not fake, however, I'm still finding it hard to access the service as more and more people are becoming aware of this unlimited texting opportunity.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

2010 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition REPLAY, NU Pep Squad Cheerdance

Video Courtesy: roanganda21

2010 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition REPLAY, AdU Cheerdance

 
Video Courtesy: roanganda21

2010 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition REPLAY, UP Pep Squad Cheerdance

 
Video Courtesy: PinayScandal2009

2010 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition REPLAY, FEU Cheering Squad Cheerdance

 
Video Courtesy: roanganda21

2010 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition REPLAY, ADMU Cheerdance

 
Video Courtesy: roanganda21

2010 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition REPLAY, DLSU Cheerdance

 
Video Courtesy: roanganda21

2010 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition REPLAY, UST Cheerdance


Video Courtesy: roanganda21

2010 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition REPLAY, UE Cheerdance


Video Courtesy: roanganda21

2010 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition Results, UP Pep Squad Wins!

The UP Pep Squad is the 2010 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition Champion. Last year's champ, FEU Pep Squad, lands 1st Runner-Up, while  UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe won 2nd Runner-Up. Nikki de Dios of the DLSU Pep Squad earned the Samsung Stunner Award.

The UP Pep Squad garnered a total score of 440.9 points. or a whooping average of  88.18 points The FEU Cheering Squad earned 421.4 points (average of 84.28 points). The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe got 407.5 points (average of 81.5 points) . It was a landslide victory for the University of the Philippines, who lost to Far Eastern University in last year's CD competition.

The 2010 UAAP CDC rankings are listed at the bottom of this post.

Congratulations to all the contending teams for a job well done! The cheering squads of NU and Adamson really improved a lot!

For video replays, here are the links:
University of the East
University of Santo Tomas
De La Salle University
Ateneo de Manila University
Far Eastern University
University of the Philippines
Adamson University
National University

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This post will be allotted for reporting and publicizing videos and results of the most awaited part of the 2010-2011 season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP Season 73) tournaments other than the Men's Basketball Championship Game. The 2010 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competition will be held today, September 12, 2010 at the Big Dome (Araneta Coliseum).

As for this time, I'm having my own bets. For sure, the University of the Philippines (UP Pep Squad) will get into the Top 3 spots. I'm also placing an eye on Far Eastern University (FEU Pep Squad), who won 1st Place last year. I also can't wait to see the shocking and surprising comeback of the University of SantoTomas (UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe) to the Trio. There's much to consider this time, as everyone  is anticipating new moves and awing formations. Let's heat it up!

It is expected that the Big Dome will be full of thrusts and falls as inter-university competition tightens and soars with their cheers, bangs and booms.

Keep posted for upcoming results.

Update 1:
I now have my own Top 3 Placers based on what I've seen. I firmly believe that FEU's going to successfully defend its throne due to its consistency and appeal. The squad's moves were snappy and clean. Good choreography and really BIG props. UST will win 2nd Place, as with regards to the WOW factor the audience is seeking after, the FEU has it as an advantage. UP will come in 3rd Place as it's uniqueness (providing different cultural dances) might open a door for them to take on the last seat in the Trio. Somehow I find their outfit not so fittingly right.

Update 2:

Right after FEU was announced as 2nd Placer, I already had a hunch that UP will emerge victorious in this competition. I was definitely right with my predictions!! Congratulations UST, FEU and UP!

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Champion: UP Pep Squad
Prize: 340,000.00 Php, Samsung Touch Phone units

1st Runner-Up: FEU Pep Squad
Prize: 200,000.00 Php

2nd Runner-Up: UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe
Prize: 140,000.00 Php

Special Award:
Nikki de Dios (DLSU Pep Squad)

3rd Runner-Up: Ateneo de Manila University
4th Runner-Up: De La Salle University
5th Runner-Up: University of the East
6th Runner-Up: National University
Last: Adamson University

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Police: 3 of 8 killed Quirino Grandstand hostages were Canadians

MANILA, Philippines—Three of the eight Hong Kong tourists who were slain in the tourist bus hostage crisis were Canadian citizens, a police spokesman disclosed on Wednesday.

However, Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. would not reveal the names of these victims and would just leave it up to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to name them.

Cruz said that upon confirmation, the three victims who bore Chinese names were actually Canadian citizens.

Meanwhile, there was still no clarity if autopsy reports will be released today, he added.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Philippines Bus Hostage Crisis Ends, Nine Dead

Various units of the Philippine police have stormed a hijacked bus and shot dead a former officer who had killed eight Chinese tourists after taking them hostage for twelve hours.

17 people survived, while nine were killed including the hostage-taker. Twenty-two of those on board were  Chinese tourists from Hong Kong, with three Filipinos - a driver, a guide and a photographer. It took hours of negotiations before a bloody ending was unveiled. Hostage-taking crisis like this do not usually occur in the Philippines.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

2009 Highest Paid Government Officials - COA

Name of Officer (Mother Unit) Amount

1. Arreza, Armand D. (SBMA) -- 26,865,923.20
2. Ricafort, Benigno (CDC) -- 14,506,466.74
3. Garcia, Edgardo F. (DBP) -- 12,718,942.61
4. Tetangco, Amando Jr. (BSP) -- 10,772,830.14
5. Bitonio, Benedicto Ernesto Jr. R. (DBP) -- 9,309,042.75
6. Geronimo, Rolando (DBP) -- 9,080,633.12
7. Abaya, Narciso L. (BCDA) -- 7,654,597.14
8. Templo, Horacio T. (SSS) -- 7,073,488.92
9. Samia, Armando O. (DBP) -- 6,983,533.14
10. Quirino, Ma. Therese (DBP) -- 6,753,136.41
11. Puno, Isaac III S. (BCDA) -- 6,010,701.40
12. Guevarra, Jesus II (DBP) -- 5,672,395.45
13. Suratos, Armando L. (BSP) -- 5,525,347.73
14. Maldia, Wilfredo C. (LBP) -- 5,473,755.94
15. Sarmiento, Andres C. (LBP) -- 5,406,907.99
16. Garcia, Oscar O. (MWSS-CO) -- 5,401,391.22
17. Tejada, Benilda (DBP) -- 5,216,276.46
18. Allado, Diosdado Jose M. (MWSS-CO) -- 4,969,239.59
19. Selispara, Cresencio R. (LBP) -- 4,917,216.99
20. Guinigundo, Diwa C. (SSP) -- 4,889,136.21
21.Guevarra, Simeona S. (LBP) -- 4,849,701.21
22. Roca, Miguel (SSS) -- 4,840,260.67
23. Veran, Nenita H. (LBP) -- 4,801,142.41
24. Espenilla, Nestor Jr. A. (BSP) -- 4,763,694.15
25. Favis-Villafuerte, Nelly (BSP) -- 4,654,176.05
26. Reyes, Alfredo C. (MWSS-CO) -- 4,641,381.01
27. Mahusay, Ferdinand P. (MWSS-CO) -- 4,622,760.13
28. Sulaik, Lorenzo S. (MWSS-CO) -- 4,562,181.34
29. Arnaez, Aurora R. (MWSS-CO) -- 4,540,957.28
30. Borromea, Cecilia C. (LBP) -- 4,521,459.80
31. De Zuñiga, Juan D. (BSP) -- 4,214,653.50
32. Antonio, Alfredo C. (BSP) -- 4,498,715.73
33. Boncan, Raul A. (BSP) -- 4,456,222.10
34. Pico, Gilda E. (LBP) -- 4,455,831.34
35. Nograles, Jose C. (PDIC) -- 4,454,109.50
36. Amatong, Juanita D. (BSP) -- 4,448,201.43
37. Cruz, Macra A. (MWSS-CO) -- 4,372,531.30
38. Zosa, Aileen Anunciacion R. (BCDA) -- 4,302,811.80
39. Singzon, Imelda S. (PDIC) -- 4,293,781.60
40. Orseta, Cristina Q. (PDIC) -- 4,292,508.79
41. Bunye, Ignacio R. (BSP) -- 4,283,173.61

Abbreviations:
SBMA - Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
CDC - Clark Development Corp.
DBP - Development Bank of the Philippines
BSP - Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
BCDA - Bases Conversion and Development Authority
SSS - Social Security System
LBP - Land Bank of the Philippines
MWSS - Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System
PDIC - Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.


List of principal officers and members of governing boards of GOCCs and their subsidiaries and secretaries, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries and other officials of equivalent rank of NGAs who received salaries and allowances in FY 2009

source: Inquirer.net

Monday, July 26, 2010

State of the Nation Address of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III (P-Noy)

July 26, 2010
Batasan Pambansa Complex
Quezon City

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte; Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Vice President Jejomar Binay; Chief Justice Renato Corona; Former Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada; members of the House of Representatives and the Senate; distinguished members of the diplomatic corps; my fellow workers in government;

Mga minamahal kong kababayan:

Sa bawat sandali po ng pamamahala ay nahaharap tayo sa isang sangandaan.

Sa isang banda po ay ang pagpili para sa ikabubuti ng taumbayan. Ang pagtanaw sa interes ng nakakarami; at pagkapit sa prinsipyo; at ang pagiging tapat sa sinumpaan nating tungkulin bilang lingkod-bayan. Ito po ang tuwid na daan.

Sa kabilang banda ay ang pag-una sa pansariling interes. Ang pagpapaalipin sa pulitikal na konsiderasyon, at pagsasakripisyo ng kapakanan ng taumbayan. Ito po ang baluktot na daan.

Matagal pong naligaw ang pamahalaan sa daang baluktot. Araw-araw po, lalong lumilinaw sa akin ang lawak ng problemang ating namana. Damang-dama ko ang bigat ng aking responsibilidad.

Sa unang tatlong linggo ng aming panunungkulan, marami po kaming natuklasan. Nais ko pong ipahayag sa inyo ang iilan lamang sa mga namana nating suliranin at ang ginagawa naming hakbang para lutasin ang mga ito.

Sulyap lamang po ito; hindi pa ito ang lahat ng problemang haharapin natin. Inilihim at sadyang iniligaw ang sambayanan sa totoong kalagayan ng ating bansa.

Sa unang anim na buwan ng taon, mas malaki ang ginastos ng gobyerno kaysa sa pumasok na kita. Lalong lumaki ang deficit natin, na umakyat na sa 196.7 billion pesos. Sa target na kuleksyon, kinapos tayo ng 23.8 billion pesos; ang tinataya namang gastos, nalagpasan lang natin ng 45.1 billion pesos.

Ang budget po sa 2010 ay 1.54 trillion pesos.

Nasa isandaang bilyong piso o anim at kalahating porsyento na lang ng kabuuan ang malaya nating magagamit para sa nalalabing anim na buwan ng taong ito.

Halos isang porsyento na lang po ng kabuuang budget ang natitira para sa bawat buwan.

Saan naman po dinala ang pera?

Naglaan ng dalawang bilyong piso na Calamity Fund bilang paghahanda para sa mga kalamidad na hindi pa nangyayari. Napakaliit na nga ng pondong ito, ngunit kapapasok pa lang natin sa panahon ng baha at bagyo, 1.4 billion pesos o sitenta porsyento (70%) na ang nagastos.

Sa kabuuan ng 108 million pesos para sa lalawigan ng Pampanga, 105 million pesos nito ay napunta sa iisang distrito lamang.

Samantala, ang lalawigan ng Pangasinan na sinalanta ng Pepeng ay nakatanggap ng limang milyong piso (P5M) lamang para sa pinsalang idinulot ng bagyong Cosme, na nangyari noong 2008 pa.

Ibinigay po ang pondo ng Pampanga sa buwan ng eleksyon, pitong buwan pagkatapos ng Ondoy at Pepeng. Paano kung bumagyo bukas? Inubos na ang pondo nito para sa bagyong nangyari noong isang taon pa. Pagbabayaran ng kinabukasan ang kasakiman ng nakaraan.

Ganyan din po ang nangyari sa pondo ng MWSS. Kamakailan lamang, pumipila ang mga tao para lang makakuha ng tubig. Sa kabila nito, minabuti pa ng liderato ng MWSS na magbigay ng gantimpala sa sarili kahit hindi pa nababayaran ang pensyon ng mga retiradong empleyado.

Noong 2009, ang buong payroll ng MWSS ay 51.4 million pesos. Pero hindi lang naman po ito ang sahod nila; may mga additional allowances at benefits pa sila na aabot sa 160.1 million pesos.

Sa madaling sabi, nakatanggap sila ng 211.5 million pesos noong nakaraang taon.

Beinte-kuwatro porsyento (24%) lang nito ang normal na sahod, at sitenta'y sais porsyento ang dagdag.

Ang karaniwang manggagawa hanggang 13th month pay plus cash gift lang ang nakukuha.

Sa MWSS, aabot sa katumbas ng mahigit sa tatlumpung buwan ang sahod kasama na ang lahat ng mga bonuses at allowances na nakuha nila.

Mas matindi po ang natuklasan natin sa pasahod ng kanilang Board of Trustees. Tingnan po natin ang mga allowances na tinatanggap nila:

Umupo ka lang sa Board of Trustees at Board Committee meeting, katorse mil na. Aabot ng nobenta'y otso mil ito kada buwan. May grocery incentive pa sila na otsenta mil kada taon.

Hindi lang iyon: may mid-year bonus, productivity bonus, anniversary bonus, year-end bonus, at Financial Assistance. May Christmas bonus na, may Additional Christmas Package pa. Kada isa sa mga ito, nobenta'y otso mil.

Sa suma total po, aabot ang lahat ng dalawa't kalahating milyong piso kada taon sa bawat miyembro ng Board maliban sa pakotse, technical assistance, at pautang. Uulitin ko po. Lahat ng ito ay ibinibigay nila sa kanilang mga sarili habang hindi pa nababayaran ang mga pensyon ng kanilang mga retirees.

Pati po ang La Mesa Watershed ay hindi nila pinatawad. Para magkaroon ng tamang supply ng tubig, kailangang alagaan ang mga watershed. Sa watershed, puno ang kailangan.

Pati po iyon na dapat puno ang nakatayo, tinayuan nila ng bahay para sa matataas na opisyal ng MWSS.

Hindi naman sila agad maaalis sa puwesto dahil kabilang sila sa mga Midnight Appointees ni dating Pangulong Arroyo.

Iniimbestigahan na natin ang lahat nang ito. Kung mayroon pa silang kahit kaunting hiya na natitira - sana kusa na lang silang magbitiw sa puwesto.

Pag-usapan naman po natin ang pondo para sa imprastruktura. Tumukoy ang DPWH ng dalawandaan apatnapu't anim na priority safety projects na popondohan ng Motor Vehicle Users Charge. Mangangailangan po ito ng budget na 425 million pesos.

Ang pinondohan po, dalawampu't walong proyekto lang. Kinalimutan po ang dalawandaan at labing walong proyekto at pinalitan ng pitumpung proyekto na wala naman sa plano. Ang hininging 425 million pesos, naging 480 million pesos pa, lumaki lalo dahil sa mga proyektong sa piling-piling mga benepisyaryo lang napunta.

Mga proyekto po itong walang saysay, hindi pinag-aralan at hindi pinaghandaan, kaya parang kabuteng sumusulpot.

Tapos na po ang panahon para dito. Sa administrasyon po natin, walang kota-kota, walang tongpats, ang pera ng taumbayan ay gagastusin para sa taumbayan lamang.

Meron pa po tayong natuklasan. Limang araw bago matapos ang termino ng nakaraang administrasyon, nagpautos silang maglabas ng 3.5 billion pesos para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga nasalanta nina Ondoy at Pepeng.

Walumpu't anim na proyekto ang paglalaanan dapat nito na hindi na sana idadaan sa public bidding. Labingsiyam sa mga ito na nagkakahalaga ng 981 million pesos ang muntik nang makalusot. Hindi pa nailalabas ang Special Allotment Release Order ay pirmado na ang mga kontrata.

Buti na lang po ay natuklasan at pinigilan ito ni Secretary Rogelio Singson ng DPWH. Ngayon po ay dadaan na ang kabuuan ng 3.5 billion pesos sa tapat na bidding, at magagamit na ang pondo na ito sa pagbibigay ng lingap sa mga nawalan ng tahanan dahil kina Ondoy at Pepeng.

Pag-usapan naman natin ang nangyari sa NAPOCOR. Noong 2001 hanggang 2004, pinilit ng gobyerno ang NAPOCOR na magbenta ng kuryente nang palugi para hindi tumaas ang presyo. Tila ang dahilan: pinaghahandaan na nila ang eleksyon.

Dahil dito, noong 2004, sumagad ang pagkakabaon sa utang ng NAPOCOR. Napilitan ang pambansang gobyerno na sagutin ang dalawandaang bilyong pisong utang nito.

Ang inakala ng taumbayan na natipid nila sa kuryente ay binabayaran din natin mula sa kaban ng bayan. May gastos na tayo sa kuryente, binabayaran pa natin ang dagdag na pagkakautang ng gobyerno.

Kung naging matino ang pag-utang, sana'y nadagdagan ang ating kasiguruhan sa supply ng kuryente. Pero ang desisyon ay ibinatay sa maling pulitika, at hindi sa pangangailangan ng taumbayan. Ang taumbayan, matapos pinagsakripisyo ay lalo pang pinahihirapan.

Ganito rin po ang nangyari sa MRT. Sinubukan na namang bilhin ang ating pagmamahal. Pinilit ang operator na panatilihing mababa ang pamasahe.

Hindi tuloy nagampanan ang garantiyang ibinigay sa operator na mababawi nila ang kanilang puhunan. Dahil dito, inutusan ang Landbank at Development Bank of the Philippines na bilhin ang MRT.

Ang pera ng taumbayan, ipinagpalit sa isang naluluging operasyon.

Dumako naman po tayo sa pondo ng NFA.

Noong 2004: 117,000 metric tons ang pagkukulang ng supply ng Pilipinas. Ang binili nila, 900,000 metric tons. Kahit ulitin mo pa ng mahigit pitong beses ang pagkukulang, sobra pa rin ang binili nila.

Noong 2007: 589,000 metric tons ang pagkukulang ng supply sa Pilipinas. Ang binili nila, 1.827 million metric tons. Kahit ulitin mo pa ng mahigit tatlong beses ang pagkukulang, sobra na naman ang binili nila.

Ang masakit nito, dahil sobra-sobra ang binibili nila taun-taon, nabubulok lang pala sa mga kamalig ang bigas, kagaya ng nangyari noong 2008.

Hindi po ba krimen ito, na hinahayaan nilang mabulok ang bigas, sa kabila ng apat na milyong Pilipinong hindi kumakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw?

Ang resulta nito, umabot na sa 171.6 billion pesos ang utang ng NFA noong Mayo ng taong ito.

Ang tinapon na ito, halos puwede na sanang pondohan ang mga sumusunod:

Ang budget ng buong Hudikatura, na 12.7 billion pesos sa taong ito.

Ang Conditional Cash Transfers para sa susunod na taon, na nagkakahalaga ng 29.6 billion pesos.

Ang lahat ng classroom na kailangan ng ating bansa, na nagkakahalaga ng 130 billion pesos.

Kasuklam-suklam ang kalakarang ito. Pera na, naging bato pa.

Narinig po ninyo kung paano nilustay ang kaban ng bayan. Ang malinaw po sa ngayon: ang anumang pagbabago ay magmumula sa pagsiguro natin na magwawakas na ang pagiging maluho at pagwawaldas.

Kaya nga po mula ngayon: ititigil na natin ang paglulustay sa salapi ng bayan.

Tatanggalin natin ang mga proyektong mali.

Ito po ang punto ng tinatawag nating zero-based approach sa ating budget. Ang naging kalakaran po, taun-taon ay inuulit lamang ang budget na puno ng tagas. Dadagdagan lang nang konti, puwede na.

Sa susunod na buwan ay maghahain tayo ng budget na kumikilala nang tama sa mga problema, at magtutuon din ng pansin sa tamang solusyon.

Ilan lang ito sa mga natuklasan nating problema. Heto naman po ang ilang halimbawa ng mga hakbang na ginagawa natin.

Nandiyan po ang kaso ng isang may-ari ng sanglaan. Bumili siya ng sasakyang tinatayang nasa dalawampu't anim na milyong piso ang halaga.

Kung kaya mong bumili ng Lamborghini, bakit hindi mo kayang magbayad ng buwis?

Nasampahan na po ito ng kaso. Sa pangunguna nina Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares at Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez, bawat linggo po ay may bago tayong kasong isinasampa kontra sa mga smuggler at sa mga hindi nagbabayad ng tamang buwis.

Natukoy na rin po ang salarin sa mga kaso nina Francisco Baldomero, Jose Daguio at Miguel Belen, tatlo sa anim na insidente ng extralegal killings mula nang umupo tayo.

Singkuwenta porsyento po ng mga insidente ng extralegal killings na nangyari sa maikling taon ng ating panunungkulan ang patungo na sa kanilang resolusyon.

Ang natitira pong kalahati ay hindi natin tatantanan ang pag-usig hanggang makamit ang katarungan.

Pananagutin natin ang mga mamamatay-tao. Pananagutin din natin ang mga corrupt sa gobyerno.

Nagsimula nang mabuo ang ating Truth Commission, sa pangunguna ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide. Hahanapin natin ang katotohanan sa mga nangyari diumanong katiwalian noong nakaraang siyam na taon.

Sa loob ng linggong ito, pipirmahan ko ang kauna-unahang Executive Order na nagtatalaga sa pagbuo nitong Truth Commission.

Kung ang sagot sa kawalan ng katarungan ay pananagutan, ang sagot naman sa kakulangan natin sa pondo ay mga makabago at malikhaing paraan para tugunan ang mga pagkatagal-tagal nang problema.

Napakarami po ng ating pangangailangan: mula sa edukasyon, imprastruktura, pangkalusugan, pangangailangan ng militar at kapulisan, at marami pang iba. Hindi kakasya ang pondo para mapunan ang lahat ng ito.

Kahit gaano po kalaki ang kakulangan para mapunuan ang mga listahan ng ating pangangailangan, ganado pa rin ako dahil marami nang nagpakita ng panibagong interes at kumpyansa sa Pilipinas.

Ito ang magiging solusyon: mga Public-Private Partnerships. Kahit wala pa pong pirmahang nangyayari dito, masasabi kong maganda ang magiging bunga ng maraming usapin (ukol ditto).

May mga nagpakita na po ng interes, gustong magtayo ng expressway na mula Maynila, tatahak ng Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, hanggang sa dulo ng Cagayan Valley nang hindi gugugol ang estado kahit na po piso.

Sa larangan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas:

Mayroon po tayong 36,000 nautical miles na baybayin. Ang mayroon lamang tayo: tatlumpu't dalawang barko. Itong mga barkong ito, panahon pa ni General MacArthur.

May nagmungkahi sa atin, ito ang proposisyon: uupahan po nila ang headquarters ng Navy sa Roxas Boulevard at ang Naval Station sa Fort Bonifacio.

Sagot po nila ang paglipat ng Navy Headquarters sa Camp Aguinaldo. Agaran, bibigyan tayo ng isandaang milyong dolyar. At dagdag pa sa lahat nang iyan, magsusubi pa sila sa atin ng kita mula sa mga negosyong itatayo nila sa uupahan nilang lupa.

Sa madali pong sabi: Makukuha natin ang kailangan natin, hindi tatayo gagastos, kikita pa tayo.

Marami na pong nag-alok at nagmungkahi sa atin, mula lokal hanggang dayuhang negosyante, na magpuno ng iba't ibang pangangailangan.

Mula sa mga public-private partnerships na ito, lalago ang ating ekonomiya, at bawat Pilipino makikinabang. Napakaraming sektor na matutulungan nito.

Maipapatayo na po ang imprastrukturang kailangan natin para palaguin ang turismo.

Sa agrikultura, makapagtatayo na tayo ng mga grains terminals, refrigeration facilities, maayos na road networks at post-harvest facilities.

Kung maisasaayos natin ang ating food supply chain sa tulong ng pribadong sektor, sa halip na mag-angkat tayo ay maari na sana tayong mangarap na mag-supply sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Kung maitatayo ang minumungkahi sa ating mga railway system, bababa ang presyo ng bilihin. Mas mura, mas mabilis, mas maginhawa, at makakaiwas pa sa kotong cops at mga kumokotong na rebelde ang mga bumibiyahe.

Paalala lang po: una sa ating plataporma ang paglikha ng mga trabaho, at nanggagaling ang trabaho sa paglago ng industriya. Lalago lamang ang industriya kung gagawin nating mas malinis, mas mabilis, at mas maginhawa ang proseso para sa mga gustong magnegosyo.

Pabibilisin natin ang proseso ng mga proyektong sumasailalim sa Build-Operate-Transfer. Sa tulong ng lahat ng sangay ng gobyerno at ng mga mamamayan, pabababain natin sa anim na buwan ang proseso na noon ay inaabot ng taon kung hindi dekada.

May mga hakbang na rin pong sinisimulan ang DTI, sa pamumuno ni Secretary Gregory Domingo:

Ang walang-katapusang pabalik-balik sa proseso ng pagrehistro ng pangalan ng kumpanya, na kada dalaw ay umaabot ng apat hanggang walong oras, ibababa na natin sa labinlimang minuto.

Ang dating listahan ng tatlumpu't anim na dokumento, ibababa natin sa anim. Ang dating walong pahinang application form, ibababa natin sa isang pahina.

Nananawagan ako sa ating mga LGUs. Habang naghahanap tayo ng paraan para gawing mas mabilis ang pagbubukas ng mga negosyo, pag-aralan din sana nila ang kanilang mga proseso. Kailangan itong gawing mas mabilis, at kailangan itong itugma sa mga sinisumulan nating reporma.

Negosyante, sundalo, rebelde, at karaniwang Pilipino, lahat po makikinabang dito. Basta po hindi dehado ang Pilipino, papasukin po natin lahat iyan.

Kailangan na po nating simulan ang pagtutulungan para makamit ito. Huwag nating pahirapan ang isa't isa.

Parating na po ang panahon na hindi na natin kailangang mamili sa pagitan ng seguridad ng ating mamamayan o sa kinabukasan ng inyong mga anak.

Oras na maipatupad ang public-private partnerships na ito, mapopondohan ang mga serbisyong panlipunan, alinsunod sa ating plataporma.

Magkakapondo na po para maipatupad ang mga plano natin sa edukasyon.

Mapapalawak natin ang basic education cycle mula sa napakaikling sampung taon tungo sa global standard na labindalawang taon.

Madadagdagan natin ang mga classroom. Mapopondohan natin ang service contracting sa ilalim ng GASTPE.

Pati ang conditional cash transfers, na magbabawas ng pabigat sa bulsa ng mga pamilya, madadagdan na rin ng pondo.

Maipapatupad ang plano natin sa PhilHealth.

Una, tutukuyin natin ang tunay na bilang ng mga nangangailangan nito. Sa ngayon, hindi magkakatugma ang datos. Sabi ng PhilHealth sa isang bibig, walumpu't pitong porsyento na raw ang merong coverage. Sa kabilang bibig naman, singkuwenta'y tres porsyento. Ayon naman sa National Statistics Office, tatlumpu't walong porsyento ang may coverage.

Ngayon pa lang, kumikilos na si Secretary Dinky Soliman at ang DSWD upang ipatupad ang National Household Targetting System, na magtutukoy sa mga pamilyang higit na nagangailangan ng tulong. Tinatayang siyam na bilyon ang kailangan para mabigyan ng PhilHealth ang limang milyong pinakamaralitang pamilyang Pilipino.

Napakaganda po ng hinaharap natin. Kasama na po natin ang pribadong sektor, at kasama na rin natin ang League of Provinces, sa pangunguna nina Governor Alfonso Umali kasama sina Governor L-Ray Villafuerte at Governor Icot Petilla. Handa na pong makipagtulungan para makibahagi sa pagtustos ng mga gastusin. Alam ko rin pong hindi magpapahuli ang League of Cities sa pangunguna ni Mayor Oscar Rodriguez.

Kung ang mga gobyernong lokal ay nakikiramay na sa ating mga adhikain, ang Kongreso namang pinanggalingan ko, siguro naman maasahan ko din.

Nagpakitang-gilas na po ang gabinete sa pagtukoy ng ating mga problema at sa paglulunsad ng mga solusyon sa loob lamang ng tatlong linggo.

Nang bagyo pong Basyang, ang sabi sa atin ng mga may prangkisa sa kuryente, apat na araw na walang kuryente. Dahil sa mabilis na pagkilos ni Secretary Rene Almendras at ng Department of Energy, naibalik ang kuryente sa halos lahat sa loob lamang ng beinte-kwatro oras.

Ito pong sinasabing kakulangan sa tubig sa Metro Manila, kinilusan agad ni Secretary Rogelio Singson at ng DPWH. Hindi na siya naghintay ng utos, kaya nabawasan ang perwisyo.

Nakita na rin natin ang gilas ng mga hinirang nating makatulong sa Gabinete. Makatuwiran naman po sigurong umasa na hindi na sila padadaanin sa butas ng karayom para makumpirma ng Commission on Appointments. Kung mangyayari po ito, marami pa sa mga mahuhusay na Pilipino ang maeengganyong magsilbi sa gobyerno.

Sa lalong madaling panahon po, uupo na tayo sa LEDAC at pag-uusapan ang mga mahahalagang batas na kailangan nating ipasa. Makakaasa kayo na mananatiling bukas ang aking isipan, at ang ating ugnayan ay mananatiling tapat.

Isinusulong po natin ang Fiscal Responsibility Bill, kung saan hindi tayo magpapasa ng batas na mangangailangan ng pondo kung hindi pa natukoy ang panggagalingan nito. May 104.1 billion pesos tayong kailangan para pondohan ang mga batas na naipasa na, ngunit hindi maipatupad.

Kailangan din nating isaayos ang mga insentibong piskal na ibinigay noong nakaraan. Ngayong naghihigpit tayo ng sinturon, kailangang balikan kung alin sa mga ito ang dapat manatili at kung ano ang dapat nang itigil.

Huwag po tayong pumayag na magkaroon ng isa pang NBN-ZTE. Sa lokal man o dayuhan manggagaling ang pondo, dapat dumaan ito sa tamang proseso. Hinihingi ko po ang tulong ninyo upang amiyendahan ang ating Procurement Law.

Ayon po sa Saligang Batas, tungkulin ng estado ang siguruhing walang lamangan sa merkado. Bawal ang monopolya, bawal ang mga cartel na sasakal sa kumpetisyon. Kailangan po natin ng isang Anti-Trust Law na magbibigay-buhay sa mga prinsipyong ito. Ito ang magbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga Small- at Medium-scale Enterprises na makilahok at tumulong sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya.

Ipasa na po natin ang National Land Use Bill.

Una rin pong naging batas ng Commonwealth ang National Defense Act, na ipinasa noon pang 1935. Kailangan nang palitan ito ng batas na tutugon sa pangangailangan ng pambansang seguridad sa kasalukuyan.

Nakikiusap po akong isulong ang Whistleblower's Bill upang patuloy nang iwaksi ang kultura ng takot at pananahimik.

Palalakasin pa lalo ang Witness Protection Program. Alalahanin po natin na noong taong 2009 hanggang 2010, may nahatulan sa 95% ng mga kaso kung saan may witness na sumailalim sa programang ito.
Kailangang repasuhin ang ating mga batas. Nanawagan po akong umpisahan na ang rekodipikasyon ng ating mga batas, upang siguruhing magkakatugma sila at hindi salu-salungat.

Ito pong mga batas na ito ang batayan ng kaayusan, ngunit ang pundasyon ng lahat ng ginagawa natin ay ang prinsipyong wala tayong mararating kung walang kapayapaan at katahimikan.

Dalawa ang hinaharap nating suliranin sa usapin ng kapayapaan: ang situwasyon sa Mindanao, at ang patuloy na pag-aaklas ng CPP-NPA-NDF.

Tungkol sa situwasyon sa Mindanao: Hindi po nagbabago ang ating pananaw. Mararating lamang ang kapayapaan at katahimikan kung mag-uusap ang lahat ng apektado: Moro, Lumad, at Kristiyano. Inatasan na natin si Dean Marvic Leonen na mangasiwa sa ginagawa nating pakikipag-usap sa MILF.

Iiwasan natin ang mga pagkakamaling nangyari sa nakaraang administrasyon, kung saan binulaga na lang ang mga mamamayan ng Mindanao. Hindi tayo puwedeng magbulag-bulagan sa mga dudang may kulay ng pulitika ang proseso, at hindi ang kapakanan ng taumbayan ang tanging interes.

Kinikilala natin ang mga hakbang na ginagawa ng MILF sa pamamagitan ng pagdidisplina sa kanilang hanay. Inaasahan natin na muling magsisimula ang negosasyon pagkatapos ng Ramadan.

Tungkol naman po sa CPP-NPA-NDF: handa na ba kayong maglaan ng kongkretong mungkahi, sa halip na pawang batikos lamang?

Kung kapayapaan din ang hangad ninyo, handa po kami sa malawakang tigil-putukan. Kayo po ba ay handa na din? Mag-usap tayo.

Mahirap magsimula ang usapan habang mayroon pang amoy ng pulbura sa hangin. Nananawagan ako: huwag po natin hayaang masayang ang napakagandang pagkakataong ito upang magtipon sa ilalim ng iisang adhikain.

Kapayapaan at katahimikan po ang pundasyon ng kaunlaran. Habang nagpapatuloy ang barilan, patuloy din ang pagkakagapos natin sa kahirapan.

Dapat din po nating mabatid: ito ay panahon ng sakripisyo. At ang sakripisyong ito ay magiging puhunan para sa ating kinabukasan. Kaakibat ng ating mga karapatan at kalayaan ay ang tungkulin natin sa kapwa at sa bayan.

Inaasahan ko po ang ating mga kaibigan sa media, lalo na sa radyo at sa print, sa mga nagbablock-time, at sa community newspapers, kayo na po mismo ang magbantay sa inyong hanay.

Mabigyang-buhay sana ang mga batayang prinsipyo ng inyong bokasyon: ang magbigay-linaw sa mahahalagang isyu; ang maging patas at makatotohanan, at ang itaas ang antas ng pampublikong diskurso.

Tungkulin po ng bawat Pilipino na tutukan ang mga pinunong tayo rin naman ang nagluklok sa puwesto. Humakbang mula sa pakikialam tungo sa pakikilahok. Dahil ang nakikialam, walang-hanggan ang reklamo.

Ang nakikilahok, nakikibahagi sa solusyon.

Napakatagal na pong namamayani ang pananaw na ang susi sa asenso ay ang intindihin ang sarili kaysa intindihin ang kapwa. Malinaw po sa akin: paano tayo aasenso habang nilalamangan ang kapwa?

Ang hindi nabigyan ng pagkakataong mag-aral, paanong makakakuha ng trabaho? Kung walang trabaho, paanong magiging konsumer? Paanong mag-iimpok sa bangko?

Ngunit kung babaliktarin natin ang pananaw-kung iisipin nating "Dadagdagan ko ang kakayahan ng aking kapwa"-magbubunga po ito, at ang lahat ay magkakaroon ng pagkakataon.

Maganda na po ang nasimulan natin. At mas lalong maganda po ang mararating natin. Ngunit huwag nating kalimutan na mayroong mga nagnanasang hindi tayo magtagumpay. Dahil kapag hindi tayo
nagtagumpay, makakabalik na naman sila sa kapangyarihan, at sa pagsasamantala sa taumbayan.

Akin pong paniwala na Diyos at taumbayan ang nagdala sa ating kinalalagyan ngayon. Habang nakatutok tayo sa kapakanan ng ating kapwa, bendisyon at patnubay ay tiyak na maaasahan natin sa Poong Maykapal. At kapag nanalig tayo na ang kasangga natin ay ang Diyos, mayroon ba tayong hindi kakayanin?

Ang mandato nating nakuha sa huling eleksyon ay patunay na umaasa pa rin ang Pilipino sa pagbabago. Iba na talaga ang situwasyon. Puwede na muling mangarap. Tayo nang tumungo sa katuparan ng ating mga pinangarap.

Maraming salamat po.

Source: P-Noy on Facebook