Black Out Protest for RA 10175

Bogart Gangnam Style (Oppa Gangnam Style Parody)

It's now officially a craze. I'm talking about this viral hit " Oppa Gangnam Style" by Psy. Its everywhere now be it online, on radio and TV and as expected, has spawned a number of parodies. Of course, when it comes to parody, Filipinos won't be far left behind. Here is one that has catching attention lately:

Salamat Dolphy (1928-2012)

Kahit ngayong kabi-kabila na ang pag-alala at pakikisimpatiya ng lahat ng Pinoy saan man sa mundo sa pagkawala ni Mang Dolphy, pakiramdam ko kelangan ko ring makapagsulat ng kahit munting tribute para sa kanya. Ewan ko ba..hindi naman ako kaano-ano, ni hindi naman kakilala pero kagaya ng karamihan sa atin, bahagi ng aking kabataan si Dolphy...may isang bahagi sa sarili ko na nalungkot..nakakalungkot naman talaga yung mabalitaan na wala na yung isang kakilala, yun bang para akong namatayan ng malapit na kamag-anak. At bakit naman hindi..sa ilang taon rin namang kasa-kasama natin sa ating mga tahanan si Dolphy..sa telebisyon..sa sine..

Naalala ko pa dati nung bata pa ako, wala pa kaming TV, ni wala pa ngang kuryente sa barangay namin pero kilala ko na si Dolphy. Halos laking sinehan ako. Ninong sa kasal nina Tatay yung may-ari ng dati'y nag-iisang sinehan sa bayan namin. Makinista pa sa naturang sinehan ang isang kapatid ni Tatay. Tindera naman ng kakanin ang Lola ko-buchi, kamote cue. Madalas nilalako nya ito sa oras ng sine at madalas kapag nakahabilin ako kay lola, kasa-kasama rin nya ako paglalako.Nakakabisado ko na nga ang palabas, sa araw-gabi ba naman halos na labas-masok ako sa sinehan ..lalo na kung Tagalog ang palabas. ..Nino Muhlach. FPJ. Lito Lapid. at syempre Dolphy. Kahit ulit-ulitin,ayos lang.

Isa naman sa kinakasabikan ko pag napapaluwas ng maynila ay ang makapanood ng TV sa bahay ng mga tiyahin ko. Kapanahunan ng Channel 13 at 9 noon, kasikatan yan ng EAT Bulaga, Iskul Bukol, TODAS at siempre John en Marsha..sino bang hindi nakakaalala sa pinakakagiliwang pamilya sa telebisyon..ang mag-asawang si John Puruntong at Marsha, ang matinis na boses ni Matutina at ang walang kamatayang linya ni Donya Delilah.."Kaya John..magsumikap ka"..

Grade 5 na yata ako ng magkakuryente sa lugar namin. Siempre isa sa mga sinadyang maipundar nina Tatay ang TV. Black and white na de-pihit ang channel at laminated wood ang katawan. Wala pang cable noon kaya antenna lang sa bubong na madalas mawala ang signal lalo na kung umuulan at mahangin. Pero ayos lang. Ang importante sa amin noon, may TV na kami. Makakapanood na ng mga paborito naming palabas. Makakapanood na ng John en Marsha.Ilang taon pa bago kami naka-afford ng Colored TV. Wala ng John en Marsha pero may Home Along Da Riles na. Wala na si John pero ganun pa rin ang sayang dala ng pamilya ni Mang Kevin (Dolphy), ni Aling Ason (Nova Villa) at ni Richie (played by Babalu). Walang kupas.

Iba talaga ang karisma ng isang Dolphy. Palibhasa puro ordinaryong tao ang kinatawan nya sa mga naging palabas kaya masang-masa talaga ang dating. May nakikita ang bawat nanonood na bahagi ng pagkatao nila sa kanya, sa bawat eksena, sa bawat sitwasyon. Sinalamin nya ang tipikal na Pilipino na may prinsipyo, masayahin, may respeto at pagmamahal sa pamilya...Masayahin daw kasi ang mga Pilipino, laging tumatawa, laging nakangiti kahit sa harap ng mga pagsubok. Kaya naman hindi nakakapagtakang minahal at pinatuloy natin sa ating mga tahanan ang isang Dolphy..At lalong hindi rin nakakapagtakang ganito na lamang ang pagsimpatiyang pinadarama ng sambayanan sa kanyang pagkawala..

Gayunpa man, mawala man ang isang Hari ng Komedya, alam ko na hindi mawawala ang kanyang alaala..Malalim ang iniwan niyang puwang hindi lamang sa industriya ng Pelikulang Pilipino, kundi sa lipunan at kasaysayan. Marami pang magagaling na komedyante, marami pang susunod, marami pang magpapatawa.. Pero hindi na siguro mapapantayan ang kanyang mga naiambag sa ating kultura. Hindi sapat ang pagkilala at parangal pero alam ko na alam nya, walang makakapantay na tropeo at medalya sa pagmamahal at respetong ibinibigay sa kanya ngayon ng sambayanan..Mawala man ang Hari ng Komedya, mananatili ang ngiti at saya sa bawat tahanang Pilipino dala ng alala ng isang Dolphy.

Hindi man ako kapamilya o kakilala, pero para sa yo Mang Dolphy, maraming salamat po mga tawa at sayang naidulot ninyo sa amin..Masaya na siguro kayo ngayon...may reunion sa langit si John at Marsha pati si Donya Delilah. Kasama pa si Richie. si Panchito. si Chiquito. si FPJ. at iba pa. Masaya ang all-stars na sitcom sa langit.

40 Richest People in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines -- SM tycoon Henry Sy tops this year's Forbes list of 40 richest people in the Philippines, which includes the head honchos of some of the largest companies in the country.

With an impressive net worth of $9.1 billion, Lucio Tan is at a rather far second with a net worth of $4.5 billion.

Notables include port entrepreneur Enrique Razon Jr., Senator Manuel Villar, and others.

The top 40 richest in the Philippines are:

1) Henry Sy - $9.1 billion (SM Prime)
2) Lucio Tan - $4.5 billion (Phillip Morris Fortune Tobacco)
3) Enrique Razon Jr. - $3.6 billion (International Container Terminal Services)
4) John Gokongwei Jr. - $3.2 billion (JG Summit)
5) David Consunji - $2.7 billion (DMCI)

6) Andrew Tan - $2.3 billion (Alliance Global)
7) Jaime Zobel de Ayala - $2.2 billion (Ayala Corp.)
8) George Ty - $1.7 billion (Metropolitan Bank)
9) Roberto Ongpin - $1.5 billion (Atok-Big Wedge)
10) Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. - $1.4 billion (San Miguel)

11) Roberto Coyiuto Jr. - $1.3 billion (National Grid)
12) Tony Tan Caktiong - $1.25 billion (Jollibee Foods)
13) Lucio and Susan Co - $1.2 billion (Puregold Price Club)
14) Iñigo and Mercedes Zobel - $1.15 billion (Ayala Corp.)
15) Emilio Yap - $1.1 billion (Philtrust Bank)

16) Jon Ramon Aboitiz - $955 million (Aboitiz Equity Ventures)
17) Andrew Gotianun - $825 million (Filinvest Development)
18) Manuel Villar - $720 million (Vista Land and Lifescapes)
19) Beatrice Campos - $700 million (Unilab)
20) Vivian Que Azcona - $690 million (Mercury Drug)

21) Alfonso Yuchengco - $570 million (Rizal Commercial Bank)
22) Mariano Tan Jr. - $420 million (Unilab)
23) Enrique Aboitiz - $400 million (Aboitiz & Co.)
24) Eric Recto - $365 million (Alphaland)
25) Jose Antonio - $300 million (Century Properties Group)

26) Gilberto Duavit - $270 million (GMA Network)
27) Menardo Jimenez - $265 million (GMA Network)
28) Frederick Dy - $260 million (Security Bank)
29) Manuel Zamora Jr. - $255 million (Nickel Asia)
30) Alfredo Ramos - $$250 million (Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development)

31) Oscar Lopez - $245 million (ABS-CBN)
32) Felipe Gozon - $240 million (GMA Network)
33) Betty Ang - $235 million (Monde Nissin)
34) Wilfred Uytengsu Jr. - $230 million (Alaska Milk)
35) Juliette Romualdez - $200 million (Banco de Oro)

36) Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. - $195 million (Rustan Commercial)
37) Jacinto Ng Sr. - $190 million (Rebisco)
38) Tomas Alcantara - $160 million (Alsons Consolidated Resources)
39) Michael Cosiquien - $150 million (Megawide Construction)
40) Edgar Sia II - $140 million (Mang Inasal)

Source: ABS-CBN News

SEEN: It's More Fun in the Philippines....in Kuwait.

In observance of the Philippine Independence Day, a popular hypermarket chain here in Kuwait decorates its store with the Philippine national colors and "It's More Fun in the Philippines" posters..they been doing that every year and not only for the Philippine, but also for other countries' National Days, like the US, UK, Thailand, India among others. I guess its a simple tribute to all its loyal customers and staff... they're the only ones doing that here in Kuwait, and I gave them props for that..

King with no Ring wins, King of the Ring lost

It was a big day for sports fans as two highly anticipated matches happened today.

First up was the NBA Game 7 match-up between Eastern Conference rivals Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. The Heat forced this game via an MVP-like performance by LeBron James in Game 6. It was a statement game for James who was often criticized for folding in big games. Today, the Heat won the game , the Eastern Conference trophy and the right to meet the rising Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City Thunders in the NBA Finals starting on Tuesday, June 12.

After the basketball game, fans switched to watch the boxing match between American Timothy Bradley and Filipino Boxing hero Manny Pacquiao. Many fans, still enthusiastic with the thrilling basketball game, are already expecting a double celebration with an anticipated dominant victory for PacMan. But the end result shocked fans, analysts and observers as Bradley won via Split Decision over the much-heralded Pacquiao.

Two of the judges scored 115-113 with only one judge calling the match for Manny. It was a controversial win that overshadowed the Heat and James victory and one which will surely be a hot topic for the days to come.

I can only say, you win some, you lose some. And others can make you lose even if you clearly won..sadly, this is how the game is played sometimes.

Barrio Fiesta 2012-Philippine Independence Day Celebrations in Kuwait

Filipinos in Kuwait celebrated Philippine Independence Day 2012 last Friday, June 8. The festivities, dubbed Barrio Fiesta sa Embahada, was organized by the Embassy with the support of Filipino organizations in Kuwait. Held at the new Embassy grounds in Faiha district, activities include a food fair, specialty booths sponsored by Pinoy orgs, parlor games for kids and adults and of course, music courtesy of Pinoy DJ's and bands. Filipinos who attended the event, many are wearing flag-inspired shirts, surely enjoyed the activities of the day, the first of what could be an annual gathering here in Kuwait.

Here are some photos I took from the event:

Jollibee opens in Kuwait

The bee is in Kuwait. Again.

There were some rumors already swirling around a few months ago that a store will open here soon. That rumor turned out to be a fact. And everyone- at least the Filipino community- becomes excited about it. 

Today, February 25, it becomes a reality.

Labor Attache David Des Dicang and franchise owner Yacqoub Al Hajery cuts the ribbon to formally open the store in Kuwait City, February 25.

Fr. Ben Barrameda officiates the blessing of the store with selected guests.

The large crowd that turns out for the event waits outside the store despite the rain and cold wind.

Philippine fast food giant, Jollibee, "re-opened" its doors to its loyal customers here in Kuwait. Yes, I wrote "re-opened" because there used to be one store here when I first arrived "few" years ago. They closed down for still unknown reasons but anyway, it's not my story.

What is important is it's here. The "langhap-sarap" goodness every Filipino-young or old- comes to love and made this brand one of the most recognizable name in the Philippines, is here. 

My kids are already too excited  about our first visit but that's not gonna happen anytime soon. We'll just have to wait until all these excitement dies down a bit. I'd prefer to have a good seat while enjoying a bite of the Champ with my wife :)

Argh. I can't wait.

The store is located in downtown Kuwait, behind the Main Post Office, the same building as Caesar's Restaurant and Kodak.

Credits:
Jollibee Kuwait Facebook page
Photos by Jobz Torres and Tin de los Santos.

Filipino Boxer Casimero attacked by Argentinian boxing fans

From Vavel.com, translated:


The fight between Luis Lazarte and Johnriel Casimero ended in scandal. The Filipino won the flyweight interim title of the IBF. Minutes later the victory was marred by the outbreak of a pitched battle. The triumph of Asian boxer on the Mar del Plata by KO in the tenth round drew the ire of many viewers who got into the ring.

The overwhelming victory of Casimero could not formalized, as hundreds of people invaded the ring. The attackers, who were identified with flags of the Teamsters Union, to hurt the Filipino boxer whizzed chairs, bottles and punches. Meanwhile, the policeman at Club Eleven States of Mar del Plata could not contain the clutter. Even the journalists who were in the area fled terrified by the brutality of the incident.

In the fight itself, the process was very smooth and sloppy until the end of the ninth assault, Casimero clearly impacted on the face of Lazarte. The Argentine felt the blow and fell on the ropes. Later, the fall was repeated. This time by a combination of blows of Asia.

Prior to the completion of combat, Lazarte had committed several offenses and made ​​the podium gestures that warmed the air. Among other things, the Argentine bit the ear of his opponent and hit him in the neck. In fact, this latter action led the referee to deduct a point. Meanwhile, visitors also had disqualifying actions over his rival and was punished twice in the fourth and the eighth round.

From scandal to harsh penalties await the authorities of the organizing committee of the evening. Even Lazarte itself could be punished very harshly. In the coming days will be released an official report with the final decision.

Images 2011: The top stories of the year in pictures | 2011 Yearend Special ABS-CBN News

Source: ABS-CBN News

"Sendong" World's Deadliest Storm in 2011

Source: ABS-CBN News

Photo by mindanaoan.com

Deaths reach 927, hundreds still missing

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical storm "Sendong" (international name Washi) is the world's deadliest storm this year, latest data shows.

The storm, which struck Northern Mindanao, the Visayas, and Palawan over the weekend, has now killed at least 927 people, the country's disaster management chief said Monday night. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Director Benito Ramos also said they have also lost count of the number of people who have gone missing following the flashfloods spawned by the storm.
American meteorologist Dr. Jeff Masters, citing data from insurance broker AON Benfield, said 902 people died during a storm in Brazil in January. Meanwhile, 657 people died during the massive floods in Thailand from June to November.

Masters, who explained how the tragedy may have happened, said Sendong carried an unusual amount of rainwater, which came from a large stream of tropical moisture over the Pacific Ocean. "Aiding the heavy rains were sea surface temperatures that were nearly 1 degree Celcius above average off the east coast of Mindanao, one of the top five warmest values on record," he said in a Weather Underground report.
A US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) report December 15, a day before the storm struck, said Sendong was carrying as much as 50 millimeters of rainwater, which is almost the same amount that storm Ondoy was bringing in 2009.

"Washi hit a portion of the Philippines that does not see tropical storms and typhoons very often. Mindanao is thus hit only about once every twelve years by a significant tropical storm or typhoon," Masters added.
"Since the rains fell on regions where the natural forest had been illegally logged or converted to pineapple plantations, the heavy rains were able to run off quickly on the relatively barren soils and create devastating flash floods. Since the storm hit in the middle of the night, and affected an unprepared population that had no flood warning system in place, the death toll was tragically high," he said.
National government not to blame?

Ramos, meanwhile, told ANC Primetime that the national government should not be blamed for the disaster.
"Hindi naman nagkulang government sa preparasyon. Unang-una, abiso sa kanila [affected communities] signal number 2, Northern Mindanao kasama Central Visayas," he said. "Tama [state weather bureau] PAGASA. They were forewarned. Ang mga kababayan alam ang landslide-prone area at flood-prone area. Nangyari ito sa riverbank," he said.

"We expect to rise because there are casualties in Negros, Sibula, tsaka Zamboangita," Ramos said.
Ramos said people struck by the disaster were not used to heavy rains similar to "Sendong."
"Experience natin dito, hindi kasi ito dating dinadaan ng bagyo itong Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Misamis provinces hanggang Zamboanga del Norte," he said. "Hindi ito dinadaan kay experience nila kung mahagip sila, ma-sidesweep lang, 3 millimeters per hour lang ulan. Eh... Umabot  181mm."
Ramos told ANC's The World Tonight that coffins and cadaver bags in disaster-stricken areas in the south are now running out. He believes that local governments should be responsible for the tragedy.

"With due respect sa mga local na pamahalaan, mukhang may pagkukulang pa rin (sila) sa response," he said.
More bodies being found
More bodies are still being retrieved in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan, even as coffins and cadaver bags are running out. Cagayan de Oro Mayor Vicente Emano tols ABS-CBN News' Karen Davila on Monday that they have put some dead bodies in an open dumping ground for now. He said the stench from the cadavers "has become unbearable."

Emano said they have just retrieved 17 dead bodies from Jasaan, with at least 40 more bodies still floating in floodwaters. In Iligan City, the large number of dead bodies has overwhelmed morgues and funeral parlors.
Many of the victims remain unidentified.

Over 100 bodies were brought to one funeral home, but because of the overwhelming number of cadavers, some bodies had to be placed beside the building.

The growing number of cadavers in the city has left a foul stench, as well as sought for an immediate need for formalin.

Some evacuation centers have been converted into venues for wakes.

About 47,000 people have also sought shelter in temporary evacuation sites, where food and water are running out.

Hundreds still missing in Iligan

The death toll from "Sendong" may still rise in Iligan because hundreds of people are still missing.
 
The Philippine National Police is still conducting rescue and retrieval operations to look for survivors.
Chief Supt. Dominador Aquino, police deputy director for eastern Mindanao, said they are not losing hope of finding survivors.

The local government has dug up a mass grave in Pala-o to temporarily dispose of unidentified remains.
Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz said the shallow graves will help victims' relatives to identify bodies.
Forensic experts from the National Bureau of Investigation have arrived in Iligan to help identify the cadavers.

 - with reports from Karen Davila and Jeff Canoy, ABS-CBN News; ANC

FOR DONATIONS, go to:

Sagip Kapamilya
Philippine Red Cross

Jollibee buys Burger King franchise in the Philippines

Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN

Philippine fastfood giant Jollibee Foods Corp. has cemented its leading position in the highly competitive quick-service restaurant industry by taking over the Philippine operations of American chain Burger King.

The deal allows JFC to gain a foothold into the premium segment of the hamburger category in the fast-food business as the group was expecting the premium price segment of the market "to grow appreciably in the years ahead as the Filipino consumers' standard of living rises from the growing economy."

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Friday, Jollibee announced that it has signed an agreement acquiring a 54-percent stake in BK Titans Inc., owner of PERF Restaurants that, in turn, is the sole franchisee of the Burger King brand in the Philippines. The deal was priced at 65.5 million pesos (US$1.49 million).

Burger King has 23 restaurants in the country, mostly located in Metro Manila. It generates annual revenues of P800 million and has recently turned profitable despite its much smaller store network compared to Jollibee's.

The American fastfood chain, which is based in Miami, Florida, has similar products to Jollibee such as hamburger, fried chicken and fries in its core menu. However, Burger King's products are priced about 30 percent higher than comparable Jollibee products in the Philippines.

The entry into higher-end fast food products will allow Jollibee to harness the growing mass affluence of Filipino consumers and capture a niche market that is less sensitive to economic cycles. At the same time, its entry is seen allowing Burger King to scale up operations in the country.

With the entry of Jollibee into BK Titans, the fast-food giant will still have as minority partners the groups of businessmen Manuel V. Pangilinan (13 percent) and Alberto Lina (33 per cent).

Founded in 1954, Burger King is the second-biggest fastfood hamburger chain in the world operating more than 12,300 locations and serving 11 million guests daily in 78 countries. Most of its restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees. In Asia, the business is managed by Singapore-based BK Asiapac Pte. Ltd.

For its part, Jollibee operates the Philippines' biggest fastfood network with 1,941 stores in the country under the brands Jollibee (733), Chowking (395), Greenwich (209), Caffe Ti Amo (2) and Mang Inasal (393). It has 437 stores overseas under the brands Yonghe King (235), Hong Zhuang Yuan (52), Jollibee (71), Red Ribbon (39) and Chowking (40)

posted from Bloggeroid

Planking: Not just an internet craze but a sign of protest?

What is planking? 


Planking is a prank that involves lying face down in a public place, with photos posted on social networking sites.


It was invented by two friends in Somerset who called it the Lying Down Game


But it also emerged later in Australia and was nicknamed planking.


It recently gained national attention in the Philippines when protesters "planked" on the streets as a sign of protest against the rising fuel prices.


The action prompted a congressman to file a bill in the Congress to ban planking, which ultimately became a trending online topic. 


Since then, planking has been a part of every protest.

INFOGRAPHICS: How big is the Agusan monster crocodile?

A monster crocodile was recently caught in a remote village in the province of Agusan Del Sur, Philippines. It is now believed to be the largest crocodile ever captured in the world though the report is still being verified.

So how big was it? ABS-CBN News prepared these illustrations to compare it to other known captured crocodile and even to an SUV.

Sources: ABS-CBN News, Philippines
              AFP
              Guinness World Records

Azkals lost the game and still won the hearts of Pinoys in Kuwait

Kuwait vs. Philippines, Qadsiya Stadium, July 23, 2011 (Photo by the Author)

Filipino Pride is alive in Kuwait as the much anticipated World Cup qualifying match between Kuwait and the Philippine Azkals was played yesterday (23 July) at the Qadsiya Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait. At least 70% of the capacity crowd were Filipinos--solid fans, plain supporters and curious spectators alike--who were off from work, have probably asked for a leave or simply skipped their duties for the day. They braved the 46-47 degree late afternoon heat, the traffic in the area and the queue and near stampede at the gates just to be in there at least 2 hours before the game.

The seating for the area was arranged so that Filipinos occupy one half of the stadium and Kuwaitis on the other half. But there are still a lot of people waiting outside the gates! Minutes before the game, more people-mostly Pinoys- were allowed in to the Kuwait side until all seats were taken. As it seems, it’s a home game for Filipinos as we filled the stadium..I know we have a large population working in Kuwait but in my years of stay here, I have never seen that huge number of Pinoys all in one place..it was an amazing sight!

The Azkals singing the National Anthem  during the Opening Ceremonies (Photo by the Author)

Inside the stadium, the energy was so high, the anticipation growing as the time draws near..fans were ecstatic even before the players enter the field..mostly wearing their Azkals shirts, some with waving flags, banners and even face paintings to show their support..the feeling reached fever-pitch when one by one, the players hit the grass and started their warm ups..the chants, cheers and screams were so loud I can’t even hear myself!

The same level of energy was sustained at game time until a Kuwaiti striker head home the first goal at the 17th minute of the match and even until the end of first half with Kuwait maintaining its 1-0 lead....we continued to cheer keeping the upbeat mood though everybody's already drenched in sweat..By the second half, everyone can sense the Azkals are already showing signs of exhaustion, due mainly to the sweltering summer heat while the Kuwaiti team is gearing up to deliver the finish. A small scramble at the post resulted to a Kuwait goal at the 67th minute but the crowd almost failed to notice..it even took some time before it appeared in the huge scoreboard..by then, Pinoy fans started feeling restless...It was not so long after when Kuwait delivered its final blow, a solid goal from the middle that left everyone stunned..With so little time left, that should be it for this match..Some fans already sensing defeat, started flocking to the exits but still a good number stayed behind, us included..

The Final Score. Kuwait 3, Azkals 0. (Photo by the Author)

When the game ends, right after the congratulatory handshakes for the winning Kuwaiti team, the Azkals ran next to the stands and acknowledged their countless supporters...it was a gracious exit for the team as they waved and thanked the Kuwait-based Pinoys who came in droves and cheered for them till the end.

Azkals acknowledging the crowd after the match.  (Photo by the Author)

Outside the stadium, while walking towards our parking spot, we passed by some Kuwaiti teenagers playfully taunting us for the score but we proudly showed them our "Go Azkals" placards and continued walking..Another group of Kuwaitis were walking next to us and one of them offered me a packet of Sunflower seeds. I politely said "No, thanks" and instead gestured towards my daughter..He then handed it over to her..I tap the back of the teen and said "Thanks" and "Nice game"..he just smiled back..I think it’s what the game was all about, just a friendly match between two friendly nations..

Though defeated, I know every Pinoy left the stadium happy and proud..The Azkals may have lost the game but they've earned thousands more of supporters and the respect of the Kuwaiti audiences..I can only wish them Good Luck for their second match against Kuwait to be played in the Philippines on July 28...

Go Azkals!

Philippine Azkals in Kuwait

Football fever hits Filipinos in Kuwait as the Philippine Azkals football team arrived in the country for their World Cup qualifying match against the Kuwait National Team . As news spread that the team will be practicing at the open Salmiya Sporting Club at around 7 pm last night, a good number of Pinoy fans trooped to the venue to see the team up close. I was also there together with my family and some friends.

The match will be played at the Mohammad Al Hamad Stadium, Qadsiya Sports Club in Hawally this Saturday, 23 July from 7:00 pm..Tickets, according to press releases, will be available starting today till the day of the match and are priced at KD 2 ( roughly Php 312), KD 3 (roughly Php 468) and KD 5 (roughly Php 780).

The Great Philippine Flag Hunt

Kuwait, as I mentioned before, will be celebrating its 50th National Day, 20th Liberation Day and 5th Anniversary of the Ascension of HH the Amir to power next week. As part of the preparations, government premises, office buildings and even houses everywhere are being decorated with the national colors, lights and even images of HH the Amir and HH the Crown Prince.

Major streets and intersections are also being adorned with lights and flags in time for the celebrations. Not only Kuwaiti flags but also flags of different countries which had helped during the Gulf War or with whom Kuwait has maintained friendly relations throughout its history. I think its really a nice gesture by Kuwait.

One of the countries represented in the streets of Kuwait is our very own, the Philippines. While driving the other day and looking at the various flags hanging from the streetlights, I thought I could use a little fun--why not try and look for as much Philippine flags as I can!

Today I started my hunt..These are all I can find for now. Hopefully I will be able to locate some more before the celebrations are over :))

An act unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman

The biggest news from the Philippines today was not the birthday of Pres. Noynoy Aquino but the death of former Cabinet Secretary Angelo Reyes from an apparent suicide. Reyes served as Armed Forces Chief of Staff under then Pres. Joseph Estrada but later, helped toppled him in EDSA 2 that brought Ms. Gloria Arroyo to power. His role in the revolt earned him a huge debt of gratitude from Arroyo, who in turn rewarded him with different cabinet positions all throughout her term. He has served as Secretary of Defense (2001-2003), Interior and Local Government (2004-2006), Environment and Natural Resources (2006-2007) and Energy (2007-2010). He remained loyal to Arroyo even amidst the various scandals that hit her Administration.

His death came in the middle of a now full-blown scandal surrounding the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Several retired generals and former Chiefs-of-Staff, including Reyes, are being accused by a former military Budget Officer of pocketing millions of pesos during their retirement. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is conducting a hearing about this allegation and has threatened to file a plunder case to Reyes et al.

But Reyes chose to end his participation in the hearing, albeit in an unexpected way.

He went to his mother's grave this morning, probably to say his last prayers and just maybe, his apologies. He asked his two sons who were with him to leave him for awhile. Then he pointed his gun to his chest and took his own life.The scene was rather dramatic but an abrupt ending to an otherwise decorated career.

His death offered more questions rather than answers. What leads him to commit suicide? What is he hiding? Who are the people he is protecting? Whether or not his act of suicide is already an admission of guilt by itself is now beyond man’s judgment. It is just a pity that a once respected general and public figure had to end his life that way.

To some, it is gallant way --an honorable exit by choosing to end his life and continue protecting the other people around him. Reyes chose to die and forever be silent, in the process taking everything he knows to the grave with him.

But to most of us, it is a cowardly act..He chose not to defend himself, not to clean his name and his family who is now also being dragged to the mess.

Whatever the outcome of the Senate hearing may be, it will not change the fact that it already cost one family's reputation and sadly, a father's life. I just hope it will not suffer the same fate as the others. We have had our share of high profile scandals in the past that after all those grand standing and numerous debates are now just gathering dusts in the archives, without a single person behind bars. Scandals that hog the headlines for some time then die down naturally until a new scandal comes up.. Scandals that usually leave the subjects scot-free and unscathed while the common people who testified against them leading abnormal lives, jobless and penniless..and yes, even dead.

Sources:

ABS-CBN News

GMA News

Inquirer

Philippine Star

Manny Pacquaio's LA house featured in MTV Cribs

10 workers killed after falling off Makati building

10 workers killed after falling off Makati building | ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines (3rd UPDATE) – Ten construction workers were killed and one injured after falling off a building in Makati City Thursday, officials said.
Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin "Junjun" Binay, Jr. said the accident occurred at the Eton Tower located at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Gallardo streets in Makati City.
"I talked to the foreman and he said there's a mesh supporting the scaffolding at doon naipon 'yung mga tao," he said in an interview on ANC.
A separate report from Makati police chief Senior Superintendent Froilan Bonifacio said the workers fell off the 32nd floor of the building after the platform they were using gave way.
"What we received is they were working outside the building at the 32nd floor and they fell to the 7th floor," he told radio dzMM.
In a statement, Eton spokesperson Erwin de Pedro said the workers fell from a suspended "gondola" – a basket-like platform used for installing glass windows. The workers are employees of ARLO Aluminum, a glass contractor/installer of the condominium project.
Based on witnesses' accounts, de Pedro said the workers rode the gondola instead of taking the stairs during their break time.
The platform can only carry 2 to 3 workers, but at least 10 took the gondola on their way to their lunch break, field reports said.
De Pedro said the cable holding the gondola could have snapped.
“Eton, its contractors and construction management consultant are cooperating with police authorities and the city engineer’s office as they investigate the cause of this accident. In the meantime, the company’s priority is to ensure that the victims’ families are informed and extended needed assistance by the contractor,” de Pedro said.
He said Eton places premium on safety. Due to the incident, however, it will review its contractors’ compliance with safety regulations.
Binay said he has ordered a stop to the construction until Eton Properties can ensure the safety of its construction workers.
De Pedro said: “Our hearts go out to the victims’ families. Eton Properties would like to assure the public that the company is doing all it can to ensure that Eton and its contractor extend all necessary assistance to the victims.” - With reports from Dexter Ganibe and Noel Alamar, radio dzMM