Reclassify Marijuana, as NOT a Dangerous Drug

Reclassify Marijuana, as NOT a Dangerous Drug.

Greetings,

I just signed the following petition addressed to: Honorable ANTONIO “BEBOT” VILLAR, JR. Chairman, Dangerous Drugs Board.

—————-
Reclassify Marijuana, as NOT a Dangerous Drug.

Section 93 of REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9165, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002” states that:

“Reclassification, Addition or Removal of Any Drug from the List of Dangerous Drugs. – The Board shall have the power to reclassify, add to or remove from the list of dangerous drugs. Proceedings to reclassify, add, or remove a drug or other substance may be initiated by the PDEA, the DOH, or by petition from any interested party, including the manufacturer of a drug, a medical society or association, a pharmacy association, a public interest group concerned with drug abuse, a national or local government agency, or an individual citizen. When a petition is received by the Board, it shall immediately begin its own investigation of the drug. The PDEA also may begin an investigation of a drug at any time based upon the information received from law enforcement laboratories, national and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies, or other sources of information.”

Based on the above Republic Act, we, the people of the Republic of the Philippines, would like to petition for the reclassification and decriminalization of Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, Cannabis Ruderalis, and derivative products of the said natural plant species. Herein, we will present you with the basic facts and sources of information from which you can then launch a thorough investigation into Cannabis’ many uses such as MEDICINE, PAPER, FUEL, FIBER, FOOD, and HOUSING.

First and foremost, Cannabis cannot be classified under the list of DANGEROUS drugs, as it poses no health threat to its users. The World Health Organization states that Tobacco kills nearly 6,000,000 people a year[1] and Alcohol results in 2,500,000 deaths each year. [2] Cannabis, on the other hand, has NO DIRECT RECORDED DEATHS attributed to it. If anything, the two prior drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol, should be topping your Dangerous Drugs list, as they kill more people per annum than all the dangerous drugs on your list – COMBINED.

Secondly, Cannabis IS MEDICINE, and has been for the past few thousand years. Currently, hundreds of thousands of people worldwide use Cannabis to relieve the symptoms of debilitating diseases. A 2002 review of medical literature by Franjo Grotenhermen states that medical cannabis has established effects in the treatment of nausea, vomiting, premenstrual syndrome, unintentional weight loss, insomnia, and lack of appetite. Other “relatively well-confirmed” effects were in the treatment of “spasticity, painful conditions, especially neurogenic pain, movement disorders, asthma, and glaucoma”.

Preliminary findings indicate that cannabis-based drugs could prove useful in treating inflammatory bowel disease, migraines, fibromyalgia, and related conditions.
Medical cannabis has also been found to relieve certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries by exhibiting antispasmodic and muscle-relaxant properties as well as stimulating appetite.

Other studies state that cannabis or cannabinoids may be useful in treating alcohol abuse, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, collagen-induced arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, bipolar disorder, colorectal cancer, HIV-Associated Sensory Neuropathy depression, dystonia, epilepsy, digestive diseases, gliomas, hepatitis C, Huntington’s disease, leukemia, skin tumors, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Parkinson’s disease, pruritus, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psoriasis, sickle-cell disease, sleep apnea, and anorexia nervosa.

A study done by Craig Reinarman surveyed among why people in California used cannabis and it found many reasons why people had used cannabis. It was used to relieve pain, muscle spasms, headaches, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, depression, cramps, panic attacks, diarrhea, and itching. Others used cannabis to improve sleep, relaxation, appetite, concentration or focus, and energy. Some patients used it to prevent medication side effects, anger, involuntary movements, and seizures, while others used it as a substitute for other prescription medications and alcohol. [3]

Even the United States National Cancer Institute acknowledges Cannabis’ Antitumor, Appetite Stimulation, and Analgesic effects on its webpage. [4]

Aside from this, Harvard University published a study that concluded that the active ingredient in Cannabis cuts tumor growth in common lung cancer in half and significantly reduces the ability of the cancer to spread. [5]

Also, the American Medical Association cites Cannabis’ patient treatment and healing abilities in their “Report 3 of the Council on Science and Public Health “, and thus called for the rescheduling of the said drug. [6]

More information about Cannabis and how it may be used as a treatment for people with serious medical conditions can be found in this Medical Cannabis brochure:

Click to access cancer_brochure.pdf

Thirdly, one of the biggest positive impacts that the rescheduling of Cannabis would produce is the reintegration of hemp into our society, and more importantly in current times, our economy. Hemp is a plant that is grown for industrial use only; in fact, hemp contains less that 1% THC and causes no “high” when smoked.

From an INDUSTRIAL standpoint, hemp provides many advantages over a great deal of current resources that the Philippines utilizes. The most common use for hemp is in the production of textile based products. Hemp fibers are considerably strong so that makes it ideal for the production of many products like PAPER, FABRIC, and ROPE. Hemp produces a higher yield per acre than cotton and has a growing cycle of only 100 days instead of 160. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, you can produce four times as much paper from a hectare of Cannabis than a hectare of trees. Imagine all the forests we could save!

But perhaps the most important attribute of hemp is its ability to produce a substantial amount of CELLULOSE. Cellulose is a compound that, in more recent years, has been converted into a BIOFUEL called cellulostic ethanol. This biofuel can power everything that our fossil fuels currently does and is being produced most commonly in the form of “energy crops;” mostly corn and cotton. Hemp holds an advantage though, because it yields four times the amount of cellulose you can get from a corn stalk, plus it is carbon-negative, meaning it has already captured enough carbon during growth, in a process called carbon sequestration, to make up for the carbon that it releases when burned. In layman’s terms, it is ECO FRIENDLY.

Once rescheduled, Cannabis can also be used as FOOD. Technically a nut, hemp seed typically contains over 30% oil and about 25% protein, with considerable amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Hemp seed oil is over 80% in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and is an exceptionally rich source of the two essential fatty acids (EFAs) linoleic acid (18:2 omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3 omega-3). The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (n6/n3) in hemp seed oil is normally between 2:1 and 3:1, which is considered to be optimal for human health. In addition, the biological metabolites of the two EFAs, gamma-linolenic acid (18:3 omega-6; ‘GLA’) and stearidonic acid (18:4 omega-3; ‘SDA’), are also present in hemp seed oil. The two main proteins in hemp seed are edestin and albumin. Both of these high-quality storage proteins are easily digested and contain nutritionally significant amounts of all essential amino acids. In addition, hemp seed has exceptionally high levels of the amino acid arginine. [7]
What does this mean? This means that Cannabis seeds’ amino acid profile is close to “complete” when compared to more common sources of proteins such as meat, milk, eggs and soy. The proportions of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid in one tablespoon (15 ml) per day of hemp oil easily provides human daily requirements for EFAs.

Aside from the above, Cannabis can be used as a material to make HOUSES.
Hempcrete is a mixture of hemp hurds (shives) and lime (possibly including natural hydraulic lime, sand, pozzolans or cement) used as a material for construction and insulation. It is marketed under names like Hemcrete, Canobiote, Canosmose, and Isochanvre. Hempcrete is easier to work than traditional lime mixes and acts as an insulator and moisture regulator. It lacks the brittleness of concrete and consequently does not need expansion joints.

Honorable Villar, Cannabis laws, as they are now, cost tax payers millions of pesos a year. The taxpayers have to pay for every individual that is sent to prison for possession of Cannabis and nothing more. It’s time to face the facts — most Cannabis users are peaceful, well adjusted members of society. Their “crime” is nothing more than possessing and ingesting or smoking dried flowers from a non-toxic plant. The effects of their “crime” are usually nothing more than being hungry, laughing, enjoying chit-chat with friends, and watching TV. This is a VICTIMLESS crime, which should not be punished by the state. A democratic government has no right to tell its citizens — its employers — what they can or cannot ingest, eat, smoke, or drink. And a democratic government has no right to withhold a miracle plant from its citizens. Especially not one that can be used to the advantage of the citizens in creating more jobs, upping tourism, healing the sick, and helping the environment.

If Cannabis is not rescheduled, then we the people must ask for the basis of its illegality. We must be satisfied with facts, statistics, solid reasoning, and casualties. The burden of proof falls on the government’s hands.

1. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs339/en/index.html
2. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs349/en/index.html
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis
4. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page4
5. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm
6. http://www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/csaph/csaph-report3-i09.pdf
7. http://naihc.org/hemp_information/hemp_facts.html
8. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp

Change.org|The Proven Petition Site

Philippine Sports: Burger King To Donate Wynne Arboleda’s “Lost Income” To Typhoon Victims

Just finished writing the piece about the DSWD volunteers, and how Rock Ed Philippines founder Gang Badoy received word from DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral. Of course, I shared a copy of the post with Gang Badoy at her Facebook account, and sort of reconnected. For the past years, we’ve bumped into each other but without much conversation, or at the least just surface conversation.

Anyway – we had a chance to exchange more words than normal, and she gave props to the Philippines Fun Wall, and shared with me her petition which is – Burger King Inc. should donate Wynne Arboleda’s “lost income” to the survivors of recent Philippine typhoons.

The petition reads as:

To Concerned Filipinos:

In the light of the recent suspension (by the Philippine Basketeball Aassociation) of Burger King player Wynne Arboleda it has come to our attention that the quantified ‘loss of income’ he will have to accept as part of the penalties has been estimated to be approximately PhP 2.73Million.*

Less than a month ago our country withstood two consecutive typhoons that resulted to reducing many areas of our country into literal ‘states of calamity’ – many are rendered homeless, many are orphaned, many are robbed off property, capital, crops, capacity to earn, and even now deprived of hope. To this day, (Oct 19, 2009)thousands of families are still clueless on where or how to rebuild their lives.

It is from that note that this petition is being presented. We would like to pressure Burger King Inc and/or the Philippine Basketball Association to donate the salary set aside for Mr. Wynne Arboleda either to rehabilitate communities, to send relief goods to the still needy or organize a subsequent and periodic medical assistance program to flood-razed sites.

This group stems from the fact that the suspension was already passed and declared by the PBA therefore we have not and will not release any statement regarding the incident-per-se that got Mr. Arboleda suspended. All we know is that his suspension has been declared and PhP 2.73M is the estimated (now) savings of Burger King from that drop-out.

So let us state our petition again:

WE WOULD LIKE TO RESPECTFULLY AND REASONABLY REQUEST BURGER KING AND/OR THE PHILIPPINE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION OR WHOEVER CAN GIVE THE DIRECTIVE OVER THIS SITUATION – TO DONATE THE AMOUNT SET ASIDE FOR THE NOW-SUSPENDED ATHLETE – MR. WYNNE ARBOLEDA TO ANY EXISTING RELIEF AND REHAB OPERATION SET UP TO ASSIST SURVIVORS OF TYPHOONS ONDOY AND PEPENG.

REGARDING WHICH NGO/INSTITUTION TO SUPPORT: WE WILL LEAVE THAT TO THE DISCRETION OF THE UPPER-MANAGEMENT OF BURGER KING INC AND/OR THE PHILIPPINE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION.

We do this with utmost reason, we look forward to your kind consideration of this request all that we ask for is this – when you heed this petition, kindly inform us of your decision. It would comfort many of us to know that big businesses and corporations have real heart as well- please give us hope. This is not a request for EXTRAS Burger King, Inc – we are aware that this is not a real loss to your profits because the amount has been earmarked and promised to Mr. Arboleda before he was suspended anyway.

We will await your response with optimism and a complete trust in your Bayanihan spirit during this terribly needy time in our country.

Now for those who wish to sign the online petition, then just click here.

We Encourage Burger King To Donate The Forefeited Salary of Wynne Arboleda To The Typhoon Victims

However, maybe the signed petition may not be needed because according to certain sources, it seems that Burger King Inc. has decided to take upon the suggestion of the petition to donate the ‘lost income’ of Wynne Arboleda to the typhoon victims anyway.

Gang Badoy explained that PBA sportscasters TJ Manotoc (who proposed the petition) and Patricia Hizon were not optimistic at first that Burger King would consider this because allocating that salary wasn’t that simple. Of course, nothing is.

But then, the petition does make a valid point – that 2.73M is already in the budget, and if it was supposed to be spent on Arboleda, but he can’t accpet it, then maybe it can be put to good use to help others who are in need of that cash, such as the many typhoon victims. Burger King Inc. must have realized that this was also a good way to protect their corporate image, and also do something to improve the reputation of Wynne Arboleda. In any case, the reports were published in Philstar.com about Wynne Arboleda pursuing the suggestion with Burger King Inc. management to donate his ‘lost salary.’ You can actually read the article on the donation of Wynne Arboleda by clicking here.

If that really holds true, and there is a true confirmation of the donation by Wynne Arboleda then it’s awesome that an online petition (on an idea suggested by TJ Manotoc and executed by Gang Badoy) has progressed to something helpful and tangible for the typhoon victims.

If you want to see the change, you just gotta be the change. Don’t feel afraid , to share your thoughts, and especially to act those ideas out! The hope for the country is the fact that every single Filipino is empowered to help out there fellow countryman. We indeed have the power to improve our country – through small steps – through a little persuasion in the proper perspective.

Impossible is nothing.

Philippine Current Events: DSWD Clarifies Hoarding Rumors and Welcomes Volunteers

Last Friday (Oct. 23, 2009 ), the Philippine internet network went abuzz with alleged reports that the DSWD was hoarding international relief good donations. Apparently, a blogger named Ella (ellaganda.com) who volunteered to repack goods for the DSWD gave reports that the DSWD had a warehouse full of relief supplies that were not being distributed with the utmost urgency, and that there were not enough volunteers to go repack the goods.

This news circulated in the internet, particularly in Facebook, and many Filipino netizens and Facebook users reposted Ella’s report. Of course, many of these Facebook users vented their frustrations at the DSWD, and the media went to verify these reports.

Eventually, DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral defended the accusations lashed against her department. According to Esperanza Cabral, the relief goods found at the warehouse had yet to undergo an inventory check, and yes – the DSWD was short on volunteers to handle the huge inventory.

Since the situation escalated to this level, DSWD Esperanza Cabral took the initiative to get in touch with Gang Badoy of Rock Ed Philippines (www.rockedphilippines.org), and also one of those who reposted Ella’s recount on her blog. Esperanza Cabral invited Gang Badoy to come up with volunteers that she would accommodate to help repack these relief goods.

Gang Badoy, Founder of Rock Ed Philippines

According to Gang Badoy, DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral agreed for Rock Ed Philippines to come up with a group of 50 volunteers per day to work at the 3pm-11pm shift from Monday to Friday. Altough the DSWD is working 24 hours a day to consolidate relief packing efforts, they have agreed to block a shift to accommodate private citizen volunteers (such as the Rock Ed Philippines NGO).

On a personal note – I suppose this is their manner to quell down the infuriated mob of Facebook users, and also to allow other volunteers to bare witness to the operations of the DSWD, so that they may be made aware before they past judgement as they had when they made a barrage re-posting that Friday of the alleged DSWD hoarding rumors.

Anyway, for those who want to volunteer for the DSWD and get a chance to see their warehouse full of relief goods, then just fill up the volunteer sign-up sheet by clicking on this link.

Lastly, I would like to thank Sandy Cabral (daughter of Esperanza Cabral) for getting in touch with me to make sure that the rumors regarding the alleged DSWD hoarding where first looked into before the unconfirmed news was sent out to Facebook. I won’t apologize for re-posting on the Philippines Fun Wall about Ella’s account. In fact, if this hadn’t happened, then I believe there wouldn’t be any focus on the DSWD and their efforts, adn the help that they so desperately need.

Philippine Current Events: DSWD Hoarding Relief Goods and Supplies For Typhoon Victims

A blogger by the name of Ella (ellaganda.com) volunteered to do re-packing of relief goods for the DSWD. Apparently, to her dismay, Ella and her 8 group of friends were the only ones who were volunteering to repack a 1000 sq. m. warehouse full of relief goods.

According to DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral, the reason why the DSWD warehouse is still full of unpacked relief goods is because they lack volunteers. However, according to Ella, those who did wish to volunteer were turned away, citing that there were already too many volunteers.

Anyway, there is more to the story about the DSWD hoarding situation, and you can find out more about it from the post in the Multiply site of Gang Badoy, who reposted the story of Ella since her blog was blocked and shut down. COuld it be because she exposed the faults of the DSWD? Maybe.

The same excerpt can also be found on the blog of Jenni Epperson, complete with all the pictures of the stocks they have piled and unused in the DSWD warehouse.

Just Some of The Many Relief Goods Not Being Given Away Just Yet By The DSWD

Just click on the links above, and see for yourself what the fucking problem is with the DSWD. And hopefully, someone raise awareness so that someone may act on this. FAST!

Philippine News: The Philippine National Red Cross Now Accepts Donations Via Paypal

More Than 300,000 Filipinos Left Homeless

You would think that an organization like the Red Cross would have everything covered. Well, so things are slow in the Philippines. But finally, someone in the Philippine National Red Cross has taken the initiative to set up an account so that PayPal members can finally send donations. This is especially important at this state of calamity after the passing of tropical storm Ketsana (aka Ondoy here in the Philippines) wreaked havoc in various parts of the country.

Anyway, you may direct your donations to give@redcross.org.ph.

“Danghang Salamat, Ondoy” by Ramil Digal Gulle

[The Following Excerpt Was Written by Ramil Digal Gulle, And I Am Just Re-posting His Inspiring Message Here]

All I wanted to do on Saturday morning was to go to my doctor. After getting off the MRT station in Kamuning (about 10 am) I waded through ankle-deep floodwaters to accompany my wife to the TV station where she works. The rest of the day was already clear in my head: Go to the doctor, finish my business there by around lunchtime (there are usually quite a number of patients, and I wasn’t expecting to finish earlier than that), pick up my wife and we go home for some needed time with the kids.

I thought nothing of it when the doctor’s nurse texted me to say that the doctor’s clinic was already flooded. The clinic is in the low-lying Kamias area. Fine, I told myself, I’ll just go to Hi-Top and buy a bottle of wine and ingredients for dinner. My daughter had requested that I cook for dinner.

After Hi-Top, I proceeded to the TV station where my wife works. I was walking the whole time because of the rain. I felt no danger despite the rain. The rain wasn’t that strong by the time I left Hi-Top. Then I reached the corner of Panay Avenue and Sergeant Esguerra. Holy shit. The floodwaters were neck-deep in Esguerra!

I turned left on Panay, planning to take the train at the Quezon Avenue MRT then disembark at Kamuning station, so I could just walk towards the TV station. I reached Hen Lin (a Chinese fastfood) which is right under the MRT station. I was surprised to see that Edsa was flooded. The area in front of the McDonald’s outlet was waist-deep in flood.

There was a guy—he was soaked from head-to-foot—who was warning people getting off the Quezon Avenue MRT station. He was telling everyone who could hear him: “O, wag na kayo dyan sa Esguerra. Hanggang leeg doon. Dito sa may Edsa hanggang baywang. Mamili na lang kayo kung saan niyo gustong magpakamatay.”

[Don’t go to Esguerra. The water there is neck-deep. Over there at Edsa it’s waist-deep. You guys choose which side you prefer. You choose where you want to kill yourself.]

The guy was trying to be funny. I went up the MRT station, boarded the train and got off at Kamuning. When I reached the TV station, my wife texted me that she won’t be going home. All TV news staff were required to stay because of widespread flooding.

I called the kids at home. Thank God there wasn’t too much rain in Cavite. Finally, I saw what was happening in Marikina and Rizal on the TV set at the visitor’s area. Shit. I won’t be able to go home. Then I also learned that the way to Cavite was impassable.

After talking to my 9-year-old daughter some more and assessing that Cavite would likely not be affected by the typhoon, I made up my mind to wait for my wife. I didn’t think it would be a good idea to let her go home alone, with floodwaters rising in Quezon City.

People were coming to the TV station. Every single one was asking for help. They had loved ones trapped inside their house by floodwaters. There were loved ones already on rooftops. The floods were rising too fast in some areas. And so began my long day: filled with the weeping of women, worries about friends trapped in rooftops, worries about my kids (what if the typhoon turns and hits Cavite?), and a feeling of utter helplessness.

My wife worked till about midnight. We tried to get to Cavite but even before we reached the tollgate of the expressway leading to Bacoor, huge trucks were already turning back. We were in a cab. I decided not to risk whatever was ahead. There could have been floods, an accident, etc.

My daughter kept calling my mobile phone. She was crying. When were we going to get home? After getting assured that there was no flooding in Cavite, that our kids were not in danger of any flood, I told my wife we should just wait for morning. We turned back and stayed in a hotel—the hotel lobby to be exact. All the rooms were booked. It was already 2am. We couldn’t sleep. We simply waited till the sun was up.

When I finally got home today, the first thing I did was gather wife and kids for prayers. We prayed out of gratitude. We were all safe. Then we prayed for all those who were still trapped, who were still struggling to stay alive amid floodwaters. I was crying.

I find myself unable to sleep after being awake since 6 am yesterday morning. I’m still keyed up. My wife’s asleep, finally, after getting a massage. I want to sleep but each time I manage to doze off, I jerk awake at the slightest noise. So I’ll just write.

I can’t get the sound of weeping mothers out of my head. That’s how I spent the night while stranded in Quezon City. All these mothers kept talking about their kids. One mother, Lina, could not help but cry for her kids, who were trapped in the third storey of a neighbor’s house for out eight hours already by the time she spoke to me. Her husband was also trapped by floodwaters—he could not leave his office in Quezon City.

Here are some things I learned from the experience. I can write them down in the comfort of home with my wife and kids safely with me. I actually feel guilty that I’m in this situation. I feel guilty that I’m not out there on a rubber boat saving people. So I’ll write some more and go to bed. After I get some sleep, I might have a saner perspective.

Our families are not prepared for climate change. Typhoon Ondoy was true to its name, which means “little boy”—it wasn’t a supertyphoon. And yet, we all failed in so many fronts.

In our own home, we don’t have an emergency kit. The flashlight is no longer where I always put it. Furthermore, I’m not aware of any evacuation plan in our community. Who do we call? Where do we evacuate when waters start rising? I have no idea. It’s the sort of ignorance that kills.

One friend of mine lost her possessions in the floods. Her husband and kids are safe. She had the quick and sensible thinking to have her family evacuate shortly after the water began seeping into their house and after the power was cut off. They left everything and booked themselves in a hotel. “I lost everything,” she told me over her mobile phone. I told her that the most important things in her life were saved.

Our government—both the national government and the LGUs–is not prepared for climate change. If people are safe now—relatively, for some, because it’s again starting to rain and many are still trapped on rooftops, awaiting rescue—it’s because of prayer. So many people were—are still—praying. It seems the prayers were heard because we all got a respite from the rain.

Filipinos have a saying, “Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa” (God dispenses mercy but man has to do the work). God has already dispensed his mercy. Will we do our part?

There’s no excuse for the lack of rubber boats, for example. We have floods every year. But every year, we are unprepared. The two rubber boats that began rescuing people in Marikina were a relief to know about, but why only two?

Philippine National Red Cross Chairman Dick Gordon tried to transport several more rubber boats but these had to come all the way from Olongapo. And with the traffic jams at the expressways, they could not get to Metro Manila in time.

The headquarters of the National Disaster Coordinating Council and the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are both in Quezon City. And yet, for nearly 12 hours, Quezon City residents trapped in floods could not be rescued. The AFP, if I remember correctly, usually has the biggest slice of the national budget every year. But where were the choppers? Where were the rubber boats? Clearly something is very wrong.

Then we recall how General Carlos Garcia, former AFP comptroller, was caught (by US authorities, not by Philippine authorities) trying to bring in millions of pesos in cash to the US. It does not inspire faith in the military leadership.

We also recall a lot of things that are disquieting: government resources being used to secure a questionable telecoms deal with a Chinese firm; millions of pesos spent on Presidential dinners abroad; millions of pesos in campaign contributions unaccounted for; millions of pesos spent on a California mansion; billions of pesos spent on foreign trips; and a cancelled plan to buy a new Presidential jet.

How do you explain all that to kids trapped on their rooftop for nearly 24 hours—soaking wet, hungry, crying for their mothers and going insane with fear?

How do you explain the fact that the government can spend millions upon millions on so many other projects, but could only produce two rubber boats to rescue scores of residents trapped in a flooded Marikina village? How do you explain the President’s lobster and steak dinners to Rizal residents neck-deep in muddy floodwaters?

Every year, we get floods and typhoons. Every year, we give money to the AFP and the NDCC. And all that the Marikina residents get are two rubber boats?

And wasn’t Marikina always being trumpeted as some sort of “First World City in a Third World Country”? Clean and green Marikina. Disciplined Marikina, a jewel of law and order in the chaos of the Mega Manila.

The Marikina River floods every year. Every year. But when it really mattered, the City Government of Marikina did not have enough emergency equipment, did not have enough rubber boats. Or if it did, it did not have the capacity to deploy these resources in time. It seemed to have no plan for the evacuation of residents at Provident Village before floodwaters could reach it.

And former Marikina mayor Bayani Fernando wants to run the rest of the country the way he did Marikina—or at least, that’s the impression we get. We could be wrong.

To be fair, none of us expected something like Typhoon Ondoy. But the lack of rubber boats, the seeming lack of coordinated response, the empty promises made over the media—these are simply not acceptable. These do not inspire our confidence in government once the next super typhoon hits. I mentioned Marikina only as an example.

I’m not blaming Fernando or his wife (the present Marikina mayor). I’m just stating how things appear. The real story about the slow rescue, etc. might unfold in the next few days.

[Kris Aquino was talking on TV about Marikina rescue efforts. She said that according to one Marikina resident, there were rubber boats deployed by the Marikina government–but the river’s currents were so strong that the rubber boats got overturned. It was also pointed out that Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando did everything she could but “nature’s wrath” was just too powerful. In the interest of fairness I should point this out.]

What happened to Marikina can happen anywhere. The local governments of Bulacan, Pasig and Rizal fared no better. Are our local governments prepared for climate change? Are they prepared for typhoons like Ondoy, or much stronger ones? Your guess is as good as mine.

What would have happened if Ondoy didn’t leave the country in the hours following the massive flooding? What if it was a super typhoon that decided to stay for a few days?

The answer is so obvious that we’re scared to state it: Death and Chaos. So many people, so many children will die. Our loved ones will die. We will die.

The next few days, weeks and months will tell us whether the government cares to prevent this, or whether it wants to use climate change as a kind of population control.

The government’s priorities have been clear in the way it spends its money and allocates its resources. For example, the AFP budget keeps growing. But what about the budget for the national weather agency PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration)? There were reports a few years back that the budget was actually slashed.

During a report on GMA-7 news last night, PAGASA OIC Nathaniel Cruz said that there was a piece of equipment that could help the agency estimate a typhoon’s potential amount of rainfall (very useful in the case of Ondoy, which poured a month’s worth of rainfall in about five hours)—a Doppler radar. Does PAGASA have this equipment?

No. The national weather agency, the only one that could warn us if we should evacuate because a typhoon will bring a deluge, does not have a Doppler radar. But it’s on its way, clarifies Cruz.

PAGASA, in Filipino, also means “Hope”. Based on how the government seems to prioritize PAGASA, the weather agency, do we have reason to hope?

It was drummed into my head a long time ago that when we use the term “government” in a democracy, we should really refer to ourselves. After all, in a democracy, governance must be by, of and for the people.

So it’s either we’re not really a democracy (because we always stand back and just let a bunch of evil yoyos run things for us) or we’re all just not getting this governance thing right. We’re not governing things the way we should.

It’s raining again. I hope we get our acts together soon.

Philippines Current Events: Coordinating Disaster Is A Disaster For National Disaster Coordinating Councild

I don’t like the National Disaster Coordinating Council of the Philippines. Simply because they lack COORDINATION! It’s a given that Ondoy has brought so much damage to property, to homes, and not to mention the thousands of people who had to be evacuated.

Coordinating rescue operations is no joke, but it’s rather such a disappointment that they couldn’t get something going quickly enough. After all, it’s a matter of coordination. If the NDCC receives a call for help, then they coordinate the efforts with the nearest rescue operation unit  in that area – whether it be hospital, police or barangay. From there, the local rescue unit will give an assessment of the situation, (i.e. “we cannot get to those victims due to severe floods.”)

From that point the NDCC will coordinate this information to those who can do something about the situation, such as the Philippine Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, or maybe they might have their own special equipment or task force that can respond to the call since the local unit cannot, and then THAT is dispatched with the utmost emergency. And then coordinate a place with which they can use for evacuation. After all, you don’t just rescue the cat from a tree just to leave him in a pit of dogs.

The NDCC Cannot Coordinate This Disaster

What happened to yesterday’s disaster because of Ondoy had the phone lines of the NDCC on fire, and yet without anyone to really provide the proper coordination in order to get things done. The slow process of bureaucracy before Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro could mobilize anything is just not acceptable when lives and property are at stake, especially those who stand to lose EVERYTHING.

Sorry – Gilbert Teodoro – but you just lost my vote.

Then, there’s that NDCC Deputy Director Anthony Golez Jr., who I believe may have a good heart, but just looks like a total dweeb. Anthony Golez Jr., in an interview with ABS-CBN, asked for an apology for the delayed effort in the rescue operations, citing that the flood made things difficult. Sorry – Anthony  Golez Jr. – I was taught to produce results and not excuses, and I can’t believe you even had the time to conduct an interview to apologize instead of getting on that damn phone and finding more trucks and more rubber boats and more choppers, or coordinating more evacuation centers.

Then, when he was asked if school and work would be suspended, Anthony Golez Jr. quipped something like it would depend on the bureaucracy. Apparently, there is a criteria that must be followed for the suspension of classes or work, or the declaration of any calamity, and it has such a frigging red-tape process. (you may check it out here). It’s no wonder kids take the dangerous trek to school at 5Am and get to school on time at 7am, only to find out that government will suspend classes at 11am (government work starts at 8am or 9am.) By that time – the situation of the weather is near disastrous, and students are stranded.

So, anyway, Anthony Golez Jr. can’t say if there are no classes or work on Monday because some government offices are closed on Sunday, and no one is around to write the memo. If you look at the red tape process of suspending classes and work by the NDCC, you will understand the importance of the memo.

Apart from the rescue operations, the NDCC should have better coordination in the gathering of information as to those that may need relief. They should also coordinate all the efforts of volunteer groups and point them to designated areas. They should also coordinate the charity and relief assistance from various groups to send out to evacuation centers or disaster areas. COORDINATION – it’s in their job description.

Instead, what’s going on now, is that several groups and foundations have risen up to volunteer their services, and yet they are like headless chickens running around. Sure, ABSCBN is doing a tele-thon and getting donations  with even the supposed head of Coca-Cola – pledging 2 million bottles of Wilkins drinking water. Fine – it sounds good on television, but I want those 2 million bottles now! I want 10,000 of those put on a truck and sent to Marikina. I want 10,000 more sent to Rizal. I want 20,000 more floated down the Pasig river to reach homes that cannot be reached. I want immediate action through coordination. I want to see the pledged 2 million water bottles making its way somewhere it is needed. Instead, it might take 2 weeks for me to ever see those bottles, and some might just find its way to a studio set and not to a relief center.

The Red Cross have their hotlines. ABSCBN Foundation have their own fund-raiser. Politicians and presidential aspirants are setting up their own relief  centers. – those are all good. But then, eventually, there has to be someone at the top of all that to say, “ABSCBN release that 1 million peso donation so we can rent out 5 choppers to do rescue operations. NOW!”

We need someone to say,  “Red Cross! Shell out Php100,000 so we can run gensets at the evacuation centers, and put cots and blankets, and give medication…”

The good will of the people and their good intentions to help their fellow Filipinos is fine, but it’s the coordination of important action that is needed during a state of calamity that is truly lacking. We may have saved a child from drowning in the flood, but if we put that child  in a place that has no food or medicine or warmth from the storm, then we just gave that child a new place to die. We didn’t save that child at all.

If there is no one in charge with that kind of capacity, power or responsibility, to command that kind of action from local government units, NGO’s, or from private groups, then there is no point in putting up a National Disaster Coordinating Council if they cannot coordinate such things at a time of disaster.

In other countries, like the US – when a policeman needs to accost your vehicle to chase a suspect, then he gets it by flashing a badge and without questions asked. And if he wrecks it, then it will be cared for by the government. That kind of authority empowering a simple police officer allows things to get done in terms of results. We have to put that in a bigger scale in order to mobilize things at a time of disaster, at a state of calamity.

Anyway, the National Disaster Coordinating Council can begin the change by upgrading the NDCC website to make it look like a site of action, and not just a mere web-brochure on press releases about agreements made for fudning. I’m beginnning to get the feeling that the NDCC is a lobbyist group in search of relief, instead of an action group. If it were action, then the first page of their site should be a form for an incident report, or a hotline number in big bold letters. And don’t forget to check the NDCC contacts directory (the number of Golez isn’t even there!). If the primary contact number of the NDCC is the “Webnaster”, then we are truly screwed. And if the alignment of the NDCC contacts directory page is anything to consider on how to coordinate things – then God save us all because the NDCC surely doesn’t look capable at all.

Don’t even get me started with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD.)

Anyway, I was just informed that there is an online  Rescue InfoHub Central. I’m just uncertain how this works, or who’s responsible or on top of this, but it’s disconcerting that there are only 200 incident reports with everything that is going on.

I just really wish that the coordination of this disaster be swift. It is frustrating to think that with all the cooks in the kitchen, the efforts for rescue, relief and rehabilitation will be delayed in bureaucracy. Before you know it – the funds raised will be used for an election campaign, or some other misappropriate use.

By the way – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo‘s office has been rather quiet.

Philippine Politics: The Philippine Presidentiables for 2010

This Is What They're Fighting For

The year 2008 is ending, and by the time Christmas 2008 hits, we’re going to be receiving a lot of 2009 Calendars from so many people, and I’m pretty sure that a bulk of them will be coming from politicians who are hopefuls to become the next President of the Philippines. By 2009, we’re going to have a lot more politicians making campaigns and hoping to get a lot of media mileage to highlight their achievements over the years in order to prepare their good reputation for the 2010 national election in the Philippines.

As early as now, there are already intentions being stated by many Philippine politicians as to their campaign plans for the upcoming 2010 Philippine elections. And of course, the big election post being sought after is none other than the position of President of the Philippines. Among those who have pretty much given their intention to take the seat from Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo include: Senator Dick Gordon, Vice President Noli De Castro, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Senator Mar Roxas, Senator Loi Ejercito, Senator Ping Lacson and maybe even former ousted President Joseph ‘ERAP’ Estrada.

Dick Gordon has already started his campaign in Facebook with a profile page called Dick Gordon for President. Dick Gordon was once the controversial former SBMA Chairman, who battled it out against ERAP when he was told to step down as SBMA Chairman. Dick Gordon even had his own little People Power in Olongapo to prevent incoming SBMA chair Felicito Payumo from taking over when then President Joseph Estrada appointed Felicito Payumo for the position to replace Dick Gordon. Apart from that historical memory of Dick Gordon, many will remember how he inspirationally brought back Olongapo City and the rest of Pampanga as a city mayor just after Mt. Pinatubo erupted and devastated that part of the country. Of course, Dick Gordon will also be remembered as the Department of Tourism Secretary and his amazing Wow Philippines! campaign that put the Philippines back as one of the top tourist destinations in Asia. As a senator, Dick Gordon has been a loud voice in national issues that the senate had to address over his term, and many believe that his bullish charisma is the kind of leadership that Filipinos will want for the Philippine Presidential seat.

Vice President Noli De Castro is also looking to replace Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as president, and will hope for Arroyo’s blessing and nomination to be the party representative to run for President. Of course, at this moment of the Philippine republic, it’s not certain if a Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo endorsement might actually be enough for VP Noli De Castro to win, but it might be the only shot he has apart from his popularity as a former newscaster.

Senator Kiko Pangilinan has somehow given his intention to run as a presidential candidate for 2010. However, I have this eerie feeling that if Kiko Pangilinan does become the President of the Philippines, it’ll not be because most Filipinos would love to see Sharon Cuneta as the First Lady of the Philippines more than they want to see Kiko Pangilinan as President. Well, behind every great man is a woman, and definitely Sharon Cuneta has a big pull as a great woman behind a great senator as Kiko Pangilinan. And of course there’s also KC Concepcion.

Mar Roxas For President in 2010

Senator Mar Roxas has also given his intention to run for Philippine President in the upcoming 2010 elections. In fact, Mar Roxas already has a blog, showcased as the first blog on the 2010 Philippine Presidential elections. History may favor Mar Roxas as the grandson of former Philippine President Manuel Roxas and son to former Philippine senator Gerardo Roxas. Undoubtedly, Mar Roxas has Philippine politics in his blood, and will be hoping to make use of all that genetic political wisdom to impart on the Philippines. It might also help that highly acclaimed, popular newscaster Korina Sanchez is having a relationship with Mar Roxas, although the two have yet to get married if Korina Sanchez would become the First Lady of the Philippines. Mar Roxas was also a very instrumental Department of Trade & Industry Secretary, and did much to shape the economy and growing industries of the Philippines.

Senator Ping Lacson has not been as vocal as Mar Roxas or Dick Gordon in his intention to run for President in 2010, but the Philippine rumor mill has put out his name as one of the hopefuls to run for President in 2010 probably because Ping Lacson can afford to run. Of course, not just because of Ping Lacson‘s extensive financial resources, but also because of his keen connections in the ranks of the Philippine military and Philippine National Police, which are very essential in maintaining order and discipline in the country. As we’ve noticed in our history, without the backing of the military, it is easy to establish a coup d’ etat which eventually will have long term effects on the growth of the Philippine economy, and not to mention the distrust with with foreign investors and the ill-perception around the globe as a result of such ugly moments. In fact, military control is so important – that without it, a President can actually lose power as seen in the history of both EDSA People Power revolts. With former PNP Chief Ping Lacson in power as President, then perhaps the issue of law and order, and even civil unrest with the likes of the MNLF or Abu-Sayyaf, can be thoroughly addressed to promote a lasting peace in the Philippines, which all sectors definitely wish for.

Senator Loi Ejercito is also a candidate to run for President in 2010, but she hasn’t really yet stated her intentions. Of course, Loi Ejercito will be banking on the fact that several Filipinos are still loyal to former President Joseph Estrada, and having him as her endorser might be good enough to have her win the Presidential seat in 2010. However, that’s only if former President Joseph Estrada doesn’t run for President himself. Former President Joseph Estrada has already been quoted as saying that he will run for President if the Filipino people really want him to run, and if the opposition really doesn’t have a formidable choice to vie for the Presidential seat in 2010. According to former President Joseph Estrada, he hasn’t technically finished his term as President, and is qualified under the Philippine constitution’s election code to be eligible for re-election. However, becoming President again considering his tainted controversial past during his term of office, will be a hard obstacle to overcome, and thus Joseph Estrada might instead opt to endorse his First Lady Loi Ejercito instead of himself.

Let’s not also forget Eddie Gil, who just might come back in 2010 to try his luck again, probably with a different hairdo. Blonde na si Eddie Gil!

What about Manny Pacquiao for President in 2010? Well, he’ll certainly afford the campaign after his fight with Oscar De La Hoya. And maybe he’ll earn some more votes if he beats Oscar De La Hoya. However, he lost in the Congressional race last election at his home town in General Santos, and that’s already saying a lot about what people think of Manny Pacquiao entering politics. But who knows, maybe it’ll be different on a national level.

Philippine Music: 50 Cent Concert In Manila – NOT HAPPENING!

50 Cent Concert Not Happening

I just got word that the supposed concert of rapper 50 Cent is not happening anymore. Apparently, there was no official schedule released in his official website, and what’s more is that there were no contracts signed and obligations fulfilled by those who were intending to bring them in. The production company supposed to bring them in was Fearless Productions, which I believe are the same people who promote and produce the Fearless Fighting MMA events. I’m not sure who the idiot was that released the information regarding the concert, complete with details of the after party and all, but then now it’s not happening anymore.

If I recall correctly, Fearless Productions is owned by Congressman Ronald Singson, and while Mr. Singson is indeed an awesome businessmen and political leader of the Philippines, the people who work for him under Fearless Productions may have moved too fast too soon and lost sight of what it really meant to bring 50 Cent to the Philippines. The schmuck working for Fearless Productions probably thought that his access to Singson’s treasury could easily buy him the 50 Cent concert, that maybe throwing around some cash would make it happen. Anyway, if Ronald Singson isn’t behind Fearless Productions, then I guess I opened up my mouth too soon. But then, unlike the schmuck who lied about the 50 Cent concert, my research is at least half-true.

Well, it’s not happening. And I was so looking forward to the after-party with 50 Cent and his crew, especially the lovely lasses of the Candy Shop video, who were rumored to be flying in with him. I should’ve known from that story alone that this whole brouhaha about 50 Cent was a farce.

Anyway – in true Philippine fashion – 50 Cent talaga yung kwento! Kalahati lang ang tama.

Philippine Music: Is Journey Really Going To Perform in Manila?

Arnel Pineda & Journey with Jimmy Page

Most every Filipino is very proud and happy that their kababayan Arnel Pineda is now making it big as the lead singer of the famous rock band Journey. What can you do – Arnel Pineda has a replica voice of former Journey singer Steve Perry, and may even sound better. But, of course, that’s just my bias Philippine opinion.

Anyway, to answer the question on whether or not Arnel Pineda can bring his Journey bandmates to these part of the country –

As of the moment, Journey is still touring parts of North America. They had shows alongside other 80’s rock bands like Heart and Cheap Trick, and they also have their own solo concerts, touring their Revelation album, which peaked at No. 1 in the Billboard Hot 100 Album Charts. I have a feeling that it still is number one. Well, the concert tour dates of Journey in the US will last up to October 5, 2008 with a big show at the Harrah’s Rio Vista Outdoor Ampitheather in Laughlin, Nevada.  However, Journey will have to go back again to Manchester, New Hampshire on December 3, 2008, to fulfill a concert they had postponed some time in September because Arnel Pineda suffered from a bad case of bronchitis, and wasn’t able to sing. Well, of course.

So, what about their supposed Christmas concert here in Manila? Well, there are rumors that he still might sing the national anthem when Manny Pacquiao goes up against Oscar De La Hoya, but…

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN has released a statement saying that Sam Milby, who will be having his first solo concert on October 25 at the Aliw Theater, will have Arnel Pineda among his guests. Uh-huh. My eyebrows are raised.

Ok. Arnel Pineda – the lead singer of Journey, whose concerts are being sold-out in the US, whose album peaked at Number 1 in the Billboard Hot 100 Album Charts ALL OVER THE WORLD – will be a guest at Sam Milby‘s first solo concert. To the dreamers at ABS-CBN – F#$* you and have a nice day.

Anyway, according to Arnel Pineda‘s official website – which is being flooded now with chatters who are abusing the shoutout box feature – Arnel Pineda does plan to be back in the Philippines for the Christmas holidays to be with his friends and family. After all, he will be needing a break after the very hectic tour of the United States. If the rest of Journey will be coming with Arnel Pineda to perform – well, that’s the BIG question. And I suppose the only official release on that will have to wait until Journey finishes its current 2008 tour.

However, while there is no exact date set, I am pretty certain that Journey will not disregard their fans in the Philippines, which I am sure tripled up ever since their fellow countryman Arnel Pineda is also now the band’s lead singer.

But, in any case, check out the Journey official site here for more information.

Oh and about that F-ing ABS-CBN press release – you can find that here.

Philippine Sports: Brandon Vera Fights Keith Jardine in UFC 89

Fil-American Brandon

The main event of UFC 89 to be held at Birmingham, England this coming October 2008 will be a middleweight bout between Chris Leben vs Michael Bisping. One of the undercards and highlight bouts will also feature FIlipino-American Brandon Vera vs Keith Jardine.

Brandon Vera won his last fight against Reese Andy to improve his record to 9-2. Prior to that though, Brandon Vera lost a fight to Fabricio Werdum due to referee stoppage under some very controversial circumstances, and another loss to Tim Sylvia. Now, he is surely out to prove that his losses were a fluke, especially the last one to Fabricio Werdum, which many felt was an early stoppage.

In any case, Brandon Vera has booked impressive wins over the likes of Frank Mir, Assuerio Silva, Justin Eilers and Mike Whitehead.

Brandon Vera fights out of the United States, but never fails to acknowledge his Filipino roots, and even proudly carries the Philippine flag during his bouts. Of course, there are also his alibata tattoos which are very, very Filipino indeed.

Anyway, Brandon Vera is a really awesome guy, and will certainly be a force to reckon with when goes up against Keith Jardine.

UFC 89 Tickets and Ringside Seats are available here.

Go, Brandon!

Philippine Sports: Ateneo Blue Eagles One Victory Away For UAAP Basketball Championship

Ateneo vs La Salle (photo by Sir Mervs)

Ateneo 69, DLSU  61

The Ateneo Blue Eagles have defeated the DLSU Green Archers three times a row – all in this UAAP 71 Season for Men’s senior basketball. The Ateneo Blue Eagles busted the DLSU Green Archers twice during the elimination rounds of the UAAP Season 71 tournament, and then defeated the DLSU Green Archers for the first game of the best-of-three finals.

Leading all scorers during Game 1 of the UAAP Season 71 Finals between Ateneo vs DLSU was Blue Eagle Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who scored 27 points. Blue Eagle Nonoy Baclao also had a huge defensive game with 7 blocked shots, most of them on Green Archer Rico Maierhoffer. Of course, Cris Tiu and Jai Reyes added strong performances for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, who hope to win their 2nd UAAP Basketball title since the Final Four format began in the 1993-1994 season.

The DLSU Green Archers will be hoping to make it their 6th UAAP Basketball title, but then that’s highly unlikely as the Ateneo Blue Eagles are out to prove that this UAAP Season 71 is their season!

Philippine Events: UFC Champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell To Visit Manila

Chuck Liddell Is Coming To Manila

Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion of the World Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell is coming to Manila! Chuck Liddell will be here to have an open training session on mixed martial arts this coming Sunday, September 21, 2008, at the Atrium of SM Mall of Asia from 3pm to 5pm. Chuck Liddell will show off his MMA skills with his trainer Ian Parkinson, and will be entertaining MMA enthusiasts who might want to learn a thing or two from the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. The event is being sponsored by Colt45 and Solar Entertainment Corp. through their Balls Network on cable television.

Of course, apart from this major event, Chuck Liddell will also be out party-ing in Manila, hoping that the R&R in Manila might help heal some of the pain from his recent knockout against Rashad Evans during UFC 88. In relation to that, Chuck Liddell might also offer a bit of insight on what it takes to become a heavyweight champion, and also how it feels to get knocked out cold.

Whatever it is – certainly hanging out and seeing Chuck Liddell live should be a treat for any fan of the UFC.

On a personal note – I’d love to hang out with Chuck Liddell, and I am really a fan. Many are thinking that the UFC career of Chuck Liddell is over and done with, especially after getting knocked out by Rashad Evans, but I don’t think he’ll ever be done. After all, he is still one of the most exciting UFC fighters to step into the Octagon, and he really made my day when he beat the crap out of TIto Ortiz and even Wanderlei Silva. And while Chuck Liddell may have suffered some big KO losses, he is still one helluva fighter and has shown his resiliency in bouncing back from a defeat to go back to winning. What else is there to be said – Chuck Liddell lives to fight, and win or lose, he’s always pushing himself to the limit to kick some ass. Respect, bro.

Anyway, The Iceman Cometh!!! Don’t miss out!

Opinion: The Smart Thing To Do With SMART

Smart Billboard Is A Waste of Space and Money

Smart Communications, Inc. is one of the biggest telecommunications providers in the Philippines if not the biggest. Well, SMART is on a pissing war with Globe Telecom and indeed they are fighting for every inch of space in order to promote and advertise their brands and product services.

Anyway, because of the advertising pissing war, SMART and Globe have gone all-out in their budget for things like 30-seconder ads, outdoor advertising, newsprint ads, magazine ads and all sorts of other gimmicks like events, concerts and what-have-you. Certainly, it doesn’t take much math to figure out that SMART and Globe probably spend billions of pesos on advertising just so that the simple Filipino consumer will eventually use their products and services, or to continue to do so.

First off – let’s get it straight. The supposed target market for a company like SMART includes every single FIlipino in the Philippines, with a big percentage of them being the masses. The masses comprise about 70% of the population, and fall under the socio-economic bracket of D or E, which is probably in the minimum wage to less-than-minimum wage income earner. Now, while they have the numbers in terms of sheer volume, the amount of money they earn collectively is nothing compared to the kind of cash raked in by the small 5% of those that belong to the A or B markets.

Notwithstanding, SMART spends billions to continue to advertise to the masses. In fact, SMART spends billions on advertising period – whether it be for the masses or for those that are better off. Of course, the strategy is to have SMART subscribers remain loyal to the brand, but in truth, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BRAND LOYALTY among the Philippine masses. For the basic Mang Pandoy, brand loyalty comes as a matter of convenience. In Aling Maria’s Sari-Sari store, I can purchase pre-paid accounts of either SMART or Globe, either through pre-paid cards or E-load because Aling Maria carries both brands, and even has two cellphones (one Globe, one Smart) to pass the load of whatever the consumer requires. In the same manner, because of the added value of texting Globe-to-Globe or Smart-to-Smart, or even making calls Sun-to-Sun, most people have afforded to carry with them two or even three phones, with one phone representing each of the major tele-com providers.

Anyway, the whole point is that it is pointless for SMART to spend unnecessarily on advertising. For one, they already have a near-monopoly on their captured market, which is the entire Philippines. The entire Philippines already knows about SMART, and probably has a cellular phone with a SMART line. There is no need for them to spend on TV commercials, daily newsprint ads, magazine ads and especially outdoor advertising! We don’t need another SMART banner beside yet another Globe banner in the same store advertising the availability of sim cards or pre-paid load availability.

SMART already has the power of direct marketing. If they want information shared to their subscribers, then they have the capability of sending whatever information directly to the cellular phones of their consumers without the need to become redundant through print ads, TV commercials or outdoor advertising. Now, if they have a new service or product to endorse that might need a bit of introduction – say SMART money – then perhaps that could be used. But still, all those services cannot be explained in a 30-seconder, or in a catchy newsprint ad. The best way to explain all that information is still in the form of step-by-step instructions, especially if their target market is the masses who cannot comprehend beyond the creativity of a 30-seconder ad.

Next, SMART is wasting away money on their celebrity endorsers. So what if Angel Locsin is the number one thing happening in the country? Her face on a SMART billboard won’t increase sales, or improve the image of SMART. Perhaps an Angel Locsin endorsement might be good for beauty products, but for a telecommunications provider – it just isn’t necessary.

I would rather SMART re-allocated their budget for advertising to developing other businesses or other services, or maybe even for a worthy charity beyond what they normally give out for charity.

For example, I would love for SMART to allocate a budget in the development of a world-class stadium that can perhaps host huge sporting events, such as the SMART Philippine Open Tennis Tournament, which could be part of the Men’s and Women’s ATP Tour, and have the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic play tennis at our shores. Or maybe be able to invite the likes of Real Madrid or Manchester United to have an exhibition match. Or maybe even have the Los Angeles Lakers go up against the Talk N’ Text Phone Pals.

I would also love for SMART to sponsor let’s say the Ati-Atihan Festival, but instead of spending their money on their collaterals, banner placements, billboards and video screens – to just cover the entire production cost of the Ati-Atihan Festival, and not even have a single SMART logo advertised on the site. SMART will just merely send a text message to their subscribers saying that the Ati-Atihan Festival is free for everyone, and that they will be feeding and giving out drinks to everyone who goes, and then when everyone goes there – they won’t even find a single SMART ad or logo advertised anywhere. Angel Locsin can perform, and everyone would know already who brought them the party without the need to say it over and over again on the PA system, or to have banners at every street post.

Or maybe SMART can invest their profits or re-allocate their advertising budget for other things like a desalination plant, or for alternative energy sources, which they can eventually use to power their telecommunications equipment scattered all over the country.

At a rate of say 1 peso per text message sent, and the millions that they can easily earn on a daily basis, SMART indeed has a lot of profit at their disposal. While it may take also millions of pesos for operating costs of all their infrastructure, spending for unnecessary advertising is just a waste of profit. There are other things of greater concern. Eventually, SMART shouldn’t be the one advertising, but should be the one controlling the advertising, especially for products who might want their brand marketed to the subscribers of SMART. A hard-sell text message everyday about a particular shampoo might be an annoyance for their subscribers, but then it’s a paid text message ad from the shampoo company, and hard-sell is what they do anyway when they put up billboards and daily newsprint ads. Change focus, change strategy. DON’T WASTE MONEY.

I seem to have gotten carried away, and still have more to say on this topic. Eventually, I would really like to back up this claim with actual figures on advertising expenses, or maybe give a real insight on the kind of numbers that can be played with by a giant company like SMART. I do understand that SMART has other programs that include community partnership in regards to developing education facilities in small towns, disaster relief and even helping out with environmental causes. But then, maybe a shift on focus and budget could be made for those projects even more.

In totality, it’s not just about SMART, or Globe, or Sun. Every company should really re-think their budget for advertising, especially with bigger companies who have a monopoly on the market industry they represent. Everyone would drink San Miguel Beer on a daily basis even if Manny Pacquiao didn’t endorse it. Everyone would drink Coke or Pepsi regardless of the well-thought of tagline by the ad companies who do their ads. And besides, if Coke was the drink available on the sari-sari store next to my house, then that’s what I’d buy. I am practical enough not to have to travel 3 blocks to the next sari-sari store just to show my loyalty to Pepsi. I’m sure I’ve driven the point across.

Anyway – I’m sure there are other smart things that SMART can do, and I don’t need to be the one to say it. But hey – I’m just sharing my two cents worth, and that’s not even the price of a text message.

Philippine Music: Journey Concert Is Coming To The Philippines With Our Very Own Arnel Pineda

Filipino Arnel Pineda Sings For Journey (photo taken from Arnel Pineda's website)

Journey – the famous band that brought such hits as Open Arms, Faithfully and Don’t Stop Believing – will be coming to the Philippine shores. Well, it’s no surprise that Journey would opt to come to the Philippines. After all, it’s newest lead vocalist is none other than Filipino singer-songwriter Arnel Pineda.

For those who don’t know – Arnel Pineda had a singing career with show bands around the Philippines, belting out covers of songs by the likes of Aerosmith, Survivor, Air Supply, Kenny Loggins and of course – Journey. Arnel Pineda sang these songs with a band called The Zoo. Apparently, some of the videos of The Zoo doing covers of these 70’s and 80’s popular bands began appearing in You Tube. Eventually, Neal Schon, the guitarist of Journey, was very impressed with Arnel Pineda – his vocal range and his uncanny ability to sound so close to Journey’s former singer Steve Perry. Neal Schon contacted Noel Gomez, a close friend of Arnel Pineda who put up the videos, got the contact information of Arnel Pineda, and then invited Arnel Pineda via e-mail to audition for Journey.

At first, Arnel Pineda thought that it was a hoax, but when Neal Schon finally made the phone call, and a few days later, Arnel Pineda went off to San Francisco for a two-day audition. On December 2007, it was announced all over that Journey had a new singer and the news was even featured by CNN.

On February 2008, Arnel Pineda debuted as the singer of Journey, and performed at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival. Needless to say, Arnel Pineda became a big hit!

Since then, Journey has recorded a new album called Revelation with Arnel Pineda doing the vocals. There are a lot of old Journey classics in the album, but this time with Arnel Pineda‘s voice taking over what once used to be Steve Perry‘s unmistakable sound. The album debuted at No. 5 in the Billboard Top 200 Charts and has been in the Top 20 for over 6 weeks.

Of course, the success of the album plus the awesome reception at live gigs has reinvigorated Journey, and already plans are being drawn up to include a Revelation Tour to promote the album. Journey is currently touring with Heart and Cheap Trick, and has performed in Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and in various cities across the United States. That tour kicked off on June 2008 and will continue on until October 2008. Towards the end of 2008, Journey will be expected to tour Japan, Australia, and – most certainly – the Philippines!

Information about all the Journey tour dates, including the schedule for the Journey concert in the Philippines is available at the Journey homepage.

To our kababayan Arnel Pineda – We are very proud and happy for your blessings and success. Good luck on your Journey. Literally.

Incidentally, Journey Concert Tickets are available here.

Philippine Sports: Freddie Roach Says Pacquiao vs De La Hoya Might Not Happen

No Fight If Oscar De La Hoya Is Overweight

Philippine boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya have already signed a contract to fight on December 6, 2008 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, there is still a possibility that the fight might not happen.

It is stipulated in their contract that Oscar De La Hoya will pay Manny Pacquiao $3 Million per pound that goes over the 147 welterweight limit. And if Oscar De La Hoya doesn’t make the weight and reaches 150 lbs. during the weigh-in, then Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach will just have to pull the plug on the fight, and that’s that.

Freddie Roach stated that if Oscar De La Hoya weighs in at 150 lbs., it will just be an unfair fight for Manny Pacquiao. According to Freddie Roach, it doesn’t matter if Oscar De La Hoya will pay $9 Million for the overweight, but fighting at 150 lbs. is a totally different story altogether. Oscar De La Hoya already has the height and reach advantage over Manny Pacquiao, and the weight will be the true equalizer for both boxers. If Oscar De La Hoya comes in heavier, then it just really stacks up the odds against Manny Pacquiao, and Freddie Roach is just being a wise trainer in protecting his boxer.

Freddie Roach thinks that if Oscar De La Hoya really wants this fight to happen, then De La Hoya should really do his best to meet the weight requirement. After all, it was Oscar De La Hoya who called out Manny Pacquiao to fight at 147 lbs., albeit after hearing that Freddie Roach said that De La Hoya couldn’t pull the trigger against Pacquiao. Hmmm… boxing trash talk.

Anyway – Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya stand to make huge amounts of money from this fight should the fight push through. In fact, after all the bills have been collected from ticket sales of the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the pay-per-view broadcasts, the sponsors and what-have-you – it is estimated that Manny Pacquiao can earn as much as $23 Million. Oscar De La Hoya stands to make more. It might come out to be the biggest purse in boxing history for a single fight.

Well, we have to wait first if Oscar De La Hoya makes the weight to see if there will be any fight at all. Yo, Golden Boy, stay away from those cream puffs!

Pacquiao-De La Hoya Tickets and Ringside Seat Tickets Are Available Here.

Philippine Boxing News: Oscar De La Hoya Talks About Manny “Money” Pacquiao

The Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya gave his comments about his upcoming 12-round non-title bout versus Manny Pacquiao on December 6, 2008 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. He had some pretty fair stuff to say about Manny Pacquiao, but of course included a bit of trash talk, and other talk about his career and the other fights that could’ve been had Manny Pacquiao backed out of the deal. I came across Oscar De La Hoya‘s comments, by accidentally stumbling upon this You Tube video.

There’s even some Floyd Mayweather Jr. trash talk on the video with him showing off  1 million dollars. “Put your money where your mouth is. I’ve got a big mouth, and I’ve got big money.”  Well, from what I recall, Mayweather did beat De La Hoya via split decision.

Anyway, Oscar De La Hoya also discusses his take on Manny Pacquiao’s style of boxing versus his own, and also talks about Pacman’s insatiable hunger for his share of the fight purse. Or can I say gluttony? Well, Manny Pacquiao just probably wants more money to make up for the few million pesos he’s leaked from “bad” investments. Kasi naman, Manny, tama na yung high-stakes betting sa billiards at sa poker.

Anyway, it’s an exclusive interview with Oscar De La Hoya who explains everything that’s going down on the fight against Manny Pacquiao, including a preview of the awesome under card for the night.

I won’t give out too much information, just listen to what Oscar De La Hoya has to say.

Manny Pacquiao – any response? Can we use this quote on your behalf – “Sana maka-chamba ulit parang kay Marquez.”

Incidentally, De La Hoya-Pacquiao Tickets and Ringside Seats for December 6 at the MGM Grand Arena are available here.

Philippine Boxing News: Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya on December 6

Manny Pacquiao Is An Underdog Against Oscar De La Hoya

It is now official!

The Philippines very own boxing sensation, WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao has agreed to fight six-time boxing world champion Oscar De La Hoya for a 12-round non-title bout at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds on December 6, 2008 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada!

The Pacquiao vs De La Hoya fight is expected to be the biggest fight of the year, and will be a sure blockbuster pay-per-view event. Promoters Bob Arum of Top Rank and Richard Schaefer have already shook hands, but the share of the purse for this main event has yet to be announced. The Pacquiao vs De La Hoya match took three weeks of negotiations. Initially, Manny Pacquiao wanted 40% share of the purse while Oscar De La Hoya offered 30%. Eventually, the two parties agreed to something in between. 35% maybe?

The Mirage Hotel and Casino odds makers already opened a betting line for the Pacquiao vs De La Hoya fight, and odds makers are making Oscar De La Hoya as an 8-5 favorite over Manny Pacquiao. Well, that seems normal as Oscar De La Hoya has had experience fighting at 147 pounds even though he hasn’t fought at that weight since 2001. Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao hasn’t found above 135 pounds, and it will be interesting to see how Manny Pacquiao gains the weight to match up against the size of Oscar De La Hoya.

Of course, being a Filipino – I am excited to cheer for Manny Pacquiao to beat one of the world’s greatest boxers in history in Manny Pacquiao For Oscar De La Hoya, this may be his last fight before he considers retirement at the age of 35. Oscar De La Hoya has wanted to fight Manny Pacquiao ever since he watched Pacquiao destroy the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz. Oscar De La Hoya‘s desire was even pushed further after reading statements from Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach who said that Oscar De La Hoya will not be able to ‘pull the trigger’ against Manny Pacquiao.

Oscar De La Hoya Wants Manny Pacquiao for

“I felt challenged, especially from an expert trainer like Freddie Roach… If he thinks I can’t pull the trigger, then we’ll see on December 6,” said Oscar De La Hoya.

Freddie Roach was in Oscar De La Hoya‘s corner in his fight against Floyd Mayweather, so maybe there is some basis of truth for the statements of Freddie Roach.

Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao thinks that he has the advantage in speed and technique, predicting that he would beat Oscar De La Hoya in the same way he clinically defeated David Diaz where Pacquiao chopped down David Diaz until he won via a 9th round TKO.

“I’m faster and stronger than him, and I’m younger… He has an advantage in the height… but I believe I’m stronger,” was Manny Pacquiao’s statement.

On a personal note, I believe in Manny Pacquiao that he may be faster and stronger, but then there is no questioning the resiliency of Oscar De La Hoya. After all, De La Hoya is a six-time world champion, and has loads of experience in the boxing ring. I doubt, however, that Manny Pacquiao will be able to send Oscar De La Hoya to the canvas unlike he’s done with all his previous opponents. I also don’t think Manny Pacquiao will be able to be as successful in getting past the reach and height advantage of Oscar De La Hoya. I don’t really want Manny Pacquiao to lose, but then maybe this is the time he finally takes a loss and ends his winning streak. Eto na yung kasabihan na ma-humble siya ni Lord. Besides, Manny Pacquiao is entering the ring as the underdog, and there’s a reason why the favorites win most of the time.

In any case, I hope Manny Pacquiao wins. It would be a good Christmas present for the Filipino people in all parts of the world. If not, then at least it’ll be a good conversation piece over Noche Buena. Whatever happens, Manny Pacquiao will have deeper pockets, and hopefully a lot of Christmas presents for all of us.

Manny, ok na ako sa limang E-Jeepney. Gamitin natin dito sa neighborhood natin sa BF Homes, Paranaque. At X-Box 360 kung may natirang barya. Palagi naman din ako nananalo kapag ikaw ginagamit ko sa Fight Night 3. Kahit si De La Hoya at si Evander Holyfield, walang sinabi!

Incidentally, De La Hoya-Pacquiao Tickets and Ringside Seats for December 6 at the MGM Grand Arena are available here.

Philippine Music: Eraserheads Reunion Concert Cancelled!

Marlboro Banned From Producing Eraserheads Concert

I just read it in my Facebook inbox shared by Miggy Matute of Odysseylive.net. So well, there it goes – THERE WILL BE NO MORE ERASERHEADS REUNION CONCERT!

Apparently, the Department of Health refused to issue a permit to Marlboro for this promotional gig. As it goes, tobacco companies or tobacco products are not allowed to advertise or promote any kind of event. Well, Marlboro was supposed to foot the bill for the Eraserheads concert and give out tickets to its customers as a sign of goodwill. The guys at Marlboro tried to find a loophole to have the Eraserheads reunion concert by saying that Marlboro wasn’t sponsoring an event, but that it was merely having a celebration for its exclusive clients. It was a valiant effort on the part of Marlboro in order to try and find its way past Republic Act No. 9211.

However, the law remains vigilant, and as much as the Eraserheads reunion concert shouldn’t get caught up with the policies of Philippine law, there isn’t much we can do. Perhaps, the organizers of the Eraserheads reunion concert should look beyond Marlboro, and seek new resources in order to fulfill this awesome concert that will surely be a big hit in the Philippine music scene. Certainly, there would be other willing producers and promoters of an Eraserheads reunion concert.

San Miguel anyone?

Philippine Olympic Team’s Gold Medal Pursuit Rests With Taekwondo Jins

Taekwondo Events Last Hope For Philippines To Win Olympic Medal

Well, it’s almost all but done for the Philippine Olympic Team, who failed to grab a medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Of course, it isn’t over yet. Of the 15 athletes that represented the Philippines in Beijing, there are 13 of them who have dropped out any kind of medal contention. Those who gave their best efforts for the first Olympic Gold medal of the Philippines, but lacked out were – trapshooter Eric Ang, athletics representatives Marestella Torres and Henry Dagmil, divers Sheila Mae Perez and Rexel Ryan Fabriga, swimmers Daniel Coakley, Ryan Paolo Arabejo, Miguel Molina, James Walsh and Joan Christel Simms, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and archer Mark Javier.

The only hope now for the Philippine Olympic Team to grab a gold medal – or any medal for that matter – at the 2008 Beijing Olympics will rest on the shoulders of Taekwondo jinsToni Rivero and Tshomlee Go.

Whatever happens in the pursuit of the Olympic Gold in Beijing this 2008, I am still proud of the Filipinos who competed. Even without an Olympic medal. Of course, now it’s back to the drawing board before 2012 in London.