Thursday, November 26, 2015

A Surprise

Sometimes I wonder what I've done to deserve your love
But then, it's one of those things we don't need to explain


Sunday, November 22, 2015

Friday, November 6, 2015

Thoughts On The Upcoming 2016 Elections

Disclaimer: I haven't been an active reader for the longest time (a mortal sin, I know) but I make sure I don't have the free data user attitude (quickly reacting on issues merely based on headlines). So do not expect a comprehensive, political-analyst level editorial. I'm just typing whatever comes to mind. Lectures in the comment section are definitely welcome.

So here's my take on the anticipated circus show next year...

Our options so far (not counting out Duterte just yet because he makes himself seem so unpredictable)

For president:
1. Jejomar Binay, the one who "made" Makati (though I'm pretty sure the credit should be given to that ultra-rich, prominent Spanish clan)
2. Grace Poe, the one who will continue whatever her father started (ooh, so she's going to be the female Panday)
3. Miriam Santiago, the one who apparently scared cancer off
4. Mar Roxas, the one who keeps on dropping bombs that could ruin his political journey in interviews and other public engagements (I still believe Korina is a jinx)
5. The one who promises absolute monarchy with unlimited power from God
6. The one who graduated cum laude with a degree in Home Economics ("Tulungan niyo po ako ah.")
7. The one who claims to be a intergalactic earth ambassador
8. The one who shall legalize the four seasons in this country of sweltering heat and overwhelming floods

And a whole lot more, as you all know.

For vice president:
1. Gringo Honasan, Binay's The One...after so many choices who seem to avoid being associated with him (hmmm, I wonder why...)
2. Chiz Escudero, the one who has been hopping from one partido to another (and also, husband of Hermes-toting Heart Evangelista)
3. Bongbong Marcos, the one who is proud of his family's "legacy"
4. Leni Robredo, the one who was initially reluctant but finally gave in to Roxas' panliligaw
5. Antonio Trillanes IV, the one who has appointed himself as the nemesis of Binay
6. Alan Peter Cayetano, the one I forgot to include but just remembered last minute

What I hear and feel about the presidentiables, so far ...

Binay: He has a lot of graft and corruption cases to deal with and he chooses not to show up like a boss because he thinks he can simply get away with it. I (try to) watch his interviews and while I'm not a body language or communication expert, I think he is the perfect example of a mayabang na Pinoy: humble in words but boastful in tone and gestures. The same goes for his children (try watching their interviews and you'll see what I mean). His properly documented acts of "charity" and "humility" are pretty irritating, too. Who takes selected typhoon victims to Jollibee and eats with them like it's some casual family day out? Also, I won't forget how he advised voters in a radio interview to take the moolah but still choose their preferred candidate. Hello sir, but an upright and responsible voter refuses any form of payment and votes for the best option. Get lost, )+#&*^$!!!

Poe: This woman has issues with fulfilling one of the basic requirements to becoming president. Documents proving her disqualification have surfaced and yet she just won't let her dream go. She must be so hell-bent on sitting there at the Malacanang, as she went as far as filing her COC, forming a line-up, and campaigning around town.
Another problem about her that I see is how she uses her father's name and make it all look like she is FPJ's second coming. Ija, let me remind you that your dad left a legacy in the entertainment industry. He was an artista. If you really want to continue what he started, you may 1) enter the PBB house, 2) do some Dubsmash videos, or 3) join The Voice.

Santiago: While Binay and Poe were very vocal about their desire to "serve" as president prior to the filing of COCs, the Iron Lady of Asia remained mum about her plans. Aside from a few "I'm considering it" answers, she spent most of her time delivering funny speeches in schools and signing her humor books for fans. She also "battled" and "defeated" cancer (I'm quite curious about how legit is this though, because cancer is quite an enemy to face).
Then alas, the social media rockstar surprised everyone and filed her COC. All hopes were up until she picked Bongbong as her running mate. "Sad" and "disappointed" were just a few of the many words used by netizens to describe what they felt about Miriam's unlikely choice. Still, loyal admirers (are trying to) understand what compelled her to choose Marcos.

Roxas: This one had low ratings in "surveys" and Yolanda-related issues that people cannot forget. Being endorsed by PNoy himself definitely did wonders to his popularity. However, he seems to often say the wrong things at the wrong place and time. Remember "You are a Romualdez and the President is an Aquino"? Well, he just added another juicy mishap of a soundbite to his hall of shame as he was quoted saying (regading the laglag-bala scam): "Kung nagpasok ka ng contraband sa airport, paano naging problema ng gobyerno yun?" Oh boy, Korina must have rubbed off on you so bad.

As for Duterte, here's the thing: I'm not quite sure how sure he is about not running because like a typical guy/girl you re crushing on, he sends off mixed signals that could be misinterpreted as a big, solid yes to people's pleas for a new brand of leadership. Some people say that having a placeholder (Dinio) and promoting federalism all over the country are strategies to confuse rivals and campaign without spending an obscene amount of money. I say that while these techniques sound clever, the ordinary voter will just find him annoying and indecisive.

How about the nuisance candidates? I have to admit that I just laughed at them and dismissed them as mga takas sa mental. They are funny, yes, but I realized they represent something we have lost a long time ago: real, radical change that the people we keep on voting for just can't give us.