TOP TEN STORIES OF 2010 THAT AFFECTED ME

1. THE MANILA HOSTAGE DRAMA – This unfortunate incident showed to the whole world how inept Philippine government and its institutions are. The outrage of the Chinese people, for me, was valid and
understandable. Lives were lost all because of the careless and faulty handling of the situation.And while the whole hostage-taking was happening, President Aquino and his men were busy eating at a Chinese restaurant.

2. THE ACQUITTAL OF HUBERT WEBB – The decision of the Supreme Court to free Hubert Webb and his co-accused made my blood boil as it reminded me of the lack of justice in the Philippines. The Supreme Court overturned the decisions of the Regional Trial Court and Court of Appeals which just about defies logic. The Supreme Court decided in favor of Hubert Webb based on photocopied documents and a belief that Jessica Alfaro lacks credibility as a witness. As far as I am concerned, it is the Supreme Court that lacks credibility.

3. THE ELECTION OF NOYNOY AQUINO AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNTRY – While I question P-Noy’s leadership skills, I have to admit that he the least corrupt among the presidential candidates. But the war he promised to wage against corruption seems to be a losing battle now. What can P-Noy do when even the Supreme Court is a symbol of corruption in the country ?

4. THE PACQUIAO – MARGARITO MATCH – The Philippines gained some respect as Manny Pacquiao  once again showed brilliance in the ring. More importantly, Pacquiao showed the true mark of an athlete when he wanted the referee to stop the bout to spare Margarito from serious injury.

5. CHARICE PEMPENGCO IN GLEE – The natural singing talent of Filipinos was seen worldwide in a highly popular American show through a pint-sized girl from Laguna. But I wonder if Charice will still appear in Glee.

6. VENUS RAJ ENDED 4TH RUNNER-UP IN MISS UNIVERSE – The respectable finish of Venus Raj in the prestigious beauty pageant is a reminder that good things happen to good people who are willing to chase their dreams despite the obstacles along the way. The victory of the poor farm girl from Bicol is a reminder as well that dreams can come true.

7. THE VICTORY OF BOXER REY SALUDAR IN FINLAND AND CHINA – I honestly believe that Rey Saludar will give the Philippines its first Olympic gold medal. And the good thing about Rey is that he remains humble despite the fame and fortune that he has managed to achieve so far.

8. THE 2nd RUNNER-UP FINISH OF BOWLER BIBOY RIVERA AT THE WORLD CUP AND ASIAN GAMES GOLD MEDAL FINISH IN CHINA – Being a bowler myself, I know how hard it is to compete at the World Cup. Before representing the country in what is considered as the Olympics of bowling, a bowler must play at least a hundred games and beat the best Filipino bowlers
around. The same goes with the Asian Games since Asian bowlers are highly ranked in the world.

9. THE UNEXPECTED SEMIFINAL STINT OF THE AZKALS AT THE SUZUKI CUP – Despite my not-so-nice experience with the Azkals, I must admit that the team satisfied the desire of Filipinos to be one with the world in its fascination with football.

10. THE KRIS AQUINO – JAMES YAP SEPARATION – Finally, the marriage that was doomed from the start ended. Too bad Kris lost over 90M pesos just to break free from James Yap.

VIZCONDE FILES FOR MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION

Lauro Vizconde has filed a motion for reconsideration with the Supreme Court. With the rule of double jeopardy greatly hampering his chances of a reversal of the Supreme Court's decision, Mr. Vizconde will surely be denied of the justice that he seeks. While the motion for reconsideration is a valid act, lawyers are one in saying that it will surely be dumped and will not prosper.
With the way things stand, what then are the options left for Mr. Vizconde as he seeks justice for his family ? It seems that Mr. Vizconde does not have much legal options. Perhaps, people can now come together to stand behind Mr. Vizconde in his fight. After all, Mr. Vizconde's case is not merely about a family being massacred. It has evolved into a statement of the state of justice in the Philippines. It has become a fight for every Filipino who wishes to see justice being served to everyone, whether rich or poor, high and mighty or commoner.

THINGS THAT MADE MY CHRISTMAS

I would not have noticed Christmas if it were not for a few things that made it memorable.

1. My favorite taho vendor invited me to his house for a few drinks. Despite his meager income from selling taho, he and his family took the time to treat me like a king. It was such a simple gathering yet it really touched my heart.

2. The smiles of people who I thanked for doing errands and other small things for me made me realize that Christmas is all about giving and receiving the priceless gift of being appreciated.

3. The food that people gave me really made me smile and full. Good thing I really want to put on more weight.

4. An email from a good friend telling me to see him really made me realize that despite the friends I lost during the year, I still have friends who are with me through thick and thin.

5. A text message from a friend inviting me to a bowling match. While it is inevitable that my friend and his teammate will lose against my team, it still made me smile that some people just don't learn.

6. A facial and a good pair of Spartan rubber sandals made my Christmas so complete. It is so nice to walk around knowing that you look good wearing a pair of original Spartan rubber sandals.

So what made your Christmas funny, complete and heartwarming ?

GINEBRA MAKES SEMIS IN GRAND STYLE

Despite falling behind as much as 20 points in the game, Ginebra gathered enough strength to beat Alaska and advance to the semis of the current All – Filipino conference. Mark Caguioa and Enrico Villanueva came off the bench to lead the Gin Kings to victory.

The victory is significant for two reasons. First, the victory shows the resiliency of Ginebra. The Gin Kings did not lose hope with a 20 point deficit staring at their faces. Each Gin King tried his best to contribute to the team’s cause. Despite the huge height advantage of Alaska, Ginebra worked as a team to offset its height disadvantage and eventually steal the victory from Alaska.

Second, Ginebra managed to secure the victory without relying so much on Willie Miller and Jayjay Helterbrand.  The two high scorers of Ginebra were off their usual game as the two managed to score merely a point between them. But with the non – performance of the two and a victory on hand, it just goes to show that Ginebra is truly functioning as a team. This will certainly serve Ginebra well as it battles San Miguel in a best of seven series during the semis. I am confident that Ginebra will troop to the finals, no matter how hard the journey may be. With the resiliency, teamwork and non – dependence on any particular player in its line – up, Ginebra will most likely give its fans something to be proud of.

WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME

Amidst the Christmas rush, I paused for a minute to reflect on what Christmas really means to me. The frenzy of the season sometimes makes me forget what is truly essential. I just believe that there’s got to be more to Christmas than parties or last–minute shopping.

1. Christmas to me is a reminder of God’s great plan for mankind. Jesus was born to show everyone how to love and ultimately live life to the fullest.

2. Christmas is a time to be selfless and be appreciative of others. It is the time that I thank the security guards and janitors of the building as well as the messenger in the office.

3. Christmas is a celebration of man’s ability to do good through Jesus Christ.

4. Christmas is not about the number of parties that I get invited to nor the amount of presents I get. A simple yet meaningful text message to remind me that I am loved is enough to make my Christmas complete.

5. Christmas is not about how lavish the food is on Christmas eve. It is more about sharing time with family members no matter how simple the midnight meal is. It is more about taking the time to foster better relationships with each other in front of a hot meal.

Merry Christmas everyone !

VIZCONDE MASSACRE : WHY I THINK HUBERT IS GUILTY

Despite the fact that Hubert Webb was acquitted by the Supreme Court, I still believe he is guilty beyond reasonable doubt because of the reasons I previously posted in my blogs. But here is a news item that I came across that only reinforces my belief that Hubert Webb is guilty of the crime he was acquitted of.

                                  
                        http://www.newsflash.org/1999/06/ht/ht000794.htm

The news that was written in 1999 clearly indicates that the family of Hubert is very much aware of his addiction and tolerates it shamelessly. According to the news, the Webb family, in fact acts to supply the drug needs of Hubert in jail. The news is a clear indication as well of how far Hubert Webb's family will go just to keep him happy. It is also a clear indication that the Webb family will use everything in their hands to get away with anything that Hubert does. I just find it so despicable that a family can cover up wrongdoings and to actually promote such wrongdoings through active participation.

THE AZKALS : THE MAGIC ENDS BUT THE MEMORY REMAINS

The Azkals absorbed yet another defeat at the hands of the Indonesians to lose a trip to the finals at the Suzuki Cup. Even at the start of the match, it was very evident that the Indonesians wanted the victory more badly than the Azkals. The Indonesians were more active and aggressive during the match while the Filipinos were quite tense. And with a spectacular goal by Gonzales, the Indonesians booked a seat to the finals.
I can't help but feel sorry for the Azkals. But the team and the people behind it just had it coming. The team was more preoccupied with social activities, photo shoots and courtesy calls than game plans and practices. It was as if the team was being sold as celebrities through high profile publicity than sports heroes with remarkable athletic abilities.
But I give credit to the Azkals for making the Filipinos experience the joy of watching a football match. Perhaps now, Filipinos will dare to watch a football match without getting bored and actually enjoying it. If only for this, I commend the Azkals. The desire of Filipinos to be one with the whole world in its fascination with football has been clearly addressed by the almost Cinderella finish of the Azkals.

JAMES YAP : NO HOLDS BARRED

Since there is hardly any news on James Yap these days, I have decided to interview the reigning MVP for my column on Christmas day. I know that a lot of his fans and supporters will just be surprised  to know that the person they perceive as enemy number one will graciously feature their idol in his column. But hey, it is Christmas . It is the best time to forgive and forget. Besides, if Kris Aquino has forgiven James Yap for all his transgressions, who am I not to let bygones be bygones ?
I just hope that James Yap is articulate enough to keep the interview interesting and worth the read. I guess I have to come up with the right questions to ask to make the interview one of a kind.  I wonder if James Yap will give me a present for Christmas when he gets to know that I will feature him in my column. For whatever it is worth, I hear that James Yap is the most generous PBA player around. Merry Christmas, James Yap !

THE AZKALS UNMASKED

I am not at all surprised that the Philippine football team lost to Indonesia during the semis of the Suzuki Cup. The Azkals were too busy attending social functions more than their practices the whole time that they were in the country. Instead of practicing their kicks on the field, the Azkals were too busy practicing their smiles in front of the camera. I am not really sure whether the Azkals are being promoted as sports heroes or matinee idols.
But what I find most strange with the Azkals is the need and presence of a PR officer among them. To me, that is a clear indication of the team's unnecessary preoccupation with public image and perception. It is a sign that football is not really what the Azkals are concerned with. Rather, how people perceive them seems to be their main concern.
But I have to give it to the Azkals' PR officer. He got media all hyped up to feature the Azkals extensively and constantly. Sadly, my experience with the PR officer and the team for that matter, revealed to me the character flaw of the entire team. And the experience has generated animosity as far as I am concerned.
The Azkals, to me, are nothing more than a media creation that lacks the skills and values of true sports heroes. Perhaps, the Azkals deserve to lose in order for them to determine and address their shortcomings.

REY SALUDAR OR THE AZKALS : SEARCHING FOR THE REAL DEAL

                                                     

While Azkals are currently basking in the limelight, Rey Saludar remains unknown. In fact, I would dare say that only a handful know who Rey Saludar is. To better appreciate the big discrepancy between the popularity of these two sports figures and to study whether their respective crowd draws are merited, this blogger has listed some interesting facts about them.

1. Rey Saludar won a gold medal in boxing at the Asian Games. Rey is a gold medal prospect at the next Olympics as well. Azkals, on the other hand, are yet to win a single FIFA - recognized tournament. Azkals claim to fame so far is a semifinal seat at the Suzuki Cup. Azkals are currently ranked 151 in the world.

2. Azkals are made up mostly of good - looking Fil - foreigners. Rey Saludar is an average - looking local boxer.

3. Azkals are English - speaking. Rey Saludar converses in Pilipino.

4. Azkals have been invited to Malacanang. Rey Saludar, despite the gold medal, has yet to set foot in Malacanang.

5. Rey Saludar has received 4M for his gold medal. Azkals have received more than 1M for their semifinal stint.

6. Rey Saludar does not have a PR man by his side. Azkals do.

7. Rey Saludar has hardly hit the front pages of major newspapers. Azkals have been in the front pages of just about every newspaper almost on a daily basis.

8. Azkals are featured in almost every local TV telecast. Rey Saludar remains camera - shy.

I hate to think that media can create sports heroes out of mediocre athletes, leaving the really talented and skillful ones behind. But I just have to open my eyes to see that such is the case.

VIZCONDE MASSACRE UPDATE : QUESTIONS THAT CROSS MY MIND

Questions, instead of answers, cross my mind with the acquittal of Hubert Webb and friends. Some of the questions are as follows :

1. If not Hubert Webb and friends, who then killed the Vizcondes ?

2. Why did the Supreme court take it against Jessica Alfaro that she was a drug addict ? Being a drug addict all the more gives her testimony a semblance of truth since Hubert and friends were addicts as well. She and the accused shared a common interest which made her a part of the inner circle. Being a part of the inner circle made her privy to the group's undertakings.

3. Why did the Supreme Court overlook the fact that Jessica Alfaro and one of the accused were in a relationship before ? Again, this made her truly a part of the inner circle of friends of Hubert.

4. What did Jessica, the maid who washed the bloodied shirt of Hubert, the security guard of BF and Biong's partner gain from telling lies if they indeed told lies ?

5. Why does Mr. Vizconde believe in his heart that Hubert and friends are the real perpetrators of the massacre ?

These questions may forever be left unanswered. But the saddest part of it all is the question whether justice exists in the country at all.

VIZCONDE MASSACRE UPDATE : THE DAY JUSTICE DIED

I am just shocked and disgusted that the Supreme Court has decided to free Hubert Webb and his co - accused. Despite the earlier decisions of the Regional Trial Court and Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court has rendered a decision of acquittal for Hubert Webb and friends.
More than anything else, I commiserate with Mr. Lauro Vizconde and his family who, to this day, are being denied of justice. I could just imagine the pain that Mr. Vizconde feels right now as Hubert and friends are scott  free. I also feel sad for the Filipino people as the decision, I feel, is a mockery of the justice system in the country. The decision is yet another proof that justice in the Philippines can be perverted with the use of money and influence.
With the decision of the Supreme Court, the question now arises as to who really committed the despicable crime. I know that in the hearts of Filipinos lie the true culprit. Justice may not exist in the Philippines but the hearts of Filipinos will never fail to acknowledge and validate justice in its true and pure form.

MAG - INGAT SA AZKALS

Ninais kong isulat ang Azkals sa Bandera sa pamamagitan ng isang panayam. Nagkataon na ang koponan ay nasa Araneta Coliseum nuong ako'y nanunuod nang PBA. Kaya pinuntahan ko ang kinauupuan ng mga Azkals at magalang na kinausap ang kanilang team manager. Masuyo namang ibinigay sa akin ang mobile number ng kanilang PR officer upang itakda ang araw at oras nang interview.
Ipinadala ko ang mga tanong na gagamitin ko sa interview sa email. Nagtaka lang ako kung bakit wala man lang acknowledgement na ipinadala ang PR officer na nagsasabing natanggap na niya ang mga tanong. Sa halip, isang paanyaya ang aking natanggap sa text. Nasa University of Makati daw ang Azkals at kung maaari ay duon na lamang isagawa ang interview. Di ko agad nagustuhan ang text dahil maayos naman akong humingi nang appointment. Ayoko kasi na magmukhang busabos na hahabul - habol sa Azkals para lang sa isang interview. Kung talagang walang oras ang koponan at kinatawan nito, madali namang ipagpaliban ang interview sa ibang araw at oras.
Yun pala, may news coverage ang GMA7 nang nasabing ensayo ng Azkals. Marahil, gusto ng mga Azkals na maipakita na maging sa kanilang ensayo, marami ang nanunuod at nag - aabang na sila ay makausap.
Subalit ang talagang nagpagalit sa akin ay ang balitang dumaan ang Azkals sa tanggapan ng Inquirer. Ang Bandera ay sister company ng Inquirer. Kung may panahon silang bumisita sa Inquirer, di ko maintindihan kung bakit wala silang panahon para sa bente minutong interview. At kung ipinaalam lang nila sa akin na sila ay nasa Inquirer, di sana ay naisagawa ko ang interview sa opisina mismo ng Inquirer.
Sa aking palagay, ayaw talaga ng Azkals na magpa - interview sa isang tulad kong di kilalang sports writer. Mas pinapaboran nila ang mas kilala at malalaking media personality o institution. Para sa akin, karapatan nila ang pumili nang kanilang bibigyan ng interview. Nakalulungkot lang isipin na nagtatangi ang Azkals.
Marahil, kung ako ay isang sikat na sports writer na, makukuha na ng mga Azkals na pagbigyan ang aking hiling na interview. Subalit ngayon pa lang, buo na ang aking loob na di na muli pang hihingi nang panayam sa mga Azkals. Kung wala silang panahon, mas lalo akong walang panahon para sa kanila. Marami pa naman atletang Pinoy ang maari kong kapanayamin.
Para sa akin, ang mga Azkals ay mga asong may rabies na dapat katakutan at iwasan.

MY COLUMN IN BANDERA

I sometimes wish that my column in Bandera is easy to do. That I don't have to set an appointment before I could write an article. That I don't have to go to a particular place to talk to an athlete or sports official to be able to beat a deadline and write a piece of work. That I could just write whatever comes to mind and show my brilliance as a writer.
But I remember discovering the caring soul of Sol Mercado behind his intensity and passion through an interview. I remember unveiling the Christian heart of tough-looking Doug Kramer. I remember the funny side of Rabeh Al-Hussaini behind his temper and devil-may-care attitude. I remember Coach Ryan's professionalism and winning attitude through a sit-down talk. And I remember Noelle Wenceslao's tearful story of her team's sad experience with some of the top sports officials of the land.
All these make me realize that I get to experience human interaction at its finest through my interviews. Through my column's format, I get to see athletes and sports officials in a different light which other sports writers don't get to see. While I am certain that I will not be taken seriously like other writers who inject their opinion in their columns, I will nonetheless stick it out with my present format. I choose to take on the hard work to give athletes and officials the space and recognition they truly deserve. So off I go once again to set another appointment for another interview.

IS HUBERT WEBB INNOCENT ?

I am just puzzled that a lot of people are entertaining thoughts that Hubert Webb may actually be innocent of the crime that he is accused of. Despite the decisions of the Regional Trial Court and Court of Appeals, a lot of people are still demanding that Hubert Webb be acquitted. People cite the voluminous documents that the Webbs have presented in court to prove that Hubert Webb was indeed in the U.S. the night the massacre took place. Some of the documents come from reputable institutions from the U.S which people take to mean as true and legitimate.
But these people refuse to acknowledge the fact there there were a hundred or so people who saw Hubert Webb in the country the night that the massacre took place. In fact, some of these people testified in court. But I wish to cite a public record that a lot of people seem to forget. The document can be found in the senate archive. The document is discussed in the following link www.gmanews.tv/story/183188/only-two-senators-were-censured-including-enrile
Is Hubert Webb innocent ?

SOL MERCADO : INTENSITY WITH A HEART

I just finished an interview with Rain or Shine's main man, Sol Mercado. Days before the interview, I was a bit apprehensive at how Sol would react and respond to the more controversial questions that I prepared. To make matters worse, I was coming in after Sol lost his temper with Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who I interviewed just a week ago.
But I got the biggest surprise of my life when Sol Mercado turned out to be such an excellent subject for an interview. He answered each question that I threw at him with so much intelligence and honesty. He dared to speak his mind out on certain topics which other players would not dare speak against. He presented his ideas well in an orderly and precise manner. Like Rabeh Al- Hussaini ( hehehe ), Sol Mercado spoke with great honesty and made no excuses for it.
But what really made me completely satisfied with the interview was that Sol Mercado showed a side of himself that the public does not often see. The interview showed me that despite the temper and intensity of Sol Mercado, the man has a caring heart for the people around him. It was such a delight indeed to see Sol Mercado in a completely different light. It was a joy to see and realize that behind the ferocious behavior on the court, Sol has a good heart that is truly remarkable.

LAURO VIZCONDE FIGHTS BACK AS WEBBS ENGAGE IN MEDIA BLITZ

Tit for tat. That is how I best describe Mr. Vizconde's response to the media blitz of the Webbs. The Webbs even went as far as creating a facebook page that seeks justice for Hubert Webb. It is just plain clever of Mr. Lauro Vizconde to know exactly how to counter the moves of the Webbs.
In a series of events, Mr. Vizconde was able to turn things in his favor despite his inarticulateness. First, Mr. Vizconde tells media of his fear that the Supreme Court might overturn the ruling of the RTC and Court of Appeals. Mr Vizconde reveals to media that Justice Carpio, according to his sources, is trying to get a favorable ruling for the Webbs. Then, Mr. Vizconde reveals the text message of Jessica Alfaro that reassures him that their case against Hubert Webb is strong. Then, Gen Mison, the former NBI director, appears on television to declare that Hubert Webb is guilty as hell. Gen. Mison even goes to the extent of saying that the Webbs are peddling lies to the public with impunity just to gain public sympathy. Then, about two days ago, Mr. Vizconde and Atty. Acosta of PAO appeared on TV5 to declare with certainty that Hubert was in the country when the massacre took place.
I congratulate Mr. Vizconde and the brave men and women who are standing up to remind the people of what really took place in the Vizconde residence 15 years ago. The Webbs were probably banking on the short memory of the Filipino people. Too bad for the Webbs that Filipinos, despite what others say, still value the truth and are aware of what is right from wrong.

JAMES YAP WITHOUT KRIS AQUINO

Nothing follows.

JESSICA ALFARO RESURFACES TO REMIND EVERYONE

Mr. Lauro Vizconde received a text message from Jessica Alfaro that assures the widow that the Supreme Court will be hard-pressed to reverse the previous ruling on Hubert Webb and his co-accused. Jessica perhaps wants to reassure Mr. Vizconde that the case against Hubert is so strong that it is virtually impossible for the Supreme Court to overturn the rulings of the Regional Trial Court and Court of Appeals.
It is so interesting to see the Webbs appearing in almost every public service program in the country. Obviously, the Webbs are after public sentiment and sympathy. But what makes the public unmoved is the atrocity of the crime that was committed. Innocent people were butchered in such an offensive manner. The public outrage makes it impossible for forgiveness just to be handed out on a silver platter. Much more so, if the public sees that the accused and his family continue to live out a lie at the expense of an extremely aggrieved party. In this particular occasion, I am truly proud to see that Filipinos have not lost their sense of justice. The courage and sense of justice of Filipinos as seen in this highly sensational case make me realize that despite the flaws in Filipinos as a race, we still have it in ourselves to arrive at the truth and stand up for what is right.

RABEH AL - HUSSAINI : IN HIS OWN TERMS

I just finished an interview with Rabeh Al - Hussaini for Bandera. The interview will tentatively appear on Sunday's issue. While the interview captures the personality of Rabeh, it does not totally reveal the side of the former Ateneo star player that the public is not fully aware of.
For one, Rabeh is the type who has the courage to speak his mind out and to tell things as they truly are. I laughed several times as he caught me unaware that he could and would say things as straightforward as can be. He even spoke of his hurt feelings when he was not drafted as the top pick right in front of Nonoy Baclao. He also revealed the true reason why he left Smart - Gilas in an honest and straight to the point manner. He minced no words in telling this blogger why he chooses to speak in a direct and truthful manner.
Rabeh is indeed a breath of fresh air in a sea of players who speak in a manner that is so unreal just to please their fans. I take my hats off to Rabeh for being brave enough to speak the truth and offering no excuses for it. He may not endear himself much to fans but at least, he has his principles well-placed. May the disappointments that Rabeh experienced in his young career provide him the strong stuff that he needs to become a force to reckon with in the PBA. And even if people take it against him, Rabeh's honesty  will surely serve him well in life. The best of luck indeed to the rookie of the year who dares to be honest and truthful.

AUBREY MILES : MY PICK FOR THE SURVIVOR PHIL. CELEBRITY EDITION

Among the four celebrities left in Survivor Philippines, I pick Aubrey Miles as the ultimate survivor. Clearly, Aubrey is the most cunning. Despite not winning a single challenge, she has managed to land in the top four through sheer guile. She knows how to play the game and play it well. She cleverly formed strong alliances to save herself from elimination week after week.
But I am truly rooting for Aubrey because of the four remaining contestants, she is the one who needs the money the most. As she said in her last appeal, she needs the money to enable her to keep her son. The prize money will ensure that her son will be well - provided for. It will ultimately give her custody of her son. I am one with Aubrey in hoping that she will win to keep her family whole once again.

VIZCONDE MASSACRE UPDATE : GERARDO BIONG BLAMES MAYOR LIM FOR WHITEWASH

A day after being released from jail, Gerardo Biong goes on national television to reveal that former NBI director and now Manila mayor, Alfredo Lim as the man behind the whitewash in the Vizconde massacre. Biong reveals that the real culprit in the sensational rape-slay case is the son of a friend of Mayor Lim. And Mayor Lim did everything within his power to protect his friend's son and pinpoint Hubert Webb as the culprit.
I know that the Philippines has a lot of stupid and crazy people. But the stupidity and insanity in this country must stop. For anyone to believe Biong's revelation is absolutely stupid and insane. Gerardo Biong along with the Webbs must find it in themselves to tell the truth. People saw Hubert Webb in Paranaque the day the massacre took place. The Regional Trial Court and Court Of Appeals have , under intense study, handed out a verdict of guilty for Hubert and his co-accused for the simple reason that those institutions have searched and found the truth. It is noteworthy to mention that Hubert Webb and Gerardo Biong had the best lawyers in the country to defend them. But even the best lawyers don't stand a chance against the truth.
I just hope that the Supreme Court upholds the truth as it renders its final decision. I honestly believe that the truth, no matter how hard people may hide it, will prevail.

BIG RETREAT OF CCF : BIG BUSINESS AS USUAL

The most recent retreat of CCF enticed a thousand participants. Each participant paid Php 3900.00 for the 3-day retreat. All in all, CCF collected Php 3.9 M from the participants alone.
While I consider organizing a retreat as a noble endeavor, there were several things that CCF did which seem so inappropriate. First, if I am not mistaken, the owner of the resort where the retreat was held is a CCF member. I can't help but think that the retreat was conducted to generate funds for CCF and the resort owner. Second, the substantial amount of money raked in by CCF from the registration of the participants is shocking to the point of shamelessness. Third, people who were tapped to help out with the retreat were charged, I think, with the same registration fee as the participants. I do know for a fact that the facilitators for the retreat spent late nights for training. I just think it is shameless of CCF to charge these facilitators of fees when they are in fact rendering their services to ensure that the retreat would be a success. Lastly, more than anything else, the retreat was a form of recruitment for CCF. More members mean bigger tithes and funds which CCF will have at its disposal. The propagation of the false belief that faith alone saves in the retreat is an indication that CCF does not truly study the bible to come up with biblically-sound doctrines and beliefs.
I pray that people will realize what CCF truly does. People must open their eyes to see what CCF is really up to.