ASTROBOY AND GOD-GIVEN TALENT

 For the past six weeks, I have been watching Astroboy compete in Talentadong Pinoy. Each week, I never fail to watch him hula hoop. After six consecutive weeks of impressive wins, Astroboy finally makes the Hall of Fame. He likewise makes it to the grand finals where he will have the chance to win a million pesos and earn the title of Ultimate Talentado.

But what impresses me the most about Astroboy is his knowledge of God as the ultimate talent-giver. In fact, Astroboy shares his talent to others for free. He conducts free hula hoop lessons in Quezon City Memorial Circle to all those who wish to learn the craft. In his video, he was asked what his most memorable moment in Talentadong Pinoy is. He answered that interacting with other contestants and building friendships are the things that he finds most memorable and valuable. Only a person anchored on God can manifest such humanity. And such, makes Astroboy a true winner and talentado in every sense of the word.

THE 7 NEW WONDERS OF THE WORLD SCAM : WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FILIPINO

I am being accused of being anti-Filipino by the people of Task Force Puerto Princesa for investigating the sham and scam that is the 7 New Wonders of the World. I was told to simply be happy that the underground river made it to the list and not bring down the country's pride with an investigation that aims to expose the anomalies in the 7 New Wonders of the World.

I simply do not see how conducting an investigation makes me anti-Filipino. Being a Filipino, it pains me to see the country being victimized and swindled of millions of hard-earned money. It is the Filipino in me that encourages me to open the eyes of my countrymen that their hard-earned money went to the pockets of the organizers through the text votes that they sent. A total of 24M text votes were sent in by Filipinos to make the underground river win. The 24M text votes represent 60M pesos of hard-earned money down the drain and into the pockets of those unscrupulous organizers.

I refuse to believe that Filipinos are incredibly naive and stupid to allow such a scam and sham to go unnoticed . Indonesia and Maldives have withdrawn from the competition as these countries have discovered the sham and scam that is the 7 New Wonders of the World. I certainly expect the Philippines to do the same to salvage its dignity and pride as an intelligent and principled nation.

DID FILIPINOS SPEND 2.5B PESOS FOR THE 7 NEW WONDERS OF THE WORLD SCAM ?

During the grand launch of Puerto Princesa for 7 New Wonders of the World, no less than Philippine President Noynoy Aquino encouraged his countrymen to vote for the Palawan heritage site. Citing the perceived economic benefits that would result with the distinction, President Noynoy encouraged and advised Filipinos to put in 1 billion text votes for the underground river to win. In a country where 2 billion text messages are generated in a day, the president told Filipinos that 1 billion votes would simply be half a day's work.

Now that the Puerto Princesa underground river has made the list, it is safe to assume that 1 billion text votes were indeed delivered by the Filipino people. At 2.50 pesos per text vote, the total cost of 1 billion text votes is a staggering 2.5B pesos or more than 58M US dollars. For a third world country like the Philippines, 2.5B pesos is certainly a lot of money that could have been put to better use than being channeled to an international scam like the 7 New Wonders of the World.

With 2.5B pesos down the drain and the shocking revelation that the 7 New Wonders is a scam, the Philippines most probably has become the biggest victim of an international scam in internet history.

7 NEW WONDERS OF THE WORLD SCAM : WHAT NOW, PHILIPPINES ?

Indonesia and Maldives have withdrawn from the search for the 7 New Wonders of the World after experiencing various forms of deception and money-grabbing schemes from the organizers. The experiences of these two finalists only confirm the sham and scam that the whole search truly is. The big question left for the Philippines is whether to follow the footsteps of Indonesia and Maldives after the anomalies have been revealed and confirmed.

I believe that it is best for the Philippines to simply withdraw from the search. The controversial and highly anomalous nature of the search will not do the country any good. The result of the search, in the first place, does not have credibility much less impact and significance in the international community. To continue to uphold the belief that the result of the search will boost tourism and help the economy is a big mistake.

I certainly hope that the Philippines salvages its pride even after being fooled into participating all-out in the 7 New Wonders of the World. I hope that the country recovers its dignity and pride by saying enough is enough to an international scam like the sham 7 New Wonders of the World.

THE 7 NEW WONDERS OF THE WORLD : HOW FILIPINOS WERE FOOLED

One things is for sure. The 7 New Wonders is a scam. As early as 2007, reports have been published all over the world regarding the scam by Bernie Weber of the New Open World Corporation, the company behind the 7 New Wonders.

What I find shocking and incredulous is that the Philippines and its top officials fell victims to such a pathetic money-grabbing scheme. Despite of what happened in India, Maldives, Indonesia  and several other countries, the Philippines with its top officials still fell for the scam, hook, line and sinker. Even UNESCO issued a disclaimer with regards to the 7 New Wonders of the World to highlight its illegitimacy. Why then did the Philippines become an unwitting victim to such a pathetic scam ?

I think the scam worked in the Philippines primarily because Filipinos love to vote through texting. After all, the Philippines is the texting capital of the world. Second, the scam gave Filipinos the opportunity to show their sense of nationalism. Voting for the underground river in Palawan gives Filipinos the feeling that they are doing something noble and heroic for their country. Third, no less than the president and his cabinet members encouraged Filipinos to vote for the underground river as a new world wonder. The legitimacy of the whole scam was somehow validated with the endorsement of no less than the president of the country. Lastly, the tremendous desire of Filipinos to win the 25M pesos offered by the good mayor of Palawan by simply casting a vote made the scam such a magnet for millions of greedy Filipinos.

At this point, it is interesting to note that while the underground river in Palawan has made the list, it is not yet assured of being officially named one of the 7 new world wonders. The distinction is still uncertain. Most probably, the honor will be accorded to the Palawan heritage site once government officials cough up the money that the organizers will demand. Pathetic, indeed !

SURVIVOR PHILIPPINES CELEBRITY DOUBLES : TWICE THE EXCITEMENT AND DRAMA

I watched the first episode of Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles last night. And judging from the first episode alone, I know that this edition will be more entertaining and more exciting than the previous edition.

While athletic celebrities like John and Arnold of the Philippine Volcano players and cousins Arthur and Carlo have the advantage in performing the different tasks, other celebrities might just spring surprises. I certainly did not expect the team of Isabel Granada and Chuckie Dreyfus to land second in finding the immunity bracelet. The all-important alliances too can determine who stays long in the show. In the initial telecast, KC Montero and Geneva lost no time in securing an alliance with the Volcano players. I am sure more alliances will be made as the show progresses.

But what I can't wait for are the crazy stuff that these celebrities will do when pushed to the limit. Maria Isabel Lopez, Jackie Forster and Geneva Cruz are ticking time bombs waiting to explode at the slightest provocation. I am glad that the comedy pair of Betong and Maey are there to highlight the crazy ways of their fellow survivors. I expect the comedy duo to make fun of the celebrities' crazy and hysterical ways.

This early, I predict that the rugby players will make a strong showing. The same holds true with the cousin pair of Arthur Solinap and Carlo Gonzales. They are all physically capable of doing the tasks well. But in Survivor, the one who is wise usually ends up the big winner. The one who keeps a low profile in the first stages of the game almost always ends up the big winner. So, Stef Prescott, Gino Dela Pena, Mara Yokohama, Filo Cucueco, Chuckie Dreyfus or Isabel Granada might just do well in the endgame to bag the P3 M cash prize.

While it is too early at this stage to accurately predict who will emerge winner, I expect the viewers to win big with the excitement that Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles will provide. I will definitely wait for the crazy stuff that these celebrities will do every night to keep the show highly entertaining.

OPEN LETTER TO MO, MOJO, GRACE AND ANGELICOPTER

Dear Mo, Mojo, Grace and Angelicopter,

It pains me to hear you guys fight on air. While I do know that your show's appeal lies in its spontaneity and irreverence, fighting on air is definitely not something that I like. Mo, I know that you really love the show. So, I understand that you want it to be the best that it can possibly be. No one can question your dedication to the show. But Mojo, Grace and Angelicopter love the show as well and try their best to keep it interesting and entertaining. They do their fair share of keeping the show fun to listen to.

I know that there was a time that you were really down, Mo. And I know that during that time, Mojo, Grace and Angelicopter were there to make you feel that you are loved. Whenever you are upset because Mojo, Grace and Angelicopter are not doing the things that you want them to do, just remember the love that they offer and share with you in every episode of your show. Perhaps then, you will find it in your heart to be more understanding and forgiving.

Just keep the love going, Mo.

Yours,

Eric

EL GAMMA PENUMBRA : PHILIPPINE TALENT AS ITS BEST

El Gamma Penumbra performed a well-crafted silhouette act in Pilipinas Got Talent finals night. While the other finalists turned in great performances as well, El Gamma Penumbra did a lot more. The group showed the creativity, skill and nationalism that lie within the very soul of Filipinos. I am just shocked that the group failed to win the grand prize. As always, Filipinos fail to recognize true talent. I just hope that the defeat of El Gamma Penumbra does not dampen the spirits of other Filipinos to come up with well-thought of and uniquely Filipino performances that truly showcase the best of Filipino talent. After all, true talent cannot be denied nor go unnoticed.

ANG PAGKAKAIBIGAN NA NAGMULA SA BLOG

Nagkita-kita kami nina Jay at Tolits kaninang tanghali sa Makati. Lumuyas ng Makati si Tolits upang kumuha ng exam  sa inaaplyan niyang trabaho. Sinamahan naman siya ni Jay dahil hindi alam ni Tolits ang pasikot-sikot sa Makati.
Nakakapagtakang isipin na una pa lamang naming pagkikitang tatlo kanina. Matagal ko nang kakilala si Tolits dahil sa blog. Kapwa namin binabasa ang kanya-kanyang blog. Si Jay rin ay isang blogger. Subalit ngayon lang kami nagkaroon lahat ng pagkakataon na makaharap at makausap ang isa't-isa.
Ang lalong nakakapagtaka ay ang pakiramdam na parang matagal na kaming magkakaibigan at magkakakilala. Marahil, dala ito ng aming mga blog. Sa blog, madalas naibubuhos ang tunay na nararamdaman at saloobin. Ang saya at lungkot ay karaniwang nababasa at tuluyang nararamdaman sa pagbabasa ng blog ng isang tao. Sa bawat sulat na inilalathala, kasama nito ang buhay at puso ng isang blogger. Nagulat ako dahil nung nagkaharap-harap kaming mga bloggers, naging madali ang usapan. Naging madali rin makipagpalagayan ng loob. At dun ko naisip na marami pa palang mga mababait na tao na handang ibahagi ang kanilang buhay sa blog man o sa totoong buhay.
Naging masaya ang aming pagkikita nina Jay at Tolits. Sana, maulit muli ang saya na dala ng aming pagkakaibigan na nagsimula lamang sa blog. At sana sa tulong na rin ng aming mga blog, lalo namin makilala ang isa't-isa upang mas tumibay ang aming pagkakaibigan.

MATTHEW SARINO : THE MAN BEHIND THE LEGACY

Matthew Sarino is the president of PRISGENE International Incorporated. Established in 2010, PRISGENE International Incorporated counts PRISGENE Facility Services Professional Incorporated as its predecessor.  PRISGENE International Incorporated, in partnership with MPR Indonesia, currently offers asset, support and auxilliary services, making it a complete management institution. In an exclusive interview, Mr. Sarino reveals the hard work involved in running one's own company.

1. Why did you decide to start your own company ?

It really wasn’t part of my “life plan” to have my own business.  I was deciding if I wanted to be a lawyer or a writer so I went for a Bachelor’s Degree that would help me achieve that goal, AB Literature at De La Salle University. 

Unfortunately, while I was in college, both my parents passed away and left behind the family business which they started in 1960.  With my five elder siblings being well into their own careers, they decided that the business be given to me to operate.  The family business was the FIRST EVER franchise from the U.S. in the Philippines and at that time had been in operation for a little over 40 years which had sent me and my five siblings to elementary and high school at the prestigious International School of Manila.  So, it was a matter of keeping the legacy of my parents alive which was more important to me rather than taking it to the next level.  Thus, a few years after taking over the helm of Duraclean, I set up a new company with the brand PRISGENE®, in keeping with my desire to sustain the legacy of my parents, Priscila and Generoso (Jr.) Sarino.

My parents’ company, Duraclean, a specialized cleaning company, had quite a number of prestigious clients, such as the United States Embassy, the Ambassador’s residence, the first generation of the Ayalas, Sorianos, Locsins, and their various companies.  In the early ‘70s when Architect Leandro Locsin was commissioned by then First Lady Imelda Marcos to design and build the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), he agreed, only on the condition that Duraclean would be contracted to maintain the massive amounts of carpeting and upholstered furniture.

When I took over the business, I had my fair share of notable clients as well such as Philippine Airlines, Philippine National Bank, and San Miguel Corporation.

2. How long has your company been in existence?

The first company under the PRISGENE® banner was established in 1995, under the corporate name PRISGENE Commercial Maintenance Group.

3. What is the hardest part in starting your own company ?

I think the hardest part in starting my own company was the fact that we were an unknown group, a “new kid on the block” so to speak.   It was, and still is, a matter of letting our clients and prospective clients know the history behind the company.

4. What is the best thing about managing your own company ?

I feel the best thing about managing my own company is not really that I am my own boss, which is not really the case, but rather the excitement of being able to set goals and targets for the entire company that I can clearly see and visualize. I can therefore anticipate and plan out what I and the rest of my team need to do to make these visions a reality.  This is unlike being employed, where one is relegated to supporting the visions and goals of company heads. Your duties and responsibilities are already been mapped out for you.  I would compare it to being in a car.  As the head of my own company, I am the driver, in full control.   As an employee, at best, I would be “riding shotgun” where I can see the goals and targets as clearly as the driver, but do not necessarily have full control of the vehicle.

5.  From a financial point of view, is it better to start your own company than work for a multinational company ?

My answer to this question is both yes and no.  Yes, because the potential financial gains being a shareholder of a company allow you to take a portion of the profits that the company makes, which of course is additional income over and above the regular salary.  For most startup businesses, salaries of the owners are usually kept low to minimize operational expense, and then compensated through their share in the profits of the company.  In short, the POTENTIAL to earn is greater with a self-owned company.  But of course, let’s not forget the additional risks involved in it as well.

The second part of my answer is no, because it takes away the “guaranteed” regular income as an employee.  Given that you have used being employed by a multinational company as a point of comparison, the regular income that one will sacrifice in setting up his own business is quite substantial.   Over and above that, the only chances of increasing your income is in the hands of another, normally an immediate superior, who recommends that you be “awarded” a pay increase or a bonus of sorts for your hard work.  I’m not saying this is a bad thing.  It just all depends on what are one’s personal goals and visions.  On the up side, being employed minimizes your personal financial risks.

6. I heard that some of your business associates committed acts that forced you to end your business relationship with them. How has the breakup with your business associates affected the way you run the company now?

Honestly, there have been no changes in the way I run the business.  Ever since I went into business, I have always ensured that my personal values prevail over any financial consideration.  And that has always been something that I have tried to instil in everyone in the company, no exceptions.  What are these values? Three simple words:  HONESTY, INTEGRITY, and PERSEVERANCE.   These values are what became my basis for ending the business relationship with my former associates.

7. What gives you the greatest satisfaction in managing your own company?

           

I haven’t been given that “greatest satisfaction” yet.  Knowing that I am well on my way to getting that “greatest satisfaction” is satisfaction in itself.   Now, if your question were “What do you enjoy about managing your own company?”, my answer would be the opportunity to interact with people at all economic levels – from our service workers to admin staff, from contractors to the Board of Directors of our clients.

8. What are you most proud of with PRISGENE International Incorporated?

I have a lot to be proud of with the company.  But the two things that come to mind are that 1.)  It bears the name of my parents who have provided me with the education and the personal values which have made me, and 2.) It is now a corporation with a fairly large Indonesian company as its major stakeholder.  And because of this, we are now able to offer more property and facilities management solutions to our clients and consequently provide faster and better results than the other players in the industry.  If you noticed, I have avoided using the word “competitor”.  This is simply because PRISGENE International actively seeks opportunities for strategic alignments with the other industry players so that we are able to leverage on each others strengths and still have both groups benefit from the arrangement.

9. What advice can you give those who are planning to put up their own companies ?

I would assume that anyone who would want to put up their own company would already know the specific details such as the business model, target market, and financials.  What I can say is that although these are the basics of what the intended business will be, it is not enough to know all these alone.  One must have the passion, perseverance, and the confidence to see the business through its early stages, as starting a business is apparently like giving birth to and raising a child.  It will be painful (financial and otherwise) in the beginning, but depending on how you nurture it during its growing years, it will later on give you that sense of pride and joy that makes all the initial hardship well worth the effort.

2011 MISS UNIVERSE : MISS PHILIPPINES AT HER BEST

Miss Philippines, Chancey Supsup, did the country proud by performing well at the Miss Universe Pageant. From the swimsuit to the evening gown competitions, Miss Philippines showed the whole world that she can compete with the best. In the final question and answer portion, Supsup brilliantly articulated the Filipinos' concept of faith and God. Unfortunately, she merely ended up third-runner up.

But whether she ended up last or Miss Universe, for me, is irrelevant. The fact that she gave her best in the pageant and presented herself as a true Filipino make her, for me, a winner. At times when Filipinos are ashamed to be Filipinos, Miss Philippines dared to be in her true native form. That is, an intelligent full-bloodied Filipino who places God above all else.

It puzzles me a bit that people are dissatisfied with the results. Perhaps, people in Manila expected her to win the crown with her brilliant answer. But beauty is relative. What I think Filipinos must learn is to see their beauty in their own terms. That Filipinos need not validate their beauty with the approval of others. If Filipinos learn to define true beauty in their own terms, they will discover that they belong truly belong to a beautiful race. As Descartes aptly puts it, " I think, therefore I am. "

TRAMIGO T22 : PROTECTION AND EFFICIENCY WITHIN REACH

My good friend and I were chatting when he mentioned a product that he has decided to distribute locally. Expecting the product to be non-essential and expensive, I nonetheless listened as my friend delivered his sales pitch. To my great surprise, it turns out that the product that he believes in so much is extremely relevant to the times and very affordable.

Tramigo T22 is a device that allows a vehicle to be monitored as it travels. Together with a software and a data-registering device, a car or even a motorcycle can be located and monitored anywhere in the country using Tramigo T22. Tracking is made easy with the use of a PC or mobile phone to see the location and path of a running vehicle. Tramigo T22 best provides protection against carnapping and kidnapping with its tracking system. A stolen vehicle can be traced and eventually recovered as location data can be obtained by its owner with Tramigo T22. A kidnapper who decides to use the car of his victim can easily be followed with Tramigo T22. Rescue operations can be performed with greater success because of the location data generated by Tramigo T22 and its software.

Tramigo T22 also serves other purposes. For government agencies, aside from keeping V.I.P guests safe, efficient use of government vehicles can be assured with the use of Tramigo T22. Personal use of government vehicles can be prevented through proper monitoring using T22. In the medical field, ambulances can be dispatched quickly and efficiently with the help of T22. Ambulances nearest to the location of a patient can be dispatched accordingly involving the least amount of time. In Malaysia, Tramigo T22 is used to monitor construction machines that are sent to construction sites. T22 is used to prevent sudden disappearances of construction machines and at the same time, assure that the machines are  working in the proper construction sites.

I truly owe my friend an apology for initially misjudging his business decision to include Tramigo T22 in his company's product line. He indeed has a product that serves a good purpose. More importantly, my friend makes an effort to make Tramigo T22 very affordable. I am proud to say that my friend provides protection and security to life, property and services at a price that everyone can afford with Tramigo T22.

 For inquiries, one may call Prisgene International Incorporated at 8463154, 8468342 or 8818210. My friend will be happy to assist anyone who wishes to know more about Tramigo T22 and its various applications. Prisgene International Incorporated is located at Suite 801 Richville Corporate Tower, Investment Drive, Madrigal Business Park, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

THE CLOSURE THAT MR. LAURO VIZCONDE NEEDED

No less than DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima and NBI declared that Hubert Webb did not leave the country in 1991. The declaration effectively destroys the alibi of Hubert Webb that he was in the States the day the crime took place.

For Mr. Lauro Vizconde, DOJ Secretary de Lima's declaration finally brings closure to his seemingly unending search for justice. While the declaration will not put Hubert Webb and his group back in jail, it nonetheless confirms what Mr. Vizconde knew and believed all along. That is, Hubert Webb and his group committed the gruesome crime. And the thought that the truth has been revealed and confirmed in front of the Filipino people gives Mr. Vizconde the vindication that has long eluded him.

I am just so happy for Mr. Vizconde as he finally gets to move on. His victory, while incomplete, is such a source of inspiration. It is a great reminder that while justice may be denied by men, God works in mysterious ways to bring the truth out. And the truth truly sets people free.

U.S. DRAGON BOAT TEAM HEAD COACH ROBERT MCNAMARA ON THE PHILIPPINE DRAGON BOAT TEAM CRISIS

D.r Robert McNamara is the head coach of the U.S. dragon boat team. He is likewise the chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine of Temple University School of Medicine. In an exclusive interview, Dr. McNamara dissects the crisis and controversy hounding the Philippine dragon boat team.

1. There is a great possibility that the Philippine Dragon Boat team may not make it to the World Championships because of politics. Do you believe that the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), International Olympic Committee (IOC), Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation (PCKF) and International Canoe Federation (ICF) contributed much to put the Philippine team in such a predicament ?              The decision of the POC to recommend that the Philippine Sport Commission shift funding related to dragon boat from the PDBF to the PCKF indicates it does not fully understand the history of dragon boating in the Philippines and the great success enjoyed by the PDBF national teams at the World Championships.  The POC essentially has pulled the rug out from the PDBF, an organization which for years has provided outstanding representation of the Philippines at the World Championships recognized by Asian Olympic Council and Sport Accord.  2. Is government funding crucial for a sport like dragon boat ?              As with any sport requiring international travel, if you want a successful team, funding must be provided for the young athletes who will represent the country.  3. How and when did ICF gain jurisdiction over dragon boat as a sport ?              The ICF does not have jurisdiction over dragon boat.  The ICF claim of jurisdiction is disturbing when it is clear that another organization the IDBF developed the sport to its current international status and is recognized by Sport Accord, the international sports organization, as the controlling body for dragon boat.  The ICF has been on a campaign to absorb water sports that have been created, nurtured and developed with zero support or involvement from the ICF.  The ICF is also doing the same with outrigger canoeing and surf ski.  4. How important are the coaches and team officials in creating a world champion ?              The coach in a team sport like dragon boat is the single most important factor in the success of the team.  The coach must attract the athletes capable of winning and motivate them to train and work together for the unified purpose of victory. 5. Which sport body do you think contributed the most to the Philippine Dragon Boat Team crisis ?            If you go back into the history of dragon boat in the early 1980’s when it was first on the rise as an international sport, the ICF rejected proposals to assume control over the sport stating it was not a canoe sport.  The sport then fully developed on its own through the hard work of the IDBF and its popularity surged past the traditional canoe and kayak sports controlled by the ICF.  The decision of new leadership in the ICF to then declare control over dragon boat is the root cause of the crisis in the Philippines.  Without that declaration we would not have come to the point where the PCKF believed it could take over the sport in the Philippines.  The real tragedy in all of this is the effect on the great paddlers of the PDBF. 6. Was there a directive to the POC from the IOC to put the Philippine Dragon Boat Team under the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation ? Not going to answer this one as I am not 100% clear. 7. What do you think is the best solution to the crisis ? The POC should reverse its decision and recommend restoration of funding to the PDBF. 8. Do you expect the Philippine Dragon Boat Team to make it to the World Championships in Tampa, Florida despite the present crisis ?              It is hard to imagine the PDBF being able to come up with the resources required to bring the same level of team to the World Championships as before.  It would seem that they would only be able to recruit paddlers who have the ability to afford the travel as opposed to being able to pick the best athletes regardless of their financial situation. 9. What can you advice Philippine sports officials in view of the current situation surrounding the Philippine Dragon Boat Team ?              Philippine sports officials need to carefully look at what they are tearing apart, the PDBF teams have represented the Philippine nation in an outstanding fashion in my opinion.  Not only are these teams winning and setting world records, the athletes are of the finest character and well respected by their competitors from across the globe.  Sports officials should act in the best interest of the athletes and that does not seem to be the case here.

AIR ATTACK : TWO THUMBS UP

When BC first told me that he was going to have a show, I was quite skeptical. I know he is a very funny guy but a show is all-together different. But to my surprise, his show, Air Attack, is turning out to be very entertaining as it airs on syndicateradio.tv every Tuesday at 8:00 - 10:00 pm New York time.

Aside from the funny conversation between BC and Joey, who is the other host of the show, Air Attack pulls in the laughs with its Starting Five segment. Starting Five is a list of 5 things that the hosts come up with. The topics are as wide and varied as they can get. Last time I watched the show, BC and Joey were presenting their own lists of top 5 personalities who fell from grace because of their indiscretions. The lists were funny and had international appeal that made me, a Filipino, laugh out loud. Unlike other American shows which tend to be too American, making it difficult for other nationalities to fully grasp and appreciate, BC and Joey make an effort to make their lists familiar to an international audience. Hence, people from the Philippines get to enjoy the lists and the jokes that go with them.

But what truly makes Air Attack very entertaining for me is the ability of the hosts to laugh at themselves. The show becomes a pleasure as the hosts appear to be just like your regular buddies. It really helps as well that they know current events, making the show very hip and relevant. Even sports news are discussed as they happen.

I hope that Air Attack lasts a lifetime for people to enjoy its brand of humor and entertainment. More power, and laughter, to my buddies, BC and Joey.

PILIPINAS GOT TALENT : IN THE MIDDLE OF A CREDIBILITY ISSUE

First, it was Rico the Magician who failed to advanced to the finals despite an incredible performance. Now comes Dance Selection. Pilipinas Got Talent is fast becoming more of a star search than a talent search. All because good looks has become the basis for outright entry into the finals.

I personally see a major flaw in the mechanics of Pilipinas Got Talent which may account for the show's ridiculous over-emphasis on good looks. The show allows its hosts and executives to vote. It is but natural for these people to vote for people who look good on television being in the industry themselves. ABS-CBN will have an easier time to market good-looking winners than ugly ones. The network stands to gain more money should it make stars out of the winner of the talent search. And good-looking people, despite minimal talent, are easier to turn into stars than ugly ones, overflowing talent notwithstanding.

In America's Got Talent, the ultimate winner gets to take his or her act to Las Vegas. It is the act not the contestant's good looks that take centerstage in America's Got Talent. There are no television networks out to turn the winner into a television or movie star. There are no intentions on the part of network executives to make money out of the winner of the American talent search.

Pilipinas Got Talent is a talent search. As such, it must prioritize talent as the basis in picking out its winner. Sadly, the show places too much importance on how the contestant looks on television. Physical appearance clearly defines the show's eventual winner. Sadly, truly incredible acts are overlooked in favor of mediocre performances by good-looking contestants.

HAPPY FEET : MY PERSONAL FAVORITE IN PILIPINAS GOT TALENT

Call me a sentimental fool but I choose to vote for Happy Feet in Pilipinas Got Talent.

Happy Feet is made up of  two young brothers who tap dance. The two come all the way from Bukidnon. They come from a poor family which makes their journey in Pilipinas Got Talent all the more interesting. When Happy Feet first auditioned, they tap danced without real tap shoes on. The two just danced wearing regular leather shoes. But Happy Feet just the same turned in a great performance which made Kris Aquino and Ai Ai delas Alas cry. I too shed buckets of tears as the two young men gave their all despite the financial constraints. In fact, the two had to sell tomatoes to finance their trip to Manila during the audtions.. But all the hard work was all worth it when the judges and viewers finally saw their outstanding performance. During the semifinal round last night, Happy Feet gave an exceptionally complicated polished performance that made Ai Ai delas Alas and I cry tears of joy once again.

Happy Feet no doubt has the talent. But I just feel that tap dancing is not well-appreciated as a form of dance in the Philippines. The two young men too do not have the looks that will make people vote for them. But they certainly have something that other talented people in the show do not. Happy Feet has the courage to chase its dream despite the hardships in life. Happy Feet certainly represents the millions of poor Filipinos who have the talent to shine despite the limitations set before them because of poverty. For me, a vote for Happy Feet is a vote for all the poor but talented Filipinos who dare to dream big. It is also a vote for true talent in whatever form it may be.

I just hope that people see the talent and fine example that Happy Feet is showing in its journey in Pilipinas Got Talent. I hope that people vote for them in the finals.

VIZCONDE MASSACRE : A NEW WITNESS SURFACES

A new witness in the Vizconde has expressed her intention to take the witness stand should the case be reopened . DOJ Secretary De Lima has also revealed that the new witness passed the lie detector test when questioned by the DOJ.  Four other new witnesses have likewise been tagged by the DOJ.

While the new witness may provide new evidence that Hubert Webb and his group indeed committed the gruesome crime, Hubert and his group may not be tried once again for the crime. Double jeopardy prevents suspects of a crime from being tried a second time around. At best, the reopening of the case will merely setlle the question of who committed the crime. Hubert and his group even if proven guilty by the new witnesses will remain scot-free.

I still think the Filipino people deserve to hear the new witness for she may provide the answer as to who really killed the Vizcondes. The whole Vizconde incident will only come to a close when a credible conclusion is reached. So far, after 20 years, that conclusion remains elusive for Mr. Lauro Vizconde and the Filipino people.

EUGENE TEJADA : FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

Eugene Tejada was well on his way to PBA prominence when tragedy struck. In a game against Red Bull in 2006, Tejada suffered a nasty fall that had him lying motionless on the court for about an hour. The fall cut short his basketball career and altered his life forever. In an exclusive interview with Bandera correspondent Eric Dimzon, Tejada reveals his darkest as well as brightest moments towards physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

1. How are you now 5 years after that unfortunate incident ?
I'm doing good. I'm trying to get better still everyday. Everyday is a struggle. I still experience numbness in my lower extremities. But God  has enabled me to walk again with the help of walking crutches. Yeah, I'm doing better.

2. What were the thoughts running through your mind immediately after the incident ?
I remember the incident just like yesterday. On the 14th of this month, it will be exactly 5 years since that happened. I knew something was wrong immediately after my fall. I couldn't move at all. I couldn't move my fingers. I couldn't move my hand. I couldn't move my legs. I knew I was paralyzed. You always read or hear how you can get paralyzed. But it never occurred to me that it could happen to me. I was hoping that nothing was broken. I was hoping that it was just a stinger or a bruise that would go away. In the hospital, it was finally confirmed that I damaged my spinal cord.

3. Were you upset or angry with what happened ?
I was not upset or angry. I was scared. I was scared whether I would make it in the next ten minutes. I couldn't breathe on my own. at that time. I was really scared because I didn't know what was going on with my body. I was thinking of a lot of things. Am I paralyzed ? Am I going to die ? Will I ever walk again ? Will I ever play basketball again ? I was basically scared of the future.

4. To make things worse, you were on your way to establishing yourself as a dependable basketball player for Purefoods. Were you frustrated that your career suddenly had to come to an end just when you were finally gaining respect as a player ?
Yeah. I struggled with my first two years in the PBA. I didn't get much playing time from Alaska and San Miguel. So I asked for a trade to Purefoods. Luckily, Coach Ryan picked me up. And when Coach Ryan gave me the chance to play, I really grabbed the opportunity and never let it go. I ended up being best player of the game when I started in a game for Coach Ryan. All my hard work was starting to pay off. But all that was taken away after the incident.

5. Have you fully come to terms with the fact that you will never play basketball again ?
I'm not gonna say it happened overnight. I had a lot of soul-searching. I went into depression. When I got hurt, just to be myself, just to be Eugene Tejada, was taken away from me. I became an infant again. I needed someone to help me go to the bathroom. I needed someone to help me change my clothes. It was very hard. Depression really became a big part of my life. To further add to my depression, my girlfiend, Jenny Hernandez and I broke up. It brought me to a place where it was very dark. I didn't want to talk to anybody. I didn't want to live anymore. I didn't want to go through the struggle.

6. Did you ever think of committing suicide ?
I'll be one hundred percent honest. Yeah, I thought of committing suicide. I considered drinking all my pills to have an overdose. But God flashed an image to my head where I saw my family and friends crying over my casket. I couldn't do it. I couldn't leave this earth and leave so much heartache to my family and friends.

7. How has your injury affected your faith in God ?
As I was going through depression, I was angry at God. I was asking Him what He wanted to do with my life. But slowly, I realized that God saved me through my injury. Before the accident, I was a basketball player living the fame and fortune. I had a lot of women and partied all night. I was really going down a dark path. I believe God wanted me to stop. I believe God allowed me to get hurt to get a better life. A life that would glorify Him.

8. Who were the people who stood by you during your most difficult moments ?
Harvey Carey. Jimmy Alapag. Those guys are my bestfriends. My family. Rob Johnson. Purefoods  for taking care of me and my medical expenses. I would be broke now if Purefoods did not take care of the financial burden. Mr. Pardo and the whole Purefoods family. I know that they are B-Meg Derby Aces now but they will always be Purefoods in my heart. James Yap and PJ Simon , I believe are still there.

9. What is the most important lesson that you learned from the whole sad ordeal ?
That Jesus lives and heals. I don't want to sound preachy, but that is my testimony. I know that I did my part but it was God who healed my nerves and muscles. My doctors told me that I only had a 4% chance of ever walking again. But God, who is the great healer, has allowed me to walk again. God is good.

10. What advice do you want to give to those who may be going through tough moments in their lives right now ?
I will tell them that there is light at the end of the tunnel. That the darkness will pass. That the ordeal is to mold their character to make them the person that God wants them to be. And that there is a need to help others who are going through an ordeal, whether it be minor or major. And to just keep their head up and keep fighting and never give up. The day they give up is the day that they lose. I lost hope several times in the past, but God would always tap me in the shoulder to remind me to just keep going and never give up.

11. What keeps you busy nowadays ?
I'm still doing therapy three times a week, two hours a day. I'm into school to become a minister of healing. I will also finsh my business degree. And I'm working on a book that I intend to publish in the Philippines.

12. Do you have a message to your fans and friends who continue to support you ?
I would like to thank everyone for their prayers. I wouldn't be where I am right now if not for everyone's prayers. I still feel the love and support of the fans. I strive to get better because I don't want to let people down especially those who continue to show support. I know I am not a basketball player anymore but I still need your support and prayers for my full recovery.

HOW DO CCF MEMBERS FIND AND EXPERIENCE GOD ?

I am shocked to know that CCF has organized a trip to the Holy Land with more than 160 of its members participating. A trip to the holy land costs around USD 2,500.00 per person. With 160 people going, the total amount for the whole CCF group comes to USD 400,000.00 or PhP 1.72 M.

A participant claims that he experienced God during the trip. Seeing the places where Jesus walked made him closer to God. The sites, the CCF member claims, made him realize the greatness of God. Interestingly, what the CCF member claims are more of his personal feelings. Nowhere in the bible does it say that people can find God in places or relics.

While it is not my intention to dictate upon CCF members how they should spend their money, wouldn't it have been much better for them to have spent the money in helping others instead ? Wouldn't it have been more Christian to have spent the USD 400,000.00 in feeding the poor ? Wouldn't it have been better to have spent the money on the sick or dying ? Wouldn't it have been more fulfilling to have spent the money on those who are neglected and uncared for ? Wouldn't helping others truly enable them to experience God ?

1 John 3 : 17-18
If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion, how can God's love be in that person ? Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other ; let us show the truth by our actions.

Mathhew 25 : 40
And the King will say, " I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me ! "

OSAMA BIN LADEN AND THE ARAB WORLD

After more than a decade of international search operations, Osama Bin Laden was finally found and killed in Pakistan. For a lot of people, the death of the world's most wanted man brings justice to the families left behind by those killed in various incidents of terrorism perpetrated by Al-Qaeda. For some, it is a victory against terrorism. Still, for others, it is a strong statement that the U.S. and the whole world cannot and will not be intimidated by a few extremists.
Personally, I see the revolution sweeping across the Arab world as the main reason why Osama Bin Laden was finally caught and killed. Muslim Arabs, through Egypt and Tunisia, realize that they have it in themselves to effect drastic changes in their countries. What seemed impossible before has now become possible through their united stand against oppression and inequality. Muslim Arabs realize that they need not go to extreme measures and engage in international terrorism to serve notice to the whole world of their grievances. In effect. Osama Bin Laden, a symbol of hope for a minority, has become obsolete and irrelevant to the times. The betrayal of one of his close-in aides emhasizes the expendability of Osama even among his close friends.
I hope that the whole world can now experience greater peace with the death of Osama Bin Laden. But more importantly, I hope that the stigma brought by Osama Bin Laden to Muslims, in general, will finally be removed.

THE WILLIE MILLER SYNDROME

In game 2 of the championship series between Ginebra and Talk and Text, Willie Miller missed two crucial free throws in the last 18 seconds of the game. Ginebra, however escaped with a victory as Alapag missed a three-point heave. The score ended at 108 - 106 for Ginebra.
I believe that Willie Miller is still the best player in the Ginebra line-up. But his constant misses at the free throw line somehow raise concern. Miller has long been suspected of making his team lose on purpose.. In fact, this is the reason why he has been traded several times in the past despite helping his teams win championships. It will not help Miller any if he continues to miss crucial free throws in the dying minutes of the game. It can't be said that he still has the jitters in taking those game-winning free throws. After all, Miller is a two-time MVP and has been playing for over a decade now. At this stage in his career, being a choker, whether by accident or choice, will not help Miller any.
But I continue to have faith in Willie Miller. He is the type of player who can come up with a good performance if he puts his mind to it. He has the ability to win games for his team. That is, if he wants and tries to.

THE ROYAL WEDDING : WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL ?

The world virtually came to a halt to witness the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton. Two billion people watched the event on television. Some of the world's most well-known celebrities attended the wedding to give it more prestige and glamor.

Personally, I did not bother to watch the wedding. I simply could not stand the extravagance and hype that people gave the event. Lost in the pageantry was the solemnity of the wedding. It became more of a spectacle than a solemn vow between two people in love. I guess people just had to vicariously live out their fantasy of royalty by watching the event. People just had to see how it is to be of royalty. People just had to partake of the event reserved for royalty.

What people seem to forget are the lessons from the life of Princess Diana. Her marriage to Prince Charles, in fact, made her life miserable. People seem to forget that happiness goes beyond wealth and nobility. Princess Diana found comfort and her own happiness in helping others in the midst of the miserable life that she embraced when she became royalty.

ANG KABALIWAN NI AIKO MELENDEZ : MUNTI ANG KAHAHANTUNGAN

Nuong nakaraang Linggo sa Paparazzi, ibununyag ni Cristy Fermin kay Mayor Meneses na ang dati niyang kasintahan na si Aiko Melendres ang may pakana ng matinding paninira sa kanya. Halatang di makapaniwala si Mayor Meneses na magagawa sa kanya ni Aiko ang ipagkalat ang malisyosong balita na may karelasyon siyang kapwa lalaki.
Sadyang maituturing na wala sa matinong pag-iisip si Aiko upang makagawa ng paninira sa isang tao na tumayong ama na rin sa kanyang dalawang anak sa loob ng tatlong taon. Sadyang baliw na matuturing ang isang tao na gagawa ng kasinungalingan para lamang malagay sa kahihiyan ang isang tao na nagmahal sa kanya nang totoo. Sa paghahangad ni Aiko na malagay sa kahihyan si Mayor Meneses, nawala sa kanya ang respeto ng mga tao. Siya at di si Mayor Meneses ang nalagay sa kahihiyan.
Sa ngayon, desidido na si Mayor Meneses na magsampa ng kaso laban kay Aiko. Sa malamang, makukulong nga si Aiko Melendres sa kanyang pinag-gagagawa. Marahil, maganda na ring mangyari sa kanya iyon para di na siya makapaghasik ng lagim pa sa mundong ibabaw.  Mababawasan ng isang baliw ang lipunan sa pagkakulong ni Aiko Melendres.

WILL GINEBRA RISE FROM DEFEAT TO FINALLY MAKE THE FINALS ?

Tonight's game between Ginebra and Smart Gilas is pivotal for both teams. A win by Ginebra will push it to the finals against Talk and Text. A win by Smart Gilas on the other hand will force a winner-take-all with Smart Gilas enjoying the momentum. With the stakes quite high, both teams will surely go all out to secure a victory tonight.
Ginebra will have its hands full in containing Douthit. But it will also have to pay attention to the other players of Smart Gilas who are all capable of exploding on any given night. JV Casio proved to be the biggest thorn on Ginebra's side in game 3 which caught Ginebra by surprise.
But the physicality of Ginebra's brand of play will most likely spell its success. Even Coach Toroman is upset with the way Ginebra gets away with its physical game. When push turns to shove, Ginebra will surely be there to separate the men from the boys.
It's force against finesse tonight as Ginebra and Smart Gilas slug it out at the Araneta Coliseum. May the force be with you.

THE CCF CHALLENGE : EPHESIANS 2: 8-9

Ephesians 2: 8-9
You have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.

CCF cites the bible verse above to justify its doctrine that faith alone saves. CCF simply connects the words "saved", "faith" and "not by works" to come up with the belief that faith alone saves. But do the verses really mean that faith alone saves ?
First, we must investigate the word "saved". Just what does the word saved in verse 8 pertain to ? To find out, we simply have to go back to Ephesians 2:5 which says, "that even though we were dead in sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. ( it is only by God's grace that you have been saved )".So saved in verse 8 means saved from being trapped in sin. Saved in this case means saved from the power of sin. Saved in this particular verse does not mean saved from judgement at all.
But through faith in Jesus' death and  resurrection, we can achieve favorable judgement. Since we now have the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the power and influence of sin once we believe in Jesus' death and resurrection, there is hope that we can have eternal life. It is a gift of God since Jesus, after all, was God's gift to mankind. The death and resurrection of Jesus took place because of God's great love for humanity. It is this great love that manifested itself in the form of a gift in the person of Jesus Christ. But we have to note that we still can continue to live in sin if we choose to. We certainly can still be in sin if we refuse to have faith in Jesus' death and resurrection. Faith is indeed vital in overcoming sin. Hence, the word "faith" in verse 8.
The words "not of works" pertain to Jesus' death and resurrection which not a single man had something to do with to take place. No one may boast of having now the ability to resist sin because Jesus alone did all that is needed to give man such power. More importantly, aside from resisting sin, faith in Jesus' death and resurrection gives man the ability to do good works. Ephesian 2:10 says, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." And once we are driven  to do good works, we then become more justified come Judgement Day.

James 2:24
So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.

So, what does CCF think of Ephesians 2:8-9 ?

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS : WHY I THINK IT IS REAL

Two days from now, Christians from all over the world will be celebrating Easter. The day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus after dying on the cross. Without the resurrection, Christianity ceases to be true. But is the resurrection of Jesus 100% true ?
I firmly believe that the resurrection of Jesus did occur because of two reasons. One, there were people who saw  Jesus alive after dying on the cross. The gospels are one in saying that Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to several people. Two, Jews could have easily destroyed the belief in the resurrection if it truly did not occur. The Jews took the time and effort to prove the resurrection was merely a figment of the imagination of Jesus' followers  to prove their belief that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. But the belief in the resurrection of Jesus survives to this day. Skeptics have not found a way to debunk the resuurection to this day.
As Easter draws near, I remember that Jesus is a living God. And that my God has overcome death. How then can I go wrong with Jesus ?

SACRIFICE OR OBEDIENCE ?

Holy Week is the time that most people perform personal sacrifices. Some refrain from eating pork as their form of sacrifice. A few go to the extreme and have themselves nailed to the cross. But are sacrifices demanded by God during Holy Week ? Do our sacrifices please God ? Do we really have to share in Jesus' passion in the form of sacrifices ?
To answer the questions above, I looked up several bible verses that deal with sacrifices. 1 Samuel 15:22 says, " But Samuel replied,  " What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice ? Listen ! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. " Mark 12:33 says, " And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law. " Hosea 6:6 says, " I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. From the verses cited, it is obvious to see that obedience is better than sacrifices to please God.
But are sacrifices totally useless in the eyes of God ? Hebrews 13:15-16 says, " Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. " Indeed, to do good to others is the form of sacrifice that is acceptable to God. This Holy Week, let us truly offer the sacrifice that pleases God. Let us allow our faith in Jesus' death and resurrection to work in us to enable us to love others and do good works.
A meaningful and relevant Holy Week to everyone.

HOW MUCH DID ATENEO SPEND TO HAVE A STRONG BASKETBALL TEAM ?

I just read that Keifer Ravena and Greg Slaughter played superb basketball to tow Ateneo past San Beda in a local tournament. Slaughter scored 26 points while Ravena scored 25 to lead the team in what may signal the start of  Ateneo's winning ways in collegiate basketball.
While I am happy to note that Ateneo strives to excel in basketball, I can't help but ask how far the school will go in pursuing its quest for basketball supremacy. I can't help but wonder if  Ateneo paid a huge sum of money just to have Ravena and Slaughter in its line-up. Were there cars and condo units involved just to have the two play for Ateneo ?
But then again, it could be that the two players simply want to get their degrees from Ateneo. If that is the case, then Ateneo is indeed lucky to have the two in its basketball team. This early, with Ravena and Slaughter in its line-up, Ateneo is regarded as the team to beat in the UAAP.
I just hope that Ateneo did not compromise its principles by offering a huge amount of money in exchange for the services of the two players. I hate to think that basketball supremacy and glory in this country can be bought. Because come to think of it, the Philippines ranks lower than India in the latest FIBA world ranking. Philippine basketball, for me, is simply not worth the hype and the money that most Filipinos give it.

FEARLESS FORECAST : GINEBRA AND AIR21 IN THE FINALS

Ginebra will go up against Smart-Gilas while Air21 goes up against Talk and Text in a pair of semifinals matches that promises to go down the wire. Talk and Text and Smart-Gilas will have the luxury of being well-rested for the series. Both Ginebra and Air21 have momentum on their side as the two teams are coming off impressive wins in the quarterfinals.
I pick Ginebra to win over Smart-Gilas because Ginebra players are all capable of dishing out an excellent game on any given night. There are reports as well that Smart-Gilas will be missing the services of Marcus Douthit due to a hand injury. Without Douthit, Smart-Gilas is severely crippled at the center slot. Ginebra will have an easier time without Douthit manning the shaded area for Smart-Gilas.
I likewise pick Air21 over Talk and Text for the simple reason that I am for the underdog. Talk and Text remains formidable after finishing the eliminations on top. Coach Chot Reyes will surely devise ways to really clamp down on Air21's veterans. But Air21's second stringers have been performing well and contributing to Air21's cause. The entire Air21 squad is playing on a mission and could very well post an upset much like the way it did with Alaska.
With the four teams all capable of excellent basketball, fans can surely expect the games to be exciting. In the end, it will be a question of which teams are hungrier to win and make it to the finals. And the way I see it, Ginebra and Air21 are all pure heart in their quest for a seat in the finals.

AIR21 DEFIES ODDS TO BARGE INTO THE SEMIS

Air21 posted a big win over Alaska to enter the semis of the current PBA conference. Despite being down by 18 points at one point, Air21 did not lose hope to score a dramatic upset.
The trade involving the "old" players of San Miguel and young players of Air21 can now be safely considered to have worked more to the advantage of Air21. The "old" players of San Miguel proved to be instrumental in securing crucial wins for Air21. I guess the "old" San Miguel players are out to prove to everyone that they still have what it takes to carry their team all the way to the top.
While beating Talk and Text is a formidable task, Air21 will for sure put up a great fight. With momentum on its side, Coach Bong and his men will surely not let go of the opportunity to get a championship crown.

HOW TO SPOT A WINNER

My new sideline requires me to immediately spot a winner from a group of players. So to remind me of who can be considered a winner, I have decided to enumerate the things that, to my mind, define a winner.

 A winner is :

1. One who knows how to excel and set himself above the rest. He offers something that others do not.

2. Someone who knows how to recover from setbacks. He learns from past mistakes and uses them to better himself.

3. A person who is beautiful inside. A winner possesses true beauty from within which shines through and becomes evident through his good works.

4. One who places much importance on spiritual life. Knowing the ultimate source of goodness and blessings makes a winner.

5. Someone who dares to right the wrong despite the risks involved.

6. A person who knows when to accept defeat and move on to bigger things in life.

Are you a winner ?

WILLIE REVILLAME : LESSONS LEARNED THE HARD WAY

As major sponsors pulled out of Willing Willie, it left Willie Revillame with no choice but to think things over. Starting tonight, Willing Willie will no longer be aired live. No new episodes are likewise scheduled until April 24, 2011.
What Willie Revillame thought as a funny number of a six-year old unexpectedly turned into a nightmare for the popular host. Revillame did not know what hit him. He did not expect the rather distateful act of Janjan Estrada and his approval of the act  to cause such an outrage among viewers. Not even the ten thousand pesos that Willie gave Janjan could compensate for the child abuse that Janjan suffered in front of millions of viewers. At least that was what most viewers thought which prompted a lot of them to propose a boycott of the show's sponsors. And with the boycott came the decision of most of the sponsors to pull out their placements in Willing Willie.
Hopefully, Willie Revillame will realize that giving out millions of pesos does not give him the right to abuse people. Hopefully, Willie refrains from making the poor act like fools in front of the camera to generate just a few laughs. And hopefully, Revillame treats his fans and followers with respect and dignity. After all, everyone deserves respect, whether he or she is poor or not.

FACE - TO - FACE : POSITIVE VALUES IN THE MIDST OF UNREFINEMENT

There was a time when My mom wonders why I laugh so hard whenever I watch Face-To-Face. Now, my mom's day will not be complete without Amy Perez's highly popular show.
Face-To-Face, like Willing Willie, features ordinary people. But Face-To-Face does not give away millions of pesos. Instead, it settles disputes between individuals. It tries to reconcile couples and family members who are at odds. It gives legal and spiritual advice to guests who are in various complicated relationships. the show's appeal is without doubt anchored on its guests who engage in catfights and even brawls in front of the camera. But its other appeal is the reconciliation that happens between the guests before the show ends. By the end of the show, the guests, as well as the viewers, are taught to behave like decent human beings.
As Face-To-Face celebrates its first anniversary, I hope that it continues to provide entertainment and sound advice to people. It will remain one of my favorite local shows as it provides positive values amidst the unrefined ways of its guests.

GERALD ANDERSON TO PLAY FOR GINEBRA ?

I just told a good friend to ask Coach Jong whether Gerald Anderson could possibly play for Ginebra. Anderson is currently practicing with the NLEX team which is going great guns in the PBA D-League. At the moment, the ABS-CBN matinee idol has yet to sign a contract with the NLEX Road Warriors. But Coach Boyet sees great potential in Gerald Anderson as a basketball player. The good coach is confident that the addition of Gerald Anderson will boost his team's chances of winning the first ever D-League championship trophy.
For Ginebra, the addition of Anderson to the team will increase Ginebra's fan base cosiderably. With Anderson in the team, could Kim Chiu be far behind ? I could see Araneta Coliseum filled to the rafters whenever Ginebra plays with Anderson in its line-up. The young Anderson will likewise signal the transition of Ginebra from an old to a young team. A lot of Ginebra players are, after all, well above 30 years old. Anderson could very well signal the changing of the guards for Ginebra. So, what do you say, Coach Jong ?

BOWLING + GOOD FRIENDS = GREAT TIME

Friends from college organized a reunion of sorts as our friend, Loiue, returned home after 8 years of stay in the U.S. A lot of things have transpired in all our lives in the 8 years that we haven't seen each other. As expected, all were looking forward to the rare get-together.
With the four of us being decent bowlers, Arnel and Joel decided to have the reunion at the SM Bowling Center in North Edsa. After the usual greetings and a bit of catching up with each other's lives, we divided ourselves into 2 teams. Louie and I, being former doubles champions, formed one team. Arnel and Joel formed the other team. As I expected, the games were far from being played seriously. Arnel would often try to break our concentration by employing dirty tactics. Loiue too found the bowling center too hot that effectively prevented him from playing his usual game. I, on the other hand, wasted so much energy trying to stop Arnel from breaking our concentration. As a result, we lost all of our matches.
But more than the games, what I truly enjoyed was the great company that my friends provided. We shared a lot of good laughs as we talked about people we knew in college, our misadventures when we were so much younger and the incredibly insane things that we do today. Julius managed to arrive as we were about to wrap up our games, which all the more made our reunion a blast. Despite the unexpected loss in bowling, I was happy to have won a great time with great friends.

A CALL TO BOYCOTT WILLING WILLIE'S SPONSORS

To this day, Willie Revillame has yet to apologize for the incident involving six-year old Janjan Estrada. What Willie Revillame has done is merely to justify what he and his show did to the poor kid. He stands firm that he and his show did not abuse nor shame the poor kid. Perhaps, to teach the highly popular host a lesson or two, it is time for people to boycott the sponsors of his highly popular show. A boycott of his sponsors will hopefully make Willie Revillame think twice about making the elderly, the minors and impoverished act like fools just to get a quick buck in return. Below are the sponsors of Willing Willie that readers may consider boycotting :

1. UFC Cook and Dip
2. Pepsodent
3. Vaseline shampoo
4. Talk and Text
5. Generics Pharmacy
6. KFC
7. Downy
8. Pantene
9. Surf liquid detergent
10. Glutamax
11. Pau Liniment
12. Bench Daily Scent
13. Will Cologne
14, Rexona
15, Cebuana Lhuillier
16. Tide bar
17. Real Leaf tea
18. CDO Funtastyk
19. Viva Records
20. Cherry Mobile
21. Technomarine watches
22. Oishi
23. Islander rubber sandals
24. Belo Essentials
25. Protec-Cee
26. Safeguard
27. San Marino corned tuna
28. Sensodyne
29.McDonalds
30. Calpol
31. Quickchow
32. Tiger Energy Biscuit
33. Tang
34. Ariel
35. Head and Shoulders
36. Foton
37. Camella Homes

It is time to make a definite stand. It is time to act in the face of the mockery and abuse that happen right in front of our eyes everyday.

THE DEATH OF THE 3 OFW'S IN CHINA : A SAD REFLECTION OF VALUES

While majority of Filipinos see the death of the 3 OFW's in China as an economic issue, I see it more as a sad reflection of the values that Filipinos possess. I see the unfortunate incident as a reminder of the outrageous desire of some Filipinos to get rich fast by any means. I simply do not buy the idea that the three mules were forced into the drug trade because of their overwhelming and noble desire to feed their families. Truth of the matter is, there are millions of of Filipinos who live under poorer conditions than those of the 3 OFW's. But the majority choose to engage in jobs that afford them dignity, honor and respect. They choose to earn money for their families through legal means.
The 3 OFW's knew very well what they were getting into. The opportunity to earn easy money proved to be too tempting for the 3 OFW's to miss. Sadly, the choice that the 3 OFW's made cost them their lives. Hopefully, with the incident, Filipinos truly value and respect hard work, however modest the income may be. Hopefully, Filipinos realize that it is simply not worth risking their lives to earn a lot of money in a flash.

WILLIE REVILLAME, JAN-JAN ESTRADA AND THE TRAGEDY OF IT ALL

The incident in Willie Revillame's show involving six-year old Jan-Jan Estrada is a grim reminder that people with money can and will exploit and manipulate those who are poor and uneducated. I am used to seeing people in Willing Willie act like fools just to generate a few laughs and get a few thousand bucks in return. But the incident with the young boy truly offends the sensibilities. No right thinking person will find a young boy in tears gyrating like a macho dancer funny at all.
What I truly find offensive and infuriating is the fact that the parents of Jan-Jan find nothing wrong with what happened. I even think that the parents of the young boy enjoy seeing their son being humiliated in front of millions of viewers. While other people and institutions are up in arms over the incident, the parents seem to enjoy their newly-acquired popularity and celebrity status. If only the parents of Jan-Jan are good providers, then I don't think there would have been a need for the boy to humiliate himself in front of the cameras.Truth of the matter is, it all boils down to money and how far people will go to get it.

LOVE WINS : IT IS GOD'S LOVE THAT WINS

Rob Bell, the author of the controversial book Love Wins, believes that God simply cannot and will not allow billions of people to suffer in hell for eternity. He believes that God is just so full of love that it is impossible for Him to allow people to go and stay in hell for eternity.
But the thing that Bell seems to forget is the fact that people choose to go to hell. People, through their actions, choose to walk right into eternal damnation. What people do with their lives will determine whether they will end up in heaven or hell. Heaven or hell is a matter of choice and not of fate or destiny.
Bell likewise conveniently forgets the fact that God's love is so great that He gave up His own Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life ( John 3:16 ). God did not create hell without a savior. God gave man His Son Jesus to lead the way to heaven. What is sad is that Bell goes to the extent of diminishing the importance and significance of Jesus' death on the cross by entertaining the thought that people can pull themselves out of hell through repentance.
Ultimately, it is not just love of any kind that wins. It is God's great love for mankind that truly makes a winner out of everyone. It is through Jesus Christ that everyone becomes a winner.

ARE THE AZKALS FOR REAL ?

I just heard and saw the news where Neil Etheridge and Phil Younghusband were saying that the Azkals are set to play next in a World Cup qualifying tournament. With the Azkals barely qualifying for the final 8 of the AFC Challenge Cup, I am stunned to hear the two set goals that are way too high for the team.
In the first place, the Azkals will have an extremely hard time to even qualify for the Asian Cup. The only way that the Azkals will qualify for the Asian Cup is for it to top the AFC Challenge Cup, which in itself is hard for the team to achieve. In the Asian Cup, world-class football teams like Japan, Australia and South Korea remain the undisputed top contenders. In the last Asian Cup held in Qatar last month, Japan emerged champion. Australia and South Korea placed second and third respectively. By virtue of the great performances of these countries in the Asian Cup as well as the 2010 World Cup, Japan, South Korea and Australia occupy the top spots in the Asian qualifiers. The Azkals are dead last at no. 43.
While I sincerely hope for the best for the Azkals, I choose to pin my hopes on reality. Sadly, the Azkals are in no way at par with Japan, South Korea and Australia. It is foolish to entertain thoughts for the Philippines to qualify for the World Cup with a team like the Azkals. The truth must be acknowledged no matter how painful it may be to enable the team to work harder and yield better results.

ARE YOU GOING TO BURN IN HELL ?

A book is now in the middle of controversy in the Christian community. Entitled Love Wins, it is a book by Pastor Rob Bell that dares to questions long-held beliefs of Christians about hell and salvation. The author claims that there is no hell in the afterlife. That people are not damned to hell if they do not know the name of Jesus.
The book is generating much interest and controversy because it challenges the self-righteousness of most Christians, especially the pastors and evangelists. For one, it attacks the notion that faith alone in Jesus remains the only requirement to achieve a place in heaven. Truth of the matter is, nowhere in the bible can one find that one must only have faith in Jesus to be saved from hell. What is in the bible is that belief in Jesus will assure one of everlasting life ( John 3:16). And belief in Jesus means following His commandments. Belief entails action and good works ( James 2:24 ). And belief goes beyond lip service ( Matthew 7:21 ).
As a Christian, I do not mind going to hell if God thinks that I deserve to go there. I love Jesus because of what He did and continues to do for me as I live my life here on earth. I do not love Jesus because I fear going to hell. I love Jesus because I choose to do so with all my heart and with no strings attached.

THE PHILIPPINE AZKALS : TIME TO SHINE

The Philippine Azkals defeated Bangladesh, 3-0, to enter the next stage of the AFC Challenge Cup. While I am happy that the Azkals have qualified for the next stage, I am not a bit impressed with their performance. The Azkals had to face a do-or-die match in a group where they are the highest ranked team. Luckily, the Azkals were able to pull through with a win.
Perhaps, it is time that people, most especially their fans, set higher standards for the Azkals. With all the money and publicity that they are getting, it should be expected for the team to deliver great performances and results. Screaming fans must learn to expect great performances from the Azkals in every game. Media must resist the temptation of always writing praises to the Azkals to force them to give their best in every game. It is time for everyone to demand brilliance from the Azkals.

WHY THE SUDDEN NON-LIVE COVERAGE OF THE AZKALS ?

First, ABS-CBN Sports claimed that Myanmar refused a live beam of the Myanmar-Philippine match. Then, ABS-CBN Sports now claims that Myanmar refuses to grant a live coverage of the matches in the AFC Challenge Cup without the necessary papers. Something just doesn't make sense here.
For one, why will FIFA Asia choose a host country which refuses to allow live coverage of the matches ? This is the first and only time that I have heard of a host country that refuses to allow other nations to cover the matches live. The president of FIFA Asia will surely come under fire should it be proven that he chose a country that imposes restrictions in covering FIFA events live. Surely, the FIFA Asia president has enough sense not to allow such a negative issue to haunt him as he is currently running for the presidency of the whole FIFA body.
Could it be that ABS-CBN Sports is lying as far as the live coverage of the AFC Challenge Cup is concerned ? Could it be that ABS-CBN Sports has decided not to air the matches of the Azkals to prevent conflict with the PBA ? Could it be that ABS-CBN Sports is afraid of getting into a legal battle with the PBA if it decides to air the FIFA matches instead of the PBA games ?
Your guess is as good as mine.

AFC CHALLENGE CUP : AZKALS A STEP CLOSER TO ELIMINATION

The Philippine Azkals drew with Palestine, 0-0, and now face a must-win situation with Bangladesh. No less than a 1-0 victory over Bangladesh is required to give the Azkals a glimmer of hope in the AFC Challenge Cup.
I have always maintained that the Azkals are a mediocre team that enjoys undue media mileage. With not a single top 2 finish in any tournament, the Azkals are portrayed as World Cup hopefuls by a manipulative media. Media feeds on the ignorance and stupidity of fans to create sports heroes out of the Azkals. The current AFC Challenge Cup clearly shows how unskilled and inept the Azkals are. In a group where the teams are at the bottom of world rankings, the Azkals are still finding it hard to earn its first victory.
I just hope that media and fans see the Azkals for what they truly are. Only then will the Azkals realize their weakness as a team. It is time for the Azkals to face reality and not believe what their publicists say. It is time for the Azkals to act like true sports heroes and not like entertainment personalities.

MYANMAR VS. AZKALS : A DRAW WITH TWO DIFFERENT STORIES

The Philippine Azkals drew with the Myanmar Blue Wolves to start hostilities in the group stage of the AFC Challenge Cup. The draw can be seen from two different points of view, depending on which team you are rooting for.
If you are an Azkals fan, The draw is a big letdown. After all, the Azkals are considered the team to beat. With a FIFA ranking of 152, the Azkals are the highest ranked team in the group. Following a 2-1 defeat from Mongolia, Azkals fans certainly have reasons to worry. The draw merely highlights the propensity of the Azkals to be complacent and inconsistent.
If you are a fan of the Blue Wolves, it certainly looks promising for the 162 ranked team in the world. A win in its last two matches will assure Myanmar a spot in the next stage. The draw is an upset of sorts as far as Myanmar is concerned. If Myanmar can ride on the momentum of its dramatic draw, it can certainly surprise the other teams.
The Philippines and Myanmar will part ways and play against the other teams in the group. The Azkals will go up against Palestine, a 2-0 winner over Bangladesh. Myanmar will play against Bangladesh. Fans can certainly expect more exciting matches as each team tries to secure its spot in the next stage.

FRANCE, GREAT BRITAIN AND THE U.S. GO INTO ACTION IN LIBYA

France, Great Britain and the U.S. has launched an offensive that seeks to remove Gaddafi from Libya. Despite earlier claims of Gaddafi of a ceasefire, pro-Gaddafi launched attacks in Benhazi. At a state address, Gaddafi even urged people to go against the UN resolution prompting nations to launch definite military action on Libya.

While I am sad of the inevitable loss of civilan lives in Libya, I see the offensive launched by France, Great Britain and the U.S. as a necessary evil. With a dictator like Gaddafi, drastic measures must be taken to free Libya from the dictatorship. While I do think that the offensive will be swift, it will still involve the loss of thousands of lives. The damage resulting from the offensive will likewise be great for Libya. But the price of freedom has never been cheap.

The whole turn of events in Libya in a way is comforting as it indicates the solidarity of nations against oppression and wholesale killing. France, Great Britain and the U.S. lead the way in reminding other nations that the wholesale killing of a particular group of people will not be tolerated. That help will come to a people whose only desire is to free themselves from a terrible ruler. With the care and concern of nations, it is possible for good to triumph over evil.

SANDRA BULLOCK : THE MILLION DOLLAR STAR

Sandra Bullock donated a million dollars to Japan to help its people recover from the great big earthquake and tsunami that left thousands dead and millions homeless. While other stars like Lady Gaga and Clint Eastwood also did their share to help Japan, Sandra Bullock stands out because she donated a huge sum of money out of her own pocket. Considering that she herself has recently gone through a personal crisis, Sandra Bullock had enough focus and compassion to act in such a big humanitarian way. Perhaps, she identifies with the loss and grief of the Japanese people. Perhaps, she knows all too well the need to make a difference when disaster strikes. Or perhaps, Sandra Bullock is one of the very few celebrity who refuses to just sit and stare at the events happening around her. Whatever the reason may be, Sandra Bullock is a star to be admired and emulated.

JOY IN THE MIDST OF THE GREAT DISASTER IN JAPAN

I caught a feature in NHK about a school conducting its graduation exercises after the disaster that struck Japan. The feature showed the principal handing out certificates to young students who were kept safe by their teachers when the tsunami struck. Despite the simple ceremonies, I felt the joy of the students and their parents during the graduation ceremonies. More than the completion of primary and secondary education, the young students were most happy for being alive and safe. Credit was rightfully given to the teachers who were smart enough to hold the students at the topmost floor of the school building. Parents of the graduating students thanked the teachers and principal profusely. Some shed tears as they thanked the school personnel. In deep gratitude, the parents promised the teachers and principal that they will make sure that the young students lead productive lives. Despite the tragedy that struck Japan, the feature showed that there is something left for Japan to be joyful about. The triumphant spirit of the Japanese people as seen in the feature makes me realize that the Japanese people have what it takes to overcome extremely difficult times. Japan will overcome because of the great human spirit that is within every Japanese.

AZKALS LOSE BUT ADVANCE TO THE NEXT STAGE

The Azkals lost 2-1 to the Mongolian Blue Wolves. But by virtue of having scored more goals in the series, the Philippine Azkals will advance to the next stage of the AFC Challenge Cup.The Philippines will meet Myanmar, Bangladesh and Palestine where the top two teams after a single round robin will advance to the 2012 Challenge Cup.
What the Azkals clearly showed in its defeat to the Blue Wolves is its vulnerability as a team. The Azkals lost to a team ranked 182 in the world. When it should have beaten the Blue Wolves handily, the Azkals looked so unskilled to go down in defeat in Ulan Bator. Luckily, the Azkals scored enough goals to enable them to advance to the next round.
For the longest time, I have been telling everyone to stop patronizing the Azkals for their mediocrity and obsession with the media. Perhaps, with the shameful defeat of the Azkals in Ulan Bator, media can now paint the Azkals as the true mediocre athletes that they are. Only then will the Azkals realize the need to improve and become better athletes. Hopefully, the Azkals will become less preoccupied with looking great in front of the camera and making numerous television guestings that make them appear and behave like movie stars. After all, they are football players and not showbiz personalities. They belong in the football field and not in the studios.

CCF AND ITS DISMISSED WORKERS

An anonymous reader of my blog wrote a comment that disturbed me. The reader revealed how CCF dismissed 8 of its workers, the reader himself included. According to the reader, he and his co-workers were told not to report for work anymore after complaining about CCF's unfair labor practices. Their working hours and overtime pay were cut as part of CCF's cost-cutting measures. The measures prompted the 8 workers to file a formal complaint. Little did they know that their complaint would trigger their dismissal from work.
I called up CCF to hear its side of the story. The administration personnel who I talked to confirmed that CCF indeed was cutting expenditures at that time. I just find it hard to believe that CCF can not afford to give the workers their due. With billions of pesos under its bank account, it is next to impossible for CCF not to be able to afford the salaries of 8 minimum wage earners. I just find it ridiculous that CCF had to cut the workers' working hours and overtime pay by Php 13.00 an hour just to stay afloat. And why the sudden dismissal of the workers all because of a formal complaint ? Workers have the right to air grievances under the labor code. But then again, CCF does not tolerate dissension. CCF merely wants its followers, and in this case, its workers, to follow and obey with no questions asked.
The main problem with CCF is that it prioritizes the construction of its Php 3B church building over the welfare of its workers. For the longest time, I have expressed my opposition to the construction of such a scandalously expensive structure. With CCF's burning desire to complete the structure, it has come to a point that CCF is willing to sacrifice the livelihood of some of its workers. Now, 8 individuals and their families are most probably starving while the construction of the 3 billion peso building proceeds as scheduled. The case with the 8 dismissed workers makes me wonder if CCF is truly a Christian church. I am pretty sure that if Jesus were alive today, He would take care of the 8 workers first before the construction of a building that is but a testament of the hypocrisy of certain individuals.