Showing posts with label DAvao city. Show all posts

Si Duterte at ang Tatlo niyang “Masugid” na Kritiko Kuno

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Kailangan ng bawa’t bansa ang “fiscalizer” at ang lider naman ay “critic”, pero dapat pakaisipin ng bumabatikos kung gaano “kadami” ang makikinabang sa gagawin niya kung ihahambing sa ginagawa ng lider para sa buong bansa. Hindi lahat ng ginagawa ng isang lider ay sinasang-ayunan ng LAHAT kaya may kasabihang “you cannot please everybody”. Subalit kung seguridad at kapakanan ng NAKARARAMI ang nakasalalay, bakit kailangan pang MAMBULABOG ANG MGA DETRACTORS?...MAY SUGGESTION BA SILANG NASUBUKAN NANG EPEKTIBO?

May mga paraan upang ipakita ng “opposition” sa mga mamamayan na sila ay aktibo, hindi lang sa animo ay personal nang pagbatikos sa isang lider. Kung wala rin lang “laman” o kabuluhan ang binibitiwan nilang mga salita….TUMAHIMIK NA LANG SILA DAHIL LALO LANG SILANG LUMULUBOG SA KUMUNOY NG KAPALPAKAN.

ANG TINUTUKOY KO AY ANG GINAGAWA NINA TRILLANES, HONTIVEROS AT DRILON KAY DUTERTE…AT IBA PANG NAKALIMUTAN KO ANG MGA PANGALAN DAHIL MGA WALA NAMAN SILANG BINATBAT DAHIL SA KABOBOHAN NILA!

Kung tungkol sa droga ang pag-uusapan, walang binatbat sina Trillanes, Hontiveros at Drilon kay Duterte na sa pagiging mayor pa lang ng Davao ay marami nang karanasan tungkol sa bagay na nabanggit. Ang tatlo, kahit sa Maynila nakatira ay malamang nakatuntong lang sa Tondo kung panahon ng kampanyahan para sa eleksiyon at may kasama pang sangkaterbang mga alalay at bodyguards.

Kung tungkol sa Martial Law sa Mindanao ang pag-uusapan, walang karapatang magsalita ang tatlong nabanggit na nagpapakatalino kuno…. dahil hindi sila taga-Mindanao kaya hindi nila nadadanasan ang mga nangyayari lalo na ang banta ng kaguluhan sa Marawi na ginawa ng Maute group. Kung magkagulo sa Mindanao, ang tatlo ay walang pakialam dahil sa Maynila sila nakatira.

Ang dapat sagutin ng tatlong nabanggit ay kung mayroon bang maaaring pumalit kay Duterte. Isa ba sa kanilang tatlo?...si Pnoy Aquino uli”….si Gloria Arroyo uli”?....si Lacson?....si Cayetano?...si Poe?...si Robredo?

ANG GUSTO KO AY SI SARAH DUTERTE!

The Bankerohan Public Market of Davao City

By Apolinario Villalobos

Literally, “bankerohan” has a connotation as a place where boatmen converge as “bankero” means “boatman”. Appropriately, the public market is located by the bank of the main river that traverses the city. As in any Philippine community and historically, the river or a coastal village are considered as the center of trading. Unfortunately, lately, Bankerohan, the bustling riverside trading community of Davao City, gets inundated during the worst onslaught of heavy rains without let up for days.

Unlike other cities, Bankerohan has maintained its typical Oriental bazaar atmosphere to which the city dwellers have melded well. Spread throughout its periphery, various products from neighboring towns are sold side by side with local delicacies, prominent among which is the “puto maya”. The delicacy is actually two kinds of sticky rice, the white and the “tapul” which has a delectably purple color partner. The two varieties of rice are steamed separately. “Puto maya’s” is best eaten with “sikwate” (hot chocolate with thick consistency) prepared and cooked in “hornio”. While it slowly cooks to the right consistency, a half-submerged “baterol” (wooden stirrer) is rolled between the palms to keep the preparation from going into a rolling boil. A serving of “puto maya” costs Php10, while a cup of “sikwate” can be had for Php15.

If the durian is in season, a whole ripe fruit can be purchased from any of the stalls and eaten on the spot, for Php30 while marang would cost as low as Php20. Other local fruits that fill the fruit stalls are big-sized guava, golden pomelo, rambutan, papaya, several varieties of papaya. Durian preserves such as candies, jams and jellies also fill the shelves of the fruit stalls. Vegetables and marine products are strictly controlled to maintain their prices, as well as, those of rice and corn grits.

As dusk falls, makeshift stalls for used clothing begin to dot the area near the Mercury Drug Store. Practically, all kinds of clothing merchandise are priced between Php10-20. Hectic trading activity reaches its climax as midnight approaches. But, the traders do not fold up their stalls until 6AM hoping for the coming of last-minute buyers.

In the evening, the market resonates with warbles from wannabe singers who try their best to garner a “10” verdict from videokes that are the come-ons of carinderias. Everybody enjoys for as long as the no-smoking policy is observed. Aside from the videoke machines, the carinderias also pride in their cheap foods displayed in trays. Prices range between Php15 to Php35, with the vegetable dishes being the cheapest and those of beef and pork the more expensive. Grilled fish, especially tuna belly, head, and its innards are also available which go well with the beer or tuba (coco wine).

From Bankerohan, the cheap hotels along Claveria are a few meters away. Public transportations can be taken at several designated jeepney stops distributed around the market, so that strangers need not worry. And, most especially, there is nothing to fear while commuting from this busy section of the city to any part, even the suburbs, as taxi drivers of Davao City are the most trustworthy in the whole Philippines!

JOB LOWILL  CALUMPANG BENUYA: Sings the Blues

and Rocks with Country Music Like No Other

By Apolinario Villalobos

I first met Job when I was checking in for my flight back to Manila many years back when he was yet with Philippine Airlines that he joined on May 26, 1988. Unfortunately, when the airline underwent a spin-off in December 1, 2015, he was among those who reluctantly accepted the offered package.

I did not know then, that he is a multi-talented singer as his voice range covers country/folk, blues, rock and roll, aside from deftly playing the acoustic guitar. I first got the information about him from a friend who told me that there’s a PALer who performs at the Outback Grill. I forgot all about it until a PAL employee at the Davao airport confirmed the information, adding that it is Job, so I googled his name and true enough, his facebook is filled with photo showing him during animated performances and with his band. I was thrilled as I was also a folk singer during my early years in Manila to earn extra, a job on the side which my boss in PAL did not know. Compared to Job, however, my skill pales to his versatility.

Twice, I tried to connect with him while I was in Davao but failed due to his hectic schedule. I had no idea about the schedule of hi gigs so that I was at a loss as to where to find him. What I did was ask friends in Davao if they are familiar with him and aside from saying yes, they even added the information about his kerchief-covered head which they added, could be his distinct statement. And, they told me that he, indeed, is a singer.

With those confirmations, I decided to go ahead with this blog and just catch up with his live performance at any of the venues, after which I would write another one. Luck was with me when finally, we got connected and he agreed to send me the latest information about his gigs. I want to make sure where to find him, as soon as I got time for an overnight stay in Davao the next time I fly south.

So, here folks, is his schedule: Monday – Reggae Grill (Torres St.);  Tuesday – Outback Grill; Wednesday – Barukan Grill (Ma-a); Saturday – Uptown Grill (Cabantian); Sunday – Comus Grill (Mamay Road). Although, he performs solo, sometimes he plays with his band, JOVI AND THE COWBOYS, especially, when they are contracted.  The band members are Val Mat (acoustic guitar/vocalist); Edgar Echavez (bass); Jun Mercado (lead guitaris); Lito Bosque (drummer); Randy Avila (vocalist). Aside from playing the acoustic guitar and the band leader, he is also a vocalist of the band.

I relate with Job as we are both artists and I also sympathize with him when he confided that with a heavy heart he left PAL. Unlike me, however, I got burned up with my job in PAL so that leaving it gave me some sort of a relief, although, nothing can stop me from looking back to the airline that became so much part of my life. Perhaps, when I can have another chance to talk again to Job, I would advise him to move on with his music, as I did with my writing…and still remain a member of the original PAL family.

Mindanao

By Apolinario B Villalobos

Itinuring na lupang ipinangako -

Ng mga Pilipinong dito ay napadako

Mga naglakas-loob na makipagsapalaran

Hindi inalintana panganib na madadatnan.

Maraming kuwento ang aking nalaman -

May mga kulay ng lungkot at kaligayahan

Nguni’t lahat ay puno ng hangarin, ng pag-asa

Sa lupang ipinangako’t magigisnang bagong umaga.

May mga Pangasinense, Kapampangan, Ilocano

Mayroong Bicolano, Bulakeño, Caviteño, Batangueño

Mga taga-Luzon silang dala ay lakas ng loob, kasipagan

Hindi ininda ang init sa  pagbungkal ng tigang na kabukiran.

Mayroon ding galing sa Antique, Negros, isla ng Cebu

Sumunod ang mga taga-Leyte, Antique, Guimaras at Iloilo

Ano pa nga ba’t sa malawak, mayaman at luntiang Mindanao

Magkaiba man ang mga salita, pagkakaisa ay pilit nangingibabaw.

Hitik sa kwentong makulay ang buong isla ng Mindanao

Unang tumira’y mga kapatid nating sa relihiyon, iba ang pananaw

Silang mga  taal na katutubo, makukulay, matatapang at mahinahon

Tanging hangad ay mabuhay ng matiwasay, tahimik, sa lahat ng panahon.

Ang mga  Kristiyano, Muslim, Lumad – lahat sila ay nagkakaisa

Nagtutulungan, nagbibigayan, mga paniwala man nila ay magkaiba

Nguni’t dahil sa makasariling hangad ng ilang gahaman sa kapangyarihan

Animo kristal na nabasag, iningatang magandang samahan at katahimikan.

Nguni’t tayo ay Pilipino, iba tayo – lumalaban na may masidhing pag-asa

Sa harap ng masalimuot na mga problema, matatatag na kalasag ay nakaamba

Ito’y ang masidhing paniniwala sa Maykapal, malalim at marubdob na kapatiran

Ugaling nagbuklod sa mga taga-Mindanao, magkaiba man ang pananaw at kaugalian.

Ating isigaw-

Mabuhay ang Mindanaw!

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

The Consistency of PAL- Davao in Maintaining

The Airline’s High Quality of Service Standards

By Apolinario Villalobos

Davao station of Philippine Airlines is considered as the hub of its operation in Mindanao and lately, its scope extends to the neighboring Asian countries. As I have worked with the said company for a little more than twenty years and left it during the early years of the new management’s take over, I can very well say that I have an idea of what had been and what are being done as regards the customer satisfaction which fortunately has been maintained due to the consistency of the airline’s high standards.

According to Mr. Vic Suarez, the new Head for Mindanao Sales Area, the airline will not compromise its high standard by scrimping on other aspects of operations as some sort of an offsetting, most especially, by offering low fares, except the seasonal promos. High quality of service can only be assured if there is enough manpower that can attend to the requirements of customers. As can be observed, all ticketing offices and the check-in counters at the airport terminals are adequately manned by equally vibrant personnel of Macro-Asia. Mr. Suarez is supported by Ma. Leana Sanga, Secretary; Edgardo Ramos, Staff Assistant; and Ricardo Ambrosio, Sr. Market Planning Analyst.

If international cuisine has its “fusion” dishes concocted based on different cultural influences, PAL has its “fusion service”. It is my own terminology and I came up with it in view of the harmonious co-operation of service providers and the held-over organic PAL employees. As in Manila, this unique and harmonious fusion of effort is also found in the operation of PAL in Davao. The ticketing office at the Davao airport is manned by the organic PAL employees, while the check- counters, load control, and the Mabuhay Lounge are manned by the young staff of Macro-Asia. Behind them, such as the Airport Service Manager, Ms. Ludy Bagares and the Customer Service Officers are all organic PAL employees. Helping them out in the overall operation is Excellent, the manpower agency that provided the aircraft cleaning crew, janitorial and porter service.

The Customer Service Officers who have spent a good number of years with PAL are Leonilo Abella, Ernie Adrias, Archie Batu, Karlo Respicio, Marlon Rosales, Allen Dizon, Art Migalben, and Anthony Paradela, with the last four mentioned also handling Cargo.

The Macro-Asia Supervisors are  Charlie Erojo, Erwin Tongco, Dennis Tiamson, Rommel Covarubias and June Dalisay. The Passenger Services Agents is Ruben Maglaya; and Cargo Service Agents, Ben Arcayan and Julbert Nolasco. The ramp area is handled by the Ramp Service Agents, Ruel Catao, Cyril Pollaris and Joel Montales, while the Ramp Equipment Repairman is Lambert Lazaro.

Ms. Bagares expressed that so far, their operation is smooth and without any hassle as the traditional and high PAL standards are maintained to ensure that the customers get the commensurate worth of what they paid for to reach their destination safely. 

A Surprise Visit to NDTC Molders of Youth

…Ms. Norma Rafael and Mr. Morito Parcon (Davao City)

By Apolinario Villalobos

It was an unholy hour in the morning of Thursday, around 7AM when I trudged my way toward the gate of Ruby Subdivision to search for the home of the noted teachers of Notre Dame of Tacurong, the former Norma Rafael and Morito Parcon, but now lovey dovey partners for life. I took a tri-sikad (foot-pedaled pedicab) whose driver fortunately knew them, as Mr Parcon also served as a president of the homeowners association. When I knocked at their gate, it was their eldest, Toto, who answered my call and told me that his parents were attending that day’s Mass. I learned that they never miss a single Mass every day of the week.

The imposing Mt. Apo at 10,311 feet above sea level, practically loomed behind their home at the western dead-end portion of their “village”. The medicinal herbs that practically surround their home were a delight to the eyes. Due to the abundance of turmeric, they have ventured into packing of its powder form in capsules which at Php6 each could be considered the cheapest in the market. But one has to knock at their gate to make a purchase as their “business” is home-based and was originally intended to “kill” boredom and time to keep Mr. Parcon busy after having been hospitalized for a long time.

Our talk dwelt on the good old days in Notre Dame of Tacurong when Mr. Parcon was teaching Political Science in college while Ms. Norma Rafael was molding young girls at the former Girls Department which was under the administration of the Dominican Sisters (Order of Preachers). The college and Boys High School departments were, on the other hand, under the wings of the Oblate priests (Oblates of Mary Immaculate) with the assistance of the Oblates of Notre Dame (OND) Sisters.

Mr. Morito Parcon could well be considered as the historian of our city, for coming out with an extensively-researched book on her political history that covered the days when Buluan served as the “Mother Town” until the administration of Jose Escribano, the controversial mayor who got involved in a murder case. It took Mr. Parcon some time and loads of patient interview of pioneer leaders and settlers who came from the Visayas and Luzon, as well as hectic days of poring over filed records of early local government offices.

We mentioned names of his other students, some of whom were Ruel Lucentales, who was an Assistant Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at the time of his death, Jaime Bides who was a tour planning officer of the Marsman Travel and Tours, and later a businessman and resource person on spiritual matters, Renato Hingco who was connected with the Department of the Budget and Management (DBM) and Felizardo Lazado who was also with the DSWD before occupying an important position in the Ministry of Human Settlements later on. On the side of the Girls’ Department, names such as, Esther Bagsic, Talama Makilala-Saavedra, Rodina Ballena-Marasigan, Virgie Paragas, Esther Bagsic, Elma Darjan-Bides who is the current Tacurong City Accountant, and many more were mentioned. It was a meeting of quick reminiscences to the delight of my former teachers who, I had to help recall important moments in the past. For the photo opportunities, I asked them to pose in front of the tall and thickly growing wild sugar cane, crawling medicinal herbs, as well as, big pomelo look-alike and cure-all “magic fruits”. Some photos were taken with their eldest son, Toto.

I am sharing this experience to give an idea to viewers that even a simple visit can make important people in our life very happy…they who helped us grow into responsible citizens of the country. That is why, I smiled when, Mr. Parcon proudly declared, “I made them all”, referring to us, his students. Indeed, he did his best and I can attest to that!

  

THE LATEST BOMBING IN DAVAO CITY

By Apolinario Villalobos

Now it can be told… the latest bombing in Davao City showed that some Filipinos cannot make themselves feel for the crime victims in their effort to discredit the effort of Duterte to clip illegal drug trade and other form of criminality, in the bud. Instead of sympathizing with and show compassion to the victims, they instead, released unsavory remarks about the “arrogance” of Duterte. For them, the “courage” of the new president to clash head-on with the drug lords and other criminals in the country is a show of “arrogance”. For these detractors, the “laxity” of the past presidents as regards the various menace of the society is “piety” which for them cannot be replaced by any option even in the face of the dreaded threat by the criminals to totally destroy the country’s future. 

The latest bombing also showed the inutility of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as instead of dipping its finger in the investigation, it instead, reacted to the declaration of the “State of Lawless Violence” by president Duterte. Obviously, the CHR does not seem to stand on its mandate to protect the rights of the victims of criminalities. What they seem to protect are the rights of those who commit crimes…PEOPLE, WHO BY THEIR CRIMINAL ACTS AGAINST THE INNOCENT, HAVE CEASED TO BE HUMANS!

The seemingly lack of interest by the international social media should be treated as a blessing in disguise. The incident in Davao is an obvious isolated smear campaign against the administration and has been anticipated by the military as Abu Sayyaf’s reaction to its incessant campaign to pulverize this terroristic group….some sort of a diversionary tactic. The pronouncement was made by the military after it has reaped partial success against the group. It was purely a terroristic act that, not even first-world nations like the United States, France, and Germany cannot check 100%.

As the State of Lawless Violence is intended for the whole country, every Filipino should show utmost cooperation. Detractors should stop messing it up by spreading rumors about its being a precursor of the Martial Law which the president himself, has already denied many times. This is the time for the whole nation to stand as one against criminality in any form.

BAKIT HINDI MUNA PAGBIGYAN SI DUTERTE

DAHIL WALA PA NAMAN SIYANG 3 BUWAN SA PUWESTO?

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

HINDI KO MAUNAWAAN KUNG BAKIT MAY MGA TAONG GALIT DAY DUTERTE SA KABILA NG GINAGAWA NIYANG PAGLINIS NG SISTEMA NG GOBYERNO AT PAGPIGIL SA PAGLALA NG MGA KRIMEN KASAMA NA ANG MGA DROGA. SA NGALAN NG INUTIL NA “PROSESO” AY PINAPANIGAN NILA ANG MGA KRIMINAL KAYSA MGA BIKTIMA.

MAY COMPUTER NAMAN SIGURO SILA KAYA DAPAT AY SUBUKAN NILANG MAG-BROWSE SA INTERNET TUNGKOL SA COLOMBIA AT DRUG CARTEL SA SOUTH AMERICA. LUGMOK ANG EKONOMIYA NG COLOMBIA DAHIL HINDI NA NAKABAWI MULA SA ILANG DEKADANG EPEKTO NG KRIMEN NA ANG UGAT AY ILEGAL NA DROGA. IDAGDAG PA DIYAN ANG PAGKASIRA NG KINABUKASAN NG MGA KABATAAN NILA AT PAGKAWASAK NG MGA PAMILYA. YAN ANG AYAW NA MANGYARI NI DUTERTE SA PILIPINAS KAYA HANGGA’T KAYA NIYA AY GUSTO NIYANG SAWATAHIN ANG BISYO BAGO PA TULUYANG LUMALA.

HINDI NILA DAPAT PINI-PERSONAL SI DUTERTE DAHIL LANG IDENTIFIED SIYA SA MGA MARCOS. AT, LALONG HINDI NILA ITO DAPAT PANGGIGILAN DAHIL NAGMUMURA.

HINDI DAPAT MAGALIT O UMIWAS SA ISANG BAGAY DAHIL LANG SA ILANG DIPERENSIYA NITO. ANG MANI (PEANUT) HALIMBAWA, NA INIIWASAN NG MGA MAY ALLERGY DITO AY HINDI DAPAT  ITURING NANG MASAMA DAHIL MARAMI PA RIN ITONG PAKINABANG. ANG KABUUHAN NG SIMBAHANG KATOLIKO AY HINDI DAPAT LIBAKIN DAHIL LANG SA IILANG TIWALING PARI. GANOON DIN ANG ISLAM NA HINDI DAPAT PANDIRIHAN DAHIL SA GINAGAWA NG ISIS. SI DUTERTE AY GANYAN….NAGMUMURA AT PRANGKA KUNG MAGSALITA, PERO ANG IBANG BAHAGI NG KANYANG PAGKATAO AY MAY KABUTIHAN NAMAN.

ANG PILIPINAS AY PWEDENG IHALINTULAD SA ISANG NANGANGANAY NA BABAENG NANGANGANAK…. HIRAP NA HIRAP SA PAGPAPALABAS NG SANGGOL – ISANG BAGONG BUHAY. MASAMA ANG DATING SA IBA NG MGA NAPAPATAY NA MGA DRUG PUSHER AT MARAMI RIN ANG NASASAGASAAN KAHIT MGA MATATAAS NA OPISYAL NG GOBYERNO, SUBALIT ANG MGA NARARAMDAMANG “SAKIT” NA YAN AY DAPAT TIISIN KUNG KAILANGAN NATIN NG PAGBABAGO….NG BAGONG BUHAY.

ANG ISANG TAO AY MAGIGING INUTIL KAHIT BUHAY PA, KUNG ANG MGA BAHAGI NG KANYANG KATAWAN AY MAWAWALAN NG SILBI….PILAY ANG MGA KAMAY AT PAA, BULAG ANG MGA MATA, SIRA ANG PANDINIG, ETC. GANYAN ANG GINAGAWA NI DUTERTE SA SINDIKATO NG DROGA SA PILIPINAS….PILIT NIYANG GINAGAWANG INUTIL HANGGANG MAWALAN NG SILBI AT TULUYANG MAWALA SA LIPUNAN BAGO NITO MAWASAK ANG PILIPINAS!

BAKIT HINDI MUNA SIYA PAGBIGYAN DAHIL WALA PA NAMAN SIYANG 3 BUWAN SA PUWESTO? KUNG NATIIS ANG MGA KAPABAYAAN NG MGA NAKARAANG PRESIDENTE, ITONG BAGONG NAGPIPILIT NA MAYROON SIYANG MAGAGAWA AY BAKIT HINDI PAGBIGYAN?

DAVAO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NEEDS URGENT ATTENTION

FOR THE NECESSARY “CHANGES”

By Apolinario Villalobos

When Rodrigo Duterte was campaigning for the presidency, the popular caveat is: “change is coming”. Now, that he is in Malacaἧan Palace finally, it has become: “change for the better”. Indeed, there are so many things that need to be changed as part of his “house cleaning”. One of them is the Davao International Airport which is in a very sorry state. Many disappointed visitors to the Davao were heard to have commented on how in the world has such a “dilapidated” terminal become an international airport? For one thing, the decrepit signage announcing “Davao International Airport” has only with four or five lighted letters. The whole terminal building needs a repainting to put it bluntly. One lane that leads to the entrance of the pre-departure is closed forcing passengers alighting from taxis, thereby, forcing them to cross two lanes before finally making it to the unglamorous gate of the pre-dep. And, worst is the constant breakdown of the aircon system making many offices inside the terminal building akin to sauna cubicles!

Davao is supposed to be the premier international airport in Mindanao, but there is not even a 24-hour lounge for passengers who come from neighboring cities and towns, and who are then forced to stay in cheap downtown lodging facilities for a few hours in their desire to be on the first flight the following day. The average taxi fare from the downtown area is Php250, but for humanitarian’s sake, there should be a tip of at least Php20.00 The drivers of taxis queueing outside the airport “fence” are left on their own without, at least mobile toilets. And, to think that they an integral part of the tourism industry. I was told by many drivers that they would have to look for discreet corners every time they heed the call of nature. Aside from the mobile toilet, they should be provided with at least, a sheds of tarp with benches as they patiently wait for the visitors for 24 hours. And, there’s one signage announcing the presence of a government office in the area, but the name is shamefully printed in small letters under the name of the sponsor, a soft drink company which is printed in big letters…now, I think that is wrong because government agencies are not supposed to solicit funds for promo undertakings as they are supposedly budgeted!

The new secretary of the Department of Tourism, Wanda Tulfo Teo should do something about the aforementioned appalling situations. There is no problem with the peace and order of Davao, especially, with the transport service because taxi drivers are generally courteous and honest. But tourism is not all about peace and honest taxi drivers. The industry is more that those, as just like in visiting a house as guest, there is a question, such as, what can a palatable food on a grandly prepared table do if the yard is full of grass, the gate and the door are dilapidated, and the lighting fixtures are out of order?

The international focus has been veered towards Davao where the new president came from, and also due to its reputation as the comparably most peaceful city in the Philippines, thanks to him. It is home to the highest peak in the country, Mt. Apo, at 10,311 feet above sea level: the most exotic fruit, durian: Davao coffee made from coffee beans disposed awkwardly by civets from their innards: and, not to mention the reputation of the city as the biggest in area, in the whole world at 2,444 square kilometers. The new president who is known for his hard-hitting remarks and cuss has trebled the curiosity about this city. Davao is not only about Mindanao…she now stands for the Philippines as Duterte has become synonymous to her.

The Last Monday Flag Ceremony of Duterte in Davao (27June)

By Apolinario Villalobos

Listening to the radio broadcast of the speech of Rodrigo Duterte during the last flag ceremony that he attended as mayor of the city, listeners could feel his closeness to his constituents who trusted him for so many years. Non-Visayans who can understand only a sprinkling of the Cebuano dialect should not immediately make judgments or impressions after hearing familiar cusses and other words which may sound vulgar to them. This is how his morality and personality was unfairly misjudged by those from Luzon who have a different culture. If Duterte spoke in Bisaya during the flag ceremony, they should understand that he is in Davao speaking before a throng of Visayans.

Reporters should know by now that what makes Duterte cuss are words such as “drugs”, “drug lords”, “drug addict”, “rapists” and “corruption”. This is observable, for every time he mentioned those words during his speech, he tried with much effort to control himself not cuss, but with futility. Meanwhile, reporters should also be wary about questions that go beyond the borderline of privacy, and those which are already asked, but just repeated as if to test his consistency and recall ability. He is not a showbiz personality who needs media mileage to maintain a high degree of popularity. Duterte expects so much work to be done and this is what he will do despite his forthcoming “meager” salary which he jokingly declared to be just enough for his former wife and current “girlfriend”, with nothing much left for him. Some of those in the media who are so presumptuous about their “ability” to manipulate government officials by putting words in their mouth should stop such antic. Duterte is very much different from the presidents who came before him…as he knows his purpose for the Filipinos and the country. And, as he himself said, he would rather be left alone working, than be interviewed.

Manila reporters should start getting firsthand information on Duterte by talking with media people from Davao so that they can make the necessary adjustments to the personality and working habit of the new president. They should remove from their mind that being “Tagalogs”, they are superior to their Visayan counterparts. On the other hand, as an unsolicited suggestion, media entities in Manila should start hiring Bisayans to enhance their stable of field reporters and broadcasters. This shall preclude any misunderstanding as had happened even while Duterte was still campaigning.

Another Look at the Media

By Apolinario Villalobos

The localized, albeit, persistently exaggerated criticism of Duterte by the media , and which lately has been further inflated by a so-called international group is incomprehensible. In the first place, what Duterte criticized is the involvement of SOME media people in crime, especially, drugs.

There is no question on their noble purpose that calls for a lot of sacrifice. But, for fairness sake, they should not look at themselves sweepingly as “sterile” or free from tints of misdoing. Any calling is exposed to temptation…even Jesus underwent this test, but he persisted on fighting the devil which he did successfully. Who among the members of the media can be a Jesus today?

Again, if the lawmakers, the police, church workers and many others have admitted that their ranks are tainted with corruption, why can’t the media do the same? They should instead, just admit it and start doing some kind of internal cleansing as what the aforementioned groups are doing. Surely, the media can do it with their numerous “organizations” and “federations” that afford them a feeling of cohesion and security.

With the meager pay and with a big family to feed, woe to those who will bite or have already succumbed to the dangled temptation in terms millions of pesos and other comforts of life in the face of the trying times. But I admire those who are steadfast in their avowed noble purpose as heralds of the people despite their deficient remuneration. In the end the only consolation of the honest members of the media who get killed in the field is to be recognized, hence, called “heroes” during eulogy at their wake, a fitting honor that has no monetary equivalent.

Sino ang Pipiliin Mo?

…ang berdugo ng mga kriminal?

o berdugo ng mga nagugutom na Pilipino!

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang namumukod-tangi na sinasabi ng mga kalaban niya, si Duterte daw ay “berdugo” dahil sa mga lumutang na kuwento tungkol sa mga pinapatay niya, subalit hindi naman nila tinutukoy kung anong uri ng mga tao ang mga pinapatay niya…na mga salot ng lipunan -  mga kriminal, drug pusher, rapist, magnanakaw. Hindi sa ayaw ko ng “fair judgment” kaya lahat ng kaso ay dapat isampa sa korte. Subalit ilang kaso nang may mga mabigat na ebidensiya laban sa mayayamang kriminal ang nabalewala dahil sa mga binayarang huwes? Ilang mayayaman, kasama na diyan ang mga big time drug pusher na nakakulong nga subalit parang nagbabakasyon lang sa loob pa mismo ng bilibid sa Muntinglupa? Ilang mga kriminal ang nakakulong na subalit nakakalabas dahil ginagamit na bayarang mamamatay-tao?

Bakit hindi natin buksan ang ating isip na ang ginagawang pagnanakaw ng mga nasa gobyerno ay masahol pa sa diretsahang pagpatay ng tao dahil unti-unti nilang pinapatay sa gutom ang mga mahihirap. Ilan sa mga kandidato bilang presidente ang may mga kaso ng pagnanakaw?...ng kapabayaan sa trabaho noong nasa poder, sa harap ng kalamidad na sumalanta ng mga buhay at kabuhayan?...ng kapabayaan sa mga kasong pagnanakaw ng mga donasyong pera at pagkain na dapat ay pantulong sa mga biktima ng mga kalamidad?

Ang pagpatay ng tao ay pwedeng gawin sa dalawang paraan: diretsahan at unti-unti. Sa pangalawang paraan ay kailangan pang maghirap ng pinapatay. At, ang pinakamahalagang unawain ay ang dahilan ng pagpatay. May pinapatay dahil talagang litaw  na litaw ang mga ebidensiya at ang layunin ay hindi pansarili kundi upang hindi na pamarisan ng iba. May pagpatay na resulta naman ng pagkagutom dahil sa ginawa ng taong may MAKASARILING LAYUNIN…at ito ay pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan. Sa diretsahang pagpatay na may mabigat na dahilan, ang pinatay ay mga kriminal na umamin at ang iba ay huli sa akto. Samantalang ang mga pinapatay naman ng mga may makasariling layunin ay marami…mga naghihirap nang mga mamamayang inosente, na ang tanging kasalanan ay pagiging mahirap…dukha!

Ang mga nabanggit na gawain ay parehong masama dahil tungkol sila sa pagkitil ng buhay, na ayon sa mga maka-diyos ay masama. Pero alin sa sa dalawang pumapatay ang pipiliin mo?....ang pumapatay ng mga kriminal?...o ang pumapatay ng halos buong sambayanan dahil sa ginagawang pagnanakaw na naging sanhi ng matinding kagutuman…o di kaya ay pagiging inutil at walang pakialam sa mga problema ng taong bayan?

Rodrigo Duterte: His Mind and Heart

…unfairly misunderstood by some

By Apolinario Villalobos

We love to quote, “do not judge a book by its cover”, but many do not seem to understand what it means, as they do not put into practice.

Rodrigo Duterte is one guy who has not been blessed with good looks and this misfortune is aggravated by his habit of venting his anger by mouthing cusses instead of banging his fist on table, punching a wall, etc. But, those who read about his cussing stop right there….at the time he lets out the unsavory statements as an effort perhaps, to prevent his anger from triggering palpitations. They just do not know the guy. And because they do not want to hear his unchristian- like cussing, they declare Duterte to be verrryyyyy bad!

His bad joke way back in 1989 triggered by the rape and death of a young missionary woman has been “exposed” supposedly by the Binay camp. But that was the time when Duterte had barely warmed up his seat as mayor of Davao City. Besides, apologies have been made…so what’s the issue there? Long before he took the stewardship of Davao City, he was already known as a “joker”. His friends can attest to that. But his being a joker has failed to cover up his strong paternal compassion for abandoned children and exploited women, especially, those who are raped and murdered, yet. That is the reason why, he is against drugs which cause the destruction of the youth’s future. Friends in Davao can also attest to that. Those in Davao who may have unkind words for Duterte are the ones who do not want reforms in their own bad lifestyle and in the city. He may have been a “victim” of a Catholic priest when he was a student, but the incident did not dissuade him from strengthening his Catholic faith, that is why, he did not hesitate to ask the help of the city bishopric about his habit of cussing when it came to a point that all his detractors are using it in their effort to demolish him.

Catholics or just plain Christians for that matter have been presidents of the Philippines, but it was also during their time that the country STARTED to suffer from corruption that gave birth to various sufferings of the Filipinos and the Philippines as a whole. These past presidents can be seen in photos in the company of the pope, bishops, priests, but their “graceful” images did not stop the proliferation of corruption in the country. Except for President Quezon who was known to cuss with “punyeta” as his favorite, they show very “godly” image, which in Pilipino can be described as, “hindi makabasag pinggan na ugali”…very kind, soft-spoken. But, what kind of a country do we have now?

The Bible is full of these hypocrites…all temple leaders and supposedly interpreters of God’s words. But, who pushed Jesus Christ towards his doom?....THEY!

Are we assured then, that with their kind words, these loud-mouthed hypocritically promising candidates who are condemning Duterte,  give justice to the exploited Filipinos, when they win?....assuming that they will all “do all possible ways” to win? 

Ang Hamunan nina Roxas at Duterte

ay Pagpapakita ng Maruming Pulitika sa Pilipinas

ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang namumukod-tanging katangian ng pulitika sa Pilipinas ay pagiging marumi nito. Ang mga kandidato ay nagbabatuhan ng mga putik. Kaya may kasabihan sa Pilipinas na kung ayaw mong mabisto ang katauhan mo ay huwag kang pumasok sa pulitika. Ang dahilan noong-noon pa ng mga pulitiko, na “pagtulong sa kapwa” ang dahilan ng pagpasok nila sa pulitika ay pinagtatawanan na ngayon. Sinasabi pa ng iba na ang pulitika ay isa sa mga larangan kung saan ay yayaman ang isang tao – na unfair naman sa mga talagang walang intensiyong mangurakot….ng malaki. Tanggap naman ang 10% na komisyon na ang tawag noon pa man ay “for the boys”, na ayaw pa ngang tanggapin ng iba dahil nakakahiya sa sinumpaan nilang tungkulin. Ang masama lang kasi sa ibang nanalo at nakaupo na sa puwesto, hindi lang 70% ang gustong kurakutin, kundi 100% dahil ang project ay hanggang papel lang!

Hindi sana umabot sa hamunan ang dalawang kandidato sa pagka-pangulo ng bansa kung hindi sana pinakialaman ni Roxas ang nananahimik na Davao City. Alam naman niyang alagang-alaga ito ni Duterte pati na ng mga Davaweἧo, pati ng mga taong nakatira sa mga bayang nakapaligid dito. Kung papansinin, nagpakumbaba pa nga si Duterte nang punahin ang pagmumura niya at tinanggap pa ang “lecture” ng Obispo sa Davao City. Ito ay pakita lang na okey sa kanyang punahin ang mga personal niyang pagkakamali sa mata ng mga moralista, pero ang kantihin ang inaalagaan niyang katahimikan sa Davao na kung ilang taon din niyang nilinis at pinatahimik ay maituturing na “below the belt”.

Nang gantihan naman ni Duterte si Roxas tungkol sa nakakadudang pag-graduate niya sa hindi naman gaanong kilalang eskwelahan sa Amerika, pumalag din siya. Ngayon ay nagsisisi siya dahil pati ang kredibilidad niya sa larangan ng edukasyon na isa sa mga pinagmamalaki niya ay nalagay sa balag ng alanganin. Dahil sa panggagalaiti niya, marami tuloy ay nagsasabing baka nga totoong hanggang kodakan lang ang pag-graduate niya  sa Amerika.

Ang daming maaaring ipaliwanag ni Roxas sa mga tao upang magkaroon ng linaw ang mga isyu na may kinalaman din sa sinasandalan niyang presidente ng Pilipinas…bakit hindi na lang niya dito ituon ang kanyang effort sa pangangampanya? Bakit kailangang siraan pa niya si Duterte na nananahimik na nga? Mag-concentrate na lang sana siya sa “tuwid na daan” na pinangako niyang ipagpapatuloy, para marami pang mahatak kung sakali. Huwag na niyang pakialaman si Duterte na ang kapalaran ay nasa kamay ng COMELEC. Sa ginagawa niya, halatang ninenerbiyos siya dahil malakas ang hatak pareho ni Duterte at Poe. Mukhang pumalpak na naman ang campaign machinery na tumutulak kay Roxas.

Sa interbyu kay Duterte sa isang radio station sa Manila tungkol sa kanyang pagkandidato, nakiusap siya sa mga sumusuporta sa kanya na maging mahinahon at itigil na ang pagbabanta ng “rebolusyon” kung siya ay ma-disqualify. Bukambibig niya ang pagtanggap ng disqualification  kung ito ang desisyon ng COMELEC, kaya sinabi pa niya na kung maaari ay ituon din ng mga sumusuporta sa kanya ang atensiyon nila sa ibang mga kandidato, upang makapili sila ng karapat-dapat kung sakali ngang siya ay ma-disqualify. Pinapakita ni Duterte na hindi siya sakim, dahil ang gusto lamang niya ay maging realistic ang mga supporter niya batay sa mga umiiral na sitwasyon. Sa isang banda, malinaw pa rin ang pahayag niya na hindi siya umuurong sa pagtakbo bilang presidente ng Pilipinas.

Ang Pagmumura at si Duterte

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Dapat mag-ingat kahit kaunti si Duterte dahil tumitindi ang smear campaign laban sa kanya. Noon ay ang patagong banat sa kanya laban sa kanyang “pambabae” daw at “salvaging”. Mabuti at siya mismo ay nagsalita na tungkol sa mga bagay na ito at umamin pa, kaya wala nang mauukilkil tungkol sa mga ito upang hantarang ibabanat sa kanya. Isa sa mga tinitingnan ngayon ng mga naninira laban sa kanya ay ang ugali niyang pagmumura. Masama mang banggitin, may ginagamit na mga taga-media ang mga kalaban niya kaya sa isang iglap, kalat agad sa buong bansa kung may masambit man siyang pagmumura. Wala tayong magagawa dahil yan ang kalakaran ng pulitika sa Pilipinas.

Ang malas, “tinuka” niya ang pain na tanong tungkol sa pagdating ng santo papa, sa pagsagot subalit may kasamang pagmumura. Pinagpipiyestahan ng mga maninira ang ugali niyang pagmumura at pagiging prangka. Dahil sa ginagawa niyang pagmumura ay nagiging tactless siya.

May mga taong naging ugali na ang pagmumura kaya automatiko ang pagsambit ng maaanghang na salita na naging bahagi ng kanyang bokabularyo. Dapat baguhin ang ganitong pag-uugali na hindi man dinidekta ng puso ay masama ang epekto lalo sa mga taong banal kuno pero mahilig namang magbanggit ng “for Christ’s sake” o “for God’s sake” na mas matinding blasphemy at laban sa isa sa mga kautusan sa Ten Commandments. Ang mga banal na ito ay nagsa-sign of the cross pa kapag nakarinig ng masama o nakakita ng masama. Bakit hindi na lang sila maglagay ng busal sa mga tenga o di kaya ay maglagay ng pantakip sa mga mata na ginagamit ng mga kutsero sa kanilang kabayo para diretso ang kanilang tingin kapag naglalakad sa kalye? Pero kung marinig lang sila kung murahin nila ang kapitbahay at kasambahay kahit pa kararating lang nila mula sa simbahan dahil dumalo sa misa……..nakuuuu!

Upang maipakita ko ang katapatan sa binabahagi ko tungkol sa pagmumura at upang maging makatotohanan ang mga sinasabi ko, aaminin kong nakikita ko ang sarili ko kay Duterte dahil naging bahagi na rin ng pananalita ko ang pagmumura tulad ng “tangna” na pinaiksing “putang ina”, ang “belatibay” na pinaiksing “latibay” upang hindi masyadong maanghang pakinggan, at ang pabulong na “..hit” na sana ay “shit”, pero hindi pa rin nawawala ang “yodiputa”. Tulad ni Duterte, marami rin ang nagalit at nakadanas din ako ng panlilibak dahil sa pagmumura ko. Ang masakit lang, ang iba pala sa kanila ay matindi naman palang manira ng kapwa!

Sa mga naging president ng Pilipinas ang kilala sa pagmumura ay si Manuel L. Quezon na ang ginagamit na kataga ay mula sa wikang Kastila…maraming nagalit sa kanya noon lalo na ang mga kasama niya sa gobyerno na karamihan ay nakatikim ng pagmumura mula sa kanya. May dati akong boss na ang ginagamit na salita ay “Jesus Christ” or “Jessezzzz” sabay hawak sa kanyang noo…at ngayon ay malamang kasama na niya dahil namayapa na siya. Yong isang kaibigan ko naman ay paborito ang “damn you” at “go to hell”, patay na rin siya at malamang ay nandoon na rin siya. Yong isa pa ay “demonyo ka” o di kaya ay “demonyo” lang kung walang kausap pero nadapa o nauntog o may nakalimutan sa bahay.

Ang pagmumura ay isang paraan upang lumuwag ang naninikip na dibdib ng isang taong galit. Sa halip na lakas ang gamitin niya sa pamamagitan ng pagsuntok sa kausap o manira ng anumang gamit na mahawakan ay dinadaan na lang niya sa pagmumura.  May nasimulan naman sa Japan na pantanggal ng tension na sanhi ng paninikip ng dibdib, at ito ay ang pagsigaw kahit halos namamaos na. Subalit may paraan na ngayon upang mapalitan ang ganitong uri ng paglabas ng galit, sa pamamagitan ng paghinga ng malalim o “deep breathing”. Sa kamalasan, may isa akong kaibigan na sa sobran galit ay pinilit ang sunud-sunod na deep breathing kaya hinimatay dahil na-choke…kinapos ng hangin! Ayaw kong mahimatay tulad niya.

Ang problema sa kultura natin na may pagka-colonial pa rin, kapag ang pagmumura ay ginawa sa English o Kastila, parang wala lang ang epekto, pero kung ang pagmumura ay ginawa na sa Pilipino, ang nakakarinig, lalo na mga banal daw ay para nang natapunan ng ipot ng pusa sa mukha. Hindi ko sinasabing hindi masama ang pagmumura. Subalit dapat ay maghinay-hinay sa paghusga sa mga taong nagmumura. Mabuti nga lumabas ang masamang salita lang mula sa kanya, hindi tulad ng ibang nagbabanal-banalan na ang masamang ugali ay nagkakaugat sa puso nila at diwa kaya habang tumagatal ay yumayabong pa. Ang pagmumura namang inilalabas ay walang pagkakataong yumabong dahil….yon nga, ibinuga na ng bibig!

Narinig ang tape tungkol sa pagmumura ni Duterte sa santo papa, kaya malinaw na ginawa nga niya. Isa itong maituturing na “tactlessness” o kawalan ng pasubali o ugaling bara-bara sa salitang kanto….na talagang mali. Subalit si Duterte ay kilala sa paghalo ng mga biro sa kanyang pananalita, kaya malamang, para sa kanya ay joke ang sinabi niya….pero joke na masama o hindi nararapat dahil si Francs bilang pinakamataas na lider ng simbahang Katoliko ay tinuturing na banal kay tinawag na “santo papa”. 

Kilalal sa pagbiro ang mga Bisaya, na kahit maanghang sa pandinig ay hindi naman bukal sa kalooban ng nagsabi, tulad ng pabirong “gi-atay ka”  o “lilinti-an ka” na ang mga kahulugan ay ayaw ko na lang sabihin. Mabuti na rin ang ginawang pagpuna kay Duterte, para hindi isipin ng santo papa na tino-tolerate ng mga Pilipino ang ganitong ugali…at baka hindi na siya magsalita ng blessing sa Pilipino tuwing mamintana upang magbasbas sa mga taong nag-aabang sa kanya.

Pero, sa isang banda, kung papipiliin ako sa pagitan ng isang taong nagmumura subalit ang layunin ay magkaroon ng pagbabago sa isang sistema ng gobyerno na may makapal na kulapol ng korapsyon at may napatanuyan na, at sa isang taong namang dahilan ng kagutuman at kahirapan ng buong bayan dahil sa kawalan ng malasakit, kahit hindi pa nagmumura at animo ay larawan ng pagkabanal at pagka-santo na pagkukunwari lang pala….ang pipiliin ko ay ang nagmumura!

Ang ginawa ni Duterte kahit pa maituturing na joke ay patunay sa binitiwan niyang babala noon na kung maging presidente siya ay wala siyang sasantuhin….kaya humanda na sila!

Naisahan ni Duterte ang Mga Detractors niya sa Pag-amin

ng mga ginawa niya…hindi siya plastic tulad ng Iba!

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Sa pinakahuling sinabi ni Duterte, walang kagatul-gatol na inamin  niyang nagkaroon siya ng iba pang asawa at dinispatsa niya ang mga masasama. Ano pa ngayon ang uukilkilin sa pagkatao niya dahil ang mga bagay na ito ang mga pinag-iinitan ng mga mapagkaunwari niyang detractors na kalaban sa pulitika?

Sino ngayon ang asal-demonyo, si Duterte ba na ang mga babaeng naging bahagi ng kanyang buhay ay hindi niya itinuring na “kabit” kundi napamahal din sa kanya kaya hindi niya pinabayaan sa pamamagitan ng kaya niyang sustento kahit maliit lang…o ang ibang mga opisyal ng gobyernong nakaupo ngayon na maipakita lang na kunwari ay “macho” ay kung sinu-sino ang pinapalabas sa media na “kabit” nila… o lalo na yong mga walang konsiyensiyang pagkatapos buntisin ang nagsmasahe sa kanila sa massage parlor o nai-table sa beer house ay basta iiwanan, o di kaya ay makapagsustento lang ng malaki sa kerida ay nangungurakot sa kaban ng bayan?

Sino ngayon ang asal-demonyo, si Duterte ba na umaming nagdispatsa ng mga salot sa lipunan na maski ilang ulit nang ikinulong ay nakakalabas pa rin dahil sa piyansa ng mga big time financiers nila, kaya nakakapangholdap pa rin at nakakapagbenta ng droga na ikinasasama ng mga kabataan (take note: hindi sapat na “umamin” kaya guilty na siya, dahil legally ay wala pang napatunayang may dinispatsa siya, at malamang ay “good riddance” pa para sa mga kaanak ng mga dinispatsa na nakabistong sila ay masama talaga kaya hindi na nagreklamo pa)…o ang mga magnanakaw na mga opisyal na hindi na nakaisip na dahil sa ginagawa nila ay marami ang nagugutom at naghihirap, sa pamamagitan ng mga ghost projects at paggamit ng mga ghost NGO o di kaya ay pakikipagsabwatan sa mga ito?

Sino ngayon ang asal-demonyo, si Duterte ba na upang ma-monitor ang nangyayari sa lunsod na kanyang pinamumunuan (Davao City) ay nagmaneho din ng taxi sa gabi upang personal na makita ang tunay na sitwasyon…o, ang mga walanghiyang opisyal ng gobyerno na bahagi na ng pagkatao nila ang pagsisinungaling at pagmamagaling, ganoong kaya lang naman nasa katungkulan ay dahil sa dinadala nilang apelyido…o yong ni hindi nakaranas na maipit ng trapik sa EDSA…o nakatikim ng NFA rice?

Iba ang sitwasyon ng Davao kung ihambing sa ibang bayan o lunsod. Pinagtataguan ito ng mga taong tumatakas sa batas dahil may ginawang kasalanan sa kung saan mang lalawigan, bayan, o lunsod na nakapaligid ditong pinanggalingan nila. Pinamumugaran din ito ng mga NPA, lalo na sa Agdao isang slum area na nasa tabing- dagat, na kung tawagin noon ay “Nicaragdao”. Ang mga nakatira sa Davao ay nabibilang sa iba’t ibang kulturang Pilipino,  tulad ng Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Badjao, mga tribu ng Lumad, at mga dayo galing sa Visayas at Luzon – lahat sila ay dapat pakisamahan at asikasuhin ng patas. Hindi din nalalayo ang sitwasyon ng Davao sa iba pang lugar na may mga drug pusher. Ngayon, hindi man 100% na tahimik o crime-free ay masasabing kontrolado na nang umupo si Duterte bilang mayor. Ang dating magulong Agdao ngayon ay tahimik na…panatag na ang kalooban ng mga naglalakad sa lunsod kahit hatinggabi…walang manlolokong taxi driver.

Walang mawawala kay Duterte kung ipilit ng administrasyon na i-disqualify siya na halata naman kahit pa sabihin ng Malakanyang na hindi sila nakikialam sa desisyon ng COMELEC. Hindi na tanga ang taong-bayan upang hindi masakyan ang mga sinasabi ng grupo ni Pnoy. Ayaw lang ng taong bayan na magkaroon uli ng mga marahas na pagkontra dahil wala din namang magandang mangyayari, tulad ng nakakahiyang resulta ng “EDSA People Power”, na bandang huli ay halos isumpa ng mga taong nagising sa katotohanan. Hindi bulag ang taong-bayan upang hindi makita ang mga nilangaw na selebrayson ng people power kuno na ito, dahil ang mga dumalo ay mga kamag-anak ng mga Aquino at mga crony nila na lumipat lang mula sa kampo ni Ferdinand Marcos noon, kaya hanggang Ayala lang sila tuwing mag-celebrate.

Natataranta ngayon lahat ng nasa oposisyon dahil biglang sumirit ang popularidad ni Duterte at naungusan niya ng milya-milya si Poe, isang araw lang pagkatapos niyang magdeklarang tatakbo sa pagka-pangulo. Malas na lang ng mga huling nag-over the bakod dahil mismong si Duterte ang umayaw sa kanila. Natataranta sila dahil inamin ni Duterte na walang problema kung si Bongbong Marcos ang ka-tandem niya, na alam ng lahat, na ang hatak ay “solid north”, at malaki-laki ring bahagi ng Visayas at Mindanao. Hindi maikakaila na marami pa ring namamayagpag na Marcos loyalist groups.

Baka sabihin ng mga detractor ni Duterte na hindi siya maka-Diyos. Tamaan na ng kidlat ang magsabi niyan, lalo na ang mga nakaupo ngayon sa puwesto! Sila ang hindi maka-Diyos na dapat ay tusukin ng kidlat dahil nasilaw sa perang ninakaw nila sa kaban ng bayan at hindi na nagsawa sa mga oportunidad na halos wala na yatang katapusan sa pagdaloy at tinatamasa nila habang sila ay nasa kapangyarihan!

Bilang huling hirit, baka naman sabihin ng mga desperadong mapanira na hindi macho si Duterte o di kaya ay anak ito ng pari o di kaya ay anak sa pagkakasala ng isang artista, o ng isang na-rape na madre o di kaya ay kapatid sa labas ni Ferdinand Marcos sa labandera nila, para lang may mabanggit. Ang pinakamagandang gawin sana ng mga nagmamagaling pero kuwestiyonable din naman ang pagkatao ay magpaka-disente na lang sa pangangampanya…huwag ipaling ang mga sinasabi sa mga personal na bagay. Sa halip, sana ang gawin ng mga nangangampanya ay magpaliwanag tungkol sa mga plano nilang gagawin kung sakaling manalo, tulad ng sinasabi palagi ni Duterte kung ano ang gagawin niya sa mga drug lords, mga nagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan, etc! Huwag silang magpakita ng mala-demonyong ugali at pagkagahaman sa puwestong inaasam ngayon pa lang, kahit hindi pa tapos ang 2015!

The Philippines needs a Strongman as President

…could it be Duterte?

By Apolinario Villalobos

With threats from within and outside, the Philippines needs a strongman. By strongman, it means that such a guy should be respectable and with a tested conviction.

From within, the country reels from the overpowering and pestering corruption since the first day of its self-governance. From outside, the country is perceived as lame because of its equally weak leadership. That is the sad state of the country today. No amount of made up report about its “progress” printed in bold black figures has been able to lend an impressive image of the country, as the objective of such report is obviously to encourage the government to borrow more money from lending countries that are salivating at the prospect of its continued indebtedness.

Illegal drug business is having a grand time in the country and crime is steadily on the rise. Illegal mining financed by foreigners in cahoots with corrupt local officials is left unchecked. Poverty and unemployment are practically gnawing up the economic foundation of the country. The educational system is so unreliable, that instead of alleviating the lot of the youth, it has contributed to their shock and confusion due to exploitive schemes of educational institutions resulting from redundant course offerings.

Juveniles are left out on the streets, harassing unsuspecting citizens, and while enjoying sniffs of rugby from bottles and small plastic pouches. On the other hand, the agencies that are supposed to be overflowing with programs for this segment of the population just look the other way. They remove these urchins from the streets only when foreign visitors are coming.

I mentioned in my earlier blogs, Duterte who practically, gave Davao City a 24-degree turnaround with his conviction in implementing the law. Agdao which was known before his time as “Nicaragdao” due to heinous crimes even at daytime, now sports a new genteel image. For a big and veritable tourist destination in Mindanao, curfew is being strictly observed with much respect, together with the non-smoking in public places. Literally, Davao is the only city in the country that celebrates Christmas silently, albeit, with much solemnity, due to the strictly imposed firecracker ban until the eve of New Year.

Some quarters are wary that, although, Duterte has proved his worth as Mayor of Davao City, its scope is just a minuscule compared to that of the Philippines as a nation on matters of “control”, especially, on the personages that comprise the administration. It should be noted that corruption is not limited to heads of offices but subordinates, as well. Add to this the two halls of lawmakers – Congress and Senate, whose support is very necessary. Will the two houses which are immensely enjoying their “benefits” cooperate with a “straight” President in the person of Duterte, just in case? Will the well-entrenched corrupt personalities exchange their monetary benefits for “idealism”?

As dictated by dirty Philippine political tradition, in case Duterte wins, lawmakers will surely change their color again so that they can meld with him. If this happens, will Duterte maintain his steadfastness as a no-nonsense leader, thereby, prove himself as really, a strongman? Personally, I know, he will.

Duterte is the person who qualifies as a leader at the right moment which is 2016, a decisive and tumultuous year for the country. He may not have an experience as a governor, a congressman, a senator, or even as vice-president, but any person on the street knows that most of those who filled those positions are corrupt and even naïve. Of what use then, is having an experience in those positions, before one can become president? 

TWO THOUGHTS ON FAKE RICE AND NOODLES,

AND POISONED DURIAN CANDIES…

By Apolinario Villalobos

IT IS ONLY BY DOING THE ABOVE THAT THE “INTELLIGENT” AND “HARDWORKING” LAWMAKERS CAN SHOW THEIR “SINCERITY” IN PASSING LAWS THAT ARE NOT INTENTIONALLY- MADE DEFECTIVE SO THAT THEY BE EASILY “BROKEN”…IN AID OF CORRUPTION.

THE LAWMAKERS SHOULD TAKE SPECIAL NOTE ON WHY ALL OF THE ABOVE ARE ONLY CENTERED ON DAVAO, THE DOMAIN OF DUTERTE. THEY SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES WHY….WITH ONE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION…IS IT A DEMOLITION “JOB”?

THE POISONED DURIANS, ALTHOUGH, DISTRIBUTED IN SURIGAO CITY, ARE WITHOUT QUESTION SYNONYMOUS TO DAVAO OR DAVAO CITY…AND, THE PERPETRATORS SEEM WANT TO SHOW THAT DUTERTE IS INUTILE IN CHECKING THEM.

An Ideal Homeowners’ Association

…Flores Village Phase II (Bangkal, Davao City)

by Apolinario Villalobos

Life in a subdivision is not always idyllic. There are always setbacks such as unreliable security, stray dogs, arrogant neighbors, and irregularly maintained cleanliness of surroundings. Having a reliable homeowners’ association then, becomes the only hope of the homeowner from nurturing regrets for having lived in such kind of community.

During one of my trips to Davao City, I was invited by a friend to stay with his family for a night which I gladly accepted. He lives in a middle- class, though exclusive subdivision, the Flores Village Phase II in the suburbs of the city, particularly, Bangkal. As I was used in our subdivision of being bothered by the presence of stray dogs and their incessant barking at night, my overnight stay at the Flores Village was a relief, as I never heard a single bark.

Incidentally, my friend, Ed Collado is the president of the homeowners’ association and I got interested on how he does his job. He confided that among his implemented priority projects was the installation of the CCTV units at strategic locations around the subdivision. The cleanliness and cordial relationship among neighbors are also maintained. The vacant lot which has been developed into a plaza which lately, has been provided by the local government with a multi-purpose shelter and basketball court is further made useful with the Council’s encouragement of homeowners to maintain plots which to date are planted with vegetables. Much earlier, mango trees were also planted to provide shade and later, fruits.

A healthful activity of the homeowners is the early morning brisk walk around the village which they commence as early as five in the morning. Usually, the earliest to rise is Manuel Pabriaga who is also a staunch volunteer in practically all activities of the association, despite his being a non-officer. But Ed, considers him as the Council’s  “Ex-O”.

Noticeable in the subdivision is the abundance of ornamental and medicinal herbs. Some are rare which prompted this writer to encourage Ed to have them propagated and sold during agri-trade fairs, making such venture as a fund-raiser for their association. And, for this purpose, a small portion of the community garden can be converted into a nursery.

I was also told that coordination is being done with the local government for the provision of additional streetlights that will definitely make the village more livable. As of now, only the “tri-sikad” (non-motorized tricycle) is allowed to service the transport needs of commuting homeowners within the village to maintain the peace and quiet.

Interesting is their “mortuary” program for the homeowners which is akin to the “paluwagan”. In such, the homeowners are encouraged to deposit in their common fund, Php100 per month that can be withdrawn to provide relief when somebody dies in the family. This is aside from the fixed death aid benefit.

Aside from Ed Collado, who is the President of the homeowners’ association, the rest of the officers are: Emeterio J. Josue, Jr. (Vice-President), Elizabeth E. Sacco (Secretary), Rolando V. Supetrano (Treasurer), Alex Cordero (Auditor), Jesus Galcio (Business Manager), Federico Limjuco (Public Information Officer), and Rogelio Limjuco (Peace Officer).

The successful Council of the Flores Village Phase II, showed that an effective homeowners’ association is very crucial to maintain a friendly, clean and secured in a subdivision.