The 'Million People March'

There was this meme showing Dr. Jose Rizal's ghost descending in a dungeon and there he saw Mother Land, tied up and suffering. Two words his greeting was: "still here?" 

Two words. Very simple. Yet it struck a huge chord in me. And why not? More than a hundred year ago since Rizal's martyrdom, and indeed we're still here. We may have broken the chains of our colonizers, but the sad truth is we are being enslaved by our fellow Filipinos. Leaders we elected, sworn to uphold the rule of law and protect its people, were caught redhanded, pocketing billions after billions from the nation's coffer. 

It's national heroes day but instead of commemorating heroes from the past, most Filipinos chose to be heroes themselves. 

The EDSA People Power 1 started from Cardinal Sin's call through the radio while the EDSA 2 started in chains of text messages urging everyone to come out to rally in the streets. This time, the so-called "Million People March" started in social media. One click and thousands heed the call to scrap the pork barrel system. There was no figure who acted as the leader. And why should there be? Every Filipino that went there is a leader, a real boss ready to show the world that he's fed up and that he's willing to fight and slay dragons no matter how impossible it seems. 

When I arrived at the Luneta Park I was surprised to see a huge crowd. I was not expecting it will turn out this big. Probably it's because it's way easier to commit to a certain cause using Facebook and Twitter, but it's another thing to actually go out and go against your usual way. But it happened. There in front of Rizal where majority are youth, we the Filipino people proved that we're not asleep and that we're willing to stand our ground because we are angry, we want accountability and that we want a government that we deserve. 

It was so moving to see people united under one cause. Forget agenda. Forget their respective stand on different issues. This time, Filipinos realized that this cause is something bigger than all of us. There were dancing, singing and laughter. People looked happy, we looked happy not because we're not serious with our protest, but because we are fighting together and because we know we can make a change. 

Yes it's true that one rally will not change the world. But I believe the different voices that came today in one harmonious call will resonate far more than we expect. So until then. For now we have work to do. We know what to do. 

UAAP 76 mid-season assesment

The UAAP Season 76 senior men's basketball second elimination round will begin in two days after a two-week break due to the FIBA Asia Championship that was held here in the country. And while it's a bit late, here's my mid-season assesment of the team:

FEU (7-0)

Who would've thought that the Tamaraws will sweep the first round? Everyone's guilty of it. I can still remember those few days before the season officially kicked-off and journalists, when asked about FEU, would only give a fair answer. Usually, it's UE and NU on top of conversations that would clinch the top spot.

The tandem of RR Garcia and Terence Romeo proved them wrong. And to top it all, Romeo is leading the pack for the race towards MVP. But guess what? He's still unsatisfied with his performance. Even Garcia said they can still fine-tune their team's chemistry.

I expect FEU to stay on top of its game for the second round and who knows, from what Garcia and Romeo are saying, there's a lot more to come for the Tamaraws.

UST (4-3)

Admit it or not, if only team captain Jeric Teng wasn't suffering from injury from collission with NU's Jeoffrey Javillonar, UST could be in solo spot for second place in the team standings. 

They almost made it past Ateneo at fourth quarter in their last match of first round, with the Eagles missing those crucial shots and free throws. Problem is the team didn't gel well and that's where Teng should've entered.

Another hole in UST's game is Kareem Abdul. I don't think he's playing the way he did during those times with Jeric Fortuna. It must be the way the ball is being trafficked but if Abdul would be able to whip out his former gear, the Tigers could be a huge threat for FEU vying for that top spot.

NU (4-3)

Two-time MVP Bobby Ray Parks struggled to find his ryhtmn in the earlier part of the first round, but he did recover and maybe we canexpect that to double this coming next round. But still, it's clear that it's not his usual game.

To be honest, I was like "wait a second..." thinking of the Bulldogs because I don't think they're performing up at par with the pre-season expectation. Emmanuel Mbe stepped up in most games, but what about the other players?

UE (4-3)

Yes, the Super Sumang Show is on! Or as my fellow journalist would often say, "Sumang and Friends Show."

What can I say? Roi Sumang provided one of the most epic last quarter runs in the entire first round of the season. How can anyone forget that four-point play where he dribbled the ball up to the last second of the shot clock with three seconds left in the game before shooting a blistering trey?

The good thing about UE is that aside from Sumang, they have Charles Mammie under the basket. But dangerous man waiting to explode is Ralf Olivares.

Coach Zamar thanked the media in his last press conference for making them the contender, but to be honest, I think they made it on their own.

DLSU (3-4)

Jeron Teng aside, because we all know his performance inside the court leads the way for the Archers, most of the players of La Salle are just doing so-so. Not bad, but still nothing exceptional. Arnold van Opstal was good, Thomas Torres and Norbert Torres are good - they are doing fine, but not yet on the line where they could leave the opposing team trailing far enough for a sure-fire win.

Also, Teng struggling with his free throws, and while we can give the "most improved award" to van Opstal, the team as a whole should do double-work for them to climb up the standings.

They could still do it here in the second round. I understand that coach Juno Sauler was new, but he is doing a great job with his team. All that's left is for the Archers to execute the program well.

ADMU (3-4)

We expected Ateneo's prowess to dwindle down a bit this season after most of its powerhouse players graduated. But we didn't expect such really bad beginning.

The problem was Kiefer Ravena. Let's face it. He's the glue that's keeping the team's chemistry in full blast. And with him gone due to injury, the team suffered so much.

Now he's return. At last press conference he said he's still not playing at his 100% so the two-week break might've done him great. Hopefully Ryan Buenafe already made it to his ideal playing weight and more importantly, their free throw problem in the previous game against UST will never happen again at that level this coming second round.

Juami Tiongson was right. It's true Ateneo is down right now, but they're definitely not out of the race. 

Adamson (3-4)

Adamson surprised me in many ways. We know Jericho Cruz plays really well, but the team's performance as a whole definitely improved this season. But still, I don't think it's enough for them to smash through the Final Four.

It is true that the previous game against La Salle could've favored them if not for the unsportsmanlike foul called on Gian Abrigo. But if the Falcons want an unquestionable game, they should drive all the players in shooting form, not just Cruz.

I'm still waiting for Ryan Monteclaro to explode because I believe that kid got it in him plus Ingrid Sewa who still lack that fire that could really carry the bulk of Adamson's offense. Hopefully this second round, the boys would prove their mettle.

UP (0-7)

Seeing Joseph Marata at UP's last defeat courtesy of UE was probably the most heart wrenching scene next to UST's last year loss against Ateneo. It was devastating. And very frustrating.

UP had its bright moments in the first round, moments of silver lining where you'd think "okay, this might be it." At some point I thought they had it going, but apparently, only up until halftime. For some reason, they can't sustain the drive until the final canto.

What would make UP pull itself up? Sadly, only the team can answer that.

FINAL FOUR

For me, FEU and UST are clear part of the playoffs so the battle now is for the third and last seat.

NU and UE might be ahead of the pack this early, but we still don't know what the remaining teams are capable of pulling this second round.

So I'd say good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

________

All photos courtesy of ABS-CBNNews.com

The Gilas fight

It was an emotional win.

When the Gilas Pilipinas ended the curse of Korea, Filipino basketball fans shed tears, if not all literally, I'm sure inside they are crying, glowing with pride as finally after decades, the World Cup stage is open. I'm saying this because I, too, shed tears shamelessly. And why not? I know the story. I know we are underdogs. I know a lot are skeptical. And the Gilas made it through. We made it.

Photo from FIBA.com

Next on target is winning the FIBA Asia championship. Blocking the way were the mighty Iranians led by former Memphis Grizzlies Hamed Haddadi, but Gilas head coach Chot Reyes said it plain and clear the night before the fight: "They will have to carry us out of that court tomorrow."

True enough, the Pinoys made sure it will not be an easy feat for Iran. Although Haddadi was able to build his kingdom inside the paint, the Gilas endured every bad call, every blistering box out of the tournament's favorite. Heart compensated for the lack of height. 

Photo from Nuki Sabio

The Iranians were successful in snatching the gold but somehow, compared to the silver that hanged in our players' chest, in my eyes they glimmered way brighter. This is not to diminish Iran's win because they played really well and I admire that. But for a nation of underdogs, that ticket to Spain definitely means a lot. 

Photo from random Facebook user

I know there are others out there who scoff at the idea of our Gilas playing against the likes of the Gasol Brothers and Kobe Bryant's flock, but for real Pinoy basketball fans who watched all those years of struggle and pain, the chance itself to fight is already a win.

Laban Pilipinas! Puso!

UST's captain Jeric Teng vows not to repeat past season's mistakes

by Erik Tenedero

MANILA, Philippines - UST Growling Tigers team captain Jeric Teng vows not to repeat past UAAP season's mistakes as the 76th year of the country's premier colleagiate league begins Saturday. 

"No way," said Teng in an interview with DZMM online. "Not gonna happen. Hindi na uli. Tama na yung last year. We learned from our loss."

The UST men's senior basketball team was swept last year by the Ateneo Blue Eagles in a three-game series championship. 

Being the captain, Teng admits  the pressure of going back to the finals is heavier, but he assures the UST community that it will not get in the way of the team's hunger to clinch this year's title. 

"Siyempre pressured. 'Yun nga lang it all boils down to how much you want it. Siyempre galing kami sa talo, dapat mas gutom na kami. Mas gusto naming manalo," he said. 

For this season's preparation, Teng said they are still working on coach Pido Jarencio's new system. 

Asked about whether the team already found a replacement for the former point guard Jeric Fortuna who already graduated, Teng said there was no need for this since coach Jarencio wants all his players to drive that ball. 

"Dati si Fortuna hawak niya lagi 'yung bola. This time gusto ni coach Pido kahit sino pwede pasahan ng bola, versatile. 'Yung mga 1, 2, 3, 4 pwedeng magdala ng bola."

This season will be the last for Teng as he's expected to graduate next year. 

The 22-year old former Rookie of the Year has only one thing in his mind after college and that is to join the professional league.  

"Goal ko talaga, Dream ko talaga since childhood 'yung PBA so hopefully I'll have a good season para if ever magpa-draft na ko," he said. 

"I want to make the most out of my last year. Sana mag-champion na. "

Jerie Pingoy willing to sit out 2 years of UAAP for Ateneo

by Erik Tenedero

MANILA, Philippines - Fans will have to for wait two years before they can watch former FEU point guard Jerie Pingoy back at UAAP stage. 

In an interview, Pingoy said he is willing to sit out two years of UAAP as consequence of his transfer to Ateneo Blue Eagles. Despite this, he said he's not regretting his decision. 

Pingoy was the most affected athlete of the newly implemented two-year residency rule passed by the UAAP board this hence it was dubbed by most sports writers as "The Pingoy Rule."

The new rule requires transferring atheletes from one UAAP school to another to serve two year residency before they can play for their new school. 

UAAP secretary general Junel Baculi admits that the new rule aims to cut pirating of players. 

Amidst all these, Pingoy said he'll use the two-years of waiting focusing on his studies, training and getting accustomed with the system of his new squad. 

But Pingoy still has a chance of playing for the upcoming season of UAAP. 

This after the board approved a clause where transferring high school players will be exempted from the two-year residency rule as long as they are given release papers from their previous school. 

Asked if he's planning to ask or if he already asked for release papers from FEU, Pingoy said: "hindi ko pa alam kasi hinold nila ko and then baka hindi i-release."

In a seperate interview, FEU Athletics Director Mark Molina clarifies there was no formal request for release papers from Pingoy's camp. 

However, Molina refuses to answer directly if they are willing to grant Pingoy his release papers should the 20-year old former FEU cager ask for it. 

He said they have players who asked for release players and were allowed by the university to have them. 

DZMM online tried asking Pingoy about this statement from FEU but he already refused to comment further. 

Despite this, Pingoy was all praises and thanks for his former squad. 

"Thankful pa rin ako sa FEU. Kung wala sila wala rin ako ngayon." Photo from FEU official Facebook page

On my way to vanity

More than a month ago, my pimple problem started thanks to my careless trying of well-known brand of men's moisturizing cream. Everything was well during the first two days of me dabbing the product on my face. But then came my nightmare. One by one, large red pimples started to plague my face and before I can do anything, they looked as if they were there to stay forever. 

I'm probably the least among guys who would consider himself vain. Before, there were times when I don't even wash my face before going to sleep because I'm already too tired. And I don't use any cream or cleanser to go for a better skin. Its just that I'm too busy to worry about stuff like that. 

And then this happened. 

I immediately went to a drugstore and bought some benzoyl peroxide. I've had this pimple problem before when I was in college. And in addition to going to a dermatologist, benzoyl peroxide helped in drying up my pimples within just few days of use. But this time it failed me. 

I was already panicking and thinking of shelling out some cash and go to a derm clinic. I was thinking of Belo Medical Clinic, but when I checked the prices, it was all too much for a medium grade employee like me. So I decided to go back to my previous derm clinic that checked me when I was in college. 

First I'd like to say that they're not paying me for writing this. I just want to share this because when I was so desperate finding a legitimate blog tackling this, I saw nothing but articles obviously written in favor of some facial brands and clinics. Anyway, to continue. 

So I set up an appointment at Dermclinic SM North Edsa branch to finally get it over with. Actually, the branch that took care of me when I was in college was the one at SM Manila, but the SM North branch is nearer since I work at Quezon City. I love the talk with the dermatologist. Here are the key points she told me:

1. She was clear to point out that I have an OILY and a very SENSITIVE skin. Because of this, she advised me against using non-prescription facial products. Or if I couldn't help it, she said I should always check if the product has mild ingredients and most importantly, they should be organic. 

2. Don't use oil-based facial products. This how I realised that the moisturizer I've used was the culprit. It was oil-based and oil-based products used on oily face means disaster. Now, this happened during election season and as a journalist, it was the busiest and most stressful days meaning it add up to the injury: OIL-BASED PRODUCT + OILY SKIN + STRESS + HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT = acne. 

3. Lessen the intake of dairy products. My ultimate stress busters are chocolates, cakes and ice cream. I don't remember it explicitly but she cited some study which suggests that high intake of these dairy products contributes to acquiring pimples. Moderation is the key to be safe, she said. 

Afterwards she gave me her prescriptions. And she also explained this procedure which got me interested and promised to undergo with as soon as I can. To be honest I was surprised at the prices of the products. But then again I brought this to myself (plus my genes) so I didn't have the right to complain. Here they are:

1. Mild wash (liquid soap)

2. Dermisol lotion

3. Toner

4. Tretinoin

5. Another facial cream to alternate with Tretinoin

6. Sunblock

A month later, the pimples finally stopped popping out on my face. But during the whole month that I'm using the products, there were minor breakouts where a pimple or two would appear but a friend told me it was part of the whole "healing process."

With this whole dilemma, I promised myself I'll be more caring of my skin and will try to be a bit vain. Being metrosexual definitely will not suit me, but a little vanity, I guess, never hurt anyone, right? 

New LTFRB chief is 5th among former Corona prosecutors to earn government post

by Erik Tenedero

MANILA, Philippines - LTFRB Chairman Atty. Winston Ginez is the latest addition to the growing list of former impeachment trial prosecutors to get a post under the Aquino administration. 

The Palace announces Tuesday the appointment of Ginez as new LTFRB chair replacing Atty. Jaime Jacob who resigned last March. 

More than a week ago, Atty. Al Parreño, also a former impeachment prosecutor, was appointed as new Comelec commissioner. But before this, he was assigned by the President as part of LTFRB's three-man board two months after the trial's conclusion. 

Parreño's appointment was immediately hounded by countroversy, not only because he was also a former impeachment prosecutor, but because he allegedly lacks the 10-year law practice requirement the Constitution mandates. 

Meanwhile, according to a report by Vera Files, Renato Samonte Jr., also a former prosecutor for the impeachment trial, was designated chief provincial prosecutor of Bulacan. 

Ginez, Parreño and Samonte are all private lawyers employed, allegedly pro-bono', by the House of Representatives who prosecuted former Chief Justice Renato Corona under the Articles of Impeachment. 

Also included in the list are former Quezon City Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya and former Akbayan Rep. Kaka Bag-ao. 

Abaya is now serving as Transportation secretary while Bag-ao is the current caretaker of Dinagat Islands after the former Rep. Ruben Ecleo Jr. was found guilty of the murder of his wife Alona Bacolod-Ecleo. 

In DZMM's S.R.O, lawyer Katrina Legarda laments how the appointments appear to be "rewards" for lawyers who joined the team who prosecuted Corona. 

"Parang thank you, parang reward ang dating," she said. 

The impeachment of Corona was openly supported by the Aquino administration.