"In societies where Robbing Hoods are treated like a celebrity it is but natural to expect political parties to act like a Mafia syndicate" Political Jaywalker "In a nation where corruption is endemic people tend to confuse due process with aiding and abetting criminals" Political Jaywalker "War doesn't determine who is right, war determines who is left" Bertrand Russell "You have just one flash flood of money, you keep your people poor. It's like a time bomb and it's scary" Philippine Lawmaker

Will Gloria Arroyo do a Naomi Campbell Cuntress like testimony?

It remains to be seen if indeed Gloria Arroyo will be called to take the witness stand in the Maguindanao Ampatuan Massacre trial. It will also be interesting to know how she will react, will she be a Cuntress like Naomi Campbell who was forced (subpoenaed to appear) to take the witness stand in the war crime trial at the Hague of Charles Taylor or maintain her demeanor under pressure in taking the oath to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Anyway, CUNTRESS for those who may not have encountered the word is defined by Urban Dictionary as:
A female who MAY look and certainly act's like their shit don't stink, have the personality of a lawn mower, and are the biggest bitch in the world. Their wardrobe often consists of Burberry and Gucci.

Warlord Patron Gloria Arroyo
Of course Gloria Arroyo is probably half the physical stature of Naomi Campbell she being a tiyanak errr I meant short but she definitely beats Naomi Campbell by a notch in terms of indifference to the plight of the victims being a former cheat, errr thief este chief executive in a nation wracked by endemic corruption.

Myrna Reyes my FB friend says she can’t place Naomi Campbell anywhere except the runway thus her insensitive getting on with her life, getting this inconvenience out of the way testimony at the Hague trial. A supermodel whose shine is fading just like the dirty diamond she receives as a gift believed to come from Charles Taylor. Indeed, Naomi Campbell is living proof that you can put shine on around shit but will never get rid of the stink in it.

Gloria Arroyo is on top of the list of 300 witnesses lined up by the defense lawyers in the Amputuan Massacre trial, meaning she will be the first one to be called or take the witless errr witness stand. Wonderful, but Siegfried Fortun the lawyer for Andal Ampatuan, Jr. in a text message denied they will throw her in the witness stand. Now, that is one conflicting if not confused story telling a lie, to quote GMA7 report:
The defense lawyer said apart from Arroyo, who is now a member of the Lower House representing Pampanga’s 2nd district, they also plan to invite as witnesses former Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., former Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, and Lakas-Kampi-CMD stalwart Prospero Pichay.

The lawyer also clarified that Arroyo was being made a witness only by prime suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr., former mayor of Datu Unsay town, and not necessarily by the entire defense panel.
Indeed very interesting on how the defense lawyers has her on top of the witness list and yet says they will not throw her to the lions den errr witness stand is baffling to say the least. How exactly will she be a witness when she was not at the incident unless, they will use her as a (this is really getting bizarre and interesting)……. character and moral witness for of all people Andal Ampatuan, Jr. Good luck on tat one ff indeed she is going to be Andal Ampatuan’s character and moral witness which is ironic if not laughable.

Perhaps they realized that using her to corroborate Zaldy Ampatuan’s alibi of being with her during the massacre will not fly as it has no bearing on the prosecutions witness claims stating that Zaldy Ampatuan was in on the planning. Criminal masterminds really does not have to be present during the commission of the dastardly crime so why use Arroyo for Andal Ampatuan, Jr. instead of Zaldy Ampatuan is perplexing to say the least.

For whatever its worth this is very interesting and will this give the prosecution an opportunity to ask whether she has any prior knowledge of the dastardly crime? Not that we expect those question but what if they did? Will she then do a Naomi Campbell Cuntress response or even raise the bar or was it making Naomi Campbell's testimony appear like an immature cry baby by taking the 5th aside from complaining of the inconvenience? Let us see who will get her first on the witless errr witness stand the Truth Commission or the criminal court handling the Maguindanao Massacre trial?





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Are the media asking pertinent questions or happy to be spoon fed by allege MWSS pillagers?

There is no doubt that media plays a vital role in nation building, or in the case of the Philippines, it is more of reconstructing it from the ruins of a pillaged and plundered nation. The abuse and endemic corruption are so prevalent that it does not surprise us anymore when it has become the norm all the way to the top, as shown by Gloria Arroyo and her running dogs.

We were ecstatic when P-Noy acknowledges the problem by urging the media to police their own ranks in his first SONA, but is it really enough that they police their own rank? The irony is some of them really do come up with slogans that turns out to be just an empty rhetoric when they proudly displays slogans such as “No Fear or Favor,” and I dare add Flavor. Why flavor? Well, some if not most of the news are oftentimes really more flavored with some slants here and there and the facts get lost as the press rolls. How exactly will policing their own rank succeed when the media is not exactly independent except for a few that dared to print the truth but whose existence does not depend on advertisers to survive. But that topic will be discussed on some other post and let us just focus on the immediate attempt to confuse the issue on the so-called “Midnight Deal” of Rogelio Singson.

No fear probably applies, but not the kind of fear attributed to telling the truth at the risk of getting the ire of those affected by the daring story. Our sense is that it was more of denseness  or tapang ng hiya in telling a story telling a lie when they come up with stories full of holes or simply ignoring material facts. The allege “Midnight Deals” of Rogelio Singson during his stint with Maynilad, before his appointment by Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III at DPWH makes for a good headline news that hovers on sensationalism. No doubt that sensationalized news sells but the problem with this, is that they stretch facts to suit some people’s agenda.

Gil Cabacungan, Jr. of Inquirer writes from the reports of Jerry Esplanada about a “Midnight Deal” when clearly no deal transpired as no contract was executed between Pagcor and Maynilad because it was just a planned development, as reported by Christian V. Esguerra of the same outfit. Now that is odd, do they even compare notes before they go to press or are there different agendas here?

The problem is if we jump to conclusion right away and condemns Rogelio Singson which  is unfair and not exactly accurate but misleading to say the least. Although we question or put into question the vetting process of P-Noy on what turns out to be a very misleading inaccurate report,  the response was immediate at our Facebook community . Proof tthat supporters of change are not exactly blind partisan followers but will speak out instantly should some questionable incidents arise.

Worst is when Cabacungan writes about the fear of retaliation by his sources thus they want to remain anonymous at the MWSS that lends his story telling a lie a semblance of legitimacy. Is it really fear or something else? His source as it turned out were two of the directors at the MWSS so this makes me wonder if Cabacungan’s reporter were asking relevant question or just being spoon fed by their source who obviously had an agenda or an axe to grind. Did these journalists forget or were they not paying attention that these very same directors are being accused by P-Noy, exposed by Rogelio Singson of pillaging MWSS lavishing themselves with scandalously exorbitant remunerations? If the intent was to create a ruse and direct the anger at Rogelio Singson, well it worked for a day but did not exactly last as people are not that dumb to catch on to this hideous agenda of the pillagers.

It seems that the pillagers belonging to Arroyo’s camp are underestimating people who tirelessly work for change, desperately resorting to dirty tricks trying to turn the table at the agents of change on unsupported allegations is just so pathetic. Sooner or later the bogus lies will get discovered no matter how they try to twist or create a spin to the story. Magkano ba este, how come they never ask their source why they are coming up with wild unsupported accusations? Your guess is as good as mine but when some people divert the focus on the accuser with unsupported allegations instead of those accused of pillaging the agency then we become suspicious of the motivations behind the article.

Vigilance indeed is alive and well, a sign that people tirelessly working and hoping for change will not be easily discouraged by bogus scandals coming from people refusing to take responsibility for their misdeeds. The need for vigilance indeed is very apparent and we have to pay really close attention to who are the real culprits lest some unscrupulous reporting sidelines the issue that turns out to be nothing but bogus like the past cheat errr chief executive Gloria Arroyo.



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COMPILATION OF FIL-AM EVENTS

WHOLE DAY GOLF EVENT IN SANTA CLARITA, CA

The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce-San Fernando Valley is hosting the 5th Asian Friendship Golf

Tournament. It will be followed by a Dinner-Award Night.

DAY/DATE : Saturday, July 31, 2010
TIME : 11:00am - 11:00pm
PLACE : Robinson's Ranch Golf Club
27734 Sand Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA
CONTACT: Grace Walker, Eva Barry, Maridy Salle, 818-730-4490; Em Roberts, 818- 854-5459; and Victoria Camagong, 818-571-2583

The Asian Friendship Golf Tournament is annually held by the Asian American Chamber Association (AACA) to promote lifelong business relationships and to create new ones through networking opportunities within the Asian American communities in Southern California. This year it also honors the Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month celebration. AACA members are China, Hongkong, Japan, Korean, Thailand, Singapore, Mongolia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and the Philippines.

7TH ASIAN FESTIVAL IN VIRGINIA

Each year, organizers choose one Asian country as the showcase country and this year, it is the PHILIPPINES.

DAY/DATE : 7/31/2010-8/1/2010 | Sat: 10am-10pm / Sun 11am-6pm
PLACE : Lake Newport Tennis Facility, Reston, VA
CONTACTS : Bing Branigin, (703) 715-8879; (703) 715-8879

Considered the largest Asian Festival in the Mid-Atlantic area, this two-day FREE cultural event is intended to promote greater understanding of Asian countries and cultures among the general public, and among Asian Americans as well. It will be a feast for the senses with at least 35 authentic Asian American food vendors offering Vietnamese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Laotian and Philippine cuisine, among others. Traditional Asian performances will be on three separate stages and there will be over 150 multi-cultural retail stores.

KAPIHAN SA MEDIA IN SAN FRANCISCO

The Phlippine Amrican Press Club-Northern California will present its second Kapihan for the year and it will be on "The New Era in Philippine Politics."

DAY/DATE : Saturday, July 31, 2010
PLACE : Solita's SSF
CONTACTS : Esther Chavez, PSPV-NV president
355 Gellert Blvd., Ste. 255, Daly City, CA 94015
Tel. 650 991 5699, Fax 650 991-5698

President Benigno Aquio III will have completed his first 30 days in office come. Understandin how President NoyNoy received the largest mass vote in Philippine election history, as seen through the eyes of Filipino and other international independent observers. Get a glimpse of how one of his close allies predicts his presidency will affect the political, social and economic landscape of the country. Representatives from the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco will be on hand to report on how Filipino Americans voted, and how dual citizenship can truly give Overseas Filipinos a stronger voice and influence in their home country. All this over lunch. At only $15.

6th EAST COAST FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS GATHERING

DAY/DATE : Saturday, July 31, 2010
TIME : 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM (ET)
PLACE : Mount Laurel, NJ

THE FIRST BANDANG PINOY OPEN JAM IN MONTEBELLO, CA

DAY/DATE : Saturday, 7/31/2010
TIME : 7:00 - 11:30 pm
PLACE : Quality Inn & Suites - The California Hall
7709 Telegraph Road, Montebello, CA
CONTACTS : Carlo. (310) 431-9167

FIL-AM TROUBADOUR TO PERFORM IN BELLFLOWER, CA

Malou Zagala Toler hopes to see all friends and supporters during a new gig with Mirriam Pantig and Jo Awayan.

DAY/DATE : Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010
TIME : 7:30 PM
PLACE : Musikahan at 10326 Alondra Blvd., Bellflower Ca 90703
CONTACT  Malou 

FILIPINIANA DANCE COMPANY OF LAS VEGAS SHOW, "SAYAW"

DAY/DATE : Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010
TIME : 2:00 - 9:00 pm
PLACE : Flamingo Library & Theater
1401 E Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV

KNIGHTS OF RIZAL NEW HAVEN CHAPTER COMMANDER'S BALL

DAY/DATE : Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010
TIME : 6:30 pm
PLACE : Laurel View Country Club
310 West Shepard Avenue, Hamden, CT
CONTACTS : Gino Ang, M.D., 203 281-0716


SIPA FUND RAISING IN GARDENA, CA

The Search to Involve Pilipino-Americans enjoins everyone to shop in the 'hottest' spot in the South Bay. Ten percent (10%) of your purchases will benefit the programs and services at SIPA.

DAY/DATE : July 31-August 1, 2010
TIME : Open Saturday 10 am-7 pm and Sunday 11 am-5 pm
PLACE : 1693 West Artesia Bl., Gardena, CA 90248
(Gardena Market Place across the street from Marukai)
CONTACTS : Dana Kanakaole, Manager, (310) 817-5727

MAASIN DINNER-DANCE IN LAS VEGAS

Maasinhons, Southern Leytenos, and friends everywhere are invited to the Maasin Fiesta Celebration.

DAY/DATE : Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME : 6:00 PM
PLACE : Eastside Cannery Resort Hotel
CONTACTS : Rex or Ludy Llevares at 702-202-9522

Tickets are $60.00 per person. Special discounted rooms at $50.00 per night. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please make your reservations now by calling 1-866-999-4899, promo code KABA. If you plan to be in the area prior to the fiesta celebration, the schedule of the novena is posted on the website, kabamaasin.com. Updates of weekly events are usually posted on its facebook account.

PHILIPPINE FIESTA IN AMERICA, NEW JERSEY

The largest indoor gathering of Filipinos in the East Coast is now on its 12th year.

DAY/DATE : Saturday & Sunday, August 14-15, 2010
PLACE : Meadowlands Expo Center. Seacaucus, NJ
CONTACTS : Mila and Nanding Mendez, (212) 682-6610

NY CONSULAR OUTREACH - NEWINGTON, CT

The Consular Outreach Team will process PASSPORTS, DUAL CITIZENSHIP and LEGALIZATION of documents. For requirements, refer to the website.

DAY/DATE : Saturday, August 14, 2010
TIME : 10 am to 4 pm
PLACE : Philippine Association of Connecticut, Inc. (PACI)
VFW Post 9836, 65 Kitts Lane, Newington ,CT
CONTACTS : Cecile Gozon, (203) 238-1322 / (212) 764 – 1330, email.


PISTAHAN PARADE AND FEST, SAN FRANCISCO

The 17th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival claims to be the largest celebration of Filipino Americans in San Francisco. It will feature the popular Adobo Cook-off and balut eating contests, delectable Filipino cuisine and desserts, cultural exhibits, and the 3rd annual San Francisco Filipino American Jazz Festival.

DAY/DATE : Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 14 & 15, 2010
PLACE : Yerba Buena Gardens, 760 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Telephone : (415) 543-1718
CONTACTS : Al Perez, FAAE President
email or (415) 625-EXPO

Prizes will be awarded to the best contingent, best costume, best choreography and more! Volunteers are needed in the weeks leading up to -- and on the day of -- the event. Fill out volunteer form at the venue on 8/14/2010 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

WEAVERS' STORIES FROM SOUTHEAST ASIA, LOS ANGELES

DAY/DATE : August 1, 2010 to December 12, 2010
PLACE : UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History, UCLA Campus

This experimental exhibition breaks new ground where previous exhibitions have left off, starting with the basic understanding that the textile arts are widely regarded as the archetypal form of women's labor in Southeast Asia. Through the medium of video recorded in eight sites in four countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and East Timor), weavers and batik artists tell their own stories directly to the museum audience. Museum admission is free.

PHILIPPINE DANCE GATHERING AND WORKSHOPS, SAN DIEGO

DAY/DATE : Wednesday, August 25-29, 2010
PLACE : Market Creek Plaza - Jacobs Center
404 Euclid Avenue. San Diego, CA 92114
CONTACTS : Refer to web announcement.

Sponsored by PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company and co-produced by Kayamanan ng Lahi to bring Philippine cultural artists and educators worldwide together to celebrate, continue education, and strengthen the Filipino Cultural Identity. Registration fees: $40/day.

FESTIVAL OF PHILIPPINE ARTS AND CULTURE, SAN PEDRO, CA

This is the 19th Annual Los Angeles Filipino community event with food and information booths, entertainment, and much more.

DAY/DATE : Saturday and Sunday, September 11 & 12, 2010
TIME : All day both days
PLACE : Point Fermin Park
807 Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731
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Dionesio C. Grava - Part-time community journalist based in Los Angeles and editorial writer at Forum Asia.






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