First of all, let me state where I am as a Filipino on this issue: Martin Nievera did really well in singing our National Anthem during the Paquiao-Hatton fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a Filipino, seeing him sing the anthem with class, with passion and with energy — it makes me proud.
The guy is under tremendous pressure right now as some think he did our anthem injustice when he created an arrangement that is, according them, against what the law prescribed.
Well, it’s just me, but I simply think that we all need to grow up.
Now, having said that, I don’t think Martin needs to make an alibi for doing his choice of arrangement. But in today’s column at Philippine Star, he does seem to make one. This time, he said, it was Robin, his eldest son’s mistake. Or something like that. Oh, well, not really blaming his kid. Nonetheless, I don’t think it’s really needed.
In my opinion, let’s just leave the guy alone. He kicked Sir Tom Jones’ ass during that night. It’s enough for me.
Over the weekend, we saw a very interesting newspaper center fold ad about an advocacy. “Ako Mismo” features very interesting personalities promoting it. Ely Buendia, Angel Locsin, Chris Tiu among others. I sincerely appreciate its cause. It makes everyone think about doing something and not just “saying something” for the country.
And it makes me wanna get that dog tag!
On the other hand, I had some questions in my mind then:
1. Are these artists pro bono, or were they paid to appear in the ad?
2. If they were paid, it definitely sure cost a lot!
3. If it costs a lot, who paid for it? — and we now know it’s Smart Communications.
Is it possible AkoMismo ads today are trial balloon for possible Manuel V. Pangilinan presidential bid? Who else could afford it?
Today, an email is circulating that supposed to come from Jaime Garchitorena:
To all those that signed up with AKO MISMO!
You are now part of SMART telecoms network for potential campaigns in 2010.
The amount of information they have asked is so detailed that they can track you down to your zip code and contact you any time. In all my years of signing up for information I have never had a site require so much information AS REQUIRED FIELDS.
This makes for a perfect voter mapping database and campaign tool for anyone that wants to pay SMART for the information.
Did you think SMART would pay MILLIONS in production and advertising and talent costs for nothing?
If you refer to their privacy policy that no one ever reads, it states:
AKO MISMO MAY use the personal information you provide to:
• Contact you – either in response to a query or suggestion, or to mail newsletters, documents, publications, etc.
• “Remember” your online profile and preferences;
• Help you quickly find information that is relevant to you based on your interests, and help us create site contents most relevant to you;
In other words the can PUSH information to you which is an important tool in making sure that you can receive even unwanted campaign messages.
• Undertake statistical analysis.
They can use your answers to this PUSH for other mapping and trending purposes.
They also wash their hands of any person “accidentally” cracking the site and getting all your info. If you read privacy policy, again, which no one reads:
AKO MISMO shall not be liable under any circumstances for damages resulting from unauthorized use of information collected from visitors to the site.
AKO MISMO may change this privacy policy to reflect changes in the way we collect visitor information.
As a final warning, their privacy policy claims that you can still access this site even if you do not sign up (again from the privacy policy page):
What if I don’t want to provide personal information?
Providing personal information on the AKO MISMO web site is optional. If you choose not to provide personal information, you can still browse and use the AKO MISMO site, but you will not be able to carry out certain actions.
This is not true. None of the pages are viewable unless you have signed in. This is already a sure sign that their intent is to make you sign up and not just to make you a part of a youth reform activity.
A friendly piece of advice: Go back to the site and change your details please change all the details that pertain to AGE, SEX, and, LOCATION.
Also change your phone number if you like. This is to protect your privacy.
And remember you are still holding on to your pledge of participation in making our country great and they promise not to bar you from accessing the site even if you change your details so you will lose nothing but you will take back your security.
Please pass to all the people you know who may have signed up.
Ingat lang tayo po sa mga ganito.
Salamat!
I’m not insinuating that this campaign is not an authentic, honest way to reach to every Filipino to do something for the country. I just think that there is a lot of questions that needs to be answered.
I imagine today after Jun and Violet Lozada are arraigned for perjury, Jun will go back to his cell in Manila, while Violet returns to their quarters in La Salle Greenhills where she, Jun and their kids have been living for more than a year under the watchful eye of the nuns and the senate sergeant-at-arms.
I imagine at some point in the day both of them asking themselves as they must have asked themselves countless times over the past year, “Is this all worth it?” I imagine Violet asking herself what an uncertain future willl bring for her and her children.
I also imagine that later today, Mike Defensor and his wife and kids will touch down at the San Francisco International airport, check into their hotel and begin an enjoyable vacation. Also today, Ben Abalos will be holding court at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, enjoying a Ben’s Burjer while waiting for the rain to let up enough so he can enjoy a round of golf.
Romy Neri will go to work at SSS and have a quiet day, while Mike Arroyo will do whatever it is he wants to do.
At some point in the day I imagine they’d have some quiet time in the lull between activity to contemplate.
I imagine Defensor, Abalos, Neri,and Arroyo stopping momentarily during the day and thinking, “Life is good, isn’t it?”
Yes it is, guys. Aren’t you glad you’re in power?
I’m glad we can only live a maximum 100 years, 60 years on the average. I’m glad what we have now is not permanent. I’m glad that our life here is just a rehearsal of the real life for all eternity. I’m glad that the way we live our life now determines our eternal destination. I’m glad that life maybe unfair in this side of eternity, but God is the ultimate judge that will give justice for all. We do not know when, but heck I’m sure it will come. Aren’t you glad this is just temporary?
That goes the same for everyone: Jun Lozada, Neri, Abalos, Defensor and Arroyo. And for all of us.
Last Saturday, while preparing my family for the weekend park trip, I noticed Korina Sanchez on Wowowee. If you know that TV show, and you know Korina Sanchez, you’ll conclude with me that they are not an ideal pair. In fact, I would never have thought that hard hitting Korina Sanchez will host along side Willie Revillame. So, I watched closely because this unusual thing means something’s going to happen real soon.
I was right. ABS-CBN’s been talking about Korina’s diamond ring for more than 3 days already. I know they are cooking something. Willie sang a song with/for Korina — another unusual thing. Then, Senator Mar Roxas came in the picture with a red rose on his hand.
We all know it’s all planned.
Long before, my wife Joy and I have been discussing the Mar-Korina love affair and why the heck are they not getting married yet — both are already past their marrying age, both are well established, and as far as I know, they made public that they are actually living in already. So, why not get marry already? I would always comment that come election season, they will. My prophetic vision came true!
We know that Mar Roxas is trailing in all presidential surveys. He would do everything to get a rank higher as we near the election season. He’s done commercials — and I hate how they dramatized it (“Anak, ako na.” Duh!). He’s on Twitter, Facebook and the blogsphere — he’s practically all over the internet. And, of course, the wedding. Korina Sanchez’ popularity will definitely boost his chances.
* * *
But while watching them on TV, and being cynical of Mar’s “tears of joy”, it just hit me. Maybe we should give them the benefit of the doubt. They are human beings too. Korina’s also a lady who dreams of walking down the isle. Mar is probably dreaming of having kids, seeing them grow and play with them as what normal fathers do. They probably want to build a real family of their own. They want to love each other with the security of marriage. While they are public figures, they are human beings too!
I still believe that the timing is done in accordance to Mar’s presidential campaign plan. But I will believe that Mar did propose last Feb. 14 in a Cebu resort, he was touched when Korina said “Ako’y iyong iyo” that led him to sincerely shed tears, and that they love each other — with politics or not.
The entire pinoy blogsphere is doubting them now. That’s the downside of being a public figure. Let this give a different perspective.
Arnold Gamboa. Jesus' follower. Joyce' lover. Johann's and Arwen's playmate. Team Sparrow leader. LifeChurch Makati's servant. Know more about this blog here.
First of all, let me state where I am as a Filipino on this issue: Martin Nievera did really well in singing our National Anthem during the Paquiao-Hatton fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a Filipino, seeing him sing the anthem with class, with passion and with energy — it makes me proud.