Red Mobile is now available on 2G; still has the cheapest / lowest call rates

Do you know the only prepaid network that has the cheapest / lowest call rates in the Philippines today? Well guess what, you should know about this. Red Mobile offers the cheapest / lowest call rates with only P 0.50 using any phone with a Red Mobile SIM card. Now, that's a big deal for texters like me and YOU!

red FLAME is an ultra slim 3G handset from Red Mobile. It has a 60MB internal memory and an external MicroSD/ TransFlash card expansion slot that’s perfect for all your downloads. And the best thing is, red Flame is also capable of video calling, MMS sending and Web browsing.

When it was launched in November 2008, it was made to operate for 3G phones but now, good news! Red Mobile has just announced that it has opened its door to 2G phone users of Red Mobile because of the Filipinos growing demand for cheapest / lowest call rates in this time of crisis.
"Cellphones have been the defining mode of communication in the country because of its practicality and mobility," says Red Mobile Product Manager Darvin Sy Su.

"By expanding the scope of our services to 2G handsets, more consumers among the estimated 14 to 16 million Filipino mobile phone users will enjoy the competitive rates offered by our network."
As what I told you, Red Mobile offers the cheapest / lowest call rates both SMS and MMS among other networks, but it does not compromise good quality communications. Its value and good service stems from the fact that Red Mobile is using the same telecommunication infrastructures and technology of SMART. This means that Red Mobile will be powered by 8,477 cellsites – the widest in the Philippine mobile network industry.
red SPARK, also from Red Mobile, lets you enjoy the ease and speed of 3G in one easy and handy package. red SPARK has all the basic features of a mobile phone with the added advantage of having 3G capabilities anchored on a simple and user-friendly interface.

Although it’s not spewing out "unlimited", which has been the buzz word in mobile prepaid networks for the last six years, Sy Su is confident that Red Mobile still offers a lot that the "unli" thing.
"Numerous published and unpublished materials have documented subscribers’ complaints regarding unlimited mobile services – spotty coverage, weak signals, and dropped calls. The concept of being unlimited is negated because consumers cannot use it as they want to."
So, if you are finding a great value for your money, then get a Red Mobile SIM card now, the only network that gives you the cheapest / lowest call rates not just for 3G phones, but also for 2G phones!

Sunday, May 31, 2009 | posted in , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas calls admin party merger as PALAKA

So the country's two biggest political parties Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) have merged as the Lakas-Kampi-CMD or the PArtido LAkas KAmpi. Kokak!

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas said the merger of Lakas-CMD and the Kampi was a union of "trapos" (traditional politicians).


Roxas told reporters that the name of the new party was Palaka (Frog) for "Partidong Lakas at Kampi."

Asked to explain, he replied with a frog’s croak: "Kokak."

Indeed, it's not a sure win for the admin despite bragging their numbers in the localities and their so-called "strong" political machinery. The people are tired and angry with the Arroyo administration. They are looking for fresh faces but not on the same page.

This forced marriage was even fueled by anger because of its "undue haste" by no less than Lakas-CMD founder and former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos:
"There was undue haste and lack of consultation in regard to calling of the grand meeting yesterday, which should have been preceded by time given to stakeholders of both parties," Ramos told a press conference Friday.
This might even lead to an early divorce within the new merged party called PALAKA. Signs have been evident throughout the days. Ramos wasn't there so as former House Speaker Jose de Venecia and Kampi head Luis Villafuerte. Possible 2010 presidential admin bets Senator Richard Gordon and MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando also was absent and Fernando is already feeling sore about not getting attention the same way compared to party "outsiders":
"Hindi fair yun sa magkapartido. Umaasa ang partido ng katapatan ng kanyang mga miyembro [at] ganoon din ang isang myembro, naghahanap siya at umaasa siya sa katapatan ng partido sa kanya (It’s not fair to a party insider. If a party expects loyalty from its members, it’s only fair that its members expect a degree of loyalty from the party)," Fernando said in an interview on dwIZ radio.
De Castro is an "independent" who has no party affiliation, while Teodoro was with the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) and is planning to join PALAKA.


I love Kermit the Frog, but not the PALAKA that Roxas is talking all about.

Instead of having a "Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo" moment, this might just end up into a "Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo" for the PALAKA. Kokak!

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Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger and CBS with Yehey at La Maison

The Yehey bloggers event at La Maison in Ayala Center Cebu was somewhat confusing to me. Lucky enough that I was able to go online a few hours before the event started. I thought that the 6 PM time was OK but I was surprised to saw the post that it was moved to 4 PM, and it was already 3:40 PM on the clock! Yikes! I've got to go to the event ASAP so I ride a taxi (which I don't use to because "nagtitipid ako"). I was praying that my P100 was just enough to reach the venue because that was only my money, and thank God, when I arrived, P92.50 was on the taxi meter! Whew!

Cebu Bloggers after the event with Yehey at La Maison. Photo courtesy of Evan John Mendoza

I'm glad to meet Yehey's Kankan and Elaine who facilitated the event. Also, Yehey's Owner/CEO Donald Lim who shared to us a PowerPoint presentation about the aspects of the internet stats and Yehey blogger events. It's their first time to do this in Cebu and La Maison was the first to do this for us.

Below are the foods that we ate (Yum! Yum!):

I really love this one! It's sooooo yummy especially the way it had been made.
I love this one also though it was somewhat sour that made my stomach go sour. But still, yum yum!
The four-some meal! Of all the four, I love the rice thingy and the beef strips. Soooo good!
Ahhh! The crispy pizza! You'll surely love this as I did. It's tasty but it also break easily. I wanted to do it the finger food way, but I can't because it was brittle.
Photos courtesy of Evan John Mendoza

I look forward for upcoming events like this! It makes my appetite go wild! LOL

Saturday, May 30, 2009 | posted in , , , , | 3 comments [ More ]

Roxas to GMA: Use power to waive filing fees for Legacy victims

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today urged President Arroyo to use her influence over the justice department and order the waiving of filing fees for pre-need plan holders victimized by the fraudulent operations of Legacy owner Celso de los Angeles and his cohorts.

At the same time, Roxas filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking the exemption of victims of failed pre-need companies and investment scams from the payment of filing fees, which he stressed have become "stumbling blocks" in the victims’ quest for justice.

Roxas, chairman of the Senate trade and commerce committee, lamented the inability of Legacy victims from paying the required filing fees with the DOJ and the corresponding legal fees with the courts have delayed, if not blocked, the recovery of their claims and the prosecution of De los Angeles and his cohorts for fraudulent transactions.

The fees include filing fees, which are paid to the DOJ if complainants want to institute criminal actions, and court fees, which are paid if planholders lodge criminal complaints against fraudulent investment entities and pre-need companies.
"Itong mga fees na ito ang isa sa mga pinakamalaking hadlang sa pag-pa-file ng kaso laban dito sa Legacy at kay Celso de los Angeles," he said in his opening statement during Friday’s committee hearing on the collapse of Legacy companies and the plight of the pre-need industry.

"Nananawagan po ako sa Pangulo, nananawagan po ako sa administrasyon: Imbes na pag-aksayahan po ninyo ng panahon iyang mga political parties, ‘yang pagsasama-sama ng mga partido po ninyo, imbes na pag-aksayahan po ninyo itong mga birthday at iba pang mga okasyon, siguro dapat pag-aksayahan ninyo ng panahon, bigyan ninyo ng oras, itong mga naging biktima ng Legacy. Kayo mismo, Pangulong Arroyo, DOJ, at administrasyon, kayo mismo dumulog sa Supreme Court at tumulong sa ating panawagan na i-waive na itong filing fees na ito," he appealed to President Arroyo.

"Pangulong Arroyo, kung sinsero ka sa pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan, alam mo ang kabigatan ng iyong impluwensiya sa DOJ, alam mong makikinig sa iyo ang secretary nito kung iuutos mo ang pagtigil ng paniningil ng mga filing fees para sa mga biktima ng Legacy," he added.
In his petition with the Supreme Court, the Visayan senator said the high bench, like Congress, has the duty to "reduce social and economic inequalities in order to further improve and uplift the lives of Filipino people."
"One such way of lessening social and economic inequalities is an outright exemption from filing fees for victims of failed pre-need companies and investment scams, which filing fees can just constitute as a lien on whatever monetary award that said victims may receive in the event of a favorable decision," he said.

Friday, May 29, 2009 | posted in , , , , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas slams violent dispersal of farmers in Batasan

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday denounced the violent dispersal of farmers holding a rally in front of the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday afternoon and slammed Malacañang allies at the House of Representatives for their indifference to the group’s demands.
"Walang mararating ang ating bansa kung pinamumunuan ito ng isang administrasyong nabubuhay sa ilusyong walang ibang mahalagang tinig kundi ang sa sarili niya," he fumed over reports that a team from the Bureau of Fire Protection used water canons to disperse hundreds of rallyists, including Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, who was with the farmers.

"Mariin kong kinukondena ang marahas na pagdi-disperse ng napakaraming mga magsasaka mula sa Batasan kahapon ng hapon. Kasama nila ang mga taong-Simbahan, kabilang si Bishop Roderick Pabillo, mga maralitang tagalungsod, at mga lider mula sa hanay ng manggagawa na nakiisa sa kanilang mga hangarin," he added.
The rallyists, composed mostly of farmers from all over the country, have been holding a vigil infront of the Batasan Pambansa since April 13. They are clamoring for an extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), which is due to expire on June 30. CARP ensures the farmers’ rights over the lands they till.

The House began its marathon sessions on Monday to pass priority measures eight days before Congress adjourns sine die on June 5. It has at least 12 measures in its unfinished business, including Speaker Prospero Nograles' House Resolution 737 seeking to amend the Constitution's economic provision; the bill for the extension of the CARP with reforms and another measure related to the 2010 elections.
"Matagal nang inaantay ng mga magsasaka ang makatarungang resolusyon sa problema ng repormang pang-agraryo. Malinaw ang ginagawang pagtapak sa karapatan ng ating mga magsasaka. Anumang hinaing, mula sa magsasaka o sa ano pa mang sektor ng lipunan, kailangan itong dinggin sa isang makataong paraan. Hindi tayo aabot sa maayos na solusyon kung sa tuwinang may maglalabas ng kanilang saloobin ay bobombahin sila ng tubig," the Visayan senator said.

"Kasangga ako ng mga api, at patuloy tayong lalaban para sa makatarungang resolusyon sa mga hinaing ng ating magsasaka," he vowed.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger attends the 1st ASUS Ultimate Overclocking Show

I was glad to witness this historic moment. The 1st ASUS Ultimate Overclocking Show in SM City Cebu was a first in the entire Philippines. Before, most overclocking shows and competitions in Cebu were only done online or in small internet cafés, but last May 23, Asus brought it to the SM City Cebu, live!

Kevin Ray N. Chua, blogger of this blog and VP for External Affairs of Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS), talks what CBS is all about during the OC show. Photo courtesy of Xerxes Bernadez.

The contest was between the Cebu Xtremes and Sugbo Elites and the scoreboard based on the categories that they were vying for:

Highest CPU Mhz Intel: Sugbu Elites
Highest CPU Mhz AMD: Cebu Xtremes
Highest Bclock AMD or Intel: Sugbu Elites
Highest Super PI Intel: Cebu Xtremes
Highest Super PI AMD: Sugbu Elites
Highest Memory Speed: Cebu Xtremes
Highest 3DMark Vantage score in the Overclocked system ATI: Sugbu Elites
Highest 3DMark Vantage score in the Overclocked system NVIDIA: Cebu Xtremes


Photos courtesy of Doyzkie.

Asus, the world’s no. 1 motherboard manufacturer, provided the teams with top hardware such as the latest Intel Core i7 board – Rampage II Gene and the OC record-breaking AMD-based motherboard, M4A79-T deluxe. The teams will also use the latest graphic cards from the brand such as the ASUS EAH4890 and ASUS ENGTX285.

The Asus Rampage II Gene is part of Asus’ Republic of Gamers (ROG) series. As the name suggests, all R.O.G products are made to provide the best performing solutions for serious gamers and overclockers. Rampage II GENE echoes this as it boasts premium features such as MemOK! for worry-free memory upgrades, CPU Level Up for easy system performance boosts, and onboard SupremeFX X-Fi for true-to-life surround sound in a compact mATX form.


The Asus M4A79-T deluxe motherboard on the other hand, features the unique Asus Xtreme Phase Power design, also evident in most Asus motherboards. It utilizes more phases to deliver more power and achieve better performance, more stability, enhance power efficiency, and lower temperatures under any loading.

Besides from these top-notch motherboards, the overclockers used memory from OCZ, Caviar Black hard disks from Western Digital, Sunbeam coolers, Silverstone power supply and cordless mouse and keyboard from Logitech. Microsoft Corporation was provided for the operating systems.

And btw, thanks to team behind the event, especially to Ms. Angie Limbaco and Mr. Jason Teh for the dinner treat in Bigby's!

Kevin Ray N. Chua, blogger of this blog and VP for External Affairs of Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS), together with fellow members. Photo courtesy of Doyzkie.

Monday, May 25, 2009 | posted in , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas pushes P9,000 pay hike for public teachers

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today promised public school teachers he will fight for their P9,000 salary increase when the Senate and the House of Representatives convene a bicameral committee.
"Nandito ako para labanan ang mga mapang-aping ayaw kilalanin ang inyong karapatang sumuweldo ng tama. Nandito ako para para lumaban sa tabi ninyo," said Roxas, chairman of the Senate education committee.
Roxas met with about 500 public school teachers who marched to the Senate to press for the P9,000 multi-year salary increase.

He noted that the Senate had approved as early as July last year Senate Bill No. 2408 that grants the P9,000 salary increase.

The Senate bill proposed a P9,000 additional compensation, to be given over a three-year period in three trances, to public school teachers, locally-funded teachers, non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education and Philippine Science High School teaching and non-teaching personnel.

It likewise seeks a P1,000 medical check-up annual allowance for covered beneficiaries and a Magna Carta bonus to public school teachers and non-teaching personnel of the DepEd.

The House had approved last May 20 Joint Resolution No. 36 granting salary increases to all government employees but limited the salary increase to public school teachers to P6,500 over four years.

Roxas lamented that the House version classified public school teachers as "sub-professionals" that qualified them to salary increases lower than the rest of government employees in the "professional" and "executive" levels.
"Sa Cha-Cha, ang galing-galing nilang mag-usap, ang bilis nilang magsama-sama para panatilihin sa puwesto si Gloria. Pero ang kapakanan ng mga tister natin, hindi mabigyan ng panahon. Mabuti pa ang sex video ni Hayden Kho at ni Katrina Halili, may kaso na agad. Pero dito sa mga talagang dapat ipaglaban, patay-malisya sila," the Visayan senator complained.
Roxas also pushed for a more comprehensive solution to problems in the education sector, an advocacy he has carried especially when he became chair of the Senate education committee.

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Pambato Mo, I-text Mo: Vote for Mar Roxas

Hello everyone! I'm calling all of you to vote for Senator Mar Roxas in the ABS-CBN's ongoing Pambato Mo, I-text Mo.


It's simple. Just type on your cellphones HALALAN (space) REG (space) NAME/AGE/GENDER/ADDRESS to 2366. You'll receive a follow-up text on how to vote for Mar Roxas, our candidate.

As of this time of blogging, our bet is in the second place just shy of two votes from former President Joseph Estrada.

Help me out in this one. Let's unite for Mar and let's show them what we've got!

You can check the latest results at http://tinyurl.com/ibotosimar

Oras Na! Roxas Na!

Friday, May 22, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 2 comments [ More ]

Roxas vows committment to truth, justice and reforms

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today reiterated his commitment to truth, justice and reforms as he vowed to continue the nation’s quest for the truth behind numerous government anomalies involving high-ranking officials.
"Kaisa natin si Senador (Antonio) Trillanes at si General (Danny) Lim sa kanilang laban para sa katotohanan at katarungan, sa kapakanan ng ating kasundaluhan at ang tunay na mga pagbabao sa ating Sandatahang Lakas," Roxas said after visiting detained Senator Antonio Trillanes and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim at their detention room in Camp Crame on Friday.

"Nakipagkuwentuhan tayo, lalong-lalo na sa ngayon na mainit itong isyu ng anomalya sa military. Kaya ginusto ko malaman ang pananaw ni Trillanes at ni Gen. Lim dahil ipinaglalaban nila ang tuwid at tapat na pamamahala sa gobyerno, lalo na sa military," he added.
Lim, former head of the Army’s 1st Scout Ranger Regiment, and Trillanes are detained at Camp Crame for their involvement in the 2007 Manila Peninsula incident that aimed to topple the government.




Roxas insisted that unless government works to stamp out unbridled corruption in government, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the nation’s dream of justice and massive reforms in government would never be enforced.

He lamented that the AFP, as well as the Philippine National Police, has been so politically corrupted that even its active high-ranking officials have been dragged into numerous questionable or illegal multi-million peso contracts.
"Ang paglaban para sa katotohanan, katarungan at ang tama ay kunektado sa ating laban para baguhin ang mali sa ating pamahalaan, at ito naman ay kunektado din sa mga nais nating pagbabago sa ating Sandatahang Lakas," the Visayan senator said.
He said the AFP could begin reforms in its corrupt system by giving protection to beleaguered Philippine Navy Lt. Senior Grade Nancy Gadian, the whistleblower on an alleged P46 million fund mess involving the RP-US Balikatan joint exercises.

Amid reports that Gadian is being harassed by his superiors for implicating Navy officials in the mess, Roxas urged the military leadership to instead provide protection to the whistleblower to encourage other witnesses to come out and spill the truth.
"Kailangan bigyan proteksyon ang mga whistleblowers na ito dahil may mga laman ang mga sinasabi nila at kung ninanais ng gobyerno natin at ng panguluhan ng military na malaman ang buong katotohanan dito ay dapat kupkupin nila ang mga whistleblowers," he said.

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Roxas joins Brigada Eskwela

Here are photos that were taken during the Brigada Eskwela in Manuel A. Roxas High School in Scout Chuatoco Street, Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City on Monday with Senator Mar Roxas himself, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, helping repair and prepare the school for the upcoming opening of classes in cooperation with the Friends of Mar.




Roxas nails a broken school chair as he participates in the annual Brigada Eskwela maintenance program of the Department of Education. Roxas, chairman of the Senate education committee, joined family members, supporters and staff who started repair work at the Manuel A. Roxas High School in Scout Chuatoco Street, Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City on Monday as their contribution to the DepEd's undertaking. The Visayan senator has appealed for more volunteers for the project in the spirit of 'bayanihan'.


Roxas paints a wall as he participates in the annual Brigada Eskwela maintenance program of the Department of Education. Roxas, chairman of the Senate education committee, joined family members, supporters and staff who started repair work at the Manuel A. Roxas High School in Scout Chuatoco Street, Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City on Monday as their contribution to the DepEd's undertaking. The Visayan senator has appealed for more volunteers for the project in the spirit of 'bayanihan' and camaraderie.

Below is the video from QTV about Roxas' participation in the Brigada Eskwela:


Wednesday, May 20, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas calls for more volunteers for Brigada Eskwela

Reviewing reports on the first day of the Department of Education's week-long "Brigada Eskwela" Maintenance Week, Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today said more volunteers are needed to show up in public schools nationwide to help do repair and maintenance work to prepare them for the school opening in June.

Roxas himself will lead family members, friends and party mates in the Liberal Party in doing their Brigada Eskwela stint at the Manuel Roxas High School in Scout Chuatoco Street in Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City tomorrow morning.
"Kahit na tagumpay ang unang araw ng Brigada Eskwela, kailangan pa ng mas maraming kamay para ayusin ang ating mga eskwelahan lalo na't dalawang linggo na lang ay pasukan na," Roxas said.
Roxas, chairman of the Senate education committee, urged citizens and corporations to volunteer for repair and maintenance work in public schools nationwide to help prepare them for the school opening in June.

'Brigada Eskwela' is an annual nationwide endeavor organized by the Department of Education in preparation for the opening of classes in June. Members of the school community come together to do minor repairs and other maintenance work on their schools, including the repainting of classroom walls and roofs, repair of leaking water pipes, boards, broken furniture, cleaning of toilets, and gardening, among others. This year's program will be conducted from May 18-23 in all public elementary and high schools nationwide.

Materials used during the weeklong effort will come from donation from local businesses and other companies as part of their corporate social responsibility programs. With no cash involved, 'Brigada Eskwela' has generated over P2.5 billion worth of donations in-kind and man-hours since it started in 2003.

Roxas stressed the value of having a stake in the public education system under the spirit of "bayanihan" as expressed his faith in improving Philippine education with the goodwill of many Filipinos.

Roxas' network of friends and supporters, called Friends of Mar or FOMs, and longtime fiancee broadcaster Korina Sanchez, will join him tomorrow. Other FOMs will conduct their Brigada Eskwela effort in Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Naga, Camarines Sur, Manila, Cavite, Baguio, South Cotobato, Sorsogon, Tarlac, Lingayen among others. To volunteer in Brigada Eskwela as a Friend of Mar, email friendsofmar@marroxas.net or text 0916-6272010.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Mar Roxas in ANC's Countdown to 2010

To those who weren't able to watch in ANC the Countdown to 2010: An ANC Leadership Forum, I'll share to you the exclusive video of Senator Mar Roxas on that forum which led me to post my own thoughts on it.

Part I


Part II


Part III


Part IV


And BTW, there's an online poll running in ABS-CBN News website on who should be the next President. Syempre, who else? Mar Roxas! As of this time of blogging, our bet is leading the pack with a sizable margin. Vote now at www.abs-cbnnews.com and go to poll. Spread the word about this too!

Friday, May 15, 2009 | posted in , , , , , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Cebu City Asus Ultimate 2009 Overclocking Show

ASUS Philippines will be having an Asus Ultimate 2009 Overclocking Show in Cebu on May 23, 2009 and we in the Cebu Bloggers Society are invited to join the event.

The event will be held at the SM City Cebu Entertainment Plaza (near Food Court) at 3 P.M. Everyone's invited to see the show and learn something from it, especially those techy people in Cebu. This is also a good show for those Information Technology, Computer Science and Computer Engineering.


I don't know what overclocking is so I googled it. Here's a bit of info about it from Wikipedia:
the process of running a computer component at a higher clock rate (more clock cycles per second) than it was designed for or was specified by the manufacturer, usually practiced by personal computer enthusiasts seeking an increase in the performance of their computers.

Yay! Nosebleed! Anyways, the Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger will be attending the event together with other CBS bloggers.

For more info, please contact Angie Limbaco at 0917862.8638 or 0922836.5190.

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Friends of Mar supports Brigada Eskwela

The Department of Education budget – like many other government agency’s – has very little for the maintenance of classrooms, school buildings and other facilities. Like our education system, our facilities break down sooner from the harsh realities of our climate – and our neglect.


Yet a classroom is a structure that has to last at least 30 years if it is to be useful to society. So that our teachers and children do not have to learn under difficult conditions.

This year, the Friends of MAR join hands as a nationwide movement to help our public schools get ready for the start of the new school year in June. From May 20 through 25, 2009, FOMs nationwide will adopt public schools and public school districts and do the minor repairs necessary on these schools.

Our FOMs will rise up to the Brigada challenge, a nationwide voluntary effort of teachers, parents and the community.

What resources are needed?
  • A little bit of donated MATERIALS (paint, cement, lumber, tiles, other building materials);
  • A lot more of volunteer TIME;
  • A whole lot of community SPIRIT.
Be a part of the FOM effort. Join the Friends of MAR chapter in your area and help us make our public schools places for quality learning.

Your country needs you today!

To join an FOM , call or text 0916-6272010(MAR2010) or visit www.friendsofmar.com

"If we are to strive for quality education,
we need to make our schools proper places for learning."

Senator Mar Roxas
Chair, Senate Committee on Education

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 | posted in , , , , | 1 comments [ More ]

Roxas and 4 other presidential aspirants in ANC Leadership Forum

I was able to watch yesterday evening's Countdown to 2010: The ANC Leadership Forum which put together 5 (it was 6 supposedly, but Senator Ping Lacson wasn't able to attend because he fell ill) of the presidential hopefuls in one place.

Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News

Together with Senator Mar Roxas were fellow Senators Chiz Escudero, Dick Gordon, Department of National Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro and Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio.

Roxas was asked on his accomplishments as a public servant, and I believe he stood out. He was also asked about the issue that he was just using Ms. Korina Sanchez for his presidential ambitions.
"Mahal ko si Korina. Matagal kaming nag-sama, limang taon. Nagkakaintindihan kami. May pangarap kami sa isa't isa at matibay ang aming samahan. Tulad ng sinabi mo, mga kritiko ko ang nagsasabi nun. So, inggit lang sila. (I love Korina. We have long been together, for five years. We understand each other. We both have dreams for each other and our relationship is strong. Like what you said, my critics are the one saying that. So, they're just envious)" Roxas told Tina Monzon-Palma on the getting-to-know portion of the forum which made the whole audience laugh.

This ABS-CBN News article also tells the symbolism of the padyak being used by Roxas.
Such elitist background doesn’t seem to jive with the advertisement showing him driving two poor kids in a "tricycad," or a bicycle strapped to a sidecar. He explained that the 3-wheeled bicycle is "just a symbol of where we are right now."
Below is the video clip from ABS-CBN's Bandila:


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Mar Roxas and other 2010 presidential hopefuls in leadership forum

Spread the word about this! Senator Mar Roxas and other 2010 presidential hopefuls will be joining the ANC Leadership Forum this May 11, 7 PM organized by the ABS-CBN News Channel and the Ateneo School of Government.


Joining him in answering the issues that concern us in 2010 are Senators Chiz Escudero, Ping Lacson, Dick Gordon, DND Secretary Gibo Teodoro and Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio. In its site, ANC said that they're still waiting for confirmation from Vice President Noli de Castro, and Senators Manuel Villar and Loren Legarda to attend the event. I think they really should. Asides from free publicity, it's the proper venue that would give the Filipino voters an idea on whom they should vote for President in 2010.

Tell your friends, family and relatives about this!


Sunday, May 10, 2009 | posted in , , , , , , , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

iBlog5, therefore I am - Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger

I'm glad to be one of the participants of the iBlog5, the gathering of all Pinoy bloggers to sit down and be informed more about blogging and other related stuffs. I'm also happy to meet some of my online blogger friends who were there like Winston, Jehz, Mica, Noemi, Janette, Enrico, AJ, Ada, Juned, Brian, Tonyo, Aethen, Mikko, Von Rex, Flowell, Jonel, Coy, Atty. JJ, and more.

Photo courtesy of Noemi Lardizabal-Dado

The Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS), whom the Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger is a member, had several attendees in the iBlog5 namely Jorich, X, Agnes, Aileen, Vanjohn and Bryan. I was amazed by the welcoming spirit of the bigwig bloggers to us. That was kewl!

In that gathering, I learned a lot of things that I was in my list of expectations. From the basics to the advance blogging like mobile blogging, video blogging, legal issues on blogging, and most of all, the bloggers' role on the upcoming 2010 elections.

And by the way, my blog got a free exposure in that event. Ms. Janette Toral, in her Powerpoint presentation on Citizen Journalism for the 2010 Elections, included my blog, this blog, as one of the examples. I just can't help but slide down to my seat as in front of me was none other than COMELEC EID Director James Jimenez and one of best political-breed commentator Dean Jorge Bocobo.

Overall, the event was a success. Despite the jampacked attendance of bloggers, the organizers were still able to handle it. Kudos! But as one of the newbies in that summit, I would like to suggest some things that might improve the next summit, even the iBlog6 hopefully:
  1. Avoid repeating some modules every year - I don't know if this is true, but I heard from someone in the event that the modules are just the same and some are even bored about to listen to it. AJ made a point though that due to the "basicality" (i'm coining that new term as something that is sooooo basic) of his and Mica's topic, that the bloggers make not listen to it. Why not take some of those modules to the next level a bit.
  2. How about some icebreakers - That's what I was expecting during the event because I know it might turn out to be very serious. Yes, there were cracking of jokes, but why not some production numbers from our very talented pool of Pinoy bloggers? Anyone? Like, the Blogigger Boys or iBlog Hot Babes...
  3. Socializing time for bloggers - Some fail to meet other fellow bloggers and make new blogger friends. Although the breaks and the after event picture-taking session gave the bloggers some time to socialize with other bloggers, it was still not enough. I hope there can be a time when the bloggers will be given time during the event to go around and sit with bloggers whom they don't know and talk with them to discover new friendships.
Hopefully, I can still return for the iBlog6, and that would be in 2010. By that time, either it would be on April (a month before we elect our next President) or the same as this year, May (a month that we will be electing our next President). But not just iBlog6, even iBlog7 to iBlogN wherein N is the number of times the iBlog has been existing.

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MARibago Bluewater Beach Resort Bloggers Blowout

Here's a treat for us Cebu bloggers before summer of 2009 ends, thanks to Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, they're having a an extravagant and fun-filled FREE SUMMER BLOWOUT for Cebu bloggers especially us in the Cebu Bloggers Society and the Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger would never want to be left behind on this. Thanks to one of my blogger friends, Mr. Ruben Licera of Pinoyworld.Org.

This special treat from Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, the bloggers will get to visit the resort for free, dip in its white sand beach and dine at Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort’s Allegro Restaurant’s all-time favorite BARRIO FIESTA with a lively 45-minute cultural presentation. I have never been to Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort and I'm really excited for this.

How about you? Are you also a Cebu blogger? Do you want to join this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Then, do visit the original blog post "Maribago Bluewater invites bloggers to a special SUMMER BLOWOUT (Updated)"

Do check out also the Maribago Bluewater Blog for more details.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 | posted in , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas urges caution in purchase of new pre-need plans

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today advised the public to be very careful when buying new pre-need policy plans in the midst of the continuing financial dilemma gripping the industry spawned by the closure of various companies due to effects of the global financial meltdown
"Mahirap ang buhay ngayon, mahalaga ang bawat sentimo na ating kikitain. Kailangang mag-ingat tayo sa mga investments na ating gagawin," said the chairman of the Senate trade and commerce committee, which is looking into the financial plight of the industry and the circumstances that led to the collapse of the Legacy pre-need group of companies.

"Hindi tayo maaaring maging kampante na okay ang mga kumpanyang pinayagang magbenta ng mga policy plans ng SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission)," he added, noting acknowledgements made during Wednesday's hearing that permits to sell issued to 22 pre-need companies are not guarantees of their financial stabilities.
Non-Traditional Securities and Instruments Department Assistant Director Merle Joy Pascual told senators permits to sell pre-need policy plans this year were issued to 22 firms in December last year. Three of these have admitted deficiencies in their trust funds, of which two have submitted build-up plans to correct the deficiencies. The last has yet to present its proposed financial plan.

Roxas grilled Pascual and other SEC officials on whether the issued permits to sell could be taken by the public as a warranty that the 22 companies would not go the way of the Legacy pre-need group of companies owned by businessman Celso de los Angeles.

The Legacy companies were authorized to sell premiums until December 7, 2008 but they stopped selling plans as early as November last year. It then applied for dissolution of the firms on December 8, causing panic among its pre-need planholders.

It was a similar situation for Permanent Plans Inc., whose 2009 license to sell premiums was suspended by the SEC last month after planholders complained about a questionable return-of-payment scheme offered by the management to its clients. A review by the Commission has shown deficiencies in Permanent Plans' trust fund.

SEC chairperson Fe Barin and Commissioner Juanita Cueto claimed it would be difficult to determine what would happen to the industry at any given time and, therefore, would be harder for the Commission to warn the public about the financial standings of the companies.

But Pascual, contrary to her superiors, confessed: "Personally, Mr. Chairman, sasabihin ko sa kapatid ko kung may plano siyang bumili ng pension o educational plan mula sa isang kumpanya na may problema sa trust fund, sasabihin ko huwag muna kasi may deficiency. Pero kung wala naming problema, sasabihin ko sige lang bumili siya."
"SEC is an institution which the public looks up to, binabantayan iyan ng publiko. Kinailangan pa ang isang Merle Pascual para aminin, though personally, na itong kumpanyang ito, mukhang okay kaya sige bili lang pero ito mukhang hindi okay, kaya iwas muna ng bili diyan. 'Yan ang matagal ng hinihintay ng publiko," Roxas said.

The Visayan senator added: "Ang masakit kasi dito, yung katahimikan ng SEC na kahit alam naman nila na may problema na ang isang kumpanya, wala pa rin silang aksyon para sabihan o warning-an ang publiko."
Barin said a review of the updated financial statements of the 22 licensed pre-need firms is now on-going to find out if they have the financial requirements to continue operating. The companies have until May 14 to submit their financial statements.

Roxas said SEC officials should acknowledge and accept the weight of their fiduciary responsibilities and exercise the broad powers granted to them under the Securities Regulations Code to protect the interests of the public.
"Hindi pwedeng maulit ang sitwasyong ito in six months, one year's time tapos nag-iba lang ang kumpanya at ang mga nagrereklamo. Hindi ito ang unang pangyayari sa industriyang ito. Kailangang ipakita ng SEC na karapat-dapat ito sa expectations ng ating mga kababayan, na kaya nitong pangalagaan ang interest ng taumbayan at hindi ang mga kumpanyang ito," he stressed.

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Roxas files on behalf of Senate petition asking Lozada custody

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today formally filed before the Manila Regional Trial Court the motion seeking the release of NBN-ZTE whistleblower Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada on Senate recognizance.

The motion was signed by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senators Roxas, Maria Consuelo Madrigal, Panfilo Lacson, Gregorio Honasan II, Benigno Aquino III, Rodolfo Biazon, Loren Legarda and Francis Escudero.
"Pagtupad ito ng ating pangako kay Jun Lozada na 'di siya pababayaan ng Senado. 'Pag para sa katotohanan, kakampi ko at ng Senado (We are fulfilling our promise to Jun Lozada that the Senate will not abandon him. I and the Senate will stand by the truth)," Roxas vowed.
A resolution calling for the immediate release of Lozada on recognizance of the Senate signed by members of the majority block and another resolution signed by all senators would be routed personally by Roxas among his colleagues during the afternoon session.

In seeking the release of Lozada on recognizance of the Senate, the signatory-senators cited Section 15, Rule 114 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure which allows the release of a person in custody on "recognizance of a responsible person," which they claim in this case would refer to them.
"Considering that at the time of the issuance of the arrest warrant and Mr. Lozada's actual arrest, Mr. Lozada was under the custody of the Senate of the Philippines and has been very cooperative and has not attempted to flee during the Senate investigations, it is only proper that Mr. Lozada be released from MPD custody on recognizance of the undersigned senators," they pointed out in the motion.
Lozada was arrested on April 29 after the Manila RTC found basis on the perjury complaint of former presidential chief of staff Mike Defensor, who had alleged the witness committed perjury by giving conflicting testimonies against him during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the anomalous NBN-ZTE broadband network deal and during the Court of Appeals' hearing on Lozada's petition for the issuance of a writ of amparo.

In the separate Senate resolutions, senators cited the crucial role of Lozada in the Senate inquiry into the $329 million NBN-ZTE deal and how he "bravely testified and revealed the truth at the Senate hearings despite threats to his and his family's lives and security."
"Considering the invaluable contribution of Jun Lozada in the name of truth and justice when he courageously offered himself as a witness at the Senate hearings to blow the whistle and reveal his knowledge on the highly irregular and anomalous $329 million NBN-ZTE contract, it is only proper that Jun Lozada be released from MPD custody on recognizance of the Senate," the motions stated.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 | posted in , , , , , , , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas and other senators ask for Lozada custody

On request of Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas, senators asked today the Manila Regional Trial Court to release to its custody Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada on recognizance.

Roxas pushed the filing of the motion before the Manila RTC and a resolution calling for the release of Lozada on recognizance of the senators after meeting with the jailed NBN-ZTE whistleblower Thursday at the Manila City Jail.

Seven senators led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Roxas signed the motion that will be filed on Monday when courts re-open. The other signatories are Senators Panfilo Lacson, Gregorio Honasan, Maria Consuelo Madrigal, Loren Legarda and Benigno Aquino III.

Senator Rodolfo Biazon also said he will sign the motion on Monday. Other senators are also welcome to sign the motion, Roxas said.

Roxas gave Lozada a copy of the motion signed by the seven senators when he met again with the NBN-ZTE whistleblower at the latter’s cell this afternoon (Friday, May 1).
"Hindi ka pababayaan ng Senado (We in the Senate will take care of you)" Roxas told Lozada when they met.
He also told Lozada that when he asked Senate President Enrile to support the motion, the Senate President readily agreed and reportedly said, "We (the Senate) owe it to him (Lozada)."

In the petition, the senators said that "considering that Mr. Lozada is in the custody of the Senate of the Republic of the Philippines, has been very cooperative and has not attempted to flee during the Senate investigations, it is only proper that Mr. Lozada be released from MPD custody on recognizance of the undersigned senators."

Lozada, who was star witness during the Senate investigation into the anomalous NBN-ZTE broadband network deal, was arrested by the Manila police on orders of the Manila RTC that ruled there was basis for a perjury complaint filed by former Secretary Mike Defensor.

Saturday, May 2, 2009 | posted in , , , , , , , , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Mar Roxas 2010 Blog to attend iBlog5

At last! I will be attending the iBlog5 (hosted by the U.P. College of Law) this May 9 at the Malcolm Theater of U.P. Diliman, a gathering of Philippine bloggers to listen to the latest trends in the Pinoy blogosphere, the 101 talks on different kinds of blogging, meet with other Pinoy bloggers across the country and much much more.


I'm excited to meet several bloggers whom I only keep in touch online, especially those whom we call as the bigwigs of the Pinoy blogosphere and also preparing on what to do in case I come across with the certain blogger whom is not in good terms with me. All I want is peace!

I'm also glad to be meeting during the event one of my blogger friends, Kelvin Servigon. I will be staying together with my CBS friends Vanjohn and Bryan in Ortigas (that's somewhat far away from the venue).

What can I say! Kitakits!

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