DigitalFilipino Club and Bloggers Networking Cebu Event this July 11

For the second time, Janette Toral of DigitalFilipino.Com, through her DigitalFilipino.com Club is organizing a fellowship/networking event here in Cebu. Last year, I was able to attend this event and I'm looking forward to meet the same and new people in the e-commerce industry and Cebu blogosphere.

It will held be on July 11, Saturday, 6 to 11 PM at the Teatro Casino, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, 1st Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City. Expect us in the Cebu Bloggers Society to come in full force.

The event will be sponsored by PAGCOR. Below is the event program:

Bloggers are welcome to attend this event for free. Just reply to this post with your name and blog address. If you have a blogger friend to tag along, please mention their name too.

Those who confirmed are also added in this spreadsheet
.

If you want to attend this event, please do reply on this post or send me an e-mail of your complete name and blog address at kevinraychua@gmail.com.

Kitakits!

Headshot Clinic One Youth in Cebu this July 4

Globe One Youth is the campaign of Globe Telecom that supports Niccolo Cosme’s Project Headshot Clinic advocacy of unity among the Filipino youth. A thousand individuals have already joined the cause in Metro Manila. Hundreds more are about to join as we bring One Youth to six more cities nationwide.


Have your photo taken by one of the country’s best fashion photographers. Post it on your website as your profile picture and with your photo, communicate the change that you stand for so that every time your friends see you on Friendster, Facebook, Blogspot or other sites, they are reminded of your advocacy. As they say, change starts with one and it starts with you.

For all those who are in Cebu, the schedule is on July 4, 2009 at Club Vudu, Crossroads Mall, Banilad, Cebu City from 6 PM to 2 AM.

Join the hundreds of Filipino youth united in standing for change. Join Globe’s One Youth – Project Headshot Clinic. THIS IS OPEN TO ALL, AND NOT JUST GLOBE SUBSCRIBERS!

If you want to join this event, e-mail your name and contact number and send it to kevinraychua@gmail.com or contact me at 09078691545.

For more information, visit http://oneyouth.globe.com.ph or contact 09063066835 and look for Allen.

Below are the sample pictures taken during the Headshot Clinic Manila:


Roxas to GMA: Get back to work, slash drug prices

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today asked President Arroyo to get back to work now that she’s back in the country and sign an important executive order that imposes maximum retail price on the most vital drugs in the country.

In fact, Roxas said, Mrs. Arroyo should shake off the travel bug and even include the anti-flu drug Tamiflu as the 23rd medicine in the MRP list submitted to her by the Department of Health to make it more accessible to flu-scared consumers nationwide.
"Get back to work. Sign the executive order for the MRP so Filipinos can finally buy affordable and quality medicines in drugstores," Roxas said as GMA wound up a 13-day trip to Japan, the United States, Colombia, Brazil and Hong Kong at the height of the A(H1N1) flu scare in the country.

"Matagal ng inaantay ng taumbayan ang abot-kaya at de-kalidad na gamot. Isang taon simula nang maging batas ito, wala pa ring mabiling murang gamot ang taumbayan sa mga botika," lamented the primary author of the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Law.
The DOH has submitted the draft EO on the MRP to the Office of the President last June 16. The President’s approval is necessary before the department could start imposing price ceilings on the top 22 prescribed medicines in the country, which includes, among others, hypertension, diabetes and anti-bacterial drugs.

Roxas renewed his call to include Tamiflu (Generic: Oseltamivir) and other anti-viral drugs in the MRP, stressing the need to put price ceilings on the drugs to ensure their affordability.

He noted the spiraling costs of medicines that treat symptoms of the A(H1N1) flu. Tamiflu had previously cost only P40/capsule before the flu virus began spreading in the country. It is now sold at an average of P150 to P155 apiece.
"Kailangang siguruhin nating abot-kaya ang halaga ng mga gamot laban sa A(H1N1)" the Visayan senator said.

"Responsibilidad ng pamahalaan na panatilihing malusog ang taumbayan. Bakit kailangang unahin ang biyahe bago bigyan ang taumbayan ng murang gamot?" he added.

Roxas: Randy David will be LP's bet vs. GMA

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday said UP Professor Randy David will be the official candidate of the Liberal Party if he runs against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the second district of Pampanga.


David had declared he would seriously consider running for a congressional seat representing the second district of Pampanga if President Arroyo decides to run for a seat in Congress after her presidential term ends in 2010.
"Magandang ideya iyan. Hindi mag-aatubili ang liderato ng LP na gawing official candidate si Prof. Randy David para kalabanin si GMA sa Pampanga," Roxas said.

Susuportahan namin siya. Nasa likod niya kami 100%,” he also said, adding: “May kumpiyansa kami sa kakayahan ni Ka Randy na maging mahusay na representante ng kanyang distrito.”
David is a vocal critic of President Arroyo’s corrupt government. He had joined public indignation against the numerous abuses of the president’s allies and the administration’s misuse of its powers.

Saturday, June 27, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas: Telcos OK to per-second call charging

The country’s top three mobile service providers have committed to review their existing per-minute call rates and consider instead a per-second rate regime for voice calls made by the estimated 75 million mobile telephone subscribers nationwide, Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas announced yesterday.

Roxas, chairman of the Senate trade and commerce committee, created a Technical Working Group (TWG), to be headed by National Telecommunications Commission Commissioner Atty. Ruel Canobas, to map out and resolve all technical and commercial issues that could bar a call metering system for all wireless voice calls.

Representatives from Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom and Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. (Sun) said during the hearing that a per-second call charging was acceptable provided that government, or Congress, comes up with equitable regulations that would guide such billing system.
"Now we can get some forward movement and accomplish something na hindi na natin hinihintay pa ang batas," the Visayan senator said, stressing: "Hindi pwedeng tumagal itong isang minutong singil para sa 20- egundo o 30-segundo na gamit. Dahil sa palengke, ang isang dosena ay 12, hindi isa o dalawa o tatlo lang."
He mandated the TWG to report results of its discussions in the next hearing, warning that "kung hindi ito gagawin ngayon, darating din ang batas at iyon din ang kakalabasan nito. Mas mabuti ngayon pa lang simulan na ito."

He reminded the NTC it has the power to regulate the telecommunications industry and to keep under its control charges imposed by wireless telephone providers.
"Makapangyarihan kayo. Kung gagamitin ninyo ang inyong poder, ang inyong karapatan na nasa batas, napakatindi nito. Hindi lamang kayo isang convenor. Talagang pupukpukin niyo, papandayin niyo, hububugin ninyo itong kasunduan na ito para may marating na aktwal na accomplishment," he said.
Smart Communications’ public affairs head Ramon Isberto, Globe Telecom’s chief legal counsel Atty. Rodolfo Salalima and Digitel’s Senior Vice President for Legal Services Atty. William Pamintuan told senators there were no technical hitches to the proposed call metering system.

They said their respective firms are actually already practicing the per-second charging through their Smart-to-Smart, Globe-to-Globe and Sun-to-Sun unlimited calls and text promos, respectively.
"Kailangan natin siguruhin ang tama at wastong pagsingil ng mga kumpanyang ito nang mapangalagaan natin ang interest ng ating mga kababayan," Roxas said.

Roxas to DOH: Do your job, enforce cheap meds law

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday said local pharmaceutical companies could expect a more robust industry if government properly implements the one year-old Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines law.

Roxas, primary author of the law, noted the 12% reported growth of the local pharmaceutical industry just a year after medicine patent rules were relaxed.
"Magandang balita ito. Ngunit higit sanang masigla ang industriya kung maging mas masigasig pa ang pagpapatupad sa batas na ito," he said.

He added: "Ngayong nagsisimula nang talagang kumikilos ang DOH para ipatupad ang batas para sa murang gamot, maaasahan nating mas lalong mararamdaman ang magagandang epekto para sa sambayanan."
The landmark law mandates healthier competition in the pharmaceutical industry by relaxing patent rules that have hindered local pharmaceutical firms from producing generic medicines. However, the price reductions that resulted from this have not yet been enough, he said.

He reiterated his appeal to President Arroyo not to heed active lobbying by international drug companies and to instead immediately sign the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for the top 22 prescribed medicines in the country, which the DOH endorsed to the Office of the President last June 16.
"Gloria, pirmahan mo na agad itong MRP. Patunayan mo ang pangako mong pangangalagaan mo ang kalusugan ng ating mamamayan. Pirma mo lang ang kailangan para mangalahati ang presyo ng gamot," he stressed.

"Huwag mo ng pansinin ang mga dambuhalang kumpanya na patuloy na hinaharang ang pagpapatupad ng batas. Patunayan mo ang sinseridad mo sa taumbayan," he added.
Under the DOH-proposed MRP, prices of 22 most prescribed medicines in the country would be slashed by 50%. The initial list includes anti-hypertensive, anti-cholesterol, anti-diabetic, antibiotics and anti-neoplastic drugs.

Some of these branded drugs are the anti-hypertensive drug Norvasc, the price of which would drop to P22.50 from the present P44.50; anti-diabetic Diamicron, P7.35 from P14.75; antibiotic Flagyl, P66 from P132; antibiotic Zithromax, P149.37 from P298.75; antibiotic Tazocin, P1061.86 from P2,123.75; antibiotic Augmention suspension 60 ml, P179.50 from P359; Augmentin suspension 70 ml, P439.50 from P879; and anti-neoplastic Carboplatin 450 mg vial, P2117.61 from P4857.15.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez at The Buzz's 10th Year Anniversary

I was able to watch the guesting of Senator Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez at the Buzz last Sunday. I wasn't expecting though that they would be there since no one informed me. Good thing I was able to get out of my "suking" internet café early.


Here's an article from Ricky Lo that's worth reading about that moment:
The kilig continues. After exchanging "I love you’s" a few weeks ago on Wowowee and going through the traditional rites of the pamamanhikan last June 14, Sen./Presidentiable Mar Roxas, 52 (May 13, 1957), and his ladylove Korina Sanchez, 45 (Oct. 5, 1964), made yet another PDA (as in Public Display of Affection, ehem!) in last Sunday’s anniversary edition of ABS-CBN show The Buzz.
Read the full article here.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

EXCLUSIVE: Cebu Bloggers with Mar Roxas Videos

Good day everyone! A few days ago, I blogged about the Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS) meet-up with Senator Mar Roxas last June 11, 2009 that was held at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, IT Park. Let me share to you these EXCLUSIVE videos taken by Mikyu Maglasang, fellow member of CBS member, during that event. Check out the videos below:

1. Why Padyak?


2. Mar and Korina in Wowowee


3. Hayden Kho - Katrina Halili scandal


4. Follow-up question on Hayden - Katrina scandal


5. Being No. 1 in Cebu


6. No. 1 problem of the Philippines


7. Wedding preparations


8. Federalism


9. Philippines as IT hub by 2016


10. Transfer of manufacturing firms to China and other countries


11. Platform of governance


12. Education reform

Firefalldown, another Proud Pinoy band

Another Proud Pinoy Band is making waves in the music industry. Firefalldown, a London-based and Filipino-British group, plays the music that's combined UK indie rock, skate punk, and Motown.


The group started last February 9, 2007 and is composed of Joel Sablayan (the band’s bassist), Andrew Hodgson (drummer) and Jon Blaylock (vocals/guitar). They have 3 songs, namely "Commissioned", "Eternally", "Mr. Rockstar". Check out below their new song "Commissioned":



Their music is a product of Filipino ingenuity. Indeed, their musics transcends every aspect of life. You can also see for yourself Firefalldown music videos and as their group says, they are "DRIVEN by a passion to INSPIRE people through music", truly a Filipino attitude.
"The songs aren’t that easy to classify. Andrew was a double-kick, snare-thrashing death-metal drummer… Joel has been in few R&B/ Funk outfits… and I fronted a punkrock band, though I do love my funk and my motown. I guess you could say we play punking, funking rock with a lot of heart," Jon said.
Listening to their songs, I'd have my own Mr. Rockstar:


Quoting a part from the song "Mr. Rockstar":
Hey Mr. Rockstar
When you coming home?
Are you gonna wake tomorrow?
Hey Mr. Superstar feeling all alone

Hey Mr. Rockstar
When you coming home?
Do you wish that they would follow?
See all the people at the party all alone

Running through the rain
These pictures hide my pain
Can’t live by what I sing
Don’t let me go my way, my own way
Mar Roxas has been the "Mr. Rockstar", my idol. The one who can guide not just me, but everyone. Truly someone that embodies my qualities of my Presidential bet. Rock en Roll Mar!

Aside from having a connection with them because of their Filipino lineage, it proves that wherever a Filipino is and whatever a Filipino does, we always do our best to make those at home proud of themselves and this is what Firefalldown has been doing.

Share your experience with Firefalldown's music. Join the Firefalldown promo and win an iTouch! Yes, an iTouch by just joining the Firefalldown promo, a proud Pinoy band! Visit their official website now at http://www.firefalldown.com.

And BTW, Firefalldown's Album "Commisioned" is out now! Download it in iTunes or Amazon!

Friday, June 19, 2009 | posted in , , , | 1 comments [ More ]

Roxas to DTI, DOH on A(H1N1): Be ahead of the curve

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas stressed that the government, particularly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Health (DOH) should ensure fullest possible access to critical goods needed to deal with a possible Influenza A(H1N1) emergency situation.
"Pangunahan na ng gobyerno ang sitwasyon. Dapat maghanda ito sa posibleng pagbulusok ng A(H1N1) Flu. Dapat abot-kamay ng publiko ang mga kinakailangang produkto para sugpuin ang sakit na ito," he said.

"The supply of Tamiflu is not the only critical element. Once an emergency situation sets in, the demand for preventive products like disinfectants, sanitizers, alcohols, masks, and even multivitamins could shoot up. The government has to be ahead of the curve and be prepared for this scenario," he stressed.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce said DTI and DOH, together with other government agencies involved in combating A(H1N1) flu, should form a task force to identify all critical goods and preventive products, monitor their prices, secure their sources of supply and prepare for possible price controls.
"The government should also be on the guard against unscrupulous businessmen who take advantage of the situation, as well as against misleading advertising messages prescribing sham cures", he said.

"Hindi dapat payagang abusuhin tayo ng mga loko sa negosyo. Dapat mangibabaw ang interes ng publiko sa lahat ng oras, lalo na sa panahon ng kagipitan," the former DTI secretary said.

"Information should be delivered as to which disinfectant products in the market are most effective in preventing the spread of the virus," he added.
Furthermore, he said the task force should give special focus to urban poor communities that are the most vulnerable to disease contagion because of congestion, lack of water and lack of access to preventive and curative goods.
"Magtulungan tayo. Magsama tayo’t labanan ang problemang dala ng AH1N1 sa ating bansa," Roxas said.

Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger at Mamma Maria's Pizzeria Gorordo Branch opening

Together with my fellow Cebu Bloggers Society members, we were invited to be in the opening of Mamma Maria's Pizzeria Gorordo Branch.


I was there first among the bloggers. But before that, I was getting lost because I didn't knew where this pizzeria was. I was asking people around the area if they know about it, but it seems they have no idea about it. So, I texted Mcbilly, who was the one who organized the event for us, to know the specific landmarks near Mamma Maria's Pizzeria Gorordo Branch. Yikes! I was already too far! I was already walking up to SSS so I went back. It was just in front of Asilo de Milagrosa.

Waving the Philippine Flag during the Independence Day celebration

The pizzas were so big! It was my first time to see something like it but I already heard about big pizzas not here, but in other countries. It's the original size of pizza, as they said. I wonder why we have small pizzas here in the Philippines.

Mayor Tom doesn't even know how to finish the pizza

Gracing the opening of Mamma Maria's Pizzeria Gorordo Branch was no less than Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña and his wife Margot Osmeña. CBS members had a lot of fun eating those big big pizzas for free. Check out the video below that I got:

Cebu Bloggers Society with Mar Roxas

UPDATE: Click here to check out the EXCLUSIVE Videos of the Cebu Bloggers Society Meet-up with Senator Mar Roxas!

Hello everyone! This one's an über-late post, but I really want to share to you the buzz about our bloggers meet-up with Senator Mar Roxas in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, IT Park last June 11. I was already suggesting this one since December 2008 to his staff, and finally, this day came. Thanks to Bon Moya!

Photo courtesy of Michael Sinjin Pineda

Roxas was in Cebu to attend a business forum organized by the Makati Business Club and the Cebu Business Club in the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. Also there was fellow senator and 2010 presidentiable Chiz Escudero. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro was also invited but turned down the invitation in the last minute because of a cabinet meeting. Bad move Gibo! You just missed a good opportunity!

Roxas was late but it was acceptable because Marco Polo Plaza was quite far from IT Park. When he arrived in our venue, SunStar Cebu was also there to make an article about the Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS) for their 2010 Yearbook. We had our group photo taken for the said yearbook and Roxas gamely joined us by squatting on the floor.

I was tasked by Bon to be the moderator. So, after ordered some tea from the counter, he got seated in front of me and I started the ball rolling.
Photo courtesy of Doyzkie Buenaviaje

I grabbed the opportunity to ask him on why the use of "padyak"? He told us that it symbolizes the "situation of Filipinos" nowadays. There was also a need to act on this problem so that we can move forward. He stressed on the importance of education in doing so.

Another question came from Jerry Gervacio, and he asked about Roxas' thoughts about the improvement of his ratings in the latest Pulse Asia survey because of the Wowowee event, where Roxas and ABS-CBN broadcaster Korina Sanchez announced their engagement. Roxas admitted that yes "because of Wowowee, they have seen my heart" and "it helped" in his survey rating but emphasized that it was a "combination of things". "They like what they saw," said Roxas. He also attributed it to his help with the Legacy scam victims, for cheaper medicines, and etc.

The CBS President Mark Monta asked Roxas on whether the Senate should investigate the Hayden-Katrina scandal. Well, Roxas believes that "guilty feet have got no rhythm", quoting a line of the song Careless Whisperer. He "feels bad for Katrina and the women" involved in this scandal. He's not a member of the Committee investigating it, but he lauded Senator Jamby Madrigal's performance on the committee hearing.

Guada Esmeña was asking about the importance of Cebu in the upcoming 2010 elections knowing that it's an administration bailiwick. It was also known that Roxas was the top choice in Cebu and in Visayas. Roxas told Guada that probably because Cebu saw his achievements. As Trade and Industry Secretary before being elected as Senator in 2004, he also served as Chairman of the Board of Investments and Philippine Economic Zone Authority. He helped Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in Balamban, Cebu which gave a lot of job opportunities in the province. As "Father of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry", he was also responsible in its boom in the Philippines. He also said that he was not fooling people or extorted them that sets him apart from other politicians.

Jose Farrugia asked about any updates on Roxas and Sanchez' wedding preparations. Here's the Youtube video that I uploaded:



Then, came the gate crasher, who was not a CBS member but his question was quite good. Many have been asking me about this, but I never knew what Roxas' position on Federalism. Here's the video that I got:



Fellow blogger member Bryan Karl Yuson asked Roxas about what's the big problem that we've got on why we're not moving forward. Roxas said that it was "not just one" but if he was to choose one, it is "graft and corruption" which everyone of us agreed as the part of the problem. He emphasized that if it was to be minimized or even eliminated, then everything would follow.


Bert Padilla asked about his contribution to the BPO industry. Roxas said the it has "dominated today" and more people are on it. He also stressed that Philippines can never compete with China when it comes to cheap labor. He emphasized that while China has cheap products, the Philippines has products with value-added service like the clothes with "burda."

Atty. Ethelbert Ouano asked for Roxas' top 3 political agenda if ever he's elected as President in 2010. Roxas said that it's not just 3, "but it's 4."
  1. Feed Ourselves
  2. - It is important so that we can do the priorities that have been set out.
  3. Education
  4. - After being fed in our stomach, it's time to feed our mind. He stressed that it was the "biggest equalizer" in life because it narrows the gap between the rich and the poor.
  5. Fairness and Justice
  6. - When you have already a satiated people in stomach and in mind, it's time to implement fairness among them.
  7. Economy
  8. - After doing the previous things, it's time to spruce up the economy now that the foundations are already laid down (feeding ourselves, education, fairness & justice).
Lastly, Jobette Escobanas asked about Roxas' position on having an additional year in elementary and the increase on teacher's salary increase. On the first question, he is in favor of having a Grade 7 citing that other countries have an edge on us because they follow the 12 pre-college years which makes them more competitive. He also reiterated his call on not doing the things by "tingi-tingi" but by "bulto", meaning instead of "pleasing everyone" by giving a few of this and that, it's better to focus on one thing on that budget and another thing on the next budget. On that way, we can be able to solve at least one part of the problem rather that having partly solve one problem and having it partly fix in the next budget thus keeping us to move forward.

On the next question, he supports a P 9,000 increase on the public school teacher's salary but due to the current situation, he said that a P 6,000 increase might be better to boost the morale of our public school teachers.

Anyways, thanks a lot for everyone in CBS for attending this event that I organized and also to Team Roxas, especially Communications Director Bobby Capco and New Media Head Bon Moya for making this possible. P.S., I got my copy of the Philippine Tattler, with Roxas on the cover page, and his autograph. :)


Blog Posts:
  1. Bloggers meet Senator Mar Roxas - Jose Farrugia
  2. CBS in CBTL with Sen. Mar Roxas - Xerxes Bernadez
  3. CBS meets Senator Mar Roxas - Vernon Go
  4. CBS with Sen. Mar Roxas - Zyza Esmeña
  5. Mar Roxas with Cebu Bloggers - Guada Esmeña
  6. An hour with Senator Mar Roxas - Willand Cuna
  7. Mar Roxas... A Goal Setter Beyond Economic Quandary - Bert Padilla
  8. CBS meets Senator Mar Roxas - Galleca Baylon
  9. Cebu Bloggers and Sen. Mar Roxas II - Mark Abitona
  10. An interview with Mar Roxas - Doyzkie Buenaviaje
  11. Mr. Padyak at Cofee Bean Tea Leaf, I.T Park - Jorich Ponio
  12. Mar Roxas meets the Cebu Bloggers - Jorich Ponio
  13. CBS asks, Mr. Padyak answers - Mark Monta
  14. Mr. Padyak, ready for Pamanhikan - Mark Monta
  15. Blogger Meeting with Mar Roxas- Jobette Escobanas
  16. Mar Roxas answers to DepEd Teachers Questions - Jobette Escobanas
  17. Senator Mar Roxas Meets Cebu Bloggers - Clarence Mongado
  18. CBS meets Mar Roxas: Photoblogger's Politics - Evanjohnn Mendoza
  19. Sen. Mar Roxas shared his time with Cebu Bloggers' Society - Kriztian Etulle
  20. Cebu Bloggers sits with Senator Mar Roxas - Miong Tampus
  21. Senator Mar looks better in person - Agnes Jimenez
Pictures:
  1. Cebu Bloggers Society Meet-up with Senator Mar Roxas - Kevin Ray Chua
  2. CBS meets Sen. Mar Roxas! :) - Mikyu Maglasang
  3. An Interview with Mar - Doyzkie Buenaviaje
  4. Meet Up with Senator Mar Roxas - Jose Faruggia
  5. CBS meets MAR - Sinjin Pineda

Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez

Below are the pictures of Senator Mar Roxas and his fiancé Korina Sanchez during the Wowowee Olympics and during the "pamamanhikan" of Roxas in Sanchez' residence.



WHERE'S THE POPCORN, HONEY? -- Senator Mar Roxas and wife-to-be broadcaster Korina Sanchez are all eyes on the court in Araneta Coliseum during the Wowowee Olympics as Roxas picks from a popcorn bag held by his girlfriend. Roxas will formally ask for Sanchez' hands from her family today (Sunday) in a traditional "pamanhikan" at the latter's home in Parañaque. The "pamanhikan" will get the Araneta-Roxas and Sanchez clans together to celebrate the coming wedding between the LP presidential candidate and the ABS-CBN news anchor.



YOU'RE THE FIRST LADY OF MY HEART! -- Senator Mar Roxas serenades girlfriend Korina Sanchez with the song "Gaano ko Ikaw Kamahal" in a traditional Filipino pre-wedding pamanhikan on the famous broadcaster's family in Merville, Paranaque., with famous entertainers Tado and Jason Gainza. Roxas formally asked for permission from Sanchez' family to marry his longtime beau, who took an indefinite leave from ABS-CBN recently after Roxas announced his engagement with Korina.

Monday, June 15, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Senate opens inquiry into prepaid 'disappearing load' cases

The Senate committee on trade and commerce will open its inquiry into the case of the "disappearing e-load" controversy that allegedly victimized millions of Filipinos, including Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who owns pre-paid account mobile phone services.

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce tasked to investigate the case, has invited representatives from Globe Telecoms, Smart Communications Inc. and Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. (Sun Cellular) to attend the hearing scheduled at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Also invited to the hearing were Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Trade Secretary Peter Favila, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and National Telecommunications Commission Chair Ruel Canobas to shed light on how government regulates the mobile phone industry.
"Susuriin nating mabuti kung paanong pinangangalagaan ng pamahalaan ang interes ng mga mobile phone users," Roxas said.

"Kailangan din nating silipin kung sumusunod nga sa patakaran ng pamahalaan itong mga telcos na ito at kung totoo ang mga reklamo na inaabuso nila ang milyon-milyong subscribers ng mga pre-paid plans," he added.
Senate President Enrile delivered a privilege speech two weeks ago rebuking mobile phone companies because the pre-paid call credits loaded into his mobile phone "disappeared," a case which he said afflicts millions of other Filipinos.

As of December 2007, records show an estimated 57 million subscribers of the three giant telecommunication companies, which have registered total gross revenues of P149.5 billion in 2007. Industry players say the current volume of text messages per day reaches 2 billion or 16,200 text messages per second.

Roxas: No new taxes

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday vowed to oppose all new taxes proposed by President Arroyo and her allies in Congress and even in the next administration as long as it makes government spending more efficient.
"I am not in favor of raising taxes for this government," Roxas said in a forum on the economy hosted by the Makati Business Club for potential presidential candidates at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu in Cebu City.
Roxas, a US-trained economist and former secretary of trade and industry in two administrations, said he would not trust the Arroyo Administration with new taxes even if it means arresting the further ballooning of government's budget deficit.

He said the new taxes would also impose more hardship on Filipinos at this time when the economy is contracting.
"This government has not shown that it can collect taxes efficiently and use such taxes collected properly," Roxas told the assembled business leaders when asked the question by former NEDA Secretary Philip Medalla.
He noted that with a mere 0.4% GDP growth, "there is just no more absorption growth for additional taxes" for our people.

Roxas said higher taxes or additional levies should only be considered if it can assure people, especially the poor, will accept paying more taxes.
"We can only raise taxes if the environment can afford it. There are lots of rooms in this government from which government revenues could be generated. The public should not suffer for this government's ineptness," Roxas said.
Instead of new taxes, Roxas said Congress and the Executive must raise income tax exemptions for minimum wage earners as government's contribution in uplifting their lives.
"A stand for the people is a stand for the nation. A stand for the people is a stand for everyone. And that is the kind of government you can expect from me: a government that stands for everyone," he added.

Friday, June 12, 2009 | posted in | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas' Padyak Ad spoofs

Setting aside the seriousness of our topics, I would like to share to you these Youtube video spoofs of our fellow Pinoys on Senator Mar Roxas' Padyakitos TV Ad. Below is the original TV Ad and the succeeding videos are the spoofs:



















And here's one interesting video that I found. Someone composed a song for Mar Roxas' 2010 election campaign. Great song and lyrics! Listen to this one:



These viral videos are a good strategy in spreading our message. So, do you want to create your own version of Mar Roxas' Padyakitos TV Ad? Go go go! Upload it to Youtube and share it with me.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas-Lacson tandem, a plus or minus?

Hello everyone! After the Pulse Asia survey results were made known to the public, showing that Senator Mar Roxas jumped from 8% to 13% in the derby of 2010 presidential aspirants, a new survey conducted by the Issues and Advocacy Center headed by former President Fidel V. Ramos' PR chief Ed Malay, place our bet in tie with former President Joseph Estrada and fellow Senator Manny Villar.

Roxas was in tie with Estrada with 15% and Villar with 14% in a 13-way presidential race. In a 9-way presidential race, Roxas shared with Vice President Noli De Castro and Senator Chiz Escudero the third to fifth place with 14% each while Villar had 17% and Estrada 15%.

Wake up! Our candidate is already in a double-digit place and we need to keep the momentum going. He's "in it to win it".

Another interesting thing is this: just last week, Senator Panfilo Lacson quit his 2010 presidential bid citing "high cost of presidential campaign." Rumor has been that Lacson is poised to endorse Roxas for President and a possible Roxas-Lacson for President and Vice President is looming to happen. Roxas has made no comment on this and Lacson too. But in the same survey by the Issues and Advocacy Center, it also included a survey on possible 2010 team-ups. The Escudero-(Loren)Legarda tandem got 37% and an Estrada-Legarda tandem got 31% while a Roxas-Lacson tandem got 33%. This is somewhat surprising to me. I never expected that this tandem will work knowing that Roxas and Lacson were both aspiring for the presidency. But now that Lacson has quit his bid, he's now open to aligned with another 2010 presidential bet.


Then, here's the thing: Is a Roxas-Lacson tandem a plus or minus. I don't know if it's really a plus or a minus but if this comes true, big things would really change but not for sure if it's positive or negative change. Some would say that Roxas having Lacson as his VP might be dangerous because Roxas will be tainted by Lacson's alleged wrongdoings thus blemishing Roxas' clean record. Others also would say that a Roxas-Lacson will give a big boost to Roxas because it's a great tandem. You have someone who's good in the economy (Roxas' expertise) and someone who's good in peace and orders (Lacson' expertise). But whatever is Roxas' and Lacson's decision, is up to them. Weigh in the pros and cons and make a good decision.

Roxas: Expect LP presence in June 10 rally

Expect the Liberal Party to join the protest in Makati on June 10 against the brazen acts of the administration to ram through with an unwanted charter change, Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas said.
"Huwag nating hayaang sipsipin ng Con-Asswang na ito ang dugo ng ating bayan. (We should not let this monster called Constituent Assembly suck the blood of our nation)," he stressed.

"Asahan ninyo kaming mga Liberal na pumanig sa taumbayan. Lalaban tayo laban sa pambabalasubas ng mga nasa poder sa ating Konstitusyon (Expect us Liberals to be on the people’s side. We will fight any and all attempts by those in power to bastardize our Constitution)," he said.
Roxas said that aside from attending the rally in Makati on June 10, the LP will also organize education and information campaigns on the issue to rally the people against the Gloria Forever agenda.
"Kailangan nating gabayan ang mga kababayan natin sa mga panahong ito na uhaw na uhaw sa kapangyarihan ang mga nasa poder (We have to guide our people in these times when those in power thirst for power)," he said.

"Gutom na ang taumbayan sa pagbabago. Ilang beses na nilang sinabi, sa pamamagitan ng mga survey, na ayaw nila sa Gloria Forever cha-cha at gusto nilang matuloy ang eleksyon (The people hunger for change. They have said many times, through the surveys, that they oppose this Gloria Forever cha-cha and want the elections to push through)," he stressed.
Public outrage over the railroaded approval of House Resolution 1109 allowing the convening of a Senate-less constituent assembly has spread throughout the country. Various groups have announced street protests to dramatize public’s rejection of House moves to amend the Charter and lift term limits, allowing Arroyo to extend her term and stay in Malacañang beyond 2010.

Roxas has sponsored Senate Resolution No. 1126, co-sponsored by Senators Benigno Aquino III and Rodolfo Biazon, urging Mrs. Arroyo to exercise her constitutional and moral duties to the public by affirming the unconstitutionality of HR 1109.

Roxas condemns killing of Sumilao-farmer leader

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today condemned the ambush-slay of a famer-leader in Sumilao, Bukidnon and called for an immediate investigation into the incident.
"Mariin kong kinukondena ang walang-saysay na pagpatay sa lider-magsasakang si Rene Penas, na buong tapang na ipinaglaban ang mga karapatan ng ating mga magsasaka, lalo na ang kanyang mga kasamahang Sumilao farmers," he said following reports that Penas, a long-time member of the Akbayan people's group, was killed by a still unidentified man late Friday night.

"Malaking kawalan si Ka Rene sa hanay ng mga magsasaka. Nakakalungkot na isang putok lamang ng baril ng isang bayarang assassin ang naging katumbas ng kanyang mga ipinaglalabang karapatan at prinsipyo. Nararapat lang na bigyang solusyon agad ng ating mga awtoridad ang krimeng ito," he added.
Penas was shot by a hired assassin at around 11 p.m. Friday while bringing home his farm caretaker. Penas, also a paralegal, has been actively fighting for farmers' rights in Sumilao. He is a strong advocate of reforms in the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) law and was among the hundreds of farmers and farm workers pushing for an extension of the program for another 5 years.

The Visayan senator urged local government and police officials in Sumilao to track down the identity of Penas' assassin and identify the mastermind behind the ambush-slay.
"Walang mararating ang ating bansa kung patuloy na mananaig ang dahas upang kitilin ang mga hinaing ng bawat mamamayang naglalabas lamang ng kanilang mga hinaing laban sa gobyerno at sa mga liping mapang-api," he said.

He added: "Bigyan natin ng katarungan ang pagpaslang kay Ka Rene! Patuloy nating ipaglaban ang mga karapatang buong sugid niyang itinulak hanggang sa kanyang kamatayan."

Roxas: Pinoys can't rely on GMA promise on 2010 polls

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday said revelations that President Arroyo herself ordered the vote on the constituent assembly resolution is clear proof that Filipinos cannot rely on her word that polls will push through in 2010 as scheduled.

Roxas said the Con-ASSwang (constituent assembly) railroaded by Palace allies at the House of Representatives is too potent to be fought by any single group.
"Kelangan talaga ng panlaban sa mga aswang sa Malacanang," he said.
He added false assurance from President Arroyo that the 2010 presidential elections would push through are not enough to assuage public outrage over the unconstitutional action of her House minions.
"Kulang ang salita lamang sa Pangulong lasing na sa kapangyarihan. Alam naman nating lahat na hindi siya marunong tumupad sa kanyang mga pangako," he said, referring to the 2003 broken promise of Mrs. Arroyo that she was not running for president in the 2004 polls.
The Visayan senator said the public is waiting for a decisive act from the President: "Magpakatotoo ka, Pangulong Arroyo. Aminin mong ikaw mismo ang nag-utos na ipasa na ang Con-Asswang. O kung hindi, iutos mong ibaon na nang tuluyan ang maitim na balak na sirain ang demokrasya sa ating bayan."

Public outrage over the railroaded approval of House Resolution 1109 allowing the convening of a Senate-less constituent assembly has spread throughout the country. Various groups have announced street protests to dramatize public's rejection of House moves to amend the Charter and lift term limits, allowing President Arroyo to extend her term and stay in Malacañang beyond 2010.

Roxas has sponsored Senate Resolution No. 1126, co-sponsored by Senators Benigno Aquino III and Rodolfo Biazon, urging Mrs. Arroyo to exercise her constitutional and moral duties to the public by affirming the unconstitutionality of HR 1109.

You're the 1, Goldilocks

I had my last Goldilocks moment last Christmas of 2008. There's a Goldilocks branch near our area, which I can pass everyday, and watching those cake displays just make my crave for some.

The morning of December 24, 2008, we went to Goldilocks to buy something for the Christmas evening bonding. There was already a rush-hour purchasing of Goldilocks products so we didn't wasted our time to buy for some. As I was looking through the glass shelves, I saw this cake rolls, and ordered for a Brazo de Mercedes and Classic Mocha Roll. Yum Yum! Just seeing those pictures below makes me hungry.

Classic Mocha Roll

Mocha flavored sponge cake with mocha buttercreme filling and icing. This cake is decorated with mocha praline chocolate toppers and twin chocolate chips.

Brazo de Mercedes
Meringue rolls with golden yellow custard filling. The crust has a wavy design and sprinkled with confectioner's sugar.

On that same evening, we can't wait to open the box. The yummy cake rolls just can't wait. So, I presided over the cutting of the cake rolls (sounds weird) to give it to other guests and guess what, others were wanting for more. I told them to be back on Christmas of 2009 or on my 19th birthday (that's this July 7, 2009). I only eat cake less than thrice a year, only when there's a birthday party or Christmas party so I always grab the opportunity to have some taste of it.

You're the 1 Goldilocks, because you make people happy and make us savor life's precious moments. Not just with your cakes, but also with your other products. How I wish I can have some more of Goldilocks products to eat. And to Mar Roxas, if ever you win for President in 2010, pa-Goldilocks ka naman!


Roxas' Privilege Speech on Con-AssWang

Sa probinsiya ko, sa Capiz, kilala namin ang ASWANG. At ang pinaka-mabisang panlaban sa mga ASWANG ay bawang.

Ngayong umaga, nag-desisyon ako na isuot ang kwintas ng bawang na ito para maitaboy ang ASWANG na tinatawag na Constituent Assembly o CON-ASSwang.


Kagabi ay kitang-kita natin ang kaaswangan nila. Balak nilang amyedahan ang Saligang Batas nang hindi kasama ang Senado. Pero pinapaalala ko lang sa kanila na noong a-kinse ng Disyembre nitong nakaraang taon, ipinasa na natin dito sa Senado ang isang resolusyon na labag sa Saligang Batas ang balakin ng Kamara.

Para tumibay lalo ang loob ng Senado, pinadalhan ko din ang mga kagalang-galang na mga kasamahan dito sa Senado at sa Kongreso na buong-tapang na nilalabanan ang Con-ASSWANG na ito

Itong Cha-Cha na ito, patay na pero pilit na binubuhay pang muli. Wala nang katawan, wala nang suporta ng taumbayan, pero pilit na binubuhay muli.

Madame President, noong isang lingo, buong ngiti kayo kasama ang mahigit na dalawandaang miyembro ng Kongreso na kasapi ng Lakas-Kampi merger. Lahat nang mga bumoto pabor sa resolusyon na ipasa ang Con-ASSwang na ito ay miyembro ng iyong Partidong Lakas-Kampi.

Madam President, walang maniniwala na ang Con-ASSwang na ito ay hindi iyo. Magpakatotoo ka. Ito ay nangyari lamang dahil pinakawalan mo ang Con-ASSwang na ito. You are responsible for this plague that has befallen us.

Ilang milyong Pilipino ang nabubuhay ng wala o kulang ang kanilang gamut, pagkain at edukasyon dahil sa kasakiman sa kwarta't kapangyarihan ng mga aswang sa paligid natin? Lahat nang kalokohang ito - para sa Gloria Forever Constitution!

Pero sa lahat ng pangyayaring ito, hindi ko pababayaang sipsipin nila ng todo ang dugo ng ating taumbayan. Hindi lang bawang ang kailangan natin para labanan ang mga aswang na ito.

Kailangan nating magsama-sama ng taumbayan para labanan ang Con-ASSwang ni Gloria. Ipangako natin muli sa taumbayan na itong Gloria Forever Constitution na ito ay siguradong mamamatay at 'di na mabubuhay para sipsipin pa ang buhay ng ating bansa.

Ngayong araw na ito ay magsasampa ako ng isang resolusyon - a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate asking the President to affirm, CATEGORICALLY, that the House convening itself as a constituent assembly on its own is unconstitutional.

Nananawagan ako kay Pangulong Arroyo na magpakatotoo at patunayan sa buong bayan na hindi siya ang nasa likod nitong Con-ASSwang na ito at utusan ang kanyang mga alipores sa Kongreso na tigilan na ang kalokohang ito.

Madam President, tayuan mo ito o itakwil mo! Magpakatotoo tayo!

AyosDito.Ph is the new online shopping destination of the Philippines

I have never been into an online shopping site, have you? But this one's different. From the name of the site of www.AyosDito.ph, it's definitely cool here!

You just need to have a computer with an internet connection then go to www.AyosDito.ph and voila, search for the items that you want in a buy & sale basis. Just like in the ordinary shopping that we used to have.


Since in my late high school days, I seldom go to shopping malls because I was hooked to the internet especially when I started maintaining this blog, but I can still remember those days when we go to the mall every Sunday. It's really fun and sometimes boring if you don't have the money to buy an item that you really want.

Talking about footwear, I don't buy it on the shopping malls because I'm not use to buying that said item on that place but rather on the wet market near our area or in the footwear shop near our place. I bought one pair of slippers but after a year, it's already thin, that I already feel the little stones that I walk on to. So, I'm expecting to do my online shopping in www.AyosDito.ph sometime and who knows, I might not just buy footwear products here, but other stuffs too.

Roxas dares GMA: reject, disown Senate-less "Con-AssWang"

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today vowed to thwart President Arroyo’s bid to perpetuate herself to power beyond 2010 through a Gloria Forever Constitution railroaded by her allies at the House of Representatives on Tuesday night.


The Visayan senator came to the Senate session wearing a garland of "bawang" (garlic) to scare away what he called the "Con-ASSwang" from the lower house.
"Hindi ko pababayaang sipsipin nila ng todo ang dugo ng taumbayan. Hindi lang bawang ang kailangan natin para labanan ang mga aswang na ito. Kailangan nating magsama-sama para labanan ang Con-ASSwang ni Gloria," he said in a privileged speech.

"Ngayong hapon, nag-desisyon ako na isuot ang kwintas ng bawang na ito para maitaboy ang aswang na tinatawag na Constituent Assembly o Con-ASSwang. Para tumibay lalo ang loob ng Senado, pinadalhan ko din ang mga kagalang-galang na mga kasamahan ko sa Senado at sa Kongreso na buong-tapang na nilalabanan ang Con-ASSwang na ito," he added.
Roxas also challenged President Arroyo to reject and categorically disown the illegal Con-Ass railroaded by her House allies.
"Madame President, walang maniniwala na ang Con-ASSwang na ito ay hindi iyo. Magpakatotoo ka. Ito ay nangyari lamang dahil pinakawalan mo ang Con-ASSwang na ito. You are responsible for this plague that has befallen us. Tayuan mo ito o itakwil mo!"
Roxas authored a resolution expressing the Senate’s opposition to the Senate-less Con-Ass and insisting on its unconstitutionality.
"Now, therefore, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, to express the sense of the Senate urging President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to uphold her constitutional duties by rejecting House Resolution No. 1109, affirming that the House of Representatives convening as a constituent assembly independent of the Senate is patently unconstitutional and by ordering her allies in the House of Representatives to stop such blatant disrespect of constitutional processes," the resolution read.
He insisted President Arroyo has the "constitutional and moral duty" to assure the Filipino people that she is not involved in the "foolishness" of her House allies.


He stressed that "in unilaterally convening itself as a constituent assembly through House Resolution No. 1109, the House of Representatives unlawfully disregarded the bicameral nature of Congress and blatantly disregarded the Senate of the Philippines as a co-equal body in the legislative branch of the government in violation of the sacred law of the land – the 1987 Philippine Constitution."

He cited the legal maxim of ut magis valeat quam pereat and said that "a complete reading of the 1987 Constitution would readily reveal that both the Senate and House of Representatives are intended to act and vote separately in all the measures that they are required to pass upon."

He also noted the opinion of constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas that the requirement of separate voting is apparent in the bicameral character of Congress.

Senators have unanimously adopted on December 15 last year Resolution No. 154 declaring as unconstitutional any attempt by the House of Representatives to unilaterally propose amendments to or revision of the Constitution without the approval by ¾ of the Senate voting separately.

Malacañang allies at the House of Representatives railroaded the approval of House Resolution No. 1109 late Tuesday night allowing the convening of a Constituent Assembly even without the participation of the Senate to introduce amendments to or revise the Constitution.

No to Conass!

Roxas demands resignation of DOH officials

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday demanded the resignation of top health officials for failing to make cheap quality medicines available to Filipinos one year after the signing of a new law that bucked multinational companies’ decades of control of the local market.
"Ayokong magsalita ng patapos pero mukhang ang pinakamalaking hadlang o balakid para maibaba ang presyo ng gamot dito sa ating bansa ay ang DOH mismo (I don’t want to give any last word but it seems it is the DOH which is the main problem in enforcing this law)," he added.

"Dapat ang burden ngayon ay nasa DOH para patunayan nila na hindi sila kasabwat ng pharmaceutical companies na ito (The burden is now with the DOH to prove they are not in collusion with the pharmaceutical companies," he said after Tuesday’s Quality Affordable Medicines oversight committee hearing.
Roxas, seconded by Rep. Teodoro Locsin and Rep. Antonio Alvarez, summoned Health Secretary Francisco Duque to the next hearing on Monday (June 8) to personally respond to the oversight panel’s queries and to "defend his boys’ failure to implement the law."

During the hearing, the Visayan senator called for the resignation of Health Undersecretary Alexander Padilla after the latter failed to present anew the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) list for essential drugs.

He noted that almost one year after the law was enacted in June 6 last year, "iyong parallel importation, walang pera o kakaunting pera lamang ang inilagay ng DOH. Dito sa pagtakda ng Maximum Retail Price, hanggang sa ngayon, wala pa rin silang ginagawa."

Roxas also found unacceptable Padilla’s declaration that there was no need for the MRP because there is allegedly an existing competition among pharmaceutical companies in the country and that prices of many medicines have supposedly gone down.
"Is he crazy? Does he not know how expensive medicines are in this country?" the Visayan senator fumed.
Roxas urged President Arroyo to order Duque to explain his office’s failure to implement the law, which he noted would have benefited the public if it was fully and correctly enforced.

Call center jobs MARket to open on June 8

The onset of recession has affected the world with unemployment problems, increase in poverty, upsurge of depression, and a general economic instability to many countries. The Philippines is definitely one resilient nation with plenty of hope in the hearts of its citizens despite the economic roller coaster ride. With the influx of call centers and business process outsourcing companies (BPOs) setting up hubs in the country, the people have optimistic employment chances.


TeleDevelopment Services, Inc. joined forces with the jobs team of the "Father of the BPO industry" Senator Mar Roxas, to offer the public an opportunity to find a spot in the call center industry through recruitment and a free training. The event aptly called "Callcenter Jobs MARket", is the launch of a long term partnership of on-site recruitment and free training for those who will qualify for the near hire status. The launch will be held at 3 PM until 1 AM on June 6, 2009 Saturday at the Cubao Expo Center in front of Farmers Market, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City following the call center's nocturnal schedule. This job fair is spearheaded by TeleDevelopment's HRO team headed by AVP Judy Whisenhunt in partnership with Armi Ballesteros, head of the jobs team. There will be on-site applications, interviews, testing, and actual job offers while waiting applicants may party-on with free food, drinks and entertainment.


All job-seekers are invited to come and bring their resumés to be one of the fortunate ones to bring home a job offer from one of the biggest call center companies. One must have at least 2 years of any college courses, conversant in English, willing to work on a shifting schedule, and is customer-service oriented to qualify. Be in your most comfortable attire and leave your business clothes at home. For pre-registration, call 631-8230 and ask for Dianne, text 0920-9456917 or email callcenterjobsmarket@teledevelopment.com or register online at www.marunongangpinoy.com. Interested applicants may also visit TDS office at the 36th floor of Robinsons Equitable Tower, ADB Ave. Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Don't miss this opportunity to claim a job in the call center and be part of the growing industry that the Senator Mar Roxas, the "Father of the BPO industry" started.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009 | posted in , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas statistically tied for first; gains big in the latest Pulse Asia Survey

Wait, it's not yet time to celebrate that much because there's still 11 months before the May 2010 Presidential elections, but as of now, this one is a good news. According to the latest Pulse Asia Survey dated May 4 to 17, 2009, our presidential bet, Senator Mar Roxas, is now on the circle of 5.

Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News

Roxas was the biggest gainer in the latest Pulse Asia survey for the period February to May 2009. He was also statistically tied for first given the survey error parameters of +/- 3%.

In his press statement, he said:
"Nararamdaman na ng taumbayan ang aking pakikipaglaban para sa mahihirap. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga taong naniniwalang mababago ko hindi lang ang kanilang mga buhay kundi ang pamamalakad ng ating bansa."
Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News

Roxas was also number one in the Visayas region, where my place Cebu is in and my province Biliran is in too. But let us remember that we must not be put all our effort in one or few provinces. We must get every single vote in all of the provinces in the Philippines to be able to win. No matter how small or big that province is, every vote should count for us. In that same press statement also, Roxas thanked the people of Visayas for their continued support on him:
"Malaki ang utang na loob na tinatanaw ko sa taumbayan, lalo na sa aking mga kababayan mula sa Visayas na patuloy na sumusuporta sa akin," he said.
As Stella Arnaldo puts it on her blog post:
"Anything can still happen between now and May 11, 2010."
Indeed. Roxas has been saying that no matter what the result of these surveys are, there is only one survey that would matter, and that's the 2010 presidential elections. If we succeed, then good. But if we won't, then we must look back on where we got it wrong. But I know we don't want to fail. Do you?

This is the third straight poll showing an increase for Mar Roxas who in 2004 garnered almost 20 million votes when he topped the 2004 senate elections. The vote garnered by Mar Roxas in 2004 was and still is the highest number of votes garnered by any candidate in the Philippines.

Veteran political columnist Ellen Tordesillas also shared her thoughts on this good news:
"Looks like Sen.Mar Roxas “padyak” ads are effective in making people notice him. Or maybe because of his crusade against Legacy owner Celso de los Angeles whom he accused of swindling thousands of plan holders. Or it could be the "Korina Sanchez" factor."
I really don't know where exactly Roxas hit the right note because there has been so much fuss about his Padyak TV Ad. His public engagement also with Korina Sanchez was called distasteful to some even other accusing the host of Wowowee, Willie Revillame, of being bribed to have them on the show which is so untrue. The Legacy issue has also been a good aspect of Roxas' pursuit for justice to those who are being fooled by people like Celso de los Angeles. Whatever it is, I know these contributed a lot to Roxas' poll ratings.

But here's one point that blogger Ding Gagelonia has observed that might have boosted Roxas' poll ratings:
"I am making the observation after also having closely tracked his performance in the first episode of the ABS-CBN Leaders Foum during which Mar projected a clear vision of what he wanted to do."
Oh! Why would we forget that. The ABS-CBN Leadership Forum was a good avenue to get to know more him and his vision for our country. That surely helped a lot.

As what I have said earlier, the piñata hasn't been broken and we still don't know what's inside it. It's still a wide open race for the potential presidential candidates, unless some of them slide down. We should do all our best to make Mar Roxas succeed. We must do our part, because if not, then this is just a piece of nothing that we are doing.

Please pass this good news to your family members, friends and relatives here in the Philippines and abroad. Lalaban Tayo dahil Mahalaga Ang Pilipino! Mahalaga Ang Tao!

Oras Na! Roxas Na!

Roxas votes YES on CARP

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today voted in favor of the measure extending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) by five more years, withstanding potential conflicts of interests with his and his family’s personal interests.
"I voted ‘YES’ not withstanding serious reservations relative to potential conflicts of interest. I, myself, am a landowner. I am a potential inheritor of lands. And my family also has lands. I have voted in favor of this measure on the premise that such a vote, indeed, does not benefit my interest and my family’s interest but benefits the interests of a greater number of our people, particularly the farmers and the farm workers," he said during Monday’s voting on the CARPer bill.
Roxas’ family is known to own hectares of lands in Roxas City and Negros province, the roots of the senator’s mother’s family.


He admitted his favorable vote could be "subject to attack relative to voting on a matter that benefits me" but insisted that, "I believe that the measure is overwhelmingly in favor of social justice, in favor of the farmers, and in favor of the farm workers."
"It is on that vein that I sought to overcome my own reservations relative to acting on a matter that may have potential conflict of interest and in this matter, have voted ‘yes’," he added.
Congress has been under pressure to approve the final version of the CARPer bill before sessions adjourn sine die on June 5 because the CARP coverage is set to expire on June 30. The House has yet to finish plenary debates on the measure.

Senators have made sure that rights of agrarian reform beneficiaries are not prejudiced and that provisions of the legislative proposal is not watered down.

Get Involved!





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