There's No Business Like Philippine Politics

Here in the Philippines, the word politics is probably spelled this way: S-H-O-W-B-I-Z. And why not? Those who win the elections in this country are not necessarily the most qualified but more often than not, those with name recall, have access to media, and are remotely related to the entertainment scene.

The political ads have already started bombarding us on television: We have "Ang Gara ng buhay;" Zubiri talking about the Biofuels Law (really now); and we have "Tol" Michael Defensor, among others. I don't have a very high regard for television and the programs the stations push but I didn't imagine it could get more terrible. Groan.

Am already starting to have a headache thinking of whom to vote for in May 2007. Seems like I don't really have much of a choice. I feel more like a casting director rather than a voter. What do you expect from a crop of candidates which includes one who would hire Boy Abunda to advise him on his campaign?

Oh well. We'll see how many "credible" people get elected this May. Where are the men of action? Those who do not think that everything in politics is just for show?

The Web as a Political Tool

In the coming days, we will see who among the politicians will be running for senator, congressman, the works. It will also be interesting to see how each candidate will use the web or internet for his/her campaign.

Gone are the days when politicians can just do a song-and-dance, go on a campaign sortie with well-known celebrities, and then hope to win an election. In addition to newspapers, television, radio, and cellphones, campaign strategists must now take a serious look at how the internet will figure in their over-all campaign approach.

In the United States, the presidential election will be held in 2008. This early, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama, both senators, have already turned to the web to start their presidential campaign. I watched both Hillary and Barack's videos on their respective websites and although my opinion does not count as I am not a U.S. voter, I found Barack's video more natural and less scripted.

Will the local politicians in the Philippines also use the web to the same extent? Will they blog? Will they write their replies to all the issues that are sure to come up against them? Will they purchase "ad spots" in popular websites? Will the website owners allow politicians they don't believe in to put ads in their sites in exchange for money? Would you be willing to advertise a politician for free if you believed in him or her?

Interesting times ahead, folks. And I thought the Philippine elections couldn't get more exciting. =)

The Carnival is Here (Eto Na Ang Perya ng Bayan)

It is only January 2007 but already, as is our country's habit, when you read the newspapers; when you listen to AM radio; when you watch television -- you will be bombarded daily by talk about the May 2007 national and local elections here in the Philippines. Groan.

Politicians are now in "election mode." That means either nothing will move (because everyone is busy thinking of the campaign) or everything will move quicker and faster (as they woo voters) but only until May 2007. Money will flow left and right so people are generally happy.

Will anything change with the coming elections? I've voted in too many elections to know that things will probably not change. Already, am hearing the same old names and seeing the same old faces. Sa iyo ang San Juan, Akin ang San Juan (San Juan is yours and it is mine too.) If news reports are to be believed, the mother of JV Ejercito will slug it out with the wife of Jinggoy Estrada in the mayoralty race in San Juan. Does an Ejercito or an Estrada always have to be at the helm of San Juan?

There are talks nowadays of Erap being freed from his Tanay resthouse. Why now, all of a sudden? If we release Erap now, let's return him to Malacanang. =) He was elected president anyway.

I don't know about you but this election thing is getting more tiring as the years go by. I've always voted in every election in the past and I'm still not getting the government that I think I deserve. Maybe it's time to do something different and skip the elections altogether? I wonder, shall I get better results?

Seventy Years is All We Have?

Did you read that recent article which said that the life expectancy of Filipinos has improved from 50 years old in the 1940s to 70 years old these days? The finding was based on a study made by the Department of Health (DOH), if am not mistaken, and it is also stated that females generally outlive males by 2 years (only!). Those who are not likely to reach 70 years old or the average life expectancy are those who have stressful jobs. Does that mean that I will live beyond 70 if I don't have a job now?

Kidding aside, the 70 years life expectancy even has some Biblical basis. In the book of Psalms, for example, there is a Psalm which goes: "Seventy years is all we have. Eighty if we are strong..." I guess, 80 (or even a hundred) should be the goal for me.

It is interesting to note though that the same study says that the reason for the longer life span is a "healthier lifestyle." I think I disagree. I refuse to believe that people nowadays are more conscious of their health than say, 50 years ago? In fact, I would daresay that people today live "more stressful" lifestyles. We are stuck in traffic more often, work harder, inhale more pollution, eat more greasy and processed food -- than our parents ever did. Sure, they probably didn't have gyms and South Beach diets in the olden days but I don't think they needed it much then.

So what changed? Advances in medical science most probably. We are diagnosing more illnesses now and are discovering more cures. In the early days, people most probably just dropped dead without knowing what was wrong with them or without even having the chance to do something about it.

Well, in life there is always good news and bad news. What's the bad news? Life is more stress-filled these days. What's the good news? You'll live longer despite the stresses.

Up to what age would you like to stay around? Personally -- I think living to 60 will be alright; up to 70, a blessing; up till 80, a bonus; until 90, a miracle; and up to 100? I don't think my brain could think much of it even if I wanted to. Whatever the length of our days, let us be thankful. May you and I live long and healthy. I wonder, will blogs still exist when I'm 60?

Happy New 2007!

Happy New Year everybody! Manigong Bagong Taon as we would say in our native Filipino language. If you happen to be reading this, then there is already enough reason to rejoice. We're still alive at the start of 2007 and that is blessing enough.

I haven't been reading the newspapers at all in the last few days, in the busy-ness of the Christmas season. I should get back to my regular routine starting today. Still, I did get to glance at the news every now and then and heard about the hanging of Saddam, the earthquake in Taiwan (which has made the internet over here in the Philippines painfully slow), the turning over of custody of Smith to the Americans, and that 91% of Filipinos face the New Year with hope.

That is a comforting thought. That despite our difficulties here in our country, majority of the Filipinos still face 2007 with hope in their hearts. That's what keeps us alive and smiling, I guess. When hope is thrown out of the window, it must be time to stop breathing altogether. So, keep hoping and keep smiling. Look beyond GMA and Philippine politics. There is a God that sees order amid the chaos that we, mere mortals, do not understand.

God has great plans for you and I in 2007. Let His plan unfold. Have a blessed New Year everybody.

UP Tuition to Increase by 300%

The Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines has already approved the 300% tuition fee hike. Each academic unit will now be worth P1,000 (from the previous P300) in the campuses in Diliman, Manila, and Los Banos. For Baguio, Visayas, and Mindanao, the cost will increase from P200 to P600. Miscellaneous and other fees will also increase accordingly.

Expectedly, the tuition is being increased amidst protests from the student body. According to news reports, the last time the tuition in UP was increased was in 1989. I do remember though, that a few years ago, my officemates were talking (or was it more like complaining?) about the increase in rates for their MBA program at UP Diliman. Or are we just talking about increasing the tuition for undergraduate courses?

In addition to the tuition fee increase, the Socialized Tuition Financial Assistance Program or STFAP will also be revised. Those who cannot afford to even pay the tuition at UP will even receive a stipend of P12,000 per semester. That's a lot! Bottom-line, officials of UP say that only those who have the capability to pay will bear the brunt of the increase in rates. Those who are less affluent (those with a family income of less than P1 million annually?) will pay rates according to their income bracket based on the revised STFAP.

Even with the increase in rates, UP will still be an affordable alternative compared to say Ateneo or De La Salle. Hopefully, the higher rates will allow the university to retain better professors and faculty members; improve facilities; and give support to poor but deserving and bright students.

Gold Medals At Last!

If we Filipinos wish to be happy or experience some joyful moments, we should focus on our athletes and artists. In the on-going Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, after several days of waiting, we finally have three gold medals, courtesy of: Antonio Gabica in billiards and Violito Payla and Joan Tipon for boxing. Is Joan really his name? That's what the Philippine Star says.

Seeing our athletes' track record, so far, the Philippines should probably just focus on boxing, billiards, bowling, and taekwondo. Those are the sports where Pinoys have proven that they have what it takes to be world-class.

Forget our politicians. If our athletes bring us joy and pride, Philippine politics just makes life more stressful. Just look at how the Con-Ass (or should it have been Con Us?) attempt unfolded. Just think of how the other countries in Asia view the Philippines after the cancellation of the Asean Summit in Cebu.

I guess we should be thankful that "politics" is not a competitive sport. We would never get the gold.