October 14, 2009
WHEN MOTHER NATURE THROWS A TANTRUM
In the Philippines, we recently experienced two typhoons that killed hundreds of people and damaged Billions; yes, Billions worth of infrastructure, agriculture and residential properties. The country’s economy will suffer short and long term effects trying to recover what it lost in two weeks but the loss of lives will forever change the landscape this country once enjoyed.Used to be that children enjoyed the ‘sound’ of rain because it meant taking a bath in the rain, playing around in the rain and a suspension of classes. Now, children go into fits of crying and trauma at the mere sight of dark skies or the sound of a sudden downpour pelting their roofs with huge raindrops.
Many of the Filipinos affected by the flooding caused by Ondoy and Pepeng are still trying to rebuild their lives two weeks after Ondoy thrashed the Metro and Northern Luzon is picking up the pieces after Pepeng.Reports have been continuously streaming regarding the inefficiency of government rescue, government assistance, first aid, poor shelter, no relief, and no immediate solution to a flood that has beset parts of the city for almost 2 weeks now. Children are getting sick, properties are abandoned, relocation is a nightmare and no matter what is done, the garbage pile up in the city doesn’t seem to be lessening. There are piles, mounds, even mountains of garbage littering major streets and avenues in the Metro and the government has been proven inutile to cope with a disaster of this magnitude.
It has also proven that government agencies did not prepare, plan or even purchase the resources required to allow for immediate rescue and relief to almost half a million people. It cannot be said that the ‘elements’ were working against them since private individuals and groups braved raging waters and heavy downpour just to rescue families with what they could use at the moment. Non-experienced men gave up their lives to save others while those who supposedly trained for such missions were nowhere to be found at zero hour on ground zero.
On the aftermath of Ondoy and Pepeng, news and information slowly stream in. Inefficient government service, poor logistics, ill-prepared teams, no resources, little or no communication seem to be reported over and over again from different municipalities and cities and even provinces. No proper coordination in the release of water from dams causing more damage and deaths when it could have been avoided had proper planning been done prior to any disaster that caught this government with their pants down.
The people blame the government; the government blames the people as well as Climate Change, Global Warming, Mother Nature and even God for the catastrophe that happened on September 27, 2009. But the people know better. The Philippines have had its share of super typhoons, earthquakes, erupting volcanoes and anything Mother Nature can throw us with. And we’ve always survived, but we’ve never been caught in anything of this nature because it came too fast and too soon, help came too late and too few.
Climate Change and Global Warming are not news anymore. VP Al Gore has been globe-trotting about it, bringing his message of “Inconvenient Truth” to almost all corners of the Earth. My kids and their classmates have seen it, its even been shown on HBO. So how come we were not prepared for this?
Political will and Climate Change will never be separated. It will forever be intrinsically entwined with each other and the only constant would be is to adapt. We cannot fight Climate Changes but we can correct it. We cannot go against what Mother Nature throws against us but we can always prepare for it. We cannot stop the earth from shaking the very foundations of our soul but we can build stronger and better structures to prepare for it.
In adapting comes Political Will.
One man cannot change the world. A group of 10 people cannot change the world. But if we begin with one and multiply those changes a hundred fold, we change our lifestyle, our consumption, our amount of waste drastically and we prepare for the worst case scenario ever.
What happened in our country wasn’t just Climate Change or Global Warming giving us a taste of things to come. It was one ingredient in a disaster waiting to happen and it did happen. No preparation, no proper warning equipments, poor communication to coordinate agencies, no logistics or resources to reach people, slow mobilization of air support, clogged water ways, cemented creeks, denuded mountains, shallow riverbeds filled with silt and garbage, a non-existent flood control system, inconsiderate openings of dams and spillways, and the worse kicker of it all – non-stop rain that poured in a month’s worth of rainfall in one day. Had there been enough proper preparation and planning, coordination and implementation of certain rules and regulations – Ondoy could have poured the same amount of rain on the country but would it have flooded so badly if waters found the proper exits it used to have? Would that many people died if they were banned from living too near creeks and water ways? Would flooding in the city be as bad if the creeks and water ways been declogged all the way to the ocean or lake? Would inner streets flood so badly if sewers and canals been free of garbage?
We cannot fully blame Climate Change for what has happened. It is Nature. Nature that man has played a deadly game of Russian roulette with by not cutting down on carbon emissions, and denuding forests, pouring chemicals into her blood line and clogging up her oceans with garbage.
So how will we adapt?
We prepare for the worst and make sure we have the resources to meet it with little or no casualties. We clean up our act and put a stop to logging and replant nude mountain sides. We clean up and get with the program of recycling our waste, lessen our consumption of wasteful materials. We stop covering our flatlands with cement. Stop carbon emissions from factories as well as focus on using eco-friendly appliances and equipment. We ‘zone’ our cities properly and allow residents to reside in appropriate areas instead of creek sides or river banks. We literally clean up the city – on the surface, deep underneath it and unclog all those water ways and canals, widen it if necessary. Build flood dikes and levees and make sure the materials used are sturdy enough to withstand extreme weather conditions and flooding.
On the aftermath of Ondoy and Pepeng, news and information slowly stream in. Inefficient government service, poor logistics, ill-prepared teams, no resources, little or no communication seem to be reported over and over again from different municipalities and cities and even provinces. No proper coordination in the release of water from dams causing more damage and deaths when it could have been avoided had proper planning been done prior to any disaster that caught this government with their pants down.
The people blame the government; the government blames the people as well as Climate Change, Global Warming, Mother Nature and even God for the catastrophe that happened on September 27, 2009. But the people know better. The Philippines have had its share of super typhoons, earthquakes, erupting volcanoes and anything Mother Nature can throw us with. And we’ve always survived, but we’ve never been caught in anything of this nature because it came too fast and too soon, help came too late and too few.
Climate Change and Global Warming are not news anymore. VP Al Gore has been globe-trotting about it, bringing his message of “Inconvenient Truth” to almost all corners of the Earth. My kids and their classmates have seen it, its even been shown on HBO. So how come we were not prepared for this?
Political will and Climate Change will never be separated. It will forever be intrinsically entwined with each other and the only constant would be is to adapt. We cannot fight Climate Changes but we can correct it. We cannot go against what Mother Nature throws against us but we can always prepare for it. We cannot stop the earth from shaking the very foundations of our soul but we can build stronger and better structures to prepare for it.
In adapting comes Political Will.
One man cannot change the world. A group of 10 people cannot change the world. But if we begin with one and multiply those changes a hundred fold, we change our lifestyle, our consumption, our amount of waste drastically and we prepare for the worst case scenario ever.
What happened in our country wasn’t just Climate Change or Global Warming giving us a taste of things to come. It was one ingredient in a disaster waiting to happen and it did happen. No preparation, no proper warning equipments, poor communication to coordinate agencies, no logistics or resources to reach people, slow mobilization of air support, clogged water ways, cemented creeks, denuded mountains, shallow riverbeds filled with silt and garbage, a non-existent flood control system, inconsiderate openings of dams and spillways, and the worse kicker of it all – non-stop rain that poured in a month’s worth of rainfall in one day. Had there been enough proper preparation and planning, coordination and implementation of certain rules and regulations – Ondoy could have poured the same amount of rain on the country but would it have flooded so badly if waters found the proper exits it used to have? Would that many people died if they were banned from living too near creeks and water ways? Would flooding in the city be as bad if the creeks and water ways been declogged all the way to the ocean or lake? Would inner streets flood so badly if sewers and canals been free of garbage?
We cannot fully blame Climate Change for what has happened. It is Nature. Nature that man has played a deadly game of Russian roulette with by not cutting down on carbon emissions, and denuding forests, pouring chemicals into her blood line and clogging up her oceans with garbage.
So how will we adapt?
We prepare for the worst and make sure we have the resources to meet it with little or no casualties. We clean up our act and put a stop to logging and replant nude mountain sides. We clean up and get with the program of recycling our waste, lessen our consumption of wasteful materials. We stop covering our flatlands with cement. Stop carbon emissions from factories as well as focus on using eco-friendly appliances and equipment. We ‘zone’ our cities properly and allow residents to reside in appropriate areas instead of creek sides or river banks. We literally clean up the city – on the surface, deep underneath it and unclog all those water ways and canals, widen it if necessary. Build flood dikes and levees and make sure the materials used are sturdy enough to withstand extreme weather conditions and flooding.
We need to take care of our immediate environment and not wait for other people to do it for us. Until we change what was made wrong, typhoons like Ondoy and Pepeng will continue to hit countries and hit it bad. We need to change, let's be the change we want to happen.
Be part of the movement. www.blogactionday.org
October 6, 2009
August 11, 2009
A Legacy of Better Philippines
Numerous people have written about them. A simple couple thrown into the limelight of politics borne of a need for change and a belief that the country can be more than what it is. This struggle began way back in the 70s and it has been 30 years or even more yet still we are faced with a country beset with poverty, over population, strife, political disarray, greed, corruption, usurpation of power and abusive government officials who only took office for personal agendas.
Now both Tita Cory and Tito Ninoy are gone and we are left behind to carry on a battle they fought, sacrificing their private lives, their families, their freedoms, and their lives for a better Philippines. No more can be asked of them, no more can be squeezed out of them.
Filipinos are faced with an enemy far greater than someone carrying a gun and pointing it at his head. The enemy comes from within him. The will to carry on, the will to change and the will to act when wrong doings are in the midst. Apathy, indifference, and resignation are some of the worse character traits a Filipino can be shrowded with. Cynicism even worse. Because it leaves no room for trust, for belief, for principles. But can we really blame him?
Daily choices are often prioritized over that of the general issues besetting a nation. We work day and night to make a living or else we do not put food on the table, we cannot send our children to school. We all have the same types of worries and problems in varying levels but they are all common no matter the class in society.
But why are we beset with such worries to begin with? Because we know that if we don't work, we don't eat. Our children will not get a decent education. We will lose the roof over our heads. Isn't this something our government should be helping us with instead of making it harder for us?
There is something terribly wrong with our country, with our government. It is not a cultural thing. It isn't even an issue of economics. It is a matter of service and justice, of equal treatment and equal opportunities. There is no public service here. Justice is delayed. No such thing as equal treatment and opportunities are only open to those who meet certain age, skills and school requirements.
A leader doesn't need to be a president to lead. A leader is someone who knows what is right for the people and what needs to be curbed if not uprooted from the beginning. A leader is not scared to speak his mind as his heart dictates and a leader is not ashamed of making mistakes and admitting to a fault. A leader should be humble and listens to those who speak their minds and hearts as well. What more a person who has been elected into power, holds an office that would open doors for change?
Ninoy and Cory both wanted the same thing - a better country for the Filipinos, run fairly and cleanly, honestly and transparently by equally honest and transparent people who have the innate sense of integrity to uphold the responsibilities of the office they occupy. Cory never wanted to become President and she said so herself. But look at the outpouring of love the minute Filipinos found out she was sick. The country lost a Father in August 21, 1983. The country lost its Mother August 1, 2009. The hole it leaves behind is unbearable to those who know the meaning of a better country, a better future for the people... something we all want for our children.
It is up to us to move, to act. To say something and not be scared to say it. To be at the forefront of any battle as long as we are on the side of truth, honesty and justice. A simple married couple with kids took up the fight for a better country because they knew it could be done and it could be achieved if we all pitched in to join the fight against corruption, complacency, greed and poverty. There are many sides, it is a matter of where those sides face. Do we face each other for the fight for a better country or do we stand against each other for the same cause? Bottom line, what do we want? We don't have Tita Cory and Tito Ninoy with us and we can only learn from the lessons they left us. Let us not fail them for in failing them, we fail our children and our grandchildren.
July 13, 2009
July 5, 2009
What is it with Flapjacks?
I've often been asked what is it with you and Flapjacks?
There's a place in Greenbelt 2 park place named FLAPJACKS and its right beside Italianis. Its all orange with hints of different pastel shades of orange and they serve great american or continental dishes in huge servings. The place is a bit pricey for some but the serving amount says it all - its simply great. The food is fantastic. Its healthy and Flapjacks recently went "green" in the sense that their food hardly has processed ingredients in them, they use only fresh organic ingredients and its actually a balanced meal everytime even if its just one dish.
But its not all about food and prices. Why do I love hanging out at Flapjacks? The People who work at Flapjacks are diamonds to the industry.
There are several employees I want to make mention of and that's Dennis and Syd.
Dennis is usually "all smiles" to anyone who walks in and he never forgets a face. Even when you come across him at Greenbelt 3, he will remember who you are no matter how long the absence.
Syd on the other hand is a young mestiza type lady who will often greet you with such warmth and accords the same level of warmth to all customers who frequent Flapjacks. She is very polite but without the hint of being too patronizing, she's actually very sincere.
Flapjacks isn't "just" a place to eat - its a place where you and your friends can hang out, chill, have great brewed coffee, use their wifi, there's good pleasant music in the air, the people - the crew are not obnoxiously loud when they huddle unlike some places in Greenbelt where you'll hear the quips and complaints of servers even when there are guests inside the restaurant.
I like Flapjacks alot and I do recommend the place to anyone who wants to chill, hang out, work on something without being disturbed, or pestered or even feel like you need to continually order just to be allowed to stay. Flapjacks is my new found second home away from home and office, a sanctuary for me if I need to be alone with my thoughts and my writing.
Thanks Flapjacks! Thanks to Dennis and Syd for making me feel like "family".
There's a place in Greenbelt 2 park place named FLAPJACKS and its right beside Italianis. Its all orange with hints of different pastel shades of orange and they serve great american or continental dishes in huge servings. The place is a bit pricey for some but the serving amount says it all - its simply great. The food is fantastic. Its healthy and Flapjacks recently went "green" in the sense that their food hardly has processed ingredients in them, they use only fresh organic ingredients and its actually a balanced meal everytime even if its just one dish.
But its not all about food and prices. Why do I love hanging out at Flapjacks? The People who work at Flapjacks are diamonds to the industry.
There are several employees I want to make mention of and that's Dennis and Syd.
Dennis is usually "all smiles" to anyone who walks in and he never forgets a face. Even when you come across him at Greenbelt 3, he will remember who you are no matter how long the absence.
Syd on the other hand is a young mestiza type lady who will often greet you with such warmth and accords the same level of warmth to all customers who frequent Flapjacks. She is very polite but without the hint of being too patronizing, she's actually very sincere.
Flapjacks isn't "just" a place to eat - its a place where you and your friends can hang out, chill, have great brewed coffee, use their wifi, there's good pleasant music in the air, the people - the crew are not obnoxiously loud when they huddle unlike some places in Greenbelt where you'll hear the quips and complaints of servers even when there are guests inside the restaurant.
I like Flapjacks alot and I do recommend the place to anyone who wants to chill, hang out, work on something without being disturbed, or pestered or even feel like you need to continually order just to be allowed to stay. Flapjacks is my new found second home away from home and office, a sanctuary for me if I need to be alone with my thoughts and my writing.
Thanks Flapjacks! Thanks to Dennis and Syd for making me feel like "family".
June 3, 2009
CON ASS LOVERS.....
Congress People who approved the CON ASS
ABANTE, BIENVENIDO M. "BENNY"
6TH District Pandacan
ABLAN, ROQUE R. JR,
Ilocos Norte, 1st District
AGBAYANI, VICTOR AGUEDO E.
Pangasinan, 2nd District
AGYAO, MANUEL, S
Kalinga Province
ALBANO (III), RODOLFO T.
Isabela, 1st District
ALFELOR, FELIX R. JR.
4th District, Camarines Sur
ALMARIO, THELMA Z.
Davao Oriental, 2nd District
ALVAREZ, ANTONIO C.
Palawan 1st District
ALVAREZ, GENARO RAFAEL M. JR.
Negros Occidental, 6th District
AMANTE, EDELMIRO A.
Agusan Del Norte, 2nd District
AMATONG, ROMMEL C.
Compostela Valley, 2nd District
ANGPING, MARIA ZENAIDA B.
Manila, 3rd District
ANTONINO, RODOLFO W.
Nueva Ecija, 4th District
APOSTOL, TRINIDAD G.
Leyte, 2nd District
AQUINO, JOSE S. (II)
1st District Agusan del Norte
ARAGO, MARIA EVITA R.
3rd district, Laguna
ARBISON, A MUNIR M.
Sulu 2nd District
ARENAS, MA. RACHEL J.
Pangasinan, 3rd District
ARROYO, DIOSDADO M.
Camarines Sur, 1st District
ARROYO, IGNACIO T.
5th district Negros Occidental
ARROYO, JUAN MIGUEL M.
2nd District of Pampanga
BAGATSING, AMADO S.
Manila 5th district
BALINDONG, PANGALIAN M.
Lanao del Sur, 2nd District
BARZAGA, ELPIDIO F. JR.
Cavite, 2nd District
BAUTISTA, FRANKLIN P.
Davao Del Sur, 2nd District
BELMONTE, VICENTE F. JR.
Lanao del Norte, 1st District
BICHARA, AL FRANCIS C.
Albay, 2nd District
BIRON, FERJENEL G.
Iloilo, 4th District
BONDOC, ANNA YORK P.
Pampanga 4th District
BONOAN-DAVID, MA. THERESA B.
Manila, 4th District
BRAVO, NARCISO R. JR.
Masbate, 1st District
BRIONES, NICANOR M.
AGAP Party list
BUHAIN, EILEEN ERMITA
Batangas, 1st District
BULUT, ELIAS C. JR.
Apayao Lone District
CAGAS (IV), MARC DOUGLAS C.
Davao Del Sur, 1st District
CAJAYON, MARY MITZI L.
Caloocan, 2nd District
CAJES, ROBERTO C.
Bohol, 2nd District
CARI, CARMEN L.
Leyte, 5th District
CASTRO, FREDENIL H.
Capiz, 2nd District
CELESTE, ARTHUR F.
Pangasinan, 1st District
CERILLES, ANTONIO H.
Zamboanga Del Sur, 2nd District
CHATTO, EDGARDO M.
Bohol, 1st District
CHONG, GLENN A.
Biliran, Lone District
CHUNG-LAO, SOLOMON R.
Ifugao, Lone District
CLARETE, MARINA C.
Misamis Occidental, 1st District
CODILLA, EUFROCINO M. SR.
Leyte, 4th District
COJUANCO, MARK O.
Pangasinan, 5th District
COQUILA, TEODULO M.
Eastern Samar, Lone District
CRISOLOGO, VINCENT P.
Quezon City, 1st District
CUA, JUNIE E.
Quirino, Lone District
CUENCO, ANTONIO V.
Cebu City, 2nd District
DANGWA, SAMUEL M.
Benguet, Lone District
DATUMANONG, SIMEON A.
Maguindanao, Lone District
Dayanghirang, Nelson L.
Davao Oriental, 1st District
DAZA, NANETTE C.
Quezon City, 4th District
DAZA, PAUL R.
Northern Samar, 1st District
DE GUZMAN, DEL R.
Marikina City, 2nd District
DEFENSOR, ARTHUR D. SR.
Iloilo, 3rd District
DEFENSOR, MATIAS V. JR.
Quezon City, 3rd District
DEL MAR, RAUL V.
Cebu City, 1st District
DIASNES, CARLO OLIVER D. (MD)
Batanes, Lone District
DIMAPORO, ABDULLAH D.
Lanao Del Norte, 2nd District
DOMOGAN, MAURICIO G.
Baguio, Lone District
DUAVIT, MICHAEL JOHN R.
Rizal, 1st District
DUENAS, HENRY M. JR.
Taguig, 2nd District (2nd Councilor District)
DUMARPA, FAYSAH MRP.
Lanao del Sur, 1st District
DUMPIT, THOMAS L. JR.
La Union, 2nd District
DURANO (IV), RAMON H.
5th District, Cebu
ECLEO, GLENDA B.
Dinagat Islands, Lone District
EMANO, YEVGENY VICENTE B.
Misamis Oriental, 2nd District
ENVERGA, WILFRIDO MARK M.
Quezon, 1st District
ESTRELLA, CONRADO M. (III)
Pangasinan, 6th District
ESTRELLA, ROBERT RAYMUND M.
ABONO Party List
FERRER, JEFFREY P.
Negros Occidental, 4th District
GARAY, FLORENCIO C.
Surigao Del Sur, 2nd District
GARCIA, ALBERT S.
Bataan, 2nd District.
GARCIA, PABLO JOHN F.
Cebu, 3rd District
GARCIA, PABLO P.
Cebu, 2nd District
GARCIA, VINCENT J.
Davao City, 2nd District
GARIN, JANETTE L.
Iloilo, 1st District
GATCHALIAN, REXLON T.
Valenzuela City, 1st District
GATLABAYAN, ANGELITO C.
Antipolo City, 2nd District
GO, ARNULFO F.
Sultan Kudarat, 2nd District
GONZALES, AURELIO D. JR.
Pampanga 3rd District
GONZALES, RAUL T. JR.
Ilo ilo City
GULLAS, EDUARDO R.
Cebu, 1st District
GUNIGUNDO, MAGTANGGOL T.
Valenzuela City 2nd District
HOFER, DULCE ANN K.
Zamboanga Sibugay, 2nd District
JAAFAR, NUR G.
Tawi-Tawi, Lone District
JALA, ADAM RELSON L.
Bohol, 3rd District
JALOSJOS, CESAR G.
Zamboanga del Norte, 3rd District
JALOSJOS-CARREON, CECILIA G.
Zamboanga del Norte, 1st District
JIKIRI, YUSOP H.
Sulu, 1st District
KHO, ANTONIO T.
Masbate, 2nd District
LABADLABAD, ROSENDO S.
Zamboanga del Norte, 2nd District
LACSON, JOSE CARLOS V.
Negros Occidental, 3rd District
LAGDAMEO, ANTONIO F. JR.
Davao del Norte, 2nd District
LAPUS, JECI A.
Tarlac, 3rd District
LAZATIN, CARMELO F.
Pampanga, 1st District
LIM, RENO G.
Albay, 3rd District
LOPEZ, JAIME C.
Manila, 2nd District
MADRONA, ELEANORA JESUS F.
Romblon, Lone District
MAGSAYSAY, MARIA MILAGROS H.
Zambales, 1st District
MALAPITAN, OSCAR G.
Caloocan, 1st District
MAMBA, MANUEL N.
Cagayan, 3rd District
MANGUDADATU, DATU PAKUNG S.
Sultan Kudarat,
MARANON, ALFREDO D. III
Negros Occidental, 2nd District
MATUGAS, FRANCISCO T.
Surigao del Norte, 1st District
MENDOZA, MARK LEANDRO L.
Batangas, 4th District
MERCADO, ROGER G.
Southern Leyte, Lone District
MIRAFLORES, FLORENCIO T.
Aklan, Lone District
NAVA, JOAQUIN CARLOS RAHMAN A. (MD)
Guimaras, Lone District
NICOLAS, REYLINA G.
Bulacan, 4th District
NOGRALES, PROSPERO C.
Davao City, 1st District
OLAñO, ARREL R.
Davao Del Norte, 1st District
ONG, EMIL L.
Northern Samar, 2nd District
ORTEGA, VICTOR FRANCISCO C.
La Union, 1st District
PABLO, ERNESTO C.
APEC Party List
PANCHO, PEDRO M.
Bulacan, 2nd District
PANCRUDO, CANDIDO P. JR.
Bukidnon, 1st District
PICHAY, PHILIP A.
Surigao Del Sur, 1st District
PIñOL, BERNARDO F. JR.
North Cotabato, 2nd District
PUNO, ROBERTO V.
Antipolo City, 1st District
RAMIRO, HERMINIA M.
Misamis Occidental, 2nd District
REMULLA, JESUS CRISPIN C.
Cavite, 3rd District
REYES, CARMELITA O.
Marinduque, Lone District
REYES, VICTORIA H.
Batangas, 3rd District
ROBES, ARTURO G.
San Jose Del Monte City, Lone District
Rodriguez-Zaldarriaga, Adelina
Rizal, 2nd District
ROMAN, HERMINIA B.
Bataan, 1st District
ROMARATE, GUILLERMO A. JR.
Surigao del Norte, 2nd District
ROMUALDEZ, FERDINAND MARTIN G.
Leyte, 1st District
ROMUALDO, PEDRO
Camiguin, Lone District
ROMULO, ROMAN T.
Pasig City, Lone District
ROXAS, JOSE ANTONIO F.
Pasay City
SALIMBANGON, BENHUR L.
Cebu, 4th District
SALVACION JR., ANDRES D.
Leyte, 3rd District
SAN LUIS, EDGAR S.
Laguna, 4th District
SANDOVAL, ALVIN S.
Malabon-Navotas, Lone District
SANTIAGO, JOSEPH A.
Catanduanes, Lone District
SANTIAGO, NARCISO D. (III)
ARC Party List
SEACHON-LANETE, RIZALINA L.
3rd district of Masbate
SEARES-LUNA, CECILIA M.
Abra, Lone District
SILVERIO, LORNA C.
Bulacan, 3rd District
SINGSON, ERIC D.
Ilocos Sur, 2nd District
SINGSON, RONALD V.
Ilocos Sur, 1st District
SOLIS, JOSE G.
Sorsogon, 2nd District
SOON-RUIZ, NERISSA CORAZON
Cebu, 6th District
SUAREZ, DANILO E.
Quezon, 3rd District
SUSANO, MARY ANN L.
Quezon City, 2nd District
SY-ALVARADO, MA. VICTORIA R.
Bulacan, 1st District
SYJUCO, JUDY J.
2nd Dsitrict, Iloilo
TALINO-MENDOZA, EMMYLOU J.
North Cotabato, 1st District
TAN, SHAREE ANN T.
Samar, 2nd District
TEODORO, MARCELINO R.
Marikina City, 1st District
TEODORO, MONICA LOUISSE PRIETO
Tarlac, 1st District
TEVES, PRYDE HENRY A.
Negros Oriental, 3rd District
TUPAS, NEIL C. JR.
Iloilo, 5th District
UNGAB, ISIDRO T.
Davao City, 3rd District
UY, EDWIN C.
Isabela, 2nd District
UY, REYNALDO S.
Samar, 1st District
UY, ROLANDO A.
Cagayan De Oro City, Lone District
VALDEZ, EDGAR L.
APEC Party List
VALENCIA, RODOLFO G.
Oriental Mindoro, 1st District
VARGAS, FLORENCIO L.
Cagayan, 2nd District
VILLAFUERTE, LUIS R.
Camarines Sur, 2nd District
VILLAROSA, MA. AMELITA C.
Occidental Mindoro, Lone District
VIOLAGO, JOSEPH GILBERT F.
Nueva Ecija, 2nd District
YAP, JOSE V.
Tarlac, 2nd District
YU, VICTOR J.
Zamboanga Del Sur, 1st District
ZAMORA, MANUEL E.
1st District, Compostela Valley
ZIALCITA, EDUARDO C.
Parañaque, 1st District
Remember them come next elections and DON'T VOTE FOR THEM.
ABANTE, BIENVENIDO M. "BENNY"
6TH District Pandacan
ABLAN, ROQUE R. JR,
Ilocos Norte, 1st District
AGBAYANI, VICTOR AGUEDO E.
Pangasinan, 2nd District
AGYAO, MANUEL, S
Kalinga Province
ALBANO (III), RODOLFO T.
Isabela, 1st District
ALFELOR, FELIX R. JR.
4th District, Camarines Sur
ALMARIO, THELMA Z.
Davao Oriental, 2nd District
ALVAREZ, ANTONIO C.
Palawan 1st District
ALVAREZ, GENARO RAFAEL M. JR.
Negros Occidental, 6th District
AMANTE, EDELMIRO A.
Agusan Del Norte, 2nd District
AMATONG, ROMMEL C.
Compostela Valley, 2nd District
ANGPING, MARIA ZENAIDA B.
Manila, 3rd District
ANTONINO, RODOLFO W.
Nueva Ecija, 4th District
APOSTOL, TRINIDAD G.
Leyte, 2nd District
AQUINO, JOSE S. (II)
1st District Agusan del Norte
ARAGO, MARIA EVITA R.
3rd district, Laguna
ARBISON, A MUNIR M.
Sulu 2nd District
ARENAS, MA. RACHEL J.
Pangasinan, 3rd District
ARROYO, DIOSDADO M.
Camarines Sur, 1st District
ARROYO, IGNACIO T.
5th district Negros Occidental
ARROYO, JUAN MIGUEL M.
2nd District of Pampanga
BAGATSING, AMADO S.
Manila 5th district
BALINDONG, PANGALIAN M.
Lanao del Sur, 2nd District
BARZAGA, ELPIDIO F. JR.
Cavite, 2nd District
BAUTISTA, FRANKLIN P.
Davao Del Sur, 2nd District
BELMONTE, VICENTE F. JR.
Lanao del Norte, 1st District
BICHARA, AL FRANCIS C.
Albay, 2nd District
BIRON, FERJENEL G.
Iloilo, 4th District
BONDOC, ANNA YORK P.
Pampanga 4th District
BONOAN-DAVID, MA. THERESA B.
Manila, 4th District
BRAVO, NARCISO R. JR.
Masbate, 1st District
BRIONES, NICANOR M.
AGAP Party list
BUHAIN, EILEEN ERMITA
Batangas, 1st District
BULUT, ELIAS C. JR.
Apayao Lone District
CAGAS (IV), MARC DOUGLAS C.
Davao Del Sur, 1st District
CAJAYON, MARY MITZI L.
Caloocan, 2nd District
CAJES, ROBERTO C.
Bohol, 2nd District
CARI, CARMEN L.
Leyte, 5th District
CASTRO, FREDENIL H.
Capiz, 2nd District
CELESTE, ARTHUR F.
Pangasinan, 1st District
CERILLES, ANTONIO H.
Zamboanga Del Sur, 2nd District
CHATTO, EDGARDO M.
Bohol, 1st District
CHONG, GLENN A.
Biliran, Lone District
CHUNG-LAO, SOLOMON R.
Ifugao, Lone District
CLARETE, MARINA C.
Misamis Occidental, 1st District
CODILLA, EUFROCINO M. SR.
Leyte, 4th District
COJUANCO, MARK O.
Pangasinan, 5th District
COQUILA, TEODULO M.
Eastern Samar, Lone District
CRISOLOGO, VINCENT P.
Quezon City, 1st District
CUA, JUNIE E.
Quirino, Lone District
CUENCO, ANTONIO V.
Cebu City, 2nd District
DANGWA, SAMUEL M.
Benguet, Lone District
DATUMANONG, SIMEON A.
Maguindanao, Lone District
Dayanghirang, Nelson L.
Davao Oriental, 1st District
DAZA, NANETTE C.
Quezon City, 4th District
DAZA, PAUL R.
Northern Samar, 1st District
DE GUZMAN, DEL R.
Marikina City, 2nd District
DEFENSOR, ARTHUR D. SR.
Iloilo, 3rd District
DEFENSOR, MATIAS V. JR.
Quezon City, 3rd District
DEL MAR, RAUL V.
Cebu City, 1st District
DIASNES, CARLO OLIVER D. (MD)
Batanes, Lone District
DIMAPORO, ABDULLAH D.
Lanao Del Norte, 2nd District
DOMOGAN, MAURICIO G.
Baguio, Lone District
DUAVIT, MICHAEL JOHN R.
Rizal, 1st District
DUENAS, HENRY M. JR.
Taguig, 2nd District (2nd Councilor District)
DUMARPA, FAYSAH MRP.
Lanao del Sur, 1st District
DUMPIT, THOMAS L. JR.
La Union, 2nd District
DURANO (IV), RAMON H.
5th District, Cebu
ECLEO, GLENDA B.
Dinagat Islands, Lone District
EMANO, YEVGENY VICENTE B.
Misamis Oriental, 2nd District
ENVERGA, WILFRIDO MARK M.
Quezon, 1st District
ESTRELLA, CONRADO M. (III)
Pangasinan, 6th District
ESTRELLA, ROBERT RAYMUND M.
ABONO Party List
FERRER, JEFFREY P.
Negros Occidental, 4th District
GARAY, FLORENCIO C.
Surigao Del Sur, 2nd District
GARCIA, ALBERT S.
Bataan, 2nd District.
GARCIA, PABLO JOHN F.
Cebu, 3rd District
GARCIA, PABLO P.
Cebu, 2nd District
GARCIA, VINCENT J.
Davao City, 2nd District
GARIN, JANETTE L.
Iloilo, 1st District
GATCHALIAN, REXLON T.
Valenzuela City, 1st District
GATLABAYAN, ANGELITO C.
Antipolo City, 2nd District
GO, ARNULFO F.
Sultan Kudarat, 2nd District
GONZALES, AURELIO D. JR.
Pampanga 3rd District
GONZALES, RAUL T. JR.
Ilo ilo City
GULLAS, EDUARDO R.
Cebu, 1st District
GUNIGUNDO, MAGTANGGOL T.
Valenzuela City 2nd District
HOFER, DULCE ANN K.
Zamboanga Sibugay, 2nd District
JAAFAR, NUR G.
Tawi-Tawi, Lone District
JALA, ADAM RELSON L.
Bohol, 3rd District
JALOSJOS, CESAR G.
Zamboanga del Norte, 3rd District
JALOSJOS-CARREON, CECILIA G.
Zamboanga del Norte, 1st District
JIKIRI, YUSOP H.
Sulu, 1st District
KHO, ANTONIO T.
Masbate, 2nd District
LABADLABAD, ROSENDO S.
Zamboanga del Norte, 2nd District
LACSON, JOSE CARLOS V.
Negros Occidental, 3rd District
LAGDAMEO, ANTONIO F. JR.
Davao del Norte, 2nd District
LAPUS, JECI A.
Tarlac, 3rd District
LAZATIN, CARMELO F.
Pampanga, 1st District
LIM, RENO G.
Albay, 3rd District
LOPEZ, JAIME C.
Manila, 2nd District
MADRONA, ELEANORA JESUS F.
Romblon, Lone District
MAGSAYSAY, MARIA MILAGROS H.
Zambales, 1st District
MALAPITAN, OSCAR G.
Caloocan, 1st District
MAMBA, MANUEL N.
Cagayan, 3rd District
MANGUDADATU, DATU PAKUNG S.
Sultan Kudarat,
MARANON, ALFREDO D. III
Negros Occidental, 2nd District
MATUGAS, FRANCISCO T.
Surigao del Norte, 1st District
MENDOZA, MARK LEANDRO L.
Batangas, 4th District
MERCADO, ROGER G.
Southern Leyte, Lone District
MIRAFLORES, FLORENCIO T.
Aklan, Lone District
NAVA, JOAQUIN CARLOS RAHMAN A. (MD)
Guimaras, Lone District
NICOLAS, REYLINA G.
Bulacan, 4th District
NOGRALES, PROSPERO C.
Davao City, 1st District
OLAñO, ARREL R.
Davao Del Norte, 1st District
ONG, EMIL L.
Northern Samar, 2nd District
ORTEGA, VICTOR FRANCISCO C.
La Union, 1st District
PABLO, ERNESTO C.
APEC Party List
PANCHO, PEDRO M.
Bulacan, 2nd District
PANCRUDO, CANDIDO P. JR.
Bukidnon, 1st District
PICHAY, PHILIP A.
Surigao Del Sur, 1st District
PIñOL, BERNARDO F. JR.
North Cotabato, 2nd District
PUNO, ROBERTO V.
Antipolo City, 1st District
RAMIRO, HERMINIA M.
Misamis Occidental, 2nd District
REMULLA, JESUS CRISPIN C.
Cavite, 3rd District
REYES, CARMELITA O.
Marinduque, Lone District
REYES, VICTORIA H.
Batangas, 3rd District
ROBES, ARTURO G.
San Jose Del Monte City, Lone District
Rodriguez-Zaldarriaga, Adelina
Rizal, 2nd District
ROMAN, HERMINIA B.
Bataan, 1st District
ROMARATE, GUILLERMO A. JR.
Surigao del Norte, 2nd District
ROMUALDEZ, FERDINAND MARTIN G.
Leyte, 1st District
ROMUALDO, PEDRO
Camiguin, Lone District
ROMULO, ROMAN T.
Pasig City, Lone District
ROXAS, JOSE ANTONIO F.
Pasay City
SALIMBANGON, BENHUR L.
Cebu, 4th District
SALVACION JR., ANDRES D.
Leyte, 3rd District
SAN LUIS, EDGAR S.
Laguna, 4th District
SANDOVAL, ALVIN S.
Malabon-Navotas, Lone District
SANTIAGO, JOSEPH A.
Catanduanes, Lone District
SANTIAGO, NARCISO D. (III)
ARC Party List
SEACHON-LANETE, RIZALINA L.
3rd district of Masbate
SEARES-LUNA, CECILIA M.
Abra, Lone District
SILVERIO, LORNA C.
Bulacan, 3rd District
SINGSON, ERIC D.
Ilocos Sur, 2nd District
SINGSON, RONALD V.
Ilocos Sur, 1st District
SOLIS, JOSE G.
Sorsogon, 2nd District
SOON-RUIZ, NERISSA CORAZON
Cebu, 6th District
SUAREZ, DANILO E.
Quezon, 3rd District
SUSANO, MARY ANN L.
Quezon City, 2nd District
SY-ALVARADO, MA. VICTORIA R.
Bulacan, 1st District
SYJUCO, JUDY J.
2nd Dsitrict, Iloilo
TALINO-MENDOZA, EMMYLOU J.
North Cotabato, 1st District
TAN, SHAREE ANN T.
Samar, 2nd District
TEODORO, MARCELINO R.
Marikina City, 1st District
TEODORO, MONICA LOUISSE PRIETO
Tarlac, 1st District
TEVES, PRYDE HENRY A.
Negros Oriental, 3rd District
TUPAS, NEIL C. JR.
Iloilo, 5th District
UNGAB, ISIDRO T.
Davao City, 3rd District
UY, EDWIN C.
Isabela, 2nd District
UY, REYNALDO S.
Samar, 1st District
UY, ROLANDO A.
Cagayan De Oro City, Lone District
VALDEZ, EDGAR L.
APEC Party List
VALENCIA, RODOLFO G.
Oriental Mindoro, 1st District
VARGAS, FLORENCIO L.
Cagayan, 2nd District
VILLAFUERTE, LUIS R.
Camarines Sur, 2nd District
VILLAROSA, MA. AMELITA C.
Occidental Mindoro, Lone District
VIOLAGO, JOSEPH GILBERT F.
Nueva Ecija, 2nd District
YAP, JOSE V.
Tarlac, 2nd District
YU, VICTOR J.
Zamboanga Del Sur, 1st District
ZAMORA, MANUEL E.
1st District, Compostela Valley
ZIALCITA, EDUARDO C.
Parañaque, 1st District
Remember them come next elections and DON'T VOTE FOR THEM.
May 19, 2009
LESSON IN DISCRIMINATION
To those of us who commute to and from work, who walk into Merville, walk within Merville and walk to adjacent subdivisions outside of Merville - you might get a RUDE surprise from the security detail posted at gates 1,2,3 and 4 of Merville Park subdivision.
It seems that without any previous notice to satellite subdivisions and villages such as Buena Vida, residents on foot/ resident pedestrians or whatever term is used to describe residents who walk - will be stopped at these gates and asked who you are, where you live, etc, etc. And you will also be asked to present an MPHA ID to identify yourself as a "resident" of the village you belong to. IF YOU ARE UNABLE to present an MPHA ID at gates 2, 3 and 4, you're supposed to take a tricycle to get home especially if you're walking back from South Admiral Village or Gate 4 near Amsterdam Street.
The same process happens at Gate 1. They'll stop you, ask you where you live, who you are and ask for identification. What's the beef with this? Here goes.... a walk down memory lane.
There used to be a time when residents from Molave, Inland and Buena Vida - coming home in a cab/taxi - was stopped and asked at gate 1 and when you tell them where you lived - they'd tell your taxi driver to take gate 2 instead because gate 1 was ONLY FOR RESIDENTS of Merville until residents from the same 3 villages complained because it increased the taxi fare by almost P10 cris-crossing through the streets from Gate 2 to Buena Vida when gate 1 was the most accessible and most economical way to get home in a cab. Residents complained and this inconsiderate practice was stopped.
There used to be a time wherein several of our UNIT OWNERS walked out of Gate 1 to buy newspapers or fruits at the nearby stores and coming back - they were stopped at Gate 1 and were asked to present an MPHA ID, in short - they were mistaken for household employees. Of course it was totally UNHEARD OF to get an MPHA ID just to certify you were a resident of Buena Vida or Molave or Inland because it is NOT MPHA's responsibility and prerogative to issue residents of satellite subdivisions the SAME ID given to maids, drivers and workers - not to be "matapobre" about it but there was NO OTHER ID being issued by MPHA except that to begin with at that time.
Of course, the most natural reaction would be to be insulted, disgusted and down right indignant. One would say - I am a resident of Barangay Merville and no one has the right to keep me out of my own home. Not even Barangay Merville issues IDs to certify residency, not then, not even today. They'll give you a piece of paper but other than that - these are only required to get business licenses, marriage contracts, etc. BUT NOT to certify your residency and ownership of property within any village within Barangay Merville.... but MPHA will "insist" that you get their ID or they'll make it hard for you to go home.
One BV resident had to drive to Gate 1 just to pick up her brother who was detained at gate 1 at 10PM simply because he didn't have an MPHA ID and was wearing khaki shorts and flip flops. Another BV resident who owns a steel company decided to go walking one morning and was rudely detained at Gate 1 and was "talked down to" as if she was someones "alila" even after she showed them her driver's license. She was able to enter and went straight to the MPHA office and demanded for some one's head and blood. Anyone would.
There are several horror stories of discrimination and total stupidity but the most recent one happened yesterday evening.
A resident's 13 year old daughter walked out of Gate 2 going to South Admiral Village to visit friends. On her way back at 8PM, she was stopped and detained at Gate 2, refused entry even after she called up her mother on her cellphone, gave it to the guard and the guard still refused to let the 13 year old enter. The guard at Gate 2 told the mother that her daughter needs to call a tricycle to pick her up from South Admiral just to be able to return home to Buena Vida but they will NOT allow her to enter on foot. Due to load problems, the line was cut. The mother of course, called up a tricycle and went to fetch her daughter who was standing at gate 2 in the presence of two guards who were fully armed with shot guns. Her daughter's friends did not want to leave her alone there since in between the two gates (South Ad Gate and Gate 2) is an empty lot even if its beside the barangay hall. Totally livid, the mother confronted the guard and guard simply stated that its the rule and regulation of MPHA, even brandished the (loaded) shotgun in front of the mother.
Now I ask you - as parents - what if your daughter had no load to call home? What if your daughter had no money on her to call a tricycle (P30++ special trips) to come fetch her to get home? What if both parents were not home and still at work? BV to gate 2 is a 10 minute walk. The guards at Gate 2 did not even bother to radio gate 1 to send a tricyle to gate 2 to MAKE SURE the kid got home safe. The Guard at gate 2 even refused to talk to the mother on the cellphone telling the daughter "HINDI KO PROBLEMA YAN HA! Problema mo kung paano ka uuwi!" Thats the way they value the lives of people who live in Barangay Merville.. a 13 year old girl at that.
These are the type and kind of security guards of MPHA. Command responsibility - this is the kind of mentality of those who order these guards around. How is she going to be able to go home if they would not let her in on foot and they didn't want to radio for a tricycle at gate 1? Any parent would be fuming mad because these kids safely walked to and from BV to South Admiral, to any other adjacent village without getting this kind of harassment. It seems that even kids from other satellite villages are no longer allowed to enter Merville unless driven, or on board a Merville tricycle.
Now, what if you're walking to attend mass at HIJ? The SAME THING will happen to you, only no one has complained yet because this is a "new" policy. Its a rehash of their (MPHA) discriminating attitudes towards residents of satellite subdivisions. Even bicycles are required to get a P300 MPHA sticker if you live outside of Merville Park. Teenagers from other villages are not even allowed to join the summer league, it has become an exclusive Merville function. So much for inter-village friendship and relations.
We paid right of way fees when Buena Vida was "born". We follow their rules and policies on stickers and they've never had problems with BV residents when it came to supporting their causes - Anti-Air Pollution, Anti-Noise Pollution, Clean Barangay Movement, Maintaining the new Access road. We rallied alongside them demanding for a roll back on SLEX fees, we honked our horns with them in protest. We were first in calling the fire department for help and assistance when a plane landed on one of their houses. We patronize the businesses within Merville because its convenient even if its expensive. I can cite numerous ways wherein Buena Vida helped, supported and cooperated with MPHA and they do this to our children?
On top of such a discriminating historicals between satellite subdivisions and MPHA, they will impose but will not give you a solution. They will not even offer an option nor offer decent help.
Would it be wise to call for a total boycott of all Merville Businesses?
Would it be prudent to not allow non Buena Vida residents/ brokers to lease out OUR units and keep the commission within BV residents or association?
Would it be wise to call for a boycott of the P20 per unit charge for the use of a government owned road?
Would it be wise to boycott their events and a refusal to purchase tickets of events sponsored by MPHA or events that will be held inside Merville?
Would it be normal to propose a refusal of entry to Merville residents into Buena Vida even if its just to visit, scout for houses, guests in our pool and clubhouse?
Would it be wise to demand for the proper use of our "right of way" as homeowners of Buena Vida?
I cannot offer an answer. It is up to each and everyone to choose and decide.
Personally, I choose to protest and boycott everything and anything "Merville" for what they did to my daughter. I refuse to get an MPHA ID for my family just to be identified as a resident of Buena Vida. It is an insult and down right discrimination of my rights as a resident of Barangay Merville. They traumatized my 13 year old brandishing a shot gun in her face and refusing to offer polite assistance to her to help her get home!
I am sending this out that you all may be forewarned of what will happen within the next few days if this MPHA policy continues. If MPHA doesn't even have the decency and courtesy to inform satellite subdivisions BEFORE they implement such ridiculous rules and regulations, then that speaks volumes of the kind of mentality that prevails in Merville Park. Lesson in discrimination? Walk at your own risk into Merville.
Regards and God Bless.
Jenifer C. Aquino-Xavier
Director / BVHA
PROUD TO BE A RESIDENT OF BUENA VIDA HOMES.
It seems that without any previous notice to satellite subdivisions and villages such as Buena Vida, residents on foot/ resident pedestrians or whatever term is used to describe residents who walk - will be stopped at these gates and asked who you are, where you live, etc, etc. And you will also be asked to present an MPHA ID to identify yourself as a "resident" of the village you belong to. IF YOU ARE UNABLE to present an MPHA ID at gates 2, 3 and 4, you're supposed to take a tricycle to get home especially if you're walking back from South Admiral Village or Gate 4 near Amsterdam Street.
The same process happens at Gate 1. They'll stop you, ask you where you live, who you are and ask for identification. What's the beef with this? Here goes.... a walk down memory lane.
There used to be a time when residents from Molave, Inland and Buena Vida - coming home in a cab/taxi - was stopped and asked at gate 1 and when you tell them where you lived - they'd tell your taxi driver to take gate 2 instead because gate 1 was ONLY FOR RESIDENTS of Merville until residents from the same 3 villages complained because it increased the taxi fare by almost P10 cris-crossing through the streets from Gate 2 to Buena Vida when gate 1 was the most accessible and most economical way to get home in a cab. Residents complained and this inconsiderate practice was stopped.
There used to be a time wherein several of our UNIT OWNERS walked out of Gate 1 to buy newspapers or fruits at the nearby stores and coming back - they were stopped at Gate 1 and were asked to present an MPHA ID, in short - they were mistaken for household employees. Of course it was totally UNHEARD OF to get an MPHA ID just to certify you were a resident of Buena Vida or Molave or Inland because it is NOT MPHA's responsibility and prerogative to issue residents of satellite subdivisions the SAME ID given to maids, drivers and workers - not to be "matapobre" about it but there was NO OTHER ID being issued by MPHA except that to begin with at that time.
Of course, the most natural reaction would be to be insulted, disgusted and down right indignant. One would say - I am a resident of Barangay Merville and no one has the right to keep me out of my own home. Not even Barangay Merville issues IDs to certify residency, not then, not even today. They'll give you a piece of paper but other than that - these are only required to get business licenses, marriage contracts, etc. BUT NOT to certify your residency and ownership of property within any village within Barangay Merville.... but MPHA will "insist" that you get their ID or they'll make it hard for you to go home.
One BV resident had to drive to Gate 1 just to pick up her brother who was detained at gate 1 at 10PM simply because he didn't have an MPHA ID and was wearing khaki shorts and flip flops. Another BV resident who owns a steel company decided to go walking one morning and was rudely detained at Gate 1 and was "talked down to" as if she was someones "alila" even after she showed them her driver's license. She was able to enter and went straight to the MPHA office and demanded for some one's head and blood. Anyone would.
There are several horror stories of discrimination and total stupidity but the most recent one happened yesterday evening.
A resident's 13 year old daughter walked out of Gate 2 going to South Admiral Village to visit friends. On her way back at 8PM, she was stopped and detained at Gate 2, refused entry even after she called up her mother on her cellphone, gave it to the guard and the guard still refused to let the 13 year old enter. The guard at Gate 2 told the mother that her daughter needs to call a tricycle to pick her up from South Admiral just to be able to return home to Buena Vida but they will NOT allow her to enter on foot. Due to load problems, the line was cut. The mother of course, called up a tricycle and went to fetch her daughter who was standing at gate 2 in the presence of two guards who were fully armed with shot guns. Her daughter's friends did not want to leave her alone there since in between the two gates (South Ad Gate and Gate 2) is an empty lot even if its beside the barangay hall. Totally livid, the mother confronted the guard and guard simply stated that its the rule and regulation of MPHA, even brandished the (loaded) shotgun in front of the mother.
Now I ask you - as parents - what if your daughter had no load to call home? What if your daughter had no money on her to call a tricycle (P30++ special trips) to come fetch her to get home? What if both parents were not home and still at work? BV to gate 2 is a 10 minute walk. The guards at Gate 2 did not even bother to radio gate 1 to send a tricyle to gate 2 to MAKE SURE the kid got home safe. The Guard at gate 2 even refused to talk to the mother on the cellphone telling the daughter "HINDI KO PROBLEMA YAN HA! Problema mo kung paano ka uuwi!" Thats the way they value the lives of people who live in Barangay Merville.. a 13 year old girl at that.
These are the type and kind of security guards of MPHA. Command responsibility - this is the kind of mentality of those who order these guards around. How is she going to be able to go home if they would not let her in on foot and they didn't want to radio for a tricycle at gate 1? Any parent would be fuming mad because these kids safely walked to and from BV to South Admiral, to any other adjacent village without getting this kind of harassment. It seems that even kids from other satellite villages are no longer allowed to enter Merville unless driven, or on board a Merville tricycle.
Now, what if you're walking to attend mass at HIJ? The SAME THING will happen to you, only no one has complained yet because this is a "new" policy. Its a rehash of their (MPHA) discriminating attitudes towards residents of satellite subdivisions. Even bicycles are required to get a P300 MPHA sticker if you live outside of Merville Park. Teenagers from other villages are not even allowed to join the summer league, it has become an exclusive Merville function. So much for inter-village friendship and relations.
We paid right of way fees when Buena Vida was "born". We follow their rules and policies on stickers and they've never had problems with BV residents when it came to supporting their causes - Anti-Air Pollution, Anti-Noise Pollution, Clean Barangay Movement, Maintaining the new Access road. We rallied alongside them demanding for a roll back on SLEX fees, we honked our horns with them in protest. We were first in calling the fire department for help and assistance when a plane landed on one of their houses. We patronize the businesses within Merville because its convenient even if its expensive. I can cite numerous ways wherein Buena Vida helped, supported and cooperated with MPHA and they do this to our children?
On top of such a discriminating historicals between satellite subdivisions and MPHA, they will impose but will not give you a solution. They will not even offer an option nor offer decent help.
Would it be wise to call for a total boycott of all Merville Businesses?
Would it be prudent to not allow non Buena Vida residents/ brokers to lease out OUR units and keep the commission within BV residents or association?
Would it be wise to call for a boycott of the P20 per unit charge for the use of a government owned road?
Would it be wise to boycott their events and a refusal to purchase tickets of events sponsored by MPHA or events that will be held inside Merville?
Would it be normal to propose a refusal of entry to Merville residents into Buena Vida even if its just to visit, scout for houses, guests in our pool and clubhouse?
Would it be wise to demand for the proper use of our "right of way" as homeowners of Buena Vida?
I cannot offer an answer. It is up to each and everyone to choose and decide.
Personally, I choose to protest and boycott everything and anything "Merville" for what they did to my daughter. I refuse to get an MPHA ID for my family just to be identified as a resident of Buena Vida. It is an insult and down right discrimination of my rights as a resident of Barangay Merville. They traumatized my 13 year old brandishing a shot gun in her face and refusing to offer polite assistance to her to help her get home!
I am sending this out that you all may be forewarned of what will happen within the next few days if this MPHA policy continues. If MPHA doesn't even have the decency and courtesy to inform satellite subdivisions BEFORE they implement such ridiculous rules and regulations, then that speaks volumes of the kind of mentality that prevails in Merville Park. Lesson in discrimination? Walk at your own risk into Merville.
Regards and God Bless.
Jenifer C. Aquino-Xavier
Director / BVHA
PROUD TO BE A RESIDENT OF BUENA VIDA HOMES.
April 11, 2009
Total Lack of Appreciation
There are some people I know who have a total lack of appreciation for what they have. They often focus on what others have rather than what they already own and enjoy. They often think they are second best if not beggars and vagrants compared to other people. Their insecurities revolve around material things rather than the real things that matter the most. And its sad how these people will not listen to anyone else except their own sordid ideas and beliefs and act as if the entire world owed them. That we are even lucky to even be breathing the same air they are breathing. Well, no more. I am really sick and tired of people - no matter how close they are related to me - who act as if I owe them a debt of gratitude for them being in my life. People often tell me I should look into the problem, attend to it, focus on it, maybe she just needs a little bit more attention from me - well frankly - I've had enough. And if anyone calls me a bad person for feeling the way I do, then I am the worse of the lot and I have enough basis to feel the way I do.
The nerve of her to disrespect me inside my own house, to curse me and call me names inside my own house - she's lucky she's still living under the same roof and eating. She's lucky we still consider her a part of this family even if she has endlessly maligned and slandered our names with her petty excuses. Oh yes, they are petty. Petty compared to other people who have far worse problems than she does and all she cares about is her image, her reputation which is already nothing, she is envious of other people whom she thinks have better material things than she does and she will not learn to appreciate what she has right now.
To her I am totally sad and disgusted at the same time. I am sick and tired of her drama queen behaviour and her attitude of owning us and this house, that she can do as she damn well please, call her parents names and curse them. I have every right to tell her to leave this house and I will not be the sorrier for it. She has threatened us both physically and emotionally and I have had enough of it. I prefer not to have her in this house anymore than for her to continuously terrorize everyone with her antics and her endless pointless melodramatic insane attitude of being queen and that we are her loyal servants. No more.
Her presence in this house casts a dark shadow in all areas of the house and no one wants to be near her or even talk to her. She has the nerve to use the things we use without so much as a question and yet she is rude to the bone but she will demand that she be given the right to use our personal things - like she's the only one with the right to use them even if the things are not hers to begin with.
I need not dwell on her stupidity and cover ups. She covers up for her blunders with her melodramatic antics and if she says she will kill herself one more time, it would be the 6Th or 7Th time I would have heard about it in a 5 year period. My thoughts on that? What the hell are you waiting for? Go ahead and give us some peace and quiet. We deserve better from the likes of you and you don't deserve what you have. I have a mind of throwing out all your things and burn them and let's see who has more and who has none. Let's see if you begin to learn to show some appreciation for what you are given and what you've earned. So far, what have you done to earn anything from us? We might have obligations to you but you have your share of duties and responsibilities towards us which you have failed miserably to fulfill and yet you still expect us to give with nothing in return from you even the mere respect for us? If you can't learn to show some respect, don't expect it from us. Respect is earned, it is not demanded or ransomed.
You think I would get my conscience remotely bothered should you decide to make good on your threat? No. It would not bother me a bit. I will not even miss you. Because you are already dead to me for all the times you have wished me dead all because of load, of permissions to party on school days, clothes, shoes - all your petty material perks and even your own siblings. Just because I said no to your inane stupidity you wished me dead so many times - well I've got news for you - I hope you suffer what you wish for because frankly my dear - I don't give a damn. You can drop dead for all I care also.
Put THAT on your FACEBOOK NOTE!March 15, 2009
What is happening to the world? It's like everyone's going out of control, everyone wants to rule, everyone wants to be number 1, everyone wants a piece of the action.... and for what? Greed? Power? Survival of the fittest?Can't we all just shut up and be still, set all differences aside and just try to live with one another for EVERYONE to survive?
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