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ellen tordesillas Posts

Economic figures catch up with reality

Thanks to Yahoo for photo.
Thanks to Yahoo for photo.
I thought I was the only one who could not connect the glowing assessments of multinational financial firms and day- to- day realities.

I thought I and my friends are the only ones who have not been showered with the financial blessings the government is boasting of.

Then even as international financial firms continue to hail the Philippines as “s the strongest performing economy in Asia today, “reports came out of a Triple whammy: Exports and Foreign Direct Investments down and unemployment up.

Stopping China by engagement

Admiral Locklear being received by President Aquino.
Admiral Locklear being received by President Aquino.
In Bangkok last week, the commander of the United States Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Locklear, said the usual line that their Asian allies expect from visiting American officials: we will oppose China’s expansionism.

“We will oppose the change of status quo by force of anyone,” Locklear said referring to the situation in South China Sea where China is reported to be positioning in Ayungin Reef, just 25 miles away from Mischief Reef, 130 miles away from Palawan, that China occupied in 1994.

But just like other American officials, Locklear did not commit that the US will fight China if the latter gets embroiled in violent confrontation with any of the countries in this part of the world. That’s because, in truth, the US will not because it values relations with China.

Take Taiwan for what it is

By Lauro Baja Jr., VERA Files

Site of incidentIt is difficult to develop a pattern of action for the incident in Balintang Chanel which happened a month ago. We know what Taiwan wants but we are still at sea on how we have responded and/ or how we will further respond.

Taiwan is a province (read: surrogate) of China. It is also an ally (read: vassal) of the United Sates and has the support of the powerful China lobby in Washington. The media carry reports of statements of US House members supporting Taiwan.

The Philippines has substantial trade and investment relations with the “system” and thousands of Filipinos work in the island. This arrangement redounds to the mutual benefits of both and is governed by our so-called One-China policy.

MTRCB’s goal: build a culture promotive of human dignity

MTRCB Chair Eugenio Villareal in a dialogue with TV5
MTRCB Chair Eugenio Villareal in a dialogue with TV5
On July 17, the Movie and Television Review Classification Board will conduct a Child and Family Summit at Balay Kalinaw at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

Participants will be parents and other family members including kasambahays. A workshop will be held and the output will be presented to networks and movie and TV producers.

This activity is in line with the pro-active role that the current MTRCB leadership is undertaking. It actually started under the term of now Senator-elect Grace Poe which Chairman Eugenio “Toto” Villareal is continuing.

Does MTRCB have a say on pay-per-view?

MTRCB Chair Eugenio Villareal
MTRCB Chair Eugenio Villareal
The subject is still under discussion, says Chairman Eugenio “Toto” Villareal of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

The issue’s relevance has become urgent with the controversy caused by comedian Vice Ganda (who should appropriately be called Vice Vulgar), whose May 17 concert was made available to TV cable subscribers through pay-per-view.
In that concert, Vice Vulgar made tasteless jokes on Soho’s weight and said that if she were a boldstar, it would have to be gang rape.

Villareal said late last year, long before the Vice Vulgar’s offensive joke on respected broadcaster Jessica Soho, he met with officials of cable companies. They were asked to submit their inputs to help guide the government agency on whatever decision or regulation they will release. “We want to come out with something that is fair for the audience and fair for media,” he said.

Domingo Lee would make good as Pnoy’s emissary to Taiwan

Domingo Lee at the Senate hearing.
Domingo Lee at the Senate hearing.
There’s one man that would be perfect to be President Aquino’s personal emissary to Taiwan to help smoothen relations strained by the killing by the members of the Philippine Coast Guard of a Taiwanese fisherman almost a month ago: Domingo Lee.

Domingo Lee, to those who have forgotten who he is, was Aquino’s choice as ambassador to China after Gloria Arroyo’s appointed ambassador who was extended by Aquino, Francisco Benedicto, was recalled.

Lee’s primary qualification for one of the most important diplomatic positions was, he was a family friend of the Aquinos. Despite his embarrassing interviews with the Commission on Appointment, Aquino was determined to send him to Beijing.
Until the Scarborough (also known as Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag) standoff happened in April 2012. Lee, himself, asked Aquino that his appointment be recalled.

Homecoming ballet stars in Ballet Manila’s gala

By Ellen Tordesillas, VERA Files

There’s no sweeter applause than the ones coming from the hometown audience.

For the audience, there are no stars who shine brighter than those from home.

On Saturday, dance enthusiasts will have a rare treat of Filipino dance artists who are shining in the world stage perform together. Ballet Manila’s Lisa Macuja-Elizalde gathered at least seven multi-awarded Filipino dancers with different ballet companies overseas for a one-night gala concert.

Reynaldo Momay, Vice Vulgar

Momay's ID
Momay’s ID
“It took our family 32 months of waiting before the court has officially recognized my father as the 58th victim of the gruesome killing and 42 months before the arraignment of suspects took place,” wrote Ma Reynafe Momay Castillo in her Facebook page.

It’s a bit strange to feel thankful to get confirmation that your father was one of those murdered but it’s definitely a step forward in the search for justice for the victims of the most gruesome crimes that this country has experienced.

Ma. Reynafe’s father was photojournalist Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay. He was included in the list of victims of the Nov. 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre only last year (July 2, 2012) because his body was never found.

Failure of intelligence

Thanks to Inquirer for this photo.
Thanks to Inquirer for this photo.

We condole with the family of the seven Marines who were killed in Patikul, Sulu last Saturday and those of the eight policemen who were killed by a landmine allegedly planted by the New People’s Army in Allacapan, Cagayan Monday.

The police officers killed were Police Officers 2 Dexter Cubilla, Angelbert Mateo, Elmark Rodney Pinated, Jonnel Bowat and Ronald Castulo, Police Officers 1 Erick Brioso and Jerome Sanchez and PO3 Vladimir Tabarejo.

In the Patikul incident, the fatalities were Second Lieutenant Alfredo Lorin VI, Private First Class Jay Alasian, Private First Class Jayson Durante, Private First Class Andres Bogwana, Private First Class Rene Gare, Private First Class Roxan Pizarro, and Private First Class Dominador Sabejon, Jr.