Pinoy Mind Talks

Guy With A Blog: Life As A Minority In Asia's Vatican City

2011-09-12T10:33:00.000+08:00

Guy With A Blog: Life As A Minority In Asia's Vatican City: Years ago, I needed to go to the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) to file something-or-other. It pains me to have to go through this count...

Guy With A Blog: An Alien In The Garden Of Filipino Cultural Deligh...

2011-07-19T10:27:00.000+08:00

Guy With A Blog: An Alien In The Garden Of Filipino Cultural Deligh...: "Having been accused many, many times of being 'so NOT Pinoy', I have attempted to decipher why it is I have been labeled as such. To be clea..."

The Philippine President's Love Life

2011-05-22T22:02:00.001+08:00

I just heard in the news that Pres. Noynoy is appealing to the media to give him the privacy he deserves particularly on his love life.

Being the first and only bachelor Philippine President, the media would always report on his dating. I personally think and I agree with PNoy that the media should give him the privacy on his love life he deserves. The media should focus on reporting the things that our President is able and not able to address or solve concerning our economy.

But then again, I was so shocked (or should I even be shocked) when the media exposed the source of the news on his dating....it was no other than his sister Kris. I vividly remember when Kris promised the public that she will shut up just so she will not ruin her brother's presidency. And she is doing it again.

He Did It Again

2011-04-10T16:11:00.002+08:00

Are we even surprised?!?

He is in the spotlight again. He is the talk of the town not because he did something extra-ordinary or something that anyone would be proud of. Ooops. I think I'm speaking too soon...well for him, he is doing everyone a favor, he is doing something that everyone should be proud of.

I will never be able to understand where he draws his arrogance from. He brags about being able to help the poor because he gives away money. While everybody knows that it isn't his money and that is another story. The fact that he comes around town telling poor people to "come to my show and I will give away millions on the condition that you will do things whatever I tell you to do", that alone is a form of exploitation. Clearly he is exploiting poor people. We all know that these people will do anything for a peso.

And when sane people called his attention on what he does or what he did...he dared to slap them with lawsuit.

Krist Aquino To Leave The Country If Noy Wins

2010-05-11T16:45:00.000+08:00

Remember the episode of The Buzz after the controversial walk out issue of Ruffa Gutierrez?

Sabi ni Kris: “I had dinner w/ Noy tonight after his TVC shoot. He told me ’di raw ba puwede na may quiet Sunday kami? And he asked y sya nadamay when he’s not even part of Buzz. I would like to extend a loving hug to Ruffa. I viewed the tape & altho I still feel I gave my comment w/ affection, maybe it made her feel even worse because she’s now moving in a new direction. We had what I believed was a good working relationship in the almost 2 years we were together on the Buzz.

“I can also understand that Ruffa’s mom dislikes Noynoy & my family, maybe because of association & our vocal proclamation of admiration for Dingdong & his selfless contribution to help Noy’s presidential bid. It is w/ Ruffa that I enjoyed a healthy working relationship with & I only have good words to say about her.

“To Ruffa, I sincerely apologize for causing u hurt. My brother Noynoy would like to add that we live in democracy—1 where we r very free to make our own choice for president. Noy told me in any election, we’ll have our share of fervent supporters, and harshes critics. And if u can’t take the heat, then politics isn’t for u.
“As a woman, and as Ruffa’s mom and lola of Lorin & Venice, I respect u tita Annabelle and on behalf of our family I apologize for the distress we caused yours. Hindi po ako mayabang, kaya ako nagpapakumbaba ngayon.

“On a last note, I promised Noy that if he does WIN, and I’m a cause of stress for him & his presidency, I’ll gladly take my 2 boys to live anywhere there is TFC so that I can continue to work but w/ our overseas Filipino brothers & sisters. Of course, Noy said—dinner daw ’yun, hindi teleserye ko.”

NOW THAT NOYNOY IS WINNING IN THE UNOFFICIAL TALLY, CAN SHE NOW START PACKING HER THINGS SO THAT WHEN NOY IS OFFICIAL ANNOUNCED AS THE NEW PRESIDENT, SHE IS OUT OF THIS COUNTRY?!!

Manny Villar's Downfall

2010-05-11T14:18:00.003+08:00

In a recent news, Manny Villar concedes to Noynoy Aquino in the presidential race. There are few apparent reasons he can blame why he lost.

First, he can blame the political ads. He bombarded the public with his ads and most probably people just got fed up and started to think how much is he spending and how is going to gain his expenses back.

Second, he can blame his endorsers. His celebrity endorsers, were most likely the most famous in Phil showbiz today - one of whom is Willie Revillame. Few days before the elections, Willie showed the public his truest form - ARROGANT. Everybody must have seen and heard how Willie Revillame challenged ABS-CBN management to kick out a showbiz reporter, Jobert Sucaldito for putting him in a bad light in the latter's commentaries / reports.

Lastly, he can blame himself. Villar faced with several controversies chose not to answer or explain the allegations thrown at him, one of which was the graft charges on C5 extension. Perhaps, thinking that Filipinos are dumb to just let it pass.

What Is The Latest On Willie Revillame?

2010-05-11T12:05:00.003+08:00

I am so eagear to know what is the latest on Willie Revillame. Did he finally resign? Was he asked to leave ABS-CBN for his arrogance?

This arrogant creature must be put in a place where he will realize that nobody is indespensible. He should bear in mind that it is not because of him that people go to the show or even watch the show. It is the show that people watch not him. It is because of the prizes that the sponsors give out that poeople want to be in the show and not because of him.

A Choice Between Gibo and Noynoy

2010-05-07T23:55:00.001+08:00

I came across a note in Facebook showing support to Gibo and I would like to share how he articulated his choice. I strongly feel that his thoughts are exactly how others think.

____________________________

A Battle of Heart and MindShare.

Ever since the campaign for President took off, many people have reached the conclusion that it will be a showdown between Noynoy Aquino and Manny Villar. Survey after survey has shown this pair to be the consistent topnotchers. It is myopic to not even consider other choices; unfortunately, the human mind being what it is, it resorts to easy choices rather than difficult grappling.

I am an EDSA 1 baby. My parents took me and my sister right to EDSA and also Roxas Boulevard when we were all protesting Marcos, and especially the senseless and brutal death of Ninoy. My sister and I may have been too young to "know it all", but we sensed, even at that age, that it was a monumental and pivotal period in our nation's history. (Plus, if we behaved and went along with the march, my parents took us to Max's, certainly the highlight of a youngster "required" to march on a Sunday).

I say this piece of history not only as a nostalgic part of my past, but so it is clear that how I arrived at my choice for President was not an easy one. The pull and magic of EDSA is especially potent to someone who was ACTUALLY there, seen all the selfless acts of patriotism, and it is still this romantic notion of EDSA, that "we can change the world", that I had initially leaned towards Noynoy. I thought to myself, Noynoy is a link to that proud piece of Philippine history. Especially since we are coming from a 9 year coma called the GMA Presidency, one that is (to understate it largely) riddled with corruption charges and questionable (again, understating) actions. We have to elect someone so opposite of GMA, someone who will ensure that the scandals perpetrated by GMA's adminstration will not happen again.

But seeing the news overseas as well as what's happening in our country, you cannot help but ask the question (it is practically begging to be asked) "Once the President is sworn in, what happens next?"

A financial crisis so deep, not even the most powerful countries are spared.
Terrorists running around as if to taunt the security protocols of all nations.
A world so enamored in uncertainty and fear, they cling to bigoted religious leaders.
A population with half living a hand to mouth existence, who are told to "have more babies".
Massive evacuation of capable workers to other countries because no jobs await them here.
Entertainers, movie stars, "reality show" contestants have become the highest aspirations of our youth.

Once those realities set in, I am finding it increasingly harder and harder to picture Noynoy having a masterful grasp of the situation. This is a senator, who, despite being given the massive political lineage and the leeway that ensues with this privilege, contributed almost nothing to his legislative agenda. This is a brother who is openly rebuked by his youngest sister - the one with massive star power - for having his hair parted wrong or hoping he gets married soon. A senator who continually stammers whenever he is interviewed, as if he is looking around for a cue that the interview is up. These are not qualities that I admire, and they are certainly not the qualities in a President who I expect to tackle the almost insurmountable problems his office faces head on.

I have always placed a premium on intelligence and competence (hence, my frequent arguments with people who are incompetent, as many of my colleagues will attest to that). If you can't do the job, get out, don't waste time, mine especially. I want a President who is intelligent but not naive, one who can clearly articulate his positions and his concrete plans without having to resort to gimmicky one liners that try to play to the "masa" as their champion. A President who will not talk down to others but will, with his intelligence, ask this country to be his partner in getting us out of the massive mess we are in.

I found these qualities in Gibo. Despite the fact that he was chosen by GMA, it became quite clear to me that he is eminently qualified for the job. I need a President that I can be proud to call my own. Someone who has worked inside the bureaucracy (as an executive and a legislator) to know well enough what needs to be done in order for great ideas to come into fruition.

My heart has been tugging for the Noynoy vote, but I realize that this will not bring us out of the quagmire, into a hopeful future. Gibo is not the panacea for everything, but with him, we have a fighting chance. More than ever, we need someone smart enough - and compassionate enough - to lead us through.

I choose Gibo for President.

Willie Revillame Wants Jobert Sucaldito Kicked Out of ABS-CBN

2010-05-05T12:31:00.003+08:00

I recently saw in the news an upset and mad Willie Revillame threatening ABS-CBN that he will resign if it does not kick out Jobert Sucaldito, who reported or commented about Willie's show featuring youths with low grades.

Sucaldito who was doing his job as a radio commentator, commented that Willie should instead feature and highlight students with high grades so young people would follow and be inspired if they wish to have a chance in TV.

I really feel that Willie's call to kick out Jobert is uncalled for and over-bearing of him. Who does he think he is??? Does this mean that none of the people in the network should talk about him if it puts him in a bad light, just because his show has high ratings? Willie should bear in mind that his show is being followed by many not because of him. It is being watched only because he gives away big cash prizes, prizes from the sponsors and not his. When he was away and out of Wowowee, the show went on, people still went on to watch it and people still tried to be in it hoping they win or bring home some cash. It makes me wonder what he can possibly do if he is indeed in power or in a position of authority!

ABS-CBN should not allow any of its talents to manipulate them or black mail its managment, so to speak.

2010-04-20T16:14:00.001+08:00

Vicky Belo on Hayden Kho: 'I was addicted to him'

by Fionna Acaba

February 25, 2010 10:55 AM

Dra. Vicky Belo made headlines once again when she made a surprise appearance at her ex-boyfriend Hayden Kho's arraignment at the Public Hall of Justice last February 23. She previously promised as a New Year’s Resolution last January that she will not be seeing Hayden Kho for five months. "Nakaka-miss talaga because he was also my best friend. I feel so guilty. I missed him and I showed support lang and I was curious of how he looks, he looks like an F4 (Taiwan's famous boy band), ang gwapo pa rin, e." According to the doctor, this is one of her New Year's resolutions to test if their love for each other is for real or not.

Vicky Belo also admits that she became really attached to her ex-boyfriend because of the closeness they had when they were still together. The meeting yesterday somehow made her realize what her weakness is. "Hindi na ako magpro-promise kasi napapahiya ako. Kasi I found out in a way I was addicted to him because (before) I saw him every single day and so when I was there naputol yung hinahanap mo yung tao. Ako kasi (when I am in a relationship) parang aso na kailangan lagi i-pat." But after what happened, Vicky made a promise again that she will not see Hayden for three months, until the latter's birthday on May 20.

Lolit Solis, Vicky's friend who stood by her during the height of the issue on the sex video scandals, admits that she was disappointed when Vicky was not able to control herself. "Wala na, hindi na mapipigilan."

Arrogant Braggart

2010-04-20T14:27:00.003+08:00

I saw this shout out post from a social networking site - Facebook, the shout out goes : "Just finished washing my two cars and my two bathroom with bath tub...". If you will just read this post, there seems to be nothing wrong about it. Hey, people do that all the time, they post things - whatever comes to thier minds. But if one will go through his profile, you would realize that the profile owner is an arrogant braggart.

Why? His posts were mainly focused on 2 things: Arrogance and Hatred. There was one post that really irked me. He posted: "My monthly tax return is higher than the annual income of most people". So, if we will have to have to read between the lines in his post about cleaning, he wants the whole world to know that he has two cars and he has a relatively big house that has 2 bathrooms with bathtub.

I wonder how can someone be as arrogant...

Sai Gon On My Mind

2009-11-26T12:12:00.000+08:00

Most people (if not everyone) must have heard stories or have a vague notion of what Vietnam is all about. The first thing I thought of was "the war", as America was also an integral part of that part of Vietnam's history, it was something that struck me as what constituted "Vietnam".

But beyond that and the occasional trip to Pho Hoa (a Vietnamese restaurant) in our current malls, my knowledge of Vietnam was limited. So when the opportunity presented itself to be able to visit the country (to Sai Gon or Ho Chi Minh City in particular), I grabbed at it.

Before we left, well meaning people - well, actually one in particular - kept saying "You won't find any good sights in HCMC! You should've gone to Hanoi! It's a waste of time to go there and just go to HCMC and not Hanoi!" And while this person probably did not mean to disparage HCMC, it certainly left a bad taste in the mouth to have a future trip have this overcast shadow hanging over it. I resolved to leave all previous notions at the wayside and just enjoy the trip as it comes.

And I am glad that I did.

My impression of Vietnam (by way of HCMC) has changed quite a bit, ever since my trip. If you ask me now, the first thing that comes to my mind when HCMC is mentioned is "Motorcycle Madness!!!" - and this is NOT an exaggeration by any stretch! This is a city that LOVES their motorbikes! And they whizz by from every which direction, defying all sense of logic or reason. I was waiting for the crash of bikes any moment - but it never came! It was mad orchestrated chaos, performed as if this was a ballet recital, and everyone knew their parts, and performed with precision so that no one was injured...it is a sight that you must see with your own two eyes...I was with many Caucasians who were equally as dumbfounded as I was (and still am)!

The food was a large part of what made this trip so memorable...we had so much good food and in so much variety that its hard not to gush about it. One thing that I observed as central was the vegetation - I felt like a goat on a vegetarian smorgasboard! Whatever it was they were serving, you would be sure to come across loads of greens and herbs - which is a good thing, considering that in Manila, I don't get to eat vegetables that often.

I had to taste their pho - the "representative" Vietnamese dish most foreigners know. I had it at a sidewalk cafe, and an established chain (Pho 24), and both were excellent, except the one at the sidewalk was cheaper and had more servings =) Freshness was the key to their pho tasting great, I felt like the ingredients were just picked from the garden and served to me =)

I moved on to Banh Xeo ( a pancake that's filled with chicken, shrimp, bean sprouts, even more herbs - and you were given more vegetables covering half the plate for you to either wrap the pancake with or eat together with), and I think this is now my favorite Vietnamese dish - it was filling, but you still felt good about yourself because you knew it had so many healthy ingredients in one dish. Not to mention it was rather cheap (by Manila standards) - it only cost 35,000 Dong in a sidewalk eatery (roughly 75-80 bucks).

Of course, we couldn't let their fresh spring rolls go by - it was freshness personified, and I know what you're thinking, "what a redundant way of describing food", but it can't be helped, it felt like they were just making the dish for me and my party (it wasn't precooked and lying around just waiting to be served). Add to the rolls their sauce called nuoc nam - and you would be a happy foodie in no time =)

The Most Self Centered Facebook Shout Out

2009-11-01T01:22:00.005+08:00

Last Sept 27, Metro Manila was badly hit by typhoon Ondoy, a lot of people were affected by floods. People lost their homes, loved ones and properties.

Facebook, a social networking site suddenly became the venue for volunteerism, rescue and relief. People posted shoutouts asking for help, some posted pics to let the rest know how badly hit was an area. People offered prayers thru this site, some people organized rescue and relief operations through their shout outs. But there is one shout out that caught my attention:

**profile name** a tough choice i had to make. left my house with my mitsu car and sala down with water VS my safety and my rav4. i felt helpless, nothing to do as mother nature gives us a miniscule sampling of the great flood.

This is the most self centered, egoistic and pathetic phrase I have ever seen posted in Facebook. The phrase does not convey any anxiety on the part of the poster. He is not really worried on his safety. If you will read between the lines, the poster wanted to made it known to the public that he has 2 cars. I could not fathom and I don't think I will be able to, how can someone post an entry like this at times like these.

A Sin or Not A Sin

2009-10-28T21:59:00.000+08:00

Here is another interesting or must I say controversial topic/question that anyone could post in Yahoo Answers...

I have a questioin that I have been wondering for a long time...is being bisexual a sin? Why or why not?

Whats wrong with being bisexual and why? Or why is there nothing wrong with it? Is it a sin, why or why not?

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

The concept of sin is most closely associated with the Christian faith, so I'm guessing this is also your reference point.

Christianity is adamant about declaring homosexual acts a sin. (They distinguish the state of homosexuality from doing anything that is "homosexual". More on this later.)

In fact, they go so far as calling these acts as "abominations".

Do you know what else the Bible calls "abominations"?

Eating pork.
Eating shellfish.
Cutting your hair.
Shaving.
Wearing gold.
Wearing pearls.
Divorce.
Wearing mixed fabrics.
Taking loans/credit cards.

These are all considered "abominations" in the same chapter from where so-called christians (yes, small c) like to say they ground their belief that "gay acts" are a sin. Yet when all these other "abominations" are brought up, either you get deafening silence from the bigots, or some of them who truly feel smart (in their minds, at least) start saying crap like "You don't understand, in the olden days, these were necessary to keep the tribe of so and so, but now that that's over, we can discard those other things, but NOT the verse about homosexuality, no, no, no, that is definitely still true for today!!!"

Haven't these morons ever heard of the word "context"?

What we have here is a cookie-cutter, pick and choose type of belief that only quotes the parts that align well with their own biases. How convenient.

How idiotic.

Want to hear something more idiotic?

The concept of "loving the sinner, hating the sin".

In their eyes, you can BE a bisexual, but you can't ever have a romantic relationship with another person of the same sex.

Imagine a world where teaching math was outlawed. The analogy would be to tell all existing math teachers "Yes, you can still call yourself math teachers, but you can't teach that subject at all."

Does it make sense to even call yourself a math teacher?

christians (yes, small c again) can't even follow their own rules regarding sin and abominations. They have certainly lost their moral weight to tell people what to do and not do in our personal lives.

Hayden Kho's Camp: "DOJ Pressured to Charge Him"

2009-10-26T21:43:00.000+08:00

On an article at abs-cbnNEWS.com last October 23, 2009 on the embattled doctor's indictment, Kho's camp alleged that DOJ gave way to pressure from media and Sen. Bong Revilla when they ruled on the case. Kho's counsel, Atty. Lorna Kapunan pointed out that it was being made into a "media spectacle".

Has Kho's camp forgotten that it was also the media that they used to build up Hayden's "good name"? Weeks before the DOJ's ruling, we were swamped with TV interviews and Media items featuring how Hayden is/was, as a good man, a good son, a good brother, a good relative, a good friend, blah blah blah. Everthing you'll hear from these campaigns about Hayden were good. They even featured Hayden as a reformed man or at least on his way to being reformed. All these are obviously PR campaigns to build up Hayden. In all these interviews and features, I have never heard nor seen Hayden say, "Katrina, I am sorry. I should have not done what I have done". We never heard the actual sincere apology.

Now that their ploy did not work, they are blaming the media for pressuring DOJ. A "media spectacle"? Have they forgotten that Hayden got himself into this spectacle? Have they forgotten that Hayden is a celebrity - a status that he himself so aspired? When the media was featuring Hayden on his way to celebrity-hood, they weren't saying anything about the press making a "spectacle" of his activities...why the turnaround now, just because the "spectacle" he is involved in is now a negative one?

The truth is, he did what he did. And he should be made accountable and responsible for that.

Why Do Homosexuals Want To Get Married?

2009-10-26T14:07:00.004+08:00

Here is another interesting topic on Gays and Lesbians Issues my partner commented on and was chosen best answer by the readers in Yahoo Answers...

Why do homosexuals want to get married?

Isn't marriage a religious thing? Was it not founded by religions that hold homosexuality to be an "abomination" and what have you? I'm not religious and it doesn't matter to me in the least, but I don't see the point of marriage between any two persons. You could just as easily agree to "spend your life" with someone without a piece of paper saying that you're going to do so, right?

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Let's see.

A gay man can't leave his property to his partner of 24 years when he dies, because they aren't "married". The family that he has never spoken to since his parents beat him up for being gay get to take everything.

A lesbian cannot visit her partner in the hospital because she's not "married" to her, even though the sick woman knows she is dying and just wants to be with her beloved until her dying breath.

A gay couple who has adopted a child will easily have that child taken away because they are not married.

These are just off the top of my head. Let's not add insurance coverage, tax exemptions and benefits, and so many other issues into the mix of "marriage equality".

RE your "religious" argument of marriage, please explain to me why atheists - who just happen to be heterosexual - can go down to city hall and get a marriage license.

Should Gays serve openly in the Military?

2009-10-26T10:10:00.000+08:00

My partner constantly posts his comments on Yahoo Answers particulary about Gays and Lesbians and in numerous intances, his comments would more often than not would be voted by readers as the best answers.

Here is one of the issues he commented on....

Should Gays serve openly in the Military?

I was caught up in a debate the other day about this and was curious what you guys and girls thought, since oddly enough everyone debating this was straight.

The first thought that I have about this is actually a question, you may want to serve openly gay (which is fine to be yourself) however do you think the "good ol' boy, redneck guy" is going to be as understanding and accepting as everyone else?

I'm not against letting gays serve it's just I don't believe it's going to be the safest thing for them to do to be honest.

So what are your opinions on this, should gays be allowed to serve openly in the military?

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Yes, we should, and it should be the military's duty as well to make sure that the army is a place that is safe for gay men to do so. ALL the scientific studies have shown that the homophobic assumptions that gay men will lower morale, or that gay men can't fire a gun as well as the striaght men, or that gay men are not suited for "hard military work" - all of these have been proven as hogwash and biased thinking.

There is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON why gay men should not be able to serve - qualifications are what should be the barometer": If a person passed the tests, both mental and practical ones, there is no logical reason to deny the entry of gay people into the armed forces.

Of course, that thinking has to come from the top - that intolerance or homophobia will

Why I Hate Hitting the Gym

2009-10-25T12:08:00.001+08:00

I'm a lifetime member of a fitness center for 10 yrs now and in those 10 years, I can still count how many times I have visited my gym....15 times ;-)

I recently went to workout since I have been trying to trim down by eating less and I thought I could go and tone my body this time. I have lost at least 15 pounds for 2 months of eating healthily. I remember my reason for not going in the past, it was because the gym was so cramped up and I had to wait in line just to use the bike or the treadmill. So I went on a holiday, lunchtime. I was so glad to see that I made the right decision. There are a few people only that I had an option paralysis which treadmill to step on. There so many vacant machines.

I stepped on one, the one with a TV monitor, walked slowly to warm up and slowly I increased the speed. As I was enjoying my brisk walk, I heard a yell. Huh? Hah? What's happening? As I surveyed the entire gym, the yell came from a man working out lifting weights. He is being spotted by another man. These 2 men are in their tight tank tops. Both have nice toned bodies. These 2 caught my attention, so what the heck, for entertainment purposes, I watched them as I do my stationary brisk walking. Then it dawned on me, are these two gays? I think they are!!! And they are hitting on each other!!! "Dude, you have nice biceps.", the other would reply, "Thank you bro, you have nice abs". Huh? Hah? Am I in a gay bath house or what? These two would pump some weights and after each reps, they would face the mirror, compliment themselves, take a pose and compliment each other. OMG!!! Such narcissists!!! They are the only people making noises in the gym and that noise that they are creating are, "Dude, nice pecs", "Bro, how's my hamstring", blah, blah, blah.

I finished my 30 minute treadmill walk, finished by doing some body toning exercises. Spent 1.5 hrs working out.

As I hit the shower, I remembered my other reason for not going to the gym. I really find it irritating to hear and see narcisistic remarks and moves. "Dude, look at my abs, aren't they great", "Yeah bro, they are great. Aren't my pecs, firm?"

Arrrggghhh!!! Girls! Go get a room !!!

DOJ recommends Kho indictment

2009-10-23T11:52:00.000+08:00

Since the Kho - Halili contrversy on their video tape, I have been wanting to see where it will go. Will it be a fairy tale ending or a morbid ending hehehehe

(UPDATE 2) DOJ recommends Kho indictment

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/22/2009 4:39 PM

MANILA - The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday recommended to a court the indictment of celebrity doctor Hayden Kho for violation of the Violence Against Women and Children Act but the embattled doctor’s camp said they are seeking to stop the case.

The case stemmed from the spread of copies of sex videos showing Kho engaging in sexual acts with several women, including starlet Katrina Halili.

The basis of the case filed by the DOJ to the Pasig Regional Trial Court against Kho for alleged violation of Republic Act (RA) 9262 or the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act" was a complaint filed by Halili.

The DOJ, in its resolution on the preliminary investigation of the case, said "we find that the evidence presented by complainant during the preliminary investigation merit the prosecution of said respondent for violation of RA 9262."

The DOJ said that while Kho said he was not responsible for the spread of the video, the video recording of his sexual acts “clearly shows and manifests his lack of respect for women. He cannot simply justify said act with a disclaimer that the videotaping was not meant to be shown to anyone. He should own up and be responsible for his actions particularly when it affects another person's right and dignity."

The complaints, meanwhile, against Dr. Vicki Belo, Eric Johnston Chua, Dr. Herbert "Bistek" Rosario, and Princess Velasco, who have been charged along with Kho, were dismissed.

Chua and Velasco were reportedly present when copies of the sex videos, showing Kho having sex with various women, were taken from Kho's hard drive.

The DOJ panel however recommended that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) continue with its investigation to find out who uploaded the Kho’s sex videos on the Internet.

Partial motion for reconsideration

The embattled doctor’s camp however said that they seek to reverse a portion of the DOJ decision on Halili’s complaint.

The camp of Kho said that the complaint filed by Halili to the DOJ consisted of two allegations – psychological violence and economic violence.

They said however that they would only seek for a partial motion for reconsideration since it was already not proven that Halili was deprived of his livelihood as an actress due to the “scandal.”

In their partial motion for reconsideration, the lawyers of Kho would reportedly asset that the DOJ did not fully appreciate the evidence presented by the NBI on a psychological test on Halili.

They cited that the NBI finding said that the psychological stress suffered by Halili was due to the spread on the Internet of the sex videos 3 months before the investigation started and not on the video taping of the sexual acts which was reportedly 2 years ago.

They said since Halili’s complaint was not on the release of the videos in the Internet and to the public, there should be no case against Kho.

“It is not related to psychological violence. He shouldn't be charged with causing her psychological violence,” said lawyer Lorna Kapunan, counsel for Kho.

Kho’s lawyers are also set to file a motion to suspend to the Pasig Regional Trial Court to stop any proceedings on the charged file against their client due to the DOJ resolution.

They also reiterated Kho’s denial of involvement in the spread of the sex videos and welcomed the DOJ’s recommendation for the NBI to continue its probe on who uploaded the video to the Internet and file charges of pornography against the perpetrators.

‘Fight will continue’

Halili meanwhile welcomed the filing of formal court charges against Kho.

“Siyempre sobrang happy ako na unang una iyon iyong pinakaimportante po sa akin, si Hayden Kho,” said Halili in an interview Thursday. She was a special guest at the National Correctional Consciousness Week celebration at the Women’s Dormitory in Camp Caringal, headquarters of National Capital Region Police Office.

She said she has not talked with Kho since the spread of the videos on the Internet.

Halili said that if Kho would offer his apology she would accept it. She said however that it would not mean that she would withdraw her complaint.

“Di ganoon ang pagkakilala ko sa kanya, Nag-e-expect ako na kahit papaano kakausapin niya ako, hihingi siya ng tawad. Never niya ginawa iyon… Lalaban pa rin po ako,” said Halili.

She said she has but one message to Kho: “Magkita na lang tayo sa korte. Magpa-piyansa ka na lang, joke!” she said jokingly.

Halili’s lawyer also welcomed the DOJ decision.

“Very good. Thanks. We are happy with the DOJ resolution even if the charge versus Belo et al was dropped. At least, we were able to gather facts and material info from Erick Chua, Belo which we can use in filing other cases. We know now the persons na possible responsible sa pagkalat ng video,” said lawyer Raymund Palad, Halili’s counsel. With reports from Timi Nubla, Jenny Reyes, Ginger Conejero and Joey Villarama, ABS-CBN News

as of 10/23/2009 12:04 AM

Eating in a Fast Food

2009-10-23T09:36:00.000+08:00

I am a fan of eating out in fast food chains. For some reason or another, no matter how hard I try to eat healthy, I would always have a craving for those fried chicken or burger or fries.

In my many cravings, I would go to the KFC outlet in Sen Gil Puyat corner Chino Roces St in Makati City since I live and work within the area. Depsite this vow I made to myself that I SHALL NEVER visit that particular outlet anymore because over their insanely slow service. So I went since I have to satisfy a craving and so I could bring some for my partner as well. It was an hour past midnight, I told myself at least their service will be a lot faster this time since there are only a number of customers. I was the only one ordering. I was so happy that in a matter of minutes I will be able to devour that chicken burger and fries. In my disgust, it took the crew to take my order for more than 15 minutes. I will never be able to understand this policy of KFC requiring their crew to take orders and not allow them to jot down in paper what your order was. They will simply stare at you, try to listen ( "try" being the operative word) and remember your order. As expected, there are errors in the order and you had to repeat your order.

Another thing I noticed is that, the person who took my order, got the fries, took the burger, gave tissue and placed it in my tray is the same person who is doing the cashiering and handling money. Flashback!!! Weren't we taught in school, in TV ads, by our parents that handling money can transmit millions of bacteria? That Safeguard TV Ad played in my mind. I talked to the manager about it and all he can mutter was, "We ensure that our staff maintain good hygiene and sanitation". Huh? Hah? What hygiene is he talking about? In my 15 minutes encounter with the food handler / cashier. I never saw her wash nor sanitize her hands before handling the food she placed in my try. She took my order, took my money, gave me my change, she handled the food and assembled it in my tray. That's all I saw. I never saw the hand sanitation thing.

So I decided to cancel my order. I went home frustrated. Frustrated because of the slow service, the sanitation thing and most of all, THAT GREASY FINGER LICKING BURGER AND FRIES I NEVER HAD. Was it pride? Was I being OC? Should have I just given in to my craving, even if in my mind there's this soap ad which graphics of germs and bacteria playing in my mind?

Back home, I drowned myself with the ever reliable instant noodles (Lucky Me pancit canton - the best), hotdogs fried in butter and Coke in can. Shared it with my ever supportive partner ;-)

A LITTLE LAUGH ;-) : Wives Vs Husbands

2009-10-22T17:46:00.000+08:00

I received this forwarded email and I thought it was funny. It made me laugh. A nice break from work. It is nice to pause from time to time, laugh and de-stress ;-)

WIFE VS . HUSBAND

A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word .
An earlier discussion had led to an argument and
neither of them wanted to concede their position .
As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs,
the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?"
"Yep," the wife replied, "in-laws . "

W O R D S

A husband read an article to his wife about how many words women use a day . . .
30,000 to a man's 15,000 ..
The wife replied, "The reason has to be because we have to repeat everything to men .. . .
The husband then turned to his wife and asked, "What?"

CREATION

A man said to his wife one day, "I don't know how you can be
so stupid and so beautiful all at the same time .
" The wife responded, "Allow me to explain .
God made me beautiful so you would be attracted to me;
God made me stupid so I would be attracted to you!

WHO DOES WHAT

A man and his wife were having an argument about who
should brew the coffee each morning .
The wife said, "You should do it, because you get up first,
and then we don't have to wait as long to get our coffee . "
The husband said, " You are in charge of cooking around here and
you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee . "
Wife replies, "No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible
that the man should do the coffee . "
Husband replies, "I can't believe that, show me . "
So she fetched the Bible, and opened the New Testament
and showed him at the top of several pages, that it indeed says . . . . . . . . . . "HEBREWS"

THE SILENT TREATMENT

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each
other the silent treatment . Suddenly, the man realized that the next day,
he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight .
Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5:00 AM . " He left it where he knew she would find it .
The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM
and he had missed his flight .. Furious, he was about to go and
see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by
the bed . The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM . Wake up . "
Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests ..

God may have created man before woman,
but there is always a rough draft before the masterpiece .

SEND THIS TO SMART WOMEN WHO NEED A LAUGH AND TO MEN YOU THINK CAN HANDLE IT !
I did both!!

Surprisingly Good ;-)

2009-10-22T16:47:00.000+08:00

I learned from a cooking show how to make a pumpkin soup and tried it myself. It was good the first time I did it. My partner and I actually loved it. We had pumpkin soup for several dinners, just pumpkin soup, since we were both trying to trim down. As I desired for variety of the soup, I started experimenting on what to put in the soup on top of the basic ingredients. I tried hard boiled egg. I tried putting a little curry powder. It was still good. Then a weird thought came, instead of cream, I put milk, then I added oatmeal less the curry powder. I thought of the adding oatmeal since an aunt, who worked in the Middle East for 2 decades, once taught me to make a tomato soup with oatmeal. I didn't really like the taste but I must say it is an acquired taste. Some might find it good.

Back to the pumpkin soup. Just thinking about it, we thought the taste would be very very weird. To my surprise, it was good. In fact, it must be really good since my partner liked it so much and he is very picky and choosy on food. Let me just share how I did it ;-)

For the ingredients, we will need the following:

Garlic / Onion
Olive Oil
Milk ( I preferred powdered)
Pumpkin (cubed)
broth cube
oatmeal
water
salt

Now for the simple procedure:

Heat the olive oil and saute onion. Add salt to taste, then add the garlic. Add the cubed pumpkin. Add water and broth cube then allow to boil until pumpkin is tender. Gather the pumpkin and blend in a blender for a course consistency then put it back to the pot. Add the oatmeal and the milk. Simmer for a few minutes.

Enjoy ;-)

Celebrity Endorsers

2009-10-22T13:11:00.000+08:00

Almost a week ago, I saw this new TV commerial of Smart. I felt so disgusted!!! Sharon Cuneta is the new endorser of Smart. Rememeber, she used to be the endorser of Globe? Remember that TV Commercial where there was a blue lace connecting her to the person at the other end of the line who supposedly was abroad? That was the time when KC, her daughter went to Paris to study. For so many years she was the endorser of Globe. What could really be the reason for her to endorse a competitor this time? Is the reason really because she truly believes in the services of Smart?

I also recall Sharon endorsing Alaska, a milk product. But now, she is endorsing Nido, a competitor. Or was it the other way around? See, now I'm confused. She also used to endorse Eight O' Clock juice drink, then there was Del Monte Pinapple Juice. Again, a competitor.

In one of her interviews about being one of the most sought after edorser, she said, she endorses a product only because she really believes in the product. But is it really that or is it who can pay the most talent fee? Where is the integrity on this endorsement or should we say, where is the intergrity of this kind of celebrity. Come to think of it, actors are paid to act. This is what they do best, ACT. They act to make you believe in something. They act to make you believe that a person can have powers and fly. They are paid to do that. If they are not paid, they won't act.

This is precisely why politicians or even newscasters are not supposed to be endorsing products or be seen in TV and Print Ads. To appear on TV or Print to endorse a product, one is paid. Paid to say something good about a product so people will believe and buy the product. Imagine seeing a law-maker endorsing skin care center. What does that tell you? He is paid to say something good about that center so people will avail of its services. It goes without saying, that he can be paid, for the right amount of course, to say anything or do anything. Just imagine what else he can do if he is paid for the right amount. Imagine a news reporter being paid to endorse a detergent. Imagine what else she will say or do for the right amount. Can you still believe the words that come out of her mouth knowing that she be paid to say anything, as in anything at all?

Don't You Just Hate It

2009-10-21T23:32:00.000+08:00

When a boss asks you to prepare a report and when you submit it asks you what is in the report and when you run down what you have just prepared cuts you by saying "I know how to read'?

When a boss asks you to be early for work and he comes to work always almost an hour late?

When a boss calls you on your local line and asks you.."What are you doing?" and "What do you have for me?"?

When a boss asks you to prepare a very important report 30 minutes before lunch break and wants it done 30 minutes after lunch break?

When a boss asks you to work on a Saturday or Sunday because he can't be working because he has to be in his son's school event and he has actually used the same reason twice in one month?

When a boss asks you to rush a report because he needs it in 2 hours and minutes later asks you to drive him to a nearby building because he has to visit a clinic for an annual physical exam, under the guise of discussing the report he needs along the way?

When a boss asks you to conduct a training in a nearby building that he asked you to develop and calls in the middle of the training while you are conducting it to ask if you could come for him in his office to fetch him there and bring him to the training venue, when you know he has a car of his own and knows how to drive?

When a boss calls you to let you know that he is 5 mins away from the office, tells you that he cannot reach his secretary and asks you to ensure that his coffee is ready by the time he gets to his office?

When a boss rushes you to prepare a report, follows it up from you every hour since he needs it very urgently and when you send it to him for his review and comments, it would take him a week to get back to you?

When a boss forwards an email msg to you, calls you and follows up every 15 mins for your reply and when you read the message, it was answerable by "Noted Sir" only?

When a boss meets you thrice a day for a minimum of an hour each and wonders how come you're always late for a deadline?

When you rush to your boss' office because he calls for you to see him in 5 mins and as soon as you get to his office he'd say, " you're 5 mins late" ?

When a boss rushes you to draft a reply memo for him on a particular operational concern, follows it up every 15 mins and when you send it to him, it will take him more than 24 hours to comment on it or sign it off, then you learn from your colleagues that he has been repeatedly consulting them on that operational concern and when he gets back to you, he'd say, "Please put a comma after the word hence" ?

When you officially file for a leave which you have months ago scheduled with the knowledge of your boss to commemorate the death anniversary of your mother, your boss tries to talk you out of it by listing down tasks that need to be done and when you update him that all are done already (at least on your part), your boss pulls out a folder of your previous weekly task list as far as 4 months ago to look for tasks that may still be pending…

When a boss asks you to drop what you were supposed to be working on and change your schedule which he has previously instructed you to work on, to attend to a meeting he himself was supposed to be attending since, according to him, he has to be somewhere to take care of “something”, asks you to wait for him to come back from wherever he was supposed to be coming from… Then later that day, you would learn that your boss just went to the funeral wake of the Former President (with due respect to our beacon of leadership) as a mere kibitzer where he was not even able to get in…

When a boss meets with you to ask for an update on the meeting that he himself should have attended or at least should have attended with you, and did not since he chose to be somewhere else to be a kibitzer, and upon providing him an update tells you “There are so much things to be done, I wish I have enough time at my disposal to do all these…blah blah blah” then ends by saying, “Just let me know if you change your mind in taking that leave”.

PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz | News | John Lloyd Cruz is excited about his movie with Bea Alonzo and primetime series with Angel Locsin

2009-10-21T17:00:00.000+08:00

PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz News John Lloyd Cruz is excited about his movie with Bea Alonzo and primetime series with Angel Locsin