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JPM Chairman Jo Jan Paul Peñol, 1 among 30 young leaders across the country chosen to undergo Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey

2011-05-06T23:36:00.001-07:00

Media Announcement from the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation:

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Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF) proudly announces the second batch of candidates to its core youth formation program, the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey, which will be held on June 3-5, 2011, at the Loyola Retreat House in Angono, Rizal.

Drawing insights from the lives of the beloved Aquino couple, the program seeks to reintroduce spirituality as a major foundation for Filipino leadership. Harnessing their innate values systems, the participants take part in a process of self-reflection which, it is hoped, would ultimately lead to self-transformation and self-commitment for others and country.

Launched in November 2010 in collaboration with the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Center for Leadership (NCACL), the Journey provided a unique experience to the initial batch of 29 student leaders from Metro Manila and elsewhere in Luzon.

“We were overwhelmed with the response of our first set of ‘Journey-ers,’” shared Rafael C. Lopa, NCAF president and executive director. “For the second run, thanks to Cebu Pacific, we can now accept program participants from other parts of the country.”

As the official air carrier of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey, Cebu Pacific will transport participants from the Visayas, Mindanao, and other remote islands to and from Manila. While in Manila, their billeting will be provided by White Knight Hotel Intramuros, another Journey partner.

The Journey is open to Filipino citizens, 18-25 years of age, who are at least in their college sophomore year (or the equivalent) at the time of the application period. He/she should be a current youth leader, has a passion for excellence and public service and has the ability to communicate well.

Candidates are to undergo a three-day transformative experience and be living witnesses of leadership. It is the hope of the Foundation that these “Journey-ers” will be moved to commit to a life of service and mission through effective and impactful community work.

After a rigorous screening process that involved evaluation of required documentation, written essays, and interviews, among others, the following candidates were selected for the June 2011 run of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey:

Michelle Therese Asuncion, Florida USA

Elaine Atienza, Cebu City

Joana Camille Balenteros, National Capital Region

Lily Jean Cacatian, North Cotabato

Reymart Canuel, Benguet

Rachel Dawn Cudiamat, Quezon City

Jun Duka, Quezon City

Jessica Ann Fullero, Pasay City

Coco Chanel Garcia, Pampanga

Mac Ardy Gloria, Quezon City

Ma. Cienna Jaucian, Albay

Jacelle Manara, Manila

John Michael Matibag, Batangas

Jenny Melendrez, Quezon City

Vanessa Kate Morada, Romblon

Gino Alfonso Munoz, Rizal

Ernesto Neri, Cagayan de Oro

Rose Carmel Pagtalunan, Mandaluyong City

Jo Jan Paul Penol, Iloilo

Carlo Patoc, Negros Oriental

Marlon Peralta, Caloocan City

Jose Mari Pineda, Bulacan

Jemalyn San Jose, Naga City

Jenalyn San Jose, Naga City

Ninya Sarena Saquilabon, Pasay City

Felicia Mikaela Solano, Quezon City

Christian Sorongon, Iloilo

Arvin John Telintelo, Morong Rizal

Adriel Earl Toribio, Zamboanga

Jerome Villacorta, Quezon City

“We have a potentially rich mix of passionate and dynamic young leaders with diverse backgrounds,” Lopa said. “We are excited to journey with them as they commit to a life of self-transformation in helping build our nation.”

The third run of the Journey is scheduled for November 2011.

The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Center for Leadership

The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Center for Leadership is an institution established with the help of Drs. Rolando and Rosalinda Hortaleza of Splash Corporation. NCACL seeks to identify, form, nurture and recognize individuals who, through a process of self-transformation, can develop into a community of empowering, world-class leaders.

Original Post

Pavia recognizes Ten Outstanding Elementary Pupils and Ten Outstanding High School Students

2011-05-05T21:28:00.001-07:00

Ten Outstanding Elementary Pupils of Pavia with Mrs. Paciencia Jovero (extreme right), Councilor Mike Gorriceta (second from left) and Councilor JP Penol (extreme right).

The Juniors for Progress Movement under the Office of SB Member JP Penol in cooperation with the municipal government of Pavia, Department of Education - District of Pavia recognized the town's Ten Outstanding Elementary Pupils and High School Students at SM City IloiloActivity Center, May 2nd.

The program started with an opening prayer led by Keneth Noe Escueta, from Cabugao Sur Elementary School who ranked second for the elementary level. It was then followed by welcome messages by Hon. Jo Jan Paul Penol, JPM President Ia Anne Noelle Burla, DepED - Pavia District Supervisor Mrs. Paciencia Jovero, Committee on Education Chairman Hon. Michael Gorriceta and Pavia Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta.

During Mayor Gorriceta's speech he emphasized the role of the education sector in making Pavia as the number 1 municipality in terms of Good Governance in the Province of Iloilo is concerned. The recognition was cited for by the National Statistical Coordination Board.

Therese Marie Francois Janagap, elementary's top three introduced the guest speaker in the person of Mr. Henry Bueron Caspe, Chairman of the Outstanding Students Circle of Iloilo. Having been recognized as one of the outstanding elementary student and high school student during his time, Caspe stressed the importance of the award the students will receive. "It is not the trophy that matters, but the recognition you have. Once an outstanding student, is always as outstanding student," he quipped.

SB Member Penol also thanked the sponsors for the said event namely: SM City Iloilo, Camella Communities-Iloilo, Tibiao Fish Spa Co., Board Member June Mondejar, Board Member Demetrio Sonza, St. Robert's International, and most importantly Pavia Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta.

Pavia Pilot Elementary School's Handumanan Dance Troupe, the Western Visayas Folk Dance Champion also performed during the said event in the rhythm of the dance "Kiriwkiw". The group is trained by Mrs. Nannette Tuban.

Pavia Pilot Elementary School Handumanan Dance Troupe; Trainer: Mrs. Nannette Tuban

The event ended with a speech from Mrs. Jesette Vidiot, Head Teacher III of Pavia National High School in behalf of Mrs. Leonisa J. Simba.

Also present during the awarding ceremony were barangay officials, the Pavia Management Information System (MIS) staffs and members of the Outstanding Students Circle of Iloilo.

The Juniors for Progress Movement is the core youth group founded by Councilor JP Penol way back 2003.

Ten Outstanding High School Students of Pavia with Councilor JP Penol (extreme left).

Photo Credits: Welalie Cloven Lasaleta, Caroline Hondonero, Angela Escueta and Poochie Geroche Martizano

Imagine the world without Filipinos

2009-11-13T04:08:00.000-08:00

Imagine the world without Filipinos. It's probably a bit different. No, come on, examine and really imagine what it's like for a world to exist without us balut-eating species. For sure it would be a surprise for you and you'll realize that it's completely different.

If there were no Pinoys, the Karaoke that was invented by Roberto del Rosario, will not exist. On a more serious note, if Fe del Mundo wasn't born, studies that contributed to the invention of the incubator would not have surfaced. Millions and millions of babies would have had difficulty fighting for their lives if not for that piece of equipment.

More examples? Simple lang! Kung walang Pinoy, walang fishballs, walang jeep, walang Manny Pacquiao, maraming wala. Pati ikaw, wala rin.

Anywhere you go, there's a Filipino that is making the world go round in his own little way. Sadly, the usual case is, many Filipinos have little faith in themselves. More often than not, many Pinoys aspire to be someone else they are not.

Grass may seem greener on the other side, but really, it is time to change that way of thinking. We have to start looking at ourselves to finally realize that this nation, with its culture and identity, is filled with so many things to be truly proud of and to be happy with. This is what “Yabang Pinoy” is all about.

A bunch of young, active and nationalistic Filipinos realized that one of the gravest problems faced by the

Philippines

today is Filipinos not believing in their nationality and doubting their identity. Thus, the “Yabang Pinoy” campaign was born.

This advocacy aims to raise awareness and heighten Filipino people's ethos, dignity and pride by making a statement through the use of a piece of braided abaca band. The abaca band, crafted by underprivileged communities and made from the strongest natural fiber that is unique to the

Philippines

, aims to constantly remind Filipinos that we are tough, resilient, and exceptional. .

If you have been looking for a way to constantly remind the Filipino people to take pride of their nationality and to unite the Filipino people in believing in themselves and in fellow Filipinos— this is a way!

We might wake up one day confused with our identity, or are we already? Let's all join hands and unite before it's too late. Or better yet, wear that band and be proud. It's about that time that we join forces and start rebuilding our nation. Be that person to ignite. Spark that fire fueled by your precious Filipino blood.

Being Pinoy is enough reason, not just to have an excuse to eat balut, but to be proud and to inspire us to make our positive contribution in this world. It will not just be the same without us! Kaya, patunayang may karapatan kang mabuhay sa mundong ito at ibagyabang mo na ikaw ay Pinoy! As the song goes, “Pinoy ako, Pinoy tayo, ibang-iba ang Pinoy, huwag kang matatakot.” Baduy daw oh! Hindi baduy. Pinoy!

"H" for HOPE

2009-10-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

She’s not your typical kolehiyala, nor your extraordinary friend. She went to the convention in her blouse, straight-cut pants and brown sandals, standing proud despite her rare condition. Who would have thought that she lived her life normally?

With her booming voice fleeting in joy as she answer campus journalist’s questions, Janine Soliva, 24, has become a familiar presence in the office of Iloilo’s third district Board Member Jet Roxas.

Janine is not a regular person you have known. She is unique, very different from the rest of the crowd, yet she lives by the principle that the future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope.

She is a disabled person having a congenital defect in her limbs as a result of an overdose of medicine taken by her mother during pregnancy.

Though she faced piles of discriminations since birth, Janine ignores it and acts what a normal person can actually perform realizing how difficult it was for her because of her disability.

When asked about the manner her parents brought her up, she proudly replied, “Ginpadako ako sang akon mga ginikanan as a normal person. They showed no special treatment among the six of us. Each has an exclusive character and physical attributes; each one of us is unique.”

Despite her exceptional disability, Janine finished the degree of Bachelor of Science in Community Development at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST). Indeed, it proved that no matter how different you are from the rest, God has given us equal opportunities to live, fulfill and reach the dreams we aspire.

With the authority that Republic Act 7277 has brought, disabled persons have the inherent right to respect for their human dignity, they have the same civil and political rights as others and they have the right to economic and social security and to a decent level of living among others.

For According to Steve Guttenberg, an English novelist, “If you're an underdog, mentally disabled, physically disabled, if you don't fit in, if you're not as pretty as the others, you can still be a hero.”

That’s a fact. Now, she serves as Secretary to the Iloilo Provincial Federation of Differently-Abled Persons. In service, she found her joy. Nothing can stop her from serving the people because she considers herself as a catalyst for change – a change for the better, not for the worse.

It was an uphill path she walked on. She knew there was no turning back, so that’s what she did - HOPE.

Lola Techie goes wild with extra script at hand!

2009-10-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

We were jumping in laughter as we listened to this cartoonized commercial of the famous Lola Techie. Check this out!

The Vignette 2010 Calendar will be available next month. FREE!

2009-10-13T05:34:00.000-07:00

2010.

Year of the tiger. Another fulfilling year for the

Juniors for Progress Movement.

Next year...

January 25. The country will celebrate the first-ever President Cory Aquino Day.
March 21. Don't forget this date! This is the birth date of JPM's founder - JP Penol
June 12. 112th Philippine Independence.
May 1. Pavia National High School will have its Grand Alumni Homecoming - PNHS @ 40.
May 4. Our town's annual patronal fiesta in honor for Patroness Saint Sta. Monica, mother of Saint Augustine.
May 10. We will choose a new, fresh, vibrant and enchanting president (hopefully.) prescribed by Republic Act 7166 Section 2.
We will hopefully elect a more active, more sincere, more dynamic, more progress-oriented and more polite local government officials especially in Pavia. This is what we really need.
June 24. 20th Wedding Anniversary of my parents.
October 25. Is the Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections as per mandated by Republic Act 9164.
Dec 3. Will be 7th year of JP Penol as member of the Youth For Christ.
You will receive FREE calendars from JP Penol. Want to have one? Grab them now!

Ako ang Simula ng Pagbabago! Ikaw?

2009-10-10T05:23:00.000-07:00

Ako ang Simula ng Pagbabago!

T'was the theme of the 2nd Supreme Student Government (SSG) Leadership Training of Sta. Barbara National Comprehensive High School, October 10-11.

JPM's founder, JP Penol, having a record as a former SSG top official way back in high school, he was invited by *Bryan Eric Cerebo to give the first talk for the seminar-workshop entitled: Ako ang Magsisimula ng Pagbabago.

"I love doing these things. I find a great time talking with young, enchanting and vibrant leaders," quipped Penol.

Also present during the leadership training were members of the Outstanding Students Circle of Iloilo.

Penol added, "It's a great privilege to speak in front of student leaders. Again."

*Bryan is the SSG President of SBNCHS. He was also elected SSG federation president of the Division of Iloilo, Western Visayas and the National FSSG.

Footnote to the Youth

2009-10-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Dodong wanted to marry Teang and asked his father's permission. Thinking that they are young, their love would be short, he allowed them to get married. After nine months, Teang gave birth to a child named Blas. For six consecutive years, a new child came along. Teang did not complain even thoughts. She secretely regretted being married at an early age. Sometimes she even wondered if she would have the same life if Lucio, her other suitor who was nine years older than Dodong, was the one she married. Lucio has had no children since the time he married. When Teang and Dodong were twenty, but they looked like they were fifty. When Blas, their son was 18, he told his father that he would like to marry Tona. Dodong did not object, but tried to make Blas think twice before rushing to marriage- because Dodong doesn't want Blas to end up like him.

Now, here's our own version of the story:

What's Up?

2009-10-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

Grab and read the 100th issue of the The Central Echo - one of the oldest student publications in the country. You can have it by simply dropping by your respective Dean's Office. This magazine is exclusive for students of Central Philippine University.

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It is amazing to note the involvement of today’s younger generation to whatever is happening to our country and even to the world.

One must only google an issue or a current event in the net and one would see how aware the younger generation are of these things.

It started even before the advent of Cory or the long reign of the dictator. One would have to turn back a lot of pages to determine where the youth’s quest for awareness and involvement started.

Rizal was the first popular young Filipino to rise up against the three-hundred year threat to his country. It’s been a century since Rizal walked the streets of our native land and yet he would have been proud of the changes if we he had lived to witness it.

Gone are the days when the younger generation is kept at home, safe from the perils of the reality until adulthood sets in. The era of our fathers as youth had taken time not only to read the newspapers or watch the latest news updates, they had taken to the streets and fought for what they believe in.

During the Marcos’ bloody reign, of the thousands that the military picked up, of the hundreds that were tortured, of the throngs that were never seen again, how many, in your estimation were the same age as most of us students here in CPU is?

Of the 2,000,000 that were present during the EDSA Revolution in 1986, how many of them do you think were not older than twenty? The Marcos regime was a very signifi cant event; it marked the rising awareness and power of students as citizens of the Republic of the Philippines.

It didn’t stop there though. As the years passed by, with the realization of both its power and responsibility, the youth of our country learned to make use of the liberty which our forefathers earned for us to make sure that it is exercised to make freedom in our country lasting, and for improvement to stabilize.

Yet, those years also vanished. The youth returned to their caves of apathy and ignorance thinking that our country would still soon face more problems, unsolvable problems. Their minds rejected solutions and their heart pushed away hope. They lived a life away from life itself, leaving our country behind. The youth saw hopelessness which killed patriotism, nationalism and freedom. The government became the mirror of the future and the shattered dreams the government had affected became the general view of its men, especially the youth.

As a nation built in freedom and democracy slowly being torn apart by political instability and economic crisis, the apathy devoured the voices of the youth paving the road for an ignorant society. If this cycle reaches its completion, the dark ages of the Philippines will come back again, history will make a return.

2010 Elections, Death of an unsung hero of democracy and a loss of an artist who believes in the Filipino nation ignited again the fl ame of awareness, the power of knowing. The young generation woke up from the submission to an uncertain future and started to build the foundation of an informed and empowered nation. The streets began to live and voices shouted for freedom and justice. Movements for change and the protection of democracy mobilized the entire nation sweeping off apathy and bringing back the glory of Philippine Democracy, the strongest of all, the people power, the confetti revolution, the strength of a nation as ONE.

In the quest for inspired and empowered people, the sectors of society geared up to raise the awareness of its members, empathy to the victims of injustice and support to those who struggles for freedom. The echoes of power and the waves of leadership come upon every Filipino with desire for change, the change that will mold the destiny the fortunetellers had seen, this time Philippines will rise from the ashes of its dark past.

So cheers to our generation which has been around and been involved while history happened and is happening around us. This is also a wake up call to those who are still in oblivion of what is happening around us.

So bring on the inevitable problems that our nation and our world has to face, we, the youth of today will be ready to take them on anytime.

Quit Smoking, says Philippine Business for Social Progress

2009-09-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

THE THREE-YEAR Quit Smoking Support Program (QuitsS) aims to capacitate public and private workplaces in protecting employees and other stakeholders from the health, socio-economic and environmental consequences of tobaco use and exposure.

The QuitsS Program is being implemented by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) through the support of Pfizer Global Health Partnership Program.

In health, PBSP has a wide range of experience in installing similar programs such as STI-HIV/AIDS in the Workplace, Avian Influenza, TB-DOTS, Reproductive Health, and Maternal and Child Health.

The said program will run from January 1, 2008 until December 31, 2010.

While having another session of window shopping just this afternoon, the Juniors for Progress Movement members passed by an unusual booth set up near the SM City Iloilo Foodcourt. We found out later, it was the QuitsS Program's booth.

And guess what? We were given an opportunity to judge the artwork of young Ilonggos who participated in the On-the-spot Poster Making Contest held yesterday.

Kung sino man ang nagmamay-ari nitong mga posters, binabati ko kayo ng isang malakas na Congratulations!

At mayroon pa kaming souvenir galing sa nagbabantay ng booth. We got a baller band ID and a button pin.

16 random things about JPM's founder

2009-09-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

1. He's a huge fan of rice. Everytime we visit a fast food chain, he never failed to order one or two or three extra cups of rice. He even ate 8 cups of rice in Mang Inasal (Well, it's unlimited rice!) when we challenged him!

2. He had a skeleton-like feature when I was a toddler. He was really underweight. Pero ngayon, He's not. hehe.

3. Adrenaline Rush. During the onslaught of Typhoon Frank last June 21, 2008, he managed to lift their 29-inch television and refrigerator up to our second floor alone! That's the power of the adrenals! However, when it was time to bring it back, he had four persons to help him assist in transferring it back.

4. Permission Neglected. With the reason that his teacher wouldn’t permit him to go out their classroom, he was embarrassed after urinating in his seat way back when he was in kindergarten in a catholic school.

5. Treasures treasured. He had a wide collection of IDs in camps, conferences, contests and organizations. These are all displayed in his room.

6. Chem this be love... With the difficulty in memorizing atomic numbers and elements, he has a giant periodic table of elements beside his computer table.

7. Laban! A big fan of Noynoy Aquino, a senator and a presidentiable for May 10, 2010 elections.

8. He is a catechist. When he was 12 years old, JP used to tell younger kids about the word of God. Until now, he serves as member of the Santa Monica Lectors and Commentators Guild.

9. Victory at hand. Currently, modesty aside, winning the 2008 Most Outstanding Secondary School Student of Iloilo and Outstanding Student of the Philippines are his greatest achievements in life.

10. Numerophobic. He admits he's not really that good in remembering names and dates but his long term memory is good in remembering conversations with other people which turn out to be significant when he have to solve personal cases. Now everyone knows, he's a detective. haha

12. RevUP! JP started to drive a car when he entered the second week of his sophomore college life. Yes, he knows how to drive a car way back when he was 15, but his mother wouldn't permit him to do so because he doesn't have a driver's license.

13. Online addict. He can't live without the internet connection. Surfing the World Wide Web (WWW) is his favorite hobby since.

14. Promise! I used to promise my mom and dad to take them to United States across the globe and build a house for them. But now he preferred to stay here in the Philippines and be of service to his fellow Filipinos.

15. Politiko-aspirant. He aspires to run for a local seat (municipal councilor). But that would be unsure until he files his Certificate of Candidacy.

16. I love the blogosphere! Another thing that he can’t live without is his blog to which he treats it as my best friend. An online and a virtual one.

Sen. Noynoy Aquino announces bid for 2010 Presidential Elections

2009-09-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

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For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Noynoy for President!

"A letter from one of the forensic experts who examined Ninoy Aquinos’ remains"

2009-08-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

I browsed the web earlier this morning and I came across http://www.brownseo.com, where I found a nice article authored by SEO Philippines. The article was "A letter from one of the forensic experts who examined Ninoy Aquinos’ remains". I was curious of it. So I read it. I want the world to know how Ninoy was killed - in such way, justice will be acquired by his family and the nation in general.

Below is the letter from forensic experts. I hope you'll read it. Thanks.

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Nitong nagdaang linggo ay naging maugong muli ang usapin kung sino nga ba talaga ang bumaril kay Ninoy, saan binaril at sino ang utak sa pagpaslang…

Noong 2004 ang grupo ko sa forensic ay kinausap ng hepe ng PAO na si Hepe Persida Acosta upang pag-aralan ang mga ebidensiyang forensico na iprenisinta sa paglilitis. Ang lahat larawan, documento, mga TSNs, baril ay muli naming pinag-aralan. Pumunta din kami sa airport para bisitahin ang tarmac at gumawa ng pag-aaral kung ilang segundo ang magagamit sa pagbaba sa hagdan ng eroplano, mabilis, katamtaman at mabagal… gumawa ng re-enactment, binisita namin ang mga sundalong nakapiit sa NBP, gumawa ng test firing experiment atbp… binisita din namin si dr, Munoz ang gumawa ng autopsy, pero di siya nakipag-usap.

Ang aming report ay ginamit ng PAO sa kanilang mosyon sa Supreme Court para muling buksan ang kaso… dalawang beses itong hindi pinayagan…

Ano ba ang aming mga findings: Mga susing findings lang ang ibabahagi ko:

1) Sa tarmac at hindi sa hagdan binaril si NInoy: walang dugo sa hagdan o sa baba ng hagdan; nasa tarmac malapit sa van ang dugo, kanan si Moreno, sa kaliwang likod ng tainga (mastoid) ang tama ni Ninoy; walang dalang baril si Moreno; Ilokano si Moreno; walang Bisaya sa mga escort; kung baba ka sa hagdan na mabagal, sa loob ng sampung segundo ay nakababa ka na sa hagdan at mga 5 hakabang ka na mula sa hagdan.

3) Trajectory: hollow point ang ginamit na bala; nabibiyak ito pagtama sa target – pagtama sa mastoid ni Ninoy nahati-hati ang bala na may dalawang malaking fragments, pataas, paharap at pakanan ang takbo ng mga fragments; ang isa ay nabaon sa kanang temporal; ang pangalawa ay tumama sa petrous bone at nabago ang direksyon, bumaba sa baba. Ang presentasyon noon ay tuwid ang landas ng bala mula likod papunta sa baba, tinamaan ang petrous bone pero pinalabas nina Solis na ang buto na ito ay cartilaginous kaya walang deflection;

4) Buhay si Galman, di siya malamig na bangkay na dinala sa tarmac, dinala siya ni Martinez; pagkabaril niya kay Ninoy ay niwrestling siya ng isa sa escort ni Ninoy (de Mesa) dahil wala silang baril, inagaw ni De Mesa ang baril ni Galman; 0.45 ang tumama sa ulo ni Galman, may tissue reaction ang tama at duguan si Galman sa Tarmac. Ang back-up ni Galman ay si Martinez, kung hindi nagawa ni Galman na patayin si Ninoy, si Martinez ang gagawa.

Sino ang utak? Malamang mga taong manganganib ang mga position o interes sa pagbabalik ni Ninoy.

Kailan maituwid ang kasaysayan, hindi ito para sa pamilyang Aquino, para ito sa sambayanang Filipino sa ngayon at sa mga susunod pang henerasyon; kailangan nating malaman ang katotohanan.

Muling buksan ang kaso!

Dr. Benito E. Molino

Brain Drain - What's Lost in Us?

2009-08-31T06:03:00.000-07:00

This year, the labor force of the Philippines numbered 34.3 million people. Workers in the agriculture sector accounted for 34.6 percent of the total employed, with those engaged in the agriculture, hunting and forestry sub-sector making up the largest sub-sector (30.5% of the total employed). Only 14.2 percent of the total employed were in the industry sector, with the manufacturing sub-sector making up the largest percentage (8.3% of the total employed). The unemployment rate was 7.7 percent this year.

Employment opportunities associated with the modern economy, mostly services and manufacturing, are concentrated only in a few urban centers, especially the Manila metropolitan area. Whereas, in the rural areas, these opportunities are scarce.

The country’s high rate of population adds up to the labor force each year which results to a high rate of unemployment and even higher underemployment. The shortage of employment opportunities has resulted in large-scale migrations of sophisticated Filipino professionals, skilled and unskilled workers alike to countries such as the United States and United Arab Emirates. Approximately 6 million Filipinos work abroad.

Many of them send a portion of their earnings to relatives in the Philippines, infusing the economy with a significant source of foreign exchange. The migration of the vitally-needed professionals has created a serious “brain drain” in the Philippines. A number of nurses and teachers have sought employment abroad. Needless to say, these people working abroad, are among the best in the country.

Most of the Filipinos going abroad seek a greener pasture. A great number of Filipino professionals think that migration to other countries is the solution to their economic ordeal. They are not aware that this could lead to “brain drain” in which, most of the professionals and skilled workers in the Philippines work abroad leaving the country drained of the best human resources.

This “brain drain” can lead to an unprogressive Philippines. What will happen if most of these professionals which we consider our “country’s gold” will work abroad and use their potentials and skills to develop other countries instead of the Philippines?

Today, the country is fishing for skilled workers enough to give the right services needed by the people.
Now is the time for immediate action. Not later. Not tomorrow. Let us work hand-in-hand, as one and give solutions to the problems that beset us.

Think again.

PBA09o984r82

104th University Day: Empowering the Students for a Better Central

2009-08-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Like the ship of state surging forward towards an era that can be chaotic as it can be promising, Central Philippine University also encounters hardships and trials as our country being flipped to and fro by the waves of the times.

Responsive of the challenges, CPU searched for ways to develop the teaching-learning process. It has developed its standards to meet the demands and challenges of the educational system. The university sees to it that the standards are being met and implemented.

Over the years, CPU has met enormous barriers and has overcome them. And that is, with the support of everybody inside it. Like a fraction, the whole is the sum of its parts. Being a holistic community, Centralians are CPU’s shining testament of unwavering science and faith that together will succeed the future through quality education. This is a bedrock of freedom, democracy, progress and prosperity.

CPU, as an institution, is an idea realized, it is a dream come true, it is a monument of love, it is a landmark, a milestone in its 104 years of glorious existence.

“Empowering the Students for a Better Central.” This year’s university day reflects the spirit of authority and supremacy given to the students through the pledge of its vision of Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL) and being responsive to the needs of everybody. It also reveals how Centralians can be united through the leadership of its student councils, the Church, department publications, fraternities, sororities, and the like.

The theme motivates the university to carry on its noble endeavors towards promoting the practice of excellence of work and performance. Despite demoralizing challenges, Centralians are sound and strong that they plan collaboratively and work as a team for better, greater results. With focused direction and vibrant decision, CPU not just settles for good results but converts every opportunity to the highest degree to attain great success.

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The University Day Celebration a.k.a. UDAY is one of the highlights of Central Philippine University for the whole academic year. This event showcases the battle of talents, brains, wit and the guts.

Considering the fact that through this event, the university is given the chance to pick and select the best out of the best from each college to represent CPU in the competitions held outside such as the PRISAA and the UNIGAMES.

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To mention, modesty aside, The logo made by JP Penol (as shown above) won the University Day Logo Contest.

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CPU University Day WebPage

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A beautiful woman named Risa

2009-08-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Just this morning, Central Philippine University Republic (CPUR) together with other Non-Government Organization (NGOs) like the Change Politics Movement sponsored a Citizen's Forum with National Candidates at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

The guests were Rep. Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel and the other two (2) representatives of Sen. Mar Roxas and Gov. Grace Padaca. And guess what?!I had a chance to talk personally to them! T'was a big privilege for me.

The objective of the said forum was to "Baguhin ang Pulitika Tungo sa Pulitika ng Pagbabago."

Our very own JP Penol was there to interview Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel.

"Within the 5 minutes given to me before the program started, I discovered the elegant beauty of the soon-to-be Senator Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel. I mean, she is beautiful not only in her outside appearance, but beautiful in her words and deeds."

Before he started his interview with the lady solon, he introduced himself. he said,

"Good morning Madam Risa, nice to meet you in person. By the way, I am Jo Jan Paul Penol from The Central Echo, the Official Student Publication of CPU."

She replied back,

"Nice to meet persons like you Jo Jan. I bet you are an active youth leader and an advocate for change."

"By the time she uttered those words I felt such euphoria that motivated me to strive harder for what I am aiming in the future. And what do I aim? CHANGE.

Going back to our conversation, I asked her several questions concentrating on the state of the nation. She answered it very well, very brief and very concise," quipped Penol.

The questions asked? Well, wait for the next Central Echo issue will be published. Haha.

He ended the conversation exactly when the program started.

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Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel (born Ana Theresia Hontiveros), is a Filipino activist, journalist, and politician who is serving her second term as the party-list representative of the Akbayan Citizens' Action Party to the Philippines' House of Representatives since 2004. Having served as a journalist for ten years before venturing into politics, she is a recipient of the Kapisanan ng Mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas' Golden Dove Award for Best Female Newscaster. She also earned a Nobel peace prize nomination for her work as chair the Government Panel's Reciprocal Working Committee on Socio-Economic Reforms in the Peace Talks with the National Democratic Front from 1998 to 1999. She is the older sister of Journalist and Television Host Pia Hontiveros.
She has raised her profile in the UK, by making a formal complaint about a popular satirical British TV show Harry & Paul. This allegedly "racist" sketch depicts a wealthy southerner who keeps a poor lethargic northerner as a pet. This poor northerner is encouraged to mount the southerner's Filipina maid. Risa Hontiveros described the September episode of Harry & Paul as "revolting and disgusting". This is only one of a series of sketches during the show's run in which Harry is seen to treat Paul's character as a dog or other family pet as an example how class and the north/south divide devalues anyone of a lower social status, be they northern or ethnic domestic staff.

In Hontiveros-Baraquel's career as a politician and activist, she has been affiliated with a number of organizations and movements, including the following:

Coalition for Peace (served as Secretary-General from 1988 to 1992)
National Peace Conference (serving on its Governing Council since 1990).
Government Panel for Peace Talks with the National Democratic Front (chairing the Panel's Reciprocal Working Committee on Socio-Economic Reforms from August 1998 to June 1999)
Pandayan para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas (Pandayan/Forge for a Socialist Philippines), a democratic socialist political organization (re-elected as Chairperson In August 2001)
Pilipina, a socialist feminist organization
Amnesty International Pilipinas (member of the Board of Directors)
Institute for Politics and Governance
Akbayan-Citizens Action Party (Executive Committee member)

Hontiveros-Baraquel currently serves as a member for the House Minority of the following Committees of the 14th Congress:

Appropriations
Ethics and Privileges
Foreign Affairs
Good Government and Public Accountability
Health
Higher and Technical Education
Human Rights
Natural Resources
Peace, Reconciliation and Unity
People Participation
Rules
Trade and Industry
Women and Gender Equality

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The Central Echo: 100 Years of Glorious Existence

2009-07-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

Above: The new and modern logo of The Central Echo

Central Philippine University is taking the pride as The Central Echo, the university's publication celebrates its centennial this year.

Being distinguished as ONE of the OLDEST STUDENT PUBLICATIONS in the country, The Central Echo envisions to be committed to Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL) and be responsive to the needs of the total person and the world.

With 100 years of experience in campus journalism, no doubt that CE has shown its best to the Centralians and to the nation in general. CE has made its part in nation building. This is by executing the freedom of the press.

The birth of the Republic Act 7079 known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 had accommodated space for young writers in CPU to exercise their press freedom through the university paper. As a campus journalist for quite some time, I have seen strong sense of writing skills among campus writers who are in passion of cultivating deeper expression of views in the corners of their schools.

To such delight, this act has become the government’s guiding rule in sustaining and protecting campus freedom of the press among students in both public and private institutions. This was designed to advocate the intensification of campus journalism as an avenue of escalating values while promoting critical and creative thinking, nurturing upright attitude and personal discipline among the young writers.

The purpose is very noble. The realization of guidelines has stressed ideas in organizing schools press conferences as a main channel in staging spirited campus press in the cultivation of school’s academic curriculum. However, there seemed to have vague realization of this policy to many schools nationwide despite efforts of the government in asserting this law.

Finally, one is certain – realizing campus journalism in the school is a help to boost students’ inclinations in journalism but it should be free from suppressed and directives of the authorities, otherwise, the problem lies not on financial facet but on the violation of their rights in writing what is right. Definitely, students when guided properly and when leadership and management are completely executed at normal pace, everything will follow – there would be a perfect blend between services to students and the school authorities.

Yes, The Central Echo has shown the people what Press Freedom is. I hope no one will hinder it this year. =)

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Magparehistro. Bumoto. May Pag-asa Pa!

2009-07-14T04:24:00.000-07:00

Who can Register?
If you are a Filipino Citizen, a resident of the Philippine for at least one year, or a first-time voter who will turn 18 on or before the May 2010 election.

When and Where to Register?

You may register on the office of the Election Officer (OEO) at the local COMELEC Office in your area from Monday to Saturday and on all holidays which would fall on a weekday until October 31, during regular office hours from 8am to 5pm.

How to Register? (Click the link)

You are Not Alone MJ! (In Memoriam 1958 - 2009)

2009-06-28T01:44:00.001-07:00

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer and businessman. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he made his debut onto the professional music scene in 1968 at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5. He then began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. Referred to as the "King of Pop" in subsequent years, his 1982 album Thriller remains the world's best-selling album of all time and four of his other solo studio albums are among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).

In the early 1980s, he became a dominant figure in popular music and the first African American entertainer to amass a strong airing on MTV, such as "crossover” following on MTV. The popularity of his music videos “Beat It", "Billie Jean" and "Thriller"—widely credited with transforming the music video from a promotional tool into an art form—helped bring the relatively new channel to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made Jackson an enduring staple on MTV in the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced many hip hop, pop and contemporary R&B artists across several generations. Jackson donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his foundations, charity singles, and support of 39 charities.

One of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career, and the sale of 750 million records worldwide. At the time of his death, he was preparing for This Is It, a series of 50 concerts that would have been held in London beginning July 13, 2009.

On June 25, 2009, Jackson collapsed at his rented mansion at 100 North Carolwood Drive in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles. Pending confirmation from toxicology reports, he was allegedly administered Demerol shortly before he stopped breathing. Attempts at resuscitating him by his personal physician were unsuccessful. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics received a 911 call at 12:22 p.m. (PDT), and arrived three minutes and seventeen seconds later at Jackson's location. He was reportedly not breathing and CPR was performed. Resuscitation efforts continued both en route to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and for an hour further after arriving at approximately 1:13 p.m. (20:13 UTC). He was noted to have already been in cardiac arrest by the paramedics who attended his house. Jackson was pronounced dead at approximately 2:25 p.m. local time (21:25 UTC).

Takbo para sa Halalan 2010!

2009-06-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

(Click the photo for a clearer view of the table)

Just last night, Pulse Asia Survey revealed its results for the May 4-17 2009 Survey for the 2010 Philippine Election Presidentiables.

It turned out that, five prominent politicians will lead the election. Vice President Noli “Kabayan” de Castro scored eighteen (18%) percent, it was followed by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero who is just a percent under VP (17%). The list still continues with Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada with fifteen (15%) percent, Senator Manuel “Manny” Villar with fourteen (14%) percent and Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas in the fifth slot with thirteen (13%) percent.

Just below the Top 5 list are Senator Loren Legarda (7%), Makati Mayor Jejomar “Jojo” Binay (4%), Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (4%), Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon (1%) and PLDT Board Chairman Manuel Pangilinan (1%)

The respondents were asked about this question: Of the people on the list, whom would you vote for the PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES if the election of 2010 were held today and they were presidential candidates?

However, even the list still goes on, the question is still, “May halalan nga ba tayo sa 2010?”

Papano ba naman, dalawampu’t dalawa (22) sa miyembro ng Komite ay pabor sa panukalang Con-Ass habang sampu (10) lamang ang tutol dito. Sa susunod na sesyon ay isasalang na ito sa plenaryo.

Lakas Kampi CMD: In preparation for 2010 Elections

2009-05-29T01:21:00.000-07:00

Read her lips: elections will take place next year as scheduled.

President Arroyo personally vouched for the holding of general elections next year during her speech on the merger of the country’s two largest political parties yesterday.

Mrs. Arroyo dismissed speculations of a no-election scenario, citing the preparations made by the administration in the merger of the ruling party Lakas-Christian and Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi).

“Cynics and detractors love to paint grim scenarios about the cancellation of the 2010 elections. Let this merger of Lakas and Kampi be tangible proof of the administration’s readiness, nay determination, to help ensure that the elections do push through,” Mrs. Arroyo told the gathering at the Manila Hotel.

Mrs. Arroyo emphasized the holding of elections next year is a victory for the entire nation.

“Let us achieve victory in the context and manner of clean and credible elections worthy of the Filipino’s democratic traditions,” she said.

Mrs. Arroyo has kept her silence on the issue amid speculations of a cancellation of elections due to the efforts of administration allies at the House of Representatives to amend the Constitution.

Apart from signing the law on the automation of the country’s election process early this year, Mrs. Arroyo left it to her aides to issue statements assuring the public that elections will be held next year.

During the formal launching of the merger of the two political parties now called Lakas-Kampi-CMD, the President said the elections in 2010 will definitely push through.

“After all, electoral reforms, especially automation, are a priority item in our administration’s 10-point agenda,” the President added.

Speaker Prospero Nograles, the prime mover in the efforts to amend the Constitution, expressed support for the merger.

Nograles said that elections would take place next year notwithstanding efforts to tinker with the Constitution.

He said Charter change efforts could simply taper off due to lack of time.

Source: Yahoo! Philippines

No such thing as "deleted" on the Internet

2009-05-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to write about research that you can actually try out for yourself.

Try this: Take a photo and upload it to Facebook, then after a day or so, note what the URL to the picture is (the actual photo, not the page on which the photo resides), and then delete it. Come back a month later and see if the link works. Chances are: It will.

Facebook isn't alone here. Researchers at Cambridge University (so you know this is legit, people!) have found that nearly half of the social networking sites don't immediately delete pictures when a user requests they be removed. In general, photo-centric websites like Flickr were found to be better at quickly removing deleted photos upon request.

Why do "deleted" photos stick around so long? The problem relates to the way data is stored on large websites: While your personal computer only keeps one copy of a file, large-scale services like Facebook rely on what are called content delivery networks to manage data and distribution. It's a complex system wherein data is copied to multiple intermediate devices, usually to speed up access to files when millions of people are trying to access the service simultaneously. (Yahoo! Tech is served by dozens of servers, for example.) But because changes aren't reflected across the CDN immediately, ghost copies of files tend to linger for days or weeks.

In the case of Facebook, the company says data may hang around until the URL in question is reused, which is usually "after a short period of time." Though obviously that time can vary considerably.

Of course, once a photo escapes from the walled garden of a social network like Facebook, the chances of deleting it permanently fall even further. Google's caching system is remarkably efficient at archiving copies of web content, long after it's removed from the web. Anyone who's ever used Google Image Search can likely tell you a story about clicking on a thumbnail image, only to find that the image has been deleted from the website in question -- yet the thumbnail remains on Google for months. And then there are services like the Wayback Machine, which copy entire websites for posterity, archiving data and pictures forever.

The lesson: Those drunken party photos you don't want people to see? Simply don't upload them to the web, ever, because trying to delete them after you sober up is a tough proposition.

Source: Yahoo!

SM City Iloilo's Fiesta in the City

2009-05-21T04:39:00.000-07:00

Iloilo is the regional center for Western Visayas and has some impressive remnants of the Spanish era, including stately old homes and Fort San Pedro. To add, the Province is also best known as the sire of Philippines’ most famous and colorful festivals. One of them is the Carabao Carroza Festival in the Municipality of Pavia which is considered as the oldest existing festival in the province (not including the city where Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta is held).

Just this week, the Juniors for Progress Movement took time malling and shopping at SM City Iloilo. We found out that this week was “Fiesta in the City” Week of the said mall. And consequent to that, SM displayed the “Carrozas” that the municipality used during the festival last May 2^nd. Here it is:

(From left: Brgy. Pagsanga-an, First Place; Brgy. Anilao, Third Place; Brgy. Purok IV, Fourth Place)

The carrozas showed the inguinity and creativity of the Pavianhons, which in that case, WE VERY PROUD OF LIVING IN PAVIA and PROUD TO BE CALLED AS PAVIANHONS.

Carabao-Carroza "Re-coronation" be conducted May 15

2009-05-08T04:53:00.000-07:00

Due to miscalculations during the pageant night of the Search for Miss Carabao-Carroza Festival Queen, the Committee on Tourism held an emergency meeting this morning and decided to have a re-coronation night at the Pavia Gymnasium next week, May 15.

With regards to the Pavia Mayor's slogan posted everywhere,

HELP FIGHT GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

B E H O N E S T

Do not lie.

Do not steal.

Do not make promises you cannot fulfill.

the decision was tough that they concluded to follow the major thought of the phrase, "Be Honest," and so, the truth has prevailed. The tabulators made a wrong move during the night of the 3rd of May.

The Result that came out that night was:

CCF Queen: Ungka II
1st Runner-Up: Tigum
2nd Runner-Up: Purok III
3rd Runner-Up: Balabag
4th Runner-Up: Aganan

However, score sheets was again viewed and it was found out that the result must be:

CCF Queen: Tigum

1st Runner-Up: Purok II

2nd Runner-Up: Ungka II
3rd Runner-Up: Purok III
4th Runner-Up: Balabag

"Tingala gid kami ya nga wala nadala si Christine Socias (Miss Purok II)! Kanami gid 'ya sa iya kagina pro!," quipped one spectator

"Abi ko gani paglawag nga first runner-up si Miss Tigum, abi namon si Miss Purok II pa ma-rayna! Wala man gali!," another audience said while watching the coronation.

The Oldest Festival in the Province

2009-04-22T20:44:00.000-07:00