31 December 2010

On Jason Vivar Aguilar

Because his surname happens to be the middle initial of an international fugitive, Jason Vivar Aguilar has been detained for seven days, blacklisted from employment in Qatar, and deported from that country.

Aguilar set off to the Middle East to work there as a welder. He is the youngest of five siblings residing in Pandukot, Calumpit, Bulacan. “Bago ako umalis dito, punong-puno ako ng pangarap noon para po sa pamilya ko kaya po malakas ang loob kong mag-abroad.”

Aguilar’s departure coincided with the day the son of a presidential staff was killed. That must have been among of the reasons why the Qatari officials believed Aguilar was the man they’re looking for. It didn’t help that the two Jasons have the same birthdates. It also didn’t help that any man could resort to his kinship in his flight from justice.

The Qatari officials proceeded to arrest Aguilar during the New Year’s Eve last year. They did not tell him why. The experience traumatized him who admitted ‘ill feelings’ toward those who had arrested him.

“Di po mawawala sa akin ‘yun. Kinulong po nila ako, nasira po nila mga pangarap ko. Sana magdusa naman po si Jason Ivler sa kanyang ginawang kasalanan.”

An honest mistake

Call it what you may. But it wouldn’t change the fact that Jason Aguilar has been treated like a criminal for more than a week.

Or that his work visa was canceled. He was blacklisted and would have to deal with debts he had owed during the processing of his overseas employment.

Yet all he wished for is an apology. “Kasi po pagkatao po ang nasira dito, karangalan ko. Nananahimik po akong nagtatrabaho tapos bigla-bigla na lang po akong makukulong ng wala namang kasalanan. Gusto ko po talagang mag-sorry kung sino yung dapat mag-sorry.”

Angelito Magno, chief of the Special Action Unit of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), responded to his plea. “Jason, we are very sorry for the incident that happened to you. We feel sorry. In fact, sinabi ko nga doon sa kapatid mo at mga kamag-anak mo na nagpunta sa opisina ko, ay isang masaklap na pangyayari itong nadaanan mo. And because of that, maari pa nga, sinasabi ng iba, ay biktima ka din ni Jason Ivler dahil sa paghahanap sa kanya, pati ang pangalan mo ay nadamay.”

Even the father of the victim Jason Aguilar was thought to have killed apologized. “Masasabi natin sorry na lang sa mga pangyayari pero andyan kami tutulong sa iyo,” Renato Ebarle Sr., presidential assistant secretary during the Arroyo administration, was reported saying.

Cresente Relacion, the country’s ambassador to Qatar, said sorry too after defending himself. “We were not informed. In fact, we made an inquiry about the incident. On January 6, we received an inquiry from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) inquiring whether a certain Jason Ivler was arrested in Qatar… “In general, [Qatar] they would not inform the country of that national about the arrest except if the country has a bilateral consular agreement.” Relacion was on a vacation when that inquiry happened.

Relacion promised to file a formal protest to the Qatari authorities ‘once we receive that [documents from Manila’s Interpol stating that it was a case of mistaken identity]. He also needs a clearance from the NBI or the Quezon City Police Department stating that the OFW was not the Jason Aguilar Ivler in the Interpol Red Notice.

Is it possible that the country’s representative in a foreign land forgot to rectify an honest mistake? Former labor undersecretary Susan Ople could only pity Jason Aguilar who is entitled to legal and other forms of assistance from the Philippine embassy under the Migrant Workers’ Act.

"If the person involved was well connected, sabihin na natin had a more famous last name or had the means to hire lawyers, this would have been a totally different ball game. Magkakandarapa ang mga opisyal ng gubyerno just to accommodate, and explain, and say sorry.”

“Yun ang punto namin, here's an honest working simple OFW napahamak ng wala naman siyang kaalam-alam, nasira ang pangalan sa abroad pa, na-deport dito and all he's waiting for, all he's asking, sino ba ang dapat mag-sorry? Sino ba ang nagkamali? Ok na yung tulong. Pero sino ba talaga yung nagkamali para hindi na maulit muli.”

“They should put it in writing. Even the apology maybe should be in writing. Malinaw kasi Jan. 4 alam na nila and he was in jail until Jan 7. Had the DFA been informed, I'm sure the embassy could have sent someone right away to clear up the mess and then he could've worked, he could've continue working.”

Corrections

The Philippine government promised to somehow compensate to Aguilar.

For one, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) would assist Aguilar if he wants to work abroad again. The POEA would also provide a livelihood assistance for Aguilar while he is undergoing psychosocial counseling and stress debriefing sessions.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), on the other hand, would shoulder the debts Aguilar owed to get to Qatar. It found out that the Multisystem Conexions Intl. Inc. (MCII) had swindled him for the processing fees. He was also asked to pay in four months more than what he would get in his monthly salary in Qatar.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga filed House Resolution 1558 asking the Lower House to probe on what happened to Jason Aguilar. It remained a resolution.

The parish priest of Pandukot in Calumpit personally went to the airport to vouch for Aguilar. Father Jojit Sayas also appealed to Ivler to surrender as well as to the latter’s family to urge Ivler to face the charges he had.

But what about the Qatari government? Don’t they have a say on this? There was no report on that till now. Even if the incident was an honest mistake, it still is one. Jason Aguilar just deserves the five-letter word.

Read a copy of the RA 8042.
This is how Jason Aguilar and Jason Ivler look like.

23 December 2010

Football over Sipa

The Azkals ‘will still have to rely on Filipino-foreign players to be competitive against teams from football-crazy countries.’

Although it prided itself to be the first football team to represent the Philippines, the Azkals is not entirely composed of full-bloodied Filipinos. Among of the ‘foreign boosters’ were Neil Etheridge, brothers Phil and James Younghusband, Chris Greatwich, and Robert Gier.

“At this time, since there is yet to be a grassroots development program to be implemented by the [Philippine Football] Federation, we really have to rely on our Fil-foreigners. That has been a proven formula,” said Dan Palami, the team manager. “The Filipino squad will still have to depend on these players while football remains in its infant stage in the Philippines,” he added.

And to prepare for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup in February next year, another six Fil-foreigners will be coming to the Philippines to try out for the team. They are Patrick Herget, Patrick Hinrichsen, William Guerridon, Oliver Potschke, Jason Abot Sabio, and Jerry Lucena.

The coach who assisted the team to fame would then replaced by a German. Palami said that he only intended ‘to make sure that the coach that we're bringing in will be somebody who should be better and will bring the Azkals to greater heights.’

“A coach such as [Hans Michael Weiss] could bring the results that we would want for the Azkals this year,” Palami added. Simon McMenemy was the coach before Philippine Azkals was renowned.

According to the team manager, McMenemy is not yet certified by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). The latter’s contract had also expired this month.

According to the former coach, he was not informed of the development. "Feels totally disrespected. No call, email, text, nothing. Been told by a friend who watched it on TV, this is not how to treat people,” McMenemy posted in his Twitter account.

The “ïn” thing

The Philippine national football team has taught youngsters in Tacloban City how to play football. After all, that’s where the players trained for the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.

Players Phil and James Younghusband had also launched the Younghusband Football Academy in Manila to teach young people, including physical education teachers from the public schools, about the sport. The two are among those who defeated the Vietnam team during the quarterfinals of the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.

Not too bad for a team that was ranked 151st in the world for years. Even President Benigno Aquino congratulated them and issued a statement of support.

Native sport

Before the Spaniards rule over the country, there was a traditional game that tests one’s speed, agility, control and coordination.

Sipa, which literally means “kick,” can be played indoors or outdoors by two to four persons by kicking a soft ball over a net in the middle of the court. It is somehow related to Sepak Takraw, Footbag net, Footvolley, Bossaball and Jianzi.

The soft ball could be made from woven rattan strips 10 inches wide, or a metal washer covered with cloth. It should only be ‘touched’ by the player’s legs.

Penalty points determine the winner. Whichever team causes the ball to bounce twice on the ground more frequently is the loser.

Pilipina Ako does not disagree with enriching Pinoy talent. Every person, every Pinoy, has the right to know and like the worldwide sport. Just please teach the Filipinos our national sport too.

If it’s any consolation, “azkals” is derived from the Filipino term for any dog with no pedigree, breed or class (askal). The team believes they embodied one: being an underdog in the world arena and unsupported by the Philippine government.

References

22 December 2010

Pinoy mendicancy

mendicancy
n : a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street
by an apparently penniless person)

Cebu City Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa had proposed to punish those who give mercy to the poor. These Samaritans would have to pay P200 or render community service if they persist doing acts of kindness in the streets. His fellow official, Gerardo Carillo, agreed. Protecting children from adults who used them to ask alms on the streets is the police’s job, anyway.

But as far as the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is concerned, Article III Section 18 of the 1987 constitution already defined mendicancy as illegal and unconstitutional. Betty Ganob, anti-mendicancy task force officer-in-charge, believes ‘that giving money or goods to the mendicants could no longer be considered charity because it endangers the lives of the mendicants especially children.’

Even secretary general Socrates Rota Pepino of Panaghugpong-Kadamay in Cebu was uncertain of the amendment, adding that only a sustainable livelihood project could be the plan. Barangay captain Pancho Ramirez of Sto. Nino, Cebu thus suggested construction of playgrounds to divert the attention of the youth.

Their debate is welcome. At least, some authority have discussed about a damned-if-you-do-damned-if-you-don’t situation. Pilipina Ako would have been just grateful if they have addressed the issue itself.

It had been more than a decade since Former President Ferdinand Marcos dealt with mendicancy through a presidential decree. Even then, the legislation did not talk about much the said ‘culture.’ Was it because politicians and bureaucrats themselves do it whenever they ask for loan assistance, political patronages and lagay?

Or was it because of the upsurge of our countrymen working overseas? The Philippines, along with Mexico and India, is the largest recipient of foreign exchange inflows from the US, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and United Arab Emirates. In fact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) found out, some had become dependent to a family member working abroad that they eventually ‘lose their incentive to work and begin to regard the money as a right.’

The stampede of about 80 people during the anniversary of a famous noontime show has been ‘the highest degree of tragedy in the world of Philippine showbiz.’ Some blamed the program’s producers. Some opined that the local government of Pasig should have been responsible. Not many had thought of the 20,000 people who had hoped to win a million.

“Although ABS-CBN claims that all they desire is to give hope and entertainment to the ‘kapamilya’ gameshows such as Wowowee, Eat Bulaga's Laban o Bawi, among many others, [it] infuses mendicancy in the way of life of the poor. Instead of teaching to strive for success and focusing attention to worth-while and productive tasks, the Filipino sticks to the culture of betting and relying on luck,” Katie Torres, a blogger, wrote.

“I believe the blame goes to the system who continuously teaches the Masses that there is no hope for a better life in this country but to go out and forget about the country itself, or to bet your life on a televised commercialized gameshow… The Filipino poor is hurting everyday, and it is but immensely unfortunate for them to die while waiting for what they believe would give them the last chance... no, the only means to a better life, even if it's false hope. Even if it's a one-in-a-million chance,” she added.

Unfortunately, the Aquino administration ‘is seemingly not different,’ observed columnist Fidel Abalos of The Freeman. It transferred the annual P8-billion rice procurement subsidy of the National Food Authority (NFA) to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) when the rice farmers themselves don’t have any.

References

18 December 2010

Mommy D

She may have brought up the eight-division world-boxing champion and one of the country’s congressmen. But then the Philippines most famous mother celebrity today isn’t an exemplary person, as far as Pilipina Ako is concerned.

Celebrities as commendable as Vilma Santos may love her ‘unpretentious personality.’ “I love her! I haven’t met her pero in fact parang naging inspirasyon ko siya dito sa In My Life. Yun bang walang pakialam kung anong sasabihin ng iba. Gagawin niya kung anong gusto niyang gawin. Yung kahit anong gusto nyang sabihin sa pamilya niya...I love her! Gusto ko siya.” But what can Pilipina Ako do? Dionisia ‘Mommy D’ Pacquiao isn’t just an ideal person.

Some people sought her autographs and pictures with her. HBO Sports special 24/7 even featured her arrival in Las Vegas during one of her son’s fights. But Pilipina Ako dislikes what for ABS-CBN is a ‘quirky, lovable character, a truly Pinoy original which makes her a newsworthy personality.’

During her 60th birthday, Mommy D celebrated at the Phela Grande Convention Center with her idol, former first lady Imelda Marcos as guest. That was even when almost 90 people died in and around Manila barely three months before because of Ondoy. The tropical storm was the worst Manila had in 50 years.

And that’s not all! Seven hours before her son’s birthday bash last year, Mommy D also bought a pair of strappy sandals when she had already bought a pair of black pumps in the United States. She had her nails done in mauve polish a day prior to the party only to have it re-painted the next day. Such a lifestyle is uncalled for.

She called the black-skinned citizens of the United States negroes, earning the despise of the Color People Advancement Community (CPAC) in Las Vegas. "Nagpapasalamat ako hindi lang sa mga Pilipino. At pati na rin sa mga Amerikano at mga Negro.[I thank not only the Filipinos, I also thank Americans and Negroes]. CPAC spokesman Rodney Surat Whiterspoon said that Mommy D 'can be forgiven" since she "appeared to have been disoriented.” The term, which means ‘black’ in Spanish and Portuguese, was considered a discriminatory term in the 1960s.

Mommy D defended herself from her detractors (Pilipina Ako included). “They're just jealous,” she said. She’s not surprised that her fame ‘comes with downsides’ According to her, ‘the Pacquiao family are simply enjoying the largesse’ and her son is giving her "just enough." Mommy D resides beside Manny Pacquiao's home in General Santos City nowadays. It is smaller place with four bedrooms costing P7 million.

She may just deserve the comfort. After all, Mommy D had tried her very best to make ends meet when her children were younger. The Pacmom had even sold kakanin (sweet delicacies) for their survival. Fr. Joey Faller also observed Mommy D’s religiosity. She seemed to be the Pacman’s secret weapon.

Still, Pilipina Ako doesn’t approve of her. She is a negative reflection of what the country is and what its people could be: materialistic and inconsiderate. Too bad that not only one media outfit prefers to report about her. That could convince other people to follow her behavior.

* * * *

On intrigues between her and Jinkee: "Sa tao, marami kaming intriga talaga sa sobrang sikat. Ngayon lang na nagsikat kami. [For people, there are many intrigues because [we] are very famous. [Intrigues came] when we got famous."

On her son’s alleged womanizing: "Hayaan mo lang ang mga intriga kasi [nandiyan na 'yan] lalo na noong unang sumisikat ang anak ko. Kasi andyan ang kagalingan niya. Ang daming humahanga sa kanya, lalo na sa mga babae. Ang daming mag-intrigang salita, hindi ginagawa sa anak ko 'yan. Hindi totoo ang mga balita." [Leave those intrigues alone, because they started ever since my son got famous. Because he is a good boxer and many people admire him, especially women. There are many intrigues, but my son doesn't do that (womanize). The reports are not true.]

On her love life: "Andyan ang pagmamahal ko sa dancing. Ayoko na, hindi ko na maulit 'yong masaktan pa ang puso ko. [There is my love for dancing. I don't want to [date] anymore, I can't have my heart broken again]."

14 December 2010

On Morong 43

After almost eight months, PNoy finally believed the 43 healthcare workers weren’t army militants after all.

It may be worth noting that the arrest of the 26 women and 17 men—dubbed eventually as the Morong 43—happened when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is still the head of the Philippine republic. And no less than the general secretaries of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) have already pleaded for the detainees’ fate.

Some groups in New Zealand have also reminded the former president of the Anti-Torture Act of 2009(Republic Act 9745). Migrante International also condemned the illegal arrest and detention of the health workers.

The sister of President Herman Van Rompuy of the European Union also called on for the release of her fellow health care workers. "As a nurse who has visited the Philippines, I personally know and note that the organizations of these detained health workers do an excellent job. They provide primary health care in the poorest areas of the Philippines. They are brave men and women who defy very difficult circumstances to help their fellow citizens."

The Morong 43 were still detained though in Camp Capinpin for 12 weeks. They were just having a health training at a farmhouse owned by infectious disease specialist Dr. Melecia Velmonte when the police accused them for training for the New People's Army (NPA). The police arrested the Morong 43 without a warrant.

The health care workers were eventually transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa where they were continuously blindfolded and interrogated.

But days and weeks had passed and the charges weren’t proven. Only after almost eight months did PNoy decide to free the health care workers.

‘Sorry’ seems to be the hardest word

The relatives of the health care workers and various human rights groups weren’t exactly forgiving though. They insisted that the military apologize. “Sinira nila ang buhay namin, ang buhay ng mga anak ko. Kailangan, sila mismo maghingi ng sorry sa amin. Ikalat din nila sa buong mundo yung kung papaano nilang kinalat, pinagbintangan yang mga Morong 43 na yan na NPA (They disrupted our lives, my children’s lives. Now they need to tell us outright that they are sorry. They should tell this to the entire world in the same way that they spread to the world their accusations that the Morong 43 were NPA members)," said Evelyn Montes, wife of 62-year-old detainee Dr. Alexis Montes.

"Masama ba ang humingi ng apology? Ang ganyang paghingi ng apology, nagpapakita na tao lang tayo, eh hindi eh (Is it bad to apologize? Offering an apology means saying you are only human, prone to mistakes. But that’s not the case here)," remarked Marie Enriquez, secretary-general of Karapatan, in an interview over dwIZ radio.

Well, that would be ‘too much’ for PNoy. He has, after all, already ordered the charges against the health care workers dropped. “I think we have already demonstrated and already rectified the situation ... Medyo too much naman yan (A public apology just to show our administration’s sincerity may be too much)," he said. Six of the Morong 43 had admitted links with the NPA.

For this, the ‘innocent’ among the Morong 43 would file charges against the soldiers for violating the anti-torture law. AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. just shrugged it off, as the military will provide “the best lawyers if possible" for its men. So much for a five-letter word.

References

07 December 2010

PNoy and Mindanao

"...Dalawa ang hinaharap nating suliranin sa usapin ng kapayapaan: ang situwasyon sa Mindanao, at ang patuloy na pag-aaklas ng CPP-NPA-NDF.

Tungkol sa situwasyon sa Mindanao: Hindi po nagbabago ang ating pananaw. Mararating lamang ang kapayapaan at katahimikan kung mag-uusap ang lahat ng apektado: Moro, Lumad, at Kristiyano. Inatasan na natin si Dean Marvic Leonen na mangasiwa sa ginagawa nating pakikipag-usap sa MILF.

Iiwasan natin ang mga pagkakamaling nangyari sa nakaraang administrasyon, kung saan binulaga na lang ang mga mamamayan ng Mindanao. Hindi tayo puwedeng magbulag-bulagan sa mga dudang may kulay ng pulitika ang proseso, at hindi ang kapakanan ng taumbayan ang tanging interes.

Kinikilala natin ang mga hakbang na ginagawa ng MILF sa pamamagitan ng pagdidisplina sa kanilang hanay. Inaasahan natin na muling magsisimula ang negosasyon pagkatapos ng Ramadan.

Tungkol naman po sa CPP-NPA-NDF: handa na ba kayong maglaan ng kongkretong mungkahi, sa halip na pawang batikos lamang?

Kung kapayapaan din ang hangad ninyo, handa po kami sa malawakang tigil-putukan. Mag-usap tayo.

Mahirap magsimula ang usapan habang mayroon pang amoy ng pulbura sa hangin. Nananawagan ako: huwag po natin hayaang masayang ang napakagandang pagkakataong ito upang magtipon sa ilalim ng iisang adhikain.

Kapayapaan at katahimikan po ang pundasyon ng kaunlaran. Habang nagpapatuloy ang barilan, patuloy din ang pagkakagapos natin sa kahirapan.

Dapat din po nating mabatid: ito ay panahon ng sakripisyo. At ang sakripisyong ito ay magiging puhunan para sa ating kinabukasan. Kaakibat ng ating mga karapatan at kalayaan ay ang tungkulin natin sa kapwa at sa bayan..."


Somebody once said: the peace and order conflict in Mindanao can only be addressed by the people there. And Pilipina Ako daresay that the war is not about the disagreement on religion and beliefs anymore. It appears to be more about power now, affecting even those who want to live in tranquility. As the late Francis Durango Magalona, the King of Pinoy Rap, had put it: You can’t have peace and have a gun.

But is this true: Kapayapaan at katahimikan po ang pundasyon ng kaunlaran? Pilipina Ako commits to find out.

The International Monetary Fund listed Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan with advanced economies (as of 2008). The five countries ranked 48th, 40th, 24th, 30th, and 4th in the International Homicide Rate of the United Nations Development Programme, respectively. PNoy has been right in a way.

Pilipina Ako said in a way because, as far as the five most economically advanced countries are concerned, only the latter has the distinction of being among the Top 5 most peaceful nations. Canada isn’t too far from the Philippines 75th murder rating.

On the other hand, what does PNoy mean when he said: Dapat din po nating mabatid: ito ay panahon ng sakripisyo? How can the 54% of the population from the low-income, non-poor segment in 2006 do that? How about if the 0.1% elite sacrifice instead?

There must be a way for communication to rule over these. And not with guns, please. Not even with mouths only. Just hearts loving and minds caring.

References

01 December 2010

REFERENCE LIST

31 Dec 2010
On Jason Vivar Aguilar
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/01/16/10/nbi-apologizes-jason-aguilar
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/anc/01/16/10/nbi-says-sorry-jason-aguilar
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/181864/ofw-mistaken-for-ivler-glad-over-slay-suspects-arrest
http://www.islamswomen.com/articles/mothers_in_islam.php
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/181950/house-probe-on-jason-aguilar-arrest-detention-sought
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/01/12/10/poea-probes-excessive-processing-fees-paid-jason-aguilar
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/01/08/10/philippine-embassy-airs-side-ivler-deportation
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/01/08/10/mistaken-identity-destroys-ofw%E2%80%99s-dreams
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/181736/rp-envoy-backs-jason-aguilars-return-to-qatar
http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/results.php

23 Dec 2010
Football over Sipa
http://www.azkals.info/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/01/12/11/azkals-rely-fil-fors-afc-challenge-cup
http://filipinofootball.blogspot.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_football_clubs_in_the_Philippines
http://redsports.sg/2010/12/10/asean-football-championship-philippines-myanmar/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sipa

22 Dec 2010
Pinoy mendicancy
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1978/pd_1563_1978.html
http://english.safe-democracy.org/2008/07/08/mendicancy-in-the-philippines/
http://hatephilippines.blogspot.com/2006/02/bad-luck-and-mendicancy.html
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=613493&publicationSubCategoryId=108
http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&rp=1&fi=p031222.htm&no=3&date=12/22/2003
http://www.pinoypress.net/2008/09/27/a-reminder-of-subservience-and-mendicancy-nothing-%E2%80%9Cmutual%E2%80%9D-about-rp-us-mutual-defense-treaty/
http://www.jstor.org/pss/40018232

18 Dec 2010
Mommy D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manny_Pacquiao#Titles_in_boxing
http://www.infoplease.com/world/disasters/2009.html
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/11/09/09/dionisia-pacquiao-detractors-theyre-just-jealous
http://generalsantoscityphilippines.blogspot.com/2010/02/dionisias-pacquiao-7-million-new.html
Dionisia's Pacquiao 7 Million New Mansion
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,610109,00.html
http://www.spot.ph/the-feed/15873/aling-dionesia-pacquiao-from-kakanin-vendor-to-label-loving-dancing-queen
http://www.abs-cbn.com/Feature/Article/4374/Vilma-Santos-says-she-loves-Dionisia-Pacquiao-s-unpretentious-personality.aspx
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/211027/pokwang-
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/11/16/09/dionisia-imelda-papins-showdown-vegas
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/11/17/09/mommy-dionisia-gets-flak-negro-comment
http://www.gensantos.com/2009/05/15/happy-60th-birthday-mommy-dionisia-pacquiao/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/12/18/09/worst-dressed-dionisia-pacquiao-changes-style-tactics
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/sports/32121-pacquiao-throws-1060-punches-
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/sports/31490-pacquiao-family-arrives-at-los-angeles

14 Dec 2010
On Morong 43
http://freethehealthworkers.blogspot.com/
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/184182/international-concern-on-morong-43-mounts-as-palace-takes-hands-off-stance
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/208128/morong-43-kin-supporters-insist-on-apology-from-afp
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/208090/pnoy-not-keen-on-afp-apology-to-morong-43
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/12/13/philippines-aquino-s-order-free-morong-43-positive-step
http://www.oikoumene.org
http://www.wscfglobal.org
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2009/ra_9745_2009.html
http://migranteinternational.org
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/npa/index.shtml

07 Dec 2010
PNoy and Mindanao
http://www.imf.org/external/about.htm
http://www.undp.org/
http://www.census.gov.ph/data/sectordata/sr09412tx.html