Tuesday, May 11, 2010

our first automated elections - 10 may 2010

i went home to the province to vote. it will be my first time to vote in a municipality and not in the city.

after about 30 minutes of land travel, we got to the school where our precincts were assigned.

this is one of the buldings where they set up one PCOS machine/classroom.



this was my assigned classroom. we got to the end of the line at around 10am.



it's 1pm. we got to a meter away from the door. yes, no line. just people blocking the door and trying to get in.



despite pleas from the teachers who were assisting to organize the process, people wouldn't budge. some were already there as early as 7am. galit na, sobrang init kasi. di pa sila kumakain. they were shouting out already, they wanted to get it done and over with. some had children waiting for them at home.



it took a lot of pakiusap to let anyone in and out the door. the senior citizens ang pregnant women were let in but after a while people were already complaining and not budging. sa sobrang sikip, yung buntis di halos makapasok/makalabas. muntik nang magkapalitan ng mga mukha. i was so scared because the pack was so tight i could barely breathe!!!



finally, my husband (who was able to get in and out of the classroom, trying to organize things but to no avail), pulled me in from inside. you see, everyone in our group was already inside and people wouldn't budge to let me in. i was so glad i could take long breaths of air inside the classroom!

so this is what a PCOS machine looked like.



the set up. ang dami pang ballots! (at about past 3pm, i was voter number 285 per the PCOS machine.)



it took me less than 5 minutes to finish shading the bilogs na hugis itlog. queueing inside the classroom (they need to verify that you are no flying voter, of course) up to the part where you sign your name, affix your right thumbmark and get your "dirty finger" took another 10 or so minutes. this verification/searching-for-your-name-in-the-numerous-lists-where-the-heck-is-your-name-i-still-can't-find-it part was too slow. all voters should be able to tell the BEIs which precinct they are assigned to and their number in the list (all voters are listed in the alphabetical order, so i was number 2) to facilitate the efficient voting process. in this case, the BEIs had to go through the several lists to find a voter's name each and every single time ayayay!

honestly, i could have walked away when the word stampede started coming to mind. the unbearable heat, the rowdy crowd, not to mention the sweaty-body-to body-contact was just too much. but i persevered. one, my father-in-law was running for a local post in the same district. two, GIBO is my presidentiable. and three, i wanted to experience how this all works out!

after we all squeezed ourselves out the door and in between the crowd, we were free. this was the scene at around 3:30 pm. sana naman nakapagboto ang lahat ng nagtiis at nag-antay.

Friday, May 7, 2010

GIBO TEODORO IS MY PRESIDENT!



i am voting for gibo teodoro. he is the candidate i believe in, as he possesses all the qualities of a good leader. his political affiliation does not matter.

PLS. VOTE WISELY ON MONDAY. AND IF YOU STILL UNDECIDED, PLS. VOTE FOR GIBO TEODORO.


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

Why Gibo? Read on.


CHARACTER

How the candidates handle their campaign speaks volume on how they will handle this nation. It’s sad to see that this campaign period, though already in the 21st century, is still much uncivilized. Someone said it’s the dirtiest campaign since 1960s. Campaigning for the presidency should not be fueled by hatred or anger. It shouldn’t be focused on mudslinging or maligning your opponents. The way other presidentiable’s handle their campaign is very insulting to the Filipinos. I think we deserve more than the negative campaigning they are throwing daily at our face through the mainstream media. How can these presidentiables bring positive change if their campaigns are fueled by hate, anger, and mudslinging?

“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Matthew 12:34

Before the campaign started, I recall that these candidates promised to be always positive in their campaigns. Above all them, only Gibo stood to this promise. Until now, he stands on his promise and has executed positive campaigning. He refrained from putting down his opponents by saying bad things against them. Even though he’s been targeted from within his own party and from without, he still refuse to break his own principle of positive campaigning. He indeed embodies a new breed of politics.

“A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.”
Proverbs 11:12

Though Gibo is not a biblical Christian, his campaign showed christian traits...not driven by hatred, no mudslinging, no badmouthing, very professional. I remember the Good Samaritan story. It wasn't the Jews who were declared righteous, but the Samaritan. Why? Because his acts are righteous.

“Gibo maintains the highest form of professionalism in his campaign.”
– REP. CYNTHIA VILLAR (Wife of Presidentiable Manny Villar)

“Teodoro is the only presidential candidate with the three important attributes a good president must have, integrity, competence and character”
– BISHOP OSCAR CRUZ (a known GMA critic)

COMPETENCE

“Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.”
Deuteronomy 1:13

It’s sad to know that numerous people used to trade intelligence, knowledge, and ability over popularity and some empty slogan. Yet the Bible made a great emphasis on these things in choosing leaders. First above all requirements in bagging this top job must be competence. In all job applications, competence is the default priority requirement. Even in electing a local church pastor, people choose the most competent for the job. We don’t just choose someone who will come up and say great words which are not backed up by their track records.

Obviously, among the 8 presidentiables, the most competent is Gibo. It’s very clear that even blind people can see that he’s the brightest among them all. Yes, even his opponents acknowledge this.

Look at what his fellow public officials and top personalities are saying about Gibo:

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. PROVERBS 11:12

1. REP. CYNTHIA VILLAR: Gibo maintains the highest form of professionalism in his campaign.

2. SEN. RALPH RECTO: Gibo is the true jewel of the cabinet.

3. SEN. JUAN PONCE ENRILE: With Gibo, you can sleep well knowing that the government is in good hands.

4. SEN. MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO: personal background wise, Gibo is the most qualified among presidential aspirants.

5. SEN. PING LACSON: Gibo is a decent and qualified candidate. That much I can say because I know him personally. We worked together when I was still lieutenant colonel and I’ve got nothing to say against him.

6. “Kung hindi ninyo iboboto ang aking ama na si Presidente Joseph Estrada, sana si Gibo Teodoro nalang ang iboto ninyo (If you will not vote for my father, President Joseph Estrada, I hope you would vote for Gibo Teodoro instead),” the Freeman quoted SEN. JINGGOY ESTRADA as saying before the crowd during the rally.

7. NP Spokesperson ADEL TAMANO: If he were not in the camp of MV, he would pick Gibo. He reportedly admires the educational background of the former secretary of national defense.

8. "I first got to know Gilbert when I saw him and his wife on one of those asinine TV talk shows in mid 2009. His answers to the vapid questions were sensible and well thought out. Aside from these qualities of intelligence, he exuded sincerity." - FRANCISCO SIONIL JOSE - one of the most widely-read Filipino writers in the English language

Awards of F. SIONIL JOSE:
* Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts (1980)
* National Artist Award for Literature (2001)
* Pablo Neruda Centennial Award (2004)
* Palanca Awards

9. “Yes I am biased. I am biased for good people, qualified people, for a good president. Ladies and gentlemen, Gilbert Teodoro, hopefully the next president of the Philippines.” - Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) chairman and Biznews Asia magazine publisher TONY LOPEZ

10. “Mr. Teodoro pointed out specific programs, specific goals and specific time lines to achieve such goals. He’s very articulate... we think he’s very good." – ALBERTO A. LIM, Makati Business Club (MBC) executive director (source: Business World 02/18/2008)

11. “As usual Gibo (Teodoro) was MOST IMPRESSIVE.” Speaking to reporters after yesterday’s presidential debate, Dee said Teodoro’s platform and answers stood out against other aspirants who attended the forum. - Vice Chairman DONALD DEE, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (source: The Philippine Star 02/10/2010)

12. "That is EXTRAORDINARY LEADERSHIP— when you do something good without expecting public adulation in return," - National President ALFONSO UY, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc.(FFCCCII) http://balita.ph/2010/02/04/ch.....er-for-rp/
13. Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. has a good appreciation of the business setting and climate in the Philippines, said Wallace Business Forum QRT chief executive officer PETER WALLACE

14. “Incomparably COMPETENT…” - Former PRESIDENT FIDEL V. RAMOS' speech during the induction of officers of the Rotary Club of Downtown Session(RCDS) at the Grand Ballroom of the Baguio City Country Club on July 10, 2009

15. “This is something to be admired. While the other presidential aspirants merely condemned the massacre as was expected, it was Teodoro who displayed the boldness and the courage to immediately rush to Maguindanao even before the Armed Forces and the National Police moved to clear the province of its private armies and arms stockpile,” - Former PRESIDENT FIDEL V. RAMOS

16. "If we were to make a poll who among the department secretaries can be considered upright, I can think of two; the Social Welfare Secretary (Esperanza Cabral) is honest and based on our experience, (Defense Secretary) Teodoro." - VICENTE PATERNO, a former Senator.

17. "FORMER Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro is the most viable candidate for the presidency next year because he is the only one with a “solid background in law and order,” according to BRETT DECKER, an editor of the Wall Street Journal.

18. REP. MITOS MAGSAYSAY said Muntinlupa City REP. ROZANNO RUFINO BIAZON and Bukidnon REP. TEOFISTO GUINGONA III — both of the opposition Liberal Party did not conceal their admiration for Teodoro when they spoke at the gathering. “When they went up to the stage, both of them praised Gibo for his intelligence, leadership skill and integrity, the virtues he had consistently shown when he was a member of the House of Representatives,”

19. Muslim civil society groups and intellectuals including former SEN. SANTANINA RASUL commended administration presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro Jr. for the “courageous actions and decisions” he took in condemning the Maguindanao massacre -

20. GOV. BEN EVARDONE shares an interesting anecdote about Gibo when Eastern Samar was hit by a strong typhoon that completely isolated the province.

21. "We hate to have him go because he has been a very, very effective Secretary of National Defense. He has led us well. He has inspired us." - former AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado

22. BISHOP OSCAR CRUZ (a known GMA critic): Teodoro is the only presidential candidate with the three important attributes a good president must have, “integrity, competence and character”

23. Medical City president and chief executive officer ALFREDO BENGZON praised Teodoro for recognizing the need to address the problems of the health sector in a systemic rather than symptomatic manner.

24. GOV. MIGS DOMINGUEZ of Sarangani:
'Ako magpapapakamatay ako for Gibo dahil unang una sa galing at talino, at nakita ko yung sincerity...
'Another incident yung sa Shariff Aguak, pagkatapos ng Maguindanao massacre sabi niya, "Punta tayo dun." Sabi ko, "Sir, papatayin tayo dun." "Hindi ka sasama sa akin, Migs, una ako. Sabay ka na sa akin..Para kung mamatay tayo, sasabay sabay na tayong mamatay."
'Pumunta kami, walang mga guwardiya, just to make sure si Toto Mangundadatu files (his candidacy).'

25. Buluan town VICE-MAYOR ESMAEL 'TOTO' MANGUNDADATU “I believe that Secretary Teodoro is the most effective and most competent candidate for president who will bring the best program of reform to Mindanao,”

26. Ateneo School of Govt Dean, Atty. Antonio La ViƱa: "More significantly, I know him (Teodoro) also to be one of the most patriotic, humble and honest public servants (and I have known thousands as well), able to make hard choices even against his own family and class interests."

27. “I believe in his principles, style of management, work ethics and moral values. I will do my very best to make sure that he will be the next president of our country.” - Mamburao MAYOR VOLTAIRE VILLAROSA.

28. “What I want is a president that we can depend on and will help us in our time of need. And Gibo has proven to be that kind of a leader especially when we need help the most last August 2008,” said GOV. KHALID DIMAPORO of Lanao del Norte

29. Albay GOV. JOSE CLEMENTE "JOEY" SALCEDA: "We know who is the right person to be voted to the presidency, so let us vote for what is right for our country and our children, for what is fair to our poor and to our future. We vote for Gibo because it is good for our country and it is the right thing to do. All politics is local. He will not just be another president of the Philippines or even the best president the country will ever have but, more than that, we will have the best Philippines under any other president."

30. Former JUSTICE SECRETARY AGNES DEVANADERA, who is a candidate for the first congressional district of Quezon province, said that Teodoro is emerging as the obvious choice in her province as well as by the thinking Filipinos who are concerned with candidates' qualifications. Devanadera, also former MAYORS' LEAGUE PRESIDENT, pointed out that results of surveys and mock polls in several leading colleges and universities showed Teodoro as the candidate of choice among the students. “These students are thinkers and idealists. They see Gibo as the best among presidential candidates. I believe that would start the surge of support for him,”

31. RUDY ROMERO, Columnist The Daily Tribune and family friend of the Teodoro's: "Bert Teodoro’s son is a good man. Well-brought-up, bright, an excellent academic record, good-looking, personable and sensible."

32. HERN ZENAROSA, Columnist Manila Bulletin: "Teodoro brings seriousness to his campaign both in manners and in his utterances, defining our times and circumstances. He talks straight and his vision of government is adequately clear and measured."

33. EDWIN ESPEJO, Asian Correspondent: Chronicles from Mindanao by a Mindanao Journalist and SunStar correspondent: "Teodoro has shown he can transcend politics of patronage and has shown a strong political will. Cutting his umbilical cord with uncle Danding, and decisive expulsion of the Ampatuans from the ruling political party at the instance of the Ampatuan massacre. More importantly, Teodoro’s vision and platform of government, including his economic agenda, are a cut above the rest of the presidential candidates. This is where the positive sides of Teodoro stand out."

34. DENNIS FETALINO, Associate Editor of People's Journal and former Director of the National Press Club: "Teodoro, contrary to popular belief, is also fast gaining mass-based support, smashing the silly notion that poor, plain folks are not a thinking class. True, Gibo is a brilliant lawyer, a dapper intellectual, and comes from a Brahmin political class. But he can roll up his sleeves, mingle with the regular six-pack Joes, and blend in quite leisurely with them.

35. DUCKY PAREDES, former Press Secretary of President Cory Aquino and Columnist of Malaya and Abante: "The fact that Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, presidential candidate of Lakas-Kamppi-CMD is all business (no politics) as he does his job, as head of the National Disaster Coordinating Council cannot be lost on the people who come to him for help. I like the way Gibo handles himself and can even envision him as president – quiet, calm, serene but in total command. He inspires confidence even as his world is in chaos."

36. LOREN LEGARDA, Senator and VP candidate: She found Teodoro “intelligent and a man with integrity.”

37. RENE SAGUISAG, outstanding member of the 8th Congress from the Liberal Party, batchmates include Jovito Salonga: "Gibo just wanted transparency" on the impeachment of Davide regarding the accounting of the Judiciary Development Fund (JDF). "He was no stalking horse of his Uncle Danding."

38. ALVIN CAPINO, Columnist-Counterpoint, Manila Standard Today: "Teodoro refused to use his position as defense secretary to promote his political stock. Also has an open record of what he did with his CDF when he was a congressman."

39. EMIL JURADO, Columnist-To the point, Manila Standard Today: "He’s not only the most presidential-looking among all the candidates. He also has enough competence, track record and experience for national leadership. And I like him more when he says he accepts attacks for being a candidate of President Arroyo, clearly an attempt to demonize him. He cannot be ungrateful to the President who named him DND chief. At least Gibo is candid and honest unlike other candidates who are hypocrites."


PLATFORM

Gibo’s platform is a cut above the rest. His platform is crystal clear and realistic. He does not suffer from the messianic disease which infected the other candidates. They claim to be greater than Jesus. They claim to eradicate poverty and corruption in six years which even Jesus wasn't able to and can't do in this present world. He needs to make a new earth to make that happen. Erase corruption and poverty? Those are pure lies. No one, when you read the Bible, can do that in this fallen world. They promise big words without clear platform on how to bring progress in this country.

Instead of laying their platforms, the “leading” presidentiables are banking on Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s low rating. It is funny that these candidates should be thankful to PGMA because without her “bad reputation”, they have nothing to base their candidacy.

In my little capacity, God has entrusted to me a local church to lead and the youth organization of our denomination. Though I’m still young in my leadership journey, I thoroughly understand basing in my experiences that you can’t lead people without a vision and a clear plan on how to fulfill that vision. Empty rhetoric will lead you to nowhere. This nation if led by someone without a vision and a plan will only be reduced to chaos. That is why the candidate’s vision and platforms are very crucial in choosing whom to vote.

Did you ever give enough time and effort just to know your chosen candidate’s vision and platform? Did you ever compare it to the other candidates?

“Mr. Teodoro pointed out specific programs, specific goals and specific time lines to achieve such goals. He’s very articulate... we think he’s very good."
– ALBERTO A. LIM, Makati Business Club (MBC) executive director

“As usual Gibo (Teodoro) was MOST IMPRESSIVE.” Speaking to reporters after yesterday’s presidential debate, Dee said Teodoro’s platform and answers stood out against other aspirants who attended the forum.
– DONALD DEE
Vice Chairman, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry

CHARISMA

Throughout history, great leaders always have a high level of charisma. Gibo’s survey ratings are low according to SWS and Pulse Asia. This is because he entered late in this presidential race or the survey is a lie. But wherever he goes, when people see him and hear him, they tend to be attracted to him. He used to inspire people to go beyond the status quo, to go beyond which is mediocre.

In building this nation, unity is of utmost importance. We need a leader who can unite us together and lead us forward to our great destiny as a nation. Most of the presidentiables are very divisive. And most of them have already entered into a verbal war against each other. How can they unite this nation if they have planted much division right now in their campaigns? The only one who has the biggest chance to unite this nation is the one who is able to restrain himself from resorting to bad-mouthing, mudslinging, hatred and anger. And that is Gibo.


How about PGMA?

Actually, majority of people know in their hearts that indeed Gibo is the most qualified for the presidency. The only thing which holds them back is his association with President Gloria M. Arroyo. It is highly proven; even acknowledged by his opponents that Gibo’s integrity is untainted. To judge him just because he is under the administration is totally unfair. If the same standard of judgment be used against all of us, then we will never be chosen for any kind of job. Why? Because I bet all of us have one way or the other have “evil” associations. If the same standard be used against me, I won’t be chosen as the head pastor of Villasis Assembly of God church. Jesus was with Judas for more than 3 years. Does it mean Jesus equals Judas? This only needs minimal common sense to arrive at the right conclusion.
Sad to say, many people still don’t get it.


CONCLUSION

Well, this is my take. We all have different views and I respect yours. But be sure you are well informed about the issues surrounding all candidates before making your final decision. Go ahead. Vote for the one whom you think is the greatest with regards to character, competence, platform, and charisma. If you haven’t made a thorough study of each of the 8 candidates about their character, competence, platform, and charisma, then you are just one of those people tossed by every wind that comes along.

Think, be an intelligent voter.

As for me, I’m placing my vote to Sec. Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. I can say he is indeed a rare kind in Philippine politics. Win or lose, I don’t care. At least I have a clear conscience that I voted the best man for the job. At least I won’t be having some kind of guilt and regret when our country is again under the leadership of incompetent ones. Actually it is never Gibo’s loss when he loses. It is the country’s loss.

everything at steak, san juan

after getting my license, k and i headed to everything at steak for some tender, flavorful steaks.



they have renovated the place, it looks so homey!



i don't have any other food photos to post, as i seem to have forgotten my mantra - photo op first before digging in!

but i did get this:



warm apple cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. *sigh* a perfect way to end a long, hot day of waiting at LTO.

everything at everything at steak rocks!

Everything at Steak
5 P. Guevarra St. (corner V. Cruz)
right next to the Petron gas station
San Juan City
Telephone no.: 726-2386

note: they don't serve coffee though. kahit instant. :D

license to drive

a total of 7 hours and 15 minutes at LTO san juan yielded this.



before that, i had a total of 15 hours driving school knowledge + practice. i love smart driving school. :)



are the streets of metro manila ready for me??