COPA STARTED IT ALL…

The guilty verdict on the plunder case against former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada should be taken as a sweet and even a moral victory for the Council of Philippine Affairs or COPA.

But it did not totally feel that way according to key personalities of COPA.

It was COPA who started it all–all the troubles of Erap, I mean former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson did—but it was COPA's initial and strong backing that spelled the difference in his whistle blower role in the recent history of Philippine politics.

It was COPA who pulled together all the forces that eventually led to the downfall of the Estrada administration and the swearing in of a new President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last January 20, 2001 at the Edsa Shrine in Pasig. 

COPA expected and welcomed the conviction handed down by the Sandiganbayan Anti-Graft Court

But Billy Esposo, COPA Chairman told me that based on merits of the case—"justice was served."

Pastor "Boy" Saycon, COPA Secretary-General puts it this way: "How can we say we are rejoicing if we knew for a fact that nothing has really changed and the problem of poverty remains?"

Saycon's question: "Are we any better?"
As the core group that supported Singson in his jueteng and TObacco Excise Tax Expose beginning on the last quarter of 2000, Esposo said, they do not regret the role they played in the downfall of Estrada.
 
"We had to do what was called for and what was for the best interest of the people at that time."
 
Six years ago. COPA was the force behind the ouster of of the most popular president elected in the history of the Philippine-polls.
 
Saycon's recalls the key dates and narrates the crucial development leading to January 20, 2001: 
 
>September 21, 2000-Chavit talked to former congressman Jose "Peping" Cojuangco.
 
>On the same date, later in the evening, another meeting took place at the EDSA Shrine in Ortigas, Pasig.
 
>It was on this meeting that Chavit according to Saycon said these lines:" BABALIKTAD NA AKO, PAPATAYIN NILA AKO."
>Five days after, September 26, COPA accompanied Chavit to the residence of then Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin in Villa San Miguel in Mandaluyong.
 
>"We areanged for that meeting between the cardinal and Chavit. Doon ibinigay niya ang lahat ng ebiensiya, tapes, documents, yung blue book niya,cheques,log-sheets, withdrawal slips, lahat—ipinasa ni Chavit kay Cardinal Sin" Saycon recalled.
 
>October 3, according to Saycon, Chavit was able to confirm the threat on his life. "May attempted ambush na sa kanya, yung sa Manila." 
 
The alleged attempted ambush jolted Chavit according to Saycon, "kaya lalong nagmadaling magsalita."
 

>October 6, 2000—Chavit's Presscon at the Club Filipino where he played the tape recording of his phone conversation with Estrada.
>October 29, 2000-Cardinal Sin backed up Chavit by issuing a pastoral letter that carried the message:" ERAP RESIGN, CONSTITUTIONAL SUCCESSION."

…AND THE VERDICT ON ERAP: GUILTY OF PLUNDER!

After six years and four months, the Sandiganbayan Special Anti-Graft Division hands down a verdict on the Philippines' most popularly elected president in the country's history.

9:07 am: the country awaits and braces for the official reading of the sentence on the plunder and other graft case faced by Joseph Ejercito "ERAP" Estrada.

Identified Erap groups like the OUST Gloria Movement led by Linggoy Alcuaz is somewhere near the Sandiganbayan and so is the other group led by Rez Cortez and another, that of Ronald Lumbao of PMAP. Not far behind is the Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino. 

 The police are on alert and on anti-riot gears, ready for anything—all 6,000 of them.

The palace guards are on alert — the Presidential Security Group in full battle gears with tanks positioned in strategic locations in Malacanan palace.

No—there's no official engagement for the President today. The President declares this day by virtue of an Administrative Order as a Day for National Prayer and Reconciliation but her scheduled participation in the official ceremony in Batangas was cancelled. Mrs. Arroyo will have to stay in Malacanang especially during these critical hours.

Like the rest of the nation…the sitting president awaits the actual reading of the verdict.

9:23 in the morning, the three presiding justices led by Justice Teresita DeCastro asked the former President and the two other accused, Atty. Edward Serafio and Senator Jinggoy Estrada to stand as the reading of the sentence is about to begin.

The clerk of court reads: CRIMINAL CASE # 26905, PERJURY CASE—-the Court finds former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada–NOT GUILTY!

But that was not all…the bigger case is next.

The clerk of court continues her reading of the dispositive portion of the sentence, reportedly upon the request of Estrada himself. CRIMINAL CASE # 26558, PLUNDER CASE—the Court finds former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada–GUILTY!

But wait—this is an act of conspiracy—-but the Court finds his co-accused Jinggoy and Ed Serafio—NOT GUILTY of the same plunder case.

Erap gets a life sentence but was not committed directly to the National Bilibid Prisons in Muntinglupa — the place for convicted criminals. For now—the Ant-Graft Court says—the former President will continue to be detained in his Tanay Rest House where he was being held in house arrest for years now.

Atty. Rene Saguisag, a former Philippine senator told the court, his client and friend expects no special treatment and is ready to go to Muntinglupa if the court so orders.

There is still a legal remedy here for Erap. There's still the Supreme Court—-and his panel of lawyers are expected to do their legal moves in the next few days—-15 days to appeal—according to court procedures.

But in his media statement a day before today's promulgation, Erap made it clear—he do not plan to make any appel if sentenced guilty of the cases filed against him.

In Filipino Erap addressed his mass supporters, "Sa aking pananaw—matagal na akong napawalang sala ng taong bayan." Guilty in the court trial, but not guilty in the hearts of the Filipino people, that's how Erap sums up the verdict handed down on him which really comes not as a surprise anymore.

The history of recent past from January of 2001 woud have to be rewritten if the verdict stamps the words, not guilty.

On the radio, television, picked up by the official audio and visual transmittal from the courtroom through the facilities of the Supreme Court's technical crew—there was an unmistakable tension in the voice of presiding justice De Castro, the only justice that spoke on the verdict day, a voice that is low, even sad, and she appears to be in a hurry to get this done and over with.

One radio reporter inside the court room described De Castro as on fighting back her tears…and in Filipino, the reporter said, "halos nangilid ang luha."

A few minutes break—a few last words from De Castro—and the most awaited reading of the verdict  was over—-in less than 30-minutes, the sentencing was over.

No emotional images transmitted from the court, not even any audio of the crying of former Senator Loi Estrada, the wife of the former President, and members of their families, even some of the panel of lawyers—everthing according to plan—so as not to stir emotions from Erap supporters.

The police forces deployed were clearly disptached to prevent what was referred to in recent history as EDSA TRES of 2001. But while it is a possibility, it is very unlikely to happen. The number of policemen deployed is overwhelming, there's no really no chance for any mass based group to create havoc—and if there is indeed any plan as intelligence reports prior to this day suggest—not on this day when the authorities are ready.

Malacañan says—what the Sandiganbayan did was a clear manifestation of the rule of law. It was Secretary Ignacio Bunye speaking to the media, the President has yet to give an official reaction—that is if there's any plan for her to make a statement addressed to the nation.

As he was escorted back to Tanay Rizal, Erap walked in total bewilderment, a reminder of the same image the nation saw on the day he and his family left Malacañan Palace. 

Hours after the verdict, President Arroyo according to a palace beat reporter, was seen laughing her heart out during a short talk with a foreign diplomat, but the reporter said—it was a short laugh—and what follows was also a look that relays a seeming feeling of confusion and of uncertainty of what lies ahead after this day.

Erap, the most popularly elected president of the Republic once again made history today—the first Philippine president to be sentenced guilty of a plunder case.

If  there's any consolation to those who support Erap and those who believe he is innocent of the charges—the sentence handed down by the Sandiganbayan Anti-Graft Court if made final by the Supreme Court will definitely set a precedent.

The same fate could happen to the next– or any president after Joseph Ejercito "Erap" Estrada. (end)

Straight from the "warzone", durian, mangoosten and lanzones, anyone?

I have a confession to make. I have been going in and out of Sulu for almost two decades now but I have yet to taste what they refer to as the ultimate passion fruit, DURIAN.

All of my cameramen from various networks that joined me in many of my coverages in Moslem Mindanao, particularly in Sulu swear that I will never regret tasting it and that I would crave for more after the first bite.

I have nothing against the smell or the taste which I have yet to try, I am simply hooked on other fruit produce from Sulu that is one of the many reasons why I feel in love with the place.

Confession No. 2:  I am a big eater of mangoosten and lanzones from Sulu. ANG TAMIS!!! As in! kahit siguro isang basket na punong-puno ay kaya kong ubusin. Matakaw po ako at huwag ninyo akong kakausapin kapag kumakain na ako ng lanzones. At promise–hindi pa nangingitim ang dulo ng daliri ko sa kababalat kasi hindi pilit sa pagkakahinog. Tamang-tama lang.

The other thing is—-the price is super low, you will not believe it! Ni hindi magtatampo ang isang daang piso mo, ang dami mo nang mabibili–tiyak may ilang basket ka na na punong-puno ng mangoosten, durian at lanzones.

This coming September 10, a C-130 plane from the Philippine Air Force will arrive at the Jolo Airport. (Please see related article at the Philippine Daily Inquirer or Inquirer.net dated 5 September 2007) to embark on a mission that has never before seen in this part of the country, considered, one of the most troubled and among the poorest of the provinces.

Hindi po karagdagang tropa ng pamahalaan ang dala ng C-130 kundi lalapag ito ng walang laman dahil ikakarga doon ang mga prutas na inani mula sa kabukiran at kabundukan ng Sulu–oo doon din sa mga bahagi na tila normal at ordinaryo na ang bakbakan sa pagitan ng tropa ng pamahalaan at mga rebeldeng grupo.

"It's a first for Sulu," yan ang sabi ni Governor Abdursakur Tan nang makapanayam ko siya kamakailan. Opo—-after 5-years ay tumapak muli ako sa Sulu. But can I suspend the story on that? Later, later I promise.

Sana hindi lang ito basta "symbolic act" na bahagi ng sabi ng pamahalaan ay Humanitarian Intervention sa mga conflict areas tulad ng Sulu na kung saan may aktibong opensibang militar ang pamahalaan na isinusulong.

Sana—maging simula talaga ng isang pang-matagalang ayuda sa mga magsasaka ng Sulu.

Back to the passion fruit—durian….hmmm….baka nga kulang na ako sa passion….sige na nga—-after avoiding it for many years….I will taste it na. Say ko kung may added charge nga ng passion! he-he! (wakas) 

Paano nga ba babaguhin ang imahe ng Sulu?

Kamu kabataan, ayaw mapapatuhan

Misan mabinsana, Inginhawa baran

Hangad sin Maksud, Subay baugbugan

Dumawhat Kamahardikaan!

—ANG MGA LINYANG NASA UNAHAN AY CHORUS NG ISANG AWITING TAUSUG NA NATUTUNAN KO. It's a song about the search and the struggle for self-determination, freedom and independence.

It was a song composed at the height of the seccessionist rebellion in Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi including Central Mindanao.

Kuwento ng taong nagturo sa akin noon, ang mga bata noong early 70s, sila yun noon, tinuruan na ng kantang ito. Una kong narinig ang kanta nang i-play ang isang old footage ng isang pagtitipon ng mga miyebro ng Bangsamor Army ng Moro National Liberation Front o MNLF.

More than 30-years after that song was first heard in the jungles of Indanan, Sulu—the meaning of the song still holds true for many Taosugs, MNLF or not.

Pero alam ninyo bang outside of the Peace Agreement na inaasahan nilang sana ay lulutas ng kanilang mga socio-economic and political problems, may mga inisyatiba ngayong puwedeng ituring na kakaiba sa lugar na tulad ng Sulu?

Like—the idea of finding a new inspiration, something to believe on, something to follow, something to move them–something to cheer them on and make them believe that they can still turn this war-torn province into a progressive and developed Islamic community in Southern Philippines.

Hindi ko pa masabi kung may kahihinatnan ang biglang paglalapit ng ideya ng isang kilala kong magaling magbigay ng inspirasyon bilang leader, dahil minsan ay naging cheerleader, at ng isang may kakaibang pagnanasa ngayon na magbago ang imahe ng Sulu na lugar ng digmaan, kaligaligan at kahirapan. I am referring to the meeting and constant communication now of Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon and Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan.

Kung inspiration factor lang—-puwedeng matulungan ni Senator Dick si Gov. Sakur. Ang AIM HIGH OLONGAPO KAYA, puwedeng maging slogan din ng Sulu, AIM HIGH LUPAHSUG—-puwede kaya? Umubra kaya?

But is it just a mere problem of redirecting or putting a different image of Sulu? Ganun lang ba ang problemang ito?

HINDI ang madaling sagot sa tanong na ito. Pero ika nga, malay natin—sa tagal na parang wala nang puwede pang magbago o makatulong sa kalagayan ng Sulu at sa mamamayan nito—baka nga ang susi nasa bagong inspirasyon? Nasa bagong paniniwalaan?

Inspirasyon para sa isang bagong direksiyon na puwedeng magsimula sa isa o dalawang SLOGAN na magpapaalala sa mga Taosug kung sino at ano sila.

Hihimayin ko ito sa mga susunod na araw.

Oo–ngapala—-nakabalik na ako sa Sulu–limang taon mula noong 2002, mula noong araw na tumalilis ako paalis ng paliparan ng Jolo. But that is another story…(wakas)

Coming Soon! A MAGAZINE CALLED PAGES

May bago pong magazine na makikipagsapalaran sa merkado at tatawagin po itong mga PAGES.

It's a magazine na combi ng Filipino at English na ang tag line: KUWENTO NATING LAHAT, KUWENTO NATING MGA FILIPINO.

Mga kaibigan sa industriya ng pamamahayag at panulat ang inanyayahan kong maging bahagi ng panganay na isyu ng PAGES.

May tula dito, maikling kuwento, komiks, special report, column, business report, fashion, legal advise, investigative pieces at expose at marami pang iba. Target ko ay 80-pahina at sa araw na ito–nasa ika-62 pahina na ako.

Here are some sample page layout ng magazine….sana magustuhan ninyo.(wakas)

Kaibigan ko si BADONG

Today, my article on 2Lt. Ludwig Salvador was in the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer where I contribute exclusive stories and features. I hope you guys find time to read it. Isa yun sa mga kuwento na isinulat ko mula sa puso. Reporters are supposed to be detached from their subjects, but how can you not relate to the story of a father and son who fought in the same battle field in different periods in the more than 30-years of the peace and order problem in Moslem Mindanao?

How can you not relate to a story of a last text message of love sent to a loved one, someone he intended to share his dreams and life for the rest of his life?

Alam ninyo—bagong kaibigan ko lang si Ludwig, o si Badong. Hindi nga lalampas sa bilang ng limang daliri ang mga pagkakataon na nagkausap at nagkatalamitan kami. But it was easy to see the determination and the courage of this young man.

Noong una ko siyang nakilala, yung mistah niyang si Bong ang bida kahit na kung tutuusin ay kasama naman siya sa operasyon noon sa Sulu, September of 2006 that led to the death of ASG chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani in Indanan, Sulu. Pero he gave way and showed humility and allowed his mistah to shine and never took away any spot of the limelight focused on Bong.

Then we had lunch with his EX-O sa RECON Company. Tahimik lang siya, isang tanong, isang sagot.

Then I had to save some pictures—but forgot my USB and he offered his USB—wala pa naman daw gaanong laman. Ipinahiram to save pictures of a Recon Class na gagamitin doon sa libro in the making, A Country to Serve.

Sabi ni Badong sa akin—"gamitin ninyo muna, para naman sa marines din yan, kuwento ng marines din naman yan."Even his personal belongings, para sa marines pa rin, para sa bayan.

And then I did not expect to see him again sa Ternate, Cavite Marine Training Camp where were supposed to shoot portions of the documentary about the Burnhams for the History Channel. Ibang kuwento na kung bakit hindi kami natuloy mag-shoot sa Ternate, at sa halip sa Subic kami natuloy.

Ang huli kong eksenang naaalala sa kanya, kay Badong, sumaludo tapos—tumakbo na–papunta sa barracks nila—-yun na pala yung training nila before the Basilan mission.

Wala pa sa balita, maagang nakarating sa akin ang kumpirmasyon na isa siya sa mga opisyal na nasawi sa engkuwentro sa Basilan noong August 18, 2007. Then I saw him again—lifeless, inside a box, but somehow , I felt that he remains the same determined and courageous man until the very end of his life.

An impression of humility and courage, yun ang markang iniwan niya sa akin.

Hindi na maibabalik ang nawalang buhay. Ngunit ang mga huling yugto sa pook ng labanan bago nalagutan ng hininga si Badong at mga kasama, nakatitiyak ako na ito ay tagpo ng tunay na KABAYANIHAN.

Sa iyo 2Lt. Ludwig Salvador at mga kasama, carry on! Kami ang sumasaludo sa inyo!

"Kailan magsasalita ang mamamayan ng Basilan?"

Muling naulit ang minsan nang nasaksihan ko bilang mamamahayag. Pugutan ng ulo. Hindi lang basta pugutan ng ulo sa pagkakataong ito. Kundi pagpira-piraso ng katawan ng 10 sa 14 na miyembro ng Philippine Marines.

Inako ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front na sila ang nakasagupa ng tropa ng marines pero hindi nila inaako na alam nila kung sino ang namugot. Itinatatwa din nilang may kasama silang tropa ng Abu Sayyaf nang bakbakan nila ang tropa ng Marines.

Nagiimbestiga ang MILF, sabi nila. Nagiimbestiga din ang ceasefire committee, habang naghahanda sa isang malaking opensiba ang Philippine Marines.

Pero kailangan pa bang mag-imbestiga?

One plus one—madaling malaman kung sino ang may gawa nito. O sige, tanggapin natin na sige, hindi nga MILF ang may gawa nito. O sige paniwalaan natin kunwari na walang Abu Sayyaf na sumama sa kanila. Pero ang huwag nating paniwalaan ay ang hindi alam ng MILF kung sino ang may gawa nito.

Malinaw ang markang iniwan ng gumawa nito at sa tahimik na pagmamasid ng mga taga-Basilan, alam nila kung sino ang may kagagawan nito. Mas maging tiyak tayo, kaninong mga tauhan ang gumawa nito.

Hindi na nila kailangang lumayo. Nasa mga oras mula nang humupa ang huling putukan ng mga bala at mortar ang kasagutan.

Ang tanong ko lang ay kung hanggang kailan mananatiling pipi at alipin ng takot ang mga taga-Basilan bago sabihin kung ano ang tunay na lumulukob na pangamba sa kanila ngayon.

Hindi na ako magtataka na sa kung sa opisyal na imbestigasyon—-may mapapanagot—may matutukoy na mga pangalan, pero hindi ang tunay na gumawa nito dahil ang kanilang ulo—ahh—lagi namang nakakalusot. Ano nga ang linya sa commercial: MAGALING, MAGALING!

Hindi lang siya makakalusot sa pagkakataong ito kung pipiliin na ng mga taga-Basilan na magsalita at tunay na magkaisa para sabihin ang tunay nilang kinatatakutan. At kung magsalita na sila, sana—huwag silang pabayaan ng pamahalaan na dapat ay nangangalaga sa kanila sa ganitong uri ng takot at pang-aapi. (wakas)

"NATATANDAAN MO PA BA AKO?" (Something Personal)

Have you ever been asked this question? "DO YOU REMEMBER ME?"

How many times were you asked this question: "DO YOU REMEMBER ME?"

Lately I began a very active "Friendster Life" and by active I mean, I do look for names of old friends and people I know from the past. And almost always, I would get this message: "Uy natatandaan mo pa ako, or Natatandaan mo pa ba ako or ay you remember!"

Now my response to that is always the same: OO NAMAN!

We do not forget people. There may be times that one may forget the exact names of people they get associated and migled with in the past but, no, you do not forget faces.

Who we are today and whatever lives we have and wherever we are headed to, everything is always connected to an incident in the past or an encounter from the past. Oo narinig na natin itong linyang ito, "One should not live in the past." Absolutely correct! But remembering and being somehow part of your past life keeps you on track to where you really want to go.

Let me share some stories lifted from the pages of my life, scenes from the past, conversations from the past, encounters from the past:

Si Aling Nena ng Nellie E. Brown Elementary School sa Olongapo City, paano ko ba siya malilimutan at ang kanyang turon at ginataang mais? Kung papipilin ako sa dalawa, ginataang mais o turon, walang kurap, turon ang pipiliin ko. Malaki ang papel ni Aling Nena sa buhay ko. Kung hindi ako mamamahayag, siguro, tindera ako, someone into sales, para mas sosyal ang terminolohiya. Iyon ay dahil sa impluwensiya ni Aling Nene.

Tuwing recess noon sa NEBES, may sideline ako. Papasahan ako ni Aling Nena ng isang bilaong maliit na may mga turon at iyon ang ililibot ko sa bawat classroom. At ang premyo ko–libreng turon na may kasamang palamig. Ipagtatabi ako ni Aling Nena ng ginataang mais pero, hihirit ako na sana dalawang pirasong turon na lang.

Hindi ko na alam kung nasaan si Aling Nena ngayon–pero nakatitiyak ako na kapag nakita ko siya, dulo pa lang ng buhok nito—alam ko na. 

Si Clayd. Ah Si Clayd. Paano ko nga ba makakalimutan kung sino si Clayd at kung ano ang meron siya na wala kaming lahat noon sa Olongapo City National High School?

Ka-batch namin si Clayd sa high school. HIndi siya Section-1 pero mas sikat pa sa sinuman sa amin sa Section-1 na naghahari-harian o nagrereyna-reynahan, o sa kahit sinong siga sa campus kaya.

Pinagtatawanan ng marami noon si Clayd dahil sa kanyang karamdaman. May epilepsy si Clayd at bukod diyan ay may sakit pa siyang may kinalaman sa muscles na nagdudulot sa kanya ng asiwang paglalakad. Pero sa kabila ng pannunuya ng marami–kapag inatake naman ito—hindi magkandaugaga ang lahat sa pag-alalay sa kanya.

Ngayon ko lang nauunawan—kahit tinatawanan noon si Clayd, hindi siya nagagalit bagkus ay nakikitawa pa nga. Matalino kasi si Clayd. Nauunawaan niya na ang pagtawa ang paraan lamang noon ng pakikisama sa kanya ng mga nakakarami sa mag-aaral ng OCNHS noon. Matalino kasi si Clayd. Nauunawaan niyang iyon din ang pagtakas ng marami sa amin noon sa isang sitwasyon at isang kalagayan na wala kaming kapangyarihan para pigilan.

Matagal nang wala si Clayd. He died at an early age. But tell me, who among us then would forget him? Wala ni isa, nakatitiyak ako.

There was one graduation ceremony where I was speaker and one of the faculty members gave me a list of the important names from the Division of City Schools that were present during that afternoon's commencement exercise. As I looked at the piece of paper he teacher gave me, I noticed that one name was missing but I saw her came with the Division Superintendent.

When it was my turn to acknowledge the VIPs from the Division Office, I obliged in reading every name that appeared in the piece of paper and then I paused, and looked at the direction of this one woman who obviously had aged but still keep that serene smile that is uniquiely hers: MRS. RESURECCION DUMLAO.

Si Mrs. Dumlao ang adviser namin noon sa Grade-V , English teacher at Music teacher din namin. She was the trainor of the school choir and I am still proud to this day that because of her I was able to experience singing in a choir, competing and winning even in a prestigious contest like NAMCYA even if it was only on the Regional Level.

Marami akong natutunan kay Mrs. Dumlao…kasama na ang pag-inom ng napakaraming salabat!

When I mentioned her and told her she was my best English teacher, she said she was surprised that I remembered her. And why not? Hindi ka lang naging guro sa amin. Naging ina ka rin para sa marami sa amin.

And so I asked this question: WHY DO PEOPLE ASK IF YOU REMEMBER THEM?

Some may pretend they do not even recall you or associate you with the story that you are trying to tell them to help them remember, but the truth is–people do not forget. Some just chose to acknowledge and therefore forget.

Sa kuwento ng buhay ko—mahirap kalimutan ang mga pahina ng bawat taon lalo na ang mga pahina ng aking kabataan. Kapag lumuluha ako, binabalikan ko ang nakaraan, at dinadama ang mga tatak ng mga taon ng aking kamusmusan.

Ipinaaalala ko sa aking sarili na kung paano ko natagpuan ang kalakasan noon, ang pananalig at ang paniniwala…anumang panahon ng aking buhay, naroon lang iyon, puwedeng panghawakan. (wakas) 

Sige nga pa-blog din!

 Journalism vs. Blogging. Why debate, why compare, when
each medium can strengthen the other?
By all means, both medium must be pursued and explored
with the the same parameters and barometers that
adhere to one basic principle: the TRUTH.
Officially, July 1, 2007, I am joining the blogging
world of mainstream journalists like Jove Francisco
and Ellen Tordesillas, both respected and reliable
members of the media of this generation, taking the
cue that the changing times demand constant
reinvention and reconstruction of ones craft.
But aside from keeping up with new media
possibilities, I would like to share my world to those
who are hungry for real information, real stories and
real communication.
Anyone can create a blog but not everyone has the
privilege of access to information that people like
myself have developed through the years as a
journalist, now counting 17 years in the industry.
Maraming kuwento sa likod ng mga kuwento. Palasak na
linya. Ilang beses na nating narinig. Ngunit ilan ba
ang tunay na may lakas ng loob na ibahagi ang mga
kuwentong nakakubli sa karera ng mga nagmamadaling
balita na nag-aagawan ng espasyo sa bawat banner ng
diyaryo, o bawat headline ng isang oras na newscast sa
telebisyon o sa ilang minutong report sa radyo?
Minsan, sa pagmamadaling makakuha ng iskup, sa
paghahabol sa deadline, sa pagpaplano sa susunod na
araw—maraming kuwento ang basta naiiwan na lamang na
nakatiwang-wang. Ni hindi na a-archive. Andun lang,
hanggang sa mawalis.
The Philippine media today is also a story of ratings
and battle for supremacy. While it may be true that
some stories get "killed" because of political and
corporate accomodations, many stories are left
untouched, never revealed because of the rush of a
daily news operation.
Dito pumapasok ang mundo ng blogging. Ito ang sagot.
May espasyo, walang deadline, walang karibal na
susunod na assignment.
Sa mga pahinang ito, malalantad ang mga kuwentong,
puwedeng iskup, puwedeng hindi, puwedeng nakagigimbal,
puwedeng malabnaw lang—ngunit tinitiyak kong—lahat
ng impormasyong papasok dito, nakabatay sa iisang
bagay na puwede kong panghawakan: the truth that you
ought to know.

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Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.
http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/