Because He Needs Us

photo courtesy of www.usapost.org

     Looks like Manny Pacquiao got the biggest punch of his life. During an interview, he was asked about same-sex marriage and he compared it to how animals do it. I think everyone has read the interview and has seen the video so we'll skip the blow-by-blow account. After receiving a barrage of punches from different social media users, Pacquiao has uploaded an apology video for his statement. It is important to note though, he still thinks that a homosexual act is still a sin.

     I'll skip all the counter arguments that Pacquiao made about the LGBT community since there are so many people who are qualified to do that. What I would like to get off my chest is the level of inhuman thinking that came out of this statement. Not only did he degrade the LGBT community but is also perpetuating homophobia under the guise of religion. Since he's also running for a Senate seat, it is not surprising that he'll say something this low. Not only did make it relevant but him uploading an apology video only hours after the social media backlash shows that this is a calculated move. The apology insincere video projects an image that he listens if he is on the wrong and he's willing to humble himself. 

     Like as if that would work. Surprisingly, it might will. Pacquiao is not really known for his legislative skills and attendance but crafting this election given our predilection to forget the wrong doings of these bastards (the Marcoses, anyone?) might just get him elected. 

     It is up to the voters that understands the situation to turn this around. You don't have to campaign for the ones you like, but you can campaign against for those that only uses hot button issues to be the center of social media frenzy.  

   

Towards freedom

photo courtesy of www.southupdates.com

   Today, we celebrate the Philippines' Independence Day. We've been enjoying this freedom we have and surely have manifested it a lot of ways. From owning properties, to airing our opinions in social media, freedom is truly alive in this country. But aside from these things that we are free to do, we, myself included may have forgotten that there are still things that we are not free from. For starters, we are still not free from the bigotry and hate that several minority groups are still experiencing. From the LGBT to the indigenous people, oppression and suppression of the rights are still prevalent. Moreover, it seems that we are still enslaved by the backward thinking when it comes to politics and social issues. These things are so common that sometimes I have to admit that I'm also guilty of them. In order to be free from the shackles that prevent us from being a decent country where one could live, I guess that we have to start with ourselves and how we open our minds to not just what's happening inside of our backyards but also on a global scale as well. 

   Here's to our path towards freedom. 

Gridlock

photo courtesy of thegypsy.org

   Earlier, I left Malacanang to go Allan's place in Pasig. Normally, I travel early during Saturdays, but today I wanted to try out and see what I'll discover if I leave the house on a later time. So after my morning work ended, I left at around 2:30. 

   What I found out was terrifying.

   

   There were already a lot of commuters waiting for jeepneys and buses. I made my way to the bus terminal that goes to Pasig. When I boarded, I noticed that were only a couple of passengers there. I thought it would be that way all throughout the  bus ride. I was wrong. The bus hasn't gone that far from the terminal when a throng of passengers got in. Slowly the bus became full and crowded.

   Heavy build up of traffic seems to have sprung in our route and soon after we were stalled every couple of minutes. This is what the average working Filipino deals with. This and the sucky transport system and the constant news of inefficiency of the government. Sadly, we are also to blame for things escalating to this. We never really bothered to care. We took everything as the reality of things and just soldiered on instead of fighting the system and changing the way things are.

   But before that happens, I hope this traffic won't get us late. 

The waiting game.

photo courtesy of forums.archeagegame.com

   So now we wait. 

   Typhoon Ruby has weakened in the update given by PAGASA earlier, but in their last bulletin, the storm has regained its strength and will still follow its projected path. Everyone still advised to take the necessary safety precautions and to monitor the updates provided on all channels of communication. 

   While we wait for the round of information on the effects of the typhoon, the best thing to do is to stay calm, make sure that we have a ready stock of food items. That means, no panic-buying, its obviously hording, so stop. Charge all mobile phones and make sure they have load credits. We don't want communication to fail just because we're out of load. 

   We may not be able to prevent whatever damage the typhoon may bring but we can be sure to minimize its effects if stay vigilant, alert, and calm.  

Hagupit

   Typhoon Hagupit will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility several hours from now. The government sure did act quickly by laying out the scenario and likelihood of what's to come once the storm landfalls. Unfortunately, it will be passing by Eastern Visayas, where it was heavily damaged by typhoon Haiyan last year. PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration), NDRMCC (National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council) have urged the local governments who will be in the storm's path to prematurely evacuate their residents, especially those that are living in coastal areas as storm surges going up to 4 meters high are likely to appear.

   This has always been the scenario in the country whenever a typhoon is about to hit us. I know, that this is the global effect of global warming, and we're a long way from combating its deadly effects but this cycle of always waiting in anxious anticipation has got to stop. The government and its citizen should start working together in dealing better whenever a typhoon comes. A reliable weather forecasting system, a coordinated disaster response program, and cooperation are factors in ensuring that property damage and loss of life is minimized or better yet, prevented.

   But for now, we should stock on food, batteries, and other stuff needed for emergency purposes. Make sure our phones are charged and with call credits and always check in with your loved ones if you're outside when the storm hits.  

   Measured optimism is what we all need.