Collezione-C2 launches MyPilipinas Moleskins

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Carlo Ople

Collezione-C2, the company that popularized the T-shirts with the Philippine map, recently announced a partnership with two big names. First is CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida and the second one is the popular notebook brand, Moleskin. In a cool event yesterday at Rockwell, they launched the new MyPilipinas Moleskin notebook which was endorsed by Efren. Each time you buy a MyPilipinas Moleskin notebook you also contribute to Efren Penaflorida‘s literary project which is spearheaded by the Dynamic Teen Company Foundation.

The notebooks will be available in Collezione-C2 branches as well as selected National Bookstore outlets. The small notebooks are priced at P900+ while the larger ones are P1400+.

Collezione-C2 also launched their new blog – MyPilipinas. There are already several articles on it including an interview with CNN Hero Efren. Click here to read his interview and to check out bigger pictures of the notebook.

To fans of Moleskin, instead of buying the generic ones, please support this project instead. At least each time you buy you are also contributing to a bigger cause. :)

Posted in Current Events | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Judy Ann Santos says she was offended by Jamby Madrigal’s comments

Posted on February 16, 2010 by Carlo Ople

ABS-CBN talent Judy Ann Santos shared that she was deeply hurt by Senator Jamby Madrigal‘s comments during a recent forum where she said that she made a mistake when she got a celebrity endorser to back her senatorial campaign in 2004. According to Juday, she went out of her way to really campaign for Jamby and that she seriously believed in the capabilities of Madrigal during the campaign. She goes on to say that she won’t say anything else about the matter since it will just blow things out of proportion again.

Here’s a short quote from the article on ABS-CBN:

During the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s 1st presidential debate last week, Madrigal blasted fellow presidential contender, Sen. Manny Villar, for tapping children and actors in his political advertisements.

But when a panelist pointed out that she too employed the services of a celebrity to endorse her candidacy in 2004, Madrigal replied: “I have seen the folly of my ways. I will not repeat it because I do not believe you (must) repeat a mistake.”

Here’s Jamby’s official statement:

Ako’y nalulungkot na nasaktan si Juday dahil sa sagot ko sa Inquirer debate na sa aking paniniwala ay muli na namang sinakyan at nilihis ng mga kalaban kong pulitiko. Ginawa na namang personal na atake ang isang isyu para lamang sirain ako kay Juday. Kahit kailan ay hindi ko nalimutang pasalamatan si Juday. Noong magdeklara ako ng kandidatura sa pagka- presidente, isa si Juday sa iilang tao na personal kong pinasalamatan at muli akong nagpapasalamat kay Juday sa tulong niya noong 2004 Senatorial campaign. Ngunit para sa akin ang pagtakbo sa pagka-presidente ng isang Senador ay dapat maging base sa plataporma at hindi lamang sa pagpapasikat sa tulong ng mga artista para pagtakpan ang kanilang kahinaan at kakulangan ng kakayahan.

Posted in Jamby Madrigal, Manny Villar | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Villar-Aquino 1 on 1 Debate

Posted on February 16, 2010 by Carlo Ople

Liberal Party standard bearer Senator Noynoy Aquino challenged Nacionalista’s Senator Manny Villar to a one-on-one debate. Villar already responded by saying that if the debate would focus on issues and not mudslinging, he would gladly accept. I am all for this debate! This is something that a lot of people have been clamoring for. Let’s listen to both of them and see who really has a better platform of government. It’s time to focus on what they can do for us if they get elected to the Presidency. I applaud Senator Aquino for raising the bar and I hope that Senator Villar will meet him head on. I hope this debate won’t get cancelled for any reason whatsoever because I am definitely looking forward to it.

Here’s the news clip from ABS-CBN’s news site:

The debate shouldn’t be for sound bites anymore. It should really be meaty and substance based versus the usual personality driven discussions that we’ve seen in the past few televised forums. You might want to read Ding’s take on what should be the discussion points.

In the words of the referees of Ultimate Fighting Championships: LET’S GET IT ON!

Posted in 2010 Presidential Elections, Manny Villar, Noynoy Aquino | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Mahal kita kasi… (Must watch video)

Posted on February 14, 2010 by Carlo Ople

We were treated to a very powerful and inspiring sunday service at VCF Greenhills on Valentines Day. One of the funny parts though was when they showed this video on the big screen. This really got me laughing and I couldn’t resist the urge to share this with all of you today. It’s a song by Nicole Hyala entitled “Mahal Kita Kasi”. Strongly recommend you watch this! :)

O diba, panalo!? :) )

Lastly, kudos again to Pastor Dennis Sy for such a unforgettable message on Valentines Day.

Posted in Current Events | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Don’t forget your parents on Valentines Day

Posted on February 14, 2010 by Carlo Ople

My fiancee and I celebrated Valentines a bit early. We went to watch the Kris Allen concert last February 6 at the Mckinley Hills Open Grounds. Tonight we’re just going to have dinner out with out parents. I remember back then when I didn’t have a girlfriend I’d give flowers to my mom and sometimes my sisters during Valentines day. The level of appreciation that goes on there is actually something that I never thought about and understood until now.

You can go out with your special someone anytime since you spend more time with him or her compared to anyone else. However most of the time you rarely get quality time anymore with your parents. Sacrifice a little by spending time with your family this Valentines day. Especially since it falls on a Sunday, hehe. :)

Happy hearts day everyjuan! <3

Posted in Current Events | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Of Sexy billboards and insane noontime show performances

Posted on February 13, 2010 by Carlo Ople

There was a news item on TV Patrol yesterday wherein people were complaining about the billboards along EDSA which advertised condoms and lubricants. One of the billboards featured Gwen Garci in a very skimpy outfit and in a suggestive and provocative pose. You know what I don’t understand? People are raising hell over a billboard and yet there are much more powerful suggestive contents being aired on free TV. What’s worse is that these contents don’t show during the night time but during noontime shows wherein a lot of kids actually tune in to watch.

Here’s the news clip of the billboard of Gwen Garci:

You thought that was bad? Then check this recorded video of a dance number by Bangs Garcia live on ASAP (noontime show):

You might be saying to yourself “Sobra ka naman Carlo. Grabe ka naman mag malinis. Okay lang yan.”

‘Eto tanong ko sa’yo kaibigan: Okay lang ba sa’yo na mapanood ‘to ng anak mo na babae?

I don’t know about you, but I find this quite disturbing. People are attributing the rise of HIV cases and AIDS to call centers and the internet but the truth of the matter is that we should attribute it to our growing sexually apathetic culture. We feed content like this on TV, print, radio, and billboards to the youth. What do you expect? They’ll all grow up like saints after?

We need stronger regulations that will stop the proliferation and airing of content like this. This has long term damage because it hits the next generation of leaders – the youth. Our kids are the ones who suffer because of our lack of action.

In 2008, a study came out by the NSO said that there’s an alarm over the rising incidents of teen pregnancies. The people behind the study pointed at the poor programs of the government when it comes to reproductive health. I agree with them to some extent but I also want to drive a point that it’s not just the lack of condoms or knowledge the drives teen pregnancies. It’s also the various content publicly being aired on various forms of media which fuels their hormones and imagination.

Posted in Current Events | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

To the 2010 Presidential Candidates: STOP THE MUDSLINGING!

Posted on February 13, 2010 by Carlo Ople

The 2010 campaign has literally been reduced to name-calling, baseless accusations, and rumor mongering. Instead of presenting their platforms for government and their plans for the country, candidates have resorted to waging a poisoned media war. I used to be an avid fan of politics but now I’m frustrated with the insanely low level of politics that we have in this country. After C5, the Liberal Party started to pedal the rumor that Villar was PGMA’s secret candidate. Then it was followed up by Senator Jamby Madrigal who went as far as insulting the wife of Senator Villar. But wait, there’s more! Not contented with C5, now we have Senator Frank Drilon claiming that Villar converted prime rice lands to subdivisions in Iloilo. Teka… meron pa! Now we have Senator Dick Gordon saying that Villar had a bottox procedure?

Gordon claims that Villar had Bottox Procedure


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

What’s next? I’m sure it’s only a matter of weeks before they point their guns at the rest of Villar’s family – Paolo, Mark, and Camille.

I just feel really frustrated that instead of filling charges in court and settling the cases there, politicians are peddling it to the media. If they really have the evidence then please do the Filipino people a service and file it in court because that’s the only place where we will really find out what’s the truth. Lastly, how can one ride a campaign on integrity, honesty, and Godliness when all they do is spew poison from their mouths?

Here’s my unsolicited advice to Senator Noynoy Aquino’s handlers. The main thing being questioned about your candidate is his competency. You can’t address that by just throwing mountains of issues against your nearest competitor. Maybe Senator Aquino should focus on delivering a strong message on what he can actually do when he becomes President – and not just that “I will not steal” thing. I mean seriously, even the ads that are being run by the Liberal Party take potshots at Villar. It’s just crazy. :(

If you have evidence, file charges. You can even have media cover you going to the courts with the papers. Don’t just stick to media interviews and press releases. Take real action. Because if you don’t it’s just all bark with no bite and like what I said above, that’s a big disservice to the country.

Posted in 2010 Presidential Elections, Manny Villar | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Thoughts on Cheating by a very promising Filipino lawyer

Posted on February 12, 2010 by Carlo Ople

My good friend David Bonifacio shared this article on Facebook this morning and I was really touched and blessed after reading it. During these times when cheating and immorality is the norm, it’s always refreshing and inspiring to hear from people who still stand by their values and principles. This article is written by a law student named Micky Ingles who shares his thoughts on cheating and how it impacts the nation. It’s a simple but powerful piece that will really bring you back to the “real” reality and not the mired and tainted one that we’ve all come to get used to.

Thoughts on Cheating
Yesterday at 11:15pm

Hey guys, this was a letter I sent to a group of friends last night. They suggested I share it via facebook too. So, here it is:

I’m pretty bummed with what happened in school just a couple of hours ago. We had a surprise quiz in our Corporation Law class. The surprise quiz was about a case that was assigned to be recited today. We had to re-tell the case – facts, issue and decision.

As the cruel hand of fate would have it, I wasn’t prepared. I was already called previously to recite on a case, and since the teacher doesn’t do “rounds” (meaning, you’re unlikely to be called again until everyone else has been called to recite), I took the time to study my other subjects (boo to excuses! hehe). So, I did what I could, which was basically nothing – it’s near impossible to try to guess a story. It just sucked becau ase quizzes and recitations make up 50% of one’s final grade, so one can just imagine the stress of seeing a quiz go down the drain (especially if the quizzes happen almost next to never) and the dread of possibly failing the subject.

Anyway, what bothered me even more was the reaction of some people when I told them what happened.

The immediate reaction was, “why didn’t you cheat?” or “dapat you cheated na lang, ang dami namang nagcheat eh.”

Sorry, but, wtf?

Has cheating become such a norm that it has become the first option people turn to when they’re backed to a corner? That people actually forget that cheating should NEVER be an option because it’s a fundamental wrong?

Sadly, yes. And again, wtf?

What ever happened to morals, the use of creativity and imagination in finding a solution, the quiet pride that comes to doing the honest thing, or the humble acceptance that one simply wasn’t prepared?

And to cheat for what? For grades?
Sure, they’re important.
Sure, we all want to do well.
Sure, we’re pressured.
Sure, some can argue that our future lies in numbers in a transcript. I’m admitting all that.

But have grades become THAT important that morals and honesty are sacrificed? Is our self-worth pegged to that? What will keep us honest in the future, when now, we sacrifice honesty for a few points in the QPI? What else will we sacrifice when faced with bigger temptations or more lucrative incentives in the future?

It just sucks because we ARE the future leaders of the country – in the government, our own firms, businesses, corporations, or simply our families. What we do now – everything we do now – affects and reflects how we’re going to be in the future. That’s just how life is, that’s just how humans are – creatures of habit.

If we start compromising our morals and integrity now, then it’ll be easier for us to do so in the future. Hello, public corruption. Hello, private corruption. Hello, cheating on taxes. Hello, cheating on our family. Hello, moral depravity.

Let’s start now what we had to start a long time ago, and which, gladly, some have been doing ever since – let’s not cheat.
Even when it’s hard not to.
Even when it’s the easy way out.
Even when everyone’s doing it.
Even when it seems like the only option.
Because it’s not the only option. (No, it’s not better to cheat than to repeat, despite what people say.)

Let’s do the right thing.
It’s hard, yes, but that’s the pressure we have to deal with. That’s the pressure we have to deal with because basic honesty is what the country needs right now to improve.

And correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t we all want a better country?

Ok, this isn’t a jab at anyone, I just had to get these off my chest.

(Author’s Note: Had a short chat online with Mickey. Asked me to credit this to www.onetama.com)

Bro, once you graduate I’ll be more than willing to help you find clients. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this matter. I personally felt blessed by it. Cheers!

Posted in Random Musings | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Zubiri throws in the towel for Gibo?

Posted on February 12, 2010 by Carlo Ople

LAKAS-KAMPI Senator Miguel Zubiri shares in a recent radio interview that there’s a big chance that the winner in the 2010 Presidential elections will come from the opposition. He goes on to admit that their party’s standard bearer, Gilbert Teodoro, has yet to take off and capture the imagination of the voters. Zubiri hits on the campaign strategy of Gibo and hopes that the people behind the campaign would re-think the way they are packaging the former Defense Secretary.

Here are some snippets of the interview:

“There is really a big possibility that the winner will come from the opposition. I just don’t know if it will come from the Liberal Party (LP) or from the Nacionalista Party (NP),”

“Our candidate (Teodoro) has yet to take off,”

“People want change. That is the effect of nine years (in power). That is understandable,”

Source

This is definitely a big deal. Zubiri is a longstanding member of the administration party. He’s even the Senate Majority Floor Leader. His statements send out a signal that LAKAS-KAMPI members might have lost confidence already for Gibo.

To turn this thing around, Gibo needs to come up with something big. He has to change campaign strategy because the plane thing just won’t cut it. At this point in time if he can market himself phenomenally he’ll have no chance of catching up to Villar and Noynoy. Same advice for the rest of the Presidentiables. Stop doing business-as-usual. You have to do something that will set the hearts and minds of the nation on fire so that they will stop thinking that it’s just a choice between Villar and Noynoy.

Posted in 2010 Presidential Elections, Gibo Teodoro | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

An Apology for Ms. Ara Mina and to my readers

Posted on February 12, 2010 by Carlo Ople

While reflecting this evening I felt really convicted about my previous post about Ara Mina. I still stand by my sentiments that she is not ready to be a public official but what I do feel bad about is how I delivered my message to all of you. This country has so much negativity already and the last thing it needs is another blogger hastily judging and whining about other people. After some thought in the matter, I believe that the writing style in the previous post was very personal and emotional. With all humility let me offer my apologies to Ms. Ara Mina and to all of my readers.

One last piece of advice before I close the book on this one: Service is outward. It should come from somewhere. You can’t give something that you don’t have. My advice to Ms. Ara Mina is that if she really does want a career in public office then she should properly equip herself first with knowledge and experience.

Thanks everyone. I will continue to endeavor to deliver quality and value-adding articles in the coming months ahead. Cheers!

Posted in Ara Mina, Current Events | Tagged , | 4 Comments