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Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Children in a bus hostaged

Will idealism kill?

Armando "Jun" Ducat Jr., owner of a day-care center and entrepeneur, hostaged 26 kids and 4 tutors in a bus during a field trip [read the full story]. A magical mystery tour as he packed his UZI, a 45- caliber pistol, and a grenade. What's ironic was that the hostages didn't seem to fear Armando. His neighbors supported his cause and even held a short protest rally. What's the demand?
"Ducat had demanded support for the education of at least 145 school children of the Musmos Daycare and improved housing for them and their families."
A pathetic cause for a hostage undertaking. However, in a third world country such as the Philippines, attaining a "higher education" is a privilege. Some might percieve Armando's actions to be worthy. But come to think of it, most Filipinos, graduates or undergraduates alike, resort working abroad due to low employment options, but that's another story. He requested Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla (in the hero costume in the picture), whom he has close ties with to listen to him and act as the negotiator. Hmmm. Just like a movie.
After 10 hours or drama. It was finally over. Ducat was apprehended and possibly be sentenced for life imprisonment.

Armando's Famous last words:
"...if they were educated they would have discipline and would not become drug addicts.”
“I am appealing to you to give me a chance to speak. You are witnesses to the political dynasties, the rampant stealing in government. Because of this, our dream of progress for the country will not be realized,”
“Aren’t we ashamed of ourselves? We are a country who believes in God and yet we are ungodly in our actions,”
“President Arroyo is fighting corruption, we should unite with her!”

I need not expound on similar things Armando did in the past. What I'd like to point out is this: education is truly a primary problem in this country and let's find better ways to address this issue.

I have an idea! Why not ask Oprah Winfrey for help? She seems to be generous enough to the needy? Why not a public library on a third world country such as ours? Where knowledge would just be a step away? Will this summoning reach her or fall on deaf ears? What do you think?

I sorrow...

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posted by Mon Paningbatan at 5:14 PM, | 0 comments | Digg!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Ma Mon Luk this time

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES- I had a chance to eat again at one of my fave restos in the city, Ma Mon Luk Restaurant. Their remaining brach is at Banawe, Quezon Avenue. And I can't help but reminisce on my childhood.

Before the boom of the fastfood industry, our family used to dine frequently at Ma Mon Luk Restaurant after shopping at Cubao (which was the in place during the 80's) . I could still see myself sitting on the high chair anticipating for my siopao and enjoying the aroma of the place. While the waiters and bus boys swiftly pass by the aisles to accomodate more diners. How large are the glasses I thought they were but its the other way around. I got small hands that's what it is. When I came back there during my teens, they are still the same people who served me when I was younger. Probably the owner has a good heart for his people to stick with him.

Countless times have Ma Mon Luk been featured by the media. In their walls you'd find ancient articles about the restaurant. Their noodles and dumplings have the same ol' taste as when I was a kid. At the other side of the table I saw a family which reminded me of the times when we dined in Ma Mon Luk together. Man how quickly do they eat! I savored each sip I took from the soup. Each bite of the siopao is so tasty. Moneys worth in this place. Hey don't I deserve a free meal for this blog?

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posted by Mon Paningbatan at 8:18 PM, | 2 comments | Digg!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Women. How many ways I love thee...

It's now International Womens Day and what's better way to celebrate than throwing few tidbits.
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As of this writing, TV-host Kris Aquino, is in the hospital due to reasons I don't care about. Happily married to James Yap(professional basketball player) they flooded the boob-tube with countless endorsements, the streets with humongous billboards among a few. The irony is with the TV ad wherein she proudly claims, she's got nothing to ask for in her life. After a few days, at her televised birthday celebration, she gives her husband a cold shoulder. Rumors of infidelity by her husband. And so we witness the new form of sarswela.
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On August 31, 1920, Marie Ruoff Byrum was the first woman to cast a vote in Missouri.
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Newsbreak online editor Gemma Bagauaya was arrested after a subpoena was filed against her and five other colleagues. A 10 million libel suit filedby senatorial candidate, Luis "Chavit" Singson, due to her article The power of Singson outside Vigan. Bail is set at ten thousand pesos, or $200 but the warden was not around so she had no choice but to spend the night in jail. What's funny about that? Well, a Nokia phone was used to take her mugshots! WTF. Beat that.
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Finally, I call to a stop to any violence especially to women. Or more Lorena Bobbit-likes will arise. Viva Gabriela!


 
posted by Mon Paningbatan at 4:30 PM, | 0 comments | Digg!