con't... (message board 86)

Name:   Mano Olin
Address:   Brgy. Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Email:
Date:   22 April 2009

To All OFW's and Samarnews Readers,

Ever since I started sending messages in this column, I have always made it a point that I will write topics with a purpose. So when I chanced upon the commentaries of HK columnist Chip Tsao assailing us as a ‘A Nation of Servants’, my initial re-action was of anger because I know that this slander will be brought to the open and to the knowledge of our overseas Filipino workers who regularly log on for news bulletins thru the internet about the Philippines. And this is also a natural tendency for all our fellow waray-warays scattered all over the globe to come across to this grubby subject thru our very own Samarnews. Perhaps this is the second next thing for them to do after they have made their first cup of coffee in the morning, and while this may not be so for others, our workers who are invariably employed by this type of job would eventually know that the kind of work and where they come from has just been the subject of Mr. Tsao’s insensible commentaries.

As I said earlier, my initial re-action was to give vent to what I feel is utterly not correct. I sent my first message regarding this issue in Samarnews column “Lets Talk Samar” for one reason. Comments and articles you write in this column comes out straight-away unlike in the Message Board where it takes a while for your write-up to come out. My sense of urgency was to let everyone who may already have come across Mr. Tsao’s comments and who regularly reads Samarnews to know that we don’t accept his demeaning smear. And I believe that Filipinos and more particularly our OFW’s, does not deserve to be maligned IN ANY MANNER AT ANY POINT IN TIME AND TO THE WHOLE WORLD no matter how poor or dumb we are.

What Mr.Tsao did can be compared to a person who had the misfortune to be seated next to another man reeking in body odor and alcohol in a crowded public transport and announced to everyone that the other guy is ‘IN THE NOSE” This is exactly what Mr. Tsao did to me, to every OFW, and to every Filipino living, dead and those that yet to be born... “A NATION OF SERVANTS”

POST SCRIPT

It akon palihug ha iyo nga mga aada ha gawas (abroad) ay pani-ngabot gud kita hin nga pag-tamay ha aton. Pag-antos la anay bisan naghihig-rayo kita hin nga aton mga kalugari-ngon nga pamilya. Himusa la anay at pag-tirok kita bisan guru-gugti hin nga aton mga ‘binal-hasan, katima hin may daru-dako na kita nga puhunan pag sumige kita hin pagbutang hin puhunan into ‘cooperative concept’ of business where people like you can be business entrepreneurs with one management unit that will oversee the entire conduct and operation of the enterprise. And when the time comes that we have thrived in our business then we can extend loans to overseas… but not to Mr. Tsao.

Name:   Sankay
Address:    Tacloban City
Email:
Date:   April 22, 2009

Anyone who writes an issue over to this forum must also include methods of solution. Many media practitioners and even public officials and their aides read over this forum. Most industrialized countries almost always employ research companies and or voting poll to see if such solution to an issue is acceptable. It is required here to give your best shot because an issue without solution is like eating without washing the dishes.

The issue about domestic house helpers in our country should be started first with awareness. Awareness can be started with imposing tax for any family who hires domestic helper. Because the service is taxable, both party, the family and the helper need to sign a contractual agreement. Examples are days off, break time period, pay, food, and many more issues.

While my suggestion is only my own idea and not of Bayan Muna issue, this is actually how decision in government is done like soliciting solution, hearing arguments, conducting civilized debate, and sometimes public hearing. An open debate almost produce a better solution because small details come out and are ironed out before spending billions of dollars like the issue of the junk now scrapped Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

Imagine if the BNPP was cancelled earlier just for example, and we now have almost 5 billion dollars to spend as a result of not building the nuclear plant, this amount of money, P250 billion would have been enough to stimulate our economy. Even the AFP would be able to buy fighter jets and ships and tanks. My point is about the government indecision and out of control corruption that we do not see the end of sight.

I had hope at one time when Bayan Muna was taking off. I had attended meetings that were being held in the open; there were promises of change and accountability of actions in government. The Filipinos will participate in the decision making process making every government action transparent. All my hope went down after the AFP included Bayan Muna in its war plan.

Name:   Taga Salug
Address:   Catbalogan, Philippines
Email:
Date:   April 21, 2009

For Sangkay of Tacloban (or Taclobanon)

I have a very strong feeling that Taclobanon and Sangkay from Tacloban are one and the same person. There was a change of names but the "theme" and style of writing are the same. Just like the Communist Party of the Philippines, it has many names and fronts to deceive the people but with one evil goal - bring about chaos in the land, topple the democratic government and rule.

Actually I have a mixed feeling for Taclobanon or Sangkay of Tacloban. But setting aside feelings, all I can say is that Taclobanon or Sangkay of Tacloban has willingly chose to be ignorant regarding her knowledge of the Bayan Muna Party and the Communist Party movements in the Philippines. I know you knew...don't a fool out of us. You are just wasting your time if you are trying to have some converts here. Just go to places where you guys always go where people are gullible and vulnerable to your lies and false promises. Sorry, I am tired of reading your rhetorics and stereotyping.

Name:   Antonio Morales
Address:   Catbalogan
Email:
Date:   April 19, 2009

Of domestic helpers and our responsibility as a nation...

When the spaniards came to claim the Philippines as a disposable property for the kingdom of Spain, they found out that we have our own system of slavery going on. You most likely would recall from your history classes that there were two kinds of slaves: aliping namamahay and aliping sagigilid. The former being in-house household helpers and the latter being helpers but have some kind of freedom like not being required to "stay-in" the house of their master. The funny thing is because of this set-up, it was easy to enslave the entire nation because we are already used to slavery in the first place. When the spaniards gave a little privileges to the principalias or the slave masters, the archipelago was easily conquered.

400 years later, the same set-up continues to exist in the Philippines. The only difference is that they have the right to transfer to another master whether they are "stay-in" or "stay-out" househelps. But, generally the economic conditions have not at all changed.

Helpers or maids have significantly contributed to the life of every family who were able to afford their services. Former Congressman Jack Ponce-Enrile authored a law that would set-up minimum wage for household helpers. Although the law is wanting in teeth and needs some revisions to include some provisions that would limit hours of work as well increase the minimum wage, it was a big step forward. Most people, especially those who were able to enjoy the luxury and privilege of having househelpers, do not recognize how we all have been unfair to our household helpers.

Chip Tsao, a HK based columnist, wrote a satire demeaning the filipino domestic helpers. I think that the statement issued by the Philippine consulate in HK was excellent and the usual reactions of filipinos are understandable. Our pride as a nation, how little it may seem these days, have been pulverized by such an unfair generalization. However, we must recognize the fact that we could never demand respect from the world when we don't deserve it.

Case in point is that in the Philippines we do not have a magna carta for househelpers protecting their rights against the abuses of their masters. In the Philippines, we do not promote a minimum living wage requirements so our helpers and maids can have opportunities to also alleviate their lives from poverty. In the Philippines, we are so adamant in chastising other countries that do not respect the rights of children yet we do not have a minimim age requirements for children working as househelpers. When we allow children at the early age of 8 to work as househelpers then we are actually enslaving the future of that child forever. On TVs and movies, we allow the discrimination and unfair generalizations of maids as stupids and having visayan accents. To me, ABS-CBN and GMA cannot claim to be kapamilya and kapuso when they do not uplift the critical role a househelper holds to the existence of a filipino family. It saddens me to see househelpers taking care of children not their own when their own children are not properly been taken cared of. It saddens me that helpers only eat after their masters have eaten. It saddens me that we allow abuses perpetrated by masters against their helpers go unnoticed and unpunished while household helpers are easily imprisoned for petty crimes whether true or merely a retaliatory act of the master for the servant's decision to abandon him.

To me, we cannot correct Chip Tsao when we ourselves cannot show to him how we fairly treat our househelpers. In the same manner that we lost our moral authority to chastise the Somali pirates when we cannot stop the pillage of the Abu Sayyaf in our own backyards. At least in Somalia, I have never heard of a hostage being beheaded or decapitated but not in our own southern Philippines. We cannot rally against racial discrimination when we allow ourselves to openly accept the discrimination, in public or private fora, our own indigenous cultural minorities like the aetas, the mangyans, the igorots, the ifugaos, the lumads of Mindanao, even our muslim brothers and sisters in the south.

We have a long way to go to show Chip Tsao that we deserve respect. It even bothers me more that foreigners treat us better than our own kababayans. Ask those filipinos who were victimized by some unscrupulous filipino illegal recruiters taking advantage of their own vulnerabilities.

To me Chip Tsao is merely a cheap chow. I agree that we should be angry but we need to learn from his commentary and make it a stepping stone for greater things rather than view it as a stumbling block for us to look seriously whether we are still indeed a nation of slaves or we can now say with pride that we deserve better because we treat our household workers as a kapamilya or as a kapuso. Incidentally, Sun Tzu, a forefather of Chip Tsao but definitely more refined and learned once said in his ancient book The Art of War: "If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will fight without danger in battles. If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose. If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself."

So, my friends our enemy is not Chip Tsao, it is our failure to get out of poverty and injustice that's crucial. Chip Tsao is only saying what is obvious, our responsibility is to how to kill poverty, injustice, graft and corruption, and our lack of nationalism. When we kill those enemies, Chip Tsao will have nothing to say except to praise us for our accomplishments. When we bring back our domestic helpers in HK, Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan back to our shores and provide them decent work, then he can't antagonize us anymore. When our president really works hard to generate jobs here at home rather than go to the Middle East begging from the oil barons for more jobs to float our economy then we will get back our respect.

Name:   Sankay
Address:   Tacloban City
Email:
Date:   April 18, 2009

To Sankay Tony Morales

Two points Sankay, first, Bayan Muna is an open democratic political organization, meaning its members elect their own leaders inside the Bayan Muna party. Saturn Ocampo is not Bayan Muna but he is merely one of its elected leaders.

The decision making inside the Bayan Muna party is held in a democratic process. Bayan Muna upholds and respects the Philippine Constitution.

If Bayan Muna is allowed to grow freely as guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution under the freedom of speech and assembly, and for the same benefits afforded to the dominant Lakas and Kampi political parties, then Bayan Muna will have the power and capacity to tame the Filipino rebellion across the country; this is guaranteed.

Bayan Muna is not NPA or NDF, and it is an alternative political party for the hopeless Filipinos who suffered under the rule of same for many years. Without change, our lives will always be stuck in the mud.

On my second point, the Filipinos across the country should be commended and appreciated for living up to the promise of freedom and democracy by allowing talented Filipinos to work up to their fullest potentials like Satur Ocampo and many others who guided Filipinos alternative ways against the old mainstream . I believe their efforts will not stay in vain but will bring peace to our country.

The American rebel general, General Lee was granted full pardon by then President Lincoln after the devastating American Revolution. General Lee changed his heart and told his men to go back and help rebuild America. I wish to see our rebel Filipinos granted the same full pardon so that they may tell their men to go back and help rebuild the Philippines.

Name:   A. Morales
Address:   Catbalogan
Email:
Date:   16 Apr 2009

Bayan Muna: Not a Communist-leaning party?

It saddens me that Sankay, an ardent supporter of Bayan Muna, is not aware of the ideologies and the character of his own party. Bayan Muna is represented in congress by Satur Ocampo, co-founder of the National Democratic Front, and Teddy Casino, KMU and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan leader. Satur, in fact, went underground during the Marcos and Aquino years. In fairness to Satur, he should be commended for fighting with his people unlike his boss Joma Sison who is enjoying his exile in the Netherlands. In fact, Joma Sison lustfully danced with Ara Mina during a filipino gathering in Utrecht while his comrades in the hinterlands of Matuguinao and Silvino Lobos are hungry and have turned into banditry to support the movement.

To say that Bayan Muna is not a communist organization is to say that Boy Abunda is not gay. Come on, Sankay, please check your sources and you will find out that Bayan Muna is as communist as it can be. Generally, I do not have any issues against communist organizations though it is just that I cannot appreciate the seeming inconsistencies between what they espouse as a group and what they are doing. In fact, I am happy that Bayan Muna has joined the mainstream democratic process instead of waging their wars in the countryside using guns. But, what I cannot understand is why Satur can be vocal against extra-judicial killings of alleged communist sympathizers by Palparan's men when he kept mum on the killings of his former communist comrades like Arturo Tabarra, Romulo Kintanar, Popoy Lagman, and Hector Mabilangan, among others. Bayan Muna usually assail the effectiveness of Philippine courts but do not question the propriety of the kangaroo courts run by communists. To me, integrity is important – very important.

Name:   Luis S. Antivo
Address:   Tacloban
Email:
Date:   April 15, 2009

Sangkay taga Tacloban:

Ako may experience hin dri maupay nga binuhatan hini nga Bayan nga asosasyon. Biktima ako han ira extortion activities. Maupay gad unta kn an ira tanan nga gn bubuhat nakakabulig ha katawhan. An makuri labot han extortion nira apektado tanan, an amon negosyo, familya (waray na peace of mind) dara han ira pan hadlok. An usa ko nga anak nagkamay ada na hin nervous break down waray na maka padayon han pag skwela. Daku nga maraot nga apekto an nahimo nira ha akon pamilya. Asya ba ini an ira mga katinuyu-anan han ira organisa?

Unta kn kaupayan an ira katoyo-anan diri gad hira mag sugad hito kay tanan nga ira membro na lalambing han ira maraot nga binuhatan.

Sanglit baga waray gud kita natatapuran ma left or right. Imbis nga BAYAN MUNA.... SARILI MUNA an nahingangadtu-an.

Name:   Glen Balongkit
Address:   Pabanog, Paranas, Samar
Email:   glen_bakitlong23@yahoo.com
Date:   April 13 2009

Maupay na may ada hine na website, yana maaram na ako 8 nahinanabo dida ha Samar… pauswagon ta pa ine na website para mag damu pa iton mag hahatag hit ma balita ha iba-iba nga parte ha Samar ngan Leyte…ahmmm…iupod ta nala 8 biliran, hehehe joke la an mga taga Biliran huh…peace SAMAR NEWS!! more power and good luck!!!!

Name:   Mano Olin
Address:   Brgy. Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Email:
Date:   12 April 2009

Mana Columba and Chip Tsao

She was barely out of her teens, (she actually celebrated her 20th birthday on board one of Don Sulpicio’s inter-island sea vessels bound for Manila from Tacloban with my mother and another woman named Mana Dayday) frail, demure and soft-spoken, she was forced by necessity (and by a quirk of luck as she was picked and was chosen from among five other young women who had desired to find work in the city) to leave her family of parents and 4 other siblings to earn money to augment the family income and thus support the education of her younger sisters.

What struck me most when she was introduced to me by my mother was her dark complexion made more pronounced because of her white teeth when she smiled to me. It did not take so much of an effort for her to win my trust and friendship few days after her arrival when she gave me a handful of sea shells for me to keep and play. She readily volunteered to take me to school but without attempting of carrying my school bag like what other parents or househelp does to children of my age. It was after several times of her taking me to school when she said that I should not rely on somebody’s help to carry my school bag.

Every morning at dawn she would wake me up, and while she was busy cooking the family’s breakfast in our outdoor firewood kitchen, and with me in front of this smoldering fire that serves as my reading light, she taught me how to read my first English book. Mana Columba had only reached third year in high school but her grasp and ability to teach me were at ‘par’ if not superior from those private tutors that my classmates have. My classmates’ tutors would even travel and accompany their ‘wards’ right inside our classroom carrying their school things) while in my case Mana Columba would leave me as soon as I was safely inside the school gate.

Among the few traits that she wanted to develop in my character was for me to trust myself and rely on my own and keep my resolve no matter how overwhelming the odds are. She used to quipped to me, “to always think that I am alone and no one else will help me except myself “ But one thing she wants me to do and continue doing when I grow up, is to help people whenever, but within my means and reach.

She however, did not stay long with us as would have been expected when in one of our ‘dawn open fire reading lessons’, a huge ember shot up so high that scared us both so much. It was late in the afternoon of that same day when we received a telegram from Samar that Mana Columba’s father passed away the previous night. There were tearful goodbyes to everyone but most of all between me and her as there has not been a single day since she came to join the household that I don’t need her around. Her presence was enough for me to do things (school work, putting my socks on, etc.) on my own though as I said earlier that she had made it a standing rule for me to be as independent as I can possibly do to myself. She became an older sister by ‘default’ to me and this was exactly the kind of relationship that had made us very close to each other. She hugged and kissed me on the day she has to leave us to go home to her hometown in Napara-an. I remember clearly how she held firmly my little arms and looking straight to my eyes while trying to hold back her tears, she said in unsteady and cracking voice, “remember what I have told you, don’t ever give up on things that you have strong gut feeling that you can do it, always give your best shot in whatever you do and always give a good fight for whatever you aspire because in so doing you build strength in your character”. I was too young then to fully understand her words but all the reminders and life lessons that I learned from her were in my head.

These words have become the cornerstones of my personality and character and how I have lived my life. Mana Columba’s wisdom has left a deep impression that I still carry with me until this time. But one thing that stays and will remain for the rest of my life is my profound respect for people like her.

Now, to deal with what Mr. Chip Tsao has caused to the very fiber of sensitivity of every househelp who through no fault of their own except to improve their lives and find employment outside the country have been maligned by Mr. Tsao. It is revolting and utterly unfair and should deserve condemnation from all of us with this sweeping ethnic slur so demeaning that, as if we are a country of ‘morons’ when he labelled us as a ‘nation of servants’. Mr. Tsao should see for himself our cities with high-rise impressive buildings that only a nation of servants can make. And I wished he should have met in person Mana Columba, as she might even beat him in his English grammar.

In my own opinion the sooner we forget this issue the better for us as a race. But to let or allow these words of Mr. Tsao linger in the minds of those who are in the government would be better, as this malicious slander to us may continually goad the national leadership to aspire and aim high towards a prosperous country. Let these insensitivity, arrogance and irresponsible write-up of Mr. Tsao serve as a ‘dare’ or a 'challenge' to all of us so we can re-align our present economic objectives and priorities in the creation of job opportunities for everyone. And to that point when it would be no longer attractive for us to work overseas and away from Mr. Tsao’s caustic remarks.

So be it.

POST SCRIPT

After her father’s burial and weeks after her arrival from Manila, Mana Columba was waylaid by one of her ardent suitors and was forced to marry the man. She bore eight (8) children after which we learned that she died. I have not had a chance to find where she is buried. This is one of my life rues, that I should have done something significant to her and her family when she was still around. I felt now that I have been inadequate not to what she would have wanted me to be, but on those times when she needs people like me for support. This I regret most. I am hopeful that one day I will visit her and light candles and place flowers on her grave.

Name:   Sankay
Address:   Tacloban City
Email:
Date:   April 11, 2009

To Sankay Tony Morales

A political party like Bayan Muna that avails accountability and responsibility to the law and to the Filipino people including Samarnons is absolutely not a communist party. Apparently you are misinformed and you should get familiar with Bayan Muna’s organizational bylaws, organizational purpose, and organizational leadership.

Like any start up business, Bayan Muna is advertising to get as many customers across the country. In the process, Bayan Muna is facing an uphill battle from the wrath of the dominant political parties and even including yourself for falsely asserting again about miscommenting communistic ideology of Bayan Muna which is not.

Bayan Muna’s membership roster is open for your scrutiny, in the same manner that it is open to the government authorities. Nothing is secret, nothing is hidden, and nothing is lie about Bayan Muna’s plans to help the Filipinos.

In America, the best action the Americans did for then Barrack Obama was to give him the time and space to present his case how he can help the American people. Americans believed him and eventually voted him to become the President of the U.S. In the same manner, the best action that you can do Mr. Tony Morales is to give the Bayan Muna the time and space to present its case how Bayan Muna can help the Filipinos.

Filipinos have already elected members of the Bayan Muna to the Philippine congress and I am impressed with their performance exemplifying good character and integrity as public officials. I wish to have more of them in the Philippine Congress and eventually for the office of President of the Philippines.

With regards to your comment about how we Filipinos dress up, I myself dress up cheaply. I have a Levis like trousers but it is locally tailored. My lifestyle is cheap, and I buy cheap items to support myself and my family whether they are imported or local.

Name:   Bukoy
Address:   Matuguinao
Email:
Date:   11 Apr 09

Para kan Mr. Tony Morales

Sir nasiring pa gud ako nga mabatun ka hadto nga comment ha imo, waray gud ako mag sayup. Sir kadamo han naigo. Ipasigi la an imo pag surat dinhi kay asya ito an nakakarisyo dinhi hini nga message board.

MABUHAY HI ANTONIO MORALES!!!!!!!!! kunta ikaw nala an kandidato pag ka governor.

Name:   Antonio Morales
Address:   Catbalogan
Email:
Date:   April 8, 2009

To Sankay of Tacloban City and his fantasies of Bayan Muna:

The first thing that we should do in order to lift ourselves from the darkness of misery and want is to know ourselves. Knowing thy self is important says the sages of old from Chilon of Sparta, to Heraclitus, to Pythagoras, to Socrates, to Solon of Athens, to Thales of Miletus, to Phenomenoe of Greece, to Juvenal of Rome, to Ralph Waldo Emerson, and to Alexander Pope. Introspection is important. Jesus of Nazareth did that in the wilderness to ascertain his father's will. Gandhi did that through cleansing power of his fasting and prayers.

The problem with your assertion Sankay is that we blame everybody for our misery except ourselves. While I agree to some extent that we should blame the politicos, the US-Gloria Admin, other people, we should also be humble and truthful enough to accept responsibility that we are partly to be blamed for our own misery. The reason why Gloria is still in Malacanang is not because we like her but because of our collective apathy as a nation. The reason why Mila is still in Himyangan and the kapitolyo is not that we adore her but our collective sin of omission. For Bayan Muna, a pawn of the communist movement of the country, to do a great service to the people of Samar is to denounce the corrupt practices of the politicos in Samar and spearhead a campaign to remove Mila and her corrupt cohorts from power. Bayan Muna, however, is also a recipient of Mila's largesse I think because she is one who pays a handsome tribute to the communist movement in terms of paying campaign and revolutionary taxes. You never cut the source of honey. Anybody who is able to pay those taxes levied upon by the NPAs are okay even if that politico is corrupt. The most important thing for the communist movement is the money not the people who suffer under a corrupt and graft-ridden regime. In fact, the Bayan Muna representatives in congress are also recipients of the pork barrels enjoyed by every member of congress. They themselves did not denounce it because they are enjoying it. When there is inconsistency of the message and the messenger, I simply cannot stomach the shenanigan they are trying to present as a new way of doing things. The congressional expenses of Cong. Mikey Arroyo are as high as that of Cong. Satur Ocampo. When that happens, I find no difference in having Iggy Arroyo (aka Jose Pidal) in congress and having Teddy Casino. No difference, except that they talk differently but sad to say that do and enjoy the same privileges savored by every croc in congress.

To tell you the truth, membership to Bayan Muna is not the solution of our problems in Samar. The membership to Bayan Muna will only allow a chosen few elites in the leadership of Bayan Muna to enjoy the privileges of a congressional office in Batasan Hills through the party-list system in our country. The Bayan Muna membership of the few in Samar will only allow some cadres of the communist movement to live in style while in exile in Utrecht, Netherlands while the poor, marginalized and hungry NPA fighters are left in the neverlands of Samar. When Joma Sison talks about fighting a revolutionary war, he should come home and fight it out with his comrades in arms in the hillside of Samar and in the jungles of the Sierra Madre not in his comfy study in Utrecht. I cannot stand those grandoise statements issued from abroad denouncing the extra-judicial killings allegedly perpetrated by the butcher Gen. Palparan but at the same time issuing the liquidation of dissidents like Lagman, Kintanar, and Tabarra. When your left hand and your right hand do not agree, you lose your integrity.

Left-leaning or right-leaning ideologues do not necessarily uplift a nation, they only uplift the ideologies they represent. They do not necessarily uplift the people, only their party interests. No particular ideology, I must emphasize, will solve all our miseries. We should learn the good things that each ideology espouses but reject anything that tries to devour our human rights and basic freedoms as a people. We should not solely surrender our thinking and our freedom to the propagation of one closely-guarded ideology. China, Cuba, and North Korea are communist states. Can you Sankay live under the auspices of those regimes? When human rights are subdued by communist tenets, then there's something wrong with those kinds of regimes. Even capitalism must not be embraced totally because it has its own pitfalls like the current global economic meltdown caused by too much greed at Wall Street forgetting the plight of the common man in the Main Street.

Sankay, do an introspection. What's the brand of your jeans? Levi's? Lee's? Armani? What's the brand of your toothpaste? Colgate? What's the brand of your computer? Mac/Apple? Toshiba? What's the brand of your soap? Dove? What I am trying to emphasize here when I asked those silly questions is for you to realize that you can never deliver a message when you as the messenger cannot be a message by yourself. What did I mean about that? When you espouse communism but enjoys the fruits of capitalism then there is something wrong with you as the messenger and the message you are trying to preach.

Bayan Muna will never uplift the sorry state of Samarenyos. The fall of a capitalist-leaning government and the rise of a communist-leaning government will not at all help our nation to have food on our tables, roofs over our heads, clothes to cover our bodies, and more importantly guarantee our freedoms. What we will be ushering in are just new tyrants eager to enjoy the privileges of the principalities/ruling class they hated and defeated.

I hate to say this but I refuse to be counted simply as a mere number. I want that parties start let real people count and not use them as springboards to achieve their myopic and self-serving interests.

Can Bayan Muna live up to what its name truly stand for?

While I know some friends who are ardent nationalists and who believe that Bayan Muna is the only real political party in the country that espouses their beliefs, I just find some compelling reasons not to align my self with them. We continue to enjoy our friendship because they know that I am an idealist who cannot be simply convinced by a well-written platform of governance but also whether there is a connection between the written words and the actions of the party's leadership.

Name:   Ray
Address:   San Bartolome, Catbalogan, Samar
Email:   rayquim2006@yahoo.com
Date:   April 7, 2009

This is in consonance to the recently concluded EVRAA Meet in Tacloban City. I have been surfing the net if there are news about the results of the games but to no avail. I was so depressed knowingly that there are no individuals who are interested in covering the said events. Even in Tacloban who happens to be the center of information and commerce in region eight still no signs whatsoever. However, they are interested more on broadcasting negative issues and concerns especially in politics, criticizing both camps.

Can we have a short break for awhile, and instead enjoy what our athletes performs in the games. I happened also to browse the website of the DepEd region eight, but, only to find the schedule of the activities of the EVRAA meet up to now, the same thing with the PIA. Can Samarnews.com provide us the information so we know how our athletes in Samar and Catbalogan City division performs in EVRAA Sports Fest. I would like to see Samar and Catbalogan athletes perform well in the future not only here in this part of our country but also in the national events. I heard Catbalogan City athletes perform well in table tennis but i want to know the details. I will appreciate it much if someone here can provide us information. More power to Samarnews.com.

Name:   Andre
Address:   San Bartolome St., Catbalogan, Samar
Email:
Date:   4-7-09

Lugian pa an Boracay hine nga balay ha Blanca, usa la an karuyag sidngon hiton, iya an BLANCA AURORA FALLS. Ambot kon maaram hine an mga tuminungnong han BLANCA, pagkiwa kam pabulig kamo han mga civil rights.

Name:   Marcial Lo
Address:   Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
Email:   mmlv73@mail.com
Date:   April 6, 2009

Agi ine nga akon tuna nga natawhan!!! Notorious na ine aton nasud nga usa ha pinakakurakot nga pan gobyernohan. Aadi na liwat hin usa nga maraot nga pagkasikat... An Newsweek magazine nagpagawas han listahan han "GREEDIEST PEOPLE OF ALL TIME".... http://www.newsweek.com/id/190715 an ikawalo (NO. 8 0F THE 12 GREEDIEST) dida han listahan…an aton paborito nga waraynon, an auntie han mayor han Tacloban, the other half of the CONJUGAL DICTATORSHIP, MATRIARCH of the MARCOS-ROMUALDEZ families... IMELDA ROMUALDEZ MARCOS... NUMBER 8 GREEDIEST PERSON OF ALL TIME...BOW… MADAM...

Name:   Regina M. Arsenio
Address:   Katahimikan St., Karangalan Village, Cainta, Rizal
Email:   reina,arsenio@yahoo.Com
Date:   April 5, 2009

Kumusta na an mga taga SAMARNON, I heard dako na daw an ginbaguhan han lugar. Maiha na gudman ako na waray na makakauli ngada. Kmusta na dawla an akon mga ka bacth han 1990 ha SRSF kon nakakahinumdom pa han ira mga ka bacth nga missing in action na.ako ngani biski usa nga alumni wa pa me maka attend, siguro enjoyable!!!! ambot ngani kon nakikilala ko pa hira tungod han kaiha na nga waray igkirigta ha iyo.

Kon hino man an makabasa hini siguro naman magpapasabot kon ano an balita the celebration han alumni homecming. Unta magpahibaro!!!!!!! Goodluck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Name:   Nancy Padilla Conjurado
Address:   Mercedes Catbalogan Samar
Email:
Date:   April 4, 09

Para ha mga taga Catbaloganon,

Usa liwat ako nga taga Catbalogan, di gad ura ura nga ka importante ini nga akon message, pero an gutiay nga butang nga naasi ako han usa nga website, international pa,salit karuyag ko i share ha iyo ini nga usa nga higayun, para ha mga taga Catbalogan.

Pag may time kamo please log on at www.flixwagon.com bilnga niyo nancyangel it's me...(; I'm on 9th of top 10 broadcasters @ flixwagon.com Sarita is the first pinay top broadcaster at flix.and i can't believe i'm ganna be next filipina top broadcaster too. Proud to be a pilipino! and i'm proud waray! international??? Yeahh

PS – Bag-ohon ta an malain nga kangaranan han Catbalogan Samar, kiwa kita tanan para han maupay nga kangaranan han Catbalogan Samar....salamat!

Name:   Basaynon
Address:   Samar, Philippines
Email:   www.basaynon.ning.com
Date:   04-03-09

Hi! We would like to welcome you to GLOBAL BASAYNON - www.basaynon.ning.com

It is a place to catch up with old friends and make new friends, a place to interact with other people around the world. Have fun browsing the site and enjoy what this site has to offer.

You could change your Profile Theme and your Profile Photo. Feel free to upload your own Photos, your music, your Videos, and even share your thoughts by writing a Blog. We also have some games and movie links that might help you kill time. You could also join Groups that you want to belong with.

We are constantly searching for ways to improve your experience here, so you can expect to see new features popping up regularly.

So why not Invite your family and friends and watch your network grow and to let them enjoy what this site can offer.

Name:   Regina M. Arsenio
Address:   Blk.107 Lot 14 Gate - 1 Katahimikan St., Karangalan Village, Cainta, Rizal
Email:   reina,arsenio@yahoo.Com
Date:   04-03-09

Hello there!!! Batch 1990 of Samar Regional School of Fisheries, Catbalogan W. samar. I hope everybody can still remember, its a longer time we dont have any information especially during the celebration of our alumni homecoming. I've never been experienced that said event, becuase nobodys informed us. For "GODSWILL" I hope someday can I join, thanks to this Samar News.com. I think one of our Batch can read this. Hi!! to all my classmates in fourth year- section B. I heard some of you had already success in life, and of course already have their own family. Once again, Hi! to Mariafe Bueno Cabujat.

Hello! also to my classmates in Samar College, namely: Ma.Marta Abenales, Cristina Totanes, Ma. Jasmin Camelon, Alma Abogado and others. I miss u all!!!

Name:   Luis L. Metri
Address:   Katahimikan St., Karangalan Village, Cainta, Rizal
Email:   metriluis@yahoo.com
Date:   April 3, 2009

Kmusta na an BATCH '89 ha Samar National School, Labi na an grupo han D' JEPLERS!!!! Erwin Unay (Sto. Nino), Ronald Roberto (Canlapwas), Elberto (jimbert) Labay (Camaruboan) ngan an amon mga muse na hira Elena Cassilano (Tumalistis, Ubanon), Analyn Yanto Bulan (San Isidro, Daram), Gina Abergas (Canlapwas), Nelly Berdin (Brgy. Guindapunan) Mabasa ngani nyo ini nga akon message, alayon na la pagreply o pagtawag ha akon.

Damo nga slamat sir Rey ha emo guin himo nga WEBSITE para han mga magkakilala bisan man harayo an kada usa, nagkakamay ada gui hapon komunikasyon!!!!!!

Name:  One Way Bike Club
Address:   Tacloban
Email:   onewaybike@yahoo.com
Date:  04-02-09

Tour Ni Figer 09

This is the tentative schedule of TOUR NI FIGER 09 Gandara, Samar.

July 21, 2009 AM - ITT
PM - TTT (the teams will be selected evenly as per ITT results)

July 22, 2009 AM - Road Circuit Race
PM - MTB Race; Post Tour Awarding; Post Race Food Feast

This is an Open Race and special awards will be given to the best Mid-ager (45yo and above), Best Young Rider (16 yo and below) etc. Registration Fee. 75 pesos

For details Check out cebucycling.com (http://www.cebucycling.com/index.php?topic=5399.0) or e-mail Al Figer figer27nj@aol.com

Name:   Maria Theresa Teruel
Address:   Sullivan way, Melville, Western Australia
Email:   ssetiram68@yahoo.com.au
Date:   April 2, 2009

TO ALL SNS BATCH 1984

Please be reminded that we are the honoree this year and we will be hosting the General Alumni Homecoming in 2010. We need your cooperation to be able to come up with a successful hosting. Please email me ssetiram68@yahoo.com.au  Any help will be very much appreciated.

Name:   Alfred Lim
Address:   207 P. Gomez St., Tacloban City, Leyte
Email:   onewaybike@yahoo.com
Date:   4-01-09

Fun Ride, Time Trial and Mountain Bike race

Join the Annual SOS Children's Village Tacloban Fun Ride, Time Trial and Mountain Bike Race on May 9 & 16, 2009.

Fun Ride - May 9, 2009 Start 6 AM

MTB Race Open Individual and Open Team (3 members) May 16, 2009. Start 7AM
Prizes: Open MTB Ind. 1-2-3 (1k-700p-500p);
Open MTB Team 1-2-3 (3k-2k-1k)

MTB Race route: Start/Finish Shell Station Basey town proper to Dolongan via Maharlika Highway and back to Basey taking Basey old road

Time Trial Race (Open Individual Time Trial and Open Team Time Trial [3 Member]) set on May. 16, 2009. Start- 1PM

ITT/TTT route SJ rotunda-Dolungan-SJ rotunda.

Prizes Open ITT 1-2-3 (1k-700p-500p);
Open TTT 1-2-3 (3K-2K-1K)

Registration Fee:
Fun Ride - Php 250 (Jersey and meals ).
Time Trial and MTB Race: Team - Fun Ride registration/member (compulsory to join fun ride)
Php 250+ 300P/team;
Indvidual - Fun Ride registration (compulsory to join Fun Ride) Php 250 + 100P

Registration forms are available at LBS, Good Health Water Station
Real St cor Veteranos Tacloban City and SOS Children's Village Tacloban City.
(For Amateur cyclist only; Past/Present Proffessional cyclists not allowed.)

Submit registration forms and payment to SOS Children's Village Tacloban City on or before May 8, 2009

Name:   Ricky
Email:   trexpelunker@yahoo.com
Date:   04-01-09

Guys, Holyweek is becoming nearer, someone in this page emailed me last week where to backpack this year, this is my late reply, need to post it here since i forgot (deleted) his email, and i knew he will be reading this here.

This HolyWeek, check this out. This is some sort of mixing up your vacation into camping, adventure, island hopping, caving and praying

I will be joining the annual trek of Bantayog mountaineers from Baybay Leyte. Though, I am from Samar, I was always been invited to join them. Their trip now, on their 31st anniversary, is to climb the Mt. Hanginan Camping Area in Maasin City, Leyte, few meters below that camping site is an pilgrimage church that worth trekking the high grounds. Once you reach the top, a panoramic view will greet you. A day after, there will be a trek to the famous Cagnitoan Cave for some caving activities (but wait, I forgot to tell you there will also be a caving activity in the first day - into a small church built inside the cave, so not actually hard caving). On the 3rd day, a beacheneering or island hopping filled with fun and laughters will follow. The activity will start on April 9 and will end four days after. The GOOD NEWS is NO REG FEES will be collected, just be sure you bring all your stuffs like transpo fare and food provisions.

The complete IT will be seen at www.pinoycaver.blogspot.com