GRPundit

One one hand, the use of disparaging or abusive words or phrases to characterize your government (like "faggotry") can be seen to be in extremely bad taste. An equivalent of this would be to characterize the Obama Administration as "niggerish" because of the President's African ancestry and his policies that are favorable to civil rights. But then the word 'faggotry' has increasingly been used more to describe conduct and behaviour (both of which can be changed) and has had less to do with race or sexual orientation (both of which cannot be changed). So comparing it to the hypothetical use of "niggery" to describe Obama's government is really an apples-to-oranges exercise. Nonetheless, it can be argued that the use of a negative term widely used to describe a group; as a pejorative tends to propagate and sustain the climate of abuse that gave rise to the slur to begin with. Perhaps, a more apt comparison would be the word "gay...

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The Philippine government claim to be actively doing something to address climate change concerns but they have not done the following: 1) Jump our fuel standard to Euro 4/5 already and not allow fuel companies to delay this any further beyond 2016. I saw some articles saying Euro 4 fuel standard for 2016 may get pushed back still because the big 3 will not be able to comply completely yet. That should be their problem because that's been in the pipeline and delayed from 2014 to 2016 if I recall correctly. 2) Incentives for installing alternative energy sources for buildings (Be it residence, commercial or industrial). These should be technologies that are VAT free and ideally even excise tax/import tax free because they aim to help the environment in a grand scale if you allow movement to start even in a smaller scale. Even if I buy a small 1kw solar panel, that is still 1kw I am not drawing from the grid during daytime. Just to cite an example. 3) Alternative fueled vehic...

Objectification of women is one of the hall marks of hip-hop culture that has been widely popular for the last 25 years. Many of the athletes and musicians have been embroiled in domestic violence, drugs, assault, and even murder. Young people can't seem to get enough of this garbage. Why? well, young males are very insecure and want to be seen as menacing and powerful to others. I guess that is why thuggery is so popular. ---------------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/ph-society-be-my-bitch-says-they/comment-page-1/#comment-754492

Men and women are really different. They are not "turned on" by the same thing. That's basic psychology. Men are more visual that's why they fall for what they see, while women are more "auditory," so they fall for what they hear. Clearly, in this fashion show (The Naked Truth), Bench was basically appealing to men and not really women. That's just how it is even if people deny it. ------------------ This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/kabadingan-and-kalaswaan-in-philippine-fashion/comment-page-1/#comment-751410

Aegis do not need to advertise not to invest in the Philippines because the Philippine Constitution itself already prohibits foreign investments through 60/40. I've seen the video and I applaud Aegis for having the guts to tell the truth. Malaysians see the huge problems of the Philippines but Filipinos themselves don't want to see these problems. Pinoy Pride is the root of evil. Philippines is a failed state. ----------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/aegis-video-pits-malaysias-infrastructure-versus-the-philippines-in-bid-to-attract-bpo-business/comment-page-2/#comment-748332

We need to speak about poverty, even if majority of our people accepted our real economic and social situation with open arms, false hopes and closed minds. "We are poor, so what?" Poverty paralyzes our abilities to dream, to be ambitious, to have the best things in life, to live fully and to enjoy a beautiful life. Our country is so rich with natural resources, but poor in planning in what to do with the things that we have. We export raw materials, but we import the same raw materials as finished products. We are poor in imagination and creativity. How do we end poverty? Key is access. Access to clean water and electricity. Access to information, innovation, loans to farmers, fisher folks and the many jobless, both urban and rural. Access to more science and math. Access to empowerment of the people by having real jobs, not mere dole outs. Access to quality healthcare. Filipinos must stop embracing poverty and start accepting progressive thinking. We have to; Think....

Within the BPO sector, selling the Philippines to Fortune 500 companies requires a high degree of professional honesty coupled with concrete risk assessment and business-readiness solutions for critical scenarios like infrastructure downtime, security breaches, natural calamities, etc. Most Fortune 200 companies won't outsource unless you've undergone due diligence measures and audits on PCI-DDS, alignment to Sarbanes Oxley 404, and even Dodd Frank. More importantly, Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Plans boost client-investor confidence. That is why JP Morgan Chase, American Express, Wells Fargo, First Data, Western Union, Thomson Reuters — all have their global shared services hubs in the Philippines. Now this is not a walk in the park. The BPO sector lobbies and coordinates intensely with the likes of PLDT to secure "right-of-way" infrastructure and linkages with Sprint and AT&T to enable greater connectivity. This is where we seek government i...

Aegis Ltd, the HQ for Aegis Malaysia issued a clarification and an apology sometime tonight. It came from the Indian management, and that should suffice. The PHL embassy in Malaysia overreacted when this is not a country-to-country issue. This should be taken as a business issue. (Where is Ben Kritz when you need him?) To everyone, I stand by qualifying that the investor video "does connote a degree of sourgraping". I think that phrase places an emotional interpretation for some people, which is a mistake on my part because i could've been clearer. For me, sourgraping is similar to the process of buyer's remorse and like someone pointed out to me today, a kind of cognitive dissonance. A peer was telling me that there is such a thing called the Buyer's Remorse Triangle: effort, responsibility and commitment. Evidently Aegis placed a lot of effort to put up a business in the Philippines, and there is the joint responsibility of the PHL government to ease res...

I agree that there is a great need to work on solutions regarding the points highlighted in the investor marketing video by Aegis. But as an offshore industry insider myself, there is a more nuanced understanding of the background behind Aegis moving to Malaysia before anyone throws in knee jerk reactions on any side of the argument. Note that as of late 2013, Essar Group (the Indian-controlled holding company of Aegis) has been slowly divesting and offloading its shares in order to streamline core investments. Their Aegis US-based markets (which is offshored to the Philippines and Costa Rica) has not been performing well as much of Aegis concentration is within the Indian domestic markets. They lost 200 million in USD revenues in a span of 2 years. What compounds this is that other BPO players catering to the US markets are making more revenue than Aegis. There is also this growing trend of consolidation & buyouts by large BPO players in the Philippines.(Convergys which acquir...

My relatives in the Philippines ask for money every once in a while. One time I got fed up with it because we have our own life here in the US. I work 50 hours a week and go to school full time. I have a niece in Pinas who is going to school but I demanded that she works also. My sister in law who lives here in the US stated that she can't work and go to school at the same time because "its different there". I then told her that it will always be different if you have that type of thinking. I forced my niece to get a job anyway since I'm cutting her school fund. I'm trying to teach her how to be independent and not rely on anyone for herself. ------------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/07/filipinos-need-to-end-their-love-affair-with-mediocrity-and-pwede-na-yan-mentality/comment-page-3/#comment-715653

As the old saying says: "right education begins at home". Based on personal observation on many families (middle and lower class segments) in different parts of the country during my travels, obviously this is not happening. Actually it's in contrast. Perhaps based on this personal observation this is the obvious evidence of prevalent and nauseating corruption, brazen wiliness and deceptive practices in the government. The saddest part of all is that "good manners right conduct" is not even given appropriate emphasis in school to supplement shortfall of virtuous parenting in most middle and lower class families of the country. Having said this, what kind of hope awaits the future of this country? ------------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/08/why-do-filipinos-keep-voting-for-crooks/comment-page-2/#comment-715501

Well, I actually think the flood is an improvement. I'd even go so far and say: Manila should be permanently flooded on purpose! Think of it as a stinkier, uncivilised version of Venice. Traffic problem will be instantly solved.. Squatter problem: solved… it would likely be less noisy, less ugly, more sanitary, and eventually maybe less smelly than Manila has been in the past years. Hopefully millions of people would finally move out of Manila and head back to the provinces, where there is much more space. Since the current poor excuse of an airport, would be underwater, someone would have to finally come up with some alternative solution for an airport. For those remaining in Manila.. they would just have to get a boat. It might actually become a tourist attraction at some point. Residents may even finally decide to build a proper sewage system, as their shit is flowing past their little windows, instead of being pumped into manila bay, as it is today.. For many years ...

After 20 years of working as a professional, i decided to partial teaching at college university just for the love of knowledge. I am very disappointed with today's young generation. I have my conclusions: THE FILIPINO psyche is a very wounded and a very crippled psyche. I am not still so sure if this was due to our history being colonized by Spain. I was a bit disturbed to read somewhere that some colonized people in the past, indeed became progressive today. And so I began to study this aspect carefully from time to time. I also began to decipher what Jose Rizal meant when he said "The Filipino can be great". It seems that statement is loaded with a very deep insight into the true status quo and it's true meaning is still ambivalent. Spain have described us with a word starting with letter "I". And Spain, being advanced and merely subjective on their findings, it is very difficult to counter argue that description.I am afraid to concur, it must be true...

Thousands commuters and motorists remain stranded all over Metro Manila as floodwaters linger and rains continue. The scenes playing out are very familiar, as if it was 2009 all over again when storm Ondoy struck and engulfed Manila in water from her rains. Photo of heavily-flooded Araneta Avenue @ 1210H today courtesy @HowieSeverino https://twitter.com/Howieseverino/status/512815964195278848

Flooding all over Metro Manila, paralyzing the Philippines' premier city and many parts of Luzon has proven that not much has changed since supertyphoon Ondoy devastated the city on 2009. As fast as the floods came flowing through the hinterlands' denuded mountains, the waters are now as draining at a snail's pace at best and at worst lingering and stagnating likely due to clogged drains, fouled up waterways and heavily silted rivers. Photo of flooding along Sumulong Highway courtesy @PIA_NCR https://twitter.com/PIA_NCR/status/512821500777222144

Rains from Typhoons Mario dump 268mm on Metro Manila after just 12 hrs compared to storm Ondoy in 2009 which dumped 400mm in 24 hours. (per PAGASA report) Photo of steet in Sampaloc c.1000h today courtesy @sheeguin https://twitter.com/sheeguin/status/512779809634545664

Flooding disaster imminent. As at 1000H today Interaksyon La Mesa Dan will hit overflow levels within 1-2 hrs threatening areas around it including West Fairview and possibly Quezon City. http://www.interaksyon.com/article/95696/la-mesa-dam-could-reach-spilling-level-in-1-2-hours-evacuation-along-tullahan-pushed Photo of La Mesa Dam overflowing as monsoon rains batter Luzon in 2013 courtesy PhilStar. http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/08/22/1119451/dams-remain-critical-la-mesa-magat-ipo-overflowing

Marikina City has issued a "forced evacuation" (Alert Level 4) advisory to residents as Marikina River levels have reached critical levels threatening to engulf the city in potentially life-threatening floods. Advisory via @MarikinaPIO Twitter account @ 0752H today https://twitter.com/MarikinaPIO/status/512751248613724160 Photo of flooded SM Bacoor in 2012 as a result of southwest monsoon rains that hit the country on that year courtesy IamKaicee http://iamkaicee.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/this-too-shall-pass/

Heavy rains induced by tropical storm 'Mario' are bearing down on Metro Manila and Luzon. Streets are already flooding, and though the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is frantically sending out up-to-the-minute advisory on which areas are flooded and what streets are impassable, the exericise is all moot anyway. School and work both in the public and private sector have been suspended. So those trapped in the floods are simply doomed to wait it out. As of this writing, there are reports that major rivers, tributaries, and waterways in Metro Manila and across Luzon are in danger of overflowing and mass evacuations have been ordered. In Albay the coinciding of the storm with the eruption of Mayon Volcano is putting surrounding areas at risk of landslides. Photo shows part of Quezon Circle flooded as at 0958H today courtesy Johnson Manabat https://twitter.com/johnsonmanabat/status/512752571253927936

What is needed is a special law suspending procurement laws for the purpose of renting generators and buying oil and maintenance for such generators; as well as a request for supplemental budget for such purpose. Safety measures to prevent supplier price fixing, collusion and transferring costs to consumers, should be indicated in the special law. Budget should come from the presidential special purpose funds i.e., need tap the Malampaya funds. The legislative branch should strike down any request for emergency powers as regular powers are available to the president and the energy secretary were they competent enough to handle the issue. If not, they should step aside and let more competent technocrats do it. -------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/the-philippines-power-crisis-and-noynoy-aquinos-lame-bid-for-emergency-powers/comment-page-1/#comment-709690

Have activists campaigning against the Torre de Manila condominium being constructed by DMCI near the Rizal Monument ruined their own cause by circulating allegedly photoshopped propaganda photos? Have a look and tell us what you think!

Normally, people getting butthurt over the most trivial stuff annoys the heck out of me, but this time, people have a REASON to be mad. First off, Jamvhille ASKED for donations from their fans because of his lung cancer and yet, when the fans heard that he's getting an iPhone 6, they got mad. They have a good reason to be. Imagine, me asking people for money, only to spend it on something unimportant. So, Jam can't afford his chemotherapy medications but has NO problem whatsoever with buying a new iPhone 6? It was a slap on the face. Honestly, if I were in Jam's position, I would REWARD those whoever donated money to me. This shows how Filipinos beg for money and spend it on the most ridiculous stuff. An iPhone is fucking expensive. Why the fuck would he need it for? I'm not a Jamich hater nor a fan, because I don't pay attention to them but get a grip. If I donated money to him and he didn't spend it on his chemotherapy, then I'll be pissed too. People ...

Our problems stem more than mere forms of governance or corruption. It goes to our very fabric in culture, society and morals. For one, people here don't think about the future or the past. Philosophical ideas and intellectualism are shunned in favor of fickle trends. Concepts like democracy and religion are stripped off of deeper meaning and converting it into something we all know you see everyday in the Philippines – use political and religious movements as an excuse to build networks and establish nepotism. Filipinos also have a knack for praising street smarts (called 'diskarte' in our country) rather than creative intelligence. Not saying there's anything wrong with street smarts but when you fail to see the bigger picture and base your culture and life around it all the time whatever the cost and no matter how destructive it is, then you as a group of people failed. We are also tribalistic and clannish. We have not gone over that yet as a nation. We see t...

The problem is politicians here are simply corrupt and shameless. Add the invalids who remain in their seat without contributing anything good in the society. They completed the Philippine government and as long as that's the case, Philippine elections won't result to the kind of leadership of whom this country would benefit. We don't have that sagacious and intense leader to choose from. Even if some of them do think, they forego the action. They are experienced and intelligent people I'm sure but here, politics is a business enterprise, the election is but a charade. There's already a scarcity of aggressive leaders whose brilliance comes first before their personal intentions and stupidity that when a politician does something right or good for a change it came as a surprise. Funny how we can't stop hoping that people will learn from all the do's and don'ts. I also think that one of the most necessary thing by now is for good leaders to step up a...

Robin Padilla is one of the very few Pinoys that has patriotism in their blood. But even the most active, optimistic and intelligent citizen will opt for better places. Problem with Pinas, is that it condones, tolerates, and duplicates those that make society intolerable (bribes, plunder, theft, blackmail, GGG and chismis to name a few)! We have characteristics that make us capable of making our country strong and resilient. If we can only get rid of that "Crab Mentality" and "24/7 Survival Mode", we all will be able to see and anticipate future problems and act accordingly, or better yet, act correctly and consciencously! Easier said than done YES, but, IT CAN BE DONE !!!!! ------------------------ This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/robin-padilla-sickened-by-the-philippines-may-leave-for-good/comment-page-1/#comment-699603

After seeing the entirety of this mess of a country from every conceivable angle, it is no secret and an unavoidable conclusion that the entire country is one GIGANTIC corrupted mess. A shit hole mess that is run by an organized crime syndicate that is backed up by an ill-paid/ill-trained corrupted police force that has to run scams on people and even kidnap citizens for ransom just to earn a living wage. The Police are backed by a paltry military that has to depend on donations from foreign governments. That said it is no wonder that the entire country is a mess. Aquino himself has enemies, that can hardly be debated and when people lash out at the guy for attacking his enemies they seem to forget that HIS FATHER WAS MURDERED by a political rival. Aquino was injured in a coup that tried to murder and therefore remove his Mother from office.Aquino HAS ENEMIES. What would anyone else do? Given these facts alone, it can be truthfully said that Aquino has shown restraint in not stri...

Following in the foot steps of the South Korean government the Chinese government has advised its national not to visit the Philippines. "In view of the worsening security situation in the Philippines, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently reminded Chinese citizens not to go to the Philippines." The Department of Tourism said 2015 will be Visit the Philippines Year. No fun getting robbed, extorted, kidnapped, tortured, murdered in the Philippines. -------------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/gripped-by-a-mounting-crime-wave-filipinos-increasingly-fearful-for-their-safety/comment-page-1/#comment-698543

Everytime i go to work and see the long stretch of vehicles along edsa not moving, and the queue to ride the train on Qave stretches up to a kilometer or more, I regret being born here. Despite the taxes and all the burdens ordinary citizens carry day by day, it seems that we have to think of crime as a usual or a normal thing in our lives. How fucked can we be that the criminals are the police and the officials themselves? Given the chance and resources, ill probably live somewhere else. -------------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/gripped-by-a-mounting-crime-wave-filipinos-increasingly-fearful-for-their-safety/comment-page-1/#comment-698523

State within a State. In essence, the Philippine Government is conceding to the Moslem rebels. To end the struggle, the government surrendered its power, territory and supreme will to the Islamic separatists. The Philippines loses Mindanao. This is a glaring violation of our constitution. The government is creating a new state. Look, it will be like this; A sovereign Bangsamoro people under an Islamic government in their own land, vast parts of Mindanao and would be recognized by the OIC. Peace must be drawn by blood and not by a coward, cunning traitors. If the government believes Bangsamoro Basic Law will bring peace to Southern Philippines, then they are commiting blunder. This is going to be the start of a bigger war. Bloodier war. -------------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/philippines-mulls-creation-of-islamic-state-in-its-backyard-as-us-prepares-to-bomb-isis/comment-page-1/#comment-698003

Why is it that even if the people are complaining left and right, crying about their suffering, and yet people are not revolting? Is the suffering of the people enough to compel them to revolt? The Filipinos cry about social abuses. Slow justice system. Massive corruption in government. Inept public service. High unemployment. Alarming peace and order situation. High prices of commodities, services and public utilities. Worst traffic jam. And the list goes on. In short, the Filipinos are indeed suffering. But, even if the people are having a hard time, this would not be enough to compel us to revolt. Suffering alone will not make us rebel against the government. So, why is it that we are not revolting? Filipinos lack the COURAGE and DESIRE to CHANGE. To be in better state we are in right now. We are hungry and angry but still LAZY. --------------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/gripped-by-a-mounting-...

The Philippines looks awfully like 1788 France, you have the monarchy (government) and clergy enjoying rights that no-one else has while the rest suffer from shortages, external threats and lack of safety. Something that was an issue in 1788 France. Now why am I bringing this up? It's because after awhile, the people had enough and the French Revolution happened. The aristocracy got the guillotine. While I know that Filipinos in general will turn the other cheek and happily take the abuse, I wonder what will set off the powder keg of resentment that has been building up for years… -------------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/gripped-by-a-mounting-crime-wave-filipinos-increasingly-fearful-for-their-safety/comment-page-1/#comment-696798

PNP, Friend or Foe? Hoodlums in uniform is now an understatement when we talked about law enforcers doing crimes. It is more like a state sponsored terrorists. Imagine, the state trains, issues weapons and pays these cops to protect and maintain peace and order, but do the opposite. Bad cops do criminal activities. Name it, rob, kidnap, carjack, extort, torture, rape, sell drugs, and murder. And worse, they act as a team. An organized unit aim to harm helpless victims- rich or poor, local or foreigner. Money-hungry policemen inflicting pain in the society. Are we still safe in our homes, workplaces and streets? How do we know if cops are good or bad? This is a moral crisis. Would you call a cop for help if another cop robs you? Or worse, the whole police station is involved. Where do we go then? -------------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/gripped-by-a-mounting-crime-wave-filipinos-increasingly-fear...

From the taxi-cab drivers when the foreigner steps out of the NAIA Terminal# 1, to the Bureau of Immigration booth on the way out of the country (at the very same NAIA Terminal # 1) AND everywhere in between: THE FOREIGNER is looked at as a walking talking ATM/TARGET -to-be-robbed/cheated and scammed. It is a sickening experience and one that is difficult to deal with.Travelling with a loaded revolver and an attack dog was how it had to be dealt with. It was sooo bad that I could not purchase anything without being cheated (the dealer I bought a motor-cycle from paid someone to steal it back, and I caught the little puke and beat him to a pulp!) and my partner had to buy everything we purchased.Finally it was too much to bear and I left, and it is doubtful I will ever return.BUT IF I do, I will get my dog, my revolver and continue to PROTECT MYSELF AT ALL TIMES ! It's a VERY debatable price to pay just to live on a tropical beach (Eu550- USD $725- GBP 525/month rent). Ultimat...

I Have a Dream! I would like to see elected as president a man of the people and for the people. A man of wisdom, of letters and of greatness. Yet humble enough to admit his mistakes and shortcomings. A man of action who will act with justice, equity and who will unite the country towards the road to greatness. A man who will fight for what is right and never for what is wrong! A man for all seasons who will not be afraid to stand for what is right in defending the country, the people and the Constitution! An honest man who will set all the correct examples to be emulated by the people! A man for the rule of law, Republicanism, due process and the Supreme Court! A statesman who can deal with problems and have solutions that refer to the state of the nation! And finally a man who believes in God and the Sovereign Filipino People! ------------------ This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/who-the-next-president-of-the-phil...

Gaining voter's attention & support by appealing to people's love of a sob story (Death or Sickness) is a clear sign of an AMPAW Republic. Instead of showcasing his/her vision, experience, capabilities & qualifications to LEAD (PRESIDENT or in any Public Office). 1. Running for public office after a recent personal or family tragedy- a death is enough to trigger sympathy vote. Example: PAST a. Ninoy Aquino's Death catapulted his wife Cory to Presidency, b. Cory Aquino's death catapulted her son Noynoy to Presidency. c. Jesse Robredo's death catapulted his wife Leni Robredo congressional seat in Camarines Sur, d. Fernando Poe Jr.'s Death catapulted his adapted daughter Grace Poe to gain most votes for Senator. FUTURE a. Either/both Ramon Revilla and/or Joseph Estrada death may catapult either/both Bong Revilla and/or Jinggoy Estrada to Presidency/Vice President. 2. Sympathy publicity such premature campaigning gain from : a. allege...

If you're in the Philippines, look around you. Hell, if there is better candidate for a real-life Soddom and Gomorrah, this country would be it. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. I know countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America in worse states than the Phils. but you're not going to see Burmese, Congolese, Afghans, Haitians, Somalians etc. chest-thumping with pride for their country. They have no pretensions about the wretched state of their country. That at least I can respect. But Filipinos? They pretend like they're the greatest people and country on Earth. ------------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/dedication-to-basketball-does-not-translate-to-wins/comment-page-1/#comment-692304

If None in the current List of Politicians are clean (TRAPO-dirty/corrupt) or cannot be trusted and none seems to be competent (sharp), young or in good health. Because of the rampant/blatant corruption and obvious incompetence (dumb/stupid) of our politicians today – NOBODY should be our choice in Voter Ballots Vote NOBODY for President 2016 Don't Just Vote for NOBODY. Get out there and ACTIVELY CAMPAIGN for a Nobody (non-politician) who you think can LEAD us Toward a Better & Safer Future. If majority of our people voted for NOBODY or "None of the Above" rather than, "the lesser of evils," it might force a situation where Voters would have to find someone competent to lead them. To prevent Voters Apathy (lack of caring)-We need Active Participation of ALL in our Democratic System to show our disapproval officially in Ballots. Instead of people NOT registering to VOTE or boycott (50%) resulting a MINORITY winner (President). NOBODY is represen...

I suggest we remove COMELEC and all its PCOS machine and equipment. Replace it with vote through text since Filipinos are fond of it anyway and that the resources for these are available. Prior to the election day a voter can register his phone number with his TIN (tax identification number). This will make sure that a voter can only vote once. To further assure that no anomalies can occur, a third party, non partisan body, probably from other countries should oversee the election proceedings. This is more efficient and convenient as we do not need to have a non working day, and save lots of resources which are otherwise wasted in going to and from the precincts, etc. There should be no fiesta campaigning. Just post the resumes of the candidates in standard format on billboards on major thoroughfares and media as approved only. Include with this the candidates net worth at the time of campaigning including all assets and liabilities. Let us level the playing field. No sloganeerin...

Engineers tend to have a different approach to solving problems. It's a more 'grounded' approach to solving problems so to speak. Lawyers tend to have a 'legalistic' approach. Compare former MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando's (engineer) stint to the current chairman Francis Tolentino's (lawyer). Also, almost all the top government officials of China are scientists and engineers. Their government's authoritarianism aside, their style of leadership tends to be more pragmatic. Imagine if in a democracy, scientists and engineers are running government instead of lawyers or career politicians. ----------------- This is a GRP Featured Comment. Join the discussion! http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2014/09/why-metro-manilas-horrific-traffic-will-never-be-solved/comment-page-1/#comment-691450

For one, you have to limit the number of buses plying the major roads at any one time. Determine the mos efficient of buses for a specific route. The best way is to have bus schedules along every stop. Also, provide alternative bus routes, not only along the major thoroughfares but also through other less busy roads. Re-educate (real lessons) all drivers, public and private. Re-exam (real examinations) afterwards. Those who cannot pass, no driver's license, even if it means loss of livelihood. Remove the jeepney and tricycles at least on major arteries. For short routes, encourage biking (bike lanes) or just walk – note no motors, that means no underbones. Better general health, too. Implement more visual presence of traffic policemen, note – real policemen. Implement real speed limits and traffic cameras. Fine all violators heavily, including jaywalkers, street vendors and others who are contributing to traffic jams. Sounds simple? If we remove the reasons and justif...

To Gilas fans I respect very much your support and enthusiasm on the win and efforts of Gilas. But "Pwede na yan attitude" (this will do) is a clear sign of FILIPINO MEDIOCRITY – being happy & contented with a none bearing win instead of winning all 4. It also makes Filipinos stupid/dumb because there is really Nothing to be proud of – win or loose Senegal not Gilas will qualify in the next round of FIBA. "Pwede na yan! (That will do!) – This kind of thinking makes us content with mediocrity. Whenever we say pwede na yan, we're saying I'm ok with so-so products & services, I'm ok with low quality or mediocre output. We all deserve better than that from ourselves & from others. " Remember If we expect only the best from ourselves & from others, it will vastly improve the quality of every aspect of our lives. https://denganda.wordpress.com/tag/pwede-na-yan/ Gilas clearly could have won all 4 games & enter the next round. It ...

I do agree that it is a bit disturbing seeing how most Filipinos try to claim the glory and achievement of their fellow Filipino. Sure, personally, I don't think that there is anything wrong in taking pride and joy on our fellow kababayan's achievement to a certain point. But to ask for respect and recognition for something that they didn't do is another. Could it be that most of us just can't simply see how much discipline, sacrifice and dedication it took for the likes of Pacquiao, Lea Salonga etc. We are misled to believe that they got to where they are right now simply because they were gifted and, hence, easier for them. I've seen some of their documentaries and usually, it all starts with their humble beginnings without the emphasis of how much failures they had to endure before they got to where they are right now. Fair enough, we were lead to believe that it can be done, and it ca be. They just forgot to remind us how it should be done. It is commendab...

I think being all emotional when Filipinos are made into the butt of all jokes is a sign of insecurity. When Justin Bieber made the Manny Pacquiao KO photoshop, we made him persona non grata. Isn't that overreacting? As if Manny is the first fighter to get photoshopped like that. Go to Boxing or UFC forums you'll see countless fighters made fun of and photoshopped in ridiculous manners. Yet, we Filipinos took great slight in such a harmless joke. Filipinos really can't take a joke. That really shows our insecurity as a nation. Yet, we always joke how smelly Indians are or how horrible the English of Chinese people are etc… Filipino pride is just a defense mechanism for our shame. Pride doesn't translate to confidence. And, what we truly need is not "Filipino Pride". We need humility. We need humility so we can accept our own faults. We need humility so we will not make dumb excuses on our failures. We need humility so we as a people could stand-up and ...