Vargas Files 20 Counts of Cyber Libel

It disheartens and extremely bothers me to see kids suffer because of bullying. I've gone through the same in elementary and high school, and even though I've turned out okay, it is still not right for situations like these to be treated as a norm. I remember not telling my parents about it because I felt it was going to be an additional burden for them to go through that. It's already 2026, and certainly, it SHOULD STOP.

A few weeks ago, the Vargas family chose to stand up for their child and file a case formally. With various efforts beforehand, they've exerted and exhausted various ways to have this settled, but it has not stopped. A few days ago, they released this statement:

The message is clear, they do not want "bullying" to proliferate in the community. They wanted to do this silently, and never wanted confrontation to begin with. They also reiterated their call to choose kindness, to put a stop on hurting people with defamatory words especially online. They thank those who sent their support as they admit they wouldn't be able to do this alone. They also added that they want this to go through the process, with evidence, and believe the truth will come out, and justice be served. 

They filed 20 counts of cyber libel, to protect not just her husband, the kid, but their whole name and family. This certainly is a hard thing to see in public, but I see they are doing this for their boy, and standing behind him is all worth it.

Ask yourself, what would you do if you were in their shoes?

Ready to Charge at MPBL: The QUEZON CITY BLACK BULLS!

I've seen and heard about the Quezon City Black Bulls at the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League because of the support of Cong. Arjo Atayde (and how proud he is of them in past games). He's not the owner as we met the real one Mr. John Christopher Tan, but he thanked Arjo for his stern support even during pre season games.

With Coach JayV Olea, they led the Quezon City Black Bulls with players Rey Publico, Clark Derige, Patrick Buena, Jake Agoncilio, Kenz Diokno, Kobe Monje, Ryan Costelo, Aeron Bagunu, Aldave Canoy, MJ Joson, Charles Dela Cruz, Jay Gadon, Joe Joven, Kai Espinosa, Bryan Rosalin, Joeben Loria, JR Lastra, Jaydee Del Rosario, Gab Salazar, Joshua Roque and Jeff Morillo. Mind you, some of them have joined the team recently because of the open try outs they held last March. Most of them are from Gardner College and a few are individually chosen because of their experience and talent on the hard court. They also played in the D1 League versus a few teams and did outstanding work with a 4-4 win loss slate. 

They're pretty much ready for what's about to happen during the MPLB regular season. Team owner John Tan and Coach JayV Olea are optimistic that they're going to perform well because they are taking the upcoming games seriously. First one in fact is with Caloocan which did good last season, so even in Holy Week they had to go back and practice early.

Here's what happened at the media conference: 

The testosterone level and height was so high during this event, but I see how much fire they have in their eyes because they're coming in as the new guys, nothing to prove, but just do their best once the games begin. 

Support them by following their FB page and the MPBL league at their games around the Philippines. Games are free to watch so go ahead and fill the gyms to the brim. Stand behind our very own Quezon City Black Bulls as they try their best in getting that Championship crown! 

Verde Creatives Gives Back to Payatas

February was certainly a lovely month especially for the folks from Verde Creatives. They're a public relations and creative agency who's always had a knack in combining what they could do for PR and combine it with social advocacy. I've had the pleasure of working with them in several occasions, and I could see the passion burning every time they go out for campaigns, including how they care for the media too. 

This time it's different, as they took off their gloves for work and changed into plain clothed angels together with partners at community organization Munting Hiling, all for the people of Payatas in Quezon City. 

For those who don't know, Payatas was previously a dumpsite for Metro Manila and nearby cities. For years, it has been converted into communities, but still have some who are poverty stricken. Armed with their gusto to bring LOVE, JOY and SUPPORT, Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling held an event called "Verde Gives Back for Feb-Ibig" last February 13th at Payatas B Elementary School. Taking cues from their theme "All Kinds of Love!", they prepared gift bags, ice cream and more treats for folks at the venue. They also taught the concepts of universal love, family, romantic love, having dignity and inclusivity for everyone and several groups. This "Verde Gives Back" activity is just one of the many things that Ms. Bemz Benedito (their Founding Managing Director) used to do back in college, and still continues to this day. Her immersions were done in the same area, with the same people from Munting Hiling.

For them, this is now their CSR activity, which all started from that old academic requirement. She reiterates this kind of love to reach everyone, no matter what social or economical level they're in, especially those who are often overlooked. Ms. Bemz Benedito has been the previous chair for Ladlad Partylist and still continues to support LGBTQIA+ organizations til now. 

 

She also received the Global Transgender Hero award from the True Colors Fund which 80's icon Cyndi Lauper co-founded. She plans to do this service with Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling for the poorest of the poorest sector. She hopes these gestures would create more opportunities for the townsfolk, and have them gain access to help with health, social programs, food security, love, equality and more.

This certainly has helped a lot, but seeing how their efforts continue and include more sustainable ways is like teaching them to fish. It's a good thing. You are doing awesome work Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling!