Meet PERCI VILAR CENDANA | Your Working CongressMader of AKBAYAN

While the rest of the folks are in the bleachers watching, Akbayan took to the streets and the halls of congress to make sure check and balance exists even if all the odds were against them in recent years. Meet CongressMader Perci Vilar Cendana, second nominee and stalwart of your rights, matters on labor, the less privileged, youth, women, LGBT and various sectors.

He's not new in the movement. Hailed as the first openly gay university student council Chairperson in UP Diliman (at a time where homophobia was still happening), he fought tooth and nail with individuals that resorted to personal attacks, and faced real pressing discrimination in his early college years. Together with UP Babaylan (the country's first LGBT student organization), they eventually opened minds, avenues and spark change in the campus, and the rest followed suit. He feels in congress, he's doing the same bringing in the agenda that would benefit the needs of ordinary citizens. 

He says "My political life has always revolved around Anakbayan, I became part of it after college by working in civil society groups, an NGO like the Freedom from Debt Coalition (involves matters on economic issues), and fell in love with the work that Akbayan is doing. I was involved with them since they 90's til now. I then became the Chief of Staff for Senator Risa Hontiveros whom I already knew when she was in congress, and planned to run for Senate in 2010 (as Campaign Manager), 2013, then she won in 2016. I was then appointed for the National Youth Commission during PNOY's term. While working for the government was far from my mind, it was a time for reform, and I felt it was a good time to work for the country." 

He adds "I was part of group who organized pride marches, the one in 1996, over 100+ people who marched in the contingent in Manila. Last year, hundreds of thousands now march in the occasion. Akbayan is for equality, til today, it baffles me that security of tenure is still being discussed. The culture of ENDO/contractualization should never be done. We also do the same for women, LGBT, anyone who needs social services. Citizens should never be asking for it, it is but a right. Universal Health Care should be supported by all of us."

NYC was the same venue where he started the campaign about "Teen Pregnancy", working on the Reproductive Health Law. He also started with various efforts on HIV, and still on the SOGIE Equality Bill. He is now the 2nd Nominee for the Akbayan Partylist, bringing his experience to the House of Congress over 2 decades of experience in public service. He's quite aware that he's got big shoes to fill since several Akbayan representatives like Eta Rosales, Risa Hontiveros, and more have done quite well during their stint in the congress. Today, CongressMader Perci is pushing for the KIAN Bill. This is to keep innocent young kids from getting victimized further. He also will try to enable laws against mining, the nationwide availability of the right to care card (a version of which is already done in Quezon City), plus the most controversial one yet, a bill for "Mindful Parking" which penalizes those who will bodily reserve parking slots; which as of recent has enraged the public. 

Here's more of our discussion on video:

Together with Atty. Chel Diokno (1st Nominee), Dadah Kiram Ismula (3rd Nominee) and Akbayan Youth Chair Justine Balane (4th nominee), CongressMader Perci Vilar Cendana (2nd Nominee) and the Akbayan Partylist is committed increase effort and reforms against political dynasties, improve + hold rights for ordinary Filipinos, and continue to push for apt labor laws in the congress. They will also be participating in Quad hearings to hold folks accountable specifically EJK's in previous years. They will also help with regards to the rights of Moro women in various indigenous and marginalized communities, to work as a force who understands their struggles and the youth.

CongressMader Perci not only presents an option, but a person who's got a track record of work accomplished. Akbayan's not done with the causes they've so passionately worked on these past few years. Here's to more legislation work that is felt by ordinary folks, ones that deserve the help they could provide. It was a pleasure to get to know you!

Merck Set to Release Fertility Count Scorecard at ASPIRE Congress

Population has always been at an all time high in the Philippines, and what better place to launch this new initiative by Merck: a Fertility Count Scorecard. It's also the best time to happen because it was all laid out during the ASPIRE Congress.

The matter has affected everything socially and economically but this counts as something that would encourage policy makers to incentivize those who choose to pro create and build communities especially in emerging economies like ours.  

Albeit having a slight reduction in birth rates compared to the past decade, they attribute this dip to fertility preferences and the various programs in population control.

Merck has noted this (our country) as a key market compared to those that are in the Asia Pacific Region. We should realize that the key should be making it sustainable, one that would not inhibit growth and development. Our choices will greatly impact what we need as a society, because as much as we don't admit it, a lot of the developed countries are having problems in workforce and declining birth rates.  

For those who don't know, the ASPIRE congress is a place to exchange information especially for those who have a say in decisions that affect a population. This also includes how to provide healthcare and plans on having a manageable birth rate at the end of the day. They also plan to have discussions about it in the event especially for local attendees and regional ones. We are after all, family friendly, and creating a society would be enabling us to implement great policies, and not just lip service.

For Merck to release this Fertility Count Scorecard, it would be quite valuable in a global perspective especially for business leaders or those who plan ahead. The methodology is also a bit more scientific, backed by data, which hopefully would get implemented well. So if you want to know more, just check out the data they have at fertilitycounts.com.

Congressman SAM VERZOSA Promises More Inspiring Stories on Season 3 of "Dear SV" at CNN Philippines

 

I've been looking forward to see Congressman Sam Verzosa who represents the indigents, of those residing in urban locations, the youth and the elderly through the party list "Tutok To Win". He's starting the third season of his public affairs show "Dear SV" shown on CNN Philippines during his birth month, and is quite excited about the plans they have for future episodes.

The show plans to put the young Congressman in immersions, to live with the actual people they plan to help. To give you an idea, they meet people from all walks of life. The goal is, to feature their inspiring stories on why they continue to make a living despite life's challenges. Cong SV says "If the old, the kids work hard doing these things, I'm sure the most able bodied ones would be inspired to do the same and help others."

Here's part of our little chat that afternoon

He treats all these as blessings and shares "My family keeps me grounded, they keep me focused on my goals, my advocacies and purpose. I have a lot on my plate, I am just lucky to have been able to do a lot of these because I believe God put me here. He gave me opportunities to be able to share these to the world, and help others,to also change lives. I am happy to see that people are also doing the same after seeing the show. From our company alone, I've seen them on the road, going out there and helping too. I want to do this for the rest of my life. I'm just maximizing what I can do for my community and also make changes in laws, I have a duty to make a movement because I know my purpose."

When asked about his stint at "Tutok To Win" a few years ago, he says "Kuya Wil actually trained me, he asked me to sit with him during one show, that's where I learned and practiced at home. Everyday is an experience, you can feel what they feel when you are there. I get to see their happiness, their sadness, hosting my own show had me ask people about their struggles and get to know them."

 

About his motivation, he adds "I am happy about what I'm doing, aside from doing business, I help people, I get to change lives, I've been given a platform to be able to be heard even with a wider audience. I'll try doing this to change not just communities, but bigger ones and the country. As for now, I'll do this because I found my purpose, in life you always ask that question, there are tons of people that have more work ethic and because I have the capacity to help, I'll do it."

If you want to learn more about the causes he supports and foundations he's helping, make sure to watch "Dear SV" startiing Saturday night of September, at 7:30PM. This will also be replayed on CNN Philippines the next day so make sure you catch it!

I'd like to take this bit to thank Congressman Sam Verzosa (who also Co-chairs Poverty Alleviation) for being so nice earlier. He gamely answered questions even after the presser, to say the least, it was refreshing to talk to someone albeit super successful but still remained so grounded. Again, thank you!

The GCash Story Told at MWC in Barcelona

GCash took the spotlight at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Spain as they talked about "New Behavior for a New Reality". Telling the story of the e-wallet giant was Ms. Martha Sazon the President and CEO of GCash. Together with her was Tjodolf Sommestad the President of King (of Candy Crush came) and Lauren Kunze the CEO of Iconiq (Pandorabots and AI), whilst the session was moderated by Ralph Simon the Founder and CEO of Mobilium.

Rowie Zamora the CSO of GCash says "This is groundbreaking for the company. Martha will tell the GCash story, what happened during and after the pandemic. This is a story about our people, and bringing the whole Fintech and PH in the global stage. It's a story of hope for our kababayans through our work at GCash and our goal of financial freedom for all."

Ms. Martha says "The Philippines was challenged when the pandemic closed down businesses, left people jobless, and financial exclusion happened in the country. Investments, insurance, are not accessible. Our vision is finance for all, it leads to economic progress and freedom. We built the largest digital ecosystem with local and international business partners. Now it's used for payments, lending, insurance, and powers a dream. We became a part of people's lives, and even made it describe a transaction "I-GCash mo na Yan!". For GCash in 2022, we had 40 million transactions happen. We help entrepreneur survive and flourish. Even students started to raise funds for aid, even OFW's have access to buy their families surprise packages, groceries just like if they were there. People can now grow their money for less than a dollar, invest in local and international companies through the app. Aside from that, they can also save, be insured as we have partnered with 10 of the biggest insurance companies in the world. We let them access fair lending, not to loan sharks, but do it with GScore to deliver innovation for good. We also have GForest, every transaction let you earn green points and plant trees across the country. When the pandemic hit, we were there for our customers. Our vision, collaboration, let us uplift the lives of Filipinos. Our journey is far from over, we need to be there for more underserved segments, to Filipinos wherever they are. This is our GCash story."

It was certainly nice to see how GCash has transformed the way we do things in the country, to hopefully bring inspiration to more people around the globe. I was so happy to see that one of the biggest fintech companies in the Philippines just put the country in the Mobile World Congress map, and I hope this starts financial freedom for others too! 

Congratulations GCash! 

ARJO ATAYDE Wins Congressional Bid in Quezon City's 1st District

After the dust settled, our main man ARJO ATAYDE was declared as Congressman of the 1st District of Quezon City. I couldn't be more happy for my friends and family in that location as I'm assured he's going to give his constituents the service they deserve.

Arjo has already taken his oath in Barangay PhilAm Homes which was officiated by Barangay Captain Simplicio "EJ" Hermogenes. It was witnessed by his family, his friends, Barangay Captains from his district, his constituents and Team Aksyon Agad. He has also received his Congressional pin from Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza and wishes to work on July where his term starts at the lower house.

Arjo will prioritize laws to be passed concerning the rights of the LGBTQIA+, Women’s Rights, jobs generation, education, to help also the senior citizens, have proper policies for disaster response and healthcare for everyone. This will be something he's planning to pursue in the first few months of his term, to hopefully make sure that enactment of laws be done as he promised during the campaign trail. 

Congratulations Arjo and to the whole Atayde fam! I'm so happy for you and your whole district, you're getting a person who genuinely cares for the community.

"Bagong Henerasyon" Partylist Pushes for Health, Education and Jobs Generation

The BH Partylist or Bagong Henerasyon (New Generation) just concluded their Miting De Avance last May 4 at the Elements Tent in Centris Quezon City. With throngs of people coming from different parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, they all converged there to show support for Congresswoman Bernadette Herrera (1st Nominee) and businessman Marlon Manalang (2nd Nominee) for their group.

I am very familiar with Congresswoman Bernadette's work since I reside in Quezon City wherein she served as councilor in the early 2000's. When the partylist system was started and BH Partylist had sufficient votes, their goal to help those who need help in hospital payments, health, education (scholarships and higher education), and those who want to find jobs, businesses (SME's) so people can put food on their table and survive their daily lives. So far, they've gotten over 130 Principal Authored Bills to address this and needs to help even more this coming elections. 

Congresswoman Bernadette Herrera says "Since 2010, this is the first time we are doing a Miting de Avance. From our hearts, thank you so much for being here. Thank you Brother Marlon for organizing this today. I go around looking in communities, hearing people what they need, and I'm thankful you visited us here to give support to our cause. I already feel we have won the race. We are excited to provide public service. I have been here for 21 years and I feel so overwhelmed when people tell us that they were helped by our partylist Bagong Henerasyon. With MCGI and us, I see a very huge support from you all. When Brother Marlon and I visit Kuya Daniel, I feel like I'm part of MCGI. Our goal is to help in Health, Education and Job Generation. We need to teach our neighbors, those who are in the provinces to vote for a partylist representative. It's not hard to campaign as people know we have done remarkable achievements with the Universal Healthcare Law. The government should be able to shoulder private hospitals next, we need to work on this and we hope you would help us do this in the next congress. There's only a few days left before national elections and I hope in the few days you would ask your family, relatives, who would want to push for the same projects we do with Bagong Henerasyon. You are our inspiration, for the people you help are also the same ones we want to represent in the lower house. Number 35, Bagong Henerasyon Partylist!"

Check out the highlights of the event on this video, this includes a short interview with Brother Marlon Manalang (2nd Nominee) who also introduced us to some of his kids who were with him that afternoon:

If you want more information about their cause and projects, you may like their social channels by searching Bagong Henerasyon on Facebook. If you want them to represent you, make sure you shade number 35 this Monday.

DS Loren Legarda's Message on International Women's Day

Former Senator and Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda recently released her message for International Women's Day. In it, she gave importance to empowering women and giving opportunities for those who are talented and skilled.

DS Loren Legarda says "Cheers! Happy Women's Month and Happy International Women's Day to women here and around the country!"

She adds "Women are naturally gifted, full of dedication and effort, of which rightfully deserve our support to further enhance their skills and talent, as part of nation building."

"We have been steadfastly supporting efforts to give more opportunities of livelihood, provide jobs and put importance in improving their lives with their own skills and talent. Long live the Filipina wherever they are in the world!"

COCO MARTIN Endorses Partylist That Champions Transport Sector and Livelihood Advocacies

Looks like your friendly neighborhood Cardo Dalisay is going to be dipping his hands in endorsing a Party List entity called AP Partylist #AkoyPilipino (Alliance of Public Transport Organization Inc.) which aims to represent  the transport sector and providing livelihood and help for the ordinary joe. He's making rounds today February 25 to advance the party's agenda together with first nominee Rep. Ronnie Ong and publishing videos that would introduce their projects since the pandemic started which includes free transportation for health workers #LibrengSakay,  free vegetables for community kitchens #LibrengGulay and free educational tablet units #LibrengTablets that benefited teachers and students during these times. 

Rep. Ronnie Ong has been Coco's long time friend and has been dubbed in PeopleAsia as "Frontliner Congressman". He has always been a staunch supporter of programs that alleviate poverty, those concerned with labor and employment. He has been on the ground arranging work for able bodied Seniors who still need to make a living, working students, transport workers and drivers, even laid off ABSCBN workers who were displaced in the company's recent shutdown.

Coco says "Whatever hardships we go through, we have people we can count on. AP Partylist can help provide jobs and create opportunities for small businesses. This would be apt for for Filipinos who would want to earn a living, put food on the table for their family."

Coco's compatriots in the show "Ang Probinsyano" at Task Force Agila also lauds the party list group and saw how they helped in advocacies. They also are fervently helping support #164 AP Partylist so they could continue helping people that are not just in the sectors they represent, but the communities that need it.

Here's  the video which came out today:

Coco hopes that those who support him would also be able to do the same with AP Partylist #AkoyPilipino which you can find #164 this coming election.

The World Street Food Congress 2017

The aim is to promote Philippine streetfood and to know how food has evolved around the region and countries beyond. When one travels, food is something you can get along with people no matter how language barriers become a problem. According to Anton Diaz, Philippine streetfood is somehow misunderstood and asks the need to change that notion via education of the food culture. We go the lengths on how things work and how to eat in one country, we should do the same in ours. They invited a lot of speakers and experts around the world to let people know here and around the region how we could make each gustotatory adventure a good one by learning the culture that goes with every meal. 

Spearheading the ceremonies included popular TV host and entrepreneur KF Seetoh whom I often watch in Singaporean and Malaysian TV shows over at Asian Food Channel on cable. His passion about food and culture is unquestionable and he's partnered with local corporations to open Makan Sutra in SM Megamall, you should visit that to understand what I mean. Everything is there including the best regional southeast asian dishes. As you may know, to promote Filipino food around the world we need to teach through a Filipino cooking school, or perhaps collaborate with a lot of people who already have a following. The Philippines has a lot of world class social corporations who would gladly work with producers, you just ask and they do often say yes right away. You can use social media to promote places, restaurants, hidden destinations, it will make then go there.

I like that in the World Street Food Dialogue also integrated Philippine Festivals, learning heritage food and transfer of skills, exotic food, and tons of talks from industry experts who also took a jab at what the current things foreigners know about the country. Hopefully we'll serve the culture better in a plate. I mean take a look at this!

If you want to eat the world, come to the World Street Food Congress 2017 as it is still ongoing until Sunday this week. Tickets are set at Php150 which is consumable too in the rows of food shops outside at the SM MOA Concert Grounds. Who knows you might also see Anthony Bourdain there! 

Foodies should definitely come!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Bailout Approved and Signed : Now We'll Wait!

President Bush shakes hands with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson at the Treasury Department in Washington after the House passed the $700 billion financial bailout bill
(photo by Associated Press)

Now that Congress has acted upon this particular issue giving the US government the tools necessary to bring some stability into the marketplace, the wait begins for it's effect. Bush stated that without this, the country would have crashed their market placing not just them but the whole world in chaos. Being the largest that they are, most probably that will happen if it were not for this resolution.

Obama and McCain even got their act going and helped in this financial crisis. That's American enough! I mean its a good thing they did it, it was fair enough for both ends. Now Americans can be assured that their hard earned taxes are put to good use because their package included safety measures that would make sure everything gets accounted for. Some are afraid that only a chosen few businesses might earn with this and would not benefit the American public. John Boehner of Ohio said lawmakers knew that if they failed to act, the crisis probably would worsen and "put us in a slump the likes of which most of us have never seen", I guess nobody would wanna see that huh?! This bailout ensures federally insured deposits to rise from the original $100,000 to $250,000 making the ceiling value more viable for adjustments. America must take note of 33 Democrats and 25 Republicans switched from opposition to support which helped pass this bill which were conferenced call and persuaded by Obama and probably McCain as well. They even had groupies in the house, that comes with the newbies too. I just don't know if this will be a legacy BUSH will be proud of.

$700B bailout for US; Shucked by Congress (O_O)

Lehman Brothers suffered on this market downfall

Lawmakers yesterday disapproved the $700 Billion emergency rescue for the nation's financial system. Now people like me await what will happen to the world's largest economy. Just this morning I read that the Dow Jones plunged 777 points which has been the biggest drop in the country's chunk for a long time. Where does the US Government go now?... most probably back to the drawing board. When I arrived from gym this afternoon, even Europe markets came tumbling down and bailed out their own banks. I heard the British would also be helping the US banks to recuperate the funds they lost through stagnant real estate losses in the country's market. I'm sure even Ed McMahon understands how difficult this is... he almost lost his house remember?

Henry Paulson is not happy =/

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said after he and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke joined in an emergency meeting to look for strategies that would resolve this crisis... and said that they need to put together something that really works! The Democrats hope that when they go back in session, that they would be able to put up what is needed and what would eventually be workable in all aspects. Good thing the Philippine banks don't have anything invested in that bank. We even had gains a few days ago as the OFW's valuable dollar surges this season. Thanks to that huh?! ^_^

Now, let's just wait for the congress to reconvene and fix this problem. Then hope the market does not continue to plunge into an unrecoverable state. The US cannot afford this huge kick in the shin. Time is of the essence, they need to do it fast too... I hope sometime soon.