VARGAS Calls for Stricter Implementation, Review and Investigation of QC Anti-Bullying Measures

Trigger Warning:Bullying++

In recent reports, a first year high school student became a victim of bullying in Quezon City. He had seizures, apparently got bullied and hurt by his classmates, called names as a SPED (special education) student which caused his untimely demise last February (where his Mom is still asking for justice to this day, despite catching it all on CCTV). 

Former Congressman and now Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas took his time at a privilege speech and ask for a review of the existing Quezon City Anti Bullying Ordinance to address the number of incidents of this nature. It has increased in recent years and mostly have been caused by bullying, physical harm, picking on those who are differently abled. He explains how it is important to see who should be accountable, while being given due process and seek the truth. 

As of now, the QC Council has voted unanimously for an investigation on the incident. Vargas reiterates the importance of stopping this from happening again. He says "We cannot just make "a person thinking like a child" a reason for all of these. This is serious, and is a matter of life and death. I am calling for everyone's help on this matter and hope justice be served."

He adds "Together with our Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, we urge everyone in the city council to start discussions on the Anti Bullying Ordinance and the measures we have protecting these kids. I think it is high time we put in stronger measures, like reporting, the duties of school administrators and the parents. Let's not be silent on this matter!"

I agree with him that there should not be anyone who would go through these things in 2026. He also said no parent should experience this sadness, sorrow or grief in their lifetime. The cycle of abuse should stop!

JIGGY MANICAD Joins Illustrious Line of TV5 Anchors in FRONTLINE PILIPINAS

 

It looks like evening news is going to be a LOT interesting as one distinguished broadcast journalist joins the illustrious line of TV5 anchors in FRONTLINE PILIPINAS. He's Jiggy Manicad, and he's back to bring new flavor to prime time news this side of the world. He joins Cheryl Cosim and Julius Babao and a throng of distinguished journalists to bring you fresh news and what happened in the country the whole day.  

Mr. Manicad went through a whole hiatus to care for his family, his kids, deciding to watch them grow. He also tried to run for Senator in 2019 where he wanted to bring agricultural and natural disaster reforms. It was just not in his favor, and admits he learned a lot from. Going back to the industry he's passionate about was a calling, he intently prayed to decide on it when management got in touch.

He says "I have been in broadcast and journalism for 20 years, but I feel politics is not for me, I will concentrate on more honest and transparent work. I wouldn't want that for my soul, but I have no regrets, I learned a lot from that."

He adds "I was doing my job good, and I enjoyed it. When I was still active I always got ahead of the pack because it was a habit. Now the landscape is different and I can make stories ahead of time, I check world news and know my angles right away. On my part, I have never thought of the resignation as doing nothing, I was still myself but have the Lord tell me what I don't have, I am entering a new home with him involved, and I'm happy to do that. Usually when you get old that's when you turn to him, but I want to communicate with him even when I was young. He will give you everything when you are in the right path. I went through hard times and knew him when I was doing nothing and learned to share it even more. During the pandemic we had so many things but it was still him that we called for. It was a blessing and now that I'm in TV5, I hope to be able to do the stories that I want to do, the non traditional ones, even if it is at the end of the show, it will have impact and still be interesting. I hope we could do that in the show as I become part of FRONTLINE. Journalism is different, because as it is, we source credible information and the truth from it and deliver that when it is available."

Here's our video coverage and interview during an intimate presser yesterday, the conversation was certainly interesting because we could ask anything we wanted including the change of networks.

This Monday will be his first day in FRONTLINE PILIPINAS and he's starting with stories related to the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. He's a little nervous, but he's planning to do as little preparation as possible because he's more of a crammer and can do more. Sure, he's got a serious side but he's got lots of personality to bring in the show. He promises to keep it light, concise, understandable and do it in less time for the viewers. He's going to be your buddy in the studio and out in the field every night at 6:30PM. You may check their social channels for more information about his new journey, only on the Kapatid Network, TV5!

Legarda Aspires Senate Re-election, 1st National Candidate to File COC

Legarda files COC in Pasay City. Credits: Melissa Lopez

Looks like Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda is seeking re-election as she filed her COC yesterday morning at the Sofitel Tent in Pasay City. She's been a Senator for three terms and currently representing the lone district of the Province of Antique.  

In the Senate, she's noted to have chaired committees on Finance, Foreign Relations, Economic Affairs and Environment and Climate Change. She's authored several laws aimed to help Filipinos improve their lives and make servies accessible to the masses. She has previously garnered some of the highest votes in the 1998 and 2007 elections and vows to pursue more of her advocacies in health, economic recovery and the actions she could do about the climate crisis.

She also wants to enact laws that would help generate jobs, quality education and an efficient healthcare system. She also wants to push for stronger laws for environmental protection and cultural preservation which she has continuosly done in the congress, and do it for those who are marginalized, vulnerable and promote sustainable growth and recovery especially during these times. You may see her advocacies on her site lorenlegarda.com.ph today!

Who caused TV5's Presidential Debate Delays?

Had the chance to talk to Ms. Luchi Cruz Valdez head of TV5's News and Current Affairs. She's a seasoned anchor, donned several other stations before landing in the happiest network. They've done a good job hosting the 2nd Presidential debate, albeit some brouhaha over the delays that happened before the actual thing happened. We got to ask her questions about it plus how they plan to actually do "Bilang Pilipino" (which is a Filipino term that connotes counting/being Filipino). They felt this was the perfect word  to describe what they intend to do this election season and in hindsight, they've fared mighty well with the viewers and netizens. I've heard really good feedback as far as how they hosted it goes. They're even the best they say, and Ms. Luchi Cruz Valdez told us why.

"Our graphics are tailored for the television viewer with explanation by experts, our editors, reporters, correspondents that would easily understandable and relevant. Our data is based solely on data, how a province, a city did the last time. It's some kind of discussion that should be spurred by reliable sources, not by unverifiable ones like in social media. If we don't verify, most often than not we wouldn't show it on TV5. 

My first election was the snap elections, but I covered more was when I was in GMA for the Ramos era. You always seek the truth, we mirror what people want yo ask. We also ask what we ourselves want to know, the rest is a follow up. You need to listen, be sharp, draw it from the candidate because that's where the story is. We asked targeted questions, so candidates listen to the other candidate, that's what made our debate successful. We observed that before. It's a hard job for the moderators, they had no choice when we had a meeting by their representatives. It's the format, we didn't ask questions that much and stayed to regulate because once that you do ask questions, you'll look like you're grilling the candidate. Targeted questions was the secret of our debate. We will have 5 sets of anchors, we get to talk more intimately and it was all hands on deck. The brainstorming was intense, it was really high. Our data will be the product of discussion of analysts, of campaign strategists and they'll know because they will feel it. We'll show factors why they won the last time and bring data to prove who will win next.

The precincts open at 5am and it will last 24 hours, if no cheating takes place. Most probably the next day, we'll already know the clear winner. It's because it's a real debate, we did a CNN and Fox thing but there are rules on time. We did that in  effect. It's not so much entertainment but we want people to finish it. In an election coverage it's not a concern, it's quickness of mind, being decisive and see who flares up or have a blank mind. It is important to think fast and you can measure that in a debate, law students go through that every year. In meetings, they asked to have 8 minutes so they can tell their platforms, but we didn't go through that because this is a debate.

In the end, VP Binay went on stage and he just put the documents on the foot of the podium so they could. I was surprised that I got good feedback after that apology. Every question must be planned, we changed it 4 times during brainstorming. We had to be transparent, we only had to ask half of the questions because of the delay. There were a lot of nice ones we didn't get to ask. We had arguments, we had our own debates with their representatives, we had go stand our ground because we didn't want it to be a sleeper. I think our debate was a lot like a benchmark, they had to be the ones to face criticisms and not fear a debate when they are running for office. I can't tell but debates helped a lot for people to form decisions and indecision. That is good all around."

Here's how it went during out intimate luncheon:

Part 1 talks about how they conducted TV5's debate. Listen in.

Part 2 details how some questions got asked, concentrating on HOW they would explain their platform.

 Part 3 tells about how to actually choose leaders, choosing the right combination of people that will run this country:

Part 4. Wait for the last part where she details what happened in the debate during the delays.

This small chat was both enlightening and educational for most of us. She also details the cause on why we had to wait that long for the second Presidential debate. They researched well, prepared a lot but if in cases like these where mishaps occur, they were ready to apologize if they needed to.

Make sure you stick to TV5 and AKSYON TV if you want to see the Bilang Pilipino coverage. It's going to start on May 9, 2016 and it will be uninterrupted, until the President and Vice President is formally announced. This is going to be long! There's a lot more you should know, this is a continued process and if time permits you'll get those undecided voters something to base their judgements too. I appreciate the fact that she didn't hold back about telling us who caused the delays. At least now we know!

For more information about their show:

TV5 Manila

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.tv5.com.ph/

Food for the Soul: Art Fair Philippines 2013

Did you know that one big part of a first world country's culture should be invested in art? Just ask New York, Chicago, Paris, Milan, etc. and just see how much they have on their cities to enrich something more than just the their heads, but more of their lifestyle; it's that important. There's an ART FAIR happening in the Philippines and yes; it will be happening this year.

Daphne Home Scents x Dimensione x Bench Launch

It might have been one event that I missed but it won't be something that I won't cover. We got these gorgeous photos from Bench showing the highlights of the recent Daphne Home Scents launch last June 8, 2012 at the 2nd floor of Dimensione High Street Bonifacio Global City. It was a very posh tea party complete with white Tiffany chairs, pastel colored flowers and treats so perfect for that afternoon.

It was also the time to welcome Ms. Daphne Osena Paez to the Bench Family. We've been seeing her in shows recently that has inkling to design, home and architecture. Unquestionably, she has been one of the style icons synonymous to things that are chic, of glamor and refinement. She's also got her furniture line carried now by Dimensione which in my opinion is so long overdue.Her Daphne Chair now is being regarded as a must have for every girl when they decorate rooms or plainly jazzing up an existing space. The whimsical play on color inspired by her kids evidently influenced designing these pieces. 

I saw some familiar faces in the event. Spotted some celebrities, writers, bloggers, executives from Suyen Corporation and Bench.

Ms. Daphne Osena-Paez and Ms. Amina Aranaz-Alunan. Ms. Alunan is the person behind the famed Aranaz line of bags. She also graduated with honors from Istituto Marangoni in Milan.

Ms. Raquel Denise “Kelly” Galvez Misa and Ms. Patty Laurel. We heard Ms. Laurel is soon going to be Mrs. Patrick Filart! Congratulations!

Ms. Daphne with Inquirer lifestyle reporter Alex Vergara. I remember the article he did about Architects a few years ago.

Proud to see someone I know was also in the event. Chic Fashion blogger Angeline Rodriguez (http://wonderwomanrises.blogspot.com/) who consequently also won the Daphne Chair! Now we all envy her! Sweet!

 

Hosting the event was Raymond Guttierrez who I might say looks dapper in his outfit and pulled back hair. They had so much fun doing the tet a tet during the launch of Daphne Home Scents.

Sarah Irene Tirona of Eggplant's Chronicles (http://www.fashioneggplant.com) and Ms. Kristine Lim the Brand Manager of Suyen Corporation.

It was so nice to see familiar faces, friends and people from Bench supporting Ms. Daphne Osena - Paez' on her Home Scents launch. If you guys plan to get this, it only retails at 348.00 Philippine Pesos. You choose your own favorites between Acres of Lavender, Homemade Lemon Tart and Mint Jasmine Infusion. Daphne Home Scents Collection is available at Dimensione stores and selected Bench stores nationwide while the Daphne chair is available at Dimensione Eastwood, Greenbelt 5, Rockwell and The Fort , Bonifacio High Street.

For more information 


Like them on Facebook!


Bench/ lifestyle + clothing


Visit their website!

http://www.daphne.ph

http://www.benchtm.com
http://www.twitter.com/benchtm
http://www.youtube.com/user/BenchTV
/*Photo credits to Bench

Celebrate National Artists Month at Freeway & Solo!

Ladies and gents, have you heard the news?!

It looks like Freeway and Solo is celebrating NATIONAL ARTS MONTH with a big blast! They are going to put the coveted Freeway's Sionil Jose & Manansala Collections and Solo's Kenkoy Collection on sale this coming February 23 to 26, 2012 (that's Thursday to Sunday Manila time) and oh boy you can get your hands on those collectibles and hard to find pieces for a fraction of the cost!

You've heard that right! It's Freeway and Solo's way of saying THANK YOU to you and the people who have patronized the series til now. Don't forget to check out the things she really loves! This can be a late Valentines gift too!

Tip: Pick up those bundle tees also from SOLO, its a must have for your closet!

Capisce?!

==================================================

Check out their website!

freeway.net.ph
twitter.com/FreewayOnline

Like them on Facebook!

F. Sionil Jose

Freeway Online

Solo Online

Some Great Shows at ANC!

The 24 hour news cable channel of ABS CBN is coming up with fresh shows for the discriminating viewers of ANC. I'm part of that bunch; so what better way to start the second half of the year but bringing in Senior Anchor David Celdran on a new season for his show "View from the Top" and noted lawyer Atty. Adel Tamano in a new program called the "Tamano Perspective".

Executive Lifestyle news specifically targeted towards men are but of scarcity in this side of the world and this particular program would definitely put a break to that. Interviews from renowned leaders and icons of their industry will be shown together with the things that they do on off days. Telling all what they actually do on their free time would bring something unconventional and interesting to the table... something definitely worthy to talk about.

David Celdran years ago also hosted famed "Battle of the Brains" (which in my books is the best game show of all time!) also hosts programs such as "Executive Class" and currently the Editor in Chief of VAULT the country's leading lifestyle magazine for men. He wasn't available at that time because of travel commitments in Europe for pegs on his show. View from the Top will be shown on Monday, that's July 11, 2011 at 9:30 P.M.

Meanwhile, Atty. Adel Tamano on his news and current affairs show the "Tamano Perspective" will give people his dose and understanding of the weeks latest news. His analysis of what happened during the week would give his viewers a better take on what really transpired and leave them better informed than if they probably just listened to it from other news programs. He'll carefully explain in lay man's terms how it is going to affect normal Filipinos like you and I. I had the chance to ask a question about what he didn't like about PNOY and what he would do to improve or help him... First thing that came into his mind was about PNOY's smoking habits. He wanted him to stop and be a role model to the youth today. With his experience as a Lawyer, Educator and Advocate I'm sure he won't be encountering any problems doing just that come July 14, 2011 (that's on Thursday!) at 7 P.M. So weather it's intrigues, current events and whatnot he's ready for anything... so watch it on ANC this week!

Kapish?!

==========================================

Visit their website!

http://executive-class.blogspot.com/


Like them on Facebook!

Atty. Adel Tamano

ANC 24/7

Freeway + F. Sionil Jose (National Artist for Literature) = Bliss!

Francisco Sionil Jose + FREEWAY Event The Row, Glorietta 5 May 31, 2011

When the heavens above decided to bless me dearly it made sure that I get everything that I want and MORE. I just met an awesome lot of people from FREEWAY’s launch of National Artist Collectors’ Series Fall 2011 Collection honoring the National Artist for Literature F. Sionil José. I just finished reading his book "To the Young Writer and Other Essays" yesterday (signed by the great writer too!) and learned a lot why people adore him and his works. If you don't get the idea, think about this: he's got these books translated in 22 different languages; released internationally. Critically acclaimed by the most discerning book reviewers here and abroad. Take a look at what some of them said here:

"...the foremost Filipino novelist in English... his novels deserve a much wider readership than the Philippines can offer. His major work, the Rosales saga, can be read as an allegory for the Filipino in search of an identity..."

- Ian Buruma, The New York Review of Books

"Sionil José writes English prose with a passion that, at its best moments, transcends the immediate scene. (He) is a masterful short story writer..."

- Christine Chapman, International Herald Tribune, Paris

"...America has no counterpart to José - no one who is simultaneously a prolific novelist, a social and political organizer, and a small scale entrepreneur...José's identity has equipped him to be fully sensitive to the nation's miseries without succumbing, like many of his characters to corruption or despair...

- James Fallows, The Atlantic Monthly

"...The reader of his well crafted stories will learn more about the Philippines, its people and its concerns than from any journalistic account or from a holiday trip there. José's books takes us to the heart of the Filipino mind and soul, to the strengths and weaknesses of its men, women, and culture.

- Lynne Bundesen, Los Angeles Times

That's just the tip of the iceberg! I'm not surprised though that he has been given several international awards and also the National Artist for Literature in 2001. People have also been clamoring for his inclusion in Nobel's Prize for Literature (which I also asked about during the event) and he gamely agrees with them too. He said that the honor would not be for him alone; it was for the country; and the prize at stake wouldn't be a joke either! What initially made me surprised though was the fact that Freeway is going to inspire some of their pieces with his novels. How that is going to work? I'm as clueless as you are but when I saw them there, it was REALLY nice!

Fashion + Literature Icon = Freeway

The intricate details and words printed on the dresses all worked! This is the first time that I saw how they do this; now it makes sense. In fact, there were other pieces there with inspiration from Larry Alcala and other well known Philippine designers. This is how Freeway pay homage to Philippine Icons and sure enough, Francisco Sionil Jose was well worth it!

The famous F. Sionil Jose

The event was also hosted by Prima Ballerina (Ageless!) Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde!

Ermita and another novel was read by the talented, classy and sophisticated Ms. Cherie Gil!

Lourd Ernest Hanopol de Veyra also an awarded poet in his right also read one of F. Sionil Jose's books from the Rosales Saga.


The Man himself answered questions from the audience! We even ran out of questions! LOL!



Thank you so much to Freeway who continue to recognize and pay homage to our National Artists, you should be proud of what you are doing for the Filipino consumer!

So go ahead and grab those F. Sionil Jose inspired dresses and shirts at Freeway stores nationwide!

===================================================

Check out their website!

http://www.freeway.net.ph
http://twitter.com/FreewayOnline

Like them on Facebook!

F. Sionil Jose

Freeway Online