The Facundo sisters taking their first ever trip to Bohol last Chinese New Year

Hey, I’m a tourist!

By Rica S. Facundo

The Tagbilaran airport was overcrowded: foreigners; city-dwellers; children; employees; bags; noise; sand. It’s a familiar scene, not only in Bohol, but in every other airport in the Philippines.

Even though I had to take a test upon arriving back in Manila, I put down my reviewer for awhile to listen and look at my surroundings. There were the little in-house stores selling tarsier key chains among the packets of Happy peanuts and Juicy Fruit gum; and the group of  locals, who despite being blind, were serenading us with covers of local and modern songs.

Strangely, I was moved.

Somehow, I wasn’t feeling heavy with humidity and irritation at the conditions of Tagbilaran airport. It isn’t unusual given that the Philippines is infamous for having one of the worst airports in the world. Rather, while sitting underneath those dim fluorescent lights, I felt like crying.

Admittedly, the airport didn’t necessarily offer the best souvenirs nor music. But it was recognizing the small attempts to promote Bohol culture that struck me. These were the seemingly insignificant details that didn’t mean much to me before when I traveled around the Philippines.

But this time I encountered Bohol with a sense of awe and curiosity, like a tourist experiencing the Philippines and noticing the details for the very first time.

Classically pinoy -- coke with everything

Songs and signs

According to tour guide Dennis Du,  Bohol is distinct because it has the complete package. Unlike other tourist spots in the Philippines, which are hallmarked for one or two features, Bohol’s diversity caters to a wide variety of interests. Adventure seekers can zip line in Danao; dolphin watchers, divers and beach bums can enjoy the sun in Panglao island and Alona beach; and enjoy the countryside in Loboc.

But while Bohol is more famously known for the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers, the Loboc River tour was one-of-a-kind because the locals went the extra step to ensure tourists taste, see, hear and feel the Filipino experience. Even while guests wait for the cruise to begin, the mood is set to the playful Boholano songs and rondalla music by local bands.

For P400 per head, tourists can take a breezy cruise down the river while feasting on a Filipino buffet lunch of delicious pancit, barbeque and jumbo shrimp topped with classic pinoy condiments—a generous helping of toyo, suka, patis and a chilled bottle of coke best enjoyed with a straw.

Before it ends, the ride takes a whistle stop at a nearby floating cottage. A group of elderly men, women and children are singing and dancing to native numbers for “Balsa for Livelihood.” On the side, an elderly woman adds a nice informative touch – a sign explaining the song and dance number “Tinikling: Folkdance imitating the movement of a native bird called Tikling.”

The face of Padre Pio

Inside Baclayan church

‘The face’

Another well-known tourist attraction in Bohol is Baclayon Church, which is the second oldest church in the Philppines, dating back as early as 1717. Kuya Topper, our driver for the day provided an endearing phonetic tip to remember the name – Bakla/ yon which means “he’s gay” in tagalog.

From the moss growing alongthe inner stone walls of the church to the gilded golden grand altar, checkered tiled floors and stained windows, Baclayon has obviously been weathered down with culture and history throughout the decades.

However, it was only after talking to Kuya Topper that we almost missed one other unique, yet eerie detail: the face of Padre Pio imprinted on the side of the Church. It was discovered by a devotee years ago when looking through pictures of tourists taking pictures by the church’s facade.

A little taste of Bohol already

Simple moments matter

With the recent Department of Tourism’s “It’s more fun in the Philippines” campaign, it appears that there’s a renewed focus on Philippine tourism to boost the economy and empower the people. Additionally, the growing power and accessiblity of the internet makes it easier to promote worldwide. Promo fares from air lines such as Cebu Pacific make it more affordable to hop on the local bandwagon.

Finally, we’re reaping some of the effects. Compared to before, there’s an increasing number of tourists flocking to the Philippines and spots like Puerto Princessa have recently been acknowledged as one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

Indeed the numbers and recognition are important. In order to stay globally competitive with other ASEAN nations, it’s what tourism needs to demand for more attention from the government and private sector.

However, it’s the story behind the place that we must first capture, embed and shamelessly promote in every part of the experience. But it first starts with taking the initiative to see.

While the tarsier keychains might have been cheap and the music not entirely on key these small details are part of what can enrich my experience as a tourist. The rondalla music from Loboc or the face of Padre Pio in Baclayan are like the bossa nova and plush couches of a Starbucks coffee shop. It’s by recognizing these details in our provinces that can make Philippine tourism more memorable.

In a trip that was entirely sponsored by my sisters, it was the music of those blind musicians that moved me out of my seat to the donation box where I spent the only expense out of my own pocket.

Other parts of my Bohol experience

Note: This entry is what I submitted as a final requirement for my News Writing Class. I’ll be posting more about Bohol soon after finals week is done :)

All pictures c/o Pia Facundo

While it moves me to see so much dedication to the org I’ve really grown to love, it also scares me a little, because I know how easy it is to lose yourself midst the titles.  So, I’m re-posting something  I wrote last year in hopes that you, my fellow orgmates who are reading this, the future of ACOMM, remember that no matter what happens, you remember why you were running in the first place. Good luck!

——-

My friend and orgmate Jen Gaisano once got me this as pasalubong. While some do call me "the boss," I think I prefer leaving ACOMM as "Ricapeeps" haha

I dislike titles. Boyfriend. Girlfriend. President. Valedictorian. Director. Deans lister. Lead. Secretary general. Honors. Sumacumlaude. Winner. Loser.

I dislike how they can define you, how they compartmentalize your infinite capabilities with a finite word or phrase. It’s a misleading concept because most of the time you’re either less or more than what was bequeathed to you by someone else, or groups of someone else’s. Then we get consumed by either trying to live up to the title, or prove that we are worth it in the first place.

Back in high school titles played a big part of my life. I wanted to graduate top of my class. I wanted the lead in the school play. I wanted to be President of my class. I wanted this award. I wanted this. I wanted that.

Back then I really wasn’t used to not getting what I wanted. At least not until junior year ended and I didn’t get a couple of things I felt that I was entitled to have. When my ego-self was stripped away of my titles I was left with a no-self. For awhile it made me feel lost. It’s as if these titles were my only self-defining bylines.

Self-entitlement is a hard feeling to overcome when you believe that you deserved what you didn’t get or that you’re just as good as those who did, maybe even better. It’s especially difficult when you firmly believe that good things happen to good people who work hard, and you’re the one with the dark eye bags and a bruised ego.

But really, why do we need these “titles” to feel self-entitled to in the first place? Because it feels good to win. Because it feels good to belong to something. Because it feels good to be affirmed for your talents. And that’s precisely what I dislike about titles the most, because as much as I dislike them, that single phrase does in some way anchor who you are in the world. It makes it easier to steer your life.

For a lot of things we aspire for outside of ourselves ,whether that’s acing a test, winning a competition or getting a job, it’s towards a set of criteria. It recently occurred to me that it might seem unfair at first, to have to mold ourselves to fit and then feeling bad about it afterwards when we don’t. But actually, what’s unfair is thinking there’s only one mold, and defining your worth at how well your key fits their lock. Maybe you’re just knocking on the wrong door of opportunity.

Generally I still dislike titles because they constantly threaten to attack that vulnerable spot in my ego, but I know that it has nothing to do with my true-self. The difference is that titles don’t play the same definitive role they used to play in high school anymore. I work towards my own standards, and if i’m lucky, they coincide with the world’s. For titles only define my ego-self. It’s my true-self that matters.

* Title inspired by Mej Del Rosario

Original post on February 27, 2011

Re-posting what I wrote one year ago in his memory – A story of girl meets dog.  I miss you Kippy.

—-

This is a story of girl meets dog, but you should know upfront, that this is a love story.

I have been in a relationship with Kippy, my Japanese Sptiz, for ten years. That’s one decade. That’s one freaking half of my life.

He was there when I first got my period.

He was there when I fought (and still fight) with my dad.

He was there when I fretted (and still fret) over boys.

He was there when I needed a break from work.

He was there whenever I needed him to be while I, on the other hand, wasn’t always there for him.

I was never really home during the week partly because I’m a dormer, and partly because during those rare times when I was actually home I spent it by going out at night.

I stopped taking him for walks or jogs around the village, partly because I was lazy and partly because he was getting old and he couldn’t keep up with me anymore.

I took him a bath about once a month (fine, once every two months), partly because I would forget and partly because it’s really such a chore and I didn’t feel like doing it.

I would forget his birthday a lot (March 10!), partly because I’m generally not a date conscious person and partly because I would just well… forget.

Perhaps I wasn’t the most responsible pet owner, but he wasn’t a saint either. Trust me, Kippy has his fair share of kalokohans which have gotten me into a lot of trouble with my parents in the past.

Being the matapang and alpha-male dog that he was, I got the flack whenever he attacked another dog. I defended him tooth and nail whenever my mom threatened to give him away. If he left, then a part of me would too.

Being the makulit and adventurous dog that he was, I had to run after him whenever he would bolt out of the gate and carry him all the way back to the house (sometimes barefoot) afterwards. I shifted between flinging him over my shoulder and carrying him like a sack of flour in my arms. He was heavy and it was a long walk.

Being the intelligent and street smart dog that he was, I had to be the one to wash his mouth whenever he killed a rat or suffer my mother’s wrath whenever he would snatch a cooked chicken from the dining room table.

Being the matakaw dog that he was, I had to be the one to clean up his vomit whenever he ate something he wasn’t supposed to, which was often mind you. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I suggest you flush the tissue down the toilet instead of throwing it in the trashcan.

Perhaps Kippy and I weren’t the perfect couple but we made our relationship work. He wants to bite me whenever I give him attention, while I’m never there whenever he’s looking for me. But now that he’s gone, he can’t give me any more trouble. So, it mostly makes me sad that I have no more reason to give him or anyone else any more excuses.

Honestly, I still can’t get over the reality that he just won’t be there to greet me when I go home this weekend or keep me company while I watch TV, go online or do my homework.

I can’t get over the fact that it was so unexpected.

I can’t get over the realization that when I was crying a couple of nights ago he wasn’t there with his head and doeful eyes by my bed side to comfort me like he usually would  or the sad truth that now he never will be.

I can’t get over my frustration that I wasn’t there when it happened or that he’ll be buried by the time I get back home.

I knew Kippy would die eventually but this is definitely not how I pictured he would leave me. I wanted to be there with him when it happened, holding his paw in my hand. You can’t tell me he’s happier in doggy heaven when he wasn’t even suffering on earth to begin with. Well, at least not that I know of.

I know he was just a dog and people may think it’s silly how worked up I am but he wasn’t any old dog. He was my dog you know? He was my dog for ten years.

I’m not the most affectionate person and it’s not often that my apathetic heart cares more than it should. But now that he’s gone and I’ve cried myself to sleep, his death made me realize my own capacity to love.

Death may be the absence of life, but it’s also the presence and reminder of love, but in its crudest, most heartbreaking and suckiest form.

What I learned from Kippy is that genuine love doesn’t discriminate whether it’s between a man and a woman, a man and a man, a woman and a woman, or in this case between a girl and her dog.

I miss you Kippy.  Thank you for teaching me how to love.

Picture from the internet

Biting the hand that feeds

By Rica S. Facundo

DRAWING THE bottom line for the P1.816-trillion Philippine national budget is a balancing act between social welfare and economic growth. How can the government adhere to the prescriptions of progress when the social contract demands President Benigno Aquino III to heed the basic needs of the Filipino people first? Unlike the governments of the better-off countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippine government cannot be left to function on its own.

To catch up with its Asian neighbors, so-called “band-aid solutions” such as the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) program might not be enough to cover the potholes along the Aquino government’s matuwid na daan.

Biased budget

In the heated feud between former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and President Aquino, Arroyo seems to be more “results-focused” with the 7.9% national growth rate she managed to attain—an apparent achievement, at least in economic terms. Aquino, on the other hand, managed a dismal 3.6%. Although the difference is alarming, neither of their policies have developed strong institutions of social welfare that can outlast politicking clans and carry over to new administrations.

“Walang social welfare, walang base, walang foundation for economic growth,” says Professor Arjan Aguirre of the Political Science Department of the administration’s fiscal policies.

This economic-driven and less welfare-oriented approach of the government is visible in its policies towards OFWs, with the government’s strong reliance on OFW remittances. However, individual citizens are supposed to benefit from government policies just as much as the country does. It is therefore relevant to note that while OFW remittances help keep the national economy afloat, the economic activity that brings about such economic “benefits” is intellectually limiting for each Filipino migrant worker.

“Ang pangit kung hanggang manager lang sila (It’s undesirable for [most of them] to just have jobs that are limited to managerial positions only),” explains Aguirre.

Faith in partnerships

Where the government falls short, the PPP is there to provide service and fund infrastructure for public consumption, examples of which are the construction of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 and Metro Rail Transit Line 3. For eight out of ten PPP projects, the government and private companies are each contributing $1.3 billion and $1 billion, respectively.

In areas where the government proves inept, Filipinos have always put their faith in the private sector instead. Especially in moments of disaster response, such public-private partnerships reveal the dependency of our national government.

Indonesia’s game

Unlike the Philippines, Indonesia is in a golden era of growth, with private companies becoming stronger players in the global economic game.

“They are able to progress because [of] the basic institutions in place. Even if Suharto, Indonesia’s former president, was a dictator. He did what he had to do,” Aguirre says.

In a speech during the opening of the stock exchange, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono acknowledged the role of the private sector as the country’s “forward line and strikers.” In 2011, Indonesia also pursued a PPP strategy, where the central government only covered 29.1% of total investments, worth about $1.618 billion.

Malaysia’s “goodies”

If the Philippine national budget is described as “anti-people” because of its emphasis on the PPP, the national budget of Malaysia is a shopping list of “gifts-and-goodies” for the civil servants and pensioners.

Similar to the Conditional Cash Transfer program of the Philippine Government, which aims to establish a criteria-based process of financial aid among citizens, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s administration gave mass cash-handouts and housing aid to low-income households.

Survival versus existence

Today, the global economy risks becoming unhinged with the European debt crisis and the downgrade of the US credit rating. To survive, it has become increasingly important for ASEAN countries like the Philippines to develop stronger institutions that will survive political upheavals, such as the Marcos dictatorship during the 1970s, the People Power Revolution of 1986, and the demise of the Arroyo regime in 2010.

Given the numerous problems of the Philippines, it is not uncommon for society to bite the hand that feeds—whether it is the government’s or the private sector’s.  Yet, this supports Aguirre’s assertion that in the administration, basic institutions are needed. “Not just for survival, but for the existence of the Filipino,” he says.

Oh how I wish that THIS is what I could be doing right now!

Or  THIS. (Yeah, I would love a drink.)

But THIS is how I feel about the next one and a half weeks —  can we move on, please.

Final stretch for seniors.

Game face on.

Bring it.

Ps. Sorry for the lack of blogging. School work has consumed my writing.  (13+ papers/essays/articles in a span of roughly 2-3 weeks)

Note: The last 3 posts were for my news writing class. 

Regis Center

Regis Center poses stiff competition against small Katipunan restaurants

By Bernice S. Sibucao

The latest addition to Katipunan’s sprawling commercial strip, Regis Center, is hurting local business, according to certain small food establishment owners and staff.

Regis Center is a lifestyle building located directly across Gate 3 of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). The building houses restaurants, spas and salons, fitness centers, and coffee shops, among others. It opened last August 2011 and has since been frequented by students of surrounding schools such as ADMU and Miriam College.

“We were very affected when it (Regis Center) opened,” said Get Bote, owner of Cannan Bistro. “Business declined for almost three to four months. Even during lunch time, few customers would show up.”

Bea Rodriguez, owner of Red Roaster Bistro along Esteban Abada, shared the same sentiment. “At first, there was really a decline in the number of our customers. I think it was a month before things went back to normal.”

Food choices, easy access

Some employees of these establishments observed that the rising popularity of Regis Center may be attributed to the famous food choices and the bridge connecting the building to Gate 3 of ADMU, as well as popular establishments such as Fully Booked, Titan, and Gold’s Gym that attract the students.

“I think that the bridge allowed easy access for students, especially those from Ateneo,” said Tesa Macariñas, manager of Gravy Fix.

Cezanne Villafuerte, a student of the said school, confirmed Macariñas’ suspicion. “I frequent Regis because of the direct accessibility of Regis from Ateneo.”

Bridge connecting Gate 3 of ADMU to the Regis Center building allows easy access for Ateneans

Samantha Lichauco, also a student from the Ateneo, echoed Villafuerte. “I go there a lot because the way there is convenient.”

As for food choices, Get Bote says that their business was affected because most restaurants “such as Bonchon and Mon and Tina’s” in Regis Center have big names. “People, of course, would want to taste the food of those restaurants,” he explained.

Villafuerte  agreed with Bote’s observations. “Coffee Bean, and Brother’s Burgers are refreshing additions to the Katipunan strip.”

“I go to Regis because I have a membership at Gold’s Gym. I also usually hang out at Saint Alps and Brothers Burger,” added Miko Pascual, also an Atenean, backing up Villafuerte’s statement.

Popular restaurants line Regis Center

Expensive and out of budget

There are students, however, who appreciate the establishment of the connecting bridge of Regis but prefer to eat at small restaurants.

“I have probably patronized any of the establishments [in Regis] less than five times pa lang,” said Bianca Francisco, a student from the Ateneo. “But I pass there almost everyday because of the really convenient bridge they built from the overpass. The restaurants though in Regis are definitely beyond my meal budget!” she added

“As someone who live alone and away from home, I’m on a strict budget that’s why I prefer to buy from Eat, Box-o-Rice, and Cannan.”

Max Austria, also an Atenean, echoed Francisco. “I frequent Regis because of the connection to the bridge. But the restaurants are expensive or over my budget.”

Coping mechanisms

In response to the competition posed by Regis Center, these small food establishment developed strategies that would help them get back customers especially when the hype caused by Regis is dying down.

“When business picked up again, we gave away flyers and promos as a sort of remedy,” said Get Bote of Cannan.

Others, meanwhile, relied on their regular customers. “We just trusted that our customers would come back and they did,” said Beth Moises, a staff from Grilled Tomato. “We just made sure that we give them good service and quality food.”

Preventive measures?

Asked if they did something about the growing number of commercial food establishments, owners and managers said that they really could not do anything about it.

“That’s business,” said Tess Macariñas.

Sharing Macariñas’ sentiment, Bote said those issues are “beyond [their] control.”

“Hindi puwedeng magreklamo.”

Selling buko is a main source of livelihood for Kuya Boboy in Katipunan

By Rica S. Facundo

KATIPUNAN VENDORS finally have their livelihood back this February after securing the necessary permits, said two sellers.

A hold up last January allegedly involving a student from Ateneo caused the entire Loyola Heights community of cigarette, fruits, and candy vendors to momentarily suspend their main source of income.

“Ilang araw hindi ako nakatinda dito kasi hindi dumating ng permit ko. Ngayon lang dumating ng permit ko kaya ngyaon lang ako nakatinda,” said Kuya Boboy who sells buko juice outside of Bo’s Coffee on the corner of Benito Gonzales and Esteban Abada.

(It has been days since I was last able to sell because I was waiting for my permit to come. My permit only came recently which is why I can sell now.)

The holdup

“Nagbigay kami ng permit dahil may nagholdup ng estudiyante diyan . Vendors daw naghold up tapos ng simula na walang vendors ditto magtitinda kung walang permit,” said Kuya Boboy.  

(They started giving us permits because of the hold up of a student. They said it was the vendors that were responsible for it. That’s when they started disallowing vendors to sell if they didn’t have a permit.”

Even though the vendors like Kuya Boboy were affected by the incident the holdup was the only part of the story they were given. “Ngayon lang sila naghanap ng permit sa amin mga vendors tapos yung sagot nila ay may naghold up daw sa Ateneo.”(They only started asking for a permit now from the vendors. They’re answer to us was that there was a hold up in Ateneo.)

“Nagkaepecto kami dahil hindi nahuli yun,” he said.  (We were affected because they didn’t catch whoever did it.) Since the culprit has not been caught they don’t know whether there’s enough evidence.

Everyone is affected

Kuya Larry who sells fruits near Rustans on Esteban Ebada wasn’t even aware of the incident when it happened.  Even he was affected even though the holdup did not occur on his street.

“Wala naman nangyari sa puwesto ko. Sa kabila may ngyayari pero dito wala. Nasa barangay lang ako naka alam na may nangyari pala doon.” (Nothing happened near my stand. It happened on the other side. It was only when I was in the Barangay when I found out.)

Kuya Larry gets permission to sell fruits

Permits and permission

Katipunan has been the home base for Kuya Boboy and Kuya Larry for one to two years respectively.

“Nagtanong ako na bakit na kailangan ng permit dito na tagal tagal ako natinda dito tapos ngayon lang naghanap ng permit” said Kuya Boboy.(I asked why they needed a permit when I’ve been here for so long.) He got his permit yesterday, February 3.

Even without having a permit, they were not taking up space without permission.

“Paalam ako sa mayari ng building,” said Kuya Larry.  (The owner of the building where my stand is knows that my fruit stand is outside.

“Alam nila pero okay lang. Tulong din sakin yan ma’am kasi may mga anak ako may nag aral kaya tulungan nila.” (They know about it but it’s okay with them. They also help me ma’am because they know that I have kids who are studying so they want to help me out.) Now he can continue to sell

Livelihood goes on for Kuya Boboy

Livelihood goes on

According to Kuya Boboy, there are currently only eight Buko vendors allowed to sell within the whole Loyola community, which is less than before.

Even if some have lost their source of livelihood now, he adds that “Wala naman nag reklamo.” (No one complained.)

As of today, no one knows who the real culprit was but at least now the livelihood of these Katipunan vendors can go on.

Related links

Corn Vendors need permit

Procedures for getting permits

With problems on highway bans and tariffs on prices all resolved, the Loyola Heights Tricycle Drivers and Operators Association (LHTODA) and the Loyola-Pansol Tricycle Drivers and Operators Association (LPTODA) now face an endogenous problem: illegal terminals.

Operators and dispatchers of both the LPTODA and the LHTODA complained about their own tricycle drivers who agree to take rides from illegal terminals, which in turn affect the integrity of setting up rules regarding loading and unloading points for passengers.

The LHTODA and the LPTODA usually form tricycle lines on terminals, areas where tricycle drivers are allowed by the barangay office to load and unload their passengers. These areas are tiny strips in roads marked by 15-foot yellow lines to designate which portion of the road the drivers are allowed to momentarily park their tricycles and wait for passengers. These terminals are strategically placed in major streets and commercial areas of the Katipunan area: Xavierville Avenue, Rosa Alvero Street, and Shoppersville, to name a few.

A terminal in Rosa Alvero Street. Yellow lines demarcate areas where tricycle drivers and operators can wait for passengers.

The color-coded tricycles– green for the LHTODA and white for the LPTODA – ply their trade along Katipunan, a thoroughfare of the C5 Road. Katipunan Avenue is paved with academic institutions such as the Ateneo de Manila University, Miriam College, University of the Philippines and Kostka Academy, among others. Private establishments also surround the strip, ranging from condominiums to academic review centers.

According to Operator Roderick Pagulayan, illegal terminals are those areas where tricycle drivers are not allowed to wait for passengers. Areas in front of Jollibee, Mushroomburger and Prince David Condominium are examples of illegal terminals.

An illegal terminal in front of Prince David Condominium

Buraot

 “Iyong ibang miyembro namin, pumipila sa hindi dapat pilahan. Ang purpose nitong mga terminal ay para makapila kami, pero yung iba talaga, basta makakita ng pasahero, sakay agad. Tawag namin diyan buraot”, says Pagulayan.

Pagulayan says that the practice of picking up passengers from illegal terminals are the most frequent cause of scuffles among the drivers, as this violates the agreement that the LPTODA and the LHTODA forged to create a fair and systematic process of providing transportation.

Dispatcher Onie Belara says that most of the blame should go to the tricycle drivers, but the passengers are also accomplices in establishing these illegal terminals. According to Belara, most of the passengers do not bother to walk to terminals anymore, waiting to hitch a ride with passing tricycles instead.

A tricycle driver waits for passengers outside National Bookstore.

“Minsan kasi yung mga pasahero – lalung-lalo na iyong mga estudyante – hindi alam kung saan magpapapara. Hindi ko alam kung tinatamad maglakad papuntang terminal, pero bawal talaga iyong ginagawa nila. Kaya nga may terminal para pantay-pantay kaming mga tricycle driver, pero iyong iba talaga, buraot.”

Solutions to the terminal problem

The LPTODA and the LHTODA currently enforce a system that includes a dispatcher and an operator, wherein either a dispatcher or an operator directs the traffic of passengers to dormant tricycle drivers. Dispatchers are those that ensure passengers are given a ride, and operators are dispatchers who also double as tricycle drivers.

The system, however, still has some loopholes, as drivers receive sporadic support from city officials.

Belara said that the city, through the Tricycle Regulation Unit (TRU), has released an ordinance regarding the legal pick-up points for passengers. LHTODA and LPTODA officials who catch drivers picking up passengers from illegal terminals can award these drivers a suspension of seven days, inhibiting them from plying their routes.

Alex Baay, LHTODA president, said that other than their current terminal system and the city’s ordinance on tricycle terminals, there has not been any effective solution thus far. He says that the officials seldom catch perpetrators, and are usually forgiven in virtue of ad misericordiam.

Resident participation

Baay, however, encourages making the residents aware of their situation. According to Baay, their established terminal system will only fully work with the cooperation of the residents, since city officials exercised little to no jurisdiction over the problem.

“Hanapbuhay din kasi namin ito. Minsan, yung iba sa amin, kapag may tentasyon na kumita ng malaki, siyempre kukuhanin namin. Kailangan din namin yung tulong ng mga residente para maayos ang sistema namin.”

“Hindi naman ganoon kahirap maghanap ng tricycle dito sa Katipunan. Pagkadami-daming tricycle sa mga terminal. Dati nga, pasahero yung nakikipag-agawan sa tricycle, ngayon, kami na iyong nakikipag-agawan sa kapwa naming driver.”

RELATED LINKS:

Tricycle ban at Katipunan Ave draws complaints

Quezon City council asked to allow tricycles on Katipunan

Recent fare matrices

Ace Libre chillin' on his couch at home

It’s no longer just about the music.

In an industry where #SaveOPM is the sad melody of a struggling Filipino musician, sheer talent might get a band recognized but not necessarily to thrive in a country where merely fame is hard to live by.

But Anthony “Ace” Libre, front man of Never the Strangers reveals that commitment, expanding one’s horizons and a fearless love for music is what it takes for a college band (or any kind for that matter) to beat the big bad fear of selling out, make it to the Myx Daily Top Ten and to one day get a break internationally.

Taken from the NTS Facebook Page

A musical rut

I don’t know who’s more surprised – me, whoever is going to read this or Ace.

During our interview Ace gives me a bewildered look when I brought up the time I ran into him in CCP for the 9^0th anniversary celebration of the Ateneo Glee Club. As a known man of rock, it’s hard to imagine him at a gala concert attended by well-known Jesuits and families so of course, I just had to ask.

He explains by telling me about the time he picked up a copy of “The Rest is Noise: Listening to the 20^th century,” by Alex Ross while browsing Fully Booked. It gives the historical context of modern rock which most people don’t realize is influenced by classical music.

“I guess in a sense I was in a time when I was still figuring out my technique in terms of song writing and arranging. Those dry spells when I can’t write music is frustrating. I hate being stuck in a rut. I guess that’s what made me get the book because I thought I would get something out of that.”

Even their producer told him “matindi ka sa music research noh?” when Ace recognized some of the old bands being named dropped during an album recording. “So yeah, I really go out of my way to look for stuff,” Ace adds.

Being exposed and diversifying into other genres paid off.  It’s what makes NTS “grow into a more mature entity” and separates their identity from Leonecast, their former namesake to the college crowd.

‘I can do it pala’

Never the Strangers also rings other bells such as ‘The Killers of the Philippines’ or the ‘Pinoy Cold Players.’ With an impish grin Ace has a fanboy moment when he shares that, “A comment on YouTube even compared [his] voice to Robert Smith of The Cure and Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional. I was like wow, nice.”

But some people were exclaiming ‘pucha, OPM ba toh?” which expresses both NTS’s ability to progress globally and to be criticized as copycats. But Ace doesn’t think they are. “I feel like our creations are a product of our learning.”

How about tagalog songs I asked, curious about whether that learning includes singing in our national language, but Ace was one step ahead of me. NTS wants to be more accessible to the masses.

“Personally it’s an aspect of myself that I haven’t really practiced so of course at first singing in tagalog at the start would feel uncomfortable and not myself.  When I’m doing it I realize “I can do it pala”. There’s no other way. You have to do it to find out. Kaya siya. Kaya naman.”

Although all rock stars also want their claim to fame abroad, Ace confesses that he doesn’t know what to answer if  anyone asked what Filipino music sounds like in the ears of a foreigner.

“In my course of being a musician I have never come into a conversation talking about that. It’s a blind spot I guess. But I’m happy with the diversity of music in the Philippine music scene. I’m happy that there’s not just one kind of sound dominating the soundscape.”

Taken from the NTS Facebook Page

Getting ‘wasted’

Overcoming the fear of corporate labels is another leap NTS took. It was only after getting signed when they realized, “There’s a general climate of uncertainty. There’s also ‘bebenta ba yan’ atmosphere. It seems that people are stuck in a certain mentality that holds back the opportunity for artists to really break out.”

But it’s not just about seizing opportunity he said. “Not only do you have to take it seriously, but learn how to commit to it. That’s the key word.”

As a senior who’s about to graduate Ace chooses to spend his last months of school learning how to compromise instead of just partying, which he admits he did a lot before.

“You would think that as a student you say you don’t have time. When we started working with the label on weekdays we realized that there was a lot of time being wasted during the idle time pala. That is the first thing I would advise another new artist. If you’re not serious when you have to be serious then you’re going to regret it.”

Never the Strangers is a new wave/ pop rock band made up of Anthony Libre on keyboard, Francis Victa on Bass, PJ La Vina on Drums, JP del Mundo on guitars. Find out more about upcoming gigs on their facebook page and follow them on twitter. 

Ps. This is the first of my series of attempts to promote Filipino talent. Whether it’s in music or any other field (fashion, theatre, sports, art, etc), if you know someone whose story deserves to be heard leave a comment or send me an email! I need to get school/finals over with first. 

A formation of dialogue

A  ’round-table’ like formation of chairs conducive for dialogue was set up last January 20, 2012 at the MVP basement. The open forum for the first ever Occupy Job Fair protest was supposed to start at 2:30PM. It was only after making their mark on Red Brick Road when the protesters arrived 20 minutes later.

One week has passed since the commotion and school feels less anxious and more at ease. I don’t want to re-hash the points that have repeatedly been made about the allegations of SOM-centrism which ideologically speaking refers to the emphasis on corporate/capitalist culture in Ateneo. But with midterms, submission of final requirements and graduation for seniors nearby, it appears that everyone has moved on. After all the fuss I hope that also means moving forward because Ateneans, and Filipinos in general, tend to talk more than they walk.

A silent protest speaks louder than words (Via Sabs Bengzon)

The Occupy Job Fair storm begins

Sharing is caring

“If it doesn’t work then I can raise my voice,” said Senior Job De Leon, one of the leaders of the protest.  Even though he was referring to the microphone malfunction that disrupted his opening speech, it’s reflective of the frenzy of multiple opinions sparked by this silent protest.

Many people expressed dissatisfaction online, whether it was about the protest or the notion of “SOM-centrism” underlying Ateneo culture.

The Facebook note “On the job fair, SOM-centrism and where do we go from here” by Job has 314 likes and 54 shares.

“DOWN from the hill” by Kit Kat Pecson has 40 likes and 30 shares.

“Short note on recent events” by Bian Villaneuva has 93 likes and 15 shares.

My video of my friend pretending to occupy Red Brick Road before it actually happened has 2,138 views.

While I like the discourse that ensued, if people feel so strongly about such a long-standing issue, how come a majority of these hits only occurred within a span of 2-3 days? When I spoke during the open forum the question I raised was: At what point did the Ateneo community start caring and sharing?

In a quick interview after the forum even Ms. Carla Siojo told me that  students are usually unresponsive. She gets “frustrated with all of the Ateneo Placement Office’s (APO) announcements and posts.” She joked that at least APO is popular now.

Ms. Carla Siojo listening intently to the concerns of the protesters

The protesters sit down to listen

Why a protest?

Many people were concerned that these grievances, although legitimate,  should have been discussed properly in an appropriate environment and cross-checked for factual basis before it was broadcast to the community.

Marion Waller, a french exchange student who joined the protest put it best when she said, “That’s the role of the protest. To put the things that should be debated in the public space,” especially in a school setting where a majority of students don’t usually bother to make an extra offline effort.

Peterson Poon, a student who expressed concerns about the way grievances were aired, commented on a Facebook note by Reg Guevarra. “Honestly, if nobody ever attacked the name SOM or claimed that the job fair was specifically privileging SOM/disenfranchising other schools, I/others would probably never have spoken up.”

A compilation of post-open forum interviews that Sabs Bengzon and I did 

Beyond the heat, beyond the noise

In my four college years in Ateneo this is the most vocal I’ve seen the community. Perhaps the medium was radical, but if other people voiced their opinions sooner then maybe this could have been prevented. Although there are bigger issues to be concerned about, if you can’t speak up in your community now then what more when you leave it.

“Walking down the Red Brick Road is a hard decision,” said Job. Whether you’re for or against the issue, with every week that passes by, the bigger challenge is always in lasting beyond the heat of the protest and raising your voice even without it.

Read more on the protest here.