Author: Julian Alejandro

This statement was signed last November 16 by 14 faculty members of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) led by Dean Nicanor G. Tiongson. For verification, please call Prof. Danilo A. Arao (Chair, Department of Journalism) at 920-6852 or (0917) 833-ARAO.

We, the undersigned faculty members of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC), are disturbed by the statement made by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last November 10 at the 31st Top Level Management Conference of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in Baguio City. As quoted by the media in the days that followed, she said that the media must cast aside their “bad boy” image by focusing on what the public wants – winners. According to her, “the economy is the only winner here today amidst these losers who carry no public mandate.”

(Photo and text from a PETA press release)

Considered the world’s first male supermodel, Marcus Schenkenberg is starring in a new ad campaign to let people know that “kalayaan karapatan ng bawat nilalang” and urging bird lovers to “let birds fly free.”

The sexy new ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia-Pacific is being released to coincide with the Philippine Bird Festival, which celebrates native birds and encourages their conservation. Inspired by a widely publicized incident in which the supermodel rescued a bird who had become trapped in his hotel room, the ad shows a buff, shirtless Marcus holding an empty cage as birds fly free behind him.

NUJP’s Press Statement
November 10, 2005

We appreciate President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s effort to fight terrorism in the country. Unfortunately she seems to be firing her guns all over and is hitting innocent victims, journalists included.

Mrs. Arroyo complained about criticisms she got after she disclosed an “intelligence report” about journalist Julius Babao’s alleged role in bailing out a terrorist.

Madam President, your intelligence report was wrong. When the media reported Babao’s denial, they were not criticizing you, they were telling you the information you got from your people was wrong. The media were reporting a story.

PC gaming afficionados, this one’s for you. Our friends at Hostmatrix, the free webhosting site that generously hosts Piercing Pens, have started a new gaming blog called Game Addicts. It features the latest gaming news on software, hardware, and events.

Their latest entries are about Sensible Soccer, Microsoft’s Xbox 360, and World Of Warcraft Memorial Service.

If you’re into PC games, or you’ve always been curious about it, this site’s for you. Check it out at www.game-addicts.com

“Makulong sana ang mga hayop na ‘yon,” Susan Nicolas, the mother of the Subic rape victim, said as she vowed to fight for justice and appealed for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s help.

We could only symphatize with Mrs. Nicolas and hope that the self-proclaimed “Ina ng Bayan” and US President Bush’s little drummer girl in Asia would again dare to defy her boss to uphold the interest of a constituent.

We have to admit, however, that it’s very unlikely that Arroyo will act in favor of her fellow Filipina. There’s no love lost between her and the Filipino people, anyway. She received the lowest popularity rating a post-EDSA 1 president ever got. Surveys say as much as 80% percent of Filipinos want her out. Her colonial master’s support is more important for her this time, and she could get that by continuously protecting American interests in her country.

“Pangulong Gloria” is now a blogger. Check this out : “Philippine President Joins Blogosphere“. Visit the site and be entertained by this blog that reminds of the Erap diaries during the pre-People Power 2 days.