Jeepney Howto

As mentioned before, I have the intention to get my very own jeepney one day. To help me on my way, a friend of mine sent me this nice video HOWTO.

Ready For The Next Storm?

So far we can conclude that we have weathered the election storm with relatively minor collateral damage. In a country where election violence is not uncommon, this is a good thing. But no sooner as the election season clears, it is time to buckle up for the next storm season - literally.

In about four months it will be the anniversary of typhoon Ondoy, perhaps the most devastating storm that has hit Metro Manila in a century. This typhoon, internationally known as Ketsana, unleashed untold misery to Metro Manila, resulting in hundreds of deaths and billions of pesos in damages.

Automated Elections Accomplished?

Reports of various PCOS glitches during the elections show that Murphy was still able to do some damage, but by the end of the day, Comelec was still able to overcome the majority of problems. As international congratulations came in, perhaps we can already say it wrapped up this automation thriller with a success?

After all, pulling off an automated election would be a major accomplishment in any developed nation. Considering this is the Philippines with its less then stellar infrastructure, getting all 50 million people (or 75% thereof) to cast their vote electronically is surely something to be proud of.

The Apples Of The Comelec

Watching the ANC Comelec update, I was presently surprised that they are staunch Apple fans too. They were even sporting an iPad! Funny that only last Sunday President Obama criticized the era of iPad because it had turned information into a diversion that was imposing new strains on democracy.

Today Is Election Day

The great test of Philippine democracy is currently underway, and hopefully things will go smoothly. In a country where election violence is not uncommon, the body count as polls opened already stood at 4. Against the backdrop of possible violence, ballot box stuffing, fraud, and other voting irregularities, any election in the Philippines is an exciting event. This one, however, is bound to be a down right thriller. It is the first election that is fully automated.

Election Holiday Madness

Not only is there free fiesta during election time, there might even be extra holidays as well! Besides the election day holiday on Monday May 10, rumours are now going around that May 11 will also be declared a public holiday.

Alibi is the Weakest Defense After All

In my last post titled Business As Usual I linked to an article in the Inquirer where former justice secretary Franklin Drilon was quoted as saying “Alibi is the weakest defense”, referring to Justice Secretary Alberto Agra's April 16 decision to clear two members of the Ampatuan clan in the Maguindanao massacre. Today, after assessing new evidence, it looks like Agra agrees.

Good Morning Sir!

On my daily commutes I frequently pass by two guards who sometimes, without shame or indignation afterwards, loudly say "Good morning Sir!" while its 8pm or something. I'm not sure if it's an honest mistake, or they simply don't care. Mistake or not, I suppose standing there whole day long and greeting thousands of passers-by can make you loose track of time. Still, it always made me laugh hearing it.