How Reliable Is The Internet?

Whoever have discovered the internet has a very brilliant mind, I should say.

Nowadays, it is very easy to know about anything because with just a few clicks into the internet, you can have access to "almost" anything and everyting under the sun.

When you want to know of a current event or news, you need not have to wait for the evening telecast or get hold of the newspaper the following morning. That is because news are now being posted in various website as it happens.

But how reliable is the internet, many can argue; and the google screenshot below will tell you why:

Identity Crisis

Siguro nga importante talaga yung may sarili kang "identity".

Yun bang kumbaga sa basketball eh, signature move na parang 360 dunk ni Billy Ray Bates o kaya naman eh clutch jumper ni Jolas at yung mga tira nila Vergel Meneses at Samboy Lim na parang nagbabasa muna ng diyaryo sa ere bago i-shoot ang bola.

O di kaya naman eh tagline, katulad ng "Sarap to the bones" ng Max's, "Finger lickin' good" ng KFC, at yung "Crispyliscious, Juicyliscious" ng Jollibee.

Ito rin siguro ang principle kaya yung mga News Anchors ng mga TV stations ay may kani-kanyang pakulo para mas makilala sila ng mga viewers.

Medyo nakakasawa na yung mga jokes na ginagaya yung pag-ubo (sabay EX-cuse me-PO!) ni Mike Enriquez, at pati yung pag "ano ha" ni Mel Tiangco. Kasi, pati yung ibang news anchors at yung mga field reporters ngayon, may kani-kanya na ring pagkakakilanlan.


• Arnold Clavio: "ako naman" (ano ba ibig sabihin pag sinasabi nyang "ako naman"?)

• Susan Enriquez: "ak--ko si Susan Enriquez, ang inyong naging Saksi" (kailangan may 2 seconds na pagitan ang pagsasabi nya ng "ako")

• Sabi ng magaling na heckler na si loi pogi sa kanyang twitter account, si Steeeeeeeeeeeeve Dailisan daw ang TV reporter na may pinakamahabang pangalan.

• Pero syempre, hindi rin basta-basta patatalo sa pahabaan ng pangalan si Rrrrrrrrrrrrroseti Rivera.

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Name Recall. Identity. Uniqueness.

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Nakapagtatakang, kahit na may sarili silang identity sa pagbanggit ng kani-kanilang mga pangalan ay halos pare-pareho naman ang tono ng pagdeliver nila ng balita- lalong-lalo na yung mga reporter sa radyo.

"Yes, Arnold, nandito nga tayo saaaaaaaa kahabaan ng-ngaaaa South Luzonaaaaa Express Way kung saan-naaaaaaa kasalukuyang-aaaaaaa tinatatanggal ng-ngaaaaa mgaaaaaaaa awtoridad itong-ngaaaa nakahambalang naaaaaaaaaaaa parte ng crane naaaaaaaaaaa nalaglag mula saaaaaaaaaaa ginagawangngaaaaaaaaaa skyway kahapon saaaaaaaaaaa kasagsagannnaaaaaaaaa ng-ngaaaaaaaa bagyongngaaaaaaaaaaa Basyang."

I-bagsak!!! I-bagsak!!

Imperyalista, I-bagsak!

Kapitalismo, I-bagsak!

Ako: Boss! Boss! Bakit ho kayo nagrarally?

Siya: Ipinaglalaban namin ang karapatan ng mga manggagawang Pilipino! Masyado na tayong sinisikil ng mga negosyanteng naghaharing-uri sa ating bansa (sabay punas ng good morning towel sa pawis na tumatagaktak sa noo)!

Ako: Ano ho bang idinadaing nyo ngayon?

Siya: Hindi makatarungan ang umentong P22 wage increase na inaprubahan ng Pamahalaan!

Ako: Bakit? Ayaw nyo po ba ng increase sa sweldo?

Siya: Hindi katanggap-tanggap ang P22 na itataas ng sweldo! Dapat dito'y at least P150 na accross the board ang itinaas ng sweldo. Wala nang makain ang mga pangkaraniwang empleyadong nagtityaga na lang sa noodles araw-araw!

Ako: Eh paano naman po yung mga negosyante? Hindi ba sila malulugi sa taas ng hinihingi ninyong dagdag-pasahod?

Siya: Ang mga mahihirap patuloy na naghihirap! Ang mga mayayamang negosyante na yan lang ang patuloy na yumayaman dito sa Pilipinas! Sila ang nagpapakasasa sa lakas at talento ng mga manggagawa, samantalang hindi naman makatikim ng kaginhawahan ang mga taong maliliit!

Ako: Yumayaman pala ang mga negosyante, eh bakit hindi na lang kayo magnegosyo?

Siya: Pangkain nga, hirap kami eh. Saan ako kukuha ng kapital?

Ako: Bakit wala kayong kapital?

Siya: Dahil nabibilang ako sa mga dukhang pang-araw araw na pantawid-gutom lang ang kayang ipundar!

Ako: Eh bakit po ba kasi kayo mahirap?

Siya: Tumabi ka nga riyan! Ginugulo mo ang demonstrasyon namin!

Imperyalista, I-bagsak!

Kapitalismo, I-bagsak!

The Year That Was

We are now in 2010, and so let me thank you for the year that was 2009.

Siyetehan was birthed out in March last year, and I am very grateful to all of you who gave their time to visit, read, react, comment, and maki-siyete in my various posts.

Incidentally, the year 2009 shared unto us such remarkable and unforgettable moments here in the Philippines and even in the whole world; thus it gave us more reasons to talk together and discuss together.

On Politics:

Particularly amusing (and this gave me more than 2 posts to discuss) is President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's plan to run for Congress in the coming elections. Thus, Arroyo made another monumental move as she will be the first president to run for a lower position (we have yet to see this May 2010 if she stays in power as representative of Pampanga).

The year 2009 also showed us who are running (and who are withdrawing) for President on 2010. We are witnesses of the return of Erap in Politics, Bro. Eddie still running despite his loss n the previous election, Jojo Binay and Mar Roxas wanting to run but decided to step down for the Vice Presidential race instead, Noynoy finally running after his so-called spiritual retreat, the unpopular Gibo Teodoro being the Administration's standard-bearer, Manny Villar and Jamby Madrigal trying to give it a shot, and Chiz Escudero withdrawing from the limelight.


Controversies, issues and calamities also contaminated the nation.

There is the still questionable Automated Polls, The Boyet Fajardo and the Chip Tsao Discrimination issues, The Influenza A(H1N1) Virus, The Hayden Kho Sex Scandals, Arroyo's breast surgery, Arroyo's controversial dinners in the US, the Con-Ass, and the Ondoy and Pepeng calamities that brought so much loss and damage in the entire nation.


But despite the trials, problems, issues and controversies, we have, time and again, proven that the Filipino still rises and triumphs in his own special way.

Our very own Gina Pareno wins in the Asian Film awards; Manny Pacquiao dethroning Hatton, Dela Hoya and Cotto; and our ability to fight of the Influenza Virus, and our capacity to survive and overcome the tragedies caused by the Ondoy and Pepeng calamities.

We are really in exciting times. And we could just be more expectant of the things that are about to happen in the future.

As Filipinos, we can make it!


It is my prayer that we will have more talks and discussions this year and in the coming years ahead.

Happy Siyetehan.

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For the top 10 News Stories in 2009, kindly visit this news clippings from gmanews.tv.

You might also like my Top 5 Celebrities of 2009 post.

GMA Files COC for Congresswoman

The speculation that has surfaced since early this year has now been confirmed true: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is gunning for Congresswoman in her hometown district of Pampanga.

In March 2009, this blog featured that a lot of political analysts seem to think that PGMA is hinting on running as representative of the second district of Pampanga where his son, Mikey, is currently holding the position as congressman. The speculations are due to the fact that they have witnessed PGMA visiting the province more than 50 times this year 2009 alone. If rumors are true, PGMA has been pondering on being Speaker of the House come 2010, which can pave a way for her to become Prime Minister, if and when, a Charter Change on the Form of Government will take place.

This morning, PGMA officially filed her Certificate of Candidacy after a mass organized by her townsmen in Lubao, Pampanga.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines professor Randy David, who previously said that he is up to challenge Arroyo if the latter indeed runs for Congresswoman, has now decided not to file his candidacy.

While this has become a bad news for PGMA's opponents who claim that she is only doing it to stay in power and gain immunity from her graft cases, her filing of candidacy for congresswoman is definitely a good news for her constituents in Pampanga.

Black Friday

I'm wearing black today, same as many of the people who are joining the cause of seeking justice against the brutal murder of at least 57 people in Maguindanao on November 30, 2009.

Inquirer.net has this report:

The fatalities, many of them women, were on their way to Sharif Aguak to accompany the Mangudadatus to the Comelec office to file the certificate of candidacy for governor of Vice Mayor Dong Mangudadatu, apparently in defiance of the strong hold of the Ampatuan family over the entire province. The Ampatuans were, until recently, allies of the Mangudadatu. This incident only reinforces the pessimism of those who say that peace will always be an illusion in Mindanao.

If reports were correct, it is said that the Ampatuans were the ones behind the killing. Yesterday, Mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr. was captured and brought in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation for questioning.


Forgive the following accounts, but I deem it is necessary to reprint this to prove the brutality of the crime:

Department of Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera said over GMA News that, "Even the private parts of the women were shot at. It was horrible. It was not done to just one. It was done practically to all the women.

The zippers of their pants were all undone. We have yet to determine whether they were raped. But it is certain that something bad was done to them."


Additionally, 27 among those 57 bodies found dead are journalists who were there to cover the filing of the COCs of the Mangudadatus.

It is just so horrible and illogical why these innocent journalists and women were killed just like that.

The nation mourns for justice.

The News and My Views: 22 June 2009

Inquirer.net: Solons Meet DOH, WHO executives on A(H1N1)

The committee on health of the House of Representatives will hold a meeting
Monday with health officials and representatives of the World Health
Organization (WHO) to talk about the Influenza A(H1N1) virus amid its rapid
spread in the country.

My Views: Why only now? The pandemic virus has been sensational since April or May, and our Solons only focus on this two months after-when about 400 Filipinos are finally inflicted. Talk about the Philippines being "not ready" to face the crisis. (In short, mas interesado pa kasi sila sa isyu ni Katrina at Hayden- at sa Con Ass).

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Philstar: JPE: If GMA runs, she abandons presidency

If President Arroyo decides to run for a congressional seat in
Pampanga in the 2010 elections, it would be tantamount to abandoning the
presidency, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said yesterday.

My Views: Pa'no ba ang scenario? GMA steps down from the Presidency to run for Congresswoman in Pampanga. Noli inherits the top position.... and then, what happens to the Philippines? Pikit-mata.

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Inquirer.net: Estrada buys $1.6M Chopper for sorties

Soon, Joseph Estrada will be stumping the country on a spanking new $1.6-million
helicopter --but like President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he is keeping the
nation guessing on his political plans for 2010

My Views: Tama nga ang sabi nila na kapag eleksiyon eh andaming perang umiikot sa Pilipinas.

Swine Flu: Facts & Infos We Should Know

The whole world is watching closely.

Everyone is alarmed at the newest health disease outbreak known as the Swine Influenza or Swine Flu virus.

Swine influenza, or “swine flu", is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Morbidity tends to be high and mortality low (1-4%). The virus is spread among pigs by aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs. Outbreaks in pigs occur year round, with an increased incidence in the fall and winter in temperate zones. Many countries routinely vaccinate swine populations against swine influenza.


Swine influenza viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Pigs can also be infected with avian influenza viruses and human seasonal influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. The H3N2 swine virus was thought to have been originally introduced into pigs by humans. Sometimes pigs can be infected with more than one virus type at a time, which can allow the genes from these viruses to mix. This can result in an influenza virus containing genes from a number of sources, called a "reassortant" virus. Although swine influenza viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans. (source: gmanews research)



The flu was believed to have originated from Mexico, and while there has yet to be a case report on the Philippines, the Department of Health is securing all measures to protect the people.

Click here for additional FAQs on Swine Flu Virus.

When A Newscaster Becomes News

ABS CBN, GMA, and other Network's News Mobile Patrol Vehicles are encamped in front of the New Era General Hospital in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City as they await for further updates on the condition of Trinidad Arteche Etong, wife of ABS CBN Broadcaster Ted Failon (Ted Etong). Trinidad remains in critical condition following the shooting incident yesterday at their house in Tierra Pura Homes, Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

Meanwhile, Ted Failon was held under police custody in Camp Karingal since yesterday for questioning. Failon maintained that his wife committed suicide due to some financial problems the family is experiencing. He further presented a suicide note, allegedly written by his wife on Tuesday night. Failon, however, admitted having a spat with his wife the night before the shooting incident happened.

The police, however, are still investigating on the possibility that there was foul play on the incident because they saw that there are inconsistencies on Failon's issued statements.

While Failon is still not held as a primary suspect, police authorities said that Failon may be charged for tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice because he did not immediately report the incident to the authorities. Police authorities also reported that Failon ordered that the bathroom where his wife was shot be cleaned.

News networks are expected to remain focused with Failon's case and will further await for any updates on the condition of Trinidad Etong who remains to be in comatose at the New Era General Hospital.

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Browsed through this interesting post from Neil about this issue. This might interest you :)

Wanted: Ted Failon

Inquirer.net reports that the police is now on the lookout for broadcaster Ted Failon who has been missing after bringing his wife, who had been shot, to a Quezon City hospital today, April 15, 2009. Failon's wife, Trinidad Arteche Etong, reportedly figured in a shooting incident in the family's home in Quezon City.

"We are looking for him," NCRPO Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said. "Reports said Failon has fled, iniwanan niya yung wife niya sa hospital."

Inquier.net further reports that Failon's wife is 'clinically dead'.

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In the most recent update, Police say that they are now questioning Failon (Ted Etong in real life) in his house in Tierra Pura Subdivision, Quezon City, to give light to the incident, which allegedly happened inside their house this afternoon.

Sudden Death

Nakakalungkot ang mga latest news na naririnig natin ngayong linggong ito.

Noong Lunes, April 6, niyanig ng 6.3 magnitude earthquake ang bansang Italy na ikinasawi ng himigit-kumulang sa 25o katao. Mabuti at walang pinoy na naiulat na namatay sa naturang insidente.


Kahapon, Martes, April 7, 12 katao ang kumpirmadong patay sa naganap na pagsabog sa isang factory ng styrofoam sa Sta. Maria, Bulacan.


Ngayong Miyerkules, April 8, natagpuan na ang nawawalang Presidential Chopper sa kagubatan ng Ifugao. Tatlo ang kumpirmadong namatay habang hindi pa nakikita ang apat pa sa mga presidential staff at pilotong nakasakay sa chopper.


Biglaan ang mga insidente at hindi inaasahan ang mga nangyayari. Sa mga ganitong panahon ay dapat tayong mapaalalahanan na hindi natin hawak ang lahat ng nangyayari sa ating buhay.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die," sabi ng Bibliya sa Ecclesiastes 3:1-2.

Ang Diyos ang nagtatakda ng lahat ng bagay. Ang kailangan nating gawin ay maging handa sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Tanggapin si Hesus bilang Tagapagligtas at Panginoon ng ating buhay nang sa gayon ay makasiguro na tayo ay maligtas sa kamatayang dulot ng kasalanan.

Lahat naman ay magwawakas. Ngunit, Handa Ka Ba?

Fatal Presidential Chopper

Inquirer.net reports that the BELL 412, the Presidential Chopper missing since Tuesday night (April 7), was already found in the forest of Ifugao.

BELL 412 Presidential Chopper went missing after taking off from Baguio City Tuesday afternoon with five Malacañang officials and two pilots onboard. The five officials were identified as Undersecretary Marilou Frostrom of the Presidential Management Staff, Undersecretary Jose Capadocia Jr. of the Office of the Press Secretary, Assistant Director Perlita Bandayanon of the PMS’ office of regional concerns, Brigadier General Carlos Clet, a member of the Presidential Security Group, and two pilots.

The Bell 412 presidential helicopter left the Loakan Airport in Baguio City at 4:20 p.m. on April 7, and was expected to reach Banaue, Ifugao, in less than an hour, where they were to visit the Bontoc (Mt. Province)-Banaue (Ifugao) phase of the Halsema Highway rehabilitation which the President was scheduled to inspect on Wednesday.

The chopper was found totally burned on Wednesday, April 8 in Barangay Eheb, Tinoc, Ifugao, and the report said that there were no survivors found.


For other updates, click >>>here.

Red Cross Volunteer Rescued!

Lt. Gen Nelson Allaga, commander of the Western Mindanao Command confirmed just this night that Mary Jean Lacaba, the filipino Red Cross Volunteer held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf group about 70 days ago has been rescued in Indanan town in Sulu.

We do hope that the other two volunteers, Swiss Andreas Notter, and Italian Eugenio Vagni, will also be rescued ASAP.