PostHeaderIcon Israeli air strikes leave 200+ dead in Gaza Strip

12/28/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


As Pope Benedict XVI calls for renunciation of violence during the holy season of Christmas, Israelis and Palestinians are on a bloody confrontation again in the Gaza Strip leaving at least 200 dead and injuring about 400 more. This is the result of heavy air strikes conducted by Israeli troops against militant Palestinian targets in Hamas-dominated territory a week after a 6-month ceasefire truce expired.

The resumption of bombings and killings on Saturday, December 27, 2008, is supposed to be Israel’s retaliation to months of Hamas’ mortar fires and indiscriminate rocket launches which terrorize about ¼ million Israelis who live in the area.

Hamas infrastructures and installations had been destroyed and many security officers were killed or hurt. Gaza residents had been on the state of panic as the death toll rose and the wounded victims flooded hospitals and clinics.

“The offensive sparked angry protests throughout the Arab world, and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Vatican, the U.N. secretary-general and special Mideast envoy Tony Blair all called for an immediate restoration of calm. The Arab League scheduled an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss the situation.”--- YahooNews.com; AP (12/28/08 Barzak, Brahim)

Hamas, the radical group considered by Israel as a terrorist organization, called for revenge, but Isreali military authorities had been firm in their stance. In spite of the call for calm, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak vowed to widen the military offensive if needed. Israel did not set a time-line on when the air strikes would end.

The long-standing conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians has taxed peace-makers for decades, but a solution has been consistently elusive. Extremist Arabs and Muslims in the Middle East who support the Palestinians call for the annihilation of the State of Israel. (Photo Credits: AP/ Mohammed Zastari; AP/ Mohammed Zastari; AFP; AP/ Mohammed Zastari) =0=




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PostHeaderIcon Fajardo Estate Land Dispute: A happy ending for the Banasi Farmers who marched to Malacanang

12/27/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


The fifty-seven (57) farmers from the Fajardo Estate in Bicol who walked for 17 days to Malacanang Palace to plead their case finally got their wish. The tillers of the 123-hectare land in Banasi, Bula, Camarines Sur had the order of Sec. Eduardo Ermita canceling their land titles recinded on December 19, 2008. The happy farmers now have the right to use the land, ending 35 years of round-about with the law.

“This is the happiest Christmas of my life. We have already sacrificed a lot and we hope that with the decision of DAR we could finally rest our case and experience security in the lands that we till,” said Jess Bergantin, president of the Banasi Agrarian Reform Farmer-Beneficiaries Association (BARFA) who were among those who walked the 444-kilometer stretch from Camarines Sur to Manila.. “---Bicol Mail (12/ 25/08, Escandor, J, Jr)



According to Atty Arlene Bag-ao, one of the supporters of the farmers, the march to Malacanang could have been avoided if the case was handled as is----a simple legal issue that favors the agriculture workers to own the disputed land. Some of the farmers said they walked to Manila because a known Malacanang insider, Atty Manny Gaite with family ties with the Fajardos, worked against their favor by helping void their land title.

“Elaine Teope, campaign coordinator of BARFA, revealed that among those who drafted the order that cancelled the Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (Cloas) of the farmers-beneficiaries was Lawyer Manny Gaite, the guy from the Office of the President who figured in the Senate hearing regarding the P500,000 distributed to local government executives early this year. “---Bicol Mail (12/ 25/08, Escandor, J, Jr)

The success of the Banasi farmers signals the growing awareness and activism of many agricultural workers in the Philippines. With problems delaying the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP,) more land decisions by the government are likely to be contested by farmers and their militant supporters. (Photo Credits: Pakisamagallery) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Camarines Sur farmer's 444 kilometer march to Malacanang" Posted by mesiamd at 12/02/2008



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PostHeaderIcon Disgruntled "Santa Claus" goes on a massacre spree

12/27/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post
Santa Claus did not come to cheer the family in Covina, California on the eve of Christmas. Instead, Bruce Pardo, a 45-year old recent divorcee with marital problems personified a costumed Santa Claus visiting with incendiary device and weapons concealed in a Christmas gift. The angry man gunned down an 8-year old girl who opened the door of his former wife’s home. The bloody shooting was intended as revenge against his ex and her parents.

The event which followed became a gruesome killing spree, causing the deaths of at least 9 people including his former wife. Some party-goers sustained injuries and were brought to the hospital. Before Pardo left, he set the house on fire leaving charred bodies on the scene.

Coming out of his red Santa Claus garb, Pardo drove away. He was later found dead with a single self-inflicted gunshot wound in his brother’s home in the Sylmar area of Los Angeles, CA on Christmas day, 25 miles away from the crime scene.

Such tragedy must not be the message of Christmas, but an incident of such brutality and senselessness happens. Marital and family problems need not end in this manner. It makes us ponder of the dark soul that ails some people today. (Photo Credit: AP/ Covina Police Department; blue_fam) =0=



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PostHeaderIcon Pope Benedict XVI pleads for unity in the face of economic crisis

12/26/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


Amidst the message of joy and hope on Christmas day, December 25, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the world with a reminder of difficulties that lie ahead as people across the globe face the economic downturn.

From the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the supreme leader of Catholics warned against greed which could exacerbate the massive job lay-offs, house forfeitures, and poverty sweeping many nations. He pleaded for poor and rich nations alike to set aside selfishness and work together in unity.

“Wherever the selfishness of individuals and groups prevails over the common good … may the light of Christmas shine forth and encourage all people to do their part in a spirit of authentic solidarity…. If people look only to their own interests, our world will certainly fall apart,” said the Pope.---PDI/AP/AFP (12/25/08}

On celebration of Jesus’ birthday, he touched on the suffering of the African people particularly in trouble-riddled countries like Zimbabwe, Congo, Sudan, and Somalia where political upheavals and socio-economic hardships persist. He denounced terrorism and violence. Heard by thousands who gathered at the basilica’s square, he lamented the unresolved conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians.

At the Christmas midnight mass he officiated, the pontiff recalled the neglected poor children who fall victims of abuse and he prayed for those left on the streets to fend for themselves or forced to fight in wars. He said the world must do all it can to stop the suffering of the unfortunate people of the world. (Photo Credits: Reuters/ Osservatore Romano; Sam_herd)=0=



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PostHeaderIcon UP Ibalon Bicol Sends Christmas Peace & Love to the World

12/25/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post




To Everybody,
I am sending my warmest greetings to everybody this Christmas 2008 and may 2009 be a better year for all. God bless.---Edna Fatima

Malipayong Pasko!---Mighty

Gusto man daa maki celebrate ning x'mas sa kagharong saka nagpapamati na kuta na bako gabos karne ang handa tanganing may maitatao saiyang tunok ning sira. Wishing You and Your Family a Joyous Christmas---Carmela



Wishing you and everyone else a Merry Christmas and a great New Year! I'm intrigued by that cat in the window. ‘musta ka na man tabi? hahaha…. Hello Wilms, Ika daw... Thanks for the pat on the back! Just google up Ibalon Bicol and go to older posts. Happy holidays!… Thanks a lot,Totie and Andy. I'm just as happy to join you in trying to push our blog to greater heights. Happy holidays to you and everyone!---Bambi

Merry Christmas to all, Mwaah!---Wilma


Sarong Maogma asin Tuninong na Pasko para sa Gabos!—Ona


Merry Christmas! May the Lord keep you and your loved ones safe, prosperous, healthy and safe in 2009! And may you experience always the comforts of home, wherever this may be.--- Benny, Ruth, Benje and Monique Rayco

MALIGAYANG PASKO SA INYONG LAHAT
AT SA INYONG MGA MAHAL SA BUHAY!--- Jess

Sa gabos,
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! ---Leny

Para sa gabos, Maogmang Kamundagan! Pagkamoot ang regalo ko sa gabos. Magpadagos man lugod sa 2009 ang grasyang nag-aabot satuya gabos maski nasa tahaw kita kan pangkinaban na krisis.—Pit

Siring man saindo gabos, kinda Carmela, Bambi, Pit, Mighty, Momok, Dan, Miles, Arnel M, Ray, Butch, Bingbing, Annelee, Rose, Abet, Sabu, Asena, Penny, Darius, Totoy, Delen, Ann, Jess, Mickey, Andy, Amy, Zards, Sammy V, Benny, Arnel A, Ona, Eden, Vines, Min, Gods, Fems, May.....Basta si gabos! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!---Totie




Hello Dear Friends!
The spirit of Christmas is in the peace, joy and hope that it brings. May it touch your heart today and always. And may the good Lord shower you all with more blessings.

PS: Bambi! Dont forget to drop by our house when you go home this Christmas. We don't reside in Mayao anymore --- dun na kami sa old house namin in Ilaor Norte. See ya! Merry Xmas sa gabos! Medyo mag-ogma na habang dai pa marhay nasipa an krisis sato. Next hope I hope we will have a stronger org and a better website.---Mickey



Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year sa gabos!---Miles

As we celebrate the true reason for this wonderful season, we reflect on the blessings we received this year and we rejoice in the thought that caring people like you have touched our lives, individually or as a family, in more ways than one.

May we fill our hearts with the music of love and may we all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! ---Gods, Julie and Thia Lanuza

MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAON!--- Arnel, Josie and Tintin

Happy New Year to All---Dan

"Best wishes to the whole family!"---Zards

Happy New Year to All---Momok

(Photo Credits: CarmelaLapic; StephenC/ photoluluguy; StephenC/ Photoluluguy; Photoluluguy; Cjerogel; Photoluluguy; StephenC/ photolulguy)=0=



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PostHeaderIcon Christmas Day Thought: “Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus”---Virginia complained in 1897

12/25/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


Prodded by her father to write Francis Pharcellus Church, the editor of the New York Sun to ask about the hard question about Santa Claus, Virginia O’ Hanlon of New York City got the following response from the newspaperman more than a hundred years ago:

"We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the
communication below, expressing at the same time
our great gratification that its faithful author is
numbered among the friends of The Sun."---Francis P. Church



Dear Editor,

I am eight years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in the Sun, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

---Virginia O'Hanlon




The Editor's Reply to Virginia About the Truth of Santa Claus

YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS!

"Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.



Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.



Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernatural beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood."----Source: www.allthingschristmas.com ( Photo Credits: David Wilcot; Reuters/ Prath Sanyal; www.peteyandpetunia.com; Rev_Bri; Tanya Mass; Stich)



RELATED BLOG: “Yes Virginia, there is Santa Claus!”---remembering Francis Church and the little child in Virginia O’Hanlon Posted by mesiamd at 12/25/2008


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PostHeaderIcon “Yes Virginia, there is Santa Claus!”---remembering Francis Church and the little child in Virginia O’Hanlon

12/25/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


For me, one of the best written lores about Christmas was the editorial written by Francis Pharcellus Church, which came out on September 21, 1897 edition of the New York Sun for the little 8-year old girl named Virginia O'Hanlon (1889-1971.)



A mature seasoned reporter and son of a Baptist minister who wrote for newspapers during the Civil War, Francis saw how people suffered because of the dearth of optimism and the usualness of alienation in society. The question he received from Virginia about Santa Claus by mail and his well-thought reply hugged the imagination of those who read them.

“Thirty-six years after her letter was printed, Virginia O’Hanlon recalled the events that prompted her letter: “Quite naturally I believed in Santa Claus, for he had never disappointed me. But when less fortunate little boys and girls said there wasn’t any Santa Claus, I was filled with doubts. I asked my father, and he was a little evasive on the subject.”
---www.nationalchristmascenter.com/exhibits/htm/yesvirginia.htm


Born in Manhattan, Virginia was the daughter of an Upper Eastside assistant coroner. Her complete name was Laura Virginia O’Hanlon and she lived a life of the regular kid of her time at 115 West, 95th Street. She grew up to be an accomplished teacher with a BA (1910) and MA (1912) education from Hunter College and Columbia University respectively.

During her life, countless letters found their way in her mailbox asking about Santa Claus and her unexpected fame. To eager fans, she recounted how her story influenced her life in a wholesome way. Having briefly married with one child, she in old age lived in a nursing home after her retirement from decades of teaching. She passed away on May 17, 1971 at the age of 81 and was interred in a quiet rural burial ground in Chatham, New York. The newspaper New York Sun folded up in 1949. The original letter she sent the newspaper was pasted in a scrapbook which her relatives keep till this day.



I had some emotional reaction banging on my chest each time I read the immortal correspondence of Francis and Virginia. I had memories of how I regarded Christmas as a boy. The idea that the world would be so dreary if there was no Santa Claus because of skepticism made me panicky. The stockings I placed behind the yuletide tree at home for Santa was so real. There was the off-tune Christmas carol about Santa that I sang for our next-door neighbor. It earned me less than a dime, but nonetheless made me very happy. Attendance to the pre-Christmas midnight mass and watching the nativity scene were as gratifying as the long waits I did for the dawn break-ins of the mysterious bearded man with gifts for children from a magical sleigh.

Time was benevolent on Virginia. It transformed her 64 million dollar query and Francis' answer into a masterpiece, perhaps the most endearing Christmas editorial ever written in America.

From her moving story came the beloved quip "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." All children of the world must have asked their fathers and mothers like Virginia before their fleeting periods of innocence pass by. More than a hundred years went and the whole world still struggles with cynicism, self-doubt, and materialism. People continue to dig what true Christmas really means for all of us. (Photo Credit: Andy_Atsaka; wwww.peteyandpetunia.com; www.nationalchristmascenter.com; Karen Navarro/ AP; Andy_Atsaka; Manuel Silvestre/ AP ; Scott Feldstein) =0=




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PostHeaderIcon Muntadhir's Shoes, Lese Majeste And The Illegal Occupation of Iraq

12/24/2008 | Posted by myty555 | Edit Post

When Iraqi journalist Muntadhir al-Zaidi threw his shoes at George Bush during a press conference at his surprise visit to Iraq, Bush and US haters and detractors had a field day. I myself had spasms of laughter when I learned about it on the Net. But thinking about it more seriously the problem I saw was that it trivialized the issue of US' illegal occupation of Iraq. Now, this is not to demean Muntadhir al-Zaidi's courage, who is probably the most popular man now in Iraq (must be because Iraqis didn't accept the US' occupation from Day One).

Bush might be leaving office soon and there are talks (arrogant, I say) of how the US occupation and administration of Iraq will change or not change during Obama's presidency. But for me whatever the US do it will not change the fact that they are occupying and administering Iraq illegally without any legal authority and in complete defiance of international laws and the UN and of world opinion. So I cannot agree to some US voices that say that the shoe-throwing incident disrespected Bush. I say he even deserved far worse than that.

Iraq's representation in the UN should be suspended for the time being because it is not a free and independent country. In the earlier days a country like Iraq now is called a protectorate. And protectorates are not treated as independent countries. And only so-called independent countries are deemed qualified to be admitted to the UN.

Muntadhir al-Zaidi should be released immediately. His case is just a lese majeste offense which has no place in modern society. Detain and charge him only if the shoes he threw contained live grenades.
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PostHeaderIcon Cory's Apology And Our Inutility

12/24/2008 | Posted by myty555 | Edit Post

When former President Cory Aquino apologized to former President Erap Estrada for her participation in the so-called EDSA II, which her spokesperson later said was made in jest, initially I cannot make heads or tails out of it. But mulling about it I think she was really serious about it and it seems the "clarification" of the spokesperson was just an attempt in damage control. Because mmediately after the apology, a firestorm of criticism emanating from former allies battered the former President who is not known for making jokes.

I cannot make sense of the criticism directed at Cory from the likes of Sen. Gordon, Archbishop Cruz and her own son Noynoy. First of all, if a person wants to issue a mea culpa it is his or her full right to do so. Anyway, nobody is yet suggesting that the former President's mental faculties are already impaired. And to me a person battling for her life (she is stricken with cancer) and who has no political ambitions is even more credible.

But maybe those who reacted are a bit insecure now about their historical role in EDSA II or simply they are being self-righteous about it.

There was a wide consensus among the educated then that Erap was a bit inept, obviously undisciplined and he lets some friends make deals when he was President. But to depose Erap in such a way when there were legal avenues open and there were no insinuations that Erap was throttling the legal remedies (unlike the current occupier of Malacanang) subsequently became the bone of contention.

EDSA II never really gained widespread acceptance (Erap still had a positive trust rating when he was deposed and the poor never really accepted his fall as evidenced by the so-called EDSA III; moreover, it was just a Manila event). Even in the international plane, world leaders and personalities never praised EDSA II and it even drew criticisms. Probably EDSA II even demeaned EDSA I. As evidences seeped out, more and more it looks liked a simple power grab by an oppurtunistic clique who was able to con the educated class and a the same time a mutiny on the part of the military.

The power grab resulted not in a better government but in a more corrupt, shameless and abusive regime. And a Pandora's box was opened--that extra-constitutional means of regime change is possible and can be legalized by a complicit Supreme Court. I think Cory is aware of this and I think this is the foundation of her change of heart regarding her EDSA II participation.

Most of the other political allies of Cory are still silent about her apology. Are they this deferent to Cory or is this silence a tacit admission that they themselves have already doubts about the rightness of their participation in EDSA II?

To widen the view, let us take note that notable ESDA II participants like former Senate President Villar and former Vice-President Guingona has already made peace with Erap. I think Cory's move is along this line. The only difference is that Cory has probably the guts to make her apologies public and for this she drew flak.

The ignominy right now is not Cory's apology. It is just like making a mountain out of a molehill. Our current ignominy resides in the situation where we have a regime geometrically worse than Erap's and yet we cannot do anything about it. And that "stellar" gathering where Cory made her apology is just the final proof of our current inutility.


[Photo credit:alaykayresilmojares]
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PostHeaderIcon Cory’s EDSA II apology opens controversies & distrust among Filipinos

12/24/2008 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

Calling the EDSA II revolution a mistake, Corazon (Cory) Aquino, one of the leaders of the movement which ousted former Pres. Joseph (Erap) Estrada from power has brought the nation into new controversies. The sudden confession of the ailing former president opened wounds--- sowing confusion among doubting Filipinos who bewailed the endemic poor leadership in the national government.

Rather than bridging the often-repeated "reconciliation” among warring political parties, the demure housewife and former chief executive unwittingly exposed the short-sightedness and immaturity of leaders who stood as huge obstacles to the progress of the country. There were those who surmised if cancer and treatment had put her on tremendous strain; her ability to think sanely as before might have taken a beating.



As a devout practitioner of Catholicism, the former president who’s trying to define her legacy as an infuential public servant may have scored high on matters of faith, but she has placed the people in a void of uncertainty whose damage is too early to quantify. The effects are likely to cause lasting shockwaves on how politics will be played in government affairs like the next presidential election. They will cut across the way people will view what is morally right and wrong as they rule over the scandals that see no end.

By seeking Estrada’s forgiveness, Cory repudiated the collective action of her party and those who pushed for an end of blatant thievery, corruption and ineptness during and after Estrada’s administration. The damning evidence of incompetence and plunder laid bare during the 6 years of trial reduced the public to docility and silent acquiescence---- a treacherous problem of Filipinos no wanted to touch.

Like a modern-day soap opera, Estrada’s dizzying legal battle and his privileged imprisonment shown in TVs, radios, and newspapers ended in a conviction hailed by the people. But it was quickly reversed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo (GMA)--- herself, a sore symbol of almost all things that had gone wrong with the country. Many believed GMA, the current prexy with an outrageously low approval rating of negative (-30) cleverly pardoned Estrada for political convenience. It was unclear though whether Cory's apology to Estrada was linked to her frustraion over GMA's mishandling the government. Cory called on her to resign amidst uncurbed corruption as the wagons of Estrada's political come-back had rolled in from the first station.

Because of Cory’s change of heart, there are deepening doubts on whether Filipino leaders are up for the job of steering the country to better times. In spite of the early justifications and defense for the widow of Benigno (Ninoy) Aquino, her position strengthens the chance of the come-back of the Estrada and his "weather-weather" gang. The Filipinos are left in an impasse: Wala na ba talagang ibang mga magagaling at matitino?

The demoralizing effect of Cory’s declaration puts the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) leadership, a staunch supporter of EDSA II on the defensive. It revives anew the questions on church-state separation and the constitutionality of the power take-overs which left a serious lingering leadership vacuum in all political fronts.

Most of all, it irreparably damaged the Cory brand of uprightness and wisdom she shared with her martyred husband Ninoy Aquino, leaving Filipinos one less of a person to trust and emulate. (Photo Credits: Joe Galvez; Marcial Pontillas21; Marcial Pontillas21; gmaresign; Marcial Pontillas21; Marcial Pontillas21)=0=



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