11-23 + 11-30 = 2012?

November 23 smudges the Ampatuan massacre. November 30 commemorates the Bonifacio Day. 2012 movie spreads the news about the end of the world. Seven days before the commemoration of heroism, here comes the inhuman massive killing in the history of the country showing the irony of Filipino brotherhood. Is it the existent sign that the world is near to end?

Peoples throughout the world were disturbed by the result of the catastrophic incidence in Maguindanao where almost 57 were the victims of the massacre, but some are still missing. The major suspect was pointed to the Ampatuan clan as testified by the witnesses. It is said that the victims were about to file a certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan town. Mangudadatu wanted to defy the candidacy by the name of Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr., son of the incumbent Maguindanao governor Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr., in the forthcoming Maguindanao gubernatorial election in 2010.

The informants unveiled that the Ampatuans had been in control of Maguindanao since 2001. Andal Ampatuan, Sr. came first into prominence when President Corazon Aquino appointed him as officer-in-charge of Maganoy (now Shariff Aquak) in 1986 right after the People Power Revolution. Aquino, having come into power via revolutionary means, replaced every locally-elected official with officers-in-charge, although the town of Maganoy was approached differently; the ageing mayor, Pinagayaw Ampatuan, was replaced by his vice mayor, Andal Sr. He won the 1988 local elections, then served for ten years. In the 1998 elections, Andal Sr. was elected as governor. Members of Lakas-Kampi-CMD, PGMA listed Andal Ampatuan, Sr., as a major ally in Mindanao. ARMM regional governor Zaldy Ampatuan was the party's regional chairman. Andal Sr., the family patriarch, has been provincial governor since 1998; he has been elected thrice, unopposed. Eighteen of the mayors in Maguindanao belong to the clan. In the 2004 presidential elections, Arroyo won 69% of Maguindanao's vote; three years later, the party-backed coalition scored a 12-0 sweep of the senatorial elections in the province. Unable to run for a third term, he is currently grooming his son, Andal, Jr., to succeed him as governor. Arroyo, as head of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD, mediated between the Ampatuans and the Mangudadatus (both are from the same party) to prevent election-related violence. Arroyo's adviser for political affairs Gabriel Claudio, disclosed that there was an initial agreement "in principle" that no Mangudadatu would contest Ampatuan Sr.'s gubernatorial post.

Seven days after the massacre, the Filipinos commemorated the Bonifacio Day. Some are still unaware the reason why Bonficio took into execution. Historians disclosed that Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro was a Filipino nationalist and revolutionary. He was a founder and leader of the Katipunan movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution. It was marked by the tearing of cedulas (community tax cetificates) and was later called the "Cry of Balintawak" or "Cry of Pugad Lawin.” He believed that all its members of whatever rank followed the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, upon which republicanism is founded. He was executed on May 10, 1897 in the mountains of Maragondon with his brother when the Cavite leader Emilio Aguinaldo assumed for presidency of the Republica Filipina and inaugurated on June 23, 1899. However, Morong leader Bonifacio received the second-highest number of votes for President. Though it was suggested that he should automatically be awarded the Vice Presidency, no one seconded the motion. Magdalo leader (originally Magdiwang) Mariano Trías was elected Vice President; while, Bonifacio was elected as Director of the Interior. However, Daniel Tirona, who had helped distribute the ballots, protested against Bonifacio on the grounds that the position should not be occupied by a person without a lawyer's diploma. Bonifacio demanded an apology that the voters had agreed to respect the election results. Instead, Tirona left the room. Bonifacio drew his gun and nearly shot Tirona again, but he was restrained by Artemio Ricarte of the Magdiwang, who had been elected Captain-General. As people left the room, Bonifacio declared the assembly dissolved and annulled all that has been approved and resolved. Afterwards, Bonifacio met with his remaining supporters and drew up the Acta de Tejeros wherein they gave their reasons for not accepting the election results. Bonifacio alleged the election was fraudulent due to cheating and accused Aguinaldo of treason due to his negotiations with the Spanish. Aguinaldo later sent a delegation to Bonifacio to get him to cooperate, but the latter refused. Aguinaldo's men led by Agapito Bonzon and José Ignacio Paua visited him at his camp in Indang; yet, Bonifacio received them cordially, unaware of the order for his arrest. On the next day, Bonzon and Paua attacked Bonifacio's camp. Bonifacio did not fight back himself instead ordered his men to hold their fire. In the crossfire Bonifacio was shot in the arm. He stood trial and accused of sedition and treason against Aguinaldo's government and conspiring to murder Aguinaldo. Bonifacio was found guilty despite insufficient evidence to prove his alleged guilt and recommended to be executed.

Maguindanao massacre, also known as Ampatuan massacre is taken after the name of the town where the mass graves were found, happened in the morning of November 23, in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province, on the island of Mindanao. Bonifacio's birthday on November 30 is celebrated as Bonifacio Day and is a public holiday in the country. Looking into these parameters, the first incident is massacre and the second is execution. Both viewed as horrible killing fueled by politics. 2012 movie only reminds us that this is not the end of the world, but this is just the beginning of the end.

Online Farming

In November 2009, there are 66,505,622 monthly active users worldwide engaged in Farmville as a real-time farm simulation game, a social networking on Facebook since it was launched in June 2009. It was developed by Zynga, a video game developer located in San Francisco, California, USA. This was founded in June 2007 by Mark Pincus, Michael Luxton, Eric Schiermeyer, Justin Waldron, Andrew Trader, and Steve Schoettler. The game allows members of Facebook to manage a virtual farm by planting, growing and harvesting virtual crops, trees, and livestock. May we pause these questions: What do you think is the status of the agricultural lands in the Philippines particularly in Bicol region? How many are Bicolanos engaged in agricultural activities?

Looking at the Philippine Agricultural feature, the Philippines has a total area of 300,000 sq. km. In August 2007, population reached 88.57 million with an annual growth rate of 2.04%. Over 60% of the population live in coastal areas, with Luzon (the largest island group), accounting for more than half of the entire population. It is one of 18 megabiodiversity countries containing 2/3 of the earth’s biodiversity and about 70-80% of the world’s plant and animal species.

The region of South Tagalog has the highest number of farms with 561,538 farms. It is followed by Central and Western Visayas as second and third places with 435,826 and 428,397 farms, respectively. Southern Mindanao ranks a close fourth with 424,275 farms. Bicol has 394,897; Northern Mindanao 389,493; Central Luzon 351,365; Eastern; Visayas 330,374; Ilocos 324,812; Cagayan 297,979; Western Mindanao 260,054; Central Mindanao 233,657; Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao 214,356; Cordillera Administrative Region 110,481; and National Capital Area 12,667.

More than one-third of the farms in the country are fully owned and another 10% are partly owned. Fifteen percent are tenanted, 6% are farmed rent free, and 3% are leased. Almost one-third of the farms are held under more than one type of tenurial status; that is, they are partially owned and partially rented, leased, or farmed under other forms of tenancy. The majority of farmland (95%) is planted in crops, 53% is in temporary crops, and 42% is in permanent crops. Only 5% of the farmland in the Philippines is utilized in other ways: 1% is in permanent meadows and pastures; and, less than 1% each is in home lot, temporary meadows and pastures, woodland and forest, temporarily fallow, and other uses.

NSO, 1991 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries and 2002 Census of Agriculture documented that the number of farms in Bicol Region slightly increased by 1.9%, from 377.8 thousand in 1991 to 384.8 thousand in 2002. These farms covered an area of 892.0 thousand hectares, almost half (48.4%) of the region’s total land area. However, the total area of farms in the region decreased by 4.7% during the period mentioned. This is attributed to the decrease in the area of farms in almost all provinces in the region, especially Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur with 13.2% and 7.8% reduction, respectively. Likewise, the average farm size decreased from 2.5 hectares in 1991 to 2.3 hectares in 2002. Masbate ranked second in terms of farm area in Bicol Region with 207.5 thousand hectares in 59.4 thousand farms. About 23.3% of the total farm area in the region was accounted for by this province. This resulted in an average farm size of 3.5 hectares, the largest among provinces in the region. Although Camarines Sur accounted for the highest number of farms (134.1 thousand) and the largest farm area in the region (263.0 thousand hectares), its average farm size was only 2.0 hectares.

In 2002, a total of 487.8 thousand household members (42.4 percent) were engaged in agricultural activities. About 417.6 thousand (85.6%) household members were engaged in own holding, 47.6 thousand (9.7%) both in their own holding and in the holding of others, and 22.7 thousand (4.6%) in other holdings. On the other hand, a total of 288.0 thousand females were engaged in agricultural activity, outnumbering the males by 89.6 thousand.

In 2007, The International Monetary Fund considered the Philippines as the 37th largest economy which has mixed economic system and one of the newly industrialized emerging market economies of the world. It is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia with GDP growth rate of 7.3% in 2007; however, its growth slowed to 4.5% in 2008 as a result of the global financial crisis.

As a result, if Facebook has more than 66.5 active users engaged in Farmville; the Philippines has a total farms of 4,770,171 with an estimated of 96.06 million population as of July 2008. The record shows that a total of 980.3 Bicolano households members are engaged in agricultural activities. Some Bicolano Farmville users suggested that if everyone can avail the opportunity to engage in agricultural activities like the online farming on Facebook, for sure the Philippines will make it to outrank the other largest industrialized market economy of the world. However, the big question is, can the landowners share their property for all? If yes, would the Filipinos have the interest in farming? We don’t think so.

The Bloggers' Secrets

“Let’s see in the fight who will win,” said the humble Pacman. “I will win in this fight,” said the arrogant Cotto. The Bloggers say, we will see.

Bloggers, persons who write ideas on a blog (or weblog), disclosed their sentiments regarding the fight between Filipino boxing king Manny Pacquiao and WBO welterweight champion Miguel Angel Cotto of Puerto Rico before and after the most awaited duel of the best boxers in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Randy Reyes says, I hope this is just one of the publicity for the upcoming fights. Pacman need to focus on he’s training. Winning the fight against Cotto will surely up lift the morale of all Filipinos specially those being devastated by Typhoons. Pacman , we always pray and support you to win. I’m proud to be a Filipino!

Cendax says, Diaz, Dela Hoya, Hatton are the three great ring gladiators destroyed by Pacman and I feel Cotto will suffer the same.

Jake Luy says, Pacquaio and Cotto are great warriors but Pacquiao will surely crush Cotto considering Pacquiao knocks down many great fighters in the boxing ring.

Bobriders says, I feel very confident that our champion Manny Pacquiao will win this game; it is about the history nor the victory of a Filipino. Good luck Manny and more power!

Bukojuice says, considering that for some reasons, I get a chance not to be a Filipino, I would still choose Pacman because he is a Pinoy!So, I’m proud to be one of him. Hoy, Pinoy ako, buo aking loob, may agimat ang dugo ko! 3 stars and a Sun! Cotto would realize and feel what a Filipino fighter is all about!

Elyboy ng Paco says, mga kababayan andito ako ngayon sa Vera Cruz, Mexico naghahanap ng kapustahan, ayaw lumaban ng mga Mexicano, lahat sila gusto kay Pacman! Laban Manny! Pati mga Mexicano kakampi na natin.Yahoo!

Destroy the Filipino says, Pacquiao has never fought a true welter weight like a ‘Cotto.’ De La Hoya was not on his prime when he beat him. Once Pacquiao feels the power of Cotto’s hands, he will regret getting into the ring with the Puerto Rican gladiator!

Marlon says, it would be a good banging fight this November 14; I say if Cotto would rush on rounds it will be a nightmare for his life; the one who is brainy will dictate and win the fight. Go Pacman; we’re on your side!

Ralph says, Cotto was teased just like a ‘kuto’ at ‘lisa’ na parang ginisa ang mukha sa ibabaw ng malaking kawaling parisukat. Dapat di na siya tumayo sa fourth rounds, ayun nalamog ang mukha. Nakakaawa pero mabait naman. Laking hanga ko kay Pacquiao, akala ko, siya ang mgkakaroon ng dugo sa mukha dahil malaki at mlakas si Cotto, yun pala, kabaliktaran ang lahat. Go PACMAN! Next mo naman tirisin ang mayabang na si Mayweather!

Norvz Dela Cruz says, Cotto kuto lisa Manny pera swerte pakyaw pa hays san ka pa ba pupusta?
Ed Feliz says, hey pro Cotto’s I understand your sentiment but what can you say now that Pacman won? Where is the ‘stronger, better, bigger, natural welterweight’ who will crush Pacman? I think speed, stronger punch, and intelligence over ruled your fighter’s qualities. And your “good” prediction that Pacman will be down on the canvass; I think if you are not blind, it’s the other way around.

Ben Thompson, pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao solidified his status as an all-time great with an impressive and dominant 12th round TKO victory over WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, becoming the firster boxer to ever win world titles in 7 different divisions. Pacquiao’s performance was a masterpiece against Cotto, a man that many considered to be a legitimate threat to defeat him.

Edwin Espejo says, he did it in a very convincing and methodical manner that answered all doubts about his ability to dominate a talent-laden welterweight division and dismiss all doubters about his boxing greatness. With his historical feat, Manny solidified his claim as the best boxer, pound for pound, in the planet.

The fight between Pacquiao and Cotto reminds us that humility makes a person win; but, an arrogant makes a person lose. The Bloggers said, learn from the humble Pacquiao himself; but, don’t learn from the arrogant Cotto.

The Bloggers' Secrets

“Let’s see in the fight who will win,” said the humble Pacman. “I will win in this fight,” said the arrogant Cotto. The Bloggers say, we will see.

Bloggers, persons who write ideas on a blog (or weblog), disclosed their sentiments regarding the fight between Filipino boxing king Manny Pacquiao and WBO welterweight champion Miguel Angel Cotto of Puerto Rico before and after the most awaited duel of the best boxers in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Randy Reyes says, I hope this is just one of the publicity for the upcoming fights. Pacman need to focus on he’s training. Winning the fight against Cotto will surely up lift the morale of all Filipinos specially those being devastated by Typhoons. Pacman , we always pray and support you to win. I’m proud to be a Filipino!

Cendax says, Diaz, Dela Hoya, Hatton are the three great ring gladiators destroyed by Pacman and I feel Cotto will suffer the same.

Jake Luy says, Pacquaio and Cotto are great warriors but Pacquiao will surely crush Cotto considering Pacquiao knocks down many great fighters in the boxing ring.
Bobriders says, I feel very confident that our champion Manny Pacquiao will win this game; it is about the history nor the victory of a Filipino. Good luck Manny and more power!
Bukojuice says, considering that for some reasons, I get a chance not to be a Filipino, I would still choose Pacman because he is a Pinoy! So, I’m proud to be one of him. Hoy, Pinoy ako, buo aking loob, may agimat ang dugo ko! 3 stars and a Sun! Cotto would realize and feel what a Filipino fighter is all about!

Elyboy ng Paco says, mga kababayan andito ako ngayon sa Vera Cruz, Mexico naghahanap ng kapustahan, ayaw lumaban ng mga Mexicano, lahat sila gusto kay Pacman! Laban Manny! Pati mga Mexicano kakampi na natin.Yahoo!

Destroy the Filipino says, Pacquiao has never fought a true welter weight like a ‘Cotto.’ De La Hoya was not on his prime when he beat him. Once Pacquiao feels the power of Cotto’s hands, he will regret getting into the ring with the Puerto Rican gladiator!
Marlon says, it would be a good banging fight this November 14; I say if Cotto would rush on rounds it will be a nightmare for his life; the one who is brainy will dictate and win the fight. Go Pacman; we’re on your side!

Ralph says, Cotto was teased just like a ‘kuto’ at ‘lisa’ na parang ginisa ang mukha sa ibabaw ng malaking kawaling parisukat. Dapat di na siya tumayo sa fourth rounds, ayun nalamog ang mukha. Nakakaawa pero mabait naman. Laking hanga ko kay Pacquiao, akala ko, siya ang mgkakaroon ng dugo sa mukha dahil malaki at mlakas si Cotto, yun pala, kabaliktaran ang lahat. Go PACMAN! Next mo naman tirisin ang mayabang na si Mayweather!
Norvz Dela Cruz says, Cotto kuto lisa Manny pera swerte pakyaw pa hays san ka pa ba pupusta?

Ed Feliz says, hey pro Cotto’s I understand your sentiment but what can you say now that Pacman won? Where is the ‘stronger, better, bigger, natural welterweight’ who will crush Pacman? I think speed, stronger punch, and intelligence over ruled your fighter’s qualities. And your “good” prediction that Pacman will be down on the canvass; I think if you are not blind, it’s the other way around.

Ben Thompson, pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao solidified his status as an all-time great with an impressive and dominant 12th round TKO victory over WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, becoming the firster boxer to ever win world titles in 7 different divisions. Pacquiao’s performance was a masterpiece against Cotto, a man that many considered to be a legitimate threat to defeat him.

Edwin Espejo says, he did it in a very convincing and methodical manner that answered all doubts about his ability to dominate a talent-laden welterweight division and dismiss all doubters about his boxing greatness. With his historical feat, Manny solidified his claim as the best boxer, pound for pound, in the planet.

The fight between Pacquiao and Cotto reminds us that humility makes a person win; but, an arrogant makes a person lose. The Bloggers said, learn from the humble Pacquiao himself; but, don’t learn from the arrogant Cotto.

Common Denominator

May 2010 election is at the tip of the Filipinos tongue. Philippine politicians have started to expose their political advertising campaigns using various means of communication. One plausible objective is to help out Filipinos from poverty. Persuasion is the best political defense in order to get the attention of the electorates. One common question, what makes sense of the Political ads?

In March 2006, the Library of Congress, Federal Research Division on Philippine Profile disclosed that the economy of the Philippines has lagged behind other economies, such as those of Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. From a position as one of the wealthiest countries in Asia after World War II, the Philippines is now one of the poorest countries. Since the 1970s, which were a relatively prosperous decade, the Philippines has failed to achieve a sustained period of rapid economic growth and has suffered from recurring economic crises. This persistent underperformance has occurred in spite of the Philippines’ rich natural and human resources. Poverty is a serious problem in the Philippines. The reasons are rooted partly in history, partly in policy.

Carlo Albano, a Filipino student at the University of Wisconsin, reported that some conference participants talked about the economic pressures behind immigration. He noted what Oswald Katipunan, BAYAN USA member said that in the Philippines there are teachers that have left their country to become domestic care workers in countries abroad for better pay, lawyers that have left their homes to work as security guards. Katipunan added that these people have worked hard to get their education but the lack of national opportunity forces them to continue their struggle abroad just to support their families. This is the effect that we see worldwide in the waves of migration today. This is the push and pull of the single superpower and the oppressed of the world.

Philip Gerson as referred to his Working Paper on International Monetary Fund (Washington) in 1998 entitled, "Poverty, Income Distribution, and Economic Policy in the Philippines wrote that poverty is both more widespread and more persistent in the Philippines than in neighboring ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries. While the poverty rate has decreased in the Philippines over the past 25 years, the decline has been slower than in other ASEAN countries. Some of the blame for the Philippines' slow progress in reducing the incidence of poverty can be attributed to past economic policies that retarded growth by discriminating against agriculture and discouraging investment in human capital. These policies, in turn, sustained powerful interest groups that blocked or delayed economic reform. Poverty in the Philippines, as in most countries, tends to be associated with low education levels for heads of households and with large family size. Poor Filipinos are disproportionately employed in agriculture, fishing, and forestry.

Aubrey Sc Makilan, a news writer of Bulatlat interviewed Cecilia Diocson; an Ilocana nurse working in Canada since 1975. “We explain to them the reasons behind the labor-export policy of the Philippines, tracing the root cause to the socio-economic and political problems besetting the country; why Filipinos had to work abroad to earn a decent income; and why Canada needs our cheap labor,” Diocson said. She added, being the main force that keeps the Philippines’ ailing economy afloat, migrant workers are regarded as ‘modern-day heroes’ by the Philippine government, but the government does not match the adulation it confers on OFWs with deeds. The OFWs toil as modern-day slaves abandoned by their government. We are just being viewed as numbers, she lamented. She also criticized the Philippine Consulate for not setting a shelter to accommodate domestic workers running away from abusive employers. She stressed that trade and investment promotion continues to be the primary concern of Philippine officials in Canada. Although they have left the country several decades ago, they never lose hope that they would eventually go back home. She asked, who does not want to return to his/her own country? She argued that due to the difficulties of earning a living in the Philippines, one needs to have a lot of savings to be able to live a decent life when one returns. Diocson said that her two children, who were born in Canada, had their integration in the Philippines. She related that they had a positive experience, but they also realized that earning a decent living is difficult in the Philippines. She assured that even as they are miles away from their native land, they will still respond to the ‘call of service, the call for change.’

The growing of political advertising campaigns nowadays is a sign of conceiving a new array of hope. These political ads simply speak the persons who can get the Philippines out from the box of poverty. However, through the years as reflected in the Philippine politics, this merely becomes political odds allowing people to live in misery instead of teaching people the best way of life. One common answer, these political ads simply remind our significant role in Philippine politics and society advertising the best that we can to make Philippines a super power nation in the future with common denominator that is sharing as one to be the number one.

Deed for Dead

Bicolano youths today are still confused about the essence of celebrating the Undas or All Saints Day and All Souls Day; while, the old ones are busy preparing for the fest of the departed ones. Is it a deed for dead?

Undas as described by the Wikipedia is the Filipinized version of All Saints/Souls Day where Filipinos troop to memorial parks, mausoleums, and municipal cemeteries. The most common practice is going to the cemetery to clean the graveyards and paint the tombs of their departed loved ones. During these days, cemeteries are fully packed with people. Relatives from far-off provinces, or even abroad often go to the cemeteries where their loved ones were buried. They light candles and offer flowers in memory of their dead relatives. It also a sort of family reunion where family members would gather together in the cemeteries bringing foods and beverages, play card games and other forms of gambling, deafening loud speakers and drinking sprees even though authorities strictly prohibits such nuisances.

Fr. Mickey Cardenas, CBCP Media explained in his article that in the month of November in which the universal Church traditionally commemorates all of the faithful departed, visits to the graves of loved ones has been a popular custom in the Philippines. However, he expressed his observations what the Catholic Church celebrates as a solemn commemoration has turned into occasions of rather inappropriate pastimes such as gambling, drunkenness, noise-making, or simply the senseless crowding of people that has led to road rage and shooting incidents. Fr. Gerry S. Patio, editor of Theological Centrum Documentation Service, said that there is a need for a greater understanding of the Christian reverence for the bodies of the dead as well as of Christian death in general in the light of the promise of a future resurrection. The very purpose why the Church calls the people to gather together is for them to pray and to console one another and to meditate together about the meaning of God being with us whether in life and or in death. Fr. Patio stressed, "We visit cemeteries to pray for the dead, not to disturb them." Patio, a Theology graduate of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome and with more than 10 years of pastoral work experience behind him, has observed that in the Philippines, people are generally and openly pious and the state still respects, in some way, the religious heritage of the people. He added that the government, no matter under whose administration, facilitates the commemoration of these Christian traditions by declaring these days as public non-working holidays and by providing assistance of the police and other agencies to maintain public order.

As Leslie Ann Aquino revealed in her article entitled, Halloween blamed for youth forgetting meaning of Undas what Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said that because of Halloween parties, the youth often forget to pray for the saints and the dead during All Saints and All Souls Day. Lagdameo added that sometimes they are already tired from attending a Halloween party the whole day that come November 1 and 2, the days when they are supposed to be praying, they are at home resting or sleeping. Lagdameo said it’s the obligation of every Catholic faithful to pray for the dead, saying a time will come that they’ll be the ones who will be in need of prayer.

Brende Piquero in her article entitled, Austere All Saints’ Day rites seen, boldly expressed her opinion that despite the country’s severe financial meltdown that finds the worth of the peso tumbling down by the minute, All Saints’ Day traditions, being another occasion for a family reunion, prevail among millions of Filipino families, perhaps minus the excesses. While families brought more than substantial food in the past, preparations this year are expected to be less extravagant than past celebrations of All Saints’ Day. Because age-old Filipino traditions are not easy to fade away, they stay for generations to come, even in the harshest of times. However, Seven out of 10 Filipinos consider themselves poor, an increase of more than four percent from the last survey, according to the October poll conducted by research organization Ibon Foundation as noted by Ellalyn De Vera stating in her article entitled, More Filipinos rate themselves poor. Meanwhile, Executive Vice President-Luzon/Marketing and Business Development, Dr. Mildred Vitangcol explained that Filipinos have very strong family ties and a deep sense of relationship. We continuously love our kin and our friends even if they have already gone from this world. This is a distinct and notable Filipino trait which we eventually tend to set aside as we are preoccupied with the frenzy of our daily lives. We believe that we should rekindle this value as we also wouldn’t want to be forgotten (by our loved ones) when that time comes.

The word Undas does not merely reflect the way of fest for our departed ones, but it unveils our Bicolano youths’ ignorance reminding them the essence of life after death. This reminds us that life on earth is just a temporary respite of happiness, but death is permanent. It is to be remembered that our body dies, but our good deeds remain.

Estrada’s political whips

The Filipino movie addicts considered former Pres. Estrada as the typical hero of the Philippine movie industry. His popularity whipped him to take his journey to political race until he took the seat for presidency in 1997; majority won over the other political tycoons. His supporters drove ‘Jeep Ni Erap’ with great jubilation showing his greatness as ‘Erap para sa Mahirap.’ No one ever knew that he has taken over by his mediocrity which on Sept. 12, 2007, the Sandiganbayan convicted him of plunder. This was the cause of his remorse.

While 2010 election is taking on its fire; Pres. Estrada, the impeached, ousted, and convicted 13th Philippine president, announced recently his willingness to take another shot at the presidency. Yet, a round of debate on the legitimacy of his plan has broken out among constitutional and legal experts.

Sophia M. Dedace, GMA News.TV, mentioned in her article entitled, Estrada's 2010 presidential bid revives legal debate that a portion of Mrs. Arroyo’s order granting Estrada pardon reads: "Whereas, Joseph Ejercito Estrada has publicly committed to no longer seek any elective position or office." The Article VII, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution clearly stated that the President shall not be eligible for any re-election. No person who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time.

Dean Amado D. Valdez of the University of the East College of Law interprets this constitutional provision as a restriction against the following from seeking re-election: incumbent presidents, and those who have finished the six-year term as prescribed in the 1987. He added that the incumbent is not allowed to seek re-election, to avoid his misuse of government resources as the concern of the Constitution’s drafters. His opinion was echoed by Estrada’s lawyer, Jose Flaminiano, a former regional trial court judge. Flaminiano said that the constitutional ban on re-election, ‘The President shall not be eligible for any re-election,’ only applied to incumbent presidents.

However, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal and former Commission on Elections chair Christian Monsod did not agree with Valdez and Flaminiano. Macalintal, Pres. Arroyo’s lawyer, said that the constitutional restriction applies to anyone who was elected president regardless of either they are incumbent or have been elected in the past. Monsod explained that a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission (ConCom) that drafted the 1987 Constitution, an elected president gets only ‘one shot at the presidency.’

Estrada’s camp argued that the ousted leader can run again because his term was cut short to less than three years following the January 2001 when “Edsa II" was uprising. ‘Hindi natapos yung term ni Erap. He did not serve for more than four years so he is not disqualified to run,’ Flaminiano argued. Monsod said that this particular constitutional ban applies to those who succeeded the presidency who have not served for more than four years. He mentioned that Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who succeeded Estrada in January 2001, was qualified to run for president in 2004 because the remainder of Estrada’s term that she served was less than four years. Monsod said that the prohibition does not apply to Estrada, who was an elected president, not a successor.

According to the Supreme Court ruling, Estrada left his office and this constituted his resignation. When retired justice Jose Vitug read the concurring opinion; it is understood that Abandonment of office is a species of resignation, and it connotes the giving up of the office although not attended by the formalities normally observed in resignation. So, it is a prerogative that when he abandoned his office; he had already relinquished his power to his successor Vice President Arroyo.

Moreover, the Supreme Court clarified that Estrada’s announcement last Wednesday does not make him an official candidate yet. His presidential attempt be honored only when he will file his certificate of candidacy between November 20 and 30.

Some are still insisting their intent to support the candidacy of Pres. Estrada. Some are doubtful whether he can still take the throne for presidency despite his abuse of power, incompetence, and moral ascendancy. Some say, he is the movie hero that once rose to power, fell to impeachment, rose to his political and civil rights. Some say, he remains the ousted president that will never rise from his political flaw. Some say, he is just a human who is expected to commit mistakes. Some say, he deserves to be forgiven. Some say, he is forgiven but his weaknesses remain as scars in the heart of the Filipinos.

Pres. Estrada was once a hero of the masses. Everyone looked up to him as the best driver and the best man in the world. However, his mediocrity seized him and led him to the four corners of the cell. Filipinos, in this epoch, witnessed that the hero of the masses has been grandly suffered from his tragic flaw which caused of his downfall. In his time, we realized his imperfections and vulnerability. Yet, today reminds us that letting this happen again is a reflection of stupidity.

What makes Legazpi proud today

Wow! This was the initial amazing expression of the commuters upon looking at the futuristic world class terminal, which made the city of Legazpi proud today portraying the real replica of the golden years of the City.

It was a good news for the commuters from all over the Albay province when the Metro Integrated Transport Terminal (MITT) started the operation of the Legazpi City Grand Central Terminal, which was formally opened the state of the art terminal 1 at the corner of Tahao and alternate roads by Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal and attended by the top executives of the province. Mayor Rosal said that this terminal will raise the confidence of investors in Legazpi as the prime city of Bicol. He described the P300-million facility put up by private company LKY Group on a 25-year build-operate-and-transfer (BOT) arrangement as a ‘futuristic terminal’ that will drive economic development in the Bicol region.

He added that the commercial area is now being completed to accommodate restaurants, bars, and retail stores; fast food giants Jollibee and sister company Chowking are now preparing to construct stores in the terminal; and, Jollibee is expected to put up its biggest store in Legazpi which will be its fourth in the city. As expected, the new Legazpi terminal will centralize all forms of land transportation that pass through Legazpi, including buses from Manila going to the Visayas, jeepneys, and filcabs (FX taxis) taking commuters to various cities and towns of Bicol provinces. The Group’s Save More also signified its engagement to become the operator of the new terminal’s supermarket.

He explained that the project to modernize Legazpi’s outmoded terminal was primarily offered to local business groups; but, it was the LKY Group, a company from Sorsogon City, which positively responded to the challenge. He further stressed, because of the vision of the LKY Group, what used to be a flood-prone area populated by squatters will now become the new central business district. He simply informed the public that because of the new terminal, many business owners from other parts of the country are now eager to invest in Legazpi City. He further stressed that the new terminal will exactly show the people what kind of governance we have in Legazpi.

Many bloggers express their commendations to the city of Legazpi. Some say, this is a great development for the city. Some are hoping that this will bring lots of opportunities for Bicolanos. Some dare the City to keep going on to be the premiere city of the Bicol region and conquer whole Southern Luzon and the rest of the Philippines. Some are wishing that flood slide may never put Legazpi in danger anymore; if this happens again, they hope that the City is capable to provide a plan as a resort of the unexpected consequence. It is also a challenge to the city government what measures they can do to maintain the beautiful landscape and attractive facilities which we can always make the city proud to have a world class terminal.

Many constituents affirm that this terminal simply illustrates good governance of the City. Some say, it is a reflection of productive leaders and honest tax payers. They put across their outlook that this is really the tax being paid by the people and made it a wonderful accomplishment. However, the splendid panoramic view of the terminal has not become a marvelous achievement of the city without the wonder hands of the great carpenters and expert workers. It is true that this has not been materialized without them; so, let us congratulate them for producing the city a world class terminal. They are the priceless living portrait of service.

As the genuine replica of its golden years, one must know how to appreciate the value of service. Service without appreciation is worthless. Appreciation without good value of attitude is lifeless. Attitude without proper discipline results in crisis. As a result, commitment to discipline is the highest value of service that makes Legazpi City proud today.

Payback time for Bicolanos

Generosity, as the Filipino display of reciprocity, highly regards Bicolanos in the milestone of World History. This becomes a socio-linguistic and cultural identity as the most prestigious remark for today’s Bicolanos after they offered a helping hand to the residents of Metro Manila when miserably hit by typhoon Ondoy.

Behind Bicolanos’ generosity, Ako Bicol, Sunwest Care Foundation, Rotary Club of Central Legazpi, Legazpi Jaycees, Tektone Foundation, the local government of Legazpi, dzGB, Bombo Radio Legazpi, among other government, and non-government organizations blended into one in response to the call of assistance among the typhoon victims in Central Luzon. Through their concerted relief effort, they made up a caravan, which consisted fifty volunteers, more than 30 cars, 10 dump trucks, three trucks filled with donations, and two dredgers, moved to evacuation centers in Metro Manila, Taytay in Rizal, Novaliches in Quezon City, Marikina City, and some part of Los Baños, Laguna and brought with them various food and supplies for typhoon victims. It was indeed an amazing kindness when ordinary Bicolano people along their way would throw plastic bags with sardines or noodles or used clothes into the trucks; while, there are also some Bicolanos who donated a small spared amount of peso just to extend their sincerest kindness to the victims. It is said that the group gave out more than P1 million worth of relief goods, including blankets, canned food, instant noodles, bottled water, and local products like brooms, coco lumber, and mats.

In doing so, it was a payback for the Bicolanos when the Bicol region then suffered from the burden brought about by the typhoon Reming. This has stricken the Bicol region with winds of 190 kilometers per hour. It brought down trees and electric posts, which set the city in the shadows of fear. The heavy rains caused mud and rock stumbling down and burying houses up to their rooftops until some houses were dragged by the strong current of water. This caused death of thousands Albayano people when mudslides and boulders from the slopes of Mayon Volcano crushed Albay villages, which left agony and misery to the Bicolanos. During the catastrophe, the palace sent off a caravan of some 250 trucks laden with P200 M worth of relief goods voluntarily gave out by doctors, clearing crews, carpenters, linemen, masons and other non-government organizations in the countryside.

This simple generosity awakens not only the Bicolanos but the peoples across the globe. This simply shows how kind and charitable are the Filipino people in the midst of difficulty. This simply shows that in better or worse; Filipinos cannot really hold their arms to stretch out to those people who are in need because the fulfillment they shared with the victims cannot be truly sold in the market and cannot surely be bought by millions of money. Money, for them, is just a temporary source of happiness; but, generosity is the eternal source of blissfulness. It is true that when a person is blessed with a good heart; a person will always be remembered.

Today’s reality unfolds; it is an affirmation that typhoon Ondoy makes Filipino people miserable; but, for Bicolanos, it helps them become more generous to others. This is the real manifestation that the Filipino tradition of reciprocity is still burning in our mind and heart despite the global crises we encounter because we, Bicolanos, believe that kindness is not just showing sympathy; but, an act of mercy. Yet, politics was never a question when needy calls for assistance.

Generosity, also known as utang na loob, highly regards Bicolanos not only a fossil in the milestone of Contemporary World History; but, a living legacy of the legendary heroes of Ibalong with remarkable character of a real hero renowned in the heart of the peoples across the globe.

The Land of Fire

On the second day of October, the typhoon pepeng got across the Bicol peninsula and humbly heaved its provinces; while, a fabulous cocktail party simply gathered the twenty six Bicolano painters, three sculptors and patronage witnessing the Albay Contemporary Arts; an art exhibit exemplifying the beauty of Ibalon as the Land of Fire.

Diana Lyn Lopez mentioned in her article entiled, Bicolano that the Bicol region was known as Ibalon, variously interpreted to derive form ibalio, "to bring to the other side"; ibalon, "people from the other side" or "people who are hospitable and give visitors gifts to bring home"; or as a corruption of Gibal-ong, a sitio of Magallanes, Sorsogon where the Spaniards first landed in 1567. The Bico River was first mentioned in Spanish Documents in 1572. The region was also called "Los Camarines" after the huts found by the Spaniards in Camalig, Albay. No prehistoric animal fossils have been discovered in Bicol and the peopling of the region remains obscure. The Aeta from Camarines Sur to Sorsogon strongly suggest that aborigines lived there long ago, but earliest evidence is of middle to late Neolithic life. The Bicol were described by some Spanish chroniclers as fierce warriors. Thus their history comprises many battles against foreign incursions. Sorsogon participated in Samar's Sumuroy Revolt in 1649. Over 400 suspected rebel sympathizers were massacred in Pilar, and some local friars exiled. In Camarines, minor rebellions occurred contemporaneously with the Sumuroy rebellion and during the British occupation of Manila between 1762 and 1764. These remain written records that always remind us that we are Bicolanos with victorious origin.

Unveiling the Bicolano artists’ pride for Ibalon, the artistic central idea of the paintings and sculptures primarily display the political, economical, cultural, and artistic way of Bicolanos’ life with their profound relationship with nature and God despite the age of reason. These notable painters and sculptors are the replica of God’s creation. They are the living arts and crafts of humanity. They exemplify beauty amid the incapacity of man towards nature. They exemplify wisdom amid the ignorance of man towards God. Their artistic creations simply exhibit their affection to their people and land; to their people that nurture and appreciate them and to their land that protects and fights for them. They are the living elements of Ibalon; they are the line that shapes man’s directions; they are the color that describes beauty of man and nature; they are the texture that touches one’s heart; they are the shape that molds one’s ignorance; and they are the form that builds awareness to mankind.

On the second day of October, the typhoon pepeng toppled down the Cagayan valley. Yet, the Bicolano painters and sculptors put on display their masterpieces reminding us that Bicol religiosity is extremely rooted. This exemplifies the beauty of Ibalon as the Land of Fire.

When one can read and write

When one can read; he can understand. When one can understand; he can write. When one can read and write; he can compute simple arithmetic. When one can compute; he can be a functional literate. When one is literate; he becomes a better citizen. So, read with understanding and write with purpose.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has drafted a definition of literacy as the ‘ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, compute and use printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society.’ While, the Department of Education, City of Legazpi, and West Rotary Club supported the Legazpi City Literacy Fun Run. This is an international literacy celebration with a theme, Literacy: school and communities working together. The fun run started at St. Agnes Academy and ended at Albay Astrodome held on September 29, 2009 at exactly seven thirty in the morning.

The Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) Social Science Research Center unfolds that Simple literacy rate (SLR) in the Bicol region increased from 87.3 percent in 1989 to 94.9 percent in 1994. In 1994, among the six provinces in the Bicol region, Functional literacy rate (FLR) was highest in Camarines Norte with 90.0 percent, followed by Catanduanes with 87.4 percent. Masbate, on the other hand, registered the lowest functional literacy rate, following Sorsogon at 75.2 percent and 79.4 percent, respectively. The index mundi, an online publication, disclosed that Bicol region manifests a mixture of dynamic culture, resilient and religious people, and literate workforce. It has a literacy rate of 96% with schools and universities at par with those in Manila. Aside from being highly literate, the Bicolano workforce is skilled and hardworking; however, workers in Bicol are paid lower than P182 per day. Hence, most families cannot provide for their basic needs resulting in a great number of malnourished or undernourished children.

Summer Institute of Linguistics in association with the Philippines Department of Education revealed that although the Philippines has a basic literacy rate of more than 88.5%, pockets of illiteracy remain. Dr. Norma L. Salcedo, head of the Literacy Coordinating Council, Abiva Publishing House, Inc., defines literacy as the ability of a person to read and write with understanding a simple message in any language or dialect. However, Summer of Institute of Linguistics added that according to the Department of Education, there are more than 1 million pre-literates in the country and more than 6 million people are deemed to be functionally illiterate. SIL found out that many of these are belonged to the indigenous cultural communities because the languages spoken by a number of these communities have had no written tradition. So, a concerted effort among educators, learners, communities, and the government is still needed to raise the level of literacy in the country. It is said that low levels of literacy and education in general, can impede the economic development of a country in the current rapidly changing, technology-driven world because we believe that high level of literacy is a crucial measure of a region's human capital.

When one becomes a better citizen; he must know how to appreciate his people and environment. When one can appreciate his society; he can be an epitome of character. When one has dignified character; he can make a productive society because reading without understanding is meaningless and writing without purpose is useless.

Climate is an act of change

Climate is in the state of flux, but people are now in the state of dilemma.

Peoples undoubtedly suffer from the result of climate change all over the world. Both church and state become reactive about the alarming changes of the weather. This blazes the heart and mind of the congress enacting this effect to a law. Just this recent year, the congress finally passed the Philippine climate change act of 2009. This accordingly focuses on integrating action on adaptation and mitigation of calamities.

The Philippine Information Agency disclosed that Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Standing and Oversight Committees on Climate Change and the United Nations' Regional Champion on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation said that the Climate Change Act of 2009, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, is only a few steps from passage. In accordance of the law, the Climate Change Act of 2009 covers policy formulation, development planning, and poverty reduction programs. The Climate Change Commission shall be headed by no less than the President of the Philippines. The Commission shall be composed of three Commissioners, one of whom shall be the Vice-Chairperson. The Commission shall be advised by an Advisory Board of ex officio members and representatives of various sectors. It shall likewise constitute a panel of technical advisers tasked to provide support to the Commission in climate science, technologies, and best practices for risk assessment and enhancement of adaptive capacity of vulnerable human settlements. The Commission is mandated to formulate Framework Strategy on Climate Change to serve as the basis for a program for climate change planning, research and development, extension, and monitoring of activities to protect vulnerable communities. The local government units shall be the frontline agencies in the formulation, planning and implementation of climate change action plans in their respective areas. It shall be the responsibility of the national government to extend technical and financial assistance to LGUs for the accomplishment of their Local Climate Change Action Plans.

The Bicol Consortium for Agriculture Resources Research and Development (BCARRD) unveils that climate change is one of the serious threats to sustainable development. It poses adverse impacts on human health, food security, the environment itself, economic activities, and physical infrastructure. Some of the possible consequences include lower agricultural yields, growing water stress, flooding of low-lying areas, and spread of infectious disease to new warmer areas.
Dr. Maria Victoria Espaldon, dean, School of Environmental Science at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños and the consultant of the Center on Initiative and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) during the 2nd National Livestock and Poultry Summit in Albay profoundly warned that the Planet Earth is warming and the increase in temperature could melt the Arctic ice and threaten archipelagic regions like the Philippines and the province of Albay is pilot-testing the mainstreaming of Climate Change in the Philippine educational system. This will be integrated in the curriculum both elementary grades and high school starting next school year.

Both church and state admit that climate change or global warming is indeed an act of change. Our reluctance simply denies our attitude of being reactive; waiting for and giving impression after something happened. On the other hand, our commitment simply speaks our dignified character of being proactive; doing something for today and for tomorrow’s generation. This is not just a law of change, but an attitude towards our responsibility as the greatest rational creation of man and God.

Climate will never change when people never allow themselves to change.

Bikol Uragon; we wish to sing of

The Mayon volcano perfectly illustrates our identity as Bicolanos with defined culture all over the world. Bikol language translates our identity as uragon. In Bikol language, Bikol Uragon simply reflects the identity of Bicol University as the premier state university in the Bicol Region. Bobbie Garcia wrote a hymn for Bicol University exuding its beauty and wisdom.

‘This is the school we wish to sing of
A school to honor and revere’

The history unfolds that the Bicol University was created on June 21, 1969 through Republic Act 5521 and was institutionally formalized on September 21, 1970 by virtue of Resolution No. 1 of its Board of Regents. Dr. Ricardo Arcilla, the first university’s president, charted the developmental path of the university; unity and harmony was considerably attained among its initial constituents and policy making was systematized. Judge Aquilino Bonto, second president, realized the decentralization of the administrative and financial management of the university endowing the colleges with autonomy. Dr. Patria Lorenzo, the third president, carried out infrastructure development and focused on cultural and values transformations. Dr. Lylia Sena, the fourth president, expanded the university’s academic, research, and extension service. Dr. Ameliano Aberin, fifth president, made the university decentralized; fortified administrative fiscal system; and, achieved information and technology programs. Dr. Susana Cabredo, encouraged academic excellence through productive scholarship.

‘A temple built by men of firmness
A mould for youth who walk with pride’

September 21, 2009, the Bicol University is proud to celebrate its forty amazing years; a ruby founding anniversary. Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, the current president aspires to make her administration gaining international recognition through Excellence and Innovation creating a new image for the university. She optimistically aims in the next five years to elevate the University among the top 10 Universities in the country by establishing eight Centers of Excellence that engage in innovative researches and extension services in promoting Bicol economic development.

‘For thee we’ll always be united
Although we tread on distant lands’

It is to be noted that Bicol University has fourteen campuses with seventy-one courses offered. BU main campus located in Legazpi and Daraga is composed of ten campuses like, College of Education (CE), Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR), Graduate School (GS), College of Arts and Letters (CN), College of Nursing (CN), College of Science (CS), College of Engineering (CEng), College of Industrial and Technology (CIT), College of Social Science and Philosophy (CSSP), and College of Business and Economics (CBEM). There are four campuses outside like, Tabaco Campus (TC), College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), Polangui Campus (PC), and Gubat Campus (GC) in Sorsogon.

‘We all shall cherish what you’ve taught us
That you wholeheartedly gave forth’

Dynamic college deans and directors among the fourteen campuses and other administrative officials strongly uphold and walk with pride their commitment; ‘moving as one to be the number one.’ On its forty years of existence, they are one in developing and promoting scholarship, character, leadership, and service as the four pillars of the university. Their commitment and integrity led the university personnel as well as the faculty members in molding the minds of the Bicolanos spreading educational endeavors of excellence among the six provinces of the Bicol region with due respect to their cultural identity and social status quo.

‘Bicol University, burning Torch of Wisdom
Fount of Courage, Hope, and Love
Seat of Truth and Light.’

If Mayon volcano illustrates our identity; Bikol language translates our character; Bicol University labels as Bikol Uragon; and, Bobbie Garcia sings his praises for the University. What stories shall the Bicolanos tell about Bicol University? We will see how they wish to sing for Bicol University.

Casino in Legazpi City; push or pull

The resolution on Casino is still in its decision making either the Local Government Unit of Legazpi City approves it or the Catholic Church totally rejects it. Will it be pushed through or pull it back?

The Legazpi City Sangguniang Panlungsod passed a Resolution No. 15 stating no objection to the operation of Casino facility at the Embarcadero Land Ventures, Incorporation; a new opened mall located at the pier site of the city. There were nine votes in favor of the resolution; two were abstained; and one was absent. The resolution submitted to the office of the City Mayor for his decision.

It is to be noted that before the City Council endorsed the resolution to the City mayor, the committee on laws conducted a multi-sectoral public hearing; majority of the business community were pleased to the implementation of a casino in the city. The businessmen believe that this will encourage tourists and investors to visit our city. They assure that this project will pay big amount for its income tax which augments the revenue for the city to provide employment for local workers. However, a group of Catholic priests and lay leaders expressed their views against the proposed casino operation in the said locale because they believe that it is immoral. They are aware that this casino is a gamble that will result in crisis instead of improving one’s life; social climbers will arise until they will engage in different immoral acts just to have an income in order to venture in this kind of chance.

Both the local government unit and the church put across their views along the positive result and the negative effect of this casino to the Bicolanos as a whole, respectively. So, we can not hold back the local government unit to push through the operation of the casino because their desire is for the common good. We can not also deter the belief of the church leaders because their aspiration is to uphold the morality of the church as well as Bicolano culture. Both have common vision that is to protect the dignity of the people despite the social stratification in the society.

At the expense of the political will, we think of the interest of the constituents. At the expense of the free will, we believe in the welfare of the masses. Honesty is at stake. Righteousness is at risk. The businessmen eagerly look forward to gamble their wealth while the unemployed local workers wait for work and income. Money for the rich is a gamble, but money for the poor is an economic survival.

The political leaders think of the present situation for their constituents, but the church leaders think of the future for the new generation. The political leaders seem to push it through, but the church leaders seem to pull it back. With all due respect, we think and tend to ask; to whom should we depend on? Well, may the best win and the winner takes it all.