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EDSA? Second of two parts

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AL ELLEMA
AL ELLEMA

It is grossly wrong to be calling the People Power Revolution as EDSA. The latter is merely a highway where the final blow to topple the dictator was staged. Better still to accord the historical event as People Power Revolution because calling it EDSA conveniently delimits the struggle to that event that happened in that famous highway and effectively excludes the supreme sacrifices and struggles of all the unnamed and faceless heroes across this Filipino nation.

The celebrations for the past two decades had been concentrated in that small piece of land named EDSA and never once in the wider planes elsewhere all over this country. The limited celebration has practically placed in the dustbin of the forgotten, those real heroes who really fought the dictatorship to regain our lost freedom and democracy.

We have been captivated by the big event so we lost sight of the essence of the long struggle. It is really inaccurate to celebrate the People Power Revolution as a mere EDSA incident. The portrait of opportunists who sneaked through the thick crowd that converged at EDSA just to grab the limelight at the hour of victory is simply revolting.

Those who managed to be at center stage to be acclaimed heroes were in truth the cowards who holed themselves hiding in fear at the most dangerous moments. These are the people who defected from the dictator but instead of leading the people in confronting the enemy, they hid in fear and called on the people for protection, only to come out when the despot had flown away in defeat and claim credit as heroes of the peaceful revolution.

The true spirit of that People Power Revolution is now being waylaid by the very people who shamelessly grabbed power and the accolade of that historic event. It is indeed a catastrophic landslide of misfortunes to have one doubtful leader who rose to power by the second staging of People Power desecrate the spirit of that peaceful revolution.

A déjà vu of the evils that People Power defeated in 1986 confronted the Filipino people as a doubtful president was catapulted to power by the second staging of People Power because the leaders who are but mere opportunist pretenders had waylaid the true spirit of the first People Power Revolution.

With the namesake of the dictator at the helm of power, the annual commemoration of the first People Power Revolution had been set aside, this year not even a declared official holiday. It will eventually flushed into the sewage of a corrupted public conscience, chiefly because the true People Power Revolution had not been sustained as a nationwide celebration of freedom, justice, peace and liberty but a limited event among a few remnants of the people that converged on that highway called EDSA.
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Blind Lawyer, Blind Teachers, and the Inspiring Oxymorons of our Times

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CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III

Oxymorons may be something that has been old fashioned for a long time and lay dormant for a while but it has resurfaced to be an important inspiring stories.

Grammarly blog define it as : An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory words with opposing meanings, like “old news,” “deafening silence,” or “organized chaos.” Oxymorons may seem illogical at first, but in context they usually make sense. An oxymoron is a literary device that juxtaposes contradictory terms. Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. Like a paradox, an oxymoron is what’s known as a “contradiction in terms,” although oxymorons and paradoxes are two different things, as explained below.

The word oxymoron is an ancient Greek word, which translates most closely to something like “sharply dull” or “cleverly stupid.” In other words, the oxymoron definition is itself an oxymoron. (https://www.grammarly.com/blog/oxymoron/).

For now having passed the difficult Bar Examinations and the Board: Licensure Examinations for Teacher we have a Blind Lawyer, Blind Teachers.

Michaerl Palisoc Morano, Nerikka Escario are just two of the Blind people who had surmounted the Board Licensure Examinations for Teachers, Mark Anthony Dulawan Emocling though just visually impaired, is the first one to pass the Bar with said condition.

In my youth I have known Carol Catacutan, the Pinay Dubbed as the Philippines Helen Keller. Carol is a graduate of Ramon Magsaysay High School (RMHS), Espana, Manila, Batch ’83. She completed a degree in European languages then pursued a Mass Communications course and graduated Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, QC. Carol is a professional writer, teacher and one of the founders of ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration & Empowerment of the Visually Impaired). She’s writing teleplays including her life story, entitled “Liwanag”, which appeared on ABS-CBN television show, “Maalaala Mo Kaya”, hosted by Charo Santos and portrayed by Claudine Barretto.

Carol is a contributing writer to various national magazines in the Phlippines including the Sunday Inquirer Magazine and wrote romance novels. She was the anchorwoman at Radio Veritas. Her successful accomplishments are beyond compare.

https://mlvla65.wordpress.com/2011/07/19/while-theres-life-theres-hope-feature-article-at-the-age-of-15/).

Overall, these highlight reels of achievements are worthy of the attention that they are getting. For one, these are inspiring REAL stories that creates hope and push the human spirit breaking the barriers of disability and attaining a fighting chance like normal mortals . It showcased grit and stamina and even persistence unheard of with the many whiners out there.

According to a well-known pair of denim jeans’ commercial, these are inspirations that are always in trend. These, in my opinion, are preferable to the depraved oxymorons we encounter frequently, such as police-criminals, teachers-predators, legislators-lawbreakers, etc.
There is promise in these oxymorons.

GCash teams up with leading South Korean Fintech E9Pay

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GCash, the Philippines’ number one finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, has forged a strategic partnership with South Korea’s leading cross-border money transfer fintech, E9pay.

This partnership enables Filipinos residing in Korea to remit money back to the Philippines quickly, effortlessly, and at competitive rates via mobile devices.

With the direct connection between the two Asian fintech leaders, Filipinos living in Korea could send money to their friends and family’s GCash wallets through the E9Pay app with unprecedented ease and speed. The transaction procedure is fully online and requires only the receiver’s phone number, eliminating the need for bank visits or complex paperwork.

The transferred funds arrive within a few minutes or hours, far faster than traditional banking processes. Users will also benefit from lower transaction fees and more promotional events co-hosted by the two nation’s leading service providers.

E9pay CEO, Jun Goo Hyok, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “With the Korean Government’s plans to bring in more health care and housekeeping workers from the Philippines, we anticipate significant transaction growth potential with GCash soon.”

Meanwhile, Paul Albano, general manager of GCash International said: “This partnership with E9Pay ensures that we will continue to serve Filipinos wherever they are in the world.

This is also a big boost to the cultural and economic ties between the Philippines and Korea with monthly transactions seen growing substantially as we open the service to the over 60,000 Filipinos in Korea and over 94 million people who have tried using GCash in the Philippines.”

According to Immigration data from South Korea’s Ministry of Justice, the foreign resident population, encompassing both short-term and long-term stays, stood at 2.25 million in 2022, up by 14.8% from the previous year. Among these, the Philippines ranked 6th, accounting for roughly 60,000 individuals. Furthermore, there has been a significant surge in Filipino tourists visiting South Korea, rising from 116,000 in 2021 to 308,000 in November 2023, or a substantial increase of 165.5%.

In response to increasing interactions between South Korea and the Philippines, the two companies plan to broaden their remittance services in the future. This expansion will facilitate the flow of funds from Korea to the Philippines and vice versa, accommodating various financial demands, including tourist payments and hospital fees in Korea.

GCash has been solidifying its international presence for Filipinos across the world. Aside from allowing direct and easy remittance services for Filipinos residing in Korea, GCash users visiting the country can also use the app to pay by scanning national QR codes as well as using their GCash Visa Card. (PR)

2 dead in a drowning incident in Samar town

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ORMOC CITY– Two individuals, one of whom was a minor, lost their lives in a drowning incident while swimming at Gandara River in Barangay Burabod II, Gandara, Samar last Friday (Feb.23) at about 4:45 pm.

The victims were identified as “Nonoy,” 20 and, “Karkar,” aged 12 and a Grade VI pupil, both residents of Brgy. Burabod II.

Local authorities responded promptly to a call from concerned citizens reporting the drowning incident.

Upon arrival at the scene, they found the two victims undergoing resuscitation by local rescuers who were applying CPR. Subsequently, the victims were transported to the rural health unit for further medical attention.

Preliminary investigation conducted by responding police revealed that the two victims were swimming in the river when they encountered strong currents. Despite their attempts to reach the riverbank, they were unsuccessful.

Following a search and retrieval operation conducted by the Gandara Emergency Response Unit, the lifeless bodies of the victims were found approximately a kilometer away from their last known location.

At the request of their grieving family members, the bodies of the victims were brought back to their respective residences. (ROBERT DEJON)

National Youth Basketball League Region 8 set to showcase grassroots top basketball talent in Tacloban City

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Coach Mark Anthony E. Ochea, LPT Program Director of Ochea Basketball Academy Head Coach of GREEN BULLS Basketball
Coach Mark Anthony E. Ochea, LPT Program Director of Ochea Basketball Academy Head Coach of GREEN BULLS Basketball

TACLOBAN CITY-The province of Leyte, in partnership with Basketball Coach and Program Director of OCHEA BASKETBALL ACADEMY Mr. Mark Anthony E. Ochea in cooperation with Gov. Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, is proud to announce the upcoming National Youth Basketball League Region 8, presented by the province of Leyte and powered by Ringless Sports.

The National Youth Basketball League is scheduled to take place from June 3 to June 27, 2024, at the Leyte Provincial Capitol Gymnasium in Tacloban City.

The National Youth Basketball Championship Region 8 promises to be an electrifying showcase of top-tier basketball talent from other regions and Region 8.

Young athletes from across the country will converge in Tacloban City to compete for the prestigious championship title, representing their respective, ball clubs, schools, and communities with pride and determination.

“We are thrilled to bring the National Youth Basketball League Region 8 here in Tacloban City,” said Coach Mark Anthony E. Ochea. “This tournament not only provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills but also promotes character, discipline, excellence, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and youth development.”

In addition to exciting basketball action, the NYBL Region 8 will feature various basketball highlights aimed at promoting youth engagement and character development. Spectators can expect thrilling matchups, halftime performances, interactive fan zones, and opportunities to meet and interact with their local basketball idols.

“We are really excited to bring NATIONAL YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE and Ringless Sports here in our region,” said Coach Mark Anthony E. Ochea, Program Director of OCHEA BASKETBALL ACADEMY and Head Coach of GREEN BULLS BASKETBALL. “Together, we are committed by providing young athletes with a platform and an avenue to pursue their basketball dreams and showcase their talents on a regional and national stage.”

Media representatives are invited to cover the National Youth Basketball League Region 8 and share the inspiring stories of these young athletes with their audiences. For press inquiries, interview requests, and media accreditation, please contact Mark Anthony E. Ochea at +639684568503.

Join us as we celebrate the spirit of basketball and the next generation of basketball stars at the National Youth Basketball League Region 8 in Tacloban City!

For more information and updates, please visit or follow us on social media @ https://www.facebook.com/NYBLPilipinasregion8: https://www.facebook.com/Ocheabasketballacademy (PR)

Love and Unity: Mass wedding in Quezon City brings joy to over 450 couples

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MASS WEDDING. Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez of the Tingog party-list group acted as ‘ninang’ during a mass wedding involving 452 couples held at Fernwood Gardens in Quezon City. The lady solon also gave as her gift to the newly-wed couples P3,000 and grocery pack.(MIKO NOVENO)
MASS WEDDING. Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez of the Tingog party-list group acted as ‘ninang’ during a mass wedding involving 452 couples held at Fernwood Gardens in Quezon City. The lady solon also gave as her gift to the newly-wed couples P3,000 and grocery pack.(MIKO NOVENO)

QUEZON CITY– In a day filled with love and unity, Fernwood Gardens, this city, bore witness to the union of a total of 452 couples in a mass wedding event.

This heartwarming initiative was spearheaded by Tingog party-list’s Cong. Yedda Romualdez, who not only organized the event, but also generously served as a major sponsor or “ninang”.

The event, aimed at providing financial and legal support to couples, was graced by notable personalities and community leaders.

During the morning ceremony, 216 couples exchanged vows in the presence of community leaders including Rep. Yedda Romualdez of the Tingog party-list, Rep. Maria Victoria “Marivic” Co-Pilar of the 6th District of Quezon City, Quezon City Councilor Emmanuel Banjo A. Pilar, and other city councilors.

The emphasis on collaboration and support from the local government and congressional representatives was highlighted.

The afternoon ceremony was equally memorable, with 236 pairs committing to everlasting love.

Notable attendees witnessing this celebration included Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list, Rep. Maria Victoria “Marivic” Co-Pilar, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Councilor Emmanuel Banjo A. Pilar, and other councilors.

This ceremony continued the celebration of love and unity while honoring the support and dedication of local leaders to their constituents.

In her role as a major sponsor, Rep. Yedda Romualdez went above and beyond by personally providing cash gifts worth P3,000 to each of the newlywed couples, in addition to grocery baskets.

This generous gesture not only added to the joy of the couples’ special day but also demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting their initial steps towards building their new lives together.

In her inspirational speech, Rep. Yedda Romualdez shared profound insights into marriage. “Sa bawat hakbang at desisyon, magkatuwang kami,” she articulated, emphasizing the importance of partnership and cooperation in a marriage. Her words resonated with the couples, providing them with a meaningful perspective on building a life together.

The mass wedding in Quezon City was not just an event to formalize unions but also an opportunity to emphasize community support for those in need.

As part of the event, each of the 452 couples received significant support from Cong. Yedda and other leaders, showcasing the strong community spirit and the commitment of the local government to foster family values and social welfare.

It was a day filled with joy, hope, and the promise of new beginnings for over 450 couples, all set against the backdrop of one of the city’s most beautiful gardens.

As the newlyweds embark on their journey together, they carry with them not just the blessings of their loved ones but also the support of their community and leaders, ready to face life’s challenges hand in hand. (PR)

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