ricoblancofans = ricoblancofans + me;

At mass today, I was sitting inches away from Rico Blanco. According to Wikipedia, “Blanco has so far recorded, written and produced more local and regional number one hits than any other musician since 1994.” So it is a quite humbling experience to see a man of such status kneel before the Lord. As a matter of fact, he even prayed longer than I did after taking the communion.

If even men with great feats kneel and beg for charity, then who am I to be arrogant and pretend that I can do all things on my own?

Wearing just a white shirt, six-pocket pants and sneakers, I can’t help but appreciate the guy’s simplicity. Quite honestly, I have never been a fan of Rico Blanco. Yes, I know some of his songs, most of them are good. I can even remember the time when I would watch Myx to wait for Balisong’s video and sing along. But I’d never really paid significant attention to him as a celebrity, as an artist, as a person. Not until this day.

When I saw him at Mass, the first thing I said in my head was “taga Pacita nga ‘to.” Though I’m aware of his superstar status, I wasn’t really overwhelmed by his presence. For me, he was effortlessly being upstaged by the greatest Rockstar, Jesus Christ. And I have to give it to Blanco for not trying to steal the spot light by looking or acting flamboyant. His aura was sincere and not diva-ish. I sensed that he prays fervently, without a hint of superficiality.

That was the time when I realized that Rico Blanco, when undressed with his immense popularity, is a man who’s core is admirable, inspiring and deeply humbling. Needless to say, his talent is praiseworthy. But it is the character that he displayed that captured my respect.

So now, I proclaim that I am a Rico Blanco fan.

The Measure of a Man

CAUTION: This blog post has explicit sexual tone. If you are offended by this kind of language, please browse away.

A man's patience can't be longer than his penis
But his anger is just as hard and as lasting as his erection.

A man may only have one orgasm
But he can sustain love perpetually.

A man may know multiple women
But like his orgasm, he essentially needs just one.

A man's brain cells are never fewer than his sperm count
But to his wisdom, love is interdicted from Science's bounds

A man can forgive much more than he can have sex
But even his fortitude has its peak

A man's mad hard penis will spurt out sperm
But his outraged heart ejaculates pain

This poem is not meant to play men as an empty sex animal
In fact, the intent is the absolute opposite of that.

Real men are much more than sex
They are love, honor and respect.

So measure a man not by the length of his penis
But by his heart's compassion and depth.

Bad Timing

Originally posted in facebook, October 12, 2010

An arguably popular decision by President Aquino was made public today. The president granted amnesty to rebel Senator Trillianes, and to other soldiers involved in Oakwood Mutiny, Marine Standoff, and Manila Peninsula Siege. After the concurrence of the majority of all members of congress, the rebel soldiers can now “rebuild their lives and contribute to rebuilding this nation.”

We can remember that at the same time during the selection of the Senate President, President Aquino ordered DOJ Sec Delima to review the coup d'etat charge against Trillanes. According to the President, “there was injustice there.” That comment made by PNoy sparked some debates and controversy and was criticised for meddling in a judicial matter. Others even speculated that the undercurrent purpose of the review was to eventually free the rebel Senator to add up to the allies of the Aquino administration in the Senate. We can remember that at the height of the Senate President selection, requests to allow Trillianes to vote was made, speculatively to ensure the victor of the Liberal Party bet in the race for the senate presidency. However, the request was not granted and Senator Enrile continued his reign.

In a press conference today, Malacanang justified the amnesty as part of the reconciliation efforts of the Aquino government.

Besides Trillianes, another popular beneficiary of the reconciliation effort of the current administration was Gen. Danny Lim. If Trillianes is perceived to be an ally of the Aquino government, Gen. Lim is in fact a senatorial candidate last May under PNoy’s political party.

All the while, I thought reconciliation is offered only to enemies so parties could settle their differences. Apparently, reconciliation can also be given to friends to strengthen alliances. At this point in time, I still don’t want to claim that this reconciliation effort of the Aquino administration is a tool for political patronage. Let’s wait and see.

On the other hand, I humbly claim that the amnesty was given in bad timing. First, I am of the opinion that the President should have waited for the court to decide on the case before granting anything. If the court decides that Trillianes is innocent then an amnesty won’t be necessary. The problem with amnesty is there is no need for distinct acts of acceptance on the part of Trillianes etc. Because unlike pardon, amnesty does not require admission of guilt and instead erases the crime itself without admitting any wrong doing. Therefore, the amnesty granted by President Aquino is an injustice both to Senator Trillianes and his men but even severely so to the State. Specifically because of bad timing, the amnesty granted by PNoy seems to uphold injustice.

Second, our country is still in the aftermath of the Aug. 23 Manila Hostage crisis. Like Mendoza, Trillianes is also a hostage taker. Mendoza hostaged a bus, Trillianes took over two hotels on two different occasions. Trillianes is a two time hostage taker. But their most apparent difference is the way they were handled by two different administrations. Operations against Mendoza were botched not to mention caused a severe embarrassment to the entire nation while Trillianes was took down successfully and without any casualty, twice. I believe that granting amnesty to a rebel/hostage taker in the midst of the Manila Hostage Crisis aftermath sends a signal that the current administration doesn’t really take hostage takers seriously. Specifically because of bad timing, the amnesty granted by PNoy seems to consent atrocity.

If we will remember, Gen. Bangit resigned as AFP Chief of Staff because of PNoy’s public disapproval of his appointment. This prompted to some reports that some factions in the military were displeased with Aquino. This brings me to my third point. If I am a military man with a displeasure to the current government, then I will be encourage by the amnesty to venture into military adventurism and plot coup’d etat against the government. After all, if my efforts became unsuccessful all I have to do is wait for a change of leadership for an amnesty grant. Specifically because of bad timing, the amnesty granted by PNoy seems to tolerate military adventurism.

Though I believe that the President has all the legal rights and the sole prerogative to grant such an amnesty, it is my humble opinion that he should have waited for the right, the good and the unsuspicious time to do so.

Top Five Qualities of a True Iskolar Para sa Bayan

Originally posted on my facebook account on June 25, 2010

This is the transcript of Ma. Jennie Mae Santos' speech that was delivered during the convocation of some 2500 New Freshmen of UPLB held last June 8, 2010.

UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco, Officers of the Administration, guests, faculty members, fellow freshmen, blockmates, Good Morning.

Some may argue that one cannot be both proud and humble at the same time. Surprisingly, it is with utmost pride and sincere humility that I deliver this speech today. Pride because out of the many bright new freshmen I was chosen to speak in behalf of our batch. Humility because admittedly, I have a lot of character building to do in order to be a true ISKOLAR PARA SA BAYAN.

Being a genuine ISKOLAR PARA SA BAYAN does not begin upon passing the UPCAT. It only starts when we realize that we have a lifelong obligation to our motherland. Thus, the first quality - UP Students are responsible. As a UP student, it is incumbent upon us to faithfully fulfil our responsibilities. The best way to manifest this trait is by doing well in academics. Since our matriculation fee is subsidized by the government through the people’s taxes, performing our scholastic responsibilities well should be a top priority. And so as responsible UP Students, let us all make a pledge that we will do everything that we can to graduate on time.

I am quite confident that we will keep our promise. Because UP Students say what they mean, and mean what they say. In short, UP Students are honest. As we are the next generation of leaders of our beloved country, it is imperative for us to be honest and fight for the truth even if the truth is against us. If we want a new breed of honest, loyal and faithful leaders then we need to start a culture of honesty. We need to start within ourselves.

Because we are honest, it is easy for us to follow the law. UP Students are law abiding citizens. Dura lex sed lex. The law is harsh but it is the law. As UP Students we need to uphold the law even if it entails heavy sacrifices. We can start doing so by following the simplest rule of the university, coming to class on time.

When I got accepted in UPLB, my friends who got accepted in universities in Manila teased me by saying that I will be studying in a farm full of carabaos and farmers. They are wrong. For UPLB is not a farm. UPLB is a jungle where contrasting ideologies are the predators and we are the prey. And so to survive this political jungle, we need to be objective and principled. In analyzing issues, we need to have a logical and realistic basis or premise. We must never rely on farfetched imagined speculations. Let our principles and the rules of logic guide us in taking sides and making opinions. Certainly, this is something we can handle because UP Students are intelligent.

Lastly, I would like to point out one fact – that UP is the microcosm of society. If that is the case then our life in the university is a simulation of our life in the real world. The good things that we will learn here must be retained in our system after we leave the university so we can apply it as we join the outside world and contribute to the betterment of our society. Surely, life outside will be tough. But there is nothing that a UP student can’t handle. Because UP students are survivors!

God Bless the New Freshmen of UPLB!
Thank you very much!