Political Circus, part 2b: The Debate NO SHOWS

In other countries, if you back out of debates or don't show up, people called you a coward, you're ratings suffer and then later maybe you’d be forced to agree to another debate.

Unfortunately, here, it seems, candidates just get away with it left and right.

I find if funny and I applaud that the Harapan 2013 people aptly labeled these no shows as “hindi humarap sa bayan”.

The label is just so RIGHT and APPROPRIATE because, really, are these people just scared?

I suppose, they are because if you are a candidate who is rating pretty well and you know you don’t have great debating skills or you’re not particularly endearing enough live, then there is pretty much a lot that you should be scared of when it comes to debates.

Remember that presidential debate in 2009 that burned a lot of candidates? Ex-president Erap talked about political dynasty and how if the child of a priest dreams of also becoming a priest, why will we deprive the kid of his dream? Might have been an ok answer, except, priests aren’t supposed to have children. In this same debate, Erap was also asked by a UP student what vice or luxury he thinks he cannot live without and he couldn't answer the question (presumably because he doesn't know the meaning of the word "vice"). He kept on asking the kid to repeat the question. He even had to ask the guy beside him (I forgot who it was) what the question meant. And, this guy, was already once the president of the country, albeit an ousted one. I have heard that these days Mr. Estrada would rather dance on TV shows than agree to debates.

It has been said that Obama evaded more debates with Hillary back when they were doing the democratic primaries because Hillary actually debated better than him. Great strategy perhaps because Obama won but that's not the point here.

My point is, as one of the people, I want my right of being able to scrutinize and get to know these potential clowns that I'm to potentially vote for through these debates. But then, like cowards, they won't show up.

So who are these no shows? Those who were invited to the debates but didn't show up according to ABS-CBN were : 

Senators Loren Legarda, Alan Cayetano, Francis Escudero and Antonio Trillanes IV; Cynthia Villar and Jamby Madrigal, Nancy Binay, Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco, Jack Enrile, JV Ejercito, Senator Gregorio Honasan, and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Looking at this list, it is people who are already known, who rank high in surveys and who probably don’t want to risk their standing by saying something idiotic on air, which might be highly likely for some. While the others, who are not as high ranking on surveys and could probably use the free airtime publicity, likely chose not to show up because, well, they probably truly would have sucked at the debates, thereby pulling their ranking and image even further downwards.

(I personally wouldn't vote for most of these no shows and their not showing up at debates does not particularly endear them to me)

To the unknowns who came to the debate or to those who are somewhat known who came but didn't do so great either, I’ll give you this: At least, you showed up. At least, hinarap niyo ang bayan.

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A Quote from Political Analyst Prospero De Vera: "Bakit ba ayaw nilang humarap sa Harapan? Ayaw nilang makipagdebate. Isang indikasyon na hindi nila sineseryoso ang taumbayan. JKung hindi nila makuha sa sarili nila na humarap at magpaliwanag, indikasyon yan na baka hindi sila karapat-dapat," ( he said in an interview after Sunday's ABS-CBN Harapan debate)

A Quote from Risa Hontiveros: "Inuulit ko sa kanya na game ako diyan, sana ikaw din. Para itaas natin ang diskurso sa kampanyang ito, palayo sa mga personalidad at talagang padiin sa mga track records at plataporma. Eh ['yun] nga lang, tinanggihan niya 'yon. So pinasalamatan ko naman na at least hindi niya dinedma, sumagot siya. Sayang lang na hindi," (On Nancy Binay, re her refusal to accept debates and interviews)

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Political Circus, part 2: Harapan Senatorial Debates

I love political debates. I wish we had more even if we’ll probably hear more jokes from them than actual substance. Overall I still think it’s a good thing. There's so very few of them but it's better than nothing.

Amidst all the lies and brouhaha, it is at least a chance to get a glimpse of the candidate and see them for who they really are, somewhat. That is, at least we'll be able to see if they can’t think on their feet, if they are sore losers, if they are the type to panic, if they don’t know much about certain issues, or if they don’t know the meaning of certain words (a certain ex-president comes to mind), etc.

We at least get something, albeit not particularly much, than just what their PR people would like us to see about them.

I must admit that I wasn't able to watch the full first debate last April 21, 2013 because I went home late. I was able to catch the end part where everyone was asked why the people should vote for them so I got to hear all of them speak at least once. I was able to catch more of the second debate last Sunday though. And, so what did I think?

Thoughts on the first debate (April 21, 2013): 

Participants of the first debate (Picture from ABS-CBN website)

• There are still a lot of clouded thoughts on pandering the people in terms of religious topics, unfortunately. 

• At least, candidates like Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros actually talked about issues and sensible matters. These type of candidates are much welcome. I like that Hontiveros is firm on her stand on issues like the RH bill and divorce. Her stands on various issues are clear, she doesn’t flip flop and her reasons have actual logic, something that should be a basic requirement for any candidate or politician but, unfortunately, is quite rarely found  

It has been said that Ser Cheif  stole the show
Picture, screen cap from the umagang kay ganda show

• Magsaysay (Jr.) was insufferable and just unbelievable. Apparently, he preferred to highlight his endorser “Ser Chief” (Aka. “Papa Chen” or Richard Yap) rather than talk about any issues when asked why the people should vote for him. He wore a shirt bearing his and Ser Chief’s photo and opened up his vest (or “tsaleko”) like he was superman to show off this shirt of his. What passes as acceptable in this country will only be considered laughable if done in debates in first world countries! This stunt is a definite example. 

Thoughts on the second debate (April 28, 2013): 

Participants of the second debate (Picture from ABS-CBN website)

1. The Death Penalty Question 

• So, Bro Eddie is for the death penalty? It makes me wonder how one can be against the RH Bill but can be for death penalty. Isn't his group anti RH bill because they claim to be pro-life? I don't know about you but actively killing a live person (even if said person is a madman criminal) sounds more anti-life to me. I mean, I'm just confused. I just think that if you want to be a stickler for religious ideas and be ultra pro life advocates, I expect some form of consistency. 

• I don't have very strong feelings about the death penalty with regards to the candidates. I only wish the candidates have decent explanations as to why they are pro or anti. Some of them were sensible enough but some, however, were citing religious reasons (again) or their weird preferences for the rehabilitation of heinous criminals.  

2. The Super Hero Question

• Apparently, a lot of them wanted to be superman. I do find this answer corny but at least they answered the question correctly. I only wished their reasons for choosing Clark Kent’s alter ego were better, one of them (I forgot who) even said because it takes a superman, not a normal human, to save the country’s problems because there are just so many. So, why even vote for that guy? He doesn't even think he, as a human, can handle it. 

• And, apparently, a lot of these senators decided to even be cheesier by choosing their parents/father as the super hero they want to be. It’s not really cute, it’s just pilosopo. The question was which super hero you would want to be so you can use your super powers to help the country. Your fathers don’t have actual super powers. Superman can so kick their asses.

• For that matter, there are so many other superheroes to choose from. Why can’t these people be more creative?  They could have inserted some problem of the country they want to highlight in their platform and inject a super power that will be able to address it for fun. 

• So, I will applaud those who didn't answer the corny “superman” or the equally corny “father” answers as their super hero choices.  These 2 candidates are: Angara who chose Juan Dela Cruz  -> Kind of smooth as Juan Dela Cruz is very up to date, very Filipino and, not to mention, Coco Martin is his endorser.  And, Grace Poe who chose Panday –>  Very smooth to insert her father (as well, but in context) in the picture while also picking a very Filipino defender of the masses type of superhero as her choice . Both candidates may have inserted their own slanted agenda in their respective answers but at least their answers were somewhat creative and original.   

3. The Unknowns: 

• I have nothing against these unknowns except that I had hoped (but not expected that) they would be more brilliant and standout. Unfortunately most of them just sounded disgruntled and worse, sounded mad, and much like typical nuisance candidates. 

4. Grace Poe: 

• I must say, I am very very impressed with Grace Poe’s answers. 

• I must say, I have very low standards and expectations for Philippine debates but I would like to acknowledge that she truly gave snappy, smart, and appropriate answers. And, more notably, she talked about issues and not of random disgruntled rants. She didn't engage in personality politics (or obvious personality politics) and was able to say no or be firm against other candidates in a diplomatic manner. It’s the least I would expect from politicians, only, unfortunately, we almost never get it from them.   

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YOLO: LIVE LIFE. BE HAPPY. STOP MAKING OTHER PEOPLE FEEL LIKE CRAP.

YOLO

Statements like “you only live once” (YOLO), “Carpe Diem”, “live life”, “money is not everything” and other statements created in the same vein, did not become popular clichés because they are meant as a joke or meant to be frivolous.

They’ve become statements we all have come to know. They exist in most fairy tales, feel good novels and movies. We know that we only have this life. We all know that it feels good to love and to be loved in return. In theory, we all want happiness, contentment, security and, perhaps, the feeling of being loved. These things are a given.

We are all human. At the core of it all, we are all just trying to move along and get on with lives.

Valuing what matters in life, it’s not rocket science.

But when did all these become things that people make you feel bad for?

Every single day, everyone is about competing, trying to get ahead, looking over their shoulders and comparing themselves to others while constantly judging each other.

Apparently, I’m an Idealist. 

People I know have frowned upon me for looking for ways to live my life, to try to enjoy myself, and to try to be happy, and for valuing the real things that, I believed, mattered like morality, respect, loyalty, being supportive to others, etc.

I tell people to take it easy because I believe that when people are too pressured (to be whatever it is they are aiming to be), they start to doubt themselves and become insecure, their judgments and behaviors become clouded. I believe that it’s just hard to function with confidence or make the right decisions when you’re constantly bombarded with such stress.

I tell people it’s alright to make mistakes because another cliché tells us that no one is perfect and yet another cliché tell us that we learn from our mistakes. I also believe that if we stop kicking ourselves for doing something wrong, it will be easier for us to get up and make things work again.

All of these things, I try to do for myself. But every time I give myself some breathing space, these people suddenly feel the need to tell me how I am not doing things right. These people tell me I should be more cutthroat, ruthless, mean, or be more insecure about whatever action it is that I have done, otherwise I will not become a “success” or the “right” kind of person they deem I should be.

Some of these people have implied that the things I value make people (i.e. me) weak.

Some days, when I’m feeling under the weather, I start to question myself and wonder: Is it just me? Should I start being a manipulative cut throat assh*le so I can finally be filthy rich?!

Apparently, I’m idealistic. This I find weird because I strive to be a realist. BUT, unfortunately, the reality where I thought that clichés about living life and seeking real happiness exist has gone and shifted on its axis.

Suddenly, thinking about all these clichés has made me an idealist. Well, what do you know?

I respect ambition. I respect talent. I respect hard work. I respect accomplishments. And, I could also respect luck. BUT I also respect innate goodness. I also value the realness of people. I also value the care and concern of good people. I also value the fulfillment one gets when one is with people who are supportive and who accept you for who you are.

I frown upon these judgers. I frown upon other people who need to keep on putting people down, telling others they are wrong and feeling constantly superior about everything just so they can convince themselves that they are indeed better. I frown upon all these people who constantly disrespect other people’s lives and dignity. You are the real unfortunate ones. 

I value money and success like the next person. Who doesn’t want to make it? BUT I simply also value being human. 

My Advice

So to these people: If you want to constantly think this way, that’s fine. I could respect that this is the decision you have made on how to live your lives.

BUT PLEASE, we don’t want to hear about it.

STOP INFECTING OTHERS WITH YOUR MEAN SPIRITED WAYS! (photo from the Mean Girls Movie)

STOP infecting everyone with your mean spirit, alleged superior ways, and corrupted behavior!

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE. TRY TO LIVE LIFE. TRY TO BE HAPPY.

STOP MAKING PEOPLE FEEL LIKE CRAP.

Who knows, you might come to like it. You know, being happy and being a nice person.
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The Pope, Margaret Thatcher, and Kim Jong Un

New Pope

So, apparently we have a new pope now. This is a late reaction but I did find it odd that Pope Benedict quit, primarily because it breaks from tradition and the Church such a stickler for convention, rituals and symbols, are they not?

This being said, it’s cool that Cardinal Tagle actually made the list of Papables on CNN.

"Hi", photo from the guardian website

It seems to me that the new Pope has more of friendly Pope vibe than Pope Benedict so this seems like a good thing as well. He is a first of many things. First from Latin America, first named Francis and the first Jesuit, which I also find very notable.

And hey, he also commutes and walks with the people, which will probably drive the Swiss guards nuts but it's cool. It's a good public character story for a Pope.

Margaret Thatcher

I used to follow British politics because I had a thing for watching Tony Blair’s political career after the whole Iraq WMD episode. I, unfortunately, still haven’t watched the Iron Lady movie so while I do know some things about Margaret Thatcher, I don't know that much, seeing as her time came way before my time.

photo from gawker.com

 I am, though, also aware that there are people in Britain with opposing views who rejoiced her death but, for all that hate, I do believe that Baroness Thatcher definitely made a major mark in British and world politics. I, of course, always cheer on and applaud women in power. She was the first and only UK PM. So, RIP Margaret Thatcher.

Kim Jong Un

Chillin', photo from the mirror website

A new bad man has arrived.

With the deaths of Sadam Hussein, Bin Laden, Gadhafi, Hugo Chavez,(etc.) and the ouster of the Arab Spring dictators, I suppose North Korea saw an opportunity to hold the attention of the world stage.

Enter Kim Jong Il’s kid, so young and so in need of bad man credibility?

It’s been said that countries are threading lightly because no one really wants any wars to erupt or, as been also said, they also don’t want the north and south to reunite either. (I know - whatever happened to wanting world peace, right?!)

So, here we are waiting with bated breaths.... Countries arming themselves, back channeling and trying figuring it all out if he is to be taken seriously. 

Welcome Kim Jong Un.... It seems you've arrived.
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Let the circus begin: political ads – part 1

I suspect we won’t ever lack for material should campaign season and campaign ads never end.

I haven’t been here (this blog) because my mind has been elsewhere, that is, floating about pondering on life with no real conclusion actually. In short, my mind has just been a drift. So, that’s that. I am trying not to be a drifter now, btw.

Also, another thing that I've been doing: watching local soaps at night. (Why? I'm not sure either.)

So, while only occasionally tuning in to the local soaps I've been subjected to a barrage of sad political commercials hence I really cannot help but react, so here it goes...

collage from random photos of these circus participants off the net

Celeb Endorsements

Coco Martin & Angara Jr. – I’ve never liked Sarah Geronimo but I do see why she charms the masses. I’ve always thought she was a sell out for endorsing politicians, Angara Sr. and who’s that other guy who wore a chef’s hat?

Well, I don’t know, Coco Martin, you may have come from humble beginnings, and you haven’t have a lot of fairly respectable commercials even if you’re a big soap star now, but that bit where you endorsed Angara Jr. looked just so cheesy. I understand, money is money, and you were probably well paid. I can’t blame you exactly for being a sell out as well. Unfortunately, I fear that your endorsement may actually be effective. I mean, Sarah G. was effective right? (And so was Judy Ann for Jamby, right?) 

Papa Chen & Magsaysay – In Boy Abunda’s words, “ikaw na” Richard Yap. Seriously, he may be the Chow King man and the heartthrob for the middle age housewife set but what really qualifies him to make political endorsements? This is just hilarious.

Colloquial Terms and Catchphrases 

I get it. They want to project that they’re in with the kids of today. I get it. They want a phrase that will stick. Even if Enrile looked like a silly old goat who kept on saying “gusto ko happy ka” on his ads where he kept highlighting some achievement he of his in relation to texting. But, hey, he still won despite all the ridiculousness. 

“Drawing” - Now this Magsaysay Jr. person is trying to look youthful by using the catchphrase “drawing” and by seemingly cleverly used a comic book look (or graphic novel look) to his ad – you know because he’s not “drawing” so his ads are half literal drawing looking and half real life looking? I don’t know, I think it’s cheesy but who really knows? I’m not the target market of these things.

“Hanep” – Well, we all can deduce that Mrs. Villar has no acting skills. She doesn’t look pleasant nor is she charming, and she has that semi-gma-like stiff smile to her. So, her campaign’s chosen catchphrase is “hanep”. I feel that hanep isn’t even that current, that is, if they were trying to be cool. But I suppose the word works for what she is trying to stand for, giving people alleged livelihood.

(On this note, I find it extremely lame and more so that she dissed those nurses since their family’s platform has always been about the “mahirap” – from poverty, helping the poor, hanging out with poor kids of tondo and giving the poor work. But whatever, do we really expect these people to be real?)

But what do I think of the ad and the hanep catchphrase? Lame and cheesy. Then again, I’m not the market. It might work. It probably would, which is just utterly sad. 

Rhyme, Raps, and Musicals

Yeah, musicals are in. I get it. I am one of those people who like these cheesy musicals. I get it. Those shampoo commercials where people sang sold well. Anne Curtis musical commercial probably sold well even though she can’t actually sing. So, I see why ad agencies would pitch these ideas to politicians.

Musical Theater Maceda – Actually, I can’t even remember his ad now. I just know it was a weird musical type. Hmm, just didn't stick to me.

Jamby Madrigal - Jajaja-jamby, mahal ang mahirap, galit sa corrupt”. Wow. Wonder how long the ad makers took to think of that one? Actually, her ad seems pretty low budget. From what I noticed, aside from the weird rap line, is that it was produced shabbily. I probably could have done a better editing job myself. If she could afford to pay Judy Ann Santos, why can't she fund a better ad campaign?

The Gordon Rap – The weird rap/musical ad featured a kid singing about how Gordon helped her get a hole in her anus. (I kid you not.)

I mean, yes, these things happen but does the kid have to be singing about it on air?! Wonder how this ad got thought up and how on earth it got approved for execution. It confounds me.

I mean, seriously, a rap ad about a kid singing about her butt hole?! In what parallel universe? Well, apparently, it's in this one.

Honorable Mentions:

The Grace Poe ad that lamely does wordplay on “po” and “poe”. I find it cheesy but I’m not particularly annoyed at Grace Poe and since her ad is so short, it seemed somewhat or simply low budget so, ok, I’m just letting it go.

a screen shot a few months ago from the yahoo mail home page

Chiz's absurd endorsements and his Heart showbiz debacle. Enough said.

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