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Ohio debate showed Clinton's flaw
2008-02-27 10:48:00
Seemed as if Barack Obama was telling the moderators, "Look, this woman is crazy" during the latest and perhaps the last of the Democratic candidates' debates in Ohio .And that wouldn't be hard to believe after Hillary Clinton's contrasting "Shame on you, Barack Obama" remark and her elegant, almost valedictory-toned closing in last week's Texas debate.After Hillary's childish (and therefore un-presidential) complaint on always going first during debates, I have finally figured out why Mrs. Clinton is such a polarizing figure.The woman lacks emotional intelligence. It is made worse by her running against Barack Obama who has a very high emotional quotient.Hillary Clinton kinda reminds me of those nerds back in school whom people considered as robots--brilliant but devoid of humanity.In another time and dimension, without Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton should have clinched the Democratic Party nomination by now. But her biggest flaw of being cold and calculated is made obvious by ...
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Starbucks closes, puts U.S. in danger
2008-02-27 05:00:00
Okay, my headline is exaggerated. But this was something unprecedented. I liken it to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Today, Starbucks closed all its U.S. stores for three hours as part of its employee training.While rivals took up the slack, offering 99c coffee, I wouldn't be surprised if there'd be a spike in incidents of homicide and petty fights today all over the US. It wouldn't even be a leap of the imagination if some nutcase files a lawsuit against Starbucks for depriving him of his coffee cravings for today.And I would symphatize with such a nutcase.See, money doesn't make the world go 'round. Caffeine does. As a TIME article put it, "we sure love the stuff."I couldn't agree more.I found myself one morning on the brink of throwing my chair out the office window upon learning that all three floors of our huge office had run out of coffee. I wasn't able to work the whole morning until the coffee arrived just before noon.Now, should Starbucks be held responsible for a de...
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80th Oscars vs. angry Hillary Clinton
2008-02-26 03:00:00
The overwhelming urge today is for me to blog about the 80th Oscars yesterday. But I won't.See, I won't deny the fact that I'm a popcorn film buff. Meaning, I don't usually want to think when I watch a movie. I don't want to feel sad. I don't want to be distracted by fine acting nor the nuances of literature in film.I just want to be entertained.Besides, the 80th Oscars was a ratings dud, and it continues to lose appeal over the years precisely because it's been alienating people such as myself who see movies for what they are--entertainment. And also, because the Oscars can have terrible misses in its choices, too.Frankly, I was more entertained by Hillary Clinton 's "Shame on you, Barack Obama" lashing this weekend. Like most folks, I was taken by surprise why Hillary suddenly became a fuming witch after her heartwarming close in last week's Texas debate. She was Gollum-like in the sheer contrast of her demeanor. Even the Obama camp is puzzled.Then a female friend just blu...
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Blogging tips
2008-02-22 13:17:00
A lot of friends who've been reading my blog have asked me, how on earth do I keep my blog alive? Okay, I will not pretend to be an expert on blogging. But I've logged in enough crap to have a sense of what works and what doesn't in blogging.So here are some tips that I think might be of help to those just starting or to those who are stuggling to keep their blogs alive.A blog doesn't have to be a journal - Some people have a mistaken notion that a blog has to be an online diary. It doesn't have to be. Originally, a blog was just a web log (hence the term) where early bloggers just posted their favorite links or stories. So if you have to blog, you don't necessarily have to write about your life, which brings me to my next tip:Cut the drivel - Unless you are Jessica Zafra or Gabriel Garcia Marquez who have an exceptional gift with words and who can turn ordinary occurences in life into great essays or pieces of poetry, don't even attempt to keep musing about life. Trust me, w...
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On the Obama-Clinton Texas debate
2008-02-22 05:00:00
If it were another time, I would have followed news about Hong Kong superstar Edison Chen's sex photo scandal. But I didn't. (Okay, I took a peek at the photos. I tell you, there's nothing there you haven't seen yet in adult mags. So it's a big yawner. Plus, Edison is uncircumcised, so there.)Instead, I followed the Texas debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton as this debate could largely determine the outcome of the Texas and Ohio primaries on March 4. I would characterize the whole Democratic nomination contest as something like a basketball game. It's the last two minutes and Barack Obama is ahead with a still surmountable lead.Hillary Clinton is behind and she has to be more aggressive now both in offense and in defense. But the thing is, she's in foul trouble. She has no more fouls to give. If she goes on an all-out attack, she risks losing the game by retirement.Now, the debate proved one thing. It's true, white folks can't jump. (Read the full transcript.)Ba...
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NYT links McCain and female lobbyist
2008-02-21 12:49:00
I don't really care about this damning New York Times article on Republican presidential shoo-in John McCain. I mean who cares about McCain? He'll lose anyway.But this big development in the race for the White House does worry me.I think this is a hat trick pulled off by Hillary Clinton's camp to win the Democratic presidential nomination. How?First, consider that the New York Times endorsed Hillary Clinton. That's the first piece of the puzzle.The second piece is, since this report would surely turn-off women voters of McCain, guess where they'll flock to? Not to Barack Obama, I can assure you.You know how it all works. When women are betrayed by a man, you wouldn't expect them to seek refuge in the comfort of another guy. They'd go to another woman to find solace.In this case, that would be Hillary Clinton.Bingo.Nice hat trick, Hillary. I have to give this one to you. Now in my eyes, that makes you really evil.
More About: Female , Links , Lobbyist

Obama wins: There Will Be Blood in Texas
2008-02-20 15:39:00
Barack Obama is basking under the warm rays of victory after clobbering, no, bludgeoning, no, annihilating Hillary Clinton in Tuesday's Wisconsin primary and Hawaii caucus.Obama's victory was even made sweeter by exit polls showing him eating into Clinton's traditional turfs. So what happens now as the battle heads for the crucial states of Texas and Ohio where Clinton is expected to make her last stand (if indeed those states are her two last big battles)?Expect things to get more vicious and more ugly. The Clintons may be down but it will be tough to count them out. I've also maintained Hillary is evil. And her being one may prove useful in the coming weeks.Anything less than a blowout win for Hillary in either Texas or Ohio should put her campaign on the brink of collapse. But don't expect her to give up even after a less than impressive showing in Texas and Ohio. See, she can resort to poaching of delegates as there's nothing in the Democratic National Convention rule book...
More About: Blood , There Will Be Blood , Wins

U.S. airports unsafe!
2008-02-20 07:57:00
This is just ridiculous. As CNN reports, the U.S. National Transport Safety Board (of the which the FAA, the Federal Aviation Administration, falls under) has found insane numbers of near mishaps in major U.S. airports.Here's just one instance in Florida:If you may recall, the FAA recently downgraded our country's air safety rating which grossly affected our local airlines' expansion plans as they are no longer allowed to increase flights into the U.S.Then what the hell is this news? Shouldn't the FAA be looking at their own airports before telling us that Philippine airports are unsafe?Correct me if I'm wrong but I can't remember an instance in any of our airports that airplanes collided because of inept traffic controllers.Just goes to show America is a bully and that downgrade was nothing more than a scheme to block our local airlines from eating a larger chunk of the lucrative trans-Pacific flight market.
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An unbelievably beautiful woman
2008-02-20 01:49:00
I am not at liberty to divulge her name. But I just have to post her photos.Over my many years in advertising, I've seen plenty of drop-dead gorgeous women. But she just took my breath away.These photos were taken with an ordinary digicam and her without any make-up on. Still, she made jaws drop.I don't know about you, but I now believe some angels do come down from heaven.
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Fidel Castro resigns
2008-02-19 10:50:00
He didn't go down fighting. He decided to quit quietly. But I have lost no amount of respect for him.If there's anyone who can claim to have genuinely stood up against the mighty U.S. for most of the 20th century, it's Fidel Castro . For that, I admire the man. Not for whatever ideology he stood for but for simply not letting himself and his country be bullied by America.Señor Castro, take a bow.
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50 nicknames for Mike Huckabee
2008-02-19 08:14:00
Republican Mike Huckabee 's bizarre refusal to give up the fight has made him the butt of jokes by pundits and election junkies such as myself.Pity, the man has a radical proposal of eliminating income tax and replacing it with consumption tax which made very good sense to me the first time I heard about it.This is not some crazy religious guy. But his refusal to face reality makes him look like one.I think he should have just dropped out of the race and returned to fight another day in 2016. His stubbornneess will only kill whatever little respect people still have of him.Now RADAR has lost all respect when they came out with this:Some of my favorites: Mother Hucker, Sir Hucksalot, Mrs. Chuck Norris, Yippie Ka-Yay Mother Hucker, Mike Check, The Fightin' Fundamentalist and Huck on You. For the rest of the nicknames, click here.
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French Polynesia nuclear bomb test, 1970
2008-02-18 03:06:00
How the world has changed in almost 40 years. These days, above-ground (or even below-ground) nuclear tests by any country would be met with stern international condemnation.But 38 years ago, blasting a Pacific paradise island to oblivion in the name of showing off military might was routine.Here are amazing scanned Flickr photos from a guy named Pierre of nuclear tests conducted by the French Army in French Polynesia back in 1970. (I'm so glad the Philippines wasn't a French colony. If we were, maybe none of the virgin beaches I mentioned in my previous post would probably exist today.)
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Hillary Clinton a trapo
2008-02-18 01:50:00
Last night was the first time I was able to watch Democratic presidential contenders Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama deliver speeches back to back, in a none-debate format during the Wisconsin Democratic Party dinner gala.Clinto says speeches (referring to Obama's mastery of the podium) don't put food on the table. Obama says words mobilize people to change the world for the better. There can be no better study in contrast. Style versus substance. Inspiration versus perspiration.Honestly I tried to give Hillary Clinton the benefit of the doubt. I tried to weigh her argument against that of Obama's. But she failed to win me over. In fact I dislike her more now after her speech and I've grown more convinced that Barack Obama deserves to be the next U.S. president.It's evident Barack Obama is right. She's a Washington hack. In local parlance, she's a trapo (traditional politician). As TIME points out, even in her campaign she behaves like a traditional politician who always mak...

Why I won't join the anti-Arroyo rally
2008-02-15 04:37:00
There's a protest rally today here at the heart of the Makati Business District. It has something to do with the NBN-ZTE controversy, at the center of which is Jun Lozada, another "star witness."It is already 2008 and the Philippines remains "barriotic" in all aspects. Meaning, as a nation, we still function like a small rural community. We hardly comply with the rule of law, we still have that rural mob mentality.What's happening now is more like a witchhunt. Lozada tells everyone, "Hey I swear by my mom's grave, our village chieftain is a crook." Now everyone is up in arms. Everyone wants to replace the village chief because someone who is believable enough (Lozada) accused the chief (PGMA) of being a thief.In the meantime, nobody even bothered to gather enough evidence and file a case in court, just as what any civilized society would be expected to do. "To hell with the court!" the mob shouts in unison. "We all want her out, the majority rules!"And so we end up with a rally t...
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Lightning strikes Christ the Redeemer
2008-02-15 02:22:00
Yes, that's Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. And yes, it was struck by lighting. Which made me think (and this is coming from a Catholic perspective), what did Jesus do in heaven? Seems like he's been naughty. God the Father isn't obviously pleased with him.Anyway, kidding aside, this has to be the photograph of the year, granting it isn't a hoax. But even if it's a hoax, whoever came up with the idea has quite an imagination.
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Noli De Castro tops survey for 2010 bets
2008-02-14 02:13:00
Tell me, how can you not envy Americans for having the good sense to weed out the duds and keep in the running excellent presidentiables like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama?Meanwhile, in an SWS survey, Filipinos have put Noli De Castro as their top choice for the 2010 presidential elections. Good lord. While I think Kabayan was a great crusader back in his Hoy Gising and Magandang Gabi Bayan days, that is where he should have stayed.But as any Filipino knows, in the Philippines the ultimate achievement is to become a senator or president, purportedly to serve the people. (To which I've always wondered, can't they serve the people without being in government? Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga being the example.)Plain and simple, Noli De Castro is not qualified to be president. He doesn't have the gravitas nor the balls required for the job, as evidenced by him being President GMA's lapdog all these years.But what can you do, Filipinos are still in the process of growing up. I'm not...
More About: Tops , Survey , Bets

Barack Obama spoke to me
2008-02-13 09:26:00
Obama, Obama, Obama. I've yakked about Senator Barack Obama since the beginning of 2008 and will probably continue to yak about him until I see him take his oath as the 44th U.S. President.Is this the proverbial Pinoy colonial mentality? Am I just another stupid Filipino aping Americans, mindlessly getting into the "Barack-O-wagon?"Maybe.But let me tell you what; just like what happened in today's Potomac Primaries, this isn't anymore about being a slave to colonial mentality.This is about Barack Obama. The person. The leader. Perhaps the greatest my generation will ever get to see. "Barack" is African for "blessing."And I say Barack Obama is a blessing for my generation.I've often envied people who've lived in the time of Winston Churchill. I often wondered how it was to see and hear such a great man.I've often asked my father how it was in the time of JFK. Was he really all he was cracked up to be? My dad could only shake his head and smile, as if he's holding back the urge...
More About: Obama , Spoke

Barack Obama captures wide audience
2008-02-13 03:17:00
Will the Virginia, Maryland and D.C. primaries be the defining vote that will make Barack Obama unbeatable in the remaining primaries, especially the ones in Ohio and Texas? Seems like it as Virginia exit polls show Barack Obama appealing to a wide demographic, even to those who were previously thought to be Hillary Clinton's power bases (Latinos and working-class whites).Is it safe to label Barack Obama as Superman after the "Potomac Primaries?" I would like to think so, but I have so much respect for Hillary Clinton, it is hard to underestimate the woman. Harder still to guess how Americans will vote in what could be the deciding contests in Texas and Ohio.But reading through forums and blog comments, Obama is looking more and more like a superhero to most people. He has the momentum and it continues to gain ground.I just hope Hillary Clinton won't find the kryptonite that will defuse the Obama surge. My fingers shall remain crossed.
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Amy Winehouse rules 5oth Grammys
2008-02-12 03:42:00
Despite all her troubles (or maybe due to her troubles), last evening was Amy Winehouse 's night at the 5oth Grammys . Which made a lot of people go "huh" while some were even more cruel, dismissing her as an ugly, smelly, coccaine-snorting wreck who doesn't even deserve "the ugliest woman alive" award.Ouch. Who are these people? I say most are probably self-righteous types who've been listening to ABBA all their lives. For all of Winehouse's self-inflicted hell, she's just another tortured spirit who's simply dealing with her demons while singing from the bottom of her soul.And for that, I say she should have won six Grammys instead of five. But hey, five or six, it was an impressive haul for someone who's been in and out of rehab.Can anyone of you win even a single Grammy, you self-righteous, choir singers? Not in a million years and certainly not with that drug-free blood running in your veins, you hypocrites.
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Clinton team officially in panic?
2008-02-11 03:52:00
The damage has been done. Instead of firing her campaign manager at this crucial stage in the campaign--making her team look like it's in panic mode--Hillary Clinton should have shushed husband and former president Bill Clinton a long time ago.See, Bill Clinton's vicious attacks against Senator Barack Obama resulted in a decisive win for Obama in the South Carolina primary as black voters and disgruntled white voters went for the Illinois senator to show their displeasure over Bill's attacks.Since that lopsided win, Obama gained momentum well into Super Tuesday which gained even more energy with yesterday's sweep of Washington, Nebraska and Louisiana and today's win in Maine. (And to add insult to injury, Barack Obama even beat Bill Clinton at the Grammys.)From the way things look, Hillary Clinton's campaign is starting to show cracks. But I won't count out the New York senator--yet. She's a feisty woman and she won't go down without a fight.But if she does go down, she has...
More About: Team , Panic

Alternative beaches to Boracay
2008-02-08 06:45:00
My pre-summer posts continues, the better to give you enough time to book hotels and flights just before the mad scramble come Holy Week.Now Boracay will remain the crown jewel of all the islands in the Philippines until its twin paradise is found among the country's 7,107 islands.Below are several alternatives which I've fortunately been able to visit and can definitely say matches Boracay's beauty.Top picks would be Bohol followed by Maira-Ira beach in Pagudpud although Maira-Ira is just that, a beach.To reach it, you have to travel 15 minutes by car from tourist-friendly Saud Beach over a winding dirt road. So it's best to bring an SUV.There are no resorts and there are no facilities on Maira-Ira. It's as Survivor as it can get.Panglao Island, BoholClub Noah, PalawanWhite Island, CamiguinMaira-Ira Beach, Pagudpud
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Virgin beaches of the Philippines
2008-02-07 11:08:00
As more and more tourists flock to Boracay, more and more travelers are seeking unspoilt islands all over the Philippines .Tourists seek comfort and ease, nevermind the hordes of people. Travelers just want to get away from the crowd, nevermind the hardships of getting to an isolated island.I'd like to think I'm somewhere in between. Although I try to avoid the crowds, I also don't want to sweat it getting there as I am supposed to be on vacation in the first place. So I did some searching and found these lesser known beaches that are relatively close to civilization but have remained in pristine condition.Visit them now before the tourists find these gorgeous beaches.Canigao Island, LeyteSan Juan Island, SiquijorAntulang Resort, DumagueteSan Miguel Island, MasbatePuraran Beach, CatanduanesAlubihod Bay, Guimaras (untouched by the oil spill)Caramoan Peninsula, Camarines SurNagtoban Bay, PalawanAlad Island, RomblonFor the really adventurous, try these two beautiful paradise islands ...
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Why America should vote for Obama
2008-02-07 05:19:00
Well, not because of this awesome TV ad from the Obama campaign, but because of what this ad inspires in everyone. This political ad clearly draws the line between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.Although both Democratic candidates are harping on "change" in their respective campaigns, they have divergent takes on it.Clinton's idea of change is grounded on sound and do-able programs to improve the lives of America ns after the hell that they've been through under George W. Bush.Admittedly, Clinton's platform seems to carry more substance compared to that of Obama's.But Hillary's campaign has no magic. Obama's campaign for change has taken on a larger meaning than a mere political campaign just to get him to the White House.Obama's campaign is now a movement.Yes, it may be just rhetoric and has no substance. But in my view, it's what America and the rest of the world need right now.To paraphrase advertising legend Bill Bernbach, America doesn't need someone who does the righ...
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Why America should not vote for Hillary
2008-02-07 03:13:00
In advertising, we are trained to distill volumes upon volumes of research and reading materials to come up with the simplest and most persuasive argument for buying a product (or why anyone shouldn't buy the competitor's product).I guess the same thinking should apply to the ongoing Democratic nomination race. There must be a simple, undeniable truth why America ns should choose one candidate over another. Specifically why Americans should not vote for Hillary Clinton.I can't imagine anything more simple and convincing than this sheet of paper posted somewhere along a typical American suburban road:
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Barack Obama wins Super Tuesday
2008-02-06 08:06:00
As the slugfest between Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton continue to unfold, it's pretty clear Barack Obama won the majority of states (14 to 8).But that doesn't mean he has the Democrat party nomination in the bag. In fact, Senator Hillary Clinton has about 100 more delegates than Senator Obama, owing to her win in the most delegate-rich states of California, New York and New Jersey.So it's pretty clear the Democrat party nomination will be far from over. The two will have to fight to the bitter end for every single delegate.Which makes them tougher and more prepared than their Republican counterparts come the brutal election campaign.Wait a minute, I sound like a political analyst already. Blame it on Barack Obama. As he vowed before, he'll make politics cool again. I guess it's true, politics looks so cool once again.And it couldn't get any cooler with Senator Obama's choice of victory music in his Illinois rally--U2's Beautiful Day.Rock on, Mr. Obama. I really ...
More About: Super , Tuesday

Contenders' wives and Dana Perino
2008-02-06 04:33:00
Since I've become an election junkie a few weeks ago, I've been watching more and more political news. I soon discovered the political scene has its own set of hotties.Although incomparable to let's say, FHM's 100 sexiest women, these "gray foxes" can hold their own ground, especially when you begin perusing through their credentials.I can imagine them being hotties in their youth. Well one of them, though not a presidential contender's wife but moves within the halls of power, is still young. And hot.She's Dana Perino , the current White House Press Secretary. Below are the contender's wives and Dana Perino.Cindy McCain was a former Rodeo queen and highschool cheerleader and has a masters degree in special education from USC Mostly a stay-home mom, Ann Romney has a Fench language degree from Harvard Extension SchoolMichelle Obama graduated cum laude from Princeton University, before obtaining her Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law SchoolDana Perino, current White House Pres...
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Recession is here
2008-02-06 02:10:00
So economists have now sounded the alarm. The recession is upon us. I write "us" because though it's the U.S. which is actually in recession, and despite all the talk about decoupling, we will all feel the economic fallout in one way or another.Although former NEDA chief Cielito Habito has a very convincing write-up on why we shouldn't start running around like headless chickens, I won't take my chances.So, what to do? What else, but recession-proof your life. Here are some of my measures:I promised myself to travel a lot this year and I wouldn't let this recession ruin my plans. So, I'll still travel but only within the country. Better to keep the money here than hand it over to those Thai bar girls.No new gadgets this year. Don't hand your hard-earned money to the Finnish or to Steve Jobs. Believe me, you won't need another mobile phone and you won't need another laptop to show off since nobody will be able to afford the latest gadgets anyway.Cash will always be king, be i...
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2008 Super Bowl TV Ads
2008-02-05 09:55:00
While everyone is on knife-edge as Super Tuesday opens in the U.S. sometime tonight (Manila time) with the latest poll of polls showing Barack Obama finally edging Hillary Clinton for the Democratic party nomination race, I have to amuse myself first with another super--the Super Bowl TV ads of 2008 .This is perhaps the only time of the year when TV commercials take centerstage, as audiences eagerly await the ads as much as the game itself. No wonder advertisers would gladly pay $1 million per spot during the game telecast.So are the ads that good? Not really (for a look at all this year's best and worst Super Bowl TV ads, check out TIME's rundown). Still, it has become a ritual for Americans to watch the TV commercials. You'd look like a dork if you can't even join the watercooler chitchat about the Super Bowl ads.This is my fave this year as it made me chuckle. But overall, the 2008 ads weren't that good.Doritos "Mouse" TV AdI like the past TV commercials better, like these Bu...

Jenna Bush on the phone with her dad
2008-02-05 03:02:00
For all the ridicule and the hate that has been thrown at President George W. Bush , all I can say is, he's a good man. After watching this interview of Jenna Bush on the Ellen Degeneres show, I somehow realized that the public persona of anyone who occupies a high office might be vastly different from his true persona.From the clip, it's obvious that President Bush is just an ordinary dad. And a warm and loving one at that. I doubt if we would call him an arrogant a-hole if he weren't the U.S. president. I wish I could say the same thing for our own president, but no. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's children, especially her sons, are now acting like brats. Spoiled, rotten, brats. Whereas Jenna Bush concedes she and her siblings would rather shun politics, GMA's children are slowly becoming their mother's rabid attack dogs. They have shown a bloodlust for power far troubling than that of their mother.It is painfully clear Filipino politicians can be classified as wild beasts if one i...
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Obama, Clinton in a statistical tie
2008-02-04 07:02:00
According to the latest Gallup poll, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are now in a statistical dead heat going into the February 5 Super Tuesday primaries.Which simply means it could go either way come Tuesday. And whoever wins on that day may still not be able to clinch the Democratic Party nomination as there have been cases of reverse bandwagon, a tendency for voters to suddenly change their minds the moment they see one candidate as the potential winner.As the cliché goes, it's not over 'til it's over.This simply means I'll continue to have butterflies in my stomach for the entire year until I see Barack Obama take his oath as 44th U.S. President.If only any of our own "presidentiables" is as electric as Senator Obama, I would surely volunteer my advertising expertise pro bono. But no, I would rather put my skill to worthier causes come 2010.
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