Davao City Time
Year 2012!
For the Filipino-Chinese, Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Some 2011 Editorial Cartoons
Time flies, so to speak. I remember that it was during this time last year that I though of my resolutions for the coming year. One of them was to improve my craft. But it was easily said than done. Reviewing my works, I could not say I succeeded in improving them. So guess what? It will be one of my resolutions for 2012. By the way, happy new year and hope you will have a very fruitful new year. Year 2012 is an exciting year for all of us. Well, for me. And no, it has nothing to do with the Mayan Calendar. LOL. This current year, 2011, is good to us (my family) and perhaps to some Filipinos. Although not all are lucky this year if we talk about some issues and tragic events which hit some people and the country in general. The latest of course was Sendong that brought so much miseries to other fellowmen in Iligan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, Negros Oriental, etc. Lately, the flashflood in Bukidnon, etc. Those were bad news really. The good news is that there are good Filipinos everywhere who helped the victims by donating. Other countries also gave their donations to the victims. I saw it on tv that the United Nations also sent their assistance to the evacuees. Prayers I know were also outpouring for the victims to recover from this tragedy and that they would realize that life must go on. Anyways, we all know that one of the qualities of the Filipino people is that being resilient. Just look at those smiling faces in light of tragic events. We bounce back. It is in our genes. for instance, we have many street children who survive hunger. They keep multiplying courtesy of irresponsible parents. LOL. NOw they are turning into hardened criminals because we have laws which say they could not be jailed if they commit crimes. We fight. We are all Manny Pacquiaos!
What I have here were editorial cartoons drew during the last quarter of 2011. I was just too lazy to update this site these past months. So in a way, this is some sort of wholesale. Some issues that caught my attention included the tax scheme that would allegedly hit hardly the savings of labor sector. I have here three drawings on that topic. Well, visual ideas kept popping up in my mind, that is why. Many reacted to the scheme but it appears that the government, through the Bureau of Internal Revenues (BIR), is determined to slash those savings. Well, try to be in the shoes of the government facing fiscal problems.
One of my favorite topics is human rights. This is one of the countless cartoons I drew eversince the world began. Hehehe. HRD or December 10 is a memorable day for me. OK leave it to me. It was during this day, under the Cory Aquino administration, how some armed morons sprayed on a peace protest in Davao City. 
Yearend reports reminded us how the country suffered from various tragedies in 2011. Major natural calamities were mind-boggling - we had landslides, flashfloods, etc. that claimed lives and properties. Guess, I mentioned this already. Anyways, by 2012, hope we can really have a good disaster preparedness plan. Let us say that it will be a bible for all communities to follow in a situation where a disaster i feared to occur. Then redefine the parameters like preparedness is not to act during the onslaught of a disaster but to act much ahead of a disaster. For instance, we already identified those flashflood-prone areas. So what is next?See you in 2012!
Sendong's Wrath Along it's Path
This is tremendous losses to the people. And we pray that they can recover easily. My uncle and cousins who lived in Carmen were not spared. Their homes of light materials have to be rebuilt.
Heavy rain during the onslaught of the storm was blamed but we cannot set aside the contribution of us humans. Experts told reporters that the area had turned into as a catchment area where rainwater could easily accumulate given that fact that there are no trees in the mountains surrounding the worst affected areas. The presence of thick forest could have spelled the difference during heavy rain as in the case of the tragedy that struck Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.
Knowing his decision to rebuild his house there, I told my uncle that it is a risk to stick to the place. If memory serves me right, it was 2003 when a flashflood occurred in our subdivision here in Davao City. Our house was close to a creek - obviously a natural waterway developed million years ago. The floodwater was almost at the level of the ceiling of our home. We were spared because months earlier, I insisted to sell the house after that alarming floodwater that entered our home. I told my wife we had to vacate the place by all means. We had small kids then and we were always away for work. We were able to sell the property months before the flashflood. Good thing that it only ruined the properties of the residents and I could not remember if it claimed a single life.
There is no point of going back to the place. But my uncle appears adamant to continue with his plan to rebuild his house there. I told him this is not a wise decision. He has to move his family somewhere else - a decision I did in 2003.
Note: the photo is lifted from the site Sun-Star
BangsaMoro Substate Online Petition
One of the proposals that is hoped to once and for all address the peace and development crisis Mindanao is facing in view of the economic and political issues of the Moro people or Bangsamoro, is the establishment of a Bangsamoro Substate.
This site runs a online campaign that aims to get 1 million signatures by yearend. In addition, it sheds light on the proposal with its frequently asked questions (FAQs) that you can browse.There are also related materials that you can download from the site.
I believe this proposal really deserves support from every peace-loving Filipino and Mindanaoan. Truth is there is no way that we allow armed conflict to continue at the expense of everyone especially the Moro people who have the right to live peacefully and self-determination. The armed conflict has cost so much in terms of properties and economic bases of the people in some parts of Mindanao and countless lives wasted in the process.
The war has to end by all means. And this one is perhaps one new way to resolve the problem. Let there be long and lasting peace and development in Mindanao with the BangsaMoro Substate!
Let us support the signature campaign!
Basilan Crisis
News said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will file charges before the International Monitoring Team (IMT) over the "misencounter" in Basilan where the military suffered heavy casualties or 19 soldiers killed in one of the villages of Basilan. By the way, Basilan lies in the tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula. This is very far from Davao City. I mentioned this because, there are reactions to the use of Manila-based media on the term "Mindanao Crisis." I won't say this is not appropriate but I guess it would be a great service to those who worry about the safety of their family members or relatives living or currently visiting in Mindanao. Anyways, you can also search the Google Earth.
While running after the lawless Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the government soldiers instead collided with armed elements allegedly belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). And the PH Government and MILF, despite hitches like dissenting proposals on how to resolve the peace problem in Mindanao, is on the talking mode.
It was unfortunate that the encounter or misencounter happened because there were rumors that the MILF is helping the ASG. The MILF denied this.
As to the action to take after the incident, public opinion is divided. Some wanted an all-out war against the MILF while others called on the government to preserve the commitments to continue talking with the moro rebels. The no-war position finds support from the government of Pnoy. Instead, an all-out justice will be done.
Meanwhile, the family members of the young soldiers who were killed in the firefight cried for justice. Justice for their loved ones.
This link explains the IMT.
Petition vs. Coal Plant
The 300mw coal-fired plant is hoped to boost the power needs of Davao in the coming years.
Steve Jobs is Dead
The world is rocked by the recent news on the death of 56-year old Steve Jobs, the brain behind the apple computers and other digital products that his company Apple has produced. The guy was succumbed to pancreatic cancer, according to news sources.
The contribution of the guy to the computing industry and to the people worldwide is of course great and it will surely remain so long as the Earth spins on its axis.
I remember that the first set of computer-generated graphics I drew and the first graphic software I learned were with that small and compact Apple Classic Macintosh PC during the 90s. Imagine how I struggled to design a number of 5' x 5' wallnews on its mini screen? That's how Mr. Jobs touched my life as shared by other fans of the brilliant man.
Though from Macintosh that I knew years ago, I shifted to IBM clones until to this day for technical and financial considerations.
Anyways, the guy did a great job to the humanity. I am nameless but I salute the guy.
Steve Jobs, thanks so much and RIP!
Steve Jobs, thanks so much and RIP!
Today is World Teachers' Day!
Teachers worldwide have great impact on the lives of the people especially the youth who are carving a niche for the future - the world's future. And it is also a fact that teachers act as parents of our kids outside our homes. It is logical that they should be accorded with full support, proper training, etc in order that they will become more effective and efficient in their jobs as mentors or educators.
The situation of the teachers who serve the remotest areas in the Philippines, for instance, brings to mind. Many of them would walk long distance in a rugged terrain to meet their pupils on the daily basis - risking their lives just to fulfill their duties as educators in many far-flung areas.
I would never forget how my teachers positively impacted on my life. I won't never forget those names that directly or indirectly molded my character as a person. I owe them a lot.
Long live our dear teachers!
Un-Photographed Exhibit
The Rape of Mindanao
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