Manuel L. Quezon III recently posted in his Facebook account: “All the crap bout that [HK] columnist comes from pinoys who wouldn't know satire sarcasm or irony if it slapped them on the face.”

This post was in reaction to a controversial article which was published in the HK Online website by a certain columnist, Chip Tsao (http://hk-magazine.com/feature/war-home). While Tsao tried to pass the work as “political satire,” it is obviously a discriminatory work done in poor taste. While some people (Manuel L. Quezon III, included) find no offense in Tsao’s article (probably due to a cultural disconnect which is so prevalent in mainstream pinoy culture – I do not have to explain the dichotomy of the oppressed masa vs. the apathetic konyo)… there are those who have enough intelligence and gall to see that Tsao has indeed gone too far.

Victorina’s very own Kitty Go knows more than a thing or two of how sarcasm really works… Manolo and your apathetic ilk, read on and take notes… perhaps you’ll learn the real difference between sarcasm and plain old prejudice masked by seemingly eloquent English.

by Kitty Go

I generally do not respond to other journalists’ work, particularly if they are opinion columns because I would like to think that everyone is entitled to his opinion and I am usually open-minded enough to laugh things off. I love American shock-jock Howard Stern and conservative mouth piece Rush Limbaugh but I find “The War at Home,” a piece in HK Magazine by controversial columnist and media personality Chip Tsao, a lame attempt at humour which some may classify as irony, hyperbole, parody or satire.

To most people, it is plain bigotry. Badly cloaked in cheap Mong Kok velvet, I have to say.

As a fashion reporter, I don’t see the need to attack Mr. Tsao for his bad haircut, poor choice of spectacles and a complete look of ‘fashion don’ts.’ I don’t think it’s fair because hard news journalists are generally bad dressers, probably wanting to express through their clothing that ‘there are more pressing issues…” (Like the pressing of their trousers)

I can see that Mr. Tsao makes an attempt at ridiculing Filipinos the way the British do the French, Americans and practically everyone else. However, it is one thing to make fun of another culture or politics where both parties are AT THE SAME LEVEL and it is another to make fun of someone else’s culture or country BECAUSE YOU CAN and because you know SHE CANNOT DEFEND HERSELF. That is not humour. It is bullying in the playground tradition. But who started this childishness?

I don’t need to discuss the article’s racist and derogatory tone. As a PURE CHINESE (Hokkien) born and raised in the Philippines, I can understand the Chinese superiority complex but I have also been lucky enough to learn and experience the loyalty, graciousness, friendliness and selflessness of Filipinos AT ALL LEVELS!

(My issue with most local Hong Kong Chinese is they think that the maids they hire are on auto-pilot and expect them to know what to do on their own. They don’t. Employers have to train maids how to lay a table, how to serve, how to make beds, etc. Clearly, the general local population is not well-bred enough to know this. Anyone who has lived with servants all their lives knows this. If you started at a new office job, wouldn’t you have to be trained, too?)

Forget about whether the Philippines can or can’t defend the Spratlys against China. They will surely lose. What is uncalled for is when Mr. Tsao writes, “The reason: there are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as $3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.”

In case Mr. Tsao has failed to read his domestic helper’s contract (or perhaps is NOT following it), the minimum wage is HKD 3,750. I have two helpers who take care of two dogs (from the Philippines, of course!) who make so much more than the minimum. It’s the least we can do for people who leave their families behind to work for us in a foreign country. They each get two vacations a year, no interest loans, a birthday bonus, Christmas bonus plus party and Chinese New Year bonus. Does Louisa get that?

Who said anything about your helper ‘flexing your muscle at your master?’ (Master?? Like me and my dog?? Or like me and a genie who will grant me three wishes??) Why include your domestic helper in an issue that doesn’t concern her and which she can’t do anything about? The Spratly issue in no way affects her life. If the Spratly’s sank like Atlantis she wouldn’t care because she’s still be working for Mr. Tsao or better yet, for another employer.

Mr. Tsao writes, “I….hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell every one of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China….I told her that if war breaks out between the Philippines and China, I would have to end her employment and send her straight home, because I would not risk the crime of treason for sponsoring an enemy of the state by paying her to wash my toilet and clean my windows 16 hours a day. With that money, she would pay taxes to her government, and they would fund a navy to invade our motherland and deeply hurt my feelings.”

Since you and Louisa studied the map (was it one made in the last 50 years?), you would have noticed that the Spratlys is closer to the Philippines than to China. One of my Filipino friends told her household staff that if they voted Joseph Estrada for President, they will not get a raise. At least, the choice of president does affect the state of a nation. (Look what happened there) But like I mentioned earlier, the Spratlys have nothing to do with our helpers. If Mr. Tsao told her he would not increase her wages if she voted for employers having to pay for medical insurance that would be more up her street.

…And another thing which you (again!) may not have noticed in the contract. Louisa is supposed to only work 12 hours a day. Why is she working 16?? Hello, department of labor! Aside from ending her employment at the risk of treason, Mr. Tsao also mentions ‘holding the helpers hostage.’ Remember what happened when the Mexicans stopped working for a day in California? Hong Kong became what it is because we are allowed to employ domestic staff for very little money compared to other first world cities. This inexpensive luxury that we live with everyday has helped make Hong Kong into the financial powerhouse that it is. The least we can do is treat our staff humanely and not include them (or worse, insult them) on issues that do not affect their lives.

They have enough problems such as working for people like Chip Tsao.

At kay Louisa----I-lason mo na yung amo mo! Saan ang Dora rat killer???

Each Time You Watch Wowowie, One Million Goes to Willie






Remind me again that the Philippines is going through a recession and that every day, millions of people suffer of hunger. For the meantime, a noontime show host earns ONE fu...ng MILLION per day.

According to Yes’ Magazine, Andro’s best friend and Wowowie host Willie Revillame and Andro’s ninong Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, chairman and CEO of ABS-CBN are the most powerful entertainer and most powerful executive, respectively, in local show business. The showbiz magazines’ latest issue features "The 50 Most Powerful in Showbiz." The 48-year-old Revillame reigns No. 1 in the Entertainers category.

“As many people adore Willie as disapprove of him – but nobody can be indifferent to him,” the magazine said. That means Trixie, who hates Willie’s guts, actually contributes to his popularity.

Atty Trixie Angeles, you who can bring down city hall, and you who fought the Manila Mayor for the protection of Mehan Gardens (and won), can you do something about this cultural anomaly. Speak up Trix!


And Victorina, who is now writing another article about Willie, is helping him earn his millions, because apparently the advertisers don’t care whether the opinion about Willie is good or bad, if he is talked about, he is a good channel.

The multi-millionaire host who spends his money collecting cars and allegedly abusing women has kept “Eat Bulaga!,” the longest and popular noontime show in the country, on its toes. It seems "Wowowee" is the “persistent thorn in Eat Bulaga!’s side.” So Eat Bulaga and Joey de Leon are also culprits for making Willie to most powerful entertainer today.

Revillame’s builds on his “global” status among Filipino workers abroad. “What’s even more amazing is his audience’s continued adulation despite the negative issues that hound him to this day, foremost of which is the deadly 2006 stampede at the Ultra stadium that marked his show’s anniversary,” the magazine said.

In fairness, Revillame should make a good case study in audience and market research. But my bottomline is this: Revillame (and his bosses) made a good business out of other people’s misery. They build their millions out of the stories of misfortune and tears of the masses.

Willie has grown to such monumental stature that he thinks he is invincible now, no matter what we do, or say, his masses will support him, and heck, will die for him literally. I am two minutes away from calling my friends at ISAFP (Jojo, call me) for some bullet assistance. But that would make him, God forbid, a national hero!

So, we run out of options now and just accept the fact that Willie is the person who defines popular culture today?

Is there justice in this side of the universe?

(Aside: It is not the fault of the masses that they are in the dark, it is because the enlightened ones didn't care enough to share the light.)

Former president Joseph Estrada and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay dismissed as "harassment" and "ridiculous" allegations they were “gun-toting” during an event in Cebu.

BY : Boldstar
Jesus Jose Maria “Jejomar” Binay, the mayor of Makati City, called “Rambotito” during Aquino’s presidency and now “Jo-Bama” of the Philippines, is a Presidential candidate in the general election 2010. He is also the president of the United Opposition. He will run under the banner of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban). Among his vocal supporters is the former president Joseph Estrada who stated that Binay has the capacity and the ability. He has shown this as the chief executive of the country’s premier city (2010, pinoyvote).

Many people consider the Mayor as a hardworking individual. He presides over the financial hub of the country, home to the elite in business and society. At the start of his tenure (EDSA 1986) Makati city was near bankruptcy after Yabut’s reign. His supporters point out his achievements in the city’s management, his leading role in the ousting of the Marcos administration hand in hand with Aquino and Estrada as well as his continued opposition to the incumbent Gloria Arroyo. In 2006, he was included among the top 10 mayors in the world in the annual World Mayor project as well as securing 3 terms in office with the fourth being succeeded by his own wife.
His personal origin is more substantially humble compared to the business titans he now associates.

An orphan born into poverty whose first job was as a piggery assistant. He managed to graduate from the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) alongside prestigious alumni such as Fidel Ramos, Ferdinand Marcos, Cesar Virata, Letty Shahani, Cheez Escudero, Mike Defensor, and Felipe Gozon to name a few. He also managed to support himself and obtain a degree in Political Science and Law from the University of the Philippines. Apparently, like Obama he spent the next few years practicing community law among the country’s poor during an era that was kleptocratic and draconian with politics and finance controlled by cronyism.

He was even arrested by the Marcos regime for his pro-democracy efforts.
Here are some of his accomplishments;

1. Member of the Rotary Club of Makati

2. He is currently on his third term as the National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

3. Vice President for Membership (2006- 2008), United Cities and Local Governments-Asia Pacific Chapter; Life Honorary Member (since February 2001) and Member.

4. World Executive Committee of the International Union of Local Authorities-Asia Pacific; Member, Executive Committee (2006-2009).

5. Network for Local Authorities for the Management of Human Settlement (CITYNET)

6. Chairman, Finance Sub-Committee, World Scout Organization.
7. Senior executive fellow of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

8. Binay is also a Philippine Marine Colonel in the reservist forces.

9. He is married to Dr Elenita Binay, a medical practitioner and herself the former mayor of Makati (1998-2001)

His opponents on the other hand point out how Mayor Binay consolidated an empire based on money for loyalty and thuggery by his ardent yellow army, exacerbated by the LGU code. He created a political familial dynasty so common among the old “trapos” proliferating in the political landscape of the country. For instance, impeded by a term limit, he let his own wife “rule” Makati with the help of his inexorably dutiful and pugnacious "yellow army" to implement everything. Their imposition on the constituents of the city was shown during the San Lorenzo Village resolution 89 that allegedly saw its passing into ordinance having little or no community consultations required by law with the people affected by the changes.

Additionally, his detractors alleged that his support for the poor and under-privileged of Makati have been mostly machinations for the continuation of his power. By pouring the resources of the city into PNR railways, Kalayaan Road, the Botanical Gardens he ensured votes. His alleged favouritism towards Barangay leaders who are loyal to him ensured funds for their projects and their re-election campaigns. Those who are not are made to suffer as alleged by many during the San Lorenzo debacle. Your funds are supposedly assured if your loyalty is unflinching. Others argued that why shouldn’t he help the poor, isn’t that what the government is about?

Like any politicians in the country, his family is involved in the affairs of the city. One of his daughters is serving as a representative of the 2nd District of Makati City and his son Jejomar Erwin is a Makati Councillor. This grip on power many argued shows a sign of an autocratic individual rather than a democratic fighter and champion of the poor with self interest on the agenda.

He is however a known Arroyo opponent. He is the mayor Malacanang loves to hate. The administration in fact had in the past accused Binay of false accounting and through DILG moved to suspend his tenure as well as accusations of graft which were eventually dismissed for lack of probable cause. And many people including myself praise his battles with Gloria Arroyo, but are also dismayed by his loyalty to the former convicted plunderer, married womanizer, jueteng lord and former jailed president of the republic, Joseph Estrada.

That is why one can’t help but be amused that here’s a man with many successes in running one of the premier cities in the country and could yet be the next President of the Republic of the Philippines. And yet he is willing to be subjected to a possible fatal character assassination by his continued proximity to the former plunderer who is allegedly raising billions for his campaigns. No mud had ever stuck on “Jobama” in the past.

But could he be the next president?

Maybe, maybe not, but please he should stop aligning himself with Barack Obama, it is cheap, moronic and sad. The colour of your skin matters not in the affairs of the republic.

Show us what you’ve got.

President Gloria Arroyo with Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor and Secretary Nasser Pangandaman








A Bad Case to Test Internet Libel or how not to fight a blogger


This is supposedly a test-case against bloggers. The Philippine Star reports: “Paca-Ambung Macabando, provincial prosecutor of Lanao del Sur, issued his nine-page resolution dated March 12 elevating the libel charges against (Blogger Bambee) De la Paz before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) after she failed to submit her counter-affidavit before the deadline two days earlier. Macabando said a careful analysis of De la Paz’s blog titled “The World had Gone Crazy” reveals that there was an intention to “impute a discreditable act or condition.”

“It was a genuine plea of De la Paz to all persons that may have been reading her blog to support her in portraying Mayor (Nasser) Pangandaman and Secretary Pangandaman as cruel, incompetent government officials, without delicadeza and cannot lead to peace,” said Macabando. (italics mine)

I don’t know what “careful analysis” the provincial prosecutor did, but if he is looking for a test case for e-libel, this case should not be it.

Victorina legal adviser and managing editor can help me out with this, but as far as I know, that law states that in every criminal prosecution for libel, the truth may be given in evidence to the court and if it appears that the matter charged as libelous is true, and, moreover, that it was published with good motives and for justifiable ends, the defendants shall be acquitted.

What could be better motives than seeking redress and/or making public officials be subjected to the highest standards of decent behaviors?

The daughter just saw her father and her brother engage in a violent brawl. It is not clear now who actually instigated it, but the truth is that two politicians were involved. Bambee told her story, asked for prayers and begged for justice. The two politicians were public figures – one at present is an elected official, the other a Cabinet Secretary.

They are public figures, as such their behaviors should be subjected to scrutiny, how much more their involvement in a bloody fight, in the grounds of a posh golf club, during the holidays!

Bambee de la Paz used the best tool to put across her message for free– the blogworld. Nobody is stopping the two politicians to reply to her version of the story in the same platform. On one hand, I am bound to agree that the Pangandamans were tried in the court of public (online) opinion and were judged as guilty even without hearing their version of the story.

I was hoping that they, the Pangandamans, would have bombarded the internet with their own version and allow the internet community to make up its mind. Delfin Montano appeared in national television to refute Brian Gorrell. He gave us an opportunity to think twice about the case and to make up our minds.

Filing a case of libel would only result to at least any of these things:

a. It will aggravate the public sentiment that the Pangandamans are bullies, and this time they are using the courts to overpower a young lady blogger.

b. It will cement the case that the older Pangandaman cannot be an effective peace advocate as he can’t even negotiate peace with a single family, and would resort to the aid of the law to prove his point.

c. It will open a new round of anti-Pangandaman sentiment among bloggers. They might be able to threaten the Philippine-based ones, but the global bloggers can take that case to a wider arena.

d. Has the PROVINCIAL prosecutor ever thought of the principle of domain.

All of these risks for what?

Just to test a case of internet libel?

Good luck if he will win.

But this is certain – the Pangandamans will lose once more in the court of public opinion.

The submission of the case and the issuance of a resolution a mere TWO DAYS after Ms. de la Paz failed to submit her counter-affidavit is, by any standards, WRONG! If anyone noticed, Ms. de la Paz is Manila-based. The case was filed in Lanao del Sur. Normally, the prosecutors will give a respondent at least another opportunity to answer the charges, especially in a case as serious as this, which involves a prison term. There are loads of questions to answer now.

First, did Ms. de la Paz even receive a notice? It is, after all, some distance from Lanao del Sur to Manila. Was Ms. de la Paz given adequate opportunity to answer?

Clearly not, because the Resolution was completely done within TWO days from the last hearing. Quite a hard-working prosecutor we have here. Most prosecutors take full advantage of the ninety day period they have to resolve a case. This prosecutor doesnt seem to have any other cases.

Am I saying the prosecutor is on the take? No.

But certainly the entire proceedings seem out of the ordinary and seems to take undue advantage of the distance of Ms. de la Paz' residence to the venue of the proceedings.

Fast break, anyone?

Big mistake. Again!

By The Fashion Police


The failure of the retail institution Sari Sari began with a noble idea to promote all things Pinoy. The business model has proven successful but success was overcome by alleged mismanagement including alleged disrespect for staff and suppliers, alleged theft and eventually lawsuits.

EXACTLY HOW MUCH IS/WAS INVOLVED? How about Php 1-1.3 million a month on average for each store? In the last decade, the company had the following stores: Glorietta, SM Manila and Rockwell (both closed years ago), South Mall Las Pinas (closed January this year), Mega Mall and North Edsa. In 2000 alone, the Glorietta store, which was closed in December 2007 because of excessive back rentals, made Php 100 million. Glorietta’s typical sales were about Php1.3-1.8 million a month. Today the company is left with two stores, Mega Mall and North Edsa, what retail insiders classify as ‘insignificant’ because their sales do not reach Php 1 million a month. Where did the money go if the alleged suppliers (and some staff) were not paid for years? Not to mention the rent!

HOW DID THEY GET AWAY WITH IT ALL THAT TIME?!! Well, there are always the three words that send minions shaking….”Kilala mo ba ako?” (well, four) Sometimes it could be “Kilala ko si Fernando Zobel.” (five) Or “We are retail pioneers.” (Tell that to SSI Store Specialists)

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED? Business was doing very well in 2000 as seen in the balance sheet of Glorietta that year. In fact, everyone was paid. It was also the same year they opened Rockwell, two Sari Sari cafes, Sari Sari New York and Los Angeles. All these businesses are now closed. It was also that year that all the owners allegedly bought new Pajeros and Patrols. In fairness, suppliers and designers have told Donia Victorina that business started out with good intentions. Anna did store visits everyday but ‘her priority was her family.”

For the next four years, there were many changes in SS management. Anna took over Glorietta and South Mall stores and maintained regular payments to suppliers. At the height of Sari-Sari’s success, they began franchising their brand obviously to lower costs, increase profits and spread the stores over a greater area. One of the franchised stores was in South Mall (Las Pinas). Eventually the Las Pinas store was taken over 100% by SS management in a somewhat hostile takeover.

In 2004, SS was sued by a group of suppliers and fashion designers who were allegedly not paid for shipments to the South Mall (Las Pinas) store. By this time, the same group had alegedly not been paid for about three years for deliveries to the Glorietta, SM Manila and Rockwell stores which were not franchises but owned 100% by Sari-Sari.

The lawsuit in 2004 was filed against the owners of Sari Sari, their officers and the South Mall franchisee. Again, one of the owners allegedly paid up but only after they were told by their lawyers to do so. They paid everything that was owed except for the bills of South Mall which was technically still the responsibility of the franchisee.

Must every supplier in town resort to a lawsuit to get paid?

SS wanted the plaintiffs to drop the case in exchange for a deal where the suppliers could get the chance to own the South Mall store but work off its Php 2.2 million debt. In 2007, the same suppliers were still allegedly not been unpaid and they demanded to take over the store. As one fashion reporter relates, “(One of the SM daily sales monitors) told those designers that since they were doing well at South Mall, they might as well take over the shop to save it.”

The consignors threatened another lawsuit just as Anna decided to hand over the store management back to her cousin Marni. The owners met with the plaintiffs a year later in October 2008 and agreed to let them take over the store. But the store had allegedly six months of unpaid rent amounting to about half a million pesos and the Ocampos allegedly wanted to charge the suppliers for store fixtures if they took over. The total would have come to one million pesos. “She showed them a letter from SM saying that they agreed to a payment scheme with SS using post-dated checks,” the fashion reporter tells DV, “When the suppliers told another big SM tenant about this, she said there is no way SM would agree to such a payment plan.”

The Ocampos allegedly never turned the store over to their irate suppliers. Unfortunately the South Mall store is now closed for the same reasons: alleged mismanagement and back rental. Several questions are floating around the industry: Even if the South Mall store was losing money with sales of about half a million pesos, why was rent of 80,000 a month and supplier invoices not paid?

The consignors are planning to sue again. “They don’t want a repeat of the past where they had to wait three years to get paid,” one fashion insider said.


A couple of weeks ago, designers and staff arrived at the Mega Mall store only to find out it emptied of all stock Apparently, one of their ex-partners, Michelle Varela Lim, is allegedly suing them for Php 8.6 million worth of unpaid dresses and gown. Now THAT is a HUGE closet case! This is the same woman who allegedly handled buying and merchandising at SS and was allegedly selling her own stuff basically to a store run by her. A supplier wonders, “She is collecting for herself using SS invoices.”

It doesn’t end here. In fact, the end is nowhere close. Supposedly when Marni sold her shares to Varela, this sale was allegedly not reported to the government. To many local retailers and fashion insiders, the brand still has that ‘proud to be Pinoy’ luster albeit a little dusty. Last year, an Asian fashion executive offered to buy the business but the Ocampos allegedly wanted close at a ridiculous Php 50 million. Anyway, the Sari Sari stores could continue with a new owner. They need fresh funds for the business!

I am convinced. My name is not Nicole.




Victorina originally planned to write an article dissecting the motivations of Nicole for recanting. We heard stories of the 100K cash gift to the family. We know of the feminist interpretation of this as part of the conspiracy by Malacanang. Yet, we also heard rumors that in fact she was a prostitute who saw a golden opportunity.

However, we decided not to tell you our story of Nicole. Instead, we will let Nicole tell her story. This is from her sworn testimony. We trust that our readers will share their points of view. We will also share ours.

What to make out of the story of Nicole?

Deep inside, however, I know that I may never be able to move on for as long as I continue to search for answers to so many questions that have lingered in my mind regarding the incident in Subic more that three years ago. Daniel Smith was convicted of rape because the court accepted my version that he took advantage of my intoxication i raping me inside a van that took us to the seawall located at the SBMA Alaba Pier at around 11:30 in the evening of November 1, 2005.

1. Daniel Smith's witnesses said that while we were at the Neptune Club, I sat on Daniel Smith's lap and that we kissed each other passionately. I remember that before I met Daniel Smith at the Neptune Club, all I ate was a slice of pizza at the Grand Leisure Hotel. After the pizza, everything else was alcohol drinks from vodka sprite, B52, Singaporean sling, B53, long island ice tea to bullfrog all of which I drank bottoms up. I do not recall Daniel Smith having ordered any alcoholic drink for me. My drinks were all paid for by Chris Mills who invited me to go to the Neptune Club.

2. I had no opportunity to deny in court that I kissed Daniel Smith but with the amount of alcoholic mixed drinks I took, my low tolerance level for alcohol and with only a slice of pizza all night, it dawned upon me that I may have possibly lost my inhibitions, became so intimate with Daniel Smith and did more than just dancing and talking with him like everyone else on the dance floor. Looking back, I would not have agreed to talk with Daniel Smith and dance with him no less than three times if I did not enjoy his company or was at least attracted to him since I met him for the very first time on the dance floor of Neptune Club.

3. When I danced with Daniel Smith for the third time, my companions, Chris Mills has already left Neptune Club since they had to catch their curfew time at the military base. The lighting was sufficient for people to recognize each other and other marines were with their Filipino partners drinking, dancing, and enjoying each other's company and kissing and hugging among partners was a common scene.

4. With the events at the Neptune Club in mind, I keep on asking myself, if Daniel Smith wanted to rape me, why would he carry me out of the Neptune Club using the main entrance in full view of the security guard and the other customers? Why would the van park right in front of Neptune Club? Why would Daniel Smith and his companies bring me to the seawall of Alaba pier and casually leave this area that was well lighted and with many people roaming around? If they believed that I was raped, would they have not dumped me instead in a dimly lit area along the highway going to Alaba pier to avoid detection?

5. I told the court that Daniel Smith kissed my lips and neck and held my breast inside the van. Recalling my testimony, I ask myself how I could have remembered this if witnesses told the court that I passed out and looked unconscious when I was brought to the van by Daniel Smith. How could I have resisted his advances given this condition? Daniel Smith and I were alone on the third row of the van which had limited space and I do not recall anyone inside the van who held my hand or any part of my body. What I can recall is that there was very loud music and shouting inside the van.

6. If the travel from Neptune Club took only several minutes and with the driver of the van trying to beat the curfew time of his passengers, how could I have instantly regained my consciousness and talked to the people upon reaching the seawall of Alaba Pier? When people gathered around me at the seawall, everyone seemed to have drawn the conclusion that I was raped except for one who called me a bitch.

7. Based on the account of the SBMA police, I was very hesitant to board the mobile police car that brought me to the headquarters for investigation. I was so confused and the first thing that entered my mind was how would my mother and boyfriend react if they learn that I was last seen with Daniel Smith and that a condom was seen on my pants after Daniel Smith left the van? I was scared of losing not only my American boyfriend but the chance of living in the United States. In fact, I did not immediately tell my boyfriend that I was raped by Daniel Smith. All I said was that something bad happened to me.

8. I expect many sectors to question my motives in executing this statement more than three years after the incident. However, as I practically grew up interacting with American servicemen in Zamboanga City who treated me and my family very well, and thinking over and over again how I may have conducted myself at the Neptune Club, I can't help but entertain doubts on whether the sequence of events in Subic last November of 2005 really occurred the way the court found them to have happened.

9. My conscience continues to bother me realizing that I may have in fact been so friendly and intimate with Daniel Smith at the Neptune Club that he was led to believe that I was amenable to having sex or that we simply just got carried away. I would rather risk public outrage than do nothing to help the court in ensuring that justice is served.


What say you?

by: Amiel Aguilar Cabanlig

Has Philippine media become too onion-skinned?

While we usually tackle serious happenings here on Dona Victorina, I couldn’t help but write something about a hilarious tantrum that caught my ears last week while listening to the radio.

On the #1 morning radio program “Good Times” with DJs Mo Twister, Mojo Jojo and Grace Lee, the topic of conversation chanced upon the subject of celebrity doppelgangers. The story goes a little something like this – everyone has some sort of resemblance to a celebrity. While many think they may look somewhat like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie or “non-gorgeous” celebs like Woody Allen or Rosie O’Donnell, the fact of the matter is most “regular people” look like “uglier versions” of the celebrities they claim to be their doppelganger, as pointed out by Mo Twister.

Listeners of the Good Times show called in to give their takes on which celebrities their favorite DJs look like. What was supposed to be a funny radio segment became a overblown raucous which rocked the showbiz world.

Callers commented that Mo Twister looked like an uglier version of pop singer Gary V, which the DJs agreed upon. One listener called in and compared Grace Lee to actress Sandara Park… while the two are both of Korean heritage, they look nothing alike. But what really drummed up controversy is when one listener suggested that Mojo Jojo looked like an uglier version of GMA newscaster Arnold Clavio to which Mojo protested.

Here’s where the drama begins!

From this short and comical radio segment, it seemed that word got to Arnold Clavio which made the broadcaster incensed and down-right offended. The very next day, Clavio’s statements and obvious disgust was promulgated in the local tabloid and he even commented on his radio program that the Good Time DJs were trying to make him sira (tried to destroy his public image).

Come on! Have Philippine celebrities become too onion-skinned?

It seems like celebrities nowadays seem to get pissed off by things that are part and parcel to being in show business. Arnold Clavio may be smiling when we see his face on the news everyday, hear him on the radio on a regular basis… he even endorses a brand of coffee and has a puppet named after him (hello, Arn-Arn!) --- but when it comes to being compared to another celebrity, it makes his blood boil? Puh-leez!

Let’s analyze the “Good Times” vs. “Arnold Clavio” controversy. First of all, Mojo was referred to as an “uglier” version of Arnold Clavio… by a random listener who called in the program. The Good Times DJs did not try to make fun of Arnold Clavio, although Mojo did make a comment that he did not believe that he physically resembled Arnold.

“I have nothing against Arnold Clavio,” says Mojo. “I respect him as a broadcaster and as an individual, but I honestly don’t think we look alike. Yes we are both kayumangi, wear glasses and have round cheeks… but the resemblance ends there. We couldn’t even pass for brothers… or cousins-twice-removed at that. But if listeners think we look alike, that’s their opinion. In any case, the radio segment was not meant to offend and should not be taken out of context.

While I may not have model good-looks like Papa Piolo, I’m very happy with the way that I look and consider myself quite attractive in my own right. In any case, if people say that I’m really an ‘uglier’ version of Arnold Clavio, I don’t see how that would make him mad… doesn’t that make him more gwapo than me then in the eyes of the public? We all need to take things with a grain of salt and keep a good sense of humor. There’s no need to be sensitive over a non-issue like this.”

Well, whatever the case might be, I totally agree that celebrities should not be so sensitive. While they can deliver the news and chismis about others, when the tables are turned and the scrutiny is on them, why is it that they so often get irate? It baffles me how even a harmless radio segment can be blown so out of proportion.

There’s no business like show business!

( listen via podcast: http://goodtimes.cantosph.com/ )

By: The Fashion Police


One of the most glaring problems (and an obvious negative result of colonial mentality) in Philippine retail is that the public refuses to accept things that are ‘local.’

The retail chain Sari-Sari is not only the pioneer but still is the champion of local designs and products. Decades of being family-owned and -run have seen the brand go from the ultimate in a Filipino lifestyle brand to its tarnished image today but not without signs of its former glitz. The business was originally marred by allegedly feuding cousins (current owners of the Celestina accessories line) that involved allegedly in dishonest bookkeeping, alleged misuse of company funds (including the alleged purchase of a fake Birkin) and non-payment of suppliers. But that was the ancient regime.

Today’s entry is about the new Sari Sari management.

Unfortunately, it lives up to the sayings ‘History repeats itself” and “An apple does not fall far from its tree.” Like a Hollywood adaptation of a novel or a remake, it is the same story with different characters (but not quite) and more lawsuits.

Because this is a private enterprise and the problems probably go back over 10 years, we can only piece together the story from different sources who decided to report to Dona Victorina because they know they would not get any space in traditional media. The current Ocampo management is allegedly well-connected with the broadsheets. What makes this business story very interesting is that it is typical of many small and medium enterprises but it straddles the world of fashion, one that revolves around glamour and wealth. It is also about a well-loved retail institution. And yet, once again, it is the little people who have to pay for that new car, that new Mac Book, the expensive travel and dining, the new dresses and apartments….

Geez... Learn to advertise once in a while.Stop using lifestyle editors!

Ideally, a business like Sari Sari’s should work like this: SS rents space from a mall and assumes rent and other dues like maintenance and commissions. SS, as a consignee, then has the choice to sell their own merchandise and/or divide the store among consignors (fashion designers or suppliers). A mall store such as SS is not allowed to sublet. The only way SS can make money off their consignors by letting them use the space is to charge commission on sales. These sales commissions are under a separate contract between the consignee and the consignor. The sales staff is usually hired by the consignor ideally to sell and manage only its product line. Cashiers and packers and hired by the consignee.

All retail sales are made into one centralized register where all sales are reported to the mall (so they can get their sales commission from SS the renter). In this case, SS collects all the money and has to pay their consignees their share of sales after agreed commissions have been deducted. This is where problems happen because in this case, some consignees claim that have not been getting paid for up to three years and the only reason they got paid was because they filed a lawsuit!! Generally, suppliers get paid anywhere from 30-120 days but we heard that no one ever follows this rule. EVENTUALLY they get paid within the year but in the case of SS’s suppliers, payments are made rarely on time and are usually from a few months to up to a few years late.

Despite this alleged business practice of non-or late payment, why would let’s say, local designer Mr. Jacobs want to consign at SS? A very small business like Mr. J has no choice if he wants to get his goods into the mall because he will not be able to afford mall rents and dues. Technically, the SS model is an excellent way to introduce new names into the market before they hit it big. Like Fred Segal in Los Angeles, it becomes a medium for design experimentation and a testing ground for new products (Juicy Couture, True Religion, Splendid, Michael Stars, etc. all made their start at Fred Segal). This model also keeps both parties from needlessly spending too much money. For SS, they will not have to spend on inventory and staff and for MJ they will not have to spend so much on mall rent and overhead while being able to enter and develop new markets in malls.

So much has happened before the Fashion Police including the owners having lost some of their personal wealth. The rest is fashion history, one riddled not only with alleged dishonest business practices but contended extraordinary buying procedures unheard of elsewhere. SS bought the fashion line of one of their merchandisers. It is one thing to be an editor or merchandiser TURNED designer but never at the same time and with sales in commercial quantities. But buying from your in-store merchandiser and shareholder is just an alleged accessory to more crimes.

There was an alleged Php 3million employee loan package which did not benefit employees but one of the owners. Eventually, another family member allegedly paid off this loan to save the unwitting employees. The money moved from one pocket to another. The funds from the South Mall store were used to pay rent on an office and another store in North Edsa.

One fashion reporter told us, “They treat the stores like their own piggy banks. They see cash coming in everyday. Ang sarap kumuha. They didn’t risk anything, not their hard work and the cash keeps coming in so they are tempted.”

(Ed Note: “the time has come and we write this in peace.” Says the last entry of chikatime, leaving us with the impression that it is a group. At the height of its popularity, people were informed that Chikatime was run by a group composed of Editor Vanessa R. and contributors Vhong P., Sarah M., Veena H. and Vilma S. As Brian G. found out, it was simply one person and no one else)

Part 2 of Who is Chikatime
Brian Gorrell

BACKSTABBING. BACKBITING. BACKFIRING.

I ask you readers, in any battle, would you rather see your enemy charging towards you or have them sneak up behind you? A bullet in the back can really put a damper on your day, but if it's fired from the front, at least you have .15 seconds to make amends with your creator (which, in my case, is my mummy).
For sure.

Chikatime had a fully pumped magazine of high-powered bullets. And those bullets found their targets; that’s for sure. A whole bunch of debris was strewn everywhere as a result, and Manila’s high society was left like a action hero movie post blood bath and carnage. Chalk outlines, all over the show.

CSI: Chikatime. Bloody, and until now, unsolved.

NOW IS THE TIME TO SOLVE IT.

Battles have been fought in the 'front line' for years. It makes sense and as a result, I see no reason why this should change.
You should be able to look at your enemy in the eye. Always. And this is why I am so against anonymous blogs and anonymous bloggers. I despise anon bloggers, especially those who are waging battles. They don’t fight fair and square.
It's pathetic, gutless. If you have the courage to write it, then you should have the courage to own it. Otherwise, you are as pathetic as the very people you are writing about. OWN IT or shut the computer off!

The Chikatime gossip site had no reason except to titillate and occupy the dark side of the Philippines lust for all things chika chika chika. The Philippines has a permanent Viagra boner for all things chika. And it's solid as a rock!

Guess who wrote it?

Bryanboy is Chikatime! No other than the baklang third world who is so gay he sweats glitters.










Look, Bryanboy was only filling the insatiable appetite for the dark side of revelation and explosive tittle tattle that Manila has. And it's not his fault some people were photographed snorting cocaine in the toilets of Embassy 'not so super club'. Someone obviously sent BB that picture and I too would have posted it, although you would KNOW who posted it in my case. I am unafraid to be known to my readers as I own everything I write.

"The poor have more time to gossip", a Filipina friend told me once. I almost died when she said this to me. "What a load of bloody rubbish" I told her. Chika is in our blood regardless of your income or social status of the country you live in. Chika is GLOBAL.

We are all Chikatime if you really want to be honest.

Sure Bryanboy is the creator Chikatime site, but we all fueled the site with our insatiable appetite for the gossip found there. Our mouse clicks made Chikatime popular. I always say, don't shoot the messenger... shoot the message. And BryanBoy had the only flute and he danced along the gossip trail with thousands of people following his tune. Some people never missed a single beat, checking Chikatime every ten minutes terrified or hoping they were going to be on it. Sadistic but true as I've spoken to many people who appeared on Chikatime. Not all of them are angry. Trust me.

BryanBoy was the Philippines very own Pied Piper, leading many thousands of people into the valley of rich dark secrets and tales of unbridled debauchery and ridiculousness. I believe that having the ability to defend yourself is most paramount in any battle (land or cyber) but in order to do the effectively, you have to have information on your opposition as this makes strategy easier depending on the accuracy of the information of course. You need to know who they (enemy) are, or what hope in hell do you have? If your enemy is invisible, you stand no chance.

Anonymity is afforded to those people who for some reason or another are reluctant to expose themselves in public due to rational and irrational concerns over their safety and privacy.Look, it's very simple. I truly believe as a blogger, that if you wrote, you have to own it, lock stock and barrel. I stand behind everything I've ever written on my blog and people know that.
And so should BryanBoy. The time has come for the real Chikatime to stand up and be acknowledged. Bryan Boy, stand up. Get a book deal mate! Turn this lemon into a lemonade stand. You are a very enterprising young fella.

If you are a blogger with a fair share of enemies, there are plenty of people behind you ready to plunge-in a bayonet. And yes some are even in front of you, wearing a smile and extending out for affection and reinforcement all the while retaining just enough dexterity and precision for the final blow between ribs three and four. These people wield the most jagged of all blades.

And BryanBoy should be man enough to accept ownership of Chikatime.

By: Brian Gorrell


On February 2008, my blissful existence in Boracay abruptly came to a miserable ending. I had originally planned many years of island living because Boracay brought unbridled joy and unparalleled haven for me. But alas a wolf in shining armour came to dazzle, and bathe me with his charms that even Venus would have been jealous. My prince charming, Delfin Justiniano Ocampo nicknamed DJ brought me back down to a sobering reality by stealing my life savings, all of $70,000 dollars. Confused by a broken heart and stunned by feelings of desperation as well as delirious with fear and uncertainty, I had to leave all that was everything for me, Boracay, and the Philippines.

I’d just spent six months doing a vicious nail biting ‘pas de deux’ with the horrendous Montano family during which a million futile attempts to recover my life savings came up trumps. DJ’s mother Aurora and their lawyer "taunted" me for months, buying time until I had to leave the country. Aurora seemed desperate to shut me up, but not desperate enough to give me the money her son stole. The Montanos ignored my pleas when I was in Manila, and appeared to believe DJ’s improbable story even as they seemed intent on spiriting him out of the country for greener pastures in California.

They had no idea I would start the blog to seek justice. And so here we are 1 year later.

DJ simply left the country, away from his crimes and the shame it brought the whole Montano Clan. Of course it’s not at all uncommon in the Philippines to leave the country in disgrace only to return years later with a ‘clean’ slate.

It was so obvious to me when I watched their ‘performance’ on Korina Sanchez’s show. Everyone I know who watched them squirmed, while all these lies came flying out. Lies do stain.. Hopefully, time will not bleach it out of our consciousness, and as long as I am alive, I promise that it will never be.

Aurora threatened to have me deported because I am HIV positive...
Aurora fought DJ’s battle. I knew then what I was up against. DJ used my HIV when he wanted my money. He used it to blistering effect, telling me he would always look after me and so on. And now his mother was threatening to have me deported because of it. My head was spinning. It really was shock and awe prior to their Korina appearance.

And so my fight began.

DJ still had my stolen life savings and there were no signs of him returning it anytime soon. I had to do something drastic. I had to tell people what he did to me. And so I began to ask for help among the circle of friends and associates I came to believe were friends.

Yet despite my hunger for justice I still questioned myself if I would be able to fight. Am I doing the right thing? The answer came while having lunch with my great friend on Boracay. It was February 11, 2008 when I first heard of the Chikatime gossip site.

Until that time, I’d never told a soul about my unfortunate situation, except for my dearest friends on the island and some people in Manila who needed to know. But word was getting around and some people were writing asking if I was alright.

The first person i’d told was my best friend Gorgeous (not her true name) who is extremely well known and highly respected on the island. She was also the very first person I confided to about DJ stealing my life savings, back in September 2007, so she was VERY up to speed with the story of Montano. .And it did not surprise her at all that I had yet to recover any money from him after six months of pleading with DJ and his family. She could sense my fear that I would never get it back. And I remember her telling me to be prepared for that. Indeed, she was right. She actually predicted that he would flee the country in disgrace. She was right again.

The SECOND person I told was another incredible Manila mate who I’ll call Slumdog (started as a Facebook friend). You see, they’re best friends, so they knew what to do and they rallied around me big time. Together, the two of them got me through the toughest week of my life. They supported me and loved me and continue to do so to this very day. And since then, I’ve been able to return the favor to both of them. The three of us are great friends and always will be.

I knew a few people whom I’d mistakenly believed were my friends.. But they had abandoned me. I had nothing. It really was the worst experience of my life being hauled away from the hotel by the police in a foreign country. It was quite shocking to my system. I still have nightmares about that night and it will continually haunt me for the rest of my life.

And I’ll never forget Celine Lopez and Jackie Antonio as they watched me while my world crumbled before their eyes. And they were smiling and giggling. I remember screamming at them in the hotel lobby. As I looked CELINE in the eye, I saw right through to the other side.
The night after the trumped up ‘altercation’ at the hotel with Montano, Gorgeous and Slumdog met me at Martini Bar after I hysterically contacted them the previous day.DJ had also run off with the entire contents of my hotel safe (250,000 pesos, my plane ticket and passport, my brand new $400 shoes, my teeth whitener and two bottles of duty free perfume (one of which DJ was going to get anyways!), not to mention a VERY expensive antique Egyptian gold necklace from my mom which cost her way too much money...I told DJ how expensive the necklace was only because he asked why it was in a special box. He knew to take that piece when he bolted out the door with everything else.

Gorgeous and Slumdog got me quite drunk the night after DJ, Marcel Crespo, Jackie Antonio Cohn and Celine Lopez tried to destroy my life at the Intercontinental Hotel. It’s amazing how a few martinis can chase your troubles away. These two very special friends spent the entire night dabbing my sore red eyes, and pumping booze down my throat. They believed me 100% of course which also helped; because they had heard all about Montano and his scamming ways and they were not at all surprised. It was so nice to have friends that night that just supported me 100% and could comprehend my situation even if they were unable to actually do anything about it. I was on my own and I knew that from day one.

Months after our night at the bar, and just a couple of days after our lunch date, Gorgeous and I were at Café Del Mar at Station 2, relaxing while sipping our coffees and lamenting of course about my predicament. It was then that she ‘introduced’ me to the gossip blog Chikatime and suggested that I write ‘them’ and tell them about my dilemma with DJ Montano. She opened her computer and showed me the site. It was a crazy idea I thought and dismissed it immediately. But as we had a gander at the site and of course I hardly knew a soul on it, my feelings began to change. I decided to write Chikatime and try to get my story out there.

And I did.

Are you prepared for the truth?

Who really was Chikatime?

Say What???

The populist authoritarianism that is the downside of political correctness means that anyone, sometimes it seems like everyone, can proclaim their grief and have it acknowledged.  The victim culture, every sufferer grasping for their own Holocaust, ensures that anyone who feels offended can call for moderation, for dilution, and in the end, as is all too often the case, for censorship.  And censorship, that by-product of fear - stemming as it does, not from some positive agenda, but from the desire to escape our own terrors and superstitions by imposing them on others - must surely be resisted. 

~Jonathon Green, "Did You Say 'Offensive?'," as posted on wordwizard.com

by: Atty. Trixie Angeles


The Right of Reply Bills (Senate Bill 2150 and House Bill 3306) which have been approved in both Houses of Congress presents a looming threat to mainstream media. Bloggers, however have a right to feel apprehensive too.

So, who may have the right of reply?

1. Persons. Any person – whether he/she is a private or public figure.

2. Corporations – that includes big powerful corporations such as Meralco, PLDT, Ayala Corp, San Miguel, etc.

Provided that these natural or juridical persons are accused directly, indirectly, or by innuendo, suggestion or – get this, RUMOR! – of having committed a crime, of committing a crime, or of intending to commit a crime OR for ANY LAPSE IN BEHAVIOR in public OR PRIVATE!
Provided further that the accusation, innuendo, suggestion or rumor was published or printed in publications circulated commercially or for free or broadcast over radio, television, WEBSITES, or through ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICE.

This means that unlike libel where public figures are fair game, there is no such exemption in the right of reply. Corporations, which normally ought to not have the same rights as living breathing human beings, also, strangely enough, have the right to reply.

Baptist pastor and anti-gay advocate Rep. Bienvenido Abante (6th Distict, Manila City) is one of the authors of the house bill."I believe this is not to discriminate or spite the media. The freedom of expression is also the right of every individual. I would think the right to respond on any verbal and written attack is an equal right. As chairman of the committee, I assure the media that this bill will not be a curtailment of their rights," Abante said.

On the other hand, Journalists today denounced the Right of Reply Bill (RORB) as an “act of terrorism against the media” and encouraged the media and the Filipino people to resist the threat to democracy and constitutionally-enshrined rights posed by the proposed legislation.

So lets say these people are talked about, if such talk is in written or any form that can be broadcast or published, and the discussion goes into crime or liability or even just plain rudeness, these people would have the right to answer such talk – even if the talk is merely innuendo or rumor. While we may have the joy of seeing the demise of Boy Abunda’s career, it also means the end of straight journalism, opinion columns, and diary blogs.

It also means the end of DISSENT. So if we take to the streets and unfurl banners that say “OUST GLORIA MAGNANAKAW” no self-interested news station will cover that, unless it allows our Malacanang lola same air time on the next day’s news. In which case the news stations will be running stories only every other day, while reserving the subsequent days for the right of reply.

Besides, journalism ethics already require a subject an opportunity to raise his or her side the same time the story is published, since the reporter must get all sides of a story before it is run. The right to reply then is redundant.

What happens when a person or corporation is accused of any of the foregoing?

Well, that person would have his reply published in exactly the same place it was originally run and entitled to no more than the space allotted when he/she/it was mentioned. The Senate Bill requires the publication to run the reply no less than three days from receipt. The House Bill requires no more than ONE DAY. This reply is also published FREE of CHARGE.
So lets say its election season – well, what do you know, its almost upon us anyway—and we print an article that evaluates Mr. Tongressman’s street lighting project. We compare his price with that of the supplier’s price in China and come up with a discrepancy of oh, lets say P12,000 per lamppost. That’s innuendo. Within the next three days, or one day depending on whose version gets passed, the newspaper or blog or whatever must run the reply in the same space with the same length of discussion. If its on the front page, then front page it is. Fortunately for bloggers, if its in the comments section, then it goes up there too. Now lets say that on that day there is a revolution that demands front page treatment. Since the law provides that only libelous statements need not be published, you’ll be the patsy running a reply while all the other publications have multiple stories of the revolution.

And it’s FREE PUBLICITY for the person/s who are replying. Think of the savings for our onion-skinned hoping-to-be-re/elected officials these elections!
Who are liable and what is the penalty?

Fortunately unlike libel, there is no penalty of imprisonment, but there are fines scheduled under both bills and the person held accountable is the publisher.

What effect shall this have on bloggers?

Because of the potential liability of websites, bloggers may very well become a thing of the past. Where we once extolled the virtues of the freest exchange of information since the invention of the printing press, blog space may no longer be allocated by websites to prevent their liability. It is a chilling effect, While the consumers of mainstream media are already diminishing, this law will hasten its demise. But where we thought the internet is the best emerging replacement, the chilling effect may soon change all that and deprive us of ANY avenue to express ourselves where that expression even so much as alludes to anyone else.

VETO THE RIGHT OF REPLY BILLS!!!

by: Andro Ramirez

Friedrich Nietzsche a late 19^th century German an existentialist philosopher said, "Hope is the worst of evils, for it prolongs the torments of man." Let me categorically state that I do not agree with his stance that HOPE in itself is evil. After all, wasn’t it HOPE that is the saving grace after Pandora unleashed all forms of evil to the world from a box? Pandora and her box is a myth, but the evils are real. Herr Nietzsche has longed passed and probably is in a place he does not believe in when he was still alive. But HOPE, a lifeline we mortals hang on to when all odds are against us, is real. And as long as a single child continues to dream, HOPE lives.

What does HOPE have to do with this repartee I’m imparting with you? Last December 2008, we published an article citing Wowowee the program, and posed a question whether it really helps the poor. With numerous scandals on its cap ranging from alleged prize splitting, sexual harassment, contestants being made laughing stocks for the world to see, game fixing, on air bickering with the host of a competing show, etc. All in only 3 years of its daily broadcast. Most notorious of these is the unfortunate demise of 70+ HOPEFUL souls in a stampede during its aborted first anniversary show. Little did we know that another scandal was brewing right under our noses.

July 7, 2008, Nena V. Santos, 56, of Banlat Road , Tandang Sora, Quezon City , supposedly won the second prize of a fully furnished house and lot in Wowowee’s “Bigtime Pera o Bayong” segment sponsored in part by property developer Globe Asiatique. She even got to watch another winner happily featured in Korina Sanchez’ ABS-CBN program Rated K, aired last August 2008, who incidentally, also won a similar prize within a week ahead of her. Seven months after winning, and monthly follow-ups with Wowowee organizers, she still has to receive her prize. February 2009, a Wowowee staff advised her to follow up on her prize from Globe Asiatique’s offices herself. She went to the site located somewhere in San Mateo , Rizal but was told that she has to wait another 10-15 days to be able to move in. To cut the story short, she was being given a repossessed house. What disappointed her most was, not only was she being offered an old repossessed property, but also she alleged, a Globe Asiatique staff told her the unfurnished property is worth P550,000, half the price of what she supposedly won. To stress the matter even further, Mrs. Santos as of yet, was not given a Title of Ownership but only a Permit to Occupy.

I will no longer go into the details of this new controversy faced by Wowowee and its company ABS-CBN. I’m sure most of you have already read or heard accounts of this brand new scandal. Or is it another scam? As expected, ABS-CBN and Globe Asiatique already issued official statements in their defense. Not surprising since Mrs. Santos already said she intends to file charges against the noontime show with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya of the DTI on its part, even without the formal complaint, reportedly issued an instruction to Director Pete Mendoza of the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection to also look into the issue. I certainly HOPE she gets her house and lot.

The one consolation Mrs. Santos has in this episode is that she still has her health and alive from a killer of a show. I mean that in the literal sense. Never forget the 70+ victims no longer with us. For a 3-year-old show beset with so many controversies, a host with so much air in his head with an ego to match, it is a wonder that it is still on the air. When will this program cease to use the poverty of the masses and continue manipulating them into thinking the program gives HOPE for a better life? We must never turn a blind eye on the cheating, harassing, ridicule, and the death it caused.

In only a span of three years, Revillame has already amassed so much property as he audaciously flaunted in a magazine spread. With only one daily program, where does he get it all? As an ABS-CBN talent, is he really being paid a lewd amount to afford all that he has? I would certainly like to know how he did it. Wouldn’t you? In this time of crisis, I believe that would be more beneficial than being in line just to get in the studio and be toyed by him on air, and capitalizing on my HOPE that I may win something big. But wait, will I win or lose fairly in his program? And if I win big, will I be able to claim it without any untoward incident?

Mrs. Santos is not asking for more than what she was promised. The question is how many more Mrs. Santoses are there who were left unheard? Voices we will never hear like the 70+ gone in a flash. How many more will settle and gamble with their dignity in the behest of Papi for more money and ratings to the glee of ABS-CBN management? Poverty is present, that’s a given. But capitalizing on this dilemma is beyond the stink of a mountain of human excrement left out to dry. All this encapsulated in the company’s byline “in the service of the Filipino.”

Revillame is in an enviable position wherein he can affect positive change. He should know better because he has been there and was once financially challenged himself. It shows in his wanton display of wealth and current status that he is making up for lost time. But his lack of genuine empathy and humility casts doubts on what this man is really made of and why ABS-CBN retains his services. More so, no amount of “CHEW MILLION” hidden behind two screens, or the fact that he’s back on air after two weeks of recuperating in hospital due to blocked arteries can convince me otherwise that he is there for the poor.