Credits to http://www.philstar.com/

Gaza Strip -

More than 600 have already died while around 3,000 have been wounded by the raging aerial and ground attacks in war-torn Gaza. But after two failed attempts, the International Committee of the Red Cross have now evacuated 250 foreigners that included 17 Filipinos. Still, a number of Filipinos are left in the Hamas-controlled area as Israeli authorities didn’t allow their Palestinian husbands to leave Gaza.

War is such a bitter scenario it should be avoided altogether. As more violence is fueled by greed, innocent lives are wasted. And in this day and age where world leaders are supposedly more politically mature, nations are expected to settle disagreements through diplomatic discussions. Thus, it puzzles me why Israel does not relent despite monolithic opposition from the international community. And what is the agenda of the United States in its continued support of Israel’s vicious actions?

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Credits to http://www.philstar.com/

Las Vegas, Nevada —

Manny ‘Pacman” Pacquiao made Filipinos proud once more by defeating Oscar ‘Golden Boy’ De la Hoya in their fight yesterday dubbed the Dream Match. The MGM Grand Arena was filled with 15, 000 eager boxing fans including celebrities and sports icons such as Thomas Hearns, Mike Tyson, Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, Bernard Hopkins, Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Walhberg and Russell Crowe to see the non-title but much-awaited fight of the year. 

Though perceived by many as the underdog due to the tremendous advantage of De la Hoya in height, reach, and also experience, Pacquiao made De la Hoya look sluggish by beating him to the punch and connecting with regular jabs, left straight punches, and combinations to the head and the body. It was an amazing showcase of Pacquiao’s skills with speed being his greatest tool. He made De la Hoya realize that “you can’t hurt what you can’t hit“. After two rounds, the outcome was clear, Pacquiao is the better fighter and the only question left is until which round will De la Hoya last. By the end of round 8, De la Hoya had given up and conceded the victory to Pacquiao.

To Manny, one of the greatest Filipino boxers of all-time, thank you for the honor you continue to bring our country. Congratulations Pacman, mabuhay ka, mabuhay ang Pilipino!

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Credits to http://www.guardian.co.uk/

BANGKOK, Thailand -

Month-long protests in Thailand have caused a damaging effect on its economy that is dependent on tourism as a primary source of revenue. The latest development has it that anti-government group People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) had already stormed and took over two of Thailand’s airports. This despite the change of leadership just months ago when Samak Sundaravej was removed from office for allegedly protecting ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Apparently, he was replaced by Thaksin’s brother-in-law, Premier Somchai Wongsawat, thus the same predicament befell him.

Protesters wore yellow shirts as a loyalty to the king reminiscent of the Philippine’s 1986 People Power Revolution. But the parallelism ends there. Whereas the Philippine revolution was marked by peacefulness and prayer, the Thai protests were marked by unrest and violence. A significant number of people have already been killed or injured in clashes among police, protesters, and pro-government group.

A brief analysis of the situation would immediately discount the possibility of such scenario occuring in the Philippines soon. Even with majority of Filipinos being discontented with GMA and her cast of clowns, there doesn’t seem to be enough prodding and agitation yet from civil society groups to cause them to move into action. Secondly, the opposition is clearly divided with each pursuing his own agenda and political ambition. Lastly, there simply is a lack of major religious figure that can inspire the people to go to the streets again. Oh, how I miss the late Jaime Cardinal Sin!

It’s a truly grim prospect but unless a miracle happens, say the honorable congressmen get finally irked by the domineering of Mikey, et.al. and the impeachment is railroaded from the Lower House to the Senate (again), then we are bound to stick it out with the Arroyo nightmare until 2010 or for keeps.

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