Battle of Wits: Karen Jimeno, Sonny Angara and Adel Tamano

At first, I thought we really don't need this impeachment trial, we have more urgent problems in this country that needs to be addressed and this is just a complete waste of time. However, I noticed how it's shaping to be a compelling courtroom drama. To me, it seemed like the Chief Justice appears like he has already been sentenced by the public but thanks to the spokespersons of the prosecution and the defense, I think they are really doing good job explaining the technicalities of the impeachment proceedings that a Juan dela Cruz doesn't really understand. I only wish the spokespersons be given enough airtime instead of the senator-judges who should all remain neutral to all parties at all times but as it appears sometimes, they are helping the prosecutors in prosecuting the case. 

Anyhow, back to what this entry is all about - 

Atty. Adel Tamano

For the coverage, I've been watching it through ANC where the bedimpled Atty. Adel Tamano reports from the senate and gives his insights and interviewing senators and spokespersons. Atty. Tamano is not really an overnight celebrity, after losing in the last senatorial race he's now the host of ANC's talk show, "Tamano Perspective".  

He is the first Filipino Muslim to graduate from Harvard Law School and  the first to be a president of a university in Metro Manila (Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila). Truly, Smart is Sexy.

Defense Spokesperson, Atty. Karen Jimeno

She has postponed the honeymoon and has taken the job pro-bono. Yes... she's taken. She just got married on January 7, 2012 to an American investment banker,  Evan McBride. (Sorry, guys!)  

Little is known about her but according to online sources, Jimeno is from Paranaque City and went to the University of the Philippines School of Law and went on to Harvard University for her Master of Laws. She used to be with the Quisumbing, Torres, Evangelista law offices until very recently and is also listed as one of the lawyers under Baker and McKenzie.

What is really admirable about her is how she answers questions with such class and grace. She's always calm and collected, definitely a breath of fresh air. As one blogger noted, "she provides an oasis of decorum and dignity to the jologry that has long been the hallmark of Philippine print and broadcast news."

Prosecution Spokesperson, Cong. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara Jr.

Cong. Sonny Angara represents the Lone District of Aurora and son of incumbent Senator Edgardo Angara.

He finished his undergraduate studies at London School of Economics and Political Science in England. He took up and finished law at the University of the Philippines College of Law. He continued his post-graduate legal studies and finished his Master of Laws at Harvard Law School.

A Battle of Wits

From a legal point of view I think definitely, the defense has it but from the viewpoint Juan dela Cruz the prosecution will have it. With the participation of lawyers like Jimeno, Angara and post interview perspectives of Tamano, it has elevated the level of discussion. Huge break from our typical lawmakers. Sure, Atty. Serafin Cuevas is still brilliant but he acts more like a law professor and all the legal littanies leave me dumbfounded more often. 

Not everyone appreciates the ongoing impeachment trial but with the pretty faces and solid credentials, it makes it rather interesting. To me, people like them are the new faces we need for a new Philippines, with substance and top-notch professionalism.

Sources:
Sonny Angara's Facebook Page
Yahoo! OMG!
Uno Magazine
OnlineKnowledge

#ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines Meme

I know I'm late with all the hype on Department of Tourism's new slogan but time for some country love! 

I've been a fan of Sen. Gordon's accomplishments, one of which is his WOW Philippines campaign. It has been the country's battle cry for years but of course, the government needs to do more in promoting the country as a tourist destination. According to Tourism Secretary Ramon "Mon" Jimenez Jr., the slogan answers the fundamental question, 'Why the Philippines?'." 8 ad agencies were invited to bid and BBDO won with a simple campaign that sells the idea of fun.

The real budget will be spent mostly on an international campaign, and expect many creative ideas to appear abroad soon. I'm actually really hoping (and excited!) to see a Philippine Tourism TVC while watching my favorite shows on NatGeo Adventure. Now, because of the low budget, the campaign will rely on social media hence the hashtagged campaign, #1ForFun and #itsmorefuninthephilippines.  

This is what I love about my country, the Bayanihan spirit is always alive!

So while the Government improves support services like immigration, customs and transportation services in order to give tourists a better experience when they come over; we as Filipinos have to unite in marketing and promoting our country in our own little way. (I personally believe that as a Filipino, it's our responsibility to introduce other Nationalities to Adobo. *winks*)

You could also visit, morefunmaker.com to just simply upload and it does the work for you. Here's my take, (photo from corontrips.com) You can also visit the campaign's Official Facebook Page or visit the website, MoreFunInThePhlippines.com.

Beckham and L.A. Galaxy win against Philippine Azkals, 6-1

Photo from InterAKTV by Markku Seguerra

It's not embarrassing

As most of us expected LA Galaxy won the friendly, 6-1.

While some people have been saying stuff on twitter like how embarrassing it was or the what ifs like if it was Real Madrid it could be 20-0, let's put things into perspective here.

The LA Galaxy are MLS Cup Champs and their team is bannered by Landon Donovan - all-time leader in scoring and assists for the US National Team, Robbie Keane, all-time record Irish goalscorer and THE David Beckham, international football superstar. The Azkals or the Philippine National Football team, despite being one of the oldest national teams in Asia, are yet to qualify for the Asian Cup or the World Cup. So to say that it was embarassing, come on. We have a lot to improve on, we have quality players and with hard work and dedication, it's just a matter of time. 

Scoring Barrage

David Beckham scored the opening goal with his trademark right-footed strike from outside the box in the 20th minute. It was an awesome first half, the Azkals were putting pressure and they had several opportunities to equalize including a couple of chances for Manny Ott. In the 38th minute, Mike Magee scored another goal for the Galaxy after a beautiful pass from Landon Donovan. In the 41st minute, Azkals' Phil Younghusband unleashed a left-footed strike to cut the Galaxy lead to just 2-1 by halftime. David Beckham setup a goal for Robbie Keane from a corner and after that goal, LA Galaxy just dominated the game. Adam Cristman scored twice breaking the Azkals defense. Retiring Gregg Berhalter scored on a penalty kick for a foul by Anton del Rosario. 

We had Ed Sacapano as GK for the game and I think that Filipinos expected an awful lot from him since he is replacing a pretty clean record from Neil Etheridge. He had some huge saves though so let's not put the blame on him. After LA Galaxy's third goal, the Azkals were just all over the place. They were already lacking on defense and were just too tired. Coach Michael Weiss was unhappy with how they performed during the second half. I think the adrenaline rush during the first half pumped them to play really well but they basically just ran out of energy after. 

I didn't expect Coach Weiss to be fielding in some players from the bench as we all know his style, he's not really fond of utilizing his bench for fresh legs. With Coach Bruce Arena fielding lots of players from the bench during the second half, we saw lot's of subs from the Philippine side too. Jason de Jong for Manny Ott, Misagh Bahadoran for Chieffy, Nate Burkey for Phil and Ian Araneta for Angel Guirado, OJ Clarino for James and Lexton Moy for Chris Greatwich. Captain's armband was also transferred from Caligdong to Greatwich to del Rosario.

Dream Cup

I guess what most people mean when they say they dream of playing LA Galaxy is they dream of playing against David Beckham. The LA Galaxy afterall is a US 'Soccer' Team. But just the same, the Azkals get to taste how it's like to play against a high-caliber international football team.

Before the match, Beckham was reported to have been contractually-obliged to play for at least 45 minutes. Seeing him still play for another 27 minutes during the second half was just surreal. I mean, helloooo.... David Beckham is playing in Philippine Soil, how cool is that? 

When he was asked by Dyan Castillejo after the match why he played for extra minutes, he answered - "I saw him arrive, and I’m a huge fan of his, so it’s a big thing,” (of Pacquiao). After his time in the game, Beckham is shown on TV handing the jersey he used to Manny Pacquiao.

After the game, the Azkals traded jerseys with LA Galaxy players. Angel Guirado was wearing Donovan's jersey during their usual post-game oval lap. Landon Donovan was also seen wearing Azkals skipper, Aly Borromeo's jersey. Beckham, a man of his word, kept his promise to Phil Younghusband and gave him another jersey during the post match presscon.

Lessons Learned

As much as we are relying on our players who are based abroad. We should develop and strengthen the pool of young players who are based here. I mean, those based abroad aren't exactly available all the time when they are called. We miss their services most of the time.

Take for instance, the German National Team, every world cup you see not so popular players and they turn them into lethal weapons. I know we don't have a talent to build a Messi YET but I think, with the quick passing, chemistry, and having a solid program for developing young players are things the Philippines can actually accomplish.

I would like to quote what Bruce Arena said during the post game presscon - 

“Just work hard and be proud of your national team,” said Arena. “I was with the United States team for a number of years and we chased the dream and we’re qualifying now on a regular basis for the World Cup.

“Once we were—oddly enough—in the global sport of football, known as a small country. Now we’ve grown into a big country in the sport and there’s no reason why that same dream can’t be chased here.”

Despite the result, our boys can only get better playing against world class players. Nonetheless, this is one for the books!