Last Interview Transcript

The following is an excerpt of the last interview with Rolando Mendoza. This English version of the transcript is of my own doing and is NOT the official version. So please forgive me if there any errors.

The original version can be found here. And here’s an interesting read by The Chair Wrecker.

And by the way, this will be the last blog entry I’ll be doing about the Quirino Grandstand Hostage Crisis.

Before posting the transcript, can I ask the following question:

• Is Michael Rogano authorized to speak with the hostage taker? Because as far as I know, only the negotiator is allowed contact with the hostage taker. Or maybe I’m mistaken. Can someone correct me on this, please? Thanks!

The whole thing is a comedy of errors, except that it isn’t funny. At all. The police are to blame. The media definitely can’t get off easy. And I read in the Inquirer that the REAL SWAT were kept out of the loop. Read the story here. But I still place major blame on Gregorio Mendoza and most of all, I blame Rolando Mendoza.

To the former Rolando Mendoza: apparently, there are 3 policemen in your family. How come no one ever thought of getting a temporary restraining order? Have you ever consulted the Public Attorney’s Office? If not, why the hell not? I’m sorry but in my opinion, you did deserve to die for killing those innocent tourists. You shouldn’t have to result to violence. You may have been suicidal but you shouldn’t have to kill those tourists. I hate you with a passion. You brought shame, not only to your family, but also to your fellow countrymen. You risked our international relationships only for your guilty ass. I hate you with a passion. And I don’t even know you. I don’t care how you were once a top policeman, honorable and kind. Well, it seems this is a case of a good cop gone bad. You caused a lot of Filipino people to be fearful for their lives in China and Hong Kong. You caused them their jobs. Ang laki ng perwisyo na dinulot mo, you selfish, selfish prick.

Anyway, this is the last of the blog entries I’ll be doing on you and your shitty act in the search of justice.

I must warn you, this is a PRETTY LONG read. So get comfortable. Get some food while you’re at it.

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MICHAEL ROGAS (MR): Captain Rolando Mendoza, good evening sir.

CAPT. ROLANDO MENDOZA (CRM): Good evening to you too, sir.

MR: This is Michael Rogas of RMN. You are the hostage taker, right?

CRM: That is right.

MR: At this time, what are your plans?

CRM: I have received good news about my demand. Someone called me earlier and said Vice Mayor is bringing what I have demanded for. He will be arriving anytime and we’ll see what he has brought with him.

MR: How many people are you taking hostage?

CRM: 15 Chinese nationals.

MR: When you receive what you have asked for, will you let them go?

CRM: No, not yet. I still demand that if their decision favors me and they say that they have committed a mistake…I worry about my security then.

MR: Yes sir. Ok, what else are you asking for aside from your case’s dismissal from the Ombudsman?

CRM: I want to see the NCRPO restoring me to full duty status and can be of back wages that they did not give me up to the time that I was still working…Sir, please hold. Vice Mayor has arrived.

MR: Would it be possible to not put the phone down? Can you please let us hear your conversation with Vice Mayor Isko Moreno?

CRM: The driver will hold the phone

(driver then holds the phone)

MR: Vice Mayor Moreno is now entering the hostage vicinity.

DRIVER: They brought the papers. They were received and now being read by Capt. Mendoza.

MR: Captain, can you please read to us on air the contents of the letter from the Ombudsman?

CRM:[sic] From the office of the Ombudsman; Police Insp. Rolando Mendoza, Manila Police District, UN Avenue, Manila

Dear Captain Rolando Mendoza,
As per our conversation this afternoon, I hereby confirm that I shall personally review in your simple reconsideration that you have filed in your case at the moment the record of the case at the lawyer whom that I have assigned to take the pre-slip in do case, I shall require him to tell haven’t the to whom record to the case. I hope you take my word for that, I thank you for understanding my position as I???...Understand your…This is garbage to me. This letter is garbage. This isn’t what I needed!

MR: So, what’s your plan now that the Ombudsman has not…

CRM: This is garbage to me! This is not what I need! What I need is their decision, reversing or not reversing. But I thank the effort of the mayor and the vice mayor. But I don’t need this letter, sir.

MR: What are your plans now? What do you want?

CRM: The letter does not contain anything! It says that there will be an investigation. If that’s the case, nothing will happen, sir. Nothing. Nothing will happen to me sir. If that’s what the letter says, it means the case is really dismissed. Nothing will happen.

MR: Captain, what are your plans now?

CRM: I will set an example, sir, move, leave, I don’t need that sir. The letter contains nothing…You’re a lawyer…The letter is nothing!

MR: Captain, wait. Calm down. What are your plans now that your demand has not been given? We’ll call the Ombudsman now.

CRM: Something bad will happen in this bus.

MR: Wait. Through RMN, what do you want them to know?

CRM: What I want is for them to take action. Take action. They should review now. The case has been sleeping for 9 months now. They should review now then decide today whether I’m dismissed or reversion of the dismissal order or whatsoever. That is what I want.

MR: Vice Mayor Isko Moreno was the one who gave you the papers, right?

CRM: No. It was Colonel Yebra, the negotiator.

MR: Who do you want to speak with, Captain Rolando Mendoza?

CRM: I want to talk to the arrogant people there in WTV, the ones who want to be arrogant, those are the kind that I want to talk to. The ones who want to be famous.

MR: We heard what seem like to be gunshots?

CRM: The gunshots, yes, they came from me. I fired a warning shot against the Colonel because they were lying to me. He said he returned my brother’s gun but he hasn’t. What truth will I get from him?

This situation will get worse if I don’t get what I want. I will shoot these people by the door if the negotiations don’t turn out well for me.

The Ombudsman said that they will review the case. What I want is that they bring the order now.

I fired shots because I discovered that Colonel Yebra is fooling me! He’s the negotiator, he shouldn’t be lying to me!

MR: Where is the letter they gave you?

CRM: I gave it back. I returned it. They wanted me to be peaceful…to be calm…but it is not that easy. I see a sniper. Tell him that he might not be able to shoot the person standing in front of the bus. You might also tell the sniper that he might not be able to shoot the people inside the bus. I can shoot the guy at the front of the bus easily. So tell the sniper to lower his gun.

MR: Okay, you are now being heard through RMN. The police hear you. Do you have anything to say to the snipers that you’re pertaining to?

CRM: If the snipers don’t leave, I’ll shoot the people near the door.

MR: Yes, sir. Erwin Tulfo, our colleague, is in your area. I know you’re able to hear him a while ago. Do you know Erwin Tulfo?

CRM: I know him personally. He’s from Manila.

MR: Captain Rolando Mendoza, do you want Erwin Tulfo to come see you right now?

CRM: As long as he stays by the bus window. I will not let any media person in at this time.

By the window, by the window.

MR: How are the hostage victims?

CRM: They’re watching live TV.

MR: Yes sir…through Erwin Tulfo who is listening right now, do you have anything for him to negotiate with?

CRM: I know him. I like him because he’s the enemy of the police. But I know that he’s really good with a gun and he might be bringing a gun with him (laughs).

MR: Okay, Captain. Do you have Filipino hostages? Can we talk to them?

CRM: The only Filipino here is the driver. I’ve released the other Filipinos. Here’s the driver. Talk to him.

MR: Alberto?

Driver: Yes!

MR: Do you have any message for the authorities, the government, the police and your family?

Driver: I hope they give what the Captain is asking for so that this can end already.

MR: Ok. You are being heard nationwide.

Driver: The TV is running here. We’re on Channel 7

MR: What are the others doing?

Driver: They’re sitting down.

MR: We’ve just finished the replay of what you read on the decision of the Ombudsman. It’s already quarter to 7 here in our station. What is your final decision?

CRM: Nothing. I see the SWAT coming. I see the SWAT coming here in the vicinity. I know they’re going to kill me. They should leave because I can do the same here anytime.

MR: Ah, Erwin, are you still not allowed to come near the bus? That’s what he is asking for.

Erwin Tulfo: No, I’m not being allowed near the bus. I don’t understand. I’m ready to go to the bus. I feel sympathetic towards our colleagues. We’re wet from the rain.

MR: Actually, one hour. It’s almost one hour that we have Captain Rolando Mendoza..Ok Erwin. It’s you who seems really eager to talk to Rolando Mendoza.

Erwin Tulfo: I was about to approach the bus but the ground commander would not let me leave where I am here near the right side of the Quirino Grandstand. Actually Michael, if I were to walk the distance, I’d say this is about 50 meters from the bus.

…Captain Rolando Mendoza has come back on the phone.

MR: Captain Rolando Mendoza, can you please name the people you want to talk to?

Do you have any message for the families of your hostages, Captain Rolando Mendoza?

CRM: This situation will worsen if they do not do what I asked. As I said earlier, I’ll shoot the people near the door of the bus if things don’t go well.

Ok, sir. It seems that nothing is really happening after a long time. Please tell them that no good enough negotiator came here and I just might kill everyone here.

MR: Ok sir, do you want to talk to your brother, SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza?

CRM: No. I don’t want to talk to my family. I just might have a break down and cry. They won’t say anything else to me except to plead with me to just surrender. And I will not surrender until the Ombudsman changes her decision.

Erwin Tulfo: Captain Rolando Mendoza, I will be coming near the bus. I have a white shirt on and I will be coming from the right side of the bus.

CRM: You want to come inside? I’ll handcuff you once you’re inside.

Erwin Tulfo: Let’s talk outside.

CRM: I’ll let you in but I’ll have to clear you first (from a gun) then afterwards. You may have a camera person with you but I want the focus on you. I will let you go and will not take you as a hostage.

I can see the situation. Why are they treating my brother that way? He has nothing to do with this. If that doesn’t change, I will kill everyone here. I will kill everyone here if that doesn’t change.

MR: Easy, sir. Easy.

CRM: I can see it. The police are carrying my brother as if he is a pig. He doesn’t have anything to do with this. I will fire a warning shot. They should change what they’re doing. They’re doing the wrong thing.

MR: Please wait, sir. Calm down, Captain Rolando Mendoza

CRM: They’re treating my brother like a pig.

MR: Ok, calm down Captain, Capt. Rolando Mendoza. Let’s talk to PNP. Let’s call PNP to..

CRM: Release my brother or I will shoot one person here.

MR: Ok, we’re already talking to the police, Capt. Rolando Mendoza. Please calm down.

CRM: But I can see my brother. Why are they doing that to him? It’s only me who is guilty. He’s innocent. He’s innocent. Show me that you have released my brother. Show me. If not, I will shoot the people here. Tell them! Tell them!

MR: We’re already calling PNP.

CRM: Show me. Show me here by the left side of the bus. They should let my brother walk. If not, there will be chaos here.

MR: Yes sir. We’re already calling PNP. Please take it easy.

CRM: My brother is innocent. He doesn’t know anything about this.

MR: Yes sir. Calm down. We’re already coordinating with PNP. They’re also taking it easy on your brother now.

CRM: He is being carried by the police. He’s innocent. Why are they taking him away? They’ll say he is an accessory. He is not an accessory. I am the only one who did this.

MR: Capt, Captain Rolando Mendoza, please wait. We’re still trying to contact PNP so that they will also calm down.

CRM: I can see. I can see what they’re doing to my brother. He’s a policeman. He has nothing to do with this. He’s innocent. Set him free. If they don’t release him, I’ll shoot the person at the front. Tell them!

MR: Please wait sir, please wait.

CRM: Tell them!

MR: Calling the attention of PNP…if someone can please tell the PNP…

Erwin Tulfo: Michael, the PNP is behind me.

MR: Erwin…

CRM: Ask them why they’re treating my brother in that way. He’s innocent. He has nothing to do with this.

Erwin: Sir, who is your ground commander?

MR: Erwin is already talking to the police.

Erwin: You’re arresting the hostage taker’s brother, is that right?

CRM: I can see what’s happening to him, treating him like a pig. He’s innocent. He doesn’t know I was going to do this. He only found out through TV. Why are they treating him that way?

Erwin: You can see on TV that his brother is being arrested, SPO2…

CRM: Look, I can see that they’re still harassing him.

MR: Erwin, Erwin, please come closer to the police.

Erwin: yes, yes. I already spoke with them. Their ground commander already climbed up their ATR van.

CRM: If they don’t release my brother, I will shoot the person at the front of the bus.

MR: Erwin…

CRM: Tell them that I’ll give them 5 minutes.

MR: Yes.

CRM: I’ll only give them 5 minutes. You will hear a gunshot if they don’t release my brother.

MR: Please hurry Erwin. Please hurry.

CRM: 5 minutes.

Erwin: Here, I’m already talking to them. Please wait.

CRM: If this gets worse…he’s innocent. Because of what they did, things will worsen in here.

MR: Erwin, please go to the police so that this will just stop.

Erwin: Yes, ok. I’m already climbing here.

CRM: Look, I can see that someone is punching my brother and another is punching him from behind. Motherf***er. I will really shoot the person at the front of the bus.

MR: Please wait. Please calm down. Please calm down.

CRM: If they don’t release him!

MR: Capt, Capt. Rolando Mendoza

Erwin: Why did you arrest his brother?

CRM: Look! It’s the Colonel. Motherf***er! I will really shoot the person at the front!

MR: Wait, wait.

CRM: Tell them! Tell them!

MR: Wait, wait.

CRM: Release him!

Erwin: That’s what they’re saying..if you don’t release…

MR: Can we also please get Channel 2 at the same time? The PNP, the police, the police.

Erwin: It’s ok, it’s ok. They’re contacting headquarters…they’re taking caution because Capt. Rolando Mendoza can see..

CRM: They’re not going to release him? Motherf***er! I will start shooting here.

MR: Captain, Captain Rolando Mendoza, please wait.

CRM: Release my brother or I will start shooting here.

MR: Please don’t shoot Captain, Captain Rolando Mendoza. Erwin, please hurry up with the ground commander.

Erwin: I’m already talking to the ground commander.

CRM: Look, they’re placing handcuffs on him. If they don’t release him, I will start shooting the hostages one by one. Tell them.

MR: Captain, Captain Rolando Mendoza, we’re trying to help you.

CRM: No, they’re ignoring you.

MR: Erwin, Erwin, please approach the person-in-charge.

Erwin: Wait, wait…I’ll talk directly to the ground commander.

MR: Talk to the person-in-charge.

Erwin: Um, what is your answer to um..

CRM: If that mobile leaves with my brother inside, I’ll start shooting.

MR: Please wait.

CRM: I’ll shoot everyone.

MR: Capt, Capt. Rolando Mendoza

(gunshots fired, crying and screaming)

CRM: I told you.

MR: Erwin, did the police hear the gun shots?

Erwin: These motherf***ing operatives! I already told them!

MR: Capt, Captain Rolando Mendoza

(no one responds)

MR: Erwin, Erwin…what are the police doing now?

Erwin: It’s chaos here.

MR: Captain, Captain Rolando Mendoza…Seems like Captain Rolando Mendoza has dropped the phone.

(MR talks with other reporters)

MR: Captain, Captain Rolando Mendoza…

CRM: Tell them not to go near…leave…why do you arrest someone who is innocent? I’m the only one guilty here. I already shot two people here. If they don’t release my brother, I’ll shoot more people.

MR: Wait, please wait. Calm down. The two people you shot…are they, um… what are they?

CRM: I shot two Chinese nationals. If they don’t change the situation, I’ll shoot more people here.

MR: Please wait. Please calm down Captain Mendoza.

CRM: I’ll kill everyone here if they don’t stop running along the sides of the bus.

MR: Yes sir. We’re already talking with the PNP so that they’ll stop.

CRM: They should release my brother. Why are they…I am the only one who did this. Why did they arrest him when I was the one guilty? It’s me they should be arresting.

MR: Yes sir, Captain Mendoza

(call ended).

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Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream

I’ve heard about Ben and Jerry’s ice cream in TV shows and movies. So when I went to the US last 2006, I resolved to try one of the flavors mentioned.

Chunky Monkey.

Chunky Monkey, as described in the Ben and Jerry’s website, is banana ice cream with fudge chunks and walnuts. It is simply delicious.

So imagine my delight that while I was hunting for the special Haagen-Dazs ice cream (more on that later) when I saw Chunky Monkey in the freezer of Rustan’s Market.

It was, as my friend Charls would say, like seeing a unicorn.

Instead of spending less than PHP 500 for that Haagen-Dazs ice cream, I ended up spending PHP 800 for both PINTS of ice cream.

Oh well. Back pay will soon be in my hands. :)

I can’t wait to eat this!

Music Monday: Glee: Journey Medley

Glee’s coming back for its second season this September.

I’m very much in anticipation.

And in honor of Glee, here’s their video:

 

Weren’t Lea Michele and Naya Rivera just plain adorable?

They all looked and sounded great! :)

Glee will air Season 2 Episode 1 on Fox Network by September 21, 2010.

 

The Weekend That Was

Wow. I’ve been neglecting my blog.

I haven’t been able to update this blog due to a very busy Friday. I had two final interviews last Friday and I think they both went well. If accepted, I’m pretty much torn about which company I’ll choose.

Rolls came by my house and we had dinner by having Jollibee deliver some food. Went to Ortigas for Rhia. Had a really great time getting drunk. Went home at around 5 am and slept until 8 am.

I don’t know why I woke up so early. Lunch was at 2 pm and consisted of Breaded Fish Lauriat from Chowking. Slept until 5 pm to catch Disney Channel’s High School Musical marathon.

Yes. I’m geeky and lame that way.

By Sunday morning, I was sleepy at Church. Lunch was from Chowking. Again. Then by 4 pm, I was off to Rolls’ to pick her and Rhia up to go to Totoy’s dad’s wake. Condolences to the Llacuna Family.

Went to Pier One after. That was not fun at all.

As soon as we ditched two other people from our “party”, we went to Le Souk’s at BF Homes. I must admit it was a pretty nice place. I loved the Greek Nachos and their hummus. Kiara and Jestin, our two new friends, were tons of fun and did a good job in recommending the hummus. We had four pitchers of Oasis, shared mainly among 4 girls. The guys had beers.

Went back home at 3 am.

See? I was busy. That’s why there’s no update last Friday, Saturday and Sunday. No Comics Sunday. Oh well.

Anyway, I had fun. I would rather be out with them than staying in here at home blogging.

This has been a great year for me and my friends. I’m really glad about that.

 

Gloomy Weather Makes Me Feel A Little Sentimental

It’s been an eventful couple of days. Mostly a lot of days involving bus accidents and deaths. There’s the bus that went over hill somewhere up north. Then there’s Melody Gersbach’s accident down south. And the internationally known tragedy resulting in the deaths of 8 or 9 Chinese nationals at the heart of Manila with ex-police officer Rolando Mendoza at the center of it all. Then we have one international success whose giver is endlessly mocked for her “major major” mistake.

I’ve noticed that it rained every afternoon and/or night since Sunday. It may have been because of all the tragedy that has and will come to pass.

My condolences again to my cousin, Toti Rocha, for the loss of his beloved girlfriend, Melody. As mentioned in my previous post, Melody’s gone too soon. I promise not to bring up her name during family reunions or rescue you from the conversation if it ever comes up. :) I have been fortunate to have none of my previous boyfriends die on me while we were in the relationship. I can only imagine the grief that you are going through. It will be tough. But please keep in mind that though the pain of losing her will not be forgotten, what you feel now will lose intensity over the course of time. I worry about you during your time of grief. Keep in mind that you have a family too and it is best to move on, when you’re ready.

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In other news, a bird dropped its warm, gooey crap on my arm.

It’s supposed to be a sign of good luck.

So hopefully, I have good luck and the blessings of God tomorrow.

  

 

PNoy Declares August 25 A National Day of Mourning and Jackie Chan Expresses Kind Words

President Noynoy Aquino declares that today, August 25, is a National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Quirino Grandstand Hostage Taking Crisis.

“Victims” include Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza.

As of writing, there are five survivors (somebody correct me here) out of the 25 hostages. Eight dead. The others, elderly and children, were freed.

And it was so kind of Jackie Chan to be so kind about the whole thing. I think I’m becoming a fan just because of it.

Here are some excerpts from Jackie Chan’s Twitter Account:

And by the way, here’s a good read about the whole Quirino Grandstand Tragedy. It’s entitled “Romantic Notions”.

White Guys Sell Taho

For everyone (about 5 people, including my mom) who sent me an email/text message asking to update this blog if and when the two “crazy white guys” are doing something new, check out this picture:

They’re going to try their hand at selling Taho in Marikina today.

For foreigners: Taho (pronounced as “Tah-ho”, short o)is made up of a mixture of soft, fresh tofu, brown sugar, vanilla syrup, some sago (pearl tapioca). And according to Wikipedia, the Malaysian and Indonesian equivalent of this is called Tahu. Taho is usually served hot and drank from plastic cups.

I remember when Taho vendors were allowed in our village. I would usually have them for breakfast. I remember it was PHP 5.00 for a mug-full of yummy Taho. Then I went to College. Good thing Taho was easily accessible to us students – got us through cold mornings. Great cure for a hangover in my opinion.

Anyway, I can’t wait for their video! :)

Follow them on Twitter here and as posted on their Twitter account, they will be featured on GMA 7 this coming Saturday. They didn’t say what time. Ask them, like I will. :)

Welcome back Tory and Jason!

Miss Universe 2010

I watched Miss Universe 2010 last night on its rerun on Star World Asia. That was fun to watch. Bret Michaels kept missing his cue and his co-host Natalie Morales kept signaling or elbowing him that it was his cue. Either Bret doesn’t see well or he’s high or drunk. :)

Anyway, a lot of people have been criticizing or making fun of Miss Philippines Venus Raj’s answer. A “major major” boo-boo. Yeah, like Americans don’t do that – repeating words as seen and heard in American TV shows/movies.

A lot of people are saying what should have been said to William Baldwin’s question, including Venus’ well-known difficulties in her being able to compete in the pageant.

Yes, something better, wittier and smarter should’ve been said. But we can’t really blame her. It must have been a combination of rehearsing possible answers to possible questions and nerves.

Placing in the top 5 is so much better than not placing at all.

Miss Mexico deserved the crown. She is beautiful and gave a great answer.

But it still bothers me that Miss Mexico doesn’t speak English well. English is the universal language right? She should be able to understand and speak English well. But I guess she’ll learn along the way.

Oh, is it just me but didn’t Jimena Navarrete had angles that reminded you of Tina Fey and Vanessa Hudgens?

They don’t look alike but Jimena had some angles on her that really reminded me of Tina Fey and Vanessa Hudgens.

Anyway, congratulations to Miss Mexico. Finally, Mexico has triumphed over the Filipino at Mandalay Bay. Haha! :)

Miss Universe 2010: Venus Raj Places Fourth

Ok, so I missed the big event because I had a boring interview that I hopefully aced. I kind of liked that interview and I like their location and I like their work schedule.

But I digress. Thanks to Tumblr, I was able to get the following screenshot:

Ok. So that was a MAJOR MAJOR boo-boo.

But then again, it might have been a case of nerves. But come on, didn’t she encounter some problems about joining the Miss Universe 2010 in the first place? There had to be some mistake in there somewhere and she could’ve said that she made it right by fighting for what she believed in and that’s why she got to compete.

But nonetheless, I am MAJORLY MAJORLY proud of Venus Raj. It’s been a long, long time since we placed in the Miss Universe pageant. Plus, it’s a much needed distraction from the drama last night at the Quirino Grandstand and the death of people in bus crashes, like Melody Gersbach.

And in honor of past beauty queens, and thanks again to the Tumblr people, here are some great screenshots of past Filipino beauty queens in their Q & A portion.

 

Reactions to the Quirino Grandstand Hostage Drama

So, a lot of people have been reacting to the Quirino Grandstand hostage drama that took place yesterday. This post is a collection of reactions, both serious and funny and some might be irritating.

Let’s start with President Noy’s statement, which in my opinion is lacking something…it’s missing words like “condemn”, “sincerely apologize” and the like:

With the rest of the Filipino people, I wish to offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims whose lives were lost in the hostage situation at the Quirino Grandstand. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs has conveyed our deep feelings of sorrow to the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China and the people of Hong Kong through Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang. I have tasked Secretaries Soliman and Lim to provide everything necessary for the recovery and return home of the survivors. I have directed the fullest cooperation with the Hong Kong authorities on the part of our officials.

From the onset of this incident, the hostage-taker seemed to not be belligerent, as shown by the release of hostages. These were encouraging signs.

We were going to wait him out. The idea was to let the ground commanders who are the experts in this field handle the operation with minimal interference from people who are less expert.

But the situation deteriorated rapidly when, during the course of the negotiations, he was given the letter of the Ombudsman in which she promised to personally review his case. As he was reading the contents of the letter, while talking to an unknown individual on the phone, he became increasingly agitated.

The presence of his brother also added to the tension.

At this point, he threatened to kill a hostage. The police decided to remove the brother from the scene. As the negotiators were departing, the negotiators were shot at.

Media coverage of his brother being taken into custody further agitated the hostage-taker.

Shots were fired. They seemed to be warning shots, as there was no audible indication of tumult or chaos to show that the hostages were in immediate danger.

Nonetheless, the negotiators tried to reestablish contact the hostage-taker but they were unsuccessful as the cellphone of the hostage-taker was continuously busy. He also refused to answer the throw-phone provided for him by the authorities.

The escape of the driver, combined with his reports that the hostages were being harmed, forced the assault to happen. When the vehicle began to move, and with reports that he had hand grenades, a decision was made to immobilize the vehicle as it would have made the situation even more dangerous.

As we know, the incident tragically ended in the deaths of eight innocent civilians.

We expect more of the facts to come to light and I have ordered Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to thoroughly lead this review.

The closing statement should’ve been more empathetic. I just wonder what the letter from Merceditas said that aggravated him more. The brother, Gregorio Mendoza, should be charged something I think. I’m not sure what the charge should be or would be. Supposedly, Gregorio told Rolando not to give in or give up until the police gave back Gregorio’s gun. WTF?? He shouldn’t have been carrying a gun in the exclusion zone. Police are also just careful. What if Gregorio turned out to be on Rolando’s side after all and started to shoot policemen in the area?

I will never get why he resisted arrest in the first place. Was it even an “arrest” or weren’t they just trying to remove him from the scene? Those were his comrades or kabaro. Is it because he’s guilty of what he is accusing his other comrades? Gregorio said he was scared to go with the police, fearing for his life. Why? Because they would probably beat him to death? He probably does that to other innocent people --- beat them to death until they confess anything, even the murder of Jose Rizal.

Anyway…enough about Gregorio Mendoza. He’s just plain irritating. I swear. He will milk this for all it is worth.

Here’s the most annoying so far, creating a flash game out of the tragedy:

 

 

No tags for posts regarding the Quirino Grandstand tragedy unless I post more about it.

 

The Quirino Grandstand Hostage Drama: My Take

Ok, first of all this is MY take and MY opinion on the drama that transpired earlier tonight. If you don’t like anything that I said, leave a comment, correct me and then maybe we can have a healthy debate or you might just swing me over to your side.

Call me a sadist and mean but I think Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza deserved to die. I know that it was his desperation that triggered him to do such a violent act. But he deserved to die because:

• He brought shame to the country just by taking foreigners hostage. It wouldn’t be less despicable if he did it to his countrymen. It’s just that taking in foreigners as hostages endangers international relations that affect the whole country. What did those Chinese nationals do against him? NOTHING.
• He killed Chinese nationals all because of his cause, that in my opinion, lacked cause.

Here’s the back story as to why he was dismissed in the first place: http://bit.ly/bD06ay

Turns out, he wasn’t exactly the good cop whose benefits were unjustly taken away that he’s being made out to be. He was sanctioned accordingly. He filed an appeal at the Office of the Ombudsman which is still unresolved as of writing. As to why it is still unresolved after all these years, we can just surmise that they were either too busy or just did not have enough manpower.

Rolando Mendoza might be idolizing Ducat too much, thinking he’ll get what Ducat did – fame and even hero-worshipped by some.

Call me mean again but I think his brother (the one who was arrested on the scene possibly because of conspiracy or that thing where you prevent policemen to do their job properly—sorry, I forget the term) and his family milked the drama for all it’s worth. I’m thinking if he did nothing wrong, why would he be scared? He’s being taken in front of media men who have cameras that broadcast it nationwide. He should’ve just gone quietly and cooperated. Besides, it is because they are brothers, he would be immediately be a suspect for conspiracy even if he had nothing to do with it.

Maybe he should have surrendered. Maybe he should’ve just asked for immunity and part of his benefits. I don’t know. I think anything would’ve been better than killing innocent people.

President Noy might have been apologizing to the Chinese government since it all started.

On the part of the police: you guys could’ve moved smarter and faster, you know. And I know we all can’t blame you for not having the tools and equipment and training needed to have overcome this drama much quicker. After all, the money that was supposed to be used have been stolen by the corrupt government officials. But I wish you were smarter in working what you had.

And I wish you had crowd control.

Let’s not forget this night. We trended worldwide on Twitter. Most of all, we should not forget the lessons we learned in order to avoid a similar event in the future.

 

 

 

Gone Too Soon

Before the past weekend, I’ve never heard of the name Melody Gersbach. Come Sunday morning, August 22, I learn her name and the tragedy that befell her. I felt that she was gone too soon, dead at 23. She was young and beautiful and seemed like a nice and sweet girl. But, like any other person, having not particularly known this person, I really didn’t care much. I felt sad for her surviving family and friends. I know the feeling of having lost someone to death. I can only imagine the pain they must be feeling. But still, I really didn’t care that much.

Turns out, I should. And I do now. By Sunday night, I learn that she was the girlfriend of my cousin, Toti Rocha. So now, I actually feel sad about her death and empathize greatly with my cousin.

So, Toti, this video is for you. I know it will be hard to move on and it will definitely take time but you should move on. I’m sure Melody would want you to live your life to the fullest.

 

Being Jobless is Dangerously Fun

I have to admit it and I hate to do it but I must admit that being jobless is dangerously fun.

I’ve been doing nothing but watching my favorite TV shows and surfing the net and posting on this blog.

I’ve been getting a good night’s sleep and I’ve been able to exercise at least twice a week --- two things I’ve never been able to do while I worked for two years on the night shift.

My dream job would either be

• travelling around the world reviewing luxury hotels and getting to experience life in other parts of the world

or

• get paid to watch TV and then blog about them

If only I could live off my parents…but then again, my own pride won’t let that happen. I just happen to be enjoying bumming around, reading my favorite books, doing a little house chores (yes, believe it or not, I enjoy them but emphasis on a little), exercising at home and taking care of my dogs.

I’m seriously considering working at home. I guess my only concern about doing that is not being able to meet as much as people as I would compared to working in a regular office. However, my friend Janice refutes my theory saying that her cousin works from home and she gets to meet new people since they hold weekly meetings. That sounds so good to me but I figure that I’m young and I need a little more exposure.

Or maybe I should make an extra effort of going out should I choose to fully work at home.

But I digress. Bumming around is dangerously fun. I could feel the workaholic in me melting away, inch by inch every day that I’m here at home, reading my books and watching my favorite shows.

I have an interview tomorrow. I feel torn about it. Part of me wants it because I need money/income so I won’t be mooching off my parents. Part of me wishes I won’t get called for a second interview because I don’t really want my bum life to end just yet.

Oh well. I guess I really can’t have my cake and eat it too (this is a stupid expression, by the way, but I’m using it for lack of a better expression).

Music Monday: The Pretty Reckless and Travie McCoy

I must admit I didn’t have an interest in checking out Little J’s (Taylor Momsen in real life) music in The Pretty Reckless but I changed my mind after hearing bits and pieces of it in The Vampire Diaries’ The Year of the Kat promo.

This song entitled “Make Me Wanna Die” kind of reminds me of “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence. I don’t know why. And it’s ironic because of the song titles. But I can see why this song was chosen for “The Vampire Diaries”. The song has lyrics “Every time I look in your eyes, you make me wanna die”, very much reminiscent of Stefan and Damon’s vampiric hypnotic powers. Besides, the CW has been known to support their artists’ music (hello Leighton Meester for Gossip Girl Season 3 episode soundtrack).

Anyway, here’s the video:

Here’s a song by Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars called “Billionaire”. I love this song. I like the beat and the melody. The lyrics are amusing yet realistic and echoes what every other person is thinking if and when he becomes a billionaire, including charities and other fantasies.

Comment away if you have suggestions as to what other music I should listen to. I’m currently checking out Arcade Fire. Will post about that soon.

Sunday is Web Comics Day

So, it’s a Sunday. And like clockwork, I’ve already read the funnies in today’s paper. I’ve just finished getting my web comics fix today. And here are some I liked.

Starting off with my favorite web comic, Cyanide & Happiness and then it’s just random from there:

 

The Oglaf comics seems interesting. Special thanks to raggedrori for suggesting this on my Tumblr blog.

 

TVD: The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Promo: The Year of the Kat

I’m so excited for the new season of The Vampire Diaries. I probably will wait for the entire season to finish before I start watching. Nothing beats a Vampire Diaries marathon – 22 full hours of Ian Somerhalder, now that’s great TV.

Here’s the newest promo. It’s called “The Year of the Kat”. Btw, music is by The Pretty Reckless (lead singer Taylor Momsen of the Gossip Girl Series) entitled “Make Me Wanna Die”. Enjoy!

The Mosque At Ground Zero Debate

While I am aware of the issue, I must admit I haven’t been actively reading on the issues at hand and I don’t really know much to begin with.

I am glad that Gladstone wrote an article explaining the facts. Read the article here: 3 Reasons The “Ground Zero Mosque Debate” Makes No Sense.

In the article, he called Sarah Palin the “future worst President of America” because of slamming the supporters of the Islamic Community.

Just by reading point number 1 in the article, you’ll see how the debate shouldn’t be happening at all. I especially liked the point that he made when he made point number 3 and said

You can’t simultaneously acknowledge a right and insist that your government suppress it.

I just hope a lot of Americans get to read his article and just let the Muslims build their community center several blocks away from Ground Zero. Here’s a copy of the map on Gladstone’s article:

A few inches on paper could mean several blocks/feet/miles/kilometers away from the actual site. Thus, rendering the debate unnecessary.

So if any of you Americans out there somewhere happen to land on this blog, please take time to read the article by Gladstone. Or not. Just please always try to make an educated decision – meaning, it’s not enough to be just informed. You have to verify your information, hear both sides of the story and then deciding on what to do.

Steven Tyler: New Judge for American Idol 2011

The wait is over!

Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith, is now one of the new American Idol judges.

Other bloggers say that since he can be a little kooky/crazy, he’s the perfect male to replace Paula Abdul. Now I wonder, who will be the perfect replacement for Simon Cowell?

The internet has been buzzing that Jennifer Lopez is also being eyed as a judge on AI. And now that Steven Tyler has been confirmed less than an hour ago, I wonder if JLO will also be signing on for the upcoming season. I fear that she might be another Kara Dioguardi – trying hard to be as kind as Paula when it’s clearly not her style. I wonder (yet again, as I have been clearly out of the loop) why she was out of AI in the first place. I know Simon and Ellen left while Randy is staying, but what about Kara?

Anyway, I predict that next year may be the last season of AI. Or one of the last 5 left in the life of AI.

GLEE: The Britney Episode Teaser

We’ve all heard it before. And we’re excited as ever!

Feast your eyes on this hot, new teaser featuring Brittany (Heather Morris) and Britney Spears (I wonder what type of character she’ll be playing?)

The Britney episode is rumored to be Episode 2 of Season 2 and is rumored to be entitled “Britney/Brittany”.

Can’t wait for September! :)

Glee airs on FOX Network in the US and will have match airings by ETC and Star World in the Philippines. A one week delay will probably be in place.

Ugh…too many shows to watch:

• Glee
• Gossip Girl
• The Vampire Diaries
• True Blood (have to be able to catch this soon)
• Burn Notice
• White Collar
• Family Guy

If only I could get paid watching TV.

Friday Flick: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

I just saw “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” yesterday and I liked it but I don’t think it’ll make my Must Buy DVD list.


Without giving too much away (which I probably will), the plot revolves about, well, the initially reluctant sorcerer’s apprentice. Balthazar Blake (Nicholas Cage) is the sorcerer while Dave Stutler (Jake Cherry) is the nerdy looking apprentice who just loves physics.


Of course, there’s a love angle. And some fight scenes. Oh, and of course, a really cool chase scene (only because it involved mirrors). The movie was mostly funny, not really magical.
Oh, and plasma balls. I almost expected Ryu and Ken from Street Fighter to pop into the scene. Hadouken!


Anyway, the scene that I absolutely loved (but could still use some sort of improvement. What kind? I don’t know) is the Fantasia scene integrated into the movie. I think the movie paid homage to the original Disney sorcerer’s apprentice.


Here are the videos of the original Fantasia scene and the one in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

I personally would love to have some magic in me so I could do chores with ease. :)

True Blood & Vampire Diaries & the Cause They Support

This is a series that I honestly was initially interested in. But I mentioned I like series, right? I stopped watching by episode 5 of Season 1 only because I was unable to catch the succeeding episodes because of work.

I’m constantly seeing Facebook friends excited about True Blood. I must admit it is interesting whenever I get to watch episodes every now and then.

And I see this picture.

Bloody hell. I thought it was cute how Stephen Moyer is covering Anna’s breast with him being Anna’s real life fiance. But with all the nudity and sex scenes going on in the set, I’m pretty sure they’re not uncomfortable here.

True Blood comes highly recommended and for that, I think I’ll check it out.

I don’t get the fuss about Alex Skarsgard. It might be because I haven’t seen the series in its entirety. For now, I think the hottest vampire in town is Damon Salvatore. He can bite me anytime. Wink, wink. :)

Oh, and for fictional vampire lovers out there, The Vampire Diaries, True Blood and Twilight are auctioning off some stuff.

Visit the site here. Proceeds go to funding the cleaning of Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Sexy and Suggestive Ads Because Today is Wednesday

In honor of “Hump Day” (whether that term actually pertains something sexual or not), I decided I’d put in some sexy, suggestive and funny TV and print ads. Yes, this is me trolling the internet after saying I’m sick of the internet no more than 3 hours ago.

Kids, keep off this blog entry please.

Another blonde joke here:

An ad for foot cream:

You can guess what this ad is for:

An ad for a cell phone service (this one’s funny): 

The controversial Megan Fox ad with her thumb:

Th-th-th-that’s all folks!

Wednesday: Hump Day

Since today is a Wednesday, it’s hump day. I’ve always wondered what that meant. Hump Day. Does it pertain to something sex-related or is it just completely something else?

Anyway, because I’m such a jobless loser who’s still waiting to hear from the companies I applied to online last night, Monday and Sunday nights, I’m going to blog about what’s happening with my day. I’ve had enough of the internet (wait, it’s still 9:57 AM) and I’ve nothing better to write about.

The Simpsons episode that’s in my background is a rerun from last night’s episode. It’s from Season 15.

And I’m already done with my morning workout consisting of a 25 minute yoga (congratulations to me, yesterday I couldn’t finish a 10-minute session. But then again it might be because it was “Namaste Yoga” and the other was plain Tara Stiles yoga. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Namaste Yoga is way easier than Tara Stiles yoga).

So here I am all sweaty and head aching and I don’t know why (the head ache I mean. I’m sweaty because of the yoga). I don’t know if I’ve had too much work out or because I haven’t had breakfast.

And that’s it. So far.

 

 

Feeling A Little Blah

Allow me this little space to rant a little and take a break from all my “interesting” posts about music and things and pictures or videos that I either find cool or funny.

I am feeling a little … blah. I lack the proper term for it at the moment. Maybe I’m feeling a little too bored and a little too rested. I’m a jobless yet well-rested freak. I miss my office friends, however little of a circle they may be. I miss doing things that matter. I miss getting paid every other Friday.

On the other hand, I relish the time I currently have. I get about 10 hours of sleep and I eat sometimes twice a day (compared to the three or four times a day while I was working in a call center, not counting the snacks in between). I don’t get hungry even if I eat just twice daily. And no, I don’t eat two big-ass meals. Today’s example: Breakfast was three open-faced sandwiches, two peanut-butter, one with egg spread, a banana and a glass of orange juice. Breakfast was at 7:30 AM. Tried to work out by doing yoga. Lasted 6 minutes and 40 seconds longer than the last time out of the 10 minute work out by Tara Stiles but finished 10 minutes of Namaste Yoga first before doing the Tara Stiles work out. Drenched in sweat and shaky arms, I ended up blogging/bitchin’ about the Tara Stiles work out experience on my Tumblr Blog.

Lunch consisted of three open-faced sandwiches and two pieces of bangus lumpia. And I got hunger pangs only at around 3 PM. Yes, despite the work out. And don’t belittle yoga and say that it’s not hunger-inducing enough. Yoga is damn hard. Tara Stiles and other yogi experts make it look so easy.

Decided I would be serious about losing weight, I sent a text message to my mom saying I would now be observing the After 6 diet (no eating after 6 pm) and/or no more rice for lunch or dinner. I will only be consuming rice during breakfast or lunch. If it ain’t breakfast or lunch, no rice. No pasta for dinner too. I will try to eat healthy. AND exercise for at least thirty minutes every FN day.

I blog and I check my email every four hours in the hopes that one of the companies I applied to have responded to my application letters.

And I take care of my two dogs.

I like what I’m doing, truth be told. I’ve thought of getting a home-based job but I’m debating with myself against it since I won’t be meeting as much people as I would compared to if I were working in an office. It’s like closing myself from the world.

I need to seriously consider the possibilities of working at home and really think about it.

God, a little help please? Thanks! 

 

 

Job Posting!

If you’re currently jobless like me, you’ll be pleased to know that Convergys, the biggest call center in the country, is hiring. They’re looking for the best people for a leading worldwide communications provider in the US. One of the perks will be working at Glorietta 5, the up and coming area in Makati City.

There is an on-going online job fair which started August 13 and will last until September 11. These candidates will have a chance to win a 16gb Apple iPad* by registering! Let me repeat: a 16GB Apple iPad JUST by registering!

So click on the picture below if you’re interested! Good luck! Let me know if you registered and won so I can envy you. ;)

We Are What We Eat and What We Do is Yoga

“You are what you eat”. This is an age old adage that I was never able to fully get. I’d always rationalize like this: “If I ate only vegetables, would that mean I’m a vegetable?” Or “If I ate meat only, would that also mean that I’m a piece of meat?”

And so I looked for something that would make sense for me. What I found is an article by Giuliana Rancic entitled “He Is What He Eats”. Let me share bits and pieces for you here.

The guy who sends everything back because it’s too cold, too hot, too overdone, etc:  This guy is a perfectionist and commitment phobe.  He’ll find some reason not to settle down with you – you should move on to a different table.

The guy who suggests splitting an appetizer and then asks you to pick it:  This is a good guy – sweet, thoughtful and wants you to be happy.  Just be careful of any sneaky ex-girlfriends in the picture because someone has clearly trained him well.

The guy who suggests splitting an appetizer and orders some delicious fried calamari…after you told him you were a vegetarian:  Let’s face it, guys aren’t always the best listeners but this is a bit of a red flag.  First dates are all about first impressions and this guy just seems selfish.

The guy who finishes one type of food before he moves on to the next type.  For example, he’ll eat all his broccoli, then all his potatoes then his fish:  This is a guy who is OCD orderly – if you move in with him you better have your own bathroom.

The guy who talks with his mouth full:  Okay, this may surprise you, but there are worse traits and I think this guy may be a good catch.  He wants to hurry on with his life, multi-task, and has great enthusiasm. Just have him eat behind a sneeze guard.

The guy who wants to try everything you’ve ordered:  Okay, this is a guy who is open to new things and values your opinion.  However, if he ends up eating all your food you may want to send him back.

The guy who orders everything grilled with the sauce on the side:  He’s health conscious, metro, kinda’ sensitive and a little vain.  In other words – he’s Ryan.

The guy who eats food with just one color – all white, all brown – you get it:  Okay, I would forget him.  He’s probably a little crazy and if you hook up with him he may insist that everything in your house be one color (including your hair).

The guy who insists on ordering everything for you:  He’s probably too domineering and very traditional.  Unless you really like dating much older men (like say 99), I think you should skip him and order what you want.

The guy who after every meal says he’s had it better someplace else:  Skip him before he says he had a better girlfriend someplace else.

The guy who wants you to order for him:  Mommy issues – stay away from him, especially if he asks you to cut his meat.

I haven’t dated every type but I remember dating  Type 2. Too bad we didn’t last.

To add something of my own:

• The guy who can’t make up his FN mind about where to eat and what type of food to get. This guy is either indecisive or too eager to please or just doesn’t care. I say ditch him and go eat wherever you want. :)

In other boring news, I’m currently practicing yoga under Tara Stiles via Youtube. I’m also considering practicing Namaste Yoga via Channel 15 aka Discovery Home and Health Channel. I need to drop like maybe 50 pounds soon. Doing the night shift made me fat. Yes, I have cup C breasts (TMI much?) but I also have an expanded waistline that goes along with that. Slimming down will get me cup A breasts and a miniature waistline. Kind of like how I started before going on the night shift. As in like how I was when I just came home from the States.

Yoga Tara Stiles style is hard! Namaste yoga is better, I think.

Wish me luck! Oh, and here’s some videos of yoga. Who knows, it might inspire some people out there.

 

Music Monday – Elvis

Well, well, well. It seems like I picked a good day to have Music Monday today.

Today, August 16, 2010 is the 33rd death anniversary of the great Elvis. Whether you liked him or hated him, he does deserve some sort of honor being some of today’s artists’ inspiration.

So that’s why there was a special on him on Bio Channel Asia.

Did you know Elvis was thought of “dissolving borders between black and white”, the colors referring to the races in America. His music was said to be a cross between black music and white music (but don’t we all know that “white” music actually came from “black music”? Didn’t they steal the some of the songs? Check out Dreamgirls and Cadillac Records. Both films feature bits and pieces of music history).

And I was surprised to learn that he never won a Grammy. I don’t know if he won posthumously. 

Anyway, here’s a Youtube video (surprise, surprise) of a live performance of Elvis singing “Hound Dog” on The Milton Berle Show. Tell me “Elvis” and this is the song that pops to mind.