Willie Galang

Rest in peace, dear old doggie friend

Goodbye, Winnie (2003-2010)

By Willie Galang
Published Friday August 27, 2010 •

Met up with my father (who was here in Manila earlier today) and my sister for lunch and got the sad news. Winnie, one of our dogs at our home up north, passed away yesterday morning. I last saw her five months ago. We’re all going to miss her sweet demeanor.

This article’s permanent URL:
http://williegalang.com/2010/08/27/goodbye.winnie

8 Hong Kong tourists killed in hostage drama

Police blunders and Media insensibility: Deadly partners

By Willie Galang
Published Tuesday August 24, 2010 •

The police were posing like this for about an hour.

Image © Reuters

First, my condolences to the affected families. Second, let me get this out of the way: Regardless of how intelligent, savvy, and well-equipped one country’s police force is, a gun-welding psychopath with intent to murder, will, almost always, be able to inflict harm first before police authorities can step in. Law enforcement is reactionary. The challenge is to prevent as many needless deaths as possible in hostage situations such as the tragic one that transpired in Manila yesterday. The so-called “Manila’s Finest” (an apparent misnomer in this generation) with their SWAT team in tow, failed to neutralize at the onset the lone hostage-taker despite several opportunities early in the day to do so. (A single, well-placed sniper shot during those times the gunman, former police officer Rolando Mendoza, 55, was out in the open would have saved everyone on the hijacked bus.)

The hostage crisis started Monday morning in Manila. By the time the 3:00 PM deadline that the bus hijacker imposed on everyone had passed, we hear reports that the indecisive police themselves were the ones continuously giving the disgruntled ex-cop time extension. Sometimes I can’t help but suspect the mainstream press (particularly the big networks with live 6:30 PM newscasts on free television) had a hand in all these “extensions” so the impasse and its resolution will hit their early evening broadcast for maximum ratings! People just love live carnage! Philippine President Benigno Aquino III promised a probe into this tragedy, (what else would he say?) and I hope they’ll look into this angle.

Finally! After 10 hostages have been killed.

Image © AP

The end result of the hostage drama did spill-over to the live newscasts and what we saw shocked even the most jaded observers among us. Manila’s SWAT unit looked like bumbling idiots when they “stormed” the bus. (That’s the slowest “storming” I’ve seen in years.) I felt sadness and embarrassment when the heavily-armed police unit took an hour to get inside the bus when those teenaged-carjackers that they coddle in the streets of Manila can forcibly open an SUV in a matter of seconds. Media, (particularly Ron Gagalac and Jorge Cariño of ABS-CBN News) kept on patting their backs with their coverage, interjecting every several minutes or so in their reports that them reporters are braving the hard driving rain and potential hail of bullets just so they can bring the developing story LIVE! Oh, please. Do you have to tell us that? Such a huge turn-off! Even anchor-on-location Julius Babao had the temerity to attempt an interview with a Chinese embassy official on air in the midst of what’s transpiring. How about a little tact?

The problem is, almost everybody probably believes that it’s exactly media’s LIVE coverage of the arrest of the hostage-taker’s relatives (under suspicion of being in connivance with the hijacker) that ticked off and eventually set off the psychopath’s murderous rampage inside the bus. The competing TV news networks, in their bid to outdo each other in bringing dramatic live feeds to their viewers, conveniently forgot that the rogue cop is perhaps monitoring the developments on TV and/or radio inside the hijacked bus! And what the former policeman saw prompted him to start executing his hostages. What’s obvious here is that the Filipino press, particularly the media giants, do NOT know WHEN to effect a news embargo even if their lives, and the lives of innocent civilians, depended on it.

I think I’ve seen enough police stupidity and press insensitivity to last me a lifetime. Some criminals can be real dolts, but I think it’s just fair to expect that our police and our journalists to be at least a little smarter than them.

This article’s permanent URL:
http://williegalang.com/2010/08/24/police.blunders.media.insensibility

Lucky 13th Philippine Basketball Association title for the franchise

Congratulations, Alaska Aces!

By Willie Galang
Published Thursday August 19, 2010 •

Cyrus Baguio soars for a jumper as Joseph Yeo looks on helplessly.

Congratulations to the Alaska Aces of the Philippine Basketball Association for winning the 2010 Fiesta Conference championship and their 13th PBA crown over-all, besting the San Miguel Beermen, 4-2, in their best-of-seven Finals series. Who knew Game 6 would end up looking like an easy 102-88 win by the Aces? The series somehow proved that the heavily-favored San Miguel team was only strong on paper. This could have ended at Game 5 last Sunday had Cyrus Baguio’s triple went in at the buzzer.

I root for San Miguel in the PBA and from a fan’s point of view, this Finals could have been a much more competitive series. I don’t really know what’s going on at the Beermen’s side as their mid-Finals coaching change drama seems to have taken a life of its own and perhaps created more distraction than inspiration for the team. And as a supporter, I don’t really care who steers the squad as long as they appear to be using their personnel wisely. But looking at players sitting on the bench at critical junctures of the championship series, one has to wonder if San Miguel really wants to win this one.

Case in point: Mick Pennisi. In the early 0-2 series hole the Beermen dug themselves into, then head coach Siot Tanquingcen hardly played the sharp-shooting veteran big man. When management appointed Gee Abanilla to take over head coaching duties, Pennisi found some playing time, scored key perimeter shots and was steady in defense in San Miguel’s shaky Game 5 win. And it was Pennisi’s hot hand who kept the Beermen alive in the waning minutes of Game 6 before Alaska eventually pulled away safely. I could even mention players languishing on the bench like Lordy Tugade (who really should be the one checking-in when Dondon Hontiveros takes a breather) and Danny Siegle. But then again, I’m not the coach.

Of course, I’m not taking anything away from Alaska! They were the better team and they had the better coaches. The Aces played extremely well and maximized their size advantage, something the Beermen failed to match because of their poor substitution patterns. Had back-from-injury center Sonny Thoss (12 points, 10 rebounds in Game 6) came in the Finals 100%, I somehow feel Tim Cone’s charges could have closed this series out much earlier. Their import Diamon Simpson was a hardworker (28 points and 19 rebounds in Game 6) and asserted his presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. And Baguio (24 Game 6 points)? What an acquisition! His versatility is a good fit in Alaska’s offensive sets.

Perhaps San Miguel should just bring back Jong Uichico as head coach and stop all this recurring coaching shuffling drama at the expense of Tanquingcen.

This article’s permanent URL:
http://williegalang.com/2010/08/18/congratulations.alaska.aces

A year after its release, we’re hooked

The Wifey and Me: Johnny-Come-Latelys to Plants vs. Zombies

By Willie Galang
Published Sunday August 8, 2010 •

The Wifey asked me if I remember the name of a lightweight and free zombie game she downloaded and installed on her netbook a year ago. She said she hadn’t re-installed it yet since I had the computer repaired a few months ago, and a sudden urge to waste time with it came upon her. I struggled for a moment to remember the game she wanted. I can see the game in my head, but I can’t come up with the title. Instead, I suggested a very well-known alternative:

“Why don’t you try Plants vs. Zombies?”

“Plants vs. Zombies? Is it any good? Is it free?” my wife asked.

“Everybody was raving about it last year. It’s not free though, but you can download a playable trial version. I’m not sure how much it is.”

We downloaded and played the game, and it was truly addictive! Clever, hilarious, and excruciatingly cute! Uh-oh. I think I just unleashed a monster. A time-eating monster. It was my worst idea of the week, viewed from the vantage point of productivity. Apparently, the award-winning game, popular as it is already last year, is still gaining a wider audience worldwide, boosted further by the immense success of the iPhone and the iPad. Late entrants my wife and I to the Plants vs. Zombies world, but, as they all say, better late than never.

Best of all, it’s only PHP199.00 for Philippine users. Yay, PopCap Games!

(Screenshot of order confirmation.)

So, Productivity, what do I do with you for now?

This article’s permanent URL:
http://williegalang.com/2010/08/08/plants.vs.zombies

Device software version 500.21.009

Updated my Nokia E63 firmware again

By Willie Galang
Published Thursday August 5, 2010 •

Not everyone can be an iPhone owner. (Although I’m thinking of saving up for one, notwithstanding the great “Antennagate” scandal and the criminally exorbitant markup Apple resellers place on their products here in Manila, I’m also considering an Android-based smartphone as an alternative for my next mobile phone purchase.) For now, the next best thing is what I already have in my hands, my trusty, old reliable Nokia E63. And another firmware update is, perhaps, just what I need. And update I did!

During the flashing procedure coursed through the Nokia Ovi Suite, I was in a bit of a panic mode when the update software froze at the point when it’s preparing the downloaded codes for installation. Stuck for more than 30 minutes! I was terrified to stop the program and disconnect the cable connection for fear of inadvertently transforming my device into a very expensive paperweight. Trooping to the nearest Nokia Care Center is something I don’t want to add to my current list of critical To-Dos. But after examining and determining that Ovi Suite hasn’t touched the E63 just yet, I simply rebooted my laptop and restarted the update process all over again.

On to Take 2! After several anxious minutes of hoping there’ll be no loss of communication between the device and the computer, the firmware update went through, smoothly, if I may add, and the software of my good old mobile phone is updated to the latest version. I was hoping for more official Nokia-issued themes and wallpapers and other forms of eye or ear candy, but upon a quick inspection, nothing of that sort seem to be included in this upgraded package. Oh, well.

Screenshot of updated firmware via Nokia Ovi Suite.

My phone’s software is now updated to version 500.21.009.

My only headache was the broken Ovi Maps application on my mobile, which refused to run after the update was completed. Although the error message suggested the downloading of the latest version from the Ovi website, I was naturally upset to discover that the service appears to have stopped supporting my particular device! However, this was remedied, surprisingly, by re-installing an older, E63-compatible version of Maps, the very same one I had in the phone before the firmware upgrade was made. The new phone software didn’t reject the older application, and the Maps program appears to be running fine, so far.

Now back to the more important stuff…

This article’s permanent URL:
http://williegalang.com/2010/08/05/nokia.e63.update

Because we can’t afford to lose the LRT/MRT lines

Just raise the light rail systems fare now, pretty please?

By Willie Galang
Published Friday July 30, 2010 •

Two years ago, I remember the Metro Rail Transit Corporation and the Department of Transportation and Communications mention to the Filipino press, at the height of the almost daily breakdowns in train services then, that new train coaches for the Blue Line (MRT-3) are scheduled to be shipped to the country in 2010. We’re now in the 3rd quarter of 2010. I wonder how that turned out. Can someone from the media confirm from these agencies the previously announced shipment of new coaches? I hope these don’t turn out to be ghost shipments. I’m mentioning this now because I strongly support proposals to substantially raise the fare for all the light rail lines in the metropolis, from the original Yellow Line (LRT-1), the Purple Line (LRT-2), and most importantly, the Blue Line.

Aquino to push for what’s right or popular?

It will not be a popular decision. Any price increase in the Philippines is made into a political circus of a national scale. Multitudes of people will be affected (just for the record, including me, who take the trains from at least two lines on a regular basis.) But some things need to be implemented. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, in his State of the Nation Address last Monday, assailed the government of his predecessor Gloria Arroyo for keeping the fare of the light rail train systems artificially low for the duration of her presidency. (But it’s not difficult to spot the intellectual dishonesty of Aquino on the issue here. While Arroyo’s government was trying to hold off hikes in light rail fare as long as it could to appease the riding public, the then Senator Aquino was mum on the matter. What did he do all these time?) But it’s not too late to effect a change for the better. So, if the President’s mention of the MRT ticket prices in his SONA finally make the administrators of these services push through with increase that’s been in the pipeline for so long, then that will be to Aquino’s credit. And I will applaud him for that.

The proverbial two birds in one stone

But before I applaud, the increases must be significant. Let’s face it. A three peso, four peso, five peso hike, wouldn’t be enough. We need to double, perhaps, maybe triple, the ticket prices. Do you know it’s much more expensive to travel by bus along EDSA end-to-end than by taking the Blue Line? Where’s the justice in that? That’s how artificially low the MRT fare is! People need to understand that we have to pay a premium for a fast commute via light rail. By raising MRT/LRT fare, we will in reality be killing two birds in one stone here. First, the jump in train prices will realistically force a substantial amount of riders away from the trains to alternative means of transportation, consequently reducing the mind-boggling, hatred-for-mankind-inducing levels of congestion on the light rail lines. (At least, I’m hoping such a move would make taking the trains bearable again, particularly for the Blue and Yellow.) Second, remember how bus franchises would always complain about low passenger volume even during rush hours? If this fare hike pushes through, say goodbye to half-filled buses along EDSA! Welcome your new regular passengers, bus companies!

So what about it, fellow train-riding people? Are you with me?

This article’s permanent URL:
http://williegalang.com/2010/07/29/lrt.mrt.fare.hike

A weird passport renewal dream

My subconscious is telling me something

By Willie Galang
Published Wednesday July 28, 2010 •

A Philipine Passport. Mine. Yes, I still have the old green passport, still valid for about two years

Had a weird dream last night that featured my late mother, who passed away four years ago. The setting: at our front yard in our Nueva Ecija home. It was a breezy morning and it felt like I just woke up. And it was raining. Just light rain. I was standing outside by the terrace, admiring the pelting the trees and plants in our yard were getting from the raindrops. I noticed my father’s car wasn’t parked, and I turned to my mother, who just gave the dogs some food, and asked:

“Where’s Daddy?”

Mother gave me an incredulous look, surprised that I didn’t know where my father went.

“He went to Manila at the crack of dawn. He’s going to have his passport renewed. Didn’t he tell you he’s going to Singapore next week to talk to a client?”

“Oh, I didn’t know,” I replied with a hint of a smile on my face, as the thought of joining him on the trip played on my mind. I want to visit Singapore again, I contemplated to myself. Then the words “next week” rang aloud in my head.

“But, Mom, did you say next week? The passport renewal’s not going to make it on time!”

“Oh, yes it will! Be positive,” my always optimistic mother snapped back, appearing annoyed with what I just said. Then a more important detail hit me.

“But, Mom, today’s a Sunday! There’s no one there at the DFA!”

Mother walked closer to me. And in a lowered voice, she explained, “your father had talked to a fixer within the department. He says the insider’s going to help speed up the renewal process so he can get his passport a full two days before his actual flight. He’s meeting with that guy today.”

Wow. I know I have so much stuff crammed inside my head nowadays. But I can’t believe that even my dreams involving my dead mother are peppered with government corruption!

This article’s permanent URL:
http://williegalang.com/2010/07/28/weird.dream

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