By Raïssa Robles
Last night, my hubby Alan called my attention to a poster and a video he saw on the Internet.
Let me tell you, Alan has this amazing way of looking into the nooks and crannies of the Web and finding fascinating stuff. I have learned a lot from the techniques he has taught me.
Anyway, the poster and the video he showed me made me laugh.
And so I thought of sharing both with you today.
First, the poster
I have received a lot of comments and tweets ever since I’ve started writing about Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. Many are encouraging. But some are downright offensive and nasty. One is even slightly threatening.
I have been accused of being part of a Yelllow Army.
Those who say that, to my mind, don’t really know what the role of the press IS in a democratic society. I go by the saying that the role of the press is to comfort the oppressed and to afflict the comfortable.
The Corona case is one of the most politically high-profile cases since 1946. Any journalist worth his or her salt has to write about it. But in a way that enlightens. I am trying to do that.
Like many Filipinos I am ready and eager to hear CJ Corona out. If he really has nothing to hide he should go before FOCAP (the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines).
Meanwhile, to my critics this poster that Alan found is my answer to you at the moment –
Alan found this poster here. MY THANKS to whoever made it.
And now for something completely different.
It’s more fun to watch PH traffic cops
Oftentimes, many people go about their jobs in a Sad Sack way. Shakespeare captured the essence of the futility of life by making the character Macbeth say the following words:
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
However, this Filipino traffic enforcer in Cubao, Quezon City contradicts Macbeth’s view of reality. He knows he won’t be paid more for his extra effort but he still does it for the joy of it.
Alan first found this in an American site.
Now, thanks to YouTube, the world is his stage.
Enjoy!
hector carunungan says
You are doing a great Job. Keep it Up! Dont worry about the haters, Just keep yourself Safe at all times. Any Filipino, Any Senator Who wants to acquit Corona is anti Filipino, Anti Progress, and is against the Anti Graft and Corruption programs of Pnoy, that is the bottom line. Any Senator that is going to acquit Corona is nothing but a pig and deserves to be oust from office and deserves to be NOT reelected for their character immorality!!!
Jonathan.pinoy@sg says
Sapul..!
nonon says
here’s a joke from kruger a commenter in an inquirer.net article
“You seemed to be in some distress,” said Enrile to Henares, “Is anything the matter?” “Well your honor,” said Henares, “I swore to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, but every time I try, Serafin Cuevas objects.”
agemomicks says
When I was a student way back in 1963, I remember a dancing cop stationed at the post office area (at the foot of Jones Bridge) doing the same thing.
He was the original dancing traffic cop!
raissa says
We have a tradition pala of dancing cops :)
manny says
General Raissa of the Yellow Army,
That indeed will make the rest of my day..And enthused me more getting back soon to
mother country. That dancing cop video just relaxes many stressed out commuters,
including me.
Yours truly,
A Volunteer Soldier
raissa says
Soldier, you’re applying with a non-existent unit.
If there’s a Yellow Army I’m not in it.
Journalists are basically the hecklers on the sidelines of history.
We’re the ones who throw the proverbial shoe or tomato at those parading by :)
HUNGKAG says
ms. raissa you are no yellow army. you are part of the army of the people who wants to see the truth to come out. may your tribe increase.
Joe Cunningham says
The MMDA traffic cop underscores my belief that the Philippines is the most creative nation on the planet. It ranks with the Cebu Pacific dancing cabin attendants safety instructions.
Regarding the haters, sometimes the truth hurts, especially when it’s as well researched and verified as Raissa’s pieces are.
You go girl!
raissa says
Thanks, Joe.
mike says
What’s wrong being in the YELLOW ARMY? You can’t stay party neutral forever. You have to take sides one way or the other.
jorgebernas says
Thanks raissa, you make me smile for a while coz l feel bad when l read atty. saguisag comments about the thief justice renato corona saying to the rallyist loyal to erap that HUWAG NINYONG PANSININ MGA WALANG NGIPIN AT SALAWAL NA YAN. .at dito ko nalaman na napaka mata pobre pala ito si thief justice renato, sabi ko nga sa sarili ko hindi baling nakasalawal at walang ngipin mga rallyista basta hindi magnanakaw katulad mo corruptna, hindi baling nakasalawal at walang ngipin basta hindi sinungaling at mandarambong katulad mo thief justice corona & if l were you thief justice corona l will not stay a day long in that Supreme Court Post dahil ikaw ay DUMI/ ANAY na sumisira sa buong hudikatura…Nakakahiya at Nakakadiri ka CORRUPTNA….
pinoyster says
was watching in morbid fascination … was waiting for a car to run him down mwahahaha
KEVIN says
Raissa,Im glad im not one of your haters,,,,,Is that for video only or happening everyday,,,the traffic policeman…..good day….
Wheng says
@kevin
It’s happening everyday.. Its more fun to see him live :)… If you wanna see him, its at araneta center near Shopwise…. Good day!
maricel pangilinan arenas says
only you, Raissa, would juxtapose Macbeth and a joyfully moonwalking Pinoy traffic enforcer.
how refreshing amidst all the muck that threatens to engulf us. indomitable, unconquerable, and unvanquished…your words, your passion inspire and renew courage. salamat… and God protect you <3
A.A. Ibay says
This traffic cop as applauded by the pedestrians
happily waiting for the his signal for them to cross noticed
that he is FIT physically, mentally and perhaps morally
to do his duties. This is not the common image of
a Pinoy policeman or some high govt officials.
Ancient Mariner says
Hi again Raissa,
Do you think that the Defence is using the word “impertinent” correctly in their description of evidence presented by the prosecution. Should they not be describing it as “not pertinent”?
As a child I was told frequently not to be impertinent when I was cheeky or rude to my elders. Perhaps there is another meaning I cannot find in my searches?
Ancient Mariner says
Oops, it is apparently sometimes used to mean irrelevant which means Atty. Cuevas frequently repeats himself by calling the evidence, irrelevant and impertinent. I should research as thoroughly as you.