04 March 2010

By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated February 26, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III ranked in the top five of the most trusted Filipinos in an independent survey done by international magazine Reader's Digest.

In the magazine's Asian Reader's Digest Trust Poll published in its March 2010 issue, actress and philanthropist Rosa Rosal was first in the list, followed by singer-actress Lea Salonga.

Number three was journalist and GMA News vice president Jessica Soho and fourth was philanthropist and Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto.

03 March 2010

By Boo Chanco (The Philippine Star)

Noynoy was a very pleasant surprise last Saturday during the interview session with staff and columnists of The Philippine Star. I had given him up as a policy lightweight after I read the text of his Makati Business Club speech.

In his first important policy speech on the economy, Noynoy sounded like any ordinary politician eager to say what his audience wanted to hear but saying nothing of substance. In fairness to him, I understand he did well in the Q and A portion.

I was not expecting the Noynoy who faced us last weekend. His responses to our questions would warm any policy wonk's heart. His answers were crisp and to the point but even then, he displayed knowledge of the important nuances that must not be left unsaid. In some cases he made no commitment but gave the signal that he understood the complexity of the issue.

27 February 2010

From: Jesse Robredo, Mayor of Naga City

We started the day with a morning bike. then we had a kite flying activity early in the afternoon (was shown in the local ABS-CBN news this morninng). we mass up at the plaza late in the afternoon. Then did a torch parade within the commercial area accompanied by a brass band reaching the plaza in time for Noynoy's speech shown in a big video wall. ABS-CBN covered us. A little more than 4000 attended . . . much bigger than the campaign launch crowd with sectoral reps and leaders from other towns participating. Except for myself (na magreretiro na naman), no politician spoke. It was a good way to inspire the troops. The fight continues.
- Jesse

26 February 2010

From Jojo Leyson of Dipolog City

Hi! We celebrated the anniversary of people power in Dipolog City. it was held at the boulevard of dipolog where people converge every afternoon to watch the beautiful sunset and enjoy fresh sea breeze. the program started at 6 p.m. but as early as 5 p.m. we already played the songs popularized at EDSA and the jingles of mar and noynoy.

07 February 2010