GMA Network's Alyas Robin Ripping Off CW's Arrow in Its Teaser Trailer, Philippine Television Network's Lack of Creativity, and Insulting the Filipino Television Viewers

GMA Network has recently release a teaser trailer for their new 2016 Filipino super hero series currently entitled "Alyas Robin Hood" which has raised a few... I mean a lot of eyebrows in social media as it is unapologetic in its blatant ripping off of the popular CW show Arrow. This is my two cents on GMA Network's Alyas Robin Hood CW's Arrow Rip-off, Philippine Television Network's Lack of Creativity, and Insulting the Filipino Television Viewers.


I. The "Alyas Robin Hood" trailer starring Dingdong Dantes that drew flak from rational and critical Filipinos online.



When does paying homage ends and ripping off begins? That is the question I encountered when seeing reviews of Netflix Stranger Things on the various entertainment review channels on Youtube. For now, we cannot say if that will be the case with GMA Network's "Alyas Robin Hood," but by the gods, the teaser trailer is intentionally made to look like it is an unapologetic and a blatant ripoff of a popular American superhero show, CW's Arrow. Maybe that was the intention all along, the "shock factor". That on the age where everyone seems to have access to popular US shows whether it be officially or unconventional means (thru torrent), it seems blasphemous to rip off elements of a popular franchise. This was the case with Ang Panday (woah! also promoted under GMA Network) that ripped off Clash of Titans. Who on their right state of mind would do such marketing in a social media filled with critical Filipinos? Well, the "Alyas Robin Hood" got people talking about an upcoming GMA Network show, unfortunately not in a good way.


II. Is the Philippine Television Network running out of ideas? What's up with the lack of creativity?

"Is there anything original nowadays?" is one of the question some people might get into discussions with. With so many formulaic and cliche themes that dominated Philippine television and cinema, the answer seems to be both a YES and a NO. While one may think of GMA Network's horrendous Sailormoon rip-off, "Super Twins" starring Jennely Mercado and Nadine Samonte, and that poor excuse of a tokusatsu series loosely based on the space Sheriff Shaider Japanese series that even Toei wouldn't consider as part of canon as a bad examples; one may also argue that GMA Network has also brought us memorable series like "Kung Mawawala Ka" and "My Husband's Lover."


So does GMA Network lacks creativity? Well, if we are to base solely on the "Alyas Robin Hood" trailer, it seems to be a bit fat Yes. We can attribute it is to the reason that it is the latest "trend" internationally. Major television networks seems to follow such trend. Remember ABS-CBN when it started doing the kabitseryes or infidelity focus television and film series? It is just like the Filipino superhero comic book (and original superhero concept) explosion back in the early 2000 with Darna, Captain Barbell, Lastikman, Flash Bomba, Komiks Present, Pedro Penduko, Panday, Kristala, Kamandag, Gagambino, Mulawin, and Super Inggo.


Superhero films and television series are a big hit internationally as of the making of this blog. With the popularity of shows like Arrow, The Flash, Gotham, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Agents of Shield, and superhero films from Marvel and DC, it can't be helped if a network to find its new best series to capitalize on seems to simply mindlessly "take inspiration" (rips off) from one of them. In this case "Alyas Robin Hood" starring Dingdong Dantes from Arrow, like how "Captain Barbell" starring Richard Gutierez unapologetically ripped off Smallville.

III. Insulting the Filipino Television Viewers and Filipinos in General

Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. GMA Network have already did this sort of thing back in Captain Barbell. The network or people behind it are either too full of themselves or doesn't seem to mind ripping off Smallville. Given the fact that Smallville was currently airing in Studio 23 primetime block at that time. I don't know if GMA Network just think that the majority of Filipino mass who mostly could have issues with availing proper education making them not appreciate and comprehend American shows, unavailability to receive Studio 23 signals on their television, or GMA are too full of themselves that they think that other stations does not exist and the Filipino televiewers are solely watching GMA Network oblivious to other stations.



CW Arrow Season 4 Trailer
This then seems to indicate that they are insulting the Filipino Television Viewers. Why? Because while they are already teasing this "Alyas Robin Hood" television series, TV5 has already picked up on Arrow. What is either better or worse is that TV5 dubbed Arrow in Filipino along with other foreign shows. This seem to imply that Filipinos might have trouble understanding English content. So we already have Arrow available and accessible in Filipino. Filipino Televiewers can obviously make a comparison of the show and does not need to look far. Tagalized Arrow is on TV5; one channel away from GMA Network. So why still go with such dubious promotion of their new show. The answer? They are probably capitalizing on the negative reception online. Bad publicity is still publicity... something they might have picked up from President Duterte.

They insult the Filipinos online who are so outspoken for their support of everything the Philippine television is NOT! To somehow blatantly rip off the "somewhat fresh" US series themes (* Only used "somewhat fresh" as US shows tend to also fall on the formulaic themes like procedural crime shows, reality shows, etc.) There are many superhero themed resources that GMA can draw inspiration locally from, so why not do that? Well, one argument there is television networks probably doesn't want to pay the rights to use these "new" comics characters and would simply stick with the classics like Mars Ravelo ones. Instead here they are making a superhero type of story that blatantly rips off Arrow themes paying no money at all. A blatant rip off of Arrow's a (green) hood and the hero uniform which copies everything down to a teeth. Sure Arrow or Green Arrow is not the first iconic character to use a bow and arrow as his main weapon as the Filipino series seems to imply that it draws inspiration from Robin Hood (thus the Alyas Robin Hood); but at least they should have mixed things up a bit. Sadly, they went the controversial route. Well it made people talking, right? Who knows they might surprise us with a sudden shift in overall tone, if ever they listen to criticism, you know like what they did to Captain Barbell.


The insulting part is that GMA Network is capable of providing decent and even thought-provoking content if they only have better creative team, screenwriters, or maybe tapped on the actual creative people in the Philippine comics industry. Have they exhausted everything with "Encantadia," My Husband's Lover," "The Rich Man's Daughter," and "Kung Mawawala Ka?"

IV. Conflict Resolution, Suggestion, and Recommendation

People might say, all you do is criticize but does not offer anything to make things better. So I will now, do what the production and creative team should have done marketing this new series. One approach would be to take down the trailer and put up a new one which doesn't make it a complete copycat of the popular CW series. Make necessary revisions to the overall outfit of the new GMA Network superhero and actually hire some people who would research on Robin Hood. They seem to take inspiration from there, it was not "Alyas Green Arrow."

The other approach is to bask in the bad publicity and at the same time addressing the series' criticism. Have showbiz news interviews that states that it pays homage to Arrow and that it is a truly unique concept which might truly be the case. They wouldn't ripped off the story of Arrow down to the teeth, right? To show new trailers showing that it is not a rip off proving naysayers that they are wrong; that their initial trailer that paid of homage was misinterpreted and the ripping off ends with the teaser; that new trailers would not continue with the ripping off and the actual content is unique on its own. Relevant to Filipino society and catering to the local superhero hype for Filipino kids and television viewers.

Not long ago, TV5 also made a very forgettable Arrow ripoff or parody series that seemingly went under everyone's radar, simply titled as "Robin Dude." Well at least that show labeled itself as a parody series. So is GMA doing the exact same thing? Will they be ripping off Robin dud only with a much popular actor as its lead?


Filipino comic artist extraordinaire Gerry Alanguilan made this point when he reacted to the teaser of Alyas Robin Hood.



Source: Alyas Robin Hood Teaser Trailer Page
How about you guys? What do you think of The Alyas Robin Hood teaser trailer? Share your thoughts and opinion in the comments section below.

On Vice Ganda on Anti-Bullying Fiasco on ABS-CBN's Showtime

Vice Ganda revealed his bare (cosmetic make-up less) face on national television in the Advice-Ganda segment of ABS-CBN's noontime show Showtime last May 28, 2015 to advocate anti-bullying. The ABS-CBN comedian shared the best advice he can give this tormented heavily bullied woman in her school - to accept and love who she is and what she looks like then proceeded to removing his make up.


If you are interested to how the whole drama unfolded. Check out the video feature from ABS-CBN's Aquino & Abunda Tonight here:


On Bullying

Bullying is a serious issue faced by not just children but adults alike. Bullying lowers self-esteem and confidence. It generally tend to make people feel inferior and uncomfortable with themselves which stems out a slew of problems with the worst case scenario depression which could then result to suicide. Society (now aggressively) frowns upon the act of bullying which is just and subscribed to by most people. People who are considered advocates of anti-bullying are now considered champions of the oppressed... people we cheer upon. Anti-bullying statements are now much stronger when it is said by notable public figures like celebrities.

On Vice Ganda's Brand of Humor

Those who trouble themselves (or helpless in) watching anything Vice Ganda, you'll have a general idea of what is his brand of humor, poking fun at the expense of others. You don't have to stray away to find this in action, just watch episodes of ABS-CBN's Gandang Gabi Vice to see his humor in action - usually poking fun of how the audience member (the "punch line") physically looks like. Heck he sometimes question the way the "punchline" behaves (gestures and mannerism), thinks and expresses (talks) him or herself. One can say but it is comedy and is subjective... but we can say that bullies are merely doing the act of bullying because they find the bullied to be funny or humorous.







People seem to have forgotten that not long ago Vice made a very questionable (and highly frowned-upon) joke that insults both the size of people (being fat) and (platfully belittling) rape. Well, guess that was probably not "bullying" but a simply is a bad joke; so subscribing to that, can bullies be merely bad jokers?
On The Irony of Vice Ganda's Anti-Bullying Fiasco

We now come to full circle with Vice Ganda's brand of humor which is laughing at the expense of other and bullies tendency to use humor to poke fun of others. Do you see the irony of this whole anti-bullying fiasco in Showtime? Well guess, I am not the only one who noticed this as meme's about Vice Ganda removing his make-up to give an ironic but "sensible" advice started circulating the social networks.



It is always good to watch and listen to people taking the side of the oppressed, to advocate anti-bullying; but we also have to be aware that in order for one to be a credible person to give such uplifting statements, he should be found in to have (little to) no faults in relation to bullying. Vice Ganda's brand of humor walks that thin line that separates jokes from insults. The big question is after this fiasco, will Vice Ganda's brand of humor grows up to be more intelligent or be the same ruthlessly poking fun at the expense of others?

How about you guys? What do you think about this whole television drama promulgated by ABS-CBN, Showtime, and Vice Ganda? If you are you a fan then are these criticism unfounded or uncalled for? Share your thoughts on Vice Ganda on Anti-Bullying Statement on ABS-CBN's Showtime in the comments section below:

Why is RIP Jam Trending and the Philippine News Media Coverage

Today (March 4, 2015) a certain Filipino passed away because of cancer, Jamvhille Sebastian of the real life and social network "famous" couple called JaMich. The Philippine entertainment industry has been all over Jamvhille "Jam" Sebastian and Paolinne Michelle "Mich" Liggayu after Jam's battle against lung cancer has been made public.

Why is Jam Sebastian's battle against cancer made public?

That is the question. Why, indeed. Is it simply just because of the cancer patient's wishes to be so? We should understand that the JAMICH couple first gained popularity and notoriety by making their love story public and be a media spectacle through their various social media websites which I personally do not follow. Is it simply a matter of preference. How unfortunate are those non-celebrity status cancer patients for not having the spotlight focused on them even if they wanted it to. Guess that's just the reality of life.


Should the battle against cancer be made into a media spectacle?

Unbeknownst to our knowledge, countless of people have died or have been taken away from their families by the ruthlessness of the disease called cancer. Did these families in any way ask for television and social network coverage? I can understand if religious families and friends start asking people around them for prayers to heal (with the hopes of it working) their family member suffering from Cancer, but it is another thing to invite media to dip its dirty feet on it. I don't know the guy nor am a big fan, but should that mean that I should or the rest of the Filipino people sympathize? There are so many people dying without our knowledge. A good example is the Muslim individuals the unsung soldiers caught in the crossfire of the ongoing war from the land dispute in Mindanao. Were their deaths any less important or unimportant than Jam's death? NO, their family and friends mourned without the public knowing and sympathizing. I say let his family and friends mourn privately without the media spectacle.

A call for "political correctness" and "professionalism" in Philippine "news" media

This is an all-time low on Philippine "news" media. What contribution has Jam Sebastian made in the Philippine history and landscape that requires this much news media attention and coverage? Battling cancer? We can get stories of various people battling cancer all over the country. The Philippine news media should only take an effort to do so. Is simply because of JaMich' celebrity status the reason why you are covering them? Is this already considered news? Heck if the stupidity of the "Blue and Black vs White and Gold Dress social network argument" making the news just because it is trending, then it is only natural for news media to sensationalize this one as well, right?


A dying man's wish.

Jam Sebastian was visited by various celebrities like Vice Ganda, Kris Aquino, and Hayden Kho; and guess what, a camera crew is tailing these celebrities when they did visit the bedridden half of JaMich. How noble of these celebrities to visit and answer to a dying man's wish. I hope more celebrities can follow such terminally ill patients dying wish and for them to take time and visit all of them. Unfortunately, there isn't enough attention given to some "less recognized" individuals for them to receive celebrities sympathies and pity.


What is a news and what is newsworthy?

We can simply look for the definition of the word "news" on dictionaries or online via the usual sources (Google, Yahoo, Wikipedia, etc.). Why is JaM's death needed to be covered by leading local news media is beyond me. Is the celebrity status alone makes something newsworthy?

Upon reading this opinion piece, one might misunderstood this as a JaMich hater when in reality I just don't give a darn about who or what they are. What irks me is how the whole Jam Sebastian ordeal with cancer has been abused and sensationalized by the Philippine "news" media as if the Filipino media should know or even care about the cancer tribulations of a "celebrity". Of course, this won't be all possible without the "support" of the "loving" parents. Hopefully they are also open to criticism thrown their way since they are the once who allowed media to spectate on their supposedly private lives. Good and bad comments is all fair once you open the floodgates. There is no stopping what goes in or out.

Philippine news media's sensationalism and biases

Why are they riding the waves of Jam's death. Someone's passing should not even be made public unless they contributed something noteworthy that would actually make the the majority of Filipinos care. Was he a scientist? Was he a political figure? Was he a famous icon? Was he someone who contributed something to the betterment of the country, society, or a specific industry? If the answer is an astounding NO, then why even give them a segment on you supposedly professional news website and television program? I wouldn't be even surprised if I see an episode dedicated to JaMich on infotainment magazine programs like Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho and Rated K, or drama shows like Maalaala Mo Kaya or Magpakailanman.

Let the family and love ones of the Jam mourn in private. Sympathies are expected for the families of the deceased, but you as a respected news media organization are not required to focus your spotlight on them. The country has other issues worth reporting. what happened to the SAF44 Mamasapano clash? The continuous conflict on the Bangsamoro Basic Law? What is the status of the territorial disputes of Muslims claiming most of Mindanao as theirs? What is the status of China's claiming of our territories? what happened to the NBN-ZTE Deal? What happened to the Arroyo trial? What happened to the news about Hacienda Luisita? What is the status of the Freedom of Information Bill?

I find myself loathing Philippine "news" media more and more with these kinds of bad practices, biases, and unprofessionalism.

A Citizen's View on The Preposterous House Resolution 2140: Philippine Politicians Asked Not to Be Portrayed as Criminals in Films and Television Programs

A news about the House Resolution 2140 filed by Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. made me both laughed my hearts out and scratched my head in dismay.

Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. filed the House Resolution 2140 which aims to appeal to the local television and movie industry to "minimize, prevent, or stop typecasting congressmen and congresswomen as villains or crooks in movies and television telenovelas, in order not to create stereotypes or negative public perception against members of the House of Representatives."

News Source: InterAksyon News | Inquirer News

How the Filipino Public Perceive the House of Representatives of the Philippines

There is no doubt that media has both direct and indirect influence on how most Filipinos view our "honorable" and "reputable" politicians. It is also natural to feel bad when one is called something that he is not. It has been like that from the moment you are born and will still "be" on the last moments of your life. Given the two points, we can say that it is only natural for a politician to somehow and sometimes feel pain when being stereotyped as a corrupt official when they are really not. So how can they get away with this negative image? Well, the House Resolution 2140 seems to address that issue.

The problem with the bill is narrowing it down to the entertainment industry, mainly television and film. I don't think that the Filipino people are that "dumb" to be able to state that Philippine politicians are corrupt because they saw a portrayal of one in a telenovela, or a film? Think about it, if the Filipino people indeed thinks that almost every politicians are committing acts of graft and corruption, would you honestly think that they would let it pass? Would you think they would participate in the electoral process? In some strange way, the Filipino people are still hopeful that the politician they entrusted with their votes will be responsible with the duty assigned to them, to make and improve laws that would benefit the Philippine people. So it is absolutely wrong to underestimate the intelligence of the people that because they saw an action film starring the Fernando Poe, Jr. out to take his vengeance on a corrupt congressman and his goons means that congressmen and women are also corrupt.

So why does the Filipino people still thinks of them as corrupt?

It is part of human nature to associate everything, stereotype things, and even discriminate. Given two or more factors, then a person would usually make his conclusion on to something. When all we are exposed to are isolated but numerous news reports about politicians being involved in criminal activities, then that is more than enough to make the impression that they are corrupt. Not to mention reports that they are not properly doing their jobs right but still are getting paid for. Just think of it, they are there to work but then you see empty seats in congress, then here they are receiving their regular salaries? Given that their salaries might get reduced if not put on hold because of unsatisfactory attendance in the house, most of them are still receiving their "pork barrels" which are the main source as to why people doubt their credibility and accountability. As long as there are questionable projects then this image of corrupt officials would never go away.

Questionable Intentions and Priorities

There are more important laws than the mere preservation of the image of our dear "reputable" congressmen and congresswomen. I am not a law expert, but know a thing or two about the Philippine constitution, and I believe that politicians can draft new and relevant laws and improved on existing laws filled with highly exploitable loopholes rather than making up with such absurd house resolutions or bills. How about passing the pushing and enacting the Freedom of Information Bill? Seeing that politicians prefer making laws to protect the welfare and image of a selected few (themselves) rather than the people itself, it makes you question their reliability, intelligence, and capability as a government elected official.

Rather than House Resolution 2140 how about giving more attention and priority to House Bill 3732 Freedom of Information Bill?

The funny thing is that that the representatives who filed and supported the said resolution knew that it will have a conflict with the constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of speech and of expression, and that they can only "appeal" to the entertainment industry. Once this news hit the social networks, where I personally found this, the said resolution has already received negative review from the outspoken Filipino netizens (as seen on the comments section of the news source I stated above), by the Philippine entertainment industry (headed by the MTRCB), and people just against any forms of censorship.

Another interesting fact is why come up with such trivial resolutions now? I haven't seen any film or television programs portraying politicians as criminals, not that I am aware of. Is it because the Philippine film industry plans to resurrect the action film genre which is famous for its portrayals of corrupt politicians as its main antagonists? If that is the case, then bravo to those congressmen who filed this resolution, you now became the part... the villain to the revival of action film genre.

Men and women in power are perfect villains to most films and telenovelas. This is probably why antagonists are often portrayed as corrupt politicians, generals, rich businessmen, or just stupendously rich people, and the protagonists are the victims of these greedy, evil corrupt villains.

Let's say that there currently ARE television dramas that use politicians as its main antagonists, so what? Let us say that in some twist of fate this resolution gets enacted as an actual law, will it stop people from perceiving them any other way. I strongly believe that it won't. If not, it would probably fuel the people to speculate even more; be more suspicious about our dear politicians censoring the creative freedom of the entertainment industry. People has affiliate people censoring or hiding the truth as people who has something devious to hide. People will then be more curious, more feisty and hungry for information, keeping an even closer eye to the once secret lives of our dear politicians. The Filipino mass then will depend on the news which is far more harsher than the actual truth. They can never censor news so their efforts on putting a lid on the entertainment industry will be the reason for people to doubt them more. Well, at least in telenovelas and films people will have a face to refer to. When the main protagonists triumphs over the said corrupt official, then it only proves that good always triumphs over evil; giving people the impression that corrupt politicians will someday pay for their crimes. But I don't think that it would be enough reason for a Philippine television and film audience will think of their local Representative in the same manner, unless there are reports or rumors inciting that the person might be so.

What-If Scenario

Let's just imagine that this gets enacted to an actual bill. What would happen next? There are honestly so many professions which can used by the Philippine entertainment industry as a villain to their films or telenovelas. Heck, there have even be actual films and television dramas that used doctors, teachers, office workers, supervisors, managers, etc. as their main villain. If the House of Representatives can ban the entertainment industry from portraying politicians as criminals, then the more reason that the common profession to demand to do the same. I can now imagine the Cojuanco empire asking for Hacienda owners not to be portrayed as oppressive villains in a film about Filipino farmers and their struggles. Are you ready for an action film starring a congressman who was framed and is out on a vengeance? Well, heck yeah that sounded like an interesting premise for an action film, but whoelse would the film's main villain? Another politician, that's impossible because of the LAW. Oh, how about an evil general? Well, no can do, he is still considered as a government official and if the position isn't listed on the law, then the Philippine Military and Constabulary would just ask for a similar law to be enacted... You know, to protect their image!

This is my opinion on this said news. I personally don't know or has any connection to Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr., he might have even drafted and co-authored a few House Bill and Resolutions, but this is just plain absurd. It is on the same level of absurdity as the Anti-Planking Bill. This news just compelled me to blog for I believe that through new media via blogs, we can freely exercise our constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of speech and of expression. Our opinions expressed and our voices heard. If in some weird way, my message reach these politicians, hopefully they keep an open mind about such criticism for them to become better public officials, and that is what this country needs the most.

What about you guys? What's your reaction to this news? Share your thoughts about the House Resolution 2140 on the comments section below:

My Two Cents on The Quirino Grandstand Hostage Taking

Luneta a.k.a. Rizal Park has witnessed some of the most notable events in Philippine history. Sadly, a tragic event unfolded hours ago as a dismissed policeman from the Manila Police District took 25 people hostage aboard a bus on August 23, 2010 near the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park which ended in tragedy with the hostage taker being shot dead by the local law enforcement agencies while seven hostages of Hong Kong nationals were killed, two other Hong Kong hostages were seriously injured, while six hostages were found to be alive and traumatized at the end of the crisis. Read more about the exact crisis on Wikipedia via The 2010 Manila Hostage Crisis.



Opinion About The Quirino Grandstand Hostage Taking

Public incidents like what happened to the Quirino Grandstand hostage taking isn't something new as crisis like this have happened from all parts of the globe, and not something rare to the Philippines alone. Though it is not something new, it isnot something to be taken lightly and a condemnable act of injustice towards others.

We have the local and international media to thank for with this incident, for without them none of this is possible. Imagine you are having your own personal issues to confront with and you see such disturbing scene of a man taking a number of people hostage to have his requests granted? As it was like taken from a movie, but it is not! It's real life. That's what news is good for, bringing you the hardhitting news whether you like it or not. well, you can always turn it off if you are too stress to watch it but that isn't the case with the Quirino Grandstand hostage taking.

Earlier as the negotiations were being processed, I saw a post from a fellow plurker that the police' counter measures to address on the hostage taking isn't something to be released on news report, for the very obvious reason. I wasn't aware of the situation only after father opened up the news at 6:00 in the evening where one of the hostage taker's siblings was forcefully taken by the law enforcement agencies because of an alleged connection with the on-going hostage taking. After the tragic ending of the incident, the escaped traumatized driver testified that he was forced to open the television and as he saw his brother being apprehended by the local police, he snapped and started on his murderous rampage... and to us who witnessed its coverage on all major Philippine television news program, the rest is history.

I have nothing against news reporting and journalism on its raw and artistic form but when something so alarming, distressing, and requires a media block out seems to be sensationalized, you'll know that in the back of your head that it will not end in a happy ending. The only destination of the hostage taker is imprisonment or death, and he chose the latter. A local analyst mentioned that the hostage drama might not end in a tragedy, it particular steps were taken into utmost consideration. The moment the hostage taker saw that news of his family being harassed might be the triggered that fuel the pointless bloodbath that we all witnessed.

If only the local media and international cooperated with the local law enforcement agencies rather than getting their firsts and exclusives, then the drama might not turned into horror. All of these would not be possible if only that dismissed cop didn't resulted to that last option. But it already happened, law enforcements might have done something good about it but they did the unthinkable, creating the event that stops all forms of negotiations via arresting his nearest beloved family members who might be his last refuge when all of this might be over, and then we have the ever reliable mainstream mass media for covering the events as it is... blow by blow until the final blow. A pointless death that will be a part of another tragedy in the history of the Philippines.

I know, I know they are only doing their jobs but a little control, cooperation and sensitivity for the person and situation might help but sadly it didn't. At the end of the day nobody has triumphed. Only sadness, pain, and failure. But what can we do when all of this already came to pass? We move on. Like any other tragedies the Filipino people can overcome such adversities and the Philippines will get up from this crisis and back at its feet in no time. But that doesn't mean that the nation won't pay the price for this incident?



ongkong's Travel Advisory Against Philippines after the Quirino Grandstand Hostage Taking on August 23, 2010 from Hong Kong's Security Bureau