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I do not know personally Jane Cajes and I do not know either his accuser Benjie Oliva. We might not know what the reasons behind the anonymous complaint against Cajes before the Ombudsman, political or otherwise, but I will summarize my opinion on the matter on a lawyer's point of view.

As a public servant, you are enjoined by law to live a simple life.

"REPUBLIC ACT No. 6713

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, TO UPHOLD THE TIME-HONORED PRINCIPLE OF PUBLIC OFFICE BEING A PUBLIC TRUST, GRANTING INCENTIVES AND REWARDS FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE, ENUMERATING PROHIBITED ACTS AND TRANSACTIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES


Section 4. Norms of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees. - (A) Every public official and employee shall observe the following as standards of personal conduct in the discharge and execution of official duties:

(h) Simple living. - Public officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form."

Whether it is your hard-earned money or a gift from your suitors or boyfriends, ostentatious display of wealth in any form whether by going to Belo or having Hermes brand of bag, is prohibited by law.

Let the Ombudsman determine if there is probable cause and merit on the charges against Jane Cajes.

I am an Atenean and I feel sorry for what happened. I really feel sad for MVP that his speechwriter plagiarized the commencement speeches of Oprah, Rowling and O' Brien. But it doesn't mean he is less an Atenean because of that blunder. He showed what a true Atenean is by admitting his blunder, taking responsibility for the blunder of his speechwriter, apologizing to the school and the graduates and resigning from his post as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

I had the chance of meeting MVP at the Thanksgiving Mass immediately after the Blue Eagles won its second straight championship. I was introduced to him by Hermes Sumalinog (now running as Jagna councilor). MVP assured that Oping Sumalinog of Jagna, Bohol will be the next star of the Blue Eagles, will finish his studies at the Ateneo and possibly work in one of the companies of his business empire.

Great man with great vision not only for the Ateneo but for our country!

Passion for Justice
By: Justice Pompeyo Diaz
Commencement Speech, 1981 Ateneo Law Graduation

We are not here to celebrate the successful ending of your course in the law. We are here to send you on your way because from here, you will commence your profession in the law. We hold these commencement exercises, therefore, to say good-bye to you and to wish you well on your journey.

The closer a man approaches the sunset of his years, the more often his mind returns to the remembrance of things past. For to every man, if he lives long enough, there comes a point in life when he realizes, not without sadness, that there may no longer be time to climb new mountains. And that is when dreams begin to yield to memories as if reliving the past can somehow fill the void left by the flight of dreams.

It is more than fifty years since I sat where you sit now, an acolyte at the altar of the law. But the lengthening shadows of life only make the recollection of it as fresh and clear as if it were only yesterday.
I was given the privilege of addressing you one last time. I will do so, no longer as your teacher, but as a friend. But let me take a vantage point from which I can speak with some candor. As your own sun is rising in the east, mine has long since passed the point of high noon, and in the gathering dusk, I see you within the perspective of time. There are landmarks which I have beheld but which are still hidden from your view.

Some forty years ago, I took my oath of office as judge of the Court of First Instance for the Province of Rizal in the chambers of a Justice of the Supreme Court. This was my first appointment to the bench. You know I had several. It was an occasion for deep pride in my family especially when the appointee was hardly thirty-five years of age and the Justice administering the oath to him happened to be his own father.

After the oath-taking, my father took me in his own car and drove me to the courthouse in Pasig. He led me into the building, up the stairs, to the second floor, and walked with me to the door of the sala which would now be mine. He stood by the door and let me enter alone. I did, and I went straight to my desk. There I saw a piece of paper upon which were written in Latin, in my father’s own handwriting, those awesome words which must have shaken the walls of the Senate of ancient Rome: Let Justice be done, though the heavens fall!

In a lifetime devoted to the study of the law, these words still do not fail to stir up in me emotions which should have long since been spent, memories which should have long since been put to sleep, questions which should have long since been laid aside. What is the law? What is the truth? What is justice?
What is justice? It is to render to each man what is his due. What is the truth? It is that which you seek, and keep on seeking, so that you may render to each man what is his due. What is the law? It is the instrument by which you discover that which you have been seeking so that you may render to each man what is his due.

The answers seem such simple directives for everyone to follow. The reality, however, is different. For the law may be twisted to hide the truth in the same way that the truth may be distorted to ridicule justice. There are men in any society who are so self-serving that they try to make the law serve their selfish ends. In this group of men, the most dangerous is the man of the law who has no conscience. He has, in the arsenal of his knowledge, the very tools with which he can poison and disrupt society and bring it to an ignoble end. Against such a man, you must be fearless and indomitable, since to grant him victory is to deny yourselves the sanctity your oath and the grandeur of your vision.

Such men I have met in my lifetime, both in the courtroom and outside it. Society’s declared protection against such predators is the court of law before which all men are presumed to stand equal, whether mighty or weak. The integrity of the court is the foundation upon which a just society to established. Without this integrity, the vicissitudes of history will blow society towards the treacherous reefs of destruction and suck it into the whirlpool of oblivion.

A man of the law with a conscience on the other hand, is the means by which a nation fashions for itself a just, orderly and civilized society, where the least of its citizens can stand in his human dignity and where justice is the yardstick by which the citizen measures himself in his relationship with others and with his God.

Yet, a man of the law should have more than just a conscience. Conscience, too, can be dulled by exigencies in one’s life. He may just seek a livelihood from the law. Then no matter how financially successful he becomes, and no matter how much expertise he acquires in the law and its practice, he remains no more than a craftsman. He rises no higher than the humble or mechanic from whom we expect nothing beyond an honest day’s work and an honest charge for work performed, and to whom we would not dream of looking for leadership, guidance, and inspiration. He reduces law to a trade and himself to a mere huckster of legal skills.

What a man of the law should possess is a passion for for the truth, a passion for justice. This passion should be of such a magnitude as to give him the power to stand firm when those around him seem to be going mad. It should be of such solidity as to grant him the strength to stand alone when all else is turning into dust. It should be of such perseverance as to infuse him with a loneliness that only those who have a vision can endure. It is a passion to keep alive that eternal challenge that justice must be done whatever be the cost.

You are not only men of the law. You are men of vision. Underlying all that you have learned here at the Ateneo the never ending theme of passion for the truth, of passion for justice. Your vision is forged here, and that vision is what makes you unique among your peers. You do not know yet what life has in store for you, but never sacrifice your vision on the altar of expediency. For without this vision, you shall become hollow inside, you shall become men without souls preying on the innocence and helplessness of your fellowmen. You shall become the unscrupulous auctioneers of history whose honor is on the block, ready to go the highest bidder.

On the other hand, if truly you remain faithful to your vision, then you are a boon to society. You will give without favor upon your fellowmen, sifting through facts to arrive at the truth, seeking truth to render justice. The mighty and the weak shall stand naked before you, for they shall draw strength from your knowledge of the law and from your commitment to the truth. Then and only then, shall justice truly prevail and upon this earth will shine a place of heaven. For what is justice but an attribute of God Himself?

Walk firm, therefore, and walk with courage, upon this path you have chosen. Let your vision guide you. The law is a noble profession, and it is professed by noble men. See to it that you earn that nobility by acting as your fellowmen’s shield and protector against injustice and oppression.

As future lawyers, you have your tasks cut out of you. You need have no fear that they will prove too much for you if, in taking them up, you bear always in mind that doubt is the beginning of wisdom, that humility is the grace of the wise, that compassion is the virtue of the strong and above all that reason is the life of the law, and that the service of justice, which is nothing more than the search for the truth, is one of man’s noblest achievements.

Farewell! May you always in your quest for a better world, walk in the shadow of Him who gave you life and honor.

In a legal point of view, how can you sue Arnel Pineda for a crime committed beyond the criminal jurisdiction of the Philippines?

I remember a PBA game in Calape years ago. I think it was between Alaska and Red Bull. A local talent was asked to sing the song. Unlike Christian Bautista who forgot only two lines, she forgot almost half of the lyrics and went on humming until the end. Certainly she got nervous and forgot the lyrics. Would you punish that girl for forgetting the lyrics?

Would you punish Arnel Pineda for standing there being proud as a Filipino and sing from his heart. For me it was the most sincere rendition of the Lupang Hinirang I've ever seen. Second was that of Ciara Sotto in Pacquaio-Morales II that Manny Pacquaio while doing the mitts with Roach shed some tears.

That's not far from reality. Maybe we can talk to Gerard Orcullo during his visit this May in our town. I have been planning to talk to his boss Aries Caslib but got very busy this elections. Caslib is the Head Coach of San Beda and the Philippine Team and a figure in PFF. I did not know that we are still under Cebu.

What's the role of Mr. Angalot in Bohol Football? I have a friend here in Manila also from Bohol her name is Richell Angalot. She is connected with GMA7. Maybe they are relatives.

Yah it is a good team. A lot of fellow alumni are great players and until now play the sport competitively.

I did not play competitive Football during my high school in Don Bosco Cebu. I played basketball and was part of the Cebu Catholic Schools Championship Team in 1999. But I gave up on basketball already. After graduating in high school, I went here in Manila with the team captain of Don Bosco(also a Boholano by lineage).My friend was very good then and would easily qualify as a PBA material. But he became a victim of politics here in the Big City and ended his playing years virtually unknown. It's not the same as football. If you have talent, then you will certainly don the jerseys of UST, San Beda, UP, FEU and even the Philippine Team.

Councilor Cosgafa did play for Don Bosco. He is also active in Cebu Football. We sent our players in the last Thirsty Tournament and did well considering it was the first exposure of our kids in Cebu.

Hope to meet you in the future and exchange notes on how to strenthen Bohol Football. But in the meantime we will see if this project of ours in Tubigon (Five-Year Project now on its third year) will end up with good results. We aim to send three as varsity scholars in Manila in the next two-three years. If the results are good, then I'll talk to some provincial officials probably to expand this program provincewide.

But successful or not, I will not give up Football even if I have my sights in boxing promotions also.

Best regards and God bless.

Do you know Dodo Ejoc? He used to be one of our good players in Tubigon. He is now based there in Tagbilaran. He told me he still plays Football there. Maybe we can meet and exchange notes about football. I come home almost every week because of the elections.

Best regards.

OK. We are still finalizing the details sa invitational tournament. We are focusing on the lower age brackets elementary to high school but our first tourney last October involved college players and even older. Will keep you posted.

Best regards.

We will consider inviting other teams from Bohol since it will be an invitational tournament. Don Bosco Cebu will also play. Thanks. Can you give me the contact details of the FA in Tagbilaran. I tried searching sa internet before. Thanks

More links to the First Football Clinic with Philippine Team Members and UAAP varsities

http://tubiganon.ning.com/profiles/blogs/1st-tubigon-football-clinic-3
http://tubiganon.ning.com/profiles/blogs/1st-tubigon-football-clinic-2
http://tubiganon.ning.com/profiles/blogs/1st-tubigon-football-clinic-1
http://tubiganon.ning.com/profiles/blogs/1st-tubigon-football-clinic

TUBIGON FOOTBALL PROGRAM

HISTORY

Once upon a time, a German national named Max Brandenburg, while building a posh subdivision in town, had a dream of building a formidable soccer team and envisioned seeing a Tubigonian in the German Bundes Liga. He summoned one of his trusted lieutenants in that subdivision project to help train students from Holy Cross Academy. The name of that guy is Froilan “Ploy” Cosgafa who would later become a three-term councilor of the town. The team went on to become one of the winningest and most feared teams in the province and saw its player reached the Regional Sports Tournament CVRAA.

The soccer program of Mr. Brandenburg went on until his untimely demise. Without being downtrodden and discouraged, Councilor Cosgafa continued to help the local school to develop the skills of the youth in football. Then, Councilor Cosgafa persevered and found succor from his fellow Bosconian (Don Bosco Alumnus) and football fanatic Julius Gregory B. Delgado, a Manila-based lawyer who also heads the Tubigonians community in the capital city. Although it is too much to achieve the dream of Mr. Brandenburg to see a Filipino in European Football, Councilor Cosgafa and Atty. Delgado believe that it is not impossible for a Tubigonian to play in the UAAP and NCAA schools in Metro Manila and eventually in the Philippine Team. Even if the elite teams are dominated from talents of Barotac Nuevo and Sta. Barbara in Iloilo, Bacolod City, Dumaguete and Masbate, they believe that with a proper training program, we can see a bright future in this sport.

This dream was translated into reality when Atty. Delgado met three excellent soccer players in Manila through a Bosconian classmate. Soccer players Gerard Orcullo, Joel Pontillas and Tomas Liao are revered and feared in the soccer community of this country. They are among the elites and finest soccer players of the country in this generation. Atty. Delgado did not hesitate to ask them to come to Tubigon and teach our coaches and players. They did not hesitate to give a nod and they agreed to do waive their talent fees.

Then in one of his college reunions, Atty. Delgado met Mr. Olen Navarro, his former colleague in the UP Student Council. Mr. Navarro is connected with the largest and most famous sports distribution store in the country. Atty. Delgado asked him if he can help our local players through soccer equipment. Toby’s Philippines agreed to donate soccer balls and cones to aid the training of our youth and in return, Toby’s will be the official sports partner of the Municipality of Tubigon for the said project.

FIRST TUBIGON FOOTBALL CLINIC WITH PHILIPPINE TEAM MEMBERS AND UAAP VARSITIES

On 16-18 May 2009, the 1st Tubigon Soccer Clinic became a reality with the mentors from Manila set foot in Tubigon Soccer Field and taught the fundamental drills to the varsities of Holy Cross Academy and Holy Family of Nazareth School. Then on the following days, advance drills and scrimmages were conducted. The mentors noted the skills of three young players whom they see as having potentials to play for Manila schools.

Because of these observations, Councilor Cosgafa and Atty. Delgado agreed to have a follow-up activity to sustain the gains of soccer development and also to prepare the varsities of Holy Cross and Holy Family of Nazareth for the Bohol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) Athletic Meet. Hence, the 1st Batang World Cup Soccer Tournament and 2nd Tubigon Soccer Clinic were conceived.

SECOND TUBIGON SOCCER CLINIC AND BATANG WORLD CUP FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

On 31 October 2009, UST Tiger's Joel Pontillas along with a Cebu varsity visited and conducted the 2nd Tubigon Soccer Clinic. Progress was seen as it drew many participants numbering to fifty (50) including elementary students. Toby Sports provided prizes and give-aways (sports bags, water containers) while Mayor Luna Piezas and Senator Jamby Madrigal donated cash prize and medals, respectively.

The event also featured the exhibition match between Sagbayan and Tubigon. The White Team led by University of Cebu's stalwart Julius Jumao-as took away the Copa Tubigon Trophy (similar to the trophy of English Premiere League) and the cash prize. The elementary division had its own tournament with only two teams participating in a winner-take-all match.

SUMMER TRAINING CAMP AND SEVEN-ASIDE INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT

The third installment of the project is the Intensive Summer Training Camp with former Philippine Team player, Mendiola FC player, and San Beda Football Team Assistant Coach Gerard Orcullo, UAAP Goalkeeper of the Year and Ateneo Blue Eagles Goalie R.S. Mantos and former UST Football Team Defender Spiderman Pontillas on 14-18 May 2010 at the Tubigon Football Field.

The details of the Seven-Aside Invitational Tournament is still being discussed.

Links to the 1st Tubigon Football Clinic with Philippine Team Members and UAAP varsities

http://tubiganon.ning.com/profiles/blogs/tubigon-soccer-clinic-2009
http://tubiganon.ning.com/profiles/blogs/batang-world-cup-soccer

Links to 2nd Tubigon Football Clinic and Batang World Cup Football Tournament

http://tubiganon.ning.com/profiles/blogs/2nd-tubigon-soccer-clinic-and-4
http://tubiganon.ning.com/profiles/blogs/2nd-tubigon-soccer-clinic-and-3
http://tubiganon.ning.com/profiles/blogs/2nd-tubigon-soccer-clinic-and-2
http://tubiganon.ning.com/profiles/blogs/2nd-tubigon-soccer-clinic-and-1

My dearest Ballsy,


I write you this letter with tears in my eyes and as if steel fingers are crushing my heart because I wanted so much to be with you as you celebrate your legal emancipation. Now that you have come of age, my love, a voice tells me that I am no longer young and suddenly, I feel old.


An old poet gave this advice very long ago: ‘when you are sad, remember the roses will bloom in December.’ I want to send you bouquet of roses, big red roses from my dreamland garden. Unfortunately for the present, my roses are not in bloom, in fact they have dropped all their petals and only the thorns are left to keep me company. I do think it is fitting to send you a thicket of thorns on this memorable day!


I am very proud of you because you have inherited all the best traits of your mother. You are sensible, responsible, even-tempered and sincere with the least pretenses and affection which I vehemently detest in a woman. I am sure, like your mother, you will possess that rare brand of silent courage and that combination of fidelity and fortitude that will be the life vest of your man in the tragic moments of his life.


During my lonely hours of solitary confinement in Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija last March and April with nothing else to do but pray and daydream, with only my fond memories to keep me company, I planned a weekend barrio fiesta for you in Tarlac for your 18th birthday. I fooled myself into believing that my ordeal would end with the fiscal year. I planned to invite all your classmates and friends and their families for the weekend.


The schedule called for an early departure by bus from Manila and the first stop will be Concepcion, where lunch will be served by the pool. And after lunch, you were to visit the Santa Rita Elementary School to distribute cookies and ice cream to the children of that public school where you were first enrolled. I guess sheer nostalgia prompted me to include Santa Rita. We were only three then: Mommie, you and I. Those were the days of happy memories, little responsibilities, tremendous freedom, a great future ahead and capped by a fulfillment of love. You are the first fruit of our union, the first proof of our love and the first seal of our affections.


From Concepcion we were to proceed to Luisita for the barrio fiesta. I intended to invite a friend who could roast an entire cow succulently. Swimming, pelota, dancing and eating would have been the order of the day. Sunday morning was reserved for a trip around the Hacienda and the mill and maybe golf for some of the parents and later a picnic-lunch on Uncle Tony’s Island. Return to Manila after lunch. I am afraid this will have to remain one of the many dreams I had in Laur.


Our future has suddenly become uncertain and our fate unknown. I am even now beginning to doubt whether I’ll ever be able to return to you and the family. Hence, I would like to ask you these special favors.


Love your mother, whose love for you, you will never be able to match. She is not the greatest mother in the world, she is your sincerest friend. Take care of your younger sisters and brother and lavish them with the love and care I would like to continue giving them but am unable to do so. Help Noynoy along and pray hard that he will grow to be a real, responsible man who in later years will protect you all. You are the model for your three younger sisters. Your responsibility is therefore great. Please endeavor to live up to our highest expectations. Be more tolerant to Pinky, more accessible to Viel, our little genius-princess, and more charitable to Krissy, our baby doll, and make up for my neglect.


Finally, forgive me, my love, for not having been an ideal, good and thoughtful father to you all as I pursued public office. I had hopes and high resolve of making up, but I am afraid my destiny will not oblige. I seal this letter with a drop of tear and a prayer in my heart, that somehow, somewhere we shall meet again and I will finally be able to make up for all my lapses, in the kingdom where justice reigns supreme and love is eternal.


I love you,


Dad

August 25, 1973
Fort
11:30pm

Mr. Benigno S.. Aquino III
P E R S O N A L

My dearest Son:

One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.

In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man, the matador, is pitted against an angry bull. The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered
with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet “muleta” and sword. The Spaniards call this “the moment of truth.” This is the climax of the bullfight.

This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie’s, your sisters’, yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.

I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed
against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I’ve been charged with illegal possession of firearms,
violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the “Anti-Subversion Act” and murder.

You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: why did you do it? Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people. For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.

Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets. The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.

I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings. In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.

Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate. Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage. It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.

I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant’s revenge.

It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.

Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.

I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and
hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.

In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.

Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.

Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.

I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide. The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.

There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength. Son, the ball is now in your hands.

Lovingly,
Dad
Bonifacio

August 25, 1973
Fort
11:30pm

Mr. Benigno S.. Aquino III
P E R S O N A L

My dearest Son:

One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.

In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man, the matador, is pitted against an angry bull. The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered
with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet “muleta” and sword. The Spaniards call this “the moment of truth.” This is the climax of the bullfight.

This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie’s, your sisters’, yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.

I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed
against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I’ve been charged with illegal possession of firearms,
violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the “Anti-Subversion Act” and murder.

You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: why did you do it? Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people. For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.

Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets. The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.

I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings. In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.

Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate. Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage. It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.

I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant’s revenge.

It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.

Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.

I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and
hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.

In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.

Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.

Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.

I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide. The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.

There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength. Son, the ball is now in your hands.

Lovingly,
Dad
Bonifacio

August 25, 1973
Fort
11:30pm

Mr. Benigno S.. Aquino III
P E R S O N A L

My dearest Son:

One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.

In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man, the matador, is pitted against an angry bull. The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered
with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet “muleta” and sword. The Spaniards call this “the moment of truth.” This is the climax of the bullfight.

This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie’s, your sisters’, yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.

I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed
against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I’ve been charged with illegal possession of firearms,
violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the “Anti-Subversion Act” and murder.

You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: why did you do it? Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people. For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.

Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets. The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.

I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings. In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.

Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate. Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage. It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.

I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant’s revenge.

It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.

Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.

I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and
hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.

In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.

Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.

Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.

I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide. The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.

There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength. Son, the ball is now in your hands.

Lovingly,
Dad
Bonifacio

Yes, nyor. I assume we are brethren in the profession and fellow in Bohol-IBP. How was the Christmas Party?

Isn't it a mark of a traditional politician who shops for a more favorable forum or place to run? Rene is just like Datu Arroyo who had a District created for himself this coming elections. Why would we vote for Rene? He had his chance and he bunggled us? He should explain his mansion after the deal with SALCON.

Does he deserve really to win? He better create his own District since he wont win in any of the Districts of Bohol. The SALCON is still fresh in the minds of the Boholanos. I will post the SALCON issue in the days to come so that people would be reminded.

Rene Relampagos is a forum-shopper. Last election didto siya nidagan sa 3rd District. Karon sa 1st District nasad siya modagan. I will not be surprised if in 2013 he will buy a house in Ubay and run for Congressman in the 2nd District and he will achieve such feat that no any other politician has done in the country. Running in all districts in his province and losing in every occasion.

Presko pa sa huna-huna sa mga tawo ang SALCON issue. Si Oscar Glovasa, padulong na siya mosawop aning kalibutana. Most probably gusto lang niya magbilin ug legacy. Pang-lapida aside from his being the first Boholano Bar Topnotcher.

Glovasa for Congressman!

"Airline companies are hereby sternly admonished that it is their duty not only to cursorily instruct but to strictly require their personnel to be more accommodating towards customers, passengers and the general public. After all, common carriers such as airline companies are in the business of rendering public service, which is the primary reason for their enfranchisement and recognition in our law. Because the passengers in a contract of carriage do not contract merely for transportation, they have a right to be treated with kindness, respect, courtesy and consideration. A contract to transport passengers is quite different in kind and degree from any other contractual relation, and generates a relation attended with public duty. The operation of a common carrier is a business affected with public interest and must be directed to serve the comfort and convenience of passengers. Passengers are human beings with human feelings and emotions; they should not be treated as mere numbers or statistics for revenue. (Saludo, Jr. vs. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 95536,  March 23, 1992) (Emphasis mine)

What? Only an apology and four round trip tickets? Cebu Pacific management must be joking.

Cebu Pacific must learn its lesson and must pay the price for this indignities. A five (5) million verdict is just and reasonable to compensate the mental anguish, bismirchment, wounded feelings of the child and the mother. For they will forever remember that fateful day that they were discriminated and almost dragged out of the plane.

"Passengers have the right to be treated by the carrier's employees with kindness, respect, courtesy and due consideration. They are entitled to be protected against personal misconduct, injurious language, indignities and abuses from such employees So it is that any discourteous conduct on the part of these employees toward a passenger gives the latter an action for damages against the carrier." (Korean Airlines Company vs. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 114061.  August 3, 1994)

Quote from: bolingitboy on December 23, 2009, 11:15:32 PM


just one of the ways to call the attention's writer that his pronoun can be be either misleading, confusing, or plain annoying. it really doesn't have to taken literally... by the way, i have heard of men who care called "sweet". naa gani puy laki nga nganlag "love"... just in case you didn't know- or haven't heard.

"writer's attention" not "attention's writer" and "doesn't have to be taken literally" and not "doesn't have to taken literally". It seems you want to be so technical and yet you commit your own errors also. Don't be to arrogant paisano!

I'm currently based in Manila but my IBP Chapter is Bohol. I carry it with pride in my pleadings and official communications. I'm really saddened by this news considering that, upon passing the Bar, I made a commitment to help and contribute to the development of the local bar and help its projects in the future. But with this scandal hounding our local bar, this may make us, Boholano lawyers practicing in other places, think twice. We demand transparency since part of our annual IBP Fees goes to the local chapter.

Sorry for the typos. Sweet's leading man is RJ Calipuz of Pinoy Fear Factor. She is in Bohol right now to promote the short film.

http://herwincabasal.blogspot.com/2009/12/silakbo-poster.html

http://herwincabasal.blogspot.com/2009/12/silakbo-poster.html

Engel Nitz Sufficiencia of Bgy. Guiwanon, Tubigon, Bohol starred in the third Indie Film of Herwin Benedictos Cabasal "Silakbo". The Red Carpet Premiere Night was held last December 12, 2009 at Cinema 8 of the Robinsons Galleria.

Engel Nitz or Sweet graduated from Holy Cross Academy and went on to finish his double degree in Airline Management and Tourism at the Indiana Aerospace University. She has a twin by the name of Engel Franscine or Shugar and they were both former models in Bohol and Cebu.

Yes. Hermes Sumalinog, Sr. of Bgy. Looc, Jagna, Bohol played for UV and commercial teams in the 70's. He dreamt of playing the PBA but was implicated for an alleged game fixing which was never proven. He quit playing basketball, worked in a bank and married a Cebuana.

Hermes Sr. focused into coaching and led UV Green Lancers to a National Collegiate Championship in the early 90's. He then coached Don Bosco High School and led the school to a runner-up finish in the National Inter-Secondary Championships losing closely to the fabled San Beda Red Cubs.

It is a Cinderella Story for this wonderful basketball family. Hermes Sr. just hoped that teaching his three sons basketball early would be their ticket to the PBA, a dream he never achieved as a basketball player.

Michael Sumalinog, the eldest son was one of the top high school players in the late 90's leading Don Bosco Cebu to Adidas Streetball National Championship along with his younger brother Hermes Sumalinog, Jr., Kenneth Robin (who would later play for UP Maroons) and John Montecillo (who played for San Carlos Warriors). Michael Sumalinog was recruited by Manila schools upon graduation and suited for the UST Growling Tigers. What he thought would be a promising college career ended with lack of playing time and could only think that being a "Bisaya" was the reason. Michael just played as reliever to the son of their Head Coach Aric del Rosario. He ended his basketball career playing with Sunkist in the PBL virtually unknown but finished his college studies at the UST.

Hermes Sumalinog, Jr. also played for Don Bosco Growling Tigers in high school along with behemoth Kenneth Robin. The duo led Don Bosco to a runner-up finish to the fabled UV Jr. Green Lancers in CESAFI tournament. Robin and Hermes were suited to be a package duo to try-out in Manila schools but the former discreetly negotiated and signed up for the UP Maroons leaving Hermes alone to try his luck in Manila. He ended up with the Mapua Cardinals and ended his career also virtually unknown despite gutsy and aggressive performance in NCAA games.

Oping Sumalinog, like his brothers, played for Don Bosco High School starting early in his freshman year. He did not finish his high school as his father was virtually forced out of the school after their livelihood (canteen) was given to other concessionaires notwithstanding their live contract which was yet to expire in two years. With a heavy heart, Hermes Sr. resigned as Head Coach of Don Bosco, the institution that he and his sons served for the past decade. Hermes Sr. brought Oping to Manila to try-out with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

It was also a roller coaster ride for Oping Sumalinog in the Katipunan-based team. For the first three years, he sat in the bench most of the time watching his team win or lose. Frequently, he would be played during the dying minutes or in basketball parlance the so-called "garbage game" during his first three seasons. Oping did not entertain thoughts of quitting and the fear that he would suffer the same fate as his father and brothers. He strived hard and showed dedication in team practices. Despite good showing during off-season tournaments, Head Coach Norman Black still would not give him the quality minutes he deserved.

His performance in the Philippine Collegiate Championships showed his dedication to the craft and the perseverance to excel in basketball. Last Sunday, his brothers and this writer could not contain their emotions as Oping finally got quality time to show to the world that a Boholano has the skills and the heart. As this writer told Oping after he was interviewed by the court-side reporter, "God tested your patience. You waited for three years for this moment to come. Today, you just gave Ateneo another basketball crown. It is worth the wait and enjoy the ride."

Indeed, Oping Sumalinog has arrived!

PHILIPPINE Collegiate Championship League (PCCL) semifinals game savior Christopher "Oping" Sumalinog is proud to have been discovered from the Queen City of the South.


Oping who started shooting hoops at the age of six in Don Bosco Technological School in Labangon, Cebu is now in his third playing year for back-to-back defending champion Ateneo de Manila University (Admu) Blue Eagles.

He led his team in its semifinals win in the PCCL tournament against San Beda College chipping in 14 points and seven rebounds and played a crucial role in Game 3 of the Finals with 11 points and nine rebounds.

The Blue Eagles were crowned the new champions of the PCCL 2009 defeating UAAP rival Far Eastern University, 74-70.

This proud Cebuano shared to Sun.Star that it was his family who influenced his liking for the sport.

Oping's father, Hermes, used to play for the University of the Visayas while his older brothers, Michael Anthony and Hermes Jr., are alumni players of the University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers and the Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals, respectively.

"It was the first sport that was introduced to me by my dad. I eventually learned to love it in the process," said the fourth year AB Interdiscplinary Studies student.

Oping was discovered by the Ateneo team in his third year in high school when he was playing in the Milo Best and Cesafi tournaments.

It was his father who took care of his basketball career and eventually picked Ateneo for his son.

When asked if his dad's decision was fine with him, the Blue Eagle forward quickly said "yes".

"Ateneo does not even exist before in my life... I think of the schools in Manila as if its far away, like its from another planet," said the young Sumalinog.

He felt excited, trying out for the Katipunan-based team, at the same time scared of what is ahead of his collegiate career.

"There's a part of me that's confident at the same time I was also scared because when I got there, it felt like as if I was alone and the opponents are much bigger players."

Like his teammates Nonoy Baclao who came from Bacolod and Emman Monfort from Iloilo, Oping shared that he also felt "culture shocked" because he was not fluent with Tagalog.

But his home taught him to build a strong character - physically and emotionally - and this is what keeps him going.

He said bullies in basketball leagues cannot be avoided but he trusts that he can overcome them.

"Of course if you feel afraid, negative things come to your mind but as time pass by, you get close to your teammates and it (Ateneo) feels like your second home," Oping added.

After playing for Ateneo, Oping wishes to go pro in the Philippine Basketball League and the Philippine Basketball Association.

"(I will continue) while I can still play with my young legs and young body," he said.

He sees his former teammate Chris Tiu as his inspiration because of the former team captain's leadership.

"Nasa kanya na sa lahat eh," said Oping who admires his determination and Tiu's love for the country.

Outside the Blue Eagle squad, JV Casio is his idol. "He's so humble even if he plays really well. Quiet but deadly."

The humble Blue Eagle is armed by faith as he will continue to soar high in the tournaments of his squad.

He will be visiting his hometown this December to celebrate Christmas with his family.

To his fans in Cebu, Oping expressed his gratitude saying: "Ang ako rang masulti lang sa mga taga-Cebu, apilon lang pud nako ang mga taga-Bohol, kai ang akong papa taga Bohol man.so sa mga taga Cebu ug taga Bohol, thank you kayo sa pagsuporta sa mga inyong pag-ampo namo kai nakatabang intawon sa among pag-champion sa kuan (UAAP) back-to-back (To all those in Cebu and Bohol, thank you for all the support and to all the prayers because it helped us in reaching back-to-back UAAP championship)."

This religious Cebuano cager also advised aspiring players from the South to perform well in their field and leave it up to the Lord to do his part.

"It is normal experiencing failure but what is important is to show up, perform well if you have a tryout or if you have a game. The Lord will do His share; just do your part as well."

Hermes Sumalinog, Sr. ran in 2007 Elections but lost. He making another attempt this 2010 elections and promises to focus on sports and youth development if given the chance to serve his hometown of Jagna, Bohol.

PHILIPPINE Collegiate Championship League (PCCL) semifinals game savior Christopher "Oping" Sumalinog is proud to have been discovered from the Queen City of the South.


Oping who started shooting hoops at the age of six in Don Bosco Technological School in Labangon, Cebu is now in his third playing year for back-to-back defending champion Ateneo de Manila University (Admu) Blue Eagles.

He led his team in its semifinals win in the PCCL tournament against San Beda College chipping in 14 points and seven rebounds and played a crucial role in Game 3 of the Finals with 11 points and nine rebounds.

The Blue Eagles were crowned the new champions of the PCCL 2009 defeating UAAP rival Far Eastern University, 74-70.

This proud Cebuano shared to Sun.Star that it was his family who influenced his liking for the sport.

Oping's father, Hermes, used to play for the University of the Visayas while his older brothers, Michael Anthony and Hermes Jr., are alumni players of the University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers and the Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals, respectively.

"It was the first sport that was introduced to me by my dad. I eventually learned to love it in the process," said the fourth year AB Interdiscplinary Studies student.

Oping was discovered by the Ateneo team in his third year in high school when he was playing in the Milo Best and Cesafi tournaments.

It was his father who took care of his basketball career and eventually picked Ateneo for his son.

When asked if his dad's decision was fine with him, the Blue Eagle forward quickly said "yes".

"Ateneo does not even exist before in my life... I think of the schools in Manila as if its far away, like its from another planet," said the young Sumalinog.

He felt excited, trying out for the Katipunan-based team, at the same time scared of what is ahead of his collegiate career.

"There's a part of me that's confident at the same time I was also scared because when I got there, it felt like as if I was alone and the opponents are much bigger players."

Like his teammates Nonoy Baclao who came from Bacolod and Emman Monfort from Iloilo, Oping shared that he also felt "culture shocked" because he was not fluent with Tagalog.

But his home taught him to build a strong character - physically and emotionally - and this is what keeps him going.

He said bullies in basketball leagues cannot be avoided but he trusts that he can overcome them.

"Of course if you feel afraid, negative things come to your mind but as time pass by, you get close to your teammates and it (Ateneo) feels like your second home," Oping added.

After playing for Ateneo, Oping wishes to go pro in the Philippine Basketball League and the Philippine Basketball Association.

"(I will continue) while I can still play with my young legs and young body," he said.

He sees his former teammate Chris Tiu as his inspiration because of the former team captain's leadership.

"Nasa kanya na sa lahat eh," said Oping who admires his determination and Tiu's love for the country.

Outside the Blue Eagle squad, JV Casio is his idol. "He's so humble even if he plays really well. Quiet but deadly."

The humble Blue Eagle is armed by faith as he will continue to soar high in the tournaments of his squad.

He will be visiting his hometown this December to celebrate Christmas with his family.

To his fans in Cebu, Oping expressed his gratitude saying: "Ang ako rang masulti lang sa mga taga-Cebu, apilon lang pud nako ang mga taga-Bohol, kai ang akong papa taga Bohol man.so sa mga taga Cebu ug taga Bohol, thank you kayo sa pagsuporta sa mga inyong pag-ampo namo kai nakatabang intawon sa among pag-champion sa kuan (UAAP) back-to-back (To all those in Cebu and Bohol, thank you for all the support and to all the prayers because it helped us in reaching back-to-back UAAP championship)."

This religious Cebuano cager also advised aspiring players from the South to perform well in their field and leave it up to the Lord to do his part.

"It is normal experiencing failure but what is important is to show up, perform well if you have a tryout or if you have a game. The Lord will do His share; just do your part as well."

PHILIPPINE Collegiate Championship League (PCCL) semifinals game savior Christopher "Oping" Sumalinog is proud to have been discovered from the Queen City of the South.


Oping who started shooting hoops at the age of six in Don Bosco Technological School in Labangon, Cebu is now in his third playing year for back-to-back defending champion Ateneo de Manila University (Admu) Blue Eagles.


He led his team in its semifinals win in the PCCL tournament against San Beda College chipping in 14 points and seven rebounds and played a crucial role in Game 3 of the Finals with 11 points and nine rebounds.


The Blue Eagles were crowned the new champions of the PCCL 2009 defeating UAAP rival Far Eastern University, 74-70.

This proud Cebuano shared to Sun.Star that it was his family who influenced his liking for the sport.

Oping's father, Hermes, used to play for the University of the Visayas while his older brothers, Michael Anthony and Hermes Jr., are alumni players of the University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers and the Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals, respectively.

"It was the first sport that was introduced to me by my dad. I eventually learned to love it in the process," said the fourth year AB Interdiscplinary Studies student.

Oping was discovered by the Ateneo team in his third year in high school when he was playing in the Milo Best and Cesafi tournaments.

It was his father who took care of his basketball career and eventually picked Ateneo for his son.

When asked if his dad's decision was fine with him, the Blue Eagle forward quickly said "yes".

"Ateneo does not even exist before in my life... I think of the schools in Manila as if its far away, like its from another planet," said the young Sumalinog.

He felt excited, trying out for the Katipunan-based team, at the same time scared of what is ahead of his collegiate career.

"There's a part of me that's confident at the same time I was also scared because when I got there, it felt like as if I was alone and the opponents are much bigger players."

Like his teammates Nonoy Baclao who came from Bacolod and Emman Monfort from Iloilo, Oping shared that he also felt "culture shocked" because he was not fluent with Tagalog.

But his home taught him to build a strong character - physically and emotionally - and this is what keeps him going.

He said bullies in basketball leagues cannot be avoided but he trusts that he can overcome them.

"Of course if you feel afraid, negative things come to your mind but as time pass by, you get close to your teammates and it (Ateneo) feels like your second home," Oping added.

After playing for Ateneo, Oping wishes to go pro in the Philippine Basketball League and the Philippine Basketball Association.

"(I will continue) while I can still play with my young legs and young body," he said.

He sees his former teammate Chris Tiu as his inspiration because of the former team captain's leadership.

"Nasa kanya na sa lahat eh," said Oping who admires his determination and Tiu's love for the country.

Outside the Blue Eagle squad, JV Casio is his idol. "He's so humble even if he plays really well. Quiet but deadly."

The humble Blue Eagle is armed by faith as he will continue to soar high in the tournaments of his squad.

He will be visiting his hometown this December to celebrate Christmas with his family.

To his fans in Cebu, Oping expressed his gratitude saying: "Ang ako rang masulti lang sa mga taga-Cebu, apilon lang pud nako ang mga taga-bohol, kai ang akong papa taga bohol man.so sa mga taga Cebu ug taga Bohol, thank you kayo sa pagsuporta sa mga inyong pag-ampo namo kai nakatabang intawon sa among pag-champion sa kuan (UAAP) back-to-back (To all those in Cebu and Bohol, thank you for all the support and to all the prayers because it helped us in reaching back-to-back UAAP championship)."

This religious Cebuano cager also advised aspiring players from the South to perform well in their field and leave it up to the Lord to do his part.

"It is normal experiencing failure but what is important is to show up, perform well if you have a tryout or if you have a game. The Lord will do His share; just do your part as well."