Eagerly Springing Ahead (T.I.O. #44)
GMA's noontime shakeup upsets some viewers, but other issues demand our attention.
Hello there!
It’s springtime in the North and autumn in the South.
GMA is super excited to bring the arch-rival’s noontime show after Holy Week. But some loyal fans of Kamuning are bummed, calling it a betrayal like Judas Iscariot and a missed chance for GMA to show off its own stuff post-TAPE—even the plan of elevating TikToClock (a more logical move to make them happy) didn’t happen.
We're hopping into a week full of challenges before taking a well-deserved break for Holy Week.
📝 Deliverables
📝 On WordPress, I published two articles since the last issue: the unfortunate fate of Tahanang Pinakamasaya and the incoming Holy Week programming insights (especially on the new channels and Jesuit Communications).
▶ On YouTube, I discussed the merits of Sunday morning talk shows (no, not the afternoon ones for showbiz that ended in 2015).
News from the Past Week
National
📜 New Legislation:
🚨 Ex-BuCor official Zulueta, co-accused in Percy Lapid murder, passes away | GMA News
💰 Vlogger Yexel Sebastian facing complaints for P50-billion scam | GMA News
💇🏽♂️ Cutting it short: CHED finds a ‘middle ground’ to resolve haircut issue at EARIST | Manila Bulletin
Metro
😋 Calorie count in QC restos required | One News
Regional
🪵 Septuagenarian in Ilocos Norte apologizes for throwing wood at rider | Manila Bulletin
🐕🦺 Hero dog dies protecting family from cobra in Panabo City | GMA News
📄 West Visayas State University invalidates admissions exams over leak | Rappler
International
🌏 🗳 Global Election Watch
No surprise!
Putin won by default — or 87% of the vote — in last Sunday’s presidential election in Russia. The new set of criteria for candidates, such as being at least 35 years old, living in Russia for at least 25 years, and not holding foreign citizenship. The opponents include Vladislav Davankov, Leonid Slutsky, and Nikolay Kharitonov. His win extends his rule to at least 2030, making him Russia's longest-serving leader since Stalin.
The election faced criticism for lacking competition and allegations of voter coercion in annexed Ukrainian regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a "sham" and criticized Putin's power consolidation.
With that, TLDR asked: Will South Ossetia join the country?
⏭️ Next elections to watch: Slovakia (ceremonial president) and Senegal (executive president)
🌋 Other International News
The recent activity of the Icelandic volcano has been significant. The eruption, the fourth in three months, continues to release lava and smoke. Despite a slowdown in volcanic activity, the eruption persists, with lava flowing west and southward. This powerful eruption poses a threat to Grindavik's infrastructure, and authorities are monitoring it closely as the lava could reach the sea, causing a toxic gas release.
Sports
OLYMPICS
🤺 Fencer Maxine Esteban qualifies for the Olympics but not under Team Philippines | Manila Bulletin
Flag ban threat headed off as Philippines declared compliant by WADA | SPIN.ph
Business
🚢 San Miguel Corporation is dropping the controversial PAREX project | Inquirer
💴 Bank of Japan ends negative interest rate policy, opting for its first hike in 17 years | Japan Today
Entertainment
🎤 B-Pop Promise, Burst with Disappointment?
Queen of Bangsamoro pop (B-Pop) Shaira made waves on music platforms with 'Selos’ but her song is dropped from digital streaming services due to the usage of the melody from Lenka’s “Trouble is a Friend.”
Other Entertainment
🎰 Bruno Mars’ $50-million gambling debt denied by casino company | Inquirer
OBITUARIES:
Lifestyle
🖼 Boholano Elvin Vitor wins Leonardo da Vinci International Art Prize | Rappler
Insights outside Substack
🚩 Quiboloy and his separation of church and state excuse | The Filipino Scribe
⛵ Public opinion still has clout | Manuel L. Quezon III, Inquirer
🎤 Also this (from Christian Esguerra):
🗳️ Results from the Selected Portions of the MoSS: Sports
Apart from the Holy Week programming, two topics (both sports) were asked on the recently concluded Monthly Sundry Survey (MoSS).
🏐 Volleyball
Last week, I ventured into the chaotic world of domestic volleyball, and let me tell you, it's volleyball soup in Reliance, Mandaluyong!
Anyway, they're all about the top domestic leagues, like the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), at 83%, followed by the top two collegiate leagues, the UAAP and the NCAA (which will begin next month) at 67% and 58%, respectively. Then the newcomer — the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) — and Spikers' Turf, with a modest 25% share.
Now, let's talk hurdles. We're talking limited free TV airtime, more financial rollercoasters than you can count, occasional snooze-fest games, and fans left craving a better show. Plus, where's our national league like the MPBL for volleyball? MPVA had a good start, right? Without it, our players are stuck in a growth rut.
But do not worry, the survey respondents have spoken! They're chanting for more media attention, matches away from the city hustle, and an honest discussion about money with non-political sponsors. And why not add some foreign flavor for good measure? Oh, and did someone mention coaching upgrades? It's time to ignite a volleyball revolution! 🏐✨
🏒 NHL
So, here's what the survey revealed about North American professional ice hockey. It turns out, that most people have a basic understanding of the league, but 67% aren't paying attention.
In terms of this season's favorites, the cheer squad supports the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs in the Eastern Conference, as well as the Winnipeg Jets in the Western Conference.
Now, let's talk playoff predictions (based on expertly weighed opinions, not just checking the scoreboard):
Eastern Conference
Metropolitan Division: Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers & New York Islanders
Atlantic Division: Boston Bruins & Buffalo Sabres
3rd placer toss-up: Tampa Bay Lighting & Montreal Canadiens
Wild Card: Toronto Maple Leafs
Western Conference
Pacific Division: Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers & LA Kings
Central Divison: Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars & St. Louis Blues
Wild Card: Minnesota Wild
Unsure: Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche & Chicago Blackhawks
See The Athletic for the projections.
🛫 Timow’s Weekly Editorial: Clueless about the Labor Export Policy
President Marcos, Jr.'s recent week-long trip to Europe, specifically to the Czech Republic and Germany, elicited various reactions from citizens here at home and there.
Some see it as a diplomatic effort to repair relationships strained by the previous administration's approach during the Drug War. Others see it as a continuation of his father's landmark policy, implemented half a century ago, citing agreements reached during the trip that mirror maritime and land labor initiatives.
Had OFW relatives, still unaware of policy
A Monthly Sundry survey conducted in February revealed that five respondents had family members who became Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) or migrants. The effects of their absence on family dynamics and daily life varied greatly.
What stood out, however, was that only one in every eight respondents was familiar with the term "Labor Export Policy," indicating a lack of understanding of the framework that underpins the OFW phenomenon. This lack of awareness may be due to the term's association with specific political ideologies.
Initially conceived as a temporary solution to address pressing issues back in 1974 such as Parity Rights' expiration and the oil crisis, the LEP has evolved into a permanent fixture due to its substantial impact on remittances and GDP. Because they’re so good — they keep it that way. This evolution led to the establishment of dedicated government agencies like the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Threatened future?
Looking ahead, despite the introduction of new visas such as digital nomad visas in host countries, the LEP will face challenges from advances in artificial intelligence, which threaten the demand for both mechanical and skilled labor.
However, stakeholders are divided on the policy's future, with many agreeing that it requires modernization to better protect existing OFW rights and channel their contributions toward sustainable development in the Philippines.
Economic Cha-Cha, a silver bullet from vicious circle?
Brain drain — even temporarily — affect the traditional bonds of family togetherness.
This is why some advocates of the economic Charter Change (Cha-Cha) — where the deliberations are ongoing — are taking note and publicized over the social media sphere. For them, removing protectionist provisions from the Constitution will encourage foreign investment, translating such promises from the President’s international trips into tangible results such as job creation and, potentially, reduced forced emigration.
However, it is critical to consider whether this policy is a silver bullet solution. While it may remove barriers to foreign investment, foreign investors' willingness to carry out their commitments remains uncertain. Factors such as the perceived culture of corruption may influence their decisions, emphasizing the economic landscape's complexity and the need for comprehensive strategies that go beyond policy changes.
The recent presidential trip has reignited debate about the efficacy of existing policies such as the Labor Export Policy and the potential benefits of economic Charter Change. However, addressing the challenges that OFWs face and ensuring long-term development necessitates a nuanced approach that takes into account not only policy changes but also factors such as technological advancements and international perceptions of our country's business environment. Balancing these considerations will be critical in determining a path forward that maximizes OFW contributions while also fostering a strong economy for all Filipinos.
✋🏼Hey, Before You Go!
Husband ends 16-year marriage after learning sad truth that 4 kids are not his. He’s fighting for custody.
🗨 Thoughtful Quote
With Holy Week approaching, here is a simple quote before I take a break:
“No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.” ~William Penn
The next issue is on April 4. There won't be an issue on March 28 (Maundy Thursday). Get ready for an early payday this time.
May blessings abound, and take care on your journey.
Your Chief Tiller in the humble patch of cyberspace and good friend,
~~ Timow"