Noy: Day 1

As a Mindanaoan youth, I expect the administration of Noynoy Aquino to urgently prosecute the previous administration for its atrocities committed against the people.

Concrete actions are also expected to address the education crisis. He may allot emergency funds for education in his first 100 days and he should also push for the automatic allocation of the 6% of our GDP for education spending.

Mindanao, which plays a vital role in the agricultural sector, needs the new administration to implement a genuine agrarian reform program that will stand for the interests of the farmers.

For the working class, it is imperative that the proposed P125 nationwide wage increase be immediately approved. In contrast to what is being practiced in Hacienda Luisita, fair working conditions and the right to organize unions should be championed at all times.

And of course, I expect the new administration to deal with the peace and order situation particularly here in Mindanao. We call on Aquino to make all necessary actions to ensure the resumption of peace talks on both the MILF and the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Youth gives Arroyo failing grade; challenges Aquino to prosecute her

“Finally, the end is here and Gloria must face the final curtain,” this was the statement of Karlos Manlupig, Regional Spokesperson of League of Filipino Students, as youth led by Kabataan Partylist, LFS and Anakbayan today staged a march-protest as a send-off for Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

“We deplore Arroyo for further neglecting the millions of youth in her 9-year rule who were forced to quit school and suffer the miserable working and farming conditions in our country,” said Sheena Duazo of Kabataan Partylist.

In a study conducted by the National Union of Students in the Philippines, only 1 out of 10 Filipino students were able to get a college degree under the US-Arroyo administration.

“This our solid basis in giving Arroyo a failing mark in her performance as the president of the country,” Duazo said.

Manlupig explained that Arroyo’s exit from Malacanang today does not mean that the people will easily forget her atrocities. “Arroyo and her rabid lapdogs must pay dearly for their sins. And we will do all necessary actions to ensure that they face what they deserve,” Manlupig added.

The youth groups also challenge Noynoy Aquino to make sure that Arroyo be severely punished for all her crimes to the Filipino people.

“The “daang matuwid” presented by Aquino have to mean the prosecution of Arroyo,” added Manlupig.###

Skimboarding in Digos City

Sauntering by the shoreline with my mom, we saw some teens braving the waves of Digos City using round and short type of surfboards called skimboards. I immediately took my cam and clicked using the multi-shot function.

Skimboarding is a water sport where many Filipino youth are doing well. Contests and workshops are being conducted regularly in different spots here in Mindanao.

After watching them ride the waves, I am now planning to swap my old skateboard for a skimboard.

Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad

Here is the anime/manga for all the rakista, mga feeling rockers and rock fans.

BECK is a manga by Harold Sakuishi published by Kodansha in Monthly Shōnen Magazine. It was adapted as an anime television series with the title BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad. It tells the story of a group of Japanese teenagers who form a rock band.

Yukio, known by his friends as "Koyuki", is a regular 14-year-old Japanese boy who enters junior high school with two childhood acquaintances. One is a pervert, and ironically the other is a highly sought after female student. Koyuki's boring life is changed when he saves an odd-looking dog, named Beck, from some kids. Beck's owner turns out to be an emerging rock musician, Ryûsuke Minami, who soon influences Koyuki to start playing the guitar, and even gives one to him. The story focuses on the trials and tribulations of their rock band named BECK, and Koyuki's relationships with the members of the band, in particular Ryûsuke Minami and his sister, Maho Minami. (www.wikipedia.org.)

Raaaaaaaknroooooowl!

Sana may kasunod pa na season. Abangan ang Beck movie ngayong taon!