Quirino Grandstand tragedy(constitutional)- What a SHAME.

It's like a nightmare..I feel so disappointed, it's a heart breaking part of Philippine history.
After seeing that incidentS live telecast..i just wished I haven't witnessed anything about that..and then..
Ive been wanting to hear from him so badly..so I searched and found this.

Got this from Official Philippine Gazette;

STATEMENT

of

His Excellency BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

President of the Philippines

On the hostage-taking incident at the Quirino Grandstand

[August 23, 2010]


With the rest of the Filipino people, I wish to offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims whose lives were lost in the hostage situation at the Quirino Grandstand. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs has conveyed our deep feelings of sorrow to the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China and the people of Hong Kong through Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang. I have tasked Secretaries Soliman and Lim to provide everything necessary for the recovery and return home of the survivors. I have directed the fullest cooperation with the Hong Kong authorities on the part of our officials.

From the onset of this incident, the hostage-taker seemed to not be belligerent, as shown by the release of hostages. These were encouraging signs.

We were going to wait him out. The idea was to let the ground commanders who are the experts in this field handle the operation with minimal interference from people who are less expert.

But the situation deteriorated rapidly when, during the course of the negotiations, he was given the letter of the Ombudsman in which she promised to personally review his case. As he was reading the contents of the letter, while talking to an unknown individual on the phone, he became increasingly agitated.

The presence of his brother also added to the tension.

At this point, he threatened to kill a hostage. The police decided to remove the brother from the scene. As the negotiators were departing, the negotiators were shot at.

Media coverage of his brother being taken into custody further agitated the hostage-taker.

Shots were fired. They seemed to be warning shots, as there was no audible indication of tumult or chaos to show that the hostages were in immediate danger.

Nonetheless, the negotiators tried to reestablish contact the hostage-taker but they were unsuccessful as the cellphone of the hostage-taker was continuously busy. He also refused to answer the throw-phone provided for him by the authorities.

The escape of the driver, combined with his reports that the hostages were being harmed, forced the assault to happen. When the vehicle began to move, and with reports that he had hand grenades, a decision was made to immobilize the vehicle as it would have made the situation even more dangerous.

As we know, the incident tragically ended in the deaths of eight innocent civilians.

We expect more of the facts to come to light and I have ordered Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to thoroughly lead this review.

This entry was posted in Historical Papers & Documents, Statements.

see here

I love this Fact:

The desire to compare and get ahead is built into our human nature. Whenever we get together with highschool and college friends, there's a tendency to compare how everyone's doing in terms of finances, possessions, education, and influence. But these are earth-bound treasures. In eternity, we will no longer be doctors, professors, lawyers or engineers. Nor will be able to bring our sports cars, houses, stocks and bonds.

Jesus teaches us that heavenly treasure is much more valuable and will last forever (Matthew 6:20)! If we become His disciples and live for Him, that will be our investment which will bring us eternal dividends!- From Ferdie of Living Water.

For me, It is not a problem to aim to achieve something you've been wanting to, the Lord provides and supports and loves us much..all your plans just need to include Jesus and consider yourself being His disciple whatever your plans maybe. He must still be our masters. 'HE' must be bigger than 'you' and your desire.

China; A Short Story

Leaving in Manila to fly to China is a bit of a really exciting experience. Seeing a foreign place like this part of asia is a cherishable memory.
During those days, I really tried so hard convincing myself that I am not in Philippines(:D), I can't help it. In Shaoxing, for me it's like I am in Makati City, Philippines..with the streets..and buildings.except for the bike lane..and female bikers that I really liked a lot. :p

I started believing when we're already introduced to many kind chinese people, the students/volunteers..teachers and etc..and of course we have to adjust and learn from their cultures..spoon and fork/sforks we're not available.. ;)

During the rehearsals and competition, I learned that people in different races are quite interesting and I see that they find us the same. Filipinos are known by the different people from different continents as a great singers and performers, they even enumerated some of the choirs that they've known like the Madgrigal Singers, San Miguel Master Chorale and etc.

Here's the thing :D I was shocked because I didnt know lots of people who are World Choir Enthusiast really die to get pictures of World Choir participants. Ive known like..a father, a grandpa, a daughter, an uncle whhoaaaah..who grabbed me for a picture taking. Same thing happened to thousands of world choir participants. That was the first time I was able to get to smile a lot..a sincere one even though i feel so filthy already, I feel heavy sweats in my back and the heat of the sun directly to my face and arms..and people will say hi, introduce themselves, say nice things..and appreciate the performance of the group. It's an amazing experience..

I have known many people and have met new friends because of this event. I love the World Choir Games..the excitement, tension, support, friendship, and challenge are unfogetable.


And when we went to Shanghai that's another good story to tell.
I feel so much that I am sooo in China! :p
Nice place, challenging walks, Filipino community/people we've met along the way and great spots!