By Raïssa Robles
Last night, my hubby Alan called my attention to a poster and a video he saw on the Internet.
Let me tell you, Alan has this amazing way of looking into the nooks and crannies of the Web and finding fascinating stuff. I have learned a lot from the techniques he has taught me.
Anyway, the poster and the video he showed me made me laugh.
And so I thought of sharing both with you today.
First, the poster
I have received a lot of comments and tweets ever since I’ve started writing about Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. Many are encouraging. But some are downright offensive and nasty. One is even slightly threatening.
I have been accused of being part of a Yelllow Army.
Those who say that, to my mind, don’t really know what the role of the press IS in a democratic society. I go by the saying that the role of the press is to comfort the oppressed and to afflict the comfortable.
The Corona case is one of the most politically high-profile cases since 1946. Any journalist worth his or her salt has to write about it. But in a way that enlightens. I am trying to do that.
Like many Filipinos I am ready and eager to hear CJ Corona out. If he really has nothing to hide he should go before FOCAP (the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines).
Meanwhile, to my critics this poster that Alan found is my answer to you at the moment -
Alan found this poster here. MY THANKS to whoever made it.
And now for something completely different.
It’s more fun to watch PH traffic cops
Oftentimes, many people go about their jobs in a Sad Sack way. Shakespeare captured the essence of the futility of life by making the character Macbeth say the following words:
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
However, this Filipino traffic enforcer in Cubao, Quezon City contradicts Macbeth’s view of reality. He knows he won’t be paid more for his extra effort but he still does it for the joy of it.
Alan first found this in an American site.
Now, thanks to YouTube, the world is his stage.
Enjoy!
You are doing a great Job. Keep it Up! Dont worry about the haters, Just keep yourself Safe at all times. Any Filipino, Any Senator Who wants to acquit Corona is anti Filipino, Anti Progress, and is against the Anti Graft and Corruption programs of Pnoy, that is the bottom line. Any Senator that is going to acquit Corona is nothing but a pig and deserves to be oust from office and deserves to be NOT reelected for their character immorality!!!
Sapul..!
here’s a joke from kruger a commenter in an inquirer.net article
“You seemed to be in some distress,” said Enrile to Henares, “Is anything the matter?” “Well your honor,” said Henares, “I swore to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, but every time I try, Serafin Cuevas objects.”
When I was a student way back in 1963, I remember a dancing cop stationed at the post office area (at the foot of Jones Bridge) doing the same thing.
He was the original dancing traffic cop!
We have a tradition pala of dancing cops
General Raissa of the Yellow Army,
That indeed will make the rest of my day..And enthused me more getting back soon to
mother country. That dancing cop video just relaxes many stressed out commuters,
including me.
Yours truly,
A Volunteer Soldier
Soldier, you’re applying with a non-existent unit.
If there’s a Yellow Army I’m not in it.
Journalists are basically the hecklers on the sidelines of history.
We’re the ones who throw the proverbial shoe or tomato at those parading by
ms. raissa you are no yellow army. you are part of the army of the people who wants to see the truth to come out. may your tribe increase.
The MMDA traffic cop underscores my belief that the Philippines is the most creative nation on the planet. It ranks with the Cebu Pacific dancing cabin attendants safety instructions.
Regarding the haters, sometimes the truth hurts, especially when it’s as well researched and verified as Raissa’s pieces are.
You go girl!
Thanks, Joe.
What’s wrong being in the YELLOW ARMY? You can’t stay party neutral forever. You have to take sides one way or the other.
Thanks raissa, you make me smile for a while coz l feel bad when l read atty. saguisag comments about the thief justice renato corona saying to the rallyist loyal to erap that HUWAG NINYONG PANSININ MGA WALANG NGIPIN AT SALAWAL NA YAN. .at dito ko nalaman na napaka mata pobre pala ito si thief justice renato, sabi ko nga sa sarili ko hindi baling nakasalawal at walang ngipin mga rallyista basta hindi magnanakaw katulad mo corruptna, hindi baling nakasalawal at walang ngipin basta hindi sinungaling at mandarambong katulad mo thief justice corona & if l were you thief justice corona l will not stay a day long in that Supreme Court Post dahil ikaw ay DUMI/ ANAY na sumisira sa buong hudikatura…Nakakahiya at Nakakadiri ka CORRUPTNA….
was watching in morbid fascination … was waiting for a car to run him down mwahahaha
Raissa,Im glad im not one of your haters,,,,,Is that for video only or happening everyday,,,the traffic policeman…..good day….
@kevin
It’s happening everyday.. Its more fun to see him live
… If you wanna see him, its at araneta center near Shopwise…. Good day!
only you, Raissa, would juxtapose Macbeth and a joyfully moonwalking Pinoy traffic enforcer.
how refreshing amidst all the muck that threatens to engulf us. indomitable, unconquerable, and unvanquished…your words, your passion inspire and renew courage. salamat… and God protect you <3
This traffic cop as applauded by the pedestrians
happily waiting for the his signal for them to cross noticed
that he is FIT physically, mentally and perhaps morally
to do his duties. This is not the common image of
a Pinoy policeman or some high govt officials.
Hi again Raissa,
Do you think that the Defence is using the word “impertinent” correctly in their description of evidence presented by the prosecution. Should they not be describing it as “not pertinent”?
As a child I was told frequently not to be impertinent when I was cheeky or rude to my elders. Perhaps there is another meaning I cannot find in my searches?
Oops, it is apparently sometimes used to mean irrelevant which means Atty. Cuevas frequently repeats himself by calling the evidence, irrelevant and impertinent. I should research as thoroughly as you.
Puro technicalities ang usapan sa impeachment, Dapat nag TECHNICAL SUPPORT na lang mga lawyers dun, andami hiring sa jobstreet, hehe
I had Fun watching this video. It’s kinda refreshing, a short break from the Impeachment trial. Raissa, you always make my day. I started checking my email which I never did before, since I discovered your site. I’ve forwarded your comment to my co-workers here in California and they really like and appreciate it. They are now your silent readers. Thank you so much for your as well as your husband’s effort in enlightening things going on in our poor country. Indeed, pen is mightier than the sword. It’s more fun in the Philippines with you, Alan and alike around.
Haha, you just gave them another excuse to hate you. They thought all the while that you have no sense of humor, and now, this. Hahaha. By the way, the video of the traffic enforcer was done by no less than the famous Filipino videographer and photographer, John Tronco. Looked him up, he is one great Filipino talent. And yes, I do recall a traffic enforcer in Pasig more than 30 years ago having the same routine dancing moves while attending to the traffic. Filipinos are no copycats. We are a nation of unique individual talents, being drowned by cynics.
You got them….Raissa!!!
Really amusing. Have seen dancing traffic cops and aides for the longest time, way way before Rush Hour 3. Current sightings are in the areas of MOA, McKinley in Fort Bonifacio (as in dancing Santa Claus), etc.
Raissa, keep the flame alive! Continue your quest but keep safe.
I’ve just read the Asia One online with regard to the Corona Trial and I am left with the feeling that the prosecution has not properly defined what they’re accusing Corona (re Article 2). I know in my heart that the CJ is as crooked as they come but we can’t have the prosecution bungling the case due to disorganisation. I just want Corona out of the picture but if these Senators are going to be so ‘anally pedantic’ with every minute details–I can’t see the prosecution winning. God forbid if Corona continues with his job as the CJ, just imagine the MESS!!!
Ms Raissa you are one those journalist in the the true sens of the word journalist–a modern hero… here is a quote by Christopher Reeve, “I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” God bless you.
Thank you.
I am so blessed!
So many people are blessing me.
But I really really appreciate all your support.
It’s more fun in the Philippines, lalo na kung…..hahahahhaha.
Gusto ko yong banner re Haters. Sapul
Pahinga muna tayo kay CJ. Tawa mode muna
WOW, we all took a short but refreshing break.
i know there are many others in your field with the same good intentions, but your thoroughness in presenting every aspect of an issue is quite amazing. i feel re-educated each time i read your works and that of malou mangahas, maritess vitug and, on a totally different area, jo-ann maglipon. you all do your job very well. conratulations!
Thank you on behalf of all of us.
Raissa, I salute your courage and appreciate the fine work you do. Please ignore the hatesr and please don’t get tired of being makulit in your search of the truth. We need more people like you.
Speaking of haters – @clementajak – Rush Hour 3 was only released in 2007. We had dancing cops way before that. For a brief history lesson, please see Carlos Celdran’s blog entry on July 31, 2005 –> http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/2005/07/welcome-back.html
Thanks, Nina.
Copycat or not, he is amusing. This is a good break from the dread of following the impeachment trial. Thanks Raissa. And about the poster, I’ll wait for he got in store. Keep up the great work.
WC FIELDS humorous quote befitting the poster:
“I always carry a supply of stimulant handy in case I meet a snake, which I also carry handy”
No, Filipinos are not copycats. Some 30 years ago I remember another Filipino traffic cop who had his own version of doing traffic, his dance was also very amusing, and he ended up on a local TV show so people could guess what his job was. This was BEFORE Christ Tucker:) Filipinos are totally more fun and quite original.
Meron po dati sa EDSA corner Ayala. nung wala pang underpass.
Raissa,
Thanks for the light hearted break from the serious matters of the Corona impeachment. The video is a classic.
Don’t worry about the Doubting Thomases. You are doing a great job which I am sure is much appreciated by many who do not comment on your blog.
The poster says it all.
Filipinos are great copycats, this cop must be a fan of Chris Tucker on Rush Hour 3.
I assume you are not a Filipino. (The way you use “Filipinos” as third person.) Yeah, I admit we(not including you) copy things. The dancing traffic enforcer is not one of them though. And the dancing inmates too. (not sure about the dancing flight attendants:)) We (again not including you) may not have pioneered ABDC,but come on man give credit where it is due. You know what, maybe it’s the other way around, Chris Tucker might be a fan of Mr. John Tronco. It’s great to be a Filipino, the jack of all trades.
@Raissa: (speechless)
I agree. How can the world be a better place to live with people like clementejak. I am sure you have heard of the word “brotherhood” and “sisterhood”. We are in living in one world, so make the best of life by loving other races. Go to other planet will you? Thanks Raissa for being, just like that… a journalist.. in the truest sense.
Thanks for reading.
not sure if trolling hehe
i remember when we were still living in Cainta every time my father brings me to his office at the Old Petron Building in Makati I will encounter dancing cops. And this was way before rush hour 3..was like 95 or 96 so no we are not copy cats of Chris Tucker, americans copied our dancing aides 