Mobile Phones and Driving: There Ought to be a Law

It is imperative for all of us to arrive safely in our destinations. It is everybody’s concern to be able come back to our families at home with an intact body—no bruises and no limbs detached. Not a single day pass by that we either read from the newspapers or heard over the radio or watched on the evening news on TV about accidents that occurred in the streets mostly involving vehicles and people and these happen at any time of the day. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) data there is an average of 41 traffic incidents per day resulting in fatalities, injuries and instances of property damage. The report concluded that most traffic accidents are caused mainly by driver errors. The other listed causes of traffic crashes included vehicle mechanical defects, speeding and…what do you know—cell phone use! A lot of drivers whether they be private motorists or drivers of public conveyances are indiscriminately using their mobile phones while their cars are in motion as if they are in the comfort of their homes. The PNP data also stated that cell phone use while driving represented the highest increase among the causes of traffic accidents. It is estimated that cell phone distracted drivers are four times more likely to be in a car wreck including, of course, their passengers.

We do not want these to happen

A number of times I had encountered this kind of situation wherein the driver uses his phone and not just making or receiving a call—he’s texting. You can just imagine the distraction that goes with texting, the driver’s eyes on and off the road. All the time I had to remind these drivers that we passengers pay our fares to be brought to our respective destinations safely. If there is really urgency then he might as well pull over and have his texting done with. Sad to say these drivers still have the guts to arrogantly reason out and would only stop if you threaten to report them to the proper authorities. It is about time that the Philippine legislators pass a law the soonest possible time prohibiting the use of mobile phones or car phones by drivers aboard any kind of moving vehicle and there should be no exceptions at all whether they are public officials, the police, the military, the medical practitioners, etc. It does not mean that if you belong to the mentioned groups of people you will be less likely to be in a car wreck. We can always find a way to avoid accidents. Just remember: life is too short to be little.

Francis Magalona - Diagnosed with Leukemia

Who wouldn’t know Francis “Kiko” Magalona, the master rapper who has created his own niche in the Philippine entertainment industry and the first Filipino rapper to successfully crossover the mainstream? This lovable person whose youthful face has always betrayed his age (he is now 43) is truly an icon in his own right. He had composed nationalistic songs which young and old alike love to sing and made music videos for several local bands and solo artists. I just couldn’t imagine that this young energetic man had been diagnosed with leukemia. For me, that’s far from reality-- but it is true. When I heard the news, I could not believe it. I do not want to believe. I know what Francis and his family will be going through. It will be a tough battle for Francis. I know how hard it is to have someone in the family with leukemia. I know this for a fact—we had been there before.

Francis and his family will need all the support (financial, emotional, spiritual, etc) from relatives, friends, colleagues, fans and everybody to help them through the very rough sailing journey ahead. Most importantly, they have to know that they are not alone in this battle and this should give them the necessary courage and strength. I am appealing to all especially to those who will be able to read this short blog to pray for Francis and his family that they may be able to crossover this ordeal.

Team USA Road to Olympic Redemption

Coach Mike Krzyzewski and the Team USA Basketball

LET THE GAMES BEGIN. Today the 2008 summer Olympic games open in Beijing, China. In 2004, Athens, Greece hosted the games. It will be a tough job for the Team USA in their quest for gold redemption. The last time they won the gold was in 2000 Sydney Olympics. They had to content themselves with bronze 4 years ago. Are they going to have it again this time? Clustered in Group A are protagonists Argentina (defending champion), Australia, Croatia, Iran, Lithuania and Russia while in Group B Angola, China (host), Germany, Greece, Spain and USA. Main round of action will be on August 10-18. Quarterfinals are to be held on August 20, semis on August 22 and the much awaited finals on August 24. Good luck to head coach Mike Krzyzewski (his name I cannot memorize let alone pronounce right) and his team. To pareng Kobe and pareng Jason—go go go!!!

Okay friends I want to introduce to you the members of the Team USA basketball to the Beijing 2008 summer Olympics. Here they are:

Team members are 4 Carlos Boozer, 5 Jason Kidd, 6 Lebron James, 7 Deron Williams, 8 Michael Redd, 9 Dwayne Wade, 10 Kobe Bryant, 11 Dwight Howard, 12 Chris Bosh, 13 Chris Paul, 14 Tayshaun Prince, and 15 Carmelo Anthony.

Kapamilya: Deal or No Deal

I turned on the television set and there it was the banker’s offer was PhP600,000. There were only 3 remaining briefcases with the corresponding amounts of PhP300, PhP500,000 and PhP2M. Game show host Kris Aquino asked, “Deal or no deal?”

This is a scene from the local television game show “Kapamilya: Deal or No Deal” which largely depends on pure luck (or does it?). If the lady contestant accepts the offer she can go home PhP600,000 richer, if not (no deal) she will be given a chance to pick and open another briefcase—she opted for the latter. I whispered to myself, “Ow sheyt na malagkeyt this lady is pushing her luck too far!” The case opened and revealed the amount of PhP500,000. Now briefcase #23 which is with the contestant and briefcase #14 were the only ones left unopened. Which of these two will correspond to PhP300 and PhP2M? The banker’s final offer was PhP888,888. For the last time, Kris asked, “Deal or No Deal?” While the audience’s reaction was divided, the contestant’s members of the family stood firm and were shouting “no deal.” I, too, was shouting in front of the TV set, “goddamnit take the money and run!” The lady was adamant and explained that she was born on the 14th and is now 23 years of age (the numbers on the 2 remaining briefcases) like luck was on her side and she will be a millionaire this young. “No deal” was the response and Kris opened briefcase #23 and revealed an eye-popping figure of 300!

In making crucial decisions, more often than not, rationality is of vital importance. I mean, you know, if the 2M was in briefcase #23, fine she’s a millionaire but unfortunately it turned out not to be. If she accepted the banker’s offer she could theoretically have lost say a little more than a million pesos but going home with PhP888,888 would seem fair enough for a “half hour’s work.” As it was she went home with 300 pesos not even enough to buy a family size pan pizza.

Well, if it’s any consolation, 300 pesos is something out of nothing!