|
|
Here at Cam Sur for the 70.3 Ironman Philippines.
Race was this morning. This is at the swim start, when we are most nervous waiting for the horn to blow…
 At the swim start Out of the water and on to the bike transition area..
The bike course was beautiful, it took us through different towns. People were cheering all the way.
It was a hot day! We were melting under the sun. I had my hands full with a boiled banana (saging na saba), water and sunblock… Ended up chucking the bottle of sunblock.
Did I just say it was sooo hot? It was and you coudn’t wait to get to the next water station. On the run course, people were cheering and pouring buckets of water over us all along the way. When you finally make the last turn of the lagoon, you can’t help but smile.
I’m super happy with my race.
 The best part of the race At the finish, they give everyone a medal.
I hung around with Fred Uytengsu not only to congratulate the finishers but also to see all the smiling faces that defied the state of physical exhaustion I know each finisher was in.
The most important post-race activities — stretching, eating and celebrating with friends.
Many people ask me why I do Ironman. Time permitting, I will write about this at mydailyrace.com. Meanwhile, more pictures of the event will be posted at facebook.com/senatorpiacayetano.
It’s the second day of session of the 15th Congress. We’re in the session hall. That’s Alan, the minority floor leader, me and joker. The three of us make up the minority.
More on my second day on http://mydailyrace.com/blog/?p=729
Saturday, May 15, 2010
5 days after election.
Today, 5 days after election, I was proclaimed with 8 others. This was the fastest ever proclamation of senators in the history of Philippine politics.
In 2004, I started my senatorial campaign with a sprained ankle when I got pushed in a crowd at our proclamation rally. I was then Pia Cayetano, lawyer, daughter of the late Senator Rene Cayetano. I campaigned hard but at the end of the campaign period, I had no idea if I would be elected. I finished 6th.
Fast forward, I worked on many laws (too many to mention in the 30 seconds they gave me in Bandila’s hotseat). For the 2010 campaign, I biked around the country emphasizing the work I did. This time, I finished with a broken hand, tear gassed at my sister-in-law Lani’s proclamation as next mayor of Taguig and still no.6. Must be my lucky number in God’s book. My daughter Max said “You’re still 6th? That sucks.” But it doesn’t, because I serve at God’s pleasure. I am here because He willed in. And when days are difficult, I pray that He gives me the strength to carry on.
With the 8 other senators who were proclaimed. Notice, I am the only girl in the group. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is the only other woman elected. All in all, there are 2 women out of the 12 newly elected senators. That’s a small number. Over the years, I have been advocating for more women in decision-making positions, both elected and appointed which is consistent with the United Nation’s mandate. More on this in another blog.
With my family, who provide me with love and support everyday of my life. Missing are: Lino, who was at work, my 90 year old grandma the original “empowered working mom” in our family, at 90 she continues to be my source of peace. She watched the proclamation at home. Sadly, also missing are my dad, the late Senator “Companero” Rene Cayetano and my baby Gabriel who both passed away. They continue to be my inspiration.
To my hard-working staff – I could not do my work with out you. From the research needed in my legislative work, the political work with our constituents and other co-equal branches of government, my advocacy group , our public relations so my work is known to the public, running my office, all this happens because of your dedication and hard work. I am blessed to have you. And look forward to working with you in the next six years.
Our traditional meal after the proclamation, with my family and staff.
On the wall of Harbor View are pictures of various personalities. My picture is also there. It was taken soon after I was proclaimed in 2004.
It has been an honor to serve my people the last 6 years. It is a trust I hold dearly. As I said during the rallies, in the next six years, I will use my strength as an athlete, my training as a lawyer and my heart as a mother to serve my country well. I will never give up in my fight to provide a better life for those who are marginalized.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
All over the country, the signs of election are still present. Posters, tarpolines, and streamers are still on our walls, hanging across our streets.
On Saturday morning, women flocked to the streets of Taguig to clean up parts of the City.
Incoming Mayor of Taguig Lani Cayetano and I organized the event.
Women were scrubbing the walls, peeling off posters and stuffing garbage bags.
My daughter Max joined us. So did some members of my staff.
It was fun work.
I felt good to see clean walls.
 Before and After the clean up
May 12, 2 days after election. The day of Lani’s proclamation.
This is a recount by my children, Maxine, age 15 and Nadine, age 11.
These are excerpts from their journal entries of the tear gassing event of thousands of people, including my family, in front of Taguig City Hall.
Nadine: We went to the City Hall for Tita Lani’s proclamation.
When we got out of the car, it was so crowded!!!!
The guards had to stay right beside us because we might get separated. We got through the gate of the City Hall. Inside, there were cameras and people from tv, like reporters from GMA and stuff. They were interviewing Mom, Uncle Alan and Tita Lani.
Then, we went in the room and they talked to someone representing Fredie Tinga.
Maxine: In the conference room now with Mom, Tita Lani and others. It seems the proclamation is going to happen now, and smoothly…But now, I’m not so sure.
Nadine: Then, we were told to go out of the room for the proclamation. Tita Lani was proclaimed!
Then, we went outside. Everyone with us went onstage. Uncle Alan was talking, thanking the people, telling them we will all work together for Taguig.
All of a sudden, I saw smoke. What was going through my head was maybe two cars bumped each other. I tapped my sister and said “hey, what’s that?” My Mom tapped Uncle Alan and pointed to the smoke. My Uncle even made a joke “Ay, ang init ng tanggap nyo sa amin. May usok tuloy.” As he said that, I suddenly tasted something horrible. I needed water. My eyes hurt like mad. People started shouting “ipikit nyo mga mata nyo!” I was thinking, OMG, my eyes hurt so much. I feel like there is smoke in my mouth. Next thing i know, Uncle Ren grabbed me. I kept thinking “Don’t let go, don’t let go!”
I opened my eyes a bit while going down the stairs so I wouldn’t fall. Did I walk down or was I carried. I don’t remember. All I could think was “DON’T LET GO!”
Maxine: We were on the makeshift stage just outside city hall. We saw smoke and stared at it as it quickly approached, thinking it was smoke coming from behind a car twenty meters away. Then it stung at my eyes and my throat. People were shouting, “ang mata nyo ipikit!” Uncle Alan, who had the mic, was shouting, “Bakit kayo nagpapateargas dito? Bakit?” I was carried off the stage eyes closed. Uncle Ren was shouting, “close your eyes, close your eyes!”
Nadine: We were led to the building. I looked around. I think I said : ”What happened?” Then Mom came up and said, “Where is Maxie?” No one knew. She started jumping up and down shouting, “Maxie! Maxie!” Then we see her. Mom hugs her tightly.
Maxine: A man guided me back through the gates of city hall and crying, I was led to where Mom, Nads, and a few others were waiting.
Nadine: The pain in my throat disappeared but my eyes still hurt. They poured water on my eyes and my shirt. I didn’t care.
They took us to a room that looked like an office. I was wondering where are Uncle Alan and Tita Lani. Then Uncle Alan ran in. I was thinking “if he’s here, where is Tita Lani?” Then I found out she was safe. Thank God!
Later, they took us to my Uncle’s van. 13 people crowded in. We drove home.
Maxine: It’s ok now. We’re back home in Bagumbayan. Everyone’s relatively calm. I’m praying that no one was too seriously hurt in the chaos after gas was released. I’m worried about what could have happened to those women and children in the crowd.
The ones near the stage I remember they were smiling, the whole crowd was so happy.
May 7, Friday
Day 87, 3 days to go.
NP Miting de Avance was held in Tondo, Manila.
NP Senatorial Candidates with our standard bearer, Senator Manny Villar.
At a presscon where Senator Villar was asked about his expectations of the coming election. He said he is ready to serve if given the opportunity.
With NP Senatorial candidates. CHECK kaming lahat!
Although the campaign was not easy, we shared good times together.
With Gwen Pimentel and Toots Ople, two women I admire for their work and whom I love to be with.
NP Senatorial candidates with our hard working staff ….
With our media friends ….
With my on-the-job trainees, volunteers and staff ….
My last hurrah where I thanked the Manilenos for their support.
Day 83, Sunday. 7 days to go.
Four Nacionalista Party (NP) senatorial candidates, Atty. Gwen Pimetel, Susan “Toots” Ople and Capt. Ramon Mitra Jr., and I took part in the live television debate “Harapan: Mga Isyu Bayan” on Sunday night until the early hours of Monday morning held at the La Consolacion College in Manila.
For the first round of our Harapan, Cong.TG Guingona and I discussed the issue of poverty alleviation. We both agreed that the national budget is an integral part in poverty alleviation.
I cited my work in the senate during my first term, passing various laws to combat poverty which includes the Cheaper Medicine Law, Anti-Hospital Detention Law and the Food and Drug Administration Law. In the same light, I plan to continue enacting laws aimed towards poverty alleviation once re-elected. One priority measure is the revision of the Philhealth Law considering how very few Filipinos can actually afford to pay the high premiums.
For Round 2, it was our supporter’s turn to ask a question. Krista “Tats” Mendoza, a student leader and my supporter, eloquently asked her question to TG. Tats asked about the track record of TG’s presidential standard bearer, inquiring on the specific legislations passed by Senator Noynoy Aquino. Unfortunately, TG was unable to answer the question head on. TG responded that he has worked with Senator Aquino during the latter’s last term in Congress and simply stated that he believes in Aquino’s commitment to change and to fight corruption.
 - Tats Mendoza poses her question to TG
Meanwhile, I was asked about my plan of action on the corruption allegations against my presidentiable standard- bearer, Senator Manny Villar. I mentioned my own track record in the Senate emphasizing that I have never tolerated any wrongdoing of fellow legislators or other public officials. In fact, in the past I have always voted on controversial issues independently i.e. in JPEPA and Evat.
As for the allegations of corruption, I reiterated my view that these allegations are politically motivated considering that these all conveniently came out when election was right around the corner. For my future plans, I will push for the repeal of the president’s power to impound (this is when the President contradicts the work of Congress in the budget and does not release the funds for programs approved by Congress). I will continue to fight against unprogrammed funds (worth P119 billion in the 2010 budget) to ensure transparency and accountability in the national budget.
Atty. Gwen Pimentel, on the other hand, exhibited her experience and expertise in government service, working as a public servant for 22 years, as she concisely answered the questions thrown at her. Gwen is a lawyer, a child’s right advocate and expert in local government.
Toots Ople impressed the crowd with her answers, showcasing her strong grasp of labor and migrant issues. Her answers revealed her long started advocacy for the resolution of various labor issues faced by Filipinos everyday. Toots is a former Undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment and a Harvard graduate who specializes in labor and migration.
Clearly, Atty. Gwen Pimentel and Toots Ople are qualified and experienced women who would be assets in the Senate.
Not to be outdone, Capt. Monmon Mitra, a PMA graduate, exemplified his innate gallantry as he readily assisted Cong. Ompong Plaza, handing over a bottle of water after a coughing fit. Answering the questions thrown at him concisely and with such humility, Captain Mitra was truly a man of few but significant words. Also a family man, Capt. Mitra found time to spare precious seconds of his closing statement to greet his daughter who was celebrating her birthday on the said day.
I am glad to hear that we received warm acceptance as the four of us took the top four slots in the online audience voting. The online poll’s final tally showed us receiving double-digit votes, edging out six other senatoriables from rival political parties who also joined the live television debate. Cayetano got 21.86%, Pimentel 18.01%, Ople 12.86% and Mitra 11.58% when voting was officially closed at 2:30AM on Monday.
 - A few of my youth supporters led by Krista Mendoza, a student leader
Results of audience response statistics on www.abs-cbnnews.com/harapan
Final online poll tally (poll closed at 2:30am May 3, 2010)
Cayetano 21.86%
Pimentel 18.01%
Ople 12.86%
Mitra III 11.58%
Guingona 9.86%
Biazon 8.47%
Bautista 8.15%
De Venecia 6.32%
Plaza 2.47%
Valdehuesa 0.43%
Results of Wireless Audience Response System (WARS) voting
Cayetano vs Guingona
Round 1
Cayetano
Naniniwala – 86.2%
Hindi Naniniwala – 13.8%
Guingona
Naniniwala – 39.3%
Hindi Naniniwala – 60.7%
Round 2
Cayetano
Naniniwala- 84.7%
Hindi Naniniwala – 15.3%
Guingona
Naniniwala – 43.2%
Hindi Naniniwala – 56.8%
To view the show, click on this link
Cagayan De Oro
April 30, Friday, Day 81, 9 days to go.
I was welcomed to Cagayan de Oro by good friends Max Seno and Dr. Vic Cinco. They always take good care of me when I am there. One of my favorite memories of my trip here is my Bike for Hope ride around the province with hundreds of local bikers.
One of the highlights of my visit, was the proclamation rally in Opol. Max Seno, a long time family friend, respected civic leader and businessman in Cagayan de Oro is our mayoral candidate in Opol, a town very near Cagayan de Oro.
I addressed the crowd and told them that we need dedicated local government officials to implement the laws that I sponsored. I explained that the delivery of basic services is the responsibility of the local government. I expressed my confidence that Max Seno would be a good mayor and looked forward to working with him.
… with supporters
My good friend ,Congressman Bambi Emano hosted lunch for us. It was good to relax a bit and catch up with him. I met him six years ago when I ran for the first time. He was then the mayor of Tagoloan. Upon my request, he had various vegetable dishes served. Very delicious!
…in Bombo Radyo Cagayan de oro.
Visited Vice Mayor Dongkoy Emano, a long time mayor of Cagayan de Oro and friend of my dad. He supported me when I first ran in 2004 and again is supporting my candidacy. He told me that he is also supporting senatorial candidates from Mindanao which I think is good, because Mindanao really needs attention. The two senatorial candidates are Atty. Gwen Pimentel and Atty. Adel Tamano.
After that visit, we had to rush to the airport. Of course, once there we had to buy the local goodies to take home, that included the famous pastel and baked peanuts.
April 29, Thursday, day 80, 10 days to go.
Bulacan
I campaigned in Bulacan today. It was raining, it was pouring when we held our rally in Malolos.
Bulacan is special to me. It’s my grandfather’s hometown. Below is a picture of me at the Barasoain Church, one of my stops, while biking thru the province.
My grandfather, Pedro Cayetano, Alan’s namesake, was born in Marilao, Bulacan. At 9, he and his only brother were orphaned. He never finished college but was determined that his six children would all get a good education.
My dad fulfilled his father’s dream- became a lawyer, then went to the US and got two masters degree and a doctorate from the University of Michigan, oh and a beautiful and loving wife, my mom Sandy.
Because I trace my roots to Bulacan, I poured in funds during my term – funds for schools, health centers and the rehabilitation of the Marilao- Meycauayan- Obando River. Below is a picture of my bangka ride down the river while inspecting it as Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Also, you may want to check out my press release on this.
At the rally site, I went around and greeted my kababayans. Many had come out despite the rain.
Picture with our host, Eric Froilan Nicolas of Eric and Tuko, who was wearing my Pinay In Action shirt.
On stage, in the pouring rain in front of thousands, I pulled out my wet three- paged list of projects and told the Bulakenyos that sadly Malacanang never released these funds. But I’m hopeful the next president will honor my commitments to them.
P.S. A little trivia:
- Alan fell inlove and married a beautiful girl from Marilao, Bulacan- Lani, who in 2007 stole the hearts of the Tagigenos and became our Congresswoman. She is now running for mayor of Tagig.
- Eurobake goodies: I’ve been a fan of Eurobake inipit, ensaymada and pastillas for years.
Saturday, May 1, 82 days, 8 days to go.
When I was in Davao, I met and sat down with some military officers. During our interaction, I had the chance to explain to them my programs for various marginalized sectors. I also told them how sad I was to hear that there is a black propaganda circulating against me, wherein my statements about women empowerment have been twisted to make me look like I do not value the sacrifices of our soldiers. In several forums, I simply voiced out the sad plight of teachers and nurses whose salaries have historically been lower than their counterparts in other fields such as engineering and military profession. It was a mere statement of fact, not in anyway meant to lessen my concern for others.
At the Kapihan in Manila Hotel recently, in the presence of my co-candidate Capt. Mon-Mon Mitra and the Chief of Staff of Col. Ariel Querubin, I expressed my full support for their candidacy and said it is good that our soldiers continue to have a voice in the Senate. In the same vein, I am also the voice of the marginalized sectors like women, persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
My concern for women does not in any way diminish my support for other sectors including soldiers. In fact, I have been visiting the men and women in uniform, supporting in particular, the concerns of our women soldiers. I have also pushed for more benefits for the widows of our soldiers.
 With women of the Philippine Military Academy
 File photo of my visit to Camp Capinpin
I wish I knew the motivation of the black propagandists but what is obvious is they want to alienate me from the military sector. But why?
I reiterated to my new military friends in Davao of my continued support for the concerns of our soldiers. It’s the same assurance I tell our women soldiers whenever I have a chance to meet with them, that I will always be around to champion their causes as I encourage them to excel in their profession.
 Women in Uniform- an integral part of my women advocacy
I would welcome more suggestions on how our government can better provide for the welfare of our soldiers, particularly, the women and uniform, and the widows and orphaned children of our fallen heroes.
|
|
