Whenever our family old friend, nicknamed “George Bush” (no, he’s not related to the U.S. President) is our family driver; I have to tell you he will never give a habal-habal driver any slack not even an inch. Admittedly, I think George hates them especially the way they drive so senseless and careless with a cloud of toxic smoke following their path. These insensitive drivers will time and time again dart and whiz on the streets and highways in heavy fast moving traffic and will never give a thought of other drivers or pedestrians. Yes, I agree with him because they all seem to have disregard for other’s property and life and health.  Sometimes in heavy traffic George will inch ahead bumper to bumper and will never a let habal-habal cut him off and of course this little play of will powers scares me to a point at times I think I might lose control of my bladder. It’s like playing Russian roulette or the old bullfighter staring down the young eager bull. We all like George because of friendly smile and easy way yet whenever he meets a habal-habal driver the situation becomes like two enthusiast professional wrestlers ready to face-off for the main event. Chuck

Hello Folks,

When read the following news article I found it disturbing and I ask myself, “Why would this guy a 65 year old businessman hit a woman with a blow to her back?” Then I ask myself, “Is this the way he treats his family in Japan?” Personally I’m from the old school that believes women are entitled to be respected, unless of course they show otherwise. Yes, I agree with Senator Loren Legarda in part. Since living here many times I’ve witnessed foreigners act disrespectful towards Filipinas in general. However, on the other side of the same coin I’ve also observed foreigners treat their wives and families with total admiration and esteem and more importantly with love. Whatever his reason was it doesn’t justify his actions. Chuck 

Sun Star, April 14, 2008
Lawmaker hits Japanese for insulting Pinays. Senator Loren Legarda on Sunday condemned the act of a Japanese who gave a blow to the back of a daughter of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia  while they were both claiming their luggage from a conveyors' belt at the Manila domestic terminal last April 8. "It shows disrespect and brutality not only against the victim, Maria Esperanza Cristina Garcia-Codilla, a lawyer, but against Filipino women in general," Legarda said.
Legarda said the Philippine government should "apply the full force of the law" against the suspect, Isao Tanaka, a 65-year-old businessman, aside from deporting him from the Philippines and banning him from ever returning to the country. This would include filing of appropriate criminal charges and deportation after conviction and serving sentence.
"We must teach foreigners, especially the male chauvinists, to respect Filipino women, just as we teach our own men to respect all women, whether Filipinos or foreigners," she said. The legislator also called on the Japanese government and society to reprimand Isao for telling the local media that Japanese men do the same to their women at home. "I am sure they do not do that to Japanese women who are as entitled to respect, courtesy and gentle treatment like other
women."