Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Von Valdepenas says “No” to the Cybercrime Law



These days, kids and adults of any age are hooked to what the internet has to offer, especially the joy of chatting and catching up with friends via social media sites and blog sites. Those have also been a channel for them to share their thoughts and sometimes rant about anything.

The internet has also allowed us to grab an array of freebies; from  albums of our favorite singers to full episodes of our favorite series. This freedom also led to exposure to some illegal and obscene contents such as pornography.

According to our country’s government, the fact that the internet is uncontrollable as it is was the reason why they came to a conclusion to appeal a Cybercrime Law, which led to a protest from a lot of netizens, especially the youth, claiming that the said law would likely be an internet “martial law” and shatter their freedom of speech.


When this law is fully implemented, the government would constantly monitor the internet, including posts and comments on social networking sites. If there would be an instance that a senator would see comments against him, he will have the right to sue the persons involved, including those who “liked” and agreed to the post, for libel, where the “suspects” would have to pay thousands of pesos or be sent to prison for 12 years. 



Although the Cybercrime law does have a few good points such as the prevention of pornography and piracy, what the people are mostly worried about is the fact that their freedom to express would be obsolete. Our country is supposed to be democratic! The internet is the channel most used to voice out; of course the netizens would be angry and devastated.

When one thinks about it, it is a tad disappointing that our president agreed to such a law, considering that his mother brought democracy back to our country as his father fought and died for it. It would be like the martial law all over again! 

It’s funny that the government would spend a lot of money for a law like this one, instead of using it to build schools or clean the rivers to prevent floods; something that would help improve our country’s economy! I think our government officials should prioritize our country more than their reputation; after all, that is what they signed up for.



pages:http://vonvaldepenas.wordpress.comhttp://www.facebook.com/vladimirvon.valdepenas


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Los Banos Laguna: In celebration of its Beauty


In 1590, the Franciscan Friars found a land where they were captivated by the abundance of hot spring and small settlement which made them decide to set up public bathing places with spring water. The baths became so popular that it attracted tourists and convinced the Spanish authorities to officially establish a town they called Los Banos or “the baths.” In celebration of the beautiful land of Los Banos, the Banamos festival was established.



The first ever Banamos festival was celebrated in 2001. Like any other festival, the people of Los Banos were offered food and entertainment. The festival, which translates for “we bathe” in Spanish, commemorates the great natural wonders of the town and the local products. It is a festivity of community spirit and the people’s pride of the place.

Vladimir“Von” Valdepenas, former councilor of Los Banos, together with Vice Governor Caesar Perez, helped fully institutionalize the festival on 2004. The former councilor also helped with the finance committee in order to successfully budget their needs to make the festival worthwhile for the people. 

They coordinated with members of the town’s civic and educational communities to organize the 5-day event that kicked off with the traditional civic parade, an anniversary program and a beauty pageant.  They also held an exhibit of products, cultural presentations, a band and street dancing competition, water games and ballroom dancing.  The cherry on top of the celebration was held at the Makiling Mountain Quest where there was a one-day adventure race where the participants were tested for their athleticism.


Other councilors and organizers who helped with the festival on 2004 were Roberto Cereno who was also consultant for the Los Banos Tourism Council, Corazon Pb Villareal who was chair for solicitation and marketing,  Delfin R. Laforteza for the design, Edilberto D. Rimbon for physical arrangements, Lorenzo D. Meneses III for traffic and security, Pepito Carpirio for secretariat and Enrique C. Tolentino for evaluation.

The Banamos Festival has always been successful ever since the start of the festivity. The people of the town, as well as neighboring towns like Calamba Laguna, was also always more than willing to celebrate the abundance and beauty of their land. With the town’s quadric-centennial approaching, who knows how explosive the next festival would be.


pages:http://vonvaldepenas.wordpress.comhttp://www.facebook.com/vladimirvon.valdepenas