Thomas Van Beersum : An Open Letter to Policeman Joselito Sevilla

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here's an open letter of Thomas Van Beersum, the foreigner who got deported and declared Persona non-Grata? (that's what I heard) for getting involved in a riot and bullying of a local policeman here in the Philippines.

Van Beersum made headlines after a photo showing him shouting at PO1 Joselito Sevilla went viral on social networking sites. He was in the country to attend the International Conference on Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines.He was photographed taunting the policeman who later broke down into tears at the rally’s dispersal line. The Dutch activist said he attended the SONA protest because he had been "outraged by the human rights violations committed by the corrupt Aquino regime."

I think Thomas van Beersum was an easy and convenient target by the government and the conniving media because he is young, a foreigner and a "Communist"? Talk about an emotional mob that can easily be swayed from the real issues like increasing poverty and human rights violation. Simply give them a crying cop.


How about you? Who's side are you in?

SM Olongapo Elevator Attendant Gets Recognition

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"The cheerful and dedicated elevator operator from SM Olongapo, Cheridel Alejandrino, visited SM Supermalls' Head Office today and was given recognition for exemplary customer service by SCMC President, Annie S. Garcia (3rd from left) and VP for Operations, Bien Mateo (2nd from right). Joining them are (L-R): Jerry Arenas, Rheybie Nipas and Junias Eusebio of SM"

Kudos to SM Supermalls for recognizing the exemplary efforts of their elevator attendant from SM Olongapo. It may not be as big as the CNN Hero award but to be recognized for even a small accomplishment is already very honorable especially for our fellowmen belonging to the rank and file position.

I'm sure Cheridel is really very proud of himself right now.

Stranded! : Commuters Cry Out to MMDA

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) new scheme to ease traffic in the Metro has caused a lot of commuters to cry out in frustration as many got themselves in a very unpleasant scenario. Many were stressed and confused, and some of them even got robbed by snatchers.


A great number of commuters from Cavite were stranded and delayed for work or school on the first day of the enforcement of the ban for provincial buses coming from Cavite. The provincial buses were no longer allowed from entering the metropolis and passengers needed to transfer to new means of transportation for Manila.


The situation was really "chaotic." A commuter has even said that the MMDA people should have tried commuting first so that they understand the situation of the carless masses.The MMDA should have at least consulted the commuters regarding this new traffic scheme.