Nostalgia of the 90s and 2000s: Video City, CD-R King, and the Loss of a Collection to Typhoon Ondoy

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"Mas addict kami sa Video City rentals at collecting Marvel and DC comics plus graphical novels. 

Noong mauso ang CD-writers around year 2000, more on CD-R and CD-RWs ang collection of MP3s ko..some burned from original audio CDs...but for movies, bumibili talaga ako ng original or nanghihiram sa mga friends at classmates para kopyahin ko on CDs... Lahat yata ng CD-R King designs ay nabili ko na..sangkatutak pa kung bumili ako.

Lahat ay nasira dahil nabaha noong Ondoy noong 2009."

During the 1990s and early 2000s, renting movies from Video City and collecting Marvel and DC comics, along with graphic novels, were an integral part of many Filipinos’ lives. These activities brought entertainment and joy to countless people.

Video City: The Nation’s Favorite Video Rental Shop

Founded in 1986 by Viva Home Entertainment, Video City became the go-to destination for movie lovers in the Philippines. At its peak in the 2000s, it had nearly 300 branches nationwide. Its affordable rental fees and vast collection of films—from local classics to international blockbusters—made it incredibly popular.

However, the rise of pirated VCDs and DVDs, followed by high-speed internet and streaming services, led to its decline. By 2015, Video City closed its remaining branches, marking the end of an era in the Philippine video rental industry. (PLDTHome.com)

CD-R King: The King of Affordable Technology

CD-R King made its mark in 1997 as the go-to store for affordable CD-Rs and CD-RWs, which were the popular storage media of that time. Over the years, the company expanded its product line to include various electronic gadgets, computer accessories, and more.

Many people were drawn to their low prices and wide variety of products. However, with the rise of e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee, along with the availability of higher-quality products at competitive prices, CD-R King’s popularity declined. By 2020, most of its branches had shut down, signaling the end of its operations. (Wikipedia)

The Tragedy of Typhoon Ondoy

On September 26, 2009, Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) struck Metro Manila and nearby provinces, causing massive flooding. Countless homes were submerged, and along with them, collections of comics, graphic novels, and other valuable possessions were lost. This disaster was a heartbreaking loss for collectors and served as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding treasured items.

Looking Back and Keeping the Passion Alive

While technology and media consumption have evolved, the love for comics and films remains strong among many Filipinos. Today, digital copies of favorite comics and movies are readily available on various online platforms. However, the nostalgia of renting movies at Video City, collecting comics, and buying gadgets from CD-R King remains a cherished part of Philippine pop culture history.

Garin Reveals Pressure to Implicate Aquino in Dengvaxia Controversy: A Political Motive Unveiled

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In a revealing interview on January 28, 2025, House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin spoke candidly about the intense pressure she faced to implicate former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III in the Dengvaxia vaccine controversy. This marks the first time Garin has openly shared the emotional toll and political dynamics surrounding the investigation.

The controversy, which began in 2017, revolves around the controversial rollout of the Dengvaxia vaccine—developed by Sanofi Pasteur—during the Aquino administration. The vaccine was initially hailed as a breakthrough in the fight against dengue but became a lightning rod for public outcry after concerns arose about its safety, leading to claims that it could worsen the condition in people who had never been infected by the virus. A series of adverse events, including the deaths of several children, sparked public fear and political backlash.

During the Duterte administration, Garin, who was then the Health Secretary, found herself at the center of the storm. In her interview, Garin recounted how she and others involved in the vaccine’s introduction were subjected to intense scrutiny. The most significant revelation came when Garin disclosed that she was coerced into signing an affidavit that would have directly linked the former president to the vaccine's problematic implementation. According to Garin, the pressure was intense, and the allegations against Aquino were entirely unfounded.

"When I was being investigated in the Senate, it felt as though they were treating me like a criminal when I had done nothing wrong. They were pushing us to sign an affidavit that would point to PNoy, but we couldn’t do it because it wasn’t true," Garin said emotionally.

The Political Underpinnings

The Dengvaxia scandal became deeply politicized, with Garin being blamed for approving the vaccine without adequate testing. However, it was clear that the investigation wasn’t just about public health; it was also about scoring political points. Garin’s revelations shed light on the political maneuvering behind the scenes during the Duterte administration. Garin accused certain individuals, including Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Persida Acosta, PAO Forensic Chief Edwin Erfe, and Dr. Anthony Leachon, of using taxpayer money to build cases against Filipino scientists.

Acosta, who has been vocal in accusing the Aquino administration of negligence in the vaccine rollout, had previously claimed that 166 deaths were linked to the vaccine. These claims sparked public outrage, despite a lack of conclusive evidence linking Dengvaxia to the deaths. According to Garin, the orchestrated efforts to implicate Aquino were politically motivated and designed to shift blame away from the administration that had approved the vaccine’s use.

The Emotional Toll

Garin also shared the personal toll the investigation took on her and her family. She spoke about how the Senate investigations affected her father, who suffered a stroke during the course of the inquiries. Garin emphasized that while she was being portrayed as a scapegoat for the controversial vaccine, the emotional strain was exacerbated by the attacks on her integrity and public image.

"It's difficult to be falsely accused of something you didn’t do. The stress it caused, not only to me but to my family, was overwhelming," Garin said, visibly emotional during the interview.

A Call for Accountability

In light of these revelations, Garin has called for accountability not just for those who politicized the Dengvaxia controversy but also for those who used the incident to further their own agendas. Garin’s admission also raises questions about the role of public officials and how political motivations can influence important public health decisions.

Her decision to speak out brings into focus the question of how science and public health initiatives can be manipulated for political gain, and how the public must remain vigilant to ensure that the real issues are addressed, rather than using crises to settle political scores.

The Broader Implications

The Dengvaxia issue serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of politicizing public health matters. It underscores the critical importance of transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policy-making, particularly in an era where misinformation and political polarization are rampant.

As for Garin, her testimony adds yet another layer to a complex and highly politicized controversy that has left many questions unanswered. With the public still divided on the issue, Garin’s revelations may be the key to unlocking the truth behind the Dengvaxia debacle, as well as a call to end the misuse of public health matters for political purposes.

The admission that the effort to implicate Aquino was politically motivated is a damning indictment of the forces at play during one of the most divisive health scandals in the country’s history. The hope now is that those responsible for manipulating the situation for political gain will be held accountable, and that the lessons learned will serve to protect future public health decisions from being tainted by similar motives.

EDSA Bus Lane: A VIP Red Carpet for Politicians and the Ongoing Battle for Accountability

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The EDSA Bus Lane, a key initiative to alleviate the overwhelming traffic congestion in Metro Manila, has recently gained unwanted attention. Rather than being a symbol of efficient public transportation, it has become a hotspot for controversy, with increasing reports of politicians and government officials illegally using the bus lane. This practice, once rare, is now being revealed as a growing trend—one that stokes public anger and exposes the deep-seated issues of privilege and lack of accountability in Philippine governance.

The VIP Red Carpet for the Elite

The EDSA Bus Lane was created to prioritize buses and provide a smoother ride for commuters, but lately, it has increasingly been treated like a VIP red carpet by politicians and their families. This disturbing development became especially apparent after several high-profile individuals, including government officials, were caught using the bus lane illegally.

One of the most notable cases was that of the son of well-known broadcaster Raffy Tulfo. The young Tulfo was caught twice in 2025 violating the EDSA Bus Lane policy. Despite paying the required fine and offering an apology, this incident sparked outrage, not just because of the violation itself, but because of the perceived lack of accountability for public figures who repeatedly disregard the rules.

Raffy Tulfo, despite his hard-hitting stance on public accountability when it comes to others, seemed to downplay the seriousness of his son’s actions. For many, this was a glaring example of how politicians and their families, once caught, simply apologize and move on, without facing any real consequences. This is not an isolated incident. As more and more government officials are caught using the EDSA Bus Lane illegally, the question remains: Why are these people above the law?

Perks of Office vs. Public Accountability

Politicians and government officials in the Philippines enjoy a wide array of perks, including government-paid car fleets, fuel subsidies, and even personal chauffeurs. But when these perks are used to break laws meant to protect ordinary citizens, the situation becomes problematic. These privileges create a glaring disconnect between the government and the people they are meant to serve.

In the case of the EDSA Bus Lane violations, it isn’t just about a simple traffic ticket. The issue lies in the power imbalance between public officials and the average commuter. A politician may pay a 5,000-peso fine, but to them, it’s just pocket change. For the average citizen, however, such a fine can be a significant burden. Yet the true concern goes beyond the financial penalty; it’s the impunity that these individuals enjoy, knowing that a simple apology and payment will let them off the hook.

A Culture of Impunity

The recent violations by government officials are part of a larger, more troubling pattern of impunity among those in power. Whether it’s breaking traffic laws or engaging in corrupt practices, many politicians seem to believe that their position grants them immunity from the consequences of their actions. This is the crux of the issue—when those entrusted to enforce the law are the ones breaking it, it undermines the very foundation of justice.

When asked about the issue, Raffy Tulfo downplayed the violation by stating, “Nagpa-ticket naman pala eh, so walang problema.” This comment highlights how easily politicians and their families can treat these violations as trivial matters. They apologize, pay the fine, and continue to flex their power, as though nothing significant has occurred. For many citizens, this is an insult to the very idea of justice and fairness.

The Tulfo Family Controversy: A Case in Point

Perhaps no example is more illustrative of this problem than the Tulfo family’s involvement in EDSA Bus Lane violations. Raffy Tulfo, a staunch advocate for public accountability, has made a name for himself by calling out others, particularly public officials, who break the law. Yet, when his own son was caught violating the same laws, the reaction was far less severe. In fact, it was treated as a minor issue, despite the fact that it reflects the deeper problem of privilege that exists in the political system.

As many pointed out, if it were an ordinary citizen caught in the same situation, they would have faced much harsher consequences. The son of Raffy Tulfo, like many others in power, saw the bus lane not as a space meant to improve traffic flow for everyone, but as a convenient shortcut—one that they believed they could take without facing any real repercussions. This behavior reinforces the notion that public officials, especially those in powerful positions, are above the law.

The Public’s Frustration: A Call for Change

The ongoing violations of the EDSA Bus Lane by government officials have ignited a broader conversation about the systemic abuse of power in the Philippines. Ordinary citizens are frustrated by the constant abuse of privileges by the elite, and they are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction. Social media has become a powerful tool for exposing these abuses, with citizens calling out politicians who treat laws as optional.

One comment summed up the public’s sentiment: "The politicians and VIPs you hate reflect the quality of your votes." This statement resonates with many Filipinos who feel that their votes are being wasted on individuals who are more interested in flexing their power than serving the public. It also highlights the importance of electing officials who not only respect the law but lead by example.

Turning the EDSA Bus Lane into a Honeypot for Media Shaming

The EDSA Bus Lane is not just a traffic policy; it is a symbol of the larger issues at play in Philippine governance. As more and more politicians are caught using the bus lane illegally, there is a growing call to turn these violations into a tool for public accountability. Rather than letting these incidents slide with a simple apology, there is a movement to use media shaming as a way to hold public officials accountable.

The idea is simple: If politicians and government officials continue to break the law with impunity, they should face consequences that go beyond paying a fine. Media shaming, public outrage, and calls for resignation or other forms of accountability could serve as a deterrent. It’s time to turn the spotlight on those who believe they are above the law and demand that they be held accountable for their actions.

The Need for a Cultural Shift in Politics

At the heart of this issue lies a need for a cultural shift in Philippine politics. It’s not just about breaking the rules; it’s about the sense of entitlement that politicians seem to have, the belief that they can do whatever they want without facing consequences. This culture of impunity must be addressed head-on if the country is ever to make real progress in terms of governance and public trust.

Ultimately, the message is clear: If politicians are caught breaking the law, they should be held accountable—no apologies, no exceptions. The EDSA Bus Lane, meant to serve the public, should not become a symbol of the abuse of power. Instead, it should stand as a reminder that the law applies to everyone, regardless of their status or position in society.

Conclusion: The Power of the People

The EDSA Bus Lane controversy is just one example of the broader issues of privilege and corruption that continue to plague Philippine society. However, it also offers an opportunity for change. Social media, public outcry, and collective action can be powerful tools in demanding accountability from public officials. It’s time for the public to stand up, voice their frustrations, and make it clear that they will no longer tolerate the abuse of power.

Politicians and government officials must realize that they are not above the law. If they want to regain the public’s trust, they must lead by example and show respect for the rules that govern everyone. Until then, the public must continue to demand justice and hold those in power accountable for their actions.