Peaceful settlements of dispute with China: Is it Possible?

There is tension in the West Philippine Sea and it can't be denied that it has further soured relations between our two countries. While it's maddening to even hear things like bullying and physical harm to fishermen and coast guard personnel, we were able to hear from the Chinese side as some of their educators from different universities were in the country to tell their side and how the Chinese psyche works. 

This is part of Kamuning Bakery Cafe's Pan de Sal Forum which was moderated by Rod Cornejo. Former Senator Nikki Coseteng and Professor Rommel Banlaoi the President of the Philippine Society for International Security Studies and Director of the Center for the Study of Philippines-China Relations was also there to explain things about the Philippine action and challenges. For the Chinese side, they had Dr. Lei Xiaolu the Vice Director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (also a Professor from the  China Institute of Boundary and Ocean Studies in Wuhan University), Dr. Zheng Zhihua the Associate Professor and Head of East Asia Marine Policy Project at the Center for Japanese Studies in Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dr. Yan Yan the Vice Director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative and also the Director of Research Center for Oceans Law and Policy, National institute of South China Sea Studies, Professor Hu Bo the Director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative and Director of the Center for Maritime Strategy Studies and Research Professor of the School of International Studies in Peking University.

Nikki Coseteng says "It is very dangerous to be guided by propaganda. Peace is a necessary ingredient for a future we can depend on, for opportunities, and the establishment of it that is based on justice."

She adds Those who make money from war are not winners. Does everyone want peace in Asia? We do. We read the Philippines is purchasing F16 jets, but those are almost obsolete. We saw Ukraine, Gaza, and support coming from abroad but the people who perished in millions are inside the country. We in Asia have an economy 3-4 times bigger than EU, why would you want to destroy that? We want that for our children. We have to sit down, don't kid yourselves on settling it now. That won't happen. It might take one or two hundred years, but it would benefit generations thereafter."

Professor Rommel Banlaoi says "Peaceful settlements of dispute with China is the topic for today. I need to cite the work of a good friend from the US Taylor Fravel who mentioned 23 territorial disputes of China since 1949. In his dissertation, he has indicated how China has been able to resolve disputes where China gets less of the contested territory. In more cases than one, China offered a generous compromise of the disputed land, and give more to the neighboring countries. This is a finding from an American, and not from Chinese."

Professor Hu Bo says "We should peacefully resolve the South China Sea issues. It is difficult to resolve it with maritime disputes and 5 parties. In our lifetime we would not see the resolution of it. No other party will give up maritime claims. In the last year , there is progress even if there is tension. It is important for both countries, the China policy is consistent. Foreigners ask what the next step is, China has no plans, but remain status quo."

Dr. Yan Yan says "In the long run, how do we prevent crisis? It is self restraint. We already have bilateral relations and talks, any of the communication is being done, and in the long run we want to solve the disputes. If you look at it objectively, we don't want to do it by force but by peaceful resolution. This is what we are trying to achieve."

Dr. Zheng Zhihua "Three facts to choose, justice, respect and peace in the China sea dispute. We also need to know the understanding of China with regards to international law. Giving the capability to resort to defend territorial integrity, it is not possible for them to give up sovereignty."

Dr. Lee Xiaolu says "Every dispute has a peaceful solution, to not jeopardize the final solution. Member states should talk to other member states to prevent future disputes and not other non claimant states. Mutual negotiation and agreements through bilateral efforts should manage and handle it. Peace and stability should be a priority for people. We need to sit down to create an economic development for everybody."

Here's the forum on video to give you more context about the things they wanted to say about recent conflicts;

We got the impression that they'd rather have this be sat down with just two parties rather than involve others to resolve it. Is it possible to have a peaceful resolution? That still remains to be seen, but here's hoping it becomes a non violent process because war is NEVER an answer.

Abhorred, Avoided and Unpopular: Affordable Divorce in the Philippines by KATE COSETENG

Admitting the causes she's supporting as "Unpopular", Quezon City 3rd District Councilor Kate Coseteng is not about to let down what she sees as necessary for women in the Philippines. She is the first representative of Kababaihan PartyList which aims to be the voice of women in congress to enact laws that would benefit the public. Their Second Nominee Ria Romualdo is a registered nurse, and has sternly supported their causes in childrens health and welfare, based in Mindanao.

 Kate is no stranger in creating laws as she's been a Quezon City Councilor for 3 terms, has done the same in Valenzuela City. She pushed for the creation of Quezon City University, dialysis centers, PWD concerns, and benefits for solo parents (something she is pretty well known for). She uttered unpopular because these are certain things that people don't accept, especially matters that concern divorce. She lengthily discussed this with us because of the things that women go through. 

If set in an abusive marriage, it may also be physical, emotional and economical. She's optimistic it will get passed if it doesn't contain certain conditions such as "irreconcilable differences" as it is too broad to define and be accepted by lawmakers. I saw how practical she was and deal it without emotions, much like business and a numbers game rather than having just a feisty disposition. She focusing on going into it with pride, curiosity, knowledge that the causes are important. If you don't know, it is extremely expensive to get an annulment in the Philippines and it is extremely an anti poor legislation. The plan is, to have divorce be afforded by folks of any stature. She mentioned it being paid for as much as 5,000 pesos, all in. This could definitely be a game changer for a lot of women who couldn't afford the annulment process if they are abused. 

The KABABAIHAN PartyList is also very aware of current issues, and would want to address working conditions for women who work at odd hours. Call Center agents, BPO, Nurses, Bartenders, Security Guards, and the likes, they feel should have a place to safely leave their kids while they are working to make a living. They want a Night Care Center to do this to also be a place for refuge for women who are victims of abuse, to also have them train for livelihood and business, also get legal and psychological help if needed. They also want to help create laws that would provide micro finance so women could put up small businesses to provide for their families. This includes financial literacy, for obvious reasons. They also want to push for reforms regarding the LGBTQIA+ sector, to provide a more general view of the equality they've been longing for. Something that they want to do with reforms, even if it means they would have to start from scratch. 

Kate says "If you see the things we have on our platform are severely unpopular. It's a bit heavy to digest, but these are legitimate issues in our society. For example divorce, since we are a very Catholic nation, it's super difficult to pass laws like it. We already have passed a version in congress, but it met its demise in the senate. This goes the same with the SOGIE Bill that has already spent 24 years since its inception. Senator Miriam Santiago first did this in the early 2000's, and when asked what I could help with their cause, they answered just "respect", so we made efforts to make it less polarizing when it is sent to the Senate. This would be more like an anti discrimination act that would be applicable for all including the LGBTQIA+ community. Baby steps, we can't just promise platforms and not have progress." 

Here's her talk if you want a more detailed understanding of it:

Unpopular, yes, but it feels so necessary for a LOT of people. It was super nice to hear all these from her and how passionate she wants it all to happen. Women remains a sector that is heavily under represented to this day. I know so many folks who would greatly benefit from the laws she mentioned especially with divorce for abused women.

Do you agree with her?

TCL Celebrates 25 Years in the Philippines

The folks from TCL Philippines just celebrated their 25th year in the Philippines and it was grand! Their General Manager Griffith Zhang of the Asia Pacific Business Group at TCL Industries took the stage and told us how remarkable TV and Airconditioning Unit sales has been recently, as they've gotten the huge market share that has gotten them to be the top brand for it in the country. They also stated how they've had the opportunity to sponsor the Olympics til 2032. They also talked about their bullish outlook on AI and what it could do with their products which includes their Mini LED TV's and several other home appliances. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Bueno (@kumagcow)

TCL Philippines CEO Peter Chen also proudly announced their triple Top 1 ranking in Ulltra Large Screen TV"s, Mini LED TV's and Google TV's. They are continuing expansion, innovation and continued implementation of brand values to take TCL Philippines to the next level. They had several presenters who also showcased not just the Mini LED TV's, but the Washing Machines, the inverter Air Conditioning units, and the huge refrigerators too. With new features and having them energy efficient, they're ready for even greater heights!

The company also announced their newest brand endorsers particularly actress Rhian Ramos, Olympian Pole Vaulter EJ Obiena and comedienne Valeen Montenegro.They had a little talk on stage about how their lives were easy because of their TCL appliances. They also have shared how mighty proud they are to be part of a brand that has become a part of Filipino households and still untarnished to this date.

Congratulations on your Silver Anniversary TCL Philippines and their brand manager Joseph Cernitchez for all your success! This is surely just the start no?!

SAM VERZOSA Pronounces RHIAN RAMOS as His Dream Girl

Just got the chance to see Sam Verzosa today at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe. They were supposed to be guests at a conference set by its owner Wilson Lee Flores which mostly hosts political events, but this time, it's for entertainment. Unfortunately Rhian had to attend to some commitments because she's hosting a show "Where in Manila" in lieu of Sam's previous one "SV Cares" (in the same time slot). We saw a very giddy Sam and he was excited to share his recent successes including the increase in recent surveys at 38 percent.

"I already talked to a lot of people, and there's a lot of international film festivals and the Manila Film Festival is something that I'd want to do. Whatever experience I have in sales and marketing, I'll do it in Manila. As you know, foreigners only pass by the city and go to other places. I also want to do events in Intramuros, have press conferences like these inside the walls. There are restaurants, know some obstructions are there, we need to develop it and should be enjoyed by people. It's a combination of everything, cleanliness, renovation, even the Metropolitan Theater should be better promoted. We need to move events where we can maximize it. We work with what we have, it's not just selling properties, we need to use them too."

He adds "After receiving multiple philanthropist of the year, we just received the GUSI Peace Prize too. Manila properties need to be promoted right, we need to help local businesses because there's an opportunity for food, additional livelihood for Manileños so they have work."

He told us "Rhian isn't my ideal woman, she's my dream. She's so intelligent and have a huge heart. We plan to put up communities that has everything sustainable. We have the same goals, I thought I should do it elsewhere but I know we can do it in Manila. I've been a devotee of the Black Nazarene for over 16 years. I think I'd want a wedding in Quiapo Church. I want an even better looking Plaza Miranda, they've done it in Europe, why couldn't we do it here."

As for Holy Week activities he says "I hope you pray for the love, peace and prosperity. We'll be spending it by doing Visita Iglesia, 14 churches in Manila. We have been doing that with my Father ever since we were kids."

"I hope Rhian can help me promote Manila, not just the beauty of the place but promote businesses. She's my partner in life, I ask her often for decisions. For people, for SME's, it's easy to do Siomai carts (which was her idea). We'd want to have SIOMAYNILA in more places because right now, it's over 500 already. People are really becoming successful with it."

Sam hopes people see his sincerity and would want to participate in debates if organizations would invite him. He sees it as a platform where people could see that he's more action than just lip service.