itskayemiranda

Here’s what I wrote in the Multiply site of Harapan. Here it is.

I was disappointed that Manny Villar didn’t show up. It was truly an important event to show where he stands on issues (for example: the RH bill, the Maguindanao horror, etc.).

I would like to applaud the effort for conducting the forum. It was informative and entertaining (thanks to Erap). I learned a lot from the possible candidates. Having said that, I am really disappointed with some of the questions that were asked. I believe that there are those who share the same sentiment. In your effort to bring ‘audience participation’ to the forum, the questions that were asked, I believe, could be compared to what Boy Abunda would ask in The Buzz. What kind of questions are these: “What was your biggest failure?” “Have you ever lied?” They are all too showbiz. Next time, I believe you could ask one silly question to all the candidates and be done with it. There are far too pressing issues that needs to be addressed.

Next, please do read the twitter, facebook, multiply, etc. comments/suggestions/questions. There are far better and smarter questions there, I must say (Mine included).

By the way, the 2 minute time limit is good. I think its enough time for them to get to the point immediately. So, over-all, the questions asked were good although, there were a few let-downs. But, I do appreciate the audience participation. Its just the audience needs to ask better questions. The format is good. The moderator, Mr. Ted Failon, is good at explaining the questions for those who were having difficulty (Ahem, Mr. Estrada).

My suggestion for next time is this: How about asking some top-notch columnists/professors that could ask intelligent questions. Then the candidate answers. Then challenge the answer. Then another answer from the candidate. I hope you got it. LOL. Now, my take on the candidates performance:

1. DICK GORDON - For me, he won this forum. Personally, he was able to deliver well. He was straight to the point. The content of his answers are NOT pointless. Bonus points for the empowering statement that says that we should be aiming higher… we should be working here… we should be using our resources… or something to that effect.
2. GIBO TEODORO - Its unfortunate that he’s flying under the wings of the incumbent. He’s suave. He’s direct to the point. He fumbled when asked about PGMA and her running for congress and such but there’s no denying that this guy is smart and I get a sense that he is a very democratic leader - which is either a boon and a bane at the same time, but nonetheless, ESSENTIAL.
3. NOYNOY AQUINO - His calm demeanor is sometimes off-putting. Personally, I loved it when he’s aggravated by the autism question (the one with Ted Failon). But nevertheless, he’s one of those who LISTENS to the questions which is very TELLING re: character. I believe his moral compass is right on track which I believe is very important. Personally, what I need to see from him is the heart, the conviction. I want to see that HE WANTS TO BE PRESIDENT. THAT HE COULD BE PRESIDENT and that he was not just ‘pushed by’ the circumstances during the year.
4. BRO. EDDIE - Being a Christian, I am truly surprised how he managed to answer the questions with such regard for the Christian faith while maintaining the fact that he didn’t sound stupid. Props to him.
5. NICANOR PERLAS - I noticed that he was very technical and very structured in regards to his plans. But, Mr. Perlas your chances of winning are as slim as the needle eye. I do applaud you for your courage.
6. and 7. ERAP and COUNCILOR - Seriously? I mean SERIOUSLY? Is anyone even considering voting for these two? Erap is a comic relief but governance for the second time around is not only depressing for Erap but it makes us stupid if WE LET HIM WIN. I wasn’t laughing the whole time that person asked him about “What vice can’t you give up…” Erap seems to not know what VICE means. Its bisyo, Mr. Action Star. BISYO.

And, Mr. Councilor, with all your good intentions, you just made a joke out of yourself for not going in prepared. Its evident. Props for being there, though. I’d take it rather than those who CHICKENED OUT. Yes, Mr. Sipag at Tiyaga, I’m talking to you.

Why wasn’t Manny Villar there? It still bothers me.