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Published: December 10th 2007
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Justin in The Lobby
Checking-in November 28. Who knows what's going to happen the next day... Credit for all photos posted in this entry shall go to my brother, Andrew. Thank you to ABS-CBN, among other media, for keeping us informed.
It's impossible to write about my recent Philippines trip by including the "siege" experience in the same breath, so I've decided to remember it separately once and for all.
I was a guest at the Manila Peninsula on Thursday morning, November 29 - registered to room 913 with my two youngest brothers. My parents were down the hall in room 921. Scheduled to stay three nights, we only stayed one. Given my previous visits to the Philippines, I was very much looking forward to staying in this five-star luxurious property in the heart of the business and shopping district of Makati.
We stayed one night and one morning. Fortunately, we made the best of our brief morning as Justin, Andrew, and I all worked out in the hotel's fitness center at sunrise. Later, the family enjoyed a nice, casual brunch buffet in Nielsen's. Afterwards, my brothers and I idled in our room flipping through channels while my parents, in the other room, phoned relatives and friends and finalized our itinerary for the day.
Manila Pen lobby
Justin is posing on the upper lefthand corner While flipping through the channels, we saw some "breaking news" regarding a politician, a general, and their supporters ditching (undeterred) a trial hearing at a nearby courthouse. Next thing you know, they're gaining support along the way from other idiots with nothing better to do. Ultimately, they stopped outside our hotel while figuring out their next move. All this time, we're watching everything unfold on TV and outside our hotel room (by the way, we were in the Ayala Tower so we didn't have much view of the action in front of the Makati Tower other than what we saw on TV).
After much posturing, the militia stormed its way into the Pen where they proceeded to take over and commandeer the common areas of the property (second and third floors) while most media, police and military assembled on the first floor. My family's only inconvenience was that we could not leave the property with any guarantee we would be cleared to go back in anytime soon. Our lives were never in any danger for the five hours we were there. Once given an opportunity to check out and evacuate, we certainly took advantage of doing so. While
The fun starts
Party poopers approach corner of Makati and Ayala Avenues I checked out on behalf of the family, media interviewed my parents and my brothers. My dad's interview was published (though somewhat edited and butchered) in the following morning's Philippine Star. Some colleagues saw me on a news broadcast via The Filipino Channel in the USA. Who knows where else we were viewed. Who cares.
Since the standoff/siege, I've had the opportunity to hear others' thoughts on the matter. For the most part, we agree on several points. The Asians are atypically a violent bunch. Had we waited out the siege, it's highly unlikely we would've had our lives threatened. By the time we reached the lobby, the atmosphere was rather calm; then again, we weren't on the second or third floors. In conclusion, most will agree the attempted coup failed on multiple levels.
Mind you, I'm not current on Philippine affairs so it's unfair for me to comment on one side (GMA) or the other (opposition), but I can offer the following:
-Throughout the entire affair, kudos to employees of the Manila Peninsula hotel for their unwavering courage and professionalism.
-Thank you to the police and military for managing the situation safely.
-Thank you to the contracted
Nissan drivers for transporting us from the hotel to our Plan B destination.
-The opposition only succeeded in interrupting commerce and tourism. You caused gridlock in and around the area because of the closure on Makati Ave and on the eve of Bonifacio Day. Good job, idiots!
-What support can the opposition expect to drum up by barricading themselves in a first-class property? Yeah, you have comfort with air conditioning and access to fine food and wine, but what else do you have? Dumb, dumb, dumb...
Being in the opposition party does not necessarily translate to negativity. After all, my maternal grandfather served in the Cabinet under former President Cory Aquino immediately following the downfall of the Marcos regime. As an opposition leader, he accepted accountability for his actions and was rendered 'persona non grata' by many of his so-called cronies. Yet, Trillanes appears not to be as seasoned (I think we're the same age). What has he accomplished since his siege of the Oakwood in 2003? What do you think he stands to gain from his siege here? Interestingly enough, shortly after the siege ended later that afternoon, Trillanes expressed his willingness to "face it ." Does
anyone actually take his word? After all, the siege was preceded by walking out of the hearing that stemmed from the 2003 siege. Certainly, they ran away from facing the 2003 charges. Zero responsibility, zero accountability.
Do me a favor. Let me know when the next Trillanes hearing takes place. I'll make sure I'm not in the Philippines then.
And, for the record, we all look forward to staying at the Manila Peninsula next time we're in the Philippines. BS aside, we enjoyed our stay!
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ayoosilver
non-member comment
Do you have a link of the interview with PhilStar?