Team DailyPedia
Amidst all the traffic-related horror stories and other woes posted on Facebook brought about by APEC-related (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) activities, one Facebook user chose to focus on the bright side of the economic summit instead.
On his Facebook page last November 18, National Youth Commissioner Jo Jan Paul Penol listed deals sealed by the Philippines during the summit. Below are a few of the most noteworthy deals, along with reactions of some netizens who seem to be a bit hard to impress.
• President Barack Obama promised that the United States will give two more warships to the Philippine Navy.
“Lagi nalang 2nd hand na mga barko kung hindi binibili sa America eh bigay.” (It’s always second-hand ships. If we don’t buy them, America gives them to us.) Replied Carl Basil Molina. “Kaya huwag na tayong magtaka kung bakit hindi natin kayang makipagsabayan sa mga barko ng China.” (It’s now wonder we can’t go head-to-head against China’s ships.)
Vicky Tolentino, however, seems more grateful of the offer. “Kitid ng mga utak ng mga tao na ito. No satisfaction sa mga ibinibigay ng kapwa.” (You people are so closed-minded. You get no satisfaction out of what others give.)
• As with the US, Japan likewise came to an agreement with the Philippines regarding the transfer of military equipment between the countries.
It seems otaku (anime fans) are the only ones who appreciate this deal. “pahiram nyo samin si voltes 5,” (lend us Voltes 5,) suggests RKelly Dela Cruz.
“tapos kung okay sa japan, patulungin na nila lahat ng guild sa fiore most especially yung fairytail.” (And if it’s okay with Japan, they should let all the Fiore guilds help, especially Fairy Tail.) Adds Arianne Macaraeg, “Okay lang din kung gusto ng mga taga soul society ng suprise visit.” (It’s also okay if we get a surprise visit from Soul Society.) (All three comments are related to popular anime series, namely Voltes 5, Fairy Tail, and Bleach.)
• Australia will provide four million dollars to further the peace process in Mindanao.
To which FB user Alessandra Pando retorts, “Siguraduhin lang talaga nila na sa Mindanao talaga mabibigay yan.” (Just make sure that it really goes to Mindanao.)
• Papua New Guinea showed appreciation for Filipino teachers and rice exports.
Carl Basil Molina reacts, “Yung dapat na mga magagaling na teachers at yung mga bigas na sana nakakain ng mga mahihirap dito sa Pinas. Ayun lahat tinapon ng gobyerno sa ibang bansa para sila ang makinabang.” (The skilled teachers, as well as the rice that should be consumed by the Filipino poor, all of it has been thrown by our government to other countries, and now they are the ones benefiting.)
• Both alleged aggrieved parties in the West Philippine Sea row, Vietnam and the Philippines reaffirm their call for peace in the region and have inked a strategic partnership deal.
Unimpressed, Franz Gonzales instead jokes, “Swap n lng ng president add cash n lng tayo…” (Why don’t we just swap presidents, we’ll even add cash…)
• Mexico and the Philippines agree on deals concerning avoidance of double taxation, cooperation on tourism, and joining forces in combating the illegal drug trade.
Netizens, however, seemed to take more notice of Mexican President’s Enrique Pena Nieto’s looks. The commenters unanimously agreed that Nieto is good-looking, with replies of “pogi” and “guwapo” inundating the post. “Handsome and with charm,” proclaimed Gloria Querubin.
