Summary of Noynoy Aquino's Year One Speech

June 30, 2011 marked the anniversary of his first year in office of President Benigno S. Aquino III. So for those who are interested (like the students who have assignments on this topic), go on and read. Just take note below.

Note: Original speech is in Filipino. I've translated the direct quotes from the speech to the best of my ability. And since it's a summary, I paraphrased it according to how I interpreted it. Just take note while you read this. Thanks!

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A recap of the last year:
Before, we move aside when we hear sirens on the street; our greatest dream was to get a VISA to work abroad; waking up to unexpected floods because there's no warning from PAGASA; people giving up on justice for Maguindanao massacre victims.

Bad news only gets worse. But surprisingly, the economy rose -- locally and globally -- shortly before election, because it was the end of the Arroyo administration and the end of the suffering of Filipinos.

It took a long time to contemplate on whether to run for office or not. In the end, instead of “sorry, I'm frightened, and I want to live longer" I said, "Filipino, I'm with you. We'll straighten the crooked, we'll remove the anomalous, and we'll right the wrong."

The here and now: It's much worse than first imagined.

Conan Delivers Commencement Speech

Conan was invited to deliver the 2011 Commencement Speech at Dartmouth College. One of the very few commencement speeches in which you get good laughs and good pieces of advise as well. :)



Full transcript follows.