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Stupid is Forevermore

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Can you follow up a bestseller that has sold more than 350,000 copies with a better book? You literally can't. So, you just give more. MORE of the gut-busting jokes that draw people in and MORE of the witty one-liners that keep people reading. MORE of the silly pickup lines that spark romance and MORE of the moving speeches that inspire generations. And MORE of the magic that only Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago can deliver.

Stupid is Forevermore is the sequel to the phenomenal hit that has been read by people of all ages, genders, and classes. Chockfull of humor and eloquence, the beloved Senator is back along with Cj de Silva-Ong, Andrew Drilon, Apol Sta. Maria, Julius Villanueva, and a who's who of the Philippines' best young illustrators.

150 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2015

95 people are currently reading
1790 people want to read

About the author

Miriam Defensor Santiago

31 books340 followers
Laureate, Magsaysay Award (Asian Nobel Prize) for government service. Cited for “bold and moral leadership in cleaning up a graft-ridden government agency.” Named one of The 100 Most Powerful Women in the World by Australian magazine. Listed in the United Nations Roster of Eminent and Qualified Experts for international law.

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5 stars
586 (46%)
4 stars
339 (27%)
3 stars
249 (19%)
2 stars
55 (4%)
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19 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Shai.
950 reviews869 followers
April 5, 2018
The first book is good but this one is way better. I love how Sen. Miriam mentioned that we should try to work in the government and to lead the change. She also tackles the importance to serve the country and not to be a part of the brain drain. Newly graduates should grab a copy of this because they can learn a lot from the copy of the commencement speeches of Sen. Miriam that is included here.
Profile Image for Joey.
262 reviews53 followers
July 24, 2015
This is the sequel to our beloved Senator Miriam Santiago’s STUPID IS FOREVER ( 3 stars ) as it was launched on her 70th birthday celebration on June 15. The title is still the same; it was only added with the word "MORE" to imply that the beloved senator has another sack of jokes and epigraphs. But the color of the paperback is now reddish as one of the common colors of her attires she wears when she attends the senate meetings. As a rule, the contents of the books are more on her jokes , epigraphs, and speeches which had been earmarked for this sequel. In the end, I find it somehow redundantly entertaining but worth reading in disguise. Thus, I have been disappointed for the second time except her short story , The Exorcism of the Ghost, an excerpt from her well-received then The Frabjous Days and other Short Stories.

In effect, if you are such an avid fan of the beloved senator like me , obsessed with her on a daily basis, wanting to know everything she does , it may be in politics or in her personal life as though you are a cyber stalker , you are undoubtedly familiar with the contents from cover to cover. You have read all her witty jokes and political tirades, speeches , and her bio data just by means of internet access. Definitely, you check her website . Here you can read all the statements she makes in the press since she became a senator. If you want another blown-by-blown details , you can visit the site of the Philippine Senate. There you can check the senator’s archives . To pick the newspapers commentators’ brains , just type Miriam Santiago and search it by clicking News on Google or Yahoo. All the information you want to keep track of is accessible in the internet. Tataaan! You are now undoubtedly a Miriam freak. ( laughs)

The pattern used in writing this book is the same as the opinion I teased out of her Stupid is Forever. First, before she delivers her speech on the stump, the senator as a rule will regale you with her witty jokes to break the ice. For sure, you will be knocked out off the aisle. Then, just all the kidding aside, you will listen to her inspiring and educating speeches although a little steeped in political issues. Finally, she will leave us some lines of quotes she must have selected herself.

Her speeches I have read but still worth reading have something to do with life.

A DATE WITH DESTINY

Here I cottoned to William Arthur Ward’s quotes

“The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of like is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give.”

THE PARADIGM FOR HAPPY LIFE

Here I learned her philosophy:

“Life is a consequence of our moral choices.”


What sparked my interest is her preface and short story The Exorcism of a Ghost, a selected story in her autobiography The Frabjous Day. I have always wanted to read her autobiography as I was wondering how she is as good at writing a story as she is witty at her speeches. To my astonishment, our beloved Senator Santiago’s intellectual hubris, indeed, reflects in the above-mentioned short story. Now I understand. “ “Beam me up, Scotty, there's no intelligent life here “ ( laughs )

Her Preface:

The Moron

See the Happy Moron,
He doesn’t give a damn!
I wish I were a moron –
My God! Perhaps I am!

-Anonymous-

I also opined in my review on her Stupid is Forever that the book is intended for her hidden political agenda to run for presidential aspirations in 2016. Obviously, this book – in my humble opinion- still completely resembles the former , hyping up her records of academic excellence and professional achievements; at the same time, with some pictures of hers showing her aura of bold and moral character as well as her massive intellect in the legal fields.

The beloved senator has not been in the press for a few months as though she had faded into the night like Batman , nor has she been able to attend the senate sessions ( despite the fact that she has the highest number of bills passed in the higher congress.) In fact, she was not able to attend the launching of this, her second book; rather , it was launched on the market on her 70th birthday. She must still be struggling for her stage 4 lung cancer as she is dog-determined to recover, for she might plan to run in 2016.

Dear our Beloved Senator:

Whatever you plan in 2016 is , we, your fans, will always give you our all-out support. But for the sake of your health, we had rather you did not plan to do so; we had rather you took a rest, enjoyed in your 70’s by spending time with your family and grandchildren , or sat in a rocking chair crocheting as you once joked before when asked whether you would run or not in 1992. Politics as you are aware of is dirty. We may not know your personal intention why you want to become president, but what you have done for the Philippines is enough to awaken us, your disciples you have intellectually enlightened by means of your political idiosyncrasies beyond the hoi polloi ‘s understanding.

To look cool, it is about time you wrote your own literary piece as what you wanted to do when you were still young. May be when you make one, it could be bound to being a short list in any international literary awards as what you flaunted whenever you got into an international event. ^^

Get well soon, our beloved Senadora. We, your fans , miss you a whole lot.
Profile Image for Eunice (nerdytalksbookblog).
435 reviews131 followers
January 4, 2016
Miriam Defensor Santiago is one of the many reasons why I took up law, she will forever be an inspiration. Thank you Senator for being such a badass!
Profile Image for Binibining `E (of The Ugly Writers).
479 reviews42 followers
October 23, 2015
I think this book is very cool but I like the first book more. I just cant imagine her saying those pick up lines and whenever I do I just can't stop grinning.. All in all this book still is very informative, her speeches tells it all. You just have to take it in by heart I guess.

Kapag Dalawa ang Mahal Mo, Paglabanin Mo

I know I know its just that this Chapter is one of my favorites here in this book, I know some jokes are just simple but I really think its kind of funny and I just cant keep myself from laughing.
How can you not laugh with these banters:

"Ang pagibig di yan nadadaan sa itsura, Bakit kailan ba tumibok ang mukha?"

"Ang taong gusto mo, parang ice cream: matutunaw pag tinitigan mo lang, kaya dapat, dilaan agad." LOL..

"If someone's flirting with you, Please cooperate."

And of course there are jokes, lines or banat that can somehow affect other people or somewhat people can relate to.

"Ang love parang sports. Kaya mo bang maipanalo ang isang laro kung reserba ka lang?"

"Minsan ang pagibig ay parang siopao. Bola-bola lang."

I love her speeches of course, but sometimes I think it really requires a higher level of thinking haha! She really is fierce and brave, we all know how she wants to battle graft and corruption in our country and I do hope someday soon she would eliminate that problem. I admire her, she would be a great President someday.
Profile Image for Vincent Dohn.
36 reviews20 followers
August 21, 2015
We are really really sick. We are morally sick. We are mentally sick. The higher the position, the higher the mental sickness.
Profile Image for bookishpoetess.
623 reviews75 followers
December 23, 2015
"The real definition of happiness is: Any action that promotes the good spirits and lightheartedness of the general public. This action should promote not only your own individual happiness but also the happiness of all concerned."

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago is one of the most intelligent people known in the Philippines. Her snarky remarks, witty comebacks, and professional attitude add up to her intelligence.Plus, her humor is indeed captivating. Stupid is Forevermore is a book full of humor and lessons in life, especially in politics. It is informative in all aspects—success, happiness, and life. But somehow it lost its appeal to me. Somewhere between the pages, I got bored and uninterested. But it is a great book nonetheless. I just like Stupid is Forever better.
Profile Image for Ivy Bernadette.
137 reviews49 followers
March 15, 2016
Not the kind of book I'd buy for myself; good thing this was just given to me by high school classmate. Okay, I find myself chuckling over some lines in this book, but that still wasn't enough for me to give higher star-ratings for this book. In Goodreads' standards, this book is just two stars for me: "it was ok." I think this book will really appeal to young readers and non-avid readers, but for me who's voraciously reading, this is just a breather between the other books I'm reading.

This book is so-so, but it didn't lessen my admiration for Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Profile Image for Aira Irish.
176 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2015
It's better than the first book.

You'll learn a lot about life, love and politics? hahaha in a more light and humorous way. Her write ups made you think twice and be one of the people who'll after for betterment not only for one self but for the country itself.

She's indeed one of the prominent sought after individuals in the country. A role model and an achiever.
Profile Image for Janssen.
54 reviews3 followers
Read
June 18, 2015
This is so much better than the first one. Miles better. I was hesitant to buy it at first, but still did. I need something to help me move on (what? where did that come from?).
Profile Image for Avarea.
12 reviews22 followers
September 30, 2015
I am once again amazed by Santiago's unparalleled wit. Her bon mots on love (and hate... a lot of hate), drolleries of the Philippine politics, and existential thoughts made me love this second installment more than the first one. :) I loved how she effortlessly writes from arcane (I had to read "Exorcism of a Ghost" twice because my neurons can't cope with her scary lexicon) to "pang-masa" (oh those cheesy punchlines ;p) then to something hermetical (her thoughts on eudamonism, classical literature and finding the meaning of life). I would trade my arms for a quarter of her brain.

Definitely a must-read!!!
Profile Image for Ravonni Lu.
9 reviews13 followers
June 22, 2015
For me, this is better than the first book.
Profile Image for Aloysiusi Lionel.
84 reviews5 followers
October 13, 2018
"Filipinos should cultivate a sense of righteous indignation. Hindi puwedeng balewala na lang lahat." Notwithstanding the puns, memes and satirical anecdotes culled from the famous senator's speeches and interviews, this book becalms our souls disturbed by the stupidity of those whose thrust is to govern and to prudently and conscientiously implement policies and programs and everything beneficial and just; and at the same time, this collection of wit and gut disturbs us from our complacency and calls for immediate, righteous indignation on circumstances caused by that stupidity. "When did ignorance become a national policy?" The fame and accomplishment this woman garnered with his perseverance and love for learning is a historical fact beyond question, and the six consecutive reprints of this follow-up compilation have proven so. Interesting in this volume is the inclusion of a short story she wrote: "The Exorcism as a Ghost", a lyrical narrative of nostalgia and heartbreak, penned with delicately chosen depictions of city life and provincial manners, in a language away from political verbosity and juridical jargons. She may be gone now, but what a legacy it has been, she having left us with bits and morsels of intellectual ferocity!
Profile Image for Chrian Santos.
151 reviews
May 3, 2025
If the first book had a few hits and misses going, now the second is a tad more tolerable- and ruthlessly witty and gritty.

The sequel to Stupid is Forever, Stupid is Forevermore is a better way of showcasing Miriam Defensor-Santiago in quite possibly a more fitting image to her no-nonsense verbatim and crass humor.
A bit of more meaningful excerpts here and there, this book stands out from its predecessor by actually showcasing what made Miriam click in the first place. Not just her iron mouth, but her motivational pieces as well- all of which are readily available to the reader in less than 100 pages:

While her humor may be instant by-the-books cringe to some, it’s surprising to read that Miriam has never lost her sense of humor, even in the face of evil.
Profile Image for Irvin Sales.
70 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2022
The continuation of Stupid is Forever by the same author. I read this immediately after reading the first one.

I noticed that the book mostly focused on: love quotes, death threats, a bit of jokes about politics, and the over-all vibe of MDS' campaign on anti-corruption and good governance.

I'm not sure why but i felt some sadness while reading the book. Maybe because the combination of reading MDS' dreams for a corrupt-free country and knowing that she already passed away is just heart-wrenching.
Profile Image for Joan Mae Lim.
2 reviews
April 28, 2018
After reading this book, I realized that she was not only the best President we never had but also the kind of teacher I never had. You will learn a lot of things from this book. Every generations should read this. My favorite line is "In making your choice, when you reach my age, your journey becomes an affirmation of the warning that life is a consequence of our moral choices."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for patricia clare.
373 reviews36 followers
July 13, 2017
This is a witty and humorous follow up to Stupid is Forever. And though some jokes felt recycled, I still enjoyed reading this bad ass, intelligent work. There is something about the Senator’s overall personality that just resonates in her works. Quite frankly, there’s none like her.
Fun and witty read.
Profile Image for jessica.
74 reviews
May 16, 2017
2 stars:
i personally liked the speeches and funny witty remarks. but there were unnecessary sexist jokes. :^(
Profile Image for Daniel Llanto.
1 review4 followers
January 31, 2018
All about joking
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Apple Austria.
82 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2019
was this supposed to make one cry? i was teary-eyed - both from awe at her wits and the realization that we have lost a great mind. but her legacy lives on
Profile Image for Ryan.
143 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2020
I think this one is better than the first book with regard to the selection of jokes and speeches. It's quite good that they also included a short story penned by the senator herself.
Profile Image for Mark.
303 reviews7 followers
December 16, 2015
Released during Senator Santiago's 70th Birthday last June 15, Stupid is Forevermore is the sequel to her book that sold more than 350,000 copies, Stupid is Forever.

Stupid is Forvermore follows the same format as its predecessor. The book is filled with funny, clever and witty quotations, pick-up lines, punch lines and anecdotes about Philippine politics, economy, and educational landscape or, basically, the daily Filipino life in general from the senator. The book also includes Santiago's privilege speeches and press conference and graduation rites speeches where the serious tone of the book is. And it also has, again, illustrations from Filipino artists illustrators like Adam David, Andrew Drilon, Eugene Madayag, Apol Sta. Maria, Josel Nicolas, Julius Villanueva among others.

Senator Santiago is know for her speeches that incorporates funny lines to get the attention of the listeners then will eventually follow it up with inspiring messages. At 70, she still remain as one of the most feared senators in the country. In an interview, she was quoted as saying, “We should never underestimate the power of humor, especially among Filipinos, and most especially in politics. When the debates turn ugly or the legalese is too hifalutin, humor is a way for us all to see eye to eye".

Being a fan of the senator I know I have to read this book. In terms of being hilarious, the first book is better than this one but in terms of it's educational value, I prefer this one. This books is like a mirror of the first book only much deeper. I guess, that can also be reflected from how the color of the cover changed from light blue to deep red. I believe that the senator, this time in this book, wants to have people be more engage and be more critical in thinking. The senator challenges its readers to have a deeper understanding about how our country is slowly going into oblivion. The book has alot of her thoughts and opinions and she wants readers to read between the lines. The book reflects her stand towards corruption and dishonest politicians. She believes that change is possible in this country and that should start from us. I aso admire that she acknowledges the power of the youth in chaging the Philippine politics' landscape. She urges the youth to use social media to voice out their opinions.

The senator has already declared her intention to run for next year's presidential election. And yes, if you will ask, I am voting for Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago to become the next Philippine president. Many people value her charisma and intellect, as a decorated scholar and public servant, and I believe that will propel her to the presidency. She has the right amount of angst and she couple it with action.

4 stars out of 5 for this book.

Cross-posted in my blog: www.bongbongbooks.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Queen.
19 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2015
This book is way better than the first one.

Unlike Stupid is Forever, which looked like a book of text/internet jokes (excluding the speeches), this book has 'more' of her - more of her responses, opinions, thoughts,and privilege speeches. This makes the title really appropriate.
I liked her witty responses to her enemies. Her hatred towards corruption is shown in several pages of this book.

I loved her speeches in this book. You can really learn a lot about life. While reading the speeches, you'll have self realizations that will make you question whether you're living your life to your full potential, or whether you're making the right decisions. Either way, you'll pick up something from this book that you probably will take with you forever.

"Don't be afraid to walk into a risky situation. That is part of your nature because you are young."
Profile Image for Rissa Flores.
299 reviews24 followers
July 9, 2015
Light, corny-enough-to-make-you-laugh jokes paired with her smartest and wittiest one-liners, Stupid is Forevermore is sure to bring you even more humor and cleverness from the one and only, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

Personally I think the book's strong points came from her crafty responses when confronted by her 'enemies' in different hearings and trials. Her evident hatred towards corrupt and dishonest politicians is admirable and definitely commendable. Just like in the first book, you can also get so much from the short speeches included in the book, ones you will definitely want to read more than once.

A great read!
Profile Image for Tim de Leon.
127 reviews
January 2, 2016
The adventure or life is to learn. The nature of life is to change. The purpose of life is to grow. The challenge of life is to overcome.

------------------------------------------

Another edition full of honest and witty remarks, hilarious pick-up lines, and another set of inspiring speeches from our idol Sen. Mirian Defensor-Santiago.

She made me realize that the meaning of life is not for us to find, but for us to define. And I'm still finding out how I will define Life.

Honestly, I'm torn between the two presidentiables----Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago or Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. I'm still thinking about whom should I vote for presidency,
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