I promised myself months ago that I will update my blog (form and content). But sadly, I wasn't able to. I've been very busy with my extracurricular activities (CMC SC, KASAMA sa UP and STAND UP activities) and our thesis (which we will pass today--binded and all). When everyone thinks (my parents and some friends) that my schedule should be clear by now, it still is not. We (the grad comm) is preparing for the commencement exercises on April 22. We (the KASAMA sa UP NEC) will be busy planning for our alliance's anniversary. We (the incumbent council, incoming council and the COR) will try to come up with plans regarding the tambayan. Plus, I still have some tests to take. So, I still can't properly update this (personal) blog.
P.S. Other than these, I am looking for work.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Labeling
I'm trying to put labels on my previous posts. Ang hirap! Hmmm... I'll try to do it another time. Any suggestion how?
My first time in Mindanao (a brief entry)
I've never been away from home for that long. I spent almost two weeks in Mintal, Davao. I participated in the KASAMA sa UP National Congress and General Assembly of Student COuncils in University of the Philippines in Mindanao.
I had so much fun. I met new faces all over the UP system. I felt lucky to have been able to go there, and spent some time with these people. I hope to see them again during the SR-selection.
I had so much fun. I met new faces all over the UP system. I felt lucky to have been able to go there, and spent some time with these people. I hope to see them again during the SR-selection.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Here at BNR
It has been so long since I've been here. I remember the last time I was here--I was doing this template. Gosh! hahaha. That was the time I was heartbroken. hehehe. Bye for now!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Sino ang nagdidikta ng bastos?
Bastos—kailan ba natin sinasabi na bastos ang bagay, pangyayari, o tao na hindi kagalang-galang? Paano natin sinusukat ang kabastusan?
Ang konsepto ng kabastusan sa Pilipinas, sa aking palagay, ay dinidikta ng status quo ng bansa. Ibig sabihin, ang pamantayan nito ay nalimita na ng naghaharing relihiyon dito—ang Katolisismo. Nagiging masama, bastos, o hindi kagalang-galang kapag ito ay lumabag sa limitasyon ng turo ng simbahan. At dahil nga ang Katolisismo ang naghahari sa bansa, maraming mga Pilipino ang nakondisyon na ganitong kaisipan o pamantayan sa lahat ng kanilang gagawin o sasabihin. Mapapansin ang ganitong penomenon sa dokumentaryong Lukayo.
Tinatawag na bastos o imoral ang mga tradisyong may kinalaman sa simbolo ng phallus o sa ari ng lalaki ng simbahan dahil ito ay hindi tumutugma sa pamantayan ng Katolisismo na sagrado ang mga ari ng tao. Makikita na pilit na pinapatay ng naghaharing kaisipan ang mga tradisyong may phallic na simbolismo sa pamamagitan ng pagdidikdik sa isipan ng mga Pilipino na ito ay bastos at labag sa moralidad na ang simbahan ang nagdikta.
Isa itong malinaw na katibayan nang sinasabi ni Arsenio Manuel na "denigration at marginalization” na ginagawa ng isang dayuhang kultura sa tradisyonal na kultura ng isang bansa. Makikita natin na tinatatakan ng titulong bastos o immoral ang mga tradisyong nauna pa sa paglaganap ng Katolisismo sa Pilipinas, at pagkatapos pilit na binubura o isinasaisangtabi sa isipan at kultura ng mga Pilipino ang mga tradisyong tulad ng Lukayo ng Laguna at Baliw-Baliw ng Cebu. Alam ng nakararaming ito na mali, pero sinusunod pa rin nila dahil simbahan ang nagsabi.
Ngunit kung titignang mabuti, hindi naman tamang gamiting pamantayan ang mga turo ng simbahan upang bigyang konteksto ang mga ganitong klase ng tradisyong Pilipino. Dapat nating tandaan na nagsimula ang ganitong mga tradisyon bago pa man dumating ang mga dayuhang mananakop. Samakatuwid, nabuo ang mga tadisyong ito sa labas ng konsepto ng Kristiyanismo at Katolisismo. Maaaring ito ay parte nang tinatawag nilang paganong paniniwala ng mga sinaunang Pilipino.
Kung iisipin nga naman, ang konsepto ng kahalagahan ng mga ari, lalo na ang patriyarkal na pag-iisip, ay nakapasok lamang sa isipan ng mga Pilipino nang lumaganap ang Katolisimong dala ng mga dayuhang Kastila. Ang relihiyong ito ay ginamit na kasangkapan sa pananakop ng mga Kastila noon (kasama ito sa kanilang 3G—ang God, Gold, and Glory). Sa pamamagitan nito ay kinondisyon nila ang isipan ng mga Pilipino sa isang lipunang patriyarkal at lalaki ang dapat maghari, at na katotohanan ang bawat sambitin ng simbahan.
Tama sila Prof. Nick Tiongson. Maaaring kaya malaki ang pagtutol ng ilang institusyon sa mga ganitong pagpapalabas at pagpapalaganap ng mga sinaunang tradisyong may ginagamit na phallus ay dahil ito ay anti-male o anti-masculine labag sa dominanteng kaisipang patriyarkal sa bansa.
Pero sa huli sana ay maisip nga ng mga Pilipino--lalo na ng mga kabataang Pilipino--ang kahalagahan ng pagpapalaganap ng mga tradisyong Pilipino at pagtanggap sa sarili at tunay na kulturang Pilipino. At higit sa lahat, sana ay maipagpatuloy at hindi lamang mamatay ang mga sinaunang tradisyong Pilipino sa kabila ng kakaunting suportang natatanggap nito mula sa mga institusyon sa lipunan.
*paper na ipinasa para sa isang Anthro class
Ang konsepto ng kabastusan sa Pilipinas, sa aking palagay, ay dinidikta ng status quo ng bansa. Ibig sabihin, ang pamantayan nito ay nalimita na ng naghaharing relihiyon dito—ang Katolisismo. Nagiging masama, bastos, o hindi kagalang-galang kapag ito ay lumabag sa limitasyon ng turo ng simbahan. At dahil nga ang Katolisismo ang naghahari sa bansa, maraming mga Pilipino ang nakondisyon na ganitong kaisipan o pamantayan sa lahat ng kanilang gagawin o sasabihin. Mapapansin ang ganitong penomenon sa dokumentaryong Lukayo.
Tinatawag na bastos o imoral ang mga tradisyong may kinalaman sa simbolo ng phallus o sa ari ng lalaki ng simbahan dahil ito ay hindi tumutugma sa pamantayan ng Katolisismo na sagrado ang mga ari ng tao. Makikita na pilit na pinapatay ng naghaharing kaisipan ang mga tradisyong may phallic na simbolismo sa pamamagitan ng pagdidikdik sa isipan ng mga Pilipino na ito ay bastos at labag sa moralidad na ang simbahan ang nagdikta.
Isa itong malinaw na katibayan nang sinasabi ni Arsenio Manuel na "denigration at marginalization” na ginagawa ng isang dayuhang kultura sa tradisyonal na kultura ng isang bansa. Makikita natin na tinatatakan ng titulong bastos o immoral ang mga tradisyong nauna pa sa paglaganap ng Katolisismo sa Pilipinas, at pagkatapos pilit na binubura o isinasaisangtabi sa isipan at kultura ng mga Pilipino ang mga tradisyong tulad ng Lukayo ng Laguna at Baliw-Baliw ng Cebu. Alam ng nakararaming ito na mali, pero sinusunod pa rin nila dahil simbahan ang nagsabi.
Ngunit kung titignang mabuti, hindi naman tamang gamiting pamantayan ang mga turo ng simbahan upang bigyang konteksto ang mga ganitong klase ng tradisyong Pilipino. Dapat nating tandaan na nagsimula ang ganitong mga tradisyon bago pa man dumating ang mga dayuhang mananakop. Samakatuwid, nabuo ang mga tadisyong ito sa labas ng konsepto ng Kristiyanismo at Katolisismo. Maaaring ito ay parte nang tinatawag nilang paganong paniniwala ng mga sinaunang Pilipino.
Kung iisipin nga naman, ang konsepto ng kahalagahan ng mga ari, lalo na ang patriyarkal na pag-iisip, ay nakapasok lamang sa isipan ng mga Pilipino nang lumaganap ang Katolisimong dala ng mga dayuhang Kastila. Ang relihiyong ito ay ginamit na kasangkapan sa pananakop ng mga Kastila noon (kasama ito sa kanilang 3G—ang God, Gold, and Glory). Sa pamamagitan nito ay kinondisyon nila ang isipan ng mga Pilipino sa isang lipunang patriyarkal at lalaki ang dapat maghari, at na katotohanan ang bawat sambitin ng simbahan.
Tama sila Prof. Nick Tiongson. Maaaring kaya malaki ang pagtutol ng ilang institusyon sa mga ganitong pagpapalabas at pagpapalaganap ng mga sinaunang tradisyong may ginagamit na phallus ay dahil ito ay anti-male o anti-masculine labag sa dominanteng kaisipang patriyarkal sa bansa.
Pero sa huli sana ay maisip nga ng mga Pilipino--lalo na ng mga kabataang Pilipino--ang kahalagahan ng pagpapalaganap ng mga tradisyong Pilipino at pagtanggap sa sarili at tunay na kulturang Pilipino. At higit sa lahat, sana ay maipagpatuloy at hindi lamang mamatay ang mga sinaunang tradisyong Pilipino sa kabila ng kakaunting suportang natatanggap nito mula sa mga institusyon sa lipunan.
*paper na ipinasa para sa isang Anthro class
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Sino nga ba talaga ang bulag?
SINO ANG TUNAY NA BULAG?
Ang mga taong hindi nakakakita dahil sa pisikal na kakulangan?
O
Ang mga taong nakakakita ngunit pinipiling magsawalang-bahala?
PARA SA AKIN, ANG TUNAY NA BULAG AY ANG MGA TAONG PINIPILING MAGKIBIT-BALIKAT NA LAMANG SA MGA MALING NAGAGANAP SA BAYAN. KAAWA-AWA ANG MGA TAONG NABIBILANG SA IKALAWANG KATEGORYA DAHIL KAHIT SILA AY NABIGYAN NG PAGKAKATAON NA MABUHAY NANG NORMAL AY HINDI NILA GINAGAMIT ANG PAGKAKATAONG IYON NA MAGDALA NG PAGBABAGO, KUNGDI MAN PIGILAN ANG NANGINGIBABAW NA KAGULUHAN SA ATING BAYAN.
Patuloy na paglaban
Madaling magsabing ayaw mo na.
Madaling magsabing tigil na.
Madaling magsabing tama na.
Pero paano matatapos ang lahat,
kung ikaw nama'y hanggang salita't
wala namang gawa?
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Ito na!
Setyembre na. Simula na ng isang buwan ng pagsasaya at paghihirap ng konseho para sa Mass Media Awareness Month. Ngayong taon, ang konseho ay nakaangkla sa tema na "Proactive and Transformative Media for a Free Filipino Society." Nakita namin sa konseho ang pangangailangan na muling ipanawagan hindi lamang sa mga nasa propesyon na kungdi pati sa academya at mga mag-aaral ng komunikasyon na kailangan magkaroon ng pagbabago sa ating lipunan at sa media.
Sa buwan na ito ay magkakaroon kami ng Production Festival para ipakita sa ibang mag-aaral kung paano maaring gamitin ang media sa pagpaparating ng mahahalagang mensahe sa lipunan; ng Media Summit para sa mga kabataang nasa haiskul at nais maging bahagi ng media; ng isang roundtable discussion sa pagitan ng mga nsa propesyon at academya kung paano masisimulang gawing proactive at transformative ang media; at ang pinakahuli ay ang MULAT! the Mass Media Awareness Concert na magiging senyales ng pagsisimula sa pagbubuo ng isang media na maaaring tugunan ang pangangailangan ng bayan para makapagdesisyon at kumilos sa ikauunlad ng Pilipinas.
Sa buwan na ito ay magkakaroon kami ng Production Festival para ipakita sa ibang mag-aaral kung paano maaring gamitin ang media sa pagpaparating ng mahahalagang mensahe sa lipunan; ng Media Summit para sa mga kabataang nasa haiskul at nais maging bahagi ng media; ng isang roundtable discussion sa pagitan ng mga nsa propesyon at academya kung paano masisimulang gawing proactive at transformative ang media; at ang pinakahuli ay ang MULAT! the Mass Media Awareness Concert na magiging senyales ng pagsisimula sa pagbubuo ng isang media na maaaring tugunan ang pangangailangan ng bayan para makapagdesisyon at kumilos sa ikauunlad ng Pilipinas.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
A REACTION TO A WELL-BEHAVE FELLOW
WHAT IS TO DESTABLIZE IN SOMETHING THAT IS UNSTABLE?
UP STUDENTS ARE KNOWN TO BE CRITICAL AND ANALYTICAL. WE ARE NOT UP STUDENTS IF WE JUST SIMPLY GO WITH THE FLOW WITHOUT CONTEXTUALIZING WHAT IS HAPPENING. IT JUST HAPPENED THAT OUR OBSERVATIONS ON HOW THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COUNTRY ARE DOING ARE NOT THE SAME AS HOW THE ADMINISTRATION PERCEIVED THEY ARE DOING.
WE OBSERVE THAT THE SO-CALLED FOREFRONTS OF THE ADMINISTRATION THEMSELVES DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND SAYING. WE SEE THAT WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO MANY POLITICIANS IS HOLDING POWER, AND NOT SERVING THE COUNTRY. WE SEE THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION IS LOSING ITS CREDIBILITY AS TIME GOES BY. WE OBSERVE THAT THERE STILL IS INEQUALITY IN THE COUNTRY, FAR FROM WHAT SOME FROM THE ADMINISTRATION CLAIMS. WE OBSERVE THAT JUSTICE IS DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE. THESE ARE JUST SOME OF OUR OBSERVATIONS.
WE ARE NOT DESTABLIZING THE SOCIETY AND THE SO-CALLED GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE. WHAT WE, UP STUDENTS, ARE DOING IS TO PINPOINT THE FAULTS AND THE PROBLEMS CAUSING THE DECLINE OF OUR COUNTRY, AND TO PROPOSE SOLUTIONS WE DEEM EFFECTIVE TO PUT THIS DECLINE TO AN END. WHY SHOULD WE CALL OURSELVES ISKOLARS NG BAYAN IF WE DO NOTHING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF THE NATION?
FURTHERMORE TO THOSE WHO SAY THAT WE OWE SOMETHING TO THE ADMINISTRATION, I THINK YOU GOT EVERY THING MIXED UP. WE DON'T OWE ANYTHING DIRECTLY TO THE GOVERNMENT. THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT FUNDING OUR EDUCATION. THE FILIPINO PEOPLE ARE. THE GOVERNMENT IS MERELY ALLOCATING THE TAXPAYERS' MONEY (AND IT IS DOING IT SO BADLY BY PUTTING ALL THE MONEY TO UNNECCESSARY THINGS LEAVING THE EDUCATION SECTOR SCARCE OF FUNDS).
UP STUDENTS ARE KNOWN TO BE CRITICAL AND ANALYTICAL. WE ARE NOT UP STUDENTS IF WE JUST SIMPLY GO WITH THE FLOW WITHOUT CONTEXTUALIZING WHAT IS HAPPENING. IT JUST HAPPENED THAT OUR OBSERVATIONS ON HOW THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COUNTRY ARE DOING ARE NOT THE SAME AS HOW THE ADMINISTRATION PERCEIVED THEY ARE DOING.
WE OBSERVE THAT THE SO-CALLED FOREFRONTS OF THE ADMINISTRATION THEMSELVES DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND SAYING. WE SEE THAT WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO MANY POLITICIANS IS HOLDING POWER, AND NOT SERVING THE COUNTRY. WE SEE THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION IS LOSING ITS CREDIBILITY AS TIME GOES BY. WE OBSERVE THAT THERE STILL IS INEQUALITY IN THE COUNTRY, FAR FROM WHAT SOME FROM THE ADMINISTRATION CLAIMS. WE OBSERVE THAT JUSTICE IS DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE. THESE ARE JUST SOME OF OUR OBSERVATIONS.
WE ARE NOT DESTABLIZING THE SOCIETY AND THE SO-CALLED GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE. WHAT WE, UP STUDENTS, ARE DOING IS TO PINPOINT THE FAULTS AND THE PROBLEMS CAUSING THE DECLINE OF OUR COUNTRY, AND TO PROPOSE SOLUTIONS WE DEEM EFFECTIVE TO PUT THIS DECLINE TO AN END. WHY SHOULD WE CALL OURSELVES ISKOLARS NG BAYAN IF WE DO NOTHING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF THE NATION?
FURTHERMORE TO THOSE WHO SAY THAT WE OWE SOMETHING TO THE ADMINISTRATION, I THINK YOU GOT EVERY THING MIXED UP. WE DON'T OWE ANYTHING DIRECTLY TO THE GOVERNMENT. THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT FUNDING OUR EDUCATION. THE FILIPINO PEOPLE ARE. THE GOVERNMENT IS MERELY ALLOCATING THE TAXPAYERS' MONEY (AND IT IS DOING IT SO BADLY BY PUTTING ALL THE MONEY TO UNNECCESSARY THINGS LEAVING THE EDUCATION SECTOR SCARCE OF FUNDS).
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Reminiscing the past
Minsan nahinto ang pag-ikot ng buhay ko sa isang panahon--sa isang nakaraan. Sa loob ng mahigit dalawang taon, wala kong inisip kungdi ang mga naganap noon. Masakit pa rin kapag naiisip ko siya minsan. Ngunit mas masakit isiping natutunan ko nga siyang kalimutan, pero lubhang mas nasasaktan ako sa piniling kong kapalit niya.
Third year haiskul noon, malapit na matapos ang pasukan kaya madalas ay nasa bahay lang ako. Minsang gumagawa ako ng proyekto ay tinawag ako ni Mama. Mayroon daw naghahanap sa akin sa labas. Sa pag-aakalang kaklase ko ay pinaghintay ko pa nang kaunti ang taong iyon. Pagkalabas ko, sa aking pagkagulat ay si Obet pala. Natuwa ako. Matagal ko nang hindi nakikita ang taong ito mula noong lumipat sila ng bahay. Kamustahan, kuwentuhan at kulitan ang ginawa namin buong maghapon. Bago siya umalis ay nagpalitan muna kami ng numero. "Text-text tayo," ang ani ko.
Hindi lumaon ay naging mag-"textmate" kami--palitan ng quotes, ng "hi"-"hello", at ng "musta?"
Isang gabi, naalala ko pa na nanonood ako ng Scariest Places on the World, nagkukulitan kami ni Obet. Tapos biglaang napag-usapan ang mga crush at love. Nagbibiruan kung kamusta ang love life, nalamang wala, nagtanungan kung bakit, at iba pa.
Third year haiskul noon, malapit na matapos ang pasukan kaya madalas ay nasa bahay lang ako. Minsang gumagawa ako ng proyekto ay tinawag ako ni Mama. Mayroon daw naghahanap sa akin sa labas. Sa pag-aakalang kaklase ko ay pinaghintay ko pa nang kaunti ang taong iyon. Pagkalabas ko, sa aking pagkagulat ay si Obet pala. Natuwa ako. Matagal ko nang hindi nakikita ang taong ito mula noong lumipat sila ng bahay. Kamustahan, kuwentuhan at kulitan ang ginawa namin buong maghapon. Bago siya umalis ay nagpalitan muna kami ng numero. "Text-text tayo," ang ani ko.
Hindi lumaon ay naging mag-"textmate" kami--palitan ng quotes, ng "hi"-"hello", at ng "musta?"
Isang gabi, naalala ko pa na nanonood ako ng Scariest Places on the World, nagkukulitan kami ni Obet. Tapos biglaang napag-usapan ang mga crush at love. Nagbibiruan kung kamusta ang love life, nalamang wala, nagtanungan kung bakit, at iba pa.
Tapos, naungkat iyong quote na minsang pinadala ko sa kanya. Galing iyong text na iyon sa pinsan ko, naisip kong iforward sa kanya. Ang nakalagay doon ay tungkol sa pagiging ispesyal ng nakatanggap. Naitanong niya kung bakit ko naman naisip na isa siyang espesyal na tao. Sabi ko kasi kaibigan kita saka mabait ka sa akin at mga ganoong bagay. Siyempre, di ko masabi sa kanya na crush ko siya dati. Kaya sobrang kinagulat ko nang sabihin niya na ako ay espesyal sa kanya bukod sa pagiging close namin ay crush niya ako dati. Ayun, sa huli nagkaaminan din kami na naging crush namin ang isa't isa. Mula noong gabing iyon ay naging superfriends na ata kami. Sobrang close.
After some time, iyong closeness na ito ay nauwi sa isang mas malalim na samahan. Isang samahan na akala ko noon ay hindi mabubuwag at hindi matatapos, kahit na malayo kami sa isa't isa at may ilang harang na kailangan daanan. Nagkamali ako.
Natapos ang lahat sa isang text message mula sa kanya. May practical exam kami sa P.E. noong araw na iyon. Umuwi ako para kunin ang costume ko. Nawala kasi sa isip ko na dalhin iyon. Pag-apak ko sa bahay, naramdaman kong may nagtext sa akin. Hindi ko muna pinansin dahil nagmamadali akong hanapin iyong black slacks ko.
Nang makita ko na ang slacks ko, umupo ako at pinagtuunan ng pansin ang text. Sa aking pagkagulat ay may message mula sa kanya na sinasabi na nanghihingi ng paumahin at na itigil na namin ang lahat. Ang sakit. Gustong bumulusok na lamang ng mga luha sa mga mata ko pero pinigil ko. Ayaw kong makita ako ni Mama na umiiyak. Ginawa ko ay nagmadali akong lumabas ng bahay.
Habang binabaybay ko ang daan papunta sa skul, unti-unti nang tumutulo ang mga luha ko. Pagdating ko sa oval, nagtataka ang ilang mga classmate ko bakit ako umiiyak. Ang sinabi ko na lang na pinagalitan ako ni Mama. Nilapitan ako agad ng barkada ko kasi pakiramdam nila hindi iyong ang tunay na dahilan. Binuhos ko sa kanila ang sama ng loob ko.
Nakapagsayaw pa ako noon. Akala mo nga walang nangyaring masama sa akin. Akala mo nga sobrang saya ko. Pero sa totoo, sa loob-loob ko, gusto ko nang umiyak at magmura sa galit. OO, inaamin kong galit na galit ako sa kanya noon. Napakawalang kwenta iyong dahilan niya--isang bagay na siya ang mga kasalanan. Hay...
Makalipas ang ilang buwan ng hindi pagpansin sa kanya, naisipan kong patawarin na siya. Nagsend ako ng religious quote. Nagreply siya. Sabi ko huwag kang mag-alala, okay na ako. Wala na 'yun. Nagkwentuhan kami kung ano na ang nangyari sa mga buhay namin after how many months. Nagtuloy-tuloy lang ang pagkakaibigan namin hanggang ngayon.
Pero, mali ako na okay na ako. Sa loob ng ilang taon, naiwan ako sa isang tabi na umaasa na maging maayos kami at magkatuluyan pa. Ilang taong, hindi pinapansin ang iba dahil sa pag-aasam. Minsan pinaparamdam niya na ganoon din ang gusto niyang mangyari, pero bigla siyang mawawala. Walang ni-ha, ni-ho mula sa kanaya matapos niyang iparamdam sa akin na gusto pa rin niya ako.
Hanggang isang araw ay may dumating na isang tao na nagparamdam sa akin na importante ako. Pero hindi ito nagtagal dahil naramdaman ko na mas matimbang pa rin ang nauna kaysa sa kanya. Nakipaghiwalay ako sa taong ito na napakabuti. Minsan nga naiisip ko kung paano kaya kung hindi ko na lang pinansin iyong maliit na boses sa isip ko at puso ko na may pagmamahal pa rin ako kay Obet, siguro kami pa ng taong ito.
Muli bumalik ako sa pag-aasam na maayos namin ang lahat ni Obet. Pero makalipas ng isang taon, nagising na ako sa katotohanan. Ayaw ko nang umasa sa kanya. MOVE ON. MOVE ON. Binuksan ko ang puso ko sa ibang tao. Hinayaan kong magparamdam sila, magpakita ng sinseridad ng kanilang pagmamahal. Matagal din bago may nakapukaw ng damdamin ko.
Akala ko, magiging okay na lahat. Siguro naman ibibigay na ng Diyos iyong nais ko dahil ang tagal kong naghirap. Pero nagkamali ako. Mas masakit palang leksyon ang balak ng Diyos para sa akin.
Makalipas ang ilang buwan, nalaman ko na niloloko lang pala ako. MAS MASAKIT kaysa sa nangyari sa amin ni Obet. Kay Obet, alam ko na walang involve na ibang babae at nalinaw na sa akin kahit papaano kung bakit nangyari iyon. Pero dito, hindi ko naintindihan kung bakit. AT ang pinakamasakit, hanggang sa huli pinipili pa rin niyang itanggi iyon. Buti na lang may kadaldalan iyong isang babae at pinadalhan ako ng e-mail.
Minsan iniisip ko kung saan ko ilalagay lahat ng naramdaman kong sakit. Para kasi walang lugar sa buhay ko na masaktan ngayon, na umiyak. Ang dami kong responsibilidad na kailangan gampanan. Minsan naisip ko nga, hindi kaya ang pagtanggap ko ng mga trabaho ay isang unconscious effort na kalimutan lahat ng nangyaring ito at itago sa pagod ang mga hinanakit ko sa buhay.
Siguro...hindi ko alam...hindi ko sigurado. Basta ngayon alam ko, masaya ako. Tama na muna ang ganito.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Malay
walang kang malay...
walang kang alam sa nangyayari sa mundo...
walang kang pakialam sa iyong kapwa tao...
wala ka bang balak na makialam?
walang kang alam sa nangyayari sa mundo...
walang kang pakialam sa iyong kapwa tao...
wala ka bang balak na makialam?
Trying
I'm trying...
trying to forget...
forget the past...
the past full of pain...
pain that caused my heart...
my heart to grow cynical...
cynical of love.
trying to forget...
forget the past...
the past full of pain...
pain that caused my heart...
my heart to grow cynical...
cynical of love.
The issue of foreign media ownership in the Philippines is nothing new. Talks about opening up Philippine media to foreign investors have started in the Ramos's presidency, and the Arroyo administration just revived it.
Globalization of the Philippine market, as seen by the Arroyo government, will solve the country's economic problems. Proposed plans of action to bring forth the liberalization of Philippine media and economy are stipulated in the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan for 2004-2010, drafted by National Economic and Development Authority.
Steps toward liberalization
But to open up media, as well as the Philippine economy to foreigners mean amending provisions of the 1987 Constitution, a reason presumed behind Mrs. Arroyo's eager promotion of Cha-cha to legislators. According to the MTPDP, the removal of the "protectionist" provisions in the Constitution will lead to the liberalization of utilities and services limited to Filipinos. The removal of these "protectionist" revisions is included in the proposed new charter of the 24-man Consultative Commission formed by Mrs. Arroyo.
Naval Mayor Gerardo Espina Jr., one of the proponents of the new charter said that access to information "should not be controlled by locals alone"-- a reason, among others, why they approved of the elimination of Article XVI, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution which states that media outfits shall be owned only by Filipinos, or Filipino-owned and -controlled corporations, cooperatives and associations.
The Promises of Foreign Media Ownership
Liberalization of the market--including the media market--will bring new job opportunities, strengthen the economic power, and assure the country a name in the international economic sphere, the Arroyo government keeps on mentioning.
NEDA director Romulo Neri believed the liberalization of the media market is a "good idea". He argued that this will make Philippine a "global media player," and who knows the "center for media distribution throughout the world."
Espina further explained that with the advent of foreign investments will create jobs, increase salaries, improve media content, and introduce new technologies to the industry which he described as "a big opportunity for local media men."
And with these investments--as Luis Teodoro, veteran journalist and Journalism professor at the UP College of Mass Communication presumed--the government hopes to "alleviate poverty" and "raise growth rates."
Furthermore, Alexander Magno, another proponent of the new charter, said that "deletion of (Article XVI, Section 11) will make business more efficient and this will regulate the content." He stressed that with foreign owners "monopoly would be eliminated."
Journalists think otherwise.
For Cheap Labor, not Higher Salary
Rowena Carranza-Paraan, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines director, doubts the promise of higher equity for media practitioners. She argued that foreign investors want to earn profit. She further stressed that the foreigners did not come to do noble things or bring better lives, but to gain back what they invested.
"So, bakit nila tataasan ang suweldo kung sa ngayong kalakalan pupuwedeng umiral ang ganitong rate," she said pointing out that these investors would probably maximize the cheap rate of labor Philippine offers. Paraan foresees this event like those of the experience with multinational corporations. When MNCs build factories in the country, the salary they give to Filipino workers are the same rate, if not lower, of those given by Filipino-owned corporations.
Overseas, the same problem is faced by media workers. "Iyong ineexpect na gaganda ang kalagayan ng mga workers hindi nangyayari," Paraan added.
Not the right time to be global
On the other hand, Teodoro, in his article Missing in MTPDP objectives: 'compliant media,' does not see Philippine becoming a "global media player." He argued that, unlike Singapore and Hong Kong, the Philippines lacks "predictable laws, the communication infrastructure and the almost corruption-free environment attractive to foreign investors." He also said that with the value of most Philippine media forms could not compete with its foreign counterparts, he doubts foreign investors would even commit to the local media.
Greater Decline in Content and Programming
If making profit is the main objective of investors, then the improvement of media content and programming would remain a myth.
Homogenized and sensationalized reports already plague Philippine media today. Newspapers, radio and television programs, and even some online publications have resorted to such to win the battle over profit and patronage. If content is already sacrificed in a setting where only local players exist, what more will happen once Philippine media is under the control of foreign investors?
Teodoro observed that in most country with foreign media ownership the kind of news delivered to the public is often affected--a complete opposite of what Magno said. Let us take the Czech Republic for example. In his article, Ian Willoughby cited Borivoj Celovsky's observation that the content of newspapers--either owned by German or Swiss companies--in Czech Republic, aside from reporting the same information, eventually takes on the side of its owners. And, it seems like just an ordinary event for some Czech citizens.
Teodoro also said that most countries with open media market tend to focus on "trivia, press releases and public relations."
Paraan also has the same view. She said that the focus of media content would depend on who is making it. To give face on the possible effect of foreign media ownership, Paraan said that the focus of news about the war in Lebanon would have been different if an American-owned media outfit reports it. Local news coverage generally focus on overseas Filipino workers in Lebanon and their families--an unlikely topic of American-owned media companies. They would probably just allot some time for Filipinos, she said.
Proliferation of foreign culture
Another reason behind the liberalization of media, as Magno puts it, is to "eliminate monopoly" of media. But to immediately gain profits, foreign investors, Paraan said, is to have a monopoly over different kinds of medium and/or the acquisition of large network. And, foreign monopoly over multi-media could mean promotion of foreign culture.
The proliferation of foreign culture could mean greater decline in the patronage of national products, as well as shows. Colonial mentality would again flourish among Filipinos. This, as Celovsky puts it, is another "threat to national identity." Although it can be argued that there had always been there a foreign mindset proliferating in the country, it does not make it right to further inculcate that among Filipinos.
At the wrong hands
Paraan cited the 2004 national elections as an example of how powerful media influence is. Political advertisements plagued television sets during the campaign period. She stressed that those with higher airtime for political ads like Senators Jamby Madrigal and Pia Cayetano became top ten senator electorates.
With such power in influencing the public, foreign control over it would be dangerous. If the administration would not be able to guarantee safeguards for journalists once their plans of opening it up happens, then the national media could die a natural death. And undoubtedly, the promises they laid down would not see their birth.
References:
AFX. (2004). Gov't to consider opening media to foreigners--Neri. Retrieved on August 1, 2006.
http://money.inq7.net/breakingnews/view_breakingnews.php?yyyy=2004&mon=09&dd=27&file=10
Danao, E. (2005). Foreign ownership of RP media eyed. Retrieved on August 1, 2006.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2005/.../yehey/top_stories/20051015top8.html
Teodoro, L. (2003). Missing in MTPDP objectives: 'compliant media.' Retrieved on August 4, 2006. http://www.luisteodoro.com/archives/.../missing-in-mtdp-obectives-compliant-media
Willoughby, I. (2003). Worries about the foreign ownership of media in the Czech Republic. Retrieved on August 1, 2006. http://www.radio.cz/en/article/43408
Wilson, K. (2004). Opening RP media to foreign ownership easier said than done. Retrieved on August 4, 2006.http://news.inq7.net/nation/index.php?index=1&story_id=14097
J109 article (submitted to Ma'am Evelyn Katigbak by Remanuel Bandiola)
Foreign Media Ownership Symposium (hosted by Union of Journalists of the Philippines-UP Diliman)Interview with Rowena Carranza-Paraan (August 1, 2006. NUJP headquarters)
Globalization of the Philippine market, as seen by the Arroyo government, will solve the country's economic problems. Proposed plans of action to bring forth the liberalization of Philippine media and economy are stipulated in the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan for 2004-2010, drafted by National Economic and Development Authority.
Steps toward liberalization
But to open up media, as well as the Philippine economy to foreigners mean amending provisions of the 1987 Constitution, a reason presumed behind Mrs. Arroyo's eager promotion of Cha-cha to legislators. According to the MTPDP, the removal of the "protectionist" provisions in the Constitution will lead to the liberalization of utilities and services limited to Filipinos. The removal of these "protectionist" revisions is included in the proposed new charter of the 24-man Consultative Commission formed by Mrs. Arroyo.
Naval Mayor Gerardo Espina Jr., one of the proponents of the new charter said that access to information "should not be controlled by locals alone"-- a reason, among others, why they approved of the elimination of Article XVI, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution which states that media outfits shall be owned only by Filipinos, or Filipino-owned and -controlled corporations, cooperatives and associations.
The Promises of Foreign Media Ownership
Liberalization of the market--including the media market--will bring new job opportunities, strengthen the economic power, and assure the country a name in the international economic sphere, the Arroyo government keeps on mentioning.
NEDA director Romulo Neri believed the liberalization of the media market is a "good idea". He argued that this will make Philippine a "global media player," and who knows the "center for media distribution throughout the world."
Espina further explained that with the advent of foreign investments will create jobs, increase salaries, improve media content, and introduce new technologies to the industry which he described as "a big opportunity for local media men."
And with these investments--as Luis Teodoro, veteran journalist and Journalism professor at the UP College of Mass Communication presumed--the government hopes to "alleviate poverty" and "raise growth rates."
Furthermore, Alexander Magno, another proponent of the new charter, said that "deletion of (Article XVI, Section 11) will make business more efficient and this will regulate the content." He stressed that with foreign owners "monopoly would be eliminated."
Journalists think otherwise.
For Cheap Labor, not Higher Salary
Rowena Carranza-Paraan, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines director, doubts the promise of higher equity for media practitioners. She argued that foreign investors want to earn profit. She further stressed that the foreigners did not come to do noble things or bring better lives, but to gain back what they invested.
"So, bakit nila tataasan ang suweldo kung sa ngayong kalakalan pupuwedeng umiral ang ganitong rate," she said pointing out that these investors would probably maximize the cheap rate of labor Philippine offers. Paraan foresees this event like those of the experience with multinational corporations. When MNCs build factories in the country, the salary they give to Filipino workers are the same rate, if not lower, of those given by Filipino-owned corporations.
Overseas, the same problem is faced by media workers. "Iyong ineexpect na gaganda ang kalagayan ng mga workers hindi nangyayari," Paraan added.
Not the right time to be global
On the other hand, Teodoro, in his article Missing in MTPDP objectives: 'compliant media,' does not see Philippine becoming a "global media player." He argued that, unlike Singapore and Hong Kong, the Philippines lacks "predictable laws, the communication infrastructure and the almost corruption-free environment attractive to foreign investors." He also said that with the value of most Philippine media forms could not compete with its foreign counterparts, he doubts foreign investors would even commit to the local media.
Greater Decline in Content and Programming
If making profit is the main objective of investors, then the improvement of media content and programming would remain a myth.
Homogenized and sensationalized reports already plague Philippine media today. Newspapers, radio and television programs, and even some online publications have resorted to such to win the battle over profit and patronage. If content is already sacrificed in a setting where only local players exist, what more will happen once Philippine media is under the control of foreign investors?
Teodoro observed that in most country with foreign media ownership the kind of news delivered to the public is often affected--a complete opposite of what Magno said. Let us take the Czech Republic for example. In his article, Ian Willoughby cited Borivoj Celovsky's observation that the content of newspapers--either owned by German or Swiss companies--in Czech Republic, aside from reporting the same information, eventually takes on the side of its owners. And, it seems like just an ordinary event for some Czech citizens.
Teodoro also said that most countries with open media market tend to focus on "trivia, press releases and public relations."
Paraan also has the same view. She said that the focus of media content would depend on who is making it. To give face on the possible effect of foreign media ownership, Paraan said that the focus of news about the war in Lebanon would have been different if an American-owned media outfit reports it. Local news coverage generally focus on overseas Filipino workers in Lebanon and their families--an unlikely topic of American-owned media companies. They would probably just allot some time for Filipinos, she said.
Proliferation of foreign culture
Another reason behind the liberalization of media, as Magno puts it, is to "eliminate monopoly" of media. But to immediately gain profits, foreign investors, Paraan said, is to have a monopoly over different kinds of medium and/or the acquisition of large network. And, foreign monopoly over multi-media could mean promotion of foreign culture.
The proliferation of foreign culture could mean greater decline in the patronage of national products, as well as shows. Colonial mentality would again flourish among Filipinos. This, as Celovsky puts it, is another "threat to national identity." Although it can be argued that there had always been there a foreign mindset proliferating in the country, it does not make it right to further inculcate that among Filipinos.
At the wrong hands
Paraan cited the 2004 national elections as an example of how powerful media influence is. Political advertisements plagued television sets during the campaign period. She stressed that those with higher airtime for political ads like Senators Jamby Madrigal and Pia Cayetano became top ten senator electorates.
With such power in influencing the public, foreign control over it would be dangerous. If the administration would not be able to guarantee safeguards for journalists once their plans of opening it up happens, then the national media could die a natural death. And undoubtedly, the promises they laid down would not see their birth.
References:
AFX. (2004). Gov't to consider opening media to foreigners--Neri. Retrieved on August 1, 2006.
http://money.inq7.net/breakingnews/view_breakingnews.php?yyyy=2004&mon=09&dd=27&file=10
Danao, E. (2005). Foreign ownership of RP media eyed. Retrieved on August 1, 2006.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2005/.../yehey/top_stories/20051015top8.html
Teodoro, L. (2003). Missing in MTPDP objectives: 'compliant media.' Retrieved on August 4, 2006. http://www.luisteodoro.com/archives/.../missing-in-mtdp-obectives-compliant-media
Willoughby, I. (2003). Worries about the foreign ownership of media in the Czech Republic. Retrieved on August 1, 2006. http://www.radio.cz/en/article/43408
Wilson, K. (2004). Opening RP media to foreign ownership easier said than done. Retrieved on August 4, 2006.http://news.inq7.net/nation/index.php?index=1&story_id=14097
J109 article (submitted to Ma'am Evelyn Katigbak by Remanuel Bandiola)
Foreign Media Ownership Symposium (hosted by Union of Journalists of the Philippines-UP Diliman)Interview with Rowena Carranza-Paraan (August 1, 2006. NUJP headquarters)
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Taking risks
Lately, I've been taking risks.
I confronted those who are trying to manipulate me (and some friends).
I told them what I felt and what I think they are doing.
I condemned the powerful, by words and deeds.
But, this risk I took just this Monday is awfully difficult and scary--
Not in the sense that it endangers my physical being.
This risk will not be easy to recover from--no medical cure for this.
This risk will cause me time--no certain length of recovery.
This risk led me to level of cynicism before, and yet I am taking again.
Anyway, I know what happened before.
I am careful now, but I know this can still hurt.
I confronted those who are trying to manipulate me (and some friends).
I told them what I felt and what I think they are doing.
I condemned the powerful, by words and deeds.
But, this risk I took just this Monday is awfully difficult and scary--
Not in the sense that it endangers my physical being.
This risk will not be easy to recover from--no medical cure for this.
This risk will cause me time--no certain length of recovery.
This risk led me to level of cynicism before, and yet I am taking again.
Anyway, I know what happened before.
I am careful now, but I know this can still hurt.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
hegemonic politicking
what can I say to what happened?
People,please don't try my patience again.
I may have cried, but those tears were of utmost anger.
Hegemony. Status quo. Oppression. These are just some of the things they are fighting against. But sadly, some of its members practice these things.
Most people know that they are critical and vigilant, and that they are fighting for the rights of the masses. COrrect! They are. That is why I decided to be part of their team. But what I did not expect is that some kind of hegemony exists inside this team. I coined this hegemony, the hegemony of politicking.
Hegemony of politicking entails that once you are under a party you should instantly adhere to everything they believe in. And if you have others inside your party won't adhere to these beliefs, you just have to talk to them that this is what it is, take it or leave it. SO much for democracy and freedom of speech!
I am not saying that all the people in this party are like this--just a few I know. BUT, the few I am talking about are part of the team handling matters regarding the college. Sadly, they don't respect territoriality and authority of the students to chose for themselves.
I already cried FOUL to what they did, and told them that I would not adhere to this kind of democracy a thousand times before. I hope this would not happen again. Many people I know are disillusioned to what they are doing to their members, and I don't want to turn disillusional,too.
Hegemony. Status quo. Oppression. These are just some of the things they are fighting against. But sadly, some of its members practice these things.
Most people know that they are critical and vigilant, and that they are fighting for the rights of the masses. COrrect! They are. That is why I decided to be part of their team. But what I did not expect is that some kind of hegemony exists inside this team. I coined this hegemony, the hegemony of politicking.
Hegemony of politicking entails that once you are under a party you should instantly adhere to everything they believe in. And if you have others inside your party won't adhere to these beliefs, you just have to talk to them that this is what it is, take it or leave it. SO much for democracy and freedom of speech!
I am not saying that all the people in this party are like this--just a few I know. BUT, the few I am talking about are part of the team handling matters regarding the college. Sadly, they don't respect territoriality and authority of the students to chose for themselves.
I already cried FOUL to what they did, and told them that I would not adhere to this kind of democracy a thousand times before. I hope this would not happen again. Many people I know are disillusioned to what they are doing to their members, and I don't want to turn disillusional,too.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Is this the sad reality?
I am worried about those two...your schoolmates...
because during Martial law if a person is gone for more than two weeks,
they are dead (not his exact words).
I've heard it before, and I heard it again. This time from a man I respect. This is not about me, but about two women I admire for their courage (though I haven't personally met them). This is about two women whose lives are in danger because of helping the pesantry of Bulacan. This is about Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan.
It's more than a month now since they were abducted, and still no information on their whereabouts. Yes, there were news about seeing their bodies in purgatories in Isabela or in somewhere else God knows but either it was unverified info or a false story. The news about the Supreme Court ordering AFP to release of Karen and Sherlyn was the last thing I've heard about them.
Last week, I've been asking around if there's some new developments on the whereabouts of Karen and Sherlyn. Nothing. I asked about the court rule and AFP. Still no action from AFP, they said. I think about how their parents feel, and I am saddened. Yes, the SC did came out with a order, but no follow-up. It is like making the parents' lives stop at a point, making them hope and wait for nothing.
And this Tuesday, I heard that sorrowful statement again. I hate hearing it because it kills the hope of seeing our fellow iskolars ng bayan. I hate hearing it because it shatters the dreams of the family they left behind. I hate hearing it because it bring anger to my heart. I hate hearing it because it might be true.
Monday, July 24, 2006
STATE OF [Gloria's] NATION ADDRESS (unedited)
Is there a difference between this SONA and the past five Gloria delivered? For Sec. Michael Defensor, there is. He said that this one does not contain any politics. Not even promises, he said. But as I listened to Gloria's endless qualms of achievements and plans, I felt as if I am at a graduation ceremony and I am listening to a valedictory speech.
Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with valedictory speeches. It is just that when you say that someone will report the state of the nation, I expect that it would be about how the nation is doing and how the Filipinos are coping. Like every other SONAs, this speech is not of the real state of the nation but of a president's so-called achievements and proposed plans.
Yes, there is something different about this one; it is not in the content but is in the delivery. Unlike previous ones, there are no direct promises of good wealth and health to each and every Filipino. But those plans she laid out are too ambitious and are still just plans until they will be implemented.
There is also no direct politicized statement. But she keeps on mentioning her dream--her dream to have the Constitution overhauled. Some would say that the word overhauled is an exaggeration. No, it is not. If you would look closely at the proposed amendments--that are supposedly for the nation--lined-up, you would see how the whole constitution would be turned upside-down. I am bluntly saying that there is politics in the things she said. She brought up Charter Change as the means to stop red tape. Brought it up again in a run down of what will lead to a better nation. She thanked every person possible, and even have this staged lighting effect--whenever she says a name that person is there and would be standing or put on spotlight (even the Ifugao family she had encounter with). She gladly states that she has converted previous foes into one of her allies. She sarcastically says that what her foes are just waste of time. Is that an unpoliticized speech? *[People at the Batasan Pambansa clapped at her every pause, but watching them closely on the television I feel that they were clapping because the others are. And even some of them appeared like waiting for their names to be blurted out by Arroyo.]
In this speech, she condemned political and extrajudicial killings. But, has she done anything about it? She does not even acknowledge the fact that most of those who commits these acts are under her power. She even thanked Palparan for a job well done. Does she know that when you ask "ordinary" people who were formerly under Palparan they would say that it was a reign of terror? Maybe she does, maybe she don't. She even said that they allotted P1 billion to stop insurgencies and terrorism. Who would decide who's a terrorist and who's not? If you read the proposed Anti-terrorism Bill, anyone could be a terrorist.
We might see her shaking hands with the masses, talking to them on television. But I don't think that is enough to feel the suffering these people have gone through. Can she feel the pain of the families of those who died fighting for their rights? Can she feel what some of our fellow Filipinos feels whenever they have to engage to prostitution or to go abroad to work because they can't have a decent job in their own countries? She mentioned the evacuees for Lebanon. But does she sees that there would have been no evacuees at all if those people found jobs here in the Philippines? I have this feeling that the government only acts whenever it sees an opportunity to be prominent, to be thanked for. Prominence overshadows other details.
She said that three percent of Filipinos out of poverty. But are they really? This figure is not enough to say we are making progress. She is pulling the legs of Filipinos by overcrowding them with terms and figures.
And, she forgot to address the Filipino youth--no mention of education and her plans to boost the quality of education in the country. I don't know if she deliberately did not include it because as I see it she was not able to do anything for it, or she has forgotten about it because she is busy with thinking about pleasing the business sector and making a good impression on other countries and politicians.
***Sadly, I was not able to join the mobilization against her reign. I wish I was there so I could have voiced out these things. Also, please forgive grammatical errors I have committed here. Thanks.
Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with valedictory speeches. It is just that when you say that someone will report the state of the nation, I expect that it would be about how the nation is doing and how the Filipinos are coping. Like every other SONAs, this speech is not of the real state of the nation but of a president's so-called achievements and proposed plans.
Yes, there is something different about this one; it is not in the content but is in the delivery. Unlike previous ones, there are no direct promises of good wealth and health to each and every Filipino. But those plans she laid out are too ambitious and are still just plans until they will be implemented.
There is also no direct politicized statement. But she keeps on mentioning her dream--her dream to have the Constitution overhauled. Some would say that the word overhauled is an exaggeration. No, it is not. If you would look closely at the proposed amendments--that are supposedly for the nation--lined-up, you would see how the whole constitution would be turned upside-down. I am bluntly saying that there is politics in the things she said. She brought up Charter Change as the means to stop red tape. Brought it up again in a run down of what will lead to a better nation. She thanked every person possible, and even have this staged lighting effect--whenever she says a name that person is there and would be standing or put on spotlight (even the Ifugao family she had encounter with). She gladly states that she has converted previous foes into one of her allies. She sarcastically says that what her foes are just waste of time. Is that an unpoliticized speech? *[People at the Batasan Pambansa clapped at her every pause, but watching them closely on the television I feel that they were clapping because the others are. And even some of them appeared like waiting for their names to be blurted out by Arroyo.]
In this speech, she condemned political and extrajudicial killings. But, has she done anything about it? She does not even acknowledge the fact that most of those who commits these acts are under her power. She even thanked Palparan for a job well done. Does she know that when you ask "ordinary" people who were formerly under Palparan they would say that it was a reign of terror? Maybe she does, maybe she don't. She even said that they allotted P1 billion to stop insurgencies and terrorism. Who would decide who's a terrorist and who's not? If you read the proposed Anti-terrorism Bill, anyone could be a terrorist.
We might see her shaking hands with the masses, talking to them on television. But I don't think that is enough to feel the suffering these people have gone through. Can she feel the pain of the families of those who died fighting for their rights? Can she feel what some of our fellow Filipinos feels whenever they have to engage to prostitution or to go abroad to work because they can't have a decent job in their own countries? She mentioned the evacuees for Lebanon. But does she sees that there would have been no evacuees at all if those people found jobs here in the Philippines? I have this feeling that the government only acts whenever it sees an opportunity to be prominent, to be thanked for. Prominence overshadows other details.
She said that three percent of Filipinos out of poverty. But are they really? This figure is not enough to say we are making progress. She is pulling the legs of Filipinos by overcrowding them with terms and figures.
And, she forgot to address the Filipino youth--no mention of education and her plans to boost the quality of education in the country. I don't know if she deliberately did not include it because as I see it she was not able to do anything for it, or she has forgotten about it because she is busy with thinking about pleasing the business sector and making a good impression on other countries and politicians.
***Sadly, I was not able to join the mobilization against her reign. I wish I was there so I could have voiced out these things. Also, please forgive grammatical errors I have committed here. Thanks.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Solidarity Message (Justice for 'Nicole')
Magandang hapon po sa lahat!
Kami po ay nakikiisa sa paghahanap ng katarungan para kay Bb. "Nicole." Hindi po makatarungan ang ginawa sa kanya ng mga sundalong Amerikano. At, ang mga nagaganap na pagtatanggol ng gobyerno sa mga sundalong ito ay isang pambabastos hindi lamang kay Nicole kungdi sa lahat ng mga Pilipino. Ipinapakita nila dito na mas binibigyan pang importansiya ng ating gobyerno ang mga dayuhan.
Nananawagan din po kami sa ilang media outfits na sana po ay maging 'fair at balance' sa pagrereport tungkol kay "Nicole," at sana ay galangin ang privacy ni 'Nicole' at ng pamilyang ito. Bilang mga mamamahayag, dapat ay pinoprotektahan natin ang inosente at hindi ito ineexploit tulad ng ilang mga pagbabalitang nababasa at napapanood sa dyaryo at telebisyon.
Ipagpatuloy natin ang laban laban sa pang-aapi ng mga dayuhan sa sarili nating bayan at higit sa lahat, laban sa pang-aapi ng ilang kapwa nating Pilipino. Salamat po!
Kami po ay nakikiisa sa paghahanap ng katarungan para kay Bb. "Nicole." Hindi po makatarungan ang ginawa sa kanya ng mga sundalong Amerikano. At, ang mga nagaganap na pagtatanggol ng gobyerno sa mga sundalong ito ay isang pambabastos hindi lamang kay Nicole kungdi sa lahat ng mga Pilipino. Ipinapakita nila dito na mas binibigyan pang importansiya ng ating gobyerno ang mga dayuhan.
Nananawagan din po kami sa ilang media outfits na sana po ay maging 'fair at balance' sa pagrereport tungkol kay "Nicole," at sana ay galangin ang privacy ni 'Nicole' at ng pamilyang ito. Bilang mga mamamahayag, dapat ay pinoprotektahan natin ang inosente at hindi ito ineexploit tulad ng ilang mga pagbabalitang nababasa at napapanood sa dyaryo at telebisyon.
Ipagpatuloy natin ang laban laban sa pang-aapi ng mga dayuhan sa sarili nating bayan at higit sa lahat, laban sa pang-aapi ng ilang kapwa nating Pilipino. Salamat po!
UP University Council On Karen and Sherlyn's Abduction
University Council Resolution on the Abduction and Disappearance of UP Students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan*
The University Council expresses great concern that government authorities have not yet produced indications of the whereabouts of two UP Diliman undergraduate students Ms. Karen Empeño of the Sociology Department of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and Ms. Sherlyn Cadapan of the College of Human Kinetics.
It is now 10 days since President Emerlinda R. Román wrote a letter to Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno and to Department of National Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz Jr. requesting assistance in locating the two students. In the letter, President Román described the circumstances attending the abduction of the two students: “According to raw reports reaching my office, six or more masked armed men forcibly took them at about 2 in the morning of Monday, June 26, 2006, in Purok 6, Barangay San Miguel, Hagonoy, Bulacan. The masked armed men were using long guns and apparently did not show any court order for their physical detention. We were also informed that Karen was asked to remove her shirt. They used this shirt to blindfold her. Sherlyn is pregnant. The women were then forced into a vehicle that proceeded in the direction of Iba, Hagonoy.”
We would like to emphasize that whatever the motives and circumstances behind it and whether it is carried out by private persons or by persons connected with government, abduction is always illegal and punishable by law, aside from being a violation of the victim’s human rights.
We are greatly concerned that they may be victims of the wave of extra-judicial executions and forced disappearances associated with elements of the security and defense establishments. Indeed, we fear for their lives.
We would therefore wish to strongly support and reiterate President Román’s request to Secretaries Puno and Cruz and other government authorities that they immediately furnish us with information of the whereabouts of Ms. Empeño and Ms. Cadapan, provide them with medical and legal assistance, and release them to the care of the University as soon as possible.
We consider the continuing silence of the authorities in this matter of life and death to be inexcusable and a betrayal of the public trust.
In conclusion, we would like to repeat President Román’s words to Secretary Puno and Secretary Cruz: “We know that you share with us a commitment to the spirit of the UN General Assembly’s ‘Declaration on the Protection of all Persons from Enforced
Disappearance’ (Resolution 47/133 of December 18, 1992). We also know that the acts done by masked armed men are criminally punishable under our laws. Most of all, as parents committed to teaching the virtues of valuing human dignity, we are certain that you could address the matter with empathy.”
University Council, UP Diliman, July 12, 2006
*source: http://www.upd.edu.ph/~updinfo/janfebmar06/articles/univcouncil.htm
The University Council expresses great concern that government authorities have not yet produced indications of the whereabouts of two UP Diliman undergraduate students Ms. Karen Empeño of the Sociology Department of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and Ms. Sherlyn Cadapan of the College of Human Kinetics.
It is now 10 days since President Emerlinda R. Román wrote a letter to Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno and to Department of National Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz Jr. requesting assistance in locating the two students. In the letter, President Román described the circumstances attending the abduction of the two students: “According to raw reports reaching my office, six or more masked armed men forcibly took them at about 2 in the morning of Monday, June 26, 2006, in Purok 6, Barangay San Miguel, Hagonoy, Bulacan. The masked armed men were using long guns and apparently did not show any court order for their physical detention. We were also informed that Karen was asked to remove her shirt. They used this shirt to blindfold her. Sherlyn is pregnant. The women were then forced into a vehicle that proceeded in the direction of Iba, Hagonoy.”
We would like to emphasize that whatever the motives and circumstances behind it and whether it is carried out by private persons or by persons connected with government, abduction is always illegal and punishable by law, aside from being a violation of the victim’s human rights.
We are greatly concerned that they may be victims of the wave of extra-judicial executions and forced disappearances associated with elements of the security and defense establishments. Indeed, we fear for their lives.
We would therefore wish to strongly support and reiterate President Román’s request to Secretaries Puno and Cruz and other government authorities that they immediately furnish us with information of the whereabouts of Ms. Empeño and Ms. Cadapan, provide them with medical and legal assistance, and release them to the care of the University as soon as possible.
We consider the continuing silence of the authorities in this matter of life and death to be inexcusable and a betrayal of the public trust.
In conclusion, we would like to repeat President Román’s words to Secretary Puno and Secretary Cruz: “We know that you share with us a commitment to the spirit of the UN General Assembly’s ‘Declaration on the Protection of all Persons from Enforced
Disappearance’ (Resolution 47/133 of December 18, 1992). We also know that the acts done by masked armed men are criminally punishable under our laws. Most of all, as parents committed to teaching the virtues of valuing human dignity, we are certain that you could address the matter with empathy.”
University Council, UP Diliman, July 12, 2006
*source: http://www.upd.edu.ph/~updinfo/janfebmar06/articles/univcouncil.htm
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