Every year we often hear people say that Christmas is for kids (Ang pasko ay para sa mga bata…), something I’d like to ponder upon this Christmas season.
Is Christmas really for the kids? If so, why? Let me share my views on this. I’ll answer the question primarily with a NO.
NO. From a capitalist perspective, Christmas is never about the kids. It’s about them, the bigwigs in business and the profit that they will gain out of luring the kids to buy their not-so-good goods and motivating them to have tantrums if their wants are not granted. Nowadays, there are so many things that you can find around the market that weren’t available in shops before, from the most unusual electronic gadget to the most out-of-this-world fashion accessories. Ever wondered why I-pod, I-phone, and I-pad lured you and the other kids to have them? Well, the Apple had a bite, and it’s waiting for you to take the bait.
(N.B. The Bible didn’t mention that the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is an apple. DISCLAIMER: I’m not saying that buying these is equal to being evil. But LONGING for these to the extent of obsession and depression is evil.)
NO. From a political perspective, Christmas is never about the kids. It’s about them, the gansters and mafias seated in leather swivel chairs inside the big House called the government. “‘Tis the season of giving” they say. But should their not-so-angelic faces be plastered all over the “gifts” that they distribute among their constituents (a.k.a. voters)? I wonder how these people stomach sashaying gifts that were bought out of taxpayers’ money.
NO. From an employee’s perspective, Christmas is never about the kids. It’s about the double-pay, the additional compensation that they will get from sacrificing joy in the name of duty. Of course, some employees would really work over time for the sake of their children. But is it worth it? Can money really cover what kids really need? (most especially during Christmas?)
If Christmas is for kids, how do we see kids? How do we understand their NEEDS more than their WANTS?
Wait.
Who are the KIDS in the first place? If we will define kids as naïve, dependent, and trivial, then I am a kid, you are a kid, we are kids!
If we are naïve (as in we don’t understand some of the things that happen in our lives), dependent (as in we can’t live on our own), and trivial (as in we find joy out of the not-so-important things, specially material things) then YES, Christmas is for kids, like us because the real spirit of Christmas is not about the gifts that you give and receive, it’s about the greatest gift, the greatest sacrifice that God has given to us.
Most of the time, we celebrate Christmas only on the basis of Jesus’s birth. We fail to celebrate a much bigger occasion, His death—the ultimate and incomparable example of love, of giving.
Yes. Christmas is for kids like us because it’s a constant reminder that we are kids: Naïve, Dependent, and Trivial; that we are kids who need Jesus in our lives because we cannot do things on our own. We can only be successful in this life if we realize and accept that we need Jesus beside us in all the things that we do.
Have a blessed Chrismas and New year, KIDS!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Daily Battles
For almost 10 years now, I have been living a life back and forth Cavite and Manila, and in all those years I have been blessed with the protection of God against the “evil elements” that lurk around us. However, with what happened to my loved ones this week, I paused for a while to reflect about God’s protection.
Was I really protected or was it just mere “luck”? Why did it happen to my family, aren’t they supposed to be protected too?
What battles do we encounter everyday? Does God really protect us from the enemies? If He does, then why do we still struggle to survive the daily battles that we face?
I cannot answer all these questions now, or I may not be able to answer them clearly, but let me try to share the reflections that God revealed to me through Bible studies and daily devotions.
First, there are different battles that we encounter everyday. Spiritual, emotional, and physical are probably the most general categories of battles that we face. I’ll start with the spiritual, since I think this is the main source of other battles. John Bevere, in his book “Under Cover” discusses that the root cause of all the curses and problems that we encounter is Sin. I won’t discuss them in detail here (1) because I can’t, (2) because it would be better if you will read it for yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you through.
“So are you telling me that the reason for my problems is Sin?”
“Yes.”
“And why are you telling this? Aren’t you a sinner yourself?”
“I am. And that’s one of the biggest daily battle that I face: the battle against SIN. (And that’s why I’m sharing this to you, because most likely, you are in a battle yourself.)”
From spiritual comes emotional. Later, we would worry too much, we would get in love and would be hurt too much; we would get mad and would hate too much; we would lose and would curse, and so on and so forth.
From emotional comes physical. Because our emotions are affected, we tend to express it too much through words and actions. We curse the people we hate at times even hurting them (and ourselves) physically.
Second, God protects us. That’s for sure. But the problem is, we don’t allow Him to protect us. In Matthew 7:7-8, we learn that if we ask it will be given to us, if we seek we will find, and if we knock, the door will be opened for us. God offers an indestructible bunk that would protect us from the enemies, but the problem is we just don’t knock! How will we get in if we prefer to stay outside? How are we going to be protected if we prefer to be in danger?
Third (which is probably the most difficult question to answer), we continue to have struggles because God wants us to learn to depend on Him. The problem with human pride is our claim that we can do things on our own, that we are independent from God. This is exactly what the Devil told Eve when the snake persuaded her to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
“Ok Wait, I never boastfully told God that I can live my own life without him!”
“Yeah, you might have not said it, but in some little ways, we may not be aware that we’ve been doing it.”
Most would argue that since God gave us the intelligence, the ability to rationalize compared to other creatures that He made, we should use it to decide for our own lives. What we miss is the fact that in everything that we do, we should always ASK for God’s plan, SEEK for his answers, and KNOCK for our minds to be opened.
The incidents made me worry about the safety of my family. It made me ask the questions above. But God gave me the peace that I am looking for. Truly, “He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside quiet waters”. (Psalms 23:2)
Most people see these daily battles as curses, but Jesus’s disciples should see them as opportunities to depend to God. We should see these battles as blessings, after all “all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Was I really protected or was it just mere “luck”? Why did it happen to my family, aren’t they supposed to be protected too?
What battles do we encounter everyday? Does God really protect us from the enemies? If He does, then why do we still struggle to survive the daily battles that we face?
I cannot answer all these questions now, or I may not be able to answer them clearly, but let me try to share the reflections that God revealed to me through Bible studies and daily devotions.
First, there are different battles that we encounter everyday. Spiritual, emotional, and physical are probably the most general categories of battles that we face. I’ll start with the spiritual, since I think this is the main source of other battles. John Bevere, in his book “Under Cover” discusses that the root cause of all the curses and problems that we encounter is Sin. I won’t discuss them in detail here (1) because I can’t, (2) because it would be better if you will read it for yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you through.
“So are you telling me that the reason for my problems is Sin?”
“Yes.”
“And why are you telling this? Aren’t you a sinner yourself?”
“I am. And that’s one of the biggest daily battle that I face: the battle against SIN. (And that’s why I’m sharing this to you, because most likely, you are in a battle yourself.)”
From spiritual comes emotional. Later, we would worry too much, we would get in love and would be hurt too much; we would get mad and would hate too much; we would lose and would curse, and so on and so forth.
From emotional comes physical. Because our emotions are affected, we tend to express it too much through words and actions. We curse the people we hate at times even hurting them (and ourselves) physically.
Second, God protects us. That’s for sure. But the problem is, we don’t allow Him to protect us. In Matthew 7:7-8, we learn that if we ask it will be given to us, if we seek we will find, and if we knock, the door will be opened for us. God offers an indestructible bunk that would protect us from the enemies, but the problem is we just don’t knock! How will we get in if we prefer to stay outside? How are we going to be protected if we prefer to be in danger?
Third (which is probably the most difficult question to answer), we continue to have struggles because God wants us to learn to depend on Him. The problem with human pride is our claim that we can do things on our own, that we are independent from God. This is exactly what the Devil told Eve when the snake persuaded her to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
“Ok Wait, I never boastfully told God that I can live my own life without him!”
“Yeah, you might have not said it, but in some little ways, we may not be aware that we’ve been doing it.”
Most would argue that since God gave us the intelligence, the ability to rationalize compared to other creatures that He made, we should use it to decide for our own lives. What we miss is the fact that in everything that we do, we should always ASK for God’s plan, SEEK for his answers, and KNOCK for our minds to be opened.
The incidents made me worry about the safety of my family. It made me ask the questions above. But God gave me the peace that I am looking for. Truly, “He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside quiet waters”. (Psalms 23:2)
Most people see these daily battles as curses, but Jesus’s disciples should see them as opportunities to depend to God. We should see these battles as blessings, after all “all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Friday, October 29, 2010
PRAYERS for JEROME
This afternoon, Kay and I went to Marikina to visit Jerome Barredo, an alumnus of the PNU English department and a former artist of The Torch. We have been wanting to see him since June (the time that we learned about his health condition). However, due to busy schedules, Kay and I didn’t have the time to check on him.
Last Saturday, while praying in church during the Encounter Retreat, Jesus, for some reason, reminded me of Jerome. Clearly, it was the work of the Holy Spirit; it’s kinda odd because we were praying about families and friends during that time and to be honest, we weren’t friends. I just had a connection with him because of Kay. (He was my student though, in Foundations during the 1st semester of SY 2008-2009. He was an irregular student who joined section II-10.)
Because of that reminder, we decided to visit him. My heart was crushed upon seeing him almost paralyzed. He was just lying down in a sofa (which he uses as his bed, I suppose) full of pillows. His upper body was so thin but his stomach is bloated, and he can barely lift his swollen feet. We asked what his disease was, and the family said that the doctors didn’t find anything. (There are really some things that happen to us which cannot be explained by Science.) When we asked if he’s taking any medicines, the sister said he doesn’t want them anymore.
After the little talk, we proceeded with our mission. Kay and I asked for the family’s permission for us to pray for Jerome. We bowed down our heads and laid down our hands on Jerome’s frail body, and we prayed to Jesus. While praying, Jerome fidgeted and tried to move—to no avail. Later on, he was mumbling “…kaya ko to…” because during the prayer, I constantly reminded him to have faith in God and to focus on Him.
After the prayer, I saw a slight glow in his face. He smiled thinly to us and said, “Salamat”.
We can’t really contribute so much regarding the expenses of Jerome’s family, but anyone who trusts Jesus’s healing power can do a lot. I have full faith that He will do something good to Jerome and his family.
I invite everyone to include Jerome Clark Barredo and his family in your prayers. Thank you very much and God bless.
Last Saturday, while praying in church during the Encounter Retreat, Jesus, for some reason, reminded me of Jerome. Clearly, it was the work of the Holy Spirit; it’s kinda odd because we were praying about families and friends during that time and to be honest, we weren’t friends. I just had a connection with him because of Kay. (He was my student though, in Foundations during the 1st semester of SY 2008-2009. He was an irregular student who joined section II-10.)
Because of that reminder, we decided to visit him. My heart was crushed upon seeing him almost paralyzed. He was just lying down in a sofa (which he uses as his bed, I suppose) full of pillows. His upper body was so thin but his stomach is bloated, and he can barely lift his swollen feet. We asked what his disease was, and the family said that the doctors didn’t find anything. (There are really some things that happen to us which cannot be explained by Science.) When we asked if he’s taking any medicines, the sister said he doesn’t want them anymore.
After the little talk, we proceeded with our mission. Kay and I asked for the family’s permission for us to pray for Jerome. We bowed down our heads and laid down our hands on Jerome’s frail body, and we prayed to Jesus. While praying, Jerome fidgeted and tried to move—to no avail. Later on, he was mumbling “…kaya ko to…” because during the prayer, I constantly reminded him to have faith in God and to focus on Him.
After the prayer, I saw a slight glow in his face. He smiled thinly to us and said, “Salamat”.
We can’t really contribute so much regarding the expenses of Jerome’s family, but anyone who trusts Jesus’s healing power can do a lot. I have full faith that He will do something good to Jerome and his family.
I invite everyone to include Jerome Clark Barredo and his family in your prayers. Thank you very much and God bless.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Mending the wounds
Whenever I get wounds, Mama would “spill” alcohol on it. It’s painful, but she tells me (in an angry but loving manner) that it’s the cure because it will prevent infections.
The hostage crisis and the picture of students who posed having the hostaged bus as their background have already wounded the China-Philippines relationship. However, just like the wounds we had, I believe that we will be able to patch things up again and strengthen the centuries-long relationship with the Chinese.
In this blog, I will particularly focus on some practical suggestions on mending the wounds.
1. Admit and Submit- The damage has been done, and we cannot “undone what has been done”. Filipinos should stop pointing fingers. Instead, what we should do is to admit that there were really lapses on the part of government, media, Mendoza’s relatives, and the “usiseros”. At the same time, we have to silently submit to public denouncements by the world—it’s part of the confession, to be condemned. We did something wrong, and even if we argue that this is an isolated case (which I strongly believe, because c’mon, don’t tell me that Philippines isn’t safe; USA wasn’t “safe” too, remember twin towers in 2001?; Spain wasn’t “safe” too, remember the Madrid train bombing in 2004?; India is not “safe” too, remember the Mumbai Attacks in 2008?) we cannot blame them for hating us. I’d like to believe (and I really hope and pray) that this will come to pass. Tolerance, I believe, is the key. It’s not synonymous to cowardice.
2. Recuperate and cooperate- The process of mending the wounds doesn’t stop on the confession level. We have to do proactive moves to “redeem the lost glory”. Specifically, instead of hating the students for the stupidity of their acts, I think it’s more important to move on and cooperate by finally putting a halt on cyber bullying and lambasting; it doesn’t help the situation anyway. Moreover, let me stress out that the majorship of these kids is IRRELEVANT. There are stupid students around us anyway; there are stupid students from both public and private schools anyway—so let’s STOP stressing out that they belong to such and such a department. This is one of the many ways to recuperate and cooperate.
3. Be careful and be tactful- Now that we know how powerfully dangerous the internet can be (just this afternoon, we received an information from PNU Chinese students that the pictures were already published in Chinese newspapers in China) we have to be extra careful on the pictures, videos, and blogs that we upload. At the same time, we should be extra tactful with all the comments, tweets, or statuses that we post. Remember that the world can view your posts, and your posts are subject to acceptance or rejection—or denouncement for that matter. Remember that beyond the computer screens are human beings that have different moral values and cultural traditions. For us, turning the bus into a tourist spot may not mean anything serious, editing the pictures and putting spiderman there may be a joke, but for our Chinese brothers and sisters, this is a direct insult to their fellows who died there.
This morning, I have started to “re-educate” my students with netiquette (network etiquette). I have reminded them to be extra careful with their internet-related activities. Hopefully, they will teach their future students too (who would most probably be in a more “dangerous” cyber world).
I challenge my students, friends, and colleagues to do the same (especially those who commented on the pictures). The condemning part is over. Now, what we have to do is to start teaching.
Instead of spreading the infection, let’s “spill” the alcohol that would cure the wound. Yes, wounds leave scars, but these should be taken positively as reminders: of the wrong that should be avoided, and of the good that should be practiced.
The hostage crisis and the picture of students who posed having the hostaged bus as their background have already wounded the China-Philippines relationship. However, just like the wounds we had, I believe that we will be able to patch things up again and strengthen the centuries-long relationship with the Chinese.
In this blog, I will particularly focus on some practical suggestions on mending the wounds.
1. Admit and Submit- The damage has been done, and we cannot “undone what has been done”. Filipinos should stop pointing fingers. Instead, what we should do is to admit that there were really lapses on the part of government, media, Mendoza’s relatives, and the “usiseros”. At the same time, we have to silently submit to public denouncements by the world—it’s part of the confession, to be condemned. We did something wrong, and even if we argue that this is an isolated case (which I strongly believe, because c’mon, don’t tell me that Philippines isn’t safe; USA wasn’t “safe” too, remember twin towers in 2001?; Spain wasn’t “safe” too, remember the Madrid train bombing in 2004?; India is not “safe” too, remember the Mumbai Attacks in 2008?) we cannot blame them for hating us. I’d like to believe (and I really hope and pray) that this will come to pass. Tolerance, I believe, is the key. It’s not synonymous to cowardice.
2. Recuperate and cooperate- The process of mending the wounds doesn’t stop on the confession level. We have to do proactive moves to “redeem the lost glory”. Specifically, instead of hating the students for the stupidity of their acts, I think it’s more important to move on and cooperate by finally putting a halt on cyber bullying and lambasting; it doesn’t help the situation anyway. Moreover, let me stress out that the majorship of these kids is IRRELEVANT. There are stupid students around us anyway; there are stupid students from both public and private schools anyway—so let’s STOP stressing out that they belong to such and such a department. This is one of the many ways to recuperate and cooperate.
3. Be careful and be tactful- Now that we know how powerfully dangerous the internet can be (just this afternoon, we received an information from PNU Chinese students that the pictures were already published in Chinese newspapers in China) we have to be extra careful on the pictures, videos, and blogs that we upload. At the same time, we should be extra tactful with all the comments, tweets, or statuses that we post. Remember that the world can view your posts, and your posts are subject to acceptance or rejection—or denouncement for that matter. Remember that beyond the computer screens are human beings that have different moral values and cultural traditions. For us, turning the bus into a tourist spot may not mean anything serious, editing the pictures and putting spiderman there may be a joke, but for our Chinese brothers and sisters, this is a direct insult to their fellows who died there.
This morning, I have started to “re-educate” my students with netiquette (network etiquette). I have reminded them to be extra careful with their internet-related activities. Hopefully, they will teach their future students too (who would most probably be in a more “dangerous” cyber world).
I challenge my students, friends, and colleagues to do the same (especially those who commented on the pictures). The condemning part is over. Now, what we have to do is to start teaching.
Instead of spreading the infection, let’s “spill” the alcohol that would cure the wound. Yes, wounds leave scars, but these should be taken positively as reminders: of the wrong that should be avoided, and of the good that should be practiced.
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Transporter
Every week, despite stressful tasks and tight schedule, I see to it that I find time to escape Manila (even just for a few hours) and go home to Cavite—sleep in my bed and hug my “sweet-scented” pillow. It’s also my way of “recharging” my spirit. Of course, I could just go to any church in Manila, but “church-going” isn’t the reason; it’s more of the ministry. Somehow, my service to God has been tested by adding “struggles” –the struggles of transportation.
Since summer, going home to Cavite has become a very tedious task. Instead of just going to Park n’ Ride to take the bus straight to Silang (and sleep throughout the travel), one would need to choose from a variety of not-so-good options.
Option A: Take the LRT or jeepney bound for Baclaran, and take the bus there (Yep, the bus terminal at the back of Chowking and McDonald’s)
Option B: Go to Buendia and take the Cavite-bound bus. But this has become more difficult these days because the buses are not allowed to enter Taft Avenue anymore (or at least during the times that I have tried going to Buendia). They are forced to drop passengers in Roxas Boulevard, which is very uncomfortable.
Option C: Take the Van parked in front of the Post Office (and be sandwiched inside) However, these vans don’t reach Silang, so I’ll have to take the jeepney to reach our place.
My friend Bong (who takes up Law at PCU) said the Cavite-bound bus companies are the ones to be blamed because they didn’t file (or something like that) their franchises on time. However, I can’t help but wonder other possible reasons for not allowing the Cavite buses inside Manila. If it was about traffic, then I suggest that the Manila Traffic Bureau castigate SM Fairview buses (particularly Universal Guiding Star buses, which transformed Pedro Gil corner Taft Avenue, specifically in front of PCU, into their terminal) and Alabang-bound buses, which similarly transformed the south-bound lane into their terminal.
Moreover, I am really curious why no one seems to take care of this problem that really affects passengers, particularly students and employees who travel everyday from Cavite to Manila and vice versa. Fortunately, the Philippine Daily Inquirer had a tinge of discussion of the matter in their Editorial last Sunday (August 7, 2010) and hopefully, this could be the start of something that would solve the problem. Here’s a portion of it.
How traffic control can run out of control can be seen in Manila, where Mayor Alfredo Lim has banned provincial buses from entering the city since April 1, in violation of the buses’ franchises. Gravely inconvenienced are the daily commuters from the provinces who work in offices or study in schools in Manila.
The ban is obviously politically motivated: Lim does not want the provincial buses to park at the Park and Ride on Lawton, which had been built by his predecessor and political foe. The complex has become a white elephant, a waste of taxpayer’s money, as a result. During the election last summer, to appease irate commuters, Lim promised to further waste taxpayer’s money by putting up a public bus terminal at the old Manila ice plant site at the foot of Quezon Bridge. The pledge indicated that it was wrong in the first place to ban provincial buses from the Park and Ride, but Mayor Lim would not admit that. In the meantime, he complains that Manila’s income has dipped. Why? Of course, because he has banned people from the provinces from entering his city and, in effect, from shopping and doing business there!
A country that aims for progress should not just look into the roads that would bridge places; it should also prioritize the modes of transportation that are available for the majority of commuters and traders.
Since summer, going home to Cavite has become a very tedious task. Instead of just going to Park n’ Ride to take the bus straight to Silang (and sleep throughout the travel), one would need to choose from a variety of not-so-good options.
Option A: Take the LRT or jeepney bound for Baclaran, and take the bus there (Yep, the bus terminal at the back of Chowking and McDonald’s)
Option B: Go to Buendia and take the Cavite-bound bus. But this has become more difficult these days because the buses are not allowed to enter Taft Avenue anymore (or at least during the times that I have tried going to Buendia). They are forced to drop passengers in Roxas Boulevard, which is very uncomfortable.
Option C: Take the Van parked in front of the Post Office (and be sandwiched inside) However, these vans don’t reach Silang, so I’ll have to take the jeepney to reach our place.
My friend Bong (who takes up Law at PCU) said the Cavite-bound bus companies are the ones to be blamed because they didn’t file (or something like that) their franchises on time. However, I can’t help but wonder other possible reasons for not allowing the Cavite buses inside Manila. If it was about traffic, then I suggest that the Manila Traffic Bureau castigate SM Fairview buses (particularly Universal Guiding Star buses, which transformed Pedro Gil corner Taft Avenue, specifically in front of PCU, into their terminal) and Alabang-bound buses, which similarly transformed the south-bound lane into their terminal.
Moreover, I am really curious why no one seems to take care of this problem that really affects passengers, particularly students and employees who travel everyday from Cavite to Manila and vice versa. Fortunately, the Philippine Daily Inquirer had a tinge of discussion of the matter in their Editorial last Sunday (August 7, 2010) and hopefully, this could be the start of something that would solve the problem. Here’s a portion of it.
How traffic control can run out of control can be seen in Manila, where Mayor Alfredo Lim has banned provincial buses from entering the city since April 1, in violation of the buses’ franchises. Gravely inconvenienced are the daily commuters from the provinces who work in offices or study in schools in Manila.
The ban is obviously politically motivated: Lim does not want the provincial buses to park at the Park and Ride on Lawton, which had been built by his predecessor and political foe. The complex has become a white elephant, a waste of taxpayer’s money, as a result. During the election last summer, to appease irate commuters, Lim promised to further waste taxpayer’s money by putting up a public bus terminal at the old Manila ice plant site at the foot of Quezon Bridge. The pledge indicated that it was wrong in the first place to ban provincial buses from the Park and Ride, but Mayor Lim would not admit that. In the meantime, he complains that Manila’s income has dipped. Why? Of course, because he has banned people from the provinces from entering his city and, in effect, from shopping and doing business there!
A country that aims for progress should not just look into the roads that would bridge places; it should also prioritize the modes of transportation that are available for the majority of commuters and traders.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Basyang’s Bashings
I love storms.
They make people realize (even for just a few days or hours) how puny we are compared to nature.
***
9:00 AM
Yesterday, because Basyang hit the metro so fiercely and so swiftly, the weather began to normalize—but not the rehabilitation of things she destroyed. Wanting to do something productive amidst brown-out, I went to PNU to get some papers to check. My plan was clear: 1. go to PNU; 2. get papers; 3. proceed to a coffee shop 4. buy their cheapest product; 5. check papers; and 6. re-charge phone. But not all plans turn into practice. It appears many people had the same idea, and when I went to SM Manila, it’s packed with people trying to escape reality.
I didn’t give up. SM’s kind of small, so I went to Robinson’s Manila, only to find out that the situation’s the same.
_____________________
REALIZATION #1: Technology has enslaved us; we have become too dependent on them.
_____________________
I had a moment of reminiscing. I suddenly missed home. When we were kids, we usually spend the day chatting, playing the guitar, and singing songs (not that we want the storm to return). At night, our family would usually play scrabble in candle lights (from which Papa would cheat, hiding the difficult tiles.
2:00 PM
Realizing the futility of my plans, I decided to just go to the hardware to buy a rechargeable lamp with AM-FM Radio. The scene shocked me. It looks like those Apocalyptic films that show paranoid people panic-buying.
_____________________
REALIZATION #2: People in the metro lack survival skills during brown-outs.
_____________________
I am guilty of this, I have succumbed to this pathetic nature of urban-dwellers. Back home, we usually just create makeshift lamps from old socks (or clothes) and gin bottles. Yeah, it emits black smoke, but we didn’t mind because we only use that as a substitute for candles, and we only use them for a short period of time—we sleep early.
6:00 PM
As darkness lurked metro, I noticed people scouring around, looking for an “activity” to do for the long dark night; some bought cases of beer, some looked for computer shops with generators, while some flooded coffee shops and fastfood chains.
_____________________
REALIZATION #3: We have turned the day into night and the night into day.
_____________________
I will never forget that line from Kurosawa’s “Dreams”. When a city guy went to a remote rural village, he asked an old man why there’s no light in village at night, from which the old man gently answered, “Why? Isn’t it supposed to be dark at night?” Indeed, modern technology has brainwashed us. It made us think that we can alter nature, that we can turn day into night and vice versa. But in reality, we can’t; we never can.
***
God created storms, and God loves His creations. Ergo, He loves storms.
They help Him make us realize (even just for a few days or hours) how powerless we are.
They make people realize (even for just a few days or hours) how puny we are compared to nature.
***
9:00 AM
Yesterday, because Basyang hit the metro so fiercely and so swiftly, the weather began to normalize—but not the rehabilitation of things she destroyed. Wanting to do something productive amidst brown-out, I went to PNU to get some papers to check. My plan was clear: 1. go to PNU; 2. get papers; 3. proceed to a coffee shop 4. buy their cheapest product; 5. check papers; and 6. re-charge phone. But not all plans turn into practice. It appears many people had the same idea, and when I went to SM Manila, it’s packed with people trying to escape reality.
I didn’t give up. SM’s kind of small, so I went to Robinson’s Manila, only to find out that the situation’s the same.
_____________________
REALIZATION #1: Technology has enslaved us; we have become too dependent on them.
_____________________
I had a moment of reminiscing. I suddenly missed home. When we were kids, we usually spend the day chatting, playing the guitar, and singing songs (not that we want the storm to return). At night, our family would usually play scrabble in candle lights (from which Papa would cheat, hiding the difficult tiles.
2:00 PM
Realizing the futility of my plans, I decided to just go to the hardware to buy a rechargeable lamp with AM-FM Radio. The scene shocked me. It looks like those Apocalyptic films that show paranoid people panic-buying.
_____________________
REALIZATION #2: People in the metro lack survival skills during brown-outs.
_____________________
I am guilty of this, I have succumbed to this pathetic nature of urban-dwellers. Back home, we usually just create makeshift lamps from old socks (or clothes) and gin bottles. Yeah, it emits black smoke, but we didn’t mind because we only use that as a substitute for candles, and we only use them for a short period of time—we sleep early.
6:00 PM
As darkness lurked metro, I noticed people scouring around, looking for an “activity” to do for the long dark night; some bought cases of beer, some looked for computer shops with generators, while some flooded coffee shops and fastfood chains.
_____________________
REALIZATION #3: We have turned the day into night and the night into day.
_____________________
I will never forget that line from Kurosawa’s “Dreams”. When a city guy went to a remote rural village, he asked an old man why there’s no light in village at night, from which the old man gently answered, “Why? Isn’t it supposed to be dark at night?” Indeed, modern technology has brainwashed us. It made us think that we can alter nature, that we can turn day into night and vice versa. But in reality, we can’t; we never can.
***
God created storms, and God loves His creations. Ergo, He loves storms.
They help Him make us realize (even just for a few days or hours) how powerless we are.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
After the Party
(NOTE: This blog was written a day after the inauguration.)
As the loud music turns into mute, as dancing and cheering turns into a halt, and as the partying turns into stillness, the real Day 1 of Pres. Aquino begins.
Yesterday, while everyone was ecstatically celebrating the triumph of Pres. Aquino, Kay and I quietly escaped to Mall of Asia and chose to unwind with vampires and werewolves—anyway, vampires and politicos are the same: they suck blood. We don’t intend to be passive or “anti-nationalist” (because in the first place, love for country is never measured by mere attendance to political events such as the inauguration). We just didn’t see the need to make so much “fuss” about it.
True. Yesterday was a celebration of democracy, of “the triumph of good over evil”, of the dawning of “change”. But how many “changes” have we witnessed? How many changes do we still need to finally realize that change will never take place if WE remain stagnant? If WE remain too dependent to politicians? To finally see that these people are mere instruments and we are the ingredients? [We can only change presidents every six years—or every time we wage people power revolutions—but we can change anytime we want; we just don’t]
After the movie, while doing our usual afternoon exercise, i.e. people watching, Kay blurted out a question:
“Anu’ng masasabi mo sa pagiging extra-agitated ng mga Pinoy ngayon? Kasi parang napaka-active ng lahat sa mga activities related sa gubyerno ngayon eh…”
I paused for a while and answered:
“Well, kahit sabihin nating “fanaticism” ang dating ng inauguration na ‘to, I would honestly concede to the fact that this day is a very important day.”
By “important” I mean the inauguration rejuvenated the Filipinos. It brought hope to the hopeless hearts; it brought light to the seemingly blind path.
However, the problem with most Filipinos is our post-colonial thinking of being “dependent” to someone. We have achieved “independence” over a century ago, but we haven’t learned how to become independent. We wait for someone to bring “hope” to us; we don’t seek it. We wait for someone to bring light to our dark lives, we don’t look for it.
It may be too early to criticize Noynoy and make conclusions about his ability to lead the country, but we should never be relaxed nor too confident because change is a long winding road. I am not Anti-Noynoy, but I am not a “fan” as well. He did not prove so much in both chambers, so I don’t see any reason why I should expect something “great” from him. If not for his hero-parents, I don’t think he would have a place in Malacañang. Everyone knows that his presidency is out of the picture until former Pres. Cory Aquino died in August last year. There is no question about Ninoy’s and Cory’s contributions to the country. But Noynoy is never Ninoy nor Cory.
After Filipino fanatics revered him as a demi-god gift from heaven, after the curse of presidency brought about by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo haunted him and his administration, and after the real problems of society stalk them in their sleep, the real Days of President Aquino begin.
As the loud music turns into mute, as dancing and cheering turns into a halt, and as the partying turns into stillness, the real Day 1 of Pres. Aquino begins.
Yesterday, while everyone was ecstatically celebrating the triumph of Pres. Aquino, Kay and I quietly escaped to Mall of Asia and chose to unwind with vampires and werewolves—anyway, vampires and politicos are the same: they suck blood. We don’t intend to be passive or “anti-nationalist” (because in the first place, love for country is never measured by mere attendance to political events such as the inauguration). We just didn’t see the need to make so much “fuss” about it.
True. Yesterday was a celebration of democracy, of “the triumph of good over evil”, of the dawning of “change”. But how many “changes” have we witnessed? How many changes do we still need to finally realize that change will never take place if WE remain stagnant? If WE remain too dependent to politicians? To finally see that these people are mere instruments and we are the ingredients? [We can only change presidents every six years—or every time we wage people power revolutions—but we can change anytime we want; we just don’t]
After the movie, while doing our usual afternoon exercise, i.e. people watching, Kay blurted out a question:
“Anu’ng masasabi mo sa pagiging extra-agitated ng mga Pinoy ngayon? Kasi parang napaka-active ng lahat sa mga activities related sa gubyerno ngayon eh…”
I paused for a while and answered:
“Well, kahit sabihin nating “fanaticism” ang dating ng inauguration na ‘to, I would honestly concede to the fact that this day is a very important day.”
By “important” I mean the inauguration rejuvenated the Filipinos. It brought hope to the hopeless hearts; it brought light to the seemingly blind path.
However, the problem with most Filipinos is our post-colonial thinking of being “dependent” to someone. We have achieved “independence” over a century ago, but we haven’t learned how to become independent. We wait for someone to bring “hope” to us; we don’t seek it. We wait for someone to bring light to our dark lives, we don’t look for it.
It may be too early to criticize Noynoy and make conclusions about his ability to lead the country, but we should never be relaxed nor too confident because change is a long winding road. I am not Anti-Noynoy, but I am not a “fan” as well. He did not prove so much in both chambers, so I don’t see any reason why I should expect something “great” from him. If not for his hero-parents, I don’t think he would have a place in Malacañang. Everyone knows that his presidency is out of the picture until former Pres. Cory Aquino died in August last year. There is no question about Ninoy’s and Cory’s contributions to the country. But Noynoy is never Ninoy nor Cory.
After Filipino fanatics revered him as a demi-god gift from heaven, after the curse of presidency brought about by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo haunted him and his administration, and after the real problems of society stalk them in their sleep, the real Days of President Aquino begin.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Øn b31n9 a Jeje
The Jejemons have finally reached national popularity. Thanks to the overacting Filipinos who fed news programs and TV shows. The Department of Education added more spice when it jumped into the bandwagon, showed despise over this seemingly pandemic language “breakdown” and declared an “all-out war” against Jejemons—as if they have nothing more serious problems to think about. To the DepEd, what you should look into are the TEXTBOOK scandals (among other issues) that your office has been involved, and not the way Filipinos TEXT.
As much as I can, I tried avoiding discussions about Jejemons in threads and e-mails, since I don’t see this as anything important to discuss. However, I think it is high time that I share my opinion since I have observed that most of my students in Foundations have already identified themselves as Jejebusters (anti-Jejemon group). In this entry, I shall try to enumerate my views regarding this “language phenomenon” as much and as briefly as I can. (Disclaimer I am neither a language expert nor a linguist, I am merely a Language student.)
1. Creating language
Jejenese isn’t anything new. Every now and then, humans create and re-create language for different purposes. Why? Because humans are rationale beings, and because language is dynamic. In 2005, Sophie Nichol, a PhD student at Deakin University published an article at the Australian Journal of Emerging Technologies and Society. She explored the linguistic creativity of gamers in online communities. These particular groups labelled their language as “leet speak” or “1337 5p34k” a language that incorporates language and digits. Primarily, the purpose of these groups is to create a sort of “exclusivity” i.e. if you can’t understand this language, then it means you’re not part of this community.
The same purpose is evident among Jejemons. However, I find it funny because people who don’t understand them (and don’t want to understand them) hated them, although there are really reasons to hate. I think the only problem among Jejemons is their lack of sociolinguistic competence, i.e. their ability to use appropriate language in particular situations. They have embraced the language too much that they use it outside their speech community.
2. Language Sub-Cultures
I found it amusing when my high school and college classmates remembered the same “language creation” that emerged in the 90s (yeah…it shows my age). If I remember it well, certain groupies started to use the “GA” language (it wasn’t labelled as GA, I just named it as such for discussion purposes) so that other people, especially our teachers won’t understand them. My classmates, mostly females, mastered adding “GA” in every syllable that they would utter. Thus, “NAKITA MO BA SI PEDRO? YUNG SYOTA NI MARIA?” becomes “NAGAKIGITAGA MOGO BAGA SIGI PEGEDROGO? YUGUNG SYOGOTAGA NIGI MAGARYAGA?” They even practiced and reached that level of fluency from which they would utter sentence very quickly.
The same process happens now. Every generation would “invent” something that would eventually become a fad. The “GA” language died eventually, so will the Jejemon, which brings me to my 3rd point.
3. Jejebusting
I was tagged on a Facebook photo which shows a Jejebusting tool—something that looks like an insecticide. I laughed when I saw it, not because of the intended message, but because of the futility of the cause. Years of scientific research has proven how insects evolved and eventually became immune with insecticides. We might have killed some, but never the entire species. The same goes with Jejebusting. It’s just an exercise in futility. The best tool for Jejebusting—if there is any—would probably be indifference. Language is a tool for communication. If someone texts you using Jejenese and you ignore it, they would eventually shift from Jejenese to “normal” mode (if they really intend to transact and interact). At the end of the day, the Jejemons are the ones that should be alarmed and not us, because their sort of language would never become codified and formalized—unless, of course, if their number grows on a massive scale that they would outnumber the “normal” group.
4. Brain-based language research
If there’s anything that the “normal” group should worry, it should be our difficulty in decoding Jejenese. In 2008, Perea et. al. stated that “In sum, despite the fact that digits and letters may have different cortical mechanisms when they are presented together with other digits or letters (Polk et al., 2002), the cognitive system regularizes the shape of the leet digits (and letter-like symbols) embedded in words with very little cost.” This should worry us because if we find it difficult to decode Jejenese, or if we are too slow in decoding, then there might be something wrong in our cortical mechanisms, which may affect the way we think and understand.
Language is complex and to attribute the continuously declining English proficiency of Filipino students, in this sense grammar and spelling, to Jejenese would be too hasty, if not fallacious.
At a certain point in every rationale human being’s life, he/she becomes part of a certain language group. We may not want ourselves to be tagged as a Jejemon, but we were, we are. It just has a different name.
As much as I can, I tried avoiding discussions about Jejemons in threads and e-mails, since I don’t see this as anything important to discuss. However, I think it is high time that I share my opinion since I have observed that most of my students in Foundations have already identified themselves as Jejebusters (anti-Jejemon group). In this entry, I shall try to enumerate my views regarding this “language phenomenon” as much and as briefly as I can. (Disclaimer I am neither a language expert nor a linguist, I am merely a Language student.)
1. Creating language
Jejenese isn’t anything new. Every now and then, humans create and re-create language for different purposes. Why? Because humans are rationale beings, and because language is dynamic. In 2005, Sophie Nichol, a PhD student at Deakin University published an article at the Australian Journal of Emerging Technologies and Society. She explored the linguistic creativity of gamers in online communities. These particular groups labelled their language as “leet speak” or “1337 5p34k” a language that incorporates language and digits. Primarily, the purpose of these groups is to create a sort of “exclusivity” i.e. if you can’t understand this language, then it means you’re not part of this community.
The same purpose is evident among Jejemons. However, I find it funny because people who don’t understand them (and don’t want to understand them) hated them, although there are really reasons to hate. I think the only problem among Jejemons is their lack of sociolinguistic competence, i.e. their ability to use appropriate language in particular situations. They have embraced the language too much that they use it outside their speech community.
2. Language Sub-Cultures
I found it amusing when my high school and college classmates remembered the same “language creation” that emerged in the 90s (yeah…it shows my age). If I remember it well, certain groupies started to use the “GA” language (it wasn’t labelled as GA, I just named it as such for discussion purposes) so that other people, especially our teachers won’t understand them. My classmates, mostly females, mastered adding “GA” in every syllable that they would utter. Thus, “NAKITA MO BA SI PEDRO? YUNG SYOTA NI MARIA?” becomes “NAGAKIGITAGA MOGO BAGA SIGI PEGEDROGO? YUGUNG SYOGOTAGA NIGI MAGARYAGA?” They even practiced and reached that level of fluency from which they would utter sentence very quickly.
The same process happens now. Every generation would “invent” something that would eventually become a fad. The “GA” language died eventually, so will the Jejemon, which brings me to my 3rd point.
3. Jejebusting
I was tagged on a Facebook photo which shows a Jejebusting tool—something that looks like an insecticide. I laughed when I saw it, not because of the intended message, but because of the futility of the cause. Years of scientific research has proven how insects evolved and eventually became immune with insecticides. We might have killed some, but never the entire species. The same goes with Jejebusting. It’s just an exercise in futility. The best tool for Jejebusting—if there is any—would probably be indifference. Language is a tool for communication. If someone texts you using Jejenese and you ignore it, they would eventually shift from Jejenese to “normal” mode (if they really intend to transact and interact). At the end of the day, the Jejemons are the ones that should be alarmed and not us, because their sort of language would never become codified and formalized—unless, of course, if their number grows on a massive scale that they would outnumber the “normal” group.
4. Brain-based language research
If there’s anything that the “normal” group should worry, it should be our difficulty in decoding Jejenese. In 2008, Perea et. al. stated that “In sum, despite the fact that digits and letters may have different cortical mechanisms when they are presented together with other digits or letters (Polk et al., 2002), the cognitive system regularizes the shape of the leet digits (and letter-like symbols) embedded in words with very little cost.” This should worry us because if we find it difficult to decode Jejenese, or if we are too slow in decoding, then there might be something wrong in our cortical mechanisms, which may affect the way we think and understand.
Language is complex and to attribute the continuously declining English proficiency of Filipino students, in this sense grammar and spelling, to Jejenese would be too hasty, if not fallacious.
At a certain point in every rationale human being’s life, he/she becomes part of a certain language group. We may not want ourselves to be tagged as a Jejemon, but we were, we are. It just has a different name.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
REPLEKSYON
Eunice (4 y.o.): Kuya Matt! Kuya Matt! Pakinggan mo [sabay turo sa dibdib] tumitibok noh? Kay Ate Leiah din tumitibok e. Sa’yo?
Matt: [thin smile] Hmmm…sige nga… pakinggan mo nga…
Eunice: Tumitibok din! Ang galing!
***
Bawat araw tumatanda tayo. Pero hindi araw-araw ay may pinagkakatandaan tayo. Nainggit ako sa pagka-inosente ni Eunice. Takbo lang sila ng takbo, laro lang ng laro. Hindi siya nababahala sa kung ano’ng meron sa paligid; ni hindi niya alintana ang eleksyon at ang kaakibat nitong kaguluhan.
Bawat araw ay bagong buhay. Pero madalas, tayo mismo ang kumikitil sa ating mga sarili dahil pinipilit nating isipin na mahirap ang buhay, na malungkot ang buhay, na maraming problema sa buhay. Sa lahat ng nabanggit, natatabunan ng mga pang-uri ang pangalan na s’yang dapat na maging sentro ng usapan. Mahirap, malungkot, maraming problema. Pero hindi ba’t yung buhay palang ay dapat ng ipagpasalamat?
Bawat araw ay may bago. Pero madalas ang tinitignan natin at binibigyan ng atensyon ay ang mga bagay na meron na tayo. Mahirap nga naman talagang baguhin ang nakasanayan na.
Bawat araw ay bagong aral. Pero madalas, hindi natin ito iniintindi dahil akala natin alam na natin ang lahat. Madalas iniisip nating kaya na natin, pero ang totoo, hindi pa naman pala. Madalas na nadidisgrasya ang taong maraming alam.
Bawat araw ay may dapat ipagpasalamat. Pero madalas hindi tayo nakukuntento, at ito…ito ang pinagmumulan ng hirap, lungkot, at problema.
Guilty ako sa lahat ng pinagsasabi ko sa itaas, at malamang, ikaw rin. Pero kung matutunan nating bitiwan lahat ng mga suntok sa buwan na pangarap natin, kung yayakapin natin ang katotohanang hindi natin kayang alamin at gawin lahat, at kung simulang tanggapin kung ano tayo at kung ano’ng meron tayo, pihadong magiging masaya ang buhay ng tao.
***
Ngayon, ilagay mo yung kanang kamay mo sa tapat ng dibdib mo at damhin ang tibok ng puso mo…
Tumitibok ba?
Ang galing no?
Matt: [thin smile] Hmmm…sige nga… pakinggan mo nga…
Eunice: Tumitibok din! Ang galing!
***
Bawat araw tumatanda tayo. Pero hindi araw-araw ay may pinagkakatandaan tayo. Nainggit ako sa pagka-inosente ni Eunice. Takbo lang sila ng takbo, laro lang ng laro. Hindi siya nababahala sa kung ano’ng meron sa paligid; ni hindi niya alintana ang eleksyon at ang kaakibat nitong kaguluhan.
Bawat araw ay bagong buhay. Pero madalas, tayo mismo ang kumikitil sa ating mga sarili dahil pinipilit nating isipin na mahirap ang buhay, na malungkot ang buhay, na maraming problema sa buhay. Sa lahat ng nabanggit, natatabunan ng mga pang-uri ang pangalan na s’yang dapat na maging sentro ng usapan. Mahirap, malungkot, maraming problema. Pero hindi ba’t yung buhay palang ay dapat ng ipagpasalamat?
Bawat araw ay may bago. Pero madalas ang tinitignan natin at binibigyan ng atensyon ay ang mga bagay na meron na tayo. Mahirap nga naman talagang baguhin ang nakasanayan na.
Bawat araw ay bagong aral. Pero madalas, hindi natin ito iniintindi dahil akala natin alam na natin ang lahat. Madalas iniisip nating kaya na natin, pero ang totoo, hindi pa naman pala. Madalas na nadidisgrasya ang taong maraming alam.
Bawat araw ay may dapat ipagpasalamat. Pero madalas hindi tayo nakukuntento, at ito…ito ang pinagmumulan ng hirap, lungkot, at problema.
Guilty ako sa lahat ng pinagsasabi ko sa itaas, at malamang, ikaw rin. Pero kung matutunan nating bitiwan lahat ng mga suntok sa buwan na pangarap natin, kung yayakapin natin ang katotohanang hindi natin kayang alamin at gawin lahat, at kung simulang tanggapin kung ano tayo at kung ano’ng meron tayo, pihadong magiging masaya ang buhay ng tao.
***
Ngayon, ilagay mo yung kanang kamay mo sa tapat ng dibdib mo at damhin ang tibok ng puso mo…
Tumitibok ba?
Ang galing no?
Monday, May 10, 2010
Election Fallacies
Since the election carnival started its tour, I have been asked by a number of friends, students, co-teachers, and relatives about “my president”. Since then too, I have been silent about the name and the reason beyond the silence. At the time I upload this post, I will see to it that everyone has already cast their ballot so as not to instigate any form of campaigning or propagandizing. Generally, I decided not to discuss anything election-related as much as I can because of the following fallacies:
Fallacy 1: Election = “Change”
I believe in the power of democracy, of having one’s voice heard through his/her vote. However, I beg to disagree on the “power of election” as it is perceived by Filipinos. In my analysis, the beauty of election is limited to “change” which may be merely defined as “transition of power and leadership”. Thus, I find it rather odd to see Filipinos squabbling about elections with the mindset that if so and so wins, their lives will “change”.
Most Filipinos see elections as and and-all-be-all solution. This is the most dangerous election fallacy. Yes, the government and its leaders play a vital role in the “changes” within the society, but I strongly believe that the “change” that we’re looking for is within us. Society changes because its major stakeholders, i.e. individuals, decide to change.
The gods in Olympus feed on human worship, so are the politicians. The moment Filipinos start considering that these politicians are mere fallible and normal human beings as we do, is the moment change will commence. The moment Filipinos start choosing education over trivial things is the moment change will abound.
I come from a poor family, and I’m not saying we’re rich now. But at least now, we eat more than three times a day, unlike before; at least now, we have something to pay for our bills. Did any politician help us get out of poverty? NONE. Ate and I struggled in PUP and PNU to get our degrees, get a job, and contribute to our family.
Fallacy 2: The power of the candidate
Fallacy 2 is strongly related to fallacy 1. Most candidates think that they’re gods, that they can pull the Philippines out of poverty since they were able to pull themselves out of poverty, that they can end poverty by simply ending something. But everyone knows it’s not as simple as that. These candidates should remember that they can’t do everything they want (provided that they also believe in Democracy). Sadly, the world is run by money, and people tend to embrace that ideal, which then fuels these blood sucking insects (to borrow Gore Vidal’s analogy, “poli” = many & “tics” = blood sucking insects).
Fallacy 3: Rich & Poor are equal during elections
This ideology may be true at some point, but never in its entirety. In concept, the rich and the poor are supposed to be equal during elections because everyone is only entitled to a single vote. However, some poor people would tend to sell their votes for a price. Yes, vote-buying and vote-selling is never acceptable. But can you blame them? They who are always burdened on how to make ends meet? For these people, a vote is of lesser importance as compared to food or money. Hence—though not entirely too—it may be fallacious to say that the rich and the poor are equal, because the poor would always have narrower options than the rich.
Fallacy 4: Voting for the “winnable”
Surveys have conditioned the mind of most Filipinos, and the worst result of this is to vote for the “winnable”. One day, while on a jeepney going to PNU, I overheard a passenger saying, “Ok sana si _____ kaso naman walang kapana-panalo. Sayang lang boto ko.” The stupidest election-related argument I have ever heard. A person who votes simply because of being swayed by surveys and popularity should never expect change. Voting is supposed to be a result of careful analysis and assessment. Voting a candidate should be based on personal criteria and not of audience impact.
***
Call me a pessimist, but I just don’t believe that “change” will happen soon, not because we lack good candidates, but because we decided not to change. The “change” that we have decided to have is mere surface value, e.g. how AkoMismo became more of a fad than a movement. How frustrating.
I voted for a person who believes in the same God as I do; someone who, like me, believes that he alone cannot do it. I voted him not because I believe him, but I believe in Him.
Let us all hope and pray for a clean and peaceful election turn out.
Fallacy 1: Election = “Change”
I believe in the power of democracy, of having one’s voice heard through his/her vote. However, I beg to disagree on the “power of election” as it is perceived by Filipinos. In my analysis, the beauty of election is limited to “change” which may be merely defined as “transition of power and leadership”. Thus, I find it rather odd to see Filipinos squabbling about elections with the mindset that if so and so wins, their lives will “change”.
Most Filipinos see elections as and and-all-be-all solution. This is the most dangerous election fallacy. Yes, the government and its leaders play a vital role in the “changes” within the society, but I strongly believe that the “change” that we’re looking for is within us. Society changes because its major stakeholders, i.e. individuals, decide to change.
The gods in Olympus feed on human worship, so are the politicians. The moment Filipinos start considering that these politicians are mere fallible and normal human beings as we do, is the moment change will commence. The moment Filipinos start choosing education over trivial things is the moment change will abound.
I come from a poor family, and I’m not saying we’re rich now. But at least now, we eat more than three times a day, unlike before; at least now, we have something to pay for our bills. Did any politician help us get out of poverty? NONE. Ate and I struggled in PUP and PNU to get our degrees, get a job, and contribute to our family.
Fallacy 2: The power of the candidate
Fallacy 2 is strongly related to fallacy 1. Most candidates think that they’re gods, that they can pull the Philippines out of poverty since they were able to pull themselves out of poverty, that they can end poverty by simply ending something. But everyone knows it’s not as simple as that. These candidates should remember that they can’t do everything they want (provided that they also believe in Democracy). Sadly, the world is run by money, and people tend to embrace that ideal, which then fuels these blood sucking insects (to borrow Gore Vidal’s analogy, “poli” = many & “tics” = blood sucking insects).
Fallacy 3: Rich & Poor are equal during elections
This ideology may be true at some point, but never in its entirety. In concept, the rich and the poor are supposed to be equal during elections because everyone is only entitled to a single vote. However, some poor people would tend to sell their votes for a price. Yes, vote-buying and vote-selling is never acceptable. But can you blame them? They who are always burdened on how to make ends meet? For these people, a vote is of lesser importance as compared to food or money. Hence—though not entirely too—it may be fallacious to say that the rich and the poor are equal, because the poor would always have narrower options than the rich.
Fallacy 4: Voting for the “winnable”
Surveys have conditioned the mind of most Filipinos, and the worst result of this is to vote for the “winnable”. One day, while on a jeepney going to PNU, I overheard a passenger saying, “Ok sana si _____ kaso naman walang kapana-panalo. Sayang lang boto ko.” The stupidest election-related argument I have ever heard. A person who votes simply because of being swayed by surveys and popularity should never expect change. Voting is supposed to be a result of careful analysis and assessment. Voting a candidate should be based on personal criteria and not of audience impact.
***
Call me a pessimist, but I just don’t believe that “change” will happen soon, not because we lack good candidates, but because we decided not to change. The “change” that we have decided to have is mere surface value, e.g. how AkoMismo became more of a fad than a movement. How frustrating.
I voted for a person who believes in the same God as I do; someone who, like me, believes that he alone cannot do it. I voted him not because I believe him, but I believe in Him.
Let us all hope and pray for a clean and peaceful election turn out.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Payback
Today, I had the chance to read another article from one of my favorite columnists, Michael Tan, and as usual, his article inspired me to write.
Today’s article is a very simple one; he talked about the Cum Laudes, which he preferred translating as “with praise” rather than the usual “with honors”
But indeed, who should be praised? Those who had medals hung upon their necks during the graduation day?
His answer was indirect. He answered by discussing a most recent development in the University of the Philippines, the RSA (Return Service Agreement). The idea is not new. It simply states that UP graduates, specifically those from the UP College of Medicine, would be compelled to serve the country for two years after they graduate. If they fail to return the service within five years after graduating, they will be compelled by law to pay back double the cost of their education, minus the tuition they paid. Upon entry to UP, a freshman will sign a memorandum of agreement which stipulates the RSA.
After reading the article, I can’t help but ask how UP can be so aggressive and somehow fast in making productive moves such as this, and why PNU can’t. [Although in fairness, they have yet to prove their might by implementing this plan.]
They focus on doctors and I don’t see any reason why this should not be applied in the premier institution for Teacher training. Anyway, DOST scholars in PNU are also bound by the same concept.
Implementing such an agreement in PNU would create a big impact in salvaging PNU from a possible “natural death” and later on rescuing the Philippine education system from the mire that it has been sunk. Most students in PNU do not really want to become teachers. Most of them were sent there by their parents because of cheap tuition. And this seemingly simple problem becomes the root cause of the degrading quality of students. Most students just come to school for the heck of attending and not for learning and creating “scholarly outputs”. Most unfortunately, these spoils affect the potentials. Weeding out the rotten fruits would retain the freshness and potency of those who really want to teach.
But then again, I can just dream for PNU. I can only contribute by doing my part—teach.
Today’s article is a very simple one; he talked about the Cum Laudes, which he preferred translating as “with praise” rather than the usual “with honors”
But indeed, who should be praised? Those who had medals hung upon their necks during the graduation day?
His answer was indirect. He answered by discussing a most recent development in the University of the Philippines, the RSA (Return Service Agreement). The idea is not new. It simply states that UP graduates, specifically those from the UP College of Medicine, would be compelled to serve the country for two years after they graduate. If they fail to return the service within five years after graduating, they will be compelled by law to pay back double the cost of their education, minus the tuition they paid. Upon entry to UP, a freshman will sign a memorandum of agreement which stipulates the RSA.
After reading the article, I can’t help but ask how UP can be so aggressive and somehow fast in making productive moves such as this, and why PNU can’t. [Although in fairness, they have yet to prove their might by implementing this plan.]
They focus on doctors and I don’t see any reason why this should not be applied in the premier institution for Teacher training. Anyway, DOST scholars in PNU are also bound by the same concept.
Implementing such an agreement in PNU would create a big impact in salvaging PNU from a possible “natural death” and later on rescuing the Philippine education system from the mire that it has been sunk. Most students in PNU do not really want to become teachers. Most of them were sent there by their parents because of cheap tuition. And this seemingly simple problem becomes the root cause of the degrading quality of students. Most students just come to school for the heck of attending and not for learning and creating “scholarly outputs”. Most unfortunately, these spoils affect the potentials. Weeding out the rotten fruits would retain the freshness and potency of those who really want to teach.
But then again, I can just dream for PNU. I can only contribute by doing my part—teach.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The Beauty of Psalms 23
Almost every Christian is familiar with the ever famous Psalms 23 [probably equally popular as John 3:16]. In my case, I have repetitively memorized, sang, and even mimed this chapter during my Sunday School days at church.
But true enough, with constant study and reading, new realizations come about. Indeed, memorizing it isn’t enough.
Three weeks ago, we were once again privileged to hear the Word of God from a writer’s point of view—Mrs. Evelyn Miranda-Feliciano’s. She began by lauding David for his writing prowess—summing up everything that he wants to say in 6 verses. Indeed, as what Shakespeare said, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” Moreover, David exudes a basic requirement for being a writer. He states everything vividly and he extracts his words and arranges them based on experiences, observations, and imaginations.
I am not a Bible scholar, nor a Literature major, but I will try my best to present the beauty of Psalms 23 and recreate what Mrs. Feliciano shared to us.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Verse 1 shows contentment and refuge. In two simple sentences, David showed how confident he is. The verse also shows trust and faith in God. Moreover, this begins the “literariness” of the verse, since it previews David’s play of words and metaphors. Here he starts by showing that God is the shepherd, and he [David] is the sheep. Since he was a shepherd himself, he was able to create a picture of someone/something fearful [sheep] and someone brave, courageous, and strong [the Lord].
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
In verse 2, he continues to express his confidence; this time adding a serene and peaceful milieu, i.e. “green pastures” and “quiet waters”. He succeeds in being coherent as well, because grazing animals like sheep need a sort of “utopic” place such as what David pictured out. However, one very important lesson that I’d like to stress out is the fact that God merely LEADS us beside the quiet waters. It wasn’t mentioned that God will GET a cup and FEED us with it. In short, this verse tells us that God WILL GUIDE, but it’s up to us whether to drink or not, i.e. “nasa D’yos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa”.
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Sheep easily get stressed. In fact, when a sheep is scared it experiences a state of shock to the extent of being petrified, literally. In verse 3, David shows how the Lord restores the soul of a sheep whenever it gets stressed out or scared.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Another characteristic of a sheep is its inability to know where to go. This is the reason why it needs a shepherd. In human terms, sheep are G.I. (geographically idiot). However, in verse 4, David presents a sheep who is G.I. but at the same time G.G. (God-guided). Indeed, a sheep guided by its shepherd will not be in trouble because a responsible and loving shepherd will fight even the fiercest wolves in order to protect his sheep.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Verse 5 unravels the fact that God has plans for us. And despite struggles and problems, God’s plan is at the center of it. Another important thing to note is the last two lines of this verse. These two lines show how God provides to those who believe, to those who follow. Verse 5 also shows the shift from the metaphor. Here, David prepares the reader to move out of the sheep and apply his reflections to individual lives.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
From beginning to end, David presents an aura of “sureness”, a kind of confidence that most of us don’t have; the kind of enduring confidence amidst enemies, problems, and personal struggles. Hence, Verse 6 serves as a motivation and a reminder. Motivating us that having faith in God results in good life, and Reminding us that those who believe will be with God, FOREVER.
But true enough, with constant study and reading, new realizations come about. Indeed, memorizing it isn’t enough.
Three weeks ago, we were once again privileged to hear the Word of God from a writer’s point of view—Mrs. Evelyn Miranda-Feliciano’s. She began by lauding David for his writing prowess—summing up everything that he wants to say in 6 verses. Indeed, as what Shakespeare said, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” Moreover, David exudes a basic requirement for being a writer. He states everything vividly and he extracts his words and arranges them based on experiences, observations, and imaginations.
I am not a Bible scholar, nor a Literature major, but I will try my best to present the beauty of Psalms 23 and recreate what Mrs. Feliciano shared to us.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Verse 1 shows contentment and refuge. In two simple sentences, David showed how confident he is. The verse also shows trust and faith in God. Moreover, this begins the “literariness” of the verse, since it previews David’s play of words and metaphors. Here he starts by showing that God is the shepherd, and he [David] is the sheep. Since he was a shepherd himself, he was able to create a picture of someone/something fearful [sheep] and someone brave, courageous, and strong [the Lord].
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
In verse 2, he continues to express his confidence; this time adding a serene and peaceful milieu, i.e. “green pastures” and “quiet waters”. He succeeds in being coherent as well, because grazing animals like sheep need a sort of “utopic” place such as what David pictured out. However, one very important lesson that I’d like to stress out is the fact that God merely LEADS us beside the quiet waters. It wasn’t mentioned that God will GET a cup and FEED us with it. In short, this verse tells us that God WILL GUIDE, but it’s up to us whether to drink or not, i.e. “nasa D’yos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa”.
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Sheep easily get stressed. In fact, when a sheep is scared it experiences a state of shock to the extent of being petrified, literally. In verse 3, David shows how the Lord restores the soul of a sheep whenever it gets stressed out or scared.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Another characteristic of a sheep is its inability to know where to go. This is the reason why it needs a shepherd. In human terms, sheep are G.I. (geographically idiot). However, in verse 4, David presents a sheep who is G.I. but at the same time G.G. (God-guided). Indeed, a sheep guided by its shepherd will not be in trouble because a responsible and loving shepherd will fight even the fiercest wolves in order to protect his sheep.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Verse 5 unravels the fact that God has plans for us. And despite struggles and problems, God’s plan is at the center of it. Another important thing to note is the last two lines of this verse. These two lines show how God provides to those who believe, to those who follow. Verse 5 also shows the shift from the metaphor. Here, David prepares the reader to move out of the sheep and apply his reflections to individual lives.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
From beginning to end, David presents an aura of “sureness”, a kind of confidence that most of us don’t have; the kind of enduring confidence amidst enemies, problems, and personal struggles. Hence, Verse 6 serves as a motivation and a reminder. Motivating us that having faith in God results in good life, and Reminding us that those who believe will be with God, FOREVER.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Case of Ringo Quijano
Yeah, you can call this entry corny.
I’m hooked with “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo”. It’s probably what Jen always tells me whenever I criticize her being hooked with Pinoy Big Brother, “Baket? Wala ka bang kabakyaan sa katawan, ha?!”
This week, the story revolved on the case of Ringo Quijano, the soap’s character with a psychological disorder (particularly bipolar, I guess). Well, aside from Coco Martin’s acting prowess, the character of Ringo Quijano is something very important to analyze in relation to education and admissions.
During the interview phase of the admission for the English majorship, I failed a number of applicants for the simple reason of not being able to pass the (supposed) standards of being an English major. With the way they speak and think, I was able to assess problems that may arise in the future—specifically on how they would handle Major subjects and later on English classes.
Ringo’s case shouldn’t have reached such an extent if Frank and Astrud did not forge Ringos’ medical reports. Flying schools are expected to be very rigid in terms of screening student applicants because pilots are required to be stable physically and psychologically. He shouldn’t have reached such state of depression if he was given a different option earlier in his life.
In the same light, PNU is supposed to have rigid admission policies because PNUans hold the future of the education system. Admitting the unqualified is like starting a small hole and getting it poked repeatedly as time goes by, until everything gets destroyed. Pity should not be the case, because before you know it, the “help” you offered started false hopes.
Nah. Nothing regarding education is corny.
I’m hooked with “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo”. It’s probably what Jen always tells me whenever I criticize her being hooked with Pinoy Big Brother, “Baket? Wala ka bang kabakyaan sa katawan, ha?!”
This week, the story revolved on the case of Ringo Quijano, the soap’s character with a psychological disorder (particularly bipolar, I guess). Well, aside from Coco Martin’s acting prowess, the character of Ringo Quijano is something very important to analyze in relation to education and admissions.
During the interview phase of the admission for the English majorship, I failed a number of applicants for the simple reason of not being able to pass the (supposed) standards of being an English major. With the way they speak and think, I was able to assess problems that may arise in the future—specifically on how they would handle Major subjects and later on English classes.
Ringo’s case shouldn’t have reached such an extent if Frank and Astrud did not forge Ringos’ medical reports. Flying schools are expected to be very rigid in terms of screening student applicants because pilots are required to be stable physically and psychologically. He shouldn’t have reached such state of depression if he was given a different option earlier in his life.
In the same light, PNU is supposed to have rigid admission policies because PNUans hold the future of the education system. Admitting the unqualified is like starting a small hole and getting it poked repeatedly as time goes by, until everything gets destroyed. Pity should not be the case, because before you know it, the “help” you offered started false hopes.
Nah. Nothing regarding education is corny.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Mga Larawan sa Facebook (Isang introspeksyon)
T’wing makikita ko sa Facebook ang mga kaibigan at kaklase kong nasa ibang bansa, tinitignan ko ng maigi ang mga pictures nila, hindi lang dahil sa gusto kong makita ang background o gusto kong makita kung tumaba ba sila o tumangkad, kundi gusto kong alamin ang lalim ng kanilang ngiti.
Sa t’wing mababalitaan ko na nasa ibang bansa pala si ganito at si ganoon, madalas kong matanong ang sarili ko: “Ako kaya? Ba’t nga kaya ako andito, at wala doon?”
Makailang beses ko na naisulat ito, at t’wing sumusulat ako wala naman talaga akong nakukuhang kongkretong sagot.
Sa totoo lang, masaya naman kase ako sa “career” ko sa PNU. Masaya magturo sa mga kapwa mo iskolar ng bayan. Yun nga lang, mas dumadami na ang mga burgis at mga mabababaw mag-isip na estudyante. Isa kase sa rason ko sa pagtuturo sa PNU e ang patuloy na matuto mula sa sariwang ideya ng mga mas bata sa’kin. Kaso, mas madalas akong maimbyerna ngayon sa katamaran at kababawan ng karamihan ng estudyante. Ewan ko ba kung sang planeta galing yung mga ganon (o baka singaw lang sa lupa). Busy daw. Stressed daw. Weh? Di naman halata, nakakapagmake-up pa nga e, nakakaporma pa, at higit sa lahat, nakakapagupdate pa ng Facebook.
Madalas, naitatanong ko sa sarili, worthwhile pa nga ba mag-stay? May pinatutunguhan pa ba ito? Aral ako ng aral, prepare ako ng prepare, tanong ako ng tanong (na sa huli, ako din naman ang sumasagot).
Minsan napabuntong hininga na lang si Mam Marla nung nagkukwentuhan kame sa department, nag-iba na nga talaga ang prayoridad ng mga estudyante. Ayokong tanggapin sa sarili kong tumatanda na ako. Kaya hangga’t kaya ko, pilit kong ikinokonekta ang sarili ko sa makabagong lifestyle ng mga bata ngayon. Pero hindi ko talaga magetlaks kung ano’ng dahilan ng pagkapariwara ng karamihan; kung bakit nakakagawa sila ng ilang bagay, pero ang pagbabasa at pag-iisip e nakakalimutan nila; kung bakit nagagawa nilang magpakyut at magpaka-alila sa mga syota nila, pero ang pag-galang at pagsunod sa mga nakatatanda at guro e nawaglit na sa isip nila.
(At eto matindi d’yan, pag naghirap yan later on in life, maninisi yan ng iba, ng gubyerno, ng mundo, ng D’yos, samantalang yung katamaran n’ya lang naman yung rason.)
Madalas, naitatanong ko, kung ganto na ang tipo ng mga kabataan, may patutunguhan pa nga kaya ang bansa? Kase kung wala, e baket pa nga ba ako andito? Ano nga bang pinaglalaban ko? Sa taas ng pangarap ko, habang buhay lang akong titingala kung magtitigil ako dito.
Sa t’wing titignan ko ang mga pictures na ina-upload ko sa Facebook, tinitignan kong maigi ang aking sarili. Hindi dahil sa gusto kong makita kung gwapo ba ako o mukang tanga sa picture ko (hindi na rin naman kase yun isyu sa’ken), kundi gusto kong alamin ang lalim ng aking mga ngiti. Muka naman akong masaya. Pero masaya nga ba ako? Ba ewan. Siguro. Marahil. Maybe. Probably. Perhaps. Mmm…
Isa na namang blog na walang pinatunguhan.
Sa t’wing mababalitaan ko na nasa ibang bansa pala si ganito at si ganoon, madalas kong matanong ang sarili ko: “Ako kaya? Ba’t nga kaya ako andito, at wala doon?”
Makailang beses ko na naisulat ito, at t’wing sumusulat ako wala naman talaga akong nakukuhang kongkretong sagot.
Sa totoo lang, masaya naman kase ako sa “career” ko sa PNU. Masaya magturo sa mga kapwa mo iskolar ng bayan. Yun nga lang, mas dumadami na ang mga burgis at mga mabababaw mag-isip na estudyante. Isa kase sa rason ko sa pagtuturo sa PNU e ang patuloy na matuto mula sa sariwang ideya ng mga mas bata sa’kin. Kaso, mas madalas akong maimbyerna ngayon sa katamaran at kababawan ng karamihan ng estudyante. Ewan ko ba kung sang planeta galing yung mga ganon (o baka singaw lang sa lupa). Busy daw. Stressed daw. Weh? Di naman halata, nakakapagmake-up pa nga e, nakakaporma pa, at higit sa lahat, nakakapagupdate pa ng Facebook.
Madalas, naitatanong ko sa sarili, worthwhile pa nga ba mag-stay? May pinatutunguhan pa ba ito? Aral ako ng aral, prepare ako ng prepare, tanong ako ng tanong (na sa huli, ako din naman ang sumasagot).
Minsan napabuntong hininga na lang si Mam Marla nung nagkukwentuhan kame sa department, nag-iba na nga talaga ang prayoridad ng mga estudyante. Ayokong tanggapin sa sarili kong tumatanda na ako. Kaya hangga’t kaya ko, pilit kong ikinokonekta ang sarili ko sa makabagong lifestyle ng mga bata ngayon. Pero hindi ko talaga magetlaks kung ano’ng dahilan ng pagkapariwara ng karamihan; kung bakit nakakagawa sila ng ilang bagay, pero ang pagbabasa at pag-iisip e nakakalimutan nila; kung bakit nagagawa nilang magpakyut at magpaka-alila sa mga syota nila, pero ang pag-galang at pagsunod sa mga nakatatanda at guro e nawaglit na sa isip nila.
(At eto matindi d’yan, pag naghirap yan later on in life, maninisi yan ng iba, ng gubyerno, ng mundo, ng D’yos, samantalang yung katamaran n’ya lang naman yung rason.)
Madalas, naitatanong ko, kung ganto na ang tipo ng mga kabataan, may patutunguhan pa nga kaya ang bansa? Kase kung wala, e baket pa nga ba ako andito? Ano nga bang pinaglalaban ko? Sa taas ng pangarap ko, habang buhay lang akong titingala kung magtitigil ako dito.
Sa t’wing titignan ko ang mga pictures na ina-upload ko sa Facebook, tinitignan kong maigi ang aking sarili. Hindi dahil sa gusto kong makita kung gwapo ba ako o mukang tanga sa picture ko (hindi na rin naman kase yun isyu sa’ken), kundi gusto kong alamin ang lalim ng aking mga ngiti. Muka naman akong masaya. Pero masaya nga ba ako? Ba ewan. Siguro. Marahil. Maybe. Probably. Perhaps. Mmm…
Isa na namang blog na walang pinatunguhan.
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