Anatomy of a Fan

When the die-hard Bieber fans learned about his flirtations and public display of affection with fellow teenage artist Selena Gomez, they acted violently to the extent of cursing Selena (as if Selena stole Bieber from them, and as if Bieber would even mind them)

When Lady Gaga was accused of being a member of the illuminati and is a "messenger" of cultic messages, her die hard fans were quick to respond and deny the claim.

When images of Jesus (or should I say Catholic faith) were "desecrated", well, what do you expect? Devotees shamelessly and barbarically act to denounce it (as if they did not learn anything from the teachings of Jesus).

I am in no position to talk about religion as I am a sinner and never a saint. But just like what I have mentioned in Kay's Blog (Amvagueities), I think the root of all problem is...well...RELIGION itself.

If I am not mistaken, I don't think Jesus made mention about religion as the way to salvation (unless of course we treat the personal pronouns "I" and "me" in John 14:6, which refers to Jesus, as "religion")

The recent controversial Kulo exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines proved a lot of facts about Filipinos in relation to thinking, culture, beliefs, temperament, among others. So many that I will just try to present them as briefly and clearly as I can in this post.

1. The Filipino and the Art of Thinking


Noynoy is correct when he said that there is no absolute freedom. The artists cannot expect the people to accept their art, but in the same way, the people do not have the right to destroy other people's work just because they don't like it. (If liking and disliking is easy as a push of that button, then think again, because reality is beyond Facebook.) M. Cruz's creation could be really offensive, but what's the difference with what other people did by vandalizing and trying to set the exhibit on fire (to no avail)? From these series of events, we realize how Filipinos think: impulsive and critical (as in skeptic) rather than meditative and analytical. I admit that my initial reaction was negative as well, and it took a lot of discussions via text with Kay for me to realize a number of things. (Thus, the late post.)

2. The Filipino and the Art of Appreciating Art

"Art can be beautiful it can be ugly...If it's always good, it's propaganda"-Prof. Jose Alberto Tanedo, UP College of Fine Arts (Prof. Tanedo on Art)

I think Prof. Tanedo said it clear enough: we cannot just have everything beautiful, simply because this world is a world of perspectives. What's beautiful to me may not be beautiful to you, and what's morally upright to you may not be morally upright to me. I think Filipinos are locked in the idea that Art is "beautiful". Let's remind ourselves that the Spoliarium is never "beautiful". It's horrendous, in fact. But today, we see it as an art worthy of national praise. I like the last part of Prof Tanedo's statement. True enough, if everything given to us appears beautiful and good, then that's dangerous. Even Jesus told His disciples that the tasks ahead are never smooth. (Matthew 24:9). Bottom line is that Jesus never said that our lives in this world will be full of happiness and beauty. It only becomes beautiful once we have accepted him us our Lord and Savior and begin to see bad things as good things. I am not an Art Scholar or an Art Critique, but I guess we have to go back to basics, for someone to say that something is beautiful, he/she has to explain and rationalize. Beauty is relative.

3. The Filipino and the Art of Overacting

Whatever it is that came into the minds of the vandals, and Dr. Chua when he said, "Hindi gawa ng Pilipino yan! Gawa yan ng Demonyo!" I think it's plain overacting. I believe the reason of CCP for putting up an open forum is to be able to open up ideas and clarify issues (and not begin a shouting match). Sadly, even the most professionals of professionals return to savagery because of emotional imbalance leading to what we commonly know as Overacting. A Black Nazarene devotee even ranted something unchristian because of her overacting, "Hindi namin sya mapapatawad...isa itong kabastusan sa aming...replica"  (See: CCP shuts down Kulo) I strongly suggest that she reviews the Bible as it teaches the most basic act of "forgiving". Most of us thinks that because we devoutly do what we traditionally do, God favors us. We forget that it's not about religion, it's about relationship with Jesus. She said it herself...it's a...well....REPLICA. 

4. The Filipino and the Art of Forgetting

I'd like to end this lengthy blog with a reminder: Exodus 20:4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below." We seem to have forgotten this 2nd commandment from God. Aren't we supposed to be worshipping Jesus and not His "replicas"? So what if a "good for nothing" artist lambasts the replica, does it destroy your faith? Does it destroy your God? If yes, check your faith. The last time I checked, Jesus is in my heart...not in CCP...and never in your altars.

***

Mideo Cruz's Politeismo reflects Filipino culture as spelled out by the Spaniards (and even before they came). It vividly exposes how POLYTHEISTIC we are (i.e. worshipping so many gods, from FPJ to Mickey Mouse to Obama and his U.S.A.to Bieber to Gaga.) We have gone gaga over gags.

The effects and controversies it reaped reflect how shallow the Filipino faith is...or shall i say fanaticism?

Paddling against the waves

The recent national pride brought about by the victorious stint of the Philippine Dragot Boat Team at Tampa Bay, Florida led to a number of realizations from various angles.

From the perspective of Philippine traditional politics, this Sports event proved how problematic our system for supporting and developing sports is. This morning, while watching the news, I was able to grasp a little bit of information as to why the government did not recognize the Philippine Dragon Boat Team. Mr. Ricardo Garcia of PSC mentioned that PDBT is not affiliated or registered to the Philippine Sports Commission, which makes them an “illegitimate” Philippine team. Being illegitimate, they are also stripped off from the benefits and support provided by the Philippine government. R.A. 9064 (An Act Granting cash and Other non-Monetary Benefits and Incentives to National Athletes, Coaches, and Trainers, Appropriating funds therefor and for other Purposes) defines that a “National Athlete are Filipino citizens, members of the national training pool, recognized and accredited by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and who have represented the country in international competitions”  

(See: http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2001/ra_9064_2001.html)

It’ s just disheartening to realize that the reason why we don’t win in international sports events like the Olympics is not because we lack the skills and the talents, but simply because of papers and of politics. I don’t know what exactly is the conflict between the two parties, but I’m quite sure that this happened because both parties did not reach a clear understanding between and among them.

On the brighter side, from the perspective of athleticism, the Philippine Paddlers proved the cliché “If there’s a will, there’s a way”. A few months ago, they were featured in a news program showing how miserable their status is. The picture of Philippine athletes cooking and eating fish along Manila Bay is more than grotesque, it’s unimaginable. However, with the degree of passion and devotion they have for their craft, these men and women did not let such a circumstance to extinguish the fire in them. Thankfully private citizens and private companies joined hands to support their financial needs in joining the said sports event. Similar to the Philippine Azkals and Philippine Volcanoes, we have proven that even without the presence of the Philippine government, we can really produce quality athletes. Of course, private companies are capitalists in nature, they are helping because it’s a way of marketing and making themselves known, thus increasing sales. But for me, that’s beyond the point. What’s important is that they were able to support and revive our comatosed athletes.

Finally, from the perspective of nationalism and patriotism, Filipinos in Florida proved that despite being away from the country, they still embody the spirit of Bayanihan within them. Bayanihan is possibly more than cultural, it could be biological or spiritual. It is heart-warming and motivating to learn that Filipinos chipped in to support our athletes. It’s something to be proud about.

The Philippine Dragon Boat Team bagged 5 gold medals, but it was never a smooth sailing. They obviously paddled against strong waves discouragements and a tsunami of politicking. But more than the gold, they have brought home the sense of pride, perseverance, and passion. That even without the presence of government support, we can still win. We can still survive.

However, let me be clear that I am not tolerating the corrupt practices of the government. In one way or another, the President Aquino should do something about the PSC, probably ratify or modify the mechanism for registering or affiliating a team or be more open to possibilities and partnerships. Whatever moves they plan to do, they must act soon.

In the end, the lesson that Filipinos should learn from this is John F. Kennedy’s famous lines, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country"

Manny Pacquiao, Efren “Bata” Reyes, Wesley So, Paeng Nepomuceno, Lydia de Vega, Elma Muros, the Philippine Dragon Boat Team, and Philippine Azkals, and many more did their part. Let’s do ours too.

Ang Wika at ang Pagtuklas sa Sarili

Nagsimula ang lahat sa suhestiyon ni Kay na panuorin ko ang dokyu ni Howie Severino na pinamagatang "Itinaga sa Bato". Ngayon, nasa proseso ako ng pag-aaral at pagbabasa-basa tungkol sa BAYBAYIN. Wala pa akong gaanong alam dito, kung kaya't hindi ako susubok na magpakita ng anumang teorya o pananaw sa katunayan o kabulaanan nito (dahil ito ang isa sa mga nagiging debate ngayon)


Sa dami ng mga nabuksang pinto ngayong gabi sa aking panonood, sisikapin kong isulat ng may kaayusan ang mga ideyang naisip ko at naisip ni Kay (dahil nagchachat kami habang pinapanood ko ito). 


1. Ang Baybayin sa Akademikong Perspektibo


Mula sa perspektibo ng pag-aaral at pagtuturo ng wika (language learning and language teaching), nakakita ako ng liwanag na maaring mag-ambag sa pagpapalaganap ng Mother-Tongue Based Multilingual Education Program (MTB-MLE). Mula noong matutunan ko ang MTB-MLE at itinuro ito sa ilang mag-aaral din ng wika, pinanghawakan ko na ang mga positibong aspeto ng pagpapalago ng sariling wika o Mother Tongue. Naniniwala akong ang Wika ay repleksyon at representasyon ng kultura at ang pagkatuto ng sariling wika at ng sariling kultura ay isang mahalagang salik hindi lamang sa pagpapaunlad ng sarili kundi pati na rin sa pagpapaunlad ng buong bansa. Kung ang bawat bata ay magkakaroon ng kaalaman at kasanayan sa sarili niyang wika, magagawa niyang maintindihan ang mga bagay na nakapaligid sa kanya. Mapayayabong nito ang kanyang pag-iisip (cognitive at metacognitive) na siya rin namang magdudulot ng kanyang kakayanang maintindihan ang iba pang bagay at aralin na nanggagaling sa ibang mga bansa o kultura. Ang pagbuhay sa Baybaying Pilipino (o Alibata) ay isang ambisyosong pangarap at pagkilos na siguradong tataasan ng kilay ng ilan sa ating mga kababayan. Anu't ano pa man ang kahinatnan nito, isa itong magandang simula. Panahon na upang magising ang kamalayan ng kabataang Pilipino sa pinanggalingan ng kanyang lahi!


2. Ang Baybayin bilang tabak na wawasak sa Kolonyal na pag-iisip

"...natutuwa ako at pinagmamalaki ko na...before the Spaniards came kumakain na kame sa imported na pinggan...at hindi sa bao o dahon ng saging lamang..." Dr. Lim

Oo nga naman. Kanino ba nanggaling ang kaisipan na bago dumating ang mga Kastila, tayo'y walang sibilisasyon? Na tayo'y mangmang? Syempre, sa Kastila. Ang pagsulat ng Kasaysayan mula sa perspektibo ng mga mananakop ay isang napakaepektibong paraan ng pagpapanatili ng kanilang paghahari. "O..kung di kami dumating edi hanggang ngayon ay mangmang kayo???" Ito ang kaisipang dala ng bawat tekstong inilimbag ng mga Kanluranin. Sa pamamagitan nito, tila nagkaroon pa ng utang na loob ang mga Pilipino sa kanila. Samantalang sila itong nagnakaw at naglaspag sa ating mga yaman!


Ang paglaganap ng Baybayin (lalo na kung ito'y maisasama sa aralin ng mga estudyante sa elementarya o hayskul) ay isang matibay na armas sa pagbuwag ng Sikolohiyang Kolonyal sa bawat Pilipino. Aminin man natin o hindi, malaki ang epekto nito sa pagpapaunlad ng indibidwal sa kanyang sarili at sa pagunlad ng buong bayan. Ang mentalidad na maka-kanluran ay isang malaking hadlang sa ating pag-sulong sa kaunlaran. Tandaan nating HINDI KANLURAN ANG SUSI SA KAUNLARAN.


3. Ang Baybayin sa Pananaw ng Literatura


Hindi ako mag-aaral ng literatura (bagamat may ilan akong literature subject noong kolehiyo) kaya't nagtanong ako kay Kay kung ano ang kanyang masasabi sa Baybayin mula sa perspektibo ng literatura. Simple at deretso ang kanyang sagot: 

"...basta ako naniniwala ko sa oral tradition di na kelangan ng taga sa bato para patunayan na me sibilisasyon tayo..."

Oo nga naman. Yun lamang katotohanan na umabot sa ating panahon ang mga kwento ng ating mga ninuno ay sapat na upang patunayan na may sarili tayong sibilisasyon bago pa man dumating ang mga kastilang mananakop. 

Naniniwala ako sa sinabi ni Kay. Pero hindi rin naman natin maitatangging ang pagsulat ay isang napakahalagang salik ng pagpapanatili ng ating kultura, literatura, at wika. 

4. Ang Baybayin at ang mga posibleng lagim nito...

Inihuli ko ito hindi upang basagin ang mga nauna kong isinulat, kundi upang maging bukas sa mga posibilidad. Maganda ang pagkilos na ginagawa ng grupong nasa likod ng Baybayin. Subalit hindi ko maalis na mag-alala at malungkot. 

Una, halatang ito'y pagkilos ng pribadong sektor. Nakalulungkot isipin na kailangang mauna pa ang pribadong grupo sa pagsaliksik ng mga ganitong bagay. Alam naman natin ang epekto nito: limitado lamang ang maaaring makaalam at matuto nito, dahil kung pribado ito, pihadong may bayad ito. (Hal. sa Disyembre ay bubuksan ang "Mind Museum" sa Taguig. Maganda ito, pero yun nga lang, pribado ito at malamang na mahal ang bayad para makapasok. Ang mga batang walang pera...wala ring pagkakataong matuto.)

Pangalawa, nakakatakot na baka ang paglaganap nito'y ningas kugon lamang, gaya halimbawa ng AKO MISMO na tila hanging mabilis na nakapanghikayat ng kabataan...at tila hangin din na biglang naglaho. Mahilig ang mga Pilipino sa ganito: mga magandang simulain...pero di kayang panindigan o tapusin. 

Pangatlo, baka dahil nga pribadong sektor ang kumikilos ay maging komersyalisado masyado ang adbokasiyang ito at matabunan ang mas malalim at mas mahalagang hangarin ng pagtuklas at pagkatuto.

Heto ang link sa Youtube ng Dokyu ni Howie:

PART 1

PART 2

Period for the 12-year Period

"He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34, NIV)

For 12 years, the woman was bleeding; she was in pain. I can't imagine how grumpy, sad, moody, and disorganized her life was. She's hopeless. But her faith in Jesus brought her healing, hope, and peace. She sought for Jesus no matter what.

In this ever stressful world, do you feel sad? Tired? Grumpy? Disorganized? Hopeless? Afraid? Cast your burden upon Jesus. Seek Him and you'll be healed! You'll have peace! God Bless you all!

On being a mother

                At age 31, Ate is undergoing On the Job Training—not from her field of discipline but an OJT for being a mother. For almost 3 months now, I’ve been observing how the arrival of Robbie changed her lifestyle and philosophy.

                Growing up in a small family, I’ve known my Ate as a smart but “neutrally-active” student. She has been a consistent part of the honors class from grade school to high school (something I wasn’t able to do). Probably because during our formative years Papa wasn’t around, we grew up closer to Mama. Aside from this, having an absentee father for a long time (my first memory of Papa was when I was in grade 2 when he decided to stop going to Saudi and stay with us for good) somehow turned her to a stiff, strong, and at times deviant teenager.

                When Ate wen to college at PUP, I noticed her “liberation”. As they say, college education opens you up to the realities of life. I remember a time when she shaved her head for no apparent reason.

                After graduating, she easily got hired and resigned from them later on to shift to another company. Recently though, she has stopped from working because of her sensitive pregnancy. Since then, I’ve seen her transform from the deviant daughter to a diligent mother-to-be. And right after giving birth, from a liberated college student to a loving full-time mother.

                As I observe them every day, I can’t help but compare the difference between her experience as a mother to that of teenage mothers. At her age, I can see that at some point she’s having difficulties pacifying my nephew (whose cry reaches at least four blocks from our house!). I have also observed the constant “motherhood 101” tutorial sessions given to her by Mama—bathing the baby, washing clothes, feeding, etc.

                I would always tell Kay that Robbie is blessed to belong in two families that care for him and will try to give everything possible to meet his daily needs. We’re not rich but we see to it that he has everything that he needs from milk to diapers to vaccines. Unfortunately, not all babies are born in a family that can provide their needs and appreciate their presence.

                The reality of over population and irresponsible parenthood haunts us as it creates more and more people who are mal-educated, if not uneducated.  Whether we like it or not, population is a very big issue that the government needs to address. Sadly though, certain groups are very myopic, seeng only their immediate surroundings and not beyond the high walls of their posh subdivisions.

                I am writing this neither because I’m righteous nor because I’m holy. In this short life that I’ve been living, I’ve had wrong turns; committed sins that have hurt people tremendously. But what I’m always thankful to God is the fact that I have a FAMILY and a COMMUNITY who didn’t and doesn’t condemn me for the nasty things that I’ve done. I can’t imagine what my life could’ve gone to, had I a family who is unsupportive and discouraging.

                Looking back at my classmates and students who became mothers at such a very young age, I can’t help but think how they have survived the ordeals of parenting. I’m proud of them because they finished college and pursued a career.  But again, not all teenage moms are given the opportunity to study and get a chance for a good life.

                So do we have a population problem? Your age should help you answer.

"Balik-aral"

I was listening to the news this morning and when I suddenly realized that the term "balik-aral" is a politically incorrect term and should not be used--especially in the context with which it was used.

The news reporter used the term in reference to the first day of class today in public schools across the country. Most reports or articles would refer to this event as "balik-eskwela" ("return to school").

I just thought that "balik-aral" should not be used. This phrase may mean two things: it may mean "review" (as in studying previous lessons) or "back to studying" (as in going back to studying). Unfortunately, the way it was used in the news report was intended to mean the latter. 

So what's my issue here? Well, it's not that much of a big deal; it's just a term, anyway. But you see, words play a very important role in shaping an individual's way of thinking, which later on leads to a collective creation of habits and cultures. Last week, I visited Fort Santiago and found a very interesting idea that Dr. Jose Rizal wrote in his essay "Ang Katamaran ng mga Pilipino (The Indolence of the Filipinos)". He said that prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, Filipinos are not lazy people simply because they don't know the word "miracle" (milagro) yet before the Spaniards came. Indeed, the inclusion of the word milagro in our vocabulary made us expect for something divine and somehow hampered us from working. These milagros also resulted in superstitious beliefs that pulled us back instead of pushing us forward.

In our case, "balik-aral" may be slowly seeping into the subconscious of Filipino society. 

I've been hearing the term "balik-aral" since I was in grade school, and somehow, did not mind it. The term is most commonly used during the last weeks of May and first few weeks of June. It entails a return to school from a two-month summer break. 

But my curious question is, "Should we say 'balik-aral'?" In the first place, did we stop from "learning" or "studying"? Yeah, SCHOOLING may have paused for a while to have a break, to enjoy summer. But I believe that LEARNING did not--two terms that are usually misinterpreted and even interchanged. This leads me to think how the Filipino term "aral" is understood by Filipinos. Do we understand it fully? Do we view SCHOOLING as just the same with LEARNING?

"Balik-aral", subconsciously or unconsciously used for so many generations now, may have created a kind of culture which "stops learning". While, some hyper parents in Manila would spend hefty amounts to send their kids to summer workshops (e.g. ballet, music, acting, arts, etc.), most parents in provinces would rather have their kids help them in household chores or have them take summer jobs. Despite the difference on how kids coming from well-off families would spend their summer break compared to kids coming from poor families, there is still something similar between them: LEARNING.

Hence, we realize that whether rich or poor, LEARNING continues--even during the summer break. The question is: "Do we teach our kids to think that learning doesn't stop?" and "How much effort do parents exert to develop a culture of continuing learning among their kids?" On a bigger scope, "How much attention does our government give to develop highly academic and competent learners?"

RH BILL = Problematica

As I watch the “Grand Debate” on RH Bill at GMA NEWS TV, more and more ideas—conflicting and inflicting—dawned on me. The debate was divided into three general arguments on the controversial bill, namely: a. RH Bill & Poverty Reduction; b. RH Bill and Morality; and c. RH Bill and Women’s Health. And as the Debate went on, I continue to reassess the situation—including my stand on it. Later on, I came to a conclusion, RH Bill is a problematica—a term used in science which is used when the classification of organisms cannot be decided.

In the first place, I ask: What has made this Bill so controversial as compared to other bills presented in congress? The best answer that I could think of is religion. The very reason why this social issue has become very controversial is the presence of churches in the midst of it. So does that mean that churches should not have been allowed to enter the scene? NO. In fact, I think these debates are healthy and good for the formation of the Philippine society. Debates present a bigger picture of a situation and this provides us with better perspectives as regards our decisions. It makes us think more critically, making us more tolerant and mature—hopefully. However, the moment ANY religious institution comes into the scene and BARS its flock from the information they need to know, that’s where the problem lies.

For me, being educated inevitably includes being educated and mal-educated. This means that no matter what we do (e.g. parents teaching their children not to do this or that) people would inevitably do (or think, at the least) of something “bad” or immoral at some point in their lives. Why? Because

1.) as we educate our kids on what is right from wrong, the society (which is beyond our control) also consciously and subconsciously teaches them that the wrong may be right and that the right may be wrong and

2.) to err is human.  

If this is the case, are we supposed to sit back and watch the moral fiber of Philippine society disintegrate? OF COURSE NOT! This is why constant reminders should take place—within the family and within the community. You see, life is about decisions. And most often than not, people decide based on what is available around them. For example, if a teenager lives in a community where the start of the menstrual cycle is tantamount to becoming a mother, she will more likely decide to be a mother at a very young age. UNLESS, of course, someone constantly guides her about the consequences of early pregnancy. Have you ever wondered why most rich or educated families control the number of kids they will have? Their DECISION is because of what is available around them—e.g. that having more kids would mean more expenses, more responsibilities, and if one cannot attend to it, might as well control.

Going back to the main point of discussion, there are so many factors that make the RH Bill a problematica, but for this particular blog, I shall only focus on one: MORALITY. From my observations and opinion, the reason why this has turned into a fuss—a very big one—is because of how churches operationalize the term “morality”.

Whenever I teach and conduct debates in my classes, I would always tell my students that I would not encourage “moral” arguments in the motions to be debated upon, not because I don’t like to discuss morality, but because morality, to some extent, is relative. Of course, there are “absolute” or “generic” morality, e.g. killing another human being is immoral, unacceptable in any society (as much as I know). But there are also some moralities that are relative, e.g. to some, it is immoral to have more than one wife, but to some cultures it is not. (NB: This is not limited to Islam. Studies from different societies reveal that other cultures also accept polygamy such as the Israelites of the old testament or the fraternal polyandry in some areas in Tibet and Nepal.)

The “wrongest” move, if I may say, of a church in this war against RH bill is to resort to the most absurd ammunition of all: excommunication of those supporting RH BILL. To me, it’s like a kid threatening not to give a candy if another kid doesn’t want to play.

(Didn’t the church threaten to excommunicate P-noy for supporting RH? See:http://www.mb.com.ph/node/280046/excommunication-hit)

I suddenly remembered Jonathan Edwards’s “Sinners in the hands of an angry God” upon learning about this fallacious (appeal to fear) and “malicious” move by a church.  I felt sad at one point because this move has just made the war worse. It just reminded the people how the prayles of the past still lives today.

While it is true that it is the church’s obligation to teach values to its members, I believe that the priority of the church should not be focused on targeting those who do not like to follow their teachings. Instead, I think they should focus on how to make their teachings sound, appropriate, and practical in order to make the people follow them whole-heartedly and never forcefully. Isn’t it that when Jesus went out to preach the word, many criticized Him and mocked Him? I have never read, heard, nor learned any Bible passage that talks about Jesus retaliating against his detractors.

While morality is a very important factor in the formation and reformation of the society, I don’t think this should be used as a means for threatening the people and making them “believe” the stand of the church on a certain issue—by force nor by fear.

The RH Bill, to date, remains a problematica because I think the essential issues and core objectives on why this was proposed in congress is not tackled carefully. Sadly, the debates have gone out of way. It has started from poverty, went on to morality, and ended up in obscurity.

The saddest part is, as we continue to debate, think, and assess its effectiveness and appropriateness, more and more Filipinos are born, which means more and more Filipinos will potentially become poor tomorrow.