MundongNoypi

Maintaining a Four-Year-old Blog

2011-08-21T23:46:00.001-07:00

Ho! Ho! Ho! Never thought I'd be able to input anything in my dashboard again, after it has been hacked for the longest time. Now, after over a year, finally, hackers have been overpowered and got a new password-- might be able to continue all the writing I've started here. Congrats to my blog for being officially, 4 years old now. Who would have thought it would survive the test of time? (cliche). In search of a new topic to write about, what would it be? Any suggestions? Since this is "Mundongnoypi," in your opinion folks--what is the hottest socio-political topic worth pondering about? Keep me posted for I've been out of circulation for quite sometime. =)

RUMORS ON THE UPCOMING RESULTS OF THE 2009 BAR EXAMS

2010-02-24T23:57:00.000-08:00

Got this piece of information from a VERY reliable source--it appears that the 2009 bar exams has a very low passing rate attributable mainly to the effects of the experimental two-examiner rule implemented for the first time last year. According to this former bar topnotcher, since the total points allotted per examiner is only 50, the allowance for mistakes is also very minimal. To achieve the 75 passing grade, an examinee should not incur deductions from each examiner amounting to more than 12.5 points. How scary is that?

He also confided that the bar results are due to come out sooner than the usual April or pre-holy week schedule. In fact, rumors are circulating on the internet that, this March, the results will be out. Worse, after citing unnamed sources (like me), the passing rate is only 15 % (But I doubt the SC will allow this).

To all the bar examinees of 2009, especially my friends--do not despair. If you know you gave this endeavor your 101% effort, then lay all your fears (terrors, even) on God and He will do the rest. The important thing is you dared to go after a noble dream, whereas so many never even had the courage. My prediction is that there will be a higher passing rate this year than last year's bar exam (20.3%) because for the past two years, there has been a downward trend. I predict a 25-28% passing rate. Bet your bottom dollar (or peso) on that!

JUSTICE FOR REBELYN

2009-03-27T00:38:00.001-07:00

The savage brutality of how a young woman by the name of Rebelyn Pitao, aged 20, suffered and died simply took my breath away. In this day and age when human rights are regarded as nothing short of sacred-- a crime such as this is simply inconceivable and unimaginable. But then again anything is possible in the Philippines and so it has come to pass that a young defenseless and blameless teacher shall suffer tremendously and lose her life in the hands of shameless, conscience-less beasts.

I really wonder today how the men responsible for raping, torturing and murdering this girl ever go to sleep at night. What possible reason on earth can they have to justify their actions? No doubt up to this moment, the fading voice of sanity in their tiny minds is still trying desperately to convince them that they did the right thing.

Are they so inutile as to lash out at the innocent daughter rather than the father himself, who is presumably their enemy? What could they have eaten to prompt them to shed their humanity and attack and violate this woman who was living a quiet and respectable life and was just starting on a career of her own? What could have she done to deserve so much hatred? Was it having a father who fought for his radical political and socio-economic beliefs? Is this a crime? Well assuming for the sake of argument it was—then she was better off treated as a criminal because then she would be subject to the privilege of due process like the right to a hearing, Miranda rights etc. It seems she was guilty of something worse than committing a crime, if there was such a thing. Because compared to her, criminals were subjected to a far more humane treatment.

I said this again in the case of Mariannet and I’ve said it before in the case of the teachers who burned to death in a polling place in Tanauan—what kind of a country would allow its women and children to die so horribly? Don’t we have a Constitution? Don’t we have laws to prevent these kinds of things from happening? Sadly, the latest spate of killings only goes to show that the system in place does not work. It does not work because the protective power of the State as Parens Patriae still fails to benefit those who are in need of it the most--the poor, powerless and defenseless. This is a country still governed by men and not by laws. This is a country where brutes and bullies still abound, roaming and causing terror with impunity. This is a country where sweet innocent young women are abducted in broad daylight, loaded into vans to be raped, tortured and murdered and dumped into a ditch.

*photo courtesy of abs-cbn news

A Patriot named Francis

2009-03-26T23:15:00.000-07:00

Last March 6, after coming from Robinson’s Ortigas, I was on my way to the ground elevators of the Medical City Hospital to visit my sister (who was confined on the 11th floor due to dengue fever), when a swarm of reporters blocked my path at the hospital lobby. I asked a security guard standing nearby who told me that Francis Magalona had died at around noon that day.

I was surprised at first because to my recollection, it was only recently that I saw him on television—alive and kicking. I, along with a lot of people apparently-- presumed he was winning his “happy battle” because in all the pictures we saw of him, he was always smiling. There never was a moment that this guy looked glum or in pain. Upon confirmation of this news, I was overwhelmed with sadness, not only in behalf of his beautiful wife and children—but because he was a great loss to the Filipino people as a whole.

I spent my pre-teen and teen years listening to members of my generation mouthing every imaginable version of the lyrics of Mga Kababayan Ko everywhere. When I say everywhere, I mean everywhere--in the streets, at the school grounds, at home. FrancisM inspired and spawned countless young Pinoy hiphoppers from different generations. This was a guy I have never met or seen personally, but in a sense, it was as if I knew him. The rapper, composer, designer, photographer, the artist that he was—but above all—the Patriot.

It is rare to find an artist-patriot in the entertainment industry and FrancisM embodied this enigmatic combination with a compelling sense of integrity, originality and identity. His art was very true to himself and so was his sense of nationalism. Having died at so young an age makes his legacy all the more precious… What a good, great man. What a true Filipino. Disease may have vanquished him but his legacy shall live on for generations to come. His voice and message shall forever ring true. To all Filipinos-- may we never fail the legacy of FrancisM. May we continue it and never let perish…

Manila Street Scene

2009-01-17T21:59:00.000-08:00

Whenever I find my way to the oldest sections of the country's capital that is The City of Manila, it never fails to strike me how different it is, compared it to its more cosmopolitan or contemporary sister-cities like Makati or Mandaluyong and even Quezon City. No matter how many high rise buildings grow in the area, i just can't seem to shake of its aura of rich (bloody?) history. Gives me goosebumps...
I don't only mean the National Library or National Museum but it's in the very place itself--the congested alleys, narrow streets, the way its people speak traditional Tagalog. Took a photo of this visually-impaired beggar impressively singing a sorrowful kundiman, and it just made me feel sad--and at the same time, happy to be able to live and experience it--be in the heart of the nation where our noble ancestors lived and died for freedom and independence...

Manila's Ocean Park

2009-01-17T21:30:00.000-08:00

Not as large and impressive as HK's and KL's Ocean Park but still feel proud of Manila's very own Aquaria (which opened mid-2008). At least it's a start for an archipelagic country that previously and ironically never had a marine zoo to call its own...and what a hit! Pinoys just love these sorts of pasyalans, especially the little tots. And along with the feast for the eyes, of course it also offers a treat for the mind. Only P400 per person, it's cheap compared to the whole new world of information and education it could give to your child (super endorse na toh, hehe) and to you as well, in case you've never seen deep inside the ocean! Alas, wasn't able to take lots of pics but here are two pics showing my fave ocean creatures...

A Must-read

2008-04-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

A Sober Earth Day
By Sylvia L. Mayuga
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 05:44:00 04/20/2008/ Most Read

“The end of the world as we know it,” is how Michael T. Klare, an American professor of peace and world security studies at Hampshire College in Massachusetts, describes our presently crisis-hobbled home planet. His new book, Rising Powers, Shrinking Planet: The New Geopolitics of Energy, is disturbing but highly recommended reading for realists.

The sooner every last gas-guzzling, fuel-dependent one of us understands the big picture this book projects into the future, the better are our chances for collective survival. As the American journalist Adam Hochschild put it in his review of Klare’s book: “Four centuries ago, as the conquistadors roamed through South America, it was the search for gold that drove the clash of empires. A hundred years later, as the great powers fought over the West Indies, it was the quest for land that could grow sugar cane. Today the key commodity is oil.”

The first hard fact in this big picture is that the era of relatively abundant oil supply is over. The global economic expansion it literally fuelled over the past six decades post-WW II is in fact what created the First World club composed of the United States and its allies in Europe, Asia and the Pacific. That status quo is changing as fast as oil prices are continuing to climb to “peak oil” – over $110 a barrel at this writing, with $20 to $30 a barrel last seen in 2003 receding to the realm of legend.

Part of Michael Klare’s thesis is that the reality of dwindling global oil supply supersedes ideology in ways that capitalist versus communist ideologues could not have imagined 20 years ago. Profound changes are underway in the present economic and political world order, he writes, and everyone, rich and poor, had best be ready for them.

At this point of world history, when more people in the world have learned to want it all, putting on farmers’ eyes would help everyone think over a second hard fact: the close interconnection between producing our suddenly shockingly expensive food and the now severely threatened conditions for producing and bringing it to our dining tables. And nowhere is the impact of global warming and climate change on agriculture more dramatically illustrated than in the recent closing of what was once the largest rice mill in the Southern Hemisphere.

That mill in Deniliquin, New South Wales, Australia was processing enough rice for 20 million people worldwide, reports the New York Times, until the last six years of drought reduced Australia’s rice crop by a staggering 98 percent, causing the collapse of the country’s rice production and the closure of the Deniliquin mill last December. That was one of the major factors in the doubling of world rice prices over the past three months, it turns out.

This event also counts “among the earliest signs that a warming planet is starting to affect food production,” just as the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned in its climate change report last July. It would take science another 15 to 20 years of study and experimentation to link short-term weather changes to long-term climate change beyond doubt, the Times reports. But Australia’s “unusually severe drought is consistent with what climatologists predict will be a problem of increasing frequency.”

The IPCC scientists in fact “predicted that even slight warming would lower agricultural output in the tropics and subtropics.” That’s not even taking into account “newer findings that global warming could reduce rainfall and make it more variable.” The prospects could be worse, in other words, given the increasing incidence of freak weather worldwide.

That this could hurt agriculture to the point of crippling goes without saying. The present food crisis is a foretaste, but this is apparently only the beginning of radical worldwide changes upon us now. One of them, Michael Klare projects, will be a “tidal shift in power and wealth from energy-deficit states like China, Japan and the United States to energy-surplus states like Russia, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.” Early signs are already upon us of this shift that will “affect the lives of everyone in one way or another – with poor and middle-class consumers in the energy-deficit states experiencing the harshest effects.”

That means the majority of us, dear readers, so read the rest of Michael Klare’s article summarizing his book and its exposition of conflicting global urgencies – and think of the delicate balances everyone of goodwill needs to strike in their lives, beginning right now.

This is not cheerful Sunday reading, but the best reason to stay with this is that everyone’s little bit would help alleviate the crisis – if not by starting to raise what food one can in one’s own backyard, then by finally making lifestyle decisions to become part of the solution, starting with drastically cutting down on the use of fuel and gasoline. It’s taken 30 years for everyone to feel the urgency of the ecologists’ motto to “live lightly on the earth,” but now we find ourselves standing together under a merciless sun beating down in high noon.

There’s a sound bite from Achim Steiner, president of the United Nations Program for the Environment, in his opening speech to the international gathering on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Johannesburg this week, that’s well worth pondering on Earth Day: "We need everyone's perspective…there is no simple answer to the challenges of twenty-first century agriculture."

That applies to the rest of a survival mode in the early 21st century. There is, however, some comfort to be drawn from the human creativity already at work on new solutions to address our multi-dimensional crisis, from food to energy. The ignorance, greed and heedlessness that brought us to this point are part of human nature, but so is the creativity coming up with solutions to ease a path of radical change from which there’s no turning back. May they catch up with the speed of crisis.

*photos courtesy of mwcnews.net and cosmos magazine

Random Thoughts

2008-03-19T23:47:00.000-07:00

March 2, 2008
Sunday

On Malaysia

Today I woke up to the sound of church bells ringing. It took a few seconds to register in my half-awake brain that I wasn’t back home but in a “very Muslim” country. It brought me to a start, the way Malaysia is both so conservative as regards its own beliefs and traditions ---and flexible at the same time, as to the existence of other faiths.

Dawn breaks in downtown Kuala Lumpur (as seen from my room window)

This kind of religious tolerance is the stuff of dreams for so many other countries in the world. It amazes me that such a racially and religiously-diverse country (already a nightmarish situation for some)—is in fact, socially and economically sound.

After having celebrated only its 50th year as a nation last year, it is enviable indeed—-how far Malaysia has come in this short span of time. Within 50 years, Malaysia has succeeded not only in building the tallest twin towers in the world but more importantly-- provided free education and healthcare insurance to all its citizens. It was able to provide to its people all the much--coveted basic human needs that my own country, until now, has never achieved. Over a hundred years of nationhood and yet the Philippines continues to lag behind Malaysia, especially in terms of providing the most basic social services to its people.

It is this fact I think, from which the contentment and peace in Malaysia springs. Its government has not failed its people.

Politics takes a back seat here. It is not the same as the noisy, volatile, chaotic, betrayal-ridden, patron-beholden politics in the Philippines. Politically-charged passion and anger in this country is almost a non-occurrence. And yet democracy is alive and kicking. Malaysians are pretty much able to do whatever they want and live their life the way they please.

Their discovery of oil must have done wonders to their economy I suppose. But of course, there are also other important factors that could have contributed to its thriving economy. I may not have the chance to discover them all. I am just thankful that I got this chance to visit this country. Very nice people here (except some rude people in the street).

On Vietnam

It must be really something to live in a country that your not-too distant ascendants fought tooth and nail for, and even died for. Such is the case of Vietnam. Being so close to two spunky Vietnamese girls these past few weeks have given me a revelation about this country, an awareness that I otherwise would never have discovered.

the beautiful Hanh and brilliant Cham

Imagine a communist country where radios play Britney Spears songs? Knowing Cham and Hanh has destroyed all my misconceptions about Vietnam. In my growing alternate point of view, I could see how this country is communist in name only. Not in spirit.

Vietnamese people even have divorce for goodness sakes. Look at so-called democratic Philippines! Vietnamese people can do almost anything that Filipinos are allowed to do. Imagine that. And there I was, thinking all along that Vietnam must be one very restrictive, somber, intimidating place to live.

They take care of their own. I saw that so obviously in the case of Cham and Hanh. These girls have a forty US dollar daily stipend from their government. At the rate we’re going in the Philippines—this is SO not possible.

After all the bloodshed, all the mortal sacrifices, the pain and misery of war— Vietnam has come out on its own—proud and sure of itself as a nation and as a people. This is a country that once defeated a superpower. This is a country that went to hell and back to defend its right to self-determination. This is a country that achieved the impossible with very limited means.

Time and again I ask the two, if ever offered a job outside of Vietnam, would they accept? And the answer is a consistent resounding no. Their happiness and pride as Vietnamese is so apparent, you could almost share their joy. In my country, you ask the Filipinos the same question and you know what their answer would be-- and not only that, to leave the Philippines is actually their ultimate dream! But you couldn’t fault them with it too. How tragic.

SHAME

2008-03-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

The international community is abuzz about Thaksin Shinawatra’s first ever journey back to Thailand after having been deposed as prime minister in a 2006 coup.

Who is this man, that even the most powerful countries in the world would make his homecoming top story? BBC covered his dramatic homecoming extensively, and so did CNN. After having been in exile for 17 months where he also had the chance, of all things—to own one of Britain’s top football teams-- the billionaire businessman was finally hauled directly to court, to face long-overdue graft charges.

This only shows how Thailand occupies a very prominent spot in the sphere of international relations.

In contrast, the escalating protests and corruption scandal now rocking the Arroyo administration has so far, failed to elicit even the slightest attention from the world’s top news organizations. Right now, even in my own little international circle of friends, nobody just seems to be interested. Everybody knows who Shinawat is. But Arroyo?

The tragic thing is that, in spite of all the disgrace and defeat surrounding Thailand’s former PM, he’s still considered a person of great significance. In our case, in spite of all the disgrace and dirt surrounding Gloria, foreigners just don’t give a damn and oh wait-- what do you know?! So do Filipinos themselves! Masuwerte talaga ang lola mo!

What have we done as a people, to become invisible in the eyes of the world? Why has this nation become a major laughing stock? Why are Filipinos apparently not being taken as seriously as their Asian neighbors, and not being respected the same way?

Was it the two, three, or perhaps even four so-called “people powers” where not even a single official spent a day in prison after having been found guilty by the highest court? Was it the hasty pardon, unconditional at that-- granted to a former president-convict, justified brazenly not on the national interest but rather, on the political survival and convenience of one? Or is it the fourteen soldiers, then young and innocent-- who’ve spent their entire lives in jail for an assassination they knew nothing about? Or is it the three-thousand-strong who leave the country’s shores each day, opting to live or work in foreign shores rather than their own?

The questions never stop.

But worst of all is the shame. Shame-- coming from a country that just could not govern itself, much less with integrity and honesty. Shame, being borne of a people with chronic short-term memory loss. Shame for being part of a country that has no self-respect. Shame, coming from a nation with a repetitious history of dishonest leaders and failed institutions. A country that never learns.

And now what do we have to contend with? Who do we have to live with? Who is this person whom we allowed, through inaction and neglect, to pursue an unprecedented, incredible greed for power at our expense? Who is this person who now pompously assumes the right to make crucial decisions solely at her own whim? Who is this person who commands mercenaries and thugs-in-uniform, and entire bureaucracies to do her bidding however immoral and unjust-- to conceal the truth by all means?

We have to act now before we lose everything…

AN ORDINARY MAN

2008-01-17T22:00:00.000-08:00

When your own lawyer has abandoned you and the public attorney thinks you're not "indigent" enough to warrant his services, where do you go? When your wife, son or daughter could not be discharged from the hospital because you couldn't afford to pay the bill, where do you go? When your house will soon be demolished and nobody cares, to whom will you run to?

In a country of 87 million, with about a half of that struggling to make ends meet

2008-01-17T21:10:00.000-08:00

I recently read this very interesting comment from a reader in the PDI responding to columnist Conrado De Quiros somewhat derogatory and snide remark about Pinoys trying their best at learning English only to become nurses or blue-skilled workers abroad.
Apparently the reader Michael, was offended at De Quiros' seemingly shallow and frivolous opinion not only as to why Pinoys continue to leave the country in droves, but of OFWs as a whole. And he certainly made his point in the most furious, bristling manner but in effect, eloquently overshadowing whatever De Quiros had to say about the matter.

He emphasized that Pinoys leave, not just for the sake of leaving or earning more--but primarily because deep within is a bottomless discontent at how their own country is being run, and how the system remains as rotten as ever. It is appalling to note how he and millions of others have already lost even the faintest shred of hope for their own nation, but he said this does not warrant the ridicule or mockery or judgment of any other person (like De Quiros).

His other compatriots continue to tell him it's not worth staying here because any person who succeeds in government "are ALL corrupt" and that he and other self-examining and self-respecting Filipinos are all "sick and tired" of propaganda being "shoved down their throats." Michael argues that they should be respected for whatever choices they make because essentially, it concerns the right to self-determination--their right to chart the direction of their lives according to their own terms, without the complications and obstacles inherent in a morally-delinquent, unstable government and a deeply-polarized country.

THE MANILA TIMES SPECIAL REPORT: POOR CHILDREN,BLACK CHRISTMAS

2007-12-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

* wrote this special report not knowing it would become yesterday's banner story/ headline at the Manila Times...

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Black, Bitter Christmas for 6M Poor Pinoy kids
11.5 million Filipino children are poorest of the poor

THE government says some 11.5 million of the almost 33 million Filipino children live below the poverty line. They are the poorest of the poor. Marianet Amper, tormented by her family’s extreme poverty, killed herself last November.

Most likely, 6 million of the 11.5 million poor children are having a black and bitter Christmas season, like Marianet. They don’t have the bright Christmas enjoyed by the children of well-off and rich families.

They never hear the soft voice of hope and empowerment that one is supposed to hear from the story of the birth of the Christ Child. All they hear are the sounds of hunger, conflict and despair.

The other 5.5 very poor children are probably adequately lifted from desperation by the poverty alleviation programs of the government, the churches and the private organizations.

Street infant

Hope Andres (not her real name) has never believed in Santa Claus. She makes a living by begging from commuters inside passenger jeepneys with her infant daughter. She is only 14 years old. When asked who the father of her baby is, she declines to answer. But she told this reporter that if she would ever ask for a gift, she would want her baby to be finally out of the streets.

In a nation that values the youth as an invaluable asset, current data show that unlike any other sector of the population, Filipino children continue to suffer from hunger, abuse and oppression like never before.

The 2007 data published by the National Statistical Coordination Board showed that Filipino children still account for the largest number of the poor population.

Around 11.5 million of the almost 33 million Filipino children live below the poverty line. Hope is one of them. She is one of the country’s estimated 1.5 million street children.

Figures from the latest NSO Family Income and Expenditure Survey also present a more vivid profile. Around 20 percent have no access to safe drinking water, almost a third live in homes that have no electricity, and around 40 percent of Filipino households with children aged 13 to 16, are not able to send them to school.

As the entire country celebrates Christmas, it is but fitting to listen to the voices of some of them, for a deeper understanding of this season’s significance.

“I wish I can be free…”

This may seem to be a complicated Christmas wish for a 13-year-old but such is the ultimate yearning of Benjie Garcia, (not his real name) a ward of the Molave Youth Home in Quezon City.

Benjie is second in a brood of six children, and currently under the safekeeping of the Quezon City Social Services Department’s “Task Force Diversion” after having been caught shoplifting at a grocery store.

In between sobs, Benjie recalls how he was manhandled by the barangay tanod who caught him. “He hit me and my friend several times. . . He also put handcuffs on us and I knew that he was not allowed to do that.”

Benjie said he stopped going to school when he was in third grade and could hardly read or write. He only sees his parents during weekends. His mother works as a “stay-in” canteen worker and his dad, a stonemason, lives within a construction site to cut daily transportation expenses.

The rest of his siblings are taken care of by his eldest brother, 17, also an out of school youth.

Benjie still believes, however, that once he gets out, his family would once again, spend Christmas together. “Sana makalaya na po ako para makapiling ko na pamilya ko, puro mabait po silang lahat, ako lang po ang naging gago. [I wish to be set free so I could be with my family. They have all been very good to me and I am the only one who ended up bad.]”

“I’d like to go back to school…”

“My wish is to go back to school again.” This was uttered by Abby Solis, [not her real name], 13, another ward of Molave Youth Home in Quezon City. Abby is facing charges of Qualified Theft after allegedly stealing her employer’s clothes.

Last June, Abby traveled all alone from Negros Occidental to Manila to be with her mother who worked as a househelper here. After being with her for a short while, her mother decided to go home to the province and Abby took her place.

If given the chance to speak to Santa Claus, Abby said she would ask him for a cell phone. “My family does not yet know that I am here [in Molave]. I would like to hear my parents’ voice so much.” She said tearfully.

Case studies consistently show that poverty is the root cause of “survival offending” among Children-in-Conflict-with-the-Law or CICL. Such is the process of committing a violation or offense while in the process of carrying out one’s livelihood or in the act of survival. Poverty is one of the factors invariably linked to children’s vulnerability to commit various crimes.

“I’m so exhausted. . .”

Hector is 16 and works as an all-around errand boy in a sing-along-bar in Santiago City, Isabela. He works almost 20 hours a day for a P50 daily wage.

“I do not get to keep my salary because my employer gives it to my parents every Friday.” His parents travel once a week from nearby town Alicia to get his meager salary. He is the sole breadwinner for a family of 9, being second in a brood of 7 children.

His voice breaking, he tells this reporter that he could hardly find the strength to go on. “I sleep very late because the bar closes at around 2 a.m. I get back to work very early the following morning.”

When asked what he would wish for Christmas, he said he wishes for another job that wasn’t as hard.

Present statistics show that more than three and a half million Filipino children from all over the country, aged 5 to 17 work under often-grueling conditions, in spite of legislation outlawing child labor.

Statistics from the NSCB also show that as of 2002, around 30 percent of the Philippines 84.5 million population earn only around P38 a day. Fifteen percent of this figure are composed of families whose children work for a living.

-30-

Anatomy of plagiarized work

2007-12-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was browsing through some websites and blogs linked to this blog, (why or how they registered a link with my blog--my low-tech brain would rather not ask) when I came across this website purportedly owned by a veteran media personality. Intrigued why and how come, my blog was linked to hers-- I sneaked a peak. Lo and behold, I saw some very familiar phrases, and never not even once, did she mention my blog!

I would rather not mention the name here, because it just so happens I was born with a soft heart for the elderly. But the point I'm driving at here is that--plagiarism is a reality, so beware, and make all the necessary steps to protect your work(i.e. apply for copyright), as soon as you get the chance.

To illustrate, here’s an excerpt from a post I made last May ’07 pertaining to poor healthcare conditions:

“There are thousands, perhaps even millions of Filipinos in the country trapped in similarly hopeless situations.”

Here’s what she wrote re: Mariannet Amper:

“There must be hundreds, even thousands, of young girls and boys...all over the country who are trapped in similar hopeless situations.”

* note that the idea is different, but the sentence construction is almost the same.

Here’s what I wrote on the death of Mariannet Amper:

“Apparently…this girl was...sensitive and introspective that she was able to chronicle her family's suffering in a diary.”

And here’s what she wrote:

“Mariannet...has an introspective frame of mind and...unusual sensitive personality.”

Lastly I wrote:

”Mariannet, innocent and young as she was, put a human face to another disquieting news item today, where...11 million Filipinos live on less than a dollar a day.”

Her version:

“Mariannet’s suicide put a human face...to the never-ending issues of poverty, where allegedly 11 million Filipinos consider themselves hungry.”

Now, doesn’t something like this ruin your day (and your appetite for blogging!)?!!!

Rage

2007-11-20T18:31:00.000-08:00

They glide through halls of polished stone,
dine in fully-carpeted lounges,
mingle in mansions plying vintage wine.
Their words reverberate throughout the land
examined, analyzed and revered by fools.
At night they thrive
In marble habitats and exotic gardens.

In their Armani-inspired suits
They reek petrified nicotine,
clandestine deals and mindless
affairs, souls newly-soaped, soaked
In a hotel tub of hastily-concealed sins,
As they flaunt their greed and shameless
Indulgence, wandering shriveled fingers
fondle gentle young women
too naive to scream.

In their vanity, they argue pompously
About matters of state, exchanging
Insults, opportunistic ideas,
superficial comments in between.
Always on the look out for that, which
could send them away to rot for good or
earn them a moment of glory.

So they delude themselves, believing
They have every right to be where they are--
Patriots meriting utmost respect.
When in truth they are just flies
clinging to the honey pot of power
in a ravaged land.

They feign honor and wisdom
And pretentiously hoard to themselves
the monopoly of truth
Casting their verdict both upon
The guilty and the innocent.
Simply because compared to their love
for power, everything is simply expendable.

They ride their SUVs
While children brave treacherous highways
For a handful of coins,
Stomachs churning blood.

They ride their SUVs
While emaciated farmers cling to their last breath
like withered weeds, waiting for the
emancipation that would never come.

They ride their SUVs
While entire families cram inside
Plywood walls ‘neath sagging concrete
Along muck-colored creeks with nary a trace of life
Just flotsam of garbage and never-ending
Stink.

So they ride their SUVs.

by Wyanah, August 2007, all rights reserved.

* photo courtesy of mindfully.org

Drastic Measures Needed to Save Laguna de Bay

2007-11-18T21:06:00.000-08:00

Experts’ Prognosis for Biological Life in Lawa ng Bae: Only Five Years to Go

The Laguna Lake Development Authority is currently spearheading a media campaign to encourage multi-sectoral commitment in its efforts to save Asia's second largest inland lake.

Representatives from various stakeholders comprising the government, NGO, church/ parish and fisherfolk sectors attended the LLDA's “3rd Annual learning Forum” last October 3, 2007. The highlight of the activity was a multi-media presentation of some notable conservation practices namely: the Solid Waste program of the Kilus Foundation, a waste recycling program in Barangay Teresa of Rizal, and the showing of an award-winning documentary on the state of Laguna Lake entitled “Lawa ng Bae” by up and coming filmmaker Donnie Sacueza.

Laguna Lake Development Authority General Manager Edgardo Manda emphasized the need for a multi-agency approach to address the numerous problems besetting Laguna lake. Based on a recent study and at the rate of its current deterioration, he said that the lake could be biologically-dead in five years time.

He said that a cohesive solution is needed to be derived from the much-needed participation of concerned agencies like the National Housing Authority, and the local government units of Pasig City and Rizal, portions of which are located along on the lakeshore.

At the moment, Manda said that around 80 hectares of shoreland are being occupied by illegal settlers numbering to about 25 thousand families. These makeshift houses do not have any kind of disposal or sewerage system and the people directly throw their garbage, and human wastes into the lake bed.

“The NHA must coordinate with our agency as soon as possible because it has the mandate and administrative jurisdiction to resolve concerns pertaining to illegal settlers,” he said.

As of date, the LLDA has succeeded in bringing down the volume of industrial wastes polluting the lake. From 85% in 1990, it was down to 22% in 2003. The problem now however, is the escalating volume of domestic wastes. The latest study showed that it is now the lake’s biggest pollutant comprising almost 75% of wastes thrown into the lake.

“Do you know that fish harvested from the lake was filled with toxic components? The latest study showed they contained lead, ammonia and mercury contaminants, which I presume are from batteries being thrown in the garbage.” Manda said.

In closing, Manda asked the help of media and all the concerned stakeholders to promote awareness on the unfortunate state of Laguna Lake. “Our lake is dying. In five years time, it could end up like the Pasig River. The time to start saving it is now.”

On the Batasan Bombing

2007-11-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

I arrived at the office this morning and found out how last night's bombing at the Batasan hit close to home. Kuya Larry, one of the very few "pilots" I was fond of and the only one among our twenty-plus office drivers who was always willing to render unpaid overtime SANS hazard pay--was hurt in the blast. He was waiting by the entrance of the south wing for the chief of our Public Affairs Division, who was covering the session-- when the bomb went off. Kuya Larry suffered second degree burns on his face, shoulder and left arm. Bomb shrapnel caused injuries all over his body-- a large piece tore through his left side, right below the armpit, puncturing his lung (was still embedded there as of press time). A total of three two-inch nails were also retrieved from his stomach and chest.

He is scheduled for surgery today for the removal of the shrapnel in his lung. The doctors have declared him in stable condition despite his serious injuries. But I'm really sorry he had to go through something like this...

Tragedies like this remind you both of the good, and the evil, in people. Kuya Larry , with his sunny disposition and untenable work ethic that have become so uncommon in the public sector--possessed one of those inspiring life stories that proved anyone could better his lot in life with persevering faith, hard work and positivity.

Only a few years ago, he was a carwash and gasoline boy raising a young and expanding family almost on the brink of starvation. Due to superb customer service he provided, he caught the attention of our former, now-retired Director who hired him to be his official driver. Unlike the thousands of government employees who languished in casual or contractual positions for years, he was apppointed in a permanent position immediately. He may be in the "lowest rung" of civil servants but Kuya Larry, always the optimist, made the best out of this opportunity. Pretty soon, he was able to avail of a low-cost housing program located near the office, in upper-class Visayas Avenue of all places--and thus was able to provide a home to his family. The last I heard, his wife already had her own sari-sari business. On many days, it was amusing to see that Kuya Larry, always clad in his crisp bright-colored polo-shirts and khaki slacks, would out-dress even the highest ranking official in periphery. But when it came to work, he was not one to back out or complain, no matter the distance, the long hours on the road--may the destination be Payatas or Aparri--you could always count on him.

That's why I was shocked to I learn that he was injured in Batasan. The very likeable kuya Larry.

And speaking of the evil in people too--this third blast in a span of a little over a month is really getting to my nerves. What's happening here? The deadly blast in Glorietta, then one in a Cavite subdivision, and now batasan--Are these all related? There seems to be no pattern or apparent similarities in the manner of execution--except in their uncanny succession.

My WILD guess is this--if ever proven all these violent acts are related--that these were perpetrated by the extreme right... a group that is deluded into justifying anarchy, to the extent that it is willing to sacrifice human lives-- with its own political agenda. And that agenda may be-- either perpetuating power, or establishing its own hold on power by toppling the existing one. And God help us, these may only be the beginning...Next thing you'll wake up and suddenly it's like Pakistan.

UNGGOY SA SYUDAD

2007-11-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

Dahil sa aking pagtanto ay akmang-akma ang tema nito sa aking blog, I am reprinting in full, a post made by one of my fave bloggers who is also one heck of a writer--Mr. Ashley Riot (see my links). Cheers, pinoy style!

Friday, August 31, 2007
Unggoy sa Siyudad

Sa tagal ng pamamalagi ko sa kalye papuntang eskwelahan noon at sa trabaho ngayon, sa tingin ko'y namalagi ako sa pampublikong sasakyan ng mahigit 10 taon. Hilig ko talaga ang pagbiyahe at ang pag-commute sa kalakhang Maynila ay isa sa mga maliit na kaligayahan na aking tinatamasa sa araw-araw. Ngunit gaano man ang hilig ko dito, hindi maiiwasang meron din mga tao na sisira ng magandang karanasang ito. Sa talakayang ito, itatawag natin silang mga Unggoy sa Siyudad. Mga taong nag-aasal hayop!

Unggoy sa hagdanan. Kung madalas kang sumakay ng pampublikong tren ay makakakita ka nito. May mga lubid na nakapalibot sa mga hagdanan upang igabay ang pila ng mga taong gustong sumakay. Pero ano ito? May tumatawid sa mga lubid! At minsan, matatamaan o mahahagip ka pa ng mga naglulundagang mga unggoy! Dugyot na ang barong na suot mo. Madungis na ang itim mong pantalon na kinaingat-ingatan mong huwag maapakan at madumihan. Sira na ang araw mo, sira pa ang porma mong disente sana.

Unggoy Libre. Iba talaga ang epekto ng salitang "libre" para sa mga Pilipino. Parang wala nang bukas at di bale nang ikaw lang ang makinabang dito. Hindi ko alam kong bakit pati libreng periodiko ay kelangang kunin ng tig-iisang dangkal. Magbabago ba ang balita sa bawat kopyang kunin mo? Wala pang alas-siyete ng umaga, ubos na ang libre. Diyata't naubos ng mga unggoy.

Unggoy Rehas. Ewan ko ba kung bakit ang unang rehas sa pinto ng tren ay syang paboritong kapitan ng mga unggoy. 'Di naman sila lalabas ng maaga. Palagay ko ay dahil sa pintuang bumubukas at sumasarado mag-isa kung bakit hilig nilang tambayan ito. Babara sila sa lahat ng gustong pumasok at lumabas. Kakapit sila ng madiin na parang tuko, 'wag lang mawala sa puwesto! Siguradong gusot-gusot ang damit mo na parang galing ng sampayan pagdaan mo sa kanila.

Unggoy Reyna. Sa lahat ng uri ng sasakyan, meron kang makikita nito. Nakaupo ito ng patagilid. Nakaharap sa bintana at tila walang pakialam sa iba pang gustong umupo! Ito ang mga tipong nasanay sumakay ng nag-iisa. Huwag 'mong susubukang makiupo kung ayaw mong matitigan ng masama!

Unggoy Hari. Syempre, di patatalo ang hari. Nakaupo ito ng diretso at nakabukaka ng todo upang ipagyabang ang kanyang pagiging hari. Ayaw nya ng may katabi! At pag nagtabi sila ng reyna, 4 na katao ang sakop nila! Naku, puno na pala ang sasakyan, sa susunod na jeep na lang po, mamang driver!

Unggoy Usok. Kahit ilang panawagan na ang meron sa telebisyon o sa dyaryo at sa mismong pakete ng yosi, madami pa ring nalululong sa bisyo na ito. Ok lang sana kung sila lang ang nakalalanghap. Kung talagang masarap magyosi, bakit nyo pa binubuga? Di ba dapat, hithit na lang ng hithit? Para sa mga hindi nakakaalam, ang pagyoyosi sa pampublikong sasakyan ay labag sa batas. At hindi rin totoo yung commercial na pag nakiusap ka eh, titigil sila. Baka nga mapaaway ka pa eh.

Unggoy Dura. Ilag! Baka tamaan ka ng lumilipad na sipon! Dito ka lang ata makakakita ng taong dumudura sa kalye. Kung hindi ka alisto ay siguradong tatamaan ka at baka kailangan mo nang sunugin ang suot mo para hindi mahawa. Malas mo lalo kung nasa sasakyan sila at ikaw ay nataon na lumalakad sa bangketa. Hindi lang pantalon mo ang maaring masapul.

Hindi lang yan ang mga unggoy na makikita mo sa siyudad. Pero marami pa rin namang natitirang tao. Pag laon kasi ng panahon, dahil nakasanayan na ang mali, nagiging tama. Hangga't may pumupuna, hindi mangyayari iyon. Ipagpatuloy nating pansinin ang mga mali para maituwid at di pamarisan ng ibang tao. Hindi ka maarte kung nasa tama ka. At wala ka sa tama kung ang tanging dahilan mo lang ay ginagawa rin ito ng iba. Kung mahal mo ang Pilipinas, hindi mo hahayaang maubos ang tao dito at mapalitan ng mga unggoy. Kumilos ka. Makialam. Yun lang.... Wala akong sponsors kaya wala ng kasunod.... Salamat po.

Posted by Ashley Riot at 6:19 PM

"ZTE" Overload

2007-11-09T23:20:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad that Joey De Venecia, as far as his career as one of most cooperative witnesses in the history of the Senate is concerned-- finally decided to call it quits. He contends that he already said everything he had to say and ergo, his appearance is no longer necessary in the continuing investigation surrounding the controversial and now moot, ZTE contract.

In the midst of all the brouhaha spawned by his expose, I was absorbed, enraged even at the audacity of all these thick-skinned and back-stabbing officials haggling between themselves, millions of pesos or dollars in kickbacks. It was almost surreal, and tragic too in the case of once-incorruptible men, who had turned corrupt.

As De Venecia kept coming back to testify however, his version of the events became more complicated, convoluted and at times, bizarre. I was almost afraid he'd suddenly start laughing his head of for no reason as the entire nation watched on live TV.

To his credit, I realized that this guy must have guts of steel. I found myself asking over and over--What's in it for him? Because all I could see was-- here was a guy who had nothing to gain and everything to lose. Why did he do it? Why push your own family to the wall? And it seemed the only conclusion--the unnerving, the terrifying answer to that was--you'd never dare go to all THAT trouble unless it was the TRUTH.

As the old adage goes, truth is stranger than fiction. In the Philippines, anything goes. Politicians, commissioners, businessmen and what have you's--could make anything possible in their insatiable, wheeling-and-dealing world, of course, always at the expense of the people.

I realized too how intricately intertwined politics and business is, in mundongnoypi. This disgusting system of patronage and mutual parisitic dependence between the go-to guys of business and politics is one of the main reasons why, the gaping divide between rich and poor in this country could never be bridged. No offence to the heralds of the so-called "good news of the economy," because there really has never been a "level playing field." The "tree that bears much fruit" will always belong exclusively to the owner of the garden or his friend. As long as this system persists, the goods and the treats will only belong to a few, while the scraps and the crumbs will have to be scavenged by the hungry mass.

*photo courtesy of abs-cbn news

Go Kaisa!

2007-11-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

Kristine Raisa Saguisag is the sole gymnast representing the Philippines in the coming Southeast Asian Games to be held this December in Thailand. Last Wednesday, the fifteen-year-old SEA bronze medalist performed her special routine before her mother, her lifetime coach and number one fan-- not knowing that it would be their last moment together. An hour after midnight Thursday, a ten-wheeler dump truck smashed into her parents' van, killing her mom Dulce instantly, and seriously injuring her father, former senator Rene Saguisag, their driver and a family friend.

The late Dulce Saguisag, from what I gather--was an epitome of a mother, wife and friend who gave her all to the people who mattered most to her. On the last day of her life, it seemed she was everywhere at the same time. She was at her daughter's gymnastics practice, managed a brief but substantive chat with her trusted mayordoma, asttended her friends' tete a tete at that famous house in Polk St. San Juan, and finally danced the night away with her husband of over thirty years. According to her eldest son, Atty. Rebo, in her last moment, she even spared her husband the worst fate by shielding him with her body, thus taking the impact of the collision upon herself.

Dulce's dream was to have her daughter bring honor to this country by being the best gymnast she could be. Kaisa, though grieving, knows this. It is indeed tragic for a young lady to lose her mother in such a sudden and senseless manner at the time she needed her the most. Kaisa, the courageous girl she is, has decided to push through with her SEA bid, and we could only wish and hope for her all the best...

(photo courtesy of her friend Millicent's multiply account)

Legacy of Mariannet

2007-11-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

Today, the story of a little girl from Davao who hanged herself because of her family's poverty made the headlines. Twelve-year old Mariannet Amper was the sixth of seven children of a poor couple from the slums. She could hardly make it to school everyday because she didn't even have the money for transportation fare or food. Apparently however, this girl was very smart, sensitive and introspective that she was able to chronicle her family's suffering in a diary. The following is an entry she made just last October 5:

Parang isang buwan na kaming absent. Hindi na kasi nakin (sic) binibilang ang absent ko. Hindi ko namalayan na malapit na pala ang Pasko." [It feels as if we’ve been absent for a month. They’re not counting my absences anymore. I just realized that Christmas is just around the corner.]

Mariannet, innocent and young as she was, put a human face to another disquieting news item today, where allegedly around 11 million Filipinos live on less than a dollar a day. Indeed, despite the MACRO-economic achievements being trumpeted noisily by the government, the tragic thing here is, until now--and yes, in spite of the hike in the EVAT (now RVAT)-- the bulk of the population continues to live in subhuman conditions. No wonder so many have already lost all hope--like this little girl. No wonder so many, (around three thousand Filipinos daily last I heard)--continue to leave for foreign shores.

After all this time and seven years into Pres. Arroyo's leadership, I wonder where all these economic gains are being channeled to. Evidently, not to those who are in need of them the most. A nation that could not even send its young citizens to school is hardly a strong republic. A nation that causes its children to choose death than to endure a lifetime of despair is certainly not a nation at all.

UFO Sighting in Pampanga

2007-10-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

My sister, who works in an advertising company, sent me thru e-mail, this pic of an "unidentified flying object." She took it while they were shooting a commercial in Pampanga recently. Note that astronomically-speaking, this round shaped thingee appears to be almost vertically-aligned with the setting sun (haven't heard of any other heavenly object visible to earth that fits that description).

My sis said she also noticed smaller round shapes surrounding this UFO of-sorts. It must also be stressed that it was the new moon, when this pic was taken, according to my sis so our own moon was invisible during that time. And it looks too near the earth to be a planet or a satellite anyway. What could it be? See for yourself. Got more pics in my e-mail.

2007. All rights reserved.

Litany of Despair

2007-10-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

Everyday, when I look at the papers, only one question consumes my mind. How many this time? And true to my expectations, a certain number, different from yesterday and the day before, comes up. Sometimes in a given day, as many as over three hundred people lose their lives-- bombs blow up entire markets, police recruitment centers, residential blocks. How could humans, entire families continue to exist in such a place? How could you survive everyday with the sword of terror hanging perilously over your head, not knowing whether your father, mother, brother, sister, husband or child would still come home in one piece?

Sadly, in our highly-advanced era, we still continue to co-exist with unspeakable human tragedies. Along with the hundreds of thousands of refugees continually exposed to oppression, rape and hunger in Darfur, it seems that for all of our knowledge and historical experience--mankind has gained nothing useful in preventing bloody conflicts. And so the endless and wretched saga of the self-destructing nation that is Iraq continues to be, just another travesty of this modern civilization.

From the time of the Holocaust to the tragedies of Bosnia and Rwanda in the previous decade, and now Iraq and Darfur--I’ve found that majority of these conflicts stemmed from the basic issues of diversity—cultural, religious etc. In Iraq, aside from Iraqis vs. the whites, it’s Sunni vs. Shiite. In Darfur, Muslim Arab militias, backed by none other than the Sudanese government, continue to raid the hapless and predominantly-African villagers of Darfur. The Africans have grabbed the arable land, they say. As temperatures have risen in this age of global warming, so too has the arid desolation in their miniscule landholdings. And so allegedly, after decades of passivity, they’ve risen with a vengeance, to grab back vast tracks of fertile land. A closer look at this conflict however, shows a hatred rooted in cultural and religious differences. A racial issue that has now claimed over 800,000 lives (almost the same figure as that in Rwanda). A willful killing-spree tantamount to ethnic-cleansing and genocide. And for those who thought things like these would never happen again...

In 1994, back when my only problem (as the unofficial songleader) was preparing the next line-up of mass songs in our all-girl Catholic high school, I didn’t know then that girls my age were being slaughtered halfway across the world —in Rwanda. Recently, I watched this unforgettable HBO film “Sometimes in April,” a true story about the genocide in Rwanda, and cried unstoppably in this compelling scene where a raiding machete-wielding Hutu militia peppered with M-16 bullets, a roomful of uniform-clad schoolgirls and children because they refused to surrender who was Tutsi among them. The tragic thing here is that, young as they were, they had already accepted at that moment, the ultimate consequence. They chose to be brave and face death together head-on, rather than become murderers themselves. To think that their killers, after exhausting all the bullets, still went on a systematic chopping rampage of their helpless victims, just to be sure they were dead.

In rare idle moments, I mull over despondent thoughts like these…Not too long ago, I got fixated on the Nazi extermination of the Jews in World War II after reading some graphic accounts on the novel “Beach Music” by Pat Conroy. It seemed to me then that God must have wanted me to actually get a first-hand experience of the relics or memoirs of this era and I suddenly found myself, in no time at all, on an all-expense paid trip to Cologne. Went to the holocaust museum in Bonn, Germany (where I also gazed with awe at the birthplace monument of the genius musician, my idol—Beethoven) and paused for a moment of silence as personal tribute to the more than six million victims, as their names rolled of one after another endlessly, in the black infinite void of a large LCD screen.

What baffles me no end is how a lot of these killings have been perpetrated in the name of God. But I’ll write about that next time.

An Interview with the Filipinos' very own Mystic--Sister Tere Castillo

2007-09-13T02:23:00.000-07:00

* Yesterday, I was part of a coverage team that went to Lipa City, Batangas for the 3rd national day of Prayer, Consecration and Reconciliation. I had a brief interview with Sister Teresing Castillo, the one and only Filipino nun (based on historical records) who allegedly saw and spoke to none other than the Mother of Christ during several instances in the year 1948. If you recall, the Carmel convent, now called the Lipa Shrine--was also the setting of the famous "shower of roses" that occurred also in 1948. I have no data whether these miraculous events have been confirmed by the Vatican and I intend to research more on this--but one thing's for sure, Sister Tere IS a blessing. Read on...

Sister nung 1948, nagpakita daw po sa inyo si Mother Mary, pwedeng pakidescribe po kung paano nangyari? What were you doing when she appeared?

The first time, I was going to my room…cell in Carmel (convent) when she appeared. Before reaching my room, I smelled the fragrance of lilies, wala naman kaming lilies around.

The first time I met her, she was as she is, in white--as you see her in the statue now. And then she said, as you go to a certain place here (in the convent vicinity) she will be giving me messages there. It turned out she was talking about the vine. We have a small vine (in the garden) the only one that we had-- bandera espaniola. One day, I saw it move suddenly (on its own). The first moment I thought it was only a lizard and I went on saying my rosary. The 2nd time it was a little stronger. The 3rd time, it was so strong, my attention was caught.

Ang then in the beginning, there was just a voice not to be afraid, and then there were some messages not to go there for 7 days, at 5 pm in the afternoon, so I told those messages, I told our prioress at the time, my mother superior. Of course, they did not believe me. And then later, the Bishop. Ang sakin, ok lang basta I told them what I have seen. Ok lang sa akin at sa conscience ko.

Eventually they paid heed to the several times that she appeared to our cell. Bishop Abviar our chaplain during that time said: “Go ahead and see what she wants.”

And so I spoke with her. In the beginning she talked about (the importance of being) priests and nuns and (of) telling the family rosary daily, for the conversion of sinners and the whole world.

Sister how old were you during the apparitions?
Twenty-one

How many times did she appear to you?
I would calculate around 18 times but very short moments.

Did you have any doubts about what you were seeing during that time or were you so convinced that she was the mother of God?
In the beginning she was in my room and I didn’t know who she was. Later, I was told by my prioress to ask her directly who are you? So I asked her and she said: “I am your mother.” And then she expressed herself as “Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace,” her specific name. She was a beautiful lady. She doesn’t look like a human being but you can see her eyes. She was full of radiance, so it’s not really exactly a human being. However, you can see the figure although, not human but something heavenly-- because she is full of light and very bright.

Did you ever have somebody with you at any time during the apparitions?
No, I was alone because at that time, we had prayers at 5 pm in the afternoon.

Did you ever ask her why she chose you?
I did. I asked her, “Why me?” and she said “God has different ways of choosing” or something to that effect. I can’t quote verbatim because it was (way back in) 1948 but that was the idea that was given to me.

Were there any major changes in your life after the apparitions?
I thought then perhaps that her messages were not only for me but for the whole world.
I was just an instrument. And of course I kept asking myself, why me, I was just new here (as a novice, in the Carmel Convent)?

Sister, in what language did you converse with Mother Mary?
English

Were there secrets revealed to you that she told you were not to mention until a specific date?
A few.

How many of those secrets have you revealed so far?
Almost all, except for a few, perhaps I could call secrets.

Are you seeing signs of those things she told you to keep secret?
Not exactly, but the way things are now, I think it’s leading to those revelations.

Were you also here in Lipa when it rained rose petals?
Yes, also in 1948. Before the apparitions occurred as far as my memory is concerned.

At this age, do you still have the chance to see the Blessed Mother, does she appear to you in your dreams?
Not anymore. After 1948, I forgot the year already but I just heard her voice once. She was so concerned about the family. She had many messages for the family.

What is your message for the Filipino family?
To say the family rosary as often as possible. And go to the Holy Eucharist as often as possible for the world’s conversion, and for priests and nuns also.

How old are you now sister?
80 years old

Did the Blessed Mother give any warnings to mankind?
Not exactly warnings because she gave her messages in a motherly way. She said if we will not say the rosary regularly, it means that people do not pay heed to her words. There might be persecution and there would be some troubles within the church. Finally she said, my message here is the same as that of Fatima.

Sister, what is your message to the whole Filipino nation?
As I often said during interviews, the message is only one-- salvation, conversion for sinners and for the Filipinos to frequent the sacraments and to pray the daily family rosary.

For our leaders?
She mentioned something about the leaders of our countries, not exactly ours, if the decision is not right or proper for the nation or for the country, there should be an awareness of God, the existence of God and that also to God may we avail of Mary or vice versa.

GMA 7: Please Stop Acting Second-Rate

2007-09-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

I have the greatest respect for GMA 7. During my law studies, I've taken mental note of the fact that they must really treat their employees well because they have the least number of labor cases filed against them compared to the other TV networks. There is also the absence of "horror stories" from my colleagues in the media who became "slaves" during their brief stint in the other network because they either had to put up with impossibly rude and unreasonable bosses and/or never received their salary.

When GMA 7 finally overcame ABS CBN after so many years being the first runner up, I was quite happy. They deserved it. The teleseryes-- although the actors may not always be as excellent as those in the other channel--were so creative, they managed to get a hold on you. The plots were eventful and unpredictable, the costumes and set designs were amazing, the dialogues simple yet moving. Then Bakekang came and was I blown away by this superb actress named Sunshine Dizon. Personally, I think she is peerless, unparalleled! Her range, thespic abilities have no limits. Her honest-to-goodness portrayal of a homely-looking but ambitious woman from the slums who dared to dream and followed it through by her guts, grace and grit--was just so perfect. I had no words for it. And then of course, there's also Iza Calzado who I hope will really succeed in Hollywood soon not merely because she's Filipina, but simply because I know SHE CAN. And the quite underrated Dingdong Dantes who's excellent in every part he plays and any kind of character he portrays, may it be a half-man-half-fish warrior or a dashing heredero of-sorts.

Anyway, I'm just so disappointed at how GMA 7 has handled the sudden- transfer-of-Angel-Locsin-fiasco. How they managed to inform the whole world how bitter they've become when they had their war chest full of so many other promising actresses--is beyond me. Much to my consternation, instead of dying out after a week or a month, the issue ballooned further and eventually involved two otherwise innocent actresses who had the simple misfortune of sharing the same manager with the infamous actress. It may or may not be true that Jennylyn Mercado and Eunice Lagunsad were deprived of projects because of this issue--but the impression that they were victims will stay in the public's mind for quite sometime. And the public too has realized how GMA 7 can turn on their own stars anytime without any discretion or remorse.

The situation showed the network's lack of class (mawalang-galang na po GMA). Which I think, has been the edge of the other channel ever since it was first re-organized way back in 1986. The same way that this other network has refrained from making any side comments or glib references to the flaws of their number one competitor--the Kapuso network on the other hand, seems to have made it some kind of a sport. Not a day passes by without a host or a comedian in the Kapuso network making some smart comment on the "kapalpakans" of dos in their shows. It may be amusing to listen to for a while but when it becomes an almost daily habit--it is so annoying and definitely no longer funny. Actually, it only serves to betray GMA 7's seemingly-perpetual "Kapamilya insecurity." Ultimately, when your viewers see you as insecure, they also become insecure about you.

I'm not really keen on the entertainment business but this particular issue interested me because if I remember right, the downfall of ABS CBN in the ratings began with the Hero Angeles issue. I liked Hero from the very beginning when I saw his very first audition videos in Star Circle quest. I was one of the thousands who reveled in his victory. The story of his family and how his talent has saved them, embodied the dreams of so many Filipino youth. His short-lived career of course, was also mourned by his admirers, not to mention loyal fans. The typical observer does not have the complete details of his fall from grace but there is one thing he will always remember--the very network that built up (and discovered) Hero was also responsible for tearing him to shreds. How then can one patronize a media institution like that?

Let's just hope that GMA 7 will not go down the same path.

Movies Again: On Anacondas and the Bell Witch Haunting

2007-09-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

I just spent a lazy weekend harnessing my ever-late blooming driving skills. Anyway the nights were spent watching a couple of two-year old movies. I rented AN AMERICAN HAUNTING because I wanted to see how a spirit could actually cause the death of a person--as promised in its plot.

What I saw however was very different. It was about a spirit, specifically a poltergeist of a traumatized 12- year-old girl who resisted every attempt of her child-molester father (ironically played by the very lovable and grandfather-looking Donald Sutherland) to the extent that every night, her own poltergeist would rather "attack" herself. Or at least, that was how I saw it. Other user reviews in the IMDB said it was Lucy Bell's (the mother, played by a very docile and harmless-looking Sissy Spacek) poltergeist that did the attacks (making the movie all the more confusing).

Anyway, I enjoyed the movie until the first half when all the hauntings were still quite scary and realistic, and the actors' portrayals were sincere. During the denouement however, everything began to fall apart. The movie wasn't really about America's famous Bell witch at all but about incest--which took me overnight to figure out. What was that scene where Betsy Bell, immobilized in the bed with blood in her crotch and her father, wearing a long black overcoat standing above her--all about? After all the emphasis on the "evil entity" causing all the hauntings, suddenly the story segued to child molestation--it was all so confusing.

All in all, I still liked the movie. The actors, although some of them miscast in their role, notwithstanding. I especially liked James D'Arcy the best. The LAMDA graduate who is still one of Hollywood's most underrated but brilliant actors. Will wait for his star to shine.

As to Anacondas--I liked the plot and the two leads who did a great job but I liked Kong, the monkey best. This animal can ACT! Yeah, this movie had its share of bad acting and pa-cute effect from some of its actors but I had a great time watching. But then again, maybe it was the boredom...maybe not.

On JPEPA

2007-09-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Just recently attended a press conference sponsored by Greenpeace etc. as part of their continuing campaign against the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement. The meaty part of the discussion pertained to the unresponsiveness of Japan regarding the toxic waste provision.

It seems that in order to enjoy the supposedly gazillion economic benefits out of this agreement, RP merely has to contend with the "inconvenience" of being Japan's toxic waste dumping ground. And Japan remains firm over this issue--for them, it's either take it or leave it. Seems RP is left with no choice and no bargaining power at all.

Well, for now it's up to the Senate to decide. Let's just hope they won't see this mainly as a political issue because the main concern here is the health of our people and the safety of the Philippine environment. Let not our sovereignty be violated by another country's unwanted and hazardous garbage! Can't we have the economic package sans the toxic wastes? Let's see if our esteemed public leaders could work this out...

Living It Up at Bonifacio High Street

2007-08-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

(reproduced from my article in Airmart Newsline Magazine, August 2007 edition)

Who would have thought that in the ever-bustling and congested metropolis that is Metro Manila, an oasis of sprawling gardens, cutting-edge marvels and posh sophisticated shops could exist?

Bonifacio High Street, the commercial and leisure centerpiece of the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig has brought a new dimension to world-class, quality commercial and property development in the Philippines.

Patterned after England’s high street, the kilometer-long commercial and retail stretch features block after block of exquisitely landscaped gardens, state-of-the-art fountains and contemporary art pieces. Straddling the green expanse are stylish high-end shops offering specialized products, anything from flip-flops to organic body creams.

Catering to the A, B and C economic classes, Bonifacio High Street is a fusion of architecture and ecology. It successfully translates the concept of leisure dining and shopping to one awesome experience.

To date, the largest names in the food, beauty and novelty business have already opened their latest branches in the High Street. Here’s a sneak peak at the “highs” that Bonifacio High Street offers.

At the threshold of this shopper’s paradise (coming from Market! Market! mall) is Piazza Serendra, where most of the restos are located. Among these are Conti’s, a chic, elegant resto, which is one of the early favorites due to its “to die for” meals and cakes. Also within the piazza is an interesting range of dessert nooks—Sonja’s Cupcakes, Miss Desserts and Xocolat. So far, notable food enthusiasts exclaim that all three possess flying colors in creating the most palate-pleasing indulgences and treats.

For Asian cuisine lovers and enthusiasts, two restos are on top of the list — the Zao Bistro offers Vietnamese cuisine and the Silk with its hearty sampling of Thai food.

For the gregarious eater, TGI Fridays recently opened its seventh restaurant here with a big bang. One is not only treated to a hearty dining experience but to an instant immersion in American pop culture with its spanking Yankee-themed interior.

For the work-swamped executive or office worker, Figaro, with its enticing Mediterranean ambience offers a selection of delectable Italian-inspired coffee and chocolate concoctions.

Avid readers can also find their favorite nooks inside A Different Bookstore, gives you the opportunity to read while sipping hot cocoa. It is the perfect place to unwind on a rainy day. Another popular bookshop, Fully-booked, recently opened its one and only five-storey branch in the country with an in-house Starbucks branch located at the 3rd floor.

Two art studios have also been steadily drawing a number of art lovers and enthusiasts lately—Color Me Mine, located at the ground level and Mag:net Gallery, located at Quadrant 3.

The favorite hang-outs are the Crocs store where every now and then people line up through the entrance waiting for their turn to shop. Also popular especially among foreign visitors are the shops All Flip Flops and Crumpler. Of course, fashionistas and trendsetters wouldn’t miss the spot of designer brands like Calvin Kline, Nike and the top-selling The Face Shop and Shisheido.

If there was one shop that stirred the greatest hype, it was the flagship store of Krispy Kreme Donuts that opened in the High Street. Customers, often whole families-- queued up in seemingly endless lines just to get a bite of its mouth-watering donuts.

With so much time spent in our metro’s hustle and more-often-than-not, tedious bustle, it’s a relief to find a place like Bonifacio High Street. Not only is it a unique leisure hub merged with natural wonders that will cater to your needs. It is your very own sanctuary where you can slow down, take a deep breath and replenish your mind and spirit.

PILLARS OF THE EARTH by KEN FOLLETT (a review)

2007-07-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

I bought this book for 10 bucks in a garage sale (lucky me!) and didn't expect that it would blow me away. Short of 1000 pages, I didn’t plan on reading through but was hooked from the first page. If you want to travel back in time to pre-middle age Europe (circa 1127--) and watch the hanging of a man amid a rowdy, bloodthirsty mob in an English marketplace, read the prologue. If you have a fascination with Gothic or French Cathedrals and would like an omniscient experience of the medieval era at the time they were being built—then read this book.

In the outer echelon of the storyline are the endlessly plotting and feuding kings, queens, lords and archbishops. At the heart of the story however, the prime movers belong to the class of the common man. It is how the common man triumphed against forces far too powerful than himself/ herself that makes this novel unforgettable and utterly compelling. It is not only about the building of the largest Cathedral in the world during that time—but the realization that then as now—although the life of the ordinary man teeters upon the political and social framework of his time, his destiny and success largely depends upon him alone. (It is startling to note too that then as now, the age-old tactics of wheeling and dealing in politics and matters of Church and State almost never change.)

It should have been typical with its usual, universal human themes of good and evil, love and hate, betrayal and trust etc—but as you go along reading, it soon consumes all your attention and you realize that this is a gem of a book. By some unknown force (that can be credited to the author’s superbly detailed imagination) another milieu begins to surround you and you become lost in it. You turn into a “mini-omnipotent” who witnesses each character’s life as it unfolds and each suspenseful, conflict-ridden event as it unravels. This is the only book by Ken Follet I’ve read so far but I believe he belongs to a very small group of exceptional authors who could portray their characters almost as living persons. You could feel their fear, insecurities, desperation and hunger pangs, even. Heck, you even know that they snore in their sleep. His characters live on in the hearts of their readers long after they’ve put the book down.

I read some of the reviews on the internet and was shocked to find out that this novel actually has a cult following. According to the author himself, this is his most popular and most successful book ever. Discussion threads on this book are still active and thriving, to think it was written way back in 1989. Some say they’ve read the book two, three, or five times. They debate about the characters as if they were real people. A long-awaited sequel is coming out this October, no longer about cathedrals but about the Great Plague/ Black Death. And I certainly can’t wait…

Romancing the Stone (Temples) in Cambodia

2007-07-18T19:55:00.001-07:00

In the recent decade, one of the top emerging tourist destinations in Southeast Asia is the beautiful country of Cambodia.

Its breathtaking temples-- both ancient and ageless, continue to lure the adventurous wanderer into a journey back in time only to discover once again, how infinitely gifted mankind is.

Who would have thought that this lush and majestic country, merely three decades after a brutal and traumatic chapter under the infamous Khmer Rouge regime, would now be
considered a top tourist drawer, not only in Asia but the world?

This sort-of travelogue will urge you to pack your bags and explore its endless wonders.

In the capital Phnom Penh, don’t forget to visit the Royal Palace, the residence of King Sihanouk. King Nodolar Sihanouk was the titular head of Cambodia (chosen by France) who, in 1953, led the efforts to liberate his country from the control of this European superpower. Today the Royal Palace features the impressive Throne Hall, the luxurious Silver Pagoda (made with over 5000 tiles of pure silver) and an iron house given to King Norodom by Napoleon III of France.

And for a deeper understanding of this country, you should not forget to get a glimpse of its dramatic history. About 15 km from the center of Phnom Penh if the Toul Sleng Museum which houses mementos, remnants and relics of the iniquitous Khmer Rouge genocide. Toul Sleng was a school converted into a prison and interrogation facility by the ruthless Khmer communist rebels. Thousands of innocent civilians are believed to have been murdered and tortured in its vicinity. It can be recalled that a coup de etat led by then General Pol Pot seized power from Cambodia’s legitimate government in the 1970s.

From 1975-1979, an estimated one to three million Cambodians died from cruelty,
abuse and starvation with the implementation of Pol Pot’s “ideal agricultural society” model. Millions were forced to evacuate cities and forced to work as farmers in the countryside. People were rounded up and executed for the most trivial reasons like, wearing glasses or crying for dead loved ones. Cambodia leaped a hundred years backward. Peace was finally forged among leaders of the conflict in 1993, leading to the downfall of Pol Pot and other Khmer Rouge officials. Thus, the steady climb of Cambodia back into the world’s consciousness as a major tourism contender.

The quickest way towards the country’s tourist attractions is to travel to Siem Reap City, by land or air. The Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport now serves the most tourist passengers to Cambodia. It is accessible by direct flight from the country’s capital Phnom Penh and the capital cities of its neighboring Asian countries.

Siem Reap is the charming gateway town to the world famous heritage site—Anchor Wat. This fascinating city has a colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter (Cambodia used to be a French colony.) Originally a cluster of small villages along the Siem Reap River, the main town is concentrated around Sivutha Street and the Psar Chas Area (Old Market area). The original villages were established around Buddhist pagodas called “Wat.”
Despite being transformed into a major tourist hub in recent years, its people have been able to conserve its culture, traditions and religious ceremonies. Numerous historical institutions feature traditional dance performances like the Apsara. Craft shops are abundant and so are silk traders. A serene bird sanctuary is near the Tonle Sap Lake.

Siem Reap is a thriving tourist haven with a variety of hotels and restaurants to choose from. Mid-range hotels are concentrated around the old Market area and along Sivatha. More expensive, larger hotels and resorts are located on the road leading to the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and the national road going to Anchor. The thrifty tourist need not worry, hundreds of budget guesthouses can also be found in the city.

A wide selection of restaurants serving international cuisine can be found in Seam Reap City. These include restos serving French, Thai, Burmese, German, Russian, Italian, Korean and Japanese food. As to shopping destinations, the Psar Chas (Old Market) area is deemed to be the best in the country. It also has a vibrant nightlife with western-style bars and pubs.

Most of the tourists come to Cambodia to visit the Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and other Angkor ruins.

Recently voted as the 2nd best in the Seven Wonders of the World, Anchor Wat is the largest religious structure ever built. All of 200 hectares, it contains more stonework than the great pyramid of Egypt. Located six kilometers from Siem reap, the temple was built in the early 12th century. Sandstone and laterite stone walls which encloses the temple. Moats surround the entire structure measuring 1.5 km from west to east and 1.3 km from north to south. At the end of a 350m long causeway is the central temple complex where ancient galleries can be found. You become spell-bound by the power and magnificence of the towering galleries, which in essence, depict the histories and mythologies of the unique Angkor world. Angkor Wat was built as an offering by King Suryavarman II for Vishnu, the Hindu God and took around 40 years and 250,000 people to build. It is now the largest and most impressive of the Angkor temples.
This amazing wonder can be accessed by car, tuk tuk or bicycle. Don’t forget though, to purchase a temple pass at the entrance or at local travel agencies.

Located eight kilometers from Siem Reap, Angkor Thom was the political capital of the King Jayavarman VII, considered as the greatest of the Angkor builders. In its time, this was the largest city in the world with over a million inhabitants.

Enclosed by a moat and high laterite wall, the city contains at its center the complex of Bayon. Bayon is an engraved showcase of the stone faces of King Jayavarman VII on its 54 towers. This ancient city is sprawled over nine square kilometers.

Also one of the more popular Angkor temples but a lot smaller in size than the two, is the Ta Prohm temple where portions of the movie Tomb Raider was filmed. Many other distant temples continue to lure and urge the adventurous to venture deeper into the heart of Cambodia’s forests.

For those who get a kick at exploring the unexplored, you can also go elephant trekking
care of Mondulkiri hilltribes. One of Cambodia’s numerous ethnic groups, the Mondulkiri have earned a spot in the hearts of countless tourists over the years with their friendliness and warmth.

For simpler pleasures, visit the farming villages and be prepared to discover how welcoming and engaging Cambodians are. You could also visit silk farms and quaint craft shops.
Lastly, for the real Cambodia, spend some of your moments in the wonderful countryside
complete with its lush rice paddies and unpolluted lakes and rivers. This, I think, aside from the Angkor Wat, is Cambodia’s legacy to the world—its unspoiled and unsurpassed natural wonders.

BESTIALITY IN TAYSAN

2007-06-01T02:46:00.000-07:00

Mang Guillermo was a driver. For want of a thousand-peso increment on his measly daily wage, he served in the last elections as a poll watcher. He was willing to stay up the whole night, along with his wife, to monitor and secure the sanctity of the ballot in this small town.

But on the night of the counting of the ballots, at around 2 AM, as the last of the ballots were turned in and accounted for—just before a new town mayor was to be declared—seven armed men barged into the school, grabbed the ballot boxes, poured gasoline all over and set them ablaze. Amid the screams and pleas of the few people left inside the bungalow structure, the ruthless beasts set fire to all kinds of election paraphernalia they could find. Heedless of the innocent people who might be caught in the fire, they went about their deadly intent, prompted by an urge akin to that of creatures born sans a conscience. They who were once called men, now possessed the souls of the damned.

In the wake of the man-made tragedy, the cadavers of two women were found inside the shell of what once was the school comfort room. Mang Guillermo, his wife and their thirteen year old son who was just waiting for them that night—suffered third degree burns all over their body. Mang Guillermo was burned so badly he was not fit to be shown on TV. Only his wife was shown publicly and interviewed—the outer skin of her face totally obliterated, making you wonder how excruciating and immobilizing the pain must be, especially with her whole body having suffered the same damage. And then you also think about the child badly burned lying next to his mother in that ward, with the news camera crudely obscuring wayward shots to his bed.

The mother was appealing for financial help. Apparently, the plain and simple fact that they were there that night to protect the sanctity of the ballots was not even a guarantee that they would be compensated in the event they got injured in the line of duty. Ironically, they were calling on, no--begging the very same government that hired them, the same government that they tried, in a way, to protect, for some loose change. Some small financial aid that it could throw their way. In Mang Guillermo case, help if any—would have come too late. He succumbed to his injuries on the night of his wife’s interview.

A teacher and a mother of nine who worked as a poll watcher were killed instantly in the fire. Nellie Banaag’s, the teacher’s—hand was recovered separately in the vicinity around three days after the fire. On it still, was her gleaming wedding ring. A symbol of the life of love, she had lived, maybe.

I am writing this because in my own way I want this tragedy to be immortalized. I want the deeds of those godforsaken brutes to be remembered. They must know their legacy—they must be reminded without end, even in their sleep—of the children they have orphaned, the husbands and the wife they have widowed, the innocent people they have scarred and maimed.

It perplexes me what sort of incentive could have compelled them to do what they have done. Well only one thing’s for sure—they have bought a spot in history, one soaked in blood and entrenched in infamy.

ON THE FRINGES OF DESPAIR: Why Quality Affordable Medicines are out of Reach to Millions of Filipinos

2007-05-27T19:53:00.001-07:00

In a slum area in Caloocan City, Mang Luisito*, sitting by the door of their decrepit shanty, watches the alley ahead for any sign of the arrival of his eldest son Reggie, 10. This was his routine for 6 months now, whenever evening came. His frail, almost skin-and-bone frame belied the fact that he was only 39 years old. Nowadays, he could barely stand or walk. He lost his breath with each painful step.

“It is hard to believe I was once a strong carpenter,” said the soft-spoken father of four, as he wiped a tear with the back of his hand.

One morning, he collapsed on his way to work. When he woke up in a crowded hospital ward, the doctor told him both his kidneys have stopped functioning. He needed to undergo regular dialysis to survive. The high cost of medicines coupled with expensive dialysis treatments made Luisito give up any hope of surviving barely a week after hearing the diagnosis.

Finally, Reggie arrives--the family breadwinner, apparently. No expression of affection was made between father and son, but the boy dutifully pulls out two twenty peso bills from his pocket and hands them to his father. The child’s daily wage as a coffee pot carrier for an ambulant food vendor living next door. The child is illiterate, his father says. Reggie had stopped his schooling at the age of seven and has worked at several odd jobs ever since.

Juan sends off a smaller child to buy the family’s meal for the night. He looks at this reporter and says point blank, he is just waiting for death.

“I’d rather not be cured at all than let my children die of hunger.” The eerie acceptance shone in his eyes. “It is better not to buy medicines than to watch your children starve.”

There are thousands, perhaps even millions of Filipinos in the country trapped in similarly hopeless situations. The high cost of medicines and exorbitant health services have made the matter of survival a privilege and not a right. Everyday, an ill Filipino would be forced to choose between pulling the plug on his family’s meager lifeblood of resources or to cling on to dear life.

As bleak as the future seems to be for the country’s healthcare system, a ray of hope now shines through with the expected passage of Senate Bill 2263, a law aimed at providing quality affordable medicines for all.

The proponent, Senator Mar Roxas, hopes that the bill would finally address the high cost of medicines in the country.

“When someone you love dies, it’s not political or economic, it’s personal. But for the poorest of the poor—those who could have saved their loved one if they had the money to do so—it goes beyond what is personal. It goes straight to the question of social justice.”

He said prior efforts to address the problem have not made substantial headway because of poor implementation, inhospitable circumstances or even venal collusion. The impending bill "aims to give life to the public health provisions of the Constitution and promote the people’s welfare."

Roxas also cited three major obstacles to the people’s access to affordable, quality medicines.
First is the extreme concentration of market power in only a handful of players in the country’s pharmaceutical industry. He said that due to its monopolistic or oligopolistic structure, there is lack of competition--resulting to the high cost of medicines.

“Here (in the country), there is only one manufacturer and contract manufacturer of medicines. We need to loosen the monopolistic or oligopolistic power that some multinational pharmaceutical companies have long enjoyed to the detriment of all Filipinos. "

The second has to do with the behavioral orientation of the consumers, doctors and public institutions. Roxas stressed there must be a continuing education of the Generics Law.

“Our doctors and public health institutions must not negate the spirit of this law by failing to live up to their duty to inform their parents, particularly the poor, about generic substitutes,” he said.

The third obstacle is the protectionist provisions in the Intellectual Property Code. He said that due to the highly technical and abstruse nature of the intellectual property system, the multinational pharmaceutical companies have dominated the application of the IP law to the detriment of public welfare.

Several proposed amendments to the IP law also include: the parallel importation of medicines, so that any Filipino can shop beyond the country for better prices; an exception to the application of trademarks and tradename restrictions with regard to parallel imports; disallowing the issuance of another patent for new uses of an existing patented substance; and the removal of the requirement for the government to undergo long and compulsory licensing processes.

The bill also intends to adopt internationally accepted best practices that have made medicines more affordable and accessible in so many countries around the world. At present, support has poured in from various sectors for the passage of the bill into law and expectation is high that it will soon make lives better for millions of Filipinos.

Miss Beatrix Potter

2007-05-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

In London at the turn of the century, Beatrix Potter was an oddity. She was 32, unmarried, lived with her parents, and conversed constantly with her own animal caricatures. No one had any notion however that in due time, up until the advent of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter-- she would become the best-selling children’s books author of all time.

As the dahhling ladies of the “ton” flitted from one social party to the next seeking for suitable husbands, Beatrix spent her time drawing portraits of wood animals and making up stories about them. At 11, she boldly declared to her mother she was never going to marry. When her father asked then the child Beatrix, who would make her happy if she didn’t marry, she answered: “I have my drawings, animals and my art…”

And so at twenty, she rejected altogether, a seemingly endless string of spineless eccentric royals, mostly recommendees of her social-climbing mother. Yet to Beatrix, her unique situation was not a matter of circumstance. It was a matter of choice: “I don’t want to marry a man simply because he was acceptable.”

Here was a woman who didn’t fit any of her society’s norms. Before she got her “break”, Beatrix spent her days “traipsing from publisher to publisher with a gaggle of friends.” Her “friends” were her animal drawings—apparently the only ones who have kept her company in her lonely life. She defied the standards of her time and lived bravely according to her own beliefs. She refused to be dictated by her restrictive society. Despite her mother’s disparaging comments: “I can’t wait until your book is out and forgotten--” she refused to surrender. For her, she could not stop until she had finally introduced her “friends” to the world.

After teaming up with the youngest brother (who would eventually become the love—and tragedy--of her life) comprising the F. Warne publishing firm, then one of England’s most prestigious publishers-- Beatrix became a successful children’s books author. Her books were bought by the dozens, others were even shipped to then British-colonized India. All to the dismay, and perhaps insecurity-- of her mother.

And when Norman Warne proposed to her and she accepted—she was faced with the daunting task of fighting with her parents--tooth-and-nail, for their love. Her mother just couldn’t tolerate the idea that her daughter was marrying a “trades man.” Trades people she said, “carry dust into the house.” But when a compromise was reached where she and Norman were to wait a few more months before they were to wed, sadly and very unexpectedly before the period ended-- she lost this one man who finally showed her the path to love.

In her lifetime she became so wealthy that she was able to purchase a beautiful estate in the country and adjacent to it--thousands of acres of prime development land. In the later part of her life, she waged a war against property developers who “destroyed” the countryside. At her death, she donated almost half a hectare of it to the British people, in her efforts to conserve the land. Thus, she left behind two legacies—her art and her efforts to protect the beautiful English countryside..

Her beautiful illustrations, boundless imagination and engaging stories made her books lasting works of art. Beatrix Potter, according to her father, was “the genuine article.” She was indeed a woman ahead of her time. Her Peter Rabbit, Three Blind Mice tales etc. became staple bedtime stories of children across the globe, for many generations.

Elections 2007 - Light at the End of the Tunnel

2007-05-16T02:21:00.000-07:00

At the risk of sounding cliche--a new dawn has come for the Pinoy electorate. Initial results are showing how, instead of dominating the polls, celebrities are trailing waaay behind (except for Loren Legarda, that is). I'm not smirking at all the artistas seeking public office but hey, there isn't a Sotto or Montano in the Magic 12. And astounding as it may seem, a Pacquiao will not be seating in the House of Representatives, contrary to popular expectation. Nor apparently, will the Congress have a Garci or a Chavit. Whereas if we had conducted this same election ten or fifteen years earlier, then perhaps, they would have made the top of the list in no time.

In Pampanga, instead of coming from the clashing political clans of Pinedas and Lapids, a Catholic priest, of all people-- is coming out as the early victor. As of yesterday with 42% of the precincts accounted for, Fr. Panlilio was at the lead with approx. 3,000 votes ahead of his closest rival. He is now being called as the "light in NEW RP Politics." He, with no formidable political machinery backing him, no sophisticated ads in the media, no political dynasty supporting him--now appears to have gained the Kabalens' mandate of leadership--this man who went around the province campaigning behind a wooden cart. His seemingly sure victory is a testament to the fact that there is no longer such a thing as "political norms" in this country. This could have been true a decade ago but not anymore. The times are changing...for the better. Voters are becoming more educated, more empowered about the choices they make.

In a province often called No Man's Land for its penchant for guns and goons, I heard that he-who-must-not-be-named is now trailing after a multi-awarded, long-deserving and long-persecuted female mayor in the congressional bid. In the gubernatorial race, the slain representative's brother is also leading over she-who-must-not-be-named. And I say AWESOME!

In Baguio, a particular trapo who is desperate to get back to power must be so disappointed to view his once-again, dismal votes. How frustrating it must be for him, after he made his successor's short-lived stint as hellish as possible. Still, he failed to get back the mandate of the people. Once again, good riddance. Adios lakay!

In the senate race, a quite young, principled military officer who never got the chance to campaign under the sun, is consistently in the Magic 10. This is a man who chose to rot in prison than compromise his principles for his freedom. Without the expose he made, thousands of soldiers in the field of combat, would still be wearing worn-out boots and enduring measly hazard pays.

Indeed, this must be the beginning of a paradigm shift. The small-mindedness and patron-mentality/ loyalty that has traditionally characterized the pinoy voter, especially in the countryside, is no longer that apparent in this elections. Was there a more comprehensive voter education campaign from any of the crucial sectors? Wasn't able to notice, but thank God nevertheless.

Cycle of Violence

2007-05-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

I'm not supposed to be blogging about this for fear of getting shot in the head but here it goes.

It saddens me no end to realize what a farce our Bill of Rights is. The spirit of the law that has guided the framers of our so-called Freedom Constitution has long dissipated. Only the letter of the law remains, tucked hidden in dusty libraries that nobody visits.

To kill another is anathema to every kind of law there is but to do so in public or be preceded by torture, brutally and inhumanely--is plain evil. What makes it more alarming in our case is the fact that these killings never seem to stop. The UN Human Rights Commissioner has come and gone, his report is presumably, already filed in the proper fora/ venue--but there seems to be no apparent resolution. Peace remains elusive.

I'm constantly amazed and disgusted at how other human beings could possess such audacity. In Visayas, a veteran lady journalist was assaulted inside her home and shot in the head repeatedly while eating dinner, with her small children looking on. In a mountain village, an old man watched as his only son was bludgeoned, then later shot to death in front of their hut allegedly by men in fatigues. Later as the perpetrators watched, the helpless father cradled his son as he lay gasping for air and dying in his arms. The young man was tagged as an insurgent, but evidence suggested otherwise. Another yet is the story of an nine-year-old girl that lost half of hear head to a hail of bullets just for committing the mistake of bathing in the wrong place. She too, was labeled a communist. Authorities however, later retracted the allegation after it was discovered that the girl's height was a little shorter than the machine gun her killers claimed she was then carrying.

And so it was that we continue to live in this culture of violence. In our democratic nation, a three-term mayor gets shot in the head in front of the COMELEC, of all places; a thirty-year old mayor is murdered while watching a basketball game, an assasin slips inside a church and pumps a bullet to the head of a seated mayor-wedding sponsor, a pajero full of impoverished, weary, faithful supporters gets riddled with bullets, a volunteer radioman is slaughtered alive, tortured so brutally, the lower half of his face caved in, his own relatives could not recognize him...the list goes on and on and on...the list too of desaparecidos or the disappeared grows longer by the day. But that's another topic.

These victims--mothers, fathers, sons, daughters--are people that we have never met. Yet their senseless deaths shall continue to haunt us. What happened to them could happen to anyone in a society like ours. Their murders will continue to warn us. We cannot be complacent. We cannot close our eyes. So many tears have been shed over them, so many children left orphaned, parents traumatized, purposes cut short.

My apologies for such a dark topic but this is the truth around us. It is the truth that binds us. And as long as these dark forces continue to exist, our country can never be free.

I am NOT a MA'AM!

2007-05-09T23:43:00.000-07:00

COLLEAGUE: "Ma'am want some turon?"

MOI: "Uh, noh."

COLLEAGUE: "Okay, one turon please." (sounds like a commercial)

MOI: "I meant, no, I'm not your Ma'am. Magkalevel lang tayo anoh! But I want some turon."

COLLEAGUE: "Okay ma'am sorry ma'am. Uh, sorry...po."

MOI: "Pabili po ng turon."

VENDOR: "Ma'am sampu lang," vendor says.

COLLEAGUE: (cuts in)"Ma'am ako na magbabayad ung kay ma'am." (referring to me)

VENDOR: "Okay sir. Thank you ma'am, sir.

Halleer?! Why is everybody in this country called Ma'am or Sir?

Amazing Race All Stars: Why it Failed

2007-05-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

Really wonder why or how the winners of the Amazing Race All Stars was leaked...Hope this won't ruin the chances of my fave show in winning another Emmy. To whoever's responsible-- we, the legions of die hard fans of the race, are on to you. Perhaps American Idol will be winning this year finally. It was a lackluster season but still, worth watching. I think there were other teams more suited for the all-star cast. Should have included Colin and Christie there. Would've been a blast watching them compete against Ron and Amber. Tsk. Tsk. Wonder what happened? Anyway, congrats to Eric and Danielle. At least, it wasn't Jeremy in the show.