The country, specifically the northern part of Luzon(thus, including my beloved Bulacan)is ravaged by another super typhoon. Typhoon "Paeng" it seems is a lot strongger than Typhoon Milenyo that caused massive damaged to lives and property in the entire Luzon and Visayan area.
How bad can things get?
Well we cannot totally say as of yet. But there is indeed positive effects of disasters. No I am not crazy for saying this. With the devastation of typhoon Milenyo the government had taken a more positive, pro-active course of action in dealing with typhoons.
It is just a shame that for a country visited by an average of 30 typhoons annually we had not come up with a ready response action towards typhoon.
I reallly hope we do learn how to deal with these natural phenomenon and not forgetting the lessons we lean.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Today: September 21, 2006
A couple of decades ago, a historical proclamation were enforced to the entire Filipino nation. It would be the precursor to thousands of death, the military take over and political chaos of gigantic proportions.
MARTIAL LAW!!!
I never had the chance of experiencing first hand the hardships of those dark days. But through the accounts of my parents, close relatives and various documentaries about Martial law, Imelda, the Marcos Administration and ill-gotten wealth, the Desiparasidos (individuals who disappeared during the martial law regime), Yamashita treasure, the Golden Buddha, and EDSA, I believe I had a clear picture of living in the martial law era.
It was TOUGH, It was FRIGHTENING and it was DANGEROUS.
No human rights was respected nor honored, people can be innocently taken for police questioning and never be seen again. Students are watched, monitored for any destabilizing mass actions. Business and industries can be taken from its rightful owners in a whimsical snap of a finger.
NO FREEDOM!
To speak out and air protest is a kiss of death. To gather in a group for whatever purpose is providing the police license to arrest and harass you. No news, no television, no broadcast unless approved by the Marcos government.
It was a time that demanded silence, conformity and surrendered ignorance. No questions, no explanations just follow… OR BE DEAD.
It is that glaring picture of democratic death that sets me ablaze. I can’t believe it happened! Here at my beloved country… that there was a time when freedom and democracy was dead. It is unimaginable but it is true.
Come to think of it, it was in the dark days of the Martial Law that we had learned to stand as a people and value the gifts of democracy. It was a reminder that freedom is our right, a right we must value and protect. I remember Ninoy Aquino’s statement:
“The only thing for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing!”
To enjoy the fruits of democracy, we must be ready to protect it from people or entities with vested interest. The system of democracy can only work if people are vigilant to protect their individual freedom and the nation's welfare.
It is in this light that i joined KALIPI. It is the principle of vigilantly protecting democracy that ignites me to passionately pursue voluntary work for youth development. It is my commitment to give my share to the community. To pass on the lessons and value of democracy, that no one may forget the pains of Martial Law and more importantly the lessons of EDSA!
MARTIAL LAW!!!
I never had the chance of experiencing first hand the hardships of those dark days. But through the accounts of my parents, close relatives and various documentaries about Martial law, Imelda, the Marcos Administration and ill-gotten wealth, the Desiparasidos (individuals who disappeared during the martial law regime), Yamashita treasure, the Golden Buddha, and EDSA, I believe I had a clear picture of living in the martial law era.
It was TOUGH, It was FRIGHTENING and it was DANGEROUS.
No human rights was respected nor honored, people can be innocently taken for police questioning and never be seen again. Students are watched, monitored for any destabilizing mass actions. Business and industries can be taken from its rightful owners in a whimsical snap of a finger.
NO FREEDOM!
To speak out and air protest is a kiss of death. To gather in a group for whatever purpose is providing the police license to arrest and harass you. No news, no television, no broadcast unless approved by the Marcos government.
It was a time that demanded silence, conformity and surrendered ignorance. No questions, no explanations just follow… OR BE DEAD.
It is that glaring picture of democratic death that sets me ablaze. I can’t believe it happened! Here at my beloved country… that there was a time when freedom and democracy was dead. It is unimaginable but it is true.
Come to think of it, it was in the dark days of the Martial Law that we had learned to stand as a people and value the gifts of democracy. It was a reminder that freedom is our right, a right we must value and protect. I remember Ninoy Aquino’s statement:
“The only thing for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing!”
To enjoy the fruits of democracy, we must be ready to protect it from people or entities with vested interest. The system of democracy can only work if people are vigilant to protect their individual freedom and the nation's welfare.
It is in this light that i joined KALIPI. It is the principle of vigilantly protecting democracy that ignites me to passionately pursue voluntary work for youth development. It is my commitment to give my share to the community. To pass on the lessons and value of democracy, that no one may forget the pains of Martial Law and more importantly the lessons of EDSA!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
One Voice vs. Sigaw!
The Philippines is much more divided than ever. It is a chilling picture to look at. Scary and very dim … or maybe not.
It appears that in the Philippines you can see the entire scenario from your own perspective. You decide what you want to see and remind clueless or blind to other areas you wish to ignore.
Are we living in a virtual reality? Where everything can be shaped and dictated by one’s whimsical desire or imagination?
Very recently we are bombarded left and right with full minute television adds and newspaper spreads on the advocacy for and against charter change.
Ahhhhhhhhh! The latest and most infamous two letter phrase that is waging more havoc to the already wretched national situation.
One.org is an anti-charter change move spearheaded by the opposition, NGO’s, some church and business communities. I respect their stance, believing that the expression of ones freedom is vital to any democracy; however I find the content of their advertisements quite disturbing.
For one thing it’s very simplistic. One.org compared the parliamentary form of government to a children’s party and his guest. They portrayed the change in the form of government to children who gluttonously took all the cake not leaving any for the celebrant. Very myopic and hyper simplified.
If I were from the proponent of charter change, I would not commit this mistake.
But lo and behold, Sigaw ng Bayan did the very same mistake if not worst. Sigaw ng Bayan seems to tell the people that the reason our country is at a lost is due to one single problem and that is the constitution and that if we change it, all our worries and aches can be appeased and we shall enjoy progress.
This is very unrealistic, delusional and creepy making one want to believe to One.org’s grim forecasts
But here is what both One.org and Sigaw ng Bayan is missing, commitment and sincerity for their cause. If I would like to advocate something I would not sugar coat it nor simplify it. I shall raise my advocacies for its merits and defend it earnestly.
Information is vital in very important issues like charter change because we are putting the future in the line. The people need and deserve much more that what these two groups are giving us.
We Filipinos need to know, what are the specific changes in the constitution being proposed?
What the advantages?
Opportunities to be gained?
What are the dangers?
Adverse effects?
Change is constant and unavoidable. But risks are involved and we, the people, need to be equipped with all the proper information to be able to decide on the matter at hand.
So do you wanna do the “cha-cha”?
It appears that in the Philippines you can see the entire scenario from your own perspective. You decide what you want to see and remind clueless or blind to other areas you wish to ignore.
Are we living in a virtual reality? Where everything can be shaped and dictated by one’s whimsical desire or imagination?
Very recently we are bombarded left and right with full minute television adds and newspaper spreads on the advocacy for and against charter change.
Ahhhhhhhhh! The latest and most infamous two letter phrase that is waging more havoc to the already wretched national situation.
One.org is an anti-charter change move spearheaded by the opposition, NGO’s, some church and business communities. I respect their stance, believing that the expression of ones freedom is vital to any democracy; however I find the content of their advertisements quite disturbing.
For one thing it’s very simplistic. One.org compared the parliamentary form of government to a children’s party and his guest. They portrayed the change in the form of government to children who gluttonously took all the cake not leaving any for the celebrant. Very myopic and hyper simplified.
If I were from the proponent of charter change, I would not commit this mistake.
But lo and behold, Sigaw ng Bayan did the very same mistake if not worst. Sigaw ng Bayan seems to tell the people that the reason our country is at a lost is due to one single problem and that is the constitution and that if we change it, all our worries and aches can be appeased and we shall enjoy progress.
This is very unrealistic, delusional and creepy making one want to believe to One.org’s grim forecasts
But here is what both One.org and Sigaw ng Bayan is missing, commitment and sincerity for their cause. If I would like to advocate something I would not sugar coat it nor simplify it. I shall raise my advocacies for its merits and defend it earnestly.
Information is vital in very important issues like charter change because we are putting the future in the line. The people need and deserve much more that what these two groups are giving us.
We Filipinos need to know, what are the specific changes in the constitution being proposed?
What the advantages?
Opportunities to be gained?
What are the dangers?
Adverse effects?
Change is constant and unavoidable. But risks are involved and we, the people, need to be equipped with all the proper information to be able to decide on the matter at hand.
So do you wanna do the “cha-cha”?
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Back Again!
I am back!
Blog leave is over!
I just can not resist the chance to get into blogging once again. Ha! I miss this!!!
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo just gave her State of the Nation Address to a very clap-happy crowd. In the middle of the out pouring rain and as I chew "pansit canton" and watch the SONA unfold in my television set, I don't know, but I'd say PGMA's one hour SONA was good if it were a declamation speech or something.
The speech I heard last Monday afternoon was no were near the concept of a state of the Philippine nation. Instead it was more like the usual campaign speech we Filipinos are all too familiar with, only raised to the 100th power.
PGMA's statements were very positive and progressive I'll concede to that, the programs and projects she mentions may be what this country needs to move along but she fails to tell how the government specifically plans to bring these ambitious infrastructures into reality.
We had heard enough promises to bring us to the moon, each SONA is becoming a declaration of fantasy our leaders want for the country. We hear plans more grandiose than the last, stories more dramatic than before.
Still the big questions remain unanswered.
What is the state of the Philippine nation?
Had the government accomplished the promises they gave us?
Had we provided employment for our work force? (1 Billion Jobs remember?)
Do we have food security for our country?
Are medical and educational services available for all Filipinos without prejudice to social status?
Are we free to roam the streets without fear for our lives and family’s safety?
Are we moving forward or sliding backward in our development efforts?
Had we gotten rid of graft and corruption? (All-out War?)
There is nothing wrong in dreaming and aiming for the heavens but when you are leading a nation in despair, we need more than gleaming words of a fabulous future. We need a sensible plan with a workable system in a doable time frame.
I had been working for more than four years now. I had always kept faith to this nation, our people and the government. I am resisting the lure of a better paying job for a chance to help, lend a hand in turning around this country for its destiny to greatness. I am almost hopeless but not just yet.
We need a concerted effort from all the sectors of society to make this work. We must be willing to sacrifice what is necessary to reach our collective dream for the nation. There are still many people who are not willing to abandon this country and are willing to help out.
But please... please… NO MORE OS THESE SHITS!
Even with my bold declaration, I am not completely siding with the sentiments of the leftist and opposition groups. Because they throw out SHIT too!
All this politicking would have to stop. Honestly! I know that a good opposition is necessary and vital to a healthy democracy but the opposition in our country is ridiculous! All mud slinging, no decency and no morality.
We can handle the truth and we can take it. For God’s Sakes we are living the reality of how bad it is living in the Philippines. So don’t try to fool us with glaring promises we are sick of it, we can blow at a drop of a hat. Don’t give us dramatics, prime time television is enough. Don’t give us a vision so far out it can not be real within our lifetimes.
Give us honesty.
Give the office its honor.
Give us nation the dignity is use to enjoy.
Give us a well though workable and attainable, practical plan for our country.
Blog leave is over!
I just can not resist the chance to get into blogging once again. Ha! I miss this!!!
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo just gave her State of the Nation Address to a very clap-happy crowd. In the middle of the out pouring rain and as I chew "pansit canton" and watch the SONA unfold in my television set, I don't know, but I'd say PGMA's one hour SONA was good if it were a declamation speech or something.
The speech I heard last Monday afternoon was no were near the concept of a state of the Philippine nation. Instead it was more like the usual campaign speech we Filipinos are all too familiar with, only raised to the 100th power.
PGMA's statements were very positive and progressive I'll concede to that, the programs and projects she mentions may be what this country needs to move along but she fails to tell how the government specifically plans to bring these ambitious infrastructures into reality.
We had heard enough promises to bring us to the moon, each SONA is becoming a declaration of fantasy our leaders want for the country. We hear plans more grandiose than the last, stories more dramatic than before.
Still the big questions remain unanswered.
What is the state of the Philippine nation?
Had the government accomplished the promises they gave us?
Had we provided employment for our work force? (1 Billion Jobs remember?)
Do we have food security for our country?
Are medical and educational services available for all Filipinos without prejudice to social status?
Are we free to roam the streets without fear for our lives and family’s safety?
Are we moving forward or sliding backward in our development efforts?
Had we gotten rid of graft and corruption? (All-out War?)
There is nothing wrong in dreaming and aiming for the heavens but when you are leading a nation in despair, we need more than gleaming words of a fabulous future. We need a sensible plan with a workable system in a doable time frame.
I had been working for more than four years now. I had always kept faith to this nation, our people and the government. I am resisting the lure of a better paying job for a chance to help, lend a hand in turning around this country for its destiny to greatness. I am almost hopeless but not just yet.
We need a concerted effort from all the sectors of society to make this work. We must be willing to sacrifice what is necessary to reach our collective dream for the nation. There are still many people who are not willing to abandon this country and are willing to help out.
But please... please… NO MORE OS THESE SHITS!
Even with my bold declaration, I am not completely siding with the sentiments of the leftist and opposition groups. Because they throw out SHIT too!
All this politicking would have to stop. Honestly! I know that a good opposition is necessary and vital to a healthy democracy but the opposition in our country is ridiculous! All mud slinging, no decency and no morality.
We can handle the truth and we can take it. For God’s Sakes we are living the reality of how bad it is living in the Philippines. So don’t try to fool us with glaring promises we are sick of it, we can blow at a drop of a hat. Don’t give us dramatics, prime time television is enough. Don’t give us a vision so far out it can not be real within our lifetimes.
Give us honesty.
Give the office its honor.
Give us nation the dignity is use to enjoy.
Give us a well though workable and attainable, practical plan for our country.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Friday, March 10, 2006
Succcess
From my original blog entitled:"First Few Time"
We’ve done it. My group and I had been able to pull it off. RM gave an appreciative comment to our podcast entitled “liberal gong”.(Donggggggggg)
The nerve racking time pressured environment have push me and my teammates to do what we have to do.
Team Work works!
Kudos to Chris, Coun. Peter, Ema and Teresa!
Good Job Guys!
I Speak! 2b
From my original blog entitled:"First Few Time"
All I can say so far is WHOA!!!
Learning to pod cast is way more complicated than blogging. Much technical stuff is involved. I’m overwhelmed to say the least.
Half way along the discussion I feel my head oozing, spinning with blood spiting out of it. But hey! Maybe it’s just that I’m no techie that is why I can’t relate to the language our instructor was speaking. There is the use of the software audacity, uploading your podcast to a web site like gcast and also the distribution and monitoring. Men I’m lost so far.
I am just very thankful that our instructors are great. I’ll have to commend the patience and effort our instructor is exerting on us. Kudos to you Sir Angelo Racoma and Sir Abe Olandres.
So will I be able to podcast? Watch out. After being fatten up at Amici Di Don Bosco. We are back at the FNF office for the real deal. As an exercise, we are to actually do a podcast. I’m so excited and apprehensive. Hope my teams mates and I can pull it of.
All I can say so far is WHOA!!!
Learning to pod cast is way more complicated than blogging. Much technical stuff is involved. I’m overwhelmed to say the least.
Half way along the discussion I feel my head oozing, spinning with blood spiting out of it. But hey! Maybe it’s just that I’m no techie that is why I can’t relate to the language our instructor was speaking. There is the use of the software audacity, uploading your podcast to a web site like gcast and also the distribution and monitoring. Men I’m lost so far.
I am just very thankful that our instructors are great. I’ll have to commend the patience and effort our instructor is exerting on us. Kudos to you Sir Angelo Racoma and Sir Abe Olandres.
So will I be able to podcast? Watch out. After being fatten up at Amici Di Don Bosco. We are back at the FNF office for the real deal. As an exercise, we are to actually do a podcast. I’m so excited and apprehensive. Hope my teams mates and I can pull it of.
I Speak! 2
From my original blog entitled:"First Few Time"
Day two of the FNF "Express Yourself" Seminar/ Workshop.
Yesterday I had learned that I can blog. Today, its even better, I'll learn how to Pod cast! Ha! Another tool, another weapon, and great upgrade to my armor. Hahahaha!
I just hope the lectures don’t get too technical.
Well you can sense how excited I am! So I’ll until the end of the seminar. Blog you later.
Day two of the FNF "Express Yourself" Seminar/ Workshop.
Yesterday I had learned that I can blog. Today, its even better, I'll learn how to Pod cast! Ha! Another tool, another weapon, and great upgrade to my armor. Hahahaha!
I just hope the lectures don’t get too technical.
Well you can sense how excited I am! So I’ll until the end of the seminar. Blog you later.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
I Speak!
From my original blog entitled:"First Few Time"
Today, I am given a renewed chance I thought I had lost after graduating from college. Today I am introduced to a new tool, weapon and armor.
Today I learn to blog!
I maybe quite late in catching on to this trend since it had been around for a long time already. But never did I realize just how much fun and exciting it can be to blog. (Friendster better watch out competition is here!) I had been reading other people’s blog every now and then. I can just stare in awe on with blogs other people create and the magnificent skins and backgrounds their blogs have. They seem to be more life like, more alive than I am.
I said I’ll never be able to produce anything like that! What can I do? Blogging is not for me.
Well, I guess I was wrong. Thanks to a seminar/workshop I stumble upon on-line, things opened up for me. Through the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s “Express yourself” Seminar Workshop, I realize blogging maybe just what I need. Imagine no less than Mr. Manuel Quezon III gave us an informative lecture on blogging.
I am just a simple guy, but having read and watched that man speak and most of the time agreeing or getting provoke to think by his analysis and thoughts, it’s pretty awesome. Also being expertly guided by Sir Abe through the process of creation, setup and writing a blog boost my confidence that I can indeed blog. (and hopefully be good at it)
Reminiscing my high school and college days, I remember being very opinionated and vocal about these opinions. The academic environment had created an atmosphere of freedom that I speak on things the way I see them without fear. Sadly, after leaving the university and being hired to work for a local government executive I realize one terrible truth. In the real world you have to turn blind or deaf or mute as the occasion calls for if you want to stay on your job.
Realizing this I quit. I cannot live a life being gagged.
Now, I realize there is a way to break away from the oppressive reality we live in. Blog.
Being equipped with the basic know-how on blogging setup, and basic journalistic ideas I know I am again revived to my freedom. I know that I too can be alive more alive if possible.
Today is the start, I blog to live and live to blog.
Today, I am given a renewed chance I thought I had lost after graduating from college. Today I am introduced to a new tool, weapon and armor.
Today I learn to blog!
I maybe quite late in catching on to this trend since it had been around for a long time already. But never did I realize just how much fun and exciting it can be to blog. (Friendster better watch out competition is here!) I had been reading other people’s blog every now and then. I can just stare in awe on with blogs other people create and the magnificent skins and backgrounds their blogs have. They seem to be more life like, more alive than I am.
I said I’ll never be able to produce anything like that! What can I do? Blogging is not for me.
Well, I guess I was wrong. Thanks to a seminar/workshop I stumble upon on-line, things opened up for me. Through the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s “Express yourself” Seminar Workshop, I realize blogging maybe just what I need. Imagine no less than Mr. Manuel Quezon III gave us an informative lecture on blogging.
I am just a simple guy, but having read and watched that man speak and most of the time agreeing or getting provoke to think by his analysis and thoughts, it’s pretty awesome. Also being expertly guided by Sir Abe through the process of creation, setup and writing a blog boost my confidence that I can indeed blog. (and hopefully be good at it)
Reminiscing my high school and college days, I remember being very opinionated and vocal about these opinions. The academic environment had created an atmosphere of freedom that I speak on things the way I see them without fear. Sadly, after leaving the university and being hired to work for a local government executive I realize one terrible truth. In the real world you have to turn blind or deaf or mute as the occasion calls for if you want to stay on your job.
Realizing this I quit. I cannot live a life being gagged.
Now, I realize there is a way to break away from the oppressive reality we live in. Blog.
Being equipped with the basic know-how on blogging setup, and basic journalistic ideas I know I am again revived to my freedom. I know that I too can be alive more alive if possible.
Today is the start, I blog to live and live to blog.
Why am I doing this?
I'm 24 years old, on to year four on my career, paying out my taxes and cautiously braving all the odds life is throwing my path and my beloved yet seemingly God forsaken country... so why do I need a blog? Why am I doing this? Don't I have enough problems of my own? Do I have the perfect luxury of time and resources to engage in this kind of thing? Is this going to affect anything?
Well, personally I think the answer lies in my need to create an outlet. A diversion for all the pent up frustrations, disappointments and criticism I have been holding back for much too long.
Early on I know that life especially here in the Philippines is no bag of m&m's. I had heard and read enough about the political circus the clowns in government had been running. I had been appalled over and over again by the manner Philippine law had been bended, twisted and expanded to accommodate the whims of an elitist minority at the expense of the people. A grim reality indeed. (Sigh)
As other bloggers both professional and amateur like Manuel Quezon III and Ala Paredes blogging is an effective tool they use to let people know their personal take on matters that affect them and society. In a way they help other people like me to form my on opinion and views on matter. Blogging widens ones perception on things, as Mr. Manolo said during the "Express Yourself" seminar hosted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
Working for the government as well as some private companies all these past years had somehow made me feel unaffected with the issues happening around me. Many times I caught myself when watching the news. It frightens because that some issues and events do not struck me as how they use to. I'm more concern on getting to work early and getting home in time or wondering when would the next bonus come out. It’s like I have been reduced to small apathetic creature caught in the rat race.
It is a sad reality I and my future sons and daughters face. But I refuse to accept this to be that is all. I am saying "NO" to all the vile Philippine society is plunge into. Today I blog for information and freedom of expression, I blog for empowerment and education, I blog for conscious change towards real democratic and genuine reforms. Today, I blog for the future.
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