Last 29 November 2007, we watched as the nation is again held in a momentary spectacle of an attempt to trample the present government and establish a new rule. Once again former Lt. 1st Grade and now Senator (in waiting?) Antonio Trillianes led a dramatic, eventful yet unsuccessful call to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (It was almost like a replay of the 2003 Oakwood Siege: same exciting beginning, same call for support from the people, same response from the Filipinos (deadma!) and exactly the same ending.)
We had seen what happened, thanks to the live and full media coverage by ABS-CBN. (Where was GMA News all that time? Hmmm I wonder…) We had heard from the perpetrators and their supporters their call for people action and indignation. We had witness the massive police action to control the situation. We have seen how Sen. Trillianes and company as well as the members of the media were hurled to the PNP buses enroute to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig. We had endured the sudden declaration of a curfew covering NCR, Regions III and IV-A. We had heard the opinions of legitimate and pseudo political experts and what have to say.
The nation was once again agitated and rocked… but it would not be enough to arouse the slumbered sentiments of the Filipino populace. After the siege was over, after undergoing a curfew, it was just another day for Juan Dela Cruz, maybe just a little tougher that the usual but really not that spectacular.
As the dust from the events settle, it is a start of a new day once again. It is another day where Filipinos wake up and go about our daily routine businesses; work; school; chores etc. Sen. Trillianes, Brigadier General Danilo Lim and the rest of the remaining Magdalo soldiers were placed behind bars. While members of the media were processed and set free. Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona and the rest of the supporters of Sen. Trillianes were also set free in due consideration of their age and health.
Over the past decades there had been many attempts to destabilize the duly constituted republic. Calls for change had been numerous and with valid cause. There is a pressing need for positive and real change for the Philippine government all must agree to that. But questions remained unanswered.
Who would be the right person for the job? Is there such a person now? What must that person possess to take on the challenge of government?
When would be the right time for real change in government and the way we conduct Philippine politics?
Where is change going to start?
What would entail to rouse up the Filipino people once again? Is a violent revolution necessary?
How can change be brought about in context with the current socio-political setting?
Had we as a people resigned our fate to living in a society of imbalance and moral decay? Or are we just totally immune to the call for action by politicians and their self-serving motives?
These are the questions that linger in my mind…
After all had been said and done, I place my faith to the future and their dream.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
An Interesting Reflection: Slow Down Culture
This is an interesting piece by Eric the Swede entitled "Europe's Rising Slow Culture". I came across it while surfing the net.. It may be an old article some may have read it already but it still offers an interesting perspective in life....
It's been 18 years since I joined Volvo, a Swedish company. Working for them has proven to be an interesting experience. Any project here takes 2 years to be finalized, even if the idea is simple and brilliant. It's a rule.Globalized processes have caused in us (all over the world) a general sense of searching for immediate results. Therefore, we have come to possess a need to see immediate results.
This contrasts greatly with the slow movements of the Swedish. They, on the other hand, debate, debate, debate, hold x quantity of meetings and work with a slowdown scheme. At the end, this always yields better results.
Said in another words:
1. Sweden is about the size of San Pablo , a state in Brazil.
2. Sweden has 9 million inhabitants.
3. Stockholm has 500,000 people.
4. Volvo, Escania, Ericsson, Electrolux, Nokia are some of its owned companies.
Volvo supplies the NASA.The first time I was in Sweden , one of my colleagues picked me up at the hotel every morning. It was September, bit cold and snowy. We would arrive early at the company and he would park far away from the entrance (2000 employees drive their car to work). The first day, I didn't say anything, either on the second or third. One morning I asked, "Do you have a fixed parking space? I've noticed we park far from the entrance even when there are no other cars in the lot." To which he replied, "Since we're here early we'll have time to walk, and whoever gets in late will be late and need a place closer to the door, don't you think? Imagine my face.
Nowadays, there's a movement in Europe name Slow Food. This movement establishes that people should eat and drink slowly, with enough time to taste their food, spend time with the family, friends, without rushing. Slow Food! is against its counterpart: the spirit of Fast Food and what it stands for as a lifestyle.
Slow Food is the basis for a bigger movement called Slow Europe, as mentioned by Business Week.Basically, the movement questions the sense of "hurry" and "craziness" generated by globalization, fueled by the desire of "having in quantity" (life status) versus "having with quality", "life quality" or the "quality of being".
French people, even though they work 35 hours per week, are more productive than Americans or British. Germans have established 28.8 hour workweeks and have seen their productivity driven up by 20%. This slow attitude has brought forth the US 's attention, pupils of the fast and the "do it now!"This no-rush attitude doesn't represent doing less or having a lower productivity. It means working and doing things with greater quality, productivity, perfection, with attention to detail and less stress.
It means reestablishing family values, friends, free and leisure time. Taking the "now", present and concrete, versus the "global", undefined and anonymous. It means taking humans' essential values, the simplicity of living.It stands for a less coercive work environment, more happy, lighter and more productive where humans enjoy doing what they know best how to do. It's time to stop and think on how companies need to develop serious quality with no-rush that will increase productivity and the quality of products and services, without losing the essence of spirit.
In the movie, Scent of a Woman, there's a scene where Al Pacino asks a girl to dance and she replies, "I can't, my boyfriend will be here any minute now". To which Al responds, "A life is lived in an instant". Then they dance to a tango.
Many of us live our lives running behind time, but we only reach it when we die of a heart attack or in a car accident rushing to be on time. Others are so anxious of living the future that they forget to live the present, which is the only time that truly exists. We all have equal time throughout the world. No one has more or less. The difference lies in how each one of us does with our time.
We need to live each moment. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans".Congratulations for reading till the end of this message. There are many who will have stopped in the middle so as not to waste time in this globalized world.
It's been 18 years since I joined Volvo, a Swedish company. Working for them has proven to be an interesting experience. Any project here takes 2 years to be finalized, even if the idea is simple and brilliant. It's a rule.Globalized processes have caused in us (all over the world) a general sense of searching for immediate results. Therefore, we have come to possess a need to see immediate results.
This contrasts greatly with the slow movements of the Swedish. They, on the other hand, debate, debate, debate, hold x quantity of meetings and work with a slowdown scheme. At the end, this always yields better results.
Said in another words:
1. Sweden is about the size of San Pablo , a state in Brazil.
2. Sweden has 9 million inhabitants.
3. Stockholm has 500,000 people.
4. Volvo, Escania, Ericsson, Electrolux, Nokia are some of its owned companies.
Volvo supplies the NASA.The first time I was in Sweden , one of my colleagues picked me up at the hotel every morning. It was September, bit cold and snowy. We would arrive early at the company and he would park far away from the entrance (2000 employees drive their car to work). The first day, I didn't say anything, either on the second or third. One morning I asked, "Do you have a fixed parking space? I've noticed we park far from the entrance even when there are no other cars in the lot." To which he replied, "Since we're here early we'll have time to walk, and whoever gets in late will be late and need a place closer to the door, don't you think? Imagine my face.
Nowadays, there's a movement in Europe name Slow Food. This movement establishes that people should eat and drink slowly, with enough time to taste their food, spend time with the family, friends, without rushing. Slow Food! is against its counterpart: the spirit of Fast Food and what it stands for as a lifestyle.
Slow Food is the basis for a bigger movement called Slow Europe, as mentioned by Business Week.Basically, the movement questions the sense of "hurry" and "craziness" generated by globalization, fueled by the desire of "having in quantity" (life status) versus "having with quality", "life quality" or the "quality of being".
French people, even though they work 35 hours per week, are more productive than Americans or British. Germans have established 28.8 hour workweeks and have seen their productivity driven up by 20%. This slow attitude has brought forth the US 's attention, pupils of the fast and the "do it now!"This no-rush attitude doesn't represent doing less or having a lower productivity. It means working and doing things with greater quality, productivity, perfection, with attention to detail and less stress.
It means reestablishing family values, friends, free and leisure time. Taking the "now", present and concrete, versus the "global", undefined and anonymous. It means taking humans' essential values, the simplicity of living.It stands for a less coercive work environment, more happy, lighter and more productive where humans enjoy doing what they know best how to do. It's time to stop and think on how companies need to develop serious quality with no-rush that will increase productivity and the quality of products and services, without losing the essence of spirit.
In the movie, Scent of a Woman, there's a scene where Al Pacino asks a girl to dance and she replies, "I can't, my boyfriend will be here any minute now". To which Al responds, "A life is lived in an instant". Then they dance to a tango.
Many of us live our lives running behind time, but we only reach it when we die of a heart attack or in a car accident rushing to be on time. Others are so anxious of living the future that they forget to live the present, which is the only time that truly exists. We all have equal time throughout the world. No one has more or less. The difference lies in how each one of us does with our time.
We need to live each moment. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans".Congratulations for reading till the end of this message. There are many who will have stopped in the middle so as not to waste time in this globalized world.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
YOUTH VOTE
The outcome of the coming May 14, 2007 elections will be decided by the youth. Either through active participation or through passive indifference our choice will determine the nation’s fate for the new millennia.
One cannot over emphasize the importance of the coming elections and it would be outcome. After EDSA 2, EDSA 3, the “Hello Garcie” Tapes scandal, two trashed impeachment trials and the failed automation of the election process; It is this election that could salvage the country from ruin. As it may, in a sense, validate the Filipinos support for PGMA if her allies can garner the majority of the seats in the Senate therefore ending the question on PGMA’s Presidency. However, this election could push us to total ruin if the sanctity of the votes is tainted once more.
Amidst the conundrum, the emotional stirrings, and the nonstop bickering of politicians due to the upcoming elections the political carnival had begun! And one sector is left pondering in the middle – the youth. While the issue of whether 'to vote or not to vote,' is still there for some of us, the dilemma who to vote for in the upcoming national polls is one of the biggest challenges we are facing.
Politicians from various shades of the political spectrum are shifting their campaign to focus on the youth or at least claim to represent the youth’s cause and interest. No politician is crazy enough to ignore our votes.
Comprising of more than 40% of the total voting population, it is undeniable that we shall dominate the forthcoming national elections. Our opinions, attitudes, and expectations should, therefore, be an eye-opener not only for politicians and for marketing specialists, but also for economists, social planners, political scientists and opinion makers concerned with the future of this country. Our age group, after all, will inherit this earth after the old ones were gone.
Mr. Antonio C. Abaya wrote on his essay regarding the youth’s fate relative the 2004 elections: “What do they think we are bequeathing to them, a potential paradise or a certain hellhole? I would be happy if they thought they would be taking over a nondescript, unspectacular, boringly ordinary but, at least, reasonably functioning and reasonably livable slice of the planet.”
After all the events that took place after 2004 Mr. Abaya would be displeased unfortunately knowing that their generation is more likely to leave the youth with a “hellhole” legacy than the nondescript, boring, ordinary place he prefers.
But then again the choice of a potential paradise or a hellhole is a decision that the older generation is not to make. Like the choice of who to vote come Election Day it is a decision entirely up to us to make if we are willing to take the responsibility.
The next question is; Are we willing to take on the responsibility? Are we ready for it? Are we committed enough?
There are mix answers to these questions. Since 1999, there had been a growing number youth participation in the Philippine society. Youth organizations with various advocacies had sprung up like mushrooms. From civic causes to charitable endeavors, there are youth groups that address these concerns but it is sad to note that youth organizations dealing with political issues had not shared the same popularity or growth.
Maybe it is because many see politics as dirty and trash. Some observe that this is because the youth are passive and are unwilling to participate in a tired process were money and influence is the name of the game.
I see the political processes as tools and this tool’s value depends on who is using them. Like a knife in a butcher’s hands ends life while in a surgeons hand it can extend life. I believe that the youth can maximize the political processes to take charge and be catalyst of positive societal changes if we are organize and willing to work towards a common goal.
A great sage once said,”Democracy can only work if the people are willing to take an active role in it”. Democracy is for, by, and to the people, we have to keep it in mind that public officials do not solely shoulder the responsibility of governance but it is a responsibility in every individual.
During elections in a representative democratic state the political power returns to the people and as they cast their votes they decide the fate of the nation by giving up their political power to persons they think is best capable of forwarding their interest and carrying out their goals and aspirations as a people.
Let the Filipino youth in its more than 10 Million strong electorate member uphold the political power we posses. Let us use the May 14, 2007 national elections to effect the changes we desire for our nation by electing the proper individual to positions in government. Let us judge them by their character, track record, platform of government and integrity.
We have more information and tool in our hands to push this country beyond the personality politics our patriarchal society had come to develop. We are better in seeing through the mask most politicians take on to entice voters. We are better in discerning the genuine from the fraud. Let us go out then and carefully examine all candidates that would stand on election come May 14. And let us vote with the future, our future in mind!
Your choice, your vote, your future!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Paeng!
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.
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.
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.
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