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!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
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!
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