Jeepney Scene 9

Nitong lumipas na linggo, nakaranas na naman ako ng nakakainis habang nasa jeep. Ako'y patungong unibersidad bandang a las 3 ng hapon at may isang lalaki na sumakay na may hawak na isang basong Dairy Queen na ice cream. Ang init noong hapng iyon, wala namang nakakagulat doon kasi summer na at El Niño pa!

Nakaupo ang lalaki sa dulo ng jeep, halos kaharap ko dahil ako naman ang nakaupo sa pinakadulo pero dahil pumapasok ang init sa jeep ay hindi ko sinagad sa sukdulan ang pag-upo sa dulo. Nang matapos siyang kumain ay inilagay niya ang baso sa ilalim ng upuan. Napatingin ako sa harap para tingnan kung may basurahan at hinarap ang lalaki sabay turo sa basurahan. "May basurahan po o, " sabi ko.

Dahil nasa dulo siya, nag-asta siyang tila gusto itapon pero dahil sa nasa dulo siya ay "hirap" siya. Sa inis ko ay hinigi ko ang baso at ako mismo ang nagtapon, kahit na hindi naman kami nagkakalayo. Nakakahiya naman sa kanya.

Grabe lang, mga Pinoy. Kailan kaya kayo magiging mapag-alaga sa kapaligiran??? Ang galing ninyo magpost ng kung ano-ano sa Facebook lalo nung kasagsagan ng Heneral Luna, pero hindi ninyo talaga magawang tumino. Grabe lang. Lahat tayo umaasa sa magandang pagbabago pero ang tunay na pagbabago ay nagsisimula sa sarili.

Campaigns and Divisions

So social media is awashed with posts on the elections, and suddenly everybody is an expert in the field of politics. I'm not condemning anyone and I find it amusing to see people politically engaged and exercising freedom of speech as each campaigns for his or her chosen candidates. As an exercise of democracy, the elections play a significant role in bringing out the voice of the masses by putting into positions the persons voted by the majority.

In the process, instead of cute cat videos and satirical "must make it until payday" memes, we see a lot of posts on the recently held debates. For once, as the fate of the nation hinges on the upcoming elections, and as people's votes are all equal regardless of social rank and status, it is nowhere in Philippine history where the exercise of democracy is thus manifested. This is aside from the organized People Power/ EDSA revolutions that ousted from power those deemed incompetent to run the country though funny how one still became Mayor of Manila after being removed from power.

Also in the process we see a lot of online bickering. People easily get carried away and we see friends turning into foes simply because they support different candidates. And here we see one of the ugly aspects of democracy: people become so engrossed in their idea of freedom, in their idea of what constitutes as "best"and become tyrants themselves, tyrants in the sense that they seek to dominate everything and prove people wrong when in fact, they themselves are not infallible. Countless times I had to resist the urge to counter these posts but I'd rather keep my peace and not engage. I still think that we need unity more than ever if we are to propel this nation to greatness and instilling conflicts definitely does not help.

Which then makes me think about how different the Philippines is compared to other Southeast Asian nations. We are never a mindful people, and we never care for rules. We are all little anarchists under the guide of a democratic system imposed on us by the West (i.e. USA). Imagine what could have been were Buddhism gained a major footing in this country. Then there will be tolerance and respect. (Of course this is just, broadly speaking, an observation. Being Buddhist does not necessarily mean being tolerant of others as we have seen in Sri Lanka and Myanmar where religious violence takes place.)

Which also reminds me of quotidian politics. In any group or organization, there will always be people who will create rifts in order to gain allies in case he/ she will need to mobilize people. This divide will rest on commonalities and more often than not, bitches (i.e. mean girls though boys are also capable of this) will unite and create an "enemy" by means of othering. I have seen manifestations of this and more so in the workplace. What is funny though is that you will hear them bash each other when one is not present but when they come together they seem like the best of friends. Oh well. (This is admittedly a digression and I can't help but write about this...)

So campaign for your candidates with all your heart and soul. It is your right. But never forget that in doing so, you should not expect a reward because for your chosen candidate, your existence is negligible. Never forget that having respect for your friends and for their choices, absurd as they may be, should be top priority. Practice respect, tolerance, and humility.

And speaking of, I have yet to make a final decision... @.@

Pila, Laguna 04092015

April 9 is Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor; commemorates the fall of Bataan during World War 2... As we are talking about the supposedly joint forces of Filipino and American soldiers against the Japanese forces, I cannot help but be angered at how the Americans made a mess of our history to portray themselves as allies when it fact they were, and still are, colonizers and imperialists!). I chose not to work so that I can join my new friends in mapping Pila, a historic and heritage town in Laguna.

Pila Church: San Antonio de Padua Church, taken late in the afternoon after raining. Lovely effects.

It was a good decision since Pila was also where the 2014 fieldschool took place, except I wasn't part of it although I would have wanted to. We discovered an old bridge, a Gabaldon inside the school, an old church and convent currently being renovated, ruins of an old church, and of course have my picture taken finally at Pagsanjan Arch. We capped the day with a lovely dinner at Calle Arco. It's got sizzling tofu which is a great fave of mine. C ordered that and I had chicken burrito. YUM!!!

Too bad we didn't get inside the museum. It was closed on weekends. HMPH!

monument

Pila Church retablo and altar

Pila Church choir loft

Pila Church marker

Pagalangan Ruins: an church used to stand in the site but was relocated because of flooding; the site was near a lake

my two companions are lucky to have this pic taken from under the Puente Sta. Clara-Norte: I descended to further inspect what's under the bridge

marker of an old Spanish-era well

an old Spanish well inside a private property: the waters are allegedly so clean in the morning that it is fit for drinking

where I had fake bulalo without knowing it because I was so hungry: Instead of beef, they used pork. Ugh!

Formation House

antique collection of a heritage house owner: I'm always lucky to be invited inside to see antique stuff :)

Pila Municipal Hall

a heritage house in Art Deco style which appeared in one of the Nissin wafers TVC

Gabaldon building

FPJ Movies

Lately I have been seeing a lot of Fernando Poe Jr.'s movies. I'm no big fan but I might reconsider.

The past two months, FPJ and Robin Padilla movies have been showing inside public buses. I never had the chance to watch the entire films though but then what I've seen is enough to note that these movies hold great importance especially these days.

Just today, while having lunch, my brother was complaining about how unrealistic Filipino action movies are. In real life, you wouldn't expect a single person to enter enemy's territory with many armed men, he comments. True that.

In my view though, of whatever I caught on TV, these old movies are relevant because of the themes they explore. Most deal with issues on indigenous peoples' ancestral domains, building peace with our Muslim brothers, exploitation of the environment, and corrupt politicians. And then I got into thinking, how come nowadays we don't have these kind of socially relevant films and instead focus on those stupid rom-coms. Lately, too, we see a lot of movies on extramarital affairs, a reflection perhaps of what an urban Filipino family is like today.

Or maybe infidelity has always been the unspoken norm. As my other brother correctly observes when I complained about not having decent local movies to watch with all those infidelity-themed flicks, Filipinos are way too emotional and give in to feelings far too easily. @.@ [I wonder if that is based on his own experiences...]

I just hope, and I would like to shout out to the local movie industry not to waste money on tried and tested formulaic romance movies and instead, create movies on social justice. The media giants must make it their responsibility to instill awareness on the people about very complex and very real issues the Philippines and the world still face today: environmental degradation, abuse of power, human rights violation, food shortage, overconsumerism, etc.

We have seen Heneral Luna. We have spread memes on "Bayan o sarili?" But all those are just paying lip service, a mindless participation in a trending bandwagon. How many of us have voiced out our opposition to landgrabbing activities? How many of us have stopped to listen to what the IP's are saying? How many of us are doing our part, even just a small part, to build peace? How many of us are at least in the know about the latest killings in relation to landgrabbing attempts in several parts of the country?

We don't know. Because we've been dumbed down by the media. We all fall prey to the evils of the world because we don't actively pursue the truth. It's saddening, to have people live in absolute ignorance by means of cheap shallow entertainment which do not add value nor increase the quality of life of the general population. It's frustrating, to see those in power and those in position to do nothing but reap benefits for themselves, forgetting why such posts are created in the first place. It's debilitating, to know you could have done more but you can only do so much. :(

Lingayen: Pangasinan Mapping Part 1

Last March, I was set to go to Laguna to map on my own because my buddy was too busy to accompany me and I was already worried I might not be able to meet the requirements and May was fast approaching. But during a meeting, a fellow volunteer whom I hardly talk to and who also had problems setting schedules with her buddy asked me if we could go map together instead. Since I also wanted to map Pangasinan mainly because it's a big province with many towns which means many churches, I happily said yes!

We had misadventures while in the bus terminal, being uninformed of the schedules. So we had to try the inconvenient way (i.e. lots of commutes instead of just one comfy bus ride). It doesn't help that the bus we took had very uncomfortable seats, you wouldn't be able to sleep a wink! So when we arrived at Lingayen, the first thing we did was check in at President Hotel then set out to map while it wasn't that hot yet.

Epiphany of Our Lord Parish Church, Lingayen

In the middle of mapping we stopped by for halo-halo break and because the small kiosk was strategically located under a comfy shade, both of us almost slept right then and there. When we couldn't take it anymore, we decided to go back to President Hotel for early lunch and it was funny how both of us fell asleep while in the dining room and the waiter had to call us and strike the porcelain bowls like gongs many times just to wake us up. Of course I was already in a bad mood then because I hate not getting much shut-eye.

We ate in silence and after that, headed to our room. I took my much-needed afternoon nap while my partner recharged her phones and was busy contacting the tourism officer assigned to help us out. At least I got some 30 minutes nap before we set out to map again. :)

The mapping activity bore fruits so I quickly forgot about the heat and how tired I am. We saw two Gabaldon buildings inside Pangasinan National High School!!! And how I love the arches!

One of the two Gabaldon buildings inside Pangasinan National High School

 Aside from heritage houses, we also found the ruins of an old colegio for girls. It is now enclosed in a private property but we were allowed to go check the ruins. Only the structural framework was left since the Dominican sisters ripped out materials from the edifice to construct a new school somewhere in San Manuel town.

ruins of the Colegio del Santissimo Rosario

Other heritage structures of note are of course the Municipal Hall which is the most beautiful of all that I've ever laid eyes on. Bonus is that people can go inside and be awed at how elegant the interiors are. Another good thing about Lingayen City is that you rarely see people smoke and the area is very clean. It doesn't feel like one is in the Philippines LOL! I wish all towns and cities will follow Lingayen's example.

interiors of the Municipal Hall

 We were also surprised to find an auditorium which is dubbed as "CCP of the North". I hope eventually they cultivate classical music or better yet, folk or local music. I would love to attend performances here one day.

Sison Auditorium

It was also my first time to go inside a prison house. It was an old structure and we were able to glimpse the life of prisoners there. At least they are being productive by engaging in craft-making activities which are sold as souvenirs. Bonus is that the main materials used are used plastic bottles.

At night, my buddy and I spent considerable time at the beach lying on the sands and just talking about different things. It's our getting-to-know-each-other moment and I was happy to find an old soul. I hope we get to be real friends for life. Except our bonding moment was ruined because mosquitoes were suddenly flocking towards us and at the end of the night I got a LOT of bites. Ugh!

beautiful sunrise at Lingayen beach

 The following day we rose up early to catch the sunrise at the beach. It was beautiful. Lingayen Beach is one of those underrated beaches.

sweets at Pasalubong Center

 Before we left Lingayen for another town, we stopped by the Pasalubong Center. I bought 3 bottled bangus and all of these were wonderfully made. They can even rival foreign brands!

bottled bangus

 Also it was a delight to see that Pangasinan boasts of many other crafts as well:

bamboo speakers

swords

bags

cleaning materials

 Let's buy LOCAL!

Next: Binmaley: Pangasinan Mapping Part 1

Norte, The End of History 07202014

At the onset of the film, one can immediately feel that Norte, The End of History is not an ordinary film. With dialogues on philosophy centering on morality, revolutions, and the fate of the nation, one will immediately be mentally alert for what is to come in the film's narratives. Spanning four hours in length, the film explores the current state of the Philippines and provides a theory on the unequal wealth distribution, the unreliable judicial system, and social disintegration and eventual decadence.

Fabian (Sid Lucero) quits law school despite constant encouragement from friends and his sister to continue his studies since they believe in his intellectual prowess and in his passion for reforms. Heavily in debt to a moneylender (Mae Paner) whom he sees as capitalism personified for the latter's lack of compassion to people who owe her money and for her manipulative ways to extort more from the poor, Fabian kills her and her teenage daughter one day. The blame is pinned on poor Joaquin, however, when earlier he visits the moneylender and slams DVDs to her face for her refusal to give back his wife's ring.

The film alternates between Fabian's story and Joaquin's family. It captures how Joaquin's wife Eliza (Angeli Bayani) does her best to raise their children when Joaquin was incarcerated for a wrong he did not commit. Being ignorant of the law, Eliza was not able to make an appeal for her husband, and we also see why the judicial system fails due to incomprehensible procedures which the lay person, or in particular, the uneducated masses, cannot make sense of. It doesn't help that those who have the power to save lives, the lawyers, neglect their duties and ignore the lower classes who have the most need of them. 

While in jail, Joaquin retains his innate goodness and humanity as he strives to help his fellow prisoners. This in contrast to the murderer on the loose Fabian who is slowly being driven to insanity. He rapes his sister and kills his pet dog, disturbing scenes though not explicitly graphic as Lav Diaz chose to show these offscreen leaving much to the audience's imagination. 

In the end, we are told of Fabian's family's background. He and his sister were left in the care of househelp while their parents are working abroad. This is again in sharp contrast to Joaquin's family. Both Eliza and Joaquin decided to stay and rear their own children, prioritizing family over a good life with work abroad. In the end though, Eliza dies in a bus accident on her way back to the North after visiting her husband in jail in Manila. 

Indeed, it is the end of history. The pessimism evoked by the film, that no matter what we do, the extremes will come running after us and eventually destroy the social fabric and eventually, the country.

**********************************************

Watched this with a fellow volunteer in the Wiki Project. I was having thoughts on whether to watch this or not but receiving an invite from him helped me make up my mind. We chatted a lot on many things, from our dreams and aspirations, to things we want to do, over dinner at Gilligan's in Greenbelt. (I found the servings too small and the beef was tough. HMPH!) It was good to be back in Makati. Just more than two months from the time I resigned from work there, I found the place a bit unfamiliar already. 

On the way home, passing by the same route I used to take after work, I snapped a few photos. The rain, the lights from buildings and cars on a busy street, the sound of the train coming and going... somewhat nostalgic.

MUNI Biyaheng Lokal Quiz Night 04112014

In my student days, I was an avid fan of quizbees. It all started in grade school when I was suddenly selected to participate in Battle of the Brains and after winning we were rewarded with a cash prize. It opened me to the idea of winning money through general trivia and putting to good use my knowledge of many facts gained from reading the encyclopedia and fiction.

Last night was the first time in many years that I joined again a quizbee. This time, it's all about travel since I've taken up the hobby two years ago after quitting school and gaining a full time job. Since I travel to know more about the culture, history, and the health of environment of the places I visit and since I also consider myself an environmentalist, I wanted to take this opportunity to get to know like-minded people who care about social enterprise, free trade, responsible travel, and sustainable tourism. Another goal is to win awesome prizes, too, since according to their Facebook fan page, tour package prizes are also up for grabs. Now this is perfect since I'm itching to travel soon but my financial situation hasn't improved yet.

And I'm more than happy to have attended the event last night. Never mind that the venue was in Katipunan (friends know I hate going there because it's hard to commute), all I thought about was perhaps there's something I could learn by just being there. Indeed, I discovered there are very active groups out there which have been on the move to make this country a better place. I was like, WOW! More than inspired, I'm dared to move!

see that? My name tag says "A1"... coz I was the very first one to arrive at the scene (I was that excited!)

The event was not possible without the following generous sponsors:
Route +63
Trail adventours
TriboCo. Kultura Kamp
Brownman Surf
Culture Shock PH
Lagu
Gouache
TALA LUNA
Moonleaf Tea Shop
RuMe Philippines
Kawil Tours (The Culion-Coron Palawan Expeditions)
Brown Belly
Jertie's Kitchen and Brown Sugar Pastries

But of course, thanks to MUNI PH for organizing this wonderful event. Hoping for more to come.

Solo Travel 1: Ilocos

Back last night from a solo trip from Ilocos. It was my first time to do it. My parents thought I was with a friend; I couldn't tell them the truth but they assumed I was with someone. I was afraid they'd say no, despite having proven myself capable of wandering and finding my way home in Hong Kong. Still, they insist, HK is different from the Philippines. Here danger lurks everywhere. So when I arrived home last night after a 10-hour bus ride, I was greeted by a brief sermon about my solo gallivanting, reminding me of the Davantes case, etc.

Touchdown Laoag airport: More than an hour's delay due to weather turbulence causing zero visibility

It didn't help when I told them I didn't go out at night and I was always back inside my room in the hotel before 6pm. I think they do understand something about me now, that I can get extra restless, (hopefully not reckless...) and that from time to time, I need a breath of fresh air from the countryside because sadly, I suffer in this urban jungle called Metro Manila. I wish to one day be able to procure a land and develop it into a farm and create a sustainable way of life while enjoying my books and nature around me. If Thoreau was able to do it, I don't see why I can't.

Three nights of sleeping without a companion and three days spent mostly on the road with strangers on public vehicles, I felt more independent, more alive, more free, more contemplative. In my travels early this year, I learned the art of communicating with locals. I ought to thank my training in archaeology for this because it was during our fieldschool when I first discovered how friendly the locals really are, and how they can make your trip more worthwhile by suggesting to you things you don't get to see or experience when you opt to book a tour from agencies. In travelling solo, you exercise full agency, you have complete control of time and resources, you can go from one place to another without worrying about companion/s. 

But the road can also get lonely. 

On the upside, it forced me to really get to know other people. I chatted with the manager of the restaurant in the hotel I stayed in who is from Cagayan Valley. I chatted with the lovely ladies of Ilocos Norte Museum who both admired my courage in travelling on my own. I chatted with the guide in Syquia Mansion in Vigan and one of the descendants of the Syquia family. I chatted and interviewed a National Museum official in Burgos Museum. I chatted with a passenger who works as a mascot and who sat beside me in the bus on my way back to Manila. I was humbled by their stories, I was inspired by their own travels, and I was warmed by their willingness to open up to me, a complete stranger.

I have spent some time in a beach in Pasuquin. While most visitors go to Pagudpud for the white beaches there (I saw many pictures on the internet and I too, want to go there but because of the typhoon, I decided to go to a much calmer beach instead.) I was totally alone in the beach, but I was pleasantly surprised when a dog followed me and kept me company. He was such a sweet dog.

My sole companion in a secluded beach in Nalvo, Pasuquin

My Ilocos trip was different in that I didn't visit the usual places a visitor must go to. Instead, I focused on my two great interests: churches and museums. Since renting a tricycle was costly, I decided to travel like a local and take the jeepney and/or bus. I prayed in each church I visited. Not that I am a super religious Catholic, it's more of a trip in search of spirituality and meaning. I am awed at the magnificent churches of Ilocos. Paoay Church truly lives up to expectations. But there's also Bantay Church and Sta. Monica Church. I even attended mass in Ilokano at Vigan Cathedral just to get a feel of the local way.

Sunday mass celebrated in St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral (aka Vigan Cathedral)

At night yes, I get scared. Sometimes I think there are ghosts with me in the room. It sounds creepy but for comfort, I always quote to myself Psalm 23: "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. (...) I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

I can't say that having been through it all, I felt a lot better. But I did feel a certain kind of calm, a tenderness that says "all will be well, do not worry."

So in the coming days, my posts will be about my journey in Ilocos. 

I wish I had read these before I went on my trip:
http://www.vagabondish.com/beat-loneliness-solo-travel/
http://www.ndoherty.com/travel/
http://www.candaceroserardon.com/2012/07/loneliness-on-the-road/
http://www.wanderingearl.com/feeling-lost-confused-lonely-while-traveling/

Or maybe having not read these was helpful for me to get to know myself better and to see for myself how I would behave when put in situations I have been in. I threw my life to the winds again, and I  discovered things I had never known before, things that cannot be learned under any other circumstances.*

*(in reply to an article I submitted to Youngblood two years ago)

update: See where I went to and what I did

From Multiply 082: In a Pensive Mood...

After more than two weeks of vacation, I find myself in dire need of some physical exercise. To be confined to a monotonous routine of working and sleeping is the worst form of torture there is. Okay, I did have the much-needed opportunity to read more books for my thesis but knowing that it's for the completion of that much-dreaded thesis work got me all pressured with note-taking on the side and making sure I understand the texts that my eyes follow. Such tedious work, really. But it will be a great exercise for me, an Iska, who will one day tread the path of a researcher. Never mind that my thesis project is not in any way connected to the Philippines per se, but I'm sure it'll be useful in the future, I hope.

The whole Christmas break had been a depressing one for me, with lots of inner conflicts stirring my mind into turbulence. It was supposed to be a season to rejoice, to forget one's worries, to spread love... But hey, what love? I've grown cold, indifferent, apathetic, remorseful. To confess, I have this almost insane desire to annihilate everything. Were I Kali, that war goddess clothed in blood, or Shiva, her husband, I could have easily brought about the destruction of the world. For what reasons, you ask? For the very reason that man has become wiser in his own eyes and strays from the wisdom, seeking to make life better but only making it miserable in the process. The world has become a living hell, the product of man's incessant abuses and foolishness.

I long for the mountains and the beaches I have visited in the past. I long for the squishy mud, the sudden cold and the eventual warmth I would feel after burying my feet under it. I long for the cool soft earth, the smell of the earth that gives me a renewed sense of being. I hate all the cemented ground. The whole stretch of EDSA, Quezon Avenue, major roads, and now even narrow ones. Why pave all with cement? When the hot glaring sun is out, we all suffer as if we were being baked inside an oven. To not be with nature indeed is bad, but to be with insensible creatures is even worse; it is hell.

I remember when I was a freshie, I loved walking from Kalay to the archery range during the months of January and February. Back then, the weather was cool and refreshing, with the sweet smell of plants perfuming the atmosphere. One big bonus is the presence of clouds which shield me (okay, us) from the hateful rays of the sun. Truly a delight to go for a walk, especially with occasional falling leaves--- the perfect way to fall in love. (But as you all know, dear readers, yours truly is unfortunately single.) And fall in love I did, with nature, naturally! (Now who needs a boyfriend? =P )

But now, it's all so different. I have to walk a long mile under the hot hot, ULTRA hot sun. Damn it! No cool winds to soothe my burning skin. No friendly clouds to block the sun. And no sweet rain with the smell of sweet earth, to accompany me in this cursed world. This really is the RED DUST, a place of torment, where every pleasure is mere illusion. Where is my paradise???

And yet here I am, thrown into this unregenerate world, forced to mingle with fellow humans, if they really ARE human beings. Methinks they are monsters with human flesh and human appearance. I have surely become a misanthrope. Or raher, I reverted back to being a misanthrope, the me before I started high school. It disgusts me now to even think that I changed into someone who LOVES people when I was in HS which lasted until the end of my freshman year in college. Now I'm just cynical, pessimistic, apathetic even. I can't help it. I want to get away from civilization, do as Thoreau did, do what Rousseau dreamed. But where? Where to start life anew? Seems like pretty much everything's been contaminated with the filth of lowly creatures who call themselves human beings. Myself included in this pathetic tirade.

So much as I would have liked to say that everything's back to normal (meaning I'm a student again which I love being), I will have to refuse to say so. I'm back to school, back to my beloved library with its collection of old dusty books, back to reading lots, back to the best learning environment (IMO), back to sleepless nights, back to meeting demands, back to wakinng up early in the morning... Yes, I'm back to normal. BUt I have to alienate myself from my environment for it has certainly become NOT normal.

Jan 5, '10 10:34 AM
for Miracle's friends, Miracle's family and Miracle's online buddies

From Multiply 044: On Cory and Democracy

Yesterday, the Filipinos were united once again, not for another EDSA Revolution, but for former president Cory Aquino who finally succumbed to colon cancer. I was fascinated to see hundreds of thousands of people on the streets waiting for the funeral procession to pass. Here is a final gesture of love and respect to someone who served the country well and who in her humility, compassion, grace and piety, has built a fine example of what a leader should be.

Accompanied by the national mourning for the loss of a beloved mother are innumerable accounts of the former president's admirable character. From Conrado de Quiros' memory of Cory's visits to his mother's wake, to Ambeth Ocampo's securing of a signed photo from the president, to the coup leaders who tried to unseat the seemingly incapable housewife but who came to acknowledge her as the legitimate head of state, one cannot help but feel a sense of admiration for this humble woman, who turned to God in turbulent times, and found strength in her weakness.

Despite the continuous rain showers, people were adamant and refused to leave their posts, wishing only to be present at the funeral of a beloved leader. This, for me, is an answer to those to threaten democracy, as Cory has come to symbolize that power and freedom of the people, an answer to the blatant thirst for power by an evil dwarfish creature with a big mole on her face.

A while ago, we discuss this in class. A classmate says that people believe that Cory's death is a clear omen of what is to come, that is, the death of democracy. I didn't have the chance to retort that democracy does not die. As long as Cory's memories live in the hearts of Filipinos, as long as we unite and with one heart seek an end to the problems of the country, surely, we shall prevail. Who says Cory died? She didn't. She just transceneded the physical realm but she is still with us, as long as we want her to be.

Surely, she is not only the epitome of democracy, but also an excellent example of someone who lives his/ her faith. I lament that although the Philippines is a catholic country, it is one of the most corrupt, not to mention, indifferent to Mother Nature. Hypocrisy was not in Cory's vocabulary. Let us emulate her character.

With this important event in our history, I can only say, "Arise, Filipinos, awaken from your deep and ignorant slumber, and strive for the betterment of the Mother Country!"

I wonder what GMA's death funeral would be like?

Aug 6, '09 9:24 AM
for Miracle's network

It's More Fun in the Philippines?

It's in the frontpage. The new slogan of the Department of Tourism was met by criticisms for its adoption of the 1951 slogan of Switzerland.

The question is, is it really more fun in the Philippines?

Being a citizen of this country for a little more than a score, I would have to say that it depends on where in the Philippines you are in. Having the opportunity to have a month-long trip to a province in the south made me see how beautiful the countryside is. Lots of trees, very few people, fresh foods... And what they say about Filipinos being hospitable and friendly is definitely true.

Being in Metro Manila has its perks because it's the urban center. But it also has many drawbacks. For one, there's the issue of congestion which results in more pollution. These days, I can no longer go outside without covering my nose because of the dust and smoke. Everywhere you go in the metro, you will see garbage. I always am in awe at how indifferent the average Filipino is to his environment and to his fellow Filipinos. There's also the perennially annoying heavy traffic mostly caused by public vehicles who think they own the roads.

Many times I think of going abroad and stay there for the rest of my life, seeing that ours is a hopeless country beset by the same problems we have been contending with for many years now. Many times over we are told that we lack discipline. But knowing this does not amount to anything when not coupled by immediate action. In school, since elementary days we  are taught to care for the environment, but growing up we seem to have forgotten the main reason why we are taught thus. In school, I remind my students to throw their trash in proper trash bins and I am ashamed to learn that a fellow teacher herself does not hesitate to throw food wrappers out to the streets. While on board jeepneys, I am horrified whenever I see parents telling their kids to just throw out candy wrappers and such. I don't see the fun there. Even those who received formal schooling turns out to be uneducated after all. And this, I keep on telling my students--- that true education goes beyond the diploma and high grades, that true education is being a man of the self and a man for others, someone who not only knows how to think but also someone who cares for others. And I do not have to say that in taking care of our environment, we also take care of ourselves.

“Way Back Home”

It has been a long time since I watched a Pinoy film with a family theme. The last great drama would probably have to be “Ama, Ina, Anak” which tells the story of a young girl (Angelica Panganiban) adopted by a wealthy couple who later on were able to have a child of their own. Seeing the newborn infant as attention grabber and the reason why her foster parents suddenly paid her little attention, the adopted daughter once tried to kill the baby. The father (Edu Manzano) was of course enraged when he learned of this. The movie ended with a lot of drama and I think it’s the first Pinoy film to ever make me cry. 

“Way Back Home” stars Julia Montes and Kathryn Bernardo as sisters Jessica and Joana Santiago respectively. While young, Joana was separated from the family by accident while on vacation at a beach resort. She was finally adopted by a poor family in a coastal area and grew up to be a bubbly girl. Jessica, on the other hand, suffers from guilt and rejection from her mother (Agot Isidro) who regarded her as the primary reason for the disappearance of Joana. This in turn made Jessica bitter and envious of the attention their mother lavished on Joana when the latter was finally found. 

Both girls do well in school and are excellent swimmers. Now Jessica has always been popular in school. That is, until her sister attended the same school and beat her in academics. Joana, being her adopted town’s top swimmer, also emerged champion in a swimming contest thereby ruining Jessica’s winning streak. To top it all, Jessica’s friend (Sam Concepcion) whom she spurned as a lover has been paying more attention to Joana. Feeling that Joana has returned to snatch away all her happiness, Jessica can’t help but feel more annoyed at her younger sister. 

While on a retreat, Jessica dared Joana to a race at the sea. She almost drowned were it not for her younger sister who obviously won the race. After that, they patched things up and everything turned out well when everyone found forgiveness. For instance, their mother finally realized her negligence toward her elder daughter.

This movie has a lot of tearjerker scenes. For instance, the flashback scenes of the two sisters’ childhood in a heavy contrast to the present them would certainly tug at one’s heartstrings. Also everytime Jessica attempts to gain her mother’s affection only to be shown coldness and indifference is something every unfavored child would certainly relate to. But the most touching scene of all is towards the end when everyone finally finds peace and acceptance.

Like all supposedly heavy drama, this film does not lack a witty humor. Fish jokes are central to the movie mainly because Joana sells fish when she’s not in school, and also because living in a coastal town entails fishing as the main source of livelihood. One particular joke I like is during the swimming competition when Joana tells her friend (Enrique Gil) that she’s dying, a pun to daing (dried fish), because of extreme nervousness. I also like the inclusion of the chubby Clarence Delgado who plays the foster younger brother of Joana who extremely idolizes her.

Another thing I like about this movie is its usage of a poem with double interpretations to illustrate the state of the two sisters. On a literal level, Jessica’s teacher and classmates read it as her expression of her desire to find her long lost sister. But AJ (Sam Concepcion) tells her that she’s actually talking about herself in the poem and what a hypocrite she is. Literature is rarely used in Pinoy films and I must commend this movie for doing so. 

Concerning Bernardo and Montes, who also starred in the TV series remake Mara Clara, I must say that Julia Montes indeed is perfect to play the troubled kontrabida with her mestiza looks and her seemingly snobbish charm. Bernardo, on the other hand, has improved a little in this movie. Though truth be told, I feel that they still hold the remnants of their Mara Clara days which make it easier for them since Bernardo plays the aping bida for the second time.

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Regarding Julia Montes, she will be starring in another primetime series on ABS-CBN with Coco Martin in Walang Hanggan. Coco Martin, whom I fondly call Kukurukuku, is also one actor I admire for his thespic talents especially after Minsan lang Kita Iibigin where he played dual roles. Walang Hanggan will surely not to be missed. (And if ever I do because of work, I’ll just ask my sisters for summaries since I’m racing against time to finish many things.)