Since I had been getting two daily newsbriefs from the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), I decided to share the same to bloggers who may want a concise national update of what's happening in the country. SLB is based in Ateneo de Manila University with a vast network of organizations scattered across the country.
Please access it at slb-newsbrief.blogspot.com.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Friday, October 21, 2005
GALENGA TALAGA NIYA GYUD, UY!
How can one distinguish a Davaoeno to a Cebuano? Or to a Cagayanon? Difficult? Easy. Davaoenos are one of the most unique people in the world. We can easily stand out if we are placed in a crowd of Filipinos from other parts of the country. And how, you say? Language.
Davao City, aptly called the melting pot of cultures, is home to many dialects. Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilonggo, Ilocano, Chavacano, Moslem, Bicolano. Name it, we'll speak it. If the Filipino language is a composition of all the dialects and languages in the Philippines, you might as well say that the language we speak in Davao City is the real Filipino language, and not Tagalog.
However, since it is a hodgepodge of different tongues, it is sometimes funny to hear our language "bastardizing", for lack of better word, the other dialects. Strangely, that distinguishes us from the rest. Try these.
In stating a fact, Manilenos say, "Talagang mabait si Weng." In Davao, we say. "Mabait bitaw gyud si Weng". Too assertive? One asks, "Ano nga `yong pangalan mo?". In Davao we say, "Ano gani `yong pangalan (or worst, ngalan) mo?". When somebody commits a mistake or surprises someone, we always never fail to say, "Halaka!". Duh.
We are fond of re-constructing the language. There's the GI+ verb, such as,"Gisabi kasi ni Helen na mag-absent si Bernerd bukas", or "Ginanon ni Lalai si Belinda sa mukha". You'll never find "ginanon" in any dictionary, I swear to God. There's the KA+ adjective, as in, "Kaputi gyud ng mukha ni Yang-yang" or "Kapayat gyud ni Jason ngayon." The MAKA + verb form, such as, "Maka-inis talaga si Albert, uy!" or "Maka-uwi talaga ako ng matagal ngayon". The NAG+ verb, as in,"Nagsabi kasi si Tita Prescy na pupunta daw tayo ng airport" or "Hindi pa man siya nagdating, uy!"
Adding new words or new meanings to old words to the dictionary is one of our favorite past time.
NAKIN: "Alam man nakin `yan ba!", "Saan nakin kita nakita gani?".
KU-AN: "Ku- an daw ang gawin mo", "Si ku-an kasi ano masyado". (No sense at all.)
ANO: "Na-ano ka diyan, Bryan!", "Ano man yan si Van, uy!".
HA: "Lake-ha na ng tiyan ni Lulu uy!", "Gwapa-ha niya uy!"
BEH: "Sige daw beh, dare!", "Pakipasa daw ng ballpen ni Tzaris beh".
KAY: "Huwag na, Wowie, kay nandito naman si Norma", "Umupo ka muna kay
nasa-CR pa si Elma."
To express disgust over someone, we utter, "Gago kaba diay para maniwala sa kanya", or "Ano man yan siya uy!", or "Maka-inis man yan siya, uy!", or when pestered when doing something, you'd quip,"Huwag lagi ba!" On the other hand, when we praise somebody's extra special deed or talent, our Davaoeno tongue slips words like,"Kuyaw lagi `yan siya!", "Galenga niya uy!", "Ayusa niya uy!", "Kuyawa ni Orly uy!" or "Hindi ako makatu-o sa ginawa niya!" . Hay, makatawa talaga. Ooops!
There are just so too many words to mention. Just check out the words you spew everyday. Sometimes you just laugh at yourself when you realize that you've just said those very words. No matter how long you stay in Manila or in the States, the moment you're back to Davao, your tongue feels as at home as you do. Language is the very soul of every being. You just can't do anything about it. Or as how we say it,"Anohin man natin yan?"
Davao City, aptly called the melting pot of cultures, is home to many dialects. Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilonggo, Ilocano, Chavacano, Moslem, Bicolano. Name it, we'll speak it. If the Filipino language is a composition of all the dialects and languages in the Philippines, you might as well say that the language we speak in Davao City is the real Filipino language, and not Tagalog.
However, since it is a hodgepodge of different tongues, it is sometimes funny to hear our language "bastardizing", for lack of better word, the other dialects. Strangely, that distinguishes us from the rest. Try these.
In stating a fact, Manilenos say, "Talagang mabait si Weng." In Davao, we say. "Mabait bitaw gyud si Weng". Too assertive? One asks, "Ano nga `yong pangalan mo?". In Davao we say, "Ano gani `yong pangalan (or worst, ngalan) mo?". When somebody commits a mistake or surprises someone, we always never fail to say, "Halaka!". Duh.
We are fond of re-constructing the language. There's the GI+ verb, such as,"Gisabi kasi ni Helen na mag-absent si Bernerd bukas", or "Ginanon ni Lalai si Belinda sa mukha". You'll never find "ginanon" in any dictionary, I swear to God. There's the KA+ adjective, as in, "Kaputi gyud ng mukha ni Yang-yang" or "Kapayat gyud ni Jason ngayon." The MAKA + verb form, such as, "Maka-inis talaga si Albert, uy!" or "Maka-uwi talaga ako ng matagal ngayon". The NAG+ verb, as in,"Nagsabi kasi si Tita Prescy na pupunta daw tayo ng airport" or "Hindi pa man siya nagdating, uy!"
Adding new words or new meanings to old words to the dictionary is one of our favorite past time.
NAKIN: "Alam man nakin `yan ba!", "Saan nakin kita nakita gani?".
KU-AN: "Ku- an daw ang gawin mo", "Si ku-an kasi ano masyado". (No sense at all.)
ANO: "Na-ano ka diyan, Bryan!", "Ano man yan si Van, uy!".
HA: "Lake-ha na ng tiyan ni Lulu uy!", "Gwapa-ha niya uy!"
BEH: "Sige daw beh, dare!", "Pakipasa daw ng ballpen ni Tzaris beh".
KAY: "Huwag na, Wowie, kay nandito naman si Norma", "Umupo ka muna kay
nasa-CR pa si Elma."
To express disgust over someone, we utter, "Gago kaba diay para maniwala sa kanya", or "Ano man yan siya uy!", or "Maka-inis man yan siya, uy!", or when pestered when doing something, you'd quip,"Huwag lagi ba!" On the other hand, when we praise somebody's extra special deed or talent, our Davaoeno tongue slips words like,"Kuyaw lagi `yan siya!", "Galenga niya uy!", "Ayusa niya uy!", "Kuyawa ni Orly uy!" or "Hindi ako makatu-o sa ginawa niya!" . Hay, makatawa talaga. Ooops!
There are just so too many words to mention. Just check out the words you spew everyday. Sometimes you just laugh at yourself when you realize that you've just said those very words. No matter how long you stay in Manila or in the States, the moment you're back to Davao, your tongue feels as at home as you do. Language is the very soul of every being. You just can't do anything about it. Or as how we say it,"Anohin man natin yan?"
Monday, September 19, 2005
Sounding Board : The Charter change foreign lobby
First posted 11:51pm (Mla time) Sept 18, 2005
By Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J.
Inquirer News Service
Editor's Note: Published on page A15 of the September 19, 2005 issue
of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
THE MORE NORBERTO GONZALES TRIES TO explain his lobbying contract with
an American law firm, the more ridiculous he looks. "Ridiculous,"
however, is not enough to characterize what has been done.
"Treasonous" might come closer.
The first task which the contract gives to the American lobbying group
is to "(s)ecure grants or congressional earmarks for support of the
Charter change initiative of the President of the Philippines, which
would reshape the form of government in the Philippines from its
current structure into a parliamentary federal system." Gonzales tried
to cover this up by suggesting that what was more important in the
contract was the task of seeking a "capability enhancement program for
the Armed Forces of the Philippines." The paragraph on capability
enhancement, however, comes almost as an afterthought; or more
correctly, as a camouflage.
What is being sought is the opposite of the patriotic efforts of
Filipino leaders' lobbying in the United States Congress, in the early
'30s, for a more honorable Independence Law. Malacañang owes it to the
Filipino people to disclose the full story behind this act to subvert
the independence of local efforts to revise the fundamental law. The
Constitution guarantees the "right of the people to information on
matters of public concern." Foreign involvement in the revision of our
Constitution is a matter of paramount public concern. It cannot be
said that the subject is one of those matters to which public access
to information may be limited. The subject does not involve "state
secrets regarding military, diplomatic and other national security,"
even if it involves principally the political aspirations of certain
public figures.
Significantly, there is this constitutional rule about financial
contributions from foreign governments: "Financial contributions from
foreign governments and their agencies to political parties,
organizations, coalitions, or candidates related to elections
constitute interference in national affairs, and, when accepted, shall
be an additional ground for the cancellation of their registration
with the Commission, in addition to other penalties that may be
prescribed by law." The proscription of financial contribution to
political parties from foreign governments is designed to insulate the
electoral process from foreign interference. Accepting such
contribution comes close to being treasonous.
The evil becomes magnified when the intended object of interference is
the re-crafting of the fundamental law. If acceptance of contribution
for such object is not explicitly prohibited by the Constitution, it
is not because the Constitution does not see it as an evil but rather
because the evil is so obvious that no thinking person can miss it. In
fact, this is so obvious to many current high-ranking officials that
they have quickly joined in the chorus singing that they know or knew
nothing about it.
As if the sin could be covered by making it private, Gonzales has gone
on to say that public money will not be spent but that money will come
or has come from private individuals. Does a government acquit itself
from a criminal liability simply by enticing goons to do a crime?
I am not saying that the alleged private contributors are goons. They
may be perfectly honorable, if misguided, individuals. But we should
be told, under the right to information on matters of public concern,
who these private individuals are. Are they Filipinos or are they
foreigners? What are their own private interests? This is a matter
that is crying for a public confession and not just a simple
acknowledgment of a lapse in judgment.
If there is anything that we should learn from this caper, it is that
this administration cannot be trusted with orchestrating the revision
of our Constitution. For reasons of its own, whether honorable or not,
it is dead set on forcing a switch to a parliamentary and federal form
of government. The constitutional revision enterprise is a solemnly
sovereign one. It should be insulated from influences that can imprint
on the fundamental law directions that do or can undermine national
interest. We know from our experience in the electoral process that
money can be dangled to deaden consciences. Foreign money should not
be allowed, much less should it be sought, to influence popular
choice.
Betrayal of public trust was the leading accusation against Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo in the impeachment proceeding against her. That
accusation has not been cleared. It has merely been swept under the
rug by a subservient House of Representatives. Now comes this appeal
for financial assistance from a foreign government to subvert the
solemn sovereign task of revising our Constitution. If she had nothing
to do with it, she should disown it promptly. If she is its occult
author, she should rue it publicly.
Several years ago, when the renewal of the Philippine-US Bases
Agreement was the issue, senators stood tall to oppose the President's
desire. The nation cheered. Revising the Constitution can be more
significant and more far-reaching in its effect than the fate of the
US Military Bases in the Philippines. Forces within the current
administration, in their desire to have their way in the amendatory
process, are bent on drowning the Senate in an avalanche of House of
Representatives votes. This is a moment when once again senators
should stand tall
First posted 11:51pm (Mla time) Sept 18, 2005
By Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J.
Inquirer News Service
Editor's Note: Published on page A15 of the September 19, 2005 issue
of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
THE MORE NORBERTO GONZALES TRIES TO explain his lobbying contract with
an American law firm, the more ridiculous he looks. "Ridiculous,"
however, is not enough to characterize what has been done.
"Treasonous" might come closer.
The first task which the contract gives to the American lobbying group
is to "(s)ecure grants or congressional earmarks for support of the
Charter change initiative of the President of the Philippines, which
would reshape the form of government in the Philippines from its
current structure into a parliamentary federal system." Gonzales tried
to cover this up by suggesting that what was more important in the
contract was the task of seeking a "capability enhancement program for
the Armed Forces of the Philippines." The paragraph on capability
enhancement, however, comes almost as an afterthought; or more
correctly, as a camouflage.
What is being sought is the opposite of the patriotic efforts of
Filipino leaders' lobbying in the United States Congress, in the early
'30s, for a more honorable Independence Law. Malacañang owes it to the
Filipino people to disclose the full story behind this act to subvert
the independence of local efforts to revise the fundamental law. The
Constitution guarantees the "right of the people to information on
matters of public concern." Foreign involvement in the revision of our
Constitution is a matter of paramount public concern. It cannot be
said that the subject is one of those matters to which public access
to information may be limited. The subject does not involve "state
secrets regarding military, diplomatic and other national security,"
even if it involves principally the political aspirations of certain
public figures.
Significantly, there is this constitutional rule about financial
contributions from foreign governments: "Financial contributions from
foreign governments and their agencies to political parties,
organizations, coalitions, or candidates related to elections
constitute interference in national affairs, and, when accepted, shall
be an additional ground for the cancellation of their registration
with the Commission, in addition to other penalties that may be
prescribed by law." The proscription of financial contribution to
political parties from foreign governments is designed to insulate the
electoral process from foreign interference. Accepting such
contribution comes close to being treasonous.
The evil becomes magnified when the intended object of interference is
the re-crafting of the fundamental law. If acceptance of contribution
for such object is not explicitly prohibited by the Constitution, it
is not because the Constitution does not see it as an evil but rather
because the evil is so obvious that no thinking person can miss it. In
fact, this is so obvious to many current high-ranking officials that
they have quickly joined in the chorus singing that they know or knew
nothing about it.
As if the sin could be covered by making it private, Gonzales has gone
on to say that public money will not be spent but that money will come
or has come from private individuals. Does a government acquit itself
from a criminal liability simply by enticing goons to do a crime?
I am not saying that the alleged private contributors are goons. They
may be perfectly honorable, if misguided, individuals. But we should
be told, under the right to information on matters of public concern,
who these private individuals are. Are they Filipinos or are they
foreigners? What are their own private interests? This is a matter
that is crying for a public confession and not just a simple
acknowledgment of a lapse in judgment.
If there is anything that we should learn from this caper, it is that
this administration cannot be trusted with orchestrating the revision
of our Constitution. For reasons of its own, whether honorable or not,
it is dead set on forcing a switch to a parliamentary and federal form
of government. The constitutional revision enterprise is a solemnly
sovereign one. It should be insulated from influences that can imprint
on the fundamental law directions that do or can undermine national
interest. We know from our experience in the electoral process that
money can be dangled to deaden consciences. Foreign money should not
be allowed, much less should it be sought, to influence popular
choice.
Betrayal of public trust was the leading accusation against Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo in the impeachment proceeding against her. That
accusation has not been cleared. It has merely been swept under the
rug by a subservient House of Representatives. Now comes this appeal
for financial assistance from a foreign government to subvert the
solemn sovereign task of revising our Constitution. If she had nothing
to do with it, she should disown it promptly. If she is its occult
author, she should rue it publicly.
Several years ago, when the renewal of the Philippine-US Bases
Agreement was the issue, senators stood tall to oppose the President's
desire. The nation cheered. Revising the Constitution can be more
significant and more far-reaching in its effect than the fate of the
US Military Bases in the Philippines. Forces within the current
administration, in their desire to have their way in the amendatory
process, are bent on drowning the Senate in an avalanche of House of
Representatives votes. This is a moment when once again senators
should stand tall
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Cine Europa Film Festival
Now in its 8th year, the Cine Europa Film Festival is eagerly awaited by
all aficionados of European cinema.
Organised by the Embassies of the European Union Member States and the
Delegation of the European Commission in Manila the festival will take
place at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd. (easy access by
MRT, plenty of parking available) from Thursday, Sept. 22 to Sunday, Oct
02, 2005.
Please find attached a draft flyer with the screening schedule and a brief
synopsis of each films. I have also attached some more information about
the German film "Kroko". Films will be shown in the original language
with English subtitles.
Admission is free!
Opening night on Thursday, Sept. 22:
Invitation only!
Please tell your family, friends, neighbours, badminton partner, fellow
choir members, gym buddy etc. about Cine Europa 8 and encourage everyone
to come and watch the films.
For your information, after Manila Cine Europa 8 will move on to Davao
(Oct. 07 to 09) and Cebu (Oct. 14 to 16).
all aficionados of European cinema.
Organised by the Embassies of the European Union Member States and the
Delegation of the European Commission in Manila the festival will take
place at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd. (easy access by
MRT, plenty of parking available) from Thursday, Sept. 22 to Sunday, Oct
02, 2005.
Please find attached a draft flyer with the screening schedule and a brief
synopsis of each films. I have also attached some more information about
the German film "Kroko". Films will be shown in the original language
with English subtitles.
Admission is free!
Opening night on Thursday, Sept. 22:
Invitation only!
Please tell your family, friends, neighbours, badminton partner, fellow
choir members, gym buddy etc. about Cine Europa 8 and encourage everyone
to come and watch the films.
For your information, after Manila Cine Europa 8 will move on to Davao
(Oct. 07 to 09) and Cebu (Oct. 14 to 16).
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
CRASH
I went to see a movie at SM last Friday. It was a movie of Paul Haggis, CRASH (producer of Million Dollar Baby). The editing was good, acting was par excellence. This movie is heavy in dialogue, so I advise that you listen carefully while watching ... ask questions after the movie.
I'd seen the various ways we discriminate against each other in everyday life. I'd seen how we rationalize and excuse it, how we organize our lives so that we dont have to deal with it, and how we deny that discrimination exists. The movie is not really about race or class, it's about fear of strangers. It's about intolerance and compassion; about how we all hate to be judged but see no contradiction in judging others.
We live in a society of fear, where people use that fear in order to control us, and the media uses that fear to manipulate us. The movie wants to discuss that and how that fear resonates and distorts how we perceive the world around us. Our reality is so detached that I think it requires a catastrophic event to make us either feel or acknowledge what's actually going on. We are too comfortable, way too comfortable.
It is a film that escapes genre categorization because it escapes tonal categorization. This is a film about real life. It's also something of a fable and a morality play. And it's a story of hope. There's levity, heartbreak, tragedy, beauty, comedy. You will see in Crash how fragile humanity is in general and how the slightest choice you make, which may not seem that important at the time, can end up having huge ramifications, a ripple effect way beyond yourself.
Probably one of my favorite movies this year!
I'd seen the various ways we discriminate against each other in everyday life. I'd seen how we rationalize and excuse it, how we organize our lives so that we dont have to deal with it, and how we deny that discrimination exists. The movie is not really about race or class, it's about fear of strangers. It's about intolerance and compassion; about how we all hate to be judged but see no contradiction in judging others.
We live in a society of fear, where people use that fear in order to control us, and the media uses that fear to manipulate us. The movie wants to discuss that and how that fear resonates and distorts how we perceive the world around us. Our reality is so detached that I think it requires a catastrophic event to make us either feel or acknowledge what's actually going on. We are too comfortable, way too comfortable.
It is a film that escapes genre categorization because it escapes tonal categorization. This is a film about real life. It's also something of a fable and a morality play. And it's a story of hope. There's levity, heartbreak, tragedy, beauty, comedy. You will see in Crash how fragile humanity is in general and how the slightest choice you make, which may not seem that important at the time, can end up having huge ramifications, a ripple effect way beyond yourself.
Probably one of my favorite movies this year!
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
GEORGE CARLIN - POST 9-11
GEORGE CARLIN - POST 9-11
The paradox of our time in history is that
We have taller buildings but shorter tempers,
Wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less.
We buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families,
more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense,
more knowledge, but less judgment,
more experts, yet more problems,
more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly,
laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late,
get up too tired, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have
trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less.
We plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information,
to produce more copies than ever,
but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion,
big men and small character,
steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce,
fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers,
throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies,
and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window
and nothing in the stockroom.
A time when technology can bring this letter to you,
and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones,
because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to
you in awe, because that little person soon
will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you,
because that is the only treasure you can give
with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones,
but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt
when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for
someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time
to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.
If you don't share this to other people.... who cares?
George Carlin
The paradox of our time in history is that
We have taller buildings but shorter tempers,
Wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less.
We buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families,
more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense,
more knowledge, but less judgment,
more experts, yet more problems,
more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly,
laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late,
get up too tired, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have
trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less.
We plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information,
to produce more copies than ever,
but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion,
big men and small character,
steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce,
fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers,
throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies,
and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window
and nothing in the stockroom.
A time when technology can bring this letter to you,
and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones,
because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to
you in awe, because that little person soon
will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you,
because that is the only treasure you can give
with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones,
but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt
when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for
someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time
to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.
If you don't share this to other people.... who cares?
George Carlin
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Pagbabago@Pilipinas Press Release
pagbabago@pilipinas
PRESS RELEASE
Reference: Bart Guingona, pagbabago@pilipinas President
Tel. No. 751-7647
PRESIDENT Arroyo must act directly and immediately to avert the crisis of credibility besetting her presidency and her government, a multi-sectoral group of young professionals said yesterday.
They also called on members of the Arroyo Cabinet to convince the President to face the issues raised by the so-called “Gloriagate” tapes and respond to the Filipino people’s demand for the truth.
In a statement entitled “Our people demand their leader to be accountable: Did the President cheat in the May 2004 elections?” members of Pagbabago@Pilipinas asserted that the “onus for action” rests entirely on the President to either disprove the authenticity of the tapes and therefore reinforce her legitimacy as President, or, failing that, act on the consequences of having been proved to be occupying a post “she had no moral right to occupy.”
The accusations contained in the tapes “are too gross, blatant and disgusting to be ignored or forgotten,” the statement added. The Arroyo administration’s legitimacy “cannot be defended by mere legality about the inadmissibility of these tapes…(and) certainly…not by threats of arrest or prosecution because such efforts would only appear like bullying people whom she is unable to convince.”
As to the President’s raising the need to concentrate on more urgent priorities like the economy and poverty reduction, Pagbabago@Pilipinas said “the quickest and most effective path to our people’s unified and focused action on these problems” is precisely by “promptly and definitively (laying) this controversy to rest with the truth and nothing but the truth.”
“This is a time for accountability and only the truth will matter to the people’s judgment,” Pagbabago@Pilipinas concluded.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
The Roots of An Immoral Presidency
The Roots of An Immoral Presidency
I have been trying to understand what moral compass this woman used to get to the Presidency as it is crucial to understand what guide she applies in her political decisions. Here is my rough and dirty reconstruction of the immoral foundations of this never elected president.
1. Fact in the real world: GMA becomes successor president because ERAP's corruption creates a public outrage strong enough to force his resignation Private moral lesson to GMA: It was not ERAP's corruption that was wrong. It was not even the public outrage to corruption. It was only the strength of the public demonstration of this outrage. GMA's application of the lesson is therefore to manage corruption as a communications matter not a key foundation of substantive governance practice. Corruption is fine as long as one can get away with it.
2. Fact in the real world: GMA gets declared winner of 2004 elections despite having cheated. Private moral lesson to GMA: People afraid of an FPJ win will accept even a flawed GMA win. Cheating is fine as long as it is not so blatant to be found out and it prevents an outcome that many powerful people did not really like.
3. Fact in the real world: GMA continues as president despite credible evidence shown to the public of her cheating in the last elections. Private moral lesson for GMA: Truth does not matter. Public outrage is unimportant if they do not march in the streets. Anyway, what's their alternative? Legitimacy is being in position. Only strength counts and as long as those wanting her out are not strong enough, life will go on for most people. Why change?
We have here an intelligent woman who has learned from her rise to and continued stay in power that:
1. It is not personal honesty that is important; it is only public perceptions that matter and these can be manufactured.
2. It is not the authentic will of the electorate that matters; it is only the manufactured appearance of an electoral victory that is acceptable to powerful people.
3. It is not the truth about a president's legitimacy to govern that matters; it is only the strength or force behind such truth that counts.
How long do you think our government and nation can last with a president, commander-in-chief, and top executive who does not care about personal honesty, only about the dangers of being found out; does not respect the true will of the people and ignores the truth, only bows to the force or strength behind that will and the truth? How long can we survive as a peaceful and civilized nation with our highest official that is immune to basic standards of honesty, respect for the people's authentic will and, most of all, adherence to the truth? The longer GMA stays in power after her illegitimacy to govern had been unmasked, the weaker is the case for her to even change or improve the way she governs. Why be honest when you can get away with corruption? Why follow the people's will when you can just cheat them? Why respect the truth when you can get away with ignoring it? It is clear that GMA is conscience-proof and only understands the force of numbers on the streets or in Congress or the firepower threatening her. As long as these superior arguments are not arrayed against her, she will continue and she may soon add another lesson into her personal manual of immorality: Filipinos do not have any moral backbone so why should their President have one? It would be great if enough Filipinos can teach this woman something new.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Photo Collections
Ateneo de Davao's Beach Front in Samal Collection
Fyodor is bored as the Rocsta rides the RORO (Roll-on Roll-Off) barge to the Island Garden City of Samal. (Photo: Igy Castrillo)
Click here to view more.
Fyodor is bored as the Rocsta rides the RORO (Roll-on Roll-Off) barge to the Island Garden City of Samal. (Photo: Igy Castrillo)
Click here to view more.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Killing Time
How do I kill time?
Let me count the ways.
By worrying about things
Over which I have no control.
Like the past.
Like the future.
By harboring resentment
and anger
over hurts
real or imagined.
By disdaining the ordinary
or, rather, what I
so mindlessly
call ordinary.
By concern over what's in it for me,
rather than what's in me
for it.
By failing to appreciate what is
because of might-have-beens,
should-have-beens,
could-have-beens.
These are some of the ways
I kill time.
Jesus didn't kill time.
He gave life to it.
His own.
- Leo Rock, SJ
Let me count the ways.
By worrying about things
Over which I have no control.
Like the past.
Like the future.
By harboring resentment
and anger
over hurts
real or imagined.
By disdaining the ordinary
or, rather, what I
so mindlessly
call ordinary.
By concern over what's in it for me,
rather than what's in me
for it.
By failing to appreciate what is
because of might-have-beens,
should-have-beens,
could-have-beens.
These are some of the ways
I kill time.
Jesus didn't kill time.
He gave life to it.
His own.
- Leo Rock, SJ
Monday, April 25, 2005
The Ateneo de Samal
Isang araw habang abala ang araw sa paggising sa umaga, isang tropa ang nagpasyang pumunta sa IGACOS upang magpahinga, kumain, maligo, maglakad at mahiga sa buhangin. Mabuti at merong isang kapirasong lupa ang Ateneo de Davao sa Samal Islang, merong dagat na maliliguan ang mga guro at mag-aaral.
Heto ang ilan sa mga kulay:
The Ateneo de Davao's beach in Island Garden City of Samal
More pictures,
The sun did its best, see our faces.
Igy: The man behind the camera, becomes the subject of it.
The Great Wall of Miguel
Camille and Tito Elvi
Berns and Auau
Light moments with Fyodor Alec
Heto ang ilan sa mga kulay:
The Ateneo de Davao's beach in Island Garden City of Samal
More pictures,
The sun did its best, see our faces.
Igy: The man behind the camera, becomes the subject of it.
The Great Wall of Miguel
Camille and Tito Elvi
Berns and Auau
Light moments with Fyodor Alec
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
IMaGes
During intense moments in the my experiments with visuals, I rarely see vivid photos which capture the essence of passion and sweetness. Nay, very rare. The real emotion is ambulatory until the photographer "CREATES" the photograph. There, it becomes eternity.
And when it comes to mimetic art, it seems the infancy stage of art appreciation is fixated. It tries to appropriate to itself what's visually representative of what it hungers for, perhaps ... even beyond infancy stage. Interesting.
Monday, March 28, 2005
NAMFREL 2004 Operations
I would like to thank and honor the NAMFREL volunteers in Davao City last May 2004 for their courage, hard work, professionalism and dedicated service for the country. Far more than just a citizen's quick count, the operation was a success due to the outpouring of citizenry's desire to have a fair and honest elections.
Here are the glimpses of courageous faces, the unsung heroes of the modern time:
One of the Press Conferences at the Finster Multipurpose Room
One of the Executive Meetings at the Basement Headquarters
Special Christmas Party of Secretariat last December 2004
Thanksgiving Rest and Recreation with Bobby Orig at Samal Island
For more pictures, visit here
Here are the glimpses of courageous faces, the unsung heroes of the modern time:
One of the Press Conferences at the Finster Multipurpose Room
One of the Executive Meetings at the Basement Headquarters
Special Christmas Party of Secretariat last December 2004
Thanksgiving Rest and Recreation with Bobby Orig at Samal Island
For more pictures, visit here
Friday, February 25, 2005
Roughcut at Kanto Bar: MC350
MC350 Nonlinear Video Editing Class presents their MTVs at Kanto Bar-Matina Town Square last February 24, 2005. Click below for more pictures.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
An Invitation
It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for, and if you
dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love,
for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon.
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow,
if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled
and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know
if you can sit with pain, mine or your own,
without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or
your own, if you can dance with wildness and
let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers
and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be
realistic, to remember the limitations of being
human.
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling
me is true. I want to know if you can
disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear
the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own
soul; if you can be faithless and therefore
trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty, even
when it's not pretty, everyday, and if you can source
your own life from its presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure, yours
and mine, and still stand on the edge of the
lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!"
It doesn't interest me to know where you live
or how much money you have. I want to know if
you can get up, after the night of grief and despair,
weary and bruised to the bone, and do what
needs to be done to feed the children.
It doesn't interest me who you know or how
you came to be here. i want to know if you will
stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink
back.
It doesn't interest me where or what or with
whom you have studied. I want to know what
sustains you, from the inside, when all else
falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep in
the empty moments.
Oriah Mountain Dreamer, from the book The Invitation
published by Harper SanFrancisco, 1999
www.oriahmountaindreamer.com
Thursday, February 17, 2005
The Controversial Video: Ethel Booba
The previous week, the controversy hit the tv news and dailies: Ethel Booba alleged video was circulating in the net and in the airwaves (through cell phones with either Bluetooth or Infrared device). A quick search in the net using googles was a-plenty of sites featuring free downloads of the video. Ethel denied it was her video.
This led so many people to ask ... was the video for real? Or that was just a hoax foisted by sleazy people eager to gain quick cash in the net.
And now you are more interested.... You, you, you.
"And because you do not believe in my nobility of soul you think to purchase me with money?" she said. The Gambler, Chapter V Fyodor Dostoyevsky
I saw this link from a praning.com chatroom that led directly to a downloadable file. Tsk tsk tsk. What a sad day for families involved, another life broken. Rubbish.
This led so many people to ask ... was the video for real? Or that was just a hoax foisted by sleazy people eager to gain quick cash in the net.
And now you are more interested.... You, you, you.
"And because you do not believe in my nobility of soul you think to purchase me with money?" she said. The Gambler, Chapter V Fyodor Dostoyevsky
I saw this link from a praning.com chatroom that led directly to a downloadable file. Tsk tsk tsk. What a sad day for families involved, another life broken. Rubbish.
Meet the Kalasagers
Dinhing dapita sa Ateneo,
Adunay usa ka banggiitang grupo;
Mga miyembro nay nagkadaiyang talento,
Ug siyempre pa maanyag ug ambongan kaayo.
Sugdan nato sa among pangulo,
Usa ka maanyag nga dagang bibi;
Matinabangon ug chicks pa jud kaayo;
Way lain kundi si Coise na to....
Kung sapi ang istoryahan,
Si Myka imong kinahanglan;
Basta amigo mo way angay kabalak-an,
Tanang imong maibugan, ipa-O.R. niya tanan.
(Joke, joke, joke!)
Dinhi na pud ta sa mga litrato,
Ayaw baya'g kumpyansa kung ginpangisi kag todo;
Basin ang gi-picturan tapad ra nimo,
Kung sa picture, wa kay ulo, si Nites sad-an nimo.
Dinhi pud baya diro taong balaknon,
Sa mga tula ug sulat siya mabalantayon;
Basin pati kani iyang sawayon,
Nathan, patalikda sa ko una ko nimo libakon...
(hehehe)
Kini siya ang ulo sa tana, kon toooot na gani hisgutan,
Tall, medyo dark ... hand... ay buotan;
Ian Fel iya pangalan a.k.a. Freudian,
Kung naa kay tuyo dapat nimo siya pahinumduman.
Karon gidungagan ang lima ka batikan,
Walo ka binuhat ang napilian;
Ang opisina nahimo bag-ong tambayanan,
Saba na kaayo kon magtapoktapok tanan.
Magsugod ta kay Inday Palad, ay, May diay,
Tabian, abtik seryoso usahay;
Sa pagka-green di jud siya makalikay,
Secret founder man tingali ka sa AGS day!
Si Jackie usab bayhanang talentado,
Sa pagbuhay ug tula hawd kaayo;
Sa mga trabaho wa siyag reklamo,
Naa kay plano pulihan si Coise no?
(Hehehe)
Naa pud diay mi Star in a Million,
Talagsa kang siya masakpan sa opis intawon;
Mga allergies niya murag plano padaghanon,
Unsaon lami man jud daw ang bawal kaonon.
(O, ayaw tagai ug laing meaning ha!)
Tawag namo kay Ina, bugasera,
Pero wala mo kabalo dapat Reina Lakwatsera;
Tabian, ug Garfield ingon sila,
Apan kanako, Catwoman ka.
(Kung makapiyong akong mata!!! Hehehe)
Si Jaypee, Junior 1 na ang ngalan,
Sa office siya suki masuguan;
Pero ok lang kay taas daw iyang ... salabotan;
Malingaw na dayon siya basta imong picturan.
Si Junior 2, Alvin ang tinuod nga ngalan,
Daghang chicks maski dili ana kaambongan;
Sa iyaha, unsa kaha ang nakit-an?
Tingali ... ang iyang .. dako... nga kasingkasing sa tanan?
(Bhen, ayaw kasuko ha!)
Si Marianne ang pinakalingaw sa tanan,
Sa videoke andam makipaglaban;
Ang tanan pwede daw masabutan,
Pero sa negosyo "walang kaikaibigan."!
(Upa ka newsprint, piso lang!)
Ug ako inyong uyamot nga ulipon,
Tabian usahay, usahay sapoton;
Ayaw katingala kon mohilum nako dayon,
Tambal lang ana, pagkaon.
(wish ko lang manaba ko...)
Karon inyong naabi-abi,
Mga miyembro sa Kalasag dinhi;
Sa kamera ayaw kaayo'g ngisi,
Kon sa yearbook di ka gusto ma-starring pirmi.
(So, sa gusto mag-react, react lang... isulat tapos ibutang dayon sa pigeon hole sa Kalasag Office para naa sad koy mabasa. Hehehe!)
-April
Adunay usa ka banggiitang grupo;
Mga miyembro nay nagkadaiyang talento,
Ug siyempre pa maanyag ug ambongan kaayo.
Sugdan nato sa among pangulo,
Usa ka maanyag nga dagang bibi;
Matinabangon ug chicks pa jud kaayo;
Way lain kundi si Coise na to....
Kung sapi ang istoryahan,
Si Myka imong kinahanglan;
Basta amigo mo way angay kabalak-an,
Tanang imong maibugan, ipa-O.R. niya tanan.
(Joke, joke, joke!)
Dinhi na pud ta sa mga litrato,
Ayaw baya'g kumpyansa kung ginpangisi kag todo;
Basin ang gi-picturan tapad ra nimo,
Kung sa picture, wa kay ulo, si Nites sad-an nimo.
Dinhi pud baya diro taong balaknon,
Sa mga tula ug sulat siya mabalantayon;
Basin pati kani iyang sawayon,
Nathan, patalikda sa ko una ko nimo libakon...
(hehehe)
Kini siya ang ulo sa tana, kon toooot na gani hisgutan,
Tall, medyo dark ... hand... ay buotan;
Ian Fel iya pangalan a.k.a. Freudian,
Kung naa kay tuyo dapat nimo siya pahinumduman.
Karon gidungagan ang lima ka batikan,
Walo ka binuhat ang napilian;
Ang opisina nahimo bag-ong tambayanan,
Saba na kaayo kon magtapoktapok tanan.
Magsugod ta kay Inday Palad, ay, May diay,
Tabian, abtik seryoso usahay;
Sa pagka-green di jud siya makalikay,
Secret founder man tingali ka sa AGS day!
Si Jackie usab bayhanang talentado,
Sa pagbuhay ug tula hawd kaayo;
Sa mga trabaho wa siyag reklamo,
Naa kay plano pulihan si Coise no?
(Hehehe)
Naa pud diay mi Star in a Million,
Talagsa kang siya masakpan sa opis intawon;
Mga allergies niya murag plano padaghanon,
Unsaon lami man jud daw ang bawal kaonon.
(O, ayaw tagai ug laing meaning ha!)
Tawag namo kay Ina, bugasera,
Pero wala mo kabalo dapat Reina Lakwatsera;
Tabian, ug Garfield ingon sila,
Apan kanako, Catwoman ka.
(Kung makapiyong akong mata!!! Hehehe)
Si Jaypee, Junior 1 na ang ngalan,
Sa office siya suki masuguan;
Pero ok lang kay taas daw iyang ... salabotan;
Malingaw na dayon siya basta imong picturan.
Si Junior 2, Alvin ang tinuod nga ngalan,
Daghang chicks maski dili ana kaambongan;
Sa iyaha, unsa kaha ang nakit-an?
Tingali ... ang iyang .. dako... nga kasingkasing sa tanan?
(Bhen, ayaw kasuko ha!)
Si Marianne ang pinakalingaw sa tanan,
Sa videoke andam makipaglaban;
Ang tanan pwede daw masabutan,
Pero sa negosyo "walang kaikaibigan."!
(Upa ka newsprint, piso lang!)
Ug ako inyong uyamot nga ulipon,
Tabian usahay, usahay sapoton;
Ayaw katingala kon mohilum nako dayon,
Tambal lang ana, pagkaon.
(wish ko lang manaba ko...)
Karon inyong naabi-abi,
Mga miyembro sa Kalasag dinhi;
Sa kamera ayaw kaayo'g ngisi,
Kon sa yearbook di ka gusto ma-starring pirmi.
(So, sa gusto mag-react, react lang... isulat tapos ibutang dayon sa pigeon hole sa Kalasag Office para naa sad koy mabasa. Hehehe!)
-April
Thursday, January 27, 2005
A Genius Bids Farewell
A GENIUS BIDS FAREWELL
If for an instant God were to forget that I am a rag doll and gifted me
with a piece of life, possibly I wouldn't say all that I think, but
rather I would think of all that I say.
I would value things, not for their worth but for what they mean. I
would sleep little, dream more, understanding that for each minute we
close our eyes we lose sixty seconds of light.
I would walk when others hold back, I would wake when others sleep. I
would listen when others talk, and how I would enjoy a good chocolate
ice cream! If God were to give me a piece of life, I would dress
simply, throw myself face first in the sun, baring not only my body but
also my soul.
My God, if I had a heart, I would write my hate on ice, and wait for
the sun to show. Over the stars I would paint with a Van Gogh, dream a
Benedetti poem, and a Serrat song would be the serenade I'd offer to
the moon.
With my tears I would water roses, to feel the pain of their thorns,
and the red kiss of their petals!
My God, if I had a piece of life, I wouldn't let a single day pass
without telling people I love that I love them.
I would convince each woman and each man that they are my favorites,
and I would live in love with love. I would show men how very wrong
they are to think that they cease to be in love when they grow old, not
knowing that they grow old when they cease to be in love!
To a child I shall give wings, but I shall let him learn to fly on his
own.
I would teach the old that death does not come with old age, but with
forgetting. So much have I learned from you, oh men!
I have learned that everyone wants to live on the peak of the mountain,
without knowing that real happiness is in how it is scaled.
I have learned that when a newborn child squeezes for the first time
with his tiny fist his father's finger, he has him trapped forever.
I have learned that a man has the right to look down on another only
when he has to help the other get to his feet.
From you I have learned so many things, but in truth they won't be of
much use, for when I keep them within this suitcase, unhappily shall I
be dying.
If for an instant God were to forget that I am a rag doll and gifted me
with a piece of life, possibly I wouldn't say all that I think, but
rather I would think of all that I say.
I would value things, not for their worth but for what they mean. I
would sleep little, dream more, understanding that for each minute we
close our eyes we lose sixty seconds of light.
I would walk when others hold back, I would wake when others sleep. I
would listen when others talk, and how I would enjoy a good chocolate
ice cream! If God were to give me a piece of life, I would dress
simply, throw myself face first in the sun, baring not only my body but
also my soul.
My God, if I had a heart, I would write my hate on ice, and wait for
the sun to show. Over the stars I would paint with a Van Gogh, dream a
Benedetti poem, and a Serrat song would be the serenade I'd offer to
the moon.
With my tears I would water roses, to feel the pain of their thorns,
and the red kiss of their petals!
My God, if I had a piece of life, I wouldn't let a single day pass
without telling people I love that I love them.
I would convince each woman and each man that they are my favorites,
and I would live in love with love. I would show men how very wrong
they are to think that they cease to be in love when they grow old, not
knowing that they grow old when they cease to be in love!
To a child I shall give wings, but I shall let him learn to fly on his
own.
I would teach the old that death does not come with old age, but with
forgetting. So much have I learned from you, oh men!
I have learned that everyone wants to live on the peak of the mountain,
without knowing that real happiness is in how it is scaled.
I have learned that when a newborn child squeezes for the first time
with his tiny fist his father's finger, he has him trapped forever.
I have learned that a man has the right to look down on another only
when he has to help the other get to his feet.
From you I have learned so many things, but in truth they won't be of
much use, for when I keep them within this suitcase, unhappily shall I
be dying.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
I hope you dance
I HOPE YOU DANCE
by Lee Ann Womack
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances but they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
by Lee Ann Womack
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances but they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
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