Makapili

So here I am trying to have a good start although I was sooo late already for work when out of the blue, a blue bird pointed to me this article.

China builds more Spratly outposts

After reading the piece, I cannot help but feel awful. You see, I am working for China's state media so upon reading this, as shallow as it may seem, I felt like shit. It is just that while this circus is going on here I am, working for them. Somehow, I feel like I am betraying my country, the Philippines, just like a Makapili. Serving the Japanese conqueror at the expense of the Filipinos. But my hands are tied, though not too tight. I love it here, I mean my current boss is just the best. The working environment is non-toxic (at least most of the time). Anyway, I really pray that this dispute over Spratly's Island will not in any manner complicate things further. For one, we cannot afford a battle with China, and I say this with all honesty and humility. But as what the political analyst had said in the article, we should not surrender our sovereignty to whoever. We have come a long long way and fought our way through the end. This is not the time to surrender, and bowing down to whoever is out of the question.

Calamities and Technologies

It has been a week and a half already since the disastrous, shocking, and devastating tragedy that happened in Japan. The 8.9, then corrected as 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan shook the whole world. The earthquake left thousands dead and thousands more missing. Earthquake proof buildings stumbled down to dust. As one of the countries in the world that has the most sophisticated IT and telecommunication technology, Japan now suddenly "cannot be reached".

The tragedy shook not only Japan but the whole world as well as people suddenly worry about the preparedness of their own countries. Nations have been stirred up to check and double-check if their preparations are enough to salvage their own countrymen if ever the same tragedy hits their countries. Amidst the scare of earthquake and aftershocks, devastating tsunami followed suit as normally as it can be. Then, as if land and water are not enough to scare the hell out of human beings, air completed the cast as radiation leak threats hung over nearby nations leaving people with no choice but to speculate and be scared unnecessarily.

Here in the Philippines, as the world's texting capital, some of these moronic texters tried to steal the limelight from Japan. Text messages containing information, in fact too specific information about the supposedly radiation leak to be blown our way from Japan spread like forest fire. I do not know what their true intentions are, may it be simply to ride out the situation or to prove how powerful texting is as they sit back and watch people skitter out to buy betadine and iodine salts to "protect" themselves from radiation as what is indicated in the texts. These good for nothing people really do not have even a tiny bit of humanity in their souls. They perfectly know that most of the people here have little or do not have any knowledge at all about radiation and yet they happily took advantage of that to cause panic. I simply cannot fathom how idiotic and inconsiderate whoever created and spread that text message can be as to create panic and do something like that in the middle of the calamity in Japan. How can they be that ruthless, really. This is not something to joke about and I hope these people realize how serious this situation is. Earthquakes this strong cannot happen only in Japan. In fact after what happened last March 11, it prompted our own PHIVOLCS to explain more thoroughly and more frequently the real situation of the Philippines, which sadly, is not satisfactory. Philippines is as vulnerable as Japan as both sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire and I am sorry to say but if Japan lost that much inspite of being well-prepared, how much more would Philippines lose when the time comes that a nasty earthquake hits the country? I hope that even before the most dreaded "Big One" happens, the Philippines will more prepared for it and for once I will appreciate it if this study about the "Big One" would hopefully turn out to be a miscalculation.

People, let's pray.

Photoshopped Climate

I was with a friend last night while waiting for our jeepney ride home. We were talking about work and somehow, our talk went to the skills area. He asked me if I know how to use Adobe Photoshop and I said no. Yeah, in this digital age, I do not know how to use Photoshop. Sure, I know how to insert text to my blog pictures using the software, I know how to darken and lighten pictures, but that's about it. Other than that, nada. I don't know how to erase pimples, slash someone's body in half, use mouths-opened-wide dragons as my background and whatever more that is that you can do with Photoshop.

As I think about that conversation today, I asked myself why is it that even though we have Computer classes during college that I did not learn this software. Then I thought, oh yeah, because of the numerous class interruption, especially during the rainy season. Then I again asked myself, how come when I was in highschool, classes are seldom cut short or suspended? I was toying with a possible reason when suddenly it hit me. The rains before, were not as hard and as frequent then than during my college years. Out of nowhere, a thought suddenly crossed my mind. Climate Change. Yeah, I know it may sound overrated but when you come to think of it, it is not impossible. As time passes, so is the change in our climate. The climate change has started to make us be more aware of its presence. Remember Ondoy? And how Metro Manila was submerged into a very huge swimming pool? Where even celebrities and rich people did not manage to escape the mandatory appearance of a huge pool inside and outside their homes? That is a part of Climate Change. Have you ever experience leaving your place one very sunny and summer-y morning to go to the mall and hear slashing of raindrops against the glass doors of the mall come lunch time? Yeah, that's Climate Change.

So you see, climate change does not affect our social lives alone, it also affects our education and eventually our careers. I am not trying to impress people with this entry but I think I have something to share and ponder with the next time I come across an article or a conversation that involves Climate Change. And I hope you think about this too and analyze its impact to your life as well. If we know the effect/s of climate change in our lives, we will be convinced to avoid contributing to Climate Change.

Viet-lang

The President's ASEAN Summit in Vietnam has created a great buzz in the cyberworld and even with the knowledge that the cyberworld has already been purged with unceasing talks about the controversy, I just cannot stop myself from joining the bandwagon. Too much has already been said regarding the issue and I will do my best to refrain from citing too familiar comments.

First, I want to say that I am starting to feel remorse about voting the current President. I know and always say that the President is just starting to warm his Palace seat to expect perfection from him. But this time around, I think there are too much controversy surrounding this administration to ignore the truth. I won't go to the below-the-belt criticism for those are for the political immatures. But I, for one will use this particular incident to justify my "remorse".

When the Vietnam controversy broke out on the World Wide Web, I know that the immediate supervisor of Ms. Mislang (the antagonist in this story), told the public that he reprimanded her for her actions. But sir, may I just refresh your mind that when Mislang tweeted her dissatisfaction on the wine, you asked her which of the wines served "sucked". Meaning, you did not find this inappropriate and undiplomatic. I do not know if maybe after the flaming-hot banters on the internet prompted you to reprimand her or you just said that because of the negativity that it has created. And, may I just inform you that articles about this incident has been written in other parts of the world also, like in Finland. And that when the Vietnamese people did not say anything about the issue, it does not mean that they are not offended by the remarks. Remember, the remarks are negative and shameful. Answering Mislang's comments will only deepen the shame that they might be feeling right now.

What I cannot accept is that Mr. President himself did not make any "conciliatory" remarks just to ease up everything with the offended party. I don't mean to say that Mr. President should apologize or publicly shame Mislang, but he should at least release a statement to the Vietnam people to appease them.

Lastly, to Ms. Mislang, I do not know you personally, or in any other way before this controversy that you created. But as a normal citizen of this country, please be cautious of your actions because you along with all the Cabinet members of the Aquino administration, reflect the President himself. Your comments about the wine, the men and motorcycles of Vietnam would have only laughed at if you are just an ordinary Filipino visiting Vietnam. But when you are a part of the President's delegation in an official business in any part of the world, your remarks are whether it were sent to a social networking site or overheard from you when you are drunk, will always have an effect to the country you are talking about and our country as well. So next time, when traveling as part of the official delegation, no matter how the wine sucks, or how ugly the people were, nor how deadly the streets are, please refrain from shouting it out to the whole world. Just keep it to yourself and wait until you are safely out of "unnecessary listeners' " earshot, then you can start gossiping about it to your friends. Until then, please zip your mouth and just scratch the itch from your fingers to avoid another social networking mishap. The President already has too many problems to handle. He does not need any more problems to solve that are created by those whom he has too much confidence.

Boss's Assessment

Yesterday is the 100th day of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III in office. He delivered a report, in which the theme of the event was aptly called "Report kay Boss". I am impressed by the program's theme because at the end of the day, they have not forgotten yet that his countrymen are his boss, as how they called them during his SONA. As I was impressed by this, I cannot ignore the fact that the President's speech was almost dedicated wholly to blame past administrations. I know that the past administration, especially the last one has been stained with too much controversies but this is a report of a subordinate to his superior. In a corporate setting, you do not include blames of your co-workers on your official report, do you? The speech should be reporting to us, the progress of the nation, and what has been accomplished over the oh-so-short 100 days of the President. Yes, I think that the report is not appropriate because I think that 100 days are too short for the President to accomplish any major thing worthy of reporting. I would also like to suggest to the President to caution or better yet, look for another speechwriter. His speeches to the nation from his Inauguration to the SONA, to his 100th day report was full of accusations and blames of the previous administration. As truthful as these things can be, I do not think blaming other people when you are the one in power now will help the President nor the President's image. Do not keep on blaming other people, this is a report of YOUR progress as the new OIC of the nation. We do not need to hear bow bad the previous presidents were. Our concern is YOU and the now, and the future, or at least the next 6 years. Your blaming past administrations will only make you indifferent from the other administrations. So please, stop.

Although, I do not like the come out of the "reporting" by the President yesterday, what of the same tone of his speech, the vague answers given, and the "corny" answers, I also do not agree of the interruption did by the students. It is but shameful to yell your sentiments, in a private place, not your place, and to the President. I believe these students were enrolled in schools so that they learn how to be a better person. How come they do not know how to respect when it is one of the very first lessons that you will learn in school? Is it very cool for people to know that you do not have respect? Are you proud that your name, and your school name are published in the media and it is not because you have done something very worthy of your school and your parents' pride? I think you should have at least behaved yourself instead of interrupting and shouting at the venue.

The problem is this, no matter what kind of administration we have, seems like there are some people who are always in the opposition. Those who do not even know what they are fighting for anymore. Those who are even before y0u act, already have their objections. If this will be the case, then how can this nation be a better one? How can the country's politics improve? If we will always be on the other side of the court no matter what, will this help in resolving conflicts among the Filipinos? How does being vigilant turn into being over-vigilant? There's nothing wrong in being vigilant. There's nothing wrong either in being careful. This country has already seen bad to worse days of its existence. This country has already gone through too many problems and yet it has always managed to survive. Nobody wants to go through "hell" all over again. But let us be fair and patient as we should be careful and protective of our country. Giving the new leader a little faith is not that difficult, is it?

Only in the Philippines

The news yesterday regarding the violence in Maguindanao ended the day with such overflowing emotions. We are relatively lively and happy in the office yesterday but the ambience turned gloomy with the Maguindanao massacre aired on ANC. The deadly event has also brought up mixed emotions to yours truly. The event has made me worried, and afraid, and angry all at the same time. I also can't help but pity the Philippines. Because, due to this scenario, I can't help but feel hopeless for the Philippine election scenario. If this kind of situation would be a main-stay every election period, then might as well not to have elections. It may be violating the human rights of Filipino people but if for every election period, many people would die because of election shit, then let us just spare these people and sacrifice the voting rights that we have. I know this might be offending to other people but to what extent do we want for election violence to reach? I have observed that for every election period the violence gets graver.

Filipinos are not at all dumb but the country's politics sucks big time. Is it because of the power? Of the fame? Of the money? It has always been political dynasties all over the country. May it be for national or local posts. But does it have to be this way? Mass killing? Even if there are civillians and journalists? These journalists are just interested in the news. They are just doing their jobs. And yet, they end up dead too.

To date, the Maguindanao killings yesterday has again, ranked the Philippines as the first and only. The first and only journalist killing with such a number. Really..


Only in the Philippines indeed.

Philippines, My Philippines

My boss gave me a copy of an article by Ms. Ana Marie Pamintuan of The Philippine Star in her column "Sketches" published last September 28, 2009. The article was titled "Made in China". By the title, I thought it was something about the Made-in-China-everything that scattered on the streets here in the Philippines. When I finally set my eyes on the first word of the article, I realized that it is really about China.

As I read the first three paragraphs of the article, I felt sad. Ok, not because it has some drama in it. In fact, the article was written in a matter-of-fact way. I felt sad because she mentioned that the FedEx hub previously located in Subic, here in the Philippines, was relocated in Guangzhou. That is the same FedEx I saw on TV the day its plane left Subic to serve its purpose for the very last time. As if the sadness invoked was not enough, she then continued by saying that in a market of fruits and vegetables imported by China from numerous neighboring countries, not even a single Philippine mango caught her eye amidst the sea of fruits and vegetables. For the reason that she later found out: Philippine-grown produces are exported in a minimal number.

I was left in awe, thinking that Philippines is an agricultural country. Meaning, fruits and vegetables are of abundance, enough to be exported to other countries. Philippines, regarded as a third world country should have had grabbed the opportunity of catering to the demand of China of agricultural products. The opportunity has presented itself to the Filipinos and yet the Filipinos has remained stagnant. Our farmers has been complaining about the imported products that the government has been allowing to enter the country. They said that these imported, and yet cheaper products are killing the local agriculture sector. Actually, if they are willing, and if the Philippine government would help these farmers, they should be exporting our products to the neighboring countries, such as China. Imagine, the country that has been providing us things that we already have, especially in terms of produces, are also importing from other countries. And why can't it be imported from the Philippines, for a change? I may not an expert here, but I think, if only the government would be firm on imports and exports of the country, many of our poor farmers and fishermen would be pulled out of poverty.

I am not a hypocrite, and I admit that I also patronize imported products. But, kung sasabayan lang natin ang ibang bansa by exporting our own products, knowing that there is demand, then I believe that even we are importing products from other places, our agricultural sector wouldn't be killed.

Just think of the profit that our country would be gaining. Look at the businesses that export christmas decorations. They are not big companies. And yet, they earn well. They do not need to build buildings, hire 100's of people to work on their products and yet they have the ability to export their own products. And from how much capital? They get their raw materials from the country, which is cheaper, paste it here and there in a creative way, and voila! Dollar-earning Christmas decorations bound to richer countries.

If we are going to shun away opportunities like this, there would be no doubt that each and every sector of this country would just eventually die away. The market is there, ever existing. If we still wouldn't give a damn, then Philippines would remain a third world country, generation after generation.

Look at other Asian countries that has been at par with the Philippines before. Look at Vietnam, we used to be better than them and yet, they are now more prosperous than us. Look at China, they are now catering to the needs of the world. From Philippines to the U.S. From shoes, and bags to computers and even manpower. I mean come on, while everyone is suffering from the recession, and even the United States has been declaring bankruptcy of their enormous firms,left and right, China has been thriving. Its almost saying that China beat the big R. In the middle of ailing economies here and there, China gained its ground and emerged succesfully.

I am not praising China just because I'm half Chinese. But I really wish that China would be Philippines' greatest motivation. I do not intend to boast on China's success but I want its story to inspire this country. My country.

In and Out of the Rain

It has been a rainy and dredging weekend. Our area here has never encountered flooding even during those super typhoons. I can still remember Milenyo when rooftops of some of our neighbors would fly in the air due to strong winds. The sound of the wind lashing on our window panes. But even though, it never flooded here although a creek is just nearby. Until Ondoy...

It has been raining on Friday night till Saturday. It was on Saturday afternoon, at about 2PM that when my grandmother look out at the streets that we have realized that there's flood. I went outside too to witness the scene that my grandmother was too surprised to see. When I looked down the street, I was shocked to see that right below the building people are standing knee-deep in flood waters. Cars has stopped from going on and just turned to re-route. Even big trucks are hesitant to go through the flood because even though it is only knee-deep right below the building, it is waist-deep out on the corner. The entire 7 to 8 streets of never flooding area has now been submerged to flood. The creek near our building has already overflowed. It has already been almost like a lake. A scene I will always remember.

It was this time that I cannot fail to notice that floating on flood waters are bags and bags of plastic, full of garbage, wood planks, and whatnots. Then, I understood. The never flooding area which I have been residing my entire life, was full of garbages. It is also the reason that I can think of why it has flooded here. The creek alone serves as trash can of the people residing near it and plastic bags of any colors that you can think of has decorated the creek's surface.

Now, I am not an expert, nor am I an environmentalist. But I know that these garbage, especially plastic bags are one of the main reasons why it flooded here for the first time. If only people would observe the proper way of disposal, it might not have happened here, or in any least, it may not be as bad as it had been. I am not being a hypocrite but I am proud to say that I have never spit on the street not even once. I have developed the habit of looking for trash cans to throw away candy wrappers, or if not one is in sight, I simply tuck it away on a tissue paper before putting it in my jean's pocket or bag and throwing it in a trash can later on. I believe through these simple ways of disposing your garbages properly, you can contribute to the environment's wellness. Imagine, out of thousands of people living in our area, if everybody has been disposing properly, how much plastic bags would have not ended up on creeks, and on the streets. It might not have took revenge and in turn found their way to the houses. That weekend, nobody might have gone through what they experienced. It might have been rainy but not lake-like streets.

I Only See Yellow...

I have been watching almost each and every TV program that has Cory Aquino death news on it. I have been sleeping very very late already since she passed away, watching the news on TV.

I was born in 1986 and obviously, I am still oblivious of the things around me. I did not experience the People Power, nor witnessed the installation of Cory as our President. I only learned about everything when I was in Elementary, when History teachers would teach it in class.

It was only when I was in college that I developed the habit of watching news on TV every night. It was also then that I realized that Cory was very much involved with what is happening in the Philippines. I have only seen her before during the EDSA 2. And I thought it was only then that she is asked to participate on such an important event (quite innocent of me at that time). But when I started to watch news every night, I learned that indeed she is still involved.

It was when the Impeachment hearing was on going when I saw Cory again. That time, I thought, what is all that fuss about Cory coming? Why do people shout as if the Savior has come? It was later that I realized why. You see, she is considered as the Democracy, the Truth. She is the only one who could really bring people together just like what she did in 1986. It was then that I realized that she is indeed, that powerful.

Philippine Politics has taken its own twists and turns. And over and over, Cory has been there.

When she passed away, it felt surreal. I am not a part of her family but I felt I was in denial. I don't even know why. Of all the special coverage of ABS-CBN all throughout, since Cory passed away, I did not let any of it pass. If any of it was shown during daytime, when I was in the office, I make sure that I watch the replay during the night on ANC. During the First interview with Kris on The Buzz last Sunday, I listened closely, picturing each scene she is describing in my mind. I got mad when she told about the attempted withdrawal of Cory's security aides. I cried when she told each stories. And cried some more during the Necrological Mass. I have been following the coverage since Saturday evening from the Special Edition of XXX till the Necrological Mass yesterday. I missed the beginning of the Necro Mass yesterday so I waited for the replay on ANC last night. I have been crying together with Kris, who I think cried the most during the Necro Mass. I have also been crying for an hour or so, listening to those stories of each people whom the Former President has been with.

Today, during the Requiem Mass, I have been crying again. Each segment has been very emotional, very personal. And it is with this that I felt almost exactly how the people felt. The long lines outside where the remains lay, whether it be in La Salle or in Manila Cathedral, made me realize how great Cory is. Who would queue in long lines, rain or shine, if not for someone special? And it is indeed proved that that woman lying in there is indeed special. People from all walks of life came to pay their respects. People from every part of the Philippines represented their townpeople that cannot come. They have been patient no matter how long the lines stretched, no matter how drenched they were.

What wondered me the most was I have noticed that everytime Cory's casket is brought outside, the rain would almost stop. I noticed it earlier when the casket was brought out of the Cathedral. It happened again at the Memorial Park, when the casket was opened again for the family. It did not rain even after the burial. Heaven really do love Cory.

Now that she is gone, I wonder, who would lead Change now? Who would lead prayer vigils? Even if I have not experienced anything with her personally, I would definitely miss her. I would miss her ever so gentle, yet powerful voice. I would miss images of her on TV and broadsheets, kneeling as she prays. I would miss seeing her holding a rosary in hand and praying. It is indeed a big loss to the Philippines. And like everybody else, I hope that whatever she has done and sacrificed for the Philippines would not be put to waste.

MJ: Rest In Peace.. Or Not?

It has been weeks since the "King of Pop" left us and yet, its as if his life was being lived all over again. His stories never ended, his controversies never subsided. I have been watching "ET-HD" on cable almost every night because of their special coverage of Michael Jackson's life and controversies. Yes, I admit, I have been quite following on the developments about Michael Jackson. But, I can't help to think sometimes that the media has been quite abusive already. The first few days after MJ's death, news are roaring from everywhere. What, with the autopsy, the toxicology.. I can't imagine how people could disrespect a deceased that much. How, in the name of fame, of arrogance, could someone be persistent on wanting to know a private matter about a person. Is it because the person is famous? Is it because they wanted to be the first? Is it because they wanted to quench the thirst of knowing the secrets and mysteries behind a Michael Jackson?

I was shocked and disgusted when I heard about the news that a part of MJ's brain was left with the coroner for toxicology.. Also about the rumored missing body, which supposedly is inside the gold plated casket during the special tribute/wake.. About the drugs he is taking.. About his physician who allegedly is responsible of MJ's death.. Of his children who might not be his own.. Of the might-be secret child.. Of the rumor that MJ is gay.. that he has been secretly seeing a guy in a cheap motel somewhere.. Of his missing nose prosthetics.. and all sorts of things. I just don't understand why on earth would people report on that kind of things?

Is it because he is famous? Is that what he should pay out of being The Michael Jackson? I admit that I am watching these news on TV. Im guilty of being curious about his has been life. I can't resist watching these news whenever I see headlines bearing MJ's name on it. I bet these shows are earning much than those days that Michael Jackson is still alive. Maybe, this is also the reason why the media has been digging deeper and more deeper each time. Because, this is the opportunity that they have been wanting. To have things to talk about that has juicy details. The juicier, the better. The more controversial, the more money. The more delicate, the more audience. The more mysterious, the more patrons. And in cases of famous people, the worse, the best.

Really, what do you care if he has a dozen kids? What it is to you if he is gay? What does it matter if he has already been cremated the day of the special tribute? What do you care if his nose prosthetics is missing?

But of all those crazy things told about him, the most disgusting and painful would be that his brother Jermaine Jackson has been planning to tell on his brother's doings. If it is in any truth.. Of all people why should it be him? His own brother. His own flesh. Whatever happened to being a family? Whatever happened to sticking with each other? Whatever happened to love? If it is true, is it really the consequence of being a big star? Is it really how it is when you are already up there? That there is really no other way but to go down? Is it really the way it is that when you are being looked up to by million of people, those who are closest to you stab you and make people turn their backs on you?

I may come as a hypocrite, being someone who criticizes and yet also is an audience of the exact same thing I criticize, but...

These news just made me aware that people like Michael Jackson cannot really rest in peace...