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.

Opposition Re-position?

It has always been a battleground. A cockfight. A war. War of words, of infomercials, of singing, of dancing, of monologues, and of celebrities that would circus around just to "market" the product. I mean, the candidate. This country-wide circus is popularly known as the election.

It is already November and the clamour for election advantage has begun. In fact one of the wars has already begun. The war of informercials. At this time, even if you only turn on your television late at night, it is fairly impossible that you won't see any politician waving, looking sad, handling this and that... Oh well, the circus has opened its doors.

Now that the election is just a few months away, the show has now gone funnier. For the past months, the Administration vs. Opposition war has been noisy. It has been a riot. And it has been a debate of never-ending. It is as if the members of each are mortal enemies. Some of their rebuttal has even become personal. The arguments just do not end. The fire between them has grown stronger and has forced them apart. The endless accusations, cases, and the rallies may it be peaceful or deadly. All of this are part of the political arena. It is like both parties are in some kind of grudge towards each other and that grudge won't be cease anymore.

That was before.

Since the election period is approaching, the wind has changed its course. A few weeks ago, I heard a news that one of the administration's greatest critic may be open to the possibility of teaming up with the Administration's bet on the 2010 elections. Although I haven't heard of any confirmations yet, I am still hoping that this will stay only as a rumor. I understand that this maybe because of his ambition but I think he is going too far from his "principle". The principle that he would always fight for before, as an Administration critic. He has always been at the side of the opposition. I even had a chance to listen to his speech when I was still in college. And although the topic is of non-politics, the speech has a part of it that talks about it. Through the course, as far as I can remember, his name is almost equal to opposition. Refusing to side with the Administration. Even if his reason is his ambition, and ambition is bigger than politics, I still believe that principle is way bigger than ambition. Where would your ambition take you if you cannot take a stand? How can you fulfill a very powerful responsibility if you would eventually forsake your principle inspite of the public's trust? I am not a member of the opposition but I admired him before for not being scared to tell the truth and to seek for it. I respect him for his gift of making speeches and statements that of great patriotism. And now, with this news, I feel betrayed. Betrayed that the man who I looked up to before for his principles, is now risking that trust that we gave him. I say we because I know that many people also admired him for his courage to expose the truth. To go against the most powerful person in the country. And he said it was because of his love for this country. I feel betrayed. And if this news finally materializes, then I would just accept that I was betrayed.

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.

From Princesses to Murderers

I am a book lover. I prefer buying books and reading it while in bed, in coffee shops, instead of listening to it. What with audio books or podcasts everywhere. I love turning pages of read-worthy books. Kind of books that will certainly take your breath away, making you ache to know the next thing that will happen, those that will make you keep your hands clutch tightly on the book as events unfold.

I have been reading quite a lot of books since I was in Elementary. It ranges from Sweet Valleys to those book report types. But, as much as a book lover that I am, I never had a favorite author. Even though every time I fill up a friend's slum book, I always write Francine Pascal as my favorite author. Growing up, my love for book reading did not at all, ceased. But it has lessen. What with textbooks and textbooks that school teachers require us to read. I just do not have time for leisure reading anymore. It is when I am about to graduate in college that I started the habit of reading again. I have read a variety of books but I have discovered that chic-lit books are what I mostly opt for. It is because of the fact that my life is already stressful that I want something that could lift my spirits or make me laugh at the very least instead of cry a river thing. Well, sometimes though I read those tear-jerker books like Nicolas Sparks' A Walk to Remember. Anyway, in my search of beautifully crafted chic-lit books, I found Princess Diaries. Of course, with the help of cable channels showing Mia Thermopolis' transformation. I dived into the royal world of Mia. But, I did not however, finish all the published installment. I guess, I have grown away from it.

Last year, I have scanned my stacks of magazines and tried to search for books featured on these mags to add to my collection. I am aching to read again but I want those fun, light ones, so that it won't add to the heaviness of my emotional baggage. It was then that I came across "Size 14 Is Not Fat Either". At first, I did not realize the author. I mean, I just wrote down the title, the author, and then head to Nat'l Bookstore to purchase it. But then, the book was a little over my budget at that time so I did not buy is as planned. It was only last month that I saw it again, with much a lower price than the first time I saw it. So, naturally, I bought it. The 1st and the 2nd installment. I left the 3rd installment behind thinking that I will buy it after the first two installment. Well, honestly, to "test the waters". If I will like the story or not.

So now, I just finished the 2nd installment of Heather's Mysteries, she is the Mia in this series I am blabbering about. She is the heroine of Meg's crime novel. And now that I have finished reading the 2nd installment, I am really disappointed of myself that I did not buy the 3rd installment. It is really a magnificent novel. Meg Cabot do not only know royalty and grandeur. She also know murders, stories I mean, and executes it perfectly. I sooo love this Heather Wells' Mysteries series. Meg wrote the story not only thrillingly but also comically. Okay, you may not be convinced on the greatness of the outcome of this combination. But, it is real awesome. You should try reading this to see for yourself. I know you will be addicted to it. You will be actively thinking with Heather, trying to solve the puzzle yourself. But this kind of thinking you wouldn't mind doing. You would laugh on the hysteria of Heather's bouncy life. You would be frustrated on Heather's love life.

Meg Cabot is simply a chic-lit novelist alright. A princess of her own field as I can say.

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...