Paalam Tita Cory!

I was in the middle of watching series of youtube funny videos when I was informed of the passing away of former President Cory Aquino. I had to text my family back at home, and my some of friends here in KSA to spread the news. Since, I am practically alone and had no one to talk to, I tried to resume watching the videos, only to stare blank at my computer as I could no longer undertstand a thing. And then it sank in. I felt it. It's sad.

In lawschool, I used to engage in great debate (well..actually 'street type' discussions) as to who is a greater Philippine president, comparing her to FVR (whom I personally had a chat during one of the youth camps) and Erap (still Senator then at the time I assisted him in San Beda in one of our Student Council sponsored lectures). These are two great gentlemen who have the ability to persuade and work their charms on issues they believe in. With Tita Cory? Well, I saw her more than a couple of times when I attended morning masses at San Beda chapel. Though we used to sit more than 5 meters away from where she used to sit, I distinctly remember her very vibrant aura. She certainly has the 'arrive' (dating)... but I must admit, I was more engrossed looking at Kris who's always beside her.

I never had the first hand experience of 'People Power' in 1986. At that time, I was still inside the confines of minor seminary. But even then, we could feel the the growing patriotic feeling. It was so warm, it couldn't escape you. Remember, the church people were so proactive in expressing their discontent against Marcos regime, and as hard as they fought to hide their feelings, their words gave way.

And so that's the first time I came to realize the true meaning of the phrase "one in spirit". Even though, we seminarians did not participate in fencing armored tanks and forming human shield against bullets, we were there. Armed with our bibles and rosaries, we were asking the Lord to prevent any bloodsheds from happening.

I can still remember Tita Cory appearing on TV screen encouraging Filipinos abroad to come back, and participate in its development; and asking the nation to "buy Filipino products". I must admit, they where the basis of my strong beliefs and my advocacies in writing my e-newsletter SAWALI and the book KAPENG ARABO. Yeah, though I always say, I only wrote kalokohan, but really...that is the message I am trying to impart - that we Filipinos abroad should do our share in building the nation, and that should start from our desire to come back.

They say it is history who will judge one's performance. And as the events are unfolding before us, I'd say Tita Cory may have done a real good job. With her honesty in governance, her non-hesitation to relinquish her post after her term, placing the mechanics to ensure that our freedom may not be taken away once again, she is perhaps our best President so far.

To Tita Cory, the Philippine's symbol of democracy and shining example of ethical leadership, a job well done. Farewell!

JK Wedding Dance Entrance

Another feel good video. With more than 13 million hits on youtube, I am sure the concept is not totally new to you. You can say this is not a typical-walk-down-the aisle type. I just wonder if I can make Nanay and Tatay do the same on the 'd day'...hmmm...

Two Hates

Two arguments brought about by hate - either because of the system, or merely sick and tired of waiting for something positive to happen.

The first article caused so much disruptions among Pinoys abroad. Alam nyo naman nature natin, makanti lang konti, nagpupuyos na damdamin.

The second is in retaliation to the first article.

Personally, I give the first article the benefit of the doubt. He may have employed seemingly politically incorrect terms such as "humihimod ng paa ng mga banyagang amo," or "piso tamang barko", yet I believe he used them to drive a point.

While I agree to the premises advanced by author the second post that we have our own individual needs to attend to, I don't necessarily solicit to the idea of utmost practicality. I am guilty of that, and I am now suffering the consequences.

Going abroad is personal decision. It certainly has consequences. But let it not be the case that we Pinoys abroad rejoice in our little successes as we mount the so-called 'desire-to-advance-our-personal-causes.' They look good now, because the country is not in good health. But when the time comes, believe me, it is only then, we will realize that we have lost a lot.

TSOKOLATE
Ni Mike Avenue

Itinatanong ko kung bakit naging bayani ang isang OFW. Hindi agad siya makasagot. Ngumiti siya at iniabot ang mga tsokolateng may tatak na “Made in China" sa likod ng pakete. Ang mga tsokolateng ito sa kamay ko ang isa sa mga sagisag na siya’y kagagaling lamang sa ibang bansa – sa Canada.

Naubos ang mga propesyonal dito. Halos lahat. Ang mga duktor na nagsunog ng kilay ng mahigit sampung taon, mas pinili ang maging nurse na assistant lamang ang ranggo sa abroad. Ang mga nurse naman na dapat ay dito magsisilbi sa bansa, mas ginusto pang mangibang bayan. Ang epekto nito? Bumaba ang antas ng industriya. Nagkasya kasi tayo sa mga second choice dahil ang mga de-kalibre, naroon at kasalukuyang minumura ng amo kapalit ng dolyar. Bayani ka bang tatawagin kung humahalik ka naman sa paa ng mga dayuhan? Labag yata iyan sa prinsipyo ni (Dr. Jose) Rizal. Baka bumangon si Rizal.

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In contrast with

MGA BAYANING MUKHANG PERA
by Buraot

Sawa na akong maging bayani. Alam kong baka isuka ako ni Bonifacio pero kailangan kong magpa-alipin sa mga dayuhan. Tutal bukod sa di naman gumagalaw si Bonifacio kahit lagyan ko ng banderitas yung monumento nya, di rin naman nya mapapakain ang mga janakis ko.

Kaya narito ako, dala-dala ang aking tampipi at gutay gutay na cedula. Wala akong dalang agimat kundi kapal ng mukha at panalanging sana ay tumama din ako sa lottong dollar ang premyo.

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Filipinos version on world domination

This is an old article written by Ms. Jessica Zafra. This is her stake on Filipinos version of world domination. The gist of the article is that OFW phenomenon is actually a precursor how we Filipinos will rule the world. As the number of OFWs and Balikbayan continue to rise, the article finds its significance more than ever.

But it was only recent that I heard a radio commentator lambasted the article which primarily got me curious to check it out once again. I find it witty though (well, it's Ms. Zafra). Read on and be the judge.

Everybody says we’re wimps, right? The Air Force hasn’t got any planes and the Navy ships are held together by rust and spit and the Army’s guns are being sold off por kilo by enterprising parties. We’re practically defenseless, and if the leaders of some superior power should get it into their heads to invade us, the only way we might repel their forces is to douse them in buckets of boiling drool from the frothing mouths of our politicians. This way if infection doesn’t kill them, rabies will. Of course, those same invaders will rue the day they entered the P.I.–just wait until they breathe the black Manila air or see a Carlo Caparas film or attempt to drive on EDSA. But by the time they realize their humongous error, they’ll be here. We’re a bunch of defenseless dweebs, right? We’re weenies, right? We have nothing, right?

WRONG (to continue reading click here)

An Odd Couple

I just had to post this. I find the message very powerful and amazing. And goodness! Sometimes, I never thought myself emotionally touched with animal stories such as this.

On the sidelight, though admittedly we have Pinoy anchors who are equally good (or even better) in delivering amusing news, I always find Steve Hartman of Assignment America so attached to whatever topic he's delivering. This probably makes him cut above the rest of the news anchors of CBS News. Good thing, I usually catch the show before I come to the office.



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Blue Passport Blues

Not that I am putting a period to the statement that I may not be able to experience the so-called process of "changing citizenship", but for now, I am settled with the idea that I still see myself growing old in our beloved country.

But then reality bites. Even the most patriotic of us sometimes succumb to the most trying circumstances. I have the slighest idea what took place in the life of the author of the post, Ninotchka Rosca. But I guess she too was not able to escape the harshness of reality .

I find most part of the article funny, but my favorite's the last. To those who are contemplating of 'taking the oath', you may perhaps want to read first; to Ms. Rosca, I couldn't agree any better. Truly, reality disappoints.

Plus, you may wish to go through the comments. It created varied and opposing reactions. Cheers!


DESPITE the admonition not to arrive before 7 a.m., 50 people were already lined up before the Brooklyn Courthouse reception. It was 7:05. I had flown to New York from Los Angeles the night before and was to fly back at 4:00 p.m. I was about to take my oath of citizenship. I’d considered postponing but all my Filipino friends screamed: TAKE THE OATH!

The decision to be a US citizen, made after months of angst almost four years ago, morphed into weirdness. First, along with the application for naturalization, one had to list all trips outside the US since becoming a permanent resident. Fortunately, I’d kept all seven of my Philippine passports; the list ran to three pages single-spaced.

Then the questions: have you ever been a prostitute? Not yet. Have you ever been a member of the Communist Party or any of its affiliates? Come to think of it, I REALLY don’t know.

Humor is not an option, a lawyer-friend said, write no. $400 filing fee; $300 for renewal of permanent residency; $70 for biometrics, $1,000 lawyer’s fee.

Three months later I was told to submit to biometrics. Blood sample, DNA swab, lock of hair? Be there at 10:00 a.m. or your application will be considered abandoned. Resistance is futile. At 9:00 a.m., 45 men, women and children shrieking in the cold were lined up before the service center. Smug in what I thought was an appointment, I headed straight for the front door and was promptly sent back to the end of the line.


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KA lands San Francisco

The photos are courtesy of Ms. Des Amojedo.

Culture Unplugged Video

I talked about this topic in the book KAPENG ARABO in passing. While I still believe that this happens in a miniscule of a percentage of our population, I just couldn't help but worry that the issue of hunger may go out of proportion if we don't do something.

I remember I was chatting with a friend regarding a related topic, i.e. the squatters in the country. Being out of the country, he claims I have no idea of how grabe the situation of our folks in the slums. Of course, I do. And I also have an ample idea how they are used by some people to pursue their political dreams. Ahhh...this is so complicated topic. And if you really want to know my stake on this, we could go on forever.

On the lighter side, this video won the Best Short Story category. I won't write the details as they are part of the video. Though I personally do not like how things were presented, it has that tinch of sadness, ka-touch baga. But you be the judge.

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com