whatever

Alive Again!

2010-10-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I last logged and told my stories. I was in some kind of frenzy and been to a lot of other adversary, that is life. None physical, spiritual and mental indeed.Very emotional.

A year after my auntie died, my grandparents also died. They are my father's mother and father. I don't know how they come into this world and been living together for almost 70 years, but they had endured a lot, trying to stay together that long, and, probably, making a pledge that both of them will leave at the same time together...

I haven't heard of such story that two lovers who had been together for so long will exit earth at the same moment, but this is what happened to them. It was very emotional for all of us because we never thought it would happen but it did. All of us are saddened by the fact that we could never see them again in flesh.

All of us knows that they are old and sickly. My grandfather was the first to become ill by November last year. My grandmother could still walk around, chat a little, and smile.The grandfather could no longer walk, he was bedridden, clothed and fed in bed. It was an emotional site to see how he suffers from physical damage of his body. My grandmother could do nothing. The youngest son came and help in caring for the olden ones. It was about a month later when the grandfather started to reject his food stuff.

We thought that this could be his time. We brought him to the hospital, and let doctors examine him, thinking that he will be given some dose of medicines that would make him eat. The doctor told us that he will never make it and that his body is now giving up. He gave my grandfather an IV of dextrose so that even if he ain't eat nothing, he would somehow be nourished.

This had been the setup for about three days when my grandmother suddenly felt pain in her tummy. She asked for some tablets for the pain sleep through the night. My uncle, who was their care-giver, never noticed anything strange about my grandmother. It was my grandfather who got all the attention. The next day, she was already gone, if you looked at her, you would think that she was sleeping, but she had already left.

The grandfather suddenly was also too ill, and that his dextrose seemed to clot a lot in his veins. Two days later, on his 86th birthday, he also left, died of multiple organ malfunction while the grandmother was not yet buried, laying there in her coffin, silently waiting for her husband.

The two were buried at the same spot on the same cemetery on the same day, two days after the grandfather died.

Someday, somehow, we will catch up, telling stories about how life here had been so challenging, and how the lesson they are teaching me is being learned everyday.

Getting Up After the Fall

2008-08-12T00:14:00.000-07:00

It was a tough experience, I have just been into. I said I'll never cry. Yet, when it was time to bury her, I couldn't help my self but cry, tears of love, joy, anxiety, I don't really know what I exactly felt that moment when we have to left her on the ground. It was my first time since I was already an adult that someone dear to me passed. Now, I know. It was an experience where I have learned a lot, about emotion, about people around, about friendship. I was humbled to see that a lot of other people condoles us.

It was a tough experience, yet, going back to normal life before the event was even tougher. With our culture here in the Philippines, losing someone means losing a lot of energy, money and a whole lot more. I find it hard to go back to work, after the physical stress given on me. I was too tired to even get out of bed. But I had to do it. Got to take this emotion off and be back where I used to so that I can plan my life and family for the better, that, even in my death, they'll be ready. I think my Aunt is still with us, teaching little lessons on reflections and plans.

Good Bye

2008-07-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

It was already two weeks past and she had gone away, my father's sister. If there was a greater being that can control all these things, perhaps, he has some reasons for letting it happen.

My Auntie was a strong personality. She was the 2nd of the nine children of the family that she knew. She was always the better one at annoying my uncles (her brothers) in their drinking session (I grew up in a culture where drinking wine and beer seems status symbol) , criticizing them with their behavior and their way of life, especially the ones close to her. She has always been the big mouth when her brothers are asking for rice from her, and yet, she'll see them drinking and not working at all. She has been their guard ever since. Seems good to me, telling them how to be better. But it does not stop there. In her younger days, she used to yell at my grandmother telling her that she was good only at giving birth and that is all. That she is next to nothing in doing chores and managing their resource. I don't know, it was all legend now.

I don't know if some of them(brothers) are cursing her, or someone is wishing her dead, now she was. Is it carma? Someone's got to pay what someone's taken. A rule I've been keeping since I got this hype on mind and reality. Perhaps, it is a way, that she need to suffer in order to see others helping hands, she need to be cared, for her to see that others are willing to extend their hand over her, she need to be humbled to see how things are different now than when she was still strong. Now she could no longer yell or speak or even whisper. She was silenced by a disease that she strongly objected. She wanted to fight it, but her body cannot. It was all that she could give and it is the end of her road.

To my Father, she was a comrade who when they were still small, was his playmate at the farm and in school. He was so sad, I saw it in his eyes, but he never let a drop of tear fall. Probably showing his leadership for he is the firstborn. Not even during the burial. But way back at home, he almost collapse to see that his younger sister was now gone, to a place that she would never be back. Perhaps, for him, it is better than to see her suffer in pain. He could not take it. Now only the memories remain, good or bad, they all have been buried now in memories.

All I can tell my children was that she had been good in taking care of me when I was a child. Good bye to you now, and we'll see you later.

Extending Life

2008-07-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

It was late Sunday afternoon when I got a phone call from my sister way back from the other town. My Auntie was in need of blood. She had been confined to a hospital for more than 3 days now and as to what I had observed, she was not getting any better.

She was a cancer patient, breast cancer made her that way. She had her breast cut, put away some muscles and tissues and undergone s chemo-therapy. That was 6 months ago. I thought she would survive. But my thoughts were just plain thoughts. It will never come true. For every day, she is getting weaker and weaker. We don't have enough money to complete her therapy so she has just gotten 3 doses, through the help of some good hearted people. When there is no more hope for the sickness, she was desperate to find ways to live and survive. She resorted to the traditional medicine here in our country, some kind of massage therapy "hilot" as we came to call it here. I don't know what or why she has done it but it somehow amplified the damage and now, she was bedridden for a week.

It is hard to think that she would say goodbye to us for she was my childhood guardian who was always there for me when I needed care. I couldn't think of anything else but to help her ease the pain that she is now enduring. If only I could take half of it, she would be better.

Before it is too late, she was taken to the hospital for a check up, but the doctors insisted that she had to be confined. So she was, and there was an order for her to undergo blood transfusion. I volunteered to be a donor. It was my first time to donate blood and I really know nothing about the process. Somebody said it was painful but I am more than ready to take that small pinch of pain to extend my Aunties dwindling life. How much is a pinch of pin pain than a cancer pain??? It was a priceless gift, though she would never knew it or she would never feel it, still, I should be thankful she had taken care of me while I was young and now it is my turn to bring something back to her. I took the pain, its not really painful, nothing much than a bite of an ant, but to undergo an ordeal with many people thinking I could not do it, is a challenge that I must overcome, and I did. Even till now, she is teaching me lessons in life, though bedridden, I can still recall how strong her personality was.

I would never want to forget her, just like my 2nd mother. I don't want to see her in pain and weary, I'll just want to see her smile once again, though not here, but she will always be alive in my memories.

In Search of Greener Greens

2008-06-10T23:29:00.000-07:00

I have to find new ways to conquer this widening deficit to our budget, one way I could only think of is to go abroad. I hate it. I really really hate it. It is not that productive when you are always thinking of your loved ones here at home and you are on the other side of the world. This is probably the reason why many citizens of this nation chooses to work for other country, for a more stable cash, better income, better chances, better standard of living, better technology and a whole lot others. It is the only resort people could think of.

But how can I go there when I could not speak their tongue or hear them in my language? How could I ever make transactions with people so foreign to me? Well, I just found out a service that translates languages. IAFL Translation and Interpretation Services of India will do the trick. They can help me to understand people from India, and the Arabs as well as Farsi and a whole lot others. Visit their site and know that they can provide you with your translation needs.

I used to be afraid of the thoughts of going abroad, but now, I am thinking the other way around and with a little help from a well respected company that was translating languages since 1989, I am sure I can do it.

I will have no problem in creating a resume and application letter that these foreign company have. IAFL Translation and Interpretation Services can respond to incoming emails within 1 hour and make my application speaking in their native tongue. What is better with this company is that they are trusted by other well established companies around the world in translating and communicating with Eastern Companies, so why should I bother?

I just need a little more convincing power and encouragement from family members and I will take my flight to the Middle East.

The Ever Increasing Inflation Rates

2008-06-10T20:48:00.001-07:00

This past few days, I've been to another province, I have to go for an errand. I was shocked to find out that my fare was too high, and that I budgeted less, meaning I'll have to skip meals in order to go to my destination. This is one of the effects of too much fluctuations of inflation rate. Disgusting isn't it? I never thought this could have happened. It was too much to be a burden that for an ordinary employee like me, could no longer afford to visit relatives from a neighboring province, You'll need to have a thousand pesos to get a comfortable ride into them, which, is actually, about 130 kms. away from my home. How could I ever get out of this?

I am thinking that I should set up a business. Yet, all I am thinking of have already failed with the trials of other people. Should I think of another or just let myself dive into this dreadful pit of burden? I cannot allow to see my child not to have his basic needs. I cannot take the picture of my son dying of hunger and poverty. What should I do to overcome this crisis? Should I blame this carnal government, whose interest goes with business-politicians and thinks of themselves only, not of the greater number of people whom they swear to serve. Disgusting!

How Much More can we Take?

2008-06-02T23:35:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, oil companies raised their prices for fuels for the nth times. I don't really know how many times they have raised their prices, but one thing is for sure, fuel prices could swell so high that my motorcycle could no longer afford to take in what I used to put in. Is this an economy our government boast of?

As we all know, when fuel prices go up, all other things that uses it also goes up in prices. Rice in the some parts of this country is now sold at almost average PhP 45.00 per kilogram. What more can we eat? leftover bananas? Potato tops? Camote tops? Though they contain the same nutrient as rice, their prices are also blowing up. What could be left for Juan Dela Cruz to eat? What about the poor, how are they to eat with these price increase in food? How could a family of 5 hold its decent living with a small income, and high inflation rate?

Their price increase was not yet finished, before this week ends, another round of increase is expected? What can I afford now to fuel my ride? To light my home? To feed my family? With only PhP 8,000.00 (about US$200) take home pay every month, how am I to budget that with these price increases? These companies (oil retailers and refiners) have pumped out their wealth from us, ordinary people who cannot avoid but use their product. When can we move away from them? What is the government doing with the situation? Do they have a program that helps to develop programs/system/products that will do away with these money hogs? I think it is time that this government should give priority to scientist who can develop technologies that should help the people and not to drag the people to slavery and poverty. Or, maybe, they are doing nothing because these companies told them so? Is it the reason? Now tell me, do we have any more hope for this nation?

Who is to Blame?

2008-05-29T22:49:00.001-07:00

There was a hostage taking that happened yesterday in a nearby town, about 55 kms. from our place, a man with a gun and a dagger catch up a bus and along the way fired at two individuals and took everyone else hostage. After four hours of negotiations, police have to do something and they come inside the bus and killed the man.

Here comes the questions, why does it have to come into this? What could have probably triggered the man to got up and hostage the victims? Why does he needed to die? What now becomes of him? Who should be blamed for this event?

Though I am not blaming the police for such a harsh action, I am even admiring their courage to do such a horrible decision. Maybe a deeper analogy is needed for this kind of event. What are the things that should be considered? What are the reasons we need to understand why such an event happened and what can we do to avoid the next recurrence of it. Should we also ask or look into our government policies on this?

According to the news, the man has a wife and children. They are a typical family living in this country. The man works, assigned to other places where his work should ask of him, and his wife took care of the kids. His depression came when he learned that he was being fooled by his wife playing around. In a conservative society like this, fathers are expecting their wives to be faithful and taking the best care to their children.

It seems a simple problem, just let go of it, but it is not. All of the man's effort to earn were just not enough. He is willing to exchange his family's time for a little reward, as I have told before, this has to come with what is the priority.

Hostages said that the man storied to them that he wasn't yet sleeping for two days straight and got no other food intake. This would make him really feel the sting of hunger and long hours of wakefulness. It would make him crazy and crazy he becomes, shooting two victims without any apparent reasons, simply saying that his wife cheated on him. It is really hard to comprehend how could such an event happen. Should you blame the man who was deprived of sanity because of hunger and sleeplessness due to work duty? How does the police reacted to it? They are brave enough to talk with the man, trying persuade him to stop his actions and surrender, they even give him noodles to it something, yet, he would again remember his wife and would point his gun to someone. Until finally, after four hours of negotiation, they decided to take him down. He came out of the bus, dead. Is this step humanitarian? What was the reaction of the commission on human rights? What about the other hostages that was endangered during the shootout? Is it worth the trauma?

Does the system really hold some security for the passengers of this public buses or should we again sit and study how these buses operate and put a better security system that will secure our passengers? A lot of hold-ups and robbery happens during travel, especially with this bus company, What can the administration do to lessen these cruel events from happening?

How could they?

2008-05-27T22:50:00.001-07:00

My wife works in a government institution helping people with their needs. One project of our local government is to provide cheap homes for the servicemen like my wife who works for them. At one point, it seems good that this government still thinks for their workers.

But then, another thing rose, at about the time it was conceptualized, engineers and department heads are already spinning their heads for better place in the area. Then it happened, some are ordered to pay 500 pesos 5 year amortization for a 120 square meter lot while others are paying 480 for the same space. What could spell the difference? When asked, the engineering office simply says that those paying 500 have locations better than those paying 480. Well, this sounds ok, but not in the true sense. Why? It is because location was not chosen but drawn. Should this be acceptable reason???

This was not yet the problem. Because of the draw lots, heads of departments came to a place that was near a creek. It was a sloping pieces of land, off course, it wont be good for them to own such a place. Planners then, decided that the plan of the whole subdivided lots be turned upside down so that those placed at the front will now be placed at the back where the sloping land was. How rude! Employees will not dose with sentiments if they haven't change the plans. It was showed to them, the original plan, then, drawn their lots, and now, suddenly, changed the plans to what should suit them. Is it not horrible how these people is using the government to step ahead further than other people? How rude? How could they do this to people in their own ranks? Such a horrible thing to think that this is one of the classic examples of graft and corrupt practices that leads to a much bigger, more horrible transactions happening in the national government. This is how sick our system is. And we, ourselves could no longer take any cure. A sick and dangerous system of governance and society. I do hope that it die and never to be revived again.

Politician's Waiting Shed

2008-05-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

This country was blessed with a tropical climate that only serve 2 conditions, rainy days and hot dry summer. There was, most of the time, dry sunny days during school days, only when it is mid July to September when the hardest rains hit the land, they call it moonsoon rains. During this period, it is hard for a public commuter like me to catch a ride from a jeepney especially when I'm on a rush.

To solve such an discomfort for the people, waiting sheds have been erected. Politicians boasts their projects, most of them, waiting sheds. Many of these, sub-standards, could not even hide you from rain if it rained with certain winds. You'll get wet, even inside these waiting sheds.

But that supposedly solution, has also become more of a problem, I think.

One, it has been a case of graft and corrupt practices for politicians here in the Philippines. Many of these sub-standard waiting sheds caused 5 to 10 times more than they should. These sheds caused more, in almost every corner, you'll see one. Even along the major hi-ways, numerous numbers of these waiting sheds can be seen, all of them, produced by politicians. There was no definite design to standardize them, you won't even see a toilet (portable or installed) near it that when you need to pee, you simply go to the back wall of the shed and release!

Another thing, it has been a major attitude changer for Filipinos riding public transport. Jeepneys would stop anywhere, where there are people waiting, not minding other users of the road. It has spoiled the commuters that they would stop the bus or jeepney to the nearest possible site to their destination. Is it the driver or the commuter that should be blamed for traffic? I think, providing standard waiting shed and terminal at designated places will lessen traffic, would provide discipline among us, would save more of our energy. Look at Singapore, even taxi's won't bother to stop at you when you are not on the right waiting / passenger terminal or shed.

Due to poverty, this sheds had also become home for those without home, hideouts / posts for sub-culture groups like fraternities and gangs, vendor's business places, and vandals favorite areas. Some people even rob these sheds of roof and posts to use in making their huts. During the nights, you won't feel safe waiting in these sheds when you see groups of young men drinking, or doing the pot, or just chatting in there, you'll feel like if someone of them made fun of you and you retaliate, all of them would come banging your face. It has been a territorial post for them.

Can't this politicians think of other useful projects to make the community worthwhile? Why not conduct business seminars, or host projects to kick start a business that would help generate income to the poor ones? With so many people without a job, or not in school or in any other worthwhile activity, they could think of nothing good but to associate with people like them and plan things that we are regretting. How many have died because of gang wars and frat wars? How many got involved in hold-ups and robberies, all done in waiting sheds and dark places near it?

I think, it is time that this politicians think not only of themselves but also think for the general good of the people, not limiting projects to waiting sheds but to think further for progress.

The Problem of the Hungry Tummy

2008-05-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I have watched a tv program campaigning for the reduction of green house gases emission, they say that global warming is already being felt and that we are nearing our doomsday if we do nothing about it.

I have nothing against the idea, it was true that global warming is an ill fate that we will face in the future if we just shrug our shoulders and do nothing. Yet, is it worth noting and thinking about it when the people of this land is suffering from hunger and poverty? What is to survive the calamities of the weather when we are to die of hunger? Could you think logical when you crave for food and shelter?

The idea is not to simplify this things. Yes, I can manage my waste, but, to other fellows who only have 20 cents a day for the meal of a family of seven, do you think they would still care? This comes hand in hand with the government policies. Prioritize to solve the immediate needs of the people before digging deeper into other cancers of society. Our need is to be fed and felt the assurance that we could still live for the next five or ten years. With an ever increasing prices of basic food like rice, fish, and meat, how can a family of seven survive for the next five years when there is less and less job opportunities? It is a sad thing to note that people here in the Philippines, especially the poorest ones, are satisfying themselves from the leftovers of few people who could afford hotels and restaurants. There is one meal that they call continental, just because it is the surplus of continental hotel, which is being sold to them at P30.00 per kilo. How degrading, these leftovers are dug up from trash cans. Would you dare to eat like that?

In my opinion, this government should properly use time and priorities, act now, save our people from poverty and all else will follow. If we have a healthy people, they would refrain from other crimes to the planet and to other citizens. Act now, fast.

The Importance of Family

2008-05-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

I have to deviate from my previous post topics that deals mainly with the issues of the governance and social system. This time, I would like to talk about the family.

I was always confronted with the question of what is more important, providing for your family's need or strengthen family ties and lead them not into drugs and bad peers.

I don't really know if my choice was right or wrong, or weather it is acceptable to many or not. It has always been a question of what is your priority in life. For me, I chose the later. I still believe that family ties and teaching the children proper values would conquer our need for better life. Though I cannot deny the urge is strong for me to choose a work that would provide better living for my family, I cannot leave them and go abroad.

Being an observer, I have seen a lot of families, though rich and wealthy of worldly possessions, whose members lacks the morals and values that for most of us, should come naturally. I have seen families broken and children going no where but drugs and vices that would tragically lead to crimes and before everyone knew it, it was already too late.

This thought came to me late last year and ever since I realize the effects of it, I loose the appetite of going to a faraway land to work and earn lots of money. Though we are on a tight budget here in this miserable country, I think, it is still best to stay and earn just enough to make my family alive for a month.

I hate to see my children grow without me, and the guidance of a father. I could never forgive myself if ever that happens. I just wish that this government would not forget its people, find ways to make life bearable and light. I still believe in the Filipino people.

What do I Offer for a Change?

2008-04-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I last posted something in here. I was just too busy thinking, what could I be contributing to this society that was burying itself more and more in the quick sand of chaos and disorder? Does this country still feels something worth mentioning? Do we really need something else to be free and be responsible for all the things that is happening now? Where is hope? What have become of it?

I was always saddened lately by the news around my country, making me feel so stressed out and left with no energy, not even the guts to write on this blog. I have failed. That is what I felt. I have failed. I could give nothing more because, I, myself is a failure.

Was it just because of something that was not attained or done that gives me this feeling? Lately, I felt like I'm feeling that nauseating breeze that I used to breath when I'm still a fifth grader. I missed it, but going into it once again reminds me a lot of things that I dreamed of, and should have been prioritized before but I have failed to do. Now, I am considered a failure.

This country, Philippines, has a lot of things happening just because they are needed to happen, yet, my countrymen doesn't care. I am a public school teacher. A servant for my people, yet, I cannot feel that I am effective. Last graduation, I have more than 10 students that should have been dropped out of the list of graduates, these students failed, failed to attend my class, failed to submit requirements, failed to pass the exams, all for 2 semesters. Yet, they were able to go upstage and took their high school diploma with them. I thought, it will be helpful, but my conscience is killing me. How could I be unfair to other students? This was not my idea. It was by the virtue of advisers who kept begging me to pass their students and simply ask for projects like books. I failed with them when I gave my self up and let them go.

Now, tell me, when these things happen here in small school which is a small institution in this country, how could the country be better? If would simply count its effect in geometric multiples, it will be gigantic. That will be the reason why this country is still sinking. Tell me, what must I do for change?

Is it worthwhile hearing them?

2007-10-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Moral recovery, the most sought after word in the Philippines today. Is it just an issue to stay famous or rather infamous or was just a way to create another chaotic system of governance? I am speaking for myself, and for the past years, I have been convinced that it is not simply the government or the system, it was our culture. So sad, but I am very much convinced that the system of governance executed in the country is far from being PRO-People, it is the sad truth, it is in our blood and it runs with in the people. How demoralizing!

Recently on the news was the President saying that she will stop RED TAPE in the government. She will start programs for moral recovery of this nation. But looking at the situation in my perspective as a simple citizen, why should that be said now, when her "Malacañan People" is on the middle of controversy of giving a fortune to politicians, for free, without necessary papers, without request, without anything, just a mere cash gift! Gift for what? Why? and who? Where does the money came from? What is the purpose? It is good that Pampanga governor used to be a priest, an honest man who believes that this should end. How have been given? Why only two of these politicians came out and tell of the money?

I was always thinking, is there still a way for my country to get out of this hell? A hell of doing transactions with the government. And in my observation, it is in our culture. Take for example a fellow of mine who happens to need some of my expertise, she would always be giving me some sort of gifts, for doing something for her. You know what, I will do that job even if I get nothing out of it. It is genuine for me to do that, but why should she insist on me the gifts? Then, probably, I thought, it is on the culture of Filipinos. Imagine, every election, how many people sell their votes? Ahh, it is a widespread culture here in this country that I revoked so much. If it is happening in my level, so much more on the higher courts and forums. Just like an officer who heads a government office, he bought a new car and boasted it to be used by him on every official business that he has to attend. What would he expect in return? He make his office pay himP20,000.00 for every month, as a sort of rent for the car, that is excluding the gasoline allowance and other expense of travel. If you will compute for the amount the office had paid him for the past years, it would amount to 2 brand new cars to date. Yet, none is exposed and the Commission on Audit, as usual, is not doing its job. A moral leader?

So how do you think this government will do moral recovery program? I don't know. Perhaps, every member of the government, including the lowest position should be compelled to resign, that includes me. Then, perhaps, they should implement a new system of audit and hire a lot of undercover cops/agents watching the Auditors, the Office heads and all gov. employees. Probably, a massive computerization should help solve massive corruption. I don't really know the most effective method, but for my growing child, I have to find a way for him not to adapt these ways, these shameful ways. If you will think about it, it is a problem so complicated that it seems no solution is probable at all. Thinking further, you would arrive at a thought asking, Is it worth listening to this government?

A Shallow Generation

2007-08-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

I think I would never see, students working as hard as a bee, not in in this lifetime that many children are confused in society torn with corruption and greed. It was a pain in the ass being a teacher in a third world country, being underpaid and working more than your capacity, I couldn't even touch my keyboard and start writing on this blog on a regular time interval! It was a sad tale yet I have to live with it, not for the rest of my life, but as long as I haven't got another job!

What bothers me is not about me or my family's future, it is the children who I am responsible to teach. I couldn't get into their minds what is supposed to be fed in them. I hate to admit it, but the quality of education in the Philippine setting has long been corrupted by those administrators and managers on the higher offices, jumping one curriculum to another without even taking note of the consequences it has on the students. There are no studies done to show how wrong an implementation is or no evaluation of the previous curricula before going to another. It was just like changing shirts! They were not bothered by the preparations and additional burden on the shoulders of the ranks like us. They never even thought of the impact of these changes on students! Imagine, every time the department secretary changes, so was the curriculum! Our graduating student today have undergone almost 3 curriculum changes while studying a 4 year secondary course. What could be the effect on them???

A SHALLOW GENERATION! That is. you could hardly find an ordinary high-school student who really do understand the word OBLIVIOUS. And it is very obvious that these students could not very well express their thoughts. We can find students doing a lot of things in their body out of curiosity. There are body piercing, abuse and dependence on drugs, grass, sex, violence. They tend to associate with people whom they hardly knew. They even organized themselves and try to build a name, of being notorious in the campus. You can only see through them, but you won't hear from them. Even their names are sometimes miss-spelled! What would you expect from them? I have been teaching 10 years now and have seen both the best and the worst students. In today's setting, you will meet them both in one single class, both sides of the extreme qualities of the students. Those on the better side, performs to their best, but only a handful, sometimes, not even three in a class. Worst sides are booming, numbers are far more exceeding than a handful. Bridging the gap between them are below average ones who could hardly be felt. What happened? It is easy to pass a name than to fail his mother or father begging for mercy. This was the real scenario. At the end of every grading period, it is a familiar scene that could be observed. Many parents roam around, begging teachers to let their children stay on the class and pass! Head teachers are also problems. You could hardly find one who will stand by you on the case against students failure. Most of them see student's failure as teacher's failure! What a disgrace! Teachers burdened with full time loads and a ton of paper works, would still find time to visit the students and asked them to come on school and study?

I don't really know where the root of the problem really is. Should some other government agencies be more vigilant and start to do some actions on this matter? But what agency could help when in their own agencies, they have a much worse problem? Should the senate and congress enact a law that will force the students to study and parents to be responsible for their children's attention on studying? After all, the government is paying the tuition fees of these irresponsible students! Should we change the whole system? I don't know. I could not even think about it. It was too complicated that almost everyone is connected to the crime of not giving or not taking the right to a good education and be educated. What will the future of the Philippines be if the citizen's are not well educated at all?

State of the Nation Address of Gloria, a shameful lie?

2007-07-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

What is the true state of the Philippines today? Would you be able to know it from the SONA delivered yesterday by the President? I am afraid not!

The speeches she delivered are just mere fantasies and aspirations that the Filipino have long ago been dreaming of. None of theses speeches made by Gloria in the past have been turned into reality. What we need as a people, as a team for a great nation, is transparency!

What should be done with extra-judicial killings? Leave it again to the congress to create another law that will ultimately be forgotten in time? We have so many laws! The only thing needed is to administer these laws correctly? Whose job is it?

What about poverty? In our present state, commodities are so pricey while the wages are at minimum. What do you expect an ordinary person would do? All other crimes are born of these conditions. What is the government doing with it? Will the promised infrastructure projects feed these hungry mouths? After all, they are only promises.... and promises are meant to be broken.

Why can't this government face and show the real score for the Filipino people? Is she hiding something? An interest for her own? A family business perhaps? A family wealth? A corrupt practice? Oh God, is there still hope for the Filipino People?

Book Errors and the Future

2007-07-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

It is of no use to deny any errors in the publications and textbooks written and given to the Filipino Students today, it was obvious and is not just a few, but "too many few" to mention, is it right?
The problem with this is not limited to the cost of the book, although these books used in the public schools are low-cost, it should not be a legal reason to sacrifice it's quality. Quality that is should not only be limited to spelling and grammatical errors but also should include a check on the contents of every page. This is the standard, before these books are delivered to every school, there is a group of teachers who will review it. Are these teachers assigned to review the books really reviewing? I know one of them who were assigned to review and yet failed to distinguish errors on the written matter! Some reviewers are not really capable of reviewing, either not interested reading or not capable of reading. Something must be done!
On a TV interview, one author said that there are just few minor errs on his book, do we say that on the standards, we allow few minor errs for our students to make? We mark them wrong on their report cards and even give them low grades especially if the "few minor errs" were of critical nature. What about the publishers editors? How come this "few minor errs" came into the light of National Issue?
The most probable cause and root of this problem, is still, graft and corruption! I agree to "Ka Oca Orbos" when he said that corruption is the root of all these. With a low-cost public text book, the Education Department can save millions of pesos, some to be reserved on someone else's personal projects. The rampant red tape and "whom you know" among the low rank teachers will defer the inclusion of qualified teachers to join the team of book reviewers. Ever wonder how our education system collapsed and bring forth today's children with both extremes of highly intellectuals and very much illiterate students? To whom should we attribute this happenings, to the teachers? to the Bureaucrats? to the Policy-makers? to the Implementors?
I don't know. If I will be asked where to let my child take his education, I'd probably answer at home where I can supervise everything my child is working at.

A Hero

2007-06-18T21:22:00.002-07:00

Last Sunday, while driving my motorcycle on the road to another town, I was shocked to find out that my motorcycle stopped in the middle of the road, only to find out that there was no more gas in tank!
I was so frustrated that I forgot about fueling up before I head on my way, the gas station was still 3 kilometers away from where I am and I have no choice but to push the bike. It was hard and I am feeling all the sweat coming out of my skin and my muscles begin to ache...I had to get somebody to tow my bike to the nearest gas station.
I was there on the road, for about 30 minutes or more and no one passes by until this mysterious guy riding in a passenger tricycle stopped at me. I hesitated at once and don't know how to approach him yet, I have to do it. He asked me what is the problem and I told him that I forgot to refuel and there was no more gas left to burn. I asked him if he could tow my vehicle to the station using ropes but he has no rope in his tricycle.
"Maybe we can push your bike, ride it and I will push at your step-nut." he said.
"Ok." I said and hope that it works.
We tried it and it worked, I reached the town proper and to the station with minimal disturbance to other commuters. The only thing I regret is that I didn't managed to get the name of this hero nor even thanked him for his good deeds.
Whoever he is, I wished I could thanked him. This only proves that there are still a lot of Filipinos amidst the controversies, poverty, political rivalry, and so on, the negative list will not end, who are truly humane and heroic in deed! This is the true nature of Filipinos, loving and unselfish. May this trait grow amongst us all and multiply...MABUHAY KA, PINOY!

Rizal and the Big Deal About Him

2007-06-18T21:22:00.001-07:00

Who is Jose Rizal? The name sounds so unique that no other Filipino was given opportunity to take that name on his own. He was the only one Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, and today, June 19, 2007, people are celebrating his birthday, recalling his young days, visiting the homes, making tribute to his contributions to the arts and language and heroism.

A thought beyond what can be observed in this celebration and a whole lot of praise and homage paid to the man's name, who is the real Rizal? Is he a real hero? Why do others consider him, even, a god? What does history tells us and the lesson that we can learn from it? Why do we have to be reminded of the atrocities of Spain only when there is United States and Japan who also conquered the Philippines? Do we really have to be blinded always by the misinformation feed to us by historians who are scholars of the U.S.? Are we just accepting this and nod to them? Wake up!

Jose Rizal in his time, came from a wealthy family. A well to do family who could send their children to exclusive schools in Manila, which, during that time, is not common as we are today. Their family has wide farm lands that was rich and fertile.

It was a privilege then to be a student of a Catholic School then, usually associated with the status in life, and Rizal was indeed lucky. During schooling years, he suffered some discrimination from authorities which made him angry at friars. Though discriminated, he didn't suffered as much as those who are farming peasants by that time where friars are the administrators of lands. These peasants have suffered much more, sometimes, even killed. The likes of Andres Bonifacio and the Katipuneros are truly oppressed in almost all aspects of their lives.

Rizal's fight was not to become a free nation, but to have equality among Filipinos and Spanish citizens here in the Philippines. He wanted to put a stop on the discrimination and peasantry among the Filipinos and doesn't want to make this country as one free nation which is the opposite of the principles fought by the Katipuneros. With Rizal, we are still colonized by the Spaniards but with equal rights among them. Isn't it odd? This is one point why I am still unconvinced that he should be our national hero after all these years. He has no faith on Filipino leadership and all that comes with it. Well, maybe he is right! Take a look at what is happening today in our present system of government.

Another point is that, Rizal only stand for the point in history where the Philippines has been colonized by the Spaniards, he will always be a reminder of the tyranny that, we should not forget, was passed on to the Americans by the virtue of the Treaty of Paris where a considerable amount of money was involved between Americans and Spaniards. We, the Philippines, is the item being sold and bought by the Americans! With Rizal as the National hero, we will never remember that we have been oppressed by the Americans too. Remember Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar? There was a point in time when there was Filipino-American War, bloodier than the Spanish war have set on us. Many natives died on that war in a short period of time. So why Rizal? because he is the perfect escape goat of the Americans to be erased on the books as oppressors and aggressors.

I have nothing against Rizal, it is just I feel that the truth about many things has been blurred for a purpose. Most of the conspirators of our modern world came from a mighty nation who always show itself as liberators yet, had a lot of hidden vested interest. What is sad about it is that our present government is a puppet of it and we are not doing anything to stop it. We have always been nodding to them, thinking that they are far more better than us without even considering all of these things they have been doing to our nation since the first time they are here. We are dumb because we wanted to become one. When can we wake up from this agonizing nightmare????

Guilty by Actions!!!

2007-06-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

It's still fresh in my memory how I've come to this hotel, and attend a seminar, (not so worthy of announcing here) then upon opening the tv set in our room, heard the news that she was killed.

She, was the major witness, an accomplish turned witness for the people's voice. It was a major news that I thought should be given enough attention and yet, seems to die with her as she lays in her final resting place. The lady was bold enough to come into the open and say that there was no election done in Maguindanao for the National Senators.

Yet, the local COMELEC is still trying to proved that there was a 12-0 win for the team unity against GO. What a shame, that even in their own ranks, team unity is battling for a position. Imagine, the gentleman from the North topped in the South (Maguindanao) while the main man, Sultan Kiram, who should have been at least on top 5 in that locality, was in 12th position!
How can you believe such a big lie when it is very obvious to everyone watching? Then, they shot her to shut the mouth that haven't yet spoken on any legal court. This government should have protected her if they are to clean their name, yet, they've never thought of it. It's too late, and it's very obvious! This government is cheating its own people, what a grand show of tyranny in disguise!

There were many heroes of elections, the BEI's, the poll clerks and the third member of election board in every precinct. Just take a look at the Batangas' teacher heroine who inspite of being bullied and burned to death, still uphold the sacredness of ballot until it was her life that has to pay! How much more of these can the Filipino people take till the government feels stopping??? I don't think the government is sensitive enough to hear, smell, and feel the longings of its people. As long as politicians and acting leaders acts for their very own self-vested interest, we, the lower ones of the Filipino caste will always face atrocities never understood by those greedy and power-hungry upper class. Do you think we still have hope???

Just like the increasing number of missing individuals who are known to be critics of this government, how can you determine that this government has nothing to do with the lost of personalities ? I don't know how but certainly, you cannot simply dismiss the issue, especially if the missing persons are activist and sometimes accidentally found on police stations and military camps. Can you explain the association of military and police with the violation of writ of habeas corpus? Is it just coincidental? Being the national leader, it was the administration's command responsibility. But nobody should be above the law, and that includes this government! If in this lifetime, these elite few who commands our whereabouts, are showered with milk and honey, somehow, there is one supreme being who will take away that stature and give them what they deserve! Let's pray for them to ask forgiveness and pay the price of their actions, guilty, indeed!

Political Dynasty

2007-06-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

How much do we Filipinos loved democracy? Is it much, or way too much that we tend to regret small things that can one day harm the true essence of democracy. Since I was a child, it was a battlecry: Freedom! Democracy! Peace! but I don't think we are going on to something, for one particular thing that bothered me for a long time was somehow related to it. Political will to remove POLITICAL DYNASTY.
I hate to admit this, but we proud Filipinos who managed to turnover the Marcos government that we say tyrant and corrupt are still run by the same people who did that bloodless coup 20 years ago! Do you believe that? It may not be realy Corazon Aquino or the likes but their heirs. Like Noynoy Aquino, who is now to be proclaimed Senator, he was the son of the former president Aquino.
What is my point here? Up to now, beside being overpopulated, leaders in our country still came from the same bloodline. Only a few good blood has the guts to run public office??? Take for example the Mayor of Makati who, upon ending his term as Mayor made his wife run the same office by the virtue of "election". This year, he was incumbent, and guess what, he was once again voted as Makati's mayor together with her daughter as City Councilor and another daughter as Congresswoman of one of Makati's district. Isn't this a POLITICAL DYNASTY ????
Bataan Governor Enrique Garcia was re-elected together with his two sons, one,(Abet) as Congressman for the 2nd District of Bataan and the other (Joet) as Mayor of Balanga City. They are widely known as 3G's. I couldn't imagine how we accept these kinds of governance and politics. With so many families and intellectuals on Bataan, the government leaders come from only one family. How blessed are they? Are they the only sons of God?????
You don't have to go farther more to the locals, Our very own National Admistration, the Arroyo's whose mother (PGMA) is the Country's president, the son is a congressman, another son is also a newly elected congressman, the brother in law is also a congressman. Such a fortunate surname.
In the Philippine constitution of 1987, it is hardly revoked. Political dynasty is unconstitutional and should not be tolerated. It is the primary cause why we revolt against the Marcoses and yet, it is still happening! If these politicians really loved democracy, then, why don't they formulate a Republic Act prohibiting the proliferation of dynasties in the government. Why? When will you put this cruelty and unconstitutional behavior to end? Don't you really care for your pledges of loyalty to your country? What kind of people are you? Alive yet burning in Hell! Whatever,,,wish I could select my country and government so that I won't belong to a corrupted people!

Electioneering!

2007-05-30T07:29:00.001-07:00

"The hell he lost on the May 14 elections?" I said to my wife when her uncle run for mayor in our local town.
"You are saying that because YOU are not in MY SHOES!" she answered firmly.
"You are a regular-permanent employee of the municipality and yet, doesn't have security in the tenure of work???" I disapprove.
My wife is a Municipal Health Worker in our place and has been working around since 1997, yet, she is still maltreated and abused psychologically by the supporters of the incumbent. This is not new to the Philippine politics. Harassment comes before and after every election. Some are even bloodier where supporters get killed.
I don't know how long this dirty politics has been put into play, yet, the cards are still laid and noone dares to touch it to see and try to change the system.
I have been voting for almost 6 times now, yet, nothing has changed. Our sleepy town is still sleeping and those who promised so much while campaigning doesn't really want to do anything. It has always been their own self-vested interest that is being protected. The hell with them. If they really want to help the citizens, they can do it even without the office. There is so much to do in this sleepy town yet no one wants to start and take the first step in moulding it into a dream-made reality.
The gifted ones with the resources doesn't have the brains to conceive good plans for the better and for a long time. Plans made are always short lived, preventive and tailored to highlight their names even if it is the people's money that was used in a certain project.
What will happen now to my wife's job, I being a teacher, could only provide for 2 mouth to feed. In our family of four, we cannot afford to eat and dress the way it should be, if she lost her job because of this, I don't know where to get additional financial supplement for us. A realy crazy world, isn't it? Whatever!