Confession

And the girl confessed to the boy, “Can you not see me? Can you not see what I have become? I have become nothing!” the girl angrily whispered. After being silent for a while, she continued, “My soul has been extinguished from the land of the living. My body may be here, but I am not really here. I have died, and this body is merely a tomb of what once has been. I can no longer see with the eyes of hope. Life and nothingness are one and the same. I have reached the abysmal nadir.”

The boy looked at her looking beyond the empty shell which clothes her. He held her hand and said, “I will save you. I will bring you back to life.”

The girl displayed what seemed to be a smile,a ghostly smile. “You cannot. In order to save me, you have to join me here. You have to die. You need to be nothing, and cease from existing. You may never come back.”

“Then so be it.” After which, the boy hugged the girl beneath.

Temporary Home

Temporary Home Lyrics

Little boy, 6 years old
A little too used to bein’ alone.
Another new mom and dad,another school,
Another house that’ll never be home.
When people ask him how he likes this place…
He looks up and says, with a smile upon his face,

“This is my temporary home
It’s not where I belong.
Windows and rooms that I’m passin’ through.
This is just a stop, on the way to where I’m going.
I’m not afraid because I know this is my
Temporary Home.”

Young mom on her own.
She needs a little help, got nowhere to go.
She’s lookin’ for a job, lookin’ for a way out,
Because a half-way house will never be a home.
At night she whispers to her baby girl,
“Someday we’ll find our place here in this world.”

“This is our temporary home.
It’s not where we belong.
Windows and rooms that we’re passin’ through.
This is just a stop, on the way to where we’re going.
I’m not afraid because I know this is our
Temporary Home.”

http://www.elyricsworld.com/temporary_home_lyrics_carrie_underwood.html

Old man, hospital bed,
The room is filled with people he loves.
And he whispers don’t cry for me,
I’ll see you all someday.
He looks up and says, “I can see God’s face.”

“This is my temporary Home
It’s not where I belong.
Windows and rooms that I’m passin’ through.
This was just a stop,on the way to where I’m going.
I’m not afraid because I know… this was
My temporary home.”

This is our temporary home.

A weak attempt at story making

***

Another day has gone by, and so has despair come to collect its due. Another day of barren news, of hopeful anticipation to be tossed in the lair of desolation and hopelessness. Another day for death.

Year 2345

Here in this city, which we call Aeviana, people of Thaemus can be seen everywhere. They are the street sweepers who are meticulous in cleaning the dirt of the metropolis while not minding the very same dirt which perpetuate their souls. They are also the police and security officers whose duty is to protect the citizens from harm while at the same time failing to protect their dignity from an unspeakable theft. They are the household maids who cater to the desires of their master, but who fail to achieve their own. They are the janitors, the electricians, the miners, the service crew who are put into place to serve this city and to become its slaves.

This is the city of Aeviana, a land of slavery where freedom is unknown and human will is non-existent.

Thoughts to Ponder

I finished reading the Mockingjay and I must say that it really reminds me of George Orwell’s The Animal Farm albeit in a different manner. The idea of Orwell that communism did not really change the sufferings of the people under the capitalist regime reminds me of Suzanne Collins’ theme that the regime under Coin did not really change Snow’s unjust system. Anyway, that’s not really the main thrust of the entry.

I would like to reflect on a phrase in Collins’ last book (of the hunger games trilogy) the Mockingjay. Somehow, the phrase “bread and circus” made me think. It’s a phrase Collins used to describe the life of the people in the Capitol, a fictional city which live in excesses and extravagance as opposed to the scarcity and poverty lingering around its midst, a city which leeches off the surrounding districts’ resources to satisfy its greed and wasteful way of life.

Two thoughts entered my mind as I reflect on this phrase, the other one I plan to put in a separate (probably private) entry:

Would it better for countries like the Philippines if it lives under a Singaporean type of regime provided that the people are given the “bread and the circus” so as to say in exchange for relinquishing their political voice?

Is it better if we live under a semi-democratic regime provided that our most basic needs are satisfied, and less people would be mired in poverty and have a better chance at life? Is it naturally better compared to our flawed democratic regime where corruption, narrow exchange of power, and ‘guns and goons’ tactics during elections are widely prevalent? Or perhaps, is it better to have it temporarily and shift to a full democracy after attaining a sustainable economy? Will there ever be a right time then for a full democracy?Can we really sacrifice our political good in exchange for the economic good? Because well, in a democratic regime, there really is no guarantee of a viable economy, and sometimes democratic processes slow things down.

A Trip to Bilibid

I went to bilibid prison a week ago mostly because I am curious and want to know more. I guess I just want to expand my perspective and see the place and the people myself instead of merely seeing it on TV. After a series of performances, I managed to grab a couple of talks with some inmates, and one particular conversation caught my attention.

One of the inmates told me that it is actually part of their advocacy to prove to ‘free’ people that they are not at all bad as compared to what the media is trying to portray, and that we don’t really need to be afraid of them. He further mentions that it is better for someone to have sinned first and managed to learn how to walk the straight path rather than someone who dedicates his entire life in walking the straight path only to be derailed in the end.

Two things:

It is unfair to say those things in order to justify what they have done. The way he puts it, he seems to be suggesting that they are the “better” sinners (if there is such a phrase) than others. Second, it is actually better if he did not commit that sin in the first place which currently puts him in his present situation. I understand that there are a lot of factors involved (i.e. the type of environment one is raised, the mental stability of the person, and the type of family which surrounds a person [although this statement is now contestable]) and our current system which indirectly promotes crime in the sense that it fails to address the poverty issues. All of these are factors which tempt people to commit crimes, and being the human that we are, frail and mortal, we find ourselves succumbing to these temptations.

I understand these things, and probably my second statement is a little unfair. I suppose what I am trying to say is that these factors should not be used to justify one’s actions and be acquitted of any consequences that may follow. For every time you kill, rape or steal, you rob others of the chance to live, of purity and other material possessions.

I find it sad though that our system, after provoking people to commit crimes, is not designed to welcome these same type of people back in the free society. Finding jobs would be the greatest challenge for most of these ‘reformed’ inmates as companies would naturally shield themselves away from them. Strapped in desperation and with nowhere to go for livelihood opportunities, these people might revert back to their old selves, and start committing crimes once again. It will then become a vicious cycle that we later on have to contend with.

Last thing, after I visited the prison, my belief in death penalty still has not changed. I am still for it. Whatever means necessary to attain justice against those who rape to satisfy their pleasure in carnal activities or kill not in the act of self-defense but for greed and whatever detestable reason must be thoroughly dealt with. To say that it is not in our hands to kill another human being, and that it is God’s job is unfair against the victims of these abuses. If we cannot do it ourselves, at least the state should. It is his duty to uphold and protect the rights of his citizens after all.

MISSION

Launching of MISSION

Let us all attend MISSION!

What is MISSION?

MISSION stands for Movement of Imaginals for a Sustainable Society thru Implementation, Organization, and Networking.

All throughout the country, there are amazing individuals committed to creating a better country. They come from all walks of life. Many of these individuals are already creating the foundations of a better society. They are engaged in poverty eradication, cultural work, socially responsible and green businesses, organic farming, environmental regeneration, community organizing, youth empowerment, peace building, micro finance, new governance, visionary education, leadership training, media, and so on.

MISSION is keenly aware and excited that a better country is being born through these individuals, their initiatives, their networks, and others aligned with the same vision and love for country and the planet. Thus MISSION realizes the importance of bringing these individuals and their initiatives together so that they all will enhance each other and create greater impact in their own communities and beyond. Out of this coming together, they can strengthen each other’s initiatives, harmonize their diversity and richness, and inspire each other towards new forms of collective action for integral sustainable development of our country and the world.

This movement has its origins in the association of volunteers and supporters for a new politics embodied in the presidential campaign of Nicanor Perlas. After this presidential initiative, there was a very strong desire and intention among these volunteers and supporters to continue with the task of transforming the country, albeit, now through a different path and approach. From being a mostly political initiative, the new movement is now societal in nature and predominantly cultural. Also, individuals not groups constitute the movement.

MISSION, however, wants to emphasize one thing. Although the movement has its beginnings in a presidential campaign, the movement ultimately wants to include all those who truly want to create a better country and sustainable planet. It is a movement of individuals who are determined to create a better world on the basis of spiritual renewal and inner change.

MISSION volunteers are organizing workshops all over the country to introduce and invite like-minded individuals to be part of MISSION and to create new initiatives or link existing initiatives with other individuals.

Program Details:

• 6:00pm Registration
• 6:45pm Film screening of HOME
• 8:45 Presentation of MISSION by Nicanor Perlas
• 9:00 Closing

… HOME is a documentary that was released last 05 June 2009 worldwide through various distribution platforms for free. The movie consists of aerial photographs from different parts of the world. A narration details the evolution of the earth, how man came and destroyed it but all is not lost. The movie also talks about what we can do to protect and preserve the planet we call our HOME.

*For more questions, email weareimaginals@gmail.com or text Tammy Dinopol at 09209064793

Ideal Guy

Saw a facebook post about an acquaintance’s ideal guy, and thought that I’d do the same. Lol. I don’t think he exists though (or rather I haven’t met him yet), but if I were to be in a romantic relationship, I would wish that my partner would be able to have these types of characteristics:

1) Willing to converse about the intricacies and beauty of human life

2) Committed to the path of self-mastery (including but not limited to the intellectual and spiritual aspects)

3) Able to extend beyond himself, and encompass Others

4) Preferably a socialist or at least not that far right on the political spectrum

5) Not a fundamentalist

6) Able to appreciate the simple things in life

7) Knows what he wants to do with his life, or at least on how he intends to live it

8 ) Has his own identity

9) Has the courage to stand up for what he believes in

10) Considerate and appreciative

11) Responsible; knows how to prioritize

12) Knows the beauty in moderation

13) Not too clingy nor too  possessive

14) Able to make things happen

15) Preferably has a similar humor

16) Knows how to be mischievous at times

17) Acknowledges that romantic feelings are temporary, and should not be the sole basis of the relationship

18) Able to accept me for who I am and appreciate what I have to offer

Lol. too lazy to write an essay about it.

Sunugan

Sunugan is a rap battle showdown between Dello/Target & Loonie/Datu (4 of the best rappers in Fliptop). For the trailer, please check the vid below.

Note: The event will be on Sept.11,8pm to be held in 650 club libis (near Shopwise). The ticket is P350/each. Do tell me if you’re interested, so I can reserve a ticket for you too!

For reference, here are samples of rap battles (taken from fliptop)

Snippets

For the past few months, I have been contemplating a lot of things, most of which are work-related.  During these times, I have realized that:

1) Big, multinational companies do not necessarily translate to work fulfillment. Yeah, you can brag about it, but in the end, you find yourself always complaining how it does not really fulfill your work needs, or that your boss is a sonofabitch. The point is: the contest is not about who will land the most prestigious company or the most compensated job, but rather to look for the job that will ultimately satisfy you and that which will give you meaning. Ang panalo ay yung masaya sa trabaho niya, at hindi palagi yung pinaka-mayaman.

2) There is always a change in perspective if you find yourself stuck in a rut hole(either because of age or for financial reasons). Either you move out of it(if you can), or you change how you view your work. You may, for instance, think of ways on how you contribute to the betterment of the company or the nation to put in meaning in your work even if the boss does not recognize it or it may not seem like it.

3) Specialization matured during the time of modern capitalism (with Adam Smith constantly harping about the beauty of it). It promotes efficiency after all, but it also promotes a danger of unsatisfying work life. Imagine yourself in a factory doing one thing (let’s say shredding the paper into pieces or encoding data) for one whole  year. What would you do? I bet that there is a 100% chance that you would complain/curse about it at one point in your life.

4)Capitalism promotes a vicious cycle. Those who are not that well-off (let’s say someone who’s working as a teller in a bank, and is earning a gross of P9000/month) would have a hard time supporting their families (especially if it’s a large one). They would be most likely struggling to provide bread on the table let alone worry about the quality of education that he/she can bring to his/her child/children. Following that line of thought, the child would sometimes be forced to work elsewhere to help provide for the family (i.e. as a kargador), and would not likely attain a job that would be financially rewarding when he grows up (Well,because companies nowadays demand that one has to have a bachelor degree to be able to land a “decent” entry level job. And since the child is not really given a quality education, he would most likely be doing what his parents are doing, probably earn the same amount (I’m talking about the real value and not the nominal value of money) and provide the same sub-standard education to his children, which just turns into a vicious cycle that goes on and on. Of course, there are exceptions to this, (ie. parents who work extra hard (note the word “extra” because I do believe that class C-D people work hard to earn a living) so that their future children might attain the quality education that they were not able to have) but I’m talking about the general here. The thing is, it is very hard to fight against the capitalist system simply because it is deeply embedded in our society and the sad thing is, it seems to be the only way of doing things. It promotes efficiency after all, but it also promotes alienation and inequality.

5) Most tweens are in a hurry to get a job that they immediately grab the first job offer. Never mind if the work is to their liking, or if the working environment is not that decent. As long as the pay is satisfactory, they are good to go. They would reason out: “E mahirap na maghanap ng trabaho ngayon eh.” Later though, they would find themselves trapped in a 3 year bond to a job and to a place which they completely abhor.These are people who usually say on facebook, “Thank God It’s Friday.”  It’s because work has become an arduous task. You don’t really want to do it. You are just forced to do it. Sayang lang kasi we spend half of our waking hours working, and then we don’t really derive any pleasure from it.

6) Work does not define who you are. It is on how you live your life in which you are judged.

7) Humans are only capable of conditional love. It is only God who is capable of unconditional love.

8 ) Maturity is like playing video games. You have to pass a certain level before you can proceed to the next level. (i.e. You have to first learn how to defeat your own present demons before you can respond to a new set of challenges. Otherwise, you will always be trapped in the same problem.)

9)If we want things to happen, we must make it happen. (Simple enough, but I find a lot of people who cannot or rather are not willing to do this. Why? Because it entails too much hard work. Nobody wants to work really hard, right?)

10) I love my dad more for being understanding and responsive to my needs. These past few days, I have realized how lucky I truly am. Although we are not really a rich family or that our relationships with each other are far from ideal, I still consider myself blessed because at least my family is complete, and that I am able to study at ADMU, an opportunity which was graciously given to me. I have learned that to be happy is not really to have more, but rather to be able to treasure what you already have.

Saan Ka Rito?

There are several types of response on FB during a major incident. Here are some.

1) The “emotional” response: (i.e. WTF! How can our policemen be so incompetent??!!, Noynoy,umalis ka na sa pwesto mo. Wala kang kwenta., Omg, how sad )

2) The “self-righteous” response (i.e. There are so many insensitive people here in facebook talaga. How can they joke about the incident?)

3) The “let’s forgive(and forget?)” response (i.e. Although this has been a tragic incident, we should learn how to move on from this incident. Mahal ko pa rin ang Pilipinas!)

4) The “cynical” response (i.e. Wala talagang pag-asa ang Pilipinas. Gusto ko nang umalis!)

5) The “change is in me” response (i.e. We have been blaming the government for the incident, but let us remember that we too are to blame. If we don’t want this to happen, then we should play a more active role in changing our society.)

6) The “how can we handle this type of incident  better next time” (i.e. by recommending solutions or posting vids of people who were able to handle the situation better)

7) The “gagawa ako ng (witty) joke about this” response (i.e. SWAT(Sobrang Wala Akong Training) or by making a game out of the incident)

8 ) The “walang pakialam” response (i.e. Omg. Ang pogi talaga ni Coco Martin! (during the hype of the incident)

9) The “following the crowd” response (i.e. by liking fanpages which pertain to the incident even if he/she does not really feel strongly about the incident)

10) The “no” response (i.e. Wala talagang response. NR)

11)  The “hindi ako ang may kasalanan” response (i.e. Usually said by politicians and parties involved to avoid accountability)