I've always wondered why the Philippine Science High School, despite being a government institution, retains its reputation as the premier high school of the country.
Government institutions - hospitals, schools, police and fire stations included - have always been seen as inefficient and sometimes even ineffective in delivering the services expected of them. There are many reasons cited to explain this very dismal evaluation of government services. Lack of funding, corruption and incompetence are some of the most often cited. But why does it seem that Pisay has acquired an immunity to this contagious inefficiency spreading in the government?
I've often observed that there is an excess of freedom and discretion in Pisay. Its structure is basically having a person in-charge and everything under him is under his discretion. Apparently, there are so few rules in Pisay that a fine line now exists between guidelines and actual rules (the former being recommendations only) as pointed out by a member of the faculty (ayaw ko na ireveal haha). As another teacher has observed, most of the rules we have in Pisay are responses to actual events and not products of foresight (as I think they should be).
This unstructured structure, no matter how messy it looks, seems to be the magic that makes Pisay the way it is. One way of viewing it is lack of governing rules. The other more positive perception is a people-based structure. The people that run the system are the most important parts. There is immense trust accorded to the people that make it work.
One fine example to prove how people-based Pisay is is Ms. Serrano. I considered her a pillar of the system, someone who would spend her best and last years serving the institution. She's been in Pisay so long, she had acquired the experience necessary to respond to new challenges facing the school. Her move to leave Pisay was a depressing surprise. I will no longer delve into the reasons why she left, but I must say that the most of the really few solid regulations Pisay has are ineffective in the perspective of doing good for the community. During our graduation practices, some of the teachers would comment "si Ma'am Serrano may alam nito e". I believe she left Pisay without effectively sharing the wisdom she acquired from her years of service to her successors. Opinion ko lang naman yun :D
One bad experience I had with this people-based phenomenon was during our short and yet strenuous stint as the members of the Student Alliance Electoral Board. Ma'am Samala had just left for New Zealand and there was no one left in Pisay who knew the nitty-gritty of running an election. We had two veteran SA officers but because none of the things that happened in this election happened during their SA years, we had no idea how it is supposed to be handled. Of course, the SA has its Election Code and Constitution. To our dismay, it did very little to help us resolve the issues. The SA has been in violation of its own code and constitution for almost half a decade already and haha it was during our watch that Pisay uncovered its defects. It seems the SA has always relied on the unwritten traditions followed by the previous administration and had not bothered to look into the paperwork. The SA was people-based and it somehow compromised one of the functions of the system. At the end of the experience, we had to make the Election Code less discretionary and more rigid (as it should really be).
It seems Pisay being people-based arises from the lack of solid rules to govern aspects of the Pisay community. It is the natural and spontaneous response of individuals who are where they are because of their ability to adapt and ingenuity.
This underlines that the people is what makes Pisay great - the heterogeneous mix of faculty, staff, administration, alumni, parents and students. The science curriculum, the intense academic load, the better-than-the-usual government facilities, the amazing activities, the intimidating name of Philippine Science High School - all simply provide the framework by which this mix of people work and interact for the good of themselves, the people around them and society in general. This system echoes the invisible hand theory of Adam Smith. The lack of rules allow people's actions to shape almost exclusively the course of the community. It is this freedom that enables growth and development at the personal and community levels. This acts as a catalyst for the students to become scientists - to acquire the necessary skills of critical thinking, individual confidence and competence, inquisitiveness and ingenuity. These are the most important lessons Pisay imparts on its students and the funny thing about it is it comes partly from being a people-based system.
The people-based system also ensures that this tradition of excellence lives on. Only the best and the brightest and the most courageous breed of students, teachers, staff and parents are attracted to be part of the system. It's a cycle that will always go in favor of Pisay.
However, it is still necessary to safeguard what little rigidity there is in the structure because these have set the ground rules for the continued evolution of Pisay. Simple rules on haircut and ID go a long way in subconsciously instilling discipline in a very fluid environment like Pisay. The community must remain conscious of when a people-based system is beneficial to it our not. Absolute power corrupts absolutely as they say and people are so prone to corruption. There must always be a balance. Fortunately, in Pisay, it seems it has found its balance.
This theory may also explain why the University of the Philippines remains the top university of the country despite being a state university. The relative autonomy UP has with respect to other state universities may account for this. It is note-worthy that the PSHS has an obvious affinity with UP with a big percentage of its graduates coming into the university and the UP President being part of the PSHS Board of Trustees.
Looking at a more macroscopic view, the people-based system seems to be more of a curse than a blessing for the government. I find it odd however that there is no lack of laws and rules to govern the country and yet the people-based system persists. I guess it's in the ethos of the people already to view the government by the people who lead them not by the institutions themselves. I'm not sure of my terms but I think the politics in the country is too patriarchal and messianic as well (Ma'am Doplon has a wonderful article on this: http://crazyadventure.wordpress.com/2007/05/30/messiah-politics). Our leaders have packaged our national institutions as extensions of themselves. That is why the MRT is not a project of the DOTC but the president and low-cost housing Mike Defensor and not the NHA. And this is also why criticizing the president as a person using the office for her personal gain is tantamount to destabilization of the entire government.
The people-based system is another reason why the Philippines is not ready for the parliamentary system. In that form of government, the leader of the nation can change overnight. The institutions must first be reformed to make them independent and self-sustaining that they do not need a prime minister or president to make them run properly.
The premise in Pisay is that good people run the system. In the national scene however, it seems the bad eggs are far more influential than the good ones. They have taken the people-based system and twisted it to their advantage. There is simply too much discretion in the national positions and this has been used often for the benefit of the leaders and not the people.
Being a democracy, I guess, has partly turned us into a people-based society. I really like democracy because a true one empowers the people. I believe we are in a true democracy and that we are simply getting what we deserve.
In conclusion, the real fuel that keeps the flame of Pisay burning is that people that run it. In the national perspective, as Sir Martin has said, it is the people that build a nation. The destiny of our nation is really in all our hands.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Something to remember 6
God, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
the courage to change the things we can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
the courage to change the things we can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Something to remember 5
Seek not to focus on rationalizing God and applying reason to Him. It is impossible not because God is fundamentally irrational (quite the opposite) but rather, our ability to understand and rationalize has its limits. We cannot place the infinity of God in the finite confines of our perception.
Seek rather a more personal understanding of God. Narrow the search and look for what is important. Love, hope and believe in Him. It's all that matters.
Seek rather a more personal understanding of God. Narrow the search and look for what is important. Love, hope and believe in Him. It's all that matters.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Happiness
It's funny how I proved to myself partially the last paragraph of my previous post. Happiness is founded on and not separate from meaning. Our trip to Subic from May 24-27 was both meaningful and full of happiness in the superlative degree.
For pictures, check out my multiply: http://robroque.multiply.com
More than all the extraordinary things we did during the whole trip, it was I guess the company that made all the difference. I doubt it that if I was given a free European tour for myself only, I'd have nearly a quarter of the fun I got out of this trip. I spent most of my summer at home but now that it's about to end, I realize I've been blessed with meaningful and fun trips - Naga for ILC, Laguna with the family and Subic with my friends.
It turned out meaningful for me because it was a chance to rekindle old friendships that Pisay has inevitably pushed a bit down the priority list. But perhaps the most peculiar thing I got from the trip was that it was a learning experience for me. It taught me so many things in so many different aspects of my life. I prayed at the start of the trip that it'd get something lasting out of it. God is so great, I got more than I asked for.
On the more mundane aspects of life, I got to learn new card games like speed, egyptian and 100 and even got to develop our very own game, acceleration (3-deck speed with 6 players). I also was exposed to new and exciting group games like mafia and killers. I finally got to watch Rent and the extended versions of the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and the Return of the King.
I experienced a lot of new stuff like riding in a banana boat, playing frisbee on the beach, exploring Ed's vast resort and go-karting after a downpour (I'll try not to do this again - clothes get so drenched and dirty). For the first time, I rode on a car driven by someone almost my age (and now I'm excited to start driving as well). It was also the first time that I rode a car that had flat tires twice (at Pisay and near the Shell gasoline station near SM). It was really a blessing that the tires were damaged at that exact moment in that exact place. I don't like to imagine what could have happened if the tires burst in the middle of our trip across NLEX with the car running at 100 km/h.
I was reminded of how blessed I was to be with these people and generally in Pisay for the past four years. I wouldn't have found people like them - intellectuals who talk about science, politics, religion and other important topics over a meal - who I am comfortable to be with. Pisay has allowed my personality to blossom and develop and not be hindered by shame or shyness because I was in a place where I really truly belonged. It saddens me a bit that we're all about to part ways physically but I still hope that the friendships we've sown and tended to will survive the tests of distance and time.
I got a lot more realizations and lessons. Some of them were related to teaching in Pisay and some life questions I rarely ask myself; others were about living in a whole new environment and being possessive of friends; some regarding the beliefs in other faiths, exorcisms and wandering spirits.
It's amazing that although physically, all I brought home were pictures and sea shells, I feel I came home with a lot of ideas, new knowledge and different paradigms by which I could view the world.
It's also a welcome respite to finally be talking about things we don't usually talk about because we had more "important" and pressing matters to attend to. This summer comes only every after a step in the educational ladder. This transition from high school to college allows us to focus no longer on the academics of the past high school or look to much into the future dynamics of college life. Perhaps this freedom from the burden of academic requirements allowed us to be more open about the aspects of our lives we rarely share to other people. This freedom allowed us to focus on the really more important things.
Hahaha. I even brought home three "homeworks" that I will think about and research on. One is about the people-based theory that Sir Mardan and I developed in our conversation. I will be talking more about this in my next post. The two others were from my conversations with Pito. I will not delve into the second but of the third, I realized that sometimes I have only a vague idea of why things are in our faith. I do them sincerely and believe in them as acts of faith but I'm surprised that I don't know by heart the theological explanations regarding them despite the inquisitive and critical thinking training we received in Pisay. It reminded me of the importance of seeking God in everything - in the spiritual, physical and even the mental realms of life.
The joy I got out of the trip was beyond the momentary ecstasy of riding a banana boat at high speeds or trying out the slide or playing an intense acceleration game. It was beyond the immediate satisfaction of travelling to new places and experiencing new things. It was founded on meaning - on the fact that I brought home so much of the things that change very little and that I was with friends I will be with till I can't recognize anyone anymore and with my God.
For pictures, check out my multiply: http://robroque.multiply.com
More than all the extraordinary things we did during the whole trip, it was I guess the company that made all the difference. I doubt it that if I was given a free European tour for myself only, I'd have nearly a quarter of the fun I got out of this trip. I spent most of my summer at home but now that it's about to end, I realize I've been blessed with meaningful and fun trips - Naga for ILC, Laguna with the family and Subic with my friends.
It turned out meaningful for me because it was a chance to rekindle old friendships that Pisay has inevitably pushed a bit down the priority list. But perhaps the most peculiar thing I got from the trip was that it was a learning experience for me. It taught me so many things in so many different aspects of my life. I prayed at the start of the trip that it'd get something lasting out of it. God is so great, I got more than I asked for.
On the more mundane aspects of life, I got to learn new card games like speed, egyptian and 100 and even got to develop our very own game, acceleration (3-deck speed with 6 players). I also was exposed to new and exciting group games like mafia and killers. I finally got to watch Rent and the extended versions of the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and the Return of the King.
I experienced a lot of new stuff like riding in a banana boat, playing frisbee on the beach, exploring Ed's vast resort and go-karting after a downpour (I'll try not to do this again - clothes get so drenched and dirty). For the first time, I rode on a car driven by someone almost my age (and now I'm excited to start driving as well). It was also the first time that I rode a car that had flat tires twice (at Pisay and near the Shell gasoline station near SM). It was really a blessing that the tires were damaged at that exact moment in that exact place. I don't like to imagine what could have happened if the tires burst in the middle of our trip across NLEX with the car running at 100 km/h.
I was reminded of how blessed I was to be with these people and generally in Pisay for the past four years. I wouldn't have found people like them - intellectuals who talk about science, politics, religion and other important topics over a meal - who I am comfortable to be with. Pisay has allowed my personality to blossom and develop and not be hindered by shame or shyness because I was in a place where I really truly belonged. It saddens me a bit that we're all about to part ways physically but I still hope that the friendships we've sown and tended to will survive the tests of distance and time.
I got a lot more realizations and lessons. Some of them were related to teaching in Pisay and some life questions I rarely ask myself; others were about living in a whole new environment and being possessive of friends; some regarding the beliefs in other faiths, exorcisms and wandering spirits.
It's amazing that although physically, all I brought home were pictures and sea shells, I feel I came home with a lot of ideas, new knowledge and different paradigms by which I could view the world.
It's also a welcome respite to finally be talking about things we don't usually talk about because we had more "important" and pressing matters to attend to. This summer comes only every after a step in the educational ladder. This transition from high school to college allows us to focus no longer on the academics of the past high school or look to much into the future dynamics of college life. Perhaps this freedom from the burden of academic requirements allowed us to be more open about the aspects of our lives we rarely share to other people. This freedom allowed us to focus on the really more important things.
Hahaha. I even brought home three "homeworks" that I will think about and research on. One is about the people-based theory that Sir Mardan and I developed in our conversation. I will be talking more about this in my next post. The two others were from my conversations with Pito. I will not delve into the second but of the third, I realized that sometimes I have only a vague idea of why things are in our faith. I do them sincerely and believe in them as acts of faith but I'm surprised that I don't know by heart the theological explanations regarding them despite the inquisitive and critical thinking training we received in Pisay. It reminded me of the importance of seeking God in everything - in the spiritual, physical and even the mental realms of life.
The joy I got out of the trip was beyond the momentary ecstasy of riding a banana boat at high speeds or trying out the slide or playing an intense acceleration game. It was beyond the immediate satisfaction of travelling to new places and experiencing new things. It was founded on meaning - on the fact that I brought home so much of the things that change very little and that I was with friends I will be with till I can't recognize anyone anymore and with my God.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Fragile
Watching movies like "28 Weeks Later" or “Spiderman-3” and even series like “Heroes” and “Smallville” reminds me of how fragile human civilization is. The achievements we've done, the mistakes we've committed, the order we've set, all are insignificant in the universal order of things. We are truly but a speck in the infinity of space at a moment in eternal time.
In all those movies, change is indeed constant. Change has defined history and has made it interesting and exciting.
The dawn of men came when the dominant reptiles were wiped out by a single meteor (or fine, maybe not) or by a global winter or something. Hahaha. Point is they were dragged to extinction and the funny thing is we didn’t have to do anything about it.
Tyrants easily changed the course of their nations’ history as much as they changed the world’s. Qin Shihuangdi forged the Chinese Empire. Caesar laid the foundations for the Roman Empire. Xerxes, the Pharaohs, Alexander, Napoleon, and even Hitler all shaped history by instituting change. They used war, conquest and ambition as tools for history to remember them. They immortalized themselves by making sure the changes they made remained.
Other changes involved entire civilizations that impacted the history of the world. South America might be different today if the Aztec, Incan and Mayan civilizations were not destroyed. The collapse of the Roman Empire that had stood for centuries ushered in a new era in history. The fall of the fascist German state and the Russian communist system defined the world as it is today.
When you study history, it’s always defined by the changes that occurred. World War I, World War II, 9/11 – these are the most familiar turning points of history.
There are, of course, the changes that mattered not only in this world but beyond as well. A single bite of an apple brought eternal damnation. A single yet ultimate act of love brought eternal salvation.
From what is shown in the movies, human beings seem to value normality so much that it’s worth dying for. Of course, there are instances when humanity is (hopefully) united in change such as in the fights against AIDS or poverty. But there are battles that we unite against it. In “28 Weeks Later”, the US military fought to control the spread of the Rage virus. In “Spiderman-3”, Spiderman fought the symbiotic alien life form from taking over him. In “Heroes”, they fought to keep a bomb that would change the world from exploding. In “Smallville”, Clark fought to save himself from the scrutiny of the world he is also saving.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with fighting for normalcy, for keeping things the way they are. The problem emerges when we fight for it for the wrong reasons. They say energy companies discretely fight green technologies to retain their monopolies. They say the old rich of this country fight to keep their monopolies of the agricultural lands and of political influence.
Striving and living for success in the standards of the world is futile simply because these standards are artificial. Society today measures success in grades, diplomas, wealth and influence. They are but temporary social constructs. Success in life must not be based on a fragile society’s standards. We’ve managed to build a world for ourselves and we’ve lived in it for so long that we think we can work to keep ourselves in it.
We should therefore strive for success that will never wane and be forgotten, achievements that change cannot tamper with.
The greatest battles are indeed fought within because these are the battles that truly matter. In these conflicts are decided why we are doing anything that we want to do. Is it merely for ourselves, or for the worldly society, or the eternal God that we should be doing it for?
To rephrase my earlier premise, change is constant only in this world. So we must strive for riches that are beyond this world, success in the realm of eternity. And we’ve already been told how to do it and arrangements have been made for us to do it (that’s what the single ultimate act of love did for us). It’s only a matter of if we will do it, if we will defeat the temptations of the world to keep us in its grips.
Contrary to what Linderman said, true happiness is founded on meaning. True happiness is eternal and not subject to change. A meaningless happiness founded on the now will change in the next moment. But happiness built on an eternity of meaning will last even if a bomb goes off and ends the world.
In all those movies, change is indeed constant. Change has defined history and has made it interesting and exciting.
The dawn of men came when the dominant reptiles were wiped out by a single meteor (or fine, maybe not) or by a global winter or something. Hahaha. Point is they were dragged to extinction and the funny thing is we didn’t have to do anything about it.
Tyrants easily changed the course of their nations’ history as much as they changed the world’s. Qin Shihuangdi forged the Chinese Empire. Caesar laid the foundations for the Roman Empire. Xerxes, the Pharaohs, Alexander, Napoleon, and even Hitler all shaped history by instituting change. They used war, conquest and ambition as tools for history to remember them. They immortalized themselves by making sure the changes they made remained.
Other changes involved entire civilizations that impacted the history of the world. South America might be different today if the Aztec, Incan and Mayan civilizations were not destroyed. The collapse of the Roman Empire that had stood for centuries ushered in a new era in history. The fall of the fascist German state and the Russian communist system defined the world as it is today.
When you study history, it’s always defined by the changes that occurred. World War I, World War II, 9/11 – these are the most familiar turning points of history.
There are, of course, the changes that mattered not only in this world but beyond as well. A single bite of an apple brought eternal damnation. A single yet ultimate act of love brought eternal salvation.
From what is shown in the movies, human beings seem to value normality so much that it’s worth dying for. Of course, there are instances when humanity is (hopefully) united in change such as in the fights against AIDS or poverty. But there are battles that we unite against it. In “28 Weeks Later”, the US military fought to control the spread of the Rage virus. In “Spiderman-3”, Spiderman fought the symbiotic alien life form from taking over him. In “Heroes”, they fought to keep a bomb that would change the world from exploding. In “Smallville”, Clark fought to save himself from the scrutiny of the world he is also saving.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with fighting for normalcy, for keeping things the way they are. The problem emerges when we fight for it for the wrong reasons. They say energy companies discretely fight green technologies to retain their monopolies. They say the old rich of this country fight to keep their monopolies of the agricultural lands and of political influence.
Striving and living for success in the standards of the world is futile simply because these standards are artificial. Society today measures success in grades, diplomas, wealth and influence. They are but temporary social constructs. Success in life must not be based on a fragile society’s standards. We’ve managed to build a world for ourselves and we’ve lived in it for so long that we think we can work to keep ourselves in it.
We should therefore strive for success that will never wane and be forgotten, achievements that change cannot tamper with.
The greatest battles are indeed fought within because these are the battles that truly matter. In these conflicts are decided why we are doing anything that we want to do. Is it merely for ourselves, or for the worldly society, or the eternal God that we should be doing it for?
To rephrase my earlier premise, change is constant only in this world. So we must strive for riches that are beyond this world, success in the realm of eternity. And we’ve already been told how to do it and arrangements have been made for us to do it (that’s what the single ultimate act of love did for us). It’s only a matter of if we will do it, if we will defeat the temptations of the world to keep us in its grips.
Contrary to what Linderman said, true happiness is founded on meaning. True happiness is eternal and not subject to change. A meaningless happiness founded on the now will change in the next moment. But happiness built on an eternity of meaning will last even if a bomb goes off and ends the world.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Something to remember 4
Teach me to listen, Holy Spirit,
for Your voice -
in busyness and in boredom,
in certainty and in doubt,
in noise and in silence.
Teach me, Lord, to listen. Amen.
- John Veitri, S.J.
for Your voice -
in busyness and in boredom,
in certainty and in doubt,
in noise and in silence.
Teach me, Lord, to listen. Amen.
- John Veitri, S.J.
Something to remember 3
God is just so great.
For every disappointment I receive, I get a new blessing in return. It's really more than I deserve, but because God gives them to me, I guess it's really part of His wonderful plan for me.
And because my life is just so full of blessings already, all that He needs to do is remind me of how blessed I really am and of the blessings I may have taken for granted.
It's sad sometimes that I find personal joy in the misery of others because sometimes, it is how my reminders from Him arrive. I would not dare claim I understand why but perhaps its because I can do my share in helping those people, even if I really have no idea what they're going through. Sometimes, comforting words and reassurances go a long way. Prayers go even longer.
God gives us all that we need, and sometimes what we want. If what we want is to allow God's will to happen, then there is no question that we'll get what we want.
For every disappointment I receive, I get a new blessing in return. It's really more than I deserve, but because God gives them to me, I guess it's really part of His wonderful plan for me.
And because my life is just so full of blessings already, all that He needs to do is remind me of how blessed I really am and of the blessings I may have taken for granted.
It's sad sometimes that I find personal joy in the misery of others because sometimes, it is how my reminders from Him arrive. I would not dare claim I understand why but perhaps its because I can do my share in helping those people, even if I really have no idea what they're going through. Sometimes, comforting words and reassurances go a long way. Prayers go even longer.
God gives us all that we need, and sometimes what we want. If what we want is to allow God's will to happen, then there is no question that we'll get what we want.
Friday, May 18, 2007
The True Story
Or maybe not. But it paints both a grim and hopeful picture of politics in our town and in the Philippines in general.
Apparently, the people who gathered to support Ricky Sandoval were not hauled in by the mayoralty candidate himself. He didn't even file a formal election protest. People say he had accepted his defeat to incumbent Toby Tiangco and was only fighting for the candidacy of his brother, Alvin, who was running for congress.
The sad part about this is that people didn't go there out of principle and support. Heck, not even all of them are voters of Navotas. They say people who went there came from slum areas around Navotas like Tondo, Malabon and other parts of Manila. The protesters who came there in hopes of receiving free food were rallied by groups who wanted to make money out of the situation.
Akala ko masama na ang mga naghahakot na mga pulitiko na pinapangakuaan ng pera ang mga tao. Sa rally na yun, nagpunta ang mga tao dahil wala na silang makain at pinangakuan sila ng mga taong gusto silang pagkakitaan na papakainin sila ng ipaglalaban nilang kandidato.
The good part is that some politicians, although not exactly law-abiding, are compassionate and sensitive enough to know when the fight is over. The Sandoval camp, after sustaining the crowd overnight, dispersed them by paying each Php 300.00. Not exactly vote buying hehehe. In a sense, the good guy is Sandoval.
This is perhaps a snapshot of the answer to the link between economy and politics. Some of the poorest of our people engage in political activities not because they believe in them but because they are the only venues for them to find sustenance.
But looking at the victory of a priest against the wife of an alleged jueteng lord and an incumbent actor whose dad is a senator shows a different side of politics. Poor people can unite to fight for a cause they believe in, not for short term gratification, but for long term progress and change.
I hope we'll see more of the latter case in the future.
Apparently, the people who gathered to support Ricky Sandoval were not hauled in by the mayoralty candidate himself. He didn't even file a formal election protest. People say he had accepted his defeat to incumbent Toby Tiangco and was only fighting for the candidacy of his brother, Alvin, who was running for congress.
The sad part about this is that people didn't go there out of principle and support. Heck, not even all of them are voters of Navotas. They say people who went there came from slum areas around Navotas like Tondo, Malabon and other parts of Manila. The protesters who came there in hopes of receiving free food were rallied by groups who wanted to make money out of the situation.
Akala ko masama na ang mga naghahakot na mga pulitiko na pinapangakuaan ng pera ang mga tao. Sa rally na yun, nagpunta ang mga tao dahil wala na silang makain at pinangakuan sila ng mga taong gusto silang pagkakitaan na papakainin sila ng ipaglalaban nilang kandidato.
The good part is that some politicians, although not exactly law-abiding, are compassionate and sensitive enough to know when the fight is over. The Sandoval camp, after sustaining the crowd overnight, dispersed them by paying each Php 300.00. Not exactly vote buying hehehe. In a sense, the good guy is Sandoval.
This is perhaps a snapshot of the answer to the link between economy and politics. Some of the poorest of our people engage in political activities not because they believe in them but because they are the only venues for them to find sustenance.
But looking at the victory of a priest against the wife of an alleged jueteng lord and an incumbent actor whose dad is a senator shows a different side of politics. Poor people can unite to fight for a cause they believe in, not for short term gratification, but for long term progress and change.
I hope we'll see more of the latter case in the future.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Something new in Navotas
This is really historical. It has not happened since 1998.
Yesterday, hundreds of supporters of former Congressman and mayoralty candidate Ricky Sandoval gathered in front of the municipal hall of Navotas claiming that there was massive cheating in the counting of the votes. They accuse the teachers of Navotas of siding with incumbent mayor and re-electionist Toby Tiangco. They also blame the mayor for votes that came from dead people. They've set up tents and a stage in front of the municipal hall and they say they'll stay there holding vigil while canvassing continues inside.
Partial and unofficial tallies show Tiangco and many of his partymates are leading.
Again, Navotas has not seen this much political activity since 1998, when Efren Bautista went against long-time mayor of Navotas, Peping Del Rosario. Efren, a candidate who had lost for two consecutive elections against Peping, was seen as a modern David and Goliath battle. But there was an outpour of support for the underdog as he was a welcome break from the decade-long reign of Del Rosario. I remember my dad joining in the motorcades and watching closely at the canvassing of votes. It was a well known fact that Del Rosario was capable of manipulating the results, so the people of Navotas were extra vigilant.
This chapter of Navotas history ended in both a sad and glorious note. At the end of the whole debacle, Efren Bautista won to the jubilation of many citizens of Navotas. However, the Municipal Hall of the now 100-year old municipality was burned down. A few months after his election, the hope of Navotas died of natural causes. Navotas was in mourning.
This was where then-vice mayor Toby Tiangco came into the picture. He was and remains to be a young and dynamic leader who delivers results for Navotas despite his outspoken political affiliation with the opposition led by Erap and FPJ.
In this year's campaign, I'd say, despite Toby being the incumbent, he was the David in this "proxy war" between the opposition and the administration represented by Sandoval. The number of posters, big tarps and billbords (which are technically beyond 2x3 - the prescribed limit for these stuff), and the rallies speak volumes of the formidable machinery of the incumbent Congressman who presents as his main achievement the Navotas Cityhood Bill.
And I'm not sure about how the rest of Navotas feels, but our family is for Tiangco simply because he's been a good mayor in his 9 year reign. And the best part - I think - is that he rarely boasts of them the way Sandoval does. Months before the actual campaign, he posted on almost every post along M. Naval a billboard with his face and he project he had worked for the area - street construction, school construction etc.
The sad part is the two were once partymates in the local Partido Navoteno. For two elections, they were the most formidable ticket that Navotas has seen in the long time. But because Sandoval's three terms in congress had already ended, the politically logical move is go for the top post. Tiangco was only on his second term as an elected mayor.
But my political views aside, I don't see the logic behind the accusations of the Sandoval camp. I've seen the amount of resources the Sandoval camp poured into the campaign so it would be stupid if the same amount was not allocated for poll watching. They claim the teachers read ballots differently especially in areas they claim to be their strong areas. I understand that poll watchers for any candidate are supposed to make sure the ballots are read right.
With regards to dead people voting, our family has seen that first-hand with my lolo (a long-time suppporter of Tiangco) who had died was still in the list even if my mom had informed the COMELEC about his death in the last election. Even my tito and tita who had already immigrated and have been naturalized as American citizens were still part of the list were still in the official list of voters. But I don't think it is within Tiangco's influence to do it. This is only speculation because I have not seen the proof provided by the Sandoval camp. I'll hold on to my judgement until the PPCRV in Navotas issues an official statement.
The funny thing about the vigil they have there is that they've lighted candles on the municipal grounds and they have entertainment on the stage with dancers and variety songs.
This political demonstration is I think within the rights of those hundreds of supporters. I just hope they came there on their own accord just as it was in the 1998 elections and not just brought there with the promise of compensation. The local police has promised to allow the rally as long as they stay within the grounds and remain peaceful. So far, that has been the case.
I hope this will not end with the municipal hall burning down to ashes.
Yesterday, hundreds of supporters of former Congressman and mayoralty candidate Ricky Sandoval gathered in front of the municipal hall of Navotas claiming that there was massive cheating in the counting of the votes. They accuse the teachers of Navotas of siding with incumbent mayor and re-electionist Toby Tiangco. They also blame the mayor for votes that came from dead people. They've set up tents and a stage in front of the municipal hall and they say they'll stay there holding vigil while canvassing continues inside.
Partial and unofficial tallies show Tiangco and many of his partymates are leading.
Again, Navotas has not seen this much political activity since 1998, when Efren Bautista went against long-time mayor of Navotas, Peping Del Rosario. Efren, a candidate who had lost for two consecutive elections against Peping, was seen as a modern David and Goliath battle. But there was an outpour of support for the underdog as he was a welcome break from the decade-long reign of Del Rosario. I remember my dad joining in the motorcades and watching closely at the canvassing of votes. It was a well known fact that Del Rosario was capable of manipulating the results, so the people of Navotas were extra vigilant.
This chapter of Navotas history ended in both a sad and glorious note. At the end of the whole debacle, Efren Bautista won to the jubilation of many citizens of Navotas. However, the Municipal Hall of the now 100-year old municipality was burned down. A few months after his election, the hope of Navotas died of natural causes. Navotas was in mourning.
This was where then-vice mayor Toby Tiangco came into the picture. He was and remains to be a young and dynamic leader who delivers results for Navotas despite his outspoken political affiliation with the opposition led by Erap and FPJ.
In this year's campaign, I'd say, despite Toby being the incumbent, he was the David in this "proxy war" between the opposition and the administration represented by Sandoval. The number of posters, big tarps and billbords (which are technically beyond 2x3 - the prescribed limit for these stuff), and the rallies speak volumes of the formidable machinery of the incumbent Congressman who presents as his main achievement the Navotas Cityhood Bill.
And I'm not sure about how the rest of Navotas feels, but our family is for Tiangco simply because he's been a good mayor in his 9 year reign. And the best part - I think - is that he rarely boasts of them the way Sandoval does. Months before the actual campaign, he posted on almost every post along M. Naval a billboard with his face and he project he had worked for the area - street construction, school construction etc.
The sad part is the two were once partymates in the local Partido Navoteno. For two elections, they were the most formidable ticket that Navotas has seen in the long time. But because Sandoval's three terms in congress had already ended, the politically logical move is go for the top post. Tiangco was only on his second term as an elected mayor.
But my political views aside, I don't see the logic behind the accusations of the Sandoval camp. I've seen the amount of resources the Sandoval camp poured into the campaign so it would be stupid if the same amount was not allocated for poll watching. They claim the teachers read ballots differently especially in areas they claim to be their strong areas. I understand that poll watchers for any candidate are supposed to make sure the ballots are read right.
With regards to dead people voting, our family has seen that first-hand with my lolo (a long-time suppporter of Tiangco) who had died was still in the list even if my mom had informed the COMELEC about his death in the last election. Even my tito and tita who had already immigrated and have been naturalized as American citizens were still part of the list were still in the official list of voters. But I don't think it is within Tiangco's influence to do it. This is only speculation because I have not seen the proof provided by the Sandoval camp. I'll hold on to my judgement until the PPCRV in Navotas issues an official statement.
The funny thing about the vigil they have there is that they've lighted candles on the municipal grounds and they have entertainment on the stage with dancers and variety songs.
This political demonstration is I think within the rights of those hundreds of supporters. I just hope they came there on their own accord just as it was in the 1998 elections and not just brought there with the promise of compensation. The local police has promised to allow the rally as long as they stay within the grounds and remain peaceful. So far, that has been the case.
I hope this will not end with the municipal hall burning down to ashes.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
My list
Sobrang excited na ako magvote. Gusto ko na. hahaha. Kaya I made my own list (which my mom says she will consider using hehehe).
SENATORS
1. Escudero - I'm hoping he runs for president in 2010 because I will really be voting for him. Despite being a product of a political dynasty (His father was I think a senator too), he's certainly got the dynamism to get pass the shadow of his father. He represents the much needed infusion of fresh and young blood into the Senate that does not engage in excessive political bickering and mudslinging. He stands firm on issues and has the charisma to get his point across.
// sa kanya lang ako mageexplain, siya lang talaga ang super gusto ko. haha.
2. Aquino
3. Pangilinan
4. Alan Cayetano
5. Arroyo - could have been number 2 kaso he went to TU.
6. Roco
7. Legarda
8. Lacson
9. Villar
//beyond this line ay yung mga candidates na I don't really like that much pero I'd vote for them to complete my list.
__________________________________________________
10. Pimentel - nakakaasar ang ad niya, hayagang political dynasty
11. Angara - Sci & tech daw ang isa sa mga platforms niya
12. Zubiri - can write laws better than the rest of the remaining candidates
__________________________________________________
So what are my criteria?
1. Well being in the opposition or generally non-administration is a factor. Even if the administration machinery does not work for the senatorial race, it's almost a given that it would take the house and the local elections. Making sure the opposition has a healthy margin (kahit magkapalitan ng sides) to keep set one more check and balance to total administration control of the entire government.
2. They have to show integrity on being firm on the issues. Walang problema magpalit ng sides basta issue-driven. I think the 9 candidates have that integrity.
3. They must be able to show the qualities of a true legislator - someone who looks at the issues and can give new and efficient solutions to them and most importantly, can translate them in actual law. Parang programming yan (di ba Clar?), madaling magsabi ng solution, pero mahirap itransform into a working code given all the constraints and complexities. I wouldn't expect that kind of ability from someone who started with being a doctor, a member of the executive branch or an actor - especially kung ang credentials na pinapakita nila ay somewhat unrelated sa quality na toh.
4. They must at least seem to not be interested in corrupt practices. You can never really know pero may ibang candidates talaga na mas may propensity than most. One indicator na ginagamit ng tatay ko is their wealth. If they're rich, they'll less likely steal from government. I'm not really sure kung accurate toh. I guess ang only way is really looking into issues past and future. Mahirap eto talaga idetermine.
Basically, that's it. haha.
Sobra pala ang trust na binibigay sa voters. Ang tanging qualifications lang ng isang senator ay:
1. natural born citizen
2. at least 35 years of age
3. literate
4. registered voter
5. resident of the Philippines for not less than two years
Yun lang o. The rest is up to the conscience of the voter to choose what is for the best of the nation. I hope there will come a time when that trust will no longer be misplaced.
May command votes kaya silang makukuha sa pagendorse ko sa kanila? bwahahaha.
__________________________________________________
EXTRA:
Kakakausap lang sa akin ni Cecile. Sabi raw ng ninang niya, wala raw nagawa si Chiz para sa constituents niya. Di ko alam pero ang usual translation kasi ng nagawa ay mga daang natapos o schools na nabuo (yun ang credentials na pinapakita ng congressman running for mayor dito sa amin).
Here's my opinion on this: Ang isang congressman ay representative ng isang district sa isang national assembly. So ang trabaho niya, magrepresent sa district na yun sa pagbuo ng mga batas for the nation. By definition, ang legislator ay gumagawa lang ng batas at ang representative ay nagmamake sure lang na ang mga batas na yun ay makakatulong din para sa constituents niya.
So kung sa legislative record na lang din, 9 years na siyang congressman at andami niya nang naipropose na national bills. I know senators na ang mga bills lang na naiffile ay pagbabago ng pangalan ng mga streets. Check out his site: www.chizescudero.com.
Dun siguro sa pagpapagawa ng mga roads at schools, dun pumapasok ang pork barrel. I don't really know, di naman ako taga sorsogon pero baka kasi dahil hindi siya administration, hindi nairerelease sa kanya ang pork barrel funds niya. Di ko alam ah. It happens pero speculation lang toh.
Tapos why do I like Chiz so much? Because he has so much potential. Technically bata pa siya sa politics pero kakikitaan mo na ng leadership qualities. The opposition is composed of true opposition by issue, mga dismayadong dating administration, mga maiingay at grand-standing na congressman at mga leftists. His minority leadership showed his leadership potential. Isipin mo, he was able to unite all these different opposition groups into one solid bloc capable of making the administration tremble in fear of an impending impeachment. If one can unite these totally different people, he has the potential of uniting the Filipino people! hahaha.
Tapos may integrity, credibility, charisma and ability pa to match. Sana talaga magpresidente na siya. hahaha.
SENATORS
1. Escudero - I'm hoping he runs for president in 2010 because I will really be voting for him. Despite being a product of a political dynasty (His father was I think a senator too), he's certainly got the dynamism to get pass the shadow of his father. He represents the much needed infusion of fresh and young blood into the Senate that does not engage in excessive political bickering and mudslinging. He stands firm on issues and has the charisma to get his point across.
// sa kanya lang ako mageexplain, siya lang talaga ang super gusto ko. haha.
2. Aquino
3. Pangilinan
4. Alan Cayetano
5. Arroyo - could have been number 2 kaso he went to TU.
6. Roco
7. Legarda
8. Lacson
9. Villar
//beyond this line ay yung mga candidates na I don't really like that much pero I'd vote for them to complete my list.
__________________________________________________
10. Pimentel - nakakaasar ang ad niya, hayagang political dynasty
11. Angara - Sci & tech daw ang isa sa mga platforms niya
12. Zubiri - can write laws better than the rest of the remaining candidates
__________________________________________________
So what are my criteria?
1. Well being in the opposition or generally non-administration is a factor. Even if the administration machinery does not work for the senatorial race, it's almost a given that it would take the house and the local elections. Making sure the opposition has a healthy margin (kahit magkapalitan ng sides) to keep set one more check and balance to total administration control of the entire government.
2. They have to show integrity on being firm on the issues. Walang problema magpalit ng sides basta issue-driven. I think the 9 candidates have that integrity.
3. They must be able to show the qualities of a true legislator - someone who looks at the issues and can give new and efficient solutions to them and most importantly, can translate them in actual law. Parang programming yan (di ba Clar?), madaling magsabi ng solution, pero mahirap itransform into a working code given all the constraints and complexities. I wouldn't expect that kind of ability from someone who started with being a doctor, a member of the executive branch or an actor - especially kung ang credentials na pinapakita nila ay somewhat unrelated sa quality na toh.
4. They must at least seem to not be interested in corrupt practices. You can never really know pero may ibang candidates talaga na mas may propensity than most. One indicator na ginagamit ng tatay ko is their wealth. If they're rich, they'll less likely steal from government. I'm not really sure kung accurate toh. I guess ang only way is really looking into issues past and future. Mahirap eto talaga idetermine.
Basically, that's it. haha.
Sobra pala ang trust na binibigay sa voters. Ang tanging qualifications lang ng isang senator ay:
1. natural born citizen
2. at least 35 years of age
3. literate
4. registered voter
5. resident of the Philippines for not less than two years
Yun lang o. The rest is up to the conscience of the voter to choose what is for the best of the nation. I hope there will come a time when that trust will no longer be misplaced.
May command votes kaya silang makukuha sa pagendorse ko sa kanila? bwahahaha.
__________________________________________________
EXTRA:
Kakakausap lang sa akin ni Cecile. Sabi raw ng ninang niya, wala raw nagawa si Chiz para sa constituents niya. Di ko alam pero ang usual translation kasi ng nagawa ay mga daang natapos o schools na nabuo (yun ang credentials na pinapakita ng congressman running for mayor dito sa amin).
Here's my opinion on this: Ang isang congressman ay representative ng isang district sa isang national assembly. So ang trabaho niya, magrepresent sa district na yun sa pagbuo ng mga batas for the nation. By definition, ang legislator ay gumagawa lang ng batas at ang representative ay nagmamake sure lang na ang mga batas na yun ay makakatulong din para sa constituents niya.
So kung sa legislative record na lang din, 9 years na siyang congressman at andami niya nang naipropose na national bills. I know senators na ang mga bills lang na naiffile ay pagbabago ng pangalan ng mga streets. Check out his site: www.chizescudero.com.
Dun siguro sa pagpapagawa ng mga roads at schools, dun pumapasok ang pork barrel. I don't really know, di naman ako taga sorsogon pero baka kasi dahil hindi siya administration, hindi nairerelease sa kanya ang pork barrel funds niya. Di ko alam ah. It happens pero speculation lang toh.
Tapos why do I like Chiz so much? Because he has so much potential. Technically bata pa siya sa politics pero kakikitaan mo na ng leadership qualities. The opposition is composed of true opposition by issue, mga dismayadong dating administration, mga maiingay at grand-standing na congressman at mga leftists. His minority leadership showed his leadership potential. Isipin mo, he was able to unite all these different opposition groups into one solid bloc capable of making the administration tremble in fear of an impending impeachment. If one can unite these totally different people, he has the potential of uniting the Filipino people! hahaha.
Tapos may integrity, credibility, charisma and ability pa to match. Sana talaga magpresidente na siya. hahaha.
Why WE should care
The usual TV battle is this: CNN/News programs and science channels vs Karl's cartoons and sometimes vs Mom's soap operas and showbiz talk shows. Although these battles are quite common in households with TV and cable, the channels that are fought for do not usually include my choices hehe. Ang nerd noh? But I don’t know. We don’t really have a newspaper subscription so I can only read it once a week (at my lola’s) so I’d have to settle with news programs on TV.
I am used to watching World News on CNN at least once a day (kapag may cable kami hehe), TV Patrol everyday, listening to DZMM on the car and staying tuned especially in special events like the televised impeachment trials, the canvassing of votes, the congressional hearings and debates etc. etc.
I guess this peculiarity can be explained by my “obsession” in following the real life soap operas of politics here in the Philippines and the world in general. I don’t know. As much as my mom always wants to catch how Jackie cries over Ellie or Celine argues with JB, I always want to be in-the-know with the latest here and around the world. Siguro more than my insatiable curiosity (I always want to be the first to know – kaya siguro nagengjourn), I feel I am part of history when I witness history made through the lens of the cameras, the microphones and the eyes of the reporters.
I used to tell my parents I was watching for bonus points in Social Science (para payagan during weekdays :P) and well it was true when I was in grade school. But when I entered a school run by the government, it was more of knowing the issues that could very well determine if I would keep my four-year scholarship in PSHS (imagine kung nagkacoup tapos ang unang nangyari pala pinatanggal nila ang Pisay – saying sa pera. Scary. Haha). But I read this article written by Randy David in the Inquirer: <http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=63092>
And it gave me a better reason to care.
And the part that struck me is this:
“A building or structure collapses when its pillars and trusses fold into one another, making them unable to perform their support function. Strong societies, like strong buildings, distribute their weight efficiently among a number of differentiated support systems. When one of these systems fails, the framework may be compromised, but chances are it will remain standing, allowing time to repair the broken part.
This is not what happens when a society’s stability is made to depend almost entirely on a single dominant system—such as the political system, in our case. The crisis of Philippine politics has spread across the whole social system, dangerously dragging down every institution in its path.”
Nakakalungkot, but it’s true. Politics is slowly spreading its roots on our entire way of life. Education, business, the legal system, religion and society in general is slowly being engulfed in the mire of politics. And with the road Philippine politics is treading – a road to perdition and collapse, it could very well be bringing all of us with it.
This is why we should care: because our way of life hangs in the balance.
Whenever we talk about politics in our family, it always ends with “wag na nga, nakakasawa na e”. The trend is because of the constant political bickering with little good results for the people, the citizenry is growing indifferent to politics. But, though this is true, we still give that occasional bribe to the mayor or congressman to expedite our business permits etc etc. This “I don’t care” attitude is almost equivalent to condoning the flaws of the system.
This is why we should care: because not caring means we are allowing the cancer of politics to grow and spread
Most people my age don’t even want to know anything about the elections simply because we still can’t vote. Sayang lang nga naman sa oras. It wouldn’t matter if we know about the candidates and decide who are the best for our country simply because in the end, it won’t matter, we can’t vote for them.
But actually it would matter. Political maturity does not happen overnight. Maturity comes with experience and what experience will we get from just watching Heroes or One Tree Hill and turning off the TV when we see the shows for voters’ education?
In the next elections come May 2010, we will be voting for the next president of the Philippines. And theoretically, our generation has the most power and a lot more at stake. I’m sure you remember that in the Philippines, the next generation is always larger than the previous one by an exponent. And if everyone in our generation and the youth would vote, we would by far have more power in number compared to the adults. Grabe, our generation could really change the nation if every single one of us votes.
Pero siyempre, the cliché statement “With great power comes great responsibility” still applies. And it is our responsibility to vote for the good of our nation. Political maturity is key in getting past the dirty tricks and deception that has characterized Philippine politics. It is exactly how we might hope to clean the system – by showing them guns, goons and gold don’t work with us. Therefore, it is our responsibility to make sure we are mature enough by 2010. It is not something we can cram like any other test. It requires us to take interest in what is happening in our country, knowing the issues, and the personalities involved in those issues.
So tomorrow, take part in guarding the votes. Watch the news, be involved, get interested, START CARING.
This is why WE the youth should start caring: because if we don’t, our future will be sucked into the black hole of dirty politics.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Senseless na naman?
Pero dahil di ko pa matapos ung next post ko (sana bago ung deadline hahaha), e I will indulge in more senseless blog "games". Got tagged by cheska.
Each player of this games starts with 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state the rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.
1. Ang kryptonite ko ay suka. You know, ung vinegar, acetic acid, CH3COOH. I don't really know why. I'm not allergic to it as in it can cause inflammation etc etc pero ayaw ko talaga. I used to throw up when I smell it and would even eat away from the table kapag merong kumakain with suka. Siguro psychological ang "problem" in nature = sira ang ulo ko. hahahaha. pero yun talaga. I've even promised myself when I was young to rid the world of vinegar. hahaha.
2. I also do not use any of the usual sauces like ketshup, mustard, mayonnaise. Baka dahil may suka din sila hahaha (check the ketshup label next time) pero ayaw ko rin talaga. Di ko na kinakain kapag nalagyan na ng any of the three sauces.
3. Di rin po ako kumakain ng tinapay except certain variations such as pizza, cakes, garlic bread and unleavened bread. Sabi ko sa inyo may psychiatric problem ako hahaha.
4. Hindi rin ako nagsusuot (masyado ng sando) if I had the choice. Nung grade school kasi we were required to wear them pang ilalim ng polo so no choice pero when I got the option of t-shirts sa pisay, yun na talaga. Pambahay, panlakad lahat may sleeves. hahaha. Lahat ata from 1-4 nadevelop dahil sa paulit-ulit na hindi paggawa nung bata ako. astig pala ng nagagawa ng mga (hindi) natututunan during the formative years.
5. Noon (or sometimes pag di ko napapansin) kinakagat ko ung corners ng mga bimpo or panyo ko. I don't know why pero parang ang sarap kasi unlike chewing gum, less likely na makakagat mo yung dila mo while chewing on them. hahaha.
6. Di ko alam kung napansin niyo na pero I have this habit of pressing my hand against my ear. Actually ang point nun ilapit ung ear lobes ko so skin. Malamig kasi e. Something to do ata with konti lang ung blood vessels sa ear lobe at manipis kaya mabilis kumabit ung outside temperature. So pag malamig hinahawakan ko, pag mainit, un ung umiinit lalo. Nanghahawak din ako ng ear lobes ng ibang tao para makuha ko ung lamig. hehehehe.
So. I tag Clar, Ray2, Fatima, Andrew, Jane, Pito.
Each player of this games starts with 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state the rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.
1. Ang kryptonite ko ay suka. You know, ung vinegar, acetic acid, CH3COOH. I don't really know why. I'm not allergic to it as in it can cause inflammation etc etc pero ayaw ko talaga. I used to throw up when I smell it and would even eat away from the table kapag merong kumakain with suka. Siguro psychological ang "problem" in nature = sira ang ulo ko. hahahaha. pero yun talaga. I've even promised myself when I was young to rid the world of vinegar. hahaha.
2. I also do not use any of the usual sauces like ketshup, mustard, mayonnaise. Baka dahil may suka din sila hahaha (check the ketshup label next time) pero ayaw ko rin talaga. Di ko na kinakain kapag nalagyan na ng any of the three sauces.
3. Di rin po ako kumakain ng tinapay except certain variations such as pizza, cakes, garlic bread and unleavened bread. Sabi ko sa inyo may psychiatric problem ako hahaha.
4. Hindi rin ako nagsusuot (masyado ng sando) if I had the choice. Nung grade school kasi we were required to wear them pang ilalim ng polo so no choice pero when I got the option of t-shirts sa pisay, yun na talaga. Pambahay, panlakad lahat may sleeves. hahaha. Lahat ata from 1-4 nadevelop dahil sa paulit-ulit na hindi paggawa nung bata ako. astig pala ng nagagawa ng mga (hindi) natututunan during the formative years.
5. Noon (or sometimes pag di ko napapansin) kinakagat ko ung corners ng mga bimpo or panyo ko. I don't know why pero parang ang sarap kasi unlike chewing gum, less likely na makakagat mo yung dila mo while chewing on them. hahaha.
6. Di ko alam kung napansin niyo na pero I have this habit of pressing my hand against my ear. Actually ang point nun ilapit ung ear lobes ko so skin. Malamig kasi e. Something to do ata with konti lang ung blood vessels sa ear lobe at manipis kaya mabilis kumabit ung outside temperature. So pag malamig hinahawakan ko, pag mainit, un ung umiinit lalo. Nanghahawak din ako ng ear lobes ng ibang tao para makuha ko ung lamig. hehehehe.
So. I tag Clar, Ray2, Fatima, Andrew, Jane, Pito.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Post hoc?
Usually natatawa ako sa mga ganitong klaseng mga survey-surveyan. They claim that they could measure accurately how ________ (insert adjective) you are. But in fact, wala lang, walang basis walang halaga at walang kwenta. Pero sige, for the fun of it (masaya minsan gumawa ng senseless stuff hahaha) and to prove how inaccurate this survey is (and to veer away from the serious stuff for a change), I'll do it - Clar and Ray2!
I am 9% girly. (and I doubt if this is an acceptable conclusion - read on)
Take this quiz and find out how girly you are. (GUYS TOO) Put x's beside each thing that's true. Each x that you put is one percent. Have fun!!
[ ] My fingernails/toenails are almost always done. // wala nang CAT
[ ] During the summer the only shoes i wear are flip flops //ano yun?
[ ] My favorite toys as a child were barbies
[ ] My favorite colour is pink or purple
[ ] I did Gymnastics.
[ ] I love skirts.
[ ] Hollister is one of my favorite places to shop
[ ] Tight jeans are the only jeans i'll wear.
[ ] I love chocolate
[x] I've never had a real job. // real job != underemployment; working under-age// so lalaki lang pala ang nagkakareal job? great. haha.
TOTAL: 1
[ ] My hair is almost always straightened
[ ] I have at least 8 myspace pictures
[ ] I usually go shopping once a week
[x] I love to hang out at the mall with friends // e san pa ba? dun lang ako pinapayagan e
[] I have a real diamond ring or diamond necklace or earings.
[ ] I've gone to a tanning salon.
[ ] I've gone to the beach to tan.
[ ] I have at least 10 pairs of shoes.
[ ] I watch either the OC or Laguna Beach.
[ ] I change my icon weekly.
[ ] I wear a shower cap.
TOTAL: 1
[x] I dont shop at Hot Topic. // ano yun?
[ ] My cell phone might as well become a part of me.
[ ] I wear mascara everyday.
[ ] I've been or am on a diet.
[ ] Bathing suits are adorable.
[ ] I dont know the difference between a sheep and a goat. // so lalaki lang din may alam nun?
[ ] Big sunglasses are hott.
[ ] I have gotten my nails done before.
[ ] MTV is one of my favorite channels. // try cnn or national geographic
TOTAL: 1
[ ] All I want to do at sleepovers is talk about boys!
[ ] I love to have girls do my hair.
[ ] I give and recieve hugs from all my friends
[ ] I hate bugs.
[x] Carnivals are so fun! // included naman ang fair at theme park dito di ba?
[ ] Summer is THE best season.
[ ] My swimsuit has 2 pieces
[ ] I'm waiting for my knight in shining armor.
[ ] Musicians are so hot.
[ ] You write me a poem and tell me I'm beautiful and I'm all yours.
TOTAL: 1
[X] I am self-conscious. // it is a fact that self-consciousness is a trait of almost every teenager
[ ] I cry often.
[ ] My car smells like vanilla or cherry.
[x] My dishes get washed more than once a week. //anong "un-manly" dun?
[ ] I dont do sports.
[ ] I HATE to run.
[ ] I squeal when I am surprised or angry.
[ ] I eat dried fruit as a snack.
[ ] I love romance novels.
[ ] Drew Barrymore is so cute.
TOTAL: 2
[ ] I dance a lot.// don't even know how to
[ ] usually spend an hour or over to get ready to leave my house.
[ ] I only have like 5 billion hair products.
[ ] I love to get dressed up.
[ ] Every part of my outfit needs to match.
[ ] I talk on the phone at least once a day to my friends.
[ ] I would love to have a photo shoot.
[ ] I apply lip stuff 50 times a day.
[ ] I wish I were a model.
TOTAL: 0
[ ] I wish I could meet Paris Hilton.
[ ] I have been something that was semi.
[ ] I own Uggs.
[ ] Hip Hop is the best music.
[ ] I pop my collar.
[ ] I like to be the center of attention.
[ ] Guys with Mohawks are crazy.
[ ] Horses are beautiful.
[ ] I'd rather not pay attention in school. // quite the opposite :p
[ ] Cats are adorable.
TOTAL: 0
[ ] I write my own music // i wish
[x] I would love to visit Hawaii. // and travel in general even though i really don't have the resources to do it
[ ] Valentine's day is so cute!
[ ] White is better than black.
[ ] I wouldn't be caught dead in all black.
[ ] My closet is STOCK FULL of clothes.
[ ] Hate the grunge look.
[ ] I love to read magazines.
TOTAL: 1
[ ] I love to gossip. //current events ang mas tama :p
[ ] I had Lisa Frank folders/posters/notebooks as a kid.
[ ] I love Celine Dion.
[ ] My bubble baths are 1-2hrs long.
[ ] My wedding only needs a groom because it's already planned.
[ ] My friends and I are in a strict group. We mostly only hang out with each other.
[ ] I like little kids.
[ ] Diet drinks are the best.
[ ] I'm all about being vegetarian.
[ ] I refuse to eat at McDonalds.
TOTAL: 0
[ ] I check my myspace everyday. // don't even have one
[x] I love life! // so this is supposed to be exclusive to girls?
[ ] I have a lot of jewlery!
[ ] My screen name(s) have x's in them.
[ ] Either one of my myspace names has/had "<3"'s
[x] I would never want to be the opposite sex. // this is just stupid
[ ] It's not what he/she said it's the way he/she said it.
[ ] I have more than 3 pillows on my bed.
TOTAL: 2
Now add up all the total points and put "I am __% girly" for the subject if you steal or get tagged.
ok. To further prove the inaccuracy of this survey, I tag Ben and Andrew.
I am 9% girly. (and I doubt if this is an acceptable conclusion - read on)
Take this quiz and find out how girly you are. (GUYS TOO) Put x's beside each thing that's true. Each x that you put is one percent. Have fun!!
[ ] My fingernails/toenails are almost always done. // wala nang CAT
[ ] During the summer the only shoes i wear are flip flops //ano yun?
[ ] My favorite toys as a child were barbies
[ ] My favorite colour is pink or purple
[ ] I did Gymnastics.
[ ] I love skirts.
[ ] Hollister is one of my favorite places to shop
[ ] Tight jeans are the only jeans i'll wear.
[ ] I love chocolate
[x] I've never had a real job. // real job != underemployment; working under-age// so lalaki lang pala ang nagkakareal job? great. haha.
TOTAL: 1
[ ] My hair is almost always straightened
[ ] I have at least 8 myspace pictures
[ ] I usually go shopping once a week
[x] I love to hang out at the mall with friends // e san pa ba? dun lang ako pinapayagan e
[] I have a real diamond ring or diamond necklace or earings.
[ ] I've gone to a tanning salon.
[ ] I've gone to the beach to tan.
[ ] I have at least 10 pairs of shoes.
[ ] I watch either the OC or Laguna Beach.
[ ] I change my icon weekly.
[ ] I wear a shower cap.
TOTAL: 1
[x] I dont shop at Hot Topic. // ano yun?
[ ] My cell phone might as well become a part of me.
[ ] I wear mascara everyday.
[ ] I've been or am on a diet.
[ ] Bathing suits are adorable.
[ ] I dont know the difference between a sheep and a goat. // so lalaki lang din may alam nun?
[ ] Big sunglasses are hott.
[ ] I have gotten my nails done before.
[ ] MTV is one of my favorite channels. // try cnn or national geographic
TOTAL: 1
[ ] All I want to do at sleepovers is talk about boys!
[ ] I love to have girls do my hair.
[ ] I give and recieve hugs from all my friends
[ ] I hate bugs.
[x] Carnivals are so fun! // included naman ang fair at theme park dito di ba?
[ ] Summer is THE best season.
[ ] My swimsuit has 2 pieces
[ ] I'm waiting for my knight in shining armor.
[ ] Musicians are so hot.
[ ] You write me a poem and tell me I'm beautiful and I'm all yours.
TOTAL: 1
[X] I am self-conscious. // it is a fact that self-consciousness is a trait of almost every teenager
[ ] I cry often.
[ ] My car smells like vanilla or cherry.
[x] My dishes get washed more than once a week. //anong "un-manly" dun?
[ ] I dont do sports.
[ ] I HATE to run.
[ ] I squeal when I am surprised or angry.
[ ] I eat dried fruit as a snack.
[ ] I love romance novels.
[ ] Drew Barrymore is so cute.
TOTAL: 2
[ ] I dance a lot.// don't even know how to
[ ] usually spend an hour or over to get ready to leave my house.
[ ] I only have like 5 billion hair products.
[ ] I love to get dressed up.
[ ] Every part of my outfit needs to match.
[ ] I talk on the phone at least once a day to my friends.
[ ] I would love to have a photo shoot.
[ ] I apply lip stuff 50 times a day.
[ ] I wish I were a model.
TOTAL: 0
[ ] I wish I could meet Paris Hilton.
[ ] I have been something that was semi.
[ ] I own Uggs.
[ ] Hip Hop is the best music.
[ ] I pop my collar.
[ ] I like to be the center of attention.
[ ] Guys with Mohawks are crazy.
[ ] Horses are beautiful.
[ ] I'd rather not pay attention in school. // quite the opposite :p
[ ] Cats are adorable.
TOTAL: 0
[ ] I write my own music // i wish
[x] I would love to visit Hawaii. // and travel in general even though i really don't have the resources to do it
[ ] Valentine's day is so cute!
[ ] White is better than black.
[ ] I wouldn't be caught dead in all black.
[ ] My closet is STOCK FULL of clothes.
[ ] Hate the grunge look.
[ ] I love to read magazines.
TOTAL: 1
[ ] I love to gossip. //current events ang mas tama :p
[ ] I had Lisa Frank folders/posters/notebooks as a kid.
[ ] I love Celine Dion.
[ ] My bubble baths are 1-2hrs long.
[ ] My wedding only needs a groom because it's already planned.
[ ] My friends and I are in a strict group. We mostly only hang out with each other.
[ ] I like little kids.
[ ] Diet drinks are the best.
[ ] I'm all about being vegetarian.
[ ] I refuse to eat at McDonalds.
TOTAL: 0
[ ] I check my myspace everyday. // don't even have one
[x] I love life! // so this is supposed to be exclusive to girls?
[ ] I have a lot of jewlery!
[ ] My screen name(s) have x's in them.
[ ] Either one of my myspace names has/had "<3"'s
[x] I would never want to be the opposite sex. // this is just stupid
[ ] It's not what he/she said it's the way he/she said it.
[ ] I have more than 3 pillows on my bed.
TOTAL: 2
Now add up all the total points and put "I am __% girly" for the subject if you steal or get tagged.
ok. To further prove the inaccuracy of this survey, I tag Ben and Andrew.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Not in the Philippines
Nicholas Sarcozy, a member of the Conservative party (also the party of his predecessor, Jacques Chirac) and a vocal (but critical) supporter of the United States, won the French Presidency over Segolene Royal of the Socialist party.
What caught my attention was this..
"His socialist opponent, Segolene Royal, conceded defeat for her hopes of becoming France's first woman president. With nearly 70 percent of ballots counted, Sarkozy had just over 53 percent of the vote, according to the Interior Ministry. "
Funny na that never happens in the Philippines. Almost all politicians think they're winners. Kaya nga andaming nagtatawag ng dayaan e. There's nothing wrong with it. I guess it's not just the politician but the system - if it was clean, honest and fair enough (nothing can really be perfect) I guess cheating will not even be in the minds of the people.
Another thing..
"Voter turnout was projected at 85 percent — a level not seen in 40 years — thanks to the dynamism of both candidates and the high stakes for a nation losing global clout to neighbors Britain and German and even developing countries like China and India."
Grabe. Kelan kaya mangyayari toh. When people are compelled to vote because of the candidates' charisma, competence and will for change and not money and popularity. And when will voters vote because there is a lot at stake for the country (which incidentally is the case for the upcoming elections - there are very high stakes).
This is a challenge for the Filipino people. There's no need to imitate the system (because it won't work). The power to change is in each. Unfortunately, it will only work if we 'let our powers combine' (parang captain planet noh! hahahahha).
What caught my attention was this..
"His socialist opponent, Segolene Royal, conceded defeat for her hopes of becoming France's first woman president. With nearly 70 percent of ballots counted, Sarkozy had just over 53 percent of the vote, according to the Interior Ministry. "
Funny na that never happens in the Philippines. Almost all politicians think they're winners. Kaya nga andaming nagtatawag ng dayaan e. There's nothing wrong with it. I guess it's not just the politician but the system - if it was clean, honest and fair enough (nothing can really be perfect) I guess cheating will not even be in the minds of the people.
Another thing..
"Voter turnout was projected at 85 percent — a level not seen in 40 years — thanks to the dynamism of both candidates and the high stakes for a nation losing global clout to neighbors Britain and German and even developing countries like China and India."
Grabe. Kelan kaya mangyayari toh. When people are compelled to vote because of the candidates' charisma, competence and will for change and not money and popularity. And when will voters vote because there is a lot at stake for the country (which incidentally is the case for the upcoming elections - there are very high stakes).
This is a challenge for the Filipino people. There's no need to imitate the system (because it won't work). The power to change is in each. Unfortunately, it will only work if we 'let our powers combine' (parang captain planet noh! hahahahha).
Something to remember 2
John 13: 34 -35
"I give you a new commandmen: love one another. As I have loved you, so also should you love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for another."
Funny, kakabasa ko lang nung comment ni Ate Frances tapos I heard this in mass. hahaha.
It always comes down to love. So love can definitely not suck. Because if it did, kawawa naman tayo, God wouldn't save us and we wouldn't be known as His disciples. Love is the mark of a true follower of Christ. So love rocks! hahahaha.
Kaso, this love that He asks of us is more than the crush type love or romantic love (if you can even call it 'love'). He asks us to love others as much as He loved us. How much did He love us? He gave up His life on the cross to save us from spiritual death. Can we give that same love to others? I would guess so. hahaha. He expects from us something that we can really do.
But wait, there's more! hahaha.
John 14: 26
"The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name -- he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you."
Astig, may Tutor pa tayo. :D
"I give you a new commandmen: love one another. As I have loved you, so also should you love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for another."
Funny, kakabasa ko lang nung comment ni Ate Frances tapos I heard this in mass. hahaha.
It always comes down to love. So love can definitely not suck. Because if it did, kawawa naman tayo, God wouldn't save us and we wouldn't be known as His disciples. Love is the mark of a true follower of Christ. So love rocks! hahahaha.
Kaso, this love that He asks of us is more than the crush type love or romantic love (if you can even call it 'love'). He asks us to love others as much as He loved us. How much did He love us? He gave up His life on the cross to save us from spiritual death. Can we give that same love to others? I would guess so. hahaha. He expects from us something that we can really do.
But wait, there's more! hahaha.
John 14: 26
"The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name -- he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you."
Astig, may Tutor pa tayo. :D
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Something to remember 1
John 14:9
"Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, "Show us the Father?""
Any true relationship is not measured by the time it has lasted but by how much each person knows about the other. Of course, our relationship with God is no exception.
God knows us completely as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Of course, human as we are, we are bound not to be at that same level. However, because we love God, we should try to seek as much knowledge of Him as possible. And memorizing novenas, prayer booklets and song books would not do the trick. Seek Him always everywhere and in every one.
Thank you Lord for the wonderful homily that made me realize this. :D
"Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, "Show us the Father?""
Any true relationship is not measured by the time it has lasted but by how much each person knows about the other. Of course, our relationship with God is no exception.
God knows us completely as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Of course, human as we are, we are bound not to be at that same level. However, because we love God, we should try to seek as much knowledge of Him as possible. And memorizing novenas, prayer booklets and song books would not do the trick. Seek Him always everywhere and in every one.
Thank you Lord for the wonderful homily that made me realize this. :D
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