It's Over! Stop Ranting.

Voters' Registration is over. Tapos na po ang pagpaparehistro since October 31, 2009 midnight.

Sa mga nakapagparehistro:

I salute you guys for being the responsible citizens that you are or have become. The start of something new is just a step away. The change that we have been eyeing for is right on our hands. Ngayon po na nakapagparehistro na tayo, marapat lamang na ang sunod nating gawin ay ang maging masigasig sa pag-uusisa sa mga politikong ating iboboto come May 2010.

We have done the first step. Next is to become resposnsible in selecting the right person, if not the best. Remember guys, our vote is very important. It portrays a very important role in realizing the change that we have always wanted. Muli, maging mausisa po tayo. Let us not go after the popularity, the who's who. Let us vote for the person who we can trust and entrust our nation, who haven't done anything wrong against us or against our nation. Let us become the wisest voters that we can be.

Sa mga hindi nakapagparehistro:

Common, we were given years not days para makapagparehistro. Some of you kept complaining about the process and all the other stuff. Guys, come to think of it, kung tutuusin kasi, wala kayong karapatang magreklamo. I don't get why people tend to do stuff kung kelan last day na. Now, pag hindi na-meet ang deadline, magrereklamo and would ask for extension.

Isn't three years enough? Yes, we were given three years. A day after the 2007 elections, nagsimula na agad ang pagpaparehistro. Imagine how long the time was? You wasted your chance. You wasted your chance to help this nation be back on track. You wasted a lot.

Wag kayong magrereklamo pag ang namuno sa bansang ito ay yung salungat sa gusto nyo. Wala kasi kayong karapatang magreklamo o mag-raise ng hinanaing dahil hindi kayo bomoto. Okay?


*****

Next in Line:

Sa mga tatakbo for 2010 Elections, sana po wag kayong magsiksikan sa last day of filing of candidacy, which would be on December 1, 2009. Be a concrete good example to the Filipino citizenry.

People, this is something to watch out for! Sino kaya ang unang-unang magfafile ng candidacy? Hmm.. Excited na ako! Sana kayo rin! :)

On Climate Change: Let's Take the Lead!

Typhoons, active volcanoes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, earthquakes. These are just some of the natural calamities that kept on bogging us these past few days and months. There have been lives taken, dreams forsaken, future left hanging, families broken because of the occurrence of these calamities. Are we going to allow another calamity to take place? Better think about it.

One major reason that led to these calamities is climate change. Our country is a living testament that climate change could be rude to humans. That it could take not just our sources of living but our sources of joy as well - our families, friends, relatives, fellowmen.

If I remember it right, this year, I did not feel the heat of the summer's sun. I felt like there was no summer season at all. During our country's summer period, it was raining hard. Now, when supposedly it shouldn't be raining that much already, it does. Perhaps not everyone is aware or haven't noticed that something awkward is happening in our environment. Something out of the ordinary.

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In about seven months, the Filipino electorate is about to elect new sets of leaders. What made it more exciting is, we are about to elect a new president. A new leader who we hope could address all the important issues in the country to the best way he/she could.

One important issue that he/she should give importance is, climate change. In my humble opinion, it's time that our forthcoming leaders should set aside personal agenda, instead, focus more on things that matter such as this. I believe nobody wants another Ondoy and Pepeng tragedy. I believe nobody would want tsunamis, earthquakes, and other natural calamities to destroy our native land, our beloved planet, our lives.

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On the other hand though, we should not just lift it all up to the government. As ordinary citizens of this county and of the world, we have to start doing something. Changing our routines would help a lot. Stop throwing garbages just because you're lazy enough to look for a garbage can. Stop illegal logging, mining, and other human activities that would destroy our environment, that could lead to something we do not want to happen.

We just can do so much. Let's do it together NOW.

Typhoon Ondoy: Commending Unselfish People

No joke! The typhoon that hit the Metro last weekend brought countless memories. Well, sad memories. Who would have thought that in a span of six hours, the amount of rainfall was equivalent to a month? Some reports said that the last time the Metro encountered such terrible calamity was in the year 1967.

At around late afternoon on Saturday, September 26, 2007, 70% of Metro Manila was already flooded. A lot of people were stranded from different areas: some were at the road, while others were at their offices or school campuses. At around mid-night of the same day, rescue teams from the government tried to deploy their rubber boats, but sad to say, it couldn't enter the affected areas due to the strong current.

People from private sectors on the other hand tried to help through asking donations both in cash and in kind. Ateneo De Manila for instance, opened their doors for evacuees and fed them, while La Salle Greenhills took part in looking for people who could lend their rubber boats for the rescue, as well as volunteers who could help them up.

No doubt, in times of trouble such as this, people have no one to lean on to but their fellows as well. No doubt, in times like this, selfishness and greediness should not be found in anyone's dictionary. This post would want to commend private individuals, companies, and organizations who in one way or another took part in helping out those affected by Typhoon Ondoy.

- Jam 88.3 (The whole evening of Saturday, I was just tunning in to them. They were unselfish enough to serve their listeners through becoming a bridge in asking/seeking help for those affected.An FM radio turned AM for a night. Kudos to them!)

- Media. (Everything was really appreciated.)

- Schools and Universities who opened their campuses for evacuees as well as for their stranded employees and students. (The kindness you've given is more than enough.)

- Private companies or individuals who lent their boats, trucks, and other vehicles to help in the rescue operations. (You were able to really really help save lives of many.)

- Volunteers. (This goes to those people who took time in helping out through sorting out donations, as well as disseminating them.)

- People who donate goods and cash. (God will surely give it back to you, doubled.)

- Fellow bloggers. (This goes to those who tweeted and blogged information on how and were to seek help. The information you gave saved a lot of lives, and really gave hope for many as well.)

- There are a lot more who should be commended, but the space won't just be enough. So to everyone who extended help effortlessly and unselfishly, I personally salute you! I may just be an unknown blogger form the blog atmosphere, but this I am sure of, a private individual like me sees your efforts. Kudos (though there are a lot more things that need to be done)!

GOD BLESS us all.


P.S.

- If you happen to pass by my blog and would want to help, here's the information. Just click THIS.

My Share of History

I wasn't born during the times of EDSA Uno, not even during the 1983 Ninoy Aquino Jr.'s assassination. I was perhaps inside my mother's womb when President Corazon Aquino was inaugurated as this nation's 11th president. Not to mention, the first woman president not just in the Philippines but in Asia.

I grew up to become a person of principles. I have my share of opinions whenever relevant issues arises (meaning, issues that has something to do with our nation). I grew up with the teachings of my parents on the side: standing for what you believe and living for what is right no matter how much criticisms be thrown at you.

As an ordinary citizen who belongs in this generation, you may find me as too idealistic. Maybe, some would even raise their eyebrows and would comment something like, “Yuck! Napaka-nationalistic!” Well, to them I say, at least I care for this poor nation.

Anyway, when I heard about former President Aquino's death, my initial reaction was, “Oh my God! Patay na Sya.” Just like most of us, curiosity filled me. I was after the reaction of the people surrounding her, and the reactions of her critics from the other side of politics. I didn't feel the loss of a Filipino icon or something to that effect. It was indeed pure curiosity.

I got hooked with all the news about her. Seemed like it was another Michael Jackson aura. Most of news-related websites were talking about her and her death. They kept writing over and over again about who she is, and who she was. They kept giving tributes on how she has restored the democracy in this country. Still, I wasn't moved. Not that i'm insentive, it's just that I wasn't able to witness her presidency. Though I know the history as foretold during my early childhood down to my college years, still, I had no sad emotions about her passing away.

But everything changed came Monday, August 3, 2009. I did not plan to go out of our office building to witness Aquino's procession. I had no plans, really. But seemed like history told me to be part of it. Out of nowhere, I just found myself walking down the stairs from sixteenth floor down to the street. Not just that, some of my colleagues and I waited for almost two hours before finally, the convoy came.

I couldn't explain why, but as the truck carrying her body came, I felt a sudden heaviness. I witnessed really, a history. People around me were saying out loud her name, some wear yellow blouses and shirts, others with yellow ribbons and flag lets being waved, while others displayed the very prominent Laban sign. Yellow confetti were like rains pouring down from the sky. Very memorable indeed.

After witnessing such a historic event, I planned to go and pay my last respect to someone I don't personally know but has enough knowledge on her contributions to my beloved country. Apparently, though I had the willingness, the heavy rain stopped me. Instead, I just kept myself updated through the internet and watching television news programs.

Wednesday came, the burial day. I woke up just in time to watch the live telecast of ABS-CBN. Serenity is the perfect word – I guess – to describe the aura inside the Cathedral. Though I was not physically there, I felt how at peace yet gloomy the place had become. As the mass started, I kept singing along with the choir. Really, I was like taking part of the history even if I was just inside the four corners of our apartment.

The emotions were really felt. I appreciated the former leader more when the priest, Fr. Arevalo gave his homily. Wow! I was amazed with how she had lived her life according to what the priest had said. I was in awe when he spoke of the goodness of heart, the humility, the love, and the faith she had. I was like, could I be just like her? In spite of the gold spoon on her mouth, she lived a life of simplicity covered with love and her deep faith in God and Mama Mary. Then I thought, is there someone among the present queue of politicians that live with the same ideals? I don't know why, but as I looked on the list, I couldn't think of any.

I must say, she's not perfect. Perhaps she had her share of flaws during her presidency, but I guess, as a young Filipino - who just like many of my fellowmen - I believe we badly need someone who is like Cory who I must tag as someone who became a good example to the people. We need a leader who knows how to live in humility, has a great love for the country and its people, and has an undying faith in the Almighty.

Come 2010, we again are to practice our right to vote, our very right to elect our leaders. About nine months from now, we are going to put someone in power. As that day comes, as it approaches, I wish we could think of Cory, her ideals, her simplicity, her leadership, her faith, and let those be our guide as we select and elect.

As my words come to an end, let me say my own farewell and thank you to a woman who now I idolizes because of who she was and how she had lived her life. Allow me to utter my words of gratitude to someone who brought back the democracy and freedom that I am enjoying now. Kudos President Cory for a life well-lived.

Philippine Elections

When I was on my teenage years, I’ve always been so excited to turn eighteen. Besides the fact that I’d be now called a lady, and the fact that I am now considered of legal age, what made me more excited was the fact that I’d be able to participate during elections already. Honestly, I’ve always loved the idea of being able to choose my own set of leaders. I’ve always loved the idea of making a difference through my own vote.

Now, the 2007 elections came. Finally, I was able to exercise my right to vote, my right to select and elect my own choice of leaders. But that doesn’t end there. I came to realize how poverty has emerged in our own municipality. I came to realize that there are a lot of people suffering from hunger. I came to realize how bad the conditions of my fellows are in the deserted areas.

By the way, you might be wondering how I came to know all these. Well, I m lucky enough that my father was a politician (you’ve read it right, I felt lucky enough), and that I was able to join him during the campaign. Now you know. Anyway, that’s another story – that I’ll share some other time - though so let me go back to my topic.

Moreover, I think I do have to confess that I am a victim of missing votes. You know, voting and not knowing where your votes went. Let me share to you my family’s story. Well, in that particular precinct, supposedly we have a sure eight votes for my father since we’re eight in the family who voted that day. Apparently, after all the ballots have been counted, we realized there were six votes missing. Yes, came the election result for that precinct, we lost six votes for my father. Imagine how was the cheaters rule that time?

But that instance did not and it will never lead me to not being interested come the election time. No matter how unfortunate that instance was, I’d never allow that to discourage me from exercising my right to select my leaders. After all, I love my country. After all, I’ve always been do idealistic that I’ve always believed that there would come a time when change would rule in this country, a time that we’ll be able to elect qualified leaders. I have always been a great believer that change comes from within, and part of that is joining the whole election process.

A lot of Filipinos of my age are so hopeless that they’d rather choose not to vote. Oh my! I wish they’d change their minds. I mean, why think of the negative side when you can be positive anyway? Even though I lost my vote last election, never did it cross my mind to never participate in the coming elections again, because I’ve always believed that my country needs me.

No matter how dirty Philippine elections have become, I am still hopeful that one day, everything would fall on its right places. I am still hopeful that one day, there would be a drastic change in this country – positive of course. I am still positive that one day, the electoral process in this country would be free from cheaters, from liars, from selfish people, from all the negativity that comes with it right now. Who knows? It might be in the coming elections. (Fingers Crossed)

On Political Stature (In Preparation for the 2010 Elections)

Other guys and girls of my age might not be that interested in politics. They're bound to enjoy life rather than get involved on what's going on with our political stature. Sad to say that they view things in a different perspective, and what makes it sadder is, they don't really care enough on what they could do to realize change in our country.

A lot of people might be thinking why am I too much into it. I mean, seems like I'm so involved with politics. Actually, it's like this, I grew up to be very idealistic. I have always dreamed of living in a peaceful country. I have always envisioned of doing things, getting involved for my country's progressiveness.

Anyway, let me talk about the current political status in the country. The way I see it, it seems like the 2010 Presidential Elections is going to be a tough one.it’s going to be one of the most historical elections ever. You might be wondering why I said so, well, it’s simply because of the personalities involved.

One of these days I will be tackling them out. I mean the presidentiables and vice-presidentiables. Honestly, I feel bad about how other youngsters don’t see the worth of their votes. I feel bad whenever I hear them say that the political situation in our country won’t change. If only I could slap on their faces how important is their every vote. Oh well, I guess that’s why this country is not changing, because nobody wants to take the lead, or if there’s someone taking the lead, people don’t care at all.

If only the youth would unify, I guess everything’s going to fall on the right place. Perhaps change won’t be hard. Maybe Philippines is a lot more different from what it is today and what it used to be. If only people my age would go beyond what they can do, perhaps there would be a better “Pearl of the Orient Sea.”

Our Voice Can Make a Difference

And I say, shame on me because I’m not as updated as I was then. Ask me about the current situation in the country and I’d have to answer you back with a question that goes like this, “Ano nga bang bago?”



Case Number 1: Early this week, I went somewhere outside the office. When I came back, my officemate asked me if I have any idea about the latest news about the beheading of the ICRC volunteers who was kidnapped by the rebel group Abu Sayaf. I was so lost that I answered him, “Anong beheading? May ganun?” He answered me back saying, “Di ba nga binigyan nila ng ultimatum hanggang 2PM today ang government para paalisin yung mga soldiers sa area? If not, pupugutan yung isa sa mga bihag.”

All of a sudden I felt sooo lost. As in. I’ve never felt this lost before. I’ve always been the ma-news type of person. I’ve always been aware of what’s going on around me. Not until these days. I really, really, really felt so sorry and ashamed [at the same time] about knowing nothing at all.

Case Number 2: Also just this week, I heard about the Japanese writer thing. Thanks to that certain bus I rode who apparently was tuning in to Unang Hirit. If not for that, I wouldn’t know that there’s this person who underestimated Filipinos. I wouldn’t know that there’s someone spitting over our hardworking Overseas Filipino Workers. I wouldn’t know that someone is bombarding nasty facts about us. I wouldn’t know that I need [not have but need] to speak up.

I have always been idealistic and nationalistic [though it seems not that visible to me, but I am]. I guess I was born to be one, really. I hate it when people cheat their fellows. I hate it when others spread rumors [that aren’t true of course] about someone. I hate it when people break their promises. I hate it when people thought they’re superiors. I hate it when others thought they’re the most of the mosts in the world. I hate it when someone degrades the morals of other people.

On the first note, I would want to comment about the kidnapping thing. It saddens me – and I guess a lot of people as well – that we, Filipinos are fighting each other. More than anyone else in the world, why do we have to do these things to our fellows? We have the same blood running through our veins yet we harm each other.

I know I am but a small voice. I know I’m not influential unlike other bloggers in this cyberspace. I know nobody would care to spare a little time to read this blog. But why am I writing or blogging anyway? Why do I have to waste [if this is wasting] my time in commenting about something when in fact it’s just a dot on cyberspace that no one would dare to listen or read my views anyway? Why?

Honestly, I do not know as well. All I know is, I want to speak up. I want my voice to be heard even just by a single person. I want my opinion to be read at least by one person, and apparently, there’s a big difference to that. I made a difference already. I don’t care if this won’t be read by people residing at the palace. I don’t care if the rebels won’t be able to read this. All I care is, I was able to share how disgusted I am with this so old-school stuff going on with our country.

This crisis won’t stop unless someone sacrifices and let go of his belief. This crisis will go on up to the next generations unless someone realizes his fault. This crisis will continue unless someone starts to change.

More blood to come. More Filipinos will suffer. More innocent civilians will continuously feel frightened and unsecured. More of our brothers and sisters all over and outside the country will feel the same feeling over and over again. More Filipinos would rather leave their Mother Nation than settle here. And that saddens me more.

All I have is again, a small voice. A voice of a youth seeking for peace and serenity for her native country. A voice that maybe, as she believes could make a big difference. A voice that should be heard. I am actually just one of the many voices of the youths seeking for the good and glory of our Mother Land .

On the second note, I felt nothing but anger towards Mr. Chip Tsao upon reading his article. I felt nothing but shame on him who doesn’t know how wonderful Filipinos are [in spite all the not-so-thing happening right now]. Shame on him for he showed how rude he could be. Shame on him because he showed that he has no ethics.

Just in case this blog post reaches him [though I know it’s so far from reality, but who knows anyway?], I would want him to try to know his restrictions as a jounalist. He must have forgotten or maybe, he was absent during the time this was discussed [if it was discussed] to his class. But wait, I do not know his college course, but whether he is a journalism grad or not, as he calls himself a journalist, it only means that he ‘must’ or ‘should’ have showed some ethics.

I am an aspiring journalist. And sad to say, I hate how this kind of journalist who thinks he has all the freedom in the world to say something rude about other people. I hate how he stained the reputation a journalist should have and acquire. I hate how he wrote that kind of biased, degrading, and shameful article. I hate how he calls himself a journalist [period].

While doing this entry, I have heard in the news last night that Mr. Tsao has asked for an apology at the Philippine Consulate already. If my recollection is right, that was either yesterday or the other day. Though he apologized already, nothing could change the fact that he has wounded us and has left a huge scar. A wound brought by writing that irresponsible article.

We can forgive. That’s given. But the scar he has left in our hearts will be left as a scar. That goes with what’s going on in Mindanao as well. Whether the fight against the two parties end, the fact is, it has brought scars already. Scars that will be part of our history. Scars that won’t be gone forever.

NOTE: For those who want the complete copy of the write up of Mr. Tsao, here it is:

The War At Home
March 27th, 2009

The Russians sank a Hong Kong freighter last month, killing the seven Chinese seamen on board. We can live with that—Lenin and Stalin were once the ideological mentors of all Chinese people. The Japanese planted a flag on Diàoyú Island . That’s no big problem—we Hong Kong Chinese love Japanese cartoons, Hello Kitty, and shopping in Shinjuku, let alone our round-the-clock obsession with karaoke.

But hold on—even the Filipinos? Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. This is beyond reproach. The reason: there are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as $3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong . As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.

As a patriotic Chinese man, the news has made my blood boil. I summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila , hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell every one of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China .

Grimly, I told her that if war breaks out between the Philippines and China, I would have to end her employment and send her straight home, because I would not risk the crime of treason for sponsoring an enemy of the state by paying her to wash my toilet and clean my windows 16 hours a day. With that money, she would pay taxes to her government, and they would fund a navy to invade our motherland and deeply hurt my feelings.

Oh yes. The government of the Philippines would certainly be wrong if they think we Chinese are prepared to swallow their insult and sit back and lose a Falkland Islands War in the Far East . They may have Barack Obama and the hawkish American military behind them, but we have a hostage in each of our homes in the Mid-Levels or higher. Some of my friends told me they have already declared a state of emergency at home. Their maids have been made to shout “ China , Madam/Sir” loudly whenever they hear the word “Spratly.” They say the indoctrination is working as wonderfully as when we used to shout, “Long live Chairman Mao!” at the sight of a portrait of our Great Leader during the Cultural Revolution. I’m not sure if that’s going a bit too far, at least for the time being.

Chip Tsao is a best-selling author and columnist. A former reporter for the BBC, his columns have also appeared in Apple Daily, Next Magazine and CUP Magazine, among others.

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