Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines)

Watching the inauguration of President Benigno Aquino III on TV today, I had mixed feelings about the event itself and the next six years ahead of him. I guess I could speak for most of my fellow countrymen that there is a general feeling of relief and renewed hope for this country. The spirit of People Power, which ignited the fire in the hearts of the Filipino people when the plug on Marcos regime was pulled in 1986, was apparent in the faces of the hundreds of thousands of people who trooped to the Quirino Grandstand this morning, who tolerated the humid air and the occasional drops of rain. You could see in their faces that they are proud to be a part of this historic event.

My eyes were glued to the television from the moment President Aquino arrived at Malacañan Palace to accompany now former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the Quirino Grandstand, until he got back to Malacañan for lunch after the inauguration. We Filipinos are notorious for our “Filipino time” which means that we are always late. And I was impressed because the program started earlier than planned, as everybody arrived early and President Noynoy was sworn in a few minutes before 12 noon, contrary to tradition that newly elected presidents in this country should be sworn in at exactly 12 noon. It was pleasing to the eyes to see the President, his family, government officials, other guests, and performers clad in our national costumes, and it was pleasing to the ears as well to hear old and new original Filipino songs composed and performed by some of our country’s finest artists. A few of the songs even moved me almost to tears.

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Are We Truly Free?

As I write this, I am seeing a female news anchor clad in a beautiful cream patadyong. The television bombards me with images of Independence Day celebrations throughout the country - politicians giving speeches at historical monuments, elaborate floats that depict the outgoing administration’s achievements for the last nine years, programs, dancers dressed in colorful native costumes, parades, protestors on the streets - all of which aren’t necessary to celebrate this country’s 112th Independence Day. In my opinion, money and energy spent on these useless activities could’ve been put to good use that will benefit the general public.

Proclamation of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898

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The Toughest Job

Last night, while listening to the drone of the news on TV, something caught my attention. The Department of Labor and Employment is holding a contest about the toughest job in the Philippines. Everyone is encouraged to share their stories on this website, and a prize awaits the winner.

The news segment featured Mang Marvin, whose job is to help clear one of the most polluted bodies of water in the country, the Pasig River. Mang Marvin’s job is a tough one, indeed. With no protective clothing whatsoever (like boots, gloves and gas/face mask), he fearlessly fishes out garbage from the river, using only a wooden tool. In the shallower parts of the river, he wades through the bacteria-infested murky water, oblivious to the risk of contracting a disease. The smell, he says, is very foul, but he said he got used to it already, seemingly having no need for a gas or face mask.

Pasig River then


Pasig River now

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A Nation of Entertainers

I rarely watch the local channels. I’m thankful that we have cable. If others would be snoring like a truck, watching Discovery, National Geographic, Animal Planet, History or Biography channels, I’d be wide awake, glad that there are still worthwhile shows my eyes and mind could feast on. If our local channels won’t stop airing telenovelas, showbiz talk shows, copycat reality and talent shows, and horrendous noontime shows, I’ll stick to cable. Having these kinds of shows is quite alarming if you think about the kids. They grow up wanting to be a celebrity instead of a doctor or a lawyer or a teacher or an engineer or a scientist.

Is it just me or do most Filipinos dream of becoming famous entertainers? Singer, actress, dancer, talk show host, disc jockey, rock star (and the list goes on) – whether it’s on the radio, the small screen or the big screen, it seems everybody wants his or her own 15 minutes of fame. But sometimes I can’t blame them – poverty could push one to find quick and easy ways to make money, and it seems the easiest way is through penetrating the entertainment industry. With reality and talent shows aplenty, now anyone can be a celebrity. What they don’t realize is that fame is short-lived unless you’re a prodigy like Mozart whose music, after more than 200 years, still captivates and moves people. And even if you get paid millions and millions of pesos to gyrate in skimpy clothes or to cry your eyes dry or to sing your lungs out until your voice runs out, if you don’t know how to manage your money, you’ll be back to that old, dilapidated shack in no time.

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Quit While You’re Ahead

Yesterday was a hot, heatstroke-inducing Sunday morning. My parents and I gathered around the TV to watch one of the biggest events so far this year – Manny Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey. I’m imagining all the rest of the Filipino people are also anticipating and expecting an exciting fight, whether they were in a posh sports bar in the city or in the comfort of their own homes or cramped with fellow sweaty spectators inside a non-airconditioned and poorly ventilated gymnasium. Probably middle-aged men were already preparing their booze, knowing for sure that the Pacman will kick Clottey’s ass. Watching a Pacquiao fight was like having a national holiday here in the country. The streets are clean. No traffic jams. Few people on the streets. Even the crime rate is said to drop every time Manny has a fight.

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My Christmas Wish List for the Philippines

Christmas is in less than 24 hours. I’ve already completed my Christmas shopping list for my loved ones, but I haven’t gotten myself a gift yet. And the funny thing is it’s perfectly fine even though I don’t receive any this year. For the past few Christmases, I enjoyed giving gifts more than receiving them. Guess it’s a sign that I’m little by little becoming more mature (and older haha!). But if there’s anything I would want this Christmas aside from the usual, I have a handful in mind. And these are for my country, not for me.

For the typhoon/flood victims - that the floodwaters recede, that their homes be rebuilt, that those still in the evacuation centers get a little something special tonight for Noche Buena, that those still in the evacuation centers finally go home and start their lives over, that those who lost their jobs and livelihoods be able to find a better source of income, that those who lost their loved ones during the storm find closure and move on.

For the Maguindanao massacre victims and families of the victims - that justice be served as soon as possible, that the families of the victims can find it in their hearts to accept what happened, forgive, let go and move on.

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The Brown Raise Movement

One of the things I will forever be grateful to my good friend and former boss Fristine is for introducing me to The Brown Raise Movement. We were already friends before she became my boss, as we worked together in a previous company. And when I was given the opportunity to work with her again, I immediately took it. A typical light day at the office would consist of hours of chatting through an IM handle, conversations ranging from personal experiences to current events. One of the many things we have in common is our dislike for gossip and idle talk, so I always get something worthwhile out of my conversations with her.

In one particular conversation, we were talking about the impending demise of our beloved country, the Philippines. With corrupt politicians holding the reins of the government, with celebrities running for office, with the quality of education in a constant decline, it became apparent to me how much love she has for our motherland and how much compassion she has for the Filipino people. She directed me to the Brown Raise Movement’s website. I perused it, came back to it on a regular basis, and soon I felt a change within me.

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