The Christian Pearl

Standing Amongst Giants

2010-03-23T09:28:00.001+08:00

Written February 16, 2010.

As we joined the small procession of yellow milling along the streets of Baseco, the first thought that popped into my mind was, "Wow. I'm walking amongst giants."

Walking with us were the likes of Eddie Villanueva, Perfecto Yasay and several of the Bangon Pilipinas senatoriables. Their names may or may not be familiar to some Filipinos, but I've long established to myself that they are heroes in my book.

I wish I could say that we were walking amidst thousands upon thousands of yellow-clad Bangon Pilipinas supporters, but to say that there were over two hundred of us would be generous. I always get my statistical estimates wrong in these instances, but, in my eyes, there couldn't have been over a hundred of us parading across Baseco Village handing out fliers and screaming out various chants declaring change or pagbangon or the various names of the Bangon Pilipinas candidates.

I'm ashamed to admit that I was sort of shrinking back in humiliation at how few we were – especially during situations where we're approaching some of the villagers who had their own strong presidential bets. (One grandma in particular freaked me out when she glared daggers at us saying "Erap kami!". She was looking at us like we were bringing forth some form of evil to her by campaigning for Bro. Eddie and I was pretty sure that she was going to whack us all with her walking cane. I stayed clear of her way thank you very much.)

At some point, I began to wonder how the candidates that we were supporting felt.

The courage that it took for them to take on this race will always astound me.

Bro. Eddie – who's the one I'm most familiar with – won my heart over when I once heard him tearfully admit his hesitancy to once again run for president. Here is one man who has willingly stepped out of his comfort zone – leaving the safe, loving and well-respected environment that he has grown accustomed to – to attempt to lead this country toward the dawn that it has long failed to witness. One would think that he'd be greeted with welcoming arms, admiration or even the slightest bit of respect, but most are barely vaguely familiar with who he is and some – whom I fear for the most – go as far as ridiculing him.

As I tried to empathize with the Bangon Pilipinas candidates, and as I watched Kata Inocencio dancing to the groove of Gloc-9's "Eddie Ako!" jingle, it dawned on me that it was an injustice to the people surrounding me to say that I was walking amongst giants. Of course I wasn't.

I was walking amongst Davids.

I was walking amongst the nameless and the faceless. The underdogs. The ones least expected to make a difference. I was then able to appreciate every person present in that march across that village. There were people of all ages in our small group and I was overwhelmed by their conviction, their passion, but mostly, I was overwhelmed by their faith.

From a practical perspective, I have no idea how we're going to win the 2010 elections, but every bit of me is fully convinced that we will win. Because yeah… sure… given the present circumstances, victory seems impossible. The odds stacked against us are, after all, frighteningly gigantic.

But just in case you forgot how the story of David and Goliath ended, let me clue you in – David won.

And 2010 – our country's Jubilee – is the perfect time for the Davids to win against the Goliaths. Don't you think so? ;)

Why I’m Voting for Bro. Eddie and Why I’m Hoping that You Will Too

2010-03-22T11:53:00.002+08:00

Disclaimer: When I'm passionate about a certain topic, I tend to speak with such candor and intensity that I come off as pushy, opinionated, and, at times, offensive – thus, diminishing my convincing powers. If at any time while you're reading this post, you feel that I'm coming off as attacking you or pushy or preachy, I apologize. That is not my intent. I do not ask of you to see things the way I see it, although I earnestly hope that you eventually do. I only ask that you open your mind to the message that I am trying to communicate to you, because with all my heart, I believe that this message is crucial for every Filipino to know.
You may already have your own bet for the 2010 Elections.

If it's Bro. Eddie, I send a grateful smile to you because one: that is at least one thing we have in common and two: you are a David throwing a pebble at our country's proverbial Goliath. That pebble is your one precious vote.

If it isn't Bro. Eddie, with all due respect and without any desire to undermine your chosen candidate, I plead with you to reconsider. If you could spare a fraction of your time to read through this article and perhaps allow a little room in your mind and heart to at least seriously consider Bro. Eddie as president, I would highly appreciate it.

If you are undecided who to vote for, then I hope this article will at least give you a new or different perspective of one of the lesser known candidates at the 2010 Presidential Race.
I sincerely pray that after reading this article, you see in him a candidate worth voting for.

Qualifications – Who is Bro. Eddie Villanueva?
For those of you who know him only as "the religious leader who one day decided to run for president" or for those of you who don't know him at all, here's a little background on Bro. Eddie:

- Married to Adoracion "Dory" Villanueva, father of four children.
- Graduate of Bachelor of Science major in Economics and minor in Finance at Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)
- Taught Economics and Finance at PUP.
- Member of the Board of Regents of PUP for 9 years, wherein his salary as such was entirely given to PUP scholarship fund.
- Has 6 Doctoral Degrees, including Education Management, Philosophy in Humanity, and Divinity.
- Studied law in University of the Philippines but stopped after being imprisoned in the 1970s because of his fight for democracy during Martial Law.
*We have a video presentation that discusses in detail who Bro. Eddie is and why he is qualified to lead this country. Contact me to request a copy.

A Sheep to be Devoured by Wolves
Some are concerned that our corrupt political system – with all the cutthroat "wolves" in it – will only serve to destroy Bro. Eddie.

"We need to place in there someone whom the politicians and military will fear," a friend of mine told me.
Trust me. The politicians already do – well, at least the corrupt ones do.

If Bro. Eddie wins, we will have a president whom they cannot control, a president who will not tolerate evil. It will not totally eliminate their power, but it will greatly diminish it. Who then will they run to when the chief executive official of the country is against them?

Both Bro. Eddie and his family have received many death threats from the moment he decided to run for president back in 2004. Death doesn't faze him or his family.

He cannot be bought. Quoting Bro. Eddie himself, "This world is too poor to buy my convictions and principles." Even as a student activist, he has already declined blank checks dangled before him just so he'd turn away from his fight for the rights of laborers. Money can't shake him.

So really… what do these "wolves" have on him?

Now, there's an issue of the military. The country's president needs the loyalty of the military, or he at least needs to get them to submit to him. I honestly don't know what Bro. Eddie will do to achieve this, but this I know: If we, as this nation's people, stand with Bro. Eddie in prayer and support, then I do not see how the military could refrain from doing the same. Have we not done it before? People Power I.

Anyway, my point here is that standing for what is right doesn't make you weak. In fact, that takes greater courage. It takes greater strength especially when you are surrounded by evil.

If he is the candle brave enough to shed light on the darkness that pervades our political system, should we not help him keep the candle burning? Wouldn't it be foolish for us to blow his light out?

Sheep in Wolf's Clothing

Maybe he's just putting on an act. Maybe deep inside him, he really is just power-hungry and greedy. He isn't satisfied by the comfort brought by being the pastor of JIL. He wants more. And what best way to do that than to be president of the country?

If this is the case, then there are only two things that come to my mind: 1. He is an awesome actor 2. I fear for him, for if that is indeed the content of his heart, he might as well sell his soul to the devil – if he hasn't already.

In reality though, after having heard this man speak, I cannot bring myself to believe that this scenario could be possible.
This is the reason why I urge you to hear him out, to give him a chance. Attend one of his political rallies. If this isn't possible, you can request some material on him from me and I'd be more than willing to source the material for you for free.

Listen to him speak. Try to understand where he is coming from, where his heart is at. At least give this man a chance.

From my point of view, I see in him a man who loves his country, who has a vision of a greater Philippines, and who is willing to live or even give his life for the sake of this nation.

The Kamikaze Mindset

"Voting for him is a waste. Have you seen the recent polls? He couldn't possibly win!"

Oh, the kamikaze argument… Like saying that voting for Bro. Eddie is a suicide vote. We're going to lose, but hey… let's at least lose while fighting! O.O

My friend looked me in the eye and asked me, "Do you honestly believe that Bro. Eddie will win?"

Without batting an eyelash, I replied with all the conviction I could muster, "Of course I do. If he doesn't, I'll most likely cry my eyes out."

Why do I believe that he has a chance? I'm not blind. I can see his measly 2% rating on the polls. Here is my answer:

I know of thousands upon thousands of people who have already declared that they are going to vote for Bro. Eddie. And not one of them took part in those polls.
Call it blind faith, but my heart simply can't accept that anyone other than Bro. Eddie could win. I am surrounded by people who share the same sentiment. We are the faceless, the nameless, but voting for him is our way of making sure that we do not go unheard.
I have several other reasons that I cannot divulge. I don't want a lawsuit filed against me, so to this, my lips are sealed. But trust me. Bro. Eddie definitely has a chance to win. (He'll even have a greater chance if you vote for him! – Sorry. Can't help it.)

A Nation of David's
He isn't even allowed to vote, but go to one of Bro. Eddie's rallies/campaigns in Manila and you'll probably see him amongst the crowds. Seventeen-year-old Daniel – decked in golden yellow from head to foot, handing out "Eddie Ako" stickers and fliers. I'm pretty certain that if there was such a thing as "Eddie Ako" pants and "Eddie Ako" shoes and socks, he'd be wearing it.

You can see youthful zealousness blazing in his eyes. He can't throw a pebble of his own and make a vote, so he has taken it upon himself to try to convince others to throw their pebbles for him. Here is one person without the right to vote, but is determined to make a difference in this year's elections.

There are many like Daniel, attempting to make a difference where they are and in whatever way they can. I am blessed to have stood among people like him.

Is There Not A Cause?
When I first heard Cindy Jacobs' prophecy about Bro. Eddie's presidency, I was moved to tears – first, by the teary – almost sorrowful – reaction on the face of Bro. Eddie's wife; second, by Jacobs' resounding question: "Is there not a cause?"

We are a generation who wasn't born during our country's "glory days". We are a generation who stood witness to the downward slump of our nation after the repercussions of Martial Law. Stories of the Philippines once being the "Paris of Asia" or being the country with an economy second to Japan are now just that – stories. These stories represent our history, but it seems it would take a miracle for these stories to represent our future.

Is there not a cause? Have we been so used to the corruption, the greed, the hunger for power that has taken over our government, our society that we have ceased to fight for the most fundamental values like truth, justice and integrity? Are we truly helpless?
No. We aren't. The choices we make today shape our future.

I wholeheartedly believe that I am making the right choice by voting for Bro. Eddie. I can introduce you to many people – also voting for Bro. Eddie – and mind you, not only Christian people, but also people of other religions. Ask them why they are voting for Bro. Eddie and I assure you that they can give you an answer with as much conviction as I hope to convey in this article. Can you say the same about your choice?

Jubilee of Jubilees – A Christian Nation
When God changes seasons, He changes kings.
Read the books of I and II Kings, I and II Chronicles in the Bible. You will see that with a righteous King, follows a righteous and blessed Israel. With an unrighteous King, follows… well, let's just say chaos.
I hear you. We aren't a monarchy. We're a democracy! A president isn't as powerful as a king!

That doesn't change the fact that the president is our leader. If change has to start somewhere, why not with our president? Why not with our leader?

If you think that there isn't a soul in the government who will support him, then vote for the rest of the Bangon Pilipinas candidates – Yasay for V.P. and Alonto, Nikabulin, Princesa, Tinsay, Ocampo, Virgines, and Inocencio for senators. That way, Bro. Eddie will have allies! (Sorry again. Can't help it. Campaigning here!)
Getting back on track… a change in season. Why do I believe that this year marks a year when God is changing the "season" in our country?

This year, we are celebrating our country's Jubilee of Jubilees.

March 16, 1521. That date ring a bell? It's the date when the Spaniards "discovered" our country. It is the date that we recognize as the day when Christianity entered the shores of our archipelago.
Count from 1521-2010, and include the year 1521 to your count – that is 490 years. So what, right? It doesn't sound like a very significant number.

Daniel 9:24 speaks of a season – seventy "sevens" to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. Do the math. Seventy multiplied by seven equals 490. Yay! Connection?

This verse (Daniel 9:24) was a word given to Bishop Dan Balais. To cut the long story short, it was impressed to him that we are entering the Philippines' Jubilee of Jubilees.

Every seven years, the year of Jubilee is celebrated. This is a time when debts are cancelled, the sick is healed, there is an outpouring of blessing. It is also a time for repentance and setting our hearts right before God. It is a time when we declare God's goodness and mercy. The Jubilee of Jubilees is the seventieth seven.
I have no idea if all I did was confuse you. Seriously… this sounds so much clearer when Bishop Dan explains it, but I hope you get the gist.

The year 2010 isn't just another year to be lived through and forgotten. It is a turning point. A change in season. The choices we make this year can determine the path that we will go to as a nation. Making the right choice can make as see the dawn of a new day in our country. Making the wrong choice can lead us to destruction.

So make the right choice. How do you make that choice?

A Challenge.
There is only less than two months left until it's already time for the May 10 elections. I end this article with more of a plea than a challenge.

No. I will not plead for you to vote for Bro. Eddie (I've already done that repeatedly). I will not challenge you to vote for him either.

I am tempted to say something poetic like "be guided by the heart, rather than the mind", but no… This isn't my plea.

My plea, my challenge is this: I urge you to pray. Seek God in making this decision. And vote for whoever it is that God will lead for you to vote. If you earnestly ask God to show you His will, I am certain that He will not withhold it from you. Especially at such a time as this.

With that, I conclude this article.

For love of God. For love of country.

Ako ay Pilipino Book Debuts Message of Radical Hope at Ortigas Center Rock Gig

2010-01-29T13:07:00.001+08:00

Just received the following email from my fellow Ako Ay Pilipino teammates:

Ako ay Pilipino, together with well-loved Pinoy bands clasp hands to bring inspiration through music, poetry, and art that kindle Filipino pride, nationalism, and radical hope on February 2, 2010, 7:00 p.m. at 6UG Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center Pasig City.

The theme will be "'Mahal Mo Ba Ako?' ~ Pilipinas," a Valentine's celebration that is "makabayan-style." Music artists like Salamin, Hilera, Mayonnaise and Gloc 9 will rev up the place with music that rouses patriotism, hope, and call to action. In between sets, there will be short and crisp previews of what is inside the book "Ako ay Pilipino: Noon at Ngayon" and inspirational challenges from prominent personalities.

The recently published coffee-table book, "Ako ay Pilipino Noon at Ngayon" has been many times praised by its critics (including 700 Club Asia) for conveying a timely message of "why I should be proud of my Identity and Destiny as a Filipino," all done employing cutting edge design and creative non-conventional writing style. The book will soon be released through leading bookstores nationwide.

Enlarged sample spreads from the book will be displayed on huge walls at the concert's hall. There will also be provision of freedom boards to record the participants' messages for the nation.

Visit www.akoaypilipinongayon.com or contact Vanessa Vitrano through 0922.832.80.71 or vanessa.vitrano@gmail.com to avail concert tickets at P250/each.

That's February 2, 2010, 7:00 p.m. @ 6UG Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center Pasig City. See you there?!

Masterminds: The Maguindanao Massacre

2009-12-31T13:10:00.002+08:00

The Ampatuans' Defense
"We didn't do it, because we weren't there."

And one by one, they give their alibis. One is at the Malacañang rubbing elbows with our oh-so-beloved president. One is a faithful husband standing by his wife as she files her certificate of candidacy. I didn't even really keep track of where the others said they were.

I mean, come on… seriously?! That's their defense?!

Hello… You don't have to be there to become a mastermind to the crime.

What a lame excuse…

Still… the cold reality is that there really is a lack of evidence to prove that they are indeed the perpetuators of the crime unless those who are accusing them come out as valid and reliable witnesses.

oOo

Whether or not the Ampatuans come out as the masterminds of the Maguindanao Massacre (I personally still believe that the government had something to do with it, but that's just the random musings of my anti-corruption mind), they still have a lot to answer to – like how in heaven's name they got so rich. How did they win the last elections? And a whole lot of dozens of how's and why's and even who's.

Odds are we won't get much answers to those questions until a radical shift of power happens.

oOo

Seriously… I don't even know what's happening with this case anymore. It will most likely – and quite sadly – end up as one of those cases gaining dust in our history's bookshelf of infamy.

That is UNLESS a radical shift of power happens.

oOo

Just a few more hours and 2010 is about to come in, people. If we really want justice for this crime, we need to choose a leader who won't stand for even a hint of corruption. Whether or not you share my views, I think you and I will agree on this point: CHANGE MUST HAPPEN. AND IT EVENTUALLY WILL.

Let's just pray the change is for the good. Not just another sad tale gaining dust in our history's bookshelf of infamy.

So Wrong...

2009-12-11T09:29:00.001+08:00

‘Murder raps may be buried’ - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Ako Ay Pilipino Coffee Table Book

2009-12-09T10:00:00.005+08:00

Kahit laging wikang Ingles ang ginagamit ko sa aking pagsulat, Ako Ay Pilipino.

MakaDiyos. Makabayan. Makatao. Makakalikasan.

Seryoso ako.

oOo

On a much lighter note (than my previous blogs), I would dare to promote a coffee table book, which I believe (or hope) that any Filipino, with the least bit of nationalism thriving in them, would love. The book is entitled "Ako Ay Pilipino: Noon at Ngayon" and takes a look back at the past 490 years of Philippine history.

It's not your typical, everyday history book. I promise.

For more info on the book, click on the AAP link here on my blog (between Life Ko 'To – which you might want to join – and J Rev). Can't find the link? C'mon… It's somewhere up there. ^^^

You can also Google "Ako Ay Pilipino Coffee Table Book".

oOo

Here are two sample articles/spreads from the book:

oOo

To get a copy of the book, email me at joannaruthalonzo@yahoo.com.ph.

Mabuhay!

Inquiring Minds Want To Know: The Maguindanao Massacre

2009-12-08T09:29:00.005+08:00

As of December 5, 2009, GMA declared martial law in Maguindanao. How about that… conspiracy theory is proving to be more than just a theory…

oOo

Why was it necessary to declare martial law in Maguindanao? The Maguindanao Massacre was a crime committed due to political/clan rivalry (or at least that's what they want us to believe). It is not a revolt against the government. So why is it necessary that the military take control of the regular administration of justice? Here's what they're telling us:

* Okay. There are a group of people in Maguindanao who have decided to rebel against the government in order to protect the Ampatuans? Huh? Connection please?

* How is declaring martial law (designed to override civil law) necessary to give justice to the victims of the massacre?

* You're telling us that it's necessary, but you're not really telling us why.

Malacanang says martial law in Maguindanao is necessary to quell rebellion

Really? Who are they? Where are they now? What have they done to make the government think that they're about to rebel?

* And why are they rebelling again? To protect the suspects of the Maguindanao Massacre? How was that connection made again?

* Wonder how they were able to gather such a vast amount of machinery without the government noticing. So much for national security…

* Wow. That's allowed? How convenient…

* We're getting the entire "the judges and their families are being threatened" story. Can't the government protect them without declaring martial law?

Did I mention that the suspects for the Maguindanao Massacre are being charged with rebellion and not multiple counts of murder? Apparently, those arrested under martial law can only be charged with rebellion.

My bias against current government is keeping me from looking at things objectively, but I can't help but feel like they're just putting on a big show to get what they want. What scares me the most is the idea of what it is exactly that they want.

Reality can sometimes be so much more intriguing than fiction (especially when you allow your paranoia to run with it).

oOo

What goes around comes around.

I watch with bated breath how GMA is gonna wash her hands of this. It's all the more intriguing how "close" the Ampatuans and GMA used to be during the 2004 and 2007 elections…

Quoting Gregoria de Jesus: "Fear history, for it respects no secrets."

I wonder if GMA trembles whenever she looks back at the history she helped paint.

oOo

This whole thing is bringing out the cynic in me. Don't get me wrong. I love the Philippines. I just wish we had a better government.

I can sum up what I'm feeling over this issue in one word: Grr.

WANTED: Heroes

2009-12-07T11:26:00.003+08:00

The topic of yesterday's sermon during our weekly Sunday service really caught my interest – "WANTED: Heroes".

I was moved.

I didn't know if it was because of all the talks I've had with Ako Ay Pilipino members about the slogan "Ako Ay Pilipino: Ako Ay Bayani". Perhaps it was the things that have been happening in our country – whether wonderful, controversial or tragic. Perhaps it was that stirring in my heart caused by the awareness that indeed… our country is in dire need of heroes.

oOo

As I was writing articles for the Ako Ay Pilipino: Noon at Ngayon coffee table book, I would often wonder where among us lies the same passion that our national heroes had for our country. One article in particular remains close to my heart… the article "24" features Gregorio del Pilar – the boy general himself.

Upon sending my draft of the article to the AAP editorial team, I included a little rant at the end of the article:

Gregorio del Pilar died in battle helping Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo escape from American troops. Perhaps youth wouldn't be wasted on the young if wisdom isn't wasted on the old (i.e. Aguinaldo). Some decry that Gregorio's tragic death is a result of blind submission to authority. In my opinion, that doesn't make del Pilar's death less honorable… just tragic.

Gregorio del Pilar died in battle at the young age of 24 years old. Eye-witnesses of his fall in Tirad Pass – even his foes, the Americans – speak of how bravely he fought, with much admiration for the courage, the passion, the leadership that he displayed.

He died for what? To save Aguinaldo's neck? If I had my say on things, I would gladly trade Aguinaldo's life for del Pilar's.

Now, I admit I am little biased since I am not a major fan of Emilio Aguinaldo. However, this is the point that I want to drive:

Whether we realize it or not, something has changed in the Philippines. After the deaths of beloved Filipino icons like Francis Magalona or more notably, Mrs. Corazon Aquino, we have witnessed an upsurge of patriotism among us. We hear it in the music that our artists are beginning to come up with. We see it in print, in clothes, in slogans, in billboards…

A love for country and a pride in being Pinoy is being displayed in a manner I haven't quite seen in my not-so-long lifetime of 22 years.

I read in an article once that the Filipino youth of today aren't entirely apathetic. They love the Philippines and they are proud to be Pinoy. It's not a matter of not wanting to be catalysts for change. It's a matter of not knowing who to follow. They are asking, "Who will lead us? Who is worth following?"

We belong to a nation of youth-waiting-to-be-heroes. We are aware that there is a cause to fight for. We just don't want to fight in vain.

Gregorio del Pilar fought because he loved the country. His mistake was that he thought that Aguinaldo had the same love for country.

oOo

Take a good look at this coming election's presidentiables. How many Emilio Aguinaldo's do you see?

Let's not waste the passion and love for country that today's Gregorio del Pilar's have by voting for an Emilio Aguinaldo.

Possibilities, Notions, Conspiracies: The Maguindanao Massacre

2009-12-01T18:02:00.002+08:00

In these days, nothing is as it seems.

That reality dawned on me when I and a handful of friends discussed how broken up we felt upon hearing news about the tragic slaughter of innocents in Maguindanao.

While I had quite readily accepted whatever "evidence" were being brought forth, my friends weren't quite as convinced.

This is pretty much what we're being told: The Ampatuans are the prime suspects of the atrocious bloodbath. They're the bad guys. The Mangudadatus are the distraught victims. The Ampatuans should be punished.

The thing is that as far as we're all concerned, the Ampatuans are still innocent until proven guilty, no matter how uncomfortable that reality may be.

Seriously… what "evidence" points to them being the guilty party?

The testimony of the witnesses hiding in the Mangudadatus' camp – apparently survivors of the massacre - refusing to make known their identity.
A yellow-covered backhoe conveniently labeled "Property of the province of Maguindanao - Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr." carelessly left behind by the murderers in the immediate vicinity of the carnage.
They seem to be the obvious suspect simply because there's no one else to point the finger to. They're the only ones to blame.

As far as I'm aware, that's pretty much it.

Any forensic evidence? No way… not in the Philippines. Let's face the reality, is there anything at all that would prove that the Ampatuans are guilty without a shadow of a doubt? Do we have enough evidence that would prove them guilty without question?

Sadly, no.

Cold truth: Being the only suspect doesn't make you guilty.

oOo

An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth.

I've heard someone say that – as with any clan war, it's an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth – the Mangudadatus are sure to retaliate – especially if justice isn't served. Wouldn't that only mean more bloodshed? Senseless.

The major question that would make this theory a clunker would be "How are the Mangudadatus to retaliate in similar fashion?"

If indeed this turns out to be a war between clans, I'm afraid the government would only use it to declare martial law or something.

It's a set-up.

I was rather intrigued by that notion when one of us brought it up during our conversation. It cannot be denied as a possibility.

Perhaps there's a third party involved. Their purpose?

Create chaos between the Ampatuans and Mangudadatus so they can turn out to be the hero and win the elections.
Frame the Ampatuans up in order to spark a political/clan war so that the government could declare martial law or something.

oOo

Before this starts to sound like the ravings of a paranoid lunatic (if it doesn't already), I guess I would just like to hit the point of this post home:

The sad reality is that not many trust the government and the current justice system enough to really believe that justice will be served in this tragedy. Some would even be willing to believe that the government was behind it all.

In short: Not many trust in the government's ability. Some would be willing to believe that the government is evil.

The moral lesson to this article: This isn't the time to sit back and watch in apathy. This isn't the time to foster an "if I'm ok, everything's ok" attitude. There is a cause to fight for. Something has to change for the good.

oOo

Just like everyone else, I want justice and truth to prevail. If the Ampatuans are guilty, then they must be sentenced accordingly. But prove them guilty first.

Personally, I don't have the required confidence and trust in the current government in order to believe that justice will indeed be met. I wish I did. This is why I believe that our decision of whom to put as Head of our country during the 2010 elections is crucial, because only with a change in the current government and its corrupt system can I believe that justice will be met.

The Philippines Marked: The Maguindanao Massacre

2009-12-01T12:03:00.002+08:00

"The Philippines had one of the highest rates of journalist killings in the world even prior to this heinous episode of barbarism," SEAPA executive director Roby Alampay said. "Even the scale of one day's carnage cannot mask the years of government inaction, denial, and ineptitude that have allowed violence to go unpunished. That climate of impunity that has been allowed to fester is what has made all Filipinos — not just activists, politicians, or media men — vulnerable to powers and interests intolerant of dissent or even just independent voices."

How many labels have we heard linked to the Philippines after news of the Maguindanao Massacre spread?

We were said to be the most violent country with regard to its tolerance toward journalists. We were told to have a culture of impurity. The Philippine government is under a lot of pressure to right the wrong that has been done.

Out in the open, for all to see, the evil that has been secretly invading the regions of the Philippines was exposed in a manner so dark and brutal the world could not ignore it.

Now, it is not a question of whether the labels given to the Philippines are true or not. It is a question of whether or not we will do what must be done to make them false.

All eyes are on us. What are we going to do?

Man to Monster: The Maguindanao Massacre

2009-11-26T14:50:00.003+08:00

What evil drives a man to take the life of another?

What could've happened to a Man that he would choose to cross the line from man to monster?

"We can't call him an animal because I have pets and they are tame. No, he is a monster. They are monsters."

Esmael Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan Town – Inquirer.NET Nov 26 Article

I was chatting with an officemate, going along with the typical humdrum of daily life, when she suddenly brought the topic up. "Uy. Grabe yung Maguindanao noh? Nakakakilabot."

I had no idea what she was talking about. So I simply said, "Hindi ko nga alam yan eh… Google… Google…"

I found myself in shock. I was completely unprepared for the gory details that I came across, and even now, as I write about it, my stomach is churning. How does one react to such a revelation? How does one who is speaking of love for country and nationalistic passion reconcile with the fact that such evil does indeed exist in our beloved country?

The blood of the innocent was once again brutally shed on Philippine soil. Why?

Our country's history tells dark tales of power-hungry people, who have, for some reason, abandoned their consciences. In their hunger for power, they are willing to do whatever it takes – even take another's life. It is sad to realize that we have not yet learned our lesson.

Is it not time to say enough?

oOo

The following quote was attributed to Edmund Burke:

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

I shiver at those words, but at the same time, I ask, "What can I do?" Along with that question, mixed with the shock, I find myself overwhelmed by the feeling of utter helplessness. Indeed. What can we do?

Are we helpless?

Tonight and in the following days, I will pray that justice be served, and that the 57 or so people who were murdered in this conscienceless tragedy will be remembered, never forgotten. I write this article as a plea for you to do the same.

With their memory, let us pray that we, as a people – as a nation – gain the conviction that - as far as we can help it - we must not allow for something like this to ever happen on Philippine soil again… no… not again… not without a fight.

For, at this point, only through prayer are we no longer helpless. May the gates of heaven be shaken with the resounding power of our voices lifted up in desperate prayer. He will hear our cry:

ENOUGH.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

What if His people prayed?

What Complaining Has Done for This Country

2009-11-26T13:52:00.001+08:00

Nothing good.

Enough said.

Watchathink?

Presidential Standards

2009-11-24T18:30:00.001+08:00

"Ayoko na nang matalinong pangulo." (I don't want an intelligent president anymore.)

Those were the words that my officemate blurted out as we were talking about the upcoming 2010 elections. I chuckled at her response before asking her why she would say that.

"Well, if the president is too smart, they get away with everything. They're so good at manipulating people and hiding their faults."

At that moment, I had to admit that she did have a point, but if there was one flaw with her defense, it would be this: She was assuming that the president is both intelligent and corrupt.

Intelligence and corruption would indeed be a dangerous mix when it comes to people in government positions (as proven by… *lists down the names of several Philippine presidents*). But it is beyond me why the solution would be to vote for someone who is unintelligent (an idiot – bluntly speaking - like… *writes down the name of a former president*).

Shouldn't the recourse be to vote for someone who is intelligent but not corrupt?

I've had worse discussions though. These next ones really blew my mind.

"We cannot place someone who is good as president. He will only be eaten by the wolves or converted into one. We must place in position someone whom the government officials will fear. We cannot have a weakling placed in position." I could not believe she was saying it with a straight face! My jaw literally dropped open.

So good is equivalent to weak?

Another friend, upon discussing a presidential candidate with good moral values, said, "Granted... he is incorruptible. But the president alone cannot change the system of corruption. Now, if this were a monarchy, he may be able to make a difference."

It's as if they've accepted a corrupt government as the norm and that we must shape our vote in order to fit the dictates of corruption. That mindset is a mystery to me.

Don't get me wrong… my head is not wandering off in la-la land. I am well aware of the reality that yes, corruption is deeply rooted into our governmental system. I, however, refuse to accept this as a norm. This may be what it is, but it is definitely NOT what it should be.

My decision for whom to vote as president during the 2010 elections will be shaped according to the following standards:

Has exhibited the ability to be a good leader – whether or not in the political realm.
Has a love for country and is passionate for change.
Is determined to uproot the system of corruption that has been prevalent in our government throughout our entire history as an independent state.
Has the competence and wisdom to lead a country, and is able to come up with a solid platform for change.
Most importantly, has a fear of God and will strive towards righteous 'servant leadership'.

The list above may be an idealist's criteria. Does such a person even exist? And if that person does exist, is he even running for president?

Let's put it this way: I already know whose name will appear on my ballot. Do you?

The Doers, the Makers, the Critics, the Dreamers and those who simply don’t care

2009-11-24T17:10:00.001+08:00

There are different types of people in this world. Fine, I get that… but I cannot, for the life of me, understand how people can be satisfied by utter mediocrity. How can someone lose their drive for greatness?

I've been walking this planet for almost 23 years now, and in that span of time, I've encountered five different types of people: the Doers, the Makers, the Critics, the Dreamers and those who simply don't care.

THE DOERS. They are passionate. They are the type of people who have the energy, the hunger and the drive for change. What they lack is vision and leadership. Their energy is potential unless channeled kinetically. They want to be part of something great and are more than willing to be used in order to achieve that greatness. These are the people who are the first to lend a helping hand when tragedy strikes. These are the people who volunteer for causes that aim to make a difference. They are the manpower necessary for change to happen. They are the machinery essential to make a nation great. There are many doers in the Philippines right now. Open your eyes and you will see them in action, trying to make a difference in their own small ways. If the doers come together, they are a force to be reckoned with. What they need is a leader to follow.

THE MAKERS. They are the visionaries. They are leaders. They are idealists. They are fearless in pursuing their vision. These are the people who make things happen. They are catalysts for change. They are individuals or groups who spark causes in order to make a difference. Their weakness is that they cannot pursue their vision on their own. They must convince a multitude of doers that their cause is worth fighting for. Combined with the passion, energy and gusto of multiple doers, makers can move mountains.

THE CRITICS. They are, in my opinion, some of the most annoying creatures on earth. Critics neither do nor make. They simply criticize everything that the doers do and the makers make. When pleased, they place their stamp of approval on what has been done. When irked, they condemn the work to no end. When presented with the opportunity to contribute, they back away. Even worse than the critic is the critic without credibility. There are critics who have at some point or another proven themselves and have resigned themselves to becoming critics. They used to be either a doer or a maker. They are critics who have built their credibility. However, there are also critics who have done nothing, made nothing, and criticize everything.

THE DREAMERS. Makers without action. They stop at the vision, they stop at the ideal. They never turn these things into action. They realize that something great could happen, but are too keenly aware of the drawbacks, of what's stopping them, and the reasons why they can't move on to do something about it. They're idle, though creative. Could be a doer, but if their ideals don't match the maker's ideals, they have a tendency to become critics. They lose focus easily. Requires a kinetic energy boost.

FINALLY… There are those who simply don't care. They are in their self-created utopias, oblivious to the world around them. They are in their comfort zones and refuse to budge. Whether or not they see a need for change, they are unwilling to take part in catalyzing that change. As long as they're okay, it doesn't matter if others aren't. Being apathetic is indeed a pathetic way to be. But there are such people.

So which one are you?

Free

2009-10-08T15:39:00.000+08:00

I opened my eyes and I was out of place, out of time. One look at my surroundings and I knew that I was in the country I loved, but I was a century behind. My apprehension was overpowered by my curiosity as I reveled at the sight, the sound, the scent of a past I had once only imagined.

Standing in some sort of courtyard, I was surrounded by a crowd of people, wearing the classic Filipiniana garb I only saw in museums and period films. The excited expressions on their faces told me that something important was about to happen.

I looked at the woman standing beside me – an expectant expression on her face. “Where are we?” I asked her, knowing how awkward my question would appear to her.

She looked at me quizzically, but eventually, replied, “General Aguinaldo’s home. Cavite el Viejo.”

I froze, shocked when I realized where I was. I was in pre-20th century Cavite and before me, one of the most momentous events in Philippine history was about to unravel.

Nothing could describe the emotions coursing through my veins as I listened to Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista proclaim the Act of the Declaration of Independence. It didn’t matter that I didn’t understand a word of Spanish. I was experiencing history.

I couldn’t hold back the tears when the national anthem played and General Emilio Aguinaldo waved the Philippine flag from the terrace of his ancestral home – a scene I thought I would only see in pictures.

It was at that moment that I saw him out of the corner of my eye – a young man, standing at the outskirts of the crowd, arms folded. I couldn’t read the expression on his face. Was it anger? Doubt? Sorrow?

Curiosity demanded that I make my way to him, so I did. I was about to ask why he had a scowl on his face, but he looked at me, and the passion burning in his eyes was enough to silence me.

“Many have died in the fight for freedom. Blood has been shed. Many have mourned the death of their loved ones.” He averted his gaze and his facial expression hardened. “He proclaims independence while we are still slaves.”

“A step of faith perhaps,” I wanted to tell him, but he wasn’t done speaking. “Do you really believe that we can be free? Will we truly someday become a free nation?”

Thoughts flooded through my head as I searched for an answer. How was I to respond when I knew that our country would not experience independence until around half a century after this day? Even then, upon gaining our independence, were we truly free? Had we not become slaves to greed, to corruption, to our loss of identity? A lone tear fell down my cheek. It took all the conviction I could muster to respond. “Someday… someday we will be free.”

A spark of hope appeared in his eyes, as it also reawakened in my heart.

oOo

I watched the sun setting over the plains of Cavite. The night was coming. I closed my eyes, overwhelmed by the darkness that I knew our country was bound to experience.

I opened my eyes and I was back in place, back in time. My beloved country has seen so much darkness. I will live to see the dawn.

The Kamikaze Mindset

2009-08-12T13:38:00.000+08:00

“I know that Bro. Eddie won’t win, but I will still vote for him.”

I couldn’t believe hearing those words from a Christian friend. And it wasn’t the first time I heard it either. I wanted to hold her by the shoulders and rattle her until whatever caused her to say those words would somehow get shaken out of her system.

I sat there for the next 5 or 10 minutes, barely able to hold the polite smile on my face, listening to the many reasons Bro. Eddie was going to lose the 2010 elections. I waited impatiently for the expected conclusion – “We should still vote for him, because it is a vote for righteousness.”

I wanted to respond with a sarcastic quip about a vote for righteousness being a loser’s vote, but I held my tongue. I wasn’t in the mood for confrontation, but something inside me was screaming out “Huwaaaaat?!” – shocked at this mindset that seems to be prevalent among many Christians today.

Kamikaze seems to be the perfect word to describe this mindset – “We’re going to lose this battle, but we might as well deal some damage to the enemy while we’re losing or dying.” While the idea of being a kamikaze soldier seems to be a rather cool – if not honorable – concept, in the fight for righteousness to prevail in our nation, losing is simply not an option.

I cannot bring myself to understand how someone could say that a vote for Bro. Eddie is a vote for righteousness and, in the next sentence, say with such assurance that Bro. Eddie is going to lose. Doesn’t that mean that righteousness has also lost? Should we now start mourning our defeat, because let’s face it… if righteousness has lost, isn’t hope lost along with it?

If one truly believes that a vote for Bro. Eddie is a vote for righteousness, then should it not be with the hope that righteousness will prevail and that the giants of corruption, greed and selfishness will indeed fall?

When David fought Goliath, he fought knowing that victory was his. David wasn’t a kamikaze soldier on a suicide mission. He didn’t step into the battlefield, thinking, “There’s no way I’m going to win against this giant, but I will fight this battle in order to honor the Lord by being brave enough to take a stand.” Instead, David said, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God? … The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

Are we not – as David was – servants of the living God? Are we not fighting this battle belonging to the armies of the Most High God? Is our God not powerful enough to deliver us from the seemingly insurmountable odds that we are facing?

Shouldn’t we start fighting this battle as victors and not as losers?

I don’t know about you, but I’m not a kamikaze soldier. I’m not in this to make a statement or to let the world know that I want to stand for righteousness. I’m in this for the win.