Voyager-3

Dapat 1sa Lang

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Tue, 12 May 2026 08:46:00 +0000

DAPAT 1SA LANG.

Fellow Filipinos, let us support this move to finally end political dynasties.  It's been so long.  The Constitution provides for it, subalit hindi natin maasahan ang Kongresong gumawa ng batas na hindi tugma sa personal nilang interes.

People's Initiative is the best legal option we have.  Let us all support this campaign until COMELEC verifies it and a plebiscite or referendum is successfully undertaken.

-- Hindi pwedeng mag-asawa, magkakapatid, mag-aama, mag-iina, magpipinsan, magbi-biyenan, ang mga may hawak ng kapangyarihan at kaban ng bayan 
-- Lalong dumadali ang korapsyon kapag magkakamag-anak ang nag-uusap-usap. 

"Launched in response to current deliberations by the 20th Congress to finally enact the political dynasty prohibition prescribed by the 1987 Constitution, D1L Petitioner Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio cites the urgency of enacting the prohibition. “Congress has not defined it for almost forty years, so we are going to enact that law through the People’s Initiative”.

DAPAT 1SA LANG.

Position Paper on the GE Program

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Mon, 11 May 2026 15:35:00 +0000

As someone who used to teach GE subjects such as History and Ethics in a community college, I am glad that this is finally being raised.

 Let me just add to the conversation.  These subjects must be taught by faculty members who have the heart and drive to teach these subjects properly--with the aim of fostering critical thinking and developing a strong sense of social responsibility among our youth, and not merely making students memorize dates, names, and events.

Without the core humanities subjects in college, we will continue to have a country with arrest dramas in the Senate, unresolved flood control scams, political dynasties ruling over our national and local governments, corruption from Bids and Awards Committees, etc...

If we only focus on technical and marketable skills, we will only keep giving diplomas to a labor and entrepreneurial force who are merely becoming more skilled in skirting the law for personal gain.

"Without this core, education risks becoming fragmented—reduced to the acquisition of discrete skills without a coherent sense of purpose or responsibility."

My Piece of Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:37:00 +0000

My piece of peace.

Music: Show Me a Smile by Apo Hiking Society

Fixing Ayuda and Ending Wealth of the Crooks

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:30:00 +0000

Taxes should build a nation, not break it. Ann Cuisia.

I agree.

However, I want the fix to focus more on holding the corrupt accountable. There must be certainty of punishment. What happened to the flood control corruption, Fertilizer fund scam, etc.? How about the continuing overpriced and rigged purchases and contracts via Bids and Awards Committees?

Having lived in a poor rural municipality for years, I cannot agree and generalize that all the ayuda beneficiaries are idle. A lot of them deserve the cash transfers and are really breaking their backs farming and working.

However, we must:

1. Make sure that the beneficiaries do not use the ayuda or their own earned money to support vices like gambling (cockfighting), smoking, and drinking.

2. There must be some form of breaks or benefits for the middle class and the owners of small and medium scale enterprises.

Let us keep raising our voices, or at least help amplify the voices of those who do.

Mayon Looms Over the City

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:40:00 +0000

I'm not able to watch Mayon's lava flows during its current (2026) activity because we live far across the gulf from Mayon. But I can still make myself happy looking at this painting I did more than a year ago.

I had to take separate detail shots because it's almost impossible balancing exposure of an image with a black glossy surface. Really need to use matte or satin varnish for dark/black paintings.

Happy Morning Dancers

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:38:00 +0000

Listening to the morning sounds while watching a pair of butterflies is such a beautiful way to start a light, happy day.

Alex Eala: Ambassador for the Philippines and Asia

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 03:19:00 +0000

View interview from We.Filipinos FB page.

For me who, like the others who followed Alex Eala's journey even before last year's Miami Open, her interviews are as entertaining and inspiring as her presence on the court.

May she continue to be this excellent ambassador not only of the Philippines, but of Asia as well. May we, ordinary citizens and public officials, aspire to be like her--excellent in our work, passionate for our people, recognizing that God blesses us when we pursue the right things, trusting that the right process produces the right results. As she said, the turning point is actually the result of the process.

The Invasion of Idiots

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 02:39:00 +0000

Image Source: Weird Facts

Makes a lot of sense. We do want the democratization of speech and expression--that everyone is given the opportunity to share their own music, own videos, own opinions, own experiences, no matter how factually incorrect, vulgar, or patently evil. That also drowns the voices of more learned, rational, responsible, and "correct" thought leaders.

It is so easy to create content that sells and amasses views, engagement, and revenue and become so-called "influencers" and "content-creators" if you never think of consequences.

There is always a hitch to every good thing. We can only hope, pray, and work so that the balance could tip towards "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable" as exhorted by the apostle Paul and Timothy.

Impeach the VP or Imprison Flood Control Legislators?

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 04:38:00 +0000

Image from Masang Pilipino

The only way to stop Sara is to prevent her from running. Hence, the multiple impeachment attempts. As of now, she is on the road to taking the 2028 elections.

Congress wants to impeach her over allegations of millions of intelligence funds, but it has yet to take decisive actions on the billions of flood control funds stolen by whom? Themselves.

As I have said before, BBM is a problem that Sara created. She is battling a problem of her own creation. Hence, Romualdez and Co are the byproducts of her decision. Doesn't speak well about her judgment as a leader. Doesn't make her a great potential president.

Should Sara win in 2028, one wonders how many of the flood control legislators will be put behind bars? Will she not rest until she turns the tide against each and every one of them? Should she do so, would that be a personal vindication or a victory for the Filipino people?

Let's pray, wait, and see.

Scholars Leading Scholars

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:16:00 +0000

Nerissa and I are so thankful that on a day that neither of us were present, our two college scholars stepped up to lead our high school scholars' huddle and tutorial.

Marben taught Math during tutorial and Jovy helped facilitate the huddle and handle the week's reimbursements.

I had to leave immediately after our fellowship so I could catch up with the Albay Art Foundation's mentally invigorating Meet, Greet and Talk Back with museum curator Marian Pastor-Roces.

Then we fetched Nerissa at the airport. She was arriving early evening from helping facilitate an inclusive mental health and psychosocial services capacity building training for typhoon Tino survivors in Cebu.

We wouldn't have managed that day without our two college scholars' help. These two are already practice teaching and will graduate this school year. So, it's been 4 years since we took the step of faith to commit supporting them through college.

Our scholarship program with GAiN-Tiwala is for high school scholars only. When the two graduated from Senior High School, Nerissa and I wanted to help them through college even with our meager resources. Then God amazingly led a friend to commit to help these two through four years in college. And here they are now, paying it forward. We have also been using other financial help from other friends to help one third year college student.

We will have more high school graduates soon and there are still other members of our fellowship who are now in college whom we earnestly want to help. If you want to be a part of giving deserving young people a better future, you may message me or Nerissa for more details.

Thank you and may God continue to richly bless and keep you!

Here Without You... Brad Arnold, Brother

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:05:00 +0000

Thank you for the music, brother.

Sad that you left us Here Without You... but happy to know you're Home now.

We Do Have a Large Problem with Congress, But Federalism is Not the Answer

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 02:50:00 +0000

I agree with a lot of what Greco Belgica does and says, but I don't agree to a federal solution. I still believe we are not a culture and a nation ready for federalism. Our leaders and our people will still find a way to defile lofty ideals and structures.

A federal form of government will benefit us when our people, right down to the lowest levels of governance, learn to become critical thinkers--not mere benefactors and beneficiaries of patronage/transactional politics.

I say this because a federal form of government will give more powers to local governments. Look at how lawmakers and contractors in Bicol plundered our national budget. Give corrupt local leaders more powers and autonomy over the budget and over the execution of projects, couple that with an electorate that does not question leaders as long as they are given free rice and ham, and you will have a government running wild with all sorts of flood control and other construction projects.

I do agree that we have a massive problem with the Philippine Congress, but federalism is not a fix. It might even exacerbate the problem because local leaders will have more freedom to rule over their federal government units without oversight and criticism from Filipinos elsewhere in the country.

Just think of the damage that Bicol politicians have done in recent years. Without a national outcry, without interest, exposes, and investigative journalism from nationwide media outlets, we would still have one of our lawmakers freely enjoying his wealth with impunity, instead of him hiding and wasting away in a foreign land.

So keep going Mr. Belgica. I’m just still unconvinced with a federal form of government. The same is true for a shift to a parliamentary form of government.

The problem is not the structure of government, the problem is who holds power within it.

Get Your Fuzzy Wire Flowers and Support a Former Student

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:47:00 +0000

Several things help her stand out among my former community college students.

Her name. It’s spelled “Maria=Laarni” based on her birth certificate, she said during first day of class. So that’s how I called her when she recited, Maria equals Laarni.

She has the distinction of being the editor-in-chief of the school paper when I was still its adviser. She led the school paper when they participated (for the first and last time) in the Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference. They were blessed enough to win a few awards in the group and individual categories.

Her personality. Maria equals Laarni is one of the most independent and optimistic young women I know. She would probably register a High-I in the DISC personality assessment tool. Influencer-- always optimistic, always laughing, always saying yes to new opportunities. She's probably the reason why she and her classmates composed a majority of the membership of the community newspaper we used to publish.

After graduating, Maria equals Laarni, along with everybody else, moved out of town and worked in Manila. Later, she would quit work, go back home in the province, and start undergoing dialysis three times a week. She spent about month confined at the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) last November to December 2025 because there was a problem with her fistula. We visited her again.

As usual, she never broke. More than two years not being to work, she keeps taking what life throws at her. Still talks non-stop. Ever fighting, ever laughing.

Maria equals Laarni currently crafts and sells fuzzy wire flowers. She even gave Nerissa a pink bonsai-looking plant on a pot. They are really beautiful and are cheaper than I expected.

Maybe you can help her by ordering and messaging her directly. Below is the link to her account. Even if you’re not within the Legazpi City area, I’m sure Maria equals Laarni will find a way to ship them to you.

May we all keep encouraging others, especially those who, like Laarni, keep finding a reason to laugh and live while trying to help themselves.

--------------------

Maria Laarni Lovendino Dajac

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17twEYmP41/

I was surprised last week when Maria equals Laarni's mother brought this gift for Nerissa. Isn't that pretty?

Why Punish Them When We're Encroaching in their Habitat?

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:59:00 +0000

Bakit sila ang kailangang hulihin at saktan? Tayo ang sumasakop sa matagal na nilang tirahan.

I think the comment from Eira Jade Sebastian makes the most sense:

"Let’s be clear—ang bakawan is a protected natural habitat, at matagal na itong tirahan ng mga buwaya bago pa may pumasok na tao. Hindi sila biglang “sumulpot” lang; we moved into their space. Kaya unfair na sila ang hulihin o sisihin kapag may nakita sa lugar na malinaw namang wildlife zone.

Totoo, importante ang safety ng tao, pero dapat balance ang safety at environmental responsibility. Hindi pwedeng laging ang solusyon ay capture o displacement ng hayop, lalo na kung wala namang malinaw na threat at ang tao ang kusang pumasok sa area.

Ang mas dapat tanungin: bakit may activities at tirahan ng tao sa mga lugar na alam nating natural ecosystem ng wildlife? Development should not mean destroying or removing nature para lang umangkop sa atin.

Kung gusto talaga ng long-term solution, dapat may proper zoning, awareness, at conservation programs. Respect nature, because we are the ones adjusting—not them."

Follow Me cover

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 08:26:00 +0000

I took you from the comfort of the big city, the warmth of your friends, and the loving care of your family, to all sorts of discomfort and uncertainty. You followed me from up north to down south. You willingly welcomed the things and people that are dear to me--my goals, my friends, my family and relatives. You valued them the way I value them. By following me, you have embraced all my faults, weaknesses, and failures. But here you are, still following me after 17 years. In live performances, John Denver ended the song with "take my hand and... I will follow too..." You know I am not used to following, but as you continue to take my hand, I will follow too. Happy Anniversary.

Doing Magic with Acrylic Polymer

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:57:00 +0000

I only shifted to acrylic gloss polymer from spray varnish last year. The quality of the finish seemed the same as traditional acrylic varnish. But this time I had to remove the finish because specks of dirt stuck to the surface. The dirt came from bird nests on our ceiling. I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy it was to remove the layers of gloss polymer. What started out scary turned out weirdly satisfying. The coat peeling off the surface and rolling with my fingers as a single rubbery film felt like magic. Blessed Sunday!

Last Generation to See Fireflies?

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:33:00 +0000

Post from Garden Tips and Tricks

It was late night in a remote barrio of Baggao, Cagayan, when we were on our way home from showing the JESUS film when I saw the most spectacular firefly display.

As the jeepney sped (the place was still an insurgency hotspot), we passed by a glowing tree in the middle of almost complete darkness. The entire tree was lit by thousands of fireflies. It was like looking at a giant greenish neon light bulb.

There is a tree beside the bridge in our barangay which had a lot of fireflies also, although not nearly as numerous as the one I saw in Baggao. It seems that the fireflies there too are gone. Might be because of the flood control/river dike that was constructed along the Kamanitohan river a few years ago.

The other night, while talking to our neighbor outside our house, she pointed at a solitary firefly. I hardly noticed it. I rarely see these amazing creatures now.

This post reminds me to keep native plants around and resist the urge of creating a completely manicured lawn.

Education and Journalism: the Prevention and Cure for Social Gangrene

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:15:00 +0000

I've had the privilege of teaching all categories of journalism since June this year.

Thanks to school-based press conferences at the Auxillary Academy in Bulacan, Manito Central School and Cawayan High School, and the District Press Con (elementary) here in Manito last week.

All these efforts come with the hope that somehow, our young learners would imbibe the power and honor that the pen holds, especially when wielded by conscience-driven heroes like our own Dr. Jose Rizal.

Our nation needs science and technology, no doubt. But without the heart and soul of the liberal arts, we would merely be producing politicians and professionals like engineers and contractors who only live for luxury and power -- bringing with them a deluge of all possible national ills.

Education should prevent social malaise while journalism should be the antibiotic that the gangrene whenever it is found.

Solar System for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 23:53:00 +0000

Mga kababayan.

Huwag po tayong mababahala sa korapsyon ng flood control. Matagal na tayong ibinebenta ng mga politiko (mula barangay pataas), contractor, at suppliers.

Maglaway at mamangha na lang tayo sa "inspirational" na buhay nila from rags to riches.

Heto nga binebenta ang solar system, ni hindi nakapalag ang US at UN. Mabahala na lang tayo pag buong kalawakan na ang binebenta nila.

Ipagpatuloy na lang nating tanggapin ang ilang kilong bigas at ham kapalit ng boto natin. Tapos kapag nakaupo na sila, palakpakan lang natin sila at tawaging "honorable" dahil for them there is no such thing as "beyond the commerce of men".
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1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." ESV

Luke 12:15: "And he said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.' ESV

Remembering Vinzons in the Wake of Flood Control

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 22:16:00 +0000

Photo and original post in Facebook

We have no lack of great heroes like Vinzons, and yet our people continue to bow to leaders from barangay leaders to high officials who have no sense of honor. And our people keep voting them to office.

Ang daming opisyal ang hindi raw makapaniwala sa tindi ng korapsyon ng flood control, samantalang halos lahat naman alam na ang kalakarang ganito ay hindi bago.

Wala raw "ebidensya". That is the mentality of even the lowest level politicians in the country. You can steal rebars and gravel and sand from infrastructure projects as long as there is no evidence and you deliver them at night.

Ang daming namatay para sa bayan. Sabi pa ni Ninoy, the Filipino is worth dying for. Ang hirap paniwalaan, pero kapag hindi tayo maniwala at manindigan, wala talagang kahihinatnan ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani. Binura na sila sa papel na pera, patuloy pang nabubulag ang mga kababayan nila sa pera.

From Flood Control Corruption to Plato's Noble Lie

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 08:19:00 +0000

From Sumbong sa Pangulo website.

These are the flood control projects in our town of Manito in Albay for the years 2023 and 2024.

The reporting website is a great initiative from PBBM. Try it to find projects in your area.

This site/service should be expanded to cover other infrastructure projects because the top 15 contractors in the President's list are most probably also the top contractors in road and bridge projects. The site/service should also be expanded to cover those undertaken in the Barangay level so citizens can report unfinished/substandard works and other corrupt practices. It is no secret that a lot of people want positions in government so they can cash in on "SOPs" from projects like basketball courts, barangay roads, and other similar projects.

This is why Plato's myth of metals still intrigues me. What if we can implement some modified form of the "noble lie" -- a socio-political structure that can make people in positions believe they are made of gold so they would no longer hunger for gold and everything related to power and wealth?

Could we really raise philosopher-kings -- philosopher-mayors, philosopher-kapitans, philosopher-kagawads, philosopher-representatives... who only live to lead in excellence and nothing more?

Would our current barangay councilors and higher ranking leaders who only want power and wealth be convinced to be "simply" merchants, farmers, and artisans? And would this make our military, police and all those in the uniformed services concern themselves only with matters of the State's security and the public's safety instead of accumulating wealth through online gambling, e-sabong, kotong, moonlighting as body guards, and planting evidence to meet quotas?

I believe that Biblical Christianity is, in a way, some form of this myth or noble lie, because sincere adherents would not think of this as a lie but something they are truly convinced in. However, Plato's idea will only work if everyone in society subscribe to the myth and play within their roles.

And that is the problem. Because true Christianity cannot be imposed by force, by subjugation, or by some form of manipulation. Add to this the irony that those who are competent and sincere do not want anything to do with government and politics, while the incompetent, greedy, and power hungry are the ones who covet the titles "Honorable" and "His/Her Excellency".

Wouldn't it be even better if we wouldn't even need the noble lie? What if we could all just be noble, without the lie?

Mayor Vico on PBBM's Flood Control Top 15 Contractors List

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 21:45:00 +0000

"(6) Pag master na ang 1-5, papasok na rin sa politika. Yung 1% ng nakaw ibibigay sa tao bilang "tulong" Para magmukha silang mabait "

Ang corruption ay "systemic". Ibig sabihin hindi lang ito nangyayari sa isang sangay ng pamahalaan o isang lebel ng namamahala, o sa Pasig lang. Nangyayari ito sa ating mga barangay, munisipalidad, lungsod, probinsya at bansa.

Patuloy nating pagtulungang buwagin ang mga maling gawain sa pamamagitan ng pananalangin, pagasasalita, at sa pag-iwas na lumahok sa mga gawaing ito.

Vacation Bible School: God Lovingly Embarrasses me Again

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Wed, 28 May 2025 12:20:00 +0000

I didn’t really encourage Nerissa to push through with this VBS using the Prayer Covenant for Children. I’m a person who is willing take on any challenge but there are times when I admit we are not equipped to pursue certain things at certain times. This was one of those times.

We we’re busy preparing for our scholars’ camp. Working with children is not really our strength. Nerissa could have a flare if she gets too tired. Ministering to children requires a lot of energy…

I tried to gently discourage Nerissa. But I knew our Lord rebuked His disciples who hindered children from coming to Him. Jesus is not only for young people and adults.

During our fellowship after the VBS graduation, all the volunteers were so happy and fulfilled even though they admitted to not particularly liking kids as well. Nerissa could not have pulled this off without our young volunteers from the scholarship program and from our fellowship who allowed themselves to be trained, and who taught, cooked their own merienda in our house every day, prepared and performed their roles most enthusiastically.

The week was just spontaneous with them since they were happy serving the Lord. Most shared that they themselves learned a lot because they had to learn the lessons before they could teach. They’ve been with our fellowship for just under a year.

One incoming grade 12 scholar tearfully testified that he remembered that when he was in elementary, he prayed for a chance to serve the Lord and he saw that serving during this VBS was God’s’ answer to that desire and prayer.

Many thanks also to Ate Carol for her prodding, cheering, and supplying of training and materials. It felt like Nerissa was in UP Diliman once again, under the leadership of Kuya Ricky and ate Carol. They were the team leaders under whom Nerissa felt most empowered.

It was also a joy to see that some of the core kids in the VBS have been with us for years now and they have been our friends already -- from the days when they just started by asking for coconuts and, malunggay, lubi-lubi, bananas, and papaya from our yard, and the days when they would just come and ask Nerissa to teach them to read or do maths.

May God be honored and pleased. May these children keep the lessons in their hearts. God has lovingly embarrassed me once again.

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When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” -- Mark 10:14-15 (NIV)

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Thank you sa video, Yeng Dajac.

2024 Top and Bottom Functional Literacy Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sat, 03 May 2025 00:16:00 +0000

Hmmm. What are the admins, teachers, students, and parents doing right in Benguet and Apayao to merit top functional literacy in the country? Is it partly because Cordillerans and those living in the Cordilleras are culturally more respectful and obedient to parents and authority as we call all adults our uncles and aunties? We are also proud of our teachers and administrators, both active and retired, who, day in and day out are just in the classrooms doing their job of teaching. Makita ta amin nga kabatch ko ket nalalaeng agbasa ken umawat. Ada met siyempre sanger ken natatangken ulo ngem sumsumrek latta.

Cavite is top 10. I wonder why. Could it be related to what we have been hearing from friends, like ranking and hiring teachers in public schools is smoother and faster there?

18.9M Filipino Grads in 2024 Functionally Illiterate

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sat, 03 May 2025 00:11:00 +0000

Konti na lang at matutupad na ang goal na "no one left behind" kasi no one is moving forward.

How about dialing the data further? Ano ang proportion ng mga with honors and high honors na functionally illiterate, if any?

Then measure the number of teachers with (or are pursuing) master's degrees, dahil ngayon mukhang ang dami na rin nila. How many will agree that we had very few teachers with master's degrees in the past but they were simply good at what they were supposed to do -- educate. Teachers were busy teaching, not doing admin tasks, not organizing activities, not pursuing further studies for promotion or regularization.