Wednesday 31 December 2014

"С новым годом!"

"С новым годом!"




At first, let's give thanks to those whom endured the trials of last year. 

Be it a form of a financial crisis, typhoon, or earthquake, let's be thankful that everybody survive with the promise of greener pastures, peace, and hope for the coming year. 

However, expect that 2015 is as same as 2014 and past few years, especially confronting the same foe whom tries to create hindrance in its struggle for its greater glory.

To tell frankly, anything is all but the same as past few years. Same old this, same old that, anything old no matter how you put something "new" in it. Amidst all the modern gadgets, infrastructure and matters trying to create a mood of happiness, age old problems like prejudice, injustice, and disenfranchisement continues to linger; and it is the duty of mankind to completely put an end to this to start an era that is fresh, bright, and new. 

Sorry to say but it's inconveniently true.

But for now, let everyone enjoy this kind of event, and in the Philippines, that event is part of a longest holiday that focus on the birth of the lord; let's start that day with a bang, and those bangs continue till final battle come. С НОВЫМ ГОДОМ!

Saturday 27 December 2014

"For another AGUILA!"

"For another AGUILA!"


At first, it's been a long time for some Filipinos to remember one of the (almost) great feats in pre-millennial history.

That, on the 20th of August, 1997 1:58 A.M, the second flight of LM-3B successfully launched the Philippines' first Aguila II satellite, into its successful orbit. Quite rejoicing for the Filipino as they sought an achievement, that sparked a New Year-like, nationwide celebration after months of anticipation with high expectations. And in it comes upliftment, all filled with pride as they became aware of the Philippines' first cyberspace achievement.

As according to Ben Cal of the Philippine News Agency (from a Manila Bulletin article made last 2013), he said:

"The whole country led by President Ramos, awaited the ambitious launching of the 'Agila II' satellite (postponed several times due to bad weather). As the countdown started, various high government officials and executives of the Mabuhay Philippines Satellite Corporation (a PLDT subsidiary) who watched the launch live on television at Bahay Pangarap, Malacañang Park, early dawn that day were apprehensive. The anxiety during the countdown ended when the rocket booster carrying 'Agila II' zoomed into outer space at a blinding speed of 27,200 kms per hour.

For 24 minutes after the rocket blasted off from China's space center in Xichiang, Sichuan Province, a small crowd of people, including President FVR and MPSC's Chairman Tony Boy Cojuangco watching anxiously, was overwhelmed with joy as it viewed the lift-off on a special television hookup.

It was the first time a Filipino consortium, led by PLDT, ventured into the lucrative satellite business, investing PHP1.9 billion. Chairman Cojuangco was quite nervous as he watched the spaceship carrying the 'Agila II' satellite make a perfect blastoff."


Brief background

According to the Department of Science and Technology (DoST via Wikipedia), Aguila II was a joint venture of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) via its subsidiary, Mabuhay Satellite Corporation, as well as various companies from the People's Republic of China, Indonesia and the Philippines. Namely: High Rise Realty Development Corporation, Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel), Beijing High Den Enterprises Limited, Walden Group of Companies, GMA Network, Inc., Philippine Satellite Corporation, Cable Entertainment Corporation, SiyYap Group, Philippine Communications Satellite Corporation, Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN) of Indonesia and the China Everbright Group Limited (CELG). Its cost was estimated at US$ 243 million and was manufactured by Space Systems/Loral with its design based on their existing FS-1300 satellite bus. The satellite was deployed to orbit by a Chinese Long March 3B rocket in Sichuan province, on 20 August 1997, and it is expected to achieve a mission lifetime of more than 15 years with its solar panels for power. 

The satellite contains 30 C-band transponders at 27 watts and 24 Ku-band transponders at 110 watts, combinable to 12 high-power 220-watt transponders. Total DC power at End of Life (EOL) is expected to be more than 8200 watts. The combination provides a power-to-mass ratio of 5-to-1, making it one of the most efficient satellites in the industry. A single Aguila II satellite transmits more than 190 channels of high-fidelity digital programming to cable companies and home satellite dishes, along with the capability to handle more than 50,000 simultaneous two-way telephone conversations.


A source of pride that encompasses Asia and the Pacific

With its launch made several years ago, Aguila II means national pride and a promise of progress. Originally named "Mabuhay" after its owner, former President Fidel V. Ramos changed it to "Aguila II" as a continuity from its predecessor Aguila I. The difference was that the latter was originally an Indonesian satellite (Palapa I) that was also bought by Mabuhay.

The main purpose of the project was to expose the Philippines to global information technology (IT) which was then in its embryonic stage.  According to an article made by DoST, It stated that will greatly benefit the country in telecommunications, entertainment, education, and the newly emerging Internet. With the satellite, schools in distant provinces can use audio-visual receivers for information instead of buying text books that are either too expensive or too hard to obtain (or both).

Aguila II can also provide Filipinos who live in remote areas with quality programming which, before, was only available in certain parts of the country with the use of cable facilities. The satellite is powerful enough to reach an estimated population of over two billion people. It is capable of transmitting more than 190 channels to cable companies and home satellite dishes. It can also handle more than 50,000 simultaneous two way telephone conversations and will serve as a back-up to the country's telephone network. For the Internet sector, the satellite can allow a 15 megabyte per second speed for data access.

But Aguila II is not limited to Filipino telecommunications alone, but for its neighbours as well. the satellite provides the most powerful coverage in the Asia-Pacific region. It covers the entire continent of Asia east of Pakistan, as well as the Western Pacific west of Hawaii. 

The 24 Ku-band transponders of the satellite may also be commanded by ground control to combine into 12 high-powered transponders with 220-watt amplifiers for the purpose of broadcasting direct-to-home digital TV services. The Mabuhaysat satellite centre, situated in Subic Zambales provided spacecraft control functions, including test-on-station operations and payload reconfiguration. It was highly automated with complete data storage facilities, logistic and support capabilities, and was designed to support mission operations simultaneously with communications to provide real-time verification of payload performance. And to make sure it had the best people to control the satellite, Mabuhay selected a team of Filipino engineers to train in Space Systems/Loral in Palo Alto, California, for two years.

The successful completion of the Agila launch in 1997 heralded the Philippines' entry into the space age and as according to ex-President Ramos, a take-off of a strategic plan called "Philippines 2000" in order to achieve enduring peace and sustainable development.


... Only to be bought, hence lost

However, that pride lasted for several years, for as the satelitte continues to wander space and continues its duty of transmitting signals, the satelitte was sold by foreign interests. That made one article at the Philippine Daily Inquirer stated: "thereby losing its unique status as the Philippines' sole territory in space."

Furthermore, according to the same article was that one wonders where the Philippine government was when the PLDT, the majority owner of Mabuhay Satellite, lost Aguila 2 to ProtoStar Ltd., a start-up DTH (direct-to-home) operator based in Bermuda, in exchange for an equity position in the company last 2008. 

According to the deal given, PLDT and MSC also allowed expanded ProtoStar use of Mabuhaysat Subic Space Center for the operation and control of satellites, and Aguila II, the once star of Mabuhay Satellite and Philippines 2000, became part of the ProtoStar constellation of satellites and was renamed ProtoStar III.

But ProtoStar wasend bankrupt few years after,  as it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States in July 2010 after succumbing to multiple frequency-coordination issues, with the company's two satellites' ProtoStar I and ProtoStar II were auctioned off to Intelsat and SES, two of the biggest satellite companies in the world. Aguila II was also affected by the turn of events, yet immediately found a new home, as official PLDT records showed that last Oct. 22, 2009, MSC entered into agreements with Asia Broadcast Satellite Holdings Ltd. (ABS), another Bermuda company engaged in the satellite business, involving the wholesale lease by ABS of the satellite, and renamed ABS 3 after it was bought by the latter for $ 9.9 million last 2010.

In short, interests whom once took pride simply sold while people care less about it as few papers report about the satellite being sold for a million, hence lost.


From its launch as the "First Filipino satellite", Aguila II somehow represents the Filipino's attempt to join into the space race. However, despite the pride being expressed by most Filipinos, it was also quite late though especially for a frustrated western country as compared to its neighbours that launched their satellites earlier than 1997; knowing that the Philippines, little brown brother, favorite of the west,  tries to appear "capable" of having "modern this, modern that", as well as having "National Scientists" and others capable as well as willing to invest their knowledge, skill in improving existing technologies and strengthening, making new foundations in spirit of self reliance.

Yet instead, after it was sold to private, foreign owned telecommunications interests last 2009, it chose to be a hostage to the whims of its neighbours, who were at once looking at the Philippines as an example of a developed society. But in reality, it is no, as in completely no to consider the Philippines as "developed" nor even "progressive"; for citing its semifeudal, semicolonial policies that hinder genuine national development, particularly those of a Compradore's emphasis on trade and commerce (such as buying imported "modern gadgets") and reluctance over those of production and industry (that made technological advancements happen), then these people claiming to see "progress" and "development" in an actually existing backward society (amidst the modern infrastructure and modern gadgets) gave a concrete illusion that was bought and sold such as a satellite flown in another country.
Personally, if not mistaken, were there any Filipino technician, engineer who directly participated in that said project besides those from Space Systems/Loral? And if there was, then how come they aren't being recognized as national scientists the way other countries took pride in its own? Are they open for reviving another Aguila or by any other name? Remember, Indonesia has nine satellites; Malaysia has four; Singapore, nine; and Thailand, five. Even Vietnam now controls and profitably operates its own satellite and had launched a second last 2012.

Well, in failing to assert self reliance and cultivating growth and innovation, then what most people heard about progress, stability, prosperity, or any other word trying to present in the Philippines or any other developing country is almost a mere rhetoric likely to be debunked. Failing in a sense that production, particularly those of industrialisation is less stimulated in favour of just depending on outside investment "as if it provides stronger over existing foundations of the domestic economy"; as well as failing to innovate, of cultivating creativity despite clamoring for development. Ramos's "Philippines 2000" was just one of the plans whose primary intention is to steer further the policies of multinational and transnational interests, all in the name of Liberalization and Globalization. 

It may sound pessimistic, rather than optimistic for a writer saying about what goes about "Progress" and "Development". Given the semifeudal, semicolonial nature, national development is limited to those of what is presented by developed countries through its international lending agencies and its policies, as well as domestic compradores whose primary goal is to carry on their interests and not to be disrupted by other proposals besides theirs, no matter how beneficial the proposal it is; or rather say in simple questions like, "how come it may not sound pessimistic if the fruits of so-called development caters to the privileged few?" No wonder why compradores can't even invest full, instead of partial, or a quarter just to steer further development just like they did for Aguila II, or if they do, just to gain more for themsleves and not for the most in case of the one who got funds coming from both government subsidies and private income."
No offense to those yearning for another satellite like Aguila, but if this writer may ask, when will technology, amidst having factories where microchips where made at Laguna's technoparks, Mapuans or Iskós making robots, and experiments made by the Science and Technology Department, be further cultivated in order to revive lost aspirations such as reaching the stars and creating a better world? Again, given the interests of the ruling class, domestic-based technology remains in its embryonic, experimental stage besides herbal concoctions being sold at bazzars and trade fairs.

Perhaps, technology in the Philippines is limited to those of what is being seen at Bato-Balani magazines if not in one's feeble imagination. The satellite that was once take pride of and eventually sold, continues to deteriorate and becomes a space junk, leaving some Filipinos memories of a country "trying hard to be called 'great'".

***

The correct term would be "Agila" but this writer uses the old, Hispanic term originally referring to the Philippine Eagle.

Thursday 25 December 2014

"For a just and lasting Peace this Yuletide season."

 "For a just and lasting Peace this Yuletide season."



At first, apologies to those who had seen this post if it appears as subversive rather than sacred as it shows a rebel family resting and enjoying music in a campfire amidst the cold instead of a typical Galilean one presented in the manger with shepherds and animals looking. 

But despite its radical appearance, the message is clear that in spirit of the season shows an undying virtue such as a promising hope and a selfless love worthy to fight and realize for; for Hope and Love is self giving as what the celebrant Christ told us, such as giving one's self to the people.

For a just and lasting Peace this Yuletide season. 




Wednesday 24 December 2014

"The bell plays, as the red star rises for his return"

"The bell plays, as the red star rises for his return"



"For this is the one referred to by Isiah the prophet, saying, 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready for the way of the lord, make his paths straight!'"
- Matthew 3:3

"The spirit of the LORD GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound."
- Isiah 61:1


Kindle the fire as the yule oak burns
Continuously amidst outside cold
Whose winds chime the churchbells
Playing tones of songs once lost

Chime as the far north wind blows
Oe'r belfries and carillons
Give the bells its awaking sound
For the red star rises glowing bright
Chime till most awake
And heed the promised message:
"Prepare for the coming of the one
Who will help us in breaking the chains!"

Kindle the fire for the coffee
And others for the hot food to eat
Its flames brings strength to weak
As they prepare for the coming feat

Blaze amidst the wind blows
As you brought warm to the struggling
The warm soup and coffee's prepared
Bringing smiles to the weak and suffering
For the red star rises glowing bright
And the rest be well provide
As they head the promised message:
"Prepare the for the coming of the one
Who will help us in breaking the chains!"

The red star continuously glows
Gives hope to the chained most
The radiance brought fear to the dread
And found those who are lost

The red star glows so fully bright
And its rise brings hope to all the plight
With the saviour now coming in this wretched world
And its legions once hopeless unchained for the rest be unfold
Let the bells be rung and all be warm
Prepare for the march of the coming dawn
Let the foes be tremble and their order's be broke
By the march and the battle that is raging on
Let the message be heard till the promise fulfilled:
"Bringing freedom to all captives, this time for real!"







Tuesday 23 December 2014

Trying hard to be "Too good"

"Trying hard" to be "Too Good"

Another Christmas Message


Initially you may find it strange to mingle with people especially who are being scorned by the so-called "moral majority".

From their appearance, behaviour, these people seemed to be less of an object of concern (contrary to their "statements") but rather an object of curiosity by those trying to "appear something worth too real for a country." That Shantytowns, red light districts, sidewalks where beggars sleeping, these are objects of curiosity thanks to mediapeople, pseudo-charity to pride-seeking politicians and celebrities, scorn by the self-proclaimed "moral" and "law abiding." Yes, it is strange for they are deemed outcasts, not knowing that they are also victims of a current the system chose to tolerate its flows, creating a hell-like existence over its subjects.

And since these people on high chose to tolerate the repressive flow instead of containing it, how sickening. And holidays, such as this Yuletide means sharing, giving, renewing friendship, and a promise of hope in which those on high live to babble and peddle so much; but do these people on high really abide on its reason for the season? Not all of these pseudo-charitables would be, not even one would dare to confront like a normal being talking with these "lowlives" and give them "hope" different from the way they give material gifts for them. Contrary to those few ones, out of concern, has to mingle and talk with them nicely, that even a smile can be a charity different from gifts yet there's no hope waiting to really uplift them.


But since most of these people whom called "moral", "law abiding", are educated and some had afford to memorise phrases like Rousseau's, of man as by nature good and kind, then how come the people who is good and kind are acting contrary? Why not uplift them? This person expects these people whom are assuming to be good to some be good to most, but no, they treat goodness as a cover for their bullshit; they can't uplift a person but instead hurl stones to the sinned no matter how sinful the thrower is. 

That somehow made the Christ saidth:

"He who is not sinned cast the first stone."

For sure no one would proceed in doing it for they are mostly sinned and heard the Christ speaking against a sinned yet trying to repent for their mistakes, trying to remold themselves and needs help as necessary; but due to the nature of some people as victim shamers and frustrated "honour keepers", then perhaps few would dare to say stop and give a person a chance for the scorned, the shamed to recover from their shortcomings and mistakes. 

To other religious communities like the Jews, they are preparing for the feast of lights this month and it means a time to cleanse and rededicate the way Christians prepare for the saviour's born through giving and sharing; but if this writer may ask about these holidays indicated, isn't it also this month likely a time not just to give and share but to atone and remold, cleanse and rededicate? People may share and give, but these people who give and share may likely to be the same people who look badly on those who had been given; undedicated to virtue in the eyes of the one whom they are celebrating for. So where's the spirit of Christmas if workers and peasants can't be given an adequate living wage and a land to till to uplift themselves from their poverty? Of prostitutes, beggars to recuperate and become people worthy of respect for themselves and others? These people are usually given food, bonuses, but not enough for their daily needs as its value is almost valueless; worse, being shamed for asserting their call for justice, and that justice is the same justice being peddled by those on high trying to seek votes yet as they reached the seats seeing them warming themselves than working for them.
These people whom most being neglected and scorned are still waiting and that includes preparing themselves for the coming guide as bells continue to peal. They still trying to break from the cycle as possible, to go beyond from the parameters, to regain their lost sanities, to have a break from their forced contentment, to break free from their shitty existence.

And they need help from those whom Rousseau or Confucius states as "by nature, Good." But in reality, "Trying hard" to be "too Good."

In this yuletide season, giving and sharing as what said too much by mainstream media is all but a façade that tries to hide their obvious intentions. You gave them something for the sake of impression, but that giving you're doing is plain and simple valueless act.

Monday 22 December 2014

Fare hikes and substandard "improvements" is itself "Wrecking"and "Sabotage"

Fare hikes and substandard "improvements" 
is itself "Wrecking" and "Sabotage"




"The hikes approval likes a thief in the night." These are the words said by the "Train Riders Network" (TREN) over the proposed increase which is approved amidst popular opposition. As most people are busy preparing for the coming Yuletide holiday, the said increase, which will be enforced next year, means exploiting its commuters in an attempt to have the private sector take over urban railway networks MRT and LRT.

According to TREN, it views this fare hike approval as its Christmas and New Year gift of President Benigno Aquino III and DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya to the incompetent MRT private owner and private contractor John Sobrepena, as well as to the new LRT overlords who bagged the deal to take over the profitable, more-efficient and state-run LRT. The increase may also pave way to possible yearly increases, in an attempt by the government to make it "self-sufficient", that actually means reducing government subsidies and eventual privatisation of the said venture.

That somehow meant for existing private partners like Sobrepeña and newbies in the mass transport scene like Cojuangco and Ayala as craving for profits and exploiting its commuters "in the name of development." At first it may sound reasonable a dire need for a fare increase with words like "common good" for an alibi, but with unjustified reasons being stated by TREN and other groups, isn't it that obvious for a profiteer and its patron to turn public welfare into a mere income generating venture at the expense of affordability or even its eventual ruin in favor of cars and buses MRT and LRT commuters resort to ride on? 



Unrepentant Wreckers indeed
(thanks to its apologetics)

With the latest reports from Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) describing MRT as unsatisfactory, TREN described it as "unsurprising" especially with its mismanagement of the rail network and its effects like the accident happened a month ago.

Likewise, it lambasted the Aquino administration, as well as the private sector whom benefits from gaining subsidies yet continues to mismanage that led to its unsatisfactory rating, as according to TREN spokesperson James Relativo:

"When their criminal neglect exposes the riding public to a clear and present danger, do we not bleed? We are commuters -- humans capable of feeling pain once cramped into a speeding tin can. We are angry tax payers ripped off their good money everyday..."

Indeed, citing the fact that substandard "developments" are being shown despite being subsidised and the greater number of commuters using it, but instead making more harm than good. But for this writer, sorry for being "hardcore", their actions taken by these people is plain and simple act against the state. That Mr. Sobrepeña and the Aquino administration's action over MRT are making a bureaucrat-compradore conspiracy involving wrecking and sabotage to justify their intent. Such terms this writer had stated may sound quite "Stalinistic" since it was commonly used in the former Soviet Union (and those terms are crimes pubishable by death if not hard labour!), but in seeing such actions made by these people comes this kind of accusations worth punishable. Yes, they did it against the public, they approve their intention to increase fares just to fill more in their pockets, in their corruption, with  "development" made for the sake of impression, a façade called "progress."


How come it is wrecking and sabotage being done by these self-proclaimed "men of progress and development?" It is Wrecking in a sense that it aims against deliberate, efficient functioning of distributing efficient social service like those of Mass Transport (and hence created waste of taxpayers money indeed!); it is also Sabotage, in a sense that the persons emphasised in this writeup are carelessly executing their duties in maintaining trains, improving the network's efficiency despite giving taxpayers money called "government subsidies" and gaining "profits" from increasing commuters due to "its cheap, affordable fares." 
And the increase? Like any other typical compradore acts, shows the profiteering nature of those claiming to be serving the interest of the public, worse, making a series of damages so as to justify the attempt; that somehow made TREN, Mr. Relativo, and other concerned groups, and commuters in general ceaselessly condemn them. Why on earth Sobrepeña gain profits amidst mismanaging the MRT? And isn't it that stupid for a government who babbles about public service to "laissez faire" MRT and LRT to the self-interest profiteers who are being lambasted? Privatisation or any other similar terms that was once praised has been ostracised the way its ringleaders being pelted by criticism! 

And to those whom favoring the increase with the repeated mantra of "improvement", the increase in fares does not mean improvement particularly those of repairing trains and making anything efficient; obviously, they would have likely to agree letting it alone, "laissez faire" in the hands of the profiteering few who banners the welfare of the people yet actually de-emphasises it like those of Winston Castello.


And if they continue babble their mantras, does these people also remember companies like Meralco? MWSS? Petron? These three were once "under government supervision", adhereing to regulatons and policies that caters to public interests, and yet end reverted to private control with its deregularization, and in private control comes commercialization and unjust increase in prices amidst so-called "improvements" and the stuff being bannered by these self-interests. To theirs it means improvement, but to most it is sabotage for it fails to guarantee the interests of the people, worse, they do the dirtiest jobs to justify their intention to increase their profits using what is supposed to be for the well being of the public.

Today, TREN continues to confer with its legal team on the possible legal actions to take not just against the fare hike but also against those who irresponsibly gave their approval. It also called on the Aquino administration for the immediate junking of "onerous" and "questionable" concession agreements, and demanded the government takeover of the facilities both existing and proposed like the MRT-3 project. For TREN as well as other groups concerned, Aquino's Public-Private Partnerships is all but a correct term for inconvenient ones like "Privatisation" and "corruption". Yes, moneybag compradore-bureaucrats like Sobrepeña and Abaya, as well as Cojuangco and Ayala is yearning for taking over social services as well as kickbacks resorting to substandard development. 

And sorry for these people on high, but since they approve the proposal of filling pockets and making substandard developments, then it is likely to become a problem as protests would dare these people, Scrooges so to speak, to awake from their fetish of profiteering, exploitation, and wrecking.



Monday 15 December 2014

"As American as Gonzo Porn"

"As American as Gonzo Porn"

Notes from a culture under crisis




It seems that a massive barrage of showbusiness, alongside crass politics turned every news report into a showcase of nonsense, turning what is something to inform about into what is worth assailing. Amdist poverty and tragic events that has to be tackled upon and resolved, anything that is "scandalous" courtesy of certain personalities, celebrities was arguably the most publicised every month, worse, trying to replace the issues that has to be tackled about in every circle. 

For the common man whom had woke up just to hear shitty reports and a barrage of frustrations, it is considered common, usual in their eyes and ears no matter how nonsense it is; and the system whom tries to present as morally upright, rather peddles it citing its "profitability" especially in featuring artists, politicians and the scandals they've done; scandals stretched with a series of advertisements to promote and fresh faces to uncover. And the system, no matter how idiotic the message or idea being cultivated, rather tolerate it as its bread and circus, and in it it also "contributes" to a contemporary culture, identity that is different from what is usually being presented. 

Incorrectly true so to speak that all after seeing the frustrations of the typical Filipino such as trying to be in, to be modern, to be famous amidst its shitty appearances others would treat it as a mere compliment if not an insult than to appreciate with, then yes, incorrectly to say that the country devoid of its own roots in building its own aspired future and instead creating a hell the system profits. A culture in crisis, a confused identity, is as its results.

But at first, since the Philippines tries to be like those from the west rather than those from the orient, basing much on its contemporary culture, then what kind of a westerner it is? Well, incorrectly speaking, it is been common to see the ways of the west imitated by the brown-skinned Asiatic such as a Filipino. Ranging from its fashion, music, drama, sport, and a variety of prederences, the Philippines is as if not an Oriental country regardless of being dubbed as the Pearl of the Orient. 

But since it tries to be one of the occident, of the west, then what kind it is? For more than 300 years and its subsequent peonage its former colonisers, the Philippines had acted for both Europe and America. That Spain had brought the ways of the middle ages such as their interpretation of the faith and its frustrated theocracy brought by the ill-learned friars, yet they also brought the ideas from both Renaissance and the Enlightenment with the latter made Filipino emigres in Europe apply its ideas to their native settings. So was the United States whose idea they bought rather sprung from the Industrial Revolution and its then-modern gadgets people take pride for chrissakes instead of "democracy" and "freedom". These countries that brought 'light', 'greatness', 'beauty', or any other claptrap as well as its material gifts had made Juan, Juana, Jose, and Maria almost disregard the atrocities that made them resist and call for independence.

Yet, regardless of the shit would say that the ways of the west, along with the cultivated ways of the east makes a Filipino a Filipino. That in its centuries-old craftsmanship, innovation, indigenisation did gave the world an example in Music, Literature, and Art. But, on the other hand, the barrage of outside culture that is left uncontrolled, also brought problem such as what kind of Filipino has to identify itself: Is it Malayan, Hispanic, or a frustrated American Coloured? 

Perhaps, to base from history, of trade routes, settlements, and a massive barrage of ideas outside, that the Filipino culture is almost foreign. For more than 300 years, cultivating a fusion of both east and west with the former as its base and the latter as its foundations. That the Lantakas are brought from Malaya (that in turn came from the Arabs and Chinese), while the works of Francisco Balagtas are inspired by the trobadours with its mediæval romances thanks to Spain and its Quixotic ambitions. The Emigrés such as Rizal, Luna, and members of the Propaganda Movement had brought the ideas of the enlightenment, that in turn indigenised by Bonifacio, Jacinto, and Sakay by fusing with the ideas cultivated by the native amidst different meaning (Bayani is not Heroé, and Himagsikan is not even Revolucion).
But these are superseded by the ready made ideas of the United States. The latter did somehow show the same virtue as what Rizal, Bonifacio had invoked, yet as said earlier, they show the wonders sprung from the Industrial Revolution. On the first place, their intention to occupy is not to put order, but to gain profits from its resources and serve as conduit to future markets in the far east such as China and Japan, they even compare Filipinos, no matter how civilized are they for generations, to other minorities of theirs such as "niggers and other riffraff". 


And yet in its frustration to be an "American", with its massive "cheap" modernity given, disregards the slander and repression. "Forgive and forget" has been its alibi for making its own mind be desensitised and be replaced with the illusions to the extent of letting heritage be sacrifice for illusory progress. But come to think of this, they had sacrificed heritage for pseudo-modernity, save the repression and disenfranchisement that left the vast majority of Filipinos dwellth in poverty centuries ago. Amidst edifices of glass and steel, of rising economic rates, pseudo-cheap food and stuff being presented by the system's own blabbermouths, still age old tensions remain such as the sugar estates of Tarlac. Sadly, the desensitised mindset of the frustrated Yankee fails to see the reality of letting its own be sacrificed for few pieces of silver. Few would understand issues like Hacienda Lusita, Ampatuan massacre, up to the threats of demolition over El Hogar Filipino and the dilapidated Casa Sunico, as most chose to see Kim Kardashian's ass and new getups, state of the art bullshit Yankees likely to call them as "Over-Dressed Monkeys".


Anyways, the Philippines, in its desire to have a rapid growth, invariably looks at the model of the west as its model with the United States, its former coloniser as its example. Hoping that the model would steer good development, they would content in the ways of the west without looking at its own no matter how learned a person, or a group yet willing to offer an alternative that can able to steer better changes; but the system fails to take seriously amidst recognizing it initially the idea has been offered. Will these people whom favoring unjust neoliberal tendencies such as "free trade" accept industrialization? Nope, but rather making a stupid reply such as "passé".
There's even an article criticizing those who can't even support Philippines' own creation citing its backyard, makeshift-like appearance such as assembled from anything makeshift. But did they criticize those who demolish old yet significant buildings and threatened others? Of a nation failing to stimulate production and forcing to content in foreign investment, imports, and surpluses? Actually, they can't criticize for they think anything devoid of significance means gearing towards progress such as pulling down the edifices of the past, worse, describing them as full of grime, ugly as compared to what they sought in the present. Of describing anything as passé as they favor the insignificant "modern" that is sold no matter how expensive it is instead of just cleaning and refurbishing. How pity! 

People may likely to disagree on this message, but, come to think of this, after years of studying Filipino consciousness such as its language, history, law and its culture, do they really have Filipino consciousness? Of geared towards social change and renaissance? Does education, no matter how modern it is had been practically put into the local setting? If not, then it is legit to say that education, no matter how modern it is, rather creates slaves in the name of markets and international capital. And if local cultures really smacks of genuine local pride, then why not smacks of reality and not of what the system hath been presented? 


Perhaps if the Philippines wasn't been colonised, it would have been a part of Indonesia or Malaysia, that the Filipino everyone is speaking of is a mere dialect as most speaks Bahasa or Jawi, and still taking pride in its Bulawan, Keris, and Lantaka; if the Philippines had been remained independent after 1898, perhaps the ideas leading to "kaginhawaan" (prosperity) such as "kaliwanagan" (enlightenment) had been fostered further to the aspired populace through folk-oriented education and culture the way what Rizal and Bonifacio had insisted to its followers, aside from having the learned Ilustrados like Luna and Pio Valenzuela trying to make more effort in reconstructing the nation after years of struggle with its coloniser. Or simply because these people fighting for freedom aren't fighting for their country's freedom, but for their basic need such as a land to till and a bread to eat. How wonder why Lenin's call is Peace, Land, and Bread rather than Freedom alone. 
But instead of what this writer had said, what most concerned people sought is a community gone degenerated regardless of what the system had presented such as a museumified piece shown to tourists, a culture that is treated for the sake of impressing that is devoid of self-respect, while on its vast subjects unjustly presented a canned shit reminiscent of American's own nutraloaf being served in prison not as a nourishing food but a punishment prisoners ought to feed on. 

Of course it’s cool to say that Filipinos are Asian with the Balangay and the Banawe Rice Terraces as its example, but based on what actually sought, of seeing people trying hard to be like westerners in the Asia-Pacific, then who are we?

Who does the Filipino reader know more: Crisostomo Ibarra, Redentor da Penetrator, or Marcelo Santos?
Who is a great example for Filipino women: Gabriela Silang, Melchora Aquino, Maria Clara, Urduja, or Miley Cyrus?
Who is an ideal foreign statesman: Franklin Delano Roosevelt? John F. Kennedy? Ronald Reagan? George W. Bush? 
Does Filipino literature of Balagtas and Bukaneg allude to Rabelais or Chaucer? The Iliad or Ramayana? The Trobadours or the blind singers? 
Does it quote the Bible, Qur'an, Marcelo Santos, or the swag quotes more often in social media sites?
What kind of Music Filipinos love to imitate: female singers like Thalia or Fergie? Rock bands like Nirvana or All boys singing group like the Backstreet Boys? Rappers like Tupac Shakur, Kanye West, or Lil'Wayne? 
Whose movies Filipinos ought to base upon: Bollywood with its song and dance numbers? Hollywood with its fantastic scenes? Korea with emphasis on love teams? Or Mexico with its romance? 

Well, expect answers as more western and its bastardised counterparts. They would glorify Reagan since most Filipinos are frustrated American exceptionalists, that they would listen to Lil Wayne since they glorify crass pride than realism as Tupac Shakur speaks of. Movies would cling to a fusion of both Mexican and Korean kind with the former as its dominating thanks to a hundred years of being Hispanic and penchance in anything passionately romantic, and since this so-called Modern Filipino had cultivated these, then that Filipino is far from what is presented with the actuality shows how the Filipino itself is far from its once-colonised but culturally rooted ones like Malaysia and Indonesia. These two countries were colonized by the British and the Netherlander, yet they remained Malay with its rooted culture be tempered by the ideas brought by its coloniser. The Philippines, save for those who are deeply rooted in its heritage, end subscribed to wholesale westernisation that makes its own neither as Malayan as the Banawe rice terraces nor Hispanic as Manila's Intramuros, but American as Gonzo porn peddled at the streets of Quiapo. Yes, Gonzo porn that created pornstars like Kaylani Lei, Charmane Star, and others westerners think of about Filipinas. 

These manifestations showed the actual such as a frustrated westerner rather than the idealised Filipino as deeply rooted in its heritage, history, culture, and identity. Perhaps, outside Mega Manila lies care for its own culture amidst commercialization and its effects (thanks to those whom are really concerned about their own consciousness). But as everyone noticed the policies of the present order, be it demolishing old yet remarkable structures to an education system that emphasise in English and slave mentalities, as well as focusing on globalisation and anything what that "single toothed monster" known as "Civilization" had given, has made the Philippines creates its own mess and still washing its own dirty linen amidst its self-proclaimed modernity. 

No offence, but true as based from actual observation. In their perspective they show their pride regardless of being called as "overdressed monkeys" to the extent of disregarding dignity for gold dusts. That the system, in its interest-seeking ventures cares much about profit cares less about its own heritage, regardless of venting rhetorics such as about making a nation great. It may take years or even centuries, millenia for these people to regain their lost consciousness if that's the case despite having a museumified showcase and misemphasis on cultivating a domestic yet as what they say "globally-competitive" aspiration.
Once, Leticia Ramos-Shahani tried to make a set of ideas that involves "moral recovery", but did "moral recovery" supersede the neoliberal intentions of the present system supported by her brother, Ex-President Fidel Ramos? No. Not even Joseph Estrada failed to justify his patriotism citing the fact that he agreed US forces to 'visit' that also means tolerating their intrusion after being expelled last 1991. And Laurel's Racial Pride during the Japanese Occupation? Except for a few, committed ones, most treat pride as cosmetic as beauty queens do, or as cockish as sportsmen and dancers, artists eager for popularity than talent. They can't even protect wholeheartedly the edifices of the past as the demolition ball of progress hath swung over amidst criticism and concern. 

When will the people gain consciousness about its own? If anything has been destroyed and be replaced by canned ideas peddled by the few and be called culture and the arts? That three stars and a sun enough to call as patriotism while those who really fought for peace, land, bread, and justice be assailed and called as thieves and subversives? The Filipino continues to search on its own self despite wearing a series of masks for generations, it had tried to be Hispanic, Chinese, White or African American, yet since the country tries to assert independence, of presenting itself as modern and progressive, how about rebuilding its own identity with all of its experiences as its basis? Shahani is right to tackle Moral Recovery same as Laurel in his Racial pride, but in order to recover and regain that pride requires rethinking about its own sanity amidst the modernities being experienced and craved for, such as "who really the Filipino is?" 

Well, to quote Joseph Mobutu Sese-Seko, here's a reminder:

"Authenticité has made us discover our personality by reaching into the depths of our past for the rich cultural heritage left to us by our ancestors. We have no intention of blindly returning to all ancestral customs; rather. We would like to choose those that adapt themselves well to modern life, those that encourage progress, and those that create a way of life and thought that are essentially ours."

But in lieu of Authenticity is today's ContemporAntiquity. Yes, it is not all about returning to age old customs altogether, but how to fuse the good from the old and of the new, of making adopted ideas be geared to the fulfillment of the aspirations of the people, particularly those of building a better future that is, beyond what the system tries to invoke and its adherents insist. 
Anyways, as those who favor giving up Filipinoness thinks that reviving Filipino consciousness means backwardness, then so be it; let them think it that way not knowing that reviving one nation's consciousness requires how to bridge the aspirations of a once glorious past and the trying present for the future. The culture remains under crisis, the identity remains under confusion, it's up to the people how to deal with it. 



Otherwise, the country that is called the pearl of the orient is nothing but a concept left unnoticed for generations. 


***

People may dare to ask this person why he wrote this in English citing its foreignness, but come to think of this: English is now beyond boundaries as a language of trade and commerce so is Chinese and Russian. Someday Mandarin Chinese would supersede English that would compel Filipinos to study it despite initial opposition. There's even Philippine English that oftentimes broke American grammar and pronunciation; and frankly speaking, every writer, no matter how the language it use such as its own or a borrowed one, emphasise the idea being presented in its message to please the people such as patriotism, and ContemporAntiquity. Much more that English and other languages of trade serves as a conduit to express the sentiment people wanted to invoke with.

Or will this writer need to reiterate what Lenin said? Then let's just say that English acts as a rope in which those who slander and repress the learned oppressed will end use to hang themselves. 


For Jeanne Mari Alanis Diwata,
2014

Sunday 14 December 2014

"Bells are pealing, and yet still everyone is suffering"

"Bells are pealing, 
and yet still everyone is suffering"

A Christmas day rambling
by Kat Ulrike



Bells are pealing, and yet still everyone is suffering.

These are the words this writer had said to himself as he passed in San Sebastian church and seeing its needy bystanders waiting for charity such as a passerby to give coins or food on. The scene is quite common though especially in this so-called season of sharing, sharing that is shorn off of significance save for a face value to impress themselves as "caring" and "thoughtful."

However, amidst the messages that emphasise giving and sharing, few are serious besides those of priests, nuns, and the so-called concerned who actually did just to impress themselves. This writer find it common to see them doing their virtue, but how about others, particularly those who did but for the sake of making an impression of "becoming virtuous" amongst others? Are they seriously doing it as one with the people, or merely just trying to escape from the realities that haunted them as social sinners, Social sinners that includes those who can't even lift the really concerned out of disgust and of not giving just to the disenfranchised? 

It ain't be sharing nor giving but a mockery of it. They had gave them but not uplift its spirit. Driven by impression seeing such drives yet on the other hand can't even uplift its fellow by turning that aspiration into an opportunity. Of what is having a job if there's an end of a contract? Of what is building that house if it is substandard and only to be swept by sudden wind and rain? Of what is donating rice if that rice likely to rot after months being stored in a warehouse? Despite their so-called drives and pseudo-charities still the vast mass are greatly seen waiting something that is worth real. Be it jobs, education, justice that can be really felt and not a mere semblance of it. They also roll up their sleeves, but that work of theirs are meant for few days, lucky if that is for a week for survival; but then they are still waiting, seeking for someone who has the heart of gold to lift their limb, mind, heart and spirit to carry the task. 

Perhaps, amidst all the calls and of those who afford to "help", few would really dare to talk and really give aid not just with these beggars, but even the slum dwellers, prostitutes, displaced victims of war and calamity, people those from high treated them as bullshit than a person in need of immediate concern and given justice. Christ did mingle with them, healed their illnesses, defended the unjustly blamed, shared with food amidst the ire of those trying hard to be holy and righteous and yet failing to serve those in need; and when Christ died, he entered hell and freed the damned from their damnation with all their reprentances. 
And yet in this modern-day suffering, who's gonna take them out from damnation? As the rest rather pray and pay indulgences for the sake of appearing righteous and full of pride, there are those who willingly enter hell to bring the willing out of their suffering, be it poverty, repression, disenfranchisement, despair, misery that made them into sin and trying to escape on that cycle. For sure amidst all the concerns they can't even talk even to a single prostitute for the fear of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and the narrowest idea equating talking with them to just favors of sex, or even beggars and vagabonds for the fear of these people are thieves if not using the alms money for their drugs. Of what is freedom if freedom is limited to a mere selected few treated as an academic treatise or an impression seeking for an applause? Bullshit! That is not the freedom being yearned by many and died by those struggled for! 

Again, the bells continue to peal, but these people are still waiting the one who will rise from their suffering. The suffering is not limited to the wretched of the earth as Orlando Castillo said, but to those whose aspiration includes breaking free from the cycle. 

Or they are willing to rise up for themselves, but they need a guide who had heard the bell that repeatingly peals, "for the kingdom of God is in you" as what Tolstoy says.

Tuesday 9 December 2014

Braving the rain, except the stupid.

Braving the rain, except the stupid.




It seems that there are still stupid people venting their nonsense even in the middle of continuous rain.

Like last year's typhoons and torrential rains, there are those who rather prayed for continuous rain for the sake of "getting chill" if not cursing the entire place for being "sinful" and "be punished" by nature's sudden wind, rain, and floods, sounds stupid and shitty as these people stated rather care about their own interests, specifically their cherished vices if not a personal vendetta that puts a specific ethnicity bad light as they posted it in their social media accounts.


That somehow made people concerned, including yours truly think quite annoying about this. Some did repent after a strong reprimand (including putting down their infamous posts), others rather remain unrepentant in their statements gone screenshoted cursing those living in an affected area for being sinful if not getting "enjoyed" for having no activity and instead seeking a chance to escape. "I don't want to study, I want to party" is one example of this.

But come to think of this, why people concerned has to comment about their bullshit? Most of them did have time for comfort in their rooms, warmed by their electric stuff such as their laptops and tablets, but does not mean has to make bullshit such as cursing the other for having their homes swept by the sudden rain and storm; the latter may've been homeless, but not hopeless as they brave those winds, rain, and storm coming from the east. Those whom braved the rains would also say that it is natural for a country to face these and instead be prepared in facing the sudden rain, strong wind and its consequences, while some rather call for a prayer in order for a country be spared from its coming.

And since there are those whom afford to curse the victims, or carelessly enjoy for chrissakes, haven't they noticed that they are living in a country whose climate consists of wet and dry? Of sudden heat and continuous rain? Even coming typhoons, unexpected earthquakes and sudden volcanic tremors? Perhaps they should think before they do so. 

For their words unravels their idiocy and stupidity. The victims and the concerned did brave the rains, except the stupid who cares about warming their asses.



Sunday 7 December 2014

"Take a Sip and Eat a Toast to quench your heart most."

"Take a Sip and Eat a Toast to quench your heart most."


It was yesterday when this writer has visited a nice watering hole in the outskirts of Sampaloc.

Mostly full of computer rentals, swag stuff, and the likes, this writer had sought a different place reminiscent of his visit at Cubao Expo's Sweet Ecstasy. That ironically, owned by a partners whose initial commitments are different from having this kind of establishment: one is an engineer to be, the other a doctor, and the last a computer programmer. These three this writer would say somehow have interest that brought into this kind of idea such as a place to eat and enjoy.

Quite cozy though like Sweet X's, but the difference between the cookie and chocolate milk shop this writer enjoy most months before and today is the serving, such as coffee and toast, whether it is a sandwich or the waffle.

Banana Nutella Bubble Waffle
(from "Sip & Toast" Facebook page)

To some, this would mean a breakfast treat just like the familiar Pancake House due to the waffle, but sadly, the establishment opens in the afternoon and closes at midnight, yet no worries, dormers and students in and around Lepanto-Gastambide area go there for a cozy review, a chitchat, or turning on their tablet, cellular phone, or a laptop computer since there's a wi-fi for their internet-hungry gadgets aside from a serving of a coffee, tea, and a meal of toast or pasta for their satisfaction.


This writer did enjoy their mocha frappe while trying to finish his writeup being posted a day ago; with enough sweetness and balanced between the foamy frappe and the coffee, that drink somehow did complete his day to finish his work and make this writeup possible.


And the good thing? In a budget-friendly price! Most establishments in Manila area tried to be "budget-friendly" in serving such as these amidst its expensive appearance, but perhaps "Sip & Toast" did so citing the fact that the place is situated in those who can't set such cozy "watering holes" like this, and giving the students, dormers, residents alike the chance to offer their delicacies usually found in stalls far from their comfort zones.
The owners, coming from the University of Santo Tomas would have afford to set this establishment near their alma mater, but, citing practicality would say that they chose a different venue citing its "centred-ness" to different schools as well besides UST: be it from the National University, University of the East, Far Eastern University, and other schools within U-Belt and Mendiola Consortium; and again with its price and ambiance means more students to come and enjoy the food "Sip & Toast" hath to offer.

Since the place is cozy, the food seemed good and affordable, then perhaps this writer had sought another place for a watering hole, eating and thinking, reading and enjoying like any other place he had went to.

Cheers for the owners and hope that the place continue to thrive for the future.


***

Sip & Toast is located at KB Building, Lepanto st.cor. Cataluna, Sampaloc district, Manila.

Friday 5 December 2014

"Still your country can't popularise robots"

"Still your country can't popularise robots"

(or "All after seeing robot displays in a collector's shop
 yet still stepping in a country failing to industrialise itself)




At first, it's been so long for this writer to recall one of his writeups particularly those on how science fiction in the Philippines failed to cultivate due the country's culture prior to making this hell-of-a-kind post.

That, despite initial creations featured in every film, comic, or even television series, science has not quite well known in a society whose mysticism is emphasised, or rather say dwellth in a fantasy with emphasis on idealised love if not bouts of laughter and drama. Yes, to the extent of telling how Science Fiction is incompatible with Filipino sensibility.

However, despite almost unpopularity in the present (as in making anything science fiction unthinkable, thanks to emphasis on disencouraging science, industry and favoring pseudo-literature that is full of "passion") there are still those who continue to be imaginative in regards to Science Fiction Filipino-style. It tries at least to bridge some Filipino sensibilities though, but, that task is difficult and at the same time likely to have enough followers looking for something new. 


That there are still those who can afford to create robots such as those besides collecting old ones and be displayed in the glass shelves with features reminiscent of the old Ysmael Steel figure. UVLA, the shop located at Cubao Expo used that robot as one of its "trademark", a main showcase being featured besides old toys and other collectibles. 

But despite efforts and the system still chose backwardness hidden behind 'modern' façades, still your country can't popularise robots the way they popularise assholes and its sickening jokes being played thoroughly in the radio. For sure most people can't recognize the unfamiliar works left by artists, writers, and of course, scientists whom were trying to steer modernity least in par with its neighbours; if there was, then likely as a compliment to a fantasy or comedy people familiarised with rather than emphasised amidst the use of space travel or then-modern machineries. Apologies to those who ought to oppose this person, but it is indeniable that science in the Philippines is limited to the creation of medicines from herbs, handicrafts while technology is as limited to an experimental phase, mostly shown for curiosity's sake or mere showcase of pride. 


Textbooks did recognize the works of Gergorio Zafra with his videophone, Fe del Mundo and her jaudice healing device, or even the Hispanic-era cannon maker Panday Pira, but did the system really encourage besides giving them citations those who have the capability to churn the machineries of national progress? The system did speak of progress through commerce and trade, but not from the foundry that creates anything including those of robots in which UVLA hath end collected and displayed as a remnant of a promised past.


And speaking of Ysmael Steel and its figure it also means a future trying to forge with such as producing steel, making refrigerators, self-proclaiming that they were building a country amidst laws favoring exporting its resources than processing just to feed, clothe, shelter, empower its people no matter they were being called oligarch because of its big, compradore nature frustrating to be an industrialist. Sadly, despite its "idealism" the steel foundries had been closed and its figure remained a memory of the old; and although there are other companies trying to be like Ysmael, like PBM (Philippine Blooming Mills), Iligan, or Guevara's own Radiowealth, Philacor (Philippine Appliance Corporation), and National Steel, they end bankrupt if not unjustly absorbed by a foreign one using development or investment as its pretext. Concepcion Industries, the last amongst these frustrating industralists did survive and still frustrating to be like those of the past (and even going beyond), but are they willing to carry the painstaking task of strengthening existing foundations and building new ones? Maybe yes because they are industrialists as they proclaim, or maybe no because they are compradores and to sell according to the market's wishes is the "call of their heart".

It may sound frustrating for those who have the tools, the billions to just to have a hard trying, replicating, reviving the aspirations of the past all after getting bombarded by anything that is cheap in everybody's eyes. Cheap in a sense that  there's no need to produce anything, letting resources of its own be exported, and instead buy what is readily made for them such as steel bars to cellular phones assembled in China or in India (and domestic-based companies did bought these cheap despite self-proclaiming as a Filipino-owned company!). They rather laugh, calling them half-crazed at those whom willing to provide ideas for the fact that the system can't seriously give something to encourage industrialisation and stimulate further production in a country, that ironically, has much resources that still extracted for export.



Unless science and technology geared for industrialisation is encouraged, the country that boasted its rich resources rather remain backward amidst its facade and how it produces microchips and assembles cars, for there's no heavy industry that a nation serve as one of its own foundations for its own revival, a real renaissance to appraise with.

Or as what this title says: "Still your country can't popularise robots."