NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE

NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE

2012 was an extraordinary yet strange year for most of the people.

Ranging from celebrating the prestiegious olympics at London, of  ex-CJ Corona's ouster through impeachment, of continuous crisis and criticisms towards the Aquino regime, of Obama's victory over Romney, to the hysterical "end of the world" that is, misinterpreting the message that "ends of an era" Mayans speaks of, everything that somehow people would rather speak with sarcasm.

But then, it was a great year for everyone so to speak, despite the shortcomings especially brought by the typhoons and the defeat of Manny Pacquiao by Juan Manuel Marquez, the Filipino showed rescilience long enough to withstand storms, criticisms, everything crap what the system tried to impose to its people-only to be given sarcasm other than resist.

But honestly speaking, despite all everything this writer said, the age-old spectres of crisis, poverty, injustice prevailed much that despite new buildings, innovations, and rising of GNP, GDP rates, same old issues remain at large such as the peasant question and inequitable sharing of wealth. Obviously, people's patience has becoming thin especially in regards to the privatization of hospitals by those who speak about "affordable health care" especially for the needy; quite strange to see same things and possibly to be sought next year, but hopingly not becoming worse.

Yet the fact that making ends meet is difficult despite government attempts to alleviate such as Conditional Cash Transfer program, yet aloof in regards to growing unemployment, peasant question, contentment in imports and even disregarding attempts to self-development such as industrialization and promotion of local enterprises in pursuit of saving jobs, it is much justifiable that people grow clamor against the system and not just the head of state-that somehow justifies direct, revolutionary action of the poor as necessary as a solution to the aggravating social crisis what those on high disregard much.

Anyways, in seeing such things creeping over in this society lies the fact that the ones on high rather keep the status quo and making fools out of everyone especially those who worked hard for their benefits such as social security, medicare and the like. Foreign investment is good though, but why not intensify local enterprise and agrarian reform to generate local-based jobs and local-based development? Aquino's "Righteous path" is somehow good to hear, but if that is fatal as a killer highway, what the heck is he talking about then? Righteous yet in actual full of corrupt officials and failed programs, aloof in agrarian reform by distributing hacienda Luisita directly to the peasants, it's not surprising that protests would intensify this coming year as inequity continues to prevail all over as evidenced by these.

After all, people tried to succeed, but if the system disregard these people by intensifying inequitability, perhaps the path itself isn't righteous contrary to the statement- thine society is backward despite the edifices, the paper programs, rising rates, yet the entire society remained agricultural and contented in imports? Well, it is true that this coming year, as long as same issues continue to creep over, it is true enough that the vast majority of people must raise their level of struggle; greater than ever, especially against oil price increases, wage freezes and the two-tier wage system, the demolition of urban poor communities, land grabbing, incursions of mining operations, the corporatization of public health service, the K to 12 program, the privatization of public schools and hospitals through so-called Public-Private Partnership programs, charter change efforts to embed IMF-imposed policies into the Philippine constitution and other attacks against their national and democratic interests.

Again, the third world, such as the Philippines rather emphasise the importance of self reliance despite having foreign investment as means of support, but coming to think that if change starts from the individual, why not as well the society? Discipine can be good though, but just to keep the status quo seemed to make people nothing at all except being compelled to content on such things far from aspirations, of reducing ideas into mere pipe dream being whined by many. For sure everyone noticed that despite paper reforms and modern buildings it's all but icings, toppings that covers an inconvenent truth such as inequity and repression.

That somehow requires a protracted struggle that encompasses the individual and the society. Limiting the individual as espoused by the ones on high isn't enough to solve everything, especially that next year's issues is as same as last year's.

As what the Conservative David Cameron said:

"We can look to the future with realism and optimism. Realism, because you can’t cure problems, that were decades in the making, overnight. There are no quick fixes and I wouldn’t claim otherwise. But we can be optimistic too because we are making tangible progress. We are doing what’s right for our country and what’s best for our children’s future. And nothing could be more important than that."

In other words, struggle is protracted in pursuit of every perennial problem; there may be various ideas acting as means to solve, but on the other hand, contrary to those who had done nothing, it ain't no dinner party or any kind of gimmick the way those on high are celebrating in Republiq club at Paranaque while the ones are suffering, that somehow this writer would ask this: "when will be the time people sing the Internationale in every street? For sure everyone should remember 2012 as the year of Occupy Wall Street- And next year perhaps would have new wave of occupiers all over the world as well!"

For now, with our glass-full of wine or soda raised, let's say "cheers to all" despite the crisis, and somehow this coming 2013 the struggle of the people will always prevail as envisioned by those who aspire for better living.

Dare to struggle, dare to win this 2013!

A message for Christmas

A message for Christmas

Well, sorry for being late, but in this post, this person felt obliged by his heart to convey a message in celebration of this wonderful occasion.

That, despite the long hours of thinking and marred by loneliness, as well as less gifts, Christmas is not about gifts nor fairy tales around, or even what Mass Media speaks such as sharing or any other flowery kind of act in pursuit of saving faces. Christmas is about repentance for the name speaks of the man that made us think and reflect: CHRIST.

Most people may celebrate it much with pomp and glamour as expected any year, but  coming to think that poverty prevails same as repression and injustice, such glamour manifested such as Christmas lights and dinners are merely fantasies for those who worked hard to satisfy a rich man's stomach. 

They may've been compelled to rely on charity such as old, used clothing, toys, and canned goods alongside a bonus not enough for their needs in times like these such as rising costs of living. Obviously, Christ didn't born with such fantasies and save faces of the rich but more of humility in a world of treachery such as Herod's who wanted to kill the Sun of Justice that glows in everyone's barren hearts.

In other words, why not repent other than enjoy?

In this picture most people sought everytime especially this season, people had forgot the significance of Christmas such as relieving the virtue of faith, hope, and love and instead reducing charity into a desperate attempt to save face such those of a corrupt; this person may had been sinned for decades, but least in seriously performing such virtue, ora et labora, may as well be absolved in the eyes of the man whose day of birth been celebrated today.

After all, he personifies justice and he dispenses it fair especially those of the poor that desires fairness and justice. This Christmas, why not aside from giving, sharing and celebrating, also includes repentance in the form of struggle for justice and righteousness? Christ doesn't celebrate his occasion usual people do, perhaps he's simply reflecting and giving thanks to those who pray for him and struggle in a society he envisioned.  

Anyways, have yourself a liberating Christmas and a promising New Year. 

Enough of illusions, open thine eyes!

Of fireworks, Lanterns, and LONELINESS

Of fireworks, Lanterns, and LONELINESS

Seems that this person seemed to be lonesome and sad in a middle of an event that lies happiness and perhaps wanting if not needing a companion. 

In fact, quite saddening for this writer thinking that other than having no companion, less money and being late in coming, he felt the loneliness even more as he nearly traversed the academic oval yet end cut short by a passing by of friends who sought him then stayed at the main library wherein others enjoyed playing loud music and a bottle of beer; this writer chose not to drink and instead listening to their chats, but his yearning still remained and he bid thee his friends "goodbye" just to walk again and contemplate.

As he walked by, he felt thinking about people whom he made him happy. Of course, they wouldn't come with reasons such as  they're busy or obviously they simply put no interest in going "on the pretext of nighttime" or something just to say in. It's human enough for this writer to be envious about these people, that made him asked how come they enjoyed with him in theirs yet they couldn't join in and enjoy on his even once such as UP's Lantern Parade?

And as he heard the crackle and boom of the fireworks, of maroon and forest green sparkles in the night skies, he nearly had tears that he immediately wept off thinking that "nothing happens if this be solved through weeping" and instead enjoy beyond loneliness and contemplating. 

And yet, as he heard the song "Last Christmas" by George Michael, lies sadness:

"Last Christmas, I gave you my heart

But the very next day, you give it away

This year, to save me from tears

I give it to someone special..."

Perhaps that song quite relating though. It wasn't Christmas but in fact having this writer fell in love to a person would say be serious enough in giving what others do despite saying "is this true or a joke, why not?" to a girl who wanted him to be with her. But that relationship was short-lived due to awkwardness, differences, including money matters and family arguments involving the relationship itself that cost this writer his work and love life, that somehow made him rather focusing on his basic problem such as himself as a person including those of giving up the relationship that perhaps much likely to be described hopeless.

And as the song continues it tends to repeat such flashbacks such as her's as this person tries to move on. In fact, he prefers his inspiration who is also his companion, she didn't join in as well out of getting busy; but in listening to that song sung by George Michael's lies the yearning of wanting a companion, even once in that occasion.

Thinking that he had been miserable all after having an awkward relationship, lies the fact that yes, difficult to keep it firm-coming to think your someone and yours are different in ways of living? One tends to be chill and bit poshy, who loves sight seeing, reading, drinking coffee or listening to some jazz and relaxing music while other one likes wild parties, booty shaking and liquor? The latter's reluctance of not going has the legitimate reason such as busy in certain commitments  but on the other hand does it really mean busy or just plain and simple just answer to hid a real one such as not interested? Well, it is earlier as expected to hear their reluctances despite wanting them to enjoy even once;
After all, this writer had been lonesome aside from being with family and some of his colleagues in the struggle, that he prefers reading in the library and he faced the taunts and foolish remarks that somehow bear some scars and faces of disgust; as expected, the ones he stated whom remained with him understood most the way he understood them so to speak, the lies the outmost feeling of trust and security, love and camaraderie despite the awkwardness and Anyways, seems that the topic turns out to be attackish in nature! (burst of laughter, a respite from sadness)

Perhaps, true enough to consider that you ought seldom, if not cannot please people no matter what it is.

After all, despite the emotions, consummatum est, all has been done; and others would say "next time" about it, but obviously better say "thanks" and leave it out of lessons learned or act choosy the way been done to, thinking that they want to be with you in a certain place they took upon while getting aloof on yours, quite unfair isn't it? After all, it's all about choices, and lies the results no matter what had been made of. Yes, this writer made the event for him to contemplate and nearly soul-searched everything and end writing this kind of reflection that obviously speaks of loneliness, love and a degree of angst especially to the one whom became close yet took chance not such as this. Does it mean relationships be limited on a certain area instead of encompassing everything? Or just be limited to a place like Recto or their favorite areas for they enjoy it with? This writer can't even go not because he doesn't like but he had no time other than writing and his side-line such as designing! Anyways, it's been done, and it may not be easily forgotten as well! He may've been silent but does not mean he cannot convey feelings and be numb such as making this reflection, for he's tired of it. 

Admittingly speaking,  all despite the fireworks, the floats, the Christmas lights, of people around the dearest of alma maters appreciated, lies loneliness that this writer had felt whilst traversing and seeing "happiness" by the lights and feat that's the Lantern Parade. 

That's all had to say, and perhaps my apologies to the stricken.

For now, here's a video from George Michael:

"Brabançonne"

"Brabançonne"
(The song of Brabant)

Prior to making this version, this writer heard the stirring tone of the Brabançonne being the Belgian national anthem. 

However, that anthem being played originally invokes freedom than those of the King all after then Prime Minister Charles Rogier edited out the original lyrics attacking the house of Orange whom then controlling Belgium as part of the Netherlands in the early 19th century. That, somehow this writer, after reading the first and second versions (both made in 1830) created his version, in English, that invokes "Land, Law and Liberty" and perhaps more radical than the version being sung in Belgium today.

As a writer, perhaps being inspired by the original words and the music itself quite compelling to create the words stated below that somehow Alexandre Dechet originally tend to invoke to: of struggle against the tyrants with its blood that waters the tree of liberty.

Worthy children thine valiant, courageous

Whose passion rouse thee through endless call

With all your fervor that lies upon your land we trod

With great successes lie in store

We'll keep our arms firm so that naught shall change

Let us keep as we affirm

And we will see the bloom the flower anew

Upon the tree of Liberty

We've heard the cries of murder and pillage

Laid by the wicked and of the few

And yet with all your forceful courage

Had swept the cruel thus freedom anew

And now their filth has now been coming

Our land again thus been soiling

We'll keep defend the struggle now asound

Upon the tree of Liberty!

Will all the strength and passion awaking

We all avenging fighting for right

Against the damned few still stubborn and creeping

Trying to fight with all their might

And still despite the dead and wounding

We'll keep the land worth defending

With Scythes and Guns, cannons will drown the foes in our blood

Beneath the tree of Liberty!

So proud the brave peoples amongst us

From towns to trenches, not flinched amid the fight

With all the wealth and all the countless lives

Fighting their spectre and of the fright

With guns loaded and bayonets raised

And scythes and pikes, masses in blades

Preparing all with pride to hell their rage

Beneath the tree of Liberty!

And with the cries and tears came afalling

After the brave died with pike and shot

Before the goddess of freedom now in your arms

The Common's Noble! The cruel's damn!

Beneath the humble soil you are now laid

Martyrs! Sleep till day awakes!

Sleep in peace afar from the enemy's rage

Beneath the tree of Liberty!

And now after the months of rage and ravage

You are now risen from thy tomb

With the crown of freedom in head raised

The tree of liberty's still green and remain

We swore to thee as once remembring

Again affirm as we hath sing

And evermore shall sing your people:

Our land, our law, and Liberty!

Our land, our law, and Liberty!

Our land, our law, and Liberty!

Of oppressed people wanting to become BONIFACIO

Of oppressed people wanting to become BONIFACIO

It is quite remarkable that there are people who tried to uphold the legacy of struggle such as those from Rizal and Bonifacio. However, it is the latter what the ones on high tend to treat it with scorn and treating their successes as graces for the slaves such as those of revolution. But despite this writer made this writeup late, least trying to convey respect to the "supremo" as well as making the apathetic understand the very essence of his revolution such as a bloody one.

As recognized by many, the revolution of 1896 was a major revolt of the poor, destitute and of the oppressed; as contrary to earlier revolts that rather led by a conspiratorial elite. Bonifacio's actions tried to put Rizal's works into practice yet it turned radical in a way a reader of Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo ought to turn every chapter into action as he/she endures repression of those times. His revolt was and is entirely a total reaction so to speak, that the oppressed indio gave up enduring the bastinado, of threat, and instead carrying the hardened, sharpened bamboo and the bolo just to fight for land and independence.

Bonifacio, despite his mestizo lineage and lower middle class background, rather joins with the people, particularly with the masses such as wearing the barong tagalog or camisa de chino while at formal times ought to wear the ones ilustrados wore; he may've been similar to the Novales and the Bayot brothers due to their aspirations for self-rule, yet he chose to side with the natives as he himself lived with him in the working class district of Tondo; he may've been less educated yet his work in a warehouse, his understanding of foreign language such as English and German and love for reading books such as Les Miserables, Wandering Jew, and Rizal's novels would meant a blow to the Americans if he lived instead of Aguinaldo who required having a Tagalog-speaking British for an interpreter during his sojourn in Hong Kong and to the ones who made slander out of him yet end up kissing the feet of a foreigner such as the traitorous Daniel Tirona whom became a servant of an American colonel and others who swore under the old glory as well as capturing those who carried the Katipunan standard "simply because they equate Bonifacio to a Bandolero". remember Sakay?

Bonifacio's legacy of struggle, as it tries to realize Rizal's works radically, tends to encompass the entire archipelago as different from the conspiracies of the Ilustrados to revolts of the regions tired by forced labor and tax collections. The rampant corruption of the nobles during Spanish rule created these catastrophes that certain decrees from the crown failed to materialize with, that Ilustrados such as Rizal, del Pilar, Luna tried much to pressure the peninsulares certain reforms in the spirit of the constitution of 1812 that effectively making those living in the Philippines as Spaniards, yet obviously aren't. After all, how come the natives and the mestizos be treated as second class citizens if by law they are be treated as co equals with the insulares and the peninsulares? Such discrimination and toleration of repressive policies created bolo-wielding, gun-toting rebels such as Bonifacio and his band of Katipuneros who tries to tends to realize the works of the reformists yet made radical with their passions such as Independence than Assimilation.

Obviously, they prefer Independence for they are tired of the repressive, discriminatory policies made by the corrupted officials including religious orders whose actions were far from their teachings of the church such as having vast tracts of land including those of communal ones farmers used to till and share their crops together. The ideals of the French revolutionaries like Robespierre, Marat, Danton, Babeuf as well as the aspirations of the natives shaped these people that made the carry the weapon in a way the idealistic Crisostomo Ibarra became the revengeful Simoun.

And yet, despite all efforts, it end wasted due to traitors and apathetics who wished to preserve the system whilst bannering change or not to care at all except themselves. And come to think of it, how come Americans present Filipinos their concepts such as Thomas Jefferson and his ideals, quite nice indeed yet he was the same Jefferson who owns a plantation and having slaves as well! The elites and the middle class appreciated him, the latter for his concept of freedom, the former? Perhaps for his interpretation based from a perspective of a landowner.

And as people continuously clamoring for social change gather at Plaza Bonifacio and marching towards Mendiola in Manila, paying respect to the Supremo isn't enough, but instead they want to advance the struggle what their forefathers wanted: they don't just clamor for independence as what textbooks stated, they clamor for land, bread, civil rights, peace, increase in wages and fair distribution of wealth against those on high such as foreign interventionists, oligarchs, landlords, corrupt bureaucrats and gun toting thugs whose mindsets are as same as the Guardia Civiles and Constables roaming around in search of Revolucionarios whom they called as Ladrones y Bandoleros.

That somehow continues to prevail as Rebels from the mountains continue resisting in a decades old protracted war out of centuries-old repression same as militants who rose out of disgust towards a regime who tries to keep firm despite its rottenness as well as the idiocy given by institutions against them, what on earth would institutions wanted people to be apathetic while at the same time clamor to take part in nation building? Change is both internal and external, it can't be from the self alone but for the society as well. If change is limited to the so-called self, how come old structures remain then? After all, some, if not most people are scared of having old structures dismantled in the name of change such as a social one.

Anyways, as long as old, repressive structures remain, the struggle continues still. Life is struggle as people think of, and Bonifacio's aspiration, same as those from the Katipunan and other heroes serve as guide to the modern day Katipunero that is youthful, fun, free, and rebellious in midst of repressive, backward nonsense.

images from Gerilya, Lukansthoughtworld and Arkibong bayan.

Music, Art, Love: Reflections after listening to new wave

Music, Art, Love: 
Reflections after listening to new wave

A day ago, this writer was listening to his favorite New Wave music in his player. Quite enjoyable and relaxing though all despite the problems this person had encounter on-especially personal ones that, admittingly speaking, at first trying to forget and escape from it.

However, as this writer listened to the feel good old school music of his time such as Punk, Rock, and New Wave, thinking that as most people nowadays are fast discarding such good listening music in favor of mere easy to produce ones being played in the radio, or those made by trying hard musicians who value their faces than their musical talent and its quality, how come there are still people who wholeheartedly put their hearts into the scene disregarding the flow despite describing by many as "left out" of the current trend?

Quite strange though to think that he, despite hearing people around thinking of those kinds of sound as "trash" in favor of canned ones played too much in the radio by singers whose face value been too emphasised,  felt that within those kind of sound described as "trash" lies a bizzare essence, the passion compared to the usual music that others be described as canned and nonsense with popularity and face value as its emphasis rather than its artistry, hence "artless". In fact, some songs played under new wave or any other music during this writer's age are even affected as some, if not most artists took chances of "using" rather than "reviving" what made the music itself its essence diluted.

That really affects the music scene in general and not of a specific genre such as those this writer had much interest in. God forbid but how come these happen for the sake of popularity? New Wave, like Punk, Rock, Grunge, as long as the creativity is nice and the artistry, is good yet how come be replaced with nonsensical one such as what people deemed as "artless?" Passion both word and sound replaced by face value as its emphasis, followed by nonsensical topics and its exaggeration of it, making everything a one big holy crap that is clothed with satin and silver.

Sorry for the fans for they don't admit it, but it is all but true. In making this kind of reflection all after listening to New Wave (as well as others find interest), as well as seeing everything around him, even listening to their favorite sound this writer would say that most rather "join the flow" for the sake of being "a part of the scene" yet in fact the former is another word for "being eaten" as what Lu Xun said. They've been eaten by the "flow" that is cool and glamorous in their senses so to speak, yet in the end those expressions are rather like a mere covering instead.

In fact, this writer didn't made this kind of reflection that focuses on a specific music scene such as New Wave, but rather the days this writer listens to every kind of music to lighten up a barren heart and be inspire the way he inspires to sculpt, make story or write poetry to express the realities around him. Otherwise, he listens for he wants to convey love to someone whom made him inspire "to the core" such as the one whom met in the coffeeshop months ago.

Speaking of the one whom this writer met in the coffeeshop and be inspired by her beauty, kindness, and perhaps love, she remains the same as ever and despite yearning for her love, rather this writer ought to control the feeling, the yearning and instead look upon her as his inspiration and perhaps a good companion that somehow brings nice colour to "his world" other than black and red.
To others, this writer may had been "weak" to show the stereotypical love to a beautiful girl such as his inspiration; but then despite the so-called "weakness" least that the one whom made him inspire showed concern and companionship, of care in a way geishas serve tea in a delicate manner and thus he ought to "pay the debt" as a gentleman. Isn't it because of the books he read, the pictures he sought, or the music that pleases his ears and waters the barren heart? After all, Fra Lippo Lippi's "Light and Shade" somehow reminds of her same as the song "Angel", that this writer wishes to see her "one more time."

Anyways, admittingly speaking, this writeup is supposedly made because of the girl whom made the writer passionate and inspired in his work, as well as the sound that all reminds of that person he met and cherished as a friend. The songs played by Fra Lippo Lippi, A-Ha, Tears for Fears and Spandau Ballet carries the words that somehow this writer tries to convey to her.

Yet being conveyed through the hand, through his artwork that carries the passion such as her's.

Of turning graves into lover's (or bystander's) lanes (in november's first two days)

Of turning graves into lover's (or bystander's) lanes (in november's first two days)

It's all but common these days to see these things happen especially what is deviant from the very essence of the occasion every first two days of November (or even earlier).

As people enter the newly-cleaned graves all with the desire to cherish their deceased relatives, of offering flowers and lighting candles at the top, it showed how much they care for the dead the way when they're still living, along with prayers that somehow appease their souls, invoking guidance, and perhaps reflect all in a moment of silence in a place supposed to be sacred and quiet.

However, despite all these, it end all negated due to the nature what most people see nowadays: nearly turning the graveyard into "lover's lanes" and pseudo-"partyhouses" that the old be described as hindrance, thus negating the solemnity of the occasion commemorating those in an eternal rest other people tried to do so such as flowers, candles, and prayers; worse, oftentimes used as a den of thieves and people sniffing solvent with traces often scattered at the floor.

Further negating especially in late afternoons till evenings, with every grave, tomb, or rather say the whole cemetery itself fast becoming a den of bystanders enjoying not so much loud party music and smuggled booze, all despite the security measures and policies prohibiting, quite awkward to see the culture of decadence as seen by the people, especially the church that described as provoking thinking that how the present generation tend to negate the solemnity of the occasion in commemorating that is not all about the dead but of the divine whose lives given up for the glory of God; why let these things happen such as decadency even if it is discreet? Nothing's wrong to see lovers offering candles and flowers in every grave out of respect as well as invoking love and commitment, but quite too far to turn the graveyard into a mere "lover's lane" with the reason of visiting for the sake of "silence" or nothing at all like those who opted to go, take a seat in one of the graves and make "party" just to say "having fun" in the middle of the occasion.

And making others be described as distasteful after seeing it in actual or in social media although others also tend to say that certain people intended to visit the grave for the sake of silence, privacy, and perhaps "free" especially in invoking love in the presence of the dead yet became negated.

After all, obviously as expected, the simplicity and solemnity of the past is replaced by grandiose decadency due to the wholesale influx of mainstream "modern" culture and its widespread effect. This writer happens not to be a traditionalist, but isn't it too much to see these things happen all despite restrictions and prohibitions imposed as well as the police visibility in other cemeteries not just the ones featured on TV during solemn occasions such as the first two days of November?

Anyways, its their choice to do so, the way they joined the flow for sake.

Mutual aid? or social change?

Mutual aid? Or social change?

Questioning and assessing Rizal's La Liga Filipina 

and its goals leading to revolutionary consciousness 

and social reconstruction

"The future belongs to dare the impossible", these are the opening words of a site made by a motley group of youngsters this writer had visited months ago. It is quite idealistic to say and think about facing the impossibility especially nowadays repression and poverty, as well as creating certain solutions that perhaps tending to lessen, if not eradicate poverty in the Philippines.

Also quite ridiculous, thinking that a motley group of youngsters  reading Hitler's and trying hard to become like him tending to vent such overtly idealistic sentiment (and perhaps making contradictory ideas) in a society that needs social action and realistic approach to problems in fulfillment of its goals, facing the impossible lies concrete, long-lasting solutions that requires heeding the needs of the masses and making a condensed idea that may lead to a solution ending their ire and to usher a society that is worth promising to the people.

So was the La Liga Filipina in its attempt in putting practise to their goals. Recalling on how Jose Rizal, in his journeys around the world, somehow includes a series of reading, research, and assessment of certain ideas and views all for a plan in his beloved Philippines.  That somehow made his idea includes creating cooperatives and mutual aid associations like the organisation he've created.

The idea of Mutual Aid, or "Samahang Abuluyan" was somehow an idea conceived during the Spanish regime, that the Gremios for instance acted not just as a guild, but a mutual aid association of workers whose priority is support for its fellowmen including those of supporting a town fiesta with their patron; it's just that the idea of mutual aid, using ordinary people's perspective emphasises cash credit especially to a poor member of its organisation.

That somehow some Ilustrados had an interest in joining all for the sake of maintaining interests same as middle and lower class Filipinos during that time, in a way that Rizal's objective is to unite the people, create a common cause all to counter the slander of the hispanic race as well as to provide opportunities that includes livelihood, and a degree of social security as A product of cooperativism.

In fact, despite its so-called productive goals, it can be radical to think of, that most rather tend to act pessimistically in thinking about radical change such as Ilustrados who prefer running after their affairs instead of committing themselves to the greater cause such as independence and livelihood, remembering Señor Pasta who rather trying hard to stay away in social affairs despite yearning to support them.

But on the other hand, in treating La Liga Filipina as a mere mutual aid association that benefits the Ilustrados and the common tao, it was quite possible for others not to think of it merely as a mutual aid group as what others trying to; to think that most of them had even read Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, the use of mutual aid was perhaps a front for a greater one such as preparing conditions for independence like what Bonifacio did for the Katipunan.

And yet the reluctance of the Ilustrado majority rather chose to exaggerate Rizal's idealism as reduced to support for one another in pursuit of creating an identity the way Rizal tend to foster cultural nationalism and reduce popular sentiment like independence into a mere goal of making Philippines a province of Spain with a seat in the Cortes; obviously, the idea of Rizal was similar to Gandhi's: he once supported home rule, yet he end up favouring independence using his own methods that was different from Netaji Bose's.

However, aside from Mutual Aid, Rizal also wanted cooperatives to be the backbone of an independent economy; and it was quite thinking that European thought in the 19th century stresses social change such as St. Simon, Fourier, Owen, and perhaps, even Karl Marx whose works became popular and controversial in his time became influences, basis in promoting cooperativism in a form of his pet organisation. In reading the objectives of the La Liga Filipina, it stated that the organisation insists "Mutual protection in every want and necessity" as well as "Encouragement of instruction, agriculture, and commerce" by setting up cooperatives and the means of creating mass based orientation such as the use of sciences and arts to combat superstition. Obviously such ideas were nearly anathema to Spanish rule especially modern Philosophy that was "inimical to religion and order."

Coincidentally, this writer somehow recalled how Sun Yat-Sen tend to introduce cooperativism and promoting commerce as part of his "three people's principles", similar to Rizal's aspirations involving economic-related issues, it is quite thinking that Sun tries to institutionalise his idea of livelihood by means of equalisation of land rights as well as the creation of state owned and supported enterprises that end into private hands and corrupt military men, in fact the concept may be understood as social welfare as well. Especially that in a growing society requires a industrial economy and equality of land holdings for the peasants both Rizal and Sun envisioned.

Such aspirations vested from the people resulted to these attempts such as an economic-related one, it was just that certain opportunists turned the matter into something that they would become their future interest. Yes, the rise of oligarchs came from opportunistic Ilustrados using the Reformist movements and the revolution as its means to gather power and prestige as well as wealth; hence, intensifying corruption as one of the problems the Philippines tries to solve upon. In fact, ideas such as Cooperativism, mutual aid, social credit, or any other economic-related idea are reduced to a mere rhetoric or paper plans as most treated public service as a lucrative business, remember the Cabeza de Barangays whose privilege includes business, their prestige as crown-appointed chieftains affect their livelihood as well; especially that one of their privileges is collecting taxes, tributes, exempted from mandatory labor, that in other words may call these practises created out of prestige as corruptive.

Of course, these practises inimical to National development also turns out to be inimical to social change as well. That as reforms are being left merely in sheets of paper, of treating aspirations as mere rhetoric, these became impossible and illusory sadly to say; regardless of mere contributions such as artesian wells made by Magsaysay or the roads made by Marcos, it rather emphasise the desperate attempts of a statesman trying to curry favour from the people by calling Government projects as "theirs" yet failed to seriously undertook serious matter such as the land problem, industrialisation and dependent on foreign aid.

Take the Land Bank of the Philippines for example,

originally created to financially support the Land Reform program is somehow one example of Rizal's idea of putting mutual aid into practise, by means of loans for the peasants in supporting the said program, however, on the other hand, to think that after a having a code made by Macapagal, a presidential decree from Marcos, as well as two Agrarian Reform laws made during the Aquino and Arroyo administration and an existing department, the issue remains unsolved as landlords continue to dominate as well as foreign owned plantations. It is also hypocritical, that since the Philippines had been under land reform how come multinational companies like Del Monte or Dole retained their plantations in Mindanao the way landlords control their vast tracts of land in Central Luzon and Visayas? Yet the pineapples and cavendish bananas are expensive to be bought domestically or even reluctant in utilising Sugar to various uses other than molasses, rhum, table sugar, alcohol and vinegar? And speaking of farmers, does Landbank support for their farming needs in midst of the massive influx of foreign goods and expensive prices of commodities? What kind of reform is that then so to think of, is it limited for a convenience-seeking economic opportunity on the premise of productivity or fostering social change in developing rural communities?

After all, in digging deeper the so-called goals, ideals, and aspirations of the La Liga Filipina and other succeeding organisations create a question of emphasising mutual aid or fostering social or revolutionary change. Mutual aid, in an instance idealistically foster social change but it turns out to be far from it especially in regards to vested interests controlling, to think that the majority amongst the Ilustrados rather think about themselves and treat the affair itself as a wine and tapas gathering, that was different to the common tao who thinks about the idea of mutual aid as means of upliftment alongside hard work, and through it may foster social change being common tao themselves.

To think that one of the intelligentsia, Apolinario Mabini even speaks of Social Justice that includes assailing the landed gentry over their arable properties that created an ire with Pedro Paterno and the hypocritical Filipino aristocracy;  as according to Jose Maria Sison's "Land Reform and National Democracy":

"Apolinario Mabini, in his Ordenanzas de la Revolucion, a collection of directives for the successful conduct of the revolution, expressed in clear terms the abolition of feudalism as a national objective:

Rule 21. All usurpations of properties made by the Spanish government and the religious corporations will not be recognized by the revolution, this being a movement representing the aspirations of the Filipino people, true owners of the above properties.

The Philippine revolution of 1896 could have been the instrument of the peasant masses for redeeming the lands taken away from them by their feudal exploiters through more than 300 years of colonial rule."

Making the idea and action involving mutual aid, livelihood and others vested in the La Liga Filipina turns out to be the use of collective action of the people especially the common tao against the social ills including those of its own aristocracy; and as expected some tend to exaggerate the idea of these as conditions for social harmony yet in a system brought by Spain means repression and a desire for liberty that created Bolivar's Gran Colombia and Francia's Paraguay; and the ilustrados fear for reprisal from the common tao made them think that supporting groups like La Liga Filipina, Katipunan, even the Gobierno Revolucionario in Malolos would keep them away from the ire of the people and retain its prestige by posing themselves as patriots in front of the majority whose idea of Philippine Revolution was about owning land to till and food to feed aside from lower taxes (instead of "no taxes") for the common tao and abolishing mandatory unpaid labor.

In an assessment, it is quite thinking that the idea behind Rizal's La Liga Filipina as well as mutual aid may questioned whether as bringers of social change or maintaining social order such those of then existing Gremios.  

As the former tends to be interpreted after that Filipinos  especially the Indios, wished for better living amongst themselves and for self reliance with the support of its fellowmen, organisations such as the Gremios, with the La Liga Filipina at its head and guide would laid something that in peacetime would serve as its pillars and ramparts of a growing Filipino society after independence.

While the latter, however, tends to cater the idea of the Ilustrados of keeping their interests as they curry popular support for their goals in a manner how Rizal himself toyed with the idea of making Philippines a part of Spain with a seat in the cortes before toying the idea of independence by reformist and perhaps, putschist means (in a manner how he made El Filibusterismo with Simoun, the former Reformist Crisostomo Ibarra turned a practitioner of the propaganda of the deed);

That scenario somehow related to the scene from the 7th chapter of El Filibusterismo on how Simoun opposed what Basilio hath insisted, as he said:

“Are they unwilling that you be assimilated with the Spanish people? Good enough! Distinguish yourselves then by revealing yourselves in your own character, try to lay the foundations of the Philippine fatherland! Do they deny you hope? Good! Don’t depend on them, depend upon yourselves and work!”

in fact,  the use of reformism amongst the Ilustrados during the Propaganda movement and its latter groups in the Philippines that also involves the use of mutual aid were as inspired by the Gremios as well as their sojourn in Europe that includes influences from Liberal and Utopian Socialist thought; but then these  people involved were rather a number, as most, as Rizal stated are fond of gambling and vices as evidenced in his sojourn in Spain. Obviously, who cares about their homeland if they enjoy themselves? Using their perspective as Bourgeois "Intellectuals" so to think of, especially that the majority had distaste for politics and treating organisations like the Propaganda Movement and others as a wine and tapas event.

That made this writer think it was all in their backgrounds that made Agoncillo and Salazar think that the common tao's Kalayaan at pagkakapantay-pantay and the Ilustrado's  Libertad y Igualidad are different in its nature regardless of its similarity in meaning.

Self-Sufficiency or Dependency?

Self-Sufficiency or Dependency?

This kind of issue continues to be debated for decades as people from all walks of life questions which path should have the Philippines pursue in developing in line of progress and stability as a third world country, as one favors developing its own while another favors dependency on aid and support, such debate in midst of growing poverty, all from the halls of the legislature to the streets, all involving the stock and wet, underground markets, subdivisions and illegal settlements, high rise buildings and factories all aggravating tensions between the prevailing system and its people on which economic and social program should look upon in uplifting the society and its sovereign. 

To the free trade advocates, having a nation open to free trade and smaller government leads to more employment, open markets, information  as well as freedom of movement to provide services to the people. Such advocacy laid to the developing countries tries to emphasise the primacy of markets and trade (than industry and production) as the primary foundation of the economy with minimal government control and a laissez faire policy. 

Quite acceptable to hear free trade and foreign support as means to support the growing economy, all with foreign entities sprawling trying to provide goods and services to the people in a belief that through free trade between countries opens the global market, with as few restrictions on trade as possible to bring goods directly with people satisfying over with low costs as its reason as according to William H. Peterson, holder of the Lundy Chair of Business Philosophy at Campbell University, He states that "the idea of free trade allows the efficient use of economic resources and will promote international cooperation."

As evidenced by the trade agreements and less tariffs paving way to the massive influx of goods, free trade and the right for foreigners to acquire properties, especially in developing countries in need of development created a showcase that emphasises a growing, improving country due to rising GNP and GDP rates as well as having manpower utilized as the country's main asset other than its natural resources.

But, with free trade as its tendency, despite having efficient use of economic resources and promoting cooperation does not also mean promoting interests in a mutual manner especially in the third world. With people not thinking that big foreign companies are primarily working for their respective countries and not the country they've served as one of its branches as it prioritizes remittances, exports rather than seriously paying tariffs and taxes especially in a predominantly agricultural country that became contented on imports due to its weak industry and contentment in having a pastoral and service economy with limited approach to industry (that is, also controlled by foreign entities and its domestic partners whom bragging about industrialization which obviously not due to its assembly line nature with foreign-made spare parts).

Critics tend to call protectionism as a tendency of the oligarchs to keep firm in their properties such as land and resources. Thinking that those from the topmost of the society controls everything including mass media, they have the "regulatory" powers greater than the state that includes circumventing laws for their benefit in a way Cojuangcos stubbornly tried to control the Sugar sector, Lopezes in mass media, and Concepcions in food sector. These familiar names tend to control evenly that involves foreign contracts, collaboration with the state, everything by hook or by crook in pursuit of keeping the order firm in all spheres that critics be described as "protectionism".

However, protectionism is not entirely a tendency of the old rich as what pro free trade advocates speak upon to, to think that the Philippines had rich natural resources yet no basic large scale industries controlled by Filipinos, why leaving every affair to a foreigners whose interest is to make Philippines heavily dependent on imports despite creating jobs, modernizing infrastructure and the like; otherwise creating a new wave of oligarchs that is, worse than the old rich and the current ones in a society deemed as antiquated. In a way a one writeup said:

"...Free Trade became a keyword for prosperity despite pitting down domestic industry, remember how British produced cloth crippled those coming from Visayas; or even promises of foreign aid turned out to be an attempt to gain control of small scale industries growing such as how A.T. Suaco end up controlled by Wyeth, though it is quite considering to have foreign investors in the country, stressing preference to the growing Filipino industry should be retained-alongside genuine land to the tiller program and patriotic, scientific and popular education and culture in pursuit of creating foundations for an industrialised, progressive society."

That somehow made this writer think how let these things happen such as making domestic industry small scale if not doom to fail with massive imports or foreign control in a guise of foreign aid. Protectionism can't be entirely a tendency of the old rich as small scale owners wanted their products be promoted and sold with people gaining benefit from their produce than those of the oligarch or the imported one as the owners of Boy Bawang wanted its products be promoted and appraised by the consumers the way the latter afford to buy Piatos from the Gokongweis and Lays from Frito Lay, least that these people behind tried its best to employ people, utilize resources to support local economy despite being "small" contrary to what trying hard intellectuals ought to describe emphasising domestic economy is as for the old rich.

After all, it's like telling that prioritizing national development, as in NATIONAL development is for the oligarchs and therefore it is bad.

Obviously, it would be wishful thinking for the armchair idealists to speak for economic reforms without thinking what kind the system Philippines was and is other than a plutocratic society controlled by oligarchs; and yet as noticed by many they afford to do a joyride in a caravan that calls for distributing lands in Hacienda Luisita while at the same time favoring foreigners right to own properties in the country. That made people think quite ridiculous on the side of the people that one even afford to say that the Filipinos themselves are fast becoming "Squatters in their own land" while those who afford have the right to claim and create a series of uncontrolled, unsustainable development that benefits the few despite building bridges, and farm to market roads, as well as granaries can't be genuinely described as "development" as long as middlemen controls everything.

Such tendencies is in fact a fantasy of a middle class idealist that is contradicting to those who call for genuine land reform, rural industrialization and cultural revival through patriotic, progressive and popular instruction that would spurn a new wave of Filipino-ness such as its identity.

Thinking how awkward those people concerning about others, of blaming oligarchs and the like are the ones nagging for total openness that is paving way for bigger, unregulated markets controlled by a new wave of interests. If so, then will they pay a bigger share such as a progressive tax as well as promoting local enterprise at the same time? Obviously they are rather aggravating the situation with the nouveau rich substitutes the old, existing one in controlling economic affairs. And such action taken in the name of reform negates rather than justifies paving way for basic changes in a way certain sectors of the society use the word "reform" just to keep the antiquated social order firm and surviving such as those deeply rooted in "tradition."

Also coming to think that since free trade advocates are against oligarchs, then how come some, if  not most favor repealing anti-trust laws and have the nouveau riche say "Laissez faire et laissez passer, le monde va de lui même!" in front of everyone especially tired of increasing prices of commodities, and calling for salary increase and consumer protection? Let them be?!? That's the rant of the old and new rich that tries to keep the antiquated system in order with a fresh coat of paint and dubbed thee as "new."

Remembering how the so-called Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program failed to succeed the peasant question with oligarchs still controlling agrarian affairs and be substituted by companies in the name of corporate farming and land conversion, then even wanting to sell land for foreigners such as companies and like without trying to improve local industries such as promoting cooperatives and rural community based development? The issue on land, being a decades-old problem remains a problem due to the oligarchs's as well as corrupt bureaucrats strong handling of political, economic, and cultural power in the society-thinking that despite all modern edifices, technology and ideas utilized just to preserve the rotten antiquated structure with people evenly exploited by the ones on the top.

Worse, with companies wanting to exploit resources for their benefit than those of the people, the idea of agrarian reform and conservation of natural resources is totally negated in a way that arable lands, mountains, forests and other natural resource had been paved way to subdivisions, open pit mining and others that benefit by entities disregarding people's welfare and outcomes such as shortage of food and other resources. Quite strange though that they tolerate growing populations, contented in imports and expoliting everything all for exports, as cash crops than domestic uses all just to brag that the economy is growing and development is running in a full scale yet "not." In a way Subdivisions are made by companies using housing as alibi for their profiteering and to accelerate urbanization in the suburbs, not to decongest the ones living in the city and to support the demands of the countryside such as community based rural industrialization.

In Argentina, free trade and deregulation was applied during the days of the Military Junta, the policy tries to negate earlier policies laid by the Peron era but, as according to the book "The Crisis of Argentine Capitalism", it failed to improve the economy further contrary to the earlier emphasis on local investment and even foreign ones yet subjected to government policies such as "Import Substitution", as it said:

"Policies of "free trade" and financial deregulation pursued by Argentina's last dictatorship led to a sudden, record deficit in 1980 and, by 1981, a mountain of bad debts and financial collapse. The climate of slack domestic demand that prevailed in Argentina throughout the 1980s resulted in a cumulative US$38 billion in surpluses from 1982 to 1991; this brought the economy little direct benefit, however, as much of this was deposited abroad during that era of interest payment burdens and financial instability."

In the Philippines, import substitution tries to stimulate industrialization such as during the Marcos regime. But  its efforts end rather failed due to the intervening policies of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank as well as controlled by cronies allied with the regime. Obviously, it is mismanagement laid by the antiquated nature of the system failed to accelerate economic programs especially those of self-sufficiency as well as its agricultural nature that is, favorable to the developed countries in regards to the third world; and since there are "industries", it is more of making consumer goods and assembly line ones yet having resources favorable to the creation of heavy industry, that is, end turned down by those favorable to free trade.  As according to Globalsecurity.org:

"The service sector contributes more than half of overall Philippine economic output, followed by industry (about a third), and agriculture (less than 20%)."

In this description lies what is favorable to foreign interest such as prioritizing the service sector than those of Agriculture despite having a predominantly arable land that serves as its asset, a base that requires prioritizing domestic investment, people empowerment and efficient managing of small and medium scale industries paving way to total industrialization such as utilizing resources for domestic use. After all, the system rather keep the society backward and dependent in a way they tried to make Feudalism modern with Capitalistic views injected to the existing ideas and terminology.

Since calls for this kind of development lies the desire for domestic based industrialization and genuine agrarian reform since it utilizes domestic material and labor for domestic purpose, how come should be so much emphasis on foreign investment than utilizing people empowerment seriously in promoting national development? Well, nothing's wrong in having foreign investment to support domestic development but, these aren't substitutes to domestic ones generated by the people such as utilizing its resource to generate wealth; there's not even need to act like China's "Great leap forward" with its backyard furnaces to brag on, least that the need for domestic based development such as agrarian reform would create conditions in having a sustainable yet industrialized economy. And thinking strangely that since people living independent yet contented on having a nature that is as it is instead of developing, it is pretty much worse to have the concept of change reduced into a mere individualist pipe dream of changing lifestyles. And if so, looking at history of the United States, how come the late economist and statesman Alexander Hamilton argued for his "Theory of Manufactures" to point the way to the country's emergence as an industrial power against Thomas Jefferson's advocacy of a "pastoral economy" that is keeping the nation rather agricultural, worse, depend on slave power as well as imports during their times?

The concept of self reliance and promoting domestic enterprise cant be a mere pipe dream compared to a nonsensical and unjust influx of foreign goods with low tariffs yet keeping the country remain predominantly agricultural with its farms focusing on cash crops such as sugarcane, coconuts, rice and other export oriented foodstuffs; while on the other hand, Foreign support, admittingly speaking is also acceptable as long as it does not infringes domestic economy and rather be beneficial as it supports in uplifting people and supporting what is best for the country such as paying taxes and obeisance to domestic law and its regulatory powers.

That made one commentator said:

"Admittingly speaking, it is good to say so that there is a role of the foreign sector, especially the investor in advancing national development, but which is to be its main goal: to generate development or merely to expand markets for their goods? Obviously it makes no sense to see a mass of consumers instead of a mass of hardworking professionals who didn't work all of their lives just for material gain alone."

After all, in seeing such catastrophes in the Philippines such as injustice and poverty, we still sought people dreaming endlessly of progress and development yet still confused on which path to seek upon: economic independence or contentment through globalization.

Which is which anyway?

"After seeing Miah Llanes as Marceline the Vampire Queen in his dream"

"After seeing Miah Llanes 
as Marceline the Vampire Queen in his dream"

Sorry for the title but the title matches both real and the make believe, the tangible and the intangible, as well the fact and the fiction this writer sees of.

Since in this writeup originally made for Halloween, was all made after a week's recollection of ideas both from watching "Adventure time", reading some earlier writeups (like goth scene), as well as being with this writer's friends from his watering hole.

And fact, one of this writer's friends seemingly fit to become a "vampire queen" all because of watching "Adventure time" and having somewhat resemblance in her appearance and perhaps, attitude.

Admittingly speaking, quite strange at first  for this writer to feature about one of his friends and be compared to one of the characters of "Adventure time" such as this. Isn't because she is slim? long haired? Easy going? Well, upon meeting together with Miah and her friends, she likes a fun filled alcohol-laced adventure who loves tricking some of her friends, even this writer's that catches the latter's imagination of comparing her to a vampire queen whose "evil plans" (according to Adventure time Wiki) often turn out to be nothing more than elaborate jokes.

And in comparing Miah to Marceline, especially her easy-going nature and her slim physique, this writer also once heard her singing; that somehow needs some training if she also opted singing as part of her career other than modeling. However, she's more into pop and house music due to her love for parties and alcohol-laced escapades this writer had one-time been part of (but still he prefers writing and a lifestyle that as chill as a chilled coffee).

Unless she end carrying a guitar and play to the tune of a song that would water a burning heart full of agonies in it. 

However, despite her love for modeling, Miah carries uniqueness such as friendliness and perhaps a degree of love for knowledge. She is indeed a model, but some, if not most or few have the capacity to carry flexibility and the use of thine mind to deal with reality. This writer, upon entering her humble abode, and even seeing her busy doing her study habits, somehow showed the reality behind what most think about girls in ramp such as reading a book and enjoying a good conversation.

 In fact, according to Miah (during one of this writer's chitchats), she loves to argue, rather say debate in regards to contradicting ideas and views and she even wanted to become a teacher other than managing and perhaps events coordinating like her friends (such as Marina) who wanted to, that this writer, using the views of others would think of it strangely especially that she's into high culture yet she wanted to be an intellectual such as wanting to teach and a person for others.

And in seeing pictures bearing her love for fashion such as on the ramp, especially the one firing a Browning, somehow reminds of this writer's sketches such as a rifle-bearing maiden. This writer may haven't seen her in the ramp, but in being with her in every meet-up, chitchat, and food trips, likely to say that "yes she may be likely to be described as 'beautiful' but she carries greater than the beauty she showed to us" with examples such as her friendliness, humility, sense of simplicity, a degree of passion for knowledge, and love for words (like "the life and love we create is the life and love we live") all despite the fashion accessories, make up and a dash of naughtiness? That's Miah Llanes.

Anyways, as a writer's suggestion for a model, Miah would have wore these due to her somewhat resemblance with the vampire queen in a cartoon known some people think of its weird graphics and characters, thinking that she had the height, the appearance, minus the fangs, and perhaps since she's versatile, somehow she can manage to do what Marceline has...

And if she sings rock, then would be better! :)

Well, perhaps in all hollow's eve, this writer  again likes to become like Finn and meeting one of his galley friends in a strange world what Adventure time made of.

Or rather say a childish Finn meeting his Marceline.

Ramblings after watching Sigfried Sanchez's Moro-themed films

Ramblings after watching Sigfried Sanchez's Moro-themed films

Sorry for posting this writeup late, for this writer had been busy focusing on the latest issues.

In fact, prior to the infamous issue regarding the anti-cybercrime act, this writer went to UP film center wherein he watched films made by one of his friends, director Sigfried Sanchez.

One of his friends from the University of the East, Sigfried is known for his movies as an actor, scriptwriter and what he is known to, as director. This writer's friend had made yours truly went there to watch two of his movies, mostly Moro-themed and quite realistic as it mirrors the issues what Moro people known for.

And as expected, quite interesting, nice as this writer, watching from early to late evenings with few people interested, two films, namely "Tsardyer" and "In Bangka Ha Ut Sin Duwa Sapah" showed the Moro point of view as well as its struggles, life, and the rebellion itself with its featured Tausug tongue alongside Tagalog and English.

In the movie "Tsardyer", it features a life of a kid being used by a radical Islamic group to carry cellphones of hostages for charging and be used as a tool to communicate with a media group for ransom. The kid, being a nephew of a leader, felt concerned with the hostages as well as befriended them. Only to be killed by a cruel soldier who also killed the kid's mother years before.

One scene in Tsardyer noticed by this writer was that how the kid protagonist had to walk long miles carrying cellphones of captives to a relative's house for charging. The house had electricity despite situated in a secluded area in Mindanao that is full of trees and lush vegetation. Such scenery, although paradise in nature, quite depressing for some coming to think that few had afford to have electricity or any kind of improvement prior to the tension between government forces and the rebels.

Same as in the movie "In Bangka Ha Ut Sin Duwa Sapah", wherein it involved a mother tries to survive along with two kids by swimming from one end of the river to the other using a makeshift bangka made out of banana stalks just to put her two kids to school and selling vegetables.

However, upon watching that movie, it showcases how that mother was once raped by a cruel soldier and being blamed as a sympathizer of a rebel group due to living in the other side of the river. Being a victim of a war torn homeland made her mute yet still trying to invoke her message as much as she could.

Quite concerning though as people like Maryam (the mother) felt the scars of battle such as rape, being displaced, torture and be accused as rebels just because they are Moros, as Muslims who wanted self-determination and peace in their homelands.

After all, true to his activist past, Sigfried Sanchez tends to invoke message of human rights of these people such as Moros using cinema as its tool. And as a writer, gladly appreciate especially on the second movie yours truly had watched and think that such atrocity made would rather somehow speak of vengeance and sympathy to the struggle than a mere peace being tried to invoke to.

Anyways, kudos to Sigfried. Keep up the good work.

All after watching their "October Revolution"

All after watching their October Revolution

It was lately when this writer went to Sta. Mesa to watch a concert.

And despite being with friends, he seemed so alone that his special someone didn't join due to her thesis work, quite concerning but end enjoying as this writer missed watching concerts and the singers featured at Polytechnic University of the Philippines at Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Known as "October Revolution VIII", it features famous bands like Slapshock, Tanya Markova, Chico Science as well as those from the alternative scene like BLKD, Axel Pinpin and Talahib People's Music. This writer, as he watched the concert, sought instead Talahib, Tanya Markova and Axel Pinpin with his Remote Control again featured as one of his spoken poetries being played.

In fact, the said concert still features what this writer described as "AgitPop," agitated in a sense of it invokes opposition through music, the emcees even chanted slogans as well thinking that true to its title, it is more than a concert, but protest justified, come to think of this, what's wrong in calling for additional subsidies such as two million pesos? That same day being celebrated by those students is also a day celebrated by its professors as their "teachers day."

To the bourgeois, quite strange to think how protest and pop joined together in that kind of concert, isn't because of chanting slogans against "anti-cybercrime law" and fighting for additional budget for the university while playing music sung by Slapshock? Anyways, despite getting ridiculed by some, if not most, this writer rather quite amazed on hearing Talahib and their music usually played during rallies such as "Babaylan" and their ever-recognized "On Potok" and its fusion of reggae and ethnic beats same as Axel Pinpin whom also a friend of yours truly.

But on the other hand, sadly to say, this writer's camera had end up its battery empty despite having took some shots of the event itself and its students raising horns and shouting aloud. 

After all, first and foremost, the said concert and the fair at the so-called "People's University" is more of a reunion of friends and close ones as well as those who recognize this person than a concert being attended to watch and hear some music.