"Still, for a new year full of hope despite same persons and yesterday's tasks and mistakes"

""Still, for a new year full of hope
despite same persons and yesterday's tasks and mistakes""

(A new year's message)

At first, this writer, on behalf of this page, wishes the reader a promising new year.

Bluntly speaking, 2019 will be as same as last and other past years. For despite listening to various testaments which are full of colour and of hope, reality goes the contrary: for everyday sees of hunger and despair, of widespread poverty and tricked-down welfare, it is worth to say that this post wishes for their welfare, freedom, justice, and happiness.

There will be numerous feats and shortcomings of various sorts, successes and failures of various kinds, anything gamechanging or continuing, what more that everyone, including this writer will age in that year, some sooner, some later. And for sure that year will bring everyone much labor and worry,  what more that there will be more tasks and prospects and even backlogs meant to be finished.

Sorry for the message being too true unlike the others, and to think that people with various new year's resolutions been promised like past years, most of which are rather likely not to be taken through; what more that there are same old problems that the order failed to address and being passed to another, thus brewing new antagonisms alongside the old.

Hope this 2019, like last year, make everyone answer these questions: 'Do' or 'will' they carry on in their tasks and prospects in every work and life? 'Do' or 'will' they rectify past mistakes and reaffirm some basic principles in life? Sounds political isn't it, but these questions are often faced as one be able to strive for the better if not for the best, struggle in an arduous march of real life, and to live for another day as already an achievement.

Anyway, expect more testaments to come and more events to happen. And like last year, same old faces prevail along with new ones; expect mistakes of various kinds likely to happen, and so are the principles, tasks, prospects, and hopes being carried, passed, and to be realised through especially in this tumultuous times.

Again, have a promising new year. С Новым годом! 

"The need to awaken consciousness in a time of disquiet"

"The need to awaken consciousness in a time of disquiet"

(A Rizal day message)

Several decades ago, on the fields of Bagumbayan in the old province of Manila, the Filipino people witnessed the supreme sacrifice made by a man who soon to become known as the man who forged a lasting influence in the history of the nation. This man, known by many Dr. Jose Rizal, offered his life as he had offered his works, making the cause of freedom and justice, and the dignity of his countrymen be furthered.

That even until today his words resonates through. For like the tragic events in Bagumbayan, or from the prison cells of Fort Santiago and in Intramuros, same events do happen in the present; but instead of a formal execution, an extrajudicial act in the dark thoroughfare, and instead of Fort Santiago and Intramuros, the crampy cells of Bilibid or a safe house will do. In other words- seeing same old devils from an order whose oppression meant upholding interests, and whose victims as crying for change and justice.

Sounds political isn't it? For like Rizal, those who truly concerned about the country would have expressed bluntly. He would had enjoyed his profession and died a natural death, but given the time when darkness, injustice, and tyranny prevailed he had to engage in seeking truth from facts, and with his creativity made people aware that the country of theirs hath to be fought so as to cherish it. 

And because of that, expect the concerned calls for the same calls Rizal desired, what more that there are those who are willing to go beyond the parameters just to realise those lofty goals. However, that same Rizal himself did discouraged the desire to go beyond the parameters of reform like what happened at Dapitan with Pio Valenzuela and the testament discouraged the Filipinos from engaging in that desire; it may sound strange, but to think that with his sacrifice it did became a factor to bring down a coloniser. As according to Miguel de Unamuno:

"Rizal is a soul that dreads the revolution although deep down he desires it".

Indeed, as he made Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo thinking it was any other book to amuse with as Les Miserables and Don Quixote, but the commoner made it more than a book but a guide for action; he also did taught the youth and the old about nation building through mutual aid and cooperation, thinking it meant emancipation and bringing back honor and dignity; he discovered new things using then-scientific breakthroughs, enough to say that the Filipino able to engage in the sciences like those of its neighbours; that made various artworks through sketching and sculpture, showcasing the arts that the Filipino be able to express its talent; and he envisioned a country where people are neither slave nor master but equal in the eyes of god, as he tried his best to counter those who slander his compatriots. 

That even in this present setting his desire continues to rage on those who truly concerned about the country. The system may afford to parrot his statements as any other holiday messages, urging the youth to embody patriotism and to awaken consciousness, but it is the same system that wishes to bury alive those who seek truth from facts and to silence those who dare to question their integrity. Anyway, Quoting from Rizal's "El Filibusterismo":

"Hate never produces anything but monsters and criminals! Love alone realizes wonderful works, virtue alone can save!"

"Even in Yuletide there is Resistance."

"Even in Yuletide there is Resistance."

(ramblings after Yuletide under Duterte)

As time goes by it is worth admissible that the regime is as same as its own predecessors: that behind that curtain called change is a continuity of exploitation.

As shown by recent events, with some depicted in these graphics done by the University of the Philippines' "Philippine Collegian", these actions brought about by the state bluntly directly points to the vulnerable; and despite all its unjustness the regime chose to remain indifferent if not thinking these as collateral damages yet necessary to pursue its orderist agenda.

Quite negative isn't it? That instead of their inclusive-developmentalist agenda presented, the order rather shows its blatant criticism caused by inadequate access to services to those of adherence to bloodied actions redescribed as "imposition of justice". And to think that with all these depictions shows that despite the administration's statement of development, it didn't stop the criticism, what more of anger of the people knowing that the regime itself initiated a bloodied venture in the name of interest.

Be it bleeding dry through "Tax Reform" and its subsequent price increases on commodities and services, or out and out bloodshed through its war on drugs and its obvious target towards the opposition, the Duterte regime has brazenly used his minions to violate the people, while he himself arrogantly pushed his schemes of one-man rule through charter change and bogus federalism. Worse, to see him treasonly sold out the sovereign rights and national patrimony to finance his bloodied ventures.

And because of this statement and the pictures shown for sure expect apologists would cry madly as their idol is being "assailed" because of his actions, if not countering with their usual series of infrastructures to take pride of, treating those as a showcase of political patronage than as a duty of the state to ensure people's welfare in any form.

After all, come to think of this: Duterte promised to end contractualisation, then how come he issued a watered-down decree which was immediately done amidst growing protest? He did promised land reform, but how come landlords continue to keep their foothold in the countryside? Demolitions on urban poor communities left unresolved, so why the fuss on these poor folks occupying abandoned homesites? He promised less tax burden, but where's the take-home pay he promised for the low-income employees when his tax reform law pitted down that same people? And lastly, since he promised to defend national sovereignty, how come he chose to kowtow on both Yankee and Chinese interests with preference towards the latter? These and more would hath made the regime tremble from its seat or making nightmares to a leader who himself becoming a living sarcasm while apologists would again churn counterstatements through their false accounts and pseudo-news outlets, showcasing their series of infrastructure and a "personalist" kind of leadership people think of it as increasingly annoying;
but all these things doesn't stop people from questioning, what more of criticising, for despite these bullshits, it shows that the system, all because of having lack or no guarantee for human rights and welfare hath made chaotic circumstances occur, be it in a form of protest actions to those of offensives in the countryside. Also to think that since the order can able to counter those actions with piecemeal reforms and police actions including this yuletide, is the country truly traverse its intended direction of change and development even in this actually-existing impunity and terror?  Perhaps no wonder why resistance is necessary by those who are victimised by the order's impunity.

Be it through civil disobedience to armed action, the "deed" has been performed throughout making the order even feel its weakness. Will people ever remain contented in its squalor, threats, and harassment? Of course no! The more they cherish that goddamn word "Democracy", "Freedom", and "Justice", the more willing to go beyond the parameters of legality just to invoke those kind of words; and from the idea of attaining struggle by peaceful means has increasingly becoming by any or all means, after all: "ideas spring from deeds and not the other way around", and that deep inside words of "peace and justice", a "fuck you" is internally spoken through a dissenter whose heart been hardened  by the events affecting its own. 

And because of that, one cannot effect socio-political change by projecting an individualist, self-serving, pseudo-positivistic kind of appeal; or by showing a phony, bureaucratic image and constantly spouting unrealistic daydreams of conscienced legislators or despots suddenly heeding the call of the people. There are some conscienced legislators and government officials of course, but this isn't a substitute for the collective actions that pushed the state to compromise with the people (although most of which rather watered-down by entrenched interests).

***

Admittingly speaking, Duterte would have won the hearts of the masses if he took a stance that appeases them, or redescribing his reforms as revolutionary in character; but, obviously, the latter bluntly meant desperately trying to upheld the status quo as he, whilst bannering the word "change" has curried favours from those who kept firm in their interests. Did that tax reform law ever lifted the less paid? Nope, did prices of commodities controlled? Not even, what more of peace in Mindanao which is increasingly becoming those of the grave.
Thus, like any other leader, it shows how Filipino populism has done what was in the past, and with that it has incurred eternal guilt before the Filipinos; for it has brought unspeakable misery upon the people: simply because it cannot keep all its promises, and also because it cannot bring to the people genuine mutual understanding, that reforms are rather sided towards interest seekers, what more that those who disagree are being deemed against by the order whom urges to take part in the venture.

With this, no wonder why even in Yuletide there is Resistance. That no matter how apologists and fanatics ever churn out their views, this doesn't stop the people from seeking truth from facts and the will to scrutinise what goes on in that regime whose bannering word is "change".

Wishing for a just peace and justice this Christmas: all after Duterte's message while seeing its obvious contrary in the season

Wishing for a just peace and justice this Christmas:
Or "all after Duterte's message
while seeing its obvious contrary in the season"

Yesterday, people from all walks of life heard about the yuletide message issued by the president. And unlike his usual speeches, the president spoke in a calm and steady tone as he greeted Filipinos here and abroad in his Christmas message.

"Let the ideas of compassion, kindness, and reconciliation guide as we embrace our countrymen in the spirit of shared humanity," these are the words the president expressed as any other Christmas message coming from a head of state.

Quite promising at first, for knowing that in a regime that promises giving its constituent an ideal good life, it urges the people to cling to the government's promise of ensuring them development, security, and realisation of hopes through its yearly programs commonly featured in its state-owned media and its paid/unpaid apologists.

However, behind all these not all would believe in person whose primary promise is to defend the order: for contrary to the message given, people sought a bluntiest truth. That instead of seeing peace people hear about tragedies, that instead of hope people sought threats been spoken, and that instead of faith one would hear about someone describing god as a stupid being; all these and more falls to a regime whose indifference towards an actually-existing bloodshed been justified by their attacks towards the concerned and this time talks about the spirit of Christmas like any other leader speaking. After all, Duterte is the same man who calls bishops useless and orders their massacre, while his men threatens churchpeople such as what happened few days ago in Redemptorist church in Baclaran, Pasay.

And like few years ago, who he once promised as president that he will bring food on the table; create more job opportunities; and make people feel safer and more comfortable, this didn't translate into immediate action if not being treated those matters as mere politicking- for the fact that unemployment rose, that prices of goods inctease, that people feel unsafe like what said earlier, will people ever truly believe in him? Perhaps a fantic will accept it as gospel truth, thanks to the proliferation of false reports and distorted messages desperately rallying to a soiled standard.

Anyway, people should remember that this season is not all about gifts nor feasting, but rather commemorating a man whose message continues to be relevant: that aside from clinging to faith, hope, and love, also urges the faithful to join in a quest for liberation. After all, he is the man who also didn't bring peace, but a sword.

And to think that this person would say that despite the president's message of reconciliation and unity, this actually-existing fact doesn't happen during this regime- unless that listener happens to be a fanatic and therefore accepting it as gospel truth. But instead of just affirming, the message gives a concerned the best context to fight for one's rights, welfare, and of course, lives this yuletide season and the coming year.

For now, here's a music from Celeste Legazpi. Made by the songwriter Renato 'Tato' Malay, this song speaks for itself, that a country needs someone to help in this tumultous times. Again, have a blessed and safe yuletide.

"Whether near or far, the season keeps everyone near and dear"

"Whether near or far, the season keeps everyone near and dear"

(A Christmas message)

However distant a Filipino from one's homeland, whether working abroad or staying overnight in their offices meeting demands, it will always thinks about the warmth of one's own home, and of a smile of a loved one. 

That from the driver whose long hours of work trying to bring its goods from one place to another, to the soldier whose body hardened by battle end appraised by its colleagues because of its valour, is not embarrassed  that these people end "turning soft" - especially when that occasion includes Christmas, and wherever there are friends, and most important of all, family.

Quite usual isn't it? Especially that even in a time when poverty strikens, there's still a time for joy, that even having a simplest food, or acquiring a simplest gift, these is enough to satisfy one's heart, that even without a Christmas tree, or any adornment, still, that occasion called Christmas tends to be a time for really-really get together.

To begin this post this writer saidth to thee, that despite all the turmoils, time comes that love truly wins and truth be prevails; that no matter what hate or slander be thrown upon, every heart, every conscience, drive each and everyone to love and accept truth. And through this season, it is an invitation for all to share in the grace of the Almighty. Whether near or far, everyone heeds this call with the readiness to impart God's love and blessing to others, and to overcome challenges that the world faces today with work, prayer, and solidarity. 

And since Christmas is at first a Christian occasion commemorating Christ's birth, let that occasion make faith grow stronger in working towards freedom, justice, reconciliation, and peace; and to guide one another further in its intended direction.

Sounds stately isn't it? And in speaking of justice, that amidst seeing injustices, of seeing bloodshed, of seeing innocents killed, or deemed as collateral damages, this writer would say that there are those who will seek truth from facts, and no matter how those from high trying to deny, or wash their hands in front of those who demand accountability, again, truth will prevail, and in truth those who are accountable should face the consequences. For sure their consciences been knocking their minds and hearts through and through only to be overcome by their own egoes thinking that the latter has its higher purpose, that their duties worth than their morals.

A wireless bridging 

Since this post indirectly expresses that this season focuses much on the family what more that idealising a caring and sharing community, for sure everyone knows that each family did their part especially those whose loved ones worked far from their homes, that their children trying to be upright in the eyes of many through good conduct and better grades, and that parents do their share keeping the home safe and well stock with the needs; and just as each Christmas celebration in a healthy and hardworking family this resounds throughout the entire people, that like this statement it states that each and every concerned has promised that will not forget those who cannot celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.

And for sure every compatriot, whether in the middle of an open sea or in a known foreign city celebrates Christmas with their friend, compatriot or foreign, and has a time talking to their loved ones promising gifts if not giving some attention no matter how distant they are- thanks to Skype or Facebook as one may say.


Remembering the departed

Perhaps, one last thing everyone should not want to forget in this contemplative hour: that  since memories will rekindle as one faces some empty chairs during a feast, or by listening Christmas carols and seeing another enjoying with one's company, thus deemed deniable, Christmas is also a time to invite those who are distant, especially those who are already gone to be one's guest. That they should be with each and every family in spirit, not as pale ghosts, but all in their youthful appearances.
Sounds halloweenish isn't it? But families will always remember those who are truly meant in their hearts, and in their memories they would say that no matter where they are their spiritual presence in this occasion is as same as those who just left in their works far from home. For sure Christ, the star of this season, tells about eternal life, and time comes that they'll be with their loved ones, in their unending grace and youth, filling the love that this season tells.


Facing new commitments and challenges

And in this coming year, for sure everyone will all face their ages: that some are sooner, others are later. That coming year will bring each and everyone much labor and worry, more tasks and prospects, more successes and possible shortcomings; and as for those whose loved ones are  departed, no matter how mortally "gone" they are, will remain eternally young inspirations, if not heroes who look over one's shoulders in one's battle and work, who rejoice in every shining eyes be it in this festivity or a simple respite- for they, too, no matter how they are deemed dead, are also seeds for a country's future, and it is for each and everyone to ensure that their seed grows unto the harvest, for they will always return to everyone a fulfillment of hope. 

Sorry for the words, for knowing that each and everyone remembers their departed, or feeling old as another year comes, this significant occasion like Christmas, aside from a usual season of feasting, sharing, and giving,  marks a time to rekindle memories, to cherish those who live, to remember the ones departed, and to prepare for another year which meant another duties and responsibilities.

Again, season's greetings. 

As it happens: the bells been returned (and expecting it politically-laced)

As it happens: the bells been returned 
(and expect "attention-seekers" in a time of solemnity)

Cheers greeted the formal return of the three historic church bells of Balangiga after decades of being displayed as war booty by its former colonizer.

"After 117 years, the bells of Balangiga will be coming home. This morning the Government of the United States announced it would be returning the historic bells to the Philippines," the Department of Foreign Affairs says.

And from there, it hath been considered by some (especially Dr. Rolando Borrinaga) as a closure to the Philippine-American war.

Captured as war booty during the formerly-known as the "Philippine Insurrection", these bells were displayed from in American military bases: one was in South Korea, while the other two were at the state of Wyoming in the United States of America. These bells, other than treated as a war booty by its looters, represented a memorial of their victory against the Filipinos, if not a harsh reminder that looting was (and probably is) a part of the battlefield. 

And from that grim reminder, as any other tragedy happened in that decades-old relation between Americans and Filipinos, somehow a reason to create tension; that alongside crass racism, interest-driven exploitation, and despite means to make Filipinos forget history, the tragic events at Balangiga and others during that "insurrection" aren't been forgotten  nor disregarded.

But for a concerned, no matter how people are aware of the battle what more of the bells, is that the bells shouldn't be remain in the hands of a looter. For since 1957 when Fr. Horacio de la Costa requesting the American authorities to return the bells to its rightful owners, of former President Ramos's attempt for its 1998 Centennial celebrations, up to the recent campaigns led by former American veterans and even members of the catholic church, these events that calls for the return of the Balangiga bells end realised despite initial reluctance or debate- what more that these bells also being restored in its then-working condition after decades displayed in the military base.

And as expected, Duterte's fanatics would claim that their idol president was the man behind that said return. 

That from its pages, comments, and even a video featuring Duterte "strongly" speaking from the congressional rostrum about the need to return the bells, they stressed through and through their dear leader as its forefront bearing its "political will" despite the fact that those from the United States dealt with its return, what more of the Balangiga residents and concerned individuals themselves. 

Otherwise, this person, as well as others concerned may expect a "shitstorm" of sorts coming from these fanatics telling that the return was brought by Duterte himself, that the church isn't actively been involved, if not "better for the Americans to keep the bells instead".

Nonetheless, despite the hoaxes being churned by fanatics, a GMA News report issued last December 10, US embassy spokesperson Molly Koscina saidth the bells were returned “not due to any particular event or statement.”

“There are a number of presidents, a number of secretaries [of Defense], a number of US and Philippine ambassadors who worked for the return of the Balangiga bells. It was decades worth of work and protest from the veterans, and the legal issues that came with it,” said Koscina.

Meanwhile, amidst the patriotic fervour over the return of the stolen bells, politicians like Juan Miguel Zubiri issued a Senate Bill that urges the government to place the bells in the National Museum "for the appreciation and education of the general public." 

That bill, which emphasises having those returned bells as museum pieces, rather meant to be treated as curiosity "to give chance to many Filipinos to see for themselves this religious artifact and be reminded of the role it played in one of the bloodiest chapters of the Philippine-American War...and will give every Filipino from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao an opportunity to get a glimpse of an important piece of a nation's history."

Quite appealing to history isn't it? But to place those bells in the museum, no matter how the basis it would be, is quite an attempt to wrest from those who supposeth to be its keeper such as the Church by telling that the state is also assumes as a guarantor of heritage; and despite commentators would also babble statements "separation of Church and State", of their idol Duterte's angst against the Church, of pedophiles amongst the clergymen, and the likes trying to justify government's "will to possess", any effort aimed at such a transfer is a disrespectful mingling of History and the right of the faithful, such as those of a Balangiga resident, to their cultural property. 

Just as the concerned do not wanted to transfer most of the Jose Rizal's family mementoes from Calamba to Manila,  it is just enough to express opposition in placing the bells in a museum what more of being justified as a "historical piece." Right is the diocese of Borongan in telling that the bells as at first, sacramentals meant for spiritual purpose: and in a country whose predominant religion consists of Christians of Roman Catholic type, would say that these once-war booty should return to its proper venue and to its proper purpose as opposed to those whose drivel is of political relevance (such as that lawmaker Zubiri) guised as reminding about culture/or History. "They are also sacred artifacts that call to prayer and worship. But they especially call them to the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the highest form of prayer and worship for Catholics. Therefore, they belong in the Church, not in a Museum."

Otherwise, it is like any other religious sacramentals been brought and displayed like those from Villa Escudero or from the National Museum itself which is also having displays of religious figures and even a retablo from an old church; in fairness to that Villa Escudero, it tries to replicate religious festivities such as those of a religious procession, even it is obviously, devoid of spiritual meaning let alone a cultural shell. 

And thankfully, in a time when anything historical is been sold to the highest bidder, no one ever think of auctioning the bells and tell the world how significant they were as basis to be sold. 

****

Personally, the return of the bells shouldn't been politicised especially by those whose reason is to make relevance assuming they're into historical sentiment. Much better if they just remain aloof and focused on their circlejerking substantiated by their supporters brewing of exaggerations and of half-truths.

Let alone these bells be end returned solemnly and set in its proper place: a church belfry, and again with its sacred and intended purpose: bells meant to ring for the flock, and for the world to come- if not to ring again, this time against the problems the country and its people hath to endure. 

(Again,) the need for self-reliance and mutual support amongst countries for genuine National Development

(Again,) on the need for self-reliance 

and mutual support amongst countries

for genuine National Development

For the globalist, it has been advantageous to say that so-called free market, trade, and reliance on foreign investments as the ever-continuing norm thinking that through relying on developed countries it also meant a ready market especially for a developing, agricultural-dependent country like the Philippines.

Through being overheard in state and business sector-led press releases, news articles, and posts in social media by economic 'reformists', that idea insists that contemporary economic development has as if "incomplete" without the generous need of outside investment, as well as agreements that bluntly requires foreign-control of utilities and resources- including those considered as national patrimony as well as eminent domains which meant to be preserved and cherished by those who inherited; and from this it is well considered by economists, for thinking that instead of setting further economic foundations particularly those of industry, that depending on foreign capital, on commerce with its imports, meant easy access to necessary goods with less or without the need for industry; and sometimes they still behave as if it could restore world conditions of the past through relying on the export of semi-manufactures, raw materials, and services to pay for finished goods.
In other words, they are still telling that that a developing, what more of an underdeveloped, must “Export or Die” regardless of its consequences, but with competition increasing in world markets and with the industries of other countries growing more efficient, a country's very existence is threatened if to continue to depend upon the export drive; what more that development continues to be at a turtle's if not a snail's pace. Because of this, a call for self-reliance through agrarian reform and industrialisation is the way.

This isn't new actually, for knowing that in countries whose economic adherence is to capitalism and thinking that by heeding the international demand for raw and semi-processed materials meant chances of generous flow of cheap goods, free trade and dependency from "developed" countries is itself a norm; and that the third world hath to skip steps and instead rely on agreements which presented as panacea for socio-economic problems, emphasising a particular economic sector regardless of its effects that rather harms the people and benefits the few; of making interests firm in its foothold while the people feeling badly at its loss.

Citing Mao, Recto

Many years ago, Mao Zedong, in desiring to revive China after years of semifeudal-semicolonial existence, desired for the need for domestic economic development particularly through promoting self-reliance. From this vision, instructed the Chinese people that:

"Reply mainly on our own efforts while making external assistance subsidiary, break down blind faith, go in for industry, agriculture, and technical and cultural revolutions independently, do away with slavishness, bury dogmatism, learn from the good experience of other countries conscientiously and be sure to study their bad experiences too, so as to draw lessons from it. This is our line."

Sounds political isn't it? For knowing that the one who saidth was a once strongman in "red" China, having a self-reliant economy especially in a country that's abundant in natural resources and labor power should be used for the country's benefit; while at the same time considering subsidiary support from foreign countries on the basis of mutualism and respect; be it economic aid, investment, various forms of economic and technical exchanges with other countries in order to improve and expand existing structures, if not to hasten development.

But not all understood his message. Sometimes people mistaken his idea of self reliance to those of xenophobia or isolationism, especially when a country's economy is intervened, directed, or planned by the state; and oftentimes people, whilst recognising the importance of self-reliance, rather limit or reduce the essence to those of an individual initiative whilst letting the community itself be susceptible to outside factors such as unbridled free trade and markets; and from free trade and markets meant the "right to choose", despite the fact how most products are affected by the sameness regardless of labels brought abroad- but the reality is that, these from abroad crippled a once-existing industry while a government, despite recognising the expertise of a manufacturer, chose to stay aloof and "let the invisible hand of the market decide" in these matters related to these sudden influx of products and bankrupted industries.

From this a concerned would think if not say that if a country abundant with resources be at the mercy of multinational exploiters, and a people clinging to the illusion that by letting their resources be taketh over by exploiters for some cheap products, then why on earth to learn about industry? Of what is promoting a country's labor if to see an influx of foreign goods? Is industrialisation in a developing country unlikely in the 21st century if not altogether wrong in the eyes of a neoliberal who asserts dependency on commerce and trade? 

Anyway, going back to the topic, relying mainly on self-reliance while making external assistance subsidiary reflects a better view of building and maintaining a nation's economy, what more of the society. From there it maximises further the expertise, the knowledge of the nation's intellect in nation building, in a way engineers and scientists are engaging in construction, production, invention, setting foundations of an agro-industrialised state alongside workers and peasants, in order to meet the demands of the people with less emphasis on imports, hence, saving foreign reserves and accumulate domestic capital for development.
For again, in Mao Zedong's words saidth:

"Resting in our own strength, and that means regeneration through one's own efforts."

Sounds socialistic isn't it? Especially in citing the late Chairman's words as a quote regarding the need for domestic-based economic development as opposed to dependency on international capital. Even Claro M. Recto, who recognises the country's abundance in natural resources and sufficent labour power, yet still dependent on international capital, stresses the need for domestic-based development particularly through industrialization, as he said:

"In the present age, economic development is, for all practical purposes, equivalent to industrialization. Stagnation and poverty are the alternative to industrialization... A predominantly agricultural economy garnished with a few minor industries spells poverty, unemployment, and the continuation of our colonial status, whereas industrialization and the eradication of the vestiges of a predominantly colonial agricultural economy is the only way out from underproduction, unemployment and poverty."

On those calling self-reliance "xenophobia"
(yet look at the neighbors who did self-reliance evenly)

For sure those who insist the primacy of foreign investment and the right for foreigners to set establishments without the need for tie-ups with locals also cited history as its reference. In fact, there was one commentator even told that because there are "xenophobic Filipinos" calling themselves "nationalists" who "falsely claim that Japan and Thailand maintained their independence because they had no need to adopt foreign best practices"; and from there that commentator even thinks that Filipinos falsely claim that the country should keep foreign influences out in order to succeed as a nation such as preferring Filipino over English as language of instruction, Baybayin over Roman letters for writing, or even serious ones like favoring national industrialization over dependency foreign investments.

If that's the case, then how subjective if not misunderstood especially in referring Filipino nationalists as xenophobes thinking that with those so-called "preferences" meant disdain for things outside. Very few it may be those "xenophobes" amongst nationalists, but these Filipinos, like any other developing Asiatic or Third-Worlder who wished to succeed sustainably and self-sufficiently as a nation is driven by a view that their country has its own resources, labor power, and the will to succeed like those of its neighbors.

In "nationalist China" (Taiwan), prior to its opening, stresses the importance of self reliance in reconstructing their country even for the sake of assuming itself as a "better China" unlike those of its Mainland counterpart.
From there the country's primary importance for long-run growth of its economy was it's commitment to education, beginning with universal elementary education, then expanded to upper level schooling as basic levels of literacy were attained; followed by land reform (which was supported by United States), then it's much-need for industrialisation using existing then-Japanese owned facilities, of fostering just partnerships with foreigners for expertise and assistance, the enticing of then-landed gentries to engage in industry in exchange for their lands, and the mobilisation of its labor power in constructing, maintaining, and producing what was greatly needed by its people.

Even south Korea does the same thought of massive industrialisation especially during the era of Park Chung Hee; From there he had bluntly spurn offers and suggestions from Moneylenders like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank just to pursue a program which aimed to develop the nation's economy through expansion of agriculture and energy industries such as coal and electric power; development of basic industries such as chemical fertilizer, cement, oil refinery, iron, and steel; expansion of social overhead capital including roads, railways, and ports; full utilisation of idle resources including increased employment; Conservation and utilisation of land; export promotion to improve the balance of payments; and serious promotion of science and technology.
Obviously, westerners and easterners had to believe in him, knowing that through his venture may meant creating an alternative to its northern neighbour, whose industrialisation venture was supported by "red" China and the Soviet Union with the latter limited, yet generously provide the needs for its developmental goals. 

And one of Park Chung Hee's feats was the building of the Pohang Steel Mill, which shows how that once-underdeveloped, foreign-aid dependent south Korea can able to pursue a self-reliant direction; and it was also during his era wherein trading companies like Samsung and Lucky Goldstar (LG) pursued the manufacturing sector, leading to what hath known today.

From these Asiatic examples somehow showed that in order to create a stable economy it requires political will, or rather say an application of immense ego-driven ambition to pursue something that can break an existing dominance; although on the other hand, these countries did also curry assistance from its developed counterparts, such as the United States and the European countries, in order to subsidiarily support its intended direction despite its emphasis which was self-reliance. Furthermore, the drive was political not just economic, since "nationalist" China and south Korea asserts itself as counterparts to communist-led Mainland China and north Korea.

Conclusion

Despite these statements shown in this post very few would take it in an affirming manner. For knowing that the system continues to cling in an economic policy benefiting the few, it will always been appearing "advantageous" that so-called free market, trade, and reliance on foreign investments thinking that with those developed countries it meant a ready market for a developing, agricultural-dependent country like the Philippines. 

But despite that impression, reality says otherwise: who's benefiting from that dependency on international capital: is it the commons or the oligarchs? Why on earth not to pursue industrialisation and emphasis on self reliance but instead depend on the whims of the international market and capital? Why to skip the need for heavy industry in a time people are yearning for modern stuff? Fine that these apologists looked at the example such as those of Japan during their heydays, but, those things are meant to be provisional if not temporary:
For despite Meiji Japan accommodating foreign support (including those of investments), there had been a surge in the creation of monopolies. This was in part due to state intervention, and these monopolies served to allow Japan to become a world economic power. The state itself owned some of the monopolies, and others were owned by the Zaibatsu (Japanese Industrial and Financial conglomerates). These monopolies managed the central core of the economy, with other aspects being controlled by the government ministry appropriate to the activity, including the National Central Bank and the Imperial family. This economic arrangement was in many ways similar to the corporatist models of European fascists.

And the Philippines? Again ever since 1946 or before 1935, a mendicant government that chose to be dependent on its lord, if not clinging on the illusion of growth without serious development. Oligarchs, clinging to their age-old interests, aren't like those of the Zaibatzus or Chaebols given their half-hearted if not totally disdain for industrialisation although very few amongst them did heed calls for self-reliance like Araneta with his Flour Mill, Soriano with his San Miguel, and Concepcion with his engagement in building air conditioners. The administrators did heed the calls of Recto, Lichauco, and some of the patriots who wished for economic independence; but the domineering thought of Friedman, Mises, Hayek, the illusions peddled by the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and other multinational moneylenders, made domestic development stunted.
Although true that infrastructure for storage and movement of goods/services as well as the hot flow of cash coming from both investments and remittances did brought development, does it proceeded to the important societal needs such as reviving industry and agriculture and empowering communities benefiting workers and peasantfolks? Obviously not if not partially yes- and that "yes" as rather for the sake of impression, if not outright propaganda.

Perhaps whatever these free-trade apologists and agents of international capital insists, they should realise that the country needs to have its own direction for economic development. And expect that there are some who would have raised the question that if the Philippines carries out the policy of self-reliance, particularly those of industrialisation, other sectors such as trade and commerce would diminish its importance; that it will scare foreign investors, that it may cause harms way in regards to economic relations between the Philippines and other countries.

But the question is: What if it didn't?

"Will a Country's Human Rights be regained from a regime's soiled hands?"

"Will a Country's Human Rights 

be regained from a regime's soiled hands?"

(Or "Notes after people chose to assert Human Rights 

amidst Duterte's claim of 'upholding' it with obviously, bloodied hands")

At first, this person, of behalf of the concerned, expresses sympathies to the people, especially those who are victims of conflicts and atrocities this International Human Rights day. For amidst this creeping terrorism orchestrated by this present order, many people are increasingly aware that the country's call for human rights, social justice and peace hath been resonated throughout; outshadowing the order's claim of "change".

For knowing that the country is in a state of de-facto Martial Rule if not an obvious state of siege, the order mobilises its police, military, and paramilitary forces on the pretense of drug war as well as those of anti-insurgency operations; and from these operations these rather sow terror by making victims out of innocents, unjustly accusing those who voiced out grievances, or worse, turning communities into warzones which displaced people from their respective homes, leaving to an uncertain fate.

However, these situations didn't stop people from getting concerned, for by seeing innocents either unjustly arrested or killed, what more on seeing a leader and his fanatics claiming these as collateral damages and necessary moves if keeping on harping on the alleged threats of terrorism and destabilization plots to justify their actions, this sorry state of human rights has made the folk feel the need for asserting genuine social change, which includes their rights for Life, Liberty and its Pursuit of Happiness.
For in these situations, be it drug war or land rights, people from all walks of life felt how that order, which supposed to be "upholding human rights" actually unfortunately targets those who have less in life and have fewer rights under the law. Truly it is a war against the poor, who suffer the destructive impact of violence.

And in speaking of that order, Malacanang stubbornly clings to their impression, that by stating the administration is "protecting human rights", even elaborated it that while remains unrelenting in its "crusade against criminality, corruption, terrorism, and insurgency", also tries to be “resolute in uplifting the dignity of every Filipino” through "effectively implementing responsive programs that broaden people’s access to education, healthcare, employment, shelter, food, and basic utilities and services, the government fulfills its aspiration of a respectable standard of living that benefits the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in Philippine society."

Sounds like a snare to some, for knowing that with its controversial campaign guised as "imposing law and order", it failed to address justice to the victims, especially those who are wrongfully accused of various crimes; it did even failed to cleanse the police and the military of its scalawags and hoodlums despite issuing press releases and showing accursed men in uniform facing their charges, what more that despite "implementing responsive programs", it failed to reach many- if not been treated as a politically-motivated ruse than a social duty of the state. 

And to think that the Philippines was one of the first signatories of the Universal Declaration back in 1948, having it "incorporated in domestic laws and policies, part of statecraft and the likes", not all officials, even the president would dare to observe the declaration-let alone a sentence meant to claim they're observing it.  If the government truly adheres to human rights, then how come schools for indigenous masses be closed by paramilitary groups on the pretext of anticommunist hysteria? Or how come human rights lawyers, union leaders, and even churchpeople are being threatened and killed with the same formula? What a mockery of human rights then!

Also to know that with supporters of the present administration disregards human rights altogether as hindrance to the imposition of its "brand of justice", they will also claim that the administration rather emphasises more on "human lives" even at the expense of its own rights; worse, to see themselves favouring a revision in the constitution deleting a section with the state guaranteeing its citizens full respect for human rights while at the same time proposing a "flawed" "bill of duties" that may meant unconditional loyalty to the order pretending it as loyalty to the country.
If that's the case, then come to think of this: 70 years after the community of nations including the Philippines adopted the declaration, 27,000 people have been killed in a span of just over two years as a result of measures including President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. 

"These are not "cold" statistics. The victims were people with names and families. Hundreds of undocumented enforced disappearances have occurred, not to mention the more than 2,000 unresolved cases that dates back almost 50 years." as what Mary Eileen Bacalso saidth in her writeup.

Anyway, the people will still continue fighting what is just and right. The order may still cling to their statement whether it justifies their bloodied actions as necessary or making bullshit at those who oppose their soiled views; and regardless of what they claim that they respect human rights, they see human rights as a ruse.

Notes after seeing Varsity basketball gone political

Notes after seeing Varsity basketball gone political

(Or "all after calls for 'wearing black',
facing taunts in social media,
and the use of the games as a political platform")

Much hath been discussed about the student governments of both the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University trying to use sports as a platform for protest- by encouraging their fans to wear black last saturday during Game one of the UAAP Season 81 Men's Basketball finals.

Driven by the recent events particularly those of Duterte and his antics, this attempt for a black-clad "protest" was an attempt to show unity between both schools, in a way they also expressed their opinion regarding their homeland's "culture of violence", "impunity", "misogyny" and the likes, as according to their statements (from both UP and AdMU) issued last month:

"In the #BattleOfKatipunan tomorrow, let us always remember that our struggles go beyond the game that we’re cheering for, and these struggles are always within our community...Use your voice and fight to end tyranny, impunity, and misogyny in our country! Wear black."


"Win or lose, it’s the nation we choose! We urge everyone to wear black for tomorrow’s game as a protest against violence, impunity, and misogyny..."

From this, initially very few dare to take the ordeal of wearing black as a form of unity and of protest as most chose to be either indifferent or thinking that kind of action as sort of "killjoy" to a supposed "clean fun" event; but despite having few fully dressed black and some chose to wear black alongside their school colours, the awareness of using the games as a platform of protest did spread- and some did even use it to express their disgust by waving banners telling that the disputed West Philippine Sea is Philippine territory, while others pointing badly towards those from the government such as those of Harry Roque or Bong Go watching the game. 

But for some, this politicised attempt was deemed as a "stupid idea" the way they insist wearing their respective colours. For according to U.P.'s executive vice president Ted Herbosa via his Facebook posts, he sought that black shirt attempt as making its Jesuit Neighbour taunt his school , and he even added that those supporters who would not wear maroon “does not have a U.P. Spirit” if not "showing disrespect to the basketball team"; furthermore, he tells that "Sports teaches everyone life lessons" and let none (those who politicise the event) take the stage away from the basketball team or from the event itself.

Other than Herbosa, there are some would even mock the game badly the way they look both schools as "subversives", tagging both AdMU and U.P. as "reds" or "yellows"; and others would even say, although mockingly, that the "communists" will win especially after the Philippines' premiere national university won against Vincentian's own Adamson. 

Irritating right? But beyond all these taunts and bullshit in social media, this shows that Sports cannot remain just "Sports" alone no matter how one would insist its "purity". That from a usual brawl between both teams, to the players and organisers themselves using both the game as a form of expression; if not seeing how Sports has also sometime been a subject of many scandals and controversies- and most of which were and are politically motivated, especially if one or another often use it as a sign of protest.

And history attests to those politically-laced kind of events. In fact, during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, Hungarian and Soviet water polo teams face-to-face with tension. With various beats and blows alongside reaching goals, that water polo match turned bloodier especially when Hungary's Ervin Zador was punched in the eye by Valentin Prokopov of the Soviet team; that match did provoke badly as many angry spectators, in sympathy to the Hungarian team, jumped onto the concourse beside the water, shook their fists, shouted abuse and spat at the Soviets while Pictures of Zádor's injuries were published around the world, leading to the "Blood in the Water" moniker.

but despite those, Hungary's Water Polo team defeated the Soviets in the score of 4–0. Quite politically-motivated indeed as one would say for coincidentally, Hungary was fresh from it's defeat during their revolt against the Soviet Union, and many players saw the Olympics as their way to salvage pride for their country. Afterwards, Hungary was declared the winner since they had been leading and then beat Yugoslavia 2–1 in the final to win their fourth Olympic gold medal. However, Zádor's injury would force him to miss the match.
After the event was completed, Zador and some of his teammates sought asylum in the United States, rather than returning to live in a Hungary under a firmly pro-Soviet regime; from there they, aside from being sportsmen, are also to be known as political refugees.

Another politically-motivated example was the "Black Power salute". For in 1968, during a medal ceremony in the Olympic Stadium in Mexico City, Athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who had won gold and bronze medals respectively in the 200-meter running event of the 19th Summer Olympiad, turned to face the US flag as the "Star-Sprangled Banner" played- only to have their hands raised until the anthem had finished. That gesture did provoked badly-especially when the late International Olympic Committee President Avery Brundage ordered the two players be suspended from the U.S. team and banned from the Olympic Village. Yet when the U.S. Olympic Committee refused, Brundage threatened to ban the entire track team. This threat led to the expulsion of the two athletes from the Games.

Ironically, Brundage, who was president of the United States Olympic Committee during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, had made no objections against the controversial Nazi salute. He even argued that the salute, being a national salute at the time, was acceptable in a competition of nations, while the salute of Smith and Carlos was that not of a nation and therefore unacceptable.

Through these examples alone, Sports hath been an arena of action- for underneath the game they're enjoying, be it a player or an aficionado, there are those whom transformed it into something significant, although in a controversial way to invoke a belief. That from the players who took their spare time promoting their favorite Sport into communities as form of empowerment, to those whose awareness brought to the use of their favorite game as a form of direct action, creatively making bullshit as much as possible.

Anyway, admittingly speaking, if not for that Sports being politicised, of a populace gone politically agitated including those of the players and uses the games as another platform for a belief, then right is Guillaume Faye that Spectator Sports (one of which is Basketball) as "merely neutral" events that have no impact on anyone's life, let alone just escapism, with society's masters charging them with false meaning in order to infantilise consciences as it continues to conceal social problems and the failings of politics.
And like Religion during the middle ages, it cannot be denied that Sports is itself becoming an "opium of the people" alongside social media, showbusiness, and even politics itself. Sorry for the words being vented though, for as time goes by and seeing such things like these no wonder Marx and Faye hath the right to say so.

But in fairness, despite events surrounding, Sports, as any other feat, celebrates the accomplishments of others the way UAAP-member schools U.P. and AdMU did enjoy their "one big politicised kind of fight" they're doing despite those who insist their usual "clean fun". And from the arena itself there are those who did wear their school colours and some would even wear it alongside their protest black, that somehow made both teams did really heed the cause use it as a platform to express their angst towards a nobody they abhor to.

Yet one thing this writer and others concerned would say this, that the game, like all others, continues to teach lessons such as humility, cooperation, respecting rules, perseverance, and fairness. Attributes that meant to flourish especially in a time of disquiet and rage. 

"Of Tranquility and Hope: All after Tanay, and Andres Bonifacio"

"Of Tranquility and Hope: 
All after Tanay, and Andres Bonifacio"

It's been a long while that this page hasn't have any poems.

All due to work and perhaps focusing on making notes, this writer hath again posted some poems which are based from both a writer's stay in a town, as well as reaffirming a country's love in a time of struggle.

Initially, this piece is meant to be like any other writeup, tackling about the tranquility of the town this writer visited few times out of work; yet from those work-related visits comes thoughts of making a piece, which not just dealt with the place itself, but also a yearning for hope. For in fact, in observing that tranquil setting such as Rizal's Tanay, one would say that it is a place suitable for a respite from the bustling, noisy nature of the metropolis; and from there one feels the towns relaxing atmosphere, seeing or even savouring the lush greenery till enough to unwind and enjoy nature's pleasantry.

However, for a concerned such as this person's, behind that tranquil setting lies poverty. For Tanay, as any other rural area within CALABARZON, there are poor peasants who still depend on sustenance agriculture; and most of which are victimised by usury, lack of education and various forms of opportunities, if not easily to be pinpointed by the state's agents especially those who are critical in the latter's policies.
Oftentimes, some portions of the town especially the mountainous ones, hath been a battlefield between the insurgents and the state, mostly consists of ambushes led by insurgents targeting convoys of policemen or soldiers, if not soldiers or policemen passing by only to fell into a trap of awaiting foe;  from these, one would say that it is truly an example of a "class struggle".

But despite all those truths, of battlefields and neglected hopes, the place remains beautiful, idyllic. And from it somehow comes the poems he took time to write- and eventually posted in this page. As saidth earlier, it expresses hope, a yearning for love, and even the desire to break the bonds that maketh a man subservient as well as those of its own homeland. Sorry for being political tho but for a concerned, there are views that may end "culturally political" especially after seeking truths from facts.

Coincidentally, these works are also made in celebration of Andres Bonifacio's birth, and he, known as a "great plebeian", was also into literature, and did expressed some of his sentiment through poetry such as his exemplar work "Pagibig sa Tinubuang Bayan" (Love of one's birthland), which emphasises the country not just as one's place of birth, but a land meant to cherish, fight, and give love even at the expense of one's life.

All in all, hope that from these works, no matter how few it is, also finds a reflection.

"From the fields of Tanay"

It's good to see you again thy quiet town
Whose same old marigold flowers blooming in the roadside
Of Mango groves and Coconut Trees
Anything tropical stood the countless winds of time
From the bustling, noisy metropolis
Comes a place enough to call retreat
Whose mountains green entice the urban dweller
To leave  and enjoy with her eve for a bit

There you saw the stream whose flowing waters
All coming from the swampy hills
Of muddy roads where farmers and owners
Of Bandits and Fighters traverse
I remember when I once went to the hill top sought the lush green glen
If not the mountains as far eye seen
And felt the breeze that satisfies
Whispering the love as it seems

Of papaya trees whose ripened fruits
Ready to be picked by the farmworker's calloused hands
Of ripened chilies and tomatoes
Whose red glows signify its harvest
The nursery where the lettuce seedlings
Ready to be planted in its patches prepared
All tended with love and care
Whilst the market awaits for it's fruits to share

If not well served for lunch or dinner
Or even a snack by another
Trying to stave the hunger if not the thirst
Brought by the long trip from the bustling town
"Delicious" as one would say as to see the mouth watering fruits
All tended, picked, with selfless love and care
Then prepared at the kitchens, becoming snacks, viands
And served enough to slake off desire

With these I wonder why love truly wins
Even in this era of wretched hate
That love has to be liberating
Far from what the order says for it's sake
But the question is, what kind of love it could be?
Will it be as peaceful as the grave or as bloody as the the trenches?

How quiet that town is, but its surroundings be disrupted
As the struggle been erupted like others in a land that is neglected
Muddy, grassy paths, mostly stained with blood,
Fertilises the fields, brings life the barren sod
Perhaps reality says the latter: that if love is to win it is to be fought
That fight can be bloodier and can't be forgot.

Pardon for the words if my note speaks of peace

Yes the place is peaceful for how quiet it seems

But behind the tranquility is a struggling truth 

In a way news reports often heard throughout 

Let the fruits be ripened on the day hope springs
As the sun, with all its bright red shining
As the ones who till will ever enjoy its work
Enjoying the place in the sun, and for years to come.

"Loving again by fighting back"

Apologies to the supremo, for his message remains

As seen, heard in various mediums, reminding if not for sake

For his time is a holiday, expect no one cares for him

Except for a concerned whose homeland meant to redeem

For as time goes by and still hearing those words

Of he, a beloved warrior poet whose undying love resounds

A love of one's home that's akin to a one's cherished

So pure and greater, otherwise none.

In a time of moving on as if nothing happened

Of edifices ruined, deteriorated

Of works gone auctioned left to the highest bidder

And those who cling to a legacy saddened

I tried to understand with all these things

Of events which one chose not to heed

They would scorn sometime, such as after a plebeian's plea

Whose hunger driven word be respond by a sarcastic sneer

From there sometimes I ask when was the time we express love

Or did we hear the country, people weep?

For sure the answer would be a "plastic" kind of yes

For the truth lies in apathy, of minds intentionally in sleep

Of endless parties assuming endless summer nights

Trying to hid the poverty even few dare to sight

Of shantytowns covered by walls, of festivals hiding hunger

Of paintings featuring countryside's beauty, dispelling bloodshed in its sod

From this when was the time the homeland given boundless honour?

Is it from those who win in numerous feats, orders of glories?

No honour comes from those who forge and till, made the foundations

Desires trying to come true, invoking the greatness as it looks

But hoping that those who are born from humility be honoured

For theirs who forge and till has brought a realm

The heart of a crooked is that of the sewer

Whose excesses oughtweighs the "contributions", of blood debts over monuments

Greed and hatred continues to tremble
Even in this era where freedom and justice matters
Delusions of grandeur trying to outshine the facts
Yet failing to undermine the hearts and minds of the concerned

From  all these contradictions the truth outweighs the impression

For the people, as in the past seeks liberation

No matter how silence be imposed few will stubbornly raise voice

Raging 'gainst the dying of light, one after another comes the noise

For thy land, like a mother, is that gave us life
Provided the warmth, the nourishment, and even inspiration
To her we owe the things that brought us joys
Enough to keep us youthful in a times of sorrow

From the metropolitan skylines to the tranquility of the countryside
Brings back to the mind the memory of one's joy and labor
Of abandoned warehouses to the sugarcanes of azucareras
Reminds of struggle, if not sad recollections, longing for redeemer

And now to see a land bereft of heritage, a soulless entity
Time and again exploited by the order, even in this so-called "liberty"
Her dignity dragged by impostors, pimped and raped by entrenched entities
Local and foreign impostors alike, is this also modernity?

From this, when will come the vengeance that boils our hearts
That will break the delusions of an imposed peace?
We are willing to sacrifice our lives just to end this bondage
As we have enough of silence, of mourning, of sorrow!

Again dedicate all our love that's selfless

Every brain, every brawn, every sweat and blood

Unto her if that's to free the way we break our hidden chains

From this we'll have a home to redeem, if not a world to win

God be with us thy land,
For through him we dedicate thy home we stand,
Cherished for decades and still fighting it,
For even at the expense of lives our land we'll still give value.

May the hills and mountains cherish,
With all its trees and fruits,
May the plains bear glittering grains,
That sustain us for all these years.

May the factories continue to churn,
The needs that most demand,
Let the cities bring enlightenment,
To the countryside still in fright.

May he elevate the lowly and the none,
For they till and forge undone,
Give them comfort as they help us,
And as they fought for us give them hope.

So are the well-enough but enlightened
For they are aware in its surrounding thus willing
To serve and guide thy unfortunates
To their hopes left unrealised and in their dreams

And may those from the order bring light unto their hearts
And in their minds bring clarity in their thoughts
May their consciences take to the side of the just
For if not how useless their service as it is public trust

For there is a fight to fight and thus we shan't afraid,
The order, for decades past oppresses and still remain;
O Lord! My people! take us thee in a just direction,
That even in the expense of thy lives,
for a land of hope and just peace to come.

Another lord for a vassal, A new-found peon for a master, And still, a renewed struggle for an enslaved

Another lord for a vassal, 

A new-found peon for a master, 

And still, a renewed struggle for an enslaved

(Notes on Xi Jinping's visit, 

of Duterte looking at China "positively" despite seeing Philippines falling on China's "Debt Trap", and the people's struggle for genuine domestic development and non-alignement)

Since 1946, the Philippines has been a vassal country of the "free world" despite its bitter memories. 

With its existing agreements such as those from the United States, Japan, Australia, and other developed countries, the Philippines, still snared by the illusion of development, end rather encountered massive debts to be paid, if not willing to offer concessions most of which as controversial in character like mining, logging, and in utilities which benefit the foreigner and its domestic "partner" such as the oligarch and the bureaucrat; if not getting contented on secondhand defence materiel as a form of military assistance also based on the existing agreements signed especially those from the United States.

But with the continuous rise of China as an a contender of the United States, it uses both its economy as well as its military might as a showcase of their brand of "socialism" which is based on "Chinese characteristics."

This "socialism", as today's Chinese taketh pride of, was actually driven by Deng Xiaoping's pragmatic statement "seeking truth from facts", as it adopts elements of market economics as a means to foster growth, of political reforms in an attempt to curb corruption, while retaining the power of the communist party as it's consolidator; from this, Chinese development steered in an "attempt to reach socialism's advanced stage after 100 years" (citing Zhao Ziyang's statement) through accommodating foreign investments, streamlining the bureaucracy, modernising the industry and the military, all in accordance to "developing the primary stage of socialism" (citing Jiang Zemin's statement).

Quite "amazing" isn't it? In observing Chinese domestic development, it's dirigism, and its willingness to offer economic aid to underdeveloped countries, That since the past decades China's statement has been dealt with development than revolution, of economic reform than class struggle, of  seeing businessmen as communist party members, making Yasheng Huang describing it as "Capitalism with Chinese Characteristics." 

And now with the visit of Xi Jinping in the Philippines, China attempts to offer sweet deals with it's potential vassal, whose leader, assuming to be as "anti-western", looks for an alternative different from his predecessors.

Pragmatism gone wrong?

As expected, Duterte is seen by his supporters as a pragmatic kind of leader. Known for his statements and gestures, supporters would say that it is a "necessary" move as he tries to woo the people with things unlikely or controversially to happen such as desiring for order even it requires immense bloodshed; it is not surprising tho, for knowing that with words like development, inclusion, and stability be it's words, Duterte, like those of his predecessors tries to accommodate each and every sector although it end preferring a particular sector aligned with his "vision".
And  when it comes to foreign relations, he doesn't care the controversy thinking that his independent foreign policy as rather driven by his indifference if not assuming to be "anti-American" like those of his past statements assailing former president Obama and therefore looking at China's Xi or Russia's Putin as ideal examples of leaders and its countries as potential sources of aid. Otherwise, he's just looking what he thinks as necessary even it is controversial such as cultivating relations with a growing and developing China.

However, in actuality, it seems that his pragmatism turns out to be just plain capitulation. By using the alibi of independent foreign policy, it turns out to be a hollow rhetoric as he favors interests if not being indifferent as Duterte himself obviously has no interest in foreign relations, let alone some trade agreements and non-intervention in international affairs.

But come to think that with of Xi Jinping trying to woo it's new vassal, and  Duterte, in aligned with his pseudo-"independent" foreign policy looks at China thinking as an alternate partner, regardless of the latter's desire to impose its dominance, beauteous words like "All-Round Cooperation", "Enhancing Dialouge", or even "Peace and Amity" between two nations been heard throughout, no matter how obvious China's desire for hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region, with all its trade wars, saber rattling, and war preparations.

And just like the United States, China appears itself as a "better" trade and investment partner. It seeks to provide the Philippines with its excess capital, and thus trying to pressure the country with agreements which favourable to them- provided with loan grants, investments, and various forms of concessions that obviously making the country dependent on their mercy. Obviously, Duterte and his camarilla wanted to see his "Build Build Build" into it's complete fruition, and therefore China will provide that "developmentalist" regime some of its surplus steel and cement, or even it's workers to support every infrastructure project such as bridges, roads, flyovers, airports, anything enough to appear the government as "promoting development" even it is in fact debt-driven.

Remember, over the past two years, China has moved more quickly to further strengthen its economic presence in the country. Its official development assistance has shot up to $63.5 million last year from $1.5 million in 2016. Foreign direct investments from China grew at a faster rate reaching $1.043 billion in the first two years under Duterte, close to 85% of its total FDI over six years under the previous Aquino regime ($1.231 billion) and more than that ($825 million) under Arroyo’s nine-year reign.

From this, Duterte's "pragmatic" moves is as same as his predecessors trying to accommodate both the Americans and the Chinese. The two been offering sweet deals while the one being offered kept on choosing which as sweeter; but behind these sweet or sweeter deals lies a bitter truth. For again like the Americans, China's quest for hegemony involves both hard and soft moves such as economic manouvering to those of military action- and from a leader who once said about planting his flag while riding a Jetski over the disputed islands of Kalayaan and in Panatag shoal, end rather "cowed" with himself as being excessively servile, playing the vassal to the Chinese overlord. 

Illusion-filled papers over shoals, rocks, and beaches

And in speaking of the disputed islands of Kalayaan and in Panatag shoal, the Chinese, as it entices Duterte and his camarilla with sweet deals, is busy reclaiming every isle, every rock, every shallow seabed, enough to create their own base for their naval operations and even to justify further their expansionist agenda in the southeast. 

Just like many years ago, the Chinese quest for controlling the seas meant a threat to its neighbors be it the Viets, Malaysians, even the "other Chinese" themselves for by using both its naval power and its engineering feats, reclaiming the disputed seas, what more of possibly turning into land hath made the Chinese quest for hegemony in Asia really possible.

But for the regime, its pseudo-pragmatism obviously meant indifference in regards to the issue. As said earlier, Chinese investments and assistance grew till enough impossible for a vassal to pay those debts and loans; 

If they truly recognise the matter why not insist the Chinese the limitations of every agreement, or is the regime assuming to be "busy" in its domestic issues and choosing not to assert its claim for the sake of hot flow of cash and various forms of aid in its economic projects? Where is the armed forces on the time Chinese naval patrols harass fisherfolks in the once pacific seas, or are they prefering internal security such as fighting rebels whose patriotism is far greater than theirs? No offense but in a regime choosing to be subservient using the words peace and friendship, no matter how it appear wrong in the eyes of its subjects those unequal agreements it tries to appear "just" and "right" given its "economic possibilities"- even at the expense of inch of a country's property, its sovereignty.

For sure expect debates and continuous protests in the streets and in the legislative halls because of this, of comments and countercomments in social media, what more of shallow responses and harassments from diehard fanatics whose love of their leader is as if love to the nation. 

If most protest out of patriotism,
Then how about the other 'anti-Chinese'?

(Or again, the hysteria remains at-large)

On the other side of the anti-Chinese opposition, there are those whose reason be something as more than just fighting for their country but rather driven by their favorite cold war nostalgia.

For groups like those of Ely Pamatong, as well as some of the "conservatives" and even "liberals" alike, their statement against the Chinese would be something more than just defending sovereignty: for them it is plain anticommunist sentiment the way they romanticise both Korean and Vietnam war as battle between good and evil, of Taiwan as the "Free" China, of "Tiananmen Square Massacre", and clinging to the idea that the mainland, whether it appears to be as capitalist, still as "communist".

Subjective isn't it? However, very few of them, if not none at all of these are "patriotic" despite expressing dissent on the issue. They would rather still clinging to the idea that the United States will always be the best partner in defence and in economic affairs, no matter how unequal the agreements it may be but still closer to their view throughout decades of being its neocolony. Thus, to use Dugin's terms, it made the Philippines an "Atlanticist" in the Far East, stubbornly trying to upheld American and other "free world" interests in the face of the "Chinese meance", "yellow peril", or anything referring to "communist" China even in this modern-day setting. But did one hear about self reliance? Again, very few would dare to.

But in fairness to them, they heed the statement of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence that they should be careful in dealing with the Chinese in order to prevent getting trapped by debts if not looking at much better economic partner like the Koreans or the Japanese. Pence is somehow quite concerned about countries such as the Philippines be likely to be fallen into that debt trap China hath preparing, but to think that the United States as trying to flex its muscle in pursuit of maintaining interests in the disputed region, it is obvious that its domestic allies such as these people, will insist the importance of every treaty, every agreement, every piece of paper signed by both U.S. and Philippine representatives; if not exploiting the hysteria such as what is presently encountered.

Same old peonage, hypocrisy, nonsense

At present, the Philippines continues to embark in its one-sided, oligarch-bureaucrat oriented "development", and insists that "it needs all the help it can get" no matter most of its funds rather end going to ones pocket. Whether it comes from the Americans or the Chinese, the ones who benefit aren't the people as what the system spoke throughout in Malacanang or in the Congress, but themselves as every agreement meant concessions even meant to bleed the country dry, if not deprive the people it's will to development on it's own- let alone cultivating land, but for the needs of the market.  

By applying the same method of economic colonialism, China, like the United States, will keep the country backward, agrarian, and dependent to entrenched interests. With the agreements no matter how controversial or developmentalist it could be, every loan offered makes a country it's debt slave like those from its creditors like the IMF-WB, the Asian Development Bank, and others.

And to think that the Philippines remains a semicolony and military stronghold of the United States, the Americans continues to view China as its rival, especially in it's intensified trade war and challenging its political and military domination- and the Philippines, whose agreements with the United States continues to be "in force", diminishes it's own attempt for an independent foreign policy.

But come to think of this, in seeing Duterte, a frustrated "pragmatic" willing to sell its country out to China while being subservient to the United States, this meant a double-sided betrayal of Philippine national sovereignty. For sure everyone heard about his "jetski" statement, but then the regime has kept silent as the Chinese built its military bases over the disputed isles and by accepting the agreements regardless of its consequences; while on the other hand, he has allowed the Philippines to be used as a springboard by the U.S. for building up their military presence in the South China Sea through its Operation Pacific Eagle- with Washington seeking to "defeat the continuing insurgency" and to secure the interests of multinational corporations. Speaking of that "insurgency", Duterte’s failure to uphold Philippine sovereignty has raised the possibility of armed hostilities within Philippine territorial seas and is now leading the country right into the middle of an inter-imperialist conflict to the detriment of the Filipino people.

At present, what the Filipinos should realise is that the county should stand on its own. In fact, this criticism isn't limited to those of defending one's sovereignty, but also to oppose China being a social fascist pretending itself as communist. By selling-out to China while still being subservient to the U.S., the Duterte regime is committing a double-sided betrayal of Philippine national sovereignty. 

By seeking truth from facts, every Filipino can afford to expose and oppose the inaccuracies brought by an unjust regime; and by serving the people and the need for cooperation amongst sectors, it will secure its country's national sovereignty, genuine democracy, and building a progressive and just society.

And from this, the Filipino people, especially those truly driven by patriotism, must resist China’s efforts to impose its imperialist power on the Philippines, be it economic, political, and even in military affairs. By opposing the unequal agreements and its offerings of onerous and high-interest loans, this kind of opposition means to oppose which are set to railroad on the people’s livelihood, taking away ancestral lands and despoil the environment, fatten the bureaucrats as it favors Duterte’s cronies, and give China control of key resources, public utilities, and services.

Besides that, the Filipino people must also actively demand the immediate dismantling of Chinese military bases in the disputed islands of Kalayaan and in Panatag shoal, an end to the interdiction of Filipino fishermen, recognise Philippine territories under the UNCLOS, and to assert a policy of active peace and non-alignment through a genuine independent foreign policy, and to urge fellow Asiatics to declare the disputed seas as a zone of peace and neutrality.

But despite all these actions, of appeals and mobilisations, hope this patriotic call doesn't end to anti-Chinese interventionism, but also to demand an end to American interventionism. If one wishes a country that is peaceful, then a call for unity to demand an end to Sino-American saber rattling should be; after all, of what is an independent foreign policy if the regime is kowtowing both to Uncle Sam and Fu Manchu? Of keeping the country weak and mendicant in exchange for those papers? The United States's existing agreements with the Republic of the Philippines continues to enact and even reinforced with new amendments; if not seeing pro-Yankee secretaries and military officers clinging to the delusion that the regime, be it Republican or Democrat-led, will continue to keep firm in its interest in the Philippines no matter how its sleeping dragon neighbour offers sweeter deals such as what Duterte and Xi signed in every piece of paper.

Thus, alongside scrapping those from the Chinese such unequal economic and military treaties such as the Mutual Defense Treaty, the Visiting Forces Agreement, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and other forms of economic deals which actually meant more debts and unjust concessions are meant to be abrogated. From there, will make a once-neocolony be actively pursue in its independent direction, of active self-reliance, of will to take just agreements with neighboring countries, and to build a better, resilient society.