"Blessings to kindred spirits, and to those who carry their legacies"

"Blessings to kindred spirits,
And to those who carry their legacies"

A message for All Hallows, All Saints, and All Souls

Warm, patriotic greetings.

This page is sending greetings to every reader in this season. Ranging from All hollows, all saints, and ends at all souls, this celebration commemorates thy dearly loved ones, who are now in their eternal rest and comfort in the afterlife.

It may sound strange especially that most of the posts in this page speaks about the future, politics, to those of culture and the arts; but to think that with thy dearly loved ones are being commemorated as well as those of the saints, hope that the people should remember their memories, their ideals, their contributions, and the lessons to learn based from their times as living beings.

And some of those contributions for sure created changes especially those whose drivel is the hope of a future that's heaven on earth. For some this kind of hope, appearth as utopic, can be disastrous for the other whose clinging to their order meant to be much disastrous than those who promote their destruction. Or all after the nightmares the past hath driveth people to exorcise that centuries old evil of repression, of injustice, that made people driven by that future either to chant incantations as any other tradition or to draw the sword and invoke justice for the dead generations.

At present, people for sure would ought to rekindle the memories of their departed. Expect them at the cemeteries lighting their candles, incense, and some would even offer food and remember as if they're living. But despite these rituals, of throwbacks, of pleasantries with their kindred spirits, life keeps going carrying the future that meant to be fulfilling.

Perhaps, to cut this note short, hope that may the good lord, bless the country and its people in these days of the dead and of the sacred. May the candles and incenses continue to burn in every grave, so are the prayers encanted, all for the nation, in one with the divine.

"Realities that can't be resolved by a Pizza Party"

"Realities that can't be resolved by a Pizza Party"

(Or: the need for a better work-life balance in the BPO Industry)

Despite promises of higher pay, of better work-life balance, and other numerous perks one may amaze, the realities of an unhealthy and unjust lifestyle such in the BPO sector continues to linger.

For basing on few folks who have known the real sacrifice in their cubicles, of enduring numerous calls and facing at the computer screens, it seems that these people, driven by benefits, experiences, and chances of getting a good career would say that they endure the risks that sometimes affects one's life and well-being in order to meet requirements needed by their employers.

Worse, to encounter threats of getting dismissed, or even facing a much bigger one-especially when bigger entities be able to use future technologies that would affect jobs such as using Artificial Intelligence  (AI) in resolving problems.

This note may sound dissuading given the complicate lifestyle of a worker, but actually, this note rather urges BPO workers, as any other workers in the factory or in the offices to go beyond the paramenters that hinders their development such as expressing their grivances and the need for real wages and good working conditions. For sure most of these companies did obey the law as such; but not all would dare to observe just to maximise theit profits- and sometimes trying to circumvent using a myriad of alibis in order for the government to submit in their interests. At times they threat with using future technologies such as AI and Internet of Things, but sometimes this writer wonders- why on earth they threaten people with technology instead of uplifting people? 

Anyway, despite all the threats and nonsense would say that in expressing such legitimate grievances doesn't limit to the workplace alone. And in yearning for a good life would say that it really involves the need for a genuine social change- for as workers, as any other sector would say that it is true enough that not all can't just content on an unjust cycle despite the promises given to them; and actually, to keep mum means that they just tolerate what their bosses do. So where's the justice in this modern day slavery? 

This can't be resolved by a pizza party, free flowing of beer, or whatsoever that tries to substitute a good rest, real family-rearing, and a real work-life balance that meant to destress a burdened worker. 

And to think that each and everyone has becoming committed in seeking truth from facts, no institution, no boss, can ever break them in becoming aware on the truths that's behind the "promises" shown in tarpaulins. 

Poems made for "Red October"

Poems made for "Red October"

"Bright Red Dawn"
(from the tune of Morgenrood)

Bright, red, dawn with your shining rays
Has always us rendered the day
Please break through o light bearer
In this ever darkest night
Through your rays hopes be boundlessly given
As you drive away thy fright
Give thee courage in struggle striving
Until Daylight smiles at us
Until Daylight smiles at us

Let this dawn your love be flourishing
For it is been greatly yearned
And in the nights yours be remembering
Beauty and goodness well entwined
As the rose red glow colours morning clouds
Comes the warmth of your embrace
Hope this dawn of love ease thy suff'ring
May this love prevail till the end
May this love prevail till the end

"Let a hundred roses bloom"

Let the roses of my homeland

Continue blooming through

Watered by the blood of our comrades

Fought and died for freedom true

Let your blossoms outright blooming

As the homeland yearns to free

So with your thorns adorning

Defends its destiny

Let a hundred roses bloom

In this old cherished land

Let a hundred roses bloom

Let comrades now hundreds stand

Let our oaths truly reaffirm

Till death as what we say

And in the battle keep our standards firm

For we will lead the way

Let our loved ones be join us through

As the morning breaks the way

Be in their homes or the barricades

Homeland's the front we say

Let the tools sieze and create our arms

Despite the risks to encounter

For no matter we feel the harm

Freedom for us is forever

Let a hundred banners raise

In this old cherished land

Like roses blood red as we all face

The foe, it's bloodstained hands

Let our oaths truly reaffirm

Till death as what we say

And in the battle keep our standards firm

For we will lead the way

"Schey's theme"

(using the melody of Kundschafterlied)

Can't forget cherished memories

Can't forget those mistakes

Can't forget those old daydreams

Sometimes it hard to awake

In a day that is youthful

Both in love and despair

Perhaps life is all but unfair

In a war to face and dare

Until death we will fight!

To struggle dare to win!

Even on peaceful days- a battle still face

So secret, so secret in this silent battle

As comrades of a unknown front!

All is nameless in every rank

Sometimes never been heard

In a struggle that has to face

'gainst the foes everytime

Too often is goodbyes

Sometimes without a word

Now you're humming to this song

Memories overheard

Everyday's like the trenches

Everyday is the front

Even in sleep mind's still awake

Trying to break things hard

Every tear is a victory

Every tear comes despair

But the moment comes over us

Tis the time to prepare

(There is romance in every field

Amdist bloodshed and tears

Thus inspiring although it's weird

For it suffice my fears

She is my lady comrade

Beauty's tempered with might

Quite amazed by her presence

In this battle to fight)

And if I end been fallen

My mission has been done

Hope others will take my place

And to seize this damned time

On a page lies my name inscribed

So are others written

Except those who remain unknown:

Empty graves for the sworn

 Эти люди военные

 Каждый славы достоин

 Имена их до времени

 Строго в тайне хранят

 Доказали не раз они

 Что один в поле воин

 Доказали не раз они

 Нет для смелых преград!

 Каждый миг на чеку!

 Каждый шаг на чеку!

 Даже в мирные дни

 Вечный бой.

 Чекисты — незримого фронта солдаты,

 Готовы на подвиг любой.

"Let us raise our voice Zimbabwe"

(A rephrasing of "Rise o voices of Rhodesia"

to the tune of "Ode to Joy")

Let us raise our voice Zimbabwe

To god for our bounty share

Let us learn from our past ever

Give us strength to challenge dare

Guide us lord to wise decisions

In our struggles we aware

Oh, let our hearts beat bravely always

For this land within Thy care.

Let the flag be raised Zimbabwe

The banner that is, blood stained

From our battles comes the rising

A homeland once bound, unchained

From Zambezi to Limpopo

Bulawayo to Harare

Let thy banner of struggle waving

And freedom thus be maintained

Rise o voices of Zimbabwe

For redemption as acclaim

From its pasts to present echoing

A future cherished, to gain

Hand in hand in arduous marches

Forging a nation to maintain

Let our voice roar like the mighty rivers,

Joining in one grand refrain.

"A fixation for agricultural research is a fixation for agricultural development"

"A fixation for agricultural research 

is a fixation for agricultural development"

(Or "all after a Senator dismissing a better budget on agricultural research as fixation")

It seems that Senator Cynthia Villar hath becoming an object for shitstorm especially after her response on the need for a higher budget on research as but a "fixation".

For she, acting as chairman of the Senate agriculture, food, and agrarian reform committee, hit the Department of Agriculture for allocating a big chunk of its proposed 2020 budget on research for the National Corn Program instead of offering direct assistance to farmers.

Prior to that slamming the Department of Agriculture wishes to allocate ₱150 million of the ₱1.2 billion proposed budget to research for the corn program.

However, this request turned down by Villar herself, being the chairman of that committee on agriculture and food, she described such a request as a fixation, as she saith:

"Why does it seem like all of your budget goes to research? You're so fixated on research, what are you going to do with it? I'm smart, but I don't understand your research, what more the farmers? Do they want you to conduct research? Don't you think they want your help instead?"

For sure Villar was trying to act like a populist especially in wanting a direct support for the farmers. In her chiding towards the DA officials would say that she may hath claimed that they were irresponsible in handling the budget if not not prioritising the immediate needs of the farmers. Also during that said proceeding she interrogated DA officials on why the proposed reserve fund for the National Corn Program as higher than the allocation for seedling distribution.- for under the proposed 2020 budget, the budget for seed reserve is ​₱​​​​​​218 million, while the distribution is at ₱31 million, with its reserves be provided to farmers during calamities.

This idea was put forward by Agriculture Undersecretary Ariel Cayanan, who explained that five percent of production should be set aside as buffer stock, and he also said that the department will also provide assistance to farmers in the form of seeds and fertilizers.

But as for Villar, still acting like a populist, said that farmers need more direct assistance. She asked the department to revise its proposed budget.

"If I'm a farmer, I'd prefer receiving seeds and machinery, instead of those research. Our farmers are poor because we don't give them enough." Villar said. 

***

The proceedings, particularly those of Villar's statement was itself a target for jokes. That by describing the need for research as a fixation, some Filipinos were not too happy, if not dismissed as a joke with her remarks, claiming that research is just as important in agriculture development.

According to an article on Interaksyon, a Twitter user, concerning about the need for improving agriculture, stresses the importance of agricultural research, for: “...gives us more insight on what we can improve in agriculture so we can help farmers cultivate their crops better and yield more during their harvests,” Furthermore, a statement from Gideon Lasco, who, in response to Villar's words, recalled a conversation he had with a Vietnamese scientist the importance of research in their rice production, which is seconded after agrarian reform. 

His Twitter post did also slammed Villar's statement as well, as he said:

"If Cynthia Villar cannot appreciate the role of research in agriculture, she has no business chairing the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food."

Pardon if that streneous work and a need for a much deserved budget be dismissed as a fixation. For knowing that as chairwoman on Committee for Agriculture and Food she assumed that she expressed concern about the need for machinery and supplies than those of research- or perhaps, thinking that farming is nothing but plow, till, wait, and harvest; but come to think that in a country where agriculture as trying to put importance, then there's a need for using scientific means, such as research in improving both substenance and cash crops. 

For instance, Ricardo Lantican, along with his team, did a study that looked into how a fungal disease called southern corn leaf blight hath affected crops in the cornfield of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños. Because of that discovery, along with the need for hybridisation of crops for pest resistance and the likes, Lantican became an internationally-recognized pioneer in plant breeding.

And when the Department of Science and Technology featured him on its Facebook page, it stressed the importance of scientific research in attaining significant development.

“That’s the value of research,” the agency said with a winking emoji.

***

Citing Lantican's example as well as those of others  concerned would say that Villar should check her words that appearth to be dismissive. Perhaps she tried to express her concern about a bigger budget while neglecting some important matters concerning agriculture. 

In a country where agriculture is trying to gain importance would say that the need for scientific developments creates an immense help in addressing problems such as the need for pest resistance, bountiful harvest, soil health, and the likes that would say supports the long term agenda for self sufficiency and of food security.

Otherwise, given Villar's position as head of Senate Committee in Agriculture and Food, is she really after the lands of the poor peasants for her subdivisions? The Ramos estate in Cavite for instance, it continues to be struggled by the peasants who tilled that arable soil for decades despite attempts by real estate developers to grab it. Or how about supporting the interests of multinational food conglomerates and traders than those of small farmers and cooperatives? For sure that by using the Rice Tarrification Law and other "reform bills" for an alibi, Villar and others would hath expressed that domestic self sufficiency as not enough- and that by letting traders and big agri conglomerates dominate, there is no need for the government to intervene and thus letting the market to resolve it.

Anyway, to conclude this note, there will always be a fixation for improvement. Driven by the desire for bountiful harvests and healthier diets, this fixation for improving the country's agriculture would say helps in sufficing problems despite ridicule or an outright dismissal. In fact, in a statement from Agriculture Secretary William Dar, he seriously stressed the importance on utilising sciences especially those of research, as he said during the budget deliberation:

“The development of varieties is the result of R&D. We are only releasing [new varieties] every 10 years, while Thailand is releasing every five years. That indicates the key importance of research and development,” 

“If properly focused, the R&D is such a critical investment. We have just to really focus, pay attention on the priority areas which we need to invest on,” he added.

And to think that Dar also agrees with Senator Villar that the research outputs should directly benefit the farmers, he clarified that “varietal development, hybridization, is key in increasing the productivity.”

“It is necessary to invest in priority areas for research and development,” he repeated. Stubbornly stressing its importance.

Dar said the DA will conduct “strategic research” to be able to give the sector “right varieties every now and then, not to wait every 10 years.”

Thus, it is worth to say that a fixation for agricultural research is itself a fixation for agricultural development. Haters gonna hate as one may say.

"Remembering Carlos Celdran"

"Remembering Carlos Celdran"

At first, this writer hath been acquainted that Snr. Carlos Celdran, talked about his getups and his love for Old Manila. From there he just trying to replicate the Manila he cherished most: of a gentleman wearing an early 19th century barong, a baggy patadyong pants, alpombras, and a top hat that became his personal image as a tour guide and an artist. - that for some people would say a weird, bizzare kind of personality that he tries to rekindle the past with costume, theatrics, all to amuse people who wishes to see history through his version of sightseeing and urban adventure.

But despite that, this person will remember him as just trying to rekindle the past he wished to see. But also remember: that behind that nostalgic, picturesque Manila or Philippines was the same Manila or the Philippines that's brewing with the dissent he criticised about. The Manila of Intramuros, Insular Ice Plant, Old Luneta, was also the same Manila of the Tabaquerias whose workers had enough of hardship rolling tobaccos for a pittance- that end forcing to strike, make protest, face prison, or gone to the mountains of Sierra Madre.

In reading his posts one would truly say that since he carried history and heritage althroughout, some of his posts really smacked of elitism despite he himself professed as a liberal, "left of bourgeoisie" that speaks heavily about freedom and personal responsibility. At one time he criticised activists for the vandalism or the "outdated ideology" that continues to haunt his old Manila; yet on the other hand, he himself, let's just say having a chivalric streak, did afford to visit a poet-turned-political prisoner who once freed due to pressure from the cultural sector and recuperated in the hospital bed. How chivalric then but doesn't mean condone his sometime bullshit.

Anyway, you may sleep eternally Carlos. Most people may recognise you as a tour guide, some as a guy in a weird costume, others as an Imelda apologist, if not an elitist who wishes to revive the Manila of an old, rigidly heirarchical past, and the resr as a guy who gone shouting in the cathedral during a mass and end imprisoned while he himself criticising the protesters for spraypainting political slogans in public walls.

Or even the man who wished the representative of this old order to die. - only to be boomeranged towards the sender. Sorry for the words, just trying to evaluate what comes from the commons the impression of the man who tries to be a living, walking, personification of Manila.

Again, sleep well. Rest in Pleasure.

"LONG GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN: ES LEBE DER DDR!"

"LONG GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN: ES LEBE DER DDR!"

(A 70th anniversary message)

Despite its dissolution some decades ago, the German Democratic Republic tried its best to be one of the bulwarks of socialism and peace in Europe. 

That despite from being misjudged along with former socialist countries this German land seriously clings that socialism rather than capitalism as the way to the future. 

It may sound absurd, weird, nonsense, too idealistic that they speak about an alternative as a way to the fruture, but, that socialist homeland of theirs did provide a future like those of Fernsehturm and the Palast der Republik, far from the impression of the west that only limits their view to those of the Berlin Wall.

The wall may've been dismantled as well as the Palast der Republik, but the German Democratic Republic cannot be forgotten. From those years that's full of construction, education, sowing, ploughing, that's all part of creating a dynamic society and hath impressed upon everyone's consciousness the absolute necessity of upholding people's democracy, value of labor, knolwedge, and ingenuity, and also the preciousness of long lasting peace amidst the termor of conflict. 

And with those years, driven by the idea of a United German Fatherland, the German Democratic Republic tried its best to upheld the culture that one would say keeping the best of its past be it the works of Schiller to the military views of Scharnhorst, so were the ever continuing legacy of Marx and Engels whose spectre continues to haunt an ever-prevailing capitalist world. The west would have assailed this former country two and fro for being aligned with the eastern bloc and socialism; but regardless of those misjudgements, slanders, the people still wishes to take back the future, that again able to forge, build, learn, work for the betterment of their homeland, and to show again to the world, as any other concerned country do, that socialism thrives.

It may sound strange tho in recalling the memories of the former country, but come to think that despite having Berlin Wall or the Palast der Republik being gone, how come the Karl Marx-Allee, Fernsehturm, the Straußberger and the Alexander Platz continue to remain still? For sure those who carry grudges against the former country would yearn to destroy those structures using the term "critical reconstuction." That phrase may sound like the need for reinventing Berlin or any other city in the former socialist homeland, when in fact the drive be like as if the country never existed; yet despite these events, these structures continue to stand as a legacy of that bygone era- that again as dynamic, future-facing.

And to think that reunification is actually an "absorption" with keeping the same "basic law" of the former West Germany as its fundamental law of the land, discimination between the former divided entities rather prevailed as "the initial euphoria about having become one unified people again was increasingly replaced by a growing sense of difference between Easterners ("Ossis") and Westerners ("Wessis")" according to Tölle.

Furthermore, despite that atmosphere of reunification and its promised developments, inconvenient realities like disjointed economic restructuring, associated with massive dismemberment of people's enterprises, deindistrialisation of major institutions, and privatisation of former state-controlled entities, occured while wealth and income inequality continues even after reunification as former East Gemans got over 40,000 Euros as opposed to 94,000 Euros that's carrieth by its former western neighbour.

"Long Gone, but Never Forgotten"

Sounds both lamenting as well as nostalgic for an East German, but behind these nostalgia is the yearning to see their homeland, this time united, as redeemed from this existing unjustness. How come? With the ever growing opposition to neoliberal capitalism, of globalisation and of widespread oppression, a concerned would express that the need for peace based on justice is at must, aand a country that values labor, ingenuity, knowledge, innovation, and an outlook towards the future is possible. This post is not much of a return to the past, true that this rekindle memories, but time comes that the strength and self-confidence of the masses, may grew in the fight for realisation of such lofty goals, create a new society, from which all could develop their creative abilities.

Hence, Long gone but Never forgotten. Es Lebe der DDR!
The DDR is gone, but LONG LIVE THE DDR!

"Myeongdong notes: All after a writer's trip to Korea"

"Myeongdong notes: All after a writer's trip to Korea"

Its been long time for this writer to do this note after his trip to Korea. Originally a family affair for the lenten season, this writer did enjoy another moment abroad, although marred by some problems that for him ought to shrug it away.

That journey, started from Palm sunday and endth in the Easter, made this writer sought everything that would would say showcases that country's culture in an era of total modernity. Of electronics, fashion, drama, music, even food and the places that somehow provideth Korea to the world a n immense contribution.

And how come? That by seeing modern structures and of inherited traditions, of korean pop music and of historical dramas played, this person would say that Korea is trying to make things modern serve the interest of the Korean people, hence enriches its identity as a growing nation.

Clinging to its roots in an era of "modernity"

It is unsurprising that south Korea is fast becoming a tourist destination. With its pop culture taken the world by storm from radio, television, internet, its restaurants, and its diaspora, one would say that these entices people to visit a country whose long standing tradition that's side by side by its modern-day counterpart.

For as this writer first time to stepped in Seoul, stayed in Myeongdong district, visited a studio, temple, and even the border, he noticed that the country tries its best to keep firm in its roots despite its showcase of pop culture being shown throughout: of old palaces surrounded with modern buildings, of Korean dramas showcasing its history, this writer finds the country seriously trying to adheres in its image of being a progressive yet rooted nation.


For the fact that south Korea has been making headlines in recent years in tech, automotive, and in entertainment sectors, Korean brands like LG, Samsung, Hyundai became globally recognised brands, and people taketh time to watch its dramas, listening to Kpop, eating their food, and perhaps talking to Koreans that entices them to visit that "land of the morning calm."

However, despite this ever growing modernisation that's happening, this writer would say that a generation of Koreans are becoming cosmopolitan no matter it tries to be rooted in its identity by promoting its culture. For despite its pressure from fellow Asiatic neighbours and those from the United States and its ever prevailing consumerist culture, Korea, being a growing nation, trieth to stand firm in making its generation less materialistic, all despite the fact that in every surrounding lies things that evades Koreans from carrying its value and hence becoming materialistic as any other Asiatic who got a taste of modernity.

But come to think of this, Korea did a lot of copying its neighbours long before it created its own. Its animation for example, it copied its Japanese neighbour alot to the extent being called as cheap knockoffs; that its automobiles, electronic devices were also being called as copycats as LG, Samsung, Hyundai, and other companies trieth to break from being merchants in order to become industrialists especially during the protectionist era of Park Chung Hee.
And thanks to him pragmatically speaking for making Korea taking in that kind of developmentalist path, enticing foreign investors to invest while shunning suggestions from World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to dissuade from industrialising itself, all despite the fact that the drivel was more like overpowering its northern neighbour whose "self reliance" hath been the statement of those days.

And to think that Park Chung Hee, like its northern neighbour leader Kim Il Sung trieth to set forth foundations of Korean-style development, would say that their version of political will was almost a führerprinzip one, that at times disregarding its limits to promote development by decree, whilst on the other hand hath to depend on the whims of its western master to have a go signal to proceed with these goals-starting with meeting their demands for uniforms, boots, for repairing electronics, anything that the once trader suddenly engages in manufacturing, hence transforming a country from being agro-commercial to an industralised nation. 

Imagine, should national development be limited to those of agriculture, commerce and trade? Nope, should Korea, as any other developing country that wishes true economic and even social development be at the mercy of monelylenders? Nope as well; and to think that there are politicians who required legislators to give a "go signal"in order to proceed with their developmentalist agenda, there are also those who trying to stood against its way; but with a leader whose decision was as almost "above the law", then it really took a "hard" decision to make Korea undertaketh its action to be developed, to make Seoul be as progressive as any other Asian cities including those of Manila.

However, this doesn't mean it diminishes its dependency on the west- for behind its façade of development Korea still has its agreements one would say as unjust especially those from the United States. These agreements may've been a stumbling block to the desired reunification with its northern neighbour, that amidst its struggle through self reliance, of encountering famine and floods in a terrain mostly unsuitable for growing food also afforded to create an atmosphere of their own modernity in Pyongyang.
And like its southern neighbour, north Korea also adheres in preserving its heritage despite its atmosphere deemed "hostile" by the west. After all, like other former socialist countries they are socially conservative when it comes to their culture.


And some still clinging into their cherished faiths

But despite these, this person would say that his vacation did satisfy regardless of some minor problems encountered. While on the other hand, given that the event was situated in the middle of Lent would say that this person, being a Catholic, was obliged to visit Myeongdong cathedral to reflect from his past deeds and misdeeds aside from praying for some spiritual guidance- and end taking pictures and also encountering Filipinos doing their "Visita Iglesia" praying and reflecting at the stations of the cross. There were other tourists as well, mostly focusing on the sightseeing aspect, taking pictures and looking at the church's gothic structure that made the place iconic as those of their ages-old temples. He did also encounter some nuns as well, which reminds of a friend (also a Korean nun under the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart) who continues along with her fellow sisters and lay colleagues (including yours truly) to engage in both religious and social work in Quezon City.

And to think that Korea is known for its Confucianism, Buddhism, and its folk religion focusing on Shamanism and its totems, there is a growing trend in Christian faith, particularly those of Catholicism (like the Myeongdong Cathedral) and mainline Protestantism particularly Episcopalian and Baptist sects. And to think that despite having fundamentalists amongst their ranks who trying to undermine one sect over the other, relations between Korean Catholic C`hristians and Buddhists as well as other faiths has remained largely cooperative, partly due to the syncretism of many Buddhist, Confucian, and other folk customs and philosophies into South Korean Catholicism, most notably the practice of jesa (ancestral rites).
And in speaking of Buddhism, at one time this writer did visit Jogyesa temple for some reflection- that includes lighting incense, some prayers, aside from observing its parishoners praying their mantras, counting their prayer beads, and all-that somehow made this person say that these people are trying to control their minds and introspect themselves in order to attain their much needed "inner peace" in an ever materialistic world. Jogyesa Temple used to be known as Gakhwangsa Temple which was founded in 1395. During the Japanese colonial invasion of 1910-1945, the temple become one of the strongest fortresses of Korean Buddhism. The name Jogyesa was chosen to denote the structure's status as the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (Buddhist sect which combines and integrates the Korean Zen and Textual Schools of Buddhism).


"Why not follow their direction
if most Filipinos enjoy their progress?"

But come to think of this, most Filipinos would rather go on vacation as this writer sought some either traversing the streets of Myeongdong district or just shopping such as in Uniqlo or in Innisfree. With the Lenten season as an opporunity for them to leave their workplaces, would say that Filipinos who can afford taketh time to enjoy the cool breeze and to explore what Korea's all about not just in the TV screen, Internet, Radio, in a Sangyeupsal restaurant somewhere in Manila, or from a Korean friend who happens to be studying in the University Belt. From this would say that the country known for its KDramas and KPop truly matters its culture, heritage, progress, anything that brought that country to its intended direction-as opposed to their home's half-hearted desire to promote such lofty goals.

And thus, unsurprising for yours truly. Like Hong Kong and Japan of the past decades, there are Filipinos would dare to explore those places, enjoy its cuisine, and to some extent, having the idea of  working in those same countries whose people would somehow willing to "pay more" than those at home. In fact, a Filipino who stayed in Korea for years, acting as a tour guide, happened to be a former factory worker in a furniture factory, whose hard work, adaptability, and a good knowledge of English attained her a good rank, and a husband who happened to be the owner's son. From there she opened a business, offered jobs to Filipinos, and even promoted a culture of hard work, cooperation, and perseverance that idealised by some owners and managers alike.
For life in Korea is such a really hard work, and that most Filipinos had to get contented just to earn hard in order for their families live a better life- for 50000 won is equivalent to 50 dollars, hence two thousand pesos. But come to think of this: Koreans did follow that same route as Filipinos many decades ago, they were working in France, Germany, engaging in hard labour, whose hard earned Francs and Marks all been remitted to the government just to sustain their country's desire for development as well as those of their families.

Thus, in thinking that austere kind of living, of hard earned money for a good life at home, then why not follow like the Koreans do? Of building a better nation as above those of themselves as individuals? This is not about the need for an outsider to assist a developing country with capital, but rather a need for a strong political will to attain such lofty demands as theirs-like let's just say disregarding someone else's suggestions in order to set up steel mills, engage in industrialisation, exceed productivity levels, real food security, etc. their experiences says it all somehow.

But the irony is this: Koreans do also have a share of corrupt personages and despots who despite promoting things "developmental" also has it's soiled, bloodied hands. Park Chung Hee and Chun Doo Hwan for example- they did promote an atmosphere of stability, but at the same time infamous because of their oppression, in fact Park end assassinated by his former intelligence chief, Chun end imprisoned, even Park's daughter, who also happened to be president several years ago, end ousted and imprisoned as well. Justice seemed to be swift for them regardless of their "achievements"- while Filipinos be like it doesn't matter about the "mistakes" so long as they use their infrastructures.

***

To cut this note short, this person prays that genuine reconciliation may pave way to a lasting reunification of the two Koreas. Hope that a United Korea, the Choson that's cherished for generations may not just prosper but also to continually cultivate a sense of justice, equality, self reliance, and an active neutrality amongst neighbours.

It may sound common, for knowing that as this person sought the Demilitarised Zone with its barbed wire borders, bunkers, and guardhouses, it seems that security hath been a serious issue for decades, brought about by its earlier conflicts brought by two contesting views of east and west; what more of its leaders whose version of reunification as either based on justice, or plain simple absorption whose problems be passed on the other as its consequence. The former East Germany still has its problems tho, and still trying to resolve it.

But admittingly speaking, this person admiringly looks at the North with its drivel for self reliance. true that there were numerous mistakes and shortcomings mainstream audiences blamed on its guiding view of Juche and Songun. But as Kim Jong Un created a new chapter for this country of his one would say that Pyongyang has changed alot no matter how critics, or rather say hecklers tend to describe it as a potemkin villahe of sorts, as opposed to their positive views of its southern neighbour, with all its materialistic grandeur.

Meanwhile, the south continues to thrive in its own expertise, driven by its desire to be in par with its neighbours, as Seoul and other cities be renouned with its myriad of technologies to those of its pomotion of culture, then no wonder why the south for others be Korea than "south Korea."

Yet come to think of this, its progress started from disobeying suggestions from the west with its moneylenders, and by building its own steel mill and other related manufacutures, of supporting farmers evenly for food security, of accommodating demands from its allies for their needs like the United States for its military goods, most of its companies, originally trader by nature, hath become producers of their own right; and familiar names like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, as well as others continues to manufacture goods that not just to accommodate its domestic needs but also those of the world market.

But again this doesn't change this person's view on the North promoting its right to defend its homeland, its culture, and its will for a just and peaceful reunification with its southern neighbour. Hope that the barriers continue to dismantle two and fro as talks continue smoothly, with principles  to maintain.

"Still, Trying to be Glorious"

"Still, Trying to be Glorious"

(or "Notes after China under Xi Jinping
and how his brand of socialism is still a continuity of his predecessors")

Source: Financial Times

Souce: New Yorker

This is what China tries to get happen. That by still ruled by a communist party and at the same time a party that includes millionaires, one would say that this sleeping dragon, trying to achieve being a "socialist" carrying a "capitalist" characteristic", would emerge as a high-income country- that would transform a world in which most if not all large high-income countries as currently market-oriented underneath a sheet of "representative democracy."

For as Xi Jinping and his politburo celerated the founding anniversary of the people's republic, that country, trying to call itself "communist" is far smaller than what was before 1991. In an article in Financial Times it stated that "it has achieved four decades of staggering economic growth. Yet it is still a middle-income country, ranked by the IMF at 75th in the world, in gross domestic product per head at purchasing power parity — a little behind Mexico and Thailand."

But come to think that despite that kind of state, China's artisanal-trader nature keeps them moving the way Xi Jinping himself, like his predecessors, trying to create a legacy that's "outsmarting Wall Street, Westminster, and Kremlin"- and disregarding whether it's political system remains the same so long as it keeps the economy going and benefiting from them. Yet to achieve that kind of venture it has to prove that it ables to reach the best level of government performance and to have an economy that's also capable to attain a high-income levels of prosperity-even by adapting further capitalist ways on the basis of  "efficiency"- so is the ability to transform modern technology into a system of comprehensive surveillance over virtually every Chinese person.


Still "taking time to struggle"

But despite this ever prevailng revisionist direction remember: Chairman Mao worked hard his entire life both to win the revolution and to establish a country that according to him would restore its greatness through people's will- that since 1949 up to the present one would say that without Mao there could not have been a new China.

How come? In 1943 Chiang kai Shek once said that "without the Guomindang there would be no China" in his book entitled "China's destiny." That destiny during his period would say be marred by a continuity of oppression and injustice, of corrupt military officers and of profiteering compradores. In fact there were no difference between these lowlives who, behind the banner of "nationalism and democracy" were actually less to do with those two. 

And from those same periods would say that Chairman Mao often reminded the people that should always remember the revolutionary martyrs for its contributions, and to understand why they sacrificed their lives for the cause they stood and fought for- for from these people, from their thoughts and in their deeds, would say that  they wanted to build a new China – a new China where there would be no class exploitation or class repression, a new China where the people would become the master of the country.

For sure people would start babbling negatively about Mao either because he is a "dicatator" or a "communist." But for the Chinese and others who studied his thought, his drivel for the emancipation of the Chinese working class was more patriotic than a patriot whose banner waving appeal as enough to call it patriotism or nationalism. His "Great Leap Forward", although true that there were mistakes and shortcomings in policymaking, meant the need to unite people and to contribute for their homeland's development.

Yet, that development doesn't forget its committment to the struggle to emancipate the laboring masses. To cite "On Khruschev's Phoney Communism and Its Historical Lessons for the World", Mao said:

"What is the correct conception of socialist society? Do classes and class struggle exist throughout the stage of socialism? Should the dictatorship of the proletariat be maintained and the socialist revolution be carried through to the end? Or should the dictatorship of the proletariat be abolished so as to pave the way for capitalist restoration? These questions must be answered correctly according to the basic theory of Marxism-Leninism and the historical experience of the dictatorship of the proletariat."

Nowadays, a concerned Chinese who did seeking truth from facts would likely to conclude that the revisionists not just have siezed power but to continue holding it. That by "serving the people" been replaced by "getting rich is glorious" would say that these revisionists became no different from the neoliberals despite babbling socialism, praising Marx-Lenin-Mao, or in the case of Xi Jinping, babbling about "serving the people" when in fact obeys neoliberal-globalist agreements.


"Will Mr Xi go down in history as the man who brought China to the top of the world, 
or as a Chinese version of Leonid Brezhnev?"

Pardon if some would think that Xi is becoming like China's version of Brezhnev or Khruschev especially in purusing a revisionist path and by equating socialist development to just increasing material weath alone. Knowing that China's growth at present be like reminiscent of Soviet Union, the drivel would hath been economistic by nature but in its different direction such as opening itself to capitalism using the terms "modernisation" and "development". Even Xi's predecessor, Deng Xiaoping did admitted that there were (or should say are) revisionists amongst ranks:

"Of course this has something to do with anti-revisionism. There are big Khrushchevs and there are little Khrushchevs. Even a village has Khrushchevs. Schools? Factories? Neighborhoods? They all have Khrushchevs. Don’t think we’re so pure."

And like his predecessors, Xi's work be like: too much emphasis on economic development,  but where is the revolutionary aspect which the oppressed nations looked upon to? Perhaps their socialism with their own characteristics may end nonetheless not socialistic but corporatist with the bureaucrats and businessmen having the upper hand over those of the working masses whose view of people's China be like a continuing example of socialism.

In fairness, in Xi's work "The people's wish for a good life is our goal", he recognises the role of the masses, and that by trying to imitate Mao, he said:

"The people are the makers of our history. They ate the real heroes and the source of our strength. We are fully aware that the capability of any individual is limited, but as long as we unite as one like a fortress, there is no difficulty we cannot overcome. One can only work for a limited period of time, but there is no limit to serving the people with dedication. Our responsibility is weightier than mountains, our task arduous, and the road head along. We must always bear in mind what the people think and share weal and woe with them, and we must work together with them diligently for the public good and for the expectations of history and of the people."

Quite nice to hear those words at first, especially in Xi having recognised the importance of mass line and the need to serve the people, but on the other hand, did these words ever put justice for the sweatshop workers at the export processing zones? Did it curb corruption strongly and swiftly? Did it uplift the masses in the countryside when scrupulous businessmen continue to make profits? Sometimes such words tried to mask the revisionist stance, of adherence to capitalism, social imperialism and its big power hegemony that happening nowadays, that sometimes caused friction especially in its neighbours including those of its socialist neighbour Vietnam.

Anyway, the problems China encounter everyday, particularly those of bureaucratic corruption and its ever prevailing capitalist-oriented economic policies, makes one recall this:

"Those representatives of the bourgeoisie who have sneaked into the party, the government, the army, and various spheres of culture are a bunch of counterrevolutionary revisionists. Once conditions are ripe, they will seize political power and turn the dictatorship of the proletariat into a dictatorship of the bourgeoisie. Some of them we have already seen through; others we have not. Some are still trusted by us and are being trained as our successors, persons like Khrushchev for example, who are still nestling beside us."

Thus, no wonder why Mao Zedong exprressed the need for a reorganisation, a cultural revolution by urging the need for "bombard the headquarters":

"‘China’s first Marxist-Leninist big character poster and Commentator’s article on it in Renmin Ribao (People’s Daily) are indeed superbly written! Comrades, please read them again. But in the last fifty days or so some leading comrades from the central down to the local levels have acted in a diametrically opposite way. Adopting the reactionary stand of the bourgeoisie, they have enforced a bourgeois dictatorship and struck down the surging movement of the great cultural revolution of the proletariat. They have stood facts on their head and juggled black and white, encircled and suppressed revolutionaries, stifled opinions differing from their own, imposed a white terror, and felt very pleased with themselves. They have puffed up the arrogance of the bourgeoisie and deflated the morale of the proletariat. How poisonous! Viewed in connection with the Right deviation in 1962 and the wrong tendency of 1964 which was ‘Left’ in form but Right in essence, shouldn’t this make one wide awake?"

Such words continue to remain relevant in today's setting such as businessmen in the National Peoples' Congress. For sure socialists would really disagree the idea of seeing scrupulous men becoming "communists" by convenience-of assuming to be "for the masses" while tolerating the existence of sweatshop labour for multinationals if not seeing multinationals themselves violating China's labor laws. For a concerned socialist, is the revisionists tolerate it for the sake of "development"? Unsurprising and worth compelling to express what Mao saidth about the need to "bombard the headquarters" as people dared to seek further truth from facts.

***

But for the sake of fairness would say that China still takes pride being modern and improved be it in Shenzen or Shanghai; that in promoting developments the drivel would be the means to uplift the masses materially such as towering condominiums to its myriad of technology; while on the other hand come to think that  despite their numerous achievements, and its still trying to assume its place as a "socialist country", the revisionism that's ever seen and criticised by many has made others who did study  Marx-Lenin-Mao Zedong Thought to take China's "place", of making further a basis to build and upheld socialism in one country, and to promote a greater role of the masses in taking the power of the state and transforming it as a tool for building a patriotic, democratic, and well-oriented society.