"As Easter begins"

"As Easter begins"

As Easter begins 

The red sun shines brightly 

Over hills and the blue sea 

The morning star shines evenly 

The breeze brings good news 

Of songs calling for redemption 

Flowers of all kinds blooming 

This sets for a revolution 

The message inspires to advance 

Turning every tool into a weapon 

Taking the cross and follow 

The way towards liberation 

Expect hardship, pain death 

But the message continues to inspire 

The folk having enough of the system's wrath 

Taking arms and be fighters to aspire 

Expect the order and its attack dogs 

Belitting the clarion call of struggle 

Trying to downplay the message 

And unleashes its tremeandous terror 

But this doesn't stop the rising 

As the folk and land resurrecting 

The message of resurrection 

In action comes insurrection 

In every hand a weapon 

In every call an action 

Willing to break the continuing past 

Of destitution and corruption 

All rushed to the capital 

Singing songs of determination 

Trying to resist the hordes of reaction 

Like his ressurection the glory is the revolution 

As easter begins 

The red sun shines brightly 

The message is loud and clear 

To revolt is justified and necessary 

Just like the risen Lord 

Who called the folk to revolt 

Take the arm destroy the order 

Who brought the world suffer

Regardless of “actions”, crisis and oppression breeds resistance

 Regardless of “actions”, crisis and oppression breeds resistance

by Kat Ulrike

At first, this note extends greetings this Easter Sunday, for like the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, this note expresses that despite numerous challenges and hindrances, that the nation's struggle for independence and democracy is greater with full of hopes amid continuing socioeconomic crisis, oppression against the folk, and threats to national sovereignty. 

Easter is the occasion when people wished for a lasting peace as to honour its fallen dead. When remembering those who died, or imprisoned because of a belief, heir contributions, sacrifices, are driven by the desire to fulfill hopes, of making the future generation shall have peace in their homes and communities. 

On this, this note remember all of those who have given their lives in the cause of national and social liberation. This note salutes the courage and fortitude of those who have died in this phase of a historic struggle, and thus remember them with honour and pride. 

This note reaffirm the belief that the current government continues to downplay the people's desire for peace based on justice, the denial of a nation's right to self-determination, and the maintenance of social and economic inequality as the root causes of conflict.  

 By refusing to continue the stalled negotiations, the current administration seems to be stubborn in pursuing an offensive that involves bombing of communities, harassing and arresting peace negotiators, to that of involuntary disappearances. These actions, whose basis is “to end decades-old insurgency”, intensifies popular resistance as the current administration continues to be in connivance with entrenched local and foreign interests in exploiting the country and its people. With the support of imperialists, attempts to undermine people’s struggles to the extent of seeking to criminalise dissent has shown remain the order fixated with the objective of “destroying subversion” rather than developing the peace process. 

But regardless of their messages justifying their operations, its actions made clear that the responsibility for the ongoing conflict rests firmly on the shoulders of the ruling class through its government. The rejection of the people’s desire for lasting peace in favour of the order’s deafening silence shows that the ruling class wanted a condition that rather intensifies exploitation to maintain and consolidate further interests. Of course that deafening silence is redescribed as the “absence of war”, but, is that absence of conflict is based on justice? Of answering the cry of the poor and the oppressed? That “peace” of the order benefits the exploiters as they talked it through threat and coercion. 

This note requires no lengthy speech. However, the order does not present the necessity for a just and durable peace to a group of like-minded despots and tyrants. That "peace" they've wanted is a fiction, as the vast majority of peasants, workers, and other toiling people continue to face land grabbing, economic dispossession, poor wages, unemployment, and other kinds of terrible social injustice, making the fight even more just and necessary. And contrary to their statements trying to "win the peace", the present US-Marcos regime has aggravated the situation of the people by serving the interests of foreign capitalists, as that of local economic and political despots to the detriment of the Filipino people’s welfare and rights. "Programs" meant to appease the folk doesn't resolve the problem, but instead to placate the interest-seekers. 

To cut this thought short, the desire for peace means to address the people's desire for justice. The prisons or graves may be filled with those whose reasons as just, but an ever prevailing crisis which trying to be hidden cannot remain hidden at all as it breeds resistance- for regardless of the reprisals from state elements this doesn't stop the people from ever concerning hard issues the order fails to address, downplays, or outright denies; what more the willingness to resist in order for the nation to exist. 

"Christ is Risen! Let the world Rejoice!"

"Christ is Risen! Let the world Rejoice!"

Warm Greetings.

At first, this note resounds the following message: that Christ has risen; let us also rise; let us maintain His triumph over death and partake in His joy.

This message reminds the reader that with his resurrection, those who witnessed comes an expression of amazement, of a renewed faith as the tomb of Jesus Christ, once sealed with a great stone been rolled out, what more encountering a resurrected being, face to face, and touching the pieced hands, feet and side. 

And in his resurrection means hope, as Jesus Christ is risen, that shows he alone has the power to remove the obstacles that block path to life. He faced death yes, as he was crucified, sacrificing his life to absolve the world from sin and misery and was buried- only to rise again on the third day. 

In this note would ask why should the world not fill hearts with hope and joy as Christ rose from the dead? A victory of Life over Death? He is the Christ! He is the Emmanuel that says "God is with Us" and therefore he lives among the people yearning for salvation. His love showeth the redemptive goodness of God that the world needs in this present time. Through his resurrection, the world can now experience life beneath death, glory in the midst of suffering, strength from weakness, and victory despite the agony of defeat. 

Folk! As the world face various obstacles, of "stones" that blocked the path, looking back at Christ and sharing God's gladness  means keeping the promise that "He is with Us" and by His resurrection means giving people life that's eternal. Only the risen Lord who granted each and everyone the forgiveness of sins, for without this, such "stones" that blocked that path cannot be removed. 

In all honesty, this note would state that everyone is still struggling as humanity attempts to combat evil. Yet, that same humanity has experienced pain during the fight, which affected the body, mind, and soul, and thus humanity looked back at Christ, whose suffering and death on the cross have caused people to easily empathize with those who suffer. Of course, some will dismiss the pain and suffering being endured, but as humans who bear that pain and suffering require love and care to rise up and fight back in order to progress forward. For sure, everyone was looking for recent news about the pain of Palestinians, those whose families had been killed by missiles and whose homes had been destroyed; the pain of those who had lost their jobs or were struggling with meager incomes; and the frustration of those who were unable to support their families due to economic deprivation. 

And yet this note talks about resurrection? Again, Christ's resurrection from the dead represents hope. And hope for humanity takes numerous shapes. Of course, such realities are quite "mentally paralyzing," hopeless conditions that cannot be rejected, no matter who merely shrugs or blames the victim for the consequences. But, again, why does this note mention resurrection? Christ descended into hell and rose again, bringing with him everyone who had died, suffered, and was hopeless- and in His rising again shows He the paschal victim brought an immense hope and the immeasurable love of God the world yeans, the insurmountable hope that peace will come, and the miseries, abuses, deprivations, sufferings will end and go away. 

To cut this thought short, as the world celebrates this occasion, again let the folk remember that infinite love of God that overcomes humanity's limit and weakness. This gift means having a renewed will to fight be it against the self or against the world, especially in this time of catastrophe and crisis. 

"When resistance becomes necessary"

"When resistance becomes necessary"

Sometimes I wonder 

Why resistance becomes necessary 

Despite the numerous wonders 

Brought by today’s modernity 

For behind the grandeur 

Age old injustices occur 

Making resistance possible 

Even in this contemporary 

Of course these may downplayed 

Calling such actions as passe 

That seeing mass actions, red banners swayed 

Be deemed noise, disorder as one say 

Fine! Yet how come mum in the injustices 

Brought by the order and its oppressive practises 

Will the oppressed remain silent 

In this goddamn tragic play? 

That by seeing contentment 

Brought a generation full of indifferent 

Choosing to live in isolation 

Justified by redescribing as freedom 

Yet chains remain shackled on them 

Whether invisible or in shimmering silver 

Still, shackled in a cycle of alienation 

Of fear and countless desperation 

And the order continuously exploit them 

As in the past felt being goddamned 

In a society where humanity’s physically alive 

Yet souls barren and minds deprived 

Is this freedom what today’s systems sought 

The liberty that’s sold and brought? 

Is this the promising future presented as something 

When in fact an inglorious past that’s continuing? 

 It is not surprising that despite their criticisms 

They find no alternatives to this activism 

The culture of contentment brought by that modernity 

Made one critic find it as “overdressed monkeys” 

The silence and injustice must be provoked 

By the multitude of noises invoked 

As thoughts, words transform into flames 

A reply to a systemic underserved reactions 

 Again, sometimes I wonder 

Why resistance becomes necessary 

Despite numerous wonders 

Brought by today’s modernity 

But the People doesn’t content 

By this continuing depravity 

Thus resistance is still possible 

Even in this contemporary

“When words shouldn’t remain empty”

“When words shouldn’t remain empty and meaningless”

This note first expresses solidarity to the struggling folk in this season of Lent. 

 As the folk commemorate the passion and glory of the saviour Jesus Christ, this solemn occasion means a time to reflect, to renew, and to take wholeheartedly the love and sacrifice what God made to every heart and mind especially in a time of crisis. 

 However, despite such messages especially from the current order, words like "forgiveness", "love", "solidarity", among others, is not being taken seriously as injustices and oppression still occur. And it is not surprising that from these messages are rephrased statements from the past whose thought is far from its actual action such as driven by self-interest. 

Right is His Holiness Pope Francis in his "Fratelli Tutti" that certain words are being bent and shaped as tools to dominate, and as meaningless tags to justify actions- that mostly contrary to the spirit of the message. Especially in the presence and pressure of recent events, those words stated above, being babbled by those from the order would be enough to say trying to rally people- especially those having enough of oppression or injustice, of systemic corruption to that of rising costs of living, that those from the order would appeal to everyone's faith, or conscience despite such inconvenient truths that same order failed to address what more doing so just to maim growing dissent. 

For sure there are christians who ought to downplay this message, that Christianity should focus on spiritual redemption than social reform, that "There is no such thing as society" as what Thatcher said, but Christ's message, action, what more his sacrifice is itself paved way to social reform. As according to Daniel Lyons SJ, that "Christ came to found a religion; He taught no formal social science. But the religious principles He laid down revolutionized social science; in fact, they brought it into being. Fully one-half of Christ's recorded sayings are social in character, that is, they deal with man's relations with his fellow-man, which is the very definition of sociology. When Christ reduced His commandments to two, the first dealt with the love of God, the other with the love of one's fellow man: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself". Of the Ten the first three deal with man's duties towards God, while the other seven are concerned with man's social duties." 

 Words like "Love," "Solidarity," and other concepts should be understood by Christians as calls to action as well as thought. A spiritual rejuvenation achieved by introspection and prayer needs to be complemented by deeds, such as providing for the impoverished, healing the ill, or standing out for social justice and the truth. Call it radical or revolutionary, but the objective of the faithful is the life to come, just like Christ, through whom God's love is made evident. 

 Jesus Christ fulfilled his obligation. Nevertheless, He spent His time demonstrating unending compassion for the populace, especially for the uncontrollable masses. 

And by following Christ, it is the duty to serve the people all for the kingdom come.

Of Poems after Hao An

Of Poems after Hao An

A visit to Hao An 

Seeing cyclos running the streets

And markets bustling with tourists

Old houses trying to well maintained

To appease the eyes of visiting guests

Coffee mixed with coconut milk keeps me awake

Enough for me to walk on its ancient way

And hear the incantations on the village temple

Whose newly-lit joss sticks fill the hall with sacred air

Followed by the laughter of the white skinned tourists

With the tune of today's pop music played

While waiting for a sumptuous dinner of steak

In the middle of the noise-filled night

The town fills with various lights

Enough to compliment the ancient sight

Authentically beautiful the place it is

As it fills everything with life

A life that ain't scripted like Disney's

Enough to grant wishes that never missed

 Beach

 The breeze of the sea is enough to ease

The tiresome me that needs to cease

From the pressures of life and work

That sometimes made me ask is it worth?

Seeing the waves, of flowing waters

Of people enjoying after week's pressure

The saltwater that counters the heat

Brings love as to recall someone I met

Strange that her beauty keeps on recalling my mind

Even at the waters where I wade as if her embrace have to find

The sound of the waves as if kept calling my name

Is it to inspire me to make this poem after enduring pain?

To cut the thought short, 

the beauty of the beach doesn't need to be idyllic

As opposed on the other where leaders 

whose design they've wanted deemed pathetic

Inside Hao An's temple 

The scent of joss sticks continues to linger 

As outsiders from neighbouring towns enter 

The sacred hall as afternoon ends 

With electric lights turned on in every lampstand 

Every stick be lit for the deities 

And seeing the murals to recall sacred mysteries 

So are the departed now bestowed by grace 

From the deities who gave them impassioned embrace 

Lets celebrate the heavens and the waters 

And the land we trod and the fire that's power 

Bringing life to the people and to the nation 

Whose strength comes from its will and passion

Before the temple near the night market

The scent of joss sticks perfumed the sacred hall 

And the incantations and prayers sung aloud 

All to commemorate their families and friends 

If not the martyrs, heroes of the land 

May the Jewel of the Lotus guide in our way 

So as not to lead themselves astray 

 To reach to that promised luck and grace 

And for the souls to heaven that promised place 

St. Paddy's day 

Enjoying the walks despite tiring soles 

Enough to satisfy an old soul 

Seeing various coloured lights 

Trying to shed darkness in that early night 

The music played and the flow of beer 

Enough to call for a heartfelt cheer 

From various lands Erin's call raised 

In memory of Pádraig whose name be praised

Neither "god", "heaven", nor his "friends", will stop the long arm of the Law

 Neither "god", "heaven", nor his "friends",
will stop the long arm of the Law

It is not surprising that Apollo Quiboloy, by invoking god, or being supported by his friends in the government tries to act infallible. That by downplaying the cases served against him, that self-proclaimed "son of god" tries his best to show to the world that "he is not of this world" yet still living in this world, a fallible being susceptible to sin. And since he lives in this world, the fact that some senators are impeding efforts to force the controversial leader of the Davao-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) religious group, to participate in Senate hearings led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros is not surprising, but it is nonetheless unfortunate.

In response to the testimonies coming from witnesses at the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality hearing, which accused the televangelist of grave crimes like human trafficking and the sexual abuse of women, the Senate issued subpoenas to a man claiming to be "son of god". 

However, that "son of god" didn't show up at the committee hearing, even maligning it through his pulpit, crying wolf to and fro, making Riza Hontiveros to cite him for contempt and asked the Senate to order his arrest and face accusations against him.

To begin with, Senator Hontiveros's probe is by no means the only one that has produced reliable proof of the "appointed son of God" having perpetrated heinous crimes. The filing of charges for qualifying human trafficking and child abuse has been mandated by the Department of Justice. The individual who says he chooses whether or not he will roll through the pearly gates would, if found guilty, enter Bilibid's gates himself. 

However, as this note previously said, there are senators who oppose Quiboloy's arrest. Senator Padilla, for example, has opposed the motion of contempt and has enlisted Imee Marcos, Cynthia Villar, and Christopher Go in an attempt to prevent Quiboloy from being arrested by their own chamber.

For a concerned would say that it is not convincing the bullshitries coming from those to be in aid of defending Quiboloy from his crimes. Be it from his senators, his fanatics, or even the former president and his allies, the man claiming to be the "son of god" is as if infallible because of these people supporting him regardless of the evidences that putting that "son of god" in a bad light. But, is the folk convinced enough of his apologists' statements? 

In an instance, Senator Robin Padilla cited "separation of church and state" to justify his defence of that fallible being. If one may ask, is Padilla willing to become a "people's jackass" by failing to understand what separation of church and state is? The separation of church and state doesn't escape the fact that his friend "the son of god" is accused of crimes against the people and therefore must face it- and it has entirely nothing to do with the faith and beliefs of Quiboloy's "church"- and it's up to the believer whether will cling to his statement of faith even he's in prison or whatsoever, like Warren Jeffs of the "Fundamentalist Latter Day Saint Church" or the late David Koresh for example. Both happened to be religious, but with their crimes their faith couldn't stop the long arm of the law that led to their unlikely fates.
Furthermore, Padilla also said that Quiboloy made a lot of contributions to stop insurgency during the Arroyo era. To some would find "okay" but so was the late Parojinog of Koratong Baleleng whose beginnings as a "counterinsrugency force" end became a crime syndicate; or the Tadtad cults that like Quiboloy, were utilised by the government for "counterinsurgency" and yet notorious for killing priests like Fr. Favali. Quiboloy himself used "counterinsurgency" as an alibi to expand his domain- at the expense of the folk whose struggle for their land end being called as an insurgent, and likely to be killed by the hands of the order. But regardless of Padilla's justification wither by "separation of church and state" or how his friend contributed to the government's programs, he doesn't seem to have understand deeply the constitution and its related laws or statutes.

And along with Villar and other legislators and personalities who stood beside that goddamned pastor, the basis in justifying their defence of him is that of friendship- and that's much obvious over that of "separation of church and state", "support for government-led initatives", among others, just to defend a sinner pretending to be a saint.  Cynthia Villar's downplaying of his "friend's crimes" shows a blatant testimony that their "friendship" trumps over that of the need for justice. 

Like Padilla's, that "friendship" is rooted on interests, of patronage politics and the looks of it. Not to mention that Dela Rosa's, Go's, or Imee Marcos utter disregard to the victims and instead telling that the courts and not the senate should deal with it. Okay, but what's the purpose of those committees whose purpose includes protecting the vulnerable? Again, those people mentioned rather side with that "son of god" whose interests are intertwined.

 Mentioning that "let the courts decide," the United States issued notices against Quiboloy and his gang, but why the local authorities chose to protect him in spite of having an extradition treaty to those being implicated of crimes? It takes a person in the senate who wants to know the truth, if not seeing the purpose of arresting Quiboloy to make the inquiry potent and compelling. Yes, let the courts decide on Quiboloy, but as he himself downplaying the order from the senate to face the inquiry and to counter those from the wittnesses, then his arrest is imminent. Why would these legislators like Padilla, Villar, and Imee Marcos shield him from facing the nation than letting him defend from his accusers? Are they themselves becoming Quiboloy's "black nobility" the way Duterte made them part of his camarilla? 

 Regardless of their words, Quiboloy is still a fallible being. With his victims seeking justice and the hordes of corrupt siding with him, makes a concerned think will his belief redeem himself? Whereas his claims that he could stop the earthquake, he cannot stop the law from doing its job of imposing justice to the victims of his doing. This note may find lamenting that his supporters may still support him regardless of his actions, that those from the government doesn't matter his crimes as they benefited from his support; but still, law and justice triumphs over interest- and that includes the distortion of faith or the diamond-studded heaven what that "son of god" preaches about.

When serving food and promoting culture as an act of solidarity amid fear

 When serving food and promoting culture 

as an act of solidarity amid fear

(or: Thoughts after eating at Cafe Habib)

In early 2023, Mahmoud and Nadia Habib opened their cafe in Manila to bring a piece of Palestine to the Philippines. With foods ranging from simple Pita Bread and Hummus to Chicken Biryani, Shahwarma, and the Palestinian sweet Knafeh, that establishment on Mabini Street became a "Darling" for those who expressed solidarity, particularly during a time of national struggle.

At first glance, Cafe Habib appears to be a light, warm, and informal establishment that displays maps, photos, and symbols of Palestinian heritage. Mahmoud, a native of Gaza, and his Filipino-Iraqi wife wanted Cafe Habib to feel like Filipinos were experiencing Palestinian hospitality and to highlight Arab culture.

And this writer, who happened to visit the cafe a few days ago, found the Chicken Biryani and Falafel to be quite good, reminding him of college days eating Middle Eastern food for lunch, as well as meeting Arabs who find yours truly "authentic" in expressing solidarity with Palestine and its people. 

To be honest, most people may still cling to the narrow-minded thought of most Arabs as warmongers, that there's no "Palestine" but rather "Israel" in its place; all due to what the media (even the internet) presents to them; but, for those who truly concerned, especially those who yearned for peace knows why resistance became necessary for the Palestinians as they themselves expelled from their homes, farms, and communities, and be dismissed as "terrorists" and thus susceptible for destruction. 

And according to Mahmoud in an interview from "Arab News" that the last time they visited was in September, just two weeks before Israel launched its latest deadly onslaught that has since killed at least 30,000 people, wounded tens of thousands more, and displaced about 1.5 million. Saddening isn't it? The civilians who wished for their right for peaceful coexistence with its neighbours be "punished" by those claiming to be superior. Thus no wonder why yours truly would say that the concrete border wall wails aloud than the wailing wall itself in Jerusalem. 

On the other hand, there are those who simply apathetic on the situation in the Middle East, maybe because they got used to limit Middle East to that of getting a job in Saudi Arabia or in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, but one Arab whom yours truly interviewed said that Iraq before the US intervention was way developed than Saudi Arabia; and Syria under Assad served as a sentinel against terrorism brought by the "islamic state". "If not for Assad, Syria and the Middle East is occupied by ISIS" he said. 

Pardon if the visit may sound political - for the act of fraternising with Palestinians is itself political, what more seeing them serving their food and enjoying it is also political! Why is it anyway? A simple serving of Falafel with Garlic sauce is itself showing people a glimpse what more the taste of Palestine, and who the Palestinian people are, that is, different from what the media shows as rabblerousers and "terrorists". 

Women and the Toiling Masses: Rise up amid crisis and onerous policies

Women and the Toiling Masses: Rise up amid crisis and onerous policies

A Women's Day message
by Kat Ulrike

This note wishes all working women in the nation and around the world a very happy International Working Women's Day. Let this note honor the accomplishments and remember the bravery of working women who defied socially enforced gender norms and assumed roles alongside the toiling masses in the fight for equality, national liberation, and social justice. 

Given the rapidly deteriorating situation, which is marked by a precipitous decline in living standards, it is critical that women join forces with the labouring masses to protect welfare and interests, promote gender equality, and oppose policies that exacerbate oppression. The situation still affects women today, just as it did under previous regimes, exacerbating their experience with unemployment, unequal pay, and unfavourable work conditions.

The current US-Marcos regime, like its predecessor, relies on big business, despotic landlords, the military, and corrupt bureaucrats to enact onerous policies. One such policy is the recent charter change, which includes a "all out" economic liberalisation programme designed to attract new foreign investment at the expense of working people, including women. This venture, like all other attempts to denationalise the economy, is motivated by the belief that the world market, not the people, should dictate the national economy, and thus the country should be opened to the whims of profiteers with promises of "investments" in exchange for fewer regulations, particularly those governing labour, the community, and the environment. This line implied further exploitation of the Filipina as a worker, as the rising cost of living, exacerbated by profiteering and rising taxes, took away her earnings.

Contractualisation, with longer and more burdensome working days, and unjust conditions in the workplaces, brought dangers while gradually removing state protections. The exploiting capitalist, in collusion with the corrupt bureaucrat, demands higher profits, trampling every woman as a worker in order to compete in the market while pretending to be "for the people" or "for the Filipina" with empty rhetorics; worse, the order's attack dogs enforce the "law" through warrantless arrests and detention, or extrajudicial means such as involuntary disappearances.

With this situation, one could argue that the exploitation, injustice, and terror brought about by the current order have caused the Filipina to rise up and fight for national and social justice, equality, and to inspire many others to assert their rights as they have in the past. Despite its contributions, this struggle has evolved into more than just a debate about gender relations or how society should perceive women. This occasion is more than just a celebration of accomplishments, with women frequently receiving flowers and gifts, but also a reminder that women, who once held half of the sky, are also colleagues and comrades in the forefront of national and social struggle.