A Flame Worth Carrying Into 2026

A Flame Worth Carrying Into 2026 

New Year’s Day Message 

It is no surprise if 2026 arrives carrying the same burdens as the years before it—scandals that refuse to fade, the rising cost of living, and a people yearning for hope in the midst of crisis. 

Yet even amid fear and fatigue, a flicker of hope endures. In the hands of those who truly care, that flicker can become a flame—for peace instead of conflict, for bread instead of hunger, for land instead of dispossession, for justice instead of silence. 

Call it idealism, even impossibility, as may say. But history has always moved forward because some refused to accept that the world must remain as it is. In a modern age driven by crass materialism, it is easy to grow numb—to let scandal become background noise and injustice an everyday inconvenience. That numbness is the real danger. 

Like any other year, this new year does not promise comfort. It offers something harder and more necessary: a choice. To look away, or to remain awake. To accept despair as normal, or to insist—quietly, stubbornly—that dignity, fairness, and compassion still matter. 

May this new year find people not merely hoping, but acting; not merely enduring, but caring; not merely surviving, but believing that even in dark times, light is made by human hands. 

A New Year, New Trials, New Endeavours

A New Year, New Trials, New Endeavours

By Bishop Antonio Nercua Ablon

Translated from Filipino by Lualhati Madlangawa-Guererro

As we enter this new year, let us not neglect to recall the tribulations of the past—the enduring want of justice, the oppression of the impoverished, and the perverse systems that continue to afflict our land. Yet, in spite of these burdens, I entreat that the light of truth, the fortitude of resolve, and the fervour of action may remain steadfast within our hearts. 

May each of us aspire to be part of a greater movement—a cause that pursueth not merely individual betterment, but the noble transformation of society. A life of simplicity and unyielding labour must continue as the foundation of our purpose. Let us not yield to fear or doubt; rather, let us foster the bravery to confront falsehood and uphold righteousness. 

In this new year, may we bind ourselves more firmly in unity, striving for the attainment of true liberty and justice for all. Let us labour diligently in spreading enlightenment—amongst our kin, our friends, and our communities—and stand unshaken in our principles, even though it may provoke enmity or dissent. For in each defiance, in each trial, doth a seed of reform take root. 

The joy upon the faces of those we aid, the awakening of minds to truth, and every step towards a society governed by equity and justice, are blessings sufficient to sustain our resolve. The struggle for a land free, equal, and just cannot be accomplished within the span of a single year; nevertheless, each day is a vital stride forward. 

To all who stand by us in this noble cause and toil alongside us in action—a most joyous New Year! Together, let us dedicate ourselves to shaping this year into one of hope, endeavour, and victory for our nation. 

“The Future Still Awaits: A Nation at the Crossroads”

“The Future Still Awaits: A Nation at the Crossroads”

As the clock struck midnight and the world entered 2025, the air in the country was filled with mixed emotions. The joy of new beginnings, the embrace of a fresh start, and the glimmer of optimism that accompanies every New Year were present. Families and friends gathered together, sharing stories of the past year, reflecting on their personal journeys, and setting their sights on what could be. Yet, amidst the celebrations and hopes for a better tomorrow, the reality of the nation’s struggles still loomed large. 

The country, still entrenched in the patterns of its past, faced a future that seemed not so different from the years before. The weight of poverty hung over millions, with no easy solutions in sight. Corruption continued to weave its way into the fabric of governance, rendering efforts for change increasingly difficult. Dependence on foreign powers remained a painful reality, with the nation unable to fully claim its autonomy and chart its own path. And perhaps most disheartening of all, the erosion of moral values seemed to undermine the very foundation on which the country was built. 

Despite these harsh truths, the people had not given up. There remained a spirit of resilience, of hope that things could one day be different. However, the question that lingered in the hearts of many was simple yet profound: Until when will the people continue to endure? How much longer would they bear the weight of these inconvenient realities, the same struggles that had plagued the nation for so many years? 

In the face of such challenges, the future seemed uncertain. Would 2025 be just another year marked by the same struggles? Would the promise of change fade away, like so many before it? Or would the people finally rise to take the future in their own hands, determined to break free from the cycle of stagnation and forge a new path forward? 

The nation stood at a crossroads, its future hanging in the balance. The road ahead was not easy, and the obstacles were many. But as the New Year began, there was a flicker of possibility — a flicker that, if nurtured, could light the way to a brighter, more prosperous future. It was a question of will. It was a question of whether the people could rise above the forces that sought to hold them back and take the future that rightfully belonged to them. 

For now, the future remained uncertain, but the hope of a better tomorrow, however fragile, was still alive. The only question was — how long would it take before the people decided that enough was enough and chose to shape the future for themselves? 

Same old problems, but "hopefully" new found hopes

Same old problems,

but "hopefully" new found hopes

A New Year's day message in a time of organised crisis 

The dawn of 2025 arrived with the weight of its predecessors’ struggles, but with the whisper of new hope still fluttering in the air. The world, though scarred by ongoing crises, stood at a precipice — teetering between despair and the faintest hint of resolution. 

In the Philippines, news like the rift between the Marcos and Duterte factions has left a series of intrigue and criticism, ranging from misuse of people's funds to exposing various political scandals. This problem may continue to persist as politician-bureaucrats from both wings, as well as its supporters trying their "best" to defend their leaders with their own narratives. Whereas Sara Duterte was criticised for her "confidential funds", so is Marcos Jr. for proliferiation of "assistance programs" meaning wastage of public funds and worse, corruption. The threat of climate change continued to escalate, leaving a trail of devastation such as from Typhoon Agaton that had ravaged the central regions. A report from The Philippine Daily Inquirer on January 3, 2024, emphasized that “despite recovery efforts, disaster preparedness remains in its infancy,” casting doubt on whether the nation’s systems could truly withstand the growing wrath of nature. 

Across the Pacific, the United States still grappled with the aftermath of the 2024 elections, where partisan divisions seemed insurmountable. News outlets like The New York Times on January 2, 2024, noted how “the deeply polarized political landscape is not only a symptom of internal strife but also a reflection of a world increasingly dominated by self-interest and fragmented narratives.” Yet, even in the face of these struggles, the report ended on an unexpectedly positive note: “New alliances are beginning to form, and though the path ahead is uncertain, the desire for unity is not completely gone.”

In Europe, geopolitical tensions simmered under the surface. Russia, under the shadow of its actions in Ukraine, remained a critical point of contention in global politics. A recent broadcast from BBC News emphasized how the war “continued to redefine borders and the future of Europe’s security,” yet it acknowledged that “more nations were stepping up to mediate and offer diplomatic solutions.” Though peace seemed elusive, the voices of reason were slowly finding ground in unexpected places.

Yet, even as these heavy issues remained at the forefront, there was a subtle yet undeniable shift — a growing awareness that change, though hard-earned, was possible. The New Year had arrived not with grand promises, but with small, deliberate steps towards realisation of hopes.

In Manila, and other parts of the country and around the world, as people gathered with families and friends to greet the year, the air was thick with conversations about what 2025 could bring. Many spoke of the lessons learned from the past, lessons that had not yet led to a perfect world but had allowed for new possibilities. Those familiar, age-old problems remained, as persistent as the tropical storms, as divisive as the political rhetoric. However, the “hopefully” was what mattered now, the unspoken belief that through collective effort, through empathy and understanding, a better tomorrow could be realized.

The echo of 2024’s struggles reverberated, yes, but within it, a thread of optimism wove its way through the hearts of those determined not to surrender to cynicism. They faced a world that had changed, but they refused to let it dictate the narrative. In this new year, there was still time to rewrite the ending. 

New Year, Same Problems, New Challenges, New Hope

New Year, Same Problems, 
New Challenges, New Hope

Warm, patriotic greetings. 

 This note bid greetings in this start of a new year. 

 For the fact that this 2024 will be as same as that of last and past years, expect same problems to address and new challenges to face with. However, this note also wishes for everyone’s freedom and pursuit of happiness, as well as success in its courageous struggle for the independence of a land that’s called home.

 How come this note said so- of facing same problems and new challenges this 2024? In a country that’s in a still-continuing past would say that existing problems trumps the establishment’s presentation- that even those who thought there will be changes realised they themselves being mislead- landlessness remains an issue, so is low wages, unjust working conditions, high cost of living, corruption, and vassalage to overlords.

Quite true enough knowing that these problems hinder a nation’s development the way rice hoarders creating artificial scarcity in the middle of a rice crisis. People worked hard to improve their standard of living, but to see the realities of exploitation, mismanagement, and injustice finds messages from the government remain as motherhood statements, if not hyperboles. True enough to call Filipinos to contribute to the future of the country, embody the spirit of solidarity through acts of kindness, volunteerism, and compassion, so is to seek truth from facts and to assert just calls, if not push actions to counter societal ills and promote true social justice and lasting peace. 

 But regardless of these there’s hope in a nation that’s promising to have a place in the sun. As any other year, people, in carrying such hopes and aspirations, should plough, worke, learn, build and fight for a nation in fulfill such dreams of a just and progressive society.    

“Keep looking for the truth as to continue learning, toiling, and forging”

“Keep looking for the truth as to continue learning, toiling, and forging”

A New Year’s message

As another year draws to a close in the tumult of history, this note bid thee the folk a hope-filled and a joyful new year. For this 2023 this note sincerely hope that this is not simply end as a “fourth year of the pandemic” as that of the last few pandemic-marred years, but rather a chance to recover each and everyone’s lives and livelihoods, and to find true love, happiness, and a lasting peace.

How come? For the fact that 2022 was marred by the COVID19 pandemic, people tried to find ways to survive, much better recover further from the crisis. From there individuals and establishments finding ways to stay afloat despite risky times. But unlike the first two years would say that everyone’s taking time to get vaccinated in order to be protected. It was also the time that communities realise that “the virus is there to stay” and thus “making their best” to strengthen their health and well being in order to keep going. And this requires effort, but not unlike the past years that’s riskier due to the fatal effects of COVID19.

But, on the other hand as people trying to cope with the situation there are those who rather exploit the situation for their interests. Especially in a time everyone’s trying to recover if not looking ways to sustain, there are those who use the pandemic to tinker their idea of silencing dissent and to consolidate their interests. Sorry if this seems going to be political but it is not surprising to see authorities putting their interests first while claiming to be “for the people” especially during last elections. 

And in speaking of that recent May elections people have waited for real hope to happen- but no, what they see is same old pretension by those claiming to be for the people and for the nation, but again no! Especially when cracks suddenly appear over the structure called “unity”, of scandals amongst allies unearthed, and policies and plans being scrutinised by those truly concerned, especially when it includes using the coffers of the public and claiming “this for the benefit of many”. Quite worrying isn’t it? Anyway sorry for this becoming political for the fact that this coming year will always hear same old scandals and problems alike a nation has to face. Expect protests of course, as well as actions of various sorts, as problems from past years will still ever carry even in 2023.

On the other hand, this note honours those whose inventive talent, ongoing education, and unwavering, artistic dedication to the craft have kept communities afloat and gives encouragement to those with whom it will continue unabated on the path of learning ever-new lessons and coming up with concepts that can actually have a positive impact in this crisis-ridden world.  

To cut this short, this note adopts an attitude of assurance and hope as the nation and the world prepare for the year 2023, despite actual fear and crisis. The people will also need to put in a lot of effort and patience this year. But have faith that everything won't be in vain. Keep looking for the truth as to continue learning, toiling, and forging, and let it be known that doing so today will help communities achieve their objectives in the near future, resulting in a truly better quality of life for the people.

"2022: Hopefully a serious year to address immediate problems"

"2022: Hopefully a serious year to address immediate problems"

(A New Year's Message) 

For sure everyone is still hoping for a peaceful and prosperous new year this 2022. 

For all despite this pandemic situation and most countries either getting vaccines to that of preparing for another variant, this third year of COVID19 shows that the people, although still hoping to return to their normal lives prior to the pandemic, rather end accept that there’s a need for sacrifice, to be flexible in everything just to sustain life.

To be honest, this third year of COVID19 so long as having “for the sake of” policies to prevail will always end susceptible to discontent as any other controversial policies. Since last 2020, people endure checkpoints, long queues for measly subsidies, even seeing community pantries harassed same as those who criticise government responses towards this pandemic. Even listening to a president who rather use the nighttime talk to voice out his personal rants instead of addressing problems and offer suggestions along with his “task force”, what more of having his “task force” composed of retired military men- thinking they’re the “best” people to lead COVID19 response.

But regardless of these challenges, the people still cling to the hope that this situation will suffice. As most end inoculated by the first two vaccine shots and bolstered by another, this note would say that in this 2022 hopefully everyone is prepared in their daily tasks, face new challenges, endure new risks and sacrifices. This year also marks the time people will vote for new leaders, who, as in the past, will promise heaven on earth yet they still swore at the order people strongly detested due to its corrupted and oppressive nature. However, this doesn't mean people will just stop from electing good ones who did their assignments well in ensuring the people with good roads to better access to health and social services with no names written, rather than for the sake of getting votes by bragging each project as theirs. 

To cut this note short, this writer ought to say that from these situations should be a time for the folk to realise there’s a need for sound changes, ranging from addressing the issues surrounding this pandemic to that of really building a better nation and its future yet to come. For sure everyone, in celebrating this occasion and yet enduring this situation would say that hopefully this 2022 really meant a chance to recover from this, and not some mere show off pride nor creating half-hearted agendas that obviously meant to "shut people up" especially in these times of catastrophe and crisis. 

"Let faith, hope, and love overcome these trials and finally prevail."

"Let faith, hope, and love overcome these trials and finally prevail."

A message this 2021

This coming 2021 will be remembered as a second year of the pandemic. Like 2020, this year will be marred by the pandemic's wave, and expect new casualties, possible lockdowns, and a renewed effort to restore stability if not to maintain it.

And to think that this year also marks with a bang and celebrations as any other "new year", this 2021, to put it bluntly, expects extra effort in controlling, if not beating this pandemic. That in every home and workplace people will feel the new normal of "safety" and "concern" as possible casualties occur; and as any other year where everyone spending time with family, friends, and loved ones in turning a new page, words like "caution", "care", "effort", "solidarity", the need for "support", and others will be overheard throughout knowing that this second year of the pandemic will face both old and new challenges and at the same time having one's self fight and fighting back in moving forward not just to control this pandemic but to build a better nation.

But regardless of this challenge, as well as other existing ones, this note expresses hope that the people will fight back and move forward after this pandemic-driven challenge. Again, expect sacrifices, efforts, struggles not just against this hidden foe but also incompetencies, corruption, various forms of injustices that hinders a country's pathway to development. Expect words like justice, freedom, continues to resonate so is development, peace, or hope, especially in this pandemic driven times. 

For now, while waiting for that vaccine or looking for new ways of treatment, that the people's needs are to be addressed, that solidarity and compassion be the norm, and in this time of despair, let this nation's, if not this world's faith, hope, and love, be overcome these trials and finally prevail. 

"HARDER and at the same time EASIER for 2020"

"HARDER and at the same time EASIER for 2020"

(A New Year's Message)

"This year will be harder than last year. However, it will be easier than next year."

These are the words the late Enver spoke to the people of Albania in his new year's message last 1967. In his message would say that in that year comes existing and coming challenges that his country should ever face with and to overcome, all amidst the Cold War setting. 

However, for this person, would say that despite how this late statesman Hoxha expressed, that his message hath became relevant especially in a year that's called new. Sounds quite frankly yes, in knowing that this year will be harder and at the same time easier for every Filipino, as any other citizen to face and deal with- and like last year, expect price increases, low wages, extrajudicial acts, and various forms of injustices, or even calamities, all concede with new infrastructures, new laws, new ways to brag with, anything that made the Philippines, as any other country as it is. 

And how come this person said this? 2019 was like any other year, and since the administration hath reaped its victory during the midterm elections, those supporting Duterte would say that change as still ongoing through the ever-bragged series of infrastructure development courtesy of the "build build build" program, of subsidised healthcare and education, and a myriad of promises while trying to dispel facts like political scandals, extrajudicial killings, and various forms of harassments against those who are truly and really concerned, and the likes that both expressed hope, lament, and perhaps even anger and resistance. It is a hodgepodge of hope and angst as been seen throughout those times, all coming from their statements and comments from various individuals and communities- but it stems from a single premise: the realities that surrounds them, and the truths that's uncovered amidst lies and slander.

But regardless of these truths would say that the Filipino, in this year 2020 and other succeeding years shouldn't stop in seeking truth from facts and to expose, oppose the injustices, and to assert the need for social justice and genuine development, of bridging material, moral, and spiritual wealth to create an ever active living whole. 

Hope this year, as in last year and in the coming years should be a time to forge, mold, build, learn, sow, and reap against the order that hinders growth, development, and change as a nation. 

"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! 

с новым годом! Happy New Year!

    с новым годом! Happy New Year!

At first, on behalf of this page, this post and its maker wishes the reader a pleasant, progressive, and liberating new year! 

This post may appear not as long as this page’s posts, but, this writer, from the bottom of its heart somehow would think that celebrating new year means a season not just to enjoy, but also to face new, as well as existing challenges in which a country hath to face as such be it rising costs of prices and services, poverty rates, various forms of social injustices, and of course, killings that made a country doesn’t “move on” from its continuing pasts.

And like any other holidays, for sure there are those who still working, and whilst giving them all the thanks for their efforts, it is not enough- for other than thanking them let’s also fight for their just wage, working hours, an end to unjust contracts, and giving them their right to enjoy holidays as any other worker who really deserves.

But all in all, to cut this long story short, 2018 is like any other year- and everyone hopes that the year should be a realisation of hopes; and of course it will always be a time to realise numerous profound hopes but it will always require immense efforts to realise it. 

That’s all for now. May the people realise that 2018 is like any other year, but this time to put more efforts to make a country reach its goal and realise its impossible dreams. 

May the year 2017 means a showcase of fulfilled hopes!

May the year 2017 means a showcase of fulfilled hopes!

At first, it may sound idealistic to say that the year 2017 as a hope-fulfilling year. But let everyone expect that this year is also a year full of existing and upcoming challenges man has ought and yet to overcome. For reality isn't full of luck but creating conditions paving way as such.

And in speaking of that reality, everyone noticed that every society be like in a stage of success or a stage of decline. China's rising dragon status been heard much in mainstream media while the United States of America has gone in an irreversible strategic decline, and thus affects every countries such as the Philippines, that as in the past, still facing numerous contradictions and still failing if not trying to overcome.

Sounds bad news in hearing words like contradictions, decline, or even the rising of China and America's dall to those whose minds remain pre-1991; but despite these, it shous that there is a need to wake up and face the contradictions the country has ever faced, that people from all walks of life should still strive together for a best future in a better society.

Ideally, people should have the will to save and forge for that future, but that ideal is useless if not for unity and solidarity, if not for the fact that for a rising nation needs a common salvation, if not for patriotic fervor and a sense of communitatianism, wherein Freedom cannot be merely privilege extended, but rather enjoyed by one and all.

Anyway, to cut the long story short, on behalf of this page, this person is ought to say that despite numerous successess and shortcomings, 2017 is like any other year, and it is not a year merely to sit, relax, and enjoy, but rather a year wherein everyday is to sieze the day.

May the year 2017 means a showcase of fulfilled hopes, but to realise it, man has to create conditions, turn thoughts into actions, strike when the iron is hot.

Dare to struggle, dare to win!

Same Old New Year in this Today's Plastic World

Same Old New Year in this Today's Plastic World

(And how some people still yearning 

for a new yet meaning world this New Year)

At first, this person conveys greetings this start of 2015. And like any other year, 2015 means a new start for everyone: new dreams, new challenges, new gadgets, new shows, new claptraps being vented all from January to December in the name of pleasure and enjoyment.

Can't deny it since it's true, knowing that everyone has waited for this since past few months, looking at every update, preparing, saving time and effort in order to gain at its possible time, be it movies, gadgets, dance steps, anything that is trendy like any other year this person and others concerned has sought through.

And inconveniently speaking, most are for the sake of impression, in a way those who brought acoustic guitars eventually gave up the following year and lately brought ukeleles for the sake of trend than for the love of music. Come to think of this, ukeleles and acoustic guitars are all the same string instruments, and this person believe that there are those afforded to play, make music, express as they enjoy using those string instruments, but how about the others driven by the trend, especially after last year's buying of varsity jackets, are they really serious or like any other year of throwing it away for another? 

Sorry for being inconvenient especially those who afforded to say words such as "choice", that has becoming a code word for unbridled spending for a mere material benefit especially after being enticed to buy in order to get in. Same styles for clothing and apparel coming from different well-known brands, all for profit from those entities trying to "maintain prestige"; and in movies, seeing same genres coming from different priducers especially those trying to win a pseudo-national prize. That oftentimes marred by scandals, if not criticisms coming from the concerned. 

To sum it all, the plastic world has won according to the late Letov. 2015 is like any other year full of something new, but whatever everyone says, still these same everyone still sees and feels same old problems. The problem is this: people chose not to understand these, worse, trying to be intentionally ignorant as they escape from these inconvenient realities, be it poverty, corruption, injustice, people care less about these least they enjoy these new sorts of things in this plastic world Letov has been saidth in his song. This plastic world called modernity continues to rule over everyone's lives and mindsets. Substituting reality for an illusion, of having state of the art this and that, a thriving populace whose mantra is work, buy, consume throughout the year. And in this 2015, it will always be like any other year, same old plastic changes, new trends and words to vent with, while at the same time, new scandals meant to be forgotten, new protests likely to be assailed in the name of illusory peace, new bullshit to be expressed. 

And these bullshit, protest, is coming from those people who had really demand a breakthrough out of their still struggling yet genuine hopes in this present day plastic world: all for a real social change, for a genuine application of social justice, for a realisation of an aspiration, far from what the system and its outlets has vented throughout the year. 

They want something new in this year, yet more than what is being depicted, they want a year where both material and spiritual wealth united all to create a healthy living whole. For a better individual, for a better community. And if possible, they will do by any means to the point of having their lives be sacrificed.

That's all, and С ноьвим годом. A Struggling yet Enjoying new year to all.

"С новым годом!"

"С новым годом!"

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

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

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

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

Sorry to say but it's inconveniently true.

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

С новым годом!

С новым годом!

(Happy New Year!)

Well, to all the readers of this site, cheers and may your wishes be granted and missions be acomplished this 2014. There are same problems to engage upon, but does not mean that everybody had to admit that these same old problems are hopeless to acomplish with; this 2014, hopeful that there's enough time to finish what is left unfinished.

But for now, cheers and celebrate the coming of a new year. 

С новым годом! Happy new year everyone!

NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE

NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As what the Conservative David Cameron said:

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

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

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

Dare to struggle, dare to win this 2013!

A New Year's message from Dimitry Medvedev

A New Year's message from Dimitry Medvedev

For sure some would think that how come a President like Dimitry Medvedev do this kind of commercial? Kinda contrary to the usual stiff and formal impression looking at that video.

Anyway, it may not like Medvedev of course.

"Boga" (PVC Cannons) Revisited

"Boga" (PVC Cannons) Revisited

It was last last year when everyone sought this hell of a kind toy.

Known for its popular bazooka-looking device, "Boga", or PVC cannon, was made from PVC pipes that uses denatured alcohol and a stove lighter to produce a booming sound. It was at first used by young adults and teenagers who, desperate enough to create an alternative to fireworks, opted to use PVC, some old toys, denatured alcohol and lighter to fire with. But then, most of its users were kids, just like the picture shown above, who were fond of firing this once very popular noisemaker during holiday season especially when fireworks and noise barrage for the new year have always been anticipated in the community.

For sure most remember that during the past people in the provinces were just simply using bamboo and using fire to blow it off, firing cans or stones just like the old cannons used in the civil war movies. This kind of idea somehow was revived by that PVC cannon as it sets off a loud explosion when the user squirts denatured alcohol at the tail end of the pipe and then lights up the mixture with a cigarette lighter or a gas stove igniter that can be activated at the click of a triggering mechanism.

Unfortunately, the Health Department ordered the use of PVC Cannons be banned due to its loudness and like firecrackers, safety problems such as the use of denatured alcohol and fire as its mechanism. Since most of its victims were once peeped through the PVC when it failed to explode. And if backfired, it cause injuries to their eyes like post traumatic conjunctivitis, which, when not treated immediately, may eventually lead to blindness. 

Quite sad, as well as weird so to speak that once there was a new year's toy supposedly made as an alternative to the usual fireworks. Children nowadays perhaps are being obliged to use horns for New Year's day, while others tend to fire smuggled firecrackers, whose the sales of which also killing the local fireworks industry. 

But then despite these, few would still enough adventurous to make and fire PVC Cannons for new year, this time careful enough to prevent injuries.

New Year's Message

New Year's Message

Well, since this person didn't made a formal message last Christmas, this time he ought to make a formal message this coming new year.

In fact, 2011 is a year of mixed emotions. Societies marred by crisis, personalities enraged by scandals and anomalies, simply goes side by side with beautiful engagements and wonderful happenings, and somehow just like any other year became memorable enough despite attempts on forgetting it further, forgetting an eventful and in some ways challenging year; a year that represents another critical milestone along everyone's development both in the individual and to the society.

Weird isn't it as this writer became quite pessimistic in this coming year 2012. For sure most are starting to think about "the end of the world" while others think of "just the same" as personal problems are being emphasised though to deal with, other than social problems such as poverty and corruption as systems rather tend to escape than deal from it; more and more same songs to hear, love stories to see, oh god! Same old brand new shit of escapism so to speak! Except for Asiong Salonga of course (that made everyone having a break from usual movies just to revisit a good old action movie haha.).

Anyway, in this coming year,  it would be better to prepare for another catastrophe. There would be same old problems prevailing as rotten systems maintain their very own "prestige" and treating change as "cosmetic." Not to mention of illusory dreams such as "World peace" or "prosperity" to the country, this writer would say that in this era of challenges, might as well face the challenges of the coming year...and everyone be oblige to prepare for it. 

For now let us enjoy by eating pasta and drink some vodka.

Cheers to everyone and have a pleasant new year to all.