"Freedom, not bigotry"

"Freedom, not bigotry"

A writeup for the victims of the Charlie Hebdo incident

And the growing Islamophobic sentiment

“We acknowledge that there have been and will continue to be debates about the role journalistic responsibility – or lack of it – factors into such attacks on the freedom of the press. But while we acknowledge the indispensability of ethics in the profession, we also maintain that no mode of expression, however offensive or unethical it may be, deserves a death sentence.”

These are the words coming from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines in regards to the attack on the French satirical magazine "Charlie Hebdo". The attack led to the deaths of 12 persons, including journalists, and highlights how intolerance has become an increasingly deadly bane to freedom of expression and of the press.

At first, it is quite creating an aura of sympathy for the victims whom are expressing through satire, but on the other hand, the incident should not be an excuse for a growing Islamophobic or anti-Arabic sentiment as those killers are Muslim and the satire magazine attacks religion including those of Islam; but as gunmen said to be shouting "Allahu Akbar!" (Arabic for "God is great!") as they left the crime scene, something tells us the gunmen are not Muslim. But instead, making everyone ought to "Remember who the real enemy is" such as those whom trying to spread hatred against non-believers, and  to those whom insist criminalizing further people out of their belief.

This writer, personally would say that despite expressing sympathies, people should not take the incident as a tendency to support Islamophobia. People should think that the growing anti-Islamic sentiment is promoting a climate that is more racist, bigoted, imperialistic in character. Worse, it is the system who creates enemies to the extent of making "Allahu Akbar" equating to gun-brandishing "Mujahids" the system created. Be it the Taliban, ISIL, Al Qaeda, or any other group that uses "religion" to create fire.

But in spite of this, the message is clear: continue to assert free speech despite fears, but on the other hand, it is not the Jihad that brought "terrorists", but imperialism being supported by repressive systems is at the root of what killed those people today. Be it from Paris, or in any other country where bigotry and repression thrives.

"Third World Crap"

"Third World Crap"

At first, apologies for being late after five days of not writing this due to vacation. However, it is quite compelling to make this writeup after seeing news reports and on social media sites about this. As Filipino televiewers and internet users had sought the almost "royal-like" wedding of Marian Rivera to Dingdong Dantes.

To most people, that star and political studded wedding is an object of both praise and criticism. Praise especially after seeing a nice gown, a cake, and a series of sponsors offering tribute to the newlywed couple. Showbiz reporters considered that event as a wedding of the century, or even trying to be at par with the royalties in Europe, particularly those of Prince William to the former Katherine "Kate" Middleton.

However, on the other hand, the wedding reflects how the ruling class, as well as the frustrating bourgeoisie cling to their interests. Besides celebrating it in a National Holiday, it mocks the people, particularly the victims of recent calamities especially after the President afforded to enjoy facing the camera, be it dining with the officials at Jolibee, having interviewed for a late night show, and be a sponsor of that "one of a kind event", yet couldn't afford going to an evacuation centre at Tacloban or reconsider the issue in which people abhor most, like the latest fare increase in MRT and LRT; pardon this person's language, but since they celebrate at the day of Rizal's death, the event somewhat actually replicates the scene of Rizal's second novel, where Modern day Hermana Penchangs, Doña Victorinas, Señor Pastas, Padre Damasos, Salvis, and the Governor General afforded to enjoy.

However, there's no Simoun who can able to carry the "lamp" that carries the tears and grievances of the suffering people. In a scene where the newlywed couple hath to cut the cake with the amazement of its spectators, "let them eat cake" as what ought to invoke with a la Marie Antoinette, or "Panem et Circenses" as what the old Romans say; and amidst statements that proceedings of the event be gone to their charitable arm, why there's a need for a clique of clergymen, a star and politico studded cast, instead of a simple one? The cake costs millions and they'll "help" the people? Yes, they will help, using this kind of phrase: Panem et Circenses, Let them Eat Cake! This is what they want to create, a spectacular stage, guiding light to the suffering many!  

According to the website GetReal Philippines: 

The cake was said to be worth 7 million pesos (more than USD150,000). According to an ABS-CBN News report, the cake which was “decorated with Swarovski crystals and was 3D-mapped for projected CG effects” was baked by Philippine fast food chain Goldilocks which the groom, Dantes, currently endorses.

Sorry for the readers, to the so-called fans whom they would say it is their right to be in par with the European royals, but come to think of this, why on earth they celebrate a wedding in a day that is more of mourning and commemorating a Hero's death? Your so-called "Head of State" whom supposed to be with the suffering people chose to be a "best man" in a celebrity-studded celebration amidst all the controversies he had to deal with. Sorry but no matter what they tried to show from these people, such as flashy this and that, that in the eyes of the developed nations, you are still a "Third World Crap" in which people likely not to see nor near upon. You want to be in par of the royal weddings a la William and Kate or the Princess of Sweden with Daniel Westling; but sorry to say this, most actors and actresses are more of frustrated Hiltons and Kardashians rather than examplars showing fine morals and virtue. So why on earth they should be called "almost royal-like"? Even the wedding of the Presidential daughter Irene Marcos to compradore Greggy Araneta was criticized by the foreign media despite trying to appear as "royal-like" as Charles and Diana in a Third World country! As one commentator from the same GetReal article said:

"People are given “disney dreams” and teary eyed GMA drivel instead of a living wage. Why do people do not seem to find anything wrong with the idea of a everyone living like wage slaves in order to support a tiny minority at the top that lives in splendor."

Or rather say, for why on earth you have to celebrate a costly ceremony when most people are suffering from malnutrition, poverty, injustice, and disenfranchisement by self-proclaimed benefactors? Don't tell about rising economic rates, for no matter what how rising the rate is, still the gap continues to widen, there's no job created nor production increased in the resouce-rich country such as the Philippines. Victims of Yolanda continue to clamor for relief and real rebuilding of communities while Davao's Manobos and farmers of Hacienda Luisita, Looc clamor for social justice. And the wedding? Besides disrespectful to the hero whom died at Bagumbayan, is a mockery of how a third world nation tries to show itself as a developed one. 

That is obviously isn't. Again, thank god there's no bomb for the setting reminds of a chapter in El Filibusterismo's.

***

Photos were from GMA, GetReal, and Video48.

"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!

"For another AGUILA!"

"For another AGUILA!"

At first, it's been a long time for some Filipinos to remember one of the (almost) great feats in pre-millennial history.

That, on the 20th of August, 1997 1:58 A.M, the second flight of LM-3B successfully launched the Philippines' first Aguila II satellite, into its successful orbit. Quite rejoicing for the Filipino as they sought an achievement, that sparked a New Year-like, nationwide celebration after months of anticipation with high expectations. And in it comes upliftment, all filled with pride as they became aware of the Philippines' first cyberspace achievement.

As according to Ben Cal of the Philippine News Agency (from a Manila Bulletin article made last 2013), he said:

"The whole country led by President Ramos, awaited the ambitious launching of the 'Agila II' satellite (postponed several times due to bad weather). As the countdown started, various high government officials and executives of the Mabuhay Philippines Satellite Corporation (a PLDT subsidiary) who watched the launch live on television at Bahay Pangarap, Malacañang Park, early dawn that day were apprehensive. The anxiety during the countdown ended when the rocket booster carrying 'Agila II' zoomed into outer space at a blinding speed of 27,200 kms per hour.

For 24 minutes after the rocket blasted off from China's space center in Xichiang, Sichuan Province, a small crowd of people, including President FVR and MPSC's Chairman Tony Boy Cojuangco watching anxiously, was overwhelmed with joy as it viewed the lift-off on a special television hookup.

It was the first time a Filipino consortium, led by PLDT, ventured into the lucrative satellite business, investing PHP1.9 billion. Chairman Cojuangco was quite nervous as he watched the spaceship carrying the 'Agila II' satellite make a perfect blastoff."


Brief background

According to the Department of Science and Technology (DoST via Wikipedia), Aguila II was a joint venture of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) via its subsidiary, Mabuhay Satellite Corporation, as well as various companies from the People's Republic of China, Indonesia and the Philippines. Namely: High Rise Realty Development Corporation, Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel), Beijing High Den Enterprises Limited, Walden Group of Companies, GMA Network, Inc., Philippine Satellite Corporation, Cable Entertainment Corporation, SiyYap Group, Philippine Communications Satellite Corporation, Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN) of Indonesia and the China Everbright Group Limited (CELG). Its cost was estimated at US$ 243 million and was manufactured by Space Systems/Loral with its design based on their existing FS-1300 satellite bus. The satellite was deployed to orbit by a Chinese Long March 3B rocket in Sichuan province, on 20 August 1997, and it is expected to achieve a mission lifetime of more than 15 years with its solar panels for power. 

The satellite contains 30 C-band transponders at 27 watts and 24 Ku-band transponders at 110 watts, combinable to 12 high-power 220-watt transponders. Total DC power at End of Life (EOL) is expected to be more than 8200 watts. The combination provides a power-to-mass ratio of 5-to-1, making it one of the most efficient satellites in the industry. A single Aguila II satellite transmits more than 190 channels of high-fidelity digital programming to cable companies and home satellite dishes, along with the capability to handle more than 50,000 simultaneous two-way telephone conversations.

A source of pride that encompasses Asia and the Pacific

With its launch made several years ago, Aguila II means national pride and a promise of progress. Originally named "Mabuhay" after its owner, former President Fidel V. Ramos changed it to "Aguila II" as a continuity from its predecessor Aguila I. The difference was that the latter was originally an Indonesian satellite (Palapa I) that was also bought by Mabuhay.

The main purpose of the project was to expose the Philippines to global information technology (IT) which was then in its embryonic stage.  According to an article made by DoST, It stated that will greatly benefit the country in telecommunications, entertainment, education, and the newly emerging Internet. With the satellite, schools in distant provinces can use audio-visual receivers for information instead of buying text books that are either too expensive or too hard to obtain (or both).

Aguila II can also provide Filipinos who live in remote areas with quality programming which, before, was only available in certain parts of the country with the use of cable facilities. The satellite is powerful enough to reach an estimated population of over two billion people. It is capable of transmitting more than 190 channels to cable companies and home satellite dishes. It can also handle more than 50,000 simultaneous two way telephone conversations and will serve as a back-up to the country's telephone network. For the Internet sector, the satellite can allow a 15 megabyte per second speed for data access.

But Aguila II is not limited to Filipino telecommunications alone, but for its neighbours as well. the satellite provides the most powerful coverage in the Asia-Pacific region. It covers the entire continent of Asia east of Pakistan, as well as the Western Pacific west of Hawaii. 

The 24 Ku-band transponders of the satellite may also be commanded by ground control to combine into 12 high-powered transponders with 220-watt amplifiers for the purpose of broadcasting direct-to-home digital TV services. The Mabuhaysat satellite centre, situated in Subic Zambales provided spacecraft control functions, including test-on-station operations and payload reconfiguration. It was highly automated with complete data storage facilities, logistic and support capabilities, and was designed to support mission operations simultaneously with communications to provide real-time verification of payload performance. And to make sure it had the best people to control the satellite, Mabuhay selected a team of Filipino engineers to train in Space Systems/Loral in Palo Alto, California, for two years.

The successful completion of the Agila launch in 1997 heralded the Philippines' entry into the space age and as according to ex-President Ramos, a take-off of a strategic plan called "Philippines 2000" in order to achieve enduring peace and sustainable development.

... Only to be bought, hence lost

However, that pride lasted for several years, for as the satelitte continues to wander space and continues its duty of transmitting signals, the satelitte was sold by foreign interests. That made one article at the Philippine Daily Inquirer stated: "thereby losing its unique status as the Philippines' sole territory in space."

Furthermore, according to the same article was that one wonders where the Philippine government was when the PLDT, the majority owner of Mabuhay Satellite, lost Aguila 2 to ProtoStar Ltd., a start-up DTH (direct-to-home) operator based in Bermuda, in exchange for an equity position in the company last 2008. 

According to the deal given, PLDT and MSC also allowed expanded ProtoStar use of Mabuhaysat Subic Space Center for the operation and control of satellites, and Aguila II, the once star of Mabuhay Satellite and Philippines 2000, became part of the ProtoStar constellation of satellites and was renamed ProtoStar III.

But ProtoStar wasend bankrupt few years after,  as it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States in July 2010 after succumbing to multiple frequency-coordination issues, with the company's two satellites' ProtoStar I and ProtoStar II were auctioned off to Intelsat and SES, two of the biggest satellite companies in the world. Aguila II was also affected by the turn of events, yet immediately found a new home, as official PLDT records showed that last Oct. 22, 2009, MSC entered into agreements with Asia Broadcast Satellite Holdings Ltd. (ABS), another Bermuda company engaged in the satellite business, involving the wholesale lease by ABS of the satellite, and renamed ABS 3 after it was bought by the latter for $ 9.9 million last 2010.

In short, interests whom once took pride simply sold while people care less about it as few papers report about the satellite being sold for a million, hence lost.

From its launch as the "First Filipino satellite", Aguila II somehow represents the Filipino's attempt to join into the space race. However, despite the pride being expressed by most Filipinos, it was also quite late though especially for a frustrated western country as compared to its neighbours that launched their satellites earlier than 1997; knowing that the Philippines, little brown brother, favorite of the west,  tries to appear "capable" of having "modern this, modern that", as well as having "National Scientists" and others capable as well as willing to invest their knowledge, skill in improving existing technologies and strengthening, making new foundations in spirit of self reliance.

Yet instead, after it was sold to private, foreign owned telecommunications interests last 2009, it chose to be a hostage to the whims of its neighbours, who were at once looking at the Philippines as an example of a developed society. But in reality, it is no, as in completely no to consider the Philippines as "developed" nor even "progressive"; for citing its semifeudal, semicolonial policies that hinder genuine national development, particularly those of a Compradore's emphasis on trade and commerce (such as buying imported "modern gadgets") and reluctance over those of production and industry (that made technological advancements happen), then these people claiming to see "progress" and "development" in an actually existing backward society (amidst the modern infrastructure and modern gadgets) gave a concrete illusion that was bought and sold such as a satellite flown in another country.

Personally, if not mistaken, were there any Filipino technician, engineer who directly participated in that said project besides those from Space Systems/Loral? And if there was, then how come they aren't being recognized as national scientists the way other countries took pride in its own? Are they open for reviving another Aguila or by any other name? Remember, Indonesia has nine satellites; Malaysia has four; Singapore, nine; and Thailand, five. Even Vietnam now controls and profitably operates its own satellite and had launched a second last 2012.

Well, in failing to assert self reliance and cultivating growth and innovation, then what most people heard about progress, stability, prosperity, or any other word trying to present in the Philippines or any other developing country is almost a mere rhetoric likely to be debunked. Failing in a sense that production, particularly those of industrialisation is less stimulated in favour of just depending on outside investment "as if it provides stronger over existing foundations of the domestic economy"; as well as failing to innovate, of cultivating creativity despite clamoring for development. Ramos's "Philippines 2000" was just one of the plans whose primary intention is to steer further the policies of multinational and transnational interests, all in the name of Liberalization and Globalization. 

It may sound pessimistic, rather than optimistic for a writer saying about what goes about "Progress" and "Development". Given the semifeudal, semicolonial nature, national development is limited to those of what is presented by developed countries through its international lending agencies and its policies, as well as domestic compradores whose primary goal is to carry on their interests and not to be disrupted by other proposals besides theirs, no matter how beneficial the proposal it is; or rather say in simple questions like, "how come it may not sound pessimistic if the fruits of so-called development caters to the privileged few?" No wonder why compradores can't even invest full, instead of partial, or a quarter just to steer further development just like they did for Aguila II, or if they do, just to gain more for themsleves and not for the most in case of the one who got funds coming from both government subsidies and private income."

No offense to those yearning for another satellite like Aguila, but if this writer may ask, when will technology, amidst having factories where microchips where made at Laguna's technoparks, Mapuans or Iskós making robots, and experiments made by the Science and Technology Department, be further cultivated in order to revive lost aspirations such as reaching the stars and creating a better world? Again, given the interests of the ruling class, domestic-based technology remains in its embryonic, experimental stage besides herbal concoctions being sold at bazzars and trade fairs.

Perhaps, technology in the Philippines is limited to those of what is being seen at Bato-Balani magazines if not in one's feeble imagination. The satellite that was once take pride of and eventually sold, continues to deteriorate and becomes a space junk, leaving some Filipinos memories of a country "trying hard to be called 'great'".

***

The correct term would be "Agila" but this writer uses the old, Hispanic term originally referring to the Philippine Eagle.

"For a just and lasting Peace this Yuletide season."

 "For a just and lasting Peace this Yuletide season."

At first, apologies to those who had seen this post if it appears as subversive rather than sacred as it shows a rebel family resting and enjoying music in a campfire amidst the cold instead of a typical Galilean one presented in the manger with shepherds and animals looking. 

But despite its radical appearance, the message is clear that in spirit of the season shows an undying virtue such as a promising hope and a selfless love worthy to fight and realize for; for Hope and Love is self giving as what the celebrant Christ told us, such as giving one's self to the people.

For a just and lasting Peace this Yuletide season. 

"The bell plays, as the red star rises for his return"

"The bell plays, as the red star rises for his return"

"For this is the one referred to by Isiah the prophet, saying, 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready for the way of the lord, make his paths straight!'"

- Matthew 3:3

"The spirit of the LORD GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound."

- Isiah 61:1

Kindle the fire as the yule oak burns
Continuously amidst outside cold
Whose winds chime the churchbells
Playing tones of songs once lost

Chime as the far north wind blows
Oe'r belfries and carillons
Give the bells its awaking sound
For the red star rises glowing bright
Chime till most awake
And heed the promised message:
"Prepare for the coming of the one
Who will help us in breaking the chains!"

Kindle the fire for the coffee
And others for the hot food to eat
Its flames brings strength to weak
As they prepare for the coming feat

Blaze amidst the wind blows
As you brought warm to the struggling
The warm soup and coffee's prepared
Bringing smiles to the weak and suffering
For the red star rises glowing bright
And the rest be well provide
As they head the promised message:
"Prepare the for the coming of the one
Who will help us in breaking the chains!"

The red star continuously glows
Gives hope to the chained most
The radiance brought fear to the dread
And found those who are lost

The red star glows so fully bright
And its rise brings hope to all the plight
With the saviour now coming in this wretched world
And its legions once hopeless unchained for the rest be unfold
Let the bells be rung and all be warm
Prepare for the march of the coming dawn
Let the foes be tremble and their order's be broke
By the march and the battle that is raging on
Let the message be heard till the promise fulfilled:
"Bringing freedom to all captives, this time for real!"

Trying hard to be "Too good"

"Trying hard" to be "Too Good"

Another Christmas Message

Initially you may find it strange to mingle with people especially who are being scorned by the so-called "moral majority".

From their appearance, behaviour, these people seemed to be less of an object of concern (contrary to their "statements") but rather an object of curiosity by those trying to "appear something worth too real for a country." That Shantytowns, red light districts, sidewalks where beggars sleeping, these are objects of curiosity thanks to mediapeople, pseudo-charity to pride-seeking politicians and celebrities, scorn by the self-proclaimed "moral" and "law abiding." Yes, it is strange for they are deemed outcasts, not knowing that they are also victims of a current the system chose to tolerate its flows, creating a hell-like existence over its subjects.

And since these people on high chose to tolerate the repressive flow instead of containing it, how sickening. And holidays, such as this Yuletide means sharing, giving, renewing friendship, and a promise of hope in which those on high live to babble and peddle so much; but do these people on high really abide on its reason for the season? Not all of these pseudo-charitables would be, not even one would dare to confront like a normal being talking with these "lowlives" and give them "hope" different from the way they give material gifts for them. Contrary to those few ones, out of concern, has to mingle and talk with them nicely, that even a smile can be a charity different from gifts yet there's no hope waiting to really uplift them.

But since most of these people whom called "moral", "law abiding", are educated and some had afford to memorise phrases like Rousseau's, of man as by nature good and kind, then how come the people who is good and kind are acting contrary? Why not uplift them? This person expects these people whom are assuming to be good to some be good to most, but no, they treat goodness as a cover for their bullshit; they can't uplift a person but instead hurl stones to the sinned no matter how sinful the thrower is. 

That somehow made the Christ saidth:

"He who is not sinned cast the first stone."

For sure no one would proceed in doing it for they are mostly sinned and heard the Christ speaking against a sinned yet trying to repent for their mistakes, trying to remold themselves and needs help as necessary; but due to the nature of some people as victim shamers and frustrated "honour keepers", then perhaps few would dare to say stop and give a person a chance for the scorned, the shamed to recover from their shortcomings and mistakes. 

To other religious communities like the Jews, they are preparing for the feast of lights this month and it means a time to cleanse and rededicate the way Christians prepare for the saviour's born through giving and sharing; but if this writer may ask about these holidays indicated, isn't it also this month likely a time not just to give and share but to atone and remold, cleanse and rededicate? People may share and give, but these people who give and share may likely to be the same people who look badly on those who had been given; undedicated to virtue in the eyes of the one whom they are celebrating for. So where's the spirit of Christmas if workers and peasants can't be given an adequate living wage and a land to till to uplift themselves from their poverty? Of prostitutes, beggars to recuperate and become people worthy of respect for themselves and others? These people are usually given food, bonuses, but not enough for their daily needs as its value is almost valueless; worse, being shamed for asserting their call for justice, and that justice is the same justice being peddled by those on high trying to seek votes yet as they reached the seats seeing them warming themselves than working for them.

These people whom most being neglected and scorned are still waiting and that includes preparing themselves for the coming guide as bells continue to peal. They still trying to break from the cycle as possible, to go beyond from the parameters, to regain their lost sanities, to have a break from their forced contentment, to break free from their shitty existence.

And they need help from those whom Rousseau or Confucius states as "by nature, Good." But in reality, "Trying hard" to be "too Good."

In this yuletide season, giving and sharing as what said too much by mainstream media is all but a façade that tries to hide their obvious intentions. You gave them something for the sake of impression, but that giving you're doing is plain and simple valueless act.