Of Remembering their names And Continuing their unfinished tasks

Of Remembering their names

And Continuing their unfinished tasks

An All Saints Day message

Lo, There do I see my Father, and
Lo, there do I see my Mother, and
Lo, There do I see my Brothers and my Sisters and
Lo, There do I see my people back to the begining, and
Lo they do call to me, and
bid me take my place among them in the halls of Valhalla,
Where the brave will live forever.

As time goes by, this person would say that the graves of these fallen righteous are still visited by those who reaffirmed in its oath. 

Just like the living who continuously carrying their crosses called "hardship" and "sacrifice", these fallen are those who have committed in their lifelong work in every field. They vent all of their lives in preserving, nurturing, respecting, giving new life to anything almost lost in pursuit of making a future enough to describe "better" if not "best" for a growing society.

However, their contributions are unlikely to be considered by the present order, knowing that it opposes the status quo those on high has greatly cherished and enjoyed it, regardless of stepping on everyone's right such as to be given what is needed be it a living wage, a land to till, a right to have a peaceful community, education, anything to fight for. In fact, ALCADEV's Emerito Samarca is one example of those who have committed in a lifelong work to uplift the Indigenous Folks whom he befriended and given enlightenment so as to make them capable of improving agriculture and to be literate when it comes to the rudiments of reading and writing. The system, however, didn't recognise it as such to the extent of killing him and his friends in front of the students and members of his adapted community.

No wonder why the Indigenous Folks and its lowlander friends can't get over in mourning what more of avenging their deaths as well as others whom had also shared the same sacrifice of both living and fighting. Yes, they all carried crosses and traveled the road less taken as most favoured the road likely to deal with their fantasies. The last time this person mingled with the folk at the University of the Philippines, Diliman has also recalled some of his messages such as a message made two years ago, and these folks may also felt the experiences as what this person sees of in his earlier post:

"And despite their promises peddled to those whom still carrying their crosses and traversing in the path called righteous, when will the peasant be given land? Workers their fair wage and good conditions? The unemployed with good employment? A nation that is ressurected from its ruins and degeneration? When? No one from the system can say a definite time to make things realize aside from telling all the paper decrees and claptrap that rather throws anyone to the grave of forgetfulness. The apathetic remains apathetic, thanks to the state of the art bullshit the system had given."

Well, the system remains as it was, age old bullshit trying to justify its actions as necessary. Apologetics may join in its series of justfications such as making its string of horrors lawful in everyone's eyes no matter how awful it is.

A poem for Samhain

A poem for Samhain

This person is tempted and suffered

Felt the pain the fear and taunt

His heart felt the tremors 

Both within and without

But with you whom I ought to call

To seek help if not ease me and all

Let the pain that bind be vanished thee

Or let anything set me free!

I may still felt what comes from the past

Difficult to move on yes, but hope should be the last

The sufferings ought to be forgotten

And mistakes ought to be forgiven

My ritual is simple but hope it gives power

To break free from the chains bind me as if forever

And walk safely to the path less taken 

But I know in that path lies the truly awaken

To the dead be remembered and never forgotten

For the works they greatly made and if sinned be forgiven

The ones who live be given warm embraces

And perhaps in spirit give them tender kisses

Inspire them in their struggles to realise their goals

As trying to break free in passing burning coals

And reach the future the old once forsee

Just, Peaceful, with faces enough to become glee.

To my love I know it is impossible to be we

But I hope you understand that these words come from me

That with all the works some finished for I am inspired because of you

Call it strange but what I said is enough to be true

Maybe in this ritual that I made this night

Cast a power enough to understand both of us and enlight

And with the help of friends, both here and gone

Bind us enough as our fate has been drawn

Happy Samhain!

Happy Samhain!

Enjoy Samhain, happy Celtic new year with justice for the Lumád folk. 

Despite celebrating a different holiday such as those from the west, Samhain, known as Halloween by many, is more than just a celebration of a renewed commitment to the struggle such as those of the Indigenous folks, but also a celebration of hope as these folks and its lowland friends are enjoying each other's company with warm embraces and a fusion of both folk and contemporary sounds.

In fact, according to Celtic legend, Cú Chulainn going into battle in the Táin Bó Cúailnge, which was said to have begun at Samhain. While yesterday, Bai Bibyaon Bigkay, well known amongst the Manobo Elders, spoke angst against the system for harassing their kin and occupying their land in the name of interest. These two beings, both legendary and real, shared the same goal and that is to struggle against the hordes of evil if not defending their folk and home.

There may be no bonfire as in the west, nor even the usual commercialised trick or treating, but the music of struggle has been played so much knowing that as in the past, the drums of war may have felt its adversaries fear especially that these folks are marching towards Liwasang Bonifacio. Last Tuesday they lit their candles at Palma hall to remember their fallen kin as well as reaffirming in their commitment, and yesterday they afforded to dance with the lowlanders with both having enjoyment. They even enjoyed free food such as Pizza, Fried Noodles, to those of Caldereta, Afritada, Barbecue, and Lugaw to satisfy their appetites and souls in preparing for the battle.
Perhaps those from the otherworld, particularly those of the fallen folks may also enjoy with these people, especially with their kin and its friends knowing that their struggle is just with all the hardships they have passed in hope of attaining justice.

Anyways, let the candles burn and prayers be prayed not to appease  fallen souls, but to guide the living towards their cherished aspiration. 

Trick the system, treat the people!

As the folk music played (and everybody danced)

As the folk music played 

(and everybody danced)

Notes on the final part of the Indigenous "Lumad" Folk stay-in 

at the University of the Philippines, Diliman

This person again returned to their camp as part of making this writeup, and besides seeing sympathysing students and faculty talking with the Indigenous Lumad Folks, of coloured dresses and native instruments being played for a practise, it seems that everything is well prepared especially for the Saturday's march at then Lawton plaza in Manila, commonly known today as Liwasang Bonifacio.

Quite Halloween party-like  or even "Woodstock" to some as people enjoyed seeing the folks-in-costumes, folk artworks, if not "Getting Chilled" on that commemorative event, but behind all these events is a cause people often question, such as the desire for justice, self-determination, respect especially in their communities threatened by entities whose exploitation is fueled by interest such as mining and cash crops. Worse, these entities are protected by those who swore to "protect" even including their own kin, but actually kills those who stand on its way, including those whose action consists of educating their fellow folk or taking over homes if not burning altogether leaving these folks in a state of fear and horror worse as any other system-sponsored terror. 

Quite nice though, especially in mingling and enjoying their company, of hearing their experiences, the desire for justice, to those of their music, dance, and a showcase of cultural stuff displayed in its "Museo Lumad"; and at late afternoon everyone's assembled to see the elders expressing thanks in the event, as well as the University that afforded to welcome them in open arms. One of the speakers is the well known Elder who, at her old age, still afforded to vent rage to those who made them displaced from their homes if not killed their kin and friends. "We are not rebels, We are living in peace in our homes! But we are prepared to fight if they still continue to harass against us!" is one of her words saidth in her statement. 

And after a series of speeches and thanksgiving from both University administrators and Folk Elders comes a series of dance and music, of both folk and contemporary or even a fusion of both; it encourages people to watch if not engage especially in a part wherein everybody's been called to join in the communal dance with the natives while others rather stood by and raised their cameras to video that entire event. The sound of struggle has filled the entire place as the native guitars, drums, and gongs are being played. Acoustic guitars are also being played as well and the people danced if not singing, chanting to the tune of justice for the folk and against the system known to exploit. 

This person initially covered a "video" of sorts, short enough to stop over as he joined in the dancing with the people, be it the Lumad folk or the city-bred dweller who afforded to join and fraternise with them, and perhaps everybody knows that these Indigenous folks felt the warm embrace of their lowland counterparts while the latter felt the sorrow and anger that resorted them to march and fight against the unjust system and its order.

Admittingly speaking, these Indigenous Folks are repeating their statement no matter what the system tries to counter it and mainstream media chose not to broadcast over. True enough that the common people may find not new into their words such as "justice", "killings", "exploitation", or any other word or phrase related to their horrible experience, but the more the exploiters repress their lives and communities and destroy their cherished nature then why stop their statements from repeating? This person may have heard the statement years ago but it still continues as different companies are having their itchy hands trying to grab a chunk of the Lumad homeland for their interests, so are the system's armed men and its paramilitary volunteers a legistator rebranded as  the folk's "defenders". 

But "No", what everyone hear is murderers and ransackers of communities these self-proclaimed "defenders" chose to deny, remain silent, or divert the issue to those who afforded to uplift and fight against the exploiters trying to grab in the name of development. Again, the system may deny or divert the issue, but the folk and the people knows that justice should be take place against those whom they know as unjust. 

That's all for now.

For a cause people ought to understand: Notes after Manilakbayan

For a cause people ought to understand:

Notes after Manilakbayan

It took days, if not weeks or even months for most people to understand the situation, if not having sympathysing with the Indigenous folks from Mindanao, and these people are still marred by a series of fear and terror.

Ranging from solidarity gatherings to positive comments in social media sites, of statements in pamphlets to headlines in newspapers, the issue on these Indigenous Folks known as "Lumads" continues to be heard with reports that really stated these people's clamour for justice, and even the homilies from the church has resounded the same heartfelt demands as such. 

It may also deemed age-old as these folk's long-standing appearances, in a sense that exploiters has still continuing its assertion to take over communities these folks worked and lived, given its resource-rich hidden wonder like Copper if not trying to expand its cash crop interest such as those of oil palm, banana, or any other produce fit for export. And with various "carrot and stick" means, of pressing men to join paramilitary groups to having a semblance of "community development", the intention is clear for these exploiters and that is to take over the area described as "still virgin", no matter these folks continue to oppose their intention. 

These exploiters would even brand concerned institutions (like ALCADEV) as rebel coddlers if not entirely as rebels, they would kill or threaten those who stand in their way. Worse, justifying its intentions as necessary in case of Nancy Catamco with her "Indigenous Defence System" that is, referring to the paramilitary groups like Alamara, Bagani Force, amd various groups rallying under the system's call.

Quite sound strange to some people, particularly today's modern youth in thinking that these Indigenous folks are still yearning for enlightenment as well as living in their communities with dignity amidst existing laws and various forms of "help", but in having a system who supposed to encourage to enlighten and live with dignity is rather trying to block any of their attempts knowing that these folks, if enlightened, be able to stand up against their so-called "benefactors", such as the interests whom  trying to exploit their cherished resources as such. And with various incidents such as those of ALCADEV, MISFI Academy, and other schools and various institutions, really intensifies a really-existing repression and disenfranchisement towards these indigenous folks and its lowland sympathysers,whose intention of staying is to enlighten, uplift, bring hope to these folks in this ever changing world whilst rooted in its centuries old heritage like the cherished mountains still threatened by so-called "development."

Ironically, the system also afforded to babble some of the phrases the protesters do as they are trying to divert the issue into their behalf, such as "Justice" and "self-determination" as inscribed in the "Indigenous Peoples Rights Act", of describing the conflict as a mere internal matter between villages or clans, or even a call create a "zone of peace/ or respect" that actually failed to realise as interests continues to penetrate further the folk and its community; and also to think that these paramilitary men rallying behind the banner of that so-called "Indigenous Defence System" has orchestrated a series of murders on the system's behalf, will the statements from the latter be considered as such? 

Remember, by hook or by crook, the system has trying to create a scene wherein exploitation under the guise of "development" is deemed just, that the take over, if not destruction of schools and take over of communities as necessary to make easy access for the self-proclaimed developers of the society. The system may afforded to create illusory zones as in the past, but will they respect the decision of the indigenous folk to have their own schools be set up? To have their livelihood be respected as such? Theoretically Maybe given the provisions of the "Indigenous Peoples Rights Act", but actually existing NO as the vested interests within the system stubbornly assert its blood soiled claim using "development" as its pretext. 

Well, regardless of the actions the system stubbornly insist, of threats and various statements being said and done, the people are greatly understood why these indigenous folks are marching towards Manila and clamouring statements against the system's brand of "development", and why there those who are willing to join and fight back on the folk's behalf. 

"A poem for the marching mountainfolk"

"A poem for the marching mountainfolk"

Source: Kilab Multimedia

Let us rejoice to see the marchers coming

From south to north amidst foes encountering

The sound of justice comes with the beat resounding

Full of hope and joy, worth repeating

Tired of of injustice, tired being disenfranchised

From thugs and its attack dogs, murderers despised

The halls of learning closed not ravaged and its men killed and defiled

Being called enemies of the people, with insults in various styles

So are the mountains, commonly splattered with blood

Of innocents whose body lying in arable soil commonly trod

Just for a precious ore lying underneath dirt and sod

Ready to be taken altogether by those able to strike a rod

Their plight being debated in various halls

Often resorted to insults and a series of catcalls

Various alibis from the other side followed by washing hands and all

Denials and justifications, heckles from its paid hack trolls

The books may have been destroyed, and children faced fear

They yearned education and justice, from friend and peer

As they march south to north they hear peoples cheer

Dare to struggle, dare to win, have no fear!

Lack of good candidates? Lack of awareness? Desire for new politics? Or really existing apathetics?

Lack of good candidates? 

Lack of awareness? 

Desire for new politics? 

Or really existing apathetics?

Notes after an article on "Tomasinoweb" 

about students prefering to abstain in coming 2016 elections

It was days ago when this person read an article from "Tomasinoweb" about Students from the University of Santo Tomas preferring to abstain than voting for potential candidates such as those of President and Vice President.

In an article, it stated that Thomasians are more inclined to abstain rather than vote for any presidential candidate in the upcoming 2016 elections, a study finds.

"45% of the study’s respondents decided to abstain rather than choose Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (36 %), Sen. Grace Poe (10 %), resigned Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II (8 %), or Vice President Jejomar Binay (1 %) as their preferred presidential candidate.
The research also finds that 38% of the respondents would rather abstain than choose Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (19.0 %), Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo (16 %), Sen. Francis Escudero (16.0 %), Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano (8.0 %) and Sen. Antonio Trillanes (3.0 %) as their preferred vice presidential candidate."

Potential Anarchs isn't it? But the reason behind abstaining was "lack of green politics", according to Mr. Norman Garcia from the UST Research Center on Culture, Education, and Social Issues in the “Greening the 2016 Elections: Looking for Environmental Leaders” seminar, which was last Saturday, Oct. 17.

According to Garcia, he attributed the high percentage of abstain votes due to the candidate’s lack of presentation of their environmental platforms to the youth. He even told student leaders present at the event to create a "green party" to show the electoral candidates their clamor for more environmental focus.

Quite nice so to speak in regards to that article, and perhaps these students from UST may also be a part of those who chose to abstain from voting in every part of the country; and to use Garcia's basis, it may sound reasonable that the cause for abstaining was lack of environmental awareness, of mismanaged waste disposal to those of cutting down trees and unjust mining all for development, and some even believe that they abstain for most politicians lack transparency and that includes mismanagement, vote buying, and instances of harassments; but on the other hand (and likely to be considered as accurate), these people who chose to abstain in voting possible candidates are rather not having time to vote for these potential individuals regardless of their track records and platforms given their intentional apathy as individuals and total disregard for social issues in favour of individual fantasies. They may admire certain personalities though such as Mar Roxas, Miriam Defensor Santiago, or Leni Robredo, but these people prefer playing computer games in Mineski and drinking cocktails at Tomas Morato, or even following the trend of venting their broken-hearted feelings than having themselves immerse in a series of discourse with the latter likely to lead on debates and at worse, personal attacks.

That somehow benefits the system itself knowing that having a depoliticised, apathetic generation disregards social awareness as it favours their personal fantasies in life; maybe a "just" paying of taxes is enough for that generation to justify a semblance of "national concern", but in regards to social issues these people care little or none about it unless it disrupts their route going to work in case of misrepaired roads, mismanaged mass transport, and traffic flows; and some would even cry "privatisation", "deregulation" that as if a panacea for corruption and disregarding its possible negative effects. 

Sorry to say those words but these may be a part of what goes behind a person, a groupuscle, a clique who happened to be preferring to abstain and at the same time assail those who are voting personages that happened to be corrupted by the system itself knowing that there are no options if not benefiting from its pseudo-welfarism in case of Jejomar Binay and Joseph Estrada.

Anyways, that generation of apathetics, of those who tolerate having the polis, the agora be replaced by the shopping mall by the decadent social order, are those who made the nation sedated till its sleeps. And according to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, he said that: "Nations that sleep either disappear or wake up as slaves."