"Sitio Belis awaits for us"

"Sitio Belis awaits for us"

(Or: A poem after a coffee enjoyed at the Den)

Over the mountains if Cordillera comes a lovely sitio

Where coffee grows like there is no tomorrow

Whose people enjoy the harvest as if there is bliss

No wonder why the Sitio in Atok is called Belis

From the picking to the drying to the roasting I say

To the selling towards Manila for the brewing that's today

Along with bread like breakfast served earlier

This time as a snack or whatever

Its bitterness be all tempered with sweetness

Be it drunk with sugar or plain

Enough to wake for the daily business

Things to think and do time and again

The taste be reminded of the past

As farmers picked by the hand the berries before it last

If not the nature whose mountains, trees, and breeze

Reminds of the highlands one may seem

But behind this nature there are monsters coming

Same as those in the plain still threatning

Their alibis of order actually is fear provoking

To the people whose peace be tranquility prevailing

I may not surprised that there is resistance brewing

Like the coffee, expect there's battle coming

As the war drums beating expect war rising

It is unsurpirisng that the pickers were poor

Despite the setting whose fertile land as sure

In every bag of coffee is sold cheap

Find it difficult to earn, thus weep

Find difficult to seek good trader, quite rare to meet

And earn least enough, an agreement end feat

Otherwise end nothing, selling for a pittance

Like copra in the lowlands, palay for a grievance

But still can't resist the taste of their cherished coffee

And hope it be sold fair, a sentiment as I speak

Amidst all the unfairness, of pitting all against the weak

By entrenched entities trying to prevail over the meek

The bitter laced with sweet, gives warmth, enough to think

If not compelling this person to write, trying to link

Of coffee and its tillers, the feudal order and its keepers

Of unfairness and its exploiters, of resistance, and others

And this time as I enjoyed their coffee at Escolta
I felt there's an Esperanza
From there I took my note and wrote this poem
As my mind awakened by that coffee known

I may not been there but instead look at its pictures
A nature that's longing, enough for a feature
But in this time of chaos this esperanza be brewing
For these coffee pickers longing
In a country that's still fighting

Perhaps,

There are things more than just coffee

Or its inherited glories

The mountains waited for us

Would be glad if we do must

Waited for us to savour its nature

And thus make us nurture

To be redeemed from anything that binds us

Such as an order that's immature.

Poems over a cup of Coffee: A celebration amidst struggle

Poems over a cup of Coffee: A celebration amidst struggle

"A Toast"

May this nation thrive
The way people see the dawning of the day
That's God's blessing for all nations
Who long and work for every way
Whenever the sun shines
Hope strife stops, holds its sway
Let love prvail as all men free
Let no more foes but neighbours be!

Let green continue to lush
As the trees remain grow
That the rivers waters flowing
Passing one after another morrow
The fields so golden through the grain
Waiting to be reaped from time, again
Let love prvail as all men free
Let no more foes but neighbours be!

Our pasts may not be forgotten
The way scars remain o'er us
But the dawn of tomorrow comes hopes
Triumphs over death in this continuous was
Let's toast to life, for we must enjoy
Live life to the fullest, before this world destroy
Let love prvail as all men free
Let no more foes but neighbours be!

"Resist, Revolt"
(Inspired from a Nordic Spell)

As time worsens, fighters go weary.

As the nation endures its hardships meant destruction and death.

Great aggression, great annahilation, men die, wealth lost,
While the poor and destitute still being shunned.

Misery plagues despite 'progress', fear prevails despite 'hopes,

And the order, no remorse in its acts made war relentless

As their evil stir haunts the land
And the downtridden awaits thy command.

The horns been blared and gangsas been played
"Resist" is the call, "Revolt" is thy word
Let the order tremble by a myrad of phrases invoke
Let their cries become fire as candles becoming torches
Messages becoming swords, swords becoming bullets
Summoning past spirits in a continuing struggle
Standing in the crag, seeing the atrocities
Eulogies turned War cries as wolves howling oe'r the night

This battle will be holy, not just final

As realities becoming gates to this struggle

My words be based from their ages-old hatred

Ever invoked, ever heard, that the order tries to control

For in every atrocity comes their nightmares

A curse brought about by their actions

Pain that cannot be ease by cures
A song that entices the downtridden to join

Let the woods grow up on their corpses

Let them choke with all their lies

For soon Manila will be cleansed by flames

As the dawn breaks-with all its glistening rays

Reminiscent of the homily-that christ will set the world on fire
That every building becomes a pyre

The order cannot calm down as the sound grow stronger

Stronger like the current from Sierra Madre to Pasig River

"Out of the depths"

Out of the depths
You cried o beloved country
As you feel your despair
In an unending infamy

As demons riding over us
Setting fires on our homes
Of cradles becoming graves
Hunger, thirst prolonged

The ideal, the dream
End as papers thrown to the sea
As the nation now in the order's knees
Change is coming- to hell we bound is

Innocents sacrificed in blood
In the name of "peace"
Of planted evidences
And a distortion of decrees

Expect blamegames and threats
Of witchhunts being set upon
Regardless of your innocence
Their messages invoked blood sacrifices

Of farms still in greedy hands
Of short contracts enforced till end
Words like stability, freedom is meaningless
Why not take them from their soiled hands?

The once being comes to nothingness
Comes a call to make demands
The order thought they are all meaningless
Delusional, trying to break from the continuing past

Prepare the papers and the mimeographs
Turn ever leave into a weapon
Let the message be passed to others
Lets end the era of delusion:

"Let your people awake
And wait for the call
Hear the blaring horn
We will break the gates of hell"

IN MEMORIAM: GINA LOPEZ-ROY

IN MEMORIAM: GINA LOPEZ-ROY

At first, this page extends its deepest condolences to the family of former Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez-Roy.

Born from a privileged family known for its business conglomerate, her exposure to the harsh realities has brought her to the idea of uplifting the downtridden. From being a missionary she experienced hardship that for her meant a challenge for her mind, body, and spirit- through living in a life of prayer and service- by teaching yoga, and ran pre-primary schools and children's homes for the underprivileged.

To some people her earlier experience may hath meant sacrificing her life of privilege or even her family ties since her decision as a missionary meant disagreements betwen her and her parents; but in her return to the Philippines to work for the family corporation years after, and by taking up the role of managing director of the ABS-CBN Foundation, comes the idea of service that's closer to her view.

That by founding the hotline Bantay Bata 163 for children suffered from abuses, followed by Bantay Kalikasan for environmental rehabilitation, and a myriad of organizations closer to her vision, these brought her prominence in philantrophy and in cause-oriented action.

And because of this, even President Duterte, who despite detesting the Lopezes for being "yellows" and "oligarchs" found her as an exception, by appointing her, abit temporarily, as Environment and Natural Resources Secretary during its first few months to its thumbs-down decision by the Commission on Appointments. Quire brief indeed but her programs were all acted with urgency particularly against large-scale, exploitative, and destructive forms of developmental aggression, and by promoting the sustainable upliftment of communities.

With her strong desire for sustainability and oneness with nature she helped raise into public consciousness that the idea that environmental advocacy is not merely the preservation of mountains, forests, and waterways, but also in tipping the scales of social justice in favor of the marginalized.

And to think that despite her privileged upbringings, she understood that the business of extracting wealth is evee complicit in the uneven distribution of it. Thus, this became a reason for interest seekers within the government and in the private sector to oppose her confirmation as DENR Secretary, along with other concerned individuals like Agarian Reform's Mariano and Social Welfare's Taguiwalo.

But despite being unconfirmed didn't stop her from promoting the need for a genuine inclusive development. Regardless of interest seekers steadfastly trying to assert their exploitative goals, generations of peoples continue to defend their lands against the encroachment of large-scale mines and other forms of development aggression; but to think that there are privileged individuals who are willing to contribute in such lofty goals, Gina Lopez-Roy was a rare one- a really active paricipant in a quest one may say as impossible.

With her example, hope that more public officials and conscience-driven individuals will have a heart like hers: of being sensitive to the futures of children, communities, and ecologies; and ready to defend them with passion and urgency, with the willingness to go beyond material and social trappings all in extending solidarity to those suffering in the margins.

Thus, this page, like others concerned, again join the rest of the community in mourning her passing. Her body hath been indeed lifeless, but her vision makes her alive and youthful in everyone's presence, the torch she prepared is now to be passed.

When the young chose not to become their "assets"

When the young chose not to become their "assets"

(Or "all after the issue between Parents 

and their Children as Activists")

It is unsurprising that the Filipino reaction has trying to aggravate the situation- this time by using a personal matter such as parents versus children and the latter's decision as activists.

Started by a post in social media the message appears to be an invoke to worry, especially to parents whose children decided to seek truth from facts and to engage in a struggle one would say costs lives especially on those who take arms.

Worse, to see a senator aggravating a matter. During the senate proceedings he, assuming to be as concerned as the parents, For him would say he supported the parent's call for their children to return home, if not accusing a progressive organisation for "brainwashing"; unsurprising indeed, but, for the children, who happened to be at their legal age and chose to seek truth from facts and fight back, it is their decision to do so and sometimes it involves agruments at home.

For a writer who read those reports would say that it is a usual occasion when young and old are arguing due to a belief. Rizal was once chided by his parents not to engage in radicalism while studying in Spain, even Edgar Jopson who was a son of a grocer was also chided by his father for his radical belief, what more of Gina Lopez who did left her sheltered life and engage in a "life of struggle" such as living in an ashram and in the slums of Africa. For a parent would say it's really worrying to see their children living that way, knowing that they all used to look at them enjoying in the comforts of their homes.

But arms doesn't limit to guns alone as most people think of. Even the pen is itself a weapon, even a computer can also be a weapon, each thing can be a weapon when it comes to battling minds and hearts especially in an era where being concerned is a nature of being a patriot.

But to block the young from being aware is itself contrary to uphelding democracy and freedom that's being invoked altroughout. And in a time of operations Tokhang, Double Barrel, Kapayapaan, and Kapanatagan, it seems that be aware, what more if being concerned, is becoming a crime- what more that Senator dela Rosa did was invoking a renewed call for witchhunts against activists and concerned persons alike- on the basis of "saving the children." if so, then is this the idea of democracy being babbled about by commentators includes opposing the decision of these young adults seeking for radical change?

Truly it is worrisome at first for a parent, but as far as this person knows that not all parents whose children are becoming activists are same as those who "wish to return to their normal lives", normal as in child-like in their eyes. There may be arguments yes, and there are those who out of fear they gave up; yet in the end those who chose to commit in the struggle did not forget the love their parents did, regardless of the arguments. After all, they're human.

But to think that in a time when operations Tokhang and Double Barrel been discussed by policemen, of operations Kapayapaan and Kapanatagan been babbled by the military, then it is unsurprising both which also targeting radicals and concerned citizens alike, then expect each and everyone, young and old, to become aware of such issues, seeking truth from facts, and thus argue against it regardless of the risks.

Again, Seeking Truth from Facts, and Exposing and Opposing their actions amidst threat and chaos

Again, Seeking Truth from Facts, 

and Exposing and Opposing their actions   

amidst threat and chaos

To many observers during the first years of the Duterte regime would say that through his popularity and action comes the ability to fill the void that's once left almost empty since this void has been negated by the emergence of urbanism and cosmopolitanism. And from there he tried to create an atmosphere of inclusivity in order to appease all walks of life especially those neglected by the past regimes. That by claiming himself to be "socialist" he tried to appease the left, that with his promise to plant the flag at the disputed isles riding on a jetski he tried to claim himself as patriotic as the other candidates, his cabinet that's once an amalgamation of various views from left and right coexisting showed an attempt that he "taketh seriously" the view that's the desire for change.

Quite amazing though at first, for knowing his statements did appease people would say he deserves the seat and praise as a leader, regardless of his sworn oath to protect the order everyone knows as hindrance to nation building.
And to mention that hindrance, men like Lorenzana, Dominguez, Año, and others who happened to be refuse of past regimes would say they are hell bent in retaining the order that the commoners still dare to oppose their agenda.

But things turned contrary especially after a series of policies, of statements, and events that pulled the administration towards to the right. From its change driven tendency turns out to be a counterreaction, that from sidelining the concerned from the cabinet the regime becomes a camarilla of militarists loyal to him, and the ever continuing, actually existing vassalage of the republic to American and Chinese interests, with its unequal treaties existing.

For sure a loyalist would disagree with this, as they justify bloodied moves as if a necessary catharsis to restore justice. Operations like Tokhang, Double Barrel, Kapayapaan, and Kapanatagan attests to these actions which are pointing against the poor and to those who seek truth and expose the oppressive actions brought by the order; if not stubbornly claiming that Duterte is trying to exceed those of his predecessors in "promoting development", no matter some of which as posing a risk to its constituents.

Sounds ridiculous as one would say, but each and every event hath showed how Duterte and his ilk are having their hands itchy just to shed their democratic pretension all in favor of their orderist goals. That by the willingness to accuse the opposition for "various crimes", it seems that being a person seeking trutg from facts, what more of opposing them, is to be deemed terrorist in the eyes of the state, and therefore to face the nailed fist of the law.

***

This person wouldn't be surprised that Duterte and his economic camarilla tries to act like Henri de Man especially when it comes to government intervention and public works. For like the past administrations would again say that Duterte hath sworn to upheld the order regardless of its unjust as he benefited from it; and to think that despite assuming themselves for the commoners would say that their assuming is far from the truth such as continuing an ever growing consensus that privatisation, liberalised markets, deregulation, commercialisation, anything that benefited the order at the people's expense are the keys to economic revitalisation.

And to mention that former Belgian Socialist turned collaborator with the Nazis, Duterte wanted to "encourage" the private sector (or let's just say the compradores) by lessening it from certain obligation and by making it a "protector of free competition and individual initiative." The Rice Tarrification Law for instance was itself an example of that venture by making Rice Traders really engage in their professions by flooding them with imported rice and grains, whilst reducing the powers of the National Food Authority into an almost unknown existence other than storing rice in its granaries. Lobbyists yearning to have ...
Duterte may have tried to appeal to the working class, but his continuity of neoliberal capitalism diminishes his initiatives to uplift- that even his promises of take home pay for lower-income earners be rendered useless with the price increases brought about by the recent tax reform law.

Of course for Duterte these proceedings may used to support infrastructure projects, subsidised tuition and health care, and the likes although some if not most of which rather meant to pay loans from multinational moneylenders and foreign-based agencies; but reality goes something like seeing those reforms as being not a safety net of welfare and other benefits nor means to protect the vulnerable, but rather as an anti-democratic movement all invented by a man disillusioned with democracy and the working class. Wouldn't be surprised that with the even prodding of the neoliberals and feudalists guised as "technocrats", he would have removed political power from the workers, peasants, and students leaving them only the appearance of representation, and vested it all instead in those who upheld the order.

***

In this note would say that the regime is just making a continuity regardless of their supports claiming having changes. As any other regime, it tries to create a legacy that sometimes be classified as a form of political patronage, especially if it is in a form of an infrastructure project, law being passed, or a policy been set upon, most of which rather carryovers from past administrations the regime opted to continue.

And by opposing this "agenda" would say that this be tantamount to subversion, and if opposing be done in a direct action be tantamount to terrorism. From this somehow would think and say that with the ever growing opposition to this continuity of neoliberal capitalism and domestic feudalism entwined, what more of its fascistic tendencies been taken through, be it in a form of its attack dogs, or its apologists claiming there is order under Duterte.

They would claim that there's freedom of speech and expression, that the press been churning two and fro in various mediums and outlets, although they themselves also speak about the need for strong censorship and blaming intellectuals for bringing "fake news" or "subverting the youth" as they, from their efforts in seeking truth from facts expressed, if not represent a mass rejection of the political and economic establishment, brutality by the police force and its alleged collusion with organised crime.

It may sound ridiculous tho for one would say if Duterte really talked about change and hope in his regime, then how come he continued those from Aquino and his earlier predecessors? Then there is no difference between the two in having continuing most of the carryovers. Unsurprising, For Duterte et al. is just making a continuity contrary to their word that's change. The oligarchs whom they detested are still in their fields, that the despotic landlords remain at their fiefs, unequal agreements been retained regardless of its controversial nature or its popular opposition, what more of those who demand to consolidate further by masking their interests with both middle-class and populist rhetoric. One of them even claiming that people should accept "unpopular policies" as part of statesmanship.

"Many of us, Filipinos only accepts government policies that are for us popular even if some of them are detrimental for the country in the long-run while we cannot accept government policies that are unpopular but would be good for the country in short and long-term."

And these unpopular policies been actually affected most of the folk, particularly the poor with price hikes brought by "tax reform laws", famers with cheap/or smuggled rice abroad using "rice tarrification" as its basis, and unjust competitions between smallholders and multinationals with "leveling the playing field" as its alibi. Hence, "good for the country"? or Good for entrenched interests at the expense of the folk?

***

Anyway, the order will still try to outwit the law, to do a pseudo-führerprinzip, or exploit their supporters' "feelings" (if there is) all to justify their actions. Ranging from distorting/diluting laws and its provisions, of silencing dissent such as by blaming the opposition for their woes, all these would meant opportunity for the order to advance their orderist agenda. Of course they will say they are saving the republic and to replicate Marcos's New Society by making Marcosian measures adopted in the 21st century- and wouldn't be surprised that the "Davao Death Squad" may become a "Department of Domestic Security" to create a legal basis for their atrocities, replicating Argentina with its "Theory of Two Demons" for their justification, etc. 

Perhaps, this marks a time for renewing efforts in seeking truth from facts. The order may disapprove what the opposition speaks, but with their adherence to upheld the old order then there is a just reason to expose and oppose them.

"When Change starts from the Self only limits to the Self"

"When Change starts from the Self 

only limits to the Self"

(A rambling on how today's order of things

 limit the idea of change to those of lifestyle 

at the expense of societal matters)

At first, it is worth convincing to an idealist that change starts from the self, for knowing that from focusing to ones personal improvement, or to make character be well-rounded with intellect, focusing on the self as a basis of change is enough for a stepping stone for a societal change.

Especially when after reading notes from various so-called self-help writers if not those of self-proclaimed gamechangers in social media pages, that focusing on the self (or rather say Self with the capital "S") tends to stress more on making a person settle in choosing better if not best choices, including those of trying to be upright in a time of failure and of inconveniences in its surroundings. However, as time goes by, the more did they emphasise the word "self" in the message, it seems that change is less of being driven by purpose such as those of "equality, liberty, and justice." It becomes blatantly driven by selfishness with the latter becoming a virtue in some people's eyes.

It is unsurprising, for as people gone living through it: all alongside the abundance of mass production, with its subsequent ideas such as replacing cooperation with those of competition, of replacing ensuring people's needs with those of profit, the idea called "change" is less driven in pursuit of those words like "equality", "freedom", "justice", "fraternity", or any other words, except plain simple stability, and even longevity.

Quite helpful isn't it? However, on the other hand, by hearing those words throughout are as if dissuading people from seeking truth from facts, as it becomes an attempt in diverting the attention from questioning the status of the world, and instead emphasise rather the individual alone and it's character.

***

For knowing that it is easier to draw attention on the world's issues, people would dare to get concern, if not complaining on what goes on in the society; what more of asserting for a better world as any other philosopher would think and thus willing to offer something.

But for these so-called "self-help" peeps, they just debunk it altogether as they admit and remind people that the world is much older than the people whom they preach, and as they tell the people that they should focus more on their self-benefits, they just tell that a utopian paradise needn’t exist for everyone in order to be happy; but instead that people can still thrive despite the unrest in the world thinking that outside conditions aren’t as bad as you think they are, in other words: comparing one to another to justify being contented in a world that's unfair.

Yet nevertheless, that as time goes by and seeing the same order as it is, seems that the word change is increasingly becoming an illusion let alone being spoken by self-help experts trying not to question society and instead deemphasising it in favour of the "self". Okay then, given that the people improved themselves, but since the situation remains the same, did change really happen? Nope; they did change themselves as individuals, but the society? It end stays the same while someone claims that it is being guided by an invisible hand. And most of those who did improved their lives, sadly to say are simply forgetting how to change their surrounding beyond their safe spaces, of how to improve the lives of others except during holidays, of how to make their society having it's place in the sun: 

for they just simply left it to the "invisble hand" to dictate its direction except during elections and leaving those dreams to the elected beings if not anointed ones like kings and queens. That by economists preaching neoliberal capitalism is the future; that by politicians, liberal conservatism is the better direction; that by those in the culture and in the arts, hedonism and whining goes "in"; and anything that invokes radical form of action is anathema to their view of a "peaceful society" which involves obeisance to the "law" and limiting the perception of "social change" to those of "reform" and "evolution".

Sounds like a "Revolt against the Postmodern world" isn't it?

***

Sorry for this kind of venting, for thinking about these things or situations be like they don't want to hear about questioning society and telling about being themselves as persons. They do make solutions, but in the almost absence of just people to guide if not to help those who seek or make solutions, the situation remains the same: and it could be worse.

Perhaps to conclude this note, that instead of telling people that "change starts from themselves", its better bluntly to say that "forget that social bullshit, just work 'hard' and get contented", "accept that there are things that are impossible", that "life is unfair, just enjoy", or worse: "deal with it"- especially those who think they cannot let go of this actually-existing bullshit.

"How a Pilgrimage renews a call for Justice"

"How a Pilgrimage renews a call for Justice"

It's been months passed since this writer visited Palestine. 

All despite the strict security measures to fatulence brought about by their cuisine, this person fnd himself not just amazed by their culture and its faith, but also worried by its ever present state- particularly the struggle of Palestinian Arabs for self-determination by any means.

And to think that this was this person's trip to Palestine, or as others call it Israel, this person would say that despite the trip's supposed religious nature, he read enough to know the basics: that Arabs and Jews were fighting over land since 1948 or even earlier.

All in communion with God

Religiously speaking, Palestine, particularly Jerusalem or Al-Quds, hath been an abode, if not a home for three major faiths. Jews for their Western Wall and Temple Mount, Arabs for their Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque, and Christians for their Mount of Olives and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. These three abrahamic, monotheistic religions held that holy city with much importance as pilgrims from all walks of life enter its walls, climb its hills through its stairways and roads, and enter its holiest sites all in pursuit of communion with God.

For a pilgrim would say that Jerusalem and other sites within Holy Land retains its holiness over thousands of years owing to its history. And by visiting those sites would leave an unforgettable spiritual experience some of them would express an overpowering emotion, if not excitement and adventure.

However, with the almost exception of Christians in that country, this person would notice that as Jews and Arabs been fighting over the once barren desert land, so are the sites they consider holy: The tomb of King David, the Temple Mount, the Tomb of the Patriarchs hath been an object of battle between these two faiths- and also became another factor for both Palestinian Arabs and Israelis to fight over those sacred sites.

At some time, there are also Christians who do enter holy sites like King David's tomb and the western wall out of biblio-historical significance, and out of sacrality would done Kippah and headscarfs to enter and show respect as a fellow faithful. It may seemed strange at first thinking why some Christians do visit those as part of their pilgrimage, but remember: these sites are actually secondary to those they prioritise be it the Mount of Olives (including the Cenacle and the place where the Lord's Prayer been made), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Bethlehem with its Nativity Church and Beth Sehour, Nazareth with the Annunciation church and the Mary's Well shrine, and the Sea of Galilee with its fishing boats and the Synagouge of Capernaum.

But again, despite these matters would say that these holiest sites urges the faithful to be in communion with God. The question is, will their faith change their views?

Trying to hid its atrocity

As a Pilgrim, he would say that it was quite amazing kind of journey knowing that the Jerusalem and other towns, villages still invoked an atmosphere of holiness amidst actually-existing distress if not chaos. The food seemed good although fatulating due to fava beans and fiber-rich meals, and the secenery as postcard-worthy so to speak that both Jews and Arabs trying to create an appearance that their homeland isn't chaotic as media entities do.

But despite this touristish appeal this doesn't hid the fact that there are no exception to IDF scrutiny especially in entering zones between Israeli and Palestinian territories. Prior to entering or exiting the notorious border wall the bus hath ought to show passes as well as the tour guide with his license to do tours within the territory knowing that Bethlehem, Jericho, are cities controlled by the Palestinians, but this recognition didn't stop the Zionist from invading homes, destroying crops, and turning hilly portions into "fortress-like" settlements. 

Yet for this person's fellow pilgrims, these issues doesn't matter. Whilst they're resting inside the bus or praying, this person was simply looking if not taking pictures that seemingly feature life in Palestine/Israel. True that it is postcard worthy while feeling how security conscious people are especially when a newcomer, no matter how being part of the group, is been treated as an individual tourist: asking its reason for entering, its itinerary, even frisking evenly out of extreme security measure. A simple knowledge of Hebrew, like "Shalom Alecheim" may be helpful tho. Call it exaggerations but their actions may appear contrary to its polished presentation of itself to tourists, some of which may end feeling a sense of worriness and less of satisfaction.

What more that these measures are not even nastier as those from its inhabitants. As according to Huffington post about "there is no Palestinian-Israeli Conflict" by Ferrari Shepard, that: 

"Palestinians and progressive Israelis told our delegation story (which Shepard was participated) after story of the abuses and degradation they’ve suffered at the hands of Israeli settlers or soldiers, and we witnessed some of this treatment first hand. Along with the rampant home and land confiscation in the West Bank (in which settlers receive state subsidies), agricultural violence is on the rise, as settlers uproot and destroy the olive trees Palestinians rely on for income and nourishment. More sinisterly, public beatings, arrests and shootings are common, particularly in the West Bank. Without charges, a Palestinian can be imprisoned and held for months or years under administrative detention. The same law does not apply to Jewish Israelis. In fact, Israeli citizens can commit a range of crimes against Palestinians with near impunity. Furthermore, Israelis benefit from being under police and civil courts jurisdiction, while Palestinians are under military jurisdiction. Human Rights Watch has documented the “Separate and Unequal“ legal situation endured by Palestinians."

Like Shepard, this person as well as his colleagues was told by the tour guide that the occupied West Bank is divided into three parts: “Area-A,” “Area-B” and “Area-C.” “Area-C” is controlled by the Israeli government, while “Area-A” is supposedly under the control of the Palestinian Authority (or PA), a self-governing body established to govern the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and “Area-B” as under glorified Palestinian municipal control and Israeli security control. These districts were created in response to the Oslo accord since 1995, which envisioned the establishment of a Palestinian interim self-government in the Palestinian territories but did not promise an independent Palestinian state. 

The accord may appear to be binding, but as said earlier, didn't stop the Zionist settler from taking over and to do its atrocity.

But this doesn't stop the struggle

But this doesn't stop the Palestinian, be it the Arab or the Jew who opposed Zionism to struggle for Palestinian self-determination. No matter how the IDF tries to stem the situation by invoking mass hysteria guised as "security measures", this doesn't stop the oppressed to rise and fight by any means. The artworks, songs, even their expressions do convey a message that's of struggle, a will to fight, and to carry on their desire for self determination, equality, and social justice that's "from the river to the sea."

And as this person do read some articles related to their resistance, it is also unsurprising that as some Palestinian Jews support their fellow Palestinians and its rights, that even the once oppressor in the frontlines end knocked by their consciences as they themselves expose and oppose the unjust policies that brought their Israel to "bad light", especially how it treated Palestinian Arabs as second class citizens, of depriving their right to shelter, education, and dignity as persons and communities.

In Bethlehem for instance, pilgrims would say that the site is known for Christ's birth. But also within those walls remembrances been displayed like those shown above. And to think that the border wall also passes through that town, then there are also settlements near those walls, that there are checkpoints, an atmosphere of fear for as these Zionists once felt the tremor of Intifada that brought names of Palestinian Arab martyrs such as those near the Milk Grotto.

So was in Nazareth, one wall reminds Palestinian Arabs and Jews about the horrors of the Nakba, that occurred when more than 700,000 Palestinian Arabs — about half of prewar Palestine's Arab population — fled or were expelled from their homes, during the 1948 Palestine war. Between 400 and 600 Palestinian villages were sacked while urban Palestine was almost entirely extinguished. The term, which meant "Catastrophe" or "Disaster" in English, also refers to the period of war itself and events affecting Palestinians from December 1947 to January 1949.
And not all thee Palestianian Arabs were Muslims, there were also Christians who were victims of this disaster. Right was  Aref al-Aref, who wrote:

"How Can I call it but Nakba? When we the Arab people generally and the Palestinians particularly, faced such a disaster (Nakba) that we never faced like it along the centuries, our homeland was sealed, we [were] expelled from our country, and we lost many of our beloved sons."

***

The form of this person's visit may be religious given the primary intent along with his fellow pilgrims, but, given the news reports would say this doesn't stop from seeking truth from facts as a concerned person. The place may still carry its charm and sacredness thanks to those sacred sites if not the appeal for peace, but so long as the conflict continues over that sacred soil, the struggle remains.