"If reading books means subversion, Then is going to bookstores means terrorism?"

"If reading books means subversion,
Then is going to bookstores means terrorism?"

(Thoughts after the recent vandalism of Solidaridad and Popular Bookstores
by right-wing elements)

In a time when digital information is becoming accessible, it has become extremely hard for bookstores to continue its duty of selling books with sense. This duty becomes even harder as these bookstores felt the tremor of violence that's trying to make everyone "live dangerously".

And it is not surprising for bookstores "Solidaridad" and "Popular" just because they sell books that are "radical" in  nature they're targeted by some assholes speaking on behalf of the order. But come to think that these two shops did cater generations of readers, selling books from known authors left and right, of different topics and ideas. But again, some asshole, a malicious idiot would just scream subversion all because of a book coming from a radical author. 

And this reminds of some months ago when authorities urged state colleges and universities to surrender books "in support of anti-insurgency efforts". Such bullshitry would say that it is becoming way contrary to what those admins talk about defending academic freedom or the authorities claiming they're defending democracy. But from these events, be it surrendering "radical" books to that of harassing, vandalising bookstores selling those same books, shows how the order fears about those seeking truth from facts.

But regardless of this would say that books, just like its authors, will always continue to enlighten people. And such actions did happen in the past, especially whose alibis was to "curb subversion", "restore order", or even "defend democracy"- only to found that this serves only one purpose: that of curtailing free flow of ideas either by intimidation, or even death. 

In reality, such actions betray their words of upholding freedom and democracy, that just because there are works made by radical-minded writers one reader may end susceptible for subversion, or in today's phrase, terrorism. But such stupid acts only realise that people will go further in seeking truth from facts, that having fear of knowledge will make their subjects free from their clutches. They tried to counter art and culture with violence and savagery: that of burning books, destroying artworks, killing artists, imprisoning writers; and yet from these writers and artists as well as their works continue to thrive and has sharpened the critical mindset of every folk, making themselves human whose character is developed with intellect, and whose truth be ever survive amidst whitewashing, distortion, and defacement.
And to think that the late national artist F. Sionil Jose, also known for being a Duterte apologist would find their actions a betrayal from the regime he supported. He did call Duterte a revolutionary, yet his minions "red tagged" his bookshop same as that in Popular bookstore all because of the books coming from various authors be it the classics like Shakespeare, Rousseau, to that of Marx, or Mao. Thus, making one would ask if is the country, known for taking pride in its "democracy", has rolled itself back in the time of the Inquisition and how they dictate what books to read and arrest booksellers and printers? Or are they scared of seeing the pen, brush, or even a laptop computer or a tablet as a weapon as that of the gun?

Anyway, such bullshitries has made people think how the regime, even in its final months, has made the folk "live dangerously". The pandemic today may seen as "controlled" but the order's perchance for restricting movement as gone too far in harassing those against its unjust policies, after all, it was during the height of the pandemic when unjust laws like the "Anti-Terrorism Act" was passed followed by the recent confiscation of books in State Colleges and Universities. And this vandalism? Is one of the actions brought by the apologists of the order to provoke further fear the way they claim about victories against “subversive” and “rebellious” elements. To them it doesn’t matter. For now, this note would say that such actions cannot stop people from seeking truth from facts, of expressing in various forms, of upholding freedom of thought and expression, and the promise of building a future that's just, meaningful, and prosperous. 

"More than beauty and grace, but also strength and courage."

"More than beauty and grace, but also strength and courage."

(A message for the International Working Women's Day)

This note congratulates the fighting Filipina on International Working Women's Day this March 8. This holiday rightfully belongs to those who truly cared not just the family, officemates, students, friends, and the nation itself. 

On this bright March day, this note sincerely and tenderly thanks to the Filipina and women around the world not because of her beauty and grace, but also for kindness, warmth, love, patience, as well as her strength and courage. She inspires everyone in times of trials, inspire creative impulses, engages in countless discoveries and accomplishments, all in pursuit of the country's desire for rebirth and thus filling it with real spiritual wealth. 

For sure the government, as any other national holiday would have send messages congratulating the Filipina of today, praising for all her contributions to the society all amidst recent prejudices and bullshitries, of misogynistic statements and various forms of injustices. Duterte's recent statement that "women can do more" doesn't resolve the fact that he's the same Duterte who urged soldiers to "shoot in the vagina" or telling that the presidency "is not a job for a woman". And amidst the COVID19 pandemic and the rapidly worsening economic crisis marked by a sharp fall in the standards of living of millions, it is a crucial moment that women, together with the rest of the working people, must unite and take action to upheld, defend rights and welfare and resist unjust policies, of countless threats that worsen their oppression- for the fact that overall worsening social conditions really hit women particularly hard as it intensifies their oppression and suffering, be it from unemployment, unequal wages, and unjust working conditions including in the household.

With the realities happened affecting the woman of today, this made her determined to march together with the working people in condemning the oppressive order with Duterte and his hirelings defending it. They also have enough the delusions that's peddled by the corrupt bureaucrats, interest-seeking compradores and cronies, as well as oppressive warlords and local despots that impose burdensome policies and measures. Until when the order will feign "concern" over the plight of the people especially the women who have to content in low wages and unjust conditions while facing high costs of goods and services, and terror to those who are truly concerned about the country? Again, regardless of their "messages", that women, being in the workplace and in the field, also demands control on the prices of petrol, food, and other necessities; elimination of land rent, reduction of taxes, and better farm gate prices; as well as the need for jobs, just wages, and better working conditions. At the same time, asserting, fighting for rights as the order resorts to brazen acts of terror "in the name of national security", "defending democracy", or anything whatsoever that is obviously meant to silence the will of the people.

As the crisis continue to worsen, that the Filipina, imbued with patriotism and of social realities that surroundeth them, will rise up and resist in various forms, strengthening bonds with the labouring people and communities through unions and mass organisations, and waging forms of struggle all for national and social liberation. 

“When someone wished for fire and brimstone than sobriety”

“When someone wished for fire and brimstone than sobriety”

(Thoughts on the recent Presidential and Senatorial debates)

For sure someone prefers the "no holds barred" debate. For to be honest, there are people who would have preferred having a no holds barred debate all after seeing both the recent presidential and senatorial forums. 

For be it in Quiboloy's Channel to that of Cabangon Chua's, people waited for known figures to voice out their programs, opinions, and even educated heckles, all enough to translate into votes- for political debates, especially those held during election season, "theoretically" make sure that candidates provide voters information on their platforms and plans should they be elected, as well as acting as a "level playing field" towards a fair, informed electorate over the guise of transparency.

But reality sounds more like otherwise. For in a time when people used hear debates from Eli Soriano to that of Rap Battles in BSide, these events are nothing but entertainment. Some may compare it to concerts showcasing their "talent" in making the audience admiring them and translate into votes, be it for president, senator, or any other elected position to be; vary in their structure, operations, and duration. But what remains constant, however, are three factors: audience, spectacle, and format. 

And since people comparing it to concerts, then this means a lot of noise whether to support or oppose a candidate. These folks, whether all "eager for a change" or just "for the sake of fun" raise their banners as they support any of those candidates and to jeer the other, or in the case of Professor Carlos grilling the candidates, admiring the panelist's statements. People did appreciate that Senatoriable Espiritu after telling Gadon "not to be rude" as the latter trying to interrupt him about human rights; or Presidentiable Leody de Guzman trying to refute Montemayor's apologia for capitalism in the issue involving the need for higher wages. While on the other hand, De Guzman himself, while in the "belly of the beast", had to face jeers from the right-wing supporters of Marcos/Duterte as his explanation about the insurgency runs contrary to the narrative of the state.

However, things get worry that as De Guzman himself, a left-winger, had to face those taunts from the right-wing figures like Badoy-Partosa and others in that "belly of the beast"; for the fact that it was sponsored and shown in a channel known for right-wing propaganda, this also meant churning anti-opposition sentiment be it against the left or against the liberals. Of course, mainstream opposition candidates would chose not to join the forum citing controversies brought by Quiboloy himself, but this doesn’t matter for De Guzman and others even by pretending there was some impartiality in that forum. But people saw how biased the forum was especially after De Guzman’s statement “calling for the need to address the social roots of rebellion” was responded by cringy responses like those from Badoy-Partosa and her team of anticommunists defending their task force and their actions. Quiboloy’s right wing cheerleaders even threatened Leody’s supporters, such as Walden Bello who was almost removed from the venue for expressing his angst. But this right-wing attempt to belittle didn’t succeed as those against Marcos especially that of Robredo's camp took the side of De Guzman for being consistent in against the dictator especially within the “belly of the beast” that’s Quiboloy’s forum itself. Even on Cabangon-Chua's, whose commentators particularly those synonymous with their support for Duterte would feign impartiality and objectivity while people concerned would find them obvious whom they support with with the questions, responses been done towards the candidates. 

But reality seems clear that the apologists of the order would "try their best" to defend their idol's legacy, of asserting the need to continuity, and to belittle the other side of the fence enough to make voters support their chosen candidate. They would feign impartiality and objectivity as shown in those forums as moderators, as organisers, but the fact that they supported the order and someone strongly disagrees with it then what kind of forum is that? Is it really a venue of discourse? Or another way to make shit in support of their idol? Pardon for the thought but as these apologists of the order, or even so-called "political hobbyists" tend to make use of every medium as much as possible in an attempt to rally in support of the order pretending they're impartial or objective. But expect biases shown implicitly, if not hidden underneath layers of irony, whataboutism, and the likes. 

Perhaps, right was Mr. Montemayor that the event wasn't a debate, let alone a forum showcasing ideas and platforms- for the fact that people wanted a debate in a literal sense, then frankly speaking, they really prefer a no holds barred kind of "debate" where idea and expression are intertwined. People wished to hear about programs and platforms, so is to hear them facing the important matters of the day and how are they passionately expressing for or against it out of their principles. 

"The spirit of EDSA shouldn't end as an empty rhetoric."

"The spirit of EDSA shouldn't end as an empty rhetoric."

For sure the government made its homework such as that of making messages commemorating this four-day revolt. 

Be it by “restoring democracy” to that of “emulate the heroism and compassion”, the message churned by the government would say that they’re trying their best to relieve those who embody the “true essence” of “People Power”. It is quite obvious that just like its earlier messages, trying to rally people into their side despite they themselves failed to take responsibility in realising the promises meant to be taken after that revolt- that of peace, land, bread, and justice for a country long under the appendage of foreign and local despots. 

But regardless of their statements, orderists treat those words as hyperboles that shouldn’t be taken seriously. They would preach two and fro about Democracy, Justice, Freedom, or any other word that’s appealing to many, when in fact these are altogether an empty rhetoric as they stress much the contrary: that of repression, injustice, unfairness that benefited that of the few at the expense of many. 

And like any other populist sentiment the words they preach about can be borne out of chaos, and even that chaos can be appeared as “peaceful” and “organised”, “fiesta-like” as those protest actions with all the protest music and vendors selling peanuts, water, and ice cream can bring down a dictator. “Revolt of the poor”? The desire for “economic liberation”? The yearning for “political emancipation”? The appearance of “social unity”? That situation can also be that example! Pardon if to use Marcosian phraseology but his words can be interpreted against him as people had enough of his bullshitry. The people wanted peaceful lives, freedom to sustain their minds and bodies, but will these thrive in a society whose words they preach are all but ironies and hyperboles? They talk about discipline and order, of maintaining stability, but when was seeking truth from facts, the desire for free expression including that of sporting long hair and administering acupuncture be responded with repression and redescribed as “disobedience to authority”, “delinquency”, or “subversion”? Men like Pete Lacaba, or the late Archimedes Trajano felt the clutches of state repression while authorities talks about “justice” and “rule of law” for the sake of appeasing the first world.

But regardless of their counter statements and feigning concerns, the lessons brought by the four-day revolt will always resonate: that the power of the people will always fear those that are in power.’ The question is: how to fulfill its promise? Or will it remain simply a change of faces? Remember: same old problems continue to prevail they way hungry and dispossessed folks express disgust against the order.

FIRE OVER THE BORDERLANDS: Notes after the Ukranian-Russian conflict

FIRE OVER THE BORDERLANDS:
Notes after the Ukrainian-Russian conflict

At first, how interesting to observe regarding the situation over the borderlands. As some would even compare it to the second world war, the situation in the Ukraine is actually borne out of differences, particularly that of a "Ukrainian-speaking" Majority over the west, and its "Russian-speaking" Majority that's over the east. The latter, particularly that of the Donbas region, is much affected by the events in Kiev that forced to separate themselves from the central government. Even the disputed Crimea region is not spared by the situation that made Russia compelled to regain the region that's originally part of the former Russian Federative Socialist Republic. 

It is not surprising, especially that as news about Russia recognising the separatists in the disputed region, the country also launched attacks on major cities and airports across Ukraine, affecting towns and cities including that of Kiev and Kharkov, and quite lamenting that fellow Slavs, both "Russians" fighting each other in a fraternal war enough to say that is, a latest sacrifice to the "golden calf".

For Russia, Ukraine serves as a "buffer zone" as in the past. The vast steppes of the Ukraine have always acted as a critical buffer zone between Russia and Europe. Invading armies—from Napoleon Bonaparte to Adolf Hitler —have tried to cross these, and in the process given Russia time and space to plot and prepare its defences. Even the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union needs Ukraine also as a buffer zone as well. On the other hand, Ukraine tried to be less Russophilic (despite the fact that Ukraine is itself, "Little Russia" along with the "White Russians" of Belarus and of course, the "Great" Russia the west having a love-hate relationship) and even demonstrated its Atlanticist slant such as supporting NATO's operation in the Balkans in 1999 with Kiev closing the country’s airspace for Russian planes flying to Pristina in Kosovo for several hours. That move caused an angry backlash from many Ukrainians, who consider themselves a part of the Orthodox Slavic world. Even until today with Ukraine's Zelensky and his administration started portraying Ukraine as a "Shield of Europe" in its quest to join NATO and EU while its right-wingers like the Azov Battalion and the likes will have a new reason to pride themselves on their role as “defenders of Europeans” against “Russian hordes”!  

But one clear thing is that the United States, being a NATO member has the opportunity to make Ukraine "a gun pointing over Mother Russia" as it would allow the US and its military allies to position troops, tanks, missiles and other military matériel right next to its border. That by wanting Ukraine as part of NATO and be its "Shield of Europe", will reinforce the US network of military bases in its state of Alaska, in Poland, Romania and other countries close to the Russian border.

Clearly, as the situation continues to loom further, what is taking place in the Ukraine should not be treated as an entertainment galore as during the Cold War. For sure media outlets would see Putin has "pure testosterone" as opposed to Biden described as "senile". It is not even surprising that conspiracy theories starting to churn over including that of China using the situation as an opportunity over the disputed islands in South East Asian region. For sure the United States did its prodding and saber-rattling so much that forced Russia to do its actions. And to think that this tension also affects economic relations in the region — especially regarding gas flow from Russia to both Ukraine and Europe — will increase. Germany for instance, depends on Russian oil that if Russia cut off its flow due to the situation may affect its economy and that of the others in Europe. 

To cut this thought short, it is becoming a duty not to demand peace, but to oppose the globalist ruling class that operates within and around not just Ukraine and Russia but also around the world. This note also denounces the prodding of the United States through its NATO with its provocations and relentless warmongering in hopes of sparking an armed conflict and proxy war with Russia. And lastly, respect to the Novorossiyan people of Donbas and its struggle for self-determination borne out of mistrust from the Kiev regime. 

“In seeing the old pink house”

"In seeing the old pink house"

In seeing the old pink house 

Maybe I was wrong to disregard 

Maybe I should visited more often

And savor again the memories

When my grandparents wanted to see me

Of listening to the piano

Of enjoying the hot tinola or lomo

Of hearing stories from old folks

To that of short wave radio 

Now that grandma is gone

It is worth compelling to visit

Maybe at first I can’t 

Due to the stress I endure, encounter

But here I am

Along with those grandma left

Enjoying each other’s company

Exchanging pleasantries

For me to see and hear

The story grandma wished to say to me

Savouring the same food

The way she made the last time I saw her

When I visit again next time

I shall bring flowers for the altar

The way grandpa did when he’s living

Be it jasmine, orchids, or whatsoever

To you grandpa, grandma

Your love continues to rekindle

Enough to stave the stress and sadness

That I ever much encounter 

“Let’s ride our Tigers and face present, coming challenges this Year of the Tiger!”

“Let’s ride our Tigers and face present, coming challenges 

this Year of the Tiger!”

Despite the tumultuous times brought by the COVID19 pandemic, people from all walks of life are still hoping for  good luck, better health, and long life this Chinese New Year. 

Even without the traditional noisy, colorful, and joyful dragon and dragon dances, life goes with the selling of trinkets, fruits (especially that of oranges and apples), cakes like the famous “Tikoy” rice cake and mungbean cake “Hopia”, Chinese restaurants like “Waying” and “YingYing” that’s full of life with customers, to that of temples both private and public bustling with well-wishers seeking good luck in front of their gods and ancestors. Even the Longos cross is also filled with wellwishers as joss sticks and prayers been offered to the cross known for fusing Chinese folk religion and that of Roman Catholicism.And to think that life is thriving this Chinese New Year, then of course the government is trying their best to control the situation especially after Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has forbidden the traditional dragon and lion dances in the district in order to guard against the quick spread of the Omicron variant. 

“They can do the festivities in their respective homes. But no public activities for now… It can be a regular day but a special one in their hearts and in their minds,” Moreno said.
But this doesn't stop people from bustling over the streets of Binondo seeking for well wishes, gifts, or even a bite of Chinese food that's mouthwatering.

To be honest, regardless of the situation would say that people will always seek for well wishes, and there's nothing new in it. Except that in a time when health and safety became an outmost priority, people added those desires in their prayers aside from good luck in this year of the tiger. Again, it is not surprising for the fact that as these people enjoying the festivities be it from their homes or in the street,  That courage, confidence, and determination to see the future has taken its place with people trying their best not just to survive COVID19 but also to recover from the losses brought by this recent catastrophe. For sure by those times everyone checks their schedule for an upcoming vaccination if not walking straight to the vaccination site just to get a jab in order to get back into their jobs, in school, and in life. 

Need not to write further, but perhaps praying for luck nor adorning things to dispel misfortune is not enough these days, but instead "to ride the tiger" as everyone prepares for potential dangers, to have a long term view of things, and that even in this calm times, keeping a homeland to forge, learn, plough further means not just to recover from the crisis nor to become “rich and strong” as its neighbours, but also to rejuvenate a nation.