Forgetting contemporary heritage in favor of antiquated progress

Forgetting contemporary heritage in favor of antiquated progress

Avenida Rizal then

Avenida Rizal Now

It was yesterday when this writer was wandering in Manila and he personally see modern day edifices standing side by side with the edifices of the past.

Such edifices, as everyone sees of it, are rather products of heritage that everyone tend to be remembered. But most of them tend to be forgotten they way they lose their memory in favor of a fad that is, worthy of criticism and question.

In fact, despite knowing pros and cons, this writer personally don't know why in spite of having modern day things around why it end up giving heritage, especially contemporary ones in favor of a progress that is illusory, antiquated and confusing? Antiquated in a way that everyone is dreaming for years yet leaving it a condition, a state of mind despite being realized in a form of building, device, music, clothing or any other shit just to end up thrown in a wate basket, be rot and die in everybody's memories; Antiquated that for years trying hard to realize an idealized vision difficultly tried to fulfill and end up be called wasted.

After all, having a society contented in imports all the time affects culture and persona of each individual and community. The way most tend to look every fad as popular, disregarding personal taste in favor of a "just" Joining the "flow"; the way people wearing varsity jackets in a tropical country as a fad same as listening to "Teach me how to Dougie" by Cali Swag District. No offense since this writer also designs jackets and also wear a jacket too for sometime as part of his getup.

Escolta district, Manila
The original Philippines' "Wall Street" before replaced by Ayala's Makati.
Offices of prominent companies once situated in that district until the early 1960s.

Speaking of heritage, not all heritage is limited to old churches, houses, edifices made by national artists, rondalla music and traditions most tend to preserve upon. How about standalone theatres like Ruben and Dilson in Recto being rot and turned into dens of prostitution? Buildings made by prominent artists being left rot and condemned paving way for demolition? Why not these edifices be also rehabilitated the way buildings in Escolta, Manila tries to regain its once prominent image as a financial centre before Makati?

After all, most Filipinos tend to look entirely into the Americans and not Europeans, or even fellow Asians such as China and Japan, Malaysia or Indonesia, even Burma as its model, thanks to the ones in the system that while parroting patriotic sentiment are choosily willing to gain concessions such as those from the United States. This writer, in fact is much of an economic and cultural protectionist that speaks of self reliance in the economy and advancement in culture so is the encouragement of small and medium scale businessmen, as well as its employees to advance their capabilities and qualities of their hardwork both themselves and their institutions belong to same goes in artists that tries to create a new culture that is youthful and rebellious in its essence and appearance. Sorry to say so but for sure some who speaks entirely of "economic liberalization" would tend to oppose this part of writeup, but then this writer would say that since they wanted economic liberalization, of foreign control of properties, bigger shares of stocks in corporations, will they pay directly a progressive income tax if they stay? Or will they try its best to rehabilitate every edifice in Manila reviving its prestiege as an ever loyal city so is themselves to the Filipino people? Quite doubtful to think of if they do so, after all they are foreign companies whose intention is to expand markets than seriously providing jobs. Looking entirely at the United States of America as its perennial model of hope is in fact a consumerist inclination so to speak, like the edifices being made post war in Recto and Avenida, they are made primarily to advance interests such as trade and culture, and trade and culture on those periods meant entirely a massive influx of foreign goods threatening dometic made supplies in the metro-and this also meant creating a generation of contented people that dreamed of progress merely by trade and not of production; sorry to say so but this is an obvious fact behind the illusions given to everyone that made this writer, as well as the concerned others think "will the Filipinos gain prosperity by trade and concessions alone? And who's to benefit from it?"

Times Theatre, Quiapo
Once one of the prominent standalone theatres in Manila, now running  reruns of old movies,
 and for sure it is  being threatened by demolition thanks to deterioration and perhaps unrecognition by many.

Otherwise, in spite of refurbushment of communities in pursuit of moving forward, in an aesthetically progressive manner, there are buildings that are likely tend and called to be as "rehabilitated" yet in fact losing its image out of an illusory progress; as some edifices tend to preserve what is seen yet inside are being torn and turned into something contradictory like warehouses whose outsude features were once prominent buildings. This writer someow consider about old buildings with interiors rehabilitated making them into offices for call centres and the like, but as for once prominent cinemas turned stalls for used clothes being sold, likely to say that most cinemas are failed to compete and contented in mere reruns, failed to rehabilitate that made itself dilapidated; poor Times theatre in Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo.

Laperal Apartments

Benguet Centre, despite made by National Artist Leandro Locsin,
end up Demolished in favor of a Shoe Mart-Sponsored edifice of commercialism

And to think that societies whose systems, rotten to the core, hastily trying to act modern by simply demolish good structures for mere new ones devoid of meaning except mere eye candy aesthetics, yes, it is modernity sacrificing heritage; saving the churches and Hispanic-era houses while trashing out contemporary heritage like those of buildings made with designs such as art deco or brutalism. How come Locsin's building in Mandaluyong be demoished for another Shoe Mart-owned edifice? Just because the property is a prime lot despite having an edifice made by a national artist? Or even the earlier buildings in Pasig like the Philcomcen that was destroyed years before. That building was one of the earliest modern buildings ever made in Pasig aside from the Meralco main office, and Strata 200 building, or even the proud flour silos of Universal Robina, Morning Star and Republic Flour Mill also situated in that same city. Strange so to think of as everyone around see and think that heritage is limited to pre-Hispanic, Hispanic, and American past yet forgetting the edifices made after the war being left to rot and be condemned in favor of building boxes the way Locsin's Benguet centre being demolished in favor of another Shoe Mart-owned edifice? One writeup obviously stated that heritage is destroyed by the few, and forgotten by many, reducing it to a mere placing "mano po" to elders and wearing Barong Tagalogs for wedding days aside from looking at edifices in Intramuros for Field Trips and (near) nonsense pictorials while spending time in the ones made out of consumerism, or rather say commercialism.

And as this writer look at every building and reflect, perhaps likely to say that this nation loses contemporary heritage despite trying to save churches and old houses, as well as trying to preserve edifices made by prominent national artists like Locsin and Nakpil. Everyone sees the losing heritage, sacrificing the hidden grandeur all in the name of progress that, despite modern in its appearances, is antiquated due to the so-called aspirations of the old and of the rotting.

Sources:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bren/3823180450/
http://dennisvillegas.blogspot.com/2008/08/escolta-then-and-now.html
http://ariesdelacruz.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/clanked-fear/
http://kriseldajocson.wordpress.com/2012/03/13/a-walk-from-feu-manila-to-metropolitan-theater/

http://thefilipinas.blogspot.com/2012/02/laperal-apartments.html
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=70932141

Scenes from Karl Roy's wake

Scenes from Karl Roy's wake

It was Thursday when I went to this kind of event in Mt. Carmel Church in Quezon City.

Full of people from relatives, artists and perhaps fanatics as well, enjoying porridge, coffee, Doner Kebab, Chapchae and listening to elegies and music coming from prominent personalities. That event somehow recalls the past memories left by a one of a kind person: Karl Roy.

He may had been into ashes this time, and now placed in a columbarium in the churchyard, but to everyone who knows him, his music, his antics and any other contributions that somehow outweigh his shortcomings, Karl Roy is not dead.

So many farewells indeed in that corner.

But then, this writer doesn't think of farewells. He wrote this:
Karl Roy...¡Presente!
For he is alive and youthful in everyone's hearts. He is not dead!

Yes, he's not dead. He's present in everybody's hearts. 

Through his music and memories, he remains alive and youthful. 

***

Here are other pictures on that same day:

For sure more and more artists will follow his talent instead of his vices for his contributive works such as in music outweigh his vices and shortcomings so to say. Critics may have praised him nowadays the way his fanatics vent their sorrows into songs as ever. 

And again, Requiescat in pace Karl! Your music and memories will make your legacy youthful as ever. 

KARL ROY...¡PRESENTE!

"Beat the crisis with a Red Wedge!"

"Beat the crisis with a Red Wedge!"

"Addicted to Techno" (because of Love Machine)

"Addicted to Techno" (because of 'Love Machine')

A (near) reflective work

It was last Friday when this writer seemed so sad out of having miscommunication, especially with a friend. Quite silent to think that seemed not replying in a message unlike before, isn't perhaps because that person's busy? Or in a deeper reason of being aloof at all?

Also on that same night, quite sad that while with his friends, aside from having defeated in a student council election, also told to yours truly that the girl whom he (nearly) cherished  most (sorry for the term) chose the rival despite supporting the former. The writer seemingly felt the blow that during that time he, teary eyed, hath to listen some music in his pocket player-that even in the bus going home he ought to be on the corner with a kerchief just to wipe off his tears.

What a heartbreaking day for the writer so to say, that although he didn't think of a relationship, the maiden whom he met, befriended long ago, is seemingly end up snobbish and perhaps thinking those past times as an entirely minor affair to be forgotten.

Quite weird isn't it, but despite these, the writer chose instead to write it over than to weep it on and on.

In fact, because of that maiden, he listened to techno so many times that includes aggro-tech and techno-metal. To think that the girl whom he met is also a dancer, with nicely-made moves, he dubbed thee as "Love Machine" whose image would be fit in a dystopian-futuristic setting. Quite weird why this writer felt so inspired that despite last Friday's sadness also made him "Addicted to Techno" as proven by his poetry work.

Here are the two poems made for being inspired by a friend and perhaps due to the music the writer usually played "out of her" so to say. 

Or isn't it because he described that girl as a "love machine?" Full of moves as a dancer, having a good body and a cute charm? while at the same time a writer reading futuristic works?

"You are my Absinthe"

You remove me in my list

You are deaf in whispring mist

You make my mind fell in the pit

You make me entirely cold 

And felt sadness further after removing me in the list. 

She is my Techno

She is my Machine

She is my Absinthe

She is my dream

She is my writing

She is my drawing

She is my everything....and nothing

And yet she remove me

Remove me from the list

I am heartbroken

My life left in mist(2x)

She is my Techno

She is my Machine

She is my Absinthe

She is my dream

She is my writing

She is my drawing

She is my everything...and nothing

And yet she remove me

Remove me from the list

I am heartbroken

My life left in mist(2x)

And felt sadness further after removing me in the list. 

Removing me....removing me...removing me...REMOVING MEEEEEE!!!!!

(instead of she, 'you' would be preferable)

Another poem was also made, perhaps since that maiden the writer described as a "Love Machine", as well as getting enjoyed into techno music. Another poetry talent so to say:

"Gia-Liebesmachine"

Gia Liebesmaschine

So schön so scheint es

Gia Liebesmaschine

Wir in Brand rot, schwarz und weiß

Born in a vat

Created out of mat

Forged by scientists

System-sponsored wrath

Project 2016

Celeste as once been

Only to be freed by the subversive

Dubbed thee Gia-Liebsmaschine

Gia Liebesmaschine

So schön so scheint es

Gia Liebesmaschine

Wir in Brand rot, schwarz und weiß

Freed by the Quillrose

Warrior of the night

Systems raged in every sight

Eclipse then twilight

Silent destruction

Never say die

Beautiful incarnation

Valkyrie anti-right

Gia Liebesmaschine

So schön so scheint es

Gia Liebesmaschine

Wir in Brand rot, schwarz und weiß

Total anti-norm

As dancing the oil-bomb storm

Street warrioress of the night

Fill the rage in every sight

Feel the love with pain

Then separated left with stain

I don't know why my mind recalls her again

As she dance the rage over me like rain

Gia Liebesmaschine

So schön so scheint es

Gia Liebesmaschine

Wir in Brand rot schwarz und weiß

Fill my heart with rage

Like oil over the cogwheels, every space

Set fire over the systems

Rotten to the roots, tremble in every face

With the quillrose of the night

Quill and rose entwined described:

"Quillrose und Liebesmaschine

Fill the rage destroy the dream!"

Gia Liebesmaschine

So schön so scheint es

Gia Liebesmaschine

Wir in Brand rot schwarz und weiß

Nowadays, the writer tries to move on. Obviously, he didn't think entirely of a relationship but rather to have an amicable friendship with that maiden. He's just simply inspired so to say by her's as he made such works like that-only that he's sad as the first poem had done to.

During the time he made those poems these are made without the help of beer nor cigarette. Vanilla ice cream would be as he love it much, but perhaps because he was thinking of drinking Absinthe, and reading writeups about it, then aside from "Love Machine," he also thinks in midst of sadness that "he needs an absinthe", yet substituting it by drinking wheatgrass (well...absinthe is wormwood and that's narcotic!) to cure his loneliness by seeing the "Green Fairy".

"Du bist mein Absinth" as what the drawing said so. "You are my Absinthe".


For sure this drawing also tends to think that "She is his Absinthe" to cure his sadness as described below.

Well, If so, then would be the writer's dream

...and illusion in the end.

Glories to the writer and to the music maker!

Glories to the writer and to the music maker!

A tribute writeup to the late personalities
 Isagani "Gani" Yambot and Karl Roy

It is quite so sad nowadays that two prominent people died in this month of March.

Like Caesar, these personalities became a part of the social scene such as music and media, as former Inquirer head Isagani "Gani" Yambot and singer Karl Roy left a legacy that is remarkable to those appreciated their well known work.

Isagani "Gani" Yambot

Ka Gani-"hard to replace"

The media world stopped printing as last March 2,  Isagani "Gani" Yambot, 77 years of age, died a few days after undergoing a quadruple bypass surgery. Most mediamen deeply saddened as ka Gani joined the roster of prominent writers, of Zumel, Soliven, Teddy Benigno and others who once prominent in their so-called devotion.

Like a calling for a Priesthood, as what Ka Gani had said, Journalism, a craft and profession tends to expose truth wholly as well as a science in verifying the daily doings of the society. And within it lies an arduous effort to make its craft better-despite poverty (since the salary is not very high especially in the print media) as well as constant obedience in the laws and ethics of Journalism.

And somehow this kind of devotion seriously set through by Ka Gani also includes contribution to social change as a writer. During the events surrounding the Maguindanao Massacre, Ka Gani speaks of justice for  his fellow mediamen who were killed last 2010. Clenching his fist same as others wanting swift justice against those who tend to curb those who ought to expose truth in an absolute, significant way.

Personally, I ought to write this earlier yet I am preoccupied with obligations in the shop and in the cooperative. But to read and appreciate Ka Gani would likely to say that despite critics assailing him, the paper as a den of yellows (since Inquirer became known as aligned to the Aquinos), it remained as it is, surviving and on going. After all, personally, I would say that is the stand of  his, and Doronilla's same as De Quiros's and Doyo's if Inquirer being criticized as Aquino's paper entirely? Well... there are rather different viewpoints according to these people in pen, but still their works are in the same paper.

Well, just felt so sad the way mediamen temporarily stopped and mourn for Ka Gani. From the day he died to the day he was cremated, messages of praise gave honour to a person who, in person had a good sense of humour, who loves to correct wrong grammar, and perhaps trying to uphold the idea of a paper known for having "balanced news" and "fearless views."

Karl Roy

Karl Roy-"Play till the afterlife"

Like Ka Gani in his media world, Karl Roy is prominent in the Music scene.

Famous for being a vocalist in a 1990s-era band named "Advent Call", as well as grandson of the late Senator Jose J. Roy (NP) of Moncanda, Tarlac,   Karl Roy died from heart failure last Tuesday.

As according to his sister, Kathryn (thru her Facebook account:)

“It is with deepest sadness that I share the news of Karl’s passing. He was called Home today (Tuesday) at 1:01 a.m. Manila time (Tuesday, March 13th), surrounded by those who loved him most – mommy, Keith, Kevin, Krys, his daughter Arianna, and our cousin Jack (Roy-Duavit),”


Everybody was shocked, grieved about his death. Prominent artists and bands like Dong Abay, Kookie Chua, Wolfgang, Axel Pinpin, even Lea Salonga bid thee condolences to a one of a kind person in the music world. As Karl Roy, once vocalist in "Advent Call", "P.O.T.", and "Kapatid", also known to have joined and wholeheartedly supported cause-oriented socio-civic organizations like Rock Ed Philippines and Dakila Collective.

It is quite good that Karl Roy, as well as other musicians tend to be socially conscious and tend to pass every flame on to others. That despite having a (near) negative image of his such as tattoos and nose ring, it doesn't affect his contributions in music and in spearheading change through modern heroism as well.

***

In assessment, both of them had made their fields as good as ever, youthful so to speak. Ka Gani Yambot in his mediawork, Karl Roy for his musicwork, both of them contributed despite criticism and perhaps assail against themselves and their actions given. Karl Roy was known to be an addict, while Ka Gani Yambot for having a part in a paper critics think of as being supportive to the Aquinos; but then these two personalities are worthy of praise as they simply did their craft and made it better. 

For now they are in the hall of artists as they've met their colleagues in the afterlife. Their contributions outweigh their failures and shortcomings so to speak; for they simply did their job well.

Again, Glories to the writer and to the music maker! 

"Future" according to the Russians circa 1914

"Future" 

according to the Russians circa 1914

These pictures shows how should what kind of Future Russians tend to think upon in midst of the growing war.

Like the earlier pictures sponsored by a German chocolate company, these pictures somehow meant the dreams of many as most scientists, technicians, engineers, writers and future enthusiasts tend to create new ideas, tools, images, everything that provides inspiration and basis for the people of the coming generation.

Also Quite weird in everybody's eyes, as most of it bear that was once figments of imagination, yet some are being realized as technology advances forward yet some of what being shown are undergone experimentation or rather  left as a mere idea of mere idealists trying to resist the impossible, the tide of ages.

According to English Russia (The source of these postcards):
It should be totally polished with an ice so that ultramodern air-motored sleighs could glide fast and easy.

However, instead of Sleighs Cars dominated the roads, and instead of ice, asphalt paved in it.

This Postcard tend to say that Red Square in Moscow would somehow became bustling, full of cars, buildings, flying vehicles, multi level subway systems all over the Red Square and a policeman standing in the middle "with his sword ready."

However, the Red Square remained plain and walkable instead of bustling with buses and cars. Tanks were passed through during parades. And there are no monorails nor planes flying under Kremlin's skies.

Another square in Moscow seemed to be bustling even at night. A city that never sleeps so to speak, there are monorails, flying dirigibles , buses, cars, motorcycles and a subway too. Yet the Cossacks seemed to be left behind as they are still riding horses instead of having a patrol car for patrolling.

Contrary to this picture, same feature yet there are no monorails, cars dominated every street and way, while  a subway was built during the Stalin era.

There are other postcards being shown too. Here it goes:

Wide gardens and paved ways similar to Peterhof and Tsarskoe Selo.
It seemed that Russia's future loved to take care of its environment too.

A Central Railroad Station as been shown in that postcard, but aside from having the usual railway, there are also monorails been built connecting the routes from other Russian regions. Quite weird so to see to have a city or a country connected by trains both above, beneath and below!

This is a postcard featuring a fire scene with a fire truck immediately passing though the streets with the same appearance of monorails, buses, cars, even flying buses and monorails passing through buildings acting as its stations.

Bustling as ever, seemed that Moscow is getting overcrowded in that picture.
Full of monorails, buses, cars, a flying bus, and dirigibles, such idealized future made by the artist didn't notice the side effects of an overpopulated homeland and everything ran by steam, petroleum or any other fossil fuel.

So is the river, it seemed that Moscow is trying to rival St. Petersburg as a cruise ship passes through the river and a port scene as well.

Quite weird to see such pictures featuring an idealized future of a promising world to come. Using a mindset of a late 19th century person, that future meant a perfect setting as science is being used thoroughly to create something that would make realities out of science fiction. People like Verne, Asimov, or even Walt Disney tend to create something that perhaps in the end would become fulfilling and satisfying everyone's mindset and heart.

And yet,

As we see these are rather far from our realities despite having dirigibles, cars, buses, monorails, trains, all ran by coal, petrol, and now using solar, water, natural gas, or any kind of matter what humanity tries to grab one by one in the name of progress and prosperity.

After all, a heart of everyone is still a heart of a child.

"Accept Deregulated oil industry? Tuition and Other Fee Increase??" A SLAP IN THE MASSES FACE!

"Accept Deregulated oil industry? Tuition and Other fee Increase?" 

A SLAP IN THE MASSES FACE!


by Katleah Ulrike

"Insisting the government is already taking all steps to minimize the impact of rising fuel prices, Malacañang appealed to transport groups Saturday to “accept” the deregulated nature of the oil industry."

These are the opening words stated by GMA news about Malacanang's stand in midst of the growing oil prices in the country.

At first, the system seemingly acting pessimistically, or in a retreating manner as it gave up trying to keep oil prices low; otherwise, it is more likely to state such words as this: "That's Life, accept it."-that somehow also meant greater opposition despite justification as most are struggling to survive especially the hard-earned.

In fact,  it is quite weird and stupid to think of a Government giving way to the wishes of private interest while calling for people power  as a means to improve stability and attaining superficial progress in it. As prices of commodities gone high same as oil, yet the laboring masses kept on struggling overnight to have a good increase, such minimal moves taken by the national government were simply a slap on the faces of the masses as it treats everything a charity such as "Pantawid Pasada" subsidy-an alms in other words in midst of the growing oil prices.

This writer somehow would think that since the government "accepts" the so-called "fact" of having a deregulated oil industry, why not also help the consumer as well by rising its salary and abolish VAT on oil, or to the maximum extent, renationalize Petron for the benefit of Public Utility Vehicles seeking for a cheaper oil and gas?

For sure how wonder why people are in discontent about this serious matter especially rising prices of goods and commodities. This matter is not about calling for a doleout as those who justify accepting it think of. As most government officials seemingly questioning this and that, that and this in the halls of the senate and house of representatives, it end up rather as empty phrases or lucky if it end up as law that obviously few would tend to obey with; worse, within the facade of superficial "progress" is a rampant, obvious poverty prevailing in the metro and in the countryside.

The rise of Oil increases due to having a deregulated oil industry and predominancy of cartels such as Petron, Shell and Caltex showed the slowness of the system in regards to this matter. One commentator even said:

"What is not accepted and is not acceptable is that this current admin makes a big fat excuses out of it. The laziness is prevalent. And it is obvious that the government doesnt have any mitigating measures to cushion its impact...he's so focus on matters of wrong politics, that is, to get that vengeance to the perceived obvious enemies."

Quite personal to say so about the comment, that the current administration makes some excuses but the fact lies in having a system of elitists dominating everything in every sphere such as the Oil industry. However, some tend to aggravate the matter by telling "Foreign companies" to come further and tap oil and natural gas in every national reserve!-That means giving up sovereignity for pieces of silver then!

As another commentator said:

"If we want to encourage foreign oil companies to tap our petroleum reserves while the local oil companies gets latest technology on how to drill the petroleum reserves and also encourages more foreign oil companies to operate and compete with the existing oil companies for domestic consumption:Abolish the 60/40 Filipino-Foreign equity restriction on setting-up domestic corporations especially in tapping natural resources like petroleum and natural gas from the 1987 Constitution and allow foreign multi-national corporations and individuals to provide jobs to our millions of unemployed Filipinos, to improve our infrastructure, compete the inefficient and low-paying existing local companies, and to compete with the global market like Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia."

The commentator seemingly speaks of "providing jobs, improving infrastructure, being globally competitive" by having foreign entities controlling in all spheres in lieu of the elitists as against with. In fact, more foreign oil companies like what? British Petroleum? Gulf Oil? Esso? Most of them rather tend to monopolize as its main objective rather than to compete with other oil companies such as what we see nowadays. Otherwise, it shows the acceptance of Filipinos are unfit to develop themselves as the commentator preferred multinational companies dominate in the economy and perhaps in the country as well.

And using Malaysia as one of its examples as the quote said so, the writer would say again that most of it are state-owned or private companies supported by the state; Proton is state-controlled so is Petronas. And despite having foreign companies in countries like what he said, as well as Singapore's, the state had a right to intervene ensuring "Common good" despite allowing private enterprise while the Philippines literally preferring foreign institutions, whether through domestic dummies or not, dominate the economy. Quite weird to think of why such countries that commentator tend to look examples are the countries whose states having intervening powers? He may not notice also as well that Malaysia's Article 153 said:

It shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and the legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

...Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, but subject to the provisions of Article 40 and of this Article, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall exercise his functions under this Constitution and federal law in such manner as may be necessary to safeguard the special provision of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and to ensure the reservation for Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak of such proportion as he may deem reasonable of positions in the public service (other than the public service of a State) and of scholarships, exhibitions and other similar educational or training privileges or special facilities given or accorded by the Federal Government and, when any permit or licence for the operation of any trade or business is required by federal law, then, subject to the provisions of that law and this Article, of such permits and licences.

There may be foreign companies in Malaysia, BUT the law speaks of MALAYS as SOVEREIGN and PRIORITY OF THE STATE TO ENSURE WELFARE AND ADVANCEMENT.

Well, such decree is really contrary to what the Philippines' "Laissez Faire" attitude enjoyed by foreign entities, oligarchs, and the corrupt. To think that the Government itself said that "Better to accept Deregulated Oil Industry?" A SLAP ON THE MASSES FACE!

Same goes in Tuition and Other Fee Increases.

Last friday, students from different universities in Metro Manila marched towards Mendiola protesting against attempts for having tuition and other fee increase. As according to the National Union of Students of the Philippines, most Universities tend to increase their fees this 2012, here are the Universities shown:

National Teachers' College: Php 40/unit
DLSU: 3.5%
TUP: Php 1000
UST: 6% old student, 19% incoming freshmen
UE: 5%
FEU: 4.3%

Again, what do most expect in having an increase that is, yearly? For sure the administrators of those institutions tend to justify this and that as a "Policy" despite having bigger chunks last year-that most end up in its "Return of Investment" and some, if not few end up in the basics such as utilities and salaries of Professors and Employees.

Worse, there are "Student Councils" tend to Justify ToFIs as they brag their so-called "Projects."

Like in the University of the East, for example, one group tend to brag like traditional politicians as said:

Separation of LFR and LFIR
UE Botanical Garden
Festive UE Foundation Week
Blue Chairs
White Boards
Automated Student Council Elections
CCTV Cameras at UE gates
Tri-colored trash bins
Comprehensive Committee System
Manila Week
UE Printing Station

Nice to hear such "Achievements" but on the other hand, are these projects really made by the Council or simply made by the Administration? Tangible projects like Blue Chairs and White Boards are obligations set forth by the University in general, and not of the Council as it tends to "Improve" the University's appearance-so is the practical notion of "Having its own money produced by ToFI be allocated to": Another Bragging Right then!

As Alec Mandrilla of the University Student Council of UE said:

"the TOFI will continue to pursue and as students, we can demand for a justification of the increase..."

Sounds ridiculous as that USC President, whilst saying "NO", also agrees, accepts the said 'truth' the way Malacanang did in regards to having a deregulated oil industry and its effects such as oil price hikes. Otherwise, what is the purpose of having ToFI in UE? Another bragging right for the ruling puppets? 

Quite desperate to see people joining the joyride, while at the same time justifying the increase by bragging such projects and make-up reforms. And yet, those bragging rights said so by the council aren't really made by the party who dominates in it, as according to Jade Valenzuela:

"Those projects were done upon the consensus of the council."

Quite stupid to see "Yellow" student councils bragging their short-term projects as if theirs not noticing that the money being used came from the University's budget; worse, unveiling their bipolar attitude as noticed by most students of the University of the East.

Then telling everyone that the "Youth is the hope of the homeland?", of extorting everyone to move "Forward" yet most are stopped from studying in college because of having a Tuition Fee Increase? The issue became a "Hot topic" during Student Council Elections like in UE. Valenzuela, as she consistently opposed the moves of the rival group dominating the USC, also tend not to limit the issue of ToFI during Election campaigns and instead be consistently opposed in midst of the current social crisis, as said:

"The reality of Tuition and Other Fee Increases should not be made or taken as an electoral campaign. This is an issue that should be well learned and fought against all throughout the year. Annually we face this and for the longest time in the university, it is only now that the council(s) are taking stands. The students should be critical about this. We should keep in mind that real leaders do not only take action when it is beneficiary for them given that they are aware of this issue, real leaders take action even though they are not in any position or office. Real leaders do not treat the issue of student rights and welfare as a seasonal thing. Real leaders are well versed and well prepared to take action upon this, not only when they are pressed for time, but the whole year round."

Well,
The bipolar tendencies of those currying popular support unveiled its rottenness like accepting the "fact" of having a deregulated oil industry, increasing oil prices, prices of commodities and services, including tuition and other fees. For sure some would think that how come in spite of having "progress" via increasing GNP and GDP rates these problems prevail?

This writeup is not even about urging the system to have doleouts as what critics may think of most of the time why there are rallies outside. Most of them are staying in their condominiums all the time anyway...but the next time they'll complain about having increasing rates in electricity, water, cellphone, telephone, cable, and other shit their money throw upon. What's the use of being apathetic if they themselves wanting refunds the way the poor as they think of "wanting doleouts" while obviously "wanting housing and livelihood"?

In times like these, such issues IS A SLAP IN THE MASSES FACE!