A Sentimental Journey

“It’s finally over…”

Thoughts like these were recurrent to me exactly after we seniors took our final periodical exam in that fateful 5th of March. A part of me wanted to scream and yell because, at last, it’s really the last time we had to put our noses to the grindstone in SJCS (pardon my pathetic attempt in comedy for my last article). One side of my brain, however, cautions me not to let all my emotions run wild - not after I’ve sweated out myself tensely filling the blanks in our Hua Wun test, and the grave thought about attending the strenuous graduation practices for the next thirteen days. But well, by the time you’re reading this, I would have been crying buckets of tears as we don that toga and lift that little tassel sideways.

Graduation… I never imagined that I’d actually (and eventually) be at this stage of my Judenite life. Thirteen years (this is not a cliche…) was such a breeze! When I was in my preparatory years and my two front teeth haven’t grown yet, I used to look up in awe and envy those tall guys with books and typewriters in tow, and those necktie-d ladies with big smiles on their faces. They seem to have a lot of activities and they also seem to enjoy. I wondered whether I would look and be like them when I’m at their age. Now, at around 1.3 feet taller and with a relative tinge of experience, I’d definitely say YES.

I admit I may be a little short on memory (uh, what’s your name again?), but that doesn’t prevent me to remember at least some of the most unforgettable moments I’ve spent here in SJCS: The very first day of school, when I was with my mom, feeling dreadful when all the sights and sounds sensed were crying children (but I didn’t cry haha!) … The time I hid under the little table (conscious that I’d still be seen!) when my teacher asked me to act out for our drama lesson in Prep and I really, really didn’t want to (hence, the shyness…) … The very first poem I submitted to the Judenites about my mini personal computer when I was in Grade One (it wasn’t published… but here I am!)… The first major embarrassment I had about incomplete uniforms (ha!)… My first taste of success, with spelling (it was a long time ago but it still makes me want to dream)… Our grade school graduation … The shift (or beginner’s guide?!) to secondary education (and still I don’t know what the ‘transmutation system’ really is, and the basis for the curriculum units) … The first time I got appointed as a class officer … The long, laborious nights of putting (or more aptly, squeezing) into memory 5-6 pages of Chinese lexicon and more (that usually prompts me to eat a lot of midnight snacks!)… The jitters before taking a math test (and further fretting on the results thereafter!)… Attending the required Thursday activities (for GSP & CAT) … Yelling like crazy in the past few Sportsfests … The prom/s, where you meet gorgeous compadrés and stunning là chicas and have a grand time yourself … And my rather unforgettable gig last Teacher’s Day (after a decade-long ‘stage fright’ hiatus since first grade, it’s not everyday that I wear tubes and wiggle in front of a huge audience)!

We all have our share of what makes our stay here in Saint Jude worthwhile and cherished for I guess, time immemorial! And of course, there are the little but precious moments we spend… we might have overlooked these things, but I guarantee these same moments are the ones that makes us most fulfilled and gives us the reason to live and dream… the (subtly crazy) times we spend with our dear friends, heartily joining in the class’ laughter because of some inside joke, sending smiles (and receiving too) when you meet people at the corridor, the mini-chats while idly waiting for any vacancy in the Favorite Pitstop (you should know what I mean), teachers giving you a nod and grin for doing a pretty good job, the knowledge that you’ve made someone’s day, feeling at ease knowing your friends are there for you through all the hardship… and many more.

People say that high school is one of the most gratifying and significant events in life you could ever encounter… and I’d have to say the same. It has been a fantastic whirlwind of a journey and it has definitely got me feeling surreal! To you guys who have yet a few more years to tarry in school, my advice is make the most of this time to be the best that you can be! Don’t let anything (or yourself) hold you back from things you might regret not doing in the future.

Let me take this chance to thank the people who have mattered a lot and have made my ‘scholastic voyage’ most meaningful (and this is no Oscar-winning speech...):

Without God’s guidance, I don’t think I could ever have surpassed the travails and obstacles that came across, and so I thank Him for many times I’ve been in the dark and He was always there to get me through.

My parents, for being a wonderful set of folks who constantly support me in everything I do. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

To all my teachers / advisers / mentors, thank you for imparting to us students your knowledge, your enthusiasm and your fortitude. You have motivated me to improve myself further, to not make the same mistakes (although I still glitch once in a while!), and to become a more refined individual.

To (most especially) the Judenites and the Drama Guild, two organizations that have served as base for my creative self-expression, I am truly honored to be part of such esteemed company. Thank heavens that I’ve met new people, good friends, and great memories to live by!

To my batch…I couldn’t have asked a better bunch of people than this! Time has weathered us quite a bit, but we’re still baby-faced (haha!) and still persevering! I am so proud to be part of a brilliant, winning batch… thanks for the shared history and may we achieve success in all our future endeavors!

To my classmates, thank you for making my last year unforgettable… from the retreat to the simulation and many other fun activities, each has made 4A more close-knit than ever imagined! I will always remember the fun, the acceptance, and the warmth… the good and bad times our class shared and managed together... I’ll miss you!

And to my friends, I have been so blessed to have met you. Thank you for the times we’ve spent in laughter, in madness, in tears (of joy?!), and in quiet understanding. You have been my support group, stress relievers, chatterboxes and more… I am so indebted. (mwah!) I hope we can all gather sometime after our short parting here… keep in touch!)

Now that I’ve said all my merci beaucoups, I guess it’s time to bid au revoir… but I know the journey will never be ceased. We still have more roads to tread, and however vague the path to success may be (for now), we’ll be taking it one step at a time.

Thanks again, and ciao!

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Note: My last article for The Judenites, March 2004 issue.
(as Associate Editor, “Relativity”)

The Day the Music Died: An Indictment on the Tune of Today

Howdy once again, fellow bright Judenites! It’s been a long time since I have written a busted-out commentary, so I’ll take a dive and talk about my all-time favorite interest: music.

I have described myself as an ‘audiophile’ for probably the longest time in my so-called existence (having no other alternative options!) And why not? I like different types of music, I can’t stand a day without turning the radio on, and I have my mundane couch potato life in the presence of music videos. I have always believed that music is the universal language, it is life to many of us, and it gives our lives variety and an individual sense.

However, what has been happening to the music scene lately? Let me enumerate:

1) Proliferation of ‘novelty’ songs
I call this the ‘virus’ genre. Where have all the OPM gone? They were replaced instead by inane, mindless melodies that are double-entendred and are heavily played by novelty-friendly stations like Love Radio (ayokong i-memorize yan!) and Star FM. And let’s not even call it ‘novelty’! Novelty, in the truest sense, means ‘freshness’ - and these songs’ messages aren’t even decent! But sadly, they sell. No wonder the average Pinoy is unwittingly ‘dumbing down’, sedated to this crap. (Last time around, I heard the “Basketball” song on a children’s dance show! Yikes!)

2) Good songs getting overplayed
You hear a favorite new song of yours on this particular station, smiling to yourself at how the DJ can read your mind. You change the dial, and the same song is playing. Ok… Then after an hour, the same station AGAIN plays that same tune… you get the picture. Good songs turn horribly mind-snapping when it gets overplayed, and I’m sure everyone had that experience with *insert song title here*. Disc jockeys say they aren’t to blame; it’s because of the rampant requests of radio listeners! But would you mind tolerating your playlists?

3) Star Searches / ‘The Next Idol’ Hype
Not that there’s anything wrong with people with real talent joining these, but the case is the explosion of talent shows in such a short amount of time. Now the winners are flooding the limelight, all dishing out the same old rehashes on Sunday noon variety (I have to admit, they’re almost nakakasawa…) If they want someone to shine, let one have his place in the sun, not a dozen at the same time! I swear, we might just have a HUNDRED ‘idols’ or ‘divas’ in a year!

4) ‘Manufactured’ artists
A little-known girl suddenly having a ‘hit’ song and the album’s sold like pancakes? Wow! How did she do that?! Her song’s not even that good-sounding. More often than not, she’s the product of heavy advertisement by record executives. It’s a concerted effort by these ‘starmakers’ to coerce radio and television to shovel her latest song down our throats. And they’re everywhere…

5) Piracy
The biggest problem confronting the underdeveloped music industry in the country is the widespread piracy of movies and especially music. Progressive artists are afraid their careers might bomb out because these pirated CDs are selling dirt-cheap in the streets, and they’re not going to make any profit after marketing that hard-earned record. Thus, not much new artists arrive except those of the independent label, and thus no new material. And what do people like Sharon Cuneta and Martin Nievera release? Revivals… because it’s the safest route for their incomes! (oops!)

6) Do you even call that music?!
I don’t know whether you notice it, but in every 40 minutes that you watch MTV, there’s bound to be some rap/R&B video that’s going to be played. And it’s not the music that gets you hooked - it’s the video! Lots of ‘bling’ and bare skin all around! And add to that the unintelligible lyrics and swearing-swagger too. Now, that’s as worse as the ‘novelty nausea’ we experience here! *take a deep breath* … After the lame rap video comes a pseudo-pop-rock video that does actually nothing but whine, curse and bleat about broken lives and broken hearts… oh please! Will these people just GET A LIFE?!!?!?

I cannot say I have excellent taste in music (I have my own biases…), and there is always the freedom of choice - what you hate may be my uber-favorite (and that explains my ‘Relativity’ column name!) Or maybe, my tastes are just getting too old for me… Nevertheless, these are just my grievances on the current state of music… gone are the days where meaning and melody matched, and there were songs that gave you a ‘tingle’ because it sounded so darn good and it made you feel positive.

If this gratuitous game continues to the next decade, I’d better fly off to some deserted island and stuff my eardrums! Till then, we’d have to hope for a miracle!

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, Sept-Dec 2004 issue.
(as Associate Editor, “Relativity”)

Sacrifice and Deliverance (editorial)

It has been a catastrophe waiting to happen. The Philippines is in a fiscal crisis. In the past several months, this has been the message relayed to the public by government officials, economists and academicians. To the common man, this is nothing but a “trending of fear” by a government desperate to pass new taxes. But in actuality, the country is in an ailing fiscal scenario.

Former chief of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Prof. Solita Collas-Monsod warns that if this fiscal crisis continues, the Philippines will be in an “economic disaster” unless the government could fix its money problems in two to three years.

A fiscal crisis is characterized by the “structural weakness in government financial condition but which can eventually infect the private sector and the rest of the economy through interest rate shocks as the medium of contagion”. In other words, it is the inability of the government to perform its functions because of financial constraint. And who isn’t surprised that we are in this quandary? The National Government’s debt is standing at a huge P3.36 trillion, and 30 percent of annual spending is depleted on debts alone, cutting up money that should have been allocated for social services and infrastructure. In the long run, huge dependence on debt means that any sudden increase in global interest would cause huge difficulties in repaying the debt; thus the worst-case scenario no one wants to anticipate.

With this crisis, a number of tax measures have been proposed to boost revenues and reduce the debt burden. President Arroyo has called on Congress to pass a 20% across-the-board increase in taxes for cigarettes and liquor starting next year. The so-called “sin taxes” legislation bill hopes to raise profits from consumers, and discourage smoking and alcoholism.

While this new bill could raise P5.7 billion a year, it is seen as a ‘temporary solution’ because it potentially harms business as there will be fewer investors; and is a ‘recipe for credit downgrade’, as the country will slide down to a lower credit rating (which translates to higher interest rates on foreign borrowings), a result of the chain reaction.

A possible solution to the Philippines’ financial woes is a fiscal rehabilitation plan that aims to yield P215 billion over the next three years, or the so-called “pain package” which includes new taxes, a hike in the power rates, a cut in pork barrel, a freeze in internal revenue allotments, and budget cuts in government agencies.

Though this is easy to say, it is very hard to do. In the advent of the fiscal crisis issue, we have heard politicians vowing to cut their pork barrels in half, and businessmen declaring to give a million pesos each to the national treasury. Did it really happen, or was it just for publicity’s sake? The President wants to promote austerity measures around the government, but she herself has gone off to ‘important’ overseas travels in the last two months. And in the wake of the Garcia military scandal, people wonder if it is only one of the many shenanigans that might have contributed to this whole pecuniary mess. As Monsod said in one of her columns, “The idea is that sacrifices have to be made by everyone, but the leaders must take the first hit.” We sure hope they will. All we can do right now is to pray for deliverance.

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, Sept-Dec 2004 issue.
(as Associate Editor, “Relativity”)

My Hopefully Grown-Up Christmas List

A certain chill in the air… Fancy red-and-green ornaments being set in the streets… The sudden familiar feeling of nostalgia and joviality… Before you know it, it’s Christmas season once again! Enter: frantic searches for “the perfect gift”; leftover fruitcakes from last year waiting to be dissolved; and pounds, pounds, and more pounds to inhabit unwanted (but very unavoidable) in your storage space. Yup, Christmas. That time of the year.

I’d like to call December 25 my favorite holiday, because of the simplicity of celebrating it (on the day itself, shopping factor not included): the midnight mass, a little feast, opening the gifts at sunrise, and spending mostly quiet moments. January 1 doesn’t quite faze me with the fireworks and the revelry (although I tend to sleep way past my bedtime).

And one thing that sets the two holidays apart is the “examination of self” element. What do I mean by this? Christmas means HOPE, so you get to do the “wishing”. New Year means RENEWAL, so you get to do the “promises”. And who doesn’t agree with me that making Christmas wish lists are much, much better than generating the super-recycled New Year’s resolutions? J

This brings us to the topic of discussion. I got the idea of writing this article from one of my favorite seasonal songs, “Grown-Up Christmas List”. The song isn’t like the juvenile harmonies of “Jingle Bells” or “Here Comes Santa Claus”, but more of a sincere and thoughtful melody that reaches out to mankind. The song is so heartfelt it made me teary-eyed the first time I heard it! “Grown-up Christmas List” will be a fitting reflection to the times, speaking of peace, love and selflessness which we desperately need.

In lieu with this, I’ve decided to make my very own Christmas list, however random, weird and thought-provoking my wishes might be. Read on!
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The Ultimate Xmas List

In General
That good governance will really come to effect from the President, to the military, to the politicians and all the way down. We’ve heard too much bad news (not that we’re not expecting), it’s just that they all should truly take seriously their call of public service.

That money will grow on trees… Seriously, I wish our economy will be stronger and that the country will manage to survive all the crises it has been battered and beaten at.

(in relation) That we won’t have to worry about spending on necessities because ALL of us are able to afford it.

That someday, we will have leaders with noble intentions for the prosperity of the nation and its constituents.

That no annoying novelty song will spread around the season and next year, and become the nation’s new LSS (last song syndrome). Enough of numbers, flowers and hotdogs!

That the Philippine entertainment industry will utilize its creativity and stop copying from foreign shows and movies, much more copying from one another. More than half of what we see nowadays is ‘cloned’ and it’s pathetic.

That all of us will learn something from the War in Iraq: War is NEVER good, and it should never happen again (not without justification).

That people will find the real beauty in themselves and put the botox, liposuction, plastic surgery and industries of their ilk out of business.

That life would be much simpler and less hectic. Because less is more.

That young people like me will become more informed of the issues & events and be worldly. We will all be participating in shaping the world, and that’s sooner than you think!

That we will always believe in the Lord. It seems that we’re living in a godless society already, with crimes and evils sprouting left and right. Keep the faith!

That divisions will be healed and gaps be bridged. Christmases doesn’t mean ‘temporary pleasantries’, but a stepping stone for spreading the love all year round!

And as for me…
That iPods will fall down like manna from heaven, that I will have an unlimited internet connection and an endless vacation! Joy to the world!!!
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Though I’m sure my last wish would take zilch years to happen, I do hope you enjoyed reading the rest of it. Consider making your own Christmas lists too - I bet it’ll take you a day!
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Post-US Election trivia
Strange, but did you know that John Kerry and George W. Bush are RELATED?!?! In the farthest degree, Dubya is John’s 9th cousin from the maternal side. Well, just so you know… (Ugh!)

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, Sept-Dec 2004 issue.
(as Associate Editor, “Relativity”)

Political Ideologies

Just as a new term has been established in Malacañang, things are only beginning to heat up on the other side of the world. It’s election season in the United States once again, and everyone’s getting down and dirty in the battle for the presidency.

On November 2, American voters will decide the rightful victor to lead their country. Will George W. Bush’s hopes for reelection be granted, or will John Kerry emerge triumphant as the nation’s 44th president?

So far, no one knows. The race has been called ‘dead heat’ - a term that describes the uncertainty of the frontrunner. Both candidates are tied in virtually every poll, and as campaigns and propagandas loom in the weeks ahead, anything can happen. Kerry’s much-applauded speech at the Democratic National Convention in Boston last month gave him a considerable boost, but wait until Bush gets his own Republican show - come September, the numbers will be crunching.

But given the ‘dead heat’ and the impending circumstances, will America find her leader?

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Champion for the Cause

John Forbes Kerry is the anointed candidate of the Democratic Party and the main challenger in Election 2004. Besting eight other contenders vying for the party’s nomination last summer, Kerry boasts an impressive record of service. Among his credentials, he is a decorated Vietnam War veteran and has been a senator for the state of Massachusetts for the past 20 years. Kerry is being touted as ‘the last, best hope’ of the Democrats who are desperate to drive Bush out of office. Kerry is the second Roman Catholic presidential nominee in history, much like his idol (whom he incidentally also shares the same initials with) - John Fitzgerald Kennedy. His stirring speech at the DNC spoke of optimism and change, to re-establish credibility to the government and to rebuild the integrity of the country; and if elected, become a Commander in Chief whose means of war are justifiable.


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‘His Fraudulency’

George Walker Bush, the incumbent, was not even the validly elected president to begin with. Remember 2000’s Bush vs. Gore election fiasco in Florida? His transition to the White House was not fully legitimate - it was a result of manipulative scheming from the campaign trail down to the Supreme Court, with a little help from his father, former President George H.W. Bush, and his brother, Governor Jeb Bush of Florida. Well, who do you think would the Bush Sr.-appointed justices side with in a dizzying charade of ‘butterfly ballots’ and ‘hanging chads’? Would Jeb be so unkind as to declare that his brother lost in his own state?

GWB’s record isn’t at all that stellar. He went AWOL during the Vietnam War - saying that he was serving that time in the US National Guard (an obligation he didn’t even bother to complete). Before his ascent to the Oval Office, Bush was the governor of Texas - a term marked by executions and poor environmental records. Having no experience in the executive arena, his cabinet was composed of remnants of the Elder Bush administration. He was being ‘baby-sitted’ into making decisions, and therefore went on to create his own principles. In four years, the rich got richer (due to the tax cuts that favored them), unemployment swelled, and the economy never got to equal that of the Clinton years (which could also be a deciding factor in the ballot-tallying).

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Secrets and Lies

And we thought Bush would’ve changed for the better and made a good president in the wake of 9/11. But in the months after that fateful day in September did we realize that this was all a product of shadowy deceit. The Bush government has compelled us to believe their misinformation and brainwashing, coercing us to foment false images of terrorists and creating enemies out of nations -the “Either you’re with us or you’re with the terrorists” philosophy precisely says so. The Bush administration has spawned a culture of fear among us, putting us into a state of paranoia and helplessness that desperately calls for Mighty America to save us all.

Bush’s top influential advisers (the VP and Defense bureaucrats, among others) were officials during the Reagan era and the Gulf War years. But we don’t just stop there. They are ‘neoconservatives’ - coined during the ‘80s that meant conservatives on the far right of the political spectrum… semi-Fascists, or simply, pro-war. They concur with the aggressive military establishment. They, the militia, and Bush are the ones responsible for planning the immediate attack on Afghanistan and the recent Iraq incursion, giving plenty of reasons, dubious or otherwise. We need to capture Osama bin Laden. The Al-Qaeda network should stop its proliferation of extreme radicalism. Saddam Hussein is a dictator and he needs to be incarcerated. Iraq is a threat to world peace. The weapons of mass destruction must be found.

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Lost in the Sahara

So, the Afghan regions were bombed to near oblivion, yet until now Osama has not been found. The Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups still continue its operation. Though Saddam was captured, Iraq became a wasteland. And where are the elusive WMDs? The key issue that has led to severed diplomatic ties and bruised egos was nowhere to be found in The Invasion of Baghdad.

Moreover, this ‘war’ has done more harm than advantage. Thousands of soldiers are dead, opposite a faceless enemy. Americans (like Nick Berg) and other innocent nationalities begging for the mercy of their captors, beheaded in front of the camera. Civilians perished in a conflict uncalled for. Taxpayers’ money burned up, along with the missiles that fell on barren ground. And these unfortunate things are still happening everyday, often swept under the rug. What you see in the media is just a pixel of the big picture. Michael Moore, the director of “Fahrenheit 9/11” (a documentary exposing the truth about the Bush war machine) said it aptly in the Oscar podium that the war in Iraq “is a fictitious war (by a fictitious president)”. There was nothing to fight for, and if there was, it’s the oil.

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Now that I’ve stated my case, is change inevitable for America? I only hope that the president to be inaugurated in January will be one she deserves.

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, June-August 2004 issue.
(as Associate Editor, “Relativity”)

Nothing in Particular

Sitting in front of the computer, I wonder how this article would look like once it’s done. I have not given much thought about writing another piece, since I’m in the middle of our final exams, but also since we’re cramming for the final Judenites issue of the year, I have no choice but to get this over and done with. I’m listening to alternative tunes to find some sort of creative energy, but then no Muse has appeared. Oh well…

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The Weather

One thing I’m constantly fussing about is the weather. It’s been awfully hot, don’t you think? Every time you step out of the classroom, unbearable humidity smacks you in the face point-blank. Yes folks, it is summer! Taking exams in the testing area becomes ‘the grueling Sahara desert experience’ (well, if you’re in the mess hall you’d know!), challenging both your brains and sweat glands! You’ve got to admit, the sweltering heat makes one want to take a thousand cold showers in a day, but then, another problem has arisen: water crisis. Bad timing, but I guess we’d better stick to the halo-halo for now…

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Frodo Lives!

Being an Academy Awards watcher for the past six telecasts, this year was no exception! Although earlier by about three weeks, the 76th Oscars still proved to be the best show in town, with the top accolades going to “Lord Of The Rings: The Return of the King”. It’s the first fantasy film ever to win Best Picture. The victory was pretty predictable, but then, director Peter Jackson and the gang were deserving of it. Though I’m not an LOTR fan, this movie is a standout in terms of cinematography. (Wouldn’t you be in awe of the scenes?) And how it portrays the simple message of how the good always prevails… would you believe I cried at the ending of the film?

My favorite moment in this year’s Oscarcast would be when presenters Jack Black and Will Ferrell sang the never-before-heard lyrics to the melody that interrupts acceptance speeches that go on too long… “This is it, your time is through… you’re boring!” (LOL!)

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The Friendster Phenomenon

One of 2003’s most popular crazes, aside from Ragnarok, would be the online networking service Friendster. Who hasn’t heard of it? It’s a website where you can meet friends, and also get to see new people (basically your friend’s friends) once you sign up and create a profile. It’s free (or “beta” in webspeak) – nearly everyone has an account (even if most of us are not chronologically 18!) and seemingly you could hear people whispering to the other, “Ei, sulatan mo ako ng testi!” (‘Testi’ as the politically incorrect term for ‘testimonial’…) It’s addictive, and because of Friendster’s popularity with the young crowd, online entrepreneurs are cashing in on the new industry. In the Philippines, there’s even ‘friendblogging’, a “Friendster meets Blogger” setup where you can make a collaborative journal on the web, written by friends connected through similar interests. Well, this craze could go on for years… care to check out my profile? (Kidding!)

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Closing Time

The schoolyear is coming to a close again… and what a year it was! Soon I’ll be in 4th year… the ‘crème de la crème’ of high school life. I hope it’ll be a sweet journey!

But before I end this up, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to my Judenites editors who are graduating this year… to Anna, Fides, especially to Giselle and Hubert for keeping me from going ballistic during this tenure as Features Editor… it was great working with you guys… And to all the Seniors ’04 (especially to my pal Sher!), for being worthy competitors in the Sportsfest and also for making our JS Prom memorable. Fulfill your dreams, happy graduation!

‘Til June, fellas! Adios!

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, March 2004.
(as Features Editor)

The Banana Republic?

Will the future of the Philippines ever be bright? Will we even have a future?

If I wrote this piece two days ago, it would’ve exactly been a year since Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Rizal Day declaration that she would not seek reelection for the presidency in 2004. Right now, GMA is squabbling with her rivals – fighting tooth, nail, and mole – to win the country’s hearts in the upcoming May 10 polls. Funny it seems that a broken promise doesn’t seem to bother Arroyo and her God-knows-what plans, when in fact she told a big lie. That lie she made on December 2003 has probably sent our national hero rolling in his grave, cursing GMA for tainting the day of his defining moment. But most importantly, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has misled the whole nation into believing that even in these times of greed and corruption, there is still hope for the Philippines. Well, there’s hope no more – she’s one of ‘them people’ too.

But as they say, mighty people are also mere humans, like us. Sure. Can we expect more of ‘humanlike’ qualities in Mrs. Arroyo in the following months? Her term also has its share of scandals – the Jose Pidal controversy (the issue which amazingly disappeared like smoke because of the sensational ‘Kris and Joey’ TV hit), the ‘expensive but not overpriced’ Diosdado Macapagal Highway, fugitive Mark Jimenez’s alleged bribery to Justice Secretary Nani Perez (which caused the latter to resign), the GSIS’ vanished funds (and yet they could afford and $10M painting on their gallery…), Mikey Arroyo’s business escapades… the list goes on. Still, I can’t wait until GMA does the “Otso-otso” dance in her campaign.

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Speaking of campaigns, ‘Da King’ Fernando Poe Jr. has finally filed his certificate of candidacy for the presidential race. Makes no surprise at all – he reminds me of that guy who won in California (well, by now I guess you know who that person is…) ‘coz he’s got the star power, the ‘producers’ (or should I say, the ‘Kingmakers’), and the dough. And just like Governator Ah-nuld, Poe goes Panday… offering you an alternative as the year’s “Palitan na ang TraPo” main man. And I’ve got to admit, FPJ is the guy to beat.

But then, even if Poe’s got the guns, is he really a viable candidate for the race? He unabashedly declared his campaign in early December (that put the Philippines in a temporary state of shock), and in the following weeks he has become the Invisible Man – ducking away from reporters and crowds, and being a no-show in gatherings… he couldn’t stand the heat! These actions alone seem pretty un-presidential, not being able to face the criticism. And why is the opposition so much into backing FPJ? They’ve been calling the shots ever since. Could this mean that if their candidate wins, they’ll get a big slice of the cake? Certainly. My fear is that they’re using FPJ as a scapegoat for their own advantage. Being a political novice, FPJ doesn’t know what the system really is… and lets the ‘seasoned’ ones make the decisions. These men are the so-called “power behind the throne”, and thus sadly, the beginning of the end. Just a theory…

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And now, we move on to the running mates… there’s the “Battle of the Broadcasters” with Noli de Castro and Loren Legarda at the forefront. The FPJ-Loren team-up seems odd, while the GMA-Noli ticket sounds like a tactic. I just wonder how they’ll fare once elected. Could they be reading from the teleprompters?

Have you noticed how many celebrities are running for public office? From the presidentiable to the gubernatorial and all the way down, there are stars (rising, fallen or otherwise) having an eye for the political arena. What’s the fascination with celebrity figures? I wouldn’t be surprised if by 2020, our government will be run by Sharon Cuneta or Kris Aquino. Can’t the country learn from its mistakes? We have experienced havoc with former President Joseph Estrada. That time, it started a huge fire. Does the country need a catastrophe to finally wake up from its dream?

In the very near future, we, the youth, will have a hand in ultimately deciding the fate of our nation. The advertisements tell us, “Vote wisely.” But vote for whom? Nearly every public servant’s record is stripped off of its integrity. No one keeps their promises, and we aren’t that young to know that corruption is ever-present in the government. Whoever said that democracy couldn’t be practiced in this country is absolutely true – we are (admit it or not) a messed-up nation.

But for now, let the mudslinging begin…

(Note: This piece was written on January 2, 2004. So perhaps this time things are starting to heat up…)

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, Jan-Feb 2004.
(as Features Editor).

** It also emerged as the 1st place winner in the Feature Writing English category at the Quintin Yuyitung Awards for Outstanding Student Journalism, awarded July 24, 2004.

Beautiful Imperfections

You and I have, at some point, grumbled incessantly about stuff like these - it could have happened last month, last week, or even just five minutes ago! We never quite forgave ourselves for those flaws in our physical structure called imperfections.

Most of us strive to become the person of what fashion magazines, movies, or pop culture in general proclaim as the “ideal physique of man”. The beau ideal meant good looks, prominence of height, well-toned bodies, and the like. Lacking in one or more of these qualities suggests that you aren’t qualified to be with the elite who dominate the world because ‘the world’ considers them elegant and glamorous - simply, they are ‘perfect’. So we do what we can to prove them wrong. It’s easy to see because it’s everywhere around us. Ladies copy the latest fashion trend, while men attempt to look and act what they think is the ‘in’ thing. And there’s always the beauty products and modern technology to work everything else out. No, nothing wrong with doing these - every person has the right to do so. The question is, “For what real purpose is it about?” Has society been so judgmental, so vainglorious that it casts its eyes down to anyone who doesn’t meet their expectations? Do we have to punish ourselves - by not valuing time, money, and self-worth - for something only temporary?

Imperfection is normal. No one escapes it - not even the most well-bred. We are only human. Or in a more philosophical sense, perhaps we were meant to be created this way, to counterbalance what we have and what we don’t have.

When you closely look at it, imperfection is not such a big deal. It’s what’s in you that truly counts. Does perfection even exist? Most of the greatest people that ever lived were recognized for their remarkable achievements, not for how they look like. And besides, if all in this world were perfect, nothing will be regarded with appreciation anymore. A flaw actually makes an object look more appealing and precious, because you see the finer features beneath.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The standard of beauty is left to the individual, there is no absolute criterion. We must not let the media or fashion magazines or anyone else dictate to us how we must look like or what we must become; the matter is in our hands. Instead of being insecure about our flaws, we must focus on our strengths and capabilities. Show the world what we’ve got. We must improve, not undermine ourselves.

Also remember that external beauty will eventually fade away. Looks, fame, fortune - they’re not the answer to everything, and neither are they the key to happiness and security. What constantly remains is the beauty within. Kindness is far better than attractiveness. Sure, a face can launch a thousand ships, but a heart can touch the whole world. Take time to notice things that seem mediocre - warmness, joy, simplicity. It is in there that real beauty lies.

In the words of George Orwell: "The essence of being human is one that does not seek perfection."

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, Sept-Dec 2003.
(as Features Editor)

The Aftermath of Paranoia

How did your summer vacation go? Was it fun? Did you hang out with your friends? Did you go to a study tour, or travel to other countries? If you answered “Uh…” or “No” to any of these questions (specifically the last one), then you must have been afflicted by the so-called SARS hysteria!

The news about SARS (or the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – good acronym!) during the vacation spread like wildfire… quite like the F4 mania the Metro’s experiencing right now. It lorded over every major news story on the evening newscasts, and also on newspapers, tabloids, and the Net. It even overshadowed Bush’s war on Iraq! Never did a day pass without hearing about SARS. I’m glad the disease has finally subsided, Taiwan being the last country to be removed from the World Health Organization’s list of infected areas last July.

To make a little recap, SARS, deemed as ‘the first international health threat of the 21st century’, originated in Guangdong, China. The first known case was documented on November 16, 2002, although the authorities never took much notice about it. Worldwide attention only came when the Chinese Ministry of Health reported an alarming 300 cases and five deaths from SARS on February 2003. Since then, an outbreak of cases (and also fatalities) started flowing in from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Canada, parts of Europe, and Southeast Asian nations including the Philippines, thus the WHO issued a “worldwide health threat” due to the mystery illness on March. Travelers have also been warned from going to SARS-inflicted countries.

SARS is a deadly virus that heavily affects the lungs and you can experience pneumonia-like symptoms once infected. It may also be transmitted from person to person on a very high risk. On the last count, there were about 800 people reported dead. Having said that, SARS is like an ‘unseen terrorist’, slowly slithering and attacking its victims at the worst possible moment. SARS damaged ever afflicted country’s tourism and economy in its duration. It was a good thing, though, that SARS didn’t spread in the Philippines in disastrous proportions unlike in other Asian nations, thanks to the quick preventive measures and the successful information campaign of the DOH – and perhaps the sweltering hot weather? If not, we would have been hiding in our homes; or we have worn masks like the people in Hong Kong and hurriedly scurry away when someone sneezes! And have you ever wondered, “What if the SARS outbreak happened on school days?”

Isn’t it amazing how much SARS has affected us? When someone coughs or sniffles, people around mutter “SARS!” one way or the other. (Even at the classroom these days!) The must-have fashion articles of summer were masks – with designs, beads and all! We even took advantage of the situation by making jokes, like the endless “bra mask” text messages!

But on more serious note, SARS was pretty damaging too. It prevented people from taking a real break, like going out of town; and it also made students cancel their study trips to Beijing. SARS was also used to sabotage places and business establishments. During the height of the outbreak in the country, rumors were spreading that Chinatown, specifically Ongpin, has been contaminated with the SARS virus that they discouraged people from going to the area. The rumors weren’t true anyhow. They were obviously meant to devastate businesses and make people hysteric over the situation.

SARS is undeniably a very harmful disease, but in my opinion, it was more of the fear than the actual illness that increased our awareness. We knew we would be quite safe from SARS, but what terrifies us was what we didn’t know. You stayed away from crowds and people. When someone coughs, you rush to the doctor in a heartbeat! You didn’t want to go to the malls on Sundays because of the possible chance of contracting the disease somewhere out there. Smart moves, but it could also be unreasonable to a point. It’s like you’re not living normally anymore! You’ve confined yourself to useless anxiety, instead of enjoying the outside world! And this is more harmful than SARS or any other ailment. Being paranoid, you’ll soon feel old, confused and cranky, more than you’ll imagine. Totally unhealthy.

I say: Don’t fear! Fear only generates stress and bad aura. Remember that the best defense is offense. There are tons of other ways to prevent contagion than by locking yourself up to your surroundings. And it isn’t as if being SARS-infected means you’re off to death row – it is treatable! You don’t need to make a 360-degree lifestyle change. Keep yourself fit. When the mind is stable, the body functions right. So ward off all those negative thoughts and live life to the fullest!

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, June-Aug 2003 issue.
(as Features Editor)

In the Midst of Victory

2002 was very memorable for us Sophomores mainly because of one thing: the Sportsfest. Being the overall batch champion back when we were still freshmen, we all certainly were determined this year to make the most out of our capabilities. I mean, if we had done it before, surely we can give it another try!

October (or even earlier than that) signaled the start of preparations in all of the high school year levels plus the graders, since it was to be held in December. And with that limited time, we were quite hectic towards the tail end of the duration. Practices (with its share of fun and dispute) were frequent and done with privacy, so as not to be seen by the other batches (hmmm!). I could admit that there was some kind of ‘rivalry’ between the year levels, which was probably due to increased tension and anxiety (and each batch’s feelings of inadequacy, I suppose) over the surpassing months – but none of that went extreme. It’s a friendly contest in the first place anyway.

And finally, after all the fuss and the final rehearsals, comes the “D-day”. Exams have just been done about and now, here it is! December 18 was a day to remember.

***

That bright new Wednesday was a big day to reckon with. By 9 o’clock a.m. after the class party, the batch choir (which I am a participant of) had to make last-minute drills as the Christmas Choir Competition was about to happen an hour later. We had the usual jitters (hearing the other batches do their little rehearsals at that time – terrifying!), but our choir instructor Ma’am Rose told us not to be perturbed by these matters, that we’re in it for our best show. We prayed before going to the auditorium.

Seeing my Mom Shirley and my Ninang Melody among the audience brought great excitement to me before performing (as the 2nd years were to be the first to rock the stage) – they’re there to cheer for us! While waiting, my friends and I were doing bits and pieces of tiny practices in case we forget anything.

As we were called to get prepared, we were still a bit fidgety but nonetheless confident. Our leader Kevin assured us it would be all right. The curtains opened to a full, and the Sophomore choir stood center stage! We sang the contest piece “Deck the Halls” with flowing energy, and also on the delighted “Ilang Tulog Pa Ba?” When we finished, I heaved a sigh… finally it’s done! We heard the Juniors, the Freshmen, and the Seniors consecutively with their own renditions of which were done in spectacular manner also, most especially the last group. And when it came to the announcement of winners, our choir was overly anxious to listen… and we won 2nd place!!! We were literally jumping up and down the place -- with hugs, high-fives, cheers and whatnot! The fourth-years eventually took the top prize. It was amazing that the ‘sister batches’ won. As we all got prepped up for the photo ops (though wardrobes got somehow disheveled from the rowdy revelry), we were all smiles for the cameras and personally, I felt like a celebrity from all the flashes that my grin was almost plastered till the way out!

After eating lunch with gusto, I changed to batch attire. By 1pm, me and several of my close friends went to the 3rd floor gym and occupied seats for the Sportsfest kick-off event. It was hot, but we braved through it while having friendly chats and waiting for the program to start.

And at long last, the festivities commenced. Our group was packed with all the pep paraphernalia imaginable – the cheer (of course), balloons, pompoms, even empty plastic bottles and those small popping stuff! That really got us in the spirit when the teams came, and with the rollicking shouts of “Go Sophies Go!” etc, who wouldn’t get involved with the mad frenzy? All of the Ms. Sportsfest candidates strutted their way with charm and grace, and if you were just a plain observer, you’ll have a hard time picking your bet!

But that’s just the warm-up. The cheering competition was brewing, and we were prepared to witness the showdown. Seeing each level do a piece of the action, we waited eagerly for the Sophomore squad, and when they finally did man the grounds, we did our version of the cheers in rip-roaring enthusiasm that our voices nearly drowned everyone else’s back at the stands!

After all had been done with the Ms. Sportsfest proper, now having 5 finalists left and with the parading of their attires, came the Q&A. Though the candidates’ answers were not audible from where I sat, we simply wished them the best of luck. And finally the moment of truth! We were silently begging that our batchmates Royce and Therese would get the top spots, which they certainly did! It was really wonderful. Now, now, that’s only the tip of the iceberg, really…

We can’t bear but stand up and get hysterical, since they were already going to announce the winners! And you bet a million dollars this was one of the best days to be a Sophie! We won the cheerdancing competition (for Junior division), best pep squad (my screams really paid off, yay!), and best batch shirt! I was jumping up and down from all the euphoria, sang to the music, and did my little “happy dance” (you wouldn’t want to know what that is!) God must have been smiling down at us!

This event made a glorious end for the beginning of Christmas vacation. Having a silly grin in my face while exiting, I saw my friends and everyone else with the same ecstatic expression. Our batch coordinator Maria must’ve basked in glory (you deserve it anyways)! I’ve forgotten all my worries because there was too much happiness overflowing!

I don’t know who is the Sportsfest’s overall batch champion (as of the time I’m writing this) but I believe everybody in all the year levels have done absolutely great. Win or lose – it doesn’t matter, ‘coz it’s the beauty of sportsmanship that counts.

But… can I say something? I really am privileged to be part of the best batch I know of: SOPHOMORES ’03!!!

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, March 2003 issue.
(as Features Staffer)

Stand and Deliver : A Tribute to Teachers

“Teachers believe they have a gift for giving; it drives them with the same irrepressible drive that drives others to create a work of art or a market or a building.” ---A. Bartlett Giamatti

It’s the time of year once again that we give acknowledgement and appreciation to a much-deserved person: our TEACHER. Why shouldn’t we? They strive to meet us everyday, prepare lesson plans, check our quizzes, and cope with the struggles of the so-called ‘teacher-student relationship.’ We may not notice the amount of hard work they’re doing, but to think that they sacrifice many things for to achieve quality education, wouldn’t it be nice if we give them a break?

Becoming a teacher is not an easy task. For you to become one, you have to 1)attain a 4-year college degree, most preferably in the field of education (e.g. B.S. Education); 2)have good communication skills (can interact with the students); 3)should be well mannered and confident; and lastly 4)has to love the job. The latter’s a handy note to get motivated, don’t you think?

Now onto the next level: the ‘real thing’ called the classroom. From chalk dust-laden platforms to the chairs in disarray, everything seems to be bursting with activity. And the students, of course! Teachers encounter many kinds of students: good students, tough students, etc., etc. There could be a problem here and there, like if their students are prone to failure. But deep inside they remain hopeful that somehow things could change for the better. And when they are, the simplest and most rewarding of all is a smile of satisfaction to themselves.

If you ask me, teaching is one of the noblest professions. In fact, it shouldn’t be looked at as an unprofitable career. Let’s take it this way: Eight young individuals were under this really good teacher who taught them a great deal of things. A couple of decades later these people were on the top of their successes. They earned millions; while their teacher still had that decent enough salary. In that case, who should really earn more?

Teachers help shape the minds of the youth. They, in a way also enhance every person’s potential. Famous statesmen, leaders, and remarkable people couldn’t have gone through life without recalling what their mentors have done for them. In the movies I’ve seen, a teacher can inspire and become role models. Can they be heroes? Absolutely.

For teachers don’t just teach lessons that we should learn, they are more than that. They teach the lessons of life.

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Note: This article appeared in The Judenites, Sept-Dec 2002 issue.
(as Features Staffer)

Thoughts About 9/11

It's been quite a while since we've seen the anguish and pain that was suffered in 9/11 -- the tragedy that was. Grief, loss, and sadness may still be in our hearts, but we continue to be resilient and ever hopeful that someday this world could live in peace.

As a 14-year-old Filipino whose life was changed by an enormous catastrophe, I remembered where I was that fateful day. Studying for an exam that night (time here in the country was +12 hours from East Coast time), I was on my desk fiddling with my pen when my father called me to watch TV, that something had happened. I then viewed the screen with horror, as one of the two World Trade Center towers located in New York were up in flames. I sat there aghast, not believing what I had just seen. Minutes later, a plane swiftly crashed throught the South Tower, creating a massive hole. No, this can't be happening, I thought, as tears stream down my eyes. Then a report came that the Pentagon was hit by a hijacked passenger airplane. Is this the end of the world? Is this the start of the Third World War?

The second WTC tower collapsed like Lego blocks, forcing every piece down to the ground. And one side of the Pentagon fell apart. And a hijacked airline flight rammed through a field in Pennsylvania. And lastly, the incident that started it all, the North Tower of the WTC just came crashing down in a pile of rubble and bodies. The attacks were caused by terrorists.

What was a bright Tuesday morning in America became the darkest day the world has ever known at the start of a new century. The Manhattan skyline was clouded with smoke, ash, and soot. The World Trade Towers, once the symbol of strength and economic power, was now just a clutter of debris. The structure which took years to be constructed only took a few minutes to break down. Even the control center of the world's most powerful military was unimaginably attacked. The United States was again vulnerable to such cataclysm. But the only thing that kept rambling through my head was the innocent souls of every race and creed that were taken inconsiderately by the vicious terrorists. They woke up thinking it's another day of work, but they didn't think this day was to be their last. The people in the airplanes never reached their destination. A lot of them didn't have the chance to say their final goodbyes. Lives were lost, and dreams were shattered.

As days went by, I have heard a lot of stories from people who lost loved ones in the attacks. I was ultimately moved by those in the towers, making every effort to tell their relatives that they are all right, saying how much they love them iin the midst of panic and danger. It was just too touching. Even if I didn't know these people, I shared their loss. Their sacrifice and courage were truly unforgettable. In an instant, these mere mortals became larger-than-life heroes, whether they were government officials, firefighters, policemen, or civilians. There was an overwhelming sense of unity everywhere, as shown by the clips and scenes literally cascading from the television. It made me think that even the face of adversity, there is this bond that consolidates people into one mutual connection. That even in trying times there is always someone to lend a hand.

And after sorrow comes action. George W. Bush along with his war cabinet took full responsibility of the case at hand and made the strategic decision to bomb Afghanistan, the haven of the terrorists. In my opinion, it was a terrific job. It was success early on. Bush, whom I never thought could be an effective president, took my admiration on his handling of the crisis. But even after the Taliban was driven away and UBL's lieutenants have been captured, there is no certain time as to when this War on Terror will end. When I reached my 14th birthday last year, I made a simple but hard wish: World peace.

Before the start of my adolescence I was already interested in current events, but after this occurrence, I realized just how much of an advantage this particular passion was. Keeping close watch on the latest-breaking news, I became the source of information to my friends and family. 9/11 was the subject of my school theme papers, which led me to discover my creativity with the written word. Now, I am a Features columnist of my school's official publication, and my articles dealt with a lot of you-know-what.

Sometimes, it takes a big incident to bring forth the best quality in a person, and in my case it was writing. I poured a lot of my thoughts and opinion in my compositions. It became my soothing ground. I never really pursued it when I was younger, but after receiving encouragement and compliments from my colleagues, I'm confident to say I'm good at it now. The thought of becoming a journalist one day have crossed my mind several times already, but there's still a long time to make my mind up about the future.

One year effected greater awareness in me. One year made me think about living my life in a brighter perspective. I pray more often. I am still anxious up to this day, fearing the threat of another dreadful strike. But I shouldn't let this fear reign in my heart. We all shouldn't. We are brave enough to come past such an atrocity, and we are standing guard. As nations and as peoples, we have undoubtedly created a link so strong, so insurmountable that the terrorists will not have the tenacity to break it.

I remember that in the weeks after the attacks there came an old phrase, We shall overcome. It was the perfect adage to hold onto those gloomy days. In the most depressing moments there is still a glimmer of hope that tomorrow will be a better morning. No matter how hard the difficulties were, we can always face the challenges -- and as always, we can be able as more improved individuals.

While the impending danger on matters about Iraq still lingering, and the continuing terror alets looming along the way, we can only wish that this 1st anniversary would be a safer one.

We are protectors of democracy. We are defenders of freedom. And yes, we can overcome whatever it is that passes our way.

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Note:

* This article appeared in The Judenites, Sept-Dec 2002 issue.
(as Features Staffer)

** The essay has also been featured in the year 2002 in Democratic Underground and FreeRepublic in commemoration of 9/11.