THE LIVING RICE

It's up to us parents & church leaders to teach kids about politics in the Philippines

2011-12-13T17:04:00.005-05:00

PNoy’s alleged reputation for malevolence is undeserved. I do not regard him as a corrupt or an evil person who is bent on destroying our governmental institutions. On the contrary, I find him sincere and determined in his intention to get rid of people who are using our very institutions for their own hidden agenda. I think the President is on the right track to protect all branches of the government whether it is the executive, legislative, or judiciary from the existing and potential abuses of those who populate them.

I am sorry to say this---but in general, I have been disappointed with how our elders behave lately towards PNoy and his cabinet. They have not been good role models for the younger generation. I am particularly disappointed because these elders who still wander the corridors of power could have changed things around before, and yet, they failed us over and over again.

(Read more, Efren Padilla, GMA News)

Echoing Padilla's remarks, I add parents, teachers and specially Church leaders should tell next generation Filipinos that what they see and read on the news are great lessons in what they ought not imitate. Current events should be teaching opportunities to tell them what's wrong with Philippine politics and that truth and doing the right thing always matter.

Dad to Be Mo Twister's Sad Video to Unborn Child & on Girlfriend's Abortion

2011-12-02T17:09:00.006-05:00

Wow! This is so hard to watch. Filipino TV and radio shock jock personality Mo Twister or Mohan Gumatay in real life records a video message to his unborn child as girlfriend, model-actress Rhian Ramos gets an abortion. The video was shot in 2010 and was recently leaked via social media. Read the transcript below the video on YouTube to understand its content. Twister is already facing legal action and has apparently left the Philippines. Rhian Ramos is mum about the video as of press time.

Valid or not, or the intention behind the video is unknown, the grief of this man proves that people inherently know that abortion takes a human life. We are made in the image of God and destroying life has a profound effect on our minds, emotions, and souls. One can’t just “get over” an abortion and move on. We must recognize that there are likely many women (and men) among us who are silently suffering from past abortions and will carry that grief for a very long time. These people need our compassion and prayers.

Abortion and RH Bill Debate

2011-11-22T19:47:00.010-05:00

Abortion is the hot topic in the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill debate and many pro-life advocates and religious groups in the Philippines argue that the Bill will permit abortion. Senator Tito Sotto even went over-the-top to compare the Bill with eugenics and claimed that groups pushing for the Bill has "sinister" motives like Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in America.

On the otherhand, folks who support the RH Bill should also refrain fear mongering and demonizing the Catholic church and those who are against the Bill.

The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), the largest network of evangelical churches in the Philippines expressed its full support to the RH Bill which I’m in favor too. The PCEC say the bill promotes responsible parenthood and that the bill “protects the life of both the mother and the baby in her womb” - a position the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) opposes.

According to the CBCP, the RH Bill “does not protect the health of the sacred human life that is being formed or born. The very name ‘contraceptive’ already reveals the anti-life nature of the means that the RH bill promotes. These artificial means are fatal to human life, either preventing it from fruition or actually destroying it. Moreover, scientists have known for a long time that contraceptives may cause cancer. Contraceptives are hazardous to a woman’s health.”

The big question, does the RH Bill really permit abortion or opens the door to legalize abortion in the Philippines?

The answer is found on the Bill itself that you can read in full here. The term “abortion” was mentioned a few times on the Bill and here’s what the Bill say about it:

Sec. 3. Guiding Principles
This acts declares the following as guiding principles:...
10. While this Act recognizes that abortion is illegal and punishable by law, the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner;

Sec. 4. Definition of Terms
For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined as follows:...
“(t) Reproductive Health Care refers to the access to a full range of methods, facilities, services and supplies that contribute to reproductive health and well-being by preventing and solving reproductive health-related problems. It also includes sexual health, the purpose of which is the enhancement of life and personal relations. The elements of reproductive health care include:...
(3) proscription of abortion and management of abortion complications;

Sec. 8. Maternal and Newborn Health Care in Crisis Situations
…Temporary facilities such as evacuation centers and refugee camps shall be equipped to respond to the special needs in the following situations: normal and complicated deliveries, pregnancy complications, miscarriage and post-abortion complications, spread of HIV/AIDS and STIs, and sexual and gender-based violence.

Abortion in the Philippines according to the RH Bill, sounds more pro-life to me than pro-choice and more in line with Biblical and Christian worldview principles of dignity and stewardship. What do you think?

The big threat in the RH Bill right now is misinformation. Its a heated debate and both sides are strongly committed to persuade Filipinos which side of the fence is right. Pro and anti RH Bill proponents should be responsible to engage in civil discord and inform the public honestly about the merits and demerits of the bill. Filipinos in return should also be responsible to study the bill objectively before taking sides and be able to point out lies. The RH Bill is a legitimate topic for debate. But if misinformation is deliberately spread from both sides to silence the opponent, then it minimizes the democratic process and should be quickly aborted.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Additional reading: Reproductive Health (RH) Debate in the Philippines, The Living Rice Blog

Broncos Quarterback Tim Tebow and CURE International to Build Hospital in the Philippines

2011-11-18T19:23:00.001-05:00

The Tim Tebow Foundation and CURE International have announced plans to build a children's hospital in the Philippines- where Tebow, the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos and a Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Florida, was born. See embedded video below.

The Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao City will be a 30-bed surgical facility focusing primarily on orthopedics. The groundbreaking will be held in January 2012 and the hospital is expected to open in mid-2013.

Like all CURE programs, the Tebow CURE Hospital will have a spiritual ministry team focused on sharing the good news of God's love with children and families.

Click here if you want to donate.

The Tim Tebow Foundation was created in January 2010. Its mission is to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The foundation is accomplishing this mission through the building of playrooms in children's hospitals, supporting orphans worldwide and making "dreams come true" for children with life-threatening illnesses. Please visit http://www.timtebowfoundation.org/ for more information.

Tim Tebow Announces the Tebow CURE Hospital from CURE Video on Vimeo.

(Image courtesy of Jockey)

Philippines: Arrest Warrant Issued for Former President Arroyo

2011-11-18T05:58:00.000-05:00

If and when Arroyo is finally arrested, it would be the first real step for Filipinos in our quest for justice after nine years of her tumultuous reign. She faces several complaints pending before the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman, ranging from electoral fraud, corruption and violations of human rights violations... Filipinos are happy that she would finally be compelled to explain for her many illegal acts when she was president.

Read more: Tonyo Cruz, Asian Correspondent

Plastic Bottle Solar Bulbs Light Up Laguna Community in the Philippines

2011-11-15T21:10:00.001-05:00

In GMA 7's "Serbisyo on the Go," correspondent Kara David visits a community in Laguna, Philippines where residents are having a hard time paying their electricity bills. To keep power costs down, social entrepreneur Illac Diaz and the local Rotary Club taught residents how to make "solar light bulbs" using plastic soda bottles, water, and bleach.

This is Filipino creativity and innovation at its best. Diaz and the local Rotary Club reflects it very well: ideas can be brought into reality with hard work. It reminds me of the creative and innovative attributes of our creator. He imagined a creative world and all came to light with His spoken words. No plastic bottles required.

WHAT?... Anne Curtis Still OPM Chart Topper?

2011-11-14T13:45:00.009-05:00

What... non-singer Anne Curtis still OPM (Original Pilipino Music) chart topper? Doesn't she sing like Christine Jacob during her Eat Bulaga days? She herself admitted that "my music is not soulful, it's painful." I don’t know which one I’m surprised more; that she has a music album or that more than 100,000 Filipinos bought her CD, earning her a Gold Platinum record award and her record label lots of profit! I know it’s all in the name of fun, entertainment and following a dream but does it reflect that popular art in the Philippines is not set to a higher standard? Does it trivialize the Filipino excellence in music? Come to think of it, if Kris Aquino and Ruffa Gutierrez can win top dramatic acting awards, why should I be surprised with Anne Curtis too? Maybe I’m just a prude and over reacting... please pardon me.

Pablo Picasso's Work, Now Viewing in Manila

2011-11-11T17:55:00.005-05:00

Filipino art aficionados should rush to the Metropolitan Museum of Manila as it opened recently to the public works of world renowned artist Pablo Picasso. The collection, known in art history as Suite Vollard, features 100 prints of copper etchings created by Picasso from 1930 to 1937.

Picasso is best known as the founder of Cubism. His painting is considered the beginning of modern art. He became rich, world-renowned and heralded to be the top artist of his time. However, as authors Kelly Monroe Kullberg and Lael Arrington pointed out, Picasso has a shattered view of his life and career. In his seventies, Picasso shared with the world one humble confession:

In art the mass of the people no longer seek consolation and exaltation, but those who are refined, rich, unoccupied . . . seek what is new, strange, original, extravagant, scandalous. I myself, since Cubism and before, have satisfied these masters and critics with all the changing oddities which have passed through my head, and the less they understood me, the more they admired me. By amusing myself with all these games, with all these absurdities, puzzles, rebuses, arabesques, I became famous and that very quickly. And fame for a painter means sales, gains, fortunes, riches. And today, as you know, I am celebrated, I am rich. But when I am alone with myself, I have not the courage to think of myself as an artist in the great and ancient sense of the term. Giotto, Titian, Rembrandt were great painters. I am only a public entertainer who has understood his times and exploited them as best he could. . . . Mine is a bitter confession, more painful than it may appear, but it has the merit of being sincere.

A man can have all the talents, fame, love and wealth in the world but without a divine sense of purpose to direct him, internal death is an inevitable course.

What kind of legacy does the world seem to think he has left? Does that seem in tune with his honest assessment of his own life?

(Adapted from A Faith & Cultural Devotional)

Filipino Christian Blog: How to Talk to Children About the "Third Sex" or Homosexuality

2011-11-10T22:06:00.002-05:00

Ang box office success ng bagong gay themed movie ni Vice Ganda ay isa sa mga ebidensiya na tanggap ng maraming Filipino ang homosexuality sa Pilipinas. Sa TFC na lang kapansin pansin ang pagdami ng homosexuals o drag queen characters sa TV. Ang mga palabas na ito at ang movie ni Vice ay pang-pamilya at pwede sa mga bata. Bilang concerned parent hindi maiiwasan magtanong, paano natin kakaausapin ang mga kabataan tungkol sa homosexuality sa panahong laganap at tanggap ito ng marami? At bilang Christians paano natin kakausapin ang mga bata o anak natin tungkol dito?

Sa palagay ko madaming paraan. Una, simpleng biology lesson. Ituro sa mga bata na dalawa lang ang kasarian na nilikha. Ituro din na may pagkakaiba sa katawan ng babae at lalake at ang kaibahan nito ay ebidensya na walang "third sex" at ito lang ang paraan para makapag-reproduce.

Second, simpleng history lesson naman. Lahat ng cultura sa buong mundo, dalawang kasarian lang ang nirerecognize. Recently lang na-recognize ang homosexuality at ang karapatan daw nila for same-sex marriage.

Theology lesson naman ang pangatlo. Simply explain that in the Bible, God only created one man and one woman. Marriage is designed to be monogamous, life-long at para sa isang babae at isang lalake lang. Pwede ding idagdag na dahil sa fall, sin came into the picture. May mga tao na may same-sex feelings at nagdedesisyon na ito ang lifestyle na gusto nilang sundan. Sa mata ng Diyos, mali ito dahil hindi ito ang original plan nya sa atin.

Syempre, kailangan i-explain din na mahal ng Diyos ang lahat ng kanyang nilikha kabilang ang mga bading. Dahil dito we are called to love them too at hindi dapat alipustahin o icondemn dahil sila ay bakla.

Ang huli at ang mahalaga, dapat ituro sa mga bata ang consepto ng "absolute truth" para may malalim na basehan ang kanilang paniniwala. Maiintindihan nila nilikha ng Diyos ang mundo sa isang paraan or that God created the world in a certain way. Hindi ito nagbabago kahit anong sabihin ng iba, tulad ng mga natural laws like physics and law of gravity at ang katotohanan na male and female lang ang sex at sa marriage o romantic relationship, isang babae at isang lalake lang ang pwedeng magsama.

The 40 percent: Does sex tourism exist in the Philippines?

2011-10-22T05:50:00.001-04:00

"No matter how we try to ignore the problem of sex tourism, we cannot close our eyes to what is going on. How can we be so blind not to see the reasons that drive many of our women as well as men to sell their bodies for sex? Isn’t it easy to see?"

Read more: Efren N. Padilla, GMA News Blog

Filipino Christian Blog: "Face to Face" With Pinoy Reality TV

2011-10-12T19:05:00.013-04:00

I don't need to watch TV5's Face to Face everyday to find out what it's all about. It is obviously the Filipino version of The Jerry Springer Show. Amy Perez is the host or referee of the popular daily talk show also referred to as the only "talakserye" on Philippine television. As expected, everything that made The Jerry Springer Show a US hit is also on its Pinoy counterpart: guests vents their ire on each other, punching, hair-pulling and throwing bleeped invectives, slippers and sometime chairs at each other- a "palengkerafest" (minus Annabelle Rama) or a Barangay hall on TV (see embedded video below- WARNING: there is foul language in the video).

It features real life drama of real Filipinos (mostly from poor communities) who put the most intimate or most vulnerable details of their lives in front of the TV. Face to Face purport to show real people and real-life drama as they really are. But I wonder how much of their real lives have been edited or sensationalized to fit the show's guidelines to attract more audience.

Why does Face to Face click? Showbiz columnist Ricky Lo has a simple answer: Because it has a cathartic/therapeutic effect on us, what with the protagonists doing exactly what we want to but cannot do because we feel that we belong to a “more polite” (even if “more suppressed”) society. Face to Face serves as an outlet for our own pent-up emotions.

I think the reason goes deeper than Lo's analysis. Part of the appeal of Face to Face, Jerry Springer and other voyeuristic reality TV show is that viewers are given some sense of superiority over those featured on these shows. We somehow relish to see "car wrecks" on TV and see ourselves as a bit better or the ones who "get it" than the characters that unfolds on these shows. We easily pass judgments and even unintentionally limit our willingness to be more empathetic and compassionate to these people, which is a sad reality.

To be fair, Face to Face features a "Trio Tagapayo" team who give expers advice and even sits down one-on-one with guests to resolve their conflicts through legal, psychological and spiritual counsel. In almost every episode I saw online, the show concludes with the three professional counsel guiding the guests make on-air reconciliation and forgiveness with each other. That alone sets Face to Face apart from Jerry Springer and other trashy reality talk shows.

There are many reasons Face to Face is popular on TV. I expect similar shows will be developed in the Philippines to copy its success and more outrageous drama and "pushing the envelop" situations to attract more viewers. In doing so, we (myself included) need to be careful about watching them and not allow them to trivialize our view of other people's lives and not harden our own spirit. The real story that everyone should come face to face with is, the real people we see on Face to Face are no less than us and are the same people Christ came to save.

What do you think of these shows?

(Adapted from Boundless)

The Magic of Family Dinners

2011-10-07T08:47:00.000-04:00

Statistics are clear, children who dine with their parents are healthier and happier students, which is why the activity should remain a daily tradition in the Philippines.

The Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day was formed in 2008 to encouraged Filipino parents to eat dinner with their children regularly and be involved in their live. The annual event is celebrated every 4th Monday of September.

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise (Deut. 6:7 ESV). Create a heritage for your family by eating together every day.

Yahoo Philippines report: A new survey reveals that a family sit-down at dinnertime can benefit teenagers in more ways that you may think, and may even reduce your child's risk for trying or using drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol.

Last week, the US National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse released a report on family dining trends and how family mealtimes can impact the health of teenagers.

The study surveyed more than 1,000 teens and found that 58 percent dine with their families at least five times per week -- a number that has held steady over the years, experts say.

In the report, teenagers who dined with their families five to seven times a week were four times less likely to use alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana than those teens who ate with their families fewer than three times a week.

Also a recent wide-scale UK survey revealed that dining together is a key ingredient to ensuring your child's happiness.

Researchers stated that children in the survey reported higher levels of happiness when they dined together with their families at least three times a week.

Other factors in increasing childhood happiness? Spending time together. "Contrary to the popular belief that children only want to spend time playing videogames or watching TV," said researcher Dr. Maris Iacovou of the University of Essex, "we found that they were most happy when interacting with their parents or siblings."

WebMD advises doing things together as a family, putting family before friends, and limiting your child's after-school activities to opt for more time together at home. Also, create a calm environment at home by never arguing in front of the kids, experts say.

Filipino Christian Blog: Imelda Marcos and the Ampatuans

2011-10-04T19:46:00.002-04:00

The most read article I had on this blog site was the article I posted on the 2009 Maguindanao massacre and the disappearance of Conjugal Dictatorship author and former Ferdinand Marcos right-hand Primitivo Mijares. The Al Jazeera documentary Imelda and Me by Filipino international journalists Veronica Pedrosa also linked and compared the Marcos's to the Ampatuans of Maguindanao province.

The documentary is a must-see (embedded above). Pedrosa, whose family was forced into exile by the Marcos regime began the documentary confronting Imelda Marcos about her family. Then concluded with the Ampatuans's rise to power and their brutal murder of 58 Filipinos in Maguindanao. Comparing two families as examples of corruption and warlordism that plagued Philippine politics for a long time. Pedrosa said, "The Philippines sees itself as a showcase of democracy in the region, but the truth is that the system is rotten to the core, those guilty of the worst crimes known to humanity go unpunished, and so those crimes continue."

Sadly, the culture of injustice and violence in politics didn't stop when the Marcos's fled the Philippines. Atrocities from powerful individuals continue and remain unpunished to this day. The only way to stop the cycle is when Filipinos both in and out of politics, start forming a strong moral will to always know and do what is right even in the face of temptations to do wrong or to acquire more wealth and power.

Is Typhoon Pedring God's Message to the Philippines?

2011-09-29T19:55:00.000-04:00

Two years after the deadly typhoon Ondoy, typhoon Pedring arrived in the Philippines. A few folks have connected the dots and assumed that God is sending a message. But what's the message and to whom? Did you get the message? Was there signal during the storm? Some even went beyond and claimed that the typhoon was God's judgement to pro-RH bill politicians and President Aquino's UN vote for Palestine's statehood. Referring to Matthew 5:44-45, blogger Kevin S. said it best,

We can’t judge the favor of God based on the weather! Our gracious heavenly father chooses to bless both the “just” and the “unjust” with sun and rain. Is the Philippines under God’s curse? Yes—in the sense that the whole world is cursed, waiting for God to restore all things (Romans 8:18-25). The Scriptures have already explained the death and destruction we see in this world. More importantly, they point us to a greater hope beyond this world. Until then, we are called to look to the cross, not the clouds.

That's the Godly message all Filipinos should hear.

Glee Star, Kristin Chenoweth on Being a Christian

2011-09-29T03:36:00.003-04:00

This video of actress and comedienne Kristin Chenoweth caught my attention. In the Philippines, Filipinos may best know Chenoweth as a recurring guest cast member of TV’s Glee where Charice also guest starred last year. She’s a good actress and one of the few Hollywood celebrities who’s open about her Christianity. Unfortunately, many will not consider her a good spokesperson of the faith because of her relativist and "therapeutic" views of scriptures over absolute truths of the Word. See video below and tell me what you think.

Filipino Christian Blog: It's About Time! Campaign Hopes to Redefine "Filipino Time"

2011-09-23T08:39:00.001-04:00

According to this article, for years, the Pinoys' penchant for arriving late at an appointment has been described as "Filipino Time." Most Pinoys, apparently, are habitual late-comers that it has earned for them a virtually new timezone.

In a statement on Friday, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said it is launching "Juan Time," a campaign that aims to promote time-consciousness among Filipinos. The agency said that the Filipino Time has become a "notorious habit" that, unknown to most, "pulls back the country in terms of lost productivity."

The campaign aims to promote the nationwide use of the Philippine Standard Time (PST), a timing system established under PAGASA decades ago but was never strictly enforced. DOST says, “Juan Time reminds Filipinos that keeping to the PST avoids the difficulties of having confusing, unsynchronized time."

Excellent effort by the DOST but a better understanding of time is first necessary for a nation-wide time management campaign to work.

To properly understand time, we need richer language than the language of management. We need biblical language that reflects the God who grants us life hour by hour, minute by minute.

Time in the global economy never slows down, never rests, and has no rhythm but the relentless beat of commerce.

That is not the biblical idea of time. God has built a rhythm into the world and into human beings. Eugene Peterson in his book "Working the Angles" points out that in the Bible a day doesn't begin with sunrise. It begins with sunset. The day begins when we go to sleep and God works. We wake up and join Him in the work of the day He began while we were sleeping. We don't begin the day, but rather we wake up and step into God's rhythm of grace, a day already in progress.

This idea that day begins when I go to sleep is a vital worldview concept. Life, success, and productivity don't, in the final analysis, depend on us. They depend on God.

And that understanding allows us to rest -- to rest in our sleep knowing that God is at work and to rest on the Sabbath. Because we believe in the providence of God, we can affirm that we have enough time, and we can then receive the day as a gift.

There are at least four applications for this biblical view of time. First, we should honor our bodies by keeping sensible schedules and getting the rest we need. We have enough time to work, rest, love our families and friends, worship, and exercise.

Second, prayer and meditation on God's Word must be built into our schedules. Keeping God and His Word at the forefront of our minds helps us develop the biblical notion of time.

Third, we can say, no. Our overscheduled lives (and the Pinoy's habitual and terminal tardiness) are testimony that our notion of time has not been formed by a biblical worldview.

And finally, we can enjoy the freedom of the Sabbath, that foretaste of our eternal rest with God.

Time is a profound worldview issue. And this biblical perspective on time will revolutionize the way we live, play, rest, worship, and work.

So the next time you look at your watch, take a moment to remember who your God is and how He has providentially given you all the time you need.

(Adapted from BreakPoint)
Photo by AP

Pat Robertson and Alzheimers

2011-09-22T19:30:00.003-04:00

My dad suffered from Alzheimer's and I will always remember my mom's unconditional care for him until he passed away in 2004. She cared for my dad because its the right thing to do.

Last week on the 700 Club, Pat Robertson said a man could divorce his wife if she had Alzheimer’s since it was “a kind of death.” He then added, “but get some ethicist besides me to give you the answer.” Yes, please get another answer because his answer couldn’t be more wrong. Our vow for better or for worse must include worse.

Robertson’s words deeply contradict a Biblical worldview of what it means to be human. Alzheimer’s can be considered “A kind of death,” but so could depression, brain damage, Parkinson’s and all sorts of conditions. But even so, a “kind of death” isn’t death, and it doesn’t make anyone less human or less worthy of dignity and love. No one loses the image of God, even if they no longer know it.

(Adapted from The Point, by John Stonestreet)

Congratulations, Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup! Ms. Universe 3rd Runner Up

2011-09-15T23:26:00.000-04:00

My wife and I together with Filipinos around the world, watched Miss Philippines and fellow UP graduate Shamcey Supsup win 3rd runner up in the Miss Universe beauty pageant last Tuesday evening. We're very impressed with her looks and her answer during the Q/A portion of the competition. She didn't disappoint Filipinos who were cheering for her with her smart and well-spoken answer.

Congratulations, Shamcey!

I really enjoy Filipino fondness and enthusiasm on beauty pageants. I also get a kick out of hearing post-pageant reactions and gossip from Filipinos that sort of sweet-lemons Shamcey's 3rd place win. Click here, here, and here.

Everyone's thoughts, including mine, on pageants and beauty in general reflect how our society prides too much on physical attractiveness. The hard truth is no amount of makeup or fancy clothes will hide the fact that beauty is temporary. Sooner or later age will rob us of our beauty. The good news is inner beauty is the true measure of ones good looks and it will last not just our lifetime but forever. My hope is that more Filipino women (and men) will focus in the inner beauty of their character by working to be more like Christ.

(adapted from 3/12/09)

Paris Hilton: An Inspiration to Filipino Girls

2011-08-19T07:35:00.002-04:00

Paris Hilton was in Manila to endorse her handbag brand and promote a hotel-resort. During a live press conference, Paris met her number one BFF and “loyal fan” in the Philippines, Isha Dinio. Shaken and in tears, Dinio said to the has-been Hollywood starlet (thank you Lolit Solis), “you’re an inspiration.”

The well-publicized and obviously rehearsed moment reminded me that Paris Hilton once described herself “an inspiration for a lot of girls” and a story I read from a BreakPoint blogger a few years back. During his young rebellious years, Franklin Graham (son of evangelical leader Billy Graham) one day came home discouraged and told his mother, Ruth Graham, that he was worthless. Ruth replied saying he’s not worthless and God could always use him as a bad example.

So in a way, Paris was right.

It’s not just porn that can be dangerous on the internet...

2011-08-17T13:00:00.000-04:00

A new South Korea law forbids teenagers from playing online games after midnight. Why? Because too many South Korean youths are addicted to these games, and are neglecting themselves, and becoming angry and anti-social.

These restrictions are helpful, as any type of Internet addiction can be self-destructive. But many experts recognize that games themselves are not the real problem. The real problem in Korea is often performance-driven systems of family and education, and a culture that sacrifices relationships to a particular type of success. That pressure drives students to seek escape – for many in a virtual world they become addicted to.

Teens reflect the image of God, who is relational and designed them to love and be loved in a community, first and foremost with their families. Without that, they’ll turn to all sorts of things for satisfaction, worshiping those things instead of their Maker. And virtual reality is no substitute for the real thing.

(Originally posted on The Point Radio by John Stonestreet)

Students Brave Obstacles in Philippines

2011-07-07T16:11:00.005-04:00

A report by the World Economic Forum has ranked the Philippines as "poor" when it comes to primary education. Across the country, there are schools that lack even the most basic facilities, including running water and electricity, while others have an average of 70 students per classroom.

In southern Philippines (Layag-Layag, Zamboanga) , some children swim through two kilometers of swamp to get to class, braving harsh conditions as they strive for a better future. (Source: Al Jazeera)

As Christians, our perspective on education should be as a process to help children discover their God-given potentials so they can live a better and socially responsible life. All children deserves to have easy access to education. A child's potential should be recognized and respected, instead of treating his/her academic success, the way the world define it, as the only criterion for “merit “and success.

Marriage Annulment Cases in the Philippines Rising

2011-05-11T10:02:00.000-04:00

According to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) annulment cases in the Philippines almost doubled in 10 years- more than 8,000 couples filed for annulment in 2010 about 22 cases filed per day.

The Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is alarmed, and they should be. Numbers don’t lie and these figures ought to tell us that our culture is headed in the wrong direction.

But what is the Church doing about this? Filipinos should live up to its name as the only Christian nation in Asia. Churches should help couples prepare for long-lasting marriages and not just plan for elaborate weddings. The church needs to boldly proclaim the biblical teaching on marriage and offer practical help to engaged couples and to couples in crisis. Filipinos too should be willing to love their neighbors and offer help to those whose relationships are strained.

Failure to properly respond to this problem is bad news because the answer many (and other countries) consider a realistic solution to the problem is divorce. The Philippines is one of three places in the world that doesn’t have a divorce law- Malta and the Vatican are the other two.

Should the Philippines have divorce is another serious topic for debate.

Will the Royal Marriage Survive?

2011-04-29T15:20:00.002-04:00

Could there have been a better way to showcase marriage than today’s Royal Wedding?

(Three major Filipino networks covered the Royal Wedding in the Philippines).

A colleague wrote an excellent piece on the Royal wedding for National Review Online and today’s BreakPoint commentary from Chuck Colson is based on the article.

“Can this marriage be saved?” writer Anne Morse asked. For the answer, she asked several marriage experts about William and Kate’s chances, based on such factors as their family background, age, faith commitment, life choices, and royal expectations.

For instance, when William’s mother, Lady Diana Spencer, married Prince Charles, virginity was considered all-important in a royal bride. Not anymore. William and Kate lived together before the wedding. This is a bad idea, says Mike McManus, founder of Marriage Savers: He notes that “Couples who are sexually active before marriage are about two-thirds more likely to divorce than those who marry as virgins.”

The reason? Couples who abstain are more likely to develop a strong emotional and intellectual relationship; they don’t just get pushed into it because of physical intimacy. In addition, abstainers are practicing the self-restraint they will need after the wedding, when they are tempted by others.

More bad news: The history of divorce and adultery in the groom’s family. According to Jennifer Roback Morse, author of Smart Sex: Finding Life-Long Love in a Hook-Up World, “No question about it: divorce is a condition that can be inherited.” And the fact that both of William’s parents committed adultery “is also a big red flag” Roback Morse says.

Marriage expert Patrick Fagan at the Family Research Council says William and Kate “will need to inoculate themselves against this example, which leaves deep imprinting.” They will need to “grapple with the meaning of fidelity, the suffering and sacrifice involved in that, and the cost they are prepared to pay.”

But according to the marriage experts, William and Kate do have a few things going for them: They are marrying in their late twenties and have known each other for eight years. They also share a university education, and will have no financial worries.

But if they want to improve their chances for a lasting marriage even more, they should consider becoming active members of a church. As Roback Morse observes, “Regular religious practice, at least in U.S. data, is a protective factor against divorce.”

So much are ahead for the Royal newlyweds and how they carry their marriage is guaranteed public spectacle. We ought to pray for the marital happiness of Prince William and his bride Kate; both for their sakes, and for the example they will set for the millions watching them tie the knot.

Adapted from:
A Royal Wedding by Chuck Colson
Can This Marriage Be Saved? by Anne Morse

Whistleblowers in the Philippines

2011-04-18T11:47:00.000-04:00

One of my popular blog post was the article on Primitivo Mijares- the former Marcos right hand turned whistleblower against the dictatorship. I received numerous emails mostly inquiring how to get a copy of his book "Conjugal Dictatorship" (try Amazon.com) or how to connect with Mijares' living relatives which I don't have any personal connections to except for featuring their famous last name on my blog.

The Philippines should be grateful to Mijares and other brave whistleblowers like him because without them, many unethical and illegal practices of our public officials will left hidden in the dark.

Question is, does whitleblowers sheds a positive reflection on the Philippines or does it expose more its poor state of public affairs and the graft and corruption plaguing the government? There are laws and agencies in place to protect the public from abusive officials and practices but it seems like someone is not doing their job.

In the end, the country is better of with whistleblowers, the few and the brave, stepping out of the dark to expose the truth no matter how dangerous the consequences will be. My hope is that I many Filipinos (myself included) will reflect the same character that will always do the right thing despite the strong temptation to do what is wrong or in the case of Mirajes, et al. to keep the "whistle" from blowing.

(Check out Doing the Right Thing, a new ethics series from the Colson Center)

Here's a list of some controversial Filipino Whiltleblowers (adapted from Spot.ph)

- Heidi Mendoza, former COA auditor on military scam
- George Rabusa, AFP scam
- Jun Lozada, ZTE Broadband deal
- Rosebud Ong, Drug trafficking and kidnap for ransom by Sen. Ping Lacson
- Clarissa Ocampo, Erap's "Jose Velarde" scam
- Chavit Singson, Erap's "juetengate"
- Vidal Doble, "Hello Garci" tapes
- Primitivo Mijares, Marcos dictatorship

(Image from Amazon.com)

Exorcism in the Philippines: From Yahoo News, "Philippine Priest in Ancient Battle with Demons"

2011-04-14T10:46:00.002-04:00

"There is a great dramatic increase of possessions right now," said Father Jose Francisco Syquia, Head of Manila Archdiocese's Office of Exorcism. "More and more the demons are gaining a foothold into this society" he added.

Father Syquia's statement reminded me of the 2010 movie "The Last Exorcism". The film's tagline says "If you believe in God, you must believe in the Devil".
I think every sincere Christian are bound to wrestle with this statement one way or the other. Is the devil real? Is there room for ungodly spirits to invade human beings or the body of Christ? As a Christian, how to I respond? Do I tend to take this issue lightly or do I overrate it?

Something to ponder on.

On a side note, I want to introduce you to Satan's Blog. It's one of my favorite blogs and one I follow on a regular basis. Check it out and find out for yourselves why I like it.

(Image courtesy of Yahoo News)

You Call This Entertainment and Hope? Humiliation of 6 Year-Old Boy on Willie Revillame's Willing Willie

2011-03-28T11:19:00.003-04:00

My jaws dropped on the floor when I saw this video and article about the child abuse that took place on Willie Revillame's "Willing Willie". I was appalled not only because of the boy's humiliation but from the cheers and applause of Willie and his audience. It just show how desensitize many are on poor taste, sexuality and the false hope of prosperity on TV. If this is what many Filipinos find entertaining, then many should take a deep breath and a good look at the mirror.

I knew something like this will happen ever since I noticed the influence of the SexBomb dancers (and alike) to little girls and the promise of instant wealth on TV. I know many will blame Willie Revillame, the boy's parents and TV5 for this abuse but Filipinos should also realize that if they want to stop poor taste, moral and cultural degradation on TV, change should first begin in us.

Not Gaga Over "Born This Way"

2011-03-14T14:34:00.000-04:00

According to Vogue magazine, Lady Gaga’s song “Born This Way” is more than “an unbelievably great dance song”; it is “destined to be the anthem of every gay-pride event for the next 100 years.” It only took the well-known pop star 10 minutes to write the song and its explanation of same-sex attraction. At least that’s what Lady Gaga told Vogue.

That being the case, we shouldn’t expect too much nuance and thoughtfulness from someone best known for wearing meat as a dress and making an obscene gesture at a Mets game. Still, Lady Gaga has unintentionally raised some important questions which go far beyond sexual orientation.

Those questions were the subject of a recent article in Britain’s Spiked magazine. Sociologist Frank Furedi called the worldview behind the singer’s hit song “disturbing.” What Furedi found disturbing was her “avowal of biological determinism.” When she sings that “God makes no mistakes” and that we are “born this way,” what she is saying is that “your identity is not so much a matter of individual choice but a result of your genetic make-up.”

As regular BreakPoint listeners know, the link between same-sex attraction and genetics is far from established. But what’s baffling is the way the singer -- and the culture she represents -- holds two conflicting viewpoints at the same time. After all, performers like Lady Gaga are the masters of reinvention. They are constantly shedding identities and personas, whether for financial gain or as a matter of self-expression. So to then insist at the same time that reinvention and redefinition is impossible and that identity is fixed is literally incoherent.

Furedi sees this incoherence as in keeping with the way that “identity politics” has “fluctuated between the individualistic celebration of choice and [the] . . . quest for legitimacy.” As a libertarian, Furedi worries that we are on our way to seeing ourselves as “slaves to our biology” instead of as beings capable of “making our own world” and “choosing who we want to be.” And he’s right to object! This idea is spreading. After all, Attorney General Holder, explaining why the Administration will no longer defend the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, said that sex orientation is an “immutable characteristic.”

But for the Christian, thinking in terms of dichotomies such as “nature versus nurture” and “genetics versus free will” is the real problem. For us, it’s not either-or. Who we are cannot be reduced to any one thing. For instance, Christianity teaches that biology and the rest of creation has a great deal to teach us about how we should live. This is part of what we mean by “natural law.” An obvious example is the biological facts that lie behind the teaching that marriage should be between a man and a woman. But saying that biology is somehow normative is not the same thing as saying that is determinative. We are free to choose how we behave, both for good and for ill.

We are not “slaves to our biology” unless we choose to make ourselves so by believing it to be the case. To say we are is beneath our dignity as humans made in the image of God, not to mention a denial of the power of God to transform us.

(Written by Chuck Colson)

Can True Democracy Emerge in Egypt Now that President Mubarak is Gone?

2011-02-12T14:01:00.000-05:00

The events in Egypt reminded me the Philippine's peaceful People Power revolution in 1986. Filipinos should be reminded that we must keep the spirit of people power alive.

But who will replace Mubarak? Can democracy emerge in Egypt now that President Mubarak is gone? Filipinos were blessed to have former President Cory Aquino as a new leader after Marcos. She was for and aimed to restore democracy back into the hands of the Filipino people. Unfortunately, Egypt may be a different story because the regime that will take over is still uncertain.

As prayerful and united Filipinos were during EDSA, Christians should pray for peace in Egypt and pray for divine intervention as the country transitions to a new government. Because who else can best pray for them? But those who have been there and knows how it felt like 25 years ago. Coincidentally, Egypt's and the Philippines people power revolutions are both in February.

(Adapted from Democracy in Egypt)

Willie Revillame Hope for Poor Filipinos?

2011-02-06T20:38:00.004-05:00

A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

The image that TV shows like Willie Revilliame’s Willing Willie (ABC TV5) and formerly Wowowee (ABS-CBN) like to portray is that they rescue people from poverty. An industry that is bent on making money through TV ratings tries to add a facade of respectability by saying it stands for helping the poor. However, the reality about these shows is that it indirectly creates a culture of dependency in the Philippines.

Blogger Tony says, …the show spreads the false sense of hope that the poorest of the poor could only achieve both reprieve and redemption from their plight by way of an altruistic idol.

Questions are, does the overload of million-peso and pangkabuhayan showcase giveaways on TV really show true concern for those in need? Or, does the culture of dependency it creates only breed a new form of "slavery" in which the rich and popular is the new "great giver" that doles out "prosperity" and "hope" to whom is deemed worthy? What do you think?

Recommended reading, Willing Willie Hope for Poor Filipinos (Asian Correspondent)

Rick Warren’s article has a clear Christian worldview perspective on the subject of dependency and prosperity.

Whatever your need is – physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, whether it is the need in your body, in your mind, or a need in your soul or a need in your spirit – God says ‘I will take care of that need if you will depend on me.

There’s nothing I need that God can’t supply... It means that as a child of God, as a follower of Christ I should never, and you should never, have a scarcity mentality.

What is the scarcity mentality? Scarcity mentality says, ‘I’m afraid there isn’t enough. There isn’t enough to go around. So I’m going to panic, I’m going to worry. I’m going to get anxious, I’m going to be afraid.' There’s more than enough to go around friends.

The number one way that God tests your faith? Money.

God wants to know: Are you going to worry, or are you going to trust me? … When I meet others' needs, God takes care of mine.

When Do You Know That Enough is Enough?

2011-01-23T22:38:00.000-05:00

Thought I'll post this letter from an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). The writer shares her thoughts as she discovers what's more important in her life and for the family she left behind in the Philippines. God meant families to stay together. But in the Philippines where majority of citizens consider themselves as God-fearing, separated families due to overseas employment are very common. It makes you wonder if the sacrifices of these parents to give up their influence to their children in exchange for affluence are all worth it. God bless the OFWs and their families. You can read the complete version of the letter here.

OFW's leave our country for their loved ones. Once they bid goodbye and ride the airplane, people think of dollars.

But not all OFW's become rich and successful. There are many of us who are struggling because they took the risks of going abroad with no assurance that they can find a job and they barely know anyone from that country to support them. As a result most of them end up going back to their home. Another reason of failure is the lack of vision, or plan.

They go, they earn, they send everything to their family, they are so generous to lend their money to friends or relatives in need, they often send big kabayan boxes full of chocolates and imported goods. As a consolation, they just tell themselves, "ok lang’ yan, ngayon lang ‘yan, kinikita ang pera." or "we cannot buy happiness".
Yes, it's true. There's nothing wrong with being selfless and besides, our major reason for coming here is to provide the needs and wants of our family and see them happy. But I think it’s just fair to set limits and not to forget to SAVE or invest.

I often hear other OFW’s saying, “Ganyan talaga.’ Yan talaga ang papel natin" or “Gustuhin ko man na umuwi, may magagawa ba 'ko?" Someone who habitually help his family cannot call himself 'helpless'. He always has a choice. We have a choice.

I’m 24 years old and it’s my 2nd year in Dubai. The longer I stay here, the more I become eager to set my goals as earliest. I don't want to work for my entire life and I don’t want to waste my youth being away from my family and friends. I'm afraid I might break my good relationship with them because of my obsession to earn, or shift my sweet jolly Tita Mahal image to my nieces and nephews into a cash machine or Sta. Clause. I want to stick to my plans and I really do have a desire to achieve my dreams.

I've met a lot of Kabayan who've been working here for more than a decade or two, who are good providers to their family, giving them comfort and wealth and yet they are still unhappy. And worse, there are some who ended up having a broken family. Rebel on the part of their children for having their parents away from them while they are growing up or the parents committed adultery while they are away.

I thought scenes like these are just in movies, but after living the life of an OFW, nakakaiyak. Totoo pala. Iba pa rin ang buo ang pamilya at magkakasama. May pera ka nga, kulang ka naman sa pagmamahal. May pera ka nga, may sakit ka naman.

At present, aside from my own job, I and my partner is also active in a multilevel marketing. It’s not only an extra income but also a kind of investment.

Someone asked me, "when do you know that enough is enough?" I don't know exactly when, (but) I’m sure it would be very soon.

Philippines Adobo is Featured in NY Times Magazine

2011-01-07T04:59:00.000-05:00

There are as many recipes for adobo as there are Philippine islands, thats how NY Times food columnist Sam Sifton describe our favorite dish in his article The Adobo Experiment. He also writes,

There is great fun to be had in asking Filipinos how to make adobo, particularly when they are in groups. Filipino cooking is an evolutionary masterpiece, a cuisine that includes Chinese, Spanish, American and indigenous island influences, all rolled into one. But where for one Filipino the most important aspect of the dish is Spanish, for another it is Chinese, or both, or neither. (The journalist and food historian Raymond Sokolov has made the point that the ingredients for adobo were present in the Philippines before Magellan — only the name, which comes from a Spanish word for sauce, came later. “Lexical imperialism,” he called this process.)

Funny he added, husbands argue with wives about adobo. Friends shoot each other dirty looks... over disputes on how to cook adobo. In some families this may be true, but for me I just try to learn how other people cook their adobo and try to copy it myself in my attempt to create a signature adobo recipe that will leave a lasting impression to anyone who tastes it. For Pinoy's, I think one of the best compliment to receive is that you cook a very good adobo. I haven't reached that goal yet.

I prefer the soy-sauce based dish especially prepared with lots of crushed garlic and pork - like what my brother always prepare. And, there's the Tagalog or Taal's Adobo sa Dilaw that uses luyang dilaw or Yellow Tumeric. The dish always gives me good memories of my family and my younger days every time I prepare it. Adobo is always best served with steamy white rice and adobo tastes better if it's a day old or has been in and out of the refrigerator. Indeed, this is adobo. Every man is an island.

Yum!

Too Many Filipino words for "Corruption"

2010-12-11T03:38:00.000-05:00

Interesting blog post from my friend Tony. Notice how many words Filipinos use to describe "bribe" or "corruption" in the Philippines? Suhol, lagay, padulas, tongpats, kotong, regalo, Christmas gift, pamasko, delihensya, pangyosi, love gift, pang-almusal, pang-tanghalian, pang-merienda, pang-hapunan, pang-birthday, pakimkim, kickback, porsyento, just to name a few.

The existence of these words reflect how rampant and creative corrupt officials have become in the Philippines. And whats the common response of Filipinos? "Ganyan talaga" or “wala tayong magagawa” which is a declaration of hopelessness and acceptance that corruption as a way of life and common practice in Philippines government.

However, I think these actions are not only reflect the poor state of public officials but it primarily reflect negative values in Philippine society that all are guilty of doing- selfishness. Because it is culture that shapes politics, and not the other way around.

So to solve this, the Philippines should do more than remove corrupt officials in public office. For a long-lasting solution, the country needs real transformation - transformation that's not top to bottom but from the ground level up. Change begins in the individual, then spreads upward to our families, schools, communities, businesses, and then government.

Tony concluded his blog post on a positive note, the good thing is that we Filipinos have our best-sounding words to describe how we should overcome these crooks – pakikipagkaisa (solidarity), pakikibaka (struggle), and pakikisangkot (involvement). And words to describe await individuals, families, communities, sectors and cities, provinces, regions and the country if we succeed – katarungan (justice), kasaganahan (prosperity) and kaayusan (order).

(Adapted from TonyOCruz.com)

Two Top Filipino Botanists Passed Away - Dr. Dan Lagunzad & Dr. Leonard Co

2010-11-20T13:26:00.000-05:00

Two of the top and world-renowned botanist and conservationist in the Philippines passed away within a week, Dr. Dan Lagunzad and Dr. Leonard Co. Dr. Co while in the field, died in a crossfire between the Philippine Army and of communist guerrillas. Dr. Lagunzad died a few days later.

I remember meeting them at the University of the Philippines and regularly helping us identify our plant samples. I was always impressed on how the two can name a plant and give its scientific name with just one look at our samples. Truly they have passion and dedication to their profession.

Dr. Lagunzad and Dr. Co are colleagues and I always see their names together, sort of the dynamic duo of botanical science and taxonomy. They're responsible in naming thousands of plant species and discovering endemic plants in the Philippines - confirming that the Philippines is beautiful and rich with God's great hand work.

It's very sad indeed. I echo my friend's reaction to their death, So what happened now? She added, somebody should continue the legacy they have started. If not, everything will be in vain and that would be the saddest part of all.

(Photo: Rafflesia manillana Teschemacher)

Survey says, Family is No. 1 Source of Happiness for Filipinos

2010-11-10T18:36:00.002-05:00

According to a recent survey conducted by the NSCB, both Filipino men and women ranked families as their primary source of happiness. Health ranked second and religion ranked third. Income or financial security only ranked 9th and politics, technology, sports, community and cultural activities made it to the bottom five (see embedded video below and survey results here).

Way to go Pinoys! The way I see this, prosperity didn't play much of any role in the Filipino's pursuit of happiness. And it shouldn't be.

As I observed in the US and in Europe, prosperity or increased standard of living doesn't really bring joy to people. I see more discontentment, greed and a sense of entitlement in these countries. In fact, it weakens the family and increase secularization that in return hurts people from acquiring those that really matters most in life, relationships and faith. While people get rich materially, they become poorer in the things that contribute to happiness.

Isaiah got it right with his thousand-year-old question that still applies today, "Why spend your labor on what does not satisfy?"

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

(adapted from BreakPoint)

RP no more: The Philippines is now PH or PHL

2010-10-27T23:54:00.000-04:00

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila today formally announced that it would start using PH or PHL as the official acronyms to refer to the Republic of the Philippines.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo issued an order last October 20 directing all Philippine embassies, consulates and other foreign posts to use PH or PHL to refer to the Philippines to avoid ambiguity and confusion and in accordance with the country's membership in the International Organization of Standardization.

Prior to this, the Philippines, including the DFA, used RP as the country's initials.

In a statement, the DFA explained that:

The long standing usage of the initials "RP" is not in accordance with ISO codes, leading to ambiguous initials that can also refer to other countries, the DFA noted.

The ISO developed the ISO3166-1 codes, assigning two letter (alpha-2) and three letter (alpha-3) code to member countries.

ISO 3166-1 is part of the ISO 3166 standard adopted by the ISO, and defines codes for the names of countries, dependent territories, and special areas of geographical interest. The codes for the Philippines are PH and PHL, respectively.

These codes are used in the Philippines and abroad in airline ticketing, passport issuances, currencies, and internationally-traded shares of stocks, among others.

The DFA Office of Consular Affairs has adopted and reflects the ISO three-letter codes in the data pages of the Philippine electronic passport.

President Benigno Aquino III, who is currently in Vietnam for the leaders' summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has yet to issue a proclamation or executive order directing all other agencies to also start using PH and PHL.

The ISO two-letter codes are also used by countries for their country-code top-level domains. In the case of the Philippines, it is .PH.

The ISO lists many other implementations and benefits of using the standard - including passports, currency transactions, and even FedEx shipments.

(Written by Tonyo Cruz for the Asian Correspondent)

The Lecture Every Filipino Must Watch

2010-10-07T18:09:00.002-04:00

I'm from UP so I was very inspired and proud to hear this lecture from UP Economic Professor Winnie Monsod. But I'm also living in the US so the speech also made me think (malaki na pala utang ko sa UP kasi full scholar ako).

Prof. Monsod asserted that for a UP student, leaving the country to live and work abroad is a form of "betrayal" and encouraged everyone to stay after graduation. I can argue that the economy of the Philippines was different when Prof. Monsod was in college or was starting her career. Times have changed and there was no point of going overseas for greener pastures back then. This is always a sensitive and “controversial” issue specially to UP students. I know many aspire to stay but realize that they can’t because of economic reasons. I would also think that many who leave the Philippines also felt the country has betrayed them too. I may give back to the Philippines through voluntary service or by giving my school and country a good name but I admit it's not the same if I'm home.

But I agree with what Prof. Monsod said about honor and integrity. Many students and young people are losing sight of it because of the aspiration to excel, succeed and get rich thus adding to the problems of the Philippines. In the secular world today, many view the goal of work is to make as much money as you can. Do you agree?

God's original plan for work is not to get rich or happy. God made us in His image with the desire to be creative and productive. Work is not a curse but a blessing so we can be His stewards and make His world a better place. To restore personal integrity and national honor back, a good way to start is to teach the Godly value and true meaning of work not only to UP students but to all Filipinos.

(Acknowledgment to my friend Rainier and Juan Country blog)

Reproductive Health (RH) Bill Debate in the Philippines

2010-10-04T17:42:00.015-04:00

Many believe that economic and social problems in the Philippines are caused by the country's high population rate. Current census indicates that the country has over 90 million people and estimated to grow exponentially in the coming years. This is why lawmakers formulated the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill that will provide reproductive health care programs aimed to slow down the population rate and distribute proper social services to everyone.

The RH bill seeks reproductive health as a "prime responsibility" of the government. Among others it mandates health and local government agencies to educate women and couples about birth control, maternal health and other reproductive health issues. The bill is opposed by the Catholic Church because they disagree with the bill's promotion of artificial birth control methods (i.e use of condoms and contraceptive pills) which they insist is a another form of abortion.

The issue of RH in the United States (my of home for 10 years) is also a heated debate. In fact it has become an all out culture war between two opposing ideologies. For traditionalists, the term "reproductive health" has become a euphemism for abortion and are against it because the secular progressives have used it as a Trojan Horse to advance legalized abortion - a cause the secular progressive agenda is heavily pushing in the US.

Both pro and anti RH bill supporters in the Philippines has good and well thought arguments on why the bill is good or bad for Filipinos. Question is what side are you on? This is a good example of how important it is for Filipino Christians to know all the fact to make a well-informed position and engage others in healthy conversations on the issue. Moreover it's important to know and practice apologetics in our Christian faith to determine which side of the debate really stand for Biblical sanctity of human life and which argument are absurd and who are acting like zealots.

What do you think?

(Click here to read the RH Bill)

Have you noticed more gay characters on Filipino TV these days?

2010-09-28T17:31:00.002-04:00

Our local cable company gave us three months of free TFC (the Filipino Channel) and GMA Pinoy TV so I've been enjoying some Pinoy TV programs at home. So many things have changed on local TV programming but one noticeable for me is the increase of gay characters on Filipino shows. Based on my personal observation, it seems that 3 out of 5 non-news programs on both networks has a prominent gay character or at least a man dressed in drag. I must admit some of these characters are very spontaneous and entertaining which makes really good popular TV.

So why is this important point out? Because TV has the power to change public perception. Too much gays in the media normalizes homosexual behaviors. If I do an informal or non-scientific survey today, I would think that a growing number of Filipinos have a positive feeling toward gays and majority were influence by the characters they see on TV. Personally, I prefer to see more non-gay or non-drag male characters onscreen to help illustrate God’s original design on men and women to children especially to young boys.

As parents and Christian adults we should be aware what the little eyes see on TV and who or what’s potentially shaping their perception and worldview. Whether you see this trend good or bad news, parents should have the authority over the remote control and have the will to press the off button when necessary.

Originally posted on http://www.pagasalambat.org

Click here for a ministry for those struggling with sexual and relational problem

Is the Philippines Hopeless?

2010-09-06T08:17:00.002-04:00

Thanks to my friend Vicki, I came across the article below by political analyst Daniel Wagner who finds the Philippines "hopeless." Interesting enough is the mixed reaction the article has generated from Filipinos around the world. See the comment section here and you'll see na mukhang mas madami yatang Pinoy ang napikon o na-offend. The article has some honest analysis of the Philippines, it's harsh and painful and it's up to you to decide whether you'll take it as an insult or a constructive criticism. I think going back to the creator and source of hope is the best solution to this "hopelessness" - considering the Philippines as a Christian nation, Filipinos should easily know who I'm talking about.

This week two noteworthy events involving the Philippines made headlines: the botched rescue of Chinese tourists taken hostage by a disgruntled former policeman, and a botched response to a question by Miss Philippines in the finals for the Miss Universe contest. You might ask, what do these two things have in common? Separately, not much, but taken together, they represent both the peril and promise of the Philippines today.

For many years pundits have commented that the Philippines appears to be heading backwards economically and politically, while many parts of Asia barrel toward middle income status and have maturing democracies. Yes, other countries have disputed elections, other countries' leaders do questionable things, and other developing countries struggle to achieve sustainable economic growth. And, yes, there are recent examples of fresh political turmoil and economic hardship not only in Asia, but throughout the world.

The difference here is, many of the countries experiencing political instability and economic dislocation don't have the things the Philippines has: agricultural self-sufficiency, a high literacy rate, and a largely homogeneous population. One Asian country that possesses these qualities - Indonesia - has managed to transcend monumental political turmoil, turn its situation around, get on the path to democracy, stay there, and become a darling of the international investment community. The Philippines had this in the 1960s. Why can't it have it now?

When I lived in the Philippines from 2003 to 2007, I was asked, what is the difference between the Philippines and Indonesia? My answer was, "In Indonesia, they have hope." I came to the conclusion that in spite of all the things the Philippines has going for it, its people didn't demand enough of themselves, or of their government. Political apathy and a willingness to accept a low common denominator of performance have taken their toll on the psyche of the Philippine people.

Filipinos should not therefore be surprised that the Philippine police tried to negotiate with the hijacker of the Chinese tourist bus well after a reasonable period of time had passed, negotiations had failed, and the lives of the tourists were clearly in jeopardy. Police from a variety of other nations would have simply killed him at the first opportunity, regardless of the fact that he was a former colleague. This SWAT team knew how to get the results that were required, but they failed to do so. Why? Their priorities were misaligned. The safety of the hostages should have been paramount - not the fanciful notion that a man who is desperate enough to take hostages would somehow come to his senses at the height of the crisis.

The result of actions like this are unfortunately consistent with the expectations many people have of performance in other areas. Politically, the Philippines has descended into an ongoing competition between political dynasties: Marcos, Arroyo, and yes, Aquino. What I don't understand is, why do Filipinos continue to vote them in, election after election? Is it because of a lack of viable alternatives? No. Is it because of political apathy? Possibly. Or is it because they have no expectations that anything will change, regardless of who is in power? Definitely. What does this say about the country's future? Nothing good.

Which brings me to the Miss Universe contest. Miss Philippines, Maria Venus Raj, is by anyone's definition fantastically beautiful, poised, and graceful. Many believe she should have won the competition, and she deserves a lot of credit for being the first Filipina since 1999 to make it to the finals. But her flubbed response to the question of what mistake she had made in her life and what would she have done differently apparently cost her the crown. How could this 22-year-old woman, who so diligently prepared herself for that moment -- at great personal sacrifice her whole life - not have come up with a better response?

She was nervous, she said. Well, who among the finalists wasn't? Other Filipinos have said English wasn't her first language so she had difficulty coming up with the right words. Really? How come no other Philippine contestant in the Miss Universe pageant ever had an interpreter? In preparation for this event it never occurred to her or anyone around her that such a question might be asked? Had she come up with a better response, it is likely the crown would have been hers, and the Philippines would be basking in her glow. Instead, it's just another instance of a missed opportunity, and Filipinos are making excuses.

If the Philippines wants to get its act together and live up to its potential, it needs to demand more of itself. It can achieve this by stopping making excuses for its failures and ending its acceptance of the lowest common denominator. President Aquino promised to put an end to nepotism and corruption in government. The people should make sure he does this. When the police screw up a hostage rescue, the people responsible should be fired. And when a beauty queen blows an attempt to become the glory of the Philippine people, it should be recognized as such.

Are Filipinos too Critical of Each Other?

2010-08-31T23:58:00.003-04:00

An observation I made about the Philippines regarding last weeks events, the hostage drama at the Quirino Grandstand and the 4th place win of Ma. Venus Raj at the Miss Universe Pageant was how critical and borderline unforgiving Filipinos are of each other. The Philippines worse critic are Filipinos.

Venus Raj, local and national authorities were flooded with negative online comments from Filipinos around the world mostly referring how "nakakahiya" or embarrassing the country was to the rest of the world - I think the criticisms went over-board or “OA” (Over-Acting). To be fair, not all were harsh, there are some who were objective and with their commentaries. And when it comes to admiration, who else are best admirers and cheerleaders of the Philippines but Filipinos.

I felt and understand and frustrations with the SWAT and Manila police, they could have handled the hostage situation wisely. I also cringed when Venus Raj fumbled during the Q&A and wished she should have spoken in Tagalog. But people need to move on and get over the hopelessness towards the country and the "crab mentality" towards a hard-working individual. There’s a limit to everything even to our criticisms. Abraham Lincoln once said, “He has a right to criticize, who has the heart to help.” Remember that anyone can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving. I hope many of us will be the latter. The Philippine National Police, Noynoy Aquino, Venus Raj or any Filipino who stumbles deserves a better reaction from all of us - the Bible calls it grace.

Manila Hostage Crisis - Where Was God?

2010-08-23T16:00:00.012-04:00

Sad and frightening news greeted my Monday morning with the hostage crisis in downtown Manila by former policeman Rolando Mendoza. Demanding to get his old job back, Mendoza held 22 Chinese tourists hostage inside a tour bus for more than 10-hours and fatally shooting several of them.

While many Filipinos filled the internet with reactions that the incident will once again embarrass the Philippines to the rest of the world, I can’t help but think about the people who lost their lives and their families and friends who are facing a painful reality that they will not see their love-ones anymore. What a tragedy!

I'm sure many Filipinos have lots of questions about the events and would like to find out why God would allow such a terrible thing to take place. Truly, there's sin in the world and a man’s heart is bent on it. What happened inside the tour bus was committed by a man who made an evil choice. But if there’s anything good to come out from this sad incident, it is the assurance that God can bring good out of evil, and he often works best through great adversity.

Rebirth of Ninoy Aquino

2010-08-21T06:55:00.006-04:00

Today, August 21st is Ninoy Aquino's death anniversary. It was 27 years ago when the news of Ninoy's assassination at the Manila International Airport shocked many Filipinos and sparked a united revolt that will eventually put his widowed wife Corazon Aquino to be the next president of the Philippines ending the 20-year regime of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Although Aquino was recognized as the most prominent and most dynamic opposition leader of his generation, in the years prior to martial law he was regarded by many as being a representative of the entrenched familial elite... While atypically telegenic and uncommonly articulate, he had his share of detractors and was not known to be immune to ambitions and excesses of the ruling political class. However, during his seven years and seven months imprisoned as a political prisoner of Marcos, Aquino read the book Born Again by convicted Watergate conspirator Charles Colson and it inspired him to a religious awakening... As a result, the remainder of his personal and political life had a distinct spiritual sheen. He emerged as a contemporary counterpart of the great Jose Rizal, who was among the world's earliest proponents of the use of non-violence to combat a repressive regime (Adapted from WikiPinoy).

I was nine years old when Ninoy was killed. I don't know much about politics then but I'll always be thankful for my school UPIS (UP Integrated School) for introducing me the value of reading and understanding current events and my late dad for demonstrating prayer and concern for the Philippines.

Lastly to remember Ninoy, I want to post this quote that I think gives us a clear picture of the transformation or rebirth that took place in his life that you and I can also experience the way Ninoy did,

In the loneliness of my solitary confinement... I found my inner peace. He stood me face to face with myself and forced me to look at my emptiness and nothingness, and then helped me discover Him who has really never left my side; but because pride shielded my eyes and the lust for earthly and temporal power, honor and joys drugged my mind, I failed to notice Him. (Ninoy Aquino, letter from prison)

Click here to read Ninoy's undelivered arrival speech, supposedly scheduled to be read on August 21, 1983. We all know what happened next.

(Acknowledgement to Tina P. and my friend Ramil D. for the note and quote)

First 50 days of President Noynoy Aquino

2010-08-20T06:38:00.005-04:00

Today is President Benigno Aquino III’s 50th day in office, mid-way through the so-called “honeymoon period” with the public and the media.The questions now are these:

Has the Aquino presidency done anything meaningful so far?
Are you so far satisifed with how he is managing government?
Do you think he should do more?

For one, his corrupt and tyrannical predecessor Gloria Macapagal Arroyo continues to evade accountability. She now holds court in Congress where her crimes and political record may not be mentioned.

Some say Aquino is wasting precious political capital by not doing anything profound and by not initiating bold reform measures.

What do you think?

(Originally posted on 100araw.com)

President Aquino Rejects Divorce in the Philippines

2010-08-19T12:07:00.002-04:00

President Noynoy said divorce is a no-no and a Las-Vegas type marraige- married in the morning and divorce in the afternoon has no place in the Philippines. He made this remark while her very own sister, controversial actress and TV host Kris Aquino is going through a very public separation with husband James Yap. (Complete article embedded below or click here. BTW - please pardon the image I chose for this blog post I just thought its humorous).

Im glad President Noynoy made his position clear on the issue of divorce in the Philippines and I agree with him completely. Marriage is a sacrament not intended to be broken and people should do everything they can to keep it that way.

As for Kris Aquino's troubled marraige, whether you follow or avoid Kris Aquino on TV (I do the latter), like any other troubled marriages, we should pray for her and her husband that they're able to find God's grace and a healthy support group during this trying times. It's a tough road for them especially with young children. Kris and James are not officially annulled yet so they can still choose to mend their differences and decide to stay married. But with Kris' unpredictable and questionable history with relationships, I think only God knows what's next for them.

Aquino Rejects Divorce
Source URL: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/273120/aquino-not-vegastype-divorce

President Benigno S. Aquino III is opposed to the legalization of a Las Vegas-type divorce in the country as he remained mum about the marriage problems involving his youngest sister, Kris Aquino, and basketball star James Yap.

The President, speaking to reporters at the sidelines of a motor show in Pasay City, said he prefers legal separation although estranged couples should be allowed to remarry.

“My own personal position on this point, but a study has to be made, is divorce a no-no,” he said amid renewed proposals in Congress to legalize divorce in the country.

Aquino, a 50-year-old bachelor, said he cannot support a practice common in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, in which “the stereotype is you get married in the morning (and) you can get divorce in the afternoon.”

“But I do recognize that there have been unions that were wrong that no matter what interventions are done, no matter what counseling is done, they really can't stay together and there is danger to either one or both parties in that marriage particularly specially the children,” he said.

The President said couples who pursue legal separation should be allowed to marry again. “(In) legal separation, it will be very, very stringent. You really have to ascertain that there really are irreconcilable differences in a long period. Sa Tagalog parang padaanin sa sampung butas ng karayom siguro,” he said.

At the end of the day they should be allowed to remarry. We have legal separation today (but they) cant’ marry. Kawawa naman yung mga nagkamali (Pity those who made a mistake),” he added.

At present, the country allows legal separation and annulment. Once the court approves an annulment of marriage, the parties may choose to remarry.

A legal separation, on the other hand, allows spouses to live separately but does not cut the bonds of marriage. They are disallowed to marry again.

Although he was vocal on the debates whether to allow divorce in the country, the President said he is “duty-bound not to comment” on the petition sister to nullify her marriage to Yap. “If I say any opinion, it might influence the workings of the court, the fiscals,” he said.

Kris Aquino recently announced his breakup with James Yap and filed for the nullity of their marriage. The main ground for Kris’ petition was lack of authority of the solemnizing officer. The couple got married in a civil ceremony in July, 2005.
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Copyright 2010. Manila Bulletin | All Rights Reserved

Do Filipinos Rely Too Much on Government?

2010-07-28T22:54:00.000-04:00

Blogger and online marketer Carlo Ople has one good response to Noynoy’s recent SONA, huwag masyadong asahan si Noynoy.
He wrote on his blog,

If there’s one thing I appreciate in Noynoy’s entire SONA though it’s when he mentioned that the government’s primary responsibility is to make sure that everything is fair for everyone, especially in business. Ang problema kasi ng maraming Pilipino ay inaasa lahat sa gobyerno. Pati’ ba naman distribution ng condoms, problema ba ng Philippine government? Pati ba naman “spiritual corruption” gusto ng Catholic Church ayusin ni Noynoy? If your problem is specific to your vocation or industry, wag mo asahan si Noynoy diyan. He has enough problems to deal with already. Instead of whining, complaining, and doing nothing you should just offer solutions. Better yet, be part of the solution. You don’t have to be in government to make a difference or help others out.

Have we redefined the role of government to remove all problems of life in the Philippines? Have we depended too much on government for our well-being?

We all know that public policy is important to regulate and maintain order in a country but a government that promises cure for every problem or hardship may be more destructive than healthy for a growing society. It takes away the sense of accountability and self-reliance among its people- characters that are important to have during hard times. St. Paul described it best in building responsible and resourceful character for Filipinos, if a man will not work, he shall not eat. (2 Thess 3:10)

It may be controversial or hard to do but we need to stop expecting and waiting for the government to give everything we need, specially when we lead lives that are selfish and undisciplined. With regards to charity and welfare, lets just reserve it to those who really need it.

President Noynoy Aquino Delivers His First State of the Nation Address

2010-07-26T11:22:00.000-04:00

Akin pong paniwala na Diyos at taumbayan ang nagdala sa ating kinalalagyan ngayon. Habang nakatutok tayo sa kapakanan ng ating kapwa, bendisyon at patnubay ay tiyak na maaasahan natin sa Poong Maykapal. At kapag nanalig tayo na ang kasangga natin ay ang Diyos, mayroon ba tayong hindi kakayanin? says President Noynoy Aquino in his first State of the Nation Address.

Below are news reports of the SONA from the two rival news stations, ABS-CBN 2 and GMA 7.

From ABS-CBN News: Aquino Promises Clean Government

From GMA News (embedded video below):

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

(Images courtesy of ABS-CBN and Financial Times Blog)

Aquino’s Truth Commission: Will justice be served?

2010-07-23T06:41:00.002-04:00

Here's something to look forward to in the Aquino administration, earlier this month, the Truth Commission was formed to investigate and go after graft and corruption, human rights violation charges and other anomalies in the previous Arroyo administration.

According to scriptures, a primary role of government is to promote justice, so I welcome and is optimistic about this new effort by the administration. I just hope they don"t get distracted away from their pursuit and we soon see progress on this issue. Noynoy said it best on his inaugural there can be no reconciliation without justice and to forget the wrongs of the past would mean repeating them.

Lindsay Lohan Goes to Jail

2010-07-22T16:48:00.001-04:00

As Lindsay Lohan began her much publicized jail sentence this week, I was reminded of a quote from comedian Jim Carrey, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.”

Hollywood is filled with fallen celebrities that provide us with rich teaching moments that money, fame and success isn’t everything. Pastor Bill Shuler added his 10 thoughts on the Lindsay Lohan case and the culture that "enables her" that should prompt meaningful conversation among us but more importantly good topics to think about next time we look at the mirror.

The following are his thoughts:

1. Enablers including family, friends, and the Hollywood industry should be held accountable.
2. Celebrities are not above the law and are increasingly less likely to be excused for ignoring it.
3. Bad company reaps bad character.
4. An industry that encourages former Disney stars toward soft porn and abandons them when in trouble deserves to be scrutinized.
5. Fame carries with it responsibility and should never be an end unto itself.
6. Emotional pain is at its core a cry of the heart.
7. Alcoholics Anonymous has a proven record of success and touts a spiritual awakening as the answer.
8. Healing begins with humility.
9. Transparency opens doors once locked by alibis and rationalizing.
10. History is filled with examples of individuals who parlayed their lowest moments into their greatest victories.

Christian actor/author and former child star Kirk Cameron in his autobiography Still Growing (available in the Colson Center Bookstore) had a taste of the limelight and had this to say about his past: “I was experiencing all the success the entertainment industry has to offer, but I knew there had to be something more. It was sort of through that God prepared me to hear about His great plan.” Only God knows if Lindsay Lohan will be in the same path as Cameron or if she will use her time in jail for deep personal reflection to discover God’s great plan for her; if it does, going to jail is the best thing that could have happened to her.

(Originally posted on The Point blog)

10 Thoughts On Lindsay Lohan and the Culture That Enables Her

2010-07-21T16:55:00.007-04:00

The Lindsay Lohan case should prompt a meaningful discussion on how to preempt another loss of a talented but tormented celebrity.

The image of a child star in trouble is hardly new. Lindsay Lohan’s story has all the familiar elements: a dysfunctional upbringing, self-destructive patterns and an entourage of seedy characters. In Lindsay’s case the final outcome has yet to be decided unlike the stories of River Phoenix, Dana Plato and more recently Corey Haim.

The Lohan case should prompt a meaningful discussion on how to preempt another loss of a talented but tormented celebrity.

The following are thoughts pertaining to Lindsay Lohan and the culture that enables her:

1. Enablers including family, friends, and the Hollywood industry should be held accountable.
2. Celebrities are not above the law and are increasingly less likely to be excused for ignoring it.
3. Bad company reaps bad character.
4. An industry that encourages former Disney stars toward soft porn and abandons them when in trouble deserves to be scrutinized.
5. Fame carries with it responsibility and should never be an end unto itself.
6. Emotional pain is at its core a cry of the heart.
7. Alcoholics Anonymous has a proven record of success and touts a spiritual awakening as the answer.
8. Healing begins with humility.
9. Transparency opens doors once locked by alibis and rationalizing.
10. History is filled with examples of individuals who parlayed their lowest moments into their greatest victories.

Lindsay Lohan will take her first step toward recovery when she takes full responsibility for her actions but the larger indictment should be levied on an industry and culture that promotes dubious values and then abdicates responsibility when people live out those values. As long as there is a reward for bad behavior there will be those who seek to cash in often with tragic results.

It is no longer acceptable to blame all of this on the “childhood star curse.” As stated in the scriptures, “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

(Written by Rev. Bill Shuler)

Charice, 18, Gets Botox for "Glee" debut

2010-07-19T23:19:00.003-04:00

According to this article from FoxNews.com, "Filipino teenage singer Charice Pempengco says she prepared for her debut on the hit TV show Glee by getting Botox and an anti-aging procedure to look fresh on camera."

If reports are true, this talented young girl got some bad advice from someone. I personally think she's too young for the procedure and it sends the wrong message to other young girls.

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Sam 16:7)

State of Human Trafficking in the Philippines

2010-07-06T17:48:00.000-04:00

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Gen 1:27). There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:28).

Based on the recently released 2010 Trafficking in Person's report by the US Department of State, the Philippines still has a long way to go to combat modern human slavery.

The Philippines has been classified as a Tier 2 watch list country. The report put countries in that category because the number of victims is very significant or is significantly increasing and because the failure of governments to demonstrate improving efforts to curb human trafficking.

According to a Philippine News report, in the Philippines, up to 70 percent of victims are reportedly women. Various estimates show their numbers range from 300,000 to 400,000 – about 100,000 of them children. Victims are reportedly trafficked for labor and sexual exploitation to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Malaysia, Hongkong, Singapore, Japan, South Africa, North America and Europe.

It also summarized that the State Department was critical of the Philippine performance in all three benchmarks--prevention, protection and prosecution; and quoted the following significant findings:

Though the government filed several labor trafficking cases for prosecution, it has never convicted any offenders of labor trafficking.
Despite overall efforts, the government did not show evidence of significant progress in convicting trafficking offenders, particularly those responsible for labor trafficking.
Widespread corruption and an inefficient judicial system continue to severely limit the prosecution of trafficking cases.
Corruption remained pervasive in the Philippines, and there were reports that officials in government units and agencies assigned to enforce laws against human trafficking permitted trafficking offenders to conduct illegal activities, either tacitly or explicitly.
While the government encouraged victims to assist in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking crimes, extreme poverty, fear of retaliation by traffickers and the government’s lack of victim and witness protection through the lengthy trial process caused many victims to decline cooperation and recant testimony. Some applications for witness protection were still pending with the Department of Justice more a year after being filed.

The report recommended the Philippines gets tougher on throwing more illegal traffickers in jail, especially government officials who may be in cahoots or coddling illegal traffickers; invest more in victim and witness protection, including providing shelters; increase efforts to engage foreign governments where Filipinos go to find work in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking offenders; review its program to address domestic labor trafficking; and, boost the education of law enforcers, social service officials, prosecutors and judges on the use of the 2003 Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. (Adapted from a report by Rodney Jaleco)

I pasted below a copy of the State Department's report on the Philippines. Full report is available here.

PHILIPPINES (Tier 2 Watch List)
The Philippines is a source country, and to a much lesser extent, a destination and transit country for men, women, and children who are subjected to trafficking in persons, specifically forced prostitution and forced labor. A significant number of Filipino men and women who migrate abroad for work are subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude worldwide. Men, women, and children were subjected to conditions of forced labor in factories, construction sites, and as domestic workers in Asia and increasingly throughout the Middle East. Women were subjected to sex trafficking in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and various Middle Eastern countries. Within the Philippines, people were trafficked from rural areas to urban centers including Manila, Cebu, the city of Angeles, and increasingly to cities in Mindanao. Hundreds of victims are trafficked each day in well-known and highly visible business establishments. Women and children were trafficked internally for forced labor as domestic workers, small-scale factory workers, beggars, and for exploitation in the commercial sex industry. Traffickers, in partnership with organized crime syndicates and complicit law enforcement officers, regularly operate through local recruiters sent to villages and urban neighborhoods to recruit family and friends, often masquerading as representatives of government-registered employment agencies. There were reports that organized crime syndicates were heavily involved in the commercial sex industry, and that international syndicates transited victims from mainland China through the Philippines to third country destinations. Traffickers continue to use budget airlines and inter-island ferries and barges to transport their victims to major cities within the country. Trafficked Filipino migrant workers were often subject to violence, threats, inhumane living conditions, non-payment of salaries, and withholding of travel and identity documents. Child sex tourism remained a serious problem in the Philippines, with sex tourists coming from Northeast Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America to engage in the commercial sexual exploitation of children.
The Government of the Philippines does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. The government significantly increased the number of trafficking cases filed in courts and, with the help of NGOs, increased the number of sex trafficking convictions it achieved. Though the government filed several labor trafficking cases for prosecution, it has never convicted any offenders of labor trafficking, a significant problem for Filipinos within the country and around the world. The government also convicted its first official for trafficking-related complicity, but further efforts need
to be taken to address the significant level of corruption that allows serious trafficking crimes to continue. Despite these overall efforts, the government did not show evidence of significant progress in convicting trafficking offenders, particularly those responsible for labor trafficking. The Philippines therefore remains on Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year. Greater progress in prosecution and conviction of both labor and sex trafficking offenders is essential for the Government of the Philippines to demonstrate significant and increasing progress toward compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.
Recommendations for the Philippines: Demonstrate greater progress on efficiently investigating, prosecuting, and convicting both labor and sex trafficking offenders involved in the trafficking of Filipinos in the country and abroad; increase efforts to vigorously investigate and prosecute government officials complicit in trafficking; dedicate more resources and personnel to prosecuting trafficking cases; devote increased resources to victim and witness protection, including for shelters; increase efforts to engage governments of destination countries through law enforcement and diplomatic channels in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking offenders; ensure the terms of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with foreign countries hiring Filipino workers are met such that workers are adequately protected while abroad; assess methods to measure and address domestic labor trafficking; and continue to disseminate information on the 2003 Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act throughout the country and train law enforcement and social service officials, prosecutors, and judges on the use of the law.
Prosecution
The Government of the Philippines demonstrated some progress in convicting sex trafficking offenders during the reporting period, but failed to convict any offenders of labor trafficking. The Philippines criminally prohibits both sex and labor trafficking through its 2003 Anti- Trafficking in Persons Act, which prescribes penalties that are sufficiently stringent and commensurate with those prescribed for other serious crimes, such as rape. During the reporting period, law enforcement agencies referred 228 alleged trafficking cases to the Philippines Department of Justice (DOJ), of which prosecutors initiated prosecutions in 206 cases, a significant increase from the previous year. However, only eight individuals in five sex trafficking cases were convicted during the year, including two individuals who remain at large. Four of the eight convictions were a result of cases filed and prosecuted by an NGO on behalf of victims in a system whereby the Philippine government allows private attorneys to prosecute cases under the direction and control of public prosecutors. In this arrangement, NGO lawyers carry the vast majority of the prosecution workload. Convicted offenders were sentenced to 10 years’ to life imprisonment. In September 2009, in a case filed and prosecuted by an NGO with government participation, two trafficking offenders, including a police officer, were sentenced to life in prison and each fined $40,000 for trafficking children at the police officer’s Manila nightclub in 2005. This marked the country’s first public official ever convicted for human trafficking. The Philippines government has yet to obtain a labor trafficking conviction since the 2003 law’s enactment. In June 2009, the Acting Justice Secretary ordered Department of Justice prosecutors to prioritize trafficking cases, but the court system, which is managed by the Supreme Court, does not have a method to fast-track trafficking cases. Philippine courts currently have over 380 pending or ongoing trafficking cases. Despite legal provisions designed to ensure a timely judicial process, trafficking cases in the Philippines take an average of three to four years to conclude. Widespread corruption and an inefficient judicial system continue to severely limit the prosecution of trafficking cases. The vast majority of initiated trafficking prosecutions are usually unsuccessful, largely due to lack of evidence after victims disappear or withdraw cooperation. NGOs continue to report a lack of political will to take on entrenched trafficking interests, and a lack of understanding of trafficking and the anti-trafficking law among judges, prosecutors, social service and law enforcement officials remains an impediment to successful prosecutions.
In February 2010, the Philippine government forged a partnership with three NGOs – through the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding – to jointly prosecute corrupt government officials and train government employees in agencies vulnerable to trafficking-related corruption. To date there have not been any criminal cases filed against officials under this program. Government and law enforcement agencies had few personnel dedicated exclusively to anti-trafficking efforts, but increased the number of dedicated personnel in 2009.
Corruption remained pervasive in the Philippines, and there were reports that officials in government units and agencies assigned to enforce laws against human trafficking permitted trafficking offenders to conduct illegal activities, either tacitly or explicitly. It is widely believed that some government officials partner with traffickers and organized trafficking syndicates, or at least permit trafficking operations in the country, and that law enforcement officers often extract protection money from illegal businesses, including brothels. During the reporting period, there were allegations that police officers conducted indiscriminate raids on commercial sex establishments to extort bribe money from managers, clients, and sex workers. In some cases, police reportedly extorted sexual services in addition to money by threatening sex workers with imprisonment for vagrancy. In November 2009, the Department of Justice filed trafficking charges against an immigration officer for her role in facilitating the illegal movement of domestic workers through an airport to Malaysia. The case remains pending. Nevertheless, efforts to investigate and prosecute such cases have been infrequent and under-resourced.
Protection
The Philippine government continued efforts to provide some support services to victims. While the government encouraged victims to assist in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking crimes, extreme poverty, fear of retaliation by traffickers and the government’s lack of victim and witness protection throughout the lengthy trial process caused many victims to decline cooperation with authorities and recant testimony. Some applications for witness protection were still pending with the Department of Justice more than a year after being filed. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its partners at the local government level continued to operate 61 temporary shelters for victims of all types of crimes. The number of trafficking victims who used these shelters is not clear. The government’s capacity to provide shelter and protection, however, is severely limited due to inadequate budgets, and there are regular instances where victims are unable to access government protection services. DSWD also continued to refer victims to accredited NGOs for care, though the quality of the referral process varied by location. The Philippine Port Authority and the Manila International Airport Authority provided building space for halfway houses run by an NGO for trafficking victims. The government provides foreign victims immigration relief when necessary and gives them access to legal, medical, and psychological services. In 2009, law enforcement units strengthened a partnership with an NGO, conducting 25 raid-and-rescue operations throughout the country, leading to the rescue of 87 children in prostitution and 47 women identified
as trafficking victims. In April 2010, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) – the government’s national body for the coordination of all anti-trafficking efforts in partnership with civil society chaired by the Undersecretary of Justice – conducted its first independent raid-and-rescue operation, through which 90 women and five girls were rescued from a sex-tourism operation, 25 of whom were identified as trafficking victims. The government reported identifying 182 trafficking victims overseas, most of whom were identified in Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore. Authorities identified an additional 210 victims of illegal recruitment who may have also been victims of trafficking. Most of these victims were in China, Lebanon, and Qatar. The government allocated $3.15 million to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for emergency assistance to trafficking victims overseas. The Department of Labor and Employment continued to deploy 44 labor attaches who served in embassies around the world to help protect migrant workers.
Prevention
The Philippine government continued efforts to prevent trafficking in persons during the reporting period. The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) filed 173 administrative cases against licensed labor recruiters who used fraudulent and deceptive offers to lure workers or imposed illegal fees on prospective employees and referred an additional 20 cases to the Department of Justice for possible criminal prosecution. These cases are still pending. In 2009, POEA conducted 823 pre-employment orientation seminars and 1,185 pre-departure seminars for over 74,000 prospective and outbound Filipino overseas workers. DFA and POEA continue to train officials en route to foreign embassies to recognize and respond to trafficking cases. While these officials posted abroad played a key role in helping provide Filipino victims with shelter and compensation for lost wages or damages, the officials seldom advocated for criminal charges to be filed against abused workers’ employers in the foreign country. IACAT and government agencies continued to partner with NGOs, international organizations, and foreign donors on efforts to train police, prosecutors, and other officials on anti-trafficking efforts. Despite significant local demand in the country’s thriving commercial sex industry, the government’s
efforts to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts in the Philippines were limited, as were the government’s efforts to address the demand for forced labor. In June 2009, the Bureau of Immigration began disseminating a public warning against human trafficking at airports and on immigration cards. In a notable failing of political support for the nation’s anti-trafficking effort, the Philippine Congress did not allocate fiscal year 2010 funding to IACAT. Member agencies also failed to earmark funding for the IACAT, but did allocate staff resources, personnel time and funding for specific IACAT initiatives. In 2009, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, a government agency, donated $200,000 to IACAT, which in turn donated $126,000 to five NGOs. In December 2009, IACAT launched a multi- agency trafficking database to report and track trafficking cases in courts and assistance given to victims. The government assisted U.S. authorities in several sex and labor trafficking cases prosecuted in the United States, including the December 2009 conviction in Florida of an American citizen who traveled to the Philippines to have sex with children. The government provided training, including a module on human trafficking, to Philippine troops prior to their deployment abroad on international peacekeeping missions.

Many Foreign Refugees Find New Lives in Manila, Philippines

2010-07-01T05:00:00.029-04:00

This article from South China Morning Post was shared to me by my friend Vicky G. of Heirloom Rice. I feel proud and inspired on how the article put the Philippines in a very positive light. Reminds me of the words in Leviticus 19, When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

The message is very clear, God is compassionate and protects strangers, those who risked all to find new lives in foreign land and He expects His people to do the same.

Good job Philippines!

(Image courtesy of Villavi)

Manila is heart of a new home for refugees
Publisher: South China Morning Post
Author: John Carney
Story date: 20/06/2010
Language: English

Once a refugee, always a refugee is a common saying, but one that is not always necessarily true. The surprise is that one country where urban refugees have been made welcome and built themselves new lives has plenty of its own problems to worry about.

Natural disasters, poverty and corruption have ravaged the Philippines over the years. Catastrophes are a way of life. It is the Filipino people's natural optimism and cheerfulness that keeps them going. What they lack materially they more than make up for in spirit.

Because of this, urban refugees have made a fresh start in Manila and the surrounding area without judgment or scorn from Filipinos. When you have been through what some of the people of the Philippines have experienced, it is no big deal. If you are from other countries and want to live this kind of life as well – more power to you.

The fact is that, for all the troubles of the Philippines, some countries have it even worse. John, 63, and Isabelle, 57, are refugees from East Africa. Even though they have lived in the Philippines for 23 years, the married couple are still afraid for their lives.

John and Isabelle are not their real names and they would not specify which African country they came from. Both hold professional jobs in the Philippines, though they would not say what they were, and neither would discuss the specific reasons for leaving their country.

It is true that in a way they are still fleeing from the past, but the life they have made for themselves in the Philippines has made a huge difference to them and their family.

"We knew nothing about the Philippines when we first got here. We didn't even know that the people spoke English and thought we'd have difficulties communicating," John said.

"When you are fleeing your own country you just go where you can. We had tried India but soon we were moved on. We arrived in the Philippines with four children and didn't know what to expect, but we had nothing to worry about as we were warmly welcomed. The people are so friendly. Soon we began to make a life for ourselves."

John and Isabelle have work permits that they renew each year and hope to become naturalised citizens soon. Naturalisation is a notoriously slow process in the Philippines. Their children all have Filipino passports and consider themselves to be Filipino rather than African.

"They have lived their lives here," Isabelle said. "They speak Filipino fluently and it doesn't matter about the colour of their skin. When young US-born Filipinos come back here to visit on their holidays, our children are translators for them as they can't speak Filipino."

Thanks to the Philippine public school system, all the children were educated for free and went on to obtain degrees.

"The kids all speak three languages – Filipino, English and [African]. When they have a secret they speak to each other in Filipino because John and I still don't speak the language very well," Isabelle said. "They have had a great life and education here, we couldn't have asked for more."

When we think of refugees we think of row upon row of white tents in a sprawling emergency camp. But the reality is that as much as half the world's 10.5 million refugees now live in towns or cities.

Cities present obvious opportunities to remain anonymous and make money, but there are also dangers; refugees are vulnerable to exploitation, arrest and detention, and they can be in competition with the poorest locals for the worst jobs. Since 1951 the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has provided international protection and assistance to the world's refugees, and the Philippines is no different.

Mainland and Hong Kong media were recently able to see first hand the work the UNHCR has been doing in Manila, and it was a chance to gather information for an exhibition on urban refugees that will open today at the World Expo in Shanghai to celebrate World Refugee Day.

Actress and honorary patron for the UN refugee agency Yao Chen was in the Philippines with the media group to meet and film a segment about urban refugees, which will also be shown at the exhibition. "I want to try to highlight what these people are going through," she said. "By meeting some refugees in the Philippines I've seen how they have flourished with the help of the UNHCR. We have to keep up the good work."

Mohamed Sefyan could not agree more. Originally from Sudan, Sefyan, 43, has lived in the Philippines for 23 years. His life changed while he was doing a degree in marine engineering and sent some books back to a friend in his homeland.

Some of the books were banned in war-torn Sudan and his friend was sentenced to 18 months in jail for receiving them. Sefyan was blacklisted and there was no way he could go back.

"There's no freedom of religion in Sudan. The religion is Islam," he said. "I sent my classmate from school some books about other religious faiths and their teachings – that's when all the trouble started.

"He went to jail and suddenly I was a refugee. Financially it was hard and sometimes I only ate one meal a day, but I was eventually given a work permit and the people here were so friendly. They helped me a lot.

"Eventually I met my wife, Lailanie, and we have a son, Ahmed, who is 17. Hopefully he will go to university next year. I hope he can be a senator or a congressman in the Philippines one day."

Sefyan has not seen his six brothers or three sisters since he came to the Philippines, but his mother visits when she can. He works in public relations for the Qatari embassy and is waiting to take the oath to become a citizen. Sefyan has no regrets – bar one.

"I never got to play football professionally in the Philippines because they were not that interested in it," he said. "I had played for the Sudan under-17 national team. I was a striker and wanted to be a professional player, but it doesn't matter now.

"I have achieved all I could have dreamed of in the Philippines. There's a good future for my family and my son – something he would not get in the Sudan. Back there, people are oppressed. I don't ever regret sending those books home. I'll send more back if I can."

Somali refugee Dr Guremamun Abdullahi had no option but to stay in the Philippines, where he was studying after war broke out in his country. He went on to complete his PhD in agriculture and 24 years later was still living in Manila.

After help from a former classmate, Dr Ireneo Ramat, he got a job with the Quezon City Bureau of Soils Office, where he is now a landscape architect. He is also waiting for a hearing on his initial application for naturalisation. Abdullahi's life is very different compared to that of the family he left behind in Mogadishu.

"I had five brothers and four sisters," the 53-year-old said. "Two of my brothers are dead and two are in refugee camps in Kenya. They are suffering. It's hard because I cannot help them. I'm fortunate to be in the Philippines – if I was back in Somalia I'd be dead or in a camp. I'm one of the lucky ones."

The stories of John, Isabelle, Sefyan and Guremamun are not new for Bernard Kerblat, who has worked with the UNHCR for nearly 29 years. Waves of refugees have come to the Philippines over the decades.

In that time he has witnessed the generosity of Filipinos first hand, despite the many domestic problems they have had to endure. Kerblat felt the quality of asylum and integration for urban refugees in the country is remarkable. In many countries, refugees are seen as a burden but not in the Philippines, where they can contribute to a community that welcomed them.

"The Philippines is supportive and hospitable despite all their own problems. It's not diplomacy, it's just how the people are," Kerblat, operations co-ordinator for the UN refugee agency, said. "It's a place filled with human stories, human experience and human life. A place that welcomes others who've had a past of fear and pain into a future of rebuilding and normalcy. It is give and take, though. The refugees that have come here don't want to just reap the benefits, they want to contribute as well. The Philippines is unique in its hospitality, so the refugees who come here want to repay this kindness to them."

There is no better example of this quid pro quo than Palestinian refugee Jalal Aboughaula. His family moved from Gaza to Kuwait in 1959. He was studying for a degree in chemical engineering in Manila – it was the only place that would accept him – when Kuwait was invaded by Iraq in 1990. The Gulf war that followed meant Aboughaula was stranded in the Philippines. His family all eventually returned to Gaza, but Aboughaula was determined to make a life for himself in the Philippines.

He was living in Manila on a student permit, and once this expired he eventually gained a work permit. After overhearing some Saudis struggling to order food in a restaurant, he offered to translate and before long he was being employed as their tourist guide.

From this Aboughaula, 43, started up his own travel agency. After a few more years he soon found that there was a gap in the market for an employment agency where he could use his contacts in Saudi Arabia to send Filipino workers there, mainly to construction jobs. His employment agency has blossomed into a lucrative business and his final hearing for naturalisation is in November.

"When you are a Palestinian you are classed as having no country, but that doesn't apply to me any more as I consider myself Filipino now," he said. "I haven't seen my family since 1990. I can't go there and they can't leave Gaza. It's sad, but life goes on. It's not a sacrifice when you live in a caring and facilitating society.

"Being in the Philippines has given me more than financial stability. It has given me a home and peace of mind."

Benigno Aquino Sworn in as New Philippine President

2010-06-30T09:50:00.000-04:00

"Today our dreams start to become a reality - it's the end of a leadership that has long been insensitive to the suffering of the people"

Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino
President of the Philippines

Inaugural Speech of President Benigno S. Aquino III (with translation)

2010-06-30T01:03:00.001-04:00

What do you think of President Noynoy's inauguration speech? I thought its very inspiring and straight-forward. Im sure many are still cynical but as I mentioned in my previous blog post my hope is that Filipinos will just continue to be prayerful and supportive to the administration God divinely appointed to the Filipinos.

Pres. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino is the 15th President of the Philippines and also the only son of former Senator and national hero Ninoy Aquino and former president Cory Aquino.

I posted below a text copy of Noynoy's speech today. Pardon the incomplete text on the English translation. Ill post the complete version once I find it online.

(Image courtesy of Reuters)

Inaugural Speech of President Benigno S. Aquino III
June 30, 2010
Quirino Grandstand

His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and members of the Senate, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and members of the House, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the foreign delegations,Your Excellencies of the diplomatic corps, fellow colleagues in government, aking mga kababayan.

Ang pagtayo ko dito ngayon ay patunay na kayo ang aking tunay na lakas. Hindi ko inakala na darating tayo sa puntong ito, na ako’y manunumpa sa harap ninyo bilang inyong Pangulo. Hindi ko pinangarap maging tagapagtaguyod ng pag-asa at tagapagmana ng mga suliranin ng ating bayan.

Ang layunin ko sa buhay ay simple lang: maging tapat sa aking mga magulang at sa bayan bilang isang marangal na anak, mabait na kuya, at mabuting mamamayan.

Nilabanan ng aking ama ang diktaturya at ibinuwis niya ang kanyang buhay para tubusin ang ating demokrasya. Inalay ng aking ina ang kanyang buhay upang pangalagaan ang demokrasyang ito. Ilalaan ko ang aking buhay para siguraduhin na ang ating demokrasya ay kapaki-pakinabang sa bawat isa. Namuhunan na kami ng dugo at handang gawin itong muli kung kinakailangan.

Tanyag man ang aking mga magulang at ang kanilang mga nagawa, alam ko rin ang problema ng ordinaryong mamamayan. Alam nating lahat ang pakiramdam na magkaroon ng pamahalaang bulag at bingi. Alam natin ang pakiramdam na mapagkaitan ng hustisya, na mabalewala ng mga taong pinagkatiwalaan at inatasan nating maging ating tagapagtanggol.

Kayo ba ay minsan ring nalimutan ng pamahalaang inyong iniluklok sa puwesto? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay nagtiis na sa trapiko para lamang masingitan ng isang naghahari-hariang de-wangwang sa kalsada? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay sawang-sawa na sa pamahalaang sa halip na magsilbi sa taumbayan ay kailangan pa nila itong pagpasensiyahan at tiisin? Ako rin.

Katulad ninyo ako. Marami na sa atin ang bumoto gamit ang kanilang paa – nilisan na nila ang ating bansa sa kanilang paghahanap ng pagbabago at katahimikan. Tiniis nila ang hirap, sinugod ang panganib sa ibang bansa dahil doon may pag-asa kahit kaunti na dito sa atin ay hindi nila nakikita. Sa iilang sandali na sarili ko lang ang aking inaalala, pati ako ay napag-isip din – talaga bang hindi na mababago ang pamamahala natin dito? Hindi kaya nasa ibang bansa ang katahimikang hinahanap ko? Saan ba nakasulat na kailangang puro pagtitiis ang tadhana ng Pilipino?

Ngayon, sa araw na ito - dito magwawakas ang pamumunong manhid sa mga daing ng taumbayan. Hindi si Noynoy ang gumawa ng paraan, kayo ang dahilan kung bakit ngayon, magtatapos na ang pagtitiis ng sambayanan. Ito naman ang umpisa ng kalbaryo ko, ngunit kung marami tayong magpapasan ng krus ay kakayanin natin ito, gaano man kabigat.

Sa tulong ng wastong pamamahala sa mga darating na taon, maiibsan din ang marami nating problema. Ang tadhana ng Pilipino ay babalik sa tamang kalagayan, na sa bawat taon pabawas ng pabawas ang problema ng Pinoy na nagsusumikap at may kasiguruhan sila na magiging tuloy-tuloy na ang pagbuti ng kanilang sitwasyon.

Kami ay narito para magsilbi at hindi para maghari. Ang mandato ninyo sa amin ay pagbabago – isang malinaw na utos para ayusin ang gobyerno at lipunan mula sa pamahalaang iilan lamang ang nakikinabang tungo sa isang pamahalaang kabutihan ng mamamayan ang pinangangalagaan.

Ang mandatong ito ay isa kung saan kayo at ang inyong pangulo ay nagkasundo para sa pagbabago – isang paninindigan na ipinangako ko noong kampanya at tinanggap ninyo noong araw ng halalan.
Sigaw natin noong kampanya: “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.” Hindi lamang ito pang slogan o pang poster – ito ang mga prinsipyong tinatayuan at nagsisilbing batayan ng ating administrasyon.

Ang ating pangunahing tungkulin ay ang magsikap na maiangat ang bansa mula sa kahirapan, sa pamamagitan ng pagpapairal ng katapatan at mabuting pamamalakad sa pamahalaan.

Ang unang hakbang ay ang pagkakaroon ng tuwid at tapat na hanay ng mga pinuno. Magsisimula ito sa akin. Sisikapin kong maging isang mabuting ehemplo. Hinding hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin. Sisiguraduhin ko na ganito rin ang adhikain ng aking Gabinete at ng mga magiging kasama sa ating pamahalaan.

Naniniwala akong hindi lahat ng nagsisilbi sa gobyerno ay corrupt. Sa katunayan, mas marami sa kanila ay tapat. Pinili nilang maglingkod sa gobyerno upang gumawa ng kabutihan. Ngayon, magkakaroon na sila ng pagkakataong magpakitang-gilas. Inaasahan natin sila sa pagsupil ng korapsyon sa loob mismo ng burukrasya.

Sa mga itinalaga sa paraang labag sa batas, ito ang aking babala: sisimulan natin ang pagbabalik ng tiwala sa pamamagitan ng pag-usisa sa mga “midnight appointments.” Sana ay magsilbi itong babala sa mga nag-iisip na ipagpatuloy ang baluktot na kalakarang nakasanayan na ng marami.

Sa mga kapuspalad nating mga kababayan, ngayon, ang pamahalaan ang inyong kampeon.

Hindi natin ipagpapaliban ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga estudyante, kaya’t sisikapin nating punan ang kakulangan sa ating mga silid-aralan.

Unti-unti din nating babawasan ang mga kakulangan sa imprastraktura para sa transportasyon, turismo at pangangalakal. Mula ngayon, hindi na puwede ang “puwede na” pagdating sa mga kalye, tulay at gusali dahil magiging responsibilidad ng mga kontratista ang panatilihing nasa mabuting kalagayan ang mga proyekto nila.

Bubuhayin natin ang programang “emergency employment” ng dating pangulong Corazon Aquino sa pagtatayo ng mga bagong imprastraktura na ito. Ito ay magbibigay ng trabaho sa mga local na komunidad at makakatulong sa pagpapalago ng kanila at ng ating ekonomiya.

Hindi kami magiging sanhi ng inyong pasakit at perwisyo. Palalakasin natin ang koleksyon at pupuksain natin ang korapsyon sa Kawanihan ng Rentas Internas at Bureau of Customs para mapondohan natin ang ating mga hinahangad para sa lahat, tulad ng:

· dekalidad na edukasyon, kabilang ang edukasyong bokasyonal para makapaghanap ng marangal na trabaho ang hindi makapag-kolehiyo;

· serbisyong pangkalusugan, tulad ng Philhealth para sa lahat sa loob ng tatlong taon;

· tirahan sa loob ng mga ligtas na komunidad.

Palalakasin at palalaguin natin ang bilang ng ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan, hindi para tugunan ang interes ng mga naghahari-harian, ngunit para proteksyunan ang mamamayan. Itinataya nila ang kanilang buhay para mayroong pagkakataon sa katahimikan at kapayapaan sa sambayanan. Dumoble na ang populasyong kanilang binabantayan, nanatili naman sila sa bilang. Hindi tama na ang nagmamalasakit ay kinakawawa.

Kung dati ay may fertilizer scam, ngayon ay may kalinga na tunay para sa mga magsasaka. Tutulungan natin sila sa irigasyon, extension services, at sa pagbenta ng kanilang produkto sa pinakamataas na presyong maaari.

Inaatasan natin si papasok na Kalihim Alcala na magtayo ng mga trading centers kung saan diretso na ang magsasaka sa mamimili - lalaktawan natin ang gitna, kasama na ang kotong cop. Sa ganitong paraan, ang dating napupunta sa gitna ay maari nang paghatian ng magsasaka at mamimili.

Gagawin nating kaaya-aya sa negosyante ang ating bansa. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance, to business. Sa ganitong paraan lamang natin mapupunan ang kakulangan ng trabaho para sa ating mga mamamayan.

Layunin nating paramihin ang trabaho dito sa ating bansa upang hindi na kailanganin ang mangibang-bansa para makahanap ng trabaho. Ngunit habang ito ay hindi pa natin naaabot, inaatasan ko ang mga kawani ng DFA, POEA, OWWA at iba pang mga kinauukulang ahensiya na mas lalo pang paigtingin ang pagtugon sa mga hinaing at pangangailangan ng ating mga overseas Filipino workers.

Papaigtingin namin ang proseso ng konsultasyon at pag-uulat sa taumbayan. Sisikapin naming isakatuparan ang nakasaad sa ating Konstitusyon na kinikilala ang karapatan ng mamamayan na magkaroon ng kaalaman ukol sa mga pampublikong alintana.

Binuhay natin ang diwa ng people power noong kampanya. Ipagpatuloy natin ito tungo sa tuwid at tapat na pamamahala. Ang naniniwala sa people power ay nakatuon sa kapwa at hindi sa sarili.

Sa mga nang-api sa akin, kaya ko kayong patawarin, at pinapatawad ko na kayo. Sa mga nang-api sa sambayanan, wala akong karapatan na limutin ang inyong mga kasalanan.

To those who are talking about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. Sa paglimot ng pagkakasala, sinisigurado mong mauulit muli ang mga pagkakasalang ito. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

Ikinagagalak din naming ibahagi sa inyo ang pagtanggap ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide sa hamon ng pagtatatag at pamumuno sa isang Truth Commission na magbibigay linaw sa maraming kahinahinalang isyu na hanggang ngayon ay walang kasagutan at resolusyon.

Ang sinumang nagkamali ay kailangang humarap sa hustisya. Hindi maaaring patuloy ang kalakaran ng walang pananagutan at tuloy na pang-aapi.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all – may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.

We shalI defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. Sa tamang pamamahala gaganda ang buhay ng lahat, at sa buhay na maganda, sino pa ang gugustuhing bumalik sa panahon ng pang-aapi?

Kung kasama ko kayo, maitataguyod natin ang isang bayan kung saan pantay-pantay ang pagkakataon, dahil pantay-pantay nating ginagampanan ang ating mga pananagutan.

Kamakailan lamang, ang bawat isa sa atin ay nanindigan sa presinto. Bumoto tayo ayon sa ating karapatan at konsensiya. Hindi tayo umatras sa tungkulin nating ipaglaban ang karapatang ito.

Pagkatapos ng bilangan, pinatunayan ninyo na ang tao ang tunay na lakas ng bayan.

Ito ang kahalagahan ng ating demokrasya. Ito ang pundasyon ng ating pagkakaisa. Nangampanya tayo para sa pagbabago. Dahil dito taas-noo muli ang Pilipino. Tayong lahat ay kabilang sa isang bansa kung saan maaari nang mangarap muli.

To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.

We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, “it all works.”

Inaanyayahan ko kayo ngayon na manumpa sa ating mga sarili, sa sambayanan, WALANG MAIIWAN.

Walang pangingibang-bayan at gastusan na walang wastong dahilan. Walang pagtatalikod sa mga salitang binitawan noong kampanya, ngayon at hanggang sa mga susunod pang pagsubok na pagdadaanan sa loob ng anim na taon.

Walang lamangan, walang padrino at walang pagnanakaw. Walang wang-wang, walang counterflow, walang tong. Panahon na upang tayo ay muling magkawang-gawa.

Nandito tayo ngayon dahil sama-sama tayong nanindigan at nagtiwala na may pag-asa.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. Sa inyong mga nag-iisip pa kung tutulong kayo sa pagpasan ng ating krus, isa lang ang aking tanong – kung kailan tayo nanalo, saka pa ba kayo susuko?

Kayo ang boss ko, kaya’t hindi maaaring hindi ako makinig sa mga utos ninyo. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to the people’s needs and aspirations.

Kayo ang nagdala sa akin sa puntong ito – ang ating mga volunteers – matanda, bata, celebrity, ordinaryong tao, na umikot sa Pilipinas para ikampanya ang pagbabago; ang aking mga kasambahay, na nag-asikaso ng lahat ng aking mga personal na pangangailangan; ang aking pamilya, kaibigan at katrabaho, na dumamay, nag-alaga at nagbigay ng suporta sa akin; ang ating mga abogado, na nagpuyat para bantayan ang ating mga boto at siguraduhing mabibilang ang bawat isa; ang aking mga kapartido at kaalyado na kasama kong nangahas mangarap; at ang milyun-milyong Pilipinong nagkaisa, nagtiwala at hindi nawalan ng pag-asa – nasa inyo ang aking taus-pusong pasasalamat.

Hindi ko makakayang harapin ang aking mga magulang, at kayong mga nagdala sa akin sa yugto ng buhay kong ito, kung hindi ko maisasakatuparan ang aking mga binitawang salita sa araw na ito.

My parents sought nothing less and died for nothing less than democracy, peace and prosperity. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.

Layunin ko na sa pagbaba ko sa katungkulan, masasabi ng lahat na malayo na ang narating natin sa pagtahak ng tuwid na landas at mas maganda na ang kinabukasang ipapamana natin sa susunod na henerasyon. Samahan ninyo ako sa pagtatapos ng laban na ito. Tayo na sa tuwid na landas.

Maraming salamat po at mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!

Official English translation of The Inaugural Address of Benigno S. Aquino III

His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and members of the Senate, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and members of the House, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the foreign delegations,Your Excellencies of the diplomatic corps, fellow colleagues in government, aking mga kababayan.

My presence here today is proof that you are my true strength. I never expected that I will be here taking my oath of office before you, as your president. I never imagined that I would be tasked with continuing the mission of my parents. I never entertained the ambition to be the symbol of hope, and to inherit the problems of our nation.

I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen.

My father offered his life so our democracy could live. My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy. I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its fullest potential: that of ensuring equality for all. My family has sacrificed much and I am willing to do this again if necessary.

Although I was born to famous parents, I know and feel the problems of ordinary citizens. We all know what it is like to have a government that plays deaf and dumb. We know what it is like to be denied justice, to be ignored by those in whom we placed our trust and tasked to become our advocates.

Have you ever been ignored by the very government you helped put in power? I have. Have you had to endure being rudely shoved aside by the siren-blaring escorts of those who love to display their position and power over you? I have, too. Have you experienced exasperation and anger at a government that instead of serving you, needs to be endured by you? So have I.

I am like you. Many of our countrymen have already voted with their feet - migrating to other countries in search of change or tranquility. They have endured hardship, risked their lives because they believe that compared to their current state here, there is more hope for them in another country, no matter how bleak it may be. In moments when I thought of only my own welfare, I also wondered - is it possible that I can find the peace and quiet that I crave in another country? Is our government beyond redemption? Has it been written that the Filipino’s lot is merely to suffer?

Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people. It is not Noynoy who found a way. You are the reason why the silent suffering of the nation is about to end. This is the beginning of my burden, but if many of us will bear the cross we will lift it, no matter how heavy it is.

Through good governance in the coming years, we will lessen our problems. The destiny of the Filipino will return to its rightful place, and as each year passes, the Filipino’s problems will continue to lessen with the assurance of progress in their lives.

We are here to serve and not to lord over you. The mandate given to me was one of change. I accept your marching orders to transform our government from one that is self-serving to one that works for the welfare of the nation.

This mandate is the social contract that we agreed upon. It is the promise I made during the campaign, which you accepted on election day.

During the campaign we said, “If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor.” That is no mere slogan for posters -- it is the defining principle that will serve as the foundation of our administration.

Our foremost duty is to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance.

The first step is to have leaders who are ethical, honest, and true public servants. I will set the example. I will strive to be a good model. I will not break the trust you have placed in me. I will ensure that this, too, will be the advocacy of my Cabinet and those who will join our government.

I do not believe that all of those who serve in our government are corrupt. In truth, the majority of them are honest. They joined government to serve and do good. Starting today, they will have the opportunity to show that they have what it takes. I am counting on them to help fight corruption within the bureaucracy.

To those who have been put in positions by unlawful means, this is my warning: we will begin earning back the trust of our people by reviewing midnight appointments. Let this serve as a warning to those who intend to continue the crooked ways that have become the norm for too long.

To our impoverished countrymen, starting today, your government will be your champion.

We will not disregard the needs of our students. We will begin by addressing the glaring shortage in classrooms and educational facilities.

Gradually, we will lessen the lack of infrastructures for transportation, tourism and trade. From now on, mediocre work will not be good enough when it comes to roads, bridges, and buildings because we will hold contractors responsible for maintaining their projects in good condition.

We will revive the emergency employment program established by former President Corazon Aquino. This will provide jobs for local communities and will help in the development of their and our economy.

We will not be the cause of your suffering or hardship. We will strengthen collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and we will fight corruption in the Bureau of Customs in order to fund our objectives for the public welfare, such as:

· Quality education, including vocational education, so that those who choose not to attend college or those who cannot afford it can find dignified livelihood;

· Improved public health services such as PhilHealth for all within three years;

· A home for every family, within safe communities.

We will strengthen the armed forces and the police, not to serve the interests of those who want to wield power with impunity, but to give added protection for ordinary folk. The armed forces and the police risk their lives daily so that the nation can live in peace and security. The population has doubled and yet their numbers remain unchanged. It is not right that those who make sacrifices are treated pitifully.

If there was a fertilizer scam in the past, today there will be security for farmers. We will help them with irrigation, extension services, and marketing their products at the best possible prices.

We are directing Secretary Alcala to set up trading centers that will directly link farmers and consumers thereby eliminating middlemen and opportunities for corruption. In this way, funds can be shared by farmers and consumers. We will make our country attractive to investors. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance to business. This is the only means by which we can provide jobs for our people.

Our goal is to create jobs at home so that there will be no need to look for employment abroad. However, as we work towards that end, I am ordering the DFA, POEA, OWWA, and other relevant agencies to be even more responsive to the needs and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers.

We will strengthen the process of consultation and feedback. We will strive to uphold the constitutional right of citizens to information on matters of public concern.

We relived the spirit of people power during the campaign. Let it take us to good and effective governance. Those who believe in people power put the welfare of others before their own.

I can forgive those who did me wrong but I have no right to forgive those who abused our people.

To those who talk about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. When we allow crimes to go unpunished, we give consent to their occurring over and over again. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

We are also happy to inform you the acceptance of Chief Justice Hilario Davide of the challenge of strengthening and heading a Truth Commission that will shed light on many unanswered issues that continue to haunt our country.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflict, inclusive of the interests of all -- may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.

We shalI defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. With proper governance life will improve for all. When we are all living well, who will want to go back to living under oppression?

If I have all of you by my side, we will be able to build a nation in which there will be equality of opportunity, because each of us fulfilled our duties and responsibilities equally.

After the elections, you proved that it is the people who wield power in this country.

This is what democracy means. It is the foundation of our unity. We campaigned for change. Because of this, the Filipino stands tall once more. We are all part of a nation that can begin to dream again.

To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.

We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, “it all works.”

Today, I am inviting you to pledge to yourselves and to our people. No one shall be left behind.

No more junkets, no more senseless spending. No more turning back on pledges made during the campaign, whether today or in the coming challenges that will confront us over the next six years. No more influence-peddling, no more patronage politics, no more stealing. No more sirens, no more short cuts, no more bribes. It is time for us to work together once more.

We are here today because we stood together and believed in hope. We had no resources to campaign other than our common faith in the inherent goodness of the Filipino.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. To those among you who are still undecided about sharing the common burden I have only one question: Are you going to quit now that we have won?

You are the boss so I cannot ignore your orders. We will design and implement an interaction an...

Enjoy the Ride President Noynoy Aquino

2010-06-29T17:17:00.004-04:00

The Philippines new President Noynoy Aquino will surely need our prayers starting today.

Remember the words of the apostle Paul: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

His administration will face huge challenges to the uplift our struggling nation and they will need all the divine aid they can get. That's where we all regular Filipino citizens come in. We aim to be responsible, selfless and prayer individuals for our country and to One who our true citizenship should belongs to.

So let's enjoy the ride where Noynoy's leadership will take us. But let's be sure to do our part to be accountable and guide this administration to where our country should be going.

Filipino Hospitality for Christ

2010-06-18T03:06:00.014-04:00

Naaliw talaga akong tignan ang childrens outreach photos ng Gospel for Asia at ng dati kong home church na Kruz Na Ligas Baptist Church (KNLBC)- see embedded video below. More than 10 year din naging senior pastor ang dad ko sa KNLBC kaya memorable sa amin ang church na ito. Lagi kong naaalala sa KNLBC ang tradisyon nito noon na sa iba't ibang bahay ng miyembro pinag-lulunch ang pastors family pagkatapos ng bawat service. Syempre laging espesyal ang mga handa sa amin tuwing lingo kaya lagi ko itong inaabangan. Nasaksihan ko sa KNLBC ang isang epektibong paraan ng pagbabahagi ng Christian values sa iba na pinapractice na noon ng mga naunang Kristyano at alam kong kayang-kaya ng mga Pinoy - hospitality.

Tanungin mo ang sinomang foreigner na nakadalaw na sa Pilipinas, ang ating pagiging hospitable ang lagi nila pinupuri. Natural na ito sa mga Pinoy. Pero madalas nating nakakalimutan na sa pagbubukas ng ating tahanan sa mga taong itinuturi nating "strangers" ay isang magandang paraan ng pag-share ng Christianity sa ating kapwa.

Unfortunately, madami din ang pumipili na wag na lang munang tumanggap ng bisita sa bahay o maging hospitable lalo na sa mga di kilala, wika-nga ni Jesus "you greet only your brothers?" (Matt 5:47) Karaniwang dahilan, madumi ang bahay, makalat o walang ihahanda sa mga bisita. Sa sobrang pagaalala nakakaligtaan tuloy ang pagkakataon ng ibang tao na makita kung ano ang tunay na Kristyano: Imperfect people in need of a Savior.

(photo courtesy of KNLBC)

Ninoy's letter to Noynoy, "Son, the ball is now in your hands"

2010-06-07T10:50:00.000-04:00

Thought I'll post the letter of the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino to his only son Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino Jr., from prison (Thank you Ramil Dizon for the link). To date, Noynoy is the leading candidate to become the 15th President of the Philippines. I've expressed many times in this blog my admiration to Ninoy and his worldview that sparked his bravery so I cant resist doing it again here. His letter to Noynoy was written 37 years ago but it still resonates today. My prayer is that with Noynoy's leadership, Filipinos around the world will be united to build a stronger democracy and instill self-sacricife in the Philippines. Ninoy's "impossible dream" was possible after all.

August 25, 1973

Fort Bonifacio
11:30 pm
Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III
P E R S O N A L

My dearest Son:

One of these days, when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.

In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man — the matador — is pitted against an angry bull.

The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet “muleta” and sword. The Spaniards call this “the moment of truth.” This is the climax of the bullfight.

This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tañada, I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie’s, your sisters’, yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.

I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I’ve been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the “Anti-Subversion Act” and murder.

You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: why did you do it?

Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people.

For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.

Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.

The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather, passed it on to me.

I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.

In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.
Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino, was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate.

Your grandfather, my father, was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.

It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.

I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant’s revenge.

It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.

Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.
I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.

In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.

Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.

Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.

I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide.

The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.
There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.

Son, the ball is now in your hands.

Lovingly,
Dad

So What? Many Filipinos Optimistic About Quality of Life & Economy

2010-05-19T16:55:00.009-04:00

Some good news, an exit poll conducted by Social Weather Stations shows that 49% of Filipinos are optimistic that their quality of life will be better in the next 12 months after the election while, only 2% expect life to be worse. As for economic outlook, 52% of surveyed Filipinos are optimistic, while 2% are pessimistic.

How should you respond to this optimism? Simple lang, don’t crush dreams of others of having a better quality of life. It's so easy to be cynical during hard economics times and when the Philippines is transitioning to a new government. Often people say nagpapakatotoo lang or claim the state of reality for their pessimism. Instead, lets encourage one other to continue hoping for a better tomorrow. Remember the boy with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes? Rather responding with doubt or claiming magpakatotoo tayo, Jesus responded with joy and commended the young boy’s faith. Tayo din sana, and maybe in the process it will change us too to be optimistic and think more of others than ourselves, after all God is in control.

Manhattan Declaration: A Filipino Christian Blogger's New Gig

2010-05-17T22:04:00.000-04:00

I accepted an invitation to be a regular contributor/blogger for the Manhattan Declaration’s new blog site. The Manhattan Declaration is a 4,700-word declaration defending the sanctity of human life, traditional marriage and religious liberty in the United States. The declaration was released on November 2009 in New York City and to date has almost half a million signatures in support. Moreover, the Manhattan Declaration is a growing grassroot movement of people taking a principled stand on critical moral issues.

Though the development of the declaration was motivated by the moral problems the United States face today, Filipinos and evangelical Christians and Catholics around the world can also learn and approve its call for Christian consciousness. Sanctity of life, traditional marriage and religious liberty are important issues all Christians alike should be aware of and should be defending. Debates on these issues may not yet be as heated in the Philippines compared to the US; but it can be someday if Filipinos loose their understanding of absolute Biblical truth or fall into postmodern ideology.

As a Filipino-American and most of all as a follower of Jesus Christ, I read, signed and will blog for the Manhattan Declaration because I stand behind God's words on the three main issues addressed by the Declaration and I want to stop the looking down on Christianity by the secular and liberal bent of the US.

You can visit the Manhattan Declaration's web blog here.

Read and sign the Manhattan Declaration here.

GMA 7 Introduces the Hologram Effect in Election News Coverage in the Philippines

2010-05-12T16:00:00.002-04:00

GMA 7 news coverage of the May 10th Presidential election introduces Filipino audience to the first hologram effect aired live in Philippine TV. It's the same technology CNN used for the first time in 2008 during the US presidential election (click here to see a clip). Its a switch from a typical split screen effect to a "live 3D" remote reporting from the station's field journalists.

GMA is obviously reinventing the wheel in high-tech news reporting to boost rating and stay ahead of its arch rival ABS-CBN news.

I dont know about you, but I don't personally get why GMA 7 has to through the hassle of presenting election news Princess Leia style. What for?

Call me old-fashion but I prefer the split-screen remote live camera correspondence with reporters. Isn't that the whole point of why reporters go to live events so that we can experience what news reporters see, hear and feel in the field?

What do you think?

GMA 7 explains below how the hologram technology works.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Voting is a Sacred Duty: Philippine Presidential Elections, May 10

2010-05-05T16:20:00.000-04:00

Filipinos are scheduled to vote this May 10th for the next President of the Philippines. Christians I believe should lead in heading to the polls and set an example to other Filipinos that casting a vote shouldn't be taken lightly. As Christians, our perspective should be voting is a sacred duty - God, after all, ordains our leaders.

I know choosing a good leaders is not so easy. The endless speech promises and the festive campaign atmosphere may be more of a distraction than a way to educate voters about each candidates. That's why we need to rise above the speeches and prayerfully ask God for wisdom to pick candidates who will carry His purposes for the Philippines.

I agree with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines when they told voters not to believe the promises of candidates and to be more discerning and "mature" in choosing the country’s next leaders.

Filipinos need government leaders who will follow righteousness and will inspire others to do the same. We need leaders who will strengthen the moral spine of Filipinos and will live by example to rise above own self-interest. I know all candidates say they possess all those criterias, we just need to be responsible in filtering through the rhetoric and look pass the hype on each candidate. I admit, its not an easy task.

May God give us the leaders we need, not the ones we deserve. God bless the Philippines on May 10th.

(For Philippine election coverage please visit http://100araw.com/ - I'm one of the bloggers)

Filipino Christian Blogger is Back!

2010-05-04T15:59:00.003-04:00

That's me! - one of the many Filipino Christian bloggers online who's trying to blog their heart out for the Kingdom and influence other Filipinos for the King of Kings. After a down time of relevant blog posts due to my hectic Spring graduate school semester, I am now back in normal schedule and hopefully back blogging again.

In case you forgot or new to this blog site, the Living Rice is a Filipino Christian blog that attempts to discuss everyday Filipino topics from a Christian worldview or Christian values perspective. I try to talk about various things but you'll notice that my bent is towards politics, family and entertainment (may pagka showbiz lang talaga ako!).

During my down time two blog posts were high on my web stats, the marriage contract expiration and Primitivo Mijares articles. If there's one common lesson that can be drawn out of the two different posts is that "man are capable of evil." God made us capable to sin, to love Him or defy Him as a basis of our human dignity.

It is my hope that this all Filipinos will look at their world through a Christian worldview perspective, to understand why evil exists and know how to fight it. We need to wrestle with these hard questions so we can become responsible disciples of Christ and be a godly influence the next generation of Filipinos.

WEEKLY BLOG #11: First Campaign 2012

2010-04-24T03:55:00.001-04:00

This week's class assignment is to imagine the 2012 US presidential election campaign - what will it be like and what are key to win the White House. Definitely, Barrack Obama's campaign is the model or the ideal poster child of successful Web 2.0 presidential campaign. I expect that social media in the 2012 US Presidential elections will be still be dominant. All candidates will channel their inner Barrack Obama, and will try to emulate his election success through online grassroot organizing and social web campaigns. I see presidential candidates diving into new social media trends and grabbing every opportunity these new platforms has to offer to give them an edge and give their message more prominence.

I'm a conservative voter and what I want to see in 2012 is a tech and social web savvy candidate with strong conservative values. John McCain was not so far behind the popular vote in 2008 so I think there's still a chance for a conservative president to rise up in the White House. Republicans should learned their lessons and should be pumped up for another round of presidential campaigning against the Democrats.

There will be a new trend in social media that promises twice as fast, open and in-demand that what we have right now. Whoever my candidate will be should learn how to shift with the times. The biased against conservatism in the mainstream media should be a call to all conservative candidates to wise up and double up their efforts to make social media work for their advantage and fill out the gaps that the traditional news media can't or won't fill. I think 2012 will be more cutthroat than what we witnessed during the Obama-McCain showdown. The candidate should be strategically prepared and technologically fit to knockdown the presidential opponent first and win the 2012 election by the voter's unanimous decision.

WEEKLY BLOG #10: US Military Blogging - Good Idea or Bad Idea?

2010-04-20T17:17:00.000-04:00

I personally think that military blogging should be encouraged. There is no doubt that the internet has power in informing and influencing the public on how all should perceive the United States military. I think the US will benefit if the military will utilize the technology as a tool to create positive perception and combat misinformation about their mission and activities on international territories.

The Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse photos in 2004 is an example where the social web was intrumental in exposing damaging actions by selected members of the military and bring forth justice and open US detention facilities around the world for scrutiny and enforce better regulations. There are also several stories of military bravery that if not for bloggers the public will not hear about it such as the sacrifices of Lt. Michael Murphy (1976-2005) who received the Medal of Honor in 2007.

But the Department of Defense should have some kind of professional military rules and guidelines that all bloggers should follow to ensure operational security are not compromised or confidential information are not leaked online to enemies.

Real life stories of war or military operations are facinating specially if it spot light the heroic efforts of the men and women who serves to defend the freedom of our country and the world. As a kid I was always in awe everytime my grandfather tell us stories of his youth as a guerilla fighter helping US soldiers defeat the Japanese during World War 2. If you think about it, military blogging is a modern way of story-telling that that can positively inform and inspire the many generations to come.

Why Nga Ba Taglish Services in the Philippines Are So Dami and So Popular?

2010-04-17T08:11:00.007-04:00

I was glancing through a Filipino church's website and noticed on the church schedule a Taglish Service. I checked the websites of other urban churches in the Philippines and saw what used to be the Tagalog afternoon service is now labelled as "Taglish." People (including me) have been using Taglish in churches for a long time, but officially labeling a service as "Taglish" is new to me so please forgive my ignorance or commentary if you go or your church has a Taglish service. I still can't get over the stereotypical story of a kolehiyala's encounter of a popular street food in UP Diliman every time I think about "taglish."

Though Taglish is accepted and widely used in everyday conversations it hasn't been recognized as an official language in the Philippines. However, it seems that Taglish has become an effective way to share the message of Christ thus Taglish services are popping out in metropolitan Philippines today.

I have no objections with the use of Taglish to reach people for Christ. My issue is the extinction of the the national language (which I think is unintentional) that help establish a church's national identity and heritage to the public specially to young people and non-Filipinos.

As Christians we should honor our country. But how can we make sure this ideal is preserved and passed on to the next generation if the national language has lost its place in the Filipino church? Sana man lang sa label ma-recognize ang national language natin.

My friend was right on the popularity of Taglish in Filipino churches, "tama lang ang contexualization, pero eron sigurong hangganan ito lalo na kung nakakasama sa kultura at edukasyon."

Do you agree? Does your church has a Taglish service? What are the feedback or how effective is it?

Our Blessed "Virgin" Lady Gaga

2010-04-15T07:00:00.001-04:00

I've featured entertainment personalities in this blog before that are or were celibate (click here and here). But there's a new artist that's worth mentioning, Lady Gaga. Yes, you heard it right, Lady Gaga who's music videos were recently banned for offensive and high sexual content is now claiming to be celibate.

She tells her fans, "it's OK not to have sex, it's OK to get to know people. I'm celibate, celibacy's fine." She also added, "I remember the cool girls when I was growing up. Everyone started to have sex. But it's not really cool anymore to have sex all the time. It's cooler to be strong and independent."

Lady Gaga songs are currently big in the Philippines and theres no doubt she has a significant influence to young fans around the world. I commend and appreciate her for coming out with a positive message to young girls. Now if she can only put her message into her songs and music videos. Is she a true role model or a "poker face?"

WEEKLY BLOG #9: Online & Japanese

2010-04-09T23:31:00.001-04:00

This week's class assignment is to write about a country's blogosphere. I picked Japan as my subject not only because we're required to pick a country that begins with the first letter of our first name but also in honor of the 220,000 Filipinos living in Japan including my sister who is currently stationed in a US Air Base in the country.

Japan is located in East Asia. I also know the country for its advancement in technology and at the same time it’s well preserved culture and traditions.

Based on my research through Global Voice Online, Japan has a large blogging community. In fact Japanese is the number one language of bloggers worldwide with over 70 million recorded weblogs in Japanese over taking blogs in English and Chinese respectively. Why? One blogger theorized which I think is the most compelling reasons are: (1) there are a wide variety of companies offering blog services, and (2) many people update their blogs via mobile phone (over 70% in Japan have mobile phones). Of course this response was written in Japanese and translated by a blogger at Global Voice Online.

I personally think the popularity of mobile devices in Japan (duh? they invented it) is the culprit why Japan leads the blogosphere in content and readership. I did quick Google research on blogs that originates from Japan and what I noticed was there are a lot (based on my observation) of personal dairies, video blogs, photo blogs and blog content that are posted from a portable device. Unfortunately because it’s in Japanese I can’t determine if the Japanese blogs I briefly visited delve in specific topics or content. So I wonder how much Japan ranks in terms of socially relevant and useful blog content in the world.

WEEKLY BLOG #8: Power of the Crowd

2010-04-05T23:16:00.001-04:00

Wikipedia uses the concept of crowdsourcing which according to the online encyclopedia is a a neologistic compound of "crowd" and "outsourcing" for the act of taking tasks traditionally performed by an employee or contractor, and outsourcing them to a group of people or community, through an "open call" to a large group of people (a crowd) asking for contributions.

Think of American Idol, where the public decide who they want to be their next big pop star rather than selected music executives making the pick. It's empowering and gives people ownership on their musical judgments.

Crowdsourcing is a trend that many companies are getting into. Major brands in almost all industries such as news media, manufacturing, fashion and design have somehow jumped into the bandwagon of getting the public part of their business decisions. But crowdsourcing in my opinion is a touchy topic because success on it really depends on when and how it’s used. Though it has its benefits such as what ww saw the Haiti earthquake, at times it is a bad idea and will most likely produce results that are more problematic to the brand. See here for examples.

It depends on the quality of the crowd. I think the more democratic or limitless the process is the more it is vulnerable to unreliable or malicious content. Remember President Obama’s first online Town Hall meeting hijacked by marijuana enthusiast?

There are plenty of information and ideas that can be made available and opened to the public for contributions. But it will be hard to know which one comes from a reliable source and which one’s not. It is, after all, quality of information that we should be after and not quantity. Because at the end of the day, its not what's trendiest the public follows but what it trusts.

RESPONSE BLOG #3: First Time Social Media Engagement is Like Your First Time Having Sex?

2010-04-02T16:07:00.002-04:00

Call me old-fashion or prude but I wont go as far as Jason Mical's comparison of first time social media engagement to first time sex. Though I must admit his post on the subject was eye catching and quite entertaining (Warning: article contains mild profanity). Consider my response on first-time social media engagement for companies and businesses to be more conservative or modest in tone and content - suitable for children and the audience I'm trying to reach.

A common mistake companies and organizations commit when engaging in social media for the first time is a wrong focus on technology rather than their business objectives. Companies are quick to conclude that a presence in the social media environment such as blog, FaceBook or Twitter is the final end goal of their social media campaign. However, choosing a technology or the online platform alone is a weak goal and the campaign is bound to fall short or not reach its full potential.

A bona fide communication strategy is vital to ensure strength and sustainability in the growing and complex social media environment. As CC Chapman of Managing the Gray Podcast described “social media is like water… don’t just jump in.” Companies and organizations need to think twice and carefully look at the bottom of the swimming pool before they dive into the social media waters. Without assessing the depth of the pool, the water, a creative public relations campaign, may look clear and safe until the company leaps in and realize the campaign hits rock bottom or drowning from overwhelming messages from the web community. The main objective is to swim not to dive. Thus, the organization needs to be strategic in social media. Look before you dive. Cautiously check the water first then decide which side of the swimming pool is safe to dive in.

Social media begin with the end in mind. The communication strategy is not the goal. It’s the path an organization takes to get there. The organization’s goal is fuel that runs the social media bandwagon. It is imperative for an organization to differentiate social media technology from social media strategy. Determining the social media channels are good but what’s more important, understands who to reach out to and how to use social media channels to engage a better, collaborative and creative two-way relationship with potential stakeholders. As Chris Brogan said, “a strategy aligns the path we’re going to take and develop with an understanding of how to reach the goals. Where are we going? How are we going to get there? How do we know we’ve arrived?”

In laying out a social media strategy, effective research must take place to get a bigger picture of the organization, brand or cause. Listening to the social web community is the most effective research methodology. The organization need to listen to find out if someone or no one is talking about your organization or cause. Listening can be done through blog or search-engine search.

In conclusion, a communication strategy is fundamental in any social media campaigns. A well-established strategy is a well-informed strategy and it can only be done through effective listening. Listening will answer important questions essential in designing a plan to reach the organization’s social media goals. Questions such as: Why do you need a social media campaign?; Who are your consumers or stakeholders? How do you want to execute a campaign (i.e. FaceBook or Youtube)?; How do your stakeholders perceive your organization or cause? And, are you ready to openly communicate with your stakeholders and most especially with your critique? Once the organization has strong, honest and realistic answers to these questions then it is safe and clear to dive into social media head first or feet first.

WEEKLY BLOG #7: In Wiki We Trust

2010-03-30T03:45:00.006-04:00

I had a brief career as an encyclopedia salesman in 1995. We were trained to knock on doors and persuade people that they can trust the Lexicon Universal Encyclopedia for their school and home research. Once a lawyer bragged that he didn't use an encyclopedia in law school to become a successful attorney. My response, you're a judge by now if you used an encyclopedia in law school. I was immediately pointed out to the door.

Fast forward 15 years, our spiels as encyclopedia sales man are outdated and our clients might let their guard dogs out if we insist that the 21 volumes of Lexicon Encyclopedia is the only source of information they need.

Long were the days when people pick up a 10 pound volume of Encyclopedia Britanica or call the local TV news station for research information - watch the 1957 film Desk Set with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. Knowledge and information are now a few mouse clicks away.

This week my Social Media PR class asked the following questions: should we trust Wikipedia or an expert-led encyclopedia more? How could Wikipedia be better set-up to better provide accuracy? Should it be open to everyone or just verified “experts”?

Wikipedia is tagged as The free encyclopedia and any form of control or take over by an exclusive group of "experts" goes against the Open Brand principle that makes Wikipedia unique and followed by millions. Unfortunately, Wikipedia's openness is also what makes the data on the website questionable.

I stopped using Wikipedia as my main source of information when I learned that the online encyclopedia is user contributed content which means anyone can create an account and contribute. This a problem because entries are vulnerable to the contributor's ideology and bias specially on controversial or disputable topics such as politics and history - see what happend to the 2010 Philippines Presidential Election page. In addition, articles that appear incomplete or one-sided are often posted without citations.

My conclusion, it would be wrong to say that Wikipedia is all good or all bad. Wikipedia can be very useful, but you and I need to know how to use it responsibly. Wikipedia is a great place to start a research but it should never end there. It’s a great starting point because it give quick summaries on any subject and provide links- links that can point you to more reliable sources of information and not outside an angry lawyer's door.

For a humorous take on this subject, check out Mr. Wikipedia on YouTube.

I also saw this video (embedded below) on what students think about Wikipedia.

RESPONSE BLOG #2: Can Presidential Candidates in the Philippines Rely on Social Media to Win?

2010-03-25T07:03:00.003-04:00

The festive atmosphere during Philippine election campaign is at its peak. Candidates are busy doing campaign staples such as song-and-dance numbers, baby hugs, TV appearances, autograph signing and photo opportunities to earn more vote on May 10th election day. Many of the presidential candidates are also channeling their inner Barrack Obama with the use of social media to win a presidential election. All of the 10 presidential candidates and their running mates are online selling their platform and personalities on popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Friendster, Multiply, Twitter and Youtube.

Top leading candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino has nine interactive websites, 880,000+ fans on his Facebook and over 38,000 followers on Twitter. Closely behind is Manny Villar who has about 8 campaign websites, 835,000+ fans of Facebook and only 2,000 followers on Twitter. Both are working hard in showing transparency and approachability with personal tweets and messages to inform and connect with their target constituents.

However Im skeptical with Filipino blogger and social media specialist Carlo Ople when he concluded, "Social Media is a gamechanger. It can be a factor that will lead to votes and will cement the victory of a candidate if used properly." Can presidential candidates in the Philippines rely on social media to win the presidency?

According to a 2009 study by AC Nielsen and Yahoo only 28% of 35 million Filipinos living in urban areas have internet access. Of those online, only 20% are in the voting age of 20-29 years and majority are mostly underage or ineligible voters, 10-19 years.

The effectiveness of social media to convert Filipino fans and followers into votes and catapult a presidential candidate to victory is still yet to be seen. The Philippines limited internet access is an obstacle to see the full potential of this virtual medium as a major campaign tool in the country. Television and radio continues to dominate as the country’s main media channel- with an estimated 90% of Filipino households owning a television set and a radio. In the meantime candidates will just have to channel not Barrack Obama but their inner old school politician with the use of popular TV/movie celebrity endorsers to win a national election.

(Adapted from 100araw)

WEEKLY BLOG #6: Welcome to Second Life

2010-03-22T21:07:00.001-04:00

I did it! I signed up for Second Life today. Second Life as Business Week puts it "is one of the many so-called massively multiplayer online (MMO) games that are booming in popularity these days. Because thousands of people can play at once, they’re fundamentally different from traditional computer games in which one or two people play on one PC.”

This new MMO world I just entered is definitely different from the Ataris and Pacmans I used to play when I was growing up in the Philippines. I didn't go crazy over video games but I do remember being sent to the principals office once because of too much time spent in class playing Tetris and Game & Watch. In the late 1990s, roles were reversed when I was the one sending students to the head nuns office (I was a science instructor in an all-girls Catholic college) because of too much Tamagochi Pets during lecture.

In Second Life, I have an Avatar or an alternate virtual identity that can roam around in a 3 dimensional world, do things and interact with other Avatars. The US Army uses Second Life for their recruitment and more companies are now discovering the 3D alternative universe for public relations and communications.

Unfotunately, these are not the first things that come to my mind when I think of MMOs. The South Korean couple that let their 3-month-old baby starve to death while they spent all their time raising a virtual child is still fresh in my mind. News about online fantasy worlds taking over ones real world is sobering and anyone engaged in virtual realities should be aware that uncontrolled use of MMOs can lead to dangerous escapism and Internet addiction.

My current job has no use for MMO or Second Life as of now so I dont think there's reason for me to get hooked on it aside from being requirement for my Social Media class. But if there one thing that got me pumped up with Second Life, it was the opportunity to create a virtual identity. Finally, I was able to use my fantasy wrestling nickname "Hanger" for something. I named my Second Life alter ego "Hanger Blindside" and I vision him to be a mixed martial artist and a Marine - something I occasionally day dream of. Because if I can't be those in real life, at least I can be in Second Life.

Go Hanger Blindside!

WEEKLY BLOG #5: Who's Scared of Google?

2010-03-18T00:00:00.003-04:00

If you can't find answers to your questions, what do you do? You, "Google it!" If someone asked you a question and you don't know the answer? You say, "Google it!" The fact that Google has become a vocabulary of its own, is proof that Google's influence to the public is widespread.

I was a Yahoo user prior my discovery of Google in 2000. Since then I used the popular search website as my home page. But if I think I get more information from Google, I should think again. Truth is Google get more information about me than what I get from Google, and to many, this is a waving red flag that shouldn't be ignored.

According to the New York Times, "Google began raising ethical concerns with various projects including mapping the entire planet, archiving classic works of literature and storing newspaper articles. With a project aimed at photographing every street in America and beyond, a feature that tracks the physical location of its users, an e-mail service that searches for keywords in written correspondence - and now with a new online service that records and transcribes voicemail - Google has raised eyebrows among privacy advocates"

A lot has been said on Google's "big brother" tendencies and massive data collection even tagging the search giant as "scary" or "evil." But unless my PC levitate on its own and my homepage start vomiting green goo at me I'm will not be scared of the Google's quest for world domination.

Because in my opinion, real "evil" lies with those who exploit the information for selfish and wicked purposes, not those who collect it and make it available - remember the Mumbai terror attacks of 2008?

If fear is the concern, there are other things that comes to my mind that will make me run for cover than the number of Google applications that multiply faster than the Gremlins or its unnecessary sequels. Below are ten most scariest things for me- scarier than Google's rapid expansion nor Michael Jackson. If you want to learn more about the things on my list, the best way is to (lets say it all together)... "GOOGLE IT!"

Jason's Top 10 Scariest Things (in no particular order):
1. Loosing a love one unexpectedly
2. Dentist
3. Public shootings
4. Movie "Jaws"
5. Frogs
6. Public speaking
7. Being tortured
8. Plane crashes
9. Regan from "The Exorcists"
10. Catheters

PERSONAL BLOG #3: Drought Perils the "8th Wonder of the World"

2010-03-07T13:47:00.002-05:00

According to this report, the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces and the entire town of Banaue in Ifugao province has been placed under a state of calamity due the continued drought caused by the El Nino phenomenon. The lack of rainfall and invasion of large earthworms made rice paddies vulnerable to erosion thus affecting the livelihood of many farmers in the Cordillera region.

The Banaue Rice Terraces commonly referred as the "Eight Wonder of the World" is a "World Heritage Site" and a popular tourist destination in the Philippines. National Geographic featured the terraces in its 25th anniversary edition last year by including it on it 50 Places of a Lifetime list or the world best travel destination.

Legend has it that an Igorot god used the rice terraces as steps to visit his people on earth. But the good news tells a different story, it talks about a god that is "near to all who call on him" and who commands his people to "bear one another's burden."

This said, you can help struggling farmers by helping raise awareness on the serious problems they're facing today and by purchasing locally grown rice from socially responsible sources such those from Eight Wonder Inc. - an international business organization that supports sustainable agriculture and fair trade of selected varieties of heirloom rice harvested from 18 farm communities in the rice terraces. (see embedded video below).

But the best and more effective way to help farmers from the long dry spell is to simply pray to God for rain.

Click here for more information on Eight Wonder Inc.

WEEKLY BLOG #4: The Long Tail and a Deadly Tale

2010-03-02T23:00:00.002-05:00

As a marketer, applying the Long Tail, a concept developed by Wired Magazine Editor-in-Chief Chris Anderson means implementing new marketing techniques to build markets and a successful business. The Long Tail suggest a new way to generate profits, to sell less of the popular items and sell more of the unique and hard-to-find. This new model relies on niche communities as target consumers and to sell to them requires heavy use of online and word-of-mouth marketing strategies in social media networks and virtual communities.

There are niches for everyone in the internet. For music lovers each want his or her way of deciding what music to listen and tunes to buys. It made new media sites such as iTunes, Rhapsody and Amazon very popular because it can provide specific sounds to satisfy a demanding, self-centered audience with various musical tastes. According to Anderson, "the misses (less popular music) makes money too. And because there are so many of them, that money can add up quickly to huge new markets."

Singing It "My Way"

I have to admit, one of my prized personal possessions at home is my Magic Sing Millennium Edition Karaoke Microphone that has 1000 song titles to choose from. Like many other Filipinos around the world, I like to sing Karaoke for fun and relaxation. Not only did a Filipino invent the Karaoke, but also, Filipinos are just born music lovers, which explains our shameless public display of our vocal power. A typical Filipino gathering is not complete without a Karaoke session.

Karaoke is something that many Filipinos share with other music lovers around the world. There are large virtual communities like Ksolo and Sing Snap for Karaoke singers and a Meetup group that has 244 subgroups and more than 35,000 members from 7 countries. A niche community loyal to sappy 80's guilty-pleasure tunes perfect for anyones repertoire.

Unfortunately, in recent days, the biggest news and blog conversations on my favorite pastime are the "My Way killings" in the Philippines. The Frank Sinatra hit is so popular in Karaoke clubs that many are fighting over the song, resulting in several reported deaths. As the article suggests, the song's arrogant and narcissistic lyrics may have something to do with it. But from what I hear, killings occur because everyone has a strong opinion on how the song should be sung. Those who murder the song with out-of-tune renditions can themselves be murdered by annoyed listeners, and those who sing it well get a final curtain call from jealous rivals. Obviously, Filipinos take their singing seriously. The New York Times summed it up best: “Filipinos, who pride themselves on their singing, may have a lower tolerance for bad singers.”

Here’s a cheesy YouTube video of "My Way." Feel free to sing along . . . at your own risk.

(Image courtesy of NY Times)

RESPONSE BLOG #1: The Dancing Inmates of the Philippines are Back! But is it for Good?

2010-02-25T11:50:00.002-05:00

The dancing prisoners of Cebu in the Philippines are back. This time one of Michael Jackson's choreographers was flown in from the U.S. to teach inmates a new dance routine to top their original "Thriller" performance in 2007 that made them an instant viral video sensation.

The routine was part of Prison Chief Byron Garcia's program for inmate rehabilitation through dance and fitness. But while many were entertained by the prisoners, not all were impressed by their synchronized dance moves. My own feelings on the dancing inmates have changed since I first blogged about them two years ago.

What many don't know is that numerous complaints have been filed against Byron Garcia; his sister, the governor of Cebu; and wardens at the prison facility since 2004 by a local human rights group called Karapatan for alleged inhumane treatment of inmates. The group believes prisoners are forced into the routines and are harassed and blackmailed if they refuse to participate.

This story may bring us to look at the dances from a whole new point of view. Because if it’s proven true that the inmates were forced to dance against their will and their dignity violated, then there's no rehabilitation done after all.

Image from the Pinoy Examiner

PERSONAL BLOG #2: Buying Sex is Not a Sport

2010-02-24T14:28:00.000-05:00

The Olympics is a time to celebrate human excellence and sportsmanship, but it also exposes the worst in human behavior. An event unknown to many that takes place during large sporting events like the Olympics is human sex trafficking -- a dirty little sport played mostly by male tourists that victimizes many innocent women and children. According to a report by The Future Project, an anti-human trafficking organization in Canada, the sex trade grows exponentially during the Olympics. The number of sex trade victims doubled in 2004 during the Athens Games and still hasn’t returned to pre-2004 levels.

One of the campaigns seeking to stop human trafficking is the Buying Sex is Not a Sport campaign developed by REED (Resist Explotation, Embrace Dignity):

Buying Sex Is Not a Sport is a grassroots campaign to raise awareness and effect change around sex trafficking and the 2010 Olympic games. The demand for sexual access to the bodies of women and children fuels human trafficking. Women and children in Metro Vancouver and Whistler are routinely coerced into the flesh trade to meet this demand, and a large sporting event such as the 2010 Olympics will only further exploitation through a rise in the demand for paid sex.

It is still unclear what impact Buying Sex is Not a Sport will produce, but REED’s noble efforts are worth cheering for. Because organizations and people who seek to preserve human dignity and uphold the Imago Dei deserve a standing ovation and a gold medal.

Here’s how to get involved. And here's a video that offers more information.

WEEKLY BLOG #3: Changes on the Way People Communicate Changes Society

2010-02-22T20:20:00.003-05:00

Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations is a book I just started reading on what happens when people are given the tools to do things together, without needing traditional organizational structures. Author Clay Shirky elaborated a fascinating thesis that we’re now going from a world where the media’s role to inform changes to a new role of sharing and collaborative action to bring change. Shirky also noted that changes on the way people communicate changes society (more on embedded video below).

As a Filipino, I witnessed first-hand the power of social media particularly text messaging to influence change. The citizen revolution in 2001 also known as "People Power 2" was a successful display of powerful organizing and social media's role in overthrowing a government. As one blogger described the event, the most vocal, most determined and most organized participants in the uprising were armed with cellphones.

Changes in the media landscape are happening right before our eyes and the ramifications to society are powerful and often unpredictable. But as the People Power revolution in the Philippines revealed, communications tool doesn’t bring change but the people who use it. Millions of people around the world are drawn to digital communication like text messaging, Facebook and blogs because it gives users a voice and empowers everyone to influence others with their message. A right innately desired and pursued by all human beings – freedom. But with freedom comes with responsibility.

A country’s Bill of Rights was developed to guarantee basic freedom and rights to all its citizens. It ensures civil liberties like speech, assembly and religion. Its authority encompasses all human organizations including the social web.

Bloggers agree that a digital Bill of Rights is imperative to maintain order and civility in the social web. The document is to ensure the protection of all users from serious issues like copyright infringement and privacy violations that plagues social media from time to time because of the irresponsibility of others and can tarnish the affirmative reputation of the social web.

Social media has a positive potential to be a catalyst for social change and developing an official document or list is necessary to strengthen its credibility and prevent any forms of abuse. But more than the Bill of Rights, what the social web really needs is a Bill of Responsibility or Code of Ethics to bring back common sense and integrity to all its users. Because people who are responsible and accountable means a bright and sustainable change for everyone.

PERSONAL BLOG #1: Celebrating Tim Tebow

2010-02-12T16:17:00.001-05:00

The pro-life movement almost went nuts over Tim Tebow's Super Bowl ad aired last Sunday. Below is the clip and you decide if commercial was worth the fuss. Tell me what's so controversial about it? Personally, I didn't see anything divisive, political or anti-choice on the ad.

But whichever side you're on, I think we can agree that the hype the ad created prior to its broadcast brought a lot of attention to Focus on the Family - the organization that sponsored the ad, it's cause and Tebow family story and their heart to help the country of my birth the Philippines

I don't follow college football so I don't know much about 2007 Heisman Trophy awardee, Tim Tebow is until I read a read a full article on Filipinas Magazine. I quickly became a Tim Tebow fan but not because we share the same faith and pro-life position but because of his family's long history of serving Filipino children in Mindanao - located South of the Philippines. Bob and Pam Tebow (Tim's parents) felt the call to be missionaries in the Philippines and moved the entire family of six to Mindanao in 1985. The Tebow's are now back in the United States, but their Filipino ties remains strong feeding many Filipinos food for their hungry bodies and soul. Through the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association the Tebow's conducts annual summer mission trips (with Tim of course), runs an orphanage, church planting and pastors training.

Filipinos don't follow American football. So the chances of Tim being recognized as a celebrity is slim. But thats OK, you don't have to be a big star to win the hearts of the Filipinos. One just need to celebrate life and family and judging from the "controversial" Super Bowl ad, the Tebows are always winners in the Philippines.

(Image courtesy of The Associated Press & Elev8)

WEEKLY BLOG #2: Will the World's First Blogger Please Stand Up?

2010-02-09T21:00:00.002-05:00

Names that claims to be the world's first blogger is shady. As CNET News said,

Awarding the bragging rights a the first blogger is more than a little tricky because the definitions of "blog" and "blogger" are slippery. Any definition should probably include posts sorted by date, with the newest posts at the top and the rest archived for future use.

Scott Rosenberg, author of the the book Say Everything agrees as you can tell on an entertaining video blog he posted online to track down the first blogger to walk on the surface of the Earth.

My first venture into blogging was in 2006 when I was asked to be a regular contributor for The Point - BreakPoint's official weblog. I was alarmed because English was not my first language and I didn't think I'll be able to measure up with the experienced writers on The Point. Now, four years have passed I am still actively blogging for The Point and last year created my first personal blog The Living Rice. It gave me a platform to not only to express my thoughts but it opened the door to influence people on social causes I care about.

Through blogging I was able to talk and write confidently regardless of what's going on or who am I talking to. Im learning to voice my opinions and take some risks. I am able to command more respect and others to see my value. It's pushing me to reach for excellence on the things I want to say and the way I write. It gave me a sense of freedom and boldness for my true self to shine through.

The mystery remains on who the first blogger really is, but whoever you are, you deserve the recognition for the many opportunities that came out of your first blog. You pioneered shaping the opinions of many and becoming more popular that tradition media. Blog influences opinions and impacts governments, business, media and how people run their lives. You're a trailblazer in connecting people. Blogs creates new communities, breaking down geographical barriers for people to engage in meaningful conversations. Lastly, you opened the door and gave people a voice. Blogs allows those who have not been heard to shout their hearts and thoughts to the world- and the message resonates loud and clear from voices not from me but from the 133 million blogs around the world.

(Image courtesy of Flickr)

WEEKLY BLOG #1: The Cluetrain Revolution

2010-02-02T14:25:00.003-05:00

I just started reading the "Cluetrain Manifesto: The End of Business As Usual" for class. The book was published a decade ago but the essence of the book remains current and applicable to this day. Cluetrain Manifesto has 95 Theses that serves as the "golden rules" a company should live but in order to be succesful in their business. But the theses can be summed up into three main points: (1) Market are conversations; (2) the internet is about giving the public a voice; and (3) understanding and engaging in the conversation can lead to results organizations want.

The market have evolved into more than just "target consumers" and "audiences." Instead of numbers and demographics, the market are now made up of voices. Conversation of people who seek one another to share common interests without filters or interuptions from the media or any corporate entity. Organizations are no longer in full control of their brands. Simply broadcasting a message to the market is obsolete and no longer an effective way of mass communications.

The internet gave people the podium to speak their voice loud. Cluetrain noted a powerful conversation has begun. Through the internet, people are discovering and inventing new ways to share relevant knowledge with blinding speed. As a direct result, markets are getting smarter and getting smarter faster than most companies. People want to talk. Its a common need of human beings that want to connect and be free to express oneself. People will tend to move towards the direction where they know their voices are welcome and will quickly abandon organization that don't meet those needs. The game has changed and companies who want to be successful in their business must learn to adapt.

An organization should learn to navigate the sea of conversations taking place online. The kind of conversations are very social and personal; diverse and interconnected; focused and unpredictable. Understanding voices that echos thought the web enables the company to stay informed and on top of their business. Companies are required to approach their brand with a new business model that not only provide superior products and services but also listens and dialogue with the consumers. It's a new perspective companies must learn to embrace. Consumers are now co-creator of brands and the by-product of the company's engagement to the conversations are well-satisfied and loyal communities of consumers.

(Cartoon image from Blending the Mix)

Pessimistic About Smartmatic?

2010-02-01T17:13:00.000-05:00

Public cynicism toward politics seems to be an all-time high. Many express disgust for the political process and many are unhappy with the corruption and dishonesty that are expected to occur during election season. That’s why I am hopeful that COMELEC is boldly going where no Philippine election has gone before, automated polling.

The more I read about Smartmatic’s automated election system, the more I am convinced that the Philippines will finally get accurate honest election results this May, that is if the computerized ballot boxes will work. Unfortunately many are also pessimistic about the automation.

Smartmatic’s delay in delivering poll machines and technical flaws exposed during its test run was a public relations nightmare for the company. It raised more doubts if the Philippines is capable to pull off the first computerized election in history.

If Smartmatic and COMELEC don’t get it act together and prove to the public the efficiency and benefits of high-tech canvassing system, then we’ll be back to familiar grounds and end up doing manual elections after all. Is this what Filipino voters want? COMELEC is confident that no problems will occur on the automation. Voters should support their claim and be responsible citizens by being well-informed on how the system will work.

Part of the responsibility is also to be watchful for posible fraud and continue hold COMELEC accountable to make sure the integrity of the first computerized election will not be compromised with more delays, technical glitches and security problems.

Automation is uncharted territory in the Philippines and May 10th will judge if the multi-million pesos Filipinos paid from their pockets to Smartmatic was well spent. I’m hopeful that it will not disappoint.

(Orginally posted on 100araw.com)

Psyched 100 Days Before the Philippine Elections, May 10

2010-01-31T02:00:00.003-05:00

I'm totally psyched this week because of my social media class at Georgetown. I'm ready to learn from my professors and begin hands-on application of the various social media platforms online. We're required to write 18 blog posts and I'll be posting my blog assignments on the The Living Rice in the next three months or so - please pardon me if you see entries that are not related to what I usually post on this site (requirement lang po sa eskwela).

But what I am most proud of, I was invited to be a contributor for 100 Araw (100 days) a group blog project that aims to feature news and commentaries of the Philippine National elections on May 10th from Filipinos of various disciplines, fields and points of view. I am honored to be part of this project and collaborate with other Filipino bloggers around the world. I feel like in my own little way, I am helping Filipinos to be informed and engaged in the Philippine election process. Please bookmark http://www.100araw.com/ or subscribe to its RSS feed.

The end of the semester and election day in the Philippines will fall almost the same time. I'll be busy fulfilling my school requirements and commitment in sharing my voice for 100araw.com. As I count the days closer to the last day of school and a new administration to take office in the Philippines, I hope this experience will also take me some steps closer in becoming a well-rounded communications professional and a responsible and influential Filipino.

Let the count down begin!

Would You Allow a Bronze Statue of Barrack Obama in the Philippines?

2010-01-28T09:55:00.001-05:00

I posted a question on Facebook that I want to publish here on the blog. Apparently, our neighbors in Indonesia are debating if a bronze statue of a young President Barrack Obama should remain displayed on Jakarta’s Menteng Park. Obama was known to live in Jakarta when his mother married an Indonesian man in the late 60’s. The statue was unveiled near the elementary school Obama went to and was intended to inspire young Indonesians to dream big. Opponents of the statue which are mostly organized through social media argue that a statue of a native Indonesian should be honored instead of Barrack Obama who is an American. They also claim that Obama has not yet played a significant role in helping Indonesians nor has any important connection to the country except for knowing a few Indonesian words.

My question is, if Barrack Obama lived in the Philippines for a few years as a boy, would you allow a bronze statue to be put up in honor of him?

Epigenetics and Sin

2010-01-26T11:12:00.001-05:00

TIME magazine's cover story on the new science of epigenetics examines evidence that environmental factors like diet and stress can make an imprint on ones gene's without changing the DNA, and can be passed down from one generation to the next.

I still can't wrap my mind around the possible implications of epigenetics on the "I was born this way" argument, commonly heard from many claiming genetic predisposition for behaviors such as homosexuality and sexual infidelity. But the article reminded me of the numerous Biblical warnings about sin and its consequences passed down from fathers and succeeding generations.

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation." Exodus 34:6-7 (NIV)

(Originally posted on The Point blog)

Are You Smarter than Flipper?

2010-01-19T17:25:00.002-05:00

If tuna is the “chicken of the sea,” dolphins may soon be labeled the “non-human person of the sea.” According to this report, scientists are suggesting that because dolphins are so bright, they should be treated as “non-human persons" and qualify for "moral standing as individuals."

The lucky mammals bumped the chimpanzees down the hierarchy as the most intelligent animal in the world next to humans. And because it has advance communications and sensory skills, the dolphin may have the potential to overtake dogs for the title of man’s BFF. But most alarming, it beat unborn human beings for the scientist’s seal of approval to allow rights equal to those of already-born humans. Unless human fetuses can learn to find shapes underwater or jump through hula hoops, it won't be long before we'll see bumper stickers that say “my dolphin is smarter than your honor roll student.”

(Adapted from The Point blog)

(Image from brgps.edu)

Sex DOESN'T Sell

2010-01-17T07:02:00.002-05:00

I found an interesting article from the American Psychological Association's (APA) journal, released late last year, that proves sex in the movies doesn’t sell. According to their research:

Although it is commonly assumed that “sex sells” in mainstream cinema, recent research indicates a far more ambiguous relation between strong sexual content and financial performance. Moreover, such content may not be justified by either critical evaluations or movie awards. The literature even suggests that cinematic sex may reflect long-term gender biases in the film industry. The current study investigates these issues by addressing two questions. First, what is the impact of sex and other graphic content on the central criteria of cinematic success? Second, to what extent is such content contingent on the proportion of women engaged in filmmaking, whether as producers, directors, writers, or actors? Analyses of 914 films released between 2001 and 2005 indicated that sex and nudity do not, on the average, boost box office performance, earn critical acclaim, or win major awards. Although female involvement does influence a film’s content, the only impact on the presence of sex and nudity is the proportion of women who make up the cast.

Though the APA finding was good news, it’s not yet a big reason for celebration. Hollywood still has a long way to go before they finally get it. Many slips in the PG or PG-13 ratings at the movies, and in TV ratings as well, allow portrayals of casual sex that are inappropriate for young audiences. Moreover, pornography remains a billion dollar industry in the world and is becoming more accessible through the web, cable and mobile phones. If there’s one consolation the APA findings bring, it’s knowing that boycotting R-rated movies will not be hard to do because not only does sex in the movies not sell, it doesn’t impress either.

(Adapted from The Point blog)

Pray for Haiti

2010-01-14T17:55:00.003-05:00

Raw footage of the earthquake that hit Haiti found on Youtube recently reminds me of the 7.7 Richter scale earthquake that devastated the northern Philippines in 1990 that killed more than 5000 people.
I can still vividly remember where I was when the earth shook. But the memory I can’t forget was watching Dolly, a high school girl interviewed live on TV while trapped inside her collapsed school buidling. The video showed her begging for water and the following day an image of a trapped lifeless girl covered with concrete dust was shown. I also know someone whose mother, Sonia was trapped in a collapse hotel, but her fate was entirely different from Dolly. Sonia ate toilet paper and drank urine to survive under piles of rubble and then got rescued after 36 hours. She is now a successful community leader and shares her story of survival to inspire others.

Haiti is one of the poorest nations in the world and its hard to even imagine what the people of Haiti feel now that another catastrophe hit their already struggling nation. Reports say that hundreds of thousands may have been killed and 1/3 of its entire population may need emergency aid. The gravity of the situation makes one feel helpless. But are we really helpless? In times like this, I try to remember 3 things that you and I can do:

Stay informed. Follow the news so you will know how to help and get updated on important information to discuss and pass on to your friends.

Give. Share whatever you have to victims or to those who help them. You can give money, in-kind or volunteer time but before you do so, be sure to know who your giving your money or resource to.

Pray. The best call that we can do is the call to God. Pray for the victims and the ongoing rescue. Pray for the aftermath that Haiti will rebound soon and that it will produce survival stories that will inspire thousands and testify that life is "like vapor" and “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

(Image from BBC)

Marriage Contract Expiration Date: Deal or No Deal?

2010-01-11T18:48:00.004-05:00

GMA 7 news reported that Filipino feminist group, 1-ABAAM were proposing a 10-year expiration date on marriage contracts and failure to extend the contract automatically makes the marriage null and void (click here to see video report). Though I know the effort is a long shot from ever happening, the subject can still be considered alarming since proponents and their liberal agenda made it to prime time local news.

Adapting from an article I read, the assault on marriage "uses the rhetoric and language" of choice and the marketplace to make it sound attractive and convenient to everyone. The market rhetoric is a subtle disguise on a group's extreme liberal agenda and their goal to create the perfect independent woman. This worldview is deceptive and dangerous to Filipino families.

What do you think will happen if marriage simply become a "contract" and stopped being a holy matrimony? Its anything goes! Both parties are free to negotiate and demand terms of their contract. Instead of the solemn vow made before God and the community, it becomes a "business deal" where the main rule is to get what I want and get the best end of the deal. It will weaken important values such as generosity and self-sacrifice essential to a healthy family. Because it will encourage selfish actions and destroy families, expiration dates on marriage contracts is a "NO DEAL!"

Lessons from Kimmy Dora

2010-01-10T16:00:00.010-05:00

The last few days of my recent Christmas vacation was spent catching up on the Filipino movies I missed in 2009 with my wife. One flick that I made sure I get a glimpse of was the Kimmy Dora. An indepedently produced comedy which stars Eugene Domingo, Ariel Ureta, Dingdong Dantes, et al. The positive reviews the film got commending the lead actor, script writers and director were well deserved. The film was well done and was truly entertaining.

But do we watch movies only to be entertained? I hope not, as I said before as Christians we shouldn't lose ourselves in the art of cinema and look at movies more than just a form of entertainment. We should train ourselves to see movies as a new way of delivering beauty and moral truth to our world.

I was orginally planning to compose a list of values one can learn from the movie until I stumbled upon a good review by experienced columnist Ricky Gallardo which has a well written list of life lessons from twins Kimmy and Dora. Im posting the list below:

1. Family first. The family comes first, always. No matter how different we are from our siblings, our parents or relatives, they are the givens in life that we cannot change. In the end, when everyone has deserted you, you can always come home to your family.

2. Loving unconditionally. In the movie, we saw how the dad (played by Ariel Ureta) expressed his love for both daughters, even if Kimmy did not truly deserve it. The dad was not just fair, but he was extremely patient and understanding in dealing with difficult situations, especially the fights between his twin girls. We also saw how Dora, the more intellectually challenged of the twins, rose above her mental and physical limitations to continuously try to show everyone, especially her nasty sister, that it is not difficult to be nice and loving and uncomplicated. Her love for her twin was unconditional.

3. Kindness to animals. Dora brought home a mutt that figured in an accident and a rich girl like her treated the poor dog as if it were a pure-bred canine. Meanwhile, her bitchy twin did everything to get rid of the dog.

4. Love transcends the physical. Johnson, the twin girls’ love interest (played by Dingdong Dantes), reminds everyone that we should look beyond the physical to be able to truly appreciate a person. He saw something special in Dora’s simplicity and her innate goodness, and he expressed this to her. Oftentimes, we forget that a little affirmation and a good deed to people can make a big difference in their lives and the way they feel about themselves.

5. Love can never be forced. No matter how much we love someone, if the other person does not feel anything for us, then we should just let the feeling—or the fantasy—go. Love that is forced often leads to tragic outcomes. No matter how much Kimmy feels for Johnson, it won’t work because she doesn’t even know how to love.

6. Never steal someone’s lover.

7. Appreciate the people around you. Gertrude, the secretary of Kimmy (played by Miriam Quiambao) has served her boss for so many years. Even if she is her constant shock absorber and the recipient of all her boss’s rudeness, Gertrude remains a loyal employee.

8. Asking for forgiveness. It s not hard to ask for forgiveness. It is never difficult to change and correct whatever wrong we have done if we are truly sincere about wanting to. Even if it’s not in her character, Kimmy mustered enough guts to say sorry to Dora when she realized how wrong she was and how evil she had been to her.

9. Just be nice. Surprisingly, this is something some people have difficulty achieving in their lifetime. I do not understand why there are people who choose to whine, complain, demand attention, or be just plain rude. It is so easy to be pleasant, polite, courteous, uncomplicated—in short, to be sincerely nice.

10. Everyone is special. We are all different. We have different gifts and talents. We were brought up differently. We are all unique beings. We just have to respect others for who they are. We cannot change people but we can always be instruments in making people feel good about themselves. We can also be bridges in making others become better and happier people.

See below for the full trailer of Kimmy Dora.

(image from PEP.ph)

"Superstition on the Richter scale"

2010-01-07T06:49:00.003-05:00

Thanks to my friend Vicki, I stumbled upon this article from Cito Beltran. As I mentioned on my previous blog post, popular ang mga psychic at manghuhula ngayong bagaong taon and Beltran shares what to him really brings true fortune to his family. His suggestion number 4 is really the key and meat of the entire article. Gusto ko yung commentary nya about the Filipinos at ang sinabi nya na true source of good fortune:

Consider this, you are probably a Catholic, less likely a protestant, perhaps a “born again”, remotely, you maybe a “Muslim”. If someone ever raised the question of what religion you practice, you would have no second thoughts stating or filling out the answer.... most Filipinos practice pagan, imported practices in pursuit of Good luck or good fortune during the coming of the New Year. Most of the practices we observe are generally those promoted by the high priests and priestesses of Philippine media who have promoted myth and idolatry, fiction instead of fact.... I have followed the instructions of God’s operating manual. Just like law books and medical journals, it’s not a matter of interpretation but application. The good fortune it brings is one that has been passed on from generation to generation. It is factual record and not modern day cult legend or popular myth promoted by TV stars, talk show hosts or magicians... good fortune is not simply about having lots of money or being popular. Good fortune is about being content, being grateful, being happy. It’s about having a loving family, good health and above all, being in a real relationship with God.

You can read entire article here.

What the Future Holds

2010-01-06T17:47:00.002-05:00

In demand na naman ang mga psychic at manhuhula tuwing new year. Sa hirap ng buhay, madami ang handang gumastos kapalit ng assurance na madaming swerte ang dadatuing sa buhay nila. Very comforting malaman ang future but dangerous din.
Sabi nga ng boss ko...Only God knows what the future holds. And in His infinite wisdom, He hasn’t chosen to reveal it to us. Perhaps, that’s because He wants us to walk closely with Him, relying on Him for strength for this day and the days to come. So if you’re tempted to always want to know what lies ahead, look instead at what lies within your grasp: the hand of a good God who wants an in-the-moment relationship with you. His promise to never leave you nor forsake you, is a sure thing, no matter what your future holds.

Happy New Year and Happy Anniversary to The Living Rice blog.

Are there more Filipina women looking for a spouse overseas than local Filipino men wanting to marry them?

2009-12-17T15:56:00.001-05:00

Hope the title doesn't sound insensitive, but its the first question that came to my mind when I did a Google search on "marriage" and "Philippines." Search results were primarily on mail-order-brides, foreign fiance visas and international match-making agencies. I know a simple online search is insufficient and I don't know any reports or statistics to support my initial inquiry but if my assumption were true, then it's a heartbreaking reality that many Filipina face in their legitimate search for a mate. Let's just hope Im wrong.