Kausap ko ang isang foreign diplomat ay sabi niya, nahihirapan siyang intindihin ang mga Pinoy.
Sabi niya bilib siya sa sipag at galing ng mga Pinoy ngunit hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit parang madali natin natatanggap ang katiwalian, pagnanakaw at panloloko ng mga taong nasa kapangyarihan.
At sabi pa niya, tanggap rin ng marami sa mga Pinoy ang kahirapan. At ito, ayun sa kanyang obserbasyon ay naipapahayag sa paboritong ekspresyon ng Pinoy, “Ganyan talaga ang buhay.”
Para bang ang mga mahihirap at inaapi ay ipinanganak talaga sa kanyang papel sa mundo. Hindi natin pinaglalaban ang katotohanan at katarungan.
Itong pananaw sa buhay ay ang dahilan kung bakit si Gloria Arroyo ay nanatili sa kapangyarihan kahit hindi naman siya binoto ng taumbayan. Kahit garapalan na ang kurakutan, para bang natural lang sa buhay.
Sabi nga ni Rey Pacheco na nasa Canada sa sinabi ko na may karapusan rin ang lahat, lalo na ang na pang-aabuso ng mga nasa kapangyarihan: “Sabi mo may katapusan din ang pananatili ni Arroyo sa kapangyarihan. Tanong ko ay kelan?
“Ang inaakala kong susunod na drama ay “kudeta me” Pa’no yan kung sa 80-milyong mga duwag na Pinoy, ang Trillanes group lang ang matapang na hindi takot sa Duwende.
“Malugod na Pasko at Maligayang Bagong Taon sa’yo at God Bless.”
Sabi naman ni Balweg sa aking blog , “Huwag tayong madis-appoint sa ating bayang minamanal. Ang mga nangyayari sa ating lipunan ay bahagi lamang ng isang kasaysayan na magiging ilaw at tanglaw sa mga darating na henersyon ng lahing Pinoy.
“Ang sarap mabuhay sa sariling Bayan, doon mo madarama ang tunay na kaligayahan sa buhay. Ang materyal na bagay ay palamuti lamang at may hangganan, subali’t ang magkapag-alay ka ng buhay sa iyong lupang sinisinta ay magiging buhay na alaala at inspirasyon.
“Ang nakalulungkot eh marami sa ating kababayang Pinoy ay unti-unting nililisan ang bayang sinilangan, heto tuloy ang mga banyagang instik, koreano, indian at kung sinu-sino pa ang nagdadagsaan sa ating bansa at sabi nila eh napakaganda pala ng Pilipinas.
“Buti pa ang mga banyaga hapi sa Pinas at nagsisiulad sa larangan ng pagnenegosyo. Kaya dapat tayong mga Pinoy eh magsipagbago na ng pag-iisip talangka
Sa akin naming papanaw, ang attitude na “Ganyan lang talaga ang buhay” ay may kabutihan rin. Kapag kasi matindi na talaga ang dagok sa buhay, kaysa naman mamamatay ka sa kunsumisyon, tanggapin mo na lang pansamatala ang sitwasyon. Pansamantala.
Kapag nakapagpahinga at lumakas, saka na lang lalaban ulit. Darating rin ang hustisya. Ngayon, ganyan lang talaga ang buhay.
While reading your reflection here, I’m reminded of the recent controversy of Wowowee. Senator Escudero was said to look into the matter.
I share your opinion that acquiescent Filipino people contributed a lot in the unnecessary stay in power of PGMA. I recall my Mr. Banayo’s own hopelessness that people will be awakened to replicate the two successful EDSA revolts, and instead opted of awakening the “soldiers of the people” to revolt to achieve the necessary change in our national life.
While mass revolts need the “soldiers of the people” in order to succeed, any form of military revolts will not liberate us from poverty and despair.
If we are going to study the lives of leaders who brought their countries to prosperity and greatness, we will find among them one common denominator.Love of country and people.. Academic credentials, professional nor social background have never been a key factor in instigating the needed fervor among the citizens to polarize towards the attainment of collective goals.
One common observation (and this was featured in one of the TV programs which skips me at the moment), is that we as Filipinos will fail in the aspect of Love of country. That TV program showed how 10 out of 10 Filipinos could not even sing the national anthem properly. And that inculdes even professionals and teachers. What I mean by “not properly”….they don’t know the complete lyrics, tempo, and even the tune. How often have we been embarrased by Filipinos tasked to sing the Lupang Hinirang in some international fora by conking out in the middle of the song?
This is just a basic example, but there are many more.
Governance is not the monopoly of lawyers, nor economists and neither of those with military background. However, it presupposes that any leader empowered by the people to govern should put the interests of the latter over and above any other.
Sulbatz, I have been a passive reader of ellen and I found your opinion interesting.
Is People Empowerment feasible in a Filipino culture? In what way the Filipino people be empowered?
SUKLBATZ: I wonder why there are Filipinos who were born educated and lived in the Phil.(until they sought residency elsewhere) now say they are not Filipinos. How do we define one’s identity? naturalized citizenship? I can understand for those who were born in another country, educated and lives in that country to say they are not Filipinos..do you lose your national identity simply because you are no longer a citizen of the land of your birth? During my time in school in San Jose, Antique Elementary School we were taught the “Land of the Morning” “I Love the Philippines, I Love my Own my Native Land” and yes “OH Say can you see”. We also recited the Pledge of Allegiance not only every Monday morning for the flag raising ceremony. And we have to stop and stand still, place our right hand in our heart when we sing the National anthem. Do they still do this?
When the national anthem was translated into Tagalog..we learned that too.. and having been in a chorale group I know the words by heart..the English version was slowly forgotten..I also learned…”Sampaguita” “Ang Bayan Ko”
That reminds me of once I took an elderly nun who spent 16 years in Balaybalay, Bukidnon and founded a school there as Plantation, to a celebration of the Phil. Independence Day and she was aghast that most songs sung were the pops..she asked me “don’t they know the beautiful Filipino love songs?” Ang lungkot!
..when I first arrived here (July 1969) at the YWCA, I met a Filipina who had arrived three years before me..asked..”what do you call that white rice cake? Oh yes I remember ..”few-to”. Sa inis ko tinapakan ko ang paa niya- napasigaw ng Araguy..hindi naman ouch..bisaya pa..kanina sa bus may nagtanong sa akin..you are Filipino? You don’t look like one..So I told her talagang Filipino at bisaya pa.
Sulbatz, are you a military man? If so, I wonder why you’re so silent about Mr. Banayo’s thesis. Do you adhere to his dream, where all potent agancies fail to make radical change in our democratic government, the “soldiers of the Filipino people” is the best option?
This thread about “Ganyan talaga ang buhay” which can be viewed both as (1) a negative submissiveness of “bahala na” mentality and (2) a positive sense of “bahala na” as risk taking of a worthy cause.
The Trillanes risk taking failed to ignite massive support. Considering the passivity of the “Masang Pilipino” are there any “soldiers of the people” whom you think can launched a strong revolt against the present administration? Do “soldiers of the people” need the support of the Filipino People to launch a revolution?
deepcaring,
My answer to your question is YES. In fact People empowerment is a distinct Filipino culture.
We read in our history where governance is vested in royalties like datus, rajahs, cabezas, etc, etc. The mere mention of these titles conjures images of European-style absolute power. However, in contrast to the European-style of absolute royal power, OURS is consultative. The datus are surrounded and adviced by council members, who themselves convey the general sentiment of the governed. The datus derive their power from their constituents so much so that even before going into battle with other tribes, they have to consult the people. He may have the title by birth but he derives his power from the tribe.
Now, how do we translate that now in contemporary times. The best example is the Vote or Elections. Aside from death, it is one of the great Levellers. The vote is the covenant that binds the leader and the governed to work for the common good. The vote demands accountability from its leaders. It is when you start tinkering with the Vote that everything goes awry.
12/22/07
Sulbatz,
What do you mean by a love of country. It won’t happen in the Philippines. Whoever has the guns are in command. Some of the Pinoys their votes can be bought. You can sing all the National Anthem and hold elections after elections in the hope that the right leader will be elected but if elections are rig by the power and guns of the military of Gloria and Asspweron. Now Asspweron is after Ping, I don’t doubt if Ping will be JUST another number to be added to the extrajudicial killings. Gloria might get a Nobel Prize for more extrajudicial killings. That’s how the Idiots choose their awardees now a days. But actions like that won’t escape the wrath of whoever IS in charge at the day of reckoning.
Rose,
We cannot blame Filipinos who eventually develop love of country of their adoptive land.
Passports, naturalizations, birth certificates, color, race and the like are but superficial modes by which one gets his own identity. However, it is common aspirations that binds a nation and identifies one from the other.An American could be more Filipino if his aspirations are in consonance with those of Filipinos, and vice-versa.
An example of a Common aspiration is one that is written in our preamble. We should not just memorize it…We should live it.
It seems that ‘ganyan talaga ang buhay’ culture is fatalistic. Maybe our Roman Catholic faith is the contributing factor in fatalism way of life among Filipinos. Our actions are pre-determined because of God’s forknowledge of them (Bahala na ang Diyos) and that therefore we have no free will. The ruling class and colonizers have exploited this weakness.
Deepcaring,
You got it right.I am a soldier. I read about the article of Lito Banayo. It is both incisive and provocative. Incisive, that it cuts like a knife on our collective conscience. Provocative, that it opens options for action.
There are a lot of people who says that soldiers should be apolitical. I beg to disagree. Soldiers should be politically aware but never partisan. It was this partisanship on the part of some misguided elements in the Armed Forces led by Esperon that brought so much misery to the country today.
I say POLITICALLY AWARE because, all actions of the military are a result of political decisions. How could the military perform its functions and missions if it is ignorant of where it came from and how it was arrived at?
We could not divorce the military from the realities of the environment. Soldiers are citizens first and foremost. Aside from the military organization, they are also members of the community. Their aspirations are the same with that of the community they live in. They suffer from corruption as any member of the community.
What prevents the soldier from taking direct action on the ills that are happening around him is the knowledge that he is armed and the discipline that goes with it. Also, it is because of the oath he swore to serve.
However, discipline has its breaking point even on super-humans. Especially so, when the evils he is being subjected to starts to affect his community whom he has that common aspiration with.
The actions of Trillanes and others are a manifestation that the soldiery is almost at that breaking point. Almost, because the gun has been cocked, but it has not fired yet.
Is there a soldier of the Filipino people? Yes, there is!!!
Should it be people and soldiers? DEFINITELY!!
Dandaw,
You are correct. Perfectly correct.
Guns, gold, goons determine our collective future.
However, we should remember that we are all stakeholders here. Guns, gold and goons will never proper if don’t let it be.
I am in fact happy to note that the level of awareness among Filipinos with regards to these bane of elections is getting higher. If the last senatorial elections is to be the gauge, then we are proceeding quite fairly. Lumalaban na ang mga tao sa karapatan nila. Hindi na nila ipinapaubaya sa iba ang laban. Dapat lahat tayo sama-sama.
correction lang po,
Guns, gold and goons will never proper if don’t let it be.
should be,
Guns, gold and goons will never prosper if we don’t let it be.
DKG says:
“Our actions are pre-determined because of God’s forknowledge of them (Bahala na ang Diyos) and that therefore we have no free will. The ruling class and colonizers have exploited this weakness.”
Nakana mo Igan. Saludo ako sa iyo. Dahil sa ating paniniwala at takot sa Diyos kaya tayo winawalanghiya ng mga tangnang yan. Sabi natin “May araw din sila” pero baka patay ka na pagdating ng araw na yon. Di ba dapat ngayon na? NOW NA!!!!! Palayasin na ang mga tangnang yan. Makita ko lang ang mukha niyang Pekeng yan sa TV nasusuka na ako. Isama mo pa ang mukha ni Esperon at Puno suka’t ebak na ang aabutin ko!!!! Puwee nakakasulasok ang mga mukha ng mga iyan!!!!
Uulitin ko ulit:
Per Mr. Ray Arcilla of Malaya:
Brief rundown of those cases would more than suffice to validate the people’s perception that Arroyo is indeed the most corrupt among the chief executives we have had, legitimate or otherwise:
The IMPSA power deal.
The Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard overpricing.
The Jose Pidal case.
The Comelec computerization scandal.
The Venable contract.
The Piatco case involving NAIA III.
The “Joke-Joke” Bolante caper.
The AFP Comptroller scandal.
The NorthRail project.
The Department of Education book scam.
The computer scandal in Bicol.
The ZTE-NBN deal.
The Cyber-Ed project.
The pending South Rail project.
The sale of NPC-EDC assets.
The overpricing of coal purchases by the NPC.
The brewing Transco bidding controversy.
The rampant smuggling by characters allegedly close to Mr. and Ms. Arroyo.
The bribery of congressmen and local officials right in Malacañang. This is the most blatant and brazen. Ms. Arroyo did not even deign to have the scandal investigated.
1. Di ba dapat talaga sipain na yang glorya na yan?????? Ikumpara niyo sa mga nagiging tunay na pangulo natin ni wala sila sa kalingkingan ng daliri ni glorya.
News, News …. Jalosjos flees to Dapitan City!!!!
Wala na talagang respeto ng tao sa Pekeng Gobyerno ni Glorya. Pinaglalaruan nila kasi ang ating Batas. Dapat talaga alisin na ang mga iyan.
Sulbatz, I’m a citizen of the Philippines. I could be an armed soldier who may opted for non-violent means to change social order or an awakened religious ready to embrace the violent path of armed revolution.
Honestly, the military agenda, no matter how religiously claimed as makatao at makabayan, remains dangerous. No military coups that are not supported by malicious politicians and the aggrieved business people. Or no nationalist politicians and businessmen would opt for military rule as an interim government, that explains why the Trillanes formula failed to ignite the necessary support.
Bishop Labayen’s support to Trillanes is indeed worth reflecting on. The good bishop maybe old, but his commitment to social justice is remarkable — in words and deeds. When some journalists attacked him trying to poorly imitate the late Cardinal Sin, I am more inclined to look at Bishop Labayen as more committed to social justice than the late Cardinal.
If you’re kind enough, do you have a website? Here is my e-mail: deepcaring@gmail.com.
“Ganyan talaga ang buhay”, isa sa pinakamatiising nilalang sa mundo ay ang mga Pilipino. Ang pagtitiis na ini-aalay higit sa lahat, sa pagmamahal sa pamilya. Sa pagmamahal natin sa ating mga pamilya, nakakalimutan nating may higit na responsibilidad, ang pagmamahal sa bayan. Sikmura ng bawat myembro ng pamilya ang panuntunan ng pagmamahal ng bawat Pilipino. Gayan talaga ang buhay, Pinoy kasi.
Marami sa ating mga Pilipino, ano mang uri o antas sa lipunan mas pinapahalagahan ang pangangailangan na mga kapamilyan, kapuso, katsukaran, kalaro, kamadyong at kung ano-ano pang maituturing na KAbilang o malapit sa pamilya.
Sa bawat pag-inog ng mundo, pagpalit ng gobyerno, hindi ang mga Pilipino ang nanginginabang dito. Isa ako sa kauna-unahang Pilipinong sumigaw sa Edsa Dos, sa pag-asang mababago ang uri ng pamamahala sa bansa. Subalit, isa rin ako sa milyon-milyong Pinoy na nawalan ng pag-asa ng mas higit na naghirap pagkatapos ng EDSA DOS.
Sayang ang Edsa Dos, ayaw ko nang ulitin.
Ka-Ellen, hindi po talaga ang, “Ganyan talaga ang buhay” ang dahilan kung bakit patuloy pa rin namamayagpag ang mga buwaya sa pamahalaan, kundi ang kawalan ng PUSO sa pagmamahal sa bayan.
Itanong kaya natin sa mga pulitiko, abogado, militar at media.
I think everyone, or nearly everyone, starts out as “makatao and/or makabayan” until faced with the reality that, in our culture of governance, they can get away with rampant corruption without getting caught. Have you ever heard of a public official or a friend of said official getting a traffic ticket, or paying for a traffic ticket in the Philippines? It always ends up, “Hindi mo ba ako kilala?” or “Hindi mo ba kilala ang kaibigan ko?” I have always wondered why we keep electing or re-electing politicians of questionable morality–being known babaero or kabitero!
On the accusation that the Church is partly to be held responsible for our collective apathy, I think the answer is affirmative.
But on the accusation that our Catholic Church is teaching apathy, fatalism, of other-worldly promises unmindful of our present concern in life, I think the answer is negative.
“Ganyan talaga ang buhay” need not be fatalistic. But it could be seen as a realistic assessment of our national life as a people. Ganito kasi tayo. But being conscious of our “unhealthy” cultural traits, we are challenged to reconstruct our world by transforming these unhealthy traits into something healthy, productive, inspiring.
Like the effort of Dr. de Mesa (DLSU), he attempted to uncover the richness of our culture. Like the famous “Bahala Na” which most of our western-trained professors identified as a negative trait of fatalism, Dr. de Mesa stressed the positive element as a cultural trait that “makes people move, take risk and plan for the future.” Our famous anthropologist F. Landa Jocano noted “as long as we can say ‘bahala na’ –the whole worlds appears to be a challenge; the steps we take are risks worth taking.”
The 1999 Pastoral Exhortation on Philippine Culture is instructive to us Filipinos. The problem is that these reflections and call to actions are not extensively promoted even by our priests in their respective parishes. Some attempted to integrate these learnings to school curriculum.
“Ganyan talaga ang buhay” is not at all fatalistic. Media people need not unnecessarily highlight the negativities of our culture. Filipino people can be fatalistic, but they too are capable of changing social order like the famous EDSA revolts. Cultural revolution is indeed a long process.
“Talagang ganyan ang buhay” Dios mio,por santo,por santa,que barbaridad Jaunita! Kung iyan ang laging papairalin sa buhay na matagal ng ginagisnan ng Pinoy ang Maniana Habit ay wala talagang pagbabago sa buhay.Hagalo maniana habito es que actitud.vida malo es como que es que cualquier.personas malo necesitan trabajar duro alcanzar las cosas buenas en la vida.sa salitang merkano; Tomorrow habit is bad attitude. Life is just like that dictum is bad either. People need to work hard to attain good things in life.Handang magbuwis ng pasakit at mag-alay ng buhay kung kinakailangan.
There are people who have no regard for the consequences of their own acts. There are people who seem incapable of behaving wisely or benevolently.Asus naman! Mahirap na nga sila ay ayaw pang magsikap.Kung umasa lang sila sa gobyerno natin para makakita ng magandang bukas ay baka mabulag na sila sa cataract.Itong mga hinahal natin sa puwesto, after amassing so much power and taking so much of people money, the government hasn’tprotected them from irresponsibility.It’s because politicians don’t use the power and money people give them to do the things people want.They use those resources to do what they want.And all they want is more power and more power and more power, makunsumo sila sa gasolina having running on big cylinder engine para mabilis silang makanakaw.Para magkaroon ng magandang buhay at kalayaan the responsibility are two sides of the same coin – that if they want freedom,they must first accept the responsibility that goes with it. Freedom is responsibility. Responsibility is experiencing the consequences of there own acts – not the consequences of others’ acts or making others pay for what they do.Kung natutulog pa ang mga kababayan natin ay dapat na silang magising para alamin that they have a moral revival before they can have greater freedom – that people must be taught responsibility before they can be free. This puts the cart before the horse or ang kalabaw ang ilalagay sa bagon.If they only wait on Toyang’s government to make people responsible, they will wait forever,dahil swapang si Marka Demonyong Mikael de tabatsoy De San Miguel con maldita senoya donya Gloria labandera,la ventaja!
Tsamba-tsamba tayo and we say, “Bahala Na.” Because tsamba-tsamba ang galaw natin, malamang maging failure; then, we say, “Ganyan Talaga Ang Buhay.” So… what are we complaining about? Dahil hirap ang kalagayan natin, we blame everybody and everything except ourselves. I beg to disagree: the EDSA revolts haven’t changed anything for the better. The Filipino people are still suffering, maybe, even more.
the recent article by justice panganiban is helpful in our reflection of filipino culture.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=108441
don’t know how to link… hehehe
Sulbatz: thanks a lot for bringing up and pointing out many things for us to think of and work on..to make a better Philippines..a country with the three Ks..kapayapaan, katarungan. and kaunlaran…We all have common aspirations..we should choose and pray for leaders that would put the interest of the nation first. And you are right, it is in our culture..it is in our history…and when you mentioned the gov’t system of the datus, etc. We did have democracy before US came to the picture…as you said consultative but still it was a gov’t by the people and for the people..again thanks..
..as to “bahala na ang Dios” to me it is a very loose understanding of “Let God’s will be done”. At this time of the year when we think of the Birth of Jesus…we, Christians, hear the respond of Mary..”be it done unto me, according to your word..” and during Lent we are reminded of Jesus last words…” into Thy hands I commend my Spirit” and isn’t it we pray in Our Father..”Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” But we have a responsibility to follow His commandments…and this is where I think medio malabo ang pag ka intindi natin…we fail to follow what we are supposed to do..Each one of us have a responsibility to answer for…hindi lang “bahala ang Dios” and we don’t do anything..
The culture of poverty is self-perpetuating. We are poor because our people are lazy. People do nothing but idle, gossip and drinking Tanduay or San Miguel beer and smoking marlboro o kaya’y Bataan Matamis at B29.People are great show-offs. Look at our women, kuntudo make-up na akala mo ay dancer sa kabaret and overdressed, over-coiffed they are, Look at our men, their manicured nails, their personal jewelry, their diamond rings. Yabang – that is what we are, and all that money expended on status symbols, on yabang. How much better if it were channeled into production.
Our country is poor because people have lost there ethical moorings.they condone cronyism and corruption and they don’t ostracize or punish the crooks in their midst. Both cronyism and corruption are wasteful but they allow their practice because their loyalty is to family or friend, not to the larger good.May utang na loob kay Tongressman.People are faced with a growing compulsion to violence,kahit manalo pa ang kumunistang NPA at si Ka Roger ang gagawin nilang presidenti, they will rule as badly because they will be hostage to the same obstructions in our culture, the barkada, the vaulting egos that sundered the revolution. Neither education nor revolution can succeed if we do not internalize new attitudes, new ways of thinking.Kaya nga We don’t need Charter Change,but We need Attitude Change.
We are already suffering from population explosion.Filipinos are now 80 million and maybe,by 2010 we will pass the 100 million mark at ayaw pa ng simbahan na magdistribute ng kondom.Kaya mahal ngayon tayo ng mga Intsik dahil that is a mass market ng fake computer,Maling,at mga laruan na may lead.Those Indians,Koreans and Japanese citizens come and live in our country for only business interest dahil maraming pumapasok na dolyar from OFW’s.5/6 ang negosyo ni Singh,Koreaoki ang kay Kim at Japayuki naman ang kay Kobayashi.Iyung mga japayuki ay hindi na nagpupunta ng Tokyo at Osaka nasa Mabini na lang sila at Ermita at ibinubugaw ni Kobayashi sa Yakusa at ibinibenta ng tingi sa mga binatilyong anak ng mga nagtatrabaho sa Saudi.
cocoy: I don’t think the Filipino people are lazy…they seem to be kasi there is no work for them to do..sa probinsiya, they don’t own the land..wala namang factories where they can work..
..and with regard to the population explosion..there are places (up to now 2008) without electricity kaya walang recreation kundi…and many do not know birth control..ang simbahan naman ay hindi nagbabawal sa birth control but they are not for abortion..
..dahil sa mahal ang magpaaralat sometimes mass production pa ang diploma..add this to lack of employment opportunities di ano pa..And our leaders naman sila sila lang..
cocoy: to continue..malaki talaga ang maitutulong ng gobierno if the leaders elected would only put the interest of the people first..kaya lang…malaki din ang maitulong ng mga businessmen (they so called civil society) if they would help their employees..fair wages..and not exploit them because of their poverty…if only the leaders
both in gov’t and in business would also look after the welfare of the people under them, whose basic needs depend on them…kung sana..pero puede din gawin nila ito, hindi ba?
cocoy graphically illustrated the poverty in the land. He failed to see poverty as a social phenomenon; that it is systemic as well as attitudinal.
but nonetheless, his litany is an articulate of our collective frustration, of hopelessness, of powerlessness.
I myself do not subscribe to the seemingly FATALISTIC nature of Filipinos. We are capable of charting our own destiny given the motivation and opportunity. I am an OFW also, I graduated from an unknown elementary school in the Visayas, equally unknown high school (for sure hindi ninyo makilala). The only way I could attend college totally for free (wala ring pambaon kasi) was to join PMA so I did. Unfortunately I had to make a decision because my family needed to live and mired in debt so I joined a multinational drug company called Zuellig, but my division got dissolved after several years so I joined Nestle, there I found out that no matter what I do I will not ever be promoted higher than Area Manager because the executives there is an Ateneo/La Salle boys’ club so I joined a European company, there they do not look so much as to where you graduated from but your capabilities. Now I am part of a global multi million business spanning SEA, and travel to and from Europe from time to time. Looking back at my childhood, running to the seashore (mangroves)after school to pick sea urchins, stranded fish, octopus (we called tama), and eels (we call bacasi) to add to our dinner, I could say that we Filipinos can chart our own destiny. My two joys is to be with my family as I wanted so much for my children to grow up in the Philippines (bilib pa rin ako dito sa Pinas) and ocassionally be with my mistahs without being branded as a coup supporter. Is that too much to ask?
I have always liked the poem INVICTUS “I am the captain of my ship and the master of my soul…”
Yes, Filipinos can rise above all this, but we need to help each other, strengthen those who weaken and motivate those who are demotivated, give hope to the hopeless, nothing is impossible – ATTITUDE LANG ‘YAN…
attitude lang yan…, paki dag-dag na po;
yung mga freeloaders at mahilig sa libre, i avoid them like plagues.
sulbatz,
Snappy ka bok! Keep up the good work, proud kami sa inyo!
nabanggit na minsan ni nelbar, si che guevarra: ” the people continuously look around for a liberator, what they fail to see is that, they must liberate themselves…”
lahat ng angal tungkol sa kakulangan ng lahing Pinoy, ay hindi na bago ito. at lalung hindi ito eksklusib sa ating lahi.
subukan basahin ang panulat ni Leon Tolstoy tungkol sa kanyang paligid nuong panahon ng Tzar, ang kanyang litanya ay katulad ng mga angal ninyo sa ating lahi.
gayun din si Dr. Sun Yat Sen ng modernong China, sa kanyang paligid at kultura ng walang paki-alam at pag-sawalang bahala sa abuso’t kabalbalan.
ang katulad nina Muammar Khadaffy ng Libya at Chou-en lai ng China, ay siyang dapat seryosong pag-aralan ng sundalong Pinoy kung nais niyang magkaroon ng saysay sa kanyang uniporme, komunidad at lahi.
zen2,
Can you post book references re Chou-en lai, Muammar Khadaffy iwas muna ako dyan?
juggernaut: you are right..sa attitude lang yan..we have to help one another..but each of us has to do it..kung isa isa tayo mag tulungan, collectively we will have a bigger impact..indeed nothing is impossible with God!
juggernaut,
i can understand your frustration on Khadaffy, but i am of the opinion that he is not as bad as lopsided press wants to portray him. have you tried his ‘Green Book’?
on Chou-en lai: it’s funny but Yahoo nor Google search does not give me the title i want you to look. as soon as i have them, i post them as OT.
briefly, based on what i know (from readings and personal disposition of mainland Chinese friends), Chou-en-Lai or Zhou-en Lai, was one of the leaders of the great revolution, together with Mao Ze Dong and others.
Zhou, during pre-revolution, was a soldier. he heads a military academy of some sorts. while Mao is from the intellegentsia, Chou is from the military. my friends swears that Chou is far way ahead in respect and popularity among contemporary Chinese if compared to Mao.
the mainstream soldier turned revolutionary, died childless, btw, as he is known to have maintained a single faithful relationship with his wife. flags across the globe were flown in half-mast when news of his death were confirmed, an honor that failed even the more illustrious Mao.
“Ganyan talaga ang buhay,” is an expression of frustration. If there is a problem that we can’t solve, when a bad, bad problem stops being a problem and becomes fact, then it may be Gods will – Ganyan talaga ang buhay!
I tone it down from must be Gods will to may be Gods will because what kind of God would put his flock into such dire predicament? Or maybe it’s the devils doing. That is more like it, yeah?
ganyan talaga ang buhay, ang salitang ito ay karaniwang naibubulalas ng isang tao kapag dumating na sa sukdulan ang isang pangyayari, naaksidente, namatay, ganyan talaga ang buhay,,, hindi naabot ang isang pangarap bunga ng maraming kadahilanan, kahirapan, pagsubok, unsiyami, at iba pa,,,natalo sa eleksiyon, panalo na sana, kaso nabiktima ng dagdag bawas, naghabol sa korte, kaso tapos na ang termino ng nandaya bago idineklarang siya ang nanalo, ganyan talaga ang buhay,,,, ito yung sukdulan pag wala na tayong maikatwiran, kapag ubos na yung mga lohikal na sagot sa mga katanungan, kapag nasukol na sa isang sulok, ganyan talaga ang buhay,,, isa itong desperadong pag-iwas sa katotohanan, ng pagsuko, ng pagyuko ng ulo sa mas makapangyarihan, na sana ay hindi naman dapat mangyari, sabi natin, habang may buhay, habang humihinga ay may pag-asa, may bukas na natatanaw, may bukas na darating,,,, subalit hanggat nakaupo sa trono ang mga kampon ni glueria, wala tayong pag-asa,,, ganyan talaga ang buhay, minsan nasa ibabaw, minsan nasa ilalim,,,,,,,
“Destiny is a matter of choice and not a matter of chance”
“Pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you”
The Filipino can, if they are inspired,if they are given the opportunity,if they are treated and paid fairly,if there is proper administration of justice,if they are educated and trained, just give them a chance to prove themselves and you’ll be surprised to find out “Na magaling ang pinoy”,”Iba ang Pinoy”.Wala pa akong nakikilala na hihigitan pa sa pagdamay,pakikisama,pagmamalasakit,pag-tulong at pag-mamahal ang mga pinoy.
If only our leaders would come to realized that the Filipinos are the best constituents and citizens in the world , if they will only be the leaders they ought to be and inspire the Filipino in us, we can turn this country around.
Jug, re:”Looking back at my childhood, running to the seashore (mangroves)after school to pick sea urchins, stranded fish, octopus (we called tama), and eels (we call bacasi) to add to our dinner, I could say that we Filipinos can chart our own destiny.”
Reminds me of my bucolic childhood in Antique.
Rose and deepcaring;
Sorry kung ngayon lang ako nakabalik,Pinagluto ko muna at pinakain ang mga anak ko na naging boss ko.
Poor people are less likely to escape poverty because the system of financial benefits and rewards works against them.Because they earn less money, the poor have less disposable income to invest in their own education that might increase their chances of future financial success. Poor people tend to live in poorer communities with generally lower quality schools that contribute to lower educational success. Government intervention, no matter how well intended, will produced a record of failure. What these poor people need is a higher quality of education. This is the reality check that the government need to make about our poor people to empower them.
Another factor; hunger and poverty are caused in a province because of overpopulation or food resources that are inadequate to support population densities because they don’t want to till the arable land. Because not enough food in the province, the promdi, looking for jobs and the hope for a better life, flood into already overcrowded cities. They find no jobs there and end up homeless and hungry.Not only that corrupt political systems where one midget woman, fatsu and sons rules for its own benefit.On the other hand the elite in society of Lucio Tan and group of wealthy merchant control the economy for their own purposes. Such economic systems combined with a totalitarian political system is feudalism at its best — or worst.
Why are people poor and hungry? It is because of circumstances and events within our country. If they would just stop having babies and would work hard, their problems would be solved. It’s free to catch fish in our ocean. If the people will only stop betting on Jueting and save that spare change, maybe within a year they can afford to buy baloto at lambat. The other solution is to change the structures of agrarian reform and redistribute the land. This may be called the “Robin Hood solution.” to return the land stolen by the rich Chinese and Spanish mestizo to the rightful owners.If the problem cannot be established peacefully, then violence is justified. But, who is the modern day Robin Hood? Nakakulong ang amo ng Magdalo,Patay na si Nardong Putik at patumbling-tumbling lang si Ben sa Senado ka duet niya si Nardong Putik jr.
December 23rd, 2007 at 5:10 am
It seems that ‘ganyan talaga ang buhay’ culture is fatalistic. Maybe our Roman Catholic faith is the contributing factor in fatalism way of life among Filipinos. Our actions are pre-determined because of God’s forknowledge of them (Bahala na ang Diyos) and that therefore we have no free will. The ruling class and colonizers have exploited this weakness.
____________________________________________________________
Free will was given to us on the day that we were born. Its just we do not know how to use it properly. The Roman Catholic Faith has nothing to do with the fatal way of life among the Filipinos and even on mankind. The uncrowning of the KING is the biggest mistake that man in the entire world has done. And everyday, we are adding wounds to HIM.
i agree with you cocoy, yun nga lang, yung banggit mo na maibalik sa rightful owners yung mga lupang kinuha ng mga tsekwa at kastilaloy ay tila may kalabuang mangyari, dahil ang gustong mangyari ni glueria ay ibalik ang pagtuturo ng kastila sa ating mga paaralan, entonses, lalong hihigpit ang grip ng mga kastilaloy sa atin, biruin mo, tuturuan uli tayo na magdasal ng aba namin, umasa sa milagro, magmano sa mga pari, malaking tulong daw sa atin ang matuto ng espanyol, sabi ni glueria, ang sapantaha ko dito ay dahil nararamdaman ng mga kaalyado nila na restless na ang mga pinoy, kailangan natin ng lupang mabubungkal, ng maituturing na atin, subalit hindi pa tayo nagsisimula, eto na, gusto ni glueria na ibalik tayo sa panahon ng mga kastila na walang naituro sa atin kundi ang mabakbak ang tuhod sa pagluhod sa altar, sa halip na turuan tayo na matutong bumasa at sumulat,,,, unahin siguro natin yung hacienda luisita,,, para masaya,,,
juggernaut Says: “Sulbatz, Snappy ka bok! Keep up the good work, proud kami sa inyo!”
walang makapagpapaabot at makapagbibigay linaw sa lahat ng ipinaglalaban ng natitirang iilang magigiting at marangal na opisyal at kawal sa hukbong sandatahan kundi ‘yung ang puso at isipan ay nasa tamang lugar at hindi maaaring pasunurin ng makasariling layunin!
mabuhay kayo!
mapayapang pasko at may pag-asang bagong taon!
“Sabi niya bilib siya sa sipag at galing ng mga Pinoy ngunit hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit parang madali natin natatanggap ang katiwalian, pagnanakaw at panloloko ng mga taong nasa kapangyarihan.”
bakit sila na nasa pamahalaan ay natatanggap din at ipinagwawalambahala ang alam nilang katiwalian sa bawat sulok ng alinmang departamentong kanilang pinaglilingkuran?
nakikita na nila, naririnig, nababatid at lantaran ang pagyurak sa karapatan ng mamamayan at karangalang kinakatawan ng kanilang propesyon, bakit hindi sila gumawa ng hakbang upang mapaalis ang mga tiwali sa pamahalaan?
dahil takot din sila at hindi gustong mawala sa loob ng maaliwalas na opisina at magaang na trabahong karaniwan ay hindi nila ginagampanan ng tama.
Re: Cultural revolution is indeed a long process.
Let’s start with nationalism. Remember the Diego Silang’s revolt in the Ilocos, Dagohoy‘s revolt in the Visayas and the Katipunan nationalist revolution.
From Wikipedia
Philippine nationalism is an upsurge of patriotic sentiments and nationalistic ideals in the Philippines of the late 1800s that came as a result of the Filipino Propaganda Movement from 1872 to 1892. It became the main ideology of the first Asian nationalist revolution, the Philippine Revolution of 1896.
ganyan talaga ang buhay.
tanda ng pag-amin sa mga pagkukulang na siyang magiging daan sa muling pagbangon upang maituwid ang mga nagdaang kamalian.
hindi tanda ng karuwagan o pagsuko, bagkus pagkatanto kung saan muling magsisimula upang harapin ang mas masalimuot na hamon ng buhay, gaano man kadawag ang landas na tatahakin, taglay ang pag-asang sa dako pa roon, sa dulo ng lakbayin ay naghihintay ang maayang buhay na sandaling ipinagkait bunga ng sandaling paniniwala sa mabulaklak na pangako ng isang sakim!
Ganyan talaga ang buhay!
Ang mga katagang ito ay pagpapahayag ng pagtanggap sa katotohanan ng kasalukuyang antas ng pamumuhay. Sa nakararaming kasapi ng pamayanang ito (Ellenville), hindi nagwawakas ang pakikipagsapalaran sa pagtanggap. Bagkus, ang kasalukuyang antas ng buhay ay itinuturing lamang na sagisag ng simulaing iangat ang antas ng pamumuhay para sa mga susunod na salinlahi.
Marami sa atin ang namulat sa hikahos na kamusmusan. Mula sa paghihikahos, hinugot natin ang pangarap ng masaganang bukas. Marami sa atin ang nagtagumpay na mabigyan ng buhay ang ating mga supling na higit na maaliwalas kaysa sa hikahos na buhay na ating kinamulatan.
Ngayong isang tulog na lamang at noche buena na, lagi kong ipinagpapasalamat ang hapag na pagsasaluhan naming mag-anak dahil higit na hitik ito sa mga pagkaing kinatakaman ko noong ako ay bata pa. Ipinagpapasalamat ko rin ang hapag ng aking kamusmusan sa tuwing noche buena. Ang isang balot na tinapay at isang latang Reno potted meat na pinagsaluhan naming magkakapatid ang nagtulak sa akin upang pagsikapan ang hitik na hapag na pagsasaluhan ng mga anak ko bukas ng hatinggabi.
Ito ang buhay, at dito, walang tigil ang pakikipagsapalaran!
Magandang Pasko po sa inyong lahat!
Well said, SULBATZ!
The Preamble, and the Constitution it intends to summarize, is the embodiment of our collective ideals as a people. As citizens, our responsibilities include ratifying it and adhering to its rules after ratification. Those who are entrusted with the power to govern are taken a step further – they are not merely asked to follow, they are tasked to uphold the same constitution as ratified by the citizenry.
Majority of the citizenry still hold this embodiment sacred. I cannot say the same for those to whom the power to govern had been “entrusted”.
sulbatz,
Bok, hindi ako makapaniwala na ganyan ka “ka-can take” sa Inggles, ang lalim pa. Alam mo sa panahon namin iilan lang ang ganyan ka fluent. Ang layo na pala talaga ang inabot ng ‘cademy at natutuwa ako talaga. Lalo na nung malaman ko na marami pa ring natitirang matitinong opisyal kahit ang tindi ng tentasyon at ang lakas ng kalaban – kapwa sundalo at mga makasariling trapo. Proud na proud kami sa inyo.
In a different note, I saw in the news just now there were some casualties in a recent encounter in Basilan, I hope these are from the MILF/ASG side. There will be times I’m sure that you will be tempted to feel a bit discouraged (low morale) and it seems its a “thankless” job or society may appear ungrateful for your efforts, do not give in to this temptation. Remember, ATTITUDE, you know, the reason why you can make 1000 squat thrusts before, and the days of mase-mase, no amount di ba?
Do not take the “hooting” seriously, better yet, don’t listen to them – they don’t matter. Instead listen to people who genuinely believe in change, who still adhere to the oftentimes taken for granted principles of courage, integrity, and loyalty. We know you are sacrificing blood, sweat, and tears, believe me, we know. All these will pass, as I’m sure you know in your hearts, that there will come a day of reckoning. So keep your heads up, chin in, and brace up! Tsun! Relax, stoop sincerely. Its Christmas for pete’s sake! My christmas wish to Santa Claus is to give you a long fruitful life so that we will be talking about your confirmation years from now!!!
To Tita ELLEN and all my friends in Ellenville(regardless of political persuasion)
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
Thank you
Thank you
“Ang babait ninyo”
Thank You!
EQ and Family
Since we are in the topic of LOVE OF COUNTRY, I’m really bothered by those people who still subscribe to the FEAR IT OR HATE IT mentality. Why would some sectors brand those who speak or write in our national language as COMMIES?
Honestly, being a bisaya, I have tried avoiding speaking Filipino or Tagalog for as long as I can remember for obvious reasons, a bisaya will sound funny speaking Tagalog and oftentimes lead to being underestimated by some because lets face it, bisayas sound TANGA when we speak Tagalog and I still haven’t lost the accent. When I noticed that some people belonging to the English-speaking kind, you’ll easily recognize them because of the unmistakable “dude”, “duh”, and some other colloquial expressions I only hear on TV and movies as I have some American colleagues and I don’t remember hearing them say this (not once).
To those silent visitors (sometimes not silent) of this blog, please don’t be afraid of the excessive use of the Filipino language, believe me, its its not the mark of a communist and don’t be afraid of the word GABRIELA, try to find out what this name stands for? What are their advocacies? You may even like them. Also, you may have noticed we seem to have a freewheeling attitude here but its also nice if we show some respect for the owner of the house – ate Ellen (assuming of course she is older than me). Everything posted here is contributed by unique individuals and Ellen does not have a monopoly of all the ideas or material here and inasmuch as I admire her intellect and fortitude, we share in the responsibility of your judgment no matter how detrimental it is. Bottomline, if you call her a commie, you call us commies also…but what is a commie, really?
sulbatz,
maitanong ko lang. saan na naka-assign si col boyet pereyra (a.k.a. nognog), a member of PMA class 1980?
isa kasi siyang kamag-anak at simula noong magkahiwalay kami noong 1975 when he was about to go to baguio city at ako naman ay papuntang zamboanga ay ay hindi na kami nagkita kahit noong ma-assign siya sa sulu kung saan ako ay napadestino din.
salamat at mapayapang pasko at may pag-asang bagong taon!
Hindi talaga ganyan ang buhay….Nagkaganyan lamang dahil hinayaan nating magkaganyan.
We chart our own destiny. There are no insurmountable odds.
Mahirap tayo, dahil hinayaan nating maging mahirap tayo.
Niloloko tayo ng ating mga pinuno dahil hinayaan natin silang lokohin tayo.
Sinasaktan tayo dahil hinayaan nating masaktan tayo.
Binababoy na tayo dahil ayaw nating ipaglaban ang ating karapatan.
Sinasabi nating wala tayong magagawa dahil sa isip pa lamang ay talo na tayo.
Di tayo nabubuo dahil ayaw nating tumingin sa kabilang bakuran natin.
Natatalo tayo ng kasamaan dahil ipinapaubaya natin sa iba ang laban na dapat ay sa ating lahat.
Ang kawalang pag-asa ay isang kathang isip lamang na nababalot sa takot.
sulbatz,
sa ngalan ng ating mga kababayang umaasa sa mga katulad mong matapat at magiting na pinuno ng hukbo, MARAMING SALAMAT!
The fear of the unknown is the best friend of status quo.
Are we resigned to a lifetime of wondering what could have been?
Mrivera,
andito si boyet aka nognog sa basilan doing what he knows best.
Personal na hindi ko tanggap ang “ganyan lang talaga ang buhay” at sa pang-unawa ko ay hindi rin iyan tanggap ni Senator Trillanes kaya hindi siya mapakali at gumagawa ng aksyon upang maisakatuparan ang adhikaing paghahanap sa katotohanan at hustisya.
Ayon ako sa sinabi ni Rey Pacheco na: “Pa’no yan kung sa 80-milyong mga duwag na Pinoy, ang Trillanes group lang ang matapang na hindi takot sa Duwende.
Yup, kasama sa Trillanes group ang unlisted members nito na mga residente ng Ellenville.
Maligyang Pasko sa mga kapatid ko dito!
At Maligayang Pasko rin kina Gen. Miranda, Gen. Lim, Col. Querubin, Col. de Leon, Sen. Trillanes, Capt. Faeldon and fellow Magdalo, and All Men of Honor.
Sulbatz, please avoid using all caps in your comments. It’s distracting.
Readers will get your message even if it’s not call capitalized. Thanks. I enjoy your comments. They enliven the discussion here.
sulbatz,
Hanap ako ng hanap kung anong pang frolics sa ‘yo kasi ang serioso mo sa panahon ng paskong ito. Tingnan mo tong site na to may music pa, nga lang mukhang vault files. hehehe
http://www.worldtourist.us/songsofthecorps/kaydetgirl.html
Hold it, whats happening here, somebody too young to experience these realities!
http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-30/6-30-pma.htm
I knew AWOL is a very grave offense, I remember if we come in late (even by a matter of hours) from break its a shitload of trouble but some cases are ridiculous.
I spent 3 hours this afternoon in my mini-library. I started re-reading my favorite history books written by Constantino, reviewed my journal in community organizing, retrieved my once favorite red books and compiled articles… the past has been worth remembering.
I know the passion is still recoiling in my heart, I still dreams my old dreams.
Jug, visited the Bulatlat site.
It’s the PMA’s loss not to have an enlightened officer like Ronald Gian Carlo Cardema. But I was thinking, with the kind of military we have, Cardema would only be frustrated.
Speaking of Awol, if it’s a grave offense for cadets, how come John Martir seemed not to have learned it.
Ganyan talaga ang buhay! patapos na ang taong 2007, at paparating na ang taong 2008… 300 daang taon na nagtiis ang mga Pilipino noong panahon ng Kastila, at sa kasalukuyang panahon ay patuloy ang pagtitiis at pagiging piping-dilat ng sambayanan… ganyan talaga ang buhay! sapagkat mayroon pang 2 ½ taon maghahari-harian ang Rehimeng GMA o maaring pang manatili sa di tiyak na panahon, kaya’t ako’y nagtatanong kung mayroon bang magaganap na eleksyon sa taong 2010? Kung mayroon man, ganun parin… dahil ang eleksyon sa Pilipinas ay walang saysay sapagkat ang sistemang umuugit sa buhay at kasaysayan ng Pilipino ay pawang KATAKSILAN sa kapwa-tao, sa kapwa-Pilipino’t sa bayan.
KOMITMENT para sa bayan! Ito ang hamon ng hanay nina Ka Danny sa sambayanan, sa nakaraang pagkilos noong Nobyembre 29. Isang panawagan para sa pagbabago’t pag-unlad, anupa’t ang naging tugon ng mga progresibo’t rebolusyonaryong grupo ay ang kanilang di-pagtaya ng paninindigan at pangalan.
Isang pagpapatunay na malayo pa ang landasin ng “tagumpay” ng rebolusyon o pagbabago’t pag-unlad, at ito ang katotohanan: “walang sinumang mula sa sibilyang grupong progresibo’t rebolusyonaryo ang magtatagumpay sa kanilang adhikain rebolusyon kung walang puwersa na magmumula sa mga patriotikong kasundaluhan sapagkat ang lakas at puso ng tagumpay ng rebolusyon ay magmumula parin sa AFP, na ang lundo ng adhikain ay Para sa Bayan, sa pagpapatuloy at bilang bahagi ng naudlot na Dakilang Rebolusyong 1896”.
Samakatuwid, hinding-hindi nga magtatagumpay ang pagkilos noong Nobyembre 29, kung patuloy ang pagkakawatak-watak ng mga tunay na patriotikong Pilipino, sayang na sayang… ganyan talaga ang buhay! ng mga Pilipino, tayo baga’y manatiling piping-dilat at pawang pangsariling-interes lamang ang isinasa-isip at ipinamumuhay…
Bagong taon… bagong paghamon sa buhay ng mga Pilipino… ang mga maralita ay patuloy naghihirap sa kawalan ng uportunidad ng trabahong lokal; ang patuloy na pagtaas ng bilihin sa gitna ng paglakas ng piso; ang mga OFW ay patuloy na isinigaw na tumaas ang palitan ng piso sa dolyar; ang mga damuhong galamay ni GMA, sampu ng mga mapagsamantalang dayuhang kapitalistang intsik at kano ay patuloy na ginagahasa ang kabang-yaman ng Pilipinas; ang mga ganid na TRAPOs ay patuloy na nakikisabsab sa kural ng Congbabuyan at Senababuyan; ang institusyong PMA ay patuloy na nagluluwal ng mga iilang ganid at nakakarimarim na heneral o opisyales ng AFP,; ang RJ at RA ay patuloy na nag-gigirian; ang MNLF, NPA, RPA-ABB, MILF at AFP ay patuloy na nagpapatayan alang-alang sa prinsipyo’t paninindigan… “ganyan talaga ang buhay” ng mga Pinoy.
May pag-asa pa ba?
ISANG MAPAGPALAYANG PASKO sa inyong lahat… ang diwa ng PASKO ay bagong buhay, ang pagkabuhay-muli sa mapagwaging pag-asa, ito’y isang motibasyon para sa ating lahat… sa pagsapit ng taong 2008.
Ka Ellen, maraming salamat po sa espasyo, at sa pamayanang Ellenville sa patuloy ninyong pagpapalaganap ng pambansang kamalayan, mabuhay po kayo!
God bless po sa inyong lahat.
Ellen,
Yes, I find it really strange why officers like Martir take their positions as “above the law” one thing academy life instills is becoming a stickler for the rules, you take it with you wherever you go? These people are strange cases indeed, but not impossible to connect with greed for power and money. And this cadet cardema could have been one of the new breed of officers who can see the whole picture and usher in lasting peace? I really don’t like this RED SCARE, its getting old but why still use it?
ate ellen,
sorry po, napindot ko na yung submit bago ko na-realize na all caps pala. ngayon lang ako nataranta sa tanang buhay kasi alam kong sisitahin mo ako…..hehehehe.
jug,
marunong din akong tumawa. lalo na kung binabanggit nyo dito ang pangalan ni JOHN RAT MARTIR. he is the biggest joke that i know of. hehehehehe
I’m not a bit bothered by the “commie slut” that the forum of John Martir labeled me. It simply shows the idiots that they are.
But thank you very much for your defense. I’m touched.
Merry Christmas everybody!
The destiny of the Philippines is not in the hands of the Filipino people. Thats a result of being a conquered country. One reason why ERAP was removed from office, he didnt ask permission to run for president. I guess I just have too much imagination. I hope you all have a Happy Christmas!
A Merry Christmas to All!!!
Nabasa ko sa Abante ang message ni Bunye na sa pasko na ito “be content” with what you have..ang lagay pala ang mga gutom maging contento na laging gutom? ang mga mahirap ay maging contento sa paghihirap? malibhasa sila ay busog at maraming laman ang bulsa kaya pa travel travel nalang? total hindi naman sila ang gumastos..iba talaga ang logic ng Atenistang ito.
Sulbatz: just to let you know that we pray for your safety and those who are working with you..Again our thanks to you and your men..ingat ka lang sa mga “tungaw” marami nakakalat hindi lang sa Maynila where their queen lives..
Goldberg: During my high school days in my mind, I used to question the “predestination” concept. Though I did not dare question the nuns nor the priests about it..I said to myself..if He knew where I will be after death..if I am predestined to go to hell..why did He create me? Then as I grew older I now understand that He gave us a free will..and it is my choice, my decision to be in hell if I should find myself there..He gave us 10 commandments to follow..which Jesus summed up into two..simply lang Love God above all with all your heart and love your neighbor! The choice is mine if I do that or not. I know we all know the two commandments..so na sa atin.. with God’s grace…
ellen
I am impressed by the thematic but heartfelt change in ellenvile. The unchanging spirit of Christmas and seldom discussed (as if wasting time) topic of Love of Country. Indeed, do we, Filipinos love our country as others love theirs? As the Americans and the British love theirs? As Australians and Canadians love theirs? Don’t go far. As the Malays of Malaysia, as Thais, and Vietnamese and Indians love their countries?. Are we like the Spanish? The Mexicans, the Portuguese, The south Americans? Are there so many (think what you will) among us, we could not care less for the difference? Pray tell me.
To Ellen and to all citizens of Ellenville, Merry Christmas 2007 and a Happy New Year 2008.
In a nut shell, we are not the Filipinos at heart as everyone here think of as ourselves. So far we were and are governed by the alien factor. Everyone thinks of going somewhere for good or where our hearts should be. Rizal wasnt even a Filipino. The true Filipinos stand only as pawns, used for the benefit of pseudo Filipinos. Filipinos are very democratic, so divided, and nuts. Cant even decide well how best to be governed for want of a few pesos…
Meantime, lets enjoy the christmas spirit. So far no godchildren has come yet to collect the crisp 20 peso bill.
Merry Christmas to all.
rose,
thank you very much for your concern.Mabuhay ka and Merry Christmas!
For the first time in my life..I completed the 9 masses novena..Today was the last day of the Simbang Gabi..(sa ulan at snow) and I have my faith and trust in God..aalisin niya ang ugat at puno ng kasamaan sa Filipinas…ang kanyang, kanyang korruption ng ating mga leaders, congressmen, senators, justices, etc. at ang bibigay niya ay ang tatlong Ks nahiniling ko…kapayapaan, katarungan, at kaunlaran in the land of my birth..in His time, but I will be patient and I will wait..Thank you Lord! I know He will..kasi pinagdasal ko din ito sa wailing wall..
after the mass..we all have a salo salo..ang pastor naming Italiano ay kumain din ng La Paz Bachoy..aywan kung alam niya ko ano ang kinain niya..doon sa isang simbahan kanina-theirs is at 5:00 am mayroon silang puto bong bong..naalaala ko tuloy last year..narinig ko ang sabi ng iba..”yong mga bisaya itinatapon nila ang puto bongbong” hindi nila alam na bisaya ako..at ang sagot ko..eh wala namang lasa..how would I know lalagyan pala ng kalamay…I am promdi…
Valdemar;
1)All the wrong things up to now started with EDSA 1–Valdemar.
2)So far no godchildren has come yet to collect the crisp 20 peso bill.-Valdemar.
Merry Christmas sa iyo Kumpare.Due to inflation and collapsed of stock market kung biente lang matumal ang magmamano sa Ninong.Panahon pa yata ni Garcia iyang biente pesos.Hehehehe!
This is my opinion on your number 1.The main problem of every revolution is the problem of state power. The oppressed classes, in liberating themselves from exploitation and oppression, have no other way but to make a revolution, that is to say, overthrowing by force the oppressor classes from state power, or seizing state power by force. Because, the state is an instrument created by the ruling classes to oppress the ruled classes.
The EDSA I did not have an instrument to defeat dictatorship of Marcos although it serve a positive result, and consequently was unable to accomplish its tasks because the same berdugo rule under the saya of Cory the likes of Ramos and Enrile.They had reopened up the broadest opportunity for the reactionary bourgeoisie to make the state power fall into their hands. This turncoat bourgeoisie betrayed the EDSA Revolution by unleashing white terror, which turned Philippines and politicians into lucrative corruptions.
The EDA II was a great mistake to assume that the existence of such Pidalism government signified a fundamental change in the class character of the state power. It was equally incorrect to assume that Pidalism marked the birth and the development of an aspect representing the interests of the masses, within the state power it became a cosmetic government under the consumption of Chinese Maling,defective computers, fake rolex ,gucci bags,etc.etc., under the smuggling activities of number Tho.The.Erap para sa Masa ay nabuldigat sa kakaasa may poisonous lead ang mga laruan nila from Tsina.
Cont;
My Christmas wish that I listed for Santa delivered by express mail is like this: We the Students at Ellenville University must make a sacrifices and united in mind and determined to take the road of freedom and prosperity for our country, by putting our wholehearted faith in the people, by relying on the people, by working courageously, perseveringly, conscientiously, patiently, persistently and vigilantly, will surely be able to accomplish our impossible mission to kick the corrupt cretin president in Malacanang, to smash the military dictatorship Esperon and his corrupted generals and to set up a completely new free military. The Filipinos will completely liquidate political and government corruption and the vestiges of Pidalism and sons, build a free and democratic new society, and advance toward the long road to freedom where the suppression and exploitation of politicians no longer exists.
Let us unite closely to take the road of freedom which is illuminated by the teaching of El Filibusterismo and La Solidaridad of Rizal, the road leading to the liberation of the Kabataan people na Pag-asa ng bayan.—-BOOM—TARAT—TARAT—BOOM—BOOM–BOOM—Merry Christmas to All!
pareng cocoy, a peaceful Christmas and hopeful new year!
got a message from e_pilaza@hotmail.com who wants hear from you. It reads:
“Sir
I am Ephraim Pliaza from Olongapo city and I would like to get in touch with Sir Cocoy. Could you please furnish me with his email address?”
o, ‘ayan, pareng cocoy, kung hindi isang inaanak na matagal nang hindi mo napapaskuhan, maaaring anak ng kapitbahay na nangangamusta sa nawawalang tatay ng kapitbahay.
he he he heeeh!
kaya nagtataka yung kausap na diplomat ni Ellen, masisipag ang Pinoy pero may kulang? …
abala ang lahat sa pagpupursige para maging elite; doktor, inhinyero, negosyante, sundalo, atbp. aba, hindi masama mapabilang maging isa, di ba?
pero aanhin mo ang mga ito, titulo’t kayamanan, kung ang bansa mo naman ay sobra na sa pagkabusilak hindi na matatawag na sarili?
at beyond repair na, ‘ika nga?
# Ato Kenny Says:
December 23rd, 2007 at 8:35 am
Tsamba-tsamba tayo and we say, “Bahala Na.” Because tsamba-tsamba ang galaw natin, malamang maging failure; then, we say, “Ganyan Talaga Ang Buhay.” So… what are we complaining about? Dahil hirap ang kalagayan natin, we blame everybody and everything except ourselves. I beg to disagree: the EDSA revolts haven’t changed anything for the better. The Filipino people are still suffering, maybe, even more.
==========
mas kiling ako sa ganitong pagtitimbang sa itaas; lalo na sa punto ng patsamba-tsamba.
pero, nauunawaan ko din kung gagawin ang katagang ‘ganyan talaga ang buhay’ bilang panangga sa psychological na kalusugan ng isang tao.
kung kailan maintindihan ng sambayanan, na ang kalayaan at kaayusan sa maraming bagay ay kailanma’y HINDI binibigay na libre at walang bayad, bagkus bunga ito ng mga pakikibaka at paghihirap—ang siyang puno’t dulo ng umpisa ng tagumpay.
ang kaunlaran at katiwasayan ng Inang Bayan ay hanggang duon LAMANG sa kakayahan ng ating kolektibong imahinasyon at pagpupursige para maging totoo ito.
we can achieve things, not beyond the point, no more than the point, ONLY where our resolve to make our collective efforts and dreams come true.
pero ang kapig-hatian at karumal-dumal na nangyari na at mangyayari pa, ay walang limitasyon at sa ngayon ay pawang walang nakikitang katapusan.
Ang EDSA1 ay isa lamang na bato na dinampot ng mga pinoy upang ipukpuk sa kanilang ulo at magising sa katotohanan at ang EDSA 2 ay parang tulad sa mga kinakalawang na metal na tinunaw ang mga pinoy upang gawing isang napakabigat na maso(SLEDGE HAMMER),upang ilugmok ang ating bansa sa pagdarahop at kahirapan sa malaking kahihiyan dahil sa mga ginagawa nang mga pinuno ng ating bansa upang manatili lamang sa kanilang kapangyarihan.Ang ginawa ng kagagalang na Sen. TRILLANES at ang mga kasama ay kahangahanga upang gisingin buong ang sambayanan,sa mga kawalanghiyan ng GMA ADMIN.subalit nabigo ang ating mambabatas sa kanyang adhikain para sa bayan at sa mga susunod henerasion nang ating bansa.Kaylan kaya magigising aking mga kababayan upang sila ay magkaisa at ibangon ang ating bansa??Ang mga TAONG may katwirang “Ganyan Talaga ang Buhay” ay isang malaking kahunghangan at kagungungan ugaling walang pananaw sa kinabuksan at pagunlad ng ating bayan.
Society thru it’s government prepares the crime, the criminal commits it.
Onli in da Pilipins…Gloria is the government and the criminal at the same time!
No takers on Pray tell me? Still I will ask. All over the world, they say, politicians are all the same. A bitch gave them birth. A son of a bitch sired them. Some love themselves more than their country but they do love their country even just a little bit. There lies the difference. Starting with President (think who you want) , Filipino politicians love themselves and their families. PERIOD. And Filipinos follow their political leaders who are recruited from among them. Like Myrdal’s vicious cycle it has turned full circle under a presidential offspring. Whose offsprings (genetics term for children) will continue another and any of their offspring can make another full vicious circle.
Where lies the weakness? Our politics or our politicians? Our singers not our song? Politics of greed? Greedy politicians? There lies the identical elements of our identity. There only our being (Sartre?) the Filipino. Our existentialism.
Ganyan talaga ang buhay? Parang tanggap ng pinoy ang katiwalian, pati ang kahirapan ng buhay sa Pilipinas?
Mahirap husgahan ang iba nating kababayan kung hindi sila nagsasalita, na para bagang hindi nila iniinda ang mga pangyayari. Dinadaan na lang sa tawa o pagpapatawa, kahit na sila ay naghihirap sa buhay.
Ganyan ang kulturang pinoy. Minsan, ang tingin natin ay wala na ngang pag asa pa. Patuloy ang karumaldumal na gawain ng mga kurap na politiko. Ang krimen ay ganun, at ang pagdami ng populasyon. Kaya yung iba ay nag aalisan na lang. Hindi sa nawalan sila ng pag asa, kundi napagod na rin yata sa kahihintay ng pagbabago na ayaw naman dumating.
Ang pinakamasaklap na pangyayari, ay meron mga Pinoy na ang takbo ng pag iisip ay hindi naiiba kay Aling Gloria at ang mga tiwaling opisyal ng naghaharing gobyerno. Sila pa ang magaling mag depensa sa patuloy na pagbulusok ng bayan – pabayaan na lang daw si Gloria – para sa ika-uunlad ng bansa. Gumaganda naman daw ang ekonomiya, at lalo daw walang mangyayari pag pinaalis si Gloria. Lalo lang daw gugulo ang buhay sa pinas. Tapos, kasalanan daw naman nating lahat kung ganito ang mga nangyayari.
Hay naku! Paano naman makababangon ang Pinas sa mga ganyang paniniwala. Meron sumulat ng “damaged culture” tungkol dito, na tila angkop sa mga pangyayari sa ating bansa. Sa tingin ko, mas tama siguro na sabihin: “damaged state” o “damaged politics.”
Unang-una, hindi kasalanan ng mga pinoy kung bakit nakaluklok si Gloria at patuloy sa pag upo sa tronong hindi angkop sa kanya. Hindi siya ang binoto ng karamihan, dahil ninakaw lang nila ni Garci at Esperon.
Ikalawa, kung naghihirap ang mga pinoy, hindi rin nila kasalanan yun dahil gawain yun ng isang infrastructure na tiwali at lalong nagiging tiwali dahil sa mga kurakot at nagbubulag-bulagan ng mga opisyal. Suriin lang natin mabuti, gaano karami ang nakatapos ng mataas na pag aaral na hindi makakita ng mabuting kabuhayan sa Pilipinas? At yun namang merong trabaho, kulang naman ang kinikita. Yan ang resulta ng isang mahinang ekonomiya, na patuloy na pinahihina ng corruption at masasamang lider.
At ikatlo (marami pang iba), hindi pa huli para baguhin ang lahat. Kung hindi man maalis sa puwesto ang tiwaling pamunuan, eh di gawan ng paraan. Maliban sa maghintay ng eleksiyon sa 2010, isipin kung paano sila dapat parusahan.
Merry X’mas to all and a GMA-less New Year!
Sabi nga ni Pilosopo Tasyo sa Noli Me Tangere: “Ang mga tao ay hindi nagrereklamo dahil wala silang boses, hindi sila kumukilos dahil sila ay mahina. Tapos sasabihin mo na hindi sila nagdadalamhati dahil hindi mo nakita ang pagdurugo ng kanilang puso?”
Ramdam na randam ang pagbulusok ng economy. Di na tuloy malaman kung saan ibibigay o gastusin ang kay damidaming pera na napadala ng mga OFW at mula sa EVAT. Hayan, bigay na naman sa crooked dozen ng congress. Di pa sapat ang kabibigay lang last week at ang ginamit sa junket sa Spain, atbp. Di pa tapos ang pagbibigay sa kanila lamang. Wala si ako sa listahan. Ganyan talaga ang buhay.
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
“Christmas for most Filipinos cost only 204 pesos (more or less 4 dollars),” says TV Patrol. Wow, cheap! But what can the average Filipino family buy with 204 pesos to serve for Nochebuena?
Saw a special feature about a woman selling bread shaped like lechon on Channel 26 in SFO. Paamoy-amoy na lang siguro iyong mga walang 204 pesos!
But for all the yabang of the liar at the palace by the murky river that Philippine economy is booming, it is the opposite over in the US of A. My sister for instance is not allowed to do any overtime, and so, she got an early Christmas break with no talk about a bonus, etc.
For the past two years, the malls have not been filled up with shoppers even at the last minute. The only long line I saw was at Costco’s Pizza counter, where people line up for the $9.99 each whole Pizza to serve for Nochebuena I guess.
Improved Philippine economy? I doubt! Manloloko talaga si Dorobo!
Sa kahahanap ko ng words sa poem na “Be The Best of Whatever you are” nabasa ko ito:
“The best opportunities in life are the ones we create. Goal setting provides for you the opportunity to create an extraordinary life.!
Nice quote, Rose. It reminds me of the best advice I got from a hymn that I have learned by heart in church.
It was what I actually told my parents that I wanted to do when I decided to leave home and try my own wings after finding life in the US of A was not for me despite my parents’ anxiety.
My father actually did not say much but years later he told me that he did not oppose my decision even when he was worried about me because he wanted me “to find my place in the sun.” My mother said very little, too. She said only to remember the old saying, “Mabuti pang magdildil ng asin kesa magputa.” I told her she need not worry about that because I had my religion.
Here’s the lyrics of that hymn that I always sing when I face some trials in life:
I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go
1. It may not be on a mountain height
Or over the stormy sea
It may not be at the battle’s front
My Lord will have need of me
But if by a still, small voice he calls
To paths that I do not know
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my nand in Thine
I’ll go where you want me to go
Refrain
I’ll go where you want me to go dear Lord
Over mountain or plain or sea
I’ll say what you want me to say dear Lord
I’ll be what you want me to be.
2. Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak
There may be now in the paths of sin
Some wand’rer whom I should seek
O Saviour if thou wilt be my guide
Tho dark and rugged the way
My voice shall echo the message sweet
I’ll say what you want me to say
(Refrain)
3. There’s surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth’s harvest field so wide
Where I may labor through life’s short day
For Jesus the Crucified
So trusting my all to Thy tender care
And knowing thou lovest me
I’ll do Thy will with a heart sincere
I’ll be what you want me to be.
(Refrain)