Do the right thing

University has kept me on my toes these days, especially the paper deadlines that I am now used to. Finals are coming up though, so I'll be gone again for a while but I'll try to update this blog every month as much as I can. I still have some pending posts regarding some anime and Japanese films and once I have the time to actually write them, not just jot them, I'll post them up here too. 

Anyway, this would be a really random post; an assortment of ideas that have been running on my head so I just thought I'd share with you. 
By now most of us in the globe are aware of the the Arabic revolutions and disasters striking in the Eastern and South Eastern Pacific. If you have not heard about it at all nor aware of it, then I will ask you: what are you doing on the internet? It's thanks to this technology that people from the Islamic countries are able to post videos or tweets a millisecond faster than a CNN correspondent, transcending time and space. It's a wonder what globalisation has brought to this era. 

Now, for these events, we do not want them to happen. We do not wish for them to happen. But what can we do? Prayers help, that is true, but aside from prayers, if you have anything that you can do, help. Donate. Volunteer. The Red Cross is a wonderful international organization and I'm sure your donation would be a great help and it would go farther than what you expected. And besides, if you're able to buy a small double-double, you can afford to donate something right? And it's not just Red Cross where you can donate to. There are hundreds of groups and medium for you to give. So if you have something you want to give, please do. Someone needs it more than you do.

Now back to the Philippines. I thank my parents because we don't have any Filipino channel at home because we're just not interested. I may have offended a fellow one but that's our choice. My parents are not exactly tech-savvy either, so they can't just turn on the computer to read some news back home. What connects them to the country though, are the local Filipino newspapers circulated for free in the city. And a conversation my dad overhears or is a part of. The thing is, because we don't have these channels on our tv, I am also not aware of every news that are happening in the country. I believe it does have its consequences to me, because I am beginning to break the connection that I have for it. There is still an association, but only because of the memories in that country, but not the government. I do love the Philippines, but only the country as a geographical and tropical country with its lush and unique environment and wildlife that the government should be active in preserving it. Okay I'm digressing too much. 

Here are some pictures Joey Mendoza designed himself, and I'd like to share with my fellow Filipinos and you can post them on your Facebook wall. I got these from Carlos Celdran and I thought about sharing them as well.

Like I told you, this post is scattered, like I just threw them all together to one brew, but if you think about it, it makes sense too (oh hey, they rhyme). 

A walk in Manila

If you're interested in learning something new (and for your brain to function) and have the money to do so, why not try to take a tour with Carlos Celdran and look at Manila in a whole new light? As long as you're around Metro Manila, then you'll be able to go there fast.

I was blessed to be a part of Carlos' Intramuros walking tour on July 24 that lasted around three hours under the scorching heat of the Manila sun. Wait. What? Three freakin' hours under the sun? But it's hot in Manila! Okay! I get it. I know and understand that most people (balikbayans in particular) who don't (or do) live in Manila know how hot and humid the weather can be, that is why they dislike going there. But this shouldn't be a hindrance, right? I mean, I admit, when I was back there, I was literally sweating like a pig, coming from a cold country up in the North, even though I only spent two and a half years here. But I grew up in Metro Manila, I passed by the streets of Manila, I used to take the LRT in Manila, so I know how it feels like. But the weather wasn't like that before, and I think it's probably due to Global Warming that's affecting tropical countries particularly the Philippines, when this country has contributed like a teaspoon to the world's changing atmosphere (ehem). 

But back to Carlos. You can find his site on the left of this page, where I put the links of some sites that I recommend. Or if you can't find it, here it is. This will lead you directly to his website, particularly the tour dates and rates for each. I was thinking of narrating everything that happened during the tour, but I don't have that good of a memory to think about it all over again. I may remember some, but not everything. I'm only human, you know. But I'm serious though. If you want to learn a new lesson in history, then his tours are for you. It would completely change the way you see Manila, and how this city became a witness (and victim) throughout the centuries. All you have to do is contact them to book a tour depending on your convenience, and they'll reply right away.

I'm not going to narrate everything, because it might lose your interest, and I would really appreciate it (okay, not me, but Carlos) if you would go. So my sister, Aunt and I took the Intramuros Regular Walking Tour from 9am till (almost) noon that started at Manila Cathedral and ended at Plaza San Luis. I'll see if I can describe it briefly. 

The meeting place is at Manila Cathedral, and you get to walk around the cathedral and have a little history lesson. 

After that, a kalesa (or horse carriage, Manila version) will take you around the walls of Intramuros for a short drive, and drop you off at San Agustin church. 

From there, you get a dose of real history that aren't written in the Philippine history books. You are also given the time to explore the church for a bit, and it is worth going there, because this is the only remaining cathedral out of the seven that survived World War II. I'll digress for a moment. I remember when I was in grade school and we had our class field trip at this church, and I was so scared to walk around it because it gives off that eerie vibe. And for the second time that I went here, it still gave off that feeling of goosebumps, but in a good way, because this place does have a cemetery, for the people who died and were buried during the second World War, so that reason is fair enough to consider. That, and my classmate was just pulling my leg, because we were kids, and I was gullible. But back to the tour. For break, we were given Chocnuts (which I really miss) to munch on while we continue the exploration. 

You also get to go inside the church to witness the 'illusion' that Carlos always says throughout the tour. 

After the long walk and history lesson in San Agustin, we were taken to Plaza San Luis, just across the church for a free halo-halo (which was really good, by the way), and some parting messages and acknowledgements. In the Plaza is a little souvenir store where I think most Filipinos would like, because the products and merchandise are crafted and designed with logos that would suit their taste and promote nationalism. And a restaurant which is just around Intramuras named La Cocina De Tita Moning (Aunt Moning's kitchen) where you can have a hearty lunch after filling your brains with the information.

All in all, the tour was pretty good, and it was worth my P900 (US$ 19.97 or CD$20.97, based on today's conversion rates on this site) to spend on. Did I learn a lot? Yes, and if I ever go to Manila again, I would take all his tours, or do the Intramuros one all over again as a refresher. Because I'm pretty sure it would take me years for another homecoming. 

Was Carlos effective and enjoyable as a guide? He sure is, and I'm not saying this because he gave us free Chocnuts, halo-halo and free kalesa ride, because this might change in the future, depending on the audience's demands. It's in him to be one, and you can see how patriotic he is to his own country. How he wants his fellowmen's opinions to change on how they see Manila. You can't loudly complain about the heat, because you can't help but smile when you see him tugging up his modern Barong Tagalog or long-sleeved polo at times and feel ashamed to yourself when he's the one doing all the talking, and you, as the viewer, can use a pamaypay or abaniko (fan) or chug down a bottle of cold water. And he's very funny, making sure that you don't get bored or depressed when you hear some of his stories that happened in the past. The most that I like about him is his subtlety on the flaws of the Philippine culture and values that we have adopted even to this day. He must've been reading Anti-Pinoy a lot. Hehe. I kid. Who knows what the man thinks. All I'm sure is that he notices these flaws, and he's not afraid to tell the Filipinos what they are and include them in his talks, because he wants the audience to think differently and out of the box. Which is pretty much the main point of his tour- to change the way you look at Manila, one step at a time. 

So what the heck are you doing reading this blog? Book your tickets to the Philippines (or text the number if you live around Manila), and include this in one of your visits. You have 7,107 islands to choose from, and The City of Manila in Luzon is one of them. And oh, don't forget to bring a camera with you. And a hat. Or a towel. And your money, of course. And an open mind to absorb all the information he'll give you.

A rollercoaster ride

Just a quick jot to reflect on the thoughts that have harboured my mind today. Today is the Philippine National Elections (technically, it was yesterday as I'm on the other side of the world) and having gone through the news every hour, I felt different feelings that I haven't had for a long time. 

The May 10 elections also made history as this is the first time in the country that the automatic machines are used to tally the votes. This means that there won't be any more manual counting, no need to count for days (or months) to know who won the most coveted position in the land. There will be less violence, as the ballot boxes are now safe and machines (or cards) will used to record the votes. I thank Senator Richard Gordon (and Presidentiable) who made and defended this bill.

I thought the Filipino voters are wiser now. But it turns out, I was wrong. Waking up this morning and reading the news on the internet has got me on my toes. Initial reaction: I was disappointed. Appalled. Angry that my chosen candidate wasn't elected. Furious that the one I have deemed as incompetent and not worthy of the position was leading. Mad that the people I have known my whole life supported this person who hasn't done anything during the entire 12 years of his position as a Congressman and Senator was first in the tallies. 

A bus ride later, I was still in denial that Noynoy Aquino would even be considered as a President, that if it wasn't for his name or his parents or his infamous sister he wouldn't be known more than the man he is now. And add the fact that second on the poll was former President Joseph Estrada, a convicted plunderer and impeached former actor, what more can I ask for? That was the time when I lost hope, the hope that the Philippines doesn't deserve all the great and worthy leaders that they didn't want to get elected. I lost hope, thinking that for whatever s**t that happens on that country, they deserve it. That they're to blame. A while ago I didn't want to say it out loud, but I was thinking that I'm ashamed of my fellow Filipinos, for they clearly are not ready for change. How can they not see Gilberto Teodoro or Gordon as their beacon of hope? That these men are the change that the people has been longing for?

Venting out my frustrations through the only way possible, I posted my thoughts on my usual hangout, Anti-Pinoy. When I was still feeling down with the results, little did I realize that I was beginning to accept the truth that was soon dawning on to me. I was thankful that there are some people who stiill tried to stay positive, despite the turnout of the election. And they were right. There are also some things that I'm thankful for. I'm thankful that Noynoy is leading, as he was able to prevent another Erap Administration (I shudder at the thought should this happen again.). I'm thankful that the automation flowed smoothly, despite the glitches that were seen in some areas, but they were still able to go through the election. I'm grateful that there weren't many deaths involved, unlike before that lives must be sacrificed again and again just to bag a seat.

Hnaging out at another Filipino forum has given me hope and made me more positive towards the end of the day. Reading the Gordon supporters' comments have made me realize that life should still go on, and we should still help each other for a better Philippines.

This tidbit of news that the third placer in the Presidential race conceded and congratulated the leading also made me smile a bit, even though I consider him corrupt and not fit to be a President. 

At the end of today, I have become more accepting, and realized that I should still support the current administration. I may still be bitter about it, but at least, if anything should still happen in the future (or another People Power *rolls eyes*), I know in my heart that I didn't wish for him to be the President. Yes, that's right. I won't take the blame. I won't feel guilty, because I didn't choose him in the first place. But enough of that. I don't want to resort to this. What's important is that I still have a little hope for my country that this would soon be on the list of the top countries in Asia (and in the world), a nation that I can be proud of not just of its wonders and breathtaking sights, but of the people who can defend their homeland. 

And I can still be proud to call myself a Filipino, even after all of this. But before that, I need to become a better person first. Only then can I be proud of my nationality when I have become a better individual for my nation.

This post was very random, in my opinion, and I thought about it quite fast (and out of the blue too), so pardon some stupidies (if you find some, or if you think there are) and grammatical errors.

Let us not forget...

I almost forgot that I had these pictures. In December of last year our class had a field trip for our English class at Asper Centre, the Jewish Centre of Western Canada Inc. and met a Holocaust survivor where he talked about his experience in the camps. I regret that I didn't take his picture; it would've been nice for everyone to see.

Here are some of the pictures that I took from the museum; it's not a lot because it's not that huge really. 

Which reminds me, April 12th was the Holocaust Remembrance Day, so posting them made some sense too, for us to commemorate and remember them.

Look Ma, no bruise

I've been thinking on whether to write something about the Olympics, as it's held here in Canada, and it is one of the main events this year (or month). This is also a part of history that would be read and learned by students every year as well (By the way, I congratulate all the winners in the competitions, most especially the Canadian athletes.). But then again, I wanted to remind myself that in February 1986, Filipinos gathered at one place to free themselves from the terror of the late and former President Marcos.

It's a shame that I haven't been born when this event took place. I could only savor the feelings through books, videos and stories of my parents and the elders who were a part of this revolution. 

Being the dictator and the former President of the Philippines for twenty years, Ferdinand Marcos ruled the people and kept them in fear through arrests and assasinations one after the other. Those were very dark times. The citizens had no choice but to follow orders for their family and themselves can disappear all at once. Marcos controlled the country just like how a master controls his puppet. For his first term in 1965 though, he was able to establish the Philippines as one of the richest countries in South East Asia. Unfortunately, power prevailed in him when he tried to run for the third term, thus declaring Martial Law in September 21, 1972. However, when Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. went back to the Philippines in August 21, 1983 after a three-year exile in the US, he was assasinated after stepping out of the airplane. Aquino was the only person brave enough to fight back that caused his imprisonment and banishment from the his beloved country, so his death was a huge impact to the people, losing more of their faith on the Marcos administration. Snap elections were held in early February 1986 to see if Marcos still has his 'loyalists' who support his regime. One result had him winning against Corazon Aquino, Ninoy's wife, while the other result favored the latter. People were appalled; and in the 22nd a resistance started where hundreds of thousands of Filipinos from all walks of life gathered at EDSA (Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue), protecting the military officers who rebelled against the government. Masses and prayer vigils were held everyday. Unarmed civilians kept coming in, supporting this massive revolution that would hopefully oust the dictator. There was no trace of any violence except for a soldier that was accidentally killed due to a discharged gun. Hours turned into days. Young women handing out flowers to the soldiers in tanks as they were about to pass through them. People flashing the "L" sign using their thumb and index finger (L means laban or fight in english).

And then, at the night of February 25, a miracle occurred. The first family and his allies left for Hawaii. Earlier that morning, two inaugurations for Aquino and Marcos were held. A nationwide celebration was about to happen.

Here's a video that I'd like to share with you regarding the EDSA revolution in 1986: 

Twenty-four years sure feels long, but for those who were a part of it, it is definitely a memory worth reliving for.

And in the words of Ninoy Aquino (who will never be forgotten and forever remembered),

The Filipinos are worth dying for. 

I hope everyone would make a wise decision this coming election in May.



First image was taken from People Power: An Eyewitness History, The Philippine Revolution of 1986. © 1986 Monina Allarey Mercado, Manila, Philippines

His Last Farewell

It was around 7 in the morning of December 30, 1896 at Bagumbayan, Manila when a Filipino named Jose Rizal died under the hands (or in this case, guns) of the Spanish soldiers. A death that opened the eyes of the Filipinos that rose to the Philippine Revolution which made the Spaniards flee the country of our mothers.

I decided to write this to commemorate the Philippines' National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, for today is his death anniversary (I'm on the other side of the world, so technically I'm 14 hours behind, and right now, as I publish this post, it's midnight over there, the 31st of December. A day late but early for the first day of the coming year. But whatever. At least I remembered him. And also, I get to remind myself of his heroic acts and his inspiring works.). He was considered our National Hero through his unselfish heroic acts and pacifist ways of approaching the enemy. Publishing his works which were mostly poems, he was able to reach out to his fellowmen which motivated them to fight for their freedom. And he's a damn good writer, I must say, for I've read some of them (not in Spanish, in Tagalog, but all his works are in Spanish), and he's pretty smart for someone who graduated at an early age.

But most probably his best works are his two novels, Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not/ Huwag Mo Kong Salangin) and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed/ Ang Pilibustero), which instigated the Katipunan (an association of anti-Spanish Filipino revolutionists) to attack the Spaniards. He had other literary works as well, poems and sayings that he wrote since he was a kid, which all speaks nationalism and patriotism. I have read both novels for we studied them in junior and senior year in high school (a curriculum requirement), and I think that Noli (here's a good background) is better than El Fili for the latter is too dark for Rizal's taste, unlike Noli which has hints of romance.

You can also watch the movie Jose Rizal (highly recommended, I must say) that was released in 1998 if you really want to know more about his history. Either you can buy it or watch it online, but if you did like it (and I really hope you would), you can just buy it for it really is worth every penny.

Alright, I'm not showing this to the world to let them know how Spain conquered and molested my country for 333 years. It was the past, a part of history, and I completely understand that. Heck, I don't think Filipinos still have these repressed feelings against all the conquerors of our Motherland. There's no bitterness anymore, just the sheer pride that we have for our forefathers who protected us and the archipelago that stands today. I know that there are also some ordinary and unrecognized Filipinos who serve the country in their own ways that would surely make Rizal proud. Sacrificing their blood, tears, and sweat, just for the sake of their homeland. Wonderful, isn't it? Well, I just hope that some of our leaders would get the hint.



A/N: These are facts, I tell you. A part of the Philippine history. I'm just not sure (more like accurate) on some of the information. For example, I'm not really sure (okay, I forgot) if it was because of El Fili and Noli that started the Katipunan. It might have been before that. These Filipinos were violent and have a thirst for blood. Nah, just kidding. I respect them a lot, just so you know. It's just that my brain's a bit rusty; I haven't studied Philippine history for years (not that long though, at least I remember some things). 

Also, the title post is inspired from his last poem, Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell), his last literary piece written the night before he was killed.

When it's at 'Night'

No matter how many times I read or watch something about it, I still can't help but not believe it. I know it's real; I believe it was a part of history. Good thing that there is proof that it really did happen, a memoir from one of the survivors of World War II.

Night by Elie Wiesel is a very, very good memoir of what happened during the years of the second world war and during the Holocaust. It's actually short, with 9 chapters, but packed with all the emotions and oppressions that you can't even imagine.

Here is a monologue in chapter 3 that I find really unforgettable, which I think is one of the main highlights of the book, although there are a lot of events that I want to elaborate, but I can't. So on this monologue are the feelings and the realizations he had the night that they arrived at Auschwitz.

Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, that turned my life into one long night seven times sealed.

Never shall I forget that smoke. 

Never shall I forget the small faces of the children whose bodies I saw transformed into smoke under a silent sky. 

Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith forever.

Never shall I forget the nocturnal silence that deprived me for all eternity of the desire to live. 

Never shall I forget those moments that murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to ashes. 

Never shall I forget those things, even were I condemned to live as long as God Himself. 

Never.

Reading the book has made me change my perception on what really happened that time, for I only know the basic facts. But here, you can actually feel the emotions of what happened that time―the hunger, pain, guilt, hatred, vengeance, justice, fear, selfishness, and most especially, questioning your faith in God. And the author was able to address the issue very well; and I'm sure that those who are devout or from observant families would understand this.

Seeing this from the victim's point of view has made me think of this tragic event in history and understood a bit of what they had to go through during the war. My ancestors and fellowmen were also victims of the war for the Japanese conquered the Philippines as well despite of the Americans in the country. They too, experienced the horrors of the war, and I will not compare this to the Jews for this is not something to be proud of or make a competition out of. Everyone had suffered at one point or another; for this was a war that went on in the entire world, where some nations were still rebuilding due to the first but then started again with another one. And in respect to all the victims and survivors of the war, acknowledging and empathizing with them would be better for we certainly do not want to experience what they went through during those times. It was horrible, definitely, but like Wiesel said, ''there really is no other words to describe the horrors of those events.''. It's not worth remembering them, but at least through him and all the other survivors we are able to understand and know what truly happened that time. And through them, the world may be able to avoid this terrible ordeal again.

I would love to put in more quotes from the book, but I don't really want to spoil you if you haven't read it. If you have though, that's great, for this deserved the Nobel Prize and it is worth your time. I would also like to share this site that my teacher told me, and it's interesting to look at, especially if you are into The Holocaust and you want to look deeper and know more facts. This is the site, and I hope that you do explore it; so have a look around and it's best if you know more about the second world war in Europe (particularly The Holocaust) in order to fully understand it. And there is also an episode in Oprah where she and Elie went back to Auschwitz to relive everything, but you have to see it for a cost.

In the meantime, I hope you do get to read this wonderful memoir; or if you're not into reading, you can watch some videos of Elie Wiesel in some sites (there is one recent video where Wiesel made a speech at Buchenwald with President Obama on his side in memory of Elie's father) around the net.