Monthsary

I was wondering before why people in the Philippines celebrate "monthsary" - that is, why do they celebrate a relationship for persisting for only a month. I thought, "Don't these people expect their relationship to last for at least a year?" I mean, shouldn't relationships be measured in years and not months?

The concepts of loyalty, faithfulness and patience run strong inside me. For me, if you do not want to commit to a relationship (and I mean commit) that has its responsibilities, considering the character of the person you would be going into a relationship with, then you should not get into it in the first place. It would be a waste of time and emotion, for me.

Are people so low in character, nowadays, that staying in a relationship for a month is already feat? I learned, probably. And there also other factors.

I got myself (or maybe, coerced a person to join me) into a sort of compromise agreement in relationship. I refer to it personally as a compromise agreement because, as I mentioned earlier, a relationship entails a set of responsibilities and expectations. The relationship I got into only has one rule - no committment.

I learned immediately the moment she agreed of the dilemma I got myself into - I violated my own "policies," and I saw a relationship that is bound to fall. Before, when I thought of a future relationship, I thought it would endure. My first should be my only and my last. With the relationship I got into, it was like I asked someone to have a revolver loaded with one bullet, but I am not certain if that person would really put a bullet in the gun. Everytime I pull the trigger, I don't know if I would be able to live and wait for the next pulling of the trigger.

People nowadays perhaps realize (including me) that a relationship is not as easy as two people getting into a "yes" or "I agree." They consider the other person. They consider the weaknesses of the other person, as well as their strengths. They consider what may have happened in the past that may affect the present or is currenty affecting the present. They consider the level of committment between them. They also consider what they have gone through before. Why go into a relationship that is almost bound to hurt them both?

I do not like 1 Corinthians 13 - it's so much a cliche on Biblical reference on love. But just this once, I have to use it. Because it is what I used to go through the clouds of doubt and fear that I have for my relationship with her.

But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV)

If you fear of the future, then that fear will eat you alive.

If you rely on senseless words (arguments and quarrels), love will not grow.

If you rely on expectations too much, you would eventually not love your partner but the person you want him/her to be.

Love relies on trust, hope and perseverance. With that, I hope and hold on.

And pray.

It does not matter what time now you look into the future - you just enjoy the present while preparing for tomorrow. And enjoy now with the person. For in the end, not that it does not matter, but it is the person that does matter. Time and place are fleeting, but the person, while "like a flower ofthe field," in which "the wind blows over it and it is gone," (Psalm 103:15,16 NIV), is "crowned... with glory and honor" (Psalm 8:5 NIV).

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

I love her.

Love the Philippines... Hate Korea?

I received this email. I would like to just point out the idea:

 

Love the Philippines.

 

Original Message Follows:

=====================

How much do we love the Philippines?

 

As you know, we have plenty of Koreans currently studying in the Philippines to take advantage of our cheaper tuition fees and learn English at the same time.

 

This is an essay of a Filipino...

 

My short essay about the Philippines ......and Koreans...

 

Filipinos always complain about corruption in the Philippines. I think we should also complain about Koreans. They have always taken advantage of every race in this part of Asia and now they also want to rape our country another way.

 

Let me first talk about the second world war. according to my Lolo and Lola, the Japanese were the officers and the Koreans were the enlisted men. During the liberation of Los Baños, the Koreans burned houses in Bayan. They shot and killed everyone in sight and they even burned to death a mother and her child. It was the same in Manila, they threw babies in the air and used bayonets to "catch" them. When the 2nd War ended, no Asian pitied the cruel Koreans. No one wanted to help a race that was so wicked and deceptive (they claimed to be Japanese).

 

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines. They wanted our Natural resources because they were greedy.They wanted to take others property without using their own.

 

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos had a very rich culture. They envied Filipinos because their women looked like cod fish. They wanted to rape us again! They did it during the war and they are doing it again to us . They take advantage of our cheap tuition and clog up our schools thus depriving other Filipinos of the right to study in their own country.Their patriotism is so distorted that they think they have the right to bully other races because they were used by the Japanese and that the world owes them their freedom.

 

40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow (many) money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan because he did not want the interest rates. So, president Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany. They had to go through a horrible experience. The mine workers went to work in the mines and the nurses went to work in the Hospitals. Today, there are many factories in Korea and in the Philippines. In our country, they give the workers less than the minimum wage. One factory in Laguna employs 1000+ Filipinos with a P200 per day wage at 12 hours. At least they can save on the Labor cost and bring the profits to their beloved homeland.

 

In 1964, president Park visited Germany on a business class ticket. Hundreds of Koreans went on mass leave just to see him cry. Everyone shouted at the same time the same question " President. when can we be well off?". So Park borrowed money.

 

My parents always brought me to the places where the poor and physically handicapped people live.  I don't remember were that place is now but I remember Korean students doing their research work there. But I remember my hometown Los Baños were a Korean courted a lass from Bay. The Korean   courted under false pretenses (He said he was not married). The lass is now a mother and the Korean who worked in IRRI is of course missing.

 

Have you cried for the Philippines? I have not because there is really nothing to cry about. I am not filled with the conscience of my forefathers killing babies. There are many poor Filipinos but our family values are still intact. I am not like a Korean who has no culture graces, no social ethics, no table manners ...

 

I have been to the New Bilibid prison. Yes there are many prisoners there also. They don't like the Philippines and neither do they like the police who put them there... but wait, they hate their victims also. What I mean by they are the two prisoners I talked to. One is a drug pusher, the other killed someone. They said they will go to Korea once they escaped.

 

When we went to Pagsanjan , we saw many boatmen. That was their livelihood. They were thin because they were thin. My parents said they will not ride a boat anymore, even if there was water in the Pagsanjan creeks that led to the waterfall.

 

It changes the world. "Please love your neighbor" advised a Korean to my friend. "There is a god for people who are abused and abandoned and there is a devil for those who abused and raped. Teach them Taekwondo, he continued, and no one will be able to mess around with your child. Kick you foe in the groin and punch him in the nose when he is down..."

 

Please leave our country alone. Our country was separated from Asia's land so than Koreans,Chinese, Vietnamese and all meeses in the world will leave us alone.

 

That's all I really want to ask you Koreans.

Policeman

I remember a few years before. There was this policeman who almost died (I think, if not, he died really) trying to quiet a group of rallyists. The policeman, who had a gun, did not use the gun to the group - he wanted to use the non-violent method to control the crowd, but the group of uncivilized, insensitive, selfish rallyists, who say that they are of the poor and the masses, mobbed the poor guy. Aren't the policemen members of the masses? If they are not, why would they have to work in the first place?

When there is a rally, I wonder how these people say they represent the Filipino people? They only represent their selfish character. That's all.

* * *

I did not watch the SONA. Neither is the reason for lack of interest in the state of the nation, nor lack of trust of the political leadership. No. I do not want to read about it because of the usual news of people not thinking of the greater good, nor for their own individual good, about what is really good in the long term, or such things. People who opted not to study and learn the basics of life, blame the government for not giving them the "basic services," complain about the government not working for them. Since they did not study, they might not have heard "Do not ask what the country can do for you, rather, ask what you can do for the country."

* * *

What is the state of the nation? It does not matter about the economic status of the nation (although, if not for the political crisis created by selfish "opposition," the nation could still have been better), the political crisis, or leadership image. This is easily seen in the moral state of the people. People do not value what is really valuable and essential. They instead promote selfishness and division - what those party lists and activist groups promote as "rights". Where have the Filipinos allowed themselves to come to with such destructive "advisers"?

* * *

Monthsary. Anniversary. What is the essence? I'll give my perspective on it next time.

The Call For Sacrifice Message

One call we often hear today, when people ask President Arroyo to resign, is the call to make the ultimate sacrifice for
the good of the country.

Now that is a call that we can endorse. No, not the call for the President to resign, but the call for everyone, not
just her, to makesacrifices for the good of the nation.

* Loren Legarda: you are challenging the legitimacy of Vice President de Castro. If and when the President
does resign, de Castro will ascend to the Presidency. That is the constitutional process. Your continuing proclamation of his illegitimacy
can become destabilizing. Can you make the sacrifice of withdrawing your suit and just allowing him to sit as President?

* The 10 Cabinet members who resigned: many of you are known for integrity. Let your record speak for itself. Can you
make the sacrifice of just shutting up now and not defending yourselves, for this contributes to further instability?

* Frank Drilon: your salivating for the Vice Presidency leaves a bad taste in the mouth. You manifested extreme
hypocrisy and political opportunism in extolling GMA to high heavens and then stabbing her in the back, within the space of one week. Can
you make the sacrifice of stopping all moves, including those of your Liberal Party cohorts, of political maneuvering?

* All traditional politicians: kayo ang tunay na salot ng bayan. Can you make the sacrifice of resigning your posts and
fading into complete oblivion?

* Activist bishops and clergy of the Catholic Church: we appreciate your concern for the good of our people, but we do
not appreciate your being at the forefront of political activism. Can you make the sacrifice of sticking to your pastoral duties of
ministering to the spiritual needs of the flock and leave the political posturing to the lay people?

* Brother Eddie Villanueva: God has blessed you by giving you a big flock to take care of. That is your calling. While
many disagree with your entry into politics, we leave that between you and God. But what is difficult to take is your insistence, and
that of your apologists, that you won the Presidential elections. For goodness sake, you were number five! If you were cheated, it
was not only GMA who did so but Fernando Poe and the others as well. Can you make the sacrifice of leaving partisan politics entirely and
focusing on the Father's business?

* Imee Marcos, Jinggoy Estrada, JV Ejercito: is it not enough that your parents plundered the nation and you were
part of that, and now you have not only kept all your loot but are also back in power? Can you make the sacrifice of removing yourselves
from the limelight? In reality, you are a major reason why the middle forces are not responding positively to the call to a
change in government.

* Nene Pimentel: Make the ultimate sacrifice to SHUT UP! old man. You have ruined your integrity. You have shown
the real you, a bitter old man of politics who never achieved what you have always dreamed of.

* Activists: Isn't it enough that you are being tolerated despite the fact that you have never contributed any tax for
this country? despite the fact that your existence is based on fault-finding? despite the fact thaat the "bourgoise" that you are
so against of are the very people who support your existence?

* The poor: we understand that, sapagkat kayo ay kapit sa patalim, you allow yourselves to be exploited and brought
to rallies of unscrupulous politicians. Can you make the sacrifice of a few pesos, of bearing with your hunger, and not allow
yourselves to be exploited, so that you maintain your dignity and you help sow the seed for true liberation and well-being, in God's
time?

* Cory Aquino: Isn't it enough that you have become President of this country and you will go down in history as the
one who gave the Filipinos hope after the Marcos dictatorship? Isn't Kris, your daughter enough for you to handle? How can you
have the heart to call for supreme sacrifice when you cannot even manage to call for the same sacrifice from your daughter who has
never given this country something to be proud of? On the country, she is the epitome of bratness and low morals .

The call to sacrifice is a wonderful call. God himself showed us the way. Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross in order
to win our salvation. Such a call is pure, noble, worthy of emulation. Let us not use it for selfish motives. Let us not prostitute
its purity by polluting it with the filth in our hearts.

"For to me life is Christ, and death is gain." (Phil 1:21)

Birthday and Purpose

It was the usual day for my birthday. After 24 years, I still have to go on doing the role of a big brother to my lady friends. Nothing for me. I was tempted and almost fell to self-pity, but the self-pity that I could allow is this thing - blogging.

* * *

July 20. Without sleep, from work, I got to UP Manila to meet Anne. I thought I could stay up until maybe 1300H, latest is 1400H. I thought I would just go with him to NBI to get her clearance. But that's not the way it should be. It's too easy. Let's make it harder for you.

I waited until 1210H. Finally, she arrived. We ate while she waited for her TCG (True Copy of Grades), which the Office of the College Secretary did not finish accurately. So, we have to wait until 1330H when it would be corrected. Good news: We won't go to NBI. Challenging News: I have to go with her to Makati because she (nor does her father who came later) does not know how to get to the place she went top twice already.

What a day to start the day.

* * *

July 22. It was a rest day. Actually, I just wanted to stay at home. I was supposed to wash my shoes, but thought I needed them to go out. My plan for this day was get myself a gift (a Bible or study help), get the gift from Ate Connie (my supervisor when I was a student assistant in the dean's office of CAS), and then give Ruth the receipt for the Gloria Jeans. Everything was well until I met Ruth.

Again, she has her problem with her boyfriend.

And again, with whom would she share this problem, other than me?

I mean, I don't want to be boastful about it, but, can't anybody help her? I mean, it's just my birthday yesterday, and now, I have to endure solving your problem?

But that is my role.

Not to be loved, or be romantically involved, nor be appreciated, but just work on my role.

What is the purpose of a birthday?

Aside from being born, it is to recognize and realize that role which has been put to you.

* * *

No amount of words, quality of expression, sincerity of sacrifice, or strength of love and action, can make a person understand if she does not want to.

The sparkle of the eyes says a lot... if a person only wants to listen.

Birthday

As I walked into my office, my secretary, Jane, said, "Good morning boss. Happy Birthday." And I felt a little better; someone had remembered. I worked until noon.

Then, Jane knocked on my door and said, "You know, it's such a beautiful day outside and it's your birthday let's go to lunch, just you and me." I said, "By George, that's the greatest thing I've heard all day. Let's go." We went to lunch. We didn't go where we normally go; we went out to the country to a little private place. We had two martinis and enjoyed lunch tremendously.

On the way back to the office, she said, "You know, it's such a beautiful day. We don't need to go back to the office, do we?" I said, "No, I guess not." She said, "Let's go to my apartment."

After arriving at her apartment she said, "Boss, if you don't mind, I think I'll go into the bedroom and slip into something more comfortable." "Sure," I excitedly replied.

She went into the bedroom and, in about six minutes, she came out carrying a big birthday cake, followed by my wife, children, and dozens of our friends, all singing Happy Birthday.

And there I sat...on the couch..........naked

 

=====

Joke from the Internet.

Leadership and Their Mistakes

In my Leadership devotional (by John Maxwell), the topic was about "Encourage Others' Strengths." The reading was on 1 Samuel 17:33. I decided to read on the whole chapter of the Bible, and it provided me with more insights about the topic in Philippine politics and leadership which I have been thinking for more than a week now.
Actually, I just would like to point out some criticisms and what the Bible answers to how leadership should be viewed in this situation.

Just for a background, the chapter of 1 Samuel 17 narrates how David, the youngest son of Jesse, servant of King Saul of Israel, defeated Goliath, the mightiest of heroes of the Philistines, with a slingshot. Maxwell's reading states how Saul viewed David's youth and inexperience in human battle before fighting Goliath.

The voice of the people is the voice of God - vox Populi, vox Dei

Christians, Catholic or otherwise, should know these verses:
But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do." (1 Samuel 8:6-9 NIV)

God does not need human vote for His wise decision.

How the Lord chooses the leader

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)

Not by human standards nor popular vote does God anoint.

What would Jesus do on GMA's mistake (or even sin)

Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:34 NIV)

Jesus saves and forgives. Of course, take note:

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:1-3 NIV)

What a leader would do in a moment of challenge to his or her flock

But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. (1 Samuel 17:34-35 NIV)

The leader protects the flock from mischievous agents. He cannot let other people carry the flock easily. It would be irresponsibility.

Does God condemn the sinner? Is there a need for "integrity? for the leader?"

(After the long chapter of David's SIN - not JUST A mistake)

Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. (2 Samuel 12:24-25 NIV)

Leaders are humans who could commit mistakes. But mistake or sin does not define the man. David, the "man after God's own heart," has committed a mistake, and was punished, but God did not take his name away from the Book of Life, nor was leadership taken away from him. Images are human, God looks at the heart. Also, applicable among the candidates,

All have turned aside,
they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one. (Psalms 14:3 NIV)

Should only one be condemned? Whoever that points a finger to an enemy, at least three are pointing back at them.

Little Things

It is very difficult to appreciate the little things, but like ANYTHING, you get to miss their big value when they are no longer there.

I try not to devalue people. Whether they are really close or not, someone I have gone through hardships or pleasant experiences, trainee or teacher, co-worker or superior, intimate friend or casual acquaintance, I do not devalue. I know they are important. I know they are people. And for me, there are only two things that make my reality: words and people.

Yesterday noon, I accompanied my best friend Anne on her way to a job interview. It was challenging for her. It was also challenging for me, not knowing what to advise her. It's just that I don't know what else she needs, because for me, she has everything an employer or HR person would want - professionalism, competence, and highly valuable interpersonal skills - if they get to know her.

And that's it. It was on letting them know who she really was.

That small thing which I forgot.

I am a communication major person, but I forgot which she needed and which was supposedly in my area of expertise - getting the message across.
Anne did not have to impress the person. That interviewer would definitely be impressed just in knowing her background, her achievements, the trials she went through. But I forgot to tell her that in an interview, and with her case, it should not be difficult. She only needed to get the message across.

Little things.

Perhaps, telling her, "you only need to let yourself be known. No impressing the person needed. Yourself is more than enough to get you any job," could have made her feel different.

One thing learned.

* * *

After her interview, we were supposed to go home. I went with her to Cubao. When we got off the bus, it was raining heavily. She was wearing her job interview attire, I was wearing a casual but slacks thing - and LEATHER shoes. I hate to have my leather shoes wet. But what can I do?

We ran to the nearest building, and wet, waited for the rain to ease - which was after about 30 minutes. It was challenging, for me, personally. I wanted to have a pleasant day with her. Rain is not in my plans.

But God had other plans. It was perfect. In that rain, God gave us a perfect setup to talk. Awesome.

We ate at Goldilocks. We talked. We talked for more than an hour - more than 90 minutes. It was very interesting. Personal, but intellectual. We learned more of each other. We laughed, we were surprised, we were not wearing masks. We appreciated each other. It's not just missing each other for me, because I made it a policy not to let a person get out of my communication in a way that would make that person be missing to me. No. I wanted to let people know that I appreciate them. This time, however, I guess it was an opportunity for us to let us again express our appreciation of each other, and our friendship. Without sarcasm or jokes to those expressions of appreciation. It was awesome.

"The silver tint in the cloud..." of the rain. Heheh.

It was not just silver. It was diamond of a moment. But it works, I like silver better than gold.

It was almost hateful raining in the rain, but with Anne, it was like walking in the field with the gust of the afternoon wind.

I was even smiling. (Guess why)

* * *

Wow. four more days, and I'll be 24 years old.

Kira and Kenshin: A Comparative Analysis

I have watched Episode 34 of Gundam Seed Destiny, and I can't help but compare the beings of [Gundam] Freedom Pilot Kira Yamato and Hitokiri Batousai, Himura Kenshin. I mean, they basically have the same method, same objective, and same social power. But why is it that Kenshin Himura defeated Shishiyo, but Kira Yamato did not defeat a misguided "ace" (why do you call a person sinking non-mobile naval ships by a mobile suit an ace? It's analogous to a lion attacking an elephant or a giraffe, or a tyrannosaurus rex attacking a diplodocus!)?

That's what I hope to determine today.

Let's see their sitiuations first, then their similarities, then their differences, which resulted to a difference in the results of their campaign.

Himura Kenshin lived in a period of Japan that is on the rise to a major world power, but internal conflicts prevent it from happening. Many persons want either control of Japan to lead it into that destined goal, or take over Japan for their own selfish reasons. Shishiyo was one of those who belong to the first, idealistic group. A lot of people under Shishiyo, or other enemies of Kenshin were of the second, personal group, like Aoshi .

Kira Yamato's situation is basically the same. The future world - while people think of it now as a very peaceful existence - is torn between the coexistence of two biological human races, the Naturals and the genetically altered Coordinators; and the primacy of one of the two races. Again, two objectives exist among the influential groups. One is coexistence, the other is annihilation. There are a number of methods between the two objectives, but there are generally two courses of action - war and not-war. A number of groups with one of the two objectives (sometimes, people with the same objectives fight each other) employ one or both methods.

Kira and Kenshin both have the same line of objective - a non-violent method of resolving the conflicts in their situation. Kenshin, while fighting, uses a reverse-edged sword. Kira, while using the deadly Gundam Freedom, aims only for the weapons of the mobile suit (something which has actually been done previously in Gundam Wing). They do not want fighting or bloodshed in

Kenshin does not have any great objectives - objectives of saving the world or humanity from self-destruction, but he has a purpose in his own life - to live a simple life. Kira Yamato, on the other hand, perhaps because of a subtle feeling of superiority in being a Coordinator, feels that he has a need for doing something in the world to resolve the political/racial conflict. Kenshin is in the late 20s or early 30s, while Kira is not older than 18 years old.

(Considering that both anime are from the same culture, I cannot see the fascination of Japanese for young heroes. Himura Kenshin is a significant deviation to the stereotype of anime protagonist.)

Considering the above characteristics and age difference, would they result to the difference? Not really. I see some key differences on the two heroes' handling of their situations, however.

Kira did not have the maturity of Kenshin. Besides NOT living in an age of youth being thrown into wars without proper orientation on their perspective of human and political dynamics (an unlikely scenario, which makes the situation of the Gundam Seed Destiny unlikely, nor the character of Kira Yamato emerging in the real world), Kenshin lived the life of a youth with a twisted sense of right and wrong. He eventually realized this, and this realization happened in a plausible time frame - something like his whole adolescence or pre-adult period (Not like Kira's few battles and one friend dying in the process).

Kenshin lived and relished killing and murdering for his political beliefs before becoming the Himura of Sanosuke, Yoshi and Cori. Kira did not have that, so he could not argue one how the other person felt or feel in encounters.

That maturity allowed Kenshin not to be stopped in verbal arguments. He knows what to say, he knows how to respond, and while he may not know what the other side would say or what they have done (he is not god, you know), he commits to the proper course of action - not by sense of fate, but by prudent thinking, experience, and identification with the enemy or opponent (Kenshin, in addition, knows that not all opponents are enemies. Ayoshi is an opponent, but not an enemy, for example). He knows that while words may not be enough, they are significantly effective (shouting the style he is using is beside the point, though).

Kira is frequently shocked and stopped in verbal encounters - a sign of his emotion-based actions. He may have an above-Natural and above-Coordinator mental capability (i.e., intelligence), but his interpersonal and affective functions are weak and unstable. The theory of SEED (Suprior Evolutionary Element Destined-factor) makes it even more fate-based. Despite the word "destined" in SEED, it makes the person tied to a particular course of reaction, the very essence of difference between fate and destiny. Fate dictates what will happen to a person no matter what he does, while Destiny indicates the path a person would have to take, but the choices remain. What form would choices become, but responses or reactions?

Kira lived in an ideal world - that is, he perceived in an ideal point of view. Kenshin knew better. He knew the weaknesses of people, and he knew that some of the character weaknesses he fought were inside him. For that reason, it was easy for him to forgive. Kira did not have a concept of forgiving of asking forgiveness.

The character and values instilled by proper teaching (by sensei Seijuro Hiko), realistic life experiences and proper responses, gave Kenshin the proper and effective personality in acting on the situation of Shishiyo's menace. (Before Kenshin went to Shishiyo, he considered his needs and capabilities, his weaknesses and the concerns. This is something you cannot see in Kira in the Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny series.)

Kenshin knows his role in the general perspective. He knows his capabilities but does not have a thinking that his or his own group would save the world (or Japan) from destruction, but they know their role in fulfilling the proper objective of Japan. Kira and the Archangel did not have that attitude. Instead, they went to the battles and persisted on a non-violent means of resolving their conflict. Besides Athrun's point of giving confusion to the battlefield, Kira's action prohibited the prospective sympathizers with confusion on what they are aiming.

Perhaps, if Kira and the Archangel pronounced to the whole world their intention before going into battles, they would have been more effective. It would send the message in a consistent manner, and the involved parties - Naturals' and Coordinators' military - would treat them properly.

(An election message exclaimed by George Bush in his committment to Iraq and fighting terrorism, "consistency of the message.").

Kenshin, in fighting the first significant battle he fought (saving Utaro from the gang that was planning to use the kid's riches to conquer Japan for their own selfish scheme), he asked the police first to stop the battle between the two armies (the samurais and the police/army troops), then settled the issue of the day.

 

Kira and Kenshin lived in generally the same type of situations (one cannot use the argumentation that there are nuances in each situation that may have resulted to the difference in results to their campaign, because ALL situations are different. The key social, political and cultural characteristics, however, are THE SAME). They also have the same heart of achieving their objectives in peaceful, non-violent methods. The key differences which resulted to Kenshin winning his battle against Shishiyo and his elements, against Kira losing to Shinn Asuka in the battle of Indian Ocean, however, are the following:

• Experience - realistic, situation and person-based Kenshin allowed his character to develop. You know how he loses and wins, and what he learns from the battles. He learns the proper lessons, not vengeance or personal sense of justice.
• Mature attitude and outlook - Kenshin knows his objectives, specific and bound by certain factors. Kira does not consider the factors in fighting his battles.
• Objective assessment of capabilities - Kenshin knew he had a lot of things to catch up with Shishiyo's level of swordfighting. He prepared. Kira did not. He was a civilian that joined the Archangel. That's all.
• Character - you see the discipline in how he handles things - be it funny or serious. He knows the value of inter-personal relationship, the objective of a campaign, and the sacrifice that have to be made. There is focus to the objective without deviating from the values that you have to adopted. It persists in temptation of giving up, situation of testing both the capability and perception, and puts the human in utmost priority. In corporate jargon, there is ethics in the business at hand.

Note: The above article is written with the writer wearing a headset playing in medium volume the anime OSTs of Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X), Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny. Forgive if the thoughts are not as organized as they should be.

 

I could easily relate this to the Philippine government and public leadership, but let us not go to that. It is better this way.

Joke Time

BALANCE

 

Once upon a time in the kingdom of Heaven, God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael the Archangel found him, resting on the seventh day.

 

He inquired of God, "Where have you been?"

 

God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."

 

Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?".

 

"It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put Life on it.

 

I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance."

 

"Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused.

 

God explained, pointing to different parts of earth.

 

"For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, but cold and harsh while southern Europe is going to be poor but sunny and pleasant. I have made some lands abundant in water and other lands parched deserts. This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."

 

The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a group of islands and said, "What are those?"

 

"Ah," said God. "That's the Philippines, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful beaches, rivers, mountains and forests. The people from the Philippines are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent and humorous and they are going to be found traveling the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking and high achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as carriers of peace and love."

 

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then proclaimed, "What about balance, God? You said there would be balance."

 

God replied wisely, "Wait until you see the idiots I put in the government."

Philippine Politics: My Role

This is a boring subject, so I will write about this first.

Philippine politics, and what I have to do with it.

In recent news and available information (also called "rumors"), many people question what the President should do. Should she resign, face the impeachment court, or directly act on the threat to her leadership and the governance (also called 'declare martial law,' which is not that easy to do). A lot of things are implied by each course of action. A lot of things are actually happening with the actions taken by the Opposition (calling themselves 'para sa masa'). Earlier, on my way to work, because of the stupidity of the mayor of the city I am working in (I do not reside in the same city.) or the owner of the land (This should give local readers an idea what this city I am talking about), instead of taking less than 50 minutes to go to work, I have to run after an hour to get to my workstation on time. Such is the leader of this place. Another prominent leader taking a similar attitude and characteristics is a former president.

Yes. Cory Aquino. That pseudo-leader - whose words are required for this country on every situation. Does everyone really want to hear her voice? She plunged this country to an all-time high debt figure in her presidency due to her compromise and illogic!

In this country, there are three leaders.

The leader in position. This is the current President.

The leader affecting. This is the leader that makes things happen - not necessarily good, ethical, or effective. This is currently the group of people in the Opposition.

The leader in character. This is the person who has the moral, ethical, spiritual and objective characteristics, objectives (forgive me for the seeming redundant or circular use of words) and vision for the country. I still do not see this person in the group of people in the leadership.

(I have a lot of opinions on the current status, particularly against the Opposition and a critique on how the President is handling the situation, and how the Filipinos react/respond to the situation, but it would be a long one if I discussed the points one by one.)

So, what is my role?

Honestly, I felt so depressed at first. I wanted to cry for my country. I am grieving for how the people are letting themselves tricked by persons with latent personal schemes and mischief (not to mention incapabilty to lead or manage - you cannot even discipline your own daughter, how can you guide the country?!). I almost cannot sleep.

I read the book of Isaiah and Jeremiah. In those books, Israel was in turmoil - both North and South. There were crises, both internal and external. I read the Second Book of Samuel, particularly when David sinned and left the throne in fear. The Philippine situation is grossly similar. The Words of God were clear in the message. It's just that the people (even the Catholic Church) do not read the Bible - or if they do, they either do not know the message for this situation, or they want to listen to something else.

When I decided that I needed to get sleep, I prayed for the proper approach to the situation, and the answer.

What could I do?

I learned.

My role is to fulfill my role, to look into my responsibilities - which I am answerable to God - and live up to them, and seek the best for my family.

For once, I have agreed to Korina Sanchez (someone said she said this over her morning program). If the family is fine, the country would follow.

If everyone looks into his or her own role and live unto them, the country will go forward and into the proper direction.

The problem is that a lot of people want to another person's business, forget his or her own role (those who ask for the President's resignation, have they done their own job? Those who left the President's Cabinet, don't they remember that while they serve at the President's pleasure, they are actually SERVING THE PUBLIC, not the President? If they left the President because "hindi na nila kayang sikmurain ang ginagawa ng Presidente," doesn't that mean that they were accomplices to a crime committed? Should they not be condemned as well for working with the person they are judging? Should they not be condemned for committing treason - leaving the country and its people?)

Look into your own role, fulfill your responsibilities, live up to your purpose. That is your own role.

EVERYDAY.

God bless the Philippines. God bless the Filipino people. While there was a time when I thought I might dislike my own race, I have cleared my mind. I love this country. I weep, but I smile to its hope.

A message to the people - From an Individual Worker

I received this email. I agree with some. I don't agree with its title, though. but I appreciate its point - they are not just the people in this country. And a lot of times, you have to think for them because they don't think themselves.

 

I love this country. I hope the people appreciate what it has.

 

======

Dear All,
with the recent developments that besiege the country, I can't help but  agree with 90% of this mail I received, especially in the context that  "qualified voters in this country should have been the 'paying' taxpayers'  themselves", not the noisy ones who never helped made this country alive.  Here it is: Please read this in its entirety, the author has a point!  Galing sa isang ordinaryong manggawa sa Pilipinas  -------------------------------------------------
Walang kwenta ang Pilipinas
By: jawbreaker. (isang ordinaryong office worker na ayaw nang magbayad ng  tax...ever!)
Walang katapusang corruption, walang kamatayang pangbabatikos,  pagbabatuhan ng tae at pagpapa-taasan ng ihi ng mga pulitiko sa bawatisa,  walang tigil na imbestigasyon ng kung ano-anong isyu pero wala namang  matinong resolusyon, walang puknat na pag-aagawan ng kapangyarihan sa  pagitan ng mga partido, patuloy na pagdami ng tamad at tangang Pilipino,  SILANG patuloy na pakikipaglaban ng ideolohiyang wala namang  silbi.
SINONG "SILA"? EH DI MGA CORRUPT NA GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND WORKERS,  MGA TAMBAY NA PILIPINO NA ANG LALAKI NG KATAWAN PERO HINDI NAMAN  NAGTRATRABAHO AT HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG TAX, MGA MAYAYAMAN AT ARTISTANG TAX  EVADERS, PATI MGA AKTIBISTA, NPA AT IBA PANG IDEOLOGICAL GROUPS NA HINDI  NAGBABAYAD NG TAX PERO PANG-GULO!!!
Lagi na lang sinasabi ng mga pulitiko: Ipaglaban ang masa! Tulungan ang  masa! Mahalin ang masa!
MASA LANG BA ANG TAO SA PILIPINAS?
SINO BA TALAGA ANG BUMUBUHAY SA BANSANG TO?
SAAN BA GALING ANG PANGPAGAWA NG MGA TULAY AT KALYE? SAAN BA GALING ANG  PORK BARREL? SAAN BA GALING ANG PERANG KINUKURAKOT NILA?
KAMI NA MGA MANGGAGAWA AT MIDDLE CLASS NA BAGO PA MAKUHA ANG SWELDO BAWAS  NA - KAMI ANG BUMUBUHAY SA BANSA NA 'TO!!!!!!!!!
BAKIT YANG BANG MGA MASANG YAN NA LAGI NA LANG SENTRO NG PLATAPORMA NG MGA  PULITIKO EH NAGBABAYAD BA NG TAX cla???!!!!
KAHIT ISA SA MGA NAG-RA-RALLYING MGA SQUATTER NA YAN, KAHIT SINGKO HINDI  NAG-RE-REMIT YAN SA BIR!
PERO PINAPAKINGGAN BA KAMI NG GOBYERNO?
LAGI NA LANG OPINYON NG MASA ANG INI-INTINDI NG GOBYERNO.
KUNG SINO ANG NAG-RA-RALLY, SA EDSA, SILA ANG NASUSUNOD.
KUNG SINO ANG MAS MALAKAS SUMIGAW PERO WALA NAMANG ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION,  SILA LAGI ANG FOCUS PAG MAY PROBLEMA.
SILA LAGI ANG BIDA.
KAMING MGA ORDINARYONG OFFICE WORKERS, OFW'S, LABORERS AT IBA PANG  NAG-TRA-TRABAHO AT NAGBABAYAD NG TAX - KAMI ANG NAGPAPAKAHIRAP PARA  BUHAYIN ANG PILIPINAS. KAMI ANG MGA TUNAY NA BAYANI NG BANSA!!!
Tuwing nakikita ko ang payslip ko, nag-iinit ang ulo ko at gusto kong  maiyak sa inis. Napakalaki ng tax na binabawas sa akin pero ginagamit lang  sa walang kwentang bagay ang perang pinaghirapan ko.
Lahat ng pagtitipid ginagawa ko para suportahan ang sarili ko, pamilya ko  at ang bansang to. Ni hindi ako makabili ng chicken and spaghetti meal sa  Jollibee kahit gutom na gutom na ko. Nag-tya-tyaga ako sa waffle na  tig-P10, o kaya pag may konting pera, junior bola-bola siopao sa Mini-Stop  sa halangang P20.
Eh kung yung pera ko na pinapangbabayad sa tax sa kin na lang napunta, eh  di sana nakakapanood pa ko ng sine at least 2 beses sa isang buwan.  Nakabili na sana ako ng bagong rubber shoes. Nakapagpagawa na sana ako ng  sarili kong bahay.
Yung tax na binabayad ko, karamihan nun derecho sa bulsa ng mga corrupt na  mga government officials at workers. Habang hirap na hirap akong i-budget  ang pera ko, sila naman nagpapakasarap sa mga mansyon. SUV's at luxury  cars pa ang dina-drive nila, samantalang ako sa pedicab lang sumasakay!
PERA KO YANG PINAPAGPAPASASAAN NYO!!!!!
Yung tax na binabayad ko, pinapangsuporta sa mga mahihirap. Saan ba galing  ang pera pangpagawa ng housing at pagtulong sa mga mahihirap, di ba sa mga  manggagawa na nagbabayad ng buwis! Pero karamihan ng mahihirap, kung  umasta kala mo inaapi sila ng sobra.
SA TOTOO LANG NO, KAYA ANG MGA MAHIHIRAP LALONG NAGHIHIRAP KASI MGA TAMAD!
Ang daming mga tambay sa kalye na walang trabaho pero ang laki ng katawan.  Eh kung sila ba nagkargador sa pier eh di sana may pera sila.
TAPOS WALA NA NGANG PERA, ANAK PA NG ANAK!
LALO NYO LANG PINAPADAMI ANG TAMAD AT TANGA SA MUNDO!!!!!
 Naaawa ako sa mga batang pakalat-kalat sa kalye at namamalimos. Imbes na  nag-aaral, dumadagdag lang sila sa bilang ng mga future criminals sa  Pinas. Hindi ako magtataka na yung batang nakita kong namamalimos sa  Cubao, pagkatapos ng ilang taon cellphone snatcher na.
YUNG MGA MAGULANG NAMAN DYAN, COMMON SENSE LANG! HIRAP NA HIRAP NA NGA  KAYO SA BUHAY, MANGDADAMAY PA KAYO NG IBA?! PAPARAMIHAN NYO PA LAHI NYO!
Palibhasa walang mga trabaho at walang pinagkaka-abalahan, kaya  nagkakalabitan at nagsusundutan na lang maghapon, magdamag. Sa totoo lang,  nakakabilib. Kasi kahit sa ilalim ng tulay o sa kariton lang, nakakabuo pa  rin ng bata! Ibig sabihin, maabilidad ang mga Pinoy. Kung gugustuhin,  gagawan ng paraan. Kahit sa makipot, mabaho at maduming lugar - SOLVE!
Isa pang mga grupo ng tao na nakakainis, yung mga aktibista, NPA at kung  ano-ano pang ideological political groups. Sabi nila, mahal na mahal nila  ang Pilipinas kaya pinagpalalaban nila ang kanilang mga adhikain.
EH HINDI RIN KAYO NAGBABAYAD NG TAX! ANG KAKAPAL RIN NG MGA MUKHA NYO!
MGA HIPOKRITO! MAHAL DAW ANG PILIPINAS AYAW NAMAN MAGBAYAD NG BUWIS!
WALA DIN NAMAN KAYONG MGA TRABAHO! KUNG MAY TRABAHO TALAGA KAYO, HINDI  KAYO MAG-RA-RALLY DAHIL SAYANG ANG SWELDO NYO PAG ABSENT KAYO!
PAANO NYO MAIPAPAKITA ANG PAGMAMAHAL NYO SA PILIPINAS KUNG WALA NA KAYONG  GAWANG MATINO KUNDI MAG-RALLY AT MAMUNDOK??!!!
ISA PA YANG MGA MAYAYAMAN NA ARTISTA, NA NANGDADAYA AT HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG  BUWIS. ANG KAKAPAL NG MUKHA NYO! ANG DAMI NYO NA NGANG PERA NANGDADAYA PA  KAYO SA TAX!!!! HINDI NYO NAMAN MADADALA SA IMPIERNO YANG MGA KAYAMAN NYO.  MASUSUNOG LANG DUN YAN.
KAYA LALONG BUMABAGSAK ANG NEGOSYO DITO SA PILIPINAS, KASI MGA NEGOSYANTE  MANDARAYA. PATI SHOWBIZ INDUSTRY, BAGSAK NA DIN. KARMA ANG TAWAG DYAN. MGA  BALASUBAS KASI.
Sana magkaron ng POLITICAL AND NATIONAL CLEANSING.
Alisin ang lahat ng pulitiko at political families sa puwesto. Tibagin ang  lahat ng mapanirang organizations at grupo. Itapon sa malayong isla o kaya  i-pwersa ng hard labor ang mga sobrang tamad na mga Pilipino. Ihiwalay ang  mga bata sa kanilang mga tamad at tangang magulang upang makapag-aral sila  at maturuan na maging mabuting tao at mamamayan. Magkaron ng bagong lider  na walang political ties at utang na loob sa kahit sino.  At higit sa lahat, dapat tax payers lang ang pwedeng bumoto!
Kung kinakailangang magka-giyera para magtino ang mga Pilipino, ayos lang.  Masyado na kasing matigas ang ulo ng mga tao dito. Gusto ng kalayaan, pero  hindi naman handang panagutan ang responsibilidad ng pagiging malaya.  Meron daw pinaglalaban na prinsipyo at adhikain pero takot namang mamatay  para dito.
Hangga't hindi nagkakaron ng radical change, patuloy na walang kwenta ang  Pilipinas at patuloy na magiging tanga ang majority ng mga Pilipino.
Sa dami ng nag-mi-migrate na Pilipino sa ibang bansa, dadating ang panahon  na minority na lang ng population sa Pilipinas ang may utak. Yung mga  magagaling na Pilipino, malamang maubos na. Sobra na kasi silang  na-fru-frustrate at na-de-depress sa mga nakikita nila.
Ilang taon pa at aalis na rin ako sa Pilipinas. Wala kong balak na  magkaron ng pamilya sa isang bansa na hindi pinapahalagahan ang  kontribusyon ng mga taong tunay na bumubuhay dito. Kawawa naman ang  magiging anak ko kung dito sya mabubuhay.
Sa totoo lang, broken hearted ako. Minahal ko din ang bansang ito. Pilit  kong pinagtatanggol kahit bulok. Nakarating na ko ng ibang bansa, pero  pinili kong bumalik. Pero ngayon, ayoko na. Suko na ko. Sayang lang ako sa  bansang to. Simple lang naman ang hiling ko. Gusto ko lang mabuhay ng  tahimik at maayos.  Gusto ko na kahit paano eh maipagmalaki ang Pilipinas. Pero wala eh.  Doomed to be jologs ang bansang to.
Alam ko marami pa ang umaasa at naniniwala sa pagbabago. Good luck and God  bless! Sana tama kayo at mali ako.
=====

I remember Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged.

Philippine Presidency

I hate what is going on in the country. Filipinos are not being united, everyone is being selfish (sometimes, even I myself). Everyone is claiming they are calling for things in the interest of the nation, but they are actually interested in their own people being put in the seat of power.
I don't like Gloria. But, as of this moment, she's the duly elected leader of the country! Why call for her to resign!? It'd actually be a legal irresponsibility and ethical and moral problem for her to resign. She has a responsibility to take. People forget that. People in the position of power does not only wield power, but they also carry burden. They do not appreciate that.
I am not in a position of power, but I understand it. I guess it comes with me being able to communicate - or better, to take a moment to consider what the other person feels in his or her situation. Not a lot of people do. People in the opposition, who are supposed only to take a counter-position in an issue, do not do their work. Even that Pimentel guy.
My brod admired him, appreciating how he USED TO take an issue-based stand. But no more.
He took a stupid position in going to the Opposition being led by a person who cannot take defeat correctly, and messes with a reporter in front of a camera. I wonder how he thinks he lost to cheating. He lost because of his own action.
When Gloria came to power, I was personally against it. Maybe, I am conservative. But I am for the proper process. When a group of people goes to EDSA just to litter and shout, they create unrest and bring down the country for their so called "national interest." National interest my ass!
People are easy to condemn someone for their mistake. But who does not commit a mistake? And her defense is not just that.
There are more.
She only needs to do one thing.
But then, I wouldn't want to publish it here.
If she's interested, she could contact me.
I hope people would stop for a moment to think. When a person does not think but reacts on emotion alone, he or she gets messed up. When a country reacts on emotion alone, the people hurt themselves, without them knowing that the reason is due to their own doing.
May God help us.

Self Control

Due to IT restrictions, I cannot update my blogs. I don't understand why they included Blogger in the list of Surf-Controlled sites. It's not something that significantly interferes with work. Also, I could access the sites, just not make changes, because I cannot access blogger.com (though I could visit the individual blogs).

 

I don't understand.

 

So, I cannot make changes or post in the ROTC Update blog nor my other blog. I could only post articles here because I have enabled email posting in this blog. But for the other blogs, I cannot.

 

So, until I get an Internet access which does not have the Internet restrictions here (which, when that happens, I would enable email posting to those blogs), I cannot make update announcements or post to my other blogs.

 

Friendster restriction is fine - I don't need it a lot. But blogger is significant, even for the technical work.

 

Wait for the updates, I guess.

 

* * *

 

It's just 17 days before my birthday. My emotional senses are acute. I don't understand how or why, but they are. A lot of questions are there. I know how to respond, but I don't know how to be courageous to make the first step.

 

* * *

 

What to take - master's or law? Probably a master's.

 

* * *

 

There are a lot of things to add in the COC website - both Cadence articles and info-commentary. Hope I could cope with the demands. Some people post questions in the form of Contact Us, but they do not send their email address where I should notify them. O well, I made the changes.developments, anyway.

 

Untiil next time, somehow.