If Only He's Alive

Tomorrow, August 21, we remember the day Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was shot in broad day light at the Manila International Airport. For those who were not lucky to witness the infamous assassination, that day change the whole complexion of the Republic of the Philippines.

Ninoy was not afraid to face his expected death. Sensing danger he told the slew of reporters accompanying him in his flight to “ready your cameras because this action can become very fast.... 3, 4 minutes and it’s over, and I may not be able to talk to you again after this”. To cut the long story short, his death paved the way for his widow Corazon Aquino to annex the highest position in the country. She was catapulted into power in 1986 via Edsa Revolution. Cory finished her 6 year term without any stain of corruption or abuse of power. The couple epitomized what the Filipino people are looking for in a leader. I remember reading a book about former U.S. President Harry Truman, whom I can described as one of the most simple and down to earth person history has ever recorded. During his term, he was invited by different corporations to be part of them but politely declined saying, “You don’t want me, but my office”. When he turned over his presidency to Eisenhower, he left boarding his car with his wife and went back home without any escort. His lone house was his only home for his entire life except during the time he was in the White House. What’s more fascinating about Truman is that when he left office his only money is his pension in army amounting to $ 112 a month.

This is exactly the opposite of former President Ferdinand Marcos who was reported to own mansions at Long Island, New York plus several high rise buildings in 5th Avenue, Manhattan. Joseph Estrada’s hidden wealth was documented by different sectors in the society who wants to divulge the true color of the man who proclaimed himself as the Darling of the Masses. Now, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was in the headlines again as her net worth increased dramatically during her term as President.

In my own opinion, there will never ever be another Ninoy Aquino. His love for his country and his fellowmen were boundless. Even though he saw his death coming, he still insists to step his foot back in the Philippines to free us from the hands of the dictator. He will always be remembered for his famous quote “Filipinos are worth dying for”. Unfortunately, the present administration retaliates saying “Filipinos are worth dining for”. Tsk,tsk,tsk, only if Ninoy is alive.

Time of Depression

It’s half of August already and I only have one (1) post here on my blog site. This is one of my busiest months particularly in my work. A hazardous month for me indeed! Add to my worries are my personal problems I had to face, a serious one at that. The condition of my auntie gave me so much pain. But I’m still optimistic that everything will be back to normal. So to my avid followers, if there’s any, just keep in touch. Thanks!

Cory Legacy, Philippine Democracy

I was barely 9 yrs. old when the historic People Power happened in February of 1986. I was not fully aware of what was transpiring but the picture of army tanks, priests and nuns carrying rosaries and people marching to Malacanang palace were still very vivid on my mind. Several days after, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino took her oath and became the 11th President of the Republic of the Philippines and in the process became also the first lady President in Asia.

I can describe Cory Aquino as an ordinary person facing an extra ordinary challenge. Without any political background so to speak, how can she handle the country still fresh from the authoritarian leadership of Ferdinand Marcos? From Times Street to Presidential seat. From Ninoy’s shadow to executing the law. From being just a plain house wife to the highest position in the nation. Corazon Aquino defies all odds.

Her six year reign had its share of ups & downs. From 1986- 1989, Aquino faced 7 failed coup d’ etat aimed to overthrow her administration. Disasters like the MV Dona Paz sinking, 1990 Luzon Earthquake, 1991 Pinatubo eruption and Ormoc tragedy which kills 6, 000 people marred her last two years in the office. It was also during her term that brown-outs became sporadic. Despite all of these problems President Aquino faced, she received widespread recognition from all over the world. She became TIME magazines Woman of the Year in 1986. She also delivered a speech before a joint session in United States Congress which was interrupted by applause several times. She also suspended the 1973 Constitution that paved the way to the “Freedom Constitution” & the “1987 Constitution”. She also promulgated two legal codes, the Family Code of 1987 and the Administrative Code of 1987. She also signed to law the Local Government Code in 1991. CARP was also enacted to law during the 8th Congress.

Despite being unconscious of the Edsa Revolution I’m still fortunate to witness the legacy of the mother of democracy. Her husband, Ninoy Aquino once said that “Filipinos are worth dying for” Cory replied by saying” Filipinos are worth living for”.

Thank You Cory Aquino. You'll forever be remembered!

Game of the Generals

Two major events occurred last week for Kabayan Action Group (Kasracom). First was the launching of Barangay Peace-keeping Action Team (BPAT) last July 16, ’09 at Amphitheatre in Malabon. The event was the culmination of a month long preparation made by Northern Police District for the project. The affair was well attended. From NPD Director Gen. Samuel Pagdilao, PCR Chief Col. Ferdinand Del Rosario, Malabon Chief of Police Col. Jessie Villanueva to barangay captains and kagawad in CAMANAVA. The agreement was signed by the high-ranking officials with the chairman of different volunteer groups that composed BPAT. Second was the personal invitation made by Gen. Pagdilao to Kabayan last Sunday. NCRPO Chief Roberto Rosales was upset that he failed to attend the BPAT launching that he vowed to give a little of his time to personally see the pet project of Gen. Pagdilao. A meeting was set in front of Citisquare mall in Letre Malabon. DD (District Director) Pagdilao proudly presented his BPAT (although it was our group Kabayan) to Gen Rosales. He mentioned that aside from the CCTV cameras NPD will install to various critical locations, he will use human resources to serve as eye in places can’t be covered by the cameras. Before the briefing ended, several members of the group including myself proceed to LRT station in Monumento. We work with Caloocan police led by Col. Santos in traffic management around the vicinity. Minutes later, Gen. Rosales arrived with his convoy. He talked with us and was even impressed with our uniform who looks the same as the new sky blue uniform of PNP. He even noticed our dog tag and asked how much we spent for it. 20 minutes later, Gen. Rosales left with thumbs-up sign.

Paalam, Kaibigan

Gabi ng Lunes, Hulyo 20, ako’y nagulat sa mensaheng aking natanggap mula sa isang dating kasamahan. “Pare patay na raw si Ariel”? Napatayo ako sa aking pagkakahiga. Tinawagan ko ang ilan sa mga taong alam kong malalapit sa kanya kasama na ang kaniyang pamilya. Kumpirmado. Namaalam na ang isa sa aking matalik na kaibigan.

Mula ng matanggap ko ang masamang balita, gabi-gabi akong hirap matulog. Di makapaniwalang wala na si Ariel na sa murang edad ay kinuha na ng ating Dakilang Lumikha. Pero sino nga ba si Arielito Delos Santos? Ano ba ang naging papel niya sa aking buhay?

Taong 2002, buwan ng Agosto yata ‘yun ng una kong makilala si Ariel. Unang araw ng training naming noon para sa Surveillance Monitoring Staff (SUMS) Batch 2 ng Pagcor. Palibhasa’y karamihan sa mga kasama namin ay Pagcorian na, kaming mga galing labas ang nagsama-sama. Si Ariel ang una kong nakatabi at naging kasabay sa uwian. Nataon pa na ang kaniyang kasintahan ay taga-Malabon din kaya’t mas lalong naging malapit kami sa isa’t-isa. Nagkahiwalay kami ng branch sa deployment namin after ng training. Muli kaming nagkasama sa CF-Pavilion noong 2003. Madalas kaming magkasabay ng shift at madalas ding sabay sa pagkain, nguni’t hindi sa paninigarilyo. Masasabi kong medyo may pagka chain smoker din siya kaya’t madalas tamaan ng ubo. Marami kaming pinagsamahan sa Pavilion. Magaganda, pangit, nakakatuwang mga ala-ala ang naiwan namin dito. Muli kaming nagkahiwalay panandalian at muling nagkita sa CF-Silahis. Dahil itinuring ko na siyang tunay na kaibigan, pinili ko siyang maging abay sa aking kasal noong 2005. Ngunit isang mabigat na pagsubok ang hinarap niya noong 2006. Naoperahan siya sa puso sa Manila Doctors dahil sa pagbabara ng ugat nito. Dinalaw namin siya at matagal din bago siya naka- recover. Napilitan siyang mag-resign noong 2007 dahil pinili niyang manirahan sa ibang bansa kasama ang kaniyang maybahay na si Michelle. Kinuha ko siyang ninong sa binyag ng aking bunsong anak bago siya lumipad patungong Los Angeles. Doon ay biniyayaan sila ng kanilang unang supling. Mula noon ay hindi na kami nagkita. Nagbabalitaan na lang kami sa telepono, nag- chachat sa internet at nag-iiwan ng mensahe sa aming Friendster account. Huli kaming nag-usap bago ang Reunion Concert ng Eraserheads. Gusto niya akong isama bilang isa sa mga security ng venue nguni’t last minute ay hindi natuloy. Nag text pa kami noong Pasko noong isang taon at nangako siyang pupunta sa bahay. Hindi rin kami nagkita dahil hindi siya natuloy pumasyal ng Malabon.

Nakakalungkot lang isipin na napaka-bata pa ni Ariel para bawian ng buhay. Maliit pa ang kaniyang anak na hindi na niya malalaro pa. Ang mga pangarap nila ng kanyang asawa ay mag-isa na ngayong haharapin ni Michelle. Hangad ko na gabayan ng Diyos ang kaniyang pamilya gaya noong nabubuhay pa siya.

Paalam, Kaibigan. Salamat sa Ala-ala.

Let the Games Begin!

Forget about the pandemic scare brought about by A (H1N1) virus. Forget about the cause of Michael Jackson’s tragic and untimely death. Forget about the possibility of poll automation in 2010 election initiated by the partnership of Total Information Management Corporation (TIM) & Smartmatic. Move over, National Collegiate Athletic Association; let’s roll the red carpet for the opening of the 72nd edition of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).



On Saturday, the eight participating teams will try to outclass each other once again in 15 sports lined up every season. Ateneo, La Salle, UE, FEU, UP, Adamson and NU attempts to break the string of 11 straight over-all championships by the University of Sto.Tomas.

I’m one of the many patrons of UAAP despite leaving University of the East in mid 90’s. I had a lot of fond memories with the sports institution that made me aware of its yearly festivities. I'm one of the 6 lucky applicants, out of 25 wannabes, who were accepted in our schools official student newspaper, DAWN. My first assignment was to cover the junior division in basketball (my wish granted). I thought covering basketball was a piece of cake. I realized that watching vehemently and waiting for outcome of the game is not enough. Knowledge in running score is a must. After several weeks, I was given a new task. This time, not just one but a handful of sports events were assigned to me. But being involved in this small organization gives me not only unforgettable experiences but privileges and advantages too. During my brief stint in news writing, I met different people in different walks of life. I had the opportunity to interview emerging basketball superstars Mark Telan and Gerard Francisco during their high school days. I also had the chance to witness first-hand the domination of Dennis Espino-led UST Growling Tigers and the up and coming play of NU Bulldog Danny Ildefonso. I went in and out of playing venues like Rizal Memorial Coliseum and Swimming pool area, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, UST gymnasium and even Bro. Athanasius gymnasium in Dela Salle Taft. Gatorade became my favourite drink since you can get it free from playing venues. From courtside to dug-out, I can go wherever I want using my Press ID. I also had a grand time talking with students from different universities where I met some new friends. As a student, being a writer benefits me a lot. My uniforms were kept in my closet because I can wear civilian clothes. I can easily have access to different colleges from U.E. Kalookan and Recto. But the biggest privilege I got is when my arnis professor in Physical Education exempted and gave me 1.25 without attending his class. After learning that he was a long-time national coach in gymnastics, I interviewed him. 2 weeks after, the article came out. He was so happy that now, many students recognized him.

UAAP’s founding members believed that student’s growth and development is not based solely on their academic stand point. Encouraging them to participate in different sports brings out their competitive nature, sportsmanship, immense talent and potential to excel in this field.

For the next 4 months we will be treated to nail-biting, nerve wracking and pulsating games only the Archer,Eagle, Warrior, Tiger, Maroon, Falcon, Tamaraw and Bulldog can offer.

TAKEN

Last June 27, was a lazy Saturday for me. Without the half month salary there’s no better place for me to stay but in the house. I went to Video City to rent a DVD movie. A certain movie entitled “Taken” caught my attention. I was interested in movies that concerns about father and daughter/son relationship.

The movie, starring Liam Neeson, was a story about a government agent, who decided to retire in the service to be closer to his 17 yrs. old daughter. He was living on his own since he was already separated with his wife and daughter. Conflict started when his daughter asked permission from him to go to Paris. He didn’t like the idea but was forced to let his daughter go with her friend. When the two arrived at Paris, a mysterious man approached them. The two teenagers were then kidnapped by ruthless criminals known for drugs and human trafficking. Neeson will now do anything to find his daughter before time runs out.

The movie was presented well since the story flows continuously. As a father, you can really feel Neeson’s anger which made the movie convincing. Though the ending was not that impressive, it’s still worth the two hours you’ll spend watching the film. I remember Denzel Washington’s “John Q” but not as action- packed as “Taken”.