Drunk Ukulele Sessions (Episode 3) You and I (Ingrid Michaelson)
And the video blog featuring a drunk sounding ukulele session is back! What’s up ladies and gents? It has been a while since I last posted anything on this blog. I hope you still remember me. Or not. (But special shoutout to those who have been reading this blog since 2010. Hello! Tumblr Meet-up naman tayo minsan. Uso pa yun. Pramis. Di ba Yuki?)
As what some of you may have already known, I started this project named Drunk Ukulele Sessions more than a year ago. Drunk Ukulele Sessions is not exactly me, drunk, playing a ukulele in front of the camera (though I might do that soon because I swear, I sound better when I’m drunk). I just named it as such because my uke sounds ‘drunk’ - in the broadest sense of being drunk. And because there is honesty, there is truth, there is a heart whenever one is dead drunk (Remember the Latin dictum In Vino Nobis Veritas?)
For the third episode (a fourth in the series, including episode 1.5), I decided a different twist. I let my brother Jonas play the ukulele, my sister Joyce do the vocal work, and me, on the percussion. This isn’t something new to me since I used to play the percs in our ‘combo’ and jamming sessions back in College. For the upcoming episodes, we will try other collaborations (most probably with my siblings because we all know how to play the instrument).
Please forgive us for the poor quality since I have yet to invest for a good recording equipment. I hope you enjoy the music. Cheers!
Let’s all get drunk and play that ukulele!
________________
Drunk Ukulele Sessions (Episode 1) - Read more about Drunk Ukulele Sessions and watch the first episode featuring Robin Gibb’s 'Boys do Fall In Love’.
Just like last 2 years’ celebration of Philippine Independence Day, I joined RocketKapre.com’s Twitter discussion/trend/story telling about alternate Filipino history. By means of the hashtag #RP612fic, Twitter users shared their tweet-length stories about our country’s alternative history and realist micro fiction.
I decided to collate and post my #RP612fic tweets here in my blog because eventually, these stories will be covered with other stories, opinion, and whatnots on my timeline. I would like to preserve these precious tweets and let it reach a wider audience through Juan Republic.
During the British occupation, Tormund Giantsbane used giants and a mammoth in trying to penetrate the walls of Intramuros.
Doña Aurora Quezon, with the help of Lord Beric Dondarrion, returned as Lady Stoneheart and took revenge on every Huk members.
With the success of her 7-hour movie on YouTube ‘Querido’, Mystica collaborated with Lav Diaz to make a 17-hour movie.
As a punishment for his crimes against the State, Sen. Bong Revilla was forced to repeatedly watch his movie 'Kilabot at Kembot’.
In the latest episode of 'It takes Zeal to be a Rizal’, Pepe finally admitted that he has a love child with Gertrude Beckett.
Senators Enrile, Estrada, and Revilla are actually the last 3 Targaryens prophesied to ride the dragons and burn the Philippines.
After yet another heartbreak, 80-year old Kris Aquino posted on Instagram saying she’s ready to move on and find true love.
W/o any TV Networks willing to air his new show, W. Revillame built his own Church and called himself 'The Appointed Son of God’.
Right before the trial by combat, Juan Ponce Enrile asked his childhood friend Msgr. Miguel de Benavides to pray for his champion.
Headline: Sandra Cam finally exposes sex video! A bikini-clad Leila de Lima dances 'Roar’ with half-naked Cezar Mancao.
Overheard at the balcony of Malacanang Palace in 1986: “Ako pa din ang Presidente ng Pilipinas! Ngayon at magpakailanman!”
A teenage Jose Rizal updated his Facebook profile with “Edi sa Puso Mo =”>“ as his school and residence.
Elpidio Quirino’s golden arinola was seized by Imelda Marcos and had it smelted into jewelries.
Emilio Aguinaldo was ordered to vacate his post as President of the Republic due to overspending in the Tejeros convention.
Emilio Aguinaldo showed his music video singing 'Salamat Kaibigan’, addressing his innocence in the death of Andres Bonifacio.
The increase in the price of garlic in the local market is a ploy of the Aswangs hoarding its supply. The Treses are not amused.
Available for digital download: Sex tape of Ferdinand Marcos and Dovie Beams.
Captain Pedro Janolino’s last words before delivering his deadly blow to Antonio Luna’s head: "The Aguinaldos send their regards”.
Crisostomo Ibarra found out that he and Maria Clara are actually twins, a productof Padre Damaso’s relationship with Pia Alba.
I could have added other insane stories on my tweets but I didn’t want to flood my followers’ Twitter timeline and I was then in the middle of rushing (read: cramming) my diagnostic examinations for my students (Yes, I’m a High School teacher. Yey.) and watching the FIFA World Cup.
It is said that there are no ifs in history. We cannot dwell on the past and try to change it. But we can always learn from its lessons. As what George Santayana said: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
But we can always use our imagination and think of a good and creative historical fiction. And have a good laugh.
Mabuhay ang Kalayaan! Padayon!
Elsewhere:
Pinoy Alternate History (Part 1) - My #RP612fic tweets last 2012 - inspired by pop culture, television shows, and conspiracy theories.
Pinoy Alternate History (Part 2) - My #RP612fic tweets last 2013 - inspired by pop culture, Game of Thrones, and conspiracy theories.
Okay, since most of us are still on the #EsquireEheads fever, let me share this experience of mine earlier at the mall.
After biking under the scorching heat of the sun, I arrived at SM Calamba, my biking jersey drenched in sweat, desperate for that elusive Esquire Philippines September issue. I first went to National Book Store but all I saw in their bookshelves were Wattpad-inspired novelas.
Then I went to Booksale located at the second floor and I immediately saw a copy at their magazine rack. I immediately grabbed the magazine a la Ninja and asked the cashier (who happened to be arranging books at a nearby bookshelf) to receive my payment.
While waiting for her to scan my magazine, a woman, probably in her 30’s, approached the counter, and asked for the same copy of Esquire. And here’s what happened:
Woman:“Ate, may Esquire pa kayo?”
Cashier:“ Wala na po Ma'am, Nakuha na po ni Sir. (Pointing at me.)
Me: *Sporting my signature smirk and mischievous grin, staring blankly at the cash register*
Ah, I hope Summit Media publishes ample copies of this in-demand issue. Good luck, Esquire Hunters, and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Pictured above is an obligatory I-already-have-the-EsquireEheads-issue. Heh.
In light of the recent events at the New Bilibid Prison, here’s a possible storyline for a sequel to Erik Matti’s OTJ “On The Job”:
1. Mario “Tatang” Maghari, having been reinstated in his position as Thelma’s main hitman and through the orders of General Pacheco, has been transferred at the New Bilibid Prison. Among his perks is a fully-furnished “cell” - complete with a jacuzzi, aircondition units, a mini-studio, guns for protection, a 52-inch flat television, an LTE connection, and a personal computer for faster ‘transactions’.
2. After killing Lolet’s lover, it is obvious that Tatang can no longer go back to his humble house. To alleviate his loneliness at night, his former jail guard and middleman Rex gave him an 'inflatable toy’ to satisfy his urges and needs.
3. General Pacheco became successful in his bid at the Senate. He then accused the incumbent Vice President of being the mastermind of the illegal business inside the prison. The Vice President, in return, challenged Pacheco into a debate to be moderated by the KBP - but he backed out a week later.
4. After recruiting and training enough apprentice to do Thelma’s bidding outside, Tatang expanded his business inside the prison. He is now the leading supplier of illegal drugs and other controlled substance inside.
5. Nicky Coronel, thirsty for avenging Francis Coronel’s death, sought the help if the latter’s partner, Bernabe. They tried uploading General Pacheco’s voice recording on Francis’ iPhone - but they were intercepted by Tatang’s hackers operating inside the prison. Thanks to their high-speed internet and unparalleled data and intelligence gathering.
Allow me to share a story behind this piece of paper tucked inside my 14-year-old Bible (mine since freshman in the high school seminary). I have accidentally stumbled upon this while arranging my old stuff in my room bound for renovation:
I wrote this note more than six (6) years ago. It was the 30th of November 2008, Sunday, and I was assigned to deliver my reflection in our community’s Benediction or Holy Hour. It was already the first week of Advent then and the gospel’s theme, as it always has, was preparation. It also happened that the following day, our seminary would be hosting the Bukluran, the annual gathering and sports fest of different seminaries in the Metro and in Southern Tagalog. The Gospel was apt for the event. The mood was all set. But I opted to take my reflection in a personal level.
I was a Senior then, my 8th year of stay in the Seminary (obviously I didn’t know then that that would be my last). It was my first - and last - chance to deliver my reflection, a mini-‘Homily’ in front of the whole community.
I started my sharing with an age-old existential conundrum of life’s purpose, significance, and mission. I admitted that I have wasted many years not knowing what my real plans were and basically, about my time running out.
And then I segued to the concept of self-discovery, which, according to my benevolent Rector, Rev. Fr. Jesse Lucas A. Balilla, was the purpose of the college seminary. Discovering yourself whether you are for the priesthood or not, as he had always emphasized during my 4-year stint in the institution. During that time, I was still undecided whether to continue my Theological studies or not.
But I decided to look into a bigger perspective. I did not tell my Brothers my exact plans. I told them that the Summum Bonum did not plan us to be miserable. It would not matter whether I continue to the Theological Department or not; whether I decide to be a Priest or not - because in the end, all that would matter would be whether if we become good persons and become the best of our own vocation.
Fast forward today, obviously, I did not become a Priest. But I still use my passion of talking and inspiring young people - as a High School teacher.
I do not have a transcript of that mini-‘Homily’ because I love things extemporaneous but I can proudly say that that was the finest reflection that I have delivered in my entire stay in the seminary. (All that surived was a part of that reflection which I put into a blog entry entitled THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: THE PHILOSOPHY OF SELF-DISCOVERY which you can read here: http://juanrepublic.tumblr.com/post/421742027/the-pursuit-of-happiness-the-philosophy-of)
It’s the time of the year again when history meets crazy and pop culture.
For four (4) straight years, I have been joining RocketKapre.com’s Twitter discussion/trend/story telling about alternate Filipino history. By means of the hashtag #RP612fic, Twitter users shared their tweet-length stories about our country’s alternative history and realist micro fiction.
I decided to collate and post my #RP612fic tweets here in my blog because eventually, these stories will be covered with other stories, opinion, and whatnots on my timeline. I would like to preserve these precious tweets and let it reach a wider audience through Juan Republic.
Queen
Regent Kris Aquino was forced to walk naked from the Great Sept of Baelor to
the Red Keep as an atonement for her sins.
Emilio Aguinaldo was a student of Annalise
Keating in Criminal Law 100, or as she prefer to call it, “How to Get Away
with Murder”
Before
storming Malacañang, Jejomar Baratheon sacrificed his daughter Nancy to the
Lord of Light with the help of Melissandre.
Antonio Luna trained the Katipuneros in Military
Strategy by playing Clash of Clans even though Aguinaldo’s men insisted on
DOTA.
An
advertisement on La Solidaridad: “Open-minded ka ba sa business? Gusto mo
ba ng extra income?”
“The Force is strong in my family. My
father has it. My sister has it. And now..” - Bongbong Skywalker,
nostalgic about Darth Apo
Now
available at National Bookstore: “Donya Victorina and the Original Titas
Of Manila: A History”
Melissandre, upon setting foot at Makati:
“This city is dark and full of terrors
"Punyeta!
Anong katarantaduhan ‘to?”, said Nick Joaquin, after seeing the PH
publication bestseller list at National Bookstore.
To discredit KKK, the Spaniards disseminated the
malicious story that Bonifacio and his men recruit new members via Grindr.
“Call
me Caitlyn”, a proud Crisostomo Ibarrra said after undergoing a
transformation following the death of Maria Clara.
Manong Johnny Enrile was already a teenager
during the creation of the Murillo Velarde map of 1734.
Pres. Aguinaldo did not attend the arrival
honors of the slain soldiers at Tirad Pass. He went to a car factory in Laguna
instead
Due to
lack of funds, Jose Rizal first posted Noli Me Tangere on Wattpad. It was then
picked up by Viva Psicom for publishing.
To divert the public’s attention amidst a
scandal, Pres. Jejomar Binay invited Paul and Ringo to perform at the
Philippine Arena.
The
imprisoned Gen. Aguinaldo was mad as hell when a thief took a dump at the
balcony of his mansion in Kawit, Cavite.
A Milestone for PH: Rizal statues and busts all
over the country set to be internet hotspots with a speed of 180 MB/s.
I could have added other insane stories but honestly, I was a bit disappointed with this year’s top entries. This was just my observation but most of the entries were copy-pasted from other sources. Gone are the days of creativity and originality. Or maybe, just maybe, the original and creative entries were not that visible. (Damn that Twitter algorithm!)
It has been repeatedly said there are no ifs in history. We cannot dwell on the past and try to change it. But we can always learn from its lessons. But we can always use our imagination and think of a good and creative historical fiction. And have a good laugh.
Mabuhay ang Kalayaan! Padayon!
Elsewhere:
Pinoy Alternate History (Part 1) - My #RP612fic tweets last 2012 - inspired by pop culture, television shows, and conspiracy theories.
Pinoy Alternate History (Part 2)- My #RP612fic tweets last 2013 - inspired by pop culture, Game of Thrones, and conspiracy theories.
Pinoy Alternate History (Part 3) - My #RP612fic tweets last 2014 - inspired by pop culture, the Marcos sex scandal, politics, and conspiracy theories.
In a historic vote, the Supreme Court of the United States voted 5-to-4 to legalize same sex marriage across the country. A victory for the LGBT community seeking equal marriage rights. A Land of the Free indeed.
I woke up this morning with the internet exploding with cheers of victory, praises for the Supreme Court’s decision, and a celebration of love.
And rainbows. Facebook.com took the initiative of merging its users’ profile pictures with a rainbow. Twitter.com puts a rainbow-colored heart emoji for every tweets with a #LoveWins hashtag. Different companies and organizations took the initiative of redesigning their logo on different social media platforms with the colors of this historic day’s victory.
Rainbow colors. The color of the widely-recognizable LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) flag. First used in the 1970’s, these colors symbolize the diversity of the LGBT community. The flag is often used in LGBT Pride Marches all over the world – and we would see more of them in the days to come in marches of victory and celebration.
Whenever there are news and talks about same-sex marriage and other issues concerning the LGBT, I always got used to being asked by my friends about my two cents and whatnots. I spent eight years in the seminary and at present, I am a Christian Living Education teacher in a Catholic School. Questions would range from the Catholic Church’s stand on the issue – and whether there is a possibility of softening her stand to catch up with the times – to my personal opinion as a, er,prodigal son of the Catholic Church (I was asked to take a leave from the seminary formation back in 2009 due to some of my views and opinions on some conservative issues.)
This is a historic moment for the LGBT Community but how should I address this issue to my students studying in a sectarian school?
The other day, I scolded my Grade 9 advisory class after some of my students (the testosterone-driven teenage boys, you got the picture) tauntingly called one student who passed by the corridor “Bakla!”, followed by the usual jeers and discreet laughter. I first gave them a Bruce Banner face. The scolding would come later. After all, they were praying their morning rosary(!) when the incident happened.
After calming my nerves, I reminded my students the basic virtue of respect. We have repeatedly discussed human dignity – that we are creatures endowed with freedom and intellect and that we are all created equal. We should treat each other with respect no matter what his/her color, gender, preference, choices, beliefs, and sexual orientation are. I also reminded them about the very first lecture that I delivered to them when classes opened last June 8 – the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.
Section 3 (Definition of Terms), B.1.2 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the said law states the existence of “Gender-based bullying” which refers to any act that humiliates or excludes a person on the basis of perceived or actual sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) as one of the types of bullying. What they did is bullying. It should never be tolerated inside the school. It should never be a part of their behavior and subculture as growing teenagers. They should refrain from doing it. It is against the law. It is very disrespectful of other people. It is against their being students of a Catholic School.
All I got were nods of submission, apologies, and a promise never to do it again.
I hope they got my point. I hope they keep their promise.
The issue of homosexuality and same-sex marriage had generated incidents and a culture of hatred and discrimination. Even among Christians and Catholics, whose beliefs are rooted the Incarnated God who taught to love and respect other people, the level of hatred and indifference appear to be very alarming and unbelievable. The Catholic Church is also not spared from this issue. The Institution that survived persecution, power struggle, wars, and criticism for over two millennia has repeatedly iterated her stand on same sex marriage – it is only between a man and a woman. Period.
But should Catholics propagate a culture of hate towards the members of the LGBT Community?
No. Plain and simple.
What does the Catholic Church teach on this issue? The Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 2358) teaches that “they must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition. “
We are all human persons. We are all intelligent creatures composed of complex molecular structures. We are all creatures endowed with freedom and intellect. We are all created in the image and likeness of God. We are all God’s children. Members of the LGBT Community – and mind you, I have a lot of proud friends – are also called to fulfill God’s mission for them. There is no room for an unjust discrimination and hate. We should all treat them with love.
But how about on the issue of same-sex marriage? Why does the Catholic Church stubbornly stay rooted in her stand amidst the changing of times? Is the Catholic Church still living on the Dark Ages?
No. There are some things that are immutable. To quote Lingayen Archbishop and CBCP President Socrates B. Villagas, “the Church continues to maintain what it has always taught. Marriage is a permanent union of man and woman, in the complementarity of the sexes and the mutual fulfillment that the union of a man and a woman bring into the loftiness of the matrimonial bond. If there is an undeniable difference between man and woman, there is also an undeniable difference between the permanent union of a man and a woman.” This goes beyond time and the changing world. This is rooted on the teachings of Christ found on the Sacred Scripture.
But the times are changing, the world is changing. The Church should let go of her old ways and embrace that which is for the betterment of her flock, you may say. Should we teach the next generation of Catholics to embrace what the majoritythinks as right, better, and just?
Part of my duty as a Christian Living Education/Religion teacher is to teach my students what the church they belong to believes and teaches. But how do I reach out to the youth whose values (and maybe morals) are shaped by the fast-changing world?
It is my duty, it is my moral responsibility as their teacher to reach out to these youth and teach them the ways of the Church. But in the event that they do not adhere to that teaching, should they go on their own way and disobey the Catechesis of their Church, I would still show my love, understanding, respect, and compassion just as how I treat my LGBT friends. In the event that they openly go against the teachings and the ways of the Church, I would still treat them as a person worthy of love and respect. I believe all this hate starts from misunderstanding and I would like to be a part of that path towards healing and reconciliation. After all, I believe in a God who is all-loving and all-embracing.
Just this year, Ireland became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage via a referendum and now, a Supreme Court ruling in the United States. And some groups here in the Philippines are also pushing for the same thing. But I believe that this is an interesting times for the Catholic Church and her faithful. It is time for to step up and choose to be brave amidst these changing world. Stay true to her teachings but at the same time, show love and understanding to people who do things that are against her teachings. Reach out. Show them some love and understanding. Talk to them. Pray for them.
Rainbow. An optical and meteorological phenomenon caused by reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum. A visual treat. A source of joy and happiness for some people. Its different colors has been used and interpreted by people throughout history. LGBT groups wave it with pride. Christians remember it as a symbol of God’s covenant to Noah.
A symbol of covenant. A symbol of hope. A symbol of a new beginning. The issue of same-sex marriage and its legalization in the Land of the Free (and subsequently, in other countries too, I suppose) would be a cause of division among its people with different beliefs and choices. But as what it symbolizes, may this event be a start of a new beginning. Let us remember that we are all human persons no matter how different are we. Let us all shine and give color to this beautiful world.
Today, I decided to hold a ‘mock elections’ to my Grade 8 students (aged 13-14) as part of my lesson in Ideas and Opinion. I asked them, hypothetically, that if they were to vote next year in our National Elections, who would they vote for and why. I stressed that their ‘defense’ and ‘explanation’ (idea and opinion) to their votes are more important than their choices. And I got interesting results:
1. It was an easy win for Vice President JEJOMAR BINAY who got 45% of the total votes. Most of them argued that what he did in Makati as a Mayor can also be done in the rest of the country. (Though I was a bit shocked to hear that for most of them, it didn’t matter if he was accused of plunder and corruption since his leadership skills are far more superior than the controversies surrounding him).
2. Davao City Mayor RODRIGO DUTERTE came in second with 30% of the total votes. The students fron two sections had a common consensus: If he succeeded in making Davao the 9th safest City in the world, then he could also do it in the rest of the country. (Fortunately, I did not hear that his recent guesting on Gandang Gabi Vice waa a factor for their choice. Heh.)
3. Senator GRACE POE came in third with 19% of the total votes. They just said that she’s a kind and good leader. And thoughtful (probably because of her “Tao Poe” commercial back in 2013, I don’t know).
4. Senator CHIZ ESCUDERO placed 4th. But I don’t remember hearing a good explanation regarding their votes. Or maybe, they want Heart Evangelista to become our First Lady.
5. Surprise! DILG Secretary MAR ROXAS came in last with a single or 2% of the total votes. Maybe because they don’t see any good stuff about him on the news. Or, just maybe, they don’t want Korina Sanchez to be our First Lady.
Though my little social experiment had flaws (margin of error, the number of respondents, etc.), I believe that this says a lot about the future of our Elections. Some of these students would participate in the Local elections in 2019 and most of them would vote for the next Presidential elections in 2022. This is a part, no matter how minute, of the future of our electoral process. (I won’t mention their demographics and socio-economic status but they will be a huge player in the upcoming elections, trust me).
I cringed at the result of my social experiment (and I bet, you, too) but here lies the beauty and wisdom of my lesson on ideas and opinion - that we should respect and try to listen to other people no matter how different are they to ours.
But I also stated in my lesson that our opinions and ideas should be based on reality, on facts, and we should know what we’re talking about. You may judge that these kids do not fully understand yet their choices of leaders (heck, they still have YEARS to prepare) but here lies its beauty and wisdom - that we are reaponsible for educating these youngsters and guide them in shaping our future.
This one’s for education. This one’s for informed choices. This one’s for our future.
Mga utot mula sa utak habang nakasakay ako ng pampasaherong jeepney kaninang umaga papasok ng Paaralan:
1. Kung sa bawat elementary pupil na kasakay ko araw-araw na may naka-expose na natuyo/kumapit/sobrang polbo sa kanilang leeg at batok (isama na din natin ang mga guardian na naghahatid sa kanila) ay may ‘Per Diem’ ako, malamang puwede na akong mag-early retirement. Mas malaki pa siguro yun sa mga benefits na makukuha ko mula sa SSS at PAGIBIG.
2. Badtrip yung jeepney driver. Sumakay yung ale na may kasamang apat na “inakay”. Nagbayad. Dalawa lang daw, isang estudyante. Kinse pesos. “Misis, uso po ang family planning” sabi nung driver. Deadma yung Ale.
Hindi ko din ma-gets minsan yung konsepto na walang bayad yung bata e. Sige, ipagpalagay na natin na upuan ang binabayaran sa jeep pero ganito: Hindi ako magaling sa Physics nung HS pero di ba, pareho din naman ang weight ng load ng jeep kahit nakaupo o nakakalong yung bata? Di ba nakaka-apekto din yun sa performance ng jeep? At hassle sa ibang pasahero na bababa kapag maraming nakakalong? Di ba? Di ba? Ang dami kong issues sa buhay. Heh.
3. Nakiusap ako na iabot yung bayad ko dun sa Ate na nakaupo malapit sa driver. Ayaw. Patay malisya. O baka senti dahil na-friendzone. Anyway, ang ginawa ko na lang, ginusot yung bente at ibinato sa harapan. Sakto sa dashboard. Hindi naman nagalit yung driver sa akin pero sabi nung driver, “Huwag na pong sumakay ng jeep kung ayaw magabot ng bayad ng pasahero”. Dadagdagan ko sana ng “At umasal lang nang naaayon sa ganda” pero wala din namang mangyayari. Lumapit na lang ako sa driver para kunin yung sukli. Pero naapakan ko yata yung paa ni Ate. Sorry po!
Marami pa sana akong gustong isulat na kuwentong jeep. Pero iipunin ko muna. Tapos lalapit ako sa Viva Psicom para gawin nilang libro. Sana patulan nila. At sana bumenta din gaya ng mga nakaka-hemorrhoids na Wattpad books nila. Magandang umaga!
On January 22, 1987,
an incident happened in Mendiola in which Government security forces violently dispersed a farmers’ protest march to Malacañan Palace. It was infamously known as Mendiola Massacre.
It was one of the bloodiest dispersal after Martial Law was lifted and one of the stains on the Aquino Administration who vowed change and justice after years of dictatorship.
__________
In 2001, Joseph Ejercito-Estrada was ousted in power in what we know now as Edsa Dos. During that fateful Sunday, then-Vice President Gloria Arroyo was sworn into power as the 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines.
Thousands of people cheered at EDSA Shrine and expressed hope for the Arroyo administration.
But we all know what happened under her regime.
Fast forward to 2015, 14 years after that repression in our history, the convicted plunderer is now the Mayor of the Noble and Ever Loyal City.
___________
2009 marked the darkest point in the history of election-related killings and the lowest point in the country where speech is supposedly free.
It happened on November 23. It was the infamous Ampatuan Massacre - a horrible event in our history where 58 people were killed, 34 of whom were journalists or working for the broadcast industry.
Until now, close to six years since that incident happened and one of the primary suspects (Andal Ampatuan Sr) dead, justice is yet to be served.
___________
On August 23, 2010, our country was put into hot water during the Manila Hostage Crisis
where 8 Hong Kong tourists died when dismissed police officer Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza hijacked a tourist bus carrying 25 people in an attempt to get his job back.
What happened after? What happened on the recommendation of the
Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC)?
I don’t know. Or maybe, we collectively decided to forget about it.
___________
I can still clearly remember that hysterical and historical day of November 18, 2011. In less than twenty-four (24) hours, a case was filed, a warrant of arrest was released, and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arrroyo - the same President who was put into power by a revolution - was arrested.
For our country’s justice system, that was fast. Seriosuly.
Over the years, we have seen (or let’s just say that we are unconsciously aware that) Gloria Arroyo under a hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Hospital.
But I fear that her days under a Hospital arrest are numbered and she will soon be granted her petition to file a bail.
For our country’s justice system, that is not very surprising.
___________
On May 29, 2012, the Philippines, finally, succeeded in impeaching a Government official. In a 20-3 vote by the Senator-Judges to convict Chief Justice Renato Corona, he became the first highest magistrate of the land to be impeached. And with that, he was stripped off of all his benefits as a public official and is perpetually banned from taking public office in the future.
There were cheers. There were jeers.
But the same institution who crucified the former Chief Justice would soon be marred with controversy.
___________
Two (2) years ago, we went to Luneta for the #MillionPeopleMarch and joined the protest against the pork barrel system and the scam involving Janet Napoles and some government officials.
Two (2) years later, one of the accused Senators (who wants us to be happy, ironically) was released on bail and the other two may soon follow his footsteps; the wrath against Janet Napoles is but a distant memory; the “Makibaka, Huwag Magbaboy!” chant in Luneta is history.
Anyare, Pilipinas?
_____________
I am a High School teacher by profession (or by passion or vocation, whatever). I remember telling my Grade 7 students in Christian Living Education/Religion class that I envy the culture of the Jews.
Every year, during the Feast of the Passover (that is, commemorating their salvation from the Angel of Death who killed the firstborns in Egypt and their liberation against the oppressive rule of the Pharaoh), the elders of the Jewish family would tell the young Jewish children the significance of the Passover meal.
The story of the Passover - and the lesson that comes with it - is handed down from generation to generation for thousands of years.
Because it is important. Because it is significant. Because they don’t want to forget about it.
A mentality and a culture that is a far cry from ours.
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The above-mentioned events in our history may seem to have been forgotten by many.
It seems like the attention of the public on these events is slowly going to the depths of the abyss of the forgotten. It’s in one of the infamous characteristics of the Filipinos. We have a short attention span. We tend to forget our past easily. Mabilis makalimot. Mabilis magpatawad. Or it is being overshadowed by other news and events.
Another example that I can think of is the role of Martial Law and the late President Ferdinand Marcos in our history. Many young people today - who obviously weren’t born yet during that era - believe that Martial Law was good and Marcos was the best President.
Thanks to the revisionists. Thanks to the numerous posts on Facebook. Because whatever is posted on Facebook is taken as a gospel truth
That, I think, is one of the reasons why we never grow.
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Manong Johnny Enrile has been released on bail. Some sages on social media are saying that this may become a precedent in granting the petition of other Government officials accused of plunder and other related bullshits against the Filipino people.
But should we stop there? What happened to our wrath and zeal during the Million People March two years ago? Have we been desensitized with all that’s happening around us? Are we that hopeless? Or are we too numb to feel the pain? Or we do not give a damn anymore because, as they say, nothing will happen anyway?
Kahapon, napunta ang usapan namin sa klase sa kasaysayan ng camera, mula sa camera obscura, kay George Eastman, at sa ‘Kodak’ - na nadiskubre kong hindi pamilyar sa karamihan sa mga estudyante kong nasa Grade 8.
Kaya naman kanina, naisipan kong dalhin ang antigong #Rolleiflex camera na nandito sa bahay. At nandito ang ilan sa mga ginintuang reaksyon na narinig ko sa mga miyembro ng tribo ng mga Digital Natives:
1. Sir, ano po yan? Pantasa ng lapis?
2. Sir, saan po inilalagay ang Micro SD/ Memory Card niyan?
3. Nasaan po yung Micro USB port?
4. Nasaan po ang battery? Ilang oras po ichina-charge?
5. Puwede po bang mag-selfie diyan?
6. Astig! May LCD din! Kaso medyo malabo.
7. Ang bigat naman po niyan. At hindi kasya sa bulsa.
8. Para saan po yung mga numbers sa likod? Yung parang multiplication table? [Apperture at Exposure]
9. Nasaan po ang LED flash?
10. Ano po ang hitsura ng film?
Masuwerte nga siguro yung henerasyon namin na parehong umabot sa Analog at Digital. Best of both worlds, ika nga.
As someone who has read Andy Weir’s novel thrice, these are my thoughts on Ridley Scott’s latest opus:
1. As expected, the movie was not that faithful to the novel. But I liked the element of drama presented between Commander Lewis and Mark Watney during the last few minutes of the movie (Spoiler Alert!). And I think that part did better than the novel.
2. Prepare to be LSS-ed by David Bowie’s ‘Starman’. And of course, by other disco hits used in the movie (blame it on Commander Lewis’ playlist. Haha!)
3. They didn’t show the great sandstorm and the accident at Schiaparelli Basin. Boo! But that’s just me.
4. It’s a visual masterpiece. Ridley Scott did a great job in giving us a view of space and the Martian environment.
5. Suddenly, all those I-want-to-be-an-astronaut childhood dreams came back. Damn it. Do kids today still dream to be an astronaut?
6. If you loved this movie, and I’m sure you would, then you should definitely read the novel. The Science is real. And it presented a more detailed explanation of how Watney managed to survive in Mars.. And to keep you from bugging your boyfriend every 10 seconds to explain EVERYTHING (that goes to the 'Tita’ sitted beside me in the theater).
7. And oh, I love the Project Elrond-Sean Bean reference shown here. Haha! (I think it’s just me and my sister who laufhrd inside the theater during that scene. Ugh.)
8. This is a good movie. If you’re into Science and stuff, go watch it.
As part of the Performance Task in one of my subjects, I asked my Grade 8 students to come up with 10 questions (or more) should they be given a chance to interview a famous personality.
I wrote down different personalities - from the field of Politics to entertainment, from the infamous to the celebrated - making sure that there will be a diversity of questions and no two students (from the same section, at least) would ‘interview’ the same person. They were not allowed to choose a personality. That would be too easy for some. Instead, for fun’s sake and to have a little suspense, they had to draw lots.
If there is one thing that I learned from my students in my almost 4 years as a teacher, it’s that you should expect the unexpected. And when your students reached the same level of insanity (okay, creativity) as yours, then you hit the jackpot. Brace yourself for an entertaining ride.
Their questions range from trivial to bizarre, curious to inquisitive, humorous to profane, ordinary to life-changing. And I bet most of the questions of my students are way better than the we-know-the-answer-but-we-will-still-ask-you-anyway questions thrown by your usual TV reporter. Or that student who asks questions not related to the topic during an open forum.
This is just an exercise meant to enhance the critical thinking skills of students. And I bet you, too, can ask these questions. But I did not just ask them to make this for project’s or grade’s sake. There is a bigger picture here.
These are questions. They inspire conversations. Conversations that would lead to discussions. Discussions that would lead to discourse. But beyond the great things that these questiona might lead to, it will always zero in to the most basic things:
Asking questions connects people. And asking questions fight ignorance.
So you, especially my dear students, go out. Ask questions. Do not be afraid. Who knows? You might just ask these questions one day to the person that you picked.
When was the last time that you asked a question and connected with other people? (at LDLB)
SMART SHAMING. Sa madaling salita, ito yung pamamahiya sa mga may alam, may ideya, may dunong, at may matalinong opinyon. Madalas marinig ang mga katagang “E di ikaw na ang magaling!” o kaya “Ang dami mong alam!” para barahin o ipahiya ang isang tao.
Putaragis naman. Kailan pa naging stigma ang pagkakaroon ng alam? Last time I checked, dahil nga teacher ako, hindi ganoon ang usapan sa loob ng classroom. Yun pa ngang walang alam ang hinihila pataas sa rurok ng karunungan. Sa aming mga guro, yun pa ngang estudyante na may fatal combination na mahina na nga sa klase, pasaway pa, ang madalas na suki ng Parent-Teacher Conference para kastiguhin, pangaralan, at harinawa’y baguhin.
Sinong mga hunghang ang nagpauso nito? Ewan. Malamang, yung mga Row 4 at mga babagsakin noong mga estudyante pa. Paraan siguro nila para rumesbak sa mga matatalinong kaklase nila. O yung personalidad sa telebisyon na nagpauso ng “E di wow!” at ilan pang mga “pambabara sa kausap” sa tuwing may diskurso? Ganun na lang ba? Isang malaking sumpa ang katalinuhan at tatanggapin na lang ang kamangmangan?
Pero ito ang alam ko (oo, gago, nag-research ako): Ginagamit sa mga bansang may diktadurya ang “smart shaming” para iluklok ang kanilang sarili at ipakita na ang mga may alam, nag-iisip, at intelektwal ay banta sa lipunan (at sa kanilang diktaduryang pamumuno). Ang tawag dito ay “Anti-Intellectualism”. Sa Cambodia nga noong panahon ng Khmer Rouge, pinapatay ang mga umabot ng higit sa Grade 6 at yung mga nakasalamin kasi mukha silang intelektwal at genius. Makikita mo ito sa pelikulang “The Killing Fields” kung tinatamad kang mag-research at magbasa. Malamang hindi mo yun alam kasi lagi na lang “E di wow!” ang inaambag mo sa mga ganitong klaseng usapan.
E ano ngayon?
Ika-30 anibersaryo ngayon ng EDSA People Power. Dumadami na naman ang tagapagtanggol ng diktadurya sa mga comments section dito sa Facebook. Dumadami na naman ang mga revisionists ng kasaysayan. At pilit na sinisiraan at ginagawang kasinungalingan ang mga totoong kuwento noong panahon ng Batas Militar. Mga kuwentong nagmula sa mga taong nakaranas ng lagim ng pamumuno ni Apo.
Isa sa mga epekto ng “Smart Shaming” at “Anti-Intellectualism” ay ang pilit na pagbago sa kasaysayan. Ang tawag dito ay “revisionism” at ang madalas biktima dito e yung mga walang gaanong alam (hindi siguro nagbabasa at mas pinipiling maniwala sa mga memes sa Facebook kumpara sa mga History books) tungkol sa kasaysayan. At sa bansang katulad ng Pilipinas na walang sense of history - na hindi na natuto sa mga aral ng kasaysayan - at sa bansang madalas barahin at gawing sinungaling ang mga may alam, may matalinong opinyon, at may dunong, madaling magtagumpay ang “revisionism”.
At kung ganito din lang ang usapan. baka dumating yung panahong hindi na natin paniniwalaan ang sarili nating kasaysayan. Baka dumating ang panahon na maging katanggap-tanggap ang Maguindanao Massacre (”Ginawa lang yun para pigilan ang mga nagbabalak na mang-agaw sa puwesto”), ang Pork Barrel Scam (”Madami namang natulungan ang pork barrel at maganda yun sa ekonomiya”) at iba pang mga katarantaduhan sa Kasaysayan. Partida, mga recent events lang yan at hindi pa kasama ang mga naunang isyu at nakakahiyang kuwento ng ating bansa.
Mukhang nagtagumpay si Apo at ang kanyang mga alagad. Tandaan, maraming ipinakulong na mga intelektwal na pumapalag sa diktadurya noong dekada sitenta. Hindi ko na sila iisa-isahin pa. Mag-research ka naman! Pero siguraduhin mong may kredibilidad ang babasahin mo at hindi lang yang mga naglipanang pahina sa Facebook.
Pero kahit anong sabihin ko dito, wala kang pakialam kasi Marcos is still the best President. Ginawa niya lang yon para umunlad ang Pilipinas.
This wasn’t named Best Picture at the 2016 Oscars for nothing. Wow. What a movie! I swear I can watch it over and over again (or I would just probably let my students from both Junior and Senior High watch this next school year as part of our Christian Living Education subject. Yep. You mad?).
I remember when this scandal broke out in 2002. I was a sophomore in the Minor Seminary and this was huge. It’s good to know how the story unfolded from a team of Investigative Journalists in Boston and how it resounded to the rest of the world.
Speaking of, at the before the credits rolled, you can see the places where clergy sexual abuse has been concealed by the Catholic Church. It includes Manila, Cebu City, Bontoc (Mountain Province), Tubay (Agusan Del Norte), and Naval (Biliran). But I bet there is still a lot out there.
This is an eye opener. I encourage my brother (ex) seminarians, Priests, and fellow Catholic educators to watch this. Discuss. Find solutions. And, to quote the Oscars speech by the Spotlight team, may this movie be a chorale that would resonate all the way to Pope Francis and the Vatican City.
You can never go wrong with Quentin Tarantino. The blood, the gore, the violence, the non-linear story, the dark humor, and the chilling musical score. This one’s got it all.
This reminds me of Akira Kurosawa’s ‘Rashomon’ (1950) where every characters have their own contradicting and self-serving story but with a flavor of Tarantino.
I always kept on guessing who’s telling the truth during the entirety of the movie. Or trying to decipher the upcoming plot twists. But this has its own way of giving the audience a lot of surprises. And I mean, A LOT!
Is this a sequel to Django Unchained? Or did this occured in the same universe as Django’s? Probably. Or all eight Tarantino movies happened in the same cinematic universe. It’s plausible, right?
Eight men (and more) trapped in the same house, adapting to each other, all trying to survive the blizzard. Now I get it. This is your Western, post-Civil War, and violent version of Big Brother.
With Channing Tatum as Big Brother. Or Big Castrator.
I am now convinced that Pulp Fiction’s Jules Winnfield is a descendant of Major Marquis Warren. You the man, Samuel L. Jackson!
Now I undertand the Critics’ frustration when this was snubbed at the Oscars.
(4.5 Stars because I find Django Unchained and Inglorious Basterds better. Hah!)
1. This is the story of the events that led to the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. This is the story of corporate greed, fraud, deception, and everything wrong with the banking industry, the economy, and capitalism.
2. I remember back in 2007-2008, when I was a Junior in College, when this was a big news. My History of Modern Philosophy Professor, Rev. Fr. Russell B. Matuloy, included the crash and bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in our final exams. He asked us to explain the crisis in the perspective of one Philosopher, which, unfortunately, I forgot who. All I remember was I aced that exam and I got an uno in that subject. Yep. Bragging rights. (I even posted my class card at my door in our dormitory. Hah!)
3. Ryan Reynolds isn’t the only one who breaks the fourth wall in Deadpool. His brother from another mother, Ryan Gosling, equally did the same and he did it well in narrating the film, bringing some comic relief, and explaining the jargon not familiar with an ordinary viewer.
4. I had to pause every once in a while to google some terms and educate myself. Good thing this has great cameos - from Margot Robbie, Anthony Bourdain, and Selena Gomez - to explain Banking, Trading, and Financing terms. And they did it well. It’s a breath of fresh air to the serious drama of the story.
5. This is a story of the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 that led to recession, massive job losses, and the difficulty of those who graduated in 2009 to find a job. Oh, that includes me. You greedy bastards!
