CHURCH AND SEXUALITY

Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 1:25 PM Contributed by a certain Catholic Practitioner - When you stand at the check-out counter at the local pharmacy or grocery store, the most popular magazines are usually there on display. Reading the covers of those magazines is always a reminder to me of the truth of the adage that “sex sells.” Inevitably the most prominent headline on the cover is a reference to the latest survey about sex. These publications always have a least one major article filled with tips about how to improve one’s sex life. Sexuality is a marvelous gift of a good Creator. Our sexuality is part of our human identity; it is integral to the wonder and the dignity of being human. Our sexuality is something deeper than simply our biological makeup or our capacity for procreation. Through our sexuality we are drawn into relationship with others in ways that extend far beyond romantic or explicitly sexual relationships. The Catholic Church teaches that sexuality is a gift of God and is a profound human good. But, as we know well, many people feel that the Church does not “have its act together” about sexuality. The opinion of many is that the Church’s teaching about sexual activity is prudish at best and inhuman at worst. They feel that the Church’s attitude toward sex can best be summed up in one simple phrase: “Thou shalt not.” It is certainly true that the Church has struggled through the centuries to affirm the goodness of human sexuality. There are many reasons for this difficulty – too many to discuss here in any comprehensive way. In some periods, the Church’s theology has manifested tendencies toward dualism, i.e., a separation of the spiritual and the bodily that denigrates the flesh. At other times the Church has held the celibacy of religious and priests in such high esteem that it has failed to affirm the equal dignity of the vocation to married life. The Church would do well to canonize more individuals who were married and more married couples. We need to understand better that the married life, including the sexual relationship between spouses, can be a source and expression of genuine Christian holiness. Many persons with a homosexual orientation also feel distanced from the Church’s teaching about sexuality. They will find the document approved by the United States Bishops this week quite challenging. What is most important to remember, however, is that it is Catholic teaching that the dignity of every human being must always be acknowledged and respected, regardless of sexual orientation. Each human being is a daughter or son of God who is called into a unique relationship with the God who knows and loves them. That is a reality and a truth that lies deeper than one’s sexual orientation. I have heard many young adults say that the Church’s teaching against sex before marriage is out of touch with the reality of modern life. It is not attuned to contemporary dynamics of male-female relationships. The teaching about reserving sexual intercourse to marriage is certainly a challenging one; it is counter-cultural in every sense of the term. I believe, however, that for those who struggle with this teaching it is important to remember one thing. One of the main reasons for this teaching is to keep people from hurting each other. The teaching about premarital sex is not simply a rule intended to make unmarried people miserable. It is ultimately to protect the dignity of relationships and of each person in a relationship. When the Church says that sexual intercourse should take place in the context of a marital commitment it is recognizing the depth of intimacy involved. It is saying that this level of sharing calls for a relationship that can be counted on – a relationship that has a future. The self-revelation that takes place in such intimacy calls for a bond in which two people have made a commitment to each other for life. It demands that a man and woman be willing to “hold” each other not just physically, but “hold” one another in all the dimensions of their life together. In most cases, this level of sharing also invites an openness to the new life that can be produced from intercourse. If a commitment for life is not present, something essential is missing. Many people who are sexually active in relationships that have no future find their hearts wounded. They find it difficult to establish relationships built on trust. The effort to integrate the gift of sexuality in our lives is a life long task that is not easy for anyone. None of us achieves this integration perfectly, and all of us make our share of mistakes along the way. In this effort of integration, the counsel of others – spiritual directors or counselors – is often helpful. When we do find ourselves struggling with our sexuality, or when we realize that we have made a mistake, we need not give up or become depressed. Our God is merciful. He knows our struggles and walks with us each step of the way. God is always ready to offer his mercy and grace to us when we turn to him. It is God who gave us the great gift of sexuality in the first place – a gift meant to lead us into loving, life-giving relationships. He continues to call us to deepen our relationship with him and with the people he has put into our lives.

FEEDBACK

RAMON GUICO: Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 9:42 AM I’m encouraging all Filipino citizens who are registered voters to cast their votes wisely.I hope for a peaceful and successful election.

MIND OVER MATTER

by Wilhelmina S. Orozco Today, I listened to Millionaire Guru, John C talk about how to be millionaire. The key, which he learned by attending a seminar and reading the book, The Master Key by Charles Haanel, is basically changing our mindset; after which action follows. In other words, if you want to be a millionaire, then you must change your mind about money. Think of it as a necessity, something to use to make you travel, to buy things that you need and want, as well as to do a thousand and one things in this world. I have been mulling over the idea: is it possible to will, that all the corrupt officials of our land shall dissolve like bubbles in the ocean? Just thinking.

FEEDBACK RETRIEVED

Dear Folks, Jeremy Bird of Barack Obama's Organizing for America, wrote me to help Martha. here is my suggestion but my email keeps bouncing back. Sorry to bother you, but please send this to him: Dear Jeremy Bird, Are there women's groups campaigning for Martha of Massachusettes? then may i suggest that they focus on: martha as a mother, as a wife, as a sister, as a daughter, as a grandmother. that's the personal aspect. then have a list of her accomplishments as a doer for women's rights. third, what does hillary say about her? get all the leading women in the American women's movement to talk about her. Barack is the last person who should talk about her. I mean Barack is too busy to take care even of such a state campaign. His hands are full of problems. Seeing him campaign there would be burdensome, as we know that he has a thousand and one problems to take care of.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Through this blog, I would like to connect with Rudy Dianalan, whose candidacy for senator is in the Comelec doldrums. Please contact Louie Ramos, of the Democratic Party of the Philippines, if you want to join our petition to the Supreme Court this Monday. Regards, Emma Have a blessed Sunday!

ON ELECTION FAILURE

By Wilhelmina S. Orozco What does a failure of elections mean? Why does election fail? Who can make an election fail? How is this accomplished? What are the consequences of such a failure? Who could be the culprits – willing or unwilling? We are now at the threshold of designing our future with a new (hopefully) set of leaders who will steer this country to an ethical era – walang nanglalamang, walang nalalamangan, walang naaapi at walang mang-aapi. Sounds very simple doesn’t it? Yet so many dreams have been dashed and many lives have been claimed in the name of elections. Many people and groups have clashed over that desire to take over the reins of power, whether low or high. People in high positions have resorted to hooks and crooks to stick to power or to be able to insure the continuity of their influence showing how vulnerable our institutions are to manipulation. Yet despite all these, we, as a people now cling to that idea that we still could make our democracy work, that many people would still support us, and that the forces thwarting the people’s will would not work. Is this a dream or a nightmare, what we are going through? Are we really shaping our future when the whole machinery of the government is being oiled to insure that the transfer of power will not be so complete as to bring our country to a concretely different situation than what we have now? Usually, when I ride the jeepneys, young boys come up and wipe our shoes. I never bothered to give money to them as I viewed it highly undignified to let them grow up thinking that by fooling the passengers, making the rags swiftly skim over our shoes and sandals, then we would part easily with our hard-earned cash. But yesterday was different. An older boy came up, who looked bedraggled. The immediate scene that came to my mind was his whole family waiting for him to deliver them food. The scene looked very pathetic – all the passengers seemed to have the means, a job or a business – especially when he sat on the floor after doing the “wipe” and extended his hand for alms. Instead of cash, I gave him that fresh bag of vegetarian chicharon which I was supposed to eat for dinner. He received it and then continued begging. The proliferation of beggars in the streets looks acute. Children, boys and girls from Mindanao, with their cans turned drums, also get into jeeps to beg. The drummer stays by the “estribo” singing his native song while the other one begs every passenger for a coin or two. I have not seen such a huge horde of beggars – by syndicates or no syndicates – suddenly descend in Manila. Meanwhile, I know that underneath some bridge or other, a family could be huddled together trying to survive a little day by day. Yet we see that everyday, government offices stay air-conditioned, full of office supplies, the employees getting their salaries every 15th and 30th of the month, and their bosses riding flashy vehicles with representational expenses, apart from their fat salaries, to enjoy. I don’t have to go through a treatise on how the economy is going bad. I just know that the oil prices are reaching the 50th mark, or has it? – that the prices of basic commodities are going up and that it is really getting harder and harder to deal with hunger and thirst, and that, THAT OUR RELATIVES HAVE TO WORK ABROAD TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES HERE IN THE COUNTRY. This means that the country is no longer supportive of its citizens, that the resources of the country are being enjoyed by some other groups, and that only they could really stay here without fear of getting hungry, thirsty, and without having to worry about where to live, primarily. Hence this idea of a failure of elections is really a nightmare. Yesterday, a member of a political group mentioned that in Laguna, computer programmers are being briefed on how to “hack” and that some high officials are visiting the place. Is this true or false? Are we being deluded to believe here in MetroManila that the elections could go on as planned yet secretly, some forces are already preparing to subvert the results? Thus, the greater task of everyone, including those campaigning to win, must start flexing their muscles to know who are mastering and where these shenanigans are occurring and to stop and expose them altogether. It is still early to do so. And in case it would still happen, by now we should already be contacting the international community to watch the elections nationwide, to help us insure that clean, legal and honest transitions of power can be effected reflecting the people’s choices for leaders. Yet, the Comelec, that election agency, seems to be in the know that some groups are really manipulating the processes in the country but is helpless in controlling it, or maybe some are secretly working for them. But the non-recognition of candidates for national positions, the rejection of political parties without a clear basis, are signs that its functions are now being rode roughshod to prevent vocal groups to exercise their power to be voted upon and to have a voice in the running of the government. We should not allow any Honduran or Iranian experience to be replicated in our country. That is too horrendous. If we were able to insure that almost bloodless dissolution of the dictatorship, removing the family that sought a dynastic rule – although in terms of laws we have failed – in the eighties, then we should maintain our will, we need to to be creative and dynamic more than ever in insuring that our lives are in our hands and that we can and should have that power to choose our leaders still. We no longer have the Cory magic, and hopefully she is still watching over us. But she still has believers in the land, , citizens here and abroad, including her own son, who are willing to go through the same sacrifices just so we could make aright all forms of governance in our country. Give us strength of body, mind and soul, and let thy will be done, o Lord.

HELP MOTHER EARTH!

Let us check the dates and times of nuclear bombings if they coincide or occur right after earthquakes.

VIC, MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE

Dear FOLKS, Yesterday, the 15th of Janus, this double-faced god, I was at the Nokia Center around 5:30pm. I talked to the counter woman about Vic del Fierro and how he and his daughter always came around to join the political meetings we had had at Forbes Park of Patrick Pantaleon. He was a quiet man but very courageous in his views and unflinching in denouncing corruption, even though his physical health had already suffered. Now I am shocked to know that he had died, at the same time that I was talking to the Nokia woman? Vic, wherever you are, and I know it would be in heaven, smile because now I know you will have gotten your much-needed rest. I pray for your happiness in the after-life. Our country has not been a very good place for your kind soul and heart. Emma

FEEDBACK: FROM USA, ELSA BAYANI AND ERIC MANALANG

--- On Fri, 15/1/10, Eric Manalang wrote: From: Eric Manalang Subject: Re: [Filam-Forum] [thirdforce - PRG] WHAT WILL UNITE US To: Filam-Forum@yahoogroups.com Received: Friday, 15 January, 2010, 2:27 AM - Hide quoted text - the road to nowhere is everywhere,the road to integrity and character,we have to build ourselves THIS IS PREACHING TO THE WIND THAT BLOWS THE MESSAGE AWAY!!!!!!!!! BETTER PREACH TO A LAMP POST. AT LEAST IT WILL STAY STANDING IN FRONT OF YOU! IF IT'S DARK (RIGHT NOW) WHERE THERE IS NO LIGHT ..... PREACH UNTIL THE LIGHT COMES ON!!! DO NOT PREACH TO THE WIND - WHO? PICK YOUR TARGET. RATHER DO NOT TANGENT OR HINGE AROUND THOSE WHOM YOU WANT YOUR MESSAGE THROUGH - GO OUT, STAND UP ON THE STAGE, SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE, DEMAND FOR THEM TO ANSWER - WHAT THEY NEED TO DO!! UNITE? HOW? YOUR MESSAGE IS VAGUE - it's like talking to the fish that swims away - you do not know if the fish is still there to listen. I am a fish, I swim away from sermons like yours. Hence, maybe a lot of Filipinos are like me. But - alas! I am not a Filipino! I DO NOT EVEN VOTE. SO WHY BOTHER? // Elsa Bayani

Comelec and the Year of the Tiger

Yesterday, I went to two media outfits, DWIZ Radio under Rey Langit and Super BB GMA 7 Radio. At DWIZ, Mr. Alvin Capino who was with Ed Javier and another broadcaster in their Carambola program (aired every morning from 8-10 am, Mondays through Fridays) gave me five minutes to expound on what the Comelec appears to be right now. It grieves us that the Comelec supposed to be a non-partisan government agency to steer the transition activities for leadership changes is exhibiting the highest kinds of bias and discrimination. It is high time that we take a stand to make Comelec stand up for it should be: the beacon light so that we are able to find the right individuals who are committed enough to sacrifice their self-interests for the majority of our people and the country. By the actions of Comelec, it unleashes the "tiger" in us; welcome to the year of the Tiger! DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES Fifth Floor, Don Santiago Building, Taft Avenue, Manila Tel: 02 5254888 / Mobile: 09155713268 PRESS RELEASE: The Democratic Party of the Philippines (DPP) representing vast sectors of the nation: fisherfolks, tribal communities, agrarian reform beneficiaries, urban poor and senior citizens, among others protest the dismissal of the Commission on Elections of its nominees for political positions in the Election 2010, and demand the approval of the certificates of candidacy of its members : namely for Senator: Cesar Betil, Jr., Arthur C. Clavo, Rosalinda V. Dacanay, Emmanuel O. de Guzman, Zenaida V. Galdiano, Ebenezer A. Martizano, Wilhelmina S. Orozco, Luis D.G. Ramos, Felix T. Rengel, Oscar T. Rodriguez, Rosalinda S. Sia, Fortunato Viray, Jr. F.L. while Ernesto G. Ramos and Baldomero C. Falcone, were nominated for President and Vice-President, respectively. The Commission on Elections in a move that quashed the dreams of millions of Filipino people for clean and honest elections, dismissed the petition for reconsideration of the DPP despite the broad reasons it had advanced for entering the Philippine Election 2010. In its resolution 8743, then Comelec did not issue any reason for dismissing the COCs of the DPP nominees, and neither did it mention as the registration of the DPP as a political party. In this connection, the Comelec is showing its partiality for traditional politics and politicians the majority of whom belong to the affluent classes who can afford to buy airtime in the broadcast industries and space in the print media to promote their candidates and then easily get its approval. We call on all the media to make the Comelec be democratic, allowing everyone capable under the Constitutional requirements to run in Election 2010. Service to our Compatriots, the Nation should be open to everyone.

PERLAS FOR PRESIDENT GATHERS GREENS

14 January 2010 Emerging Green Party welcomes candidacy of Nicky Perlas to Champion the Green Agenda in 2010! Partido Kalikasan (PK), an emerging national GREEN political party currently operating in 15 bioregional areas nationwide from Cordillera to Northern Mindanao warmly welcomes Comelec en banc Resolution 8743 allowing Nicanor Perlas to run for President in the 2010 elections. As early as end of August, PK leadership have already resolved to explore the possibility of an alliance between PK and Nicky's political group on the basis of strong parallelism and synergy between our political agenda. In the light of decisive political actions that is now necessary to confront the many environmental problems that our communities face; with the ill effects of climate change being on top of this list, we believe that we need a leadership that can galvanize our society to survive these problems and bring genuine sustainability to our development to resolve the root causes of poverty and lack of peace. Nicky is being supported by a growing nationwide movement of local green groups and other community stakeholders under the leadership of PANGMASA, a political movement for new politics. During the time Comelec was considering his petition to be allowed to run, various Green Parties from such countries as Australia and France also sent their letters of support for his candidacy. For more information: Roy Cabonegro Secretary and Managing Trustee. Partido Kalikasan Institute (PKI) 119 Ground Floor, Asian Social Institute (ASI), 1518 Leon Guinto, Manila Mobile 0929 4418247 ========================================== Partido Kalikasan (An Emerging National Green Party in the Phils) c/o Kalikasan Institute Inc. (Interim National Directorate) Mobile Phone +63 929 441-8247 Landline +63 2 568-64-17 Email: info@partidokalikasan.org Website: www.partidokalikasan.org Room 119 Ground Floor, Asian Social Institute (ASI), 1518 Leon Guinto, Manila, NCR Philippines Partido Kalikasan is currently composed of 15 local bio-regional green groups nationwide and the Kalikas-Kabataan para sa Kalikasan and the Kalikasan Institute. 14 January 2010 Emerging Green Party welcomes candidacy of Nicky Perlas to Champion the Green Agenda in 2010! Partido Kalikasan (PK), an emerging national GREEN political party currently operating in 15 bioregional areas nationwide from Cordillera to Northern Mindanao warmly welcomes Comelec en banc Resolution 8743 allowing Nicanor Perlas to run for President in the 2010 elections. As early as end of August, PK leadership have already resolved to explore the possibility of an alliance between PK and Nicky's political group on the basis of strong parallelism and synergy between our political agenda. In the light of decisive political actions that is now necessary to confront the many environmental problems that our communities face; with the ill effects of climate change being on top of this list, we believe that we need a leadership that can galvanize our society to survive these problems and bring genuine sustainability to our development to resolve the root causes of poverty and lack of peace. Nicky is being supported by a growing nationwide movement of local green groups and other community stakeholders under the leadership of PANGMASA, a political movement for new politics. During the time Comelec was considering his petition to be allowed to run, various Green Parties from such countries as Australia and France also sent their letters of support for his candidacy. For more information: Roy Cabonegro Secretary and Managing Trustee. Partido Kalikasan Institute (PKI) 119 Ground Floor, Asian Social Institute (ASI), 1518 Leon Guinto, Manila Mobile 0929 4418247 ========================================== Partido Kalikasan (An Emerging National Green Party in the Phils) c/o Kalikasan Institute Inc. (Interim National Directorate) Mobile Phone +63 929 441-8247 Landline +63 2 568-64-17 Email: info@partidokalikasan.org Website: www.partidokalikasan.org Room 119 Ground Floor, Asian Social Institute (ASI), 1518 Leon Guinto, Manila, NCR Philippines Partido Kalikasan is currently composed of 15 local bio-regional green groups nationwide and the Kalikas-Kabataan para sa Kalikasan and the Kalikasan Institute. Donations for Partido Kalikasan are welcome. Please deposit to RCBC Savings Bank N. Domingo Business Center with Account Number 1061-02778-2 under the name of Partido Kalikasan Institute Inc.

OVERSEES ABSENTEE VOTING (OAV)

PRESS RELEASE- GFN 1-01-14-2010 Global Filipinos hopeful about extended voters' registration Global Filipino Nation filed a request with Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for a special two-day registration period of Overseas Absentee Voters (OAV). The filing was done in collaboration with National Federation of Filipino American Associates (NAFAA) together with a long list of Overseas Filipinos desirous of registering as first time voters. NAFAA filed a parallel petition with COMELEC. The clamor originated from GFN Overseas Absentee Voters Lead coordinators (harvesters) all over the world who claimed that regular registration period for elections 2010 was too short for first time Filipino voters residing abroad because the consular offices where located far from their workplace and residences. Others complained that the consulates were closed during the weekends. Mobile registrations were limited also in some countries only. Atty. Eduardo de los Angeles of the Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & Delos Angeles Law Office filed the request last January 8, 2010 for GFN. Atty. de los Angeles is Senior Partner and former Dean of the Ateneo de Manila Law School and has personally committed himself to the assist Global Filipinos in building good governance. Upon checking with COMELEC Commissioner Melo and Commissioner Velasco's offices, GFN secretariat was informed that they met en banc last Monday January 11, 2010. However, there is no approval yet since it is only on the 1st hearing stage. There is no schedule for the 2nd hearing as of today. GFN lead coordinators/harvesters located in 26 countries and in collaboration with NAFAA assert the right to vote as Overseas Filipinos this 2010 elections. It is a fundamental right imbedded in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives". Overseas Filipinos contribute to the country’s development and economic sustainability. Global Filipinos assert the right to participate in the Elections 2010 to effect the changes needed in the building of good governance in the homeland. CONNIE GOMEZ VALDES Deputy Executive Director GLOBAL FILIPINO NATION GFN 0632 7261697/09175281323 Off. Add 2240 Chino Roces Bgy Bangkal Makati City Metro Manila Philippine

FEEDBACK: FROM USA, JM CORTES

Who will be the leader of the "third force"? Filipinos by nature follow strong leadership or personality with known accomplishments and experience. The only person in government with recognized honesty, integrity and love of country is the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Renato Puno. I am sure he will fit the leadership post of the third force, but also he will need the help of a lot other people both in government and the private sector. J M Cortes California USA

WHAT WILL UNITE US

By Wilhelmina S. Orozco Improving the lives of the Filipino people involves two ways: work outside the system, work within the system. If we work outside the system, then that means, we join the New People's Army and all other rebel groups who are using military arms to achieve power. If we work within the system, two ways also are afforded us: one, we create an NGO and advance the interests of the marginalized sectors; or two, we run for election or get ourselves appointed in a powerful executive position. The big problem why we are not united is because there are groups that saddle the two methods -- they work within and outside the system. They don't tell off those who are outside the system, to "Wait lang muna. Let's try the democratic process, make it work, so there would be less bloody hellish results." But that is not the case. As early as 1979, I was told by an Indian who knows the history of Kerala, that communist state in India. He told me, the NPAs should set aside their arms, hide them and then work within the system. But given the martial law regime at the time, it seemed absurd to follow his suggestion. Marcos and his henchmen were cutting down his enemies secretly and overtly, although today, it is worse. During that time, I could go out and demonstrate, join and rally and then come home to sleep soundly. Now I don't anymore, as the intelligence groups in our subdivision had found out that I am vulnerable to noise. And so from morning till night, and even while I toss in my sleep, the motorcycle riding assets woulde be passing by noisily down our streets. So when Ninoy was gunned down, he who served as sacrificial lamb trying out the peaceful way to make Marcos step down, the democratic wheels were set free by Cory. She used rallies, flyers, demonstrations, and even boycotting of those products of companies known to be patronizing Marcos in making him realize that his time was up. The boycott occurred when Marcos used fraudulent means to win the Snap Presidential Elections in 1986. Anyway, Cory won the game and she was installed as president. But some people are good for transitions but not necessarily for restoration, or even rebrickbuilding of new nations. Cory to my mind was an icon of democracy but she was not cut out to deal with the wheeling and dealing machinery of a corrupt bureaucracy. Besides, some of her relatives were really hangers-on to her executive powers, twisting her arms even to keep her prying eyes away from their shenanigans. So, now we have not really tasted democracy to its fullest, meaning to say, the people, the majority, enjoying life prosperously. But one thing is nice -- we can say our piece, whether in print, radio, or a little on tv. Even our films now are undergoing a resurrection, through the independent movement, apart from the studio-type of film production. The question is: how do we unite the Filipino people again, after we all worked collectively to boot out a dictatorship. Let us do the same thing: rally under one issue: to insure that all the loose ends that would resurrect fake officials would be cut down and forever be interred to the sharks in the Pacific Ocean. Let us make Nature work for us -- as the eras that followed Cory's regime, especially since 2000 are not truly sincere in running the government for our people's sake. Secondly, we need to be pragmatic. Take cognizance of events that can nurture our desire to fruition. 2010 is it. It's election time, and so we have to insure that all those candidates associated with, affiliated with, or directly connected with all forms of corrupt regimes, shall forever be detached from the bureaucracy. Remove their dirty hands in the running of our government. I am sure, we have plenty of public administration professors who can help us. Lastly, let us pray for a lasting peaceful transition to a nurturing leadership.

ON FILM FESTIVALS, MUSIC, THE ARTS AND THEIR FLOWERING

Every year, the MetroManila Filmfest is held in December to generate funds for the MetroManila Development Authority. Its original plan to stir up the production of quality films has been lost in the greed to rake up money at the tills; this is why the best film is the top grossing one, the most patronized film by the masses. *** With the cost of a movie ticket hovering between 140 to 160 each, why is there a call to wonder why the film industry is in the doldrums? The people are practical enough to know that between food and entertainment, they would much rather buy half a roasted chicken which is worth as much as a ticket. *** Some producers say that one can make a film for 5 million pesos. With the introduction of digital computers into the art of making films, the cost could be less. They need not worry about the high costs of stars who command millions while the ordinary gofer is only P350 a day working for more than 8 hours during filming. *** In a film done in the 90’s I had the chance to be a part of a production team. One actor-would come on the set late while the crew would be there by 7am. Then at one time, he absented himself for six months; which meant that the crew would not get paid at all and so had to look for another production job. When he returned his face had grown chubby, a great departure from his original looks captured on screen. Now visuals are very much a part of filming, apart from audio. To discerning audiences, a film lacking continuity of visuals shows sloppy work. When the production designer pointed out the discrepancy in the size of the face of the actor, he vented his ire by throwing coffee on the feed of the former, meaning, get out of the set. The designer left the set and the job at the same time. Who is this actor who cannot even wangle an award from the film bodies anyway? This actor now sits in the august halls of a legislative body saying nary a word on how this country should be ran. *** The status of culture in our country is highly pathetic. Everyday we are treated to shows that lack originality. The dancers dance to the tunes of imported songs; the dancing steps are borrowed from some western steps, mainly Jacksonian riveting and automata-like movements. Yet our performers are high class – they can really imitate and even surpass any western performer in terms of high notes and giving of emotional fervor to every song. I have often asked many guitarists who sound very much like those jazz players on CDs whether they could play my compositions written on scoresheets. I am always shocked by their answers: no, they don’t read notes. Meaning they learned to perform by listening only and then copying the music by playing. What this means is that our musicians have very well-developed aural traits. *** I have not researched into this yet, but I am sure that performers who go abroad are sharing a lot in the economic stability of this country. Everywhere around the world, our musicians are much sought after. June Cadiz, professors of jazz and performer, toured the globe. But his crowning glory I surmise was when he was taken in by a Scandinavian owner of a pub who has hired many an international pianist. He told me that pub owners there know how to discern a good from a bad pianist, and they are very well versed in jazz. Yet, he had not finished music studies then. When he came back, he finished his course and then went on to teach classes at UP where he now shares his worldwide experiences in playing. *** Not only are our muisicians singing or playing an instrument. They can even bring the audience to tears and/or laughter. I watched Joey Ayala at Conspiracy backed up by musicians with one using one back-up instrument made of surplus wood from the ships sailing asea. This instrument has several one-foot size rectangular sticks tied together from one end, and then shaken to give the sound of a clapper. Joey’s performance – he uses the hagalong, a T’boli guitar and backed up by that clapper- gives that feeling of our watching something very original down to the instruments. Then he intersperses his performance with stories, sometimes with sexual connotations then goes on to sing radical songs containing sad stories of our people under repression. *** Our greatest resource are the artistic sectors of our country, from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. Films could also be our greatest resource and I think some producers are already selling DVDs of their films abroad. With over two million Filipino people in diaspora, those DVDs could be selling like hotcakes. But we have to have quality films, in terms of dialogues especially. *** How sad to note that until now, some films still contain backward notions about women, using them as props, denigrating humanity by showing them as victims of alzheimer’s disease, or some other uncouth labeling that is not worth writing about nor printing here. Yes, the last medium to be democratic is the film. We could talk our voices hoarse about human rights violations on radio and write about them in print but on film they are very, very scarce. *** For our country to be recognized internationally, the MMFF should be a springboard for producers to go beyond their run-of-the-mill aspirations and truly spend money to create quality films. In this regard, I suggest that since the festival is a collective effort, the films gross earnings should also be collectively handled. After all, people flock to festivals because they know that they would be watching the crème-de-la-crème of the films. Ergo, the synergy of watching good films during the festival period is brought about by that collective effort. So when the earnings are collectively shared, then the MMDA should put up strict standards on what would be accepted in the festival. A group of film educators, film producers and cultural agency officials should put up those standards that will uplift the current contents and forms of accepted films. In this way, we can say that the festival would perform its original function of bringing about a flowering of artistry of our filmmakers.

ON FILM FESTIVALS, MUSIC, THE ARTS AND THEIR FLOWERING

Every year, the MetroManila Filmfest is held in December to generate funds for the MetroManila Development Authority. Its original plan to stir up the production of quality films has been lost in the greed to rake up money at the tills; this is why the best film is the top grossing one, the most patronized film by the masses. *** With the cost of a movie ticket hovering between 140 to 160 each, why is there a call to wonder why the film industry is in the doldrums? The people are practical enough to know that between food and entertainment, they would much rather buy half a roasted chicken which is worth as much as a ticket. *** Some producers say that one can make a film for 5 million pesos. With the introduction of digital computers into the art of making films, the cost could be less. They need not worry about the high costs of stars who command millions while the ordinary gofer is only P350 a day working for more than 8 hours during filming. *** In a film done in the 90’s I had the chance to be a part of a production team. the major actor would come on the set late while the crew would be there by 7 am. Then at one time, he absented himself for six months; which meant that the crew would not get paid at all and so had to look for another production job. When he returned his face had grown chubby, a great departure from his original looks captured on screen. Now visuals are very much a part of filming, apart from audio. To discerning audiences, a film lacking continuity of visuals shows sloppy work. When the production designer pointed out the discrepancy in the size of the face of the actor, he vented his ire by throwing coffee on the feet of the former, meaning, get out of the set. The designer left the set and the job at the same time. Who is this actor who cannot even wangle an award from the film bodies anyway? This actor now sits in the august halls of a legislative body saying nary a word on how this country should be ran. *** The status of culture in our country is highly pathetic. Everyday we are treated to shows that lack originality. The dancers dance to the tunes of imported songs; the dancing steps are borrowed from some western steps, mainly Jacksonian riveting and automata-like movements. Yet our performers are high class – they can really imitate and even surpass any western performer in terms of high notes and giving of emotional fervor to every song. I have often asked many guitarists who sound very much like those jazz players on CDs whether they could play my compositions written on scoresheets. I am always shocked by their answers: no, they don’t read notes. Meaning they learned to perform by listening only and then copying the music by playing. What this means is that our musicians have very well-developed aural traits. *** I have not researched into this yet, but I am sure that performers who go abroad are sharing a lot in the economic stability of this country. Everywhere around the world, our musicians are much sought after. June Cadiz, professors of jazz and performer, toured the globe. But his crowning glory I surmise was when he was taken in by a Scandinavian owner of a pub who has hired many an international pianist. He told me that pub owners there know how to discern a good from a bad pianist, and they are very well versed in jazz. Yet, he had not finished music studies then. When he came back, he finished his course and then went on to teach classes at UP where he now shares his worldwide experiences in playing. *** Not only are our musicians singing or playing an instrument. They can even bring the audience to tears and/or laughter. I watched Joey Ayala at Conspiracy backed up by musicians with one using one back-up instrument made of surplus wood from the ships sailing asea. This instrument has several one-foot size rectangular sticks tied together from one end, and then shaken to give the sound of a clapper. Joey’s performance – he uses the hagalong, a T’boli guitar and backed up by that clapper- gives that feeling of our watching something very original down to the instruments. Then he intersperses his performance with humorous stories (as most Visayans and Mindanaoans have that funny streak), sometimes with sexual connotations, then goes on to sing radical songs containing sad stories of our people under repression. *** Our greatest resource are the artistic sectors of our country, from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. Films could also be our greatest resource and I think some producers are already selling DVDs of their films abroad. With over two million Filipino people in diaspora, those DVDs could be selling like hotcakes. But we have to have quality films, in terms of dialogues especially. *** How sad to note that until now, some films still contain backward notions about women, using them as props, denigrating humanity by showing them as victims of Alzheimer’s disease, or some other uncouth labeling that is not worth writing about nor printing here. Yes, the last medium to be democratic is the film. We could talk our voices hoarse about human rights violations on radio and write about them in print but on film they are very, very scarce. *** For our country to be recognized internationally, the MMFF should be a springboard for producers to go beyond their run-of-the-mill aspirations and truly spend money to create quality films. In this regard, I suggest that since the festival is a collective effort, the films gross earnings should also be collectively handled. After all, people flock to festivals because they know that they would be watching the crème-de-la-crème of the films. Ergo, the synergy of watching good films during the festival period is brought about by that collective effort. So when the earnings are collectively shared, then the MMDA should put up strict standards on what would be accepted in the festival. A group of film educators, film producers and cultural agency officials should put up those standards that will uplift the current contents and forms of accepted films. In this way, we can say that the festival would perform its original function of bringing about a flowering of artistry of our filmmakers.

WHEN WAITING IS AGONY

Wilhelmina S. Orozco Today, the 7th of January 2010, we are still awaiting the response of the Comelec to our opposition to their rejection of our candidacy. It seems like ages just to know if we can serve our country or not, if we can be allowed to campaign nationwide and bring to the people our ideas on how this country can be and should be governed. Far too long, whenever we attend a political rally, the focus of attention is on the personalities on stage, and to make the event more exciting, the candidates would go to the extent of dancing and singing just so their faces and names would be remembered well come voting time. This is the traditional meaning and actual conduct of political rallies in our midst. We are treated to a circus, an entertainment of the different faces of the political candidates and then at the end, everyone raises their hands. The last rally I attended was that of FPJ, who saluted the people when he came out of stage. The applause and the oohs and ahhs were deafeaning, as if some kind of god had descended on the streets of Makati. I could feel my breathing getting deeper and deeper as he spoke – kapag ang banga ay puno n ang bigas, panahon na upang ito’y kalusin, his most often quoted statement. FPJ was a man of few words, but I knew that he was going to make good his promises to the people, that he would make our lives a lot better than those who stole the presidency from Erap. By the way, though their friendship I know revolved around, not only on movie scripts and productions, but also on the women with whom they had liaisons with, I could forgive them then because I knew that otherwise, when it came to politics, they would be shamefaced not to fulfill their promises to the people. When FPJ was at Sto. Domingo, I viewed his body twice. He was like sleeping with such a regal face as if a true king had died. Yes, he was and looked very much like a king, “Da King,” even in death. I saw Imelda there and when she passed by, I cried out, “Isoli ang ninakaw na kaban ng bayan.” Everyone looked at me, as if I had crossed the threshold of decency; but to my mind, all criminals who stole from the peoples’ coffers are guilty unless they had been freed by the courts. I felt it was my shining glory to be telling off Imelda that she was still guilty. Funny but a repairman of the Fabar Austin mini shop told me that the Barrettos closed down that company during martial law because Imelda wanted to have shares in the company. Instead of acceding to that “request” the Barrettos decided to close shop. Sayang, I said. What they could have done was just put up the company as a repair shop for Austin, instead of importers of that British car. Through all these years, my mind has been immersed in getting even with those who had stolen my votes, in 2004, and in 2007. I believe that from today hereon, we should view our vote as our greatest possession which nobody has any right to grab, to use for his or her own ends. It is a sacred gift to be able to choose the leaders that I want to rule this country. Hence, I hope that the Comelec would live up to its name of its being the protector of the peoples’ rights to vote and be voted upon.

WHEN WAITING IS AGONY

by Wilhelmina S. Orozco Today, the 7th of January 2010, we are still awaiting the response of the Comelec to our opposition to their rejection of our candidacy. It seems like ages just to know if we can serve our country or not, if we can be allowed to campaign nationwide and bring to the people our ideas on how this country can be and should be governed. Far too long, whenever we attend a political rally, the focus of attention is on the personalities on stage, and to make the event more exciting, the candidates would go to the extent of dancing and singing just so their faces and names would be remembered well come voting time. This is the traditional meaning and actual conduct of political rallies in our midst. We are treated to a circus, an entertainment of the different faces of the political candidates and then at the end, everyone raises their hands. The last rally I attended was that of FPJ, who saluted the people when he came out of stage. The applause and the oohs and ahhs were deafeaning, as if some kind of god had descended on the streets of Makati. I could feel my breathing getting deeper and deeper as he spoke – kapag ang banga ay puno n ang bigas, panahon na upang ito’y kalusin, his most often quoted statement. FPJ was a man of few words, but I knew that he was going to make good his promises to the people, that he would make our lives a lot better than those who stole the presidency from Erap. By the way, though their friendship I know revolved around, not only on movie scripts and productions, but also on the women with whom they had liaisons with, I could forgive them then because I knew that otherwise, when it came to politics, they would be shamefaced not to fulfill their promises to the people. When FPJ was at Sto. Domingo, I viewed his body twice. He was like sleeping with such a regal face as if a true king had died. Yes, he was and looked very much like a king, “Da King,” even in death. I saw Imelda there and when she passed by, I cried out, “Isoli ang ninakaw na kaban ng bayan.” Everyone looked at me, as if I had crossed the threshold of decency; but to my mind, all criminals who stole from the peoples’ coffers are guilty unless they had been freed by the courts. I felt it was my shining glory to be telling off Imelda that she was still guilty. Funny but a repairman of the Fabar Austin mini shop told me that the Barrettos closed down that company during martial law because Imelda wanted to have shares in the company. Instead of acceding to that “request” the Barrettos decided to close shop. Sayang, I said. What they could have done was just put up the company as a repair shop for Austin, instead of importers of that British car. Through all these years, my mind has been immersed in getting even with those who had stolen my votes, in 2004, and in 2007. I believe that from today hereon, we should view our vote as our greatest possession which nobody has any right to grab, to use for his or her own ends. It is a sacred gift to be able to choose the leaders that I want to rule this country. Hence, I hope that the Comelec would live up to its name of its being the protector of the peoples’ rights to vote and be voted upon.

SAYING GOODBYE TO 2010 - Part II

PART II Wilhelmina S. Orozco But the first half of the year 2009 we were still feeling strong and safe that everything would turn out all right. The leading guard of democracy Cory was still there until she died and on August 5, we saw an outpouring of peoples' love for her. We never imagined that she could command viewers, young and old, rich and poor. Her wake at the Manila Cathedral was the first time a lay person’s corpse had been allowed in. Her funeral parade passing through boulevards and streets was watched by millions by the streets and on television, and reported on radio. Despite being the nemesis of the current administration, Cory was granted military honors by the the military soldiers -- all forces -- land, sea and air, gentlemanly enough in fulfilling their task of according respect to their genuine former commander-in-chief. Cory was the uniting icon of the People Power which brought back democracy - the freedom to speak, write, publish, and hold on to political beliefs, among others after more than a decade of one-man martial law rule. She bravely challenged Marcos in 1985-86, actually from the time her husband was assassinated. She rebuked Marcos’ backward views of women which are now etched in history. For that, Cory is best remembered as the leading light of democracy in the country and the world which saw in her an inspiration to carry out the downfall of many restrictive administrations like Germany which was united and the USSR which was broken up into different states. As the year is ending, tragedy after tragedy is occurring in the high seas -- as if someone is orchestrating these phenomena to divert the minds of the people from the realities of having an inept administration, incapable of loving the people but themselves, stingy in providing genuine programs and reforms that would redound to the people's welfare. The inspiration for patriotic governance provided by our martyrs Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Gregoria de Jesus, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino and Teresa Magbanua has been lost in this era.. Only the 2010 elections keeps us hopeful and being automated, we could expect quicker results (but would they truly reflect the people's will?) and hopefully install peacefully a new committed leadership. However, the question remains, of those approved by the Commission on Elections to run, who among them would have the interests of the people truly in mind and would act according to them? Because as of now, the Comelec is still labeled an extension of the current administration, wary of approving candidacies of those who are poverty-stricken (and according to them cannot conduct a nationwide campaign), and highly identified with the opposition. Nonetheless, the thought of having our democratic process in place, of using the vote to topple a leadership that cannot be truly represent the Filipino people, makes us patient, understanding and hopeful that all will work well. Unfortunately, the weak link here could be the Catholic Church which has a cacophony of voices saying hallelujah to the administration as well as denouncing it. The lack of a united viewpoint makes the Church a questionable ally in the search for genuine political changes in this country. Yet, we the Filipino women and men, all the sexes, young and old, and of all tribes, know that year 2010 will be a decisive year for all of us, personally, collectively, locally and nationally.

SAYING GOODBYE TO 2010 - Part II

PART II Wilhelmina S. Orozco But the first half of the year 2009 we were still feeling strong and safe that everything would turn out all right. The leading guard of democracy Cory was still there until she died and on August 5, we saw an outpouring of peoples' love for her. We never imagined that she could command viewers, young and old, rich and poor. Her wake at the Manila Cathedral was the first time a lay person’s corpse had been allowed in. Her funeral parade passing through boulevards and streets was watched by millions by the streets and on television, and reported on radio. Despite being the nemesis of the current administration, Cory was granted military honors by the the military soldiers -- all forces -- land, sea and air, gentlemanly enough in fulfilling their task of according respect to their genuine former commander-in-chief. Cory was the uniting icon of the People Power which brought back democracy - the freedom to speak, write, publish, and hold on to political beliefs, among others after more than a decade of one-man martial law rule. She bravely challenged Marcos in 1985-86, actually from the time her husband was assassinated. She rebuked Marcos’ backward views of women which are now etched in history. For that, Cory is best remembered as the leading light of democracy in the country and the world which saw in her an inspiration to carry out the downfall of many restrictive administrations like Germany which was united and the USSR which was broken up into different states. As the year is ending, tragedy after tragedy is occurring in the high seas -- as if someone is orchestrating these phenomena to divert the minds of the people from the realities of having an inept administration, incapable of loving the people but themselves, stingy in providing genuine programs and reforms that would redound to the people's welfare. The inspiration for patriotic governance provided by our martyrs Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Gregoria de Jesus, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino and Teresa Magbanua has been lost in this era.. Only the 2010 elections keeps us hopeful and being automated, we could expect quicker results (but would they truly reflect the people's will?) and hopefully install peacefully a new committed leadership. However, the question remains, of those approved by the Commission on Elections to run, who among them would have the interests of the people truly in mind and would act according to them? Because as of now, the Comelec is still labeled an extension of the current administration, wary of approving candidacies of those who are poverty-stricken (and according to them cannot conduct a nationwide campaign), and highly identified with the opposition. Nonetheless, the thought of having our democratic process in place, of using the vote to topple a leadership that cannot be truly represent the Filipino people, makes us patient, understanding and hopeful that all will work well. Unfortunately, the weak link here could be the Catholic Church which has a cacophony of voices saying hallelujah to the administration as well as denouncing it. The lack of a united viewpoint makes the Church a questionable ally in the search for genuine political changes in this country. Yet, by the end of the year, we the Filipino women and men, all the sexes, young and old, and of all tribes, know that year 2010 will be a decisive year for all of us, personally, collectively, locally and nationally.

SAYING GOODBYE TO 2010 - Part II

PART II Wilhelmina S. Orozco But the first half of the year 2009 we were still feeling strong and safe that everything would turn out all right. The leading guard of democracy Cory was still there until she died and on August 5, we saw an outpouring of peoples' love for her. We never imagined that she could command viewers, young and old, rich and poor. Her wake at the Manila Cathedral was the first time a lay person’s corpse had been allowed in. Her funeral parade passing through boulevards and streets was watched by millions by the streets and on television, and reported on radio. Despite being the nemesis of the current administration, Cory was granted military honors by the the military soldiers -- all forces -- land, sea and air, gentlemanly enough in fulfilling their task of according respect to their genuine former commander-in-chief. Cory was the uniting icon of the People Power which brought back democracy - the freedom to speak, write, publish, and hold on to political beliefs, among others after more than a decade of one-man martial law rule. She bravely challenged Marcos in 1985-86, actually from the time her husband was assassinated. She rebuked Marcos’ backward views of women which are now etched in history. For that, Cory is best remembered as the leading light of democracy in the country and the world which saw in her an inspiration to carry out the downfall of many restrictive administrations like Germany which was united and the USSR which was broken up into different states. As the year is ending, tragedy after tragedy is occurring in the high seas -- as if someone is orchestrating these phenomena to divert the minds of the people from the realities of having an inept administration, incapable of loving the people but themselves, stingy in providing genuine programs and reforms that would redound to the people's welfare. The inspiration for patriotic governance provided by our martyrs Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Gregoria de Jesus, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino and Teresa Magbanua has been lost in this era.. Only the 2010 elections keeps us hopeful and being automated, we could expect quicker results (but would they truly reflect the people's will?) and hopefully install peacefully a new committed leadership. However, the question remains, of those approved by the Commission on Elections to run, who among them would have the interests of the people truly in mind and would act according to them? Because as of now, the Comelec is still labeled an extension of the current administration, wary of approving candidacies of those who are poverty-stricken (and according to them cannot conduct a nationwide campaign), and highly identified with the opposition. Nonetheless, the thought of having our democratic process in place, of using the vote to topple a leadership that cannot be truly represent the Filipino people, makes us patient, understanding and hopeful that all will work well. Unfortunately, the weak link here could be the Catholic Church which has a cacophony of voices saying hallelujah to the administration as well as denouncing it. The lack of a united viewpoint makes the Church a questionable ally in the search for genuine political changes in this country. Yet, by the end of the year, we the Filipino women and men, all the sexes, young and old, and of all tribes, know that year 2010 will be a decisive year for all of us, personally, collectively, locally and nationally.