Folks, the announcement on the 2nd International Marathon Race that will be held in Quezon City on December 5, 2010 has encouraged Bob Gabuna, an intellectual-farmer to reveal his childhood secret desire to be a sportsman. His reminiscences allow us a view of our past sports history in the provinces when aspiring athletes hurdled, overcame and even made use of natural obstacles to hone their physical, mental and emotional skills necessary for the discipline. Listen to his story:
E: BOB WHAT IS A 3,000 METER RUN?
BOB: 3 000 meter run – have you experienced running in a 400 meter oval race track? If you could make seven laps that is 3K run. (For) 10 000 meter run - you have to execute 25 rounds.
The above competitive race is not meant for speed; but, endurance.
Di na ako nag attempt ng 10,000K meter run dahil talo ako ng mga matangkad na kalaban. ang isang stride nila, eh, dalawang sikad ko. (I did not attempt the 10,000K run because I knew I would be defeated by tall competitors. One stride of theirs is equivalent to two for me.)
Hindi ako na encouraged ng mother ko to pursue athletics kasi wala raw pera. (I was not encouraged by my mother to pursue athletics because of lack of funds.)
My Aunt, however (maternal side), a sprinter (100 and 200 meter dash), had the same national record of Mona Sulaiman at the time. Sa dahilan na walang pera pag athlete ka, di sia pinayagan to go national. (Again for lack of funds, she was not allowed to compete nationally.)
i developed endurane in long distance race, kasi, in my pre-school age,
sa akin pinapa habol ang kalabaw na nakawala sa kanyang tali. (I developed endurance in long distance race because during my pre-school age, I was asked to run after the carabao that had run loose.)
Also, I (was) sent on errands to buy fish and i (had) to run at the beach
(on loose sands) to beat the other buyers who were ahead.
In high school, i oftentimes spent my weekends in the farm and i had
to run a three-kilometer stretch to catch up with the flag ceremony
at 7am. I grew up in a farm and fishing village, till i went to college.
my training in track and field is "natural".
Hahabulin ang baboy na naka wala sa kulungan, habulin ang
manok na naka wala sa hawla, habulin ang kalabaw paakyat
ng bundok dahil naka kalas sa tali. (I would run after the pig that had gone out of the cage, race after the hen that had flown out of the coop, race up the mountains to capture the carabao whose noose had gone loose.)
Bob joined shot put and discus throw (competitions)where he was good at. He developed his skills here by loading coconuts to the carriage during the copra season. "pag dating ng copra season, i had to throw the nuts to be loaded to the karosa. ang pag tapon ay ala pa discuss throw."
Then Bob joined shot put. "Except for tirador and cane, I had no other weapon but a stone to throw at a dog that would enter the hen's coop."
Bob further said, "Naka sali ako sa athletics dahil ang sabi sa akin, tinatakbo ko nga raw ang 3 KM distance from the farm to school, so,
walang pagka iba sa 3 000 meter run. i (was) not a sprinter,
but i (could) run a distance in a sustained pace---noon.
"Wala pang Nike shoes for runners noon; barefoot lang." (No Nike shoes for runners then yet; just bare feet.)
"(Chuckles....)"
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO RUN along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City? Tough you would say because of the hellish drivers -- bus, jeep, cars - who race through as if there's no tomorrow. But on December 5, the avenue will be clear of all vehicles. Why because the 2nd QC International Marathon will be held covering the Quezon Memorial Circle, Kalayaan, UP, La Mesa Dam, and Commonwealth Avenue.
I have never thought of running before, just jogging in place considering my paranoia about leaving all my important belongings in one place and losing them to thieves both at home and outside. But after hearing about this marathon, I am now thinking of how I can keep all of them in one place safely and join, never mind if I belong to the senior citizens' club.
The Marathon, sponsored by the QC City Hall, and the Runnex, will be participated in by foreigners as well. Last year, the winners were Kenyans, who did not look they perspired at all in reaching the finish line.
What makes marathon running a nice sport? Well being with 15000 people all eager to hit the road could be very exhilarating. Not only is the sport a kind of rebellion against gravity and time, it is also a way of hitting the wind with your body. It's a very natural activity, sans any gadgets save your body and your almost bare costume of shorts and shirt. How I wish I had the running in the 60's when I had greater stamina to finish miles and miles.
However, during the 60's I was covering as much Philippine soil as possible, going to Samar, Sagada, Banawe, and as far as Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. Then in the 70's I reached the islands of Mindanao and Iloilo, Leyte, Marinduque, and even Pantabangan where a dam submerged an old Philippine Spanish era town. (You could see the cross of the church above the sea level then.) Unfortunately when 5-day rains came, the town broke loose and even the tombs in the relocated cemetery slid down the dam rivers. Thanks to the National Irrigation Administration then which handled the lousy project.
Then in the 80's I began climbing the mountains of the Cordilleras (Chico River Dam issue), Abra (Cellophil Resources issue) and Lake Sebu to reach out to the indigenous groups whose ancestral lands were being threatened with extinction by government dam projects.
So, Folks, if you plan to join the marathon, read these records: "The world record time for men over the distance is 2 hours 3 minutes and 59 seconds, set in the Berlin Marathon by Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia on September 28, 2008, an improvement of 51 minutes and 19 seconds since Johnny Hayes' gold medal performance at the 1908 Summer Olympics. Gebrselassie's world record represents an average pace of under 2:57 per kilometre (4:44 per mile), average speed of over 20.4 km/h (12.6 mph).[29] The world record for women was set by Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain in the London Marathon on April 13, 2003, in 2 hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds. This time was set using male pacesetters; the fastest time by a woman without using a male pacesetter ("woman-only") was also set by Paula Radcliffe, again during the London Marathon, with a time of 2 hours 17 minutes and 42 seconds, on April 17, 2005."
We need to train hard though before joining the marathon. But what streets here in MetroManila would be safe for walking? I think to date, only UP and some exclusive subdivisions have them, with clean air to boot. UP only has one side of the main avenue free from vehicles; hence runners will still smell the soot from the Ikot jeeps, among others.
The exclusive subdivisions are exclusive, period. I don't really know if the owners would allow outsiders to practice there. Luneta would be a good place, and all other sports complexes like the former Ultra, Rizal now Aquino stadium. But I think what would be a good place for training is Mount Makiling. Running up the mountain could really strengthen the lungs and legs all at the same time.
Well, that's four months to go till December, Folks. Happy training.
I have never thought of running before, just jogging in place considering my paranoia about leaving all my important belongings in one place and losing them to thieves both at home and outside. But after hearing about this marathon, I am now thinking of how I can keep all of them in one place safely and join, never mind if I belong to the senior citizens' club.
The Marathon, sponsored by the QC City Hall, and the Runnex, will be participated in by foreigners as well. Last year, the winners were Kenyans, who did not look they perspired at all in reaching the finish line.
What makes marathon running a nice sport? Well being with 15000 people all eager to hit the road could be very exhilarating. Not only is the sport a kind of rebellion against gravity and time, it is also a way of hitting the wind with your body. It's a very natural activity, sans any gadgets save your body and your almost bare costume of shorts and shirt. How I wish I had the running in the 60's when I had greater stamina to finish miles and miles.
However, during the 60's I was covering as much Philippine soil as possible, going to Samar, Sagada, Banawe, and as far as Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. Then in the 70's I reached the islands of Mindanao and Iloilo, Leyte, Marinduque, and even Pantabangan where a dam submerged an old Philippine Spanish era town. (You could see the cross of the church above the sea level then.) Unfortunately when 5-day rains came, the town broke loose and even the tombs in the relocated cemetery slid down the dam rivers. Thanks to the National Irrigation Administration then which handled the lousy project.
Then in the 80's I began climbing the mountains of the Cordilleras (Chico River Dam issue), Abra (Cellophil Resources issue) and Lake Sebu to reach out to the indigenous groups whose ancestral lands were being threatened with extinction by government dam projects.
So, Folks, if you plan to join the marathon, read these records: "The world record time for men over the distance is 2 hours 3 minutes and 59 seconds, set in the Berlin Marathon by Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia on September 28, 2008, an improvement of 51 minutes and 19 seconds since Johnny Hayes' gold medal performance at the 1908 Summer Olympics. Gebrselassie's world record represents an average pace of under 2:57 per kilometre (4:44 per mile), average speed of over 20.4 km/h (12.6 mph).[29] The world record for women was set by Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain in the London Marathon on April 13, 2003, in 2 hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds. This time was set using male pacesetters; the fastest time by a woman without using a male pacesetter ("woman-only") was also set by Paula Radcliffe, again during the London Marathon, with a time of 2 hours 17 minutes and 42 seconds, on April 17, 2005."
We need to train hard though before joining the marathon. But what streets here in MetroManila would be safe for walking? I think to date, only UP and some exclusive subdivisions have them, with clean air to boot. UP only has one side of the main avenue free from vehicles; hence runners will still smell the soot from the Ikot jeeps, among others.
The exclusive subdivisions are exclusive, period. I don't really know if the owners would allow outsiders to practice there. Luneta would be a good place, and all other sports complexes like the former Ultra, Rizal now Aquino stadium. But I think what would be a good place for training is Mount Makiling. Running up the mountain could really strengthen the lungs and legs all at the same time.
Well, that's four months to go till December, Folks. Happy training.
WHY TURN DEMOCRATIC?
Dear Friends,
Good morning. I would like to raise a discussion issue among all
democratic societies in the world. We have already walked past the
crossroads whether to turn communist or democratic. Today, there are
more gigantic countries opting for a democratic government than
communist, not only in the western hemisphere but in Asia, the Middle
East and Africa. We are no longer afraid to choose of which path to
trod on. We know where we want to go.
Unfortunately, the forces stopping us from influencing other countries
to turn our similar path are so strong that sometimes we tend to think
that a decent turn to democracy, where no lives will be lost cannot
happen in our lifetime. These forces include dogmatism, messiahnism,
and sexism. Unlocking dogmatic thoughts, especially in those countries
where conservative religious beliefs hold sway is like taking the bull
by the horns. We are threatened with annihilation, destruction and
even a hellish descent. Messiahnism on the other hand exists in those
countries whose idea of existence is spreading their influence,
whether through arms selling, through financial blackmail, or even
outright invasion. Sexism is rife, especially in that part of the
world where women are covered from head to toe.
Hence, we, the little people of the world, whose influence could only
be exercised within the cyberspace are in a quandary right now. What
kind of relationships can we form given this set-up? Are we to be meek
citizens of the world, just plodding through from day to day in our
economic struggles and just think through our family's survival? Or
are we going to side with a strong force and "bahala na" let fate
decide if the future will make this force win in the end?
I do think that the citizens of the world, our kababayan abroad are
truly suffering from this dilemma. They cannot turn highly political,
meaning, writing, marching and shouting for their beliefs without
foreseeing the consequences of their actions on their jobs, and
eventually on their families' status in the home country, our
Philippines.
Thus, their drive to sow democratic seeds at every turn is thwarted by
the fears of the consequences, not only on their own lives but their
families' and also the country's I suppose.
I do think that now is the time for us to be much stronger in facing
opposition to the spreading of democratic rule in every country. We
should work for all the freedoms inscribed in the UN Declaration of
Human Rights. We can no longer afford to be fencesitters and allow the
forces of reaction to block our and others' path to these freedoms.
Yesterday, I was translating many of the words of Helen Keller into
Pilipino and what struck me was her love of humanity. She was a gifted
writer, despite her blindness and she saw through that the most
difficult thing to do is to make those who have think of those who
don't have. Yes, her view of the world was broad, encompassing not
only those whose voices she could not hear and whose faces she could
not see, but others whose fate she could have encountered by reading
braille books. Helen was born and raised in the early 1900's and yet
her political understanding was very sharp and her beliefs belonged to
the world as lack, hunger, thirst, were prevalent during her time not
only in America but elsewhere in the world.
In this regard, if Helen, born blind and deaf, could be a staunch
advocate for those whose freedoms have been trampled, how much more
should we exert effort, we who are born with all those features that
allow us to read as many books as we can, and listen to a plethora of
voices and sounds to help those who are in need?
And only a democratic government allows this to happen. It cannot
happen in a fascist nor a country under martial or permanent party
rules. It can only happen under a government run by people whose
beliefs run parallel to what we know as a free society.
Therefore, I believe that at this time, the only thing we must focus
on is how to spread democratic beliefs and strengthen them in the
societies we lives in and in other societies through development of
like-minded inclinations. Let us not mince words whenever our desire
to let others "partake of the cake" or to enjoy life as it is, is
dismissed or derided at every turn. Instead, though painstaking, let
us deepen our resources of intellectual defenses and work for a
peaceful persuasion of others to see the truth, the viability and the
respect accorded each one in our attempt at achieving our aims.
We must now allow the temptation to go with the herd, to allow those
stronger than us to define our lives and principles, but rather have a
peaceful engagement through and through. For it is only in respecting
others' right to exist that we can also live and enjoy the benefits
that we are having now. However, we should also care for others to
receive justice in their lives and be one with them in seeking their
own free and happy space in life.
Good morning. I would like to raise a discussion issue among all
democratic societies in the world. We have already walked past the
crossroads whether to turn communist or democratic. Today, there are
more gigantic countries opting for a democratic government than
communist, not only in the western hemisphere but in Asia, the Middle
East and Africa. We are no longer afraid to choose of which path to
trod on. We know where we want to go.
Unfortunately, the forces stopping us from influencing other countries
to turn our similar path are so strong that sometimes we tend to think
that a decent turn to democracy, where no lives will be lost cannot
happen in our lifetime. These forces include dogmatism, messiahnism,
and sexism. Unlocking dogmatic thoughts, especially in those countries
where conservative religious beliefs hold sway is like taking the bull
by the horns. We are threatened with annihilation, destruction and
even a hellish descent. Messiahnism on the other hand exists in those
countries whose idea of existence is spreading their influence,
whether through arms selling, through financial blackmail, or even
outright invasion. Sexism is rife, especially in that part of the
world where women are covered from head to toe.
Hence, we, the little people of the world, whose influence could only
be exercised within the cyberspace are in a quandary right now. What
kind of relationships can we form given this set-up? Are we to be meek
citizens of the world, just plodding through from day to day in our
economic struggles and just think through our family's survival? Or
are we going to side with a strong force and "bahala na" let fate
decide if the future will make this force win in the end?
I do think that the citizens of the world, our kababayan abroad are
truly suffering from this dilemma. They cannot turn highly political,
meaning, writing, marching and shouting for their beliefs without
foreseeing the consequences of their actions on their jobs, and
eventually on their families' status in the home country, our
Philippines.
Thus, their drive to sow democratic seeds at every turn is thwarted by
the fears of the consequences, not only on their own lives but their
families' and also the country's I suppose.
I do think that now is the time for us to be much stronger in facing
opposition to the spreading of democratic rule in every country. We
should work for all the freedoms inscribed in the UN Declaration of
Human Rights. We can no longer afford to be fencesitters and allow the
forces of reaction to block our and others' path to these freedoms.
Yesterday, I was translating many of the words of Helen Keller into
Pilipino and what struck me was her love of humanity. She was a gifted
writer, despite her blindness and she saw through that the most
difficult thing to do is to make those who have think of those who
don't have. Yes, her view of the world was broad, encompassing not
only those whose voices she could not hear and whose faces she could
not see, but others whose fate she could have encountered by reading
braille books. Helen was born and raised in the early 1900's and yet
her political understanding was very sharp and her beliefs belonged to
the world as lack, hunger, thirst, were prevalent during her time not
only in America but elsewhere in the world.
In this regard, if Helen, born blind and deaf, could be a staunch
advocate for those whose freedoms have been trampled, how much more
should we exert effort, we who are born with all those features that
allow us to read as many books as we can, and listen to a plethora of
voices and sounds to help those who are in need?
And only a democratic government allows this to happen. It cannot
happen in a fascist nor a country under martial or permanent party
rules. It can only happen under a government run by people whose
beliefs run parallel to what we know as a free society.
Therefore, I believe that at this time, the only thing we must focus
on is how to spread democratic beliefs and strengthen them in the
societies we lives in and in other societies through development of
like-minded inclinations. Let us not mince words whenever our desire
to let others "partake of the cake" or to enjoy life as it is, is
dismissed or derided at every turn. Instead, though painstaking, let
us deepen our resources of intellectual defenses and work for a
peaceful persuasion of others to see the truth, the viability and the
respect accorded each one in our attempt at achieving our aims.
We must now allow the temptation to go with the herd, to allow those
stronger than us to define our lives and principles, but rather have a
peaceful engagement through and through. For it is only in respecting
others' right to exist that we can also live and enjoy the benefits
that we are having now. However, we should also care for others to
receive justice in their lives and be one with them in seeking their
own free and happy space in life.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
MONUMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS. PANACEA OR SIMPLE TECHNOCRATIC EXPERTISE?
Funny, how former Sec. Yap said that it was wrong for P. Noy to allude to the excessive importation of rice, without reasoning out why there were sacks of rice that just got wasted in the National Food Authority bodegas. The facts are clear: rice instead of being fed to the peopl was being eaten up by rats and thrown to the garbage trucks. So this is how rich that administration was: it could afford to throw away rice without qualms.
Well, as days pass by, we are now seeing how the officials of P. Noy will be performing in the next 6 months. I can glean the sincerity of most officials in their desire to respond to the clamor for real changes in governance. But some seem to me to be coasting along.
Hence the question remains: are we going to see monumental changes in the problems we have now, apart from the tracking down of corrupt practices and the bringing to justice of those responsible for the bankruptcy of our coffers?
I think that everyone should have that long view of where we are heading, not just a day-today response to the problems confronting us. We must have an insight, or a plan as to how we want the people to look like -- robust, healthy, happy, smiling, and worryless of where to seek shelter or get the next three meals. We must have a land full of trees, not skyscrapers. In the first place, how many people should occupy a square kilometer? thousands by bringing them up via the elevator to the 34th and 50th floors? What about the water resources -- how do we make them less thirsty and smelling of having taken a fresh bath everyday? Won't these skyscrapers make the contrast between rich and poor more blunt? Then, what about our beautiful land? How do we preserve the beauty of our rolling hills, our lakes and rivers so that they would serve as inspiration for our artists, writers, cultural workers, as well as relaxation places for our tired people?
I think this is where that cultural bent is most important. If we have a cultural perspective then we would look at the political problems from a broader perspective not in terms of centavos and pesos only. Let us cultivate that and we will find our life more interesting and colorful I think.
Meanwhile, let me raise this point. Any official whose immediate relatives appear on TV are bound to create a good or bad image of the former depending on the behavior, the spiels that come out of their mouths, and the kind of friends they keep. Last elections, we found the two highest voted-upon senators coming from the media. it was highly unfair to other candidates who did not have that much exposure in the media because that gave them the edge to be readily known by the voters.
This time, we have the highest official with a comebacking relative to tv programs. I can foresee a dilution of the highest-ratings at this time because of this occurrence. The Filipino people are not the type who would view their officials in a box. Somehow they always connect them with their relatives -- who they are, what they are doing, what their values are, etcetera.
More openly now, I think that the office of the president should be shielded from all sorts of intrigues that do not contribute to its functioning. Therefore, it would do well for relatives to no longer seek the limelight on TV as they could divert the minds of the people to the trivia they go through instead of making the people serious in helping achieve our grand dreams of a corrupt-free, sensitive and sincere government.
We know what TV, especially gameshows are, and we know how people could mouthe words that send the waves of rumours flying about. Hence, TV is not exactly a very objective medium. It even thrives best, except for public affairs on fictional stories, fantastic shows, and unrealistic presentation of events.
I do think that the relatives of government officials should be low key during their term of office so that they will be admired, judged for their performance, and also make them focussed on what they are supposed to do.
By the way, at this time, does anyone think that Kris would be a simple entertainer on TV? She is bound to make potshots here and there, and let her freedom of speech go through cyberspace without boundlessly,
During the time of Cory, she suffered from low ratings when her relatives started getting into the picture. I think that should be a lesson enough for everyone to imbibe and remember that we are in a Third World country, not divorced from the personalistic relationships that we have which could undo, reduce or even destroy what ever good mileage we have earned are now experiencing from the last elections.
Well, as days pass by, we are now seeing how the officials of P. Noy will be performing in the next 6 months. I can glean the sincerity of most officials in their desire to respond to the clamor for real changes in governance. But some seem to me to be coasting along.
Hence the question remains: are we going to see monumental changes in the problems we have now, apart from the tracking down of corrupt practices and the bringing to justice of those responsible for the bankruptcy of our coffers?
I think that everyone should have that long view of where we are heading, not just a day-today response to the problems confronting us. We must have an insight, or a plan as to how we want the people to look like -- robust, healthy, happy, smiling, and worryless of where to seek shelter or get the next three meals. We must have a land full of trees, not skyscrapers. In the first place, how many people should occupy a square kilometer? thousands by bringing them up via the elevator to the 34th and 50th floors? What about the water resources -- how do we make them less thirsty and smelling of having taken a fresh bath everyday? Won't these skyscrapers make the contrast between rich and poor more blunt? Then, what about our beautiful land? How do we preserve the beauty of our rolling hills, our lakes and rivers so that they would serve as inspiration for our artists, writers, cultural workers, as well as relaxation places for our tired people?
I think this is where that cultural bent is most important. If we have a cultural perspective then we would look at the political problems from a broader perspective not in terms of centavos and pesos only. Let us cultivate that and we will find our life more interesting and colorful I think.
Meanwhile, let me raise this point. Any official whose immediate relatives appear on TV are bound to create a good or bad image of the former depending on the behavior, the spiels that come out of their mouths, and the kind of friends they keep. Last elections, we found the two highest voted-upon senators coming from the media. it was highly unfair to other candidates who did not have that much exposure in the media because that gave them the edge to be readily known by the voters.
This time, we have the highest official with a comebacking relative to tv programs. I can foresee a dilution of the highest-ratings at this time because of this occurrence. The Filipino people are not the type who would view their officials in a box. Somehow they always connect them with their relatives -- who they are, what they are doing, what their values are, etcetera.
More openly now, I think that the office of the president should be shielded from all sorts of intrigues that do not contribute to its functioning. Therefore, it would do well for relatives to no longer seek the limelight on TV as they could divert the minds of the people to the trivia they go through instead of making the people serious in helping achieve our grand dreams of a corrupt-free, sensitive and sincere government.
We know what TV, especially gameshows are, and we know how people could mouthe words that send the waves of rumours flying about. Hence, TV is not exactly a very objective medium. It even thrives best, except for public affairs on fictional stories, fantastic shows, and unrealistic presentation of events.
I do think that the relatives of government officials should be low key during their term of office so that they will be admired, judged for their performance, and also make them focussed on what they are supposed to do.
By the way, at this time, does anyone think that Kris would be a simple entertainer on TV? She is bound to make potshots here and there, and let her freedom of speech go through cyberspace without boundlessly,
During the time of Cory, she suffered from low ratings when her relatives started getting into the picture. I think that should be a lesson enough for everyone to imbibe and remember that we are in a Third World country, not divorced from the personalistic relationships that we have which could undo, reduce or even destroy what ever good mileage we have earned are now experiencing from the last elections.
FOLKS, BOSES IS PLAYING AT ASSUMPTION COLLEGE!
FOLKS, BOSES IS PLAYING AT ASSUMPTION COLLEGE!
Please support the Assumption Alumnae Association inc. as it conducts this fundraising event.
BOSES IN ASSUMPTION
Coke Bolipata will perform with Child prodigy violinist Julian Duque at
the at the Mother Rose Hall Auditorium , Assumption San Lorenzo on August
5, 2010 6:00 pm, sponsored by the Assumption Alumnae Association Inc.
Manila, as a fundraising event for its mission schools.
Their performance will be followed by the screening of the film,
Boses. BOSES, the movie, is a moving tale about rebirth and the power
of friendship. Losing his ability to speak after being beaten by his
father (Ricky Davao), 7-year-old Onyok (real life child prodigy Julian
Duque) is brought to a children's shelter run by the saintly Amanda
(Cherry Pie Picache). Staying nearby is her brother, Ariel (renowned
violinist Coke Bolipata), a concert violinist who turned reclusive
after being traumatized by the death of his girlfriend. Drawn to the
sound of Ariel's playing, the boy takes supervised lessons and reveals
an extraordinary gift for the instrument. A lovely friendship grows
between Onyok and Ariel, who recovers his own humanity himself; as
well as between Onyok and plucky girl Shirley, another victim in the
shelter.
Boses was funded by Cinemalaya, Unicef, Casa San Miguel, DSWD,FDCP and
the Council for the Welfare for Children. Tickets are available thru
the alumnae office at tel no. 8943561 and 8943580, care of Connie Gomez Valdez. Please check
www.bosesthevoice.wordpress.com for other information and trailer.
Please support the Assumption Alumnae Association inc. as it conducts this fundraising event.
BOSES IN ASSUMPTION
Coke Bolipata will perform with Child prodigy violinist Julian Duque at
the at the Mother Rose Hall Auditorium , Assumption San Lorenzo on August
5, 2010 6:00 pm, sponsored by the Assumption Alumnae Association Inc.
Manila, as a fundraising event for its mission schools.
Their performance will be followed by the screening of the film,
Boses. BOSES, the movie, is a moving tale about rebirth and the power
of friendship. Losing his ability to speak after being beaten by his
father (Ricky Davao), 7-year-old Onyok (real life child prodigy Julian
Duque) is brought to a children's shelter run by the saintly Amanda
(Cherry Pie Picache). Staying nearby is her brother, Ariel (renowned
violinist Coke Bolipata), a concert violinist who turned reclusive
after being traumatized by the death of his girlfriend. Drawn to the
sound of Ariel's playing, the boy takes supervised lessons and reveals
an extraordinary gift for the instrument. A lovely friendship grows
between Onyok and Ariel, who recovers his own humanity himself; as
well as between Onyok and plucky girl Shirley, another victim in the
shelter.
Boses was funded by Cinemalaya, Unicef, Casa San Miguel, DSWD,FDCP and
the Council for the Welfare for Children. Tickets are available thru
the alumnae office at tel no. 8943561 and 8943580, care of Connie Gomez Valdez. Please check
www.bosesthevoice.wordpress.com for other information and trailer.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
IMPATIENCE
After 9 years of gma rule, we are now entering a new road to governance. slowly, inch by inch, we can see the faces lined up to give us what we need -- a life with the peso having a high purchasing power, transportation fares that are efficient, quick and cheap (add more train coaches for PNR, MRTs and LRTs), housing materials that are cheap so we can repair our homes and make them livable and presentable to guests, free education up to college, more arts and music festivals in all the key cities, respectful police and military officers, especially of life, strong implementation of all laws for the elderly and grave sanctions for those who violate them for after all how many more years do we have in this life? What else can we add? Immediate expulsion of any official found to be making money, media disgrace of officials who view their positions as aristocratic posts to whifch they and the public should kowtow and hence are very arrogant in their responses and reply; rebuke of those officials who cannot distinguish between the need for information, enlightenment and rationalization of government acts to the public from questioning his or her capabilities, DILG, Department of Trade and Industry consumer protective posts at every bus stops so we can report misdemeanors of officials as well as transgressions of business establishments which do not honor those benefits to senior citizens; survey and immediate establishment of daycare centers at every barangay; roll call of all barangay officials and report those who are abusive, who are always absent due to invalid reasons; monthly reporting of expenditures of every agency of the government -- to whom, for what, how much; public display of every budget disbursed for road projects -- with names of signatories in every check and responsible barangay official in the area; immediate COA examination of disbursements for public works (most of the time, it is already history when COA makes a report, thus dulling the gravity of the crime of malversation of funds.
We can expand our desires as we go along, within the month, quarterly, bi-annually and so forth and so on. What we are putting up actually are guideposts so that we shall no longer be waylaid from what is called good governance. Let us not be impatient but rather reflect on the concrete what we want, especially the basics -- water, cheap oil, and clean air. Paciencia, paciencia, paciencia. "Wala ng kalsadang baluktot, basta papunta tayo lahat sa matuwid," paraphrasing Kuya P. Noy.
We can expand our desires as we go along, within the month, quarterly, bi-annually and so forth and so on. What we are putting up actually are guideposts so that we shall no longer be waylaid from what is called good governance. Let us not be impatient but rather reflect on the concrete what we want, especially the basics -- water, cheap oil, and clean air. Paciencia, paciencia, paciencia. "Wala ng kalsadang baluktot, basta papunta tayo lahat sa matuwid," paraphrasing Kuya P. Noy.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE STRANDED
Yesterday, we did not have electricity for almost 24 hours, starting from midnight of Tuesday. Daytime of Wednesday, I was stranded at home, unable to to open my email although my computer was running (on battery), listen to the radio, call up Barangay Imelda as to when current would return, and even to make an S.O.S. call thru my celfone. The works. However, later in the day, the signal on my celfone came and I was able to send newsbits about what was happening at our place to the radio stations DZRH, Super BB and DZMM, the latter charging P2.50 per text. Also, a bit earlier, I was able to tune in to the FM radio stations through my celfone although it did not have any signal. Unfortunately, FM stations do not carry news, except for DZBR which gives tidbits; but I think it does not dish out reports that are critical of government work or would make the Pag-asa appear inept in reporting what is happening, or even to say why electricity was kaput in our area. In fact I heard two broadcasters chat and their conversation rather circumvented the issues -- and lacked in depth analysis, appearing more like two friends out to fill up airtime for the sake of filling it up. I wonder if P. Noy would be asking the government station to have a new set of programs that would reflect new perspectives in reporting and opinion-making.
So what did Basyang teach us? 1. We need to buy extra batteries for our celfones, always charged in order to keep them working through difficult times. 2. Meralco should start underground cabling of all MetroManila wires to prevent electricity from conking out for hours and hours. Those cables are very unsightly to say the least, apart from posing danger to life and limb during typhoons. In our subdivision, cables go haywire, up and down, twisting here and there by the electric posts like the uncombed hair of an orang-utan. It's no wonder Hollywood and other film companies shun MetroManila. To think that Star Cinema is a sister-company of Meralco.
3. All FM stations should deliver news every hour, if only to make them relevant during those critical times. The National Telecom Office should require them to exercise social responsibility especially since most of our kababayan belong to the lower classes who are in need of news. Why FM stations? Simply because celfones, the affordable device and which can be brought everywhere, carry only FM radio. A few have AM but that is very rare to find.
4. All barangay should have a loudspeaker during those brown-outs to announce every three hours or so, the status of electricity returning to our homes. I tried calling up the barangay yesterday but even their phones were not responding. By the way, they should have training on how to do that -- not only keeping the people informed of when the lights would return but also to share sympathetic words that we must be strong in the light of uncertainties in our life, somewhat like a spiritual uplift in these times. Maybe in this manner the tanod who have rather a brusque manner of dealing with the public would develop a more humane and nurturing attitude towards the people
5. The barangay should also inform the public as to the level of the creeks, the river, the esteros nearby which could cause floods and great havoc should the rains continue for hours and hours. Many times in the past, we would only know that the waters were rising when they start entering our homes. The barangay should have alert watchers, measuring in one way or another the level of waters rising in the water channels.
By the way, I am not criticizing Capitana Connie Malangen our barangay chair who is now suffering from cancer but still on the go in serving despite her having to undergo chemotherapy in between. She has done a good job in our barangay but there are just some recalcitrants in our area who do mischief when she is not around. But perhaps to insure her early recovery, she should also accept the fact that barangay work will not insure her ascent to heaven; hence she should take care of her health first, and our prayers for her overcoming the C will continue. In her place, an equally competent and self-sacrificing official should take over.
Perhaps, Secretary Robredo of the Dept of Interior and Local Government, as well as Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista could take note of this message. It is difficult having an ill capitana as we don't know whom to deal with when we call up the office. A clerk, a janitor, a you-know-who answers but we never know if they are telling their exact names.
By the way, once, while the tricycle I was riding in passed by the barangay office, someone hitched a ride at the back and I heard the ceiling make "kalabog." When we were about to turn to our street, the guy alit but not after having pounded the ceiling again. I asked the driver to stop but the guy was running towards the barangay again. I presumed that it was only one of those guys working there who would be brazen enough to do that.
When I narrated this to my friends in a film company, Eve told me, "Lahat sila ganyan, hindi lang sa barangay mo." This made me think that perhaps Sec. Robredo has a lot of tasks to do, primarily uplifting the culture of gangsterism in every locality.
Well, I have said everything which I have been wanting to say, Folks. This is living in the raw in the Philippines apart from having to deal with a gutsy Basyang.
Let's pray that better days come our way soon.
So what did Basyang teach us? 1. We need to buy extra batteries for our celfones, always charged in order to keep them working through difficult times. 2. Meralco should start underground cabling of all MetroManila wires to prevent electricity from conking out for hours and hours. Those cables are very unsightly to say the least, apart from posing danger to life and limb during typhoons. In our subdivision, cables go haywire, up and down, twisting here and there by the electric posts like the uncombed hair of an orang-utan. It's no wonder Hollywood and other film companies shun MetroManila. To think that Star Cinema is a sister-company of Meralco.
3. All FM stations should deliver news every hour, if only to make them relevant during those critical times. The National Telecom Office should require them to exercise social responsibility especially since most of our kababayan belong to the lower classes who are in need of news. Why FM stations? Simply because celfones, the affordable device and which can be brought everywhere, carry only FM radio. A few have AM but that is very rare to find.
4. All barangay should have a loudspeaker during those brown-outs to announce every three hours or so, the status of electricity returning to our homes. I tried calling up the barangay yesterday but even their phones were not responding. By the way, they should have training on how to do that -- not only keeping the people informed of when the lights would return but also to share sympathetic words that we must be strong in the light of uncertainties in our life, somewhat like a spiritual uplift in these times. Maybe in this manner the tanod who have rather a brusque manner of dealing with the public would develop a more humane and nurturing attitude towards the people
5. The barangay should also inform the public as to the level of the creeks, the river, the esteros nearby which could cause floods and great havoc should the rains continue for hours and hours. Many times in the past, we would only know that the waters were rising when they start entering our homes. The barangay should have alert watchers, measuring in one way or another the level of waters rising in the water channels.
By the way, I am not criticizing Capitana Connie Malangen our barangay chair who is now suffering from cancer but still on the go in serving despite her having to undergo chemotherapy in between. She has done a good job in our barangay but there are just some recalcitrants in our area who do mischief when she is not around. But perhaps to insure her early recovery, she should also accept the fact that barangay work will not insure her ascent to heaven; hence she should take care of her health first, and our prayers for her overcoming the C will continue. In her place, an equally competent and self-sacrificing official should take over.
Perhaps, Secretary Robredo of the Dept of Interior and Local Government, as well as Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista could take note of this message. It is difficult having an ill capitana as we don't know whom to deal with when we call up the office. A clerk, a janitor, a you-know-who answers but we never know if they are telling their exact names.
By the way, once, while the tricycle I was riding in passed by the barangay office, someone hitched a ride at the back and I heard the ceiling make "kalabog." When we were about to turn to our street, the guy alit but not after having pounded the ceiling again. I asked the driver to stop but the guy was running towards the barangay again. I presumed that it was only one of those guys working there who would be brazen enough to do that.
When I narrated this to my friends in a film company, Eve told me, "Lahat sila ganyan, hindi lang sa barangay mo." This made me think that perhaps Sec. Robredo has a lot of tasks to do, primarily uplifting the culture of gangsterism in every locality.
Well, I have said everything which I have been wanting to say, Folks. This is living in the raw in the Philippines apart from having to deal with a gutsy Basyang.
Let's pray that better days come our way soon.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
DEVELOPMENT: HOW?
We are now starting to feel the steps towards real development in our country. Inch by inch, our institutions are being refined, polished, and infused with ethical objectives in order to result in better service to the people. The forces of reaction are still there, trying to recapture power but slowly they are being marginalized and obliterated in order to establish and/or restore an incorruptible government which should serve democratic ends.
Meanwhile, in our surroundings, we can see development of land that is not really serving a pro-people orientation. Surely, these would allow people to live, to work inside but the over-all assessment of their impact on society is being sidetracked in favor of profits. I am talking here of huge investments in multi-story buildings. Along Katipunan, SM is developing a three-building structure that run up to multiple stories that your neck would really suffer from strain from seeing how high they go.
If we count the profits that would accrue from filling up those structures with people, we would marvel at how great the idea is, of using a small piece of land yet earning billions from the sale of units in each building. Meanwhile, around them are low-roofed homes, one-story and two-story that are also residential and have such a homey atmosphere than the units in those buildings.
These buildings were built in imitation of New York City probably -- with its skyscrapers sweeping the skies and other big cities of the world. Yet, what kind of life can anyone have in these buildings? As a residence, these units are isolated from each other. One goes up the building, via the elevator and comes out to a hallway full of closed doors. Then one opens the unit, enters it and then closes the door in full oblivion of what's happening outside.
What does this mean? These buildings create individualism, elitism, and promotes an asocial life, making the resident/s oblivious of other people's lives. The unit is so unlike that of a residential subdivision, where as soon as one enters the subdivision gates, one is greeted by a view of several homes, with their residents probably watering plants, or sweeping the frontyard, or simply lazing about or tending to the children as they play around. In other words, there is more humanity in such a surrounding.
But what about those multiple-story buildings? Even if they would be constructed as offices, I find them highly cold, and very stiff -- too intimidating for anyone to strike up a conversation with one's neighbors.
I remember having gone to Manila City Hall to complain about another set of multiple story buildings to be built a bit across the Welcome sign. My letter pertained to how landmarks should be respected by builders around, that such should have a perimeter of 100 meters or so, free of anything higher than it. The law was passed during the martial law period.
Also, I have just seen a condominium of my friend who is approaching her twilight years. Their unit is very small, and two people cannot even dance inside it.For them it's enough since they are just waiting for their final departure from this life. I told myself, what a way to go.
No, there has to be more humane ways of living, more humane ways of departing from this life. Life is a journey of people one earth full of beautiful natural life. We must not lose touch of them, not even with our last breath.
I believe, that God made us humane, that God created Mother Nature in order for us to enjoy life. And if these structures are destroying Mother Nature, then we better question, Development of what? For whom? And how?
The building permit sections of every local government must be more perceptive and possess meaningful standards in approving buildings. Not every affluent person should have the right to put up any kind of building anywhere simply because they have the funds and the technical plans.
On the matter of creating a society, how it looks, and how it impacts on all should be of prime consideration, not only on those who own the property.
The earth's resources are enough and should be for everyone to enjoy and behold.
Meanwhile, in our surroundings, we can see development of land that is not really serving a pro-people orientation. Surely, these would allow people to live, to work inside but the over-all assessment of their impact on society is being sidetracked in favor of profits. I am talking here of huge investments in multi-story buildings. Along Katipunan, SM is developing a three-building structure that run up to multiple stories that your neck would really suffer from strain from seeing how high they go.
If we count the profits that would accrue from filling up those structures with people, we would marvel at how great the idea is, of using a small piece of land yet earning billions from the sale of units in each building. Meanwhile, around them are low-roofed homes, one-story and two-story that are also residential and have such a homey atmosphere than the units in those buildings.
These buildings were built in imitation of New York City probably -- with its skyscrapers sweeping the skies and other big cities of the world. Yet, what kind of life can anyone have in these buildings? As a residence, these units are isolated from each other. One goes up the building, via the elevator and comes out to a hallway full of closed doors. Then one opens the unit, enters it and then closes the door in full oblivion of what's happening outside.
What does this mean? These buildings create individualism, elitism, and promotes an asocial life, making the resident/s oblivious of other people's lives. The unit is so unlike that of a residential subdivision, where as soon as one enters the subdivision gates, one is greeted by a view of several homes, with their residents probably watering plants, or sweeping the frontyard, or simply lazing about or tending to the children as they play around. In other words, there is more humanity in such a surrounding.
But what about those multiple-story buildings? Even if they would be constructed as offices, I find them highly cold, and very stiff -- too intimidating for anyone to strike up a conversation with one's neighbors.
I remember having gone to Manila City Hall to complain about another set of multiple story buildings to be built a bit across the Welcome sign. My letter pertained to how landmarks should be respected by builders around, that such should have a perimeter of 100 meters or so, free of anything higher than it. The law was passed during the martial law period.
Also, I have just seen a condominium of my friend who is approaching her twilight years. Their unit is very small, and two people cannot even dance inside it.For them it's enough since they are just waiting for their final departure from this life. I told myself, what a way to go.
No, there has to be more humane ways of living, more humane ways of departing from this life. Life is a journey of people one earth full of beautiful natural life. We must not lose touch of them, not even with our last breath.
I believe, that God made us humane, that God created Mother Nature in order for us to enjoy life. And if these structures are destroying Mother Nature, then we better question, Development of what? For whom? And how?
The building permit sections of every local government must be more perceptive and possess meaningful standards in approving buildings. Not every affluent person should have the right to put up any kind of building anywhere simply because they have the funds and the technical plans.
On the matter of creating a society, how it looks, and how it impacts on all should be of prime consideration, not only on those who own the property.
The earth's resources are enough and should be for everyone to enjoy and behold.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
FEEDBACK
June 30 feedback from bob gabuna
what's wrong with "Pamulinawen" and "Dahil sa Iyo" musical pieces?
is it the exclusive hymns of the spouses Ferdinand and Imelda?
is the splendor of the song smothered because it was sang by the couple?
if i have to follow this line of thought, I shall no longer sing the National Anthem.
Filipinos of various affiliations, appellations---criminals, thieves, cheats---sang
it too.
sublimal suggestions?
we have to ask the chap who organized the inaugural program organizer if she
or she has that in mind? or, discretely sabotaged the outcome of the event?
bob
Bob, not all musicians are that naive about the import of their music
-- they can sing, play music that touch the hearts and minds, and they
can play certain pieces to suit every occasion. They can also be
romantic or sarcastic depending on the piece they have chosen. PPO is
based in CCP, the product of Imelda's dominant urgings during the
martial law period. CCP provides them their bread and butter and their
rehearsal venue. Every year they have seasons to play all the
classical and Philippine music that hone their skills to the hilt.
Some are devoted to music, like Dr. Alfredo Buenaventura, composer and
former conductor and Mike del Rosario, violinist who played my
compositions a few times. A few are there to earn a living period and
hence stay very loyal and studious in their rehearsals. We will never
know how they think for sure because they speak through the language
of music.
If my reading is that the choices reveal their political leanings,
then that is the fault of open display of one's talents. Be always
ready for the brickbats if you choose to open them to the public.
Wilhelmina (Emma)
what's wrong with "Pamulinawen" and "Dahil sa Iyo" musical pieces?
is it the exclusive hymns of the spouses Ferdinand and Imelda?
is the splendor of the song smothered because it was sang by the couple?
if i have to follow this line of thought, I shall no longer sing the National Anthem.
Filipinos of various affiliations, appellations---criminals, thieves, cheats---sang
it too.
sublimal suggestions?
we have to ask the chap who organized the inaugural program organizer if she
or she has that in mind? or, discretely sabotaged the outcome of the event?
bob
Bob, not all musicians are that naive about the import of their music
-- they can sing, play music that touch the hearts and minds, and they
can play certain pieces to suit every occasion. They can also be
romantic or sarcastic depending on the piece they have chosen. PPO is
based in CCP, the product of Imelda's dominant urgings during the
martial law period. CCP provides them their bread and butter and their
rehearsal venue. Every year they have seasons to play all the
classical and Philippine music that hone their skills to the hilt.
Some are devoted to music, like Dr. Alfredo Buenaventura, composer and
former conductor and Mike del Rosario, violinist who played my
compositions a few times. A few are there to earn a living period and
hence stay very loyal and studious in their rehearsals. We will never
know how they think for sure because they speak through the language
of music.
If my reading is that the choices reveal their political leanings,
then that is the fault of open display of one's talents. Be always
ready for the brickbats if you choose to open them to the public.
Wilhelmina (Emma)
IT'S DAY THREE
It's day three of P. Noy's administration. Is there a surfeit or dearth of individuals who can help his administration gather more supporters and bring about a n efficient, effective and pro-people (meaning pro-women and men, pro young and old, pro-disabled, pro all colors, pro people with different types of religions)?
One criterion that every public servant who will serve with him I think should have this one requirement: they should be welcoming of media: both those critical and non-critical of his administration. Critical does not mean writing or reporting to the point of bringing his administration to the point of destruction as he was elected legally and by a tremendous number of people. Anyone wh does that desrves chastisement.
Hence, if an official does not welcome criticism, critical thoughts, or even a full discussion of issues then that official does not deserve to be in P. Noy's cabinet. After nine years of illegal rule, we deserve a free atmosphere that will bring about a full democratic space -- unbridled by bigotry, conservatism and fascist tendencies.
One criterion that every public servant who will serve with him I think should have this one requirement: they should be welcoming of media: both those critical and non-critical of his administration. Critical does not mean writing or reporting to the point of bringing his administration to the point of destruction as he was elected legally and by a tremendous number of people. Anyone wh does that desrves chastisement.
Hence, if an official does not welcome criticism, critical thoughts, or even a full discussion of issues then that official does not deserve to be in P. Noy's cabinet. After nine years of illegal rule, we deserve a free atmosphere that will bring about a full democratic space -- unbridled by bigotry, conservatism and fascist tendencies.
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