BOONDOCK QUEEN
My Ideas, My Freedom, My Space....

STUDENT GRANDMA

That is pure and solid ME! Exactly what I feel right now, having to self-study all the possibilities being offered for neophyte bloggers like I am. Just got rid of my old reading lense' cause it has failed me already. Geez, horrible and in between frustrations I run to the usual "Luckies", coffee, and the classic and my favorite - Pacman! BTW, I have updated my "Daily Series", worth your time, visit them, amusement guaranteed.

Tuesday, March 23, 2004  11:16 a.m.  | :   E-mail me!  Back to Top   

TO MOTHER THE LAND

I have been so absorbed with thoughts and ideas about the experience we had with the New People's Army (NPA) a week ago. All my life, their existence was mainly heard of or read about in the news. I always pictured them as thugs who, with stolen military weaponry, tyrannize the unsuspecting while struggling to have their voices heard merely for image promotion. Not until that eyeball encounter we had with their commander. Truth is, one will never know who is and who is not an NPA member. They are regular people who walk the streets then suddenly disappear "underground" when assigned a task or mission. What made us decide to meet up with their commander? Well, a group of very young boys aged between 14-18, headed by an adult, intruded our compound and at gun point (M-16) demanded our workers their equip and food and later asked to meet with us. (what irked me most was when I heard one of them aimed his gun at my lil GS dog, KT, who happen to be enjoying her run-around that afternoon). With no time wasted, "Teddy Bear" was up in the boondock the following morning to question their motive and their wayward approach. To top it all, they had unreasonable and suspicious demands. We asked to meet their leader but they declined.

Well, what do you know? The ways and means to their commander was cushy as A-B-C! Tell me politics isn't dirty, ha!!! Hint - Hint. The meeting was civil and the commander? Oh, so polite. We even had a short prayer before any talks and discovered that no order nor mission by him was given to those boys. To us it was simple. Complying with their demands was out of the question. We are basically "not qualified", not in our retired, pensioned and ordinary lifestyle. If their intention was to uphold the revolution through intimidation of ordinary citizens, then I guess their goals would never be attained. If they intend to gain the sympathy of the majority, then let them collect taxes from tax evaders, illegal traders, union-busters and the like. Probably, patriots (like I am) would even encourage their revolution.

Let me not forget, I salute their commander, a gentleman who believed in their cause, a cause I feel is appropriate in these times. But like in any family, there too, are some black sheeps in the NPA.

I have been busy reading their publication, "Ang Bayan" and tend to agree with much of their analysis and viewpoints. Many Filipinos today feel the same disgust over how leadership has been run in my country, yet do nothing. Majority just keep yaking hollow words, and then get lost somewhere along the way. An unarmed majority can topple a crooked government, as proven in 1986 and 1998. But, the sad part is - we never learn our lessons, and our history shows it. History in itself is valued when used constructively, when the positive is attained. What good is history if we live in its darkness and ignore its lessons? Tolerance perhaps is character of the Filipino? At what point does it stop?

Today unfortunately, these armed and "uncontrolled" black-sheep rebels bullied their way into homes of my poor dear neighbors in the boondocks, demanding rice, live chickens, etc. Some residents are suspect of connivance. But what choice is there for them? Run to the authorities like the police or CAFGU's (Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit)? Believe me, this is a big joke! Ha! And this is where our "legal" taxes go?

The heartbreaking fact is that the common people, the regular Juan dela Cruz remains the object of two perceive opposing forces and eventually gets caught in the crossfire with no legitimate choice. Conniving with the rebels makes one a state enemy. Report to the authorities and be hunted down by the armed revolutionaries. Yet, the regrettable truth is that only the reactionary blind in our civil society are oblivious of this atrocious syndicate between the two forces. This is the zenith of all crimes about my country today. The truth has long been buried and forgotten.

How can anyone "mother the land" one loves if fear of reprisal exist between the twin powers claiming to be protectors of the people? Now I understand, more than ever before, why more and more Filipinos are spread all over the globe. AMEN.

Sunday, March 21, 2004  01:17 p.m.  | :   E-mail me!  Back to Top   

FORWARD MARCH

Humans rarely get satisfied with what is, always in the want of something new or diverse. I am no different. The weather alone is one simple matter. Although I longed for it at one point, it has reached the peak of displeasure after rains and clouds persistenly lingered over Mindanao since November. March is finally here bringing along the long-awaited sunshine! Hooray!

Well last March 2, I received a call from a cousin in Manila, informing me that her husband and some of my contemporaries in Philippine Airlines, all of whom are bikers, would be travelling to Cagayan de Oro on the 5th, Friday, from Dumaguete for an overnight stay with us in the boondocks of Valle de Vida. So, excitedly I bragged about the beautiful weather, the perfect timing with a full moon, and the convenience of travelling through a concreted national Highway. "Teddy Bear" was highly spirited to welcome them and so he started out early the following morning to prepare for their arrival. With hi-tech gadgets, communication with the bikers was simply a puff of air. Preparations went smoothly, complete with their top-rate request of chilled, or rather ice cold SMB's (San Miguel Beer) and grilled food.

And so, I woke up that Friday morning, pulled up the drapes and....rain and dark clouds! Darn! "Teddy Bear" informed me that the boondock was experiencing rains too. The boys with big bikes arrived at 3:00 PM and we all headed for the 2-hour drive to Medina while rains continued to pour. The bikers headed for the climb through Tambagan, Mananum-Daan, and San Isidro while I took the 4 x 4 truck we call "madmax". It was the most excruciating experience of all my climbs. Halfway through the 7-kilometer climb, Madmax' engine fails, and so I had no choice but take the familiar mode of transportation called habal-habal (motorcycle). With rains still pouring, in the dark deserted foot trails, the habal-habal driver made the climb. But due to muddy holes and slippery rocks and stones, the driver made me get off the bike to walk more than he even drove me up. Did I have my tongue hanging, heart throbbing and head pounding??!

After more than an hour of ride and walk, I finally arrive at Valle de Vida Compound only to see "Teddy Bear" and the bikers enjoying their drinks and relaxing with cold beer and the blowing chilly breeze. Apparently, two of them left their bikes behind in the dirt road, quit the drive up and instead, opted to walk. Check them out here

The bikers left for Davao the following morning. Soon after, the sun pleasantly shines. Yeah right! It felt like the rains were a punishment of some sort from the skies. Here...have it one more time, take it, take it!!

Does this end here? Hmmm, I guess not. A couple of days after "Teddy Bear" and I descended, some "revolutionaries" enter Valle de Vida. They call themselves the "protectors of the poor". I could not resist but meet with them soon after. I guess it has always been in my heart to be a revolutionary in some way too. Talk of Philippine governance. Duh??!! Their commander was the most decent and respectable person I have ever met since moving to the boondocks. With this experience, I can now say, they are worth listening to, even more, sympathizing with. Visit their home in the web. Surely, very informative. As I have said, the unknown can strike from beyond, beside or behind and determining its significance can surely merit valuable knowledge.

Wednesday, March 17, 2004  02:35 p.m.  | :   E-mail me!  Back to Top   

LAUGHTER

This may not be something to laugh about, but Mr. Freddie Aguilar, well-known local folk singer who composed and popularized the international hitsong "ANAK" collapsed and was rushed to a hospital today. First thing that entered my mind was that he better recover fast, and hopefully by June 30, 2004 - he may end up making a hit with the revival of "tawanan mo ang iyong problema" (laugh at your problems, LOL) which may eventually be a national anthem to many thinking pinoys should FPJ, Da King, make it to Malacaņang!

Tomorrow, the Supreme Court hands down its decision on the FPJ disqualification petition. Whew, refer to my past entry.

My bitch of a dog, Kiara again delivered 13 pups last February 26 sadly two did not survive, pobrecitos! For now, the 11 take most of my time.

Posting more sense tomorrow, visit my "Daily Series" >. They are all worth reading.

Tuesday, March 2, 2004  08:22 p.m.  | :   E-mail me!  Back to Top   

A PROPHESY

UNZIP, just cannot shut my mouth!

The high school drop-put and legendary Box-Office "King" of Philippine movies, currently a Presidential candidate and leading all surveys at that, may just not be a natural-born citizen after all, a requirement for the highest post of the land, and now faces a valid petition for disqualification, causing agitation amongst his millions of blind supporters which, on the other hand, alarms the majority. However, there is something positive in all of these though. It is pushing every Filipino voter into that much needed awareness of the law, thus, prompting casual but intelligent discussions and even more, a legal debate - all the way to the Supreme Court.

This is how taxpayers money should work, nationwide information for advancement. In a nutshell, respect the law! In reality, enforce the law. Lawmakers have been lawbreakers. Sick! No secret deals like the latest "Ropponggi"! Enough of the old in every sense of the word. Come on!

Now, the entire nation and its neighbors watch. Crucial as it is, the coming elections will make or break the future of my beloved country. In all my forty-ish years of life, I have seen politics in my beloved country as one that is played by those who thirst for power and money. It has been a game with high stakes, selling one's soul to Lucifer, whoever and whatever it is perceived to be, is the "in" thing. It is in this greed that I hope to find a change.

But honestly, I do not picture any "changed" scenario. There is still a large number of individuals who continue to hang on to strings like dummies; some are contemptible voters, some are unqualified candidates, some with undisclosed platforms of government and some are incompetent government officials, all under the clout of a few powerful people. Should they not first learn to define principle and nationalism? Who is the "Master of the Game?"

I remain suspicious of this exercise. The ongoings are not pleasant, to start with, imagine - failed automated elections!! It is so inexcusable. But then, the defective Filipino trait digs in again "kung may gusot, may lusot". Whatelse is new?

So, here is my prophesy:
FPJ is disqualified. His followers assemble and generate public outrage and indignation, protesting violently in the streets, creating a scenario of "destabilization" (which is, by the way, GMA's slogan). GMA now declares a "state of rebellion" with lawless violence, suspends the writ of habeas corpus and puts the entire country under Martial Law. Congress supports this move and extends the 60 day period until at least the end of May. Alas! NO-EL. She would probably finish her six-year term after all. Besides, would there be any Filipino to shout out - FOUL!? History repeats itself, so they say. To put it simple: a vicious cycle.

Again, I may be wrong...but, I may be right. Watch. Observe. Be alert.

Tuesday, February 17, 2004  10:04 p.m.  | :   E-mail me!  Back to Top   

FOCAP

I received an e-mail over the weekend informing me about the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines 2004 Open Forum on the 16th of February at the Mandarin Hotel at 9 AM and that it would be televised over nationwide TV with the Presidential Candidates as guests, and would be part of the question and answer portion. Unfortunately, after spending hours switching channels yesterday morning, no TV station covered the event, only portions of the forum were featured in primetime and late news. Was it because only 3 protagonist showed up? Where was Panday and Pandak? Could it be that FOCAP may not have the "masa" appeal which GMA and FPJ consider the most vital element to gain votes they both need? Read what Sheila Coronel, the Executive Director of the PCIJ (Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism) has to say. Bullseye! - my mouths' zipped!

Tuesday, February 17, 2004  01:55 p.m.  | :   E-mail me!  Back to Top   

RESURRECTION

And on the nth day, she has risen...
I have been wanting to post an entry for days, and days.

"Teddy Bear" and I instead dedicated some time and resources to the people of the boondocks, as planned. I have to make mention of a kind and generous group of Fil-Americans based in Kentucky. They call themselves BaSak (Bayanihan ang Sasaklolo sa Bayan). I admit, the planning and preparation was extra stressful, nonetheless, lessons gained from this experience of sharing surely overpowers any negativity.

Lately, I have been conditioning my mind into being a wanderer and wonderer. Here, there, anywhere, everywhere, wherever! "Teddy Bear" wants to permanently live up in the boondocks, saying "I prefer to look down than look up". Seems like he really wants me to reign as the boondock queen, ha? I refuse. No internet! OK, OK! - I'M DEAD! I am still hunting around for a phone or satellite company that may provide my most important recreation. I wonder what is taking Dream VSat so long to provide the link to the internet, we already enjoy satellite TV, but it's the IP service I need up there. From what I hear, Dream and Skycable are into some court squabble, a mark of how businesses operate in this country. If big government contracts end up null and void, can you imagine what private businesses have to go through? The legal aspects go hopping like a ball atop a lyric - shows the high costs of a "united bureaucratic" system of government. Why not let business thrive? Why not just give the consumer access to as much choice? Por vida...por santo!

Here's an update on No-Bleh. Last January 12, "your honor" appeared before the Assistant City Fiscal to testify under oath to the frustrated homicide charges he filed against six other basketball teammates. They all appeared ready with their counter-affidavits and denials. To my surprise, the stupidest Dean I have ever met furnished the respondents the investigative report and school records of "your honor" which they attached to the affidavit. The stupidest dean completely bypassed the request I made a couple of days earlier for that particular report on the basis that I am the complainant. Smoke came outta my ears, nose and mouth! Surprisingly, to my heart's delight, the Fiscal tolerated an argument I put up with a consenting parent regarding the matter. In the report, the stupid dean insinuated "your honor's" and my complaints were baseless, but then continues to stipulate a recommended 5-day suspension for these attackers who violated school policies. This just enhances their guilt. Dumbo! It confirmed my thoughts that all along, the stupidest Dean was into some sort of conspiracy - protecting these boys and the coach. Obviously trying to cover-up the crime. Do they think I'm done with them? Ha - I am now dealing with the owners and Administration and accused the dean of the following:
1) inefficiency and conspiracy to cover-up a crime,
2) inaccurate, malicious and misleading report,
3) betrayal of trust and confidence,
4) harassment and intimidation towards "your honor",
5) inappropriate sanction for a crime committed within school premises.
Hooked are they - into their sleep and dreams I shall resurrect.

Another update. Sadly, I missed the joint celebration last month at the quadrangle of my Alma Mater, Saint Paul College of Manila. St. Paul of Chartres Congregation is now officially a hundred years old. Along with this special event was the Annual Homecoming and General Membership Meet. This year's celebration was hosted by HS '79 who likewise commemorated their Silver Jubilee. I treasure the Paulinian spirit, charity, goodwill and sisterhood - worthy for a lifetime. Read about it here.

The good news: Elizabeth, my gem, will report back to work tomorrow. Am all excited about it. I made up her room today, sheets, curtains, decorated and fumigated. I took a drive to her grand-mother's and luckily, found her there on a visit, so I cornered her. haha! My stiff and wrinkled fingers can now finally take a break.

I am back to posting, call me "Resurreccion" or "Paciencia".

Sunday, February 8, 2004  12:12 a.m.  | :   E-mail me!  Back to Top